Heather Curtis

social silence, paradox hotel, and kidd sister

This past Saturday at the Casbah I went to see Social Silence and Paradox Hotel. Social Silence brought it all. Unfortunately they did not get to play all of their new songs because of technical difficulties, but still played a kick-ass set. The two new songs we got to hear have the same hard feel that all the other Social Silence songs have. Social Silence music is perfect for rocking out in a huge mosh pit with all your friends. The guys in the band all feed off of each others' energy to make great stage presence. It was cool to see all the guitarists flinging their instruments around and head banging. Good energy equals a crowd that is really enjoying themselves. Even though they had numerous difficulties, like a string snapping and a cymbal breaking, they played a set they should be very proud of. I can't wait to see them play again!

Next band I want to talk about is Paradox Hotel, a hard rocking trio who rocks the faces off of anybody who watches them. The way I think about it, if a band only has three people in it, every member has to make up for it in stage presence and attitude. Paradox Hotel does that just perfectly. They really get into the music, but aren't energetic in a totally obvious way, just like 40 Sons and Daughters' stage presence. After every song, Paradox Hotel got huge cheers and screams. This band has a way of getting people into what they are hearing and get them to really listen. If you listen hard to the music, you will hear how complicated the music really is. Make sure to check them out at the next show!!

Next band up is Kidd Sister. I have never seen or heard this band before so I was really excited to really listen. Very few bands can get me interested after only a few seconds of the first song. When Kidd Sister started their song, I knew right away I would love it. This band is a really hard rock band, but also has a more reggae feel at times in my opinion. Singer Samantha Rutherford has strong powerful vocals that adds a lot to the band. It is really obvious that music is a huge part of her life and she takes it extremely seriously. Drummer Jacob Sinclair is a really talented drummer. He was pulling off riffs and rhythms that a lot of drummers who are way older than him would never be able to achieve. This band is full of talented kids who deserve you to listen to them. So go check them out, www. myspace.com/kiddsisterrock

casbah show!

On tuesday I went to the Casbah to see Carrion and City Sirens. I also got to see a great band called Alpha Galates. This band had the same effect on me that Cold Driven had when I first saw them. No band rocks out harder than Alpha Galates and no band I've heard plays such loud hard music. Stage presence in this band is top notch. Harmony the keyboard player rocked harder than any of the guys in the band. She was jumping around, head banging, and she looked like her music touched her in a deeply spiritual way. Alpha Galates is so hard it will blew your face off. The second they started to play my eyes went wide and I started dancing around. I can't wait to see this band again!

Next band I want to talk about is Carrion. I love this band. I love their stage presence, their sound, and how they interact with the crowd. They are pretty young guys, but they are full of experience and play way above their age. They had a really short set, but made the most of it. It was full of energy, amazing drumming, and fast complicated guitars. Something I noticed was they just don't interact with the crowd really well, but also with each other. A lot of bands don't have that skill, but the members of Carrion looked like they were having a lot of fun with each other on stage. Carrion is destined for greatness, make sure you keep an eye on them in the near future!

The last band I want to talk about is City Sirens. City Sirens is a great energetic, fun band that I love every time I get to see them. Each member adds something unique and important to the performance. Singer Mike Dias has a voice that is different from most singers around here, making City Sirens sound like no band from around here. Every time I see this great band they seem to get better and better. That night they sounded even more crisp and clean than they did before, which says a lot. City Sirens played a bunch of new songs that I am really excited to hear on a new cd. Great work guys!

Sublimatus and The It's Your Festival Release Party

Friday night, I went to a church downtown for the It's Your Festival release event. This music festival is held at Gage Park from the 27th to June 30th. The Release Party was a town getting together, and being one unit. This festival is about bringing everybody together. To get information you should go to http://www.hamiltonfolkarts.org/itsyourfestival.htm for more information. This festival is a great opportunity to feel like you belong with the people around you.

