Monday, December 19, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
LONDON CALLING SEASON IV/V| PRESS RELEASE
LONDON CALLING 2011/2012
LCV PRESS RELEASE
December 8th, 2011
This December, season four of London Calling [LCIV] returns to Rogers TV, [Cable 13 London & Area]. Tune in to catch our best moments with Zeus, Deadmaus, D-Sisive, and Apostle of Hustleʼs Andrew Whiteman. From a rooftop soccer match with Bedouin Soundclash, to the 40th anniversary of the Junoʼs, Caribou at LOLA, and Wild Domestic at Rogers Bayfest 2010, last season was filled with the buzz of an amazing year for Canadian music. Visit www.blackdogmedia.tv to watch online, or check it out on Rogers on Demand.
London Calling enters its fifth season [LCV] in the New Year, 2012. Each week, our half-hour program captures the hype surrounding our home-grown talent in London, ON along with the Canadian artists that produce the finest sounds to come out of the Great White North! LCV will also be there to catch the renowned international acts playing our corner of the province. Our team has already begun highlighting interviews caught this summer [2011] online at www.blackdogmedia.tv with: Canadaʼs post-punk brothers METZ, Montrealʼs Handsome Furs, and hip-hop legend Slug of Atmosphere. Watch for special coverage of Wild Domesticʼs debut album release.
Returning sponsored segments this season include ʻLocal Profileʼ, ʻA Few Awkward Minutes with Pat Tiffinʼ, ʻBand Profileʼ, and of course, ʻGorilla Video.ʼ London Calling is also live on 94.9 CHRW where Drew and company broadcast live bands in-studio, as well as interviews with featured artists and our favourite tracks- old and new. Donʼt fret; Boss Man will be there to oversee the entire operation.
London Calling Season 5: New Year, 2012
Catch London Calling on Rogers TV in London
Rogers on Demand on your Rogers digital cable box
London Calling: Music Minus The Attitude
LCV PRESS RELEASE
December 8th, 2011
This December, season four of London Calling [LCIV] returns to Rogers TV, [Cable 13 London & Area]. Tune in to catch our best moments with Zeus, Deadmaus, D-Sisive, and Apostle of Hustleʼs Andrew Whiteman. From a rooftop soccer match with Bedouin Soundclash, to the 40th anniversary of the Junoʼs, Caribou at LOLA, and Wild Domestic at Rogers Bayfest 2010, last season was filled with the buzz of an amazing year for Canadian music. Visit www.blackdogmedia.tv to watch online, or check it out on Rogers on Demand.
London Calling enters its fifth season [LCV] in the New Year, 2012. Each week, our half-hour program captures the hype surrounding our home-grown talent in London, ON along with the Canadian artists that produce the finest sounds to come out of the Great White North! LCV will also be there to catch the renowned international acts playing our corner of the province. Our team has already begun highlighting interviews caught this summer [2011] online at www.blackdogmedia.tv with: Canadaʼs post-punk brothers METZ, Montrealʼs Handsome Furs, and hip-hop legend Slug of Atmosphere. Watch for special coverage of Wild Domesticʼs debut album release.
Returning sponsored segments this season include ʻLocal Profileʼ, ʻA Few Awkward Minutes with Pat Tiffinʼ, ʻBand Profileʼ, and of course, ʻGorilla Video.ʼ London Calling is also live on 94.9 CHRW where Drew and company broadcast live bands in-studio, as well as interviews with featured artists and our favourite tracks- old and new. Donʼt fret; Boss Man will be there to oversee the entire operation.
London Calling Season 5: New Year, 2012
Catch London Calling on Rogers TV in London
Rogers on Demand on your Rogers digital cable box
For information on how to sponsor London Calling contact:
blackdogmediacrew@gmail.com
London Calling: Music Minus The Attitude
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
LCV SUMMER FEATURE | LAUREN MANN @ CRAVEN COTTAGE
BDM and London Calling presents a summer series featuring all of our favourite highlights from this summer’s antics with the Musicians, Comedians and Artists we’ve run into. We put together a few short clips with some memorable moments in London, and at NXNE 2011. Tune into London Calling Season 5 (LCV) this winter to see more of what you didn’t.
