Mark Sultan | Lunar Exile

Show: Mark Sultan + Lunar Exile + Birds of Paradise
Venue: Divan Orange, Montreal
Date: Friday, March 6th, 2015

A bit about myself before I start. Played the viola from 4th to 11th grade. Got attached to my instrument to the point that when it was time for me to play a different viola it gave me nightmares. It just didn't sound as good. I quit. I mention this because I admire musicians who continue playing no matter what. Also, am uncomfortable saying anything bad about them since am nowhere as courageous as they are. Please don't take me seriously as I can often talk nonsense.

Having said that I arrived as Lunar Exile was playing. Couldn't make it in time for Birds of Paradise. It’s become common for girl bands to look blasé when they play. Sometimes it works. Gashrat and La Luz, bands I have seen live in concert, are good examples.

In other cases it doesn't look as great. Instead of appearing to be indifferent, Lunar Exile looked like they were having a tough time playing their instruments. I quickly got bored and surfed facebook on my iphone.

Mark Sultan arrived on stage, wig and all. Everything changed. It got fun. My favorite song began. I'll be Loving You. Double yay!

You dance to Mark Sultan's music. That's what I did. Was near the stage until a small mosh started. Walked back to the bar but never stopped dancing. At some point he asked those guys to calm down "This is my fucking Pearl Jam concert. Chill the fuck out". Mosh pits are banned at Pearl Jam concerts due to this incident.

I'm disastrous at taking concert pictures. Was meaning to take one of Mark Sultan.

The mood was great at the Divan Orange. Or maybe it was just me being overly enthusiastic. Saw some friends. Talked to strangers. Talked to a cute girl. Wish I wasn't straight sometimes.

"My name is Mark Sultan and I'm here to sing rock&roll 'til the day I die" he said as the show was coming to an end. Hell yeah.

Illustration I did for the newspaper edition

Ariel Pink | P. Sallafranque | Slep

Show: Nicole + P. Sallafranque
Venue: Taverne Jarry
Date: February 20th, 2015. 8pm

Show: Ariel Pink + Jack Name
Venue: Le National
Date: February 20th, 2015. 9pm

Show: Pypy + Avec le Soleil sortant de sa bouche
Venue: Cinémathèque québécoise
Date: February 20th, 2015. 11pm

Ariel Pink at Le National. Evidently I don't know how to use the focus.

I was too greedy. I wanted to see them all. Ended up seeing only P. Sallafranque and Ariel Pink.

It started at the Taverne Jarry. I arrive early of course because I'm never good at knowing when a show starts. All is a-ok though, friends are there. Taverne Jarry is a dive bar with a concert stage. Also has video poker machines in the back. It tapes it's own concerts and the sound is surprisingly good. P tells me the place has an old liquor licence so no fancy drinks. Beer only. I drank my 50. The show starts a bit late so I'm thinking I won't have time to see Nicole in concert regrettably. P. Sallafranque is good but it's only him and his guitar. A full band accompanied him the previous week, same stage. Would've liked to have been there.





I leave around 9:30pm before P. Sallafranque starts his last song. I'm fearful of missing Ariel Pink's entrance.

What do I know about Ariel Pink? Nothing. The reason I wanted to see Ariel Pink?

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti silkscreen poster created by Slep.
The song Baby inspired this poster.

A poster. For five years now Slep has been making silkscreen posters for musicians he admires. The day of the event he presents himself at the venue with 15 copies under his arm, giving the musicians some additional revenue while helping him promote his work. He has done posters for Savages, Le Trouble, Father John Misty, Austra, Black Angels, Foxygen, The Growlers, Beach House and more. The 15 copies he gave to Broken Bells ended up being 900 copies for their world tour.

