PORTAL MAGAZINE
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PORTAL MAGAZINE
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS 6
MOIST After a 13 year hiatus, one of Canada’s favourite bands is back to show the Glory Under Dangerous Skies.
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SAINT ASONIA Meet the new Super Group doing things for the right reasons.
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DISTURBED Metalheads rejoice! The Chicago rocker’s announce their four year hiatus is over and release studio album #7, Immortalized.
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POP EVIL For this Michigan band everything it looking Up!
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CALGARY STAMPEDE A recap of the 103 year tradition that is the Calgary Stampede.
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KILL MATILDA Kill Matilda’s loud, driving Punk Rock will keep you safe during the Zombie Apocalypse. THE NEW ELECTRIC Michelle Gunderson sits down with Frontman, Kyle McKearney to talk about the their debut EP.
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STAFF
Shannon Ambrose Chief Managing Editor and Founder shannon@theportalmagazine.com
Dan Cay Graphic Design – Magazine Layout
Patrick Welling Promotions promotions@theportalmagazine.com
Kai Kieferle Business Manager kai@theportalmagazine.com
VISUALVENUE Website design and maintenance www.visualvenue.net
Writers & Contributors: Dave Fugett, Shawn Marie Watson, Will Plummer, Carrie Jo Ashmore, Rob Brown Chris Staniforth, Nathan Pike, Alex ClichĂŠ, Joey Stuckey, Michelle Gunderson, Angie Valente, Sandra Sigfusson, Raelyn Ross, Frankie James, Nicki Chang-Powless, Mike Forbes, Gene Schilling, Colin Everitt, Jimmy Taylor
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Did Ya Know? DISTURBED Disturbed was originally known as Brawl, but changed the name after David Draiman joined the band. Drummer Mike Wengren’s favorite hockey Team: Chicago Blackhawks. Before rehearsal with the band, Mike enjoys, Starbuck’s Protein Bistro Box, as a good way to start the morning and keep the energy up. Disturbed’s cover of Faith No More’s “MidLife Crisis” was recorded for a Faith No More tribute album, and was rejected. The band later included the track as part of the Lost Childrenrelease. Artist, David Finch, was the first to draw Disturbed’s mascot - The Guy - as a full figure. PORTAL MAGAZINE
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MOIST
ANGST NEVER SOUNDED SO GOOD! by: Shannon Ambrose LIVE PHOTO CREDIT: JD Dirom
B
ack in the 90’s, the Canadian band, Moist, known for their unique, haunting, melancholic sound, was riding a wave of popularity with such hits as “Push”, “Silver”, “Leave It Alone”, and “Resurrection”. They released three multiple Platinum-sell-
ing albums by the end of the decade and racked up a legion of fans.
Fast forward to 2014; after a 13 year hiatus, Moist is back! With a brand new album Glory Under Dangerous Skies; released October 7, 2014 - David Usher (vocals), Mark Makoway (guitar), Kevin Young (keys), Jonathan Gallivan (guitar), Louis Lalancette (bass), Francis Fillion (drums), hit the road on an exhaustive tour that took them across the country and back through to the end of 2014 and this summer.
While on a stop in Calgary, I was fortunate to sit down with Frontman, David Usher and Guitarist, Mark Makoway to talk about the new album and how it feels to be back in the lime-light. PORTAL MAGAZINE
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Shannon: How does it feel to be back
What’s the mood of album?
out there? David: I think we’re sitting at the edge David: It feels great, really fun. I’ve
right now. We’re at the edge of a number
been playing a lot, but it’s really fun. It’s
of huge disruptions; in the way we live,
been a different vibe and a really good
the way we work, the way society func-
experience.
tions, and the next 5, 10, 15 years will tell the story of how it turns out. Everything
Shannon: I watched an interview you
from the destructions of climate change,
guys did where you mentioned there’s
the destructions of the second machine
a fear this will snow ball and take your
age; we’re really going to find out where
over lives. Has it done that?
we’re going as humans and what kind of life we’re going to build for ourselves. The
Mark: Yeah it really has. We’ve had a
record’s really about that and that song’s
few months off. Just to take stock, but
sort of the defining point where the lyric
yes it just keeps starting up again.
really came together to talk about where we’re going and the center point for those
Shannon: The title of the album, you
ideas.
said you chose that title track because it encapsulated the mood of the album.
“We’re at point where it’s really human creativity that’s driven us to this edge we’re on” Photo by: JD Dirom PORTAL MAGAZINE
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“We wanted songs that were fun to play and felt great playing”
conscience decision, or was that just how the vibe was with writing the music, or did you go in saying you want a harder edge? I don’t know if I even hear a harder edge actually. Mark: I think every one of our records has had a different personality, and certainly our last record before this, the Mercedes [Mercedes 5 and Dime] record was, I would say a softer edge to the band. We somewhat conscientiously wanted to get back
Shannon: So what is the message in this crazy world? Is it positive? David: It’s a mix Mark: There’s always hope, right? David: We’re at point where it’s really human creativity that’s driven us to this edge we’re on. It’s through our own intelligence, our own smarts that we’ve built ourselves a trap, and now it’s only through our own ingenuity that we’re going to get ourselves out of it. It’s just about how we go about doing that or whether we can do that. Shannon: I read one of the reviewers said your songs have a harder edge this time around. Was that a PORTAL MAGAZINE
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to our roots of where we started
and what we were about and sorta
thought it was kind of cute was,’ you
how we approached going in to do
had managed to do a “best of” com-
the song writing and everything. It
pilation but with it sounding new and
had that same feel as when we got
fresh.’
together to do Silver, you know. It came very naturally and it was
David: That’s nice.
very much a band in a room playing songs and we sorta wanted to cap-
Mark: Those are kind words.
ture that again. Shannon: That’s how I felt the first Shannon: A comment that one of
time I listened to it, I heard a lot of
the fans had written in one of the
old Moist.
