Wacken Metal Battle: Mournir

Mournir is in the battle to represent Canada on the Wacken stage. Check out the few words we exchanged about their upcoming show!

Hammer Records: Hammer Records:
Mournir: hot metal babes in sexy leather
tongue emoticon
Hammer Records: Last years winner was Vesperia, Do you think this year the winner will be from Vancouver?
Mournir: no, quebec for sure

Hammer Records: What separates Vancouver metal from other Canadian metal?
Mournir: a butt load of farms

Hammer Records: Do you have anything special in mind for your performance at the Red Room?
Mournir: yes, we have special beer on stand by for this occasion

Hammer Records: What do you think about battle of the bands events around Vancouver?
Mournir: there should be more and full contact

Hammer Records: Where can we find your music? Social media links?
Mournir: we are the only thing google knows for searching Mournir. but you can also shoot for just www.mournir.com
smile emoticobut you can also shoot for just www.mournir.com
You can hear a track of each band of Night 1 of the Wacken Battles down below:

Wacken Metal Battle: The Fall Of Day

We had a quick chat with The Fall Of Day about their upcoming Wacken Metal Battle show at the Red Room! 

Hammer Records: What do you think of when you think Wacken?
The Fall Of Day: Wacken is the most exciting and best gathering of metal bands in the world .

Hammer Records: Last years winner was Vesperia, Do you think this year the winner will be from Vancouver?
The Fall Of Day: Vesperia is awesome and I would hope this years winner comes from Vancouver.

Hammer Records: What separates Vancouver metal from other Canadian metal?
The Fall Of Day: Vancouver has always stood out amongst other Canadian metal bands .it must be the weather and beautiful scenery.

Hammer Records: Do you have anything special in mind for your performance at the Red Room?
The Fall Of Day: we also have a special guest who will be performing with us at The Red Room on March 20.Triangle Tom he is .

Hammer Records: What do you think about battle of the bands events around Vancouver?
The Fall Of Day: battle of the bands is great for Vancouver.it gives bands a great opportunity to perform in front of important judges .and is also amazing for the audience .

Hammer Records: Where can we find your music? Social media links?
The Fall Of Day: you can find THE FALL OF DAY on Facebook, You tube, Thefallofday.com, Twitter, Reverbnation and World Music Stage .com

Check out a sample of the 2nd Wacken Night down below:

Wacken Metal Battle: The Mountain Man

These 5 lads have created some epic tracks! When you think the brutality of living in a mountain all alone, full of hate, eating anything that crosses your path... this would be his music. We had a quick chat with them about their upcoming Wacken Metal Battle performance.

Hammer Records: What do you think of when you think Wacken?
The Mountain Man: Germany, metal, and beer. In no particular order.

Hammer Records: Last years winner was Vesperia, Do you think this year the winner will be from Vancouver?
The Mountain Man: It's absolutely possible. This city is has so much talent - you can't  predict an outright winner off each card.

Hammer Records: What separates Vancouver metal from other Canadian metal?
The Mountain Man: We can't really speak for many other cities' scenes, but the brother/sisterhood between all the bands and fans in this city is unbelievable. It's like one giant heavy metal family.

Hammer Records: Do you have anything special in mind for your performance at the Red Room?
The Mountain Man: If we told you that, it wouldn't make it so special now would it? In all seriousness, we're just going to play our set. No gimmicks.

Hammer Records: What do you think about battle of the bands events around Vancouver?
The Mountain Man: Usually not our thing. But come on... It's Wacken.

Hammer Records: Where can we find your music? Social media links?
The Mountain Man: You can find us on all the usual spots!

www.facebook.com/mountainmanmetal

www.twitter.com/mtnmanmetal

bandcamp.mountainmanmetal.com

You can hear a Show Showcase of the night just down below

Andrew Gerard - Here

A man of many talents. Someone like this deserves to be in LA running with the big dogs. I first saw him shredding Steve Vai sounding licks on stage and knew that this guy was something else. So when I heard he released a single I knew it would be magical. I didn't know how magical it would be. Such a unique voice. So full of tone and depth. Throwing a bunch of catchy hooks in just makes you hum along even if your listening for the first time. I kept adding harmonies by the end of listening to the song. Just a wonderful piece of work.

