Geeta Q&A

Picture by Meliza Ash

Your name: 

Geeta.

Where are you from? 

Montreal but now living in London.

Who else is in your band? 

I play solo and I also play with Marc Olivier (guitars and other sounds).

Who are your main influences musically?  

There`s a lot...Ennio Morricone, Nick Cave, Patti Smith, Shirley Bassey, Leonard Cohen, Serge Gainsbourg...

What do you hope to achieve in music? 

To push and challenge myself to make my compositions better and more interesting and always staying true to myself. Writing and performing music is what gives meaning to my life so I'm just enjoying every step of this amazing journey and If people can relate to it then that`s even greater.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?  

Many...Most concerts, festivals, residencies and tours I have done and all the amazing people I have met along the way.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?  

Many...haha..playing in these funny places, auditioning the wrong people, concerts where everything goes bad... but it`s still funny souvenirs and a great laugh.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why? 

Gossebumps. I always seek the sensation of goose bumps in everything I do.

Where can we listen to it?

https://soundcloud.com/geeta_lightbulb

Where can we find out more about your music?

www.geeta.ca
Album available on Bandcamp:  https://geeta.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Geeta/210044302360486

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IH-6jwgc9w&feature=youtu.be

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?  

Album launch is on September 23rd at The Social in London. All my concerts info is on my website. www.geeta.ca

Metal band The Agonist release new album

METALLERS The Agonist have unveiled the video for A Gentle Disease.

The track is taken from the Canadians' new album Eye Of Providence, which was released this week via Century Media Records.

Vocalist Vicky Psarakis told RealSoundsOK: "A Gentle Disease was one of the most interesting tracks to write and record. It allowed us to take the band somewhere it’s never been before and I was really happy to be a part of that. 

"I remember hearing the music and being left with a wide spectrum of emotions. On the one hand, it’s acoustic and simple compared to other songs on the album. At the same time the chord progression is quite unpredictable, leaving you in a very unsettling mood. 

"This song also let me to explode a more subdued jazz vocal style that I enjoy. I think the song adds to the diversity of 'Eye Of Providence'. Lyrically, like the music, 'A Gentle Disease' is based on contradiction. Imagine being thrown into a world where everything is turned upside down and exact opposite of what you’re used to."

The band will also be heading out on a European tour in March with Otep and Ferium. There will be dates in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Germany, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the UK.

Check out A Gentle Disease below and for more details visit facebook.com/theagonistofficial

Mike Evin releases video for Have I Ever Loved?

PIANO pop artist Mike Evin has released a video for his first single Have I Ever Loved?

The track is taken from the Canadian's fifth studio album Life As A Lover and is "an ode to finding new love and learning to live with loves lost".

Mike told RealSoundsOK: "The video did what we hoped - capturing a vibe that is both playful and reflective."

The album was produced by JUNO-nominated Howie Beck in Toronto and is due out later this year.

Mike has a number of live dates coming in the US and for more details visit facebook.com/mikeevin

Rosebuddy Q&A

Your name:

Neil Briffett (guitar).

Where are you from? 
Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Name of band:
Rosebuddy.

Who else is in your band? 
Yuri Mohacsi (bass) and James Misata (drums).

How would you describe yourselves? 
Raunchy pop. Melodic bite. We have songs that either tear your head off or weep over your decapitated corpse (often within the same song).

Who are your main influences musically? 
So many...a few that come to mind are Husker Du, The Replacements, Buffalo Tom, Dinosaur Jr., Sebadoh, Guided by Voices, Uncle Tupelo - a lot of trios, now that we think of it...

What do you hope to achieve in music? 
Frankly, we've already achieved it: lasting this long with the urge to continue doing it while accumulating a body of work and getting "better" (whatever one's definition of that happens to be).

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? 
See above answer.

