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Jónsi and Alex Present Riceboy Sleeps at Theatre Maisonneuve
Jónsi and Alex perform their ambient album Riceboy Sleeps in its entirety featuring a 40 person orchestra!
Wandering in from the autumn dampness, we find strangers coming together for the same reason. With fans in the crowd donning Sigur Rós t-shirts and iconic Icelandic wool sweaters, one cannot help but feel that they have stumbled upon a family reunion. Once settled in their seats and with the rush of the crowd gone, each individual comes face to face with an intimate orchestra. With the conversation slowly dying and the lights falling, we are lifted with the first few notes out of our present day and brought into the world of Jónsi and Alex.
This ambient duo comprises of singer/songwriter Jón Þór Birgisson, Jónsi, who is better known as the lead singer of Sigur Rós and his partner Alex Somers, a visual artist. Jónsi and Alex have released only two albums in their career with the most famous being that of Riceboy Sleeps. Despite it being released 10 years ago, this tour was the first time they have ever performed it live. Specifically for the tour, the duo brought in the Wordless Music Orchestra, a group founded by a non musician, in efforts to create a bridge between classical and mainstream music. They have partnered with Sigur Rós in the past, as well with John Cale, Jóhann Jóhannson and Goldfrapp amongst others.
The collaboration between the two groups seemed effortless. With over 40 musicians, the Wordless Music orchestra blended seamlessly with the electronic works of Jónsi and Alex. Playing with concepts of timing and sound, the result was a genre defying ambient experience. Unlike Sigur Rós, Jónsi and Alex had no visuals to accompany their music, leaving more space for personal interpretation and listening. Looking around in the audience you could see many people closing their eyes and taking in the experience, exercising their imagination. As per usual, hardcore fans would be very pleased to hear Jónsi's classic vocalisations and to see his famous guitar and bow, which he plays like a cello.
Upon the conclusion of the concert, it seemed as if everyone was taken aback by what they had witnessed. After giving a standing ovation, the crowd neatly shuffled out. Relearning perhaps how to re-enter the real world after such a unique experience. With this performance Jónsi and Alex have brought their long awaited vision to life, which without a doubt is unmistakingly theirs.
Lisa Rupnik is a full time student at Concordia in Therapeutic Recreation, a part time arts and crafts teacher, and lover of foreign films.
An Event Showcase of Grrls Groove, an All-Female Artist Music Night in Support of the Chez Doris Women's Shelter (Photo Gallery)
An all-star lineup of Montreal female music artists gathered together to raise money for Chez Doris, a women’s shelter here in Montreal, at Casa Del Popolo on October 10th. Flying under the banner of Grrls Groove, the evening was hosted by famed CBC broadcaster Emily Brass and CJLO’s own Krystal St. John. Also in the house providing some great beats were CJLO DJs SugarFace Nene and Lady Oracle.
It was a busy night with many acts entertaining the packed room. Getting the evening started was a mesmerizing and operatic performance by Samling Productions. Next up was a solo artist that goes by the name Sattelites. She performed a trio of gritty heartfelt songs titled “Love and Disaster”, “We Got Lost”, and “Take Me”.
One of the many themes running throughout evening surrounded the struggles facing women in the male-dominated music industry. Natasha Marie’s song “The Warden” was a prime example of this. Despite her lyrical themes staying focused on gender issues, in just a few songs she crossed many musical genres from pop, gospel, and hip-hop.
Bringing some soul and R&B to the evening were the laid-back grooves of Lorelai Lahiri. Following this, Thea Cruz had the audience singing backup to her song “Stand” with the house chanting, “We’re gonna bring the storm” on repeat.
All of the above was just the first half of the evening. Even though it was an evening for the ladies, there was one man who played a very important role in getting the show off the ground and that was Mike Vo. During the show’s halftime, he held a brief trivia contest that came down to the wire with both leading contestants ending in a first-place tie, proving that everyone was a winner at this edition of Grrls Groove.
Sophie Chen kicked off the second half of the evening. Her set was a more personal approach to songcraft. One number was a love song for millennials and another, a tribute to her father who recently passed away. Taking things up a notch was hip-hop artist Talia and her in-your-face attitude with songs like “I Am Legend” and "Ain’t We Above It” which gave the evening a bit of edge.
