CONTENTS Mar - Apr 2011, Issue 85 ISSN 1918 -560x 85 Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 & 5 Venue updates, correspondence, comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Record Store Day! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 The night I met Alfie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
BC Musician Magazine is published by Patanga Steamship Co. PO Box 1150 Peachland, BC V0H 1X0
BY TONE INDBRYN
Tips on writing your bio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 BY STEVE MARLOW
A bird in the house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 BY LESLIE ALEXANDER
Hooked on harmony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 BY BARB BRUEDERLIN
Reviews, reviews, and more reviews. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 - 33 Where my Indians at? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 BY JANET ROGERS
The Vinyl Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 BY KEVIN KANE
The indie artist’s game plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 BY MIKE SOUTHWORTH
I’d rather listen to my car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 BY SHANE HUMBER
Contest alert! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Festival Notes: Several festivals are overlapping this year because the last weekend in July is also the August Long Weekend, since August 1 falls on a Monday. Write this on your calendar now for your festival planning: The Kispiox Festival this year is July 22, 23, 24. www.kispiox.com/kvmf Our apologies to Komasket Music Festival in the North Okanagan for accidentally leaving you out of the Festival Application Guide!
Please send us your letters! You should also send us CDs. As this issue proves, we’re committed to reviewing. Anything produced in 2010 (that we haven’t already reviewed, natch) or 2011. No EPKs or downloads, please. We’re reviewing again for issue 88, Sept/Oct 2011, but need your CDs before August 1.
604.999.4141 www.bcmusicianmag.com info@bcmusicianmag.com Publisher, Editor Leanne Nash lvnash@bcmusicianmag.com Associate Editor Christina Zaenker zippy@bcmusicianmag.com Associate Publisher, Editor Paul Crawford paul@bcmusicianmag.com Managing Editor Michele Morrow michele@bcmusicianmag.com Kootenay Content & Marketing Carla Stephenson carla@bcmusicianmag.com Advertising & Marketing Representatives Lower Mainland and Interior Christina Zaenker zippy@bcmusicianmag.com Fraser Valley & Northeast Kelly Ingram kiproductions@hotmail.com Alberta Ashley Doull ashley_doull@bcmusicianmag.com Design Shawn Wernig No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Canada Post Agreement 41440066
The opinions expressed within these pages are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect BC Musician Magazine or its affiliates. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher.
ISSN 1918-560X
CONTRIBUTORS Barbara Bruederlin is a freelance
writer in Calgary. She is trying to singlehandedly save the arts community in Canada by promoting struggling musicians and theatre troupes. Her reviews are regularly linked on the press pages of the Calgary Folk Music Festival and Sage Theatre. Barbara also maintains an insanely popular blog, Bad Tempered Zombie. Her writing has been published in Prairie Fire Magazine, Swerve Magazine, Kitschykoo! Subcultural Magazine, and Alberta Views Magazine.
Shane Humber is a guitarist, bassist,
drummer, vocalist and songwriter from Campbell River, BC. Born in Newfoundland, he grew up on Vancouver Island. Shane has been playing music almost all of his life, and feels passionately enough about it to have music notes tattooed onto his ears. His music of choice is Punk Rock and Death Metal, but he prides himself on being able to “sit through almost anything.” Shane also draws and would like to learn how to tattoo.
Tone Indbryn has been performing her music (described as indie folk music decorated with edgy humour) for over 15 years throughout BC. She has released two CDs, “Silence” and “A Little Disgrace.” She is currently working in collaboration with producer and co-writer Phil Krawczuk on her third CD.
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“Wonderfully evocative… the simplicity and directness of these songs make for a superb listen,” said Americana-UK about music from Canadian singer-songwriter
Leslie Alexander, whose independent recordings have garnered international airplay and honorable mentions from the ISC and Billboard song competitions. Along with duo partner Jenny Allen, Leslie is currently touring clean across on Canada on her “Dirty Laundry CD Release Tour “ in support of her new release “Nobody’s Baby.” Janet Rogers Janet is a Mohawk/Tuscarora writer from the Six Nations band in southern Ontario. She was born in Vancouver British Columbia and has been living on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish people (Victoria, British Columbia) since 1994. Janet works in the genres of poetry, short fiction, science fiction, play writing, spoken word performance poetry, video poetry and recorded poems with music. Janet hosts Vancouver Island’s only native radio program on CFUV 101.9fm in Victoria called “Native Waves Radio” and is host of a native music column, Tribal Clefs on CBC Radio One’s program, All Points West in BC every Tuesday.
Steve Marlow
has been writing about music for more than 20 years and has been involved in campus radio for more than 15 years. Since joining campus radio station CKUL in Lethbridge in 1989, he has had a keen interest in all forms of music, and everything Canadian, from music to professional wrestling. He runs an experimental music program on CFBX in Kamloops.
BC Musician | March - April 2011
Kevin Kane has worn many musical hats
over the years: songwriter, recording artist and touring musician (both solo and as vocalist/guitarist with Capitol/EMI’s platinumselling The Grapes Of Wrath, as well as with Leeroy Stagger And The Wildflowers), record producer, session musician, lecturer, educator and has even built guitars and amplifiers. A BC resident his whole life, Kane now lives in Toronto and performs with CANCON super-group Stellar Band Of Neighbours and The Grapes Of Wrath, whose original members regrouped in the summer of 2010 after an 18 year hiatus.
An accomplished cellist and vocalist,
Christina Zaenker has contributed lush accompaniments to many albums by BC artists such as Yael Wand, Kevin Kane, Joey Only Outlaw Band, Don Alder, and Pacifika. She has lived on Haida Gwaii, in Wells and Vancouver, and likes to connect the musical dots across BC. On MySpace you'll find her as "zippycello". Carla Stephenson has been involved
in the underground Canadian music industry for years. She and her husband owned a venue on Vancouver Island and are now owners of Underground Arts Railroad, a website that connects musicians to venues across Canada. She now lives with her touring musician husband and their two amazing kids in Ymir BC where they continue to support indie musicians at the Ymir Schoohouse.
R
Richard Chapman has worked with
a wide variety of great Canadian artists for nearly three decades - from the Rheostatics and Herald Nix to Moose Records and The Pointed Sticks. Currently he conducts the Northern Electric collective www. northern-electric.ca.
Cover Inspiration Richard Chapman’s cover is inspired by this month’s theme of Record Store Day and Reviews: Random thoughts on vinyl tucked away in our golden neighbourhood record stores. Some treasures from Richard’s BC vinyl collection. How many do you have? It’s a good time to score any missing gems for your turntable.
Mike Southworth
is a Producer, Musician, Director and Jack-ofAll-Trades who lives in Vancouver with his wife, Hilary Grist. Check out Mike’s blog at www. collideentertainment.com
A note about last month’s cover: The sillhouette in the photograph really was Richard, and really was a view across the Fraser from New Westminster. But we failed to credit the photographer: Angela de Mynn. Plus, the ghostly images were from the Pacific Northwest Bands web site: pnwbands.com
We Want You! Advertise in BC Musician Magazine There are a few weeks left to book your ad in our
3rd Annual Summer Festival Guide to be published May, 2011 and distributed throughout BC & Alberta.
BC Musician |
March - April 2011
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Venue u pdates, co rrespondence, comments We had feedback on our Venues issue and requested that readers let us know about venues we missed. Here’s a few: Jogas Espresso Cafe 236 Market Ave, Grand Forks, BC 250-442-5558 Roger Soviskov • jogas.ca Minstrel Cafe & Bar 4638 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, BC 250-764-2301 Clare Anderson • minstrelcafe.com
Jeff Bonner reminded us that Tractorgrease Studios in Chilliwack is also a venue. It started “as a collective of like minded artists or Great Creators banded together to release their art. It has morphed into a studio like no other that combines a live venue with audio/video production. Check out www.tractorgrease.com and get in touch with Jeff by calling 604-703-2783 or email tractorgrease.jeff@gmail.com Mike Cleven let us know that Miyazaki House in Lillooet has Friday night concerts through the summer, 643 Russell Lane, 250-256-7527.
Neptoon Records 3561 Main Street, Vancouver, BC 604-324-1229 neptoon.com Eddie de Souza emailed to make sure we let our readers know about “You’re the Star” in Quesnel. Not a venue, per se, but a place to perform for an audience, perhaps be recorded, and have a TV appearance (Cable 10 in Quesnel). Contact Eddie at MusicMan0070@hotmail.com or www.eddiespaghetti.com. The Cool Cat Recording Studio is at 426 Willis Street, Quesnel, BC.
From a reader in Sexsmith, Alberta: I have been enjoying your magazine and would like to say keep up the good work.....love seeing Peter North’s contributions to your magazine.... CKUA is without a doubt a musical treasure which it would be nice to see more listeners in B.C. It can be listened to at ckua.com. I also like seeing the festival coverage.... I have attended the last five North Country Fairs in Driftpile Alberta... I would highly encourage any of your readers to check this fair out...it is held on the summer solstice every year. if at all possible I would like to receive BC Musician magazine in my mail box.... We couldn’t agree more. And your wish is our command.
the dry gulch ramblers, canadian version We don’t hear much from the East Kootenays, so we invited one of the very hard-working bands from the region to tell us a bit about themselves. Larry Newman offers this background on the THE DRY GULCH RAMBLERS For the past six years the Canadian version of the Dry Gulch Ramblers have been entertaining in and around Invermere and Radium Hot Springs BC providing a mix of vocal music with a guitar, banjo, bass and mandolin accompaniment. The group consists of Larry Newman (rhythm guitar, banjo and vocals), John MacRobbie (bass, guitar and vocals), Mark Fraser (lead guitar and vocals) and John Soby (mandolin and vocals). Concentrating their performances close to home during the summer they can be found performing at Radium Hot Springs’ “Music On Main”, at the The Valley Art’s
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Council’s “Arts Tour 2011”, The Edgewater Hall’s 75th Hall Celebration, at a concert for the Columbia Valley Music Society, and at local restaurants and community events. The varied musical backgrounds of the band members blend well together for an interesting and very listenable mix. The group offers a good selection of folk, singer/ songwriter, roots , bluegrass, popular tunes and original material that appeals to a wide audience of listeners. The music can best be described as good easy listening. As with any band The Dry Gulch Ramblers have endured setbacks over the years but the sheer enjoyment they get from playing together has kept them together. This enjoyment is shared with their audiences during each performance. If you are in their neck of the woods take in a performance, you won’t be disappointed.
BC Musician | March - April 2011
The band is planning to record a CD but at present two of the members live in Calgary full time. Both of these members have homes in the Columbia Valley and have plans to move there permanently in the near future.
Record Store Day, Saturday, April 16, is getting bigger each year. Here’s your guide to your neighbourhood record stores, all of which, if you didn’t know this already, really deserve your patronage. Keep record stores alive! Vancouver
Audiopile
2016 Commercial Dr Vancouver V5N 4A 9 Tel. 604-253-7453 www.audiopile.com help@audiopile.com
Dandelion Records
2442 Main St Vancouver V5T 3E2 Tel. 778-737-7367 dandelionrecords@gmail.com RSD special: 25% off used vinyl!
Highlife Records
1317 Commercial Dr Vancouver V5L 3X5 Tel. 604-251-6964 www.highlifeworld.com info@highlifeworld.com
Neptoon Records
3561 Main St Vancovuer V5V 3N4 Tel. 604-324-1229 www.neptoon.com Email: ben@neptoon.com Free Bands, Exclusive Records, Sale! Open from 10 am, music from 11 am until 8 pm or so.
Red Cat Records
4332 Main St Vancouver V5V 3P9 Tel. 604-708-9422 www.redcat.ca redcatrecords@gmail.com Live Performances, Record Store Day releases.
Scratch Records
1 East Hastings St Vancouver V6B 1M 9 Tel. 604-687-6355 www.scratchrecords.com
Vinyl Records
319 West Hastings St Vancouver V6B 1H6 Tel. 604-488-1234 www.vinylrecords.ca timepeacewarrior@hotmail.com
Zoo Zhop Records
223 Main St Vancouver V6A 2S7 Tel. 604-875-9958 www.zoozhop.com davidsmind@davidsmind.com
Zulu Records
1972 West 4th Ave Vancouver V6J 1M 5 Tel. 604-738-3232 www.zulurecords.com info@zulurecords.com Celebrating RSD with store-wide sale, exclusive RSD releases, and an all ages party at the end of the day with Yukon Blonde. Victoria, Vancouver Is land, Saltspring Island
Black Raven Records
1294 Gladstone Ave Victoria V8T 1G6 Tel. 250-590-1033
Ditch Records & CDs
784 Fort St Victoria V8W 1H2 www.ditchrecords.com ditchrecords@shaw.ca Celebrating Record Store Day at a new location. Sale, door giveaways, new releases, live music.
