Tag: Edmonton Local Bands

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Interviews

Musicians During Covid-19; Interview with Cody Blakely

Cody Blakely is a local musician and recording engineer, who has seen the impacts of the pandemic firsthand. As a global pandemic, there are several impacts. From finances to career impact, there’s a lot of aspects that have been altered by COVID-19 and the resulting lockdowns.

The conversation about the impact of Covid-19 and it’s context and impact in terms of musicians has been a rather hot topic of conversation. Those in the industry have been impacted as many of us have. The main downfall for musicians and the music industry specifically is finances due to a lack of live performances.

Below is an interview between Blakely and Dylanna Fisher on Switching Styles.


What’s your connection to the music industry
I am a local musician and recording engineer. I have recorded anything from local acts to international acts.


How long have you been in the industry?
I have been in the industry as a professional for about 3 years now. Started recording bands in my basement like everyone else, but it eventually grew into a career and an obsession. I’ve been working in a commercial space for about 3 years now.


What changes have you noticed since the start of Covid-19?
A lot of places have been shut down since March. A lot of bands are doing home recordings.

There has been about a 50% loss for projects on my end. I’ve heard of engineers losing even more, or not losing any work at all. The nice thing is that you can still work from home on most things, like mixing on headphones. But it is a different experience than mixing in a studio with professional sound treatment and rooms designed for sound.

I understand though, a lot of musicians are working in the service industry which was the first to shut down in a lot of areas. It’s tough to commit to a project when your main source of income has been gutted.

With a general loss of income, how do musicians make a living?
Well, I can’t speak for others, but I have been able to keep some money coming in from mixing.  I am holding up okay. Others haven’t been lucky.

There are some government programs, but I’ve heard some people didn’t get any income for almost 2 months. I’ve seen some bands push their merchandise and records online. Without shows that is really the only way, bands are making any money right now.

I’m also super lucky that I have had bands still want to go through with their projects. I’ve worked with these bands a few times and have been friends for years. A couple of projects I haven’t worked with yet had to bow out for a few months. That makes total sense. I’ve told a few ‘if the recording is going to mean you don’t pay your bills then, let’s just push it back’.

What kind of financial support is there for musicians, that you know of?
From my understanding, musicians can qualify for the CERB benefit, the total is around $1,000 or so. The province is doing something similar, but I haven’t had to look into it quite yet. I believe it is mostly enough to cover the essentials.

Is it enough?
No. I also have no faith in the current provincial government for helping out musicians or venues.I’m by no means a political expert, but it is crazy to me to see local venues that can hold hundreds if not a thousand people for one show have to ask for government support.

Most people that are going to shows or play in bands are not just going to the show and leaving. Restaurants, bars, shopping, etc. All benefit from this. Some of these venues are hosting multiple 500+ people in an event a week. Think about how much of a local economic boost that is, and these places need to ask for money? Unbelievable if you ask me.

In Alberta, I read a statistic that where 5.3 billion is recorded in Albertan arts annually and employs over 60,000 people. We are part of a substantial industry and to get a cold shoulder is insulting. Will this change, I am not the one to say but to ignore the producers and creators of art and entertainment is absolute bullshit.

[Context Check; According to the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Alberta employs 13,300 artists, and 68,500 cultural workers with over 726,00 throughout Canada].

Why do you think that is?
Oh, boy. That is a big one as I believe there are many factors to this.

A huge part is a remarkable amount of money being spent with absolutely no return by the government of Alberta. I could go on for hours about this topic but the biggest thing I find is people not paying for arts. It is not something you just wake up one day and are incredibly talented.

Do you think it can change?
Unfortunately, no.

What can fans do to support musicians during Covid-19?
If you have any spare money, please contact a band directly to ask to buy their merchandise. Don’t go from a streaming service or BandCamp unless they are extremely far. If you message a band and ask to buy their merch they would be over the moon! Every little bit helps.

Comment below what your thoughts are on musicians in the pandemic!!

EPL Poster Collection

What is the EPL Poster Collection?

“Gig posters combine unique design with essential information about which artists played together and what venues they played,” reads the Capital City Records website.

Capital City Records is a digital collection of Edmonton’s local musicians.

Collecting local gig posters may seem like a weird collection but it collects valuable information that simple statistics can’t. Through the visual collection, you can tell the style, the culture, the interaction, the subtle of the music industry at the time. Even within the same year, gig posters have such a range in design. It’s a way to visually see the diversity in the music world.

This collection follows the mission of Capital City Records to include the local Edmonton music industry into the larger scheme of music archiving.

Look Away Morals Gary Debussy Art by Parker Thiessen
Gig Poster. Art by Joel Kleine

Look Away Morals Gary Debussy Art by Parker Thiessen
Gig Poster. Art by Joel Kleine

Do you have posters to donate? How do you donate posters to the EPL?

