Enjoy some holiday cheer with local Canadian winter time music. Get under the mistletoe and smooch your favourite person (w/ consent), add rum to the soy-nog and pet a purrring kitten. Happy Holidays to you and yours from Lise Monique and your pals at Sad Mag.
And for those looking for an extra special holiday treat, sign up for a 1 year subscription to Sad Mag before December 15th and we’ll send you (or your secret santa) a personalized Holiday Gift card advising them of your generous gift!
Nothing says, Tis the Season, like an entire year of sparkly Sadness from Sad Mag.
If Fall were a (composite) colour it would be brown. Mixed with yellow, red and black it is the palette of fading sun, ending of summer love and beginning of darkness. Have a listen to the SadMag Local Music playlist while you rake those backyard leaves, climb your last Quarry Rock and thrift for your favourite Fall sweater.
Skye Wallace is a national treasure. Her third studio album “Living II Parts” is a melodic, raw and orchestral beauty that tells an untold narrative about the vast Canadian landscape. Skye has the ability to reel you in for story time, paint portraits of barren vistas and give the illusion that all things are dead. Her music and performance elicit power and beauty, coupled with vulnerability. She’s currently traveling the country but we caught up with Skye to ask her SadMag Local Musics Q’s:
If life weren’t filled with music it would still be filled with stories and art, some way or another.
A good show means heat and heart and soul and barely remembering what it is that you’ve done—not due to any kind of intoxication, but due to being lost in what you’re creating.
Your backing band is a very talented bunch. Devon Kroeger is my right hand (wo)man. She’s been there through thick and thin. The release show is an excellent example of what the ideal setup tends to be: myself on vocals and guitar, Devon on violin, Alex Hauka on cello, Stevie Beddall on drums, Wynston Minckler on bass, Owen Connell on keys, and Ben Doerksen on electric guitar.
Bedtime is nice, if it comes naturally.
My daily rituals include definitely brushing my teeth twice a day.
Touring is hella enjoyable; having moved around a lot when I was younger, I have certainly practiced detachment when it comes to things and homes. I don’t find it difficult to shed domestic comforts.
Best city to eat in while on the road: Burrito Jax in Halifax makes this answer Halifax
The musician to make babies with would be: Tom Waits. I like to think we’d get each other.
Favourite music video as a teenager: Sun 41 – Fat Lip/Pain For Pleasure
Favourite much music VJ: George Stromboulopoulos
Name of your favourite pet: Gummybear. A funny anecdote regarding pet names: I saw a chain email once saying your stripper name is your first dog’s name and then your first street name. This lands me at Willy Putsey. Not very sexy.
Skye is headed to Toronto to release “Living Parts” at the Horseshoe Tavern on June 4, 2014. Listen to her new album on Soundcloud and escape into the beauty that is skyewallace.com.
The Abramson Singers are many voices to be reckoned with. Writing beautifully crafted, catchy songs about topics that touch on the Canadian landscape, the group hits chords both physical and political.
Through their heartbreaking storytelling and always staying true to their folk roots, the band forms bright melodies and layers of musical depth. “Late Riser” is their newest release since 2010’s self-titled album “The Abramson Singers” and was produced by Colin Stewart (Dan Mangan, Brasstronaut). The album is soaked with lush band arrangements, craving warm summer nights on the porch and a dog by your side. With as new album on the horizon Leah Abramson answers a few questions with Sad Mag.
Hello. My name is: Leah Abramson
I live in: An old house in Kensington-Cedar Cottage
When I’m not playing music I’m often: Gardening, teaching, or making sauerkraut. I’m only putting down the most wholesome activities here, just in case my mom reads this.
My favourite city to visit is: I can’t pick only one. Montreal, Prague and Paris. (Bagels, dumplings and croissants.)
Song I can’t get out of my head: “Give Out” by Sharon Van Etten
The last book I read was: “Thousand Mile Song: Whale Music in a Sea of Sound” by David Rothenberg
I never leave home without: Wallet, phone, keys (repeat after me).
If I weren’t a musician I would be: Running a family sauerkraut business. Or a radio producer?
If I was buying you a drink what would you be drinking: One of those fancy in-the-coconut drinks that the Waldorf used to serve, or else Jameson’s on the rocks.
New album “Late Riser” comes out: May 14, 2013. Our Vancouver Album Release Party is May 30 at Chapel Arts.
As the New Year hit, Rolling Stone magazine had claimed that Vancouver’s Punk Scene was blowing up; as a city with a great deal of 90’s resurgence. While recognizing Vancouver’s well-known title of “No Fun City,” the magazine celebrated great local acts such as White Lung, Japandroids and Nu Sensae, amongst others. Their attention focused on great local albums, Rolling Stone recognized the city as having great talent and hope for being a city that produces solid work on the world stage. As many great bands start out in Vancouver, many also leave or disband, leaving the creative flow disjointed. Although this may be a challenge for a city that continues to lose great music venues, one thing holds true for Vancouver: there is talent, community and, for the most part, support. With local organizations like Safe Amplication Society and Girls Rock Camp Vancouver, we demonstrate the ability to be progressive while investing in a music-empowered future.The March playlist showcases ear candy local bands and suggests that Rolling Stone may be right about our city’s music scene.
