The Maple Blues Awards in Toronto, Canada - Pics, Radio, Ramble...

It's January, 2010 and as the darkest and coldest days of the year try to make us blue, The Toronto Blues Society celebrates the Blues with this year's Maple Blues Awards. Downtown came uptown as the ceremony moved the Royal Conservatory of Music - a state-of-the-art new glass and wood and steel and stone structure that sounds better than any room I have ever been in my life and gives the Blues an upscale facelift that left the faithful divided in opinion:

To the Yeah-Sayers, this gives the Blues respectability and encouragement and designer beer. To the Neigh-Sayers, who are we kidding - in an industry where the $16,000 a year average musician income is so far below the poverty line, it turns a roots music genre known for it's honesty of purpose into a façade of Wonderland. No one's dissing the work and organization that's gone into planning and pulling off this extravaganza.

The fans seemed to enjoy the experience. It looks like the Conservatory wants the awards ceremony back, if the crowd votes "yes" with another close to sell-out next year, the argument to bring back the stench, dinginess and bad sound might be down to a whisper. Enough with aesthetics - on to the breakthroughs and the glorious show…

David Gogo and Danny Marks co-hosted the night and dressed up for it. David is bringing the ascot back and his outfit had a flair that matched his wit and charm. Danny was Yorkville meets Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and I am telling you - it worked. Ottawa young-guns Monkey Junk exceeded expectations with 5 wins out of 6 nominations. All six of those nominations, we wanted everyone to win to no body tired of seeing these three boys struggling each time to find a new way to express their gratitude. This is no over-night sensation. Before last year's Blues Summit Monkey Junk was at IndieCan's Whitebird Sound studio in Ottawa with Doug and Arlene Graham and Jenn Martin and this new-band was made of very well-know musicians to the Ottawa faithful. David Gogo lightened the crowd up with his first-hand story of what it's like to have 5 nominations and how your demeanour crumbles from award to award as you clap and smile for the winner.

Both Danny and David performed. The sound was great; the pace was great we have to give this a 4 IndieCANS out of 5 as you really have to stretch to find what could have been done better. Check out the pics - courtesy of Jenn Martin. it will make you feel like you were there and give you a who's who. Check out IndieCan Radio. We played many 2010 performers and presenters leading up to the event but check out Episode 165 and 166 for the most in radio coverage.

Flashlight Radio shines on the Elmocombo

by Gayle Hurmuses

Flashlight Radio is a great band...before I get into any digressions; I want to say that right up front. They're awesome. Suzy Wilde has a voice like an angel and great vocal technique, both she and Ben are outstanding players and Shawn Rompre is rock steady on the drums....and they write great songs. The night I saw them, they were joined by Suzy's sister, Maddie Wilde, of Spiral Beach, (performing very different material from the rocking out music she plays in her regular band) and Dan Roth, who performs a lot as both a solo artist and with a few other local groups.

As honoured as I was to be asked by Ben to review his band, it was also pretty intimidating at a certain level. I've known Ben Whitely for most of his life and nearly half of mine.... I've been a fan of his dad and his uncle...and his cousins, all of whom I know and have worked with in the past in one way or another...I've filmed them or photographed them, or worked on a show they performed in...and I've also photographed Suzy Wilde's mom Nancy White too, for Celtic Envy...and photographed her and her sister, Maddie with their mom after the shoot...and their dad, Doug Wilde, is one of Canada's best known composers...and Shawn Rompre is a second generation musician too. Flashlight Radio is more than just a band...it's a merger of Great Canadian Musical Dynasties. 

It's harder than you might think to contemplate giving an honest review under these circumstances. 

Fortunately for me, when it came down to the night of the show, I was completely taken by the fact of how solid they were, both as individual musicians and as an ensemble. You know it's a great show when you are watching people you know up on stage and all you can think about is what an awesome band you're hearing. 

The set was one musical present after another, the lovely vocal harmonies, particularly between Suzy and Maddie, the mini set with only the core members of Ben, Suzy and Shawn...their version of Neil Young's Don't Let It Bring You Down, which completely blew me away. I'd say that they rocked, but that's not what their sound is about...they sure are smooth though.

I'm a photographer really and not a music reviewer, and not a musician ...I can't qualify my appreciation for this show by making well-informed comment about specifics of musical technique displayed by the band, except in the most general terms...That said though, I've seen literally thousands of bands and have worked with many of the best in Canadian music. I know quality, I'm not easy to impress, and I won't commend something I don't really like.

Flashlight Radio impressed me. I really liked them.  

NOVEMBER 2009

IndieCan's Andre Skinner on Dustin Bentall's CD,"Six Shooter."

Dustin Bentall delivers some good old Americana on his latest album "Six Shooter".  Dustin clearly pays great attention to detail with delicate instrumentation and production while intentionally avoiding clich�s.  A huge single quickly hits the speakers with track 2 "Take the Money And Run", in this tune we get hit with big hooks, great lyrics and an all around great mid tempo feel.  There's no shortage of outlaw style lyrics on this record, with references to; a suspended drivers license, doing lines on the hood, spending Christmas in jail, robbing banks, late night love affairs and countless miles spent on the road.

 

My favorite song on the Album is track 8 "Secrets" this creepy yet alluring song pulls at the heart strings while painting a vivid picture of open country roads and making you feel as though you're driving on a cold fall night obsessing over a bar room beauty of days past.  "Little Bird In A Big Wind" is classic material; Dustin's smooth
yet slightly raspy voice really pulls this song together with smart lyrics and a backing band remindful of Ryan Adam�s Cardinals. With song titles like Railroad, Six Shooter, Arizona and Deserts Of Our Minds, it�s easy to paint a picture of what this album�s about.

 

September 21, 2009 Toronto, Ontario�s Fucked Up was named the winner of the fourth annual Polaris Music Prize in a gala ceremony held tonight at Toronto�s Concert Hall at the Masonic Temple. Artist takes home $20,000 for The Chemistry of Common Life, the Canadian Album of the Year.

� Until the very moment they made the announcement, I thought there was no way in hell that we would win,� said Damian Abraham.  �This is incredible.   I�m more shocked than everyone.  Thanks to everyone that played on the record and Jon Drew that produced the album, ...Steve Jordan and everyone at Polaris!�

The winner for Album of the Year was selected by the 11-member gala Grand Jury, in turn chosen from this year�s 182-member jury of Canadian music journalists, bloggers and broadcasters. The Grand Jury was sequestered in the Masonic Temple jury room while the event was taking place to vote on the winner. The results of their votes then determined the best Canadian album released between June 1, 2008 and May 31, 2009.

Liisa Ladouceur, who oversees the voting for Polaris, talked about the intensity of the process. 

�We ask the jury to vote regardless of genre and they truly did,� statedLiisa Ladouceur, Representative of the jury.  �Members of the jury believed that the Fucked Up�s Chemistry Of Common Life was not only the best hardcore album of the year, not only the best Canadian album of the year, but was the best album of the year in the world � period.�

The 2009 11-member gala Grand Jury are: Bryan Acker (Herohill), Brendan Murphy (Hour), Stuart Derdeyn (Vancouver Province), Mary Dickie (Elle), Brad Frenette (National Post), Nicholas Jennings (freelance journalist), Robert Mersereau (CBC), Mia Parang (Musique Plus), Ben Rayner (Toronto Star), Brad Wheeler (The Globe And Mail) and Lisa Wilton (Calgary Sun).

Ten albums were shortlisted for the 2008 Polaris Prize. In alphabetical order, they are:

Elliott BROOD � Mountain Meadows

Fucked Up�The Chemistry of Common Life

Great Lake Swimmers � Lost Channels

Hey Rosetta � Into Your Lungs

K�NAAN � Troubadour

Malajube � Labyrinthes

Metric � Fantasies

Joel Plaskett � Three

Chad VanGaalen � Soft Airplane

Patrick Watson � Wooden Arms

INDIECAN @ CARIBANA by Mark Keeler

Now in its 8th year - as part of Toronto�s Caribana - the TD Canada Trust IRIE Music Festival rolled onto the lush green grasses of Queen�s Park on August 1, 2009.

And yet, as you walk through the grounds, it becomes apparent that this music festival is about more than music; from the kids area to dance companies, from discussion groups to merchants, what IRIE really brings is a remarkable cultural mosaic.

For our IndieCan Radio fans, you might be wondering what I�m doing here; after all I was literally at Lee�s Palace twelve hours earlier covering Grace Over Diamonds. The Indie �angle�? IRIE is serious about promoting new and emerging artists, even though it is a different genre than you are accustomed to.  The short version?  If you missed out on IRIE 2009, you lost out on one of the best music festivals of Summer 2009!

Every time I cover a festival, I like to start with the �50,000 foot view� and for that I bring in years of project management experience on big shows to really assess a show.  So the question is, how well did IRIE stack up?  From TD�s army of volunteers staffed by employees and their families that kept the grounds pristine to affordable food, a perfect venue, the diversity of deep talent, and remarkable management overall mark IRIE as one of the best run and most successful festivals this summer.  When you consider the strike, strange weather, and a change in venue, changes in the entertainment lineup due to said strike, organizers pulled off a miracle. Five stars all the way.

Now before getting into the music, I must make a confession.  Prior to IRIE, my idea of �reggae� was limited to a few tracks of Shaggy and Sean Paul in an eclectic sea of everything from Lincoln Park to Pavarotti.  But keeping an open mind to new music is the whole idea of Indie isn't it?  It is, as we are often quoted, the best music you never heard.  And when it came to IRIE, I was very pleasantly surprised to see they really back it up, providing opportunities for emerging, promising artists to get the stage time they really need.

And the gem this year was definitely Marcia Williams with that big beautiful smile and stunning vocals. What a welcome relief to hear truly original music!  From IRIE to clubs, sooner or later we�re going to see this rising star at the ACC or the Amphitheatre. And it couldn't happen without the likes of these festivals.

When it comes to bringing out the big guns, IRIE didn't disappoint the crowds with the big headliners packing the crowds every night. Leading off on Saturday night came Byron�s Dragonaires.  I am used to shooting �big� shows and the Dragonaires proved absolutely astounding talent. For Sunday's big name they brought out Gramps Morgan and sure enough that crowd just ignited.  Wicked vocals and a riveting stage presence made for a great Sunday. Finally, Fab Five & Tabbruck brought the Festival to a roaring finish on Monday night. and what can I say, they have a new fan. If you ever get a chance, go see them.

There is, barring argument to the contrary, nothing more beautiful to watch (and frustrating to photograph) than dance. And Dance Immersions kept me cursing at the lens with not one but multiple dance companies covering a broad spectrum of dance disciplines. Admittedly, it playfully caught me off guard given that I am already accustomed to working with bands. Still, watching these companies perform was absolutely a joy; from soft and slow fluidity to the liquid fast clapping of Black Ice,  I would need a chiropractor to do the things that they do so effortlessly.  For those in the Indie world, dance doesn't kick into our sphere often, but they are the toughest and least appreciated of all the arts and Dance Immersion earned my admiration.

To really understand a festival, though, you have to do a lot of walking around. And one of the things that struck me was the breadth and diversity of IRIE. From the kids painting and TD�s volunteers helping out the local merchants to the discussion group on the south lawn, there was always something on the go.  But what I sought to find I found, and that was the �vibe�, and every show has a very distinct ambience.  IRIE has developed into what could be described as one of the crown jewels of Caribana.

