Interview with Photographer Dylan Streifel

Dylan Streifel a 21 year old SAIT Polytechnic student who has been using his photography and writing skills to show his point of view of the world. When asked he states that he was always interested in writing whether it be a grand factious story or poetry or lyrics. Photography soon took up his interests though and he decided to take journalism at SAIT. Although a new comer on the scene he has done shots for a few local bands like Makeshift Innocence, Incura , Dead Pretty and the Suppliers. When asked about influences he says locally he has been influenced by Patrick Latter and The Photo Fiend. "I look to them because they're from Calgary and show that you can get a reputation in this city if you work hard and shoot everyday." When asked about international influence the main one is Adam Elmakias who is constantly working and touring with larger named band like Bring Me the Horizon. Streifel is interested in one day work with bands like Queens of the Stoneage, Radiohead and Avenged Sevenfold but until then he is completely satisfied with shooting local bands like reunited Belvedere, Torches to Triggers and of course he jokes Risky Endeavor. Check out some of his work bellow.

                                                              -Dead Pretty at Dickens  

                                                           - The Suppliers at Dickens

                                                         K-Os at the Calgary Stampede

Incura - The Gateway

7 Reasons You Should Attend Local Music Events

1) To Get The Best Deal On Merch

It’s common knowledge that you’re going to get the best deal on band merch at the actual show, as opposed to the internet where hosting fees, shipping fees and money conversion are going to turn what would have been a 20€ shirt into a $40 investment. You’re going to get the best deal on albums and will probably score free stickers. You’re way more likely to find bundle deals and you know that that your money is going directly to the artist.

2) Meet New People

Not only will you probably get some face to face time with the musicians that are playing that night, you’ll also meet people with similar music tastes and it can be a great networking opportunity. If you want to be involved in music in any way –performer, photographer, roadie, management –you’ll have the opportunity to talk with people who can get you in the industry.

3) More Bang For Your Buck

At an average of $5-$10 and having 4+ bands you are going to get to hear/see more music at a local show at a lower price than going to a big concert with 2-4 bands at $50 a ticket. Then you have more money to spend on merch and beer.

4) Musicians Are People Too

Humans in general thrive on knowing when they are doing a good job. The primary focus of most musicians is to rock the crowd, in a smaller venue you’ll have a greater effect on the musicians who are performing for you. 20 people at a local show make a huge difference compared to 20 deciding to skip out the Iron Maiden concert at the arena. Whether you know it or not, you and your group of friends are making a difference for that band by showing up and rocking out.

5) Helps The Local Economy

When you give your money to local acts and spend your money at smaller venues, the chances of that money staying in the community are a lot higher than if you are spending $150 at a concert or online shop for a artist in Denmark. Not saying you shouldn't be supporting international bands, however…

6) They Might Make It Big

All musicians that are famous, that get the most radio time, that have the most elaborate performances started somewhere. They were all local acts at one time struggling to fill a bar even with free admission. They had shitty gigs with shitty turnouts and didn't make any money for the first 5 years they were together. But thanks to local support those bands became Nirvana, Black Sabbath, Rush, The Ramones.

7) You Might Like It

Possibly one of the most rewarding parts of going to any music event is hearing something awesome for the first time. It’s not uncommon to go and see your friend play and be astounded by the other bands. That is the purpose of local shows, to expose bands. Even if they don’t seem like your genre, or you don’t like the name, or the guy you didn’t like in high school is the drummer, you never know until you hear it. And at the very least you’re only gambling $10.

In conclusion, music is a giant circle, fans support the artists, the artists give music to the fans. Do your part to keep it going.

Zeb's B.O.T.W.

Well here is my first BOTW Mudd. a 3 piece alternative rock band, with Devin Yamsuan on bass and Vocals, Alex Slade on Guitar and Vocals and Dave Voll on drums mix the bass heavyness and slap technique of primus with the funk feel of the Red Hot Chili Peppers to make a dangerous combo. You cant help but having a good time at their shows with a mix of originals and mashups of fun songs like ghostbusters and high voltage(Electric Six) . Check them out tomorrow night at Verns (622 8 Ave SW Calgary) also playing will be Black Opus and Risky Endeavor get ready to party.