Japandroids – The Nights of Wine and Roses
Sex Church – Not Anymore
Needles//Pins – 12:34
Slow Learner – Grocery Store
Yung Mums – Cobra
Hard Feelings – E on the 13
B-13’s – Burnt CD’s
Apollo Ghosts – Ultra Kool
Thee Ahs – To Young for You
Peace – The Perp Walk
Ladyhawk – Rub me Wrong
Tranzmitors – You Get Around
Channels 3 and 4 – The Queen
Shearing Pinx – New Gospel
White Lung – Viva La Rat
Nu Sensae – Swim
Baptists – Farmed
BEEKEEPER is an indie post-pop power trio from Vancouver consisting of comedian Devon Lougheed, protein synthesist Luke Cyca, and opera singer Brandi Sidoryk. Their music blends together infectious hooks, stunning male/female harmonies, and unsettling math-rock dissonance. Their music and live shows are infused with good-natured twists, pranks, and hoaxes that keep listeners guessing. As they just returned from a Western Canada adventure to promote their new album “Shout at People” they haven’t stopped asking questions to fans via the social media sphere. As a way to engage the public, much like their shows, questions such as “What do you want your gravestone to say? Or “Do you have any regrets?” color their interactive wall space. SAD MAG decided to reverse the asking of questions, giving beekeeper ten lines to fill out, of which lead-singer Devon responded in the most serious way possible.
First show ever was The Philosopher Kings with my dad in Brantford, Ontario. The singer got multiple girls to throw their bras onstage. My dad’s mind was blown, and I knew what I needed to do with my life.
Best words from a stranger were “You can’t just shout at people”.
My love for Arby’s will never die. I’m the worst vegan ever… although, Arby’s is barely food, much less meat, right? Horsey sauce!
Favourite spot inside my mind is halfway between two coffees and two whiskies. It’s called “songwriting ultrazone”, and it is a good – albeit frightening – place to be. Wanna join me?
I feel great when ladies throw bras onstage. Ok, that’s never happened, and I’m not sure what I would do with them. Maybe I’d give them to Brandi, our bass player. I wonder what her bra size is… Vancouver can be the really vibrant music scene that it is — we just need to let ourselves admit it. There are fantastic bands here, and some great venues (although we could use some more of those). Let’s be proud! We can be the new Montreal, come on folks.
Most people think that beekeeper is too hard or too soft, when really, we’re just right. And also those other things too.
I can only imagine that you’re reading this on your iPad in the bathroom.
My grandma was in the first graduating class of doctors at the University of Toronto to allow *gasp* WOMEN to graduate.
beekeeper better notice that you popped by http://buy.bkpr.ca/ to check out our new EP. Honestly, it is the most fun thing we’ve ever made, and we think you’ll really enjoy it.
Check out their newest album “Shout at People” HERE
Love is in the air and it’s coming for you. Apoca-love, watch out! Strange how one day in the middle of February has us reflecting on romance and L-O-V-E when really, love should be celebrated year round, with lovers, friends and family. Go buy your parents a bouquet of flowers, mail your best friend a card or throw together a gourmet meal for your date. It doesn’t take much effort or money and will go a long way in letting the people you love know that they’re appreciated and cared for.
This week, while obsessing over lady of romance herself, Edith Piaf, I re-watched “La Vie En Rose” to discover more about her life and story. In the closing minutes of the film Edith sits on a sunny beach as an American journalist asks: If you were to give advice to a woman, what would it be? Edith Piaf: Love. American journalist: To a young girl? Edith Piaf: Love. American journalist: To a child? Edith Piaf: Love. Not to say that only woman should love – we all should; however it delivers a humble and insightful answer that regardless of our life experiences, triumphs, tragedies and traumas, love wins. Always.This month’s playlist doesn’t include and Edith Piaf, however there are some good local songs for the heart and the remainder of February 2013.
1- Ok Vancouver Ok – i get so drunk about songs about love
2- The Zolas – Knot In My Heart
3- Brasstronaut – Slow Knots
4- The Nautical Miles – Mythmaker
5- Wake Owl – Gold
6- Jon and Roy – Little bit of Love
7- Current Swell – Too Cold
8- 41st and Home – Wilderness Eyes
9- Maurice – All I Ever Wanted
10- Vince Vaccaro – The Dove
11- The Mohawk Lodge – Light You Up
12- The Belle Game – Wasted Light
13- Destroyer – Poor in Love
14- A.C. Newman – Miracle Drug
Let’s start the year with a mad dash to the cold water. That’s right, I will be throwing myself into the pacific ocean to take on 2013 by the horns (or shivers). The quick dip will cleanse the life changing events of 2012, and welcome 2013, the year to commit and discover/play more music.
Get your year started with these fifteen (local) songs, brunch, laughter & some good pals!
