Podcast 55 (26 Nov - 2 Dec 2009).

And we're back. Podcasts have been few and far between this fall, but not for lack of love or music. Just lack of time. But this week we've got 6 songs to share with you that you may not have heard yet. It's a little heavy on stuff I really like... which will either appeal to you or it won't. But tough, it's my podcast, eh? ;-)

Featuring the Phonemes ("April, Let’s Send His Colleagues An Email"), Steamboat ("Day Dreaming"), Bahamas ("Already Yours"), the Racoon Wedding ("Basement or the Attic"), the Lovely Feathers ("Lowiza"), and Evening Hymns ("Broken Rifle").

Oh, and if you subscribe through Zygiella, you won't get this podcast there (yet). Site troubles. Feel free to stream or download from this website. Sorry, and hopefully this problem will be fixed soon!

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Podcast 54 (22-28 Oct 09) feat. the Schomberg Fair.

Tyler and I met up with Matt, Nate, and Pete from the Schomberg Fair at a rehearsal space earlier this week to talk about their new record (Gospel - out now!), their upcoming tour, and so they could play us a song. Plus other stuff: how the band classifies their sound, Nate's worst performance experience, the band's plans for the future, and more. Featuring songs by the Schomberg Fair ("Angel's Wings"), Everything All the Time ("I Get So Hot"), Make Your Exit ("Kids"), the Schomberg Fair ("Trouble Will Soon Be Over" [live recording]), Sprengjuhöllin ("Worry till Spring"), and Sky Larkin ("Smarts").

The Schomberg Fair celebrate the release of Gospel on Saturday at the El Mocambo. Also performing at their friends the Unsettlers (and 11-piece band from Montreal) and the Speaking Tongues, on first at 10pm. Cover is $8 at the door, and you'll be able to buy the new record for only $7 more. I hear there will be some surprises....

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Podcast 53 (17-23 Sep 2009).

Tyler and I gathered at Lauren Schreiber's place for a conversation with her and Jessica Tollefsen from Green Go. Lauren's celebrating 100 No Shame shows this Friday at the Horseshoe Tavern. (Details about that are here.) Featuring Deerhoof ("Spirit Ditties of No Tone"), Pick A Piper ("Yellowknife"), Ruby Coast ("Town to Province"), Green Go ("Watch Your Step"), Windom Earle ("Get On Into It"), and Hooded Fang ("Fall Leaves").

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And, because we couldn't fit it in the podcast, here's a special live track by The Skeletones Four, the band opening up Lauren's show on Friday:

Download: The Skeletones Four, "The Fish Rots from the Head" (live, Orangeville, 17 May 2009).

Podcast 52 (27 Aug - 2 Sep 2009).

And we're back! Jen and Tyler met up with Casey Mecija and James Bunton at the Bellwoods house to talk about the Friends in Bellwoods 2 charity compilation, just out this week in stores and online. With two disks, the compilation includes songs by 40 different bands and artists, including Mecija and Bunton's own Ohbijou, Gentleman Reg, Basia Bulat, Final Fantasy, Great Lake Swimmers, Sebastien Grainger, and tons (well, 34) more. We've got 6 of the songs on this podcast: Forest City Lovers ("Minneapolis"), Canadian Wildlife (AKA Jenny Mecija, "Winter's Moon"), Hooded Fang ("Highway Steam"), The Low Notes ("Glory Glory"), Sylvie Smith ("On Our Own"), and Ohbijou ("An Ode to an End").

For more info on the compilation and the release parties this weekend, click here. It's out now in record stores and online. Information about the Banff residency program that Casey and James talk about can be found here.

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And see you Friday at the release party at Lee's Palace!
Check back tomorrow for my listings for this weekend and into next week.

Podcast 51 (20-25 August 2009).

This one's just Tyler by himself, and it's very lo-fi. (I've been busy busy.) Includes music by In English ("Never A Part Of Me"), Junior Battles ("We're Not Coming Down"), The Schomberg Fair ("Angel's Wings"), The Wilderness Of Manitoba ("Summer Fires"), Blood Ceremony ("Children Of the Future"),and The Dress Whites ("Far Away"). Enjoy!

