Garage soul rock ‘n roll from Toronto, Canada, Modernboys Moderngirls are a band to watch in the months to come. Led by vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Akira Alemany, the six member band’s blistering live sets are quickly earning the group a reputation as one of the most exciting up-and-coming rock ‘n roll acts to emerge from the Toronto music scene.
Modernboys Moderngirls proved their rock ‘n’ roll mettle after standout performances at the Canadian Music Week and North by Northeast (NXNE) festivals. The band was also booked to play Edgefest 2008 (in support of such acts as Stone Temple Pilots and Sam Roberts Band)—all before even releasing an album.
More on Modernboys Moderngirls including tour info and upcoming concert dates
The Just Barelys, from Halifax, Nova Scotia, began in 2000 as a recording project by Stephen Kelly. For the self titled debut, Kelly invited a host of collaborators to contribute to individual recorded songs. The resulting record was well received, reaching ..20 on Chartattack and ..23 on the Earshot (Campus/Community Radio) national charts. In 2005 Stephen paired with Eleanor King and recorded a new EP titled Top. The songs are simple yet musically peculiar. King plays drums, keyboards, and sings harmonies while Kelly plays banjo, guitars, accordion, air-organ, and a variety of original/home-made acoustic and electronic musical instruments.
Upcoming shows:
29 Aug 2008 22:00 The Seahorse w/ Memories Attack and Bloodsport Halifax, NS
Formed in 2002, and containing members of such noteworthy Maritime bands as Next To Red, Empty Handed and Not Funny Anymore, Hospital Grade’s sound is the sound of possibilities; the sound of plastic chairs being thrown out of the way to make room for movement; the bright, shining sound of the warm hull of a sturdy vessel breaking murky, restless seawater beneath a foggy Bay of Fundy sky. Under it all is a nervous twitch that could change everything in a heartbeat things could soar, plummet, or fall apart completely.
Hospital Grade released their first CD, Written Axe To Trigger, in 2004 on Kansas City, MO’s URININE Records, and followed it with a U.S. Tour. They just released their sophomore album, Secrets & Sawdust, on BBQ Records.
Hospital Grade’s upcoming concert dates
Joni NehRita passed through Ottawa tonight promoting her new Cd “A fine time”. The atmosphere at the Mercury lounge was comfortable and laid back, those present enjoyed the soulful voice of Joni. She was accompanied by three musicians who have been touring with her. The chemistry between them was interesting to see; the up beat Jazz drumming and funky bass lines gave it the kick it needed to make it a great show. Joni’s Cd is well worth the buy, as it sets the mood for a pleasant night. Check out her Myspace here.
There was a time when music was a craft performed by artisans who rode the rails and played from the heart. A time when music was central to communities, bringing people together and inspiring change. If you have ever longed to go back to such a time, then Revival Dear will ride straight into your heart.
Revival Dear has found a way to pay homage to the past and herald in the future at the same time. Imagine a marriage between classic rock legends The Band and Fleetwood Mac, and you’ll have a pretty good idea of their sound. Yet Revival Dear’s music is fresh, totally alive, and very relevant in today’s music scene.
Upcoming concert listings
Olivier Jarda was born in Ottawa, Ontario in 1984 to Haitian immigrants. He began playing piano when he was five, and picked up a few more instruments before settling on the guitar.
After high school, Olivier moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia to attend Saint Mary’s University. There he co-hosted the student open mic for a few years with Jon Mckiel (of Jon Mckiel fame) and Matt Whiston, playing mostly originals but covering artists including Elliott Smith, Neil Young, Bob Marley, Feist, Wyclef, Ryan Adams, and Wilco.
Throughout university, the band released the first LP in 2006, Thirteen Telephone Towers. The band toured the country from coast to coast and has gone as far north as Whitehorse, Yukon, and can be heard on Canadian radio from time to time.
Upcoming concert listings for Olivier Jarda
Goaltender Chad Peck and centerman Marcus Fiddes met 15 years ago while playing with Atom hockey in the West Colchester Minor Hockey Association. Fourteen years later, along with defense man Adam Hartling, the three now known as Kestrels are set to release their first 7″ single on Noyes Records this September.
Marrying catchy pop melodies with dissonant guitars and sometimes blistering drums, this trio is on pace to finish first place in their division and should make a strong run for the cup. The Kestrels’ new album is to be released September 16, 2008
Upcoming concert listings for Kestrels
Mark Berube - Flowers On The Stone
Alright all you Mark Berube fans - I’ve got a special treat for you: a previously unreleased track! That’s right - Mark Berube’s given me a copy of his soon-to-be-released album, What The Boat Gave The River, and I’m going to give you a sneak peek!
Don’t thank me… buy the album on September 16th!
Upcoming Mark Berube concert listings
If it’s true that there is a tendency for young bands to wear their influences on their sleeves, the Sweet Homewreckers evidently can’t decide which shirt to throw on. Formed in the small university town of Peterborough, ON, the Sweet Homewreckers are six-piece rock and roll outfit. They’re tight enough to show the contours, but loose enough to let you move around. Take your basic two guitars, bass and drums, and throw in some horns for added appeal. As for the contents of their closet, the ensemble is quite eclectic. Their music has been described as harkening to the days of “Halifax East-coast pop, with a long awaited nod to early Beulah” and “a fine mix of soft pop influences with hints of sweet 60s styles.” Truth be told, it’s hard to peg this band down, and as fans of anything-goes independent rock and/or roll, these young players couldn’t be happier.
More on Peterborough’s Sweet Homewreckers
That’s the Spirit is the latest incarnation of Ottawa’s Ben Wilson - a multi-instrumentalist and well-known staple of the local scene - releasing his own brand of haunting, catchy space-folk on his debut L.P., Staying Places on September 23, 2008 (CD and digital).
More on Ottawa’s That’s the Spirit including upcoming concert dates
