Musicians Stay Home by Mikki H: Judgement deliver food for thought

By Will McGuirk

Makers don’t stop making. Even a global pandemic won’t stop makers making and thankfully so. For the rest of us, going forward will require new thinking, creativity, innovation, outside, inside, other side of the box thinking and it will be to the makers we will turn. Here in Durham Region, our artists are woodshedding new ideas and finding new outlets for their creativity. We take a peek behind the stage curtain to see what musicians are doing as shows have been cancelled worldwide.

Each photo will link to the Unison Benevolent Fund.

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Judgement have weathered the trial of Covid-19 quite well, and have helped others weather the effects of the pandemic as well. The Oshawa band have reached inwards to reach out, and not just over the holiday season but for all seasons. They have also managed to sneak in a sweet video shot in the former CAW Hall in Oshawa. . . but here’s Ryley Robertson of the band to tell us more. 

Judgement, photo by MikkiH@m2pics.com

“During Covid we have been sticking to our usual works as band. First off we have been in the process of releasing our debut EP as Judgement. Our first two singles “Terra Firma” and “November” were released earlier this year, before the pandemic struck, and our most recent is our third single is, “Define Alive”; released November 24th, 2020 along with a music video. Covid definitely scrapped all of our tour plans, but we have been very thankful to have social media @judgementca to continue to connect with fans and friends. 

“We have been writing a lot more due to increased downtime from shows, learning different skills like production, editing, and photography to name a few so we don’t have to outsource as much as a band, and as well as working a lot on music promotion, and increasing/growing relationships. Throughout Covid we have been trying to give back as much as possible. The Canadian Mental Health Association is a company that we have been advocating for for quite sometime now. Judgement has always donated a 10% portion of merchandise sales each year, and earlier this year we raised $420 on that end, $596 through a self-ran GoFundMe for the association, and as well as took part in the, “Hey, Are You Okay?”, fundraiser which generated over $3,000. 

“We took a step in the podcast direction this Summer and started our own called, “You, The Artist”, which you can stream on Spotify, YouTube, Anchor, and PocketCast. Our podcast surrounds everything music related really. We have guests and friends from the industry on to talk about their personal experiences of being a part of the music scene, share some wild story’s with us along the way, and also bring value to those tuning in. 

“Our newest release and video, “Define Alive”, is available on Youtube and all platforms. We filmed the video for this track in the upstairs part of the old Lazer Xtreme building on Bond St. East in Oshawa, Ontario. As many know the beloved Oshawa Music Hall was forced to close in about June of this year. The owners Ed & Maggie very nicely invited us to check out the beginning stages of their new Oshawa venue, which is planned to be that same building. When we arrived to check it out, all of us couldn’t stop chatting about filming some sort of video in the space, especially because at the time it was completely unfinished and had a very cool vibe to it. Lots of natural lighting, tons of room, and a nice grimy aesthetic is the best way I can put it- we loved it. Huge thank you’s again to all involved, to Terry Coad for spending the entire day with us and helping everything run so smooth,  Ed & Maggie Maybee for being so willing to let us use their space, and lastly to our director Roberto Spadafora. Follow us @judgementca and stream us wherever you find your tunes.

“The Simcoe House in Oshawa does a great job at looking out for the community and have been unusually low for donations this year, so we decided to gather up a few bags of non-perishables to donate to those in need. This is something we have started to do on a monthly basis. The donations go to those less fortunate in the community and are especially needed around Christmas time! We encourage you to donate if you can. It all goes a long way. “

Musicians Stay Home by Mikki H: The Irelands - Home Makers

The Irelands, photo by MikkiH@m2pics.com

By Will McGuirk

Makers don’t stop making. Even a global pandemic won’t stop makers making and thankfully so. For the rest of us, going forward will require new thinking, creativity, innovation, outside, inside, other side of the box thinking and it will be to the makers we will turn. Here in Durham Region, our artists are woodshedding new ideas and finding new outlets for their creativity. We take a peek behind the stage curtain to see what musicians are doing as shows have been cancelled worldwide.

Each photo will link to the Unison Benevolent Fund.