If you are an artist, a promoter or run a venue, this is an amazing opportunity to contribute to local music history. For more information see the Captial City Records FAQ.

These posters only requirements are that they are local. Genre or date doesn’t matter! If you are interested in sharing your concert poster collection, please contact localmusic@epl.ca.

Comment Below your favorite gig posters!!

 

 

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Categories
Interviews Reviews

Edmonton’s Hyper-Local Music Collections

Taking Edmonton's music into their digital collections, the University of Alberta and The Edmonton Public Library each have collections of local music from Edmonton artists. 

Edmonton’s Hyper-Local Music Collections
By Dylanna Fisher

Edmonton’s music scene is bright and vibrant. Edmonton’s Hyper-Local Music Collections showcase that amazing work. Although, it’s not as prominent as Vancouver or Toronto, Edmonton is a hub for music of all genres. Taking Edmonton’s music into their digital archives, the University of Alberta and The Edmonton Public Library each have collections of local music from Edmonton artists. Through the Edmonton Music Collection, and Capital City Records, respectively, Edmonton artists are locally promoted. 

Starting in 2011, this collection, Edmonton Music Collection,  had the focus to bring Edmonton music into a larger field of music academia.  Sean Luyk the Digital Projects Librarian at The University of Alberta, was the music librarian at the time and noticed quite a lot of global works in their music library without focusing on the music right in Edmonton. This left quite a gap in the academic resources. At the UofA, their collection is an extension of their academia with several scores, recordings, videos, and so much more. 

“If somebody is writing a research paper about an inch in music between 1995 and 2005 it’s it’s hard to find the specifics for it,” Lyuk explains continues.

In partnership with CKUA radio, New Music Edmonton, Folkways Alive, Edmonton Music Awards, and Yeg Live, the UofA collects different pieces to commemorate and celebrate Edmonton’s music industry.

Launching in 2015, Capital City Records is a digital collection of Edmonton’s local musicians and is the first of it’s kind within Edmonton Public Library system. Although different from the University collection, they are very similar as they are both hyper local music collections. However, they have one major difference. The UofA is focusing on the academic aspect, while the CCR is focusing on the community aspect.

“Growing up, EPL was an essential part of my musical upbringing. Weekly visits to the Downtown branch, plus working at Woodcroft for my high school years yielded constant new discoveries.  I’d spend hours flipping through the records.  I’m excited that something I’ve helped create could now be enjoyed via Capital City Records.  There’s a crazy amount of great music produced right here in YEG that’s waiting to be discovered!” comments Bombproof Horses, a band within the CCR’s collection.

There are currently 269 albums by 233 different artists with a total of 2,277 tracks on the platform with 100 new albums being added annually. This is not just a mere collection. In fact, it’s meant to be easily interactive, as an easy way for Edmontonians to enjoy and interact with the work of their fellow Edmonton musicians.  There is an average of 1,047 streams, and 155 downloads per month.

 

Each submission brought into the collection was curated by the music scene of Edmonton itself. The jury that approves the submissions are made up of members of the local music community. This is done to not only improve upon the quality of the curation but to ensure a diverse and inclusive collection. This jury includes Lori Gawryluik (‎Artistic Director of Quarters Arts Society), Chad Brunet  (Program Director of CJSR), Sandra Sperounes (Music Writer for the Edmonton Journal), Chris Wynters (Executive Director of Alberta Music), Ron Walker (Executive Director of Canadian Native friendship Centre), and Jesse Toms (Edmonton Muse CEO).

These are two hyper local music collections, which means that they are exclusively collections meant to bring awareness and attention the the Edmonton music industry. The importance of this is to showcase the music right here.

“Edmonton has an astounding and very diverse local music scene, and even though I am an active part of it, I am constantly surprised to discover voices that I have yet to encounter. I am very proud that my music has been included in the latest Capital City Records collection; where I can continue to explore our city’s rich music scene, and where these voices can be heard and discovered from almost anywhere in the world,” comments John Guliak, a musician on CCR.

“We sometimes forget what’s going on culturally in our own cities,” Lyuk explains.

Check out Edmonton Music Collection, and Capital City Records for more information!

Categories
Interviews Switching styles

Live Music Venues in Edmonton

Edmonton is known more for hockey than it is for music. Music may not be Edmonton’s main industry, but it doesn’t mean that music in the prairies is dead. Geographically and music-wise, Alberta is far from the music hub of Toronto. Edmonton is 3,475.2 km away from Toronto.