AlTCiTY Interview with Jesse James Cameron of MAKESHIFT INNOCENCE!

I love their music and they are in Germany touring .. from Calgary and proud to be is Jesse James Cameron, While on the other side of the planet honored me with a lil interview and here it is :)

Me-What has been your favorite food being on tour in Europe?

Jesse -hahahahahah

Well the tour food is not the greatest. it is kind of eat what you can when you can.

Me-Have you stopped at any places on tour that you will always think about?

J- All our stops are pretty rad. We get to see new places every day. Seeing the countryside of Germany is absolutely incredible. One of my favorite places is called Sonthoven. It is a small village in the middle of nowhere. Incredible to say the least. It actually reminds me of Calgary!

 Me-What do you miss about Calgary ?

J-I miss my dog back home.

Me-If there was one thing you would say to an upcoming band or artist what would it be?

J-Never give up and always be humbled... and pay attention...

Me-When you came up with the song one love Did you think it would be as big as it became?

J-I never wrote to be big,,, just to be heard

Me-I know you are a fan of Sublime  What is the best memory / song you have of Bradley ?

J-Probably Badfish

Something about his melodies

Me-I love that song too J ..Normally I would ask for my last question how you would believe the world will end but I would rather hear you hopes for the future of life .

Jesse-The future is as beautiful as the now we live in. The very fact that every second ultimately changes the course of our future, should say something. We have the ability to change course at any time. I would like to live now, for now is my future. Now, is our future .

Me-Well said homie !  Thanks for the interview anything else you would like to say to Calgary readers?!

Jesse-Take a second and live. Help those who fall down. It means the world to them. Especially those who seem the strongest. It usually means they are fighting a big fight inside.

Me-You are an inspiration bro! Thanks again!

Jesse-Stay safe and blessed

Me-You too man .. One Love

https://www.facebook.com/makeshiftinnocence?ref=br_tf < hit the link to the fb page to check out tunes and links! cheers! BSK

Sysko's Band Of The Week! - DELUGE

DELUGE
This has been a long time coming but expected if you do know me , my good friends DELUGE (also friends of Cale who has been hanging around these guys and came to every show I put on with them :))
Honestly this is one of my favorite bands , and I wont say that very often but I will piss off my friends by playing them a ton and they are also married to my phones playlist .. The singer has a great voice , reminiscent of Ten Second Epic and Taking Back Sunday but they have a very original taste for making things stick in your head!! http://deluge.bandcamp.com/ is a great way to find their music in a great quality ! also check them out on their fb >https://www.facebook.com/Delugecalgary

This weekend's Shows For those looking for shit to do! have a great weekend!!

Tonight!
LOUD AS HELL MUSIC FESTIVAL!
This weekend in Drumheller the loud as hell music fest will be kicking off!!
It will be a must see for sure!!https://www.facebook.com/events/488285274585497/

Electric Monk / The Marlbros / Single Coil City
https://www.facebook.com/events/412320035546120/

And again there will be a Floodraiser at the Legion! because Calgary is just fucking awesome like that!
https://www.facebook.com/events/150646931807481/

The Open Doors .. Tribute to The Doors @ Lord Nelsons

https://www.facebook.com/events/611722628859998/

Red Cain / Satoru / Point-0.8 / Paint the Damage
https://www.facebook.com/events/235040829965821/

Emre Chords , Black Betty's

Tomorrow!
If you are interested in some baking and other random stuff there is a yard sale at my friend Lissa's place
I will be popping in at some point to have some drinks :)
https://www.facebook.com/events/616149958419907/

The Compound of Ignorance is having a party at 2pm . if you know the place head on over :D

AAAAnd hey fuckers! its DIE!!
VERNS
https://www.facebook.com/events/149426121928719/?ref=2

Sadly I am too poor to go to this but you should!!
Marty from Arsenal is having a going away party!
Gunna miss the fucker!
Thrashadaktyl / Arsenal / Train Bigger Monkeys / DIE
https://www.facebook.com/events/223437774474822/

Have a great weekend!!!!!!

