Island SoapBox

Summer Shows

2011-07-21T19:56:00.000-07:00

Hello all, it's been too long :) Thanks for clicking over, since it's been so long between posts. Originally I wasn't even going to post anything, because it's been so long, but these people have got me off my lazy ass, and here we are.

Dan Kosub is lighting up Lucky Bar this Saturday evening (July 23), releasing "Jacobs Island" to the Island faithful. Dan's been super pumped for this show for months, and it should be a great night at the downtown Victoria establishment. "Aurelia" is probably my favourite tune from Dan, mostly because I grew up in "Orillia, Ontario", and the words sound the same. I didn't say it was deep, I'm just telling you why I like it ;). Dan is a really nice guy, and I'd love to know his hard work was rewarded with a killer crowd this Saturday, so get out there!

On Wednesday July 27, Mr. Something Something will be coming through town as well. They have a really fun sound, and their live show reputation is nothing short of awesome. A great local music promoter Nathan Ambrose put me onto these guys, and I'm glad he did. Get over to Metropolis for this Mid-week night out.

Well I don't have much more than that right now, just had to make sure I got these two items up. Hope you guys dig it, enjoy your summer and see you soon!

A whole bunch of stuff while I'm thinking of it...

2011-05-13T13:47:00.000-07:00

I've been busy, whatever...

Well, how many posts can I start this way? It’s been way too long, but I’ve finally got something together here, to share with you wonderful folks out there. This is gonna be a pretty random, and completely packed post. I figure I’m just gonna write about everything I want to share, rather than try and save any of it for another day (cause who knows when the hell that will come?!).

First up is Sidney York, and her brand new album, Apocalyptic Radio Cynic. With no shortage of musical experience, Brandi Sidoryk has put together one beautiful full length. She is calling a few spots in Western Canada home right now, and I'm sure they are all very proud of the talented songstress. Funny enough, the self titled "Apocalyptic Radio Cynic" is probably my favourite tune on the album, it's just effing gorgeous! Look for it at the end of the month.

More new music to sick your ears on is coming to us from Vancouver, as the McAloneys’ and their group Cupla have a couple of awesome new tracks up. This is just a group of super rad people, so to hear them putting out such awesome music is amazing. It’s a group that makes it very easy to cheer for and become a fan. Check out "Path Unknown", that'll bring up your day.

Speaking of “easy to be a fan”, everyone’s favourite Saskatoon rock outfit, The Sheepdogs, are still in the running for the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. Get over and vote for our fellow Canadians!

Another fellow Canadian I expect to have a great summer is Bodhi Jones. He’s got lots in the works, and judging by our favourite VanCity Busker’s blog and twitter feeds, he’s stoked about life right now.

As for us Vancouver Islanders, there is plenty to be stoked about these days as well. Personally, I’m beyond excited for Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings playing here at Alix Goolden Hall at the end of the month. June brings plenty of talent into town, and I’m really excited that Sasha Lewis will be one of those acts. Keep an eye on her to find out exactly when and where, but plan for mid to late June.

Another act in June worth your time is Jessica Benini. The Victoria talent will be releasing her album June 9^th at Upstairs cabaret. With the pipes this woman has, this may be a downright inspiring show to check out.

Also today, presale starts for Rifflandia. They have added Royal Athletic Park to the list of venues, sounds awesome.

And there you go all, a quick and dirty run through of everything that has my attention right now. Plenty of great Canadian content in there, and probably even better then all the mentioned acts music, would be their personalities. Seriously people, how lucky are we to be Canadian and have all these great acts represent us?

From the WTF files, I.S. allegedly sits down with STW

2011-04-28T21:32:00.000-07:00

Ben Worcester of Said the Whale
talks with Island SoapBox

Well due to some circumstances that we really don't need to get into, I was a little slow on setting up the details of an interview with Said the Whale, while they were in town this past week touring with Dinosaur Bones and Tokyo Police Club. Now just because I didn't get this thing set up in time doesn't mean that you, the reader, should suffer. So I've decided to do the next best thing, and that is just make shit up for them! So here it is folks, the interview with Said the Whale's Ben Worcester and Tyler Bancroft, that never happened, but might as well have ;) (Please note NONE of this is real)

It's great to finally meet you guys! When I started setting this thing up (the interview), you guys were Juno nominees, and now a few months later, Juno Champs! Has there been enough time for that to really sink in? You guys have had some major accomplishments over the past 6 months.

Worcester and Bancroft sit in ridiculous lazy boy recliners (they added 5 Burgundy suede recliners to their Rider after notching the Juno), Worcester plays with his phone through my questions, cheering and cursing the Canucks every move (when women come near, he mumbles non-sense about overseas stock markets), he's not heard one word of mine. Bancroft, unbelievably, is eating grapes from the vine as his new assistant feeds him. Through Gold plated aviators, and after staring at me just long enough to make me think he wasn't going to answer, Tyler offers up his thoughts.

"Let's face it, waiting for the weekend of the Juno's was just a formality. Who the hell else would have won that Juno? Hollerado? What, cause they made a music video in 5 and a half minutes? No it was gonna be Tyler Bancroft and Said the Whale the whole time, we knew this."

Not even Bancroft's complete exclusion of Worcester from the Juno talk can get Ben's attention. At this point he's busy working the venue manager, apparently the wrong sparkling water has been supplied for his tooth brush.

A little taken back from their demeanour, I decide to ask them about the upcoming election. How they feel about the whole process, and this election in particular. I look over at Ben, hoping this will get him going.

He whispers something into Tyler's assistant ear. The assistant hurriedly runs off to get his own personal assistant. This assistant quickly informs me that Ben wants Tyler to answer this question. Tyler spits grape seeds into his assistants open hand, and begins to answer.

"We think the election is garbage. There is no doubt this country needs a new leader, and there is no doubt Ben Worcester is that leader. When the election was announced, Ben was ready to take the "Independent Music Party of Canada" straight to the top. He had people ready to run in 400 ridings. That's more than even exist. But then the big Media Consortium decided that Ben could only be involved in the CBC Radio 3 debate, mediated by Grant Lawrence. When it was found that only Elizabeth May would meet at the R3 event, we said screw it. We're god damned Juno winners, and they want Ben to play second fiddle to the Green Party and Elizabeth May? Forget it. So now we're more interested in the American Story, and possibly helping Donald Trump with his campaign down there."

With one more answer looming before I can get to my seat to enjoy the show, I decide to take the easy way out, serve them up a real beach ball that they can knock out of the park. I ask them, "What's next for Said the Whale?"

Worcester has the correct water for his toothpaste now, and is brushing his teeth, complete with spitting onto the Sugar Nightclub floor. His assistant wipes his chin. Tyler thinks about his response as his assistant tries to shine his sneakers. Finally he starts.

"This is probably it for Said the Whale. I mean you can only be on top, and stay on top for so long. So this is as good as time as any to shut it down. I don't think there's any question now about who the greatest independent band with the word "whale" in their name is, or ever was. So what's left? No one can afford us, the stuff we write now is so astoundingly good, that no one can even "get" it. It's a shame to let someone listen to the best music they've ever heard, and have them not have a clue. The ignorance is mind numbing. It's time to get out before we just go mad."

Worcester has bailed on the interview long before this point. He's actually stopped Dinosaur Bones in the middle of their set to let everyone in the audience know they won't be getting any leadership worth while May 2, and they should "mass exodus" to the U.S. to support his upcoming campaign with Trump. Bancroft's assistant wipes my outstretched hand with disinfectant before Tyler shakes it. The end of my strangest interview that never was had come.

*****Please remember that none of this happened, or was even somewhat close to happening. I have nothing but respect for Said the Whale, and so does the rest of Canada! If there is one thing you should take out of this ridiculous post, it's that you should CHECK OUT SAID THE WHALE!

Top photo courtesy http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/7811214/charlie_sheens_bizarre_interview_on.html

A Small Town Eulogy that will bring a tear to your eye

2011-04-14T21:31:00.000-07:00

Well thanks again to Meg from Rock Me Joe, we've got some more amazing Canadian music to spark your interest. Perhaps not surprisingly, I'm taking us to Toronto yet again, where we can feast our ears (does that even make sense?) on Graydon James & The Young Novelists. The group has released a four song E.P., there first collaborative works, entitled A Small Town Eulogy.

Graydon has done plenty of writing and recording in the past, but these 4 songs mark the beginning of a total group collaboration. They have certainly picked great tracks, showcasing a great ability to change speeds and feel. The album really gets the imagination going as to how good their live show must be. Plenty of members with an abundance of talent makes for a great act, and I suspect these guys don't disappoint.

All four songs are certainly worth checking out, and like many bands these days, they are using a "name your price" campaign on bandcamp. Whether you pay a dollar or a hundred dollars, you'll never think twice. Graydon James & The Young Novelists are worth every penny.

Fables for Fighters, the next album in your collection

2011-04-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

Well you should all send Meg a thank you email for this latest recommended music. Meg has us headed to "La Belle Province", Montreal specifically, where Chris Velan calls home. There is still more to thank Meg for (I think she has what I listen to figured out), but for now let's talk about how awesome Fables for Fighters is.

I couldn't believe I hadn't heard anything from Velan before. That was my first thought when I hit play. The music couldn't have sucked me in any faster. This is the fourth full length for the Montreal based artist, and listening to this album has sparked my interest in the rest of his catalogue. The eleven songs sound magnificent, it's a tight album that passes time incredibly fast. The man has a great voice, and the music behind him is diverse and engaging.

It's actually a tough album to pull favourites off of. As lame as it is to say, it's all good. Seriously. Each time the track clicks over, you are equally excited about what your ears are hearing, you forget all about the last one and fully dive into the present. Did I mention I can't believe I haven't listened to this guy before?

Another thing I'm digging about Chris Velan right now is his approach to the upcoming tour in support of the new album (available April 19). Looking for pledges from fans to help finance the tour, it's a great opportunity for fans to really help out. On top of feeling good about helping, you get the album digitally, and it looks like some other pretty awesome stuff as well. Check it out for sure.

Velan definitely has at least one new fan on the West Coast. I'm really hoping all these pledges will get the tour van all the way out to Vancouver Island, as Fables for Fighters is one of this early year's best.

Content from the Castle Grounds

2011-04-13T15:42:00.000-07:00

Well I was just wandering around this here interweb and noticed that the Ellisa Hartman pictures and video's are up! Thought I would give a little sample of the work here on Island SoapBox. Make sure you check Cyler Parent's website for more of his amazing photography, and Magmazing for Adam Lee's endless live videos.

Don't we all need Shelter?

2011-04-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

I know I said this was going up yesterday, but did anyone else catch that Jays game last night? 5 plus hours and 15 innings later, they lost (and probably deserved that fate), but my oh my what an exciting game. I didn't think anyone would be offended with a little Sunday reading anyhow.

And what are we reading about on this fine Sunday? An album that was a long time coming, and worth every second of the wait. This is Franco has released thier first full length, titled Shelter. With 11 polished tracks, this band's mature sound continues to surprise me, and I mean that in the best way possible. I know the album took a little longer than the band had hoped, but I am sure they are pleased with the result.

"Crowded House" is still one of my favourites from this group. The vocals are as good as they always are, and I really like the keys, they pull me in, in a big way. "Love just leads you" would be another favourite. Some great harmonies really have the vocals stick out for me, it's a fun one to sing along with (whether you can sing or not :). I've also got to mention "Stuck Between". I remember reading a review of the song when it was first released a while back, and the person was less than impressed. I found it funny cause I thought this song was great. It's my kind of tune, a short, happy little diddy, and I don't know how anyone could not enjoy it.

Enjoying it is what these guys are about, on top of that, they're driven, and continue to push themselves in a positive manner. I think Shelter is a great step for the group, and they are poised to make 2011 the year you fell in love with This is Franco.

AND... It's time for another GIVEAWAY! The band was kind enough to send me a couple copies of Shelter, so leave a way to reach you in the comments section below for your chance to win! (I'm not on facebook, but a twitter handle or email would be best). Good Luck!

Jessica Stuart and Elizabeth Shepherd (and an apology :)

2011-04-08T10:47:00.000-07:00

I gotta start this one off by apologizing to Nathan Ambrose from Musicofmymind productions. He sent me some great stuff from Elizabeth Shepherd, as she had a show in town he was promoting. I totally dug it, but I just didn't get around to it in time, and totally dogged it. We owe you one sir. Oh, but if you have any interest in jazz at all, please do check out Elizabeth, you will certainly enjoy it.

I also wanted to mention that The Jessica Stuart Few recently released their finished version of "Kid Dream". What a neat concept, and it really does look cool. Check it out for sure.

Peacock Calls, Goose Poop & Castle Grounds... Just another day

2011-04-08T09:58:00.000-07:00

Cyler got some action shots on his cell.

Well it's about time I write something on here. Sorry for the laziness folks, I'd love to have some sort of great excuse, but I don't. So let's move on here people :)

I spent the morning at Royal Roads University, the lovely Ellisa Hartman was in town (her boyfriend Pete playing the roll of Trooper, and driving Ellisa into town at 4 a.m.), Magmazing's Adam Lee, and my good friend/kick ass photographer Cyler Parent were there to collaboratively produce some gold. Using Hatley Castle and the surrounding grounds as their back drop, they had a great photo session, and shot a couple of videos (including some brand new material).

The location was amazing, and the talent equalled her surroundings easily. There will be some great sessions coming online shortly, I can't wait to see the results myself! Even with the cooler temperatures, everyone was excited to be working, and it was a great way to spend the morning. Look for Ellisa's new album to be available in hard copy soon, as well as photo and video from today!

Spring Mix - An Island SoapBox Mixtape

2011-03-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

So I've been thinking about putting a little "mix-tape" playlist together for a while now, and I've finally followed through with it. It's basically a bunch of favourites from albums featured here on the blog. It's a little self serving, I know :) but at the same time, it's a killer playlist and these are some of my favourite tunes! It's just a shade over 50 minutes if your interested. Hope you enjoy, let me know what you think!

1. Sasha Lewis -
Reasons from
the album Rooted

2. The Mountains and the Trees - Miniumum Wage Lovers from the album I made this for You

3. Folk Thief - A light for liberty from the album Love Heartache & Oblivion

4. The Sheepdogs - The one you belong to from the album Learn and Burn

5. Treelines - Ghost Towns from the album Young Man

6. Dan Kosub - Til I'm there from the album Jacob's Island

7. Jeremy Fisher - Alison from the album Flood

8. Ryan Van Bellegham - If I come back this way from the album Another Man

9. Lady Hayes - Recipe for Disaster from the album Opening Hearts & Apertures

10. Shortwave - Motown from the album The Skyline Verses

11. The Ruby Spirit - Caligari from the album Born under a Veil

12. Henry and the Nightcrawlers - Fan the Flames from the album 100 Blows

13. Alli Sunshiine and the Blue Sparrows - House of Hanover from the album The Muse E.P.

14. Katie Schaan - You from the album Close to Me

15. Christopher Arruda - We'd be good men from the album Swain E.P.

So thanks to some hard work from Twitter friends Pawnshop Manual, there is a YouTube Playlist of all but two songs here! Thanks so much guys!

That's it. Some music from all over that I really enjoy.

Looking forward to hearing what you think, and about your mixes!

Open your ears to Lady Hayes

2011-03-14T21:17:00.000-07:00

Well I know it's been a while, but I promise you all this is worth the wait. And if you can imagine, Toronto is yet again where our featured artist resides. Shelly Hayes, or as listeners know her, Lady Hayes unleashed Opening Hearts & Apertures on the world in February, and if the rest are like me, they are diggin it.

This is Hayes debut solo effort, and it's 12 tracks will induce an interest for more. Her voice alone is going to keep you glued, sounding perfect and effortless throughout the album. Lucky for us it's full length, all because Hayes sound impressed producers enough (from a DIY demo she was working on), to push forward with this debut.

"Recipe for Disaster" is featured on Lady Hayes blog, and is by far my favourite. It kicks along with an awesome drum beat, and has some brass that puts it over the top. Apparently I'm a sucker for first songs these days as well, because the other song that really sticks out for me is the first track from Opening Hearts & Apertures, titled "Defining Lines". She got me right off the hop with her voice, and this is a great two minutes that really showcases just that.

I'm looking forward to more from Hayes. This album really got me quickly, and I'm confident I'm not alone. It's another spin you won't be disappointed with.

Get Lucky tonight with Mike Edel

2011-03-05T11:56:00.000-08:00

This Saturday has been a long time coming for Mike Edel. Although he's already played a bunch of shows since releasing his debut "The Last of our Mountains", this weekend date at Lucky Bar will be the official album launch party. With a good crowd expected, Edel is stoked to finish this long tour in front of his hometown fans.

"It's really Gruelling. I've had tours before, but not as extensive as this one. It does a number on you. It's been good though. I'm really stoked to play on Saturday. It'll be sweet."

When chatting with him at The Discovery Cafe the other day, one of the first things I noticed is Edel is a guy that you can watch think. He moves back and forth in his chair, his eyes searching the room as he thinks aloud. Also evident is a passion for anything he speaks about. It's clear this man believes in his own words, and it's also clear he works hard for himself.

"To be any artist you need to work hard. I love ideas and I really love seeing them through. I always have plans. I have plans for another tour, a music video in the works. I'm working on some stuff today on the promotion side. I'm a pretty motivated artist. I have a lot of stuff in the works. When you have a new record, and you have momentum, you are more motivated, people are stoked. They are stoked to help out."

The Last of our Mountains is a great album, and it really is no wonder people are excited to help. Edel has really knocked this one out of the park. Tonight will be a great night at Lucky Bar, and a chance to see just how many people really are digging it. Most satisfying for the Victoria based singer/songwriter is the fact that not just mom is listening.

"I've had some good reviews of it. Some people, they really like the record, like certain people really like it. It's been good to get it in the ears of others. You don't just want your friends and the people who know you to listen to it. I'm really proud of it."

Mike has full on said the boys have done nothing short of "kick some serious ass" during this tour. In his own element, back on home turf, it will be worth the price of admission at Lucky Bar tonight to watch Mike Edel and the boys tear the roof down.

