Author Archive
Adam Shines
Monday, April 27th, 2009Listening to the quirky croonings of Adam from Adam and the Amethysts makes me want to go to a cottage. His recollections on the subtitlties of youth are wittilly playful and possess a perfect homemade quality that evokes shining charm and sincerity. His songs will make you want to leave the soot of the city and travel North to greener and thicker horizons. I caught up with Adam to get his dish on everything from growing up in Thunder Bay to what’s new and brewing in his current city of residence Montreal.
Recommended Track: Stupid Ocean from latest release Amulet (Pome Records)
Why The Amethysts? Where is the name from?
Amethyst is a stone (purple quartz) that is found near my home town. It reminds me of home, and also has a mystical protective quality that appeals to me, at least on an aesthetic/symbolic level.
Tell me about growing up in Thunder Bay and how it influenced your writing?
I guess since so much of my life took place there (I moved to Montreal 6 years ago), if I’m going to write songs about my life experiences, a lot are going to be taking place there. The Boreal Forest, Lake Superior, and other natural Northern Ontario stuff really resonate with me and affect me on a deep level, so it’s only natural that they creep into my songwriting.
You are a member of many other bands, Miracle Fortress, Telefauna…how do you find the time?
Disbanding Telefauna helped. Also, it seems like everyone in my other bands are in 30 other bands as well. So for example if Think About Life is really active, then Miracle Fortress will be inactive, because Graham Van Pelt (Miracle Fortress) is in both bands, and I’ll have time to take the Amethysts on the road or whatever. Being in tons of bands means that you’ll always have some kind of project to be working on, which I need. It’s simultaneously a blessing and a curse, but I think some of our city’s vibrancy can be attributed to how prolific and incestuous everyone is.
Montreal has been perhaps tirelessly touted as a breeding ground for the next big thing in indie music - has this passed? What are you excited about that’s coming out of that city?
I think Montreal (like Toronto and many other cities) has always been a breeding ground for good music and hopefully always will be. Everyone seems to be trying so many things, and occasionally people just strike gold. Some people who have struck gold recently are Tune Yards, Sister Suvi, Elfin Saddle, Clues, Mussaver and the Coal Choir, The Luyas, Shapes and Sizes… there are too many to list. I’m not sure any of them will be the “next big thing” (although my bets are on Tune Yards) but they all make great music, and hopefully people will recognize that.
What are you currently listening to?
I recently discovered this amazing psychedelic record by Judy Henske and Jerry Yester called Farewell Aldebaran, that is creepy, dark, jubilant, and generally mind boggling. Also, summer’s coming so I’ve been listening to a lot of Jay-Z and Beyonce.
What can we expect from this project, touring, new record?
You can expect both of those things.
Toronto vs. Montreal who wins?
Wawa.
Tags: adam and the amethysts, interviews
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HIGH 5 WITH PASSION PIT
Friday, April 17th, 2009Recorded initially as a belated Valentine’s Day gift for his girlfriend, Michael Angelakos and crew have crafted an electro-pop explosion of hooky riffs and booming dance beats. I envision spinning strobes on a black and white dance floor, I see spilt drinks, new love interests…this is feel good music; picture the french band Phoenix just younger and instead of drinking martini’s their drinking Labatt 50. I recommend giving their song SLEEPYHEAD (www.myspace.com/passionpitjams) a listen. I caught up with Passion Pit to get what music has been spinning in their heads;
Jeff Apruzzese
Beach House-Devotion
Even though this record came out roughly a year ago, I am personally
starting to get really into it. Its really an album that i find myself
putting on the moment i wake up and putting on once again as i’m
getting ready to go to sleep.Victoria Legrand’s voice sucks you in
sits as it lays in beautiful pocket of casio-tone drum beats and
reverb. The type of minimalism that is achieved in the writing and
production of this record is something that I personally try to mimic.
My favorite track on the album would definitely have to be GIla.
Nate Donmoyer
Phoenix “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix”
I admit i stole this CD from a label’s desk while they were looking for a new label right when we were finishing our album and i kinda wish i found it sooner so we knew what we were up against haha. It sounds like they have crystallized into the perfect form of Phoenix. Every song, the whole album, just puts me in such a great mood and it’s not a cheap high either, it’s elegant and mature and i can’t stop listening to it when i’m traveling or waking up or anything really. I wish we made this album. Now i just can’t wait to see them live. It makes sense that Laurent Brancowitz was in a band that spawned Daft Punk, this is his/their ‘Discovery’.
