Make-a-Wish Foundation Charity Fundraiser
At 6 Degrees Nightclub, Toronto, ON
Hosted by Track Avenue Records!
June 29.2009
By BD Marie Hughes and Olivia D’Orazio
At 6 Degrees Nightclub, Toronto, ON
Hosted by Track Avenue Records!
June 29.2009
By BD Marie Hughes and Olivia D’Orazio
(Oringally posted with The Toronto Independent Music Awards)
My colleague, Olivia D’Orazio, and I had a chance to talk with the talent that Mitch Masters at Track Avenue Records lined up for this memorable charity event on Saturday, June 27.2000.
Performing:
Miasmata
Dave Borins
Parklane
Shobha
Basia Lyjak.
Miasmata, a rock/blues/progressive band from Hamilton, ON (Josh Belliveau, Antonio Changanaqui, and Ryan Perry), offers up a definite jam-band kind of feel. What they lack in onstage presence and image they more than make up for musically, playing a very tight set with a high level of musicianship.
“Miasmata” was actually the band’s album name. When they were offered a spot at Roger's Summer Fest in Hamilton in 2008, they needed a band name so they used Miasmata.
In November 2007, Josh put together a conceptual album all on his own. This, ultimately, became the band’s EP. Josh had been in other bands but nothing clicked for him. When his EP was recorded at Mastermind Studios in Hamilton, it was Antonio’s brother, Enrique, who recorded the drums. From that connection, Antonio came into the picture and Enrique had recommended Ryan as a drummer.
The band is now in the process of recording their LP at Grant Avenue Studios. They chose this place because they appreciated the studio’s knowledge of analog – old school – and this appealed to them. The LP will have some re-recorded songs from the EP as well as new ones.
Josh, Antonio, and Ryan have played at a variety of venues but their most memorable place is The Horseshoe Tavern. “Every time you go, there’s always a really good crowd, lots of energy, and a great atmosphere that really allows you to connect with the audience,” explains Antonio. He continues, “We played one of our best performances there.” “We had played there one Thursday night. We were prepared but I don’t think we were ready. It can be a very intimidating space, what with the black and white checkerboard floor and all,” says Josh laughing. “But when we went back we were a million times better than that time!”
While Miasmata agree that they don’t specifically write for radio, Josh explains, “We write for the feeling – we’re more of a jam band”.
They want the audience to remember them with a feeling of high energy and musically devoted.
www.myspace.com/miasmataband
Here was a golden opportunity for me to clear up Dave Borins’ catchy, foot-tapping song, “Whiskey Women”. I didn’t get it quite right at his TIMA Showcase back in May. It is not (!) an anti-drinking song. But rather a “put on” to girls, and the idea that “whiskey” and “women” just don’t “go” together. On the night of the TIMA Showcase, Angie Hilts performed Dave’s back up vocals. Angie is also in a band called “Rock Sock Willies”. Here, at 6 Degrees nightclub, he’s joined by Robyn Dell’unto.
One of Dave’s songs that clearly stood out during the night was Dylan’s “Lay, Lady, Lay”. Dave tells us he’s only performed this song 4 or 5 times yet it sounds polished and played from his heart. Performing that song, he managed to completely pull the audience in. It is not an easy thing to connect with a crowd that intimately. Dave definitely brings his own magic to the piece. “It’s a Dylan song that’s accessible and a song that he (Dave) can bring something to”, Dave explains.
We find out that Dave often has different people, instruments, and band members for different shows. He says his sound is always different and changing.
Of particular note is Dave’s incredibly confident stage presence. There is good banter with the audience. He plays for the music and the audience, even through a broken guitar string, and, has the professional sense of mind to bring a back up guitar. Olivia and I were both impressed.
