Hillside with Steph: Day 3
Welcome to day three of Hillside! Little did we know, the third day was to be the day Anne and I conquered the festival. Curious? Let’s go!
After a deliciously greasy breakfast with Judith and Sam, I headed to the Island Stage to praise the folk gods at the Sunday morning Gospel Session. Sarah Harmer hosted, and the morning featured everything from more traditional gospel tunes by Basia Bulat, to lonesome country ballads with Morgan O'Kane, to a sing-along with The Good Lovelies dedicated to everyone’s favorite activity on the holy day of rest: napping. This was a Sunday morning ritual I could get behind. Consider conversion yourself by checking out theses previously unmentioned contributing artists:
Frazey Ford: http://www.myspace.com/frazeyford
Horse Feathers: http://www.myspace.com/horsefeathersmusic
The Good Lovelies: http://www.goodlovelies.com/
Morgan O’Kane: http://www.morganokanemusic.com/
Sam Doores: http://www.myspace.com/samdoores
I did a little more stage hopping with my good pal Steve, and we came across a promising young act in Lime Parade. Olivia Borkosky’s voice was crystal clear, and I’m sure within a few years she and fellow Parade leader Michael Gora will be Hillside regulars. How rad is it that the festival gives fresh faces like this a chance? It’s TOTALLY RAD. Ch-ch-check it out: http://www.myspace.com/wherelimesparade
Back to the Island Stage we went to catch Zeus, who didn’t disappoint as they threw down jams like lightning bolts - everyone was impressed. Away from their Jason Collett backing-duties, they proved themselves to be a solid act in their own right. The chemistry of the band members was undeniable as instruments were swapped, singing rights traded and facial hair lengths and styles expertly co-ordinated. This is a band with an old, funky soul, but nothing about them feels dated – their re-invented brand of classic rock is super fresh! This was another of my favorite performances, especially during the infectiously bouncy “The River by the Garden” from their 2010 debut full-length, Say Us and the cover of Genesis’ “That’s All” from their 2009 EP Sounds Like Zeus. I could rave on, but you should find out for yourselves. Hop to it: http://www.themusicofzeus.com/index2.php
Now, about three songs away from the end of Zeus’ set, Anne and I were informed we had to be at an interview in ten minutes. With who you ask? With GORD DOWNIE, that's who! As in Gord Downie of Canadian music trailblazers The Tragically Hip. Let’s do a Zach Morris time-out: Before this festival I had never done an interview of any kind in my life on this earth. And now we were about to interview one of the most well respected musicians in all of Canadian music history. Time-in: WHAT THE WHAT!? The two of us did an intense brainstorm in the search of the best possible questions, panicked, rejoiced and tried to improve our sweat-soaked, mud-caked selves. We arrived to meet Mr. Downie at his tour bus and he strode over, guitar in hand, cool as a cucumber, and off we went. Our interview will be up on radiolaurier.com very soon, but what I can tell you now is that this is a man who has maintained a level head while never lifting his finger from the pulse of what it is to be a musician in our fine nation and the world. Without any ego, he has a deep understanding of himself, his music and the industry. If you do not know who Gord Downie is or are unaware of his role in shaping what it is to be a Canadian musician today, you need to immediately check out his 2010 solo release The Grand Bounce as well as his 27 years with the Tragically Hip. Let me help you do that: http://gorddownie.com/ and http://www.thehip.com/
At the end of the interview, Mr. Downie politely thanked us and, before returning to the bus, said the magic words: "you asked good questions". Cut to Anne and I squealing at an imperceptible pitch and frolicking back to the Island Stage for our next interview! Another great chat was had with Rob Drake, Carlin Nicholson, Mike O'Brien, and Neil Quin of Zeus about their place in Canadian music, songwriter’s veto, and the beauty of music festivals (you can hear the whole thang in a few weeks). These are four very down-to-earth guys who are just happy to be getting some recognition after many years paying their dues. It was the most fun I had doing an interview for the festival, and I felt very pleased knowing such nice dudes are finally getting the attention they deserve - they’re the real deal, pals. Things ended on a great note, discussing ideal hypothetical closers for the festival – The Beatles were their front-runner, and my own, (zombie Lennon!) – and many fancy high fives were exchanged. What a day, what a day!