Check out this sweet video of Mike

from Tash at Naked Jams

Mike also was kind enough to give me a CD, so it's giveaway time!!! Leave a comment, any comment below, and a way to be contacted, and you are entered! Great album to add to the collection :)

I'm a thief, you're a thief, let's all Folk Thief

2011-03-03T21:22:00.000-08:00

Dave Hadgkiss calls Vancouver home, and is the man behind Folk Thief. He's set to release his debut album, Love Heartache & Oblivion. It's listed as "Folk and Country", and if you gave me this album 5 years ago, I wouldn't have given it a chance. But we live in the now, and the now says this is well worth anyone's time. 10 tracks later and I'm ready for more.

It's a pretty twangy listen at times, and Hadgkiss really has a country feel to his vocals. Other times I can hear the folk side of things much easier. He seems to play between the two effortlessly, giving the album a diverse feel, and a quick flow. He also has some beautiful back up singers, which really shine on a few of the tracks.

"A Light for Liberty" is the second track on the record, and one of my favourites. It's one of those songs that makes you want to play guitar, or learn to play guitar. Hadgkiss also sings along in a pretty cool way. "The Devil Behind Me" would be my other favourite on the album. I guess growing up in Kamloops, Dave was in a geek/punk band, and did a lot of screaming. He's got a tiny bit of that left in him, and he lets 'er go in this one. It's a good one to vent along with. It's got a slow build, and you feel great when you hit "the moment".

Dave's got shows lined up in support of the album in both Vancouver and Victoria. I can't say he's not going to go through Love or Heartache, but this album should steer him well clear of oblivion.

Close, but Cigar...

2011-03-03T20:55:00.000-08:00

Thank you all so very much for the support and the votes along the way. It was a truly humbling experience, and your support meant so much to me. I look forward to keeping the blog up, hoping to make your eyes and ears happy. Looking forward to hearing from all of you some more, keep up the support of our great music!

Catch a ferry to Jacob's Island

2011-03-02T13:29:00.000-08:00

Looks like I'm not finishing that Toronto kick anytime soon. Dan Kosub call's Ontario's capital home, and he is set to release Jacob's Island March 8th. I'm really enjoying E.P.'s lately, they seem like such a great way to create buzz and excitement for more from the artist. Kosub's latest works are no different. Six solid tracks, and now I sit and wait for the tour...

With an upbeat sound, and a great voice, it's an easy album to fall into. Kosub sounds like he's been releasing albums for years. "House Arrest" and "Til I'm there" are my two favourites. I love the instruments in "House Arrest", and "Til I'm there" is a killer song to start the album off with, Kosub's singing pulling you in immediately.

This talented singer/songwriter has tour dates lined up in Ontario to support this latest release. He also has plans of hitting the road hard this summer, making his way out here to Victoria and then heading back. Bringing Jacob's Island with him, gives us all the chance to visit and take in the sights and sounds.

I know you want Another Man...

2011-02-27T19:30:00.000-08:00

Northwestern Ontario is the latest stop to make your ears happy. Kenora, Ontario is where Ryan Van Belleghem calls home, and you might as well pay attention now, because the 18 year old is talented.

Another Man is Van Belleghem's debut album. The singer/songwriter wrote and composed the eleven track L.P. and released it this past November. Finding it's way through several genres, the album demonstrates how versatile the young musician is. It's a fact that has grown on me as I've listened to the album more and more (which has also led me to liking it more and more).

I dig the way he has played across all these genres, but my favourite two songs on the album definitely have a similar vibe. "True" is the first track on the album, and I think that was a good choice. He lists Jack Johnson as a musician that inspires him and it's clear on a few tracks. I like it. "If I come back this way" would be my another favourite. It's the ease of the singing in these two tunes I like as well, it just sounds very natural.

I'm really impressed with Another Man. It's a tight eleven tracks and it certainly has sparked my interest to see where Ryan goes from here. Calling himself an amateur, and taking the attitude that everyone has to start somewhere, there is no doubt there will be plenty of growing from here for Van Belleghem. It's an exciting fact when you hear how much talent he already has.

Relaxing with Jessica Stuart

2011-02-26T21:22:00.000-08:00

Jessica Stuart is bad-ass
Photos by Jaylyn Todd

The Jessica Stuart Few are wrapping up a West Coast tour right now, and despite the weather's best efforts, it couldn't be going any better. You know it's going well when it's referred to as a "working vacation" and that's exactly what Stuart compared it to when I caught up with her at The Fort St. Cafe the other night.

Venturing out west has been great for the Toronto based group, as an invite to the Chutzpah Festival in Vancouver set the tour in motion. The chance to get out and play some gigs was great, but to do it in a familiar place at a slower pace made the winter tour quite enjoyable.

"I’m from Vancouver originally, so I got to visit with my folks who live there, and I was in Victoria more recently than I was in Van, so I have a lot of people to meet and connect to here as well. So its been really relaxed. Also my dudes have had a chance to do some stuff, have some fun, so its not just been driving-sleeping-eating-loading-playing-loading-driving and repeat. So its been great."

Her body language completely backs her words. She sits relaxed but aware, answering questions thoughtfully and honestly. Through all this though you can see she means business when it comes to her music. In todays market that demands every artist needs to have a business sense as well as the music ability, Stuart's got it. Their latest project, a music video for "Kid Dream" is a perfect example.

The group had 100 animators trace over 2700 frames on paper. The animators were all volunteer and varied widely in age. The result was better than they had even imagined, and it's being received that way as well.

"It’s been great, everyone loves it. We had the big party launch show and that was awesome, and we had the all ages launch which was for the younger folks who had been involved. So we ended up with about 30 kids and their parents at the studio where we had done a lot of the animating for the video and we played a short performance and screened the video, and that was also awesome.

Now we want to see what kind of opportunities we can find to maximize the viewership of this video. So before launching it online we are trying out different television options, but they all have requirements about not screening the video on YouTube or anything like that before they have a chance to premiere it."

The group will know better as the week progresses just when and where the video will launch, but Stuart doesn't seem too concerned about where it launches, her confidence obvious in the project.

New project's are not far between for the jazzy Toronto group, and 2011 is looking good. With recordings in the works, a Toronto Arts Council grant for 8 brand new recordings, an upcoming East Coast tour, and a possible rip through the West Coast interior this summer, The Jessica Stuart Few are going to be showing up in a lot more people's music libraries. Being in Toronto has really helped the group flourish.

"The idea that I can play every night of the week, potentially with different bands, but whatever, in Toronto, and not play the same venue twice in a year? Yeah that’s great. It’s amazing. There’s more musicians, there is more opportunities, it's just a larger scene. To be more specific. It’s not just a music scene. There’s parts or factions of the music scene that you can tap into, so that’s great."

Even with such a busy 2011 lined up already here in Canada, Stuart is thinking about the international stage, and what she has to do to get there.

"I lived in Japan when I was younger, that's how I learned the Koto. I studied out there for a year. It's good to take lessons. I’m doing a totally non conventional style of playing and writing on Koto, so it'd be good to get back to studying other peoples work again. It can only be inspiring and make me a better player. Also I just long for Japan. It's one of my homes. Any excuse I have to get back there I'll take it.

I imagine myself being in Japan within the next 2 years for sure. The running plan at the moment is to go out there, take some contemporary Koto lessons with some non traditional people, buy a new Koto, make some connections in the music biz out there and sort of pave the way for a future tour to Japan. And also learning music industry language, because I speak Japanese fluently, but I don't know anything about music biz talk, so that would be something very useful."

Another artist just looking to get better at her craft. And another artist with the drive and desire that make you cheer and wish success for. Get out and see The Jessica Stuart Few while they are still in our home and native land. You won't be sorry.

They can't get rid of me :) We're in the Top 20!

2011-02-24T14:28:00.000-08:00

Well thank you all yet again! Island SoapBox has survived another round of CBC Radio 3's searchlight competition to find "Canada's Best Music Website". I am extremely humbled from the experience, really I can't thank you all enough. I've said it a bunch of times already, but the contest really is about spotlighting Canadian music, and the people that support it. Every single site spotlighted by searchlight (and others that weren't!) is a great example of what a community there is north of the border. One last thank you, your votes really are appreciated, and I'll do my best to keep your eyes & ears happy with more great music and artists!

Photo Courtesy: http://www.memegenerator.net/

Burn one and join the Pack

2011-02-23T20:37:00.000-08:00

Saskatoon Saskatchewan is the next stop on the map, as we open our ears up to The Sheepdogs. As usual I am behind on this, but the group is in a contest to try and make the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine! One spin through Learn & Burn, and you'll be getting all the friends you know to vote for them as well.

The 15 song album is bad ass. Like bad ass straight from the 60/70's. The boys like to rock, and I am glad they do. From the first note of the album you know you are in for a treat. It has that old-school rock vibe right then and there, and it doesn't let up.

"The one you belong to" is the name of that first track, and because of that opening riff, is probably my favourite track on the album. I just need some friends and a dock/campsite to really complete the experience. "Southern Dreaming" is another favourite. These guys sound like your favourite rock groups of the past, and I just embraced this album so quickly because of that feeling.

There is also a pride issue here. The Sheepdogs are the only Canadian band in the Rolling Stone Cover contest. With an album that rocks like this, you'll be busy voting for the boys in between air guitar licks.

Get Rooted with Sasha Lewis

2011-02-21T16:00:00.000-08:00

Well I've put a halt to my Toronto kick momentarily, Rooted has us interested in Salmon Arm, B.C. and the talented Sasha Lewis. This album is another case of obvious talent from the moment you hit play. Lewis can flat out sing, and I was ready to hear all 10 tracks immediately.

She may be from small town Canada (Dunster, B.C.) but the debut album from the talented singer/songwriter should garner big city attention. The pace of the album changes nicely, but it maintains a constant feel. Often it is easy to zone out of a song, and miss what you are listening to, but Lewis voice doesn't allow that. The result is an album that plays front to back in seemingly record time.

"Until your Home" and "Reasons" are probably my two favourite songs on the album. As I mentioned before, Lewis has a great voice and is a treat to listen to. For me though it's often the beat that pulls me in. The first being sort of a happy tune that is simple on the ears. The latter similar in that it's simple as well, but it's got a different vibe that I totally dig. For whatever reason, this album intrigued me to hear Lewis and Vince Vaccaro together. Not sure why, but I think they could put something pretty sweet together.

You will not be sorry if you give Rooted a shot. It's a great listen and really does a good job generating interest in the artist. I'm confident if you listen to the record, you will be bugging her to play your hometown!

Dinosaur Bones, a rare and precious find

2011-02-19T11:25:00.000-08:00

I am officially on a Toronto kick. Hailing from the Big Smoke is the latest recommended listening from Island SoapBox, Dinosaur Bones, and their debut full length My Divider. Due out March 8, this bad boy is down right good. Taking their time in the studio (they spent over six weeks recording), the five men behind the sound have put forth 11 tracks worth listening to.

My first impression of the record was it seemed very dramatic. The songs have a great flow, and I found myself going through a range of emotions listening, but the dramatic undertones seem to carry through. I think that's why I'm enjoying this particular album so much, this is music that is out of my "typical listening", especially when it comes to a five piece group, but these guys have me hooked.

"Ice Hotels" is probably my favourite right now. I think it offers up a lot of what Dinosaur Bones offers up, and what I just talked about. The song builds really nicely, and stays quite simple sounding while getting there. "Bombs in the Night" would be my other favourite. I like the driving beat behind this one, and I just really like how it's put together. It does a weird thing in my brain I can't quite describe, I just know I enjoy it!

This album has certainly made a fan out of me. I was not very familiar with the group before, but I am quite pleased to know about them now. I'm thinking March 8 will be a great day for the boys, and an even better day for their fans. With a Canadian Tour planned already, there will be plenty of opportunity to grab this album for yourself, and add to that growing fan base.

A Mafia I could join...

2011-02-17T15:12:00.000-08:00

Ok so we're headed to Toronto yet again, with some Manchester support in there for good measure. The Hippy Mafia "is a collaboration of five individuals from five music genres hailing from Manchester UK and Ontario Canada." according to their website. I think they are just rad. Besides just really digging their tunes right now, their website is pretty fun in itself. Some of the reading is right out there, but it is entertaining to read while you listen.

They only have 4 tunes up right now, and they have an E.P. in the works. I will certainly be keeping an eye out for that. As for what they have up right now, I really dig Apollo Creed. This is more music that gets me wanting to move around, an instant energy boost when you really need it. I like the fact they mention they come from 5 different music genres, because you feel like you hear a bit of everything in there. I really feel if you're a music fan, there will be something about The Hippy Mafia you enjoy.

I'll be damned, we made the Top 30!

2011-02-17T14:34:00.000-08:00

Well again folks, Island SoapBox has somehow made it through another round of CBC Radio 3's Searchlight contest for Canada's Best Music Website. Clearly I have all of you lovely folks to thank, who have made the effort to vote so often. So thank you so very much! It is very humbling to have made it this far. There are a TON of great sites, some amazing people from all over the country who give their time to this great music scene. The amount of traffic this contest has created to these kinds of sites is really amazing, and ultimately the point. More eyes and ears out there getting a chance to see what we have to offer. Thank you all once more, and keep those votes coming!

Catch the Shortwave

2011-02-13T10:05:00.000-08:00

Well we're headed back to Toronto again folks, and with good reason, Shortwave beckons. Their new album The Skyline Verses, is the bands first kick at a full length, and I think they nailed it. I don't often enjoy a record this much the first time through, but it really just sat well with me. Eleven solid tracks make for a great play front to back.

There is something familiar about the sound of the whole record. The first time through I was wondering if I had heard some of these songs before. Not in the same-old-crap kinda way, but more in the favourite-old-diddy kinda way. I really felt like the album just fell into the "old favourites pile", just like that.

This is certainly a more upbeat album, fourty-two minutes of music that gets me going. I know usually I have pretty causal, easy listening on here, so that may be why I'm digging this as much as I am. The energy is constant, and it's a good album to listen to for those times you're looking for a kick in the ass.

"Motown" is my favourite tune on the album. I also think it gives a great idea of what the rest of the album is about. It's just a super fun song, and much like the rest of the record, it fires up my inspiration as well. The songs have such great beats, that the geeky inner-editor nerd comes out in me, and I just want to cut video to it!

It may be the bands first full length, but they are by no means new to the scene. After giving this a spin, their experience is evident, and this album should generate nothing but positive vibes for Shortwave.

Sunshine at Solstice

2011-02-12T11:22:00.000-08:00

Alli Sunshine plays to the Solstice Cafe

The Solstice Cafe in downtown Victoria hosted Trevor Davies album release show Friday night, and for the 60 or so people that attended, they were treated to a nice coffee house experience. Unfortunately for Trevor though, due to some technical difficulties that really slowed down his set, it was the two opening acts that really stood out.

Alex Hicks started the night with a beautiful set. Hicks, a member of Raw Hunnie, had a super strong voice that really dominated the cafe. She played the guitar quite nicely, and apart from one little slip-up during a song, she played lights out. She seemed comfortable for the most part, her interaction with the crowd was decent. She has a phenomenal voice, and I'll keep an eye out for her in the future.

Next up was Alli Sunshine, and filling in for the Blue Sparrows was Trevor Davies' band mates, Bassist Phil Albert, and drummer Dave Klasen. Sunshine was the reason we were at the show, and she didn't disappoint. She is a very personable performer on the stage, and you get a real sense of her enthusiasm. Even with band members who had never played with her, and on a borrowed keyboard, she had the cafe's full attention. I was very happy to find that her voice was even better in person, and I'm really curious to see her with her own band now (especially with some guitar!).

Trevor Davies closed up the night at the cafe. As I mentioned earlier, they had some problems with their gear, and the set never really had a flow. Those difficulties shortened their set, and it was really too bad. I'm not sure if it was the difficulties, but I don't think their stuff is for me. Not to say it isn't good, because the crowd that Davies brought in last night certainly seemed like they got what they wanted. All in all, it was a great Friday night.

Everybody should be Making War

2011-02-09T21:18:00.000-08:00

This rad cover shot was taken by my buddy from
www.cylerparent.com

Well Ellisa Hartman is fast becoming an Island SoapBox favourite, and the Making War E.P. has strengthened her case. I remember her excitement for the release, and I can understand why. The 6 song E.P. is a great showcase of her talents, and should please current fans as well as intrigue new ones.

"Making War" and "Smitten" are probably the two catchiest tunes on the album. Both make you want to sing along, and I think these two will catch your attention and really allow you to enjoy the rest of the album, which rings along at a slightly slower pace. As it's 6 songs, it's a quick play, but an enjoyable listen that will leave people searching out more Ellisa Hartman.

She is another musician on Vancouver Island who is just so incredibly personable, you want her to succeed. This album is definitely a strong performance, and I think demand for this now Campbell River based musician should be on the rise. Look for an interview in the coming weeks with Ellisa!

Searchlight Top 60

2011-02-09T13:54:00.000-08:00

Well the surprise just gets better. Thank's to all your votes, Island SoapBox has cracked CBC Radio 3's Searchlight for the Best Canadian Music Website. Thank you all very much, it is very flattering and humbling. The idea of spreading the word about music I enjoy was what pushed me to start writing this, and I'm just so excited that there a few more eyes and ears out there right now! With so many other fantastic sites that do the same thing still on the list, I think the most obvious point that has come from this competition is the amazing music community that exists here. Every music fan in Canada has something to be proud of. The talent is phenomenal, as well is the support. Make sure you keep voting, and help this community along further!
I have a contest going right now, in hopes of hearing who you are voting for, I would love for you to enter!

Feel the R3 Love

2011-02-07T11:48:00.000-08:00

Can you feel the love around here?

I am still way too excited to be part of this! So many good blogs and websites are on the list, and it seems everyone knows each other some way or another. In spirit of this, I'm going to do a little contest! Leave a comment below for who you will be voting for. I'm gonna give out a prize or two to some people that leave comments randomly! I have a bad-ass CBC Radio 3 shirt that just makes sense to give away first. And of course make sure you vote daily, a winner will be announced March 10!

Add some Sunshine to your winter listening

2011-02-05T18:37:00.000-08:00

Alli Sunshine and the Blue Sparrows offered up The Muse E.P. this past December. Now I should have spread the word on this earlier, but hey, we're here now! I've been listening to this album quite a bit over the past month, and Nanaimo certainly has another group to be proud of.

