Yesterday I was lucky enough to be able to go to Sonic for one of their intermittent "Sonic Sessions", where a band, usually playing a venue later on that night, will come and perform in their "Listener Lounge" for about 40 audience members. The room is tight, the fans are eager, and the band usually sounds great for such a small space.
This time, however, the buzz band, the Sheepdogs, had no notes, riffs, or raspy vocals for us to enjoy. Not quite clear exactly why the band, out of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan was not able to play (something to do with "all the promotion around the night's show....they weren't allowed to play prior...or something to that effect), but it was disappointing, to say the least. I'm not sure about other people who attended, but I was there since I didn't get tickets to their sold-out show at the Starlite Room later on that evening. I was there to hear them play. Sure, they signed the free EP vinyl that they gave away (named "Five Easy Pieces"), and sure they did a longer than normal interview with one of the DJ personalities that regularly hosts the Sonic Sessions. But really, for an up and coming band, no matter how talked about they are, it was not the best first impression. Tons of major bands and artists have played in the lounge before, and yes, I know they're restricted by their record label, but doesn't mean that it doesn't irk me (for lack of a more appropriate word). I hope this really was the fault of the label, and has nothing to do with a stereotypical "Rock Star" status that tends to appear when a new band reaches fame so quickly.
Showing posts with label Sonic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sonic. Show all posts
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Zerbin
This extremely late post is my fault. Who decided to put the "Save post" button so close to the "Pulish post" buttom? Anyhow, enjoy!
Last night I was able to catch Sonic's most recent band of the month for October, Zerbin. The band is made up of 5 members and took to the stage at about 11pm. Even though it was a Wednesday, I thought that the Pawnshop would eventually fill out as it usually does when the night carries on. This time however the venue stayed relatively..."spacious". Only the front of the stage had audience memebrs, while the back only had the empty booths and bartenders hanging around.
The band was actually good live. I didn't mean for that to come out as condescening, but...it did.... And that's only because there's no other way to put it; I like their radio single quite a bit, but thought that that would be it. For me they were reminiscient of Coldplay, while my concert buddy thought they were borderline Snow Patrol-clones. For me it's hard to say I really like a band when I can so easily compare them to others. Even though they did in fact play a really good set, and the singer, Jason Zerbin (yup, you guessed it, the band is named after him), has a great vocal range, I just didn't "feel" anything. I wouldn't be opposed to seeing them or listening to their album once more for a clearer idea, but I just wasn't drawn into it as much as I have been with other local acts. But then again my concert buddy just near fell in love when he saw them perform, so between the two of us there was no middle ground. Make your own decision! Since the band is homegrown they play around the city quite often. Right now they just set off for the Eastern side of the country, but I would definitely suggest checking them out when they set their sights back home!
Last night I was able to catch Sonic's most recent band of the month for October, Zerbin. The band is made up of 5 members and took to the stage at about 11pm. Even though it was a Wednesday, I thought that the Pawnshop would eventually fill out as it usually does when the night carries on. This time however the venue stayed relatively..."spacious". Only the front of the stage had audience memebrs, while the back only had the empty booths and bartenders hanging around.
The band was actually good live. I didn't mean for that to come out as condescening, but...it did.... And that's only because there's no other way to put it; I like their radio single quite a bit, but thought that that would be it. For me they were reminiscient of Coldplay, while my concert buddy thought they were borderline Snow Patrol-clones. For me it's hard to say I really like a band when I can so easily compare them to others. Even though they did in fact play a really good set, and the singer, Jason Zerbin (yup, you guessed it, the band is named after him), has a great vocal range, I just didn't "feel" anything. I wouldn't be opposed to seeing them or listening to their album once more for a clearer idea, but I just wasn't drawn into it as much as I have been with other local acts. But then again my concert buddy just near fell in love when he saw them perform, so between the two of us there was no middle ground. Make your own decision! Since the band is homegrown they play around the city quite often. Right now they just set off for the Eastern side of the country, but I would definitely suggest checking them out when they set their sights back home!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Sonic Boom or Bust?
