New Year’s Eve Weekend Round Up
There are parties and shows galore this weekend as Windsor sets to ring in 2012. Here, The Windsor Zene gives you the break down on all of the bets places to visit.
Friday December 30th
Classic rock and psychedelic fans should check out The Coach and Horses (156 Chatham St. W.) where The Tyres will have the stage. Relaxing and enjoyable tunes, this will be a great spot to enjoy good music and company. Show starts at 10 pm , 19+.
The Dominion House Tavern (3140 Sandwich St.) is well on it’s way to becoming the next Loop Building. Tonight they’ll have music on two levels, with hardcore and metal in the basement, and pop upstairs.
Downstairs is a lineup of fast and heavy locals featuring Devilz by Definition, Goliath, Hellraiser, Legions, Get Bent, Repetitions, Suppressulant, and This Ghost. Doors open at 7:0, admission is $5, all ages are welcome, and the will be featured drink specials.
Upstairs things will be a bit on the lighter side with visiting group Hello Beautiful from Whitby bringing their unique blend of punk, pop, and hip-hop. Upbeat and dance inspiring, their set is certain to be energetic and fun. Joining them will be Courage My Love, a trio featuring twin sisters from Kitchener-Waterloo. With their brand of pop-punk tinted by hardcore they have played the Vans Warped Tour along the likes of A Day to Remember and Tokyo Police Club. Equal parts dance and head banging music, they are certain to get the crowd moving. Third on this bill are Windsor’s pop-punk favourites, Shortcut to Last. These guys have been enjoying a great year, including the release of their second disc, Two Minutes in Heaven. Their sound is pure pop-punk, and their shows are always entertaining. This show starts at 9 pm and is all ages.
The Hoop will be bringing their groovy sounds to Taloola Café (396 Devonshire Rd.) along with Derek Harrison and Jack Goodall. All ages, 8 pm.
A classic Windsor group, catch Kenneth MacLeod and The Windsor Salt Band at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. W.) at 9 pm.
New Year’s Eve, Saturday December 31st
Villains Beastro (256 Pelissier Ave.) is hosting their Pop Your Cherryoke night, where first-timers are invited to come out and give karaoke a shot.
The Manchester (546 Ouellette Ave.) is offering up a party hosted by DJ Jamie Greer, one without tickets or a guest list, just a $5 cover at the door.
Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. W.) will be cover-less and far more dance-themed than normal as DJ Stephen Hargreaves takes over spinning indie dance tunes and anything else that might get your feet moving.
If you’re looking for a party with live, original music, The Coach and Horses (156 Chatham St. W. Basement Level) is the place to be. Awake to a Dream will be releasing their first EP, Living The Immoral Life. Dreams Destruction will be making their comeback, Slyde will be bringing their videogame rock all the way from Ottawa, All Against I will be visiting from London with their eclectic rock sounds, and Perpetuate will be jamming out their take on heavy metal and prog. Doors open at 9 pm, tickets are $5 at the door or $4 in advance, and 19 and over are welcome.
Rees’ Pieces: Dream On
As someone who enjoys participating in the local scene, I’m amazed that I’ve only been able to see Awake to a Dream live once, and I was not disappointed. The sound is a seamless fusion of hardcore and progressive rock/metal that you can’t find with any other local band. This New Year’s Eve, I plan to revisit the band at The Coach and Horses to celebrate the arrival of 2012, but also to celebrate the release of Awake to a Dream’s new EP, Living the Immoral Life. Here is my interview with Awake to a Dream’s vocalist/guitarist, Chris Wilbur.
Awake to a Dream: (Left to Right) Chris Wilbur, Marcel Belanger, Pierre Labbe, Dean George.
Rees: Name the members of Awake To A Dream and what instruments they play that contribute to your sound. What do each of you bring to the band that makes you unique?
Chris: Members are Marcel Belanger on drums (who seems to be able to work with any strange time arrangement I throw at him and fills in with certain hooks that add energy to the songs), Pierre Labbe on bass (who was not accustomed to our style of music at first since he likes his Ska/Rockabilly/Psychobilly). Bringing someone into the band not used to a style can guarantee something interesting coming out because they can see the music in a completely different way than the person writing the song. He also plays ukulele and when given the chance, standup bass (which were both used on the album). However, we have yet to use that live.
Dean was a great lead guitarist to bring into the mix because he has just as much what I call ‘musical A.D.D.’ as I do. This means we can be listening to (or writing) progressive metal or power metal one minute, and the next minute listening to (or writing) Electronica, or Jazz fusion (though have yet to write a proper Jazz fusion-esque song) and in between. As you guessed by the paragraph up to this point, I have done most of the songwriting thus far, however the songs are much more raw and underdeveloped before the guys add to them. The other guys have written material that hasn’t made it to the stage or recordings yet. Live I sing and play guitar, on the album I contribute keyboard and mandolin as well, though I have yet to use them live.
Rees: What are some bands that you’ve played alongside in the local scene that you particularly enjoy playing with?
Chris: There are so many we have played with or wanted to do a show with. One that we haven’t yet but would like to is Gypsy Chief Goliath. I’ve always respected Al’s work and in my opinion, this is his best project yet. A band we have played a show with is Pitch Union actually, and our sounds are very similar so they’re another band thats nice to do a show with. Perpetuate has been good to us, and it’s even enjoyable playing with bands like Betrayer and Final Stage because those crowds are loaded with energy. Once in a while we’ll play with completely different bands like Repetitions, and Devils by Definition. It’s like treating audiences on both ends of the spectrum to something new. There are so many national acts I’d love to do a show with too, but its more of a case of taking them as they come.
Rees: It’s pretty bold to have your CD release party on New Year’s Eve. Do you expect a good attendance?
Chris: That was basically Jamie’s (from Perpetuate) idea to have a big show on New Years Eve which I haven’t done in years, plus we were looking to have our CD release on a show tagged to one that had some sort of meaning than just some regular show. He made sure it was a good one too, his band is quite awing to watch. Dreams Destruction is having it as their comeback show, and 2 out of town bands who have an audience here (All Against I – London area, Slyde – from Ottawa).
Rees: What kind of material can we expect on the CD? Is it going to be mostly stuff you’ve played live, or will there be new tracks no one’s heard at your shows yet?
