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ARCTIC ~
www.projectarctic.com |
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ARCTIC was formed out of frontman Marcus Martin's desire
to never, ever be in another band again. He began
performing using a looping device that would allow him
to record, modify, loop and layer his acoustic guitar
performance into a haunting moodiness evocative of a
cold Northern landscape. With a rich, unique sound of
his own that was already gaining an audience, he had no
need for backing musicians. But strong music always
attracts interest, and as time went on, others expressed
a desire to join the project. Following two solo
cross-Canada tours as ARCTIC, Martin was invited to open
for a CD release party. On a whim, he put a trio
together for the show. Despite his initial wariness,
Martin found that adding band members added new
dimensions and possibilities to his music - and by
working with colleagues who were equally inspired by his
music and vision, the band's spirit became collaborative
instead of confrontational.
Always seeking contrast, ARCTIC is still sometimes a
solo project, sometimes a full band, never exactly the
same from one show to the next. In either form it
combines diverse influences in unexpected ways:
progressive rock, jazz, industrial rock merge with
ambient textures and acoustic singer/songwriter melodies
to create something fresh, unconventional and
intriguing. ARCTIC came to work with ModMay through
continued collaboration with File Under: Music. |
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Barley Wik ~
www.barleywik.com |
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With
rich harmonies and driving tunes Barley Wik delights and
entertains audiences everywhere they roam. A busy and popular
touring act with 3 albums to date, this folk-country group
(don’t forget the bluegrass) is not to be missed! Acoustic
bliss with A. Jansz on the guitar, Paula McGuigan taking on
the upright bass, Liz Holder on mandolin and Michelle Voisin
on drums and lending some songwriting talents, this group will
go far with their wonderful music. |
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Billy Manzik ~
www.billymanzik.com |
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Billy Manzik's musical journey began where Highway 61,
the "Blues Highway" ends, in Thunder Bay Ontario. The
soundtrack for his upbringing was provided by his guitar
slinging, country singing mother, and influenced by
roots rock, old rhythm and blues, and even (gasp) the
hair metal bands of the 80's, not to mention Billy's
penchant for wandering the continent. The result is a
driving blues rock sound, complete with catchy riffs,
lyrical hooks and a 'feel-good' toe tapping kind of
style.
Billy's new release "Alltogethernow" packages this sound
into one beautiful and diverse album, sure to catch the
ear of any who hear it. From the sweet harmonies of
'Hannah', to the wailin' bluesy rock of '61 Highway' and
the summertime pop sounds of 'Has Been', 'Alltogethernow'
combines musical ingredients so well it puts the icing
on the rock n' roll cake. Recorded at Orange Lounge
Studios and Knob and Tube Studios in Toronto and
produced by Chris Wardman with help from David Gavan
Baxter, 'Alltogethernow' is music for modern times.
Chock full of energy, hope, and a little melancholy, its
mostly just plain fun. In addition to Billy on vocals
and guitar, the album showcases the talents of many
well-known Canadian musicians, Geoff Hilhorst on keys,
Erik Allen on drums, Mike Filipowitsch on guitar and
Jonny Kerr on bass, plus appearances from many others.
Everyone, all together now! |
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the Bownesians ~
www.thebownesians.com
www.myspace.com/bownesians |
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The Bownesians are like those neighbors who are always
having loud Saturday night parties; those backyard
barbeques that end with the cops showing up because the
bonfire is huge and the jam is still going on at 4:00am.
The quintessential surf-pop band, flavored with a little
rockabilly and sneaking in some bluegrass influence, the
Bownesians pretty much epitomize the idea of screamin'
down the street in a 1954 Mercury Woody, surfboards in
tow, blasting Bill Haley, Ann Margaret and The Shakin'
Pyramids on the stereo.
They are the band you want to play your car rally or
your shotgun wedding.
