9:00 PM
to 10:00 PM
Grimes
45 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
event::about Grimes is weird pop influenced by styles such as R&B, Industrial, goth, hip hop and Western medieval organum. She is noted for simple but strong percussion, vocal virtuosity, and addictive melodies. Despite having little acquaintance with music before the age of 18, Grimes (born 1988) has overcome this barrier and used it to her advantage, exploding onto the music scene with a sound that is that is far different from that of her peers, and extremely broad in it's references (Mariah Carey, Salem, Cocteau Twins, Gang Gang Dance, The Smiths, Prince). And yet, while all Grimes songs are different and genre-bending, there is a strong sound that is fully her own, characterized primarily by her chameleon-like voice. She cannot read music and has no understanding of theory or notation, so her attempts to imitate often fail. Rather, the result is particularly unique, strangely beautiful, sometimes scary, frequently melancholic and catchy as hell.
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
11:00 PM
to 12:00 AM
Delicate Steve
42 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
Artists Delicate Steve
event::about THE CRITICS UNILATREALLY CONCUR: DELICATE STEVE IS A BAND WHO CREATES MUSIC Newton, N.J. – Every 30 or 40 or 500 years, the DNA of culture itself emerges from the translucent blackness of the not-so-shallow underground. You hear a new band, and you think, “This is really something. This is like My Bloody Valentine, minus the guitars.” But then you think, “No, that’s not true. That’s not what this is like at all. Plus, there are lots of guitars here. I’m a goddamn idiot.” You want to walk away, but now it’s too late; now, you start to wonder what makes this music is so deeply arresting. You wonder why you are dancing against your will, and you wonder why every other sound you’ve ever heard suddenly sounds like the insignificant prologue to a moment you’re experiencing in the present tense. You find yourself unable to perform the simplest of activities -- a cigarette becomes impossible to light, a mewing kitten cannot be stroked, a liverish lover cannot be ignored. By the album’s third track, there is nothing left in your life; everything is gone, crushed into a beatific sonic wasteland you never want to escape. This, more than anything else imaginable, is the manifestation of artistic truth … a truer kind of truth … the only kind of truth that cannot lie, even with the cold steel of a .357 revolver jammed inside its wet mouth, truculently demanding a random falsehood. Welcome to the work-a-day world of Delicate Steve. Like a hydro-electric Mothra rising from the ashes of an African village burned to the ground by post-rock minotaurs, the music of Delicate Steve will literally make you the happiest person who has never lived. Discovered firsthand by Luaka Bop A & R man Wills Glasspiegel in the parking lot of a Newton, N.J., strip mall, Delicate Steve was signed to the label before anyone at Luaka Bop heard even a moment of their music – all he needed to experience was a random conversation about what they hoped to achieve as a musical five-piece. “They were just sitting around in lawn chairs, dressed like 19th century criminals, casually saying the most remarkable things,” recalls Glasspiegel. “It was wild. It was obtuse. One fellow would say, `Oh, I like Led Zeppelin III, but it skews a little dumptruck.’ Then another would say, `The problem with those early Prince albums is that he spent too much time shopping.’ I really had no idea what they were talking about, but it all somehow made sense. `We’ll be a different kind of group,” they said. `We will introduce people to themselves. We’ll inoculate them from discourse.’ I was immediately intrigued. I asked them if they wanted to have dinner, so we walked to a Chinese restaurant that was right up the road. I suggested we all get different dishes and share everything family style. They agreed. But then they ordered five identical entrees! So we sat there and ate a mountain of General Tso’s chicken for three straight hours, talking about music and literature and box kites and dystopias. Twenty-four later, they were signed to Luaka and inside a studio.” Those studio sessions led to Wondervisions, the indescribable 12-track instrumental debut that reconstructs influences as diverse as Yes, Vampire Weekend, The Fall, Ravi Shankur, 10 cc, The Orbital, Jann Hammer, the first half of OK Computer, the second act of The Wizard of Oz, and the final pages of Jonathan Franzen’s Freedom. Originally conceived as a radio-friendly concept album about the early life of D.B. Cooper, de facto Delicate Steve leader Steve Marion decided to tear away the lyrics and move everything in a more experimental direction. “We don’t need the middlebrow to dig our music,” says the soft-spoken Marion. “We write for the fringes – the very, very rich and the very, very poor. That’s the audience we relate to, and that’s who these songs are about.” THE BAND AT A GLANCE: Steve Marion, 23 (guitar): A polymath who plays over 40 instruments, Marion recorded his first “bedroom EP” on a four-track as a 12-year-old (“It was sort of a second-rate Slanted and Enchanted,” he scoffs today, “and more than a little derivative.”). Already a Jersey legendary for his worth-ethic and perfectionism (he once studied a single Jandek guitar riff for an entire summer), Marion’s the piston behind Delicate Steve, and -- somewhat paradoxically – the group’s harshest critic. “I named the band Delicate Steve as a reminder that we’ve accomplished nothing,” he says flatly. “We are as delicate as the wings of butterfly with AIDS. Anything could crush us. And until we all decide that art is the only thing that makes life livable, we’ll just be another instrumental five-piece from New Jersey. Emotionally and intellectually, I’m not sure if the rest of the band is there yet. But I am.” Steve’s goal