Interview: Johnny Foreigner

Poster by Megan Arnold
Doors at 8pm
19+
$5 at the door

Johnny Foreigner vs. London, ON

Article by Madison Foster

It's not everyday that our fair city gets a visit from a band who has travelled all the way from Birmingham, UK. Especially when the band is as great and talented as lo-fi, punk rockers Johnny Foreigner. The newly redesigned four piece will be making a stop at the Black Shire Pub (511 Talbot St.) when they touch ground in Canada during their “Johnny Foreigner vs. The Atlantic” North American tour. Although the band, who originally formed in 2006, are no strangers to this side of the planet Johnny Foreigner will be a name more widely heard across Canada and the United States thanks to their recent signing with Chicago record label Swerp, as well as their latest EP release “Names,” their first release with Swerp but fourth with UK label Alcopop! Records. Full of energy and the right rhythm to get you on your feet this band is one that cure your hump day blues. On Wednesday, November 21^st Johnny Foreigner (consisting of Alexei Berrow, Kelly Southern, Junior Laidley and newest member Lewes Herriot) will take the stage and bless us with some music along with :

ElosArma

The indie pop, progressive rock group that hail from Toronto who are lucky enough to share the stage with the band on more than several nights during the Canadian half of the tour. A band that displays the prefect combination of synthy keys and stunning harmonies. A combination that can be heard in their so new it's fresh EP “Mother/Father” and in their latest single Feet Here (which you can listen to here).

And More More

These local rock darlings are no stranger to the stage. With catchy, guitar driven tunes that will make your toes tap and will never disappoint. And how could you say no to a preview of new material set for the studio. Their “Horse Head EP,” released earlier this year, was greatly received on CHRW and the band has been featured on two local compilations.

Did I mention that this show is only $5? FIVE DOLLARS!

Not convinced? Need more information. Well lucky for you I was able to ask Kelly from Johnny Foreigner a few questions that you can read below! Yay!

Event: Olenka and the Autumn Lovers Dual Release

The Autumn Lovers Return 

With Twice as Much Music

Article by Madison Foster

We here at London Calling have been following the work and music of Olenka and the Autumn Lovers since their start in 2008. With the lyrical genius of front woman Olenka Krakus and the mix of rock, folk and the right amount of Eastern European influence, who could blame us? So we're more than excited for the band's first release in two years with their “Hard Times” EP (a beautifully done seven track melody with telling of struggle and confusion in modern day society and pressures) AND the limited edition release of the“It's Alright” 7” (the first vinyl release for the Autumn Lovers full of haunting guitar and melancholy lyrics that set the scene of disappointment and longing). These two released are works of love and dedication put together in collaboration with the band and friends throughout the city. Both releases were recorded at local recording studio The Sugar Shack, owned and run by band member Simon Larochette and mastered by Dan Weston (who has worked with such names as Shad, Danial Romano and The Weather Station). “It's Alright” is to be released in partnership with We Kill Giants, a new independent label based out of London.

Just off of their month long tour across Ontario, Quebec and the East Coast and they're right back at it with a duel release show where fans can pick up the EP and pre-order the 7”. On Friday, November 2nd the band has invited music lover, friends and family to join them at the Talbot Street Church as they take the stage with local native turned Winnipeg folk songstress Jenny Berkel and London folk powerhouse Firehouse, lead by “Handsome” Dan Mancini and now with nine members taking the stage. Enjoy a night and fantastic music in a beautifully renovated church located at 513 Talbot St. Doors open at 6:30pm with music starting at 7pm. Tickets are available in advance for $12 at Grooves Records, Hot Dog and the Village Idiot or at the door for $15.  

INTERVIEW: PAPER LIONS

ONE YEAR LATER: CATCHING UP WITH PAPER LIONS
ARTICLE BY MADISON FOSTER

In the newest episode of LCV Paper Lions were featured as our “Slacker Radio Presents” piece for their interview with Drew had interviewed them last year (If you haven't seen it yet don't worry. I'm going to put the link to it right here. And make sure to check out my interview with The Balconies while you're at it). Obviously time has passed and the band has been hard at work. The folk rock band from P.E.I. just released an EP “At Long Creek” and the beginning of the year (which is free for download now off their website) and just finished their first full length album after they made the switch to Paper Lions, formally Chucky Danger Band.

