MIA BANDWIDTH

Bandwidth is a student run, monthly magazine exploring the creative views of Music Industry Arts students. The opinions and articles herein are representa tive of the December/January 2011 Volume 2, Issue 2 authors and do not reflect the actual views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College. The Magazine of Music Industry Arts Fanshawe

1 The articles herein reflect the sole opinion of the author and do not represent the views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College I Have Something to Say Kevin Guerette Editor

This is it folks. We are “A painter paints pictures entering the last leg of our year. First on a canvas. But musicians years will be looking forward to the paint their pictures on summer break and seconds years will silence.” be looking forward to starting their careers. It’s definitely an exciting time! Although it’s in this time where it’s easy to become December/January 2011 overwhelmed by the workload or by reality hitting you in the face: MIA is going by at an alarming rate. I would like to comment that the experience here does not end with the piece of - Leopold Stokowski BANDWIDTH paper saying that you graduate. We all have come to realize that the MIA MIA experience, the music experience, is one of life long learning. When MIA finishes, the gears switch from classroom trial/error to real world that you all have been prepared for So get ready to go out there and take mode. It is now a matter of plugging all this. You are also not alone! You have that world into your own hands! But that we have learned into it and using a made many connections during your first, please enjoy this newsletter! that as a starting point. Although that time here with many talented people. does sound a bit intimidating, realize This is one of your greatest resources!

Editor Letter tatters. We need to work together, hand in hand, to make certain that new music is Dan Webster being properly represented and Tech/Promotionsx appreciated. It is up to us to create a friendly and profitable environment for Welcome back to school. I am future musicians and our successors. sure, like myself, most of you are itching to While it is important to find employment or get back into the studios and get our new a way to get involved after we graduate, it projects underway. I hope everyone had a would be beneficial for everyone if we all fantastic break and got a lot of sleep, kept in touch. I plan to engineer and which is hard to get during the term. This produce after graduating, and I can is our second issue and we are very guarantee that I will come across projects I excited about its release. We had some will feel I cannot contribute to in a positive great feedback on the first issue and hope way, or acts that are in need of things I do you enjoy this issue just as much. A big not offer. We are all unique individuals with focus of our first issue was showing that different things to offer and we must keep the future is not so bleak and what I really each other in mind when we come across want to talk about in my address to you is opportunities that do not fit us. the importance of keeping in touch. I have made it a personal goal to get to We are all entering the industry know as many people as I can in an open unsure where it is heading and what the minded manner. I take people for what future will hold for us. The few of you who they have to offer and do not discredit talk to me will know that I believe the them for things they cannot. I know some future of the industry is indeed in our of you reading this may not know me or hands. We need to step up in a positive who I am, but feel free to introduce way and forge a new path for ourselves. yourself at any point. We are the future of Change is exactly what the industry needs. the industry and we must stick together so This is not the first time that it has been in it can flourish and continue.

2 The articles herein reflect the sole opinion of the author and do not represent the views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College CONTENTS First Year Spotlight 4 Second Year Spotlight 6 December/January 2011 On Live Sound 8 The Professional 9 BANDWIDTH

MIA Band Promotion 10 In the New Space In Defense Of... 11 Honest, Hardworking Songwriters and Musicians Dusenbury Editorial 12 2011 Predictions Between Charity and Slavery 13 Local Plugs 14 Highpass Filter 15 Record Reviews MIA Picks 2010 21 Credits 22

3 The articles herein reflect the sole opinion of the author and do not represent the views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College First Year Spotlight

“I feel more comfortable with my choice of actually making

December/January 2011 music my life.” BANDWIDTH MIA

Photo by Martin Grenier Photo by Martin Grenier The One and Only Hannah Burley A Powerful Feminine Presence By Kevin Guerette There’s a feeling you get when you are Despite being one of a few women in the around certain people and it changes with program, she has not filtered her identity in any everyone you meet. Sometimes it feels solid and way. As I begin my questioning, it is clear that expansive like a brick wall or a frozen lake. Other Hannah has herself together and is flat out times it feels silly and loose like a dangling string. inspiring to experience. Thus is the power of When I met Hannah for our interview on an early female energy. In an industry dominated by men, Wednesday afternoon, I felt none of these things. it is easy to become engrained in the male ego Instead I felt like I was being placed in a battery and all the fun that comes with that. However charger. Hannah Burley, it seems, is one of the we, like a balanced diet, need the influence of few people who truly radiate who they are (and women in our lives and our careers. Hannah is it’s energizing). one important piece of this multi-layered musical meal.

4 The articles herein reflect the sole opinion of the author and do not represent the views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College pushing down those doors and Hannah Burley Everybody! walking through them.

K: Tell us a bit about yourself K: Where do you see yourself after H: I grew up in Cobourg, an hour “I’m pushing MIA? east of Toronto. I heard of MIA from down the doors H: I want to be a waitress (laughs). one of my high school teachers so I No, I definitely want to be in the called and they said to take General and walking music industry. I feel like every class Arts. That's where I spent my first I have I change my mind a little bit. I year at Fanshawe. I got a better feel through them.” didn't know much about engineering of college life so I knew MIA would but the more I learn about it the more be intense. It also taught me to cope I’m interested in. I'm just taking it day by day right now. I'm using this December/January 2011 with being on my own and doing my own laundry. K: Contrast this program with program to narrow everything down. nursing, which is female K: Would you have been dominated. Unfortunately, there K: So have you changed since unprepared if you went straight seems to be a bad stigma for male coming to MIA? into MIA? nurses. Do you feel like women H: Yes. I'm a lot more outgoing now.

BANDWIDTH H: I think I would have been more have a bad stigma in the music This program really reinforced that. I mentally unprepared. Last year, I was industry? feel more comfortable with my

MIA shyer. This year my goal is to be H: Kind of in mainstream music, you choice of actually making music my more outgoing and put myself out see that a lot. Like Katy Perry. As life. I knew I’d end up in music but I there. soon as you see her, all you see is wasn't sure how much of my life I the whole sex thing. Otherwise, I just wanted to dedicated to it. Music was K: The music industry is pretty think it's unexpected when a girl is always on the back burner for me much dominated by men. MIA is actually interested in a more behind but since coming here it is my life. no exception. Were you aware of the scenes role. You just can't be this before entering the industry? afraid to ask questions. I don't think K: There should be more women in H: I was aware of it but this program I’m as far ahead as I should be music. Thoughts? really opened my eyes to the because I was afraid to ask H: There should be. We add another numbers. I'm so outnumbered! When questions because I was like, "oh I’m twist and opinion on things. We bring you're talking about people in the a girl I don't want to look stupid" or in a different dynamic. A girl’s industry girls just never really come "I don't know what I’m talking perspective differs from a guy’s up. about". I can't focus on the fact that perspective and I feel like the I’m a girl and there's a difference industry would be better off K: Why do you think this is? between the guy and the girl in the exploring both sides. H: From experience, I found it harder program. When I think that way, it than usual to get stuff done from holds me back. I end up thinking "I -K being a little shyer. Guys seem don't want to be seen as an idiot". naturally pushed in the music So I don't focus on it. direction and I felt like I had to put myself there. I'd always have to be K: There have been many women the one being like, "hey, do you want in music and each had to face to jam?" unique challenges. What are some of the challenges women face in K: That doesn't seem very fair. this industry? H: It's not that it's not fair. I haven't H: I feel like whenever I say what I’m run into any opportunities where I felt interested in, a guys first response is like being a girl is a huge "oh that's cool not a lot of women disadvantage. I think you need to are". I think it's rubbing off on me too have a lot more initiative as a girl. because I’m always surprised and so You really have to be committed. It's happy when a girl is as interested in a male dominated industry and as a music as I am. It was always so hard girl you really have to be focused. to find people to help me prepare for You also can't be shy. I find that if the career I wanted. I'd always end you are more timid, it's not really up finding a male that was interested working towards your advantage. because it was hard to find girls who were into it. However, it can be avoided. I'm not thinking about it. I’m