Lyle’s Place
770 Yates St Victoria V8W 1L4 Tel. 250-382-8422 www.member.shaw.ca/lyles.place/
Talk’s Cheap
556B Pandora Av Victoria V8W 1N7 Tel. 250-381-9857 www.talkscheapvictoria.com mail@teenagedepression.ca
The Turntable
107- 3 Fan Tan Alley Victoria V8W 3G9 Tel. 250-382-5543
Bop City Records
211 Simms St Courtenay V9N 5W1 Tel. 250-338-6621 Around BC
Downtown Disc
4163 McConnell Dr Burnaby V5A 3J7 Tel. 604-421-5636 coryg@dddsuperstop.com
Spinner’s Sound Centre
324 Victoria St Kamloops V2C 2A 5 Tel. 250-372-5248 dieter.theiss@shaw.ca
Underground Music
1331 Ellis St, Unit 4 Kelowna V1Y 1Z9 Tel. 778-478-0215 www.undergroundkelowna.com victor@undergroundkelowna.com
CD Shack
22356 Lougheed Hwy Maple Ridge V2X 2T4 Tel. 604-463-6440 thecdshack@hotmail.com
The Grooveyard
239 Main St Penticton V2A 5B1 Tel. 250-493-6501 www.grooveyard.ca info@grooveyard.ca
Meow Records
100-300 Brunswick St Prince George V2L 2B5 Tel. 250-564-MEOW (6369) www.meowrecords.ca jungpunk@hotmail.com
The Beatmerchant
160-12240 2nd Ave Richmond V7E 3L8 Tel. 604-204-0044 www.beatmerchant.com Email: frankie@beatmerchant.com Surf instrumentalists, the Swagmen, playing live, Everyone gets $2 off coupon for Record Store Day Alberta: Calgary
Breakbeat Vinyl
7816 Hunterview Dr. NW Calgary T2K 5C9 Tel. 403-475-2175 webmaster@breakbeatvinyl.com
The Inner Sleeve
117 - 3411 20th St Calgary T2T 4Z6 Tel. 403-242-9899 www.theinnersleeve.com music@theinnersleeve.com
Melodiya Records
2523a - 17th Ave SW Calgary T3E 0A2 Tel. 403-246-8916 www.melodiyarecords.ca melodiya@telus.net
Sloth Records
736b - 17th Ave SW Calgary T2S 0B7 Tel. 403-265-6585 slothrecords@shaw.ca Alberta: Edmonton
Blackbyrd (Myoozik)
10442- 82 Whyte Ave Edmonton T6E 2A2 Tel. 780-439-1273 www.blackbyrd.ca info@blackbyrd.ca
Freecloud Records
10764 - 101 St Edmonton T5H 2S3 Tel. 780-429-1476 www.freecloud.ca glotex@moderndigital.net
Listen Records & CDs
10433A - 124th St Edmonton T5N 1R7 Tel. 780-732-1132 www.listenrecords.net listenrecords@shaw.ca
Sound Connection
10016 - 82nd Ave Edmonton T6E 1Z3 Tel. 780-425-8721 sound.connection@hotmail.com
Heritage Posters & Music
1502-11th Ave SW Calgary T3C 0M9 Tel. 403-802-1846 www.heritagepostersandmusic.com jerry@heritagepostersandmusic.com
BC Musician |
March - April 2011
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the night i met alfie By Tone Indbryn
In the morning before the night I met Alfie Zappacosta I started off in my usual way trying to escape the nagging hopelessness that seems to plague me lately. “How do I continue... my purpose is gone” was the last lyric I wrote before heading out to overhaul some guy’s yard for $16 per hour. This line has been playing over and over in my head lately as new lyrics tend to do, but there was new kind of desperation attached to it. I’ve been speaking to many of my peers and the consensus is the same: Nobody knows where things are going for musicians these days and nobody knows what to do. Music has pretty much become free and all I can see is me on my hands and knees pulling weeds and cleaning toilets ‘til I am dead to pay my rent and get by. Any other industry and the professionals get paid; music is not even paying the big guys anymore. What to do? I couldn’t shake this feeling on the morning of the night I met Alfie. When we arrived at the show Alfie was warming up and I could hear right away that I was going to witness something special. I went to the washroom and came out to the balcony there was Phil talking to Alfie. I went over and joined them. As a woman there are many things you learn about men, and as a woman in the music industry there are even more things you learn. Being ignored and brushed aside and completely omitted from music conversation is the general standard of the male music world,
except for the rare few. Phil being one of the few. I sat down beside Phil and Alfie immediately introduced himself. To my surprise he asked if my name is short for something. No, it’s a Norwegian name; we had a small laugh about names. He continued to talk about music and how he was getting tired, the tour was almost over, and being 57 years old he was feeling his age. He was an average height with a deep raspy cigarette voice, dressed in black with intense eyes to match. I remembered some of the hits he had, “Orlanda,” “Passion,” “Start Again.” I wasn’t an Alfie expert by any means, and I was still wrestling in my hopeless pit, but I was becoming drawn into what he was saying. He spoke about the music industry and the online thing how people are afraid to pay for music on the internet, but they are slowly catching on. A hint of hope. He still sells CDs mostly at shows. He runs his career himself, bookings and players. I commented on how that is a lot of work and he reminded me how tired he was. I began to feel the hopelessness again. Here was a man with a very successful music career and even he had to scramble to fill a room and do a tour. What happened to music and where are all the people? Is everyone too busy playing guitar hero in front of vacant boxes or downloading the new latest greatest for free from the internet? We took our seats and he very graciously took to the stage. I was completely mes-
Coming up in July/August: Musicians as Artists!
merised for the next hour and a half as Alfie was in the driver’s seat and I was more than happy to be a passenger on his ride. He started off with an Italian piece accompanied by an accordion. With his rich voice and dynamic appeal decorated with Pavarottic gestures, the room was his. I was amazed at his range and sense of time; he was able to manipulate the atmosphere like a fine tuned instrument with the grace and finesse of a pro. At the break he came and asked how I liked it. I told him it was the best, he was the best. There was no pomp or ego in his way it was just a pure exchange of communication. Alfie managed in the small amount of time he was in front of me, with a few songs, he reminded me of the heart of music. Why we do this, why we come to hear, and why we go out and are heard. He created community in a matter of seconds, a true master of his craft. I had forgotten about that part of integrity and purpose that I was searching for. Alfie unknowingly bestowed upon me a beautiful present wrapped in black fabric with a simple white terrycloth bow. His honesty emanated throughout the room and I was so relieved because Alfie showed me something more than just superior song writing and awe inspiring performance: He gave me the beauty of a human soul. This is music this is the purpose and my lesson. I left that night inspired and reminded to just “Start Again” and feel my “Passion.”
Are you, like many musicians, supporting yourself with a artistic sideline? Or are you a starving artist supplementing your income with the odd gig or busking duty? We want to include you in our Musicians-as-Artists directory. Your basic listing is free and includes name, web site, medium. If you’d like to promote yourself a little more, for $30 you get name, web site, medium, 30 words to describe what you do + a 1-year subscription to BC Musician. And if that’s still not quite enough, for $40 you get your name, web site, medium, 50 words to describe what you do, your logo or image of choice + a 1-year subscription to BC Musician. And all of that goes on our web site as well Send your info, at the very least, to lvnash@bcmusicianmag.com.
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BC Musician | March - April 2011
Get Listed
Your well-w ritten bio
KIT
By Steve Marlow
apparel
Writing an artist bio might seem like something so basic that some artists may not think twice about it, But there are some common mistakes that artists can make when considering an artist bio. The first rule of writing a bio for yourself is, “Keep it short”. Most bios should be kept to a single page. In the business, this is called a “one-page”. All of your basic vital statisitcs can easily fit onto one page. This is the core of any good bio. Most places will only need the one-page bio. Certainly, for radio stations and newspapers, all you’ll need is this one page. If you have media clippings, glossy photos or other bits and pieces, leave them out of your radio press package. More often than not, these extras will end up in the garbage or the recycling bin, so sending them out wastes your money and your time. By all means, if you have press clippings, hang on to them. They’ll be very useful to you when you start looking for a record label. Record labels like artists that already have a strong fan base, so lots of press clippings, Facebook followers and Youtube videos will show a label that you have done the work to get people interested in your band. Keep those clippings for your record deal, but avoid sending them to a radio station. There are some standards as to what you should include in your bio. All of your con-
tact information (phone numbers, emails, websites, etc.) should be included, along with the name and contact information for your manager, if you have one. Make it clear which number or email should be used for what purpose and whom to contact for bookings or interviews. Include a short bio of your band and band members, or, if you are a solo artist, a longer piece on yourself. Pull quotes from reviews are also good, though don’t overdo this. Keep the message short and simple, and let the person reading your bio where to go for more information. Remember, if you have lots of information online, there’s no need to repeat it in a bio. Include photos or graphics in your bio, but keep them to a minimum. You want your bio to be eye-catching, but you don’t want it to be overrun with things that don’t tell the reader anything about who you are. You can do most of the work laying out your bio yourself in a good word processor. Microsoft Word can do some basic desktop publishing work, but you can do for a more professional program like Adobe Insight. Be aware that there are freeware programs on the internet too. Openoffice, Scribus and The Gimp can do most of the work that a professional desktop publishing program can. Of course, you can always spring for a print shop to do the work for you.
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Book your ad in our Get Listed section for as little as $30 bi-monthly, including full colour. Book for the full year (6 issues) for as little as $150 That’s only $25 per issue. Phone: 604-999-4141, fax: 250-767-3337, Email: info@bcmusicianmag.com
BC Musician |
March - April 2011
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A bird in the house I am probably not alone in my experience that the power of song can sometimes transcend ordinary life, edging into the realm of the supernatural. I have heard of other songs that “came true” for their writers but nothing could have prepared me for having “Bird in the House” manifest in such a profound & life-changing way. At the time I was very unhappy. On welfare, addicted to booze, pot & cigarettes, I hadn’t written a song in months. I was spending most of my time with a guy I didn’t love because he provided for my addictions with only my self-respect in trade. One night he asked me to marry him. I had been considering this “career move” for awhile but his words sank into me like cold lead & I blurted out the truth - “I don’t love you.” His reply was blunt - “Well, what are you doing with me then?” My pride wouldn’t allow me to say. I just shook my head. “You know what you remind me of?” he asked. “A bird in the house. You’re bouncing against the windows and the walls & there’s no way out.” This kind of metaphor was utterly out of character for him. I was transfixed by his words. For months, I had been growing obsessed with superstitions - ominous ladders, indoor umbrellas, black cats - grasping at straws, trying to keep myself safe. There is an old saying that when a bird flies into the house, it means there is going to be a death in the family. I felt death all around me. I went cold all over. I ran into the bedroom with my guitar. As I sat there shaking, the song “Bird in the House” poured out of me. I didn’t write that song. Somebody else wrote it through me. Something inside me clicked. I went back into the other room and told him it was over - I was going to change my life. He scoffed - but I made him take me home, where I faced my dark, dusty, windowless studio apartment alone with my thoughts & my song. I struggled for hours - pacing, crying, & wondering how on earth I was going to change. What would life be like without my addictions? How would I live? “No way,” I thought. I can’t do it.” “But I have to do it, I’m dying,” I argued with myself. I was totally stuck - so I played my song for courage. Finally I fell on the floor, exhausted. I gave up. “God, if you’re there,
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Photo by Kenneth Locke
By Leslie Alexander
and you’d better be, you have to do this for Just then, the phone rang. It was my ex - Mr. me. I can’t do it myself.” “Bird in the House.” “Come on over. I miss A strange peace enveloped me out of you. Let’s party!” I told him I’d been straight the blue. Suddenly, I was certain that ev- for two weeks & was going to stay that way erything was going to be all right. I didn’t lying through my teeth. I wanted to party, but know how - and I still didn’t believe that I not with him! We argued. Finally I felt myself was going to be able to release my addic- relenting. He had more money - I couldn’t tions - but I had a certain sense that I wasn’t afford to stay loaded for long. But going back alone. I was loved, & the world was turn- to him meant that “Bird in the House” meant ing just as it should. After months of misery nothing - that feeling of peace meant noththe feeling hit me like a wave. Such sweet ing. I was staring at the carpet, not really seerelief! I fell asleep sober & peaceful for the ing it, listening to our conversation with one first time in years. part of my brain & edging into despair with For two weeks, I the other. “You’re gowas able to stay away ing to blow it,” I said from booze. I felt to myself. I opened “You know what you revery alone, but I had my mouth to tell him mind me of?” he asked. hope. to come and get me I thought a lot when . . . “A bird in the house. about that strange A little grey bird sense of peace. Had walked across my You’re bouncing against the I imagined it? One carpet. “There’s a windows and the walls & morning I woke up bird in the house!” feeling like I was I yelled, amazed - I there’s no way out.” ready to get drunk almost fell out of my again. It had been chair. “Well, I guess two weeks - surely that proved I didn’t have a that’s the end of this conversation,” he said, problem with booze! I wrestled with myself & hung up. I didn’t hear from him again for all day, finally deciding to go & get a bottle. months - & by then I was safe.