And what’s the moment you want to forget? 
Anytime that despair, or ego, or judgment, or indifference, stood in the way.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why? 
That's, of course, a hard one to answer. I'm tempted to say "the next one we write for the very same reason" but I'd have to go with Away With Words because it embodies many of the attributes that we value: brevity, economy, melody, attack, surprise and indirection.

Where can we listen to it?
http://rosebuddy.bandcamp.com/track/away-with-words


Where can we find out more about your music?
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/rosebuddy/id731033181

http://rosebuddy.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/rosebuddyband
http://www.reverbnation.com/officialrosebuddy
https://twitter.com/rosebuddyband
http://rosebuddy.com/

Anything else you’d like to say that I forgot to ask?

If we can recommend anything, it's that endurance, often in the face of indifference, is a central attribute. As a wise person once wrote: "You've got to make your own kind of music/Sing Your own special song/Make your own kind of music/Even if nobody else sings along"

Good Nite Gilligan Q&A

Your name:

Matthew Riopel.

Where are you from?

Montreal, Canada.

Name of band:

Good Nite Gilligan.

Who else is in your band?

Eric Mallette is on bass, Chris Brown is on guitar, Serge Bricault plays drums, and I sing and play lead guitar.

Good Nite Gilligan was formed about two years ago to record our old songs from our teenage years. It was a project to finally put closure on our former band (Gilligan's Fish). But as we played more and more together, we found our love of jamming and making music grow again. After our first show as Good Nite Gilligan, our drummer quit and left us in a tight situation. Instead of falling apart, we did a big drummer search, and after meeting many talented people, we met Serge. Not only is Serge an incredible talent, but he quickly became a good friend. 

How would you describe yourselves?

We're the kind of guys who take our music seriously, but not ourselves...too much. We like to be goofy and just have fun without all the stress that most bands put on themselves.

Who are your main influences musically?

I can't speak for everyone in the band, but for myself growing up in the 90's, the grunge scene was my thing. Bands like Soundgarden, Nirvana, and Weezer, to Pennywise, Bad Religion, Rage Against The Machine, and Nine Inch Nails.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

Glory, superstardom, famousness...ok I can't keep a straight face while saying that! Seriously though, we want to make good music that people can jump, dance, or tap their feet to. Our goal was to perform live as often as we could, but also to record and create. 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

A career in music? The day I can quit my day job will be the day I answer this question.

If you had to choose just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

Finally Cool. This was a song I wrote when I was about 16, and basically it is about what we had to do as teenagers to be accepted, or deemed cool. I basically make fun of the things people need to do to be accepted in society. Even though it is about adolescent situations, I believe it can still be applied today as an adult in my 30s.

Where can we listen to it?

Well you can see us playing it live recorded on smart phones at our shows (here), but we are in the stages of mixing our EP, which will be ready in late September. So we will have a great version for you very soon!!

Where can we find out more about your music?

Facebook, Twitter, ReverbNation

Potion13

Your name: 

My name is Danielle Langlois.

Where are you from? 

Montreal, Quebec (The only french province in North America), Canada. So, I sing in french (my mother's tongue.) Now, if the way I write things seem a bit funny, you know why. Not  easy to write in a foreign language.

Name of band:

Potion13.

Who is in your band?

The band is: Danielle Langlois (vocals), Brian Harps (guitar), Nathalie Baril(bass), Simon-Pierre Dube(drums).

How would you describe yourselves?

Heavy metal/hard rock band. Good friends that share a passion together, having fun doing it!

Who are your main influences musically?

So many good bands in the metal scene. The four of us have different influence and the mix of all that gives us our essence. Personally I've learned to sing metal doing covers of Dio, Iron Maiden, Scorpion, Black Sabbath,... I guest it kind of stayed within me.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

The sky is the limit. But mostly doing shows, that's the best! We got a new album out this year. We wish to sell as much as possible to finance the next one. Being independent, we have to go with the flow. So far the sale have paid the cost of production by sales in our show, by putting the album in two Montreal stores that sell online too and we also opened an account on bandcamp so people can buy on line one song $1.00 or the album  "Le rock ça tue!" for $6.66. (The title of the album means Rock kill's).

