Braids are kicking off 2011 by releasing their long-awaited debut album Native Speaker, a startling unique pop record that was recorded and produced entirely by the Montreal quartet. Beyond making a great record, the band is also hands-down one of Canada's strongest live acts right now. I met up with them this past summer during a sort of mini-tour, which took them as far as New York City. Here's some of our conversation.
Last November, Winchester Warm, a folk-acoustic duet from Ottawa, released their first LP titled, Sky One Room. Ever since the group have been touring all over Canada winning audiences over. The group, consisting of drummer Matt Godin, and guitarist, Jon Pearce have been admired for their complex, two part vocal arrangements.
However, there must have been something lost in the recording process, which took place in the historic McLeod-Stewarton United Church by Jarrett Bartlett in Centretown Ottawa. The vocals on the album delivered by both Godin and Pearce require a bit more practice. The songs have incredibly profound, lyrics full of intense imagery which is lost in the lack of enunciation from both singers. The pitch of Pearce's voice also requires more work as it is a bit off tune and he does not have a great range.
It is definitely a unique style of vocal arrangement, similar to California's Counting Crows or even the vocals delivered by In-Flight Safety. However, Sky One Room lacks the range, and full sound delivered by these two bands. The vocals can be a bit difficult to listen to, but there are some moments of excellent singing on the album especially the song "Rubberneck" where Godin and Pearce are on the same wavelength and create moving harmonies.
Instrumentally, the album spews positive energy and mellow vibes. The whole sound blends country and folk music very well creating a good soundtrack to walk to. Using only two members, the group still creates a very full and ambient sound. They know have an amazing chemistry and are able to incorporate soft piano and banjo riffs making the sound much more complete.
The group will be performing in Halifax on January 17th at The Carleton and if the many reviews of their live performance hold true it will be an intimate and soothing experience. Hopefully, since touring the group will have gained some experience and will be able to deliver a stronger vocal performance.
Need a little pick-me-up? A little hows-ya-fatha-nip for the upcoming frosty season?
Virginia Leaves will warm you up and tickle all your fancies with their charismatic charm and very cool vibe. I loved them at first listen - what a nice change from over-produced hype. Now sit back and relax and let me rub your feet.
"Virginia Leaves is a band from Vancouver, Canada. The band was initially an acoustic venture put together by long time friends Mike West (guitar/vocals) and Mike “Strides” Brown (guitar), but in 2009 Glenn Kelly (bass/vocals) and Brian Michals (percussion) entered the picture, to round out the act.
Their music is a blend of indie rock with a rural country twang.Producer Pierre Fraser ofResonant Mind Productions describes it as: “Elements of rock, with a thick mist of country blowing its way up from the south”.Vocalists, Mike West and Glenn Kelly write a unique blend of saccharine harmonies that are catchy singalongs.Fans have referenced the Virginia Leaves’ sound to iconic bands such as Social Distortion, Lucero and Deertick.
In April of 2010, Virginia Leaves played a free show at the Media Club in Vancouver for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society raising $2000 for their cause.
Virginia Leaves’ self titled 5 song EP was released in August 2010.TheEP was an opportunity for the band to work with Pierre Fraser at Resonant Productions and be the first project out of his newly opened jam space/recording studio.Pleased with the outcome, the members of Virginia Leaves are playing more live shows to promote its’ recent release.
While having a tonne of fun performing and creating music, Virginia Leaves are hoping to make a lasting contribution into indie rock music.The name may conjure images of sweet tobacco, acres of auburn maple trees or the tragic girl that ran away.First impressions aside, Virginia Leaves have started to plant their wooden roots into the Vancouver music scene."
Check out their upcoming show November 6th at the Princeton Pub with Matt Stanley and the Decoys and The Light Machines ~ 5 buck door.
Tokyo Police Club/Arkells @ Detroit's Magic Stick - Show Review
Darrell Winningham - Special Correspondent
Where were you when you found out you were old? I was at the Magic Stick in Detroit a few Tuesday nights ago when I came to the realization. Tokyo Police Club rolled into town with Arkells for support and it was a show full of teen spirit.
I showed up a bit out of place to begin with, decked out in work attire, looking every bit the part of an accountant on a college recruiting trip. Only my fellow patrons weren’t looking for anything but a double dose of Canadian indie rock. They weren’t disappointed.
