Category: Features

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The Motorleague :: Rock N Rollin’ across North America

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by Sheldon Birnie

Moncton, New Brunswick isn’t overly renowned for producing hard hitting, fist pumping rock n roll bands. At least not ones who make waves across North America. The Motorleague are an exception, and have been on the road hard for the past few months in support of their sophomore full length Acknowledge, Acknowledge. Stylus caught up with singer/guitarist/chief-songwriter Don Levandier on a tour stop in Victoria, BC to chat about the new record, videos, songwriting and hard travelling leading up to their November 18th date in Winnipeg. Continue reading “The Motorleague :: Rock N Rollin’ across North America”

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The Sweet Alibi :: Have Got To

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by Martyna Turczynowicz

Local folk darlings the Sweet Alibi are releasing their latest album, We’ve Got To, on November 20th. The trio has been winning over fans with their eclectic folk sound and compelling lyrics. Stylus sat down with Amber Quesnel, Jessica Rae Ayre and Michelle Anderson before one of their gigs at the Times Change(d) to talk about the upcoming release and non-stop touring. Continue reading “The Sweet Alibi :: Have Got To”

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Hana Lu Lu :: Presents you with a Keepsake

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by Martyna Turczynowicz

Hana Lu Lu is set to release their very first EP, Keepsake, on November 15. The Winnipeg based trio is made up of Kevin Desjarlais on vocals, keyboard and synthesizer, Atom Dzaman on synthesizer and Chris Aquin on drums.  The band made a name for itself with it’s fresh, synth-heavy sound. Stylus caught up with Dzaman and Desjarlais to talk about the new album and the band’s upcoming plans. Continue reading “Hana Lu Lu :: Presents you with a Keepsake”

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Krang :: Electric Motorbike Prairie Tragedy

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by Daniel Emberg

There is a question that passed through seven generations of my ancestors who never had the privilege of asking an expert. Given the opportunity to speak with Owen Strasky of Krang, I couldn’t avoid putting it to him. That most unscratchable itch could be raked once and for all: what is the difference between stoner rock and psychedelic rock? Continue reading “Krang :: Electric Motorbike Prairie Tragedy”

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Longrunning CKUW DJs reflect on the switch to FM in 1999

Station Manager Rob Schmidt & an old CKUW board
Station Manager Rob Schmidt & an old CKUW board

by Sheldon Birnie

It’s amazing to think that CKUW, our campus and community station broadcasting here from the University of Winnipeg, is celebrating its 50th year in existence this year. The station, which began as a radio club in 1963, broadcasting to a closed-circuit audience from the basement of UW, has seen a lot of changes over the years. The biggest change, perhaps, could be seen as the jump to the FM dial, and a city wide audience, in 1999. Continue reading “Longrunning CKUW DJs reflect on the switch to FM in 1999”

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Hip Hop Retrospective :: Pt 1 The Northern Touch

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by Harrison Samphir

Dear hip hop, I’ll love you ‘til I die

To taste the grace of your embrace, I will try

My mission is to utilize my skills on the mic

To rid you of the losers, abusers and stereotypes

– Dan-e-o, “Dear Hip Hop” (1996)

For many reading this, it might be difficult to imagine what Canadian hip hop looked and felt like in the mid- to late-1990s. Younger folks, for example, might remember Kardinal Offishall’s fourth record, or recognize Drake in a Sprite commercial – but could they identify the underground raps of Da Grassroots out of Jane & Finch in North Toronto? We’re not pointing fingers here, instead we are directing your attention toward Canada’s bygone “golden age” of hip hop music: that lost era of dub-influenced boom-bap drums and lyrics that combined East New York scheming with Caribbean flavour. Indeed, this nation’s pioneering rap stars are also a symbol of Canada’s multiculturalism. Our mosaic of ethnic groups and their associated cultures have largely determined the subculture. In this first installment of Stylus Magazine’s Hip Hop Retrospective, we feature some icons of this movement and the under appreciated records they importantly released.

Continue reading “Hip Hop Retrospective :: Pt 1 The Northern Touch”