Bumping into... James Beardmore

Bumping Into... is a series of mini-chats with a variety of peeps that you might run into in some of our local music communities. (There's a bit of an intro and my thoughts behind the series here.)

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How are you? Where are you?

I’m… alright! That sure is a big question these days. It’s a mixture and it changes, like it is for everyone. I’m writing this the day before I attend a livestreamed funeral for a close friend back from the UK so that’s a heavy and surreal feeling. But I’m healthy, safe, employed, and I have a home with my partner and two wonderful idiot cats. I regularly check back to that and realize in the grand scheme of things I’m incredibly lucky. I’m currently at home in Fairbank, Toronto.

What have you been up to since March or so?

Working from home, finding ways to work on music that doesn’t result in me permanently staring at the same laptop on a desk when combined with said work. Enjoying new and exciting ways to brew coffee. We’re lucky to have access to some backyard space so that was a big part of the summer. Walking around the York area, usually at night. Been enjoying the beltline trail quite a bit.

Music-wise I ended up being fairly productive but I consciously decided in March 2020 not to push that or feel bad if I didn’t feel like being creative. It really felt like everyone had this unspoken pressure to use all their new free time to churn out music. But you either feel like making music or you don’t. And stress and uncertainty are creativity killers.

I had a split tape with Shayu released on DISPLAY in March 2020, just as we were all locking down, trying to find groceries, and disinfecting our doorknobs:

Then I allowed myself to ignore making music until I felt like it, which it turned out was several months. It was the right decision.

In the meantime, I did take part in the Basilica Hudson 24 Hour Drone. I invited lots of Canadian musician friends to take part in a performance as part of a multi-livestream event as Canada Resonance Agency (CRA) It was: Eternal Real World + Colin Fisher, Fog Spirits, Brigitte Bardon’t, Leucrocuta, myself as Cares, Marty Adem, Hensu, Brother Tiger, Ylang Ylang, Cetacea. I’d never organized that sort of thing before. It was fun learning both the technical and creative possibilities and working with friends. It was a memorable day with beautiful performances. We went from noon until about 8PM, then Bryan Bray continued into an epic endurance-performance odyssey until noon the next day. Unfortunately it was all too long for Youtube to archive.

Around June I realized I was back into recording and production mode. The late summer I spent a lot of time recording and arranging and I now have a couple of releases lined up.

I remixed a track by Wasn’t from their latest album in the summer. HENSU just did a beautiful remix of a single from my last full length. I have a split tape with Altar Boa (Harpur from IRN) out in February, and a new full length Cares album is out March 26 on Zabra. A few other things are in the works too.

Have you found any new ways to do old things? How are you feeling about the shifts in how music is being made/shared/listened to?

In music, I have resolved a lot of anguish about the process so I can just get on with it. Music always involves chaotic experimentation for me which can be messy, and I’m finally cool with that. Lots of people go through the cycles of loving and hating what they’re making, and I’m more comfortable with that now too. Generally just happier with my approach. Not focusing at all on how anything works live has reminded me how much I love production.

Spotify needs to die. The more I see headlines about Spotify gaming it’s own system with fake artists it doesn’t need to pay, the more I get spam emails offering to get me onto bullshit playlists, the more I also see artists continuing to invest in a platform that actively resents their existence. I honestly think Spotify is trying to move to a model without musicians.

I’ve seen some good discussions about people forming more collectives to boost each other and I think any sense of community like that is a great thing. It could be compilations, labels, connected projects, but can even (in future) translate to live spaces and events. My guess is that’s where good things are going to happen more than ever.

Any works of art that have been a light for you in these times? Anything that's just been a good diversion?

I’ll keep it short. Buck II: Where Do You Want It? by Buck Young (AKA Zoe Burke). Such a unique album with a powerful atmosphere. Country themed tape loop experiments, musique concrète and the odd guitar ballad. I’ve heard nothing like it.

Really enjoyed watching Avenue 5. I’m a big Armando Iannucci fan and these days the more satire TV like that the better. We watched that show in the late winter and had to re watch because it just got more relevant as the year went on. Probably the funniest, most absurd yet real thing I’ve seen in years.

How are you feeling about 2021?

Cautiously optimistic. Socially, locally, artistically I think we have learned a lot and there’s the potential to do some really meaningful things together. Maybe later on this year we’ll go to a show?! Maybe! There’s a lot of awful goings on right now and it seems like it’s more incomprehensible every day. But the main theme I see is that more people are done just accepting it. For all the or bastards profiting off or actively worsening disaster, there are more people than ever organizing, helping each other and deciding that things need to be better. I’m hoping that beyond the pandemic slowly coming to an end, more of us are going to realize we need to look after each other and improve a society that has ended up benefiting very few of us. Locally we need to band together and push against the interests gutting our city for profit.

Anything else we'd chat about if we bumped into each other?

I'd want to know what you're up to! Always great to hear the latest things you're putting together. If I go to a show and I see you there I always know I’m in the right place. I look forward to that again in the future.

Monday Roundup #2

In the absence of concert listings, my regular Monday dispatches have fallen off. After bringing some life to the blog with the "bumping into" series, I figure I should get back in the groove. I'm guessing that this will be a bit like what used to get shoved into the end of the post when I was doing listings — some bandcamp suggestions, nods to a few livestreams, and sundry community notes (email me if you have anything that needs broadcast in the latter category!). Plus maybe a look back through the MFS archives.

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Community notes:

• I was glad to see Shaun Bowring (of The Garrison and The Baby G), who has been speaking up for local music venues since things shut down last March, getting some recognition in The Star.

