Dr. Friday!! And a get to know them!!

 Dr. Friday!!

Local original Band!!

I really love this Band and their story!! 

Thanks to Michael Owens for all the Info!!

Dr Friday was formed on June 30, 2004. There have been a few changes since then, but two of the founding members (guitarist and harmonica player James Malec and drummer Danny Ray “Stooky” Stocknow) are still with the band today. Guitarist Allan Garrett joined the band in 2010 after years of performing with top-tier country artists. The highlight of his career prior to joining Dr Friday came in 2006 when he performed with an all-star band at the CCMA Awards. The most recent change occurred in 2019 when bassist Drew Ringstrom and vocalist Michael Owens joined the band. Drew’s primary musical interest is the blues. 

Michael has performed a wide range of music genres including the blues, blues-based rock, and heavy metal. He studied vocals with Van Louis (the original vocalist of The Stampeders) and at the Canadian Academy of Vocal Music with Ian Garratt (who is famous for training country superstar Shania Twain and had a lengthy tenure as the lead tenor of the Metropolitan Opera). Michael was also mentored by Canadian Music Industry legend Mel Shaw who was the manager of The Stampeders, the founding President of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Science (CARAS), and inducted into the CARAS Music Hall of Fame in 1991. Prior to 2019, the band released two CDs. 

One of these was self-titled, and the other was entitled “Cruisin”. Immediately after Drew and Michael joined the band Dr Friday went to work writing new material and recording an album. Since this represented the start of a fresh new era for the band, the album was entitled “RE-BOOT”. Early in 2020, the band was putting the finishing touches on the album when COVID struck, and the ensuing restrictions prevented any chance of getting together for rehearsals.  

Nonhttps://open.spotify.com/album/4tGJvJDutIoz3KAN5Hq42J?fbclid=IwAR1wCWxxeQJ5-4BNeUeV2475O0tTZh9fu3lejKBjyKE3Tcv8QRg_pNhNhjQ 

nevertheless, the creative juices were flowing, and each member used the break to write new material for future albums. Finally, in March 2021, although COVID restrictions ruled out any chance of hosting an official CD release party, the band released the RE-BOOT album. The album included new versions of five songs that had been previously released on the Cruisin’ album. One of the re-mixed songs from the Cruisin’ album was its title track. This song was released to Canadian commercial FM radio, and airplay has been confirmed on at least 15 stations. 

It has been speculated that the Re-boot album may have at least partially inspired Olds Classic Rock 104.5 FM to start showcasing local talent from the Calgary area with their “Homebrew” radio show. Since this show’s inception, numerous songs from the RE-BOOT album have received airplay. Additionally, six songs from the album were showcased on Sarnia’s Cool 106.3 FM’s Beyond Mainstream radio show on Sunday, August 29, 2021.

Dr Friday released yet another album entitled “Soul Tonic”, on April 30, 2022. The music on this album is best described as good time rock’n’roll. The first song on the album, entitled “Good Time” was released to Canadian commercial FM radio on the album’s release date. Early feedback from radio stations across the nation indicates this is the best material to date and numerous radio stations in smaller towns have already added this song to their playlists. 

Additionally, the song was recently added to the playlist of Calgary’s X92.9 and aired on their Xposure radio show. The initial feedback also indicates that another 14 major (Mediabase) stations are considering adding it to their playlists if/when it starts garnering numbers on the Mediabase charts. Once again, 5 or 6 songs from Soul Tonic will be showcased on Sarnia’s Cool 10.3 FM’s Beyond Mainstream radio show on the evening of Sunday, July 10 around 8 pm Eastern Time.

Perhaps the greatest opportunity to transpire as a result of the “Reboot” release is that Dr Friday will be the opening act at the inaugural Monashee Music Festival in Sicamous, BC, July 22 – 23, 2022, where 5440 will be headlining. The band also looks forward to performing at The Badlands Boogie fundraiser near Drumheller, Alberta, during the Labor Day long weekend.

Contact Information Phone (Michael): (587) 889-2748

 Email: DrFridayRocks@hotmail.com 

Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drfridayca Website: https://drfriday.ca/home 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Q2vX19cOV93I2gYqykJ3Q?si=NFfNtst4SBaRpX6QE_0Avg 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcPufxg6nxk 

Thanks for reading!! Cheers!! BSK.

The Four of Cups.