LAUREN MANN AND THE FAIRLY ODD FOLK @ CRAVEN COTTAGE
JULY 4 2011
The experience of Craven Cottage is not that of a bar, nor a pub patio. I wouldn't extend a resemblance to a house party either, (from what I've seen in my 'college years'). No, Craven Cottage was a true feature this summer; a place to gather round friends, and friends-of-friends to have drinks, conversations, and watch live music.
Located pretty well out-of-sight (if you're not a frequent bike trail'er), on the outskirts of the downtown core, Craven Cottage hosted a few get-togethers. I placed myself there for a show July 4th 2011, to see Lauren Mann and the Fairly Odd Folk, feat. Reeves, and took some pictures, and captured some songs. Here's one.
-B. Withikaye
LAUREN MANN AND THE FAIRLY ODD FOLK @ CRAVEN COTTAGE
JULY 4 2011
The experience of Craven Cottage is not that of a bar, nor a pub patio. I wouldn't extend a resemblance to a house party either, (from what I've seen in my 'college years'). No, Craven Cottage was a true feature this summer; a place to gather round friends, and friends-of-friends to have drinks, conversations, and watch live music.
Located pretty well out-of-sight (if you're not a frequent bike trail'er), on the outskirts of the downtown core, Craven Cottage hosted a few get-togethers. I placed myself there for a show July 4th 2011, to see Lauren Mann and the Fairly Odd Folk, feat. Reeves, and took some pictures, and captured some songs. Here's one.
-B. Withikaye
LCV SUMMER FEATURE | PAT does NXNE
BDM and London Calling presents a summer series featuring all of our favourite highlights from this summer’s antics with the Musicians, Comedians and Artists we’ve run into. We put together a few short clips with some memorable moments in London, and at NXNE 2011. Tune into London Calling Season 5 (LCV) this winter to see more of what you didn’t.
Pat does Comedy @ NXNE 2011
P adds comedic element to NXNE - Awkward street report Pat the 'riff'in' Tiffin might not have a local comedy bar to test his latest jokes, but he's got this segment and its pretty good. NXNE welcomes comedy to their historically music dominated festival and, in the process, Pat snuck his way into the festival - accredited and all.
Pat does Comedy @ NXNE 2011
P adds comedic element to NXNE - Awkward street report Pat the 'riff'in' Tiffin might not have a local comedy bar to test his latest jokes, but he's got this segment and its pretty good. NXNE welcomes comedy to their historically music dominated festival and, in the process, Pat snuck his way into the festival - accredited and all.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
LCV SUMMER FEATURE | METZ
BDM and London Calling presents a summer series featuring all of our favourite highlights from this summer’s antics with the Musicians, Comedians and Artists we’ve run into. We put together a few short clips with some memorable moments in London, and at NXNE 2011. Tune into London Calling Season 5 (LCV) this winter to see more of what you didn’t.
METZ @ APKlive April 2011
If you haven't seen Metz play, well then na-na-na-na-boo-boo. Get out, throw your shoulder into someone and watch how three of the most talented artists (one formally of Moneen) in Canada thrash for real deal. METZ drummer, Hayden (he says it), tunes about the best way to learn the drums. Just play along yo.
METZ @ APKlive April 2011
If you haven't seen Metz play, well then na-na-na-na-boo-boo. Get out, throw your shoulder into someone and watch how three of the most talented artists (one formally of Moneen) in Canada thrash for real deal. METZ drummer, Hayden (he says it), tunes about the best way to learn the drums. Just play along yo.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
LCV SUMMER FEATURE | HANDSOME FURS
BDM and London Calling presents a summer series featuring all of our favourite highlights from this summer’s antics with the Musicians, Comedians and Artists we’ve run into. We put together a few short clips with some memorable moments in London, and at NXNE 2011. Tune into London Calling Season 5 (LCV) this winter to see more of what you didn’t.
Handsome Furs in Trinity Bellwoods @ NXNE 2011
The band may have thought that we were from London, England [London Calling, Joe Strummer = misleading] but we got the dang interview. Dan and wife/band mate, Alexei, clearly enjoy cigarettes, big beats, and they are also the hottest couple I've ever seen. And, with the release of their third full length Sound Kapital [2011], Handsome Furs are more relevant than ever before.