BC Musician | March - April 2011
It took some doing to get the bird back outside. Somehow I had to get him out of my room, down a hallway & three flights of stairs. He spent awhile sitting under some recording gear in the corner of studio, & later perched on the shoulder of a jacket I’d worn when I won a songwriting competition. At that point, the little sparrow allowed me to carry him across the room on a hanger - staring at me calmly the whole time. When I got to the door, he jumped off the hanger & skittered under the recording gear again. Finally I got a broom & gently ‘swept’ him down the hall to the top of the stairs. He didn’t seem inclined to leave so I gave him a little boost with the broom. He flew to the bottom of the staircase - and then started hopping back up the stairs. When a friend came up behind the bird & chased it out onto the street, I was sorry to see it go. And I knew things would never be the same. I didn’t drink that night, or ever again. A
couple of years later, John Ellis heard me playing “Bird in the House” at an open mike session & offered to produce a demo of it. We submitted it to FACTOR & were granted the loan which enabled us to make this recording. There’s a funny little coda to the story. The day the CDs were to arrive from the plant, John got a last minute recording job. As we celebrated later, surrounded by boxes of CDs, he described the session & a funny suspicion stole over me. “What was the artist’s name?” I asked. Sure enough — it was Mr. Bird in the House — the one who thought I would never change. The one who told me I was like a bird in the house. So the circle closed. I began to understand my identity, a trapped bird finally freed from a phantom cage by a man I didn’t even love. By a tiny brown bird. By something big enough to reach right into my soul, into my mind, my soul, my apartment. Music.
We’d love to have you in our magazine! Please get in touch to discuss advertising Phone: 604-999-4141 fax: 250-767-3337 Mail: Box 1150, Peachland, BC V0H 1X0 or Email: info@bcmusicianmag.com View BC Musician Magazine at
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ISLAND MOUNTAIN ARTS 35th Annual School of the Arts This summer study songwriting with legendary Canadian musician and writer,
Dave Bidini July 26 - 29, 2011
dSpboynsored By
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Wells/Barkerville, BC Also appearing at the 8th Annual ArtsWells Festival of All Things Art, July 29 - August 1, 2011 “A brilliant and exciting time among talented and like minded people.” David Francey, 2009 songwriting instructor & Juno award winning artist Photo courtesy of The Banff Centre
For more information or to register:
1-800-442-2787 • www.imarts.com • info@imarts.com Scholarships and bursaries available through Island Mountain Arts and FACTOR
BC Musician |
March - April 2011
11
hooked on harmony By Barbara Bruederlin “My ovaries are now destroyed!” She was a bit dramatic, perhaps, but I knew exactly what my friend Becky was talking about. Her visceral (or rather, gonadal) reaction to a piece of music is the sort of intense arousal that a lot of us experience when listening to music. Personally, I suffer complete ovarian collapse near the end of Radiohead’s Let Down. Thom Yorke may be an increasingly unkempt little gnome, but when he hits that extended high note, he turns into some kind of Viagra-bearing Adonis. But while a particular piece of music may move you to the extent of getting chills down your spine (or lower), a recent study at McGill University has determined that your reaction actually occurs a lot higher up in the body. In a paper published in Nature Neuroscience, a team from the Montreal Neurological Institute describes how music involves the same pleasure-reward brain circuitry that is triggered by sex, drugs, and food. They confirm that music activates the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter that generates euphoria and reinforces activities that are key to survival, like eating and sex. Strictly speaking, music is not essential for survival of either the individual or the species in the same sense that food and sex are, but its connection to this primitive neuronal circuitry illustrates the critical role that music has played through the ages and across cultures.
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Located in downtown Spences Bridge just off the #8 and #1 Highways on Riverview Avenue Monthly music dinner shows ◆ Contact us to book your show! 3705 Riverview Ave, Spences Bridge, BC (250) 458-2256 ◆ steverice53@msn.com
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BC Musician | March - April 2011
The first Neanderthal to tap out a catchy rhythm on a stretched yak hide no doubt got invited to all the A-list cave parties. And we all know that hitting the right parties is the first step in making sure that your DNA ends up in the proper gene pool. Food and sex, as well as substances like cocaine and heroin, can also commandeer the dopamine reward system to reinforce addiction, which, if you follow the physiological process through to the next logical step, means there should be a lot of fat, stoned, horny people around who want to buy your album. How exactly does a musician tap into this dopaminergic response to ensure that their music is addictive? You could try changing your genre. In the McGill study, participants brought in their own music selections, ones that they found to be especially pleasurable. The frontrunners in eliciting shivers of delight were either in the classical or techno categories. Admittedly this is a bit biased, as the music chosen for the study had to be strictly instrumental, to avoid the confounding factor of lyrics. I think the researchers missed a great opportunity, as there is nothing more chill-inspiring than some really stirring vocal harmonies. How else do you think they pack those Baptist churches on Sunday mornings? It’s not the coffee and brownies that puts bums into pews or gets the faithful rolling in the aisles. But if you are determined to produce dream pop or psychedelic cow-punk instead of classical or techno, you might ratchet up the addiction factor by torturing your audience a little bit before allowing them to experience the sweet release of that eargasm. You undoubtedly do this instinctively anyway, but now science has got your back, proving empirically what makes an addictive song. The McGill study determined that there are two distinct phases of dopamine release that accompany that shiver down your spine. The peak response, that perfect sonic moment that gets you all goosebumpy, coincides with increased dopamine release in the ventral striatum. Meanwhile, the anticipatory response, the buildup associated with the sweet torture of waiting for that blissful moment, coincides with increased dopamine release in the dorsal striatum. With repeated exposure to the chosen music, the main response gradually shifts from the ventral to the dorsal striatum. The anticipation of the chill moment becomes a more important part of the reward than the actual moment itself. A savvy musician will use this expectation phenomenon to their advantage, drawing out the moment of peak emotional intensity within a song. By throwing something unexpected into the structure – a modulation of tempo, a shift to the minor key – the reward is delayed a little and the expectation is heightened. Just as a little friction accentuates accord, so too does contrast within a song structure amplify the sweet spot. The traditional song structure of verse, chorus, and bridge just begs to be messed with. Lifts, stop-time, and repetition all add morsels of interest, while pulling back on the reins a little as the song charges toward its musical climax. Of course the cues that elicit musical euphoria are highly personal; one person’s jangly guitar riff is another person’s high C. Give me a boy-girl chorus that builds into a campfire sing-along and I am putty in your hands. Just don’t, as Thelma Houston once begged under the disco lights, leave me this way. Source: www.nature.com/neuro/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nn.2726.html
special reviews issue BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
Lots and lots of reviews. Over the past few years we have received many CDs. No surprise, this is a music magazine. But our deal has been to outsource reviews to musicians, usually letting them choose whom to review — “peer reviews” was the basis for that. It worked well. However, the CDs kept piling up. What occurred to us was simple: So much music, created almost continuously, by people in every city, town, and village around the province, and all of them worthy in their own way of recognition. So what we have here are good news reviews. And if you look through the following pages and don’t see your band and are sure you sent us your CD, you aren’t here for one of these reasons: 1. We gave your CD away. We used to do that, since we couldn’t keep up with the volume of incoming discs and felt wrong about hoarding the music. 2. You sent your CD directly to a fellow musician hoping for a review. 3. Your CD was published prior to 2010. We did our best to include everything but sacrificed from the earlier years to fit these pages. 4. We received it after January 2011 (we had to have some cut-off date) in which case we’ll include you in the Sept/Oct reviews issue. 5. It never actually reached us. How did we conduct these reviews? With some difficulty. It was a group process, some drinking was involved, but mostly it was honest work, listening through entire discs, researching the musicians, and keeping an open mind. Finally, are you wondering how you can be included next time? Send us your CD plus bio and background information (the more background information you give us the better). Don’t bother with cellophane. Don’t send EPKs via email or disc; we actually like paper. Do send trinkets. Stickers and buttons are fun (thank you Petroleum By-Product). And in case you’re wondering, this list is alphabetical, not hierarchical or subject to any other categorizing.
A.S.H - No Looking Back LOCATION :
Vernon
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Independent
We slipped this disk in the machine looking to kick some ASH. But this acoustic trio instead gave us little bit of Roy Orbison, with a hint of mariachi, and an undercurrent of two-step country and bluegrass.
Aeroplane Trio - Naranja Ha LOCATION :
Britannia Beach
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Drip Audio
Formed in 2001 this is their first commercial release. It is experimental music rooted in free jazz, although the pieces range widely. There are composed passages, references to bop and sounds that are just that - discrete points of sound. All the members have deep connections to the vanguard of the Vancouver jazz scene and play in a variety of other configurations. Also comes with a DVD of a complete performance “Live at Ironworks,” followed by a mini-documentary describing their creative process.
Jeff Andrew - Hobo Postcards LOCATION :
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Independent
An audio photo album from a vagabond’s travels. This second album from Jeff Andrew is like the next ride when hitchhiking, picking up where things left off, but everything’s a little bit different. The addition of drums and electric guitar to the mix adds some more drive to Jeff’s exploration of the fantastical and familiar. Highway Girl is a road warrior love song fuelled by surf rock apocalypse, while I Want You to Haunt Me builds a boot stomping funeral pyre and wails into the night. Jeff has collected 13 of these postcards into an album that illuminates an otherworldly road, wandered by so many travellers and ghosts.
Oren Barter - Written all over me… LOCATION:
Williams Lake
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Independent
Oren Barter sounds best in his world-beat/roots/Latin-suffused songs, like the opening track, New York City, and I’ll Sing You Away. A promising emerging artist from William’s Lake whose talent is aided by the deft hand of Henry Small at Small World Studios.
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reviews BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
Rodney Guitarsplat Brent - Two Songs
Robbie Burns - Robbie Burns Returns
LOCATION :
Calgary, AB
LOCATION:
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2009
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Independent
LABEL:
Independent
Two songs, a bluegrass two-step and a country blues, on which Rodney plays all the instruments; mandolin, guitar, dobro and baritone ukulele. As a bonus he throws in 30, yes count ‘em 30, guitar instrumentals. Some may remember him as a member of Sacred Heart of Elvis the mid-80’s country punk band from Calgary. You can take the punk out of the country and what you are left with is all messed up on liquor.
John Buller - Light up the Sky LOCATION:
Vernon
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Signpost Music
This is Jon Buller’s 10th CD and his first original worship CD since 2003’s Broken Drum. He started writing music again after a two year dry spell leading to this CD of five original songs and four covers. Self described as modern worship music over classic rock grooves. Buller is the constant with a varying cast of backup musicians, including a choir and the rapper Fresh I.E., although the sound is remarkably consistent throughout, so it has been carefully arranged. Buller is also a worship pastor at Vernon Alliance Church. Have mercy.
Big Joe Burke - Quiver LOCATION:
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
YVR Records
Originally from Fort St. John, Big Joe Burke played in punk bands around Edmonton in the early 80s. He moved to Vancouver in 1987 and played in a couple of alt rock bands and then quit music to raise his family. This is his second CD since restarting his career as a country artist a couple of years ago. This is rough, roadhouse country. Honky-tonk music drawn from a time when there were no borders between country, rock and blues. Most of the songs are originals, but the four covers tell the whole story. Lightfoot’s Sundown, Dylan’s Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright, Lennon/ McCartney’s Oh! Darling, and Merle Haggard’s Tonight the Bottle Let Me Down. This is alt-country of a high order.
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BC Musician | March - April 2011
Robbie is resurrected here with a five song EP. Originally a jazz musician his career was mentored by Pat Metheny and he was taught by Joe Pass. In the early 80s he made a jazz album for Pablo Records (we think, we couldn’t actually find a copy) which was owned by Norman Grantz. (And that is a whole other story, Grantz developed the careers of Charlie Parker and Ella Fitzgerald, among many others.) Burns has now moved into acoustic pop music and is mildly critical of the machine that modern pop music has become. He really doesn’t like the idol type format programs. He is an excellent guitar player. Welcome back, Robbie.
