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From Local to Legend at POP Montreal with Masters of Soul: Mavis Staples, Clerel and Hanorah
Every now and again, a performer stops through Montreal bringing not just a prowess and artistry that impresses, but a living, embodied history. On Sunday, September 29th at the Rialto Theatre, POP Montreal offered one such show. Mavis Staples - a woman who worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King alongside her father and sisters as part of The Staples Singers, sang in President Obama’s White House and has collaborated with everyone from Bob Dylan to Hozier - graced the Montreal audience with the divine power of gospel, soul, and blues.
In a dashing instance of soul stars aligning, POP Montreal called on two of the city’s oft-hyped soulful singer-songwriters to introduce Ms. Staples. Starting around 8pm, Hanorah greeted a relaxed audience with a solo Stratocaster-accompanied performance of several songs from her latest critically acclaimed EP For the Good Guys and the Bad Guys, including ingenious renditions of “Long Road” and “Saturn Return”. Besides the obvious connections one could make to the soul sisters of yesteryear like Janis Joplin, Sass Jordan, or Merry Clayton, Hanorah subtly and graciously lets you know her music does not tread on old turf. It is rare to hear a voice with a capacity of calling on a history of incredible vocalists while also moving forward in a direction that is 100% original. Best of all, Hanorah’s songs of empowerment not only left the audience with smiles on their faces and warmth in their hearts, but set the tone for what was to come later in the evening.
Following a quick intermission, the crowd was dazzled by the soft, genuine vocal stylings of Clerel. Equally understood as Montreal’s answer to Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, and Leon Bridges, Clerel stands as a prime example of a singer who can always adequately harness the power of subtlety and grace. Without any vocal pyrotechnics, he asserts himself through genuine, heart-wrenching soul and a knack for writing catchy, relatable tunes. Accompanied by his own guitar, Clerel journeyed through intimate renditions of songs off of his EP titled Songs From Under a Guava Tree such as “Blackstone”, “Wild Things”, and “Lonely Dance”. With a debonair presence and arresting falsetto, Clerel is as much a proponent of modern soul music in general as he is a behemoth in the Montreal scene.
With everyone now teased with gracious helpings of soul music hors-d’oeuvres, Mavis Staples emerged to a roaring crowd before jumping into a raucous performance of “If You’re Ready”. Indeed, we were ready to be taken to the gates of gospel-soul heaven. The Rialto Theatre became “The Church of Mavis Staples” as the artist gave genuinely amazing life advice with claims like “it’s nice to be nice. So if you see me, you better smile”, as well as her consistent crowd interaction during various soulful sonic climaxes. The setlist itself served as a narrative for Mavis’ epic 7-decade career by calling up on extended versions of classics like “Respect Yourself” and a Funkadelic cover of “Can You Get to That”, to newer tracks like 2017’s “Build a Bridge” and “We Get By” off her latest Ben Harper-produced LP of the same name. With a set-closing cover of The Band’s “The Weight” (on which she sang in 1976’s The Last Waltz) and a nearly 10 minute encore of “I’ll Take You There”, Mavis Staples proved that if soul music is categorized by anything, it is “joy, happiness and pos-i-tive vibrations”. This is a performer who - along with her minimal three-piece band and two backing vocalists - shared the healing power of music through energy, empowerment, and soaring vocals. It was an evening that truly made you glad to be a part of this lovely human species.
While Mavis brought with her a history of culture and deep soul, the evening’s performances at the Rialto succinctly demonstrated the beautiful development of soul in Montreal. Not only does this city crave the sounds of acts like the Staples Singers, it is carving out a niche of its own through emerging artists like Clerel and Hanorah who are gradually establishing the *Montreal sound* of soul. Not only was the night’s music beautiful and satisfying, but the satisfaction of knowing that Montreal stands proud as a city of soul was equally fulfilling.
You can hear an intimate conversation with Clerel on Soul’d Out! Monday, October 7th at 8pm, only on CJLO 1690 AM.
Lou Raskin is the host of Soul’d Out!, the show that celebrates soul, R&B, and funk in all its forms with weekly playlists and interviews with emerging local artists. Tune in every Monday at 8pm EST on CJLO 1690 AM.
