AltCitY Calgary < facebook page link
Started By Brad Sysko Kidd and Joined by Others to bring to you some of Calgary's Music and Art industry by sharing our knowledge and experience Through Interviews with local talent, Show reviews, Band Of the Week from many genres spanning from Punk , Metal and of course Alternative. Along with other Alternative attributes this city has to offer about Art, Modelling, Tattoos and more! Artists helping artists is all we are about!
Welcome to our Look at local Calgary awesome!!

Tuesday, 30 September 2014

Interview with Skeleton War!!

So I found one of the most eclectic bands from here in Calgary and had a chat with the band! Check it out!!


SW-Hi, if you want to do interviews, my band is new, but we've got some hype in our niche
BSK-Fuckin eh! that is what I like to promote is new bands .. What is it that you do?
SW-Were an all queer horrorfolk cabaret called skeleton war
BSK-Well that sounds fucking great!!  I am totally down to do an interview that sounds fun!

SW-Yeah man lol
BSK-Are you familliar with the interviews that I do? If not it is about 10 plus questions including some random stuff but I have a feeling this one will be random enough lol .. all just on fb chat and I edit it after so it fits on the blog

SW-Nice, sounds good
The whole team is here

BSK-Oh fuckin eh! Well if you are in We can get started .. just let me grab a brew and a smoke and get goin?

SW-Go for it
BSK-Alrighty then good to go .. k first question because I have no idea what horrorfolk is can you guys please enlighten me?
I have never heard of it

SW-We argued about it a while
it is Lots of yelling and banjo, its like horrorcore and folk punk

BSK-How did you guys come about as a group?

SW-Teca, our ukelele player and I met at an anime con in '13 and jammed for about a year, then we met Megan, a washboard playing metalhead, and it all clicked

BSK-I have never come across a story like that in my life lol that is pure gold! .. For the readers .. Can you tell them where they can find you to check out this awesome mix that personally I would love to see too!?

SW-We have a Facebook, it just hit 100 the other day,
We update it whenever we have a show or are going busking
that would be https://www.facebook.com/pages/Skeleton-War/937734966245394
Skeleton War
That's us
BSK-So you said " All queer horrorfolk cabaret" .. How did you end up with that?

Uhm We're pretentious youth , Long genre = we show up in more searches
Hell, our name is a meme
BSK-Is there any shows coming up so that my readers and I can come and check out?
SW-Not yet! Meg and Teca just started school, so were focusing on our first CD
Which will be available online from ukelele horror records in Rhode island
As soon as we figure out how to record

BSK-Well if you want I have some great connections here in town and I would love to book a show and have you on the bill 'cause this sounds awesome to me ! ..
Whenever you are ready to gig.

SW-That'd be so rad, but half the band is 17
So ya know

BSK-Not a problem . take your time there are many all ages shows too .. anyway back to the questions  .. Speed round time ! haha .. What is a band that influences You?

SW-Against me, andrew Jackson jihad, Amanda palmer, Steve martin, and kanye
Lots of underground folk punk too, especially stick and poke and tale teller heart from Toronto

BSK-Well that is quite the eclectic grouping lol right on! .. Who would you want to play with at a show living or dead?

SW-Earl Scruggs, and against me! local band pervecore, love the way they perform, and the Dresden dolls
BSK-I love Pervcore too they killed it at my anniversary/birthday party haha I will get you two together sometime if you want  ..
What would you do if there was a zombie apocalypse??
I want an answer from each of ya!

SW-We have a group plan
Head east, steal all the drugs and booze we can, head north, stay where its too cold for zombies
If they reach us all the way at my aunts island cabin, at least we won't die sober
BSK-If it as an island and they try making it swiming they will fall apart pretty quick ! Good idea! ... What is the future for you guys after the first album?

SW-Our second album?
We don't know what skeleton war can achieve, I try not to think about it, its just something we do because its fun
Most practices are just us making dumb skeleton jokes and coming up with ways to be ooky spooky

BSK-Well that sounds fun! I wish you guys well with one of the most eclectic sounding ideas I personally have ever heard of!! Thanks for the interview !!

Friday, 26 September 2014

Go support local music!!!

This weekend there will be a lot of stuff going on but the one that is a no brainer for me is going to my friend and biz partner Cales AKA Zebs show for Risky Endeavors Ep release including some great band that I have been addicted to :) DELUGE! has a special place in my heart so I am stoked to go tonight!!

Ok well now let's get to the shows coming up this weekend! Info here

Tonight!

Kryosphere, Sentient, Frightenstein and Just Stay Fucking Dead are at Lord Nelsons .. Info here

The Free Cinics are joined by Shrinking Violet and Mammoth Grove at the Palomino .. Info here

Follow The Rabbit is at The Blind Beggar with DUNRIGHT and Sour Feelings .. Info here

Tomorrow!!

Vern's Pub has OL with Kris Whiteway, Fluffy The Pitbull And The Fangles.. Info here

Calgary Beer Core awards will be held at Dickens pub .. Info here

IDVIP is putting on a B-Day show at Overtime Sports bar and grill with Mavis Beakin and The outlets band. info here

Sunday!!

Singer/Songwriter Awards are being held at the Blind Beggar info here

That is all I have for ya .. But this will be a killer weekend! Stay safe people!! Cheers! - BSK






Sunday, 21 September 2014

Zeb's Spotlight of the Week

So my spotlight for the week is going to be a little different this week but my friends from Vancouver who are currently a cross Canada tour Trace the Sky have had a couple shows drop on them so they are playing a very last minute 18+ show tomorrow night at Lord Nelsons. Come and check them out plus I'm really excited to finally check out Colour in the Clouds!

Check out their tunes here

Monday night at Lord Nelson's bar:

Colour in the Clouds
Trace The Sky
Sparrows Over Spain
Cardinal

Thursday, 18 September 2014

This weekends shows!!

Before I get into this weekends shows, tonight is the night that some awesome is going on @Dickens .. Circus of the strangely Beautiful is going to be fucking great! too many people to name and yeah it starts very soon so get the fuck up and get down there!!
Now for tomorrow!! 

Friday!!
The Well Witchers are at the Blind beggar! info here

Jenevive and The Implicate Order @ & pm @ Broken City .. Info here

Hazzerd , Samsara and Dethgod at Lord Nelsons .. Info here

Coniving Cadavers vs, Shark Infested Daughters @ Verns .. Info here

All Else Fails, Enemy Us and guests Every hour kills and Same Monkey at Dickens .. Info here

                                                                      Saturday!!!
Cardinal with Trace the sky, Snakepit , Next day heroes and In search of signals at National music center. info here

Bloated pig, Trampstamper, Statue of Demur and False Flag will be at Lord Nelsons . Info here

The Shamrock hotel has OH SHIT! , The Misfires and No More Moments ! .. Info here


Get out of the house because it is getting close to when yopu wont want to and take it from me these are all very great bands playing!!! Cheers! -BSK




Wednesday, 3 September 2014

Interview with Justin Shadows of Leave the Living!!