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

Opening for U.D.O. (original voice of Accept), David Ellefson (Megadeth), twice for Tim RIPPER Owens (ex-Judas Priest), Raven,... cause it was an honour to share the stage with these great performer. And it was nice to have the chance to talk with them  backstage. Makes many good memories!!

Also being played in more than 150 countries or the day we've reached 2,500,000 upload of our songs.  It's quite overwelming to have so many people, from all over the world, appreciating the music you created! 

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

Like a lot of musicians these day with the music business getting harder and harder. The moment we all wish we could forget is that moment when the alarm clock rings and you got to get up to go to your regular job that pays your bills... especially when you had a kick ass show the night before!!!

If you had to choose just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

La mort . (death). It starts on a dark note, talking about how death is part of our life, how ugly or devastating it can  be... Never knowing how long we've got. And in the second part of the song it makes you realize that you should live to the fullest every day cause you never know when it will be the last. Enjoy your life as much as you can, while you can. That is what we do. Live for the moment!

Where can we listen to it?

http://potion13.bandcamp.com/track/la-mort

Where can we find out more about your music?

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Potion13/12012267676

http://potion13.bandcamp.com/

http://www.reverbnation.com/potion13

https://twitter.com/#!/potion13

http://www.youtube.com/user/Potion13

http://www.myspace.com/potion13

Official site: http://www.potion13.org

Store: http://profusion-le-metalstore.blogspot.ca/

 Anything else you’d like to say about your band that I forgot to ask?

We will have a new video out in September or October. We will start shooting in two weeks. Visit any our sites to be up to date. Being a woman I could go on and on forever but I have used enough of your page already lol! Thank you for the spotlight, we appreciate it a lot! And, thanks to all of you who had the patience to read it all.

New video from Mozart's Sister

MOZART'S Sister - aka Montreal-based artist Caila Thompson-Hannant - has unveiled her video for the eponymous track off her recent and excitedly received 'Hello' EP for Merok Records. 

The video was directed by Angus Borsos who has previously made videos for the Mac Demarco, Nite Jewel and Doldrums among others. 

You can view the video above and to find out more about the artist visit facebook.com/mozartsssister, mozartssister.bandcamp.com/ or twitter.com/mozartsister

Cosmic Crash Q&A

Your name:

Danny Meyers.

Where are you from?

Montreal, Quebec.

Name of band:

Cosmic Crash.

Who else is in your band?

Currently I am the only band member since I am a singer songwriter but I have co lyricized with an associate for a few of my recent tunes by the name of Julius Lovaghy, who I have worked on and off with for almost 30 years (yikes).

How would you describe yourselves?

Hmmm… I am a songwriter / bass player who has learned to sing and play several instruments over the years so that I could more easily write / record as the inspiration hits. My style is sort of a mix of alternative rock with a twist of country. It is what it is. I just let it happen and take me where it will … to that dream-like almost out of body state and feeling and exhilaration that comes when you first get a song idea and begin to try and pull it out of your head. Of course that’s the challenge because it’s always perfect in your mind’s eye (or ear) and as you try to make it a reality the result is often less perfect than you dream.

Who are your main influences musically?

In some ways I am a musical recluse and do not really follow any one band or style but I guess I’d have to list the Byrds, Simon & Garfunkel, the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Alice Copper, Frank Zappa, April Wine, Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Early U2, the Police, Echo & the Bunnymen, Simple Minds, Match Box 20, Coldplay, even though many of these bands are nothing like what I do they all added something to my musical subconscious as do so many other great acts, commercial or Indie.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

I would love to see what one of my tunes could become if a polished act would run with it and take to a level I can’t on my own. Other than that I simply strive to create great songs that I can be proud of and, if I’m lucky, that people will listen to. Not caring about making money or what industry “big shooters” feel about my music, like I used to when I was much younger, has freed me to just enjoy writing and creating for the pure pleasure, challenge and sense of accomplishment it offers.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

Always the last song I just finished writing and recording! And most importantly, the people I’ve met and friends I’ve made.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

There are no moments to forget because even the failures and disappointments bring learning’s and experiences that make me who I am.