The rest of the afternoon is a blur of celebration, triumphant fist pumps, and general merrymaking. After some dinner, we snagged a quick interview with Braids. Although we missed their set, Raphie, Austin, Katie and Taylor pulled up some grass to sit with Anne and I to discuss changes in home base, audience reception to their shows, and the future of the band. Touring constantly and having released their first full length, Native Speaker, in 2010, I have no doubt that big things are on the way for this gang. The complexity of their gritty, ethereal sound and hypnotizing live performance have been said to be beyond their years, but I think these talented souls are right where they should be. While you wait for the interview, take a listen to their sounds here: http://www.myspace.com/braidsmusic
At 7:00 pm I was treated to a fantastic set from local hip-hop hero and Wilfrid Laurier alumnus, Shad. This was one of the performers I had been most excited to see, and in no way was I let down. Riding on the success of his latest album TSOL, which has planted “Rose Garden” in my head for the last few weeks, Shad charmed the audience with his laid back rhymes. As one of his newer fans, I am constantly impressed by his clever and creative lyrics. His set surely left the gentlemen in the audience taking notes and the ladies pondering a quick name change along the lines of “Claire Huxtable”. In any case, Shad is an incredible addition to the blossoming Canadian hip hop scene. Whether performing new tracks or bringing back The Old Prince of 2007, it was clear this was a man mastering his craft and loving it. Shad may not have promised it, but his set was all roses for me. Stop for a minute and see what he’s got going on: http://www.shadk.com/bloggy-blog/
After his set, I was lucky enough to grab Shadfor a quick interview for Radio Laurier’s own bloggy blog. Despite running late and having just finished up an energy-sucking set without time to re-boot electrolytes, Shad was still thoughtful enough to ask me about myself, and take a minute to answer a few questions. A real prince, if you ask me! We chatted about separating school and music, the complexities of Canadian hip hop and how he felt about his role in a folk-focused festival. He was a real gem, so stay tuned for the full interview!
Hillside 2010 came to a close for me with Gord Downie’s Main Stage set and a round of pink lemonades. Downie’s performance was as volatile as ever as he bantered with the audience and shred up the Main Stage with The Country of Miracles. It was a total 180 from his earlier calm and collected interview, but it was a total thrill to see him in his element. What a time to make our exit! We packed up our tents, and left the island, singing to the car stereo as we rode off into the sunset. A perfect ending for a folk-fest-fairytale weekend. It was a whirlwind three day romance with Hillside, but I promise we’ll reunite next year. What an incredible festival: all of the performers were stellar - really, I loved it all - the volunteers were incredible and Guelph was a lovely host. Endless thank yous to Radio Laurier for showing a girl the best time she could dream of! This is Steph saying later days, Laurier!
After a deliciously greasy breakfast with Judith and Sam, I headed to the Island Stage to praise the folk gods at the Sunday morning Gospel Session. Sarah Harmer hosted, and the morning featured everything from more traditional gospel tunes by Basia Bulat, to lonesome country ballads with Morgan O'Kane, to a sing-along with The Good Lovelies dedicated to everyone’s favorite activity on the holy day of rest: napping. This was a Sunday morning ritual I could get behind. Consider conversion yourself by checking out theses previously unmentioned contributing artists:
Frazey Ford: http://www.myspace.com/frazeyford
Horse Feathers: http://www.myspace.com/horsefeathersmusic
The Good Lovelies: http://www.goodlovelies.com/
Morgan O’Kane: http://www.morganokanemusic.com/
Sam Doores: http://www.myspace.com/samdoores
I did a little more stage hopping with my good pal Steve, and we came across a promising young act in Lime Parade. Olivia Borkosky’s voice was crystal clear, and I’m sure within a few years she and fellow Parade leader Michael Gora will be Hillside regulars. How rad is it that the festival gives fresh faces like this a chance? It’s TOTALLY RAD. Ch-ch-check it out: http://www.myspace.com/wherelimesparade
Back to the Island Stage we went to catch Zeus, who didn’t disappoint as they threw down jams like lightning bolts - everyone was impressed. Away from their Jason Collett backing-duties, they proved themselves to be a solid act in their own right. The chemistry of the band members was undeniable as instruments were swapped, singing rights traded and facial hair lengths and styles expertly co-ordinated. This is a band with an old, funky soul, but nothing about them feels dated – their re-invented brand of classic rock is super fresh! This was another of my favorite performances, especially during the infectiously bouncy “The River by the Garden” from their 2010 debut full-length, Say Us and the cover of Genesis’ “That’s All” from their 2009 EP Sounds Like Zeus. I could rave on, but you should find out for yourselves. Hop to it: http://www.themusicofzeus.com/index2.php