Get to know your blogger with Sysko and Cale Z :)

Interview over facebook this morning to kick off our new collaboration I thought I would ask some insightful and awesome questions so you can get to know my buddy Cale! ;) Good stuff in here! thanks buddy!! get this started!

9:26am

Sure dude let's do this

what is the first thing you think of in the morning?

Oh god what day is it?

Then I think about how I don't want to get out of bed but I do it anyways

Then my goal ultimately is to get coffee

lol!

what is the best show you have ever been to?

That's a hard one to answer. I've probably seen over 500 bands since the time I was 15 and started going to shows.

Brand New was one of the top shows for me last year this year was warped tour in Seattle seeing Amity Affliction

Every show has a different feeling so they all matter in the end

Warped tour is always rad!

this may be another hard question to answer bit who is your fave band local or otherwise?

There's been so many bands that have come and gone from my life my favorite local band of all time was the Nix Dicksons. They had everything. Good song writing energy they knew how to talk to crowds they really taught me a lot and they are all good friends of mine.

For big bands Foo fighters will always be the top for me. The way dave grohl puts music together just has always amazed me and inspired me. He is the master craftsmen of all instruments

love it! ..What song is stuck in your head right now?

The song that is stuck in my head always is my favorite song of all time. Its called Antique its by a band called Texas is the reason they where in the first wave of emo in the early 90s they where ahead of their time which sadly was also their downfall for commercial success

didnt see that one coming

what would you say to newcomers in the music industry today?

Do whatever the fuck you want don't focus yourself to one set genre just make music from what is inside of you. Dont be afraid to try something different. Write with emotion and do music because you love it. If you're in a band to try and make money get out now there's no room for you. If you are playing music to make money you're in it for the wrong reasons.

great answer!

do you have any tattoos?

Too many to count in various places on my body. I love getting new ink most times I don't have the cash to get new ones I look at tattoos as check points in life everyone I get is for a reason that's important to me. They've become more socially exceptible and I think its awesome. Your body is yours to decorate the way you want

I definitely agree !! all of mine have some serious meaning!

what are your views on social media and its effect on the music industry ?

Its good and bad. I mean it makes it easier to share your music with everyone rather than the days where people had to buy your album or hear you on the radio. Its also more personal because you get to interact with your fan base

The bad part about it is that everyone can be in a band and make songs and have 'fans' sometimes its just not good music

When you had to put everything you had into making an album on tape the quality was better it was either do or die now its all cut and paste

hold ing back my agreement comments this is your interview haha

how do you think the world will end?

I honestly think the planet will over turn us as a race. Its going to push us out of here just like it did with the dinosaurs and then the world will be vacant for 1000s of years and a new species will evolve and hopefully whatever species evolves in the end they figure out how make record players because I have a huge vinyl collection I'll be leaving behind haha

LMAO! .. fuckin eh man! Well this is our "Get to know yoiur blogger" Interview with Cale!

First interview - Kassandra Anderson / Shooting Star Photography

Hey so I decided I would do some online interviews with some of my friends in the local alternative industries  and my long time friend Kassandra said fuckit I cant sleep lets do this haha so for Shooting Star her is our Interview  ;

me-first question is an odd one but fuckit , what is your fave breakfast ?

K-Bacon breakfast wrap with salsa from Tim Hortons lol

me-what would be you favorite shoot so far?

K-Probably modern day Cinderella

me-nice!

me-What is your favorite band ?

K-The Spill Canvas

me-your favorite venue ?

local or anyplace else to see a show

K-I have no idea. Probably one that could be outside

me-good answer lol

what song gets stuck in your head the most?

K-Canadian dance moves

me_Do you have tatts? if so how many do you have?