This is an excellent 5 song showcase that has me eager to hear (and see) more. Alli Sunshine has a beautiful voice, which easily keeps your interest itself. The instruments are equally great, and I enjoy the diversity of the 5 tracks. "House of Hanover" and "Baby" are my favourites, I can't choose between the two. "House of Hanover" is a gorgeous song, a slower pace that really let's you enjoy Sunshine's brilliance. "Baby" has a super fun guitar solo that makes me love the entire album. The whole song is fun to hear build, and I just really enjoy how it leaves me feeling.

The Muse E.P. is worth your time for sure. The group sounds wonderful, and I think can safely say this is a job well done. All 5 songs create an interest to hear more. A great Vancouver Island group that will be worth watching out for.

R3's Searchlight

2011-02-05T13:30:00.000-08:00

I was totally shocked and pumped to find out Island SoapBox is long listed on CBC Radio 3's Searchlight for the best Canadian music website. I hope that you can go there, and vote for your favourite blog (if that happens to be this one, then you are awesome, rock on!). Please get on and vote regardless, as it helps people spread the indie word around this beautiful country!

photo courtesy: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Qii0RxMolYE/SaibCLNVahI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/FMR3SdeCofk/s1600-h/shock.jpg

Island Time

2011-01-22T10:34:00.000-08:00

So yeah, I've been enjoying the new year. A whole lot actually :) Look for Island SoapBox to come back in February with more material. Now if you will excuse me...

*photo courtesy www.amylangfield.com

Live Acts, the ones I loved and the ones I look forward to

2010-12-27T21:31:00.000-08:00

Is it New Year's yet?

Well we're still in that "Year in Review" part of the calender, and I've enjoyed writing these articles. I am quite excited for Joel Plaskett tomorrow night here in Victoria, and using that as inspiration I've decided to list the live shows from the past year that I really enjoyed, and an act I really want to get out and see.

Mangan and his band at

Alix Goolden Hall

Dan Mangan at Alix Goolden Hall was a really great show. It was awesome to see him live, after reading reviews of his shows across the country. Every review seemed to be positive, and it was quite obvious why. Musically the band could not have been any better, and the fun they shared with the crowd really gave the concert an intimate feeling. You would be hard pressed to find someone that didn't like Mangan live.

Christina Maria at Lucky Bar

One performance I won't forget from this past year was Christina Maria at Girls with Guitars 2. Although the majority of the crowd had left, it didn't seem to faze her. Her performance was amazing. If you left that show early, you missed out. It's hard to keep everyones attention in a bar, especially a half empty one, but that's exactly what she did.

Christopher Arruda was brilliant to watch. We got to see a set of his at Lyme Aid 5 in Victoria, and he was great to see in action. It was a good set, and it really made me want to see a show that is his own. With a band and a Grand Piano, I think this guy would blow some peoples minds.

The Malahat Revue at Sugar Nightclub
(Photo Courtesy: Jonathan Taggart http://www.jonathantaggart.com/)

I would have to say there wasn't a show I went to this year that I didn't like. But I can't very well write about them all again here. So the last act I'll mention that I enjoyed is The Malahat Revue. A ridiculous group of musicians got together and played as though they've been a super-group for years. The fact that they biked from show to show made it all the more awesome. The best part? Jeremy Fisher said recently they have some news coming in the New Year, possibly another tour?

And finally an act I am anxious to see. I am going to Ontario to visit the family in June, and I've just realized that the dates line-up with North by NorthEast. Although I won't be in Toronto that entire time, I am really hoping The Ruby Spirit will be playing a night I have available. I really enjoyed their album this year, and have been curious to see their live show. They really intrigue me and I think it would be quite a spectacle.

Of course there are plenty of other artists I would like to see in the New Year, but I'm even more curious to know what you will be seeing? What artists did you love from this past season? Let me know all about your favourite live acts guys, and thank you so much for reading!

Santa photo courtesy blogs.smarter.com

More Stuff I liked

2010-12-23T11:43:00.000-08:00

The Island SoapBox Christmas party will never go
for "discount" Santa again...

Well I am on a role now, two posts so close together! I felt I would just extend my thoughts from yesterday. 2010 was a pretty awesome year for music. The longer I have to think about it, the more great music I remember! I enjoyed getting your responses yesterday, I love hearing about what music you like, and what you are looking forward to. Here are a few more of mine.

I am becoming a fan of Canadian Hip Hop more and more everyday. I really don't know much about it, and I don't have a ton of artists I listen to, but the ones I do I really enjoy. Shad is one of those artists. After seeing him on "The Hour" a few years back, I was intrigued to hear his music. I've been a fan ever since, and this year's release of TSOL is some of his strongest. I listened to this album a ton.

Jon Janes approach to the music industry has made me a huge fan in a short amount of time. "The Mountains and The Trees" is the name of Janes folk act. For anyone who pre-ordered his 2010 release I made this for you, the East Coast musician sent the album and a hand written note to each individual. Minimum Wage Lovers is a tune I really love from this record, and the whole thing is a great listen. With constant touring (Including a tour with Zachary Lucky coming up!), Janes is always working hard to be heard.

I don't know what to say about 100 Blows from "Henry and the Nightcrawlers" except for, it's awesome. I wasn't sure what to expect when I hit play, but my ears immediately reaped the reward. It's an album with a great beat, a really fun listen, and it has certainly peaked my interest in this group of individuals. It was probably my favourite surprise of the year.

An artist who really caught my eye this year, and who I think will continue to grow and have a huge 2011 is Steph Macpherson. Her talent was quite obvious the first time we saw her, and over the past year she has only gotten stronger. It seems the timing is right for the B.C. artist to make an impact, and after a big 2010 I would expect no less from her moving forward.

That concludes this go round. I hope to here more feedback from you guys. What albums you thought were great, what artists you think we should pay attention to, and what you're digging in general?

*Santa picture from comedy-zone.net

December Musings from atop Island SoapBox

2010-12-22T12:12:00.000-08:00

The economy may still be in the dumps, but 2010
was a great year for music

I don't know how many of these will come, but I do know that I'm going to have to get in on these "year in review" style blogs. I've decided for this one I'm going to list a few albums from the past year that I really enjoyed. Please leave any feedback, and list anything that you enjoyed from 2010. Happy Holidays!

Jeremy Fisher's Flood was an album that I was extremely excited for all year. I was pumped to review it, and was utterly thrilled to sit down and interview him. The album is dynamite. Even with my excitement, it exceeded my expectations. For an artist who seems to enjoy more success every time he takes his next step, Flood might be a major jump. I gotta believe there will be nominations in 2011 for this great spin.

Zachary Lucky is an awesome dude I had the pleasure of meeting on one of his many tour stops in Victoria over the past year. A very chilled out personality who just wants to play his music for you. You can't help but want success for the passionate singer/songwriter. Come & Gone might be Lucky's jumping off point. It was an album that totally blew past my expectations. Recorded in Yorkton, SK, this is a record any fan of music can really enjoy.

A band that certainly can't complain about 2010 is Island SoapBox favourites, Treelines. "Summer Song" was named CBC Radio 3's "R3-30 Song of the Summer" shortly after the band relocated to Vancouver. The boys used the second half of 2010 to set up shop in Van City, and have done nothing but build momentum with their release of Young Man.

That's it for this post. I'll get another one out soon, including a short list of acts I think you should watch out for in 2011! Who are your artists of choice? Any albums that really blew you away this year?

Ruffle your Feathers this Holiday Season

2010-12-13T12:17:00.000-08:00

Look, it even comes with a handwritten note.

I've got another Christmas tune here for you guys that I quite enjoyed. Lucky for me Katie Schaan let me know about The Ruffled Feathers, and their free Christmas song "The Highest Mountain". Great tune to add to the holiday collection!

"Our First Christmas" Tis the Season to listen...

2010-12-11T14:49:00.000-08:00

Light Organ Records has arrived on the scene in time for Christmas 2010. Giving us "Our First Christmas" An album featuring all sorts of local acts, and all sorts of Christmas songs that don't suck.

I'm not sure what it is about traditional Christmas music, but I've never really enjoyed it. So when Christmas music comes around that I do enjoy, it is all the more exciting. This way I can feel more in tune with the season, and less like a Grinch!

You can tell right from the first note it's a seasonal listen. Bells jingle and "Fa la la, fa la la" is sung perfectly by Adaline & Frederick. The song "Let's stay inside" is a wonderful start with a great BC feel.

The Zolas actually have one of my favourite songs on the album right up next simply called "Snow". Admittedly this is a group I don't know much about, but the after hearing this jam and really, really liking it, I'm going to check more of them out!

As usual, I won't go through every track here with you guys, but there is one more I really enjoyed. The Fugitives put forth "Christmas at the Office Party". It's a very enjoyable acoustic diddy, and it contains my favourite line on the album. "Christmas, fuck yeah...fuck yeah". I mean how good is that? Toss in a little Harp for good measure and you have me sold.

It's great to see Light Organ Records giving us more access to local content. This is an excellent Christmas album, and a great way to introduce yourself to some bands you may not have heard yet. I strongly suggest giving it a spin this holiday season, it is after all, Christmas music that doesn't suck.

Dan Mangan, need I say more?

2010-12-05T14:30:00.000-08:00

Dan Mangan and his band playing at
Alix Goolden Hall in Victoria, BC

You can find all sorts of news and information on Dan Mangan these days. Google his name and pages of articles and news appear. The thing is though, none of it is negative. You can't find someone saying a bad thing about the man.

Dan Mangan is an asshole. Ok, that's obviously not true, but I thought I could make this article unique in a hurry (I'm just looking for hits, it's pure greed really ;).

Truth is Dan Mangan is a class act. His care for both music and his fans is genuine. The man loves to play and boy oh boy do people love to hear him do just that.

Playing to hundreds of people in halls and theatres across the country has become the norm for Mangan. The success and attention brought on from Nice Nice Very Nice, his sophomore LP recorded in 2009. The record becoming a favourite for many fans of Canadian Indie. Add his live show, where years of touring and playing are evident, and there is a bona fide Canadian Star here.

As proud as he is of his latest works, the really amazing thing here is how confident and excited he is to get back in the studio. You can hear it in his voice. Nothing but positivity surrounds his movement forward.

"Nice Nice Very Nice kinda exceeded everyone’s expectations in terms of where it would go, and how many people would latch onto it. I've had a lot of people ask me, "Do you feel like you have to live up to it?" I feel more like I’m ready to just blow right by it. I’m just excited to keep moving."

Fans of Mangan know how much work he has done to get here. Always busy and seemingly always on the road, music is the mans life. Even this interview he has mashed in to his day, working on a sandwich at the same time. Although being busy is nothing new, having people to share the journey with is.

"If you are on your own, and you are having an off night, there is no one to lean on except for yourself. Whereas if you have that unit, if someone is having an off night, then everyone else lifts them up. There is that team mentality of everyone getting their head in the game and playing a great show. The band that I have are just such amazing people, everybody is able to connect in the moment. It’s amazing.

For it to be that way you have to have the collective will of everyone there, and that doesn't always happen. So I'm pretty lucky."

Besides the ability to pick each other up, this group of musicians is helping Dan take that next step. These guys are the reason his confidence is so evident. In the past, it was Mangans' dream to chase, and he would hire help to get there. Now the dream is collective, and that energy is feeding the creative process.

"This time we are going in as a much more cohesive band, and the players are just fantastic. I think my material has grown too, it’s probably some of my strongest and most honest work yet. So they're (the band) connecting with the material, and I’m connecting with them connecting with the material, and everything is kinda circulating. There is a lot of great synergy happening in that regard. I feel like now we are entering the studio with idea we wanna create something great.

It's certainly going to be a different sounding album. I’m so proud of Nice Nice Very Nice, but it's a couple years old now. I'm feeling like I have more to say in my career and my body of work. I have more to say and I wanna say it. That's where I'm at now."

The Vancouver based singer/songwriter is hoping to release the record in the fall of 2011. The group takes all that positive energy into the studio this month. With the nominations and awards already piled high for Nice Nice Very Nice, there is no reason to think next years release could take this Canadian act from star, to Superstar.

SWAIN: You should listen to it

2010-11-28T22:19:00.000-08:00

Back to Nan-town we go, and it's another great effort from Christopher Arruda. SWAIN, is his latest works, a 7 song E.P. serving as a footnote of sorts to his debut full length.

I was lucky enough to chat with Arruda a while back, just before releasing this album. He had mentioned how proud of it he was, and he had a lot of positive things to say about it. Now I can see why.

The album starts with a tune called CJ Somers, and I really feel like this was the perfect song to start the album with. Arruda and his vocals shine on this track. It really feels bare to me, as though he is laying it all out in front of you right off the hop. This is me, take it or leave it, and I love it.

As Arruda mentioned last time we spoke, there are no drums on the album, and it does move along at a slower pace. I don't think this takes away from it in any way though. It actually showcases the Nanaimo artist and his talents even more-so. With smooth vocals ever present and some beautiful guitar and keys, this album is a thought provoking gem.

My favourite track is "We'd be good men". Something about the guitar right off the hop really sucks me in, and there is something about this song that just strikes me as being so raw.

To be perfectly honest, the first time I played this album through, my reaction wasn't much more than "meh". Maybe I was in a bad mood or something that day, because every time I play this album out now, I enjoy it more and more. And if you have ever had the privilege of seeing Arruda live, you know the passion he brings with his music. That passion is very evident on this record.

Arruda has had one hell of a year, and he doesn't seem to be slowing down. With a second full length in the works as well as a move to a Canadian Metropolitan area, it looks like we are only going to see more from this talented singer/songwriter in the future (check out his new website to see what I'm talking about).

During this time of year, when the days are short and the skies are grey, this is the kind of album you need to get your thoughts going. Lie back, close your eyes and push play. SWAIN takes care of the rest.

Connecting with Jeremy Fisher

2010-11-17T11:23:00.000-08:00

My latest addition to the Vinyl collection. As luck would have it,
this was the very first Flood record Jeremy signed (Too bad I
didn't have a sharpie, and it was rainy and windy outdoors).

I think there are very few situations for a musician where forgetting the lyrics can go over well. For the 50 plus people that packed themselves into the Spiral Cafe in Victoria on Monday night, they can all attest to witnessing this anomaly.

Jeremy Fisher played the first night of his Canadian Tour at the Craigflower Rd. coffee house to a sold out crowd. It was a huge honour for Island SoapBox to sit down with the now Montreal-based artist before the show. Arriving in Victoria to kick off his Canadian tour only 2 days after capping his American tour with Lights in Buffalo, NY. Fisher was tired, but excited to be back on Native soil pushing his new album Flood, in an ever changing industry.

"It feels good to get it out you know, it's been a couple years since my last record. It was a long time in the making and I did a whole bunch of other things while I was making the record. So it definitely feels good to have it out. At the same time it’s a daunting task to get out and tour and promote it. So I'm tired but I'm happy.

It's different releasing a record now than it was three years ago. Very different. I mean there are no stores anymore that sell records. Most people don't buy CD's. It's a much quieter sort of affair. But I don't mind that. I kind of like music to leak out there and you know find its way. It's not a huge amount of pressure on release day and I kinda like that, but at the same time, the excitement of it being in the record stores, and it being a real thing out there in the real world, like a physical item. I miss that aspect cause I grew up with it. There's a part of me that feels a little bit sad that that's not the way it is, but everything changes."

For fans of the two-time Juno nominee, one of the more exciting things about this last record was the fact that Fisher worked with producer Hawksley Workman for the second consecutive album. After thoroughly enjoying the process the first time around, the two were equally excited when their schedules synced up, and recording Flood together was possible. For Jeremy, the quality of work that Workman brings, has been a real motivator.

"It's definitely important. One of the reasons I like working with him is I respect his abilities as a songwriter, performer, player. You know when I'm working with him, and I'm in the studio with him, it makes me want to try and be that good. Be the best I can at whatever I'm doing at that moment, so that's probably the best part of it (working with Workman)."

There is a definite vibe around Fisher throughout the entire night. He carries himself with a very calm demeanor, answering questions thoughtfully and openly. He also has a ton of charm. Telling stories of picking food from dumpsters, and forgetting his lyrics during parts of his set (fans sung the lyrics to him so he could pick himself back up), these were things that actually made the show more enjoyable. Not to mention the man can flat out play, and his voice filled the room amazingly. It's a very human connection with Fisher, and it's clear that fans eat that sort of thing up.

Connecting with fans on a personal level is just how Fisher gets down. From telling the Cafe a story of his manager actually walking out of his own show (due to a not-so-charming lyrical issue), to creating his own music videos, these are just different ways he shares. Although creating a video and writing a song may sound entirely different, Fisher says the inspiration comes from the same place.

"The way it feels to get a song idea, or a video idea, the idea to rearrange the furniture in your living room, it's the same feeling. It's just the feeling of making something new. Taking what you already have, and going out in the world and taking pieces of experiences and distilling them into art. Technology has come so far in the last few years, now a total hack like me can make his own videos. It was something that I always wanted to do. All of a sudden it became available to me, so now I'm doing it."

One of the many side projects fans loved in the past year was the Malahat Revue. The Canadian Super group (consisting of Aidan Knight, Said the Whale, Hannah Georgas & Fisher), toured over 500 West Coast KM on bicycles, playing to packed houses throughout Southern BC, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Fans couldn't be the only ones that really enjoyed it, as Fisher told me there would be exciting news regarding another Malahat Revue tour coming sometime in the New Year!

As the 10 year vet worked through his set, fans mostly nodded along, a few singing under their breathe, but everyone was smiling in the intimate setting. Fisher was having fun, and it spread through the Spiral Cafe like Wildfire. The ability to laugh at himself and roll with the punches saved him from time to time, and most certainly added to the experience for most. For a guy who has been at it for over a decade with ever-growing success, it's still that basic love of music that keeps him going.

"Sometimes I'm very aware of the fact that I do it as a job. You know and that's really weird. It's a weird thought to have when you're up there. The key is to never really let it feel like a job in the way a job can feel mundane day after day, night after night or whatever it is.

I think the main reason I do it is just because I love the feeling of playing the guitar in particular, singing and especially performing."

The love and enthusiasm he shows for music is evident both in the interview and especially on stage. Jeremy Fisher has plenty of tour dates left as he makes his way across the country (Miss Emily Brown is opening for him, and she is awesome!). It was an incredible experience to be able to sit down with the talented musician, and one I won't forget. The even better part though, it doesn't take media credentials or interviews to connect with Fisher. You are part of the conversation the minute you become a fan, and it's that connection that makes this Canadian talent as loved as he is.

