This weekend's Shows!!

Lots of great bands and artists will be out there rocking for your pleasure! Check them out!

Tonight!
The Mantle + Andy will be playing as Musical Sorcery @The Ship and anchor . info here

Tomorrow!
The Electric Monk will be opening for the great Five Alarm Funk!!
info here

Halloween Bass party @ Lord Nelsons with NXTLVL . Info here

Solid Brown will be at The Nite owl with Kyote and Dragon Cheddar! .. Info here

Friday!

Lord Nelsons will be hosting all these sexy people
Train Bigger Monkeys
Pervcore
Clench the Thrust
Blackest Sin
Cryptosis
Beneath the Wicked

Info here

It is also Jagers Birthday and most of our company will be there :D 

Saturday!!

Blank Fest is at The Blind Beggar with -FEDELE (The Rising) & JASON (Thrill of Falling) - Acoustic 

MIKE FERRARO ( Candelora Music) - Solo
NEXT DAY HEROES 
TEN MINUTE DETOUR
THE GROUNDS
THE PATH LESS TRAVELED
LEAVE THE LIVING

Cheers! -BSK

Interview with Kyle Mudge of Silent Army !! Check it out!

Interview with Mudge of Silent Army! Check it out!



Mudge-Home now man ready whenever you are
I will be ready right after dinner

BSK-No worries man!

Mudge-k I am down if you are!

BSK-Sure am man
K lets get this fuck er going! . 1st question .. Can you explain what Silent Army is for the readers?

Mudge-Of course! Silent army is a four piece hard rock band from Calgary Alberta. Our mission is to bring back hard hitting rock music with some grunge influence.
I love grunge! .. What are your plans for the future?

We are looking to expand our music to another level this next year. We have big plans and hope to play a few festivals next summer and hopefully a tour!
What was your inspiration for your sound and getting into music?

We all have a lot of love for grunge music. Specifically, pearl jam, soundgarden and alice in chains.
We wanted to try to bring some of that sound back into a more modern rock scene.
As for getting into music I can't speak for the other guys but for me it was just the love of music and wanting to write my own.
It was a way for me to get my feelings out on paper,
but with the feeling and emotion that music can bring

BSK-In the next 5 years what is the plan for you guys?

We want to take over the world man. If we could get on a label and tour the world we would be happy guys. That's the dream man
Fuckin eh!

BSK-Now for some fun! .speed round . you down?

Mudge-Sounds like gold man

BSK-What is your favorite food ?

Mudge-Beef donairs

BSK-Where was the best place to play?

Mudge-Marquee. So far

BSK-Right on ! . When will you be playing next?

Mudge-We play our ep release party in support of our album high hopes november 29th at the gateway

BSK-If you had the choice who would you fight, fuck or fondle in that order?



Mudge-Beiber
who wouldnt hahaha

Kate beckinsale and I would fondle Seth rogan

BSK-LOL me and Jager approve LOL .. Where would your last performance be if you died?

Mudge-The coliseum in Rome


BSK-That would be fucking rad!!

Mudge-Hell yeah it would bruv

BSK-k .. Final question .. What would you do in a zombie apocalypse ??

Mudge-Try and survive man! Steal a plane and head to the mountains!

BSK-LOL right on man!

Mudge-Haha thanks so much for your time man!

BSK-No worries dude! thanks for chattin whith me!

Anytime
Cheers man!

Great new things! And a big thank you!

Ok so now that we have reached our goal of 10000 page reads we (Fuckin horraaaaayy) .. We have started something more amazing by creating some of the best shows with amazing artists and bands this city has !!!! .. Every one of us will be putting on our own shows with the support of the rest of us :).. In the next couple months we have some serious plans that will flip this city around in a great way! I wont get into detail because this is just a warning that we coming for you! and in lue of our goal being reached here is a big thank you --- FUCKING FUCKDIDDLY FUCKINTHANK YOU FOR BEING AWESOME AND LOVING YOUR SCENE AND THE HARD WORK PEOPLE PEOPLE PUT INTO ALL OF THIS!! THANKS TO THE READER AND SUPPORTS AND BANDS AND ARTISTS!! THANK YOU! .. CHEERS TO ANOTHER 10000 more!!!!!

