Christopher Poirrier (Photo by Ramsay Drover)

About two years ago, on-and-off Sydney, N.S rock group Seek Out Ships joined us here at East Coast Noise to chat about their origins, what they were up to and so on.

Fast forward and Seek Out Ships is on indefinite hiatus, and drummer Christopher Poirrier is now performing solo as Summers on Vacation.

He joined us this week to chat about Seek Out Ships, Summers on Vacation and more …

1. Chris, it’s been nearly two years since we last did this, and I understand Seek Out Ships is on hiatus and you’re focusing on solo material. How did all this go down? Will we see SOS return in the future?

The problem with Seek Out Ships is that we were never all on the same level as to what we wanted to do. I want to be recording constantly and playing shows as often as I can. The other guys either physically can’t make the time or don’t want to. It’s unfortunate because I really miss playing drums in a band and I was very excited about our new material. I just can’t justify spending time practising to play a show every three months, when I could be and should be working on my solo material. I’m unsure if we’ll ever play again at this point. Maybe we’ll have a few rehearsals and play a local bar show in the future, but, as of now, I can’t see it happening anytime soon.

2. Are you approaching the solo thing any differently than you did the band?

I definitely think I get to approach writing solo different. Mostly because I don’t have to agree with anyone else on the components of the song. Coincidentally, I usually preview all my songs to Dave Daix (from Seek Out Ships). He has always been a huge influence on me both as a songwriter and a friend. I value his opinion when it comes to songs. Just recently, we sat down with 25 or so songs that I have written for my debut record and began to omit songs that were not as strong. I need an unbiased opinion such as his when it comes to writing.

3. Your bio says you never intended to step out from behind the drum kit and you were quite nervous initially. How did you get over that, or does that nervousness still affect you from time to time?

Oh, the nervousness is still very present. It comes and goes. I mostly get nervous when playing a new environment/venue. I like familiarity. It’s such a difference being front and centre. I used to sing with my previous band, but, this is so much more uncomfortable. It usually takes me a song or two and then I breathe a sigh of relief.

4. Is your debut record, The Most Beautiful Woman In Town, still planned for spring? How is that coming together, and who is involved?

The record is still scheduled for sometime in late spring. Right now, I’m applying for some grants through the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage. I really hope that works out because I cannot afford to fund a record by myself.

I’ve been playing with a full band recently. Sean Lewis is on drums. Sean has been one of my best friends since I was in Grade 4. He is the person responsible for getting me into bands such as Nirvana, Green Day, Smashing Pumpkins, etc. He also plays drums in another local band called Misty Thicket. Bobby Newman plays bass. I’ve known Bobby for a number of years now.  He was in a local band named Erosion, but, they split several years ago. Mark Scott (of Seek Out Ships) sometimes plays lead guitar and pedal steel when he’s not too busy with his cover band that I’ve been trying for three years to get him to quit.

5. Once the record is out, what’s the next step? Do you plan to tour the project?

If all goes as planned (which it almost never does in this industry), I hope to hit the road as soon as the record is finished, perhaps even when it’s in the mixing/mastering stages. I’d like to go out solo first.  Maybe sometime in June. I’ve been talking to Bethany from Beserker Lion. She may be assisting with some booking in the future, which would be a major help. After that, I’d love to go with a full band in July.  I’ll be sending the disc to campus radio and other radio stations as well, hopefully getting some plays.

6. What have you been listening to lately?

Lately, I have been listening to: City & Colour, Gregory Alan Isakov, Dan Mangan, The National, David Bazan, Joel Plaskett, Manchester Orchestra and Band of Horses.

7. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned lately?

I don’t think I could pinpoint one thing. I’m constantly learning and willing to learn. I just read a book about the Second World War called The Years of Extermination. It was pretty intense, understandably so.

8. Anything else you’d like to add?

I just want to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to do this again. If anyone wants to hear some songs, they can head to http://www.reverbnation.com/summersonvacation I just put up a new song called Are You Becoming? Also, you can become a fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/summersonvacation

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Hope you’re all well. You might expect to find regular, ongoing coverage of the East Coast Music Week action here at EastCoastNoise.com, especially since they’re based this year in my home base of Moncton, N.B.

However, I actually have to provide ongoing coverage of the ECMAs for my real job. You gotta go where the bills are paid, right?

So while I won’t be providing any updates here, I hope to catch some of you at the shows this weekend. It’s going to be a blast!

Cheers,

Eric

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Olivier Jarda

Born in Ottawa to Haitian parents, Olivier Jarda grew up mostly in Moncton where he was a part of local bands Ted Neely Beard and The Turnstiles. He later moved to Washington, D.C. to work as a climate policy analyst and now he resides in Halifax where he’s pursuing his music and undergraduate science courses. Got all that?

On Tuesday, April 10, Jarda will release his second solo record, Good Luck Cartel.

Jarda’s upcoming album, Good Luck Cartel, echoes the years leading up to his decision to take a step back from the din of American politics, and to return home to the Maritimes. The result is a collection of modern folk songs, some dressed up, some pared down, whose stories look back, look forward and try to describe the view.

Jarda recorded the album in Halifax over the last two winters with Charles Austin at Echo Chamber, and with the help of some very talented friends, including former Turnstiles band mates Peter Gorman and Jesse Griffith along with Nick Wombolt. The album will be released independently in Canada on April 10 and will be released on the independent label Jam Jar Records in the UK in May.

