It was a nice November 15th afternoon show at the Black Sheep Inn.
A CD Release show for Jill Zmud’s debut album “as we quietly drive by”.
It was a long time in the making for her to release a album of this prestige.
Which she got some help with Dave Draves.
Check out the video of the song East Of The Line live.

Also playing at the show were:
Kim Wempe and Carmel Mikol

Sheesham and Lotus

This was my third time seeing her.
The first was at Westfest and the second was when she opened up for Kyrie Kristmanson at the same venue.

Amanda Putz of CBC Radio 1’s Bandwidth did all the introduction for the three acts playing at the show.
Its a nice way to start off the set and let people know a quick detail of the artist.
The first act was Kim Wempe and Carmel Mikol.
Both are singers and decided to tour together and call it “Guess Who’s Driving? Tour”
They have been touring across Canada.
Their music is acoustic folk rock pop and it was a nice set to listen to.
Both are very talented musicians.

The next act was Sheesham and Lotus.
Their music had that old fashion style sound and even what they wore.
They liven up the audience and people were having a great time with their music.
I like the big horn that was placed in the middle.
They were a entertaining duo.

Jill Zmud was finally up on stage.

She was very excited to play for those that were in attendance at the show.
This time she had a backing back to help her play.
She had the drummer of Wide Mouth Mason play.
Dave Draves doing the keyboards.
The special guest was Jim Bryson who sang with her on East Of The Line.
Jill sang Precipice and Pilot Light on the Black Sheep piano and it was absolutely amazing to hear.
Overall it was a truely great set to see her play and finally have her CD released.
Jill was almost getting emotional while mentioning about the album being released.
She is a talented musician and you should get the album or see her live.

Second November 14th night of shows.
This time the venue was at Babylon and it was party central.
Playing there were:
You Say Party! We Say Die!

Think About Life


I missed out the opener which was Ottawa’s Centretown Cripplers.
This is a band who I’ve seen various times in this site.
I did talk to some of the members and they were not worried if I missed their set.

Considering I was at Zaphods and trying to run to get to Babylon.
I got there and was half-way through Think About Life’s set.
They were playing tracks from the current album Family.
Was very surprised with the turnout. I couldn’t get through the floor because people are dancing and having a fun time.
I think I heard tracks like Johanna, Young Hearts and Set You On Fire.
Lastly they sang Sweet Sixteen.

In under just a year, they have become very popular and letting everyone have a great time with their music.
Here is a Sweet Sixteen which was videotaped live at Babylon.

The headliner was You Say Party! We Say Die!
Very excited to see them live because they recently released their new album called XXXX (aka Love).
Haven’t heard any of the songs from XXXX live besides the Sounds Unlikely acoustic session.
Love the stage setup which they had four Xs that light up.

They started off with This Is XXXX (Within My Heart) which was amazing to hear live.
Then people started to dance like crazy when they began.
It was a mix of the new album and old album.
Heard tracks like Monster and Downtown Mayor.

Wasn’t until the last two songs, I was very excited and happy to hear.
Sang my lungs off to “Like I Give A Care” and “The Gap”.
The Gap everyone went nuts and Becky decided to go over to the audience and it was insanity.
Surprised with their turnout and everyone had a fun time.
Guessing the promotion they got from X3 being artist gave them a boost in new fans.
Becky did interact with the audience. There was a part in Like I Give A Care where Becky took my hat and wore for abit during the performance.
The encore was a old song but it was a rocking fun time.

Overall it was a fun crazy night at Babylon.
Here is This Is XXXX (Within My Heart)

It was a first of two nights of very popular shows I went on November 14th.
The first show I went was at Zaphod Beeblebrox.
Playing there were:
The Most Serene Republic

The Wind Up Radio Sessions


I’ve seen The Most Serene Republic alot and they just are a very fun band to see live.
They also never disappoint while attending to their shows.
Its been a great year for them since they released their third album ….And The Ever Expanding Universe (Which I think is one of their best to date).
There was a last minute replacement opener.
Because Meligrove Band was suppose to be the opener but due to some of the members having H1N1.
They got The Wind Up Radio Sessions to open up. I saw them play at the Avant Garde Bar in the summer.

The Most Serene Republic played a mix of the new album and some from Population and Underwater Cinematographer.
Being alot of people were at the show, felt very hot and I shouldn’t be wearing alot of clothes.
Loved hearing Bubble Reputation which started off the set.
The band was very entertaining.
Adrian wore a CTV News top and someone in the audience yelled out Lloyd Robertson and he joked that he was on the guestlist.
While Emma said she likes Peter Mansbridge.
Adrian is a animated and colorful performer, the way he does crazy dance moves made the show very interesting.
Overall it was a fun show to be attending.
Surely the band truly loves playing in Ottawa.

