Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Earworm of the day: Soft Rock Star by Metric, off the album Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? I have long nursed a soft spot for frontwoman Emily Haines, but this song is especially good. Haines capitalizes on both her uncannily sweet voice and her powerful lyrics to swing together an unforgettable tune.The carefree, haunting chorus, "Choose the highest bidder, was my answer when they told me I was up for sale", stays in my head for hours, if not days.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
The Daily Earworm
My new feature, and just what it sounds like- every day, a song I can't get out of my head.
Today's earworm is Michicant by Bon Iver, off the new self-titled album. Which I would buy, if I were you.
A Belated Dance Party with Ellie Goulding and the Bag Raiders
Dear readers, I apologize for the time that has elapsed between my seeing Ellie Goulding live and my report on it. I usually try to write these immediately after the concert, so the memory is still fresh, but let me say that in the week that has passed the experience has not faded.
photo credit: Rachel Gould
I saw Goulding at Toronto's Kool Haus venue, and because I got there more than two hours early I managed to get a spot up close. Goulding's style seemed to be as addictive as her music- I saw several young Ellie Goulding lookalikes.Her opener, Australian duo Bag Raiders, got the crowd dancing with their electro-pop remixes, and their adorably bearded Chris Stracey won some hearts with his sweet accent and jokey demeanour. For those of you who don't know them (I didn't!) I'll post a link to some of my favorites.
Goulding came on around 9 (the doors opened at 7) with the crowd favourite "Under the Sheets". Everyone in the crowd knew the words, and was singing their heart out, which seemed to delight her. The British singer has shot up in popularity since the American video version of "Starry Eyed" was released in July this year, and has been compared to Kate Nash and Lykke Li. Going in, I have to say I was skeptical- though I've long been a fan of Goulding's music, I've found that most artists who rely heavily on electronic sound don't pack a punch in concert- but I was wrong about Ellie Goulding. Not only can she sing, but she also is quick to remix her own songs, using her considerable vocal talents to hold notes for so long that the audience stopped singing along and applauded in wonder and making slower songs more danceable. Her rendition of Elton John's classic "Your Song", which has won her awards in her home country, was sweet and soulful, one of the only quiet songs of the night. Though at first she seemed a bit crowd shy, going straight from one song to another, she warmed up to us, regaling us with the stories behind the songs. "The next time you think you've made a mistake, well, I made a bigger one, so I win," she told us, giggling, before launching into "Your Biggest Mistake".
Although the concert was short (including the encore, we got out at 10:15), Goulding packed a punch- the crowd was cheering even as it streamed out of Kool Haus. Keep an eye on Goulding- I have a feeling she'll be making a lot more critics go "Starry Eyed" in the future.
photo credit: Rachel GouldMonday, February 28, 2011
A Reckless Evening
On Saturday night, I saw The Pretty Reckless live at Toronto's Tattoo Rock Parlour. For those of you who don't know The Pretty Reckless, they are Taylor Momsen (also known as Jenny Humphrey from Gossip Girl)'s rock band. Taylor Momsen has sparked controversy with every step she's taken, from openly discussing her penchant for corsets and support of underage sex in Revolver magazine to flashing fans at one of her concerts. Many members of the press, including Perez Hilton, have raised eyebrows at Momsen's racy behavior and hypersexualized style. Perhaps it is because of this that Momsen is rarely recognized for her musical achievements.
The doors to the venue opened at six thirty, and when I arrived at seven it was still relatively empty, so I was able to snag a spot pretty close to stage. Momsen's band came on after two openers who weren't terrible but were nothing to write home about. Momsen, true to her reputation, was clad in leather panties, fishnets, and a low-cut shirt that read, "I fuck for Satan". However, her talent soon eclipsed her attire: her voice is sultry and rich, and her range is impressive. She seamlessly hit the high notes in songs like "Make Me Wanna Die" and "My Medicine". While her lyrics seem a bit too mature for a girl of seventeen, her skill is undeniable. She improvised a mashup of Muse and Oasis, and managed to give it her own unique spin. Momsen is also a natural stage presence: she seemed comfortable with her fans, inviting up two girls to dance with her on stage and seeming to siphon energy off the crowd. She made a few well placed drama-stirring comments, such as "I don't touch boys, I'm a ladies girl", and "Anyone drinking tonight? Good, okay, that's what this song's about." Momsen was flippant of her extreme eroticism, which allowed us in the audience to feel like children in on a naughty secret and added a spark to the crowd. While she self-promoted during the break between her songs, she wasn't obnoxious about it and seemed genuinely pleased to be performing in Toronto.