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Cheryl, photo by MikkiH@m2pics.com

Cheryl Ireland, recently voted Best Local Musicians in the 2020 This Week Readers Choice Award, and her husband, Emerson, are staples on the Oshawa/Durham Region music circuit, playing and hosting gigs and open mics. They are familiars too, to the music scene, as employees of Long & McQuade on Simcoe St. N. They have been affected on several levels by the Covid-19 pandemic so we checked in with them.

Slowcity.ca: What are you doing during this break from live music, any new hobbies?

The first few months of Covid were a difficult transition period for us. We were forced to cancel over 100 shows with The Irelands, The Emerson Ireland Band, and The Autumn Smoke combined. We went from very busy to inactive almost overnight. It took some time to get back into the swing of creativity. We have both been revisiting our love for reading, painting and visual art. I have also been working on my video editing chops. 

Q: Who are the members in your band?

The Irelands consist of Emerson Ireland and Cheryl Ireland who are a married couple. In The Irelands, we both sing and play guitar. I am also the drummer in Emerson’s band (The Emerson Ireland Band).

Q: Where are you from?

We are from Oshawa, Ontario, although Emerson was born in Cordova Mines, ON, and I was born in Newmarket, ON.

Q: Have you been able to perform together in any capacity - if yes how?

We were lucky enough to secure a month’s worth of gigs at Chatterpaul’s during August. Our last show was with the incredible Hy-Hope Farm in Pickering, ON. It was an amazing afternoon, and we had a tremendous amount of support from the community. It was a really nice way to “head out” of gigs for now. The owners at Hy-Hope Farms are wonderful supporters of local music, and we would love to show them our appreciation. 

Q: Where and when was the last gig you played before Covid-19 guidelines on shows kicked in?

Our last gig was at The Regent Threatre in. Oshawa, Ontario. We performed as the opening act for “The Bowie Lives” On March. 7th, 2020.

Q: Do you have any recorded music available online, if yes where?

Absolutely! Emerson Ireland’s music is all available on YouTube under his name. Cheryl Ireland’s music is on all streaming platforms under her name.

The Irelands, photo by MikkiH@m2pics.com

Emerson, photo by MikkiH@m2pics.com

Emerson, photo by MikkiH@m2pics.com

Musicians Stay Home by Mikki H: Jake Stauffer - The Bzzzzzzz on Morningside

By Will McGuirk

Makers don’t stop making. Even a global pandemic won’t stop makers making and thankfully so. For the rest of us, going forward will require new thinking, creativity, innovation, outside, inside, other side of the box thinking and it will be to the makers we will turn. Here in Durham Region, our artists are woodshedding new ideas and finding new outlets for their creativity. We take a peek behind the stage curtain to see what musicians are doing as shows have been cancelled worldwide.

Each photo will link to the Unison Benevolent Fund.

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Fresh. Catchy. Cathartic. This is the story of Morningside. The Oshawa band began at the Luck of the Draw tattoo shop. A spark was lit around a shared love of garage and alt.rock.

Jake Stauffer of Morningside, photo by MikkiH@m2pics.com

Slowcity.ca : Who are the members in your band?

There is myself on guitar and lead vocals , we have Galen Crampsey on drums and vocals and Angus Hillier on bass and vocals. Together we make some rad pop rock music as Morningside. 

Q: Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Oshawa but am currently a resident of Bowmanville. Galen and I actually went to elementary school and high school together. We have been friends since the mid 90’s. 

Q: Have you been able to perform together in any capacity - if yes how

We would love to be playing together but we honestly haven’t played live since around March. We have jammed a few times but with covid happening it has really set us back, but we have plans to get things rolling again soon and pump out a really cool album.

Q: Where and when was the last gig you played before Covid-19 guidelines on shows kicked in?

I do believe the last time we played live was in Oshawa at the atria. We actually had about 8-10 different shows booked for summer that we had to cancel due to covid. So it has definitely been a while for us! We can’t wait to get back to normal! 

Q: Do you have any recorded music available online, if yes where?

Yeah we do! It’s available on any and all streaming platforms! We also have a few music videos on YouTube! We also have a couple unreleased songs that we have been holding on to. So keep you’re eyes and ears peeled for that in the near future. 

