My predictions (or rather, hopes) for the 2009 Polaris Prize
Monday, September 21, is the day I’ve been waiting for since, well, last year about the same time. It’s the day the 2009 Polaris Music Prize winner will be chosen from this year’s 10 shortlist nominees. It’s an exciting time for musicians across Canada. It’s also an exciting time for music journalists like myself, because … Read more
Groupie to musician: “No, seriously, I want to have your baby”
When I was fourteen, I had the biggest crush on Ricky Martin. I used to fall asleep to the imaginary chime of wedding bells and pretend sweet, Spanish nothings were being whispered into my ear. Yeah, I know. But before you laugh at my apparent Tiger Beat taste in men, let it be known that it … Read more
Name that tune—er, I mean province
Identity. Boy, that’s a loaded term. But it’s nothing music can’t explain. You see, today I stumbled upon a neat Canadian indie music blog called Herohill.com. It seems the fine folks over there are currently working on a feature called The Great Canadian Mixtape Project. The premise is to showcase independent music emerging from each province. However, … Read more
Grant gears up for Grammy showcase, new album
I told you so. And by “you,” I mean all the ears I blabbered on and on to about Jenn Grant‘s debut Orchestra For The Moon, and how she was going to be the next Canadian indie idol. You see, it seems the Halifax singer-songwriter has gone from being a Canadian folk secret to an artist surrounded … Read more
One Week soundtrack a musical loot bag
On March 6, the Canadian film One Week will premiere in theaters. And, if my prediction is correct, it’ll take less than one week for the soundtrack to this film to catch everyone’s attention. The movie features songs from some of Canada’s most talented indie artists such as Great Lake Swimmers, Joel Plaskett, Stars, Melissa … Read more
West Coast musician designs t-shirt for charity
Kathryn Calder isn’t just a pretty voice. Although the curly-haired musician is gaining more and more recognition for her involvement in bands such as Victoria’s Immaculate Machine and Vancouver’s The New Pornographers, it seems Calder isn’t only interested in the heights the spotlight can take her charming vocals. Instead, she’s eager to learn how her … Read more
New indie label leads the way to a colorful year in music
“Remember,” my mom said in a prophetic tone as I headed out on New Year’s Eve. “Whatever happens after midnight is an indication of what’s to come. If you start the new year well, it’ll go well.” It seems that Steve Lambke, Dan Romano and Jessie Stein must’ve gotten similar advice from their mothers on that final night … Read more
“If I Were A Boy”: Rae Spoon unveils new intimate video
Whenever I sit and watch Rae Spoon‘s homemade music videos, my mouth always transforms into some sort of salivating venus fly trap. I don’t know what it is. In no way are the country/folk musician’s videos ornate: they’re just of him, usually sitting on his bed with laundry racks in the background, belting out … Read more
