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SPF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Janet Adamana
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ally Sigurdson PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR Steff Shields
CONTRIBUTORS & PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS Olivia Michalczuk Chris P. Bakon Ally Sigurdson SPECIAL THANKS Bryan Fournier Matt Moskal Dave Gagnon Adam Soloway Liam Evergreen Kieran West Micah Erenberg Harley James Flett
SOUND, PHRASE & FURY is a Canadian music magazine out to help promote musicians not usually covered in mainstream media. All music, photos and articles used are for the sole purpose of spreading the knowledge of these artists and their music. We always encourage readers to support every act through purchasing releases, merchandise and attending live shows.
july/aug 2015
Soak Up The Sun Note from the Editor
All Made of Stars We catch up with Harley James Flett
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SPF Recommends Our picks for artists to listen to
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Love Is In the Air Real Love Summer Fest in our Sights & Sounds Series
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Sounds of Summer We give you the top ten summer fests to attend
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SOUND-PHRASE-FURY.COM info@sound-phrase-fury.com @soundphrasefury facebook.com/soundphrasefury
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EDITOR’S NOTE
SOAK UP THE SUN It’s that great time of the year again! Here at Sound, Phrase & Fury, we absolutely adore summer: the sun, the memories and most of all the music. We know many of you also cherish the season of sound, so this time we’ve taken a different approach to celebrating (and prepping you) for summer. Within these pages we share some of our favourite summer picks, our most unforgettable moments, and outlined a few awesome fests where you’re bound to make great memories of your own. It’s the greatest season by far, but also the shortest. So soak it all in while you can!
Looking Up
Janet Adamana Editor-In-Chief
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Facebook.com/AestheticHeartPromotions JULY/AUG 2015 • SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY 5
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Q&A
all made of stars In 2014, we were lucky to sit down and talk with folk-punk artist Harley James Flett about music and his plans for the future. He’s no stranger to the music scene, and we were all patiently waiting for his next album. Finally, our patience has paid off. The new album, Constellations of Suburbia, comes out July 26, and we couldn’t be more excited. 2015 is going to be a big year for the rising musician, and with his album about the drop, we were incredibly eager to get the scoop on what he has worked incredibly hard on these last few months. 8 SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY • JULY/AUG 2015
Q&A
photo & words by ally sigurdson AS: So what is this record about? HJF: This record definitely has a theme to it; it’s like the complete opposite of Nostalgia Drive [2013]. That album was all about post-love, and postfriendships, whereas Constellations of Suburbia is more about what happens in them. It’s all about the present. It revolves around the good parts, bad parts, sad parts, and everything in-between. This record starts where Nostalgia Drive left off, and it’s really all about a dude and a girl trying to find each other again.
AS: What do you want people to take away from this new album? HJF: I want them to realize that nothing is impossible. That even when times get tough, and it seems like nothing is going to work out, you can always make that comeback. In a strange way, it’s kind of what the record ties into, because it’s a chapter of your life. Hitting rock bottom and eventually coming back from that is a huge part of growing up. The whole album is about up’s and down’s, and the last song especially ties into that. It’s all about realizing what you have to do, and just going for it. I hope AS: So it’s a love record, hey? people realize that it’s possible, whatever it is that HJF: It definitely is. It’s a lot of “what if’s.” I like to they’re aiming for. Just do it. think that I know about love, or at least, I’m beginning to. It’s got a cool dynamic to it. I don’t think AS: For those who can’t make your album reany of the songs are very similar; I really wanted to lease, where can they get your music? branch out. HJF: Well, you’ll be able to find my stuff on iTunes and Bandcamp. I’ll have it available online. AS: How many songs are on this album? HJF: I picked eight for this record. It was a little AS: Tell me about your CD Release Show? tricky because I had about fifty [recorded] songs on HJF: It’s on July 26th at The Good Will Social Club my iPod, some of them were jokes and stuff, but [Winnipeg, MB]. I have some awesome artists I still had to go back and figure out which ones I opening the show for me. I have [acoustic, singerwanted to fit on [Constellations of Suburbia.] It was songwriter] Nic Dyson - one of my great friends. a little scary. You craft these things and it’s really Chenoa McKelvey, who I think is absolutely incredpersonal. It’s like someone is listening to my diary. ible and Alex Guidry from Elder Abuse, who is takBut, when you put it into this guy and girl context, a ing on a City and Color approach. They’re all super lot more people can relate to it, so you worry about rad, with such different sounds. Alex is more punk, what people are going to take away from it. Once he reminds me of a Wonder Years unplugged idea. it’s out there, it’s not yours anymore. It’s theirs. Chenoa is all blues and jazz, and Nic Dyson is just The Nic Dyson. I’m very excited for it, and I’m really AS: Who were your musical influences for this ready for people to hear my music. album? HJF: Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen have always Like Harley James Flett at Facebook.com/Harbeen major ones for me - the old stuff. I also really leyJamesFlettMusic. Visit HarleyJamesFlett.com. look to Ryan Adams, Tom Petty, and Byran Webb, Check out SoundWaveSparks.bandcamp.com. Head because they’re amazing storytellers. I think all of to his show on July 26th @ The Good Will Social those people really helped guide me for this record Club. for sure. There are so many artists I look up to.