Winners of the Calgary Folk Festival Songwriting
competition in both 2008 and 2009 summer (best song of
Alberta for "He's from Bowness, She's From Montgomery"
(2008) and "Alan Saved the Radio Station" (2009) the
Bownesians started as a workshop band, stealing members
from Cowpuncher, the Ramblin' Ambassadors, the Fabulous
Stingrays, Rembetica Hipsters, Sweet Cop Sour Cop and
the Sacred Heart of Elvis. Meshing well, they decided to
make it official and recorded their debut 6 song EP
simply called "the Bownesians" so the world can enjoy
what only Bowness has up til now. |
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Clea Roddick ~
www.clearoddick.com
www.myspace.com/clearoddick |
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A teenage girl from rural Alberta climbed onto the
Greyhound bus with a small baby and their entire
possessions: two backpacks, a silver accordion and $50.
Fast forward a few years and pan in on Clea Roddick: a
performing songwriter who usually forgets to wear makeup
(but sometimes puts a dab on at traffic lights en route
to a gig), who lives in a halfway house for accordions
and other keyboard instruments, who likes to walk in the
bitterest cold to hear the snow 'scrunch' and grows a
pumpkin patch in her backyard. With a 2010 record coming
up, Clea continues to craft songs on a 100 yr old
upright piano and records them in the
garage-converted-studio (operated by her right hand man,
Craig Newnes), while raising their two daughters.
Clea’s recent album 'ROLLERSKATE' is a spirited disc
full of hope and motivation for the human race.
Groove-based themes which hint of environmentalism and
bringing change with forgiveness, are threaded
delicately alongside gentle tributes that offer a tender
side to this compelling recording. 'ROLLERSKATE' has
charted on college and indie radio stations across the
US and Canada (#1 in New York, NY, #1 in Queensburg, NY,
#3 in Ithaca, NY, #5 in Montreal, QC), and being played
on over 220 stations across North America. Songs from
Clea's album have also been licensed for use by many
prominent television programs in the US including MTV's
'The Real World', 'The Hills, 'The City', 'Road Rules'
and 'The Stylist', VH1's 'Tough Love', and E!TV's
'Keeping up with the Kardashians' and 'Khloe & Kourt
Take Miami'. |
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Crash The Car ~
www.crashthecar.ca |
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Crash the Car is Kyle Cashen's songwriting project:
sometimes performing alone, sometimes with a band;
comfortably playing songs with an indie rock,
electronic, or acoustic feel. Crash the Car's first full
length album, They Built Houses Here, will be released
independently in November 2008. It was produced by
Walter Bloodway, and recorded and mixed by
multi-instrumentalist Jordy Walker (Christine Fellows,
Kepler, Kim Barlow). Crash the Car has showcased at
North by Northeast and the Western Canadian Music Awards
and has shared the stage with Canadian luminaries such
as Chad VanGaalen, Buck 65, Kinnie Starr, and Carolyn
Mark. |
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Dave Taylor ~
www.davesmopar.com/davesmusic.html |
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Dave Taylor began his musical career later in life than
most. Coming from the Calgary area via Pickering, ON,
Dave is a self described ŒMopar-crazy gear head' and
spent more time with a wrench than a guitar before
starting writing songs at age 25. But, Dave caught up to
the pack quickly and it didn't take long for him to
realize you can have more than one passion in life, and
encompass them all through your expression in music.