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Livestream nation:

• The electroacoustic improvisation series Exit Points has moved seamlessly online, thanks to Michael Palumbo and co.'s technical skills. The series returns from a holiday hiatus with a show on Wednesday night — and as usual, community members can join in for the open jam after the curated sets (all the information you need is over here).

• Soprano saxophonist Kayla Milmine and dancer Allison Elizabeth Burns are joining together for a joint improvised livestream on Saturday afternoon (January 30th), and viewers and invited to invited to submit prompts to inspire the direction of the performance.

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Bandcamp corner:

• Nur Michael (a.k.a. Michael Keith) has bundled some of his recent baritone ukulele improvisations into an EP that is suitable for meditations or winter walks.

• Eric Chenaux's contribution to Constellation Records' Corona Borealis singles series (which you should be following!) is now available:

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It happened this week...

• ... on January 28, 2014 in the Southern Cross.

Drumheller - Nguyen Ngoc Loan

• ...on January 30, 2015 at Geary Lane (for their self-titled album's release celebration!)

Absolutely Free - Beneath The Air

[Do remember that you can click on the tags below to go back and find the original posts (and often, more stuff) from these artists.]

Bumping into... bob wiseman

Bumping Into... is a series of mini-chats with a variety of peeps that you might run into in some of our local music communities. (There's a bit of an intro and my thoughts behind the series here.)

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How are you? Where are you?

I'm in High Park.

What have you been up to since March or so?

Walking in High Park, sometimes at night I also walk it and wish I had the nerve to go into the same trails I do when the sun is out.

Have you found any new ways to do old things? How are you feeling about the shifts in how music is being made/shared/listened to?

Yogurt, soymilk, kombucha, chocolate cake without sugar and baked beans, they are old things, but new for me to make. I'm feeling good about the way music is now being made telepathically.

Any works of art that have been a light for you in these times? Anything that's just been a good diversion?

The Master and Margarita. I wish I knew a country of people who celebrate that book every hour.

How are you feeling about 2021?

Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go, I owe my soul to the company store.

Anything else we'd chat about if we bumped into each other?

There are scholarly papers out there about how insects improvise due to global warming.

Monday Roundup #1

In the absence of concert listings, my regular Monday dispatches have fallen off. After bringing some life to the blog with the "bumping into" series, I figure I should get back in the groove. (Although we may yet bump into a few more peeps!) I'm guessing that this will be a bit like what used to get shoved into the end of the post when I was doing listings — some bandcamp suggestions, nods to a few livestreams, and sundry community notes (email me if you have anything that needs broadcast in the latter category!). Plus maybe a look back through the MFS archives.

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Community notes:

• In case you missed it, you can catch Saturday's Long Winter (which is, in this Winter of our Sepration. being transformed into "Long Winter TV") over on youtube:

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It happened this week...

• ...on January 22, 2010 at the Out of This Spark 3rd Anniversary Party at The Garrison.

Forest City Lovers - Song For Morrie

• ...on January 21, 2011 at The Tranzac.

Canaille - Angeer

• ...on January 24, 2012 at Soundscapes.

John K. Samson - The Last And

[Okay, jeez, that was harder than expected to not pick even more things. Still, going forward, this is more likely to be constrained to one or two picks. Do remember that you can click on the tags below to go back and find the original posts (and often, more stuff) from these artists.]

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Bandcamp corner:

• Heidi Chan's series of Bachelard EP's over the past year have investigated different approaces to modular synthesis and are all rewarding listens, but things really stretch out in a satisfying way on this new collection of "minimalist, hazy" pieces:

Bumping into... Nilan

Bumping Into... is a series of mini-chats with a variety of peeps that you might run into in some of our local music communities. (There's a bit of an intro and my thoughts behind the series here.)

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How are you? Where are you?

Yo..in tha hood...N of Eglington and Keele.

Me?

Pretty good, pretty bad, about the same, being a dad.

What have you been up to since March or so?

Well, it's been like the definition of combat..long stretches of boredom punctuated buy moments of extreme stress! But I'm being slightly specious/facetious.

I'm chuffed about the Willow Gardens Collective with Fahmid, me, Mark and Germaine working the soil and have found our work and collaborations to be very nutritious in all the ways. Then there's my 6 year old daughter who is central part of my life and my heart's beautiful journey. I've had some pretty fkn weird shit handed to me around Child Services but I was exonerated...my daughter had my back....which you can imagine made my heart very much bigger.

All in all, everything considered, I'm grateful...I'm a lucky guy!

Have you found any new ways to do old things? How are you feeling about the shifts in how music is being made/shared/listened to?

It's funny...I'm a player not a practice-er so my guitar time seems to focus on playing old blues/roots music (back to the beautiful well!) or working on some off kilter ways to play Bach and Satie, all of which leave opportunity to inject elements of the Mystery, which results in some self contained Mysterious extrapolation.

I go through lengthy periods of not playing and spending too much time on the 'net...I love connections and information so I'm guessing that'll feed onto the creative. Coming back into playing after not playing for a while is an initial explosion of coolness 'til my chops fall apart, lol.

I'm really looking forward to a blossoming of formal compositions but can't wait for the conversations I'm used to in spontaneous play. I'm intensely curious about how things are going to sound like when the coviditties calm down.

I was on a project in 2012 in Sri Lanka checking in with artists of all genres about their work during the 30 year civil war...the visual artists said that there wasn't much done during but in terms of producing work you couldn't shut them up after.

I think the same seemed to work for the theatre people and music there is pretty stratified into commercial, traditional and some art music of a formal nature. I'm wondering now whether that had anything to do with the wartime censorship, but it's the closest in my experience to what we are going through now.

Civil war has very different social parameters, though.

I think electronic musicians in general are the ones who can really make use of the time now as composition and performance are intimately tied in that world and one can create fully realised work instead of relying on in person rehearsals and $$$. considerations.

