100 Monkeys spill Bananas all over Toronto

100 Monkeys on July 9, 2011 at The Mod Club, Toronto

The first time I ever heard of this band was because of Jackson Rathbone (yeah, you know, the actor who played Jasper Hale in the Twilight Saga? Him). I'd be lying if I said I didn't start listening to 100 monkeys because of him but after seeing them perform during Canadian Music Week last year, it's been a while different story. Their eclectic sound may not appeal to the average crowd but there is just something about them that makes you want to listen.

If somebody were to ask "What (or who) do they sound like?" I wouldn't be able to give you a definitive answer. To be honest they're not exactly like anything or anybody else I've heard. With a mix of blues, funk and old fashioned rock and roll, each and every song they have is different to the core. And while the songs may be different, they make you want to dance and move to the beat. Their energy is riveting and it's hard not to follow suit.

The Ruby Spirit

The opening acts were probably my least favourite moments of the night. Which, if I am to be honest, is weird because I'm usually one to find a new band to listen to in the opening act sequences. Not this time! The first band, The Ruby Spirit, were definitely a talented bunch (nobody can deny), but they kind of reminded me too much of Lady Gaga and Blondie combined. While the lead singer's voice was powerful and strong, she just seemed to be trying way too hard. I think if she just forgot about everything and just sang that her performance would have impressed me a whole lot more then it did.


As for the second act, Bleeding Horse Express, I was not impressed at all. While the male lead showed a little more personality then his female counterpart, he seemed to spend more time silently reassuring her that everything was fine. And in the meantime she barely looked out into the crowd. It's almost as if she'd never done this before in front of a large group! (And by large group I mean barely 100 people). They were lacking the connection with the crowd and the rest of the band and it definitely didn't appeal to me. But I do like to keep it positive and the instrumentals were definitely good. So if you tuned out everything else and just listened to the beat and the guitars you'd have enjoyed their set!


By 8:15 p.m. (It was an early show as it was a Saturday night - a.k.a. club night), the boys of 100 Monkeys it the stage. BY 8:16 p.m. they had their fans rocking out.

Jackson playing guitar

One of their greatest appeals to me is how they like to switch it up - literally. They share the vocal spotlight and the instruments evenly while keeping the crowd entertained with their jokes and flirty "Canadian girls are hotter" routine. While singing favourites (of mine at least) like "Orson Brawl", "The Monkey Song", "Dirty Girl", "Wing on Fire" and songs by the late great William Bell, they also kept it fresh by singing new tunes off their new album Liquid Zoo and by doing improv! Yes, improv people! They took a moment about 3/4 of the way through the set to get suggestions from the audience as to what they could sing about. Two minutes later and after multiple "great" suggestions, they chose the theme of "I'm so easy." So for the next four minutes or so they (with Jackson on vocals) made up an entirely new song off the back of there heads. It's not often you see musicians do something like that and it truly shows you the talent this band has. 


And yes, while I was smitten by Jackson's quirky good looks and southern charm, it does not cloud over the fact that I can recognize talent when I see it. While there music may be a little avant garde, anybody who walks out of their show, walks out a fan. I know I did.

Jackson playing Drums

Later days!
Taryn


*All photos courtesy of Zebraprintsky's Miss Jenny Ellis! My photos didn't turn out so swell (stupid dark club haha), so luckily I have such an awesome concert mate who allows me to use hers!






















Annnnnd one more picture just because he is just so adorably awesome. Seriously, his southern accent is to DIE for! 

At the signing table after the show! <3

Canada D'eh 2011!

Phew! Sorry it took so long to get S.C.E.N.E. stuff up! Time sadly just got away from me!

Anyways, I have to say that Canada Day has got to be one of my favourite days of the year. I am 100 per cent proud to be Canadian and I love seeing so many people come together to celebrate a great nation's birthday! I realize (as is it is almost always the case) that events like these always seem to be a great deal when you are younger. I remember always going to the Glen (a neighbouring small community) to eat pancakes for breakfast, participate in the rubber ducky races and the annual Canada Day Parade. As I grew older I recall playing baseball (I could be wrong - I have a HORRIBLE memory haha). As I grew older we toned it down quite a bit but now that I am obviously of age that I can do whatever I please, I have always tried to find some kind music event to attend on this special day. These events are great for two reasons: 1) These events are usually free (unless you went to EdgeFest!) and 2) They showcase amazing Canadian talent to celebrate the day!