Bringing some island warmth to a Montreal autumn evening was Odreii with her Jamaican influenced song titled “Link Up”. Closing out a full evening of Montreal’s finest female musicians (with the help of a few good men backing them up) was rocker Tatum Quinn. She started out with an original song titled “Set You Straight” of which she paired her wailing vocals against the screeching guitar of Robbie Greenfield. Her second song was a tribute to a friend battling cancer with “Really Not There”. Then, she treated the audience to a new song, just the second time played live, called “Mr. Mystery”. Nothing is better to close out a night of music than a good old-fashioned blowout and that was provided by her rousing rendition of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell.”
There was a very good turnout for the event and without a doubt this edition of Grrls Groove was a resounding success. The evening raised money for an important cause that being the Chez Doris women's shelter, with fifty percent of the proceeds going towards the woman’s shelter. It was also a success in showcasing some of Montreal’s most talented female artists.
Here are a few photos from the night.
CJLO DJ Sugarface Nene opens the Grrls Groove night.
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Krystal St. John, Host of CJLO’s "The Trend".
A touch of the classics with Samling Productions.
Home-spun truth with the Sattelites project.
Singer-songwriter Natasha Marie delivers a profound set early on in the night.
Soul and R&B artist Lorelai Lahiri.
Trea Cruz brought the storm.
CJLO DJs Lady Oracle (left), Sugarface Nene (center), and Mike Vo (Right).
CBC journalist and radio personality Emily Brass.
Sophie Chen sings songs about millennials and their often unhighlighted issues.
Talia bringing the attitude.
Reggae and tropical artist Odreii.
Tatum Quinn rocking Casa Del Popolo.
A post-show shot of all the women who made this event possible.
Montreal Vision Zero, Quebec Adopts Bill 2, Hong Kong's Pro-Democracy Halloween
Ahmad Moujtahed
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LOCAL
The city of Montreal will be working in collaboration with the SPVM to help promote pedestrian awareness. According to the city's statistics, 14 pedestrians die each year. Of these fatalities, 60% involve people over 65 years old.
As part of the city's Vision Zero plan, the city will begin installing new pedestrian lights with longer counts and new signal sounds. The city will also be working with the boroughs to encourage creating a five-metre clearance at intersections to increase pedestrian visibility.
Speed limits on main streets will be reduced to 40 km/h and to 30km/hour on residential streets. The plan also aims to improve the bike path network across the city and will work towards developing an express bike path throughout the city.
NATIONAL
The CAQ government has adopted Bill 2, a new law on cannabis consumption. As of Jan 1, 2020, the legal age to use marijuana in Quebec will rise from 18 to 21.
According to CTV news, Junior Health Minister Lionel Carmant tabled the bill, and said that it was created to protect young, developing brains from the risks associated with using marijuana.
One of the first to criticize the government’s passage of Bill 2, was the Quebec Cannabis Industry Association who said that the new law will only steer young Quebecers to the black market for cannabis.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also criticized Quebec's plan to raise the age limit to 21, saying it could leave an opening for organized crime.
INTERNATIONAL
Thousands of Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters plan to join clubbers in the party district of Lan Kwai Fong on Halloween night.
Protesters plan to wear now-banned face masks and march without police permission from a park in the Causeway Bay shopping district through the bar streets of Wan Chai.
Many are expecting a potentially dangerous Halloween. Honk Kong police said they would close some roads on Halloween night to facilitate public celebration. Police also warned that members of the public should avoid traveling to the concerned area when public disorder occurs.
CJLO Celebrates its 20th Anniversary with Legal Vertigo and The Operators in a Sonically-Charged Celebration (Photo Gallery)
It was twenty years ago around this time when CJLO got its start. The year was 1999 - Jeopardy was at its peak and The Sixth Sense (I see dead people!) was just released. Montreal even had a baseball team and the Canadiens failed to make the playoffs, which was the closest the world came to ending despite all of the Y2K hysteria. Cher had a number one hit with “Believe” and Britney Spears was doing it “One More Time.”
