Make History Talent Search - Ten Minute Detour

This indie garage band, Ten Minute Detour, are spreading their music across Canada! We had a quick chat with them about the Make History Talent Search.

Hammer Records: When you think of Jim Beam, what comes to mind? Any crazy Jim Beam stories?
Ten Minute Detour: I think bourbon, and I think Kentucky. As far as crazy stories with Jim Beam, I'm sure there are a bunch that I can't recall, which could be a good thing, or not. We drove down to Nashville to record our latest album with ex-Cage the Elephant guitarist, Lincoln Parish. I can vividly remember driving through Kentucky in October and admiring the trees and thinking how beautiful the landscape was, which led me to even include 'The Derby' in one of our new songs.

Hammer Records: What do you think of battle of the band competitions? Do they help or hinder the local music scene?
Ten Minute Detour: We like to not like them. I think most bands aren't too fond of them. They're all quite different but there's always a sense that politics are in play, which is a part of everyday life I guess. Some competitions focus on making money, which is bullshit, because the bands who work hard selling tickets and getting people in the door, often see little to nothing in return. It's just tough to say 'this band is better than that band', when there are so many kickass artists all working their asses off to make a splash. That said, often bands are looking for exposure, and these come down to that. Not who's the best, but who's going to play in front of a new crowd, who's going to get new listeners.

Hammer Records: What do you think makes the Calgary music scene different and stand out compared to the rest of Canada? When people think Calgary they think country.
Ten Minute Detour: Sure there's a lot of incredible folk and country artists, some of the best. What some people don't know is that there is this cool rocknroll, underground indie, beer-soaked punk scene that sees some awesome bands play on any given night. All it takes is one Wednesday night out at Broken City where you can find Rockin’ for dollars, a game show themed night, where up to 10 bands perform to spin a wheel of awesomeness, all for a $3 cover. The best part is, anyone can play!! It's a super tight knit community of musicians who are interested in supporting each other, and we've got some awesome festivals such as Sled Island, The Big Winter classic, among others, that see more eclectic Canadian bands. We also have the National Music Centre, which makes us the music capitol of Canada, no?

Hammer Records: If you could send a message to the judges, what would it be?
Ten Minute Detour: Pick an artist that is tenacious and relevant in today's music scene, determined to pursue their craft, will work towards a global reach and further promote the Canadian music scene. Choose the artist who is marketable, determined, and willing to make this their career.

To find out more about Ten Minute Detour go check out their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/TenMinuteDetour/

Make History Talent Search - The Nursery

Toronto favorites, The Nursery, is bringing their eargasmic tunes to the world.  We spoke to the band about their thoughts on the Jim Beam Make History Talent Search.

Hammer Records: When you think of Jim Beam, what comes to mind? Any crazy Jim Beam stories?
The Nursery: At first, I think hmm...'Jim Beam', must be some cosmic cowboy with a raygun. Jimmy Beam! Quickest scoundrel on this side of the galaxy. But this Jim, he's different. He came from southern Kentucky, made some bourbon, and wants you to know about it.

Hammer Records: What do you think of battle of the band competitions? Do they help or hinder the local music scene?
The Nursery: Competitions set up precedents for a winner and loser. It's not productive to essentially name artists as "losers" in a purely subjective field. However, I feel healthy competition does often inspire more grit and determination to rise up to a challenge, wherein handouts from friends or peers don't encourage anything. We rather be challenged to better and prove ourselves rather than rest on laurels of unconditional support. Competitions need to be on top of how they are run and made sure they are inspiring hard work and not running a glorified popularity contest.

Hammer Records: What do you think makes the Toronto music scene different and stand out compared to the rest of Canada?
The Nursery: Toronto has probably the most culturally diverse community of performers. Where else can you find singer-songwriters, hip-hop voices, folk artists, rock bands, punks, metal musicians and DJ's performing within blocks from each other? It's a melting pot of genres, experiments, and ideas.

Hammer Records: If you could send a message to the judges, what would it be?
The Nursery: Cultivate and spot truly unique talent when you can. You're the seasoned industry vet right? We all need authenticity more than ever right now. Don't make it a popularity contest or make a decision based off a trending flavor of the month (or year). You know better. Take a risk. Discover the new Bjork, Bowie or Cobain. Not the ones who emulate them. They'll be the kids who are a little rougher around the edges. Who didn't rehearse every word and movement. There's so much locked up inside them they often don't know how to wield their powers. They need your guidance and vision!