reviewers I’d read was - which I David: There’s a definite signature to it for sure. A lot of what we wanted to do with the record was make it about what we do live. We wanted songs that were fun to play and felt great playing. The dynamic what we love to do on stage. It had to feel right in the rehearsal space, and then on the stage. Mark: It’s not calculated anyway. Because as soon as you get certain players together, a certain kind of sound always emerges, there’s always a thread, despite the fact that our records each have a personality, they all sound like Moist records. I think it would be impossible for us to come out and sound like a completely different band. PORTAL MAGAZINE
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Shannon: That’s what I was pleased about, is that it was still Moist. It wasn’t you guys trying to reinvent the wheel or anything like that, it was still very much your sound. Do you have a favourite song that you like to play live from this new album or even just a favourite track from the album? Mark: Black Roses has a fairly glorious drum solo. [laughs] Shannon: I read another reviewer say, ‘angst suits the band’. Do you guys feel you’re full of angst, or do you agree with that assessment? David: I think there’s an element of that. The band has always been about certain energy on stage, and writing about very specific kind of topics, and there’s an element of angst in it for sure. And you know, the world hasn’t changed that much in certain ways. It’s changed a lot in other ways, but it’s funny how the same things going on with the world seem to recycle all the time,
“I think it would be impossible for us to come out and sound like a completely different band” Shannon: It is. Do you think it’s for the better or for the worse? Mark: It’s different David: If you like different, it’s wonderful, if you don’t like different, you’re in trouble. Shannon: Do you miss the old days, now that you’re back in it? Mark: No, there’s a lot of empowerment with what’s going on today. The nice thing
and there’s a lot to write about.
about the old days is the record companies
Shannon: And speaking of change, what do
happen the same way now - anywhere - but
you think of the industry now compared to
would throw around money and that doesn’t the empowerment that comes from the dig-
15 years ago?
ital age is it means that a lot of bands can
Mark: It’s fascinating, isn’t it?
able to make 10 or 20 years ago. Which is
make records that they wouldn’t have been what you want ultimately, you want somebody that’s nurturing music.
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Shannon: Is it kind of scary that anybody in
David: It’s a double edged sword. You know
their basement can now put out something?
I’m a very early adopter of social media, so I
Is that a positive or a negative?
enjoy the tools and I love exploring the technology, but actually doing the work of social
David: That’s a positive, for sure. I mean,
media I find a bit tedious.
people should be allowed to make music. It’s changed the business models, but it hasn’t
Mark: I think the instant gratification it pro-
changed music. People are still making mu-
vides. For my perspective it’s very immediate
sic, in fact more people are able to make mu-
and very unfiltered communication with the
sic. I think of us having had the best of both
people who are actually listening and enjoy-
worlds, where we really got to live the glory
ing your music.
days of the record companies, and we’re also
You get instant reviews after you do a show.
living in this grand disruption, where we get
It’s very powerful in that regard.
to see and experience everything new that’s coming, and you know really live the change.
Shannon: Now that you’ve finally jumped
That’s an exciting time to be in any business.
back in, had you wished you’d done it sooner or is this just the right time all around for you
Shannon: You’ve signed with Universal. Is
and the band?
it different how even Universal is handling the album now as to maybe how they would
David: for me it was the right time. You had
have 15 years ago?
to do it when you feel it. You do it when it’s right, and this is the right time for us.
Mark: The labels are different now. They have a different approach. It’s still a record
Indeed it is! Moist has parlayed their success
label, they are still in the business of selling
in the 90’s into something grander yet famil-
music, but it’s just a very different culture
iar as they their signature sound delights old
with record labels now, just because they’re
fans and thrills new ones.
selling - what about 1/10 of the records they used to sell 20 years ago. www.moistonline.com Shannon: Social media: do you love it or
www.facebook.com/moistonline
loathe it?
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the sanity to reality
saint asonia
By: Will Plummer
W
hat do you get when you combine Adam Gontier, former Frontman of Three Days Grace, Guitarist, and Mike Mushok, of Staind, Bass Player, Corey Lowery
of Dark New Day, and Drummer, Rich Beddoe, formerly of Finger Eleven? Rock supergroup Saint Asonia. But, I’m jumping to the end here . . .
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I first heard the band’s lead single “Bet-
“All the hype for the band seems to re-
ter Place”, in June, on XM Radio. There
volve around Adam and Mike” I begin,
was no introduction, no DJ clamoring
“do you find that drummers are under-
over the player’s past accomplishments,
stated in rock?”
only the sweet rocking’ goodness so often lost on the airwaves. The song was
“Sometimes they are, but I don’t ever
(and is) a clean composition backed by a
feel that way,” he answers. “It’s kinda
sweet and somewhat familiar vocal that
hard with the way I play . . . because of
I couldn’t readily identify. But, more im-
the insanity of it. It’s usually other band
portantly, the song’s message, of letting
members getting angry, saying that I’m
go and moving on, resonated with me. I
getting too much attention,” he laughs.
made note of the song and, once home, scoured the web for information about
“Do you ever get noticed off stage?”
the band. There wasn’t much. But, I did find a promotional video claiming Saint
“Yeah, I’ve been doing this for, geez twen-
Asonia as a band with “25 hit singles”,
ty years almost, now so, I do. But . . . I’ve
a website under construction with tour
never been in the type of band with ra-
dates (www.saintasonia.com), and a
bid crazy young girls freaking out or any-
Facebook page talking about the band’s
thing. It’s always totally normal . . . with
opening of the main stage at this year’s
like Video Game Dudes,” he pauses, and
Rock on the Range (https://www.face-
shifts his voice to illustrate;
book.com/saintasonia). This, it seems, was Saint Asonia’s official introduction to
‘Hey aren’t you in?’
the world - mockingly quiet. ‘Yeah.’ After a two week treasure hunt, I found myself listening to Saint Asonia’s self-ti-
‘I like your band man.’
tled debut – a must buy from top to bottom – and preparing for a conversation
‘Okay, thanks.’”