The video is beautifully shot with a nice Sepia filter, giving it warm glow. Contrasted with the dark studio shots, it really keeps your eye interested. Perfectly fitting for this track. 

Check out his Facebook page HERE. 

Wacken Metal Battle: Uncle Sid

The Wacken Festival is held over in Europe and is just HUGE. It is a huge opportunity to go perform and share ones music on such a platform. Thanks to Asher Media Relations,  this dream could be a reality for one band!

We had a quick chat with Uncle Sid about their upcoming performance on March 3rd at The Red Room Ultrabar. 

Hammer Records: What do you think of when you think Wacken?

Uncle Sid: When Uncle Sid thinks Wacken, we think of playing to tons of Metal Heads!

Hammer Records: Last years winner was Vesperia, Do you think this year the winner will be from Vancouver?

Uncle Sid: Yes we do!

Hammer Records: What separates Vancouver metal from other Canadian metal?

Uncle Sid: A lot of bands we know here prctice a lot!

Hammer Records: Do you have anything special in mind for your performance at the Red Room?

Uncle Sid: Just to play our asses off!

Hammer Records: What do you think about battle of the bands events around Vancouver?

Uncle Sid: Not really into it, rather have show case nights!

Hammer Records: Where can we find your music? Social media links?

Uncle Sid: http://www.reverbnation.com/unclesid

We recorded a sampler of the night! Check out a track from each band and get a feel for the night!

World Premiere: Digging In The Garden - Annette Gil

Annette Gil came onto our radar when we were interviewing her about her upcoming performance for the Canadian Music Week. She stayed on our radar when she had some great catchy tracks, a definite image for her music and a drive to succeed that we love to see in artists! This has a slight ring of the 80's but such a modern take that it feels fresh. You don't think your listening to a retro playlist, but rather a Top 40 playlist. 

Digging In The Garden on iTunes: https://goo.gl/N8gLHj
Annette Gil on Spotify: https://goo.gl/Vxg4Hg
Annette Gil on Facebook: https://goo.gl/WzLvKU
Official homepage: www.annettegil.com

#CMW Artist Showcase - Break The Trend

Right out of North Bay, Break The Trend will be performing at this years Canadian Music Week. We chatted with them about their upcoming performance.

Hammer Records: Tell us what you think of when you think Canadian music?

Break The Trend: As fans of rock music, we see the industry booming with great authentic rock n roll bands like Monster Truck, The Glorious Sons, and The Sheepdogs. In terms of other genres, we have some great artists such as Drake, The Weeknd, and Bieber. Who are just killing it! It's a great time to be a part of what seems to be a revolutionary period in the Canadian music industry.

Hammer Records: How did you get involved in Canadian Music Week?

Break The Trend: We're a hard working band that has done a lot in a short time. In the past year we've been on tour, played over 20 shows, had commercial hits rotation radio play with our single Hey Darlin', and have released "Talk Is Cheap" our debut e.p. Growing up in Canada, it's every Canadian musicians dream to play a showcase at CMW. After putting in the time and cutting our teeth, it was the logical next step in our musical journey.

Hammer Records: What do you have planned for Canadian Music Week?

Break The Trend: We're going to show some fucking passion! Far too often bands forget, it's all about the love of music. Raw emotion has been lacking in this industry for far too long. In terms of actually saying what we're going to do, we'll see you at the show.

Hammer Records: What message do you want to send to Canadians listening to your music?

Break The Trend: We want to show people that Rock N' Roll is still worth something; that real art is not a disposable form of expression.

Hammer Records: What is on the horizon for Break The Trend?

Break The Trend: Currently, we're in the midst of writing for our next release. Also we're focusing on getting out in the GTA more often (which is sometimes a struggle for a northern Ontario band). Finding our music is easy:

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/break-the-trend/id429489026

www.youtube.com/BreakTT 

www.reverbnation.com/BreakTheTrend

​Social Media:

www.facebook.com/BreakTheTrend

www.instagram.com/Break_The_Trend 

www.twitter.com/BreakTheTrend 

HIGHS Release New Music

Toronto alt-pop group HIGHS premiere their video for ‘I Do, Do You?’ today via Indie88. The track is the second single from their upcoming LP Dazzle Camouflage, set for release on April 8th via Indica Records. 