Justin Shadows is a fellow promoter and plays in Leave The Living! < music here!!

Justin-Let's go for it
BSK-K dude how did music come into play with your life?
Justin-Started acoustic guitar and playing in punk bands as a kid. Gradually got heavier. I have always been a music nerd.
BSK-As a fellow music nerd what would be your most influential musician or band?
Mine is Sublime
Justin-Joy Division, Alkaline Trio, Sublime, Nirvana
BSK-you promote and play in Leave The Living .. and had some sick shows .. what is the plan for later on?
Justin-We want to take the show on the road. Go see the rest of canada. Go to the states. As for promoting, I'm very happy doing what I do. I love working with a lot of indie metal bands. It's very rewarding and I truly believe necessary.
BSK-Do you have a place in mind to play? Where is your goal to play and who would you bring with you from Calgary if you could?
Justin-I would truthfully love to go all over the world playing music. I want to see Newfoundland, California, Europe. And you can't ask me that man, I love the Calgary scene and there are so many amazingly good bands. Exit Strategy, Stab Twist Pull, After Earth, WCWT, Citizen Rage, the list goes on and on. Calgary has really become like a second home to us. We love it there.
BSK- Ok next is the speed round .. what is your favorite band of all time?
Justin-Alkaline Trio
BSK-Favorite food?
Justin-Chicken Fajitas
BSK-Worst food you have ever eaten?
Justin-Greek salad ,Absolutely HATE it
BSK-Me too haha .. what would be the biggest pet peave of yours?
Justin-Bands that take over 10min to set up or tear down
BSK-What would you do in zombie apocalypse ?

Justin-Lock myself in a liquor store
BSK-nice! my plan too haha .. thanks dude this was fun!!

Justin-Thank you! Always a pleasure Brad. Keep up the good work!
BSK-No problem dude! I will keep surprising people with new tunes as you fuckin rock them out!!

Monday, 1 September 2014

What the fuck did you get up to this long weekend? Holy fuckin fest batman!

So I have been asking around and so has Zeb to find someone to help with a new logo because I have heard the one that I made sucks :( fuckers .. so anyway we had one of Zebs friends work on some for us .. you can check out our fb page here and let us know what you think of what we have up there .. but for now we are asking YOU! to help us find a fitting logo! msg either Cale or I on the fb page to talk about ideas or if you know somebody who is good at this photoshop shit! haha .. here is an idea a friend had>
You like? let us know.

Now onto the pressing question! WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO THIS WEEKEND? 
Since there was a thousand some bands playing over the long weekend I did not decide to post what was going on because it would be a long ass read and you may or may not have given a fuck anyway .. I know that many people had a killer time out at Loud as Hell festival in Drumheller and some went out to Beaverfest  and Killed it with the likes of Protest the hero and Gob plus many of my friends bands and rap groups .. Fuck I wish I could have gone to that one :( 
One strange thing I found out was that Xfest fucking sucked .. I was surprised because there were some cool names on there but then I remembered that most of those bands only have one song I like each and I am sure that I can't be the only one .. If you went I hope you had fun! 
Now we get to the piece de resistance, the boys from the Beer Core had their 10 year anniversary party !!!
That must have been a shit kicker! Just yesterday at Stetsons Bands like ( check out their music free here>)World class white trash, Profits of crime,Burning Effigy, Blackest Sin  and so much more..must have beer awesome! 
Some people went camping .. I am not as much of a camper as I once was but I love the water :) so fuck all ya'll that got to boat or go swimming ! haha .. I am green about that .. all the water I got was rain haha .. 
For those who just hung around home and got drunk with friends I feel ya because that was my whole weekend.. I am saving my raw powerful party energy for this coming Friday at Lord Nelsons  for our 1+ year anniversary and 10,000 page read party with 6 fuckin awesome bands and some great vaudeville acts! with some tattoo boys down there slinging some art !!!  So my next question is WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING NEXT WEEKEND?
Cheers ya'll and have a good relaxing hangover :)! -BSK


Friday, 22 August 2014

This weekends shows!!

I like to get to this on the weekend because I hope that I am helping to get people out to shows
and sometimes it goes unread so please share these especially if one of these is your show!!

Tonight !!

There is a killer charity show today out in Airdrie with a bunch of bands and the profits go to leukemia! info here 

National music center has some great things going on sometimes and this is one! Zunzo records is putting on a show with a bunch of bands I have never heard of but they are a good company so I am sure it will be great! info here

Machine modified/ All Giants Fail, Son of a pitch, Tens only are playing with AFTERMARKET at The Dog and Duck! Info here

Numenorean Is at the Blind Beggar with Occulus , Vile Insignia and RAW.. info here

Tomorrow !!

Carifest is at the Shaw millennium park .. for those who do not know Carifest is all Caribbean music and life style . so check it out!! info here

Shannons pirate party is going to rock with bands like World class white trash, Leave the Living, Skymir and the boys I used to manage and rock like all hell SHRAPNAL!! .. Recommended show!!

X929 and SIN agency are working on Road to indie week at the Blind beggar!! info here 

Tiny Shrine is playing with Windigo and Kyote at the Palomino !! info here

Gatekeeper and RIOT CITY with be rocking at Lord Nelsons with others . Info here

SUNDOWN is at the National music center .. info here

Sunday!! 

Lucid Scream EP listening party at the Blind Beggar!!.. info here

There is a shit load of awesome shit going on this weekend and I bet most of ya got paid so pick one and support local tunes!! CHEERS!! - BSK

Friday, 15 August 2014

This weekends shows!!!



Tonight!!
Rebirth has been around for 3 years .. so he is celebrating at the Republik tonight with a bunch of bands.
info here

CREEPERFEST! VERN'S is hosting The Difficult Brown , The Misused , Just Stay fucking Dead , The Rigormortitions and Upside down Man. info here

The Ashley Hundred is a new band to me and I love them so here is a link to their music :) also they are playing tonight at Broken City with some other great locals . check it out here!

Red Skull Ritual is here from Edmonton with HAZZERD and DETHGOD. @ Lord Nelsons. info here

Dickens has ONYX and a handful of great rappers and performers like WAKEDAFUCUP. tonight. Info here

Tomorrow!!

Sidelines in Dover is hosting Undead Earth , Beneath The Wicked and Perception of Pain .. info here

The Skate Shack is hosting an all ages for you young ones who want to get out and see wicked bands like OPEN SAILS , Nothing gold can stay , Floorboards , Calling all captains and Halfway to hollywood. more info here

Sunday!!

