So, we have a few big shows coming up here in Halifax. Obviously, next weekend is going to be insane with the Thrush Hermit reunion shows, but for those unfortunate cats that didn't get tickets, I will humbly suggest people venture to The Seahorse to check out Toronto's The Warped 45s.

When I reviewed their debut LP - 10 Day Poem For Saskatchewan (review) - I was pretty impressed with their gritty roots sound. Since that time, The Warped 45s have won some prizes and got some high praise. Needless to say, I highly suggest you check this one out. They are playing with Andrew Hunter and the Gatherers and Carleton Stone.

All you need to do is send us an email with your contact info (herohill AT gmail DOT COM) or just leave the details in the comments section below. In the mean time, check out the terrific video for Radio Sky to get an idea about what these young TO-ers are all about.

MP3:: The Warped 45s - Don't Blame the City (live off the floor demo)
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/thewarped45s
WEB:: http://thewarped45s.com/wordpress/

Labels: contests, Halifax, The Seahorse, The Warped 45's

A few months ago I was asked by the National Post to contribute to their "put your stock in a musician" series. With all the incredible talent across this country and hidden away from the masses here on the East Coast, the options were high, but I settled on Halifax's Jon McKiel.

Jon's last record was a solid collection of indie rock anthems, but any of his new material that's leaked out shows he's really found his stride. Jon's experimenting with heavier, sludge filled riffs but hasn't lost his love of hooks and harmonies.

So, why not take advantage of seeing him unleash some of his new songs when he plays The Seahorse on Friday March 12th with Babette Hayward and herohill favs Cousins. All you have to do is send us an email (herohill AT gmail DOT COM) or drop your pertinents in the comment section. Thursday afternoon we will make like Biz Markie, go up our nose and pick a winner.

We also want to take the time to give you all a super sneak preview of Jon's new work. Here's the demo version of Iceman, a track from his upcoming album. It's got a tight bass line, lots of nice feedback and some subtle, but spot on female backing harmonies. It's noisy and catchy, so basically I challenge you to listen to this 4-minutes of music and not want to see him live. Your move loyal blog reader... your move.

MP3:: Jon McKiel - Iceman
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/jonmckiel

Labels: contests, Cousins, Halifax, Jon Mckiel

photo: corbin smith

The title kind of says it all folks. Rich Aucoin is setting to turn The Seahorse into a dance heavy, cinematic, synth factory on Friday night and we have a guest list spot (+1) to help you and your tightest of tight slacks wearing compadre get down.

In all honesty, Rich is a super performer and an even better guy, so I'd wager he has something up his sleeve to make sure you all have a great time... like a brand new Daft Punk cover he and Gordon Huntley have been working on. The shimmering, human feel he gives the classic track is quite nice, and he has enough confidence to rework the track into something almost unrecognizable to the casual fan.

He's sharing the stage with the Naedoo-approved rockers The Stance and hometown favs, In-Flight Safety (that should been just about finished polishing up that Hall and Oates cover we asked for a while back). To enter, all you have to do is send us an email (herohill AT gmail DOT COM) or drop us the info in the comments section below. We'll pick a winner tomorrow night so you have enough time to plan your night accordingly.

While you wait on baited breath for us to announce the winner, check out Rich's video for the track:

MP3:: Rich Aucoin - Human After All (Daft Punk Cover)
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/richaucoin
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/snowpicnic

Labels: contests, Halifax, Rich Aucoin, The Seahorse

Talk about a solid lineup and a solid venue. Paul Murphy's new personal outlet - Postdata - is locked and loaded on my Polaris ballot, and throwing the engaging Julie Fader and rock steady Brian Borcherdt into the mix makes this one of the best shows that will come out way this year.

The three acts are going to spend an intimate evening playing for 60 - that's right, only 60 - people at The Sonic Temple. In such a small space, with a respectful crow you will get to hear the songs as they were intended; emotional, heartfelt and pure.

So, how can you get in? Well, we have two tickets - guest list + 1 - for the Match 7th show and all we ask in return is you to email us your contact info or leave it in the comments below. If you wanted to buy a herohill t-shirt, we can't say that would improve your chances, but it couldn't hurt!

MP3:: Postdata - Tobias Grey
WEB:: http://www.postdatamusic.com/

Labels: Brian Borcherdt, contests, Halifax, Julie Fader, Postdata

I'm not sure I remember any Canadian indie band that grinded it out to achieve the success The RAA is now reaping. They spent a year touring the country, playing shows as a relative unknown, before catching a huge break when they were named the eMusic band of the month. We all know how it ended up; The RAA opened for Grizzly Bear, got signed to Saddle Creek, became everyone's favorite - including Stephen Harper - and days of them playing for about twenty people at Coconut Grove are long gone. But instead of getting big headed like Christina Ricci, the trio remains down to earth and three of the nicest musicians you will ever get to meet and you wish every good thing they've had happen to happen again and again.