In the clip, the couple/band talk about where they find the inspiration for their music; from the UK, to Beijing. Been-there-done-that, and bringing it home.
Handsome Furs in Trinity Bellwoods @ NXNE 2011
The band may have thought that we were from London, England [London Calling, Joe Strummer = misleading] but we got the dang interview. Dan and wife/band mate, Alexei, clearly enjoy cigarettes, big beats, and they are also the hottest couple I've ever seen. And, with the release of their third full length Sound Kapital [2011], Handsome Furs are more relevant than ever before.
In the clip, the couple/band talk about where they find the inspiration for their music; from the UK, to Beijing. Been-there-done-that, and bringing it home.
NXNE | INTERNS REPORT
NXNE- Straight from Yonge and Dundas Square
Toronto’s NXNE started on June 13th, but the party didn’t kick off until later that week, in particular that Thursday night. For the NXNE weekend, Yonge and Dundas Square was the hub of the festival with headlining acts Descendents, Stars, DEVO, and the Pharcyde. Each night of the festival had a different theme, but all-in-all every night brought out an electrifying crowd.
It was my first NXNE and I decided to volunteer in order to be right there in the middle of all the action. I had the perfect shifts: 5:30pm-MIDNIGHT every night! The perfect opportunity to witness some of the polished performers as well as some of the newest indie acts. Let me break down the weekend for you; the highlights and the “not so-highlights”.
Thursday (June 16th) – Punk/Hardcore Night
As soon as I saw the tattoos, piercings, and Mohawks, I started to get excited! The first night of performances was going to be amazing or so I thought...
The Line-Up
METZ 6-6:40pm
Rusty 7-7:40pm
Fucked Up 8-8:40pm
OFF! 9-9:40pm
Descendents 10-10:40pm
Rusty 7-7:40pm
Fucked Up 8-8:40pm
OFF! 9-9:40pm
Descendents 10-10:40pm
Unfortunately the night ended up being a huge letdown and not only for me, but for my entire NXNE team! Even some fans who travelled from outside of the GTA felt like the spent precious gas money for nothing. All of the bands seemed off, especially OFF! The only band that shed some light on the night held the 8pm time slot.
NOT TO BE MISSED-Fucked Up
Hailing from Toronto, Fucked Up has caused a STIR within the indie music scene. The Fucked Up, also known as F**ked up, name is not the only thing that is controversial about the band. Lead-singer Damian Abraham’s antics on stage often leave conservative concert-goers shaking their heads. After receiving the Polaris Prize in 2009, Fucked Up has risen in popularity. Prior to NXNE, I had never heard of Fuck Up. After they finished their set, all I wanted was MORE...Friday (June 17th) - Time to Dance!
After lacklustre performances the previous night, I was looking to be blow away by Friday’s bands. I had been waiting for this night since the line-up was announced and I did not want to be disappointed. As the crowd piled into YDS, I knew it was going to be a challenge to weave my way to the front. I may have gotten elbowed in the mouth, but it was all worth it...
The Line-Up
Diamond Rings 7:30-8:10pm
Land of Talk 8:30-9:10pm
Stars 9:30-11pm
Land of Talk 8:30-9:10pm
Stars 9:30-11pm
From the moment Oshawa’s Diamond Rings took the stage to the instance when Stars said goodbye, there was non-stop singing, dancing, and all-out partying. It was estimated that 10,000+ people showed up to see all three of the indie pop groups. Many NXNE staff members wondered if they should have shutdown Dundas Street due to the overwhelming number of fans. Even though Stars put on a phenomenal set, they were not the only band that stood out for me...
DO EVERYTHING HUMANLY POSSIBLE TO SEE-Land of TalkLand of Talk’s Friday night performance made me neglect my volunteer duties and rush up to the front of the stage. Fronted by singer and guitarist Elizabeth Powell, this Montreal band has just what it takes to make it BIG. They have already acquired a fan-following in Canada and the United States; I even spoke to a couple that travelled all the way from Florida just to get the opportunity to see Powell perform.
