After taking a few months of hiatus from this blog due to an insane amount of (fantastic) work and of course the holiday break, I'm back to write about some wonderful shows I've been able to attend in the months of October and November! I have definitely been to many many shows, but I would like to write about a few of my favourites.
David Usher @ The Seahorse Tavern, Oct. 25th/10
If you were born before the 90s, I can guarantee that David Usher rings a bell in your head when it comes to names in the music industry. David was the lead singer in the Canadian rock band Moist and released some solo albums as well; one that of particular popularity being Morning Orbit. The tracks "Alone In The Universe", along with "Black Black Heart" and others were on constant rotation on radio stations everywhere. Other songs like "The Music" were also very prominent in the years following. David Usher did however seem to disappear for a while, leaving those hit songs on your brain's backburner.
In September 2010, David Usher released his seventh album The Mile End Sessions which was completely acoustic and contained acoustic versions of those smash hits as well as new material, including a song that was done in French with Marie-Mai, "Je Repars". This album release led to a very intimate acoustic tour, played in front of groups of only a couple hundred people all over Canada. I was lucky enough to catch him play at the Seahorse Tavern, where it was packed to capacity (which is still under 200 people).
David was an incredible performer and storyteller during the entire set. When he spoke, you could basically hear a pin drop in the venue, which is incredibly different than most shows in the Seahorse; it left me in awe. His vocals were clean and crisp, and weren't taken over by the instrumental (a very big reason why I love hearing acoustic sets). It was as if I was listening to the CD itself, only the vibe that he gave out while he sang was unreal. When he played new tunes, everyone just listened and absorbed the music, swaying back and forth to the melody. If he played the acoustic version of the hits he used to play (including one from Moist's album), people gladly helped him sing along to the lyrics, despite maybe not hearing the song for as much as decades. I know I couldn't help but sing along to "Black Black Heart" and "Alone In The Universe", both songs I haven't heard in about 7 years! Overall, the songs that were sung and the stories he told to go with them were captivating, the laughs he gave us were phenomenal, and I can probably say that I have never met someone so humble despite his massive successes. After meeting him after the show, he was incredibly polite and very down to earth, which was great to see. Afterwards, he came back out front to meet with anyone who stuck around, signed autographs, and took pictures. It was a great end to a lovely evening of talent. If you see an acoustic show going on in your area, I highly recommend going to see it! Don't forget to buy your copy of The Mile End Sessions either, because all of the songs are hauntingly amazing. If you think you know the hit songs, you will be blown away by the acoustic versions: the mood behind them changes completely and it's just like you're listening to a brand new song. Wow!
For more information on shows or to stream/purchase The Mile End Sessions visit David Usher's official website at http://www.davidusher.com/!
Nova Scotia Music Week in Yarmouth NS, Nov. 4-7th/10
Thursday - Carleton Stone, Carmen Townsend, Alert The Medic
This was my first time ever attending NSMW so I had no idea what to expect. What I received at the end of this weekend was the most amazing showcases, incredibly informative conference panels, and a bunch of new friends and industry connections. I got to Yarmouth in the early afternoon on the 4th, and proceeded to check in, relax, and grab a bite to eat. The ball didn't get rolling until around 9:30pm when a group of us made our way over to the Rodd Grand (the host hotel) to check out some showcases. First we ended up in the Rodd Grand Ballroom, where I just missed Andrew Hunter & The Gatherers' set but heard great things about it. Next up was Carleton Stone Drives The Big Wheel, who had an intense stage presence and electric sound. I first heard this band a few years ago when they participated in the Battle of the Bands at Smooth Herman's in Sydney. I loved them then, and I can certainly say I love them now. They have grown so much and developed their sound to blow a crowd away, while still managing to remain friendly; a trait that I definitely look for in people involved within the industry. During the whole set, people were up dancing and singing which is always a great experience to be a part of! Following Carleton's set, I made my way across the lobby to Haley's Lounge to catch Carmen Townsend's set. As always, her vocals were raw and powerful, which made sure to catch the ear of the entire bar. There were many people, including myself, on the dance floor just rocking out! I always love hearing Carmen sing, she's got a voice unlike any I've heard before and a great personality to boot. I ended the evening at the Rodd Grand Ballroom where I got to hear Alert The Medic rock the stage. They played "Atlas", my favourite song, so needless to say my night was complete. Those guys have an amazing energy about them on stage and their music is original and a treat to listen to, especially live, as I've mentioned in previous posts. Overall, an amazing beginning to NSMW!
Friday - Jason MacDonald, HMV Next Big Thing Finals, Rich Aucoin, Caledonia
Friday itself was a very full day. It started at 10am where I spent right up until the early evening in the ballroom learning all about the digital age in the music industry at the conference panels. Very informative session! I then got myself ready and went down to Rudder's for a nice dinner with some great people and from there we went upstairs to catch Jason MacDonald's set. With his acoustic guitar and accompanied by Colin Grant on fiddle, Jason set off an amazing performance of his acoustic songs. It was no mistake this guy was from Cape Breton, and I loved the traditional yet original tunes he played through the whole thing. There were so many other great acts lined up after Jason, but it was time to head back to the Rodd Grand Ballroom to check out the HMV Next Big Thing Finals. The lineup? Writer's Strike (formerly The First Aid Kit), Slowcoaster, Carmen Townsend, The Stogies, and Three Sheet. I could write about this show for ages because it was just that amazing, however I'll just go with the highlights of that evening. The Stogies and Writer's Strike, both put forward an energy-filled performance and had the crowd up and dancing. Slowcoaster brought a huge crowd full of Cape Bretoners who all knew basically every word to the songs and rocked out hard to the music. The vibe these guys give out is one that's indescribable and I can see them play over and over again! Three Sheet brought a set that really proved themselves. The energy and the interaction that they had probably quadrupled the amount they've ever had before! They were passionate, and they wanted to give the best performance they could muster; and they did it, no doubt in my mind of that. Finally, Carmen Townsend rocked the place with her amazing performance, which then landed the singer-songwriter the winning spot at HMV Next Big Thing meaning she was off to the UK!