Chris: This EP was actually recorded some time ago so every song has made it to the live set in that time. None of our covers will be on it though. Those we only play live to mix up our set so to speak. Also, there will even be post-CD songs performed that night.
Rees: Tell us about some of the band’s musical influences. Do you try to sound like music you admire, or do you try to “re-invent the wheel”?
Chris: The music is a combination of different influences. Some of my favorites range from Opeth, Porcupine Tree, Tool, to Matthew Good, 90s indie/alternative, 70s progressive rock, even some pop from all eras (not a very large percentage of it though). Some influences are more apparent than others in our songwriting, but we don’t try to reinvent the wheel at all. To me, it is pointless to do that unless it’s an extension to the sound in someway. I can usually tell listening to music if a band really cares about what they’re doing or just trying to get something out of it (fame, money, etc). The other guys have completely different tastes in music some of which I have gotten into by overhearing, or being told about the music by them.
Rees: I have to say, the members of Awake To A Dream can often be seen attending other local bands’ shows and supporting the scene, even when you guys aren’t playing that night. Do you arrive at a show with “supporting bands” on your mind, or do you just go out because you enjoy the music?
Chris: It’s a mix of going out to see bands I enjoy, and wanting to check a new band I haven’t heard before but either been recommended to or came across their music page or what not. It’s pretty much the same with the other guys, we come out whenever we get a chance.
Rees: Of all the venues you’ve played at, which is your favorite and why?
Chris: The Coach and FM lounge have always been good to us but there are even venues that don’t exist anymore that I enjoyed playing at like Avalon Front. there are several venues in the States that in a past band I really enjoyed playing at. More venues I enjoy playing at than not.
Rees: What will happen for Awake to a Dream in 2012? Any plans yet, or will the band just “wing it”?
Chris: Our main goal is actually to get playing outside of windsor because I miss it, and it’s time we expand out with Awake to a Dream. We’re also in the process of doing a second EP which we’re not pushing to finish right away (as the first still has yet to be ‘released’) but since much of our writing is done while recording (the benefit of self-producing), there will be more and more original songs making their way into our live shows. We have more incomplete than complete songs right now which is exciting, but we’re lacking the time to finish them as quickly as we’d like (I blame myself for taking forever to write lyrics).
Rees: I have a scenario for you: You just played a show and find out that all the other bands got paid and you didn’t. What do you do?
Chris: First reaction would be “Why?” And if there’s a legit reason I have no problem, however if it’s due to carelessness from the person in charge of the show I would approach them about it because if they do it to us, they do it to many others. Bands really have to work hard to make anything these days. Asking for gas money to get home for an out-of-town band is too much to ask quite often unless they’re a known national act (which doesn’t always guarantee a profit either).
Rees: As someone who loves progressive rock and metal, I can really relate to Awake To A Dream. What specific qualities do you put in your music that might give it that progressive sound?
Chris: That’s a compliment that you understand the band, because at least around here bands like us are considered not light enough, not metal enough, or we don’t stick to one sound, etc. The way we approach a song (at least from my point of view) we try to do something we haven’t done before, particularly with arrangement. Not very often will I have a straight forward verse, chorus verse, chorus, bridge etc with 4/4 timing, but sometimes simple and straight forward is what the song calls for. I write the songs more like a story instead of just going through the motions or having a default way of doing it. Something else used quite often in our music is dynamic change, sometimes very abrupt, as it helps keep the audience guessing where the music will go next, rests the ears a bit between heavier parts, and makes each sound seem more extreme.
Rees: Where does the band jam, and what goes on? Is it just an hour or two of solid music, or is there a good amount of “hanging out” that happens at jam time?
Chris: We actually jam at my house and make sure it’s productive, we occasionally get too busy to jam as much as we’d like, so when we do we make the most of it. We’ll occasionally record practices too so we can hear where improvements need to be made. This doesn’t mean we don’t have fun. Every band practice has been filled with terrible jokes, and occasionally me throwing parody lines in my own lyrics.
Rees: I’ve seen a lot of bands fall apart because although the musical talent is there, the bond of friendship is not. Will Awake To A Dream ever run that risk?
Chris: You never know when something will happen in a band. We’ve disagreed before, but we have respect for each other and make sure while being productive we don’t go overboard to where we’re not having fun. We’ve been in enough bands in the past to know what not to do.
Rees: What’s the story behind the name, “Awake To A Dream”? How would you describe the music and the band to first-time listeners?
Chris: I actually came up with that name years ago when I was posting my demos of some of the songs we use now before the band came together. There was a friend of mine named Chad (whom I was in a previous band with) that I would jam those songs with as well as cover songs, and songs he had written. The first few songs written for the project came from what goes through my head while I’m either daydreaming or perhaps working on my own at work thinking. At the time of the formation we felt it still described the music quite well.
Rees: Tell us about the biggest crowd you’ve ever had at a live show. What steps do you take in your performance to engage the listeners and get them moving and enjoying the music?
Chris: With Awake to a Dream our biggest crowd was at a show we had this past year with Battlesoul and many other local bands. The Coach was to a capacity of over 100 people. For me, with a previous band we played the Hiyatt in Dearborn, Michigan to between 1500 and 2000 people on New Year’s Eve, 2008. The bigger the crowd for me, the more I feel like I have to put on a good show for them, haha.
As far as what we do during a set, we try to mix the songs up a bit so we don’t sound too boring, and have as little time as possible between songs. If we do have some time in between we’ll throw some of our ‘humour’ in to keep them entertained while we tune or what-not. People that constantly say “We recorded this in 2007 with so-and-so and it illustrates yada-yada” have puzzled me because generally even if they know you, nobody really cares at a show to hear everything about every song. Generally if they want to know a band’s biography they’ll do their research while bored on the computer at home. It’s also important for us to not just stand and play. Musicians are performers, whose job is to entertain the crowd. The more visuals, the more a crowd can get out of you.
"Musicians are performers whose job is to entertain the crowd. The more visuals, the more a crowd can get out of you."
Rees: Any final thoughts? Give us a date, time, and place for your CD release party.