While it is safe to say Little J has grown up, I think Taylor Momsen has a long career ahead of her. One that may or may not include pants.
The doors to the venue opened at six thirty, and when I arrived at seven it was still relatively empty, so I was able to snag a spot pretty close to stage. Momsen's band came on after two openers who weren't terrible but were nothing to write home about. Momsen, true to her reputation, was clad in leather panties, fishnets, and a low-cut shirt that read, "I fuck for Satan". However, her talent soon eclipsed her attire: her voice is sultry and rich, and her range is impressive. She seamlessly hit the high notes in songs like "Make Me Wanna Die" and "My Medicine". While her lyrics seem a bit too mature for a girl of seventeen, her skill is undeniable. She improvised a mashup of Muse and Oasis, and managed to give it her own unique spin. Momsen is also a natural stage presence: she seemed comfortable with her fans, inviting up two girls to dance with her on stage and seeming to siphon energy off the crowd. She made a few well placed drama-stirring comments, such as "I don't touch boys, I'm a ladies girl", and "Anyone drinking tonight? Good, okay, that's what this song's about." Momsen was flippant of her extreme eroticism, which allowed us in the audience to feel like children in on a naughty secret and added a spark to the crowd. While she self-promoted during the break between her songs, she wasn't obnoxious about it and seemed genuinely pleased to be performing in Toronto.
While it is safe to say Little J has grown up, I think Taylor Momsen has a long career ahead of her. One that may or may not include pants.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
A Night With the Enigma
Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine is not just a ridiculously talented singer, she is a performer. Last night I had the immense privilege of seeing her live at the Sound Academy. Although she came on pretty late (the doors opened at 8, she didn't grace the stage until 10:50), it was well worth the wait. There was incredible energy that possessed the crowd once she came out, but none of it compared with the energy of Florence herself.
While her music is hardly something you'd hear at a club, she somehow made every song danceable. She seemed to be singing to every member in the audience, daring them to dance with her. And oh, did she dance. She was everywhere on the stage; her long red hair flying out behind her. She kept time with the beats of the song by drumming her heart. Between the third and fourth song, she changed into a flowing cape. But disguised as she was, by strobe lights and a dark dress, it seemed almost as if she donned wings. There were definitely some doubts as to whether or not she was human; she was infinitely graceful and yet somehow extremely provocative. Her shows are a theatrical production, and she knows it: after she finished every song she sank into a deep bow, her long arms outstretched, her eyes closed.
As for the skeptics, who think her voice may have some help when you hear her songs on the radio, you are dead wrong. The Sound Academy is built to hold about 2,000 people, and there were times when she didn't even need the microphone. What a voice! Her voice is deep, flowing, and rich. When singing "Drumming Song", she held notes for so long, we in the audience started holding our breath. If anything, her voice is better in person, unencumbered by the walls of a studio, soaring out above all other instruments. And her speaking voice, which she used sparsely (when not singing, she seemed almost shy of the audience, which was incredibly endearing), is sweet and softly accented. She sings her songs with such passion that "Heavy In Your Arms" made me want to cry. I had to leave halfway through the encore, but I will definitely be seeing her again. I cannot say enough good things about this artist. If you haven't heard of her, look her up right this second. If you have, try as hard as you can to see her in concert. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Photo credit to Dave Macintyre
While her music is hardly something you'd hear at a club, she somehow made every song danceable. She seemed to be singing to every member in the audience, daring them to dance with her. And oh, did she dance. She was everywhere on the stage; her long red hair flying out behind her. She kept time with the beats of the song by drumming her heart. Between the third and fourth song, she changed into a flowing cape. But disguised as she was, by strobe lights and a dark dress, it seemed almost as if she donned wings. There were definitely some doubts as to whether or not she was human; she was infinitely graceful and yet somehow extremely provocative. Her shows are a theatrical production, and she knows it: after she finished every song she sank into a deep bow, her long arms outstretched, her eyes closed.