Edmonton is known more for hockey than it is for music. Music may not be Edmonton’s main industry, but it doesn’t mean that music in the prairies is dead. Geographically and music-wise, Alberta is far from the music hub of Toronto. Edmonton is 3,475.2 km away from Toronto.

Of all presenting artistic shows throughout Canada, the vast majority is music 94% while theatre (72%), young audience/family shows (71%), dance (66%), comedy/humour (64%), and school audiences (K-12) (61%) make up the rest of Canada’s performing arts.

Sourced from CAPOCOA’s Vitality and Impact report.

“The Edmonton music scene doesn’t have a huge reputation,” Michelle Langevin, co-owner and general manager of Yeg Music explains, “and certainly is not on par with cities like Toronto or Montreal. And that’s mainly due to venues”.

Within Edmonton, there are over 280 venues that facilitate live music venues. As you can see from the map below, there seems to be a lot of music venues scattered around. (Google Map Link)

To compare, Toronto has 60 while Montreal has 110 live music venues. These include performance halls that are primarily for music. Less than 20 of Edmonton’s music venues are just music venues which account for less than 10% of all Edmonton’s live music venues.

Source From World City Culture Forum

Venues are able to be a range of types and aren’t limited to the traditional concert hall. These can include cafes, clubs, halls, listening rooms, restaurants, and bars. This is fairly common across Canada.

Source: Presenters’ Vitality and Impact Survey, CAPACOA, 2018

As far as Edmonton specifically, Bars and Restaurants also make up 21% while Community Centers (8.9%), Outdoor (4.6%), Places of Worship (2.4%), Schools or universities (1%), Nightclub (0.8%), Cafes (1.9%), Performing Arts Venues (3.2%) Theatre (4/9%) lag behind each less than 10%.

“Musicians-wise, talent-wise, Edmonton has a pretty good grip on that. I don’t think that’s our issue. It’s just kind of the spacing of our city, and there are different things that play into it. We’re getting really close to that level of Montreal or Toronto.” Langevin said,

One kind of venue that seems to be overlooked is places where minors can attend and perform. Not many venues cater to minors. Many live music venues are 18+. Of Edmonton’s live music venues, 80 (21.9%) are open to minors leaving 284 venues where minors are prohibited.

“I find it can be quite discouraging when you see a venue and think ‘I want to play there’ and ah it’s 18+,” Admits Veronica Pineapples a young Edmonton musician, “It’s hard to find venues that are all ages.”

Veronica Pineapples has been performing music in Edmonton since she was a young girl. The limitations of all-ages venues limited her ability not only to enjoy music but to perform it as well. (Google Map Link)

“All ages shows are really really important. They are important for the lifestyle of its fans. We need to be growing our fans, we need to encourage young people to interact with live music,” Benjamin describes.

Benjamin’s sentiments are backed up by statistics. A report from culture Days found that 57% of participants said they attended more arts events and cultural activities throughout the year because of previous participation. https://culturedays.ca/ab

Music venues have a benefit more than just entertainment. Live music venues are venues that facilitate musicians by having a place for solo artists and bands to perform but also for the audience to interact. The importance of these venues, in particular, is not only for the music industry but for the quality of life for each and every citizen. The vast majority of Canadians (77%), agree that art helps them interact and connect with their community.

“The live music industry should be regarded as such. As an industry with the ability to create jobs and generate significant economic impact and draw tourists to the province.” describes Benjamin, “Live music venues are critically important to the quality of life of every city and town from coast to coast”.

 

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Interviews Reviews

WthCnvctn New Single; Inse(Cure)

Dark. Hard. Emotional. That’s what WthCnvctn delivers and what they keep delivering. Be ready because soon they have delivered more of their deep metal music.

February 28th is the day well awaited by fans as it’s the day that their single Inse(Cure) dropped! This single is available on all streaming platforms for your listening pleasure. That’s not all. Teaming up with Art Unleashed, they created and presented an ambitious lyric video that visually goes above and beyond the typical. Made with a 3-D workspace (similar to those used to create video games), the lyric video is a visual and musical treat.

Instead of releasing an entire album with much space in between releases, the band is releasing singles at a faster rate. Bringing their audience a different way to enjoy their music, WthCnvctn is releasing a single every few months. This means less wait time for fans. This is a way to give each track the attention and appreciation they deserve. Compared to an article with several tracks telling a single overarching story with a similar message, WthCnvctn will release several singles to delve deeper into the message of the song. Inse(Cure) is the first of their new singles that has been released with another one coming in the spring of 2020.

 Inse(Cure) is a powerful and emotional track. Matched perfectly, the lyrics and instrumental bring forth both of those elements. Starting with a distorted beat and a modern intro, the song draws you in. Then the harder metal drum beats follow with vocals in the background showing their metal passion. Slamming the listeners into a punk chorus, metal guitar and drum riffs allows a tune for the hardest of metalheads. Within the middle is a guitar solo that’s not only sexy and decisive but went into production with a single take — a feat not easily made.