 The Four of Cups.

Local Calgary band !! 

Me; do you have a bio or something to share?

Jaas; Haha, beauty. Our current bios are a little ambiguous. In 1877 Treaty 7 was signed. Some 130 years later Steve and Jaas were in a band called Maimed Wolf and they were pretty cool. When that was finished, Lum, Steve, and Jaas started writing songs for Phantasy Leg Situation Experience. John moved back to Didsbury and he didn't learn any of their songs, so they wrote new ones. And that's the history of the Four of Cups.

The Four of Cups is a Psych-Folk band that is full of stinky river hippies. You may feel disengaged, apathetic or unmotivated - maybe life has become dull. The Four of Cups invites you to bring your attention inward.

To check out some of their videos. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYVkdb25LKM to watch The four of cups - I don't know

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1TcWV8cJk4&ab_channel=TheFourofCups - The seashell and the Clergyman

To check out some songs on Spotify;

https://open.spotify.com/album/61Gkr8c6X0S3oyGwR0yTNC?fbclid=IwAR0_TFshBQ-NgeJ2RpYYE-70yX7jpHJAeGhytWqKNUBLwgfPyALTbIXvd4Q

               Playing the High River Brewing Co. very soon here so get out and check it out!!!

Cheers! BSK.

Jam's At the Border!!

 Since the end of the beginning of a new normal, I have been getting out to see live shows again :)

Bit by bit I have been getting out to see the Jam sessions at The Border Crossing Pub on Wednesdays from 7 until close and I gotta tell ya it is fantastic and filled with very talented musical artists of all kinds!! Run by local musician Emery Cords with help of some awesome other musicians they put on a very great show!!!

I hope to see you there next week !! :D 

Cheers!! BSK.

Brad Sysko Kidd Interviews Wild Will Kruse of The Cane Gang!

Brad Sysko Kidd Chats with Wild Will Kruse of The Cane Gang!

BSK -K so the first bio interview for the Cane Gang I thought we would start with Co-founder

and inspiration to create The Cane Gang. Wild Will Kruse! 

let's get to it!  first Q, What are your influences and what got you into music?

Will- I was born into a musical family. My Mom was a Professional musician in Calgary in the 1980s,

 and she taught us how to sing and play a wide variety of instruments,

 as well as write our own songs from a very young age.

            I listened to a lot of classic outlaw Country, bluegrass, and Celtic music growing up.

 I was named after the accordion player for the Irish Rovers,

 but I'd have to say my greatest musical influence besides my mom was Johnny Cash.

 I loved the train-like tempo and wholesome lyrics of his songs, and as I grew older,

 I found my singing voice was well suited to his music.

BSK- I can see now where you found your voice how would you describe your

 passion to move forward?

Will -I believe it is important for myself and others to share their talents with the world.

 In my years of playing professionally, I've seen many people uplifted, comforted,

 and inspired by my music, and I hope to continue spreading that influence through live shows and recordings.

 Music is a healing thing: it helps heal me when I make music, and it heals those who hear it,

 so I aim to let as many people hear it as I can for as long as I am able.

BSK -In your eyes does the Cane gang give you hope to help you reach more people with your message of positive influence?

Will -Yes it does, and it also provides a means to help other aspiring musicians

 do what I do by giving them encouragement and support in the development of their talents

 as well as a network platform through which to share it with the world.

BSK - You are a man of faith for sure one way the other are you confident

 with taking on people that might not see eye to eye ?

Will - Of course. No one likes having a belief forced upon them.

 I don't like it when people do that to me, and I strive not to be that way to others.

 My beliefs affect the way I live, but I don't believe in demanding that others live exactly like me.

BSK - Well said good sir and you know I give ya the tough questions but apparently not tough for you!

 .. The toughest question and everyone gets it but I am survive have talked about it

 but tell the people what you would do in a zombie apocalypse??

Will - Hey now, that's supposed to be top secret!

 Haha, Just kidding. My plan is to find a secluded place somewhere in the wilderness to which to go with

 as many members of our gang as I can muster and build a fortified settlement

 where the Gang can survive and assist other survivors.

 I would use my extensive training in agriculture and outdoor survival

 to forage and grow food, and we would hunt for wild game and defend ourselves

 using our currently accumulated arsenal of guns, swords, knives, and traps.

BSK - Fucking eh!! Thanks for chatting Brother!! Cheers!