Obviously, the good people at Paper Bag Records agree because they have decided to release a super limited pressing of Hometowns on vinyl... 180gram BLUE VINYL with a hand silk screened cover. There are only 300 up for grabs, so I'd suggest you enter now and pre-order before the stock runs out. If I was less honest, I'd rig this contest so the winner was me because Hometowns is one of those record you never get tired off, and as a Canadian indie fan, it's one that proves how talented the Canadian scene really is.

To enter, just drop us an email (herohill AT gmail DOT COM) or leave your email in the comments section below.

Here's a special little treat for anyone that hasn't gotten the chance to see RAA live in the last year or so. Nils usually throws in a heartfelt, kitsch-free take on Survivor's Eye of the Tiger and the band has added as a b-side on their 7". It's the perfect start to your day, no matter what day it is.

MP3:: The Rural Alberta Advantage - Eye of the Tiger
MYSPACE:: http://www.theraa.com/
BUY:: http://paperbagrecords.com/shop/hometowns

Labels: Canada, contests, Music, Paperbag, Rural Alberta Advantage

I'll have a review up later - one that features press your luck, break dancing robots and Frank Zappa - but for now I want to get a contest up and running. Sunday night, Gus's Pub will play host to two terrific local bands - Cousins (number 16 on our Best-of Canadian LPs list) and The Establishment - will be sharing the stage with "legendary" French rockers, Force Fields.

Force Fields - from what I've heard - offer up a solid slate on instrumental rockers, heavy on tempo changes and transitions. If you read their bio, they signed a 9-record deal with Universal and have even recorded a track with Snow Patrol................... or they are NB's The Fussy Part executing an elaborate rock rouse. Either way, the musicianship is high and it's a solid way to spend your Sunday night.

Just email us your details (herohill AT gmail DOT COM) or leave the info in a comment below. The contest closes at 5PM today, so get moving. The show starts @ 10 PM on Sunday, and tickets are $5.

MP3:: Force Fields - Fallonsscraph
WEB:: http://www.thefussypart.com/

Labels: contests, Cousins, Forward Music

Tel Aviv's Monotonix are coming back to Halifax to play the Paragon Theatre on Saturday, January 16th. If you were around for HPX in 2008, you probably heard how bon-kares Monotonix's set was, so hearing of a return visit should get local yocals excited. Another reason to get excited? Thanks to the good people at HPX, we have a pair of tickets to the show and all you have to do is leave a comment with your email address below, or email us the info to herohill AT gmail DOT COM.

Throw in the fact that Black Moor and A History Of are opening for this show, and it quickly becomes one not to miss.

MP3:: Monotonix - Set Me Free
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/monotonix

Labels: contests, Halifax Pop Explosion, Monotonix

It's almost the weekend, and for all you youngens it's probably close to the end of your term/school year so you might as well head out on Friday for some drinks and great local music.

Christina Martin - you know, #13 on our Best-of 2008 list - and The Prospector's Union (complete with 9 piece backing band) are fixing to crank out the jams at The Seahorse on Friday night, and thanks to Ms. Martin, we have 2 tickets for one lucky reader.

All you have to do is send us an email to HEROHILL AT GMAIL DOT COM or leave the info in the comments section. We will pick a winner tomorrow afternoon.

MP3:: The Prospectors Union - Raven's Claw

MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/cpmartin
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/theprospectorsunion

Labels: Christina Martin, contests, Prospectors Union

Another quick contest for all you holiday homies. There is a terrific charity show taking place at the NSCC featuring local musicians and artists. Basically, for 15 bucks, you can see some of the best musicians in NS playing some stripped down acoustic tracks, as well as some NSCC artists strutting their stuff and it's all for a good cause... The Music Therapy Department of the Capital District Health Authority.

So I've included the details below, but the show is Thursday night, so enter now. All we need from you is an email address in the comments field or send us an email with that info to herohill AT gmail DOT COM. It will be well worth your effort. I mean, how often do you get to see Dan Ledwell, Andrew Sisk and Christina Martin play on the same stage without Matt Charlton trying to grab the spotlight???? Seriously though, this will be a great evening for a great cause, so why to be apart of it?

The First Annual Woodside Wintertime Revue, a star-studded Christmas charity concert. All proceeds from the ticket sales will go to the Music Therapy Department of the Capital District Health Authority.