Since the band (including members John MacPhee, David Cyrus MacDonald, Colin Buchanan, Rob MacPhee) was interviewed for the show about a year ago I spoke to the guys via email about all that they've been up to and the band itself.

LCV EPISODE 05

"STAY HERE FOR A WHILE"
Posted By Brittknee Withikaye

Click through to watch the first run of LCV Episode 5 "Stay Here For a While" on Londonfuse
 
Feat. Grooves Band Profile w/ The Balconies, A Few Awkward Mins w/ Pat Tiffin, Slacker Radio Presents Paper Lions, A Freestyle w/ Jux Cain, and Gorilla Video feat. Darrelle London

EVENT @FANSHAWE THEATRE EQUUS

INTERVIEW: TWO HOURS TRAFFIC

NEW MATERIAL FROM TWO HOURS TRAFFIC TO PUT YOU UNDER THEIR "SPELL"
ARTICLE BY MADISON FOSTER

If you haven't heard the name Two Hours Traffic, well then you should be kicking yourself. The Charlottetown band has done nothing but make a name for themselves since their start with the help of Joel Plaskett. Since then the band has maintained a professional and personal friendship with Plaskett, who has produced three of their albums including 2008's “Little Jabs” which was nominated for a Polaris Prize. If that wasn't enough there are also the multiple East Coast Award nominations, a performance at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler and their music featured on several hit television shows.

Now new material from Two Hours Traffic is almost in our grasps! Back in June the east coast band went back into the studio to work on a new EP called “Siren Spell” and revealed earlier in the month that that tracks will be released on September 11^th through Bumstead Records. According to the band's website the upcoming EP will be a sneak peek for the new full length album they plan to release in early 2013.

Before hitting the studio the boys (including members Liam Corcoran, Andrew MacDonald, Derek Ellis and Nathan Gill) took off on a small tour of the East Coast and Ontario which landed them right here in London, Ontario. I had the chance to talk to Two Hours Traffic about the EP and some recent changes the band has gone through.

FROM THE ARCHIVE: TV FREAKS

Modern Punk with an Old School Sound

Article by Madison Foster

This Friday, London will see the return of Niagra punk rocker TV Freaks. This show is being called "the blockbuster of the summer." I personally don't know if I'd go that far but I won't deny that this is a group of boys that can bring out a crowd and get them moving, with more than one sold out show under their belt. And with bands like Hunters and Anglers (Welland) and The Dirty Nil (Hamilton) on the bill this will surely be an amazing and interesting night and line-up.

Back in Decemeber of 2011 TV Freaks had released their first full length album with Schizophrenic Records. Since then they have released a 7" EP with the label but that's not what we're talking about here...

At the time of the LP release I got together with Justis Krar of the "Freaks" (who we hope to see on stage with the band despite a hiatus while touring with Single Mothers) about the release which you can read here.

INTERVIEW: ELK

DAYDREAMING IN THE BACK OF A VAN
Article By Madison Foster

The boys in the Toronto and Niagara region band and garage rockers, Elk, officially released their sophomore album “Daydreams” on Tuesday, July 17^th. Their first full length with record label Indoor Shoes but second release with the label. Elk's 2011 EP “Balm Beach” had the honour of being the first 7” release from Indoor Shoes so needless to say the band (including members Kyle Connely, Ben Pokol, Michael Price and Josh Korody) was more than ready to get back to work with the label.

Although last Tuesday marked the actually release date for the new LP, London, ON was the town of choice of a pre-release party on June 28^th where show-goers could walk out with a copy of the album which was not available anywhere else. On that night before the band hit the stage to close off the show, they spent most of their time in the back of their tour van drinking beers and smoking cigarettes. I got the pleasure of joining them in the van and chatting with Price, Pokol, Connely and fill-in drummer Jordan Rutledge (as Korody was absent that night) who got thrown a few unsuspecting curve balls. (Sorry Jordan)

LCV EPISODE 3

"WHAT FEST?"
Posted by Brittknee Withikaye

Click through to watch the first run of LCV Episode 3 "What Fest" on Londonfuse

Feat. Grooves Band Profile w/ Twin Shadow, A Few Moments w/ Bruce Peninsula, Slacker Radio Presents Two Interviews, & Oh! Fest 2011 Montage

NXNE TEAM PHOTOS

Click through to kPod Media to see some team photos taken during out NXNE adventures.

