Halifolk Pop Explosion

 

Your guide to the best folk music happening at Pop Explosion.

Holy Folk, there are too many great artists playing this year. Some big names include: Basia Bulat, The Mountains and The Trees, Acres and Acres and many, many more.

The first must see show is Thursday night with Old Man Luedecke and John McKiel at St. Matthew’s Church. John McKiel uses a more raw sounding guitar and his melancholy voice. Old Man Luedecke is a one man, upbeat banjo act that will leave you smiling from ear to ear. Show starts at 8:00pm and costs $18 at the door or $15 in advance

The In The Dead of Winter Showcase on Friday at the Company House will be featuring, Acres and Acres, The Wilderness of Manitoba and Erin Costello. Acres and Acres use a very mellow, simple sound. The Wilderness of Manitoba are a multi-talented group that creates a haunting and complex sound. Closing the show is ECMA nominated Erin Costello who uses her very unique singer-songwriter style to craft more upbeat songs. Show starts at 8:00pm and costs $10.

The most anticipated folk show of the festival has to be Basia Bulat’s folk-pop sound which she will be performing with Symphony Nova Scotia in the Rebecca Cohen. She will create an incredibly unique and dynamic show. The Symphony and her poppy style will hopefully mesh very well together. Show starts at 6:30pm and costs $29.

Halifax Hip Hop Explosion

Halifax Hip-Hop Explosion:

Your guide to the sickest hip-hop to hit the city.

The hip-hop this year is so diverse and features several new sounds on the scene. Some of the big names include Random Recipe, The Wordburglar, and Ghettosocks.

Kicking things off on Wednesday is Halifax’s own Ghettosocks  at The Paragon. This show is part of the 101.3 The Bounce show. Ghettosocks was named the best local MC by The Coast this year and is without a doubt going to drop his clever lyricism and fresh beats that create a true old school hip-hop feel. Show starts at 11:30pm and costs $15 at the door/ $12 in advance.

Thursday night starting at Tribeca, five bucks is all you need to get yourself a night with the Wordburglar. The Wordburglar has to be the most clever rapper ever. He uses incredibly obscure and interesting wordplay  and creates an in your face style similar to the Beastie-Boys. Show starts at 10:00pm and costs $5

The hip-hop highlight for the festival is bound to be Saturday night at Tribeca featuring Three Sheet, Random Recipe, and Radio Radio. By now you must have seen 3 sheet posters everywhere. They, like, Random Recipe create all of their percussion on stage through beatboxing. Random Recipe is what hip-hop has been waiting for. They feature a few lyrical geniuses who create meaningful and personal songs. After our beatboxing extravaganza, Radio Radio the fun dance party will drop their unique Acadian French hip-hop style. The show starts at 8:30 and costs $10.

 

Halifree Pop Explosion Guide

Free Weezy err…. Pop Explosion:

Your guide to the free pop explosion shows.

So we’ve all been there, you want to check out some sweet music but don’t want to break the bank. Don’t worry, pop explosion this year has free concerts featuring bands like Radio Radio, Rebekah Higgs, and The Kestrels to name a few. There are also a lot of other free things happening like the zine fair, a mixtape swap and a movie presentation by Picnicface

Kicking off the free version of Pop Explosion on Tuesday is DJ James Reid and Long Long Long. DJ James Reis fuses so many different styles of music leaving you with chills. Long Long Long revive messy, nostaligic punk rock and are bound to have the whole place jumping. Show starts at  6:00pm.

Other free shows worth checking out include the shows being held in the CKDU lobby. There will be visits from, Dance Movie, IT KILLS, Forrest City Lovers, Cousins and two secret guests. These shows will feature a more folk-pop sound. The shows are on Thursday and Friday starting at 4:00 pm. A great way to start the weekend.

The highlight of the free shows has to be the Bonsound Showcase at the Citadel Hotel downtown. Headlining the show is recent Polaris nominee Radio Radio  who drop the sickest francophone hip-hop sound. The entire Bonsound community is a must see as it is unique and cultured. It’s going to be a formal freak show. Show starts on Friday at 6:00pm

Radio Radio

Hot Hot Heat Concert Review Paragon Theatre Oct. 14 2010

The West Coast of Canada has provided us with some catchy tunes and unique bands. This includes the wild Disco-Dance-Rock style of Hot Hot Heat, who performed at The Paragon Theatre on October 14th. The west coast group were being supported by Hey Rosetta!, and Rich Aucoin.

Leading off was Rich Aucoin and if you haven’t seen him live, you haven’t lived yet. He is the most engaging performer as his set always includes parachute games, glow sticks, tambourines, 3D glasses and copious amounts of confetti. His set had the entire crowd dancing and singing along. Aucoin makes sure to incorporate the crowd into each song by teaching them the chorus before he plays the song. He only played a few songs but had the entire crowd stoked.

