Tomi Swick: Interview by Christine Albrecht

Tomi Swick broke through the music scene when his song, 'A Night Like This' was included in the Warner sampler From the Heart. People all over North America knew the tune (as it was in heavy rotation) but were not as sure who the singer was.

On August 15th, Tomi Swick released his first cd, Stalled Out in the Doorway (see link for purchase) which contains both "A Night Like This' and his latest single, 'Everything is Alright'. After much listening and discussion of the cd, my co-editor and I finally decided that Tomi uses his voice very much in the style of Thom Yorke (Radiohead)

Swanktrendz managed to hook up with Tomi Swick on August 17/06 at 5:30 at The Red Room (courtesy Charlotte of Warners). Due to sound check, we were sequestered away in a small backstage lounge. We started the interview by chatting about his Canadian tour, the likelihood of him visiting Victoria, and the 'raspiness' of his throat. Quite the contrast to his lilting vocals during song. I asked Tomi if he had seen a singing instructor at all.

I used to think a vocal coach was a laugh - it's not an instrument - it's a muscle. My throat, in particular, my speaking voice is using my throat muscles wrong. It's like pulling a hamstring, no matter how much you want it to work, if it's not working - well, it's not working. The same with vocal chords - you got to treat them with respect.

Well then, have you ever taken formal vocal training?

Never. I'm seeing a speech pathologist right now, I'm just getting over... well I'm not even over it... well 50% over... laryngitis.

I know during the first stage of Canadian Touring, Steven of the band BOY, suffered a lot with his throat. A lot of that is different environments, but it also has to do with vocal training.

Yeah, I know BOY, I know Rolla.

Yes, the guys from BOY are great. Now, I've heard it said that if you have not had proper vocal training before the age of 35, you will not be able to hit the notes you're used to, after the age of 35.

For sure, and also vocal maintenance. For me, they are saying my vocals and way of singing are fine; it's my speaking voice that's done it. That's why I am seeing a speech pathologist. But they don't want me to take vocal lessons but rather maintenance lessons. That's my biggest problem, warming up and warming down and hydration.

Yes, warming up and warming down - that's part of vocal training.

If you take vocal lessons, then someone else is telling you how to use your own instrument which is kind of a shitty thing because your voice is so unique to you.

I was thinking more of taking vocal lessons for the diaphragm and breathing lessons.

Yes, for that, you've got to have some kind of maintenance.

Exactly, because after the age of 35 your voice is unable to learn it then. Prior to that, you have to learn how to take in air properly, warm up, etc.

I'm in the process of that.

Good, good.

I cut my appointments short to do this tour, so when I go home I've got a bunch more dates with my doctor who massages the throat to break up all the tissues and it hurts like hell.

Well, the maintenance is extremely important, and it helps the voice.

Yeah.

Let's visit your background - were you born in Hamilton?

Yep, born and raised. I've lived there my whole life except the two years I've lived in Burlington to attend the Cathedral. And then I just moved back.

I read that you are athletic and I assume football?

I played football, basketball, volleyball and soccer.

That's great! But no hockey?

No hockey - I played shinny though. My dad was big hockey guy, but I always loved basketball and football.

All right. Fair Enough.

I love watching hockey.

So, did all these athletics keep you out of trouble?

I was never one to really get into trouble. I got into fights and stuff, but I was never a bad kid, like stealing from people. I was never like that. It's funny, I just saw an article in the paper today (interviewer note - A Vancouver publication) and it made me look like a badass. And I am not a badass at all - I never got into trouble, maybe some mischief. I lived in one area of Hamilton until I was 14 and then I lived in a shitty area for two years. A place that had bikers and hookers and stuff. And I love Hamilton - I blow it up everywhere I go. It's my home town and I love that city. But in the paper it said 'where I live, from hookers to heroin, you can get anything you want.' I didn't mean it like that, but that's how it came out. Now I'm expecting calls saying, 'What the hell are you talking about?'

Your Mom will be phoning, saying, 'What were you thinking?'

Oh Jesus. He (the reporter) was asking me to explain the area and I just said if you want anything, from hookers to heroin, that's the place you would go.

Well every city has that - you have your good areas and bad areas. It all depends upon your perception of what equates bad. So why did you move to that area?

My Mom got a house down there because I wanted to play football at a school called Cathedral that had a wicked football team (Gaels). If you're good there at basketball or football, you can get scholarships. That's what I wanted to do. I had to be in the school's area.

So your Mom moved so you could fulfill this goal.

Yeah, my mom is amazing.

And your dad went along with this?

Ah no, they were separated.

How old were you when they separated?

Oh long time ago, I'm a legal bastard (laughing).

Ah well, good on you. Then you didn't have to deal with a father interfering.

It's funny because people always ask what my background is and Scottish comes up a lot. Then they say, well Swick isn't a real Scottish name, and I respond that Swick is my brothers' and sisters' dad's name. My dad's name was Anderson and my mom's a Finlay.

So you use your stepdad's name?

No, he was my other brothers' and sisters' dad. They just kept my name the same as my siblings for school and everything. I actually had two dads growing up. My last name is actually Finlay Anderson.

Good for your mother that she was able to support you the whole way.

My mom is a tough woman. A very tough woman.

Speaking of moms, what music was being played while you were growing up?

Music like 'The Skye Boat Song', every party would have an accordion, etc., Patsy Cline, Motown, old rock and roll like CCR. My brothers got me into rock, James Taylor is from my sister, Paul Simon from a girlfriend...

How many brothers and sisters do you have?

I grew up with 2 sisters and a brother and I have two other brothers.

And they're all older than you?

Yeah, I'm the youngest.

Then you definitely received the benefit of vast exposure to different music styles.

Two of my brothers, from my dad who was married before he met my mom, are 50 and 53 years old. My dad used to play a little constantina and he played the piano.

Did you ever take piano lessons?

I did for a little bit and I was actually all right, but I'm a 'wanna be' piano player. I would love to play the piano, but I am not very good at it. I will often write using the piano, but I am not a really good player. I wrote and played 'Listen Isa' (for my mom) on the piano, but I felt too unsure to play it for the cd. I can play it well, but I just don't.

It appears that you are surrounded by music. I noticed that you got your first guitar at 13. Who bought it for you?

My mom.

Really? Did you want it? Was it something you asked for?

I wanted a guitar and my mom gave it to me for my grade 8 graduation. It was a Kay electric guitar with a little, tiny Roland amp. And I played the shit out of it.

Are you self-taught on the guitar?

Yes.

Wow, that's excellent. I have read that you have been in other bands prior to this one. What bands were you in?

The first band I was ever in was my brother-in-law's band. We opened for Jim Cutty (Blue Rodeo). Then I was in a band called Nimbus which became Red Echo which was heavy rock. We never toured, we just played around Hamilton. Then I played in a cover band for a couple of years to make money.

What was the cover band's name?

Atticus Radley. You know, Atticus and Boo Radley from 'To Kill a Mockingbird'? It was a stupid name, but we didn't care. We just needed a name and I was reading To Kill a Mockingbird.

You obviously developed a fan following as you are a well known singer in Hamilton.

Well there was only the three of us playing in this band and I think we got well known around Hamilton. People seemed to think I was a good singer. I was writing my own tunes and my girlfriend said, 'Why don't you start playing your own songs'? So I started playing them and started getting good responses.

So you're not with anyone from that band anymore?

Nope - that was it.

So when you were signed to Warners, you were essentially signed on your own?

Then I put together a band - this band has been with me for the duration.

I was wondering if this is the same band (with Andrew, Karl, Ron and Davide), that played on the cd, or did you have studio musicians?.

These are the guys that play on the cd. There was another drummer originally, but we parted ways. I've known these guys for a couple of years.

That's good then, so you already have a feel whether or not you gel.

Well, this is... as a band... our eighth gig together.

Really? Your eighth? You're justing getting started.

Yep, we're bottom floor. We're getting in at ground zero. I don't think you'll be disappointed though. We're a smokin' band.

Where have you been playing of late - where have you come from?

We were in Calgary, then Edmonton, and then we're here tonight. We fly home to play Blue Mountain and we have all these gigs.

What's the reception been like?

Great. It's weird, I think a lot of people know the songs, but the name recognition wasn't there. We're pushing that aspect now. The reception has been great. There haven't been a ton of people at the gigs but it changes. Back in Hamilton and Toronto it is packed, but the further West we go, and after you hit Alberta and all that man-rock, after Alberta it becomes a bit softer. The last girl I spoke with said, "Going from where you were to where you are now..." and I said, 'I don't know where I am now'. I have a record deal, a label pushing the record, a great band, great friends, and a lot of support, but I have no idea if people know who I am. I have people joke around and say, "Hey rock star" and I am like, 'Huh, who me'?

You need to tell them to let you know when that happens.

Yeah, I need them to tell me when I am a rock star. Well, actually it's an adult contemporary star.

Hmm, an adult contemporary star? People might think you are in movies.

Yes, but what kind of movies? (laughs)

Exactly, that may not be a good association. I also wanted to ask you about your video for 'Everything is Alright'. I didn't associate your name at first with what I call, 'The Mannequin Video'.

Yep, Sears catalogue on acid.

Okay, so what was the premise behind that?

Well, I not a very visual, artistic guy so when the producers came to me and said, "What do you want to do, Tomi?" I had no idea. So we sent out the song to all these publishing houses, record companies and we got back a ton of ideas - most of which I hated. Guy meets girl and sees her beautiful green eyes... I'd say, "What the hell is this?" And I said no to everything.

You said no to a bad Michael Bolton video?

Yep. I said, 'No way'. Then I really liked an animated one, but it was a little out there. The label didn't think it was a good idea for the first video. They need people to just know who I am. Then we came out with this video which started off as... well... Sean Michael Turrell, who directs Billy Talent's video, wanted it to start off as an Ed Sullivan style show, with mannequins. I really liked that idea. We were to be singing that 'Everything is Alright', but it's not because of all these mannequins. I think with location and time, it ended up being the video that it is - us singing atop a house in suburbia, a surreal world, with the mannequins doing weird shit.

I remember watching and thinking - hey they've got bondage, what the...?

I said I didn't care at all if it wasn't lyrically correct. Make it something that will break the ice for my first video.

Hopefully you'll get some woman's groups outraged, or receive complaints.

