Thousands of dollars of music equipment stolen from northern band while in Edmonton

Images of guitars that were stolen from Alberta band's Soul Smash's van in Edmonton on July 8, 2025. (Credit: Soul Smash)

A theft has derailed the recent success of an Alberta band, but the trio is determined to regain their momentum.

• Sign up for breaking news alerts from CTV News Edmonton, right at your fingertips

Soul Smash, a Fort Vermilion-based mostly rock cover band consisting of two brothers and their friend, was in Edmonton on the weekend to perform at Rendezvous Pub and spent Monday night at a friend’s place near Southgate Centre.

Lead singer Kinley Paul was the one to realize their van in the driveway had been broken into on Tuesday.

“It was one of the worst feelings ever, to be honest. It was quite heartbreaking and shocking and devastating and a lot to process,” Paul told CTV News Edmonton during an interview on Wednesday.

One of the band’s main recording and performing guitars, main bass and audio mixer were among the items stolen.

“There was some groaning and some tears,” Paul said.

None of the equipment was insured.

“We do carry around a lot of valuables in our vans, so I guess that is kind of on us. But when you’re in a driveway in what seems to be a safe place, you don’t always expect that.”

The stolen equipment is worth around $6,000, according to Paul – a “substantial” hit for a group that sometimes only pockets $150 from a gig after travel expenses.

“(This is) stuff that we saved up for for a long time, made payments on, and had in our families for a long time,” he said.

“It’s kind of part of the whole investing in ourselves until we start to make it.”

The theft also happened at a time when the band was starting to feel more established with semi-regular gigs in Edmonton, a busy summer season, and the June release of a four-song EP.

But the supportive response to the theft news has made the band hopeful.

For now, Soul Smash has pulled back-up equipment onto the stage and is renting an audio mixer.

The band is also considering putting on a fundraising concert in September to help recover some of the cost.

“We have a lot of fun doing what we do. I mean, it’s not always easy, but it certainly should have been a lot easier than this,” Paul said. “It’s been an emotional roller coaster, but I am starting to feel better about it now. Like it could be just a bump in the road – and definitely not the end of the band.”

Edmonton Police Service did not have an update on the investigation on Wednesday.