Lyme Aid 5 a great night out

2010-11-12T14:58:00.000-08:00

Well I know it was a few days ago now, but I'm on Island Time here :) Victoria Events Centre was the stage for a great fundraiser helping support Jean-Luc Giroux, a Victoria local, and his battle with Lyme Disease. The bands and the venue were both fantastic, and it was a night that did not disappoint.

Ellisa Hartman started off the night with her super catchy tune "Smitten". It was a good crowd right from the get go, and Hartman made everyone realize in a hurry they had made a great choice for their night out. It was good to see her play, as the day before I helped Cyler Parent out on a photo shoot with Ellisa. She was just playing a few songs for the camera, but she was so awesome that I couldn't wait for the show! She is a great act to get out and see, and a fantastic way to start the night.

Next up was Christopher Arruda. I was extremely excited to see the man play live, and he exceeded my expectations in a big way. He played his keyboard the same way a mad scientist would concoct some sort of test tube Armageddon. He really commands attention and has a great voice. The show was only half over and I think we were ready to call it a winner.

Here is a surprise, Steph Macpherson was on the bill (We just can't seem to get enough of her!). Katie Schaan and Vince Vaccaro accompanied her on stage, as well as Flugelhorn (I most certainly had to ask what type of horn it was) player known simply as Olivier. It was yet another fantastic performance. I don't know what to say any more to be honest. Schaan and Macpherson were absolutely brilliant throughout the set, and Vaccaro added that perfect touch. It was the set of the night for sure.

A 50/50 winner was announced before Lindsay Bryan closed the evening with her set. In the true spirit of the fundraiser, the winner of the $58 dollars was kind enough to donate it back to the cause. A class act.

It was my first time really hearing about Lindsay Bryan. She has a great voice, and she had some great support on stage. She was funny and dropped a few F-bombs, which I always find humourous. I would have liked to see Lindsay play somewhere else in the line-up. Not to take anything away from the Victoria talent, but after a set like Macpherson's, you could really see the experience gap in Bryan's. Definitely a raw talent to keep an eye on.

It was obviously a very successful event. It showcased a lot of local talent, and raised some funds for a good cause. Another shining Example of local music doing good in the community.

100 Blows... It's a good thing

2010-11-12T12:23:00.000-08:00

I gotta be honest, I'm getting spoiled over here with people sending me music. This latest gem showed up in the mailbox a couple weeks back. Vancouver's Henry and the Nightcrawlers are responsible for 100 Blows, their debut full length. I have one word for it. Fun.

The group is led by Henry Alcock-White, who wrote and produced the album. There is something unique about his voice that really adds to the fun of the album. It engaged me immediately, and really struck me with a sense of wonder. It's another case of music that I would not have listened to on my own, but am I ever glad that I did.

I keep thinking I have a favourite song on the album, but it changes every time I listen through. It's a 9 song effort (plus an "edit" version of On a Week Night, making 10 total), and it's another listen that won't tempt that "skip" finger. Right now, my favourite tune has got to be Fan the Flames. I love the bass groove off the top, and singing along with the chorus makes me a highway rockstar.

This has got to be one of my favourites of the year. It really does zoom by, and intrigues me as to what the group will get up to next. They are currently on tour and have the big Record Release party scheduled in Vancouver on Saturday November 27th, at the Billy Bishop Legion Hall. Picking this album up won't disappoint, and if you are in Van City on the 27th, the party would be a dynamite place to grab it.

Island SoapBox recommends Katie Schaan and her album "Close to Me"

2010-11-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

Island SoapBox was lucky enough to sit down with the talented Victoria musician just last month, and with her album release just around the corner, it's a great time for more recommended listening.

Close to Me is the name of Katie Schaan's debut album. Admittedly it's a more "Poppy" spin than I usually go for, but Schaan's talent pulls me right in. Her voice is smooth, and the music behind her changes quite a bit keeping you interested. I'm not sure what it is, but I think her voice would lend itself to Jazz quite nicely (that's my random one-off).

One of my favourite things about the album is it hooked me from the first note of the first song "You". It's amazing what that first impression can do for you, it really sets your mood and expectations in a hurry. The way her voice sounds, along with the first riff instantly put me in a great mood with positive expectations.

I think it's a dynamite debut effort. The album shows a great range in the Vancouver Island Singer/Songwriter talents, that at the very least will create an interest to see her live show. She has a tour starting up soon in support of the 9 song effort. With her charming personality as well, I imagine these will move nicely for her.

Making music is what Katie loves to do, and doing it for herself is her absolute passion. It's an exciting time for both Katie and her growing fan base, and there's no reason to think this isn't the first of many Katie Schaan album recommendations.

**Island SoapBox looking to hear from you. I'm wondering if you like the album recommendations? Do you find them helpful? Or perhaps you would like to comment on something else? Essentially with the Album Recommendations I'm hoping to generate an interest and that you will go check it out! So basically I'm asking, is it working? :) Comment below or feel free to email me. Thanks all

Island SoapBox Movember

2010-11-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I've figured out how Island SoapBox will participate in Movember, and in true West Coast fashion, I'm announcing this November 5 :)

It's really quite simple. For every follower Island SoapBox gains on Twitter this month (Also all comments below will garner donation), $0.25 will be donated to Movember. Where I need your help is sending in suggestions and pictures for who the money should be spilt up amongst! Send in your favourite staches and I'll get them up on the blog.

As of November 1, there were 618 Followers, so that's the number we'll consider 0 :) As of November 14, 644! Thanks everybody!

Feel free to post links to your own personal Movember pages at the bottom. This should be lots of fun, thanks for participating guys!

It finally happened, Christina Maria sits down with Island SoapBox

2010-10-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

Christina Maria is simply all about music. Through and Through. I had tried to catch up with her on a previous trip to Vancouver, and we thought at one point that it was going to happen, but it just didn't work out. So I was more than happy to catch up with her last week at the "Girls with Guitars 2" show at Lucky Bar. She was dead tired from her final Peak Performance Project report, her music video shoot (involving rigorous arm wrestling!), prepping for her Trans-Atlantic trip and subsequent record release tour, oh and she's hungry and still needs to get dressed for her show.

Still she is all smiles as she sits down for the interview. She may be tired but her passion for music is as fiery as ever. It's very clear that music is her life, she spends little time doing anything else. When I asked her what she liked to do outside of music, after much thought and deliberation, it was "Sometimes in the winter I like to knit." with a bit of a smile and shrug.

When you are managing as many things as Christina is, it certainly is important to love what you do. She is in Zurich, Switzerland releasing Straight Line to her European audience right now. An album that she is extremely proud of, having worked so hard on it.

In the hectic fashion that only indie-rockers seem to be able to keep up with, Christina Maria hadn't even practiced with her band in Zurich prior to flying in last week for her tour starting October 28. You can see she has some nerves about it, but you also hear the excitement and the confidence in her voice. She is sure the show and tour will be great.

Now fans on this side of the Atlantic have been lucky enough to have been listening to Straight Line for a while now. It's a fast 21 minutes, an EP that is quite fun and shows some serious range. It's also cool because she worked with several producers across the country putting the album together. Spreading the love is something that really worked well for Maria.

"I like working with other people. I'm so ADD that I can't, I just can't do one thing. I like to move around and do lots of stuff. I do like collaborating with a producer as opposed to doing it myself, cause there is always that element of, someone bringing something in that you would have never thought of and I really like that. It makes me like the music more, when there is something a little bit different then I would have done."

Christina has been doing quite well in the Peak Performance Project. Reviews of her Red Room show were quite good and she finished 4th in the online voting portion. Her live show must be helping this along. The performance she put on at Lucky Bar was brilliant, pure Rock Star. To see someone so confidently & completely own the stage through the entire set is quite a treat. I had not been to one of her shows before the Peak Project, but I can't help but think it's paying dividends.

It's a project she has nothing but good things to say about (get a free copy of a song worked on with another Island SoapBox favourite Steph Macpherson here!). The Surrey-born musician credits the program for things like helping her identify and reverse weaknesses that she may not have been aware of, and really creating a community and network amongst the participating bands & artists. In Canada, where Christina finds it hard to find support as an emerging artist, she says more events like The Peak Performance Project could really help.

"There are so many artists in Canada that are super awesome, so I think it would be great if there was more support. I just went to Toronto and there was just so much talent over there. I just notice that there is not enough support for the artists in Canada, that's why it's so amazing that the Peak Performance Project exists. More stuff like that would be great."

As for supporting this talented Canadian musician, you can rest assured of your investment. Her recorded goods are in fact good, a ticket to her live show is a great night out, and her work ethic is second to none. She is on a Straight Line to the top, so you might as well hop on the bandwagon and help push her a little closer.

It's "Flood" season, An Island SoapBox album recommendation

2010-10-26T16:25:00.000-07:00

When I woke up this morning ready to write my latest recommendation, I had to stop myself. It was necessary to take a moment. You see I am already a big Jeremy Fisher fan. I bothered him via Twitter about a month back to see if Island SoapBox could review his album. I was incredibly excited when I received a message back from him and an email from his PR person with a link to the album.

So when I went to start, I had to really ask myself "Is this really that good, or am I just way too excited about the whole experience?". I think the answer is quite obvious, it's both.

Flood is terrific. If you enjoy Fisher already, then you can pick this album up worry free. If you don't know much about him, then pick this album up and see what you are missing out on, but be warned you will be buying up all his stuff soon after.

Furthering the diverse musician's development is his working relationship with Hawksley Workman. This is the second straight time Workman has produced for Fisher, and he credits Hawksley for really pushing him to be a better artist & musician. For a man already so talented, it's an incredibly exciting thing for a fan to hear that drive to always be better.

The album starts with "Shine a litte light", the single in which Fisher released yet another DIY video earlier this month. You never know what's going to happen when the very first song is the single you have already heard (especially if you really like the single). This might be my favourite thing about the album, there is no drop off. Every song is as good as the last.

It's 11 tracks, featuring all sorts of different instruments. I'm not sure what it is about it, but "Alison" is definitely my favourite track on the album. It kinda hops along and is just really fun to listen to. The same can be said for the entire album though really, and it's an album that seems to grow on you with each spin.

There is no reason to think this album won't get some serious attention. With two juno nominations to his credit already, Flood should conjure up some major interest. With a Canadian tour starting in Victoria (!!) in November, now is the time to pick up this album and check him out.

Girls with Guitars 2 a success!

2010-10-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

Christina Maria owning the stage during "Girls with Guitars 2"
Photo Courtesy: Cyler Parent (his cell phone :)

Well the night finally came, and it was a great hit! Katie Schaan, Ellisa Hartman and Christina Maria (who sat down with Island SoapBox and an interview is coming shortly!) played beautiful sets. Lucky Bar was the perfect venue with great sound and service. Surge Ahead can definitely count this event as another success.

Katie Schaan opened the night. With a good crowd from the get go, and more spilling in as the set went along. For a crowd busy buying drinks and finding their friends, they seemed to pay attention to Schaan. She had some good banter and recovered quickly from a broken string incident, going back stage and emerging with Christina Maria's feathered guitar (we're still not sure if Christina knows this). Ellisa Hartman held the crowd over with some stand up comedy.

Luckily Ellisa stuck with her musical set and didn't take the stand-up any further when she took the stage next. She's a really great act to listen to. Her guitar playing was captivating and her voice is smooth. The only thing we noticed was her slower stuff in the middle was so soothing it kind of tired us out. There is no doubt that Hartman's talent will have her playing many shows in the future.

A woman who is playing a ton of shows right now, whether they be here or abroad is Christina Maria. The Victoria crowd spilled out as the two local singer/songwriter's acts had finished up, which was probably the biggest mistake they could have made. It's no knock to the other two acts, but Maria owned the Lucky Bar stage like we had not witnessed all night. She may have had the smallest crowd, but she had the most people paying attention. It was a pure "Rockstar" performance, super fun to watch and over before you know it.

The best news all night was from Surge Ahead's Richelle Newson, who said there is already a third "Girls with Guitars" planned early in the New Year. They are doing a great job getting talented artists and great sponsors, and there is no reason to think that will change next time around.

You can check out some video of the concert over at Magmazing Music, run by my friend Adam Lee.

Girls with Guitars 2, it's here! (Well basically :)

2010-10-18T17:09:00.000-07:00

So this is the final preview piece, as the show gets underway tomorrow night! Lucky Bar downtown Victoria will be the place to be for any fan of the singer/songwriter. You’ve already had a chance to learn about Ellisa Hartman and Katie Schaan, and I’m sure you’re looking forward to learning about Christina Maria! Well lucky for you all, that piece is coming soon, as Christina has been kind enough to sit down with Island SoapBox before the show.

That of course brings me to the point of today’s post. I want you all to have the chance to ask Christina anything you would like to know! You can leave a message at the bottom of this post, you can also send me an email, or hit me up on twitter!

Both Ellisa and Katie both mentioned being excited about playing with Christina, and I myself am very excited for both the show and the interview. She’s a very talented artist, who calls many places on the globe “home”. She is currently involved in the Peak FM Performance Project (the one I keep telling you all to vote in, you can until Midnight Monday!).

"Girls with Guitars 2" promises to be an excellent night out. Sponsors will be giving out prizes, the bar itself is a great venue, and the talent on stage is first rate. Come out, grab a beer and watch some live music. How often does that disappoint?

Island SoapBox would like you to meet Katie Schaan

2010-10-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

Island SoapBox is proud to be covering "Girls with Guitars 2" at Lucky Bar, coming Tuesday October 19. Three incredibly talented singer/songwriters will take the stage that evening, and Island SoapBox wants you to know a bit more about them before you come out and see them!

You know when you meet someone, and it's clear from the get go that they have an abundance of energy? That's my first impression of Katie Schaan. She was more than happy to meet with me in the morning of Thanksgiving Monday. She seemed genuinely excited about everything, and I'm sure she puts this enthusiasm to her show as well, I can not wait!

To be so excited makes sense. "Girls with Guitars" was her creation. Finding it tough to get the same sort of attention that other bands were getting, Katie saw the potential in having a night featuring strong local female talent.

"It was something I had been thinking of doing. Richelle (Newson) started working with Surge Ahead right around when we did the first "Girls with Guitars". I had been wanting to put together a show that showcased female performers. It looked like a good opportunity to be like "Hey Richelle, this would be some good practice for you, do you want to do this together?" and she just jumped right on board, which is really, really cool. It’s just really exciting. It's something that's always been really important to me. I've had a hard time being a girl, especially in Victoria, being a musician. Not that people aren’t supporting or encouraging, but there just aren’t really as many of us as compared to the boys, and we all play acoustic guitars and keyboards. You can’t really put us on a bill with a lot of the guys cause we're all sorta mellow and sing songy. So I wanted to do something that was "Everybody take a look and see what the girls can do, cause we can play too". So I'm excited to be doing another one. And Christina Maria, who is one of the top 20 Peak Performance Project members, is coming over to play, which I am so excited about, she’s amazing. And Ellisa Hartman is just the sweetest little girl, she’s super endearing and wonderful to watch, so it'll be good."

Besides "Girls with Guitars", Schaan also has a tour and an album release coming up. It's funny, because as music fans, I think we enjoy when an artist shows they can play within different genres. But at the same time it seems more difficult for the artist to sell themselves, if they don't belong to a certain genre.

"There was some debate as to whether or not I was going to release it until the New Year. I kind of live in this limbo land between Indie music and pop music and it's kind of hard to fit in either side. There was some debate as to whether I would add a few more tracks before I released it, but I’ve decided to just release it and maybe record a new EP in the New Year that’s closer to one side or the other. I’m hoping to have it before I go on tour in November, but we'll see.

It was a long process, I started working on it, I guess almost 3 years ago now, and my ex bf was producing it. So when we broke up that obviously wasn't going to work anymore. So I had to find a new producer and it ended up being the best thing that could have happened to me. It’s been a really positive experience having worked with Adam Sutherland producing it. He was just so encouraging and so fun to be in the studio with. It's gonna feel good to have it in my hands for sure."

It may be her first tour, but the Victoria artist has put her own twist on her merch table. "Katie-made hats and scarves knit from Vancouver Island Cowichan Wool".

"It'll be my first tour, so that’s very exciting. Steph Macpherson is going to be coming with me for some of the dates on the mainland, and I'll be doing some of them with other artists, some of which I know, some of which I don’t know. I’m playing at the Duncan Garage with two artists I had never heard of before, and who are nothing like me, so we'll see how that goes. I’m sure it'll be fun, and playing at the garage is always fun.

It's a little bit scary but I'm really excited. And because it’s my first tour I’m only really playing in cities where I know people, or have friends and family and stuff who I know will come out. These are the people that have been like "When are you coming to play music for us?" so it’ll be really good.

Knitting is coming along slowly but surely. I was over in Vancouver for the last week playing for the last Peak showcase (with Macpherson), so there hasn’t been a lot of time for knitting in the last few weeks. Yesterday I had to play a little bit of catch up, but I think it'll be good, it’ll get done... I hope."

Her enthusiasm shines through the entire interview. You can feel the jitters and the excitement as she talks about them. Schaans' passion for music is evident the whole time, it's clear this is what she wants to do whether it's her own, or along side someone like Macpherson.

"Honestly I would take any excuse to play music. I don’t care who it’s with, or what genre we're playing or what instrument I’m playing, I just want to be making music. So it's extra exciting to be playing with someone like Steph who is seeing a certain amount of success these days. Yeah I love it. I love it almost as much as singing my own stuff."

That full fledged love will shine through Tuesday October 19, when Katie hits the stage again for "Girls with Guitars" at Lucky Bar.

A blog about the office today, at Gowlland Tod Provincial Park

2010-10-13T21:22:00.000-07:00

Well I felt compelled to write up a short blog about this spot. I hiked in with Tobias to get some work done, found a great spot to set up shop, and work away I did! Do I ever wish I could do this full time :)

It is so nice down there. So calming and really inspiring all at the same time. There were tons of jellyfish (this video shows how close to shore they were coming) swimming around, I saw some seals out in the distance, there was even some fish jumping around the surface. Felt nice to work in the sun like that, even Tobias didn't complain much.

It was the perfect spot to write up a "Girls with Guitars" preview piece. In the meantime, check out Ellisa Hartman, as she is currently featured here on Island SoapBox!