with the band’s drummer, Rich, about the past, present, future and what it’s like to
“But, when I first started hanging out
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with Adam,” he continues, “I mean he’s got people with tattoos of his face on them and stuff like that . . . It’s the whole next level…People say [his songs] saved their lives. It’s incredible and it’s got to be a lot of pressure too. So he gets that kind of thing but I’ve never had that.” “So is that how you got involved with Saint Asonia,” I continue. “Did Adam just call you one day?” “Right after I heard he left Three
board. And then we were in the studio
Days…” he pauses and begins again, “I
and it was all happening.” He contin-
know, at the time a lot of people were
ues, excitedly, “Making the record, we
confused or upset…But, I sent him a
didn’t know exactly what we were do-
text, just saying, ‘Hey man, I heard
ing. There was no plan and the band
what happened, and it’s always a big
or the songs didn’t exist. We went in
decision…I just want to let you know, I
without even pre-production…It was
got your back.’ And when he got back
kinda cool, everything was so fresh.”
to me…it turned out we were neighbors - like, literally, right across the
“There was a moment when the album
street from one another, neighbors.”
was finished and everyone came to Chicago to listen to it – the label and
“He told me he was continuing on with
management. It was the first time the
music and I was always a big fan of his.
three of us [Adam, Mike and Rich] sat
At the time things were, unfortunate-
in the studio and listened to it loud on
ly going sour with my last band, so I
the speakers and it was that moment
started playing with him. There was
when we were like ‘holy shit, some-
about two and a half years of me and
thing happened here really special you
Adam doing it first, and Mike came on
know?’ And I think it’s special be-
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“Holy shit, something happened here really special you know?”
cause…of a desire…to get in and record some great music. It wasn’t about hit songs or all those kinds of things that come into the business…We didn’t know what was going to happen the next day and it’s been that way the whole time.” “So how was Rock on the Range,” I ask. “Did you just show up and say, ‘We’re here ready to play’?” “That’d be awesome if that’s all it took.” [He laughs.] “We’re really lucky to have people working [logistics]
with us.” It’s funny,” he continues; “backstage between the four of us, we knew every single band on every single stage…So it was like band camp…And nobody really knew we existed yet. So it was tons of fun.”
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“And on stage, how was that?” “We just kinda went up there and did it. There wasn’t a lot of talking about it; nobody was really nervous. Everyone in this band has been in other bands for so long. And we’re all kinda seasoned guys…It’s fun to experience that - to look out on the stage and see those guys. I get the best seat in the house.” Rich continues; “Mike is such an incredible guitar player and gosh, with Staind,
“Everyone here, is just a refugee from another band; and we all want to do this for the right reasons”
he’s done so-so well. He’s written so many classic songs; and yet he’s just such a great humble guy. And Corey is so respected within the industry - he’s the most solid bass player I’ve ever played with. It’s just really fun for me to enjoy that; and every day I notice it… [And] Adam’s got one of those voices… It’s like, ‘Man I miss that, it’s great to hear that.’” “In a lyrical sense, “ he moves on, “the album’s like a cool story - [Adam’s] been away for a while, and I think listening to the album will be, for fans, a little peer into Adam and, you know, what’s been going on. And I think it’s cool when singers are able to do that; and fans they get it. He did everything in one take in PORTAL MAGAZINE
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the studio, which is kind of unheard of these days.” “Everyone here,” he summarizes, “is just a refugee from another band; and we all want to do this for the right reasons.” “So who’s your favorite Supergroup and how do you guys handle the title, as a band?” “The first one that pops into my mind is Audioslave…” Rich says, adding, “I would love for them to make another record some time.” “Of course I’d also like to see another
Rage [Against the Machine] record . . . I
cate - a song with brushes…I just like musi-
know Mike was hugely influenced by that
cal records. When you put on a record it’s
first Rage record and so was I. I remember
a ride and I think every song on this album
specifically when I was in the back seat of
is kind of different… and nothing really
a friend’s car and I first heard ‘Fuck you I
sounds like anyone’s other bands. It’s just
won’t do what you tell me.’ [Killing in the
four guys who came together and created
Name] And I was I just like ‘Holy Shit’ that
this new thing.”
rocked my life’. It was just such [another] huge moment; I 1ove that stuff.”
“So, in the end, what’s the most challenging thing about being a rock drummer?”
“As for the title, [Supergroup],” he says,
returning to the question, “inside there’s
“There’s a sanity to reality thing. I mean
a child-like neat factor; there’s a weird
everyone else is working and has kids. I
factor. I mean I associate that word with
don’t think it’s a bad thing…because of this
bands that do something for one record
lucky life that I have. [But], sometimes
and that’s it or a side project. But I think,
I come home, and these tasks…like the
whenever people are saying it, they’re
washing machine will break – and I’m like,
saying it in a complimentary way. But it is
‘Look I’ve never even looked at a washing
kinda funny the first time you read that.”
machine.’ Of course I’ve used a washing machine, but I’m not a handyman what-
“So what’s your favorite song to play?”
soever. So all those things, where I’m like, ‘Ah, I’m in my mid-thirties I should know all
“That changes all the time… [But] there’s
the stuff.’ I always just have a this clueless
a song called “Fairytale” – that one’s real-
look on my face…Seeing me at an airport
ly fun. But, really all of the songs…for the
sitting by myself is a…nightmare. I’m like
first time on a record; I’m doing double
a puppy lost. But, it’s not for everybody. I
bass. I’ve always played that kind of stuff;
think a lot of people would buckle; it’s not
but, it’s never been applied in the songs of
a normal kind of life.”
the past. You always want to play what’s right for the song. On this album there’s just ripping; and it called for monstrosity bass drumming and double bass drumming. And then on the next song, it’s deli-
www.saintasonia.com www.facebook.com/saintasonia PORTAL MAGAZINE
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DISTURBED What Happens in Vegas ... Doesn’t Stay in Vegas By: Will Plummer
D
espite the slogan, not everything that happens in Las Vegas stays there. And for fans of Disturbed, now is the time to give thanks for that. On June 23rd, the band announced that the drought is over - that their hiatus is over. Hoo-
rah!