AltCitY's Interview with Travis Ockenden from Vandal X Klothing!!

Brad; How did you decide this is what you wanted?

Travis; I came up with vxk back in July 05, I used to put on music shows in my hometown,
  since we pretty much lost all the venues to hold shows, clothing just kind of happened.

Brad; Did you think it would be the success it is now?

Brad; Where did the Name Vandal X come from and Working with models is something you do to show off your clothes ,
 Any advice to people looking to work with models for promotion?


 Travis; The name comes from a song called Vandal X, by a band called unsane. I've always been a promoter,
 so it was natural to make the switch. It's not the success I want yet,
 but it's slowly growing into its own thing, as we speak I'm about to make high visibility shirts for construction sites,
 this wasn't even a thing until a few days ago, but it's feeling like a pretty good idea now,
 also I just relocated from Lloydminster Ab/Sk to Cranbrook BC,
 with the move I'm hoping to sell face rags at music festivals etc.
 When it comes to models you have 2 options,  1 you can pay someone to promote your company through their social media,
 it doesn't always have to be a professional photo, the reach to a million people is nice,
 2 you either get a model who can set up a professional shoot,
 or you make contacts with a photographer who knows models.

Brad; What would you do in a Zombie Apocalypse?

Travis; I'd bunker down in a concrete fortress,  and if I had to leave the house I'd probably use a sword.

https://www.facebook.com/vandalxklothing/
Check out the website http://vxk.ca/ to order and Get a good look!!

Cheers! Happy 2019!!!

Hello World!! Well 2019 anyway, I'm back!!!!

HELLO!!!!

Back to commenting and ranting about the best thing ... MUSIC!!!

IT has been quite some time since I decided to write for AltCity because I lost touch and had medical issues that are starting to get better .. Although our scene is starting to be crippled itself losing a bunch of main stages Like Distortion, Lord Nelsons and so much more. . But we do still have a thriving music and art scene here in Calgary!! 

Calgary Town Hall - Freezer burn!

https://www.facebook.com/events/344576183052924/

The Galacicus EP releases Feb 22nd at Broken city!! 

The Galacticashttps://www.facebook.com/events/232826604266065/

MURPHDAY @ Verns pub!! February 22nd 

with!!

ROTTON CRUTCH

SICK RITUAL
HIVE
PATHETIC
CULTIST

https://www.facebook.com/events/417136309023953/

 

And a Jewel of February; 

It will be an interesting year for sure and I will make sure you all know about what is to come because I will have my ear to the ground and be attending more events! Cheers to 2019!!!!I hope to see ya out and about this year! 

Don't stop supporting local arts!

Interview with Jonathan Hayward of Dark Messiah!!

Go right ahead.

Brad

K so for the fans I have are mostly from Calgary so can you tell us a bit about your band, How you started and what created your sound?

We're from Winnipeg, Manitoba. I started forming the band in the summer of 2015. I wanted to start a band influenced by original thrash of the 80's. I gathered a network of local musicians, put out the call and the rest is history.

Brad

What Inspired the song Your final breath? I love that track!

Lawrence Reimer is the other guitarist in the band. He came forward to us with that song when he first joined. It was originally a song called Dealing Death by one of his previous bands called Morbid Symphony.

Brad

Fuckin eh! .. I have been listening to the self title album you guys put out and it is awesome! Are you guys selling it on Itunes or Bandcamp yet?

Yes it's available on almost all major music streaming sites.

Brad

Perfect!

K I'm curious if you have ever played along side the bands we have playing on the 12th of August?

After this is all fun and easy questions btw

No. We haven't played with any of those bands yet but we're excited to. This is the first time we've performed outside of Manitoba.

Brad

I am stoked as hell to see you all here! It is going to be a killer show! .. Have you ever been to Calgary before?

I have not been to Calgary since I was a kid. I can't wait to meet fellow Canadian metal heads.

You can ask me the rest whenever you're ready. \m/

Brad

K sweet!

We can't wait to see you guys too!

What would be your Ideal lineup if you were to get to see some big bands together?

Metallica, Lamb of God, Slipknot and Testament.

Brad

That would be siick!

K my last question is always my favorite!! ..K so what would you do in a zombie apocalypse? Alone or with your band or family?

