Winnipeg music & culture since 1989
words & pics by Matt Williams
“This goes out to family,” yelled Damian Abraham, wearing a red CBC beach ball on his head that he’d ripped apart with his teeth. “I make babies. At least two of them so far.” Continue reading “All in the family: how Field Trip got it right”
by Daniel Emberg
Raine Hamilton grew up in Winnipeg and has been in music her whole life. Her expertise in theory and technique were largely earned by way of the violin, but she has recently added guitar to her toolbox and is forging her own path through the singer-songwriter forest.
Her debut EP, Small Packages, is something of Hamilton’s “howdy” to the world. A short collection of songs that are simultaneously earnest and mature, Hamilton is already preparing to take Small Packages on the road with an extensive tour planned through British Columbia later this summer.
First things first though: a release show will be taking place on Monday, June 9 at the Exchange Community Church (75 Albert Street). In advance of that event, Stylus found Raine Hamilton waiting at a picnic table in the middle of the city. To call the space a “serene oasis” would surely be taking it too far, but a little pocket of calm amidst urban bustle seemed perfectly appropriate for the conversation, and here’s where it went.
Continue reading “Raine Hamilton :: Introducing Small Packages”
by Daniel Emberg
Potatoes is a hard rocking outfit comprised of a bunch of longtime Winnipeg musicians: Sean Ceretti (guitar/vocals) had a band by the same name many moons ago, and is now joined by Aaron Goss (electric mandolin), Gareth Wesley (bass), and Ted Simm (drums).
Their new release is entitled Cut, and Potatoes are throwing a big bash at the Windsor on Saturday to celebrate. Stylus had the chance to speak with Goss earlier this week and find out a little more.
Continue reading “Potatoes :: First instinct is to “Cut””
by Daniel Emberg
Most guitar slinging party pigs have, at some point, talked themselves into thinking a spontaneous band would turn out great. How could it not? Get a few pals together, crack a couple bottles, don’t plan anything and just bang out a quick record. It’ll be legendary, man! Of course, this method rarely spawns anything worth sharing outside the basement where it starts, but once in a looooong while, someone catches lightning in a bottle. Continue reading “The Wet Secrets :: Bring Free Candy to Winnipeg”
David Tymoshchuck is an integral member of the CKUW radio team. As the musical director and host of Trouble with the Sandman which has been breaking down walls in the overnight radio game since he graced Winnipeg from his hometown just outside of Riverton, Manitoba. Random features the hour of suck, backwards music and the dawn yodeller have become instrumental to Thursday night radio. Continue reading “CKUWho :: Trouble With The Sandman”
by Martyna Turczynowicz
“If I’m being completely frank, most music that’s categorized as hip hop in Winnipeg that I see, I’m really not feeling,” says Brendan Grey, the brains and vocals behind Super Duty Tough Work and one of the Sleeping Giants one afternoon over coffee. Continue reading “Super Duty Tough Work :: Grown up hip hop”
by Sheldon Birnie
Winnipeg is well known at all points of the Hillbilly Highway as a musical hotbed in the heart of the continent. And while many love to look back on the heyday of our city’s musical past, there are plenty of contemporaries keeping the candle lit. Brandy Zdan is front row centre.
Over five years ago, the singer, songwriter, and guitar player left Winnipeg for Austin, TX. At that time, Zdan was half of Twilight Hotel, a group which garnered plenty of critical praise and Highway miles. But Zdan has since branched out on her own, releasing Lone Hunter in 2013, and a record of instrumental in February of 2014. After establishing herself in the Texas songwriter scene, Brandy has taken the leap to Nashville. Currently, she’s on tour with another songwriter who is no stranger to the Highway, Winnipeg’s own Scott Nolan, for a cross Canada tour. Stylus caught up with Zdan as she was preparing to leave on the first leg of that jaunt.
Continue reading “Hillbilly Highway – Brandy Zdan rolls into town for a homecoming show at the Park”
Righteous Reviews of your Favourite Music Venues
by Jody Hunter
Venue: The Pyramid Cabaret
Location: 176 Fort St. Continue reading “Tales of the Bouncer :: The Pyramid”
by Shanell Dupras
For Slow Dancers, things have gotten off to a bit of a slow start. Guitarist and songwriter Jesse Hill, bass player Marie-France Hollier, and drummer Cole Woods set up in the studio and recorded their debut full length album, Day After Rain, two years ago, but the album was never officially released. Continue reading “Slow Dancers :: Day After Rain finally sees the light”
words & photo by Kaitlyn Emslie Farrell
There’s zigging and zagging and, unfortunately, some people are swagging. When it comes to Taylor Benjamin Burgess, David Skene and Steph “what the fuck” Kolbuck and their band, The Zags, there’s no confusion. Forming in December of 2012, The Zags have been hiding away and only popping up to tease the city every once in awhile. Stylus met up with Taylor and David at a local Tutti Frutti and they told us some stuff. Continue reading “The Zags :: Just when you think you know who we are…”