David Usher - Richmond Winter Festival. Feb 8, 2008

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

Detroit Cobras - September 21, 2007 at Neumos Crystal Ball Reading Room, Seattle

Rachel Nagy and Mary Ramirez

So this is a very late post. I wasn't going to post about it all. Why?? Because I love the Detroit Cobras and they were a big disappointment, and I hate having to say it.
Dan Sartain

Let's start with Dan Sartain, who was great. I've loved Dan Sartain since I first heard "Join Dan Sartain". He's basically a guy with a guitar but he's on this tour with a drummer as well. The set was too short for my liking and he never played my very favourite song, "Young Girls". In hindsight, I wish it had been the Detroit Cobras opening for him.

The Cobras finally hit the stage, but it was clear from the opening notes that there were sound troubles afoot. Rachel Nagy's voice was completely lost in the mix, and no amount of fiddling was ever able to fix it.

Maybe this is what contributed to the lackluster performance. Or maybe it was because Rachel was crabby because she'd quit smoking (or at least never smoked once during the show). Any way you looked at it, Rachel wasn't there mentally, physically, or emotionally.

What was interesting to see was Mary Ramiriz working hard to bring a smile to Rachel's face or joy to the rest of the band's performance. Anything good about this show was because of her gleeful energy.

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.