This is one of my favorites. Therefore, out of the blue and by curiosity, I buy a Ariel Pink concert ticket. On the day of the event I finally listen to his music and adore it. The concert starts a bit late because they didn't think to put chains on their bus' wheels. Almost didn't make it. I arrive after Jack Name has finished his gig (unfortunately). Craziness engulfs the place as soon as Ariel Pink sets foot on stage. The sound is ear-splitting and poor at first but by the end it's all good. I enjoyed the show but not as much as the recorded tracks. Sometimes Ariel Pink would lose himself in a song and forget about rhythm. Cadence is important to me. Like a rubber band, to be played with but not break. Right? Also he was a bit pitchy and I know he can sing. I guess it's more the nonchalance that bothered me. But it didn't make a difference for the crowd up front dancing with all their heart and sweat. The last few songs were the best, performance wise. Side note, the drummer Don Bolles is mesmerizing and brings a lot to Ariel Pink and the band, when the mic is working.

Ariel Pink leaves the stage and it's too late for the next gig at the Cinémathèque québécoise. That place is small so there's no chance to get in.

I go home and have this weird dream with Ariel Pink in it. I won't talk about that though.

Before you close this tab, let me introduce you to Nicole. I love them and am saddened to have missed their show.

They will be playing on March 30th for the Francouvertes.

Los Angeles | McCabe's Guitar Shop | Justin Townes Earle.

Show: Justin Townes Earle
Venue: The McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica
Date: February 14th, 2014

Have you ever noticed how mundanities become suddenly magical when you find yourself in a new city? I've been to L.A. more times than I can count but the magic has never dissipated.

View from my friends' backyard. I tell you it's magical.

Was at McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica watching Justin Townes Earle play his guitar exactly a year ago. Fell in love with the shop immediately. The back room where the show took place has walls covered in guitars and it seats only 150. 150 folding chairs that is. No alcohol is served, only coffee. The small stage makes you wonder how a band can fit there.

Banjos, guitars and autoharps.

Dom La Nena at McCabe's

Justin Townes Earle had the stage to himself. On the left side, where the stairs lead to the second floor, sat his wife. What's nice about JTE aren't the stories he tells between songs but the guitar he plays.

 

Brought along my dad and friends whom I consider family. Were they going to like JTE? I had no idea. Turns out BA, who sometimes doesn't enjoy the music I play in his car, was the most enthused.

I would've seen Frank Fairfield, Vikesh Kapoor and Lucinda Williams had I stayed longer in L.A.. Musicians I have much respect for. On youtube you'll find Townes Van Zandt's full audio concert from McCabe's in '95 (of which a limited edition vinyl was released).

You might think L.A. is a place with many fake faces and too much superficiality. You'd be wrong. L.A. is also a place full of old (some new) hippies. And I love hippies.

Viet Cong + Crosss + Un Blonde

Show: Viet Cong + Crosss + Un Blonde
Venue: Bar Le "Ritz" P.D.B.
Date: Friday, January 30, 2015

I'll barely be talking about Viet Cong here even though I enjoyed their show. I'd prefer put the emphasis on a lesser known band : Un Blonde. Wasn't aware of them before seeing the group perform at the Ritz on that cold January night. Now I guess I'm a fan.

I always like to stumble on new music hence I do my best at arriving early. Friday was a day like any other day. Worked hard from 9 to 5. Took a nap and managed to get there on time or almost. The show was sold out. Someone looking for a ticket was freezing his ass by the door. Devoted fan indeed. Once inside I join my friend VC. A photographer among other things. Works for a music website. She brought her camera so I knew I wasn't going to see her much that evening. Drank a few beers with her but later joined other friends at the back of the venue.

Un Blonde. I never heard anything like it. Sometimes there's rhythm in the music, sometimes it's chaotic. Many different sounds but I don't remember seeing that many instruments on stage. There's also some soul in the way he sings. It's beautiful. If you go on Bandcamp you'll hear a more experimental side of his music. This is what is said about Sense of Self, the October album: "songs recorded in a couple of days at the kitchen counter, using what was around." I bought a tape and approached Jean-Sebastien Audet at the bar. Just told him I liked the show then left with my beer. Didn't want to make him more uncomfortable than he already was.

Here he is singing solo for Easter Eggs.