Chris: I think I’ve talked quite enough. I’m not too good at summarizing. Our CD (EP) release is New Year’s Eve at the Coach and Horses with Perpetuate, Dreams Destruction, All Against I, and Slyde. Tickets (from band members including myself) are $4, $5 at the door. This show is 19 +. And our CDs, we’re selling for $5.
CD Review: Awake To A Dream – Living The Immoral Life
One more band is looking to add their name to the list of notable releases of 2011, and they’re doing it at the last possible moment. Or maybe the first possibl;e moment for releases of 2012.
On New Year’s Eve at The Coach and Horses,Windsor’s post-grunge outfit Awake to a Dream will be releasing their six song debut EP Living The Immoral Life.
The album opens with an outdoor ambience which lasts twenty three seconds, just on the edge of being too long. When the instrumentals kick in, you’re hit in the face with some full, rich sounds that shortly thereafter dissolve into some very upfront, very unique vocals. Titled Solstice, the lyrics to this track either inspired the band’s name, or the name inspired the song, but either way, both in lyrical content and music this song is a great introduction to the band. The song itself flows in a way that emphasizes the different elements of playing and production until a sudden break around the 3:20 mark. Here, we are suddenly hearing the band through a telephone before the full frequency spectrum returns, reminding you of how nice the tones of everything actually are. Close on outdoor ambience.
The cut from cicadas to a more rock-influenced song is a bit surprising, but that’s what these guys are about. Here on Tainted we find not only a faster tempo, but crunchier guitars, a more rock influenced beat, and an overall heavier sound. Chris Wilbur’s vocal stylings are certainly better suited to this yelling, chanting, wholly more aggressive sound.
With Shadows we’re back to birds and bugs, but layered under the simply played, nicely reverbed electric guitar, it sounds pretty great. This song is like compressing the first two into one, in that it starts off suggesting something slow and rather soft, and then suddenly turns into something far beefier, if not exactly upbeat. Throw in some creepy whispers, thickly layered vocals and rolling drum beats, and this track holds a fair bit of interest. The drum sounds on this one are pretty awesome; huge and deep in a way that belies the bedroom it was recorded in. Thumbs up to the arrangement on this one.
The aptly titled Youth talks about growing up and coming to terms with the world. Slower and more lyrical-based, this song really channels the 90’s grunge that Awake To A Dream seems to take influence from. This track could easily fit onto Soul Asylum’s 1998 album Let Your Dim Light Shine.
Force of Habit is altogether different from the other songs on this disc. My favourite of the six, it’s got a great swing to it; very energetic and bouncy. Keeping in tune with the rest of the album, it changes a bit throughout, but always returning to that initial catchy rhythm. The mix is dynamic and interesting, showcasing all elements of the song without making any one particular component stand out too much.
Always a crowd pleaser at their live shows, The Importance of the Bass Guitar is an interesting concept with a heavy blues influence. The first half will throw you off a bit, but that’s intentional. The lack and then addition of the bass will help to teach those who “don’t know how to hear the bass” exactly what to listen for, and how strange music can sound without it (not counting The White Stripes).
Awake to a Dream will be releasing their debut CD Living The Immoral Life at The Coach and Horses on Saturday, December 31st along with Slyde, Dreams Destruction, Perpetuate, and All Against I. Tickets are $4 in advance, $5 at the door, you must be 19 or over to attend, and doors open at 9 pm.
Worth His Weight In Gold
1980-2011
In Memory of David Gold
By Al “Yeti Bones” Petrovich
When I woke up this morning, I did my usual routine, like all of us. When I looked at my phone and saw texts upon texts I just ignored them. I checked my facebook and saw the most devastating news ever. A dear friend of mine had passed on to the other side. It feels like a sick and horrible joke, but I knew it had to be real.
Dave Gold was the single hardest working musician in Canada bar none. I couldn’t even begin to compete with this guy. Right before Woods of Ypres officially began, Dave was our drummer in Mister Bones. This is going back to 2001. He left Mister Bones to begin a black metal band called Woods Of Ypres. At the time, none of us had any idea how big it would be. Dave did.
I remember being on tour and Dave saying to me in a little diner in London Ontario, at 3am, “I think we should take Bones into another direction. Not kill off the stoner rock aspect but bring in a new aspect! We could be the first band to do stoner music with blast beats and a bit of black metal here and there, in bursts!” Now I thought he was crazy, and I just couldn’t understand what he was saying to me. It sounded crazy right? His ideas were not being met in Bones, and we parted ways when we got home to Windsor. Within that year, Dave began Woods Of Ypres.
Fast forward 7 years later, I had this idea to do a heavy metal outfit that included all of my influences and inspirations throughout the years which included many bands that had been doing what Dave had been talking about previously with Bones. I knew that it would take some time to develop this band, and find the right members to do this. So I called Dave, and asked him to meet me in a rehearsal space back down in Windsor. He drove from Toronto that weekend, and we ripped through a 45 minute cassette of riffs and ideas. We traded riffs back and forth and just looked at each other and said, “Holy fuck, this is going to be pure evil!” That band I was forming, was The Georgian Skull.
We used to sit on the phone at night once in awhile, and I mean, like once every 8 months to a year and get drunk and talk about music for hours, talked about a certain side project we were planning on putting together with Morgan Lander from Kittie included in there. It was going to be an amazingly super heavy album simply called WINTERBEARD. Now it breaks my heart that I will never see my friend again, and be able to get closure with him musically. He did an interview with someone from Germany a few years ago, and they asked him, “What was it like to work with Al the Yeti Bones?” And he replied, “Al is like me, and two people that are that similar shouldn’t work together.” The interviewer went on to say, “People have been quoted as calling The Yeti a Nazi or a dictator in his bands.” Dave agreed with him and simply said, “It takes one to know one.” Of course they both meant it in jest. The same magazine interviewed me again, later the following year (and previously to this encounter I had spoken to Dave and he told me all about his interview with the guy and that he had an idea.) He said we should openly bash each other in interviews so that when we release WINTERBEARD the world can fall on their ass and say, “What the fuck? I thought these guys hated each other?” If anyone knows my history in the music scene and if they knew how much I loved controversy and stirring up shit, they would know that I thought this was just brilliant.