Bob Campbell - Bunny’s Boy LOCATION :
Wells
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Independent
This CD was made at the same time as the Wingdamramblers and uses the same backing musicians, but without the involvement of Murray Boal. All the songs were written by Bob and, without Murray, the songs are a little more serious and there is greater emphasis on Bob’s guitar playing. Bob also drums, harkening back to his 10 years as a drummer for country bands. Has a homespun feeling, as if he were playing in your living room.
Ron Campbell & the Blues Busters Bust Out! LOCATION:
Powell River
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Independent
A little more restrained than the title suggests, this self-produced album belies what must be an energetic live show. Serves as a nice introduction to Ron Campbell and his current 5-piece band. All the songs are original, and represent 12 years of songwriting.
reviews BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
Carvelli - The Movement
Marq DeSouza - & All His Boyish Charms
LOCATION:
Vancouver
LOCATION :
DATE OF CD:
2009
DATE OF CD:
2008
LABEL:
Carvelli Records
LABEL:
Independent
Carvelli is an Italian-Canadian producer and MC whose label, Carvelli Records, is dedicated to represent Italian Hip Hop, R&B, pop and traditional artists. On this seventrack CD he integrates mandolin, violin and Euro-dance style synths with Hip Hop beats. We gotta admit, before we heard this we didn’t even know there was Italian Hip Hop. “A little Pavarotti by the fireplace.” It is here that Sinatra comes face to face with Kanye West, or Sammy Davis Junior meets Vanilla Ice. This is definitely an eye-opener.
Scott Cook - This One’s on the House LOCATION :
Edmonton, AB
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Independent
This is truly, honestly, country music. It’s tinged with Americana, limned by roots, but the heart is country. Scott Cook’s comforting voice shares stories that create a mood in 4 short songs which we previewed from his forthcoming CD. Watch for more, and be sure to catch him live.
Marley Daemon - Heart to Sky LOCATION :
Victoria
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Independent
Marley Daemon, who sings and accompanies herself on piano and guitar, has an astonishing background. Played in five bands. Studied Indian and classical music in Varanasi. Earned a jazz diploma from the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Awarded Katarina Composition Scholarship which she used, in part, to make this CD. She is part of an intelligent and musically sophisticated new breed of folk musicians adding elements of scat singing, cabaret and bop phrasing to her music. She gets support from eight well known west coast musicians, including Oliver Swain on upright bass and Daniel Lapp on trumpet
Vancouver
His second solo CD after two with Solarbaby. This is powerful rock with smart lyrics. He appropriates freely from all kinds of influences including the folk of Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde, country, metal, blues, hip-hop and power pop. And it all ends up being unvarnished rock and roll. He blasts through the music the same way the Stones do on Exile or the Velvet Underground of Loaded. Play The End of This Song and then go back and listen to the Velvet’s Sweet Jane. It is hard to say enough good things about this CD without falling into clichés. You gotta listen.
Duplex - Worser LOCATION :
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Mint Records
PURCHASE:
Download Only, mintrecs.com
Children of exceptionally talented parents can create good music, just don’t let Disney or Billy Ray Cyrus be involved in the production of either. Duplex is a collection of kids and grown-ups, including Veda Hille, Justin Kellam, Annie Wilkinson, Matt Caruso, Shaun Brodie, and Geoff Berner. Some kids of some of them participate in the 14 tunes on Worser. Calling themselves the laziest band in showbusiness since it took 4 years to pull off album #2 (which is comparable to what many a grandparent infers about their offspring while waiting for more grandchildren to appear), Duplex presents sandwich-making and stupid things, sweaters on dogs and a small dude named Salvador, and those are just some of the S-songs. This music is easy to share with children in the kitchen or the car and repeated listening might actually make you a happier parent and not so quick to hit the bottle when the kids hit the hay.
BC Musician |
March - April 2011
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reviews BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
Dustin Bentall Outfit - Six Shooter
Elephant Island Don’t Say You Don’t Know What You Want
o LOCATION :
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2009
LOCATION :
Victoria
LABEL:
Universal Music
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Independent
Six Shooter is produced by John Ellis and his country influences have certainly dusted this album (he’s the producer behind Ridley Bent’s 180 degree turn into a country star). Dustin Bentall has musical chromosomes in spades, and his songwriting talent shines on this album. It’s a sequence of coming of age stories, road stories, and an ode to the dark side of fame. His Outfit includes Del Cowsill (from another deeply rooted musical family), Adam Dobres and Pat Steward. Kendel Carson shows up on vocals; maybe Dustin will include her violin stylings on his next album.
Do you want this 7” white vinyl EP for your very own collection? We’ve got one to give away. Email info@bcmusicianmag.com with the title of your favourite Nardwuar song ever and you could win!
This is their third CD and not to be confused with the fruit-based Naramata winery of the same name. The basic four piece band has expanded their sound which still uses accordion with guitars and drums, but now adds cello, trumpet, saxophone, upright bass and mellotron. Lead singer Galen Hartley employs the wandering falsetto that was formerly the exclusive tool of early glam bands. He wields it to interesting effect though and the songs are all intricately constructed. Delicately conceived rock without a strident moment, for those who like to think.
Fanshaw - Dark Eyes LOCATION :
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Mint Records
A pop trio occasionally augmented by up to five musicians, Fanshaw is the alter ego of Olivia Featherstonhaugh who has been active on the Vancouver music scene for five years, honing her chops with Mint artists, the Choir Practice. Her music lies in the disconnect between mysteriously dense lyrics and beautiful expression. She is sensitively strange, like French new wave cinema. She works slowly, taking up to a year to complete a song, so everything is thought out. It is a lot of work but it is worth the wait.
Evaporators and Andrew WK A Wild Pear LOCATION :
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Mint Records
ALBUM:
7” vinyl EP
Here for a good time, not a long time, Nardwuar and The Evaporators rock two songs and Andrew W.K. knocks out three on this groovy and oh-so-brief 7” split EP. You just can’t feel bad after listening to any of these tunes. And a punny title too!
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BC Musician | March - April 2011
W h e r e my in dia ns at? Taking to the streets in search of Indian Music By Janet Rogers My research to find Native music stocked in mainstream and obscure record stores produced very interesting results. Here are my findings: Best Variety and Best Stocked: HMV, corner of Robson and Burrard, Vancouver Most Interesting and Collectible: The Turntable, Fan Tan Alley, Chinatown, Victoria Most Educational Record Experience: Black Raven Records, Fernwood Village, Victoria Most Disappointing Findings: Charlie’s Music, Granville and Robson, Vancouver Location You’ll Never Find Native Music: Future Shop, Granville & Robson, Vancouver Most Clichéd Collection Stocked: Lyle’s Place, Fort Street Victoria Firstly I’d like to congratulate both the record stores and patrons of record stores. Through a healthy symbiotic relationship, they keep each other alive in the face of a growing digital age where downloadable music is more the norm than not. Your friendly neighbourhood record store offers personal attention, insightful knowledge and stories rather than URL links. But before we get into a debate about which music source is better, let’s look at those locations, both physical and virtual where an Indian and fans of Indian music can get a fix. As a radio host, music columnist and juror of several music awards, I get mu-
Black Raven Records, Fernwood
sic sent to me. Over the years, I have accumulated quite the collection with minimal effort. So my findings here are a result of literally taking to the streets and talking to those owners and clerks of record stores in Victoria and Vancouver British Columbia. First stop, Lyle’s Place; a Victoria favourite and almost a landmark today. I’m escorted to a sparsely stocked section beside the “International” recordings. Here I find the classics; Best of Buffy Sainte-Marie, R. Carlos Nakai and the Arctic Rose herself Susan Aglukark. The manager tells me someone was in recently and bought up a stack of CDs from this section. I immediately became curious as to who that could be. Victoria is not that big and if there is a native music collector in town, I would like to know who that is…and where they live. Lyle’s selection of native music reflected, like most of what they carry, a mix of new and used CDs. The newer recordings were by none-other than the Rolling Stones of Pow Wow music, Northern Cree Singers. If you are looking to start a native music collection, begin with these guys.
I paid a most delightful visit to The Turntable, tucked away in the narrow through way of Fan Tan Alley in Victoria’s Chinatown. This store carries mostly LPs with some CDs. But nowhere will you find a more knowledgeable and enthusiastic record store owner. This store is for the serious collector, so it was not a surprise to see the Queen Bee Buffy amongst the bins. But what really turned my gears was the pristine copies of Link Wray’s Bullshot, Redbone’s Come and Get Your Red Bone as well as two other titles by these Indian proud pioneers. And who remembers the band Lincoln Street Exit, who later became known as XIT, with their recording Silent Warrior, Plight of the Redman. I get requests on my radio show for these red skin rockers, and was pleased to meet the original members during the last Native Ameri-
BC Musician |
Continued on page 18
March - April 2011
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reviews BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
Folk Thief Love, Heartache & Oblivion
Dominique Fraissard Humble in the Moment
LOCATION :
Vancouver
LOCATION :
DATE OF CD:
2010
DATE OF CD:
2010
Independent
LABEL:
Drink from the Trees
LABEL:
Something borrowed something blue, something old something new. Folk Thief is David Hadgkiss and his acoustic guitar. Born and raised in Kamloops, a cowboy’s honesty drives his storytelling. He’s a less angry but no less earnest early Bob Dylan. Kelly Haigh’s accompanying vocals elevate Broken Record and Breathe.
Doug Folkins - Another Last Call LOCATION :
Campbell River
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Independent
This is Doug Folkins’ fifth solo CD. He also plays as part of the Molly Hogans. He has a modern Celtic rock sound with touches of country and traditional maritime music. He has a way with drinking songs. There are 10 tracks with 10 backing musicians in various configurations and three live tracks from the Molly Hogans. Two of the tracks, Calico Girl and Park the Car, have been receiving international airplay. Expect to see him on the festival circuit this year.
Fond of Tigers - Continent & Western LOCATION :
Britannia Beach
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Drip Audio
Self described as “post everything avant rock” this is focused music that starts from a melody and layers and textures itself into something else altogether. It is a lot of fun and pretty accessible even for people who are not accustomed to hearing avant–garde music. The sevenpiece band includes two drummers and processed violin and trumpet. Mats Gustafsson (see Gord Grdina Trio with Mats Gustafsson) guests on one track. Recommended for those with open ears.
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BC Musician | March - April 2011
New Denver
Dominique Fraissard cites Ray Lamontagne as an influence and I’m hearing Cat Stevens. He is a strong folk/roots songwriter and he got a standing ovation at the 2009 Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival. He is also a go to musician for festival workshops. This is a six song EP and we are sure to be hearing more of his warm, comforting voice in the cool dark festival night when the music just washes your resistance away.
Kathy Frank - Hold On LOCATION :
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Independent
Kathy Frank is a big voiced blues singer in the Chicago style. We don’t know a lot about her but she sounds like she has paid her dues and established a formidable presence on the Vancouver blues scene after working extensively in northern and central BC. Accompanied by James Shepherd on guitar. All songs are credited to Kathy Frank and Randy Ponzio, although the centre-piece is a ten-minute version of Stormy Monday written by T-Bone Walker in 1947.
Fully Loaded - Inside My Head LOCATION :
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Independent
Fully Loaded hits the high energy notes from minute 1 in this six-song EP. Classic rock, and they even thank CFOX in the liner notes. There is nothing missing here, it’s smooth, it’s tight, and it moves.