I did release my ancient solo recording with the new addition of the re/demixes and am checking into my archives for more.

Any works of art that have been a light for you in these times? Anything that's just been a good diversion?

That's a hard one... yes and no.

I'm into different things... politics, social justice, the environment and thinking about issues and connective tissues.

I've always felt a bit of a dilettante when it came to music and the arts. I've got a bit of a case of ADD I think... lol.

I started playing music seriously at 30 so don't have the early years of affirmation, practice, routine and career... I was a huge fan though.

My diversions are reading, gardening and my daughter... and the internet... which is kind of, like f'book, a bit like radio for me. People post cool things which remind me of other things either re discoveries or discoveries, but I repost and don't latch on. It's actually a bit annoying sometimes.

Colin F turned me on to 'Ka' (hip hop) who blew my mind...the Days With Dr. Yen Lo by Ka and Preservation is amazing.

How are you feeling about 2021?

Pretty good... I'm excited about the possibilities, though there are some major pragmatic challenges for our community of artists at large re: venues, spaces (performance or otherwise) etc. as well as distribution of art/music.

I think, if we don't unite in an interdisciplinary way in a movement of the times, we're going to be looking at major difficulties.

It's also a time of reflection of not only the 'hows', but the whys' of art.

All this is tied into what I feel is a crucial time for the community of improvised/non mainstream music to place themselves in the cultural framework in more active/activist ways.

It's all changed., and trying to go back won't work.

And also deal with uncomfortable questions around diversity and representation and the origins of and solutions for that question.

I'm working on stuff...when and if it happens, y'all will know.

Anything else we'd chat about if we bumped into each other?

The weather, how it's cool how the traffic has reduced, food, the price of pomegranates, what you're doing... the usual friendliness.

Photo credit Nehara S. P-K

Bumping into... Kristel Jax (Brigitte Bardon't)

Bumping Into... is a series of mini-chats with a variety of peeps that you might run into in some of our local music communities. (There's a bit of an intro and my thoughts behind the series here.)

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How are you? Where are you?

I'm sleepy. Currently in Parkdale with Lana Del Satan the mini pug, who misses everyone very much.

What have you been up to since March or so?

Since March I released an album entirely made with a Barbie keyboard and started a magazine with Tasman Richardson called Hum, about different drone sounds we find around the city. I've been doing livestreams for the Music Gallery through OBS which has been a huge adventure.

Have you found any new ways to do old things? How are you feeling about the shifts in how music is being made/shared/listened to?

I feel like I'm in the part of the shift where I don't know what things are shifting to. It's a little eerie.

Any works of art that have been a light for you in these times? Anything that's just been a good diversion?

I'm addicted to 90 Day Fiancé. Been bopping to a lot of Minimal Violence from Vancouver and trying to read Dune.

How are you feeling about 2021?

The Music Gallery actually put "2020" in one of my passwords and now it's just 2020 forever for me... good luck on the other side

Anything else we'd chat about if we bumped into each other?

A full rundown on Twin Peaks theories until you slowly backed away and remembered you had pressing matters with someone over there.

Bumping into... Xuan

Bumping Into... is a series of mini-chats with a variety of peeps that you might run into in some of our local music communities. (There's a bit of an intro and my thoughts behind the series here.)

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How are you? Where are you?

up and down within the four walls but doing as well as I can

What have you been up to since March or so?

same old million lil different things

Have you found any new ways to do old things? How are you feeling about the shifts in how music is being made/shared/listened to?

my body feels sincerely acutely sad/bad/rad/ that it can't vibe with live sounds in the same space any more no flow only scroll It (body) is now only friends with alien beeps and slurs >120BPM n decided not to make seriously-hardly-vibing music any more It (still the body) even gets tight when seeing the word JAM It longs for SHALLOW listening LOUD bass REPEATING patterns and GROOVING with mother who only knows Mao and does not know Cage unlike you who should know that Cage was pro Mao and using I-Ching to decide on which letter to use out of 26 letters is like ok I hear you have nothing better to do bc you are so privileged that you cannot live not liberally not without a book you've borrowed so I guess I've maybe found new ways to not do old things

Any works of art that have been a light for you in these times? Anything that's just been a good diversion?

so many art crushes in these times bc of so much smoke and scroll but also bc so many shits have happened in 2020. i have to say my truth telling close friend rant on social media has felt like a good diversion of emotional excesses because one needs a space for telling the truth but not feel unsafe.

How are you feeling about 2021?

all the fucked ups will not resolve in our lifetimes however we still have to subsist n persist

Anything else we'd chat about if we bumped into each other?

how you doing? may you survive a peaceful mind

Bumping into... Aline Homzy

Bumping Into... is a series of mini-chats with a variety of peeps that you might run into in some of our local music communities. (There's a bit of an intro and my thoughts behind the series here.)

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How are you? Where are you?

Howdy! Thanks for asking. I am feeling cheerful yet fatigued. It’s really nice to bump into you in Nanaimo, Joe! The trees and plants are gleaming with life here as the clouds drop water onto us daily.

What have you been up to since March or so?

The top things I have been doing since March:

Putting my trail cam all over toronto. In search for good spots to set the camera, I happened upon families of foxes by the Etobicoke river, a coyote up near the Humber river... and so many beautiful birds. Captured lots of them on the camera as well and so many deer, mice and rats!

I’m really hoping to get some footage of some city cougars around here and maybe a bear (really pining to see a wolf but they are coastal in these parts).

I found lots of joy in walking and working out with my mom. We used the free YMCA workouts and had fun doing them together (though separated on a screen). Now that I’m momentarily living with my parents, we spend most of our active time walking outside.