In early July, Dave is giving some “Campfire Concerts” in Palmer Rapids, ON. Then, he will be spending some time up north and “off the grid” the rest of July. His east coast tour begins Sep. 5, followed by a west coast tour in November.
www.myspace.com/daveborins
Parklane, a band hailing from South Africa, has just begun its Canadian tour with its 5-track EP and planning to branch out from there. Sweden is waiting for them. A radio station in that country offered to book a tour for them if one of their songs got downloaded 20,000 times. In the span of 2 weeks, it was downloaded over 200,000 times. Parklane is: Ryan Morse, Daniel Fuchs, Darin Collins, and Damien (“Damo”) Staz.
They had originally hoped to record a cd in London, ON, but the studio couldn’t commit, so they moved to Voodoo Records in Toronto. While they tell me that they will have this cd mastered by the same person who has worked with Nickelback, it’s unclear if it’s Joao Carvalho of Joao Carvalho Mastering (as I had suggested to them) or someone at Sterling Silver Studios. Both studios have worked with Nickelback and many other well-known and up-and-coming Canadian artists. Either way, they’re in good hands. Parklane hopes to complete a full 12-track album.
While I suggest to them that touring without a cd promo’d ahead of time in advance of an international tour is equivalent to professional suicide, Parklane backs up their decision to tour. They tell us that it took them so long to save up to record a cd so they are working and touring to continue to fund that cd project.
Two exciting projects for the band right now include scouting record labels and, in the works, they have a reality TV show for FOX and HBO.
Their songwriting formula consists of creating the melody first then nailing down the rhythm. Parklane take what they do very seriously, “Sometimes too seriously,” adds Ryan. Although they do joke around, they live and breathe their music. They hold down no other jobs. Ryan explains, “If you take a week off, that’s a week lost.”
While the band seems very image-oriented, they lack a cohesive look. No doubt this will develop as they continue gigging and touring. We’re not the fashion police. On stage, there were some serious sound problems and Ryan was visibly angry. This made everyone uncomfortable. What they will learn, again with gigging and touring, along with getting to know other bands, is how to bridge the gap in these types of glitches with positive banter with the audience. When these types of issues arise, you need roll with it. Olivia and I have observed this, time and time again, with independent artists and bands, so we speak from experience. There’s not much you can do except your best to fix what’s not right and do it with a smile. Otherwise the audience gets “turned off” in a hurry. We witnessed earlier Miasmata with sound problems with the bassist, and Dave Borins, a percussive style guitarist, bust a guitar string. It’s experience + attitude towards setbacks that will elevate Parklane to the next level of showmanship. Good showmanship never goes out of style.
www.myspace.com/bandparklane
Shobha, a singer/songwriter, came to perform at the “Make a Wish” charity event with a full band. Her amazing skills were unassuming (while watching the band set up) but, at once, crystal clear apparent. She has a very confident command of the stage. She sounds like a mix between Jully Black and India Arie. Her drummer has a soulful, jazzy edge. Born in Halifax (she’s second generation), Shobha is influenced by the folky, singer/songwriter popularity in Halifax. As such, lyrics are important to her. But her sound is definitely “her own”.
Shobha knows how to expand her skills and diversify. A while back she was invited to perform for a charity called, “Literacy in Pakistan” in New York. Her myspace has a video clip of her learning some choreography. The charity could not fly out her band so they hired dancers for her for her performance.
Up and coming for Shobha, a performance on opening day at the CNE. She entered the Toronto Song Contest and placed top 10 of over 500 entries. This performance will be judged by Mayor David Miller, Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone, and other community leaders. She is most excited to play in front of the Mayor. “It’s going to be nerve-racking as it’s not just a performance but a competition.”
www.msypace.com/shobhamusic
They don’t make ‘em any more authentic than this. Basia Lyjak is a pure rock ‘n’ roll artist. Olivia and I were astounded at the performance she was able to belt out at her start time of 1 a.m. and having been at two weddings earlier in the day. Despite the hectic day she had, Basia knows how to deliver a hard-core, in-the-moment performance – taking off her high heels shoes and singing barefoot, writhing in her lyrics while kneeling on the stage, and hitting unfathomable high notes. Very rocker chick (“I’m bringing it back.”) On stage banter is polished.
