Posts Tagged ‘Music’

“Smile for me, sing to me, melancholy blue.” And with those lyrics, sung a capella, Serena Ryder had me hooked.

I first saw the singer-songwriter at Toronto’s legendary Horseshoe Tavern back in 2004. She was the opening act and hadn’t put out a full-length album yet. I left the show that night not only as a fan but also with the feeling of excitement that comes when you discover something new.

I’ll be going to see Serena this weekend when she performs a free show on the Toronto Islands as part of Parks Canada Centennial Celebration. (There are also free concerts in Montreal and Vancouver, as well as other celebrations in parks across the country; for more info, check in with Parks Canada.)

As a huge music fan, I love to be introduced to different artists. While my musical tastes tend toward acoustic pop/rock and country, I’m game for giving anything a listen. And while I love Shania and Alanis as much as the next Canuck, I’m equally drawn to Canadian acts who aren’t quite as well known.

Here are just four favourites I’d recommend to anyone looking to spin a new tune, all of whom you can find on iTunes.
• Basia Bulat. She’s probably not as unknown as I think since she was nominated for a Juno this year and shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize in 2008. Her music has a folksy feel, complete with autoharp.
Take a listen: In the Night; Run

Image via Wikipedia

• Revival Dear. This male/female duo’s sound has a cool country flavour with melodies reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac. I haven’t heard from them in a while, but I’m hoping more music is on the way.
Take a listen: Century Toy; Land and Tide

• Joel Kroeker. This singer-songwriter seems to have hung up his guitar and is now working as a music therapist in Vancouver. I’d say his sound is a mix of light rock and acoustic pop. Really, I just love his voice.
Take a listen: Smallest Room; Guide Us Home

• Treasa Levasseur. It’s hard to pinpoint this Winnipeg-born artist’s sound, but here goes: an eclectic fusion of soul, jazz, blues, rock and roots.
Take a listen: Low Fidelity; Worthy in Its Ways

Is there a Canadian musician or band out there you wish more people knew about?

In the '90s, it was U2. In the '00s, Coldplay. At the dawn of this new decade, is Arcade Fire set to become the biggest band in the world?

Some background
The indie ensemble from Montreal is fronted by husband and wife duo Win Butler and Régine Chassagne. They were nominated for the Best Alternative Music Album Grammy in 2005 for their album Funeral and in 2008 for their follow-up, Neon Bible.

But since they released their third studio album, The Suburbs, last year, their popularity has been going, to coin a phrase, totally coo coo nutso.

Cover of The Suburbs

Headlining North America's most anticipated festival
It was announced this week that Arcade Fire will headline the 2011 Coachella Music Festival this April.  The annual party in the California desert, now in its 12th year, attracts 100,000+ fans.

The LA Times says:

"The Arcade Fire is finally claiming the Saturday night anchor position that's been its destiny since the band's thrilling sunset set in 2005."

Appearing on the Grammys
The album The Suburbs has been nominated for three Grammy awards, including Album of the Year. They're going to perform on the show, so mark Feb. 13 on your calendar.

CBC News reports:

"The group has increased its international profile with 2010's The Suburbs, which is nominated for album of the year and best alternative album.

The indie band also is nominated for best rock performance by a duo or group for its track Ready to Start.

"We get a chuckle out of it as a band because it's so surreal," lead singer Win Butler told CBC News. He recalled earlier Grammy nominations — for best alternative album for both Neon Bible and Funeral. The group has never won the U.S award.

"We went to the Grammys five years ago. It's not our world, but it's fun to be there."

Playing to 60,000 in Hyde Park
It was also reported this week that the band is set to play a mammoth concert in central London.

The Guardian reports:

The 30 June gig in Hyde Park is Arcade Fire's only UK date so far this year . . . Though Arcade Fire played the O2 Arena on their last visit to London, Hyde Park is about three times bigger – some 60,000 fans will have the chance to buy tickets.

Bigger than The Beatles?
In a way, yes. Twice as big, in fact. The fab four only had, well, four members. Arcade Fire has eight.

Popularity-wise, they have a ways to go before they can even approach the impact of The Beatles. But this year, they could  for sure become the most popular band.

Are you a fan? Post a comment below and let us know.