#CMW Artist Showcase - The Glazzies

New Yorker's The Glazzies are coming to Toronto! We had a quick chat with them about their upcoming performance at Canadian Music Week.

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

The Glazzies: Neil Young.

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

The Glazzies: We first got involved with CMW during last year's festival and played some of our best shows. Toronto has always been a favorite city of ours and are really psyched to be coming back!

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

The Glazzies: Well, our first showcase happens to be on our drummer Dave's birthday, so I imagine there will be some beers involved. We have been working on some new songs and will probably test some of them out at the shows.

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

The Glazzies: At the end of the day, it just boils down to the songs. We try and write the best songs we can and play the hardest we can each show. Hopefully they are walking away from one of our shows saying that they had a good time.

Hammer Records: Whats coming up for you?

The Glazzies: This year we are releasing our new record Kill Me Kindly, and are currently setting up a tour for it's release. It has been a long time in the making and will be announcing a release date very soon!

https://www.facebook.com/theglazzies/

http://theglazzies.bandcamp.com

https://soundcloud.com/the-glazzies

Instagram & Twitter - @theglazzies

http://oldflamerecords.com

#CMW Artist Showcase - Pif Paf Hangover

Montreal based group Pif Paf Hangover will be performing at Canadian Music Week. We had a great chat with them about their upcoming performance. 

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

Pif Paf Hangover: Nothing in particular. This is hard..... I thought about it for a while, kept that question for last. I don't want to get too academic and trace the influences throughout history, BORING!

All I can think of is the word organic for some reason. I feel canadians have been making awesome music across all genres but the one thing that strikes me as being true is we make organic music. We are a really chill people (in general), in tune with nature. It's insane how the land influences the themes and sounds of music. I love brazilian music for instance, it's very warm with sounds reminiscent of the jungle, waves, water, sunshine. 

So I wouldn't say our music is cold, I'd say it's cyclic, it's about rebirth, contemplation of vast lands, an appreciation of the grandeur and strength we can't conquer, the reflections of hibernation and the all out madness of the warm days. If that means anything...

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

Pif Paf Hangover: We were supposed to play last year after we released our first album but the timing wasn't right. We ended up playing Lee's palace later on anyway and had a blast! Met some awesome Toronto folks and here we are. We are super grateful for the opportunity to be a part of CMW this year and we can't wait to play and hear other bands.

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

Pif Paf Hangover: We've been practicing every day for months now... We put an awesome rig together so the show is a cross between a dj set and a live performance. It's like a little lab, we're always touching something different, drum pads, effect processors, keyboards, whatnots! It got us making very interesting tones and sounds. It's very entertaining (I believe) to see us create these sounds with all these mediums, it makes for an intricate choreography where all the pieces of the puzzle fit together in a groovy mix of genres. Some kind of electronic-post-funk-sophisticated-blue-eyed-soul two men juggling routine. But don't get mislead, it's a live show, we sing all the parts and play guitar and keys. We're special ;)

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

Pif Paf Hangover: It's definitely happy music to dance to in general. If there is a recurring theme it's definitely the glory of women. We are big fans! It's an ode to strong, independent, autonomous, travelling women. So the message would be respect and love the women that surround you, take life lightly, breathe, dance and don't be an asshole. Pretty simple but complete.

Hammer Records: Whats coming up for you?

Pif Paf Hangover: We're putting the finishing touches on a new record, with maybe a couple weeks of mixing and mastering left. We're already getting a lot of shows booked for summer and fall 2016 but I'm guessing we'll be much busier when the record drops. 

You can listen to our previous album Curry Love on bandcamp , there's also a remix EP and our very first EP available on the same site. 

If you want all the latest like us on FB. You can also follow us on instagram @pifpafhangover.

#CMW Artist Showcase - Overhead, The Albatross

Amazing, just amazing. These musicians are all so talented, and together just create magic. Don't miss Overhead, The Albatross at Canadian Music Week. We had a quick chat with them about their upcoming performance. 