Rich Aucoin

 

Following Aucoin’s high energy performance was the incredibly popular Hey Rosetta!. The six piece indie-rock group captivated the audience. They played a wide variety of old and new tracks and had the entire audience rocking out. They also played a couple of more mellow and sentimental songs which left the crowd feeling numb. Despite the fact that the group’s van was broken into earlier that night, they still went out and gave the audience what they were looking for. It seemed that the crowd anticipated and enjoyed them the most of the three bands playing.

After Hey Rosetta!, it was getting late and the crowd had significantly thinned out. While Hot Hot Heat were setting up, the audience seemed relatively impatient. Before they took to the stage there was an entirely new crowd who were seeking a more psychedelic experience.  Interestingly, the only performer of the entire evening who did not set up their own gear was front man Steve Bays. Instead, Bays had his band mates set it up for him.

When the headliners took to the stage they were greeted warmly by a half-empty venue. The group opened the show with their hard-hitting track “YVR” from their latest album “Future Breeds”. The entire set consisted of songs from this album as well as a

Hot Hot Heat

few old favorites like “Goodnight Goodnight”. The lighting choice of the group was very appropriate to their music style. The dark venue with spastic strobe lights created a high energy and trippy environment. All members of the group had incredible stage presence. The used the space very well and created a very up-close and personal show

 

Despite the energy of the band on stage, the crowd just wasn’t into it. This may have been a result of inappropriate opening acts. Hey Rosetta! and Rich Aucoin brought a warmth and intimacy to the stage. Hot Hot Heat then followed them with a in-your-face music style that stress you out. The chemistry of Hot Hot Heat closing the show did not work.

Hot Hot Heat did a poor job of directly engaging the audience. Front man Sam Bays did not acknowledge the crowd until the band was halfway through their set. Also by using incredibly dim lighting, it was difficult to see any of the band, even from the very front of the room.

The live sound of the band was mediocre, at best. They attempted a new and unique disco-psychedelic rock style which ended up sounding like a cheap Of Montreal knock off. It seemed as if the group was trying too hard to be something they weren’t. Their sound has changed so drastically since their more poppy style of the mid 2000′s.

The West Coast group left the Halifax venue slightly disappointed and it was as if the stars of the night were the opening acts, who created a very unique and personal show.

Hot Hot Heat Setlist. Oct. 14th 2010

Artist: Hot Hot Heat

Venue: Paragon Theatre

Rating: Luke-Warm

Setlist:

• YVR
• Talk To Me Dance with Me
• No Not Now
• Christmas Day in the Sun
• Get In or Get Out
• Zero Results
• Goodnight Goodnight
• Naked In the City Again
• 21 @ 12
• Nobody’s Acc

Album Review: Scott Dunbar- Philosophies of a Moth

Click to listen

We all have opinions on a lot of important issues and sometimes we just need a soap-box to stand on so they can be heard. Scott Dunbar’s soap-box is his music. Dunbar, a Vancouver native is about to release a double CD full of his charismatic and unique music. Dunbar creates clever instrumentals using what he calls a one man band with either his guitar or accordion in hand, and percussion at his feet. However; the greatest strength of this album is the lyricism. Dunbar delivers powerful, radical and important messages on issues including political ideologies, sustainability, and industrialization. His outspoken nature on this album creates songs which will leave you full of questions about the world. If you give a shit about current global issues, you should listen to this album. Although a word of caution, only listen to the album if you are ready for a strong dose of reality.

The style of Dunbar’s voice is both powerful and full of so much passion. He sings with a really in your face blues style. If Propaghandi made music with Dan Mangan, it would sound something like this hard hitting, face paced record. Dunbar Started out as a street busker and gained popularity on YouTube with his Michael Jackson covers. He is now gaining momentum with this new release of the double CD. It has 24 tracks total All of which were recorded within the time-frame of one week. An ambitious project to say the least but the album still produces clever tracks with their own distinct sound. The album is released in a modest case with clever album art to say the least. The two discs come in a pocket fashioned out of re-used cloth material. It is Sustainable, original, and just plain cool. Not to mention he also provides the chords to his songs in the included booklet with lyrics. A good way to have listeners pass the message along by learning to play some of their favorite tracks. Dunbar continues to role model sustainability with his percussion. He uses rusty chains, old pots and his suitcase kick drum. Dunbar transcends social justice and completely spews, modern day activist. Releasing this album completely independently with no record label or deal, he just aims to have his message heard. It is refreshing to listen to an artist who has a clear motive with their work. This album will make you think.