Nate Donmoyer
Micachu “Jewellry”
I have been a fan of Mica since she put “Golden Phone” on her myspace. This album is brave but it’s masked by her young voice and sound that you almost forget how ballsy it is. Her self-made instruments are reflected in her self-made arrangement style that give it probably the most unique pop sound i have ever heard. Im still pissed i missed her at CMJ and SXSW. One day i’ll catch her band live but until then this album keeps me going.
Ian Hultquist
Harlem Shakes: Techincolor Health
I hate to admit that I didn’t hear about this band until we started working with (producer) Chris Zane. However, I’ve been infatuated with their music ever since. I think that their new record really establishes them as an immense pop band. You can hear a lot of influences in their music, however the collection of artists and songwriters is so vast, that they form their own sound. It gives a lot of the same feeling that Wilco did for me with “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot”, a record with mystery in it’s mix. I love listening to albums over a hundred times, and always hearing something new hiding in the music.Â
Ian Hultquist
Grizzly Bear: Friend EP
I’ve known about this band for a long time, but I’ve been falling hard for them for the past month. This is a strange album, is it an EP, an LP or a remix album? It’s almost entirely made up of the band covering other band’s songs, alternate versions, and of course other bands covering Grizzly Bear songs. To be honest, I was just happy to have a recorded electric version of “Little Brother”, that song is epic.Â
Tags: passion pit
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PEEP THIS VID: JOIN US!
Friday, April 3rd, 2009
Alright how do I describe Katie Stelmanis - I can present long winded and contorted descriptions of how I think she sounds;
- emerging from a cocoon, dripping with electric tentacles
- lilting villain armed with operatic weaponry
- a digging decibel pulsating in a shimmering landscape of symphonic synthesis
GAH, all the above are true but simply put she’s good; talented, witty and her music promises to take you on an audible adventure. I like!
I especially like her video for JOIN US from her acclaimed record of the same name.
I caught up with the Toronto songstress to discuss her future plans and pasta!
Ok lots of spaghetti imagery in vid…what’s your favorite pasta recipe and why?
My favorite pasta dish is the standard spaghetti and tomato sauce. Fresh tomatoes, salt, basil and oil create the most divine food combination and also my most cherished comfort food.
Why do you think music videos are still important, maybe you don’t so why or why not?
I think music videos are super important. They create a visual image a person can pair with your music to helps them understand the context of a piece. The creative capabilities are HUGE, especially because you can entertain people with a story, visual effects, and music. Coming from a background in theatre, using all of these elements at once has always appeared to me to as ultimate artistic experience. However, I think that generally the importance of music videos is pretty underrated - but I believe those who take the time to make stimulating visual translations always reap the benefits!
You’re about to embark on a tour of europe what are you most looking forward to - any survival tips while on the road out there?
I am looking forward to eating quiche in France and buying clothes in Copenhagen. However, this contradicts my survival tips which are: don’t tour france (you will lose all your money on highway tolls) and don’t shop in Copenhagen (you will lose all your money on clothing partly because the currency is incomprehensible).
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on album #2 and am trying to find the funds to fund it! This will be difficult as I am taking my empty pockets to Europe this weekend but my birthday is in May so heres hoping.
What current music are you excited about?
I’m excited about the music my friends are making in Toronto, I am excited about Lykke Li and Fever Ray.
Tags: interview, Katie Stelmanis, new
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HIGH 5 WITH SNAILHOUSE
Wednesday, April 1st, 2009
Splitting his time between solo project Snailhouse and a hearty handful of other indie acts; Arcade Fire offshoot Bell Orchestre, The Harbourcoats and Angela Desveaux, Mike Feurestack is a busy musician. Having just completed a European tour in support of his new acclaimed album Lies on the Prize, Mike took the time to kindly relay his HIGH 5 records to listen to. As well be sure to check out Snailhouse at www.myspace.com/snailhouse.
Recommended Track: “Dollar Signs”
(more…)
Tags: interviews, snailhouse
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PEEP THIS VID PICK: WHO DO YOU CARE FOR?
Tuesday, March 31st, 2009Boys and their explosives. In this new video from Sebastien Grainger and The Mountains, Grainger braves the cold while frolicing amongst the popping embers of fireworks and burning toilet paper? I briefly chatted with Grainger to get his scoop on touring and his advice on how to stay warm.
In your new video it looks like it was freezing, frigid, death inducing - other than lighting things on fire what’s your favourite method for keeping warm during our Canadian winters?
When it comes to keeping warm i’m an old fashioned guy. Whiskey, long-johns and sexy hugs.