Q&A Interview with Sara-Claudia Ligondé
September 25th, 2019 marked the premiere of Being Black in Canada, a documentary film project that was part of the Montreal International Black Film Festival (MIBFF). As stated on the website, the festival was created in 2005 by the Fabienne Colas Foundation and is currently the largest Canadian film festival entirely dedicated to black realities from all four corners of the world. The project featured fifteen short films centered around telling black stories from the perspective of young black Canadian filmmakers based in Montreal, Toronto, and Halifax. The documentary topics range from immigration and identity, to family and mental health. CJLO had the chance to speak with filmmaker and director Sara-Claudia Ligondé about her film “Rest is a Right” – a collaborative project with community activist and poet Shanice Nicole that focuses on the everyday life of a black girl living in Montreal and her struggle with finding rest.
Hey Sara! I read that you said, “existing can feel like a weight”. Can you explain that?
Being black in Montreal or anywhere…the world is anti-black and so we’re always going to say it’s one sort of racism, one way or another. Whether it’s Islamophobia, xenophobia…just because we’re different, right? The weight of having society being so anti-black definitely affects my life.
This can affect you in certain places it shouldn’t, right? Certain places where you should be able to find rest?
For one, yes, the places where I should find rest. However, even outside of [those] places, I should be able to complain about what white people complain about.
Recounting an experience when she asked a barista for more cream in her coffee and was made to feel as though her manner of asking was inappropriate and even offensive, Sara explains that “this dude basically called me a bitch because I wanted more cream in my coffee; something that I initially paid for.” Expressing any sort of dissatisfaction with life is a threat to white supremacy because they then have to realize that they aren’t treating you fairly. There’s no benefit for them to help you.
Did any surprises come up during filming?
I knew that Shanice [Nicole] was wise, and she ended up being wiser [in person]. She was dropping all these bombs of knowledge that only she could have. I’m so grateful that she was a part of this. My time management is not the best and it was somewhat challenging to plan this film and come into my own as a director, but this project helped me hone my skills. That’s definitely one good thing.
Do you feel as though your film speaks for the majority of black women in Montreal?
It’s very specific to the person in the film. Shanice has seen terrible subject matter that I personally might not want to subject myself to. The diversity of our lives makes this film what it is. We are really just trying to tell our own stories. At the same time, I do think black women [in general] will relate. We are doing a lot.
What impact do you want your film to have?
I want people to check on their strong friends because they might not be as strong as you think. A friend once said that she didn’t think to check in with me because I always seem to be fine, but that is not always the case. I should not have to start crying to be cared for. As Shanice said, if you think that I’m human but you’re not going to take care of my emotions, then you’re clearly not seeing me as a whole person. A real person should be able to express a range of emotions, and I’m not allowed to do that.
How has the overall experience of the festival been for you?
It’s amazing. I’m so happy, so grateful. Everyone has been so great. It’s been amazing to see a group come together for black people in the first place. The festival has been good. So so so so good!
Sara went on to express her excitement for the future, a shared sentiment between those who attended this year’s festival. The young filmmakers have dedicated time and effort towards sharing black stories; stories that are relatively unseen. As Sara and the rest of the talented filmmakers set their sights on new projects, one certainly feels hopeful for what is to come in Canadian black cinema.
Akeem Johnson is the co-host of The Kitchen, a show that blends everything from trap music to afrobeat. It plays every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m EST.
Look Vibrant Performs One Last Time at POP Montreal
The night at The Diving Bell Social Club was set to be a big deal, it was Montreal’s very own Look Vibrant’s last show during the POP Montreal International Music Festival. A funky weird strange and transformative band that was constantly changing its skin, released their new album, Cherish Everything; a cumulative album of all the human stories and souls that inspired the band members. While this was Look Vibrant’s last show, they promised to be back with new music in the future.
The night started out with Poppies, a New York City band which Fader Magazine accurately describes as “delicious guitar angst for friends”. Alexia Avina’s beautiful and moving set gave me a heart chakra-yoga teacher vibe. Alexia sat on the stage with her guitar surrounded by distorters and synths. Her music carried you on a gentle breeze through the cloud time-lapse projection playing behind her. She was so captivating, that the entire audience sat down on the dusty floor and swayed to her music. I was about the cry the whole time.
