MP Photo of the Day: I say where do my bluebird fly

Posted on February 23, 2011

Photo by joseph racekar passenger, member of the Midnight Poutine Flickr pool.

We (Margot and I – she’s one of the editors of Poutine) decided to name the photo of the day posts after some song lyrics. Today’s lyrics, “I say where do my bluebird fly” is from Swedish signer-songwriter The Tallest Man on Earth. I recently discovered this jewel and have a hard time listening to anything else or even getting his melodies out of my head. Follow the links to find out more about this artist.

And here’s a little quote to inspire your day: “We only become what we are by the radical and deep-seated refusal of that which others have made us” – Jean-Paul Sartre

MP Photo of the Day – Hearts of the City

Posted on February 22, 2011

Photo by story astoria, member of the Midnight Poutine Flickr pool.

I’m now one of the main administrators for the Midnight Poutine photo of the day. I’ll do my best to re-post all of my entries on this blog, so feel free to comment or to send me your photos (if you wish to participate). Since this is my own blog, I might decide to muse a bit below the entry with a quote or thought. Stay tuned for more.

“You need to find out if this is a relationship in which you can experience both unity with another person and the development of yourself as a separate being. Can you be close and be yourself at the same time?” – anonymous

Midnight Poutine Photo of the Day is Back!

Posted on December 20, 2010

N.B. This blog post was removed from Midnight Poutine . ca because it did not fit the site’s criteria (and it wasn’t back because it never left – oops!). I chose to leave it up on my site. This entry therefore should not be considered as Midnight Poutine content, and MP shoud not be held accountable for the following entry.

You’ve read that right: the Midnight Poutine, Photo of the Day is back in action. While flipping through some of the thousands of images uploaded on our Midnight Poutine Flickr Pool, I realized that there’s an insane amount of great photos of our beloved city, each one offering a personalized and artful way to portray a part of Montreal. Today’s Photo of the Day is a great example of that: Winter Charm was taken by Andriy Mishchenko. If you have a unique way to see our city, I wish to personally invite you to take part in our Flickr Pool and add some some fabulous photos of your own.

Here’s how it works:

1. To be an eligible match for our Photo of the Day, photos must be in the Midnight Poutine Flickr Pool (obviously);
2. In an effort to be sensible to the rights of photographers’ intellectual property, the chosen photos must be “share-able“, this is to say that they are released with a creative-commons mention in the photo settings – All Rights Reserved licensed photos are generally not eligible for our Photo of the Day;
3. The photos must be downloadable – photos where “the owner has disabled downloading of their photos” are not eligible;
4. The photos must be horizontally-oriented;
5. The photos must be Montreal-related.

Jill Barber @ L’Astral – A Review

Posted on November 21, 2010

Last night, I was fortunate enough to attend Jill Barber‘s show at L’Astral. I must say that, as one who is most comfortable in bar-type venues, I felt slightly out of place at the classy cabaret venue among a totally different demographic than I’m used to, however, all that lifted and disappeared as soon as Jill Barber stepped up on the stage. Mrs. Barber is absolutely stunning in the most hypnotizing way: she is one of the prettiest songstress I’ve ever seen perform, not only in physical features, but also in the exceptionally feminine way she dresses and carries herself. Watching her on stage, I felt as enchanted as a little girl watching her favorite princess movie.

 

While Jill Barber’s first album mostly featured music neighboring a more folk-like style, judging from last night’s show, her latest record, Chances, ventures into a variety of different musical influences. Barber’s musical talents flows with ease from the likeness of 20s style to late-fifties early-sixties rock n’ roll ballads. Barber also proves to be quite versatile in her talents as she also composes songs that evoke the warmness of Blues or that harbor resemblances to some early vocal jazz tunes, while others can clearly fall into a more folk/country category. While it may seem like this could be a pretty wide stretch of styles to cover for a single artist, her delicate yet potent and passionate vocals demonstrate the extent of her musical experience. The feel of old-school romance is the common denominator to the above-mentioned styles, and I think this is one of the reasons that the blend works like a charm. The overall experience of seeing the lovely songstress perform live is absolutely delightful. Over the fact that her music is excellent, she also has the gift of performance and knows how to keep the show visually interesting for the audience. If it were up to me, she would get a smiley-face and a shiny star sticker on her report card.

Opening the show for Mrs. Barber was the very charismatic Michael Kaeshammer. While the songs he performed may not have all been originals, his way of presenting them was. I rather enjoyed his Jazz version of a Bob Marley song. If an opening act’s main “job” is to warm up the audience for the main attraction of the night, Kaeshammer was an exceptionally great decision on the planning part of things. The crowd was instantly warm in the gentleman’s presence, and judging from some of the sounds coming from the crowd, it even got a little hot in some places. Kaeshammer’s talent is evident, and so is his band’s. While I generally prefer some other, less vanilla, types of Jazz, I can’t honestly say that I disliked this first act at all. His energetic performance was quite entertaining and he was warmly welcomed and appreciated by the show-goers.

