hamilton makes art...... .....uoʇlıɯɐɥ sǝʞɐɯ ʇɹɐ

subterraneans collective

2010-08-25T19:54:00.001-07:00

{JAY BAGGETT FROM SUBTERRANEANS COLLECTIVE ANSWERS OUR QUESTIONS}

How would you describe your musical stylings?
We all come out of pretty diverse backgrounds & tastes, so itʼs a little hard to pinpoint any one style. Our album, This Sinking Ship, is infused with a range of genres. You can hear Funk, Rock, Jazz, Electronic, shoegaze & our inﬂuences bleed through all over it as well. Weʼve also been looking towards embarking on some new projects, including some hip-hop based collaborations with local MCs.

..................................................................................

Why music? and what are the beneﬁts of music in hamilton?

For myself, music has always just been what made sense. Itʼs the one thing Iʼve always loved to do, be it playing or recording or live sound mixing.
Hamilton has proven to be a tremendous place to call home base, for music & art in
general. There are scores of inﬁnitely supportive folks & a real dynamic community of
artists willing to pitch together to create.

Who or what inspires you?

A lot of my inspiration comes from walking around the city. Thereʼs so many stories ﬂoating around the streets. Iʼm also inspired by the other artists in the area. Seeing and hearing what theyʼre up to
drives me to create more and more.

What song do you love so much, you wish you had written it?

I can think of a hundred songs like that... Iʼd say Tom Waitsʼ Rain Dogs. The whole album, though.

Any wisdom youʼd like to share about living as a musician?

Learn at least 7 recipes for Mr. Noodle that donʼt include the ﬂavour packet. So. Much. Salt.

In your opinion what makes a great song?

Something that can change completely the way you feel in an instant. Songs that paint
a picture or tell a story, without needing to be overly complex.

A Brief History of the Subterraneans Collective

The Subterraneans Collective formed in the Summer of 2003 as the acoustic-based duo of Jay Baggett & Jon “the Bassist” Busuttil. The pair started immediately putting together original material, and recorded their first EP (the Busride EP) in a pieced-together recording studio, affectionately known as “the Loft”.

In 2007 the group’s numbers doubled, with the addition of Dave Reed on Keys & David Abbey on Drums. The new foursome began reworking the acoustic-based set into a brand new Subterraneans‘ sound, incorporating each of their individual influences and backgrounds.

2009 saw the Collective’s numbers grow further, with guest members Sam Klass, Tarek Ajak & Aerin Ellison lending their talents on Guitar, Sax/Flute & Trumpet respectively.

In 2010 the band has released their debut, self-produced full-length, This Sinking Ship, and in the process has seen the addition of Jess Stone (on bass) to the Sub’s full time lineup.

The band has appeared at the annual Lose Yer Shoes Festival, St. Catharines’ “Sessions @ 73” urban renewal/art/music project, Come Together Music Festival, and made regular appearances at Hamilton’s Pepper Jack Café & This Ain’t Hollywood. The Subterraneans have also had the pleasure opening for other great acts such as the Donefors, Sunparlour Players, Stumbleweed, Book of Gnomes, Hotel Lobbyists & the Fat Cats.

The Subterraneans Collective exists out of a love of music, creativity, stream of consciousness, thought, expression, philosophy and art. Participation is encouraged.

The Subterraneans Collective’s Debut Full-Length,

“This Sinking Ship”

is available now!

the Subterraneans Collective is:

Jay Baggett - Guitar/Vocals

Dave Reed - Keys

David Abbey - Drums/Percussion

Jess Stone - Bass

Featuring:

Sam Klass - Guitar

Tarek Ajak - Sax/Flute

Aerin Ellison - Trumpet

http://www.thesubterraneans.ca/

http://www.myspace.com/sub.collective

matthew de zoete

2010-07-11T19:01:00.000-07:00

MATTHEW DE ZOETE ANSWERS OUR QUESTIONS:

How would you describe your musical stylings?
I describe my music as melodic pop/rock/folk built on strong melodies and honest lyrics.

Why music? What are the benefits of music in Hamilton?
Why music? I guess my answer is 'Why anything other than music?' I feel most like myself and most alive when I'm making music, so I try to do it as much as I can. I'm one of those foolish people who listened when others said, 'Find the thing that makes you happiest and make it your job.'
There's quite a supportive community of artists and musicians in Hamilton, but I think the biggest benefit of making music in Hamilton is that it keeps you humble and hungry.

Who or what inspires you?
A lot of things inspire me - my family and friends, personal experiences, traveling, news stories, well-written songs, great drum fills. I guess it boils down to anything that's honest or well done. And the desire to communicate an idea through the details of a three minute pop song.

