How long ago was March? Technically, it’s been 162 days. But it’s also been several lifetimes and several rapid blinks, as a global pandemic and a social justice uprising changed everything over and over again. How long until it’ll be normal again? Technically, not at least until there’s a vaccine that’s widely administered for COVID-19. […]
Alec Martin
Alec is a student finishing their degree at University of King’s College School of Journalism. They have been covering arts on the east coast since high school, and are currently an organizing member of New Feeling Co-op.
Posted inArts + Music
June Body’s language
On June 22, 2017, members of June Body grappled with a decision: play their set acoustically or miss their live debut. The group’s then-drummer broke his arm the day of the show—and guitarist Connor James and bassist Alex Callaghan decided to risk it and unplug. This impromptu acoustic performance was foreshadowing for the group’s latest […]
Posted inArts + Music
Keonté Beals: A king secures his crown
Keonté Beals might have written his latest single—the newly released “King”—in 2019, but it’s a song that holds the pulse of 2020 in its soaring piano intro. Tackling themes surrounding religion, mental health, toxic masculinity and life as a young Black man, it marks a new direction for Beals, both musically and lyrically. “I think […]
Posted inLifestyle
Shut up and drive-in
Late Night Radio North Barn Theatre Co. July 10-12 8:30pm; July 17-19 8:30pm latenightradioantigonish.weebly.com for directions and tickets; Ohio Valley, Antigonish County; $25/PWYC At a particular point on a particular field in Antigonish County’s Ohio Valley, Laura Stinson and Ian McFarlane are hosting a drive-in like no other. Late Night Radio is the first full-length […]
Posted inArts + Music
Jah’Mila releases reggae rallying call to end police brutality
Jah’Mila’s “Chant Their Names” is a reggae anthem calling for justice, action and an end to police brutality—all while ensuring that no story is forgotten. The track (and its accompanying video) came out weeks after the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. Jah’Mila—arguably the biggest name in Halifax reggae—lists the names of Black people […]
Posted inArts + Music
“Music, lyrics, and sounds can just bring this type of self-acceptance that we need.”
Music As Healing: A Zoom Panel feat. Kwento, NAT Chantel, Lindsay Dobbin, Rebecca Fairless, Bianca Palmer and Danielle Jakubiak Thu June 11, 7pm everyseeker.com From creation to application, Halifax singer-songwriter Kwento sees music as a way to heal, restore and overcome. Tonight at 7pm, she will be a part of a Zoom panel discussing the […]
Posted inArts + Music
Quarantining with Like A Motorcycle
Like a Motorcycle is supposed to be on tour right now. But, with physical distancing making it impossible to throw a punk show, the group is finding new ways to stay present as it gears up to release its sophomore album, Dead Broke. The Halifax based four-piece has a full schedule in lock down. It […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
At Home with Botfly
With its latest EP, At Home with Alex, Botfly has stripped its sound bare—releasing something vulnerable, beautiful and surreal in the process. Five of the group’s songs have been reworked into minimal arrangements of guitar and vocals. These recordings are raw. They allow the listener to process the emotional intensity of Botfly’s music in a […]
Posted inArts + Music
Vadell Gabriel loses at love but wins with rhymes
F or Seth Glasgow—who raps under the name Vadell Gabriel—Valentine’s Day isn’t a romanticized lovefest. On his new EP Lover’s Pain, he explores his own misfortunes in love with unflinching vulnerability—and hopes that by unpacking his own woes, he can show those with nowhere to be on February 14 that they’re not alone. The lyrics […]
Posted inArts + Music
The eternal sunshine of Judee Sill
Chasin’ The Sun: A Tribute to Judee Sill Sat, Nov 23, 8pm Art Bar + Projects, 1873 Granville Street $20 O n the 40th anniversary of her death, Halifax musicians will gather at the Art Bar to celebrate the life and music of Judee Sill. Part of the class of long-haired 1970s singer-songwriters, Sill wrote […]
Posted inArts + Music
Review: Don’t sleep on the lullaby folk of Ostrea Lake
Don’t Sway Above Me, the debut full length album from Halifax band Ostrea Lake, is an ethereal collection of indie folk from the forest floor—though a careful listener may notice the bugs crawling underneath the foliage. The album is a sombre exploration of natural landscapes. Lakes, trees and fire are featured in song titles—but also […]
Posted inArts + Music
Howling PUP
PUP w/Weakened Friends, OUTTACONTROLLER Fri Oct 25, 9pm The Marquee Ballroom 2037 Gottingen Street Sold out Toronto four-piece punk outfit PUP is going to tear up the Marquee Ballroom at Halifax Pop Explosion, and we’re sorry you couldn’t get tickets. This Halifax stop on the Morbid Stuff tour will be the band’s third time playing […]