The Suppliers and All Hands On Jane who are both awesome are playing with IndianHandcrafts at Nite Owl.
more info here !! For a Sunday this will be a great show!

Get out and support local music!!!!!! - BSK



Wednesday, 13 August 2014

Zeb's Spotlight of the Week

This weeks spotlight goes out to a dear friend of mine Tanner James!!

A lot of us know Tanner as the charismatic front man of The Nix Dicksons. When the Nix split he decided to do things his own way and become a folk artist and with that he's became a hard working musician who is now constantly on tour all across Canada and a few states in the USA. In 2013 he released his first solo album called "How to Ruin Your Life With Women" and on August 22nd him and good friend Sean Hamilton will be releasing a split album at Wine-Ohs (event here). This morning he released a video for one of his most famous songs called "All Girls Want" you can check out the video here.


http://www.tannerjamesmusic.com/home

Sunday, 10 August 2014

Interview with Chris Roberts of DIE! Check it out!

BSK-got plans? 20 mins free time? Im hurtin for an interview

Chris-Sure man
BSK-lemme grab a brew and smoke then i will hit u up with some questions
Chris-sounds good
BSK-alright lets get the started  .. DIE I saw you guys live before and you killed .. whats going on with the band nowadays?
Chris-well we havent had a very active summer so far, its been pretty tough to get a ton of time together, but we are still writing and jammin, hopefully pull together some recordings soon
BSK-What got you into music ? Did you train or did you work on your vocals yourself?
Chris-bit of a funny story,
BSK-please share !

Chris-I had actually tried out for DIE probably about 8 years ago. Did my audtion but I was just awful. Metal has always been a huge passion and lifestyle for me so I wanted to be a singer so bad and I thought I would never be able to be good enough. Years passed and I had found that the band was looking to form again as they found a drummer and needed a singer. The first audition I was a pack and a half a day smoker and could barely breathe. My audition many years later I had quit smoking and was able to scream like a mother fucker. something i have never been able to do as a smoker. so I have been building and getting better and better as time progresses

my older brother introduced me to metal at a very young age and I have been hooked ever since
BSK-haha yeah smoking can be a bitch to the voice .. I cannot sing anymore cause i smoke and drink too much ...I wanna say thanks for getting involved in the blogs first show!! I am exited to have you come and scream your head off! What would be the best place in your mind to play? anywhere.

Chris-yeah absolutly. I am super stoked for the show. The best place is wherever I am on stage haha. but if I had to pick I would love to do some house of blues type venue. But my all time fantasy would be to play just any huge outdoor festival preferebly in Europe somewhere

I kinda perfer the smaller venues if I were to play day to day. I like being close to the audience
BSK-To grow as a band you have to promote and be close to your fans .A serious question here .. what do you think about the state of the music industry in Calgary right now?

Chris-I think that it is definatly growing and this city has a lot of crazy talent. my next step is that I really want to start becoming more involved with it. Unfortunalty I dont know the major in's and out's of this city's industry, but it is something that I want to become close with. I love that there are so many shows every weekend for local talent. Some of the music in this city is pretty amazing
BSK-The ins and outs are not that hard to learn if you know the right people  .. anyway lets get to the fun speed questions.. whats the best breakfast?

Chris-And I am slowly begining to know them which I am stoked for.
I make my kids "epic breakfast" alot and it consists of pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs and fruit salad. basic but delicious
BSK-Who is you favorite historical figure ?

Chris-Genghis kahn, that mother fucker is badass
BSK-he fathered half the world lol .. if you were to open for any band living or dead who would it be?

Chris-yeah he did. its crazy hahaha. hmm, so many to choose from. dead bands...Snot, and alive bands probably lamb of god or cannibal. two frontman that really inspire me. probably the two bands i have seen the most live and they kill it every time. I would love to be a part of that
BSK-If you had a plane right now where would you go?
Chris-probably visit Norway or Scotland
BSK-Scotland castles is where I would go . oh we have so much in common lol..So for my final question that people love is what would you do in a zombie apocalypse ??\

Chris-haha nice. I have played this scenario out in my head hundreds of times. Survival of the fittest. Kill or be killed. I would just try and survive as long as I could and probably have fun with it and kill as many zombie motha fuckers as i can.
BSK-Thanks for the interview bro! It was well needed and I cannot wait to see you tear the shit out of Lord nelsons Sept 5th!!!

Chris-aww any time man. it was fun. I cant wait for the show. thanks alot man
BSK-No problem! Cheers bro!!
Chris-cheers.

Thursday, 7 August 2014

This weekends shows and events!!

Today!

Tofu Stravinski w/ Am Static and Postmodern people. @Broken city
check the deets here.

Snakebite and Sexloader cum to Calgary. Lord Nelsons.
link here

Nite Owl opens up the punk with Class Action / The Evidence / Julius summer miller and Bad habits Die Hard!! link here 

Friday!!

Kirby Sewell Band rocks the blues can!
info here

Washboard Union with Wine soaked preachers, The iron choir and Kent mcalister at the Palomino.
info here 

Paradise lanes @Sidelines info here

Follow the rabbit! Playing VERNS. info here

Saturday!!

Hazzerd , Destrier and Just stay fucking dead @Lord nelsons ..info here

Red skull ritual (Fort sask) with SOUNDSKRAPER , DETHGOD , No Days and Chalklines @VERN"S
info here

Altars of grief , Noire and HIVE at Sidelines .. info here 

Stray Arc is playing the Blind Beggar .. info here

Sunday Funday

Count Me In (Kelowna) w/ Let Down Easy and Sparrows Over Spain info here

Get out and support local music!!! Cheers!-BSK



Zeb's Spotlight of the Week

This weeks spotlight goes to.... Let Down Easy!!

This pop punk trio and just overall nice dudes has been hard at work writing and recording material the last little bit. They had their first single "Better Off" played on X929 XPOSURE earlier this year. You can hear that track here
If you want to see what they're all about about catch them on Sunday night down at Vern's with Kellowna's Count Me In and Sparrows Over Spain (event here)

Tuesday, 5 August 2014

Band of the week / Show review - SONDER

Last weekend I finally got off of my ass to get out to a show and at a place I didn't think I would ever return to but somehow I did.. Sidelines sports bar in Dover. I wont get too far into why I have not been back but I will tell you why I decided to go! The show was Sonder and Krepitus .. The oh so well known metal band Krepitus fucking kiiled just like every time I have seen them play! .. The highlight of going to this show other than it being run by good friends and colleagues and all of the people I knew showing up for a last minute show was SONDER! They fuckin killed it , it was the first time I have ever heard of them and from what I am told are quite new but they do not sound new at all .. these guys had a great rhythmic hard rock sound that reminded me of Rush .. and then  .. They played Tom sawyer flawlessly :D Keep an eye out for these guys in the up and coming because they are too good to stay behind the shadows to much longer..-Cheers to SONDER -BSK

Thursday, 31 July 2014

Zeb's Spotlight of the Week

Well looks like I'm falling behind this week and am just getting to this today. This weeks band of the week is COPSICKLE!!