The latest addition to the Disturbed catalog - Immortalized - was until then perhaps the best kept secret in the world. It had been written, recorded, and all but put on the shelf - in secrecy. No small feat, given the access we all seem to have at our fingertips; everything leaks and rumor mills abound and that’s just on Facebook. The album marks the band’s first new material since 2011. And, if you haven’t already guessed, it was recorded at The Hideout Studio in Las Vegas. This was all by design, according to Disturbed drummer, Mike Wengren, who called me on the way to a rehearsal for the band’s first show in support of the new album at the House of Blues, Chicago, on August 21st.
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WP: So you’re on your way to rehearsal, how’s the vibe with the band? MW: Crazy Awesome. So excited, it’s been close to five years since we’ve rehearsed, and four since we’ve played together. We’re just getting set for the show…and release of the new album. WP: It’s been a while - was there ever a time when you thought hiatus might be code for divorce? MW: Naw, we were never going to be done. We built Disturbed from the ground up, just a bunch of local guys on the South-Side of Chicago, starting in a garage…and to have it grow from where it was, to where it has this amazing worldwide fan base, there’s no way we could turn our backs on… that. It’s just that everything became a machine. Since pretty much ’98 for us it was, write - record - tour, write - record - tour. And it was becoming monotonous…and most of us were married with kids and David [Draiman, vocals] was about to get married…it was time to hit the pause button for a second. WP: What was the best part about your ‘pause?
MW: It was just great to be home, and David has a child now, his first - a son and I have a second child, a son. And it was just really great to kick back and be a dad for a while and spend time with the family. WP: Alright, let’s talk about the return. What took you to Kevin Churko’s door? It seems an odd choice, going a relative unknown producer for this album? MW: We do our homework pretty well…the last two albums we produced ourselves and so we knew we could do that. And before that, we used Johnny K. We don’t even live in the same cities or even the same states anymore. So in order to write music and…work PORTAL MAGAZINE
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With social media, you can post something out there and within a second it’s all around the world. So it also just became a fun little game, to see if we could get there without having it leak” together…on the last two records…
Basically David flew out to Chicago and
we would just exchange files back and
I drove down…and we spend a few
forth, and it…served a purpose. [But]
days together…throwing some ideas
when we decided to get back we said;
back and forth…and it felt Awesome -
‘look lets go back to what it was in
we missed it, and it just felt good to be
the beginning, when we were actu-
back being in the same room together,
ally in a room together when it was
there’s so much to be said for that.
time to write. Let’s sit there and deal
In the past…[with] every record, we
with each other’s faces and feed off of
wrote songs until they were finished,
each other’s energy.’ That gets missed
we pre-produced everything—so ever
when you send files back and forth…
note, ever lyric, every beat was gone
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“We missed it [working together], and it just felt good to be back being in the same room together”
WP: So, why keep the whole thing a secret? MW: If we had announced that the hiatus was over…everyone would’ve been excited. But, then the follow-up question would’ve been; ‘That’s Awesome, when’s the new album coming out?’ and we didn’t have an answer. In the past, it was really easy, because we knew once everything was ironed out, it was just a matter of recording it and
over prior to going into the studio.
you know, cool, there’s your deadline.
The studio was pretty much a time
But this time…we didn’t want the pres-
to record. [But] this time around we
sure, so we just kept it open, went in
wanted to leave everything wide open,
and did our thing, and wanted to keep
and develop as we went. So, we want-
it quiet. And as things progressed…we
ed to bring a producer in to…help; and
thought; ‘Well, let’s save it.’ And that
maybe choose some directions and
way, when we make announcement -
bring some things out we hadn’t done
we’ll blow everybody’s brains off; ‘Hey
in a while. So we put together a short
not only are we back together, but the
list of some of our favorite guys…and
record is already done, and here’s a
when we got to Kevin, it just went so
song. And…it’s coming out in a couple
easy—great chemistry.
of months. It became a way to build on all of the excitement together. And
“And for me, one of the best things…
then too…with social media, you can
was that he’s a drummer, so as a
post something out there, and within
drummer it was nice having some-
a second it’s all around the world, so it
one who speaks my language. I could
also just became a fun little game, to
make a joke and it was almost like hav-
see if we could get there without hav-
ing my own personal translator in the
ing it leak.
room. It just made things that much easier to me. PORTAL MAGAZINE
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WP: Well, it worked for me. “The Vengeful One” is the first single, and the video takes on the Media, should, I be concerned? MW: [Laughs.] No. I wouldn’t say
“Just educate yourself; be aware”
anything about you. Or anyone in the media specifically, I just think, in general what gets reported in your major news outlets - they’re the biggest culprits - there’s always an agenda and I just think people should be aware… and not believe everything you read, everything you hear - educate yourself. You know, there are so many people that will read a news story, and before they have any time to research whether it is true or not, they’re reposting it and responding…just educate yourself, be aware. In the video, our mascot the guy -portrays a version of the Arch Angel Gabriel - God’s right-hand man - and he witnesses the brainwashing that the media is doing and he goes down to take care of it. WP: I guess that’s a not so subtle warning. The album’s a sweet rager from top to bottom, except your choice of cover, “Sounds of Silence”, why take that on?
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MW: We love taking songs…that maybe someone wouldn’t expect Disturbed to play and we love to put our stamp on it. That’s part of the challenge. This time around, I’m a big Simon and Garfunkel fan…and it was a big influence on me early on, as a kid. So I just threw it out there…I didn’t initially think of it in the direction we decided to go -I was thinking something more traditional. But, it was exciting and a little, I don’t know, can we pull this off? But, it was the studio and we were trying to do some experimenting, so we decided to go for it. And once we were able to hear the instrumentation and…hear what David was capable of on this song...I really have a difficult time, to this day, hearing it without getting a little emotional. I couldn’t be more proud. It’s one of my favorite songs that we’ve ever done. And it has the least amount of drum-work on it.