VANS WARPED TOUR Caravan drenches Toronto in Ska, Punk and Rock by Mark Keeler and Raquel de los Reyes

Two Indie Can Radio cats crashed the 15th VANS Warped Tour June 10th 2009 at the International Center, curious to see how on earth you pull off seventy bands on seven stages. You would have to defy the laws of physics to see every band, but we sure tried. From our first with Rifkin till the sun set with Saosin, it was a nonstop sprint from stage to stage; often so fast we could barely get in, shoot, and run.

Originally created by Kevin Lyman in 1993, and eventually backed by VANS in 1995, the VANS Warped Tour has attracted fans from around the world to its many locations ranging from Toronto to Japan, the United States, and Europe. This tour, quite simply, possesses energy unlike any other concert in the world.

We covered about 18 of the bands that Friday, some of them only minutes like a brief fly by of Underoath to a lot of time spent with Alexisonfire on the main stage. Vans is diversity; genre's, stages and atmosphere. Rifkin, Staylefish, Alana Grace, and many of the side-stage acts made getting right in their grill easy.

One of the most pleasant surprises has to be Big D and the Kitchen Table - a sassy brass section, sensuous and playful vocals, the whimsical, suggestive lyrics that at some points had their fans laughing. I won't steal their thunder, but it was a riot; great sound, definitely one to keep on watching.

I first covered Alexisonfire at Edgefest and glad to get a second chance to cover them. As usual they know how to rock a crowd. This time we got to cover from two perfect vantage points. Raquel had the media platform to catch some of the big picture views of a crowd that covered every inch of space, while I jumped into the media pit for the close ups. And just when I least expected it, George Pettit leaped from the stage virtually overhead into the reaching arms of his fans that bodysurfed him back across the barrier.

Sorry Hollywood, but when was the last time you trusted your fans like that? That is one of the things that make Indie so different and so much fun to cover (the only disappointment came a week later with a theft of my laptop - and yes, all the work I'd done including the 949 images. I learned, and probably created few new curse words never heard before. But�I somehow managed to find the two I wanted - of George leaping from the stage).

Once again the VANS tour continues to kick up the volume, delivering one incredible performance after the other, bringing a diversity of sound to satisfy an increasingly diverse and sophisticated fan. It isn't just the music though, as I pointed out with Alexisonfire, there is a fusion between the bands and their fans that you just do not find anywhere else, and that too is part of the ongoing magic of the VANS legacy - five stars across the board. GET MORE WARPED

The great Canadian Tune event involved some degree of public debate about what the most Canadian song is, or at least what would be put to an assembly of guitarists to attempt a world record of the most people assembled in one place to play one song on guitar. The 2007 record is held by Germany where 1,802 rocked out to "Smoke on the Water." Canada's attempt would be "Helpless" by Neil Young. The house band would play down the 9 finalists and the registered participants would be called upon to play along for the attempt at the Guinness World Record. The house band did a good job with the short list. There were some great cameos such as Justin Rutledge coming up to sing a Tragically Hip song and I think the whole audience played along to "Taking Care of Business" - See video for results (above)  - More Luminato HERE

Finally, The Dunes Subject to Change CD is released April 25th

The Dunes new CD, "Subject to Change" was the subject of a very excited band of Dunes in episode 88 last spring but due to circumstances beyond The Dunes control, the record was delayed almost an entire year. Ambisonic and Big Ideas kicked off the celebration and at 11:15 The Dunes rocked a packed Elmocombo. It included a drum solo that kicked off the encore (I have been to a lot of shows in a lot of cities in the last year and I think this is the first drum solo I have seen for a couple of decades). It was solid - and refreshing.

This show kicks off Canadian tour so others will have a chance to see this anchor of Toronto indie scene. When I asked Kevin (lead singer) about the chances of Polaris Music Prize judges muling this one over he said, "I don't think we're 'in' with the cool kids in that way - don't you have to know someone? - We don't. We're very proud of this record. It has moods and themes and despite the long wait, there's not much we would change about it." See more pics (indieCan crappy cam video coming soon).

The Junos make Vancouver the music capital of Canada for a day as much of west coast music is celebrated. Multi-platinum 80's rockers were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Sarah McLachlan was recognized, Bryan Adams performed and the JunoFest highlight was 54-40.

The Juno Awards are the franchise of an organization called CARAS (Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) and since 1970 the annual gala bills itself as showcasing and rewarding the best of Canadian music in the expected, politically correct fashion.  I am a member of CARAS and have been for many years and I am afraid to say I know little about the secret society that seems to be the inner workings of my organization.  I vote on the Junos � except for the ones determined by record sales or in one case, fan voting.  But I don�t understand the process of who is nominated and who tabulates the votes.  I don�t even know how presenters or performers are selected.  I have made several recommendations over the years.  I have never gotten a single email back � not even to tell me to PFO. 

The Junos and CARAS do not enjoy the unconditional support of the entire music community.  Some are outspoken against the event and the organization.  This year, three-time Juno winner Matthew Good said he would boycott the Junos �until they are about celebrating Canadian music instead of celebrating US record sales.�  Dallas Green, who won another Juno this year � Songwriter of the year, said �I�ve been here before but I don�t understand what�s going on.  There should be a manual for first-time nominees. That would have helped me.  There should also be more categories.  How can there only be one �Best Alternative� prize? If a metal band is nominated, it will never win against an alt/rock or alt/pop band or artist.�

IndieCan has often taken a pass on the Junos, as it�s more commercial in nature than where we live.  The commercial world is just a place we visit from time to time for perspective. IndieCan isn�t looking to steal away happy E-talk fan.  But to it�s credit, with the incorporation of JunoFest, a street and club three day festival that features up and coming bands from across the country, with a leaning towards the host province.  Personally, I also support the move several years ago to take the Junos on the road.  Once it was always in Toronto and since it took flight, it�s been to Hamilton, The Peg, Halifax, Calgary, Moose Jaw, and VanCity.  Next year it�s in St. John�s Newfoundland.

Juno veterans and Juno newbies descended on Vancouver starting Thursday March 26^th as did music fans and media.  JunoFest had 20 venue to see great showcases of talent including tented stages on Granville Street - who�s under-construction surface made way for music, more music.  Thursday kicked off with a line up that included local�s Dan Mangan, Jon & Roy and Said The Whale +  Hot Hot Heat and Newfoundland�s Hey Rosetta!  On another stage, not far away, Music BC was showcasing a great variety of up and coming talent. 

Catch all of IndieCan�s live music commentary and video vignettes on Myspace, YouTube of Facebook.

Friday started early with the media being introduced to this year�s staging and lighting at GM Place.  We were told how city culture, environment and music all get incorporated into the thematic arrangement.  Vancouver�s steel and glass spectacle, in the presence of natural beauty drove the new design which saw lighting and stage design break old boundaries.

Friday night, the reception gala at The Commodore and The infamous Juno Cup distracted some of music�s faithful from the showcases of music.  The Juno Cup is a fundraising game of shinny pitting NHL legends against hockey playing rock stars.  Players from Great Big Sea, Dearly Beloved, Acres of Lions, State of Shock, Blue Rodeo and countless other musical acts faced off against Lanny MacDonald and a host of legends of the game.  The NHL�s undefeated streak would end on the west coast as the Rockers tied things up late and won a shoot-out.

This year�s Juno�s recognized 80�s sensation Loverboy, appropriately a western break-out band who�s first LP eclipsed 700,000 in sales domestically and then eventually, 4 million in total world-wide units.  Sarah McLachlan, founder of Lilith Fair and well known in the humanitarian world was honoured with the 2009 Allan Waters Award for her humanitarian efforts.  Other winners who would have to wait and see included The Stills, Dallas Green (City and Colour & Alexis on Fire), Lights, and multiple winners Sam Roberts and Nickleback.  Russell Peters hosted � the first ever repeat host and some of the performers included The Stills, Bryan Adams with Kathleen Edwards, City and Colour with guest, Gord Downie and Nickleback.

IndieCan chatted with friends on the red-carpet put out by CTV�s E-Talk Canada and we witnessed the pomp, hype and ceremony from the front row. When you get to the bottom click on our gallery to see hundres of fun and funny pics - a who's who of Canadian entertainment.

We also attended the Juno veteran favourite � the singer/songwriter circle (which, so you�re not disillusioned, is always a line), this year hosted by Hawksley Workman.  IndieCan brings you back-stage at the Junos where winners met the media. These are some fun pics!

IndieCan Crappy Cam on YouTube reminds you that you can have it good, quick and cheap but not all three so, it�s free, it�s now and the audio and video are so high-school.  But hey, it�s like being here.  We have two 10 minute vignettes to choose from: The Stage and lights unveiled, the Juno Cup, performances by Hey Rosetta, Hot, Hot Heat, Jon & Roy and more; as well, check out our highlight of the whole weekend.  54-40 hosts friends at the Commodore Saturday night with once in a life time performances including George Canyon coutrifying �I GO BLIND,� Sam Roberts jamming and singing to �ONE DAY IN YOUR LIFE� � coaxed out of retirement music by Grapes of Wrath, emerging influence from Jet�s Overhead and Neil Osborne�s daughters band, The Blue Violets.  There are plenty more treats including someone famous coming and jamming a cover of �I Want You To Want Me.� -IndieCan friends sent good pics of some guest and we have another 54 official IndieCan pics from the opening songs

	"The NHL played a dangerous game" recalls Jim Cuddy (Blue Rodeo) of the Rockers first Juno Cup win ever." I think they let us tie it up and then they wanted Lanny MacDonald to win it, but we kept stone-walling them and then we won in a shoot out." IndieCan was there in support of this great fund raiser that pits the music biz against retired NHL legends. We hung out with Dearly Beloved's Niva Chow - here's the PICS
	The Junos involve 150 tech staff, 70 production staff, over 500 volunteers, 13 tractor-trailers of gear, 2,000 square feet of video walls, 400 miles of cable and more. John Burton, producer, Russell Peters, host and Peter Faragher, designer give the press a sneak-peek and introduce us to some of this years performers. Come See it!
	The Trews were a highlight of JunoFest as East meets West. Check out these front row and back stage pics of the show they put on under the main tent on Granville Avenue. Also, Adaline, Daniel Wesley and Elisa Estrada. CLICK for Pics Right Here!
	IndieCan grabed pics and chat with nominees and presenters on the ETalk red carpet leading into GM Place, home to the 2009 Junos . The Etalk machine was there with prompted crowd applause and Ben Mullroney in more make-up than pop-star Lights. For some, it was a little too fabricated. Montreal's Plants and Animals just rolled with the pomp and ceremony. Click Here (and give it a minute) for 200 fun and funny pics

Hear more IndieCan Radio with some Junos sounds- LISTEN HERE  Come see a list of all of the 2009 Juno winners HERE

Anvil "Justice Will Be Served" by Bryen Dunn

The roots of speed metal band Anvil began in the basements of Toronto around 1973 as two teenage friends shared a passion for loud and heavy music. A few years later they were out playing the dive bars of the day, such as Larry's Hideaway and The Gasworks. Now 30 years later, the band is enjoying new found recognition by an allegiance of fans around the world that are not even aware of their past accomplishments. "We never really stopped playing", says drummer Robb Reiner.

As the band began, it was very much a new wave and disco sort of music scene happening. Releasing an album called "Metal on Metal" wouldn't seem like the most appropriate thing to do at the time, but the band persevered and lived on way past the majority of the 80's one hit wonders. The band were originally called LIPS, but changed the name to avoid any possible confusion with the funky town sounds of Lipps Inc. The LIPS version of their first album, "Hard N Heavy", is quite rare as only 1,000 copies were manufactured. The music is the same but the cover art work is a simple lip print, red on white with the name LIPS printed in black.