 After spending the day relazing and getting ice cream at Murphy's in Streetsville, my step-sis and I eventually ventured to City Hall in Mississauga to take part in Canada Day festivities. Celebration Square is officially open after what seemed like years of construction and it was time to make use of it! And from what I heard, Mississauga celebrations were the biggest Canada Day celebrations outside of Toronto! And I can see that happening as it was packed with THOUSANDS of people by the end of the night!

Luckily I was once again able to catch These Kids Wear Crowns rock the stage. Decked out in Canada flags, Justin Beiber t=shirts and quirky outfits, they sang to a patriotic and excited crowd. As I saw them only a week before I thought I wouldn't be as interested but they sure know how to entertain a crowd and keep them entertained. Singing  fan favourites "Jumpstart", "I Wanna Dance With Somebody", "Oceans" and "Skeletons" to name a few, they were extremely successful in pumping the crowd up and getting them ready for the rest of the night.

The only thing I would have to say that I disliked was the sound quality. While I'm not sure if it was because I was extremely close to the sound system or because it was just poorly executed, I just didn't seem to be able to hear it as good as it could have been. Take note Mississauga!

Next to take the stage was Fefe Dobson. She's been around since I was in high school (which in the music world is sometimes deemed to  be a lifetime) and she's never really appealed to me all these years. With her new album Joy though, she has converted me - sort of. Although her performance was okay, her stage presence was a little awkward. To me it seemed a little forced. I also didn't like the fact she was late - for her own performance. I don't know the circumstances (could have been a bathroom emergency for all I know) but to me that was far from good musician etiquette.

(By this portion of the night, the crowd had multiplied by the thousands...just so you know)

Lastly, the one and only Shawn Desman hit the stage. While I have listened to Shawn since I was in high school (yes I'm bringing it up again - going on seven years later now) I had never really gotten the opportunity to see him perform live before. Well, unless you include the time he sang the national anthem at the Jay's game. I was thrilled when I heard he was in the lineup! While he mainly played new songs to the wild crowd, he did manage to go back down memory lane and play a few old favourites (which I gladly sang along loud and proud to). The overall performance was upbeat, energetic and extremely exciting. Oh, and not to mention the spectacular dance moves.

I have to say though, the best part of the night has to have been the fireworks. Tuned to music, these pretty fireworks lit up the sky and provided amusement to people of all ages. It seriously brings the kid out in me every time so I can only imagine what everybody else was feeling!

Proud to be Canadian!
-Taryn

The Little Black Dress/The Artist Life @ S.C.E.N.E. 2011

I am combining these last two as they were my my final two shows I caught during this year's S.C.E.N.E. The great thing about the GTA and Niagara music scene (or so I think anyways) is the fact that everybody knows everybody. You see so many bands become friends after playing countless shows together, touring or meeting other musicians through friends of friends. And The Little Black Dress and The Artist Life are no exceptions - they are great friends!

I had originally heard about The Little Black Dress through two different outlets - a friend and another band (well musician really), Jesse Labelle. I am always willing to check out new music, and The Little Black Dress was definitely worth checking out.  I was instantly impressed by Dan Sadowski's unique voice and the tunes in general. I also liked the fact that the lyrics weren't as childish as you tend to find a lot of indie-pop bands to be. I find that these indie-pop bands tend to have a younger following and so the music is geared a little more towards them then the general public. The LBD's lyrics are honest and they aren't afraid to sing about sex and real life.

While nearing the end of the night we ended up in the small bar Mikado (which while it was on the "main strip" I still managed to get lost), to catch this great band. While the stage was small and the lights low, Dan and the rest of the guys still managed to have a great time. I loved the fact that Dan was barefoot on stage. It just made me feel like he was comfortable on stage and ready to have a great time while not worrying about cramped toes!

You can check out these guys on facebook, and twitter as well as pick up their EP on itunes! Great songs, great band and I had a great time watching them live! They're one to watch out for!

Now, in and around the same time, The Artist Life took to the stage at L3. The L3 is probably the venue I have visited most whenever I am in St. Kitt's and it's probably one of my favourites in general. I love the overall feel of the place and the atmosphere is always inviting. I was excited to finally be stepping back into the bar after quite an absence!

I had listened to TAL for quite some time thanks to an East coast friend (*cough* Thanks Nelle!) but I had never gotten the chance to see them perform live until this night. Their set was full of high energy, sweaty boys and a captivated crowd that seemed to enjoy the music just as much as they enjoyed creating it on stage.  Sticking to songs mainly off their recently released album Impossible, they definitely kept the full crowd at L3 entertained.

