Photo Cred: Flux Studios

The Burlington Sound of Music Festival was this June 14 – 17 and it was packed full of some of Canada’s finest talent. Not to mention sunny skies!! Who doesn’t love good live tunes and amazing weather. This festival offered a great Canadian buffet of music. They had a little something for everyone, and just like a buffet – I overindulged. I obviously couldn’t see it all but I wore my elastic waisted pants and filled myself with all the musical prime rib I could. It was a great opportunity to see acts that I have paid top dollar to see – FOR FREE!!

Born Ruffians started off the weekend for me and it was such a treat. Songs from Red, Yellow and Blue and Plinky Plonky are on all my playlists. They are the perfect band to soundtrack your summer so it was fitting to have them take my summer festival cherry this year. Frontman Luke Lalonde has a Parisian style with the moves of Buddy Holly that fits so perfectly into their quirky sound. Case in point their opener – “Badonkadonkey”. I don’t even know what that song is about but I definitely had it “in my pocket for when I got home”.

Born Ruffians – Badonkadonkey

I love that I always know a Born Ruffian’s song when I hear it. They have such a distinct sound and it’s evident in a new song that they shared that night. I’m not sure what it was called, but I was definitely singing “six, five thousand” all night. I don’t even know if those were the words. I once thought that Silverchair had a song called “Use Mastercard” instead of “Pure Massacre” so they could have been singing “sex, fire townshed” for all I know. But what I do know is that I don’t really give a shit what they were saying because it was super catchy and I loved it.

As the sun set on Burlington, Ontario people started filling out the park in anticipation for a band that has had an unbelievable year winning Best Group at this year’s Juno’s but are still, and will always be, hometown boys at heart.

Arkells have been gone on a 2 month American Tour, but there was no warmer welcome home than what seemed like 100 000 screaming fans on a perfectly cool summer night. These Hamiltonians are a fairly young band, but it was like watching seasoned veterans up there. Max had a genuine interaction with the audience – reminiscent of Gord Downie at my first ever Hip concert, with personal stories and a true appreciation for the opportunity to share them with a waiting crowd.

They opened the night with “Whistleblower” to the crowd’s delight and continued with favourites from Jackson Square and their newest release Michigan Left.

Michigan Left is one of my favourite albums to just put on and immerse myself in it. I might age myself right here, but when I was young – before podcasts existed – I had an audio cassette of the story of Beethoven’s life that I used to listen to all the time. I not only loved learning about this deaf musical genius, but I loved getting lost in the story – I was definitely one of those kids that sat right beside the teacher during story time. I love to read, but having a story told to me is even better. The freedom of not having to read words gives my imagination the space it needs to concoct faces and places in my mind. And this love is what draws me to the Arkells. Their ability to blend memory and melody is something I look forward to and have a huge appreciation for.

Arkell’s wasted no time getting into some of their best songs – the crowd getting thicker with each track and had me on tippy toes just to get a glimpse. We sang, danced and day-dreamed until the sky was black.

Arkells – Book Club

The night ended with what felt like a campfire with 15000 of your closest friends. Max asked the crowd to hold lighters or phones and join him in a rendition of “This Little Light of Mine” and it made for a memorable SOM moment. I would have loved to see what that looked like from the stage – like all the stars had fallen from the sky and landed in Spencer Smith Park in Burlington.

Arkells came back out for an encore of 2 songs and left the crowd on a high note for the beginning of this free festival. We heard swarms of people humming Arkell’s tunes all the way back to the car and we too, blared Michigan Left all the way down the 403, back to Hamilton.

I made it back to Burlington on Friday just in time to see Peter Elkas. I first heard about Peter when he played the Hamilton leg of the Light of Day tour at This Ain’t Hollywood.

Peter looks like Canada’s Indie rock version of Jared Leto. Not in his eye-liner, Thirty Seconds to Mars phase, instead picture him in My So-Called Life, but charming instead depressing.

Peter started his retro inspired set with a song that had a hint of Otis Redding in it and by the time the back-up singers sang their “Bop She Bops” I was hooked.

