V-Fest 2009, Part 1: Nine Inch Nails
If you were there, you heard Trent saying that his "voice sucks" prior to "Suck." But if you ask me, the show did not suffer. It was awesome, and I would go so far as to say that NIN salvaged the festival.
Here's a sample:
[Please bear in mind this was recorded live at V-fest, from the stage pit. No computers were used in the recording -- hence the not-so-great audio quality.]
V-Fest 2009, Part 2: Our Lady Peace
Mike Sullivan caught up with Raine Maida, best known as being the vocalist and co-founder of Our Lady Peace. They talked about the band's new album, Burn Burn; Maida's solo project; playing festivals; and the eye-opening experience of being involved in the War Child project. Check it out.
And check out these wicked photos taken during OLP's set set night:
V-Fest 2009, Part 3: Franz Ferdinand
Alex Kapranos, Franz Ferdinand’s relaxed cheerful frontman, is trying hard to sport a Zorro-like pencil-thin moustache. Meanwhile, drummer Paul Thomson is trying to hand off his young son, who has clambered up on Daddy’s lap just as our backstage V-Fest interview is to begin. Paul, whose speech patterns are reminiscent of those of the son-in-law on BBC’s The Royale Family (albeit with a Scottish tilt instead of a Mancunian one), seems rather pleased that FF is doing well enough for him to take the sprogs and their mum on the road.
We spoke of the dub version of FF's Tonight album (called Blood), upcoming plans for new material and collaborations and whatever it is about playing Paris that make the band beat each other up. (Oasis fans, take note.)
V-Fest 2009, Part 4: The Pixies
What follows is, in my opinion, the highlight of The Pixies set.
Live from V-fest 2009, this is "Here Comes Your Man, "Winterlong," and my personal favourite, "Wave of Mutilation." Enjoy.
V-Fest 2009, Part 5: MuteMath
MuteMath's sound ranges from modern alternative rock to new wave to electro rock to psychedelic rock to post-rock to even ambient music. Seriously. So instead of trying to describe what they sound like, you should simply click here.
Mike Sullivan caught up with the guys just before their set last night at V-fest. Check it out.
V-Fest 2009, Part 6: Iglu & Hartley
It’s a bit odd that we’re seeing a rise in the number of 80s-influenced bands all populated by people who are too young to remember that entire decade. Yet groups like MGMT, Passion Pit and Empire of the Sun have all managed to create sounds that are more than reasonable facsimiles of the Era of Big Hair.
Iglu & Hartly (four guys, not two) are among the most recent 80s revivalists. Sam Martin (aka DJ Iglu) and I spoke of how, like the Killers, Gossip and My Morning Jacket, were first embraced in the UK along with the glories of vintage synth gear.
V-Fest 2009, Part 7: Grizzly Bear
I watched Grizzly Bear’s mid-afternoon set from high on the lawns at the Molson Amphitheatre. Not only was there a booth where I could get my cell phone charged for free, the sound was better. Plus, dozens of Monarch butterflies, freshly emerged from their cocoons, were drying their new wings in the trees. It was a nice accoutrement to the moment.
Later, I spoke with head bear Ed Droste about what was going on in Brooklyn, the nature of GB’s musical arrangements and the issues of albums leaking early.
V-Fest 2009, Part 8: Paolo Nutini
By Ira Haberman
When you first meet Paolo Nutini, you're actually surprised that he is, who he is. He's young, funny, and doesn't talk with that raspy voice he sings with. We sat down to chat about his new record, his influences and Toronto's Virgin Festival just before he took the stage for his set. It was a set by the way, a lot of artists we talked to were excited to see.
Oh and by the way his set was as energetic, and well attended as we imagined it would be.