W her e m y in dia ns at? HMV music store in Vancouver owns the record trade in that area. It sits, like the empire it is at the corner of Robson and can Music Awards. Oh yes my friends, if Burrard, without a competitor anywhere getting schooled in the roots of native con- in site. They satisfied my mission with a temporary music is your thing, there is not healthy collection of “First Nations” mubetter classroom than The Turntable. For sic two colums wide and 7 rows long in example, did you know the lead singer for amongst the “Country Music section. But Grand Funk Railroad who had hits such they’re not giving this stuff away. You’ll pay as Closer to Home, I’m Your Captain and the big box store prices for the privilege of the cover hit Locomotion; Mark Farner is your one stop shopping experience here. part Cherokee? You can’t find that stuff Their marketing researchers have done anywhere in their original biographies their jobs as they or on their present carry 9 of the 34 websites, but dude titles by Northern at Turntable was all Cree Singers. You knowing. Hey, wancan also find most na know what to get of the popular name for my next birthtive artists signed day? A copy of that to the Canyon and Bullshot album will Arbour Record lado just fine! bels here, as well Before we leave as self-produced the island, there is Juno winner Leela one more record shop Gilday’s latest which sits unassumCalling All Waring in Fernwood village riors and very called Black Raven Repopular Inuit cords. This is a volunhottie Tanya teer run, non-profit outfit Tagaq’s 1st and 79 vinyl LP. y, Bullshot, 19 which supports actual in- Link Wra 2nd album. I even found a die labels, not corporate owned titles dis- couple of home-boys (Victoria-ites) in the guised as indie labels. The shop is owned by mix, Siskabush Tales by Art Napoleon and local musicians Wolf and Danni of the band Chief Frank Nelson’s recording In the Spirit Iskra. Their shop focuses on new and used of Our Ancestors. There was a lot of that albums of the Black Metal persuasion. “Got pan-native music too, you know the kind any Indians” I ask. “You bet.” Once again, where the native American flute is featured, like the clan mother of music she is, Buffy but no musicians are listed? They carry lots Sainte-Marie is amongst the used or shall of that too. we say “Righteously Recycled” section with Speaking of which; I was surprisingly several titles from her Vanguard Records disappointed with the collection or rather years (1970). But flash forward, and you’ll non-collection found at my favourite used find mega-metal growlers called “Gyibaaw” record store in Vancity, Charlie’s on Granand their CD Ancestral War Hymes. These ville. Yeah, so the source of their CDs is guys are a mix of northern nations including questionable, the price is always right and a Haida member living around the Prince the variety is very good. However not so George area. They use traditional drums and for native music. When inquiring about screech and scream, with the best of ‘em. native music, I was shown to the “new Horns up kids…keep rock’n the native. I age” section. Amongst the sorted array of was also introduced to Resistant Culture, a titles like, Solitudes Vol. 2 The Sounds of death metal band from Cali. They have two the Surf and Gathering of Shamen there titles All One Struggle and Welcome to Re- was one real brother; Vern Cheechoo with ality – I now own both titles, but have yet to his CD Lonesome and Hurting…I don’t unleash them on my listeners. care how affordable it is, I pass!
Continued from page 17
I’d never dream of unleashing that on my listeners. Of course you can always save yourself the ware and tare on your moccasins and shop on line. CD Plus used to have physical stores, but now I believe they are an online source only. They have a few titles, mostly pow wow and handrum groups. Good if that’s what you’re looking for. Sweetgrass Records is a native owned label based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Again, they carry lots of titles in the traditional native music categories. Arbour dot com is another good online source for native music titles, although their entire stock is not native exclusive. And Canyon Records has a good comprehensive website where you can search for native music by the genre. Next time you’re in a record store, ask the clerks, “do you have a native music section?” and if they don’t, ask, “why not?”
BC Musician |
March - April 2011
19
reviews BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
Hannah Georgas & Mark Watrous The Quarter EP LOCATION :
Vancouver / Toronto
DATE OF CD:
2009
ALBUM:
7” Vinyl EP
This 7” is 2 songs from Hannah Georgas, Chit Chat and Deep End, plus 2 songs from Mark Watrous, Pull Your Train and The Cellophane Ceiling. Georgas has won several awards, including 2009 Best New Artist Bucky Award from CBC Radio 3. This is a great collector’s piece for Georgas fans, who won’t be disappointed with the fine production from Howard Redekopp. Mark Watrous is an American musician who primarily plays with bands including The Raconteurs and Karen Elson, so it’s a nice introduction to his music. Watrous designed the very cool album sleeve.
Gord Grdina Trio w/ Mats Gustafsson Barrel Fire LOCATION :
Britannia Beach
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Drip Audio
Gustafsson is one of the most significant saxophone players on the European free jazz scene. This recording was made live (although with edits) with the Gord Grdina Trio at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival in 2009. The trio consists of guitar, drums and bass, and they are an equal match to Gustafsson’s sonic challenges. Most of the music is a literal blast, powerful and unrelenting. Guitar player Grdina switches to oud on one track, En Shakoota, moving from delicate to rhythmic and back to intense. Engaging.
Heart Swells - Various Hilary Grist - Imaginings LOCATION :
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Independent
Melifluous torch songs, supported by jazz and pop, with a big top romp for good measure. Superb instrumentation and production. Hilary Grist credits hearing Debbie Gibson with changing her life’s path from medicine to music, but she kicks Debbie Gibson’s ass. And she’s multi-talented. Hilary cartoons her own music videos which are guaranteed to make you smile.
20
BC Musician | March - April 2011
LOCATION :
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Gladgnome Records
This compilation features songs that were written during the course of two collaborative songwriting sessions on July 28 & 29, 2009 in Wells, BC, guided by David Francey and Craig Werth. The 18 songs include bluegrass, dreamy folk, duets, solo pieces and band numbers, plus some live performances from the ArtsWells Festival. You can feel the inspiration, legacy and love for songwriting experienced by this group. The CD is also a tribute to Tempest Grace Gale and Mike Webb — two participants who passed away in the following year. This compilation will indeed make your heart swell.
reviews BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
The Higgins - Dreamers Like Us
The Hope Slide - The Hope Slide
LOCATION :
Delta
DATE OF CD:
2010
LOCATION :
Vancouver
Open Road Recordings
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Independent
LABEL:
The Higgins will already be well known to anyone who follows contemporary country music. This is their second CD. At last count they have nine BC country music awards. Three siblings from Delta, they are two sisters and a brother. This CD is co-produced and most of the eight songs are co-written by the youngest, Kathleen, who travelled to Nashville to work with some established industry songwriters. Brother John took up the guitar at age 16 after an industrial accident lfet him with a broken back. Kathleen handles lead vocals and rhythm guitar on most of the tracks. Her sister Eileen takes care of harmonies and plays mandolin. They are all prodigiously talented and although they share equal billing, Kathleen is the engine of the enterprise.
This is a disaster album. Don’t read that incorrectly: With songs like Passage, based on the ill-fated Franklin expedition; Perish, about Hurricane Katrina; and Topple the Sky, about the Green revolution protests in Iran, this concept album ties new age melodies, dramatic rock overtures, with 80s new wave synth pop. Band members formerly of Hinterland, they designed this album for download only. But we’ve got a CD!
HDR (Howlin’ Dan & the Riondelics) 5 lb. Hammer LOCATION :
Crawford Bay
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Independent
Another blues band, this one from the mountain wilderness on the east shore of Kootenay Lake. Howlin’ Dan, besides being the songwriter and principal vocalist along with playing guitar, is also a blacksmith and painter. That’s him on the cover of the CD holding the big hammer in front of the hot forge. Do not mess with Howlin’ Dan. The band uses additional instrumentation, accordion, trumpet and alto sax to augment their sound and they change it up by introducing some elements of world music, including tango, into their repertoire. They raise families, grow gardens and play their music late into the night. We’ve been told they are great to dance to and their live shows are a lot of fun.
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BC Musician |
March - April 2011
21
reviews BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
The Jon Cohen Experimental - Behold
The Kerplunks - Walk On
LOCATION :
Montreal, QC
LOCATION :
Gabriola Island
DATE OF CD:
2010
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Independent
LABEL:
Independent
Former Dears and Social Register guitarist fronts a trio with a dozen backup musicians. Wait, this is a Montreal band recorded in Ottawa! But they play in BC and they were dying to be mentioned in the magazine. Skillful pop songwriting, extensively produced. Rhymes ‘think too much’ with ‘eat my lunch’; lyrics we can only applaud.
We had an actual child listen to this CD in order to provide an accurate review. She was able to anticipate some of the rhyme schemes on her first listen (check), giggled at the right spots (check), requested repeated playings of some songs (check), and inserted “gross” after lyrics which included the word “underwear.” Overall, it’s a hit with kids! Also made her mum turn around and drive back to the house to get the CD so she could listen through for a third time, just to make sure she evaluated it accurately. Check.
Mary Kastle - Beneath the Folds LOCATION :
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Black Hen Records
Mary Kastle started her career playing jazz and pop standards in lounges and knows how to work the groove. She uses R&B as a reference point and anchors it with the use of a Fender Rhodes electric piano, an instrument that was widely used in soul music and jazz in the late 60s and again in the early 90s. But with a backing band of eight accomplished jazz musicians and guitar from Steve Dawson she moves well past R&B, introducing elements of swing, gospel, and country amongst others. Her songwriting is highly personal in a way that opens itself to larger issues. It is a modern take on a traditional form, but it is not a throwback. She moves the music into new places.
Jana Keeley - Trouble LOCATION :
Victoria
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Prairie Girl Records
Jana Keeley sings country but she is no bar room brawler. She grew up on a cattle ranch in southern Alberta and toughed it out as a single mother and a student working hard scrabble jobs. So you would think she’d be angry, but she’s not. Her songs are intimate stories based on her rural experience and sung softly so that you have to lean into them to connect with the lyrics. The arrangements are spare; guitar, bass and drums with the occasional slide and Hammond. The whole affair is understated but perfectly suited to her style. An interesting debut.
22
BC Musician | March - April 2011
Kiérah - A Fiddle Affair LOCATION :
South Surrey
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Independent
Celtic music of Canada’s east coast, west coast, Scotland and Ireland. Nominated for a 2010 Canadian Folk Music award. She mixes her original compositions with traditional jigs, waltzes and reels. Supported by Celtic music stalwarts Andy Hillhouse on guitar and Troy MacGillvray on piano. Recorded on the Sunshine Coast. Brilliant.
l
the v i ny l wor d: M r . C lean By Kevin Kane I first met Paul Kehayas about 10 years ago when we were both living in Vancouver: he was the person who drew me into the dark netherworld of “the original mono mix”. I can still vividly recall standing at the back of the Railway Club as he told how the mono version of “The Who Sell Out” was not only an entirely different mix than it’s stereo counterpart, but actually contained A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT GUITAR SOLO on the song “Our Love Was” (and if your heart didn’t just beat a little fast upon reading those bolded words then you’ve already read to far). Recently, I tagged along with Paul to a record fair here in Toronto, though I saw myself more as an amateur anthropologist than potential customer. Not that there weren’t a couple of records I wasn’t find Paul washing some dishes…only kind of looking for, but knew that find- they weren’t dishes: he was washing his ing anything here would have been akin records in the sink! Had he gone insane? to stumbling upon overlooked crack in a Having come of age in the 70s/80s, I drug house. I browsed through the dusty recall the myriad of specialty products boxes half-heartedly, but as time wore then advertised in the back of Rolling on I found myself slowly succumbing Stone magazine for the cleaning and carto a twitchy sense of tense desperation ing for vinyl. “All garbage”, Paul said, hanging in the air: at one point I actually holding a soapy album, “all they do is reconsidered spenddistribute the dirt ing $10 on a copy and leave it stuck of “Ram” in only fair to the bottoms of condition(!). Clearly, the grooves once Put a single drop of soap on I needed to get out of they evaporate, there as soon as poscreating a ‘staticthe dampened sponge and sible. y’ sound during Fortunately, Paul begin wiping the record in playback”. Paul had just finished his then went on to a circular motion, following rounds and considdemonstrate his ered the day a sucessential “poor the grooves — like how Alice cess, having proman’s method” for used to wipe plates on the cured an original cleaning used remono pressing of cords: Brady Bunch. the first Small Faces Get one of those album in “VG condicheap dollar store tion. Upon arriving sponges in your at his house to lisfavorite color, a ten to some records, soft, clean terryI went straight to the bathroom to wash cloth, and some liquid dish soap. Put the afternoon’s record fair filth from my a single drop of soap on the dampened hands. I then walked into the kitchen to sponge and begin wiping the record in
a circular motion, following the grooves — like how Alice used to wipe plates on the Brady Bunch. Next, rinse the record under running water — doing your best to avoid getting the labels wet — until all the soap residue is removed. Then place the record in a drying rack or on a clean plate — you can even stack a few records if you want. Now, with terrycloth in hand, take each record one by one and pat the label dry, and then gently wipe the record in the direction of the grooves as you did when washing it with the sponge. After this you can lean the records up somewhere, such as on a bookshelf (not the floor, obviously) for a final air dry. This is the “poor man’s method,” which Paul does with absolutely every used record that he brings into his house. Removing decades of grime (and the grungy build up of 70s circa cleaning products) not only improves the sound of the record but also greatly increases the life of your turntable’s stylus. Apparently, the friction of being dragged through a record’s grooves can create enough heat for tiny bits of grime trapped deep within these tiny valleys to adhere to the diamond tip.