Track list:

01. Speed of Light
02. Diving Bell
03. Ship of Fools
04. Skinny Grass
05. Fiddle
06. Tendencies
07. Uncle
08. Piece of Fiction
09. We Broke Before the Hail
10. Into the Lake
11. Burning Valley

Old Man Luedecke to tour Canada

Chester N.S.’s Old Man Luedecke is about to embark on an intimate Canadian tour, bringing fans a taste of some new songs

Having just returned from recording in Nashville with Tim O’Brien, the two-time Juno award winning songster will  embark on a cross country tour, playing intimate venues and giving fans a chance to experience some of his new songs along the way.

Tour dates:

04/06/12 – Toronto, ON – The Great Hall w/ Deep Dark Woods
04/27/12 – Cow Bay, NS – Cow Bay Hall
05/03/12 – Hampton, NB – Vintage Bistro*
05/04/12 – St. Andrews, NB – Paddlefest – Main Tent
05/05/12 – Fredericton, NB – Charlotte Street Arts Centre*
05/06/12 – New Glasgow, NS – Celtic Circle Performing Arts Centre*
05/09/12 – Montreal, QC – Petit Campus*
05/10/12 – Burnstown, ON – Neat Coffee Shop*
05/11/12 – Wakefield, QC – The Blacksheep Inn*
05/12/12 – Wakefield, QC – The Blacksheep Inn*
05/13/12 – Picton, ON – The Acoustic Grill*
05/15/12 – Guelph, ON – The Bookshelf E-Bar*
05/18/12 – London, ON – London Music Club*
05/19/12 – Hamilton, ON – Hamilton Place*
05/28/12 – Winnipeg, MB – Park Theatre*
05/29/12 – Regina, SK – Artesian*
05/31/12 – Saskatoon, SK – Christ Church Anglican*
06/01/12 – Edmonton, AB – The ARTery*
06/02/12 – Calgary, AB – The Palamino*
06/03/12 – Penticton, BC – Dream Cafe*
06/04/12 – Nelson, BC – The Royal*
06/05/12 – Vancouver, BC – St. James Hall*
06/07/12 – Victoria, BC – Wood Hall*

*w/ Del Barber

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Music is awesome. I don’t know how else to describe it.

I thought of the ‘power of music’ last week when I was at the gym, doing chin-ups. Now, you should know, I suck at chin-ups. If I do a few sets of a half-dozen, I’m having a great day. So, AC/DC’s ‘Girl’s Got Rhythm’ comes on the radio, and I come to life. I have a burst of energy listening to the band’s driving little tune from ‘79, and pull out a good set of chin-ups, which felt great.

The next song comes on – I forget what it was, but it was wholly underwhelming – and drains the life from me. Have I mentioned that I suck at chin-ups?

I move on, probably just to think about anything but crappy chin-ups, and I think about how music is such an incredible force. A song can lift you up, drop you fast, give you energy and slow you down. It can bring back memories, those you wish to remember and those you don’t, and it can provide a backdrop for new ones to be created. It can even make you speed, if you don’t watch yourself.

When I was in high school, I could hardly tie my shoes in the morning without a song playing.

While in college, I walked to work all the time, and it was a fair hike. My Sony Discman (probably my third or fourth by this point) was my companion, and it finally died on me one day. I left work for 20 minutes and walked across the street to the only electronics store in town and plunked down a solid $200 I didn’t have on a new Discman. Beer, food and coffee be damned – I wasn’t going without music. (Truthfully, I don’t think I quit drinking beer for any length of time … maybe the length of my shift …)

Today, music still follows me wherever I go. I listen at work when I can, I’m constantly rotating CDs (yes, CDs) in the car, and if I’m washing dishes, working out or just sitting around, music is there.

My wife sometimes asks how the hell I can go from listening to the earliest, thrashiest Metallica to the honky tonk of Dwight Yoakam to the new wavish pop of The Sounds to the lush beauty of Sarah Slean, all in one sitting. Then, I’ll put on the dumbest horror rock you’ve never heard in Wednesday 13 (who offers such classics as Elect Death for President, Till Death Do Us Party and I Love To Say F*ck) . Truthfully, I have no idea how it all works, but I love it anyway. No one ever said it had to make sense.

Music started for me way early in life. There’s an old VHS my parents have from my brother and sister’s first birthday party. I can be spotted in this, dancing to Steve Earle’s ‘Sweet Little ’66.’ I grew up with a love for my father’s country music, mostly Alabama and Earle (who I’ve returned to in recent years and think is the greatest songwriter out there).

Somewhere along the way, I got hold of my uncle’s collection of 45s and discovered the hair metal of Poison and Def Leppard. Not only did this stuff rock, but it had the added bonus of occasionally featuring “bitch” or “ass” in the lyrics. That’s cool when you’re eight, dude. Hell, it’s still cool.

After purging myself of ‘90s radio country (thanks, self!), I started finding my ‘own’ music that started with ‘90s pop-rock acts like The Rembrandts (thanks, Friends!) and Hootie & The Blowfish (who, I don’t give a shit, are a GREAT band. Don’t argue it, just accept and move on.). I caught Lisa Loeb playing ‘I Do’ on Live! With Regis & Kathie Lee and fell in love. She’s still awesome, despite not releasing an album in forever. Speaking of Live, they’re the only band that grew (sort of) out of grunge that I like … to this day. Honest. I pretty much hated the ’90s for music. Crappy boy bands and depressed rock stars; I hope to figure it out someday.