An experimental technique pioneered by the British Navy during World War I, dazzle camouflage is unlike other forms of camouflage; as the intention is not to conceal, but to mislead. Recognized by its use of bright colours and unusual geometric patterns, dazzle made it difficult to judge the true nature of what lies beneath. This concept of 'hiding in plain sight' became an unexpected but obvious thread that ran through the album's eleven tracks.

The idea of camouflage is explored throughout the music video for 'I Do, Do You?', both literally and in more subtle forms. Directed by Nicole Powell (Reuben and The Dark) and produced by Katy Maravala (Drake, Rihanna) of Part & Parcel Co, ‘I Do, Do You?’ is a stunning and colourful manifestation ofDazzle Camouflage. Watch it here. 
 
Digital, CD, and vinyl editions of the album are now available for pre-order via PledgeMusic: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/highsmusic  
 
Described by Exclaim! as a band that 'seem destined to go places quickly,' HIGHS are proving this statement to be true. Since forming in 2013 they've made a splash worldwide. In the past three years, they’ve performed alongside the likes of Modest Mouse and Cold War Kids, and have played top festivals including CMJ Music Marathon, WayHome Music and Art Festival, The Great Escape, and more. 
 
HIGHS are currently on tour with Vancouver’s We Are The City. A full list of tour dates can be found below. 

ABOUT HIGHS
Fast-becoming the darlings of Toronto’s vibrant music scene, HIGHS’ much-acclaimed musical blend has taken them from bedroom demos to festival stages in a matter of a few short years. The alt-pop group recently premiered their new single “I Do, Do You?” pulled from the bands’ upcoming full-length debut Dazzle Camouflage, which is set for release April 8 via Indica Records. The album was produced by Luke Smith, known for his work with Foals and Depeche Mode. The band’s debut self-titled EP, released in 2014, gained international recognition and lead to placement in the Top 30 Hype Machine and CMJ Top 200 charts, with single “Summer Dress” reaching the #1 spot on CBC Radio 3. Most recently HIGHS impressed audiences at WayHome Music & Arts Festival, Toronto Urban Roots Festival, and CMJ in NYC. 
 
LISTEN “I Do, Do You?”:
https://soundcloud.com/highsmusic/i-do-do-you/s-VyXd2
 
WATCH: “I Do, Do You?”:
http://indie88.com/indie88-video-premiere-highs-i-do-do-you/
 
 
TOUR DATES
Feb. 18 @ The Gateway, CALGARY, AB (w/ We Are The City)
Feb. 19 @ Studio 96, EDMONTON, AB (w/ We Are The City)
Feb. 20 @ Amigos, SASKATOON, SK (w/ We Are The City)
Feb. 21 @ The Good Will, WINNIPEG, MB (w/ We Are The City)
Feb. 25 @ House of Targ, OTTAWA, ON (w/ We Are The City)
Feb. 27 @ Adelaide Hall, TORONTO, ON (w/ We Are The City)
Feb. 28 @ The Casbah, HAMILTON, ON (w/ We Are The City)
Mar. 08 @ O'Hanlon's, REGINA, SK
Mar. 10 @ The Flying Steamshovel, ROSSLAND, BC
Mar. 11 @ Imperial, VANCOUVER, BC (w/ We Are The City)
Mar. 12 @ Lucky Bar, VICTORIA, BC (w/ We Are The City)

LINKS
http://highsmusic.com 
http://facebook.com/highsmusic
http://twitter.com/highsmusic
http://instagram.com/highsmusic

#CMW Artist Showcase - Bike Thiefs

These three lads had a quick conversation with us about Canadian music. Be sure to check them out when they are performing at Canadian Music Week.

Hammer Records: What do you think of when you think Canadian music?
Bike Thiefs: The Tragically Hip, Matthew Good, Rick the Temp’s Haircut, the quality of the ecstasy on Electric Circus. But mostly METZ. 

Hammer Records: How did you get involved in Canadian Music Week?
Bike Thiefs: We applied and fabricated a really sad backstory about the band overcoming adversity so that they could use that to help build a buzz. It’s basically the plot from Erin Brockovich.

Hammer Records: What do you have planned for Canadian Music Week?
Bike Thiefs: We once played with a band that covered Blur’s “Song 2” with a half-time breakdown. So, since that’s taken, we’re going to do a medley of that Gary Glitter song and the intro to “Crazy Train” - basically every song that you would hear at every sporting event ever.

