Video: CELLOS – Toronto
Windsor (and some would argue SouthWestern Ontarioʼs) hardest rocking band CELLOS have been busy lately. When they arenʼt blowing the helpless and unsuspecting minds of Windsorʼs downtown music scene at their usual go-to venues, such as Phog, Villains, Dugout, FM and Coach theyʼre in the studio making quality sounding recordings, pressing really cool vinyl, and now making some kick-ass music videos.
CELLOS used the song Toronto for this music video, which is definitely one of my favorite tracks off their forthcoming debut album entitled Bomb Shelter. Toronto plays off the metaphor that cities can consume you and the music really makes that metaphor believable because of CELLOSʼ signature heavy noise rock style.
The first screen of the music video starts off with a vintage ʻcoming attractionsʼ opening as if you were watching movie trailers from the 1960s. The video then gets right into the soon to be continuous opening riff and a really cool time lapse shot of the city of Toronto at night. The video then progresses into a series of live footage clips of the band playing at different venues in Windsor. Toronto was produced and shot well, the videographer really captures the image that the song portrays by editing noise and grain overtop of the footage. The rest of the video is basically just more clips of the band playing live, save for a bowling ball plowing through an old television set that has been set on fire (random, maybe. Awesome, definitely).
As fun as it was to see CELLOS playing at various venues in Windsor I found it kind of distracting to see the guitarist and vocalist Kyle with and without a full beard. My only other criticism is that it would have been cool to see footage of CELLOS actually playing in Toronto.
Overall I thought this song and video was great and I think itʼs safe to say that you can expect much more from CELLOS as they continue to progress. I give it 8 out of 10 sweltering bowling pins.
- Nick
Video: Perpetuate – Above and Beyond
Slow-mo wind mills, a blazing light show, and an awesome song have all come together in the form of Perpetuate’s music video for the song Above and Beyond from their self titled album, which was released last year.
The band had a hell of a time bringing this one to life, writing and re-writing, shooting and re-shooting… But all good things come at a price.
Here, we have the collusion of Spectre Sound’s Glenn Fricker, Adam Marz of Marz Media Productions, and the band themselves. What we’re given is an epic performance video with closeups on fretboards and faces, a video that really allows viewers to see the band in action. A great choice for those unable to actually catch the band live, this allows an insight into their always-impressive performances. Only now they’ll be expected to travel with insane light shows at all times.
Congratulations to the band and all other involved parties, this is one of the best local videos I’ve seen this year.
Video: Meters to Miles – Recession
Meters to Miles is a Windsor-based indie-pop band that has been playing since 2007. Recently, they released a music video to the song Recession.
The song’s subject matter is one you can surely guess, but the tone is a bit surprising. The bitterness of someone who has just been laid off is certainly there, but the song is nonetheless very danceable. Ignoring the fact that the lyrics are about how the rent can’t be paid, I can see this one being put into regular rotation at The Loop’s Indie Dance Night.
Adding the video to the song, things become more amusing, while still being cause for thought. The focus is on an astronaut who has been laid off, now trying to cope with the monotony that is everyday life on earth. Yes, seeing a man in a spacesuit play Dance Dance Revolution is awesome, but the premise of the video does still drive home the fact that it isn’t just factory workers losing their jobs these days; everyone is affected by economic struggle.
New Music Video: The Blue Stones – Vain Vixens
Once again Windsor’s premiere blues rock band, The Blue Stones have teamed up with director Gavin Booth of Mimetic Entertainment to create a music video, this time for the track Vain Vixens, originally released on their self-titled EP, and once again available on their new Special Edition full length
The live performance portions of the video were shot at Villains Beastro (256 Pelissier Ave.) where music lovers were invited to come out dressed in their best 50’s style gear. This nostalgic feeling coupled with the black and white in which the video is presented makes for another hit from this combination of band and director.
Sexy and exciting, The Blue Stones have done well with this song and video, and the best of luck to them as they go to dominate Canadian Music Week in Toronto next month.
Video: The Blue Stones team up with Gavin Booth and iPhone
Local garage rockers The Blue Stones released their debut video yesterday, shot by local film maker/video producer Gavin Michael Booth. Booth has been on a bit of a hot streak of late, with recent videos by The Afters, Inoke Errati and many others finding viral success on the internet. Well this latest one may have created the most amount of buzz to date. Because apart from the band themselves, the star of the video are two iPhone 4′s in what is believed to be the first video to use FaceTime technology (for those who don’t have iPhones or are unfamiliar, FaceTime is video conferencing/calling).
It’s already been picked up by many internet technology blogs like The Next Web, Jailbreak Movies, and The Unoffical Apple Weblog, as well as entertainment websites like The Rock 100.7 FM’s official site, OurWindsor.ca and EntertainmentWindsor.
