First up, Owen Pallett graduates! To a larger Winnipeg venue, that is.
This time through town, the wiry-framed Polaris winner brings his violin, loop pedal, and sharp, biting wit to the 750-seat Garrick for a performance on October 28th (up from the 400-seat WECC). And with great popularity comes great higher ticket prices: $29 including fees. Presale gets going Thursday.
Juno nominated singer-songwriter Justin Nozuka’s stock is also on the rise; he’ll be playing at the Garrick (his biggest Wpg sound room yet) on September 21st.
And last, incandescent electronic act Holy Fuck (aka Holy F**k, Holy F, Holy Fornication Under Consent of the King) are touring heavily in support of their recently minted third LP, Latin, a trek which sees the Toronto-stationed crew appear at the Pyramid on October 5th.
First up, Jersey rockers The Gaslight Anthem are touring the hell out of their newest offering, American Slang, a massive global-spanning trek which, natch, includes a Winnipeg date at the Burton Cummings Theatre on September 6th. The Mezingers and Fake Problems open.
Punk vets Pennywise return to Peg City on September 12th for a gig at the Garrick. Riverboat Gamblers are the evening’s sonic appetizers.
Arbutus Records (Montreal) label mates Grimes and Pop Winds drop by Freud’s Bathouse and Diner on August 23rd.
Anthemic pop wunderkind Rich Aucoin has been added to the Hot Hot Heat/Hey Rosetta! bill going down at the Pyramid on October 2nd.
And finally, Jordan Catalano is bringing his so-called band Frozen Embryos to the Burton Cummings Theatre on September 18th. And I have word that Tino *will* be drumming.
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There are many reasons why you should love burgeoning alt-folk act The Wilderness of Manitoba.
Here are five:
They bravely use the name of our mighty fine province in their moniker (last time THAT happened, a lawsuit was launched)
They compose seemingly effortless alt-folk soundscapes that are familiar, vulnerable, and soul-stirringly beautiful.
Said music is fueled by gorgeous melodies and lush vocal harmonies
They answered my 11 questions in video-form, conveniently uploaded the vid to YouTube, and sent me the link. Points for creativity and originality. Bonus points for making my posting life simple (no wrestling with temperamental html/ formatting required).
See numbers 1 through 4
If you’re interested in hearing this highly inventive folk troupe perform the many wonderful songs off their debut, When You Left the Fire, at the West End Cultural Centre on July 31 (in ACU Hall), I’ve got a pair of tickets to offer up courtesy of the generous folks at the WECC. Entering is, as always, simple. Fire off an email (on the side) by Thursday, July 29th @ noon with the subject line “The Wilderness of Manitoba Ticket Giveaway” and your name in the email’s body. I’ll draw the winner randomly and contact the lucky person shortly thereafter.
Easily the most exciting show happening this week in Winnipeg takes place this Tuesday at the Lo Pub, a true double-bill featuring about-to-breakout Toronto folk-pop outfit Forest City Lovers (and, as previously featured, blossoming singer-songwriter Leif Vollebekk).
Forest City Lovers are no stranger to the stage, having toured strongly behind all records (three to date) and building a solid live band reputation. Their latest ultra-melodic offering, Carriage, bubbles over with effervescent pop gems further buoyed by singer/band founder Kat Burns’ vibrant vocals and the group’s tight, dance-inducing rhythm section.
I had the chance to ask frontwoman Burns 11 interest-and-character revealing questions. Here’s what Kat had to say.
1. Where are you right now?
Currently in our friend Becky and Steven's living room in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
Let’s talk music…
2. What are some albums that completely changed your life?
I think when I first discovered Kid A, that sort of brought music to a new light for me. It was the first album that was groundbreaking to me. I still love that album. Also On the Beach by Neil Young was also a major album for me in high school. These of course came about before I even played music, so I feel they were an important part in inspiring me to make music later on.
3. Of the records you own, which has the best cover art?
Oh gosh, I would have to go home and look through all my records. I have a lot of favourites, so I am not sure...
4. Where do you shop for music?
Soundscapes in Toronto, and usually the small independents in other cities that we visit. Got to support the small guys.
5. Who is the most underrated Canadian band at the moment?
Guelph Ontario's Richard Laviolette - he is a fantastic songwriter and every band he fronts is an extension of that.
6. What is your favourite music video?
Fleet Foxes - "White Winter Hymnal"
As an art student, it got me. I think that is hands down on of the most interesting video that has come out lately.
And some hodgepodge…
7. What is your current ringtone?
I'm not really into ringtones so mine is either just silent with vibrate or a regular ring. I don't like hearing people's phone ring, ha.
8. PC or Mac?
Mac attack!
9. What’s one film you can watch over and over again?
Chasing Amy and Ninja Turtles
10. What TV shows do you follow?
Nothing at the moment but I'm a huge fan of Arrested Development, Freaks and Geeks on DVD
11. And finally, would you rather have the ability to fly or turn invisible?
FLY! I would want people to see me flying.
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There’s no doubt about it: Ex-Immaculate-Machinre-turned-New-Pornographer Kathryn Calder possesses a lovely, expressive voice. But, you know, so do a lot of aspiring singer-songwriters out there (see: reality television).
What separates Calder from the pack is a thoroughly ingrained proficiency with the songwriting process. Are You My Mother?, a incredibly personal album penned over the two-year span Calder tended to her terminally sick mom, is a promising, highly varied affair that hints at a viable solo career. It houses clamorous pop jingles “Castor and Pollocks”, simple (but certainly not simplistic) heartstring-tuggers “So Easily”, and contagious, near-triumphant sing-a-longs “If You Only Knew” and “Follow".
So, really, there’s a big choice looming in front of Calder: go at it alone, keep the enviable day job with the New Pornographers, or, like Neko, miraculously make time for both. Must be nice to have such options.
-Mykael Sopher
Rating: 3.5/4.0 Web: www.kathryncalder.ca Choice Cuts: “Castor and Pollux”, “So Easily” R.I.Y.D. The New Pornographers, Sarah Harmer, Beth Orton Label: File Under Music