This song combines elements such as modern distortion, punk choruses, and metalcore rifts. Like the band itself, this song shifts and melds different genres not letting one single genre do it justice. Combined seamlessly, insecure has elements of punk, pop, emo, metal, and grunge. It’s a combination that not many bands can do but WthCnvctn does it well.

“The song dives headfirst into a dark setting absolutely abolishing genre norms,” reads a press release from the band, ” elements of more than a few genres are seeping through the cracks of every corner of the song.”

Altogether the musicians combined their talent to create a song that’s as metal as it is emotional. The lyrics are dark and depressing with the music style to match. Here are the first lyrical stanzas of the song.

We’re going nowhere in these broken fucking body bags
I see the light but only peeking through the curtains and I
Know it hurts, I know it hurts, I feel you
Life’s the hearse and we deserve the worst view
I think I hear them singing

I take it back, wish I never loved you
I really thought, you would tell me the truth
Stop caring, stop caring I’m okay
I’m only chasing a high,
Never mind
Never ending lullaby
They’re singing no one’s gonna love you

These lyrics bring forth a story that many of us feel every day. Insecurities are prevalent with human beings in general.

“We’ve all been hurt before, Inse(Cure) is a song about pain and it’s art so it’s open to interpretation. If the shoe fits it’s for you and your situation,” explains Sabian Ryan.

This is what the song Inse(Cure) highlights. Insecurities are unfortunately universal. WthCnvctn audience shares similar insecurities to the band such as the most prominent one of not being loved. Originally, Inse(Cure) was called by a different name. They had a working title of Chasing the high but instead went with Inse(Cure) as it fits better with the lyrics and feels of the song itself. They made the right choice as chasing the high denotes something almost futile because Inse(Cure) allows for interpretation. The lyrics showcase the insecurities of the band members and their listeners. The title and the subtle inner text of cure shows that with each insecurity there is a chance of fixing it or growing from it. Ryan wants this song to reach the people that need to hear it, that have a situation that they need to work through, and the band shares that sentiment.

Inse(cure) is a project inspired by more recent events in the band’s journey, unlike previous releases. This is a dark song that draws inspiration from the stress of now whereas earlier songs were stresses and pain from the band’s past such as “Chemical Camouflage”, “Sink / Swim”, “Let It Go” and “Cigarettes & Sin”. That being said, the punk sound of this single is a tribute to the band’s earlier songs while still staying true to WthCnvctn’s sound.

“This one was probably the most natural song we’ve ever written since “Let it Go”,” they explain. Change is inevitable but it takes some time to adapt and to move on regardless of the changes.

Starting in 2015, they set out to form a band that combines aspects of the music they love; Melodic Guitars, Punk Rhythms, Grungy Bass, Fast Drums, Drop Tunings, Punchy Leads, Devastating Breaks and Chaotic Vocals. Not only did they combine them, but they turned it into something entirely new.

Sabian Ryan (vocals), Kyle Johnson (Bass/vocals), Aj Howse (drums) and Keelan Roussel (Guitar) bring forward a sound that’s all their own. Their sound has been described as metalcore, punk, grunge. This is quite similar to the band’s overall musical aesthetic.

“With such a unique approach to genre-blending, there’s room for anyone who likes the dark side of music to sing along or jump in the pit” said Ryan emphasizing that their music and thus their audience is varied and diverse.

This independent band hails from Edmonton Alberta. It’s not just a location to them, though. It’s home. It’s a starting point to be more than just a local band. Music is about connecting to their audience and impacting each listener in a positive way. In 2016, most if not all of their performances were #BOYEG events with the earnings being donated to charities including Zoe’s Animal Rescue, Edmonton Humane Society, YESS, YRAP among others. It’s not just Edmonton that they have their sights set on. Their audience is excited about the release of Inse(cure) and the release of further music from WthCnvctn!

Sabian beams when talking about the release and his band mates, “I’m really proud of my boys for coming together to make this happen — and there’s a lot more on the way.”

*Sponsored by WthCnvctn*

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Categories
Interviews

Majin: Highlighting Edmonton Artists

"I’ve always had this dream, just being an artist," Describes Majin, "I always wanted to be an artist since I was five years old. I use to tell my mom, I was going to be like Michael Jackson, That’s what inspires it."

“I’ve always had this dream, just being an artist,” Describes Majin, “I always wanted to be an artist since I was five years old. I use to tell my mom, I was going to be like Michael Jackson, That’s what inspires it.”