Dave's writing style reflects his multi-faceted
personality and ranges from songs about WWII and Mopar
cars, to dealing with fear, love, family, and even what
to have for supper. These thoughtful lyrics combine with
Dave's acoustic rock and bluesy guitar style to form a
purely Canadian sound, akin to the Barenaked Ladies or
The Tragically Hip. Most poignant with regard to Dave's
music, is the fact that it is bare-souled reality. The
songs are easy to identify with, and speak to people
about real stories with thoughtful and
witty dialogue. |
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The Drawls ~
www.myspace.com/thedrawlsmusic |
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Paula McGuigan and Auto Jansz of BARLEY WIK combine
their rootsy bluegrass with the swinging styles of Indie
musician Cheryl Fischer and emotive vocalist Andrea
Routley to form THE DRAWLS. What began as a fun winter
project quickly developed into a unique and captivating
sound. |
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File Under: Music ~
www.fileundermusic.com |
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File Under: Music Booking is based in Vancouver, BC,
Canada. In itŒs 3rd year of business FU:M has
established itself as as honest, hard-working, roll up
the sleeves and use good ole common sense type of
company. FU:M Booking may be based in Vancouver but they
think globally, and don't limit themselves in the types
of artists they deal with. ModMay has a working
relationship with certain clients of FU:M but does not
act exclusively for this label. |
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Fish & Bird ~
www.fishandbird.ca |
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The music of Fish & Bird could fit alright under the
genre of "Folk"; this Victoria-based duo of
singer/songwriter Taylor Ashton and
multi-instrumentalist Adam Iredale-Gray do tend to
favour the use of acoustic instruments in their
compositions. It could even be further classified under
the sub-heading of "Old-time." After all, their favored
instrumental pairing of fiddle and banjo has its roots
deep in the American South, and many of their melodies
hearken back to that same tradition. If so inclined, one
could even add the well-worn label "Indie" into the mix;
their self-titled debut was recorded, pressed, and
printed by none other than the duo themselves. Ask any
dedicated fan of Fish & Bird however, and they will tell
you that these labels (while vaguely accurate) don't
quite paint the whole picture.
Fish & Bird are like time-traveling magicians moreso
than folkies. While spelunking in the darkest caves of
various folk traditions and the caverns of human
experience for inspiration, these two produce a sound
that is both recklessly eclectic and sublimely cohesive.
This is a folk elixir seasoned with sprinklings of
eastern spices, a pinch of pop, and a dash of other
ingredients laying around the sinister Fish & Bird lair. |
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The Greg Cockerill Band ~
www.gregcockerill.com |
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Hailing some of Calgary's best musical talent, The Greg
Cockerill Band are making their mark on the scene. Fresh
out with his debut album, "Summertime and Heartache"
Greg shows his songwriting talents off with a beautiful
collection of rockin' folk music. He's been compared to
the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Mark Knopfler and Bob
Dylan, and Greg's style garners new fans with every
show. Make sure you check out The Greg Cockerill Band as
soon as you can. |
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The Gruff ~
www.thegruff.com |
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The Gruff filter folk traditions through the sieve of
modern experience to create a truly unique sound, aptly
described as a 'coastal country' style. From old-time
folk and country to bluegrass to classic rock 'n roll,
these young songwriters sing with astounding energy and
passion. They are known for their beautiful harmonies,
touching and whimsical lyrics, and entertaining stage
presence which displays their obvious delight in
performance. Every song has a story behind it, be it
love, heartache, travel, or hard work, and the show is
interspersed with traditional tunes picked up over their
various journeys. The Gruff's genuine chemistry is
apparent and engaging.