LAPS, the third band to perform, was a total vibe change and blew me away. Very weird and cool, but different and interesting music. They sounded like an original mix of Siouxsie and the Banshees, early Sleater-Kinney, and Talking Heads. Each of their songs had many layers to it and would change halfway through, keeping the attention of the audience. LAPS is from Montreal and released their new album, Soon Not Often In It, last May.
Finally, the band that everyone was waiting for took the stage. Look Vibrant’s last time on stage, for the foreseeable future, definitely fulfilled what artist’s want for a closing ceremony. They played many songs off of their new album, Cherish Everything, and spent good chunks of time between songs to talk to the audience about the story of the band. The important meanings behind some of their songs were discussed during the show as well, including a story of a migrant having to leave their son in their home country, a mother’s death, and experiencing violence at a young age. Look Vibrant grew into their role as artists by bringing light to important issues through experimenting with sound and rhythm. They will be missed.
Jasper is the host of party @ marpiter, their show airs every Tuesday at 5:00 PM EST.
CJLO IS HIRING A VIDEOGRAPHER
Where: Montreal, QC
Wage: $12.50/hr
Hours: 30 hrs a week
Duration: October 7 2019-December 13 2019 (10 weeks)
To apply: Please send CV, Resume, Portfolio to Francella Fiallos, manager@cjlo.com, by October 3 2019 11:59PM
CJLO 1690AM is looking to hire a videographer to film, edit, package, distribute, and share our live in-studio sessions. Live sessions at CJLO have been an integral part of our operations as it cements our place as a veritable tastemaker in the Montreal community and beyond. In order to continue to build on our success, we are hoping to have a videographer to film our sessions for public consumption, in addition to creating other relevant video material at CJLO.
-Film CJLO's live sessions using CJLO's video equipment (ie. GoPro, lighting equipment) and/or using other additional equipment
-Film relevant video material for CJLO volunteers and potential volunteers in order to create more interest in the station among Concordia's student population
-Edit CJLO's video material using Adobe Premiere (or any other video editing software) in a time-sensitive manner to ensure a quick turnaround (ie. 2-3 days after live session takes place)
-Package CJLO's video material by adding any additional text or effects that may enhance the video to ensure a strong impact
-Distribute CJLO's video material by uploading it on our website, YouTube channel, and sharing it on our various social media channels (ie. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram)
-Create new and exciting ways to harness CJLO's social media video content to gain more attention, likes, and follows
-Recruit new volunteers who are interested in video content; train volunteers and delegate tasks when necessary and appropriate
About CJLO 1690AM: Formed in 1998 as a merger between CRSG and CFLI, two former stations, CJLO is Concordia University's one and only radio station. 100% non-profit, and run almost entirely by volunteers, the station is located in the heart of the Loyola campus in the NDG borough of Montreal. Whether you are interested in Rock, Alt, Hip-Hop, RPM, Punk, Metal, Jazz, Blues, World, Country or Talk and Sports, CJLO has something for you, and is always looking for more on air talent.
Our Ideal Candidate:
-Is in the process of completing a communications, journalism, film degree, or any other related field
-Is familiar and adept in working with video cameras such as DSLR, GoPro, and other equipment related to video production (ie. lighting, sound)
-Is familiar and adept with video editing software such as Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or any other software
-Has a basic understanding of computers, internet, Google Suite, Slack, and email
-Has a basic understanding of campus and community radio
-Has been previously involved or has an interest in community-based arts initiatives
CJLO prioritizes the unique contributions that individuals from traditionally under-represented and oppressed communities bring to our organization, and invites these individuals to apply. We encourage ALL applicants to make mention of the diverse experience that they may have had that would make them qualified for this position. Please indicate clearly in your cover letter that you would like to be considered for Employment Equity. You are encouraged, but not required, to self-identify if you are part of marginalized and oppressed communities that include but are not limited to:Indigenous peoples, women, visible and/or racialized minorities, persons with disabilities, immigrant, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and 2-spirited persons.