1 Gold & Youth Time to Kill
2 Hannah Georgas Enemies
3 Calamalka Bad Scene
4 Babe Rainbow Give You Time (feat. Ashley Webber)
5 Teen Daze Brooklyn Sunburn
6 Bear Mountain Two Step
7 Synthcake House Love Ground
8 Tyranahorse joy wolf
9 beekeeper Sudden Cuckoo
10 Humans De Ciel
11 Top Less Gay Tekno Party My 5
12 Slam Dunk Can’t Stand It
13 Gang Signs LA on Monday
14 Data Romance The Deep
15 MYTHS Deadlights
Tis’ the season to cheer, wearing that over-sized sweater, getting ready for the new year and/or finding the best defense for the upcoming Apocalypse. As of recently, my friends and I have been dreaming of zombies, escape routes and getting away from the chaos with the hope of never looking back. Dreams of the Apocalypse may come and go however the hope for world peace is still on the table. So what if we make it to 2013? I’ll most likely be writing this monthly feature and you will be making some resolutions to quit smoking, get your dream job or eat better. Whatever happens to us, let’s rejoice and thank the universe for infectious local music. I’ve created a playlist with 24 day-dreamy songs to get you through the holidays unscathed.
That said, go support our local record shops and buy some music!
1 Hannah Epperson Murder of Crows
2 The Ruffled Feathers All My Cities
3 James Lamb Wrecking Ball
4 David Newberry All Of My Friends Are Famous
5 Fish & Bird Jellyfish Ghosts
6 The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra End of Days
7 Mathieu Lavigne Little Wars
8 Christopher Smith Middle of the Night
9 From Birch to Yew To Keep Those Alive
10 Frazey Ford Hey Little Mama
11 Portage and Main What Have I Done
12 Mike Edel The Country Where I Came From
13 Hannah Georgas All I Need
14 Dominique Fricot Strange Lady
15 Jordan Klassen Go To Me
17 Weathered Pines Me & the Sea
18 Stefana Fratila Mes Fantomes Gries
19 Dogwood and Dahlia Whiskey Hearts
20 Ma Petite Man About Moon
21 Siskiyou Twigs and Stones
22 Aidan Knight Skip
23 Brasstronaut Bounce
24 cris derksen Hindsight 20/20
If it weren’t for the beautiful landscape, friends and music projects I’d happily be packing my suitcase to get to a destination where taco stands are still out on the streets and bike riding in a sun dress is still permissible. Ahh the heat. Ok, realistically my ginger ass wouldn’t be able to handle it for more than 15 minutes as my sensitive skin would burn me into a landmark of red, however I can daydream and repeat the sentiment every rainy season. For now, I’ll regress to bike riding in my water proof outfit (it’s really not that bad) and continuously forgetting to buy an umbrella despite being a permanent Vancouver resident. My music radar has been slow these past weeks as Summer and Fall’s music circuit is slowing down as well as being preoccupied with stuff (cats, love, photo taking, etc). Finding music videos for local artists isn’t always an easy task, however this month I was able to discover a few new artists in the process as well as get a sense of what’s out there for easy autumn listening.
These five artists are perfect when looking out the window at the rain-soaked city, walking over bridges in the drizzle as well as rolling around in leaves with your lover. They will tickle your heart and perhaps leave you thinking about the Canadian landscape and how it really isn’t that bad.
The Country Where I Came From – Mike Edel
Mike Edel has been a great discovery. The video and song correspond with feeling introspective about space and time, and how we fit into this large world of contemplation and loneliness. Atmospheric and slow, the video really captures the essence of the song. I’m also a big fan of dogs so having a black and white canine guest star sealed the deal. Mike is currently on tour across country with Jordan Klassen, a great match of men who pull at your musical heart strings.
Album Teaser – Ma Petite
This isn’t a music video but definitely worth watching! It will leave you wanting more and having a crush on a lovely Australian singer songwriter (and her story).
Local Swan – The Zolas
This is a band I didn’t necessarily want to like as I felt they were too happy, thankfully I gave it a listen and fell for their sweet songs and lyrical pairing. The Zolas are a very Vancouver band to me and have been able to succeed in a land of pop music as well as capture the crowds of the indie world. The band is hard working and definitely have a live presence within the music community.
Call and Answer – Jordan Klassen
One of my favourite local artists to come out of the radio machine, Jordan Klassen really uses his soft voice to narrate stories and orchestrate the instrument rich backings. His style definitely has a pinch of Sufjan Stevens although he is currently outgrowing the comparison with the release of his 2012 Kindness EP.
We Will Host a Party – Hannah Epperson
Oh Hannah. What a gem, talent and lovely being. She beams with positivity and humbleness and definitely a force to be reckoned with. Her sparse lyrics and brilliant violin are definitely an emotional ride when seen live. I’ve seen her play three times and it keeps getting better as she is becoming more comfortable with sharing her inner workings. Hannah is also busy with Four on the Floor and collaborating/playing with other local music acts in the city.
