http://www.twitter.com/andPOPsideB I imagine you’ve heard of Zeus by now. The band hit the ground running when they followed up their acclaimed EP with ‘Say Us’, an unstoppable foray into 1970′s inspired rock and roll that landed the band a spot on the Polaris Prize long list. Critics have been very kind to the Toronto quartet, although they often emphasize the nostalgic sound. Wait, is that what I’ve done right here? I guess so, huh.
Its been a couple weeks since I posted up an interview, so I thought I’d upload something special that has so far only appeared on television. You can watch the full episode at aux.tv (http://tinyurl.com/22m3do6), but I’ll share with you one segment that I thought would be particularly relevant, given that the band’s latest, highly-anticipated album ‘Champ’ has finally been released.
Jamie Lidell has released yet another genre-bending album, but it sounds a little rougher this time around. Perhaps that can be partially attributed to Beck, who, after collaborating with Jamie for his Record Club project (google it!), encouraged and helped produce his latest LP “Compass”. Jamie discussed embracing sonic rawness, and spoke to us about some of the other allstars that helped with this latest record.
What would happen if you went backin time to tell your 16 year-old self about your sweet band? What would you do if you played SXSW and Bill Murray was at your show? Luke and Mitch from the Born Ruffians comment on these pressing questions, and chat about their latest album, “Say it”.
http://www.twitter.com/andpopsideb “We’re not good enough to play for longer than five minutes at a time.” That’s forgivable, considering they can do very, very well in those five. Tokyo Police Club has earned a great deal of praise, and, of course, attention. (They appeared on both Letterman AND Desperate Housewives!) Fortunately, they felt a bit less pressure while creating their latest album, “Champ”.
Dan Snaith is finally getting the attention he deserves. Each of his releases as Caribou (formerly Manitoba, but we won’t get into that) provide a strikingly unique and compelling listen. Caribou’s latest album ‘Swim’ is an experimental, wobbly dance record that has already received considerable praise – much to Dan’s surprise.
What happens when Dan from andPOP’s Side B takes over Something New? Hilarity and substance.
So much has already been said about this band, I’m not sure where to begin. Simply put, I love them. Their latest release, Forgiveness Rock Record, has once again impressed fans and critics alike – myself included. Needless to day, I was thrilled to catch up with Brendan and Justin over (mediocre) coffee.
Right now there seems to be a general celebration of bands that challenge and distort genre conventions. Why hasn’t Brasstronaut hit people’s radar? If you’re looking for a band that turns well-established genres upside down, one listen to Mt. Chimaera proves that the band is not only creative and talented, but able to create songs that are at once strikingly original, yet accessible. (Note that the music video used here is actually for an older song entitled Old World Lies.)
Plants and animals blew listeners away with their debut album, Parc Avenue, and finally the band has delivered a follow up. La La Land seems to expand upon the rock ‘n’ roll framework of its predecessor. The boys have turned their amps up to eleven (just kidding, ten is the standard maximum), and have fully embraced the “barbecue rock” within. I spoke to the charming Montreal trio during Canadian Music Week here in Toronto.
Japandroids is a garage rock duo from Vancouver, but you probably know that by now. Their latest full-length, Post-Nothing, was widely praised, even earning the coveted “Best New Music” status from Pitchfork. I spoke to guitarist Brian King about their sudden and slightly mysterious rise to popularity, and how people tend to label their music.
(Live footage courtesy of KEXP Radio)
Attack in Black surprised me in a couple ways. First of all, their former punk rock sound has gracefully matured into mellow yet rough-around-the-edges acoustic indie rock. Second, they are a ridiculous interview. I highly recommend you give their most recent album Years (by One Thousand Fingertips) a thorough listen. You’ll be surprised too. [ PS - you can watch the Much On Demand clip that I mention here:
“If you have no idea what you are, you have no business being.” This is what Jona and Claire told me at the beginning of our interview. Needless to say, the two are philosophers, poets, and musicians – perhaps in that order. YACHT is a perfect blend of intellect, modesty, talent, and curiosity. Oh, and the whole psychedelic dance music thing… but we don’t really get to that.
What else can I say about Phantogram? I love them. The duo’s debut LP, ‘Eyelid Movies’, is a haunting, psychedelic orgy of beats, samples, synths, guitar and a rare kind of charm. Watch this interview, go listen to their music, and then get your friends from high school to start a band with you… It worked for these dudes. Hear more Phantogram at myspace.com/phantogram.
HPNTZ – the Rihanna/Biggie pseudo-mashup – may have garnered a lot of attention for Dan Black, but it is his album Un that won me over. Dan has an incredible talent for crafting catchy yet credible pop songs,and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to discuss his music with him.
Total babe on guitar, her boyfriend on the drums, and her brother on bass. Seems like an odd dynamic, but it must be working – and the proof is in the pudding. The Balconies’ self-titled debut is not only undeniably catchy, but extremely eclectic while maintaining an original approach to indie rock. I caught up with the young Toronto band just as they returned from their tour of east-coast Canada
Things have been crazy for the Rural Alberta Advantage. In a good way. The group has proven themselves as one of Canada’s best and most exciting musical acts. Even Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is down with them, according to the Globe and Mail.
The Constantines have been rocking their unmistakable jagged punk music for ten years now. Yes, ten years. I sat down with frontman Bryan Webb during their tenth anniversary tour to discuss critical reception of the Cons’ music, and what kept the band going for so long.
Basia Bulat’s first record, “Oh My Darling”, grabbed the attention of listeners and critics worldwide. Now in the spotlight as one of Canada’s strongest singer-songwriters, Basia has released an amazing second LP, entitled “Heart of My Own”. I had the pleasure of chatting with Ms. Bulat about her latest release and what The Simpsons has to do with it. (Check out http://tinyurl.com/ckw2dn if you are a Simpsons rookie!)
I think it’s impossible not to like Ra Ra Riot. Their poppy arrangements are equal parts beautiful and complex, and their debut full-length The Rhumb Line is one of 2008′s best releases. I got the chance to speak to two of the members about their unexpected and overwhelming success, and their plans for the future.
