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A weird '80s nostalgia act
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While preparing to hit the road to push his newest album, B.A. Johnston has reached a Zen-like state of acceptance that we might think it's total garbage. "I'll have pyramids of these album ...
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While preparing to hit the road to push his newest album, B.A. Johnston has reached a Zen-like state of acceptance that we might think it's total garbage.
"I'll have pyramids of these albums in my basement if I don't sell them. It'll be a constant reminder of my terrible failure," he told us last week.
The new disc, seventh for the Hamilton-based satirical crooner, is dubbed Thank You For Being A Friend (yes, like that song from Golden Girls).
"Initially, I thought it was going to be kind of crummy, and that the songs kind of sucked. Then, when I listened to it a few times, I realized they're not that bad."
The 15-track disc might be a little less self-deprecatory than others before it. As always, though, he's riffing about lesser-discussed ties that bind us, like memories of playing NBA Jam and the oh-so-forgettable Short Circuit actor, Steve Guttenburg.
"I feel like I'm some weird '80s nostalgia act, even though I never was popular in the '80s. I seem to become more '80s obsessed as the '80s get farther away," he said. "Maybe people are just searching for a better time - the world's got a lot of problems right now. Oil spills, Eat, Pray, Love - you know?"
Johnston played his last Moncton gig late July at Plan B, which he says was the most packed he's ever catered to in our fair little city. The crowd's size was an anomaly for Johnston, who says turn-outs at local shows are traditionally sparse, though merch flies off the table.
"I'd like to say this show will be radically different from the last one I played, but I'd probably be lying to people," he said, though he quickly assured us he'll be throwing down old faves and new hits. "It's better to have new material to play, because, otherwise, if it's stale for them, it's stale for me - which is a dangerous line."
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By: Victoria Handysides - Here Magazine
He plays The Capital in Fredericton on Sept. 25.
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Buffed-up Krome to play Nicky Zee's
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Shawn Meehan thanks Gene Simmons for his own success as the lead singer of one of Canada's up-and-coming rock bands, Krome. And get this-he'll share the secret. "When I was forming the band ...
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Shawn Meehan thanks Gene Simmons for his own success as the lead singer of one of Canada's up-and-coming rock bands, Krome. And get this-he'll share the secret.
"When I was forming the band in 2003, Gene Simmons had come out to [a music conference] and he was criticizing these band names that are like five words long, saying how nobody would ever remember something like that," he says.
"We thought, 'What's a one word name that sounds like us?' And we came up with chrome, but decided to spell it with a 'k' as a tribute to Kiss and to make it stand out."
Seven years later, Vancouver-based Krome is still standing strong, having released their latest full-length, Kronic Rock, in August; the single Turn it Up is in rotation on Much Music's Loud channel.
Meehan says he always had a business plan in mind when forming Krome. In their early years, Meehan and the band released everything independently, sticking to the mantra that they would wait for a label to approach them.
After their debut album, Neglected, sold close to 5,000 copies, the labels came a-knocking. Despite the success, Meehan admits it all hinges on their ability to strike a balance between hard rock and commercially accessible tunes.
Having played in bands since he was 13, Meehan says he gets a high from performing, and formed Krome out of a general frustration with the hard rock scene.
"Rock's lost its way; it's lost the rebellious fun edge," he says. "For us, it's about putting fists in the air, getting laid, going against the grain and forgetting about your day jobs."
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By: Gilean Watts - Here Magazine
Fredericton's Nicky Zees, 375 King St, September 8 at 9pm. For more info, call 506-455-6407.
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CHSR Is In Trouble
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From GunshyZine: We don’t normally do this, but I wanted to let everyone know that there is an urgent meeting happening on Thursday, August 19th for anyone who would like to see CHSR FM c ...
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From GunshyZine:
We don’t normally do this, but I wanted to let everyone know that there is an urgent meeting happening on Thursday, August 19th for anyone who would like to see CHSR FM continue to exist. Members past and present as well as anyone else interested in grass-roots participatory media are strongly encouraged to attend.