Phaedra Kemp accompanies her edgy vocals on the standing
snare drum and bass drum and plays a melancholy
harmonica as well. Jenny Ritter hammers her guitar like
John Henry himself, and sings with all her heart. On the
double bass is Terri Upton; the big bull fiddle may
rival her in size, but she is in charge of the behemoth,
keeping the reliable beat and groove steady. The women's
three-part harmonies are rich and sweet, but The Gruff's
instrumental prowess is quite apparent as well. The
three women are often joined on stage by well known
fiddler and banjo player Adam Iredale-Gray, who shreds
solos and adds lovely textures to an already complex
sound. The Gruff have also allotted their 25% boy ratio
to fantastic Canadian players Adrian Dolan (fiddle),
Adam Dobres (Electric Guitar), Tim Tweedale (Weissenborn)
and Christopher Herbst (Dobro/lap slide), many of which
also played on their recent critically acclaimed album,
A Trail of Missing Thoughts. The Gruff have also amazed
audiences at the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, Ottawa
Folk Festival, Hillside Festival in Guelph, Victoria's
(now defunct) Rootsfest and Ness Creek Music Festival in
Big River, SK. |
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Heather Blush & the Uppercuts ~
www.heatherblush.com |
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Heather Blush and the Uppercuts are based in Calgary,
Alberta, Canada. Whether performing solo or with the
trio, her sound can be described as somewhere between
the newly-named "Adult Alternative" genre and old
"Ella/Louis-style" vocal jazz/blues. With energetic,
audience-engaging shows, Heather is quickly becoming known
for lyric/s that cover all bases between witty sarcasm
and gut wrenching honesty. |
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Jeff Andrew ~
www.jeffandrew.ca
www.myspace.com/crowsatmidnight |
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Jeff Andrew spent his school years in the Ottawa Valley,
playing guitar, bass and drums in a series of classic
rock and metal bands. Sometime around the turn of the
century he traded in his Epiphone SG for an old backpack
and hit the road. Instruments found him along the way: a
battered acoustic guitar in a tree planting camp; an
abandoned violin in the alley behind a pawnshop. In Œ05
Jeff co-wrote the song "Dark, Now" with Sarah Noni
Metzner (Best Solo Artist at the Œ07 Canadian Folk Music
Awards) and sang on her album Daybreak Mourning (Dog My
Cat Records). In Œ08, Andrew hitchhiked from Vancouver,
BC to St. John's, NFLD with spoken word artist shayne
avec i grec, as ŒGhosts of the Highway'. The pair
performed a mix of original and traditional folk songs,
spoken word and fiddle tunes across the country.
Andrew has also appeared at the ArtsWells and Robson
Valley Music Festivals and shared stages with artists
such as CR Avery, Rae Spoon and Geoff Berner.
Live, he is a dynamic, engaging performer who frequently
works straight from the floor, stomping his boots and
belting like a born-again carnival barker.
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Joal Kamps ~
www.joalkamps.com
www.myspace.com/joalkamps |
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Joal Kamps also exposes his uninhibited energy with an
upbeat folk-rock and pop influenced live sound. He may
have gleaned his musical interest through high school
punk bands, but Kamps discovered his passion within the
soothing tones of classical guitar and the folk genre,
finding his own tempo somewhere in the middle. Warm and
thoughtful, Joal's lyrics combine his world experiences
with a hopeful and persevering message, cradled by an
inviting, upbeat melody. All in all, Joal's sound is a
truly beautiful expression from a spirited source.
Kamps is releasing his second recording entitled 'the
RED ep', after successfully touring his first release
'Waiting' (2007) throughout western Canada and into the
US, playing various shows, festivals, and conferences,
as well as releasing a music video. 'the RED ep' is the
first of three planned releases this year, and was
recorded in Three Hills AB with producer Mark Troyer and
Joal Kamps. It selects tracks from the over 30 new songs
Joal has written since his last release. RED sees Kamps
further maturing in his craft, with no holds barred on
this EP; it's uplifting, full of passion, and sure to
please. |
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Joey Only ~
www.joeyonly.com
www.myspace.com/xjoeyonlyx |
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Nobody owns Joey Only. He plays by his own rules and
works for everything he has. At just 30 years old he's
traveled Canada relentlessly as a musician since 1996,
playing 500 shows of his own songs since 2001.
Prolific as both a songwriter and musical and social
activist, Joey Only's biography reads like a list of
immeasurable feats. Joey plays a mean solo show but also
has a seven piece band called Joey Only Outlaw Band.
He's a regular contributor to BC Musician Magazine and
has hosted Sound Resistance on Vancouver's Co-op Radio
Station CFRO 102.7FM since 2003.
Best known as a songwriter and guitarist Joey also
moonlights as a studio musician capable of playing pedal
steel guitar, percussion, upright or electric bass,
harmonica and all manner of vocal arrangements. He's
played with or been billed alongside such greats as Anne
Feeney, Geoff Berner, Washboard Hank, Lance Loree,
Po'Girl, Leslie Alexander, Kinnie Starr, and CR Avery.