Gavin Michael Booth also uploaded the latest webisode of his internet series “How Many Days?” – a project where he’s chronicling how many days in takes to meet his film making inspirations – that shows a behind the scenes look at how the video was built.
With the recent viral runaway hit “You, I’m From Windsor Dude” recently trending all over, this is sure to be the next Windsor internet hit. With the recent success of their EP release party, the Blue Stones could be on their way to being the next must-see act from the Rose City.
You can catch The Blue Stones playing live this Saturday at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) as the local support for Toronto’s Decade of Sleep.
VIDEOS: Neverending White Lights & J-Diggz and Woods of Ypres
Okay, it’s not all three of them together, but it is two videos that are both gaining some steam.
Neverending White Lights, the huge national sensation created by Windsorite Daniel Victor, has been storming Canadian music charts, from mainstream radio to MuchMusic to multiple Juno nominations, ever since the release of his debut album, Act I: Goodbye Friends of the Heavenly Bodies, and it’s smash single “The Grace” (featuring Alexisonfire and City and Colour voice Dallas Green). A talented producer and soundscape engineer, as well as a multi-instrumentalist, Victor’s talent has allowed him to collaborate with some big names musically despite his independent approach to releasing his own music. His first two albums drew guest performances from such artists as Green, Jimmy Gnecco (Ours), Rob Dickenson (Catherine Wheel), and Melissa Auf Der Maur (Hole, Smashing Pumpkins). His latest collaboration with Toronto hip-hop MC J-Diggz, the song “This Time”, has resulted in a recent #1 single on MuchMusic. They reunited the other day at MuchMusic studios the other night to perform in front of a studio audience to celebrate the achievement.
Dave Gold’s path has been quite a bit different with his black metal project Woods of Ypres. A native of Sault Ste. Marie, Gold spent many years in Windsor and formed this metal colossus in the cold of its scene and on the stages of the legendary Coach & Horses – the name itself even stems from Ypres Park in Windsor. He’s taken Woods of Ypres across North America and metal magazines around the globe have continuously praised Gold for his approach to black metal and his continuing journey to push WoY forward without compromising his/its own legacy. The latest Woods’ record, Woods of Ypres IV: The Green Album, is being released on Earache Records and a video for the track, “I Was Buried At Mt. Pleasant Cemetary”, has recently been released. Definitely one of the most sombre (and low key) songs Woods has released, but a token to Gold’s ability to create something so melodic and epic without compromising any of its heaviness.
The Indecent sign major deal with Warner Bros. – with a Windsor connection
The Indecent is not a Windsor band. I don’t think they’ve ever even played in Windsor before. But this band that features a set of New York City triplets (all of whom are 17 years old) just signed a major record deal with Warner Bros. And by that, I mean with the parent company, not a little subsidiary that will simply get distribution by Warner. No, they’re getting the Big Time treatment (or as Orson Wells said in The Muppet Movie, the “Rich & Famous Contract”).
So why are they being reported on in The Windsor Zene then, you ask?
Because the fourth member – the only one who doesn’t share a similar DNA pattern – is Windsor drummer Nicholas Burrows. Check that last name. Sound familiar? That’s because he’s the teenage son of Windsor rock and roll veteran Jeff Burrows, he of Tea Party (and more recently) Crash Karma fame (as well as popular rock jock on The Rock 100.7 FM in Windsor).
How did this happen?
Well when they were shopping demos, it was the ear of producer Stuart Chatwood who decided to take them in and polish their sound. Only problem was, the trio didn’t have a reliable drummer. Luckily Chatwood had an ace in his sleeve. You see, Chatwood was also a member of The Tea Party. Yes, that Stuart Chatwood. As in the former bassist in The Tea Party. So he called up his old partner in crime Mr. Burrows, who just happened to have spawned his own young percussionist.
So now young Nicholas Burrows is the drummer in one of the hottest industry indie buzz bands in recent memory (don’t worry, not a lot of people have heard of them outside the industry…yet), and are about to release their debut album on Warner Bros. Records. For reals.
Their sound is definitely inspired by the grunge era of the early ’90s (before it was watered down and went from Nirvana and Mudhoney to Candlebox and Gin Blossoms) and their sound is definitely more of a tribute to their own tastes and appreciations rather than simply trying to tap into something that will fire nostalgia triggers. These kids seem to be the real deal. They write and perform their own music and seem to have more edge and rock and roll sincerity than Avril Lavigne or Sum 41 showed when they first appeared on the scene as youngsters.
Here’s their latest single, “Lucky Ones” – give ‘er a listen. And if Jeff Burrows has any say in the matter, I would assume we get at least one show from them in Windsor before they’re thrown on a major tour. In which case, Detroit may be our only chance to catch them so close to Nick’s home town.
