Newfoundland duo The Duds have dropped their debut album into the great big sea of music. Consisting of musical veterans and nine-year performance partners Melanie O’Brien and Phil Goodridge, the chemistry in the album is spectacularly evident. Continue reading New Music: You’ll Remember The Duds’ ‘These Words I Can’t Forget’
Single: Slowcoaster Release ‘Haunt You’, Hint at Plenty of New Material
Slowcoaster, those giants of rivalry, haven’t slowed during the time in isolation. With gigs being cancelled left and right, rather than wallow the band have changed course and taken off at a sprint. Apparently, when left to their own devices in isolation, Slowcoaster have an abundance of energies to pursue weird creative outlets, and more than enough friends to encourage them.
They also surprised everyone with the release of their new single today, titled “Haunt You.” Continue reading Single: Slowcoaster Release ‘Haunt You’, Hint at Plenty of New Material
Monthly Roundup: March 2020
Reports of our demise have been greatly exaggerated. The world has changed quite a lot since we last checked in, and while things might seem awfully dire for the music industry (and any industry that involves being anywhere except your couch) things aren’t as bad as they might seem. A burgeoning industry of livestreamed concerts has sprung up. Artists are finding support left and right. A wellspring of arts funding has been unleashed. And, arguably, the world is getting a much-needed timeout in general.
The times ahead won’t be easy. There will be loss. We will struggle in many ways; economically and spiritually, certainly, but in the midst of all we have an opportunity to thrive creatively.
So, please, stay home if you can. Create something. And don’t forget to thank an artist for taking the edge off all this isolation. Continue reading Monthly Roundup: March 2020
Les Hôtesses d’Hilaire to Broadcast Entire ‘Viens avec moi’ Rock Opera
In 2018, Les Hôtesses d’Hilaire attempted something more ambitious than most band ever attempt: a concept album that gave birth to a theatrical rock opera. The charismatic characters’ larger-than-life stage presence already seemed indiscernible from any stage production spectacle, and their critically-acclaimed album, Viens avec moi, translated perfectly.
In December, 2019, Les Hôtesses d’Hilaire performed the last show of the Viens avec moi tour at the Grand Theatre in Quebec City and, luckily, someone had the foresight to record it all. Tonight, for the first time, the whole production is being broadcast via the band’s Facebook page. Continue reading Les Hôtesses d’Hilaire to Broadcast Entire ‘Viens avec moi’ Rock Opera
Searching for Pieces on a Rocky Shore — Christy Ann Conlin’s ‘Watermark’
Watermark, the story collection from Christy Ann Conlin, is striking in many ways, but I was not prepared for the emotional resonance that sprung forth from its pages.
The collection is made up of eleven stories, many taking the reader into the Annapolis Valley, but it is not the place many of us may feel familiar with. This is a stark and sometimes dark place, hiding mysteries and threats that we may only be mildly aware of until it is too late.
It is a place of family legend, misty shores and family homes and secrets abandoned in the forest. Continue reading Searching for Pieces on a Rocky Shore — Christy Ann Conlin’s ‘Watermark’