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

Overhead, The Albatross: I think the first thing that pops into my head is how diverse the music is in Canada. People seem to really have an open mind and are really open to new types of music and new ideas. That's what really makes a scene thrive. Also you gave us Godspeed... I mean COME ON! As well as that

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

Overhead, The Albatross: So this year there's a focus on Ireland and Irish bands, and we were lucky enough to get the invite almost out of the blue a few months ago and we jumped at the opportunity.

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

Overhead, The Albatross: Yes! We're actually bringing our entire full show production over with us. I think a lot of times when bands travel things get a bit stripped back for obvious reasons but we're pulling no punches for CMW. We're bringing a violinist, backline tech, lighting designer and sound engineer to replicate our full show, so we can't wait for people to see it.

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

Overhead, The Albatross: I think the same message we'd like to send anyone listening to our music: just listen with an open ear and an open heart and if you like it, keep it with you. If you don't, that's okay too.

Hammer Records: Whats coming up for you?

Overhead, The Albatross: Our debut album "Learning To Growl" is coming out on May 13th and we'll be playing a bunch of Irish festivals this Summer so we can't wait for that. We've been making this record for a long time and we're very excited for people to hear it.

#CMW Artist Showcase - Meltybrains?

We had a quick chat with Meltybrains? regarding their upcoming performance at Canadian Music Week. 

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

Meltybrains?: Music that tastes sweet like Maple Syrup, made deep in a forest somewhere.

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

Meltybrains?: The organisers asked us to play, quite simply.

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

Meltybrains?: Oh yes we do, but we can't say, that would be giving it away...

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

Meltybrains?: It's ok, don't worry, we don't know what the hell is going on either.

Hammer Records: Whats coming up for you?

Meltybrains?: We have big plans to release music at the end of 2016, plus lots of tour dates and festivals. You can find our music on spotify, soundclound, bandcamp, just search meltybrainsmusic - we're also on facebook, twitter and instagram.

The Hunna - brand new single and video for 'You & Me'

Having established themselves as one of the hottest emerging acts on the planet, The Hunna celebrate signing with leading US independent record label 300 Entertainment (Fetty Wap/Highly Suspect/Young Thug/Coheed & Cambria etc) by releasing their brand new single ‘You & Me (Hunna Tree)’. The band’s boldest statement to date, it is the kind of high-octane anthem that is set to move audiences around the globe this summer. 

‘You & Me (Hunna Tree)' premiered on Consequence Of Sound and effortlessly captures the culture of The Hunna and is a fast-paced, backs-to-the-wall rock anthem, drenched with addictive melodies and crushing tones. Lead singer / guitarist Ryan Potter sings “Not just a band but a family”, a lyric aimed at the band’s loyal following who they consider part of the amazing journey and feel-good outlook created by The Hunna. 

Working with esteemed producers Tim Larcombe (Halsey, Lana Del Rey) and Duncan Mills, the band have delivered an anthemic call to arms for The H-Squad and a middle finger to those who just don’t want to enlist. “It’s about us as a band - taking the negative things that people have said and sort of turning it around,“ muses Ryan. “It’s about the fans as well, it’s for the Hunna family - the people who have been there from the very beginning.”

With an army of fanatical followers and supporters including the likes of BBC R1’s Annie Mac and Huw Stephens and Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, it’s unbelievable to think this explosive UK four-piece were only launched six months ago by fast-rising UK label High Time Records, also home to indie-darlings Coasts. 

Off the back of their debut release ‘Bonfire‘ / ‘She’s Casual’ The Hunna had sold-out three nights at London’s Boston Music Rooms, something no artist had previously achieved. By their second single, ‘We Could Be’, The Hunna were making waves globally via the iTunes and Spotify Viral charts and had sold-out their debut headline UK Tour as well as shows in Amsterdam, Paris and Berlin. 