But it was two guys in bondage.

It was? I missed that one. Great, more controversy. You want complaints because then everyone will want to see the video. Two guys? Hmm, well you would know - you were there.

No, I was actually on the roof looking down so we didn't see much. I think everyone will watch it and just think it is weird. It was a blast to shoot.

I wanted to ask you, in your own personal realm, which of the following deaths had an impact, if any, on you: John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, Jeff Buckley, Michael Hutchance, Joe Strummer, and Dimebag Daryl. I know that Kurt Cobain's death had an impact on up and coming bands with the way they partied and toured afterwards. Excess wasn't as cool as it once seemed.

Definitely Jeff Buckley... I'd say Jeff Buckley because he went out swimming. I've partied, but I'm not a hard core drug user. Before Buckley died... well people are going to do whatever they do and you only get one chance to live and if you are going to kill yourself doing heroin, that sucks. Especially if you are a really talented person. It's tragic for anyone, but...

It's a waste.

Yes, it's a waste. I pray that it never happens to me. Jeff Buckley went out saying, 'I got a Whole lot of love'. It's tragic that he drowned, but he didn't put a gun to his head or shit like that. You know, I wasn't the beat up teenager in school, I was the captain of the football team and I didn't have those thoughts. I have a hard time identifying with guys who say, 'Oh I can't take it - I'm too famous..'

Are you saying you don't have any emotional baggage?

Oh, I've got a hell of a lot of baggage. Especially when you've got a crazy family like mine. But, I'm not going to be upset about it. I've been around guys that actually hate their life. Now, I don't hate my life, but there are things I don't like. I don't like being on camera because I am really shy, but I like doing interviews because we just talk. These guys who become so 'precious' and 'secluded' well, you know what man? If you are going to go and blow your head off, you're an idiot. I think Kurt Cobain is an idiot for killing himself.

Yes, I do too. A very misguided idiot

I was a big fan of his and that was really shitty. And then the whole Michael Hutchance thing. And it's sad about John Lennon because he didn't want to die. As for people who want to die - well I have no respect for suicide. I've been around people who've not pulled through, and it really makes me pissed. That whole situation fucked with my head for a long time. I have no respect for that - you can't take it, so you're going to kill yourself and screw up everyone who's left.

I wanted to ask you about the other members in the band and the type of music they like.

We are an extremely eclectic band in our musical tastes. I don't listen to heavy metal. I don't like 80s metal.

Oh come on, you just don't like the big hair.

Hey, I've got big hair myself. Ron is 37 Davide is 33 and Andrew, Karl, and I are 26. We are Beatles fans, Paul Simon fans, Radiohead fans, Soundgarden... You know what I mean? We're not into man-rock like Creed.

Come on, what about Van Halen? You gotta love Eddie Van Halen.

I think Eddie Van Halen ruined rock guitar.

(Interviewer bursts out laughing)

He's what we call a wanker. Listen, if you're that good, and you don't know when not to play, that's terrible. Look at me! Look at me! (Tomi imitates an Eddie Van Halen riff) I think good music is all about space and atmosphere. Some people just don't know when to shut up.

Well consider their front man.

Laughs - sorry I didn't mean to diss them.

I don't care, I don't know them.

Andrew and I have gotten a lot of people angry for saying that Van Halen was part of the demise of rock guitar.

I think that's funny - I'm going to quote you on that one.

Yeah, go ahead.

Final question, which is your favourite Beatle song (or album if that's easier)?

It's so hard. I have two songs. I love 'I Will', and 'Happiness is a Warm Gun'. 'Happiness is a Warm Gun' was a brilliant idea. It's a total mix and match. That was the start of that type of music, and it's timeless. And then there was that medley on the one side of Abbey Road.

That was one of my favourite albums.

We love that stuff. In fact we are going to do a Paul Simon cover.

Great - which one?

Graceland. We have just practised it. In Edmonton, during rehearsal, we thought let's just do this, and we did.

It's a fairly difficult piece.

Yeah, but we've got great musicians.

Okay, I'm going to let you go, to rest your throat, drink honey or whatever it is you should be doing.

Okay, thanks. It was a pleasure meeting you.

To purchase Stalled out in a Doorway go to the first link

For Tomi's Official website go to second link.

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/search?keywords=tomi%20swick&pageSize=10

http://www.tomiswickmusic.com/

Eagles of Death Metal - Interview with Jesse Hughes

One of the most interesting interviews I have had in years ends up ... on a recorder with dead batteries! Bad karma or what?

Jesse Hughes was kind enough to give me almost an hour of his time while we discussed everything from childhood happenings, to American politics to the 'great beast', Aleister Crowley. I know, I know, but hey - I am guilty of going off on a tangent as well.

First the facts: Jesse formed Eagles of Death Metal after his 1998 divorce. It was a defining moment in his life as he had a lot of pent up emotion to get out of his system, and the lyrics/music came easily to him. He feels the divorce contributed to a 180 degree change in his life. He went from being a '210 pound working stiff' to a slimmed down rock star whom the young gals go wild over. (Living well is always the best revenge, Jesse.)

Although people like to think of Eagles of Death Metal as Josh Homme's creation after Queens of the Stone Age, it is actually the reversal. Eagles of Death Metal appeared on Josh's Desert Sessions, Josh just happened to like Jesse's sound enough to offer up his drumming/producing abilities.

I mentioned to Jesse that I first saw EDM in the Fall of 2003 when they opened for Placebo. I remembered thinking that they were 'not bad at all' and I also remember looking at the drummer and thinking, gosh that looks like Josh Homme. This concert was before Jesse released his 'Peace Love Death Metal' in March of 2004. Jesse said that the event I saw was the beginning of his active touring schedule.



Jesse discussed a bit of his early life - he was 7 years old when his parents divorced; tough at the time, but fortunately he had an extended family for support.

My father was very spoiled and came from a Southern family. He was an only child and I think the time in which he was born, and the sort of mind he had, did not lend itself to longevity. He died in 1988, but my parents divorced when I was 7 and I actually had a happy childhood. My family is a tight family - four or five clans get together. The divorce was traumatic, but then I moved to Southern California and everything was cool.

Any issues Jesse needed to discuss were often presented to his Grandfather, who apparently had words of wisdom to share on every count.

I moved to California, but had had a hillbilly accent which wasn't cool. I didn't fit in immediately. I immediately did not know anyone, and I did not have any friends and I had to rely on my ability to be charming.

When Jesse mentioned school life, I immediately asked what he would say to any teens out there who feel as though high school is the be all and end all to life.

I would say, hell no! Everything for me happened at 30. I used to think school was the be all and end all, but my Grandfather said (when I was 9) ... well I am very emotional and wear my heart on my sleeve... and my Grandfather was picking my brain to figure out what was bothering me. I mentioned what kids thought of me and he said, 'You should never care what an asshole thinks'. I was one of those kids that listened to my grandparents - they were amazing people.

We then got on a roll discussing the differences between generations from the Second World War to present day.

I have almost disgust for my parents' generation because they were so spoiled. All my parents' generation - that 60's generation - wanted to do was fuck and take drugs. I think they hid behind the convenient duality of the English language of Make Love Not War, and their attitude was ... my parents suffered in the war so they spoiled the fuck out of me in the 40's and 50's and now I am a monster. I'm going to protest in the streets, and then in the 80's I will go into politics and make everything hell. When I saw everything my Grandparents went through I never understood why my parents took it all for granted. Everyone was so lost in the 60's - it was an explosive time.

Ronald Reagan's name came up in a further conversation, so I immediately jumped on the political bandwagon and threw out three names for Jesse to comment on: Reagan, Clinton, and Bush.

Ronald Reagan was one of the greatest Americans who ever lived - greatest president in my lifetime. He and Walt Disney single handedly brought about the hearings that would result in the McCarthy Hearings because of the legitimate Communist threat that existed in Hollywood. He has always been at the forefront. Walt Disney, James Stewart and Ronald Reagan filed the complaint that led to the McCarthy Hearings.

(And here I had assumed it was started by Senator McCarthy because of the U.S. Army's response to Roy M. Cohn's meddling in the drafting of G. David Schine.) This discussion then led to an examination of propaganda, and the best circles and the best format in which to release it.

Cinema is very influential. For example, the movie 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' ...

To which I cut in saying, 'I loved that book as a child - I never saw the film, but the book was brilliant.'

Watch the film and you will see what an amazing piece of propaganda it is. It is technically considered to be one of the first purely Communist-made films in America. One of the first propaganda films. There's a lot of films like that - even now we have propagandists like Rob Reiner and Michael Moore.

To my dismay, I said nahhh... does the film (A Tree Grows in Brooklyn) actually follow the book?

It follows the book, but it's the manner in which it can make abstract images with words and appear concrete.

I mentioned that one of the greatest propagandists, in my opinion, was Hitler's Goebbel.

There was also Leni Riefenstahl, the one who made all the movies for Hitler. That's what Hitler referred to as the darker and more mysterious aspect of human emotion. They tapped into that emotion using cinema. That's Hollywood as well, there's no better way to tell people how to live than to use an all-star cast.

At the mention of Hollywood and stars, I had to ask Jesse what he thought about Scientology.

I think Scientology makes perfect sense in Hollywood. It's no different than when some senior Hollywood stars belonged to the Church of Satan in the 60's.

Do you mean the era of Aleister Crowley and Jayne Mansfield?

Yes. Eventually Michael Aquino, Aleister's right hand man, started the Temple of Set. All the Church of Satan was ... was a pyramid scam for power hungry people. All you're doing is getting people to work for you, then they advance you, and on their backs you advance yourself and you get into networks where you can meet more people. Scientology is obviously the next step. It's a chain, a pyramid scam. It's all financial. And the absurdity of what they believe is interesting. All because Ron L. Hubbard said, I can get people to believe anything, watch this. If you believe all the bullshit in Scientology, you need to have your head examined. I know for a fact that those people don't believe all that shit. I'm in NA, Narcotics Anonymous, and I can tell you for a fact, that 40 per cent of the people in Hollywood - who attend those meetings - have never done a drug in their life. They're simply there to prey upon someone like me, someone who is in rehab and wounded, and they will say, "Oh, but I care..."

I remember Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers saying that to live in Hollywood, you had to belong to a group - be it music, modeling, acting, religious or whatever. Everyone had their clique. There's a defining theme that you have to belong to.