WP: So what kind of advice would you
have to make sacrifices on a daily basis
give to someone sitting in a garage
that most people aren’t. And if you’re
today, or looking at American Idol and
not, then maybe it’s not for you and that’s
saying; ‘I can’t do that!’?
okay.
MW: I think people would be sur-
Also I just recently saw Whitesnake, and
prised at what they can do when they
Tommy Aldridge is a legend. He is in his
put their minds to it. I think people
sixties and he is killing it! So…I would
are too complacent nowadays, es-
also tell the kids coming up, go watch
pecially with the Internet and social
somebody like [him], he’s been around
media. You have to work hard, you
for years, he has nothing to prove and he
have to have a work ethic, you have
brings it like it’s the first show of his life -
to play, and you have to be willing to
he has so much energy, it’s amazing.”
make sacrifices - if you intend to make this type of life your choice…then you
www.disturbed1.com www.facebook.com/Disturbed PORTAL MAGAZINE
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Buckle Up! By: Shannon Ambrose
LIVE PHOTO CREDIT: JD Dirom Calgary, Alberta, Canada - a city just shy of 1.2 million, nestled between the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the Canadian Prairies. It’s existence is somewhat of a paradox; embracing the city’s 140 year Western Heritage (the city is affectionately known as “Cow Town”) while being a vibrant, progressive, growing city. Just as steeped in the history of this city is the Calgary Stampede. Dubbed “The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth” this world renowned, 103 year tradition combines one of the highest paid professional rodeos with live entertainment, a midway full of stomach-churning rides and anything you could think to deep fry to fill your belly before hitting those rides.
“This year’s Stampede saw over 1.1 million visitors over the ten days” PORTAL MAGAZINE
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This year’s Stampede saw over 1.1 million visitors over the ten days, taking in the action; including headliners Stevie Wonder, Blake Shelton and Jason Aldean playing the Virgin Mobile Stampede Concert Series. If it’s Country music and 2-stepping you’re into, then Nashville North is the venue of choice, as live music and cold spirits flow into the wee hours of the morning, but if boots and big belt buckles aren’t your thing, then head to the Coca-Cola Stage where you’ll find a new headliner every night. Long seen as the “Rock” venue for the Stampede, this year’s line-up looked to attract a different demographic, focusing on pop and alternative artists. Opening night welcomed local sweetheart, Kiesza. The JUNO Award winning, multi-instrumentalist enjoyed a warm home-coming, wowing a large crowd with her high-energy, techno-pop style, complete with two backup dancers and fun, aggressive choreography. Though her one hour set was short by most standards, she had the masses singing and dancing right along, who obviously were disappointed the party was over too soon. Country heart-throb, Brett Kissell headlined day two at the Coke Stage, with Australian singer-songwriter, Vance Joy on day three. Warner Music, Electro-Soul dynamo, Lights took the stage the fourth night. Though the PORTAL MAGAZINE
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rain was pouring down during her set, the mood wasn’t damped one bit as everyone was singing and dancing right along with the JUNO Award winner. The next night’s headliners were Chicago based alt-rockers, Ok Go. Though I think I was only familiar with one of their songs, two con-
“This city with a split personality celebrates another successful year”
fetti canons perched on each side of the stage hinted we were in for some crazy fun. They
tracks from their recent release. The crowd
were charming, entertaining and energetic.
was rockin’ and rowdy, singing right along
The party carried on for over 90 minutes as
with the familiar hits, then kicking it up a
the confetti piled up on the ground. I walked
notch during the band’s biggest hit - “Push” -
away with the biggest smile on my face, feeling
which they closed out the night with. Placing
thoroughly entertained.
myself in the melee of fellow fans, singing our hearts out as loud as we could brought
Toronto pop/rocker, Scott Helman and fellow
us all together under Moist’s umbrella of
Torontonian, Francesco Yates each graced the
music.
Coke Stage on the sixth night, treating fans to a double-header of smooth Pop and R & B
It was the Toronto based quintet better
vibes.
known as July Talk taking the stage on the eighth night of live music. They also head-
Thursday, July 9th was the big night for me.
lined the Coca-Cola Covert Concert in May;
After a 13 year hiatus, Canadian rockers,
an exclusive event launching the Coca-Cola
Moist, returned to the stage in support of a
Stage line-up for that year’s Stampede.
brand new CD. Being a fan since the 90’s, I was ecstatic to see them finally perform live, as I
The second last night belonged to rockers,
was a young mom back in the day and didn’t
Arkells. The following notes provided by JD
get to see many concerts during their first go-
Dirom:
around. Naturally, I wasn’t disappointed. Their
Calgary continued to show love for the Ar-
sound was tight, frontman David Usher’s voice
kells at the Stampede, as the Coca Cola stage
was as strong and effortless as it ever was as
saw fans packed into the area, essentially
they delighted us with old favourites and new
blocking off the rest of the grounds.. Max
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Kerman as always brought an energetic
the night. Magic! thrilled one of the biggest
performance to the stage, and was show-
crowds ever with their reggae infused tunes.
ing his hometown pride donning a Hamilton Tiger Cat’s T-shirt. The crowd fed off
Thus ended the craziness that was Stampede
their energy and rhythmically bounced
2015. Though officially the attendance num-
along with the band’s performance. In fact
bers were down slightly from previous years
I would say that the Arkells performance
- obviously due to the economic slowdown
had the most energetic fans of the entire
in this part of the world - this city with a split
week. It was apparent that the Arkells
personality celebrates another successful year,
were having a great time being back in Cal-
and is already planning for next year. So Buck-
gary (they had headlined a show at Flames
le Up and dust off your boots, because one
Central this past February), as much as
thing’s for sure, this city knows how to party!