Saturday (June 18th)-Old School...REALLY Old SCHOOL
Whip it! Whip it good! Saturday night is the night when Dundas Street is shutdown in preparation for the festival’s headliners. As fans, around my parent’s age, filed into YDS, all I could do was sit down and watch the pandemonium begin...
The Line-Up
DOM 6-6:30pm
Cults 7-7:40pm
Men Without Hats 8-8:40pm
DEVO 9:30-11pm
Cults 7-7:40pm
Men Without Hats 8-8:40pm
DEVO 9:30-11pm
It was a night of one hit wonders; First it was Men Without Hats’ Safety Dance and then Devo’s Whip It. Both 80s bands drew in a diverse audience composed of youngsters, teenagers, and adults. Unfortunately, the crowd began to thin out after only a few songs. MWH and DEVO were able to attract a large audience, but they could not maintain it! The highlight of the night was by far DEVO’s costume changes and iconic hats.If you want something younger, listen to – Cults
Manhattan’s Cults have had a busy year; they were signed to Lilly Allen’s Columbia Records and played at numerous festivals (ie. Pitchfork). Even more shocking is that the band formed only last year! On Saturday night, Cults drew people into YDS and prepared them for the 80s music to come. Cults’ lyrics maybe dark, but the duo’s future in the music industry is definitely bright.
Self-titled debut album, Cults released June 7, 2011
Sunday (June 19th)-NXNE’s Hip-Hop VERSUS MuchMusic’s Video Awards
What is the perfect way to spend your 20th birthday? Well, seeing one hip-hop legend after another isn’t too bad. Actually, it was probably the best birthday ever! Yes...I’m talking about my birthday. (singing) Happy Birthday to me (singing) -CUT! The last night of NXNE...
The Line-Up
Reema Major 5pm
Tanika Charles & The Wonderfuls 6pm
D-Sisive 7pm
Digable Planets 8pmThe Pharcyde 9pm
Tanika Charles & The Wonderfuls 6pm
D-Sisive 7pm
Digable Planets 8pmThe Pharcyde 9pm
With the MMVAs the same night, I wasn’t expecting a large turnout to the last night of NXNE. I was very mistaken! As soon as D-Sisive took the stage, people began piling into the square. When Digable Planets’ music started, I was trapped in a sea of people and could barely make it back to the safety of the NXNE tents. Pharcyde’s 90s hits were apparently going to be more popular than anyone of the MMVAs performances. I must admit that I’m not a huge hip-hop fan, but even the Sunday line-up had me dancing and singing along. The Sunday audience was my favourite of the entire festival because I saw a true passion for the music.
The Question on Everyone’s Mind-“Was Fatlip at NXNE?”Unfortunately, a Pharcyde reunion did not take place at this year’s NXNE. Even though the band had only three of its original members on Sunday night, they were still able to keep the audience entertained. After departing from the band in 1996, Fatlip embarked on a solo career path releasing an album, The Loneliest Punk in 2005.
-Kate Horodnyk
-Kate Horodnyk
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
LCV SUMMER FEATURE | TWIN SHADOW
BDM and London Calling presents a summer series featuring all of our favourite highlights from this summer’s antics with the Musicians, Comedians and Artists we’ve run into. We put together a few short clips with some memorable moments in London, and at NXNE 2011. Tune into London Calling Season 5 (LCV) this winter to see more of what you didn’t.
TWIN SHADOW @ NXNE 2011
Pat and I got to chat with lead man, George Lewis Jr. of Twin Shadow blocks away from Lee's Palace just a few hours before the bands NXNE performance. Everything about this man stands out. His calm energy and careful focus balancing his musical talents and obvious love of women. George Lewis Jr. breaks down the romantic setting in Greenwich Village, which spawned the track Yellow Balloon off his first release Forget [2011]. The follow up to Forget might be one of the most anticipated releases of this year.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
NXNE | MOST ANTICIPATED TOP 5
As I'm writing this we're a week or so away from leaving for NXNE. This week long mix of music,film, and interactive seminars is one of Canada's premier festival parties. In preparation for this week of debauchery and 4 A.M. Last Calls, I've decided to take a look at the 5 things that I'm looking forward to at NXNE 2011.