K-Uhhhh

3 small ones, 2 big pieces

me-What do you think of social media in the photography industry / modelling industry?

K-Instagram makes everyone a model and a photographer. Congratulations, you can use a filter and take a "selfie". Some are great for getting your work out there, and forums are brilliant for information.

me-I like that answer too haha

last question

how do you think the world will end?

K-Haha! Easy. The world won't end, however the world as we know it will. Just like it has for generations before us. Men no longer get out of the car and meet your parents before taking you on a date. Nope, instead they shoot you a text and tell you they are outside. You use to have to talk on the phone in your kitchen with your mom listening. Now you can make a phone call from a shower. The world me and you know, will be completed dead and gone in another umpteen years.

Or zombie apocalypse of course.

Fuckin eh!!! Thank you for the Interview !! you rock! keep up the good work!!

Local Alternative Model / All kinds of other things awesome.. -Dani Manning!!

Dani Manning 
She is no normal lady !
Rocking everything like Dancing, performing , modelling , acting and numerous other things that kick ass! as you will tell from the shots below that she enjoys the strip pole too! All around wickedawesome! click the name for the link to here page to like here and get updates on the new shit she is up to!! believe me it will be interesting as hell! ;) Other than the fb you may see her around on other pages like Model mayhem >  http://www.modelmayhem.com/1416334

-BSK

Hi, My Name Is....

Cale Zebedee (Sorry it's not Slim Shady) I'm the new kid on the block around here. I've been part of the Calgary local scene since summer of 2007 where I just kind of fell into it. I was asked to be a fill in bass player for a show and never having even played with a band the fact I was being asked to play a show had me sold. Sadly at the time I was living outside of the city so my part in the scene was directly linked to the bigger shows whether it be Mac Ballroom or Hall, Saddledome ect. It wasn't till I moved into the city for everything to fall in place. I realised that the music scene was the best place for me to make friends and find a band(so I could play more of those show things I got a taste for). I was in a band for awhile but the lack of commitment was a problem and it didn't work out. From that moment on I devoted myself to the music scene whether it be giving shout outs to bands I seen or just going to shows to discover what talent this city has. You've probably seen me at a show before, I'm that guy standing at the front when no one else is studying the bands learning what makes them tick. Then after many months of hard searching I finally found something and the goal was set again this forming my current project Risky Endeavor I knew what i had to do but there where members of the band holding us back, he then quit and I was in full force again to find members, but at the same time I was making friends and finding talented bands along the way. So anyways the position was filled and now over the last 10 months we've been on a war path to make ourselves known, we are currently recording with a longtime friend. I promise I won't spam you to death with Risky posts but do expect one from time to time. Look forward to posting lots about this awesome counter culture this city has whether it be the arts, music, tattoos or alternative models. If you want a feature give me a shout we will work something out. 'Till next time Keep on Rocking in the Free World Cale

New Contributor! -Cale Zebedee

Friend of mine and also a big local scene enthusiast / Band member himself , Cale Z will be joining me on the site with a weekly blog and on the fb page! He goes to lots of shows so keep an eye out for his show reviews! I am sure you will see something by him soon !

Updates! Changes and Random info .. Oh yeah and merch!

Well ladies and gents we have been getting pretty busy on the blog for traffic and I have been talking to some others about the open positions to help me with the blog by doing some stuff of their own on it and I am not quite sure they are into it as much as I would like .. SO now I am looking for potential writers and reviewers to have their own page  (:)) on the blog where they can do anything they want  considered of course to be Calgary Alternative info or relevant to in some way .. You can email your interest or suggest a friend by commenting or msg my email . thecic@live.ca . Brad Kidd. I am open to suggestions that will help our music
/ arts industries in whatever way!!
Also lately The homestead of ALTCitY has changed.. so some things will not be on time because of a lack of availability or lack of internet accessibility .. It Shall return to normal very soon!!