If you could choose just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

Hardest question of all! The song that best represents me has yet to be written but I would say some of my latest tunes like “Crying Shame” or “Hurts So Bad” are a good representation of where I am today. Tomorrow, who knows?

Where can we listen to it?

www.reverbnation.com/cosmiccrash

Learn how to place music on itunes at ReverbNation.com

Where can we find out more about your music?

I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Reverbnation and Myspace. Just search Cosmic Crash music on Google and you’ll find me.

Anything else you’d like to say about your band that I forgot to ask?

Not that I can think of… I’ve probably said too much already!

Light Bulb Alley Q&A

Your name: 

Allister (Guitar and Vocals).

Where are you from? 

Montreal, Canada.

Name of band:

Light Bulb Alley.

Who else is in your band? 

Josh Boom Boom (Drums, Backups) and Karlo Sno (Bass, Organ, Backups).

How would you describe yourselves? 

Like a moonlit walk along the beach, or a tornado through a trailer park, depending on the song.

Who are your main influences musically?

The Troggs, The Gruesomes, Demons Claws, Johnny Thunders and The Heart Breakers, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and Madonna.

What do you hope to achieve in music? 

To have panties thrown at us, every night!

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? 

Cavestomp Garage Rock Festicular Fest in New York City with The Recordettes, Lyres, M.O.T.O, The Bamboo Kids etc., Getting Signed to Ricochet Sound (The Gruesomes label).

And what’s the moment you want to forget? 

I already forgot them. There are fun moments, and funny ones.

If you could choose just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why? 

Pepper Spray: makes you wanna jump out your window, and get it on in the parking lot!

Where can we listen to it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3q8NnIGhh8

Where can we find out more about your music?

Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Light-Bulb-Alley-New-Site/178335695553489?ref=ts&fref=ts

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/135754818716/?ref=ts&fref=ts  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LightBulbAlley 

Official Site: www.lightbulballey.com,

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/the-sound-of-things/id442439813 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Sound-of-Things/dp/B0054SJQL2

CD Baby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lightbulballey2 

Myspace: www.myspace.com/lightbulballey

Garage Punk We Love Trash Vol 7. http://garagepunk.ning.com/page/we-love-trash You  

Dead By Mono- No Way Out Vol 3  https://www.facebook.com/events/378398895584485/?fref=ts

YouTube Videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d__8KWkvrdw, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj1jz-rP6Kk

Press: http://www.earshot-online.com/reviews/DisplayReview.cfm?DiscID=113335  , http://www.gew-gaw-fanzine.gr/light_bulb_alley_engklish.htm , http://blog.garagepunknyc.com/2012/05/cavestomp-welectric-mess-moto-light-bulb-alley-bamboo-kids-mess-shaw-nuff-chris-savagesparkside-lounge-511-512.html

Anything else you’d like to say about your band that I forgot to ask?  

We are planning a US Tour for the Summer of 2013 starting In New York City on August 9th! and will have a new release by then!

Mozart's Sister new EP available to stream

THE new EP by Montreal-based Mozart's Sister is available to stream through Dazed Digital ahead of its release next week on Merok Records.

Mozart's Sister is the solo project of artist Caila Thompson-Hannant and the new EP Hello is the follow up to 2011's self-recorded and released Dear Fear.

It is her first official release through Merok, which is famed for previously unearthing the likes of Crystal Castles, Klaxons and SALEM, having stepped in to take her to the wider world.

You can find out more about her work via facebook.com/mozartsssister, mozartssister.bandcamp.com/, twitter.com/mozartsister or at merokrecords.com

And you can listen to the Hello EP below...