First Listen Issue no. 2

Sound in diy spaces by abigail smith

interview with

IWD 2022

by HayleY frail

FIRST

LISTEN

ISSUE NO. 2

Hello

First things first, I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has read and supported the first issue. Your support means the world to me!

Second, a thank you to everyone who submitted music recommendations and wrote for this issue. I appreciate you!

I hope you find some new tunes in this one!

Keep it strange,

Amelia

01 - First listen with amelia 02 - lyric of the issue 06 - Strange Review with cait 07 - An introduction to Sound in DIY Spaces

by ABigail Smith

11 - strange schedule 13 - IWD 2022 by hayley frail 18 - worse than before an interview with loveover

Album Covers via Spotify and Bandcamp.

Photography in this issue by Amelia Bailey, Emily Shakespeare and Hayley Frail.

FIRST LISTEN Aftermath

by Belmont Pop Punk

WITH AMELIA Drugs in California by Transviolet

I can’t even explain how much I love this album.

Mixing hardcore, electronics and hiphop Belmont continues to evolve and their innovative artistry really shines through in this release.

Highly, highly recommend this one!

With features from Reo Cragun, Little Hurt and DREAMERS, this album is meant for driving around with the windows down.

FFO: Like Pacific, Trash Boat and Boston Manor

FFO: MØ, AlunaGeorge and Elley Duhé

Indie Pop Listening to Transviolet feels like a summer dream.

Dance Fever

by Florence + The Machine

False Providence by Monuments

Indie Rock

Progressive Metal

So far, we’ve heard three ethereal singles from their upcoming fifth studio album “Dance Fever”. King is a flowing, yet powerful track packing serious punch. Heaven Is Here is a masterful combination of lyricism and intensity. The haunting vocals of My Love paired with the energetic instrumentals really encompass the album name. Needless to say, this album is going to be an amazing addition to their discography.

Monuments has released three singles from their upcoming April 15th album “In Stasis”, co-produced by Mick Gordon. This is one of those collaborations I didn’t know I needed until it happened. Andy Cizek is one of my favourite vocalists ever, and his cleans over the heavy riffs and orchestral instrumentals of False Providence is an absolute dream.

FFO: TesseracT, Wage War and Silent Planet

FFO: Stevie Nicks, Regina Spektor and Daughter

Death Is A Relief by Holy Fawn

Fear & Dagger by Paleface Deathcore

Heavy Shoegaze Can a song be dreamy and visceral at the same time? The answer is yes.

It’s an emotional journey listening to this nearly six-minute-long track. Holy Fawn does not disappoint.

This album from Swiss deathcore band Paleface has all the screams and breakdowns you need for 2022. Featured artists include Traitors, Justice for the Damned and my personal favourite, LANDMVRKS.

FFO: Gleemer, Teenage Wrist and Loathe

FFO: Bodysnatcher, Spite and Boundaries

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LYRIC

TWO

HEARTS

ON

THE

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HIGHWAY

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ACTUAL

VIVID

Flames by Future Palace Metalcore Future Palace is seriously one of the best femalefronted metal bands out there right now.

Their second album “Run” is set to drop on June 10th, so if anyone is looking for a birthday gift… you know what’s on my list… 😉 FFO: As Everything Unfolds, Spiritbox and Dream State

Hella

by Just Friends Funk Rock I still have no idea how many people comprise Just Friends, but they’re all incredibly talented. Their latest album Hella is a beautifully produced, genre-bending journey. With features from Nate Curry, Lil B and Hobo Johnson, this album is sure to get stuck in your head.

Intertwine

by Alicia Moffet Pop/R&B Canadian singersongwriter Alicia Moffet is back with another full-length release, following her debut album in 2020. Featuring the singles Lullaby, Hard Feelings and Your Knife this album brings big 90's r&b vibes.

FFO: Ella Mai, Alessia Cara and UMI

Lemon Haze

by Jetski Midwest Emo I love this band. I don't know what else to say.

This single feels like the first day of summer. Encompassing everything I love about the midwest emo style with highquality production. Go listen to this one.

FFO: Joyce Manor, Free Throw and Hot Mulligan

FFO: Oliver Tree, Pet Symmetry and Michael Cera Palin

Hollywood

by Thornhill Metalcore Thornhill is one of my favourite bands for a reason. They do it all, from writing distinctive tracks to producing breathtaking visuals for each release. Truly one of the best bands out there right now, in my opinion. Go watch the official video for Hollywood and get back to me.

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by Avi Turner Pop I called this in the last issue. Avi Turner is one to watch out for! This track has been on repeat since it came out. Catchy, relatable and well produced, what more could you ask for?

FFO: Ruel, TITUS BANK and Elijah Woods

FFO: Northlane, ERRA and Void of Vision

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R.I.P. to the Club by Julia Wolf

Shaking Your Mind

by Bearings

Pop

Pop Punk

Julia Wolf is one of my favourite pop lyricists and she did not disappoint with this track. Not only is she incredibly talented musically, she designs all of her album covers too.

