Wednesday, April 4. 2007
Sailboats Are White photo by clint gilders - staff photographer | Sailboats Are White
Cities In Dust
The Creeping Nobodies
Palmeadow
Saturday March 31, 2007
The Underdog (Peterborough, Ontario)
Deep in the belly of the Legendary Red Dog is its ugly little brother. This little brother, with its stained drop ceiling, tiny spongy stage and surly bartender, is home to some of the best indie, alt and metal shows one can find.
This spring evening The Underdog was home to a bunch of cool bands that each had a unique sound. Lit by nothing more than a wall sconce and the last remaining halogen bulb in some track lighting the bands did what they do best.
Continue reading "Concert Review: Sail Boats are White, Cities in Dust and The Creeping Nobodies. The Underdog, Peterborough, Ontario"
Sunday, March 18. 2007
Mink at SXSW - photo by clint gilders - staff photographer
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SXSW is over. Well all except for the softball game and BBQ. Me playing softball after walking hundreds of miles in the last nine days? Aint happenin'.
What is happenin' is that I am drinkin' double strength coffee in my room (courtesy of the machine in the room and the pouch of coffee syrup in the swag bag hangover kit). I hope it doesn't burn a hole through my stomach or melt my brain or someHy GSO;jK WHRIKW ........ i'M OK, though my lips are feeling numb and I'm typing really fast!!!
Buzzcocks at SXSW - photo by clint gilders - staff photographer
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My flight from hell er Austin leaves at 4:05 so I have many an hour to kill. Care to join me? You can carry my suitcase and wipe my mouth.
JeffB lost 9lbs during southby, I wonder how I've done. Here's hoping for 10!!
Highlights for me at SXSW include seeing Hubert Sumlin last night, as well as Tom Morello, the Zico Chain, Serena Ryder, and Lemon Sun. Bands that I haven't mentioned up until now include Canada's Mobile who I caught at Maggie Mae's, and Australia's Mink and Cog, who put on great show during a day party at the Parish.
It was also hella-cool to meet so many new people and to put faces to all those who have contributed to the success of club.kingsnake.com. Gary Miller, Jay West, Paul Collins, Hugh Cornwell, the sick fucks in the Zico Chain, Pamela Des Barres, Jamie Jennedy, John Rucker, and Christie Keith to only name a few.
Saturday, March 17. 2007
Hubert Sumlin at SXSW - photo by clint gilders - staff photographer
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Tonight a dream of mine came true. I got to see and photograph one of the greatest living bluesmen. Hubert Sumlin. Hubert was the guitarist for Howlin Wolf, and also later Muddy Waters. Hubert is a gifted blues guitarist and his influence has been felt from Eric Clapton to Jimi Hendrix, to Led Zepplin and countless others.
Hubert was sitting in with Kenny Wayne Shepherd at Antone's tonight in Austin. Kenny has just set out on a tour in support of his new album and DVD Ten Days Out and Hubert is accompanying him.
Seeing Hubert just makes you smile. He is so full of life and always has this coy grin. The blues just flow from his every pore.
Did I mention I like Hubert Sumlin. Well, a fella can gush every now and then.
Continue reading "SXSW Concert Review: I'm sittin' on top of da world"
The Night Watchman (Tom Morello) photo by clint gilders - staff photographer
The Night Watchman (Tom Morello) photo by clint gilders - staff photographer
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One of the cool yet equally frustrating things about SXSW is the secret show.
Sometimes these are shows by big name artists who aren't on the regular schedule. Sometimes it's an additional show by an already scheduled artist. Either way, they are rumor fodder and often difficult to find.
The rumor mill coughed up that Tom Morello would be playing an unannounced show in the secondary room at Stubb`s BBQ, so after a quick stop at the Hilton to unload some photos, I scurried, like a mouse after cheese, to try and get into the Secret Show.