The Arkells ground their way through a 45+ minute set that included most of their latest release, 2008’s Jackson Square. The Hamilton, Ontario five-piece paid tribute to Motown, showing their appreciation of Stevie Wonder with a cover of “Signed Sealed Delivered, I’m Yours.”
I can’t legally speak to whether or not Max Kerman sang the Happy Birthday song (he did, a thank-you to a fan that made the trip from Ohio). There was a determined effort by the Arkells to get the crowd riled up for TPC, constantly encouraging singalongs and clapalongs.
The kids were excited (to say the least) as Tokyo Police Club burst on stage with “Boots of Danger (Wait Up).” At one point, Dave Monks had to stop the show to kick out one overhyped punk kid who thought he was at a Suicide Machines show.
Now, unlike a fellow CBC Radio 3 blogger and show mate, I didn’t have the guts to approach the band after the show for a set list, but I think it’s safe to say they played everything they have ever recorded (the average TPC song is under 3 minutes). The highlight of the show for me was the encore.
Weezer fans surely recognized the cover of “My Name Is Jonas” from Blue Album fame. Sadly, I was one of the few in attendance who was in high school when Weezer originally recorded it. Yes I’m old, and I own it…and I still rocked out to “Cheer It On” to close out the night.
Youth is invigorating. I’m ready for more.
Arkells photos: Russ Gordon
Tokyo Police Club photos: Pete Nema
The Halifax based indie-pop-rock group has recently released their 8 track LP "Places to Roam". The CD release show was during the Halifax Pop Explosion and since then, the group have been getting a lot of attention. If you haven't checked it out already, you MUST see the band's new music video for the single "Push You Away".
The overall tone of the band is relatively upbeat and happy. It is the kind of music that will just give you a bounce in your step. The album sounds sort of unpolished and provides you that raw indie feel with a very upbeat sound. It is impressive how just two people are able to create such a complex yet easy to follow sound.
Lyrically, the album creates anthems for pretty much everyone. The songs are really relate-able and smart. These songs are an asset to everyone's back to school/fall mix.
I have listened to the album so many times over since getting it and I must say the group has really outdone themselves. The album features catchy songs like "Push You Away" which almost sounds like the East Coast response to Said The Whale. However, the real strength of this album is it's diversity. After working with Rick White in Elder Ontario to record it, the group has really pushed it's boundaries.
The album features more crunchy guitar riffs and drumlines than before especially on the track "Prison Cell" where drummer Stephanie Clattenburg creates a very unique and weird rhythm that will have your head bobbing. Don't be fooled though, the album can switch gears pretty suddenly too. The final track "Northern Lights" showcases guitarist/vocalist Matthew MacDonald's talents as a singer. He crafts a captivating harmony which is almost as haunting as Bon Iver.
The duo absolutely rocks out and will definitely receive some attention for this album. They will be performing in Halifax soon! You should definitely check them out at The Seahorse Tavern on November 6th.
David Vertesi is well known for being the bass player in the Vancouver indie pop group Hey Ocean!. He has just completed his first solo album, Cardiography, which is a diamond in the rough that sparkles with its beckoning intensity. Starting out with the song “Mountainside” with its fuzzed out feedback, bird-like chirps and prominent bass line, David's beautiful baritone voice sings of sincerity to the point of being self painful (love's a mountainside/that I wish I could climb/your love is a stormy sea). Following that song is “Gentlemen Say”, a poignant song about how love can be confusing without communication. David's vocals in some way remind me of Leonard Cohen in this song in particular – how he can tell a story through songs and get the emotional output across to the listener. The title song “Cardiography” is an upbeat, up tempo song that musically sounds almost happy in a forlorn way. The acoustic guitar is absolutely spot on in this song. Although musically the songs on this CD are simple in their melody and chord structures, they are effective in their subtle charm. Many different instruments were used in the songs which give the CD a good overall structure and versatility. Lyrically, David can weave emotions vocally through each song in a style that is his own. Other stand out songs are “Learn To Run”, “Rossland” and “Soft Skin”. This is a very refreshing and original start to his own solo career with this collection of 11 songs.
The CD will be available starting on Tuesday October 26 and you can order it at File Under:Music.
On a bright Wednesday morning, I met up with David Vertesi at an East Vancouver location in mid-October to discuss his new album Cardiography which is being released on Tuesday October 26. It was an insightful interview into David's background with music and family and what led to making this album of his original music. Here is the interview in a Q&A format:
Jade: So let's discuss the first song “Mountainside” - who's female voice is backing you up?
