Scenic Route to Alaska, Souvs, Rococode. First time for everything.

I thought I heard you complaining, aching, whining, and generally going on and on about wanting a double dose of great local music. Or maybe that was just me. Either way, you're in for the time of your life for the next 10 minutes.

First up, Scenic Route to Alaska! This is a three-man band all the way from...Edmonton! What better place could there be, really. This band had previously opened for a show, with the Collective West, that I missed about two months ago. I felt that the CW would have a great taste in music themselves, so I've been eagerly waiting to see SRtA, and finally on Thursday night at Wunderbar my dream came to fruition.
The band sounds a bit like Born Ruffians, a bit like   and a whole lot like themselves. I don't know much about the band, but it's pretty great to see them already having found a sound that works for them. Very many a band comes and goes, not knowing in which direction they want to go in, and constantly struggling to find a niche and an audience. While the audience is still forming and the fan base ever growing, SRtA is already making music to my ears (literally), before their full album is even released. As of now they only have a 3-track EP out. It breaks my heart to come to the third song, only because I know that it's the end of the CD.

Lead vocalist Trevor Mann sure knows how to belt out some great songs without sounding like he's straining to make his voice heard and without making it sound like he's screaming at the crowd. The only thing that I could find even BETTER on the EP than during the live show, would be that it's nice to clearly hear how they layer the drums and vocals together (especially on the 2nd track of the EP, August Already).

During the set they played about 8 songs, and they seem to be chatting about recording some more. A girl can only hope right?

There were two other opening acts before SRtA, including The Nicest Guys In the World out of Halifax who were good, not only for an opening act. One other opener, not sure of her name, was...so-so. She could sing and play her guitar well, but was nothing special, and once during the show even asked the audience to quiet down...To me having an audience be quite, and enthralled with your music is a privilege that you earn, not a right that you're entitled to.

Now for the scathing review of Wunderbar. There isn't one. Sorro. However I do have a glowing recommendation about where to try to catch a great local show, or even just hang out with a few friends and grab some awkwardly-great named beers. Wunderbar isn't big, so don't go looking for massive doors, with a large glowing, neon sign. It's a quaint, cute, relaxed bar just on the East side of Gateway Boulevard and the South side of the street of Whyte Ave. The bar has a few picnic tables outside, where the music is still hear loud and clear. Inside there's quite a few tables, a three person maximum stage, and a back room with tables, a couch and get this, a nintendo game system. Yeah. Get your live music, great music, interesting people watching and retro gaming on, at a BUY ONE GET ALL price!

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And now I'd want to say onto an even more important show, except that I can't. I can definitely say it was just as great though! This time it was a rainy Saturday afternoon, made so much better by the collective stylings of Souvs and Rococode. Souvs are also a straight from the mean streets of Edmonton. The band is a four-piece number including two lead vocalists, Derek Ewanowich & Sarah Martens who know how to do their thang. Their vocals completely complement each other, yet the only thing that soured the combination was that it seemed like Martens mic was turned up too high during the first few songs...a problem quickly and easily fixed to make the rest of the set sound great. Not only are these guys and gal talented musicians, but they also know how to please a crowd of music-hungry fiends. They played a free show at the Electric Sloth music festival on Friday night, followed by this free show Saturday at Filthy McNasty's. One of my favourites from the set was a full-on drum-intense song. But not the typical beating/drum solo-esque thign you would expect. The high-hat and what I'm pretty sure was the snare (? I really need to brush up on my drum kit lingo), were brought front and centre and were in every way taken advantage of by drummer Josh Brown and Sarah Martens. And above and beyond that, you don't even have to leave your humble abode and your soft-as-kitten sweatpants to enjoy their sweet, sweet keys, cymbals and plucky guitar riffs; you can download a FREE (FREE, FREE) copy of their EP from souvs.bandcamp.com. (Or you could...nay... SHOULD, do the right thing and donate what you think is fair for 6-tracks. That way they can be on their way to recording an album! And really, what are you gonna do with all that change sitting on your dresser or your jeans anyway.) I feel like I tend to gush to the point of annoyance with bands that I take a liking to, but really this one impressed me for such a young band. Their lyrics were strong, their vocals were powerful yet catchy and had a where-have-I-heard-that-before! quality, and most importantly their instruments were tuned. Dare I say, they're so good, they should start charging for their shows too...? 
Check out this interview on VOIDTV to fall in like with them more.