She's all Hart...man

2010-10-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

Island SoapBox is proud to be covering "Girls with Guitars" at Lucky Bar, coming Tuesday October 19. Three incredibly talented singer/songwriters will take the stage that evening, and Island SoapBox wants you to know a bit more about them before you come out and see them!

Ellisa Hartman is one of those fine acts. The 23 year old is a whole lot of talent. Although she is in the beginning stages of her musical career, she certainly doesn't lack musical experience. A self-described "band geek" in high school, Hartman has learned all sorts of instruments ranging from Stand-up bass to Saxophone. The guitar though, not surprisingly, is home sweet home for Hartman.

"My father was a musician, he was a guitar player, bass player. You know when you're a kid you look up to your parents, and my dad was my hero. I'd sneak dad’s acoustic guitar out of the bedroom and try and play it when I was a kid. I taught myself how to play. I think musicians can generally play more than one instrument, but we all have one we can play the best. It's the one I actually feel I can play with confidence."

Although Ellisa has recorded an album (Arbutus), and played with some great acts, she is still breaking into "the industry". The music takes care of it self, writing songs are a "piece of cake" when compared to the business side and getting those songs out there.

"It’s hard to find the line between being confident and being arrogant. I think you need a little bit of ego to do certain things, like get up on stage and sell your soul. It’s definitely a game, you gotta play your cards right for sure.
It's hard cause you are your own promoter, and for me that’s tough. "Hi, my name is Ellisa and I'm a really awesome guitar player and you should let me play in your bar". It's a really uncomfortable thing for me to do, and I’m sure I'm not the only one.
I’m having a hard time trying to reach out to other musicians, it’s definitely not always quite as welcoming as I would like it to be. I think if we all did form a strong community, everyone would benefit from it."

Well perhaps Girls with Guitars is just what Hartman needs at this point. Surge Ahead is showcasing just what this province has to offer, extremely talented female musicians who deserve the stage as much as anyone else. With a talent pool so deep, the Vancouver Island talent is thrilled at the opportunity.

"There are so many talented girls all over the island, it's humbling for sure. There is a lot of great talent out there. I think it’s a great idea. Surge has been really awesome and good to work with. It's great that people are looking out for the small local musicians that are out there. And Lucky Bar is a really nice venue as well. Definitely looking forward to it."

Away from music, she is an accomplished diver, having strapped on the Oxygen and dove into the ocean depths in several continents. It may be surprising to some, but Hartman says although the waters here may be colder and murkier than other places, it's some of the best in the world.

"The diving here is probably the best I've seen and I've been to Asia and Central America. The life here is unbelievable, it's just amazing."

The Scuba Diving here may be some of the best in the world, and I'm willing to bet our music scene isn't far behind. Tuesday October 19 will be an opportunity to see the great talent that is developing right here in our own backyard on full display.

"It's the only thing I'm really good at, you know what I mean? Everyone has that one thing. That's music for me. I want to be a musician."

When Hartman takes the stage and strikes that first chord, cheer loud and let her know she's already there.

Island SoapBox recommends "Music of my Youth"

2010-10-09T11:21:00.000-07:00

Well Island SoapBox is heading south of the border again, staying on the west coast though. Mike Peralta hails from Garden Grove, California, and his acoustic album Music of my Youth is a recommended listen.

It's not the same sort of acostic sound I usually dig, it's a little "grungier". The best way I can really describe it, it is an awesome rainy day listen (not in a depressing way). It gets your brain moving. The kind of sound that sorts your thoughts for you.

Peralta has a soothing voice that really pulls you in. Coupled with basic acoustic guitar playing, the songs are very simple and sincere. It's a great showcase of Mike's storytelling, allowing you to really follow the story of each track.

The album flows quite nicely. It seems to be the perfect length. The pace doesn't change a whole lot throughout the 12 tracks, the Orange County native did a great job of not trying to do too much. It's just a guy and his guitar, I really like that.

I can see this album getting a lot of spinning time during this upcoming rainy season. When the weather turns sour and you're looking for a source of inspiration, Music of my Youth may be the west coast medicine you seek.

Aged to living room perfection...

2010-09-30T18:47:00.000-07:00

So there she is, our sweet "new-to-you" floor model record player. Pretty excited about it, but I don't have a lot of experience with vinyl. It was a bit of a process to get this baby working, but she spins like a charm now, and with a fresh coat of paint, it looks pretty nice too!

So this brings me to the point of this blog. I want to know what you guys think of records? Anything and everything! What are some of your favourite records? Maybe you think record players are dumb, and wonder why people still spin them? Do you have a funny moving day story about one of these bad boys? This particular player had the original manual, and was dated 1976. What year is yours from? Feel free to comment below, or email me, feel free to send pics and I will post them!

I only have four records right now (well six, but the two John Denver one's will be making their way back to a thrift shop :). They are:

Frank Sinatra - My Way
Dean Martin - I can't give you anything but love
Gordon Lightfoot - The Way I Feel
Great Lake Swimmers - Lost Channels + Bonus Live at Trinity St. Paul's 7"

All comments/emails by Oct. 6 at 11:59 pm will be entered to win an autographed album, and a CBC Radio 3 T-Shirt!
Tell me your vinyl stories people! :)

Island SoapBox Reviewlandia?

2010-09-26T11:41:00.000-07:00

(Our view from beside the Fudge shop at Market Square)

Day 1

We took in our first Rifflandia experience at Market Square on Thursday evening. It really was everything that we had hoped for. A bit of shitty weather gave our first West Coast festival the right feel, the bands on stage didn't disappoint, and Rifflandabräu is terrific.

Sunday Buckets opened, and the crowd seemed to really enjoy them. We headed to the beer tent upon entry (Beer Tent entrants 3 & 4, thank you very much ;), which was great for table selection, but all the tables we're behind the standing area where you could watch from. So we listened emphatically to the first set, but didn't see much of the stage act.

I was really ramped up for Brasstronaut. We found a spot beside the stage to take it in and set up shop. They were good, but I think I got myself too excited, as I found the show to lack the energy I thought these guys would bring.

(Brasstronaut in Market Square)

The energy I missed out on, Grand Analog brought tons of to the stage. He has an old-school sound, I really enjoyed it. You know a set is good when it's already over.

(K'naan headlined Thursday night at Market Square)

K'naan has had an interesting month, and after singing through the first two tunes of his set without much life, I was starting to worry. That went away quick, as he really warmed up with the crowd, and gave everyone the headlining act they had come to see.

Current Swell was definitely my favourite surprise of the evening. I didn't know anything about them, but they kicked off their set with some pretty wicked guitar riffs, and I was hooked right away. They had a super cool vibe to them, that reminded me of several artists at points (The Tragically Hip and Sublime kept coming to mind). I'll be seeing them again for sure.

Day 2

Friday evening brought 4 bands that were "must-see's" (personally speaking of course) and three different venues. It was time to experience the uniqueness that is Rifflandia, and get to venue hopping.

(Treelines playing in The Victoria Events Centre)

The Victoria Events Centre was stop 1, for CBC Radio 3's Song of the Summer winners Treelines. Playing in the always tough 7:30 timeslot, the boys put some asses in the seats! I thought the crowd was great, the show was excellent with really good energy. They truly are a lot of fun to watch. Maybe it was the venues I was at afterwords, but I thought the sound quality could have been better.

After picking up my sweet new Treelines T-shirt, it was up to Metro Studio for Steph Macpherson. We walked in roughly halfway through what I believe was her first song (she introduced herself at the end of it), and took the first two seats we spotted. I didn't get to see much of the stage behind her because of the stack, but otherwise it was great. It was the first time seeing her live that she had a band behind her, so that was nice to see. A stand-up bass is a quick way of impressing me. I just love those damn things. I don't need to say it, but I will anyway, Steph was awesome like always.

(Steph Macpherson with a band at Metro Studio)

Onto Alix Goolden Hall, right around the corner from Metro Studio. We got in for the majority of The Whitsundays. Not my cup of tea... :)

The reason we had made the trip to this Cathedral of sound was for the next two acts, and boy oh boy were they good.

(The Wooden Sky on stage at Alix Goolden Hall

The Wooden Sky killed it. People were eating it up, including me. The sound quality in that building is excellent, and you're basically sitting on stage with the band. I really enjoyed watching all the different instruments played. I've liked this group for a while now, and to hear them telling the story of first coming to Victoria way back to play Ocean Island Backpackers Inn, to see them in Alix Goolden killing a crowd like that was really cool.

(Great Lake Swimmers on stage at Alix Goolden Hall)

After an act like that, having the Great Lake Swimmers come on was just way too awesome. Again the sound in that building is incredible, so when you put a group like this on stage, you can't lose. It was a captivating set, Tony Dekker held the stage solo for a song (for http://www.swimdrinkfishmusic.com/ and all that it stands for), and the room felt very attentive. The venue is super intimate, and Great Lake Swimmers, along with all the acts, really used that well.

Oh, and I was also super excited to buy "Lost Channels" on vinyl. Apart from a Gordon Lightfoot album, and "A night with John Denver", this is my first LP purchase.

How many of you are listening to records these days, and what are your favourites?

Day 3

Well I've noticed something about the acts I like, they all seem to be playing all ages venues. I think this means something about what I'm listening to. It also means that I'm never the shortest person :)

That being said, I was really looking forward to Pawnshop Diamond, so back to Alix Goolden for me. Thinking back on the sound quality from the evening earlier made this choice even easier. I may have forgot my camera, but at least that meant I could just listen. And what a treat that was. Another band that exceeded my expectations. My only wish was they could have played more!

Reid Jamieson was up next. Dude can sing, I will say that! He played a really fun set, he set up his songs with humour well, and had the crowd following his stories with smiles. He's getting married next weekend, and was fortunate enough to have his wife-to-be sing a few songs along with him. She made some jokes as well, and they seemed to share the moment quite well.

Hayley Sales was up next. Armed with nothing more than a busted Ukelele at times, Sales had her voice bellowing through every nook and cranny in that place. It was a super impressive vocal performance, and along with her surfy acoustic guitar, there were plenty of heads bobbing along. She got the crowd involved as well (the hall sounds really great with audience clapping, stomping or singing, I really can't stress how good it sounds in there enough!). In fact, everyone enjoyed it so much, she earned the first encore I've witnessed at the festival. One last catchy tune, a standing ovation, a successful set.

That was it for me on day 3. With my partner in crime at work, and having to work myself in the morning, I thought this was a great "quit while you're ahead moment".

Well Sunday evening just didn't work out for me. After sending a co-worker off with some beers after the shift, the relaxing confines of home were too much. Looking forward to next year now!
I really think the festival was done great. With all the extra's available, like Artlandia and Winlandia, not to mention the free acoustic sets, it looks like this festival is just going to get stronger and stronger. The Rifflandia organizers know what's up, can't wait to see what they do next year.

It's not climate change, but Treelines have moved south...

2010-09-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

(Treelines plays a show at RailRoad Club in Vancouver)

A quick note before we start. Treelines has two songs up for voting in CBC Radio 3's "R3-30 Song of the Summer". You can check those songs out and vote here. Please do, I promise everyone will appreciate it!
** Quick Edit, Sunday September 26. Treelines has in fact won Song of the Summer! Thanks to all who voted, make sure to congratulate the boys!**

It's no secret Island SoapBox loves Treelines. Having been featured twice already, it's about time for round 3. With the bands recent move from Kelowna to Vancouver, it made it nice and easy to meet up with the boys for some breakfast, and find out how life is shortly after relocating.

With a great spot looking out onto Commercial Drive, the people watching is as good as the interview. Matt Kelly, and brothers Steve and Matt Lockhart are the three migratory members of Treelines, and they seem almost antsy about being in Vancouver, right from the get go. The excitement for this next step is evident in their eyes as they speak.

"Definitely excited to not be in Kelowna. I like Vancouver a lot. It’s almost more that I’m happy more to be out of Kelowna, than I’m happy to be here. I’m excited to be here, love our house and our area and everything." Kelly tells me.

"I think we're all stoked to be in Vancouver, cause there’s just way more happening. Like this week I’m going to three shows. And that would take, I'd maybe go to one show a month in Kelowna kinda thing. So I’m far more entertained here. We have an awesome house, where we can jam, which is awesome. Cause for the last two months in Kelowna we just didn’t have anywhere to play, and that was a bummer. And moving here, we thought we'd probably have to pay for rehearsal space and that’s just such a foreign concept to me. Paying so I can practice? You know? Practice is moderately fun, but sometimes it certainly feels like work, and I don’t want to pay for that you know? We just threw up a couple of walls in our house and we have a jam space which is awesome. That’s gonna be huge for us just from a writing perspective.

"Besides the fact that we were all just ready for a change of scenery, it was also a practical move. It’s a natural step that every band in Kelowna has to take. We've pretty much done what we can here, so let’s go somewhere else, and usually that place is Vancouver. Despite all its cultural dryness in Kelowna, there's been a ton of bands that moved to this town and done very well here. In a nutshell we’re stoked."

Matt Lockhart seems like he's busting at the seams while he discusses the move. For his brother Steve, this is the first move from home.

"First time not living in the same city as mom and dad. I feel all grown up now. I’m excited to be down here. I think it’s gonna be great. The fact that there is so much music and culture down here, and Kelowna is kinda like a dry spot for that. Some days, working on band stuff, there’s nothing really inspiring, you kind of have to fight through it there. But here there is just so much going on, it's just more inspiration to get us more involved in what were doing."

“Young Man”, the 6 song E.P. released this past Canada Day, was the bands second recorded album. Reception has been good, but that doesn't mean they aren't looking forward either.

"I always find it interesting after you release something, to re-approach it after a couple months. Having written some other material, and kind of looking at what you released. Once something is on an album it’s a point of comparison for your new material, and it’s always weird for me to see how things change even quickly. Like the albums been out for two months, and we’ve already written some songs that definitely have a much different feel than that album. And I think that’s what actually prompted us recording “Young Man” in the first place. We were just so excited about this new sound and this new direction that we were evolving into, that we were like "We have to get these down on something". As soon as you release an album you can’t picture where your music is going to go after that point, you just have no idea. I really like the album still that we just released, I’m really proud of the songs on there. But I’m already getting an itch. We have these new things now that we want to get out you know? And it’s weird because I mean, we're still bringing this album to a lot of new places, to a lot of people it's brand new still, but to us the band, it's not. We just passed it out to college radio last week, and they're just putting it in their rotation now. So it's this weird thing where on the one hand it’s like “We gotta new album out, check this out” but then creatively, we’re moving in kind of this different direction and that’s really exciting. So it’s this, dynamic between the two that I find really interesting. I think we're really happy with how the album's been received. We’ve had a lot more traction with this record than the first one, which is what you want to see. Our first 100 units sold way faster than last time, which is great. It’s not the end all, but for us they're just like little sign posts of progress, and that’s been really encouraging."

Although there is no ego present, it's still clear that Matt Lockhart is the leader of this group, both on stage and off. Taking the reins and happy to answer all questions, it eases the burden on Kelly and brother Steve, allowing them to chime in when comfortable. Kelly goes on further about the progress the band has made.

"There are so many ways you can measure your progress. It’s a lot easier to stay motivated if you’re measuring yourself based on things you can see. You could wait to sell all one thousand albums we pressed, but that doesn’t make any sense when we can celebrate the couple we sell every show. Sort of like Steve was saying, being around these bands, it’s a great way to stay motivated. Trying to measure yourself in ways that allow you to feel good about what you’re doing."

The younger Lockhart points to a show like Rifflandia, and how their inclusion shows the band is on track.

"We’re pretty excited, as we were saying earlier it’s those little steps of progress that you see along the way. You can see you are going in the right direction. Last year we probably wouldn’t have been asked to play at this festival, this year we are. So I mean we’re obviously heading down the right road right now. It’s just encouraging that people enjoy what we’re doing. It gives us motivation to keep making it."

With a member change in the works, and the band talking about how much their music is evolving, fans may worry that Treelines sound may be on the way out, but the lead singer squashes that worry quickly.

"If you can look at the first record to the second record and say the band is still Treelines, I think that’s a much larger jump then where we're at now. That’s not to say that might not change. I think there is so much to it, that makes our band sound like our band, and it comes down to the honest musical taste of the members coming together. The sound will change because we had a lineup change. Ryan decided to stay in Kelowna, which is totally rad, we’re really happy for him. But we'll be bringing someone else on to play drums. Style wise, it’s gonna have a big effect on the music, and I think it will certainly still sound like Treelines, a lot of the core songwriting components will still be there. I’m not sure what fans expect. I think as a music fan myself, I go into a new record expecting it to sound like the old record. And when it doesn’t at first I don’t know if I like it, but then I end up liking it more because it shows growth.

"Our biggest thing has always been, don’t try to define what we're doing. We just play what we feel at the time and put it out. At the end of the day being honest with what we're doing is probably the most important thing, we’re always gonna do that. Whether we lose some people along the way or whatnot, that’s just kinda gonna happen. I think you can always hear an honest record from a band, and you can also hear a record when it's not."

The group comes to Victoria in just one weeks time for Rifflandia, playing Friday night at the Victoria Events Centre (September 24, 7:30 P.M.). A great show for the boys to tune up their act for their Western Canadian Tour starting towards the end of October.

It's wonderful to see a group of young guys so well organized and staying so true to themselves. In today’s age of music, with seemingly endless choices of listening out there, Treelines plays it simple and old-school, honesty is the best policy.

Oh, and by the way Mrs. Lockhart, your boys wanted to say hello. They thought you would like that...

Mr. Jones and Me

2010-09-13T11:23:00.000-07:00

It's amazing what a voice, a guitar and a street corner can do. Mind you that voice is an extremely hard working, talented and relentless artist, out to make his own breaks.

Bodhi Jones is soft spoken and polite. And an awesome, like really, really awesome musician and busker.

I caught up with the 29-year-old musician recently on his home turf, at Robson and Howe in downtown Vancouver. Although there is a man offering books for change on his usual corner, Jones makes sure we stay close, as he has promised tickets to fans. An awesome first impression of the man, worried more about getting these fans free tickets than anything else.

Fans of Bodhi know he has no issue writing and releasing music. His latest record "Where does the Time go?" is set for release Tuesday (September 14, 2010). It's more solid work from the Native of Salt Spring Island, true to the sound that his fans have come to love. Although this time around his fans will have to wait a little longer for the next album.

