Squid in Chains is a Vancouver band featuring François Houle (basset clarinet and electronics), Douglas Schmidt (bandoneon and electronics), and John Oliver (synthesizers, samplers, sound processing). Founded in 2022, we have already published several albums. Listen at the links below.

Squid in Chains is a Canadian trio based in British Columbia. Informed by decades of practice as composers and improvising musicians, Squid in Chains takes the listener on a journey into the contemporary psyche and Zeitgeist. Our unique sound is the result of combining our common deep listening and inventive imaginations with different layers of sound transforming and generative instruments. Douglas Schmidt interacts solely with his bandoneon, emitting unique sounds, harmonies and counterpoint uncommon to those familiar with his instrument. François Houle brings together an evocative lyrical playing style with his enormous experience with avant-garde clarinet techniques that he dialogues with by transforming them via complex looping and processing. John Oliver plays a chameleon role, at times a clear third voice that may coexist with or morph into electronic textural and soundscape environments in which the group sound sits.