FFO: renforshort, Charlotte Sands and Carlie Hanson

Roses by Jadea Kelly Folk Rock

Shaking Your Mind is their first release since their sophomore album “Hello, It’s You” in 2021. The Canadian pop-punk group continues to bring catchy choruses and high-energy instrumentals.

I can’t wait to see what else they have coming.

FFO: Knuckle Puck, Real Friends and Trophy Eyes

Sweet Dreams of Otherness by Alexisonfire

Canadian singersongwriter Jadea Kelly’s newest album Roses feels airy and nostalgic. Pulling from 70s rock, r&b and country influences, this album is a beautifully written and produced package.

New Alexisonfire? Yes, please! This is their first single off their upcoming album “Otherness”, dropping June 24th.

FFO: Jann Arden, Jewel and Jenn Grant

FFO: Touché Amoré, Comeback Kid and The Kodiak

Shadow of Mine by Alec Benjamin Pop

Post-Hardcore

The World is Going to Ruin You by Vein.fm Hardcore

Alec Benjamin is one of my favourite writers, both lyrically and instrumentally, and his upcoming album “(Un)Commentary” is set to be one of my favourite releases this year.

I’m late on the Vein.fm bandwagon, but now I’m never getting off. This album is, so far, at the top of my favourite releases this year.

FFO: Conan Gray, FINNEAS and Troye Sivan

FFO: END, wristmeetsrazor and Knocked Loose

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Transcendent by Aviana Metalcore Joel Holmqvist has kept Aviana alive and well.

Umbral by Silvercord Metalcore Two words: cyber, core.

This five track EP is a perfect example of how

This is the first album they’ve released since becoming a solo act, and Joel’s hard work is impressive.

metalcore is evolving with electronic influences. If you’re a fan of this genre, this band is one you need to be following.

FFO: Volumes, Sleep Waker and Hacktivist

FFO: STARSET, While She Sleeps and Kingdom of Giants

M A R I T I M E

M I N U T E

The newest releases from the East Coast of Canada Close Your Eyes; Let Time Go By

by Actual Vision

Crazy (Cover) by Jenn Grant

Indie Pop-Rock

Singer-songwriter

Dolls by Sonic Detour

Silence by Braden Lam ft. Wolf Castle

Hard Rock

Indie Pop

If You Want

by LOVEOVER

Waitin'

by The Hypochondriacs

Pop Punk

Folk Country

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Strange Review with Cait You know that moment when you listen to a song or your favourite band, and it just makes you smile and rock the hell out? The newest tune by the Cancer Bats is a reminder of how freaking great music is, how it truly brings us together in this crazy world and how dope it is to see our favourite bands making tunes and touring again.

Their new album Psychic Jailbreak is coming out in mid-April and if the new single, Lonely Bong, is a preview of what's to come, well, let's fucking go!

The last time I saw these guys were in April of 2019, and it's so rad to see them touring again. I hope they add NB to the list.

I remember seeing Cancer Bats maybe for the first time, perhaps the second time at an all-ages show at the Gothic Arches in Saint John in 2007 with Alexisonfire and Attack in Black. I think back to that show and how it impacted many of us today. Rock n roll forever and be sure to check out the new single, it rocks!

- Cait

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An Introduction to Sound in Spaces

DIY

by Abigail Smith

Top: Stellaleona. Bottom: Artifiseer. Shot by Emily Shakespeare.

I grew up in a musical family. I’m a promoter and music festival organizer, as well as a theatre and film technician. Yet, despite having been around sound gear and musical performance my whole life, I’ve always felt a grip of fear in my gut when presented with what Corey Bonnevie called ‘the box’; the battered milk crate of cables, microphones, DIs, and whatever other sound gak musicians have left behind at the space you’re using for your DIY show. DIY shows are joyous, community-driven affairs, but the ubiquitous ‘box’ can cause a stomach ache.

On March 17th, 2022, I gathered at the Saint John Tool Library with ten other participants for an introductory workshop on sound gear and live performance sound mixing for DIY shows. This workshop was conceived of by Local 107.3fm Station Manager Julia Rogers,

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who wanted to offer a tangible learning experience that eliminated the intimidation factor around sound gear and its use.

This goal resulted in the workshop’s unique structure; part one was built to be instructional, led by sound engineer Corey Bonnevie of Monopolized Records, and part two would be a genuine live show mixed by the participants.

Participants were musicians, music sector workers, supportive partners of musicians, and folks who have simply always wanted to know more about this world. My role was to help organize the show component, representing Quality Block Party Music Festival, but I was also there to learn.