"I write all the time, and I want to get music out there. I'm on the street corner cause I'm actually selling the music. I want to get it to as many people as possible and keep giving my fans more. But I think the next time, whenever my next album comes out, it's gonna be a little bit longer away I think. I’m gonna work a bit harder at the songwriting. I usually just let it come naturally and quickly and easily, but I think I can get a bit more in depth. I think I haven’t really scraped the surface of what I’ve got to say. I’m gonna try a bit harder, maybe a year. This time next year I'll definitely have an album out. 1 year. Instead of every 4 or 6 months or whatever it is."

I think fans will happily accept this, sounds like Bodhi taking his time will benefit everyone. It will be fantastic to see where this talented artist takes his music next.

Jones is musically maturing before our very eyes. Beyond being naturally gifted, he's had the benefit of The Peak Performance Project assisting him. Merging natural talent and technical knowledge, the project has been rewarding. A 6th place finish last year has earned him a spot in this year's top 20, but maybe more importantly, he's been here before.

"I guess I was a bit of a veteran (at band camp), which was weird because just 1 year ago I was so green. I was freaking out and puking before my performance. The showcase there. It was my first time ever performing on a real stage by myself. So I've come along way, pretty crazy. Its developed me for sure.

Last year, I don’t know if I was naive, but I really thought I might be able to get in the top 3 or 5. I worked really hard. It’s a disadvantage for a solo artist I think personally, compared to having a full band possibly to delegate different tasks. So last year I really killed myself.

This year I’m coming in, work a little smarter, a little less frantically. Just soak it all in, learn as much as I can which I did at boot camp. I learned a lot this year, faculty was great, much better than last year. This year I don’t have hopes of winning, if I do that’d be cool, but I just want to use this media attention, meeting all these new people, I'm learning and I'll just take it in stride. This year it seems the new batch of peak artists is just nuts. So we’ll see."

Jones is right, the talent level at this years contest is insane, but the VanCity Busker fits right in. At Band Camp in Princeton, BC this past August 27-September 3, The Peak FM must have understood just how lucky they were to have these creative geniuses under one roof, and really ramped up the program.

"It was boot camp this year. Last year it was like a vacation. A lot more free time. This year they just packed in more classes, more focus on tweeting and blogging, and we had to write and record a song professionally. Last year we did the writing thing, and they just said "OK, go record it", you had three takes, one microphone it was recorded raw. This year they had the whole studio, producers. So you really had to craft a polished song that was ready for radio. So that took a lot of, like literally most of us stayed up the last three nights. Pretty much no one slept the whole 24-hour days, it was pretty crazy.

I did my collaboration song with Kyprios. He was kinda a stand out at camp. It was interesting cause I think a lot of us weren’t sure what to expect out of this hip hop cat. He kinda brought a lot of people out of their shells, he was one of the leaders at camp for sure. He was a good guy to work with. It was an amazing, amazing experience. Anybody who’s playing music should apply."

Bodhi is super excited about all of the recorded songs from camp, mentioning at least a few could be instant hits. It will be a treat to hear him collaborate with a hip-hop talent like Kyprios.

Of course playing on the street has its unique moments. Although it's been good to Jones, that doesn't mean the day to day always goes so smooth.

"Well it is a challenge. To do it for a living, to actually pay the bills with it. But I can’t complain cause I could be digging ditches like those folks across the street. It gets competitive, mundane sometimes. Sometimes it seems like you’ll play for, it might just be 30 minutes, but if your singing your heart out for 30 minutes, and no one seems to care, its pretty hard. I think it's hard on the confidence sometimes. You just tend to focus on the negative. Yeah I might sell 20 CD's, but I saw 20,000 people walk by that didn’t give a shit about it. Sometimes you wonder what you’re doing out here.

I’ve been robbed a couple times. I caught them both times. I leave the cash in there sometimes if it’s a busy day. They just grab the cash, so I gotta put my guitar down and chase them down the street. One time I was wearing flip-flops and I chased a guy on a bicycle and caught him. But these people are down and out. They give the money and it's all good. Never a dull moment out here, that’s for sure. I’ve met a couple producers, I’ve been flown down to LA a few of times by busking. You never know who you’ll meet out here. I think that’s what keeps me going."

I'm sure there is a "humble" counter out there for my website somewhere, but I don't care, because it fits again. Although he's already bringing joy to many listeners, he continues to work hard at his craft, almost unaware of how good he is.

"If I do end up making music, like a solid career where I have albums released around the world and stuff, if I do become successful, I think I'd still like to keep it real and busk once in a while. Maybe when I release my albums I'll busk in front of some of the stores or something. And this tour, I’m going across Ontario in October, I’m going to busk in every town I go to, we're gonna film it and make a little documentary. See what it's like to busk in different towns. Even if there might be 10 or 20 people around, who knows. So that’ll be fun. Yeah I’ll always busk, that’ll always be part of it."

Well Mr. Jones, there are many owners of various recorded goods that would argue you are already quite successful. It's those people, along with the work ethic of the gifted songwriter, that will ensure "Bodhi Jones Release Day" comes to a town near you, maybe even "by this time next year".

Who the hell am I, and why the hell am I writing this...

2010-09-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

(The sweet Terry Fox statue. Thunder Bay, ON)

Picking out a picture of yourself is weird. Just saying.

I've been going at this for a bit now, and I've thoroughly enjoyed it. Hopefully you have been enjoying my writing and content. Someone on twitter had mentioned that I should write and tell a bit about myself. A chance to find out just who is writing these articles. So here you go a bit more about the person on top the Soapbox.

My Girlfriend and I moved out to Victoria last July from Toronto. Three years in Ontario's capital had worn us out (working in a National Sports Television Network), and with my uncle in Victoria, it seemed like a great place to set up shop on the West Coast. We saved our pennies and made the move a 23 day journey. Camping along the way at campsites we had booked months in advance. The move went as well as you can expect a cross country move in a 1996 GMC Safari stuffed tight. It almost made it too :). A charitable organization in Vancouver was kind enough to take it off our hands, and the gas guzzling sounds of a U-haul brought us from Van to Vic.

I started this blog up out of sheer boredom. I had found seasonal work when we got here, and it had finished up for some time. My girlfriend was working (thank god), and I had been on an unsuccessful job search, and just needed a distraction. Being home alone all day can drive you batty in a hurry. Funny enough though, very shortly after that very first post, I got the job offer for the gig I am currently working (for a local television station in Victoria).

That one post felt really good though. Not that it was particularly great or anything like that (It wasn't even about music, the second one was). It just felt good to write again. I've never done it professionally, but I always enjoyed writing as a part of my education. There is just something about the written word.

Writing about music was an easy decision. Humans have been banging on drums and dancing around fires for thousands of years. Music is part of us. It's part of our evolution on this planet. Although what style we listen to and how we enjoy music obviously changes from person to person, you can pretty much guarantee that we all have some interest in music on one level or another.

I write about musicians that I think people should hear. I try to write with a professional edge, but I think it's clear I'm more so a fan. These musicians are some of the hardest working, most sincere people you will meet. Why not try and spread the word?

I wasn't sure what to expect when I set up the first interview. I couldn't even really believe I had done it to be honest. Steph Macpherson had been nice enough to give her time before a show at the Fort St. Cafe (which is an awesome little hole in the wall). I'd never done an interview on my own before. Having said that, I do tell visual stories for a living (I'm a television editor). Along the way, I've had the privilege of working with some truly professional reporters. So at the very least I had been watching people put stories together for a few years now. I knew as long as I did as much research as possible, I wouldn't seem like a complete moron.

Steph was great. She answered everything with honesty and enthusiasm. When listening to the interview back for transcribing, I couldn't help but laugh at myself. My response to every answer was "cool", or "wow, cool". So after writing up the piece, I deleted the audio file. I figured I could start the archive when my vocabulary had more than two replies. She must not have noticed, or simply didn't care, as her last answer was just as well thought out as her first. Oh, and it really couldn't have timed out any better. Steph has had quite the summer!

That first interview basically got me hooked. I had met these wonderful artists, but they are even nicer people (Zachary Lucky had been kind enough to answer a few questions that night as well). I had already wanted to spread the word of their craft, and after meeting them it was reassuring to know they are great people as well!

I also get messages from time to time from people who love the blog. The focus on local music, and a chance to listen to something new. It blows me away every time. Although I write it for people to read, I'm always shocked people actually do. The fact it has such a positive impact for some people makes me feel really good, and that's what makes me want to write the next one!

The one thing I've promised myself to stay away from is negativity (except for that very first post, but like I said, I was having no luck on the job search, there was some bitterness there ;). I don't want to write about things I don't like, or I think aren't/weren't any good. There's plenty of negativity out there already, why get all the way up on this SoapBox and spread more :). This positive attitude I've found, is opening me up to all sorts of music I never would even tried before. I really enjoy Jazz, who knew? The Ruby Spirit, I would never have spun that. I'm so happy they looked me up!

There is a real sense of community you feel with these musicians as well. This is also something that is hooking me deeper. Having just moved away from everything and everyone we knew, needless to say we have made some great friends, but our social circle obviously got much smaller. This was a great way to force myself out there and meet new people. I can be quite introverted sometimes, so I like things that force me out like this. Ying and Yang, you have to have balance.

Well I think that's just about enough about me. If you have any questions or comments, I'm always looking for feedback! Also, tell me what it is about music that you love?

SoapBox Bits and Bites

2010-08-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

Just a few notes from on top Island SoapBox:

(House Built Around Your House 7" by The Darcys)

1. Toronto Ontario's "The Darcys" are releasing their second album this fall titled Young Believers. They have a couple tracks on their Myspace account right now (which make up House Built Around Your House 7", you can have that emailed to you by the band for free). Although it's not generally my type of thing, I actually enjoyed this the more I listened to it. They have some pretty killer collaborations on this upcoming disc as well. Worth checking out for sure.

2. I've been pushing this since I found out about it, West Coast Music Network or WMN. It's a new online radio station playing West Coast talent. Based out of Whistler, the station is still in development. Currently they are focused on gathering content. So any West Coast band out there, make sure you send Steve your album! As for listeners, this is a great way to see what the Coast has to offer. There are plenty of gadgets in the works, that will make this site easy and customizable for the listener!

(Jeff Desjardins from Vancouver, BC)

3. There is a new artist, and consequently a new blog out of Vancouver that I'm really digging. Jeff Desjardins is an aspiring musician from VanCity and is keeping us all involved in the day to day struggles of starting from scratch. It's a good read, and it's a perspective you don't often get to read about so deeply. There are a plenty of people who choose to make a go at this industry every day, and this guy is logging his adventures in a well written way.

That's about it for now. I'm always interested in spreading the word. Any musicians/bands out there that would like to check out any material, I'm happy to give a listen and do what I can. You can get a hold of me if here. Also I'm starting to do some giveaways on my Twitter account. Nothing crazy, but some very solid albums that will have their artists signature! Make sure to follow for your chance to win :)

Better Lucky Than Good

2010-08-25T10:18:00.000-07:00

To sit down and chat with Zachary Lucky, you’d swear you were chatting with a 15 year vet. After sound checking at The Fort St café recently, Lucky had time to sit down and chat about life after his latest release “Come & Gone”.

This is the 4th album for the talented Yorkton, SK songwriter, but this may be his “coming out” party. The album serves up 9 solid tracks (although track 1 is only a one minute intro), and Zachary’s got the whole package tied together beautifully. Lyrically, I’ve always enjoyed his style, and he certainly didn’t disappoint this time around. A quick stop for this album in BC may have been just what it needed before release.

“It’s easily the best sounding record I’ve put out. We recorded everything ourselves, then we had a producer out in Langley mix and master the record. He really tied it all in together and put the finishing touches on it. I’m feeling really good about it, really good.

“There’s definitely some people in certain radio stations, larger radio stations that are taking interest. And the few artists that’s I’ve passed it onto have really latched onto it. So that’s a really positive thing for me. It’s nice to hear somebody go “hey can you send me this, cause I need so and so to hear this”. So far it’s been really great. You can never really predict how these things go. It’s a very strange thing when you put your art to paper or CD. It’s like a child, you just let it go in the world and it has to find its way right? If nothing else man, I’m really proud of this record. It’s my favourite thing I’ve ever put out, easily hands down. I don’t need much more than that right now.”

You’d think after recording 4 albums since ’08, it might make the process an easier one. That couldn’t be further from the truth for Lucky.

“Maybe for some people but so far it hasn’t gone that way for me. Getting this record out was one of the most stressful things I’ve been through in a long time. It was easier and way harder at the same time, which makes no sense. It’s just the process of having to be your own manager and dealing with all the details of getting a record out. It was just a lot, because we really wanted to try and actually get it out there. But man when it finally dropped, there was a relief. I don’t think it gets easier with time. A record is still a record and it will always be a lot of work. I think each one, you go into it knowing a little more, and you can kinda direct the path that it goes. Steer the ship and choose how you want things to go. So not easier, but more controlled.”

It’s comments like that, that make him seem like such a music veteran. Lucky is another shining example of today’s independent musician, traveling relentlessly to get his sound out there. He is known for touring and pushing his music through that live avenue. This tour may be his most hardcore yet.

“We covered about 3500 km in the first week, which is a lot. We slept in the car one too many nights, so it was a good little conditioning week you know? It’s like full on man. We're playing pretty much every night this tour. That means there’s some long drives in there. We drove from Yorkton to Canmore which is like an 11 hour drive; we have a few more of those. You know there is four of us, so it works out pretty good for the most part.

“Calgary’s gonna be a real good show, playing with a bunch of friends. Playing with Northcote, and he’s great, just a really good friend. And Aidan Knight is playing that gig as well, just a real loaded show should be fun. We’re playing Peterborough Folk Festival, so that should be really fun. Looking forward to that. We’re just looking forward generally to the whole east coast, none of us have ever been out past Quebec City. It's always good to go somewhere new. Its been a good year since I’ve been somewhere new, that I haven’t played before, so that’ll be really refreshing to play a new city, new faces you know? We have really good shows out there, a lot of good friends, I think we’ll be well taken care of. Nothing but good vibes for that.”

With several thousand kilometers still to go, and his brand new album hardly 2 weeks old, it’s hard to imagine Lucky looking ahead to what’s next. With the industry being what it is these days, that’s exactly what Lucky is doing.

“In this business you have to think about down the road, you can’t just always let it happen. It’s all about balance. I’m learning. I’m thinking of sitting down and recording some songs in October. But well see, I’m having a bit of a surgery at the end of September. So, October is kinda a forced month to chill out. I’m really bad at sittin still. I’m gonna spend the month just taking it easy. I’m gonna head down to the states for a week at the end of October. Hopefully hooking up with some real good people down there for a bit. Then we’re doing a western Canadian tour for three weeks in November, with a singer/songwriter from Australia. Should be really good I think. A lot of the shows are really looking good so far. Once again nothing but good vibes. People tend to not tour in winter, but I say why not. If you don’t do it, someone else will. I mean, there’s lots of thoughts about next year, lots of different stuff that is on the horizon. I’m trying to take it in stride.”

“I can’t think of one thing I’d rather be doing. Sometimes I think I’m a little bit crazy. Those days where I’m like “Shit why am I doing this man?”. For the most part, 95% of the time, it’s completely worth it.”

Always a gentleman, and a musical talent that grows day by day, Zachary Lucky is an artist that this country can be proud of. An up and coming folk talent from The Prairies that may well be a household name very soon. “Come and Gone” is a fantastic listen, and has cemented the fact that Lucky is here, and won’t be gone anytime soon.

A Farm Boy’s First Folk Fest Experience.

2010-08-22T08:50:00.000-07:00

A Special Guest post for Island SoapBox by Cody Lobreau.

Growing up on the farm we only had access to radio stations that played the top 40, rock and classic rock/oldies and country music. Since I found top 40 music to be the music equivalent of Bud Light Lime (total crap), I became a rock fan at an early age. Over the years, several of my friends told me about the Winnipeg Folk Festival, stating that it’s the best musical experience they ever go to, kind of like their equivalent of a religious experience. They would go each and every year. If the weather was horrible, they would still go and just tough it out, even if it means their tent was soaked through with rain water, it was part of the Folk Fest experience. Last summer, after hearing about all the great musical acts my friend Pat saw at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, I decided it was finally time to visit my first one.

Waiting for the 2010 edition was the hardest part, waiting a whole year for the Folk Fest to begin was hard, mainly because I was unemployed (and still am), and it was supposed to be the highlight of the summer. Well on July 7th it was time to head to Bird’s Hill Provincial Park and finally experience my first Folk Festival. This marked the first time I drove solo to Winnipeg in several years, and on the way to Birds Hill Park I managed to get lost twice, almost got in an accident once, and ignored five phone calls from family (as they were worried that I got into an accident because I was ignoring their calls).

The experience at the Winnipeg Folk Festival was like nothing I have ever seen before. I had the pleasure of going to festival d’été in Quebec City a few years ago, see dozens of acts, and be surrounded by hundreds of thousands of people, but Folk Fest was much more insane of a festival. For four days I was cut off from reality, surrounded by thousands of people ranging from hipsters, hippies, to retired business men, all there to soak up the sun and see live music. I felt somewhat out of place as I was a farm boy and not used to seeing this sort of mix of people, but very quickly I realized that everyone is welcome here, even if you aren’t a folk music fan.

Over the four days of “folking on”, I managed to see John K. Samson 4 times (either performing on several stages, or just simply appearing on stage being a jokester). Frankly, I think four times to see John K. Samson perform (or any act really) in a long weekend is a bit too much, but either way it was a memory I will never forget. During a Manitoban music workshop with himself, Del Barber, The Duhks and several other artists, Samson was being his usual hilarious self when he borrowed Greg MacPherson’s electric guitar to perform his song “The Heart of the Continent”, throughout the song he would randomly stop and start over, this was because he was not used to seeing “the dots” on a guitar.

I used Winnipeg Folk Fest as an excuse to see musicians I saw in Quebec City at Festival d’été (United Steelworkers of Montreal, Weakerthans and Rock Plaza Central), but of course I needed to discover new music. One such act was Rural Alberta Advantage. I knew OF RAA’s music but didn’t know that was their music. So I was delightfully pleased with their performance and bought their CD. Another act was Quebec’s Mauvais Sort from Quebec City. I’ve seen several Franco-folk acts in my day at sugar shacks, at various events and whatnot, and usually I would be bored by the act (as most of them are all too similar in style of music), but not Mauvais Sort. Their music was upbeat, very fun to dance to, and just overall much better than the usual Cabane à sucre music I’m used to in Manitoba.