After a long hiatus and a new drummer Copsickle have been hitting the studio to give us a full length album which has been in the works for a very long time. Check out this punk trio this friday down at Lord Nelson's with Streetlight Saints, Bad Habits Die Hard and The Night Lookout this friday THATS TOMORROW!! (event here)

Check out one of their tunes here

Monday, 21 July 2014

Zeb's Spotlight of the Week

This weeks spotlight goes out to Grandola!

Grandola has been out on the road having a good time and seeing Canada with their good time rock promoting their 3rd EP Hypnopotamus and they're arriving home this week and as a last minute surprise they'll be playing Broken City this Friday with All Hands on Jane event here

Check out their tunes here and have a cheeseburger

Tuesday, 15 July 2014

BSK's This week in Calgary independent music!!

This is what is going on this week in local music;

Click on the links to check out info on these shows !!

Tonight.

BORN HANGED TOUR w/ BLACK TONGUE ( UK ), LIFEFORMS ( CALI ) & GALACTIC PEGASUS ( VAN )
 ft. Plaguebringer, Lie Among Us, 
Snakepit, & Processions ( CALGARY, ALL AGES ) 

Tomorrow.
Flash Lightnin', Frankie McQueen, Whiskey Tribesmen at the Palomino Smokehouse.

Thursday.
RHP PRESENTS: Wilt, Bushwhacker, Display of Decay & DethGod Lord Nelsons.

Jenny - All Hands On Jane - In Search Of Signals @ The Nite Owl



Friday.
1Vibe Presents The Weekend Takeover (((EMERALD FOREST STAGE FUNDRAISER)))  ++GLOW PARTY++
LIVE VISUAL PROJECTIONS++ 
Friday July 18 & Saturday the 19, 2014  @ Lord Nelson's Bar 1020-8th Ave SW

Now here is one I am looking forward to!!
THE ELECTRIC MONK ALBUM RELEASE PARTY!!!! Featuring: THE OUTER and BLACK PHOENIX ORCHESTRA

Thrill Of Falling, Outlets Band and Atacama Republic @ The Ironwood Stage & Grill

Ten's Only, Chalklines, One empire Down, Understudy and Chad Brown at Vern's


Undead Earth LIVE with Perception of Pain and Soundskraper @ The Blind Beggar, Friday July 18th

Saturday.
Open Sails CD Release Party!! 18+ (W/ Cardinal, Why Marilyn and Next Day Heroes)


Crimson Shadows & Skymir @ Sideline!


Illuminated Minerva EP Release, Viathyn, Million Dollar Fix at the Palamino

Sunday

Lung Cancer (TOUR KICK OFF), FTFG, Moss Harvest at Tubby Dog


Get out and have a great week Calgary!! Support local original music!!
Cheers! - Brad Sysko Kidd










Monday, 14 July 2014

Zeb's Spotlight of the Week

This weeks spotlight is the reunited Black Phoenix Orchestra. Formed in the winter of 2010 Black Phoenix forged a name for themselves releasing several demos, 2 albums, won X929s Xposure, Played X-Fest and shared the stage with acts such as Yukon Blonde and Electric Six. After several line up changes the band decided to go on an indefinite hiatus. Now with Tyler Larson aka the Electric Monk releasing his much anticipated release 'Heavy Handed' Black Phoenix has risen from the ashes and has been reborn as Tyler was around at the begging and it only seemed to be appropriate that the reunion should happen. Check out The Electric Monk CD release this friday (event here) to see why Black Phoenix was one of the most influential Calgary artist in the last 5 years.



Check out my favourite track here



Photo by Haus Skrastins

Wednesday, 9 July 2014

Zeb's Spotlight of the Week

The Evidence is not only one of my favourite Calgary bands but one of my favourite bands in general. They mix the progressiveness of bands like Coheed & Cambria and Rush with the hard hitting punk element of bands such as the Refused. The band consists of all musicians who have been in the community for years. They are playing the Implicate Order's CD release on July 19th at Dickens Pub with XPOSURE winners Crac the Lens. I highly suggest that you go check them out if you can. Event here

Here's a video of them covering NEW NOISE by THE REFUSED


and check out all their albums here on bandcamp












Thursday, 3 July 2014

Zeb's CD Reviews

It's been awhile since I've posted any new CD reviews, I've been focusing most my energy in getting my bands album wrapped up. But here are some of the local discs I've been spinning currently. If you want me to check out your album and do a review email me at altcitycalgary@outlook.com all genres welcome!!

The Rumble - The Rumble

I reviewed this bands 3 song EP a few months ago and they asked me to check out their new tunes. This new self titled disc was recorded at The Sound Priory by Kiril Telichev. The album is a way more polished sound than the EP. Still holding true to the punk element though in their tunes. The album also includes their own rendition of Rancid's Old Friend.
Essential Tracks: Boiling Bones, Hunger and Heartbreak and Broken Glass
Listen to the album here

Chasing the Past - Through Tragedy

Sadly this is a posthumous release for this band. Back in the fall of 2011 the band had the opportunity to open up for heroes of theirs Misery Signals, months later after the show Misery Signals guitarist Ryan Morgan contacted the band to come and record their album at his studio in Boise Idaho. With Morgan producing he gave the band a more refined sound that they where looking for. Sadly upon returning home the band and vocalist Eric Koch decided to part ways. While trying to find a new vocalist to replace Koch this album had been sitting in Mix/Master limbo. Finally at the end of last year the album was finally released. I had the great opportunity of hearing this album being hashed out as I used to live with the band and hearing the songs finally recorded the way they wanted them to sound is so bitter-sweet for me. But this album is moving and powerful for even the first time listener. Essential Tracks: Advice for The Broken, A Song For The Apathetic and Misanthrope
Download the album for free here


Nightride - Frankie McQueen


The boys in Frankie McQueen return with their hard hitting EP Nightride. Chalked full of classic rock riffs this album keeps you grooving from beginning to end. With party anthems like Nightmare and Take Me Home you'll want to crack open a beer. This also was recorded at The Sound Priory by Kiril Telichev
Essential Tracks - Nightmare, No It's a Cardigan (But Thanks for Asking) and Take Me Home
Listen to it here

Open Sails - Open Sails

This band has been on my radar for quite sometime I've been meaning to check them out forever and what better time than now as they release their debut self titled full length album! Their full length effort was recorded by Mark Troyer at Evergreen Sound. The band themselves have a heavy yet poppy sound while their vocalist Joy Lynn has a very soulful voice. I listened to this album when I should have been going to sleep instead I listened to it twice.
Essential Tracks: Take It All, Breakdown and Another You

Listen to the album here

Sunday, 29 June 2014

Interview wish Brad Rudyk of Soundskraper!!



