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.

The Complete Game One-Hitter

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.

This is "This is Franco"

Hanging out at the Ocean and playing Ultimate Frisbee are two things Marcus Abramzik loves to do when he's not playing bass for This is Franco. That sounds like a pretty good time, and gives you the impression immediately that the Vancouver musician is "down to earth". Having toured across the country in a school bus (playing for kids help phone), their song "Forever" chosen as a theme song for CBC Radio Almanac, and just recently recorded with "Vertical Studios" in Vancouver, it's wonderful to see these guys are still humble.

The band has embraced the online culture, frequenting their @thisisFRANCO twitter account, even hosting a fan competition to make a music video for their song "Crowded House". They work hard to get their music out there, and keep their fans involved. "It seems the trend is for musicians to have more control over added aspects of their careers, but I think it's always been a challenge for any band to get their music heard. The size of Canada definitely makes getting heard very difficult." Abramzik tells The SoapBox.

With two tours planned right now (one this summer, another after the release of their new full length towards the end of the year), This is Franco is doing everything they can to make sure you hear their music. Great work ethic from a group of 22 year old musicians.

The music sounds extremely polished. You would think these guys have been all over the radio for years. Marcus says the new album is a real reflection of the entire group, with much more collaboration this time around. "The new album has a lot more co-writing within the members of the band. We also had a member change as well, with the addition of Alex on guitar the songs have a more broad and full sound."

"We were extremely lucky to have Kristen Cudmore of Language Arts feature on the single "Shelter" and are open to more collaborations but it's just the one for this album." www.myspace.com/thisisfranco has shelter available, I really suggest checking it out. There is also downloadable content on their website www.thisisfranco.com, just check out the electronic press kit section. This is Franco is another example of a band putting music out there for free, that leads to you just having to buy it. With a whole summer of touring lined up before the album release, I think it's safe to say the next album can't come soon enough.

Getting to know Treelines

These guys are awesome. Straight up. Their new E.P. comes out on Canada Day. Awesome-er.
Together since 2008, Treelines released their first full length (Self-titled "Treelines") in 2009, a 10 track album that rocks front to back. Distinctly Canadian, lyrically awesome, it's an album you can play skip-free. "Canadian Airlines" one of two songs available free to download from that first album (www.treelinesmusic.com), leaves you wanting more immediately. The song reads almost like a story-book, piano, drums, and guitars colouring in the pages. After purchasing the rest of the album, it's 9 more entirely different story books. July 1st is already a great day to party. Now we have one more reason. "Young Man" the bands newest release, a 6 track E.P. is available Canada Day. If it's anything like the first full length, you can play it directly after the National Anthem. The band was kind of enough to answer some questions for The SoapBox. You're Welcome.

The SoapBox:
Your first album was so good, the listener can really relate with the music quickly, and north of the border, can take heavy Canadian Pride in the music. How do you follow that up?
Treelines:
The intention of the first record was never to come across as 'Canadian' or anything, it just sort of turned out that way, which I suppose makes sense considering all of us have grown up here. Matt's lyrics are something we can definitely all relate to, but he definitely didn't make any specific effort to give the songs a wintry Canadian feel. However, we`re definitely humbled that it comes across that way, and we're happy that our 'Canadian' imagery is something that people seem to identify us with.
Similarly, this EP wasn`t written with an aim to turn out any certain way; we just tried to write what we think are good songs. As a result of having a solid lineup through this whole writing process, it's also more of a cohesive album, rather than just a collection of songs.

SB:
How will it compare to your first album?
TL:
Musically it's definitely a little more upbeat overall, but lyrically it's pretty similar in style. The title track 'Young Man' (which can be downloaded for free on our website) is a pretty good indicator of what to expect.

SB:
How does the band feel about music sharing, and the availabilty of music online these days? From the outside looking in, with free downloads and $2 CDs, it would appear that Treelines has embraced this culture. Do you think it results in more fans, both at home and at shows?
TL:
I definitely think that it does. These days, as an artist I think you pretty much have to accept that people will be getting your music for free no matter what, and I think that if artists stopped fighting it, it could work in everyone's favour. I've always felt that anyone who wants to buy an album, either to support the artist or just to add to their collection, is going to buy it regardless of whether they downloaded it or not, so I don't see the 'risk' of offering it inexpensively or for free. Although I believe that recorded music is a valuable form of art, I'm such a huge fan of live music that I see a recording as more of a vessel for getting people out to live shows to connect with them that way. It's cyclical, especially for newer artists. If no one has heard your music, who will come see you play, if no one sees you play, who will support your next album, etc.

