JILTED LOVERS CLUB perform at 10:00pm
In two (2) sentences, or less, describe your band.
The Jilted Lovers Club is a lively four-piece band that performs engaging shows that thoroughly match the atmosphere their energetic music creates. We blend driving guitar hooks with catchy, sing along vocals into a familiar but delicious pop-rock purée.
As musicians are you very conscious of the direction your music takes? What can people expect to hear at the upcoming show?
We have a general idea of the kinds of songs we want to write. Given that there are four musicians in the band, the music is an eclectic mix of influences. A song that starts one way may end up as something completely different by the time it's finished. There's usually a sense of discovery that occurs as a song takes shape, which may then inform how you approach the next one.
We've got a bunch of new material we're excited to share at upcoming shows. People who have seen us before may be surprised to hear us transforming into a heavier, slightly grittier sound while maintaining our pop aesthetic.
Who/what has inspired you as musicians?
Jeremy: As a guitar player, I'd have to say my biggest influence has been John Frusciante (ex Red Hot Chili Pepper). I always found that the brought a certain simplicity and soulfulness to the instrument that is unparalleled. I'm also a huge fan of surf rock.
Alex: I am heavily influenced by the blues and blues rock. As a bass player I would have to site Flea, John Paul Jones and James Jamerson.
Simeon: My family allowed me to practice the drums, which can be tough because they are so loud - as well as encouraged me to be a musician which is a challenging career move. As for direct musical influence I am most directly inspired by Dave Grohl - possibly the best rock drummer I'll see in my lifetime, John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, Neil Peart of Rush, and Chad Smith with his power rock/funk style which I taught myself to play as a teenager.
Nikki: Both parents – my father is a veracious music encyclopedia and a musician himself. If I want to know what is new, or what I should be listening to, I ask my Dad. Outside of family, I have taken the most inspiration from David Bowie. No other musician or performer matches the influence he has had on me.
How would you describe your experiences as an independent band over the past years? Have you experienced any major challenges and/or significant moments?
The biggest moment as a band thus far came when we finished recording our first EP, ‘Hope You Are Well’. It’s always great to have your art preserved for eternity in recorded form.
The biggest challenge is having to work a day job. Scheduling four people can be difficult, and if inspiration strikes when you're knee deep in another job it can really suck.
If there was one musician that you could work with, who would it be and how would they be involved?
Jeremy: I'd love to work with Danger Mouse. He's got a great sense of blending a very vintage vibe with something new and different. I think he'd infuse an interesting twist into the way we work.
Alex: That's a tough one. Probably Johnny Greenwood of Radiohead. As a multi-instrumentalist he has had a huge influence on what I consider to be interesting sounds. I'd love for him to produce an album with us.
Simeon: Nikki would say David Bowie for sure. I would say Dave Grohl (if were talking any musician here) cause he is a great song writer and producer. As for local or Canadian artists I would love to work with Joel Plaskett or Hawsley Workman.
Nikki: Sim’s right. David Bowie, in any way he wanted to be involved. He could play the triangle and I would be thrilled.
Albums you’re listening to at the moment.
Jeremy: 'Eureka' Mother Mother and 'Born Under a Veil' by The Ruby Spirit. I'm still hooked on last year's 'Congratulations' by MGMT
Alex: ‘Hooker 'n Heat’ - basically John Lee Hooker in a room with a couple of mics - pure bliss.
Nikki : ‘Together’ The New Pornographers - came out last year, and I still listen to something from it at least once a week.
Simeon: ‘Reptilians’ STRFKR - Cool electro/indie out of Portland Oregon.
Favourite restaurant in Toronto. Why?
Jeremy: I love Prohibition Gastropub in Riverdale. The food is so devilishly decadent but totally worth it.
Alex: Vesuvio - classic family restaurant feel with awesome pizza. Reminds me of my childhood.