Brad -ok.....just gotta fix me a drink first
BSK-fuck yeah dude im gunna grab a couple brews too!

Bard-scotch, beer.....good to go
BSK-Fuckin eh man lets get into it! .. first off I have to say I have always liked your stage shows .. what is your favorite song to play on stage?

Brad-Well, that seems to change every show!! I like "Sheep" because it seems to be more recognized from the video that Doug Raffan made for us, but I would have to say my personal favorite is "Krawl," it just has such killer energy and its how we've been ending the set lately.
BSK-hahaha I was just watchin the vid for Sheep and it is phenomenal .. i will post a link on the interview ...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1Mtrjo-49Y

Brad-awesome!
BSK-When did you start playing and what was you musical development like to get where you are?

BRAD- I started playing guitar when I was about 15. Just sitting in my folks' basement learning Sabbath and Metallica riffs ( yeah, yeah....original....right??). I started writing my own little riffs and jammed on them with my good friend and fantastic drummer Scott, who helped me appreciate changes and dynamics. I kept at that and began writing more riffs and sequences, playing with any musician who wanted to jam; almost never a full band until Soundskraper. We played together for a couple of weeks and then Sy (singer) said, "Ok, I booked a show for us." My God!! Put up or shut up time!! lol. I never bothered to learn or try solos before Soundskraper either, but hey made me do it....and I'm very happy they did!
BSK-I'm happy they did too! ... The steps from playing garage to bar shows is a hard transition for some up and coming kids out of high school and on that have never played a live show at a bar .. what would you say to them about that?

Brad- What helped me was knowing that it was just another jam; except with a few more people. If you fuck up, chances are no else knows unless YOU make it known, just keep playing, and have fun up there; after all that's kinda the goal. Everyone goes to shows to have a good time, and that should include the musicians too
BSK- Very well said!! ..
What is the cool shit coming up with soundskraper ?

Brad- Well, we have some shows lined up and a few new songs that have shaped up nicely, and our friend SJ from Lykana Ink in Ireland has designed our album art which should be out by the end of the year.
BSK- fuckin eh! .. well let get to some fun questions.. If you were to open for any band living or dead who would it be?

Brad- Sharon, Lois, and Brahm. Definately.  lol I always kinda thought it would be cool to open for Lamb of God or Orange Goblin, dead I would have to go with Burtontallica, or GWAR. But then again there's a bajillion to choose from ><
BSK-   R.I.P Oderous for sure .. speaking of the dead .. If the world was infected by a virus and made a bunch of flesh eating zombies what would you do?

Brad-  Grab some brews and head to the mountains. Nature would deal with there inability to deal with the cold and terrain. I should probably grab my guitar too.......
BSK-Fuckin eh! .. you ready to be the first to get speed rounded on questions?

Brad-  scotch refill and then yes
BSK-lemme know when and then we hit it!!

Brad- ready bro
Bsk-favorite cheeseburger?
Brad-fatburger double
BSK-best place to play?
Brad-Republik
BSK-favorite band?
Brad-Sabbath. Always and forever.
BSK-Have you ever seen a monkey throw poo?
Brad-you tube only. Mind you my son did once......
BSK-last time you swore at a cop?
Brad-Wrongful arrest doing late night contract work downtown. LEGIT contract work!!!
BSK-Cheesecake or mac and cheese?
Brad-Mac and cheesecake, duh!
BSKGirlfriend or guitarBrad- what's the difference??
BSK-I'm the one asking the questions lol

Brad-lol! Fair enough! I'm just saying that both are fun to play with
BSK-Well put my friend! I can wait to see you guys play again !! anything to say to my readers?

Brad-Local music in Calgary right now is better than I can remember, with bands like Mass Control, Negative Earth, The Buffet, Escaping Evil, and the many others you can catch on any given weekend, get out there, support, and have a GOOD TIME!! (especially if Soundskraper is playing of course)
BSK-Dude it was a pleasure chatting with you! Share the shit out of this it will be posted soon and i will tag you and the band!

Brad-Thank you so much Brad! I'm glad for the opportunity, and next time we meet the brews are on me brotha!!
Fuckin eh! I will hold ya to that hahaha
Cheers!!!

Friday, 20 June 2014

Interview with local artist - Jason Lai!!!

BSK-yeah man lemme grab a brew and my questions and get this fucker going!

JL-ahhhh yussss
BSK-lets getter going! Jason Lai ! .. Lets start off with what you do and pride yourself in with the arts industry.

JL-I play guitar on the front lines liberating people with my music!

I also draw abstract art on the side
BSK-I know that you have been working with bands .. is that something you would pursue?

JL-Being in a band for me is a hobby. Growing up in an asian family, everyone always tells me (And I suppose the idea is now implanted in my head) that music and the arts are always secondary.

I would most definitely pursue it if I were signed though
BSK-Being signed limits you in massive ways artisticly btw .. I hope you know that.

JL-I do. But I'm just having fun as I go. I'm assuming if I was signed doing something I liked, that I would be going down a right path

But I suppose that's always a problem when a hobby becomes a job.
then it's never as enjoyable.
BSK-who would be you biggest influence ?

JL-Having an extremely broad taste in music, and being influenced by everyone, I can't say i'm more heavily influenced by certain artists more than others.
But if I had to choose, I'd say my biggest influence in art would be CS Lewis. The writer of "Alices Adventures in wonderland and Through The Looking Glass"
BSK-C.S. Lewis was a great inspiration for many! can ya tell me more about the new band you are heading?

JL-I'm in an Experimental punk band right now called "One Empire Down".
We call ourselves "Experimental" because each member has a different background in music and style.
Our frontman (Tyler) has a 90's punk sound most of the time for his riffs and songs. Our bassist (Chase) has a more metal edge to him. And I'm kind of like the old rock/heavy blues kinda guy.

When we all come together, it sounds like shit, but I love it. I can just focus on having fun, instead of constantly be under the pressure of being good all the time. But I guess it all sounds pretty good in the end. hahahaha
BSK-what would you think that the music industry needs?

JL-Right now I believe the music industry solely needs variety.
Both the hollywood scene and the rock/metal scene.

Once in a while there's a really funky sound that comes up, and then everyone else tries to be that funky sound. there needs to be more uniquely funky sounds if you know what i'm saying
BSK-for my last question as you may know homie  .. what would you do in a zombie apocalypse ??

