Call & Response: Barletta

Posted by Gary
Filed in Music
October 9, 2009
BarlettaSince I last spoke with Barletta, he has become one of the most profilic producer/remixers out of Toronto in this half of the "aughts". With over 120 tracks/remixes/edits to his name, I can't think of anyone who's been busier.

Barletta's work has caught the ear of Tremendous Records - the fresh, new Montreal-based "future pop" label founded by Grandtheft (one half of the amazing Team Canada DJs duo) and backed by local indie jaugernaut Last Gang.

Tremendous is releasing Barletta's kickin' new single "Whisper" in style tomorrow night at Wrongbar. I spoke with Barletta about the new sound of his new single, sexy stuff and moving out of Scarborough. There's also free guestlist spots!

Call & Response: The William Blakes

Posted by Gary
Filed in Music
October 1, 2009
20091001_williamblakes.jpgThe William Blakes are from Copenhagan and they're Denmark's crown princes of quirky indie pop. Their catchy and well-produced songs have made them a household name over there. It also helps that two of the members are already Danish celebrities in their own right. Lead singer/songwriter Kristian Leth is a TV personality, while trumpet/keyboard player Bo Rande (also a member of Blue Foundation and who has played with Mew) is a popular music producer who apparently has worked on "almost anything worthwhile that ever came out of Denmark".

Their album is called Wayne Coyne. Yes - that Wayne Coyne. I spoke to them about this, how they made the album in only a week, and some strange Toronto museum they're hoping to visit while they're here for a show this weekend.

Call & Response: Gonzales

Posted by Gary
Filed in Music
September 26, 2009
GonzalesGonzales, the talented Canadian pianist/songwriter/producer, had to move to Europe to become famous. But nowadays he's slowly becoming well-known in North America for his creative piano-based pop, and his amazing work with Feist. In a world where someone like Rufus Wainwright can be really successful, I think Gonzales should be a household name. In addition to making his own quirky music, Gonzales also collaborates with a diverse group of artists. He will seemingly try anything - like breaking the Guinness World Record for longest concert by a solo artist (pictured above).

Back in 2004, Gonzales released a beautiful album in Europe called Solo Piano. It's still one of my favourite chillout albums. Arts&Crafts is re-releasing the album here as a deluxe re-issue with a bonus DVD containing performances and some odd bits like a crazy press conference in Berlin.

Gonzales plays the Mod Club on September 30. I spoke with him about the making of Solo Piano, working with Feist, and the pains that come with breaking a world record. There is also a contest!

Call & Response: Julie Fader

Posted by Gary
Filed in Music
September 17, 2009
JulieFaderJulie Fader is a talented singer/songwriter, musician, and visual artist. I recently found out that I've seen and heard her more times than I thought. She's a member of Great Lake Swimmers and also supports Sarah Harmer and Chad VanGaalen.

When she finds time, Julie's creates her own beautiful ambient folk-rock. Her debut solo album OUTSIDE IN (Hand-Drawn Dracula) was produced and recorded by her boyfriend Graham Walsh (of Holy Fuck) and features lots of well-known indie musicians - including the big names she supports.

Julie and her band play the Hand-Drawn Dracula TIFF Showcase tonight, alongside Brian Borcherdt, Megasoid and many others. I talked to Julie about her album, her art, and writing backwards.

Call & Response: Picastro

Posted by Gary
Filed in Music
September 10, 2009
PicastroMoody, chamber pop band Picastro launch their new album tomorrow night at the Tranzac with Nadja. Become Secret is a somber collection of songs featuring lovely layers of piano, cello and droning guitars.

It's been exactly a year since I last spoke with bandleader Liz Hysen. She writes imaginative songs and plays with a solid rotating cast of musicians in the Toronto scene. The songwriting is, as usual, quite deep and I asked Liz about this, vinyl, and places she likes in Toronto.

Call & Response: Brandon Sek

Posted by Gary
Filed in Music
September 4, 2009
Brandon SekDJ/blogger Brandon Sek might not yet be on the mainstream radar but his electronic music blog Curb Crawlers (CC) is quickly becoming one of the best spots to go for what's good in the underground. CC is full of under-the-radar tracks, remixes and exclusive mixes.

Brandon has been DJing for years and he really knows what he's doing. His musical knowledge is obvious with one visit to his blog, but he's also great at building a DJ set. With Curb Crawlers' notoriety, his DJ profile is on the rise. He's one of the residents at a very cool new weekly called ARCADE which launches tonight at the Mod Club.

I spoke with Brandon about his blog, his approach to DJing and I got the inside scoop on his 2009 picks.