I Heart the Music: Your Online Source for Live Music Reviews and Interviews in Toronto!

The Weakerthans need no introduction- they have become a staple in any true Canadian music lovers repertoire. Hailing from Winnipeg, iheartthemusic were able to grab a few minutes with Stephen Carroll to talk about the importance of those Canadian roots in their music.

iheartthemusic: You won artist of the year at the XM Verge Awards in 2008. What did winning that mean to you?

I think it was the extra financials that made a big difference, but also the exposure is so useful and helpful. It’s generally a lot of work to get people’s attention, so anything we can do to do that is really useful for us and makes our lives easier is great. Establishing that relationship with XM was also key because they are the ones that play our music all the time.

iheartthemusic: And I am sure the fact that fans voted for you was great to hear too!

Yeah, and the fans!

iheartthemusic: Who would you have liked to see win artist of the year last year (2009)?

My money was on Joel Plaskett.

iheartthemusic: Album of the year?

Arkells.

iheartthemusic: You guys recorded 2007’s Reunion Tour in a factory I believe. What was that like?

Yeah it’s part of the factory lunchroom. We did it all at night and it was really crazy. We were totally isolated on the outskirts of Winnipeg in February. Living without sunlight for most of the time, because we would be sleeping in the day and going into the studio at 3:30am or 4am, it was a really interesting experience.

iheartthemusic: Would you do it again?

It felt like we had put ourselves in this secluded environment and the last couple of records we have done, we have worked regular hours and been in the city, like really in the city. So this was neat.

iheartthemusic: Where you are from, Winnipeg, seems to be heavily prevalent in all aspects of your music. Is this done on purpose?

Two reasons why that’s happened or two things that are playing into that: one, is probably trying to explain the city to ourselves, understanding it, thinking about it, singing about it and maybe trying to explain it to other people at the same time. And then, there is just the city itself. Winnipeg’s favourite thing about itself is mythologizing itself. That’s a main part of the process in mining all these little pieces of history that only we would have picked up on.

iheartthemusic: Tell me your thoughts on the state of Canadian musicians transcending into other markets. You guys have been able to do that quite successfully and I wanted to know your thoughts on why or how?

It’s not quite the same in the States. Maybe once the awards have more of a national recognition it will help, but I don’t really know. It’s kind of hard to tell. I don’t see it reflected in the US media.

The Weakerthans have just released a live album Live at the Burton Cummings Theatre and concert DVD. All the Canadian content was shot on tour. The Weakerthans play the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on May 26th with Bahamas.

photography provided by Sara Collaton

10 March, 2010 marked the kick off of CMW and iheartthemusic hit Lees Palace to see the Zeus, Jason Collett and Bahamas show. We were pretty pumped to find out that all three bands were playing as a collective backing up each other’s songs… it was definitely going to be interesting to see what they brought to each other’s music.  From having checked out Zeus’ wicked debut album Say Yes, loving Collet’s Rat a tat tat, and craving Bahamas’ sweet sound… our expectations were pretty high and they didn’t disappoint.

Jason Collett started the show with material from Rat a tat tat that gave way to a super intimate, vintage vibe.  His songs had a great folksy, Dylan-esque quality to them and looking around you could see that the sold-out audience was full of true fans that knew EVERY song and were so appreciative to be the recipients of Collett’s mellow, eccentric yet sexy melodies. We especially loved High Summer, Love is a Dirty Word and Cold, Blue Halo.

In the next number, the men of Zeus, who instantly brought an upbeat and classic rock n roll feel to the stage, joined Collett. Zeus have a wicked stage presence and are even better live—if possible.  They are really consummate performers as each band member can sing, and play every fucking instrument possible.  It was incredible to see them rotate from the guitar and vocals, then pick up the base, then shove a peer off the keyboard and just kill every song.  Their lineup of songs like “Kindergarten”, “How Does it Feel”, and their first single “Marching Through Your Head” show just how versatile and skilled they are at creating lush, soaring harmonies and layering sound.  We have to highlight the fact that Neil Quin from Zeus definitely pulled out a mandolin while backing a Collet number… duly noted and totally appreciated. 

Bahamas breezed his way in next and we must say he totally blew everyone away.  This was truly a breakout performance for Bahamas who is just as smooth and warm as everything that his name evokes. His brand of soulful, blues based love songs basically had everyone turned on by the end of the show.  It was a little reminiscent of the Black Keys… but Bahamas definitely carves out his own lyrical, rich and distinctive sound.  His song “Already Yours” was a big crowd pleaser.

We have to comment on how well the show was structured as each band took turns performing and backing each other. There was an incredible organic quality to this collaboration and to be honest, each band brought a distinct personal element that resulted in an unbelievable counterpoint. In essence, Zeus, Collett and Bahamas are at their best when they are playing together—it’s really something you have to see for yourself. Our verdict? Buy the albums, go see the show… FOR SURE.

reviewed by Victoria Kuketz

photography provided by Aaron Alleyne