Evening Hymns' Jonas Bonetta to release ambient album 'All This Here' Apr 27

It has been a while since we have had recorded music from Jonas Bonnetta (aka Evening Hymns) so its welcome news indeed to hear he will release an album on Friday Apr 27.  The sonic musings of "All This Here", an album of ambient music, were inspired by Fogo Island in Newfoundland and was came into being as the soundtrack for a documentary, "Strange and Familiar: Architecture on Fogo Island." It melds field recordings from Fogo with studio workings featuring Mika Rosen and Anne Müeller on strings. The record will be available on Idea of North Recordings (an allusion perhaps to Glenn Gould's work of the same name) and there will be a performance of the material at the Drake in Toronto May 27. A track from the album, "Little Seldom, a town on Fogo, is available now.

“I had wanted to capture the pulse of the water around Fogo Island and also wanted to make sure that there was an element of fiddle music on the soundtrack,” says Bonnetta. “I scored out all of the violin sections and then went to Ottawa to track the strings with my friend Mika Posen. We set up my mobile recording equipment in the living room of her parent's magical house and spent an afternoon tracking the strings for a few songs on the record. Her parents had this amazingly deep collection of folk music that we were able to sift through including a bunch of LP's of Newfoundland fiddle music. I still really hear all of that on this recording.” - he says in a press release.

Celebrate St. Pats day in Downtown Oshawa with wild local music

Oshawa digs deep into its own scene to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. If overpriced green beer, squeaky reels and sad songs about the old sod are not your bag step away from the bar and get to the clubs for some sounds of the city, Shwarock style.

Its been a while since the Standstills have rocked this town. They are in tonight for a hometown gig at the Oshawa Music Hall. They have a new single out at the end of the month. The next gen Crown Lands are also on the bill. Don't be fooled by each act only having two members - this is going to be loud.

We suggest you get to the Moustache Club early as the bad lads in Tijuana Jesus are quite likely to drink all of the beer tonight. Its a full bill with four acts; Fish Head Phil, Bad Waitress and Thrash Eater are also in the house. There will be a selection of local breweries onsite too so this one goes deep deep in to the culture of the D-Rock. 

There's a somewhat softer twanginess to the tunes from GT Harris and the Gunslingers who are playing at the Atria. There's a fiddle so if you are going to seek out fiddle music tonight then this is where you want to be. They shall be joined by Terry Savage and the Wonky Honkys so there's that. 

All venues are within walking distance of each, staggering if late in the evening. Enjoy and don't do stupid.

Catch them if you can, Excuses Excuses at Moustache Club Mar 16

Ah you gotta love the snotty 905 thrash punk. Its alive and festering and Excuses Excuses are keeping it so. The band has just released a new track, "Pizza and Cigarettes" which, even by title alone, is a snotty 905 thrash punk classic but open the can and the sum41-ish, treblechargey billy talent-esque track explodes like a paintball to the face.  It's the lead single of the band's upcoming EP 'Catch Me If You Can'.  Catch'em at the Moustache Club Friday Mar 16 2018.

Alt-country countess Lindi Ortega releases new track, announces tour dates

Its high noon for the foes of Lindo Ortega, she stands centre street, red boots firmly planted in the dust and she is taking on all comers.  Don't kid this kid, her Irish/Mexican heritage means she don't back down. This new track, "You Ain't Foolin' Me", from her new album, 'Liberty' is a poncho flipped over one shoulder call-out, "You're a sinner but you're acting like a saint/ oh you think you're fooling me but you ain't!'. The track rips in with a Paint It Black beat and sneers into a soaring guitar solo which triggers fond memories of Annabel Lamb's "Riders On the Storm" cover. 

Ortega is on tour hitting Ontario in May. Dates below.

Tour Dates:

May 6 - Burnstown, ON - Neat Coffee Shop
May 7 - Kitchener, ON - Centre In The Square
May 9 - Toronto, ON - Mod Club Theatre
May 10 - London, ON - Aeolian Hall
May 11 - Hamilton, ON - Mills Hardware
May 12 - Kingston, ON - Queen’s Grad Club

Liza Anne's new single 'Small Talks' is one big track, plays Drake in Toronto May 2

Strap on your dancing sneakers, Liza Anne's poppy track is a gutsy response to teenage angst wrapped in a party mix of The Undertones with Julie Doiron on vox. And the best response to an awkward situation is to dance like everyone's watching. Kick it.