As some of you know, CHSR has suffered numerous setbacks in recent years with frequent staff turnover, nepotism, a failing music department, and a lack of a functioning volunteer executive. We held a membership meeting last week in attempt to fix some of these problems, but it seems to have only made things worse. We’ve just gotten word that Tom Richmond has resigned from his position as Program Director and will be gone within 30 days.
I met the vast majority of my nearest and dearest friends as a direct result of my involvement at CHSR. The station was great once, but right now it is sick, and it needs your help to survive.
Please come to Marshall D’Avery Hall on the UNB campus in Fredericton tonight at 7pm for a brainstorming session and to show your support.
If not, we’ll keep you posted about the best time to hit the dumpsters behind the SUB to score gems from the largest music library east of Montreal. But be warned, I will absolutely cut you for those original Ramones LPs.
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FRIDAY AUG 20th - CANCER BATS in Freddy!
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This Friday August 20th - Cancer Bats invade Fredericton with Iron Giant and Rusted Dawn at NickyZee's! Don't miss this show! (It is Rusted Dawn's last Fredericton show unfortunately.)&nbs ...
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This Friday August 20th - Cancer Bats invade Fredericton with Iron Giant and Rusted Dawn at NickyZee's! Don't miss this show!
(It is Rusted Dawn's last Fredericton show unfortunately.)
Tickets are still available at all Ticketpro Outlets, Online at www.ticketpro.ca and by phone at 1-888-311-9090.
***Reads in Fredericton was having some issues with cpu/paper but there are still tickets available either at the door or by calling and online.
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Hot Hot Heat Tour Is Hitting Fredericton!
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Fresh off the two big festivals in the Maritimes - Halifax Rocks and FredRock, Hot Hot Heat are returning to the region on tour this fall hitting Fredericton on October 13th at UNB SUB Cafeteria with ...
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Fresh off the two big festivals in the Maritimes - Halifax Rocks and FredRock, Hot Hot Heat are returning to the region on tour this fall hitting Fredericton on October 13th at UNB SUB Cafeteria with Hey Rosetta and Rich Aucoin. $25 Adv (plus service fee) / Doors @ 8PM.
***This is an All Ages show open to Members and Guests
(with licensed area for 19+ with ID)
Tickets Go On Sale Friday August 13th at 10am:
In Person: Reads Newsstand (King Street)
Online: http://www.ticketpro.ca
Phone: 1-888-311-9090
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Transatlantic Zodiac Ensemble Vs. Locals Top 10
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Transatlantic Zodiac Ensemble will be performing at The Capital on Friday, August 13th and would love for you to come. In preparation of the show, Michael Dalton of the group took the challenge o ...
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Transatlantic Zodiac Ensemble will be performing at The Capital on Friday, August 13th and would love for you to come.
In preparation of the show, Michael Dalton of the group took the challenge of answering some questions on behalf of his band, let's see how he did!
1. What is your favorite "Passed out" story - spare no details
- Submiited by Mantis
- Our violin player passes out at every party around 10pm. Usually sitting up or on the living room floor. He's also been known to pass out in the shower with the door locked, only to wake up when the hot water runs out.
2. Who do you think is the best band from your town?
- Submitted by Brockstar
- Mustache Pony
3. What is the weirdest thing you've eaten on the road?
- Submitted by Philthy Phil Howe
- Chicken Feet and Bamboo Fungus.
4. How are things going on the road?
- Submitted by Eric Lewis
- Just started, Via Rail was amazing.
5. What is the Craziest/wierdest thing ever to happen during a show?
- Submitted by Siremitch
- I was really high and peed outside the bar then i puked on my pee. Then I tried to poo on my pee and puke but it didn't work.
6. What has been your most memorable or inspirational gig and why?
-Submitted by Ross. L Sanchez
- see above.
7. What’s your idea of a perfect Sunday?
-Submitted by Ross. L Sanchez
- you wake up. bingo, great day already. potages and Donalds biscuits. Then drive a monster truck. while drinking a caesar. Afternoon delight. light dinner, a dip in the pool and lights out.