With my family and my bandmates. I guess the first thing you would need is guns, ammo and food. Acquire those first without getting eaten and then hope you can make it some place you could bunker down and hold out for the longest. Oh and work on my cardio.

Brad

LOL Good answer! I have had people say " Just give in" .. Dude thanks for the interview and I look forward to the show!!!! Anything else you wanna tell Calgary before you come to enter it violently?

Well whenever we enter something violently...it's sure to bleed.

Intervoo with Visha Loo!! The deadly Model

Welcome to Intervoo With Visha Loo!!

The beautiful and talented Visha Loo and I sat down at very different places to
have a chat and I am only going to edit some of this! Because I think the Time it took to do this interview and the content is priceless :D

She is on everything, And has done everything! eg, Event promoter for Lube wrestling, Contortionist, Fashion Designer, Model, Artist, All a
round Alternative Goddess!

That is the calm stuff... Just wait it gets messy!!

Visha-Xxx <Previous Lube Lucha msg :) 

BSK-fuckin eh! in the mean time are you still interested in doing an interview ? 

I have been busy sorry I didn't get back to you :P

Visha -Yes yes

BSK-Gots some time today? You are very well known for your art in Calgary and all around.. 

For the readers can you explain a bit of what you do??

Visha-I do a bit of everything. Im not good at sitting or just relaxing. Hehe. For the most part I perform on stage, 

make and design latex clothes, model and I just started getting into acting. 

By day I do hair and I make youtube videos 3 times a week.

BSK-I have noticed being a Fb friend and fellow alternative art lover that you don't sit around at all as you said , 

you do WAAY more than regular shows . where did you find the time?

Visha-I'm the queen of multi tasking! I will sit in the splits while gluing latex 

and writing people back online or whatever computer stuff and listen to songs for my next shows

 and go over stuff in my head. I feel the more I do at once the better it is. 

If I only have one thing to do, I see something shinny and I'm gone. Hehe. I still sleep lots. 

Need to. You can't be a crazy person that does a million things if you're sleepy  hehe

Oh I forgot I also put on shows!  Hehe. Lube lucha is my main baby right now

BSK-Fucking awesome! And yeah our Friend Rica Shea will with ya for Lube Lucha too yeah!? 

Visha-Yes yes. She has been at all of them

I can go more into detail if need be on anything

Honestly I am sure detail on anything to do with you will be very well accepted!

i'm going to plug your youtube and model stuff anyway :P

Visha-Oh and I have my own blood line. More stuff is coming too

My youtube video are stretching, wardrobe, and my wet nightmares

BSK-Oh have watched a good potion of that to get ready for this and holy 

fuck needless to say love the black and white stripe latex you wear a lot!

When did you start modelling and or getting into contortion?

Visha-I started modelling back in 2003 because I dated photographer. He is now my husband. Feeding my vanity. Hehe

I started contortion in 2006. I saw this circus show and I ask if I could run away to the circus. 

He said yes, so I did! It was just a fun thing I did but then I fell in love with the stage. Now it's my everything

BSK-That is probably one of the most amazing stories I have ever heard!! .. You and I

have something in common;

We both like models and photography.. the crazier the better.. what would be your craziest shoot to do?

Visha-I guess hanging my friend from hooks so I can bath in his blood was the craziest for a shoot.

BSK-On the point of blood and fun; 

My favorite question to ask is what would you do in a zombie apocalypse .. 

But with you hehe would you bless us with your story in detail?

BSK-Sorry it has been a while to get this interview done, I have been super busy!

Visha-Hehe all good. Me too

I just realize I did not answer the zombie question. I feel like mine won't be good. Hehe. 

I would just fuck shit up and kill zombies.  Trap them and make a zoo maybe

BSK-Hahahaha .. Hopefully not a petting zoo.

Visha-Maybe......

They will be more zombies and I won't have to catch them hehe

BSK-Build a zombie army by drwing people in calling it a harmless Zoo , Crafty!!!

Visha-See you got it.

BSK-I had other questions but I lost my notes, Editing this has been Crazy. 

Visha-Hehe sorry

BSK-No problem it is fun as fuck lol

You are such an interesting character it's hard to know where to focus lol

Visha-Hehe I am all over the place

BSK-And so this interview post will be .. quite fitting lol

Check out Visha Loo < Here and on Youtube! Here>https://www.youtube.com/user/MissVishaLoo

Cheers!!!! -BSK