SB:
Canada Day seems like a great day to release a record, how did you guys choose to do that?
TL:
Well, originally we were talking about a June release, but as I'm sure any artist can relate to, production of the record kept getting pushed back. We really had no specific date in mind, and more than anything didn't want to rush into it for no good reason, so we just figured that July 1st was a logical choice. That being said, we also just thought releasing it on Canada day would be pretty sweet.

SB:
I’ve noticed a few shows posted after the album drops, can Treelines fans expect more tour dates to follow?
TL:
Absolutely. Right now we're just finalizing the details of CD release shows all over BC, but they will be posted on our website within the next couple of weeks.

SB:
Not everyone could sit in a van for months on end with the same dudes, how do you guys manage to do it?
TL:
Matt and Steve are brothers, so they've pretty much got it figured out. Those two and I all live together, and Ryan is just the most easy-going dude ever, so it's really not hard. We've all been friends for years so getting along just comes naturally.

SB:
What is the food of choice on the road?
TL:
It depends who's behind the wheel. Ryan likes candy, Matt likes McDonlads, Steve's pretty much down for anything, and I like vegetables and am not huge on fast food, and I get mocked for it at every opportunity.

SB:
How do you find touring BC and Canada?
TL:
We always have fun, we've been fortunate to play with some great artists and great friends and to have met many great people so far. That being said, Canada can be pretty cold in the winter... Matt had to get the inspiration for the song 'Canadian Airlines' from somewhere.

SB:
Best/Worst part of being on the road?
TL:
The best part of being on the road is first and foremost just having the opportunity to play music. Being able to share your music with others is definitely something very special. I personally have always found it funny when artists have much to complain about when it comes to being on the road. The second I step into our van knowing I get to drive somewhere, spend time with the best group of dudes ever, meet new people, and play music, I just feel overwhelmingly fortunate. I suppose if I had to pick one thing to complain about, it would be the occasional lack of an opportunity to shower in the morning.

SB:
If you could open for any 2 acts right now, who would they be?
TL:
There are countless artists that we'd love to play with, but The Weakerthans or Sloan would be unreal.

SB:
What does the band like to listen to on the road? Some of your fav artists?
TL:
We all have somewhat different taste in music as far as what we listen to while driving, to name a few of our favourites:
Matt L: Spoon, The National, Joel Plaskett, The Hold Steady etc
Matt K: Attack In Black, Gaslight Anthem, The Weakerthans (the other dudes aren't around to answer but I can definitely say that Ryan loves Mew, and Steve loves Strung Out)

SB:
Who would the band consider influences?
TL:
The Weakerthans, Sloan, Attack In Black.. again, we all sort of come from different musical backgrounds, so it's difficult to pinpoint one specific sound that we draw influence from.

SB:
What are you looking forward to most this summer that is non-music related?
TL:
Cliff jumping, camping, boating, no socks, cut offs, barbecues, pilsner, hammocks, hanging out at our house.

SB:
My girlfriend and I only just moved to BC last summer, where is the 1 spot we absolutely have to check out?
TL:
If you're in Victoria, grab swim shorts and drive out to the Sooke pot-holes. You won't be disappointed.

SB:
What do the Canucks have to do? :)
TL:
Hire Matt Lockhart as their GM and try again next year.

You can stay up to date on Treelines very easily, they update their www.twitter.com/treelines often, as well as their website www.treelinesmusic.com where you can find all their merchandise and music (currently their are 3 free tracks available). You can listen to their entire first album on the website as well. If you do, make sure you have a couple bucks available, you will want to buy it. So on July 1st, in between back bacon breakfast and moose meat poutine for dinner, I suggest cracking your beer in one hand, and "Young Man" in the other. Raise the beer to your friends "Happy Treelines Day".

Vancouver Island getaway at Dolphins Resort

Well Campbell River rocks. That is the impression I'm leaving with, and it entirely has to do with Dolphins Resort (www.dolphinsresort.com). We stayed two nights, taking advantage of the weekend package special. Full Breakfast both mornings and a three course dinner on Saturday evening. The dining area has maybe 15 tables, probably less, and is exactly what you would expect from a fishing resort with such a history. A beautiful wood fireplace sits in a stone wall, the other walls are typical log cabin, with pictures of treasured catches lining them. One wall is just windows and the entranceway, a spectacular view of the ocean and nearby Quadra Island. The service is top notch, friendly and attentive. I over heard some locals at dinner calling the restaurant "One of the best kept secrets in Campbell River". We can only imagine. The food was spectacular, delicious and fresh. Every course of dinner was great, most of it is local and organic, and we could not have been any more happy each and every time we left the restaurant.
We stayed in the Beach House, as the name suggests, you can't get any closer to the water. The cabin sits directly at the end of the resort dock, windows lining the ocean wall. A spacious and very private deck offers a hot tub, and endless opportunities to spot wildlife swimming by. A large King Size bed, and beautiful stone fireplace occupy your lounging area of the cabin. A modern kitchen and bathroom are the perfect finishing touches.
At night, the hot tub is so peaceful, it's almost a shame to turn the jets on, drowning out the sound of the surf. You definitely have to just enjoy the warm bath and crashing ocean on this deck, the sounds of nature are marvellous.
We were there for R & R, but if you are looking for many ways to fill your days, the area has more than enough. Ocean activities surround you, Mt. Washington is not far off, and there are plenty of hiking trails, one only a 5 minute drive from the resort.
Dolphins Resort is a great experience, with great staff and an exceptional location. If you're looking for a weekend activity on Vancouver Island, I strongly suggest this wonderful resort.