Working on new music has been really quite strange. Bursts of melodies enter my mind and I sit writing them out... and a couple hours later, I have a string quartet piece finished and done. On the other hand, there are projects I want to complete (from before-pandemic times) that I can’t seem to get to. I’m learning a lot.

I’ve been doing lots of great projects for other people, at the studio at my parents here in Nanaimo, and working on all of this music brings on a sense of normalcy.

Have you found any new ways to do old things? How are you feeling about the shifts in how music is being made/shared/listened to?

I think about it daily. I have projects that were particularly meaningful and meticulously thought-out, from before the pandemic. I’m having a hard time letting go of the fact that they cannot be accomplished in the way that I had planned. On the other hand, I am thrilled to still be able to work creatively on other projects. I am really finding a lot of positivity from working on my own and creating music with and for others.

Any works of art that have been a light for you in these times? Anything that's just been a good diversion?

Since I’m with my dad quite regularly these days, we’ve been discussing and watching lots on the early days of jazz. I am working as a board member for the Nanaimo jazz festival here, which my dad started a few years ago. The point of the festival is to support the local community. We’re working now on a virtual festival that is supporting a micro community from the Comox valley to the Cowichan valley. We are celebrating the music of Canadians and specifically, we are highlighting the music of Canadian composer Shelton Brooks who was quite active in the first third of the 20th century.

How are you feeling about 2021?

We have all adapted so creatively and quickly to this new way of life. I’m anticipating that I will hold on to some of the new habits I have developed. I’m extremely lucky that none of my family or close friends have been terribly affected by Covid, health-wise and that I have had extreme privilege in this time to keep working so much and to take time to think of what my personal priorities are in ... life.

Anything else we'd chat about if we bumped into each other?

I would certainly like to know what you have been listening to and what you have been thinking about. I’m wondering, Joe if you’ve seen any good movies or eaten any interesting food lately? Oh! Also... Are you into politics?

Bumping into... Alex Fournier

Bumping Into... is a series of mini-chats with a variety of peeps that you might run into in some of our local music communities. (There's a bit of an intro and my thoughts behind the series here.)

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How are you? Where are you?

I'm alright. Mostly just stirring around my apartment and keeping myself busy/amused however I can. I'm up at Eglinton W. just at the edge of the International Market neighborhood. The Caribbean food is fantastic up here. How are you?

What have you been up to since March or so?

It's been a mostly introspective time. Working on myself wherever I can. Lot of projects that have been started and sustained as well. Started with a list of exercises I put together to help with getting a better/more pliable grip on polyrhythms and that kind of language. Lot of exploring and understanding what I'm trying to do on my instrument in terms of improvising as well. Settled on the idea of a "cascading" or "tumbling" sound... whatever that means. Changed up my reading list to focus on a lot of critical theory and philosophy, so I've got a mountain of books on top of my dresser I want to get through. Released a trio album with some friends from Baltimore at the beginning of this. Been kinda hard to promote it and talk it up though. Haven't had the gusto for that kind of stuff lately.

Had an interlude in the early fall that kept me pretty busy with gigs actually. Triio played its first festival and I'm told we're invited back for next year! Lot of Jazz Manouche as well with Tak Arikushi. Recorded an album with Dan Pitt's Quintet. Started working on a theme-transcription project - namely Wayne Shorter's playing on Speak No Evil. Also been going over tunes friends have written - though I'm back to focusing on my own music for now. Got some good news from CCA that I'll likely announce soon too!

Have you found any new ways to do old things? How are you feeling about the shifts in how music is being made/shared/listened to?

Oh my gosh you should see my teaching from home setup. It gets pretty silly when you see what a double bass lesson looks like on my end. Had to learn a little about recording tech, which was no biggie. Truth be told I haven't been consuming a lot of new music. I feel like I had a lot on my shelf before all of this that I hadn't properly explored, so I've taken the time to listen more thoroughly to what I've picked up over the years. More reading than anything these days. Otherwise, not too many changes beyond remembering the mask when I go out.

Any works of art that have been a light for you in these times? Anything that's just been a good diversion?

Sam Rivers' "Fuchsia Swing Song" reminded me why I love jazz. Same with Jaki Byard's The Jaki Byard Experience, among a few other things that have been on the iPod (yes I still have one of those). The Ethics by Baruch Spinoza was a pretty incredible read. Been diving into philosophers that have come from his sphere of influence. Replaying Bloodborne and Doom Eternal too. The music/sound design for both are incredible.

How are you feeling about 2021?

Uuuuuhhhh... I get the feeling it's going to be another rocky year but at least it has a chance to have an upswing by the end, so at least we won't have to call it a trash-fire. Had a conversation with Michael Davidson that got me thinking about what we can contribute to our community/the world - quality over quantity and the like - and I get the feeling that that will be a focus for a lot of people, especially since everyone (and I'm saying this especially to myself) seemed stressed out from "the hustle" for such a long time. Still sorting that conversation out, but I feel like the year can end on a better note than expected if we're both engaged and checking in on each other. At very least I'm incredibly interested to hear everyone play again!

Anything else we'd chat about if we bumped into each other?

Always interested in hearing what shows you've been to/what else has been new. I'm terrible at remembering to talk to people when I'm at home but I suppose it has the benefit of giving you more to talk about in person, which I prefer anyway.

Bumping into... Bea Labikova

Bumping Into... is a series of mini-chats with a variety of peeps that you might run into in some of our local music communities. (There's a bit of an intro and my thoughts behind the series here.)

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How are you? Where are you?

Hi Joe, nice to see you! I am doing quite well and I'm still in Toronto... although living somewhere near nature and around mountains never felt more tempting!

What have you been up to since March or so?

