By Amanda Hu
The Calgary music scene is becoming more and more well known for its sense of camaraderie and community. Many bands emerging from the scene praise the city’s musicians for working together towards common success and creation. As Sea Level Rise’s Brock Geiger is an emerging artist who is continuing to reap the benefits of this… Continue reading Learning the ways of the scene
Despite the dreary weather, Wintersleep has opted out of hibernation and has instead been hitting the road. The band has been touring relentlessly to promote the U.K. release of their third album Welcome to the Night Sky. Though touring has helped the group gain more exposure and bond, vocalist/guitarist Paul Murphy still feels the pull… Continue reading As spring comes, so does Wintersleep
Clear and distinct are not often used to describe music anymore. However, in the 1920s, when there was actually only time for one song per side on the record, bands were forced to be concise. Tony Dekker from Great Lake Swimmers worked toward this sound on the group’s fourth release, Lost Channels. “I was sort… Continue reading The Great Lake Swimmers’ geography lesson
By Amanda Hu
Nobody really knows what alternative music is anymore. The days of Bush, Alice in Chains and the Foo Fighters are in the past, while the section devoted to the genre grows bloated with unclassifiable music in CD stores. Montreal’s Plants and Animals’ newest release, Parc Avenue, was recently nominated for best alternative album and best… Continue reading No alternatives to Plants and Animals
After Feist dominated the Junos last year, it seems that there is a whole plethora of artists popping up all over who are heavily influenced by the Calgary native. Thank Magnets, a female duo from Alberta, say they have her to thank for paving the way. “I’d say we were definitely inspired by Feist, Eric… Continue reading Thank Magnets: two totally tubular folkies
By Mike Tofin
Boozed, bruised and broken, grizzled and gnarly as ever, Black Label Society and bassist John “JD” DeServio are ready to set fire to a tour that is sure to destroy every venue they come in contact with. Amidst Black Label Society’s upcoming release of their new album Skullage, and the implementation of his new project… Continue reading Chattin’ about booze and hockey
Debra has a real rocking pad. It’s the kind of place where you can sit back, chill out and enjoy a Bud. These proud punk-rockers, originally from Toronto, moved out west to make their fortunes– specifically, they came to Calgary looking for work. After living apart for a few years, the band moved in together… Continue reading The members of Debra are one big happy family
Craig Cardiff is ready to teach everyone how to be the next country-crossing, folktastic Canadian bard. He should know as he’s been at the gig for the past 10 years. Cardiff, who describes his music as akin to a “big warm hug,” is a Canadian staple. His music is beautiful and sun-kissed, with lightly-plucked guitar… Continue reading Craig Cardiff walks the folk walk and talks the folk talk
For DD/MM/YYYY (“day month year”), making music is a 24/7, 365 days a year gig. Yet somehow in the hustle and bustle of transcontinental rock touring, they found some time to actually record a new album, Black Squares, dropping via digital release next week. The band has spent their time crisscrossing Canada and the United… Continue reading It’s 365 days and 12 months a year of DD/MM/YYYY
The Tom Fun Orchestra are just like a shot of cheap whiskey: their music goes down hard and burns up the listener’s insides. An eight-piece ensemble with horns, guitar and violin out of Cape Breton, they’re a blend of countrified rock, hard-hitting bluegrass with the liquor-infused emotion of a Nova Scotian dock worker. Crowned the… Continue reading Tom Fun Orchestra serves up a shot of country-rock