He used to always say, “Why don’t you just go back to being Mister Bones? You’ve branded yourself as that for so many years that people will get confused if you keep changing band names.” I would tell him, “Dave, I’m the Yeti, I’m not Mister Bones. Like Woods, Bones had a million band members and I felt as though with each wave of Mister Bones, I was losing a bit of myself.” I needed to do it my way, as Frank Sinatra said. But with Dave, as members came and then went, it was like Woods Of Ypres was shedding skin, and becoming new all over again. It was just another chapter in the life and times of David Gold.
I remember Dave saying that he bought the Georgian Skull album when it came out on Entertainment ONE, and wanted to congratulate me on how “awesomely crushing it was!” He said it reminded him of a raw underground Pantera, and he loved it. I didn’t have the balls to tell him how honored I was to hear him say that, because of all the successes he had been receiving worldwide with Woods at the time.
Dave had a vision that he polarized through his music, and slowly I became aware of the deep and emotional connection he had to this earth, to the people on it, and his ideas of penning them down on paper, and eventually on an album.
"Dave had a clear-cut vision of what he wanted. Most people have no idea what they want, but he did. And he knew how to get it."
I understood Dave pretty well, I think. If anyone knows the stories behind him and I working together in music, they know we were extremely similar. Deep down, we both knew it too. We couldn’t be in the same band, because we were both visionaries and had two very different visions in mind. We’ve known each other for a long time, and I’ve gone through a lot of the same shit he has. What I can say is this, Dave had a clear-cut vision of what he wanted. Most people have no idea what they want, but he did. And he knew how to get it. Always had. When the vision starts to shift or differ slightly it was up to Dave to bring it back on track. No one else. This onus had always been on him. I related to that very much. It was Dave’s vision being seen through, as it should be. (Please forgive me, as I’m writing this, I’m finding it terribly hard to write my opinions and thoughts in past tense.) Afterall, it was the vision that had been seen from the beginning, and it was OBVIOUSLY working.
Dave had a lot of success backing him, and no doubt in my mind Woods Of Ypres was going to blow up soon. Just this past year he had been signed to Earache Records, and on January 31st they will release his latest masterpiece, and ultimately the final installment of Woods Of Ypres.
The thing that many people don’t understand about touring is that to be out there for us was normal. It is normal to me, and it was normal to Dave. What wasn’t normal was being back at home, waking up at 6am, going to work at a job you hated, and living the same life everyone else was. Why? Because to a musician, everyday life was standing between us and our goals and that’s not living. It’s dying, slowly. Most bands don’t get to do what we do, because they have locked themselves inside the death chamber of life, which unravels a very slow death. Dave was living his life. He was taken too soon, and this was a brother, not just of mine, but of every musician and person he came in contact with. I owe Dave a lot. Like, I owe the guy so much. Big time.
"He will be missed, and his music, I'm PROUD to say, will live on forever."
No words could ever describe how sorry I am for his family and how sorry I am for anyone that had the pleasure of knowing him. I am deeply sorry to his past and present band mates, including one of my dearest friends Aaron Palmer who was the bassist for Woods of Ypres during its conception. This is very surreal for me, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t in tears as I write this. The world has lost an extremely talented individual that was wise beyond his years. The man may have been living in a 31-year-old body, but I believe he has died of old age. He was far more wise than his age portrayed him. Life will be different without him. As the year of the “apocalypse” approaches I suppose it’s fitting that God takes away one of the greats. Too sudden. Man, way too fucking sudden. All life really is, is a chance for us to do amazing things while we’re here. Dave Gold can honestly without a doubt stand at the gates of Heaven and say to St. Peter, “I fucking did amazing things in life, now let me in.” Life is just a portal from birth to death, and Dave was taken before he got to see what his labour of love achieved in this life. He will be missed, and his music, I’m PROUD to say, will live on forever.
Cheers. This drink is on me my friend. I love you, and will miss you.
AL THE YETI BONES
(a.k.a Alex Petrovich)
CJAM TOP 30!!! December 12th-18th // 2011!
* – Indicates Canadian Content
1 THE HYPNOTICS* – Static Fuzz Radio (New Values)
2 THE GERTRUDES* – Till the Morning Shows Her Face To Me (Apple Crisp)
3 DUBMATIX* – Clash of the Titans (Renegade)
4 AL TUCK* – Under Your Shadow (MapleMusic)
5 CRISSI COCHRANE* – Pretty Alright (Self-Released)
6 DEL BEL* – Oneiric (Out Of Sound)
7 DUCHESS SAYS* – In A Fung Day T! (Alien8)
8 SULTANS OF STRING* – Move (Self-Released)
9 WILD DOMESTIC* – Wild Domestic (Out Of Sound)
10 LOS CAMPESINOS! – Hello Sadness (Arts & Crafts)
11 PATTI SMITH – Outside Of Society (Sony)
12 CHILDISH GAMBINO – Camp (Glassnote)
13 THE DUKE SPIRIT – Bruiser (Shangri-La)
14 THE BARMITZVAH BROTHERS* – Growing Branches (Label Fantastic)
15 BRY WEBB* – Provider (Idée Fixe)
16 HAVE GUN WILL TRAVEL – Mergers and Acquisitions (Self-Released)
17 M83 – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming (Mute)
18 THE STRETCH ORCHESTRA* – The Stretch Orchestra (Self-Released)
19 JON BROOKS* – Delicate Cages (Self-Released)
20 LOOM* – Epyllion (Self-Released)
21 INDOOR VOICES* – Nevers (Self-Released)
22 THE STIG* – This Lovely Filth (Self-Released)
23 NO ISLAND* – Sign Of The Times (Self-Released)
24 OX* – Tuco (Cosmic Dave’s Record Factory)
25 MIESHA & THE SPANKS / THE SPHINXS* – Miesha & The Spanks / The Sphinxs Split (Self-Released)
26 TAUREY BUTLER* – Taurey Butler (Justin Time)
27 COEUR DE PIRATE* – Blonde (Grosse Boite)
28 MAZ* – Telescope (Self-Released)
29 CHARLOTTE CORNFIELD* – Two Horses (Self-Released)
30 ROCKADROME* – Royal American Twentieth Century Blues (Pacemaker)
More Info?: www.earshot-online.com
This Week @ (Dec.19 – 25)
Milk Coffee Bar (68 University Ave. W.)