As this was my first time visiting a Folk Festival, I wanted to be a bit clever (or I guess cheesy) and have a few t-shirts made up specifically for the event. Thankfully the shirts arrived just in time for Folk Fest or else I would’ve had to stick with wearing my trusty Winnipeg Jets t-shirt (very unoriginal – I saw five other people with the exact same shirt). One shirt was a simple green shirt that said “Vive la poutine!” (translates to long live poutine!) This was a crowd hit! I had a few dozen people walk up to me commenting on the shirt, I’ve even had a few francophones start up conversations all because of the shirt. However, my Burton Cummings’ themed t-shirt (with his face) that has the words “Clap for the Stacheman” got absolutely no attention, I guess either it’s unoriginal or nobody there knew who Burton Cummings was (very doubtful).

Looking back a month later, I have to say that out of the hundreds of concerts that this farm boy has gone to over the past decade (starting with The Guess Who in Brandon, Manitoba in 2000) to now, Winnipeg Folk Festival ranks as one of the top two events alongside Festival d’été in Quebec City. Those experiences make me look back and reminisce about the great times I had, the great friends I hung out with, and how I was cut off from society for an entire “long” weekend! I have already thought about going again next year, possibly as a volunteer, but it depends if Festival d’été is during the same week again.

I say that if you have the chance to check out your local folk festivals, check them out! Buy some souvenirs, make some new friends and you will be looking back on the experience, the concerts, and the fun times for several years to come! It’s also crazy to discover what you can find at Winnipeg Folk Festival, such as discovering that other members of your own family once frequented the festival 25+ years earlier and had the same great experience!

Cheers and check me out at http://www.twitter.com/cdnmusic

Thanks very much to Cody for sharing his experience with Island SoapBox. I hope you all enjoy the read as much as I did!

Kuba Oms...Get used to that name

2010-08-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

Kuba Oms is a pro. Flat out. The man has been making music for well over a decade, and like any musician who’s been around that long, has had his ups and downs.

The good news here is Oms is a success story. Battling everything from heartbreak to drug addiction, the past decade has been an eventful one. Needless to say, a clean Oms is very excited about the present.

“I feel blessed actually. 10 years ago I had every major label in the US on our case down in New York. I was a different guy back then, a lot more of a control freak. It’s interesting because 10 years later, I’m 10 years better. The music industry has sort of gone sideways, but for me the music has kinda evolved a lot since then.

“I’m really enjoying playing music. I love the guys that I play with. I’m really excited about the future. The last trip down to LA. We shot a music video. I played a bunch of shows and really realized there’s a huge market for what I do down in the states.” Oms said recently before a “Velvet” show at Darcy’s Pub in Victoria.

That music video was for the single Beautiful Uncertainty, from his full length “How Much Time” released this past September. The 15 song effort is truly a fantastic album, never tempting your “skip” finger into action. Although less than a year old, Oms and the boys recorded their set recently at Shore Fest, confident enough in that batch of live songs to lay it down.

“We’re just mixing that right now. We’re going to put out a little E.P. of that. Anybody that joins the mailing list can just get it, get a free download of it. So that’ll be kind of a gift to the fans, and an invitation to new people to join us.

“It’s a good way to archive these last couple years and this batch of songs. I’ve got a lot of new songs that I’m really excited to record. We’re actually going to the studio next month, pretty intensely to do some recording, so we’re really excited about that. It felt appropriate to archive, a little E.P. as a way of moving on.”

Kuba is also in the Peak FM Performance Project this year. A 2nd time finalist, Oms admits last years result wasn’t exactly what they had hoped for, but the experience gained will be put to use this year.

“It was a good experience. I mean it was disappointing in a lot of respects. And if you look at a lot of the acts that were in the top 20 last year, you look around at who’s really still relevant, and who’s still playing, even some of the bands that won, it just shows that the Peak Performance Project is an opportunity, it’s an opportunity to do something. You don’t win it and you’ve “made it”. It's an opportunity to receive help, and opportunities like that are far and few between. So it’s something that you have to respect and feel blessed that you have it.

“The most exciting part is the community and the new friends to make. I learned a lot from last year, I learned a lot about pushing too hard, and trying too hard. It’s like anything, if you try too hard, you don’t really get what you want. You just kinda gotta go with the flow and let it happen.

“For me I haven’t had much of a chance to think about it because I’m so busy. You know I have it blocked off, I’m committed to it, and then I’ll just go there and have some fun, learn some tricks and meet some peeps.”

Being so busy certainly isn’t a bad thing. With show after show piling up this summer (including headlining a stage at the upcoming Live at Squamish, on Labour Day Weekend), it’s a wonder that Oms has been able to do anything other than live shows. Yet the Victoria native has been busy with a variety of things this sunny season.

“We were fortunate enough to get a MuchFact grant, which is a foundation to assist artists from MuchMusic. We went down and shot with a big name Canadian director in LA with a full Canadian Crew. We went down to LA to do something different, and get out of our comfort zone. The video is wrapping tomorrow, the final edit. So that’s coming out in a couple weeks. Its actually turned out really good. So that’s one thing we are really excited about. And the other thing is just the new material and getting in the studio. I know this record (How Much Time) only came out about 9 months ago, and we’re still gonna you know “work the record” from a labels perspective, but I’m excited to get in and enter this new era of my sort of evolution, and our evolution as a band. The last album was kinda ADD, I’m proud of it and I’m stoked about it, but it crossed a lot of genres, and in a lot of ways it falls in between the cracks in Canadian and US radio. Not that I’m going for radio like that, don’t get me wrong, I’m not like catering to anybody, but this next record is just gonna be a lot more focused.

“I’m going into pre production next Tuesday and Wednesday in a studio. We’re just negotiating that for next month. It’s expensive, but it’s worth it. I want it to represent me, so its relaxed and a little bit lo-fi but I want it to sound as good as any record that you hear, so that requires working with the best so were talking with the top people.”

Seeking out nothing but the best is just the way Oms does his business (that’s of course why he said yes to this Island SoapBox interview ;). Surely this album will be another example of the hard work Kuba and this group have put forth. With “no filler” guuarentees, Kuba Oms is a polished act that is set to explode.

Rock of the "Hood", The forest has moved indoors Aug 20-22

2010-08-17T17:30:00.000-07:00

Vancouver Island's "Bamberton" was supposed to be getting ready for the very first edition of "Rock of the Woods", a brand new outdoor music festival featuring talened artists from near and far. Well due to circumstances that just suck, the festival is moving indoors over 3 nights.

Of course the goal moving forward is to make this event a successful outdoor one, but that doesn't mean this 2010 edition won't be worth while checking out indoors. Sugar Nightclub and Lucky Bar have stepped up to host the 14 acts over the 3 days. The line-up looks like this:

Friday, August 20th @ Sugar Nightclub Doors at 9:00pm: Brasstronaut, The British Colombians, Sunday Buckets, Acres of Lions and Smith &Lyseng

Saturday, August 21st @ Sugar Nightclub Doors at 8:00pm : Junior Boys, Mat the Alien, Humans, Celebrity Traffic, The Mowhawk Lodge.

The Closing Party, Sunday, August 22nd @ Lucky Bar Doors at 8:00pm: Run Chico Run, Espionage, Bloody Wilma, and JP Maurice

The group behind "Rock of the Hood" has done a great job keeping their spirits up, and finding alternate ways of making the festival work. It's people like this that get local music heard and they should be commended for pushing through and making sure the music happens!

It's also great to hear that so many of the bands are still able to make it out, some of them dealing with date changes. There are many people working hard, and changing their schedules around to bring music to you, the people!

It's easy to focus on the negative, and what is not happening this year. I say throw that to the wayside, and get in on "Rock of the Woods" while it's still in the "Hood". You can brag that you were around "when that ole festival was still indoors". It's a chance to see some great acts, have a few drinks, and enjoy yourself. In the end, isn't that what music is about?

I've caught The Ruby Spirit! An Album Recommendation by Island SoapBox

2010-08-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

We're headed to Toronto this time round, and it's well worth the trip. The Ruby Spirit are "kaleidoscopic indie-rockers", which I've personally translated into simply meaning, it's fun.

Their album "Born Under a Veil" is set for release September 4. It is very simply, awesome. Paige Boy, is the voice that leads the way, and she produces nothing but smooth vocals that do wonders. Behind her, the rest of the band (Alex Pulec, Mickey Donnell, Jay Cipparrone, Juliana Eye), play music that is driving, sometimes hypnotic, but constant with positivity and happiness. Listening to it just makes me feel good. It's the type of music that lends itself to just about anything.

The band is gearing up for a supporting tour of the six song E.P. The album has a good variety of sound, my favourite tune has got to be Caligari though. I really dig the organ in it, and Boy sings her heart out in parts.

With nothing but positive reviews in regard to their live show and stage presence, the energy behind this album would be very worthwhile catching live. Their album release show in particular sounds very intriguing. The group is taking over The Great Hall in Toronto (Queen and Dovercourt) on September 4, and turning the space into a multi-dimensional atmosphere. A great opportunity to see The Ruby Spirit in their element.

If you need an album for your next road trip, bike ride, walk, run, paper-route, whatever, this is no waste of your time. You don't need to be in any certain mood to listen to The Ruby Spirit, and in the end, it always leaves you in the same mood...a great one.

Links of Interest:
The Ruby Spirit Myspace
The Ruby Spirit Homepage
The Ruby Spirit Twitter

Nanaimo Bars & Sweet Chords...It's Christopher Arruda

2010-08-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

I recently caught up with Christoper Arruda high on top of Nanaimo, we had a chance to sit down and chat about his musical life. The first thing that really made itself obvious when chatting with the man was the fact that he wears his heart on his sleeve. The 26 year old singer/songwriter released his first solo album “God Hates a Coward” in October of ’09, and he’s been working like a dog every day since then. He’s a class act, and another example of an extremely talented modern day musician doing whatever he can to make a run at the ever-changing music industry.

“I think what I’ve really realized is, after Open Parachute ceased to exist, it was a long slow process (to realize), that it’s literally the only thing I actually know how to do. Like quite frankly I sit before you as this guy that, if I didn’t have it, I don’t know what I’d be doing, know what I mean?”

I’m not sure Arruda is giving himself enough credit. Adjusting to his solo career seems to be going to quite smoothly. With his newest E.P “Swain” on the way in September (his second album in 11 months), things are looking up for the Nanaimo talent. With a full-time job on top of his music career, and recently qualifying for the Peak FM Performance Project, Arruda has learned to make music for himself.

“It was really intimidating at first, because I didn’t really think that, quite frankly, I had a hope in hell. It was one of those things that was like, "Well this is happening". The difficulty with me is, you know I’m 26, I work a full time job, and so I don’t really have the ability to do what those other bands have done (in the contest), which is kinda throw their entire lives into it. So when I looked at it at first, I was like “I can’t really compete”. But then I looked at the materials that I assembled, you know through the music video, and the album sounds pretty good, production wise. I looked at that and I just said well the materials are pretty good, and if their basing it on the materials, you never know.
"I’m certainly thrilled to be a part of it. Definitely gonna be an awesome experience. And I think the way I’m gonna go about the Peak thing is just work as hard as I can and just try and get the most out of it as I can. Not really treat it as a competition but more just as an experience and a place where I can build some camaraderie and learn more about the business side of things, which is something that I haven’t really been that good at in the past. It should be a really positive thing so I’m super excited about it for sure.”

Fans can be super excited about the September release of Arrudas’ latest works, “Swain”. There will be 200 copies printed, and the seven song E.P. will be available on Itunes as well.

"I had all these songs, and was just like "I’m gonna take 7 of the best songs and I’m gonna record them with a 58 and a microphone". To be fair I did overdubbing, and some of them do sound pretty big, but it was all done by myself, I just wanted to do something that was so honest. And if there is mistakes, then that is better. Case and point the last one I recorded I finished, I finished tracking about a month ago. I had a couple beers, and I wrote this song, and I recorded it in my living room with this shitty condenser microphone and then I really liked it, and I showed it to some friends. They were like "Yeah this is really good". So I was like, “OK, now I really have to record it”. I did three separate recordings of it after that, in the end, I probably spent 12-13 hours trying to do this song, and in the end you know what I ended up doing? I ended up taking that original version and that’s the one that’s going on there. Because it’s just the best one, it’s just the best one.

“You know there is something about the first take. It was a condenser mic, me and my guitar and I added some vocal overdubs, and that’s kinda the spirit of the whole thing. It’s all about lovers, and kinda the good things that happen in relationships, but also the really fuckin heart wrenching and horrible things that happen, that’s really the theme that makes it up. The whole idea is just honesty and, you know, here it is. Its slow, it’s a slow record, there's no drums, it’s just a chill little EP.

“I’m kinda treating this as a footnote to “God Hates a Coward”. Because “God Hates a Coward” to me was this huge triumph over you know, over myself really. And this is something that kinda came as an afterthought. I guess looking back at it now, it’s kinda natural it came after it because “God Hates a Coward” was really, really angry. This (Swain) is more like acceptance, yeah, yeah pretty much. I just had a little epiphany actually! I never really thought of that myself (until now). Maybe I should go see a councilor.”

Well Chris, we can only hope your councilor doesn’t tell you to stop playing music!

Arruda is set to release “Swain” September 5 at the Diner’s Rendevous in Nanaimo. With all the talent in the world, and an attitude to match, it looks like the only “acceptance” Christopher Arruda will need worry about in the future, are awards.

Links of Interest:
www.myspace.com/christopherarruda
www.christopherarruda.com/
twitter.com/ArrudaMusic

Vaccaro preaches it softly at St. Ann's

2010-08-02T17:25:00.000-07:00

(The Chapel at St. Ann's Academy in Victoria, BC)

Well that was one of the coolest sets I have witnessed. Vince Vaccaro played to a capacity crowd in the chapel at St. Ann's Academy in Victoria, BC.

Now, in my typical fashion, I didn't bother grabbing a program when I got to the BC Day celebrations. I lied on the grass outside, listened to a wonderful set by Ellisa Hartman, and was just generally enjoying life. I noticed people with programs, but thought "why would I need one of those". The next set was announced, and it wasn't Vince. Alright now I need help. Luckily, and with some assistance from some very friendly volunteers, I made my way into the back of the chapel about 20 minutes into the set.

It was fantastic. Armed with nothing more than an acoustic guitar and the microphone, Vince kept the rooms attention the entire time. Using the mic only when needed, the rooms natural acoustics were perfect. Even during Little Candle, the room seemed to bounce his foot stomping perfectly through its walls.

It was fun to watch people watching the set. With the environment being what it was, it seemed people were more focused on the performance, but reserved in their behaviour. Some heads bobbed here and there, and I saw a mouth or two moving, but most just watched and listened.

In the 40 minutes I saw, Vaccaro played some stuff from his album, as well as some new stuff. It was great to hear it all in such a raw form. There is one thing that stands out through all of it though, and that is just how talented this guy is. I mean he had the room glued, and mostly wasn't even using a microphone. A class act, playing a free set to celebrate the province. Happy BC Day everyone, now send Vince a thank you ;)

Visit his main page and listen to his new single Catch a Fire here.
If you dig it, vote for it on the Zone 91.3 Modern Rock Inbox here.

Yes please to The Yes Way

2010-08-02T09:07:00.000-07:00

It's not quite a full album recommendation, yet, but it sure looks like it's going to be that way. NYC came knocking again, and again it is us listeners who are the benefactors. "The Yes Way" is a rock outfit on the up & up. With an album release coming later in the fall, there is no better time to start listening. The music is solid, there is nothing special or fancy, just dudes rocking out together. The vocals are strong, and the songs seem to be the perfect length.

Mets is the single everyone should be looking out for as "The Yes Way" take to the road this autumn. With the video already shot and planned for circulation, this catchy tune should be everywhere in no time. It gives a good feel for what the band is all about, and certainly leaves you wanting to hear more. The band have themselves a great lead singer in Aaron Mendelsohn. He has a great voice, reminding me of other singers I love, but still sounding unique.

As of now, "The Yes Way" have the month of August planned for touring, and more dates will be released with the release of the album. Such an energetic brand of music will lend itself nicely to live venues, and surely "The Yes Way" will have the nation singing along in no time.

When the album is ready, make sure to check back with Island SoapBox, as we will make sure to give the whole thing a spin! In the meanwhile, you can listen to Mets, and two other singles by the band here.
Check out the bands main website (including a free download of their 2009 EP Who's better than you?) here.

I've been sent music...Once, or Twice

2010-07-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

You know, the thought never even occurred to me that artists would want to send me their stuff when I started writing this thing. Twice now this has happened, coincidentally both times it has been our friends to the south. New York City is where Julia Barry calls home, and the smooth sounds of her jazz should be heard from coast to coast.

I'm fairly new to jazz, only really started to listen to it in the past year. It's an album like this that is getting me totally hooked. Once, or Twice is Barrys' 2nd album, and is a beautiful listen. It's a little slower than the jazz I started listening to, but it's the strength of Julia's voice that really pulls you through each song. I remember growing up thinking how lame it was that my mother would just lie on the couch and listen to music. There were a few years of denial, but now I do the exact same thing. This record is the perfect vibe for that. Whether it be staying in from the rain, or basking in the sun and relaxing on the patio.

One of my favourite qualities of jazz is it seems to invoke creativity and thought. It has an inspiring quality, and this disc is no different track 1-11. Barry does a great job of story-telling, accompanied often by brilliant piano and an array of other instruments. I felt like just listening has brought my creativity to the surface, even this review has been very easy to write!

If you are a fan of jazz, I am confident you will really enjoy this album. If you are interested in jazz, then I strongly suggest listening to Once, or Twice as Julia does not short the listener on this one at all. A gift from the "City That Never Sleeps" to Island SoapBox, and now in spirit of green living, a re-gift to all you lovely people.

Listen to music here: here.
Buy the album here.
Tweet Julia here.