At the release party Sublimatus played a short set to entertain the guests. Sublimatus is from Hamilton Ontario. Sublimatus has an extremely unique sound you will not hear anywhere else. Singer Zena Hagerty has an exceptional, unique voice. Zena has been classically trained in violin, flute and vocals, so you can tell how experienced she is and what it brings to the table.

The second member of Sublimatus is Andras Hornic. Hornic and Hagerty together add a special mood to the music. Andras is also a very important influence in the compositional direction of the band and what the band sounds like.

Over the many years this band has been in the Hamilton music scene, Sublimatus has released five albums. Members have come and gone from the group, but Zena Hagerty has been the one to stick with it throughout all of it.

The Sublimatas live performance is something you have to see to really experience. They have some resemblances to different groups, but nothing you can actually compare to. Zena's vocals seem to float over the crowd, pulling everybody in. Sublimatas is playing It's Your Festival at Gage Park on Monday from 3:30-5:00. This band is extremely unique, if you miss their set you will be missing out on a truly spiritual experience.

cool shows coming up

There is some cool stuff coming up around the Hamilton area. Starting on the 27th going to July 1st, It's Your Festival is going on at Gage Park. This festival is a free music festival with a variety of acts. I'm urging you to go down for at least a one day. Some of the headliners include Mobile, Tom Wilson, Liberty Silver, April Wine, Honey Moon Suite, and Mikey Dangerous. If you decide to come down you will see a variety of acts that will blow your mind. On the 28th Euphoria's Depression is playing at 2:30. I have written about Euphorias Depression a lot, and if you haven't seen him you should give him a listen and check it out.

Upcoming Shows:

June 20th: Beautiful Nothing, The Casbah, Hamilton

June 20th: Chasing Mercury, The Opera House, Toronto

June 21st: Meet You At The Well, The Absinthe, Hamilton

June 21st: 40 Sons and Daughters, Hard Rock Cafe, Toronto

June 24th: Carrion and City Sirens, The Casbah

June 27th: Porcelain Youth, Beyond a Wonderland, The Casbah

June 28th: Bombing Neverland, Red Rooster, Burlington

June 28th: Circuit for the Blackout, Oakville YMCA

June 29th: Silverstein, Ill Scarlett, Cancer Bats, The Reason and more, Scene Fest, St. Catharines

July 4th: Holiday, Euphoria's Depression, The Ford Plant, Brantford

July 12th: Social Silence, Paradox Hotel, The Casbah

Social Silence and Paradox Hotel!

Tonight I went to the Casbah to see Social Silence. There was not much of a crowd, but the whole band had tons of energy and played to their fullest. That is extremely important, because you never know who could be in the crowd. Not many bands have such an intense chemistry while onstage. Just like 40 Sons and Daughters, I think if any other person were to replace one of the members, they would not be playing to their greatest potential. They played songs I've never heard (I've only been to two of their shows) and they were great. Most of their material is hard, and in your face. They are true rock stars. Their sound shows the talent, drive and determination these kids have. A lot of people listen to music without really listening. If you sit down and actually listen to them, you will hear how complex it actually is. The riffs, how fast the bass is, and the jumps in pitch singer Tyler D'costa pulls off is are incredible. As you guys can probably tell, I really like this band. Make sure to check them out on July 12th at the Casbah.

The next band I am going to talk about is Paradox Hotel. I have heard them a lot, but never had the privilege of seeing them live. Paradox Hotel is a hard rock trio from Hamilton Ontario. They are hard, fast and in your face. Singer Cody House is now one of my favourites in Hamilton. I love his style, and how he acts on stage. His attitude is perfect for a huge stadium crowd, which I'm sure they will be playing for in the near future. Like Social Silence, they rocked as hard as possible even though the crowd wasn't into it. Paradox Hotel is a little like Porcelain Youth, but still have a unique fresh sound. Drummer Brad Aitchison reminded me of Adam Cannon in the way he plays and his style. I loved my first Paradox Hotel show, and I am excited for the next one!

the casbah is awesome!

