The Canadian music market has become a vital, creative force on the international . Many factors contribute to the Stellar Given the fact the and an earlier Indie Award win toat sayCMW the Illumination 2009 came about well in advance of the ’s release, it’s fair Though she’s legally changed her name to Valerie Poxleitner, ther - EP garnered a bit of heat – enough that you might wonder if Lights feltdo singer/ does have still another alter ego: Capt. Lights – inte the kind of pressure upon the release of her debut that many artists stellar warrior woman/super heroine who fights super villains while when they release a second record. After all, sometimes when you’ve had uniqueness of Canada’s roaming the space ways in a tricked out starship. Down here on Earth, the appetizer, the meal seems redundant. For her part though, Lights just however, she travels a bit more humbly, trading in her starship for a van, went along doing what she does, and didn’t worry about how the album and her ray gun for a keytar… As we speak, Lights is on her way to a gig in Windsor, ON. “It’s our would be received. “I just continued on, writing every chance I had,” she says. “There was really no pressure, no stress.” of songs first show in Canada this year. We’ve been on tour all year, through Europe Within a year of the EP’s release, Lights again had a fistful to and the States opening for ,” she says. “I’m so excited.” music environment: our she considered strong enough to finish her debut. The EP was enough She is. And she’s a fast talker to boot, which makes transcribing our give listeners a pretty fair idea what she was about, she explains, but note interview a bit challenging. But even as a disembodied voice emanating from the full picture. “I still felt some kind of artistic leeway to be brave with th a laptop, and even after several listens, I should add, Lights’ enthusiasm is other songs and step out a little bit.” refreshingly, genuinely contagious – much like the airy, hook laden synth pop That didn’t mean making a jarring change of directionnewer so much tracks she’s swiftly becoming known for. Canada’sas fine tuning her sound. As with her previous songs, the Magazine for diverse cultural make-up, self- And she has every reason to be excited. Since taking home the 2009 JUNO for Best New Artist on the strength of her six-song, titled 2008 EP, the 23-year-old singer put a lot of ground behindThe Listening touring , in support of the EP’s follow up – her full-length debut, released in September of 2009. the impact of international Co-produced and co-written with Thomas “Tawgs” Salter and Dave pairs up songs from the EP with songs from later Thomson, The Listening sessions, but the two different projects had a great deal in common. “It was the same process,” says the singer. “The EP was the best stuff I’d written up to that point in my life. I consider the EP an appetizer. I thought, ‘I’ve, but influences and the country’s got some great songs,’ and I know I need to put out a full-length record I thought I’d put [the EP] out to start building a foundation.” The EP did far more than build a foundation. The videos for her singles “” and “” made a significant impact at- MuchMusic, hitting number three and number one on the Much Count huge geographical span. down, respectively, gaining the young singer national recognition. While - Much may not be the be all and end all it once was in terms of breaknd when ing young Canadian acts, the attention certainly didn’t hurt. A you’re a girl from Timmins, ON playing in a field that includes both new sensations with the stature of Lady Gaga and heritage institutions like Together these factors result Madonna and Gwen Stefani, you’re unlikely to get any of that attention unless you really have something going on. in a music market that is Quick Flashes .QQMKPI+PVQ Lights Korg X-50 keyboard Korg MicroKorg keyboard Yamaha KX5 remote keyboard exciting, fresh and break- Sennheiser monitor pack & transmitter Ultimate Ears in-ear monitors Ards) AdAm WeAver (Keybo Korg X-50 keyboard Korg MicroKorg keyboard ing new ground – but also Lights Moog Little Phattie keyboard MOTU interface Apple MacBook 13-inch young • Photos by Lana Pesant by Kevin drums) mAurie KAufmAnn ( one that is spread-out, iso- If you’re unfamiliar with Lights, a quick trip to her website will tell you pretty much everything Ludwig kick drum (22x14) you need to know. To say she’s an efficient communicator is a bit of an understatement. Ludwig floor tom (16x16) What you don’t get there, you could just as easily get from her manager, ,ent Ludwig tom (13x9) should you happen to run into him downtown . To be honest, Ghomeshi’s enthusiasm Ludwig Supraphonic 402 chrome snare (14x6.5) about Lights and her music nearly surpasses his young client’s own level of excitem Ludwig Supraphonic snare (14x5) lated and difficult to reach. about her recent success. SABIAN AA 15” hi-hat Ghomeshi is probably best known as a CBC Radio personality, scourge of Billy Bob SABIAN AAX 19” dark crash Thornton, and former member of Moxy Früvous, but for the better part of the past decade, Zilco 20” cymbal he’s been quietly, carefully, managing Lights, mostly, by letting the artist – formerly known Gibraltar 8606 snare stand as Valerie Anne Poxleitner – grow into her own, on her own. eady Gibraltar 8607 hi-hat stand Thus the market thrives on “Back then, I thought ‘I want to do whatever I can to help this girl.’ And I believed, ng Ludwig Speed King pedal passionately, that I saw talent here that I’d never seen. At the age of 12 she was alr Pearl kick pedal recording demos in her basement, playing all the instruments on all the songs.” The you Behringer 502 mixer artist’s metamorphosis took time, however. “The goal is to get to the point where you find CANADIAN MUSICIAN • [35] your own voice,” Ghomeshi says. “She went through Lights the pop singer, the goth rocker, the punk, the new wave kid...” Then, about four years ago, he says, she penned “February Air,” communication. In 1979, and everything began to fall into place. Lights (left) with keyboardist Adam Weaver & drummer Maurie Kaufmann. Canadian Musician was n By Craig LeaCh launched – a national,is very satisfying having your hard work pay off. Not only does it provide a great Itsense of accomplishment and self-worth, but it also, and more importantly, validates all the sweat, perseverance, and ball-busting required to pull the bi-monthly magazinewhole thing off. It’s something that Canadian rockers know much about.