Nikki: I go to New Generation’s second location ‘New Generation Grill Fusion’ - not as crowded and hardly ever a line. They serve the same menu as the original location plus have a secondary Korean menu. Cheap and cheerful sushi.
Simeon: I work at my favorite restaurant Lil' Baci, but as for going out to eat somewhere else to eat I like to try new restaurants all the time and like to experiment.
Favourite independent coffee place in Toronto?
Jeremy: Dark Horse on Queen East. I like the coffee, it's close, and they have cool t-shirts.
Alex: Starving Artist on Landsdowne. Its been my regular joint for a couple of years. The coffee may not be the best in the city, but they make me feel at home and that's what I love.
Nikki: Moon Bean in Kensington Market. I’m happy the business has grown even bigger since I was a teen. Laid back homey atmosphere. Excellent coffee selection, all roasted on site. Al the owner is friendly, unpretentious and knows his coffee.
Simeon: Mercury Espresso on Queen and Carlaw. Best Espresso and Americano's you can get - plus their no cell phone policy is hilarious and much appreciated
in a nice quiet coffee house.
Favourite independent musician/band in Toronto. Why?
Jeremy: Ruby Spirit hands down. They're energetic and awesome, with a hint of a circus sideshow. Just a really fun band with a tinge of darkness that I always appreciate it pop music.
Alex: Timber Timbre. Dude does modern roots blues in such a haunting way. His albums are just beautiful works of art.
Simeon: Basia Bulat. Amazing indie/folk and a spectacular multi-talented musician and singer. Her Album "Heart of My Own" Released in 2010 was my favorite album of last year.
Nikki: I’ll cheat, and say my favourite Hamilton based independent musician is Wax Mannequin. Quirky, wacked-out and brilliantly bizarre lyrics mixed with damn catchy melodies. His shows are also bonkers.
Favourite card game. Why?
Alex: Poker. For the trash talking.
Jeremy: I can never remember the rules to any but I'm with Alex on poker. It's a game of psychology. You get to really mess with one another.
Simeon: Euchre. ‘Cause it get's my friends together and we can drink and laugh the night away.
Nikki: I have little experience with most card games, but I sometimes fantasize that I am a card shark. Of course, that would require work on my part. So, I’ll say 21.
Is it just me or was “Role up the Rim” a huge hoax? I won nothing.
Jeremy: I used to win all kinds of coffees and donuts but I think they're skimping on the prizes lately.
Alex: I won a donut once. And the cup was stolen from me before I could claim it.
Simeon: Total hoax. I haven't won a thing in two years!
Nikki: I won nothing, but my friend won the camping set a couple years back.
What does the Summer/Fall of 2011 hold for your band? Any tours, recordings, special events?
Coming up, we are having our EP Release Party at the Drake Underground on Friday August 19th. Looking to the fall, we plan to keep writing new material for our second EP, and play as much as we can.
How can people get more information on your band?
We have a pretty solid social media presence, check out our website www.thejiltedloversclub.com, as well on Facebook and Twitter.
THE ALTER KAKERS perform at 7:45pm.
In two (2) sentences, or less, describe your band
Steve: 4 guys that enjoy creating and playing music together while having a few laughs and drink or two.
As musicians are you very conscious of the direction your music takes?
Matt: I’d like to think so...we try to keep true to our influences, tell a story that we can all relate to and if it gets you thinking, reflecting and humming our melody...then we’ve done our job!
Dan: Definitely, but not in a way that turns us into robots looking to fill some musical void. We want our music to sound genuine and while that takes a certain spontaneous “flash of genius” it is done in a consciously. At the show people can expect to feel a really good energetic vibe. We’re not manufactured or by design, we go up and play.
What can people expect to hear at the upcoming show?
Matt: Our 2nd EP with an 80’s cover from Duran Duran (cuz we liked the guitar lick/sound that Steve came up with)
Cary: Women screaming uncontrollably.
Steve: The sound of brassieres unclasping
Who/what has inspired you as musicians?