Hammer Records: What message do you want to send to Canadians listening to your music?
Bike Thiefs: Make sure to take vitamin D, even year round, it’s really good for your mood.

We’re sorry if that one song was really loud, but maybe you’ll like this other one a bit more.

Hammer Records: What is coming up for the Bike Thiefs? 
Bike Thiefs: We have some touring plans set for the summer, that should be sorted out soon. We also have new material ready to be recorded. Hopefully we’ll be tracking the new stuff by the summer in between tours.

bikethiefs.ca

bikethiefs.bandcamp.com

facebook.com/bikethiefs

twitter/instagram - @bikethiefs

#CMW Artist Showcase - Amelie Patterson

Amelie Patterson is performing at the upcoming Canadian Music Week! We wanted to find out her thoughts about the upcoming performance.

Hammer Records: Tell us what you think of when you think Canadian music?
Amelie: I think of road trips as a kid and listening to Neil Young, Joni Mitchel, The Band, Tragically Hip, and Arcade Fire. I think of discovering great local talent on CBC radio 2. 

I think of all of the fantastic support I’ve received from local Canadian radio stations and people from all over Canada. 

It's a really unique, supportive, and creative music scene and I think we should all consider ourselves blessed to be a part of it.

Hammer Records: How did you get involved in Canadian Music Week?
Amelie: I heard from tons of fellow musicians and friends that live in Toronto that it's a really great time to visit when CMW is on because of all the phenomenal talent that is showcased and the good music. I thought why not apply and be a part of it!

Hammer Records: What do you have planned for Canadian Music Week?
Amelie: Mostly I just plan on playing my music as genuinely as I can and having a really great time. I have an album coming out this spring so I’m really looking forward to showcasing those songs.

Hammer Records: What message do you want to send to Canadians listening to your music?
Amelie: Thank you for listening! I’m really excited and honoured to be a part of CMW.

Hammer Records: What do you have in the works right now?
Amelie: I have a new album coming up called Roll Honey Roll and it will be debuting this spring. I can’t wait for share it with Canada and I really look forward to being a part of CMW.

Ameliepattersonmusic.com

IG: @ameliepmusic

Twitter: @ameliepmusic

Soundcloud.com/ameliepattersonmusic

#CMW Artist Showcase - Bend Sinister

Vancouver band Bend Sinister had some great words to say about Canadian Music Week coming up!

Hammer Records: Tell us what you think of when you think Canadian Music?
Bend Sinister: I think of all the bands and artists we've played with driving across the country from coast to coast over 10 times, and hundreds of shows later.  

Hammer Records: How did you get involved in Canadian Music Week?
Bend Sinister: We've been out to canadian music week a few times before but its been a while since we've been out to toronto and so figured we'd come enjoy the festival see some friends and play some rock and roll. 

Hammer Records: What do you have planned for Canadian Music Week?
Bend Sinister: We are planning to play some new material from a new record we are working on which I think both fans and new listeners will really dig.

Hammer Records: What message do you want to send to Canadians listening to your music?
Bend Sinister: We've been a band for over 15 years and sometimes with everything going on, it takes a couple years to put out new material, but don't think we're going away any time soon. Even though we haven't toured out East since releasing our last record ANIMALS in 2014, we will be back and better then ever. 

Hammer Records: What is on the horizon for Bend Sinister?                
Bend Sinister: Working on a new album this spring, might also release some cool b-sides in the meantime. You can keep up to date with the band at www.facebook.com/bendsinisterband, or our website www.bendsinisterband.com. 

#CMW Artist Showcase - Bloody Diamonds

We had a nice exchange of words with duo Bloody Diamonds. We will be interviewing as many artists that will be performing at Canadian Music Week as we can.

Hammer Records: Tell us what you think of when you think Canadian music?

Bloody Diamonds: Thats a pretty big question. Generally I don't categorize music by country, but we've definitely met a lot of bad ass hardworking (Canadian) bands over the years. We're very lucky to live in a country that has government funding for the arts.

Hammer Records: How did you get involved in Canadian Music Week?

Bloody Diamonds: I think this is our 3rd or 4th CMW now, not sure how we originally heard about it - it's just a great festival every band in Canada wants to play. Sometimes a friend will toss you an additional slot too which is cool. We're looking forward to it!