5 The articles herein reflect the sole opinion of the author and do not represent the views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College Second Year Spotlight A Marvel of Engineering Lucas Benoit’s Signal Flow By Kevin Guerette December/January 2011 BANDWIDTH MIA

Photo by Martin Grenier There are many engineering. His prospective jobs in the mannerism and music industry. In order anecdotes hint at an to land one, you need internal cognitive mind to be good at what you which views the world

do and have the drive as a signal flowing Photo by Martin Grenier to persevere. Luckily through a console. It for Lucas, he has both seems that the best of those qualities in way to get the results spades. you want is simply to Lucas has EQ the bad stuff out “ P h y s i c s i s j u s t experienced much in and the good stuff in. It awesome.” the ways of music from just so happens that drumming in a metal Lucas is good at that - band to interning at a sort of thing. Nashville studio over the summer. Now, having almost completed MIA, he is diving head first into the wide world of

6 The articles herein reflect the sole opinion of the author and do not represent the views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College K: How does the vibe there differ session is done and sometimes Boosting at 3.5k... from the vibe here? sessions wrap at 3am or later. B: It's faster paced. In Nashville, the K: What do Bill Nye, Nikola Tesla, players are professionals. They are K: What are your plans after MIA? and Lucas Benoit all have in being paid top dollars to play the B: I'm contemplating electrical common? song once, maybe twice, because engineering. This program has really B: Cool hair? they are that good. It's not a time to opened my eyes to how cool science be learning it's a time to know what is. I used to hate science. High K: You're all engineers! you're doing. The entire time I was school ruined it for me. But getting B: That's awful. down there, 2 months, I was in two back into this program...physics is sessions. Because it's a pro studio, just awesome. With electrical K: When did you know you wanted you can't just walk into sessions. You engineering, I could do maintenance to be an engineer? have to be invited by the producer. on other peoples gear and on my December/January 2011 B: The first day I walked into the It's not the engineer's place to invite own gear. I mean, sure everyone studio here. Engineering class first you. knows what the attack and release year really opened my eyes. I had no knobs on a compressor do. But I experience before. But the studio K: If there's one lesson you want to know what they really do. has its own vibe. It's just grabs you. learned from Nashville, what is it? B: You just really got to want it. I K: Seems like you're in the BANDWIDTH K: Well you certainly seem to have never realized how many people process of making yourself were being fed into this industry. indispensable.

MIA a natural aptitude for engineering. What are some of the challenges There's so much competition. While I B: I guess you're right. you've faced along the road of was at Nashville, there were around engineering? 10 interns there and that's one studio K: Who are some of the engineers B: Technically, engineering makes in Nashville. All the studios in you look up to? sense to me. The personal side is the Nashville do that. That's a lot of B: I'm a big fan of Joe Hamilton. harder part. I find it's tougher to people. You need the passion and He's done Elvis Costello and Black make that personal connection than the chops. Some of the people there Rock to name a few. The way he learning the technical aspects. had given up. It's gruelling but you sees things are the way I want to see can't give up. things. He has visions. He creates K: I heard you went to Nashville sounds capes as opposed to just over the summer to intern at a K: As an intern how was life making things sound good together. studio. Tell us about it. outside of the studio? There's something very intriguing B: It was good. It was a lot more B: I wasn't able to drink down there. about his work. learning by yourself than being It would have been great to go down mentored. You need to be checked to the bars because they're full of K: Name 2 of your favourite off on everything before they let you industry people. It's Nashville right? recordings. do anything. There were two smaller So instead I spent that time at the B: I really like Your Touch by the studios with control 24s. You go in studio. My eating suffered because I Black Keys not because it's sonically and learn everything about the wasn't paid but it was an experience. perfect but because it's the rooms. Then they test you about the opposite. It's raw and pure. This is rooms to move onto the next room K: Take us through a typical day as what they sound like when they're (the Nieve room and the SSL room). a studio intern. jamming in a room. I also like the B: Get up. Go to the studio for 8am. drum sounds on the album K: So it would be tougher for Pick up bagels on the way. First thing Constellations by August Burns Red. someone who doesn't have that you do when you get there is make Unbelievable. much initiative. coffee. That's it for the morning B: Yah, definitely. If it's something really. When someone needs -K that you want then you have to go in something you get it. This is when on your own time and do it. There people would normally sit on their were other interns there who were computers but this is the prime time there as part of their schooling. They to go and learn the other rooms. Lots didn't really take it very seriously. of 57 on the radio and figuring out They spent all their time on their signal flow. Night shifts are similar laptops instead of learning the until closing. You take out the rooms. garbage, fill the water, mundane stuff. Day shift goes from 8am till 5pm. Night shift is 5pm till the

7 The articles herein reflect the sole opinion of the author and do not represent the views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College Alumni Article On Live Sound By: Mike Whissel

behaviour. My suggestion is just don't drink. Your job is to There are no step by step instructions on how to be a work and to represent the bar in the best possible light. Can great live engineer. I can tell you from my experience what I you really do that while you're slamming down shots? We look for in hiring a sound tech, or working alongside anyone. sound guys are hired, we do a good job, we don't get Regardless of technical expertise, it's way better to be as drunk, we treat the artists right, we treat the venue staff right, sociable as possible. Your first impression is key, because you we treat the gear right, and we treat the patrons right with will be working with many different people on a nightly basis. good sound. If we do all that: we get hired again.