I've needed a bit of time to cool down, but now I hope you're ready for my post about last Sunday's Sonic Boom round III. It's one of Edmonton's up and coming music festivals and in this case 3rd time was most definitely not the charm. The "festival" is a full day (usually 11am-11pm) of modern and alternative rock, and tends to include a good mix of local Canadian music along with big headlining names to round out the night. This year wasn't all too different when it comes to line-up with names like Hollerado, Cee-Lo Green, The Joy Formidable, Cake, Metric and the final act of the night Jane's Addiction. There is quite a bit written below, so if you need to take it in two doses I wouldn't blame you.
To be honest I agree with a lot of Sonic listeners out there that say to be a headliner for a festival like this you should be able to sell-out an entire statdium. Don't get me wrong, Jane's Addiction is a legenary band, who's lead singer, Perry Farrell, is responsible for one of North America's biggest music festivals, Lollapalooza. However, I am also 99% sure that they would never be able to fill a venue like the Shaw Conferance Centre (let alone Rexall Place). There just isn't the same audience for them that previous headliners like Rise Against/Weezer or Franz Ferdinand. "Loyal" Sonic listeners had been causing a fuss on social media websites all summer about the less-than-stellar line up, and many were talking about boycotting the fest to try to teach the radio station a lesson about booking bands. But really I wasn't all to worried about the line-up, I was still more than willing to pay the $90 for General Admission ticket (or the $145 that I ended up paying for VIP tickets, that came with a few "extra perks"); there were still amazing artists and a full day of outdoor fun to look forward to.
To be honest I agree with a lot of Sonic listeners out there that say to be a headliner for a festival like this you should be able to sell-out an entire statdium. Don't get me wrong, Jane's Addiction is a legenary band, who's lead singer, Perry Farrell, is responsible for one of North America's biggest music festivals, Lollapalooza. However, I am also 99% sure that they would never be able to fill a venue like the Shaw Conferance Centre (let alone Rexall Place). There just isn't the same audience for them that previous headliners like Rise Against/Weezer or Franz Ferdinand. "Loyal" Sonic listeners had been causing a fuss on social media websites all summer about the less-than-stellar line up, and many were talking about boycotting the fest to try to teach the radio station a lesson about booking bands. But really I wasn't all to worried about the line-up, I was still more than willing to pay the $90 for General Admission ticket (or the $145 that I ended up paying for VIP tickets, that came with a few "extra perks"); there were still amazing artists and a full day of outdoor fun to look forward to.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Jam packed.
Since Thursday my musical needs have been overflowing, which is not something that gets to happen often in this city.
Starting off on Thursday I "FINALLY" got to see Scenic Route to Alaska. You're probably thinking..."Gurl. You crazy, you saw them last week at Wunderbar!" How right you kinds folks are for remembering! But since these three fellas are so hardworking (yet their 3-track EP isn't enough to satisfy my yearning...) I was able to see them playing at The Works Art Festival in Churchill Square (for free, no less!)(Get it?...No...less...?). It was a great set for the band, that lasted about 45 minutes; they played their EP songs first and continued one with some "fan favourites" such as Homestretch. Homestretch is a great grab-your-significant-other-for-a-slow-dance song. Lead vocalist Trevor Mann uses
Starting off on Thursday I "FINALLY" got to see Scenic Route to Alaska. You're probably thinking..."Gurl. You crazy, you saw them last week at Wunderbar!" How right you kinds folks are for remembering! But since these three fellas are so hardworking (yet their 3-track EP isn't enough to satisfy my yearning...) I was able to see them playing at The Works Art Festival in Churchill Square (for free, no less!)(Get it?...No...less...?). It was a great set for the band, that lasted about 45 minutes; they played their EP songs first and continued one with some "fan favourites" such as Homestretch. Homestretch is a great grab-your-significant-other-for-a-slow-dance song. Lead vocalist Trevor Mann uses
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, June 10, 2011
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:
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Cygnets, not Swans
A band that formed less than two years ago is making a splash on the Edmonton music scene. The Cygnets sound, made up of Logan Turner, Dan Snow and Chris Bruce immediately brings to mind the Brit-synth-pop of the 80's (think Depeche Mode). I try not to compare artists in my head, but this one brings that unique sound back to a new life.