8. What was the first LP/cassette/CD/eight track you ever bought with your own money?
-Submitted by Ross. L Sanchez
- Dance Mix 95, Ace of Base, Spin Doctors.
9. What has been your strangest celebrity encounter?
-Submitted by Ross. L Sanchez
- Jimmy Rankin's three legged dog attacked my friend.
10. What has been your greatest accomplishment as a musician?
- Submitted by LoveHatesYou
- Filling out this survey completely honestly
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Lang concert cancelled
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Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival organizers announced Thursday that headliner Jonny Lang has cancelled his performance at the event. Organizers were set to announce a replacement act today. ...
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Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival organizers announced Thursday that headliner Jonny Lang has cancelled his performance at the event. Organizers were set to announce a replacement act today.
Lang is the third major act Harvest has been forced to replace for the Sept. 14-19 festival. Champion and his G-Strings were replaced by Big Sam's Funky Nation after bandleader Maxime Morin was diagnosed with Leukemia, and Gregg Allman was replaced with the Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi Band after Allman underwent a liver transplant. Lang's management said the cancellation was due to a personal conflict. Reports have said his wife will give birth to their third child around the date of the festival.
By: The Telegraph Journal Staff
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Freshly NEeMA
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The path of a raven-haired Montreal songbird was paved in the Maritimes, she says. Before releasing her debut album Masi Cho in 2006, NEeMA took her show on the road, testing tracks on East ...
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The path of a raven-haired Montreal songbird was paved in the Maritimes, she says.
Before releasing her debut album Masi Cho in 2006, NEeMA took her show on the road, testing tracks on Eastern waters.
"I first toured the Maritimes before any other part of Canada, or the world," she said in a recent interview from a Toronto hotel.
Since, her fame has gone global. She's toured Ireland, Australia, England and the US and hit over 33 concerts in the summer of 2007 alone.
Now, the folky/jazzy/rootsy songstress is riding the wave of her second album, Watching You Think, co-produced by music moguls and pals Leonard Cohen and Pierre Marchand.
"Those relationships kind of just developed. It just kind of came about with time and friendship. It started with sharing one thing, and then, eventually, it became something where they both got very involved."
The album, which debuted on June 29, is raw and roomy, yet intimate and warm. She says the birth of her songs was a process of trial and error. Many were practiced on our audiences before making the record's cut.
"I wrote a lot on the road, and quite a bit in the Maritimes," she said. "It's one of the most conducive places to write, when I'm behind the wheel and my mind is calm ... it's a place where a lot of ideas come."
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NEeMA hits Fredericton's Wilser's Room and Saint John's Bourbon Quarter on Aug 12.
By: Victoria Handysides - Here Magazine
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Swift, Gunning to share the stage for Fredericton
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It takes a skillful songwriter to truly capture the soul of a place, to accurately portray the spirit of a region as storied and diverse as the And so it's special when music fans have an opport ...
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It takes a skillful songwriter to truly capture the soul of a place, to accurately portray the spirit of a region as storied and diverse as the
And so it's special when music fans have an opportunity to catch two talented artists like Dave Gunning and Thom Swift performing together.
That's exactly what's going to happen tomorrow evening at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre - two of the region's best singer-songwriters will share songs, solos and stories.
During a joint interview with City Live, the two musicians explained that they've played with each other many times over the years and it's fun to provide personal touches on each other's music.
"I find it quite effortless. When he plays on my tunes, he plays beautiful stuff," said Gunning. "And I love playing his songs. It's a lot of fun, because I think I know what he's going for."
For the McAdam-born Swift, having the chance to share a stage with Gunning is an equally rewarding opportunity.
"Dave's writing is second to none. It's very visual. He paints these great visual scenes and it's melody-driven," he said.
"He's a really good friend of mine, first of all, and his music is really great. So it's win-win. Both of us are smiling through the whole show."
Gunning said it seems the two performers share a special connection, possibly because they were taught to hold some of the same qualities in high regard.