You recently finished a European tour, does any moment in particular stand out as a highlight?
During our third london show i said a lot of outrageous things to the audience. There was some kid heckling me and i cut him up so hard he left. You gotta bring your A game if you wanna tango with a verbal terrorist in the heat of the night when things aren’t going the way they should and we got problems over in Africa, you know?
What is up and coming for you…I hear you’re hitting the road again for a bizzillion months…do you look forward to touring?
When there are lots of dates on the calendar it seems a little daunting, but once you hit the road it feels great. Having the opportunity to play music everyday is not something i take for granted. Also, it seems to be getting better and better and that’s rewarding. If i felt like i wasn’t making any progress i’d be super depressed.
Since we’re featuring your new video do you have any favourite music videos?
I absolutely love the new Yeah Yeah Yeah’s video for “ZERO”. It’s super fun.
Tags: interviews, sebastien grainger, sebastien grainger and the mountains, videos
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Get Animated!
Thursday, March 26th, 2009
Check out these animated marvels by Toronto video artist Jesi the Elder. Her brand of wittied provocation kind of makes you feel like your looking at life through the eyes of an outrageusly cool but messed up grade 4 student.
Check out her videos for:
Final Fantasy’s - The Butcher
Katie Stelmanis’ - Join Us
DD/MM/YY - Infinity Skull Cube
Tags: animation, DD/MM/YY, final fantasy, jesi the elder, Katie Stelmanis, music videos
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SXSW 2009 WRAPUP: Bands to Watch
Monday, March 23rd, 2009
DAPPLED CITIES
I had a chance to check out the Dangerbird Records showcase and was pleasantly surprised by Australian quintet Dappled Cities. Combining a quirky yet commanding stage presence and hooky melodies reminiscent of Modest Mouse, Dappled Cities managed to entertain and impress. This band was seamless; they played a tight set of shimmery indie pop and reminded me that the Australian music scene is much more than just Silverchair and Kylie Minogue.
Tags: sxsw
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SXSW 2009 Wrapup: Day 1
Friday, March 20th, 2009
After 26 hours, 2 motel rooms, 10 bathroom stops, 6 fast food restaurants, 4 DVD movies and countless hours of bad American radio I’ve finally made it to Austin City for the South by South West Festival. First indication was the sea of cargo vans converging on the city centre, second signifier was the overwhelming rumble of music being blasted from every bar that lines 6th street.
Now SXSW is something you need to come and experience. It feels like mardi gras, it feels like the happiest and most debaucherous place on earth. I was told there were 1900 bands playing this weekend; that number was overwhelming but exciting…so much music! I decided to start off my SXSW experience off proper and lined up to see the 4AD showcase taking place at the Central Presbyterian Church.
The nights line up was impressive. Each act could hold their own on a headlining bill but tonight they were mashed together in a delicious medley of indie rock royalty. Here was the line up and here is my review of the show. Unfortunately I missed Camera Obscura.
Anni Rossi
Viola virtuosa Anni Rossi has her work cut out for her. Its hard not to make obvious comparisons to fellow stringers Final Fantasy and glitter Brit Patrick Wolf, all of which incorporate beautiful orchestral musings and idiosyncratic tales of whimsy. Rossi’s songs were pretty, her voice was perfectly shrill and her cover of Ace of Base’s Living in Danger was a highlight but she looked bored, perhaps nerves got the best of her but when you play a packed house it’s nice to be a little engaging - the songs were good but would have been better if she smiled a bit.
M. Ward
M Ward took great advantage of the setting and let his raspy voice soar and echo through out the cavernous Central Presbyterian Church. Appearing alone on stage with only a guitar, M. Ward commanded a respectful hush. Playing a determined set of old and new material, Ward never fails to impress. Couple raging guitar solos with silky crooning and you’ve got a set that keeps an audience interested from beginning to end.
Department of Eagles
Despite critical acclaim for their debut In Ear Park and anxious buzz from an excited line up of fans outside the venue Department of Eagles struggled through notable sound issues with an uncomfortable performance and awkward stage banter. With fellow Grizzly Bear’s watching in the audience, Rossen shyly sang through a revised version of No One Does It Like You and showcased new songs that flourished in harmonic grandeur. I didn’t like the performance as much as I wanted to but know that the potential of this band is explosive. I look forward to seeing them again.