Looking ahead to a full throttle summer that includes an even bigger headline UK tour, The Hunna will also make their maiden voyage to North America, with a date at New York’s prestigious Mercury Lounge which will be followed by a headline tour. It’s clear that The Hunna are destined for the dizziest of heights but the hard part is predicting just how quickly they’ll reach that fate.

Still only 6 months old, this is likely to be the last opportunity to see The Hunna in a small room.

TOUR DATES - UK
May 23rd - Stoke - The Sugarmill
May 24th - Hull - Adelphi
May 25th - Newcastle - Think Tank
May 26th - Glasgow - King Tut's
May 30th - Cardiff - Clwb Ifor Bach
May 31st - Birmingham - Hare & Hounds
June 1st - London - Electric Ballroom
June 2nd - Oxford - The Bullingdon
June 3rd - Bath - Moles
June 4th - Southampton - Joiners
June 5th - Plymouth - The Underground
June 6th - Brighton - Patterns
June 8th - Norwich - Waterfront studio
June 9th - Leicester - The Cookie

TOUR DATES - USA
June 12th - Great Scott - Boston, MA
June 14th - DC9 - Washington, DC
June 15th - Mercury Lounge - New York, NY
June 16th - The Rivoli (NXNE)- Toronto, ON
June 19th - 7th Street Entry - Minneapolis, MN
June 21st - Larimer Lounge - Denver, CO
June 23rd - Popscene @ Rickshaw Stop - San Francisco, CA
June 25th - Barboza - Seattle, WA
June 26th - Lola’s @ Crystal Ballroom - Portland, OR
June 28th - Bootleg Theater (Bar Stage) - Los Angeles, CA

Nahko and Medicine for The People - NEW ALBUM AND SINGLE!

American sensations Nahko and Medicine for The People have just revealed the video for their brand new single ‘San Quentin’, which is taken from the forthcoming album HOKA which will be released on June 10^th through SideOneDummy Records and is currently available for pre-order at nahko.com.

After the roaring success of their sold-out debut visit to the UK last year and a further sold-out tour this January, Nahko and Medicine for The People will be back for a full Euro tour this August.

Euro August tour
Thurs 4^th Untold Festival, Cluj-Napoca – Romania
Sat 6^th Reggae Sun Ska, Macau – France
Mon 8^th BosTheatre, Amstelveen – Netherlands
Wed 10^th Koko, London – UK
Thurs 11^th Cheese & Grain, Frome – UK
Fri 12^th Boardmasters Festival, Newquay – UK
Sat 13^th Boomtown Fair, Hampshire – UK
Sun 14^th Lakefest, Herefordshire – UK
Wed 17^th Technikum, Munich – Germany
Thurs 18^th Columbia Theater, Berlin – Germany
Fri 19^th MS Dockville, Hamburg – Germany
Mon 22^nd Im Wizemann, Stuttgart – Germany
Tue 23^rd Batschkapp, Frankfurt – Germany
Sun 28^th Greenbelt, Kettering – UK
Mon 29^th Circolo Magnolia, Milan – Italy

Recorded with Grammy Award-winning producer Ted Hutt (The Gaslight Anthem, Old Crow Medicine Show, Lucero, Dropkick Murphys), HOKA is a very personal record with Nahko’s traditional spiritual positivity evolving into a much deeper examination of his roots and the tragic circumstances that surround his birth. 

He was adopted as a baby by a middle class, white American family in the north-west of the country and grew up playing piano at a young age - which is where he learned to respect music. 

However, disillusioned by the world around him and inspired by vagabond, Americana musicians and storytellers like Conor Oberst and Bob Dylan, Nahko left home as a teenager in search of adventure and self-discovery. Armed with stories, a guitar, and a fierce set of ideals, he set out to bridge the cultural gaps dividing his own psyche. 

It was then he found his mother on the Internet, met her, and began to learn the truth about this backstory and his true ethnicity of Puerto Rican, Native American (Apache) and Filipino descent. His self-branded ‘real talk music’ is the result of the personal journey of healing and acceptance that followed.

