Wait, have we gotten to this point, a mere two weeks before the 2011 Halifax Pop Explosion , uhhhhh, explodes out of the gate without posting on the almighty Herohill showcase? It appears that we have, but that's a wrong we're obviously righting at this very moment. But we can't talk about the showcase without mentioning the very exciting fact that we are involved with something else very exciting this year: The Saved By Vinyl, Kelp Records & Herohill BBQ being held at the amazing Company House on the afternoon [...]
Well friends, HPX 09 came to an end, and due to our downright busy-ness, we could do the kind of day-by-day recaps we might have liked, but we did capture some of our classic grainy pics (now with 30% more grain, thanks iPhone!) and poorly recorded bootlegs, and so we wanted to share them. The Ack called it prefectly this AM, as my brain is also "happily existing as musical oatmeal right now", and so there shant be a ton of verbiage here, just some sweet bullets and then the pics and songs. So, some brief [...]
Hey all. Just a quick update to help clear up some confusion. Apparently there was some confusion about the time slot for Toronto's Jane's Part y. They were left off the print version of the program, so not a lot of people know the band is playing tonight. I'm new to the band, but they are getting some great press from big hitters like the Toronto Star and the Anti-Hit list, with subtle nods to acts like The Skydiggers and Hali-famous Joel Plaskett . So, herohill - being the nice folks we are [...]
Last night, the herohill showcase went down at The Seahorse tavern here in Halifax, and of course we were on the scene. Like any night during the Halifax Pop Explosion, there is always competition for crowds, as at any time there are multiple excellent options, many within walking distance of each other. However, in my humble, the folks who stuck around for the entire evening were treated to a pretty excellent show. York Redoubt, The Got To Get Got, Valleys, and Bruce Peninsula all put in great sets. Of course I had planned to [...]
First the important detail about this show - it's on the same night as our showcase . Therefore, we'd love for you to flood the Seahorse, but naturally, the appeal of this husband and wife team is large and synthy pop might be more your cup of tea than spiritual, thumping anarchy. Mates of State has been making quality records for years (I loved Bring It Back ), and their latest - Re-Arrange Us - brought some much deserved shine to to duo. They are headlining the Paragon show on [...]
This here music blogging thing can be quite the education, because even though most bloggers would be loathe to admit it, you learn at least a little something about music every day. Take sleaze for example. No, I don't mean what you'd find on the dancefloor at the New Palace at 1:45AM (HI-O!), but rather Sleaze Rock, which I have learned is the new slang for what was more widely known as "glam metal". Who knew? Well I'm sure many of you did, either way, one of Toronto's premier purveyors of Sleaze Rock is [...]
Oh you thought that with HPX set to start next week that perhaps our random question machine might have run out of steam? Sorry friend, but it's just getting warmed up, and so our random question-powered preview for this years Halifax Pop Explosion cranks things up a notch with Jenocide. Jenocide is the alter-ego of Windom Earle synth-shredder Jen Clarke and she's ready to start a grrl-powered riot on the dance floor at the Paragon next Thursday when she kicks off [...]
The random question generator isn't afraid to ask the tough questions. Just ask Dan Mangan , as he was forced to deal with the heat of who he might boo on stage and what the best Canadian record of all time is. More importantly, it gives us another chance to talk about the young Vancouver singer . You might think his amazing EP, even better follow up, or the fact he won $25K for being the Verge Artist of the Year would be good enough reason, but you'd be wrong. It's because [...]
It's Thansgiving here in Canada, so today's post is short and sweet... much like the band I'm writing about. Without a doubt, Vancouver's Said the Whale is going to bring the energy and fun to this year's HPX. Considering they are following the infectious sounds of Hannah Georgas , Wednesday night at the Toothy Moose will be full of smiles and awkward dancing. Said the Whale is an indie pop outfit, nothing more, nothing less. They write catchy, quick hitting tracks - although, they do shift effortlessly to Decemberists style tales (can't [...]
Ah random question generator, you do make life fun. Our HPX showcase is getting close, and from a personal point of view, I'm pleased as punch to get Montreal's VALLEYS on our bill. I have been championing these guys for a minute now , so the chance for me to see what happens when their fragile songs take on more of a shoegazing vibe when they hit the stage is thanks enough for this blog - note, if you want to send us cash, booze or cookies, well we won't say no. [...]
Our random question rundown of the performers at this year's HPX rolls on with Halifax's premier purveyors of darkly melodic indie rock: Dog Day Although they somehow manage to maintain a low profile, you'd be hard pressed to find a Halifax band that's been discussed more on the intertubes than this Halifax foursome (yes, they remain a foursome despite drummer KC Spidle's departure, Rob Shedden (The Got To Get Got) is stepping in). With good reason too, very few bands are able to pair [...]
My how time flies, HPX '09 is but a mere couple weeks away, and so we roll on with our random-question powered preview. Perhaps you've heard, but this year's herohill showcase takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 21st at the Seahorse , and so far, from that evening's stellar lineup, we've talked to folks from Bruce Peninsula and The Got To Get Get . But now I think its time for a random chat with evening openers York Redoubt [...]
Other than the fact we are hosting a showcase – oh, did we not mention that today – Valleys, Bruce Peninsula, The Got to Get Got and York Dedoubt???? – the best part about Halifax Pop Explosion is that it's the one time of the year where the beacon of our national scene shines directly on Canada's ocean playground. East Coast bias is politely left at the door, drinks are shared, donairs are carved and for four days, amazing bands litter the downtown instead of mullets and power drinkers. There are tons [...]
Five Funky Stories:: Chad from Kestrels If you know our history here at the hill, you'll know that we enjoy the cut of Kestrels jib. We've talked about them a few times on the site, and they're a past recipient of the herohill/MNS artist of the month designation, so it was natural that we got them hooked up with our random question machine in advance of their HPX show. You can see Kestrels play as part of the [...]
Five Funky Stories is the magical random question generator to harass profile acts that are coming to Halifax, and with HPX on the horizon, we're going to try and feature as many of the acts as we can here. We're starting with one someone I'm rather excited to see perform, D-Sisive. I doubt anyone in the bloggity-blog world has talked more about this T.O. MC and his return to the music world over the last year or so than us, so if you need [...]
It struck me today that it was high time we got a post up for HPX '09, and when you consider that my first post for HPX '08 was a year ago today, my timing seems bang on. HPX is of course the Halifax Pop Explosion , certainly the indie event of the year for many in this city, and I don't think it's a stretch to say that since its inception 17 years ago, it has become one of the biggest music festivals of it's kind in Canada. Well, now that I've broken out [...]
Herohill
Lana Del Rey - Without You (Kill Paris Remix) [Dubstep]
Download: James Blake Live Album (Unofficial)
Miike Snow - “Paddling Out” Jacques Lu Cont Remix (MP3 Stream)
Iron & Wine and Patty Griffin
New single from Gemini Club