When I strolled in, there were few others in attendance. This quickly changed though, and I was glad I'd staked out my piece of floor by the stage. Yes, I'm there to get pictures, but I am a huge fan. I put my cameras away for most of the show to give him the respect he deserved. Tom played as the Night Watchman and shared with us some powerful folk music. This is angry folk with a heavy hand and in your face lyrics. Tom is a revolutionary, and he is going about it in the correct non-violent way. During lots of bands I'll stroll out part way through their set. Tom Morello was among the elite few (including Serena Ryder, the Zico Chain, and Lemon Sun) thatI hung around for. Thank you Tom! Cheers mate!!!
After that there was nothing to do but to set a course for bed. On my way I HAD TO have my nightly slice of Roppolo's Pizza. That has to b the finest pizza I have ever tasted. Since I only partake in the god's greatest gift to man, beer, when it's free at the day parties, know that I am stone cold sober when I eat this pizza so there are none of the alcohol induced flavor enhancers. If you come to Austin, go see live music but also go eat a deluxe slice from Roppolo's Pizza.
BTW: As I write this I am two-fisting my coffee into me courtesy of the blessed little machine in our room. It brews two individual cups of coffee at one time. I gots to get me one!
Continue reading "SXSW News: Secret shows, quiet revolutions, and pizza"
Friday, March 16. 2007
Iggy Pop Interview at SXSW - photo by clint gilders - staff photographer
Flavor Flav at SXSW - photo by clint gilders - staff photographer
Serena Ryder at SXSW - photo by clint gilders - staff photographer
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I woke today with a new vitality. No longer was I praying for death. Lucky, too, since I've barely had a chance to sit down all day.
After I went and got the tradeshow booth prepped for our intrepid team, I hopped, skipped and jumped to the BBC party at Brush Square Park. Having been turned away from a party at the same place yesterday, I arrived right when it started. Silly me, the bands are just sound checking. They'll get started soon, right? No worries, there are breakfast burritos. Eighteen or 20 of those, and I'm good to go. No bands yet. I'm burning daylight, so I kiss the BBC goodbye and head off into the cruel world.
I saw a couple of bands at the Parish and had my morning beer. It's happy hour somewhere, right? Then it's back the Convention Center to shoot Thomas Dolby on the day stage for our writer John, and then "what we've all been waiting for," the Iggy Pop interview.
I couldn't stick around past the few minutes we photogs were given, since I had to cover the Kings of Leon and the Buzzcocks the Spin Magazine party at Stubbs. Good show. The Buzzocks are old but they still rock. The boys from the Zico Chain told there were free Margaritas but I was busy fighting to get to the photo pit. I met Jamie Kennedy and hooked him up with one of our infamous t-shirts.
I'm done at the Buzzcocks, now it's time to head to the hotel, get my shit together and head to the Public Enemy show. But wait, the Zico Chain and JeffB arrive to film and interview and hang out. Ok, now I'm really leaving for Public Enemy. Chuck and Flav have still got it. I am not a hip-hop connoisseur , but I'll give these guys their due.
Now I'm back on the shuttle bus to downtown and over to see hometown girl Serena Ryder. She is all that and then some. That voice! Incredible songwriting, and stunning good looks.
Ok, now I'm going to go see Tom Morello. Later.....
Thursday, March 15. 2007
Shirock at SXSW - photo by clint gilders - staff photographer
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By the time I got to the UK Bash at Brush Square it was guest list only and Amy Winehouse had just started her set.
She was the only reason I wanted to go so I strolled on to 6th Street.
I ended up at Maggie Mae's and saw the Valentines (downstairs) and Shirock (upstairs).
Both good bands and free beer and BBQ to boot.
I'm gonna see how things are shaping up at the trade show booth an try to make it back to Maggie Mae's for Lemon Sun at 4. I can't feel my feet anymore. That means they're getting better right?
Wish me luck.