INTERVIEW: LISTENER

Dan Smith and Christin Nelson of Listener

SO YOU WANT TO LEARN ABOUT TALK MUSIC?
Article By Madison Foster

While I was preparing for my interview with Listener I found a humorous piece of fan art spoofing the Marmite ad stating, “Either you love it or you hate it.” I found the particular drawing interesting because just like the yeasty British spread I could see how some people might love Listener while others dislike the band. Although I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't like Listener, if I do I will probably lose some respect for that person. In the end, love them or hate them, their own brand of music (the best way to describe it would be talk music) with Dan Smith's raw and powerful words over the purest form of rock music, achieved with drums, bass and guitar, is so unique and creative. Some might think that spoken word in music is basically hip-hop or rap but there does seem to be a difference. “With hip hop, you do a verse for awhile then there's a break for the chorus. There's a lot of patterns that you stay in,” explained Smith. “Vocally, for what we're doing, it could just be where ever it needs to go. Word wise, sometimes it could rhyme, sometimes it could not. Sometimes there are patterns, sometimes not. It's just spoken out.” Not wanting to be “avant gard” the band members say they like to stay away from genres as it allows them more freedom then what's expected from hip hop, poetry or rock.  

INTERVIEW: YOUNG RIVAL

TRAINS, PLANES AND DINOSAUR HEADS?
Article By Madison Foster
Young Rival can bring out a crowd. There's no denying that. So maybe that's why London promotion team Half A Dino booked them for a fundraiser show earlier in June. Hmmm. Although the boys from Hamilton don't have too far to travel to get to London it's always great to find out they're taking the trek. I mean, who doesn't like to rock?

Just finishing up a full length album and we can only imagine a tour will be just around the corner, which means these boys will be no strangers to the road. Well, I guess that might already be the case. With drummer Noah Fralick residing in Toronto and his band mates, Aron D'Alesio and John Smith (if that really is his real name....) sticking to their roots in Hamilton the boys are constantly finding themselves in a back and forth situation keeping the band going. But hey, they're not complaining.

PRODUCER'S NOTES

AND THOUGH IT PAINS ME TO TREAT YOU UNKIND, THE GOAL IS GREATER, LOVE IS BLIND
Article By Drew Skitt

Two weeks ago, I got an email from Pat explaining that Handsome Furs (the band) had broken up. The news felt like learning that someone from your high school who was really cool and who had cool parents, you know, the high school sweet hearts (can you see your version of them?) had suddenly decided to call it quits.  Pat's tone made me think that he had lost his cat.   In true Pat form, there was still room for a laugh. After positioning his punch line, a few days later Pat ripped me on gmail chat, writing that our season had taken so long to post that our feature bands were already breaking up. I thought about it and had to laugh – like out loud.  Handsome Furs are road warriors and when we met up with them in Toronto and then in London a couple weeks later, it was obvious that they pour all they have into their music even when there is hardly any to give.  They also like to smoke cigarettes.

LCV EPISODE 02

"PS WE LOVE YOU"

Posted By Brittknee Withikaye

Click through the photo to watch LCV Episode 2 "P.S. We Love You"

Feat. Grooves Band Profile w/ Handsome Furs, a Few Moments w/ PS I Love You, Mesh Boutique: Mesh Sesh Vol. 1, & Gorilla Video w/ Casper the Ghost

MAC OUTPOST OFFICIAL SPONSOR

THANKS MAC OUTPOST

While we are thanking our Sponsors for all the free stuff they are throwing at us aside from "money"
I have to send a big shout out to London's Mac Outpost which hooked us up with a sweet looking 'designer' Lacie by Starck. This thing weighs like 10lbs, made out of some kind of stone, lasers and touch technology. It's pretty sweet.