I have been trying to stay well, healthy, busy and also to be a positive and supportive force for people in my life. First few months have been pretty intense and full of reflection. I feel I went through phases of trying to to do only things that bring me joy without any attachment of professional or goal oriented focus.... and then being super ambitious trying to get everything I have ever dreamed about done.

Well, more recently, I have been working on my album with Germaine Liu and William Parker that we recorded during the weekend of Women From Space Festival 2020.

I spent a lot of days creating visual work, illustration and animation. I have been volunteering and helping an organization called "Canadian Centre for Women's Empowerment" to create design and illustrations for their campaign focusing on economic and financial abuse of women.

I made a puppet! And together with my partner Raphael Roter we made a puppet music video with hope to bring smiles and joy to people as we head into the new year...it was fun!

And right now I am in a middle of really busy times of putting together the Women From Space Festival 2021! It is happening and it will be spacey!

Have you found any new ways to do old things? How are you feeling about the shifts in how music is being made/shared/listened to?

I am definitely very impressed how everyone transitioned and immediately figured out how to shift into online platform to continue sharing and performing. I tried not to compare it to the feeling of live performance (though I very much miss it like most of us) and treat it as different medium and look for the advantages that this medium can offer.

In terms of new ways...maybe I can say a little bit, even though it is still a secret right now...Raph and I have been developing a special new device that will allow people to watch performances through a hologram illusion! The Women From Space Festival 2021 will be presented in this new spacey way. We call this invention the Holobox Theater!

Any works of art that have been a light for you in these times? Anything that's just been a good diversion?

Besides lots of music, I have been reading many fun books (i.e. A Burning by Megha Majumdar) and I have been more and more fascinated by the art of animation (Wolfwalkers is so great!)

How are you feeling about 2021?

I am feeling positive. I am also blown away by the science community and their incredible work and achievement with the vaccine.

Anything else we'd chat about if we bumped into each other?

Oh I would definitely steer the conversation towards learning about what you have been up to and how are you doing! Thank you for doing these series Joe, it is so nice to read and connect with people from our community!

Bumping into... Isla Craig

Bumping Into... is a series of mini-chats with a variety of peeps that you might run into in some of our local music communities. (There's a bit of an intro and my thoughts behind the series here.)

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How are you? Where are you?

Some days good, grounded, clear and focused, others a weeping pile of human at the mercy the unknown. This has been a time of surrender. Palms open and up. I am but a hop, skip and a jump from the Don Valley / watershed, which has been a saving grace and potent reminder that nature finds its way and space amidst constriction. I've also really come into deep relationship with my wooden floor boards. Like, where did YOU come from?!...and thank you for holding me.

What have you been up to since March or so?

I work a full time job and a part time job and each of those I have maintained throughout the COVID era. So I've been working a lot. Grateful for this stability and also pretty tired. I feel a bit like a self cleaning oven. Walking a whole heap and man am I grateful to live next to a WILD LIFE corridor.

I like making lil low fi audio video collages, and made this one at the beginning of the COVID era. I think it's the best thing I've ever done, truth be told!

Have you found any new ways to do old things? How are you feeling about the shifts in how music is being made/shared/listened to?

My newest way of an old thing is a coffee hack I learned from some online surfers: brewing coffee with flax & coconut oil, spoonful of peanut butter and a touch of honey. Deeply nourishing. Also, Wim Hof method. Deep breathing and cold water submersion. Some of the best medicine I've ever encountered. Also in that vein, luckily in between the lockdown times, I've received Ilan Lev Method treatments from my good friend Sahara Morimoto. Working with movement and the potential spaces, no matter how slight they may be.

I miss playing with a band more than anything. I think about it, dream about it often.

I did get to sing with Victoria Cheong and Jennifer Castle for Jennifer's solstice show (online!) and it was so moving. I processed a lot the days following because it was so affecting to sing in close proximity, with those two who I care about very much. I also sang with a small version of the Kith n Kin choir, outdoors, in masks which was fun and also a bit like scream singing into the void (a mask really makes it difficult to hear or blend with others). This is, traditionally, a time of year we all get to sing together and it has become such an important part of my holiday season. So happy we could find a way to maintain the thread.

I've attended some live stream shows that have really lifted my heart and I know there is potential there, for sure. In moderation. I feel in the hands of artists, we could develop some beautiful immersive scapes to inspire and connect. But I also get techno-drained and just need to tune out as well, so I understand both sides.

Any works of art that have been a light for you in these times? Anything that's just been a good diversion?

No coward soul is mine
No trembler in the world's storm-troubled sphere
I see Heaven's glories shine
And Faith shines equal arming me from Fear

There is no room for Death
Nor atom that his might could render void
Since thou art Being and Breath
And what thou art may never be destroyed.

-Emily Bronte, as sung in "Hays Creek" (from the shape note tradition)

• Tori Amos' audiobook, Resistance: A Songwriter's Story of Hope, Change and Courage - read by Tori herself. Incredibly inspiring and wise.
• Brandy's B7
• Nico's Chelsea Girl

How are you feeling about 2021?

I've been out walking, I don't do too much talking these days :)

Anything else we'd chat about if we bumped into each other?

Just to have time in company, perhaps outside the Tranzac show, would be so lovely. I think your presence across these years, and this very platform you are using to connect musicians to each other in this weird time, is a testament to your incredible capacity to show up and make people feel seen. Bless you Joe.

Bumping into... Aerin Fogel

Bumping Into... is a series of mini-chats with a variety of peeps that you might run into in some of our local music communities. (There's a bit of an intro and my thoughts behind the series here.)

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How are you? Where are you?

I am riding this wild rollercoaster. Still in my home in Toronto, this year has offered me extremes of both loss and love and everything in between.

What have you been up to since March or so?