is to create music that lasts “substantially longer than forever.” Mickey Sanchez, 22 (keyboard): A freewheeling hoaxster (and Marion’s best friend from Hebrew school), Sanchez provides Delicate Steve with off-kilter music flourishes and a necessary dose of common sense. “Steve can be difficult to work with,” says Sanchez, “but I know how to handle that hoss. Sometimes he just needs to look into the mouth of the lion – and I’m the lion.” An avid horseback rider and pastry chef, Sanchez also intends to pursue a second-career as a city planner. Mickey’s goal is to make people hate Bruce Springsteen. Rob Scheuerman, 21 (guitar): Previously featured on axe in the teen-pop power-trio Yesterday’s Airport of Tomorrow, Scheuerman is probably better known as the alleged one-time paramour of Gossip Girl star Blake Lively (a rumor he sheepishly denies: “I was too tired to make it. She was too tired to fight about it.”). What he adds to the band musically is akin to what he adds personally: cobalt charisma and a hunger for flesh. “Do you remember that old song `I Know What Boys Like’ by the Waitresses,” he asks. “Well, let’s just say the scythe slices both ways.” Rob’s goal is to seduce every female journalist he encounters. Adam Pumilla, 23 (bass): No member of Delicate Steve has taken a more circuitous path than Pumilla. A three-sport athlete who rushed for 1400 yards as a veer option quarterback in high school, Pumilla received scholarship offers from several Big East football powers before opting for a career as a bassist – despite the fact that he’d never played the instrument in his life. “There was always something about the bass,” he says today. “Four strings, sublime heaviness, living inside the pocket, locking into the drums. It spoke to me in its own bass language, long before I ever possessed the object itself. I knew that bass guitar was something I could excel at. I am a bassist. I have a bassist’s blood.” After spending five exploratory years in rural Scotland (“I needed space to invent my bass style”), Pumilla returned to the U.S. and met Marion at Ed Westwick’s Halloween party. “I knew he was the man for this band from the moment I met him,” recalls Marion. “When he shook my hand to introduce himself, he didn’t even say his name. He just said, `Bass.’ Just that one word. Nothing else. He was a serious person.” Adam has no defined goal. Mike Duncan, 21 (percussion): Don’t let his boyish looks fool you – Duncan is no choirboy. Raised on a steady diet of Stewart Coupland, Neil Peart and economic desperation, Duncan views drumming as a way to turn his self-described “sociopathic inclinations” into something the world can appreciate. “I love to brawl,” he says. “I’ll fight anyone, for any reason. I’ll fight a dog for no reason. I’ve seen the inside of juvenile hall. I’ve tasted blood in my mouth. I’ve stepped on throats and I’ve thrown bottles at strangers. But that was all in the past. It’s still part of me, but – now – I use that intensity for good. I want to attack people with music the same way I used to attack them with my fists.” Mike’s goal is the political liberation of Quebec. A WARNING: This is a press release, and press releases are supposed to b…
12:00 AM
to 1:00 AM
Diamond Rings
90 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
Artists Diamond Rings
event::about Although initially pegged in some corners as a novelty act audiences have now begun to identify with Diamond Rings unique brand of pop songwriting and his overtly glamourous live sets. Showcasing real human emotion and honest vulnerability is rare enough for a young man let alone one who matches his eyeshadow with his Air Force Ones while dancing about onstage with the reckless abandon of a teenager in the bathroom mirror. But there is something surprisingly mature shimmering beneath the glamour hidden in his immediately iconic voice and whip smart lyrics. It is this complete package that has even original Riot Girl Kathleen Hanna proclaiming herself a member of the growing legion of Diamond Rings fans.
1:00 AM
to 2:00 AM
Dominique Young Unique
43 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
Artists Dominique Young Unique
event::about 18-year-old Tampa rapper Dominique Young Unique is making music that is breaking out of the ghetto and reaching out worldwide, and she's doing it with swagger. Taken under the wing of Yo Majesty's producer David Alexander and recording in their studio from aged 12, she certainly shares her mentors' taste for rapid-fire raps and high-speed +8 electro club beats. Youthful, raw and full of bite, this 18 year-old is crashing onto dancefloors with her militaristic mash-up of electro and hip-hop. "YES, I've ruddy seen her. YES, I've ducked and dodged her richocheting shrapnel-pinging verses. And YES, I'm aware of the fact she's underground booty-bass' best stab at a genuine popstar." - NME "Her statacco rhymes serve as the track's bedrock rhythm while the production moves quickly between percussion-only "Lip Gloss" clap to bass-driven 1-3 bop to shimmering new wave. "I'm doin' this right," goes one of the many hooks packed into this short little tune. Pretty much, yeah." - Pitchfork "With the sexy swagger of Lil Kim, the ghetto credibility of Trina and the spitting skills of Nicki Minaj, it’s impossible to ignore Tampa electro rap queen, Dominique Young Unique" - Dazed and Confused "The young female rapper everyone is talking about." - RWD
8:00 PM
to 9:00 PM
Dance Laury Dance
6 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
Artists Dance Laury Dance
event::about Since its creation on January 13th 2007, Dance Laury Dance gave at least two hundred shows in Canada, played the Viper Room in Los Angeles, released its first full lenght cd Out With Rockers on August 29th 2009 and won Best Canadian Artist Award at Quebec City Summer Festival 2010. Influenced by wolves, Hell, friends, girls, booze, drugs, fire, party, leather & Rock'n'Roll the resulting sound is authentic.