David: All the female vocals on the record were done by Hannah Georgas. There are four songs that she helps me out on which are “Mountainside”, “Gentlemen Say”, “All Night All Night All Night” and “Epilogue”. I went back and forth between having multiple female singers versus just one female singer and in the end, I wanted Hannah's vocals. She is a close, close friend of mine and I really love her voice. She's very easy to work with; she comes in, goes with it and figures it out.
Jade: How did you come up with the music and lyrics for “Mountainside”?
David: This is one of the last songs that made it to the record. I wrote this song around my break-up and around a book I was given in that same time period by Eric Fromme called “The Art of Loving”. It was written in the 1950's in response to Freud and his concept of love. The reason I like this book is because it discusses different views and levels on love between friends and family and also speaks of sexual love between people. It was an incredibly inspiring book to read but also really intense and dark too. Academically, when you read a line that states “Love is more a reflection of how alone we are than how much we really love that other person”... that is a really intense thing to read! My entire record is conceptual and meant to tackle the idea of love. Love is more than one dimension. There are some songs on my album that are about young love, others about devastating heartbreak … and there are other songs that fall somewhere in between. With “Mountainside” (and the entire album), I wanted to write about myself and try to understand this concept of love. The whole album is about me and the journey that I'm on. I wanted to start the record with talking about who I am. And that idea was inspired by Gene Simmons. He was the one who said that you should introduce yourself before you play music.
Jade: I like the way that by introducing yourself on this record it comes across in your music to the listener. Within the first three songs, I got a really good impression of who you are as a person in regards to what you're doing as an artist. I think that a lot of people can relate to what you're talking about. You're record is original and fresh and can crossover to other genres (jazz, folk, etc,.).
David: I really believe as an artist in the “Universal Experience” at this point in time. I've just been through some really intense times in my personal life and part of this record is about that. The more personal you are in your music and art the more you'll speak to people. I'm blown away that some people are relating to what I wrote about in so many different ways!
Jade: On this record, you have a friend helping you out from The Zolas - Tom Dobrzanski and also Adian Knight. What was it like to bring them into the project and work with them?
David: The Zolas are good friends of mine, yes. Tom Dobrzanski plays keys in The Zolas and he has his own studio in town (Vertical Studios). Tom has had studios in basements as long as I can remember and he's worked on every Hey Ocean! project. He works a lot with indie bands. I went and worked with Jose Miguel Contreras in Ontario on Cardiography and when I got home, it wasn't quite finished and I needed to get it done. A lot of the strings, horns, piano and Hannah's vocals were done in my parents living room. Tom brought in extra gear, and Adian came into the project because I really trust his opinion because I like his music. Adian is great to bounce ideas off of. I knew that I could turn to him at any point and say “Is this a stupid idea?” and I would always get an honest answer.
David Vertesi and David Joseph (By Divine Right) perform songs from Cardiography. Photo by Jade Sperry.
Jade: How did the song “Gentlemen Say” come about? I think that's the best song on the album.
David: Thank you! Well, this is one of those songs that literally happened, it's a true story …
Jade: Really? Well, the lyrics are awesome!
David: (laughing) Yeah, it was something that happened, and then I went home and wrote about it. I write the music first and the lyrics follow. It just came together. How I write music is I write a bit of music, then some lyrics, more music and the music takes the song in a certain direction so the lyrics then follow. Actually, my friend Shad has influenced me in how I write in some ways. He's a good friend. Hannah is also a good friend of Shad's. Shad learned how to play guitar that had 4 strings. One string was missing. But the guitar was in the house, so he just picked it up and took it on. So when he writes a song now on a guitar, he gets these quirky riffs and this is how he has influenced me. So getting back to the song, this is about that game of getting tired of the game. It's like a dog eat dog thing. Do I hurt you before you hurt me? Should get my guard up? When I played it for Hannah, she laughed her face off! We have our moments....(lots of laughter)...she's on tour right now actually.
Jade: Yes I saw on her website that's she's somewhere out east....having fun no doubt (more laughter)...
One song on the record “Learn To Run” has a really slow build for about three and a half minutes when suddenly the music just explodes within the song – how did this song come to fruition? The tension in the song is mind-blowing really...
David: Yeah, I like to record music and be open to what's going on in the moment and sculpt a song – I don't like forcing anything in music, it never works if you do that. It was always meant to build like that. The middle wasn't quite supposed to be that way; we pulled out the guitars and it just sounded so great. Jose said that I was lucky to be in a position in any song to be open enough to let the moment happen. And this is such a personal song. For me, this song turned out the way I wanted it to.