"Obviously with what Thom does and what I do, there's a common thread in the sort of rural roots of our music," he said.
"There's a sort of underlying current of cheering for the underdog and it's about writing stories that have happened in our lives and stories that we've heard. Thom is a pretty grounded guy and I definitely come from the same kind of world ... I think there's a connection through the way we were brought up, that we were taught to work hard at a young age."
Swift said he's excited to see a few familiar faces in the crowd.
"I'm hoping people come out and support the show. I guarantee it's going to be an interesting night of music and stories," he said.
"If you've ever seen Dave before, he does a great job of sharing stories about where the songs come from and interacting with the audience."
The show gets underway at about 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the door.
By: Adam Bowie - The Daily Gleaner
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Radio Radio to bring the party to capital city
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Music fans looking for a rollicking dance-party should make their way to The Capital Bar this evening to catch a special performance by Radio Radio. The bilingual Montreal-based, Maritime-b ...
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Music fans looking for a rollicking dance-party should make their way to The Capital Bar this evening to catch a special performance by Radio Radio.
The bilingual Montreal-based, Maritime-born hip hop group's latest album, Belmundo Regal, has been short-listed for the 2010 Polaris Music Prize and features a variety of ear-catching rave-ups, including the very danceable Guess What and Dekshoo.
Jacques Doucet said they weren't expecting to be recognized as part of the Polaris Music Prize process.
"It was pretty cool, after somebody explained it to us," he said with a laugh.
"Our label called us up and we were like, 'What's this Polaris thing about?' They explained that it was a cross-Canada (award) and it didn't matter English, French, or whatever. We weren't sure what it was right off the bat, but we're really happy now. And when the short-list came out, we were excited to go to Toronto (for the gala event in September)."
He said it seems Belmundo Regal has also helped promote aspects of Acadian culture - such as the use of New Brunswick's Chiac dialect and its equivalent in Nova Scotia - across the country.
"Canada's a bilingual country and it's pretty much a bilingual album - well, maybe mostly French.
"I guess it really got that particular dialect out in the open," he said.
"At the end of the day, it's the way that Acadians speak."
Doucet said the band will begin working on their next release in November.
"We're going to take a month off to go travelling and writing soon," he said. "But we made a song - it's kind of like a joke song. If you go on our Facebook page, there's a link to a website where you can download a free song.
"It's called Bob Dylan and it's basically us trying to see how many times we can say Bob Dylan in the song.
"Every word is Bob Dylan. "It's a verb, adjective, adverb - everything."
The show starts at about 10:30 p.m.
By: Adam Bowie - The Daily Gleaner
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A deafening nosie
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Chris Slorach, bassist of the Toronto-based post-punk grunge band METZ, listens to the Beatles. Guitarist Alex Edkins rocks out to country. But when the two get together with drummer Hayden Menzies, w ...
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Chris Slorach, bassist of the Toronto-based post-punk grunge band METZ, listens to the Beatles. Guitarist Alex Edkins rocks out to country. But when the two get together with drummer Hayden Menzies, well, let's just say that magic happens.
"The music we play is not a reflection of what any of us are listening to," Slorach says. "Our music is gritty and loud, and none of us listen to stuff like that. But when you put the three of us in a room, METZ happens."
Dubbed one of the loudest bands in Canada, METZ brings back the grungier days of Nirvana through their experimental percussion-driven sound and airy, incoherent vocals.
Slorach wouldn't call them trailblazers, per se, but admits it's a niche none too many Toronto artists have filled.
"There's not really a scene [in Toronto] - you create a scene by accident whether you like it or not," he says. "Maybe it's about time, because no one was doing it here."
METZ itself was also a bit of an accident, coming together after an awkward BBQ between Slorach and Menzies. Slorach had retired his musician hat at the time, having played in both Moneen and The Abandoned Hearts Club, and had turned his attention to music management and bookings.
"Hayden and I met through a mutual friend and he kept trying to get me to book shows for his band but I never had anything for him," Slorach says. "I get a call from Hayden one day saying he was having a barbeque. So I go over to his house and it's just him there. We started yapping back and forth, and he said he needed someone to play bass."