Joey Only has climbed over 70 mountains, is an
experienced wilderness guide, has chased tornadoes, been
struck by lightning, nearly died of TB, had vocal
surgery, smashed his face, been lost in the barrens, and
incarcerated. He was publicly deemed a terrorist by
Victoria BC police, has been an activist for over 10
years, hitchhiked 30,000km, released four albums, failed
out of University, and fought a mother bear.
Joey is pro-cannabis advocate, a downtown eastside
Vancouver healthcare worker, and still thinks the Leafs
will win the Cup any day now. This year he is recording
his next album "Transgression Trail" with producer
Corwin Fox, set for release in January 2010. |
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Kaley Kinjo ~
www.kaleykinjo.com |
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Kaley Kinjo worked the music scene as a bass player with
various bands and playing every open jam he could find,
until joining up with The Plaid Tongued Devils in 2004.
Since then he's toured parts of Canada and Europe with
them, sharing the stage with such acts as Jim Cuddy,
Sarah Harmer, 54-40, Faber Drive, Patricia Conroy, The Sadies, and The Great Lake Swimmers, to name some of the
3 dozen-odd artists Kaley has recorded or performed
with. In 2007, Kaley won 2nd Runner-up and Best
Performance in The Calgary Folk Music Festival's
songwriting competition for his song ŒDear Lord' marking
the first time in CFMF history a participant has won two
prizes in the same year.
Now with his debut solo album, this artist demonstrates
plenty of talent on piano and guitar as well. ŒRun For
Your Life' encompasses a wide variety of styles: roots, ska, folk, rock, punk, country, pop and even reggae
influences. Intelligent and often humorous lyrics are
brought to light by the purity of Kaley's voice,
accompanied by soulful rhythms and lingering melodies.
This performer lends an energetic and truly personal
charm to his show, engaging audiences wherever he
performs.
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KerfMusic ~
www.kerfmusic.com |
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Kerfmusic.com has music that you just can't get anywhere
else online! The first music download site based west of
Toronto, Kerf supports those fabulous "undiscovered"
indie artists covering any genre, by selling full albums
and offering 'select track' streaming audio on site.
With over 200 albums available and becoming a major
presence in the online AND physical music scene,
KerfMusic is storming the Canadian music scene! Not only
is it quick and easy to securely download any album, its
greener than picking up a physical CD and the artist
still cashes in. Check out "Tales From the Tradesman", a
travel blog about the ModMay Honey van, and its tours
with KerfMusic artists, road managed by Joelle, for a
glimpse into the strange and wonderful inner workings of
the indie musician and life on the road. |
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The Mountain View Music Fest -Carstairs, AB ~
www.mvmusicfest.ca |
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The MOUNTAIN VIEW MUSIC FEST started in 2007 in
Carstairs, Alberta and is the brainchild of brothers
Jason & Sheldon Valleau of the Polyjesters. Taking place
over the second weekend in August every year, the MVMF
features great Canadian acts and exciting headliners
like Patricia Conroy, Barney Bentall and Ian Tyson on
their two stages. The Fest also incorporates an artisan
market, several food options including vegetarian/vegan
and nightly bands at the local watering hole after the
grounds are closed. Three years in this fest continues
to grow and is fast becoming the area’s most anticipated
event of the summer! |
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Oliver Swain ~
www.outlawsocial.com |
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Oliver Reuben Swain is larger than life. Though he is
over 6 feet tall and plays an upright bass, its not just
his stature that supports this claim.