Viet Cong. At the back of the venue with my old colleagues from the Voir newspaper. Don't have a clear view of the band but I do have a clear view of a guy in a tight white T softly moshing into his neighbours. He drank his beer with so much eagerness it trickled down his face and neck.

Viet Cong's last song was a test for me. It was long and a bit repetitive just when I would need to leave and catch the last metro. Hesitated. Asked VT (friend from Journal Voir) what she was planning on doing to get back home. Tells me they are all going next door to Brasserie Harricana. I join them.

Having a good time. Viet Cong in the background.

I love that bar. If ever you go, bring a pen to the restrooms. The walls are full of talking bubbles for you to write on. Enjoyed discussing music with one of my favorite music journalist from La Presse. Wonderwall was blasting on the speakers and many of us in the room were singing along to it. Left as the place was closing. 2 am. Took a cab home and was woken up early the next morning by those damn tow trucks. Winter in Montreal.

Illustration I did for the newspaper edition.

Chocolat

Show: Chocolat + Choses Sauvages + Dear Denizen. Levée de son #2.
Venue: Divan Orange
Date: Friday, January 16th, 2015

photo Gaston Gaspard

« Je te souhaite de comprendre comment vivre en relation »
This is what I have been told. I guess I'm clueless when it comes to relationships.

This week was an exhausting week. My first week working for Le Devoir and, unlike the journal Voir (my previous employer), there is much to do. Also am in training therefore many things to absorb. Had my first 3pm to 11pm evening shift Friday. Arrived late at the Divan Orange. Came through the door right before Chocolat started playing.

A quick recap is due for those of you who don't know the problems the Divan Orange is dealing with these days. This venue is a great place for music. Many good bands have played there but unfortunately some problems have surfaced lately in regards to how much sound it generates. I believe it has been given many fines already due to that problem (a unhappy neighbour).  The concert was to raise money for a new sound system and for better sound isolation.
More info here: levée de son

I arrive there around 11:30pm a bit worn out from my day at work. My boyfriend MB is already there with my friends J and MT. J warned me earlier she had no intentions of being close to the stage. And indeed they were sitting by the window near the exit. Usually near the stage is where you would want to be for a better experience. That day though, had no inclination in standing in a crowd.

Chocolat started playing and as always they are great. With some of their songs there's an old 50's feel only there's added distortion (those are the ones I prefer). The guitarist Emmanuel Ethier is excellent of course and Jimmy Hunt's voice is full of emotions. But hey! That's just me. Suis-je dans le champ?



Everything was hunky-dory until late that evening when my boyfriend and I got into a disagreement for something I said. He was caressing my hair and I uttered something awful. His reaction was just as bad. The relationship ended that night. He left mentioning those words: I wish for you that someday you will understand how to live in a relationship. J and MT had no idea what was going on. The break up was done quickly and both of them had eaten stoner cookies.

photo Gaston Gaspard

Illustration I did for the newspaper edition

Father John Misty

Show: Father John Misty
Venue: Cabaret du Mile-End, Montreal
Date: Friday, October 26, 2012

There have been many firsts and lasts with Father John Misty. That evening was one of the last time I saw O, a friend of mine I've known since I was in my late teens.

We were celebrating C's birthday at l'Anecdote on St-Hubert and Rachel street. A big bunch we were. One of the last warm days before the advent of fall. Was planning on going to the Cabaret to see Papa Misty alone. After a few beers though, convinced O and J to come along with me. O and J have known each other for even longer, since high school.

From left to right. C, O and I at a club in Montreal.

Papa Misty was great. He never sang off key even though he drank from his whisky bottle regularly. His musicians were also excellent. Had an eye for the guitar player which unfortunately I can't name by lack of memory. Right up front were quite a few women dancing along to his music. I guess Papa Misty didn't appreciate it that much because at some point he complained that all the good looking women were in the back while the ugly ones were dancing in front of him. Ouch! Had previously read an article explaining his love of shrooms in preparation for a performance. Don't know if it's true but in this case it did look like he was high on something. Kept caressing himself. How I'm detailing this makes it sound like a really awful show but all in all I loved it. His songs are simply too good. How can you not appreciate Father John Misty?

