Toronto based band DIANA recently released an eight track EP spanning a brief 35 minutes that offers a gentle and well produced approach to a pop music. Continue reading “DIANA – Perpetual Surrender”
Grant Hart – The Argument
The Argument, ex-Hüsker Dü drummer Grant Hart’s eighth solo disc is a concept album based on a pair of books, Paradise Lost by Milton and Lost Paradise by William S. Burroughs; two sides of the same coin – fallen angels and the rise of Satan vs Adam & Eve and the rise of humanity. Continue reading “Grant Hart – The Argument”
Madchild – Lawn Mower Man
Since his Juno-nominated Dope Sick rose Madchild from debilitating drug addiction to sobriety and widespread solo success, the Swollen Members frontman has been busy concocting a slew of new material. Continue reading “Madchild – Lawn Mower Man”
Chic Gamine prepare a hometown stand before hunkering down to record new album
by Sheldon Birnie
For the past six years, Winnipeg’s Chic Gamine have been carving a name for themselves not only at home in Canada, but as far afield as Europe, the States, and beyond with their tight vocal harmonies and their tunes that at once are at once fresh and modern and yet also a nostalgic throwback to 60s era girl super groups. From the Winnipeg Folk Festival Main Stage, to the concert halls, to European clubs, and everywhere in between, Chic Gamine have been blowing audiences away. As they prepare for a big hometown show, a short European tour, and recording their new album, Alexa Dirks (somehow!) found time to speak with Stylus about it all. Continue reading “Chic Gamine prepare a hometown stand before hunkering down to record new album”
Shad :: Rolling into Winnipeg with Flying Colours
by Ben Waldman
Contrary to popular belief, the Canadian hip hop scene is booming with homegrown talent, and London’s very own Shadrach Kabango, better known as Shad, has been a prime example of Canada’s hip hop excellence. Since 2004, he has been wowing audiences with his fast paced, well thought-out, and fan friendly style of hip hop. Previously releasing the albums When This is Over (2005) The Old Prince (2007) and TSOL (2010), the latter taking home the Juno for Rap Recording of the Year and garnering a nomination for the Polaris Prize, Shad is back and bigger than ever on his 2013 release Flying Colours. The new record is packed with wisdom, candor, and lyrics that will leave you pining for more. Luckily for fans in Winnipeg, Shad is bringing his Flying Colours Tour to Union Sound Hall on November 22, bringing along indie group We Are The City. Stylus had a chance to sit down and chat with the man himself, about making honest music, basketball, and Alan Thicke. Continue reading “Shad :: Rolling into Winnipeg with Flying Colours”
Hillbilly Highway – Barney Bentall brings Grand Caribou Opry to town
by Sheldon Birnie
For Barney Bentall, this time of year means something special, and it isn’t the return of campy holiday tunes to shops across North America. Nope, when the snow starts flying, it’s Grand Caribou Opry season for the Bentall Gang. Continue reading “Hillbilly Highway – Barney Bentall brings Grand Caribou Opry to town”
Rae Spoon – My Prairie Home
This album is the score and soundtrack to a documentary musical film that is not yet released. Continue reading “Rae Spoon – My Prairie Home”
The Heavy Blinkers – Health
I wish that Health were the album that it wants to be. Continue reading “The Heavy Blinkers – Health”
Big French – Downtown Runnin
Downtown Runnin, the debut from Brooklyn-based experimental pop quintet Big French is a difficult listen and not for everyone, but fans of the Pixies, The Jesus and Mary Chain or Weezer will find the challenge worth it. Continue reading “Big French – Downtown Runnin”
The Motorleague :: Rock N Rollin’ across North America
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”