Connect With Anvil / See the Movie Trailer Hall of Fame Indcution pictures Here

Induction into the Indie Hall of Fame is an achievement that was received with gratitude. It's nice to be recognized after all these years", front man Lips admits. So how does a band remain together and continue to plug along three decades after forming? "The motivating factor is quite simple, we've believed in ourselves. When you have this kind of focus you find ways to continue on. All factors weigh against the rock and roll dream of stardom and it is an upward endless battle. It's all about being in the right place at the right time, and the only way to make that combination work is to always be ready, and by not giving up", Lips advises.
Anvil has had influence on countless other bands throughout the years, but what bands played a role in determining their original sound and direction? "All bands pay homage to their predecessors, and for us it was bands that came out playing hard rock music in the sixties and seventies. Cream, Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Grand Funk, Cactus are some examples of our influences", Lips surmises. "The music we all listen to generally works in cycles although every time it comes around it's a little different. The interesting thing is that these days it's still electric guitar oriented music which connects it to five previous decades of music to draw influence from", Lips notes.
The recent resurgence and interest in the band owes a lot to one particular gentleman once referred to as "Tea Bag". The band met him in 1982 at the Marquee Club in London when 15 year old "Tea Bag" went back stage after the show to meet the band. This lead to him working with the band as a roadie, later being mentored by Reiner on drums, and eventually playing in the band at a couple shows. Then one day he was gone, until 2005 when he was back in their lives after Lips received an unexpected email. "Tea Bag had gone Hollywood", Reiner laughs. A couple subsequent email exchanges and phone conversations lead to Lips flying to Los Angeles to meet Sacha Gervasi (Tea Bag), chat some more and return back to Toronto. A few weeks later Gervasi flew to Toronto, got together with the band and told them they had a story to tell - Anvil! The True Story of Anvil. "He was so impressed with our tenacity he decided to make a movie about it", Lips confides. Gervasi has presented an often hilarious account of Anvil's last-ditch quest for elusive fame and fortune
The story of Gervasi could be a separate film in itself. The self-financed feature length movie made its world premiere at the acclaimed Sundance Film Festival in 2008, where Gervasi and the band got to enjoy the long awaited spotlight of their career. The movie played six times to sold out audiences, and one cannot help but draw comparisons to the Spinal Tap saga, as the guys posed for photos appropriately decked out in their toques in true Canadian hoser style. The film has since gone on to win dozens of awards at film festivals around the world, and is finally set to make its much anticipated Canadian theatre debut. "We call it the slow burn rise of film notoriety", Reiner laughs.
Gervaisi worked on several other productions (The Big Tease, The Terminal) as a screenwriter, but this is his directorial debut. 'My inspiration came from real life experiences as a young kid touring with my idols. I made a film about people I love with people I love" he says. A bit of pop culture trivia to impress your friends with - 1) he is the father of Bluebell Madonna Halliwell, daughter of former Spice Girl and United Nations Ambassador Geri Halliwell, 2) he was the drummer and co-founder of a music group called Future Primitives with Gavin Rossdale, which he departed from and the band later changed their name to Bush and went on to world recognition, 3) Warner Bros had asked Gervasi to consider adapting a new children's book about a boy wizard named Harry Potter, which he turned down citing the book's "complete lack of commerciality".

The DVD version of the movie and a follow up book are both scheduled for release sometime later this year. "The actual story is one about relationships, perseverance and dedication. The fact that we are a heavy metal band only plays as a back drop to the story", Lips mentions. "The book provides answers to all the questions people may have had after seeing the movie", Reiner adds.

The Anvil Experience is a very interesting concept that the band and management have developed since the release of the film. It's a combination of film and live performance whereby the movie is screened followed by a full live music set by the band. It's been hugely successful in New York, Los Angeles and most recently London, where the band did a one week stint of sold out shows at the Metro Theatre. There are also plans to tour this concept across Canada sometime later in 2009.

Their last release "This Is Thirteen" was their 13th release with each of the previous albums staying true to the heavy sounds they are known for. It was produced by Chris Tsangarides who also produced two of their most well known earlier albums, "Metal on Metal" and "Forged in Fire". Over the course of their existence Anvil has had a few different members pass through. Sebastain Marino was the only non-Canadian Anvil member, who later joined Overkill, and Sebastian Bach (Skid Row) filled in for Lips once at the famed Gasworks Tavern back in 1993. The band recently lucked out again by connecting with their current manager, Rick Sales (Slayer, Bullet For My Valentine), who can only bring further accolades. Reiner says there is a new album on the horizon entitled "Juggernaut of Justice" which he describes as "a genius piece of work". "We were criminally overlooked 30 years ago, and now justice will be served", Reiner proclaims.

It should be noted that Gervasi has done a guest appearance on drums playing "School Love" at three different shows in the past, in Toyko, Brooklyn and Toronto. With the Canadian premiere of the movie and the Hall Of Fame induction, there's likely a good chance number four could happen at some point during Canadian Music Week. Current Line Up Robb Reiner - drums; Lips - lead vocals, lead guitar; Glenn Five - bass, backing vocals - GIVE ME MORE CMW 2009

Podcamp Toronto was held at Ryerson University February 21st and 22nd. Over 600 registrants signed up for the two-day affair. Social Media, ethics for citizen journalists, web sites you just need to know, software you just need to have, what we can learn from The Beatles and This Week in Geek were some of the many topics offered up for instruction and debate. Experts? - most balk at the use of the word in such a young medium. I think there were almost 100 rogue broadcasting registrants at the first Podcasters Across Borders that I attended in 2006 and now I wonder how long before Podcasting is a high school elective.

All of the topics were relevant for me - often there were 6 crammed rooms to choose from in each time slot when three or four of the topics would be helpful. Personally, I could have done with fewer topics and more time devoted to each topic. More than once, as I was just settling in to what the topic was all about I heard, "so thank you very much." and applause. I left with a greater awareness that there was much to be learned, but I don't feel like I learned how to be a better podcaster.

THE JOYS ROCK BRAMPTON by Wendy L. Rombough

I received an e-mail from Sarah Smith who heads up one of my favourite bands; THE JOYS noting that they were going to be playing locally (Brampton) on Feb 9th and I eagerly accepted the opportunity to shoot photos of this shaking, gyrating, great rock and roll band from London Ontario, without any hesitation.

A surprising discovery was downtown Brampton's world class, state of the art, $55 Mil, 880 seat Rose Theatre for the performing arts The Rose web-casts in their "Studio Two" taped by Orchard Studios. This show was hosted by Jeff Chalmers.

"New Machine" opened the evening, and these four fellows were a pleasant surprise, considering they were booked last minute as a replacement for Hello Beautiful. What genre, you ask? How about upbeat easy listening with a country twist? Lighting at The Rose was fantastic for capturing photos.

Sarah, Ken, Kevin and Mike rocked for on-line viewers and the appreciative live audience with tunes from their latest album, UNFOLD (including "Storm"). Fans and newcomers alike won't be disappointed with the newest offerings from The Joys. Video of the performance can be downloaded for free from here.

I've photographed a number of The Joys shows. I have to be fast on your feet to keep up with Sarah who never fails to entertain with a power house voice and body moves that transition her from one end of the stage to the other to interact with bassist Ken and lead guitarist Mike. Both of these guys have a few trademark moves of their own as does newcomer to the band, drummer Kevin. The Joys have their act together - non-stop entertainment for both eyes and ears + they are as personable and accommodating off stage as they act on stage.

The night's videographer remarked that filming this band was a work out keeping Sarah "in frame" during several songs. I simply nodded and smiled in agreement. See The Joys (by Wendy L. Rombough)

CD Review: David Rotundo Band, NO LOOKING BACK

Not many blues records are about to tackle the problems of the world. Either does David Rotundo Band's "No Looking Back." But sometimes the seemingly biggest problems of the world aren't half way around the world - they fall in that small amount of holy-land A.K.A. battle-ground between our head and our heart. So if you want to know what's going on around the world and why, buy a news paper. If you're looking for someone to articulate your own sense of impending doom, spin "No Looking Back." The answers are out there.

Where should you start with this offering from Toronto's hooded harpist? Anywhere - pick a number between 1 and 12 and click play. Even "Real Love" the last and the longest out-pouring is a good place to start. For radio programmers the 4:56 may be prohibitive to their attention-span challenged sensibilities but it plays out like a three minute pop song. It's a panty-wetter in every regard as this Sagittarian front man pleas to his listener, "I've been looking in the alley way, I been looking in the street, I've been looking in the eyes of all the people I meet. I've been looking in the church house and on the cross on the wall; I've been looking in the corridor, down every wall. I've been looking for real love, real love reeeeeeeeeeal love."

But if you start at the front like normal folk, you are greeted with "Don't Lie To Me." - a song so big sounding we haven't seen the likes of since Big Sugar was on the scene. This is the most rock-sounding Rotundo offering to date. "No Looking Back" flirts with cross-over audience potential but the blues purest won't cry "sell out" as this albums struts from Delta, Chicago and swing styles as well as "Zeppelin-esque" rocking interpretations of blues-style. Lyrically with the blues it's a delicate balance being true to the art form without sounding clich� but David is able to look at back-stabbing, deception, cheating and the down-and-outs without sounding so five minutes ago. The band behind him is solid with an ensemble cast of Toronto blues usual suspects. This one is a keeper. Buy it and wear it in like a good pair of jeans. Joe Chisholm, January 25, 2009 - NO LOOKING BACK is on Stone Pillar Productions and is set to release March 13, 2009

Lori Yates kicks off 09 in Toronto at the Dakota

January 9th in Toronto was another cold one; the kind of evening where staying home seemed attractive. However Lori Yates and her current incarnation, the Conway Twitties, were in town and that was just the thing to get me out of the house. I arrived around 10: 45 to find Ginger St. James, also a Steel-town singer, in the middle of her set.

After a brief break, Lori took the stage with the Conway Twitties who were comprised of David Baxter on guitar, Basil Donovan on the bass, and Michelle Josef on the drums. In her Facebook promos, Lori had mentioned that the drummer was going to be a fellow by the name of "Eric the American". Unfortunately, Eric had a nasty attack of appendicitis and was rushed to the hospital to have the offending organ removed. The addition of Michelle Josef meant that the Conway Twitties were now Hey Stella, which was fine by me because I've always been a fan of Ms. Josef's drumming. The set included classic Lori Yates such as, "Way Faring Stranger," "Rosalita," and "Help Me Baby - ICan't Get over You." To say that she had the house rocking would be an understatement. As soon as she took the stage the dance floor filled up and it never emptied. The show was a sell-out and the next night Lori returned to do a few songs with The Royal Crown's. I brought my video recorder with me but because the dance floor was continuously crowded I only managed to shoot one song. Go to Youtube.com - It's almost like being there...almost (coutesy Michael Tomasek) More pics by Gayle Hurmuses

December 11, 2008 College Street was CD Release Party Central The Craft Economy was cooking at Sneaky Dees with Whale Tooth and Provincial Parks opening and just blocks away at Rancho Relaxo, Vercity was celebrating the release of their latest recording. And around the corner in Kensington Dave Borins and Christina Maria were playing Graffitis so it was a rough night for trying to get it all in. This city's music scene does boast some pretty awesome delehmas. Tonight was one of them. Let's focus on the T.Dot Alt-POP centre of the universe which was, for this evening, Sneaky Dees. The crowd was charged up. All of these three bands in their own way have some break out potential. The Craft Economy especially are a band with a following that can sing back the catchy synth-pop numbers that the band pounds out in their coy way. Keep an eye out for these bands and if you get to seen them live, take it in. Thanks Tom Eschenbrenner for photo support - click for more pics

54 40 are Live at IndieCan Dave Genn and Neil Osborne visit IndieCan studio to talk shop and perform songs with friend Tom Hooper (Grapes of Wrath).