BC Musician |
Continued on page 25
March - April 2011
23
reviews BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
Kingsway & the Great Outdoors The Belvedere Half Court
Carolyn Mark & NQ Arbuckle Let’s Just Stay Here
LOCATION:
East Vancouver
LOCATION:
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
DDG Records
RC Joseph and his collection of East Vancouver musician friends come together on this fourth album from Kingsway. This is music you might listen to while drowning your sorrows in a downtown eastside bar, probably a subterranean one, wishing smoking was still legal, and by the end of the night you get the hell out of there to catch the last bus north on Kingsway to your second floor apartment, feeling finally hopeful about what tomorrow will bring. No liner notes came with the disc, but we do know that RC has some fine musicians collaborating with him, including Kent McAllister and Melisa Devost. Track 8, Paul Roberts, lingers, and by the time you get to Cynics’ Song you’ll feel the warmth of the rising sun.
Vancouver (Victoria)
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Mint Records
While not exactly mellow, this is not a Hootennany Carolyn Mark album. But it is chock full of melody and harmony and trademark wordplay. Carolyn’s voice is built for duets, and NQ Arbuckle’s slightly crispy vocals pair well here. Add your voice for the chorus on just about any song (this listener’s favs include Officer Down, “I hardly notice you coughin’ into my coffee” and Itchy Feet, “Do you dance with the one who brought you, or try one you never had?”). The titular concluding waltz is almost irresistable... onetwo-three one-two-three....
Laurell - Can’t Stop Falling LOCATION:
Toronto, ON
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Warner Music Canada
Laurell has been steadily building her career since she first came to attention as a participant on the Canadian Idol reality series. This album was named pop album of the year at the 2010 Western Canadian Music Awards. For fans of polished programmed pop.
Carolyn Mark & Tolan McNeil - The Sound of the Tone — Echoes from the Last Resort Lost Hombre - Into the Sunset LOCATION:
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Lost Hombre Records
Lost Hombre the CD is Owen Belton on vocals and most of the instruments, with Adrian Buckley on drums and occasional backing from others. The touring band is a five-piece. Belton has experience as a composer for dance and theatre and he is clearly a disciplined writer of strong melodies. The music is intelligent pop with later British influences.
24
BC Musician | March - April 2011
LOCATION:
Vancouver (Victoria)
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Mint Records
Punctuated by non-sequitors in the form of a bleep and a few answering machine messages, you might as well have your water glass against the wall of Carolyn Mark’s apartment, eavesdropping on her social life. She is quite possibly the most self-confessionally funny musician on the road today. In spite of some woeful titles, like I’ve Seen it All, Never Keep a Man, Winter Fat, My Own Worst Enemy, and My Baby Doesn’t Like My Love, she’s not looking for pity. And I get the feeling that through it all, her BFF Tolan keeps her kindly, gently grounded.
the v i ny l wor d: M r . C lean Continued on page 25 So is there a “poor man’s” method for cleaning this? Indeed there is! Take a Mr Clean Magic Eraser that you might use to clean your bathroom or kitchen (it must say “original” on it and not be one of those new and improved or extra strength varieties) and tear a small piece off of it. Now push this over the stylus so that the needle becomes immersed in tiny piece of Magic Eraser (but don’t wipe it as you risk dislodging the diamond tip from the stylus). Pull it away from the stylus and voila! Your needle is now clean! He then took me upstairs to where the Kehayas collection lives in their protective poly outer sleeves to show me how a hardcore audiophile truly cleans: meet the “VPI 16.5”! Looking not unlike a rath-
er drab old record player, the VPI features a “high-torque, 18 RPM turntable motor” that “is more than capable of withstanding the pressure of heavy scrubbing during extended cleaning sessions”. The cleaning itself is accomplished by “self aligning vacuum suction tubes” that utilize an “internal fluid collection system made of stainless steel”. So, essentially, you cover the record with VPI’s deep cleaning enzyme solution (probably just water, or perhaps snake oil), and then this contraption vacuums said fluid off the record along with pretty much any and all forms of dirt. Neat! And Paul doesn’t reserve this royal treatment for just old records — he also cleans brand new records to remove any traces of the chemical compound used by record plants on their stampers to make the vinyl less sticky during the manufacturing process
(kind of like how one would use Pam when cooking an egg). Now that said album is cleaner than clean it should be slipped into a brand new poly inner sleeve, especially if the record’s original inner was one of those heavy cardboard ones like Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here”, or even worse, one of those plastic lined A&M sleeves (which many of us remember from “Frampton Comes Alive!”), which could hold grit against the record itself while actually reacting chemically with the vinyl. Evil! As I walked to catch my streetcar, I found myself considering which of my own albums might benefit from a bath in the kitchen sink: it would seem that Paul has now drawn me into a dark netherworld of lemony fresh albums that are clean enough to eat from.
BC Musician |
March - April 2011
25
reviews BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
Kent McAlister & the Iron Choir How I’ll Remain LOCATION:
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Rawlco Radio
An accomplished country roots band from East Vancouver. They cover a lot of ground, in the best possible way. Intelligent lyrics married to elements of traditional country, swing, tex-mex, whistling, and even Sam Cooke’s chain gang shows up for a coda. The basic four-piece is augmented by seven guest musicians including Melisa Devost who writes for this magazine.
Miss Quincy - Your Mama Don’t Like Me mip - Caught in Between LOCATION:
Smithers
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL: Independent Smart lyrics and strong melodies make this six-song EP worth hearing. She has worked as a back-up vocalist for Rachelle van Zanten and opened for Alex Cuba. A high energy three piece band that mostly rocks with a bit of a quirky edge.
LOCATION:
Northern BC
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL: Independent Miss Quincy is a big voice from a small town (Rolla, BC, home of the Sweetwater 905 Festival). She brings the Wild West to the big city. Whiskey drenched banjo, brass rail tapping bass, saloon door swinging fiddle. There’s a timely song on this CD: Record Store. Serve up another shot of Miss Quincy.
Get your own! Subscribe to BC Musician Magazine just in time for our Annual Festival Guide - a comprehensive list of BC music festivals for you to plan your year around! visit www.bcmusicianmag.com for details. Geoff Berner, taking a reading break, just before embarking on his Victory Party Tour, March 2011
26
BC Musician | March - April 2011
reviews BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
Milestone SC (Song Creations) Goin’ the Distance LOCATION:
Terrace
DATE OF CD:
2006
LABEL:
Independent
The Music Team - Jupiter Salazar LOCATION:
Milestone SC was formed by itinerant musician Jim Littlehorse and Dan Belisle in northwestern BC 20 years ago. They are an acoustic guitar and banjo duo firmly in the singer/songwriter folk mode with a country edge. Goin’ the Distanct is their second CD and was engineered by Wes Bradford of Bullet Studio in Terrace. Wes also plays bass and keyboards adding depth to their sound. These guys have put in the miles and learned the lessons of the road. They wear it in their music. They know what it is like to earn their living the hard way.
Cariboo country, we think
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Bad Distribution Records
We’re not clear who these guys are. Music Team, send us more information! We are guessing that they are a project coming out of ArtsWells, the annual summer festival held in Wells, BC. Well crafted and melodically interesting guitar based songs. But it is hard to compare them with anyone else. They sound a bit like Tom Verlaine’s Television without Richard Hell. Blue Rodeo member Bob Egan provides pedal steel, twelve-string guitar and glockenspiel.
The Mother Tongue Band The Mother Tongue Band
Nelson Sings for Africa Nelson Sings for Africa
LOCATION:
Nanaimo
LOCATION:
Nelson
DATE OF CD:
2010
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL: Independent Whoa, first few bars and I had to check the CD case: Nope, not the Tragically Hip, it’s the Mother Tongue Band (not to be confused with Mother Tongue, from Texas). They’ve obviously studied Fully Completely. But listen further, and there are myriad influences behind their music (Beatles, Grateful Dead, and, moving forward to the 80s again, the Grapes of Wrath, Blue Rodeo). Concluding song, Sloan Great Wall, as catchy as any pop song today. A promising launch. Keep up this energy and we’ll definitely hear from them again.
Ashley Doull
LABEL: Independent Grandmothers are a tough group, and there are lots of them. In Nelson, there’s a contingent of the bigger group, Grandmothers to Grandmothers, who raise money to help grandmothers in Africa who are raising their grandchildren orphaned by HIV/ AIDS, specifically through the Stephen Lewis Foundation. This CD features 15 tracks all donated by musicians including Be Good Tanyas, Julie Kerr and Craig Korth, Shenango, Aspen Switzer, Pauline Lamb, corazon vocal ensemble, and more. Songs of social justice and hope. It’s a lovely collection, and a worthy cause.
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BC Musician |
March - April 2011
27
reviews BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
Lisa O’Neill - Partner LOCATION:
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL: Independent Originally from Northern Ireland, Lisa spent her adolescence on Vancouver Island. She started playing guitar at 17 and has been working open mike sessions in Vancouver for the last nine years. For the most part this is acoustic folk music that is hypnotic and reflective. Self described as “music to think and relax to” which, like her, understates the case. The band is a basic three-piece with support from additional backing musicians on Fender Rhodes (these things are everywhere), piano, upright bass, violin and lap steel. Ten songs, all originals.
BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
Petroleum By-Product Superficial Artificial LOCATION:
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Mona Mona
ALBUM:
Also avail on vinyl
Now a trio of synth, bass and drums Petroleum By-Product’s sound is morphing from garage punk to pop. The B-52’s meet the Iggy Pop of Lust for Life. Eight tracks clocking in at about three minutes each. Great live band, when the soundman doesn’t turn his back and ignore them to talk to his friends.
Pennan Brae - Shaded Joy LOCATION:
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL: Independent Pennan Brae is a band and also the nom de plume for the singer songwriter, Rob Osmond, who fronts this four-piece. Shaded by Joy was their first release, a seven-song EP. The lead track, Anyways, was released as a single and received some airplay on Canadian and US college radio stations. It also generated some commercial interest in the US. The sound is ethereal and asks the big questions: Have you ever found the clouds in the rain? They have a more recent release, Amber Glow, but it hasn’t shown up here yet.
Shane Philip - Live at Baker Studios Mark Perry - RR#7 LOCATION:
Smithers
DATE OF CD:
2008
LABEL:
Independent
Mark Perry comes from just left of the centre of the province, Smithers, BC, which houses some pretty deep musical talent. A veteran songwriter, this northern troubadour’s songs document the land, history and people around him, from the sinking of the Queen of the North, to the life of Guy Johnson. Who’s that? It could be you.
28
BC Musician | March - April 2011
LOCATION:
Quadra Island
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Independent
Didgerdoo, guitar, djembe drums, Kona lap-slide and Weissenborn lap-slide and vocals. How Shane Philip, as one guy, manages to play all of this on stage and keep the whole ensemble driving hard is tough to visualize. So it’s worth seeing him live. But short of that, the 12 songs on Live at Baker Studios, all of them written by Shane except for Skydance that is co-written with Shawna Audet, will amaze your ears. This is his third CD, and we hear there’s a new one! Hope we get it soon.
reviews BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
Pretty Vanilla - 7 Inches Deep LOCATION:
John Pippus - Born a Genius LOCATION:
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Independent
The CD cover shows John painting himself into a green corner, so the title must be ironic. Using a social networking site, KICKSTARTER.COM, John raised over $3,000 from 65 backers in 34 days to help finance “Born a Genius.” He is a singer-songwriter with a gift for social commentary, self described as “urban /roots with a rhythmic kick.” Producer Adam Bailie added programming and various musicians provide interesting touches on steel pan, digeridoo and kazoo amongst others. All profits from the sale of this album to go KIVA.org to facilitate micro-loans to small businesses in developing countries.
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Independent
Okay, let’s get this out of the way right at the beginning. For those of you with questions about size, the 7 inches deep we are referring to here is the 7” size of this four-song EP. This is a power pop trio and these guys cite T. Rex and The Undertones as influences. Someone should tell them that Bowie cut Marc Bolan. But hey, it’s all fun, and they never stray from important subjects. Drunken teenage nights on Radio Glow, swinging love on New Love, one-night stands on Paper Tiger, and something about not aging. For some reason the back cover of the EP features a large red starfish with the band in the background. Come on guys, put your own glamorous selves forward, and remember, size does matter. (It looks like PV isn’t in business anymore, which makes 7 Inches Deep a collector’s album!)
Rakish Angles - Rakish Angles LOCATION:
Gibsons
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Independent
Amazingly good string band from the Sunshine Coast. A four-piece consisting of bass, violin, guitar and mandolin, they are the love children of Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt. They play swing-based gypsy jazz, except when they play bluegrass, and it is all graced by elements of Latin and classical music. Thirteen instrumental tracks, all originals. Steve Dawson and Celso Machado guest on a couple of tracks. Certainly worthy of repeated hearings.