Scott Dunbar’s Myspace

Seaside Mic Check

Book Review- Top 100 Canadian Singles

In 2007 Bob Merserau released a national bestseller: “The top 100 Canadian Albums”. It got so much attention it was ridiculous. The 2007 collection was the pinnacle of most of my arguments that year. I was worried to hear a new collection like it was to be released. However, in the opening pages of Meserau’s new book, “The Top 100 Canadian Singles”; which is to be released on September 30th 2010, he discusses how generating some controversy and disagreement is his goal. He has crafted this book based on thousands of different opinions, if you disagree with any of the list, then, power to you. Mersereau explains that if you argue over this book you are only manifesting the fact that there is a copious amount of amazing music produced by our true north strong and free.

I won’t spoil who wins the whole thing, but I will tell you that the usual suspects of Canadian greats made the list. The book is a neat blend of artists both young, and old. Artists like Neil Young, The Guess Who, and Joni Mitchell are of course on the list, but I was thrilled to see more recent artists like Wintersleep, Arcade Fire and K-os on there too. Mersereau has masterfully crafted an incredibly diverse list as he interviewed such a diverse group of music buffs to help him come up with the list.

Overall, the book is just really well laid-out. Each single is given at least an entire page with the top 10 having four pages dedicated to them. The amount of new interviews and perspectives, inside this collection make it a must-read. Opinions from artists, producers, and press people are directly quoted and just make the reader feel like they were on the inside of producing the single. The book also contains personal top 10 lists from some current Canadian icons like Buck 65, Bubbles from the Trailer Park Boys, and Joel Plaskett to name a few. The book also contains a two page spread with a list of the top 100 French-Canadian singles. This list was necessary as francophone music is not as popular as it should be in Canada. With this book, Bob Mersereau will definitely generate some heated arguments as well as some interest. I found a few Canadian music gems that I would have never heard of before. Thanks Bob.

Concert Review: Matthew Barber @ The Seahorse Tavern

Artist: Matthew Barber

Venue: Seahorse

Rating: Intimate

Matthew Barber; the cool nephew of Canadian soft-rock music was in town last Wednesday. The 30 year old Toronto based singer-songwriter was lined up to play a smaller show at The Seahorse Tavern. His music is the kind of stuff your older sister would love and you have a guilty pleasure for.  Upon entrance of the tavern one could feel the super mellow and laid back vibe of this Halifax audience. As Matthew Barber hit the stage armed with his guitar and harmonica the crowd welcomed him very warmly. Barber then continued onto his distinct soft-rock style, similar to local folk-rocker Jon Bryant.

Barber displayed masterful vocalism as he belted out a commanding yet soothing voice. He created a very personal atmosphere which connected the audience to the music. Everyone at that show was falling in love with his presence on stage. Barber opened the show with the title track off his new album True Believer. He then continued to play several favorites from his debut album Ghost Notes, including: Settle My Accounts, Easily Bruised and Sleep Please Come to Me. After opening the show with five of his signature, super mellow solo acoustic tunes Barber changed gears.He told a long, yet absolutely hilarious story about an independent musical that he wrote some songs for. Of course, he then played songs from this musical which had a very country-esque sound to them.  Not only was the sound different from Matthew Barber’s style, the lyrics were as well. The songs had hilarious themes of drinking and venereal diseases which is so out of Barber’s character.

The entire show Barber created an incredibly warm atmosphere by keeping the audience laughing as hard as possible. Regardless of the fact that his music was super mellow Barber’s sense of humour and interaction with the crowd was phenomenal. Even after singing darker songs like, And You Give, He continued on with his positive stage presence. He was awkward, but in a really good way. It was also impressive that Barber asked the audience for any requests, he humbly played the audience favorites including: Cinnamon Hearts, Where The River Bends, and the haunting, Somebody Sometime. He thanked the audience for their requests and admitted that he was more comfortable than usual for this show and was wiling to play anything. This willingness lead to one more strength of the show, the fact that he forgot the lyrics multiple times. Even though this would normally make an audience ornery, Barber played it off so well and had the audience laughing along with his mistakes. After leaving the stage, The Seahorse exploding with warm and gracious praise.

As Matthew Barber returned to the stage to play his encore the audience leaned in closely in anticipation. Barber finished the show with his classic song You and Me which he claimed to be very sad, however it’s more fitting as a wedding song. Either way, Barber wanted to end the relaxed show with one of his especially intimate songs. After the show, Barber modestly stood next to his merchandise and spoke to everyone who wanted to. He signed autographs, sold some albums and was just beaming. Matthew Barber loves Halifax almost as much as Halifax loves him. Almost.

Concert Review: Xavier Rudd Halifax Forum , Sept. 17th 2010

Xavier Rudd in Halifax: Photo by Seaside Mic Check

Artist: Xavier Rudd

Venue: Halifax Forum Multi-Purpose Room

Rating: Euphoric.

