Other bands who have played out in Hamilton
| On Project Opus since: | October 20, 2007 |
| Last seen: | 16 weeks 1 day ago |
| Biography: | Parlour Steps Nine Mile Records presents Parlour Steps, a band that is creating something new: Thought-Rock! This is art-damaged beauty, music that is both stormy and playful; reflective of their west coast Canadian home of Vancouver. This is music that makes you want to move while making you think. Within the modern, popular landscape, influence is drawn from emotional rockers Arcade Fire and The Pixies, combined with the lyrical elements of Sufjan Stevens and Tom Waits. Unafraid of asking big questions and taking musical risks, the world is taking notice of this exceptional band. “Thieves of Memory” has been chosen from over 15,000 entrants as a winner in the world renowned International Songwriting Competition, placing Parlour Steps, and in particular chief songwriter Caleb Stull, in the international spotlight.“Thieves of Memory” can be heard on the Adidas Website and was just released internationally on the Sonicbids Listen Vol. 2 Compilation, raising money for hurricane relief as well as showcasing some of North America’s best independent talent. They can be heard on the Canadian television drama “Whistler”, now syndicated in the U.S. Nine Mile Records will be releasing Parlour Step's fourth full-length record “Ambiguoso” in Feb. 2008, to be distributed internationally by Burnside Records. Radio play, podcasts, and web-streaming have launched the band’s music to listeners across the continent. CBC, college, and university radio play, in Canada and the U.S. has seen Parlour Steps charted in the top fifty played and requested artists in their format. 2007-08 is seeing Parlour Steps touring Canada and the U.S. in support of their new record, furiously playing to all open ears. A complete electronic press kit, including MP3's, press clippings, and the band's latest news can be found at http://www.parloursteps.com/ Parlour Steps compact discs are distributed through Burnside Records, Scratch Records in Canada, online at cdbaby.com, or any of the major digital download sites (iTunes, MP3.com, etc). , tel. 604.628.5275 Contact the band at http://www.parloursteps.com/ |
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| On Project Opus since: | September 6, 2006 |
| Last seen: | never |
| Biography: | “Won’t you come back home? Well, I don’t think so.” This telling exchange from “Run From Safety” epitomizes the ethos of Octoberman’s Marc Morrissette. In 2003, the itinerant songwriter abandoned his Vancouver home, took a break from his band, Kids These Days, and departed for travels through Asia and Europe. When Morrissette returned to North American shores, he arrived bearing a travel journal blackened with observations and reflections. These insights would soon become the basis of Octoberman’s critically-acclaimed 2005 debut, These Trails Are Old and New. Embodying the sensibilities of Neil Young’s songcraft and Jack Kerouac’s travelogues, These Trails won widespread praise from Uncut, Maverick, The Globe and Mail and dozens of other publications. Just as Morrissette’s penchant for melancholic vocals and melodic guitar work caught the ears of critics, it won the hearts of audiences. The songwriter established Octoberman as a live institution in Vancouver, sometimes taking to the stage with a seven-piece backing band and on other occasions with nothing more than an acoustic guitar and harmonica. 2006’s seven-song, live-recorded Laguardia EP ideally encapsulated the intimacy and immediacy of these solo Octoberman performances. However, employing a full band to expand upon his spare arrangements had opened Morrissette’s eyes to the possibilities for Octoberman’s second full-length album. Between March and August 2006, he retreated to three studios in Vancouver with co-producer and engineer James Henderson and captured his musical musings. Along for the ride were his regular backing band: Rob Josephson (drums), and Graham Christofferson (bass); as well as other common collaborators: Peter Doig (guitar), Leah Abramson (vocals), Shaun Brodie (trumpet), Kris Hooper (lap steel), Jason Starnes (keyboards), Mike Morrissette (vocals), Ryder Havdale (vocals) and C.L. McLaughlin (vocals). Upon first listen, it’s evident that Run From Safety is not only an album title but also a bold statement of intent. It sublimely captures the sound of an artist abandoning the tried and true and striking out in unknown directions. While still fuelled by wanderlust, Octoberman’s music continues to remind us that not all journeys can be measured by distance alone. Run From Safety brims with inspired instrumentation, accomplished orchestration and newfound urgency. Furthermore, it sees Morrissette bringing the indie pop sensibility of his Kids These Days material back to the fore. Fans of Stephen Malkus’ wordplay, Bright Eyes’ earnestness and Elliott Smith’s tunefulness will find themselves readily enthralled with Octoberman’s latest offering. “I need some inspiration in my life,” Morrissette confides in “By The Wayside.” Such motivation manifests itself with Calexico-like southwestern cinematics complete with brass flourishes. Such atmospherics resurface later with the tumbleweed menace of “Cisco Kid.” Meanwhile, a gift for clever turns of phrase is evidenced on “Run From Safety” which evokes lovelorn gypsy boys, grandmotherly gifts and jurisdictions that “bleed with conviction.” “No Qualms” attempts to offer assurances in the face of insecurities. “Elbow Room” provides an autobiographical account of helplessness. Elsewhere, the loping “Impossible Way” channels