Oh and as for the venue that is Filthy's on Whyte? It was better than I thought it would be, for sure. I've only been there during the nights (or wee hours of the morning). But for shows it seems like they pack away the bar tables and booths as best they can and have quite a decent sized stage; it's raised about two feet for maximum views. Lots of bars along the Avenue have live music, but tend not to have the proper stage to accommodate the band, where Filthys is just the opposite, not enough live shows but a great stage and set of of seats (and one that serves actual FOOD! Get the wings in every flavour of the best tasting rainbow).

Just after Souvs were finished their alluring (is that the right word? Seductive? Charming? Just trying to say they hooked me and/or drew me in...yet it all sounds like they invited me over for a night of wine and debauchery...), out came Rococode. As they say they're "an unfamiliar band made up of familiar faces", including Shaun Huberts and Johnny Andrews (both of whom had made up a part of the Tegan & Sara backing band), along with  Laura Smith and Andrew Braun on vocals. Smith's vocals are high-toned and delicate, while Braun's are loud, but well toned to hear above the instruments. There were times when the guitar and drums seemed to overpower what their vocals had to offer, but all in all they played a great set. I'm not sure if they would be a band I'd go to see on their own or buy their album, but they would be great to see at a folk/indie-rock festival. The stage was a tight squeeze for the full five members of the band that were performing...and awkward moments were brought on between the band as well as band-audience when the two singers tried to make playful banter that came out sounding brutal and insulting towards each other. It's never cool when bands don't even seem like they like each other...doesn't make me want to like them very much either! However their music was still great to see and I'm sure will be great to hear once they put out some tunes. For now you can check out their Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/rococode

So long, Graham Scott

I found out some really sad news today when I got home from work. One of the best DJs I've ever heard passed away on Saturday night. He constantly kept the airwaves and your ears full of music facts and was able to keep me entertain for hours on end. There aren't many times when I'll voluntarily stream the radio from the internet, or stay in the car a little while after the drive has ended just to hear the "end" of what the DJ is saying, but he always kept my attention.

He seemed to live and breathe music, the way that not many nowadays truly do. Even though he worked for a modern-rock music station, he had had a brief stint on a world-music station. Most wouldn't be able to make the transfer, but due to his love of music, no matter the type, he was able to bring his personality to many more. Good thing we got him back on to modern rock though; Saturday and Sunday afternoons might have been very different for me for the last while.

Anyway, I've talked more about him that I thought I would, but it's just come as a shock. He was under 40, and it's unrevealed what happened to him. But I hope that all the peace in the world comes to those who loved him and who he loved. Weekends just won't be the same.

Things We Do

Opened with artist Mat Savard, who reminded me of a one-man Dirty Heads-esque band. One of the things that made me remember him the most was his forward personality and the facial expressions he made while he sang.

Just before the Collective West made their ..."official" appearance (Erin Faught, lead female vocalist, was working the door, stamping away and taking tix, while the rest of the band was hanging around, mingling, and cheering on the opening acts), the band was able to have another good friend of theirs, Jeff Morris, play a set. Collective West has previously opened for the sweet, slow and intelligent singer-songwriter. The folk singer has crafted his songs and voice to what seems like a "T". I really don't like reading about comparisons of artists, since each artist is unique, by leaps and bounds. However, I'm about to shame myself by comparing Morris' songs to the slower songs by Michael Bernard Fitzgerald (who, if you've read previous blogs, you'll know as one of my true loves). It's not really because their voices sound similar, but more so because they're both fellas (obviously) who know how to make hearts swell with emotion*, and no doubt put the effort into each of their verses, choruses and bridges. 
*Even though Morris is more of a heart-achey feeling, and MBF is more of a falling-in-love feeling.