My favourite track was “Cool Thing To Do” and I think the crowd agreed. It was a chill vibe on the smaller stage on Brant St. and this song just got my visual ears going. What are visual ears? When I listen to music, a lot of the time I get images that just pop in my head. I cant control it, so I just go with it and sometimes even I’m surprised with what this little brain churns out.

When this song started Meg Ryan popped in my head. Not too much Botox Meg Ryan, but “When Harry Met Sally” Meg – cute and bubbly – in her classic Romantic Comedy days, and this song would be on the soundtrack. It would be at the part where they show her walking her dog in the park, daydreaming about him and little does she know that Tom Hanks or Billy Crystal is pacing around his house thinking of her too.

Peter Elkas – Cool Thing to Do

I think Peter made some fans for life that night and it was super cute to see his biggest fan singing along. His wife and dog were at the side stage and she was singing along to every song. At least I hope that was his wife – if not, his dog may now be missing.

We started Saturday with Hamilton’s favourite band to dance to while out at the old Absinthe Lounge patio. San Sebastian are a band who have been doing their thing on the Hamilton music scene for a while and who put out a stellar album last October. Click HERE to read about it.

Mike Veerman is an energetic frontman to this band of brothers…and Ted. He kept the crowd engaged while it grew and kept the energy high with moves like Mick – Jagger that is. The last time I saw this band live was at a Japan Benefit at the Casbah in Hamilton and seeing them on a huge stage really allowed me to appreciate their hard work.

As I stood watching San Sebastian command the stage and crowd, there was a young girl who rushed in front of me, flailing her arms, shaking her ass and screaming like she was cheering for the Ti-Cats – not a girly squeal, but a deep down WOOOT from the bottom of her belly. As I watched this girl bob her head to the music, the sun catching her gold, dolphin shaped earrings, I looked around her and saw a sea of them – girls, boys, women and men – just like her. Maybe not the grunts, but the head bobbers, the toe tappers, the sing-alongers – And what do you know, when I took a minute to come back to reality, I was doing all of those things too.

But honestly, how could you not? San Sebastian has a real talent for writing catchy songs and its because they are true music lovers themselves. I love that they find inspiration by listening to other masters of the craft who know how to get people bustin’ moves they didn’t know they had. Nat, Lena and I went to The Casbah on a night when Mike, Sean and Greg were djing and our ears – along with our feet – were so happy to hear jams from all genres and decades to get us moving. Guys who can appreciate John, Paul, Mick and Keith as song writers but also see the value in Lil’ Wayne and Mariah Carey are on the right track to pleasing the masses.

San Sebastian – Say I’m Alright

San Sebastian left us with a glimpse into what they’re working on for their new album and their latest track “Girls” was like bumpin’ uglies with your clothes on. It’s a great teaser – and it definitely leaves you wanting more.

No one wants to hear me blab about everyone minute of the weekend, but other stand out acts from the weekend were another local band Rifkin, Wintersleep, The Dinner Belles The Saint Alvia Cartel and a favourite of mine – The Rural Alberta Advantage

Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival put together an energetic and engaging weekend of music and performers. This festival gets better with every year and I teamed up with Flux Studios to help them put together a highlight video of the weekend. As a music lover and supporter of local talent, it was a privilage to be a part of the festival as a writer and interviewer, but most of all as a music fan. I’ve only given you a taste of the talent at this festival, I encourage you to explore with your eyes and ears and discover which musicians make the listening experience more than just sound waves. Check out the video below to re-live the event or see what you missed so you can mark it on your calendar for next year.

Photo by Chad Faulkner

You still have the cheering crowd, but instead of loud engines, it’s loud guitars.

Monster Truck is a band from Hamilton, Ontario whose signature melodic metal sound will have you screaming for more. These guys have it all. Long glorious hair. Check. Leather vests. Check. Ridiculous guitar riffs. Check. A vocal that makes you take notice. Check.

