By Will McGuirk
The great thing about having this site is we can post this and it fits in with everything else we post here. We do it because we can. We do it too because we agree.
Teva Harrison is a writer and activist. I have only met her once, she is lovely and her story is our story.
By Will McGuirk
Chastity’s track '“Peroxide” appears on the new EP, Death Lust Cuts, four songs which didn’t make it to the full Death Lust album. Chastity has been releasing the EP cuts with accompanying videos. “Peroxide” has Brandon Williams (aka Chastity) alone in a school gym live with two pianos.
He also released recently for Record Store Day a split 7” with Mourn. “Sun” is available on Rough Trade.
Amy Helm, photo by EbruYildiz
By Will McGuirk
Being a mom has influenced Amy Helm’s music career just as much, if not more than, being the daughter of The Band’s Levon Helm and singer Libby Titus.
Helm is on tour with Matt Anderson, making a stop at the Regent Theatre in Oshawa on Friday, May 3, 2019. There are also dates May 10 and 11 at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto on the tour which takes in Ontario and Eastern USA. The two singers met via producer Colin Linden when Helm was asked to contribute harmonies to Anderson’s albums. Helm describes Anderson’s voice as one which “opens time and space, opens the skies.”
Her own career opened with ‘Didn’t It Rain’ released in 2015. Her sophomore album ’This Too Shall Light’ arrived in 2018 on Yep Roc. The gap between the albums is explained by her choice to focus on her two children, on family rather than fame, she says in a phone interview from the road on the way to her infamous home in Woodstock, NY.
Growing up in such a famous musical family gave her first hand experience of the effects touring and recording schedules have on musicians. Alcoholism and addiction were a constant, absenteeism too. It was not a functional space to grow up in. In response she has strived to be better at balancing parenting with performing, to be as good a mom as she could be she says, thus the time between her albums.
Levon Helm passed away in 2012. Amy had reconciled with her father, nursing him in his decline, healing their relationship. They had grown closer over music, Amy played in his Midnight Ramble band, co-produced his Grammy winning album, ‘Dirt Farmer’ and recorded his album ‘Electric Dirt’ and ‘Ramble at the Ryman’, both of which won Grammys in the new category, Americana. It’s a name, Helm says, no musician, who falls under the genre, really likes.
It is a style which is said to begin with the influential rootsy rock ‘n roll of The Band. Regardless of the name of the genre, the work of Levon Helm and the other members of a group which bridged the musical heritage of Canada and the USA, is inside the songs of Amy Helm. And certainly being the daughter of Levon, and being the child of a drummer resonates deeply in her work.
On ‘This Too Shall Light’ there is a pronounced rhythm in all of the songs, a bounce, even in the slower numbers. Helm says the first thing she ever lays down when she sings, is the drums.
Producer Joe Henry wanted a spontaneity to the recording session so he had asked her not to rehearse or play around with the tracks ahead of schedule which took place over four days in Los Angeles. Helm says in reply the only thing she did do was sing along to a drum track.
Levon’s presence is felt on the album; “The Stones I Throw,” is a song he had originally released as Levon and the Hawks in 1965, and “Gloryland” is an a cappella hymnal which too was passed from the father to his daughter.
Besides covering her father’s work Helm also covers Rod Stewart’s “Mandolin Wind”, Allen Toussaint’s “Freedom for the Stallion” and the Milk Carton Kids’ “Michigan.”
The title track was written by Mick Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger. It is a play on the phrase “This Too Shall Pass,” and could be interpreted as the songs on the album are beacons which light up a life.
Most certainly with its mix of percussively driven folk spirituals and country blues it is an album which lights up with hope and optimism, the same light perhaps as a mother may see in the faces of her own children or of a father who meant the whole world to her.
Goodnight Sunrise
By Will McGuirk
The weather is turning, the tide is high, the first music festival of the year for Slowcity.ca is the Springtide taking place this weekend, Apr 26/27 in Uxbridge, ON. Wristbands are sold out but there are many free acoustic pop-ups for pop-in visitors. The schedule is out so here’s our guide to and five acts you should circle in.
Jitensha
Jitensha - This Montreal based duo may seem like the odd ones out at the Tin Mill Restaurant Friday night. They are to be easily overlooked on a bill which includes Springtide co-founder Tanis Joy’s band, 7th Concession, two of Canada’s finest singer/songwriters; Kalle Mattson and Jim Bryson and also Tannis Slimmon, of the Bird Sisters, but don’t. The Jitensha set is not the time to skip out to see who else is on elsewhere. The two piece came through Oshawa recently and their lighthearted mix of pop and folk was a joy to dance along too. Friday, Tin Mill, done.