And without much wait up came The Collective West. Now you know how I've been talking (and talking, and talking...) about these people for quite. To be honest, I was more worreid about hearing their new album (since this was their debut album release show). I had only ever heard the band on live recordings on Youtube. But, to jump ahead a bit, once I listened to the first song on the album I knew that I'd definitely struck gold in the West. It was really refreshing to hear a band that needed no extras or fillers in their musics or with honing their "sound".

It was a totally different kind of show than I've ever been to before. Really, it felt more like sitting in on a live impromptu band practice. The crowd seemed like they were mostly friends/family of band members, and every one felt completely comfortable, which made the music sound that much sweeter for some reason; it was a very laid back show, with heaps of banter between the audience and band. It's easy to see that the members are all friends behind-the-scenes too. They connect so well with each other DURING songs, and often commicate with eye contact and glances during their set.
To me, one of the best things about the Collective West is that they don't use completely "traditional instruments" i.e one set of drums, one/two electric guitars, or one acoustic and one bass. Erin Faught, female vocalist, switches between an acoustic guitar, and the nicest looking banjo I've ever seen. Lead male vocalist, Alex Klassen (formerly known as Alexander Chemist) plays electric guitar and tends to tape a tambourine to his foot (yeah, you definitely read that right). And according to the bands Facebook page, the remaining (yet I really don't like to use that word since they contribute so so much to the sound of the band) two members play just as hard on their "Bass/Eggshaker/Fisher Price Xylophone...", which is played by mustachioed Alex Charleton, and the "Guitar/Cajón/Glockenspiel/Dulcimer/.../Kazoo/Bells/Vocals..." played by the EXTREMELY talented and fully-demin-outfitted, Dave Sustrik.
The set included most, if not all (I did lose count due to lost-in-awe brain) songs from their new album, "Things We Do". Not only did they play orginals but they also included three great covers: I Want You Back - The Jackson 5, Gold Digga - Kanye West, and Danger Zone - Kenny Loggins. That last one was voted into place on their Facebook page! It was great to see a band who can do a cover, but do it well. Performing a cover is not only about making the original proud, but also bringing something of your own to the music! And brought it, they sure did. Erin Faught's vocals on Gold Digga (during the Jamie Foxx part), was actually one of the best  acapella vocals I've ever heard.

To sum up a great musical night, the band in no possible way dissapointed, and somehow even made themselves better with their excellent, intimate live show!


Interested in some extra reading, boys and girls? Look no further than my views on the ARTery. It's located on Jasper Ave, just east of the Shaw Conference Centre. If it's ever your first time going there, please, do yourself a favour and memorize the GoogleMap of it first. Trust me, I know this city, and I knew the address, yet it still took me at least 15 minutes of driving around the area to find the "hole-in-the-wall" venue. It actually was reaching the point of frustration when it was spotted. However, another problem soon arose: how do we get in the building? The front door was locked, with a cage/grate over the door. No signs were posted anywhere and, wince the ARTery is part of a bigger building, we went next door to a convienitet stoore to invetigate. That wasn't any help since the store clerk had no clue what I was trying to ask. We decided to go on a short adventure (in one of the sketchier areas of the city), and found out way in finally through a door in the back alley. Once getting inside my frustrating and near anger was cured. The ARTery is such a great location for any band or concert-goer wanting an intimate show. It doesn't fit many people, I'd say 100 or less? However it was perfect for the local artists and folk music that we had gone to see. The stage isn't very big, just enough to fit four members of the Collective West, but also extends on the left hand side if it's needed (this time that part was just used as extra seating). There's also quite a few tables, a set of stairs and a couch where the audience can sit (even though a lot of them ended up sitting on the floor close to the stage...like I said, it was like being with a bunch of friends!). I hope that more bands plan on having shows so that many more people are able to discover the magic of the ARTery like I was!