To mark this momentous occasion of CJLO’s 20 years, we teamed up with Greenland Entertainment and co-presented an evening of music at Theatre Fairmount. Electronic pop groups Legal Vertigo and The Operators, both from Montreal, played to a packed room in momentous fashion. Here’s what happened that night.
The audience was in a celebratory mood from the very first act. Legal Vertigo is led by lead singer Andrew Woods and backup vocals/guitarists Basia Bulat and Pallice. The band played songs from their up-coming album Tragic Future Film Star, which is due out in November. One of the more memorable tunes was "Napster Vertigo", which was the former name of the band according to lead singer Woods, but was changed in fear of litigation and more importantly, an enormous lawyer bill. Legal Vertigo played a song titled "Now is Better Than Before" and after their 40-minute set one would have to agree with the track’s title. Memorably, Woods' dance moves and personable persona primed the audience for The Operators, CJLO anniversary-bash headliners.
The Operators is the latest project by Wolf Parade vocalist/guitarist Dan Boeckner. The band also features Devojka on synths/vocals and drummer Sam Brown and are actually currently on tour with Legal Vertigo promoting their latest material. The electronic power trio basked in the glow of an omnipresent backdrop projection lending unnerving visuals to the already-unnerving harmonics.
Finishing their east coast tour promoting new albums, the audience had the pleasure of welcoming the two bands back to Montreal. By the end of the night after two energized sets both Legal Vertigo and The Operators proved there that there’s always something special about hometown concerts.
We can only imagine what the 40th birthday party will be like! Will people arrive via flying electric cars? Will the bands be playing on a levitating stage? Maybe the party will be simulcasted to a hotel on mars. Whatever the case, our future selves will be hard-pressed to top CJLO’s 20th birthday bash.
Here are a few photos from the event:
1. CJLO staff Stephen and Jessica manning the merch booth. CJLO is in the house!
2. Members of Legal Vertigo lending some powerful backup featuring Basia Bulat on guitar.
3. Andrew Woods of Legal Vertigo can dance, sing, and play keyboards.
4. Legal Vertigo under the bright lights.
5. Devojka of The Operators showing her skills with the soundboard.
6. Dan Boeckner of The Operators delivered energetic vocals from the first to last note of the performance.
7. The Operators: electronic pop group heading for the stars.
8. The Operators with their new album cover art in the background.
9. CJLO's publicity poster designed by art director Angelica Calcagnile.
10. A slice of home at the merch booth.
Here's to another 20 at CJLO!
Animation Filmmaker Chris Dainty Discusses His New Film "Shannon Amen" with At The Movies Host Remi Caron (Audio)
For At The Movies Reviews on location Remi was able to chat with Chris Dainty about his short animated feature Shannon Amen being showcased at this year's
Festival Du Nouveau Cinéma. Using Animation (2D, Stop motion, and Icemation) along with archival footage, Dainty brings his friend
Shannon Jamison’s story along with her art to life. Remi chatted about the animation techniques used to tell the story, as well as Dainty's process of emotions while making the film.
Remi is the host of At The Movies which features everything new and noteworthy in the world of cinema. The show goes live every Tuesday at 8:00 AM.
Two Children And Father Found Dead In Hochelaga Home, #Wexit, Protests In Lebanon
Ahmad Moujtahed
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LOCAL
Montreal police are investigating after a father and his two children were found dead in a home in the borough of Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve.
The children, a seven-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl, were discovered by their mother as she returned home from work on Tuesday October 22.
Investigators believe the father killed his children before taking his own life. Sources say there were signs of violence on the children’s bodies. An autopsy report will be conducted to confirm the cause of the deaths.
NATIONAL
Justin Trudeau: “And to Canadians in Alberta and Saskatchewan, know that you are an essential part of our great country. I've heard your frustration and I want to be there to support you. Let us all work hard to bring our country together.”
In his victory speech, Liberal leader Justin Trudeau addressed Albera and Saskatchewan where some residents are calling for separation. The Alberta separatist movement, Wexit, has grown in popularity on social media after the Liberals won a minority government.
Wexit is calling for the separation of western Canada from the rest of the country. The separation movement is expected to heat up as feelings of anger and alienation are mounting, according to political analysts in Mount Royal University.
The mayors of Edmonton and Calgary hope that the federal government will work with them on issues that are important to the cities.