Bob Dylan while “Shit Just Falls Apart” offers astute indictments sugared by rousing pop. “Chasing Ambulances” brings proceedings to a heartfelt, whisper-quiet close. Morrissette proves exceedingly skilled at conjuring both the wariness and weariness of a man who’s seen the world. Yet, despite intense explorations, he’s come away with little in the way of certainties or answers. Instead, every discovery begets further questions. It’s these quandaries and conflicts that continue to drive the man and his music. Once Octoberman made the decision to run from safety, turning back was not an option. Upon mastering his new album, Morrissette quit his job and embarked on a European tour that lead him through five countries in five weeks. He next crossed the Atlantic, climbed into his Volkswagen and toured the continental United States. One can only imagine the inspiring questions that were raised along the way. |
| Albums: | These Trails Are Old and New |
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| On Project Opus since: | May 7, 2006 |
| Last seen: | never |
| Biography: | Ottawa, Canada-born singer/songwriter John Allaire became first know to Canadian audiences with his alt-rock band in the '80s and '90s, The Town Cryers. After spending two decades touring North America and performing alongside other international acts with The Town Cryers and other bands, John put out his first solo recording in 2003, Crime and Punishment. In 2005, John teamed up with his backing band, the Campistas, and released Thank You Waitress!, an album that went to the top of many college and university radio stations across North America and garnered a particularly large audience in Europe. PERFORMED WITH… John’s vocals have been compared to Adam Duritz (Counting Crows), Bill Janovitz (Buffalo Tom), Joe Strummer (The Clash), Bob Mould (Husker Du), Paul Westerberg (Replacements) and many others of this ilk. His songwriting echoes that of Neil Young, Paul Westerberg, Jeff Tweedy (Wilco) and Elvis Costello. For the most part, John’s songs are traditional folk-influenced stories and the solo show incorporates quick wit, banter and a direct connection with the audience. His straightforward guitar and harmonica styles are reminiscent of early coffeehouse troubadours like Dylan and Donovan. Each show is different from the last, with changing arrangements (acoustic and electric accompaniment), material choices and the stories he relates. John has shared the stage with: Alanis Morrisette, Blue Rodeo, Tragically Hip, Donovan, Lynn Miles, Hoodoo Gurus, BoDeans, Dr. and the Medics, The Church, VSpyVspy, Nada Surf, Econoline Crush, Weddings Parties Anything, Tom Cochrane, Grapes of Wrath, Nils, and many more... AWARDS That was then... Allaire toured the country with the Cryers all the while releasing their 1989 CD, "Surprise Surprise", which included a supporting video for Allaire's song "Never Bin Hurt B-4". The video won honours as top independent video in Canada in 1989. The CD also had the dubious pleasure of being the first release in Canada by an independent band on the emerging CD format. The Town Cryers parted ways in 1992, but not before recording a whopping 18-track CD called "Stanley's Cup". In 1995, John founded the alt/punk band The Mercy Miners, playing with such signed recording artists as Econoline Crush and Nada Surf. The Mercy Miners released a 10-song CD called Knuckle Sandwich in 1997. In 2003, John released his first solo effort called Crime and Punishment. The album was a 12-song collection and, while not doing much in the way of charting on radio stations, the CD sold more than 1,000 copies (admirable for an independent release), including copies numbering in the hundreds on the east coast of Canada and the USA. John's latest release "Thank You Waitress" is out now and is garnering rave reviews as his best career work. Who are the Campistas? John's band of studio and live musicians include: Jeff Tanguay, Bass, Breeze Smith - drums, Glenn Torresan - guitars, slide guitar, Tony Dunn - keyboards, sax, Valerie Daley - flute, Juan Gratton-Dominguez - horns, Tom Simpson - percussion, Zeke Smythe - drums and programming, Thomas Marsdon - cello |
| Albums: | Thank You Waitress! |
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| On Project Opus since: | May 19, 2006 |
| Last seen: | never |
| Biography: | Duane W Rutter has been writing and performing since the age of 14. A veteran of the Southern Ontario bar circuit since the age of 17, Duane stopped performing in 1996 to devote time to his family as well as take stock of where he wanted to go. He never stopped writing, recording demos and playing though and in 2005 officially got back in the game. While he remains largely unknown to the general public, among his peers his reputation as a songwriter and performer is held in high esteem. My goal is to obtain a publishing contract and I'm nearing completiong of my new CD for Busted Flat Records. As Duane's tracks are completed he will be making them available through this site as well as his myspace site which already contain a small selection of his work and have been listened to and downloaded all over the world. "As a writer, all I really want to do is get my songs out there to be enjoyed , cried over, partied to, road tripped with, whetever,by as many people as I can. Also I love hearing the stories of the people I meet at my gigs and through my websites so if we get a chance to meet some time, don't be shy....c'mon over and say hello!" |
| Albums: | Basement Types: The rough cut and unreleased Gems of Duane W Rutter |
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