Getting the Facts Together - The Collective West

So. I've been bested. Blogger and friend of the band The Collective West, Rylan Kafara, has written one of the loveliest posts about the up and coming local band. Since I could try to write a better post, yet fail absolutely (and I also have the stove on, and I hear it's bad to leave such things unattended)...instead I'm just going to share his post with the world!

And find out EVEN MORE about this great band tonight at the ARTery on Jasper Ave at The Collective West's album release show!

The Collective West

Interested in new, homegrown music? I've mentioned these lovely people before, but this time they're about to celebrate a milestone, and are inviting YOU to celebrate with them! The four-piece band The Collective West are about to release their debut album this Saturday at Avenue Theatre. Judging from their quickie living room session, "Bottom Line", it's sure to be a treat for the ears. Tickets are only $10, either online at www.yeglive.ca or $10 at the door.

Support local, and talented artists! No excuses.

And hey, the world always needs more banjo.

SOS Fest

The 2nd annual SOS (Sounds of Old Strathcona) Festival is about to take place on July 9.
Edmonton's known as festival city, but I have a bit of an issue with this particualr one. Nothing terribly bad, but after all the complaints and/or jokes about "Deadmonton"...it's hard to wonder why the city can't have nice things when there is no one showing up to support them!
Last year, the first SOS fest, was 3 days long; it spanned from July 8-10. The festival included 100 artists at over 20 venues around the Strathcona area. But this year, because of lack of visitors and also due to lack of government funding the festivals organizers have had to "condense" the event to a single day, July 10, from noon-7pm.

It's sad to see such a great event, which not only showcases new and local music, but also was free to attend, get trimmed down after just one year. I personally know of many people that constantly and consistently ask why Edmonton doesn't have MORE events, MORE "good" music festivals, and just more to do. And this is exactly why! It's because no one seems to appreciate what we have, and what we've already been given. I'm sure that the people that do tend to be more "vocal" to their friends and co-workers about how "lame" the city is, know about the festival and know that it's been cut down to 9% of it's original size, yet I'm sure they're the same ones who'd be either sitting at home or getting drunk at some random bar meanwhile.  Maybe it's time that we stop taking such amazing festivals and shows for granted, and take pride in our own city.


This year's SOS Fest will take place July 10, from 12noon-7pm. It'll be on Whyte Ave (which will be temporarily closed), between 103 and 105 ST.  It's a fun time for all ages and includes not only the musical acts, 9 in total on two different stages, but also vendors and activities. Bands include, Scenic Route To Alaska, The Dudes, The Pack a.d. and Wool On Wolves (seriously, a great line up).

Please go out and support SOS, because, at this rate, who knows if we'll even get it back next summer!

--More info at www.sosfest.ca

Sonic Boom Numero 3

Each year since 2009 Sonic 102.9 has been hosting a giant party for your eyes and ears also known as a music festival at the Northlands Grounds.

The official line-up for Sonic Boom 2011 was announced today:

Jane's Addiction, Metric, Social Distortion, Cake, Cee Lo Green, Manchester Orchestra, The Joy Formidable and Hollerado

Honestly...it doesn't seem like it compares with last years line-up which included Rise Against!, Weezer, Tokyo Police Club, and more. I can't say much since I was a fool and didn't end up going to SB2010, but judging from the comments left on a certain social-networking site during the past few hours, not many people are as pleased with this year as with previous. However, they did seem to round out this years list with quite a few big names. Really though I'm pretty excited to see Metric finally, as well as Hollerado yet again. Cee-Lo seems like it should call for giant entertainment points and really, the other bands seem like they would be great to see in person. I had already decided to go regardless of the line-up, but now I actually have something solid to look forward to! 

So if you're with me, use your finest ballpoint pen (or if you're feeling particularly adventurous, a sharpie) to deface your calendar for Sunday September 4th. 