I stumbled onto KISS when I first saw a picture of Gene Simmons from the ’96-’97 reunion tour. Gene was sporting his ‘demon’ makeup and pointing to the crowd, his Punisher bass slung over his shoulder. I was mesmerized and started exploring Dad’s old record collection. He was a huge KISS fan in his day, and never tires of reminding me that he saw them (twice) at their peak.

Discovering KISS literally changed who I was as an impressionable 12-year-old. Not only did I find confidence in this foursome of clowns, but it lead me to seeking out more ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s hard rock that still serves as the backbone of my musical mind. Cheap Trick, Bon Jovi (1994-2002), Black Sabbath, Deep Purple (their latter-day material is underrated), Cinderella, Slaughter (alright, Slaughter kinda sucks …), Alice Cooper, AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses (a band I love, but hate), Aerosmith …

Then I dug deeper, past Led Zeppelin, and found Small Faces and The Yardbirds. That’s great shit, folks. Early, early Elvis? Amazing.

Through rediscovering Steve Earle later in life, I started looking for more ‘real’ country and found Lucinda Williams, Marty Stuart, Hayes Carll, Hank III, Shooter Jennings and more … then I sought more true ‘songwriters’ and found Bruce Springsteen, John Hiatt, Delbert McClinton and Tom Cochrane (screw off, he’s great despite the constant radio play … and he’s a damn nice guy too!). I’m now getting into rootsier stuff – Blue Rodeo, Delbert McClinton, Justin Townes Earle … and some great other alt-rock like Brandi Carlile (amazing) and KT Tunstall.

At the same time, Sweden’s The Sounds have turned me on to pop music that rules. If I could hug a band, I’d hug The Sounds.

On the east coast, I first found The Monoxides, who taught me that real bands could live next door and hang out at my grandparents’ house (seriously). Then there was Chris Colepaugh, The Divorcees, Mardeen, Sloan, David Myles, Jill Barber, The Nuclear, Joel Plaskett, Iron Giant, Yellow, Jessica Rhaye, Les Paiens, Earth AD, Melanie Keith, Jon Epworth, The Motorleague (I want to be The Motorleague when I grow up), Matt Mays, Jay Smith … the list goes on and on, and I’m forgetting a ton of you who I love. Seriously, we have some great stuff down here, folks.

Some random thoughts: I love Rob Zombie, but don’t care much for White Zombie … Oasis’s latter-day material was much better than any critic will ever give it credit for … I miss Jason Newsted, but wish he’d stolen Kirk Hammett’s wah pedal on the way out … Marco Rocca’s two records should be heard by everyone … Whatever happened to Jon Bon Jovi’s voice? … Why can’t radio stations realize Thin Lizzy had waaay better shit than The Boys Are Back In Town and Jailbreak? … I keep running into the Black Keys and seriously think I’ll dig them, but still haven’t checked them out … I don’t love Sloan’s Twice Removed like everyone else, but I think Never Hear The End Of It is brilliant … I’m still not sure Arcade Fire is for me … and what will the E-Street Band do without ‘Big Man’?

To this day, I haven’t really bought into the Stones or the Beatles. Dylan or Young. I think I’ve heard three Leonard Cohen songs. I recognize the greatness, I’m just not there yet (though McCartney’s Halifax concert in 2009 is still one of the best shows I’ve ever seen).

The cool thing is that I know someday I’ll probably love Dylan, Young, the Stones and the Beatles – four iconic, can’t-miss acts of greatness that I still haven’t bought into yet. The musical journey never ends; that’s the beauty.

I hated The Whites Stripes until I heard the opening three tracks of their last album and realized these guys — guy and gal — totally rocked. Almost immediately, I bought every album. Did a complete 180° turn. (As an aside, Jack White’s first ‘other’ band, The Raconteurs, released an absolute must-hear second album. If you dig rock n’ roll, you’ll love ‘Consolers of the Lonely.’ That album and the Parlor Mob’s first album came out in 2008 and showed me that rock can still rule in the Nickelband era.)

It was only in the last three years that I discovered that Ronnie James Dio was amazing and that Bruce Springsteen truly is THE BOSS. So give me time. Someday I’ll hear that magical Dylan number that’ll allow me to suddenly “get it.” That’ll be the start of a new journey (and someone else’s back catalogue to pick up).

Anyway, I’ve rambled enough. I may have more to say on this later. If you’ve made it this far in reading my ramblings, “Joe bless you.” And if you get that reference, you just became infinitely cooler.

Cheers,

Eric

(Written on Thursday, July 28, 2011)

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Dale Murray's next solo record comes out March 27.

Later this month, Nova Scotia’s Dale Murray — musician, producer and talented guy whose name pops up every time I turn around — will release his album Dream Mountain Dream. The album comes out Tuesday, March 27.

A former member of Cuff the Duke and The Guthries, this is Murray’s first solo release since 2005’s Brighter Lives, Darker Side. It was recorded in his rural home in Port Howe, N.S.