INTERNATIONAL
Thousands of protesters in Lebanon are demonstrating for a sixth consecutive day, despite emergency reforms announced by the prime minister.
According to Al Jazeera, demonstrations in Lebanon began last week over the government's plan to impose new taxes, but have since widened into calls for the entire political class to step down.
The protests have been spontaneous, lacking leadership or organisation and remarkably devoid of sectarian tinge. Despite the reforms, the government could not contain the anger of a population that is tired of economic stagnation, corruption and a lack of basic public services.
NDP seeks special voting ballots for Manitoba's displaced First Nations
October 21, 2019
The NDP are placing a request for special ballots this week to allow nearly 6 thousand displaced first nations people to vote after a devastating Manitoba snowstorm. The storm disabled several utility poles and cause power outages across the southern Winnipeg area forcing the relocation of many first nations people affected to hotels and emergency shelters.
CBC News reports NDP Lawyer Megan Atkinson sent a letter to Elections Canada last Friday requesting they utilize their ability to adapt voting procedures in a state of emergency. Atkinson urged the organization to provide special ballots, move polling stations closer to the temporary shelters or provide mobile polls for evacuees. “This is particularly important to the First Nations community which has been historically and systemically disenfranchised,” Atkinson says in her letter. Elections Canada set up a polling station at the University of Winnipeg and provided shuttle services to these stations.
Manitoba Hydro has said that evacuees could return home soon, Atkinson believes, however, that in the case of evacuees it would be unrealistic to expect displaced voters to travel from the cities outskirts to the core to vote only to return home and be expected to move home. Concessions have already been made for Manitoba Hydro workers currently attempting to restore power. Hundreds of these workers will be able to vote near job sites while in the field despite the fact that the special ballot vote deadline has passed. While power has not been restored Elections Canada says it will welcome electors at their assigned community polling stations today with some reduced hours. Updates may be found at elections.ca.
Ateteken Street, First Nations Emergency Vote, Dallas Tornado
Voice Harley Martin
Stories Evan Linsday & Luca Caruso-Moro
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LOCAL
Amherst Street has officially been renamed to Ateteken Street.
Amherst Street was named after British general Jeffrey Amherst who advocated to kill Indigenous people by distributing blankets carrying smallpox.
Ateteken translates to the concept of togetherness and partnership in the Mohawk language.
INDIGENOUS
The NDP are placing a request for special ballots this week to allow nearly 6 thousand displaced First Nations people to vote after a devastating Manitoba snowstorm.
The storm disabled several utility poles and caused power outages across the southern Winnipeg area forcing the relocation of many First Nations people affected to hotels and emergency shelters.
Megan Atkinson, the NDP’s lawyer sent a letter to Elections Canada last Friday requesting they utilize their ability to adapt voting procedures in a state of emergency.
WORLD
Tens of thousands were left without power after a tornado ripped through Dallas, Texas early Monday morning.
There have been no reported deaths, however state officials say several residents have been hospitalized.
Mashrou' Leila at Club Soda, October 9, 2019
Club Soda hosted the band Mashrou’ Leila last Wednesday for a night of performances, music, dance and video projection. The group did not disappoint using years of experience to entertain their fans, who tightly filled the small venue.
Mahshou’ Leila originates from an interesting place. What began as an open space for students to jam at the American University of Beirut turned into a meeting point for the four artists that now form the band: lead singer Hamed Sinno, violinist Haig Papazian, percussionist Carl Gerges and Firas Abou Fakher who plays the keyboard, guitar and bass. They use their lived experience to talk about issues that impact them and the people closest to them such as mental health, armed conflict, racism, toxic masculinity, homophobia, unstable political situations and well beyond.
Sinno also talked about their recent ban from Egypt. Their last concert in Egypt was in Sept. 2017 at the Music Park Festival in Cairo. The turnout was huge with 35 000 people showing up. It was a wonderful and monumental performance. But the next day they got news that people got arrested for waving rainbow flags and other pro-LGBT gestures among other reasons. They were officially banned afterwards.
“We weren’t even sure we were gonna keep performing after that,” said Sinno during a phone interview.
But their true message transcends the injustice they face as a band. They want to convey a message of resilience for the people listening.