Jade: In the song “Cardiography” is that you playing the guitar part in the middle of the song? It's such an uptempo, funky piece of music …
David: Yes that's me. It was planned that way. Sort of. My philosophy with making music is that I want to make teenagers cry and older people dance. (we both break out laughing) If you make older people dance, everyone is dancing. I love the shoulder shimy too. Kind of fun with contrast. If you make people dance and get emotional it's good.
Jade: A lot of people are saying that Hey Ocean! are no more, that you've left the band to do this album. Is this true?
David: No. Hey Ocean! is still a band but we haven't done anything in a while. We're going on tour next month (November 2010). So when my album comes out, I'll be on tour with Hey Ocean! and not with myself (laughter from David). I'm actually producing the next Hey Ocean! record.
Jade: So you'll have producer credits as well.
David: Yeah. But, with Cardiography … I've been writing music since I was twelve years old and I did try to write a previous album but it fell by the wayside. The oldest song on this record is about 3 years old. I started writing a lot of love songs but at some point, I just wanted to write about different things – not love. I got into Hayden and other people's music. Then I went through this break-up. I went to a friend who said “Instead of fighting it, why don't you do it on purpose, write love songs and make an album about it?”. This is more about the journey than just a break-up album for me.
Jade: Yeah, when I was listening to the album, I felt like I was walking a path with you, because I could relate to what you were singing about.
David: Thanks. That was my intention.
Jade: One of the many people who follow my blogs sent me a question to ask you – what is the Topless Gay Love Tekno Partyabout?
David: Alright! This is such a joy for me. It's a band that I play in that's totally crazy, it's a great release for me and it's garage synth dance music! I wear a full body spandex suit (laughter). It's all performance based. The music is great too. Michael Schindler and Donne Torr started this about a year ago, looking for musicians to play bass and drums … so they recruited myself and the former drummer for Hey Ocean! Benny Schutze. We just played a show this past Saturday – and that was nuts! It was totally packed, I was playing bass lying on my back in the middle of the floor with the crowd around me ... and I'm wearing spandex pants, no shirt and space boots … (lots of laughter)...the lyrics to the songs are so over the top and it just goes....(more laughter), we also did crowd surfing and the place was packed! (The Media Club). This is why I do music – this is how I express myself and exist. Hey Ocean! is about musicianship and writing music and progressing as a band; my own music is about expressing things that I feel, and with Topless, it's about release; getting crazy and having fun. Different outlets to express different things all within the realm of music. When you tour for 5 years of serious music you just need to blow off steam. I just love it all.
Jade: What personal goals have you accomplished this year and what goals are you setting for yourself for the next year? I know some musicians don't set goals...
David: Actually I do set goals. Before last year I wanted to record 4 albums. And I've done 3. I did mine, I'm in the process of recording with Hey Ocean! (which should be done this winter) and recorded with Topless. And I'm happy with that. As for goals for this upcoming year, I'd like to do a lot more producing.
David Vertesi and David Joseph (By Divine Right) perform songs from Cardiography. Photo by Jade Sperry.
Jade: Do you like producing better than playing the music?
David: Producing is just totally different. I love to produce. Translating music into a recorded form is just a beautiful art form. With Hey Ocean! I've gotten to work with bigger name producers and I've learned a lot. Doing more mainstream producing as well as independent producing – I mean, I recorded my album in a barn out in the woods with Jose, living with his family … it was crazy and I definitely learned a LOT. I feel like I have a lot to bring to the table and I love music. With this record, my goal was to introduce myself to the industry. I've been around, I've done a lot, but because I'm the bass player in a band with an amazing vocalist (Ashleigh Ball), I tend to get overlooked. I'm an integral part of the musical process of Hey Ocean!. I just wanted my voice out there telling people where I'm coming from.
David: I loved it. I never could have done this without Jose. I really couldn't afford to go to Toronto but I decided in the end to do this with Jose. There are a few producers in Vancouver, but I just couldn't see myself doing this with anyone else. We have great chemistry and there is a dynamic element there between us that I liked. He's someone who believes in the “experience” of recording which translates to the record. I needed someone whose palate I trusted but at the same time who wasn't going to force anything on me. I like to experiment and feel my way through the music and I wanted someone to guide me and bring that side of me out. Enhancing that experience! There is so much on the record that is recorded weirdly. I play drums on the record – and I don't play drums at all. I took a kick drum and propped it up …then I took a snare drum in one hand and a rubber mallet in the other hand and I just went for it! You don't hear any cymbals on the record except for two songs. And that was me later just adding the cymbals in. I don't know of any other producers that put up with that kind of thing. Jose is always talking about the “vibe” and he also gets into the idea of “it sounds like something”. He's a very positive and supportive man. He is an underrated talented man. And he has so much patience!