Murray has spent the last few years backing artists such as Hayden, Joel Plaskett, Buck 65, Blue Rodeo, Matt Mays and Christina Martin. He was a member of Cuff the Duke for the recording of their albums Sidelines of the City (2007) and the Juno Nominated Way Down Here (2009). Murray also played an important creative role in the recording of their 2011 release Morning Comes (2011).

Download the first single by right-clicking here.

Paper Beat Scissors’ self-titled album hits the street

Relocated Brit Tim Crabtree has been making waves performing as Paper Beat Scissors since 2008 following a move to Halifax. This week, he released first record which features a who’s who of folk and indie musicians — Tanya Davis and Rose Cousins appear alongside Pietro Amato (of the Luyas, and Bell Orchestre) on French horn and Sebastian Chow (of Islands) on violin. Mike Feuerstack (Snailhouse, Bell Orchestre, Land Of Talk) pulls everything together as instrumental accomplice and co-producer.

A press release for the 11-track record, from the fine folks at Forward Music Group, says, “The album opens out from its more claustrophobic predecessor, Flicker, combining that EP’s home-recorded character with more formal studio recordings. Riverport, Nova Scotia’s Confidence Lodge run by the Chilean audio wizard Diego Medina housed the first sessions, added to at the homes of Feuerstack and Crabtree. The record was mixed and finalized in Montreal in the kitchen of, and using the hands and ears of, Arcade Fire drummer Jeremy Gara.”

Catch Paper Beat Scissors at the following dates:

Mar. 08 – Montreal, QC: Casa Del Popolo
Mar. 09 – Ottawa, ON: The Mercury Lounge
Mar. 10 – Toronto, ON: The TRANZAC
Mar. 11 – Hamilton, ON: This Ain’t Hollywood
Mar. 13 – Thunder Bay, ON: The Apollo
Mar. 15 – Saskatoon, SK: PAVED Arts
Mar. 16 – Calgary, AB: The Area
Mar. 17 – Kelowna, BC: Streaming Cafe
Mar. 20 – Vancouver, BC: The Railway Club
Mar. 21 – Gabriola, BC: House show
Mar. 23 – Victoria, BC: Solstice Cafe
Mar. 25 – Edmonton, AB: Wunderbar
Mar. 27 – Winnipeg, MB: Crescent Fort Rouge United Church
Apr. 03 – Peterborough, ON: House Show
Apr. 05 – Edmundston, NB: Lotus Bleu

Rose Cousins releases short film, album

Halifax singer-songwriter Rose Cousins debuted If I Should Fall Behind on CBC Music a few weeks back.  The short film tells a story of a unique Boston music community that welcomed Cousins as she made her third full length album, We Have Made A Spark.

Gathering her friends and collaborators together at the well-known American studio Q Division (James Taylor, Aimee Mann, Patty Griffin), it’s a tale about the heart of the community where the record was made.

“I’m lucky to have become part of a community of professional musicians based in Boston who play and record music together on a very regular basis,” Cousins said in a statement. “A true musical family. My influences brought me to Boston and with great fortune, I fell in with the right gang. Making a film to go along with my new record We Have Made A Spark felt like an opportunity to share a glimpse into this community, to show the places and faces that have been significant to my musical journey.”

We Have Made A Spark was released via Outside Music on Feb. 28. You can watch If I Should Fall Behind here.

Catch Cousins at the following dates:

3/10 Chicago, IL – Evanston SPACE
3/16 Victoria, BC – Solstice Cafe
3/17 Bowen Island, BC – TBA
3/18 Gibsons, BC – St Bart’s Hall
3/19 Vancouver, BC – The Railway Club
3/22 Berkeley, CA – Freight & Salvage
3/23 Chico, CA – Chico Women’s Club
3/24 Sacramento, CA – Sutter Creek Theatre
3/25 Los Angeles, CA – McCabes Guitar Shop
3/28 Winnipeg, MB – West End Cultural Centre
3/29 Saskatoon, SK – Lydia’s
3/30 Edmonton, AB – Haven Social Club
3/31 Canmore, AB – Communitea
4/2 Calgary AB – Ironwood Stage & Grill
4/14-15 Moncton, NB – East Coast Music Awards
4/20 Lunenburg, NS – Venue TBC
4/21 Wolfville, NS – Al Whittle Theatre
4/22 Halifax, NS – Spatz Theatre
4/25 Charlottetown, PEI – St Paul’s Anglican Church
4/26 Moncton, NB – Capitol Theatre
4/27 Saint John, NB – Sanctuary Theatre
4/28 Fredericton, NB – Charlotte Street Arts Centre
5/3 Toronto, ON – Rivoli
5/5 Wakefield, QC – Black Sheep Inn

Carly Maicher releases free tune, tours

Three years ago, Carly Maicher left her familiar surroundings of Winnipeg, MB to visit New Brunswick.

“There was something really intriguing to me about loneliness that I wanted to study,” she says. “I had a deep rooted connection to this tiny island in New Brunswick called Grand Manan – where my grandparents grew up. My mother had purchased a summer home on the island which wasn’t often used – so I decided to take advantage of this.”

What was supposed to be a simple vacation turned into a few years of managing a restaurant and exploring her creative side. Finally, in early 2011, Maicher got to work on a record.