Matt Gunn - The Gunn is a central figure in the Uxbridge scene, either solo and band projects. His style ranges from Elvis Costello to the Gypsy Kings, but it all carries soul. There are plenty of opportunities to see him (his quaker ska band Eight Five Two plays Saturday 10 pm at the Corner House) but I would suggest Col. McGrady’s at Friday 1 a.m. Thats where the party will be at.
Mount Mural - A four piece from Barrie ON with slivery hooks and weaving rhythms - the sound of isolation and many Nick Drake albums. The project started with an unemployed Clayton McMillan grasping his own future and we at slowcity.ca support that one hundred per cent. MM is at Main Street Realty at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Luna Li - The diesel drenched dream pop of Luna Li has been bubbling in the TO underground and is steady enough to burst out. I blame the half grit, half sparkle of the surf-esque guitar. Luna Li is on the Second Wedge stage Saturday at 5 p.m.
Goodnight Sunrise - Nu-glam from Toronto, this band carries 80s synth pop riffs through 90s pop rock to the anthemic 00s. Saturday 11 p.m. is just about the perfect time to get down with these kats and celebrate the Springtide vibes.
Peter Perrett - Photoi by Steve Gullick
Happy Earth Day, and happy come-down from a fab weekend; The To Oshawa With Love gig at the Oshawa Music Hall with The Stables, Say Ritual and Melanie Payne, was wow wow wow - An army of local music lovers came out. This city, our city has many social issues - it is in trauma. But those of us who know know music helps. Today’s Open Mic is filled with resilience; Peter Perrett, one-time member of pop punks The Only Ones, is resilient. A former addict Perret is now reconnecting with his sons, working with them on this new music. Welcome in to your lives too, Sarah MacDougall, Lydia Ainsworth, Haviah Mighty ( her track she says is “a soundtrack for day-to-day self-motivation,” Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Bear’s Den, and Night Moves. Let’s keep on keeping on.
Shows:
Haviah Mighty - Friday, May 3 @ Drake Underground, Toronto
Bear’s Den - Friday, May 24 @ Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto
Sarah MacDougall - Saturday, June 15 @ Old Town Hall, Waterford, ON.
Snotty Nose Rez Kids - Saturday, June 15 @ Yonge/Dundas Square, Toronto
By Will McGuirk
Oshawa Juno winning band Dizzy provide the soundtrack for the space between the bedroom and the moon. Their songs are diary entries of small town living while staring out suburban windows at the enormity of the world outside. Their songs are lyrically intimate and sonically vast. That vastness was caught in the Mod Club Apr 16 2019.
The Mod Club would have been deemed ample when this originally booked I’m sure but Dizzy have outgrown that room, based both on audience numbers and the largeness of the sound, drums in particular.
Charlie Spencer, on the kit, created beats, booming, looming beats, seeking an exit, they resounded and reverberated. These songs rear up, stretch out, long-tailed, swimming in the air, searching for an exit, looking to get out and get away, like a burbs-bored everyteen..
All that energy can not be contained so it has to go somewhere and the Mod Club was not going to hold it back. Dizzy is a band which has been playing festivals, some tweaking by the sound folks may have been required to accommodate the container of a club.
I am most curious to see how Dizzy will deal with the Oshawa Music Hall Tuesday Apr 23. They could headline but they are opening for Tokyo Police Club and on tour with the band.
The Music Hall will be their official hometown show but singer Katie Munshaw did debut a new song at the Mod Club, dedicating it to the Six, “Toronto is the first place that gave us a shred of love,” she says before “Twist” is unfurled. The home town is not always the first, no worries. They usually come around.
Dizzy’s rise has been swift. They have been building audiences globally so playing locally is rare and the sold-out crowd made sure to let the band know they were there and appreciated them being there too.
The show showcased their album ‘Baby Teeth’ with Katie saying they wanted to get the “dancers” out of the way at the beginning, slowing down as the evening progressed. Inverted show pacing but it worked for the introverted Dizzy and gave time for the introspective lyrics to be contemplated and absorbed, that long tail curling around the room.