Because his mother was forced into human trafficking, Nahko and his mother are advocates for the anti-trafficking movement of indigenous men and women. A few years later, Nahko learned that his biological father had been murdered in 1994.  The new single ‘San Quentin’ is the result of Nahko visiting the man responsible for murdering his father - and forgiving him.  

“I didn’t really know what I was going to say to him,” Nahko explains, but as he sings, he’s “come a long way to tell you this story - there’s no turning back now.” Nahko ventured on the visit so he could get some closure after spending the majority of his life unravelling the truth of his childhood. It was important to him to forgive the man that murdered his father in person. Both the video and song are more uplifting than one would expect given the subject matter, but that is just a reflection on Nahko’s outlook on life.

"I went there to forgive this man and in forgiving him, I freed myself. It only hurts yourself to hang onto hate. Forgiveness empowers you to create change. I believe everything happens for a reason ­ good and bad. People are put in your life for a reason, and you need to turn that pain into something positive to make the world a better place." 

"Over the last three years, I've been cracked open so deeply in my own healing to really give this record my all," explains Nahko. "My style of writing and my intentions with how I put things together has evolved a lot. I'm able to better paint the picture after time on the road, seeing first­hand the emotional state of the people of the world, of how sick people are, and how much healing they need." 

Another single-to-be is the blissful acoustic epic ‘Tus Pies (Your Feet)’, which was inspired in part by Chilean poet and politician Pablo Neruda. "It's about friendship and being an anchor for someone. ‘Pies’ is the Spanish word for 'feet.' At the end of one of his poems, Neruda says a line I cherish: 'I love your feet for how they walked on the mountains and through the rivers and through the valleys until they found me.' I've always loved that picture of how we find people in life and all of the intricate twists and turns that it takes for someone to arrive." 

Nahko and his musical collective are also joined by album guests Trevor Hall, Xavier Rudd, Rising Appalachia's Leah Song, singer/songwriter Zella Day, the female trio Joseph, Hawaiian singer Hawane Rios and Pua Case, one of Nahko's spiritual teachers and Hawane's mother.

And as for the album title? "Hoka is a Lakota word, it is a call to action. It's what Crazy Horse would say when he went into battle, 'Hoka, hey!' My call is to put action to the words that I speak and the lyrics I sing. Not just to talk, but to do,"

Nahko describes his music as a mix of hip‐hop and folk rock with a world message to spread awareness of living in harmony with each other and Mother Nature. Lyrically they explore themes such as indigenous ideology and mythology, social commentary on economics and the distribution of wealth and power, youth empowerment and direct action.  You find out more in the ‘Getting To Know Nahko’ video where he gives an insight on the origin of his name and unique views on music.

The word-of-mouth sensations first came to prominence with their song ‘Aloha Ke Akua’ which has gained over 4.7million views to date on the fan made video and became a Top Ten hit on both the Billboard Top Alternative Albums and Top Heatseekers charts.

The band continues to gain members of their global tribe of like­minded fans as they spread their musical message having toured with acts as Michael Franti, Xavier Rudd, SOJA, and Trevor Hall.

#CMW Artist Showcase - RJ Comer

RJ Comer just released a new music video and is preparing to perform at Canadian Music Week. We had a nice chat him about his upcoming show.

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

RJ Comer: I have not found one “sound” I would identify as defining Canadian Music. Instead, my understanding of Canadian music comes from Canadian music fans. Playing in Canada, I noticed that Canadian music fans will turn out and passionately support indie artists, but Canadians are not trend lemmings; they aren’t seduced by “buzz” or celebrity. They make their own decisions about what they think is good, and they seem to universally agree on one requirement—the artist has to be authentic. I haven’t found Canadian music fans to be very tolerant of artists who are trying be something they’re not. So Canadian music is about being true to who are and what you’ve experienced, and resistant to any kind of pre tense.