I don't think there's anything wrong with that, fundamentally.

But you know what - isn't that like going back to High School? Same thing. Everyone has their clique.

Yeah, and it sucked for me, but I am still friends with some of the people who were the most vicious to me. I have always been the kid... well, my emotions and I have always had a relationship that's intellectual and academic at times.

You are more unconditional in your relationships.

Yeh, I am unconditional. I don't take things personally. The time I got locked in a varsity locker after water polo, I didn't take it personal. It sucked being in there for three hours, but I didn't take it personal, and I hope they didn't take it personal with what I did to them in return.

We discussed some of Jesse's revenge scenarios, and I learned that he got his nickname 'Devil' from his advanced algebra teacher who (after a revenge situation) referred to Jesse as the damned devil. Then there were some other aspects in his life where the moniker 'Devil' was appropriate. We then went on to discuss Aesop's fables, computing grade transcripts, journalism, dealing with difficult people, etc.

I always have to deal with difficult people. To me it is an interesting challenge to get around people. My favourite politician, Disraeli, (interviewer's note - Disraeli was the British Prime Minister in 1868 and from 1874-1880 who chose to write stories to explain his views to the average citizen) My favourite Disraeli story was that on a rainy night, he was walking down the narrow sidewalk and the gutter was full of water, and his arch nemesis walked up to him and said, 'I never step aside for a scoundrel.' And Disraeli tipped his hat, stepped into the gutter and said, 'I always do' and kept on walking. And that is an important lesson that I use all the time.

So you are essentially taking the high road, while making a point?

Just because someone is being an asshole, doesn't mean you have to deal with it. And they shouldn't even know that you are bypassing them. You can be more clever than a person by talking things up, or be more clever in silence. Give them a little charity. That's the only true charity - the charity given anonymously. And the charity of not exposing them for the asshole they are, it the most awesome charity in the world.

Jesse then got into discussing Narcotics Anonymous but felt that he didn't buy all the 'bullshit' they say. He felt that we make choices in life and you can't exchange a drug dependency for a group of people telling you what to do. He doesn't buy the 'it's a disease' aspect. So that seguewayed into exploring the aspect of choice versus victim mentality. Using past issues as crutches instead of addressing them and moving on in life.

Yeh, I don't believe in that bullshit. I went to a place called 'Promises' which, granted, is a cappuccino resort, but I get sick of people trying to blame shit on other things, or who feel they are entitled to something. You aren't entitled to anything but death when you are born. Everything else, you have to earn. You know what sucked? The dependency was my problem, but I was making it everyone else's problem, including my son and my mother and the people who depended on me to do what we're doing for a living. I could never be one of those dudes who looks myself in the mirror every morning saying, 'I can't help that I have a problem'. I'm not going to go out and shoot a bunch of kids in my high school class to get attention. There's a great Onion quote - 'Who does a girl have to fuck around here to get closure with her father?'

Then we ventured back to the music scene and specifically I wanted to thank Jesse for making "Death by Sexy' as it has made my summer a lot of fun. It is nice to listen to 'feel good' music. I also informed Jesse that he was developing a huge following, to which he responded with a modest 'thank-you'. I don't think he truly realizes how much of an impact his cd is making. We went on to talk about the 70's influences in his music, and Lux Interior and Poison Ivy playing on the cd. This conversation led to the discussion of whom to trust in the music industry with Jesse citing Josh Homme, Dave Grohl, Jack Black, etc. to be the ones he trusts.

You are only as good as the people you surround yourself with. Loyalty and friendship is huge, and something that's uncommon in Hollywood. Most people in Hollywood want fame while they're there, but they want to pretend that they don't give a fuck about fame. I'm lucky that I don't have to be around that. I am one of the luckiest guys in the world that Joshua Homme is my best friend. Dave Grohl and Jack Black are the sort of men that they are - they are real men. Men of character, that keep their word. They are the only dudes I would think it is possible to do business with on a handshake. That's the kind of guys they are. When we were set to tour with The Foo Fighters, it was done on the phone and that's how it should be. The level of appreciation I have for being in this job is amazing, and to be able to do it in the way it should be done, and to have the support of people around you who want it to be done the way it should be done is like the roulette wheel coming up, winning. It's like a rock and roll lottery ticket. One day I was married square, the next day I have a couple of tattoos and I am making a record. I happened to be friends with some of the biggest rock and roll stars and now here I am in Vancouver, speaking with a lovely lady like you, and it doesn't get any better than that.

I mentioned that it was refreshing to hear Jesse appreciate his career choice because I find a lot of artists get tired of interviews, and dissecting their music to the point where they begin to withdraw. Jesse appreciates artists feeling that way, but he loves talking about his music and he loves talking about himself. We agreed that everyone needs a certain amount of vanity - not necessarily conceit - but vanity to be in the business. When we were discussing family life, he mentioned that he had a six year old.

What's your son's name?

Micah Edward Hughes. Like the last prophet in the Old Testament. On the 'B' side of our Canadian release, 'I Want you so Hard', he's playing drums on the cover of 'Addicted to Love'. He's overcome a lot of obstacles to be my son. He's definitely a mini me.'

Would you ever want to remarry?

Definitely - I want to remarry. My attitude and my experiences are the result of being burned by a girl, but I don't think there's anything better than being in a relationship. I don't fool myself that it really works, and I'm not necessarily in the right position to lead someone into believing that I would be in a relationship with them. I have girlfriends in a lot of places who I am friends with all the time - I guess I am in a weird spot because I am worried ... I love women and I really respect women, and I don't want to be the dude who's 40 years old and unable to be in a relationship because I don't have the skills anymore. I think I am designed for parenting and I think I made a great husband. I didn't choose my wife very well, and she had different motives.

We started discussing Bush and the charisma of Clinton, the tape recorder died, but I managed to wrap up the interview by asking Jesse which interview question he disliked the most.

It is always a baited question and it's always about Joshua Homme and it is designed to make me feel animosity towards him. He was a superstar first and I rode in on his coattails. Which is what I did - I rode in on his coattails.

How can you ride in on his coattails when you helped him with the Desert Sessions?

Yeah, but what is reality and what is not in the public eye? You may know that, but most fans of The Queens of the Stone Age don't know that. They think that the famous lead singer of The Queens of the Stone Age started up a side project called The Eagles of Death Metal. In fact, it was being promoted in your local paper as 'Peaches featuring Queens of the Stone Age side project, Eagles of Death Metal'. Let's just put it this way - the only way I'm ever going to get out of his shadow is if he gets out of my fucking sun. That's another one from my Grandpa. That's why I hate that question because it can put me in a situation of being misquoted - especially English journalists. It's tough because we're friends and I've never met anyone more genuinely wonderful than Josh Homme. The only reason he knew I was working on a record was when my Mother was worried about me (after the divorce) and he came around and checked in on me.

With that being said, and the rest of the interview left unsaid (due to the recorder) the interview wrapped up. Jesse was accommodating, talkative, and up front about most of the areas in his life. It was a treat to chat with him and get his 'take' on life in general. Afterwards, whilst watching his concert, I think it finally dawned on him just how popular his band was. It was nice to see him be validated in such a public forum.

Video Seriously Injured the Radio Star, who Later Died From his Wounds Shortly After Arriving at the Hospital

By: Mike Gillis

Here's a list of what I believe to be the 25 greatest music videos of all time. you should believe this too. C'mon.

{If you haven't seen any of these there's a pretty solid chance they're floatin' around this here internet somewhere. Dig in.}

Blur - Coffee & TV:

A jaunty little tale about a living carton of milk searching to find a missing guitarist in the dangerous city. He runs into a lovely female carton of strawberry milk who is sadly crushed under someone's foot. (If it were my video I would've introduced some chocolate milk cartons and tried to send a message about the growing racial tensions in some of today's cities ...but I guess they were probably trying to keep things "fun".)

Judas Priest - Freewheel Burnin':

A young boy is playing a racing game in an arcade when he discovers that Judas Priest are living inside the game somehow. The band proceed to play some lively metal, so lively in fact that lasers begin spewing forth from their guitars, flying out of the machine and filling the air in the arcade. The various headbangers who inhabit the arcade appear to be pleased with said lasers. NOTE: no special effects were used in the making of this clip. the members of Judas Priest were conjuring actual lasers with their instruments.



Beastie Boys - Sabotage:

I do not have to explain this one. Best. Bass riff. Ever.

Michael Jackson - Beat It:

Sure Thriller was bigger, and Billie Jean had those light up sidewalks, but this video is almost perfect. Who knew you could diffuse and inner city gang war with slick dancing and spazzy leather jackets. An Eddie Van Halen guitar solo doesn't hurt either.

Leonard Nimoy - The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins:

That's correct. Mr. Spock and a gaggle of overeager preteens in technicolor t-shirts sing a disgustingly upbeat tribute to everyone's second favourite hobbit... but why?

Beck - Loser:

Flaming squeegee? Check. Star Wars helmet? Check. Leaf blower? Check. Cute girls dancing in a cemetery? Check. A windshield covered in blood? Check. Astronauts in a pickup truck? Check. etc. etc. etc.

Coolio - Fantastic Voyage:

Coolio falls asleep on his porch. Moments later some sort of "magic pimp" appears, and with one shake of his pimp cane, turns Coolio's bicycle into a phat, low ridin' convertible. the booty-shakenist beach party ever ensues. (But was it all a dream?)

Prince - Batdance:

Will someone please tell me what I'm looking at?

Nirvana - In Bloom:

Kurt and company imagine what it would be like if they were a bunch of "clean cut young men" on an old time black and white variety programme. Wearing dresses and breaking stuff ensues.

Dio - Holy Diver:

Ronnie James Dio dresses up like a barbarian warrior and threatens another barbaric warrior in the shell of a burned out church. I bet Dio was the one who burned down the church. He's evil like that.

Radiohead - Just:

I wonder what that man said to make everyone lie down in the street like that. Probably something like, "Everybody lie down". People are stupid sometimes.

Van Halen - Hot For Teacher:

This video gives the viewer an idea of how awesome it would be to go to the same high school as Van Halen. And guess what; that super hot Phys. Ed teacher... that's Wayne Gretzky's wife. For realsies.