Monday Dec. 19: The Monday Milkmen
Tuesday Dec. 20: Open Mic with Mary Allan
Wednesday Dec. 21: Open Mic with Shrimp Yogurt
Thursday Dec. 22: This Man Tells Stories Farewell Goodbye Show, featuring Tony Coates and The Birds of Paradise.
Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. W.)
Monday Dec. 19: Open Mic Surgery with James O-L
Wednesday Dec. 21: Travis Reitsma, The Hung Jury, Mys Co. Super Fantastic Mega Smash Super-Jammm
Friday Dec. 23: ASK & Years of Ernest wsg. Construction and Destruction (Halifax)
Saturday Dec. 24: The Unquiet Dead wsg RYE & George Manury
https://www.facebook.com/pages/the-unquiet-dead/154602187946749?sk=wall
The Manchester Pub (546 Ouellette Ave.)
Monday Dec. 19: Open Mic with Clinton Hammond
Tuesday Dec. 20: Tuesday Night Music Club with Jamie Reaume
Villains Beastro (256 Pelissier Ave.)
Tuesday Dec. 20: VOMIT (Villians’ Open Musical Instrument Talent) Show with the Eric Welton Band
The Coach and Horses (156 Chatham St. W. basement)
Friday Dec. 23: NeanderTHRALL, Slaughterhouse on the Prairie, Repetitions, Devilz By Definition
The FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. W. main level)
Wednesday Dec. 21: Long & McQuade’s Jam Night
Friday Dec. 23: Magnificent Bastards “Famous When I Die” Video Premiere, with Old Punks 4.
Saturday Dec, 24: The Only Open Mic on Saturday Night, hosted by Acousticfire
The Dominion House (3140 Sandwich St.)
Tuesday Dec. 20: Open Mic with Alec Lauziere
Friday Dec. 23: Abide, Always A New Day, Blackheart, Your Best Bet.
Untouchables (138 University Ave. West, above California Sushi)
Wednesday Dec. 21: Weird Wednesdays: Techno, Minimal, IDM, DubStep w/ DJ Kero, Annie Hall and Sabrinski
Hoagy’s Tap and Eatery (13169 Tecumseh Rd. E)
Wednesday Dec. 21: Diesel Junkies, The Nefidovs, and James O-L and the Villains
https://www.facebook.com/thenefidovs
The Honest Lawyer (300 Ouellette Ave)
Monday Dec. 19: Open Mic with Dave Russell
The Dugout (300 Ouellette Ave.)
Friday Dec.23: Orphan Choir, James OL & the Villains, Silent Movie Type (CD release)
https://www.facebook.com/pages/James-O-L-and-the-Villains/139233310205?ref=ts&sk=wall
Road Runner Records Finds A Windsor Band to Play CMW
It has already been announced that Windsor’s newest decet, The Unquiet Dead will be performing as part of Canadian Music Week in Toronto in March 2012, but another local act will soon be added to theoster, pending the outcome of Friday night’s Road Runner Records Sign Me To Showcase.
For only $10 fans can see 11 acts compete for a spot in CMW 2012. The show will take place at The Dominion House Tavern (3140 Sandwich st.) and tickets are on sale from bands now, but are selling out quickly.
The showcase will be split into two halves; the first will run from 5 pm until 9 pm and will be all ages. The second half will begin at 9 and run until 1:30 am. This bit is only for those 19 and up, but one ticket provides access to both halves.
Part one will feature bands on the lighter end of the musical spectrum, starting off with pop group HelloAudio. This is a group that has played with West-Coast dance-pop sensations These Kids Wear Crowns, and who plan on releasing their first full length in 2012.
Shortcut to Last have been receiving a fair bit of attention this year, releasing an album, a slip ‘n’ slide themed music video to their first single Two Minutes in Heaven off the album of the same title, and playing numerous shows in the area. Their Bowling for Soup-esque sound is always a crowd pleaser, with pop-punky and upbeat rhythms drawing audiences and winning over new fans at every show.
With a new band member and new EP, We Can Be Heroes will be vying for a spot at CMW 2012 with their brand of dancey-pop-punk. Catchy Synth Loops and crunchy guitars create interest and define the sound of this young band.
The Tragedy of Mariam are an eclectic group that take influence from pop, punk, alternative, and hardcore bands. The result is similar to an edgier Yellowcard with more heart. They recently opened for Silverstein when they visited Windsor.
To finish off the first half of the night is female lead, heavy metal prog-rock outfit Perpetuate. With keys, operatic vocals, and intricate playing, this is a group that has carved a place for itself in the local scene, and can be found on bills with varying genres. Their first, self-titled album was released in April of this year and is currently being distributed by CDN Records.
From here the night moves into the 19+ portion of the showcase.
Against All Evil is a new band who have been “silently creating their EP at SLR Studios”. Featuring members from Richie Nix, Radio Adelaide, and Thieves in Remand, this is their second show after opening for Mic Lordz and sauce Funky in November. Pop infused alt-rock that is ready for the radio, this band is half The Black Maria and half Fallout Boy. The sort of music that you can’t really call out for having anything wrong with it, except that maybe the melodies get stuck in your head.
Slaughterhouse on the Prairie haven’t been around for as long as some bands on this bill, but by relentless playing they have built themselves a strong local fan base. Now a fixture in the city’s metal scene, they are currently working on recording at Spectre Sound Studios.
One of Windsor’s more successful acts in recent years, Assassinate the Following… will join the bill as well. Playing progressive heavy metal with passion and heart, ATF… have toured with Protest the Hero and Abandon All Ships, and their 2009 album Massacre of the North is available through CDN Records.
A local classic, Betrayer has a history of winning battle of the bands competitions, so it will be interesting to see how their practised, old-school metal fares against such an eclectic group of more modern-sounding bands. But regardless of the night’s outcome, Betrayer is always a group worth seeing, with defined stage presence and no question as to what they’re about musically.
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Ravenscode is another band in it’s infancy, but one that has found itself an audience in the Theory-of-a-Nickle-Creed fan base. After sprouting from a cover band in early 2011, they have spent this year touring Ontario and using their style of radio-friendly, crisp, alternative rock to win over audiences.