Micheal Jackson. Scorpions. The White Stripes. Freddie Mercury. The Beatles. The Weekend. These are the bands that Majin grew up listening to, and the exact musicians that inspired him to pursue a career in music. Taking their music, he brought his passion as a listener to the passion of a musician.

Going with the stage name Majin, He continues his dream of being a musician. Based on the word imagine, Majin continues that passion for music and music’s inherent ability to bring the world to life. He carved out a stage name to bring to light all of the aspects he wants to show off to the world.

“At first I did not want to people knowing that was me, because I was pretty insecure about myself a while back. Not to say that I’m super self-confident now but I just didn’t want to people know who I was,” He continues, “The person that I am when I’m singing,  is nothing like the person that I am on a day to day. I feel like Majin is just a different persona, a lot of people have said that I’m not this person when I’m Majin.”

The music he writes and performs as Majin comes from a place close to his heart with all of the lyrics being inspired by personal experiences.

Within the song “Lust”, Majin explains that the lyrics have a lot of dimensions. The song describes the inner struggles, external struggles as demons. His demons include many things.

“‘My demons’ means a lot of things to me. I call my friends my demons. those are my demons. all the thoughts in my head those are my demons. even when I’m alone, I have demons. so I’m telling this girl, I’m warning her, if you want to come see me, come see me, I’ll be here with my demons. I had a lot of bad energy thrown at me so I’ve acquired these demons, but I like to think that it is not necessarily a bad thing, you know, it inspires my music.”

Here’s the song for you to listen to.

 

“I’ve had a lot of rough times with my love life so, and a lot of my music shows, my entire EP was just all about my life. it wasn’t something I made up.” Majin describes, explaining that all of his music comes from personal experiences and his own emotions.

Especially love. Love has long been a muse for musicians from the earliest minstrels to our modern artists of all genres. His EP specifically was inspired by a bad break up leading Majin to pour his emotions into lyrics.

This EP took a year to write, record and publish. Over that year, he created nearly 20 songs but only included five in the EP. He admits that the ones that made the cut were the most recent songs as together they created the imagery for a place called Magic City. Thus the name of the EP. He describes it as a journey, one full of emotions but ultimately a place of sadness. The album itself in terms of lyrics is rather dark despite the smooth beats and ‘happy’ sound of the album.

“It’s a really dark album, and like a lot of people don’t see that, they like to listen to the songs and everybody wants like dance to it. But in reality like the words behind the music they mean a lot more,” he explains.

It was a way to get the emotions out where they don’t necessarily hurt anymore. This album was cathartic for Majin, allowing him to process and admit how he was feeling as well as connect with his audience.

“If you’re in a bad state of mind and you listen to my music, it just takes you further into whatever you are going through, it’s something that you wanna listen to when, it’s just really raw, it’s what I try to say.”

Once his EP was released, he’s gone forward to make ripples throughout the music community. Side Door Magazine featured Majin in a discussion about his recent release of the Debut Album “Remedy”

“MAJIN has been on the rise this year and we will definitely be on the look out for new music from him in the future,” Writes Side Door Magazine on his music career.

As a member of the label Only the Highest (OTH), he’s working on bringing his emotions to his audience. Only the Highest is a label and management company based in Edmonton. Founded by Akash Sharma and KAVI in late 2018, this label houses musicians such as Kavi, Majin, and VSN Black.

Check out more of his current and upcoming music on Spotify.

“The words, the lyrics, everything is straight from the heart, it’s very personal, it’s extremely personal, I feel like people can get to know me, as Majin through my music very well. I’m not lying in any of my songs.”

 

Comment below your favourite Majin song?

 

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Categories
Switching styles

Local Music Venues: Naked Cyber Cafe & Espresso Bar

Thursdays are their open mic night where anyone can come in and perform. They have a fully equipped stage, complete with sound equipment, lighting, and, of course, instruments. This Thursday it ranged from classical piano recitals to acoustic covers, to electronic music.

Edmonton has a vibrant music community, especially in the downtown core. Though not many people are aware of live music venues beyond the huge stadiums that host well known and famous musicians like Marilyn Manson, Marianas Trench, Snoop Dog, Justin Timberlake, Garth Brooks and so on. But there is so much more that Edmonton has to offer. This photo essay is looking at one live music venue in particular; Naked Cyber Café and Espresso Bar.

If you’re looking for a music venue, you may find Naked Cyber Cafe and Espresso Bar. Though you’ll have to know where to look. The venue itself is a bit of a hidden gem just off of 104th and a bit away from the sidewalk.

Naked Cyber Cafe & Espresso bar sits away from the sidewalk, almost hidden from view

This hidden gem is a place for Edmonton musicians to jam, perform and get their names out there. Local musicians have amazing talent and local live music venues are where they perform. Naked Cyber Cafe And Espresso Bar is one example.