Photos by SarahBrideau.com

M pour MondieuqueçabougeàMontréal

Posted on November 18, 2010

Life in Montreal can be tough in November as we see the harsh winter days fast approaching. Fortunately, there’s a handful of people who keep planning fun events to remind us that the darkest days of the year are nothing more than a great opportunity to make your fun show-hopping evenings start earlier. Yesterday began the fifth edition of M for/pour Montréal, a festival designed to facilitate the encounter between our homegrown selection of musical artists and some of the most important players of comparable music industries worldwide.

 

For 4 days and 4 nights, M for Montreal showcases some of the most promising Indie acts around and ties on several most-interesting music-related conferences. Though it’s officially a festival, it’s more of an industry-gravy-boat than it is a public-oriented, musical-tourism oriented event. It is structured to offer a bunch of musical discoveries for the attendees: the sets are usually pretty short, but there’s a lot to listen to in a single evening’s attendance. The reason for this, I think, is that it’s meant to put forth the more underground artists of our local crops more so than the bigger names that our scene may harbor. The point is not to show off our Patrick Watsons and Arcade Fires, but rather to let other talents impress the handful of industry-players and delegates that were invited to attend. Now, don’t go thinking that this means that you’re less than welcome to attend, because after all, a music scene is nothing at all without it’s fans (that means YOU).

 

I think the festival’s program is excellent because it grabs your interest with some acts you might already know and gravies it up with a bunch of potential musical discoveries for the remainder of the evening. Most of the shows take place at the Just For Laughs building: while you’re watching one show in the Cabaret or the Studio, there’s another one getting set up in the next room. The result is about seven or eight consecutive shows in one evening. Here’s some of what I think will be some of the festival’s highlights:

Tonight, November 18th:
Elephant Stone – ever heard of hindi rock?
Marco Calliari – from thrash metal (Anonymus) to the Italian far-East
Jason Bajada – catchy songs of heartbreak and joy

Tomorrow afternoon @ Chapelle du Bon Pasteur, November 19th:
Courtney Wing – unpretentiously epic in a unique blend
Ensemble – captivating string-filled soundscapes
Leif Vollebekk – “quasi-narcotic art-folk”

Evening:
The Barr Brothers – supremely-talented brothers blow lid off descriptive categories
Metz – “angular, elbow-y garage-y grunge-punk”

Saturday, November 20th:
Priestess – balls-out rock n roll
Misteur Valaire – jazz horns meets electro-madness
Plastik Patrik – post-show-party-fun with ex-DJ of club Saphir

Check out M for Montreal’s website for more details

Tonight @ Cabaret Mile-End: Land of Talk, Braids, and Snailhouse

Posted on November 18, 2010

A great number of you have probably heard of the local band called Land of Talk. Speaking of “talk”, word is their lead singer has officially joined the great Canadian music collective, Broken Social Scene (whose new record is pretty great btw) as well. With such a great, sweet, touching and hypnotizing voice, I can imagine that Elizabeth Powell’s musical talents are in high demand these days. And yet, there’s still time to squeeze in a great show for the local fan base. Lucky for us, Land of Talk is playing tonight at the Cabaret Mile-End with Braids and Snailhouse.

 

Land of Talk’s excellent latest album (Cloak and Cipher) includes a number of impressive and pertinent collaborations: “Land of Talk worked with Eoin Olaoghaire on bass, Andrew Barr on drums, members of Stars, Wintersleep, Besnard Lakes, Arcade Fire, Esmerine and Patrick Watson”. Listening to some of it now on their Facebook page, I wonder how it’s possible that I don’t yet own this – I’ll see to fixing this sad situation over at the merch table tonight. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing how this band’s fantastic, heart-string-pulling AND rocking music translates to the stage.

 

Joining Land of Talk on the stage tonight is Braids, who will be performing songs from their much expected new release, Native Speaker. This group is quite a bit less rock-ish than Land of Talk, playing some rather spacey tunes. The signer’s voice isn’t so much a leading instrument as it is a floating ribbon of colour in Braid’s rhythms and sounds. In fact, I’m tempted to say that it’s the percussions that lead the quartet’s floaty melodic endeavors. At times, I can see some definite Bjork influences, and others, it sounds a bit more like good-old experimental-Canadian-Indie.