From your friend Sysko Kidd :)

The Fort

Since I began playing shows in Calgary almost nearly 5 years ago, I've seen many venues close their doors to either the public or at least to the bands. I'm probably just old enough to remember playing my first show ever as a skinny young punk at the legendary Crescent Heights Community Center and having an awesome venue like that for all age shows. Last year was the saddest time for the community when The New Black Center for the Performing Arts finally closed it's doors for good. I remember going to many shows there in a short period of time. For the first year and a half in the city. I saw incredible bands there that just faded away and also bands that bloomed into something way bigger. A good example of that was catching Today I Caught the Plague play to maybe 25 kids and the bands that they had played with. For you that don't know they are a band formed in 2005 in Ottawa, Ontario who toured for countless years until they became The Kindred in 2013, who have played with many large acts like Between the Buried and Me, Misery Signals, Protest the Hero and Scale the Summit. With that void in the community it turned to only 18+ shows at bars. It takes away from the nurturing and growth of the young musicians when they need it the most. Now what is happening is that a group of individuals who are passionate about the fact there is a void and want to do something about it. Thus comes the idea of The Fort. This is just in the begging stages and what they want to do is with the help of crowd funding, They want to give the city a venue. With money donated they plan on finding a building, the renovations they will need, the sound equipment and the permits/licenses required to run the venue properly. So here it is they are calling for your help and if you want to check more out about it yourself follow this link here and check it out for yourself.


Follow them here on Facebook to keep up with them

Show review - Well Mannered Thieves + Friends

Well Mannered Thieves  Are a local Alternative band that have a very interesting sound :) In a great way ! .. Paul Orton The singer invited me to a very eclectic show With Post Modern People , The Garter Girls  and Them. At The national music center where I have never been before but it was a great experience .. Seeing as the crowd was not exactly my usual type of crowd to say the least I felt out of place a bit with my "Eat pussy chug whisky hail Satan" shirt on LOL .. Anyway I have to say that all the acts were just fantastic .. with bands on one side and burlesque on the other was pretty cool because at one point I am in the back and next I am in the best place to watch girls get naked haha .. I got a CD from W.M.T and I love it .. It will be in my tune rotation for a while I figure! Get a hold of them to pick one up or hit the link to check their site to get and idea what they sound like with the songs they have on there! .. The Garter Girls are just smoking hot and talented .. I plan to book them sometime down the road for a show or two :) Check their link too they are very interesting ;)

Overall the show was great and they did a great job putting it together .. Even a sponsor from Wild Rose Brewery  :) ... Although I did not like the taste of their IPA the rest were pretty good !

Great show all in all!
Cheers to all of ya! - BSK

Well Mannered Thieves This Friday!! .. And much more!

I will be at this show if you want to come and join me! Well Mannered Thieves are a great band and yes there will be some hot girls too from The Garter Girls!!

Plus the music of Postmodern People and Susie Forsyth 

Come and check it out! Cheers! BSK

Why should we Blame Betty?

Blame Betty  As most of you know is an Alternative/Pinup/ Vintage Shop located at 829 17th ave s.w, .. If you don't know they sell everything from Books to shoes to mens crap and kids stuff etc .. everything pertains to the geeks, gamers, dominatrixes and everything you would buy and get a wink on the way out! .. Lots of my friends go here for random things and always come out with the best stuff I have seen .. I highly suggest going to the link up there ^ To check out what they have .. oh and since halloween is soon they will be rocking great sales on the creepy stuff and costumes!! Check them out!! -BSK

Last night with Whisky Wagon, Hot naked girls and heavy Bass with wonderful people!!

Ok so me and Jager got really drunk on Wednesday and he slowly but surely talked me into going out to a Burlesque show with Corrupt Creatures and High voltage :) They were amazing! .. A Starwars bit and a bunch of killer original acts that I will always remember! I met a really funny fella who does magic named Jasonthefunnymagicguy < check him out here .. I got to see one hell of a show from Whisky Wagon and got me some swag and CD's .. Scottish drinkin rock is so dear to me and I found me a local one!! Much love! .. I got a pretty girl a wicked necklace from the fucking great Overdosed Reality   Check them out for some amazing jewelry !! It is very hard to tag everyone that I think is awesome that came out to make a Thursday a fuckin awesome night! Heavy drum and bass Dj Samantha Distinct Was at Lord Nelsons to killit and make me dance my ass off and lose my voice ! :)Check her out! All I can say is there will be many awesome things coming up soon for ALtCitY !!!! ... Oh and yes another great thing was hanging with local dress and lingerie creator Dianna Martin! .. We have many things planned so come back soon and bring some friends to find out about what wicked shit we will be pulling :D

Truly your Hungover Friend , Brad Sysko Kidd

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 !!

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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.

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)

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

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

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

Calgary Beer Core boys 10 year anniversary !!! What a fuckin lineup! Check the show poster!

Here's to a few more!!! 

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

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

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

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

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!!!

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!!

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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