December/January 2011 Your professionalism is what will sell you. But don't get ahead In terms of technicalities: make sure you EQ the of yourself. You have to step back and realize what your job stage monitors so that you can get the vocals as loud as actually is. possible without feedback. You don't want to put loads of First, your job is to make sure there are no technical everything in the monitors, usually they are only 12" - 15" glitches. What I mean is you are the technical producer for the wedges and don't have much power. Most drummers like kick night. While you may have fancy consoles, crazy outboard in the monitor. Try to give them more top end then anything as gear, and an array of impressive microphones realize that they won't be able to hear the bottom end unless you have a BANDWIDTH patrons did not come to see microphones or gear with a high subwoofer drum fill on a bigger show. After you are happy LBL factor (Little Blinking Lights). They came to see the band. with the monitors, have the band do a sound check and MIA Your job is to be invisible. At the end of a song, they are not gauge the stage volume first. Be aware that drummers clapping for you. So make sure you get your ego in check typically hit cymbals way too hard in small clubs and guitarists now. I understand that yes, you have ultimate control over the usually have amps facing their feet, which makes them too performers message with one fader and yes, you have the loud. Suggest amp stands that angle the amp toward the power to turn up the 'suck' knob, but really- by being invisible players head. This will reduce the stage volume and give you you have done the job right. A patron named Marty goes to a more control and more headroom to work with. Be careful show with some friends and the band mesmerizes them by with the drummer; you may step on his ego if you suggest the first song, but during the second song the singer asks for going easy on the cymbals. After you have the stage volume more monitor. This may not be a big deal in some situations, right, make sure the monitors are giving the band a good vibe. but now Marty and his cohorts are snapped out of their daze If the singer can't hear himself/herself still, try getting the and are thinking about you- not the band. You learn from this monitor at 30 degrees off center, so that it's more directed to and the next sound check you do, you make sure everyone in one ear. This helps considerably. the band is happy. No band will ever be 100% happy about Once you have your stage volume set, it's up to you the monitors, but try and get them happy enough that they will how you want FOH to sound. Every live engineer has a little not say anything during the show. I cannot stress the signature that they use that makes their sound unique. Some importance of monitor mixes; they are much more important use specific compression, some EQ differently, some use a than the FOH (Front of House) mix. The audience can't get ton of reverb or delay in creative ways. It's up to you to get into the music if the band isn't comfortable on stage. that sound for yourself. Years of practice will train your ears, to Second part of the job: sell liquor. You and the band distinguish gear and different venues. It won’t happen are there to sell liquor through playing and mixing respectively. overnight but it may give you a head start if you know the Don't forget that the margins on booze are higher than music capabilities of the gear you will be working on. Shadow a and they are business men. Rule #1for Bar/Club owners: more experienced tech until you gain the confidence to run people don't drink unless there's music to dance to. This is the console yourself and when you get going: stay humble. where you come in. Dear air, a gap in music or sound, is You're working in a world where egos constantly collide. about the worst thing to happen to bars. Make sure you bring an iPod, an iPod Charger, audio cables, and a suitable playlist P.S. Don't forget about sound guy discounts on merch if you to your gigs! If the band is done their set and says did a great job! "goodnight!” that's when you put on your house tunes. There should be no more than 10 seconds of actual silence in a bar; Mike Whissel is an MIA graduate of 2010. He works out of otherwise people start to feel uncomfortable and awkward. Kingston managing his label Karp Records and working as a Thirdly, don't be annoying. Simple, right? Most audio local sound engineer. engineers are arrogant, rude, and generally insensitive to artists. See it from everyone else's point of view. No one wants a loud mouthed sound guy. You will get more gigs, more referrals, and more professional contacts if you take your work as seriously as the artists do. The regular gigs that you get won’t be obtained by asking for them. You'll get them purely through referrals and your reputation. Be wary of your reputation. Once you have it, it's almost impossible to get rid of. If you go out and treat the artists badly and just get wasted while working, you will get a reputation that suits that

8 The articles herein reflect the sole opinion of the author and do not represent the views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College The Professional By Dan Webster As Mike Whissel has written uncomfortable around you and will a rather engaging article about not enjoy the experience. More Live Sound, I will be stepping back importantly, they may shy away from my regular format and from wanting to work with you in instead focus on how to act and the future. be accepted as a professional. Finally, how you convey Acting and being accepted as a your wealth of knowledge and professional are keys to creating a education is important. Talk in a long lasting and quality career. straight forward manner and be as How you act, how you present descriptive as possible without

December/January 2011 yourself and most importantly, using technical terms. Many of the how you convey your knowledge people we work with will not all fall in this category. understand any of the technical You can be the best at what aspects of what we are doing. you do and still no one will want to Throwing out technical jargon

BANDWIDTH work with you. It is important to during a meeting may make them not let your ego get in the way of feel stupid or, worse, like you are

MIA getting employment. People do trying to seem superior. If you not want to work with others who really do not want to answer their are pretentious or snobbish. Do questions, do not be rude. Just be not hold yourself above anyone brief with your explanations. It is and do not put anyone down important to make the people because it will ruin your reputation. around feel comfortable and not The best way to deal with people like they are the dumbest people in is in a friendly and open manner. the world, even if they are. You are Make sure they enjoy working with there to reassure them about the you and they will see your skill project and convey confidence in level by the outcome, the final the final product. product, not the way you act. Certainly, you can take this Remember, they are the ones who advice or leave it, but I promise are paying you and telling people you will find it easier to attract what it was like to work with you. clients and maintain relationships How you present yourself by keeping these points in mind. will almost guarantee that they will Watch how you act. Do not belittle hire you as long as everything you people if they are unsure of have to offer is reasonable. It is something. Present yourself in a uncouth to look grubby. It is professional manner. Explain important to maintain good things to people as simply as personal hygiene habits and take possible and do not make them care in your personal presentation. feel inadequate or uneducated. It does not matter how good you Always remember that we are are at what you do if you smell bad working with people, not just or look unkempt. People will feel equipment.

9 The articles herein reflect the sole opinion of the author and do not represent the views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College What is a surefire way to be a successful vested interest in you as an artist, and will want to musician? A chorus of industry experts and former support you in your endeavour. Supplementary to How to stars all invariably return the same answer: write great social networking would be blogging websites, music. It sounds simple enough, but of course this is including Blogger, Tumblr, or Posterous. An artist Promote only one piece of the puzzle. An artist could pen hit who opens up these avenues, who is willing to after top charting hit and never gain any popularity, connect with individuals who are curious about who Your Band remaining obscure, recording in his bedroom away the songwriter is, has a stronger chance of building a from the limelight. Obviously there is more action one fellowship. An excellent example of this strategy is can take than just developing one's writing abilities the Toronto artist Miss Late July (@MissLateJuly, In the New and wait to be discovered. In the shifting miss.latejuly.ca) who has an extensive web presence marketplace that is the music industry, an artist must in all of these forums in addition to a personal Space not only be an excellent composer, but a savvy website, which she uses to not only promote herself marketer, able to establish his/her act as a as an artist and her material - including an upcoming necessary and vital musical force, and drive demand album - but also foster discussion between herself By Matt Dusenbury for its content while building a core fan base. This is and her fans. Following an example such as this will December/January 2011 the hurdle where most artists falter. However, it is not no doubt result in a greater awareness of yourself as insurmountable. If an artist or group can successfully an artist, and help grow your fan base. navigate the tumultuous waters of marketing an indie Blogging does not have to be a one-way band from scratch, creative and professional street either. As an artist, start commenting on and success cannot be far behind. develop relationships with some online music blogs. Naturally, there are certain marketing staples Pitch the site's administration or editor, make them when promoting a band - tried and true methods want to check out your material, and sell your

