YES FEST 001 – FESTIVAL RECAP

Words and photos by Zoe Lebrun

Yes Fest is all about bringing obscure, up-and-coming bands of various genres into the spotlight. This was accomplished in spades this year at the first official festival put on by Yes Wave Promotions. The festival took place over three days at various venues in Winnipeg and featured fourteen bands from all across Canada. While it was not without its hiccups, the festival was still a smashing success, and Yes Wave promoters have big dreams for the festival in the coming years. Continue reading “YES FEST 001 – FESTIVAL RECAP”

Northern Touch Music Fesival

by Nigel Webber

“It’s hard to conceive that you can be something when you had nothing” – Choclair

Northern Touch Music Festival enters their sophomore year in 2018 expanded and with results on the promise of furthering local hip-hop, R&B and soul acts. The festival, taking place June 29 to July 1, draws their name and inspiration from a touchstone song in Canadian hip-hop. “Northern Touch” by Rascalz featuring Kardinal Offishall, Choclair, CheckMate and Thrust was an important record when released in 1999. Continue reading “Northern Touch Music Fesival”

Lido Pimienta

by Alex Roberecki

After her latest album, La Papessa, won the $50,000 2017 Polaris Music Prize, Colombian-Canadian singer-songwriter Lido Pimienta has been busy. While raising a young son as a single mother, Pimienta has been spending time developing her sound, her live performances, and her vocal presence on social issues.  She is a unique addition to the 2018 Winnipeg Jazz Festival line up as her music combines styles such as indigenous Afro-Colombian music with western electronica and synth pop. Continue reading “Lido Pimienta”

Peach Kelli Pop

by Zoë LeBrun

Originally hailing from Ottawa, Peach Kelli Pop is a LA-based band that specializes in beachy punk music filled with loud guitars and infectious melodies that captivate the heart and soul. Founded by songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Allie Hanlon, the band has made waves not only in Canada and the US, but overseas as well, particularly in Tokyo, Japan, where the band has toured many times. Continue reading “Peach Kelli Pop”

Wilt :: Ruin

By Chris Bryson

Music has always been an expression of the self and a space for reflections of the world around us. Wilt’s third album Ruin is defined as an intended concept album, one that their Bandcamp page describes as encompassing “the frailty of man and explores the feelings death, forgiveness, shame and guilt. Inspired by Cormac McCarthy’s The Road.” Wilt’s Ruin, follows a similar path. Continue reading “Wilt :: Ruin”