West End Cultural Centre :: 30th Anniversary

By Max Hamilton

Before it had opened its doors for the first time, the West End Cultural Centre was already different than most venues. For one, the intention of the Centre’s founders was never to make a buck off the place, and to this day it remains a not-for-profit, charitable organization. It began as just an idea, one that, as work began on the run-down church at the corner of Ellice and Sherbrook, drew interested and generous citizens out to volunteer their time and expend their energy on refurbishing the building.  Some stayed on for months after the first show was held, which was headlined by the folk group Spirit of the West. That was thirty years ago as of October twenty-first, an anniversary which the West End celebrated with a tribute show to that band. Continue reading “West End Cultural Centre :: 30th Anniversary”

Faith Healer

By Rachel Andershuk

Just four days into touring their second EP Try 😉, Edmonton-based pop-rock duo Faith Healer (Jessica Jalbert and Renny Wilson) had already seen improvements in their live show. With the help of bassist Jenni Roberts, keyboardist Ross Nicoll, and drummer Mitch Holtby, Faith Healer embarked on a month-long Canadian tour promoting the much-anticipated album. Continue reading “Faith Healer”

1971 :: No Matter Where You Go, There You Are :: A Tribute to Cameron Cranston

By Allegra Chiarella

No Matter Where You Go, There You Are is the title of Canadian rock band 1971’s upcoming debut album – as well as a favorite saying of former bassist, Cameron “Cran” Cranston, who passed away earlier this year. The band’s three remaining members have decided to pursue separate paths in his absence, but will reunite this December for one final show where they will release the full-length album, as a tribute to their bandmate and friend. Continue reading “1971 :: No Matter Where You Go, There You Are :: A Tribute to Cameron Cranston”

Premiere! :: Marshall & Some Buddies :: Your Band & The Accident

Marshall & Some Buddies release their debut album Dog Daddy Yeah on Transistor 66 on Friday December 8 at the Good Will Social Club. Check out the single “Your Band & The Accident” and the cover art below. The band will be joined by label mates Mmmeats,  Holy Void and Homeward Bound and have promised further collaboration with “some special friends.” Continue reading “Premiere! :: Marshall & Some Buddies :: Your Band & The Accident”

Premiere! :: Lounge FM :: Slumber Party

Winnipeg’s beloved DIY record label, Birthday Tapes  is back with Birthday Wishes Volume 2. A 17 song compilation album featuring artists from all over Canada and the US. The album features lo-fi pop gems from some of Winnipeg’s most buzzed about bands including iansucks, House Panther, and notme as well New York’s Thanks for Coming. Birthday Tapes has shared a sneak peak of the album with Lounge Fm’s “Slumber Party”. Check out the mellow and catchy tune below. Birthday Wishes Volume 2 is out on Cassette and digitally on January 13.

Cold Specks :: Bringing Beauty From Ashes

By Patrick Harney

“Bringing beauty from ashes” is the mission statement from Juno award nominee Ladan Hussein a.k.a. Cold Specks in regard to her upcoming album Fool’s Paradise. A Toronto artist in the most technical forms of the word Hussein has always seen the suburb of Etobicoke as her true home. “The most interesting stuff is found in the suburbs outside the downtown. Kids get lots of Youtube views but no radio play.” Says Hussein, showing her slight bitterness toward the Toronto music scene, “I had to leave Toronto, no one gave a damn after I tried, it wasn’t until I moved to the UK and got press coverage there did I get any attention. It’s a classic story, you have to leave the city to become successful, which is kinda sad.” Continue reading “Cold Specks :: Bringing Beauty From Ashes”

Prairie Punk Perspective

by Kaitlyn Emslie Farrell

It’s early in the morning, too early. You drag yourself out of the house into the smoke filled city streets of Winnipeg. Summer is burning it’s way out across the country. Nothing but the quiet lull of traffic is to be heard as there hasn’t been enough time for humanity to consume their coffee intake just yet. Whether going to school or going to work, you have somewhere to be.  As the days go on these mornings get darker, and colder. The smoke clears and invites a mist of frozen water to crystallize on your scarf as you continue to go, still needing to be somewhere. Continue reading “Prairie Punk Perspective”