Friday 18 March 2011

New - Official Infernal Majesty Youtube Channel!

Vancouver based metal band Infernal Majesty has just launched their own YoutTube Channel. Formed in 1986, Infernal Majesty has withstood the tests of time, changes to the music industry and lineup changes by largely ignoring anything that is not at the heart of thrash metal. As far as we can tell Infernal Majesty is still a staple in the Vancouver music news scene. Their next scheduled show is April 26/2011 at the Rickshaw Theater in Vancouver, BC Infernal Majesty shares the stage with Destruction, Heathen and Warbeast

Their lineup consists of:
Brian Langley - Vocals (Mecha Messiah, Tyrants Blood)
Kenny Hallman - Guitar
Steve Terror - Guitar
Eric Dubreuil - Bass, Backing Vocals (Nekromantik Kurse)
Kris DeBoer - Drums (Nekromantik Kurse, Artep, Grudge (Can))

The new YouTube channel sadly lacks much (if any) live footage :-(

Vancouver's The Mighty One on tour in Texas

We've been following the antics of The Mighty One on Youtube as they play Six Flags and SXSW in Texas. One thing that really rubs a lot of musicians the wrong way the the monopolistic business practices of SXSW. They have handed their entire artist application process over to SonicBids.com. SonicBids, in exchange, charges each artist applying to play at SXSW $35.00 (price may vary by country). No one should have to pay to apply to work. That is wrong. Shame on SXSW for this.

OK - no more rants. Enjoy the boys from The Mighty One and follow their YouTube channel:

Vancouver Music News Japan Earthquake Victim Relief

Tonight (Friday March 18th) at the Rickshaw an event originally supposed to be a fun night of rocking has turning into a heart warming fundraiser for the relief effort in Japan. It started from one rocker, Darryl Stapleton guitarist for the RothChilds, asking What can we do as musicians?  This has now expanded into Phat Lizzy (consisting of members from 22nd Century and Jesus Krysler) and Eddy Dutchman of The Wally 's jumping into action by donating 100% of their pay for the night to the Canadian Red Cross Japanese Relief effort.

Each of the bands has a personal connection to the disaster most significantly Darryl Stapleton s ex-wife and significant other who are currently in Japan. All involved have been tirelessly working to get the message out and drum up as many attendees and donations as possible. When asked their views on the night Thin Lizzy tribute band Phat Lizzy, replied This generosity from musicians comes at what is notably the worst time financially to be in the industry. It impresses me to see the other bands so eager to give to their fellow human beings when live performances are one of the last remaining revenue streams for artists.

On a personal level this show hits close to home as my dear sister in-law is from Japan and her family still lives there. Watching her try and reach them with spotty communication and at times only having the tv reports to go by has lit a fire in my sole that drives me to help in anyway I can. I ask everyone to help in anyway they can and hope to see the Rickshaw filled to capacity tonight, the show will not disappoint.

Details: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=101935313218611

Lineup and times:

Phat Lizzy + video shoot 11:55-12:30

The Melody Pimps 11 - 11:40

Radio Burnin 10:15 - 10:45

Loco Mosquitos 9:30 - 10

Covergirl 8:45 - 9:15

Fabulous Wallies 8:15 - 8:30
- Foxy Handler

Thursday 17 March 2011

Review: Bad Johnny Law, The Alaska, Exer, Fanaticus, 22nd Century and The Pit live


In Vancouver on March 4th at the Cellar crowds were treated to an evening consisting of six bands: Bad Johnny Law, The Alaska, Exer, Fanaticus, 22nd Century and The Pit competing for the chance to win promo for their band on 99.3 The Fox. The Cellar with its brick and wood and dark intimate setting provided the perfect venue for a kick ass night of rock, metal and punk.

            The show started off a bit slow. Some of the bands looked as if they had hardly graduated high school and many sounded like they had only played in their parents garage. However, the enthusiasm and heart with which they played renewed my faith that there still are true rockers out there and music has budding stars that I am sure I will see again.  One band even had an impromptu mosh pit form on the, typical Vancouver, empty dance floor. Exer really stood out to me there sound was great and they really meshed well on stage together. I will be keeping tabs on these guys.



            Just when you thought you knew what the rest of the show would be like, 22nd Century took the stage. In true seasoned punk rocker form they rocked from the first chord. Duane Chaos (photo), in his weathered leather jacket, had restrung his base with glow-in-the-dark green strings. Tim, to the sound of a screaming crowd, took off all his cloths and played only in his boxers for their song Teenage Underwear Model. The culmination of 22nd Century’s set had to be their finally where Duane, dedicated the song, Fuck You by the Subhumans, to all promoters who use start up bands, like the ones who played tonight, to make money without giving anything to the bands themselves. I was impressed!  22nd Century has the balls to stand up help the younger generations of musicians who naiveté often makes them perfect bait for bad promoters.

            After 22nd Century finished the last band The Pit added the cherry to the cake that was Vancouver sessions 2.0. Without missing a beat they picked up the rocking where 22nd Century and all the other bands left off. They got the dance floor to start to fill up with head banging songs. All in all I would say it was a rocking night that left me with a smile on my face and sore body from dancing. Vancouver is the no fun city no more!   

- Foxy Handler

Saturday 12 March 2011

Tuesday 8 March 2011

CCMA Showcase Opportunity (via Music BC)

This year, Canadian Music Week promises just as much music and education as ever, but with a welcomed increase in country presence. The 2011 festivities, to take place in Toronto, Ontario, bring four country music showcases to music enthusiasts worldwide. For more information on the below shows, or other Canadian Music Week events, please visit www.cmw.net.