General Admission Tix: $79.50

VIP: $129.50

Platinum VIP: $199.50

Visit www.sonicboomfestival.com for more details about the different ticket levels and more about the festival! 

See you there sports fan! ...By which I clearly meant music fan...!!

Theory of Hipster Relativity

While you're waiting on your lunch that's warming in the microwave, your room mate to get out of the shower, that album that is taking its sweet time to up and/or download or just generally trying to procrastinate life why not enjoy a little webcomic goodness (my apologies for the size; if I include the original size the right side gets cut off...click on the link below the comic!) :

 

http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=126

Sloan celebrates 20 years of Canadiana

"Alternative Rock" band Sloan celebrates their 20th birthday this year by touring and releasing their new album The Double Cross. The band from Halifax has released over 10 albums since their start in 1991, and show no sign of slowing down!

Unfortunately I didn't get to see their performance in Edmonton on May 31st, since I was just heading back from the Sasquatch Festival in Washington the same day. However thanks to the wonders of the internet and tour dates I was able to find out that they were going to be playing down south, in Calgary, on June 1st. So, in yet another venue,  I was able to see Sloan again. This time the show was at the Republik on 17th Ave. Apparently it's a pretty popular nightlife street, and also one of the venues Sloan played during their first ever tour!

The Republik is pretty small, but I would say it's more intimate than anything, which is great for Sloan's sound and the personality of the songs and band members. As usual they put on a great show, with fan favourite songs from their many albums during the years. I was able to walk away with the set list and can tell you they rocked out in record time with 24 songs in about an hour and half! There were the "regular" sing-along staples, such as "Who Taught You to Live Like That?", "Rest of My Life", and "Losing California", as well as most of the songs from their newest album on the list.
Every member of the band sings and writes, which I feel has only helped their variety and longevity. When usual drummer, Andrew Scott, takes the lead vocals on such songs as "She's Slowing Down" and "Sinking Ships", "frontman" Chris Murphy takes a seat behind the drums (I don't like using the term frontman for this band since each member contributes equally to the all-around-sound).  It's great to see a band that isn't afraid to experiment (and even better when they've been playing for so long, and still seem to love playing bars and small venues).
It's tough to say anything about Sloan's shows, as they always play from their most recent album, as well as older songs (since their repertoire can go on and on). But really they put on such a great live show that they've kept me coming back 4 times, and will have many more to come.
One thing I do want to mention was about the venue...and how the many amps in such a small venue made it feel like my ears were about to bleed. And not in the good way. You know, how they say...less is more sometimes? As much as I adore Sloan completely, they could've done with a little less loud. (It sounds hypocritical to say that about any live show, but it just seemed like their talent was being drowned out).

Not sure if you noticed that I didn't mention anything about the opening band, Dearly Beloved, from Toronto. That's because, I'm sorry to say, there was nothing worth mentioning except a band that seemed to thing yelling and adding swear words to every song made it great. Seriously diss pointed, and haven't felt that about any band or live music in a long time!

Sasquatch 2011

There were expected to be (and of course are) tons of stories about the Sasquatch Music Festival in the Gorge, Washington to fill stadium...or...amphitheatre. But instead of boring you with the details I'm going to encourage and even support your decision to make it to the festival in 2012. It is most definitely one of the funnest experiences. First let me tell you my personal Sasquatch line-up. Then being the helpful person I try to be, I'll give you some tips and hints for when you're ready to head out on the dusty road to the Gorge.

