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Ep. #80: Mac DeMarco

Mac DeMarco is a Brooklyn-based musician, songwriter, and multimedia artist who is quite popular among people who enjoy cool songs that sound awesome. Originally from Duncan, British Columbia, DeMarco also spent time in Edmonton and used to present his work under the name Makeout Videotape. He began using his own name with the 2012 EP Rock and Roll Nightclub and later that same year, the acclaimed album 2. On April 1, Captured Tracks will release his excellent new record Salad Days and he will tour the world extensively, including Canadian stops in Wakefield, Sherbrooke, and Montreal in April and also NXNE in Toronto in June. Here, Mac and I discuss loving Brooklyn and not loving Montreal, the TV shows Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Girls, Minor Threat, Shakespeare, and the expression ‘salad days,’ how his jaded perspective was measured by reflection on his new songs, how touring can be a springboard into adulthood, how Mac’s songs are primarily about him and his own life and that he’s on something of an “insane egomaniac ride,” his upbringing in Edmonton and how the local scene there inspired him to start playing music, his love of the Beatles, the Gories, and Beat Happening, how John Lennon and Harry Nilsson shine through in his work and why young people dig it, his future recording plans and a unique Record Store Day treat, his collaboration with Tyler, the Creator, a guy named Chas, his live band, the song “Chamber of Reflection,” and more.

Related links: capturedtracks.com macdemarco.bandcamp.com/ vishkhanna.com

Mac DeMarco Cigarette Heaven

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News Podcast

Ep. #79: Nick Sewell of Biblical

Nick Sewell sings and plays bass in a mighty rock band from Toronto called Biblical. Formed in 2010, Biblical features members of the Illuminati, the Bicycles, and the Old Soul and are hailed for their heavy, swirling take on psych rock. The band’s blistering new album is Monsoon Season, which is out now via New Damage Records, and it’s prompted them to tour, including a stop in Guelph during Kazoo! Fest between April 9 and 13. Here, Nick and I discuss his dad John Sewell who was Mayor of Toronto between 1978-1980 and has some thoughts about Rob Ford and the current state of municipal affairs, Nick’s own political aspirations or lack thereof, whether or not Biblical is a metal band and how Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet might be a subtle influence, other possible misconceptions about the band based around ‘psych’ or ‘stoner rock’ tags, the emotional complexity of Monsoon Season, being small in a huge space, travelling, fleeing, and restlessness, Biblical’s new songs and upcoming plans, the song “All Justice No Peace,” and more.

Related links: biblicalband.com newdamagerecords.com kazookazoo.ca vishkhanna.com

biblicalphoto

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Peter Elkas Band + Harlan Pepper – Ebar – April 3

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KYEO is pleased to announce that excellent Toronto-based rock/soul singer, songwriter, musician, dog walker, and dad Peter Elkas returns to Guelph for a show at the Ebar in Guelph. Harlan Pepper, a wonderful roots-y ensemble from Hamilton with a connection to the Royal City and a new album out this month, join the bill opening for Elkas and his band.

This all-ages concert takes place at the Ebar on Thursday April 3, 2014 with doors opening at 9:30 PM. It will cost $10 with a non-perishable donation for the Guelph Food Bank and $12 without and tickets will only be available at the door. Harlan Pepper will be on at 10 PM, Elkas and his band will be on by 11 PM.

Elkas is marking the 10th anniversary of his celebrated solo debut, Party Of One, with a limited vinyl pressing of the LP and an April residency at The Dakota Tavern in Toronto. The string of shows kicks off on April 1st with Elkas performing the album in its entirety with the original session musicians, Don Kerr (Ron Sexsmith) and Doug Friesen (Bidiniband, John K Samson).

Elkas is also performing dates throughout Ontario for the rest of the month, including a Light Of Day benefit concert at the Molson Canadian Studio in Hamilton Place on April 12th with the Sam Roberts Band. Light of Day Canada is committed to raising money through various events that support research and care for Parkinson’s victims and families. Elkas is a coordinator and board member of the organization and has had the good fortune to not only play annual events in New Jersey, but also jam with Bruce Springsteen.

“Light of Day has become an important cause to me,” says Elkas. “I am becoming more and more devoted to developing the LOD Canada events with the great friends I’ve made in the organization. It’s been an honor (and actually a lot of fun) to be included in the fight against Parkinson’s.”

Party Of One was released in 2004 after Elkas’ previous act, the Local Rabbits, went on “indefinite hiatus.” Expanding upon his songwriting in that band, he kicked against the zeitgeist by crafting soulful pop and rock songs that are AM radio-accessible. Party Of One was produced by Kerr and found Elkas straddling a line between experimental sounds and more traditional songcraft.

The last time Elkas was in Guelph, he headlined a successful month-long residency at the Ebar in support of his most recent LP, 2011’s Repeat Offender. We’re thrilled to have him back.

website-banner-harlan-pepper-odbf-2014

Harlan Pepper released their new album, Take Out a Twenty and Live Life to the Fullest on March 11, 2014 via Six Shooter Records. The band has been busy warming up the new material at Toronto’s Cameron House every Tuesday night in March.

On the theme of living life to the fullest, here’s how the band chooses to spend their $20s (and their twenties):

Dan Edmonds (vocals) – “I like to buy a 6-pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon, and there’s usually just enough left to get in to a show downtown. That’s an ideal night for me with 20 beautiful bucks.”

Thompson Wilson (bass) – “Taking out a $20, going down to a record store and buying as many records as you can from the cheep section. And then using the change to bus home and listen to music the rest of the day…I like Dan’s idea better.”

Jimmy Hayes III (guitar) – “I’d buy a bag of macaroni and a brick of cheese with my first $10.00. After a quick bite I’d take my final $10.00 to Rolly Rockets in Hamilton for a pint and to see my favourite new jazz-fusion/R & B band, “The Buddy Guys.” What a night.”

Marlon Nicolle (drums) – “Buy two 40’s of Old English and take the rest and put it all on 24 black at the roulette table.”

Take Out a Twenty and Live Life to the Fullest is full of sweet grooves, lyrical nonchalance and strong musicianship. From their Steeltown stronghold, Harlan Pepper is quietly fashioning themselves into a rock solid band of considerable depth and ability. We had some of them here in Guelph for a spell, while they pursued their studies. As their Guelph fans can attest, it’s great to have them back in town with a new record.


Again:

KYEO Presents:

Peter Elkas Band
+
Harlan Pepper

Thursday April 3, 2014

$10 with non-perishable item for the Guelph Food Bank
$12 without

The Ebar
41 Quebec St. Guelph
Doors at 9 PM
AA/LIC (Not accessible)

Tickets only available at the door

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