Until Mac Outpost stepped in (again to save us), we only had enough space to store all the raw footage but no where to store the final cuts of LCV and all the new footage to come this summer.

Thanks Mac Outpost for all the hard-drives you have donated to this team and especially for this sweet addition to our tower of storage!

-B

NXNE 2012: PREVIEW

The 5 Bands to Watch at NXNE 2012 

As we prepare to head off to this year's North By Northeast, we wanted to review some of the acts we are looking forward to at this years installment of NXNE.

Gold & Youth

If you find yourself walking down Queen Street West on the Thursday of NXNE, make sure to get down to the Rivoli to check out this Vancouver buzz band. Their mix of Synth & Drum Loop set a moody tone for their haunting lyrics. This is a show not to be missed.

Ben Caplan & The Casual Smokers

Having witnessed this bearded wonder at the CN Tower during the opening of this year's Canadian Music Week. I can tell you, if you choose this evening set at the Horseshoe on the Thursday. That you will be entertained by this blues-folk virtuoso from Sound Check to the last note played.

Bran Van 3000

Every year ,NXNE pulls a rabbit out of their 90's hat and this year is no different. As we'll get a chance to basque upon the Montreal Pop glory that is Bran Van 3000. From Drinking in L.A., to Couch Surfing to Astounded, this late night show on the Thursday schedule is reason to get your dancing shoes on.

 

PRODUCER'S NOTES

LCV EPISODE 1 RECAP
Article By Drew Skitt

Meeting west coasters Current Swell was a lot like hooking up with Hands and Teeth, Wildlife, Paper Lions, and Metz, (all bands that will be making appearances on LCV). Automatically, I was drawn to each individual and there was this other dynamic that existed within the group - something I knew nothing about and instinctively knew to respect.

When Pat and I booked the Current Swell interview, we had just changed our approach with publicists. Since has been Pat my booking agent, our success rate in terms of landing interviews and access to shows is nearing perfection - he's one sexy cat.

One of our goals this season is to promote Gorilla Video. Rather than just booking interviews, this season we've been requesting performances in locations that sound (for lack of better word) - special. Gorilla Video will be a major part of what makes the show London Calling this season.

Current Swell's spontaneous GV is precisely why I have pursued this segment.  It's about collaborating with a band without firm plans to shoot in location 'x' and we try to use the bands first take - unless it's clearly a 'warm up'.  The point is to meet a band 50/50 on every component of the project.  It will be hard to top Current Swell's church track this season, but I know we can.

Episode 1, titled "Is that 100,500 In Your Collection Plate?," also has Californian Comedian Ari Shaffir turning the tables on Pat. Yes, you will find out if Pat Tiffin is a virgin or not in eppy one - that alone is reason enough to watch.

Thank you Brit for holding down the cuts, for your direction on the new title sequence and Dev for your camera work.  Major thanks to VANS and RVCA for the new kicks and clothes, and another big special thanks to Studio Kuefner (Christina Kuefner) for making us looks so good in this stuff.

LCV EPISODE 01

"IS THAT $100,500 IN YOUR COLLECTION PLATE?"

Posted By Brittknee Withikaye
Hey everyone! The first Episode of London Calling Season 5 is finally here!

Click the photo to start watching LCV EPISODE 1 via LondonFuse

This Episode features: Current Swell, Pat Tiffin w/ Comedian Ari Shaffir, RVCA Photoshoot at Studio Kuefner, and Gorrilla Video w/ Current Swell, only on London Calling.

RVCA OFFICIAL CLOTHING SPONSOR

Another EXCITING day at the office! Our RVCA gear has arrived! Just about 65 items shipped straight from BC by RVCA for our cast and crew to stay cool and stylish this summer on LCV.

Personally, this'll probably get me through the winter too! I'm pretty sure Drew won't have to buy any business shirts for another year either.

Thank you SO much RVCA! We LOVE the way your clothes feel, so light, cool and casual; and we all promise to take good care of them so we can keep wearing them forever just like last year's shipment.

