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.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
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
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