Neon lights illuminate a black and white cutout of Elvis Presley providing an artistic aesthetic.
Here is a photo essay finished for a school project at MacEwan University. These photos were taken during the open mic this last Thursday showing the venue and the amazing artists that performed.
Naked Cyber Cafe and Espresso Bar is one of Edmonton’s live music Venues right in the downtown core

Thursdays are their open mic night where anyone can come in and perform. They have a fully equipped stage, complete with sound equipment, lighting, and, of course, instruments. This Thursday it ranged from classical piano recitals to acoustic covers, to electronic music.
Here is a photo essay finished for a school project at MacEwan University. These photos were taken during the open mic this last Thursday showing the venue and the amazing artists that performed.
Naked Cyber Cafe and Espresso Bar is one of Edmonton’s live music Venues right in the downtown core
Thursdays are their open mic night where anyone can come in and perform. They have a fully equipped stage, complete with sound equipment, lighting, and, of course, instruments. This Thursday it ranged from classical piano recitals to acoustic covers, to electronic music.
Neon lights illuminate a black and white cutout of Elvis Presley providing an artistic aesthetic.
Naked Cyber Cafe and Espresso Bar is one of Edmonton’s live music Venues right in the downtown core

The cafe is a cozy little cafe filled to the brim with art. When you first walk in there’s a wall of cute colourful drawings, complementing the badass paintings hung up behind the stage. A black and white cut out of Elvis Presley is illuminated by a red neon sign reading ‘Naked’. Jalapeno lights frame the stage, lighting up the faces of the musicians. This venue is decorated as rather ascetic, which is a tribute to the range of artistry within their walls.

Neon lights illuminate a black and white cutout of Elvis Presley providing an artistic aesthetic.

Thursdays are their open mic night where anyone can come in and perform. They have a fully equipped stage, complete with sound equipment, lighting, and, of course, instruments. This Thursday it ranged from classical piano recitals to acoustic covers, to electronic music.

Here is a photo essay finished for a school project at MacEwan University. These photos were taken during the open mic this last Thursday showing the venue and the amazing artists that performed.

Open mic night allows a range of musicians to perform their music their way There’s certainly more to come from Naked Cyber Cafe and Espresso Bar. Keep tuned for future articles on the venue and the artists that perform there.

Edmonton has a vibrant music community, especially in the downtown core. Though not many people are aware of live music venues beyond the huge stadiums that host well known and famous musicians like Marilyn Manson, Marianas Trench, Snoop Dog, Justin Timberlake, Garth Brooks and so on. But there is so much more that Edmonton has to offer. This photo essay is looking at one live music venue in particular; Naked Cyber Café and Espresso Bar.
Switching Styles is an online publication founded by Dylanna Fisher to bring you all of the weird, obscure, niche music you could ask for. We focus on remaking your idea of music.
Open mic night allows a range of musicians to perform their music their way There’s certainly more to come from Naked Cyber Cafe and Espresso Bar. Keep tuned for future articles on the venue and the artists that perform there.

Thursdays are their open mic night where anyone can come in and perform. They have a fully equipped stage, complete with sound equipment, lighting, and, of course, instruments. This Thursday it ranged from classical piano recitals to acoustic covers, to electronic music.
Thursdays are their open mic night where anyone can come in and perform. They have a fully equipped stage, complete with sound equipment, lighting, and, of course, instruments. This Thursday it ranged from classical piano recitals to acoustic covers, to electronic music.
Thursdays are their open mic night where anyone can come in and perform. They have a fully equipped stage, complete with sound equipment, lighting, and, of course, instruments. This Thursday it ranged from classical piano recitals to acoustic covers, to electronic music.

Switching Styles is an online publication founded by Dylanna Fisher to bring you all of the weird, obscure, niche music you could ask for. We focus on remaking your idea of music.
Switching Styles is an online publication founded by Dylanna Fisher to bring you all of the weird, obscure, niche music you could ask for. We focus on remaking your idea of music.
The cafe is a cozy little cafe filled to the brim with art. When you first walk in there’s a wall of cute colorful drawings, complementing the badass paintings hung up behind the stage. A black and white cut out of Elvis Presley is illuminated by a red neon sign reading ‘Naked’. Jalapeno lights frame the stage, lighting up the faces of the musicians. This venue is decorated as rather ascetic, which is a tribute to the range of artistry within their walls.
Edmonton has a vibrant music community, especially in the downtown core. Though not many people are aware of live music venues beyond the huge stadiums that host well known and famous musicians like Marilyn Manson, Marianas Trench, Snoop Dog, Justin Timberlake, Garth Brooks and so on. But there is so much more that Edmonton has to offer. This photo essay is looking at one live music venue in particular; Naked Cyber Café and Espresso Bar.
Here is a photo essay finished for a school project at MacEwan University. These photos were taken during the open mic this last Thursday showing the venue and the amazing artists that performed.