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

RJ Comer: My road to Canadian Music Week really started on Twitter two years ago. A really quirky talented Victoria BC band – Swamp Music Players – started following me and was really into my music. They introduced me to a Canadian fan base, and I did a feature track on their 2015 LP “Timeless Cool.” Swamp Music Players encouraged me to come to Canada, so I headed up to play in Victoria and Vancouver. SMP and their fans pulled out all the stops promoting me, and we even did a show together at The Railway Club. That was in May 2015. So this year, I wanted to come back to Canada and reached out to a Canadian talent booker who had booked me in Vancouver last year. I enlisted his help getting CMW’s attention and was invited to come. I’m super honored to be accepted at CMW and to have the opportunity to again share my music with a Canadian audience.

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

RJ Comer: I’m going to be as much a fan as I am an artist, checking out as many shows as I can see while I’m in Toronto. I’m stoked to see Matt Hoyles at The Paddock on May 5. Matt’s a fantastic roots blues artist originally from New Zealand and now living in Vancouver. Matt is one of those rare solo artists who can fill a stage with his sound and his energy, employing his whole body to make the music. I discovered Matt when I was playing

British Columbia last year, and CMW is a great place to discover other inspiring artists like Matt.
As for my own show at The Paddock on May 6, I’ll say this… of the old guys playing CMW this year there’s Stevie Vai, Tommy Stinson… and me. What I mean is, most of the artists are pretty young and that’s as it should be. But what stands out about my set is it tells genuine stories from decades of hard knocks, good laughs, and many miles. Also, in appreciation of Canadian fans and CMW, I will be giving away autographed CD’s after my show while supplies last.

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

RJ Comer: First… THANKS, thanks for listening and thanks for making me feel so welcome when I first came to Canada. Admittedly, I don’t write songs that could appropriately play underneath a laundry detergent commercial. But I haven’t lived a life like the ones depicted in laundry detergent commercials. I ask anyone listening to my music to simply be willing to go on the journey with me. We will be going into some dark places, but I promise we will emerge into the light.

Hammer Records: Whats coming up for you?

RJ Comer: Thanks for asking and for giving me this opportunity to share a bit myself with your audience.

My current EP Nightly Suicide was released March 25 and is available at all on-line sources. CD’s are available at my live shows. You can find me and my music and we can interact with each other at: Website: http://www.rjcomer.com Facebook: facebook.com/RJ.Comer.Music YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6xL_S3OvLcggoBjil0KxMA
As for touring, CMW is almost the end of my Spring touring season. On May 8 I’m in Chicago at The Elbo Room, and then I’m back home in Los Angeles for a while to write some new material. I’ll be hitting the road again in September; stay tuned for dates.

#CMW Artist Showcase - New Swears

New Swears don't only play music like its their last day on Earth, they also live like its their last day on Earth! We had a quick chat with them about their upcoming show at Canadian Music Week.

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

New Swears: We think of Guitars, Drums, Amps, Saxaphones,Pianos, just rockin the provinces and Hell yeah to the territories, coast 2 coast Adult Contemporary Alternative Rock Radio, no holds barred and I'll tell ya that for free

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

New Swears: Mostly sick connex. But mostly blind luck.

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

New Swears: 1 thing, we've go over 38 crew members working day and night breeding King Cobras with Amazonian Pythons (may or may not appear at performance) and we might do a cover or two of Whitesnake's Here I go again...depends

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

New Swears: I think the great Chad Kroeger said it best-"..I'll never be the best guitar player... "

Hammer Records: Whats coming up for you?

New Swears: head on over to www.bandcamp.newswears.com and Facebook and Instagram @newswears.. newswears@gmail.com to find out.

#CMW Artist Showcase - The Census

Get your dancing shoes ready! The Census are coming to Canadian Music Week! We had a chat with the pop group about their upcoming show in Toronto.

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

The Census: A mountie sitting on a freshly cut tree stump at the peak of a snowy mountain, hammering out beautiful chords from his accordion while singing a blend of French and English lyrics.

OR innovation. Canadian bands know how to write a damn tune and are really shaking the industry. You see bands like Alvvays, Metric and City and Colour rocketing up the charts and it’s not surprising, they’ve got jams on tap.