The Precious Littles - Sometimes You Win LOCATION:
Gibsons
DATE OF CD:
2008
LABEL:
Bearwood Music
You can’t judge this CD by the cover. The design is modern and very indie-alt. But opening with a swinging country twostep, the Precious Littles clean the barroom floor with their through and through country. It’s like Jimmy Buffett wafting on the breeze and a margarita in your hand and you’ve the perfect soundtrack for the dog days of summer.
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reviews BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
The Redboot Quartet - Liquor for Thieves LOCATION:
Bowen Island
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Independent
File this one under gypsy, swing jazz, Yiddish, French, Turkish, Balkan, blues, waltz music. And I probably missed something. This instrumentation of violin, clarinet, and accordion with guitar and bass gives it away. They draw from a broad range of (mostly) European popular music forms and they knock it all down with panache and style. Half the tracks are originals and the covers range from Django Reinhardt to Abraham Ellstein. Everything is delivered with energy and virtuosity. They never flag and they are always interesting.
Janet Rogers - Firewater LOCATION:
Victoria
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Independent
Janet Rogers is a prodigiously talented writer of poetry, fiction, drama, and just about everything else. She also works as a broadcaster and hosts Native Waves Radio on CFUV radio in Victoria, as well as contributing Tribal Clefs to CBC Radio One every Tuesday afternoon. She began recording her poetry with music at a spoken word residency at the Banff Centre in 2006. Firewater is a Spoken Word CD with the backing of five Native musicians. The music is primarily experimental and driven by guitar, violin and cello with electronic beats and effects. She describes her poems as a good dose of Indigenous reality, and they are tough, challenging works. They are not for the faint of heart, but they are worth hearing.
Rough Diamonds Some Assembly Required LOCATION:
Parksville/Qualicum
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Independent
Rough Diamonds is an artistic/musical collective from Parksville. They put together an annual festival for young musicians, called, appropriately enough, the Young Music Festival. This compilation features 3 bands and two solo projects, with the musicians moving between the bands. Charming wordplay and catchy hooks, some songs are strongly influenced by The Violent Femmes with a dash of Janis Joplin by Renee (no last name given). All the songs are original, yet no one in particular is credited. Looking forward to where they all go next.
Shelly Dubois - I’m Not Lookin’ Back LOCATION:
Duncan
DATE OF CD:
2008, Re-released in 2010
LABEL:
JSD Recordings
An independent country music artist originally from Peace River and now living in Duncan. She was a Bud Country Talent Search finalist and that’s beer, not BC bud, we’re talking about folks. She’s got that traditional country music nasal twang going on. Yee-haw. Ten songs and she wrote them all.
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BC Musician | March - April 2011
reviews BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
Stellar Radio Choir Attack! Of The Laser Tiger Henry Small, Alexander Forbes & Tina Moore - The Beauty of the City in the Last Hour of the Night LOCATION:
Kamloops
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Independent
Another spoken word CD! How cool is that! Alexander Forbes teaches at Thompson River University in Kamloops and his poems have appeared in journals all over North America. Henry Small composed the music and produced the recording. Small merits his own book length entry. He has had a long career, starting as lead singer of Scrubbaloe Caine in 1970, made two albums for CBS with Small Wonder and was lead singer for Prism 1980-82, and that barely scratches the surface of his accomplishments. The poems are read by Tina Moore who starred in the musical theatre Bill Miner Road Show. SHe also has an enormous pedigree and deserves an entry of her own. Forbes’ poems are concisely observed vignettes, except when he gets riffing on a subject and then he just goes. Find him online and see him yourself. Poetry is good for you.
LOCATION:
Golden
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Independent
Bucking the trend of putting everything including the glockenspiel on stage, these guys play classic indie rock. Harkens back to simpler times when music was made by three people (hello, Nirvana?). Stripped down, guitar, bass and drums and the odd handclap. Nothing fancy here. Hope they tour through my town.
GET WHAT YOU WANT...
Soupbone - Lead Me On LOCATION:
Williams Lake
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Chillidog Records
AT BONERATTLE! 2012 Commercial drive
Soupbone is a five-piece blues band from Williams Lake. It’s amazing the way styles of music travel. Their track called Old Johnny Walker could be an outtake from a Junior Wells album with Buddy Guy. Mistaken shows the influence of Stevie Ray Vaughan. They occasionally veer from straight up electric blues into R&B. Blues with a touch of soul. If you are a fan of Freddie King, W.C. Clark or Johnny B. Moore you are going to like these guys. They must do a killer live show.
(@ 4th avenue)
604 251 bone www.bonerattle.com Great Gift Ideas! open 7 days /week & holidays
BC Musician |
March - April 2011
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reviews BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
The Stolen Organ Family Cooking with Joyboy LOCATION:
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Babynuts Records
The third CD from Conor Mack and Miss Kelly. Self described as “psychriffic digital country sensations” playing “heavy space disco,” and that about sums it up. Recorded at home with all of the wow and flutter intact, which is hard to do digitally. Apparently they polarize audiences at their live performances. An experience not to be missed.
Subtle Lip Can - Subtle Lip Can LOCATION:
Britannia Beach
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Drip Audio
This trio consists of percussion, electric guitar and violon (a small high pitched cousin of the violin). They met at a Montreal improvisational music series and had a natural chemistry so they have continued to play together. The music is self-described as avant-garde/experimental and it ranges from contemplation to crumple. They are a Montreal band but hey, they are on Drip Audio, so that’s BC to us.
Tour de Fours - The New Standard LOCATION:
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2008
LABEL:
Independent
Chris von Szombathy does not stop creating, auditorially and visually. He is also Audio Ahdeo Awdio, a full on synthesizer space-pop constructions of sound. But Tour de Fours isn’t just Chris and his synth, it’s a shared microphone with T. Greentree, who balances Chris’s intense vocals with ethereal euphonics, reminiscent of a Cabaret-era Liza Minelli. Though synth-driven, other last-name-only musicians show up on strings, bass, reeds, clavinet, piano, brass, electric organ. There’s an obsessive compulsive bent to some songs, Lights On and Number One, and the album is worthy of oc-repeated listening overall. For fans of Kraftwerk (Tour de France, n’est ce pas?) or Jean Michel Jarre, circa Zoolook. We’re looking forward to a new Tour de Fours album soon, and would be keenly interested in a touring Tour de Fours.
Surfdusters - Save the Waves LOCATION:
Campbell River
DATE OF CD:
2011
LABEL:
Fireball Records
Twenty-seven instrumental tracks by BC’s own rocking surf band. This is their third CD and they rule the waves! Eleven of the tracks have been used on Spongebob Squarepants and the eponymous title track was the only Canadian representation on Rhino’s ‘Surf Box’ compilation. Surf music with lots of Fender reverb and saxophone, back dropped by Farfisa organ and a driving rhythm section. These are the children of Dick Dale and The Ventures and they treat the form with respect and, thankfully, no irony.
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BC Musician | March - April 2011
reviews BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
Trembling Spheres The Ghosts of Sleepwalk Town LOCATION:
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2009
LABEL:
Independent
Five piece pop/rock band with a penchant for big hooks and catchy melodies. Nine songs all written by Christopher Yip. They have a big sound. Anathematic arena rock without the bombast. Yip is essentially a sweet personality, so the songs are earnest and emotionally direct without demeaning or threatening anybody. Good clean fun and you can sure dance to it. Thank God their keyboard player has a Fender Rhodes.
BAND NAME - ALBUM NAME
Willy Blizzard - In from the Cold LOCATION:
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2010
LABEL:
Independent
Hard working, hard touring country folk musicians, Willy Blizzard, are as tight an outfight as any group on the road today. With heartfelt humour and songs that feel like they’re already classics, their songs have a level of comfort that seems familiar, but are all original.
Wingdamramblers - Self-titled Jan Van Gold - Shimmy On
LOCATION: DATE OF CD:
2009
LOCATION:
LABEL:
Independent
Kaslo
DATE OF CD:
2007
LABEL:
Independent
Jan Van Gold is a multi-instrumentalist based in the Kootenays. She has released six CDs and each one addresses a different aspect of her music. They range from finger style guitar tunes to layered guitar loops and effects. This CD was her fifth and is her foray into funky rock and hip hop. She wrote all the music and contributes vocals, bass, electric/ acoustic/slide guitar and drum programming. She is a remarkable, unique talent.
Flora Ware - Insight LOCATION:
Vancouver
DATE OF CD:
2008
LABEL:
Foo Records
Originally from Armstrong, and having spent a number of years in Nelson, she has now relocated to Vancouver. Most of Flora Ware’s background has been in jazz but she has now moved into a contemporary pop/soul format. This is her second CD and the first on which she records her own material. Half of the songs are orginals and the other half rework jazz standards into her new style. It is cabaret music in an expensive cabaret. Silky and polished, there are no edges but there are dark corners, plush seats, and ambiguous figures in tuxedos, not sure of what they believe.
Wells
The Wingdamramblers are Murray Boal and Bob Campbell who, separately and together, have been playing music around the Cariboo for 35 years including stints in country and rock bands. After all that time this is their first CD together. They say there is no bar, community hall or banquet room in the Cariboo that they have not performed in. Their sound is contemporary acoustic folk, although the addition of mandolin and banjo gives them a traditional feeling. The songs use Cariboo subjects and are often gently humorous.
We’re doing this all over again in 6 months. Don’t forget to send your music before August 1 to PO Box 1150, Peachland, BC V0H 1X0.
We have special advertising rates for independent musicians.
Would you like to know more? Just email carla@bcmusicianmag.com and she’ll tell you all about it.
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March - April 2011
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the indie artist’s game plan huddle, call out some numbers, clap, release by Mike Southworth Being an independent artist can be overwhelming! In addition to making great music we are expected to be business people, marketers, social media experts, booking agents, bus drivers and more. It’s hard to know where to start and what to do. Well, here’s my attempt at an indie playbook. I can’t guarantee you’ll win but it’ll give you a fighting chance. Ready, Set, Go!
1
Create Great Content Content is King - make it good and make lots of it! Be a perfectionist but don’t let it stop you from consistently releasing content (no matter how perfect you make it today you’ll still find things you want to change later). Your existing fans will love getting new stuff and new fans will have multiple back catalogue albums to buy. Plus, with streaming services like Rdio and Spotify taking off it’s even more important to have lots of good content - the more you get played, the more you get paid!
2
Stick to the Plan(s)
Plan A = You do everything yourself. “If it is to be, it’s up to me.” Plan B = Record Companies, Agents, Managers etc. help you. In the past, recording, marketing and distribution were only affordable for major labels, but the industry is changing rapidly - Arcade Fire, an independent act, just won the Grammy for Album of the Year. Focus the majority of your attention on Plan A - ‘DIY’. Don’t spend all your energy trying to get ‘industry’ to pay attention. The best way attract good representation is to show that you can succeed on your own. Keep an up to date ‘Plan B’ contact list and let them know every time something good happens. Eventually they’ll take notice - and when they do your previous successes will give you more bargaining power.
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3
Find ‘Super-Fans’ (and do everything you can to keep them happy)
Super-Fans come to every show. They buy all of your albums. They tell all their friends how great you are. They comment on everything you post online. They are the indie artist’s lifeblood. How do you get Super-Fans? In addition to creating great content you also need to connect personally with your fans. Interact offstage and online. Be friendly. You’re not too cool to stand at the merch booth and talk to people. Not only will you meet some great people who genuinely love music, but you’ll gain die hard fans who will bring their kids to see your reunion tour in 20 years.
4
Give 110% (no matter what)
If there are only 5 people at your show make them feel like everyone else in the world is missing out. Small audiences are easier to connect with and will return a higher percentage of ‘Super-Fans’. Every show is good practice, plus you never know who might be watching.
5
Know Who You Are
Know your image. Deny it all you want, but music is visual. Video killed the radio star, YouTube killed MTV and who knows what crazy new thing will kill YouTube. This doesn’t mean you have to conform to a stereotypical image or be untrue to yourself - just figure out who you are - then streamline it! Know your niche. What sets you apart from everyone else? What unconventional venues can you play at? Know your genre. Everyone will ask you what/who you sound like so be sure you know the answer. Make it short and sweet and exciting, then memorize it! Know your story. It’s hard to talk about music - that’s why we listen to
BC Musician | March - April 2011
it. You need interesting stories to convince writers to write about you. Do things that set you apart from everyone else - then tell people about them.