DeathFromAbove 1979
Foo Fighters - Dave. Grohl. Nuff said. Ok well not enough because I also have to mention that everyone in the band except Taylor Hawkins was wearing different colours of plaid. By accident I'm sure.
Dan Mangan - made me cry <3
J Mascis - of Dinosaur Jr fame
Wye Oak
Iron & Wine
Matt & Kim - was the biggest, funnest, and best dance party ever.
Robyn - Excellent large-stage DJ set
Death Cab for Cutie
The Drums
Fitz & the Tantrums - great modern motown-funk sound
Tokyo Police Club - made me fall even harder for Dave Monks, and realize he's my dream boy
Sam Roberts - circle dancing included at no extra charge. WTF. Thank gosh for my mysterious protector. Played an great set of old and new songs.
Cold War Kids
Flogging Molly
Gayngs - the most mellow and chilled out show of my life
Flaming Lips - giant hamster ball, and giant balloons? Why NOT?
Modest Mouse
Wavves
Young the Giant - It's alright. I don't mind getting a bottle cap to the head as long as it's kicked by the lead singer filled with 1000 apologies.
Old 97's - Oh yeah. I'll also take one guitar pick from the band :)
Chromeo - THE BEST SHOW. Front row, out of over 15000 people. Inflatable balloons and beach balls and what I can only describe as a water-dog as far as my-eye-could-see. Oh and P-Thugg/Dave-1 were pretty great too <3
Guided by Voices
White Denim - Surprise amazing and accidental set from a band I had NEVER heard of.
Foster the People - Is it possible to fit 2000+ people in a space meant for only a few hundred? When Pumped Up Kicks is involved it is.
Rodrigo y Gabriela - Guitar beats beyond comprehension. This is a duo to definitely look into.
Bonobo
Skrillex - Almost died, third row. NBD. I'm FINE guys.
The Decemberists - Had the best finale with "Mariners Revenge", where in the end the whole band died.
Wilco - A great, witty, and sad end to a great weekend


I didn't make a comment on each artist because, well every artist was just great live as I thought they would be. The comments are anything interesting to special that happened to happen!  If you are curious about any band/artist in particular please feel free to ask about them (as you know, I could gush for days about a set).


Now, what you've been sitting on the edge of your seat for (well for the past two minutes anyway):
Sasquatch Tips, Tricks, Hints and General Nicecities!:
- Bring a backpack as your carry-all of choice. A purse will not fit enough, and a suitcase/duffel-bag are not only frowned upon but also look like you're trying to smuggle a body.
- Invest in a "CamelBak" or like-designed water carrier. One water bottle may not be enough for the entire day. The water service station usually has a lineup about 40 people+ long at any given time, and the cost of water is ridiculous. Time spent in the water line takes up valuable dancing/meeting people time.
- Speaking of needing water for the whole day...be advised once entering the concert venue area there is NO re-entry for the DAY.
- The concert area is about a 10-15 minute walk from the closer campsites.
- The weather in the Gorge is extremely decieving and almost unpredictable. Except that you can predict it will get blazing hot around 4-7pm, and windy/very chilly and numbing once the sun starts to go down. This is another reason a backpack is a good idea. Wear shorts + tshirt/tanktop + sweater in the morning or afternoon, and bring an extra jacket or pair of pants + gloves for the evening shows.
- Carrots and Sweetpeas are a surprisingly popular snack of choice. Better than chips or candy that dehydrate you. They have natural sugars, are tasty AND won't give you high blood pressure and/or diabetes! Bonus.
- Either get a really good drinking buzz going before you go in the venue, go in to the venue late (and miss artists? What? Well thats up to you), or start saving your money now. Alcohol on-site starts around $8-9 for a beer/"glass" of wine. Sneaking of alcohol is done of course, but it seems like it would be pretty tough. They don't allow in waterbottles that haven't been sealed, unless they're empty (in which case you have to line up at the water station inside after)
- Be prepared to make soe friends. They will unlikely be the life-longers, but it was amzing how nice every person either attending the shows or working as staff were.
- Drugs run rampant. If it's not your scene, be vigilant and don't accept drinks from strangers, no matter how nice or convinving they may be.
- Be prepared to sweat, dance, or be injured if visiting the DJ-heavy stage, the Banana Shack. Especially later at night.
-Extra hint: want to make even more friends? Keep a lighter handy. You may not support smoking, but they'll do it anyway. Might as well make a buddy before they succumb to disease right?
- Also, and maybe most importantly, enjoy the hippie ride of your life that will fill your memory bank with gems.