In case you haven't heard, Calgary's own Azeda Booth will be playing on June 2, 2007 with Victoria, BC's Frog Eyes and Himalayan Bear. Yes, CJSW has secured an interview with Carey Mercer.
CHRIS DADGE + DAN MEICHEL + SCOTT MUNRO played on noise Thursday April 19. The first in a series of live performances on noise over the next three months. Chris' rapid fire drums, and squeaky violin, Scott's puncturing bass and Dan's steaming sax had the station blasting. Thanks again to our techs Myke and Mike, making the sound defined.
If you missed the show go you can get access to an archived copy of the performance on:
We would love to hear what you think! If you don't have myspace, send praise and condemnations to bugradio@hotmail.com
Chris has grooved up the improvisation scene in the city with Bug Incision Projects, a series of live shows at Soda last year, and now we continue these improv fests on CJSW on noise.
Upcoming shows with live improvisation on noise happens on the 3rd Thursday from 9-10:30 pm of May June and July.
May 17: Mark Fleischakker (drummer from Ole!) & Scott Munro (also from Gunther), meet and scream and sing. This vocal duo (with and without effects) improvisation should result in some visceral, in-your-face music.
June 21: features Jay Crocker / Eric Hamelin / JC Jones. Jones plays in Crocker's Electric Apes and Crocker and Hamelin have been playing together in sessions for the last year. July 19 hosts the brand-new malleagle. The duo is comprised of Brooker Buckingham (The Petrichor, Fake Cops, Rocketsmog) on guitar and electronics, and Chris Dadge (Bent Spoon Trio, Jay Crocker, etc) on drums, violin, and electronics. Loud + dense.
check the link above to get more info about other Chris Dadge projects and live shows.
Happy noise, Paula
Hear noise every Thursday night from 9:00 to 10:30 PM (MDT). For a complete program guide click here.
Cameras were not allowed into the venue last night, but we managed to get one quick snap. The show, regrettably, was mediocre... and short. It was over before the Flames' playoff run had been fully doused.
CJSW blazes through another successful year at SXSW By Aubrey McInnis
Hello dear listeners! Team CJSW has been back from the 21st instalment of South By Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas for a month now. Now that our blisters have healed, we've caught up on sleep and organized our picture and video discs, we thought we'd share some of our top finds with you. Additionally, you can compare and contrast our SXSW notes with blogs from another event our gang is attending in a week - Coachella!
While Coachella is an enormous outdoor music festival open to the public (and kicks off the summer season of music festivals), SXSW is predominantly for the music industry. All kinds of industry folks from around the world collide for a week doing business, scouting out new talent, revisiting old talent and eating as much BBQ as about ten Calgary Stampedes. We travelled between dozens of indoor and outdoor venues to catch tons of cool bands who fill the airwaves of CJSW during every terrific broadcasting day. Our local music scene was represented by the fabulous Smalltown DJs, The Cape May and Chad VanGaalen (the latter by video).
We couldn't ask for a better setting than Austin, the permanent host city. The weather is sublime, the food is unparalleled and the residents are some of the most pleasant people who walk the earth. I can't tell you how many times herds of drunk music nerds stumbled in front of moving traffic and not a single driver leaned onto their horn. Austinites are a friendly group indeed, including the SXSW organizers who are a spectacularly savvy bunch. Considering the demonstrative and occasionally scandalous spirit of rock 'n' roll, there were many opportunities for things to get out of hand. However, SXSW never deviated from being an exceptionally well-organized, safe and entirely enjoyable conference.
Since each of us gleefully saw approximately 50 bands each, I think it's safe to say that we'll all be returning to scout out more talent at SXSW 2008. Here are some highlights from this year worth investigating. Please excuse the blurry photos... trying to take pictures while dancing aren't complimentary endeavours.
Yours,
Aubrey
P.S. Thanks to the lovely Leah McCartney (Tombstone After Dark) for her sharp videography skills.
Traveling Day: Tuesday, March 13th, 2007
After catching my connecting flight at Chicago's O'Hare airport and boarding a plane that was really too small for the sky, I realized that the moppet Scottish boys in front of me were rock sensations, The Fratellis. Guitarist John Lawler was pleading with a flight attendant, who was trying to stow his acoustic guitar (in a soft guitar case, no less) below the cabin. If the acoustic wasn't going to get flattened by everyone's luggage, the temperature fluctuation would surely harm it. The whole airplane - full of writers and musicians (like a bus full of misfits en route to band camp) - groaned when she apologetically wrestled the guitar from his arms and stowed the damn thing. It hurt to watch.
Okay, so what is SXSW really like? Most of the gigs happen in Austin's Red River and 6th Street districts. Imagine Stephen Avenue Mall, but crammed with more clubs and restaurants and absolutely teeming with hoards of music fans of all ages. Here's a picture of 6th Street in the day time, during a peace parade.