fans were happy to see them back. The final night at the Coke Stage saw yet another Toronto based band close out
www.calgarystampede.com www.facebook.com/calgarystampede PORTAL MAGAZINE
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Pop Evil LOOKING UP by: Alex Cliche “Going one hundred in a fifty-five, and I don’t l know why I’m still alive.” Now…finish the chorus. Driving down the highway that connects Kihei and Wailea in Hawaii, dust blowing, much like the desert of Nevada. The one building along the highway, a car dealership (of course). Maybe it’s the intuitive hook or the sheer coincidence that I was speeding down the hot black pavement as that Pop Evil song played over the radio waves. The first Pop Evil song I’d ever heard. The memory, the song, the melody, the lyrics, now resonate in my mind. Something so small, minuscule in fact when compared to the life altering situations I’ve experienced in my time on earth. Without explanation, it will be something I’ll never forget. “The Making of Up” is a little documentary series depicting the creation of Pop Evil’s Up. The crew of Pop Evil were very excited about this record and decided to share the journey with their fans. Recording out of three Seattle spots including the famous Robert Lange and London Bridge Studios. Lipstick on the Mirror to Up. The change in personal, I’ll touch on later, but looking back to the debut album. PORTAL MAGAZINE
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When you are a new band, trying to make your way into the scene, being “underground” has its benefits. You’re not judged or supervised as closely. You can make more foolish choices. You’re young and can afford to be irresponsible. Hang out, party; it’s a much more selfish environment. “The hype, the success, your responsibilities change.” said vocalist Leigh Kakaty. “Shows every day, shows every week. I’ve got to take care of my boys. We stopped drinking, started training and keeping our bodies healthy.” Added Leigh. “When you spend 280 days of the year on a bus, it’s wears on your
muscles. 2008 was basically partying with friends and a small group of fans. Now, people line up to meet the band, with paid meet and greets, it’s the duty of the band to make time for what’s important…the fans.” Onyx enforced a more business oriented approach. It was now the style of the band to be conscious of their decisions because their actions now affect more fans. Young impressionable minds. Not that Onyx enforced negativity, but it was a dark time for Leigh with the loss of his father and the songs had that underlying tone. “Go-
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“We’re doing our part to bring positivity and joy” ing into this album we wanted to put
of the adventure, they inspired and
the dark space behind us. We want-
wrote without influence from Leigh.
ed to appreciate the blessings we’ve obtained, while taking more risks and
“Growing up writing and singing on
chances.” Said Leigh regarding the in-
guitar, I’m sure any artist can relate. At
novative process behind the album.
some point you’ll hit the same chords and melodies, which can lead to los-
Although it’s the mates fifth LP, they’re
ing motivation to explore, stand out or
still growing. Onyx saw lots of com-
create that strong and unique tune to
mercial success with three number
express the Pop Evil image.” Leigh said
one singles, recruiting an even larger
when explaining the writing proce-
fan base. The fortunate outcome is,
dure. “Growing up in Michigan, we’re
Pop Evil has been blessed with the op-
used to lakes and beaches, you feel for
portunity to develop their sound. As
those soft acoustic classics, but being a
artists who are still expanding they’re
rocker we want to turn the amp up to
in a position to evolve their identity
eleven while maintaining catchy hooks.
and create an open platform for cre-
It’s important we can help our sup-
ativity. To add, this is the first time Pop
porters relate to true life experiences
Evil has returned to the studio with the
for the tough and the enjoyable times
same cast from the previous collection,
that life throws at us.” Leigh added.
aka no line-up changes. In order to establish this “creative platform,” Nick
Speaking vaguely about writing “Usu-
Fuelling and Dave Grahs (guitar) along
ally egos interfere and some musicians
with Matt DiRito (bass) and Chachi
want simply to be paid to play their in-
Riot (drums) flew out to Seattle leaving
strument, or just do gigs. It varies but
Leigh behind. For the first two weeks
we put all our egos aside in order to
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obtain the same goal.” Leigh added, “It was a weird experience for me. When you bring something from the ground up, then to open it up for others creativity, is tough. Everyone knows their roles and wants to be heard. Everybody brought their ideas to the table
“You fight to be heard, you put on the war paint and prove it”
and was completely supportive. The best one wins and it isn’t always going to be your idea. We must accept that
Much is the case when you look at
in order to grow.”
music festivals throughout the globe. Rock am Ring in Germany, Rock on
Being a group who is still discovering
the Range in Ohio or Tail Creek Mud
their sound, something Leigh want-
and Music Festival in Alberta. All well
ed to accomplish with this vinyl, was
known festivals in their country or
to perfect their live set. Analyzing
state. Pop Evil was scheduled to play
past performances and trying to write
at the Tail Creek Festival, however the
songs that would benefit their fans.
organizers made one fatal mistake.
The goal was to have a real impact on
They moved the festival from a dirty,
their fans when attending their live
muddy field in Alix, Alberta to the con-
concerts. Again, the acoustic songs
fines of the Shaw Conference Centre
where “lighters”…or this generations
and due to negative fan reaction, the
phones with flashlights. Brighten the
full event was cancelled. Hopefully
night sky, waving, side to side in uni-
next year, we will see Pop Evil grace
son. Music brings people together.
the stage in Alix. “(When it comes to
Not in the cliché way that music sparks
festivals) we’re a middle of the pack
free love and everyone automatical-
band. Not everybody is there for us,
ly loves each other. But in the sense,
it’s battle mode. You fight to be heard,
that we all gather. In one way or an-
you put on the war paint and prove it.”
other we are alike for that reason. We
Returning to the point I actually want
came here for music.
to make. Pop Evil has performed for anywhere from 20,000 to 80,000 peoPORTAL MAGAZINE
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ple. A crowd where people gathered for the simple reason, music, regardless of venue. In the instance of live music, it can make or break a band. I fortunately and sometimes unfortunately have witnessed this. For a band that you’ve
“It’s the duty of the band to make time for what’s important…the fans “
never heard, or just ‘that one song on the radio,’ a powerful live set can
amount of effort and time that’s put
persuade listeners to think. ‘Damn,
into your appearance or wardrobe.
who are these guys?’ Such was the
It’s the same for what we bring into
case when I saw Avenged Sevenfold
our households. Music is pride. Festi-
at Rockstar’s Mayhem Festival. Or…it
vals are pride. It’s as simple as cereal.
could be vice versa. A group you really
Leigh agrees, “In order for a band to
like and can’t stop listening to, turns
survive, we give up family to be with
out poorly. This summer, it was Glass
our second family. We’re fighting to
Animals at Sasquatch. The sound qual-
live, this is our proving grounds, draw
ity was horrific and you couldn’t hear
the line, this is us, this is you. Let’s
a single lyric. But let’s make this very
go!.” Leigh added “Some people may
clear, this has NOT been the case for
say who the fuck are you, or who the
Pop Evil.
fuck is your family, but it’s our entire world.”