His infectious spirit, intense emotion and technical
prowess combine with his prolific music career, and he
effectively draws in audiences. Performing a unique and
enchanting solo show centered around the upright bass
and his pure, wide ranged vocals, with a little open
backed banjo and guitar added for flavor, Oliver stands
out, something he also achieves while playing with a
range of roots, folk and jazz groups across Canada. |
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O’mally ~
www.omallymusic.com |
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From the back alleys of the mind and the tight
communities of British Columbia's Gulf Islands, comes
O'mally; part jazz singing cat, part Irish Pirate Queen,
and all raw talent. A fresh face in Canada's folk music
scene, O'mally is Meg Iredale-Gray, and whether she's
dazzling with her clawhammer banjo, telling stories on
the old acoustic or haunting with her sweet and
melancholy lyrics, its coming straight up from the murky
depths of her very soul. Imagine if Dirk Powell, John
Martyn, Joni Mitchell, members of Radiohead and Patti
Smith all got together to play round the fire somewhere
in the Appalachians.... You might find O'mally at that
same sing-along.
Over the last three years O'mally has spent time touring
Canada with various musicians or under the name Bandit
with Outlaw Social's Danielle Lebeau-Peterson, with whom
she released a self titled EP last year. Now O'mally
strikes out solo with her debut album of original music,
"Speck". Produced, recorded and tracked on by her
brother Adam Iredale-Gray (Fish & Bird/Fiddle Head
Records), "Speck" wraps you in the warmth of a backyard
fire with friends and family, or leaves you wandering
through the trees in the rain, with a few love songs
thrown in for good measure of course. Live, one can
never be sure who will join O'mally on stage, but it's
sure to be an enjoyable and emotional show. |
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Plaid Tongued Devils ~
www.thedevils.com |
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Or “Canada’s Loudest Folk Band” as deemed by the CBC. The
Plaid Tongued Devils are an incredibly talented and well known
act that have been rockin’ the stages since 1990, with 5
albums and a DVD released to date. The most entertaining and
innovative show you’ll see, I’m not just saying that. And they
are really nice guys too (don’t tell them I said that!) |
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The Polyjesters ~
www.polyjesters.com |
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What can I say about the Polyjesters? How about they are
likely the best band to hit the airwaves since oh, I
dunno, The Beatles? Are they bigger than Jesus?
Maybe...this is just my opinion, but one thing is for
sure, The Polyjesters have the innate ability to suck in
any audience as if they were a plecostomus attached to
the wall of your fish tank, and I mean that in a good
way. They are subject to constant rave reviews and their
music stretches from swing to country, soul to roots,
jazz to folk and so on and so forth. Headed up by the
brothers Valleau (Jason, on bass, and Sheldon, on
ukulele and vocals) and sprinkled with the prodigious
guitar of Aaron Young, the tip-tap rhythm of Jon May on
drums, and occasionally the haunting violin (or perhaps
its fiddle?) of Drew Jurecka, the Polyjesters pack a
musical punch in the face that makes any listener beg
for more. Currently riding the popularity train of their
latest album 'Kitchen Radio' the Polyjesters play tons
of shows and festivals, are the brainchild's of the
Mountain View Music Fest, and host an online radio
station at
kitchenradio.ca. Basically they do it all, so don't
miss your opportunity to hear them, see them, and be
sweat upon by them. |
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The ReMains ~
www.myspace.com/countryrockandroll
www.sonicbids.com/theremains |
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Lyrically driven by the same muse that nearly killed
Ulysses, the Re-Mains fearless country rock and roll
crusade is a banjo-edged blur of boot-stompin' grandeur
and epic adventure. With the blessing of Barry Tashian,
of the original Boston Remains that toured with the
Beatles, the Australian Re-Mains have endured countless
line-up changes and become Australia's hardest working
country rock and rollers, touring relentlessly for the
last seven years. From major festivals (Splendor in the
Grass, East Coast Blues and Roots, Tamworth Country
Music etc.) to every outback roadhouse and inner city
dive, The Re-Mains have made their mark.