Check out more about The Nursery on their Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/thisisthenursery/

Make History Talent Search - Good Kid

Computer Science brought them together, but music binds them together. We had a great chat with GOOD KID about their shot at the Make History Talent Search.

Hammer Records: When you think of Jim Beam, what comes to mind? Any crazy Jim Beam stories?
Good Kid: Once while the band was on tour in Budapest, we were  overtaken by a gang of bandits, they held us at gunpoint while they riffled through what little we had in our van, taking all that was valuable. It wasnt until they found the single bottle of Jim Beam® Double Oak we had stashed away in the glove box that they had a change of heart. It seems that although they were hard done by and had turned to a life of crime to make ends meet, the realization that we too enjoyed the intense caramel and toffee flavors of Jim Beam's finest, made the act of theft all to real. What started out as robbery turned into a friendship that night, and we keep in touch with the gang to this day.

Hammer Records: What do you think of battle of the band competitions? Do they help or hinder the local music scene?
Good Kid: In general we're not really a fan of the battle of the bands type shows. Typically they're run by promotion companies built to take advantage of bands. The bands playing don't get paid but they get pressure to sell tickets, you play for "exposure" which is very rarely a good thing. There's a lot of scam type organizations in Toronto that run these things so you need to be careful. 

That being said Make History Talent Search did a great job. There was no charge at the door, we were treated really well, there was no pressure put on us from the promoters, and we got to play with some amazing bands in front of a ton of people. If all the battle of the bands that happened were like this one then I would say they're amazing for the local music scene.

Hammer Records: What do you think makes the Toronto music scene different and stand out compared to the rest of Canada?
Good Kid: The music scene stands out for the same reason that the city stands out from not only other cities in Canada but the rest of the world, we're one of the most diverse cities out there. There's so many different voices in Toronto, and you can enjoy them all, borrow from them and create things with a wide array of influences. 

Hammer Records: If you could send a message to the judges, what would it be?
Good Kid: Thanks for coming out, next time pick us!

To find out more about Good Kid, go to their Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/goodkidband/

CBC Searchlight - The Fig & The Flame

We spoke with the Calgary musicians about their thoughts on the CBC Searchlight contest. This duo are spreading their brand of folk music across Canada.

Hammer Records: Is this the first time you’ve entered into the CBC Searchlight Contest?
The Fig & The Flame: It is! Our friends have entered in previous years and we've witnessed the incredible community building aspect of being involved; learning about other Canadians in the same boat as us, hearing their tunes, and sharing one of ours. Win or no win, entering this year was a no-brainer for us!

Hammer Records: Which of the prizes are you most excited about?
The Fig & The Flame: A two-week song-writing workshop would be incredible, and with a mentor present, we could really learn to capitalize on our strengths and grow where we're weak. As emerging artists, any kind of word-of-mouth momentum and funding would make a huge difference. To be recognized among all of these insanely talented acts would mean so much to us, and make such a difference in our journey as a band.

Hammer Records: How would you describe your music to a brand new listener?
The Fig & The Flame: If a blues singer and a Celtic nymph walked into a bluegrass bar and ordered a folk tune pint, and the bartender poured a delicious brew of cascading harmonies, it might be a The Fig & The Flame tune.

Hammer Records: What made you pick the piece of music/video to enter?
The Fig & The Flame: Hundred Lips is a "tough love" kind of song. It's a call to the act of loving one another on a global level. It was written before some of the most notable volatile developments took place in North America in recent months, but seems like something worthy of sharing at this moment.

Hammer Records: If you could send a message to the judges, what would it be?
The Fig & The Flame: First we'd say thanks for having a listen, we hope you enjoyed! We hope you find what we have to say relevant and the sound of our music fresh!

Check out more about The Fig & The Flame on their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/figandflame/

CBC Searchlight - Claire Ness

We had a nice chat with Claire Ness about her entry into this years CBC Searchlight contest. Hailing from Whitehorse, shes bringing her unique brand of Folk-Jazz-Blues-Swing-Country to the rest of Canada.