Munshaw gave a shout out to her family, and her sister for whom “Bleachers” was written. The crowd seemed to boo and cheer equally when ‘Joshua” was explained as a song about a boy who dumped her in high school.
A very brief intermission gave way to an encore, one where Charlie Spencer stepped away from the kit and joined his brothers Alex (lead) and Mackenzie (bass) on acoustic guitar, closing out the show in a classic camp fire in the suburbs way.
And then too fast the slow show ended.
Photo by Will McGuirk
The old Star Records space on Simcoe Street is for lease. Kops, which took over the space after Star closed, have moved operations to the unit at the south end of the same block of stores. The new premises are larger allowing Kops to move inventory from storage units in Toronto to Oshawa.
I drove by today and saw the For Lease sign and a wave of sadness and nostalgia came over me, its a small shop but it was huge in my life and in so many others too.
By Will McGuirk
Get up, stand up, it’s the week of the Rising, Spring and all of its expectations. For some in our community however its what they expect that is dragging them down, they would wish for this year to slow down. They are not looking forward to the end of 2019 and the potential closing of the GM plant and everything that goes with it.
But we do not stand alone and some kats are dropping by the open mic for a preview of a show they call ‘To Oshawa With Love’ happening Saturday April 20 at the Oshawa Music Hall. They are here to carry us, to pick up the weight for a while, to offer a respite.
To The Stables, Say Ritual and Melissa Payne, we thank you for taking the sting out the news.
Tickets available here ->
By Will McGuirk
Yes. In just its second year, Springtide Music Festival is sold-out of its gated venue wristbands, two weeks before the festival starts. It takes place Friday Apr 26 and Saturday Apr 27.
The wristband gives the purchaser access to the main stage area featuring headliners Born Ruffians, Zeus and Birds of Bellwoods as well as the many other acts performing in the many venues throughout downtown Uxbridge. Venues include the Second Wedge Brewery, Nexus Coffee, Tin Mill Restaurant and Urban Pantry. Acts include Jim Bryson, Kalle Mattson, Rory Taillon, Matt Gunn, Lindy Vopnfjord, Future History, Goodnite Sunrise and Robyn Ottolini.
Wristbands get you in, wristbands are sold out. The weekend as well as the daily - sold-out!
Joanne Richter who co-founded the festival along with Tania Senior and Patty Ewaschuk, credits the wide appeal of the acts and venues as well as a supportive community for the success of Springtide.
“It offers a variety of high quality live music experiences, from bands like Born Ruffians on the outdoor main stage to small, intimate “listening room”-type settings, in places like a historic mill-turned-restaurant. Plus, the festival involves so many people in our community - whether they’re small business owners welcoming music into their space, local sponsors, volunteers (doing everything!) or council members lending their support. So everyone feels ownership,” she says in an email.
Although you may not own a wristband there are still multiple acoustic pop-up performances which will be open to the public. Performances over the two days include Allanah Kemp at Blue Heron Books, Raven at the Tin Mill, Brian Wride at Uxbridge Smoke House, Geoff Holt at Nexus Coffee, My Father’s Son at Bluebell Paper & Press, Rare Erth at Preston Gallery and Julien Kelland at Rutledge Jewellers.
Jeye Daye and Ethan Moseley
I worked in Uxbridge at Blue Heron Books for several months last year and I witnessed the arts and music community interact and support each other in their individual and collective endeavours. From Dave Bidini reading at Second Wedge to a Ted Barris presentation of the film Dam Busters to the annual Handmade arts market, sold-out was a common phrase in that town.
While the visual and literary arts are well catered too in the town, there was a question hovering over support for the music scene. I was hearing the lack of opportunities for new music were a concern for the local bands. That venue void was also a concern for others and out of that concern rose Springtide.
“The Uxbridge music community is the heart of this festival,” says Richter. “Our aim is to celebrate the incredible amount of talent in this town, and you’ll see their names all up and down the schedule. Many of them are also volunteers. Our founding team are mainly musical artists.”
There is a rich list of acts on the Springtide Festival schedule. The festival is stacked with artists of all kinds and importantly, of all ages.
“The sweetest thing about the festival is that we feature a Young Artists Stage on the Saturday - we have the artists aged 18 and under, go through the same application process as the adults, and those who are selected get a paid performance slot that they work really hard at, in the months leading up to Springtide. You can hear them at all the open mics. The musicianship is astounding.,” says Richter.