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Podcast 50 (6-15 Aug 2009).

This week's podcast is all about the music portion of the SummerWorks Festival. Tyler and I talked to Eric Warner, this year's guest music programmer, about all the bands playing and other projects he's involved with. Featuring DD/MM/YYYY ("I'm Still In the Walls"), Still Life Still ("Pastel"), Boys Who Say No ("No I Won't"), Forest City Lovers ("Monsters"), Sunparlour Players ("Battle of '77"), and Germans ("I Am the Teacher").

The Music Series runs 6-15 August, with shows every night except Monday, 10 Aug. All shows are at the Theatre Centre at Queen and Dovercourt, have a 10pm door time, are $10 in advance (or at the door), and audience members of all ages are welcome. See the website for all the lineup details. And see you there!

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Fiftieth podcast!

Podcast 49 (30 July-6 Aug 2009).

Tyler and I sat down with Scott and Will from The Wilderness of Manitoba in the shed at Delaware House, where they practice, record, and host shows. We talked about their new record, the Rural Alberta Advantage CD release (they are the opening band), the venue they run, and the musical community of which they are a part. Featuring 6 songs by 6 Toronto "The" bands: The Wilderness of Manitoba ("Evening"), The Rural Alberta Advantage ("Dethbridge in Lethbridge"), The Disraelis ("The Bitter Ash"), The Framework ("She Thinks I'm Famous"), The Calrizians ("Hernando's Hideaway"), and The O'Darling ("Embroideries"). Just 'cause it worked out that way.

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I'll post my listings for the next 7 days soon. Check last week's listings for events happening tonight (Wednesday).

Podcast 48 (23-29 July 2009).

We talk to Andrew Pulsifer, the organizer of SynthFest 09, happening this Friday and Saturday. Andrew tells us about synths and the variety of genres that can feature synths as a main instrument, we talk about synth bands that we like, and in general about the awesomeness of the Toronto music community. Featuring Shelby Lamb ("I Can't Be Normal"), GoldenGirls ("The Big League"), Wordburglar ("S'up Burg"), Gentleman Reg ("Falling Back"), PDF Format ("God Only Knows"), and Maybe Smith ("More Blood Than Sleep [After B.C.]"). I think I know what a synth is now.

The two-day SynthFest happens 24-25 July at the Tranzac's Main Hall. Tickets are $7 at the door each night, or $12 for both nights. Doors open at 7:30pm, with music starting at 8pm sharp (bands must end up 11pm). These will be fun nights!

DAY 1 feat. Cobra Cut (DJ set), GoldenGirls, Silly Kissers, Adolf Glitter, and Digits (Alt from Europe in Colour).

DAY 2 feat. OPOPO, PDF Format, Henrietta Lacks, Guy Dallas, and Alpine Continuum (members of Vowls).

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I'll post my listings soon. Check last week's listings for events happening tonight (Tuesday) and tommorow.

Podcast 47 (16-22 July 2009).

Featuring The Two Koreas ("Withering Heights"), The Wooden Sky ("Oh My God [It Still Means A Lot To Me]"), Marienbad ("Reggie Jackson"), Clothes Make The Man ("Chile"), Culture Reject ("Inside The Cinema"), and Mamabolo ("Project"). Tyler and I talk about my new look, the joys of discovering new music and new genres at shows, and some of the special release events happening this week in the local music world.

Next week we talk about synths.

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A couple other local podcasts to tell you about. A new series of Zunior podcasts has started up, with hosts Paul Watson (Dog Is Blue) and Luther Mallory. The Panic Manual has its latest podcast up. And I already told you about the all-Canadian-music NxEW podcasts/mistapes. Check those out here. We're still your favourite one, right? No?...

Podcast 46 (9-15 July 2009).

Featuring Key Witness ("Overnight"), Wayne Petti ("Moment By Moment"), DD/MM/YYYY ("Infinity Skull Cube"), At Odds With Even ("Plastic Boy"), Chang-A-Lang ("Ruth Was A Communist"), and Dog Is Blue ("Seacaptain"). Plus Tyler and Jen blathering on about stuff, as usual.

