Winnipeg music & culture since 1989
by Shanell Dupras
Positive. Moving. Vibe. These are the three words Ontario jazz trio BADBADNOTGOOD (BBNG) – Alex Sowinski (drums and sampler), Chester Hansen (bass), and Matt Tavares (keyboards) – used to sum up their new album, III. Continue reading “BADBADNOTGOOD :: Positive. Moving. Vibe”
by Daniel Emberg
If you make a record with one of the most beloved recording engineers on the planet, the subject will inevitably be broached in every interview for awhile. So let’s start with vocalist/guitarist James Stewart giving a little primer on the latest record from his band Slates. Continue reading “Slates :: Spreading wings far & wide”
by Martyna Turczynowicz
The Unbelievable Bargains don’t take themselves too seriously. Their songs cover everything from catching the breakfast special to how it would feel to hug an octopus. The trio is made up of Steve Basham who was born on the “ Taurus Gemini cusp. My bass playing is informed by my Taurus side, but I play drums like a Gemini,” Marshall Birch is on vocals and guitar, and for the record, he’s a “Sagittarius, pretty close to Scorpio” and JP Perron on drums who’s a “Virgo and year of the Rooster.” They’re releasing second full length album Boiled Egg at the Windsor on Saturday, July 26th. Continue reading “The Unbelievable Bargains :: Talkin’ Boiled Egg and Potato Salad”
by Martyna Turczynowicz
Iskwe is a Winnipeg native. Her debut album has been nominated for Electronic Advanced Album of the Year at the WTMAs and her song, “Slack Jaw,” was the regional finalist for Manitoba finalist for the CBC Searchlight Competition. Stylus caught up with Iskwe leading up to her homecoming show at the Park Theatre. Continue reading “Iskwe :: “Truth is the Art I’m Doing””
An alternate history of Big Shiny Tunes 2
by Devin King
For a lot of people, Big Shiny Tunes was a big deal. We can say that, if for no other reason, by its sales figures. Big Shiny Tunes 2 is one of the highest selling albums in Canada, ever. Many of my generation have also been privy to nostalgic conversations about that series. This alt-rock compilation has served as a cultural touchstone – a sort of monoculture primer at the time, and defining cultural artifact now. Looking back, it would be easy to remember these songs as the only noteworthy songs of those years. However, Big Shiny Tunes – indeed, our very recollection of that time – could have been dramatically different. Continue reading “Fear of Music :: Thy Shiny Compilation in the Night”
by Paolo Santos
“There’s a bigger fish to fry in this industry – record label producers should realize that,” Immortal Sacraments’ guitarist Marron Verzosa said during a break in practice session at a basement studio in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for his band’s forthcoming sophomore album. “Once in a while there will be metal shows, but there is still a lot of room for progress.” Continue reading “Immortal Sacraments :: Frying fish and the cure to the body slam itch”
by Martyna Turczynowicz
Blue Rubies are a folk/roots act that debuted at the Galaxie Young Performers Program last year. The trio is made up of Mady Reimer on ukulele, vocals and tambourine, Cory Sulyma on harmonica, guitar, drums and vocals and Ben Mak-Wiebe on upright bass. Stylus chatted with them before their second round in the program as Blue Rubies. Continue reading “Winnipeg Folk Fest :: Blue Rubies at Galaxie Young Performers”
by Martyna Turczynowicz
Young Folk have been around since 2012. Last year they released “You Words” on Beach Station Blues and this year they’re performing for the second time in the Galaxie Young Performers Program at the Winnipeg Folk Fest. Stylus caught up with the band’s guitarist Darren Hebner and John Baron on bass and vocals. Continue reading “Winnipeg Folk Fest :: Young Folk at Galaxie Young Performers”
by broose tulloch
When they were booked for this year’s Winnipeg Folk Fest, dreamy folk-pop outfit Boy and Bear were already well-known in their homeland of Australia, but still relatively unknown to the rest of the world. By the time they arrived in Winnipeg April 1st for a sold-out show at the Park Theatre, they had a pair of singles in regular rotation on the radio and sold-out shows were a nightly occurrence. Stylus caught up with lead singer and principle songwriter, Dave Hosking somewhere between Winnipeg and Saskatoon and chatted about the weather, songwriting, and crafting a band out of a solo gig. Continue reading “Boy and Bear :: Living the Dream”
by Brittany Hobson
“Where words fail…music speaks.” Visit Elephant Revival’s official website and you are greeted with these words. These sentiments certainly ring for the group consisting of Sage Cook (banjo, guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo, bass, fiddle), Bridget Law (fiddle, octave fiddle), Bonnie Paine (washboard, djembe, musical saw, stompbox), Daniel Rodriguez (guitar, banjo, bass), and Dango Rose (double-bass, mandolin, banjo). Hailing from Nederland, Colorado these gypsy-like souls tell tales sure to be a favourite among the “granola culture.” Their latest album These Changing Skies is sure to have something for everyone including the Celtic inspired instrumental piece “The Pasture,” a gradual, cinematic explosion of folk goodness that encompasses “Down to Sea,” and the whirlwind of djembe infused rhythms that take over “Rogue River,” a song akin to the sounds of drumming circles found in the wee hours of the morning on Pope’s Hill. Gearing up for their time at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Stylus chatted with Daniel to discuss summer plans, their latest album, and the juggernaut that is the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Continue reading “Elephant Revival: Where words fail…music speaks.”