St. Vincent
Playing to an audience of fellow Texans, Annie Clark brought the evening the perfect injection of raucous rock. Slender and delicate in appearance, Clarke’s music is the antithesis of her angelic aesthetic. She muscled her way through thunderous guitar solos and showcased a mature and enigmatic musicality. With her new album entitled ACTOR coming out in May, this performance made me eager and excited to purchase her new material.
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HIGH 5 WITH GENTLEMAN REG
Thursday, March 12th, 2009
I almost sat on Reg Vermue’s face.
With his tender mug recently gracing the cover of Xtra Magazine Gentleman Reg accompanied me on an arduous subway ride across Toronto. Suffice to say reading about his recent accomplishments managed to refresh my depleting patience. With the recent release of his critically acclaimed new record Jet Black via Arts and Crafts, Reg is prepping to showcase his new tunes at the upcoming South by South West Festival in Austin, Texas (March 13-22). In the meantime I asked Reg to tell me what music he’s currently excited about…so here’s this week’s HIGH 5 with Gentleman Reg.
Antony and the Johnsons
Another World EP
I do love the new Antony album, but I find I’ve been listening to this EP that came out late last year more often. And mostly for track 3, Shake That Devil. This is one of the smartest things I think he’s ever recorded, and it’s the most unlike any other song you’ll hear him do. Lyrically it’s totally captivating, but it’s ultimately in the delivery, where he channels Nina Simone doing ’see line woman’ that gets you. The haunting intro, the repetition, the call and response, the simplicity of drums and vocals, and the energy of his vocal wailings. An essential track.
Bon Iver
Blood Bank EP
A beautiful four song collection very much in the vein of his full length. Each track is strong, but again with this EP there’s one standout track. The Woods is almost mantra like. It’s one line on repeat, a cappella, and full of vocoder. But unlike everyone else using that effect lately, there’s something very natural about it. It’s not about the effect per se, but about the emotional effect this layering creates. I will admit to being brought to tears by this track on more than one occasion.
Erykah Badu
New Amerykah
I’m including this album, even though it’s not new, it came out in 2007, simply because it’s new to me. I’m not sure why I lost track of Erykah Badu, having been a huge fan of the first two albums, I think it’s more of a case that she lost me. Anyways, I’m back on board, and this is a classic rn’b album, in the vein of D’Angelo’s Voodoo. It’s rooted in simplicity. Each track really homes in on a vibe and sticks with it. It’s a mood piece. There’s not much in the way of verses or chorus’, more just one long linear song. Lots of vamping on an idea, and thank god the ideas are solid.
CSS
Donkey
A band I’ve been hearing about so much, it was simply time to check them out. Not knowing the album that made them huge, I can say that this is certainly a strong followup. Clearly no slump happening. It’s a classic new wave synth pop record. Girl/boy vocals, a shitload of hooks, heavy synths, great lead guitar lines. I’ll admit that I’ve been jogging regularly to this album. It’s high energy, and highly addictive.
Lykke Li
Youth Novels
Yet another pretty young female Swedish pop singer. But so much more. This album is all about the production, and it’s exactly that that gives you a sense you’re listening to Debut by Bjork. Very solid songwriting, wrapped in the absolute best packaging available. It’s very eclectic, a mixture of electronic and acoustic instruments, and a polarizing girlish voice.
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Must Sees At Canadian Music Week
Friday, March 6th, 2009
Next week, vans of musicians will be converging in Toronto for this year’s edition of Canadian Music Week. 350 bands in 3 nights!
This will be an absolute swarm of music, so in an effort to help calm any feelings of disorientation and confusion I’ve done a little sifting and sorting.
I’ve got folk on the mind so here are my top 3 whiskey writhing, roots rocking, country crooning musical acts to see at Canadian Music Week (March 11-14).
$100. I believe in the gospel according to Simone Schmidt. With a tempering drawl that immediately captivates and a backing band that creates the perfect twangy accompaniment, $100 prove that the power of singing your heart is priceless. THURSDAY, March 12 @ 9:20pm. Horseshoe Tavern.
Castlemusic. Jennifer Castle’s lilting vocals and disjointed guitar playing manage to diffuse a moody blues that is eerily soothing. Her new album You Can’t Take Anyone is perfect company for any quiet morning. THURSDAY, March 12 @ 9pm. Gladstone Hotel.
Jon Rae Fletcher. After a short hiatus and the dismantling of his band The River, Jon Rae Fletcher returns with a new album called Oh Maria. Recorded in 4 hours, Fletcher never fails to emote a heart wrenching rawness only to be expected from any guitar slinging son of a preacher man (Really he is a son of a preacher man). SATURDAY, March 14 @ 9om. Lee’s Palace.
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