As part of the deal with being Sonic's Band of the Month (I might as well start calling Sonic by what it is...), Cygnets not only gets to play a showcase at the Pawn Shop on Whyte Ave at the end of the month (April 29th), but also gets one of their songs featured on the radio station. This band's gem is of course Bleak Decades. On Sonic you might catch the voice of lead singer Logan Turner say that the band is "both modern and retro at the same time". I just about called BS on that until I actually listen to their CD. I had picked up their album last month from Blackbyrd Myoozik on Whyte Ave, and hadn't really listened to it or given much thought to it until I heard they would be BotM. It was great to be able to bring home an album for absolutely no cost, and it being an LP (full length and then some, at 13 songs) not an EP made it that much sweeter. Being automatically and seriously excited for their show I decided to do a little research.
Their music video for Bleak Decades must have been filmed in a underground garage/parkade and looks like it was almost shot with a professional video camera (and more importantly, someone who knew how to work a great camera). The vid shows much of the Southside of Edmonton, with a few random shots of a city that I'm almost positive can't be Edmonton (I think I can judge after 20 years). That didn't sit well with me, when there are quite a few gorgeous places to shoot in the area, but the speed-up city shots interspersed with frames of the band playing, defintiely makes me think about a Brit-Pop-esque style once again, and forget that this band was even from Alberta.
Another music video, this one for Hey Alexandra! was done in 80's styles: bright colours, obscure posters lining the walls, closeups of keyboards and an almost foggy camera screen.
video fro sycophant girls is 100% black and white, and made up entirely of split screen and separate camera sequences.
Can I just add how impressed I am that the band even has so many videos already? For a local band I feel like this is a great feat, considering, for the most part, I only see 2-3 maximum.
- i hope they play their instruments as intensely as they tease with their videos
Don't forget to get a chance to experience the vocals, crisp guitar and flowing synth during their live show at the Pawn Shop on April 29th.
In the meantime, before you rush out to grab a copy of their CD, Bleak Anthems, (not sure, but hoping it's still available free of charge for you lovely guys and gals), and take in the glory of the power of the keyboard take a snoop on youtube. Start with what I believe is their own page, and creep on from there! Or if you're looking for a chance to hear a taste of what you could have in store for you at the Pawn Shop look no further than their Band of the Month Sonic Session.
NB: More of a internet-based-bookworm? Get your read on right here:
As part of the deal with being Sonic's Band of the Month (I might as well start calling Sonic by what it is...), Cygnets not only gets to play a showcase at the Pawn Shop on Whyte Ave at the end of the month (April 29th), but also gets one of their songs featured on the radio station. This band's gem is of course Bleak Decades. On Sonic you might catch the voice of lead singer Logan Turner say that the band is "both modern and retro at the same time". I just about called BS on that until I actually listen to their CD. I had picked up their album last month from Blackbyrd Myoozik on Whyte Ave, and hadn't really listened to it or given much thought to it until I heard they would be BotM. It was great to be able to bring home an album for absolutely no cost, and it being an LP (full length and then some, at 13 songs) not an EP made it that much sweeter. Being automatically and seriously excited for their show I decided to do a little research.
Their music video for Bleak Decades must have been filmed in a underground garage/parkade and looks like it was almost shot with a professional video camera (and more importantly, someone who knew how to work a great camera). The vid shows much of the Southside of Edmonton, with a few random shots of a city that I'm almost positive can't be Edmonton (I think I can judge after 20 years). That didn't sit well with me, when there are quite a few gorgeous places to shoot in the area, but the speed-up city shots interspersed with frames of the band playing, defintiely makes me think about a Brit-Pop-esque style once again, and forget that this band was even from Alberta.
Another music video, this one for Hey Alexandra! was done in 80's styles: bright colours, obscure posters lining the walls, closeups of keyboards and an almost foggy camera screen.
video fro sycophant girls is 100% black and white, and made up entirely of split screen and separate camera sequences.