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Special NxNE podcasts, episode 2.

I went to the North by Northeast music festival accredited to Zygiella.com. Welcome to my coverage! In these five special podcasts you will hear the interviews I conducted with musicians, writers, bloggers, photographers, and others during the festival. In addition you will also hear songs by artists who performed (and a couple who didn't) during the five days of NxNE. Highlights include a new D'Urbervilles song feat. hip hop artist New Slang, brand new tracks by METZ and La Casa Muerte, and as-yet unreleased songs by Burn Planetarium, The Schomberg Fair, and Evening Hymns. All the songs were chosen by the people I talked to. The conversations you'll hear touch on a variety of subjects, including the state of the music industry, the excitement and diversity of the festival, the travails of independent bands, and the music scenes in other cities. My sense from my travels and talks was that this year's NxNE was well programmed, more embracing of a variety of music styles, and felt more like a festival than in previous years. The bands I spoke with were having a good time, the fans were enjoying themselves, and everyone was finding something exciting to go see and hear.

Episode 2: Thursday afternoon (18 June 2009)

I got home really late on Wednesday night, but I was keen to get an early afternoon start on the official first day of the festival. I started at the Hyatt Regency, where I picked up my press pass and chatted with Fezz Stenton from Green Go. Then I sat in on the round table discussion featuring a dozen members of the (mainstream) Canadian music industry. I took a breather after that bizarre session to debrief with Leif Vollebekk, Scott Bouwmeester, and Stefan Banjevic. After seeing Dinosaur Bones perform a spirited set at Sunrise Records, I interviewed a couple members of that band, Joe Strutt from Mechanical Forest Sound, and NOW Magazine's Jordan Bimm. Spiral Beach was by then entertaining a good crowd at Yonge-Dundas Square, where I talked to Elvis Mondays' William New and Bo and Brandon from La Casa Muerte. Featuring songs by Green Go ("Brains For Breakfast"), Leif Vollebekk ("Northernmost Eva Maria"), Kids on TV ("Breakdance Hunx"), Parallels ("Reservoir"), Dinosaur Bones ("Life In Trees"), The Swallows ("Glorious"), and La Casa Muerte ("Cut It Out").

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The first episode, covering Wednesday, is here. Stay tuned for the next 3 episodes, covering Thursday night, Friday, and Saturday and Sunday.

Photo of Daniel, Maddy, Dorian, and Airick (Spiral Beach) performing at Yonge-Dundas Square by Ming Wu.

Special NxNE podcasts, episode 1.

I went to the North by Northeast music festival accredited to Zygiella.com. Welcome to my coverage! Over the following five special podcasts you will hear the interviews I conducted with musicians, writers, bloggers, photographers, and others during the festival. In addition you will also hear songs by artists who performed (and a couple who didn't) during the five days of NxNE. Highlights include a new D'Urbervilles song feat. hip hop artists New Slang, brand new tracks by METZ and La Casa Muerte, and as-yet unreleased songs by Burn Planetarium, The Schomberg Fair, and Evening Hymns. All the songs were chosen by the people I talked to. The conversations you'll hear touch on a variety of subjects, including the state of the music industry, the excitement and diversity of the festival, the travails of independent bands, and the music scenes in other cities. My sense from my travels and talks was that this year's NxNE was well programmed, more embracing of a variety of music styles, and felt more like a festival than in previous years. The bands I spoke with were having a good time, the fans were enjoying themselves, and everyone was finding something exciting to go see and hear.

Episode 1: Wednesday (17 June 2009)

My festival started at the launch party at the Berkeley Church on Queen East. I caught up with some friends, met a few new people, and had a couple free beers. Sufficiently tipsy, a friend and I cabbed over to the Drake to see the City Sonic films (really well done), and catch sets by J. J. Ipsen, The D'Urbervilles, Lioness, and Woodhands. I spoke with Tim Bruton and John O'Regan from The D'Urbervilles, Ming Wu, a photoblogger from Ottawa and first-time NxNEr, and Garry Tsaconas, a local photographer and avid show-goer. Featuring songs by The D'Urbervilles ("Worst Case Ontario [feat. New Slang and Green Go]," and Woodhands ("Electric Avenue [Eddy Grant cover]"). Hope you enjoy it!