Hammer Records: What do you have planned for Canadian Music Week?

Bloody Diamonds: This is our first CMW actually living in Toronto so I plan to sleep at home in my own bed! Also catch some wicked bands, meet some people, learn some things. Musically we intend to deliver the same hard hitting show we always do. We'll probably play some of the new songs we've been writing over the winter. It's going to be a rocking performance but I will whole heartedly say that about any show we play.

Hammer Records: What message do you want to send to Canadians listening to your music?

Bloody Diamonds: Thanks for listening, we'll see ya'll this fall!

Hammer Records: What do you have coming up?

Bloody Diamonds: Not sure how to answer this one really. Lots. We're always working on something but for right now I think our last answer will be a good enough hint to our *Canadian* fans. You can find our music, upcoming dates, store, social media links and more at bloodydiamonds.com.

#CMW Artist Showcase - Archie Powell & The Exports

Continuing with our coverage of artists that will be performing at this year's Canadian Music Week. We had a quick chat with Archie Powell & The Exports. 

Hammer Records: Tell us what you think of when you think Canadian music?

Archie: I always wishfully hope that everyone sounds like Sex Bob-omb but I realize that Scott Pilgrim is a fictional character and the set of musicians in Canada is no more inclined to any particular style or aesthetic than the American one is. You're just a bit more polite about it.

Hammer Records: How did you get involved in Canadian Music Week?

Archie: We did a tour all the way up the Canadian east coast a few years back and really just kept looking for reasons to keep visiting. The music end gives us a great excuse to come bum around Toronto and visit good friends.

Hammer Records: Do you have anything planned for Canadian Music Week?

Archie: We make a regular practice of trying to be the most animated band on the bill. So far attempting to be memorable in the "flail about wildly and shout till you're hoarse" has done us a few favors. Front row should wear ponchos. I'm not at liberty to say why.

Hammer Records: What message do you want to send to Canadians who are listening to your music?

Archie: We came to party. Everyone's invited.

Hammer Records: Whats in the future?

Archie: We should be hunkering down to record our fourth LP this summer before some further touring in the fall, but you can hear our whole discography at http://archiepowell.bandcamp.com. 

Twitter: @archiepowell

Instagram: @archiepowell

#CMW Artist Showcase - Bud Rice Music

Continuing our coverage of artists that will be performing at Canadian Music Week, we had a quick exchange of words with Bud Rice.

Hammer Records: What do you think of when you think Canadian music?
Bud Rice: Canadian Music is evidently becoming more and more appreciated on an international level. I myself in fact am both Canadian and a musician though I find it odd that the two need to come as a pair. I am very proud of my Canadian heritage, and proud of my hard work as a musician, and believe that we should look at music as it own entity and appreciate it simply on how it makes us feel.   

Hammer Records: How did you get involved in Canadian Music Week?
Bud Rice: I had applied last year but due to complication was unable to partake in the festival, I am very thrilled that all things have worked out and we have a slot this year to showcase what we've been working so hard at.  

Hammer Records: What do you have planned Canadian Music Week?
Bud Rice: We plan to play the record that we spent over a year working at to demonstrate our sound the best we could. We are a dynamic group that varies in musical stylings allowing for entertainment to a wide audience. 

Hammer Records: What message do you want to send Canadians listening to your music?
Bud Rice: I believe the listening crowd is not dumbed down by cookie cutter music that they are force fed, the listener is smart and free and the music we make is from our hearts and accessible to the hearts of those listening. 

Hammer Records: Whats coming up for Bud Rice?
Bud Rice: We have a tour lined up in November heading West and East around Canada, our album Belfast can be found at www.soundcloud.com/budricemusic Tour info and band info can be found on Facebook or on our Website  We are also currently writing our second record. 

#CMW Artist Showcase - BYSTS

Showcasing more artists that will be performing at the Canadian Music Week, we interviewed BYSTS. They gave us some great conversation about their upcoming show.

Hammer Records: What do you think of when you think Canadian music?

BYSTS: We were discussing this and our immediate thoughts were of Neil Young, Leonard Cohen and Drake but when we gave it some more thought we realized the list goes on. Artists like Grimes, Black Mountain, Arcade Fire of course Bryan Adams, Broken Social Scene and The Weeknd.