The Valentines - photo by clint gilders - staff photographer
| 6th Street at SXSW - photo by clint gilders - staff photographer
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The Zico Chain at SXSW - photo by clint gilders - staff photographer |
I am the walking dead.......
I got rug burn in the photo pit at the Pete Townsend keynote interview, every toe has a blister from the endless hiking up and down 6th Street and my voice is but a memory.
The Pete Townsend keynote was amazing. The scene during our 2 minutes of papparazi-like shooting was mayhem. After that I did sit down and listen to what Pete had to say and quite enjoyed it. He is a musical genius, and he is a living legend after all.
I heard through the grapevine that Pete did show up at the Austin Music awards, and the dumbass that I am, I didn't go. It had been leaked to us that he would be there, but I just didn't want to believe it and I couldn't imagine sitting for 2 1/2 hours hoping the rumours were true.
I did journey to 6th St. and see lots of bands. Stand outs for me were Lemon Sun, X-Wife, and probably the best band at South By, the Zico Chain.
Sleep was once my friend. Now it mocks me.
Cool guitar on 6th St. photo by clint gilders - staff photographer
| Lemon Sun at SXSW photo by clint gilders - staff photographer
| X-Wife at SXSW photo by clint gilders - staff photographer
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Wednesday, March 14. 2007
Lions in the Street at the Canada Blast - photo by clint gilders - staff photographer |
If the analogy fits, use it! Today I do in fact feel like a chicken with its head cut off.
Wednesday marks the start of the music portion of Austin's South by South West Festival. What that means is that everywhere, and I mean EVERYWHERE, you look there is a band playing, somebody telling you about where some other bands are playing, free BBQ, free swag, scantily clad women, or a vagrant asking you for spare change.
Willy Jak of the Dayglo Abortions - photo by clint gilders - staff photographer |
I'm a tired chicken. We've been running the tradeshow booth at the Film/Interactive Festival since Sunday, and going out to shows and movies at night. Generally I hit my blessed pillow around 4:00 am.
I'm a happy chicken though. My belly is full of BBQ from Emo's and the Canada Blast and Pete Townshend is giving the keynote tonight, and Jimmy Vaughn is playing at the Austin Music Awards.
Now if only the rain would stop.
Gotta run....... later.
Tuesday, March 13. 2007
photo by clint gilders - staff photographer |
We were tipped that THE place to be on Tuesday night was La Zona Rosa for the Austin Chronicle's party. We scored some invites and off we went after eating far too much Tex-Mex (The Iron Cactus on 5th street).
La Zona Rosa had the usual free food and free drinks, but my belly full of refried black beans limited me to a strict diet of Guinness.
Seth Rogen. photo by clint gilders - staff photographer |
Celebrity sightings included Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd. Stars of Jedd Apatow's followup to The 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up. I also ran into director Aaron Wolfe. His documentary King Corn was the recipient of a lot of buzz during the festival. I'd actually met Aaron's proud mom on the shuttle from the airport. What a wonderful woman she was.
Louden Wainright III. photo by clint gilders - staff photographer |
The "write home moment" was of course Loudon Wainright III's short performance. Loudon, who has several songs featured on the Knocked Up soundtrack, was introduced as a former member of N.W.A. by Seth Rogen. Loudon treated us to his rapier wit, delicious songwriting, and repetoire of grimaces.
Also on the bill were Austin's own What Made Milwaukee Famous and Voxtrot.
Monday, March 12. 2007
Robert Rodriguez and Chingon
Hometown: Austin, Texas
http://www.chingonmusic.com/
Also, Del Castillo, Patricia Vonne
I had my first SXSW party experience tonight. After spending the day manning our booth at the the Interactive and Film tradeshow Jeffb and I headed off in search of a party.
