Recording: HEX

Artist: HEX

Song: Cannibalistic

Recorded at Artscape Daniels Spectrum (Venus Fest), September 30, 2017.

HEX - Cannibalistic

The idea of a "feminist music festival" might bring to mind an earnest folkie gathering, maybe off in a forest somewhere, but this first annual event was nothing like that, using inclusive and intersectional ideals as guideposts to programming a day of wide-ranging musics. The brainchild of local musician Aerin Fogel, Venus Fest was an ambitious undertaking, presenting a dozen performances in Daniels Spectrum's spacious multi-purpose Regent Park digs. And it all came together quite wonderfully, highlighting a diverse slate of mostly local musicians and incorporating flourishes like Vanessa Rieger's live-mixed visuals. With this first festival completed, there's a new "sessions" series starting up, and lots of energy to build on the positive vibes this day released.

Running for nearly eleven hours, the day started early by rock'n'roll standards, but the first part had really strong programming. I was definitely eager to be on hand for the first set of the day to check in with HEX's howling guitars and ripping songs. Confident enough to ease in with with a slow-burner before unveiling their phosphorus-tipped fangs on this one, this got the day started with the right kind of energy.

[The Venus Fest sessions series begins tonight (November 2nd) at the Gladstone Hotel, presenting sets from Tasseomancy and Dorothea Paas. HEX will be performing at the Benefit Show for D-Beatstro on Sunday night (November 5th).]