BANDWIDTH that typically increase awareness. These include alliance as a mutually beneficial relationship. Include peppering a city with leaflets and flyers advertising an links to your sites so they can hear your material, or upcoming show, and handing out or selling traditional even send them a .WAV file or two to advertise to MIA merchandise such as t-shirts or buttons emblazoned their readership. The end result will be a traffic bump with the artist's name or logo to spread word-of- for both sides, with other promotions following close mouth. Traditional forums aside though, there are so behind. many effective and creative advertising avenues that Now that you have your sites set up and have opened up online for promotion in the last few people stopping by, it is time to publish content to years it would be disadvantageous for an artist to keep the audience coming back. Some artists ignore them. An extensive web presence could be maintain audience engagement by recording and the magic bullet that clinches a band's success, so it releasing a new song or songs each week, however, is important to start now and get creative. this can be a daunting task. A great alternative is Sure, most bands have a MySpace profile, a using video instead of audio. Creating your own Facebook page, and maybe even a Twitter account. channel on a video hosting site like YouTube, or on Those are the Big Three of online advertising, streaming portals like Livestream or Justin.tv is a perhaps with a ReverbNation page following close great way to keep people updated on what you as behind. But merely signing up and dummying a an artist are doing, and allows you to get creative profile will not be of any benefit. In fact, it may even with fan interaction. Have a new album coming out? hurt awareness of an artist. If a user logs on to your Film a series of short movies discussing each song, MySpace or Facebook page and sees it has not your inspirations, and the recording process. Give a been updated in months, the Comments section is short preview of each track, as though you are full of spam, and there are only one or two demo making a trailer for your album's release. If you have a songs posted, that user (a prospective fan) will dedicated practice room or "jam space", grab a probably never come back. Instead, an artist must camera or two and stream your practice or recording view social networking and advertising as the second sessions. Advertise it online through your social half of a musical career: the "yang" to Songwriting's networks as an event, and take advantage of the "ying". Once the commitment has been made to not built-in chat and Twitter integration to take questions only write music but also promote it non-stop, there and talk to fans during the show. Promotions like are several ways one can advertise without seeming these will keep your band at the forefront. Sure, abrasive. The goal is to make people want to listen audience turnout may be lacklustre at first, but to the music, to click the link, but it is up to the artist building a following takes time. to present the audience with the opportunity to do These are only a few methods to promote a so, lest he/she be relegated to the Spam folder and band, but their appeal cannot be denied or ignored. overlooked. It is important to stay creative and fresh So with this in mind, what can you - online, so individuals will keep coming back for more specifically you, as a songwriter and performer - do content, and spread the word of an artist’s efforts. to promote yourself to the public, sans professional This word-of-mouth style of promotion combined management or representation? You have your with the niche appeal of the above techniques may songs written and recorded, and it is time for them to prove to be a useful tool, and an important foothold be released, advertised, and ultimately sold. A good in building a lasting following for any artist. start would be establishing a strong presence on the aforementioned social networking websites. This gives individuals a chance to listen to your material and discover who you are as an artist. But more importantly, these websites allow you to foster relationships with prospective fans. By opening up a dialogue in this way between Artist and Audience, you make individuals feel as though they have a

10 The articles herein reflect the sole opinion of the author and do not represent the views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College In Defense of Honest, Hardworking Songwriters and Musicians

By Cameron Hurd Recently, an article titled “In Defense of Downloading” by one Matthew Dusenbury found Recap of “In Defense...” it’s way to my email inbox. The short essay features Reasons to Not Reasons to a curious moral circumvention of intellectual Download Download property rights, major record label’s shortcomings Anyway

December/January 2011 since the inception of our beloved Internet, and a dramatic betrayal of fan trust. The proposed course Downloading music is Cost of duplication is of action was indeed a scandalous one: download theft, plain and simple not accurately reflected music illegally! As evidenced by this article’s very in price; it’s a victimless existence, our young technology laureate’s views are crime not what you would call congruent with my own. BANDWIDTH Downloading threatens Archaic bean-counter The fundamentals of copyright seem to the livelihood of the jobs at record labels

MIA have taken a hiatus from the article’s first argument. industry out to go anyway Since downloading is exponentially cheaper than Downloading betrays Fans have been creating another physical product and doesn’t even the songwriter betrayed (high prices remove an existing one from the shelf, says the and RIAA legal action original author, it shouldn’t constitute a breach of any moral or ethical code. On to the second point about the livelihood of the Even his bread analogy can’t make this music industry, and the accountant and executive greed: those bean counters with the jewel-lined okay. If I owned the hypothetical bread-maker pockets will not be ousted by the shrinking profit mentioned in the original article, and cloned a piece margins that result from downloading. of bread that the grocer normally sells, the grocer would be losing me as a customer. The analogy Downloading can never be a protest against breaks down further when we consider that the archaic industry jobs; it only forces record labels to “grocer” legally owns the right to mechanically be stingy and invest solely in sure things. As a result reproduce the loaf design, and publically perform of this downloading-without-paying tomfoolery, the his “bread”. (See what I did there?) anatomy of a hit song has become unflinchingly Digitally duplicating a song irrefutably infringes on rigid. “But the indies will rise up and save our dying the copyright owner's (songwriters and sound industry!” you say? They won’t be able to do that recording owners) legal rights to “mechanically without their acts earning money. reproduce” the song or authorize someone to do so. Finally, I’d like to rebut the argument that As an aside, I'll concede that a download doesn't the fans have been betrayed. Fans should pay what mean a lost sale in every case; the “try before you the artists ask for a song. If an artist isn't in a buy” mentality is very strong; an Industry Canada position where they set their own price for CD or study even concluded that people engaged in P2P digital sales, that's a poor business decision on their downloading buy more music. part. Downloading without paying is no more of a But it's those "casual" music fans that fall outside sustainable solution to high prices than a few fans the realm of that study that are the problem because sporadically donating money to the band when they they are the majority. Downloads from this segment come through town. (How does the band afford to of people do mean lost sales. It is a form of theft tour?) because it violates the music creator’s legal rights, In conclusion: yes, we need a new model and hampers their ability to earn artist and that takes advantage of the wonderful powers of the mechanical royalties. This loss is compounded if interwebs, but it shouldn’t be one that shortchanges we’re talking about independent artists. honest, hardworking songwriters and musicians.