Can I just add how impressed I am that the band even has so many videos already? For a local band I feel like this is a great feat, considering, for the most part, I only see 2-3 maximum.
- i hope they play their instruments as intensely as they tease with their videos
Don't forget to get a chance to experience the vocals, crisp guitar and flowing synth during their live show at the Pawn Shop on April 29th.
In the meantime, before you rush out to grab a copy of their CD, Bleak Anthems, (not sure, but hoping it's still available free of charge for you lovely guys and gals), and take in the glory of the power of the keyboard take a snoop on youtube. Start with what I believe is their own page, and creep on from there! Or if you're looking for a chance to hear a taste of what you could have in store for you at the Pawn Shop look no further than their Band of the Month Sonic Session.
NB: More of a internet-based-bookworm? Get your read on right here:
- Cygnets to be unleashed on Edmonton - Edmonton Sun
- Edmonton musicians give away their music for free - Edmonton Journal
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
White Hot Lightning
Each month that same local radio station, Sonic, has something they call band-of-the-month. This is where they feature a local band's single on the radio for the entire month, ending with a show at a local bar at the end of the month.
Band of the month for Nov 2010, was White Lightning. Unfortunately I missed their performace, fortunately I have the best secret squirrels always looking out for my best concert-going interests.
On Thursday night I was told that WL would be playing at the Starlite Room with two other bands. A friend is friends with the bassist; being on the guest list? Check. Not having to pay for a membership, cover, or ticket? Check. Souvenir kazoo? You can definitely check that.
The Friday night show was actually in support of another local band, Tupelo Honey, and their CD realease. There were the two opening bands in additon to Tupelo Honey, WL and a 5 piece "dance" band from right here in the city as well. Except...well...this band, Flash Jam, is not ...well....there's just no words that suffice. To me they are 5 guys, who play their instruments decently and don't sound like dying cats when they sing. Their songs however are pop-ey messes, and their set was made up of a couple of original songs mixed with not so great covers of overheard songs (i.e. one by Michelle Branch). I have no problem with covers, and sometimes they can even outwit the original...These covers by Flash Jam, however, were the same as the original (except with the pizzaz of a male singer. OH, and a synthesizer of course). I've never been so happy for a band's set to be over.
And salt in the musical wound, was to find out that this band had actually beat White Lightning in a battle-of-the-bands style contest.
White Lightning played an intense show, complete with audience participation by the aforementioned kazoos. But before that let me quickly mention that the band is made of up three fellas who know their music (and the lead singers wife on back-up vocals). Their music is energetic and animated; the lead vocalist, Steve, makes some of the best faces I've seen on a performer.
They include cowbell (not enough on this night for my liking...) in basically every show, and the kazoos? Well during their last song they have a bucket (really, a bucket) full of kazoos that they hurl out into the audience. Oh, I forgot, beware of falling objects...sheild your eyes, most importantly. I'm not totally sure that I was even "playing" it right, you just hum into it, but it definitely added a fun atmosphere to the set!
Unfortunately I had to leave early, so only got to hear one Tupelo Honey song...which was a Cher cover...I've heard they're really good, and have opened for quite a few major bands in the past few years. Hopefully there's always next time!
Band of the month for Nov 2010, was White Lightning. Unfortunately I missed their performace, fortunately I have the best secret squirrels always looking out for my best concert-going interests.
On Thursday night I was told that WL would be playing at the Starlite Room with two other bands. A friend is friends with the bassist; being on the guest list? Check. Not having to pay for a membership, cover, or ticket? Check. Souvenir kazoo? You can definitely check that.
The Friday night show was actually in support of another local band, Tupelo Honey, and their CD realease. There were the two opening bands in additon to Tupelo Honey, WL and a 5 piece "dance" band from right here in the city as well. Except...well...this band, Flash Jam, is not ...well....there's just no words that suffice. To me they are 5 guys, who play their instruments decently and don't sound like dying cats when they sing. Their songs however are pop-ey messes, and their set was made up of a couple of original songs mixed with not so great covers of overheard songs (i.e. one by Michelle Branch). I have no problem with covers, and sometimes they can even outwit the original...These covers by Flash Jam, however, were the same as the original (except with the pizzaz of a male singer. OH, and a synthesizer of course). I've never been so happy for a band's set to be over.
