Winnipeg music & culture since 1989
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”
Another emerging punk psych band from Saskatoon, Pandas in Japan will appeal to those who are drawn to the noisy and slightly chaotic. Continue reading “Pandas in Japan – Suburban Desert/Inner City Oasis”
Trust do a tolerable job of gleefully ripping off what 80s synthpop bands sound like. Continue reading “Trust – Joyland”
The third full length from Winnipeg’s Ridley Bent delivers 12 tracks of the kind of country fans of Ridley’s have come to expect. Continue reading “Ridley Bent – Wildcard”
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 Gil Carroll
In its 41st year, The Winnipeg Folk Festival welcomed an average of nearly 9,000 enthusiastically tye-dyed attendees to the beautiful Birds Hill Park each day between July 9-13. Continue reading “Winnipeg Folk Festival Recap”
“Chill Ride,” the opening track on How’s It Goin’?, starts out as a jangly pop instrumental, bathed in the sepia tone haze of ‘90s college rock slackerdom. Continue reading “Human Music – How’s It Goin’?”
Montreal’s The Planet Smashers eighth full length continues with the same fun loving, punked up ska formula found on their previous releases. Continue reading “The Planet Smashers – Mixed Messages”
Yes, this is a reissue of an album where the best-known song is called “Cryin’ These Cocksucking Tears.” Continue reading “Lavender Country – Lavender Country”