Friday, June 15, 2012
Live in Bellwoods: Great Heart Festival (Humble Empire & Young Lions Music Club)
There’s something quite special about hanging out at the park listening to great music, especially when it’s free. It was a great turnout for the second day of the Great Heart Festival, with many bringing blankets to spend the afternoon at Trinity Bellwoods. With an unpretentious environment, it’s lovely to see families gathered and children dancing. Every NXNE, for as long as Live in Bellwoods keeps this going, this is something we’ll always recommend.
I was surprised to arrive at Trinity Bellwoods to see Winnipeg’s Ingrid Gatin singing and playing accordion. I’m not sure when she was added to the Friday lineup, but it was such a pleasant surprise. We had seen her back in 2010 and her voice is just as lovely as I remember. I hear Gatin has a new album on the way and I can’t wait to hear it.
Fronted by Michael Wexler, Toronto’s Inlet Sound impressed the crowd, playing a couple new tunes as well as “Mademoiselle” from their Dream Awake EP released last year. We’ve been keeping an eye on Inlet Sound since we first saw them at the Horseshoe for a Nu Music Nite last September and the band has been promoting themselves quite a bit as they anticipate the release of their debut album, The Romantics. Their EP has that romantic sound, which includes upright bass and violin, and I’m looking forward to hearing the band translate the sound on a full-length.
Almost A Band came all the way from Sweden to play NXNE. Sanna Colling (vocals) and Alexander Pierre (guitar) make up this duo, with Colling’s great voice taking centre stage. Their energetic pop was taken down a few notches in the park, as Colling couldn’t play the synths like usual. Regardless, “You Take Me For Granted” was a show stealer. I didn’t get to hear their plugged in set, but they were a great last-minute addition to the lineup at the park.
I feel it’s always a treat to see Charlottetown’s Boxer The Horse, even unplugged when there’s less of that lo-fi garage sound. Jeremy Gaudet’s vocal delivery is a little nonchalant, but he’s got a quirky vibe that makes him so enjoyable to watch. Plus they do a pretty sweet Libertines cover, which was so great to hear acoustic. After releasing French Residency this year, I’m certainly glad to see and hear a lot more of Boxer The Horse.
Edmonton’s Michael Rault (who is now based out of Toronto) typically plays a bluesy garage style, which sounded rather R&B infused 60s rock and roll-like when acoustic, a style which reminds me a little of That Thing You Do. While Rault’s been on my radar for a while now, I hadn’t had the chance to see him live yet and his extremely short Bellwoods set made me an instant fan. “The Things You Said” from Rault’s 2010 release MA-ME-O was certainly a highlight, but Rault is currently gearing to release an EP titled Whirlpool. Check out the video for his first single, “I Want To Love You,” here.
Jägermeister’s Boneyard BBQ (Exclaim!)
It was a real treat to hit up this BBQ hosted by Jägermeister and exclaim.ca with DJ sets from Sebastien Grainger (Death from Above 1979), face to face and Young Empires. I’ll save you the details on this industry party, but it was a great event to network/schmooze, while having a few drinks at the same time. Thanks for the fun times, Jager!
Wasted Away Again: A NXNE Day Party (MUSI Artist Development & Brock McLaughlin)
When I walked into SIX20SEVEN, UK band Heliopause was nearing the end of their set. The duo of Richard Davis and Niall Harden certainly caught my attention with their lush, atmospheric sound and I wish I had seen more.
I was a little disappointed I missed Sound of Lions’ set when I was running around the city trying to make it to all that was going on in the city. When I made it back to SIX20SEVEN, Jane’s Party was about to take the stage as a late addition to the lineup. Their infectious pop rock tunes with their gorgeous 3-part harmonies were a great way to end off this party. “Alone Together,” “Hide Away” and “Hot Noise” were highlights of the set, but I think this 4-piece just about charmed the pants off everyone in the room with every song.
buying shots for bands 
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