You can watch our cast and crew get down at Studio Kuefner wearing the first round of sponsored clothes by RVCA on EP01 of LCV set to launch TONIGHT online at LondonFuse.ca

Guys, don't be jealous! I've seen lots of RVCA wear right here in London at places like Archie's on Richmond Row and the malls (Masonville and White Oaks) just go in and ask for them to show you the RVCA line!

Or better yet, shop from the comfort of your own home! Check out their online clothing store below ...

RVCA

EVENT @ APK LIVE JUNE 1

LCV LONDON FUSE POSTER

VANS CANADA OFFICIAL SHOE SPONSOR

We just received our sponsor pack from VANS CANADA today! (Click the photo to take a peak at the contents via kPod Media.)

Vans Canada has jumped on board again for LCV to shoe our whole crew with some trendy summer staples and classics.
We're so excited to shoot the remainder of the season with this new gear and honour ALL of our awesome sponsors with the love and support they so willfully donate to us.

THANK YOU VANS CANADA!!!

Jealous? Don't be! You can shop Vans online right here on the Internet to shoe yourself with this gear and more.

VANS CANADA

EVENT @ APK LIVE MAY 18th 2012

EVENT: CREEKSIDE STRAYS @ APK LIVE

EVENT COUSINS @ APK LIVE

LCV GORILLA VIDEO MOORE & EXIT ONLY

WKG PROMO / THE BLACONIES

EVENT: TEENAGE KICKS @ APK LIVE

PHOTOS: ABOSULTELY FREE & YOUNG EMPIRES

See some photos of the Young Empires and Absolutely Free from the Jan 27 show @APK Live

ABSOLUTELY FREE AND YOUNG EMPIRES | JAN 27 2012

BORN RUFFIANS AT APKLIVE Like, two weeks ago...

In case you want a short trip down memory lane to the weekend before lasts' Born Ruffians show at APKLive, please see photos on our FB fan page below.


BORN RUFFIANs & LONNIE IN THE GARDEN | JAN 20 2012

LONDON CALLING ON STRAIGHT TALK

This week London Calling cast and crew sat down with Bill Paul on his 106.9FM show Straight Talk (which happens to be the longest running radio show produced in London, ON). 

Soon we'll have an upload of our Straight Talk with London's Town Cryer Bill Paul.

STAY TUNED


106.9FM The X

LONDON CALLING ON 94.9 CHRW | RE-RUN

If you didn't catch us live on 94.9 CHRW last night, you can listen here.

LONDON CALLING 94.9 CHRW JAN 25 12 

w/ special guest in the background, Brittknee Withikaye

WESTERN GAZETTE TALKS TO DREW SKITT

Check out this article where Drew Skitt talks about entering London Calling's 5th season and 6th year on Rogers TV - London

It ain't easy!

http://bit.ly/zlSEeU

LCV PRESS RELEASE 2012

This year London Calling enters its fifth season [LCV]. Each week, our half-hour program promotes our home-grown talent in London, ON along with the Canadian artists that produce the finest sounds to come out of the Great White North. Well into production, London Calling has already begun highlighting interviews caught last summer [2011] online: Canadaʼs post-punk brothers METZ, and Montrealʼs Handsome Furs.

Returning sponsored segments this season include, ʻA Few Awkward Minutes with Pat Tiffinʼ, ʻGrooves Band Profileʼ, and of course, ʻGorilla Video.ʼ

You can even listen to London Calling live on Western University's 94.9 CHRW where Drew and company broadcast live bands in-studio,and our favourite tracks- old and new.

London Calling [LCIV] has also returned online. Tune in to catch our best moments with Zeus, Deadmaus, D-Sisive, and Apostle of Hustleʼs Andrew Whiteman. Last season was filled with the buzz of an amazing year for Canadian music, from a rooftop soccer match with Bedouin Soundclash, to the 40th anniversary of the Junoʼs, Caribou at LOLA, and Wild Domestic.

Catch London Calling on www.londonfuse.ca online

For information on how to sponsor London Calling contact us at

LondonCallingV@gmail.com

London Calling: Music Minus The Attitude