Their new album itself is rather enjoyable and reminds me of Blink 182 mixed in with their own unique twist. I find myself listening to it as much as I can. It has most definitely become one of my favourite albums for the summer of 2011!

You can also find TAL on myspace, facebook and twitter and you can also pick up their new album Impossible on itunes and in stores!

U.S.S. at S.C.E.N.E.fest 2011

The first thing that comes to mind when describing U.S.S. is crazy. Up until this year's S.C.E.N.E.fest I had only ever heard of their crazy antics they got up to while on stage. This two man band has insane amounts of energy and they definitely know how to pump up a crowd. Ash (vocals/guitar), and Human Kabob (vocals/dj) have a unique blend of techniques that create an amazing combination of alternative and rock.

While I have never listened  to their music beforehand, I was definitely enthralled.  I was amazed at the consistency and their ability to get everybody pumped up for a good hour or more. And even though I didn't know any of the lyrics, I found myself repeating a lot of what they sang.

Headlining the Marketplace stage this year, they are definitely starting to create an impact on the Canadian music scene.  With their constant touring, exposure on the radio and their two album releases, they are starting to become more and more well known. It makes me proud to hear great Canadian talent on the radio and making themselves known to greater audiences.

If you haven't heard their music I suggest you look them up now! And then you need to find out where they are performing near you and then check them out!

You can find U.S.S. on their website, facebook and even twitter!

That's it for now!

-Taryn

These Kids Wear Crowns @ S.C.E.N.E.fest 2011

Anybody who has gone to smaller shows and festivals and talked to the band knows it's no easy task to be a struggling musician. Their constant self-marketing, and endless touring can sometimes be tiring and super frustrating - but it can also pay off. These Kids |Wear Crowns, a once small town band from Chiliwack B.C., got an amazing opportunity to appear and compete to win top prize on MuchMusic's Disband and totally rocked it. It seemed for once a small town band's hard work had finally paid off. Finally getting noticed on a national scale, these six guys are working their butts off to impress music critics and fans a like. And while it took me awhile to warm up to their album, after seeing them live, I started to hear a whole different tune.

One of the many things that draws me into TKWC is their constant energy. Not going to lie, I am a sucker for bands who look like they are truly having a good time on stage. It is too often these days where bands will just stand there and sing. What's the point of paying good money and going to a show and seeing them stand there, when you can do that for the price of a CD at home? These guys are all over the stage, especially front-man Alex Johnson. At this year's S.C.E.N.E.fest that took place on June 26th, they definitely made it worthwhile to check out. Having seen them perform at Canadian Music Fest a few months earlier I already had high expectations and I was definitely not disappointed. Full of energy, excitement and fun, they rocked out to a full set and a great crowd.

The exceptional thing is they performed their high energy set on very little sleep (less so then the expected for musicians) all because of a mishap on their way from Montreal to St. Catharine's. As they explained on stage (and after their set to Zebraprintsky's Jenny ellis and I), they were on their way from their show in Quebec when their tire blew on the van in the wee hours of the morning. And if that weren't bad enough, their spare tire didn't fit and they had to wait until 8 a.m. before they could find a replacement!

"I take a cab 30 minutes back to our van, I put it on the van and we got here with 20 minutes to spare," said Alan Poettchker (vocals/guitar), during an interview with Jenny Ellis at S.C.E.N.E. 

It's a good thing they made it on time!

One of my favourite parts of the sets (besides the obvious fun songs and dance tunes), was their cover (and recently released single) of "I Wanna Dance with Somebody". The Whitney Houston song is a classic to begin with but their twist on the song is fresh and really makes you want to dance. I honestly turn up the radio every time I hear it and to see it live is just that much better. Other songs performed were a mix between songs off their new album Jumpstart as well as off their first self-titled EP. Favourites included "Skeletons," "Jumpstart" and "Break it Up".

On a final note, I would like to mention how much I love the fact that the vocals are split up between Alex and Alan. When I first listened to their music (before seeing them live) I had thought that Alex was the only one singing the main vocals. It was nice to find out that they shared the role, bouncing back and forth between the two of them. It's definitely worth it as they both have unique, and awesome voices!








Check out the interview Zebraprintsky did with Alex and Alan below!!



(I love their spirit and how super sweet these guys were...they were so willing to talk and just hang out! Wicked band vibe right there!)

You can check out TKWC on all social networking sites like myspace, facebook, and even twitter!