The track is of her album, 'Fine But Dying' available on Arts and Crafts. Liza Anne is touring and will be at the Drake in Toronto May 2.

Birds of Bellwoods return for the spring, play Moustache Club Apr 19

Toronto folk-poppers Birds of Bellwoods will be on the road in the Spring and make a stop into Oshawa Thursday Apr. 19 2018 at the Moustache Club. The folks have been through the city many times including playing RMG Fridays.

Dashboard Confessional's heart beats here Tuesday Mar 13 at Oshawa Music

Floridian pop-rockers Dashboard Confessional are coming to Oshawa for a gig Tuesday Mar 13 at the Music Hall. The band have just released their seventh album 'Crooked Shadows'. Dashboard Confessional has Chris Carrabba at its heart. He has been pouring out his heart onto his sleeve for almost two decades and are very much part of the 00s sound and style tagged Emo.

Its a sound rather than a scene, one based on a sonic connection and not geography. Grunge has its roots in Seattle but Emo may be the first post-Napster scene. On the Net music could be shared quickly and easily between people who shared more than a neighbourhood. They shared values, a sensibility, a worldview and a way of being in the world, they were a tribe without territory. Others in those early years would have been Saves The Day, New Found Glory, the Get Up Kids. Over the years others have joined the tribe and Emo has become a category, like punk.

Dashboard Confessional don't stray too far from their home territory on 'Crooked Shadows'. On the title track, album opener "We Fight" and the track "Be Alright" there's a smoothness to their pop-punk, like skaters who only use the bowl and never the street. Its not unpleasant and its not unlikeable, its pretty and there's room for pretty in this ugly city. There's also always room for a folk song and "Heart Beats Here" does it for me.

International Womxn Day - Swing Batter from Skye Wallace

Skye Wallace has released the video for "Swing Batter," directed by Sam Soo. Slowcity had previously interviewed Skye and you can read what she has to say here.

Q and A with Skye Wallace - Celebrating International Womxn's Day

By Will McGuirk

On Thursday Mar 8, International Women's Day, Toronto folk punk Skye Wallace will release her new single, "Swing Batter", (based on the 1911 trial of Angelina Napolitano in Sault Ste Marie) with a performance at Array Music in Toronto. Wallace will partner with Toronto Womxn In Music and herHABITAT. The show will feature sets by Skye, Lydia Persaud, Winona Wilde, Merival, and jes sachse, as well as pop-up vendors from NEW FRDM and Knot Naked. The event is sponsored by She Does The City and Beau’s and is in support of Sistering, a multi-service agency for at-risk, socially isolated women in Toronto.

Wallace will also be performing May 7 at DRKRM in Uxbridge and in Whitby Mar 14 at the Whitby Curling Club.

Photo by Chet Tilokani

Q: Can you tell me about the event at Array and what people can expect when they go? Also something about your relationship with the other artists on the bill?

"This is going to be a multi-faceted show of music, art, and celebration. We’ve got performances from myself, Lydia Persaud, Winona Wilde, Merival, and a feature performance piece by artist jes sachse. We’ll also be showcasing guest vendors New FRDM & Knot Naked at the event. Beau’s is sponsoring our bar, and there will be a silent auction as well featuring local artists and brands such as The Likely General, Muttonhead, Nic ter Horst, and more. 

"All of the people on the bill are so incredible and I feel very lucky to have this line-up. 

"I’ve actually never had the chance to share the stage with any of them for their solo projects, so this will be an exciting first!"

 Q: According to the press release, “Angelina's story is an insight into how the shift has happened in the past, and how we need to perpetuate that shift by working hard, being inclusive, vocal, and active, and educating ourselves and others." 
Can you suggest to our readers some ways they can continue this work?

"I think action is a very important thing right now.  Engaging in and supporting your communities is imperative; get involved in charity events supporting undermined groups in your community, volunteer with organizations that work for equality, women’s rights, anti-poverty, etc.  Having your voice heard as an ally not just at women’s rights rallies, but rallies supporting indigenous rights, black lives, the queer community, is so necessary.

"So is doing the work in acknowledging and educating yourself regarding the implications of race and gender, and working to dismantle the systems of oppression in this country and around the world.

"One great example that you can get involved in is the #Next150 challenge.