Now two years into the band, METZ has two 7" albums up for grabs. The latest, Ripped on the Fence/Dry Up, released just last month.
he launches herself through the air with the greatest of ease. Cannonlady Jen is ready to do her special take on Hunter S Thompson's last wish by shooting her body from a specially-designed giant cannon. The human projectile will, ideally, land in a net stationed by the iconic Hooper statue.
The street performer is just one of dozens expected to swamp Saint John during Buskers on the Boardwalk's 20th anniversary.
The ancient Greeks identified the four elements as water, fire, air and earth. The mythical fifth element - ether, or quintessence - filled the space between the terrestrial plane and the sky.
This summer the buskers' fest is based on those four elements. Here spoke with festival organizer Stephanie Peterson, who explained that "each of the international acts we're hosting demonstrate the four elements, and pushes toward discovering the fifth element."
Fire dancers and fire-artists weave and whirl poi into an illuminated tapestry of primitive dance. Rob Roy Collins provides less solitary entertainment: the garrulous acrobat and escapologist, unlike the fire-folks, wants you to participate. And a nine-foot goth called Lurk will be sneaking and creeping around the downtown, terrifying the kiddies.
The organizers of Buskers 2010 have designated the festival's fifth element as laughter: catch the rotund Petit Chef and vaudeville zanies Daredevil Chicken Club as they amuse boardwalk diners (and perhaps, in the case of Petit Chef, grab food from their plates).
"The Buskers are a tightly knit community: when they get together, it's like an old home week from various festivals. It's a beautiful thing to be a part of."
Street performers do roving shows throughout the day, transforming unlikely nooks and crannies into stages for unexpected feats of derring-do. Buskers selected for the festival tend to possess a diverse range of talents and skills (e.g.: a glass-walker who moonlights as a comedian and machete-tosser), so performances vary wildly. It's always a new show - and, awesomely, all are free of charge - except what you put in the hat. Natch.
The Market Square Circle will serve as the main music pitch, where the four elements theme is extended with activities in the children's fair along the Boardwalk.
"For the young and young at heart, a Wet and Wild Zone will feature water slides and water guns. Air will be represented by a zone called Air Fare, with bouncy rides for kids, jump shots, and climbing walls. All proceeds go to the Children's Wish Foundation."
Most importantly, Buskers gets Saint Johners young and old alike out on the streets past 11pm, creating a sidewalk entertainment culture rarely observable at other times of year. The crowds and dramatic spectacles introduce the uncanny and wonderful into SJ's strolls along the boardwalk from July 22nd to 25th.
Gaston Bachelard observes of the four elements that the interrelationship of air, earth, water and fire demonstrates "the complexity and infinite diversity of beings or of manifestation, as does their ceaseless development from one pattern to another." The diversity and continuing development of Buskers on the Boardwalk is, like the fifth element, out of this world.Chris Slorach, bassist of the Toronto-based post-punk grunge band METZ, listens to the Beatles. Guitarist Alex Edkins rocks out to country. But when the two get together with drummer Hayden Menzies, well, let's just say that magic happens.
"Our musci is not a reflection of what any of us are listening to," Slorach says. "Our music is gritty and loud, and none of us listen to stuff like that."
Dubbed one of the loudest bands in Canada, METZ harkens back to the grungier days of Nirvana through their experimental percussion-driven sound and airy, incoherent vocals.
Slorach wouldn't call them trailblazers, per se, but admits it's a niche not too many Toronto artists have filled.
"There's not really a scene [in Toronto] - you create a scene by accident, whether you like it or not," he says.
METZ itself was also a bit of an accident, coming together after an awkward BBQ between Slorach and Menzies. Slorach had retired his musician hat at the time, having played in both Moneen and The Abandoned Hearts Club, and had turned his attention to music management and bookings.
"Hayden kept trying to get me to book shows for his band but I never had anything for him," Slorach says. "I get a call from Hayden one day saying he was having a barbeque. I go over to his house and it's just him there. We started yapping back and forth, and he said he needed someone to play bass."