Performances by local artists
Charlie A’Court
Ian Sherwood
Christina Martin
Steven MacDougall (slowcoaster)
Dan Ledwell (In Flight Safety)
Andrew Sisk (Share)
Tanya Davis
Anna Danova

Also showcasing are current and former NSCC students Danny MacNeil, Jenny MacDonald, Jon Allen and Pat Walsh, Rose Folks, Sam Lee and The Wild.

Tickets are $15 in advance, available at any Ticketpro outlet at noon on Monday, November 30th or online at www.ticketpro.ca. Tickets will also be available for $20 at the door. Doors are open at 6:30pm, with the show starting at 7:30pm.

Labels: contests, Halifax

I'm not sure if a better show will come through Halifax in the few months. Without a doubt, Polaris short lister Alberta's Elliott Brood and criminally overlooked The Deep Dark Woods from SK are going to absolutely burn down The Paragon on November 13th, and we want to give one lucky reader the chance to see both acts for free. Hell, you can even take a guest.

Everyone already knows and loves the Brood - I'd say that there performance at the Polaris gala stole the show - but Halifax, when it comes to amazing roots acts that will blow your mind, it's DDW. Their latest record - Winter Hours (review) - can be described with words like, "devastating", "powerful", and "amazing" but the way they transform when the lights hit is fantastic. Their sound is bigger and more muscular, but they never lose the tight harmonies and precision.

So to win the tix, just drop us an email with your name and details (herohill AT gmail DOT COM) or leave the pertinent info in the comments. Contest closes Wednesday to ensure we get your name on the list, so enter now!

MP3:: The Deep Dark Woods - All The Money I Had is Gone (Live on Hearya) ** Do yourself a favor and d/l this whole set
WEB:: http://thedeepdarkwoods.com/ddw/home.htm


MP3:: The Elliott Brood - Write It All Down For You

Labels: Black Hen music, contests, Deep Dark Woods, Elliott Brood, Music

For years, whenever I thought of Newfoundland I only thought of Jockey Club beer, Iceberg tracking web sites and Ches' Fish & Chips, but lately more and more talented acts have been coming across our desk. Most people know Polaris Short-listers Hey Rosetta!, but the amount of good music coming from the Rock is insane. For me though, Jon Janes - aka The Mountain & The Trees - is the act I'm keeping my eye on. You know what? I'm not the only one.

Jon is coming to Halifax on Nov. 15th to open for the legendary Billy f&cking Bragg! It's hard to believe he's making waves all over North America on the strength of 4-songs, well, that is until you actually listen to his songs. His arrangements rise and fall like a slow beating heart and every time I throw on Hop, Skip & A Jump, I play it three or four times in a row.

Jon was feeling frisky, so he decided to take on the herohill Random Question Generator, discussing topics like tight pants, favorite instruments and his love for BA Johnston.

He also wanted to thank you the reader by offering up a copy of Hop, Skip & A Jump. I can't recommend it enough - ie. it's high on my Best-of '09 EP list - and it's well worth you leaving a comment with your details or dropping us an email (herohill AT gmail DOT COM).

So, enjoy the track and Jon's responses.

Name: Jon Janes

Band: The Mountains & The Trees

Web: http://www.rockandroots.com

1. Super tight pants on dudes: Yes! or Noooooooooooooooo!

Emphatically no.

2. If you could only keep one instrument from your collection, what would it be?

Definately my guitar. I've been attached to it ever since I found it. Because of the year, it'd also be the hardest to replace. I'd have to put my suitcase as the second instrument for all the same reasons.

3. What was the first moment you considered yourself a 'professional musician'?

During my first tour, at a show in Halifax, at Gus' Pub, with Jon McKiel. After the show, a couple approached me outside and asked if I'd be in Newfoundland the next week, which I was. They took my contact info and got in touch with me when I got back. They were from the Netherlands and bought a handfull of CDs to bring back to their friends. They even got me to autograph them. It felt really weird, but it always stood out as one of those moments.

4. Mr. Dressup or The Friendly Giant? (or neither because you're too young and have no idea who they are)

Mr. Dressup. I was at the CBC museum for the first time in Septemeber and saw the tickle trunk - mind-blowing.

5. Name a Canadian band (past or present) that should be bigger outside this country.

BA Johnston. I'd LOVE to see how his show would go over in other countries!

MP3:: The Mountain & The Trees - Up & Down
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/themountainsandthetrees

Labels: Canada, contests, Five Funky Stories, Music, Music Canada Newfoundland, The Mountain and The Trees

The Wooden Sky have come out of nowhere to release one of the best roots records of the year. If I Don’t Come Home You’ll Know I’m Gone (review) is a slow burner laced with emotion and bar ready sing-alongs. It's also a lock for my Best-of '09 list.