Hammer Records: Is this the first time you’ve entered into the CBC Spotlight Contest?
Claire: This is my third time entering Searchlight. This is by far the most stressful time I entered Searchlight. Haha! I have a 10 month old baby now, and I was preparing for the release of my new album "On the Trail". Added to that was the fact I don't have the internet right now so I ended up parked outside my friend's house at -30C, hijacking her internet while the baby slept in the back, in order to upload my video for the deadline. I had almost given up, but then my umpteenth try finally worked! All to say, getting past all the obstacles made this year felt like the first time.

Hammer Records: Which of the prizes are you most excited about?
Claire: Wow. Well they are all such incredible prizes. I think I am most excited about the Banff residency. Although, a shitload of money and equipment is always appreciated too.

Hammer Records: How would you describe your music to a brand new listener?
Claire: Country meets jazz cabaret. Roots Ragtime. Bluesy folk.

Hammer Records: What made you pick the piece of music/video to enter?
Claire: I chose my song "Waffle Boarding" - a hockey themed song - because I felt like it would reach out to the bulk of Canadians eh! Plus it's just such a fun little video.

Hammer Records: If you could send a message to the judges, what would it be?
Claire: I am grateful for the opportunity to have my work seen and heard nationally. And thank you for choosing me as one of the TOP 10 from the North!

To find out more about Claire Ness, go to her Facebook page here:
 https://www.facebook.com/clairenessmusic/

Make History Talent Search - The Ruffled Feathers

Jim Beam teamed up with Canadian Music Week to find some of the best talent in the country. We spoke with The Ruffled Feathers about their upcoming show at the Roxy.

Hammer Records: When you think of Jim Beam, what comes to mind? Any crazy Jim Beam stories?
The Ruffled Feathers: When I think Jim Beam I think bourbon, which makes me think old fashions and whiskey sours. No crazy stories really, just a liquor cabinet that is getting too small because I have a lot of curiosity when it comes to making nice drinks.

Hammer Records: What do you think of battle of the band competitions? Do they help or hinder the local music scene?
The Ruffled Feathers: Battle of the Bands can be a lot of fun. It's a great way to get to know and connect with more artists. Every contest is different and the opportunities they create can make a difference for a lot of artists. I think they can be especially useful for new artists.

Hammer Records: What do you think makes the Vancouver music scene different and stand out compared to the rest of Canada?
The Ruffled Feathers: Vancouver has a lot of talent and the community just keeps getting stronger. There is a lot of outreach when it comes to music education and supporting artists with the tools and skills needed to succeed. We haven't had much of a chance to play elsewhere in Canada. BC is really when it comes to our music.

Hammer Records: What do fans have to look forward to in your performance on Thursday? Anything special? New songs? Surprises?
The Ruffled Feathers: We have a new full length album coming out early this summer. We'll be doing three songs from that recording.

Hammer Records: If you could send a message to the judges, what would it be?
The Ruffled Feathers: Thanks for listening!

Follow more of the Ruffled Feathers on their Facebook page here:
 https://www.facebook.com/pg/theruffledfeathers/

CBC Searchlight - Prescilla

We chatted with Toronto musician Prescilla about her entry into the CBC Searchlight Contest.

Hammer Records: Is this the first time you’ve entered into the CBC Spotlight Contest?
Prescilla: Last year was the first time. I entered in my first single LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B23WjNnplM

This year, I entered  I LOVED YOU, off my debut album MUSIC THERAPY which I self produced.

Hammer Records: Which of the prizes are you most excited about?
Prescilla: I'm most excited about the opportunity, not so much about the prizes. The opportunity to be seen and heard by the amazing artist panel is  an honour, sincerely!

Hammer Records: How would you describe your music to a brand new listener?
Prescilla: Prescilla Una is mix of Alanis Morestte, Lana Del Ray m Jewel and Modonna

Hammer Records: What made you pick the piece of music/video to enter?
Prescilla: I lOVED YOU is a great example of my music arrangements. This song has two separate movements that complement my story telling and singing. Also, the Director and I really laboured over the visuals to match the song writing and feel. This is a hit in my eyes!

Hammer Records: If you could send a message to the judges, what would it be?
Prescilla: I've been in music since I was a kid, professionally since 2012. I'm an indie solo artist with enough skills and talents to not only help myself, but help other indie artists to succeed. I've organized events specifically in the Toronto indie community so that we al grow together in the scene. I feel its time for me to level up in my career, I'm READY! Thank you for taking the time to hear my music and to learn about  me and my life story in music.

To find out more about Prescilla's music go to her Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/PRESCILLATORONTO