I'd grab my bag, pack First Aid kit, pack my pre vaccuum-packed change of clothes, pack my compact survival pack, grab my foldable shovel, grab my machete, throw on my travel clothes, pack my travel pack, phone and ipod with their respective cables and a crank charger, and meet my crew at a specified location and drive to the edge of the city, loot some small towns, and hole out somewhere in the countryside until we need to relocate to the mountains.

I'm ready for this shit. hahaha
Check out Jason Lai's Band One Empire Down Here!!


And Some of his artwork for ya!!!
Cheers!!

Friday, 13 June 2014

This weekends shows!! Happy Friday 13th!!

Tonight!!
Frankie McQueen CD release w/ Alkatine and MANcub
Check it out here

Risky Endeavor , Oh Shit, The Ativans , Mayland and the Detractions @Dickens pub.
Check it out here

Timber Timbre @ Republik w/ Andy Shauf ..
Here is the event.

Friday the 13 show!!
Sparrows over spain w/ The Fangles , Wookhawk and Paliser are all playing down at VERNS
event here

Saturday!!

Pups on the patio @Ranchmans ..Fundraiser.

Jenevive album release w/ Big City , Run Deer Run and more @ Republik
check it out here

SENTIENT @VERNS w/ Hive and Broken Authority
check it here

HAVOK , Wretched , Shrapnal and Doberman @ Palomino Smokehouse
check it out here

Get out and have some fuckin fun on Friday the 13th !! Stay safe!! Cheers!!

Tuesday, 10 June 2014

Band of the week!! - Moosifix

This weeks band of the week is Moosifix!
The last time I got the see these guys live was quite some time ago but since then I have heard more and more about how well they are moving around the scene like bosses. I wouldn't be surprised to see the next big move to be something killer!! .. picture rotting teeth being shit kicked out of the mouths of an army consisting of blood thirsty metal heads with one mutual goal! - Moosifixion!
I have seen so much of this band mixed into some of the greatest lineups with a whole ton of great local and touring bands! 
make sure to check out the Reverbnation page here
Bandcamp page here.. To listen to some of their tunes! 

Cheers! -BSK


Wednesday, 4 June 2014

Tonight!! - METALFEST KICKS OFF!!!

This show deserves some recognition on its own outside of the whole festival because of the killer lineup of Calgary "legends to be" bands including ALKATINE, Throne Of Vengeance , Open Air, Million Dollar Fix and the great Chron Goblin!!! its wednesday you say? Well fuck you take the day off tomorrow and go to the Ship and Anchor on 17ave tonight!!!
Cheers! - BSK

Friday, 30 May 2014

This weekends shows and shit to do!!

Tonight!

The Market collective is running from today through Sunday at the Chinese Cultural Centre check out the event here

For those looking for an all ages event The Albert park community center by franklin station is hosting Slumlord from Edmonton with a whole whack! of other touring bands tonight! check it out here

Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra is playing Festival Hall .. check out here

If I had some spending money I would be at this show at VERNS tonight because I love Wayfarer :)
36? is playing with Wayfarer, Diatessaron and Peer Support.
Check it out here

Tomorrow!

A cool thing will be down at The good life community bicycle shop! Punx Picnic starts at 1130.  more info here

Do you like simple things? not having to spend fuck all to have a good time? Head to princess Island park to find bubble blowing , cookies and a ton of sidewalk chalk!! more info if you need it here

Mammoth Grove mixes the psychedelic style of rock with Blind Roots and Soft Cure withn comedy of Scott Robertson at Banff trail community centre . > Here

Lord Nelsons is getting punked up with Annihalatrix productions Up The Punx .. Check out the lineup here!

Pervcore and The Press Gang fill the hood with metal at Sidelines bar and grill ( Im not allowed in there for reasons still unknown to me so please enjoy the show and let me know how it was I love Pervcore!!!).. Info here

Sunday there will be a bonus for those who need a good show but could only get out on Sunday!
SUBMERGE is playing Lord Nelsons with The body politic, Shark infested daughters, Cardinal and Wes and the j's info here

Now get out and have some fun!!! Cheers!-BSK




Band of the week!! - In Search Of Signals

In Search Of Signals
This week marks the first band of the week in quite some time so I am choosing an up and coming screamo / pop punk melodic band from Calgary obviously .. duh!
With great back and forth from a young female melodic vocalist and raspy male screamo vocal reminiscent of alexisonfire and another male melodic vocal that joins in the background but helps glue it all together. I personally love the genre on certain days and instead of breaking out the old cds I will be hitting up these young cats Bandcamp! Clickitty the link to hear some of their tunes here  or their name at the top there<
CHEERS!- BSK


Wednesday, 28 May 2014

Brad is Back!! - Metalfest show poster!!!

Ok so the reasons behind me not being around to do my band of the weeks or the numerous things I normally do is very hard to describe but now that I am settled back in at home and healthy enough to get some work done I shall be here for you guys as much as I can .. My boy Zeb has been helping as much as he can but we will be right back in to it fully very soon here. I have some great new interviews tro be done this week and some shows coming up including the 2014 Metalfest opening show that I will be at and hopefully filming part of it!! So for now I will leave you with the show poster for metalfest until I get back with more shit for ya! :D Cheers!-BSK

Friday, 23 May 2014

Show Listings for this Weekend

Here is the Upcoming Shows for this weekend

~Friday Night~


ACAD Grad Party! ft. Sage Rhoades, Doeragen and Silent Army at Lord Nelsons Event Here


Big Shiny Dudes at Woody's Taphouse (All Weekend) Event Here


Madness and Folly w/ Single Coil City (LAST SHOW EVER), A Day As Wolves, Tire Fire, The Shiverettes and The Lost Lemons at Vern's Event Here

Sound Off! ft. The Suppliers, Cowpuncher, Mark Mills, Napalmpom, Transit and Port Juvee at the Gateway Event Here

Wacken Metal Battle Finals ft. Exit Strategy, Black Pestilence, Death Toll Rising and
Eye of Horus at Dickens

Blackthorne at Chelsea's Pub Event Here


People Under the Stairs and Dragon Fli Empire (EARLY AND SOLD OUT SHOW) at the Common Wealth Event Here

Noise Daze Music Festival at Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association Event Here


~Saturday Night~

May Melt ft. Dead Pretty, Kyote, Dragon Cheddar and More at Sunalta Community Centre Event Here

Craig and Ryan's Movie Night : Jurassic Park at Dickens Event Here

Go For The Eyes/Secret Broadcast Double Cd Release ft. The Crook Art and KickupaFuss at Dickens Pub Event Here

Tuesday, 29 April 2014

Best jam night out ever!!!