Now, she’s releasing a tune from that album, Hiding, available for free. Download See You Soon by right-clicking here.

Catch Maicher here:

March 8th – Regina, SK – Creative City Center
March 9th – Winnipeg, MB – Lo Pub
March 10th – Kenora, ON – TBA
March 11th – Thunder Bay, ON – The Apollo
March 12th – Thessalon, ON – The Auld Kirk
March 13th – Peterborough, ON – The Spill
March 14th – Windsor, ON – The Phog Lounge
March 15th – Sarnia, ON – Paddy Flaherty’s
March 16th – London, ON – The Blackshire Pub
March 18th – Waterloo, ON – Princess Cafe
March 20th – Hamilton, ON – House Concert
March 21st – St. Catharines, ON – TBA
March 22nd – Toronto, ON (Canadian Music Week)
March 23rd – Toronto, ON (Canadian Music Week)
March 24th – Toronto, ON (Canadian Music Week)
March 28th – Montreal, QC – Le Cagibi
March 30th – Woodstock, ON – Fusion Cafe
April 1st – Charlottetown, PEI – Baba’s
April 2nd – Moncton, NB – Plan B Lounge
April 3rd – Cornerbrook, NL – White Horse Lounge
April 4th – St John’s, NL – Distortion
April 5th – St John’s, NL – TBA
April 7th – Stephanville, NL – Clancy’s
April 11th – Halifax, NS – The Company House
April 12th – Sackville, NB – House Concert
April 13th – St. Andrews, NB – The Red Herring Pub
April 14th – Grand Manan, NB – Covert Hall
April 18th – Quebec City, QC – L’AgiteE
April 19th – Ottawa, ON – The Elmdale Tavern
April 20th – Gatineau, QC – House Concert
April 21st – North Bay, ON – Opera Bakery Cafe
April 22nd – Sudbury, ON – TBA
April 24th – Thunder Bay, ON – House Concert
April 26th – Brandon, MB – Lady of the Lake
April 27th – Yorkton, SK – Fifth Avenue Cup and Saucer
May 3rd – Edmonton, AB – Wunderbar
May 4th – Prince George, BC – Nancy O’s
May 5th – Kelowna, BC – Streaming Cafe
May 6th – Vancouver, BC – River VIntage – Sake of the Song
May 8th – Gabriola Island, BC – Raspberry’s Jazz Cafe
May 9th – Tofino, BC – Darwin’s Cafe
May 10th – Comox, BC – Joe’s Garage
May 12th – Mission, BC – House Concert
May 15th – Kaslo, BC – Kaslo Hotel
May 16th – Twin Butte, AB – The General Store
May 21st – Calgary, AB – The Iron Wood
May 23rd – Lethbridge, AB – The Slice
May 24th – Medicine Hat, AB – Inspire Cafe
May 25th – Forget, SK – The Happy Nun
May 26th – Prince Albert, SK – Fish and Game League

D5R releases debut from PITH

Earlier this week, Diminished Fifth Records released the debut EP from Halifax-based metal band PITH. The four-song EP entitled Fore was released under the new D5 Digital imprint. The band will be releasing a limited edition of CDs as well.

PITH is the brainchild of musician Jason Vautour who has performed alongside some of Halifax’s biggest names, including Jon Epworth, Ruby Jean And The Thoughtful Bees, Christina Martin, Rebekah Higgs and Rich Aucoin.

An admitted metal head, Vautour and friend Myles Deck decided to create PITH to satisfy their desire to once again turn up the volume and play at blistering speeds. They were helped by members of Hellacaust, Myles Deck & The Fuzz, Shevil, We’re Doomed, North End Metal All-Stars, We, the Undersigned and many others

“The ever-evolving story of PITH has and will continue to include a revolving cast of highly skilled and passionate musicians who will leave their mark in PITH and have a mark left in them as well,” commented Vautour. “The EP runs in chronological order of composition and works very well both musically and lyrically, creating a sort of story if you want to look into it that way.”

In addition to Vautour and Deck, PITH features an ever-evolving cast of musicians.

The EPs track list:

1. Pith
2. Counterinformant
3. Pervertin
4. Compressor

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Gloryhound

Moncton will get a sort of sneak peak at East Coast Music Week this weekend when some fantastic musicians from each of the Atlantic provinces hits the stage at Moncton bar/music hub Plan B, on St. George Street.

ECMA and Spincount, along with Broken Chord Promotions, are presenting CRANK IT UP! Canadian Music, East Coast Style on Saturday night.

Featuring Halifax hard rockers Gloryhound, Moncton singer-songwriter Phil Flowers, PEI indie rockers Coyote and Newfoundland artist Chris Kirby, the concert will showcase a variety of sounds from the east. In addition to simply being a kick-ass night of great music, the night will celebrating new and emerging artists from the Atlantic provinces and get everyone warmed up for East Coast Music Week, which takes place in Moncton, April 11-15.

Doors open at 9 p.m., music starts at 10:30 p.m. Check out a sample from each artist here.

Moncton’s Joseph Edgar back with new album

Moncton singer-songwriter Joseph Edgar is launching his new album, Interstices, in Montreal Thursday night at the bar O Patro Vys, but he’ll be returning home next week for a release celebration at the Empress Theatre on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 6 p.m. Both events are free. He will also offer a show at the Igloo Bar and Grill (300 Elmwood Dr., Moncton) on the same evening at 10 p.m. The public will also have the opportunity to see him in performance at the taping of the show Radio-Canada’s tv show Luc et Luc, on Wednesday, Feb. 29, 8 p.m.