So what does that have to do with you? Well lucky reader, we have two tix to their hometown return show at Lee's Palace in TO on Nov. 13th, and honestly, it would be worth it to see just The Wooden Sky, but with Hooded Fang and Brian Borcherdt on the bill it makes it a can't miss show.

Here are the details:
Who: The Wooden Sky w/ Brian Borcherdt & Hooded Fang
When: November 13th, 8 pm
Where: Lee’s Palace, 529 Bloor St. W.

All we need from you is an email with your contact info or just leave a comment with the important info.

The Wooden Sky - A Documentary in Pieces - PART ONE (HD) from Black Box Vimeo on Vimeo.

MP3:: The Wooden Sky - Oh My God (It Still Means A Lot To Me)
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/thewoodensky

Labels: contests, Music, The Wooden Sky, Toronto

Has any music loving Haligonian actually recovered from another amazing HPX? '09 brought in an embarrassment of National and International talent but the rocking just doesn't stop here in Canada's ocean playground. In the next 10 days, we have some absolutely stellar acts playing shows and the hill wouldn't be doing it's duty if we didn't talk about the bands still willing to make the extra 12-hour trek from Montreal.

The Sunparlour Players are probably one of the best live acts in Canada. That statement is said so often, it's hard to disagree even if it's something that can't be measured (kind of like Hines Ward being the best blocking WR in football). Andrew and the boys are making their first visit since releasing Wave North (review).

Their new record showed incredible growth, but at the end of the day every time the band hits the stage, they absolutely tear it up so Thursday night @ The Company House is fixing to be a rowdy, smile filled evening. Plus, the are bringing some of their homemade jams/mustards for us to purchase, so really, how can you ask for anything more?

Still not sold? Well, take a look at the little tour video the band put together to show how excited they are about being back on the road. How often do you see three dudes sprinting in suits outside of anything matrix related? Never.

MP3:: The Sunparlour Players - Build It Up
MYSPACE:: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=48494366

Sunday night at Gus' showcases another stellar lineup, that includes White Whale records Octoberman and his tour mates Empire Lights. What do these guys have in common? Well, how about a shared member - Tavo fronts Empire Lights and plays in Octoberman. Very Kevin Bacon that is.

Octoberman - aka Marc Morrissette - has been putting out quality records for years, slowly evolving his sound from solo acoustic travel songs to that of a band comfortable with each others skills and preferred sounds. Their latest record - Fortresses (review) - surprised me, but rather than duplicate the review, I'll just quote Frank and say they sound like "Sparklehorse’s Mark Linkous fronting a welterweight Crazy Horse."

Empire Lights is new to me and according to Tavo they are just about to get in the studio to record some new material and I know they have a solid cover of The Marquee and the Moon on the new Gooseberry Sloan tribute record, so that's enough to get me to show up early.

MP3:: Octoberman - Thirty Reasons

MP3:: Empire Lights - The Marquee and the Moon
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/octoberman
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/empirelights

photo courtesy of petenema.com

And finally... How about a nice ticket/cd giveaway from a gospel/punk band sure to turn Saturday, November 7th into one to remember. The Schomberg Fair are a three piece speed trio from TO that have been making a big splash with their new record, Gospel (review).

The boys are going to be setting up shop @ Gus' Pub and honestly, they will burn the stage down. Energy, sweat and good times are as guaranteed as cheap people drinking the two-dollar draft and crazy old people playing the lotto machines.

And we want you to be there. We have two guest list spots and a copy of Gospel (that you can pick up at the show) to giveaway, and all you have to do is email us (herohill AT gmail DOT COM) your contact info or leave a comment below. It's that easy, and so worth it.

MP3:: The The Schomberg Fair - Angels Wings
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/theschombergfair

Labels: contests, Empire Lights, Halifax, Marc Morrissette, Music, Octoberman, Schomberg Fair, Sunparlour Players

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 Wednesday, with support from Kill Krinkle Club, The Subtitles and Iceland's own Sprengjuhollin. Tickets are 25 bucks, so getting two for the price of none is solid no matter how you slice it Charlie.

So, to enter, just send us an email (herohill[AT]gmail[DOTCOM]) or drop us a comment with your email address.

MP3:: Mates of State - My Only Offer (this is H1N1 infectious)

WEB:: http://www.matesofstate.com

Labels: contests, Halifax Pop Explosion, HPX 09, Mates of State

I will admit, the first few emails I got from Vagrant about Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros went by unread. I had seen the name too many places to think I would have anything unique to say about the band and the description of a 60's psychedelic troop that plays huge anthems that drove around in a bus with their name scrawled on the side seemed a bit too much.

