Excitements of the future...

You don't need to go 88 MPH to get excited for this stuff!

Come on, how good of a title is that?! :)

I figured I would post a few things I have my eye (or ear?) on coming up in the near future.

Island SoapBox favourite Steph Macpherson has some Toronto shows coming up.  For those of you living in the "Big Smoke", free up March 22 (Canadian Music Week Showcase show at Dakota Tavern), or March 24 (Canadian Music Week Showcase at Cadillac Lounge).  Get out and see her.  You won't be disappointed, I promise you!

Macpherson has an album release in the coming months, and she will be back here in Victoria for some shows before then.  You can get out and pre order the album while she is here in town.  It's an album I eagerly anticipate!

Steph will be playing Friday April 6th with another SoapBox favourite, Jeremy Fisher, at St Ann's.  Sounds like $18 well spent!

Some other albums people are eager to hear are streaming for us right now.  Said the Whale, Plants and Animals, and Yukon Blonde all have something to tickle your ear canals (?).

And one more album that I'm super pumped for, Zacharly Lucky has a new offering coming soon, and of course if you follow Lucky at all, you know he's touring.  No Victoria stop planned yet, but expect a review of his latest coming soon to Island SoapBox!

More Stuff I liked

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 

Lyme Aid 5 a great night out

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.

Island SoapBox Reviewlandia?

(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.

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

(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?

A name you should know now... Steph Macpherson

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.

Road Trip Mix Tape

Hello all,

I thought since it was the New Year, with everyone planning their road trips this year, I would release Vol. 1 of the Mix Tape Specials. Check it out, give it a listen, love it, hate it, could care less? Let me know, and make a mix tape of your own while you are at it!

Track Artist

1. One Track Mind (Feat. Joel Plaskett) Classified

Luke Boyd, or better known "Classified" has been at it for a while now, and it's hard not to get hooked on the beats. I know this song came out early last year, but it still has me hooked, not to mention, who doesn't want to listen to a hip hop artist from Halifax? The final piece of the puzzle for this tune, hooking up with fellow East Coaster Joel Plaskett. The two sound great together, the song is super catchy, a great way to start a road trip tape!
From the Album "Self Explanatory" 2009

2. Natural Disaster Joel Plaskett

This might be a little slow for a road trip, but it's Plaskett, and I'm arguing just about any of his tunes are great in the car. Joel has been doing his thing since the early 90's, and his fan base grows each and every year. Last year's release of "3" launched Plaskett into the Stratosphere, so I thought I would offer up something from a previous album, to show this was of course no fluke.
From the Album "La De Da" 2005

3. The Day We Hit the Coast Thrush Hermit

OK, I'm sure you are onto me by now. It's a Plaskett threesome! Thrust Hermit released a few albums and a few EP's throughout the 90's, and this March they announced a 6 show tour, with shows in Halifax, Peterborough, Ottawa and Toronto. Giving these band mates nearly 10 years to mature themselves as musicians, these upcoming shows should give fans a truly great, musical experience. I picked this song because it's 6 and a half minutes long, you can get between some cities in that time.
From the Album "Clayton Park" 1999

4. Lemon Meringue Pie Jeremy Fisher

Well I've finally left Joel Plaskett behind, only to hit you with another Plaskett story. I woke up this morning and read Jeremy Fisher is heading out to Halifax to work with the East Coast Music Award Winner. It's pretty much the perfect combination if you ask me. Fisher has a great voice, and the music always seems to carry joy with it. He also has a really cool video for his 2007 single, "Cigarette" from the album "Hello Blue Monday", on YouTube, which is completely homemade. This tune isn't that stereotypical road trip song either, but I think it's perfect for the really scenic parts of your trip, where you can picture the slow motion movie montage of it in your head.
From the Album "Let it Shine" 2004

5. Ulysses Franz Ferdinand

This single was released in January of 2009, so why not bring it back again this January? Let's face it, you can pretty much grab any tune off this album, and it's perfect for the road. Some will argue that they sound the same in and out, but I like that sound.
From the Album "Tonight:Franz Ferdinand" 2008

6. 19-2000 Gorillaz

I've always really liked this album. There is something to it, that I don't find on "Demon Days". The groove and the way the beats fall, I find the album is almost hypnotic. This song just comes out of Franz Ferdinand nicely, and I feel is a good representation of the entire album. The group has sold over 15 million records, and is currently working on their 3rd studio album. Not bad for a "virtual band".
From the Album "Gorillaz [UK] 2001

7. The Way I Am Ingrid Michaelson

This song has a stand-up bass off the hop, so I am on board. This New-Yorker has a great voice, the vocals will keep you interested, and the music behind her invokes thought and reflection. At 2:15, it's a perfect tune to give everyone a chance to get a drink, enjoy a bit of silence, and reflect on the journey so far.
From the Album "Girls and Boys" 2007

8. I Feel It All Feist

1, 2, 3, 4... Remember that one? I love Apple. More East Coast talent here folks. Her music is interesting, it incorporates a lot, and her voice really sounds unique. This is an upbeat jam, great for the car, and her singing comes out of the previous song quite nicely.
From the Album "The Reminder" 2007

9. Dropkick Queen of the Weekend The Dudes

The Dudes... I really wish I was musically inclined, just so I could help name a band. I heard the name and loved them without hearing a note. Thank God they're good. These guys have been around since the 90's, but the Calgary group blew up when this single released across the country. Weezer, The Flaming Lips, Joel Plaskett and Thrush Hermit are some influences for The Dudes.
From the Album "Brain Heart Guitar" 2006