And salt in the musical wound, was to find out that this band had actually beat White Lightning in a battle-of-the-bands style contest.
White Lightning played an intense show, complete with audience participation by the aforementioned kazoos. But before that let me quickly mention that the band is made of up three fellas who know their music (and the lead singers wife on back-up vocals). Their music is energetic and animated; the lead vocalist, Steve, makes some of the best faces I've seen on a performer.
They include cowbell (not enough on this night for my liking...) in basically every show, and the kazoos? Well during their last song they have a bucket (really, a bucket) full of kazoos that they hurl out into the audience. Oh, I forgot, beware of falling objects...sheild your eyes, most importantly. I'm not totally sure that I was even "playing" it right, you just hum into it, but it definitely added a fun atmosphere to the set!
Unfortunately I had to leave early, so only got to hear one Tupelo Honey song...which was a Cher cover...I've heard they're really good, and have opened for quite a few major bands in the past few years. Hopefully there's always next time!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
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!
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!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Your rhinestone eyes are like factories far away
So I'm currently streaming a local radio station (hereby known as..Phonics...because I'm not sure that I want to use it's actual name but can't stand continuing to say "local radio station"), and actually paused the post that I was writing to write this one. I've been meaning to write about this song, but didn't feel like it needed any introduction. But just in case there are the few that haven't heard it yet I felt that this was an important note.
This song has been out for a while, and the band for even longer: Gorillaz - Rhinestone Eyes. Just as I was hoping that the Gorillaz weren't going to be a few-hits-wonder I heard this lovely beat pulsing out of my radio. I've been semi-addicted to this song...It's just amazing how there are so many different styles rolled into one song. I know that you'll fall for it too. You know the (new) drill, click on the title of the post! We now return to regularly scheduled programming.
This song has been out for a while, and the band for even longer: Gorillaz - Rhinestone Eyes. Just as I was hoping that the Gorillaz weren't going to be a few-hits-wonder I heard this lovely beat pulsing out of my radio. I've been semi-addicted to this song...It's just amazing how there are so many different styles rolled into one song. I know that you'll fall for it too. You know the (new) drill, click on the title of the post! We now return to regularly scheduled programming.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
You bring granola bars, I'll bring some bags to put the wrappers in
It's been quite the delay, I know. I haven't been ignoring you (or my last two concerts)! Maybe this entry will earn your much desired forgiveness.
The night after the mind-blowing Untapped Alberta concert I was starting to feel like I was lucking out for November by getting to see The Reason, Free Energy and Hollerado on November 14 at the Pawn Shop on Whyte. The Reason is that band...You know the song you always hear on the radio and think "Ok so what time is it...Let me go onto [local radio station's] website and track down what the name of this is!" Well, the song is "The Longest Highway Home" and the band is from Hamilton, ON (Even though I only lived in Hamilton for 6 months I feel pretty proud that the city produces such amazing bands like The Reason and the Arkells).
The show started later than expected (especially for a Sunday night...which I know, makes me sound old); doors were to open at 7.30pm, but didn't actually open until after 8...and The Reason started playing closer to 10. The long wait time was worth it though, since members of all three bands (Foxy Shazam was also supposed to perform, but due to an unfortunate eye-poking of one member they cancelled their N. American leg of their tour)(Info from Foxy's website...nothing was even mentioned about their cancellation during the show) were walking around the bar. Now, it's my time to be the gushing fan that I most obviously am: Menno Versteeg, lead singer of Hollerado, was (surprisingly) nice and patient. He signed three newly purchased copies of Record in a Bag, their newest CD, for myself, a friend and my brother, as well as a "Paint-by-Numbers" Hollerado t-shirt I bought. Nixon Boyd, Hollerado's lead guitarist, was also walking around, but snuck away too quickly for an autograph. Sad face emoticon. A member of the Reason was also hanging out just before playing.