1 | Saturday Night @ Younge-Dundas Square
Huey Lewis once exclaimed that it was "Hip to Be Square" but on the Saturday Night at NXNE this year it will be hip to be at the Square. With the show being headlined by both Devo and Men Without Hats, this is one of the nights to take the party outside. The line-up leading up to the eighties throw down isn't that shabby either with Canadian indie rockers Gentleman Husbands, the technical punk brilliance of DD/MM/YYYY, and one of New York's biggest buzz bands Cults. So grab some street meat and make your way downtown for the Saturday night.
2 | London Bands in Toronto
NXNE at it's core is a week long hipster summer camp. What's the best part of any summer camp experience it's of course catching up with old friends. London is well represented this year. Be it Olenka & The Autumn Lovers on the Friday at the Gladstone or Say Domino on the Thursday Night at Rancho Relaxo. Or returning back to Rancho Relaxo
for the 3 A.M set. on the Saturday Night for A Horse and His Boy. If you hail from the Forrest City make sure to support your local acts while your there.
3 | Opopo
Having witnessed their show at the A.P.K. Live earlier this year. This techno infused rock act is something not to be missed. If you need to dance and don't mind smoke and lasers see this show.
4 | A Very Musical Walk Through The Park
Branded as the NXNE picnic, Live in Bellwoods plays most during the afternoon hours. Featuring all acoustic performances might be the best way to relax and recover from the previous night's hangover. You can find past guests of the show Hands & Teeth and Allie Hughes wailing there hearts out in an open acoustic setting. Along with acts we're excited to see such as Modern Superstitions, Teenage Kicks, and Whale Tooth you might want to spend a lazy day in the park.
5 | The Comedy Records Showcase
As a comedian, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the week long Comedy Records showcases at this years NXNE. The Labyrinth Lounge will be rocking with laughter all week long. As some of the best young Canadian comedians will showcase their wares to the festival going public. Amongst the comedians I suggest you check out the straight out hilarious Bobby Mair, Mark Debonis who is fresh off his win at the Great Canadian Laugh Off, the epic Saturday Night show that counts Matt O'Brien and Bryan O'Gorman as it's comedy book ends. The Sunday show might be the best of them all as One of Canada's most cerebral comics John Hastings is the host as a comedian whose act has legs yet his legs have no knees, the incredible comedy terminator known as Rob Pue.
Pat Tiffin BDM Correspondent/Comedian/New Blogger
1 | Saturday Night @ Younge-Dundas Square
Huey Lewis once exclaimed that it was "Hip to Be Square" but on the Saturday Night at NXNE this year it will be hip to be at the Square. With the show being headlined by both Devo and Men Without Hats, this is one of the nights to take the party outside. The line-up leading up to the eighties throw down isn't that shabby either with Canadian indie rockers Gentleman Husbands, the technical punk brilliance of DD/MM/YYYY, and one of New York's biggest buzz bands Cults. So grab some street meat and make your way downtown for the Saturday night.
2 | London Bands in Toronto
NXNE at it's core is a week long hipster summer camp. What's the best part of any summer camp experience it's of course catching up with old friends. London is well represented this year. Be it Olenka & The Autumn Lovers on the Friday at the Gladstone or Say Domino on the Thursday Night at Rancho Relaxo. Or returning back to Rancho Relaxo
for the 3 A.M set. on the Saturday Night for A Horse and His Boy. If you hail from the Forrest City make sure to support your local acts while your there.
3 | Opopo
Having witnessed their show at the A.P.K. Live earlier this year. This techno infused rock act is something not to be missed. If you need to dance and don't mind smoke and lasers see this show.
4 | A Very Musical Walk Through The Park
Branded as the NXNE picnic, Live in Bellwoods plays most during the afternoon hours. Featuring all acoustic performances might be the best way to relax and recover from the previous night's hangover. You can find past guests of the show Hands & Teeth and Allie Hughes wailing there hearts out in an open acoustic setting. Along with acts we're excited to see such as Modern Superstitions, Teenage Kicks, and Whale Tooth you might want to spend a lazy day in the park.