My husband and one of his best friends Trevor introduced me to Monster Truck a while back and I’ve been on the train ever since. But these guys aren’t pushing you to buy a ticket, their music has a classic sound with a bad-ass edge that will have you freight hopping just trying to keep up.

Monster Truck have been gaining steady momentum since their tunes hit the airwaves and are currently touring with Slash on his North American Tour. But this hasn’t gone to their heads. They are local boys at heart and came back to play a show at Club Absinthe who has been a welcoming home to many bands who are now making it big. This show sold out in record time and was a great opportunity to catch this band in a small club.

Monster Truck – Love Attack

I was looking forward to this show for months, but of course, had a sledgehammer for a head and a gurgling stew of vomit in my tummy. I attempted to make it, but only lasted for the end of The Novacks and the beginning of Monster Truck. Luckily, resident photographer Chad was there to capture the night and give us permanent reminders of the fury that is Monster Truck – because everyone knows, you don’t Fuck with the Truck.

Click HERE for the photos

Make sure you grab their latest EP HERE and for god’s sake, if you have the chance to see them live, do it. Even though I couldn’t make it through Saturday, I’ve seen these boys turn a Shopper’s Drug Mart parking lot into a dirty, rowdy rock show, at 1 in the afternoon. This band truly shines when seen live and thats a main ingredient in the recipe of legends.

Photo by Chad Faulkner

Photo by Chad Faulkner

Photo by Chad Faulkner

Toe Jams has been a fan of Jhameel since his friends in Barbara sent me his song “Human Condition” over a year ago. Click HERE to read that post because I was an instant fan. I knew this musical prodigy would have fans flocking to him in no time.

Jhameel is a true and honest artist and I love that. Someone who’s heart is always in it. When Jhameel was trying to make his first music video, he put out a request for any donations possible, but not without appreciation. For any support he received he would send a special homemade gift. My one of a kind Jhameel oragami still sits proudly in our living room.

His first video was for a song called “Shut Up” which is a party staple for everyone. I dare you to sit still. This track is off his Dance EP and is an album that I get asked about a lot. Make sure to check his website for ALL of his tunes.

Jhameel – Shut Up

He has since put out 2 more videos and his newest release for the song White Lie reminds me why I love inhibition. For those who know me personally I LOVE to dance. I am by no means a good dancer, but I love to dance none the less. I love that Jhameel looks like he has been possessed by the beat and given his body up to this beast of a song. He reminds me of a male Robyn in this video and his intensity is infectious. Not to mention, the song is gold.

He has never played Canada, but from the sounds of his tweets, Americans are taking notice of this gem. He recently collaberated with and opened for NYC, up and comer Hoodie Allen. So keep your eye and ear on this guy because he’ll be infiltrating your ipod sooner than later.

Photo by Jay Perry

Welcome to my new home!! A lot has changed since I last spilled my guts – and you took joy in reading it. First off, I got married! Who knew I could be made into an honest woman. But want to know the best part? Nothing has changed! And I think that’s a great start.

Also, you may have noticed by now that you are no longer reading this on the MvM site. Sorry to tell you there is no drama or cat fights involved in the change. Jay, Nat and I are still great friends, but felt that while change was happening in my life, why not keep that ball rolling and reformat Toe Jams.

This site will be all Toe Jams, all the time. And I couldn’t be more excited. If you want to keep updated on the posts make sure to follow Toe Jams on Facebook and Twitter.

So, lets get back to what we’ve all been missing – MUSIC!

Planning a wedding in four months can take over your life – which it did. Hence no new TJ posts since November. My brain and body were so consumed with all things white and pretty that I had fallen behind on my musical research. But what better way to segway into a new chapter of life and Toe Jams than with some great tunes that were introduced me because of my wedding. Let me explain.

Love Madly Cinematography are the geniuses behind our amazing wedding video. Wanda and Brian are exceptional people and even more spectacular at what they do. But what drew me to them the most was their passion and confidence in their craft – I can have pretty high standards, but only because I expect the same from myself.

When Jordan and I decided to have them capture our day for all of eternity into something that I could watch on a daily basis, his first question was “Are you going to give up musical control? Because you’ve already tried to DJ your own wedding.”