The thing is... Edward Sharpe (aka Alex Ebert) and his Magnetic Zeroes do a pretty stellar job of channeling the communal sounds from a time often bastardized musically and historically. It's one thing to want to get high and live free, but Up From Below really captures the sound that made the era hum and it's easy to see why the masses agree.

The mix in just enough psychedelic swirls - Desert Song, Brother - to off set the tidal wave of love the 10-piece exists on. Truthfully, I have no idea if this band is serious, or this whole thing is a tongue in cheek gimmick, but I don't care much either. I can let Up From Below repeat, embracing every cosmic colour shift. Surging tracks like 40 Day Dream and Janglin force you to sing-along and put you in a better mood instantly. That may seem cliche or silly, but sometimes you just want a record you can throw on and not get dragged through the mud. Ironically, these earthy hippies do just that.

So, how do you win? Easy. Just send us an email with your contact info (herohill AT gmail DOT COM) or leave a comment below. It's that easy, and trust me... the prize is worth the effort.

Still not sold? Feel the love and smiles when the band tears up Letterman's stage.
Edward Sharpe & the Magentic Zeros - Home (Live on Letterman)

MP3:: Edward Sharpe and the Magentic Zeroes - 40 Day Dream

MP3:: Edward Sharpe and the Magentic Zeroes - 40 Day Dream (Live on Daytrotter)

MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/edwardsharpe
BUY:: BUY vinyl from Insound

Labels: contests, Edward Sharpe, Music, vinyl

So it's Saturday, and we thought "why not run a contest?" We're trying our hand in one of those viral type internet things, hoping it goes better than the time Shane dressed up like a banana and sang Peanut Butter Jelly Time at the bus stop.

Today we are pairing up with weewerk records to give away ten copies of the new Ox record, Burnout. If you read my review, you will see that Burnout is a terrific collection of songs that focus on what happens when a band gets tired of the road, the drugs, the beer and just wants to have a home and write songs, knowing the impossible dream of being the biggest band in the world is fading. Burnout is a tour de force full of honest, gripping songs (and one of my favorite roots records of '09), so you'd do yourself a solid if you enter this contest.

Here's the deal, all you have to do is
1.)Head over to weewerk's site
2.) Find their email address
3.) Email them with herohill and OX in the subject line

The first ten people will be emailed a download code from Zunior. It's that easy. Here's the title track and a stellar video from my favorite track, Unknown Legend.

MP3:: Ox - Burnout
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/oxmusic
LABEL: weewerk

Labels: Canada, contests, Music, Oxen Talk, Weewerk

Not sure if you've heard, but today marks the release of the complete remastering of The Beatles entire catalog in both stereo and mono. The Beatles rise and fall is one of the most engaging stories in rock n roll history, full of drama and intrigue and often usurps the remarkable quality of their records. They have more hits than most bands have songs and the chance to hear their songs fully fleshed out is pretty amazing.

Chances are, if you are one of those people that says you hate the Fab Four, you're only saying it for shock because as Paul proved this summer when he played to tens of thousand people here in Halifax, anyone aged 9 to 90 can find joy in the classic tracks they wrote.



So to celebrate the occasion we are giving away a sweet Beatles lithograph you see right above this paragraph, perfect for your office (or new dorm room wall kids). All you have to do is email us your mailing address (herohill AT gmail DOT COM) or leave the deets in the comments section of the post. Easy peasy.

MP3:: Wait - Ben Kweller ft. Albert Hammond
WEB:: http://www.thebeatles.com

Labels: contests, Music, The Beatles

UPDATE:
Two winners are: Kris McCann & Paul Goguen (aka Paranerd). If this looks like your name, expect an email from Pigeon Row PR shortly.


Really. Nuff said. If I didn't have a baby due that weekend, I'd be in the car already driving to Sackville NB for Sappyfest. The chance to see Mt. Eerie, Julie Doiron, 100 Dollars, Bloodsport, The Burning Hell, FemBots, Jon-Rae Fletcher, Ladyhawk, Snailhouse, Ohbijou, Wintersleep, Timber Timbre... shit, lets just say lots of great bands ... all within walking distance and surrounded by appreciative fans (not loud mouthed festival goers) is not one you should pass up.

And thanks to your friends at herohill (and Pigeon Row PR), flat pockets is no longer a reason not to go.

Just leave a comment with your email address, or send us an email - herohill AT gmail DOT COM - and you could be getting two free passes. Sound good? Of course it does, so enter now.

Labels: awesome, contests, Music, Sappyfest