9:00 PM
to 10:00 PM
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
Karkwa
21 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
Artists Karkwa
event::about Formed in 1998 during a music contest in college, the group consists of vocalist and guitarist Louis-Jean Cormier, keyboardist François Lafontaine, bass guitarist Martin Lamontagne, percussionist Julien Sagot and drummer Stéphane Bergeron. The band's name is a phonetic rendering of carquois (French for a quiver of arrows). After reaching the final stages of the Francouvertes contest in 2001, the band released its debut album, Le Pensionnat des établis, in 2003. The album's single "Poisson cru" reached the top of Quebec's campus radio charts, and was named the best album of the year by two critics for Montreal's alternative weekly Voir. The band's second album, Les Tremblements s’immobilisent, won three Félix Awards in 2006. In 2007, they were featured, along with The Stills, The Besnard Lakes and Mahjor Bidet, on the bill of Quebec Scene, a concert in Ottawa sponsored by CBC Radio 3. On the third album, Le Volume du vent, as the band further expanded its reach into English Canada, guest musicians included Patrick Watson and Elizabeth Powell. Their fourth album, Les Chemins de verre, was recorded in Paris, France and won the 2010 Polaris Music Prize. They made several shows in Europe and Canada winning great reputation everywhere. In between rock and folk, their sound can be describe as a mutation of Radiohead instrumental section and Sigur Ros vocal harmonies. But that said, Karkwa stays unique and is not a copy of anything. Although Karkwa is solely singing in french, the power of music emerges as you don't have to understand the lyrics to fully enjoy the music of the group.
11:00 PM
to 12:00 AM
12:00 AM
to 1:00 AM
Malajube
56 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
Artists Malajube
event::about After winning the Félix award (ADISQ) in the Alternative Album of the Year category in 2009, after two Polaris Music Prize nominations and over 370 shows across Canada, the United States and Europe (plus a few dates in Japan), the "Labyrinthes" adventure has finally come to an end. After the release of "Contrôle", a limited EP release of four songs and "Cubes Rubiques", a memorable show presented at the Théâtre Maisonneuve at Place des arts for the 2010 edition of Les FrancoFolies de Montréal, the band is now composing what will be their fourth album, the aftermath of the epic and critically acclaimed "Labyrinthes", set for release in April of 2011. The pop/rock group litteraly took over the indie rock scene over the years, since the release of their debut record "Le Compte Complet" (2004) and more recently has drawn a wide amount of praise with their second album "Trompe-l’oeil" (2006), a masterpiece that found its way of springing out of the already artistically rich local music scene, with their unique and original sound. "Labyrinthes" (2009) confirmed that the band was one of the most prolific and talented bands from Montreal. In addition of proudly winning five Felix awards over the years in their native province of Québec, Malajube has extensively toured the country and abroad playing festivals and events such as the SXSW, CMJ Music Marathon, Osheaga, Les Eurockéennes and Les Francofolies de Montréal, turning on industry-heads and listeners alike. Regardless of the language barrier, "Trompe-l’oeil" was released in the U.S. on the Dare to Care label, (October 31st, 2006) in Europe, (on the German label City Slang in Spring 2007) and in Japan. The band pleased critics from all around; The New York Times, NME, Pitchfork, Brooklyn Vegan, Wired, Fader, Filter, Spin, Penthouse, Men’s Health Journal, Vanity Fair and more, all praising Malajube’s music in unison.
1:00 AM
to 2:00 AM
Uncle Bad Touch
20 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
Artists Uncle Bad Touch
event::about Mikey from Priestess with his girlfriend, Kathryn, and their drummer-friend, Shawn spent two weeks in the summer jamming and recording in Mikey's kitchen. As they finished each song, they put them up on myspace, facebook and posted to Stillepost. There was an amazing reaction to their, fuzzy, catchy, hooky tunes recorded on Garageband. They spent the rest of the summer playing sweaty loft parties and bbqs and are now poised to be one of the new breakout bands from Montreal this coming year. Their super lo-fi, fun, fuzzy, garagy sound and loveable live show is infectious. Mikey and Kathryn are such a cool, loveable couple to see up front and center. Already darlings of the Montreal scene, they're now getting attention from usa labels, bloggers, press,etc.. They recently supported Jeff The Brotherhood and will be out with Ty Segal in March. "Like a Smith Westerns hangover after a night with Iggy Pop" - PASTE http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2010/10/cmj-an-a-z-guide.html?p=5 "Artist To Watch...KickAss" Rollo&Grady - http://www.rollogrady.com/artist-to-watch-uncle-badtouch/ "Best Discovery Of The Year" -NashvilleScene The BIG TAKEOVER'S TOP-10: #3: Uncle Bad Touch - Baby Baby Baby Baby "This new Montreal band has somehow achieved the rare feat of effectively blending indie-fied pop, prog and old school rock. (Classic Prop?) With epic melodies and a nifty ability for the songs to contract and release unexpectedly, Uncle Bad Touch is a great time with just the right amount of fucked up and shred. Go see them live, they play really hard!" http://www.bigtakeover.com/top-ten/Matt-Lee-110116
12:00 PM
to 1:00 PM
Planet Quebec
39 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
event::about Performances by Pat Jordache, Grimes, Meta Gruau, Karkwa & Malajube and more.
event::tags Party
8:00 PM
to 9:00 PM
CEA
2 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
Artists CEA
event::about Héros de la ville de Québec, CEA est une formation qui gravite dans le milieu culturel québécois depuis une dizaine d'année. Leur premier album C'est ça le fun !?, voit le jour à l'automne 2006. C'est cet opus qui donnera le ton à un groupe réputé pour renverser les foules. S'en suivra en 2009, l'énigmatiqueCoin Strasbourg inspiré des Gainsbourg, Leloup et Caroll. Après avoir sillonné le Québec et ses nombreux festivals, conquit l'Afrique au passage, Bob, Karim, Lou et Marième séduisent la France lors d'une série de concerts au printemps 2010. Le groupe en a profité pour présenter les pièces de leur dernier Maxi : Les Nuits Gainsbouriennes. CEA c'est la fête, la danse, la foire bref le FUN !! Considered local heroes in their home town of Québec city, the members of CEA have been performing together for the last 10 years. Their first record, the funkafied C'est ça le fun!? was released in november 2006. With this record, the group established itself as a party starter collective, known to move the crowd with up-tempo rhythms, catchy lyrics and an untamed energy during their shows. Since 2008, Bob, Karim, Lou and Marième have been touring in Canada, France and Senegal and released two other albums: Coin Strasbourg and Les nuits Gainsbouriennes. CEA (wich stand for Corps et Âme) is associated with fun, dance and wild celebrations.