Sat. Feb. 12: MicLordz & Sauce Funky DVD shoot at U. of W. CAW Centre
Several years ago, MicLordz were a straight up hip-hop duo. Their shows did moderately well in a hip hop scene that has long been overlooked (and sometimes grossly misbooked or promoted) and even became one of the first acts to cross over into venues traditionally “non-hip hop” (such as the famed and never forgotten Avalon Front). But despite the limited success of their CD, Family Tree, there was something missing. Enter funk jam band Sauce Funky and the rest is musical history. Since the combos united and became simply MicLordz & Sauce Funky, the sky has been the limit for this explosive live act. At times combining the energy and excitement of bands like House of Pain and Rage Against The Machine, MLSF almost sound like a permanent hip-hop/funk metal hybrid, as if they were constantly creating their own Judgment Night soundtrack. Musically, it’s got more guts and gusto than Kid Rock, and MC’s Boots and AlerG spit barbs back and forth more like a Super Hero duo than enemies. This is a tight knit group of guys who are putting it all on the line – the heart and soul, their careers, their own money – to make it.
So far they’re doing just that.
They’ve toured throughout the entire country of Canada and much of the United States, either fueled on their own ambition (and I’m sure a few credit cards) or as part of a tour, most recently as the support for Psychopathic Records recording artists Twiztid. This offered them a great deal of North American exposure to a rabid fan base of Juggalos across the nation. Working inside a cult following will create a great base for them to jump off of and it seems like it has already provided that leap. After this small home stand, they’re packing up and hitting the road again, this time in support of Sen Dog, the legendary hip hip MC from one of the rap/rock creators Cypress Hill.
But before they head off into the sunset with their ammunition, the boys are returning to the scene of many of their crimes to record their first ever live performance DVD. The University of Windsor’s CAW Centre (on campus) will provide the back drop this Saturday as MLSF return the good will that U. of Windsor crowds have been showing the past few years in helping these guys achieve their dreams of making it in this fickle music industry.
Tickets for the show are $10 and are available at the UWSA offices or via the various band members. Doors are at 7:30pm, with the show to start shortly thereafter.
Opening the show will be the pop-punk sounds of The Classix, the metal/rap hybrid of Central Slang, as well as local hip hop artist Jay Braaks.
MicLordz & Sauce Funky DVD Shoot Party with special guests The Classix, Central Slang and Jay Braaks, University of Windor CAW Student Centre, Saturday February 12th, 7:30pm, $10, Licensed/All-Ages Event
Yeti Agency News: Devilz By Definition promo video and Gypsy Chief Goliath’s adventure continues…
Last week we let you in on the world of Al “Yeti” Bones and his new puppy, The Yeti Agency. We also told you about the brilliant (and hilarious) new adventure being undertook by Al’s band, Gypsy Chief Goliath – video documenting the entire recording process of the new album up in Northern Ontario at a cottage. Well, for those who followed the first installment, here’s Part 2 – the next few days…
Also, another local band that Al has taken into the Yeti Agency stable, are new thrash metal faves Devilz By Definition. These guys seemingly came out of nowhere last year and have mercilessly released their aggression on the metal masses of Windsor like a war between thunder gods with M60′s. They’ve come a long way and have kept a loyalty to a lot of the other bands that came up with them, playing a lot of same bills to help raise awareness for a lot of up and coming bands and giving them some great exposure. They’re gearing up to release their debut EP, First Blood Drawn, this year and I’ll bet it’s release party will be jammed! Here’s a taster video of the song “Jumpstart”.
Video: Cerah Steele “Melting”, from the soundtrack for “Still Here”
Local film maker Gavin Michael Booth has recently made local news for getting Hollywood interest and support for his latest film, “Cheer For Your Life: From The Diary of Lori Lang”. For years, he’s combined his passion for film making with his love for independent music, making videos for such local bands as Inoke Errati and Ashes of Soma, while also working with national acts such as Texas rock band The Afters‘ (whose GMB directed video for “Light Up The Sky” became an MTV and YouTube sensation, filmed in Windsor and with local actors) and Toronto’s Chasing Amee.
Before he gets down to the nitty gritty on “Cheer For Your Life”, Booth will be releasing the teen drama “Still Here”, with focuses on a teenage student who is having troubles coping with the loss of his recently deceased girlfriend, who was a singer. The vocal parts for the film were recorded by one Cerah Steele.
Film maker Booth was so impressed by her vocal performance – and so upset she wasn’t more visually represented in the film to showcase her talent – that he recently a special music video for the track “Melting”, written for the movie by musician Riley Armstrong.
Now you may not know her by name, but a few seconds into the video you’ll recognize her (and especially her pixie blue hair) – she’s been a passionate supporter of Windsor’s music scene for years and has shown up at shows from the Chubby Pickle to the Coach & Horses – she was also a volunteer stage hand at last year’s FunnelFest.