The beginning of the pandemic was a catalyst for me to recover from some pretty extensive burnout that's been building over the last five years. I was pushing through and not sure how to make the changes I knew I needed to make. So I've let a lot of things crumble and that's been hard but also deeply relieving. I'm learning how to create better structure for myself as a freelancer, how to love myself more and let go of expectations.

Meanwhile I am still running Venus Fest, and a full time practice with clients through astrology, tarot, and karmic readings. Venus Fest hosted a virtual festival in September which was profoundly strange but also really joyful and I am proud of what everyone contributed.

My client practice has been wonderful and deep over the last year, sharing in really important decisions and transitions with my clients, and also teaching a lot of online PWYC workshops through the different significant astrology events that have come up.

In May I adopted a new cat who is a perfect special angel baby, and in the fall I ended a long term relationship that has opened up space for new parts of myself in ways I couldn't have anticipated.

Have you found any new ways to do old things? How are you feeling about the shifts in how music is being made/shared/listened to?

Venus Fest created some videos that I can only really describe as extended music videos, where the visual component was done by video and animation artists. That's a new way for us to share art with people and I was blown away by what the artists and musicians created together.

As an artist myself I've done three livestream shows and I struggled with all of them! I am not a gear person, so creating a home setup with limited knowledge and tech isn't ideal for me. However, I like the experience of creating a visual environment and setup, which is much harder to do at a show. As a highly kinesthetic person, I need to be in a space with people to really feel the experience of music. So I miss that and am still pondering ways it can be shared differently before we can return to shows.

Any works of art that have been a light for you in these times? Anything that's just been a good diversion?

So many! New albums from Lido Pimienta, US Girls, Austra, Basia Bulat, Anjimile, Backxwash, No Joy, Emel Mathlouthi, Gia Margaret, Julianna Barwick, I guess those were some of my favourites in the year.

But I actually have been spending a lot of my time deepening my astrology study, which is a lifelong learning when you work in the field. There is no end to the complexity and nuance of astrology's many systems. I've been listening to astro podcasts from Chris Brennan, Kirah Tabourn, and others, and currently reading a Hellenistic astrology tome (there's no other word for it) from Demetra George. Reading has been one of my favourite things about 2020 because when I'm not working 70 hour weeks I actually have time for it!

How are you feeling about 2021?

With my astrologer hat on we've made it through the profoundly difficult territory of 2020. But there are still some tough planetary configurations in 2021. I think they are more about rebuilding broken systems (whether those are political, economic, social, personal, or related to our wellbeing).

But for me personally I am feeling strong moving into 2021. I am in a good place to share my energy and resources with the people and things I care about, and I am ready to be adaptive to the unexpected. Plus I have my cat Luther now, so we're all good.

Anything else we'd chat about if we bumped into each other?

How are you? How would you answer these questions for yourself?

Editor's note: Aerin's Queen Of Swords project will be playing a Venus Fest/The New Colossus Festival livestream tomorrow (Friday, January 7th) along with Dorothea Paas and Poolblood.

Bumping into... Lisa Conway

Bumping Into... is a series of mini-chats with a variety of peeps that you might run into in some of our local music communities. (There's a bit of an intro and my thoughts behind the series here.)

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How are you? Where are you?

The short answer is generally okay, though there are highs and lows feelings-wise throughout the days. I’m in Guelph, in an apartment downtown that I share with my partner, Andrew, and our cat Gremlin.

What have you been up to since March or so?

Time has been moving very differently, but a variety of things!

One of my main commissions this year was an original score for a German-Canadian theatre collaborative production, and though the rehearsal periods and premiere were delayed several times, it actually somehow still happened. I worked on the music remotely and attended rehearsals via livestream instead of travelling to Germany, which presented its own challenges, but I was super thankful to be able to finish the work I’d started early in the year.

I played just one show in 2020, a little set outside in Toronto with my dear pal Karen Ng, which felt truly magical and grounding - I didn’t realize how much I missed singing my songs to people. Haven’t felt the most inspired to write regularly (for me) until about a month ago, but managed to release a single and video over the summer for fun, put together another single for a Guelph fundraiser compilation.

I’ve been doing some mixing work for other folks - had the pleasure of mixing a film score for Rebecca Bruton, and have also started mixing Victoria Cheong’s next New Chance album. Been taking piano lessons for the very first time which sometimes hurts my brain but in a good way, sang some stuff on some records and for a film project, finished up an old grant, am teaching Garage Band courses over Zoom and doing some grant writing consultation + editing for first time applicants, making mixes for campus radio, lots of walks and wanders outside, park beers with pals.

Have you found any new ways to do old things? How are you feeling about the shifts in how music is being made/shared/listened to?

I’m grateful that previously to this year I had an interest and ability in home recording (as well as gear!), and was fairly used to collaborating remotely and independently, emailing ideas back and forth. It’s honestly better for my social anxiety to do takes and write parts on my own, at my own pace, rather than in front of people in a studio. I can’t imagine the adjustment to these new ways of working if one didn’t have an already established solo writing practice or familiarity with the technology - I feel really lucky in that regard.

I’ve listened to more music this year than previous years - making mixes for Mixcloud and radio has been a really nice framework for keeping up with new releases. Bandcamp days are so so great! Definitely been buying a lot of music, and more intentionally catching up on releases made by pals.

The livestreams I’ve tuned into have been pretty enjoyable as a viewer, and it’s been exciting to see folks experiment and be creative with incorporating visuals and other mediums, making short films essentially. I really dearly miss the intimacy of bodies gathering in a small space, and chatting with other artists about what they are up to, but I’m having an easier time wrapping my head around livestreams when considering them as a separate and new presentation format or medium, rather than a replacement of what we did previously. Shot and recorded a few stripped down live performance videos completely solo, and got a really nice response to those on instagram, which felt nice.