9:00 PM
to 10:00 PM
Buddy Mcneil & The Magic Mirrors
6 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
Artists Buddy Mcneil & The Magic Mirrors
event::about The mutant half-sailor, half-cowboy offspring of a passionate affair between the past and the present, Buddy McNeil & The Magic Mirrors are kindred spirits of the dynamic young Stones, The Flying Burrito Brothers and contemporary rockers Heavy Trash. With the playful pop of the 50s and decadent sounds of the 60s running through their veins, they offer a "what you see is what you get" approach in the studio and on stage: they don't pretend to revolutionize the genre, but they're ready to give their all until night gives way to dawn in the captain's spyglass and his mistresses' eyes. After releasing their nine-track debut independent album in the spring of 2008 and the well received EP "Help Me Mama! " in summer 2010, the band—who since opened for the legendary Brian Setzer Orchestra, The Proclaimers, Murder by Death and Holly Golightly, and played big festivals and events such as Pop Montreal (2010), Festival d’été de Québec (2009-2010) and Festival de Musique Émergente d’Abitibi-Témiscamingue (2009)—is back from the grave with a brand-new LP, "Introducing, Once Again, Buddy McNeil & The Magic Mirrors", to be released in January 2011.
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
Pom Pom War
1 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
Artists Pom Pom War
event::about POM POM WAR BIO The collage of synth-garage melodies and trashy post-punk guitars of Pom Pom War hits savagely the Montreal local scene since it's creation in 2007. With infectious beats, a nasty energy and an act to remind you of your alien abduction or the sacrifice of a dirty disco-amazon, they created a considerable hype playing many shows in the city. Formed by guitar player Jonathan B. and 2 singers, Caro D. (former Hightops) and her brother Nico D., local electro showboy also known as Dusti. The formation as been récent joined by drummer Roberto Parada. The quartet declares war this spring with their first Ep simply called Allez! Prenez leurs armes.
11:00 PM
to 12:00 AM
Meta Gruau
3 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
Artists Meta Gruau
event::about Mid-paced, mid-heavy, mid-noise, mid-candy, the sound of Meta Gruau will stick in your head for a long time. Oscillating between punk, electro, new-wave and garage, the "synth sludge" trio has been part of Montreal's music scene since 2006. Their first full length record was released in April 2010.
12:00 AM
to 1:00 AM
Boogat
4 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
Artists Boogat
event::about Boogat is a vocalist / writer / producer living in Montréal, Canada. His music is urban and latin, in french and spanish. Boogat’s carreer has been in three steps : first in quebec’s underground hip-hop scene as the frontman and beatmaker of ‘’Andromaick’’ (1996-2001), then with his solo french project under the names of Daniel Russo Garrido and Boogat and collaborating with the ‘’Movèzerbe’’collective (2004-2009), finally in a post hip-hop project all in spanish combined with a producing career (2010). Boogat’s touch figures on almost a hundred projects in Québec , USA, Brasil, Mexico and Argentina. Lots of collaborations have been made with Poirier, Roberto Lopez Project, Pawa Up First, Zizek’s Lagartijeando and El Remolon and also almost every working artist in Quebec’s hip-hop scene. Boogat is preparing a spanish album droping 2011.
1:00 AM
to 2:00 AM
Les Handclaps
15 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
Artists Les Handclaps
event::about Whether they're heading off to New York, Texas, Toronto or overseas, Les Handclaps never leave home without these essential pieces of gear: a toy keyboard, a couple of iPods, an acoustic guitar and the outlines of their latest electro delirium. Thus begins the evolution of their next opus, the brainchild of their combined creative talents, feeding off their favourite elements: dance rhythms, catchy melodies and a carefree demeanor. That is the foundation of their musical elixir. Blending luscious organic sounds with synthesized ones so as to obtain the coveted makeup of their unique recipe. But the process is not complete without the performance; where the bellows and dance moves come to life. Part machine, part human, the bass and drums give off the explosive scent that the band members use to release a genuine and unparalleled energy. Ever present, Les Handclaps use every performance to enhance and intensify the delight they feel when choreographing, synchronizing and harmonizing their music; thus offering their adoring public a sweet taste of musical candy.
12:00 PM
to 1:00 PM
Planet Quebec
31 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
event::about Performances by Valleys, Khaira Arby, B L A C K I E and a few special guests.