Turns out that the reason The Reason (...I just laughed out loud at that, honestly) was late in coming on was because they drove from Vancouver and almost didn't make it! So...not only because of that, but because of how they rocked the place, are they ever forgiven. They played quite a few songs, including their radio hit "Longest Highway..." and it seems like they were the perfect start to such a low-key-but-high-energy show. Their brand of rock reminds me of when music was less flash and more substance. They played with feeling, and it was actually possible to hear the vocals. It was kinda nice to be able to sneak backstage" to ask the drummer of the band what his shirt said...like I said, low key ;)
The night after the mind-blowing Untapped Alberta concert I was starting to feel like I was lucking out for November by getting to see The Reason, Free Energy and Hollerado on November 14 at the Pawn Shop on Whyte. The Reason is that band...You know the song you always hear on the radio and think "Ok so what time is it...Let me go onto [local radio station's] website and track down what the name of this is!" Well, the song is "The Longest Highway Home" and the band is from Hamilton, ON (Even though I only lived in Hamilton for 6 months I feel pretty proud that the city produces such amazing bands like The Reason and the Arkells).
The show started later than expected (especially for a Sunday night...which I know, makes me sound old); doors were to open at 7.30pm, but didn't actually open until after 8...and The Reason started playing closer to 10. The long wait time was worth it though, since members of all three bands (Foxy Shazam was also supposed to perform, but due to an unfortunate eye-poking of one member they cancelled their N. American leg of their tour)(Info from Foxy's website...nothing was even mentioned about their cancellation during the show) were walking around the bar. Now, it's my time to be the gushing fan that I most obviously am: Menno Versteeg, lead singer of Hollerado, was (surprisingly) nice and patient. He signed three newly purchased copies of Record in a Bag, their newest CD, for myself, a friend and my brother, as well as a "Paint-by-Numbers" Hollerado t-shirt I bought. Nixon Boyd, Hollerado's lead guitarist, was also walking around, but snuck away too quickly for an autograph. Sad face emoticon. A member of the Reason was also hanging out just before playing.
Turns out that the reason The Reason (...I just laughed out loud at that, honestly) was late in coming on was because they drove from Vancouver and almost didn't make it! So...not only because of that, but because of how they rocked the place, are they ever forgiven. They played quite a few songs, including their radio hit "Longest Highway..." and it seems like they were the perfect start to such a low-key-but-high-energy show. Their brand of rock reminds me of when music was less flash and more substance. They played with feeling, and it was actually possible to hear the vocals. It was kinda nice to be able to sneak backstage" to ask the drummer of the band what his shirt said...like I said, low key ;)
Free Energy from Philidelphia (the 1/9 bands that I mentioned in the last post wasn't Canadian) came on shortly after. One way to tell how energetic a band is (besides having Energy as 1/2 of their title) is by checking how many non-blurry pictures you actually have of them after! Free Energy = maybe 2, at best. I'll be honest and say that I'd never heard of this band before the show (their songs maybe), but was really impressed with their 1970's-esque rock/funk style of music. Their songs were very dance-able, and made you think "WAIT, where have I heard this before" in a way that lets you know you have an instant classic (oxymorons are allowed here). They were consistently owning the stage, and interacting with the audience. The lead singer, Paul Sprangers, even talked to me about my (numerous) bracelets and The Joker t-shirt I was wearing, while tuning for a new song. It always adds that extra...somethingsomething to any set when the band actually takes an interest in the people who paid to see them. One of the highlights of their set would be when Hollerado came out to play a song with the band; what's better than 9 guys sharing mics and instruments! (Notice the lack of question mark because nothing's better...). Once their set was done, and while Hollerado was setting up, Paul also came out to just hang around and we were able to actually chat with him.
Now, bring on the big guns (well bigger, I should say), Hollerado. From small town Ontario, these guys have the makings of greatness in them. They also seem to be one of those bands that everyone's heard before but don't actually "know"... just yet. They of course played all the most heard of songs like "Americanarama" (if you haven't seen the music video yet, Follow Me, it's so worth it), and "Juliette". No question that the band has their own sound, which I think is one of the most important things for a long lasting band to have. They really know how to interact with each other and make the crowd feel like the show was done just for them in mind. Confetti was being sprayed into the crowd almost every third song, making it actually feel like a party! This has to be the most personable bands I've ever come in contact with or seen. There was a lot of microphone tossing (or should I say falling) to people closest to the stage for a sing-along, and a lot of band members coming right into the crowd while playing. It was really good to see the band members joking around and interacting with each other too; it's pretty easy to forget how some witty banter can make a show that much better.