Edmonton has a vibrant music community, especially in the downtown core. Though not many people are aware of live music venues beyond the huge stadiums that host well known and famous musicians like Marilyn Manson, Marianas Trench, Snoop Dog, Justin Timberlake, Garth Brooks and so on. But there is so much more that Edmonton has to offer. This photo essay is looking at one live music venue in particular; Naked Cyber Café and Espresso Bar.
This hidden gem is a place for Edmonton musicians to jam, perform and get their names out there. Local musicians have amazing talent and local live music venues are where they perform. Naked Cyber Cafe And Espresso Bar is one example.
Switching Styles | Music | Online Publication | Dylanna Fisher | Edmonton | Naked | Local | Live Music
Edmonton has a vibrant music community, especially in the downtown core. Though not many people are aware of live music venues beyond the huge stadiums that host well known and famous musicians like Marilyn Manson, Marianas Trench, Snoop Dog, Justin Timberlake, Garth Brooks and so on. But there is so much more that Edmonton has to offer. This photo essay is looking at one live music venue in particular; Naked Cyber Café and Espresso Bar.

“I’ve been to Naked Cybercafe a lot. I love that place,” she said.
Veronica frequents the cafe. It’s one of the few venues that are open to all ages. As a 17-year-old musician, there aren’t many venues that cater to minors. Most venues that have live music are 18+.
Veronica frequents the cafe. It’s one of the few venues that are open to all ages. As a 17-year-old musician, there aren’t many venues that cater to minors. Most venues that have live music are 18+.
Open mic night allows a range of musicians to perform their music their way

There’s certainly more to come from Naked Cyber Cafe and Espresso Bar. Keep tuned for future articles on the venue and the artists that perform there.

Let me know what you think in the comments below!!

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Categories
Interviews

Meet the #YEG Metal Band – Misplaced Intentions

Front - Landon Berezanski, Matthew Lindholm, Tyler Baker. Back - Keilan Thompson

Misplaced Intentions, is an Edmonton based heavy-rock band that is aiming for the stars. They have a few cover songs but are aiming for more original songs in the future. The band is made up of Matthew Lindholm (vocals and guitar), Tyler Baker (lead guitar), Landon Berezanski (bass), and Keilan Thompson (drums).

The band has a way of defying expectations, says Berezanski, “Whatever the populace’s intentions were for us, we’ve kind of got our own. And it’s kind of misplaced from what they think.”

Berezanski and Alex Fedorouk started the band in 2013 when they were at Backbeat, a music school on Whyte Avenue, which they attended for 2 1/2 years. Berezanski says Backbeat taught them everything they needed to know about being in a band, beyond the music. Backbeat helps bands cultivate their style, appearance, sound, and even gets them experience putting on gigs.

Originally, the band was called Grim Bishop. That was later changed to Misplaced Intentions (Grim Bishop seemed too Christian rock-esque). A single musical genre does not easily define their sound. Berezanski describes it as “’90s nostalgic new wave hard rock.”

The band has been influenced by such similar but distinct groups as Rise Against, Monster Truck, and Iron Maiden

Baker explains: “It’s kind of a mix between Billy Talent and Metallica. It kind of blurs the lines between hard rock and metal.”

Lindholm adds: “We’re hard rock but not as hard as Avenged Sevenfold.”

As far as the band’s new name, there isn’t an epiphany origin story, Berezanski says.

“I’m pretty sure it was my idea, but I can’t tell you where it came from. We were sitting around thinking of a band name, might have been drinking. And it just kind of popped up.”

However, the name encompasses the idea of the band “not being held to what people would expect us to sound like, not being held to maybe what’s hip and in right now, not being afraid to tackle those sounds.”

Berezanski and Fedorouk were, “the first generation,” Baker says. Lindholm and Baker soon followed. Fedorouk left Misplaced Intentions to join a different band, FKB, leaving room for the band to grow and shift, and add Thompson as their drummer in February 2017.

“It didn’t really take long for Keilan to fit in with the rest of us,” Berezanski says. “Where it may have taken a little longer to get him up to par with our music because we don’t really have anything recorded, the friendship of the band really didn’t take that long at all.”

Michelle Langevin, co-owner and general manager of Yeg Music, has promoted Misplaced Intentions for over a year. She says she has noticed that shifting around the members hasn’t negatively impacted the band or its music.

“It’s collective, and the band works together. But it does seem like Landon holds the shit together, in a good way.”