6
Hire a Team
You can individually hire people to help promote your music (that’s all a record label is), just remember that every person you add to your team will cut into your profit. First, try doing the job yourself so you know how much work is involved and what it’s worth to you. If you feel you need to hire someone, get referrals from fellow artists. Be careful, the music industry is full of people who will gladly take your money. Services like Sonicbids, Radiotrackers, Songwriting Competitions, Taxi and the like are the music industry version of Las Vegas. Gamble on them if you have the extra cash, but remember, in the music business the only thing that’s easy is spending money.
7
Have a Timeline
Give yourself a schedule and try to stick to it. Make it ambitious but achievable. Break big tasks into small pieces. Things like booking, publicity and content releases need to be planned far in advance - make sure you and your team agree to the timeline and are ready for what’s coming up.
8
Make a Splash
Not only is word of mouth advertising free, it’s extremely effective! Do whatever you can to get people talking about you. Create great content that people want to pass around. A great idea is more important than a big budget.
e t l
o l y o f d u y r e a s y.
y t o y r m s
! e t s
Illustration of an indie musician’s full court press tactics by Hilary Grist
9
Be Realistic
Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Be sensible about where you spend your time and money - when something works, keep doing it! Dream big but be practical. If making money playing music was easy, everyone would be doing it!
10
Keep Momentum
Just like riding a bike, it takes less energy to keep going than if you stop and start. Whether it’s a video clip from a live show, a status update, a new song idea or a music video, release new content every week.
Coming up in July/August: Musicians as Artists!
Are you, like many musicians, supporting yourself with a artistic sideline? Or are you a starving artist supplementing your income with the odd gig or busking duty? We want to include you in our Musicians-as-Artists directory. Your basic listing is free and includes name, web site, medium. If you’d like to promote yourself a little more, for $30 you get name, web site, medium, 30 words to describe what you do + a 1-year subscription to BC Musician. And if that’s still not quite enough, for $40 you get your name, web site, medium, 40 words to describe what you do, your logo or image of choice + a 1-year subscription to BC Musician. Send your info, at the very least, to lvnash@bcmusicianmag.com.
BC Musician |
March - April 2011
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I’d rather listen to the sound of my car by Shane Humber Over the years, I have come to find that my patience has been shrinking faster and faster with mainstream music. Really, since the early-mid 90’s I haven’t felt that much of what is being put forth on a broad scale is honestly great music. I am a diehard fan of specifi c genres of music, yes. However, I think it’s unfair to assume that this makes for a biased opinion. I feel that regardless of genre, I still know a well written song when I hear one. As a songwriter of sorts myself, I fi nd it essential to keep an open mind and open ears to all kinds of music. I’ve also found that sticking to one thing and shunning the rest can potentially do more harm than good as a writer. Inspiration can be found in wildly unimaginable places, and can strike you in any number of unpredictable ways. I feel that lately, more often than not, half-assed thoughtless music with no real apparent meaning (other than making money) is the only thing we hear on the radio anymore. At least 90% of the time anyhow. I am by far one of the biggest music nerds I know. I’m just an average guy, but I probably take music a little more seriously than most people. I have quite literally spent my entire life obsessing over music, and because of this I have willingly exposed myself to a wider range of different styles and genres than you can shake a pair of headphones at. I take it as a personal insult to my intelligence as a listener and an appreciator of musical talent — this is just how my brain works. I now find myself at the point where it can only take as few as the first 8 bars of a song, or even as little as half of the first line of a verse being sung to fi ll me with disgust. Certain songs, you just know it right away: this is going to be a painful 3 minutes of my life that I’ll never get back. When music is more about business and less about the actual music, nothing suffers more than the music itself. The proof is all over the airwaves. I can remember sitting on the floor of the living room in my parents’ old house where I grew up, listening to the all request radio shows. People would call in, talk to the DJ live on the air and ask to hear a song. Then they would play the song,
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just like that. Caller after caller, this is what they’d play on the radio. Sadly, it rarely works like that anymore. While some stations still do honour the old request system at times, and some stations will make an effort to play local artists, most (major) stations these days do not. When I examine the course that mainstream entertainment
Ask yourself: What was the latest record that had a major impact on my life? How old are the records I own that I can listen to from start to finish, and love every single song? When was the last time a record totally blew my mind? has taken since the late 80s, I can’t help but feel like I’m being had. Once upon a time, the listeners had a choice in what they could listen to. That choice is no longer with us. While many listeners are quite content with what is being played, I can assure you that most people see it as little more than a joke. Cookie-cutter bands that all sound like each other, 30-somethings who are still singing about high-school life or crying about failed relationships, and borderline strippers singing about picking up men or partying at the club. The songwriting itself is nothing short of juvenile. Yet according to those in charge of the airwaves, these are great choices. Music with real meaning that makes people think has been silently pushed off of the dial. I also remember watching MuchMusic as a child and early teen, when music channels on TV still played music videos. I’m sure a lot of younger listeners today couldn’t even imagine those channels the way they used to be. Music videos around the clock, non-stop music. Even though these channels still have the same names,
BC Musician | March - April 2011
MuchMusic and MTV (Music Television), the actual music-related content has been reduced to bare minimum. Now we get The Hills and Jersey Shore. Who makes these decisions?! Who’s responsible for stealing the music from us and replacing it with this imposing, unrealistic pop-culture garbage? I haven’t felt the need to waste my attention span on any of the “music” channels on TV for the last 10 years. As far as I’m concerned, it’s all over, and it has been for quite some time. To further prove this point, ask yourself: What was the latest record that had a major impact on my life? How old are the records I own that I can listen to from start to finish, and love every single song? When was the last time a record totally blew my mind? Unfortunately, it is no longer necessary to try your hardest and write great music to be successful, and I can’t help but notice that honestly great records (from start to finish) are becomming fewer and farther between. There are so many great bands hidden out there, pouring their hearts into what they play and still going nowhere because they are never even given the chance to be heard on a broad scale. Predetermined playlists are being thrown at us by faceless people in backrooms, while they tell us “This is what’s good. This is what you should be listening to. These are the bands you should spend your money on.” These apparent new “superheroes” of music all look the same, sound the same, write the same lyrics, and play the same four chords. I for one can honestly say that I’ve heard it all before roughly 15-20 years ago, to be exact. They might be able to fool the kids, but they can’t fool me. There are too many copycats. Nobody is willing to exert any extra effort and venture out of this industry-created comfort zone. Some of these bands are out there making millions from what sounds like ten cents worth of effort. Why are listeners being denied the opportunity to hear something new? New, as in, different bands, different genres and local artists. We no longer stumble across new pleasant surprises and hidden gems we once were privileged
t t d o s s
enough to be gifted with in the good old days, since we’ve managed to let the allrequest radio go pretty much extinct. I think it’s far over-due that people stand up for themselves against bad, effortless, money-driven music. I also think that it’s quite sad to notice that many of these listeners have gradually been conditioned to these stations over time as they themselves have changed, and are likely completely unaware that other (good) music even exists. At this point I feel it’s quite relevant to point out that I am certain, to the best of my knowledge, that I don’t personally know one single person who owns a Nickelback album. Word of mouth is by far the best marketing tool there has ever been. When a friend tells you, “Hey, this band is really great, you should check out this record” or “I saw this band live and they were amazing,” chances are you’re probably going to have a listen. Ask around and find out what your friends and family are listening to. Dig around on the internet a little bit and see what records people are talking about and recommending in their blogs and forums. Most importantly, when you hear something or see a band that impresses you, tell people about it. Get the word out there!! Bands that are doing well and
...most college-run stations and independent stations ... are the final stop for a true music enthusiast... creating a buzz on their own can only be ignored for so long. If you really want to support a band that you like, go out and buy their merch, and make sure you go to their shows if you can. Any band that is serious about what they do is keeping track of how much merch they’re selling and the attendance numbers at their shows. These numbers are very important to a band that is trying to promote themselves to bigger production companies and record labels, because it says in black in white, “this is how many shirts and stickers we’re selling, this is how many copies of our demo we’ve sold, and this is how many people are coming to see us at these shows.” A prospective promoter or record label will look at this information (which will often be included in bands’ press kits - their formal musical resumé) and determine the risk of investing in that
band. Higher numbers in merch and record sales combined with high attendance numbers at shows means less finacial risk for a potential investor, and of course less finacial risk means solid, quality representation and a much greater chance of success. Put more simply, your support for the bands you like can be detrimental to their livelihood. This is one of the ways new music can get back onto the air — we have the power to change what we’re being told to listen to. It’s a group effort and it’s not going to happen overnight, but if we all do our part we can change the course of music as we know it. If you find yourself disgusted with what you’re hearing on the radio, call or write to that station and tell them that you think what they’re playing sucks. Tell them what bands you’d like to hear played more often. However, I’d like to point out that most college run radio stations and independant (not corporate owned) radio stations would be less likely to receive such complaints, because these are essentially today’s final stop for a true music enthusiast — smaller stations with smaller signal ranges, which unfortunately means less accessability to a large audience of listeners.
Here’s a small list of albums that have totally kicked my ass over the last few years. This is music that for the most part is quite likely to never see the light of day on any commercial radio stations. Perhaps college radio. Granted, this stuff may be a lot heavier than things the average person may be exposed to, but if you can get past that, pay attention to the calibre of songwriting these guys can do. Propagandhi, good old Canadian boys from Winnipeg, remain in my opinion to be one of THE BEST bands and the best group of songwriters there are on the go today. Also. The Deftones are also now more of a “mainstream” band than ever before, yet the songwriting nor the delivery of the music has been watered down to accomodate that. These are some of the records I’d be likely to suggest to someone. Feel free to suggest something you feel that I should listen to as well.
Here’s an example of some of Vancouver Island’s finest local talent: Band (Location) Propagandhi (Canada) Bad Religion (US) The Brains (Canada) Deftones (US) The Real McKenzies (Canada) SNFU (Canada) Psyopus (US) Gojira (France) Belphegor (Austria) Beneath The Massacre (Canada)
Album Supporting Caste The Dissent Of Man Zombie Nation Diamond Eyes Shine Not Burn (Unplugged) In The Meantime And In Between Time Odd Senses The Way Of All Flesh Blood Magick Necromance Mechanics Of Dysfunction Technical
Genre Punk/Metal Punk Rock Psychobilly Rock Alernative Rock Celtic Rock/Punk Punk Rock Avante-Garde/Mathcore Death Metal Blackened Death Metal Death Metal
BC Musician |
Released/Label 2009 • Smallman Records 2010 • Epitaph Records 2010 • Stomp Records 2010 • Reprise/Warner 2010 • Fat Wreck Chords 2004 • Rake Records 2009 • Metal Blade 2008 • Listenable Records 2011 • Nuclear Blast Europe 2007 • Prosthetic Records
March - April 2011
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Are you starting to get excited about summer festivals? Can’t wait to plan your trip to as many of this year’s incredible festivals as possible? Here are three ways to get started with your summer plans: 1. Email info@bcmusicianmag with MUSICFEST & ALLISON KRAUS in the subject line and we’ll enter your name into a draw to win 2 tickets to a very special Thursday evening concert that is launching the 17th Annual Vancouver Island Musicfest, July 7th at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds. Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas are stopping over on their Paper Airplane Summer Tour 2011. 2. Email info@bcmusicianmag.com with EARLY ARTSWELLS in the subject line and you
could win 2 tickets to the fabulous ArtsWells
Festival July 29 - August 1 in Wells, BC.
3. Subscribe to BC Musician Magazine for just $30 and help us help you with all your summer festival plans. You’ll get BC Musician Magazine delivered so you can carry it around and read every word. It’s easy, just visit www.bcmusicianmag.com, scroll down to the handy PayPal link, and follow the directions.
Photo Courtesy of Vancouver Island MusicFest
Island Mountain Arts Proudly Presents The 8th Annual
Friday, July 29th - Monday, August 1, 2011 Wells/Barkerville, BC
80 MUSICAL ACTS ON 9 STAGES OVER 4 DAYS IN 2 TOWNS!
Plus: Workshops Galore • 12th International One Minute Play Festival • Live Theatre • Indie Film ArtWalk Around the Town • Activities for Kids • Discounted Admission to Barkerville Historic Town
join Please
Early Bird Weekend Pass (Until June 30th) $90 Adult • $35 Youth (Ages 13- 18), HST incl. Every Adult Weekend Pass holder receives a $15 merch voucher to spend at the ArtsWells Merchandise Booth 12 and under free • Day passes available • Camping not included Want to Volunteer? volunteer@imarts.com • artswells.com
Earlybird tickets now available www.artswells.com • 1-800-442-2787
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