Photo of John O'Regan performing at the Drake on 17 June 2009 by Garry Tsaconas.

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Stay tuned for the next 4 episodes, covering Thursday afternoon, Thursday night, Friday, and Saturday and Sunday.

Podcast 45 (2-8 July 2009).

Happy Canada Day! I'm back from NxNE, Tyler is back from illness, we're a little low-energy, but still excited about what's coming up over the next week. Featuring Gregory Pepper & his Problems ("Knives & Guns"), Friendlyness & the Human Rights ("One More Draw"), Barzin ("Stayed In this Place For Too Long"), Lickpenny Loafer ("Bonded"), Zeus ("How Does It Feel"), Casiotone For the Painfully Alone ("Ice Cream Truck").

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NOTE: I am dumb and got the date wrong for the Gregory Pepper show. It's Friday! Not Thursday!

Podcast 44 (17-21 June 2009).

Jen and Tyler welcomed Lauren Schreiber (of No Shame) to the podcast for a special NxNE preview episode! We tell you some secrets, give you show suggestions, provide tips on how you can make the most of the festival’s 5 days, and play songs from 9 great bands. This one is chock-full of insider info and tips, so take a listen before you make any decisions about what to do and see this Wednesday through Sunday. Featuring songs by The Sonics (“Psycho”), Boys Who Say No (“No I Won’t”), Sleepless Nights (“Allyson Got Robbed”), Great Bloomers (“Honey Blanket”), The Darcys (“The CN Tower Belongs To The Dead [Final Fantasy cover]”), The Magic (“Mr. Hollywood”), Ruby Jean & the Thoughtful Bees (“You Don’t Miss Me”), Pick A Piper (“Rooms”), and Nich Worby (“Ghost Bike”).

Lauren’s got three shows happening this weekend as part of NxNE. A wristband or pass will get you into each show, or else it’ll be $10 at the door. Woo!

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Podcast 43 (10-16 June 2009).

This week Tyler and I visited La Casa Muerte's practice space, talked to the band, and were treated to a special performance. We chatted with Ireek Sofakia (Bo), Charlie (Bobby), Link (Brandon), Hank Bukkake (Henry), Bentzen (Matt Gilbert), and lead vocalist Namico about how the band came together, their musical compadres in Toronto, their DIY record label (FABRik RECordS), all the other bands they've played and play in, and the importance of community for them. Featuring songs by La Casa Muerte ("All the Wrong Moves"), Hollerado ("Juliette"), Proof of Ghosts ("I'm Coming Home"), Heartbeat Hotel ("TVPO"), 1977 ("The Otherside"), and then two live performances by La Casa Muerte ("Free Range" and "We Fall to Pieces").

Catch La Casa Muerte at Edgefest on 20 June, Wavelength on 21 June, and at their EP release show at the Horseshoe on 16 July. In addition to the 6 we talked to, the band also includes tambourine players and dancers as part of their live show: Ronnie Jesus, Lady Concubine, Dallas Muertley, El Burgundy, El Bandito, and St. Gabrielle.

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Podcast 42 (4-10 June 2009).

Featuring Flotilla ("Charlie, I'm Through"), Clara Engel ("Appetite for Pain"), Evening Hymns ("Sentimental Reasons"), The Darling DeMaes ("Girl Soldiers"), The Lovely Feathers ("Lowiza"), and Jordaan Mason & the Horse Museum ("Bird's Nest").

Tyler and I realized that we've already done a year's worth of podcasts! The first one covered the last week of May 2008. So here's to the start of year 2. Thanks so much to everyone who's listened!

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As always, we're on the lookout for new music. Streaming from MySpace can be difficult or impossible some days---like yesterday, when the player wasn't at all reliable, so feel free to send me some song files (historyjenATgmailDOTcom).

Another podcast you should know about are the ones done by Justin Beach for the NxEW.ca music blog. Check out previous all-music podcasts here, and submit your band's music for potential inclusion (northbyeastwestATgmailDOTcom).