Tonight, I went to the Casbah to see City Sirens. First band I'm going to talk about is Social Silence. Social Silence is a hardcore band from Hamilton Ontario. They look really young, so their sound really surprised me. The riffs the guitarists were pulling off were amazing. They were so energetic and so much fun to watch. Lead vocalist Tyler D'costa never stood still. He jumped up and down and ran around the stage. He looked like he was having so much fun. This band has really great chemistry and they work really well together on stage. I could totally see them headlining huge shows and having a moshing crowd. Watch out for this band, they are going to make a huge splash on the Hamilton music scene!

Next up is City Sirens. City Sirens is a band I love going to see. All the times I've gone to see them I have such a great time. My favourite song of the night was Silence Over Sound. It's totally meaningful and has really deep lyrics. City Sirens sound keeps maturing while they play more shows. Like 40 Sons and Daughters, they get better and better after each show they play. On their cd it sounds like they record at a fancy expensive studio it is so well done. If you listen you would agree with me. They have an incredibly polished sound, but it is also extremely fun to listen to. They had another top notch show that they should be very proud of.

Meet You At The Well is an amazing hardcore progressive rock band from Hamilton Ontario. I have seen numerous times at different venues and think they are amazing each time. Me liking them so much is a bit strange because I normally don't like that kind of music. But this band draws me in. They are so much fun to watch. I have never seen a band get so into the music and interact with the crowd in such a way. Their sound is so unique, and fun to listen to. It fills up the room and pulls everybody in. Singer Kyle had the ultimate stage presence. He looked like he's been on stage for his whole life! Next show is June 10th at the Casbah. You guys should go!

If anybody knows of any good shows, please tell me:D

the stickup and silverstein

As some of you may remember, I have seen tons of Stickup shows in the past two years. I've seen them at the Underground and in different places in Burlington. They were a huge reason that I am so into indie music now. They came to this show to play their last show ever. I almost didn't get in to see them, and I was pretty heartbroken. But, thank goodness I got into the show, and saw the band do their thing.

The Stickup have grown such a strong fan base over the years. The second they started a huge moshpit started, and I knew the show was going to rock. All of these guys have such stage presence. You can tell they love the music, and love playing it for so many people who love them so much. My friend and I didn't stop jumping around once. We were having so much fun getting into the music, and it seemed like the rest of the crowd felt the same way. They played all my favourite songs that I remember waiting to hear at the shows two years ago. When they were playing these songs like; Speaker Takes the Stage and Dance Class Disaster, I had flashbacks from when we would see the Stickup at least 3 times a month. I really miss this band, but seeing this show gave me enough memories to go on with their shows:) I miss you guys. Thanks for playing!!

Next band I'm going to talk about is Silverstein. Silverstein is a super famous band which plays all over the world. Silverstein is full of super nice guys who really relate to their fans and respect them. By the way they interacted with the fans on stage, you could tell they respect them. You can tell everybody in that crowd loves Silverstein. There was a huge moshpit, people jumping, dancing and screaming the words. Silverstein played all the fan favourites like Smile in your Sleep, My Heroine, and My Heart Bleeds No More. It was such an intense set. I loved every second of it. Silverstein sounds even better than the last time I heard them. Hopefully I get to see them again!

my blogging break

As you guys can probably tell, I haven't written a post in a while. From April 22nd to the 27th I think I was in Boston on a school music trip. We met amazing people, saw amazing musicians, and had a great time.

My favourite part of the trip was getting to work with Benjamin Zander. Benjamin Zander is a world famous musician who conducts the Boston Philharmonic. Professional musicians from all over the world would do anything to work with him, and we did. He had a concert that night which we were going to. On concert days he has a strict routine which he NEVER breaks to get ready. He broke it for us to come in and give us a clinic. Being in the same room with him was extremely overwhelming, scary, and really exciting all at once. Everybody looked up at him with wide eyes listening to every word he said.

We saw amazing concerts. We went to see the NEC the second night. The NEC is the New England Conservatory. This band was full of talented young musicians who have great careers ahead of them. We saw the Boston Philharmonic too. I saw a lot of young people who were probably around 17 or 18. It's cool to think that such young people could be in such a great orchestra.