Developing their chops playing clubs in the decid ABIN edly blue-collar steel town of Hamilton, ON, Arkells - R

emerged as hard-working and humble as the local USTIN designed to providepopulace. “Hamilton is coma really great place to nurture- a D:

HOTO band,” notes Max Kerman, who handles lead vocals and P plays guitar with the outfit. “There are so many good musicians around and we get a lot of great touring acts coming through, playing the smaller clubs.” munication supportIn 2008, after signingto with Dinethe Alone Records, the five-piece – consisting of Kerman, guitarist/vocal ist Mike DeAngelis, keyboardist/guitarist/vocalist Dan - Griffin, bassist Nick Dika, and drummer Tim Oxford – released its debut, full-length album Canadian music Themarket. band then spent the following two Jacksonyears playing Square. extensively throughout Canada, supporting tours head lined by artists like and El Torpedo and - ’s own The Waking Eyes. The band maintained that momentum during the summer of 2009 by performing at nearly every major Canadian festival, sharing the stage with , , and countless others. Then, as the snow began to fall, the band embarked on its own 25-date Canadian tour, which started in Halifax and headed west to Island, hitting major and not so major centres along the Trans-Canada highway. The tour culminated back in the Golden Horseshoe with a hometown gig in the “Hammer.” After two years of paying dues on such a road- warrior schedule, it seems as if the hard work has finally paid off and the guys are beginning to reap what they have sown. What will surely become the band’s break out year, 2010 has seen Arkells perform four shows - during the 2010 Olympics, snag the Juno for Best New Group, share a seven-date tour with Canadian Max Ker Man, nicK Di indie rockers Metric, and land an opening slot for Them Ka, TiM OxfO rD, MiKe Deangelis & Dan Crooked Vultures’ Toronto tour stop. and we really relate to it,” says Kerman. “He’s always up for fun things, reaching out to theg audience,riffin. and always has “It’s funny,” shares Kerman. “We haven’t been ideas for tours. When we were getting into it, we were looking for someone who worked as hard as us.” He adds: playing as many shows as 2009, but those big things “Dine Alone is totally that and beyond.” we wouldn’t have considered before.” like the Juno and opening for It’s when this cohesiveness between band, crew, label, and audience is entirely seamless that Kerman really are great opportunities to be seen. It’s sort of a reward gets excited about playing in a band. “If it’s done the right way, it can really feel like a community.” Some of those sounds with which the band has for all the touring we did in 2009.” been experimenting of late include more keyboards, or “putting a slap back effect on vocals, which we never new MaTerial would have thought of using before.” Kerman emphasizes Crossing The Border For those joining the “community” during any recent Arkells show, you may have noticed some new tracks this by joking: “We are just learning a lot and trying to That less-demanding performance schedule would prove making their way into the set list, including “Whistleblower” and “On Paper.” As Kerman says: “We have a bunch steal from everybody.” to be short-lived, as this past July, Arkells embarked on of new songs.” their first foray into the United States on a major, multi- Before any tracks are officially cut, the band likes to road test new material. “We’re going to keep