11 The articles herein reflect the sole opinion of the author and do not represent the views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College Editorial Three 2011 Predictions by Matt Dusenbury

December/January 2011 No one in MIA needs to be reminded that the it “seems silly telling people what you had for breakfast" is industry is changing around us at a breakneck pace. In the digital equivalent of shooting your budding music career fact, for the younger generation, it has become difficult to in the foot. Social media, and social metrics, have become remember a time when heading down to the local Sam's great tools for artists to not only promote themselves and or Music World to pick up the latest release or import was upcoming events, but also interact with fans, initiate special the only way to get new music. These days, the idea of a giveaways and contents, preview new material, and, just "record store" almost seems quaint, as more and more maybe, stimulate sales. BANDWIDTH individuals are getting their music through online resources. Still doubt the importance of social media? Look at This year saw the continued flow of music sales across it this way: Billboard, the organization that has been

MIA digital networks, with the growth of established markets, charged with keeping track of music industry trends since such as Apple's iTunes Store, the expansion of the online 1894, recently commissioned social metrics site Next Big streaming music model through sites like Grooveshark, Sound to track artist popularity online into the "Social 50" and a myriad of internet-connected portable music players chart, showing at a glance the biggest acts in the social in millions of pockets across the globe. Given the current space. Add to this the fact that MTV (remembering they landscape of the music industry, there are certainly some are still obligated to promote music) coined the position of predictions that could be made for the future. Below are "Twitter DJ" and released a new online social music my top three predictions for the music industry in 2011. discovery tool, and the link between social media and the music industry is confirmed with a giant gold star. 1. Online Subscription Models Will Become Popular, So log on to Twitter and fire up your Facebook. If But Not Profitable (Yet) you start to hone your sharing skills now, social media may just jumpstart your music career. While it is true that streaming services like Last.fm and Spotify have been around for quite some time, they 3. Music Piracy Will Not Go Away could hardly be said to be profitable business ventures. Each site has yet to turn a profit, with Spotify alone posting While at this point it is more of a foregone a $26.7 million loss in 2009. Clearly, the online conclusion than a prediction, you had to know this one subscription model has a long way to go if it wants to be was coming. 2010 saw governments and music industry the music industry's saviour. lobbyists push legislation to try and curb illegal file sharing However, what the model lacks in profits, it is and downloading, but any tangible progress on that front is beginning to make up for in popularity. At the end of 2010, minimal, if it could be said to exist at all. MOG launched its "all-you-can-have" streaming model, Your personal feelings on music piracy and coupled with tie-in mobile apps for Android and iOS downloading aside, file sharing is a game-changing act, devices, in addition to a web app in the (Google) Chrome and artists are going to have no choice but to get creative Web Store. Another streaming service, Slacker Radio, also in the marketing department in 2011 if they are going to launched an on-demand model, and Rdio finally went live stay afloat. The "pay-what-you-wish" model adopted by to much praise. In December, tech giant Sony also entered bands like Nine Inch Nails and Radiohead will probably be the playing field in the UK with its Qrioicity service. There is deployed more than a few times in the coming year, along obviously a lot of enthusiasm motivating this model's with innovative guerilla marketing campaigns to drive the expansive rollout. hype of big major label releases. The model’s recent push into the marketplace is This isn't to say that smaller acts and indie bands due to the variety of devices on which the content can now will be left out in the cold. It just means bands, managers, be accessed. A large hurdle for the model in the past was and artists will have to find new and creative ways to not its being tethered to a desktop PC, constraining the user only promote themselves and their releases, but also carve from accessing content. With the multitude of portable out new revenue streams in the social-interconnected devices available now, however, from iPhones to music marketplace. Microsoft's Kinect, this stumbling block may finally start to erode. All that remains to be seen is the speed at which such services can be monetized.

2. Artists Will Learn To Get More Social

The verdict is in: social media is here to stay, and it can be an artist's greatest ally. Shying away from social networks like Twitter, Facebook, and Foursquare because

12 The articles herein reflect the sole opinion of the author and do not represent the views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College Alumni Article By: Addie Sorrell Between Charity and Slavery shouldn't the band? Musicians (and music industry New job hunting rule: if you walk into a studio types all around) are commonly getting jacked just and the engineer is living with his mom, get out. I'm because we're all looking for the next networking old fashioned in the sense that I believe the head opportunity. engineer of any studio should be earning enough to We have to keep in mind that in music and art the live on his own (exception: he owns the studio). If I best opportunities can stem from some form of December/January 2011 had prior knowledge that the 26 year-old engineer at volunteer work. I never would have found my knack my old job was having his undies washed by his for live sound if I hadn't offered to set up for a street mom, I might have reconsidered who I was working festival in my hometown. The occasional free gig can for. be entirely worth it. Nothing wrong with networking, a When I was offered what I was told to be an free show, and free beer right? In fact, one of the

BANDWIDTH internship, I didn't know that this meant I worked free things I enjoy most about volunteering, is the ability to for three months before working on minimal make mistakes and learn, without some raging,

MIA commission (lesson one, boys and girls: get it in tattooed stage manager breathing down your neck. writing). I learned this when I had a talk with the Just remember to hold your standards up. If you studio's engineer, which lead to the topic of his keep offering up free work, then why should anyone mother doing his laundry. need to hire you? As mother would say, "why buy the "Wait... do you still live at home?" cow when he can drink the milk for free?". Just "Yeah. Until I get some decent money" remember how you paid for your education and how "..." every time you freely pass along that knowledge, it's I quit my job two weeks later. One might ask why. cheapened. Charity doesn't pay your OSAP. It was experience, it was a good place to work, and The moral of this after-school-special: it's not like I had another job to focus on. So why did I volunteering makes for great opportunities but please opt for unemployment over work? While I would have don't whore yourself out to a degree where you're earned about $50 a month on commission at the easily confused with a Dundas Street hooker. I see studio, all the payable work I did was at home which people who volunteer their asses off, all for the love of included music videos and A&R. The three days a just being involved in music, but I really see such a week I spent in the office cleaning bathrooms and de-valuing concept in what they do. I accidentally spamming MySpace are tasks I would never be paid volunteered three months of work and now feel like I for. There are labour laws to protect against this entire wasted a sickening chunk of my life. While I'll scenario but you'll soon learn that when you're definitely be more careful in choosing work, I've looking for a music job, legality may not be your realized that volunteering is also essential to building a highest goal. career - contrary to what those lucky few who just fall Still, experience is experience, no? In hindsight, into comfy corporate positions may say. The while being unemployed, I should have been connections, the experience, they're all worth it. That volunteering. However, the day I finished my very last doesn't mean you're a free ride - you have the ability MIA exam, I got a little cocky. My self-worth shot way to pick and choose to whom you give your work up as I realized that I was now a graduate and I away to. deserved to be paid for my work. Sure, I was willing to do an internship if it meant a foot in the door but Also, don't clean a public bathroom after you the idea of volunteering as a career no longer seemed graduate. That's just cruel. an option. You do have a right to demand payment for your Addie is a graduate of MIA '09 & APP '10 and is currently services. I still remember Terry explaining to me how if working as a Promotions Manager for an independent the catering staff is getting paid for an event then why Toronto musician. She likes live shows, techno, and long walks on the beach.