Now two years in, METZ has two 7" albums up for grabs. The latest, Ripped on the Fence/Dry Up, released just last month.Chris Slorach, bassist of the Toronto-based post-punk grunge band METZ, listens to the Beatles. Guitarist Alex Edkins rocks out to country. But when the two get together with drummer Hayden Menzies, well, let's just say that magic happens.
"The music we play is not a reflection of what any of us are listening to," Slorach says. "Our music is gritty and loud, and none of us listen to stuff like that. But when you put the three of us in a room, METZ happens."
Dubbed one of the loudest bands in Canada, METZ brings back the grungier days of Nirvana through their experimental percussion-driven sound and airy, incoherent vocals.
Slorach wouldn't call them trailblazers, per se, but admits it's a niche none too many Toronto artists have filled.
"There's not really a scene [in Toronto] - you create a scene by accident whether you like it or not," he says. "Maybe it's about time, because no one was doing it here."
METZ itself was also a bit of an accident, coming together after an awkward BBQ between Slorach and Menzies. Slorach had retired his musician hat at the time, having played in both Moneen and The Abandoned Hearts Club, and had turned his attention to music management and bookings.
"Hayden and I met through a mutual friend and he kept trying to get me to book shows for his band but I never had anything for him," Slorach says. "I get a call from Hayden one day saying he was having a barbeque. So I go over to his house and it's just him there. We started yapping back and forth, and he said he needed someone to play bass."
Now two years into the band, METZ has two 7" albums up for grabs. The latest, Ripped on the Fence/Dry Up, released just last month.Chris Slorach, bassist of the Toronto-based post-punk grunge band METZ, listens to the Beatles. Guitarist Alex Edkins rocks out to country. But when the two get together with drummer Hayden Menzies, well, let's just say that magic happens.
"The music we play is not a reflection of what any of us are listening to," Slorach says. "Our music is gritty and loud, and none of us listen to stuff like that. But when you put the three of us in a room, METZ happens."
Dubbed one of the loudest bands in Canada, METZ brings back the grungier days of Nirvana through their experimental percussion-driven sound and airy, incoherent vocals.
Slorach wouldn't call them trailblazers, per se, but admits it's a niche none too many Toronto artists have filled.
"There's not really a scene [in Toronto] - you create a scene by accident whether you like it or not," he says. "Maybe it's about time, because no one was doing it here."
METZ itself was also a bit of an accident, coming together after an awkward BBQ between Slorach and Menzies. Slorach had retired his musician hat at the time, having played in both Moneen and The Abandoned Hearts Club, and had turned his attention to music management and bookings.
"Hayden and I met through a mutual friend and he kept trying to get me to book shows for his band but I never had anything for him," Slorach says. "I get a call from Hayden one day saying he was having a barbeque. So I go over to his house and it's just him there. We started yapping back and forth, and he said he needed someone to play bass."
Now two years into the band, METZ has two 7" albums up for grabs. The latest, Ripped on the Fence/Dry Up, released just last month.
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Catch METZ in Fredericton at Gallery Connexion on July 26 at 9 p.m. (440 York St.)
By: Julia Wright - Here Magazine
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Laviolette to play Capital Bar
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Richard Laviolette writes country songs about colonialism and croons about the heartbreak of long-distance relationships through folk. He listens to grunge music in his spare time. The grun ...
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Richard Laviolette writes country songs about colonialism and croons about the heartbreak of long-distance relationships through folk. He listens to grunge music in his spare time.
The grunge makes sense. At 27, he is, after all, a product of the 90's. The folk we get, too: indie is in, didn't you know?
The country, he explains from his home in Guelph, is a blast from his past; a nostalgic throwback to his childhood, when country music blasted from his father's record player every Saturday morning.
"I grew up with a lot of country music in the home, and I have this dream of making a country album with my dad."
His latest musical venture, Richard Laviolette and the Oil Spills, particularly reflects his interest in history and Canada's colonialist impacts on Aboriginal peoples.