For More Information About CJLO : www.cjlo.com
For More Information About CJLO: www.soundcloud.com/cjlo1690am
Montreal International Black Film Festival
Celebrate Black filmmakers at Montreal’s International Black Film Festival! The festival will be taking place from September 24 to September 29. For the full schedule, check out the MIBFF site and take a look at their special events.
Look out for content on MIBFF on the CJLO site.
Montreal Sued Over Park Project, Status Of Syria's Honorary Consul In Montreal Revoked, Protests Over New Criminal Code In Indonesia
Ahmad Moujtahed
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LOCAL
Three developers are suing the city of Montreal, the Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough, and Mayor Valerie Plante over the proposed Great Western Park, a 3,000-hectare urban park in the West Island.
The developers say that the park project has destroyed 14 years of their efforts and investment. They had plans to turn 360 hectares in western Pierrefonds into a new residential neighbourhood called Cap Nature Pierrefonds Ouest. The project was set to include 5,500 housing units, schools, daycares and sports fields, according to CBC news.
The developers are seeking $175 million in damages. A spokesperson for the City of Montreal said the city would not comment on the lawsuit, but it intends to go ahead with the park project.
NATIONAL
Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland has revoked the status of Syria's honorary consul in Montreal. In a statement on Twitter, Freeland said she has ordered Global Affairs officials to rescind its earlier approval of Waseem Ramli as Syria’s consul.
The move follows outrage over Ramli’s appointment. Ramli is known for his outspoken support for Syrian President Bashar Assad. In a social media post, he described the White Helmet humanitarian organization as terrorists.
Many members of the Syrian community in Montreal have voiced their concerns over Ramli’s appointment as honorary consul. Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer says it is “outrageous” that Ottawa has allowed a sympathizer of Syrian President to become that country’s honorary consul in Montreal.
INTERNATIONAL
Thousands of protesters, many of which were students, took to the streets in cities across Indonesia demonstrating over a proposed new criminal code.
The new criminal code states that sex before marriage would be criminalised and could result in a one-year prison term while abortion could lead to a four-year prison term if there were no circumstances of a medical emergency.
The new bill also proposes that insulting the president, vice president, religion, state institutions and symbols such as the flag and national anthem would be illegal. The bill was initially scheduled for a vote early this week, however Indonesian President Widodo postponed the vote stating that the new laws needed more consideration.
Guerilla Toss at Bar Le "Ritz" PDB, September 15th 2019
Sitting in the back of the room in Montreal’s Bar Le “Ritz” PDB, I got the perfect picture: a crowd full of hipsters, multi-colour lights swirling, and five musicians performing in perfect tandem. Accompanying them was a projection which included collages containing images of, for one, their Samoyed altered by psychedelic visual effects.
A Guerilla Toss show is more of a ritual than a performance. The band wants you to party and dance, but they make sure you listen to the broader message. Lead singer and violinist Kassie Carlson uses her love of poetry and literature to compose lyrics that tackle serious topics such as depression and mental health.
“There’s a poetic element to the lyrics,” said Carlson. “People I look up to are Patti Smith and Bob Dylan. I enjoy wordplay, rhyming, saying things with double meanings.”
The musicians showed a wide range of skills; some went to study jazz, but they go beyond their musical background to experiment with various styles.
It’s hard to categorize Guerilla Toss. If you lend an ear to the shouting vocals, the electric violin and the retro synth, you feel transported to a time reminiscent of shoegazing with sounds disappearing into space. With the other ear to the percussion and the strings, it feels like a garage band session with professional jazz musicians.
“It started off as a skronky band,'' said Carlson about the evolution of their sound. “We listened to a lot of The Slits, Sonic Youth, James Chance and the Contortions. At first, we were inspired by the no-wave sound.”
On their recent album Twisted Crystal, the band displays their transition into neo-psychedelia. They experiment with punk rock, noise rock, art rock, psychedelic rock, and electronic music. The sound is aggressive, yet playful. The vocals are dry, yet engaging. The synth, played by Sam Lisabeth, follows strange musical patterns, most specifically to create buildup during the musical transitions. The base is groovy and fun to dance to, maintaining the tempo. The guitar, played by Arian Shafiee, sounds with lots of reverb, creating tension for the listeners. Yet the stringing is sharp and engaging.