This is true. My friend Andrea did us the honour of DJing the biggest day of our lives and although I never had any doubt that she would blow everyone away with one of the best dance parties I’ve ever been to, she had to put up with me sending 8 hour long playlists of “suggestions”. This was my Rock Bottom. Give it up already! Let someone astonish you with their choices and you might learn something Monica.

So, I had to do the same for Love Madly. Unbeknownst to Brian, I had a list of songs that were perfect for my video – so I thought. But I relinquished control and let Wanda and Brian create something that I had NO SAY in – and what an amazing feeling. To be fully and truly surprised and overwhelmed – not only by the creativity and professionalism, but by their ability to capture the small details that showcase our personalities and choose a song that I would never have chosen but fell madly in love with after the first few seconds.

As we sat in their viewing studio and they shared the highlight video with us, I sat in awe of what they were showing us.

Watch the video below to see how they were able to capture the essence of our 16 hour day in just about 4 minutes.

The opening piano from The Royal Sons track “Without You” gave me goosebumps from the get go and the song gets better from there. I sat watching with wide eyes and an open jaw as the singer starts the song with “Darling” as I turn Jordan’s ring. I loved how the instrumental interlude kicked in just as they showed the final touches of us getting ready in anticipation of us walking down the aisle. And i listened as the song came full force – all instruments on deck – for our big kiss and came back down again for Jordan’s touching speech.

The Royal Sons – Without You

Woah. Brian. How could you pick a song that fit so perfectly into the images you captured…and I had nothing to do with it? This just proves why Wanda and Brian are so successful at what they do. They could take a music lover – who’s mood can change depending on the song and show her not only a video that will be watched on repeat for the rest of her life, but also a song that I absolutely love and had no hand in choosing.

Needless to say I was on the hunt for more from The Royal Sons once we got home. I looked them up and found there Tumblr page where I was overwhelmed with great songs. Each song is melodic with great builds and they offer covers of some of my favourite songs. Their cover of “Skinny Love” by Bon Iver rivals the original.

The Royal Sons are a must for all of your cottage trips this year. The perfect balance of melody and intensity. They will please everyone in your life. Moms, Dads, husbands, friends and even your crazy neighbour who blasts his ZZ Top just a little too loud.

I love that The Royal Sons are so confident in their tunes that they are offering them for free. Check out their site and grab an album people will thank you for.

Wanda and Brian, I can’t thank you enough for all of your hard work, creativity and perspective. March 24th was a day full of LOVE. I felt it for Jordan, my family and friends . I saw it in the video you created for us and heard it in The Royal Sons.

I guess The Beatles and my Dad, were right – All you need is LOVE.

The Beatles – All You Need Is Love (LOVE Version)

Also wanted to say a HUGE Thank you to Jay Perry for taking the most amazing wedding photos for us. He’s such a great friend to us and an even more talented photographer. He took some magical pictures in an abandoned green house and then captured our guests excitement and zest for life. Check out the beautiful photos HERE. And the Party photos HERE.

I’m back baby! Make sure to check back Monday. I’ll have a special WELCOME HOME treat for all my readers

Happy Listening.

This song has been kicking around for a while, but I recently found a mix tape I made in Unveristy and it rekindled my love for this track. The Organ are no longer together, but this Vancouver based band’s album Sinking Hearts is still a keeper with its Smiths influenced sound.

The Organ – No One Has Ever Looked So Dead

I don’t even remember how this song ended up in my library but everytime “Darren” by Allo Darlin’ comes on it makes me smile. I only have one other song by this band and its about falling in love with a girl who listens to Wu Tang. So I’m sure I’ll be hunting for more.

Allo Darlin’ – Darren

This last one is an oldie but a goodie. I remember hearing this song when my older cousins played it at the cottage and it changed my life. It was catchy and kooky and sent me to find out more.

Voilent Femmes – American music

* If you are a member or manager of the above band and you would like your track removed, please contact us and we will swiftly oblige. Fans, new or old, please support these bands by using your coffee money to buy their records.

