Oh Fortune!

Dan Mangan can do no wrong.  That's something I strongly believe.  He made an album recently and it was called "Oh Fortune".  It was really, really good.  Like really, really, really good.

So you should just get it (if you haven't already).
Listen to it.
Enjoy.
Repeat.

That's the good stuff.

The Greatest Goodbye

I know I've said it before on here, and I'm hoping it's not the last time I say it, but Meghan Gamble knows just what I like.  This latest gem is from a group called Madison Violet, and their album "The Good in Goodbye".

Released this past September, the twelve track full length is an outstanding effort from the Roots duo.  The music feels familiar from the first time you push play.  It's a sound that you can relax and tap your toes to at the same time.  Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac have been pumping out material since 2004, so this album being as polished as it is makes perfect sense.

The Toronto group has really got it dialed in.  "Come as you are" is definitely my favourite song on the album.  Killer harmonica off the hop and some great harmonies make this an instant classic.  I find myself humming this tune all day long when I hear it.

Another favourite little diddy (and I really believe diddy is the perfect word), is "Cindy Cindy".  It hooks me in with the Banjo and the pace.  It's just two and a half minutes of fun.

There is no weak point on the album.  The ladies have an intoxicating sound that grows on you each and every time you play it.  Simply put, it's forty minutes well spent.

Madison Violet have a tour south of the border coming up in support of their latest works.  For our American friends, it would be in your best interest to get out to a show when the group comes rolling through.  You may be supporting "The Good in Goodbye", but with the talent this group has, you can be sure the "goodbye" part won't be for long.

A Bell Worth Diving to.

This isn't exactly "new", but it's been sitting in my inbox for months now, and is one of the reasons that I had to start writing this blog again! (And I have to thank Jen Fritz for it!)

"A Diving Bell" is a a four song E.P. from City of Glass, and the group from Vancouver has got four real beauties here for their next L.P.  All four tracks they offer up are quite nice, and I think lead singer Michael Champion will suck you right in.  The dude sounds good.

"Sticks and Stones" is the first track on the album, and it's my favourite so far.  Right off the hop the guitars pump me up.  I enjoy the build of the song, and the intensity of the singing just excites me.  Whether you're heading out to Walmart (seriously, what's with those check out lines?!), or jumping on your mountain bike, it's a good jam to get yourself revved up.

The full length is due out sometime this year, and City of Glass have my attention.  With the sound and skill these guys have, their next release could very well be your new favourite. 

Summer Shows

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 Small Town Eulogy that will bring a tear to your eye

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

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.

Don't we all need Shelter?

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!

Spring Mix - An Island SoapBox Mixtape

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!

Catch a ferry to Jacob's Island

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.

Burn one and join the Pack

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.

Dinosaur Bones, a rare and precious find

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...

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. 

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 

Dan Mangan, need I say more?

 

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

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.

100 Blows... It's a good thing

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.

It finally happened, Christina Maria sits down with Island SoapBox

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.

Girls with Guitars 2 a success!

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.

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

(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

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".