Marilyn Manson - The Dope Show:

And seemingly out of nowhere, Mr. Manson grows some nipple-less boobs, gets kidnapped by faceless scientists and proceeds to skewer the cult of celebrity and poke some fun at the police force as well. Also, this is the only music video to visually reference Alejandro Jodorowski's 'Holy Mountain', which is the biggest, most hallucinatory mindfuck of a movie ever created. Good luck finding it.

Cameo - Word Up:

Painfully ridiculous video about a detective (played by Levar Burton) who dances and who also watches Cameo dance. Cameo is wearing some sort of 'Road Warrior meets Flashdance' type shit that involve a bright red codpiece. Word up?

Smashing Pumpkins - 1979:

Yeah. I remember doing stuff when I was a kid too.

Dokken - Dream Warriors:

The good ol' boys in Dokken wrote this tune for the Nightmare on Elm St. Film of the same name. So naturally the video is 50% Dokken rocking out and 50% clips of Freddy chasing troubled teenagers. The best part? The end, when we discover the whole video is actually a bad dream that Freddy himself is having... about Dokken! his line: "What a nightmare!....who were those guys?" Scary.

Sir Mix-a-Lot - Baby Got Back:

This is the 'Snakes On A Plane' of music videos; you know exactly what you're going to get. Or do you? Is it just me, or is there an uncomfortable amount of fresh produce for a video about girl's asses. Also: stuffed?

Foo Fighters - Everlong:

Another dream sequence video. Actually, a dream within a dream (within a dream?) video. I don't really understand what the shit is happening, but man it looks fucking rad.

Suicidal Tendencies - Institutionalized:

So this guy's just walking around talking about how shitty stuff is and how no one understands him and stuff. He seems pretty pissed off. Let's move on.

Nine Inch Nails - The Perfect Drug:

Trent cuts a killer 'stache, drinks some absinthe and freaks out in the best looking haunted castle I've ever seen. I wish I had a hedge maze and some abstract sculptures. And a sword. And whatever that electro-wheel shit is.

Snoop Doggy Dogg - What's My Name:

One time I hooked up with this chick at a bar and we ended up going back to her mom's place, because apparently mom was out for the night. While we were in her mother's bed, mother decided to come home unexpectedly and I was forced to hide in mother's closet. While I stood there, naked and drunk in the darkness, trying to block out the sound of mother yelling at daughter, demanding to know, "Whose fucking shoes are these!", I thought about this video. Specifically the beginning, where that angry father suspects that Snoop is poking his attractive young daughter. "Is that dog in there!? I want that dog outta my house!" I don't know why I'm bringing this up. The important thing is that I managed to escape and Snoop managed to sell about six million rekkids. Bow wow.

Basement Jaxx - Where's Your Head At?:

Where's MY head at? Behind this pillow, because this video is the most terrifying piece of film I have ever seen. And I honestly never want to see it again. Shit gives me fucking nightmares.

Aerosmith - Crazy:

When I was fifteen, this was the sexiest video in the world. Oh Alicia Silverstone, why couldn't we have stayed young together?

Beck - Sexx Laws:

I know Beck was already on the list, but check this shit out. A haunted kitchen! A refrigerator fucking a stove from behind! Jack Black! A space wizard! A rotating, banjo playing zebra! Tassels! This is what drugs should be like.

Guns N' Roses - 3-way tie!!! - Don't Cry / November Rain / Estranged:

Jesus, where do I even start. Let's see. Ok Axl... being naked and twitchy underground in Don't Cry? Highly unnecessary! Swimming with the motherfucking dolphins in Estranged? Double highly unnecessary! And November Rain? Axl... step away from the piano. You do not belong there. (Maybe that abandoned ship in the middle of the ocean isn't such a bad idea.)

Swank Home

Good Morning, Officer... By: MIke Gillis

These were the first words I muttered Sunday morning after being awoken by a pair of Halifax's Finest.

I opened my eyes to see the two of them standing over me, their Chariot of Incarceration idling by the curb.

What have I done?, I thought.
Is sleeping in a crime?
Well, kind of, yes.
Especially if you're caught sleeping in on someone's lawn.
And that was certainly what I appeared to be doing.
Flat on my back.
My left arm wrapped in a surgical cast and my right elbow-deep in a mysterious bag of potato chips. The gaseous plumes of whiskey and Jager emanating from my pores were probably visible from two hundred yards away.

Had they stumbled across me during the morning patrol or had someone summoned them to take me away? Was I snoring?
As I sat up one of the officers moved forward ...."Alright, come with us."

"Na nuh occife, Im'wa jus stoppn fer a resssy poo... Imns goin home nww."

Officer: "Do you even know where you are right now?"

"Surr beh," I pointed up the road, "das werri wrk der beh."
And, through the miracle of some collapsing vortex of geography and lost information mindfuckery, I was indeed pointing to the building where I work.

Officer (skeptical as shit): "Where do you live?"

"Hollish," I pointed in the opposite direction.

"Can you make it to Hollis St.?"

"Sure beh," I shakily rise and begin staggering down the street.
They did not pursue.
And I'm not 100% on this, but I'm pretty sure I may have thanked them for rousing me before I got a nasty sunburn.

You see folks, I have this disease where sometimes I think something is a really good idea, when it is, in actuality, a very poor idea.
Like treating a stranger's front lawn like it's my personal sofa.

Another example of this would be the time I tried using my skateboard on a patch of black ice, because obviously zero friction = way easier to do tricks.
That ordeal also left me unconscious on the ground.
But that's neither here nor there.

I'd just like to say that I'm thankful for at least two things.
One: that I finally got to got to camp outdoors this summer.
And two: that the Halifax Regional Police are always on duty, out there cleaning up the streets and risking their lives, making sure no one steals the shoes of those who didn't quite make it home last night.

Godspeed, HRPD.
Godspeed.

Swank Home

How to Get Rich - Dump the Fear

By Sashi



If you want to be rich, first stop being so frightened [The Times Online]

Swank Home

Felix Dennis, publishing tycoon, has written a guide to becoming a multi-millionaire. All you need is thick skin, cunning - and a work ethic.

Interesting article, with enough blunt talk and liberal dashes of good old British humour.

Check out this shortlist:

• If you are unwilling to fail, sometimes publicly, and even catastrophically, you stand little chance of ever getting rich.

• If you care what the neighbours think, you will never get rich.

• If you cannot bear the thought of causing worry to your family, spouse or lover while you plough a lonely, dangerous road rather than taking the safe option of a regular job, you will never get rich.

• If you have artistic inclinations and fear that the search for wealth will coarsen such talents, you will never get rich. (Because your fear, in this instance, is well justified.)

• If you are not prepared to work longer hours than almost anyone you know, despite the jibes of colleagues and friends, you are unlikely to get rich.

• If you cannot convince yourself that you are “good enough” to be rich, you will never get rich.

• If you cannot treat your quest to get rich as a game, you will never be rich.

• If you cannot face up to your fear of failure, you will never be rich.

I always like a good read on a Monday… something to keep me going for the rest of the day.

Eagles of Death Metal's "Death by Sexy"

I have one of my top ten cds for 2006 already in my grubby little hands. For the past month I have been listening nonstop to Eagles of Death Metal's "Death by Sexy". Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme have delivered a winner.

Upon first listen, I thought they sounded like a '70s garage band. Upon second listening, the first song, 'I want you so hard' reminded me of an ELO build up with a 'Yakkity Yak' (Don't talk back) voice saying 'The boy's bad news'. The song had me dancing around in my seat during rush hour, with many wondering what the hell my problem was. Song 4 'I like to move' was reminiscent of '70s Stones. Song 5 is my favourite - Entitled 'Solid Gold', it is fun, campy and truly makes you 'sweat'. Track 10 was when I went - OHMYGAWD! Lux (Eric) Interior is alive and well and I still love him. 'Chase the Devil' is brilliant.

Then I decided to open the liner to find out if what I thought was there, was. The names mentioned were unbelievable and yes Lux Interior and Poison Ivy are there (along with Jack Black, Dave Grohl, ...)

Josh Homme amazes me - I thought he wouldn't be able to top the 'The Art of Keeping a Secret' and the 'Feel Good Hit of Summer', but then he comes out with this!! Oh Baby Duck (Josh) what are you going to do when both Eagles of Metal Death and Queens of the Stone Age are both big, at the same time?

Get ready Baby Duck - your time is now.

The Glim Project - Interview with Marco Bieri, Lucanus Randall, and Geoff Archibald

Contributed by Christine Albrecht

After a few hit and misses, The Glim Project and I managed to get together for a followup interview after their July 14th review. (See link.)

This was not a formal, taped verbatim interview, but more a casual discussion of the band's progression.

The Glim Project is made up of four members: Geoff Archibald (guitar), Marco Bieri (drums), Lucanus Randall (vocals, guitar), and Ian (E) (bass). They formed TGP one and a half years ago, and found that indie acts aren't able to knock on doors with a demo tape for a gig. After utilizing various promoters, things began to improve and they have over 40 gigs under their belts. They are lined up as second headliners (of 11 bands) for the Revelstoke Festival on August 26th, at the Backstage Lounge on August 18th, The Media Club on September 2nd, and in Salmon Arm on October 7th - so TGP fans be forewarned. As well, they will be performing in Vancouver, during the Fall, at the various clubs about town so be sure to check their website for upcoming shows.

Speaking of clubs about town, I immediately went into my rant regarding the Georgia Straight and its diversion from showcasing local acts (as in the distant past) to ignoring anything local and focusing on the usual C-Fox shlock. Our Canadian apathy towards our indie acts is appalling and needs to be addressed, Usually the Straight comes to the rescue, but not of late. It's been a long time since I've noticed anyone from the Straight attending local gigs. Hopefully, Canwest hasn't taken The Straight over as well.

Luc writes the lyrics and most of the music with the others tightening up the final product. Of course I had to ask my staple question, "Are good lyrics born out of trauma or tragedy?" and Luc's answer was an immediate yes. I also asked Geoff, Luc, and Marco what they were listening to between the ages of 10 and 15. Their answers were surprising in that they varied so much. Answers were all over the map from The Beatles, Faith No More, Guns N' Roses, Snoop Dog, Nirvana, Korn to Tool. So how does a group with such diverse tastes gel together? It became apparent when I delved into some of their background and training.