sprinkling city tour opening for fellow Canadians, . them in our sets,” shares Kerman. “For us, that’s the best way to make sure the songs are ready to go.” He adds that Keeping iT With the band currently gearingup down on the last legs Kerman is grateful and feels privileged for the opportu feedback from the crowd during a live show is the best way to assess how the writing process is going. of the American tour with Tokyo Police Club, you can nity. “We’ve been big fans of Tokyo Police Club for a -long Log onto www.canadianmusician.com/multimedia In addition to the new songs, Kerman says the band has been laying down many demos recently as well. be sure that their work ethic will not be taking a day time,” he says while adding he has always wanted to tour exclusive video interview with Arkells frontman Max Kerman. “We’ve been demoing a lot at Tim’s house. He has a bit of a recording set-up at home and it’s great.” When the off. The fall will see Arkells transverse the Great White with them as they are “a band that has worked really for CM band can’t make it to Oxford’s, they’ll meet up at Griffin’s place. As a sign of the times, new technology has found ’s complete, North, playing a slew of shows, teaming up again with hard, not only in Canada, but the US and Europe.” its way into the creative process. “I just set up my iPhone and press record,” says Kerman. “That way everyone can Tokyo Police Club and then heading into the studio for Hard work is an ethos much valued by Kerman and listen to the playback and get an idea of the song structure.” He explains that it’s a team effort, and that team extends far beyond the five guys onstage. “Your manager a projected 2011 sophomore release. his bandmates. “We’re not fools when it comes to what is working really hard to make connections; your sound guy is working really hard, the bartender, the security Although their approach to recording hasn’t changed much, Kerman says the band itself has gained some it takes to put on a rock and roll production,” he says valuable experience over the last couple of years, defining a more focused direction they want the songwriting to Kerman states the band’s overall approach guard…” Not to mention: “The people who are spending their money to come out to the show and have a succinctly: “There’s something to be said about assuredly. “It’s not just a bunch of guys getting wasted take. “It’s gotten better ‘cause we have more of a rapport with each other. We have more experience since working good time.” understanding your surroundings, and the hard work before the show. There’s a lot more to it than that.” on the last album, and ultimately, it’s a really good thing.” Hard work is the driving factor that attracted the band to and label founder Joel Carriere that goes on to make the whole thing happen.” when they were shopping around their first demos back in 2008. “Joel is a really innovative guy. We love his spirit, Kerman also lists a growing appreciation for a broader range of sounds and music as having an influence [40] • CANADIAN MUSICIAN on what the band’s next release will gravitate towards. “There were some big records for us, like Phoenix’s record n (2009’s Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix Such inspirations have allowed Kerman),” whichand the Kerman band to considers openly consider “innovative “a lotand of fresh-soundingdifferent sounds – andit’s veryideas inspiring.” that Craig Leach is Assistant Editor of Canadian Musician.