Matt: that’s a tough one...my Mom, a soprano singer played a huge part growing up, hearing her sing in the house. And watching interviews of successful bands who never gave up and just followed their hearts and going to live performances of course never hurts!
Dan: Inspiration comes from all over. It can be a mind-set on a particular day, or it can be a song I heard on the way to rehearsal, or it can be something that I want to try just for the hell of it. Of course talented players that I respect and admire inspire me every time I hear their music.
How would you describe your experiences as an independent band over the past years?
Matt: It’s been great!...we’ve grown quickly in just 2 yrs by gigging and our music covers a few genres which is intuitive without really trying. Above all, we’re having fun and that is key.
Dan: Dealing with idiots is never easy, and unfortunately I’ve been exposed to my share over the past year or two. Making music, showcasing it for people, playing live; these are all things that make it worthwhile to be in a band. People, unfortunately, are the most frustrating part of the music making process - the music is the easy part.
Have you experienced any major challenges and/or significant moments?
Matt: Recording our 1st EP at Metalworks was a pretty cool experience and went smoothly.
Dan: It was a real rush when Sports Illustrated featured our video for Hungry Like The Wolf on their site. They have a feature called Extra Mustard where they post videos and links suggested by the readers.These may or may not have anything to do with sports and it’s a fun read. For me, it’s important for the Alter Kakers to continue this momentum to showcase our new album to as many people as possible. Hopefully they like it.
If there was one musician that you could work with, who would it be and how would they be involved?
Matt: Lenny Kravitz--he’s so incredibly talented, playing several instruments, singing and producing his own records that I think he could offer so much in all facets of creating original music.
Dan: Stewart Copeland; so unique, tasteful, and at the same time powerful and subtle.
Steve: I’d like to do a duet of Pancho and Lefty with Willie Nelson. You asked.
Cary: Ladies and gentlemen, Cary Corvair and The Ramones!
Albums you’re listening to at the moment.
Matt: John Mayer-Battle Studies , Elbow-Build a Rocket Boys
Dan: Nothing in particular. It’s somewhat melancholy how the iPod has killed the “album experience”. I kinda miss the days of listening to an entire album, usually with headphones, while checking out the artwork, liner notes, lyrics, and endorsements. Technology has brought customization to more people, yet the entire album experience seems somewhat diminished. That being said, I do enjoy it when my iPod in on shuffle while I’m in the car, where else can Anthrax be heard right after Stevie Wonder?
Steve: The Black Keys, Amy Millan, Radiohead and Journey
Favourite restaurant in Toronto. Why?
Matt: Sushi & Wok Kingston Rd. Upper Bluffs-- it’s local to me, friendly owner and excellent fresh sushi!
Dan: Wow, lots of choices here. My current favourite is Fusilli on Queen just west of River. Fantastic pasta.
Steve: Green Mango at Yonge and Bloor (I know the name has changed but I still call it Green Mango)
Cary: Caplansky’s Deli, 356 College.
Favourite independent coffee place in Toronto. Why?
Matt: my place---have my own espresso/cappuccino maker
Dan: My kitchen. It’s the epitome of independent and the coffee is amazing.
Steve: Remarkable Bean
Favourite independent musician/band in Toronto. Why?
Matt:Don’t have one.
Dan: I like The North; essentially, I like their sound and vibe.
Favourite card game. Why?
Steve: Addicted to Solitaire on my iPad.
Is it just me or was “Role up the Rim” a huge hoax? I won nothing.
Matt: -creative advertising if you ask me
Dan: Every damn year all I ever get is a muffin or donut. I’m with you, I’m calling bullshit on the whole thing.
Steve: No complaints.
What does the Summer/Fall of 2011 hold for your band? Any tours, recordings, special events?
Steve: I would guess the same as last year. We’ll be doing lives show until December, then rehearsing new material and hopefully recording in late winter/early spring with an eye on another spring CD release followed by playing. Rinse and repeat.
How can people get more information on your band?