 

Also on tonight’s bill is the ever-lovely signer-songwriter, Snailhouse, or as I to describe him, master of solid song-writing. Throughout the years, I’ve seen him backed up by a variety of pan-Canadian talents, as well as a variety of arrangements. His shows are always interesting, whether he’s playing solo or trying something new with other musicians. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to catch one of his shows however, so I’m not quite sure what he has been up to in the last few months, but I am certain that he’ll bring something special to this fabulous lineup.

Doors open at 8:30pm, show starts an hour later. Tickets are $15.

Land of Talk photo grabbed from their Facebook page

The Morning Benders – So Hot, the Fire Department Crashed the Show

Posted on November 7, 2010

When I arrived at Cabaret Mile-End last night to check out The Morning Benders show, I was faced with quite a scene: the fans were on the sidewalk, there was yellow “caution” tape, about five fire-trucks, police cars, the whole shebang. It was a surreal scene really. The people surrounding the venue seemed to be in shock, and really cold. Many of them didn’t even have coats on, and it’s not because they didn’t want to look above the weather or because they didn’t want to pay for “coat check”.
Apparently, while Twin Sister were about to start their set, the Montreal Fire Department showed up and evacuated the Cabaret Mile-End because there was a fire. No time to grab your coats people – “There’s a fire. You need to get out, calmly, but right away”. According to my sources, there really was a fire, though not in the venue, but rather in a container behind the building.
When I arrived, super-pumped to see a show I had been aching to see, I found myself perplexed by the scene – and I wasn’t the only one. Promoters were trying to get some warm shelter for the fans, Cabaret manager and production staff were running all over the place to see if they could still make that show happen or at the very least get the patient fans their coats while the firemen were dealing with all the fire stuff. The fans on the opposite side of the street were confused, cold, and looking for some answers (albeit calmly so): was this show still going to happen?

One thing remained clear though, the fans were willing to wait to see the show, even if it meant freezing half to death on Parc avenue for a couple hours. Meanwhile the production people were working hard to make it happen for them. I was impressed by the professionalism with which this mini-drama was handled: even with contradicting instructions from the authorities’ about the possibility of securing the venue in time to let the show go on. I was about to leave once I got an apparently clear answer that the hopes of the show happening were gone with the wind. Fortunately for me, and for every other fan who were patient enough to stick around, turns out this wasn’t true. About two hours after the Cabaret Mile-End was originally evacuated, we were permitted to go back inside the venue and wait while the musicians were rounded up in order to continue the show.

The patient crowd was rewarded with a fantastic show and one round of drinks on Greenland Production’s tab. Considering the above-mentioned, there was still a decent audience in the comfortable and spacious venue. Twin Sister played for about an hour before the much anticipated Morning Benders took over the stage. Though they still look like four high-school boys, there’s nothing juvenile about their talents for writing and performing solid songs with excellent lyrics and ingenuous melodic arrangements. There’s clearly a very “old school” influence in both sound and style, but it still doesn’t quite sound like something straight out of the sixties. This is to say that there’s something modern about the themes and in the style of the songs that also reflect current musical trends. Though this live performance wasn’t quite as free as I feel it had the potential to be, the was nonetheless not much else I could point out in a reproachful way – besides, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The show ended with the lead singer, Chris leading the the fans to sing along to the wonderful hit, “Excuses” (pictured below). All is well that ended well.

Photos by SarahBrideau.com

The Morning Benders – Saturday, Nov 6th @ Cabaret Mile End

Posted on November 5, 2010

Earlier this year, I was struck by The Morning Benders‘ fantastic old school style harmonies and sounds when a friend of mine sent me the link to this video. Ever since I have been trying to bless my ears with as much of their music as possible. I’m still not over it, and lucky for me (and for all of us montrealers) we get the chance to see them play live tomorrow night, Saturday, November 6th, at Cabaret Mile-End.
I’ve done some research and according to my findings, their music should be even better live than it is on their excellent new record Big Echo. According to an interview with a band at KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic, the title refers to the spacious sound that the band wished to preserve, both from the old school style music that inspired them and from the spaces that they have recorded and mastered the album. The title also refers to the echo of things past: memories, experiences, etc. Their sound represents just that: The Morning Benders’ music is dreamy, spacious, romantic, unpretentious and it has a really nice kick to it to top it all off.

Some of you might remember seeing this band this past summer at Osheaga, and for those of you who could only wish to hear more of their live sounds, this is your chance to catch them as a headlining act. Also on tomorrow’s bill, Oberhofer and Twin Sister. Doors open at 7 PM and Oberhofer is to kick off the evening at 8 PM, followed by Twin Sister (8:50) and then The Morning Benders are meant to begin their set at 10 PM.

Les détails en français:
samedi 6 novembre (Greenland & evenko présentent)
The Morning Benders
+ Twin Sister + Oberhofer
@ Le Cabaret Mile End – 5240 ave. du Parc
15$ + f.s. à l’avance et à la porte.
Billets en vente chez Cheap Thrills et sur le réseau Admission.