"Even though some of the lyrical content in the songs can be depressing, the music will get you moving," he says.
Laviolette and the Oil Spills released their debut album All of Your Raw Materials in September 2009, but are hitting the road for a vinyl re-release tour across Ontario, Montreal and the East Coast.
The album is Laviolette's fourth release. He's gone back and forth between folk and rock ?n roll, but says country will always be one of his favorite styles to play.
"There's a history of country music being sexist, racist and homophobic. I like to take this format of music that makes me feel good and update lyrics and talk about things I'm thinking about."
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Richard Laviolette and the Oil Spills play Fredericton's Capital Bar on July 29 at 9:30pm, along with Oh No, Theodore!
By: Gilean Watts - Here Magazine
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Hey Rosetta play the Market tomorrow!
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People love to talk about Hey Rosetta! - the Newfoundland folk-rock group slated to perform in Fredericton on July 22 at the Boyce Farmers' Market. They marvel at the band's gift for storytelling ...
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People love to talk about Hey Rosetta! - the Newfoundland folk-rock group slated to perform in Fredericton on July 22 at the Boyce Farmers' Market.
They marvel at the band's gift for storytelling, their strong musicianship, and their ability to take a song from a quiet, introspective intro to a soaring, full-on rock and roll chorus.
So that's why the buzz is circulating about the busy group's return to Fredericton - a show that will be their first in the capital region since a triumphant late-night set at the 2009 Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival.
The show will be held between 8-11 p.m., which should make it easier for many music fans to get out on a Thursday evening.
Tim Baker, who sings, plays guitar and is Hey Rosetta!'s chief songwriter, said he's been maintaining a busy schedule over the past few months, but he can see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Aside from high-profile performances at the NHL's year-end awards in Las Vegas and as part of a special Canadian exhibition at the 2010 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, Baker has been hopping frequent flights between recording studios in Scotland and Halifax, working on the band's follow to the award-winning smash hit Into Your Lungs.
"It's been a pretty hectic couple of months for sure," he said.
"I think we're almost out of the woods now with the (new) record. That's exciting. We pretty much finished another round of mixes (this week).
"That'll be quite a weight off. It's definitely been the focus of my attentions for the last five months, from the arranging to the recording and now to the mixing."
But the talented singer-songwriter isn't able to say when the new release will be ready for store shelves.
"I can't talk about it. But even if I could, I wouldn't know (when it'll be available)," he said. "The music is very, very close to being done. It's only a matter of time."
Baker said he's getting ready to hit the road for an extensive tour - one that will take the six-piece rock ensemble to China and on a whirlwind through the United States.
He said he's looking forward to these new experiences.
"Every time we go somewhere new I try not to have any preconceived notions about it. I actually have no idea what (China's) going to look like, or feel like, or sound like, or smell like. I've seen kung fu movies. I doubt it's going to be anything like that," he said with a laugh.
And the band will have the chance to see more of the United States this time out.
"We're going to see all the (major U.S.) cities, from New Orleans, to Phoenix, to Cleveland, to Washington. I've never been to any of these places. We've done New York and Boston a couple of times and we've done California before and we've been to Texas, but I'm really looking forward to seeing some of the smaller centres," he said.
"I'm also looking forward to the routine of playing five nights a week. It's been a while since we went on that kind of tour."
Baker said speculation in the media about the direction of the group's new material is correct to assume the band will continue exploring the balance between various orchestral arrangements and acoustic, quiet moments.
"I don't know if it's going to sound any more, sort of, bombastic than we have in the past," he said. "I think it's quite similar in its diversity to the previous records."
By: Adam Bowie - The Daily Gleaner
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Orphan Grinder to take the stage at Boom!
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Two dudes armed with a guitar, keyboard and synthesizer are taking on all that is wrong with the world-starting with the radio. "I'm so sick of the stuff on the radio; it's so bland," says ...
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Two dudes armed with a guitar, keyboard and synthesizer are taking on all that is wrong with the world-starting with the radio.