His fourth solo album in seven years, a press release for Interstices says the new album is more rock-inclined than its folky predecessors, La lune comprendra (2004), Oh ma ma (2006) and Y’a un train qui s’en vient (2009).

The founder of Zéro Celcius, which he lead in the 1990s and early 2000, Edgar has shows planned throughout Canada in the early part of this year before he will head to Europe in the summer for shows in France, Swiss, Belgium and Germany.

McDons House makes triumphant return

Having built a reputation for featuring some of the best bands from the east coast and beyond, popular web series The McDons House has returned for another season.

The series, which was created and produced by veteran Moncton musicians/engineers John Jerome and Kyle McDonald, is shot in McDonald’s house in Moncton.

The first season was available online and was also broadcast locally on Rogers Television. Each episode features a special guest band performing live in The McDons House, along with a variety of other art and comedy-based segments.

Season two premiered exclusively online Friday, Feb. 10, with new episodes debuting every second Friday featuring the likes of 2012 Juno-nominated psych/country band The Sadies, Halifax indie rockers Dog Day, 2010 ECMA award winners The Motorleague, hillbilly/swing extraordinaire Petunia and P.S. I Love You frontman Paul Saulnier drumming in his side project False Face.

Season one included episodes featuring Juno-nominated metal band Cauldron, rocker B.A. Johnston, electro-pop group Ruby Jean & The Thoughtful Bees and jazz/prog band Les Paiens.

All past and new episodes can be streamed and/or downloaded at the SuperBob website.

New Brunswick talent heads to China

New Brunswick country recording artists Kevin Chase and Melanie Morgan are teaming up to be the first Canadian country music artists to tour China this coming March. The introductory tour, which takes place in soft-seat theatres, introduces the Canadian musicians to the vastly growing Asian market in an effort to establish a touring circuit in China for years to come.

“We were approached late last summer with the idea,” Kevin Chase said in a press release. “Surprising to some, there is a lot of interest in country music in China, but there haven’t been a lot of tours happening over there yet. We are looking to open some doors and change that.”

Touring in China presents some unique challenges for cultural differences alone and with no touring history to speak of, there are a few uncertain elements. Chase isn’t worried: “We got as much information as we could get our hands on and adjusted our set with that in mind. What it boils down to is to deliver a great show that people can relate to,” he says.

“It’s a very interesting concept to export New Brunswick country music to a place like China,” says Morgan. “It certainly brings me back to my roots and why I started singing music in the first place. I am very excited to be part of something so special.”

Fellow New Brunswickers Kevin LeGault, Frankie Robichaud, Graeme McCausland, John Collier and Allison Hovey will be backing up both artists for this tour.

Lovestorm back with another video

The always busy New Brunswick/Mexico-based Lovestorm reached out to East Coast Noise with yet another interesting video to accompany one of the duo’s lush, beautiful songs. Recorded and filmed in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, earlier this month, the duet finds Nina Khosla and Tim Isaac singing about personal growth within a relationship and getting to know someone. Check out Now I Know You …

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Halifax rockers Eliza and the Strange will release their debut, self-titled album on March 16 on vinyl and digital download. Check out the teaser trailer above.

The band — Eliza White, Jake Seaward, Kenny Myers, Alex MacAskill and Ian Bennet – will bring its brand of dark, heavy rock on tour throughout the east, to Ontario and back, through March and April. Tour dates are as follows:

3.16 – Dartmouth, NS @ CD Heaven (12″ release)
3.17 – Halifax, NS @ Gus’ Pub (12” release)
3.20 – Moncton, NB @ Plan B
3.21 – Fredericton, NB @ Gallery Connexion
3.22 – Montreal, QC @ L’Absynthe
3.23 – North Bay, ON @ Bull and Quench Pub
3.24 – Sudbury, ON @ Millards Garage
3.26 – Peterborough, ON @ Bluestreak Records
3.26 – Peterborough, ON @ The Spill
3.27 – Toronto, ON @ Rancho Relaxo
3.28 – Waterloo, ON @ The Mongolian Grill
3.29 – London, ON @ Grooves*
3.29 – London, ON @ The Black Shire Pub
3.30 – Bowmanville, ON @ Vinyl Alibi
3.30 – Oshawa, ON @ The Atria
3.31 – Ottawa, ON @ The Rochester Pub
4.01 – Montreal, QC @ L’Hemisphere Gauche
4.02 – Quebec, QC @ TBA
4.04 – Saint John, NB @ Pub Down Under
4.05 – Charlottetown, PEI @ Baba’s Lounge
4.07 – Amherst, NS @ Teazer’s
4.08 – Halifax, NS @ Gus’ Pub

Baby Eagle preps new record

Sackville, N.B.-based Baby Eagle & The Proud Mothers will release their new record, Bone Soldiers, on Tuesday, March 6, via You’ve Changed Records.

