Oh hey 2012

Are you ready to say goodbye to the year that was 2011? Well...you don't really have a choice. I wish I could have held on just a little longer; it was the year of the most concerts, shows, events for me thus far. But all good things must end. Now I'm just hoping that 2012 will be able to compare...

Maybe I should've posted the following just before last year (weird to say that isn't it?) was over, but I decided to postpone, so that I could also put up a portion of Sonic's annual year-in-review songlist created by Rick Lee.

We'll start with mine:

Michael Rault says goodbye to Edmonton

Yes, it's been said before, doesn't make the news any better though: Michael Rault will be leaving Edmonton for the French pastures of Montreal, along with his sister, this coming January. His last show will be at the ARTery this Saturday (a New Year's plan for those late planners and procrastinators). Sandra Sperounes wrote this article in the Edmonton Journal just minutes ago, and maybe Rault is right: "Maybe you have to go away for awhile to build up the mystique about you.” Only time will tell.

Farewell 2011 & Michael Rault

So you've been patiently awaiting to hear this announcement...since a few minutes ago. Well here goes the big news that you may or may not already know: Michael Rault will be moving away from Edmonton, and setting up camp out east in Montreal. It's bittersweet to see such a great artist move away from their hometown, much like Christian Hansen & the Autistics a few months ago. It's amazing to see bands and musicians grow and develop over the years, but still a bit sad that I won't get to see them every other week, or see them walking down the street. I'm so glad that MR will be able to hopefully get his sound out to more and more people and am already excited for his first time back playing in Edmonton.

But WAIT. THERE'S MORE. Before moving away, Michael Rault will be having one last hurrah, playing along with another favourite of mine, Scenic Route to Alaska, on New Year's Eve at the ARTery. Tickets are on sale now through YEGlive, and if you're interested, which...well...let's not play around here, I know you are, I would get them ASAP. The ARTery is a very small venue, and I can see these bands being crazy fun to ring in the new year with! (I'm not so bad either).

Break in the Road

Look what I just found on Facebook and since I couldn't figure out how to "Share" to this blog...I just decided to ...share...on this blog! 
As far as I can tell it'll be a mix of different artists showcasing some skills. Skills which I'm not completely 100% on...However I can gurarantee "Michael Rault DJ" will be there! As should you!

Happy Canada Day!

There's always time for a little Scenic Route to Alaska. I've been on about this band for the past two weeks and for good reason, as everyone should know (or will know!). They're hardworking fellas and played three shows on Canada Day. Including one I was able to attend. I talked a lot about them during my last post, so I won't go on and on. This time they played on the legislature grounds to a field of people. The crowd wasn't packed unfortunately, but again they played a great sounding set. I did miss a good 15 minutes of their lovely music because I couldn't find the stage! It was kinda silly not to

My dear, Michael Rault

This is one artist that is finally getting the recognition he deserves! Michael Rault, all the way from...right here in Edmonton, has just signed a deal with Sony Records. I've been hooked on this fella coming up on 5 years now.
He's just a bit older than me, and from the rumour I had heard when I was introduced to him was that he actually dropped out of high school, on the verge of finishing grade 12, to focus on his music. Now most would think...Are you serious? Every kid dreams of doing that, but really, dropping out during your last year?!
Well however it happened, it was definitely worth it. He had started out as Michael Rault & the Mixed Signals, the "mixed signals" being not just one backing band or instruments, but a collaboration of Rault's friends etc that would play with him, interchangeably. It made for a unique sound. But this time around Michael Rault has decided to go solo.

This piece, "Let me Go Out" was recorded at the ..."Phonics" studio a few days ago and is from Rault's latest album entitled "Ma-Me-O". It's tough to get your hands on, but if you happen to live in Edmonton, check out Blackbyrd Myoozik (either buy album, or get happy from it's name, preferably both).

It's amazing to see a local act starting to get appreciated. He recently finished a tour, or segment of one I'm not sure, opening for Bedouin Soundclash. They played in the city during the end of November, which was the first time after a few years that I'd even heard Rault's name (the only way to get his music before was either directly from him, or Myspace). Sadly, but in a good way, the concert was sold out! Hopefully this new record deal means a lot more from this newbie. He has one of the most unique voices, which has definitely developed over the years.

I can't wait to see what his career has in store for him, and for lucky us!