event::tags Party
12:00 PM
to 12:30 PM
Valleys
10 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Unofficial Music
event::about
Presented by POP MONTREAL and Blue Skies Turn Black
12:40 PM
to 1:10 PM
Little Scream
23 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Unofficial Music
event::about
Presented by POP MONTREAL and Blue Skies Turn Black
1:20 PM
to 1:50 PM
Herman Dune
30 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Unofficial Music
event::about
Presented by POP MONTREAL and Blue Skies Turn Black
2:00 PM
to 2:30 PM
Matt Haimovitz
3 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Unofficial Music
event::about
Presented by POP MONTREAL and Blue Skies Turn Black
2:40 PM
to 3:10 PM
Brandt Brauer Frick
18 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Unofficial Music
event::about
Presented by POP MONTREAL and Blue Skies Turn Black
3:20 PM
to 3:50 PM
Khaira Arby
20 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Unofficial Music
event::about
Presented by POP MONTREAL and Blue Skies Turn Black
4:00 PM
to 4:30 PM
Rich Aucoin
25 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Unofficial Music
event::about
Presented by POP MONTREAL and Blue Skies Turn Black
4:40 PM
to 5:10 PM
B L A C K I E
15 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Unofficial Music
event::about
Presented by POP MONTREAL and Blue Skies Turn Black
5:20 PM
to 6:00 PM
Suuns
73 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Unofficial Music
event::about
Presented by POP MONTREAL and Blue Skies Turn Black
8:00 PM
to 9:00 PM
NEeMA
5 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
Artists NEeMA
event::about Born of Egyptian and Lebanese decent, NEeMA’s presence on and off stage is as powerful and charismatic, as her voice is honest and unique. She has traveled extensively, having shared time with the Dalai Lama and Mother Teresa, having worked with street children in Egypt, as well as having had the privilege of working with the Tribal Elders of Wekweti, an isolated First Nation community in northern Canada. No doubt these experiences helped her develop the ability to communicate her stories through poetry and song, focusing on those themes that are dear to the human heart. NEeMA has recently completed her second album, Watching You Think, a collection of twelve musical stories that seamlessly meld elements of world music, folk and jazz with a good measure of pop. Produced in association with Leonard Cohen and Pierre Marchand (Sarah McLachlan, Ron Sexsmith), Watching You Think contains songs of love, life and simple observations that read like parables and sound instantly familiar. Listeners will find themselves singing along effortlessly by the second chorus. NEeMA’s uninhibited and authentic style is complemented perfectly by some of Montreal's best musicians, who add nuance to every mood and emotion of Watching You Think. Musicians include Howard Bilerman, Tim Kingsbury (Arcade Fire), Tom Mennier (Martha and Rufus Wainwright), Joe Grass and Miles Perkin (Lhasa de Sela), and Gurpreet Chana (Nelly Furtado). Also involved in the album’s production are Haig V and Fred Bouchard. About the songs on Watching You Think For NEeMA a song always begins with a seed - a lyric or a melody. On several occasions she has found herself singing a chorus of a yet to be written song. “The more I write songs, the more I realize it’s about uncovering the story that wants to be told, not writing the one I have in mind.” Speaking to the musicianship on the album, NEeMA finished writing “Unspoken” while doing a solo tour of Ireland - driving though the luscious greenery between concerts. She began singing it at shows without musical accompaniment, but when it came time to record the track in studio it became clear after a few rehearsals that the talent of the assembled musicians would only add to the final track. In NEeMA’s own words, “I love the new life this song took in the studio.” NEeMA did not envision collaborating with producers on the album; it just evolved that way. Discussions were born out of friendships with both Pierre and Leonard and seeking their input and expertise was a natural process. “I learned from both of them the importance of starting over if something isn’t working,” NEeMA explains, “or holding on to something when the magic is already there.” Leonard Cohen has said of NEeMA, “in the midst of all the static, a voice of true feeling arises - a rare event!” Cohen also drew the portrait of NEeMA that serves as the album’s cover art. The album was mixed and partially recorded at Pierre Marchand’s studio in Montreal. He has described NEeMA as “an inspiring presence,” adding, “her evocative lyrics and warm voice paint beautiful, timeless stories and portraits.” The track “Running” was initially recorded as a demo in NEeMA’s living room. She tried to recapture the feeling of this first recording at three different studios with various musicians but ended up using the version she had done at home. NEeMA explains, “I love the intimacy it captured.” “Escape” was written while NEeMA was living in Los Angeles. She was staying in the house of a guitar maker and was sitting in his studio surrounded by dozens of guitars. “I found the environment inspiring,” explains NEeMA, “I picked up an electric guitar for the first time ever - and this song poured out if it!” “Elsa's Lullaby” began as a poem. While touring Canada a few years ago NEeMA brought her beloved canine companion Elsa along. She met a young girl who fell in love with Elsa and told her ‘you must have so many songs written about her!’ She had none at the time. “Thus began a poem that went on for pages and pages and basically wrote itself- all I had to do was watch her.” A little musical history Since the successful independent release of NEeMA’s debut album Masì Cho in 2006, she has toured Canada, Ireland, Australia, England and the US. In the summer of 2007 she performed over 33 concerts including Nova Scotia’s Privateer Days Festival and the South Country Fair Festival in Alberta. Other highlights include her 2008 concert at the Electric Picnic Festival in Ireland, the 2008 Winterfolk Festival in Toronto and Canadian Music Week, and two sold-out shows at the Montreal International Jazz Festival in 2009. Masi Cho was nominated for a MIMI (Montreal International Music Initiative) in the World & Roots category and her song The Risk advanced to the second round of judging in the 2006 International Songwriting Competition held in Nashville.
9:00 PM
to 10:00 PM
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
Miracle Fortress
32 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
Artists Miracle Fortress
event::about Miracle Fortress Miracle Fortress is the brainchild of Graham Van Pelt, a Montreal-based multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who’s equally at home constructing wall of sound pop in the tradition of Brian Wilson as he is laying down grimy Tupac remixes. Originally from Stratford, Ontario, Graham moved to Montreal in 2004 while still recording as a solo artist under the name Hidden in Buildings. Upon founding alternative venue space the Electric Tractor with friend and artist Jack Dylan, Van Pelt began to collaborate with Martin Cesar as Think About Life, who quickly won local hearts and released their self-titled debut on Alien8 in 2006. When it became apparent the Electric Tractor could no longer function in its Mile End location, Van Pelt and Jack Dylan opened a similarly-minded space in Montreal’s Griffintown called Friendship Cove. In addition to being one of Montreal’s most charming alternative venues, Friendship cove also began to function as a jam space, studio, gallery, home, and more or less permanent art-installation. It was in this new setting that Van Pelt began to pursue solo recordings again, this time under the moniker Miracle Fortress. In 2007, Miracle Fortress released Five Roses his first full-length album with Secret City Records. It won the hearts of many and was an easy pick to be short-listed for the Polairis Prize 2007. He also went on to release Five Roses with well-known UK label Rough Trade Records. Recently Miracle Fortress had the honor to remix the track, You Oughta Know for fellow musician Diamond Rings. Hard at work in his laboratory Miracle Fortress has been brewing up a new album due out Spring 2011 on Secret City Records.