It’s the music you play when you’re emotionally exhausted and you just want to go out and party your worries away. The live video mixing and analog VHS mixing used during the show hugely enhances the experience. Willie, their visual technician, takes as much space on stage as the musicians. He knows just when to blast the lights and cue the fog, taking us along on the band’s intergalactic journey.
“We’re trying to make a colourful environment to enhance the experience,” said Carlson. “Willie has a launch pad and mixes the visuals live based on the mood of the music. It’s a great way to mix art with music.”
When the show was over, I felt like I had taken part in the most intellectually stimulating rave of my life. I could still hear the electric synth ringing in my ear and the light projection playing in my mind as I walked home on a quiet Sunday night.
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.
Talking the United Nations Associated Films Festival with Host Grace Byrne
Montreal Educational Institutions Support Climate Change Rally, Legault's List Of Demands, Lord Of The Rings Returns
Ahmad Moujtahed
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LOCAL
The CSDM will hold a ped day for all of its institutions on Friday September 27th so staff and students can take part in the major climate change rally scheduled to take place in Montreal next week.
The CSDM said that this exceptional move on its part reflects a desire to support the cause of the climate emergency. One of the organizers of the climate march said he hopes other school boards will follow the CSDM’s lead.
Likewise, several universities, including Concordia, the University of Montréal, and the University of Sherbrooke, have cancelled afternoon classes to facilitate student participation in the march.
NATIONAL
Starting a new Parliamentary session in Quebec City, Premier Francois Legault has given federal party leaders a list of demands for Quebec, a list aligned with the CAQ’s nationalist agenda.
Legault says he wants federal powers to ensure Quebec is free to make its own choices in all areas related to its existence. Quebec demands more power over immigration including full control over the number of immigrants in each category as well as the conditions of permanent residency.
The list also urges federal leaders to respect Bill 21 and commit not to challenge it in court. In addition, Quebec demands application of Bill 101 to all businesses under federal jurisdiction, as well as management of the single income tax. Legault reiterated before the National Assembly: “I want the federal parties to commit to respecting Quebec’s choices in these areas, which are fundamental for our nation.”
INTERNATIONAL
Amazon confirmed that the new Lord Of The Rings television series will be filmed in New Zealand.
The television adaptation will explore new storylines preceding the first trilogy, The Fellowship Of The King. Amazon Studios said in a statement that it had found a “majestic” location with world-class sets.
Few details have been revealed about the high-budget project, but there has been speculation Amazon could spend up to $1bn on the series, according to Sky News. Production would begin in the city of Auckland in the coming months.
Libs Lost in Translation, Student Bus Crash, Kavanaugh Impeachement
Voice Harley Martin
Stories Allison O’Reilly
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LOCAL
The Liberal Party of Canada is under fire after their campaign song recorded in French was poorly translated.
According to CTV News, the party called on Canadian band The Strumbellas to use their song 'One Hand Up' during the election campaign. The group translated and sang the song in French.
Many online commenters pointed out on social media that the song - whose title is `Une Main haute' in French - was incomprehensible.
A Liberal spokesperson says the song will be re-recorded.
NATIONAL
Students at the University of Victoria are mourning the sudden deaths of two of their peers in a bus crash Friday evening.
According to a statement from the university, forty-five students and two teaching assistants were aboard the bus to Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre in British Columbia when it went off a gravel road and down an embankment about 40 kilometres from Port Alberni on Vancouver Island.
The two students, whose identities have yet to be made public, died at the scene and 17 others were transported to the hospital for injuries.
University of Victoria counsellors and other staff met with students and their families Saturday afternoon to provide support.
INTERNATIONAL
Democratic presidential candidates are demanding U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh be impeached after a New York Times report on Saturday revealed new information about sexual misconduct allegations against him.
The New York Times piece, which is drawn from an upcoming book written by the newspaper's reporters, said it was able to corroborate an allegation by former classmate Deborah Ramirez.
Presidential candidates Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, and Beto O’Rourke have all condemned Kavanaugh’s actions, and have called for his impeachment.
At the time of recording, Kavanaugh has not given a comment to the Times on the allegations.
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