Corey provided microphones, a ‘shitty mixer’ (his words), cables, monitors, DIs; everything we’d use for the musicians that would perform in the same space a week later. As he walked us through tangible definitions (‘gain’ apparently just means ‘volume’) and spine-saving tips (put the speaker on the speaker stand laying down on its side, and then prop it up to the standing position), he also shared the more philosophical side of ‘sound reinforcement'. Instead of correcting or augmenting the stylistic choices of

Ava Strange. Shot by Amelia Bailey.

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Artifiseer. Shot by Emily Shakespeare.

musicians, be supportive. Maybe the band wants to be exactly that loud, or have that much reverb.

Personally, my favourite thing about the workshop was how much we talked about How To Be a Person at a Show. Sharing physical spaces with other people is not so rote these days, if you ever found it to be in the first place, and taking control of a show while being respectful was a concept worth teasing out. Many of the participants had tales of soundchecks gone awry, particularly if you have an instrument that your sound tech doesn’t know quite how to handle, like a cello (there are now 11 more people in Saint John who could handle a cello at a show - we discussed it at length).

Some of Corey’s tips were as follows; as a musician, be clear about what you want. As a sound tech, don’t be afraid to be honest about what you don’t know. Consider bringing your own microphone. When in doubt, turn everything down and off.

A week later, we reconvened at the Tool Library to load in the gear and prepare for the show. The Saint John Tool Library is a tool lending library and workshop, maybe not the first place someone might think to put musicians, but I can’t imagine doing shows anywhere better. The crew at the Tool Library built us a little stage, hung some lights, and made seating from things like scrap planks and buckets. Workshop participant Tyson totally embodied 09

the DIY spirit and made custom vinyl blinds painted with a replica of our show poster (designed by Amelia Bailey).

Tyson also volunteered to provide the lighting scheme and the result was an extreme vibe.

The workshop participants set up the PA, Julia Rogers set up the immaculate snack selection (Babybels, Fruit-by-the-foot, Bubly), and after a smooth soundcheck the audience started pouring in. The crowd was jubilant and attentive to the opening act Stellaleona, who delivers a solo electric/sopranic combination that gave me the feeling of an upside-down church service. Artifiseer followed with glitchy, psych-pop that features their mournful, otherworldly vocals.

The final performance of the evening was Ava Strange, who’s surfy, garage sound made the crowd buzz.

The workshop and show encapsulated a lot of what I love, and what I’ve missed, about community-driven programming. It was collaborative, encouraging, and solution-focused. It’s been a minute since our music scene has been able to share in the kind of shows that feels like home; in basements,

cafes, church halls, and wood shops.

While DIY spaces are often borne out of necessity and lack of resources, they are crucial because they offer the kind of pride that may not be found in a typical venue; this is our place, these people are our community, and we are doing this ourselves.

This Introduction to Sound in DIY Spaces workshop was organized by Saint John’s only campus and community radio station, Local 107.3fm. If you’re interested in getting involved in community radio, please visit localfm.ca or email manager@cfmh.ca This workshop was funded by the Saint John Community Arts Board. The Saint John Tool Library is a membership-based DIY workshop that lends tools and hosts skill-building workshops. For more information, visit sjtl.ca.

Abigail Smith is an event organiser and promoter in Saint John NB.

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S T R A N G E

S C H E D U L E

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EP 110: First Listen of Amelia Bailey's infinite playlists

PREVIOUS EPISODES:

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IWD 2022 International Women's Day took place on March 8th, and what better way to celebrate than with a concert?

"With the support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada, and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters, Music Nova Scotia has curated a training day and showcase event for all women, non-binary, and gender diverse folks working in the music industry." - MusicNS The event lineup consisted of Cluttered, General Khan, Izra Fitch, Lindsay Misiner, Pillow Fite, and Shay Pitts.

Shots by Hayley Frail.

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CLUTTERED 14

CLUTTERED

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GENERAL KHAN

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SHAY PITTS

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INTERVIEWED BY AMELIA BAILEY Saint John-based LOVEOVER is bringing your pastel-poppunk-party dreams to life with the music video for their debut single If You Want. The single is off their upcoming sophomore album Worse Than Before which will be premiering on May 6.

I sat down with LOVEOVER to talk about their upcoming releases and learn more about why they’re back.

The LOVEOVER revival stemmed from the pandemic when their other projects were put on hold. Front man Yurgos Elisseou said “these are songs that we wrote over covid lockdown that we never expected anyone to hear”.

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With a fresh lineup bringing momentum to the band, this is LOVEOVER like you’ve never heard them before.

“We recorded these songs with Mikey B. of Pale Ache over the winter and when everything came together it felt right for LOVEOVER to come back after a few years hiatus”.

They are planning several shows around the Maritimes this summer as Covid regulations begin to lift, and they continue to write music and record demos for future albums.

Check out the video for If You Want on April 15th and their debut EP Worse Than Before on May 6.

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Thanks for reading!