Another relatively new band, King Misfit is comprised of guys from Windsor, LaSalle, and Amherstburg. Epic, symphonic, and progressive, they’re like a less-heavy Dream Evil, and their vocalist even sounds a bit like Niklas Islefdt. They released their debut album Under Ancient Ground in the spring, and this is their second area show since then. Their songs are long, sweeping, dynamic pieces of polished rock that are very listener friendly.
Good luck to all bands participating in Friday night’s showcase, and hopefully music fans will take advantage of such a stellar lineup and go show their support for their favourites.
Road Runner Records Sign Me To Windsor Showcase takes place on Friday, December 16th and The Dominion House Tavern (3140 Sandwich St.). Tickets are $10 ADV/$15 ATD, and provide access to both halves of the show. Part 1 begins at 5 pm, is all ages, and features HelloAudio, Shortcut to Last, We Can Be Heroes, The Tragedy of Mariam, and Perpetuate. Part 2 begins at 9 pm, is 19+, and features Against All Evil, Slaughterhouse on the Prairie, Assassinate the Following…, Betrayer, Ravenscode, and King Misfit.
CJAM TOP 30!!! December 5th-11th // 2011!
* – Indicates Canadian Content
1 SUNPARLOUR PLAYERS* – Us Little Devils (Outside)
2 TOM WAITS – Bad As Me (Anti-)
3 DUB VULTURE* – Snarl! (Self-Released)
4 CRISSI COCHRANE* – Pretty Alright (Self-Released)
5 THE PLASTIC CLOUD* – The Plastic Cloud (Pacemaker Recordings)
6 THE MAGNIFICENT BASTARDS* – The Magnicent Bastards (Self-Released)
7 CANYONS – Keep Your Dreams (Modular)
8 AL TUCK* – Under Your Shadow (MapleMusic)
9 SULTANS OF STRING* – Move (Self-Released)
10 LIVE ACTION FEZZ* – Makes Music (Cat People)
11 RADIATION CITY – The Hands That Take You (Tender Loving Empire)
12 CASIOKIDS – Aabenbaringen Over Aaskammen (Polyvinyl)
13 JON BROOKS* – Delicate Cages (Self-Released)
14 MALAJUBE* – La Caverne (Dare To Care)
15 TEENBURGER* – Burgertime (Droppin’ Science)
16 SAO PAULO UNDERGROUD – Três Cabeças Loucuras (Cuneiform)
17 M83 – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming (Mute)
18 SAID THE WHALE* – New Brighton (Hidden Pony)
19 FEIST* – Metals (Arts & Crafts)
20 SAVK* – Savk (VK)
21 NO ISLAND* – Sign Of The Times (Self-Released)
22 KORALLREVEN – An Album By Korallreven (Acéphale)
23 THE MATTHEW BROTHERS – The Matthew Brothers (Self-Released)
24 HANNI EL KHATIB – When the Guns Come Out (Dine Alone)
25 MAD ONES* – Behaviour (Self-Released)
26 ATLAS SOUND – Parallax (4AD)
27 VARIOUS* – Underground Hip Hop Vol. 7 (Urbnet)
28 ATHUJA* – Ontogeny (Self-Released)
29 ROOTS MANUVA – 4everevolution (Big Dada)
30 VARIOUS* – Folk Songs Of Canada Now (LF!)
More Info?: www.earshot-online.com
CJAM TOP 30!!! November 28th – December 4th // 2011!
* – Indicates Canadian Content
1 AL TUCK* – Under Your Shadow (MapleMusic)
2 D-SISIVE* – Run With The Creeps (Urbnet)
3 VARIOUS* – Tunes for Baboons: Live Sessions From CJSW 90.9 FM (CJSW)
4 DEAD TO ME – Moscow Penny Ante (Fat Wreck Chords)
5 LITTLE RED – Midnight Remember (True Panther)
6 MALAJUBE* – La Caverne (Dare To Care)
7 DAVID LYNCH – Crazy Clown Time (Sunday Best)
8 HONHEEHONHEE* – Shouts (Self-Released)
9 OLIVER JONES* – Live In Baden, Switzerland (Justin Time)
10 GREAT AUNT IDA* – Nuclearize Me (Zunior)
11 VARIOUS* – Underground Hip Hop Vol. 7 (Urbnet)
12 VARIOUS* – Everybody Dance Now: Songs From Hamilton Vol. 6 (C+C Music Festival)
13 CASS MCCOMBS – Humor Risk (Domino)
14 LES SEXY* – Les Sexy (Self-Released)
15 SAID THE WHALE* – New Brighton (Hidden Pony)
16 PHONECIA – Demissions (Detroit Underground)
17 OWEN – Ghost Town (Polyvinyl)
18 MAD ONES* – Behaviour (Self-Released)
19 SUPERCHUNK – Foolish (reissue) (Merge)
20 DUB VULTURE* – Snarl! (Self-Released)
21 CHARLOTTE CORNFIELD* – Two Horses (Self-Released)
22 ANVIL* – Monument Of Metal (The End)
23 TAUREY BUTLER* – Taurey Butler (Justin Time)
24 RAIN OVER ST. AMBROSE* – Overton Window (Acadian Embassy)
25 THE MIGHTY POPO* – Gakondo (Borealis)
26 CHRISTOPHER O’RILEY AND MATT HAIMOVITZ – Shuffle.Play.Listen (Oxingale)
27 SUNPARLOUR PLAYERS* – Us Little Devils (Outside)
28 WILD FLAG – Wild Flag (Merge)
29 DINNER BELLES – West Simcoe County (Self-Released)
30 JONI HAASTRUP – Wake Up Your Mind (Soundway)
More Info?: www.earshot-online.com
Rees’ Pieces: Chillin’ Like a Villain with Geoff Zanetti
This summer, I had the privilege of being introduced to Villains Beastro, a very different sort of venue. Established about six months ago on Pelissier Ave. in downtown Windsor, Villains has since become a favorite place for local “scenesters” to eat, relax with a pint of beer, and listen to some awesome live music. Here is my interview with owner, Geoff Zanetti, all about Villains Beastro.