Cool Shit I am working on right now is getting Merch to be sold directly from the site but also in person . ALTCitY Will have stickers , Tshirts and by special order FLEXFIT caps very soon! When I finish the new logo and get it sent out I will be sure to inform the masses of availability and price!! Cheers Readers !! you guys fucking rock!!! - BSK

Band Of The Week (METAL) - Day One

DAY ONE
Day One is a Calgary Threesome Metal Band That Hits really fucking hard ! Not for the faint of heart would be "Revenge" A Throaty Ode to speed metal with a sick dark feel and some great Guitar transitions! .. Very dark very heavy! Best to Mosh to if you have plans to go to the hospital some time soon.. I'm Currently not sure what they have been up to since 2012 but I'm sure they will be back to slay once again .. In the meantime you can check out some of their tracks on their site .. great recordings! https://myspace.com/dayonemetal/music/songs .. Like the page and msg them on FB by clicking the name and try to get them back and updating shit again! haha

Special B.O.T.W - The Crook Art

THE CROOK ART
Just came across this band because of a Fan submission and I fucking love it! And I found out I used to do sound for one of the band members! They have a raspy almost rustic sound with piercing guitars riffs and some great vocals !! .. With a sound that sort of reminds me of a bluesy side of Rage Against The Machine!
Heavy Alternative Blues to its finest! I cant wait to check them out live! .. And if you want to check them out yourself you can go to any of these sites! >https://soundcloud.com/the-crook-art > http://thecrookart.bandcamp.com/  Or Click on the name link for their fb page link!!

Loud As Hell Festival! - Awesome lineup!

Loud As Hell
So to be clear I rarely Quote people but I will give this a one off because there is no better way of saying it!
""Its our 2nd year, Geoff Bourrie and I came up with the idea after being dissapointed with the way other festivals have been moving (more EDM music less Metal example Boonstock) Both of us involved in the local music scene, thought it would be kick ass to have a all metal festival in the badlands with some big talent and tons of great local homegrown stuff. Last year we had Rex Brown and Vinny Appice/ Kill Devil Hill as our headliners and were excited that 3IOB will be headlining this year. 3 days of metal, 18 bands, food vendors, tattoos, merch and vendors in the dinosaur capital of the world. Free camping on site. We had over 87 bands submit so it was tough, but we are really stoked to have so much talent at one show. The bands have been really supportive and I think it really just show how kick ass the metal community is becoming in Alberta. We have a HUGE vaireity of metal from deathgrind to punkcore to power metal or just straight up drinking music... You'll get a taste of everything and won't be disspointed. Tickets are still available, and will be available at the door. More info on our site... www.loudashell.com"
This comes from Ryan Semchuk a partner in creating the festival!
Click the name link for a fb link to the event and info!
This will be a very fucking amazing time that you will never forget !!

Tour Poster -Vile Burning Sin

Vile Insignia , Blackest Sin  , Burning Effigy are off on tour!!

Local Alternative Model - Cherry Madchen

CHERRY MADCHEN
It seems like not that long ago I was trying to help get her in with some photographer friends of mine to start shooting and now look where she is!! I have been following her progress from the beginning and she has seriously surpassed my expectations! The pin-up shoots she has done are flawless and she has a natural knack for posing! Im not going to say I know a ton about modelling but I am a very big fan of alternative girls with tattoos and know what I like and can see the differences .. And I Strongly recommend that if you are a fan like me to check her page out on the link above and here are a couple pictures from her page!

Band Of The Week - Big Big Moose

BIG BIG MOOSE
Calgary style Punk 3 piece Band made up Of 3 talented artists that have been working with other bands for years!   https://soundcloud.com/big-big-moose is where you can hear a recording of their song "Mama Dear"
I have a feeling they will keep kicking ass with the sound that reminds me of hanging with the punk rockers in college at ACAD .. Just a perfect amount of ALT in the sound! .. Tomorrow they will be playing at MORGANS on 17th ave s.w for the Indie Wednesdays show! Check out the page and the event and shoot them a like and hit up the show! I highly Recommend them because I have seen a bunch of previous work and It was fucking great! here is tomorrows event >  https://www.facebook.com/events/602143269807373/

Artist / Producer - Twinsnakes

TwinSnakes
Twinsnakes Is a local Do / it / all Kind of guy who has done a ton of great work including Sountracks for movies, his own studio development and Involvement in many bands including CHAKOBSA and Many tracks of Hip Hop and Dubstep .. and much much more! Check out his page to see what kind of awesome he is up to these days .. Click the name ^ to hit up his FB page!