13 The articles herein reflect the sole opinion of the author and do not represent the views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College Local Plugs by Dan Webster December/January 2011 BANDWIDTH MIA

Chimp Attack! Chimp Attack is a funk band that rendition of Wild Cherry’s “Play that Funky formed in London late 2010. It was started Music White Boy”. As I mentioned earlier by Adam Lima (lead guitar), who was they do not have a permanent singer and quickly joined by Chris Haystead (drums) are looking to fill that position. Their and Dan Kaptur (bass). As of yet they do influences include Red Hot Chilli Peppers, not have a permanent vocalist, but they Jimi Hendrix, Parliament/Funkadelic, Lenny were joined by Ethan Henderson for their Kravitz, Rage Against The Machine, and debut performance and the Christmas Led Zeppelin. I asked Adam about his party. They started the set off with “Always plans for Chimp Attack and he responded On The Run” by Lenny Kravitz, which with “gigs, gigs, gigs, record albums, flowed nicely into their second song “Long possibly tour, be able to do it full time, and Cool Woman in a Black Dress” by The make a living”. I am sure anyone who saw Hollies. They turned up the funk a bit with them that night, and remained sober their original “The Funksploitation of enough to remember it, would agree with Society” and then brought down the house me when I suggest that anyone who with a cover of Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ missed them should check out their next “Give It Away”, which they did justice to. show. The finished the set of with a rousing

14 The articles herein reflect the sole opinion of the author and do not represent the views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College Highpass Filter Record Reviews

Bolus - Delayed Reaction

December/January 2011 By Joel Wheeler

If anybody has watched the band’s latest “making of” documentary (which I wholeheartedly recommend) then they know that Bolus’ second album Delayed Reaction has been a long time in the making. The band’s goal, according to drummer/ producer/engineer/co-songwriter Mat Keselman, was to make a great sounding album, BANDWIDTH quickly, for cheap. “We found out the hard way that we could only have two of those three at the same time,” says Mat in the video. Which meant that the band dedicated from 2006 to 2010 to make the album sound MIA stellar, while not going over-budget. While this technique may not work for everyone, one listen to the band’s final product, and it’s clear that it did the trick for Bolus. From the first ambient signs of life on opener “Those Who Saved Us,” to the final shimmering notes of closer “Steps Under Shelter,” the entire album reeks of engineering perfectionism. Functioning as a two-man performing/recording team, Keselman and guitarist/lead singer Nick Karch painstakingly explore the full potential of every piece of equipment they touch, resulting in a smooth, professional and compelling final product. Like an Olympic gold-medalist, everything on the album is tight, fine-tuned and designed for maximum success. A lot of training and conditioning went in to the album, and the final product, from the performances to the mixes to the final master (all done independently by the band) reflects this. The end result is an album that sounds like it was recorded with a budget containing many more 0 columns than what they actually had. Making an album sound pristine may be one thing, but it hardly matters if the song quality doesn’t match the production value. Fortunately for Bolus, on Delayed Reaction, they’re able to combine their influences into a sum of parts that at once sounds familiar and refreshingly unique. Taking notes from classic prog bands such as Yes and Dream Theatre, the band also adds unexpected elements into its songs, such as gypsy- influenced breakdowns, baroque orchestral crescendos, flute solos and even an electronic techno-leaning interlude. It’s this kind of genre-splicing experimentation that has led the band to be labeled “Neo-Prog,” by some, a tag which the band shies away from. When listening to the band’s album as a whole, it’s clear why: Bolus are a band who follow their own artistic vision, without regard to simple labels or marketing strategies. Lyrically as well as musically, the songs are air-tight. Throughout the album, the group’s lyrics are highly complex and conceptual, but not without levity. In “White Window,” the band’s catchy lead single, the lyrics humourously satirize onlinecommunication conventions, while subtly tucked in the background are retro MSN Messenger noises. Another album highlight is “Postman,” which confidently struts with a Maroon 5-like groove, until it breaks down into complex riffery and playful auxiliary percussion breaks. Throughout the album, Karch’s voice and guitarwork is a pleasant highlight - his pure, confident tones soar whether he’s singing or soloing. Not to be over-shadowed, Keselman’s drumming is massive, but never overdone. With such effort put into each layer of the project, Delayed Reaction makes for a compelling listen, regardless of how much attention you’re willing to pay it. On the surface it sounds great, and starts to sound even better the further you dig in. Now that they’re ready to take on the world, I only hope they don’t take another four years to make another album; though if it ends up sounding as good as this one, I suppose it’s worth the wait.

15 The articles herein reflect the sole opinion of the author and do not represent the views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College Top 20 Albums of 2010 Joel Wheeler

For me, the end of the year is one of the most exciting times in my life for a silly reason: I have a rabid, fanatic and compulsive addiction to annual Best Of lists. I can’t get enough of them, no matter how unnecessary or asinine their subject matter. Best Movies, Best TV Shows, Best New Gadgets, Best Video Games, Best Corn Shucking Competitions in Nebraska, Best Year End Lists (Okay, maybe that one doesn’t exist yet, but give it time.) etc. Basically, if there is a medium deemed worth enough to be assessed in annual list form, I’m down to read it. The subjectivity and meaninglessness of the activity is not lost on me. I just can’t help myself. December/January 2011 Of course, the king of all the lists is Best Albums of the Year. In fact, I keep a running playlist of every album I listen to during the year, and I’m constantly in the process of assessing each one for inclusion in my final, personal year end list. That being said, as hard as I try, I can never hope to listen to every album of every genre, or hope to have the critical wherewithal to objectively assess their value or quality. Even my opinions on the albums I hear and love are subject to change at any moment. Add to that the disparity between genres in most of my top choices, and the idea of numbering them and putting them into a numerical hierarchy starts to become pointless and futile if you start analyzing it with a rational mind. My point, however, is that listing “best albums” isn’t supposed to be rational. What we often forget about criticism is that no matter how BANDWIDTH “informed” an opinion is, it’s still just an opinion. That’s why my own list comes with a gigantic disclaimer: these albums are the ones that most affected me personally over the course of the past year. I see a lot of artistic and creative merit in all of them, but I don’t expect you

MIA to feel the same. Hopefully this list can turn you on to some “good” new music if some of it seems appealing, or maybe it can make you happy, or furious, in the way that only a year end list can. Either way, these are my Favourite 25 Albums of 2010. Enjoy?

20 19 Jimmy Edgar - XXX18 MGMT - Congratulations Curren$y - Pilot Talk Pt. I & II MGMT’s follow-up album has He may not be the strongest Depending on how you view it, definitely been one of the rapper to ever throw down, Jimmy Edgar either specializes more divisive of the year, and but his two 2010 releases in making incredibly sexy or when it first came out, I was prove that Curren$y is a talent incredibly creepy music. On his latest, he doesn’t do much to tenting pretty comfortably in to be reckoned with in the hip- change up his usual formula - the hater’s campground. I hop world. Thanks in part to he still loves meshing complex, gave it time, however, and laid-back, soulful production glitchy beats with classic slowly I readjusted my from Ski Beatz, and in part to analog house synths and perspective on the whole his own charismatic, slacker, eccentrically sexual vocoder- thing. Their tongue-in-cheek everyman persona, Curren$y based vocals. While this style ethos appeals to me greatly, proves it’s cool to rap about may not work for everyone and while their flippant sense wearing robes, eating (there’re probably more sexually of humour and apparent breakfast, playing Nintendo charged breaths than real disdain for the popular DS, and using GPS to singing), he’s definitely position they find themselves navigate your way to a booty perfected a way to make it work for him. Through the whole in is definitely present on their call. facade, it’s clear that Edgar new album, what’s best about loves the music he makes, and it, oddly enough, is its the infectious hooks of sincerity. MGMT are just a ridiculously titled songs like band who write songs that “Hot, Raw, Sex,” and the they like, and on their new Michael Jackson inspired “Turn album, their tastes are You Inside Out,” prove that he’s reflected more honestly than streamlining his pop in the big hit singles from their sensibilities. debut.