Rees: Villains Beastro is probably the most “unique” bar/restaurant I have ever seen in Windsor. What made you think of “villains” as a theme, and how has the response been from first-time customers?
Geoff: I love jokes so I wanted to create a concept that was playful, silly and strange. Something that we can all laugh at. The response has been fantastically phenomenal. People enjoy the atmosphere. It’s funny to watch first-timers come in and laugh at all the obscure villains on the wall.
Rees: So far, there’s been a live music show just about every weekend since Villains Beastro opened its doors. What steps were taken to make Villains band-friendly, and what makes this bar so enjoyable for bands to play in?
Geoff: I’m an entertainer myself and I enjoy being entertained. I like having a stage for any act out there whether it be for a rock show, art show, burlesque show, magic show or even a sex show. The stage is equipped with lights, sound and a beautiful 1966 wallpaper backdrop. Recipe for delight.
Rees: Windsor has a small handful of bars that accommodate alternative music (rock, metal, hardcore/punk). Have you found that there’s been a lot of competition between Villains and the other bars? What sets you apart?
Geoff: Of course there’s competition but people like playing everywhere. Each place is unique in their own way. Villains stands apart with our local charm and our sorcery.
Rees: The menu at Villains has grown and changed since the summer. Tell us about some of the great foods and beverages served there, and the inspiration behind the very creative “names” of the various dishes.
Geoff: The Snack-O-Torium pumps out all fresh foods all day long. Home-made mayo and clever names are something we pride ourselves in. The inspiration for the names comes from great super villains and that’s why we’re home to the world famous Chicken Cobra. The menu will continue to expand until we become downtown Windsor’s largest indoor, heated warehouse sandwich depot. We have 33 different types of beer and we’re the only bar downtown that carries Stiegl on tap.
Rees: Of all the live shows that have taken place at Villains thus far, which were the most memorable? Explain.
Geoff: That’s a tough question to answer because there have been many great shows. I’d say Surdaster for breaking in the stage with the first headlining show. Also the surprise show that The Brains put on due to deportation was a lot of fun. Kenneth MacLeod was memorable for playing the first downtown Oktoberfest, and also being a part of FAMfest this year was awesome. Of course, The Jet Trio (Geoff’s band) was purely delightful…
Rees: Tell us about any “favorite” genres or bands, that make you think “Yes! So-and-so is playing tonight! I can’t wait!”
Geoff: I like having bands with a different sound. I’m looking forward to The Motown Xmas Affair on December 10th and the Elliott Brood show on December 17th.
Rees: Have patrons been respectful of the venue, or do people see it as just another place to trash?
Geoff: For the most part people have been respectful. I’ve been told this is the only place downtown where women feel comfortable flushing the toilet with their hand and not their feet.
Rees: Those of us who love Villains Beastro never want to see it close down! How much has Villains expanded from opening day until today? Are you surprised about how well business is going?
"I've always thought that Windsor needed a place like this and it turns out I'm not the only one."
Geoff: The first six months have been pretty well received. We’ve expanded our menu, beer list and weekly events. The aim is to have a themed dress-up party at least once a month. Yes, I’m surprised that it’s going so well, I’m still surprised that I even got the place opened but I do love hearing all the positive feedback from people. I’ve always thought that Windsor needed a place like this and it turns out I’m not the only one.
Rees: As a new venue owner, what are your goals for Villains in 2012? Any changes or additions planned that we can look forward to?
Geoff: A lot of people still don’t even know that Villains exists, in the upcoming year I hope to reach out to more people with the food, music, drink and creative events. Each day more and more people are coming in and digging it.
Rees: Do you find that the tempo is slowing down with colder weather? How do you plan to keep the momentum going over the holidays and winter months?
Geoff: Even the rebels endured the harsh climate of the planet Hoth. Windsor is full of rebels.
Rees: In what ways have you marketed Villains to potential new customers? Have you found that certain forms of advertising are more effective than others?
Geoff: Word of mouth has been pretty effective thus far. A lot of people love the flyers but hopefully in the future we can come up with more creative ways to promote our fine establishment.
Rees: What made you say “We need Stiegl on tap.”? Was it a love of the beer itself, or a hunch that it would sell?
Geoff: I first had Stiegl three years ago in Toronto and fell in love with it at first taste. When I decided to open up a bar, I knew that Stiegl wasn’t around and that had to change. Bringing a new beer to the city center was key in making this place unique because not enough people knew that it even existed.
Rees: Of all the villains’ portraits on the wall my own personal favorite is Lord Voldemort from the Harry Potter series. Which one is your personal favorite, and can you share a little about the amazing artist who created these villainous portraits?
Geoff: What can I say? Anything my friend David Houle does is my favourite. From the band flyers and the event flyers to the logo, he nails it every time, he gets it. The detail and thought that goes into each piece is incredible. He has as much passion in creating his art as Darth Vader has for ruling the Empire. The force is very strong with this one. Most impressive.
Rees: I think one of the best features of Villains Beastro is its location. Has being situated in the heart of the downtown night scene been an asset to your success?
"Being located in the arts district is the only spot for us."
Geoff: Being located in the arts district is the only spot for us. I don’t think Villains would really fit in anywhere else.
Rees: Explain P.U.K.E. and V.O.M.I.T. Do you come up with all of these fun weekly events by yourself, or have you had help from any of your friends, family, staff or customers?
Geoff: P.U.K.E. = People Using Karaoke Equipment on Wednesdays. V.O.M.I.T. = Villains Open Mic Instrumental Talent on Tuesdays. Those are ongoing weekly events. For the most part, the ideas for the events are a collaborative effort but the names are where I get to have my fun.
Rees: Finally, tell Windsor Zene readers about some of the upcoming December shows that we can look forward to.
Geoff: Upcoming shows include The Night of a Billion Laughs Comedy Show on December 8th, Christmas in Hawaii on December 9th (wearing Hawaiian shirts or grass skirts wins you a prize!), and the Motown Christmas Affair on December 10th. The Rock & Roll Barber returns with her special deal, a pint and a haircut for $20 on December 15th. We also have Elliott Brood on December 17th and Pop Your Cherry-oke on December 31st!