PICTURE: 6TH Street
The city graciously closed down this street and a section of Red River so we could safely scamper between venues. That's pretty much what you do - sprint to as many venues as possible to see as much talent as you can catch.
The first singer to leave me utterly gob smacked was Nicole Atkins, an immensely talented gal from New Jersey. The two boys accompanying her were borrowed from the rock band, The Parlor Mob, since Atkins' own band had been detained outside of Austin. Take a listen to her rendition of Leadbelly's "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?" for a taste of her insane vocal power.
Another band to keep an eye out for is a chamber folk-pop band from Ann Arbor, Michigan called Canada. With a name like that, thank goodness the seven-piece band was really good. Coincidentally, they kind of look like they're from British Columbia too, no?
PICTURE: CANADA
Following Canada, was a performance by The Black Angels, who were nothing short of incendiary. Definitely check out this band if you dig Stephen McBean's projects (Black Mountain, Pink Mountaintops).
PICTURE: THE BLACK ANGELS
Two heavy buzz artists played enormous showcases during the first evening of SXSW: Lily Allen and Peter Bjorn & John. Lily Allen performed at Stubb's - home of amazing BBQ and an incredible outdoor amphitheatre with a cleverly sloped ground (every spot has a good view of the stage). So, Lily loathes the NME more than many music snobs. Her disgust for the magazine originates from their reluctance to put The Gossip's Beth Ditto on the cover for a more photogenic and less lesbian cover girl. Pretty pathetic. Lily kept repeating to an impressionable crowd of 1200 musicians and media that she'd never have agreed to the, uh, effing NME showcase if she knew the effing NME was behind it. Despite her heavy disdain for her sponsors, Lily put on a playful performance and included the hits "Smile" and "Alfie." She's a lovely singer, but I think most of us were more impressed by her gumption. Way to stand up to The Man, Miss Allen.
PICTURE: LILY ALLEN
As Mint Records' publicity queen Yvette Ray joked, between Peter Bjorn & John and The Pipettes (see Day Two), SXSW was becoming a great opportunity to see the same band over and over again. As they proved during their official showcase, Sweden's Peter Bjorn & John are way more rock 'n' roll than their pop-tastic Writer's Block album indicates. Peter Moren was leaping all over the stage, jumping on his guitar and grinding his guitar on the mic stand - everything a proper rock 'n' roll artist ought to do. Toward the end of their set, they hauled their manager up on stage to play the bongos on "Young Folks" to the delight of everyone. Regrettably, Victoria Bergsman wasn't there to sing the girl part, but with or without her, "Young Folks" is still one of the greatest songs of all time. Peter Bjorn & John are slated to play Calgary's MacEwan Hall on May 11th. Get your ticket before they sell out and see you on the dance floor!
Here's a video taken the morning after, during a breakfast performance that was simulcast on the radio.
LEAH'S VIDEO: PETER BJORN & JOHN
Menomena was a band that I was really looking forward to seeing and hearing live considering the strength of their release, Friend & Foe (on the fantastic Barsuk Records). During their first SXSW appearance, the Portland trio hit a couple technical snags while setting up - understandable considering all the gadgets and instruments they brought with them. After they made sure everything was set up to their liking, they peeled into a decent set. A pal saw them a couple more times throughout the week and assured me that they continued to get better with each performance.
PICTURE: MENOMENA
SXSW Day Two: Thursday, March 15th
So, if The Pipettes are from Brighton, England, why do they look like California beauties? Between their sweet and jangly pop songs, matching outfits and sassy choreography, The Pipettes' set was worth catching a couple times. They're backed by a group of boys called The Cassettes who look like total Mathletes. Off stage, the boys lose the yellow sweater vests and look like normal indie rock hipsters. Presto change-o.
PICTURE: THE PIPETTES
While Leah and I were thrilled to have seen Daniel Johnston, we weren't so thrilled with how his backing band hogged half his set. We were standing side stage, where Leah could surreptitiously observe Daniel preparing backstage. He seemed to be finishing dinner (thus, the accidental spot on his shirt) and wrestling with a bad case of the nerves. Eventually, he pulled it together and put on a solid rock 'n' roll set (for a scant 15 minutes) for a patient and appreciative crowd.
PICTURE: DANIEL JOHNSTON
Later that night, we scurried over to the Shout Out Out Out Out gig at a swish little club called The Beauty Bar for one killer dance party. Naturally, the Shout Outs had everyone in their back pocket within the first minute of their set. As usual, the band put on a sweaty, intense performance that was met with pure adoration from the audience. Their album, Not Saying / Just Saying, was just about to be officially released in the US. They rocked the audience so hard, I'm certain people were feeling aftershocks the entire next day.
PICTURE: SHOUT OUT OUT OUT OUT
SXSW Day Three: Friday, March 16th
Many of the stand-out highlights from this year's SXSW included talent from Kill Rock Stars' roster. From guitar virtuoso Marnie Stern to Erase Errata to Mika Miko - each artist put on riveting performances packed with explosive energy and sharp skill.