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RECOMMENDS
W.Darling
Indie-rock/pop Los angeles words BY Janet Adamana
It’s a rare, yet beautiful skill for a musician to capture both your head and heart within the first 5 seconds of a song but W.Darling definitely packs enough talent to do it. The LA-based Canadian pop, singer-songwriter presents Lost Girls: Chapter One, the first portion of a larger album series, with a Chapter Two release in August. The 3-song EP previews a crafted blend of modern pop and dance elements, with subtle tinges of R&B and a solid foundation of indie rock roots that would make even Florence and the Machine jealous. Out of many of the EP’s shining moments, it’s W.Darling’s croon that really takes the listener by the heart and refuses to let go. Match that with her heartfelt confessions and you have a songstress that will undoubtedly find a place among the legendary Greats. &
facebook.com/theWDarling - w-darling.com - twitter.com/_wdarling 10 SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY • JULY/AUG 2015
RECOMMENDS
skylar lawson singer-songwriter- london
facebook.com/skylarlawsonsmusic - skylarlawson.bandcamp.com Skylar Lawson is proof you can’t judge a book by its age. With one listen to her Dreamers Dream EP, you instantly forget the singer-songwriter is only sixteen. On the road to becoming one of London’s next great profile exports, Lawson already encompasses the writing abilities of a seasoned pop star. Sticking mainly to her acoustic guitar, the EP provides a wonderfully stripped down sound, giving a real glimpse of Lawson’s young, blossoming talent. &
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SIGHTS & SOUNDS
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SIGHTSSPOTLIGHT & SOUNDS
Real Love Winnipeg began as a small record company with the sole goal of supporting a strong local music community. Since their start in 2012, RLW has grown into a multifaceted music and show promoter, with Real Love Thursdays, and the annual Real Love Summer Fest. Olivia Michalczuk, takes us through the Sights & Sounds of the grassroots fest, capturing the real feeling of Real Love.
words by olivia michalczuk photos by Chris P. Bakon (@craspybakon) When looking for a unique, intimate, and heartfelt musical experience, a small festival solely dedicated to music and good times is worth the effort to find. Arriving at Real Love Music Festival was a refreshing burst of warm afternoon air in comparison to a city of obligations. It consisted of a surprisingly exciting, yet modest field with a sign and stage that quivered with anticipation. For many, this was the first time being at Real Love, the small “festival that could.” By popular consensus, the crowd consisted of music lovers who had heard about the event through the grapevine. As the reclaimed field slowly became littered with tents, the party was impatiently waiting for campers to abandon their last grasp of responsibility. Temporary traffic jams on the narrow gravel path were disregarded once the impatient driver spotted a pal. Music echoed over the site through the hollow air, luring campers away from their temporary homes.
ances, prepped the crowd while bigger bands fiddled with plugs, switches and pedals. Blankets seemed to move with the sun, slowly creeping towards the music until audience members were packed like grinning sardines at the front of the stage, looking up at local heroes giving it their all. If the energy of that Friday night was any indication of how the festival would play out, Real Love was the only place to be. The crowd traded hats and hugs, shared flasks and monumental sing-alongs to familiar tunes that rocketed the night into an unstoppable monster of positive vibes.
As the night came to a close, campers dawdled back to their sites hand-in-hand with no intention of sleeping anytime soon. Oil barrels filled with wood, supplied by the wise who planned ahead, became hubs of the campground. Instruments became temporarily ownerless as they were passed from musician to musician, jam to jam. Friends reunited over familiar tunes that grasped their ears Local in between acts, deemed ‘Tweeners,’ mainly and pulled their compliant feet towards the sound. acoustic acts with some surprise melodica appear-
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SIGHTS & SOUNDS
“Music echoed over the site through the hollow air, luring campers away from their temporary homes.”