It has been a little while since I have had time enough to be able to write but I will say that my life has been rather boring and I could not give two fucks to share about things but this weekend I can say was  fucking interesting .. well not so much Friday when we went to Atlas pizza and got escorted out because my girls hair is pink and blue so they decided her id was a fake.. But the date night worked itself out when Dover pizza on memorial drive and 52nd n.e fucking loved us and the food was undeniably delicious .. Congrats Dover pizza and our server who was the greatest I have ever experienced :)

K now to the best jam night ever .. well a house party / jam night .. I have been online friends with a portion of these people  so was everyone else really.. So it was more of a musician meet and greet which is fucking rad to me! .. Jammers from other bands and even myself enjoyed some of the best dip I could imagine, get down to drinkin and rock the fuck out till the wee hours of the morning with not a single complaint!! We gotta do more of this in this city because I know that it will bring together soo many new projects!!

Cheers!!-BSK

Wednesday, 16 April 2014

Loss In Calgary's Music Communtiy

As you all probably know about the tragedy that has happened in the last few days Zackariah Rathwell and Josh Hunter of local band Zackariah and the Prophets (among others) have passed away in a multiple stabbing, that has been deemed as Calgary's worse mass murder. It's a tragic loss of two young and inspiring talented young men and something that’s greatly shaken the community.They had just released their debut EP and they had played a sold out show at The Palomino on Saturday. We have such a close knit and amazing community and although not knowing them personally I do feel a great loss. For everyone in the community stay strong and band together they will not be forgotten, keep their memory alive through the music and dreams and aspirations of these young gentlemen.

From everyone in ALTCITY our deepest sympathies go out to the friends and family of all that have been affected by this tragedy.







You can listen to their EP here

Thursday, 3 April 2014

Band of the week!! - Flowshine

Flowshine 
If you are into chill tunes this band is definitely for you! Alternative/Cool Rock band who I have spent countless hour listening to for going on 2 years and their song "Good people" has haunted my dreams and worked its way into the theme of every road trip I have made out to B.C :D I still listen to it to this day when I am down and need a pick me up! Just an all around great sound to chill to! Check out their website Here !!
The most recent show that I can recall them playing is this>
Great band to check out! Cheers to them! -BSK

Friday, 28 March 2014

Interview with Matt Blais !! :)

BSK-hey how goes it?

Matt Blais

good boss how r u

BSK-I am doing great

Matt Blais

ok, fire away

BSK-Shweet man! .. First I want to know what you beginning in music was and if you can tell me about
your journey with Calgary music.

Matt Blais
Essentially, when I was young I didn't even think about being a musician. I was really into animals and wanted to be a marine biologist. When I saw the movie Free Willy, I wanted to be just like the kid and that kid had a harmonica. So I begged for one. That was my first musical instrument.

Matt Blais
Obviously I didn't talk to any whales with it but, years later when I started really listening to music, I discovered guys like Bob Dylan and Tom Petty who were song writers and they played harmonica. I thought it would be pretty interesting to give that a try. So I learned guitar and started a few bands. I wanted to play live even though we were terrible, but, we got better and better and eventually people were asking US to play gigs instead of us begging them. That has grown into the career I have today. It was all very gradual and accidental.

BSK-I love harmonica! I have been messing around with my Honers for a while . My favorite song of yours is " Goodbye sunshine"  The harmonica in the song is great! What was your inspiration for that track?

Matt Blais
Thanks! I'm pretty proud of that track. It came out of some tough times with band members and stress of trying to get things going in the face of adversity. It's definitely a song about naivety and loss of innocence. Goodbye to the rosey glow and hello to the harsh reality of this business. I've gotten bluesier as my career has grown and I thought that genre was the perfect vehicle for that theme and those words.

BSK-Do you have any big plans for the future with your music?

Matt Blais
Of course. I think the life of a musician is all about "big plans." In a week I head down to L.A to take part of MusExpo - We're hoping some great things will come out of that. A new music vid is in the works. I'm writing again, which is nice. So a new record is in it's seedling phase. I always have plans to tour. Basically, a whole bunch of smaller plans create the ultimate big plan.

BSK-I am stoked for ya man! that sounds like we have a ton to look forward to  as I usually have local musicians reading this blog do you have as an established musician in Calgary any advice for up and coming artists?

Matt Blais
The advice that's worked for me is "never be satisfied."  Knowing that you can always get more out of yourself, be it emotion or creativity, will always propel you forward. The desire to make each show more entertaining for the audience will get you the gigs you want. No artist should ever be too comfortable.

BSK-Sounds great to me , Always push yourself  is there anything you would like to say to the readers before I get to my last question?

Matt Blais
I suppose just, thanks for reading, thanks for listening and keep supporting the artists you love.

BSK-Right on! and now my favorite question ! What would you do in a zombie apocalypse ??
Hahaha, excellent question.  I think I'd be the kind of person to always keep moving. Gather a small group of trustworthy people with diverse skills and bounce from resource to resource. I'm not sure but I think could survive for quite some time . . .but then again everyone thinks that . . .until they get bit.

BSK-great answer!! Thanks for the interview man!! It was really fun!
thank you sir!

Matt Blais
it was indeed
BSK-Cheers man! it will be posted today ! thanks again!

Live shows this weekend!!!

I have missed out on some updating for shows but not this weekend !! Tons of shit to go and check out!
Fuck the snow!

Tonight!!
Steve McQueen Band is playing at the Kings Head Pub ( and tomorrow night too) here is the fb link for more info! Here.

The Bloody Hells are with The Escorts at Dickens for Punk rock'n'roll attack on Friday, March 28!
THE BLOODY HELLS, THE ESCORTS, THE ATIVANS and MASS CONTROL $7
First band 10 PM. link is Here.


Mr. Furious is playing Big Al's in Forest lawn and Sadly this is the bands final show together So if you are a Fury fan you should probably go! Link Here

Tomorrow!!


Scotty Bernier and Tanner James Holth are hosting the open jam at The Ship and Anchor on 17th ave. info Here

For those wondering about all ages venues I guess there is one at The Golden Age club, I hope it turn out well because they have a good line up tomorrow. The Best in Brutality Tour will be shaking the fuck out of that place!! more info Here

The Blind Beggar is Hosting Ruth Purves Smith, The Fast Nationals and Kill your Radio. info Here

The Press Gang is having their CD release party!!! The Stetson Stage on Macleod trail. With Bloated Pig, A War Within and Frightenstein !!! Sure to be a killer fucking show!! 

And last but definitely not least is a show at my old stomping grounds Sidelines in Dover!! With 4 fucking awesome bands!! PERVCORE!! WORLD CLASS WHITE TRASH!! STATUE OF DEMUR!! FROM ANOTHER TIME!! info Here 

Get the fuck up and go see some shows and support local music!! Cheers!! - BSK


Thursday, 27 March 2014

Up and coming Photographer to keep an eye out for ! - Elizabeth Joyal.