16 The articles herein reflect the sole opinion of the author and do not represent the views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College Mystery Jets - Serotonin17: Jamie Lidell - Compass:16 Avey Tare - Down There15: Why aren’t Mystery Jets way more Up until Compass, Jamie Lidell had When Animal Collective dropped popular? They’ve silently been on a been someone I’d liked more in their game-changing instant-classic

December/January 2011 streak of awesome records, which theory than in practice. He’s a Merriweather Post Pavilion last year, continues with their third full-length, charismatic guy with a great voice it was my belief that the synths, Serotonin, immaculately produced and a love of old-school soul and samplers, and complex by former Roxy Music producer new-school electronic polyrhythms were more the Chris Thomas. Nothing quite lives manipulation. It just so happened influence of co-frontman Panda up to the soaring pop highs of that his actual songwriting didn’t do Bear’s tastes. Avey, I assumed was previous singles like “Two Doors much for me until my all-time the more straightforward one - the

BANDWIDTH Down,” or “Young Love,” but favourite Beck stepped in and one more likely to release an they’re still in the business of helped him out on songwriting and acoustic, guitar based solo album making some of the catchiest, most production. The result is a much than the dark, dubby, and dance-y MIA instantly satisfying music out there grittier, trippier, and somehow album that is Down There. Down today. It may not be the most poppier album that not surprisingly There follows the group’s trend of substance filled music, but it covers a lot of sonic and stylistic building songs electronics first, but doesn’t hurt that lead singer Blaine ground. While it can get maybe a strips away the song- oriented Harrison’s voice sounds like a bit messy and unfocused at times, poppiness of MPP in favour of delicate flower that refuses to be the album proves that Lidell’s murky, bubbly and slow-paced bent in the wind. compass is pointing firmly in the “dance music” that benefits from right direction. patience and good headphones rather than a packed dance floor.

14 13 The Black Keys - Brothers:12 Sufjan Stevens - Age of Adz: Mount Kimbie - Crooks & Lovers, While his voice may be a bit too Maybes EP: After the band’s dismal fourth album, precious-sounding for me to ever To anybody who thinks that dub- Magic Potion, I was sure that they had truly love, Sufjan’s new album is step is just cheap drums, grossly peaked with their third release, Rubber Factory. The two-member blues-band undeniably well written and well huge synths and cheesy bass formula seemed played out by that crafted, and his shift from drops, check out Mount Kimbie. point and I was unsure as to whether organic, acoustic music into The British duo follow more in the the duo would be able to continue on glitchy, eccentric electronica path of other UK dub-step artist without shaking up their methods seems natural and sincere, Burial, in that they use ambience, drastically. Looking back, the band despite the enigma surrounding atmosphere, and carefully probably felt the same way - for their his five-year break between arranged found sounds to create next album, Attack & Release, they albums. organic, living, breathing enlisted outside producer Danger sounding pieces containing Mouse, who encouraged them to step memorable moments that prove outside their usual palette and experiment with organs, bass and to be more poignant and affecting multiple overdubs. While the album with each listen. wasn’t a huge creative success, it definitely built up the band’s profile, and set the stage for Brothers, definitely their best since Rubber Factory, and maybe the best album of their careers.

17 The articles herein reflect the sole opinion of the author and do not represent the views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College 11 10.Spoon - Transference10: Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma,9 Big Boi - Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty: It’s odd, but it seems like if Spoon Pattern + Grid World EP: One of the best hip-hop records weren’t so ridiculously consistent, This is one that took awhile to grow December/January 2011 of the year, and probably of the they wouldn’t seem so underrated. on me. The first time I listened to Sure, each album they release is Cosmogramma, all I could do was past decade, Big Boi’s non- critically well-received, and they have wonder, “Where are the songs?” OutKast solo debut features a large enough fan-base, but it seems After multiple listens, though, I some of the most dexterous and almost like we all take Spoon’s learned to accept that the album is technically proficient rap consistency for granted: they’re the meant to be listened to as a whole, imaginable, set to beats band to fall back on whenever you rather than piece by piece. BANDWIDTH comprised of sexy, banging, want your urge for gritty, soulful, Together, all the short bits and space-funk that sounds as studio-as-an-instrument pop-rock. On pieces that make up the track

MIA futuristic as it does retro. It goes a Transference, they seems comfortable listing, form a mosaic tapestry of long way to prove that while with this role, content to sit back and glitchy, speaker blowing Andre 3000 was the most pump out starkly minimal three minute electronics, free jazz, and a certain, gems that seem rough at first listen, futuristic genre defying quality that experimental of the two, Big Boi but shine more and more with each Flying Lotus alone possesses, still has some of the best emcee repeated spin. It doesn’t hit the despite his many imitators. This chops in the business, and his bombastic highs that Ga Ga Ga Ga album certainly represents a step ear for production is pretty much Ga did, but it proves that Spoon will forward in Flying Lotus’ artistic unrivaled. Also, one compound always be here for us when we need journey, as well as a landmark for word: “Shutterbugg.” them. beat-makers everywhere.

Gorillaz - Plastic Beach: 8 7 6 Charlotte Gainsbourg - IRM: Pantha du Prince - Black Noise: The nice thing about taking five years Although Beck didn’t release his A theme on this list seems to be in between all your albums is that you hinted-at follow up to Modern “dance music for people with get to do them right. The unfortunate Guilt in 2010, he did play a major patience.” Along with Avey Tare thing about it is that in that time, role in two releases on this list: and Mount Kimbie, Pantha du you’re also building up massive expectations for the final product. It’s Jamie Lidell’s Compass, and Prince occupies a spot on this list fortunate, then, that Gorillaz Charlotte Gainsbourg’s because he crafts beautiful music mastermind Damon Albarn delivered sophomore album IRM. Beck has that packs emotional punch, but the goods with a third album that is always professed his love for is crafted with a scientist’s care both the most guest-heavy and Charlotte’s famous chanteur and precision. What sets Pantha introspective of all the Gorillaz father Serge Gainsbourg, and his du Prince apart from the other releases so far. Tracks like the songwriting and production on two, however, is the amount of bombastic hip-pop of “Superfast IRM definitely contain nods to time he takes to build his Jellyfish” combine the talents of De Serge, while also carving a unique compositions. All of the songs are La Soul and SFA frontman Gruff Rhys, niche for Charlotte to occupy, free long-runners that start small and while more downtempo cuts like “Melancholy Hill” display Albarn of comparisons to her father. build slowly, taking plenty of stripped of most of the band’s usual surprising turns along with way, frills and gimmicks, leaving just a but always arriving at a logical beautiful, affecting song that couldn’t and satisfying conclusion. have been written by anyone else.