Artist Spotlight H.W. (Hazardous Wastes)

It's been a while, so here we go again.
This time around we are talking Boston Hip-hop artist Joshua Decosta, or H.W.(Hazardous Wastes). Now I know what you're thinking, "I thought you were on a Canadian kick...". Well I was, and still am, but this talented artist contacted me, and now I must spread the word.
His music is excellent, the beats catchy, and the lyrics are personal. You know he believes in his own music, and as the listener it seems easy to relate with.
"I've been writing since 2001 and performing since 2004, I have grown quite a bit over the years and I am just starting to really enjoy my music." Lucky for us, with H.W. starting to enjoy his own music (and why wouldn't he?), we can look forward to more, and it only getting better from here. Especially lucky for those of us living North of the Border.
"I love playing Canada, way more then performing in the states, it just seems like people respect and are more responsive to hip hop out there. So having a good rep is very important to me. If I could just tour Canada I actually might." What can we say Mr. Decosta, people love us ;) Seriously though, H.W. has upcoming tour stops in Canada (www.longlivehw.com), and is an active member of the www.twitter.com/joshhw community. The opportunity to see any act live is always great, and a true test of how good that act really is.
"The best part about performing is playing for a crowd that doesn't know you, and throughly enjoys your music by the end." With confidence like that, one can imagine the live act is quite enjoyable, and a great night out for a fan of hip-hop.
For fans in Toronto, May 24 you can circle on your calender, as Josh will be making a stop at Rancho Relaxo. If you are a fan of TFC, you may have an issue before the concert even starts.
"My favorite team is The New England Revolution! I live for soccer." Well nobody is perfect right? The revolution make a visit to BMO Field May 22nd. On enemy soil, perhaps Mr. Decosta won't make too much of a scene, but you can bet the same won't be said when he takes the stage during this tour. The tracks and albums are FREE on his site, and the show is coming to Canada, there is no better time to hop on the band wagon for this indie talent.

Album of the Month/Week/Day

I thought you all deserved a treat, so I have come up with this :) Said the Whale and their album "Howe Sounds/Taking Abalonia" from 2008.
This group takes pride in their music and in their country, and in return, Canada takes pride in the group. With a moose and evergreens front and centre on the bands website (www.saidthewhale.com), Canadiana is on display. The music, is no different.
There is no better album going to match the happiness of Spring. Crawling out from
Canadian Winter (although most of us had a pretty easy go this year), this is a listen that will bring a smile as big as the sun (in fact listening to the album may be even healthier than a good dose of sunshine, forget vitamin D!).
The album uses different sounds, and skipping between genres at points, (including bubblegum folk (”The Light Is You”), thundering hard rock (”Last Tree Standing”) and gentle ukulele ballads (”The Real of It”). It truly is a treat, impossible to tire of, because you're not sure what you will hear next.
It makes sense that the band has such diverse talent. Recently during a "twitterview" ;) the band listed Phoenix, Gord Downie, and Jay-Z as artists the group collectively enjoys.
Of course the band released "Islands Dissapear" last year, and the hit single "Camilo(The Magician)", which grew the bands fan base even larger. This is also a very good album front to back, but I think fans will agree, listening to "Howe Sounds/Taking Abalonia" makes you like the follow up even more.
With the band touring almost non-stop, fans get plenty of chances to see the group perform, and a great mix from recorded albums, as well as songs yet to be recorded. The energy from the songs definitely makes its way to the stage, as the performance is fun to take in, knowing the band likes playing the songs as much as the fans like listening.
Perhaps the difficult part for the group now, is whether they can continue to put out top notch albums, one after the other. With so much touring, you wonder how the band has time to write at all. Yet all they do is record great tracks, one after the other. Something tells me that Canada has plenty more to look forward to as "Said the Whale" evolves, let's all enjoy the ride and grow with them.