July 25, 2003 was a monumental day for Alexisonfire, and it happened in Halifax. The St. Catharines-based quintet was riding a wave of attention thanks to its debut video “Pulmonary Archery” from the band’s self-titled full-length, and was starting to develop a fan base outside of Ontario. And like any band worth its salt, they […]
Music
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Posted inArts + Music
A man and his guitar
There’s an odd romanticism associated with the term singer-songwriter. Mention the two words to any music fan and a wistful image of a weather-worn traveller with an acoustic guitar and a story to tell immediately comes to mind. This idealized notion doesn’t take into consideration whether the artist is an adequate singer, songwriter or storyteller, […]
Posted inArts + Music
Apathy for the record industry
Behind all the glitter and glam of music award shows, behind the emotional acceptance speeches and live performances, there are business deals being made. Record labels use the backdrop of award shows such as the East Coast Music Awards (ECMAs) as an opportunity to sign the next Matt Mays or Joel Plaskett. During the ’90s […]
Posted inArts + Music
Big, big plans
Thank God for bingo. Members of Wintersleep have taken a time-out from preparing for the release of their new, self-titled record for a shot at some prize money at the local bingo hall. It happens to be one of the coldest days of the season, and the sound of numbers and letters over the loudspeaker […]
Posted inArts + Music
Understanding K-OS
It’s safe to say that k-os is in a good place at the beginning of 2005. And it’s no wonder, because with his second album, Joyful Rebellion, k-os has reached the top 10 on the Canadian pop charts and can be heard on hip-hop, Top-40 and college radio stations. He is supporting the album with […]
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Heart act to follow
BA Johnston finds inspiration in the most unusual places. His fourth record, My Heart is a Blinking Nintendo, is a collection of quirky, sad songs about pirates, poutine and the CFL. On January 20 at Tribeca, Johnston will be celebrating the release of his record, and the performance will also mark his 30th birthday. “It’s […]
Posted inArts + Music
Show your teeth
Forget about “Kokomo.” Erase from your mind the image of those balding, portly, middle-aged men dressed up in the red, white and blue singing surf tunes at Ronald Reagan’s 1985 inauguration. There was a time, we’ll call it the ’60s, when the Beach Boys were the vanguard of California cool. It was the spring of […]
Posted inArts + Music
Eric the kid
Vancouver-born, Montreal-based Eric “Kid Koala” San has performed all across the globe as a member of Bullfrog, Deltron 3030, Gorillaz, Lovage and Money Mark. He’s also one of the best known DJs in the world, having opened for The Beastie Boys and Radiohead. He’s been invited to ring in the New Year in New Orleans, […]