To be a Young Man, an Album Recommendation

2010-07-21T20:39:00.000-07:00

I figured before I actually review this album, I had to make it out to the Sooke Potholes. So now that I’m sitting on the Sooke River, it’s time to get this story straight. It’s no secret by now that Island SoapBox loves Treelines, and now there are six more reasons.

Young Man is a six song E.P. released this past Canada Day, and let me tell you, Lockhart and the boys have done it again. Like the first record, the music is polished, sounding like veterans of the recording studio. This album is a great summer listen, all the songs have a sing-a-long quality, and are perfect for the patio party, or the dockside sunset.

You know by the sound that it’s Treelines, but they do a great job of changing pace and feel. Streetlights borders on a country, where as Ghost Towns is much more rock aggressive. The diversity of the album is great, keeping you interested the whole time. The only unfortunate part of this is, you are all too aware of how fast six songs goes by!

The band recently announced a move to Vancouver from their current hometown (and B.C. Music hotbed these days!) Kelowna. This can only mean an opportunity for more listeners for these great Western rockers. Tour dates keep popping up, and this album should generate some serious interest. You can get up to date at www.treelinesmusic.com, as well as access to merch and music.

The album features Young Man, a free download, and a good barometer of the record. It’s music with depth and emotion, all of it seeming positive. It really is six more songs you can play skip free, adding to an already impressive library. I’ve already celebrated Treelines Day this year, but I’m doing it again right now, and it’s time you did too.

Buy the album here.

www.treelinesmusic.com

www.twitter.com/treelines

www.myspace.com/treelinestheband

I recommend this for you... An album by The Mountains & the Trees

2010-07-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

I'd been checking my mailbox daily for about a week, and then, it was there. I am talking of course, about my pre-ordered I made this for you album by The Mountains and the Trees (which, by the way, consists of one member, and many helpers). I ordered this back in April, and I thought a great touch was Jon Janes, the man behind the music, promised anyone who ordered it a hand written thank you. Lovely right? He followed through of course and I thought it was a very personal way to send out an album. Another shining example of an artist getting creative in this industry.

Now, if we were not in a recession, this album would cost $100 and come with a pair of comfortable shoes, that's at the least (I'm thinking you could have options, all the way up to say $20,000 and that get's you a nice compact car). I immediately wanted to start moving, and be with my thoughts when I pushed play. It has that kind of vibe to it off the hop, and I really enjoy that.

Unfortunately, this is where my only complaint is for the entire album lays, and it's only because I'm a squeamish wimp. The first verse has a line about a boy breaking his arm, and the bone going through the skin. Gives me the heebie jeebies just typing it. I had to do a little regrouping, but the tune has a great beat (if you're on foot, you may start marching at points), and I soon forgot.

From there the album just gets stronger. I am by no means a musical expert, but the diversity of instruments on this album is super fun. Each tune has great depth to it, and I find myself enjoying different bits of the songs each time I listen through. I've always been a sucker for strings, and the third song on the album, Crossing Crows, features just that. Coupled with some beautiful back up singing by Jillian Freeman, the two sing back and forth in this instant classic.

Freeman is featured on a few songs on the album (the two work together as well with Bird & Bear, where Freeman has the lead), she lends her voice to song 4, Goodbye Little Town. If you have ever moved from one city to another, prepare to reminisce. The song paints a wonderful picture, a scene most have us have experienced, the time to move on.

I won't go through song by song, but I hope the vibe of the album is obvious by now. Janes has folk music figured out. Plain as day. He can change the instruments and the speed song to song, but the quality is there the whole time, and the album really has a great flow.

My personal favourite is Minimum Wage Lovers, a great tune for those lucky to have a special someone, especially those of you who have lived or live on the bare minimum(or less!).

The Mountains & the Trees are (is?) touring across Canada right now. Having attacked the road viciously, including a Trans-Atlantic journey in the months leading up to this album release, Janes has done a great job creating buzz for this record to drop. I expect the demand for Janes to be high, and this touring will not likely stop anytime soon. Check out http://www.rockandroots.com/ for all info that is The Mountains & the Trees. Although you are too late for the hand-written thank you (although he seems to be one hell of a guy, so if you asked nice enough...), it is anything but too late to get out and see this act on tour. While your there grab whatever merch you feel fit, and make sure to return the favour, and say thank you.

Links of interest:

Buy the Album here.
http://www.rockandroots.com/
http://radio3.cbc.ca/#/bands/The-Mountains-The-Trees
http://twitter.com/mtnsandthetrees
http://radio3.cbc.ca/#/bands/Bird-Bear

Malahat Revue stop in Victoria

2010-07-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

(Photo Courtesy: Jonathan Taggart www.jonathantaggart.com)

I did not realize that Hannah Georgas, Aidan Knight, Jeremy Fisher and Said the Whale would play the entire evening together. What a pleasant surprise. Even better was how well they played together. You would think the 8 musicians on stage play together on a regular basis. The music was great, all members in sync with each other, their interaction with the crowd and each other was good, they were funny, never leaving any "gaps" in the performance. Spending this much time together riding from show to show, the chemisty was clearly visable on the stage. It was obvious that they were just having a great time, and that feeling seemed to spread through Sugar Nightclub.

It didn't seem to matter who's song they were playing, the crowd ate it all up. Both halves of the set were great, the 2nd half having a bit more energy. The crowd really fed off of that, and the 2nd half seemed to fly by. Live shows are always great, but I haven't witnessed a show that good in a long while. It was just a perfect storm on stage.

You don't often get to see 8 musicians share the stage, nevermind the collection of talent that has gathered for this Malahat Revue Tour. The opportunity to see such great Canadian artists collaborating was a ton of fun, and for those of you who have the chance to catch this tour still, I strongly suggest you do it!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Vince Vaccaro

2010-07-04T12:19:00.000-07:00

Vince Vaccaro is loving life right now. It’s evident upon meeting the man, and why wouldn’t he be? He just finished playing the inaugural Tall Tree Festival in Port Renfrew, has shows lined up for the summer, and is a finalist in the Peak FM Performance Project. More important than all of that though, is how he got there.
Music has always been a big part of Vaccaros’ life, until about five and a half years ago, when he stopped chasing that dream, and took off for Australia. Who knew that’s all it would take? Spending only months in the Southern Hemisphere, Vince headed back to the Provincial Capital with fire.

“The day I came back, I had come back from a place of not wanting to continue, you know? I mean when you try for so long on something, it is discouraging, you take little steps, but then you also take so many steps back, you know time holds you up, or something doesn’t work out, or whatever it is.
When I came home, it was like “Go, go, go, this is what we’re doing, and this is how I’m gonna do it” just like go, go, go really hard, that was the only thing I had going on. Where as now I’m doing various things, and it’s a little more manageable, a little less stressful.
It’s been 5 years since I’ve come home, so in a way, I feel like this is a completely different place I’m in now where I’m just happy to be. I make music at home, I record in my living room, and I’m happy to be doing that right now again, it feels more like a balanced equation.” Vaccaro told me recently on a hike at Thetis Lake.

Vaccaros’ songs are performed as well as they are written. The live show being such an important part of any musician’s career, Vaccaro has a simple approach.

“People want to connect man, there is so much disconnect. So for me, without getting stupid deep, it’s just a human connection, and the show is the same way. With the show, I lose myself in the songs, like completely. Sometimes there’s some videos out there, where I’m just, eyes closed, hands in the air, just in the moment. You see it later, and you go “I don’t even remember that” cause you’re so lost in it, and I think people crave that, that real connection that musicians have. I love seeing bands that I would call almost spiritual music. You know Ben Harper? When I see him perform, I’ve seen him three times now, all three times it was just, almost like watching Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley mixed up together. You know when you get that real soulful thing? Just really intense, I like that. I like connecting with music like that. That’s where I think the live show is. You can’t download that.”

With an abundance of talent and experience, Vaccaro has to be a favourite in the Peak FM Performance Project. Great songwriting, along with an excellent stage presence make Vince a tough act to go up against, though he’s trying not to look at it that way.

“It is a crazy thing. My truest feeling is, I'm almost uncomfortable what I would say, going up against some of my best friends. I don’t want to compete against Steph, she's like my sister, you know? So you gotta switch your perspective from going up against, to doing the best you can.
But the air of competition is still out here, it’s around. We all want the top prize. We did an orientation, it was the first commitment we had. I just attended the workshop with Tom Jackson, he’s a performance coach, he’s actually the number one performance coach in the world. He coached us on some stuff, and everything he said made complete sense. And I’m the kinda person that doesn’t wanna be told what to do. If someone tells me what to do, right away my defense is up cause I feel like they're changing me. Even if they want the best of out me, or they're suggesting something out of genuine care, I still have my back up. I don’t know what that is, but I’ve always been that way. I don’t want to change for anything, or I don’t want to change my music for anybody at all. Watching him work with bands, he was awesome. He didn’t change them for his liking, he changed them so that he took the best out of them. Like a music producer in the recording studio gets the best take out of the artist, he’s just getting the best live take out of a performing situation. So that was good for me to see.”

It’s been more than a year since his self-titled full length came out, but that doesn’t mean Vince hasn’t been busy writing and recording. In an ever changing industry, artists are looking for new ways to connect with fans. A lighter approach to recorded goods, and more of a push to the live show seems to be the way these days. The Montreal born musician understands this trend and embraces it fully.

“I’ve been recording some new stuff, I’ve spent the last 6 months or more, just writing, writing, writing. Just being really open to anything that I hear. That’s how I feel music comes to me. It’s not like I sit there and go “I wanna write a song about how beautiful I think this is”. I just hear music in my head. I don’t even know how to explain it, but I just sorta hear everything. I hear all the parts, it’s like a feeling that comes over you or something. Like when your mood changes, you’re just suddenly super happy. That’s how music comes to me, suddenly I hear music. So I’ve been open to that, I’ve been writing a ton, I have over 50 songs right now, It’s insane. I picked my favourite four. I put them down last week, and I wanted to be able to tell friends and people, not to spread the word, just share what I’m up to. Like a cool photo I’ve taken. I'm not trying to make it the next thing. If you check it out at http://www.fireandsun.com/, there is an explanation of what it is. Those 4 songs, I’ve been focusing a lot on that. I want to release something for free on the internet. That’s kinda what I want to do, because honestly people don’t really buy music anymore man. I don’t want to create any more garbage in the world, so I’m gonna do a little bit of free download action. It doesn’t cost me anything to write them, they come to me freely. So who am I to say “pay me this for that.”, it’s like no. If I’m gonna be like the person in between whatever’s out there and music, then cool, you can have it all for free you know. Hopefully they come to the live show, and that’s how I can make a living. That’s sort of my vision right now for my future.”

I feel like a broken record sometimes, but it’s that sort of attitude that makes you want success for the man. When an artist puts his fans up front like that, you can’t help but be impressed. The four tracks available at http://www.fireandsun.com/are solid, my personal favourite being “Coco”, where Vaccaro shows off his bi-lingual skills. With a musical style that is “instant classic rock”, Vaccaro is another kick ass Canadian musician with plenty to offer. With all the momentum he has been gaining, there is no better time to show your support. An easy feat for a musician who wants nothing more than to just share his music and his moments.

Here are a few other sites of interest:
http://www.vincevaccaro.com/
http://www.fireandsun.com/
www.myspace.com/vincevaccaro
www.twitter.com/vincevaccaro

Sitting down with Aidan Knight

2010-06-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

Another amazing West Coast musician has dropped by The SoapBox. Extremely talented, and incredibly humble, Aidan Knight was kind enough to give up some of his time. It's also the first audio interview here, and I'm fully abusing the term "podcast". Check it out :)

*I apologize for the less than perfect Audio quality. It was supposed to be a podcast, downloadable and such, but I can't figure out how to post it appropirately. If you would like an MP3 version, I can email you one no problem, just send me a message!*

Here are a few sites of interest as well.
myspace.com/aidanknightmusic
twitter.com/aidanknight
aidanknight.com
aidanknight.bandcamp.com

A name you should know now... Steph Macpherson

2010-06-18T09:26:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how things have a way of falling into place isn't it? For Steph Macpherson (@stephmacpherson on twitter), the pieces are falling quite nicely.
Fresh off the heels of her top 20 inclusion in the Peak FM Performance Project (http://p3.fm @thepeak), Steph has been announced the winning "Ourstage Artist" at Vancouver's Lilith Fair, on Canada Day. Not a bad spring so far.
"It feels very good, and especially rewarding when you feel like there is a lot happening." she told me recently at a show at The Fort St. Cafe in Victoria.

That was before the Lilith Fair announcement, so that rewarding feeling can only grow. Of course if you've had the opportunity to see her live, this was only a matter of time. She's another very talented West Coast Singer/Songwriter and it's truly a treat to see her play. Her combination of keeping the audience involved, and pure musical talent leads to a memorable set time and again.

"Your live show is so, so important. Especially now. You can have great songs, you can have great songs on the radio, but if people come to see you play and don't feel like they connected with you in some way, and they don't feel like they wanna come back to your show, you're kinda dead in the water."
"A Strong "hometown following" is really important. People need to know what you are doing, and who you are at home. I love playing at home, because I get all of my friends and family out at my shows as well and I'm always seeing new faces too which is pretty exciting. Especially in Victoria which is fairly small, where I grew up and I never really expect so see new faces."

It's this attitude that makes you want her to succeed. Speak to anyone around her about her, and you realize she's just extremely likeable.

"I love Steph Macpherson. I have encountered her in person a bunch of times in Victoria, around the city, the odd house party or live venue dive. She is always friendly, humble and sweet. I think right away one of her strengths is her personability. If you meet Steph, you like her." Zone 91.3 host and owner of "The Morning After" blog (http://spintheblackdisc.com/) Jeremy Baker (@Jeremy_Baker) said.

"Stephs great, she's a really great musican and a great writer. Just a really nice person in general you know? I have a lot of fun touring with her, we always end up doing songs together, it always turns out being real fun." added Saskatoon Musician Zachary Lucky (@zacharylucky) at the Fort St. Cafe.

With her talent being recognized more and more by the day, we can look forward to hearing more of her in the future. The Peak FM Performance Project is an excellent opportunity for finalists to learn and expand each and every area of their musical careers. Cash prizes are awarded to the top 5, and a lot of loot is up for grabs (the winner receiving 6 figures). For starving musicians, cash is king, but this competition serves more purpose than just giving up money.

"I can tell you that the experience last year was wonderful for the artists and created a real sense of community that has survived the program. The goal is to help each of the Top 20 reach their potential. The artists who work the hardest in all areas of the program and show that they have not only the talent, but also the business sense and marketing drive will reach the program summit." that from the Executive Director of Music BC Industry Association, Bob D'Eith.

With this mega-talented group (including Said the Whale, Vince Vaccaro, Aidan Knight, Debra-Jean amongst others), Macpherson undoubtedly belongs, but will certainly be in tough. As for what she has to do?

"Steph is an artist and she works hard perfecting her craft and writing beautiful songs. To be a top 5 contender on The Peak, Steph Macpherson needs to write a great pop song that caputures the Peak audiences' imagination in the first listen and demands a repeat listen. I think she has done that with a couple of her cuts (already)." says Baker.

"I think she just needs to stay calm to be honest. She gets really worked up over things, and they are things she often doesn't have to worry about, I think she'll be just fine." Lucky said with confidence.

Macphersons' eyes light up at the mention of the competition. It's clear that she is extremely excited, and humbled about the opportunity.

"Everyone is saying (other artists in the competition) is as much as it is a competition, it's also so great to be devolpoing such a community with each other, and I think we will create some really great things as a group as well as individually for ourselves and each other."

"To You" her debut E.P. was released last year. She says she has been working on new material, and another E.P. is likely.

"EP's are great, cause it's not too much music. I know it's weird to say too much music, but it sort of leaves people with "that was great, I'm ready for more" feeling."

Well Steph, I think it's safe to say that everyone is ready for more. As for how she comes up with her songs?

"Most things inspire me in some way. The way it is, I don't even really know where a song comes from. Sometimes I like the sound of words together and it'll go from there, sometimes I have a melody in my head and I'll go on that, sometimes Im just strumming on a guitar or recording on a piano or something and magic will happen and I'll just have it flow out, and its just an indescrribingly beautiful experience."
It certainly is...

You can check out her myspace (http://www.myspace.com/stephmacphersonmusic) for music and up to date tour information. Almost unbelievably you can still catch Macpherson at a "coffee house" venue for as little as five bucks. Do yourself a favour and get out to a show soon, the chance to see this act at a cafe around the corner may soon be replaced by the theatre downtown.

The Complete Game One-Hitter

2010-06-03T14:46:00.000-07:00

Jim Joyce is clearly one of the most respected umps in the game. The comments that have poured in since the missed call get that message across without doubt. He missed a call. Another no-doubter. Armando Galarraga finished the night with a complete game shutout, allowing 1 hit. No Perfect Game.

Let's face it, everything has to go just so, for a perfect game to occur. Pitchers need to get calls going there way, they need players to make outstanding defensive plays (boy did he), it has to be...perfect. Bad calls are a part of baseball though, and this one just happened at the worst time. Imagine if Joyce blew the very first call of the game, and then Galarraga went perfect from then on. I wonder if the reaction would be the same? Part of me says yes, part of me says no. I think it would be much easier to accept. Jim Joyce may be the reason that it was not a perfect game, it would be great to put a players name in that spot, but it isn't so.

The fact human error changed the game is actually why I like baseball. Crazy as it may sound. I like that strike zones change from ump to ump, and that guys miss calls. It reminds me that it's not perfect, and that perhaps we shouldn't be putting these items on the pedestals we do. They're just dudes playing a game. Armando has an awesome story for the grand kids. With the drama around it, how he was looked at as nothing but classy with the way he handled the situation, one of the most respected umps looked him straight in the eyes and told him he messed up, and it was tearing him apart. He'll be treated as a hero from the hometown fans regardless, and rightfully so.

Nobody died. Right?

To top it all off, I like that Bud Selig stuck by the call. Every little leaguer, beer leaguer, or semi-pro leaguer can learn a lot from this. Sometimes bad calls happen, but you have to handle it like a big boy and move on. Galarraga was amazing, not only did he keep his cool initially, and therefore kept himself in the game, but he got the out. To top it all off, right after the game they shoved a camera in his face, and he still kept it cool. Baseball is to be a gentleman's game, and Galarraga has shown the definition of gentleman. He pitched an amazing game, but the stars weren't in line this night, and it wasn't perfect.