This is no fly-by-your-seat band. Their musical experiences are vast and worthy of mention. Luc has had 15 years of piano/guitar; Ian has had bass lessons and has played with other bands; Marco has had formal drum lessons, played with a jazz band for 3 years, and Geoff has had formal piano/violin lessons and played for 6 years with the Halifax Senior Symphony Orchestra (HSSO). (And I forgot to ask him if he can play my all time favourite Saint-Saens, 'Danse Macabre'.) They came together and formed The Glim Project with the intent to play music that they wanted. As Ian once said, they would prefer (if forced to choose) a genre of Progressive Rock, which I didn't understand at the time. Now I do, given their backgrounds and the importance of accessibility. Also, progressive rock immediately says that the band knows more than three chords.

When I asked the (God forbid) question: "Would you ever consider doing a cover tune?", Geoff was adamantly insisting no, with Luc nodding. Reason being, Geoff didn't want the band being recognized for doing someone else's song well. He'd rather TGP be known for their own tunes. Fair enough, but I still believe everyone has a price, no matter what their standards are. (I am always wishing for XTC's "Dear God" to be performed in a truly angry, snarling way. Ah well.)

This band can actually maintain their standards as they are all educated and responsible enough to not rely on music as their sole income. They all have good jobs and consider TGP to be side passion. However, a lack of post-secondary education and work experience could make a band hungrier for recognition and more willing to make sacrifices. Time will tell what the future holds for The Glim Project.

As usual, I ask the band to give a nod to others they feel are deserving of recognition and the response was Incura, Rederick Sultan, and Vancouver Band Alliance.




The Glim Project

Story of the Year Followup interview with Ryan Phillips

Swank Home

Swank’s tblog Home

Swanktrendz Myspace Home

The Warner label efficiently set up an interview (thank you Charlotte) this time around so Ryan Phillips was waiting at the Croatian Cultural Centre for our interview. The first thing I noticed was that Ryan had lost weight since our last meeting in January, and the second thing I noticed was that Adam wasn’t present.

http://http://www.swanktrendz.com/php/files/01_15_2006_2204_1913992798.php

After pointing out his thinness, Ryan responded with a ‘good’ and said he wasn’t drinking beer or partying during the Canadian leg of the tour. In response to my second question, Ryan somberly told me that Adam had to leave the Canada last week as Adam’s father is seriously ill with pancreatic cancer. This information was an immediate downer, and it’s times like this that you feel as though you should leave one alone with his thoughts, etc., but Ryan is a professional and continued on.



The interview opened with Swanktrendz asking how it was touring with Hawthorne Heights. How was it being second billing? Ryan felt it was different and great. Usually Story of the Year brings bands along, so it was nice to tour with someone else headlining for a change.

ST I noticed Hawthorne Heights is going on to Japan. Will you be heading there as well?

SOTY Yeah, we’re going to Japan tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow... (Yells to HH Hey, are you guys going to Japan? They respond yes, but they are playing a different venue; Summer Sonic whereas SOTY is at Fuji Fest). Yeah we’re going to Japan tomorrow and then Korea.

ST So, since I last saw you in January, have you been touring nonstop or have you had a break?

SOTY We went to Japan, and then... Australia... and New Zealand and England ...

ST Oh my god, all that in six months?

SOTY And then we did a couple of small shows in the States

ST And your following? Is it getting larger and larger?

SOTY Definitely overseas. This is the first time we’ve had a following overseas. With our first album it was just stuck in the States, but we played to 5,000 in Sydney, Australia. That was pretty nice. We’re bigger in Australia than anywhere else.

ST Well, that’s a great place to start because I often find music from Australia hits Germany (with the tourist connections) and from Germany to the UK and so on back to North America.

SOTY Yeah, I‘ve got no complaints, you know.

ST There’s some things that you and Adam said to me last time that I want to revisit. For example, the statement was made that male fans are loyal and (Adam said) what a male is listening to between 10 and 15 will largely influence his musical tastes. I’ve been testing out your theory just by asking a lot of men what they were listening to when they were younger, and indeed they are still loyal.

SOTY It’s the truth, man.

ST Yet with females it’s different

SOTY Every four months they have a new favourite.

ST Explain that male psyche to me

SOTY I have no idea, it’s like some weird phenomenon - when guys love a band they just keep going to see them.

ST I think females become more loyal to a band the older they become. I have a ten year old boy and guess what he listens to?

SOTY What?

ST Story of the Year. His favourite song is ‘Falling Down’.

SOTY Are you serious? That kid rules. ‘Falling Down’ is my favourite song off that record. It’s the heaviest. When I was 10 I was listening to Metallica, Megadeath, and Pantera.

ST I still like the song ‘Meathead” but for some reason I always refer to it as ‘Jarhead’. I can’t get the name ‘Meathead’ straight.

SOTY The working title was ‘Jarhead’ and I think it’s actually imbedded in the cd so it will come up saying ‘Jarhead’ even though the cd cover reads otherwise.

ST What genre did the label assign you? I realize that nobody likes to be categorized, but labels choose genres as soon as they sign a band - it is unavoidable. If I were to walk into a store where would I look?

SOTY Gee, I don’t know. Hopefully just rock or something else. Honestly, I couldn’t care less what people call my band. Call us bluegrass, rat band, country, screamo, or emo I don’t give a shit, I don’t care.

ST Just so long as you get heard

SOTY Yeah, that’s right. It’s nice to be heard.

ST I wanted to get your opinion on MP3 file sharing of music.

SOTY Here’s what I think, I think the internet, well you know how it started with Napster and all that... I think the internet can be an awesome tool for struggling new music, you know? I think if you find a band - it’s a great tool for finding a band - but if you find a band you really like, that you’re really passionate about, I think you should buy the cd. If you download the shit for free and you don’t like it - whatever. But if you like it, then buy it. You should support the band. I would say that for every cd we sell, maybe ten are pirated. And I think I am being generous.

ST Really? So you find that to be the case? I like filesharing because when I hear about a band through word of mouth and I go on Limewire, I can see how popular the band is through the numbers. Then I buy the cds prior to reviewing a show.

SOTY Look at bands in the 80’s early 90’s that were big - they sold millions and millions of records. Now you don’t really see that too much. For the 20% who buy the cds, 80% download the music for free,

ST Wow, you think the numbers are that high? Another area I will have to look into.

SOTY Then they go to itunes after hearing a song on the radio and buy one song for 99 cents instead of buying the whole record. Coming from the artist’s side, it’s kind of hard. But then again we wouldn’t have gotten known in the early days if it weren’t for downloading.

ST I have to agree with that I would not have known about you except through word of mouth by a loyal fan; looking you up on Limewire, listening to a couple of songs and then buying your cds. So if it hadn’t have been for Limewire I may not have followed through.

SOTY Fair enough. That’s how it works these days. You know back in the days when people would go to mp3.com? Well. we set the world record as the number one for downloads.

ST Well, just go to Limewire - you’d be amazed at how many hits there are for your name

SOTY Really? Well I’m not joking - we broke the record for mp3.com’s downloads. And like those people wouldn’t have known about us if it weren’t for those sites. So, I‘m not complaining about it, but...

ST Just buy the music

SOTY Yeah, support the artists. Go out and buy it. .

ST Which reminds me, when I attended your concert in January, there weren’t any cds available. Did you bring some this time around?

SOTY We’ve had weird problems with our label in the recent past. If we’re in a mall, or a small town we’ll look for our cd, and we’ll call people if the cds aren’t in a store. But we still don’t bring cds to concerts, So I don’t know if they will have anything tonight.

ST Well, we have the cds in stores in Vancouver.

SOTY That’s good to hear. If we’re in the States we’ll just call and say there aren’t any cds, but up here we can’t do that.

ST As well, you have great shirts and merchandising, but the cds are a big cash cow.

SOTY Yeah

ST Last time we spoke, you talked about “saturation effect” with the crowd at your first big festival. Do you remember? Could you explain to me again, what you did? What advice would you give to a Vancouver band who has the same opportunity to be seen?

SOTY Oh yeah, we did a great self promotion. We did everything stupid you can think of. I’ve never heard of any other band doing this. We were psycho at the time. We had band practise every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. So every Tuesday we each had to put in 20 or 30 bucks to buy cds. We recorded our songs right onto the computer and then sat there and burned cd after cd. We made 5000 copies. We passed the cds out for free. 5 to 7 thousand off our laptops. We made pamphlets. Adam and I had software to make a home video. That video we made was what did it at the festival. We broke into all the tour buses and put our video in each band’s bus. Then the singer from Goldfinger, took it to Maverick, and we showcased for Maverick and were signed. If it wasn’t for that video and us being total psychopaths, well, I’d still be delivering pizza.

ST That’s really aggressive marketing.

SOTY While I think this business, no matter who you are, involves a little luck and knowing the right people. You can be the best band in the world, but I believe that without giving it everything you have, giving up everything, sacrificing everything, putting everything in the back seat for what you want - no amount of luck is going to help you. You know what I’m saying?

ST I know exactly what you are saying. You obviously have a strong work ethic.

SOTY You have to care, and do it long enough. New bands have to give it everything they’ve fucking got. Most people are just so lazy, people don’t want to do the work themselves.

ST Often bands expect to get discovered and signed in some bar. They want the labels to come to them.

SOTY People don't want to do the work themselves. Or they’ll get a record deal, sit back and expect the label to do all the work. What can the label do for us? Signing to a label - that’s just the first step. Do you know how many bands are signed, record a record, and their first cd is shelved because the band hasn’t done anything to promote themselves? We treat our band as though it’s independent. We are really serious about our music.

ST Well you guys are pretty tight - ousting the original singer and sticking to the lineup you have now was a good move.

SOTY Yeah, I think it’s ... well yeah, we’re all best friends which helps...

ST Anyhow, Charlotte’s looking at me, so I should get going. I had one more question, but now I’m not sure if it’s the right time to be asking it.

SOTY No, go ahead and ask it.

ST Back in January we discussed where and when songs/lyrics were written. Later, there was a discussion amongst some of my friends about good lyrics being born out of sadness or tragedy. Essentially, without those harsh emotions you can’t write. Do you believe you have to have a certain amount of tragedy or trauma in your life to be a good songwriter?

