Zach’s Picks!
Hillbilly Highway – Hitting the Highway to Sled Island
by Sheldon Birnie
Sun’s out, guns out, and it’s time to hit the Highway. I’m heading out to check the action at Sled Island, and enjoy the beautiful sights of the Number One Highway. Continue reading “Hillbilly Highway – Hitting the Highway to Sled Island”
Jazz Fest – (Long Lost) BADBADNOTGOOD Feature from 2012
by Shanell Dupras
Jazz trio BADBADNOTGOOD were scheduled to play Jazz Fest in 2012 shortly after the release of their new album on April 3, 2012, BBNG2, which mainly features covers of artists like Odd Future, James Blake, and even My Bloody Valentine. Stylus got a hold of Alex Sowinski, the drummer/sampler, and Chester Hansen, the bassist, for an interview. Shortly before our June/July 2012 issue went to press, BBNG cancelled a number of their Canadian summer dates. We’re happy that they’re able to make Jazz Fest this year. Here is our long lost BADBADNOTGOOD feature from 2012. Continue reading “Jazz Fest – (Long Lost) BADBADNOTGOOD Feature from 2012”
Alanadale – Hypocritters
Hypocritters is, at its heart, a concept album that tells the story of the Hyporitter, a being that Alanadale’s press release describes as “a creative and productive animal pushed and pulled by the many moods that assail her.” Continue reading “Alanadale – Hypocritters”
Powder Blue – Dream in Black
At just six tracks, this LP from Saskatoon’s psychedelic lovelies Powder Blue acts as a satisfying debut, while also wetting one’s taste for more. Continue reading “Powder Blue – Dream in Black”
Ghostkeeper – Horse Chief! War Thief!
Ghostkeeper is one of the most exciting bands Canada currently has to offer, and also one of the most difficult to pin down. Continue reading “Ghostkeeper – Horse Chief! War Thief!”
The Besnard Lakes – Until in Excess, Imperceptible UFO
Since their first records, the Besnard Lakes have walked a fine line between classic rock guitarwork and near-ambient soundscapes. Continue reading “The Besnard Lakes – Until in Excess, Imperceptible UFO”
Not Enough Fest
by Dave Skene
The first step is always the hardest. You feel like an alien in your own body, adrenaline races to your brain, there’s a sharpening sensation as each nerve flips on, your mind, not knowing what to expect, takes everything in as your heart thumps in your chest like a big bass drum. Continue reading “Not Enough Fest”
Hot Todd(ie) the musical drink of choice at Jazz Fest
By Michael Elves
It may have seemed like Maylee Todd came out of nowhere when she released her engaging, challenging – and suitably adventurous – Choose Your Own Adventure on Do Right! Music in 2010, but the fact of the matter is the Toronto artist had been building towards her solo debut for a half-decade and the genre-hopping and blending on display in CYOA came from a playful spirit honed in the service of groups as disparate as Henri Faberge & The Adorables, Woodhands, and The Bicycles. With Henri Faberge & The Adorables in particular Todd was already choosing her own adventure as she noted in our interview that “that was like the first official band that I was in and that band was just about really making music with your friends and the idea was to play an instrument that you don’t usually play so it was a bit of a challenge but so much fun too.” Continue reading “Hot Todd(ie) the musical drink of choice at Jazz Fest”
Weekenders 06/13 – 06/16
Jazz Fest! Summer weather! Thunderstorms! Weekenders! Continue reading “Weekenders 06/13 – 06/16”