11:00 PM
to 12:00 AM
Random Recipe
9 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
Artists Random Recipe
event::about Random Recipe's name truly and simply suits their sound. With a fine mixture of human warmth, originality and musical inspiration from all over the world, Random Recipe was able to slip away from the attribution of a specific music tag by opening their horizon and offering a playful journey to the world. By doing so, the Montreal based band easily flirts with folk, hip-hop, bossa-nova, electro, tri-hop, lullaby, jazz, kazoo and much more while never losing their way. The result comes in perfectly crafted songs bursting of sweet reminders of their Italian, Quebecois, Louisiana and Chinese roots and inspirations of the moment (Language Studies, International Studies, choir singing, violin, stop-motion, poutine, origami, travelling, milk-shakes, etc.) In a linear way, the story of Random Recipe grew out of a friendship between singer and guitarist Frannie and beat-boxer and rapper Fab, who met at a show in 2005. The duo then started jamming and began freestyling on the streets for fun. Following a fateful performance at a monthly open mic event at Quai des Brumes and the warm reception they received from the public, Random Recipe became an official act and launched these girls into this crazy trip! Vincent and Liu-Kong later join the ranks of the band and gave the duo the power to become a complete band. Strong from an excellent reputation the band built up in the past couple of years, mostly from their improvised shows in the street and subway of Montreal and famously with the one during FME at Morasse Poutine around 2AM last year, Random Recipe is proud to present Fold it! Mold it!, their first full-length album launched in stores in September 2010 on Bonsound Records. Random Recipe's name truly and simply suits their sound. With a fine mixture of human warmth, originality and musical inspiration from all over the world, Random Recipe was able to slip away from the attribution of a specific music tag by opening their horizon and offering a playful journey to the world. By doing so, the Montreal based band easily flirts with folk, hip-hop, bossa nova, electro, trip-hop, lullaby, jazz, kazoo and much more while never losing their way. The result comes in perfectly crafted songs bursting of sweet reminders of their Italian, Quebecois, Louisiana and Chinese roots and inspirations of the moment (Language Studies, International Studies, choir singing, violin, stop-motion, poutine, origami, travelling, milk-shakes, etc.). In a linear way, the story of Random Recipe grew out of a friendship between singer and guitarist Frannie and beat-boxer and rapper Fab, who met at a show in 2005. The duo then started jamming and began freestyling on the streets for fun. Following a fateful performance at a monthly open mic event at Quai des Brumes and the warm reception they received from the public, Random Recipe became an official act and launched these girls into this crazy trip! Vincent and Liu-Kong later join the ranks of the band and gave the duo the power to become a complete band. Random Recipe created a considerable hype building a strong profile within Montreal's fertile music scene as well as playing many shows around the Quebec province and at international festivals (Montreal Jazz Fest., Pop Montreal, Festival d'Été de Québec, CMW, NXNE, Fringe Festival, CMJ and soon enough SXSW followed by Garorock Fest in France). They also had a warm welcome from french crowds in Fall of 2010 (playing Paris and the creatively fun Off-Courts festival in Trouville, Normandy) and are due once again on France's stages in April. Mixing unconventional musical sources such as a children's guitar with beat-box improvisation, the band juggles around with styles and creates a tasty concoction of hip hop! While their lack of pretension adds to the accuracy of their amazing live performances, it's no surprise that Random Recipe was hailed as one of Montreal's up-and coming bands by Spin Magazine in 2008, was prized by the MIMI for Best new band of 2009, won the GAMIQ trophy for Rising Star of 2010 and lastly the Galaxie prize also for Rising Star during the Rideau 2011 conference last February ! The band consists of vocalist and chiquita guitarra Frannie Holder, rapper and beat-box Fab, guitar, keys and all the shizzle Vincent Legault and percussions and keys Liu-Kong Ha.
12:00 AM
to 1:00 AM
MV (Misteur Valaire)
4 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
Artists MV (Misteur Valaire)
event::about Put five 24 years old guys who’ve known each other since they were 6 years old, give them a trumpet, a saxophone, sequencers, percussions, turntables, a drum, a bass and a couple of keyboards, and you get Misteur Valaire (MV). How to describe MV’s style? Well it’s neither electro or hip-hop nor is it jazz or rock. In fact, it's a wild mix of all that, with brass, samplings and beats to make you dance all night! The five spread a contagious humorous energy everywhere they play. MV always finds a way to turn a simple concert into a delirious playful and festive adventure! The quintet offers an impressive show in a setting reminiscent of a 1979 studio, creating a real cinematic experience. This live production was designed by incredible and well known artists, Brigitte Poupart (director), Loïc Thériault (video and designer) and Genevieve Bouchard (costumes). With their third album Golden Bombay, launched on May 18th 2010, MV solidifies their creative talents, making their music more accessible with an international scope. More pop than their last album Friterday Night, Golden Bombay keeps the extravaganza, the color and flavor of MV, adding an impressive team of guest singers (Fanny Bloom of La Patère Rose, James Di Salvio and Liquid of Bran Van 3000, Gigi French, Senja Sargeant of Ladies of the Canyon and Béni bbq). The album fiercely hits the sale charts from the first week of its release, occupying the 3rd position in Quebec and the 22nd in Canada. Ave Mucho, the first single on commercial radio stations, has soared onto the BDS English chart after only two weeks.