Now, about three songs away from the end of Zeus’ set, Anne and I were informed we had to be at an interview in ten minutes. With who you ask? With GORD DOWNIE, that's who! As in Gord Downie of Canadian music trailblazers The Tragically Hip. Let’s do a Zach Morris time-out: Before this festival I had never done an interview of any kind in my life on this earth. And now we were about to interview one of the most well respected musicians in all of Canadian music history. Time-in: WHAT THE WHAT!? The two of us did an intense brainstorm in the search of the best possible questions, panicked, rejoiced and tried to improve our sweat-soaked, mud-caked selves. We arrived to meet Mr. Downie at his tour bus and he strode over, guitar in hand, cool as a cucumber, and off we went. Our interview will be up on radiolaurier.com very soon, but what I can tell you now is that this is a man who has maintained a level head while never lifting his finger from the pulse of what it is to be a musician in our fine nation and the world. Without any ego, he has a deep understanding of himself, his music and the industry. If you do not know who Gord Downie is or are unaware of his role in shaping what it is to be a Canadian musician today, you need to immediately check out his 2010 solo release The Grand Bounce as well as his 27 years with the Tragically Hip. Let me help you do that: http://gorddownie.com/ and http://www.thehip.com/
At the end of the interview, Mr. Downie politely thanked us and, before returning to the bus, said the magic words: "you asked good questions". Cut to Anne and I squealing at an imperceptible pitch and frolicking back to the Island Stage for our next interview! Another great chat was had with Rob Drake, Carlin Nicholson, Mike O'Brien, and Neil Quin of Zeus about their place in Canadian music, songwriter’s veto, and the beauty of music festivals (you can hear the whole thang in a few weeks). These are four very down-to-earth guys who are just happy to be getting some recognition after many years paying their dues. It was the most fun I had doing an interview for the festival, and I felt very pleased knowing such nice dudes are finally getting the attention they deserve - they’re the real deal, pals. Things ended on a great note, discussing ideal hypothetical closers for the festival – The Beatles were their front-runner, and my own, (zombie Lennon!) – and many fancy high fives were exchanged. What a day, what a day!
The rest of the afternoon is a blur of celebration, triumphant fist pumps, and general merrymaking. After some dinner, we snagged a quick interview with Braids. Although we missed their set, Raphie, Austin, Katie and Taylor pulled up some grass to sit with Anne and I to discuss changes in home base, audience reception to their shows, and the future of the band. Touring constantly and having released their first full length, Native Speaker, in 2010, I have no doubt that big things are on the way for this gang. The complexity of their gritty, ethereal sound and hypnotizing live performance have been said to be beyond their years, but I think these talented souls are right where they should be. While you wait for the interview, take a listen to their sounds here: http://www.myspace.com/braidsmusic
At 7:00 pm I was treated to a fantastic set from local hip-hop hero and Wilfrid Laurier alumnus, Shad. This was one of the performers I had been most excited to see, and in no way was I let down. Riding on the success of his latest album TSOL, which has planted “Rose Garden” in my head for the last few weeks, Shad charmed the audience with his laid back rhymes. As one of his newer fans, I am constantly impressed by his clever and creative lyrics. His set surely left the gentlemen in the audience taking notes and the ladies pondering a quick name change along the lines of “Claire Huxtable”. In any case, Shad is an incredible addition to the blossoming Canadian hip hop scene. Whether performing new tracks or bringing back The Old Prince of 2007, it was clear this was a man mastering his craft and loving it. Shad may not have promised it, but his set was all roses for me. Stop for a minute and see what he’s got going on: http://www.shadk.com/bloggy-blog/
After his set, I was lucky enough to grab Shadfor a quick interview for Radio Laurier’s own bloggy blog. Despite running late and having just finished up an energy-sucking set without time to re-boot electrolytes, Shad was still thoughtful enough to ask me about myself, and take a minute to answer a few questions. A real prince, if you ask me! We chatted about separating school and music, the complexities of Canadian hip hop and how he felt about his role in a folk-focused festival. He was a real gem, so stay tuned for the full interview!
Hillside 2010 came to a close for me with Gord Downie’s Main Stage set and a round of pink lemonades. Downie’s performance was as volatile as ever as he bantered with the audience and shred up the Main Stage with The Country of Miracles. It was a total 180 from his earlier calm and collected interview, but it was a total thrill to see him in his element. What a time to make our exit! We packed up our tents, and left the island, singing to the car stereo as we rode off into the sunset. A perfect ending for a folk-fest-fairytale weekend. It was a whirlwind three day romance with Hillside, but I promise we’ll reunite next year. What an incredible festival: all of the performers were stellar - really, I loved it all - the volunteers were incredible and Guelph was a lovely host. Endless thank yous to Radio Laurier for showing a girl the best time she could dream of! This is Steph saying later days, Laurier!
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