After 11 years of bringing you local reporting, the team behind the Vancouver Observer has moved on to Canada's National Observer. You can follow Vancouver culture reporting over there from now on. Thank you for all your support over the years!

Amalia Nickel

Amalia Judith Nickel was born in Winnipeg but was whisked away to a childhood of travel in California, England, Germany and Pakistan. Amalia cut her teeth at abortmag.com, Canada's darkest counter-culture magazine, before moving on to contribute words and flicks to HipHopCanada where she's currently the West Coast Regional Editor. She has had the privilege of interviewing many iconic artists including Drake, RZA, Raekwon, Lil Kim and Saul Williams.

Amalia is interested in rap's cultural implications and poetics. Supported by Killawatt Records, and the city's school board and community centres, she strives to build programming which entertains, educates and involves Vancouver's youth.

Amalia initially contributed to VO's Junos coverage and she currently maintains the Sacred&Profane blog.

19 Zwart Straat: a short film for the broken-hearted

The latest short film from Vancouver director Machete Cortez, a short film noir for the broken-hearted.

Cypress Hill's B Real benefit concert to support battered women

The Cypress Hill front man makes his appearance at Fortune Sound Club October 2, but leaves a lasting impression with $1 of every ticket sold being donated to Battered Women's Support Services.

Zelda brings legend to life at the Orpheum Theatre

The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses is an epic experience -- even if you've never played the video game.

The iconic music of the Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses comes to Vancouver

The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses makes its Vancouver debut next week, to the delight of gamers everywhere.

Justin Bieber through the eyes of a Belieber

"Wow, that's really 80's," Raven says dubiously as I apply some bright blue eye shadow to go with my crimped hair.  "The 80's are back, big time," I assure her, knowing deep down that whether or...

A woman’s survival guide to hip-hop and fishing

As a woman working in the male-dominated world of hip-hop, I often feel frustrated. I tend to be treated more like a groupie or a mother than like an intelligent professional.  A few months ago...

Having a time with Grahmzilla

DJ and producer Grahmzilla is the Juno-nominated music mastermind behind Thunderheist’s kickass, booty-shaking beats. He spent some time with the Vancouver Observer during the 2010 Juno Awards...