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The next day, the eerie sound of morning silence once occupied by the rhythmic beating of djembe drums shortly evolved from a mystery to a horror story when it was replaced by a tip toe of raindrops gathering into a stampede. Tents became islands in pools of water from intense downpour as droves of people packed their tents and headed home. The shoeless wandered to a soaked stage. It was covered in garbage bags and cords swimming in pools that barefoot hoopers and hippies marched in the night before. It was no longer a question of perseverance, but of safety. Disappointed smiles and goodbye waves littered what was once a happy gravel trail.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
Those who arrived at the bar that evening were surprised to find many of the “Real Lovers” had stuck it out. Inside, the dance floor was packed. Music was blasting and smiles seemed like a party requirement judging by the lack of relaxed faces. “Lovers” danced until the lights came on and wandered back to their blanket-filled cars. Some trekked to the small population of remaining tents huddled on high ground patiently waiting for the next morning show.
The morning proceeded without a hitch. Performers sang their hearts out to blanket-wrapped diehards and a small colony of hoopers. Chubby rainConfused citizens of Gimli watched as small drops tested the crowd, but fans passed with flying swarms of soaking festival goers overwhelmed colours, as they splashed in the mud and embraced breakfast joints before their unanticipated trek the drops with outstretched arms. home. However, the dawdlers in-denial were soon rewarded when the rumour of a festival relocation Real Love was overwhelming with every sideways began to rapidly spread. The town hotel and bar, glance littered with an amazing group of people ‘The Viking,’ took on the task of accepting seven of embracing one another as the music embraced the many performers scheduled to play the festival them, soul to mud-covered sole. that day.
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Check out RealLoveWpg.com and Like Facebook.com/RealLoveWinnipeg for news and to prep for Real Love Summer Fest 2016. JULY/AUG 2015 • SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY 17
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sounds of summer Compiled by ally sigurdson It’s that marvelous time of year again; patios open, cold drinks are poured, everyone trading in their toques for baseball caps. Yes, it’s summer time in Winnipeg. To make sure you make the most of the next few months in the sun, we share our Top Ten Summer Local Music List. The places to be, the sounds to enjoy, all summer long!
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SOUNDS OF SUMMER
July 9 – 12th, 2015 Birds Hill Provincial Park, Manitoba Featuring Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Trampled By Turtles, Maddy Prior, Steeleye Span, Mariachi Ghost, Bahamas, Matt Andersen & the Mellotones, Jason Isbell, Shakey Graves, Dustbowl Revival, Nahko and Medicine for the People, José González, Arlo Guthrie, Dan Mangan + Blacksmith, Frazey Ford, Wilco, Jenny Lewis, Dawes & many more.
Want to enjoy some of Winnipeg’s amazing jazz all summer long? You’re in luck. The combination of Jazz and Sundays is now the perfect way to start off your week. Make sure to head over to the Lyric Theatre as often as possible to indulge in more of Winnipeg’s talent. AssiniboinePark.ca
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For four days in July, Birds Hill Provincial Park turns into a safe haven for people to come and indulge in exceptional music and positive vibes. The weekend festival is a celebration of folk music, local and global. If you enjoy walking around with the earth between your toes, wearing flowers in your hair, and having the ability to dance wherever you’d like, we highly recommend stopping by. WinnipegFolkFestival.ca
Sunday night smooth jazz July 12 - Aug 16 2015 Lyric Theatre 55 Pavilion Cres. Winnipeg, Manitoba Featuring The Walle Larsson Band, Soren Reiff, Will Donato Marc Antoine, Richard Elliot, Steve Oliver with Mae Losa
Full Flex Express was born in the summer of 2012 when DJ/ Producer Skrillex boarded a train in Toronto with a group of fellow artists and set out across Canada, performing music to stadiums full of adoring fans. The day is a celebration of alternative music, and has a complete stacked line up for 2015. FullFlexExpress.com
SOUNDS OF SUMMER
July 14th, 2015 Adrenaline Adventures, 600 Caron Rd. Winnipeg, Manitoba
July 17 -18 2015 Maple Grove Rugby Park 190 Frobisher Rd. Winnipeg, Manitoba Featuring The Trews, Moses Mayes, The New Meanies, The Treble The Revival, The F-Holes, Mise en Scene, Papa Mambo