"I'm so sick of the stuff on the radio; it's so bland," says Riley Eichler, vocalist for Ontario-based Industrial Rock band Orphan Grinder. "We wanted to bring back that 90's Nine Inch Nails-like sound - nothing too over-polished."
Eichler started the band with guitarist Aaron Wallis in May 2008. They wanted to create a raw, powerful sound that would challenge their listeners in a way mainstream tunes rarely do. Part of that challenge, Eichler says, was staying small.
"It's pretty funny showing up at venues where no one's ever heard of us and they expect to see a drummer," he says. "We sound like heavy electronic carnage; we try to use a lot of good driving guitar rock-style riffs instead of metal."
Eichler draws inspiration from the world around him and his increased disappointment in mankind.
"I feel like we're in a new depression in a way - a depression of the mind and soul," he says. "I want to open people's eyes to this stuff till it stops. I'm trying to write a song about the BP disaster."
While Orphan Grinder's hardcore, their use of electronics and synthesizers awarded them the status of Most Popular Electronic Group at the London Music Awards in June.
"What makes us stand out the most is that it only takes the two of us to make this huge sound," says guitarist Wallis. "Most two-piece bands usually get written off as a novelty and swept under the proverbial rug, but we've had no problem grabbing the attention of everyone who comes out to a show."
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Orphan Grinder and Promonium Jesters play Boom Nightclub, 474 Queen Street, Fredericton July 21 at 10pm.
By: Gilean Watts
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Hooded Fang Vs. Locals Top 10
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Hooded Fang and Maylee Todd from Toronto will be at The Capital this Saturday, July 24th. Hooded Fang recently took part in our Locals 10 question bonanza in anticipation for the up coming show.& ...
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Hooded Fang and Maylee Todd from Toronto will be at The Capital this Saturday, July 24th.
Hooded Fang recently took part in our Locals 10 question bonanza in anticipation for the up coming show.
So go to the show and ask them questions of your own!!!
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1. Bacon Vs. Broccoli: Discuss
- Submitted by Chappie
Broccoli wrapped in Bacon. Hooded Fang is developing a food-combining
diet and this is pretty much at the top of the nutritional pyramid.
2. Groupies - Do you have them / have you had them - and what are your
pinions of them - do they inspire music or are they just good for a party?
- Submitted by Canadian Psycho
They're good for the after-after-after party.
3. Who do you think is the best band from your town?
- Submitted by Brockstar
Too many! Maylee Todd, Times Neue Roman, Doldrums, Friendlyness and
the Human Rights, The Magic
4. What do you expect from your show in Fredericton?
- Submitted by Brockstar
We were told the Mayor would be there to give us the keys to the city,
so we're pretty excited about that. Beyond that, we expect to see an
awesome town!
5. What is the weirdest thing you've eaten on the road?
- Submitted by Philthy Phil Howe
The whole broccoli-wrapped bacon thing, though nutritious, is also kinda weird.
6. What's going on with your band right now? (This is your one chance to
plug your shit)
- Submitted by Eric Lewis
The Hooded Fang full-length is coming soon! Get your hand-made
bootlegged version on the East Coast tour.
7. What should everyone shut up about?
-Submitted by Ross. L Sanchez
Mel Gibson. Why can't people just leave that poor racist misogynist
alone already?? THE MAN MADE BRAVEHEART FOR GOODNESS SAKE.
8. Do you feel that audience attendance/energy/participation has an effect
on your live show?
- Submitted by Mannequin
Yes. We've heard east coast crowds are awesome, so we're looking forward to it.
9. What does your band name mean to you? (How did decide on this name will work equally well)
- Submitted by Don
We love Mordecai Richler and "Jacob Two-Two" isn't a good name for a band.
10. Are you a full-time musician? If not, what is your other job?
- Submitted by Mantis
There are seven of us and we are a mix of musicians and actors and
playwrights and journalists and teachers. One of us constructs ghosts
that are used in a TV show about ghosts, possibly called "Ghosts!" But
she's just a part-time ghost-maker.
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