Here is a interview I did with Emma and Adam of the Most Serene Republic before the show.
It is a funny 15 minute interview about their music, touring and other stuff.

PS I will try to re-edit this entry.

On November 13th, I went to the Ecclesiax Church for Lisa Poushinsky’s CD release show.
The title of her album is called Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter in which she had cookies to give out to the audience.
I never been to this venue before and was the first time checking it out.
Surprised with the turnout.
The room was a nice small gallery and fitted alot of people who were in attendance.
Also they were a captive listening audience who were just there see Trevor Alguire and Lisa Poushinsky sing live.
If you don’t know Lisa is a singer songwriter from Ottawa.
I first saw her open up for Flotilla at Irene’s Pub back in August.
Trevor Alguire was first to play.
He was nice to see live with his folk rock style of music.
He was surprised with the audience being very attentive and not saying a word after the song ended.
Telling some stories about the songs and other stuff.
It was a nice Friday evening to attend for this kind of music.
Hoping she might make a big splash in the Ottawa music scene.
Go check her out.
Here is a Youtube clip of her singing at the church.

November 12th was a indie folk rock night at Zaphod Beeblebrox.
Playing at the packed show were:
The Rural Alberta Advantage

Great Bloomers

Winchester Warm


This was my second time seeing The Rural Alberta Advantage and Great Bloomers.
It has been a great year for The RAA.
Finally that a show at Zaphods has been packed.
It was a very night seeing all three bands play live in Ottawa.

The first band was Winchester Warm.
No need for any introduction since I’ve seen them several times when they play live in Ottawa.
Played some new tracks and news that their new album will be out in February 2010.
It was a great set for those loving the indie acoustic rock fans.

The second band was Great Bloomers.
I was glad they played to a bigger crowd.

Last month they were in Ottawa, there wasn’t alot of people attending for them.
This time was a improvement for them.
By that the time they were on stage, more people started to show mostly because people wanted to see The Rural Alberta Advantage.
Great for them and people who there enjoyed their music.

After RAA ended I went to talk to the members and this person bought their album and said they enjoyed their set.
Lowell had trouble saying Rural Alberta Advantage which was funny.

Lastly it was The Rural Alberta Advantage.
People started to crowd up near the stage and noticing alot of people.
Began with a new song (took the setlist) and it was into the tracks from Hometown.
People went insane when they started singing.
Half-way through the set, Nils was by himself and sang the cover of “Eye of the Tiger”.
Its becoming a staple for them to sing that cover.
Forget that their songs are very short.
The new songs they sang was North Star(?)
Don’t Haunt This Place just was heaven hearing it live.
With Zaphods having a 11pm curfew for their shows and having to be a club dance night afterwards.
Favorite was hearing the audience saying they should sing more songs and screw the curfew.
Couldn’t help danced to Don’t Haunt This Place, Drain This Blood, Sleep All Day and The Dethbridge in Lethbridge.
It was well worth seeing them live again.
Before the show, I did a interview with the band with Shawn of Great Bloomers
Its about 20 minutes and I asked about their music, touring, Ottawa and other stuff.

• New song
• Rush Apart
• The Ballad Of the RAA
• Don’t Haunt This Place



• Luciana
• Frank, AB
• Eye Of The Tiger
• Four Night Rider
• Drain The Blood
• In The Summertime
• Edmonton
• The Deadroads
• North Star
• Sleep All Day
• The Dethbridge in Lethbridge

Great show on November 12th.
For those not in Ottawa you have to see them.

Let’s get dancing on November 19th with Toronto duo Bonjay.
They will be making an appearance for Canteen’s Bands Undone*.
The Q&A and small intimate session will begin at 5pm.

The duo consist of:

• Alanna on vocals
• Pho on DJ and beats

On the November 20th they will be playing a full show at the Eri Pan-African Cultural Central.

So check out this duo and have a fun time with their music.

If you are from the media, Radio DJ or a music blogger contact karaj22s@gmail.com about this.
But if you aren’t but really want to see them just send a e-mail to Bands Undone.
*Bands Undone is an in-store media session series involving exclusive sessions with indie acts – inviting bloggers, journalists, and other key people for a small stripped down performance and Q&A.

The Vancouver band Parlour Steps will be making an appearance for Canteen’s Bands Undone* on November 16th.
They will be doing a Q&A and small intimate session at 6pm.
If you are from the media, Radio DJ or a music blogger contact karaj22s@gmail.com about this.
But if you aren’t but really want to see them just send a e-mail to Bands Undone.