“This song is about learning that some fights can’t be won,” said Sinno introducing the new song “Cavalry” about the ban, “and sometimes all you can do is say ‘f*ck you’ and walk away.”
What makes the band special is their relatability with the people who share their lived experiences as first generation immigrants and racialized minorities who sought to settle down in another country only to be faced with a plethora of different social issues. They speak to a whole new generation of people who choose to see themselves as citizens of the world and not as individuals defined by the confines of their nation.
But, of course, Mashrou’ Leila’s fanbase goes beyond Arabic speakers or members or various diasporas. Mashrou’ Leila is a staple of the indie and independent music scene. They have set a precedent and an example for artists around the world who choose to trust the internet over record labels and the people in power to get their music out to their audience. They prove that anyone can gain an audience if they have something powerful to say and a public to charm, impact and, more importantly, represent.
In a rapidly growing age of Spotify and music streaming platforms, more people than ever before are listening to music in languages foreign to them. We are shifting from language-restricted content to a new era of music consumption that is curated to a humanity that is increasingly embracing globalization. American music, K-Pop, Spanish pop, Mashrou’ Leila … isn’t music just music? The answer seems obvious, but the band reinforces the point for people who may not have gotten it yet.
The concert opened with the Montreal-based rapper Narcity. With a rap style that combines humour, insight and intellect, Narcity discussed serious themes such as the ongoing Yemen genocide and conflict in Iraq where he is originally from. In the crowd stood a sea of Montrealers with a very similar lived experience.
Mashrou’ Leila played songs from their recent compilation album The Beirut School such as “Radio Romance” and classics like “Raksit Leila”. Their show was electric. Fans got to dance and sing along to their favourites but also hear the pain and emotion in Sinno’s voice performing “Marrikh” in a dark room with a video projection of stars in space.
Mashrou’ Leila is notorious for having cynical lyrics but, like Sinno says, pessimism often comes from a place of being optimistic that the world can change. They combined their cynicism with jovial music, flamboyant adornments and several tricks up their sleeve, one being the lead singer’s white microphone he pulled out mid song or bursting into contemporary dance during a musical bridge.
What felt the most special was the band’s love and connection with their fanbase. They treated the crowd like long lost friends talking to them and laughing with them.
And for people like me who didn’t understand a single word that was sung, I felt like I understood everything that was said. I left the venue hopeful for the future of music - and of the world - one that I hope will be coloured by many different languages.
Jean-Philippe Giroux is the host of Hidden Gems, a show focusing on artists outside the realm of popular music in Canada. It plays every Thursday at 3:00 PM EST.
Sustainable MTL, Hunger Strike, MLK Facebook
Luca Caruso-Moro
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LOCAL
Montreal is expected to open public consultations on a new waste reduction plan next month.
CBC News is reporting every Montrealer will need to cut their waste by 10 kilograms per year to reach a zero-waste goal by 2030.
Other plans include a refurbished recycling plan and reduction of single use plastics.
INDIGENOUS
The Kanesatake hunger strike has continued for over one week.
Al Harrington, an Ojibway man from Shoal Lake 39 began his hunger strike on October 11th to pressure the federal government to impose a short term moratorium on all development on Kanesatake traditional territory.
Harrington addressed the public via Facebook live on Thursday.
HARRINGTON “My health is good. I really want to stress that out, that I’m being staking care of here in the community. … I’m going to continue on until The Creator helps us, guides us.”
WORLD
Mark Zuckerberg is coming under fire from Martin Luther King Jr.’s daughter after the CEO referenced Dr. King in a landmark speech.
ZUCKERBERG “In times of social tension our impusle is often to pull back on free expression. Because, we want the progress that comes of free expression, but not the tension. We saw this when Martin Luther King Jr. wrote his famous Letter From a Birmingham Jail, when he was put in jail for protesting peacefully.“
Zuckerberg gave a 30 minute address at Georgetown University on Thursday defending free speech on Facebook.
King’s daughter, Bernice King, tweeted her reaction to the speech, writing quote “I’d like to help Facebook better understand the challenges #MLK faced from disinformation campaigns launched by politicians. These campaigns created an atmosphere for his assassination.”
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