What song do you love so much you wish you had written it?
'Days' by The Kinks. I could listen to that song all day, every day, and it would still make my eyes burn with joy every time I heard it.

Any wisdom you'd like to share about being a musician?
Be prepared to work hard and persevere, even when it seems like you're not getting anywhere. Don't ever expect anyone to do anything for you or hand something to you on a plate. Figure out how to make it happen for yourself, and be willing to do the necessary work.

In your opinion what makes a great song?
A great song has to touch the listener in some way. Whether it's a beautiful melody, a catchy beat, or a pithy insight, it has to reach out to you and give you the feeling of connecting with the artist.

A singularly talented and all-around stand-up guy, Matthew de Zoete is helping pop-rock recover its lost sense of dignity and self-worth. The 28-year-old from Hamilton, Ontario, approaches his craft much like an Old World artisan, applying a loving hand to songs whose melodic invention and attention to detail consistently catch the listener off guard. Matthew blows the dust off sincerity, songwriting's forgotten virtue, steering unlikely lyrics about parents into an encounter with his own certain death. And his voice: a sweet tenor as piercingly pleasant as Mississippi John Hurt or the young Alex Chilton. Matthew started writing and performing music in his teens, under the spell of timeless '60s combos like The Beatles and The Who. A demo of original material came several years later, some of which was reworked for his 2006 debut, Across the Sea. That record made people take notice, announcing the arrival of a singer-songwriter who set unusually high standards for himself.2008's Bottom of the World meets and exceeds those standards. Produced by Dave King and recorded mostly live off the floor, Matthew and crew capture in the studio all the spontaneity and joy of their best live shows; their familiarity with and affection for the material is very much apparent. It doesn't hurt that they're Matthew's strongest set of tunes to date. Variety is the watchword here: songs alternately chime all Byrds-like (“Remembrance Day”); curtsy to the guitar machinations of Nick Drake (“Bottom of the World”); move with brisk buoyancy (“Pictures on the Wall”); wax tastefully melodramatic ("Warkworth Penitentiary”); drag their feet in waltz formation (the gorgeous album closer “Almost Remember, Almost Forget”). At the same time, Matthew has no interest in parading his influences before the listener; instead, he subtly invokes selected ghosts of rock’s rich past while inhabiting a style all his own. Matthew is now writing songs for and preparing to record a third album later this year, set to be released in early 2011.

He's a hard act to follow, but Matthew has shared the stage with a raft of musicians such as Luke Doucet, Great Lake Swimmers, Justin Rutledge, and Serena Ryder. He's toured extensively throughout Canada, America, and Europe, and many festivals have benefited from his dynamic performances and quick-witted banterludes, including North by Northeast, Canadian Music Week, Indie Week Toronto, GO! Music Festival, In the Dead of Winter, and Festival of Friends.

listen to matthew's music and check out his website here.
content published with permission of artist.

kobi of canadian winter

2010-07-10T03:37:00.000-07:00

Photo credit Jimmy Mould.

KOBI OF CANADIAN WINTER ANSWERS OUR QUESTIONS:

How would you describe your musical stylings?
Traditional hip-hop with some live elements thrown in. Musically, we're a bit all over the place - we've got songs that sample Fela Kuti, Genesis and old Nintendo games. So - overall, I would say 'open-minded'.

Why music? What are the benefits of music in Hamilton?
I used to make music in London before I moved out here. I had all but quit when I moved to Hamilton, but I got to know a lot of musicians in the city, who were all really encouraging, and slowly started getting back into it. In Hamilton, everyone is really approachable. All the collaborations we've worked on came about through regular conversations rather than extended negotiations about who gets what points on the project or whatever.

Who or what inspires you?
Hamilton - the city and the people inspire me. Something as simple as being out at the store or riding on the bus offers moments of inspiration. The whole process of adjusting to a new culture gave me a lot of material, as well. The album - Just Wait Till February - was written largely about my experiences in the city and the people I met.

What song do you love so much you wish you had written it?
It's a two way tie between 'Castles Made Of Sand' by Jimi Hendrix and 'Mona Lisa' by Slick Rick.

Any wisdom you'd like to share about being a musician?
Don't feel that you have to do something because someone else does it and - as personal as the process of making music is - make your work relateable to other people - they will appreciate it. And, most importantly, have confidence in what you're doing.