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

The Census: We were in town last year during CMW to record “Sexy Eyes” and we decided we’d stop in to see our pals from Broncho rock a slick set at the Velvet Underground. We were halfway through convincing Ryan Lindsey to come slam out a guitar solo on our track when he got dragged away by his manager, and ever since we knew we had to go back. 

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

The Census: Our set will be pure pop-rock excellence. We’ll be tearing through our entire catalog and sprinkling in some of our favourite covers to make sure we literally set the stage on fire.

We’ve reached out to Shakira to maybe collab on a couple tunes but we’ve yet to hear back from her. Hopefully soon, she’s a busy gal.

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

The Census: Don’t be afraid to pick up an instrument and just give it hell. A couple years ago we were just a bunch of dudes who decided we wanted to entertain our friends at the local pub. And now look at us, we’re playing CMW baby!

Hammer Records: Whats coming up for you?

The Census: We’ve got a couple new tracks in the works that we’re hoping to bang out soon. We’ve got a hell of a gig coming up April 28th at Call The Office in London where we’ll be reuniting with our pals from Poor Young Things. 

You can check us on a thing called the internet

Website: www.thecensus.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thecensus

Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/the-census

Bandcamp: www.thecensus.bandcamp.com

#CMW Artist Showcase - Prairials

I haven't heard a lot of Electrofolk, but Prairlas is bringing it to Canadian Music Week! We had a quick chat with the band about their upcoming performance in Toronto.

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

Prairials: I think of Rushing through an Arcade on Fire while I try to Guess Who 

The Band was that had all those Barenaked Ladies..They were pretty 
Hip. Seriously though, Canada is and always has been full of great 
musicians. I think the world is really starting to realize what a 
major force we are in the industry.

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

Prairials: We’ve taken part in Canadian Music Week for years as stage managers 

and spectators and really support the event. This year we figured it 
was time to step up and put on a show, so we sent in an application. 
Our love for the selection committee must be mutual.

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

Prairials: Banjo. Upright Bass. Accordion. Kickass drumbeats. Video Projections. 

Mind blowing music. Just to name a few.

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

Prairials: Support.Canadian.Music. Oh, and we love you all.

Hammer Records: Whats coming up for you?

Prairials: We’ll be releasing our second album in July before heading out on a 

nation-wide tour this summer. Stay posted on our social media for 
updates on the album release, new material and to see when we’re 
playing in a city near you!

www.facebook.com/prairials
www.youtube.com/prairials
www.instagram.com/prairials
www.prairials.com

#CMW Artist Showcase - The Addington County Revue

The Addington County Revue is a band full of a great mix of genres. Listening their latest album I felt some Beatles influence, mixed with choir filled country and even some heavy 70s rock and roll flavour.  This sounds like something I would have heard on the stage of Woodstock. They are coming to Canadian Music Week and I'm sure will be leaving an impression! We had a great chat with the band about their upcoming performance in Toronto.

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

The Addington County Revue: I can only speak for myself but the first thing I think of when I hear the phrase “Canadian Music” is the short film “The Log Drivers Waltz” by the NFB that would be played on TV all the time when I was a kid – but that’s because if you were a child of the 80’s/90’s that thing was burned into your soul. The visual’s capture that lumberjack identity we seem to have but that particular version of the song seems to sound like it’s from different parts of Canada – it’s got that Maritime swing mashed with some Prairie twang. Also - who doesn’t identify with a lyric like “ The log drivers waltz pleases girls completely”?

Though when I think the music of Canada I think of the bands that have had a huge influence on The Addington County Revue (ACR) like The Guess Who, The Band, The Sheepdogs and others. Like any Canadian celebrity I feel a connection to them and their music I don’t feel I have with bands from other countries. I think of the odd music community we have. Like our own national identity it’s almost impossible to put your finger on one discernable feature. Regardless of genre it’s got a really honesty to it, an earnestness which I think comes from living in a place where there isn’t much to do but stay in and play music for almost have the year.