SOTY Well, I don’t write lyrics - Dan and Adam do that. I think their lyrics are awesome, but I am biased and in a band with them.

ST But you write excellent music

SOTY Well thank you. Yeah, and they write really, really good lyrics.

ST Yes, but in your world ... in “Ryan’s world” ... would you agree with that statement - that good lyrics are born out of tragedy, trauma, or sorrow?

SOTY I would agree to a certain point. I think human emotion sparks creativity whether it’s tragedy or ....

ST So if life is ‘golden’ from the get go, do you think a person could write good lyrics?

SOTY Hmmm...if you are ultra happy, poppy, maybe you can write like Hootie and the Blowfish... maybe ... Love, tragedy, heartbreak, good friends, good times, are necessary. Without emotion, what are you going to write about if you don’t experience it?

ST Thanks again and I am really sorry about Adam’s Dad. Send our regards.

SOTY Okay, thank you.

The Glim Project - Concert Review

Vancouver's Indie Focus July 14/06

By Christine Albrecht

The Glim Project
Picadilly Club July 14/06
Capacity Crowd

The Main reason I went to the Pic was to see The Glim Project. They were third in the line-up and, again, it was to be a drummer’s night for both bands (DnP and Glim) - they were definitely both hitting their stride. Watch out Danny Carey, Neil Peart, and Dave Grohl... the new generation is arriving.



When Glim took the stage I was aware of two things: a) great getups such as: beanie hat, pink wig, Dracula shirt etc. I love a band that does not take itself too seriously in the presentation department; b) the crowd thinned out during their first song “Elitist”. If you know The Glim Project, this is a good song so I was becoming concerned that the Pic’s crowd was going to turn out to be an indifferent audience, outside smoking, waiting for the mainliners.



As soon as they struck the first three chords of “Malcontent”, the audience gravitated to the stage and literally got hooked. The thinned crowd was soon packed and jumping,and grew exponentially.

With 40 gigs under their belt, the band was tight and focused. There were minor disruptions ie: the odd injury (those damn drummers), and out of tune guitars - the usual live issues.

As they played into their set I was absolutely mesmerized by the frenzied playing of the drummer (Marco) and bassist (E) (ala John Frusciante of the Chili Peppers - YES I know he’s not a bassist!). Then there was the fill-in guitarist, Caleb (for Geoff, whom had a prior engagement). Rumour has it that Caleb can fill in for almost any band without missing a beat - and this came from the audience rumour mill. From my observances - definitely. The singer’s (Lucanus’) pitch was off key on a couple of songs, but not enough for the crowd to care. After I spoke with him, it became more understandable, but his prior illness etc. will be in a later interview/article. Luke’s voice is reminiscent of Tim McIlrath’s of Rise Against, strong yet not too forced.



My personal fave Glim Project song is ‘Coming Home’ and they did it well, although not as well as they in could in their opinion.

I find the band has interesting percussionist/bassist slowdowns in some mid songs - horrible analogy and I apologize up front, but I remember Elton John’s slow l... 2... 3...1... 2 ... piano/percussion beats during Benny and the Jets (not that Elton/Bernie Taupin and The Glim Project have much in common, other than some good lyrics).

The grand finale was eventful, fun, clanging and the audience ate it up! The Glim Project had DnP, Shiver, and who knows who else on stage playing their final song. The enthusiasm was contagious and the crowd was eating out of their hands - well done.



The band originally released “Illumination from a Candle” back in 2004/05 but feel their upcoming cd is more representative of their future direction. And speaking of direction, they were hard to classify so we just decided on indie heavy thrash rock. Let a label do the final decision. 9/10

DnP (Drunk ‘N Pretending) Concert Observation

Vancouver's Indie Focus July 14/06
By: Christine Albrecht

Picadilly Club,
Capacity Crowd

As usual, I feel the need for the superficial fashion observations. As Lezah and I have noted before, The Pic has some of the best looking/dressed people we’ve seen at concerts (and if you’ve followed our notes, you know of the disasters). Young uber-chic gals, showing the latest (retro) Jean Shrimpton and Twiggy mod dresses ala ‘60s. Neon geometric designs on white, tight, short dresses, with go-go boots - very interesting. Are the ‘60s making a return?

After surviving on 4 hours sleep in 48 hours, I stumbled into the Picadilly in time to see DnP’s last half hour. This band was second in a lineup of four bands, and I had no intention of reviewing them, but they hooked me upon entry.



Their presence was commanding - eye candy to be sure, but talented with an avid following. The followers knew their lyrics and were rockin’ out to the point of heat exhaustion. I cannot tell you the band members’ names, or who played which instrument, but I can suggest you keep your eyes open for this indie act.



They were actually foreshadowing what was to come during the next act (The Glim Project) excellent drumming, amazing guitar rifts, and hard driving bass. What was unusual about DnP was that the bassist did most of the interaction/chatting with the crowd (and very well). Yes, I know bassists can be spokesmen, but it isn’t the norm.



When DnP did a fun/thrash cover of ... Corey Hart’s (gag) “Sunglasses at Night”, it actually made me want to buy the version. Yep - write this band’s name down and check out their next gig. 9/10

The Sights - Interview with: Eddie Baranek, Bobby Emmett, Keith Fox

By: Christine Albrecht

Interview with The Sights

Eddie Baranek - vocals/guitar (originator)
Bobby Emmett - keyboards/bass (Joined in 2003)
Keith Fox - Drums (Joined in 2005)

While writing this article/interview, The Sights are just coming off an 8 city tour with Robert Plant. The interview is in two parts.The first part occurred at the Brickyard club, just prior to their September 23/05 gig. After speaking with the obviously exhausted and slightly inebriated group, I decided to follow up the interview with an Q&A email at a later date.

Background triviaI first met The Sights when I arrived for their gig at Richards on Richards with The Donnas and Riff Randalls, too late to see them live. I met Eddie and the band, explained I meant to review their set, but offered to purchase and review their cd. (See article here) When I heard through the grapevine that they were going to be playing the Brickyard on September 23rd, I made sure to mark it on my calendar.

Part 1 of the Interview

Eddie, Bobby and Keith were sitting by the entrance of the Brickyard and I needed to ask some basic questions. Due to the noise I slid a written note to them with the simple question, “You are big enough to be touring with Robert Plant, plus you’re an excellent band - why the Hell aren’t you more publicly promoted?”

Eddie was willing to explore the question further so we managed to secure a storage closet/furnace room where we could talk, albeit not in the most comfortable of fashion.

I mentioned our previous meeting in April, and they nodded in that polite, vague way so I gathered I didn’t make a huge impression upon them when I said I was planning to review their cd. In fact, this is a band who (in particular, Eddie) doesn’t impress easily. If anything, Eddie appears underwhelmed, almost jaded at the youthful age of 24.

I again asked why they weren’t better promoted, as I was lucky to have even heard about the gig at the Brickyard. Eddie assured me that things were going to be better since they had secured Sophie Smith at Big Hassle, and they now had a manager, Brendan Bourke (whom they hooked up with just after the gig with The Donnas.) Their record company is New Line Records. Prior to that, The Sights had not had a manager. Eddie also let me know that the band has actually played in Vancouver seven times in the past year.

I asked them how they got the gig with Robert Plant and Eddie noted that The Sights played with him on July 7 and 9/05 in Chicago, and Plant invited them to tour with him. Apparently Robert Plant likes to support local acts through venue exposure. When asked if there were any ‘big names’ that impressed any of them, they couldn’t come up with any, but Eddie stated he was ‘truly flattered’ when Plant invited them to tour.

Bobby stated that they were prepared for Plant to strut about as a big egotistical music star but the opposite happened. Plant made a point of introducing himself immediately to the band, sat and chatted with them prior to going on stage and was generally ‘an extremely nice, down to earth guy’. The band was prepared to dislike him and the whole rock star image, but Plant was so welcoming, friendly, and unassuming that they found it hard to find anything to dislike about him.

I asked what other bands The Sights have toured with to which they responded: The Kills, Guided by Voices, The Donnas, Sloan, and Billy Idol (just to name a few). They really enjoyed Sloan’s gig and have become good buddies with them since, often communicating via e-mail.

The conversation quickly digressed to Sloan’s lyrics and the band’s creative ability. That’s when I made the comparison that Sloan is big in Canada, yet (according to Eddie) draws few crowds in the Westcoast states and the US just doesn’t “get them”. I countered that The Sights can attract large crowds in the States, yet are still relatively unknown in Canada. As well, The Sights have been recognized by major music magazines, including the Rolling Stone and Spin magazine. Why they are not breaking into the Canadian market is inexplicable. That’s when I, again, brought up the publicity (or lack thereof) factor.

I also asked the group if there had been any difficult acts they toured with, and the name Billy Idol popped up. As Bobby noted, the South by Southwest Festival had four headliners sharing one trailer, but Idol’s camp decided to hijack the trailer as their personal home base, to the extreme of monopolizing the toilet paper (much to Bobby’s chagrin). ‘Do you know what it’s like to be next to go onstage and not even have fucking toilet paper? I had to send emergency text messages to Eddie to bail me out.” We continued by discussing Idol’s apparent plastic surgery as his face is a bit ‘off’. When mentioning Idol's crooked looking face I told them about the miracles (or lack thereof) of botox and how that may have contributed to Idol's appearance.

Asking a simple question about the experience touring in the UK turned into a food discussion - first the food was described as boring and bland, but then Bobby started remembering items such as beans on toast, the curry dishes, and then onward to Canada. We (Canada) apparently have great red licorice and white chocolate with almonds. This was the most animated (and hilarious) I saw Bobby get since the interview started. I made a mental note to get the boys’ addresses and send them a package of licorice and white chocolate.

Keith (drummer) was very quiet during the interview and then I learned that he pulled something in his back whilst on a water slide in Saskatoon. Out came Bobby’s caring side as he physically works out the “kink’ in Keith’s back. How caring? I’m not sure as Keith swore a lot and said “Stop it, what the hell...?’ while Bobby laughed and said, ‘No... serious, this will help.” After a minute or so of torture, Keith assured Bobby that he would just use his wrists more.

Speaking of drummers, I asked what happened to Mike (the former drummer) and Eddie said he left for Philly and Keith replaced him this spring. Mark (bass) had left The Sights in 2002 and is now married and presently fighting the war in Iraq. Bobby’s been with the band since 2003, So essentially, The Sights is Eddie. He originated the group in 1998 and has always been the core/ constant. Eddie and Bobby both stated that the band they have now is the one that’ll stay.