CANADIAN MUSICIAN • [41] Musicians Canadian Musician readers share a passion for music and music-making and are hungry for information that is going to help them in all aspects of their career from learning to play their first instrument right through to recording and promoting an album. They are active, ambitious and committed to long-term involve- ment in the industry. Over 27,000 readers use Canadian Musician as a resource, keeping their copies and referring to them again and again. Distribution Canadian Musician is distributed across Canada and internationally, Canada’s Magazinewith a circulation of over 27,000 copies, every two formonths: n Retail – magazine racks, drug and convenience stores, department stores, book stores, smoke shops and transit outlets. n Music Retail – music stores, record stores, sheet music and other music-related specialty outlets. n Subscriptions – individuals, companies and libraries. n Promotional – to industry and media n Special Events – distributed at live events and trade shows across Canada, the United States and Europe, including conferences, seminars, workshops and competitions. n Special Issues – annual special issues receive additional distribution to relevant target markets.

n A glance at the relative Canadian distribution levels of publications serving the Canadian music market.

n In addition to the regular circulation, Canadian Musician is distributed at trade and consumer events across Canada, the United States and internationally.

“I’m just going to write songs, and hope that people like them.” So says bassist Amir Epstein about how his new band plans to survive and thrive in this new decade of the music business. While his “When I initially sat down with Amir,” remembers the singer, “there “To our advantage, we have that story that’ll make people turn plan certainly doesn’t stray far from that put forth by most newcomers to was no way I was going to join this band.” Instead, he was politely their heads.” That said, a number of Canadian stations added t the scene, Epstein and Crash Karma’s case is a little different, considering humouring a fan – or so he thought. That was until the heavy namedrop. single to heavy rotation without even knowing who was in thehe they’re off to a fairly marginal head start. Still, after that initial interest, didn’t see the project lasting band, proving the music can be supported on its own merits. You see, while the band formed less than two years ago and has yet to more than a few jam sessions. “I kept my toe in the water the whole time, As for garnering further attention and support from the drop an official release, its members are no strangers to Canada’s festival keeping my eyes on the other guys,” he shares. “I mean, I was in, but stage, the band was hesitant to emerge on the live scen main stages and top 40 countdowns. Joining Epstein in this new project are wasn’t sure it was really going to happen.” Aside from the opportunity without being in prime performing shape. At first, the band e Canadian rock veterans , former guitarist for ; to work with two musicians for whom he has great respect, the other lined up some quiet, out-of-the-way shows in , former Tea Party drummer ; and the infamous Edwin on lead factor drawing Edwin to the project was Epstein’s undeniable energy and hoping to build up its collective chops to the level that vocals. There’s no question that these guys can play, and they’re certainly passion for its potential. should be expected from a rock band of this calibre. comfortable in the spotlight; however, this is a new time in Canadian rock Finally, Epstein’s somewhat far-fetched idea came into fruition in the “We made the record without ever actually ‘playing’ – and the North American music industry as a whole. Is Crash Karma ready studio, where, face-to-face for the first time and committed to seeing what the record,” explains Edwin, noting that it mostly came to reclaim some of the glory of its members’ storied pasts? would happen, Crash Karma began recording a few songs. “Right then,” together in the studio. “That was on all of our minds says Edwin, “when I started listening back to some of the verses we were during that first show.” Perhaps surprisingly considering he band is the brainchild of Epstein, who’s perseverance, wishful recording, I realized this could actually be pretty cool.” their familiarity with the stage, the members of Crash Tthinking, and bit of intentional ambiguity led to the ultimate union of Karma were also a bit nervous about crowd reception. its four members. While he gives a fair bit of credit to his timing, Epstein he band’s first single, “Awake,” fared fairly well with Canadian radio Says Edwin: “We already had a few people on our side says the key factor in the creation of the band was his willingness to do Tupon its release, even before Crash Karma had a record under its before hitting the stage, which was nice, but after