Her band (guitarist Ron Bechard, bassist Dave Carreiro, and drummer Glenn Nash) clearly has a high level of musicianship with the ability to anticipate one another while performing. This only comes with putting in a lot of time.
“What it Feels Like” is Basia’s new single. It was recorded at Rattlebox Studios in Toronto with Brian Moncarz. She debuted it on June 27.2009. This song and “Don’t Talk” were both self-funded. She feels it’s more difficult and there’s more pressure with self-funded work because people are waiting to see if you re-coup what you put in.
Not too long ago, Basia entered the TV competition “Rockstar: INXS”. She was called back for a second audition. “It was hard but I had fun. It was an honour to be recognized.”
Basia’s songs are about any sort of relationship (with your parents, with drugs, etc.) Her songs are “real” and “honest”. She will be doing the score for the first user-designed video game. This is a different type of project for Basia. She has to wait for the story line to come from the public and receive the gaming company’s approval. Ultimately she has to see if the ideas she has for the music fit the story and theme.
I gave Basia and her band a standing ovation. I don’t do that often.
www.myspace.com/basialyjak
http://www.basialyjak.com/
Two members of the band called Tiger Bomb attended the charity fundraiser. Olivia and I were happy to talk with them as they are a band Mitch at Track Avenue is currently promoting. Lee Baillie – vocals and Jay 17 – guitar describe their music as “playful and humourous”. Their songs poke fun at pop culture. Both feel their genre is “pop rock meets awesome.” The band’s single, “Nothing to Prove” is now on sale at iTunes.
Tiger Bomb came together about a year ago and immediately clicked. They’ve done a few gigs in Toronto. Their approach is to focus on the songs themselves and recording them in a studio before booking anymore shows.
The band entered the Virgin Radio Songwriting Competition. While the band didn’t win, they got, and continue to get, radio play on Virgin 99.9 across Canada. We all agreed that this is a tremendous opportunity as far as exposure to the song-listening public during their recording time. Both Lee and Jay are very thankful for their luck with media exposure for the band. Olivia and I enjoy meeting these kind of appreciative, you-make-it-happen people.
www.myspace.com/tigerbombtunes
http://www.tigerbomb.ca/
My colleague, Olivia D’Orazio, and I had a chance to talk with the talent that Mitch Masters at Track Avenue Records lined up for this memorable charity event on Saturday, June 27.2000.
Performing:
Miasmata
Dave Borins
Parklane
Shobha
Basia Lyjak.
Miasmata, a rock/blues/progressive band from Hamilton, ON (Josh Belliveau, Antonio Changanaqui, and Ryan Perry), offers up a definite jam-band kind of feel. What they lack in onstage presence and image they more than make up for musically, playing a very tight set with a high level of musicianship.
“Miasmata” was actually the band’s album name. When they were offered a spot at Roger's Summer Fest in Hamilton in 2008, they needed a band name so they used Miasmata.
In November 2007, Josh put together a conceptual album all on his own. This, ultimately, became the band’s EP. Josh had been in other bands but nothing clicked for him. When his EP was recorded at Mastermind Studios in Hamilton, it was Antonio’s brother, Enrique, who recorded the drums. From that connection, Antonio came into the picture and Enrique had recommended Ryan as a drummer.
The band is now in the process of recording their LP at Grant Avenue Studios. They chose this place because they appreciated the studio’s knowledge of analog – old school – and this appealed to them. The LP will have some re-recorded songs from the EP as well as new ones.
Josh, Antonio, and Ryan have played at a variety of venues but their most memorable place is The Horseshoe Tavern. “Every time you go, there’s always a really good crowd, lots of energy, and a great atmosphere that really allows you to connect with the audience,” explains Antonio. He continues, “We played one of our best performances there.” “We had played there one Thursday night. We were prepared but I don’t think we were ready. It can be a very intimidating space, what with the black and white checkerboard floor and all,” says Josh laughing. “But when we went back we were a million times better than that time!”
