Sugar on Yates St would be the place for Indie bands that made it big,
but by the sounds of it you would mesh better with the folksy peeps of the Solstice Cafe on Pandora (next to Market Square); they host music and a philosophy cafe...
You owe it to yourself to check out one of the dance ritual typically happening at the Ukrainian church on Cook St (Craig and Alysha are pure gems)
Electronic music is healthy and well on the Island(s) and you will be fulfilled by attending an all-nighter at the Sunset Room behind Value Village (look for the Rainbow Cathedral crew) or occasionally at the Event Center on Broad St; if you don't mind the mainstream drunken crowd, Hush on Government St is worth your while for local and international superstar djs