We'd been invited to the ASCAP party at Maggie Mae's so we hiked to 6th Street to see what was happening. Free barbecue was flowing (as I've been told it does at most of the parties) and we of course partook. Brisket, chicken, coleslaw, beans, and beer........ It doesn't get much better than that. My appetite was under control, but I still needed some good live music. An unidentified guitarist was playing at Maggie Mae's, and while a snapped a few shots of him Jeff told me about a party he'd just heard about. One being thrown by film director Robert Rodriguez at Antone`s. Ok, that`s where I wanted to go.
SXSW platinum badges have their benefits. The line outside Antone's was huge, but we were ushered into the club. On stage when we arrived was Rodriguez' sister Patricia Vonne. I wasn't familiar with the hybrid tejano, conjuto, rock, country I heard tonight, but I have become a fan. Patricia is a dynamic frontwoman with tight band backing her up. Patricia was also joined on stage several times by her sister who is an incredible Flamenco dancer, and the legendary saxophonist Johnny Reno.
Following Patricia were Latin rockers Del Castillo. Many of the lyrics were in Spanish and the music had a definite Latin feel, and it had the sound of a polished, pro rock band. Alex Ruiz is a consummate frontman. He's sexy, and cocky, and his vocals were powerful. The del Castillo brothers, Rick and Mark, handle guitar duties in the band, and they impressed the hell out of me. I do love Latin and Flamenco guitar and these boys took us to school with their performance, which peaked as both guitarists played stupid fast tandem lead lines while holding the guitars behind their heads.
After a short break and some equipment changes, del Castillo returned to the stage as Chingon, Robert Rodriguez' badass mariachi band. Rodriguez was now M.C. and third guitar. The setlist was made up of songs from his films. Sadly, the day at the trade show had taken its toll and our backs and feet were crying for mercy only 4 songs into the set. We decide to make our exit and brave the torrential downpour for the 10 block walk back to the car.
This is only the beginning! Three more days of the Interactive/Film Festival, and then it's the music, with the day parties (more free barbecue) and evening showcases. I need to rest up, but I don't see that happening. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, January 16. 2007
Lost Cause - www.lostcause.ca
Location: Oshawa, Ontario
Status: Unsigned
Style: Hard Rock/Metal
Releases:- Kill The Sickness of Being
Why they don't Suck: I saw this band live for the first time on January 13th, 2007, and they severely kicked my ass. I then gave their latest CD a spin and felt like I was privy to something great. The brothers Bailey have crafted a sound that draws from many influences but is at the same time unique. Yeah they are damn heavy, but there are enough hooks to make the music accessible to the masses.
See them Live: - 01.20.07 - Oshawa, ON @ DUNGEON
- 03.10.07 - Oshawa, ON @ EPTAYLORS
- 03.14.07 - Burlington, ON @ FORMAC
Also see their myspace page
Photos: club.kingsnake gallery
Friday, January 12. 2007
I Hate Sally
Also:
Hostage Life
Man With Target
The Academy Theatre, Lindsay Ontario. December 23rd, 2006.
Let me paint a picture for you. An historic theatre in the heart of town, over 100 years old and beautifully renovated. Where better to enjoy the local orchestra's latest performance or to see the most recent Broadway revival?
What happens when the same venue hosts a Christmas punk show?
As JJ and I drove up to the theatre, it looked closed. Only upon closer inspection did we notice some kids going in a side door. That's where we headed, and as we approached music could be heard coming from within. Once in the door, we were immediately confronted with a table blocking our way. Katie from Underground Operations spotted me and waved us in. But where were we supposed to go? The only path I could see was the stairs to the stage, and this was packed with kids. My size often has its advantages, and I began muscling my way up the stairs to figure out what the hell was going on.
Continue reading "Concert Review: I Hate Sally - The Academy Theatre, Lindsay"
Wednesday, December 20. 2006
Quietly on my PVR sat an episode of VH1's classic albums. I've watched lots of these before, but never has such an emotional response been stirred in me.
This episode was about Nirvana, Nevermind. Released in late September 1991, Nevermind pretty much single handedly brought the Seattle "grunge" scene to the mainstream, and signed the death warrant for the most popular music of the time. What is now affectionately known as Hair Metal died that year.