"Northern Soul" on True North Records is the 12th full length CD of original material for 54 40 and the band slated October to December of 2008 to tour the record. "I wrote the title track, Northern Soul on the ferry. I got the basic words and melody down in about 20 minutes. Our country over the last few years has taken a political turn for the

54 40 at The Music Hall in Toronto (above) and live at IndieCan at XM Studio (below)

Tom Hooper (Grapes of Wrath) is on tour with 54 40. At XM, host of The Verge, Kelowna talks to Tom - one of her musical inspirations (above) 54 40 meet and greet fans to sign swag and talk shop and memories(below)

worse and it concerns me. Our presence in Afghanistan is a prime example of this slide. I had been seeing parents on TV shocked and grief stricken at the loss of their children on a tour of duty in Afghanistan. I thought 'this isn't right - our country use to wear the blue helmets and we were peace keepers.' What we are doing in Afghanistan now is quite different. And Canada use to have a good reputation, but it's on the decline world-wide because of our presence and our activities in the Middle East. I have played on many Canadian forces bases and I love these guys and gals that serve. But our mission in Afghanistan doesn't seem right. I wrote to politicians - many of them, and I heard back from very few. So I wrote a song about it"

There is a theme to this recording and it is darker than most 54 40 records. "Shade Grows" picks up on some of the "Northern Soul" themes:

Unleash the power of the Atom and it will not do
Poke a hole in the sky - it will not do
For every newborn this century
Old ones must move
I signed up for duty and took this job

"One Hundred Songs" is much more hopeful than the general malaise of the record. It follows a 100 song theme many of you remember Neil Osborne bringing up in an interview with IndieCan in 2006. "We asked ourselves 'what have got left in us - creatively?' and 100 songs was the answer."

"So this is our theme song for this project." adds Dave Genn, "We have 99 left to go." 100 Songs already has a video released, as does the first song on the record, "The Chant" and "Northern Soul" which features Neil's daughter Coral singing a duet (daughter Kandle also appears, as do the indie band Jet's Overhead, produced by Osborne

Neil, Dave and Tom in studio

Toronto show at The Music Hall

Hear Neil Interview from '06

and other friends) and the animation of Sol Friedman makes Northern Soul a departure from the music video style of 54 40 that Much Music has been championing over the last three decades since "I Go Blind" and "Baby Ran" from the "Green" record from 1986 started heavy rotation.

Some 54 40 fans will follow the band on tour like dead-heads. Many more music fans have no idea how many 54 40 songs they know. Songs like "Ocean Pearl," "Since When," "Nice to Luv You," "She La," and "Love you All" may have been the sound tracks to many a life-altering experience but it doesn't mean these songs were all added to music collections over the last 20+ years. There are lessons in the 54 40 live show for anyone who wants to write songs that auditoriums or stadiums sing back to them. If you are in the music biz, or you are fascinated with the business of music, the cost of a concert ticket can be a lesson in how you know when you've written a song that people will respond too. I have seen 54 40 perform to a capacity Downsview Park crowd Canada Day 2007, I have seen them in their natural habitat - The Commodore in Vancouver B.C. and I have seen them putting it out there for a Lee's Palace crowd on the second of a two-night Toronto stint. I would say to anyone on a limited budget who wants to understand how music was designed to impact people - the cost of a 54 40 ticket is well worth the lesson and the entertainment.

While in Studio with Joe Chisholm, Niel, Dave and Tom performed :The Chant" and "One Hundred Songs" from the new record + "I Go Blind" and "Baby Ran." Some of these songs will find their way to Episode 111 coming early in December where we will talk with these gentlemen about songs on the new record, Myspace, Facebook, and this tour. The new record shows artistic sincerity, humility and a devotion to the craft of making music. It's one of those records that you can catch yourself listening to over and over again.

54 40 at Downview Park, Canada Day 2007

 

The 2008 Polaris Music Prize - Sept 29  @ The Phoenix

INDIECAN was at POLARIS  tthis year and we offer you the usual front row seat + back stage pass to the activities at this years gala. We spoke with founder, Steve Jordan and some of the nominees + we bring you the winner tonight - more "photo journalism" will follow shortly. Remember the judges are measuring CD vs. CD, it's not a popularity contest or based upon a lifetime of work - just one CD. Feel free to browse through the 10 finalists and weigh in on your picks or thoughts on any of the finalists at MySpace or FaceBook. See you there.

Click for images: 

 PERFORMANCES -  2008

      BACKSTAGE / PRESENTATIONS / RANDOM / MISC - 2008 

And the winner is ............. Caribou.

 We saw performances by Basia Bulat, Two Hours Traffic, Holy Fuck, Plants and Animals, Shad, Kathleen Edwards and Black Mountain. I didn't see the Caribou win coming - but certainly deserving. I thought that with the slam dunk effort of The Weakerthan's 4th effort it would be hard to resist. Holy Fuck was a crowd favourite and although artistic merit and not popularity is the measuring point of this award, I thought the overwhelming success of THT's Little Jabs would have carried some influence. But no, it was Dr. Dan Snaith (PhD in Mathematics) who won the day with Andorra and no complaints of injustice from team IndieCan.

THE GOOD - The pleasant surprise of the night was Kathleen Edwards - that was the performance that surpassed my expectation. Damn nice job.

THE BAD - Can't there be $20,000 for all of them?

THE UGLY - Basia Bulat's "handler".  I got handled all right. I have never met anyone so rude - she must be family - I couldn't see her getting a job in music. I mean it's not like publicity is a popularity contest��. Oh wait, yes it is. Good luck to you then. I am sure you already have all the fans you need.

A humble and appreciative Dan Snaith receives the $20,000 granted by the 11 Grand Jury members who deliberated through the Gala evening with the task of making a winner out of one of the final 10 recordings on this years short list.

Steve Jordan, founder of the three-year-old Polaris Music Prize credits sponsors and the organizing team for what was a "fairly" smooth year of preparation and a live to air night with minimal hick-ups.

The night was checkered with some timely humour. First there was the 1950-esque video that outlined the process for selecting the Polaris Music Prize winner. Secondly, tradition has it that last years winner makes the presentation. Patrick Watson was home in Montreal working on a new record and awaiting a baby due any minute; so 10 versions of "the winner is" were recorded on video. Included in the gag-filled presentation was a declaration that the winner was The Besnard Lakes, who were nominees from last year. The camera panned quickly to stage left where Jace and Olga (of The Besnard Lakes) made a cameo appearance.  As the laughs subsided, through the wonders of modern technology, Patrick Watson announced, to a cheering Phoenix Concert Theatre crowd, that CARIBOU is the 2008 Polaris Music Prize winner.

Southside Shuffle 2008 in Mississauga has a Mississippi feel September 5, 6, 7

Pictures paint a thousand words. Jenn Martin just edited 1,000 pictures and here are the best of  Southside Shuffle Friday September 5th, 2008 Sunday pics, front row centre, back stage and inside the Southside after party CLICK HERE

Wendy's Saturday September 6, 2008 Southside Shuffle photo gallery 

CLICK HERE

Music on the Street	Mississipi's Homemade Jamz	Sounds from the Stage	Cap'n Dave Emcees Mississipi Stage

We will still go on and on about it, but right now I want to get back on the street to take it all in so we'll just let the pictures do the talking for now. If that's not enough stimulation for you ( and who could blame you?) hear more about Southside on Episode 99 of IndieCan Radio, just posted.

Pictured above - The Average White Band, below, The John Henrys who are on  IndieCan Radio Episode 99

Saturday September 6th, Lakeshore Drive was closed off to allow for more fun and more music at Southside Shuffle. IndieCan's Wendy and Jenn have edited 1,000's pics but here's a few random Saturday shots to give you an idea

 CLICK HERE

 SUNDAY @ SOUTHSIDE including exclusive afterparty

INDIECAN CARES

Rhythms Heard Around The World 

The IndieCan Team was out Friday, August 15 2008 at Clinton's in Toronto supporting a Global Rhythms fundraiser hosted by founder Jagger Long. GLOBAL RHYTHMS is a Toronto based non profit organization which recruits musicians and artists to participate in fundraising events to raise money for children around the world who suffer from poverty. Their vision is to unite communities through music and art to embrace our global issue of child poverty with joy. They strongly believe that children have the right to eat, to learn and to express themselves through art and sport. Therefore, they support children on each continent who require our assistance for basic health, education and recreation by having adopted existing Toronto charities who are committed to children on separate continents, allowing Global Rhythms to make a GLOBAL difference.

The evening was a fun filled event which also went to support Toronto based non profit organization Endo Girlz Rock which increases awareness of Endometriosis, a disease that affects over 70 million women worldwide. The line up for the evening's musical entertainment included Toronto bands Divine is Nothing and A Fourth World, North Bay's Minus the Royals and 2008 TIMA award winner for Best Adult Contemporary - Japhy Ryder.

Global Rhythms have an "Open Arms Approach" and welcome everyone who wants to support its mission and cause which allows members to be creative in their assistance, providing participation strictly benefits adopted projects/initiatives, inspires communities, and develops awareness of our global poverty issue. Although our global poverty issue is a serious one, Global Rhythms knows that having fun with their participation is essential to maintain and further develop its mission, and starting in March, every Friday at Clinton's they will be hosting fundraising events. Global Rhythms creates a powerful and positive energy locally that travels across the world and generates smiles of hope and togetherness.

"MUSIC PLAYED LOCALLY, FELT GLOBALLY"

 Show me Lots More Pictures

Jenn Martin

 Thursday July 31, 2008

THE TORONTO INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS

TIMA awards acknowledge local talent, entertain the crowd and help to build community in the DIY (Do It Yourself) emerging music community that lives under the radar of major media attention.Dozens of awards and prizes were given out, fans and peers were treated to some first rate performances from otherwise under-rated artists. IndieCan was there - we presented some awards, gave away some prize packs, interviewed some artists and had another great night and told our friends we were there working -- ha, ha, ha.  Never the less we did what we did and we will have coverage of the winners, performers and back stage antics including Dame, Japhy Ryder, Fancy Girls Market (pictured above)

CLICK Performances   

CLICK Awards 

Jenn Jazzing in T.Dot with 1 Million of Her Newest Friends!

 This year marked the 20th anniversary of the Beaches International Jazz Festival in Toronto, and my first that I was able to clear the schedule and attend. I love and live for the summer music festivals and try to make it to as many as possible; and being that this was on my "must experience" list for a long time, put it on the priority list. Wow, I didn't know what I was missing; and will make sure I'm there every year to follow.

See All of Jenn at Beaches Jazz Festival

I have no knowledge of previous years to compare it to, but feel the name isn't fully representative of the music. While yes, there's jazz and each artist's interpretation of it, there's so much more - Blues, Funk, Soul, Reggae, Swing; the list goes on and on. But the diversity of styles of music at each different festival is increasing these days as the lines get more and more blurred between genres. One now needs to understand that the name may be the style the event was originally focused on and what they still try to cultivate and promote, but that there's always so much more. Otherwise, as one artist I was discussing this with stated - "everything would just be called a music festival which is really non-descript, and would lose some focus". Personally, being a self proclaimed music junkie, I hear of any festival and run to my laptop to scope it out, regardless of the moniker it's given and see how I can squeeze it in my schedule.