After some general chat about how much I’ve enjoyed their music, and hoped that their sound becomes better known in Canada, we drew the interview to a close. I left feeling that all three were very generous with their time, were humorous and generally likable. Considering I blind sided them by requesting an interview (when they just wanted to rest and have a couple of beers before playing) they were very accommodating.

Part Two - Finishing off With Some Email Questions

Swanktrendz: With the constant turnover of musicians, did Eddie ever feel like giving up?

The Sights:The constant turnover of musicians allows for fresh inspiration and a rejuvenation of some sorts. The changing of lineups almost makes it a different band, so there really is no feeling of giving up. The feeling of giving up comes when you are in bumfuck, nowhere and your girlfriend is back home in Detroit. Oh and I expect this lineup to last til I'm 53 years old.


ST - Why was Keith’s drum set so low to the ground - is that the way he prefers it, or was it simply gig logistics?

TS - I'll answer this for Keith since I (think) I know the answer. It is simply the way he taught himself. That is the only way he knows how to play.

ST - Eddie has a big voice, did he take vocal training? Did Bobby take piano training?

TS -The "big voice" came about because I have to compensate for my short stature (five foot six). Honestly though, the only way I know how to sing is to get up there and shout my brains out. You have to give it your all every time, you know? You can't just sit there and whisper into a microphone. People pay good money to see you, so you better give them some shouting; or prepare to get naked. The only training I've had is beer or whiskey before I go onstage. Bobby studied under Harold MacKinney, an old black jazz guy in Detroit. Keith, studying? Ha...

ST - How old are the members?

TS - 23,24

ST - Any married, girlfriends, or just single?

TS - Girlfriends, yeah we have three of them. One for each member..

ST - Are The Sights writing for a new album? Where do they write the best? On the road or while at home?

TS - It's funny, Bobby and I joke about this all the time: It is damn near impossible to write on the road. You just can't create when you are in that bonehead environment-- be it the smelly ass van, the cruddy "backstage" area (usually a leaky basement). I read in the van, and sometimes short spurts of inspiration will come to me. I usually write them down and then revisit them later when I get off tour.

ST - What will be done to promote The Sights in Canada? You are clearly an excellent band, with a bluesy rock feel - how are you going to market up North?

TS - Are you asking the band? Um, gee, I don't know. We are simply the lemmings they've programmed to grind our once lovely lives into the ground via touring. So, I think they will market us the same way in the North that they do in the U.S., which is ...

ST - When is the Canadian release date for the Sights self-titled cd?

TS - Should be out now at your local store kids!!!! Canadian Purchase

ST - What’s playing in The Sights’ cd player while touring from city to city?

TS - The Sights don't own a cd player in our van. However, our extensive tape collection includes: Little Milton, Little Eva, Little Willie John, Little Richard, and Illinois Jacquet. I am being truthful here. Another favorite cassette is Stevie Wonder's Talking Book.

ST - How do The Sights feel about the current state/trend of music ie: Rap, Franz Ferdinand, etc.?

TS - Like you said, the current trend of music is rap and Franz Ferdinand. I don't really keep up on the current trends... I'm too busy trying to figure out Irving Berlin at the moment. But I do get a kick out of you!!!!

Thanks!, later, eddie

Story of the Year Concert Review - Jan 8/06 Croatian Cultural Centre

Story Of The Year Jan 8/06
Croatian Cultural centre - Medium Capacity

By: Christine Albrecht

After numerous superficial fashion observations see here, we got down to reviewing the performances.

Story of the Year is presently on tour to promote their latest album, In the Wake of Determination, released in October of 2005; co-produced by Steve Evetts (Hatebreed, Cure, Saves the Day), and the band delivers an edgier, more thrash metal set - quite a separation from the emo-power rock of their last cd, produced by John Feldman.

Story of the year was supposed to be supported by two opening acts Every Time I Die and From First to Last. Singer Dan Marsala had to inform the crowd that Every Time I Die’s van flipped over and the band was unable to play for a few dates, but they would rejoin the tour shortly. In fact, Dan often stopped and made announcements, observations etc - he was very audience aware. ‘If you see someone fall down, be sure to help them back up’. You heard his lament about crossing the border, and you heard him reprimanding himself for saying, ‘ We have this little ditty’...

From First to Last had ... well ... they had great artwork on the merchandise they were selling. The lead singer, Sonny (whom for some reason had red paint down one side of his face), didn’t have a huge vocabulary when it came to addressing the crowd, unless of course, it had an ”F” sound resounding throughout the words. Nonetheless, the audience seemed to enjoy themselves - bodysurfing and dancing. The tunes were fine, just not great. However, hats off to Matthew and the other guitarist, Travis, as both were clearly talented and essentially carried the show.

Lockdown

Contributed by Baba Brinkman on July 13, 2006

Responsible Citizens,

The British rail system carries me from destination to destination. At the moment I'm on a train whizzing through farmland and hayfields, past canals with houseboats and flocks of shorn sheep. Yesterday I visited Liverpool for the first time, and now The Beatles are playing on my headphones, admonishing us to come to together - sound advice.

Like the train I will pass lightly over the places I have been in the past month between revising my book, recording, and performing, and will present instead the crucial contrast between today and yesterday.

Yesterday I visited a school like many of the others, a unisex private school in Birkenhead near Liverpool, where I ran a series of rap workshops with groups of fifteen-year-old girls. For most of these well-bred young English ladies, this was about as close to hip-hop as you get without calling for help. They wrote lyrics like: "I just can't wait to finish school / So I can spend my whole summer by the swimming pool."

This morning I ventured into entirely new territory and spent the day running the same workshops with groups of nineteen to twenty-one-year-old inmates at a high-security Lancaster youth prison. They wrote lyrics like: "I gun your punk ass down with a Mack-10 / And don't give a fuck if they send me back to the pen."

When I first walked in the young offenders were pure hostility and skepticism in both expression and body language. This was partly because one of the prison officials had prepped them the day before by saying that a nice white Canadian guy was going to be rapping Shakespeare for them, and it would be the coolest thing ever. It was more of a trial by fire than a workshop.

The girls the day before had been so sparkly-eyed and enthusiastic that I felt within five minutes that I could do and say nothing wrong, and the day flowed by easily. Imagine going from that to the scarred and scowling visages in the prison this morning.

It was one of the most intimidating gigs I've had yet, but there is no horror story to tell I'm happy to say. The Pardoner's Tale had them rapt (a story of violent crime and retribution well-suited to a pack of incarcerated rioters), and once I got them to start writing rhymes of their own things lightened up considerably. There may be no greater leveler of stubborn tough-guy resistance than simple stage fright. They wrote raps, some better and some worse, and practiced delivering them in a pass-the-mic cipher,
occasionally venting about their situation with real poignancy.

The most intelligent and lyrically gifted of the young offenders was Imran, who was serving a life sentence for attempted murder along with his twin brother (who was absent because they were being kept forcibly separated). I heard from the guard later that their case was in the national papers just yesterday, and that the brothers had both stabbed a man who tried to confront them during an armed robbery; luckily for them the man lived. I didn't know any of these details when I was running the workshop, but I do remember some of his rhymes: "I haven't seen freedom in so long, / But in my mind I've done nothing wrong / They say it's a crime / When you're just trying to survive."

I asked if he wanted to keep rapping, but Imran had no delusions of grandeur. He said his goal was to keep his head down and make a good impression at his first parole hearing in 2009, but he was keen enough to come back for the second workshop, so I must have made some impression. I have a feeling today won't be my last prison assignment, since it was more challenging and ultimately more rewarding than many of my cushier gigs. As long as I balance things out with a posh boarding school every now and then I should be able to survive.

I walked out of the prison with a new perspective on my rambling freedom, and now I'm looking ahead to my final week of this tour, and my return to Canada. I fly home in seven days, but a lot can happen in a week at this rate. There are more stories to tell, but I'll save them for later. Keep your noses clean in the meantime,

Link: http://www.babasword.com

Weird Music ...and other stuff I listen to

By Lezah Williamson

Inevitably, when I give someone a ride in my vehicle, said person will make some comment about the music I listen to. A couple of my favourites include, "This sounds like a cult!" and "What is this garbage?" (okay, so I don't actually like that one so much...). Most commonly, however, it'll be something a little more generic, like, "You listen to weird music." To which I usually want to give some snappy (and oh, so mature) comeback like, "Yeah, and you smell bad, but I'm not so rude to tell you that" - but somehow, I never do return the big insult.

Too polite? Too jaded? Too wimpy? Who knows.

The fact is, it's not really me who is responsible for the so-called weird music that is played in my car. That honour goes to Dave, who not only owns a huge collection of music spanning many different decades and genres, but who also enjoys spending all his spare time making mixed tapes or cds. Not that I'm complaining, mind you. The one I am listening now is actually one of my favourites, so I'm going to share with you.

He's entitled it 'Superstars of the 1890s' and has even created a cover that's somewhat reminiscent of an old K-Tel album from the '70s. On it he has put 15 different artists - some I like, and some I could live without.

1. Stereolab's 'Kybernetcika Babicka Pt. 1' - I love Stereolab, having seen them live quite a few year ago now. This song is light on lyrics and is a great way to start the cd.

2. The Constantine's 'On to You' - very Bruce Springsteen-ish - but in a good way.

3. Judee Sills' 'I'm Over' - I've read in a few places where the late Ms. Sills has been compared as the female version of Nick Drake. This folk songstress has a strikingly beautiful voice, but the between you and me, the whole folk thing is really not my cup of tea...

4. Gene Clark's 'With Tomorrow' - co-founder of the Byrds, Gene Clark has the most wonderful, melodic voice: soft, smooth, soothing. And yet everything I hear of his leaves me tinged with sadness. I thought this song was just him on acoustic guitar, but not so - there's percussion as well, but it's just laid down with such a fine touch it complements Clark's voice wonderfully without distracting the listener.

5. Iron Maiden's 'Killers' - Iron Maiden was the first concert Dave ever went to. That's the only explanation I can think of for this being on the cd.