3 albums and 2 EPs in, 4 stars from Rolling Stone and a
'best country rock band in Australia' tag from the
Melbourne Age under their belts, last year the Re-Mains
took the show to Canada. In 4 months they played 64
shows from Vancouver to Toronto and back again, taking
in NXNE and playing to 15,000 at the Big Valley Jamboree
on the way. They've been shot at, hunted by crocs in the
Northern Territory, maimed by a rogue steer outside
Tennant Creek, lost on the prairie in Manitoba, and
found again in Nimbin. With new album 'Inland Sea' now
released, they returned to Canada for another marathon! |
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Ruth Purves Smith and the 581 ~
www.outinthestorm.com |
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Ruth Purves Smith grew up rambling the prairie highways
between her cultured mother's urban home and her father
and stepmother's antique woolen mill rural home, and the
paradox is evident in her sound and style. While the
stories may appear to be simple, traditional country,
they are supported by a sound that pulls influence from
the city; complicated, restless and sometimes loud.
Grouping together with the 581, Ruth recorded her debut
solo album 'Out In The Storm' after years with various
bands in and around Alberta. It's one of those long time
coming albums and to all who hear it, is well timed yet
way overdue! Built on a foundation of driving, electric
country rock, laced with banjo, harmonica and acoustic
guitar, Ruth constructs spine tingling imagery and
emotion with her lyrics, and the entire package takes
you through the gamut of emotions. Recorded at Glow
Music Arts in Calgary, AB and produced by Craig Newnes,
Out In The Storm is a dynamic and enthralling album and
Ruth Purves Smith and the 581 are proud to show the
world. |
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Scott MacLeod ~
www.scottmacleod.ca |
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Born and raised in a small community on the east coast
of Canada, Scott MacLeod was exposed to the power of the
storyteller at an early age. Scott's songs are about
moments and memories of people, places, and life
experiences from the east coast to the prairies. His
songs range from acoustic ballads to driving rock and,
with influences like Blue Rodeo, Neil Young, and Steve
Earle, there is something in his music for everyone.
Scott began his music career in Prince Edward Island
and, like many of his Maritime brethren, moved to
Calgary in 2001 to find work. Here, he immersed himself
in the culture of Canada's West which, in turn, immersed
itself in the words of his songs. He began performing in
2001 and has established himself as a musician and
songwriter with a genuine, thoughtful, and distinct
personality. Scott writes and performs songs for the
common man who still upholds the traditional values of
hard work, commitment, and honesty while coping with the
curveballs thrown by the pace and change of modern life.
In the past seven years, Scott has performed locally at
venues such as the Ironwood, the Palomino, Broken City,
A Bar Named Sue, The Ship & Anchor, and Vern's. He has
opened for national and international artists such as
The Duhks, Matt Minglewood, and Dustin Bentall. And, he
has been a featured artist at NXNE (two consecutive
years), the Sled Island Festival, and the South Country
Fair.
Recently, Scott was selected to perform in the
"Songwriter's Café" at the 2008 CCMA's (Canadian Country
Music Awards) held in Winnipeg. Scott's songs have been
finalists at the Calgary Folk Festival Songwriting
competition three years in a row; his song "Traveller's
Rest" advanced to the second round of 2006 International
Songwriting Competition (Nashville, TN) and his song
"Sunshine and Smiles" received honorable mention in the
2006 Billboard World Songwriting Competition. |
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Tannis Slimmon ~
www.tannis.ca |
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Tannis Slimmon's extensive musical career is populated
with a swath of critical acclaim. The sweet sounding
songbird brought home Contemporary Vocalist of the Year
at the 2008 Canadian Folk Music Awards for her album
'Lucky Blue' and that barely scratches the surface of
her professional career. Coming from generations of
musical talent Tannis situated herself in Guelph,
Ontario in 1980 and started writing, recording and
touring regularly, including eleven years with the
acclaimed trio The Bird Sisters. She struck off on her
own in 2001 with her solo debut 'Oak Lake', and followed
it up with 2007's award winning 'Lucky Blue'. Both
albums have been met by critical acclaim. In addition to
the Folk Music Award, 'Lucky Blue' garnered the
Independent Music Award for Best Folk/Roots Song for
"Ernest, Charlie & Allan", a nomination for Best
Folk/Roots Album from the same, a spot in the Top 10
Critics Albums of the Year by Penguin Eggs; Canada's
Premier Folk/Roots Music Magazine, a Porcupine 'Golden
Quill Award' for songwriting, and was 16th on the
Galaxie Folk/Roots Channel's Top Spins of 2008. Lewis
Melville was nominated for Producer of the Year for
'Lucky Blue' as well at the 2007 Canadian Folk Music
Awards. Tannis' 2001 album 'Oak Lake' won the Porcupine
award for Favourite Album of 2001 and the Orillia Folk
Society's 'Songs for Living Rooms' for "There's A Lift".