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

The Addington County Revue: When we started, ACR was a band that lived in different cities, even different provinces. Once we were booking more shows we ended up in Toronto. One of the many places we’ve played was The Silver Dollar Room. The booker there, Dan is his name, took a shine to us and asked if we’d like to be a part of it.

That’s a boring answer but it’s the truth. I had a whole other thing ready to go that involved a prophecy long foretold, a mystical sword with the power to unite a kingdom and a winged moose but that’s a story everyone’s heard a thousand times already.

The other truth is that we couldn’t be more excited to be playing CMW and are just looking to putting on the best show possible.

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

The Addington County Revue: The thing we’re always trying to do is put on shows rather than just sets. It’s a big part of the reason we have Revue in our name. If we could afford sets and pyrotechnics you bet your ass we’d have them. 

Hough to be honest we’re still getting our bearings having been asked to be a part of it. One element new to our band that we’ll be debuting at CMW is keys. We’re pretty guitar based but we’ve added organ and piano to our sound – which is something we’ve always wanted to do.

Still, you better believe we’ve got a few things up our sleeves and the only way to find out what we’ve got planned is to come see us.

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

The Addington County Revue: Other than: For God's sake please keep listening?

Not much. If you like it, listen to it. Doesn’t matter if it’s us or another band, doesn’t matter what genre of music. You gotta keep your ear to the ground in front of you. We’re fed a lot of stuff from the States it’s easy to forget we’ve got so much right here. Music is so universal that you can enjoy what’s on the radio, sure, but some of the real joy is discovering music and sounds you’ve just never heard of before. That’s what a lot of Canadian Bands offer, that’s what ACR offers.

The whole reason we play music is to have fun. We’re not an angsty band by any stretch of the imagination. ACR plays songs inspired by Classic Rock, Folk and Blues, styles of music that aren’t exactly cutting edge, but they’re classic for a reason. There’s a lot of new things to hear when you dip into that well and we’re one of them.  Another Canadian band once said “We’re here for a good time, not a long time” so have as much listening as we do making it.

Hammer Records: Whats coming up for you?

The Addington County Revue: Our lead guitar player has to spend the summer on his family’s farm (seriously) so our immediate plans for the next few months are to gig in and around Toronto.  Like many other Canadians we want to enjoy the summer while we’ve got it.

 

Hopefully we’ll find our way back into the studio this fall. Until then you can keep an eye out for dates like The Mansion in Kingston Ontario on June 10^th and The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto on July 15^th.

 

Head to our website www.addingtoncountyrevue.com to listen to some music, see some video and/or buy our EP. You can also pick it up on bandcamp and itunes.  To continue the boilerplate plug – please take a minute to visit and like our facebook page, which would help out a lot.

 

https://www.facebook.com/TheAddingtonCountyRevue/

 

https://theaddingtoncountyrevue.bandcamp.com/releases

 

https://www.instagram.com/addingtoncountyrevue/

 

https://vimeo.com/user14095035

 

https://vimeo.com/mbop

 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsvylt-xBqIG0A6sl7Oyheg

 

https://soundcloud.com/addington-county-revue

#CMW Artist Showcase - The New Resistants

From the Big Apple, The New Resistants are bring their Punk Rock to Canadian Music Week. We had a short chat with the band about their upcoming performance in Toronto.

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

The New Resistants: Good food, sexy people, lots of drinking, legal herb, and, oh yeah, just about the best new music coming out of anywhere in the world right now.   With dozens of bands playing over the course of a week, if you can't find something you like, then it is impossible for you to find joy in life, and you should move at once to a Siberian gulag.  CMW will be a great opportunity for us to showcase our particular brand and to meet a bunch of other bands at a comparable career level.  We are also hoping to be able to rub noses with industry people and parlay our experience into bigger and better opportunities.

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

The New Resistants: We've always known about it, and have always wanted to play it, but the nod itself came through Sonicbids.  We submitted, I guess they liked it, here we are now.