(Time out for a little personal tidbit: Before going to the Pawn Shop that Sunday I had been a little bored, and was listening to Record in a Bag to get ready. While I was listening to one of the slower songs on the album, "Hard Love", I couldn't help but love the lyrics "I'd trade a hard love for a sad song/I'd trade a sad song for a good time/I'd trade a good time for a hard love/And that's all/ I got for you". Long(er) story short: I wrote on my left palm "Hard Love", on my right palm "Sad Song, and on my left and right hands (outside) "Good", "Time". Well my love for drawing on myself finally payed off in the best way possible. After playing, and leaving, Menno (the lead singer), followed by the band, came out for the encore. Of course everyone's shouting their favourite...but I was showing it! And so came the best few minutes of my life: Menno saw my hands, said I was so sweet, and played what is now known as My Song. It was amazing. )
Right after the encore song of "Hard Love", the band invited anyone who "knew the words" up on stage. Which is exactly how more than half the audience ended up on stage with Hollerado, Free Energy and The Reason for the best version of "Keep on Rockin in the Free World" that I think I've ever heard. It was the most spirited and memorable way to end an amazing night. (Hugs from Menno didn't hurt either)
Another never-been-done-before for me was going to the Pawn Shop. It's a medium-size bar on Whyte Ave, one of the city's most popular areas for all sorts of nightlife. One of the biggest reasons I now love the venue is because it seems so personable, and that you can actually see the band being "real" before and after the show (However, I'm not sure if it was the band or venue that wanted this). The Pawn Shop also plays host to a local radio stations Band of the Month performance (local bands selected to have their song aired on the radio) every month. (Christian Hansen and the Autistics were an early 2010 band of the month)
(Time out for a little personal tidbit: Before going to the Pawn Shop that Sunday I had been a little bored, and was listening to Record in a Bag to get ready. While I was listening to one of the slower songs on the album, "Hard Love", I couldn't help but love the lyrics "I'd trade a hard love for a sad song/I'd trade a sad song for a good time/I'd trade a good time for a hard love/And that's all/ I got for you". Long(er) story short: I wrote on my left palm "Hard Love", on my right palm "Sad Song, and on my left and right hands (outside) "Good", "Time". Well my love for drawing on myself finally payed off in the best way possible. After playing, and leaving, Menno (the lead singer), followed by the band, came out for the encore. Of course everyone's shouting their favourite...but I was showing it! And so came the best few minutes of my life: Menno saw my hands, said I was so sweet, and played what is now known as My Song. It was amazing. )
Right after the encore song of "Hard Love", the band invited anyone who "knew the words" up on stage. Which is exactly how more than half the audience ended up on stage with Hollerado, Free Energy and The Reason for the best version of "Keep on Rockin in the Free World" that I think I've ever heard. It was the most spirited and memorable way to end an amazing night. (Hugs from Menno didn't hurt either)
Another never-been-done-before for me was going to the Pawn Shop. It's a medium-size bar on Whyte Ave, one of the city's most popular areas for all sorts of nightlife. One of the biggest reasons I now love the venue is because it seems so personable, and that you can actually see the band being "real" before and after the show (However, I'm not sure if it was the band or venue that wanted this). The Pawn Shop also plays host to a local radio stations Band of the Month performance (local bands selected to have their song aired on the radio) every month. (Christian Hansen and the Autistics were an early 2010 band of the month)
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
My Body
So a local radio station has one program that airs called "Farm Fresh", all about up and coming new music and/or bands (basically my role model ;). I don't listen to it as often as I'd like, but yesterday I happened to have the radio on and heard the song "My Body" by a band called Young the Giant . And I'm hooked. I had a feeling that you'd wanna know about it too...But prepare to have this song on repeat.
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