PICTURE: MARNIE STERN PICTURE: ERASE ERRATA PICTURE: MIKA MIKO
Raw rock 'n' roll power was represented by a Los Angeles trio, 400 Blows, who put on one of the most electrifying rock shows I've seen in ages. I blindly walked into this gig, alongside fellow CJSW DJ Adam Kamis and his little brother Noah. After tapping someone on the shoulder to ask what band was on stage, none other than Naveen Andrews (The Grindhouse, Lost) turned around and kindly told me. I kept running into Andrews, who apparently is another devout card-carrying member of Team Rock.
PICTURE: 400 BLOWS
SXSW Day Four: Saturday, March 17th
On the last day of SXSW, we were scrambling to fit in as much music as we could. We saw The Good, The Bad & The Queen at a party set up by Fader Magazine and Levi's. It was held in a huge makeshift 'fort' (more like a western labyrinth) constructed for the week of SXSW. Inevitably, it was thee place to be - a line-up snaked around the block to get in. Once inside, we had to walk through different rooms (a Levi's shop, blogger rooms, chill-out rooms) before being emptied into an outdoor courtyard where there were DJs, free swag littered on couches and chairs, an open bar and the bands. Once The Good, The Bad & The Queen hit the stage, a hush fell upon the crowd. While Damon Albarn is a consummate showman, the immensely talented Paul Simonon (former bassist for The Clash) nearly stole the show by being a shameless flirt with those of us gals in the front row. It was thrilling to see Simonon's weathered bass sitting on stage before the show even began. Then, to see Simon Tong (former guitarist for The Verve) and Tony Allen (Africa 70) performing alongside Albarn and Simonon in such an intimate environment was just a thrill. While some of the atmospheric effects in the album were lost live, Albarn and the rest of his super group put on a dazzling show.
PICTURE: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE QUEEN
One concert that everyone was looking forward to since its announcement months ago was The Stooges' gig. Reformed and with a new album to promote (The Weirdness), The Stooges played Stubb's on the final night of SXSW. On the day of the show, people were lined-up down the block to gain entry to the evening performance. Regrettably, a huge amount of people who had been in line for hours were turned away. Those who made it inside included all of Team Calgary as well as cast and crew from The Grindhouse, Kirsten Dunst and James Iha. Due to the SXSW Film Conference preceding the Music Conference, Austin was overflowing with celebrities. Curiously, a lot of the celebs were hanging around the photographer pit. (Speculate as you will.) Once the lights went down and Iggy Pop and the rest of The Stooges hit the stage, I don't think a single member of the audience blinked. People were dancing and bouncing off each other. Beer was being thrown around and we were all getting drenched, but no one seemed to care. We were too transfixed by Iggy. Of course, The Stooges put on a searing set full of classics like "I Want to Be Your Dog" and "TV Eye." As a member of Razorlight hollered into my ear "different gravy, same meat!" Word.
PICTURE: IGGY POP
And that, in a nutshell, was SXSW 2007. Over 1,400 bands, a dizzying amount of parties and a million reasons to return for SXSW 2008. For more information on attending the conference and submitting applications to perform, please head over to www.sxsw.com.
According to the latest on Pitchfork, they're skipping the rest of North America! How cool is that? Rumour has it that this will be around the same time as a mysterious summer music festival that is in the works (supposedly). You know, the one that Spoon might play. Anyway, it's fun to let unverified gossip fly.
Despite the small crowd in attendance, there was a tornado of noise and nonsense at the Rock and Roll Variety Show (Hifi Club) last night. Run Chico Run pulled off a solid crowd-pleasing performance - impressing veteran fans and newcomers alike. They pounded so hard, the kick drum's skin broke. The Robot Ate Me's set was part Performance Art, part train wreck. Leaving some alienated, but everyone bewildered. Calgary's own Lovesinger was the opener.
Guelph rockers, The Constantines, played two sold out shows at the Hifi Club this weekend. We've got a few snaps from last night's spectacle. Check them out!
According to their myspace, RCR is heading our way next week. April 10, 2007 at the Hifi. How exciting! They've agreed to be interviewed by CJSW. Double excitement!
Like it or not, lots of Calgarians eventually end up going to Houston. Usually, the reason for being there revolves around the similar petro-centric energy sector economy as ours. But, just because you're there for work, doesn't mean you can't check out some rad music. It's true!
I was there two weeks ago. After a chance encounter with a DIY concert promoter and local music aficionado, Bucky, I got the low down on Houston's underground music network. Consider planning your next corporate hipster business trip around the events put on by:
FYI, The next big show is: Lightning Bolt @ Notsuoh. April 18, 2007.
As a matter of fact, while I was there, I went to see Bellavista. They played at the snug Backroom at the Mink. Their set was pretty cool. The song "Divided We Suffer" was my favourite (it is available on their myspace page).
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