Elizabeth Joyal is a local photographer with great promise. Here are some of her shots!>


Check her out on the link above and shoot her a like! - Cheers! -BSK

News :)

So for the last little while I have been off and busy coming up with new things and some decisions I have made are that I will more than likely be managing bands again and also be putting on shows under the name ALTCitY ProduCtionS .. We will have some more to say about that soon :) Also I will be announcing our newest promotion member very soon!! .. We are just working out the details and life shit :P .. Spring in very fuckin promising and summer is quite figured out .. sorry I cannot say much about that yet but I can say wicked interviews are coming very soon and since I missed the band of the week this week I have some great things to make up for time lost .. Cheers! -BSK

Tuesday, 18 March 2014

Zeb's CD Reviews

Ghost Notes - Cowpuncher (Soaring Eagle Records)

I have yet to see this band preform live but a buddy of mine picked me up their new disc and I love it. It's a great mix between country and rock. For a good time with your buds or just relaxing at home it's a great listen. Essential Tracks - Back of Vans, Bridesmaids, Country Maiden Check out some tracks here

Where Do We Go From Here - 36? (Self-Produced)

Fronted by Taylor Cochrane this psychedelic band pleases all your senses. Witty catchy and great musicianship on this. It's almost like being high without the drugs. Also a great live band to see if you ever get the chance. Essential Tracks "Soul Searching" and "Head First"
Check it out Here

Miss Grizzly - Miss Grizzly (Self-Produced)

I've stumbled upon this gem recorded by the one and only Casey Lewis at Echo Base studios. A very progressive rock album with noticeable influences such as Coheed and Cambria and Black Sabbath this upbeat EP grooves and riffs you through 5 tracks and I'll be making my way to see them as soon as i can. Essential Tracks "Road House" "Go" and "Find A Way"
Check It Out Here


The Floor Is Lava - The Heart Set (Self Produced)

I had the joy of meeting these young lads last weekend while gallivanting out on the town. This indie art rock band has a real upbeat surf sound to them. They've informed me they are working on a new album so keep an ear out for them. Essential Tracks "I'm Not James Bond, But I've Seen His Movies" and "Sticks and Stones"
Check It Out Here

Monday, 17 March 2014

Sysko's Band Of The Week!! - Black Earth!

Black Earth is my band to show you this week!
A great Alternative band that you may or may not have heard of that is just great!
Erika, Anthony J, Steve and Tyler make up the band and really kill it! I first found this band because Anthony plays in one of my favorite bands in Calgary Deluge!! And if you know me then I have probably mentioned them before! the two bands share a song called runaway knight that Anthony wrote and has performed with both bands you can check it out with all of the other songs that they have here.
Black Earth has a great post punk sound with killer female vocals and a very strong guitar and drum backing that really compliments the vocals! check them out and shoot the a "Like" they deserve it!!
Cheers!! -BSK

Tuesday, 11 March 2014

Interview with Jen from Windigo and show info for Palomino show! .. Band of the Week gone crazy! :D

I planned the band of the week to be Windigo but I ended up with a lot more!!

Ok so I got to meet Jen from Windigo and chat about some rad things and some up and coming things like them playing the Palomino anniversary show March 29th here is the event :)

And here is what we chatted about!!

BSK-would you be down for a quick interview?

Jen -for sure man. ask away!

BSK- First thing is can you tell me about yourself a little bit and how you got into music and eventually Windigo?

Jen-lol this is definitely the condensed version of this answer...

I grew up listening to a lot of classic rock albums with my dad (The Beatles, led zeppelin, Supertramp) and that interest eventually turned down a folk-ier path leading me towards more stuff like bob Dylan and John Prine, I just thought the acoustic guitar was something I was really interested in. so my parents bought me one I was probably 10, and I stared to learn some basic chord formations and wrote some pretty basic songs. I was very shy when I was young, so it wasn't really until high school when I started performing music and taking music lesions. all through high school I did a bunch of royal conservatory vocal exams and I was teaching voice lesions but I definitely preferred writing music and playing it. Eventually I convinced a couple friends of mine to play guitar and drums to some songs that I had written and members of the band changed until eventually the Band was called high quill. High quill was around for a year but eventually broke up and then Chris asked me to join Windigo.
BSK-Rad! .. So I was wondering if you had plans to do some recording any time soon?

Jen-We just did a bunch of live off the floor demos with our friend Eric Andrews. we have plans to use the demos as the very first step in pre production for our next album, so were going to go through the songs and essentially strip them down to what we like and what we think would be cool to add or what we should change or do differently.  we don't know when we will be recording the next album but plans are definitely underway.
BSK-I am going to do my best to make it to the show at the Palomino on the 29th for the show! I am sure it will be all kinds of awesome! .. Anything to say about the show?

Jen-Yay! I am really excited to play, our Friends The Ashley Hundred are some of the nicest most talented musicians I know and their album is awesome, you might even see our bands play a song at the end as one band if you're lucky!
BSK-that would kick ass!!  .. next question is a bit of a toughy for some .. What do you think of the state of the Calgary music industry and how it stands today? What would you change if you could?

Jen-hummmmm

I think the Calgary music scene for some has been hard to break into. There are a lot of existing clicks, and by that I mean bands who only play shows together. I think there is new amazing talent popping up everywhere, and we feel like our success with the music scene isn’t about stepping on peoples toes to get ahead of them we would rather make friends so we can share our knowledge and experiences and grow the community.
There are way more resources available to Calgary musicians now that help them out especially now that the Alberta Music office has opened up.
If I could change anything about the Calgary scene I would hope to see more all ages venues available.
BSK-you basically took the words out of my mouth  lol I love the scene but the cliques can be tasking but after you get past that point you are usually fine on your own .. and yes the all ages venues are depleting because there is no revenue coming in for the venues so they tend to fizzle away.. so my notorious last question that I ask is .. What would you do if there was to be a zombie apocalypse?

Jen-Oh man, probably contact my band and family and friends to make sure they were ok. Pack the essentials and head to the mountains. Weapon of choice, crossbow.
good plan! Well thanks for chatting! I had a great time! .. Keep in touch and I will hopefully see you on the 29th.
Cheers!

Wednesday, 5 March 2014

E.P review - No More Moments - "Hot and fresh"

No More Moments 
I am sure you have heard of them by now but if not these past band of the weekers are fucking killer punk rockers that oh so often play live shows throughout the Calgary punk and metal scene. I recently talked to Carlin of no more moments and he sent me to his bandcamp site for the band because they have just released some new tracks!! I listened to them a ton last night and it brought me back to the day of NOFX, Black Flag and chillin on the porch getting loaded and talking about music all day in the sun .. So needless to say i love these tracks! Thanks Carlin!! to check it out for yourself the tracks are right here>http://nomoremoments.bandcamp.com/ 
-BSK