In your opinion what makes a great song?
A good groove, witty lyrics and hard drums

Getting It Right (featuring Fenek Fox) by Canadian Winter

Deep in the heart of Ontario, in Winter 2009, four souls combined to tell a story. A story of sudden blizzards, thin crust pizza - extra cheese, pepperoni, half pineapple, half red onion - whiskey, alienation, Tim Horton's coffee, chipmunk infestation, rum, love in the tundra, bewilderment, family and music.
DJ Johnny Fever (cuts), Kojo B. Chintoh (percussion), Kobi (vocals) and Scotty P (bass/guitar), formed Canadian Winter. A number of chance meetings led to the group forming in Hamilton and they have since set about musically chronicling Kobi's arrival and subsequent stay in the country.
Working alongside producers such as Supa K!d, Scotty P aka Suge White and Cheese Shop Paddy, the band have begun work on their first project 'Just Wait Till February'. This is the tale of a man who perservered when all about him was frozen and trekked the Great White North in search of his destiny. Drink a double double to that. Bundle up!

Canadian Winter

kori pop

2010-06-27T21:11:00.000-07:00

KORI POP ANSWERS OUR QUESTIONS:

..how would you describe your musical stylings?
This is the hardest question I am ever asked. When you look in the mirror do you see the same person your mother sees, or perhaps your archenemy? I kind of think I am a crossbreed ~ Mary Poppins meets Joni Mitchell.

why music? and what are the benefits of music in hamilton?
Creating music creates new worlds. When the one I find myself in is less than desirable, I write myself a new one. Within these new landscapes, I seem to regain control. For instance, this past year was pretty heavy. I could have sunk my head under its dark waters and stayed there, hidden for a while. Instead, I wrote some songs that added colour to the misery. This has always been my reason for writing music.

I have just begun to understand why Hamilton is special when it comes to not only the music it hosts but, all art forms. There is a camaraderie here ~ even if it is within a clique. Perhaps it is because of the shadow Toronto casts on us. This may add some humility to us who like to call Hamilton our home base for unveiling our art. More and more lately, I am seeing bridges being built ~ not only between musical cliques but also between art mediums. This site in particular is evidence to this, and the biggest reason I was so thrilled to be asked to contribute to it. I have a really good feeling about Hamilton…it seems to be on the cusp of something. This is the biggest benefit of being a musician in Hamilton at this point in time.

who or what inspires you?
The soul. It is as simple as that. Whether good or bad, human or animal: what makes something “some one” never ceases to amaze me.

What song do you love so much, you wish you had written it?
I can honestly say that I do not have this with any song. When I hear something that floors me, two things happen. One, I am SO grateful that someone took the time to write it. And two, I start wondering if I too can write a song that may touch someone else the way I was just touched.

any wisdom you'd like to share about living as a musician?
Make sure to leave room for (deserving) others in your creative cocoon.

what are you currently working on?
I’m just about to join the rat race, actually. On June 1st I released my latest musical creature called “From the Outskirts.” Should be an interesting couple years ahead…

Kori grew up on the outskirts of Hamilton, Ontario. It was during this time that she became smitten with the art of song. A short-lived project in 2001 led her to record execs in New York City and Toronto. Deciding that the timing just wasn’t right, she left the project and began to study music in a formal setting. Five years later, armed with influences old and new, she began to write the musical journey that has become “From the Outskirts.”

"Nowhere Near My Heart"
Composed and Directed by Kori Pop

This music video was shot on my friends Canon D5 Mark II and edited entirely in iMovie '09 (the stop-motion animation was captured on a Nikon D60). What I wanted from the onset was an animated video but because I myself am not an animator (and nor could I afford to hire one at this point in my career)... I decided to take matters into my own hands. I created all the puppets and sets using scrapbook paper, a couple magazine cut outs, odds and ends around the house and, my own drawings. The tapping feet belong to Elephant the Marionette. While I listened to DNTO podcasts, I was giggling to myself as each character and backdrop came to life. Filming was a riot. Myself, and my helpers ~ Amber Edgar and Gramma ~ found that our "inner child" was not as far from the surface as we may have thought.

Now. When I informed people that I would not be starring in my first music video I received some confusing and concerned looks. Here's what I have to say about that:

Too bad
(wink)

for more information on Kori Pop please visit:
www.koripop.com

Muchos Gracias...Miss Kaye, Amber and Gramma (Uncle Jimmy too!). Thanks to mama for letting me high-jack her Nikon...again. Oh wait, and Apple.

www.koripop.com and www.barnwindowstudio.com

melissa mcclelland

2010-06-27T02:05:00.000-07:00

MELISSA MCCLELLAND ANSWERS OUR QUESTIONS

why music?
As a quiet kid, music was my most natural form of expression. I've never once considered any other path in life.