Hammer Records: How did you get involved in Canadian Music Week?

BYSTS: We’ve been familiar with CMW for a long time since many of our favorite artists have played there in the past. Artists like Jesus and Mary Chain, Metz, Joey Badass, M.I.A. so we’ve always wanted to play it. BYSTS have been doing really well so we thought that we would apply and we’re really excited that we’ve been accepted to play.

Hammer Records: What do you have planned for Canadian Music Week?

BYSTS: Like our music our shows are energetic and captivating. It can get pretty moody yet light. Always pressing a little into dangerous territory. We always try to put on a good show. We also keep it pretty engaging with our live video projections but sometimes we cut the lights and do it with nothing but spotlights so it can get pretty wild up there. What’s so great about our shows is you never know what you’ll get but you can bet it’ll be worth it.

Hammer Records: What message do you want to send Canadians listening to your music?

BYSTS: We wrote this music to move and to connect with people. To entertain and inspire a wider range of emotions. We love connecting with all of our fans. At shows, online, in person so if you would like to get in touch please do so.

Hammer Records: Whats on the horizon for BYSTS?

BYSTS: We’ll be releasing our first album Summer 2016 as well as releasing singles and videos leading up to CMW and playing more festivals this Summer. You can get more info on our website as it develops. People can connect with us on Soundcloud, Facebook, Twitter. You can also buy our music and merch from itunes, bandcamp, amazon, google play and many others.

https://soundcloud.com/bysts-band

https://www.facebook.com/bysts.band/

https://twitter.com/BYSTSband

https://www.instagram.com/bysts

http://bysts.band

https://bysts.bandcamp.com/

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/bysts/id1053989885

#CMW Artist Showcase - Bitter's Kiss

Bitter's Kiss had some great things to say about her upcoming performance at Canadian Music Week.

Hammer Records: What do you think of when you think Canadian Music?

Bitter's Kiss:  think of Canadian Music as being innovative and creative, with a real authenticity that goes beyond what crosses over to the U.S.  When I was growing up, bands like Grapes of Wrath and Klaatu got as many plays in my home as the Beatles.  I look up to great singer/songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Sarah McLachlan, and of course have been caught up in the Drake phenomenon.

Hammer Records: How did you get involved in Canadian Music Week?

Bitter's Kiss: I received an invitation to participate which was very exciting.  I jumped at the opportunity to participate. 

Hammer Records: What do you have planned for Canadian Music Week?

Bitter's Kiss: I am getting myself organized now and looking for networking opportunities.  I'm actually Canadian by birth, both my parents are from the Toronto area, so would really like to get more plugged into the Canadian music scene.

Hammer Records: What message do you want to send to Canadians listening to your music?

Bitter's Kiss: What I try to do in my music is to talk about the sometimes uncomfortable side of life, things that I believe should be discussed.  I would like listeners to join me in a conversation about the good and the bad and how we can find hope.

Hammer Records: Whats in the future for Bitter's Kiss?

Bitter's Kiss: Next up for me is an EP and another music video, but mostly a lot of writing/recording sessions.  I will showcase in L.A. in April and set up other shows for the summer.  I would love to get shows on the calendar in B.C. and Toronto, so will to do that. My socials are linked to http://www.bitterskiss.com  I have several songs on Spotify, Pandora, iTunes and other digital platforms and my current video playlist is here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdkL-ydtIu5NowVvWA2Mb3S50fI2_eMtb

#CMW Artist Showcase - Brooklyn Doran

Continuing with our coverage of artists performing at this years Canadian Music Week, we had a deep discussion with Brooklyn Doran about the upcoming event.

Hammer Records: What do you think of when you think Canadian music?
Brooklyn: When I think of Canadian Music, I think of a diverse array of artists and genres. What's great is that all of these artists are welcomed to collaborate within the Canadian Music landscape. When I think of the music coming from our land, I think of Pow-wow. I think of Country music and the Blues. I think of all of the artists emerging out of the Toronto and Vancouver hip-hop scenes. I think about the amazing folk festivals across Canada like The Winnipeg, Regina, and Edmonton Folk Fests, The Moose n Fiddle Festival in Nestor Falls, Trout Fest, and all of the amazing opportunities to lay a picnic blanket out in the sun and listen to Canadian artists play.