When a band is given a shot to impress, it must do everything it can. Our
“You’ve been eating Fruit Loops your
society is very judgmental. Materialis-
whole life, you’re not going to go to
tic. Women judge men based on more
Loblaws and get Fruity O’s. Nah, you
than our appearance and personality.
want some fucking Toucan Sam!.” Said
Our hair cut, our profession, the car
a passionate Leigh. “Let’s change that
we drive, the clothes we wear. Men
mindset.”
do the same. Beauty is defined by the
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Snapchat has taken over as a social me-
and joy. That’s why we call it UP.” Said
dia norm. The other day I saw a friend
Leigh
of mine videoing his two sisters being baptized. I was baffled, and a little con-
I challenge people to open their minds.
fused, but truthfully it’s a spiritual and
Pop music in this day and age is all elec-
beautiful experience. He has every right
tronic. Full of musicians who don’t write
to share it. Leigh used exactly that sen-
their own lyrics. Country, has become
timent when he spoke about writing and
just a different variety of pop. What
producing in Seattle. “UP has been a to-
happened to real electronic or instru-
tal mind flip. We went to Seattle and it’s
mental music? For example, a DJ who
like we were cleansed, baptized.” Low-
actually would spin two vinyl discs to
ered into water and came out like ‘I’m
create something artistic. What hap-
not mad anymore bro.’ Leigh added. An
pened to bands actually requiring mem-
experience that you could almost relate
bers to play an instrument or two? Tech-
to “Seattle Rain.”
nology is nice, but it is taking away from the true creativity, passion and difficulty
Pop Evil is driving hard to bring Rock
of music. Leigh Kakaty and Pop Evil do
back to the forefront. The music scene
something authentic, organic, and nearly
really hates rock music right now. Gene
impossible to recreate.
Simmons said “Rock is dead.” I, of course, disagree and Pop Evil hopes to
“We found a bunch of guys, we learned
prove this wrong.
some instruments and we took on the world. We all grew up together, even my
“People judge it before they even hear
crew. It’s the American, Canadian, rock
it. Rock’s fun, it’s cool. Just because
dream. It’s not suits or people in money.
some suits decided rock music isn’t mak-
We are the regular working class making
ing enough money right now. We’re
a name for ourselves.” Give them the
coming, we’re going to scrub and clean
benefit of the doubt and turn it…UP.
one toilet at a time till you listen and say ‘Look, they write good music and they write good hooks, it’s music, it’s fun.’ We’re doing our part to bring positivity
www.popevil.com www.facebook.com/popevil PORTAL MAGAZINE
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E I D IN
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It’s Not Just About Zombies Anymore
kill matilta
D
By: Count One
on’t ask Kill Matilda’s lead singer Dusty Exner where they got the name. On stage she crackles with energy and belts out solid vocals, also she has a video game
review vlog, keeps a blog, and is the band’s primary publicist. But when asked where the name comes from she gets humorously cryptic. The story incorporates Zombies and involves the listener to simply accept the suspect idea that we are safe from Zombies because of their efforts. I’ve long been an advocate of Zombie rights and an end to Zombie based prejudices, but didn’t think it was a good idea to start the interview on an argument.
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But the name isn’t the point with this
Little Heart? “It felt the most comfort-
band; the driving, energetic punk-es-
able.” Recorded in Fader Mountain
que sound is what brings us here. Their
Studios in Vancouver, they had a team
latest 6-track EP is set for release and
they call “amazing” behind them for
they’re bringing a distinctive sound
these six new songs. Ben Kaplan and
and energetic show to the people with
Scott Ternan both engineered three
tours and shows in their current home-
songs and the project was mastered
base, Toronto. Look for a European
by Joel Cavalho, and the quality of the
tour later this year and more North
sound is a testament to their talent.
American dates in support of Songs of Survival. They’ve released the video
Our conversation continues as they
for “Needle and Thread” off this EP.
make their way home. What’s your fa-
With a driving beat, rolling melody,
vourite memory in creating this album.
and screaming lyrics from Dusty’s pow-
Dusty acquiesces to Mykel; “Going
erful voice it’ll be a great song to expe-
in to work with a producer you really
rience live.
admire, with three songs out of 10 in your head you think are really strong,
I asked Dusty and Mykel while they
and he likes four different songs. To
were driving home from a gig outside
impress a world class producer, that
Toronto, what they wanted the au-
was really satisfying.”
dience to take away. “Fans” was the short answer. They want their audienc-
This EP has six songs. “Live To See To-
es to leave as fans of their music and
morrow” is a drum laden punk tune
fans of their shows. And they will, if
deriving hopefulness from cynicism.
they like powerful performances and
It opens with Mykel’s bass, nice and
solid, loud, driving, punk-like rock.
heavy, then Markus’ drums hit like a hammer before Dusty starts belting it
For this album they are working with
out. This song has quick ramp ups and
Little Heart Records in Kentucky. Why
sardonic lyrics.
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“Needle and Thread” is a strong, driving, solid rock song showcasing Dusty’s vocal talent. The sound is complimented by the lyrics describing healing and rebuilding. From the opening note, which Dusty sings, we were hooked. “Party Harder, Party Starter” demonstrates Dusty’s incredible vocal range, this is a party song and we want to see this one live. Shades of goth rock with punk lyrics this song has energy, we had a hard time not moving to it. “Sanctuary” is my favourite, strong lyrically with an unexpected composition; it has a haunting, slightly angelic sound. It’s a showcase for their musical talent; a song about longing, submission and ultimately a beautiful declaration of love. They really demonstrate their poetry on “Sanctuary”, and we can’t help thinking this band still has a lot of beautiful music in them.
