Lucas Bosma repeatedly uses the word “fortunate” as he recounts the tale of how fans helped Wet Future Band land this summer’s up-Island Nickelback gig.
Lead guitarist Bosma, Sean Lyons (vocals and rhythm guitar), Miles McLaren (bass, keys) and drummer Brett Attig previously performed at Laketown during its Shakedown in 2023. The foursome was among those saddened when the Youbou venue opted to discontinue that festival, and intrigued by one-off shows promised instead.
Then Nickelback was announced for Aug. 9.
“It’s such an amazing thing for Vancouver Island to be able to host a show like that in such a beautiful place,” Bosma said.
“We so badly wanted to get on to that show. It would be a dream come true to be able to get in on that.”
Tickets sold out fast, and they figured the ship had sailed for the alt-rock band.
“Then we got an email saying they wanted to bring on a couple local acts. We kind of jumped on that,” Bosma said.
Their growing fans and followers shared, reshaped and voted online, achieving what Bosma is sure Wet Future couldn’t do alone.
“It was more than just the band that got this. It was the whole community, and we’re very fortunate to have these fans who are growing with us,” Bosma said. “The fact that our name is now being thrown around with Nickelback is amazing.”
It’s a moment five years in the making. Bosma and frontman Lyons grew up together in Port Alberni, moving in and out of bands over several years “before Wet Future became Wet Future.”
They opted to take those good times and build more seriously, recording the first Wet Future song in 2019.
The band's early days and the seed of their fan base started with a month-long stint as The Zone Band of the Month, where the Victoria radio station played their tunes and promoted the music.
That was March 2020, a tough time for promotion through live performance. As soon as venues reopened, they filled Lucky Bar several times and sold out shows in Nanaimo and Port Alberni – gathering inspiration from seeing many of the same faces, some singing along.
“We’ve gained a really dedicated fan base on Vancouver Island, really by repeat shows. And we always try to make our fans feel like they’re a part of it,” Bosma said. “It’s an important thing for creating a fan base; as soon as people become interested, you’ve got to make them feel a part of it.”
Currently living in Saanich, Victoria and Nanaimo, Wet Future Band has worked its way onstage with some exciting bands. They’ve opened for fellow Canadians Yukon Blonde, Econoline Crush and Coleman Hell as well as UK’s Sports Team.
Aside from headliner Nickelback, the Aug. 9 lineup at Laketown Ranch includes Glorious Sons and Sam Roberts Band, who Wet Future Band opened for at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo last fall.
“We’re really fortunate and blessed to share the stage with them again,” Bosma said.
In the meantime, the band is working on releasing its next six-song EP expected in early July. It builds off their 2023 album Under the Weather.
Recorded with award-winning producer Sheldon Zharko it includes a few singles that are already out, including the latest Belong.
Their work also includes building a Western Canada tour for later in the year, getting into some festivals and rolling out music videos over the next few months.
“We’re just always looking for opportunities while trying to keep on track with our goals.”
While Nickelback is sold out, the venue has a waitlist for tickets online at laketownamphitheatre.com.
Get a taste of the music at wetfutureband.com.