5 | The Comedy Records Showcase
As a comedian, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the week long Comedy Records showcases at this years NXNE. The Labyrinth Lounge will be rocking with laughter all week long. As some of the best young Canadian comedians will showcase their wares to the festival going public. Amongst the comedians I suggest you check out the straight out hilarious Bobby Mair, Mark Debonis who is fresh off his win at the Great Canadian Laugh Off, the epic Saturday Night show that counts Matt O'Brien and Bryan O'Gorman as it's comedy book ends. The Sunday show might be the best of them all as One of Canada's most cerebral comics John Hastings is the host as a comedian whose act has legs yet his legs have no knees, the incredible comedy terminator known as Rob Pue.
Pat Tiffin BDM Correspondent/Comedian/New Blogger
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
ALLIE HUGHES @ APKlive
 |
| Allie Hughes & Band | Photograph By Brittknee Withikaye |
Not to name names (cough, sneeze, Opopo), but after our last BDM event at APKLive, we were feeling a little shakey.
***We had a good turn out, but the headliner was jockeying bandmates and forgot to tell the bar owner and us about a pre-tty major line-up change - enter a brand spanking NEW contract with bands.
However, the lead singer and guitarist (for that night) wasn't too bad except for his leeeeengthy pauses in between songs. Enough about the bridge you drank under after getting to London town, we have nearly a hundred of them and we need to dance or at least move away from the smoke machine. "Get that laser out of my eye" I heard someone scream on the way to the bathroom. I like lasers.
I'm bitter cause the after party got crashed by the same band who puked pretty close (okay, right on) where I mistakenly decided to lay my pillow the night before hosting the Jack Richardson Music Award's. ***
With Opopo in the rearview, we were now armed and prepared for a theatrical indie, pop experience like none other: Allie Hughes & her mysterious band.
The night started with a surprisingly up tempo set by Lonnie in the Garden. APK sound chief and mean musician Adam backed front gal Lynne on guitar adding colour here and there. Two female vocalists added some extra flavour on choruses and hooks. Big ups on the set and thank you for the ENCORE!
CHRW hostess with the mostess, Alana Gurr, held down the second spot with pure grace. Her guitarist and bassist gave the set some extra life and we got to hear some dirty banjo riffs. There's something really alluring, yet haunting about Alana's music - was anyone else reminded of Portishead during the bands performance? No! Well frig.
The last time I heard the song 'Toxic' (cover or not) at APK Live was never ago. These two ideas are, well competing thoughts: Indie bar -vs- Pop Princess who's life is one part miserable and two parts profitable for those "looking out" for the poor girl. One step forward, two steps back if you ask me. And that's the point, did you see how angst I got about Spears? She's a billion dollar industry and her demise is just as important as her resurrection.
The point is that Allie's final song 'Toxic' was a highlight to a very tight and well orchestrated set in an environment where Britney's version of that song would NOT fly on an iPod - not while I'm dee-jaying. What's an iPod?
If you've ever been to a Tool concert, then Allie turning her back to you at the start of the bands performance wasn't freakish one bit… but wait for it. Looking around, it was obvious that folks were interested in Allie from the start. And it wasn't cause some cool kid was bopp'in to her, it's because she's thought out. There's context to her performance and her vocal operatic prowess takes the theatre to new heights. Like above the rim in basketball. Go Heat!
Allie crushed tracks Not The Stars, Rolling Days, Headmaster, and Damaged Nail. As the set climaxed, Allie's character as a singer and performer gained momentum. Turning her back to the audience once more like an editor using a sheet of black to re-set a scene in a film. This time Allie returns with blood drips below both eyes. As the song reaches Timber Timbre like creepiness, this new vampire version of the opera-POP singer we'd come to know and appreciate was (fake) killing her bandmates one by one before treating us to an almost solo with a little help from an almost dead violin player. Amazing effects and pedal work with all the instrumentation. I have never heard this venue sound so full and rich.
MONTH OF MARCH | THE JUNOS
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| Photograph By Brittknee Withikaye |
So it was about two weeks to the day after we embarked for CMW that we left for the Junos. Upon leaving London it started to snow on that Wednesday, after stopping in Alymer to pick up Drew's clothes for the week. We called into Drew's folks in Streetsville and were advised to stay off the roads, so we ended up staying in Alymer overnight.