BAND OF THE WEEK - Class Action !SKA special!

CLASS ACTION
Class action is a local Ska band with a sound that is reminiscent of Reel Big Fish and Slightly Stoopid! .. A Calgary Ska band sounds a little out of context but they rock it like they were with The Specials or Rebelution .. I am a huge fan of SKA and was very surprised as hell when I found a long beach style SKA Band right here in our city .. and a very good one too! ..I have been asked before what is SKA .. it is a mixture of Reggae and Horns and a lil bit of punk! .. Happy Sounding music with normally a darker meaning behind the lyrics.. Honestly my favorite genre and proud to say we have like minded fellas making great music in our fine city .. click the name to check the FB page for upcomming shows .. And check out their songs here>http://classactionska.bandcamp.com/

New Model / Photographer - RedRabbit

RedRabbit
RedRabbit photos is run and owned by model / photographer Jessica Brown .. Her pictures both in front of and behind the camera have a very distinct taste that you can tell is all her own .. She edits her pics herself and has a fucking wicked eye for beauty .. Girls , animals , landscapes and many more just kicking the shit out of photography ! Im not kidding .. click the link above with the name and see her page on fb and shoot her a like!! RedRabbit has some amazing shots of Alternative models and I am sure that will just keep coming! 

The long weekend! + ENEMYUS special B.O.T.W

ENEMY US
This past long weekend was very intense for a TON of people including myself.. Started the Night by working on a song for my own band and a fuzzy as the rest of the weekend was .. I remember going To Dickens Pub To the Enemy Us CD release party and Say a ton of people I know down there .. I only stayed for a short time because .. Well I had started drinking a long time before the show with some friends .. What I can tell you Is I had a great time.. While I was there!! .. I have to say That Enemy Us is one of the first bands I remember seeing live a while ago and the whole band is very talented in everything they do! These guys also in other bands blessed my old venue numerous time while I was working there! so check them out and get a CD if you like awesome fuckin raw killer music!! haha Click on the title for a link for tunes too!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Enemyus/13088146554

Special B.O.T.W for Loremaster!

LOREMASTER
For the wicked awesome support of Lindsay Arnold I am glad to add an extra shout out to LOREMASTER
Consisting of some Friends of mine including miss Lindsay . This Heavy as fuck almost Viking style Metal but they consider themselves "Folk"  band kick all kinds of ass! Marlee the singer can belt like no other and Ireheart Bergin on the geeetar slays like a dragon killer! Lindsay (former seven deadly grins) Makes the bass her bitch !! Conner beats the crap out of the drums and then there is Colin Riley who shreds like a mofo too.. A very experienced group of people who have a ton of talent combined!!!
I have not had the pleasure of seeing them live in person
 but have checked out some videos here>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJTq1IUbWg4
there are a bunch so check them all out and shoot them a like!

Hazzardous Material / Horror Con

Hazzardous Material
It is a local Alternative Modelling company run by Owner/Photographer Erin Hazzard
Some local ladies of all shapes, sizes, Experience and all awesome!
Alternative, Punk, Gothic, Horror, Cosplay, Tattoos and much more!!
I have mad respect for Erin and what she has done for the local modelling scene!
Its worth checking it out! click on the name at the top and check out some models for free!
click here to check out the fb page!
https://www.facebook.com/hazzardousmaterials

On the other hand , If you would like to see some of the ladies live and in person..
Check out Horror Con !!! At the Blackfoot Inn.