I’m a little obsessed with talk radio – or podcasts. There is nothing better to brighten up your work day than learning something new and interesting that you can share at dinner parties when the conversation gets awkward and boring. And WNYC’s RadioLab is one of the best out there. Being a music fan, this is an episode that comes up often and always starts a worthwhile conversation.

Now, on to some tunes that stood out for me this week. I’ve been under the weather, hence the chill vibe to this week’s picks – but still amazing tracks that helped me through the week. Enjoy!

I was such a big fan of Kings of Leon previous albums that when Come Around Sundown came out and it had a different sound – I was too quick to judge. I thought they had lost their edge. But I’m never afraid to admit when I’m wrong. I never gave this album the praise it deserves. Ya, it’s a different sound than Aha Shake Heartbreak, but this albums more chill vibe is what makes it so great. If you shoved it aside too soon like me, give it another chance. I think you’re mind might be changed.

Kings of Leon – The Face

No question The Black Keys have a good thing going. But, I just love the simplicity of this song. Tender words and a couple simple chords. Sometimes I love over-production in a song – but other times I’m a simple kinda gal. This track is from their 2006 release “Magic Potion”

The Black Keys – You’re The One

The Coppertone has come to my city on numerous occasions and I have yet to put a face to an album that I love. This track is a great example of what she can do. So good.

The Coppertone – Heroine
Happy Listening!

* If you are a member or manager of the above band and you would like your track removed, please contact us and we will swiftly oblige. Fans, new or old, please support these bands by using your coffee money to buy their records.

Don’t know too much about Murder By Death, but this song had me with what I think is an opening violin. I just love everything about this song. The melody, the words…you get it. Maybe I have wedding on the brain, but the chorus really gets me.

Murder By Death – Foxglove

The Rural Alberta Advantage are a favourite band for me. Their debut “Hometowns” blew me away and this song never fails to get me pumped up.

The Rural Alberta Advantage – Four Night Rider

This Guards’ track was the soundtrack of my summer. Listen for when it kicks in at 0:33 mark.

Guards – resolution of one

HAPPY LISTENING!!

Song Title – Band

This picture has nothing to do with the songs, but I laughed so hard when I saw it that it had to be included.

Future Islands are totally under-rated in my opinion. I love their distinct sound that goes outside the box but doesn’t scare you off. This song showcases their softer side but keeps their signature sound. Love.

Future Islands – Where I Found You

Jared Mees and The Grown Children found me by accident, but I fell in love with their album “Only Good Thoughts Can Stay”. Catchy songs that are full of personal lyrics that tell a story. It was seriously hard to choose just one song to post. There is a wide range of tracks on this album, but this one always makes me smile.

Jared Mees and The Grown Children – Graverobbers

J Roddy Walston & The Business were the very first band ever posted on Toe Jam Mondays. Check that post HERE for a real rock ‘n’ roll track, but this song is a little slower. Again, a sucker for the story, but the melody of this song gets me every time. Goosebumps.

J Roddy Walston & The Business – Go Malachi

* If you are a member or manager of the above band and you would like your track removed, please contact us and we will swiftly oblige. Fans, new or old, please support these bands by using your coffee money to buy their records.

I still find and listen to great tunes, but won’t have time to write detailed reviews.

But I couldn’t leave my faithful Toe Jam readers hangin’. I will still be posting toe tappin’ jams but they will be short and sweet. Just a list of 3-5 songs that I am diggin that week. If you like what you hear, I encourage you to investigate and buy their albums.

If you have any questions about the bands or songs I post feel free to comment and I will definitely get back to you.

Happy Listening, Friends!