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“To impress a world class producer, that was really satisfying”
“Nostradamus” displays a real goth
is stronger, more polished and profes-
rock sound, and Dusty’s clearly having
sional than many of the rest of them.
a blast singing it. It also demonstrates
The trio’s talents are showcased well
their comfort with songs that have a
here, and after listening to this album
more complex structure and that they
it’s been added to our playlists (mine
can write more sophisticated music.
is for the gym, this album has energy) and we can’t wait to see them live. It
They cover “Holding Out For a Hero”,
takes a lot for us to become instant
a little awkwardly but Dusty gets to
fans, but that’s what happened. Going
demonstrate her vocal power. That
back to Kill Matilda’s hopeful outcome
song is one of my favourite guilty plea-
from people who listen to their music,
sures, so I wanted to know how they
their mission was accomplished.
chose it. This is where the nerd comes out a bit in our talk; “It was in one of
Catch their show schedule on Face-
my favourite” and she said she’s al-
book, click on their website, or check
ways liked the song since then. Any-
out their videos on YouTube. You’re
thing that gets Bonnie Tyler covered
not going to want to miss them when
by a punk-esque rock band is a good
they come to your town. Unless you’re
thing.
a Zombie.
Bands at this level are a dime a dozen, pumping out hard rock, high energy music and working the local venues and festivals. But Kill Matilda’s music
www.facebook.com/killmatilda
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THE NEW ELECTRIC MAKING LIFE THEIR OYSTER By: Michelle Gunderson Based out of Calgary, Alberta, The New Electric have worked hard to perfect their unique Pop / Alt sound. The quintet consists of Kyle McKearney, his younger brother, Shade “Indy” McKearney, Daz Coppins, Jimmy Jannetty and Chris Avalos. Working with renowned producer, Brian Howes (Hedley, Simple Plan, Boys Like Girls) to record their debut EP, they just released the first single, with plans for an upcoming tour in support of the EP. Recently I sat down with Kyle to talk about growing up on the road, life’s inspirations and making music.
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Michelle: Kyle you and your brother
was literally born while he was on the
founded the band. When did you start?
road. So I was born on the road. I grew
When did music grab you? Give me an
up kind of traveling in bands and go-
idea, have you been playing since you
ing from bar to bar, you know? Watch-
were three? Or?
ing my dad play, I remember creeping down the hotel hallways, following the
Kyle: Yeah, you nailed it actually, 3
music trying to find my dad.
years old. Michelle: Other than growing up on Michelle: So you have a new single
the road, tell me what gives you inspi-
that’s come out “Life’s What You Make
ration in life?
It.” it kind of has this 80’s type vibe to it. Nice ring to it actually, it’s quite
Kyle: People do. If you look at it, peo-
catchy. Is it based on your life experi-
ple, that’s all that there is in the world.
ences? Or the whole band as a collec-
There’s just people and watching peo-
tive?
ple and knowing people I love and people I don’t like and people I’ve been in
Kyle: Yeah, that song was written when
relationships with. The whole mass of it
we started just realizing, quickly that if
all, that’s what I draw inspiration from
we didn’t get out there and start mak-
in my life.
ing it happen ourselves that nothing was going to happen. When we started
Michelle: So, you and your brother are
doing it we start seeing instant results
in the band. Tell me, who else is in the
and great things happening.
band? How did you meet everybody else?
Michelle: So, tell me a little bit about you guys? Where are you from? Where
Kyle: Well, we met the guitar player - I
have you been? Tell me what you’ve
met him probably 6 years ago he was
seen.
doing sound in a bar. He was 17 and he wasn’t even supposed to be in there.
Kyle: We started very young, my dad,
(Kyle Laughs)
well, our dad was a musician. And I
and Chris was in there doing sound
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for a band. We just liked him and we
Michelle: So, it’s just the four of you
always kept in touch. And when we
guys?
went to start pushing our new single we thought of him and called him
Kyle: Actually, no I went to school in
up. The drummer we met through a
Los Angeles and I took vocals at Mu-
friend, we play in a cover band in Cal-
sicians Institute. It’s very nice, I loved
gary called Danger Zone, we play hits
it there and it was a lot of fun. It was
from the decades. So, we were kind of
in a songwriting class and I met our
asking our drummer in that band if he
keyboard player James. We just con-
knew of any young guys they thought
nected, we hit it off really well. We
could do the band with us and gave us
are a lot alike and we have a lot in
Casey’s information and we called Ca-
common. We have a connection and
sey up and he has been playing with
whether we are playing together or
us for a while now. He’s a great guy,
not we’re still connected.
he’s perfect for our situation.
”We want to be able to keep playing and connecting with people that’s what it’s all about for us” PORTAL MAGAZINE
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“The whole mass of it all, that’s what I draw inspiration from in my life”
Michelle: Do you guys come together
Michelle: Being that “Life’s What You
and write your songs?
Make It.” is out, do you have a music video for it?
Kyle: I write most of the time. I usually write with the producer we are
Kyle: We released a lyric video and
working with at the time.
that’s all we’ve done so far.
Michelle: What do you hope to gain
Michelle: Before we finish, is there
from everything?
anything you and the band want to say to your listeners, your fans and
Kyle: We want to be able to keep
our readers?
playing and connecting with people that’s what it’s all about for us. When
Kyle: I want our fans to know that
we’re on stage there is a connection
we appreciate them and that we care
when the band opens in the moment
about them and we can’t to get out
and the crowd opens in the moment
on the road and see them. That is the
there is this transfer of energy be-
most exciting part; it’s the pinnacle of
tween the band in the crowd.
all this build up.
www.facebook.com/TheArchonProphecy PORTAL MAGAZINE
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ON THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE PORTAL AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH
COL. CHRIS HADFIELD PORTAL MAGAZINE
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