Q: What are you doing during this break from live music, any new hobbies?

I have been spending as much time as I can with my family. I have 3 amazing children that blow my mind
everyday, and an amazing girlfriend who is my biggest support in every aspect of my life. 

I have been doing a lot of painting and drawing. Being a full time tattooer at Luck of the Draw since 2013... this was the longest break I have ever taken from it. So I was kinda going a little crazy at times not being able to tattoo but that helped on me getting more creative in other aspects of art. 

Also I have a little studio in my basement that I try and pump out as many tracks as I can from. Covers,
originals whatever is giving me inspiration in try and lay down! If you check out my YouTube channel you can find some of the stuff I’ve been working on. I film, edit and engineer all the audio for everything on there.

Musicians Stay Home by Mikki H: EDITH: Legal eyed musician focused on the books

By Will McGuirk

Makers don’t stop making. Even a global pandemic won’t stop makers making and thankfully so. For the rest of us, going forward will require new thinking, creativity, innovation, outside, inside, other side of the box thinking and it will be to the makers we will turn. Here in Durham Region, our artists are woodshedding new ideas and finding new outlets for their creativity. We take a peek behind the stage curtain to see what musicians are doing as shows have been cancelled worldwide.

Each photo will link to the Unison Benevolent Fund.

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SC: Who are the members in your band?

It’s just me right now!

SC: Where are you from?

Whitby, ON

SC: Have you been able to perform together in any capacity - if yes how

Yes--I’ve been able to perform cover gigs on patios and at breweries, as well as online through Zoom for a Long Term Care facility. But I haven’t really been able to perform my original music in much of a capacity.

SC: Where and when was the last gig you played before Covid-19 guidelines on shows kicked in?

I had already been slowing down on performances before COVID-19 because I was investing more time into the recording and production of the album I will be releasing in the very near future, but I’m pretty sure it was at The Music Hall September 2019.

SC: Do you have any recorded music available online, if yes where?

My album HYPO will be available very soon! You can follow my Spotify artist account to receive updates on when it will be released. You can also follow for updates on my Instagram: @edithfolk 

SC: What are you doing during this break from live music, any new hobbies?

I’ve continued to write and record, but the biggest change I’ve made is that I’ve decided to go back to school and study Paralegal. It’s been great! I’ve also taken to cooking a lot more, and I’ve been taking Floboxing classes online and running.

Musicians Stay Home: Darren Smith - Burning to get back on stage

By Will McGuirk

Makers don’t stop making. Even a global pandemic won’t stop makers making and thankfully so. For the rest of us, going forward will require new thinking, creativity, innovation, outside, inside, other side of the box thinking and it will be to the makers we will turn. Here in Durham Region, our artists are woodshedding new ideas and finding new outlets for their creativity. We take a peek behind the stage curtain to see what musicians are doing as shows have been cancelled worldwide.

Each photo will link to the Unison Benevolent Fund.

***

Sloqcity.ca: Who are the members in your band?

Harem Scarem:  Harry Hess, Peter Lesperance, Stan Miczek and me.

Red Dragon Cartel: Jake E Lee, Anthony Esposito, Phil Varone, and me.

SC: Where are you from?

Born In Brighton England moved to Canada 1969.

SC: Have you been able to perform together in any capacity - if yes how

Haven’t been playing live much but the last place was a local bar called The Atria downtown Oshawa. My local cover band, Jambandits, get together once a week to learn new songs in a rehearsal hall where I live.

SC: Where and when was the last gig you played before Covid-19 guidelines on shows kicked in?

Last show i played was with Red Dragon Cartel touring the States. The last show I’m uncertain of where in the States, but think it was New York.

SC: Do you have any recorded music available online, if yes where?

Both bands have albums available online; Harem Scarem have 17 studio albums Frontiers Records and also Itunes. RDC also on Frontiers and Itunes

SC: What are you doing during this break from live music, any new hobbies?

 I read a lot. I really just keep to myself as there’s really no where to go. I do hang with my kids as much as possible. Jam once a week with my buddies.