Podcast 41 (28-31 May 2009).

On this episode Tyler and Jen talk to Keith Hamilton, creator and organizer of the Pitter Patter Music Festival. Featuring songs by Sandman Viper Command ("Oh Yeah, It's Fusion"), Parlovr ("On the Phone"), Pick A Piper ("Yellowknife"), Two Year Touqe ("Sea Unicorns"), Golden Isles ("Zombie Heart"), and The Champion Heartache ("Emergency"). Many new, good discoveries this week!

The festival is happening this weekend in many venues across 8 different cities. Tons of good bands and shows to check out. Full details here. Check back closer to the festival start to make sure you get the most up-to-date schedule, whether you're in Toronto or elsewhere in Southern Ontario. I'll have more on the festival later this week.

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Podcast 40 (21-23 May 2009).

This is a special episode all about the Over the Top Festival, featuring the festival's creater and organizer, Eric Warner. Jen and Tyler have a conversation with Eric, and play songs from bands performing during the 3-day event, including Clues ("Remember Severed Head"), Think About Life ("Johanna"), The Wooden Sky ("North Dakota"), Woods ("The Dark"), Tiny Masters of Today ("Skeletons"), and Five Blank Pages ("Stem Skin & Pit").

Eric tells us about how the festival has grown over the years---he started it when he was but 17 years old!---and that he's really excited about the inclusion of the play "The Book of Judith." Eric's also been, and is, involved in a bunch of other music-related projects over the years, and he shares some of his experiences with us. He stresses how a lot of supportive, friendly people have really helped him out and made being "on the outskirts of the scene" a really positive thing for him. Bands he's really keen on seeing at this year's festival include Clues, Bayonets, Think About Life, Woods, The Budos Band, and Tiny Masters of Today. But every band is one he's keen to see perform. Too bad he'll be so busy running from place to place and making sure everything's running smoothly that he'll get little chance to take in the bands he's booked!

The Over the Top Festival runs this weekend (Thursday-Saturday) at a variety of regular and alternative venues around town. There are advance tickets for many of the shows, available at Rotate This and Soundscapes. You can also purchase a festival pass, which gets you into all the music, films, plays (but not "The Book of Judith"). Tickets for most shows will also be available at the door. All music events are all ages. There's great stuff happening!

BUT ... OH NO! ... TECHNOLOGY FAIL! ... THIS PODCAST NO LONGER EXISTS. *SOB*

To make for this, head over to this special festival preview post, full of free songs to download from the artists performing, and all the show details.

Podcast 39 (14-19 May 2009).

Jen and Tyler welcomed Bryan David Ward and Justin Myler from the Brampton / Toronto band Black Hat Brigade to the podcast this week. We talked about their new record; the interplay between song-writing, performance, and recording; touring and building a fan base; promotion and fundraising techniques for bands; and some other stuff. Featuring songs by Black Hat Brigade ("Kitchen Party"), The Speaking Tongues ("Run To My Door"), Mantler ("Hoped For Chance"), Radius & Helena ("Double Dragon"), The Craft Economy ("Big Purse Lil' Dawg"), and Diamond Rings ("All Yr Songs" [taken from here]).

Black Hat Brigade have a new EP out called Fathers. Their CD release party is happening 29 May at El Mocambo as part of Pitter Patter Fest. The new disk has been getting nice reviews. Plus, I like it.

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Podcast 38 (6-12 May 2009).

This week Jen and Tyler are joined by Tyler Johnston, Shehzaad Jiwani, and Brian Craig from the band Arietta. In between the gabbering we play songs by Arietta ("Northearned"), Cancel Winter ("The Silence"), METZ ("Soft Whiteout"), Hamilton Trading Co. ("Element"), This is Picture ("Photoshop"), and Cold Dead Hands ("All the Juice").

Topics of conversation include what it's like being a DIY band, the recording process, the "tech rock" world, and how I met Tyler J. (the one in the pink hat.) All equally enthralling topics.

Arietta are celebrating the release of their first full-length, Migration, on Thursday, 7 May, at the Horseshoe. The album is now in stores and online. Click here to download "Into the Deep," another song off the new album.

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