Venez en grand nombre!

Photo graciously provided by La Blogothèque (follow link to check out their superb video of The Morning Bender’s performance in Paris) photographer, when i was a bird

Jason Collett & Daniel Romano @ Il Motore – October 23rd, 2010

Posted on October 28, 2010

Daniel Romano has joined Jason Collett as an opening act for this Fall tour, and understandably so. I was struck with Romano’s unpretentious talent and the way his minimalist setup filled the venue with heartwarming Bluegrass/Folk music. His presence as an opening act that night presented a great example of thoughtful a mindful choice for a fabulous, discovery-prone opening act.
Last time I saw Jason Collett, it was several years ago and he was touring with Zeus as a backup band. That time, I found the show so hot, I wouldn’t have been surprised to see a pair of panties being flinged up on stage. This time around, he played solo, which is totally different, but nonetheless extremely enjoyable. If one thought kept twirling around my head the whole time, and since then, it’s that Collett delivered his music much like great poets do: the lines never felt rehearsed, and I think everyone in the room felt the real mindful presence of the Ontario-talent with us that night. Certainly, Jason Collett has been doing this for a long time, but what transpires from his shows is an actual passion for what he does and the charming swagger of a man who has found his place artistically. We are lucky enough to have him drop by our Montreal venues every once in a while, and the next time he does, do yourself a favor and indulge yourself in a sensational evening with Jason Collett.

Pop! Montreal – Preview of Friday and Saturday

Posted on October 1, 2010

Good “morning” everyone! If you’ve been attending Pop! for in the past few days, noon is probably morning for you too. If you haven’t, it will be. With the lineups the festival holds for us over the next few days, you can expect “fun” to replace the word “sleep” in your vocabulary. There is also a 90% chance of precipitations of the saying “sleep when you’re dead”. Here’s what my version of what’s not-to-be-missed over the next 48 hours.
Truth is, I’d need to divide myself in at least 4 in order to make it to all I want to see with this year’s edition of Pop! Montreal (maybe that’s that the “Pop!” refers to – the sound it makes when you magically divide yourself).
I like to be organized so I made a schedule filled with at least one alternative in case the venue I’m trying to get into is full… it can happen, but shouldn’t deter you from trying your luck. Also, if you like to “live in the moment”, you want to be able to change your mind at the last minute in case your ex is at that show or something. This, plus a bicycle = perfect Pop! happiness for me.

Friday (this is tonight):
21:00 – Joe Grass @ Cagibi - Joe Grass is an expert of the slide guitar. He’s excellent and really worth seeing. This set is a good way to start the evening off easy and happy.
21:00 – Macy Gray @ Club Soda – What ever became of her? I haven’t heard her recent stuff, but I’m inclined to say that I would like it if it’s as smooth and soulful as her hits from a while back. Seeing as it’s on the Pop! schedule, I trust that they didn’t make her come down here to give us a mediocre show. All signs point to it being a groovy time. I’d give it a shot.
21:00 – Ferris Wheel @ Ukrainian Federation - This local, instrumental group really impressed the sh*t out of me last time I saw them live. Including members of Timber Timbre and Torngat, this promises to be an excellent show.
21:15 – Deerhoof @ La Tulipe – I have to admit I haven’t heard this band much yet (which is shameful, I know), but according to a friend of mine who recently saw them play in Toronto, this show will make me regret not knowing about them beforehand. This can only mean that I’m bound to see them this time, and again in the future. Nothing wrong with that.
22:00 – Timber Timbre @ Ukrainian Federation – If you’re already there because you went to see Ferris Wheel, yay. If not, rush to make it there on time. I honestly promise that it will be worth it. I’ve seen his show many many times before (even interviewed him) and would still see him again tonight. He is simply sensational.
22:30 – Grand Analog @ Jukebox – One word: “YES”.
22:45 – The Dears @ Mission Santa Cruz – Word on the street is they’re getting ready to launch a new album and they’ll be playing it all at this show. If you missed them last night, this is your chance!
23:59 – Naomi Shelton @ Sala Rossa – This one came as a suggestion of a very knowledgeable musician friend of mine. Soulful: yes. Combine that with the fact that this venue has a Taco stand, and I’m in.
1:00 – Duchess Says @ Breakglass (7250 Clark) – This show will be recorded. Even if you have no more juice in your battery at this point, Duchess Says leaves no one indifferent. Do it!