With over 700 artists - both emerging and established award winners, events taking place in multiple locations in the Beaches area of Toronto, activities for children, workshops, a 5, 10, and 20 kilometre run, lots of vendors (I had to curb the shop-aholic tendencies a few times) and of course food and beer, Beaches International Jazz festival has something for everyone, and the best part - for free! I still do not understand Torontonians affinity to roasted corn on the cob at these festivals, but there was plenty of that to be had, as well as many other culinary delights curb side. Queen Street East is closed off from traffic in the evenings from six until shortly after eleven, when 50 bands line a 2 kilometre stretch and entertain the masses in every age bracket. And I do mean from young to old, it's truly a heart warming moment to see a child (actually many children) boogieing away in the street in a genuine display of enjoyment, and see the elderly couples grooving within the crowd. Room for dancing was always left between the crowd and the bands and there were many free spirited souls who showed their appreciation of the music. With over a million people who attended, by the time the street became elbow to elbow, the dance areas were the best spots to be. The weather was threatening to put a damper on the festivities, but cleared up in the late afternoon each day, just in time for set up, and in no way curbed people's enthusiasm; the ambience and vibe of the crowd was in true Canadian spirit - considerate, respectful, fun-loving, unbridled appreciation of the music. It's well thought out as far as timing of the sets for the different acts, being they line the street in a short distance, alternating set times for ones in close proximity to each other prevent any overflow of sound and make stage hopping a breeze to take in as much as possible.

With so much to see, hear and do, and to try and squeeze it all into three days, careful planning, speed walking, little sleep, and caffeine are my recommendations if you want to experience all that Beaches International Jazz Festival has to offer. That is, until I figure out a way to be in six places at once.

Jenn Martin

 VANs WARPED TOUR CANADA DATES: Toronto July 19, Montreal July 20, Saskatoon August 5, Calgary 6th, 2008

Starting in California and ending back there, 150 bands in total play over 44 dates from June to August. True to it's roots, this tour is somewhat genre-specific, dishing out a day of Punk, Ska, Psycho-Billy, Thrash and Reggae. No huggable folkies on this line-up. Some of this year's Canada contingent is St. Alvia's Cartel, The Creep Show, Staylefish, Protest The Hero and Bedouin Soundclash. This year the Toronto area show moves into Toronto Transit System range. Barrie had been a popular stop which was a real treat for music fans north of the city. Having a world class tour in the 705 area-code can really make you feel like you matter. As a consolation, this year it was in the North end of the city occupying mostly parking space at The International Centre on Dixon Road, across the street from the airport.

No dust clouds in the scorching heat of mid-day Warped Tour, advantage Toronto. No mud after the Torrential downpour of late-day Warped Tour, advantage Toronto. No trees, no grass, industrial setting, advantage Barrie. Getting home on a $2.75 bus ride (if you live in Toronto), priceless.

The fans are always a story at Warped tour, if for only the mowalk hair. The weather crashed the party with one of those 20 minute summer down-pours that lasted an hour and a half. The "Parents Waiting Room" is one the cooest "Phuck the Establisment" extra touches at Warped. The set-up of multiple side-by-side stages where one bands big rock finsh fades to the opening bar of the act beside them's set is one of the best fan-experience designs in music festivals. Being a one-day show as a music fan you don't want to waist your time with sound checks and switch-overs. Also, you find that the next pair of stages start times is staggered so if you're cruising the music there's always an engaging sound calling out to you in any direction. One of things that makes me nuts about CMW and NXNE is at 45 minutes after each hour, no matter which of the 50 festival venues you are in, you're watching gear switch-overs.. Warped Tour is self-contained. It can pull in, set up install stages, bring artists, merch and support crew to places where nothing musical ever happened before and create a Woodstock-with-improvements atmosphere. Someone should think about such a tour combining big-city and small town Canada. An event like this in Yorkton Saskatchewan would be the talk of town until the Grey Cup game.

The extras are top-notch too, with a waterslide/cooling station, a free mechanical bull (upon signing a waiver) a guitar hero theme park tent, bad food, but lots of it and this year, all the indoor pluming you could ask for (at least in the men's room).

I am not going to write about the music. Writing about music is a bad excuse for adverb and adjective geeks to overindulge and try to out do themselves with coulourful metaphors. Fans were happy. I enjoyed much of what I exposed myself to and I am a fussy bastard. If you didn't like the music, move 100 metres and see how that sounded. If you couldn't find a place to stand that you were peaking on, may I suggest the Beaches Jazz festival. The weather fouled up some of IndieCan's plans. On our must see, must interview list was GTA's The Creep Show, now with Stomp Records. I chatted with stand-up bassist, Sick Boy before their set, talked about their 5 trips to Europen so far, how much they love Canadian Psycho-billy overseas and made arrangements to meet at after we photographed their set to do a radio interview. Their stage got shut down temporarily, and while I was ringing out wet cloths and having a tea, The Creep Show, played and scattered. We know where they live and where their children attend day-care so we'll get them.

Take a few minutes to click on the four hyperlinks at the top of this article. Come visit IndieCan's myspace or Face Book to have your say if you are a band, fan or insider on Warped Tour. We'd love to hear from you.

Thursday June 26 saw the release of the new Modern Boys Modern Girls CD and IndieCan took in the fun. Akira Alemany is proud of "I might as well Break It" but he's already preparing songs for his next release. We heard some working versions of some of what would become this new CD back in Episode 17 when MBMG performed songs including "Where's your boyfriend?"

There has been a modernization of MBMG in the look and line-up of the band. This version of boys and girls was debuted at NXNE this year and the CD release would have been their second ever performance. Tight sound and high energy; the crowd was definitely into it. The sound of the new CD is different - more sophisticated maybe. Frankly there was rawness in an older song "Edge of My Blade" that hits me like being cornered by a nymphomaniac; reckless, messy, risky, but enticing and irresistible.

Songs 7, Tell Them Everything and 8, A Hammond Organ Singing have that rogue MBMG of yore flavour. So does # 6, Where's Your Boyfriend? as a matter of fact and I noticed on at least one of those tracks some familiar MBMG alumni vocals in the mix. Over this entire band has momentum working in the right direction, supportive press, a legitimate following, an ability to think outside the box when branding themselves and some substance to their art. All in all, this is a real album. It makes sense from front to back and instead of being a collection of songs, it's a theme - not that I have heard it enough to know the meaning of the inside of joke "I might as well break it." I am sure it's there. I like a record that sounds good the first time and profound the second time. There has to be something that makes me say to myself, "now what was that he/she was getting at?" Hear MBMG live at IndieCan last year CLICK HERE, More on Modern Boys Modern Girls See more pictures, wink, wink ....

 IndieCan Radio and Meg-A-Music Toronto Celebrate their 2nd Anniversary in style at the Tattoo Rock Parlour.

May 29th IndieCan celebrated with the second Birthday-Bash following our May 15th event, also at Tattoo. We partied with Meg-A-Music as they also are entering their third year in Canadian independent music. The night started how it should. Rayna, who was our Episode 2 "live at IndieCan" guest performed, while Moe Berg looked on who was IndieCan's Episode I "industry insider." It was so fitting to be putting on a show for some brand new IndieCan bands and fans with some of the early visionaries in the house. For me personally, it mattered a lot. Moe wasn't there to have a drink on us, he was working like the rest of us. He is working with Photocell who performed Birthday Bash DEUX - the sequel who are re-branding themselves. As Stutter, the core of this band were the big winners at the 2007 Toronto Independent Music Awards.

Anniversaries are a time for reflection and I'll take the time to offer two observations. First is that the music and music makers in this country is in great shape. 120 different countries tune in to this web site every week to download the latest IndieCan Radio show. Without a dime spent on promotion music fans found us and I understand they are showing support to our artists in a meaningful manner. Traffic to our site is up 7-fold since last anniversary and that feels good. Our first anniversary saw Tacoma Redd, Anti-Hero and Tin Bangs perform. We screened "What is Indie?" and we had a good, loyal turn out. The difference this year is I was meeting new-music fans for the first time at each concert, who came up to me to tell me what they thought of our show and why they wanted to come to the show. Everyone at our first Birthday Bash was someone I knew I already or someone who tagged along with someone I leaned on to come out and support us. An organic audience is forming that either wasn't there before. I think that means something.

Also performing at Bash 2 were Jon Cohen Experimental from Montreal, Isle of Thieves and Drowning Girl. We raised over $1000 for People afflicted with HIV/AIDS in Toronto so thanks to those who came, those who sponsored and those who enthusiastically rounded up our sponsors. I will let Jesse recognize them individually in the review of May 15 which follows. For a pictorial review of the Two nights that rocked us into year three CLICK HERE and depending on the speed of your hook-up, you might want to poke around with something else if you hate waiting. Ths photo gallery is exceptional quality and I just couldn't discard more than I did, so I hope you enjoy them. Joe Chisholm, founder 

I'm sitting in the Tattoo Rock Parlour, Queen Street West 's shee-shee club/concert venue, for the Birthday Bash and 2nd anniversary of Meg-A-Music and INDIECAN Radio. The event was a hit, celebrating great music moments past and achievements to date, as well as making a salutary glance into the near future, brining what it may to the INDIECAN community and its righteous constituents. Bands played, fans won some awesome raffle-draw prizes (including a Karaoke DVD machine and an acoustic Epiphone guitar), attendance records for an indoor event hosted by INDIECAN were set, and the Missing Children Society of Canada made some

Joe and Jesse from IndieCan + Kelowna from The Verge, XM Satelite Channel 52

money and some new friends. Of course, none of it would be possible without sponsors, so here we go with the thank-yous: Long & McQuade, Pamela Sorrenti & George Veziris, Hot House Cafe, Diane Kroe Boutique, The Fashion District, Stand Alone Records, Cineplex Odeon and Wendy Rombough. Shout outs also go to Kelowna from XM Satellite Radio, Channel 52 The Verge who held court with the crowd and helped give away some of the prizes, Mary Gilbert and Julianne for months of prep and everyone else for their time and donations to help us raise money for Missing Children in Canada.

A special salute to Meg-A-Music Mary is needed ... there's something about Mary. Maybe its just that she supports indie music so instinctively, despite the challenges inherent therein. It takes a certain dogged determination to support emerging music, but in a world where major record labels are becoming dinosaurs, it is the ordinary and often unsung heroes on the ground, fighting the good fight, that are the promoters and protectors of many a talented artist. These individuals, of which Mary and Joe Chisholm are two (though there are teams of others), are driven by the need to see artists succeed where they should - they are in the business of making it happen where it can. At the same time, when emerging music artists achieve great things, organizations like INDIECAN and Meg-A-Music have done their job well.

An American President of a bygone era, Calvin Cooleridge once famously proclaimed: "Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race".

Sarah Burton's Six wow the Tattoo

While INDIECAN may not be solving the problems of the human race per se, we have definitely pressed on through a great number of challenges and obstacles to bring you some of the "best music you've never heard", and we think that is noble. It would have been easy enough to rest of the laurels of our current knowledge or the promise of talent, but, and we tell bands this all the time, without hard work and tenacity a career in the music business would be a short-lived one - events like the Birthday Bash celebrate 2 years of hard work promoting indie music.
The artists which took the stage to celebrate this accomplishment with us and ring in a new year were all terrific, though each had a unique offering for its audience.

Andre Skinner and his "Canteen Knockout" took the stage in the leanest form I've seen them yet - Andre on acoustic guitar with a peddle steel player to boot. We heard some freshly minted material that was performed just as comfortably as their more tried and true catalogue of alt/rock with generous twang.