On this trip I learned so much from our clinicians. It was an amazing week, and I will never forget it.

If anybody was at the Sauce Rock-it show on April 26th how about posting pictures:)?  Thanks!

faber drive

Last night, I saw Faber Drive live in concert. It was at the Studio Theatre in Hamilton Place. The atmosphere was growing with excitement and intensity. The lights went dark, and loud music started and the crowd knew: Faber Drive is coming. The whole crowd burst out into screams and cheers. The guys in Faber Drive jumped onto the stage, and the music started.

This show has to  be the loudest show I have ever been to. Throughout every song, every single person screamed the lryics. You could tell that most of the people there loved Faber Drive, and appreciated their music and what it means. Singer Faber blew everybody away with his chops. His voice gave me goosebumps on my arms. For the song Tongue Tied, the music is quiet and has Faber singing. All you could hear were all 500 people screaming at the top of their lungs right along with the singer. Being on stage and hearing so many people appreciate your music must be an amazing feeling.

They sang a song called You'll Make It. This song is about all the children living in poverty, and that we should be trying to help them. Before they started the song, Faber started to talk about how important the charity World Vision is to them. You can tell Faber Drive is passionate about those who are in need of assistance around the world, and helping them in any way they can.

Faber Drive is perfection in the music world. They have a clean, polished sound, and passionate lyrics that pull the fans into the music and help them relate. I'm sure Faber Drive music has helped countless kids through hard times, helping them realize that the bad times won't last forever, and that it will get better. If you haven't heard Faber Drive yet, give them a listen. You won't regret it.

Crush Luther!

Friday night I got to go see Crush Luther at the Casbah. There were other great acts there too. First band I'm going to talk about is Slow Motion Victory. Slow Motion Victory is so full of energy while onstage it's insane. Singer Toby was jumping around the stage and dancing around. He looked like he was having an amazing time. It is really important for the people onstage to have a great time as well as the crowd. Guitarist Rick was pulling off guitar riffs that left me going, " wow". Most of their songs are really energetic and fast. Perfect music to jump around to and have a great time.

Next band up was Crush Luther. Crush Luther is an amazing band from Toronto. They are a really soft band, but a really fun band. Throughout the whole set my friend and I were dancing around and having like the best time ever. They played a really great song called Slowdance Everywhere I Go. I sung along with singer Luther Mallory on this one, and it was really fun. All of these guys have voices that blend perfectly together. The only other bands I have heard like this are Guilty, and Chasing Mercury. Like those bands, Crush Luther has harmonies that go through all the members, that are perfectly in tune and sound like they've been practicing it for years. Luther Mallory has the best voice I have heard in a very long time. He has a way of bringing you into the music. Make sure you check them out on May 10th back at the Casbah.

Next up was Euphorias Depression. Euphorias Depression always has a good crowd out for him who cheer and sing along. As you may know, he is an acoustic act. Marcio Novelli is a talented musician who puts his heart and soul into the music. He is really confident in himself. You can tell from his attitude onstage he won't care if you don't like his music, because he knows he has a big fan base. As a musician it is really important to be confident. Marcio is not cocky confident, though, which is good. My favourite song of his set was Cerabration. He asked the crowd, "what song should I play next?" and you heard  Cerabration! coming from different sides of the room. It's a great song, with meaningful and important lyrics. Just like every time I see him, he blew me away with his range and his skill. Great Job!

The last band was Holiday. Holiday is super energetic and fun to watch. Jumping around the stage and laughing with the fans. Drummer Roger really brought it all that night. He drummed with such percision and skill, it blew me away. I saw this band a little while ago at the Summerdayze Rockfest and I really loved them, so I was excited to see them again. Singer Vinny is great. He has a cool tone to his voice that is only his own. My favourite song by them is Sniper. They played it and I jumped up and down and took pictures.  It was a lot of fun. If you have never seen Holiday I suggest you go to the Flambourough YMCA on the 26th to see them. It will be a great show!