As for Saturday, if you’ve managed to find a bit of time to snooze away after the variety of after-parties, you should get up and grab a cup of coffee on your way to see the Library Voices at Place Pasteur (UQAM), starting at 14:00. This is free, so it should also give your wallet a break. Really, give me one reason why NOT to go see this?!
21:30 – Little Scream @ Cabaret Mile-End – She has mounted deer horns on her guitar. She has the prettiest little voice. ‘nough said.
21:30 – Parlovr @ Cabaret Juste pour rire – Another band for which I feel shameful not to have seen yet. Here’s my chance to make it up to them.
21:40 – Radio Radio @ Club Soda – I’m pretty sure everyone has heard of these guys by now. They have taken La belle province by storm over the last year and remain the pride and joy of the salty shores of the Maritimes. As much as they sound great on the records, nothing compares to their gigantic live energy during the shows. You really owe it to yourself to see these guys live.
22:00 – Plastik Patrik @ Rialto – Remember the days when Club Saphire used to have this guy on their turntables every week? Damn, I miss those days. Nobody spins music like this guy. Here’s your chance to shake it all night long!
22:30 – The Youjsh @ Club Lambi – This project is sprung from a bunch of talented and trained local musicians who decided to explore the possibilities of Klesmer music. woo!
22:00 – The Luyas @ Red Bird - I’ve always been very fond of this band, formed by members of SS Cardiacs, Bell Orchestre and Torngat. They used to be a trio, but have since added on a couple members to the group. More can only mean merrier.
22:50 – Forest City Lovers @ Divan Orange – These guys are so lovely and adorable, they make me want to puke. No. seriously. They’re as awesome as a box of kittens.
00:30 – Priestess @ Katacombs – Remember the box of kittens I talked about above? Priestess is what happens when the kittens turn into psycho-teenager-metal-gods. Priestess is classic and giant metal. I can’t wait!
00:30 – Laurent Bourque @ 3 Minots – If you don’t feel like letting Priestess’ bass vibrate your inner-core, go see this guy. I saw him once and he is completely excellent.

For more information about venues, ticket prices or the bands, I you may visit Pop’s most efficient site.

An Eco-friendly Moving Alternative: Déménagemement Myette

Posted on June 28, 2010

Like many Montrealers, I’m currently living amidst a jungle of boxes because of my impending move. Caught into the “moving day” circus as well this year – in this sea of chaos, paint chips, overpriced truck rentals and long weekends spent carrying heavy loads up the Montreal colimaçon stairs – I write to you bearing good news! Upon doing my hefty share of moving-related research, I actually stumbled upon something out of the ordinary: a human-powered moving company – this is to say, you don’t actually need a truck of a petroleum fueled device to carry your appliances to another neighborhood anymore.
You may hire Déménagement Myette to do a bunch of helpful things: to carry/move appliances, to bring trash to the Ecocenter, to help you load a truck or to move stuff around your house. The prices are quite decent, so it’s worth checking out as a smart eco-friendly alternative to hiring the good-ol’ moving company.
I actually crossed one of them movers-on-bikes on the street last weekend, and I must say, it’s a pretty impressive sight… little bike, BIG trailer. I thought to myself, “way to go bikes”! What a wonderful and thoughtful enterprise.

photo from the Déménagement Myette website

Stars @ The Apple Store – Sunday May 30th

Posted on June 2, 2010

I don’t know if any of you have noticed, but even though we haven’t actually passed the solstice yet, summer is most definitely here in Montreal. This means concertsconcertsconcerts! Last Sunday, I made my way downtown at the Apple store, not to check out the new iPad craze, but rather to attend an early concert with the local band Stars.
It was the first time I attended a concert in a store, and for a first, I must say it was a strange and interesting experience, which is definitely not to say it wasn’t a positive one. I think it felt a bit strange for the band as well: between songs, they admitted that they felt a bit nervous up there. Leaving out the hefty amount of VIP attendees, 152 fans got to witness the private performance at the second floor of the glass front store. Beyond the stage, a beautiful view of downtown Montreal made up the backdrop. It was lovely to be able to glance at a live view of birds flying around and onlookers from the sidewalk who seemed to wonder what the heck was going on up there. It was a great setting, though I could’ve done without the fluorescent lights. Dear Apple, why don’t you invest a little into a decent set of show lighting and turn off the business lighting for the sake of a little atmosphere?
As I looked around the crowd, I was struck by the youthful appearance of the crowd surrounding me. The band performed a mix of new songs from their upcoming record Five Ghosts, as well as some older songs which seemed to really hit the spot with many long time fans in the crowd. The distinct tones of the mainly acoustic leads supported with catchy drum-machine beats sounded just as great live as they do on the recordings. Through the years, Stars has found their sound and stuck with it, which is something for which I applaud them. Completely owning up to their romantic-pop style, the voices of their respective lead signers (Amy Milan and Torq Campbell) offer a uniquely soft, yet edgy sound that harmonizes beautifully.
I, for one, have always been a fan of the band, and am looking forward to the release of their new record, which will hit the shelves on June 22nd, 2010. I heard the recording of the concert will be available on iTunes, so if you missed it (or if you couldn’t get in to see the concert) you’ll be able to purchase it there.