Sarah Burton and her Six captured the audience with her multi-blended brand of indie music, drawing on a number of influences from country, pop, and rock. Burton 's lyrics may be peppered with sarcasm and wordplay, but in either case its fresh and honest. The diverse instrumentation drew attention to these witty lyrics like a good frame.

Little Sunday blasted out their radio-friendly alt-rock sound with ease. They've recently been paired with acts such as Thornley, Honeymoon Suite, and See Spot Run, demonstrating that their msuic fits with Canadian artists that are popular today. They had a great rapport with an audience, which showed lively support through out the set.

It was the last show for Sam Hell, but before the ice was set, Hell rose one last time in a towering inferno on the TRP stage, delighting fans who called for encores and snapped up merchandise. "Let's do something nasty, let's mash it up" said Jordan, lead singer and guitarist, as they launched into their second last number, highlighting their affinity for crunching out lean athletic riffs on top of compelling lyrics and melodies.

The Joys set came last, topping off the evening. Having been recently certified gold by the Canadian Recording Industry Association, their playing, polished sound and catchy songs is a testament to their deserved recognition. The audience that night couldn't have agreed more.

Overall, it was an honor and a pleasure celebrating the anniversary with such a great line-up of artists and a packed house of fans. It is a high watermark for INDIECAN that we couldn't recognize everyone in the crowd that night - the 1st anniversary party relied heavily on an audience of friends, family, associates, and acquaintances, brought out in some cases by strong encouragement. It is a great sign that we're moving to place where we can host events and the music will speak for itself, that people don't have to be brought out on called favours! But I digress.

Before Little Sunday's last song, lead singer Rick Farrell asked: "you're still

partying tonight?" To Little Sunday, and to Indie bands and fans alike, we proudly affirm, yes...yes we are. INDIECAN will continue to bring the best of new music and industry insider information to fans and students of new music.
From Team IndieCan to fans - thanks so much for the 2 great years. Here's to the next, may it be as banner and bodacious as the past and with ample room for improvement. After all, we're only human. All we can do it "press on" and encourage others to do the same. Maybe we won't solve all the problems of the human race, but we'll certainly liven-up the music industry and give talented (sometimes even genius) artists a chance at their deserved place in it.

Jesse Chisholm- Beatson,

 INDIECAN Correspondent

P.S. If you missed this one, there will be another show at Tattoo rock Parlour on May 29th. Hope to see you there for Toronto Independent Music Winners, Photocell (formerly Sutter) Jon Cohen Experimental from Montreal, Rayna, more music; more prizes more memories for a life-time!

 Jesus Christ* (Super Star) arrives to close out Jeff Healey Tribute Show.

Canada lost an irreplaceable one this year as Jeff Healey, blinded at a young age from a rare form of Cancer, finally succumbed to illness. The Sound Academy was a sold out crowd who saw artists from around town and around the world coming to play and pay homage.

*Ian Gillian of Deep Purple, who was the original Jesus of Nazareth in the recording of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Chris Super Star performed some favourites from Machine Head (Lazy, Space Trucking and Smoke on the Water) as well as a song Jeff Healey performed on during a Toronto recording session, called "When A Blind Man Cries."

The Grande Finale included Colin James, David Wilcox and Randy Backman jamming with the Healey's band with Ian Gillian and Cream's Jack Bruce singing Healey's "Can You See The Light." Other performers for the night included Tony Springer, Alanah Myles, David Bouskill and more.

Money was raised for Daisy's Eye Cancer Fund and Sick Kids Hospital. The event was a night of music that will not soon be forgotten. I have to give a shout-out to Diane Foy for helping me get hooked up with a pass.

Jeff was 41, and leaves his wife, Cristie, daughter Rachel (13) and son Derek (three), as well as his father and step-mother, Bud and Rose Healey, and sisters Laura and Linda. Robbed of his sight as a baby due to a rare form of cancer, retino blastoma, and he started to play guitar when he was three, holding the instrument unconventionally across his lap. He formed his first band at 17, but soon formed a trio which was named the Jeff Healey Band. Lately he had been doing his Jazz thing with the Jeff Healey Jazz Wizards, but his first Blues CD in 8 years is already out in Europe and Canada.

See all the Jeff Healey Tribute Pictures from May 5, 2008

Ian Gillian of Deep Purple performs

Alanah Miles sings her heart out

Click on slide show for great moments

Tony Springer and Paul Kahyas back stage

Connect with Raine Maida

See More Pictures of  Raine Maida @ The Pheonix

 See More Pictures of   Billy The Kid and Jared Paul

THE NATIONS CAPITAL SHOWS ITS HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Ottawa's The Love Machine play to a packed house at Greenfields in Ottawa December 23rd 2007. The crowd knows this band and it was ready for the start to finish crowd-participation show. Fans were standing, some got on stage for a little Christmas cheer and to sing a song with the band.

The bands latest CD, "If You're a Bird, Then I'm a Bird" has flown onto shelves at CD Baby and iTunes allready. During this show, which had a mix of new songs and tunes that that the patron crowd knew and could sing along to. The show was opened by Clothes Make The Man who are just coming off an East-coast road trip. Speaking of East-coast, I got my first taste of The Love Machine in November when I was the Riv in Toronto to see New Brunswick natives, Down With The Butterfly and Grand Theft Bus who shared the stage with thier Ottawa brothers. Love Machine have a real friend at IndieCan in Ottawa's new IndieCan co-host, Woodstock who is high on Love Machines prospects for making it to the next level. Look for The Love Machine on an upcoming episode of The Ottawa Indie Scene in 2008.

Joe Chisholm - More Pictues of THE LOVE MACHINE!

54-40 above, clockwise, Brad on Bass, Neil, guitar and lead vocals, Matt on drums and the newest member Dave on guitar, vocals and keyboard. Dave was selected to join 54-40 becasue he too had a fisrt name with 4 letters. Dave - this pic doesn't show off your new emo hair doo as good as some of our pics, but doesn't the strat look great in this shot - wow, what an axe. More smokin' hot photos of all the Canada Day performers will be coming soon. Get more 54-40 tour dates

White Cowbell Oklahoma at NXNE
By: Andre Skinner
Photo: Daniel Herbert

I thought I had seen it all after NXNE's 2004 Erocktica show at the Bovine with strippers and all that, but nothing I mean nothing comes close to a White Cowbell Oklahoma show, especially with a capacity crowd at the Legendary horseshoe Tavern for NXNE. With people lined out the door and dying to get in I knew this would be a show not to be missed. First off W.C.O. got the crowd juiced up and ready to go with their shotgun wielding sheriff who came out on stage and starred down the crowd making sure there we're no posers on hand, a few minutes pass and the band busted out on stage and got right down to business with some good o'll southern metal. I've never seen more energy and straight up kickass ear splitting' rock than at that show. A few tunes in things started getting visually interesting when a sweet little cowgirl came out on stage and stated shakin' her thang eventually shaking it off showing some tits and ass, the crowd was freaking out and and the Horseshoe started heating up. The guys in the front row really got their money's worth as a couple of them got a face full of jiggling tits. They didn't seem to mind a bit.

W.C.O. was easily 3 times louder than the other bands I had seen earlier in the night and without exaggerating I left the Horseshoe with some ear damage. - IT WAS STILL WORTH IT.

Ladytron (Interview with Rueben Wu)
By: Bryen Dunn

Its a beautiful day in Jacksonville. Thanks for calling the Hyatt. How can I help you?

Im put through to the room of Rueben Wu, one-quarter of Ladytron, currently one of the UKs hottest export commodities. Wu was in Jacksonville, Florida doing a solo DJ set before heading to the South-By-Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas. He had one other DJ gig in Cleveland before flying back to Liverpool for a couple of Ladytron warm up shows at Korova ~ the bands own club. They are now in the midst of their 2006 tour with stops in Europe before crossing the Atlantic for some North American performances, including Toronto.Sounding quite relaxed, Wu confesses, Ive been DJing since I was 18, long before being a musician. Today a couple of us DJ, as people are intrigued by what were about and what type of music were into. Stating that his sets are generally electro-sounding, he mentions the time when he was called upon for a gig in Madrid at 5 A.M. for a hard-based techno set. You just go with whats happening at the time, he laughs.Based in Liverpool, Ladytron ~ with Daniel Hunt, Mira Aroyo, and Helen Marnie completing the lineup ~ seem to be at the helm of todays DIY-Indie culture. Wu and Hunt are both natives of England, Marnie hails from Scotland, and Bulgarian born Aroyo rounds out the global composition that has provided influence to many of their songs. They are part of a scene of individuals who are creating a buzz as DJs, musicians, producers and promoters. They were recently asked to curate a special evening at the South Bank Centre in London as part of the Ether06 Festival. The event was described as a combination of a childrens party and arcane social experiment.The band has always been involved in the Liverpool music scene since gravitating to the city several years ago. They had a successful club-night at Le Bateau called Liquidation, before deciding to open Korova (www.korova-liverpool.com). The weekly Indie night, EVOL, spotlights bands and DJs, providing others with an expression outlet. The obvious references to Clockwork Orange and Sonic Youth are in sync with naming their band after the title of an early Roxy Music song.One year into the new millennium came the release of 604, a synth-based collection of catchy tunes. They were quickly adopted by the UKs New Music Express, and the foursome soon found themselves being compared to 80s musical icons, Human League. Its no surprise really, given the 2-boy-2-girl composition, the retro hairstyles, and that retro analog sound.Wu is one of the key re-mixers in the group and mentions that he has just completed dance remixes for their songs, Hi-Rise and International Dateline. Besides remixing their own songs, they are sought after by other bands seeking a different sound. With the recent release of the Jim Abbiss (Placebo) produced Witching Hour, their 3rd full-length, the sound is much more polished, a tinge darker, and has further defined their own unique style. Destroy Everything You Touch is a power driven pop song destined to become an underground classic.The obvious had to be asked being based in Liverpool are there any plans to do a Beatles cover? Wu admits that they were once asked while in Shanghai (twin city to Liverpool), but it just never happened. We were actually considering it but then got sidetracked with something else, he confesses. Probing further he discloses, If it ever were to happen, it would likely be a B-side or a live recording, and probably Taxman as thats the only song that fits our style.Wu describes touring today as quite different to their first 604 tour, when he admits we sounded like the record. For their subsequent Light and Magic tour they added a bassist and drummer which allowed the band the flexibility to have more fun with their stage antics. I point out that Hunt was once quoted as saying, live shows are not important to the band. Wu laughs, It was likely during our first tour when we were lugging our own gear around and the equipment often broke down. Theyve since evolved and Wu is quick to point out that, touring provides a way of thinking that we need for self development. We cant survive without gigging. Good news for their growing legion of fans across the globe.
Ladytron play Torontos Opera House on April 20th (sold out) and Montreals Club Soda
on the 19th, which at the time of printing still had tickets available.www.ladytron.com www.myspace.com/ladytronBryen Dunn
www.bryendunn.com
Email: info@bryendunn.com
Phone: 416 761 1673