Tannis Slimmon's beautiful voice has been featured on
more than 74 albums, contributing harmony vocals for
fellow musicians like Willie P. Bennett, Valdy and
Rheostatics, and added her voice to the chorus on the
Barenaked Ladies hit 'If I Had A Million Dollars'.
Broadening her horizons even further, Tannis also
traveled to Mali, West Africa in 2004 with a quartet of
musicians exploring the role of music in development and
appears in the documentary of the trip 'Road To Baleya',
by Bay Waymen (Close Up Films). Picking up a the travel
bug Tannis again went exploring to Matansas, Cuba and
has subsequently hosted Malian musicians in her home for
two summers. |
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The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra ~
www.thetequilamockingbirdorchestra.com |
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The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra are taking the nation
by storm! Two years ago, one may have said Tequila
what-now?, but today it’s a name on the breath of music
lovers everywhere. Expanding their scope in popularity
with a four month European tour in 2008, the Tequila
Mockingbirds followed it up with a cross Canada (and
parts of the US) tour that garnered much recognition.
In summer 2010, following their Monday Magazine ‘M’
Award for Most Promising Local Band, TMO are back on the
road playing festivals and concerts in support of their
first full length release and culmination of their
success to date, “The Blanche Album” (engineered by Zak
Cohen). Named after their beloved piano-carrying touring
bus, Blanche is a beautiful melting pot of sounds,
binding Eastern European/klezmer influences with African
Rhythms and Americana/Traditional Roots to produce an
undeniably addicting beat. It sways through 7 original
tracks from dreamy indie rock to a gypsy beat that
compels your feet to move, and back again through a
gauntlet of African style drums to traditional roots
pickin’ and bowin’; never losing its continuity.
Its an accurate reflection of this maturing band, who
hail from the enthusiastic Victoria, BC music community.
They’ve played the Victoria Ska Fest and Victoria Jazz
Fest, Artswells Festival (BC), Toronto's Buskers
Festival (where they sold over 800 CDS in three days)
and they continue to sell out venues across Canada such
as Sala Rossa in Montreal. As their rise continues,
catch Ian Griffiths (lead vox/accordion), Kurt Loewen
(vocals/guitar), Patrick McGonigle (violin), Peter
Mynett (upright bass) and Paul Wolda (djembe) during
summer 2010 at FolkLife in Seattle, WA, The South
Country Fair in Fort MacLeod, AB, Islands Folk Fest in
Duncan, BC and the Fundy Frog Festival in Saint John, NB
among others! |
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Trina Nestibo ~
www.myspace.com/trinanestibo |
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With gusto, Trina Nestibo is emerging on the Canadian
folk-roots scene as a respected artist delivering a
fresh new sound that's attracting listeners far and
wide. Trina's spirited music infuses flavours of rock,
soul, country and blues creating a sound that is truly
her own. She writes meaningful songs about real life and
real experiences, drawing on her prairie roots, love for
simple pleasures and flat-out appreciation for life.
Gritty. Ethereal. Soulful. Trina's signature voice is
truly an instrument unto itself. At home on the stage,
this no-nonsense woman captures listeners instantly with
her heartfelt honesty and story-telling, heartfelt
honesty and contagious energy. Trina accompanies herself
skillfully on acoustic guitar, squeezebox and piano,
with her bare feet stomping every step of the way. |
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