Stars – Live Performance Sunday May 30th at the Apple Store

Posted on May 29, 2010

The lovely and ever-awesome local band Stars are getting ready to release their new record, Five Ghosts, on June 22nd, 2010 on their very own label imprint – Soft Revolution Records – distributed by Universal Music. Lead by Amy Millan (also know for her collaborations with Broken Social Scene and for her own solo releases) and Torq Campbell (also from the band Memphis), Stars will be playing a home town show in Montreal on Sunday May 30 at 7:00 pm at the Apple Store (1321 Rue Ste-Catherine Ouest). This will be their only local show prior to their Osheaga Festival date.

The show starts at 19:00 and is free of charge. There are no tickets, but I can imagine there will be quite a lineup, and since the spots are limited I recommend you get there early.

Timber Timbre @ La Tulipe Tonight – Interview

Posted on April 29, 2010

Earlier this evening, I got the chance to sit down with Taylor, Mika and Simon of Timber Timbre for a quick interview.< — click to listen.

I’ve been fascinated by this band for a few years now: their unusual and enrapturing darkness that makes you feel like, wherever you are listening to their tunes, you’re walking along in a Hitchcock movie. I got to ask him about his musical influences, the musical creation process, the changes that came forth with actually becoming a band from a solo act, as well  as what it’s like now being on the major Canadian Indie label Arts & Crafts.

Timber Timbre is playing at La Tulipe tonight. The Luyas will be opening the show. 

Inland, Where it’s Warm and Cozy – Leif Vollebekk Album Review

Posted on February 10, 2010

Every time mid-February comes around, it starts to feel as though I’d be willing to do anything to escape the eternal coldness of the Canadian winters. Perhaps you’ve also found yourself asking why, oh why, would anyone ever want to colonize such a cold part of the world. Maybe you like the cold… I don’t know. But one thing I do know for sure, is that we all need a little extra warmth come this time of year, right? First time I listened to Leif Vollebekk‘s album, Inland, I immediately knew there was something there. The melody struck me as solid and voluptuous and unpretentious.
Folk is a genre that has been done and spun every which way. It’s also a genre that most people will either love, or stay away from completely. If you’re a fan of Folk, you’ll most definitely like this Montreal gentleman. Inland is a soft and intimate album. It’s the type of record I want to listen to in bed, curled under the warmth of the duvet. This album is comfort, it’s dreamy, floaty. It’s so warm and heartfelt that nobody could listen to it and doubt the sincerity of the artist who made it.

It often feels like a serenade, like a beautiful cocoon lovers make in the narrow space between their bodies. However, Inland also has a sound that’s free, a sound that wants to travel. Most of the songs don’t use much percussion, but doesn’t mean it lack rhythm for that much. Imagine yourself on a train, with giant headphones on, so it’s just you and the fleeing scenery… trees, fields, everything is wild, open and free. It’s just this, you, his beautiful, poignant voice, his guitar and a few modest arrangements… That’s the way I like to picture Inland in my head.

The album is well thought through. Some of the songs swing much in the way of a soft waltz with an airy piano leading the way (Don’t Go to Klaksvik) and a soft acoustic guitar strumming away in the background, pulled with a voice full with intent and wonderful sentiment. And the thing is, Vollebekk truly has the voice to pull it off. It comes from the proper part of his body to carry the different moods of all of his proficiently written ballads. The album was just recently released, and is a very worthy purchase for smooth folk lovers. It’ll be on repeat on your stereo until tulips start popping the snow (at the very least). It just so happens that Vollebekk is playing with Basia Bulat at L’Astral this weekend. If you can’t make it to that show, he’ll be back in Montreal at Casa del Popolo on February 27th.

Photo by ingimar björn daviðsson

An Interview with Ohad Benchetrit on his Solo Project, Years – Tonight @ Sala Rossa

Posted on November 26, 2009

Before I officially begin this entry, I must say I’ve probably had one of the best weeks ever as far as interviews go. “Working” for Poutine has allowed me to meet and interview two of my favorite musicians. Last night, before the show, I got the chance to sit down in Sala Rossa’s tiny green room to talk with Ohad Benchetrit about his recently released solo project, Years. Ohad is one of the founding members of Do Make Say Think and mainly plays guitar in the band. Earlier this year, another founding member of DMST, Charles Spearin, also released a solo project of his own. When they dropped into town while on tour for The Happiness Project, Spearin introduced Ohad and the then upcoming album. I felt excited to further discover what was going on into the individual creation of the members of my favorite band, and wasn’t disappointed one bit. Do Make Say Think began touring their new record, Other Truths, last night in our beautiful city, and while they’re at it, they’re taking the opportunity to introduce Ohad’s new project to the stage as a complete act, alongside The Happiness Project, and of course their own show. If you didn’t get a chance to catch the show last night, I’m happy to tell you that they are playing tonight as well at Sala Rossa.