CMW-uh?
By Bryen DunnCanadian Music Week blew through town once again last weekend, and just like
a hurricane it wreaked some havoc. There was the usual confusion,
cancellations and disappointment amongst the highlights of the Festival. I'm
not going to give you the typical band reviews, but more a CMW critique.The "week" began on Wednesday with "The Indie Awards" which could be an
excellent venue for promoting "indie" bands, but it's more a who's hot right
now sort of event. This year they even honoured a couple of old school
Canuck bands, Parachute Club and Pursuit of Happiness, into the "Indie Hall
of Fame". Back in the 80's the sound was known as "alternative" until
mainstream took over that word. Now it appears "indie" is about to be
morphed into the corporate world of music as well. What next? "Underground"
seems to be still valid as an all encompassing homage to the undiscovered
talents out there.There were performances by The Stars and Magnet that were not really much to
drool over. Overall winners sounded like a top 40 play list with Arcade
Fire, Bedouin Sound Clash, Broken Social Scene, Metric, DFA1979 and even Sum
41. If this is "indie" then I would say suggest all bands out there sign up
to a (major) label quick if you want to be recognized.Seriously though, something a bit more "underground" is The Galaxie Rising
Stars Award of the CBC, which helps new artists promote their name in the
Canadian music industry. This year the Award was determined by Critics'
Choice where music journalists across Canada voted to determine the winner.The shortlist for the 2006 Galaxie Rising Stars Award of the CBC was as
follows, with Elliott Brood being chosen the overall winner with most votes.
All Purpose Voltage Heroes "Already Haunted" (Rectangle)
Black Mountain "Black Mountain" (Jagjaguwar/Scratch)
Elliott Brood "Ambassador" (Six Shooter)
Comeback Kid "Wake The Dead" (Smallman)
The Diableros "You Can't Break The Strings In Our Olympic Hearts"
(Independent)
Final Fantasy "Has A Good Home" (Blocks)
Holy Fuck "Holy Fuck" (Dependent)
Jon-Rae and The River "New Songs For The Old Town" (Permafrost)
Republic of Safety "Passport" (Independent)So the "week" continues the following evening, which is the first night you
can use your wristband for anyone who actually purchased one of these. At
$35 a pop, it's hard to get full value over the three nights (Thursday to
Saturday) of the "week". Don't forget to add on cab fares if you actually
want to catch bands in various venues, but if you stuck to one venue for the
night at $8, you'd be paying $24 for all 3 nights - a savings of $11 right
off the top. But the purpose of CMW is to bop around club hopping, perhaps
getting somewhere to encounter a line up, or they are at "wristband
capacity", then it's another decision to be made. So in order to see the
bands you want you have to be pretty slick and on the ball. The CMW website
isn't any help as it seems the format hasn't been updated in years, and
navigating around is very cumbersome.As for the tradeshows, these are actually quite valuable to those in the
industry. It's great for networking and learning tricks of the trade for new
musicians. There are tons of seminars with guest speakers, not all of which
are sales pitches. These are industry-only events so no need to flash your
wristband here.I didn't actually notice many line ups this year, except for the show piece
event on Saturday at Lee's, with current darlings Mstrkrft. These cover boys
(on NOW Magazine) packed the place and evidently this was a known fact long
before the Saturday performance as NOW had the show listed as "sold out".
Another loss for those with wristbands, but they are pretty though and
likely reusable for something.Then over at Social and Spin Gallery, the owners decided to cancel the
showcase that evening due to poor turnout the previous nights. The owners
didn't feel like taking a loss when they could generate more revenue from
their regular Saturday night DJ crowd. How could CMW let this happen? Are
there not any contracts in place with venues? Will Social be allowed as a
participating venue next year?So the cancellation sucks, not only for people heading there to catch some
bands of interest, but also to the bands that came in specifically to play
CMW. Luckily some quick thinking and the show went on as a "house party"
just up the street. Now that's the "indie" spirit of a true music festival.

Comments: info@themarsbar.com

Strut Magazine - Toronto Launch Party
By Bryen Dunn On Wednesday March 8th The Berkeley Church (Queen and Parliament) was once
again transformed into a concert venue/promotional showcase for a Strut
Magazine www.strutmagazine.com event. Last year they created headlines by
bringing in Juliette Lewis and the Licks. This year performances by NYC's
"Morningwood" and Montreal's "The Stills" didn't bring the same buzz but the
bands rocked out in fine format.Strut defines itself as "Canada's Coolest Magazine" and "the best in
Canadian fashion, photography and culture. I personally flipped through the
glossy pages scanning the 50% advertising content, 30% pictures, and finally
the 20% text that might of interest to readers. If you're a fan of GQ or
Vogue this is likely aimed at you, and you were likely at the launch party
as well.This year the purpose of the party was to announce their new Toronto digs
over near Queen and Dufferin in the trendy west end of the city, after 3
years in their home town of Montreal. VICE Magazine recently moved into the
Parkdale area as well. Strut is now claiming they are going to conquer the
country one city at a time. Not sure if they know of the success/failure
rate of most publications, but then again with a 50% advertising content I'm
sure they will likely stay afloat longer than other upstarts.The Launch Party itself was jam-packed, thanks to some excellent PR work.
Corporate sponsorship was everywhere including Oakley, Motorola and Skyy
Vodka. Morningwood (www.moringwoodrocks.com) came out shortly after 9 and
within minutes lead singer Chantal Claret had me thinking of her as the new
Patti Smyth. Tons of energy, hard-ass vocals and a no-shit attitude give her
control of the stage. Their single, "Take Off Your Clothes" was inspiration
for her to call up a young vixen from the crowd and then proceeded to rip
her clothes off her and got into some girl-on-girl soft core. Their
self-titled debut is a hit on college, university and indie stations across
the USA. It helps to have the credibility of producer Gil Norton (Echo and
the Bunnymen, Pixes, Foo Fighters) behind them.The Stills (www.thestills.net) were quite tame after the explosive openers,
but they did their best to keep the attention of the largely non-attentive
crowd. This crowd was there after receiving complimentary invitations (and
drinks if you arrived early enough), again thanks to the good PR work. After
a solid 30 minute set, The Stills left the stage to make way for Carlos D,
from NYC's Interpol. Apparently he was quite late arriving, and again an
uninterested crowd couldn't care less and started filing out by 11pm.I'm sure accomplishment was achieved by all parties involved with this
party. Let's see what they get up to next.Comments: info@themarsbar.com

Bronx Cheerleader
Raising the bar for indie bands
By Andre Skinner

2005 proved to be a banner year for the music industry, we were introduced to many hot bands such as Bloc Party, Death Cab For Cutie, The Bravery and many more. The bar has certainly been raised from art rock to punk and all genres in between. That said, Bronx Cheerleader certainly felt they had to come out swinging and in top form with their debut full length �Tough Guy Cliches� in 2005. After a few spins of this brilliant debut I couldn't�t stop listening to it and decided that it was one of the best debut�s I�ve heard and was definitely one of the strongest releases of the year.Rising from the ashes of former Toronto psych-rockers Pope Factory is founding member Scott Warren who after almost 3 years on hiatus following a the band�s breakup in 2001 had to bust out his axe and songwriting chops to get back to doing what he loves best: playing music. After writing a few new tunes in 2003 Scott had his momentum back and was on his way to laying out the blueprints for �Tough Guy Cliches�. This proved to be quite a task because Scott, who had since settled into domestic bliss with a new house and a brand new baby, had to find the time to juggle way more tasks than he was used to in prior music projects. The big changes had not only altered Scott�s lifestyle but also his songwriting which had evolved from the guitar rock sounds of Sonic Youth to a more mellow, yet still trippy, rock style comparable to the melodic styles of Mercury Rev, and vocal sounds of Elliot Smith. Over 2 years into the project and a few band names later Bronx Cheerleader was officially born. The process of recruiting the band came while recording the CD, Scott had most of the tracks in place but needed key overdubs such as mandolin, lead guitars, drums and bass so he had to start making some calls to find players. The members of the band consist of a mixed bag of Scott�s musical acquaintances varying from family, friends, former band mates and a new recruit from a local record label, they are; original Pope Factory drummer (Sauder), brother in law & guitarist (Tom Tracey), long time friend and ex Palooka bassist (Eron Stroud), and finally Yummy Recordings label head and guitarist Joe Lapinsky. Having such a talented crew of musicians on his side was exactly what Scott needed to seal the deal and put out the long awaited �Tough Guy Cliches� and also have a spot reserved for the band on Yummy Recordings.After the official release of Tough Guy Cliches, Bronx Cheerleader had to test the Canadian Indie market and start promoting their product, after sending out some promo CD�s they we�re surprised to find themselves on the national Top 50 chart of the Canadian College Radio circuit for over a month straight along with a spot on Earshot�s Top 30 Chart. Not too shabby for a St. Catharines band who had never even fully rehearsed or played a live show.With such an impressive start in the band�s infancy there�s no question that we will be seeing and hearing great things to from this St. Catharines band as they are now in rehearsals preparing to hit the stage for the spring/summer season of 2006 and Scott Warren continues penning new material for their next CD which undoubtedly will be another killer.www.bronxcheerleader.comAndr� Skinner -
"AWESOME; I . SHOT THAT!"
Beastie Boys Film ReviewDa 3 Dudes known as the Beastie Boys www.beastieboys.com are trying the
talents in film nowadays - well sort of. "AWESOME; I . SHOT THAT!" - it's
concert footage from their 2004 Madison Square Garden show taken by 50
concert-goers who were given cameras to film the Boys in concert, the fans,
and anything else they felt like supposedly. The result is a
grainy-amateur-like 90 minute waste of time, visually anyway.I think this could prove rock stars do not equal film producers. I totally
get what they were trying to accomplish, but let's leave this for the
amateurs and independents who don't have corporate backing and therefore
it's an honest depiction of what they are capable of, not something
"creatively" put together by professionals. To add to the hype, THINKfilm
(www.thinkfilmcompany.com) did a pre-release on March 23rd that was shown on
close to 200 screens across North America.This was preceded by the world premiere of "A DAY IN THE LIFE OF NATHANIAL
HORNBLOWER," a 30-minute short created specifically for this one-time event.
This was quite the entertaining piece that followed Mr. Hornblower (David
Cross - Arrested Development) through the streets of NYC doing his
day-to-day activities while on his cross country skis - with no snow. He
goes about his business dressed as a German Biermeister - not a leprechaun!
There were a couple of priceless lines such as when finishing his morning
expresso - "It's the elixir of the gods ~ a tiny cup of crystal meth".FYI - Hornblower is a pseudonym for Beastie Boy Adam Yauch, who directed
both flicks. THINKfilm states the short "will self-destruct right after it
is presented on March 23rd, never to be seen again." This enterprise is the
force behind independent and non-fiction film for the past four years, and
future projects include the movie version of "Strangers With Candy"."AWESOME; . I SHOT THAT!" hits theatres for its regular run on April 14,
2006.

