Stylus Magazine – Page 21 – Winnipeg music & culture since 1989

August 18, 2020

EP Review :: birdacrosswater :: Dirty Omen

by Keeley Braunstein-Black

Written and released during quarantine, this digital album available on Bandcamp is an outstanding example of how humans process feelings and experiences through creativity. birdsacrosswater’s music here is decidedly lo-fi and sun baked. This EP is the direct result of the covid-19 pandemic and is perfect for staying indoors for long periods of time, becoming anxious and/or infuriated by the news, finding solace in watching dust float around a room, and that subtle feeling of impending doom. These sentiments are all barely addressed but can be felt in the songs of Dirty Omen.

August 18, 2020

Artist Profile :: Zuki

by Osani Balkaran

From rocking the party as a DJ and creating diverse beats, Zuki has played and created unique styles and dispensed groove for several years now. From adolescence to young adult Zuki travelled the globe finally settling in Winnipeg at the age of 20. Through these travels he was able to experience the world for what it is, and never fought it, just embraced it.

August 17, 2020August 17, 2020

Album Review :: Casimir Gruwel

by Daniel Kussy

Casimir Gruwel’s self-titled debut has come a long way. With tracks being written and released as far as 5 years ago, the relinquishing of such a body of work is a cathartic accomplishment for the Winnipeg singer-songwriter.

August 14, 2020

Album Review :: French Class :: Tape 2

by Olivier LaRoche

Tape 2 is the second release of Winnipeg-based artist Megumi Kimata, who goes by French Class. Upon first listen, this project is difficult to pin down. Does it make you want to dance? To dream? To laugh? After each listen, it becomes increasingly clear that the answer is D: all of the above.

August 13, 2020

Canadian Classical Master :: Composer Michael Conway Baker

by John Iverson

I first became acquainted with the music of Canadian composer Michael Conway Baker many years ago after reading an interesting magazine article about him. In this article, they described his music as tonal, melodic and romantic. The article so piqued my interest that I had to hear this music for myself, and upon first listen, I became a devoted fan. His music was beautiful, melodious, evocative and passionate — elements of a true master of classical music.

August 6, 2020August 6, 2020

Artist Interview :: Leith Ross

by Graeme Houssin

Above all other emotions, Leith Ross is feeling curious. Tomorrow, they’ll release their first-ever single “Everyone I’ve Never Met” on Winnipeg-based label Birthday Cake ahead of their debut album in October.

July 23, 2020

Album Review :: Richard Inman :: Faded Love Better Days

by Myles Tiessen

On Richard Inman’s latest release Faded Love Better Days, he uses sincerity, passion, and poetry to transport the audience from passive listeners to an active participant in a rich tale of classic country motifs: love, loss, loneliness, and family. These themes can be dangerous territories to tread. If overused and underdeveloped, they can make for music that is frankly underwhelming. Inman, on the other hand, recognizes the everyday nature of ordinary experiences and translates them into ardent songs that lift beyond the familiar.

July 20, 2020July 20, 2020

Artist Interview :: Katie Stelmanis of Austra

by Kaelen Bell

When asked how she’s handling isolation – and the Austra tour postponement it necessitated – Katie Stelmanis pauses for a moment.

July 7, 2020

Album Review :: Half Waif :: The Caretaker

by Paul Carruthers

Half Waif’s synth pop/chamber pop fusion album The Caretaker has some hits and some misses, but is a vulnerable and touching listen.

July 2, 2020

Album Review :: REALiTY GROUP :: Music For Fools Vol. 1

by Myles Tiessen

After years of demos and high energy performances, REALiTY GROUP now releases into the wild a pure animalistic album, Music For Fools Vol. 1. Containing a certain level of abrasiveness that will bring your blood to a boil and enough animation to demand attention. This album will bring you into a familiar, yet contemporary form of punk.