6. Joanna Newsom's 'Sprout and the Bean' - avant garde would be how I would have to describe this one, a harp tune accompanied by Newsom's arresting baby voice. Definitely the least accessible song as far as the general public would be concerned.

7. Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti 5's 'Every Night I Die at Miyagi's' - this is one of my favourites. Kind of the Cure meets a salsa band. Mojo rated this one a 4/5.

8. The Beta Band's 'Inner Meet Me' - the first time I saw the Beta Band (my all time favourite live act), they started the show with this song. It just builds and builds and builds. And I love a song with so many layers. It slays me.

9. The Cure's 'The Lovecats' - I never listened to The Cure much, but this song is making me want to go back and dig out some old cds to see what else I missed.

10. The Shins' 'Turn a Square' - Elyse, from the first (and best) cycle of America's Top Model was seeing the keyboard player of this band during the show's taping. We almost went to see the band the first time they were in town, but missed them. And I am sad - very, very sad. The lyrics are so me - take a look at just a couple of examples from this song: "... Just a glimpse of ankle/and I/react like it's 1805", and "and I left my home/just to whine in this microphone." I'm all about the self-deprecation and introspection, so this band is one I'm all over.

11. Destroyer's 'School, and the Girls Who Go There' - this one hasn't caught my ear quite as much as some of the others, but I certainly, if I had a magic wand, wouldn't take it off the cd either. I'm a bit ashamed I don't like it more, as Dan Bejar is a friend of a friend and I feel that I should be loyal to the hometown boy. He's well-known for his complex lyrics and is currently getting a lot of positive reviews for his songs from all over. Yeah, Dan! Yeah, Vancouver!

12. Belle and Sebastian's 'Act of the Apostle' - not my most favourite Belle and Sebastian song, but I still like it. See The Shins above (#9) for my views on self deprecation and other assorted qualities.



13. Terry Callier's 'Ordinary Joe' - here's a guy who managed to catch the train the second time around. A childhood friend of Curtis Mayfield, this Chicago native had some regional hits during the '60s and '70s before giving up music to become a computer programmer at the University of Chicago. Then the '90s came around and some British djs got a hold of his stuff and the rest, as they say, is history. Gigs in Europe, winning the United Nation's Time for Peace Award for Outstanding Artistic Achievement Contributing to World Peace - how could life get any better? He's really big on the UK soul scene, but when I first heard him, I thought it was Tom Jones! Sacrilege! But I love it. Love, love, love it.

14. Outkast's 'Hey Ya' - love this song, love the video. Don't think I've ever heard anything else by Outkast (or the Andre 1/2 of the band, anyway) - but this song is enough. It's so big. Big enough to live on.

15. Sufjan Stevens' 'The Transfiguration' - this one is Mary's current obsession, actually. Pitchfork gave Illinoise, the album this song is from, a 9.2. Stevens has stated that he as plans to write an album for all 50 states - he's got 48 to go. Busy, busy, busy is my prediction for this guy's next few years. His folk/indie pop/electronica sound might not be for everyone, but I love the celebration of spirit (both lower case and upper case 's' work). Even more than this song, I like another song of his called 'John Wayne Gacy, Jr.' - look it up if you haven't heard it already.

The ‘Passion’ of Music By Christine Albrecht

A girlfriend and I were discussing the ol’ days of music and passion. I’m not talking sex here - I am talking pure passion. The kind where you are up against a wall and kissing a fellow as though you will never live to do that again. The groping, the lust, the everything... but sex. We decided that going without sex was okay (a tad frustrating) but the passion was undeniably fantastic.

Onto the connection with music. 1982 - The Ghost in You by Richard Butler. 1984 - The Killing Moon by Echo and the Bunnymen. 1986 - 1989 Don Henley - The End of Innocence, Stranglers - There’s always the Sun, Bruce Cochran - The Untouchable One, - Blue Rodeo -Try, INXS - I Need you Tonight. Crowded House - You’d Better Be Home Soon. 1990 - Everyone’s a Winner by Bootsauce. 1990’s - Anything by Concrete Blonde, Offspring. 2000’s - Queens of the Stone Age, Killers, Arctic Monkeys etc. I am missing a ton of songs but I have too many friends to record them all so I think I have some main ones.

What is it about being in a club, hearing a live (or recorded) rockin’ song, and then suddenly needing to connect with the opposite sex? Where’s that brick wall, and let’s get to it! As Luke Doucet sings, “It’s not the liquor I miss, it’s just the days are so long,”. I hear you Luke, it’s not the liquor I miss, and yes my days are long, but every so often my friends and I can reminisce back to brick walls, cement floors, beaches, occasional golf courses, football fields - (hey, my friends are interesting!) Luke, it annoys me that I can never go back to that passionate lust after a great song. Such is age... such is marriage... such are children... such is life. But hell, been there, done that, and lived to not regret a single moment.

Story of the Year & Hawthorne Heights Concert Review

A Fan’s Band Croatian Cultural Centre, July 25/06, Medium capacity

By: Christine Albrecht

Story of the Year was to be third in a lineup of four bands. Apparently, the bands like to switch it up every other night, so I had to sit through Hawthorne Heights’ set. When I say sit through, I do mean that literally. HH has a following, but I can’t help but think they must be a studio band. Four guitars, one drum, and weak vocals does not, a band, make. I went into the lobby and sat out their set three songs into the gig. The drummer was the only one able to carry a beat and it was painful to listen to the singer as well as watch the apathetic crowd. Even the band attempted to cajole the listless crowd into moving, but as soon as the singer stopped pleading - the crowd stopped moving. Grant you, there will always be a few diehard fans moshing about at the front, even for Hawthorne Heights.

You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone That Joni Mitchell tune was running through my head after the Story of the Year gig. Adam is a great bassist, but I didn’t realize how much he gave to the band by way of vocals and energy until I saw them live again.

First of all, Phil (Biff) Steele promptly stood in for Adam who went home to spend time with his ailing father. Phil had to learn SOTY’s songs in a matter of days and still didn’t have them all down. As well, he doesn’t lend his vocals to the group - and actually stays out of the spotlight unless Ryan forces him out. Due to Adam’s absence, some songs (and especially their covers of old radio hits) were not performed



Despite this, SOTY still remains an outstanding live act. They are truly a fan’s band. Totally accessible, gregarious, and patient when it comes to the multitude of teens screaming out their names. Being the last show for their Canadian leg of the tour, the band was relaxed and more into bantering with the crowd. They invited two teenaged boys up onto the stage explaining that the boys had followed the band across Canada, attending all of their gigs. So they invited them onstage and let them sing along and ‘hang out’. Ryan pulled off a Pied Piper by going into the audience and allowing a group of girls follow him back onstage.



The songs they did perform were well done and Phillip (guitar) stepped up vocally in Adam’s absence. Phil usually does the harmonizing etc., but I found he was more in the forefront than last concert. Ryan and Dan were all over the stage par usual and taking photos of them is nearly impossible, between the smoke onstage and the flurry of motion.





The grand finale had Ryan insisting the band take off their shirts. Dan actually wrung his shirt in front of the crowd, and there had to have been two cups of sweat in it. Truly disgusting, but admirable in a - don’t get too close to me- way. I noticed Ryan hanging a silver chain and pendant off of his mic and then passing it on for Josh to wear and wondered to myself if the necklace had any relevance to Adam’s absence. For now, I will just make a mental note for the next time they come through. That’s right, I’d probably go for a third time just because they are that entertaining. 9/10

In Memorium

Swank Home

By: Lezah

In Memorium



January seems to be a bad month. Last year, a comparatively high number of notable musicians and industry professionals died, and this year, we seem to be following the same trend.

Lou Rawls: died at age 72 of lung and brain cancer, this Grammy-award winner produced an incredible 50 albums over a 40 year span, ranging from doo wap to soul, jazz to gospel.

Barry Cowsill: died at age 51 as a result of mishap in the shape of Hurricane Katrina; his body was found and identified around New Years, although he had not been heard from since September. Cowsill was bass player in the '60s band The Cowsills, which itself served as inspiration for the TV show 'The Partridge Family'. Through 1967-'69, The Cowsills had 8 songs that charted, including a #2 (from Hair).  

Canada Wins the Gold

Swank Home

By: Lezah

Canada Wins the Gold



The 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy starts on February 12 and runs through February 28. You can rest assured that Canada will once again bring home the gold - at the very least, Canada will once again be winners in the fashion competition.

That's right: at Salt Lake City, where Canada also brought home back-to-back Golds (for its men's and women's hockey teams), the international buzz was all about the funky Canadian fashion sense. Britain's Guardian newspaper declared that, "for the first time in Olympic history (and perhaps ever) it was cool to be a Canadian, or at least look like a Canadian." There were newspaper reports about fights over the Canadian clothing in stores, and about line ups to acquire the Canadian Roots wear being longer than the line-ups for some sporting events.

But the Guardian didn't get it completely right: the trend started well before Salt Lake City. In fact, both the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, and the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics featured the Canadian team in the Roots-designed Canadian team wear, which created a sensation back then. So much so that the Americans crossed over and had the Canadian fashion house Roots create its own Olympic team wear for both the 2002 and 2004 Olympics, which it then followed up with a contract for both the 2006 and 2008 Games; Britain followed suit and had Roots design its team and casual wear for the 2002 Games as well.

With the retro '50s inspired uniforms and the poor-boy caps, the teams were lookin' sharp.

So it came as a surprise to some that, in light of this success, the Canadians have 'switched teams' and awarded the contract for their uniforms and casual wear to the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) for the 2006 Games. The uniforms and replica wear were unveiled back in November, and replica wear is available across Canada at The Bay, Zellers, and Home Outfitters. HBC designers Suzanne Timmins Cheri Louie, Erin Leslie, Amanda McAlpine, Manjit Takhar and external designers Tu Ly and Crystal Siemens have produced a line of gender specific clothing (for example, the women's T-shirts feature cinched waists and shorter sleeves than the men's) in Canada's official colours, as well as one's bearing the Olympic Rings. The fuzzy trappers hat in faux sheepskin will surely be a big hit, as will a number of other items. I have already seen a number of items from this line on the street, and as the buzz for the Games heats up, there will be more and more out there - and more and more people wanting it.

Once the Olympics start, be careful: you might just get involved in a wrestling match over Olympic clothing at an HBC store near you.