As for the skeptics, who think her voice may have some help when you hear her songs on the radio, you are dead wrong. The Sound Academy is built to hold about 2,000 people, and there were times when she didn't even need the microphone. What a voice! Her voice is deep, flowing, and rich. When singing "Drumming Song", she held notes for so long, we in the audience started holding our breath. If anything, her voice is better in person, unencumbered by the walls of a studio, soaring out above all other instruments. And her speaking voice, which she used sparsely (when not singing, she seemed almost shy of the audience, which was incredibly endearing), is sweet and softly accented. She sings her songs with such passion that "Heavy In Your Arms" made me want to cry. I had to leave halfway through the encore, but I will definitely be seeing her again. I cannot say enough good things about this artist. If you haven't heard of her, look her up right this second. If you have, try as hard as you can to see her in concert. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Photo credit to Dave Macintyre
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
An Update on Our Favorite Brit
Hannah Trigwell just released the music video for her single "Give It Up".
I really can't get enough of this girl.
I really can't get enough of this girl.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Joyride and Joey Levesque
So today I had the delightful experience of interviewing a Mr. Joey Levesque, keyboardist for Vancouver-based band Joyride. Although you might not have heard of them yet, you should most definitely look them up right now. I suggest listening to "Whatever It Takes" first, as it is my personal favorite. Comprised of Trent Otter, Kyle Shields, Colin Grieve, Paul Kinman and Joey Levesque, Joyride is a refreshing take on pop-rock. With clever and catchy lyrics, danceable tunes, and a creative energy that could easily fill up Madison Square Garden, I have no doubt that Joyride is going places. Although right now they only perform locally, I highly suggest you see them in concert (if you live in Vancouver) or check out their website here.
Tell us a bit about your band: Origins, inspirations, interesting tidbits?
Well, we all went to the same high school in a middle-of-nowhere town near Vancouver, with the exception of Colin who we actually found over Craigslist. We all played music together as kids and everything just kinda came together.
Where did the name originate?
Joyride was one of a HUGE list of names that we just narrowed down... I probably still have it in my email inbox somewhere. It’s interesting, because it seems to fit us a lot more now than I would’ve said it had in the past. I wonder whether it adapted to fit us, or we adapted to fit it?
Can you describe your band’s music without using a genre?
Yeah, but the technical terms wouldn’t make any sense so I’ll try to put it into more accessible words. The music has a lot of influences and we all write our own parts, but it’s pretty fresh, young, exciting. There’s a lot of synth stuff going on, a lot of rock beats and you’ll hear influences from all over the place... A strong guitar presence and Colin’s vocal are backed by Kyle’s bass which interacts a lot with the drums. I dunno. I’m gonna cheat and call it pop-rock.
What is the best thing about being a band? The worst?
The best thing, for me at least, has always been seeing the smiles on people’s faces at shows or while listening to the CD and knowing that this art, these sounds we’re creating are capable of affecting others’ emotions to that point... We love what we do and if other people love it too, hell, welcome on board. The worst part is probably the work, time and money it takes up... The problem is that for an unsigned band in Canada, it can be almost impossible to get your name out there, get on good shows, and get radio/video play, etc. Joyride’s advantage in this respect is our age, I think. We’re all really young and we’re gonna give Canada a run for its money.
Do you write music as a band or separately?
Both. We all write our own parts and Colin handles lyrics as well as his vocal duties. We’ll go to his place and record ideas, work with them and decide whether they’re worth keeping.