He talked a bit about Montreal. How Montrealers didn't care if you were a famous musician or not. True maybe. He mentioned reading Sylvie Simmons' biography of Leonard Cohen and that it just made him love the city even more.

We stayed a bit after the show. Ran into a work colleague who introduced me to Father John Misty's music in the first place. Always liked his taste in music.

Bought my first vinyl before leaving. Hadn't had a turntable since my teen years. Happy "Fear Fun" is my first because it's got to be one of my fave. I like everything Sub Pop releases actually.

My favorite song from Fear Fun

Once outside, J heads home. She lives in Villeray which is north of where we're at. O and I both live on the Plateau. We take a cab home and that's about the last time O and I talk to each other. There was no fight and I did see him a few times the following years but not for long and it just didn't feel the same. He has a girlfriend now and I think he loves her very much. He also has a bunch of new friends. J is slowly getting used to the fact that she's not seeing him anymore. We often joke that we're not cool enough for him.

But I guess sometimes friends just part ways.

Illustration I did for the newspaper edition

Death From Above 1979

Show: Death From Above 1979 with Biblical and Phantogram
Venue: Metropolis, Montreal
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2014

I’ve got to say. Death from Above 1979 at the Metropolis Thursday was the best show I’ve ever seen at that venue.

I have been trying to lay low on partying lately. The winter season can make you want to cocoon in your home and do nothing else instead. But also I’m getting a bit run down. I have a full time job and I feel uncomfortable falling asleep at my desk. If any of my bosses are reading this though, I’d like to point out that I only doze off for a few minutes when there’s nothing to do. There’s also the problem that I can never sleep later than 7 am even on the weekends. Often I wake up at 5 am. This is why, for my friend G, it took some convincing on her part for me to go to the Death From Above 1979 concert. I was at home unpacking some boxes and getting my place ready for my house-warming party when she messaged me to come and join her and her boyfriend at the Metropolis. I don’t know Death From Above 1979 that much. The reason for this is that I lent my CD of their first album, when it was released, to a friend. I don’t remember who and I never got it back. I had the chance to listen to the album only a few times. G is good at convincing people though and it didn't take her that much time that I was out the door.

I arrived and Biblical was playing their last song. Very good, however I can’t say much about it since I missed most of the act. Throughout the whole song I was checking out the guitarist’s knee because my friend pointed out that he had none. I can’t, unfortunately, confirm that. His knee looked fine. Then came Phantogram. I wasn’t as impressed. Not because the music wasn’t good but because they didn’t give that great a show. The girl looked uncomfortable in her heels. Yes, comfortable heels can really make a difference. The worst part was the lighting. A lot of flashing lights. We were all looking down and away from the stage. Can repeated flashing lights cause seizures?

When the set was over, country music started playing on the speakers. I was extremely happy (I have a big old soft spot for country music) and started dancing on my seat to it. Got a free beer out of that bouncing from my neighbours to the right. Or maybe I got a free beer because I kept an eye on their seats while they were out smoking or what not.

At long last Death From Above 1979 appeared on stage. Wow. Just wow. I feel that, with the creative process, there’s nothing thought out in advance. It’s just raw. I loved it! It was wild as much onstage than with the crowd on the floor. A huge mosh pit had formed. I'd say half of the floor area. The sound was explosive. I like loud music, but this time I felt lucky to be on the balcony. Furthermore, we had a good view of the breadth of that mosh pit from there. Turned out my friend V was downstairs. She goes to shows as much as I do and often the same ones I’m at. She assured me she was outside of the mosh pit. It made me think that I’d like to see Kathleen Hanna (The Julie Ruin) in concert. I wonder if she still asks the guys to move to the back of the venue.

All in all these guys are awesome and their music is awesome. Effing awesome.

Sebastien Grainger on drums was hot in the white outfit.
I'm curious though, are they obliged to keep the same haircut in order to be recognizable on that famous illustration?

I truly deeply want this poster. By Shelby Hohl

A poster I did.