Following a series of tour dates in Ontario, the band recorded the album at Toronto’s 6 Nassau with Jeff McMurrich. Made up of Steven Lambke, Will Kidman (The Constantines), Ian Kehoe and Spencer Burton (Attack in Black), and Nick Ferrio (Nick Ferrio & His Feelings), the sessions captured the newly minted Proud Mothers lineup at the height of their power.

Baby Eagle & The Proud Mothers will tour throughout eastern Canada this March and April in support of the album. Dates are:

March 28 – Peterborough, ON – The Garnet
March 29 – Hamilton, ON – The Casbah
March 30 – London, ON – APK
March 31 – Guelph, ON – Jimmy Jazz
April 5 – Toronto, ON – Dakota Tavern
April 8 – Montreal, QC – Casa Del Popolo
April 11 – Sackville, NB – The Legion
April 12 – Halifax, NS – Micheal’s
April 13 – St. John’s, NL – The Ship

David Myles shares a little love

In time for Valentine’s Day, New Brunswick native David Myles has recorded an acoustic version of one of his most requested songs, I Will Love You. The song is available for free until Friday on his website.

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Jenn Grant – Adult Alternative Album of the Year
Mia Martina – Dance Recording of the Year
JRDN – R&B/Soul recording and New Artist of the Year
Dave Gunning – Roots & Traditional album, solo
The Once – Roots & Traditional album, group
Hey Rosetta – New Group of the Year
Jimmy Rankin – Country Album of the Year
Sloan – Rock Album of The Year
Classified – Rap Recording of the Year
Kellie Loder – Contemporary Christian/Gospel album

If I missed anyone, please let me know!

Divorcees hope for fan support

Moncton country outlaws The Divorcees are taking a unique approach to releasing their next record, Four Chapters.

The album – the band’s third – is a concept album about adventure and redemption. A team of at least a dozen people are involved in the making of the album, and the band is hoping for donations to help them along the way. The band is aiming to raise $8,500 by March 1.

The donations don’t come without their perks, however. Pledge $25 and you’ll get an autographed copy of the album. Pledge $50 and you’ll get an autographed copy, along with a copy of the band’s last record, Last of the Free Men. For those with $100 to spare, you’ll get the new album signed, along with access to an online live stream of the CD release and a lifetime free admission card toward any Divorcees show near you. There’s more perks for anyone willing to pledge $1,000 or even $5,000.

Visit here for more information.

Epworth launches Failure Epics

Jon Epworth (Dean Malenkos, Jon Epworth & The Improvements) will release a new project called Failure Epics, on Feb. 28 via Diminished Fifth Records.

The six-track album will be released digitally via iTunes, etc. on Feb. 28 and on limited edition vinyl next month. A press release for the album reads: “A 6-song album inspired by King Crimson and Yes as well as more modern metal acts like Meshuggah, Mastodon and Converge the theme is based around the concept of a maculate conception – a new species willed into existence by the earth’s consciousness; disease and waste incarnate, born solely for the evisceration of the human race: born sexless, born bloodless. It serves as an allegory for the plight of animals, womankind and our natural environs – three entities continually oppressed and inextricably linked.”

Epworth released the following statement about the record:

“I’ve been sitting on this project now for about 2.5 years. Upon its completion, I really felt like I had turned a corner from songwriter to composer, and that it is easily some of the strongest material I’ve penned yet. Though I very much wanted to make this available to the general populace, I didn’t want to do so hastily. I had a few offers here and there but never felt right about it – I had to know that anyone involved with the release of Failure Epics was 100 per cent into the material, and D5R won me over with sheer tenacity. The kind of music I write might not necessarily be associated with the ‘metal aesthetic’, but I do feel that D5R assumes the best of their clientele – that fans of their current roster are open to many different approaches to the genre and are always on the lookout for something new and challenging. Hopefully this release will lead to some collaborations between me and some of the very talented acts under the D5R umbrella. Sadly, I can’t grow a beard, so I’ll never truly be able to live the metal dream.”

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Halifax's The Devil's Half Acre.

Halifax-based The Devil’s Half Acre originally started out as a solo project for frontman Chase Ross, but turned into a full band project almost by accident in 2009.

Since then, the band has released two records. In December, The Devil’s Half Acre’s EP The Town was released, a concept album of sorts based on Ross’s home of Kentville, N.S.

He joins us this week via e-mail to fill us in on the group’s history and what’s coming next …

1. Tell us about how The Devil’s Half Acre formed … from a solo project to a band effort … was it a difficult transition?

The Devil’s Half Acre was at first a name that I used when I played solo. I was pretty inspired by Townes Van Zandt and Neil Young. In the late summer of 2009, my friends in a band called Action/Adventure asked me to play with them at Gus’ Pub for their EP release show. The line-up also included The Numbered Head. I felt like I wouldn’t fit at all, so I recruited a drummer and arranged some songs that I had so they could be played louder, amplified and electric. I also played half of the set on the acoustic guitar. Ultimately that has been the point of The Devil’s Half Acre, to showcase a louder, rock and roll, Neil Young and Crazy Horse type of sound along with my quieter acoustic songs.

2. You must have had clear ideas and goals for yourself when you started the project. Did you have to change anything to make your concept suit a band?

I feel like I’ve had to change more in my solo writing then with the band. With a band, songs seem easier to write, ideas come easier and our writing process has always been open. Nothing is set in stone and there are no set instrument parts in my mind besides the main idea for the song and the lyrics. Once I bring that to my bandmates, it’s a blank canvas for them.