Before the interview, I did a bit of research about Ohad’s project, but wasn’t able to find much online about it. Since I feel this is probably the most “fly on the wall” type member of DMST, I wasn’t entirely surprised. I even wondered how easy it would be to get this gentleman to talk to me about his music. One of my friends over at the CBC once told me that musicians are often pretty bad at talking about their own music and often don’t have very much to say about it, which is a fear that has been haunting me ever since. That being said, I feel pretty lucky to have had interviews with such kind, generous and talkative musicians that disprove my friend’s theory this week – and in a way, it was a beautiful surprise to be able to find out so much about what this project means to the talented guitar-man. At this point, I’d like to stop the amazed-and-starstruck-journalist-rambling and invite you to listen to the said interview.

Enjoy and don’t missed tonight’s show – it’ll seriously blow your heads off (in a good way)!

Years, The Happiness Project and Do Make Say Think
November 26th @ Sala Rossa
Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door.
Doors open at 20:30 and show starts at 21:00

An Interview about Darkness and Light with Andrew Whiteman of Apostle of Hustle

Posted on November 24, 2009

Word on the street is that I’m pretty picky about the music that I like… I don’t know if that’s true, but I guess it is to some extent. For over five years now, Apostle of Hustle has been one of my top two bands. I love their albums – they’re full of originality and I think that what they create is something truly unique and brilliant. Last spring, the band released a new full length record called Eats Darkness. On the date of its release, I was visiting my best friend in the whole wide world in Southwestern France, and that’s where I was when I heard it for the first time. To my great surprise, late last week, my editor at Midnight Poutine asked me if I’d like to do an interview with Andrew Whiteman for his upcoming show this Friday (November 27th, 2009). The simple fact of being coveted for this interview was pretty special for me, but actually getting to sit down with Whiteman over Skype for a Tuesday afternoon chat was particularly great for this gal.

Maybe when you were a kid, you laid on your bed, listening to your favorite record, daydreaming about what it would be like to have an actual conversation with your favorite rock star. Well today, I got to do that for real. I got to do it with Charles Spearin (my other top two musician – yes. I am a lucky girl) a few months back as well, but the fact that we were face to face, sitting in a roomful of people during sound check for his upcoming show intimidated me and sort of ruined the intimacy factor I dreamed of. With Whiteman, it was just me, him, all his wonderful creativity and all of my nosy questions. We got to talking about concept albums, the discoveries he achieved in his creative process with the new record, darkness, why you would want to eat it, what it would taste like, and his recent dive into the Frenchness of Montreal. You can listen to the full interview below. Hope you enjoy discovering what goes on inside the head of Andrew Whiteman as much as I did.

Apostle of Hustle is playing at Il Motore in Montreal this Friday, November 27th, 2009.
Tickets are $13.50 at the door.

Peaches @ Metropolis – November 17th

Posted on November 24, 2009

Last Tuesday, I rounded up a few friends and went to see Peaches do her thing on the stage of the Metropolis. I can’t say that I’ve listened to her albums a whole lot, but for some reason, I’ve always been really interested by what she does. There’s something very raw and adulterated about her music. She doesn’t really seem to aim for an overwhelming melodic musicality, in her songs, but that’s not to say something is lacking to the unpretentious package. There’s beats, words and sounds, and all of it is perfectly fine the way it is. But over and above all that, you haven’t heard peaches, or know what she’s about (as a musician/artist) until you’ve actually seen her play live. I don’t say this often, but this show seriously blew my mind, to the point where, almost a week later, I’m still looking for the right words to describe the “Peaches experience”.

From the very beginning of the show, it was apparent that this show was much more than about the music being played by the artist who wrote the songs – Peaches is all about entertaining her crowds and having fun with them. She walked on stage in a costume, that was more like a giant wig (but seriously, a wig that was about 2 or 3 feet taller than she was and covered her entire body down to her crotch), and peeled off layer after layer of costumes until she finished the show in a “nude-body-suit” with a brightly-glowing clit. In between that, I can’t really find words to describe it any better than to say: Peaches is walking, breathing, dancing, singing, rocking sex. On the stage is really where it comes alive for this one, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a good example of such a statement. Her show really blow the music out into the stratosphere. It was a sexy, heavy, rock n’ roll, dancey, gritty, sweaty ol’ time at the Metropolis last Tuesday. A friend I was with has gone to see her play live about 10 times (for true) already, and was still super excited to see this show – I can understand why. What a trip!