Comments: info@bryendunn.com-

Absolut Vodka Makes Music
Absolut Vodka has always been known as the trendy artsy vodka, right from
that day in 1985 when they collaborated with Andy Warhol to create exclusive
artwork for the label. They've since worked with many others in the art and
fashion worlds, including Tom Ford, Jean Paul Gaultier, Gianni Versace and
Kenny Scharf.March 23rd was the official Canadian launch of their newest project, Absolut
Tracks and specifically Absolut Kravitz, a venture into the music business
with a recognizable internationally known personality. Legendary Lenny
Kravitz (www.lennykravitz) agreed to write, produce and release his latest
single exclusively via Absolut. "Breathe" is an excellent dance track that
will likely be all over the airwaves this summer. It's yet another direction
Kravitz has taken, as with all his other non-categorical releases. He's
quoted as saying, "I wanted something with a simple dance beat, ala Donna
Summer's I Feel Love". I think he may have that down pat.The one stipulation when developing the song for Absolut was to incorporate
the brands core values ~ clarity, simplicity and perfection. Kravitz admits,
"There's nothing more simple, clear or perfect than the essence of true
love. Once I'd felt that, the track just came.What makes this release even more interesting is that it has already been
remixed by 10 different artists, and all tracks are available for free
download at www.absoluttracks.com, along with the video. Not sure what the
major labels are going to think of this approach, but Absolut seem to be
once again on the leading edge of pop culture. The Canadian link to all this
is a remix done by Montreal's DJ-duo Chromeo (www.chromeo.net), who
performed their remix version at the launch party. Other featured artists
are from Australia, Germany, Mexico, the US, and China.The Launch was held at the Artcore Gallery in the Distillery District of
Toronto (www.thedistillerydistrict.com). Thanks to Absolut for their newest creations: Absolut Limelight, Apple Sweety, and Monsoon.Comments: info@bryendunn.com

CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK 2006


Royal Wood at the Cadillac Lounge - March 4th

The night started pretty frustrating as my girlfriend and I we're denied entry to both the Horseshoe Tavern and Lee's Palace by frustrated doorperson's seemingly on a mission to make lives miserable. Even with the CMW delegate passes we we're denied, this being a first as I'm used to no lineups and no questions. So I decided on trying out the Cadillac Lounge which proved to be a wise choice and there was room to breathe in the bar and good acts to be seen. As I entered Royal Wood was on stage doing his best to wow the crowd with his somewhat Harry Connick Jr. esque soft voice and tall slim good looks. He's one of those musicians that even if he tried he could not hit a sour note, he had the smooth confidence that made his tunes stick in your head and roll along with groovy melodies. The first tune I saw was played on an acoustic guitar and to my surprize he hopped on the keys and jammed out a couple of more ditty's. For someone who was playing solo he was simply brilliant.Andre Skinner



Yellow Light at the Cadillac Lounge - March 4thAfter Royal Wood's easy going and laid back tunes I figured something similar would follow, well I was wrong. Enter 2 bombshell babes from Vancouver heading up their hard rock combo Yellow Light. They got started on the right note as their Les Paul's engaged and started blasting away at the crowd, the music was heavy, rocking and ballsy similar to that of Hole and Veruca Salt. The band stood out more visually than they did musically as I think they need a little more time writing hits than looking hot.



Sylvie at the Horseshoe Tavern - March 4I decided to try the Horseshoe again after being denied earlier in the night and was let in before the lieup of 30 plus people without question??? As I entered the back room Wintersleep we're just finishing up and Sylvie we're about to grace the stage. The band was way cool, I mean there's something about a female bassist that usually lends to ballsy rockin' music. Sure enough this Regina band was blazin' though their set with the crowd engaged in every song. The singing duties we're traded off between the bassist and rhythm guitarist which made for a pretty cool and diverse set of hard/emo/rock somwhat remeniscent of Sonic Youth. With Sylvie's innovative sound I was pleasantly surprised and I'm now a fan. Excellent performance.Andre Skinner

Much anticipated Anti-Hero Rocks the Bovine

Not many years ago, �pop-punk� would have been an oxymoron. We are blessed to be in a time in music that is seemingly free of constraints. Anti-Hero rides this wave by delivering a one-two punch of pop and punk that leaves a **** eating grin on your face as your knees buckle and you fall to the mat. Anti-Hero is both of pop and punk, both rude and charming, while being true to both extremes. The reason it works is their sincerity and energy. Toying with the catholic goth school girl gone bad fantasy, Rose Perry fronts the band. Never far from her side is Nic, the tall blonde goddess foil to Rose, with the face of an angel but the voice of a demon. �I am 21� says Rose after the show. �Nicole here is still a tender 20 years of age.� To Rose�s right is band co-founder Jesse on lead guitar. Keeping the beat alive on drums is Matty - who the band kidded on stage, about having the nicest boobs of the team. The band held nothing back, opening their set with the title track to their CD, �Unpretty.� Another song was later dedicated to their producer Rob Sanzo (Parade, Rob Black, Crash Kelly) who said to me later that although they showed a little greenness their first time in the studio he can see their potential, he loves their energy and is excited that Anti-Hero has no where to go but up. �Two words� was another crowd pleaser and by that time in the set the band owned the whole crowd. The band had the presence of a stadium headliner. Rose knows how to front a band; she knows where the cameras are and won�t let the audience drift off. Anti-Hero got into the audiences face at Canadian Music Week and if they live up to their obvious potential, everyone in attendance will be boasting years from now, �I saw them first way back in �06 at the Bovine Sex Club.� Joe Chisholm
Fun Times Galore at The Crow Bar Galore makes you remember when rock was young. They honour the music but don�t take themselves too seriously. With all due respect to the 100s of CMW bands I didn�t get to see, Galore wins my �Next Band to Break Out� award. They�ve got it all going for them. Galore is another band with the Moe Berg�s (producer) influence - infectious harmonies, catchy beats and choruses that invite you in.
Already getting satellite radio play this band is one break form Main Street to main stream. The show concluded with a rocking� version of John Lennon�s �Cold Turkey� and closed the deal with �She�s an Elevator.�
Kudos to the owner and staff of The Crow Bar, who hosting a great night for Bhurr Records. Chris Case (RCDmusic.com) emceed what was a great night for the future of Canadian Rock �n� Roll.

Joe ChisholmTacoma Redd Raises the Crow Bar

Here�s a band with two gears � neutral and 5th gear, without much use for neutral. 100% power pop describes them perfectly. They come at you full throttle and you wonder how they will keep this up then they do. Front man, Doug Smart engages a crowd like no other � dancing, pointing, wide eyed and when the constraints of a stage were too much for him, Doug join the audience, mic in hand. Kind of like a zoo with no fences, Tacoma Redd makes you part of the show.
Talking to Chris Bell (bass), Bryan Richards (guitar) Dean Glover (drums) and Doug afterwards they talked with glee about working with producer Moe Berg on their CD. �Simplicity was the theme of the day� recalls Chris, �Keep it simple and be true to the song.� �Moe gets us.� Doug piped in. �We shopped around a lot for a producer but about two sentences into talking to Moe we all thought, �Wow, this guy gets it.��
If you missed them, Tacoma Redd isn�t going drift into the shadows. Catch up with them at www.myspace.com/tacomaredd and check out an upcoming show. Bring your ID, but leave the Prozac at home. There guys will get your synopses firing.

Joe Chisholm

Dunes rock the Rancho Relaxo for CMW
If asked �what were your expectations, playing at Canadian Music Week?� some artists would say �Lights, cameras, a river of Champaign and a spectacle of journalists, A&R reps and industry insiders clamoring for our attention.�

When asked the same question, Kevin Pullen, singer and rhythm guitarist of The Dunes said, �If we can get our music out to a few new people we�ll be happy.� This humble and healthy approach to music will be one of the important building blocks that will keep these blue collar Rockers prominently in the face of the Toronto indie scene. Like the pied piper, The Dunes music is creating an ever growing following of Dunes fans, from town to town and venue to venue. If you missed them, you don�t want that to happen again. From their Rancho Relaxo CMW set (The first venue they ever played at by the way), The Dunes are off to Guelph before coming back to The Mod Club, Gladstone, Savoy, Cadillac Lounge and somewhere in there, finding time to do a live feature for IndieCan.com. The Dunes alt/rocked the Rancho Relaxo, breathing fresh life into the CMW weary midnight crowd. A packed house enjoyed a hot set and I am certain Kevin got his wish � a few new Dunes fans were added to their following. Keep these guys on your radar screen by following them at www.myspace.com/dunesrock.

Joe Chisholm

Canteen Knockout - Mitzi's Sister - 14/1/2006

For anyone who likes a little "twang" in their rock or a little "alt" in
their country, Canteen Knockout (along with guest act Shawn Sage) was their
best bet last Saturday night at Mitzi's Sister. The hip low-key venue had
a great crowd in attendance and Andre Skinner and his henchmen served up a
great set of alt-country/grassroots rock offerings that they are known for.
The band seems to have mastered their sound and the material seems to be
delivered now in a way that only CKO can deliver it. Skinner is one of
those frontmen who is at his best when he is at his most relaxed, and on
this night he definitely was. Guitarist Alex Maxymiw always alternates
seamlessly from the electric guitar to pedal steel, depending on the song.
That band's staple tunes were performed like their 2003 EP opener BENT OUT
OF SHAPE, as well as their new material garnering attention like the
single-bound HEADLINES and the beautiful easy-going HOME, both from their
forthcoming full length album hopefully out sometime in 2006. The music
seems definitely headed more in the (alt) country vein rather than the
variety of styles explored in their debut disc. The marketing, more
spagetti western (check out their kick-ass posters these days) and the
Skinner attire more fitting, great black western style shirt he was sporting
on stage(!). This was CKO's first big local gig of 2006 and a good
beginning to what will hopefully be a good year for our T-dot twang-packing
unsung heroes. Long may they ride.Jeff Cole

Bobfest at the Renaissance Cafe 24/2/2006The Renaissance Cafe had no shortage of a crowd last Friday as the local Dylan hardcores gathered for the first installment of Bobfest. The humble east end bar located at Danforth and Woodbine was pretty much at capacity by 9:30pm as the crowd was ready and on time for the 8:30pm start. Local singer songwriter and host Shawn Sage got things started right by playing Like a Rolling Stone and night was off on great note. There was amazing local talent on the bill with names such as Sam Larkin, Arthur Renwick, Jeff Cottrill, Peter Verity, Mike Barr and many more. The night went on till the wee hours and the music was still hapenning in the form of an open jam at 2:30am. From my perspective everyone in the place had a blast and I saw many leave with huge smiles on their faces. So keep your eyes and ears peeled for the next Bobfest.Andre Skinner


Gram Parsons
The Complete Reprise Sessions
Rhino
By Andre Skinner

For people like myself who are totally blown away by Gram Parsons music and for other who simply like his music, this 3 CD set will set you straight. It has the G.P. and Grievous Angel albums on their own as originally released along with a 3rd CD of alternate takes and previously unreleased songs. One thing I really love about this set is that at the end of each CD you get rare interviews with Gram and a really cool live to radio interview/performance he and his band did while on tour with Emmylou Harris. During that radio spot the band perform Sin City live, which is low-fi but very cool seeing as Emmylou had never performed on a released version of that song. Not only has this CD set all the cool audio extras but it also comes with a sweet 50-page booklet that includes great photos and stories about his short but sweet music career. Last but not least the packaging is awesome, the 3 CDa^?(TM)s and booklet come in a very nice cardboard case with an alternate photo on the cover taken for the G.P. cover. This package totally rocks everybody who enjoys country music should definitely own a copy.Gram Parsons
Fallen Angel DVD
Rhino
By Andre Skinner

Gram Parsons life is truly that of a legend with his amazing music career with the Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers and his own solo career that was cut tragically short by the fast life of sex drugs and rocka^?(TM)n roll. Fallen Angel is a documentary that is gripping to say the least. This DVD covers everything from his family background and his upbringing to his beginnings in music and how his legendary career began at Harvard with the International Submarine Band. This story is authenticated by musical heavyweights such as Keith Richards, Emmylou Harris and Chris Hillman who all tell great stories about their musical ventures with Gram. There are also interviews with his former road manager Phil Kaufman talking about life on the road and telling his controversial story about stealing Parsons body from LAX back in 1973. One thing that is very interesting to watch on this DVD is the rare videos that wea^?(TM)re shot with the Burrito Bros that seem a little cheesy now but wea^?(TM)re likely way ahead of their time back in the early 70a^?(TM)s. This documentary is not groundbreaking in style or production but it does cover everything you would ever need to know about Gram Parsons intriguing life story and is definitely worth checking out.

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