Jade: How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard of you or the bands you're in?
David: It's very personal music. I like the term “new-folk”, modern folk music, not based in roots. Music for the people. I use synths in an organic way, not a “Devo” way. Adian Knight has that same kind of music. New modern indie folk.....
Jade: What's your take on the Vancouver music scene in general?
David: I think it's a weird place because it's so removed from the rest of country. You have to drive a while to get somewhere to play a show. In Ontario it's not so removed. So that element makes Vancouver interesting. I personally feel that there is a vibrant scene here. It's an amazing scene and it's growing. I like watching it grow. I had a conversation with Ryan (vocalist/guitarist for Mother Mother) and drinking wine and playing songs and going to see his band at The Marine Club … and playing at The Fairview with Dan Mangan. And looking at these bands and people now....wow. It's amazing. There is so many great young bands like We Are The City and The Zolas … people don't realize how young these guys are! Said The Whale have only been on the scene about 3 years! So yeah in the next 5 years … who knows where it could go? We could be the new Montreal … well maybe not so much Montreal but …
Jade: You know, it's funny you say that but a few years ago, I interviewed Patrick Krief (The Dears, Black Diamond Bay) who said that Montreal and Vancouver have a common musical link ….
David: He's right. I think there's also an element of commonality between Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. We are the third largest city in Canada behind Toronto and Montreal. One thing is that there is a sound here just like in Montreal and Toronto which is just blossoming right now. The only problem is that there is no support structure for young bands starting. It just isn't there. Art groups focus on artists, not music. Factor is federal funding which can be difficult to obtain. Factor is based in Ontario and there could be a bias there for other bands in other provinces. In BC there should be a fund of some kind to support regional artists to become national artists. I think one of the worst things in not having all ages venues. Kids in bands have no where to play. Oscar Wroz in Kamloops let us stay at his house after Hannah and I had played in a music school that was weirdly shaped. Lots of people came, Colleen Brown, Hannah Georgas and I played then Oscar's band played. Then we went back to his Dad's house and there were rooms for all of us.....he shouldn't have had to do that, there should be something else in place to support what Oscar did. There are just so many ways to do things...
Jade: You're very passionate about this....
David: Yes! I truly believe in this.
Jade: If you ever need help with this I would like to help out.
David: Thanks, I think I'll take you up on that.
Jade: Yeah, I will publicize this for you big time! (laughter)
David: Cool.
Jade: What motivates/inspires/drives you to create music?
David: I've been making music since I was really young. My family is very musical. I took singing lessons until my voice changed when I was about 12. I was in the choir in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat” with Donny Osmond! I was Pink, that was my colour, Pink. Then, I wanted to be a hockey player at some point. I never thought about making music. At all. My mom taught me the ukulele when I was eight or nine. Shredding on uke! Then I tried to play guitar and I just couldn't get it. So I gave up. Then my older brother started playing guitar and that was it. I had to learn the guitar. It was that little brother thing. If he could do it, I could too. I wanted to impress girls with my guitar skills. I was in Sooke that summer and my brother taught me Pink Floyd's “Wish You Were Here”, and within 2 months I was writing like crazy! I started grade eight that year. My parents were always supportive of my music, but wanted me to stay in school. I went to Mount Allison and was in a band and did fund raisers for Cancer. I left after 2 years, came home and met David and Ashleigh and the rest is history. I thought I was just going to work in the Industry and thought that I wasn't good enough to work in music with a band. Inspirations have changed over time. It started with girls...
Jade: (lol) It usually does with most men.
David: Yeah. Well the album is about girls....and other things....
Jade: I heard that! (laughter)
David: Thanks for doing this Jade.
Jade: You're welcome. And thank you for this interview. I know a lot of people are really excited about this. They want to see what music you do outside of Hey Ocean!.
David: I just hope people check out the record, come to the shows and HEAR the music, not just listen to it.
I've been impressed for awhile now by the voice of Vancouver's Jody Glenham. As far as I know this is her first video though - if you like it check out jodyglenham.com for more:
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