Photos by SarahBrideau.com

Kavanagh Vintage: A New Vintage Store to check out in NDG

Posted on November 17, 2009

I don’t know about you, but I’m a long time lover of vintage. You know, those things that make your mom or grandma smile awkwardly with discomfort because in their minds you’re wearing something that’s soooooo terribly outdated? Yeah, that stuff. It must come from the fact that my best friend’s family have been owners of vintage stores for as long as I can remember. They taught me about the joys of having unique pieces and recycling it into a new and original style of your own. Over the years, it’s been a growing passion of mine. In fact, this summer, I spent some time at my grandparent’s house, and while I was there, I spent a ridiculous amount of time foraging through every single closet – an experience that was a mixture of joyous finds and mad sneezing spells. But since we live in a culture of constant renewal, such treasure hunts aren’t always fruitful as we’d like, which is why we need passionate entrepreneurs like Beau and Ryan, who love vintage just about as much as I do, and have recently opened up a very cool boutique in NDG.

It was with great pleasure that yesterday, I decided to trek down to the hip neighborhood to meet the owners of this new store. Upon arrival, I immediately spotted an old school espresso machine, which I assure you, makes coffee as beautiful as you might imagine it would. The two gentlemen took time to tell me about what brought them to the business: “We’ve been touring musicians for a while now, and on every trip, we always end up finding the greatest vintage things. But came a time when we ran out of room in out closets and decided to make a business out of the habit”. Since there appeared to be a lack of such a business in the very hip neighborhood of NDG, they decided that it appeared to be the perfect place to set up shop.

As opposed to some vintage stores that tend to focus mainly on clothing, Kavanagh Vintage also sell a bunch of old musical instruments, some of which have even been creatively turned into a lamp, for example. I had a lovely time looking around at all the knickknacks, all tastefully arranged throughout the causy boutique.

For all the ladies who have a bag/purse fetish, you’ll be served – there’s a bunch of really nice ones there. They also have an impressive selection of vintage luggage. They also sell shoes, boots, and have a fantastic selection of hats.

Long story short: I absolutely fell in love with this store and will certainly make a point of returning regularly, if only to get lost into beautiful memories of the past (and to rebel against my stupid student-budget). If you get a little nostalgic afterward, or if you need to forget about the said “stupid-budget”, there’s a nice little pub next door, Honey Martin, that apparently gets some pretty great live music on a regular basis.

Kavanagh Vintage is located at 5922 Sherbrooke West at the Royal intersection. They are open from 10AM to 6PM from Monday to Wednesday and from 10AM to 9PM from Thursday to Saturday.

All photos taken by SarahBrideau.com

Les ogres de Barbarack aux Coups de coeur francophones 2009 – le 6 novembre 2009

Posted on November 9, 2009

À Montréal, nous avons la chance d’avoir droit à une panoplie étonnante de festivals qui n’ont d’égaux nulle part ailleurs. Cependant, la mission du festival Coups de cœur francophones n’est pas seulement d’épater, mais surtout de faire connaître la musique francophone au-delà de Montréal. Fondé à Montréal en 1987, le festival est itinérant depuis 1995, c’est-à-dire que les gentils organisateurs du festival ont décidé d’ouvrir les frontières montréalaises du festival à 9 villes-partenaires ailleurs au pays. Vendredi dernier, j’ai eu la chance d’assister à la prestation des Ogres de Barbarack, un groupe français qui a traversé l’océan pour venir faire danser la joyeuse foule au Club Soda.

L’esprit était effectivement à la fête au Club Soda vendredi dernier. Quoi de mieux alors pour animer la danse qu’un groupe musical aux saveurs gitanes, une tradition qui est décidemment toujours bien vivante dans le vieux pays. La salle était remplie d’une foule de joyeux lurons enjoués et dansants, qui ne montraient aucune retenue quant à son appréciation pour la prestation énergique du groupe.

Les quatre membres démontrèrent leurs multiples talents au cours de leur généreuse performance de deux heures. Changeant fréquemment d’instruments, ils avaient tout pour impressionner le public montréalais (quoiqu’en tendant un peu l’oreille, j’ai remarqué que de nombreux Français étaient aussi de la fête). J’ai cependant été un peu déçue en réalisant que certains instruments n’étaient pas performés « live ». Peu importe, car je crois que l’effet était subtil, et la foule ne semblait pas du tout importunée par ce triste fait, qui, on doit le noter, n’enlève rien au talent apparent du groupe. Si la mission du festival était de rassembler des actes musicaux qui démontrent et célèbrent le talent de la francophonie mondiale, je leur lève mon chapeau. Voilà une excellente façon de fêter la multiplicité francophone à Montréal!

Photos par SarahBrideau.com

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