Young Artists Stage
Bridge Boiz, Jude Veens, Reckless Youth, Carley Hope, Harmony Ker, Uxbridge (The Band), Nate Hobor
The full schedule for the the two day festival is available here ->
Hymns 57
By Will McGuirk
The Guelph-based (ex-Oshawa) Hymns 57 will be performing his saucy mix of auralistic artistry at Hillside this year. The annual music gathering takes place July 12 - 14 on Guelph Lake Island. The line-up announced today includes some well known names, Steve Earle, Skydiggers with Paul Langois, Bruce Cockburn, Richard Reed of Arcade Fire, Alan Doyle but the festival is most known for getting acts who are on the verge of becoming those future known name. Keep an eye on Orville Peck, Haviah Mighty and Lydia Persaud.
Hymns 57 is the sound sensation project of Steve De Taeye (he will DJing here in Oshawa Saturday, Apr 20 at the Oshawa Music Hall). He is also host of Aural Tethers Friday nights on CFRU.
Steve De Taeye moved to Guelph a few years ago and delved into the Royal City’s music scene immediately. Being on Hillside is a dream come true he says.
“ In many ways it even, emotionally, solidifies my Guelph status I guess. Since moving here three years ago and raising a family, the Hymns project has been active and cultivated in that time as well. I've been attending Hillside with my wife for almost 10 years now. As the years went on we were joined by an extra shadow walking the causeway with us and last year another. From my very first Hillside I knew 'kids' were what was missing for us. It's a festival that easily becomes part of your family routine, your community and in turn you become part of the Hillside family. This feels like an adoption, kind of, sort of, hahaha. So in short, a career highlight as a musician who has gone solo and it is extra special to know my family will be in attendance.” he says when contacted by Slowcity.ca earlier today.
Prior to moving to Guelph DeTaeye was integral to the Oshawa/Bowmanville music scene, as a DJ and guitar player. He was a member of Havens and Mass Device. He is is also currently a member of (Ph)authers. Hymns 57 is a largely improvised performance built around guitar, loops and pedals
“I never play the same set twice. I may riff on certain elements of past pieces but they always seem to grow and evolve in the moment. So it's safe to expect field recordings being manipulated into drones and sonic tapestry for the guitar to float over. Tape loops and overall . . . if all goes well. . . a general psychedelic ambient excursion. I may touch on some familiar terrain for anyone who has seen the Hymns 57 project in the last year and I'll likely implement some new pieces as I'm currently recording the new release slated for Fall hopefully,” he says.
Hillside Festival is very familiar terrain for De Taeye but this year he will see it all from a very different angle. Link via poster to website for tickets.
By Will McGuirk
Thinking positively, extreme April showers should bring extreme May flowers, so lets look forward to a season in bloom, record breaking blooms.
We begin with the cheerful sounds of Local Natives. They have contemporary dancer Micaela Taylor. We move into In The Valley Below, a pop duo, we will give you an explicit warning fyi, - the Valley have a short film, ‘The Pink Chateau, which they are touring, and the album is the soundtrack. Performances feature the two playing live to the film.via headphones. Also on are HuDost, Russell Louder, Grizzly Coast, Sasami and the majestic psyche-sonics of Black Mountain.
Shows
Sasami - Thursday, April 25 @ Baby G, Toronto
Black Mountain - Thursday, May 9 @ Lee’s Palace, Toronto
Grizzly Coast, - Saturday, May 11 @ The Paddock, Toronto
Local Natives - Monday, May 27 @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto
By Will McGuirk
Happy to announce our pals The Doozies will be performing at Mariposa 2019. The three-piece of Johnathan Sloan, Josh Kvasnak and Sean Battams, had auditioned Sunday April 14 for the Mariposa Showcase stage. Ten artists performed and four were picked. The Doozies, The Connors Brothers, Deeps and James Gray Music. Congrats to all. They will be playing on a line-up that includes Tom Cochrane First Aid Kit, Jason Isbel, Carole Pope, Hawksley Workman and Stars. Plus a lot lot more over three days, July 5, 6 and 7. Mariposa takes place at Tudhope Park in Orillia. Tickets here ->
By Will McGuirk
Chastity has released another track and video from “Death Lust Cuts”, an EP comprised of tracks from the ‘Death Lust’ sessions. The EP will drop on April 17 2019. It will be available on Captured Tracks. The second track is “Die”, a fuzzed up head banger. The video directed by Justin Singer was shot in Whitby, hometown of Chastity.