The band consist of:

• Caleb Stull: voice, guitar
• Julie Bavalis: bass, voice
• Rees Haynes: guitar
• Robert Linton: drums
• Alison Maira: keyboards, voice

Here are two tracks from them you can listen.
To get a familiarity of what they sound like.
Little Pieces

Lately been very busy with the happenings in the Ottawa music that I haven’t done any music picks.
This time I will do EP picks since its seems to be a trend with indie musicians releasing them.

Tune-Yards – Bird-Droppings

This new Digital EP was released on Nov 10th.
Two of the songs which were sung live at Pop Montreal (totally amazing set she did at the festival).
Best tracks:

• Real Live Flesh
• Want Me To
• Hap-B
• Hatari (The Small Is Beautiful Remix)

While this remix is not on the EP but you should check it out.
Hatari (Karn Remix)

The Wilderness of Manitoba – Hymns of Love and Spirits

Their music is very nice, show them back in September at Raw Sugar Cafe.
Style of music is indie acoustic folk pop.
Makes you want to curl up in your blanket near a fireplace.
So get this EP if you can.
Best tracks:

• Bluebirds
• Dreamcatchers
• Victoria Day
• Evening
• Manitoba
• The Great Hall

Olenka and the Autumn Lovers – Papillonette

This band is fronted by Olenka Krakus and their music is simply elegant to listen to.
Has that indie folk pop sound.
Reminds me of Forest City Lovers.
Best tracks:

• Flash In The Pan
• Blue
• Papillon
• The Decline

Land Of Talk – Applause Cheer Boo Hiss

Feel like going backwards with Land Of Talk and don’t have the new EP Fun & Laughter (Which I desperately want to get!).
Thanks to Lizzie for giving me this album back in the summer.
While listening to this, their sound is very different than in Some Are Lakes.
This EP has more a dark and hard edge sound.
Really grown on this EP alot than on Some Are Lakes *which is still amazing*
Best Tracks:

• Speak To Me Bones

• Sea Foam
• Summer Special
• Breaxxbaxx
• All My Friends
• Street Wheels
• Young Bridge (P-Dub Mix) *Available in the UK version*
• Dark Nature Places *Available in the UK version*

Pick A Piper – Pick A Piper EP

Saw them play at Rolly’s Garage during my time at NxNE.
Seeing them for the first time just blew me away.
The band is a collective featuring Brad Weber of Caribou, Angus Fraser of Tenth of May, Dan Roberts ex-Winter Equinox and Clint Scrivener.
This EP is very indie pop psychedelic, reminiscent of Caribou.
I feel winter is coming very soon and I can surely hear it from this EP.

Best tracks:

• Yellowknife
• Bechtel Park
• Rooms
• Dené Sled

Didn’t get to see Ohbijou on November 7th due to the various shows happening that night.
But here is a review from it from another site.
But I managed to do a short interview with two members of Ohbijou which you see in this photo.
Got to Babylon when the show was finished.

Here is the two minute audio interview which I asked about their favorite tracks in Beacon, what they love about Ottawa and shoutouts.
Not sure if the audio is good quality since I just did it inside Babylon with the loud music playing in the background.

Another crazy night on November 7th.
After the Young Galaxy show at Zaphods.
Went to Capital Music Hall to see the Arkells play live in Ottawa.
Haven’t seen them since Bluesfest and last year at Barrymores who they opened up for Matt Mays.
In under just one year, this band sure knows how to sell out a crowd and promoting Jackson Square.
With the album being still in high rotation with tracks like Oh! The Boss Is Coming and The Ballad Of Hugo Chavez, Pullin’ Punches and Deadlines.
When I got there, I was totally blown away with the turnout of this show.
Ottawa sure has a big following for them.
Missed out the openers which were The Novaks and Hollerado.
Hopefully I will try to see those two bands play live in Ottawa later on.

The show started and they just blew the roof off Capital Music Hall.
Amazing to see the audience sing every word of their songs.
My favorite was when they played Oh, The Boss Is Coming and everyone went crazy.
Last song before the encore they sang John Lennon.
Nice part when they did a small part of Eleanor Rigby.
Mostly sang from the Jackson Square album and probably two new songs.
It was an amazing show and was happy to be there.
Thinking big things will happen for the Arkells in the coming years or months.
Judging by the turnout they will become big rock stars very soon.

Before the show happened.
Got a chance to interview Max from Arkells.
In the interview we chatted about the music, touring, what he loves about Ottawa and other stuff.
There might be parts in the interview where it might be quiet due to one of the staff members bringing in a lamp.
Also want to thank Kara from Bands Undone for helping me out ask some questions.