By Will McGuirk
“I’d rather be someone’s shot of whiskey than everyone’s cup of tea,” - Emily Mac
Wayfinding, photo by Levi Manchak
Josh Kvasnak, photo by Mikki Simeunovich
Josh Kvasnak of the Doozies releases solo album, announces shows with James Gray
By Will McGuirk
Josh Kvasnak of the Doozies has a new solo album and has posted a series of shows, along with James Gray, who also has a new album. The duo will be playing at the Lucky Bunker In Bowmanville Friday Nov. 4 and in Mc Keen’s Barn in Orono Saturday Nov. 5 2022. We reached out to our Josh and got the lowdown on the hoedown.
Slowcity.ca: Tell me about the genesis of the record, and who you have playing with you?
Josh Kvasnak: “I wrote the record during our collective COVID hibernation. I was bummed out because I couldn't play live. I was playing at least 10 times a month and then it all stopped. Just like that. During that quiet time, I thought I was writing Doozies songs. But it wasn't until the lockdowns were over I realized the songs didn't work for The Doozies at all. They were a different thing. That was a tough realization for me. I am, and have always been a very awkward musician, and to realize I'd have to do this without my Doozies bandmates forced me to expand, and flex new sonic muscles. Local Oshawa legend Bruce MacKinnon is on keys and drums, and a Hamilton based veteran Geoff Burns is on Electric Bass. Oshawa folk singer Tim Watson is on back-up vox, and there a few other folks sprinkled in. I was very lucky to have these folks contribute to these songs.”
SC: I'm always interested in someone going solo, while being a member of a band, the Doozies in your case - how do/did you separate the songs for you and for the band?
JK: “I just let the songs decide. We tried them with The Doozies, but they clearly didn't work during rehearsals. That said, there is a song on the album that The Doozies recorded that I absolutely stole for this record, full gosh darned exclosure. It's going to take a while for me to repay the boys back for that one. I love them for that. I think for folks who know Doozies songs, you'll hear these songs don't belong in that lane.”
SC: There's a quiet domesticity to the songs, references to fridges and family - small moments in your life become songs it seems, how much is biographical, did you ever drink two many shots before an interview hahah?
JK: “I have to acknowledge John K. Sampson of The Weakerthans on the specific referances. He's so great at using very descripitve nouns. I always try to borrow that trick from him. As far as the tunes being autobiographical or not, I think every good songwriter constantly walks the fence of fiction and lived experience, often times within the same song. I'd like to think that none of the songs are true, and none of them are complete fiction. As a maritime inspired songwriter, I'd borrow the old saying "Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story". Take what you will from the songs.”
The Trade-Offs, photo by Joshua Qaumariaq / Jeff Maurice
Slowcity.ca Open Mic: The Trade-Offs, Ellen Froese, Mimi O'Bonsawin, KT Laine, Brendan Benson, Kendra Morris, Fousheé, and Soccer Mommy
By Will McGuirk
"It is a song I wrote mixed between losing people in life and learning from life in general. Let go of regrets and give in to that one thing you have been holding off on, falling down and learning to get back up." -Josh Qaumariaq, the Trade-Offs
"For me, growing food and writing songs are very much the same. It starts with a seed, a story, or a thought… and with the proper care it can blossom into something beautiful. Music has always been healing to me and has always been a friend I can turn to. This song is the perfect example of that." - Mimi O'Bonsawin
Gigs This Week: Mendozaz, Mad Murdocks at Kops Oshawa
By Will McGuirk
The Mad Murdocks, The Mendozaz, Ashlee Schatze, Yeah No For Sure at Kops Records. Matinee. More information here.
Gigs This Week: Kangus Tron at the Atria
By Will McGuirk
Kangus Tron at the Atria Saturday Nov 5 2022. Tickets here.
Gigs This Week: Cold Weather Captains at the Dakota Tavern
By Will McGuirk
Cold Weather Captains at the Dakota Tavern Thursday Nov 3 2022. Tickets here.
Gigs This Week: Badge Époque Ensemble at Lee's Palace
By Will McGuirk
Badge Époque Ensemble at Lee's Palace Saturday Nov 5 2022. Tickets here.
Gigs This Week: Mick Flannery at the Horseshoe Tavern
By Will McGuirk
Mick Flannery at the Legendary Horseshoe Tavern Sunday Nov. 6 2022. Tickets here.
Gigs This Week: Ray LaMontagne at Massey Hall
Kyle McKearney, photo by Chris Doi
Slowcity Open Mic: John Borra, Redhill Valleys, JJ Voss, Cynthia Hamar, Youngtree & The Blooms, Sammy Volkov, Lily Frost, and Kyle McKearney
By Will McGuirk
This mic is brought to you by the letters JSM and the number awesome. JSM is Jason Schneider Media and the Jason in the title is an awesome supporter of music and an author. To mark his new book, ‘The Longest Suicide’, a biography of the equally awesome Art Bergman we are giving over this open mic to some of the artists Jason has been working with recently. Jason knows music and when he sends me artists I pay attention, as I think you should too. Thanks JSM for your support of Slowcity.ca.
New Fucked Up video, directed by Colin Medley
By Will McGuirk
TO hardcore rockers Fucked Up have a new track available with a video directed by our pal Colin Medley. The video for “One Day”, also the title for an upcoming album, was shot at the Great Hall and features dancers Amanda Pye and Tavia Christina with choreography by Lauren Runions. The band have a couple of shows this weekend at Nineteen Seventy-Eight. Tickets here.
Gigs This Week The Monsters Ball at Uxbridge Music Hall
The Monsters Ball ft. Hollowsage, Hungry Lake, Kali Horse + Tamara Williamson at the Uxbridge Music Hall Friday Oct 28 2022. Tickets here.
Whitehorse
Slowcity.ca Open Mic: Andrew Bird and Phoebe Bridgers, Digging Roots, Whitehorse, Jill Barber and Slow Leaves, Jason Collett, JEEN, Ayoni, and Sunglaciers
By Will McGuirk
“I came across this Emily Dickinson poem and found it to be the most vivid description of an inner world I’ve ever encountered,” - Andrew Bird
“This duet playfully pulls back the curtain on a romantic proposition, exposing the inherent pragmatism in joining forces with another person,” - Jill Barber
"I let go of some swagger and embraced intimacy and joy and wonder. I hear this in the record and it makes me very happy to have made it.” - Jason Collett