Featuring Jack Ü, Zeds Dead, A$AP Ferg, Tycho, Kiesza Hundred Waters, Anna Lunoe, Mija
MTS Super-Spike combines Western Canada’s biggest beach volleyball tournament, with a two-day concert series, all set in a festival atmosphere. You can spend your day playing volleyball, soaking up some sun, while enjoying a cold beer. (or five) Best part yet, Super-Spike is a not-for-profit charitable event, with every dollar raised going to support the Winnipeg-based National Women’s Volleyball Team. SuperSpike.ca JULY/AUG 2015 • SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY 21
SOUNDS OF SUMMER
July 18, 2015 Park Theatre 698 Osborne St.Winnipeg, Manitoba Featuring THE COLOR OF NOISE screening, Dead Ranch, adolyne Beefdonut, VAMPIRES, Baby Nebula, Conduct, Domestic
Brandon Folk, Music & Art Festival is a huge supporter and promoter of the arts and culture in Western Manitoba. The weekend festival includes free workshops, local emerging artists, tons of vendors, fun family activities – arts & crafts for the children, sandcastle building, and a furry friend petting zoo. The Brandon festival is a highlight of the amazing talent in Western Manitoba, it’s well worth the drive out. BrandonFolkFestival.ca 22 SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY • JULY/AUG 2015
Not only is The Summer of UGH! A fantastic all day music event, it’s all the international premiere of The Color of Noise, which includes a film screening and Q&A with director Eric Robel, and an art exposition by Thomas Hazelmeyer (AM-REP Records with special guests Artwork by Randy Ortiz and Cate Francis.) It’s a night of music and art, and definitely a night you’ll want to be a part of. ParkTheaterVideo.com
July 24 – 25, 2015 Keystone Centre Grounds 1175 18th Street, Brandon, Manitoba Featuring A Tribe Called Red, Digging Roots, Tanya Tagaq Red Moon Road, Geoff Berner, Zrada, Rachel Cardiello and the Warm Electronic Winter, Kev Corbett, Son Latino Band, Ingrid Gatin, Emma Cloney
SOUNDS OF SUMMER
fire & Water Music Festival
Start your August long weekend off properly this year, and head to the Fire & Water Music Festival. The festival brings performers from all over the world to perform and make you get up and dance. Grab a drink and July 31 - August 2, 2015 make sure to make your August 25 McArthur Ave, Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba long weekend a good one! FirenWater.ca
great woods Music Festival August 6 - 8, 2015 Great Woods Park Beausejour, Manitoba Featuring None the Wiser, Harper and Midwest Kind Nathan Rogers, Andy T. Nick Nixon, Mr. Nice Guy Homemade Jamz, The 44’s, Eden Brent Band Tony Stevens FOGHAT
Featuring Geoff Berner, Andrew Scott, The Psychics, Richard Inman, Dan Frechette, Carnival Bride
Great Woods Park Music Festival is a fantastic indoor-outdoor Blues/Rock/Roots fest in a beautiful 120-acre park and campground just outside Beausejour, MB. The weekend event is full of blues, rock and roll, and, once again, cold beer. It’s dedicated to the musical culture life in Manitoba. This fast growing festival is well worth the wait, and definitely a destination of the summer. GreatWoodsPark.com/FestivalGreatWoods
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SOUNDS OF SUMMER
August 14 - 16, 2015 Rosseau River, South of St. Malo, Manitoba Featuring French Press, ATLAAS, The Will To Power Ghost Twin, Holy Void, Living Hour, The Empty Standards, Animal Teeth, Human Music, Slow Leaves, Micah Visser & Many more
Elder Abuse, Bleed American, Boys’ Club, Still As Scarlet & Cole Vincent July 16, 2015 The Handsome Daughter 61 Sherbrook St, Winnipeg, MB Distances, Clipwing, Union Stockyards and Usurper July 25, 2015 The Park Theatre 698 Osborne St.Winnipeg, MB Harley James Flett CD Release Show July 26, 2015 The Good Will 625 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, MB
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Rainbow Trout Music Fest is the biggest summer indie music festival Manitoba has to offer. It’s an intense three days of music, camping, good friends, bonfires, dancing, drinks, swimming, and so much more. It’s also 100% dedicated to promoting local music and fine arts. It’s a great weekend for people of all ages, and has lots of activities for the whole family. RainbowTroutMusic Festival.com
Local Shows July – August 2015 Various Locations Featuring Elder Abuse, Bleed American, Boys’ Club, Still As Scarlet & Cole Vincent, Distances, Clipwing, Union Stockyards, Usurper, Harley James Flett & many more
If you’re looking for one night city shows to fill your week, there’s plenty to enjoy. Here’s our suggestions. &
Youtube.com/LivMayesTV JULY/AUG 2015 • SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY 25
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