The artist you dream of being compared to is:
I would say we dream more of touring with artists than being compared to them, hahah. Always wanted to tour with the other big Canadian bands – Hedley, Mariana;s Trench, Stereos, et cetera. We’re good friends with These Kids Wear Crowns and Tom from Hedley actually produced our debut EP, and from those experiences I can definitely tell you that touring with either act would be something to remember.
Who is your dream collaborator, living or dead?
I personally have always wanted to work with Jared Leto on something. Another one (slightly more plausible) is Josh Ramsay.
Do you have a process for writing music?
Somewhat. It’s a secret though. :D
Top five favorite songs, off the top of you head?
Oh jeez, that’s a question I’m hard put to answer. I guess at this very moment; 5. Four Year Strong – Bada Bing! Wit’ A Pipe!, 4. Marianas Trench – Masterpiece Theatre Pt.3, 3. Skrillex – My Name Is Skrillex, 2. The Summer Set – Chelsea, 1. Periphery – Icarus Lives!. These change all the time though.
Any parting remarks?
You’ll never take me alive!!
Seriously though, check the band out at thejoyride.ca, grab the stuff on iTunes, PARTY HARD.
Tell us a bit about your band: Origins, inspirations, interesting tidbits?
Well, we all went to the same high school in a middle-of-nowhere town near Vancouver, with the exception of Colin who we actually found over Craigslist. We all played music together as kids and everything just kinda came together.
Where did the name originate?
Joyride was one of a HUGE list of names that we just narrowed down... I probably still have it in my email inbox somewhere. It’s interesting, because it seems to fit us a lot more now than I would’ve said it had in the past. I wonder whether it adapted to fit us, or we adapted to fit it?
Can you describe your band’s music without using a genre?
Yeah, but the technical terms wouldn’t make any sense so I’ll try to put it into more accessible words. The music has a lot of influences and we all write our own parts, but it’s pretty fresh, young, exciting. There’s a lot of synth stuff going on, a lot of rock beats and you’ll hear influences from all over the place... A strong guitar presence and Colin’s vocal are backed by Kyle’s bass which interacts a lot with the drums. I dunno. I’m gonna cheat and call it pop-rock.
What is the best thing about being a band? The worst?
The best thing, for me at least, has always been seeing the smiles on people’s faces at shows or while listening to the CD and knowing that this art, these sounds we’re creating are capable of affecting others’ emotions to that point... We love what we do and if other people love it too, hell, welcome on board. The worst part is probably the work, time and money it takes up... The problem is that for an unsigned band in Canada, it can be almost impossible to get your name out there, get on good shows, and get radio/video play, etc. Joyride’s advantage in this respect is our age, I think. We’re all really young and we’re gonna give Canada a run for its money.
Do you write music as a band or separately?
Both. We all write our own parts and Colin handles lyrics as well as his vocal duties. We’ll go to his place and record ideas, work with them and decide whether they’re worth keeping.
The artist you dream of being compared to is:
I would say we dream more of touring with artists than being compared to them, hahah. Always wanted to tour with the other big Canadian bands – Hedley, Mariana;s Trench, Stereos, et cetera. We’re good friends with These Kids Wear Crowns and Tom from Hedley actually produced our debut EP, and from those experiences I can definitely tell you that touring with either act would be something to remember.
Who is your dream collaborator, living or dead?
I personally have always wanted to work with Jared Leto on something. Another one (slightly more plausible) is Josh Ramsay.
Do you have a process for writing music?
Somewhat. It’s a secret though. :D
Top five favorite songs, off the top of you head?
Oh jeez, that’s a question I’m hard put to answer. I guess at this very moment; 5. Four Year Strong – Bada Bing! Wit’ A Pipe!, 4. Marianas Trench – Masterpiece Theatre Pt.3, 3. Skrillex – My Name Is Skrillex, 2. The Summer Set – Chelsea, 1. Periphery – Icarus Lives!. These change all the time though.
Any parting remarks?
You’ll never take me alive!!
Seriously though, check the band out at thejoyride.ca, grab the stuff on iTunes, PARTY HARD.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)