18 The articles herein reflect the sole opinion of the author and do not represent the views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College Robyn - Body Talk Pt. 1, Body5 Talk Pt. 4 Kanye West - My Beautiful 3Dark Arcade Fire - The Suburbs: 2, Body Talk: Though the members of Arcade Twisted Fantasy: If you ever lay awake wondering, “Why Fire may be pushing well into Of all the albums on this list, this is December/January 2011 isn’t Robyn the biggest pop star in the their adult years, on their latest the one guaranteed to still be talked world right now?” then you weren’t about for decades to come. It’s funny, album they prove that they’re still alone. It seems like this question was because despite of his obvious definitely on Robyn’s mind as well, in touch with their inner teens. All popularity (The album charted at which is why she ambitiously set out to of the songs on the album deal number one, selling nearly 500,000 release three full albums in 2010. While with growing up, the setting that copies in its first week) I feel like I still the final product ended up being two surrounds adolescent life and the have to defend Kanye West’s latest to

BANDWIDTH longer-running EPs and a full-length growing pains that come along nearly everyone I meet. It’s too glossy that combined songs from the first two, with it. This is subject matter that and “twinkly” for lots of hardened rap plus five more, the quality of the songs fans, and a lot of people I talk to feel MIA has obviously been touched on is so consistent that it hardly matters before, but Arcade Fire do it in a like if Yeezy were to take a break from what the release format is. She still way that is both unique, personal, praising himself, they might feel more might not be a North American inclined to chime in. Myself, I have no and easily relatable. It doesn’t household name, this year she proved problem encouraging West’s that she knows how to use modern hurt that the music is some of the superhero complex - without it we digital media to communicate with her band’s most restrained, refined would never have seething, scorching fans in the best way possible: by giving and compelling music they’ve songs like “Power,” and without his us tons of her music. ever written. Instead of reaching many insecurities, we wouldn’t have for the back of the auditorium poignant, emotionally stirring tracks with every hook, they’ve figured like “Runaway,” or “Blame Game.” out how to pull back on occasion, And, even if he wasn’t saying to make the times when they soar anything at all, the diverse, complex to the rafters stand out even and groundbreaking production would say it all - which is the true mark of a genius producer/songwriter. In the end, it turns out Kanye doesn’t really need anybody to back up his boasts, because if you’re truly listening to what he creates, you know that he’s so far ahead in the game that all the competition can do is try to throw the board against the wall and call him 2 names. Caribou - Swim: Every time I listen to Caribou’s new album Swim, I hear things I hadn’t noticed before that make me love it even more than the last time. The concept behind the album is “liquid dance music,” a term that fits nicely. Caribou mastermind Dan Snaith is a master at creating and keeping interest. Over the course of the album’s nine tracks, the songs are in constant motion, swirling, sloshing and, of course, swimming through the listener’s ears. It’s danceable, it’s catchy, it’s experimental, and probably best of all, it doesn’t sound like anything that came before it, from previous Caribou albums, or anywhere else, really. It’s not quite electronic, not quite organic, not quite song-based, or club ready, but it’s all fantastic.

19 The articles herein reflect the sole opinion of the author and do not represent the views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College December/January 2011 BANDWIDTH

MIA 1

Four Tet - There Is Love In You: Often, one of the problems of compiling annual lists like this is that it’s hard to get one of the most important perspectives on an album: the perspective of time. It’s easy to grab an album, listen to it four or five times, and profess love for it. Harder is to listen to it repeatedly for years and still feel the same enthusiasm for it you felt at the beginning. Four Tet’s album There Is Love In You wins top spot on my list because I know my love for it is one that will stand the test of time. Countless times I’ve doubted that it could even have been made this year - every time I listen to it it feels immediately lived in, like it’s existed my whole life. That sounds cheesy, but there’s a maturity and familiarity to the songs on this album that are immediately comforting, soothing, and at the same time exciting. It’s one of the rare electronic records that transcends its genre and simply becomes undeniably beautiful, transcendent and poignant music.

20 The articles herein reflect the sole opinion of the author and do not represent the views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College Other 10’s of 2010

Jon Trouten 6. Mutiny Within - Mutiny Within (self titled) 1. Blind Guardian - At The Edge of Time 7. Eluveitie - Everything Remains As Is Never 2. Dream Evil - Into the Night Was 3. Kalmah - 12 Gauge 8. Dark Tranquillity - We Are The Void 4. Finntroll - Nifelvind 9. Yngwei Malmsteen - Relentless 5. Stone Sour - Audio Secrecy 10. Scorpions - Sting in the Tail

Evan Miles 6. Eric Clapton - Clapton 1. Eminem - Recovery 7. John Mayer - Battle Studies December/January 2011 2. Shad - TSOL 8. Neil Young - Le Noise 3. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More 9. The Black Keys - Brothers 4. B.O.B - The Adventures of Bobby Ray 10. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted 5. Kings Of Leon - Come Around Sundown Fantasy BANDWIDTH Dondrea Erauw 6. The National- High Violet

MIA 1. Best Coast- Crazy For You 7. Hellogoodbye- Would It Kill You? 2. States- Line em’ Up 8. She & Him- Volume 2 3. Now, Now- Neighbors Ep 9. Mumford & Sons- Sigh No More 4. The Reason- Fools 10. Robyn- Body Talk Pt. 1. 5. Arcade Fire- The Suburbs

Zach Fulkerson 6. The Black Keys’ ‘Brothers’ 1. Arcade Fire’s ‘The Suburbs’ 7. Jimmy Eat World’s ‘Invented’ 2. Norma Jean’s ‘Meridional’ 8. A Hope for Home’s ‘Realis’ 3. The Chariot’s ‘Long Live’ 9. Listener’s ‘Wooden Heart’ 4. Broken Bells’ ‘Self Titled’ 10. Kings of Leon’s ‘Come Around Sundown’ 5. A Plea for Purging’s ‘The Marriage of Heaven and Hell’

Josh Cwintal 6. Eluvium - Similes 1. Tame Impala - Innerspeaker 7. The Dillinger Escape Plan- Option Paralysis 2. The Tallest Man On Earth - The Wild Hunt 8. Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross - The Social 3. Mixtape - K-OS - The Anchorman Network OST 4. Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma 9. The Q4 - Sound Surroundings 5. Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz 10. LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening

Chris Haystead 1. Soundgarden - Telephantasm 2. Primus - June 2010 Rehearsal 3. Def Tones - Diamond Eyes 4. Bad Religion - The Dissent of Man 5. The Black Keys - Brothers

21 The articles herein reflect the sole opinion of the author and do not represent the views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College CREDITS Editors.... Matt Dusenbury Joel Wheeler Dan Webster Kevin Guerette December/January 2011 BANDWIDTH

We are always looking for submissions!

MIA Your name could be here in the next issue of Bandwidth. Have an idea for an article? Feel like voicing an opinion to your fellow MIAers? Submit your articles or ideas to [email protected]

SPECIAL THANKS TO... Steve Malison Dondrea Erauw Addie Sorrell John Trouten Mike Whissel Zach Fulkerson Cam Hurd Chris Haystead First Year MIA Josh Cwintal Second Year MIA Fanshawe College Lucas Benoit Hannah Burley Evan Miles

22 The articles herein reflect the sole opinion of the author and do not represent the views of Music Industry Arts or Fanshawe College