1:00 AM
to 2:00 AM
Steve Hill
4 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
event::about « It’s raw, Steve Hill and his henchmen don’t handle with kid gloves. *** » - Rolling Stone Magazine « Canadian guitars that make you want to ride a motorcycle, wearing a moustache. » - Inrockuptibles « The meanest guitar player in Canada » - The Hour Steve Hill got an early start as a professional guitar player at the age of 16. By the time he was 20 he was already doing more than 200 gigs a year, which lead to the success of his first album in 1997. The album was voted Best Canadian Debut Recording by Vancouver’s Real Blues magazine. Following a tour that took him across Canada, France and Belgium, he returned to the studio in 1999 to record ‘’Call It What You Will’’. On his second tour across Canada and Europe he shared the stage with Ray Charles, B.B. King, Jimmie Vaughan, Buddy Guy, Johnny Lang and many more. He won Electric act of the year at Toronto’s Maple Blues Awards and was nominated for a Juno award. In 2001, he produced, played and co-wrote on Nanette Workman’s ‘’Blues and Roots’’ album. He completed a promotional tour for the album before joining Louisiana cajun legend Zachary Richard for yet another Canadian Tour. The next year, Hill released his third album ‘’Domino’’ announcing a departure from his earlier work. ‘’Domino’’ had a more contemporary sound showcasing Steve’s rapid evolution as a songwriter and a producer. A blend of rock, R&B, electronica, and blues, the album and the tour received great reviews. In 2003, he started a collaboration with Montreal's rock icon Michel Pagliaro which was immortalized on the 2006 Live à Québec DVD. 2007 saw the release of Hill’s eagerly awaited album ‘’Devil at my heels’’.The guitar virtuoso had now become a powerful and stunning singer .On top of that, his music had evolved into a hard rocking wall of sound, powered by Gibson guitars (played without a pick) through a Marshall stack cranked to 11. Devil at my Heels is definitely high-energy.Powered by relentless riffs,big hooks and more than a few wailing solos,it's the sound of three guys playing their asses off. -The Montreal Gazette During the tour that followed, Hill appeared alongside such artists as ZZ Top, The Tragically Hip Jeff Beck and Santana. He then collaborated with Quebecois best-selling male artist Eric Lapointe on his ‘’Ma peau’’ album and tour. In 2009 came The Damage Done, with his band, The Majestiks, Rock Laroche on bass, Sam Harrisson on drums and Johnny Flash on guitar. Recorded live in the studio in 5 days, it showcases Steve's killer playing, heart-felt vocals and a band as tight as you can get. They are currently touring the album across Canada and Europe.
12:00 PM
to 1:00 PM
Planet Quebec
25 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
event::about Performances by Karim Ouellet, Tailor made fable, CEA & Dance Laury Dance.
event::tags Party
8:00 PM
to 9:00 PM
Matt Haimovitz & Uccello
5 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
Artists Matt Haimovitz & Uccello, !!!
event::about MATT HAIMOVITZ is Professor of Cello at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University in Montreal where he founded his all-cello ensemble Uccello which has performed with him from Jazz at Lincoln Centre to Seattle's Tractor Tavern as well as on two previous recordings for Oxingale, the label Haimovitz founded with composer Luna Pearl Woolf. Haimovitz is acclaimed for his visionary approach, groundbreaking collaborations and innovative recording projects. From his debut at the age of 13, as soloist with Zubin Mehta and the Israel Philharmonic and his first recording for Deutsche Grammophon, Haimovitz has gone on to perform on the world's most esteemed stages. In 2000, he made waves with his Bach 'Listening-Room' Tour, for which Haimovitz took Bach's beloved cello suites out of the concert hall and into clubs across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Haimovitz was the first classical artist to play at New York's infamous CBGB club, in a performance filmed by ABC News' 'Nightline.' On March 22, he will premiere a new cello concerto by Denys Bouliane with the Montreal Symphony and Kent Nagano.
9:00 PM
to 10:00 PM
Emilie Clepper
4 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
Artists Emilie Clepper
event::about Of Quebecois and Texan extraction, young folk singer Emilie Clepper releases her second album entitled What You See, a set of songs about the countries residing in her heart, recorded live in the studio with her accomplice, talented multi-instrumentalist Joe Grass. Emilie Clepper's new album features a finely mastered roots sound highlighting her warm and nuanced vocals, in keeping with the tradition of folk singers/songwriters singing with all their body and soul. Emilie shares her folk roots with her Texan family: she inherited this musical legacy, which she embodies with authenticity and personality, from her father Russell Clepper. What You See truly represents a unique musical proposition. The project was skillfully spearheaded by Emilie and her close collaborators, makers of a sincere album that will move you on your first listen. Remarkable talent, beautiful maturity, moving songs. Emilie Clepper: an artist worth discovering on record and on stage.