Check out our sites.
www.youtube.com/thealterkakers
www.myspace.com/alterkakers
twitter.com/thealterkakers
www.jango.com/music/The+Alter+Kakers?l=0
http://www.facebook.com/people/Alter-Kakers/100000465187248
THE HAMPTONS perform at 9:15pm.
In two (2) sentences, or less, describe your band.
We are a rockabilly dance band. And more than anything, we want to make people dance.
As musicians are you very conscious of the direction your music takes? What can people expect to hear at the upcoming show?
Yes, absolutely, we’re very conscious of our direction. We deliberately write fast, upbeat and catchy music so as to be an exciting live performance.
Who/what has inspired you as musicians?
Our families, our music teachers, and Elvis Presley.
How would you describe your experiences as an independent band over the past years? Have you experienced any major challenges and/or significant moments?
Our major challenge is writing songs that work for a two-piece band. However, we’ve found that playing upbeat songs in a rockabilly/blues rock tradition seems to make up for the lack of instruments. Our significant moment came when people started dancing to it.
If there was one musician that you could work with, who would it be and how would they be involved?
Jack White (of The White Stripes) as a producer. His recordings are all very raw and live, and that’s the sound we want for our band.
Albums you’re listening to at the moment?
Weezer – The Green Album.
Robert Johnson – King of the Delta Blues Singers
John Coltrane – Blue Train
Favourite independent musician/band in Toronto. Why?
Andrew Austin – we are friends with Andrew and shared a bill with him and his band once. He’s a great songwriter and a really nice guy.
What does the Summer/Fall of 2011 hold for your band? Any tours, recordings, special events?
We have a show on August 19th at the Drake in Toronto. For the rest of the summer and fall, we’ll have a full schedule of shows in Toronto and London. We have recorded our single, Big Bleedin’ Heart, which is available online, and our EP will be released in the fall.
How can people get more information on your band?
Our facebook page is www.facebook.com/thehamptonsmusic. We update this page with concert information, photos, and news. You can also listen to our single, Big Bleedin’ Heart, there.
BRAVO FUNKEN perform at 8:30pm.
In two (2) sentences, or less, describe your band.
Bravofunken is a bunch of friends who like to play energetic danceable music and share that energy with an audience. Combining synthetic sounds with more traditional rock instruments, we incorporate rock energy and funk groove to well crafted songs.
As musicians are you very conscious of the direction your music takes? What can people expect to hear at the upcoming show?
The Toronto show will be a shorter set than our usual show so it'll be a non-stop, action-packed 30 minutes of high energy rock mixed with funky beats and catchy melodies.
Who/what has inspired you as musicians?
We admire great songwriters such as the Beatles but try to push the classic pop songs farther musically by mixing it with James Brownesque grooves and contemporary indie rock sounds.
How would you describe your experiences as an independent band over the past years? Have you experienced any major challenges and/or significant moments?
We've had good and less good moments but have so much fun doing what we do that all obstacles have been overcome somehow through friendship and determination and we hope to keep that way.
If there was one musician that you could work with, who would it be and how would they be involved?
We admire some other Montreal bands that also chose to sing in French because it's their native language and hope that music can overcome the language barrier such as Malajube and the Breastfeeders.
Albums you’re listening to at the moment.
It's pretty different for each member, but the last CD we all agreed on is probably the Black Keys last album.
Favourite independent musician/band in Toronto. Why?
We saw a pretty awesome Broken Social Scene show some years ago. We're also long time fans of the D'Urbervilles but they're from Guelph...
Favourite card game. Why?
We don't really play cards. We'd play poker but we're too poor.
Is it just me or was “Role up the Rim” a huge hoax? I won nothing.
Sometimes, Tim Horton's coffee is already a huge gift for the small amount of money you pay for it.
What does the Summer/Fall of 2011 hold for your band? Any tours, recordings, special events?
It'll be our first visit in Ontario and we just released or second EP in June.
How can people get more information on your band?
bravofunken.com