If you haven’t checked out Villains Beastro, it is located on 256 Pelissier Ave. downtown, and promises to be a fantastic experience every time you enter the doors. I highly recommend this venue, whether you want to be entertained with live music, or whether you want to sit down with delicious food and a pint. Bring a friend! We’ll see you there.
This Week @ (Dec. 5-11)
Milk Coffee Bar (68 University Ave. W.)
Monday, December 5th: The Monday Milkmen
Tuesday, December 6th: Open Mic with Mary Allan
Wednesday, December 7th: Open Mic with Shrimp Yogurt
Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. W.)
Monday, December 5th: Open Mic Surgery with James O-L
Friday, December 9th: The Tyres and Eric Welton
http://www.myspace.com/thetyres , http://www.myspace.com/ericwelton
Villains Beastro (256 Pelissier St.)
Tuesday, December 6th: VOMIT (Villians’ Open Musical Instrument Talent) Show with the Eric Welton Band
Wednesday, December 7th: PUKE (People Using Karaoke Equipment)
Thursday, December 8th: Night of a Billion Laughs (Featuring the brilliant slap happy comedy of Jonny Peladeau & Rob Kemeny. Hosted by Heather Zaleski)
Friday, December 9th: Christmas in Hawaii! (Hawaiian shirts or grass skirts gets you a prize!
Music Authentico!)
The Manchester Pub (546 Ouellette Ave.)
Monday, December 5th: Open Mic with Clinton Hammond
Tuesday, December 6th: Tuesday Night Music Club with Jamie Reaume
Thursday, December 8th: Vice Aerial
The Honest Lawyer (300 Ouellette Ave.)
Monday, December 5th: Open Mic with Dave Russell
The Dominion House Tavern (3140 Sandwich St.)
Tuesday, December 6th: Open Mic with Alec Lauziere
Thursday, December 8th: Celtic Music with Clinton Hammond
FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. W. Main Level)
Wednesday, December 7th: Long & McQuade’s Jam Night
Saturday, December 10th: The Only Open Mic on Saturday Night, hosted by Acousticfire
The Coach and Horses (156 Chatham St. W. Lower Level)
Friday, December 9th: EVL, Aurelia ( EVL will be recording a live album, perfect opportunity to shout obscenities into the microphones!!!)
Saturday, December 10th: HIP HOP SPOTLIGHT
Mick’s Irish Pub (28 Chatham St. E.)
Thursday, December 8th: Toast & Jam
The Mill Tavern (3199 Sandwich St.)
Wednesday, December 7th: Open Mic with BJ Laub
Untouchables (138 University Ave. W)
Wednesday, December 7th: Weird Wednesdays: Techno, Minimal, IDM, DubStep w/ DJ Kero, Annie Hall and Sabrinski
The Capitol Theatre (121 University Ave. W.)
Thursday, December 8th: Sunparlour Players, the Sadies, Locusts Have No King, Field Assembly
Weekend Round-Up: December 2-4
Lots of great music happening in WIndsor this weekend, as per usual. No matter what your genre is, there’ll be something for you to go out and enjoy.
Friday December 2
The legendary Coach and Horses (156 Chatham St. W, basement level) will be hosting a night of metal on Friday, include scene staple Devilz By Definition, (check out a recent interview with band member Bruce Munro) Reasons Lost, heavy metal from Leamington, a new metal-core band from the area, Always a New Day, and visiting from Hamilton, Blacktop Recess. Heavy breakdowns, melodic vocals, and technical shredding define this metal band’s sound. (Doors at 9pm, 19+, no cover)
At The Dominion House Tavern night one of a showcase of local punk and hardcore bands will be taking place. Bands featured include Dead Weight, Get Bent, Autumn’s Autopsy, and Ad Nauseam. Check out this week’s feature on the show. (Doors at 7pm, all ages, $5/$7 for both days)
Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. W) will be hosting a techno/hip-hop night, with Toronto’s D-sisive making an appearance with his smooth lyrics over solid beats. CWMA nominee CityReal from Vancouver will be performing his politically charged raps as well, with Windsor’s own dubstep master, Dstruct.o rounding off that bill. (doors at 9pm, 19+)
Saturday December 3
It’ll be an all instrumental night at The Coach (156 Chatham St. W) on Saturday, with Celtic-metal outfit Aeron’s Wake fiddling their way into your consciousness. They’ll be joined by Red Red Run who perform a very free-flowing, organic type of music, and the relaitively new Omnisyn with their ambient and technical style. (9pm, 19+, free)
The Dominion Hosue Tavern (3140 Sandwich St.) will be on round two of local hardcore, punk, and metal, this time with Seven Out, Reasons Lost, Blackheart, and Dead Man’s Will. Further details can be found in the show’s highlight article posted earlier this week. (Doors at 7pm, all ages, $5/$7 for both days)
One of a number of shows displaced by The Blind Dog’s misfortune, Silverstein, Falling with Glory, The Tragedy of Mariam, and Horizons will be performing at The Room (255 Ouellette Ave). A night of local pop-rock in support of a national radio artist in an intimate setting; couldn’t ask for better. (6 pm, all ages, $15 ADV/$20 ATD)
Villains Beastro (256 Pelissier) will be the scene of metal outfit Grand Maris’s CD release party, where they will be joined on stage by Gypsy Chief Goliath. Check out the most recent installment of Richtig’s Reviews where GCG’s It’s A Walk In The Mist is scrutinized, and this show is plugged. (10 pm, 19+, $5)
Indie garage-rocker and multi-instrumentalist Paul Jacobs will be lending his sound to the event of Chase Davidson’s BMX video premiere at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave W.) early in the evening, with Kenneth Macleod and The Windsor Salt Band taking things over later on.
Sunday December 4
Milk Coffee Bar (68 University Ave W.) is hosting an acoustic showcase featuring Diesel Junkie’s Jonathan Loiselle, Beijing Bike Club’s David John Zelko, Windsor’s best eastern-influenced act Daniyal Malik, fifteen-year-old Toronto-Area Francesco with his emotional, poppy sound, Kaleb Stropkovics of the band Rivers, and an acoustic set by local pop-punkers Another Intention. (6 pm, all ages, $5)