The band has quickly found an identity and sound but with my solo songs I’m constantly trying to figure out what that identity is.

3. What’s it like just trying to get a band going and get your name out here on the east coast?

It’s very competitive, which makes you want to work harder to be as tight as you can and also as memorable as possible. When people leave the venue at the end of a show you want them to be humming along to one of your songs as they go to bed. There is a lot of music for people to hear and as long as you work hard they will hear it. I’ve learned it’s important to stay positive and really believe in what you are doing.

4. New EP came out in December. How did that record come together, and how did you approach it compared to your previous record?

My first record Introducing The Devil’s Half Acre was just a product of that first show I had played with the drummer, half acoustic, half electric.

The new record The Town was the most from-scratch sort of project I have done. I had been writing a lot of songs that I was hoping would end up being a folk/country record. When I sat down with producer Dustin Clarke to show him these songs I could tell that I wasn’t really behind the songs. Something just wasn’t right about them; they just weren’t right for the moment or the mood.

We then plugged in and started jamming. I had some ideas floating in my head, some things I had been reciting to myself over the summer while living back in Kentville. We quickly wrote about three songs before I realized there was a concept about small towns, in particular Kentville. It took three more songs to complete the story.

5. The band just wrapped up an east coast tour … how did that go?

The tour has been great. Myself and Zach Bethune (guitar player) are the only remaining members of the band from the original writing and recording of The Town. We added drummer Sean Skerry and bassist Stan Selig in October. So this was really a trial by fire for all of us. We’re all new to each other and playing together. But I believe that the past six dates that we’ve played have definitely galvanized us.

We played in my hometown of Kentville and that was really special for me. My family and friends really got to see what I’ve been doing and it was just a fun experience for us as a band. We also got to play Tribeca before it closed (my girlfriend told me that Matt Mays was in the front row watching our set. I’m glad I didn’t see him because I would have froze. I’m a big fan).

We also got to hit the road on some longer stretches to Fredericton and Moncton. This past weekend we just played Governors Pub in Sydney to a near capacity crowd and had a great time. I think we as a band are becoming addicted to playing live.

6. East Coast Music Awards are coming up in Moncton in April. Do you guys have any plans to attend or showcase?

Unfortunately I don’t think any of the ECMA activities are in the cards for us this year.

7. What have you been listening to lately?

Lately I’ve been listening to Bill Callahan. My girlfriend gave me his album Sometimes I Wish I Were An Eagle on vinyl for Christmas. I recommend it. I also have been listening to George Harrison, Ryan Adams, The Avett Brothers, Palace Music, John Prine and Daniel Lanois.

8. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned lately?

I’ve learned to just let go and allow the waves to rush over you. After it passes, your ideas, ambition and creativity will remain in front of you, and the trouble, turmoil and consequences will be behind you.

9. What do the next few months hold for The Devil’s Half Acre?

As a band we will be looking for more shows to welcome in the spring, and hopefully another tour to some of those cities that we visited. I hope to make an impression on whoever has seen us play live and I hope to get the new EP into more hands and ears.

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P.E.I.'s Boxer The Horse is set to release its sophomore album.

Prince Edward Island’s Boxer the Horse will release its second album, French Residency, on March 13.

The band – Jeremy Gaudet (guitar/vocals), Andrew Woods (guitar/drums), Isaac Neily (keys/drums) and Christian Ledwell (bass) – released its debut full length, Would You Please, in 2010 to widespread critical acclaim.

They were named the Best New Band of 2010 by CBC Radio 3 — who shortlisted lead single Mary Meets the Pilot for 2010 Song of the Year — and were awarded the Music PEI’s 2011 Rock Recording of the Year. The band has appeared in support of such nationally heralded acts as The New Pornographers, Two Hours Traffic, In-Flight Safety, Dog Day and Hey Rosetta!.

Returning to the studio with producer Alec O’Hanley, Boxer the Horse recently completed their sophomore record French Residency.

The band will be taking French Residency on a national tour and dates will be announced soon.

Former Inbreds member back with solo record

Mike O’Neill, of long-defunct duo The Inbreds, has released Henry, the first single from his forthcoming album Wild Lines, available for free download (here).

Wild Lines is the follow-up to O’Neill’s 2004 album The Owl (Zunior) and will be available on Feb. 28.

Catch O’Neill at the following dates:

Feb. 04 – Fredericton, NB – Shivering Songs Festival
Feb. 29 – Halifax, NS – The Carleton
Mar. 10 – Ottawa, ON – TBA
Mar. 20 – Toronto, ON – Horseshoe (CMW)
Mar. 21 – Guelph, ON – Ebar
Mar. 22 – Hamilton, ON – The Casbah

Halifax’s Rising Waters to release debut

Roughly four years after forming, Halifax’s Rising Waters will release its debut record with a CD release show on Feb. 17 at Montes Showbar & Grill in Dartmouth, N.S.

Their first full length studio album was recorded in the fall of 2011 with Rob Crewe (Stillwater Studios) and mastered by Don Chapman (DC Productions).

Rising Waters features Richard Schaller (lead vocals, guitar), Keegan Leblanc (guitar), Sheldon Hodder (drums) and Nick Patterson (bass).

More dates are expected to be announced shortly.

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