While Miasmata agree that they don’t specifically write for radio, Josh explains, “We write for the feeling – we’re more of a jam band”.
They want the audience to remember them with a feeling of high energy and musically devoted.
www.myspace.com/miasmataband
Here was a golden opportunity for me to clear up Dave Borins’ catchy, foot-tapping song, “Whiskey Women”. I didn’t get it quite right at his TIMA Showcase back in May. It is not (!) an anti-drinking song. But rather a “put on” to girls, and the idea that “whiskey” and “women” just don’t “go” together. On the night of the TIMA Showcase, Angie Hilts performed Dave’s back up vocals. Angie is also in a band called “Rock Sock Willies”. Here, at 6 Degrees nightclub, he’s joined by Robyn Dell’unto.
One of Dave’s songs that clearly stood out during the night was Dylan’s “Lay, Lady, Lay”. Dave tells us he’s only performed this song 4 or 5 times yet it sounds polished and played from his heart. Performing that song, he managed to completely pull the audience in. It is not an easy thing to connect with a crowd that intimately. Dave definitely brings his own magic to the piece. “It’s a Dylan song that’s accessible and a song that he (Dave) can bring something to”, Dave explains.
We find out that Dave often has different people, instruments, and band members for different shows. He says his sound is always different and changing.
Of particular note is Dave’s incredibly confident stage presence. There is good banter with the audience. He plays for the music and the audience, even through a broken guitar string, and, has the professional sense of mind to bring a back up guitar. Olivia and I were both impressed.
In early July, Dave is giving some “Campfire Concerts” in Palmer Rapids, ON. Then, he will be spending some time up north and “off the grid” the rest of July. His east coast tour begins Sep. 5, followed by a west coast tour in November.
www.myspace.com/daveborins
Parklane, a band hailing from South Africa, has just begun its Canadian tour with its 5-track EP and planning to branch out from there. Sweden is waiting for them. A radio station in that country offered to book a tour for them if one of their songs got downloaded 20,000 times. In the span of 2 weeks, it was downloaded over 200,000 times. Parklane is: Ryan Morse, Daniel Fuchs, Darin Collins, and Damien (“Damo”) Staz.
They had originally hoped to record a cd in London, ON, but the studio couldn’t commit, so they moved to Voodoo Records in Toronto. While they tell me that they will have this cd mastered by the same person who has worked with Nickelback, it’s unclear if it’s Joao Carvalho of Joao Carvalho Mastering (as I had suggested to them) or someone at Sterling Silver Studios. Both studios have worked with Nickelback and many other well-known and up-and-coming Canadian artists. Either way, they’re in good hands. Parklane hopes to complete a full 12-track album.
While I suggest to them that touring without a cd promo’d ahead of time in advance of an international tour is equivalent to professional suicide, Parklane backs up their decision to tour. They tell us that it took them so long to save up to record a cd so they are working and touring to continue to fund that cd project.
Two exciting projects for the band right now include scouting record labels and, in the works, they have a reality TV show for FOX and HBO.
Their songwriting formula consists of creating the melody first then nailing down the rhythm. Parklane take what they do very seriously, “Sometimes too seriously,” adds Ryan. Although they do joke around, they live and breathe their music. They hold down no other jobs. Ryan explains, “If you take a week off, that’s a week lost.”
While the band seems very image-oriented, they lack a cohesive look. No doubt this will develop as they continue gigging and touring. We’re not the fashion police. On stage, there were some serious sound problems and Ryan was visibly angry. This made everyone uncomfortable. What they will learn, again with gigging and touring, along with getting to know other bands, is how to bridge the gap in these types of glitches with positive banter with the audience. When these types of issues arise, you need roll with it. Olivia and I have observed this, time and time again, with independent artists and bands, so we speak from experience. There’s not much you can do except your best to fix what’s not right and do it with a smile. Otherwise the audience gets “turned off” in a hurry. We witnessed earlier Miasmata with sound problems with the bassist, and Dave Borins, a percussive style guitarist, bust a guitar string. It’s experience + attitude towards setbacks that will elevate Parklane to the next level of showmanship. Good showmanship never goes out of style.
