It’s that time of year again. The time where I assume you care as little about year-end best-of lists as I do. I don’t know about you, but I usually glance at them with a vague sense of disagreement before maybe complaining... then completely forgetting about them. Besides, who actually enjoys ranking art? So as is now tradition, that's where The 3am Awards come in. In lieu of a “best of” list, I give you the award show you may not have even known you were waiting for:
The '021 Doomy Awards presented by 3am Revelations Awarded for Outstanding Musical Musicianship in the Field of Music
These awards take a look at this year in music and honour the deserving songs, albums, and artists in the form of goofy award categories, as chosen by me (Kirk). And even though some awards may be a little silly, these are legitimately some of my favourites of the year. Where possible, all artist links are to their bandcamp pages or direct websites, where you can/should go listen to and purchase these songs & albums!
So without further ado, and in no particular order, click through to find out the winners!
So many new videos have been released recently, and since most of the songs have already made it into our Song Of The Day column I figured I'd put them here for you to check out all at once!
Below you will find music videos, live performance videos, new singles, and music from across Canada (including many from here in Vancouver) and abroad. Check them out and let us know which one is your favourite!
Well, I did this last month, so let's try it again, shall we? Here are some of the shows I am excited about in the month of October. It's a pretty stacked month, with lots of great shows announced so far (with a few conflicting ones, too).
Big Sugar with Wide Mouth Masonat the Commodore on October 21st & 22nd.
Top of the list would have to be this show, no question. I was at the Commodore eight years ago for what was, at the time, Big Sugar's final Vancouver show and it was phenomenal. I was thrilled when they got back together, and when they announced Wide Mouth Mason -- who Gordie Johnson now plays bass with -- would be opening? well, their show at the Yale in January has probably been one of my favourite shows of the year, so that's just extra added awesome.
Chad VanGaalenat the Rio Theatre on October 15th
Even though Pop Okanagan is happening this same weekend, I am pretty sure seeing CVG live trumps an entire festival. It will be two years to the day (and, in fact, at the same venue) since I last saw him, which is far too long. (Accompanied video not mine, was taken from the last show, with Julie Fader on keys)
Kathryn Calderat the Biltmore on October 27th
Even though I've seen her a couple times this year, Calder is always incredible live. Her new album is out soon, and I am very much looking forward to seeing her live again.
Dominique Fricot with Sidney Yorkat the Electric Owl on October 14th
Ten and a half months. That's all it took between seeing him at One Night Stand and finally seeing him perform his own material. Which is inexcusable. And of course, there's Sidney. The only time I've seen her was at a venue with sub-par sound, so I am very excited to see her somewhere that will sound good.
And the conflicts? That lies with the aforementioned Big Sugar/WMM show as well as: Sidney York with The Ruffled Feathers & The Belle Game at the Railway on October 20th. Zeusat the Biltmore on October 21st The Zolas & The Liptonians on October 20th at the Electric Owl and October 24nd at St James Hall
So. There's all that. Zeus is a fantastic live band who haven't been here since the (incredible) Bonfire Ball tour. The Liptonians blew me away live earlier this year, and pairing them with The Zolas is perfect. And the show at the Railway has just an excellent lineup. There could be a way to see all the shows, but it might be tough!
Oh, and there's the lastPeak Performance Project showcase with Maurice, Lindsay Bryan, 41st & Home and Rococode on the 6th at the Red Room well as Danny Michel with Jody Glenham at the Biltmore on the 13th, which should be fun, and of course, the Foo Fighters at Rogers Arena on the 25th. But as much as I love the Foos, and as great a live show as they put on, I have a feeling I won't be able to make this show unless I somehow get press, or win tickets...