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
Elephant Stone
22 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
Artists Elephant Stone
event::about Elephant Stone is the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Rishi Dhir, a founding member of Montreal pop/psyche veterans the High Dials, and sitar player for basically every outlaw psyche band out there (Black Angels, the Earlies, Hopewell, BJM, …). In 2009, Elephant Stone released their debut album, The Seven Seas. Perfectly melding Rishi’s obsession with the perfect pop song and the trippiest raga, The Seven Seas, was warmly embraced by the global indie-scene and long-listed for the coveted 2009 Polaris Music Prize. 2010 saw the release of The Glass Box EP, a 5-song suite of inspired power-pop/psyche classics, a supporting slot on the Brian Jonestown Massacre’s North American tour, an inaugural tour of Europe with sold-out dates in London and Berlin, and showcases at both CMJ and M for Montreal. 2011 is shaping to be an even busier year as they prepare for an upcoming US tour, showcases at CMW/SXSW, a new record, and their return to UK soil.
11:00 PM
to 12:00 AM
Little Scream
35 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
Artists Little Scream
event::about LITTLE SCREAM’S MUSIC is—like her moniker—full of perfectly satisfying contradictions. It is at once familiar and completely distinct; effortlessly absorbing multiple genres into a sparkly and cohesive landscape. From her early days performing with a battered acoustic guitar through a cigarette amp, to her current multi-layered solo act typically combined with a rotating band of all-star musicians; one thing remains true for Little Scream: things are always done in her own weird and wonderful way. Born in Iowa and raised along the Mississippi River in an ‘Addams Family meets 700 Club’ home, Little Scream, aka Laurel Sprengelmeyer, learned violin and piano as a child. ‘When my parents divorced, all my mom got out of the deal was a green Chevy pick-up truck. When that truck was dented up in an accident, my mom used the insurance money to bring home a Washburn banjo and the black Fender La Brae I still sometimes play at shows. I spent the following months locked away in our root cellar learning guitar tablature. Mostly Aerosmith’. Little Scream emerged onto Montreal’s music scene at her own pace, appearing and disappearing on stages alongside the likes of Owen Pallet, Atlas Sound, Stars, The Sea and Cake, and Handsome Furs; all the while slowly crafting the sounds that would become her debut full length: The Golden Record. Co-produced with Richard Reed Parry (Arcade Fire, Bell Orchestre), The Golden Record features Little Scream on guitar, vocals, violin, and keyboard. In typical Montreal fashion, it showcases a healthy slice of local talent including Richard Parry, Mike Fuerstack (Snailhouse), Becky Foon (Silver Mt. Zion), Patty McGee (Stars), and Sarah Neufeld (Arcade Fire, Bell Orchestre). The National’s Aaron Dessner also contributed on “Heron and the Fox”. The title refers to the 1977 Voyager Space shuttle time capsule recording that contains sounds, language and music intended to represent earth. In Little Scream’s words: ‘It is a poignant if not futile gesture of communication with some form of sentience that might intercept it in the distant future when we are the distant past’. The otherworldly cover of The Golden Record is one of Little Scream’s own original oil paintings. Watch out for the Spring 2011 release of The Golden Record. www.littlescream.com Contact: Gillian Nycum, gillian@longplaymanagement.com
12:00 AM
to 1:00 AM
Pascale Picard Band
Location Spill
Location Spill
eventtype Music
Artists Pascale Picard Band
event::about Pascale Picard is one of the hottest discoveries of 2007. She is at the helm of the Pascale Picard Band, which includes guitarist Mathieu Cantin, bass player Phil Morissette, and drummer Marc Chartrain. Picard started her career in Quebec in the nineties. The young artist had an interest in folk, rock, and punk music and learned to play her guitar while listening to Weezer, Blink 182, and Sublime. At the beginning of the millennium Picard played in local club scenes in Quebec, where she sang hit songs by other artists. In 2004, she was encouraged by a friend to send a demo to MusiquePlus and was recruited for the show Les pourris... de talents! Shortly after her first appearance, she met her band members, with whom she did the singles Thinking Of It and A While. Picard and the band members got a great response from the public, therefore, Zone3 decided to launch a compilation of the show. Following this experience, Picard and the band increased their stage performances, working with Zone3 Musique on an album. In the spring of 2007, Picard pierced through the music industry with her first album Me Myself & Us. The album with its 12 tracks received critical praise and radio airtime which propelled the artist's career. The album had rich sounds and hit singles such as That Is the Matter, Let's Have a Drink and Annoying, which were at the top of the charts around the country. The album was distributed by Universal and sold thousands of copies. Picard and her musiciens went on tour across Canada. At the end of the summer, the singer-songwriter had surged her career and gave a remarkable show called Osheaga in Montreal. In September, Picard received a nomination for English Album of the Year at the ADISQ Gala. The artist then headed to Europe that fall to promote the album. On December 31, she performed in Quebec City for the 400th anniversary celebrations. Pascale Picard received a nomination in the category Artist of the Year at the Juno Awards at the beginning of 2008.
1:00 AM
to 2:00 AM
The Luyas
36 schedule::attendees
Location
Spill
eventtype Music
Artists The Luyas
event::about The Luyas is the project of Pietro Amato, Mathieu Charbonneau, Stefan Schneider, Jessie Stein and occasionally Sarah Neufeld. The band first came together somewhat haphazardly, the initial result of which was their debut album, Faker Death, which the band released independently, and then on Canadian boutique label, You’ve Changed Records. In 2009 the band made a record with old friend and Canadian master, Jeff Mcmurrich, maker of the coolest records north of the border. Many hours of processing live sounds through boxes ensued. Torrid romances played themselves out, families crumbled, the economy weakened, Owen Pallett did orchestral arrangements, everybody cried. Life is life for everyone. The Luyas played with their boxes. Coffee, beer, whiskey, worse; All of this was processed through a space echo. Then it was the end of the summer. So the band went to Europe. They toured extensively supporting Bell Orchestre. Sarah cut Jessie’s hair off into the Danube on the last day of the tour. Look out for a new album to be released on Dead Oceans in 2011.
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