whatever it took to make it happen. belt or a label that would put it out if it did. Of course, a large part of this playing an hour of songs that nobody had ever heard “You’re not going to get what you want by sitting around and hoping attention came from fans of the members’ previous projects wanting to see before, the reception was very encouraging. It gave someone will offer it to you,” he enthusiastically explains. “Nothing in life what would come of this all-star collaboration. Sure, it’s a bit of an “unfair us the confidence needed to make the next show works that way. You’ve gotta go for it.” And go for it he did. advantage” that cynics and critics will be waiting to pounce on, but the better, then the next one.” In 2008, Epstein sat down with Edwin to discuss the possibility of band is comfortable with it, and feels that even though many fans will come Since that first foray to the stage, though, the sharing musical ideas on a then non-existent project. “I was feeling brave,” through the door based on former merits, the music will keep them around. band has been scoring progressively larger gigs Epstein continues. “I feel I’m a good enough songwriter, and really wanted “If you look up Crash Karma online, it’s hard to find us without alongside the likes of Thornley, Collective Soul, to work with him.” During the discussion, he (somewhat prematurely) mention of the members,” says Epstein. “So initially, it’s hard to tell who’s and Stone Temple Pilots, to name but a few – and discussed the possibility of having Turner and Burrows enter the fold. “I there for the members and who’s there for the music.” In reality, though, making strong impressions along the way. kind of implied that I’d spoken with them, when I really hadn’t,” he says. the two needn’t be mutually exclusive. Still, Edwin’s curiosity piqued. “Even if there are people who immediately criticize – and there will be Musicians – there will be others that will be excited and anticipating,” offers Edwin. s anyone listening to rock radio in the late ‘90s can Aabout the talent that each of the members of Cr Still, questions from inside the industry revolve a attest, there’s no doubt In a year’s time, will people still be talking about C ash Karma possesses. members’ previous bands, or will they be talking round the band’s longevity. to do with their current one? rash Karma because of its about what they’ve been able “I don’t write a song thinking, ‘This should do well in of radio,’” jokes Epstein. “It’s more, ‘I wrote a grea am really excited about it.” He pays little attention the active rock sector will fit into the current musical climate – “and maybt riff with a cool chorus, and that organic passion about the music he and his ba to figuring out how his band strong indicator that these guys are doing things for te we won’t,” he adds. But comes through in the music. nd mates are making is a There are certainly relics of ’90s radio rock in th he right reasons – and that why shouldn’t there be? After all, nobody was doi members of Crash Karma. Still, there’s a new edge e band’s sound, and the band’s current output – both musically and lyr ng it better than three of the plausible that this band is ready for 2010 and beyond and contemporary feel to With their debut set to drop mid-March on E1 Entertaically – that makes it quite will be embarking on a full Canadian tour to suppo . shooting a video for, and then promoting the hell out o inment, Crash Karma While only time will tell how well Crash Karma will fitrt it. The band will also be scene, they’re already proud of what they’ve been ab f its second single, “Fight.” “It’s been fun to watch it build,” states Edwin, “a into the contemporary rock it with these guys. If you’d have asked us abou le to accomplish. have heard some laughs.” At least for now, though, nd I’m happy to share looking forward to their future as a unit. “It’s really t this five years ago, you’d make a record,” says Edwin in summation, “becaus these four musicians are by do best.” just four guys wanting to Andrew e really, that’s what we all King LEFT: Amir Epstein, Edwin, n Jeff Burrows & Mike Turner Andrew King is the Editor of Canadian Musician .

CANADIAN MUSICIAN • [41] Advertising your music-related product or service in Canadian Musician works, and keeps on working, in many ways. These are just some of the benefits you can take advantage of:

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Implementing a consistent and effective advertising program in Canadian Musician will increase your sales to this growing and lucrative market. Our staff members are all highly experienced in the music market and will work with you to help maximize your advertising dollar – advertising is an important investment and we’re serious about making it work for you. Contact us today, and make the Canadian connection with Canadian Musician.

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