After seeing Carmen's performance, it was off to Dooly's for Rich Aucoin. For those of you who haven't seen this man perform, with a band or solo, you have GOT to check him out. I first saw him perform at Evolve last summer, and his performance literally left me speechless. His genre of music is very different compared to most that frequent the east coast; it could be described as motivational karaoke. This set is just so interactive and fun that you can't help but sing and dance along even if it isn't your type of music. Rich's performance at Dooly's was no exception! He was solo for this, though you couldn't tell because he gave off that much energy. The whole audience wore 3D glasses and followed the lyrics and videos on the white sheet behind him. There was dancing, singing, and arms waving the entire time... we even got to play under a parachute in which Rich put himself in the center. Silly string, glow sticks, and confetti made this set so intense and out of this world that it definitely left you craving more! It was time I made my way back to the Rodd Grand after this fantastic set to check out the last band playing at Haley's Lounge, Caledonia. Caledonia's music to me is so fun to listen to. The band members have a familial connection and it definitely shows in their performance! One thing about the show I won't forget is watching Zac Crouse play the stand up bass while wearing a headband with a light on it so he could see the frets. It was used so he could see clearly, but he also inadvertently got my attention and made me watch the whole set.
Saturday - SpinCount/Codapop/Little River Folk Presents: Suitecase 2010, Gloryhound, The Stanfields
After beginning my day at the conference, this time talking about International Exporting, it was time to relax and prepare myself for my last night of Nova Scotia Music Week! After getting a nice bite to eat, it was time to head up to the 3rd floor of the Rodd Grand Hotel to check out Suitecase 2010, put on by SpinCount (http://www.spincount.com/), Codapop Studios (http://www.codapop.com/), and Little River Folk (http://www.littleriverfolk.com/). This was a very intimate setting where one could have a beer or a glass of wine, have some appetizers, and listen to singer-songwriters perform a small yet amazing 15 minute acoustic set. The performers of the evening were Electric City Underground, Christine Campbell, Ashley Condon, Jon McKiel, Andrew Hunter, and Steven MacDougall. All I can say about this Suitecase is that the music was phenomenal, the hosts were so outgoing and accommodating, and the people attending were just wonderful to talk to. The end of the Suitecase led to people getting themselves ready for some showcases and having a few drinks in the hotel rooms. It was time for me to head down to Dooly's which was to capacity I may add, to see Gloryhound and The Stanfield's play their sets. What a night this was! Gloryhound came on stage and blew us all away with their stellar original songs and an amazing stage presence. Their sound is nothing short of rock and roll, which is something that isn't necessarily around much anymore, so it makes seeing this type of performance (leather jackets and all) that much better. The interaction with the audience was impeccable and they didn't leave a dry seat in the house. Up next was The Stanfields, who had had some major car troubles back on the west coast and wouldn't have made it back on time if it weren't for the help of their fans donating to save their engine. It goes to show how many people actually care about them, and they did not disappoint when they got up on that stage. They belted out that typical drinking song type of music, which is perfect for the end of a night. Everyone was up jumping around, dancing, and singing along; quite frankly I couldn't believe how many people came out for this show! It was my first time actually seeing these guys perform, and it will not be the last; I bought a CD and made sure to tell them just how well they did that night.
Nova Scotia Music Week: four days (three of which I experienced) of amazing people, thoroughly entertaining sets and wonderful music. If you're in the area next year, be sure to come out, you will not be disappointed! For more information on Music Nova Scotia, visit http://www.musicnovascotia.ca/.
Artists' Websites
Alert The Medic: http://www.alertthemedic.com/
Andrew Hunter & The Gatherers: http://www.andrewhunter.ca/
Ashley Condon: www.myspace.com/ashleydcondon
Caledonia: http://www.caledoniatheband.ca/
Carleton Stone Drives The Big Wheel: http://www.carletonstone.com/
Carmen Townsend: http://www.carmendtownsend.ca/
Electric City Underground: http://www.electriccityunderground.com/
Gloryhound: http://www.gloryhoundband.com/
Jason MacDonald: http://www.jasonmacdonald.com/
Jon McKiel: www.myspace.com/jonmckiel
Rich Aucoin: http://www.richaucoin.ca/
Slowcoaster: http://www.slowcoaster.ca/
Steven MacDougall: www.myspace.com/stevenmacdougall
Stone Mary (Christine Campbell): http://www.stonemary.com/
The Stanfields: http://www.thestanfields.ca/
The Stogies: www.myspace.com/thestogies
Three Sheet: www.myspace.com/threesheet
Writer's Strike: www.myspace.com/writersstrike
