When thinking outside the box just isn't enough
Odonis Odonis @ M for Montreal Boat Cruise Boys who look like they need a babysitter should not be playing music this good. Seriously. Odonis Odonis played in the early afternoon on the M for Montreal boat cruise during NXNE. (Which, by the way, has been one of their best boat cruises yet; the people […]
Moon King @ Wrongbar Nothing makes me feel more like a tool than realizing I completely misinterpreted the gender of a singer (this said with love). I love surprises. For one thing, I thought Moon King’s lead singer was a female from listening to the audio online. (I didn’t Google Image them beforehand). This […]
Here we go again. NXNE starts this Monday, June 10 in Toronto. After sifting through numerous bands listed on the NXNE site (there are over 1000 musicians performing) and my own personal collection here are my top five suggestions. Mostly Toronto based, we’ve also got a little side of Mexico, a dash of Montreal and […]
So after the Rooftop BBQ we headed right down to The Horsetavern to see Poor Young Things, and the secret guest. Poor Young Things come from Thunder Bay, Ontario. They packed up their shit, and moved to Toronto without knowing anyone (via their website). I stumbled upon them about two months ago and was addicted […]
On our last day exploring NXNE we ventured to the M for Montreal Bruise Cruise, ended up at a rooftop BBQ at a hostel, then ran around the city watching band after band. To make this easy and fun for you, we’ve broken the coverage up into two parts: NXNE day and NXNE night for […]
Friday night we hit up the Pop Montreal showcase at the Silver Dollar. The line-up included The Redmond Barry’s, Goose Hut, Hooded Fang, Parlovr, Bleached, TOPS, UN and The Disraelis. Silver Dollar’s is a pretty sweet venue in that you’re not dying of sweat, you can jump out the back to the patio if you’re ears need a break or hide in the back room and chill in a booth. Again, options are fantastic. Anyway, let’s talk about some of the bands…Hooded Fang are a foursome from Toronto who play pop songs that swirl around memories of The Cure…
I’ve made it through day one. Once upon a time I could go for days, but these days I enjoy sleep. Anyway, that’s neither here nor there. Let’s talk about what happened, and not how hung over I am. Unless you want to do that? Jokes! So, our first night hitting the mean streets of Toronto for NXNE lead us…
Summer is always filled with dreams of finding new music or revisiting your favourites. It’s like musicians hide all winter, in their little or big spaces, working hard away at whipping up new music for the coming Spring and Summer seasons. And as Summer creeps towards us, so do all the music festivals that tag onto these hot, steamy months. NXNE may have started Monday, June 11, but most of the bands aren’t hitting the outskirts of Toronto until today…
Let’s talk about Library Voices and the wicked show they put on at Casa del Popolo. Why is “pop” a bad word in Montreal (unless you’re talking about POP Montreal)? Sometimes I feel like Montreal is Bill Clinton and pop music is Monica Lewinski you secretly love it, but when it’s right in your face you pretend it’s no good. That’s the way this city rolls, and that’s the way it’s always going to roll. Montreal has this dark love for the weird and tortured…
Today we lose a leader, a friend, a family man and great influencer. Jack Layton’s legacy and commitment to changing Canada as we know it will live on for years to come. His dedication to his role as the leader of the NDP shaped and changed the way Canada, North America and the world saw Canadians and themselves. In his final years he motivated a generation that had otherwise been dormant to the political happenings in this country. He moved a province that had been neglected by other parties, and reminded Quebec they should stand and be proud of their French culture and Canada….
Montreal is known for its arts and culture talent. Yup, it’s true. I mean we are designated as the arts and culture hub of Canada. But just because we’re labelled this, doesn’t mean they all make it out beyond the city. I’m not sorry, but it’s true. Of course, you always have your exceptions. Exceptions? Yes my friend, exceptions. I shouldn’t even bother introducing them locally (yes boys I’m flattering you), but I will. Well, Montreal and beyond, meet/hear-about-again Winter Gloves…
Holla! We’re at it again. Damn, you all must love this whole free tickets, awesome shows business we’ve got going! So what’s up this time? We want you to go see Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees this Saturday at Divan Orange. Imagine this: you’re standing (somewhat wasted) in a field in the darkness of the night, with a giant stage leering over you, and all of sudden this huge wave of mist and fog pours out, engulfing everything around you …
Oh boy! More free tickets to give away! This week Forget The Box is giving away a pair of tickets for you to see one of Vancouver’s favourite pop groups Hey Ocean!. The trio brings together a variety of unique pop and funk elements that complement each other in addictive ways, making your bones jive and come alive. Hailing from…
Yes, we are giving away a pair, that’s right…TWO (insert peace sign hand gesture) tickets to the Montreal Folk Festival. But, before we get into the goods, we’ve gotta get this whole situation in order and let you know exactly what you’re in for…
Wrecking balls in summer dresses, the best drinkers you’ve ever met, live music that is rooted in political issues, workers’ rights, and of course, heartache. That’s what folk is. Simple yet relateable music that has cousins based in bluegrass, aunts singing country and husbands wearing overalls. Yes, there’s a naturalistic, tree-loving component to it. But hey! that’s what makes folk musicians and folk lovers the best drinking buddies (and live performers). Why? Because they never secretly disappear into other rooms, steal the wheel from your bike or watch Jersey Shore on repeat, in HD and 10+ volume…
Halifax is known for its bar scene. I mean they’ve got three on every corner – if not more – and there’s a bar for every crowd…steps away from each other. Of course, choosing your bar is like choosing your friends (that’s a no brainer). So, when I heard The Paragon Theatre, one of my favourite places to spend many reckless nights (and somehow mornings), was closing for good, Kaelin and I thought some serious photo action was needed. Plus, Kaelin, one of Forget The Box’s photographers, is in Haliwood right now for some well deserved East Coast vacation time…
I’m sick of hearing artists whine about festival fees. I’m sick of having festivals charge bands fees. I’m sick of how the entire process of sharing music, art and culture has melted down to how well Alberta’s oil fields are doing, and whether Hydro Quebec is still secretly ordering hookers with their “corporate” money. Luckily…