Hammer Records: How did you get involved in Canadian Music Week?
Brooklyn:  played my first CMW showcase in 2014, just prior to my debut EP "There's A Light On" being released. I was brand new in the scene and I played an afternoon showcase at The Central that featured a bunch of super talented artists like Rory Taillon and Fanette. The Central is a great venue for new artists playing in Toronto. When I think about all of the local artists who I play with and admire, most of our first performances were at that venue, and I'm really glad the crowds and staff there were so supportive of me when I was first starting out playing shows. 

Hammer Records: What do you have planned for Canadian Music Week?
Brooklyn: For CMW 2016, I'll be playing with my full 5-piece band and will be debuting some songs from my upcoming record "Paper Wings" for the very first time on the CMW stage!

Hammer Records: What message do you want to send Canadians listening to your music?
Brooklyn: Thank you for listening! Your support means so much more than you know.

Hammer Records: Whats in the future for you?
Brooklyn: I'll be touring across Southern Ontario and Quebec from April 1- April 10th with the immensely talented Jessica Speziale. Our kick off show will be at The Cameron House on April 1st and we will be playing April 5th at The Garnet in Peterborough and April 8th at Le Cagibi in Montreal among other dates. The full list of dates will be posted on www.brooklyndoran.com. 

Website: http://www.brooklyndoran.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/brooklyndoran
Instagram: https://instagram.com/brooklyndoran
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/brooklyndoranmusic
Tumblr: http://brooklyndoran.tumblr.com

#CMW Artist Showcase - Alma Cassels

We managed to catch a quick word with Alma Cassels as they prepare for their first performance at Canadian Music Week. Check out our other interviews with artists performing at Canadian Music Week.

Alma Cassels are a Toronto-based indie-rock band with a loyal group of young fans. Formed by high-school friends, Brooklynne Morrison (Guitar), Cameron Marshall (Vocals/Guitar), Jaden Spanier (Drums) and Alex Gluch (Bass), they blend the dance-inspired beats of British bands like Foals with intricate guitar riffs and catchy radio-friendly melodies. This is their first time at Canadian Music Week. Follow the band's adventures on Snapchat and Periscope via @AlmaCassels

Hammer Records: Tell us what you think of when you think Canadian Music?
Alma Cassels: I think of good ol' Canadiana bands like: The Tragically Hip, Barenaked Ladies and Castle River. Then more upbeat acts like Yukon Blonde and The Elwin's. However the perception of Canadian music to most is still feel good, laid back, knocking back beer in a canoe music. I think Canadian music is a bit underrated in the sense of indie mainstream presence.

Hammer Records: How did you get involved in Canadian Music Week?
Alma Cassels: We were always being told we ought to play festivals like NXNE, CMW and Montreal POP. They're among the many great festivals we've seen and heard our mentors play at. CMW has always been on our list but it's only now that we're starting to build a team around us that we've got the resources to apply for these bigger shows.

Hammer Records: What do you have planned for Canadian Music Week?
Alma Cassels: We are a family and that very much comes out while we perform, both function and dis-function occur. One moment we're jumping apart and the next we’re playing back to back. There is this intense emotion that we portray in our music and movement, we try for there to never be a dull moment. 

We're also always looking for new ways to include our fans in our performances and interact with them directly - this year we'll be live-streaming some of our shows using the Snapchat and/or Periscope app so that our fans around the world can join in. Download the apps on your phone and follow @AlmaCassels for more information.

Hammer Records: What message do you want to send to Canadians listening to your music?
Alma Cassels: That we want to break past the 'underrated" bar and push past the sleepy, laid back perception of Canadian indie music. People want dance parties and we want to be the ones to cater them. We want people to understand the fusion of art and music and the fluidity of emotion with motion that comes from a band of dedicated musicians playing live.

Hammer Records: Whats coming up for Alma Cassels?
Alma Cassels: We're just putting the finishing touches to our debut EP which will be available on iTunes, Spotify, Bandcamp and our website - http://www.almacassels.com We're also planning a tour this year with loads more shows including some festival dates. We're looking forward to getting our new music out there. 

Social Links:

Website: http://almacassels.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlmaCassels 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/almacassels 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almacasselsmusic/
Periscope: @AlmaCassels
Snapchat: @AlmaCassels