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

The New Resistants: New material and a fire set.  Our music will smack you in the face.  No hidden messages, what you see is what you get.  Wham bam thank you ma'am rock and roll that's intended to make people move.  Come to the Bovine Sex Club May 3rd if you are looking for music with danger and intrigue, and a band in less plaid.

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

The New Resistants: Do not be spectators of your own lives.  Dream big and make big.  Don't blame others for your faults and shortcomings, overcome them to reach your potential.  We love you and will be in a city near you very soon. Stay tuned for more releases in 2016!

Hammer Records: Whats coming up for you?

The New Resistants: New EP "Nothing to Do" to be released in June.  Extreme Sports and Music tour this summer.  Music available on iTunes, Spotify, all major online vendors.  Next year, SXSW 2017 and international tour.  Hopefully a record deal by the end of the year.  Always gigging in and around NY.

facebook.com/thenewresistants

soundcloud.com/thenewresistants

#CMW Artist Showcase - Punchline 13

Want to remember those Simpleplan/Good Charlotte/Bowling For Soup vibes from your childhood? Then switch on some Punchline 13. We had a quick chat with Sly Rawk from the band about their upcoming show at Canadian Music Week.

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

Punchline 13: Fun time!!! It's always a blast to be a part of this awesome festival. It's an awesome opportunity for us to meet old and new friends from this industry. We can also discover some great new bands and some weird stuff can happen too

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

Punchline 13: We've been invited.

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

Punchline 13: Well, our shows are always specials and stand out in a way... It's a celebration, it's fun... Be prepare to have a lot of fun!!

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

Punchline 13: We're living in tough and sad world these days. We're on a mission to put a smile back in people's face. We are bringing back the 90's with a modern twist!!

Hammer Records: Whats coming up for you?

Punchline 13: We are working slowly but surely on our 2nd full lenght album. We are recording a new single right now. This will be a new Summer anthem featuring some old friends from a different scene. Should be out in May. 

We're headling the Pop Dysfunction Tour from May until the end of September. So we will go almost everywhere. You can buy our first full lenght album on CD in a record store near you or the mp3 version on your favorite digital plateform.

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/punchline-13/id635474506

GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/music/artist/PUNCHLINE_13?id=A6hrcwb64g3yd3ipwtyyu7z3lmy

HMV Digital: https://www.hmvdigital.ca/artists/2113315

Website: http://www.punchline13.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Punchline13Rawk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Punchline13Rawk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/punchline13rawk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/punchline13rawk

#CMW Artist Showcase - Ray Lovely

Ray Lovely is ready to rip it up at Canadian Music Week. We had a quick chat with her about her upcoming performance in Toronto. 

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

Ray Lovely: When I think of Canadian music , I think about all of the diversity through each artists sound. Along with that I also think to myself that more Canadian music needs to be heard universally and that's something I aspire to see in the near future

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

Ray Lovely: I got involved in Canadian Music Week  through my manager who had told me about the opportunity . I applied with my EPK kit through sonic bids and that brings me to where I am now

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

Ray Lovely: My set for Canadian music week is going to be very intriguing in my opinion . I plan to get the audience on my vibe for the whole duration of me on stage ,I want them to feel my world throughout the whole performance . I will also be releasing snippets off my upcoming EP which I going to be really excicting because I want to see how my audience takes to the songs

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

Ray Lovely: The message I plan to send out to Canadians is to just go for what you want in life ,along with chasing your goals and dreams. I truly believe in what I do so I want that to speak through my performance as well to get that message across

Hammer Records: Whats coming up for you?

Ray Lovely: I have an EP coming out this summer 2016 titled "For the Bo$$es & Weirdos " which I'm excited to release ,you can look out for that on band camp ,and SoundCloud along with other social platforms. My music in general can be found on SoundCloud , YouTube , and Datpiff.com for all my remixed songs ,mixtapes and music videos. Feel free to follow me on Instagram : @officialraylovely ,Twitter : @raylov3ly ,Facebook : officialraylovely