sugar coated.

Yesterday I had the honour to be part of a private Sony showcase for a band called The Respectables.  I have known them for a very long time, one member personally, as they have been playing in Quebec for over a decade now (known as Les Respectables). I have always been a fan of their music not because it is the best out there, but because their energy on stage mixed with frontman Seb Plante’s cocky attitude make for a really fun show. Their tunes are catchy and danceable and sometimes that’s all you need.
Up until now I had only heard them sing in French (they catered to a Quebec audience) while I know that in their beginnings their songs were mostly in English. They have now gone back to those roots (hence the change in the band’s name from ‘Les’ to ‘The’) and the new album recorded at Willie Nelson’s studio in Texas will be coming out in April. I am certainly looking forward to hearing and seeing more of them in English Canada in the near future!

Also, last night was the kickoff night of Canadian Musicfest and Tattoo Rock Parlour had a special soiree that was filled with ‘industry people’  but most importantly included Inward Eye performing a late night gig. I could not wait to see this band play and they did justice to the hype surrounding them. Great punk band from Winnipeg, like you seldom see; pure and raw. Music these days, I find, is too polished and prearranged so watching these guys was very refreshing. Check them out: http://www.inwardeye.com/

Today, my friends from Montreal invade the city. I will keep you posted on what happens next as the week unfolds and music takes possession of our souls.

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everybody wants it 9 to 5.

I have been absent in writing this week because I started a new job right after coming back from Cancun and haven’t really had a moment for myself.

I now work for the Government at a pretty quiet but friendly office just north of where I live. I don’t have to take the subway to get there (just a bus for about 40 minutes) so that is a little bit of a relief in the morning. There is no need to be part of the tight, pushy crowds of rush hour on the subway if you don’t have to! The job is an 8:30 to 4:30 deal that needs some getting used to since I am not a morning person.  This week was all about adaptation. To a new workplace, new coworkers, new tasks and responsibilities, new lifestyle, new business clothes… I am proud to say that it all went much better than I apprehended. Even the husband was supportive in his efforts to stick to my new schedule. Call me spoiled, but the only thing I really don’t get is how us, as human beings, can work 5 days a week every week. With my position as a flight attendant I have been used to working only 3 or 4 days a week and that was plenty for me. Granted, flying is really hard on your body and working more than that doesn’t do anyone any good at all.  Working 5 days a week in an office?! That is asking too much of a person. I struggle to make it through the week and the only reason I hang in there is that I know that I only have 8 more weeks of this! On the other hand, coming home early enough to catch some daylight is a whole new experience for me. I am not used to that and it certainly influences your mood. I get home and still feel like I have a little bit of a day left.  So all and all, I made it through my first week in one piece but tired nonetheless and am kind of looking forward to my second week.

Ok. Now, important things: the CMW lineup is out! That makes me really happy because I strongly believe in supporting our own showcases and fellow musicians before going to all the major American festivals.  I took a good look at all the artists that will be coming to the big city in March and I am quite delighted to be living in Toronto for all this. That means I will not have to miss any work or travel very far to see the bands I like and party with some close friends.  Wicked!

Here is a list of my favourites that I can’t wait to see:

Beast, Bloc Party, Crash Parallel, Duchess Says, GrimSkunk, Malajube, Mistress Barbara, Priestess, Rebel Emergency, SNFU and We Are Wolves.

A few bands that I already know but have yet to see live:

Caracol, Hexes and Ohs, Holy Fuck and Inward Eye.

Also, I am very curious to hear these artists that I don’t know but seem very interesting. Come on, impress me:

Everything All the Time, Ladies of The Canyon, Left Spine Down, Les Handclaps, Redeye Empire, Ruby Jean, The Von Drats and Vancougar.

I will buy my wristband very soon and hopefully I get to see at least 5 or 6 bands that I like. The only issue with CMW is that often enough you will show up at an event only to realize that the lineup is huge and that you won’t make it in on time for the performance. Many times, you end up standing in line more than watching shows. The venues are packed and wristbands are not accepted everywhere. So make sure you have a map of your favourite shows and a “plan B” option in order to avoid frustration! Most of all, have fun and don’t miss the after parties! Frequently, they are the best part of this festival.

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