Here’s the video for “Melting”, directed and shot by Gavin Michael Booth, featuring Cerah Steele.
Al “Yeti” Bones launches Yeti Agency, while Gypsy Chief Goliath show some reality
Although it sounds like a bearded indie rock band from the Himalayas, The Yeti Agency is the natural progression (and in many ways, extension) of local Windsorite and heavy metal legend Al “The Yeti” Bones (ne Petrovich). Al has been a part of Windsor’s heavy metal scene for just over a decade now, starring in such bands as Mister Bones and Georgian Skull, as well as being a part of international metal sensation The Mighty Nimbus (which featured members of Sixty Watt Shamen) and touring alongside such metal heavyweights as Entombed, Crowbar and Pro-Pain. His latest project – and perhaps strongest and most cohesive to date – is the stoner rock meets Motorhead crunch of Gypsy Chief Goliath.
A graduate of Fanshawe College’s Music Industry and Arts Program, specializing in Audio Engineering Production and Music Business & Management, Petrovich was also a protege of sorts under Mia Tyler (yes, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith’s other daughter), whose launching her own management team ONR, last year. The Yeti Agency, under Petrovich’s direction, is designed to help launch independent acts (and not necessarily just metal) or offer advice and guidance (as well as help sorting out) on such things as booking tours, dealing with labels, picking the right studios, press liasons, etc. all drawn from Al and ONR’s vast pool of contacts. He’s already got a small stable underway, including fellow Windsorites ASK, Arkayic Revolt, Devilz By Definition and Reasons Lost, as well as A Necessary Evil, Pigeon Park, The Polymorphines, not to mention Al’s own project, Gypsy Chief Goliath.
There’s not many people in Windsor – and perhaps the industry – with as many battle scars as Al, but whose passion, knowledge and insight has still remained as focused, sincere and genuine as it has. And he is ready to take all the achievements, advances, mistakes, tragedies and, ultimately, triumphs, and use them to help guide not only his newest project’s career, but those that are willing to take a chance and simply listen.
Speaking of Gypsy Chief Goliath, they recently released part one of an online Video Documentary series, Gypsy Chief Goliath: In The Studio, chronicling the adventure the band undertook to record their newest album. They travelled to the Muskokas where they turned bandmate Brodie Stevenson’s cottage into a recording studio. Wondering why you haven’t heard the album yet? Because they’re making the album right now. As in, this is a reality show documenting them recording their new album up north. How intimate and awesome is that for fans of the band?
Here’s the first part, chronicling January 27-29 of the sessions, but before that, here’s a quick video for their song “Black Samurai”.
Inoke Errati release video for “Jennifer” with new EP on the horizon
Back in September of 2010, many of you may have seen the poster to our right around Windsor or the Almighty Internet. It proclaimed that local power pop trio Inoke Errati were looking for a female lead for their new video for their song “Jennifer”, being filmed by local video filmmaking guru Gavin Michael Booth (whose recent video for Texan band The Afters, “Light Up The Sky”, filmed in Windsor with local Windsor actors, exploded on the internet and MTV universe). “Jennifer”, perhaps one of the catchiest pop anthems Windsor’s ever heard, is from their debut album The Wink and The Gun, and has long been a scene and internet fave. And with the upcoming release of a brand new EP (being released Sunday February 20th at The Loop), it was high time these guys had a video out.
So last September they held auditions at the new Symbol Nightclub, looking for the perfect Jennifer for the video. Or so that’s what the hundreds of applicants thought. Turns out it was all a ruse that made the video (seemingly) far more fun to make and (obviously) far more fun to watch – it’s a “reality” video of sorts, where the auditions themselves actually became the video.
Here’s the finished product and I’ll be damned…now I’m going to have “J-J-J-Jennifer please…” running through my head for another week…
Inoke Errati EP Release Party with special guests TBA, The Loop (156 Chatham St. West, above Pogo’s/The FM Lounge), Sunday February 20
Windsor Zene channel launched on YouTube
We have now launched a YouTube channel where we’ll share some video we’ve shot in our passing through the city’s shows. Bear in mind, these are shot on either an iPhone or a Canon digital camera, so it’s not professional sound quality, but we’ve tried to keep them at least pleasant sounding…
So far, we have a few recent videos from performances by Dave Russell & The Precious Stones, Tara Watts, Surdaster, Alex Carruthers & The Rhythm Brothers, George Manury, Vice Aerial, and clips from the 25th Anniversary reunion show for the Prehistoric Cave Strokers!
What Seas, What Shores live at a House Party
Who says house parties and live shows can’t co-exist?
Here’s a clip of What Seas, What Shores playing live at a house party on Saturday night.