We made it onto the road making it to the Juno accreditation office with only minutes to spare. After meeting the wonderful staff and volunteers of the Juno Media office we headed off to our interview with everybody's favorite Acadian rap collective Radio Radio. They have certainly come a long way from the fur wearing silly frat boys that we saw a few years ago during our first trip to Canadian Music Week. During the interview, one of Drew's favorite subject reared it's head again, as talk quickly turned to the MPC and hip hop production once again. Mix that in with some obligatory conversation on the subject of hockey and a memorable Gorilla Video in a hotel overpass led to a very constructive 20 minutes for all of us involved.
Having nothing to do on Thursday night we returned to Streetsville to prepare for Friday. With good night of rest we headed into the events of Friday with a renewed vigor. No.1 on the Friday agenda was the Juno Welcome Reception; The first thing you learn while at the Junos: there is a lot of free booze flowing during the event. Everybody in the room including Drew took advantage. For the record, Drew did bring me what I knew was a Coke-a-Cola that had a little extra something but I let him think that he got me with that one. Upon finishing the party, we found our next interview for our Juno's coverage Canada's reigning queen of rap Eternia.
I have to say Eternia and her manager had the best ensembles for the night and were easy to find for interview as they were both wearing shirts that stated "My favourite rapper wears a skirt." As far as custom merchandise goes, that was probably the most humourous that I've seen in my London Calling travels. Speaking of the Forrest City, Eternia revealed before the interview, that she got her high school diploma from Wheable, so a considerable amount of the pre interview surrounded the awesomeness that is Fast Eddie's.
The Interview itself was conducted in a side lobby area of the Royal York Hotel. It was a fresh look at a female MC's role in modern hip-hop today. Something that will be interesting when it finally makes it to air will be Shad's point of view on the subject of the need for more women in hip-hop.
After leaving the Royal York, we moved onto the Hard Rock Cafe for the Junofest Urban showcase so we can get some Eternia live footage. At this point, Drew and I split up as he had a social engagement that he had to go and attend. I stayed and I wasn't disappointed as Quantesha, Silver (the artist formerly known as Solitaire), and Eternia all took to the stage. If it wasn't enough that Canadian Hip Hop Legends Maestro Fresh Wes & Michee Mee were hosting, at about the half way point of the night Kardinal Offishall arrived and that's when the night started to flip into the crazy territory.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
LCIV EPISODE 5 | "EASY ON THE INDIE ROCK"
LCIV EP05 | "EASY ON THE INDIE ROCK" | PT05 from BDM on Vimeo.
FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:
DSISIVE | ALLIE HUGHES | ELMOCAMBO | BUNGALOW | EXILE | GROOVES | JASON COLLETT | PAT TIFFIN
Saturday, March 19, 2011
LCIV EPISODE 4 | "DEADMAU5"
LCIV EP04 | "DEADMAU5" | PT05 from BDM on Vimeo.
FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:
PREMIER PRODUCTIONS INC. | DEADMAU5 | GINGY aka BRIAN WONG | PAT TIFFIN
LCIV EPISODE 3 | "IF ZEUS IS KING THEN LOLA SHALL BE QUEEN"
LCIV EP03 | "IF ZEUS IS KING THEN LOLA SHALL BE QUEEN" | PT05 from BDM on Vimeo.
FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:
| ZEUS | BORN RUFFIANS | CARIBOU | JAMIE LIDELL | GROOVES | LOLAfest | PAT TIFFIN
Monday, March 7, 2011
LCIV EPISODE 1 | "RETURN OF THE BOSS"
FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:
A HORSE AND HIS BOY | SHAD | SOUNDMINDS | CARIBOU | GROOVES | APK LIVE | COVENT GARDEN MARKET | GORILLA VIDEO | BIANCA MARCUS | PAT TIFFIN | CHECKER | CHRW
Monday, February 14, 2011
London Calling Season 4, Wild Domestic & Pacikifa
Every single day working at Blackdog Media is a breath of fresh air; working to meet with new up-and-coming bands, old Canadian favorites, and constantly striving to bring the people a product that any music lover will embrace and enjoy. This was a special week where a lot of different things magically came together under looming deadlines and in between everyone’s sporadic schedules.