On Friday September 17th a vastly diverse crowd filed into the Halifax Forum’s Multipurpose Room looking for a euphoric

Xavier Rudd in Halifax: Photo by Seaside Mic Check

escape. Xavier Rudd was going to be the one to deliver it. If you’ve never heard Rudd’s music before, you absolutely must. No other artists blends such cultural instruments like didgeridoos, tablas, and slide guitars better than Rudd. His music isn’t just cultured, it also boasts messages of environmentalism, peace and Aboriginal rights.

The Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is currently on a world tour promoting his new album Koonyum Sun which he made under the new band name Xavier Rudd & Izintaba. Izintaba consists of two other band members, bassist Tio Moloantoa and percussionist Andile Nqubezelo. The three have an incredible chemistry which yields a distinct and colourful sound. Rudd seems to love the east coast of Canada and the east coast loves him right back. He performed two years ago at the Evolve music festival in Antigonish and received an overwhelmingly positive response. This time Xavier Rudd would take to a much smaller stage in Halifax creating an intimate cultural experience for the diverse crowd that follows him. The Forum was packed with people both young and old who were anticipating Rudd’s high energy performance.

Xavier Rudd took to the stage armed with his slide guitar and sat himself down at one of his many didgeridoos. Bassist Tio Moloantoa and percussionist Andile Nqubezelo also manned their stations in a composed manner. Xavier Rudd & Izintaba were in position, patiently awaiting the crowd’s prolonged warm response to cease. Once the crowd had calmed down a bit the trio kicked things off with the song The Mother from his 2005 album Food in the Belly.  The opening track set the tone for the entire concert as it had strong drumlines, catchy slide guitar riffs and smooth bass lines. Of course, the song also contained Xavier Rudd’s two most defining characteristics, his didgeridoo and messages of respecting mother earth. The crowd’s response to the didgeridoo was absolutely explosive, it was what they had been anticipating from the second they had lined up at the door.

http://halifaxmiccheck.wordpress.com/

Rudd and Izintaba then continued to perform songs of freedom and peace. The set was a choppy blend of both fast-paced hard rocking songs and some of Rudd’s more mellow acoustic songs. The group changed between both styles of the music without any smooth transition as if each song could stand on it’s own as a piece art.

Surprisingly, the set did not have too many songs from the new album. However, this helped them create a mosaic of sounds for their time on stage.  The band had limited interaction with the audience, but they really didn’t need any. Their stage presence was enough. Their genuine smiles and energy on stage was enough to keep the crowd interested. The band displayed their

Xavier Rudd in Halifax: Photo by Seaside Mic Check

incredible talent as well as performing great music. Their extended jamming had to have been the highlight. Rudd performed songs like Mana and Message Stick which featured not only him interchanging between two didgeridoos, for the entire song but also his own percussion performance. Rudd played both of these instruments simultaneously for the entirety of the song. For about twelve straight minutes he was exhibiting his incredibly unique and captivating style of exclusively Australian music.

Another highlight of the concert was how Rudd at times would stand back, literally, and let Izintaba shine. At one moment percussionist Andile Nqubezelo was the only person making music on stage for a solid five minutes. Andile had the entire audience listening so intently as he pounded out some the most complex beats and drum fills imaginable. Shortly after, as Rudd was still hiding behind his incredibly talented band, bassist Tio Moloantoa took over and laid down some incredible bass lines with the incredibly complex intricacies. Watching Rudd take a step back and letting his talented band showcase themselves really spoke to his character. Despite being one of the biggest artists on the planet, he is still an incredibly humble human being.

The band closed the set with the fast-paced and complex song Footprint off the 2007 White Moth album and left the stage leaving the crowd incredibly energized and hungry for more. Of course, Rudd would perform an encore, however his encore was the most mellow and intimate part of his show. He did two more acoustic songs Whirlpool followed by Land Rights. Both of these were done with just Rudd on stage. he stood at centre of the stage for the time of the evening and just poured his heart out to the Halifax audience. He closed the show with his very well known track, Let Me Be from his 2004 album Solace. The show had left the Halifax crowd in a euphoric state as they exited the Forum.

Matthew Barber Setlist : The Seahorse Tavern, Sept. 22/2010

Click to listen

Artist: Matthew Barber

Venue: Seahorse Tavern

Rating: AWESOME.

Setlist:

• True Believer
• Settle My Accounts With You
• Easily Bruised
• Sleep Please Come to Me
• While Away
• Got That Lonesome Feeling Again*
• Drinking and God*
• Venereal Disease*
• And You Give
• Revolution of the Sun
• Somebody Sometime
• Soft One
• Cinnamon Hearts
• Where the River Bends
• I Think You’re Gonna Feel My Love

Encore:

• You and Me

* – From an independent musical for which Barber wrote songs.