S.C.E.N.E.fest 2011 Wrap-up

First off, I want to say sorry for lagging behind these past few weeks! I've let the reviews build up and finally they are starting to go insane!

So I attended the wonderful S.C.E.N.E. Music festival in St. Catherine's on June 26th, and it couldn't have been a more perfect day. For the first time in six (yes six) years there was not a cloud in the sky and the rain (finally!) stayed away! The weather was perfect, the music was plentiful and the people were peaceful - well almost.

We (my fellow friend ZebraPrintSky's Jenny Ellis and I) kept to the main stage to check out The Johnstones. These guys have been around for quite some time now and I swear, every time I see them live they get better and better. Not to mention they seem to appear younger as well...do we have a case of Benjamin Button here?? Needless to say, they were definitely a great kick off to the day!

Between sets on the main stage we checked out some of the War Child Busking for Change sets. I first spotted Courage my Love in the hallways at the Fairmont Hotel during Canadian Music Week and I was pleasantly surprised when I got to see them during the festival. They may be young but they have some pretty amazing voices and supporting a great cause is even better. They were definitely a hit on the old Court Room steps outside the Market Square!

Next up was KO. To be honest, I had never heard of him up until that day but it was definitely a surprised to hear his music. While not altogether my taste, he does a mix between rap and rock and he does it very well. There's something about his lyrics (taken from his own life experiences) that make the songs real and raw. He may be singing about drugs, alcohol and getting into trouble, but his lyrics are meaningful and more than a few people can relate to his past. Pretty sure I even smelled a joint or two light up at one point! Jenny (Zebraprintsky remember?!) interviewed KO later on during the day and he was nothing but humble, friendly and willing to talk. He was enjoyable to talk to in front of and behind the camera and it was nice to see that!

After KO was the wonderfully addictive These Kids Wear Crowns. Getting their big break on MuchMusic's Disband, they have been slowly making a name for themselves for the past year or two. With their funky pop-rock vibe and super stage skills, these guys definitely had the crowd rocking. I personally enjoyed their version of "Dance with Somebody", the ever popular hit by Whitney Houston. It was definitely a fun song and honestly just made you want to dance! Jenny caught up with Alex and Alan from TKWC later on to chat about S.C.E.N.E. and their crazy trip to get there! Again, super nice guys who looked like they were having a great time!

In between another lull we caught Dean Richards and Ian Blackwood from The Artist Life on the War Child stage singing acoustic to raise money. These guys are super fantastic and extremely talented.

Then it was time for The Reason to hit the stage. I've only listened to them a handful of times but they are extremely talented. They definitely had the crowd riveted and continued to rock out the S.C.E.N.E. crowd as did their successors before them. They have a distict rock sound and it was awesome to hear them perform live.

We arrived late (went wandering down the streets of St. Kitt's to take in the scene) for Silverstein but they put on a great show as well. Screamo-type music (sorry but true) hurts my ears (I'm partially deaf to begin with haha) but I have to say that when it comes to Silverstein I can always make an exception. There's just something about their music that is different to me than all the rest. They have a great mix between actual vocals and screaming and it's not too overpowering. They were definitely a great addition to this year's Scene.

Finally it was the much anticipated set for U.S.S. If you have never heard of them I highly recommend you look them up. Their unique take on dj'ing and singing puts a different twist on what you hear today on the radios. The two man band (who go by the names of Ash and Human Kabob - no lies) are so friggin' full of energy it's utterly insane! For their entire set (especially Human Kabob), they were all over the stage, into the crowds and even standing on their heads. It`s only something one can witness in person to actually believe. I can fully understand now why they are so popular!

To end off the day (which went by WAY too quickly if you ask me) we made our way to Mikado to see The Little Black Dress. These Toronto boys may have been squished onto a small stage with low lighting but they still managed to put on a great show. The mix between pop and rock has them fitting in perfectly with the scene in St. Kitt`s. I thoroughly enjoyed their set and I was glad to finally get to see them live after many missed chances in the past.

The last of the night was the much anticipated (for me anyways), The Artist Life! Again, I've heard of, and listened to their music for quite some time now but I've always managed to miss them (whether it be in Toronto or at SCENE). They have a wonderfully awesome band and they play extremely well together. Their music off their new album reminds me of a mix of Blink 182 and something else. They honestly have a great album and I totally recommend checking them out if you haven't already!

