We are fans of Ben Reines here at SlowCity.ca and are happy to say the Ben Reines is playing at the Second Wedge, and as good as their brews are there, porters my fave, we are recommending you add Hamiltonian bluegrassers Chopped Liver to the offerings. Them choppings include members of the Unseen Strangers, Yasgurs Farm, the Mike Plume Band, All Caps & Patches, and Bellwether4. So good night of craft all round.
Arkells' release 'Rally Cry' with a vision for the long run and a sense of history
By Will McGuirk
Looks like the Arkells have found what they were looking for with ‘Rally Cry’ and it may be less Jackson Sq. and more Joshua Tree. The boys from the Hammer are ready to smash the world with their biggest brightest most bombastic album yet - this rally is for radio. If the four lads from Dublin are looking for brothers in arms then the working class spirituals of Arkells No 5 may be just the closest thing - listen to “Only for a Moment” even “Show Me Don’t Tell Me” and you can tell me if I’ve shown you wrong and if you think I’m just being a homer here, recall Bono and buds called in Steeltown icon Danny Lanois to helm and that Simcoe sound found its way across the Atlantic, so mix the Dan vibes and the Dubs and you may just have the Arkells, we’ve said it before.
Oh and yes if you dig into “Don’t Be a Stranger” you will hear about a pal of the band who was from Oshawa, and yes we asked and yes the band answered but said it was personal. Just so you know.
But its not just the Biggest Band in The World which echoes through Rally Cry, there’s Springsteen and the Pixies, Motown Girl bands and afro-pop, Hall and Oates, and a Bob Seger interlude.
So we’re fans of the Arkells from the beginning; singer Kerman, guitarist Mike DeAngelis, bassist Nick Dika, keysman Anthony Carone, and drummer Tim Oxford are a band who have had been able to seize the opportunities, to build and grow, keeping fans while gaining new ones, keeping their eyes on the prize. Like their hometown they have been planning for the big time, knocking on the door so to speak, and they are ready now it has been opened. Hamilton is ready for the big time and so are the Arkells.
And if they are going after U2’s crown, to be the people’s champ as well as the company band, more power to them, I hope they win it all.
Photo by Matt Barnes
Collegial rockers Arkells release new single 'Only for a Moment'
Those sons of the Hammer have a new album, Rally Cry, forged and ready. Singles are being issued, “People’s Champ”, “Relentless” and now “Only for a Moment.” There’s movement in the camp, they are as the Hawk says, heading for the Big Time, Its right around the corner.
"There’s a line in our tune “Come To Light”, 'The underpass would keep us from harm.' It’s that moment when you’re driving through a rain storm, and you have a second of respite from the chaos outside. I find myself writing and thinking about those moments of calm, and how important they can be. “Only For A Moment” is an extension of that idea. My friend’s mom was struggling with some oppressive mental health issues. It was tough for everyone in her family. But there was a moment we were out one night, where my friend seemed to leave the trouble behind - just for an hour - and could just enjoy her life. The stress in her face seemed to disappear. And I was happy she could have that." - Max Kerman
Also the Ham fam have released the video for “Relentless”
Meghan Patrick wins Female Artist of the Year at 2018 CCMA Award, new single 'Walls Come Down' released
Congrats to Meghan Patrick on her award at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards held Sep 9 in Hamilton, ON. That’s two in a row for Patrick who also won the 2017 Female Artists of the Year. She was nominated for five, the FORD Album of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Video of the Year and Songwriter(s) of the Year Awards.
Patrick performed her new single, “Walls Come Down” at the award show which was hosted by global Country star, Shania Twain. Canadian Country legend, Terri Clarke, was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and Patrick took part in a tribute performance along with Suzy Bogguss and Jessica Mitchell as well as Terri Clark herself.
The Arkells champion the peoples of Hamilton in video for 'People's Champ'
By Will McGuirk
Hamilton hometown heroes The Arkells are travelling wide and far but are keeping their love for Steeltown alive nevertheless. If only every city had a team of champions such as these kids, repping their city at every opportunity. But you get back what you give and it much be something sweet the Arkells kats were raised on down there in the once termed Armpit of Canada because they give back and back and back and in their latest video, for "People's Champ", they give back some more and shout our some of their fave locations in the Hammer, bigging up their city yet again.
The band have a hometown gig coming up - June 23 at the Tim Hortons Fields. The Rally will also see Ellevator, Bishop Briggs and Cold War KIds on the bill.
Five Festivals to Spring into: Guelph, Hamilton, Picton, Sarnia and TO
Kazoo! Fest Guelph Apr 11 to 15
So many bands, so much art, so much to do, Kazoo! is a celebration of the Royal City, with night markets and print expos and bands, bands, bands. And unless I gather you are deeply involved with Guelph’s underground scene builders you won’t know any of the bands, or maybe its just me. I know one Hymns 57. But if you want the definition of community builders then look to Kazoo.
County Pop Picton Apr 28
Elliott Brood headlines the Prince Edward County based fest organised by Zunior.com and community partners. The all-day event runs Saturday Apr 28 at the Crystal Palace in Picton. Also on the bill Miss Emily, Lindsay Ferguson and KASHKA. Its family friendly so lots of activities for the children and its in the County so lots of great local food, wines, brews.
Empty Fest Sarnia May 3, 4, 5
Polaris Prize winner Lido Pimienta leads the line-up for this 10th anniversary celebration of the Imperial City’s indie festival. Everything from psych, world, punk, synth-pop, big-band, folk, experimental and more will be heard over the three days taking place in four venues in the downtown. There are a lot of local acts, Bad Habit, Faids, Horseless Headmen and Gucc among them. Moon Dog will be travelling from Detroit. There is a free launch party March 30 featuring Yamantaka/ Sonic Titan.
21C Music Festival May 23- 27
Eight concerts, five days, 21C brings together some of todays most innovative musicians and composers. Kronos Quartet, Katia and Marielle Labeque, Simone Dinnerstein among them.
Hamilton Liquid Art Festival June 15 16
Juno winners The Beaches with help launch the first Collective Arts Festival. The brewery will host brewers from across the globe. Line-up includes Lost Cousins, Mt. Joy and Jane’s Party plus more.
Iskwe drops 'The Unforgotten ft. Tanya Tagaq'
Iskwe sent SlowCity.ca this track and we are happy to share it with you all. We are at a crossroads in this country and the question is not which direction do we take but if we take it together. We hope we take it together, in particular if the phenomenal Tanya Tagaq is onside.
"I'm proud of who we are as Indigenous people. I'm proud of what we've fought for, and how we continue to fight for our culture, our languages, our children, our women, our men, our earth and our water. But I'm also proud of all my non-Indigenous family and friends who continue to fight alongside us. This song is for all of us. Let's dance together!," says Iskwe, a resident now of Hamilton but originally from Winnipeg.
Lets dance.