Transmission 2007

This is the second annual Transmission music and digital technology conference and showcase. It's purpose is to gather international music industry delegates to discuss all aspects of music and technology, and most importantly, to discuss how to bring artists and audiences together in this brave new technological world.
Luc Brien of Les Breastfeeders

For me, it's all about the music, since Transmission's other goal is to bring international acts together for professional showcases.
Johnny Maldoror of Les Breatfeeders

It's really the sweetest of showcases. 20 bands in 2 days. Very civilized and professional. It's set up in two gorgeous rooms. While one band performs, the other band is setting up. The sound is great, the lighting better then most shows I attend, and best of all, the artists are always of a pretty high caliber.
Care Failure of Die Mannequin

The first year was great, but had some problems. The exclusive nature of the show meant that there were not as many people at the shows as there could have been, and it felt kind of strange watching acts that are used to playing in front of thousands, playing in front a hundred.
Care Failure of Die Mannequin

Of course that was last year, and Facebook helped make this years showcase better attended and yet still exclusive. A perfect marriage of the technology and ideas the conference is espousing.
Clare Bowditch

Thanks Tyl, and Brad for another great year and I hope you keep them up for years to come!
Patrick Watson

Hayley Sales

Simon Angell of Patrick Watson's band

Smoosh

Dan Managan

Ben Sigston under those crazy lights

Rubik

Apostles of Hustle

Ryan Guldemond of Mother Mother

Warren C Spicer of Plants And Animals

Bumbershoot 2007 - Transit Stage

By Far my favourite stage as it's where I spent most of my time.
First up...Stars of Track and Field.
Jason Bell

Originally, my first choice in this time slot was the Horrorpops, who I adore. Sadly, they cancelled, and so I was able to see The Stars Of Track And Field who are a trio who use backing track for the bass bits. A bit of cop out, and I totally think they need to bring in a bassist if they want my true love.
Kevin Calaba



Another favourite was Art Brut, who totally blew me away. I don't know what I'd call the music. It was a bit like Louis XIV in that the lead singer talked and the rest of the band sang their back up bits.
Jasper Future


Other highlights with no photo accompaniment were Gogal Bordello who were the most fun, and Menomena who had a punky choir complete with choir robes who were great.

Bumbershoot 2007 - Starbucks Stage

Ian Ball

I was really looking forward to Ian Ball, as I really like his work in Gomez. Pretty low key, and mellow performance.

He was followed by an incredible performance by Andrew Bird, who could whistle, play the violin both naturally, and by plucking the strings, plus he used a looping board with even more skill then KT Tunstall.
After the show he took the time to sign autographs and sell CD's. No photos from the actual show as I was mellowing out too far back.

David Usher - RW & Co appearance August 28, 2007

Special acoustic set with Jon and Kevin in Vancouver's RW & Co store.

There are only a few photos because I got caught taking photos early on and shut down.

Really beautiful sounding set and an amazing performance by David despite the fact that he was seated the enitre time.

The performance was about 30 minutes in which he commented that they had just learned to play them acoustically that morning.


Another added bonus is that they played "Smile" by Ben Sigston before the show. I'm not sure how they had it but it was a special bonus for me and Marsi.

NXNE 2007 - A few highlights

North By North East is the largest music festival in Canada. Hundreds of bands, independent and majors alike, gather for the 3 day festival.

Between the many parties, and bottles of pink champagne, I did actually get out to see a few bands, and below are a few I feel are worth checking out.
Chris Stopa

First Place goes to a Toronto band called Public who played a set at C'est What. How cliched is it that the best show was the last show we saw.

Second Place goes to We Are The Take, and they are also the worst photos, so sorry guys.
Erik Alcock

I've seen them before and have liked them for awhile, so I guess this isn't really a surprize pick.
Craig Stickland

Third place goes to Simon Wilcox, who. despite the name, is a dynamic and gorgeously girly singer songwriter.
Simon Wilcox
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Not officially a NXNE showcase, but rating a Fourth Place spot is a band from my youth, LOVERBOY!
Mike Reno and Paul Dean

They atually have a new album coming out soon, and they mixed a few new jewels in amongst the old standbys like Working For The Weekend.
Matt Frenette

Don't believe the boys still have it?? Check out these happy concert goers...