Been really appreciating the new normal of video chatting, especially since previous to the pandemic both my mom (in BC) and my aunt (in Switzerland) insisted video chats “wouldn’t work on their phones”. They have been gloriously proven wrong and I’ve been able to even talk with both of them at the same time! Yay technology.

Overall this year was really important check-in on my not-so-healthy work / life balance - as a freelancer, I’ve found it really hard to take days off - so I’ve been trying to actually take one or two days off a week for the first time in my life, like an actual (guilt-free zero expectations) weekend.

Any works of art that have been a light for you in these times? Anything that's just been a good diversion?

I’ve found podcasts to be great company on walks or while doing the dishes for some time - been grateful for comedy podcasts like Comedy Bang Bang continuing to bring me joy and laughs during the more isolated days. I also have been really enjoying Black Frasier (Phoebe Robinson) and Couples Therapy with Naomi Ekperigin and Andy Beckerman.

During the March lockdown, Karen and Lane (Halley) and Andrew and I started watching The Sopranos for the first time, and would meet weekly on Zoom to discuss the episodes. We blasted through all the seasons and watched the finale on a projector in Lane’s backyard with some baked Ziti and sliced meats. It was so nice to have an excuse to check in weekly, and super fun to discuss things like AJ’s fashions or Tony and Carmella’s latest argument.

Definitely watching a lot of great television (standouts include I May Destroy You, Haunting of Bly Manor, Normal People, In My Skin, Feel Good) as well as regularly tuning in to a livestream of a snow leopard family that mostly just nap in a zoo in Australia. Been playing more video games than ever before, and trying to do so without guilt! I’m also super excited about cross country skiing these days, that’s been a wonderful winter distraction, as well as cooking projects.

How are you feeling about 2021?

I’m feeling optimistic though simultaneously very unsure. Trying to keep my expectations low. I’ve been starting to work on a new record and chipping away at that, and record-related dreaming and scheming has been a true lifesaver.

Anything else we'd chat about if we bumped into each other?

I would want to hear all about how you were! And be so excited to have a conversation lol. Missing that small talk .....

Bumping into... Babs [DJ at Juicebox, Synth Player at Psychic Weapons, lover of Siamese Cats and Velvet Paintings]

Bumping Into... is a series of mini-chats with a variety of peeps that you might run into in some of our local music communities. (There's a bit of an intro and my thoughts behind the series here.)

---

How are you? Where are you?

I'm great! I'm sitting on my sofa...hanging out on this lovely long weekend in the little apartment that I share with my amazing partner Derek Westerholm and MeepMoop the Cat. Derek is making synth noodles on the Korg Volca next to me as I write this, lol.

What have you been up to since March or so?

Oh boy, lots. I'm lucky in that I started a new job, so that really keeps my schedule pretty busy. Having that stability helps take the edge off you know... the whole pandemic thing. Transitioning to this new life has not been without its challenges, anxieties, and fears but I'm happy and healthy and filled with gratitude. Trying to keep it normal by continuing to think about music, making music, playing music, exploring music... I really miss seeing my family though, we're very close. I talk to my mom every day on the phone. Derek and I adopted MeepMoop the Cat almost a year ago to the day and it's been fascinating and fun to raise him together. He is a fine little cat fellow. We are very proud of him, lol.

Have you found any new ways to do old things? How are you feeling about the shifts in how music is being made/shared/listened to?

I jumped into online DJing pretty fast when everything shut down, and have been mastering the whole OBS streaming thing. Even though the Piston is closed for now I keep up with my monthly party Juicebox and broadcast on the last Saturday of each month as usual. At first I wasn't sure if I could... or should... like does the world need a DJ night when the world is going to hell? But...it became apparent that among our little community of friends, we needed to have a place where we could virtually meet and interact and feel... somewhat normal and support each other. I've always loved being a hostess so it's fun inviting the world into our living room. Derek's upgraded our home recording capabilities and we are looking forward to tracking some new song ideas. He and I are also looking at more DJ sets and broadcasts together in this new year, which is really, REALLY exciting. And of course, there's a Psychic Weapons album pretty much done and in the can..we're just trying to figure out how/when best to get it out there. We are very much of the "release an album, play live" mentality and when that option isn't there... it can be a bit challenging. I'm not into chasing and maximizing algorithms. That seems strange. Or maybe I'm just old, lol. We do really miss playing live and jamming.

Any works of art that have been a light for you in these times? Anything that's just been a good diversion?

Honestly, it's been really great to get more involved in the local and international DJ community. DJ Blush, DJ Nico, Datafreq, and Dr. Dan (Not So Kwyet) have been incredible hometown allies and hosting fabulous online streams and parties. It's wonderful to meet so many great selectors from across the globe sharing great music of all genres. My listening has expanded greatly and it's been very inspiring... and my record collection keeps growing as a result! There's a lot of camaraderie and support and positivity, which is really encouraging. As for listenings...well I'm about to release a mixtape with my most played songs of 2020... Baxter Dury is a continuing obsession of mine, the Osees... Oh Sees... Ohsees... (pick your preferred spelling) continue to delight. On the pop front I loved the last Gorillaz album... their concert live stream was amazing. I'm very proud of my girl Barbi who released a fantastic record with her project Siviyex. Derek showed me the new video for "Gem" by Jane Inc. just last week and I was like WOW. As for other sonic/visual inspirations, best to check my mixcloud page or insta, too many great artists to mention and I'll let their art do the talking instead!

How are you feeling about 2021?

