Wavelengths of success
Concert series founders reflect on 10 years of great programming and the meaning of 'indie'
by Annie Bender, Film & Music Editor
For independent music fans, 2010 marks the end of a very significant decade in Toronto's music scene. Ten years ago this February, our fair city saw the establishment of the Wavelength Music Arts Projects, a weekly PWYC live music series dedicated to providing solid community support for local independent musicians. With a mandate to promote accessible, unpretentious 'music for music's sake' in downtown Toronto, the forum's co-founders came together with the goal of organizing no less than 500 shows in the coming years. One decade later, Wavelength is about to reach that landmark total, and celebrations are in order. As they prepared to toast 10 years of success, the folks behind the forum spoke with The Strand about the role Wavelength has played in the development of Toronto's now-bustling indie scene.
Post the First Comment'Talk Rock': A whole new musical genre
Charles Spearin's The Happiness Project finds music in unexpected places
by Ming-Ming Ly, Staff Writer
We've all heard the phrase 'music is everywhere.' It could be the whistling of the subway as it dashes down the tracks, or the pitter-patter of students' footsteps as they run from class to class. At the Harbourfront Centre's 2010 "View Points" forum series on Jan 28, Toronto musician Charles Spearin shows us that there truly is music everywhere, even in places you wouldn't expect - like everyday speech.
by Simon Frank, Associate Editor
As part of this year's New Music Festival, the Music Faculty presented a series of free concerts, focusing on the work of Polish composer Krzysztof Penderecki. Best known for his piece "Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima," Penderecki specializes in unleashing breathtaking and unexpected sounds from string instruments. The free concert presented by the Faculty of Music at Walter Hall on Jan 27 showcased a fine selection of solo and ensemble pieces. Admittedly, the concept of New Music may not appeal to all - the rigor and formalism of classical music combined with abrasive avant-garde sounds do not spell mass appeal. However, for those willing to take a risk, it was a rewarding evening of innovative yet classically grounded music.
"An Alternative View" beyond the blockbusters
Cinematheque pays homage to the last decade's lesser-known masterpieces
by Maddy Wall, Staff Writer
As the yet-to-be-named decade ends, there has been a rush of "Best of" lists filtering through the media. Attempting to stand apart from the crowd, the Ontario Cinematheque gathered together over sixty film historians, curators, programmers and the like to put together their lists for the best of the decade. This endeavour eventually bore a program of 54 films, which will be playing at the Cinematheque until Feb 23. Their "Alternative View" selection certainly lives up to its name, playing films that have barely made it onto the public's radar.
by Livia Murray, Staff Writer
Apparently it's disrespectful to play Wu-Tang at a GZA concert. Or at least this was claimed by DJ Scratch Bastid as he opened for the member of the legendary Wu at Sound Academy on Jan 25. Perhaps GZA's solo career needs some attention that doesnt derive from the Clan's success. Little of this mattered to the crowd, however, who were hollering "WU" at the stage with W's all up in the air.
'Spooning' with Spoon
Veteran rockers' latest release feels like two albums in one
by Naafia Mattoo, Staff Writer
The prospect of composing a follow-up to a critically acclaimed album is a daunting task for any band, a path peppered with anxiety-laden questions. Do you follow the same formula from your past work? Do you give your fans what they want? Or do you just listen to your own heart? Who do you choose to keep happy: your fans, the critics or yourself?