In between these main sets we got to experience the overall atmosphere of the festival. It's always overrun with the teens trying to see their favourite bands and the hardcore people who come every year but it's also a mix of everybody who just loves the music scene. I love the way the streets fill with people who are just there to have a good time. It's not often where you can pay a mere $35 dollars and get into numerous venues for as many times as you want to catch some great tunes. Although there was a venue that got shut down due to rowdiness (to what extent I never found out) and there was also a massive mosh pit that caused some ruckus at Barracuda Pretty, everything was mainly calm!

Needless to say, while it was a long day I was super thankful for the sun, the amazing music, the awesome people I got to meet and the coolest chick I got to spend the day with! Til next year folks!

-Taryn

We also managed to catch Mean Tangerine, Mookie and the Loyalists

Warped Tour Preview 2011: IllScarlett

Illscarlett at Tattoo Rock Parlour During Canadian Music Week 2011

Holy! This date has creeped up on us rather quickly I must say! Next friday, July 15th, Warped will make one of only two stops in Canada this year at the International Centre in Mississauga (yes people, that`s still Arrow Hall). Craazy times, I swear. It seems that the older you get the faster time flies!

Anyways, I would like to mention today that a beloved Canadian band who has been around for quite some time now, has been touring with Warped Tour since the beginning of this year`s. They are incredibly spunky, full of energy and not something you hear every day on the radio.

Mississauga natives Illscarlett are fun, hyper-spastic, and know how to make the crowd go wild. Wherever they go, you're bound to find crowd-surfing, weed-smoking, music-loving people who know how to have a good time! Currently working on their new album, set for release sometime this year, they are steadfast in making something that everybody will enjoy listening too.

If you know what's right, you will already know who they are! But if you don't and are going to this year's Toronto Warped Tour, I highly recommend taking time out of your schedule to see these Canadian rockers as they hit the stage!

If you want to find out more about Illscarlett you can catch them on myspace, facebook and twitter!

Check out their video for Life of a Soldier (a personal fave) down below!:

Lady Gaga Inspires

Anybody who knows who Lady Gaga is, knows she is far from one who "fits in with the crowd". Ever since she came into the music scene with a bang, she's done it her way and that's how she's kept is as her rise to fame has reached an all time high.

Screenshot of Lady Gaga in the MuchMusic Press Room

She has wowed crowds with her music, her insanely unique clothing and her sweet disposition towards all of her fans. In fact, while in Toronto during the MuchMusic Video Awards, she took time out of her schedule to meet with fans who had been waiting to catch a glimpse of the worldwide superstar. She's very humble in her roots and she makes sure everybody knows that.

"Every single day I say a deep deep thank you to the higher power to give me the privilege to make music and follow my dreams," said Gaga backstage at the MMVAs. 

She still keeps her old apartment in New York City to remind her that's she's still who she was before she became famous. "[Having] my apartment grounds me and it's nice to get into the bath tub and it be cold – that’s life." 

Lady Gaga Performs. Photo Cred: MuchMusic, Photographer: Sandra Elford

The Mother Monster as fans like to call her, is also prided in being an activist for the rights of homosexuals. Once making a statement by wearing a dress made completely of meat, she gave the message that it was a political statement. After her infamous dress was revealed at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards she spoke with talk show host Ellen Degeneres and stated: "It is a devastation to me that I know my fans who are gay ... feel like they have governmental oppression on them. That's actually why I wore the meat tonight."

Even at this year's MMVA's she made it clear that the topic of homosexuality is near to her heart. "I have always had gay friends and I have been very rooted to the community since I was very young."

Gaga is definitely an inspiration to those who want to be an individual instead of conform to society. 

Down With Webster is All about the Fans

They may have started with humble beginnings, and experienced a lot of up and downs in their musical career, but Down with Webster is just starting to set the world on fire.

Their unique ability to pump up the crowd while rocking out is something you don't always see when such a large group of musicians grace the stage at the same time. Each and every one of them brings their own crazy energy and feeds it to the crowd every chance they get.

With their first album Time to Win Vol. 1 hit stores, there was no telling at how successful they would become. And while their climb to the top has been slow, Down with Webster is starting to become a household name! And they attribute all their success to their fans.

"If it wasn’t for the fans, we probably would not be doing much right now. I gotta give it to them," said Cam Hunter backstage during this year's MuchMusic Video Awards.

With summer festivals and their new album Time to Win Vol. 2 set to be released in September of this year, they definitely have a full plate on their hands.

"It’s flattering and insane. It feels like a weird dream."