Berezanski, she adds, is the decision-maker.

A long-time friend of the band, Madlyn Lung describes Misplaced Intentions as “a group of friends who use the band as an outlet for a good time. You can tell they really enjoy their gigs and are proud of their music. And that makes them a joy to watch.”

It’s more than friendship. It’s more than music. Being in a band is more than just being able to say, ‘I’m in a band,’ Berezanski says.

“It has opened my eyes to the sort of world I want to be surrounded in. It has open my eyes to the possibility for a dream that seemed like it was a little out of reach for a few years there. Honestly, if it hadn’t been for joining Backbeat, and joining what would become Misplaced Intentions, I don’t think I would have ever found that ambition that I have for it now.”

Lindholm adds: “Music, for most people, is kind of like a catalyst. It’s definitely impacted me for the better. Being able to play on stage is an experience that maybe not a lot of people get to do. But, for me, it’s really not comparable as a feeling. Well, maybe one thing is more comparable, but I’ll leave the romantic sappy crap for another day.”

The Edmonton music scene doesn’t have a huge reputation, Langevin says, and certainly is not on a par with cities like Toronto or Montreal. And that’s mainly due to venues. Live music venues are spread out in Edmonton; they aren’t focused in the downtown core.

“Musicians-wise, talent-wise, Edmonton has a pretty good grip on that. I don’t think that’s our issue. It’s just kind of the spacing of our city, and there are different things that play into it. We’re getting really close to that level of Montreal or Toronto. We just need a little bit more support from the city, and then we can get more venues up and running.”

Berezanski says, “It was getting a little spooky for a bit there. In the past two or three years. I started to notice a lot of the local spots, that were bringing in local bands to try and grow that local scene, were starting to sell their businesses,”

However, the scene is improving, “with companies like Yeg Music and festivals like the Folk Music Festival.”

Yeg Music is an artist-development company with 55 bands and solo artists. It promotes local bands and provides the bands with access to graphic designers, photographers, and, most important, gigs. Misplaced Intentions is not a direct part of Yeg Music for the time being, but the organization still promotes the group and books them for gigs.

The band is striving to get gigs in addition to the ones Yeg Music sets up for it. It’s a way for the band to get more work and different types of work. It’s also a way to scope out the venues to see firsthand their type and size, as well as their audience and management style.

“We can wait for Yeg to give us a show,” Thompson says. “But it would be nice if we could go and find our own. You kind of build it yourself, I guess, which is a very punk ethos.”

The members of Misplaced Intentions want to grow as a band, and that involves writing new songs and getting a larger fan base. “Solitary solution” is the one demo they’ve released, but more original songs are on the horizon.

Since joining, Thompson hasn’t written any songs for the band, and he says he’s wanting to do just that.

Berezanski says he wants to see the band “progressing to a harder sound and picking up the pace for a lot of our songs.”

Thompson agrees: “Landon wants to go faster, which I’m totally OK with because I usually like punk music.”

But it’s a long process, A song can take days, even months, to develop.

With more music, the band can build a larger fan base. Currently, it’s fairly localized with a small following, Baker says.

“It’s mostly just friends and people that we invite to the show that show up and that’s pretty much the only people that know us right now.”

Berezanski says “Back in the ’80s, if you were in the underground music scene, you would pass around a demo cassette you made. It would pass from peer to per. It’s completely changed nowadays, and we got to take advantage of that.

“With everyone on the Internet as much as they are, getting into all of those social media platforms is a big way to promote ourselves.”

The band members say they hope to continue making music and improving as a band.

Thompson admits that “we can continue coasting in the way that we have been, or we could try and do more.”

Regarding the future of the band, Lung says: “Many bands don’t last, but Misplaced Intentions has been through many trials and tribulations and still continues to improve over time. Every time I go to one of their shows I notice how much they have improved since their last gig.

“I’m not quite sure where time will bring them but I’m sure no matter that they will continue to make music even if it’s just for fun, and I will gladly listen to them.”

Baker adds: “Ideally, we’ll be touring the country, playing to sold-out crowds or whatever. And selling a lot of records. Realistically, it’s hard to say how far we’ll actually go. Pretty much wherever it goes, we’ll follow it.”

“I don’t look at this band as a stepping stone,” Berezanski says. “I look at it as the ship that I will sink with if it does go down that way. This is the band that I want to be in.”

Here are a few photos I took of the band, feel free to check out the rest of them here.

Landon Berezanski
Tyler Baker
Keilan Thompson
Matthew Lindholm
Landon Berezanski
Keilan Thompson
Landon Berezanski
Front – Landon Berezanski, Matthew Lindholm, Tyler Baker. Back – Keilan Thompson
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