Our brand-new BDM Office and film set has come along way since my introduction to the company just over a month ago. A very SPECIAL shout out to POI Business Interiors for hooking us up way beyond our interior business dreams. Seriously, you should come visit us at our Office and sit in one of these chairs..
Our boys from Sarnia, Wild Domestic, have been in and out of the Office, gracing our set with their charm and UNIQUE senses of humour, which find its way into Season 4 of London Calling premiering on February 23rd!!!
Last, but certainly not least, Blackdog Media had the special privilege of interviewing Canadian world-music group and Juno World Music Album of the Year nominee, Pacifika, this past week on the main stage at London’s historic Aeolian Hall. The interview was a lot of fun for everyone involved, the band joked about their compulsive reading habits, their other work and passions such as motorcycle maintenance and voice acting in e-books, and finally their collective love of 1980s vinyl and tape cassettes. Please keep an eye out for more from the Canadian world-music trio Pacifika.
J. Frank, Intern | BDM
Broken Social Scene @ LMC
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| BSS @ LMH Photo by: Brittknee Withikaye |
Intern Reporting...
On a frosty Sunday evening in London, Ontario, the legendary Toronto-based indie band Broken Social Scene played the London Music Hall, gracing their fans with an epic set that gave the crowd just what they needed. The following is a tale not about how awesome B.S.S. is, because you know this, but rather how I ran three kilometers in the wrong direction, just barely making it to the venue to catch the last hour of heart-throbbing musical magic.
On a frosty Sunday evening in London, Ontario, the legendary Toronto-based indie band Broken Social Scene played the London Music Hall, gracing their fans with an epic set that gave the crowd just what they needed. The following is a tale not about how awesome B.S.S. is, because you know this, but rather how I ran three kilometers in the wrong direction, just barely making it to the venue to catch the last hour of heart-throbbing musical magic.
Let me explain. The night began with cab ride from my apartment near University campus all the way downtown to the Call The Office, where I foolishly ASSUMED the concert would be held. Don’t ask me why I assumed it was there, because I can’t answer that...a mental lapse. I ask the bouncer to check my name off the guest-list, he responds with a puzzled look on his face, “What’s Broken Social Scene? And what guest list …?” I instantly realize I ‘m at the wrong bar and the band I’m trying to see is about to hit the stage, elsewhere. “F*#K!!” I turn back to see if my cab driver was still there, but he was gone into the snow covered distance.
It’s 10:30 PM, I’m outside Call The Office, “Where’s this band playing?” I asked myself. Anyone I could have contacted about the show, was probably already inside the venue, unable to answer a phone call or text message. I pull out my cell-phone from my pocket and Google Search ‘Broken Social Scene, Jan 16 2011, the results point me in what I think to be the right direction, The London Music Hall. I enter the address into my Google Maps application on my phone and start running in the direction it points me in.
It’s 10:50 PM, I’ve been jogging for nearly 20 minutes and I think I’ve finally made it the venue. I take a minute to catch my breath and look back to my phone to see where the Music Hall should be because I couldn’t see it in front of me, just a bunch of deserted factory buildings. At this time, I make the shockingly frustrating discovery that there are TWO London Music Halls (Okay! One Music Club) in London, Ontario and I had just run for 20 minutes to the wrong one, nearly 5 kilometers in the wrong direction! After a couple of hot curses muttered under frosty breath, I finally call a cab to get me where I needed to go.
After a relatively quick, yet equally embarrassing cab ride I find myself at the right London Music Hall, which is ironically much closer to my house than even Call The Office.
It’s 11:30 pm, I hop out of the cab and hurry inside. I ask a bouncer if I’m at the right place and he says, “Yes, but the show’s just about over.” He tells me I can go in to catch the last few minutes.
I finally made it! The warmth of the music instantly relaxed me and helped me forget the troubles I had been through just to make it. Even though I walked in more than halfway through the show, I still felt so happy to have made it in the end. Broken Social Scene continued to play past mid-night, encore after encore after encore, working to please every last fan, myself included. I left with a smile on my face and a sense of content, made all the more powerful because of my journey earlier that night.
J FRANK, INTERN | BDM
J FRANK, INTERN | BDM
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