I can still vividly recall where I was the first time I heard "Smells Like Teen Spirit." I close my eyes and I'm in my girlfriend's tiny, dank basement apartment at 132nd Street and 106a Ave in Surrey (the armpit of) B.C. I'm alone. Andrea is probably working at the Subway on King George Highway, selling sandwiches to the junkies, hookers, and strippers, hoping to screw one up so it can't be sold and she can bring it home and we can eat that day. Much Music airs the video and I am transfixed. I have never seen anything like this. The emotion, the distortion, the destruction.
On the other side of the country in Quebec's Eastern townships are Sliky and T-Bag, lead singer and bassist in my band Scooter Trash. They also witness this phoenix rising from the ashes of corporate rock.
Shortly after their return to B.C. it was Andrea, Sliky, T-Bag, and myself all living in the tiny apartment on 106a Ave. T-Bag had returned from Quebec with a vintage Harley and an old pickup truck (I'm not saying where the money came from). This at least allowed us to escape from the 200 square foot basement apartment prison. We set out to find this Nevermind. Nowhere in Surrey is it available so we decided to head south, across the border, and try our luck. Bellingham, Washington, U.S.A ..... success. We now had Nevermind (on cassette!).
The journey home was an education and an indoctrination, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" blasting out of the speakers while the truck's pathetic stereo begs for mercy. Never have we experienced anything like this and I can say that I have not heard anything like it since.
Did Nevermind effect you this way? Maybe you didn't care, maybe you hated it? What album is important to you?
Sunday, December 10. 2006
Protest The Hero
I Hate Sally
Also
The Human Abstract
The End
Arise and Ruin
December 9, 2006. The Phoenix Concert Theatre (Toronto, Ontario)
I came to two startling revelations last night. The first: Either I should just quit playing guitar or I need to lock myself in a room and work on my shred. I was schooled by some fuckin' kids and I loved every minute of it.
Protest The Hero (PTH) launched their whirlwind tour of Ontario (with one night in Quebec) at the Phoenix on December 9. In case you missed the announcement, this is the tour where PTH will be playing their album Kezia in it's entirity for the first and last time.
I love Kezia, and to hear it played flawlessly was inspiring. This was a quick romp with the PTH set beginning at 7:43 and ending at 8:25. No encore, no nothing, but there are plenty worse ways to spend 42 minutes (like in the coat check line on the way out of the Phoenix).
I could gush for a few hundred more words, but what's the point. Protest The Hero should be your favouite band, Kezia should be your favourite album.
Go see them
Buy The Album
The second startling revelation was that I am in love with I Hate Sally front woman Dee. Something about a tiny little thing who can growl like that sure does it for me. Their hardcore metal is infectious and the 20 minute steam roller set left me wanting more. If the girl that crowd surfed into back of my head in the photo pit is any indication, the crowd also dug it.
While there are still fifteen shopping days left until Christmas there are only six days left of this tour. Get your tickets now.
Thanks to Katie at Underground Operations for having club.kingsnake and our cameras at the show.
Lots more photos will be in the Gallery as soon as I have the time to wade through them. Right now I'm planning how best to stalk Dee. See you on the 23rd, darlin'.
Tuesday, December 5. 2006
Rody "JayRoDubya" Walker has this to say on Protest The Hero's myspace blog:
We will be playng Kezia in it's entirety from god damned start to finish for the first time and last time ever! We'll never be doing that again and we've never done it before.
How cool is that! Sign me up! Oh wait, I already am signed up.
Club.kingsnake will be there the first night of the tour in Toronto. Look for a gazillion or so photos shortly after.
Also the PTH and I Hate Sally label Undeground Operations is running a contest with Rody and Dee whoring themseleves out for double dates in every city on the "Bring Out Your Shred" tour.
See This Blog on MySpace for details.
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