www.myspace.com/bandparklane
Shobha, a singer/songwriter, came to perform at the “Make a Wish” charity event with a full band. Her amazing skills were unassuming (while watching the band set up) but, at once, crystal clear apparent. She has a very confident command of the stage. She sounds like a mix between Jully Black and India Arie. Her drummer has a soulful, jazzy edge. Born in Halifax (she’s second generation), Shobha is influenced by the folky, singer/songwriter popularity in Halifax. As such, lyrics are important to her. But her sound is definitely “her own”.
Shobha knows how to expand her skills and diversify. A while back she was invited to perform for a charity called, “Literacy in Pakistan” in New York. Her myspace has a video clip of her learning some choreography. The charity could not fly out her band so they hired dancers for her for her performance.
Up and coming for Shobha, a performance on opening day at the CNE. She entered the Toronto Song Contest and placed top 10 of over 500 entries. This performance will be judged by Mayor David Miller, Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone, and other community leaders. She is most excited to play in front of the Mayor. “It’s going to be nerve-racking as it’s not just a performance but a competition.”
www.msypace.com/shobhamusic
They don’t make ‘em any more authentic than this. Basia Lyjak is a pure rock ‘n’ roll artist. Olivia and I were astounded at the performance she was able to belt out at her start time of 1 a.m. and having been at two weddings earlier in the day. Despite the hectic day she had, Basia knows how to deliver a hard-core, in-the-moment performance – taking off her high heels shoes and singing barefoot, writhing in her lyrics while kneeling on the stage, and hitting unfathomable high notes. Very rocker chick (“I’m bringing it back.”) On stage banter is polished.
Her band (guitarist Ron Bechard, bassist Dave Carreiro, and drummer Glenn Nash) clearly has a high level of musicianship with the ability to anticipate one another while performing. This only comes with putting in a lot of time.
“What it Feels Like” is Basia’s new single. It was recorded at Rattlebox Studios in Toronto with Brian Moncarz. She debuted it on June 27.2009. This song and “Don’t Talk” were both self-funded. She feels it’s more difficult and there’s more pressure with self-funded work because people are waiting to see if you re-coup what you put in.
Not too long ago, Basia entered the TV competition “Rockstar: INXS”. She was called back for a second audition. “It was hard but I had fun. It was an honour to be recognized.”
Basia’s songs are about any sort of relationship (with your parents, with drugs, etc.) Her songs are “real” and “honest”. She will be doing the score for the first user-designed video game. This is a different type of project for Basia. She has to wait for the story line to come from the public and receive the gaming company’s approval. Ultimately she has to see if the ideas she has for the music fit the story and theme.
I gave Basia and her band a standing ovation. I don’t do that often.
www.myspace.com/basialyjak
http://www.basialyjak.com/
Two members of the band called Tiger Bomb attended the charity fundraiser. Olivia and I were happy to talk with them as they are a band Mitch at Track Avenue is currently promoting. Lee Baillie – vocals and Jay 17 – guitar describe their music as “playful and humourous”. Their songs poke fun at pop culture. Both feel their genre is “pop rock meets awesome.” The band’s single, “Nothing to Prove” is now on sale at iTunes.
Tiger Bomb came together about a year ago and immediately clicked. They’ve done a few gigs in Toronto. Their approach is to focus on the songs themselves and recording them in a studio before booking anymore shows.
The band entered the Virgin Radio Songwriting Competition. While the band didn’t win, they got, and continue to get, radio play on Virgin 99.9 across Canada. We all agreed that this is a tremendous opportunity as far as exposure to the song-listening public during their recording time. Both Lee and Jay are very thankful for their luck with media exposure for the band. Olivia and I enjoy meeting these kind of appreciative, you-make-it-happen people.
www.myspace.com/tigerbombtunes
http://www.tigerbomb.ca/
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