10. What'cha Know About Donavon Frankenreiter

Hang on, that's not Jack Johnson? Get out of here, that's Jack Johnson. Well at least his name would be easier to say or spell if that were true. Having said that, bringing up the famous Mr. Johnson does mean two things, Mr Frankenstenier can play guitar and sing, well. Of course the two are friends, they both surf, and they both make kick ass music.
From the Album "Donavon Frankenreiter" 2004

11. You Ain't Shit Daniel Wesley

This is the only other guy on the list that I know surfs. After recently seeing Daniel Wesley play an acoustic performance, I quickly realized a theme with Mr. Wesley. The BC native likes to tell stories of Costa Rica, surfing, and he mixes in quite a few songs featuring, maybe, what BC is best known for. After saying all that, the guy can sing, he's personable, and this is a great tune for a car sing-a-long.
From the Album "Outlaw" 2006

12. No Sleep Sam Roberts

There is not much that is needed to be said about Sam Roberts. Six-time Juno winners, their music is proudly Canadian, and known coast to coast. The song has a great beat to nod along to, and a great reminder of our multi-cultural country.
From the Album "We Were Born in a Flame" 2003

13. Comme des Enfants Coeur de Pirate

Yes, Sam was just warming you up for a 3 minutes worth of francais. CBC Radio 3 fell in love with Beatrice Martin, and the rest of the country has followed suit. Recently this song was voted "Best reason to learn french" as part of the 2009 Bucky Awards (where Martin was also crowned "Sexiest Musician 2009"). She's obviously dealt with some pretty public issues, but she doesn't try to hide from anything, and her voice will carry you through, whether you know the language or not.
From the Album "Coeur de Pirate" 2008

14. The Old Prince Still Lives at Home Shad

After possibly nodding along for the last 5 minutes mostly clueless to what's actually being said, you can continue nodding, but you might as well smack that smile on, ear to ear. This tune is catchy, it's funny, and it's half done. The London Ontario native started releasing albums in 2005, when he won some cash to record. Although this is a lighter song, Shad is an artist who uses music to communicate his views.
From the Album "The Old Prince" 2007

15. Listen Steph Macpherson

Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay must be all to familiar for Steph Macpherson. Calling Victoria and Vancouver both home, Macphersons' "Listen" is about winter on the Left Coast. This woman can flat out sing, the song rips along behind her wonderfully, and for someone on the road as much as her, she had to land a song on a road trip mix tape.
From the Album "To You" 2009

16. Ain't No Rest for the Wicked Cage the Elephant

Time for another sing a long! The 2008 single was certainly the most successful from the album, and the Kentucky natives do a great job on the entire album with guitar riffs that keep you hooked, and Mathew Shultz vocals are interesting, and fun to sing along with.
From the Album "Cage the Elephant" 2008

17. Ishmael and Maggie The Trews

You need the "Friends and Total Strangers" album this time around. The recently recorded semi-acoustic set (The band called the tour Acoustic, however Electric Bass was used the whole time, so that's how I feel about that). Having said that, The Trews headlined the show with Daniel Wesley, and they were phenomenal. Getting away from the heavy electric that usually accompanies the vocals, this time around The Trews really sound clean and rich. Did I mention another East Coast band?
From the Album "Friends and Total Strangers" 2009

18. Black Day in December Said the Whale

The first thing you see when you visit the bands website is a moose, front and centre, top of the page. These guys are as Canadian as they come, knowing all about the road trip. This tune runs along at a great pace, and reminds us of Winter on the Pacific. Touring almost non-stop, Said the Whale is known to be a real treat live.
From the Album "Islands Disappear" 2009

19. Sick as a Dog Brad Sucks

Well I just thought this band name was funny, who knew the music would be catchy. A self described "One man band with no fans", the music has qualities to it that make you want more, but wonder why you want more? It's diverse, it's good, and it's free. This guy has taken a very cool run at the music industry, check out his website and story.
From the Album "I don't know what I'm doing" 2003

20. Soft Shock Yeah Yeah Yeahs

It seems every time I hear something about music, somehow this bands works its way in there. This album does the same thing the Gorillaz album did to my brain, somehow I become entranced when listening to it. Once again this was a tune that I thought went great with the last one.
From the Album "It's Blitz" 2009

21. Disease (08/03/08) Allison Crowe

If your destination is still a ways, don't panic. At just over eight minutes, you have time. Allison crashes on the piano in this one, which is great to listen to, almost venting your anger for you. Just don't drive like the song. She can sing as well as she tickles the ivory, and her music really is a treat to listen to. She is another artist giving her music away, taking on the industry slightly different than most. The idea is for the free music to be shared, so share we shall, on the road no less!
From the Album "Little Light (Originals)" 2008

22. Crazy Game of Poker O.A.R.

I told you not to panic. It really doesn't matter what version of this song you have, you're probably looking at 9 minutes, plus. This particular version runs nearly 13. These guys are fantastic for road trips as well, easy to sing along with, great to yell along with, and you're hard pressed to find someone that doesn't like their music. Since 1997 they have been pumping out studio material, not to mention all the live music. If you haven't made it yet, this song will get you there.
From the Album "Any Time Now Disc 2" 2002


That's it folks! Let me know what you think. Make your own play list! Tell a friend to make a play list. It's a great way to expand your listening.
peace