Cautiously optimistic? Realistic? Caustic? I try hard not to get caught up in online and social media bullshit but of course, I'm pretty politically active... and vocal... I find the fact that 74 million people voted for The Orange Menace and people not getting the dangers of COVID, wealth disparity and the rise of anti-science and conspiracy theories quite...disturbing. I hope the world is on the verge of becoming a better place (I EXPECTED AN AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT GODDAMNIT!) but sometimes I wonder if Humankind has it in us to actually make the required changes. Sorry...is that bleak? LOL. That being said, I do feel that art and music and truth and kindness and awareness...and maybe a bit of witchcraft are the Way.

Anything else we'd chat about if we bumped into each other?

I definitely want to know when and where I can hear more of your fantastical sounds. Local music, because I know you've got the inside track on that. I want to know what you're listening to and what's inspiring you!

Bumping into... Clara Engel

Bumping Into... is a series of mini-chats with a variety of peeps that you might run into in some of our local music communities. (There's a bit of an intro and my thoughts behind the series here.)

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How are you? Where are you?

At home in the west end of Toronto. Big flakes of snow are falling outside.

What have you been up to since March or so?

Cancelled a US tour in March, and released this album in April:

Figured out how to record myself at home in a more satisfying way, which was a process. Then I recorded an album this fall... I just released it on the winter solstice (when I used to always play a show in the before-times). It's called A New Skin and it heavily features the cigar box guitar, my new favourite instrument.

Now I'm helping my friend Brad Deschamps of Polar Seas Recordings assemble a benefit compilation for a small local animal rescue. Brad and I are also doing a collaborative project which is turning into a concept album about a ghost bird, and that's been a lot of fun. Besides that, going for nature hikes with my partner, spending quiet down-time with them and our two guinea pigs. I'd be lying if I omitted the fact that I semi-regularly freak out about the future -- both the state of the world at large and my microcosmic part of it.

Have you found any new ways to do old things? How are you feeling about the shifts in how music is being made/shared/listened to?

I guess I never tried to record things very well at home before. I used to be all about recording in various locations, and my preference was always to have someone else engineer the session. So I had to make some pretty big adjustments. I do really miss the sense of occasion that recording live off the floor with other musicians gives me. There is no replacement for that.

I was making an effort to get out to more live performances before this started, so I miss that. In terms of musical discovery, Bandcamp is really great, I've been using it even more than pre-pandemic.

I go on the TPL website (usually late at night... it's like late night shopping but you spend no money and support the library!) and put cds on hold. I miss browsing in person, but I'm glad that some sort of browsing is still possible.

Any works of art that have been a light for you in these times? Anything that's just been a good diversion?

I just finished reading Middlemarch by George Eliot, which was amazing, and carried me through much of the pandemic. Watched some really good films on Kanopy -- recent highlights that I can think of right now are The Wolfpack, Bayou Maharajah, Carmine Street Guitars, We Are The Best. Also watched a few very silly shows, most recently Swedish Dicks with Keanu Reeves and Peter Stormare. There's been so much music that has been a light for me recently, but some of my favourite Bandcamp finds are Calabashed, Alice Coltrane's ecstatic music, Gillian Welch's Boots releases, Zedashe, Sangre De Muerdago, Daniel Kahn & Psoy Korolenko, Wojciech Rusin, Lankum, and Frances Pylons.

How are you feeling about 2021?

Uncertain.

Anything else we'd chat about if we bumped into each other?

I'd be curious about how you've been during this ongoing weird time, and what your thoughts are about the future of live music in Toronto. I'd probably find a way of working my guinea pigs into the conversation.

Bumping into... Mike Smith

Bumping Into... is a series of mini-chats with a variety of peeps that you might run into in some of our local music communities. (There's a bit of an intro and my thoughts behind the series here.)

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How are you? Where are you?

I'm doing great, considering the massive changes about. Deeply hunkered at Bathurst and Dupont.

What have you been up to since March or so?

I feel like aside from physical location, my day to day has really changed since March. I've been very fortunate to find some steady and rewarding work from home, so that has slowly taken over my 9-5s. It feels good!

The 5-9s have had all sorts of new stuff in em. The most notable new addition is getting into homebrewing, which has been super rewarding and enjoyable. We're lucky to have a backyard, so it was a great way to while a bunch of afternoons outside. The results are pretty good, too! i mean, I haven't dumped any anywhere but down my gullet, so that's an okay sign.

Have you found any new ways to do old things? How are you feeling about the shifts in how music is being made/shared/listened to?

I came into 2020 in a pretty deep music slump, which I can't say has really passed. What has changed is any sort of pressure on myself to get out of it, so my mental health has profited considerably. I'm slowly poking away at a cruddy overdub project, but there's no rush. I'm just trying to stay agile enough to reclaim some sort of social life when we are allowed to make music together again.

I'm a little bit frightened at how much is going to be lost from such a break in ensemble playing at large, and I think there are going to be a lot of early retirements. Mind you, I am not speaking for all the folks just shedding like nobody's business. They are not me.

I will say, that it is a great time to actually listen, though.

Any works of art that have been a light for you in these times? Anything that's just been a good diversion?

I had a plan for this year to try and buy one unknown album on Bandcamp every week, and clearly I picked the right year. I've been shovelling in the music like mad, and really enjoying the slow soft and still. Glorious. Maybe my favourite is something called Music For Baths [Vol. I] by Early Fern. I don't know anything about it, but I have listened to it many many times.

I couldn't really bring myself to read in the weird mind-mangle of the spring, but I have managed to catch up a bunch. Lots of Sword & Sorcery: not trying to impress anyone here, just trying to find something to not take too seriously.

How are you feeling about 2021?

Wildly optimistic.

Anything else we'd chat about if we bumped into each other?

I'd definitely bring up Sarah Pinsker, since you did. I finished Song For A New Day on, like, March 11th, so it kinda messed me up shortly thereafter.