what are the benefits to supporting the music scene in hamilton?
A cities legacy is defined by it's coolest bands

what inspires you?
As a songwriter, it's my job to find inspiration in everything including the mundane.

what song(s) do you love so much, you wish you had written it(them)?
Dolly Parton 'Jolene', Randy Newman 'Sail Away', Willie Nelson 'Crazy'

any wisdom you'd like to share about living as a musician?
Playing music for a living requires taking caution & throwing it directly into the wind. It takes a lot of hard work & a bit of courage. If you're going to get all bitter about how unfair & messed up the industry is then pick another job. There is a lot of joy to be found in this business & on tough days it takes a recognition of this to keep your head above water.

what are you currently working on?
I'm playing as a part of Lilith Fair this summer & have a new recording of my song Brake featuring Sarah Mclachlan. I'll be releasing a duo record with my husband Luke Doucet sometime in 2011.

This summer, Melissa joins Sarah McLachlan’s band on the Lilith Fair tour as the backing vocalist for all shows. Melissa is also excited to release a new version of the song “Brake”, from her most recent release, Victoria Day. This new take on the elegant tale of heartweariness and homesickness now features Sarah McLachlan on delicate backing vocals and piano. “Brake” floats along like a gentle summer breeze, bringing you home to a place that missed you while you were gone. Warm shimmers of guitar fuse with Melissa’s incredible voice, which is as colourful and balmy as a vacation sunset. “Brake” is available digitally, as a single and as a bonus track for Victoria Day.

With lyrics that travel from the wreckage of Route 66 back to Hamilton, ON, over the Skyway Bridge and back to Café Diplomatico in Toronto on the night the lights went out, Melissa brings both sweet and unsavoury tales to life. In high heels and a vintage dress, Melissa delivers songs about brawlers, bawlers, outlaws and inner desires.

Victoria Day was Melissa’s debut on Six Shooter Records in both Canada and the U.S. Melissa’s impressive on-stage backing vocal history attests to her pure talent; she has been invited to sing with Jesse Cook, Sarah McLachlan, and Luke Doucet, and was the single guest vocal appearance on Blue Rodeo’s lauded Live at Massey Hall (2008). Melissa has joined Americana legends John Hiatt, Lyle Lovett, Emmylou Harris and more on last February’s Cayamo Cruise, and she has also shared a bill with Neil Young.

Check Out this footage of Melissa and Luke Doucet performing with Sarah McLachlan on David Letterman. The group also made appearances on Jay Leno and Regis and Kelly.

melissa mcclelland

luke doucet

2010-06-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

LUKE DOUCET ANSWERS OUR QUESTIONS:

how would you describe your musical stylings?
Rock & Roll.

why music? and what are the benefits of music in hamilton?
Music because it's more fun than being an astronaut, the prime minister or Stephen Hawking. The benefits of music in Hamilton ... art always gives a community a big part of it's identity & soul. Hamilton has a long history & has produced some world-class talent: Melissa McClelland. HELLOOOOO.

What song do you love so much, you wish you had written it?
song i wish i'd written: Elliot Smith XO Waltz #2. i stopped writing for 6 months after i heard this song. what a melody.

any wisdom you'd like to share about living as a musician?
working as a (working) musician can be very rewarding but you only get out what you put in. music truly is it's own reward, if not it's only reward because the best you can hope for, if you dedicate your life to, it is that you'll get to keep on dedicating your life to it.

what are you currently working on?
currently working on a song for Music Monday 2011, an initiative to promote public school music programs, the funding for which is always on the chopping block. Song is tentatively titled "Tomorrow is Coming". Also rehearsing and doing promo for the upcoming Lilith Fair tour with Sarah Mclachlan.

My new Album "Steel City Trawler" in stores Aug 27.

Juno-nominated, Canadian Folk Music Award winning artist Luke Doucet’s hard-playing, hard-touring efforts have won praise from the hardest-nosed critics in Canada and south of the border, including sitting atop Best Of lists by The Independent in the UK, our own Toronto Star, and the discerning ear of High Fidelity author Nick Hornby. This February, Luke joined Americana legends John Hiatt, Lyle Lovett, Emmylou Harris and more (including Melissa McClelland) on the Cayamo Cruise. Luke’s impeccable instincts have steered multiple projects by fellow Six Shooters NQ Arbuckle and Melissa McClelland, as well as the most recent release by Rose Cousins. Look for a new album, Steel City Trawler, produced by Andrew Scott of Sloan, in the fall of 2010. The first song from the album, “The Ballad of Ian Curtis”, is available now at iTunes and at www.lukedoucet.com

www.lukedoucet.com