Shannon is a member of Hunx and His Punx. Her voice was one of my favourite parts of those jams so I was super excited to get this album. Listen to when her voice gets good and raspy around 0:55 mark. Gold.
Shannon and The Clams – You Will Always Bring Me Flowers

Jhameel invaded my library early this year and he has been gaining momentum with every month that passes. This is one talented mother f*$@er. He’s releasing new tracks off of his album WAVES every Tuesday. Check HERE to keep in the know.
Jhameel – White Lie

This song is off a compliation that one of my favourite international radio stations puts out every year. Triple J in Australia is always on top of great tunes and thier covers compliations “Like a Version” never disappoint.
Stonefield – Magic Carpet Ride

* If you are a member or manager of the above band and you would like your track removed, please contact us and we will swiftly oblige. Fans, new or old, please support these bands by using your coffee money to buy their records.

My friend Andrea Rehill (some of you Hamiltonians might know her) is a huge Bruce Springsteen fan. I’m not talking the kind who goes to every show that comes to Toronto and surrounding area. I’m talking super-fan, like driving to Jersey on the regular, is covered in tribute tattoos, and even has his manager’ss number in her phone. I guess you could say she likes him.

But she’s not only a fan of Bruce’s music, she’s a fan of the things he stands for. That’s where the Light of Day fundraiser comes in. The fundraiser started in 1998 in New Jersey after Bob Benjamin, a music industry veteran and friend of The Boss, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He recruited his music industry friends and colleagues to put their talents towards raising money for the devastating disease. The event now spans countries all over the world and has raised more than a million dollars. So, while Andrea is a mega-fan, thats not all that she’s about. She’s a great part of the Hamilton community and is always looking for ways to give back.

The event has been held in Niagara over the years, but Andrea decided to bring the show to Hamilton last year – and even though she had to compete with the Ti-Cat season ending game – the event was a huge success. Acts like The Dinner Belles, Willie Nile and The Black Spurs were there to throw down for the cause. It was so successfull in fact, that she had to add a second show this year because Thursday nights tickets sold out so fast.

Light of Day will be held at everyone’s favourite dive, This Ain’t Hollywood on James Street North and is set to be a night – or I guess nights – to remember.

Although Andrea accepted his proposal last year, but no wedding took place, Vincent Pastore (a.k.a. “Big Pussy” from the Sopranos) agreed to return as host for the evening. I think he’s hoping this year is for real – see the video below.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXShIemELhI

Amazing local acts like Live How You Live and The Dinner Belles are on the bill for this event as well as some musical legends like Willie Nile and everyone’s favourite East Coaster Joel Plaskett joined by his friend Peter Elkas will be gracing the stage this year.

The Dinner Belles – ‘Til The Dawn

Peter Elkas – Cool Thing to Do

Joel Plaskett – Fashionable People

This years Light of Day Hamilton is set to knock your socks off so make sure to grab your tickets ASAP. Thursday is SOLD OUT, but there are still some tickets left for the newly added Wednesday night show. Below is all the info you need to make this night full of good music, good people and a good cause, a part of your history.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 9TH

Hosted by Vincent “Big Pussy” Pastore (The Sopranos)
with DJ KU (motown, funk & soul)

featuring…

Live How You Live
Peter Elkas Band
Willie Nile
Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan
Brisco’s Blues Revue

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 10TH – SOLD OUT

Hosted by Vincent “Big Pussy” Pastore (The Sopranos)
DJ George Pettit (Alexisonfire)

Joel Plaskett and Peter Elkas
The Dinner Belles
Willie Nile
Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan
Buckshot Bebee and her Secret Boyfriends

As always, all proceeds going towards the fight against Parkinson’s disease and related illnesses!

Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door

Tickets available at www.thisainthollywood.ca
At the venue or by contacting me at

Andrea @ lightofdayhamilton@gmail.com

Online purchases will be picked up the evening of the show at the door with your email confirmation and photo ID!

Visit www.lightofday.org for more information
www.lightofdaycanada.com

And special thanks to Kaiden Seven Photography!!

Thanks Andrea for organizing what I’m sure will be another amazing night. If any of you out there are interested in bringing Light of Day to your city (and I hope some of you are), visit www.lightofday.org for more info.

* If you are a member or manager of the above band and you would like your track removed, please contact us and we will swiftly oblige. Fans, new or old, please support these bands by using your coffee money to buy their records.