"https://next150.indianhorse.ca is a series of challenges and engagement with literature, music, art, and culture working toward Reconciliation."

 Q: In what ways are you going to continue to spotlight the history of others who have paved the way for this current climate of empowerment of women?

 "This entire upcoming album is actually focussing on this.  It’s a subject that I have gravitated towards, and an area that is rife with untold stories that are fundamental to the understanding of the history of feminism and women’s rights, as well as providing a context for the current climate.

"A lot of these women weren’t big names in headlines or as prevalent a story as Angelina’s. Some of them that I’ve written about are midwives, mothers, prostitutes, unheard voices that permeated with a strength that is so empowering to learn about.  A lot of these stories are based in Newfoundland and the Yukon, places I had the pleasure of doing writing residencies in this last year. I’m excited to share the stories I’ve learned about and share the strength of these women with folks who listen to my music."

Q: There are those who will not define themselves by gender but see themselves as just them - and International Women Day is not needed anymore, but instead focus on collective human rights - why is International Women Day important do you think?

"This is actually a really important point. A lot of people are adopting International Womxn’s Day as an alternative spelling for that reason, as many groups (including Toronto Womxn In Music, who are co-presenting the event) are striving to be inclusive of not just female-identifying individuals in their work toward equality.

"I do still see International Womxn’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate inclusivity, as well as a way to come together to educate and support one another.  

"I see feminism in this way as well - for many, the focus on collective human rights is a very important aspect of their platforms. When putting together this event, I wanted to be very mindful of representation of not just women, but non-binary/gender queer/trans-identifying folks as well. 

"One of the vendors, J of New FRDM, is doing incredible work to educate, empower, and inspire change in how gender identity is viewed. They’re an awesome clothing designer, but are also making an impact with their Gender Freedom Club. Check out what they do at https://newfrdm.com

Dizzy join the stars at Field Trip 2018, Metric and Yeah Yeah Yeahs headline

Toronto summer festival Field Trip have announced their line-up for the two day event taking place at Fort York Garrison Common the weekend of June 2 and 3 2018. Along with Metric, Bahamas and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Oshawa band Dizzy are on the bill. The four piece are signed to Royal Mountain Records and Field Trip is just one of several big gigs for them this year. They are also heading to England to play The Great Escape festival in Brighton May 17-19. They won't be swimming though. 

Besides the headliners the Field Trip line-up includes Bahamas, Alvvays, Allan Rayman, Japandroids, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Noname, Deer Tick, Jacob Banks, the Barr Brothers, Middle Kids, Charlotte Cardin, Cuco, Allie X, Haerts, Reuben & the Dark, Pierre Kwenders, Gabrielle Shonk, Partner, Liza Anne, Ellevator, Chris Larocca and Maddee. Tickets go on sale Friday Mar 9 at 10 am.

Fionn make cool pop tunes, open for Royal Wood at Massey Hall May 11

White Rock BC twins, Fionn, want you to suspend your first impressions, get past the looks and think deeper, think soul, think bones, think "Skeleton" and maybe skip around your living room while you contemplating how quickly we sum up things in just one glance or one listen and perhaps we could slow down a tad.  The Good Lovelies are also on the bill. Ticket details here.

Saul Williams slowed down and reimagined by The Kills

The Kills have released their new single, a cover of Saul Williams' "List of Demands" B-sided with a cover of Peter Tosh's "Steppin' Razor". Artwork is by Shepard Fairey.

 "I always felt envious of the way the 60's generation shared songs and ideologies. Jimi singing Dylan. Rotary Connection singing Otis Redding. The Stones singing the blues," Williams said
(from the PR)

Moustache Club goes green for St. Pats with local beers and bands

Lower your carbon footprint as you lower a few brews at the St. Patrick Day's Bash, Saturday March 17 2018, at the Moustache Club in Oshawa. The club celebrates the environmentally friendly local diet with beers from Old Flame in Port Perry, the Second Wedge in Uxbridge, Five Paddles in Whitby and Manantler in Bowmanville. On stage local bands will get their Irish on. Fish Head Phil, Tijuana Jesus, Thrash Eater and some pals from TO, Bad Waitress (formerly Nude Dogs). I usually avoid St. Paddy's Day as it is annoying as all hell to see people reduce the whole of Irish culture to so many glasses of green swill, but a night celebrating with independent minded creatives could be the closest thing to being at home on the Emerald Isle.