Oh Canada...

I am well aware that I have not written on here in nearly 7 months. However, to be fair, I do have a horrible tendency to have ideas, but never write them down. As well, everything else that seems to be going on around me also seems to hold me back from ever writing anything on paper. Mostly, it’s because I’m lazy.

Alas, I am now back in action. I recently went to a beautiful place called Toronto, Canada. Smaller than my extra-large metropolis of Los Angeles. Though, as I did tell my Canadian chums, I was much more comfortable in Toronto than in Los Angeles. My reasoning? For one, it’s nice knowing that not everything is scattered and broken up like it is here in Los Angeles. No need to run far and wide and be stuck in traffic just to get something specific just because you crave it or want it. Everything is within proximities. Secondly, the air is cleaner, not exactly smoggy. As well, the people being nice and amazing, who wouldn’t want to live in such a wonderful place? And may I add, apparently the rent is not that expensive (it beats paying 1300+ dollars for one room here in LA).

Though, I’m not here to discuss the full details of my trip (it sounds lovely, doesn’t it?). I’m actually here to tell you my opinions on Canadian music. Up until 7 months ago (when I last wrote on this), I was introduced and re-introduced to Canadian music. Several of which I have heard of because I heard some bands through friends or because they reached some level of success here in the States. The few that I NEVER heard of in my life, have this on-going trend. For one, they all seem to have a message of hope and messages of risk-tasking. In addition to that, they seem to deliver this message in a very cutesy, adorable manner. Such bands like Joel Plaskett Emergency, the Elwins (a favourite band of mine at this moment), and Sloan, to name a few, give messages of optimism; For instance:

There’s nowhere left to go but down//don’t believe that no one cares//cause we’re here for waiting you- Sloan, “Everything You‘ve Done Wrong”

Don’t be scared to make amends or ruin your new dress with me//Waiting for an apple to fall into my hands//waiting seems to be the master plan- the Elwins, “Paper In Your Pocket”

I’ve been looking for pies in the skies//I’m feeling my temperature//Is the right time only the nighttime?//Is my way only the highway?//Is this slow dance my only chance to find me a little bit of romance?- Joel Plaskett Emergency, “Slow Dance”

It’s these songs that can be interpreted differently by listeners, but I feel so full of hope and happiness when I listen to these songs. Songs that tell me to go forward and  take my chances, while I risk getting hurt; songs that tell me that I’m not alone when I feel alone. In Los Angeles based bands like Best Coast, the Airborne Toxic Event, and Weezer (which I love!), they tend to be fun and focus on matters of getting away or just enjoying the sun. Or even sometimes, they can focus on matters of heartbreak to an extent. However, they do not seem to have a lot of focus on leaving optimistic notes to the listener, like the Canadians do.

One thing I also want to point is that Canadian bands tend to be very patriotic. They take pride. If you ever visit Canada, you can probably see more than 10 Canada flags as you drive or walk by. It’s actually really nice to see that a country is very proud of who they are and how they present themselves. Musically, I like the hip-hop turn of Canada’s national anthem by Classified, which from what I remember, it was featured in the Winter Olympics not too long ago. I would also like to add that when attending a show in Canada, and if the band is from Canada, it’s a big homecoming party. The crowd shows much more enthusiasm. In fact, Canada has showed a lot of enthusiasm in their concerts than any other concerts that I have ever attended. The crowd jumps, they sing, they heckle (just generally being loud), and the people just tend to be incredibly fun. I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a Joel Plaskett Emergency show, and the last show of their tour. The crowd went wild; It was also one of the first times that I have ever rushed a stage to get a setlist without getting tackled by a security guard (well, security guards are less douch-ie there too).

Lastly, the last thing I ever want to mention of Canadian music, is the charisma they bring. While on my trip, I had the luck to being introduced to a musician who goes by the name of Bahamas. His album, Barchords, is one of those albums that you MUST own. In a nutshell, it is a break-up album, but it deals with all forms of what comes from a break-up; Dealing with losing the person you love, you saying that you’ve let them go, but then later you catch yourself missing them and would probably do anything to have them back. I know we have all been there, the feelings of longing for someone. This is the album. It’s beautifully written in lyrics and the guitar rhythms are very entrancing. My favourite track off the album is “Your Sweet Touch.” I assure that song will capture your heart just like it did mine (which I thank my Canadian friend for making me listen to this song).

I’m glad that Canadian music can reach the United States; Bahamas performed for local radio station KCRW in Los Angeles on June 9, 2012. It was a part of KCRW’s Summer Nights Concert series. If given the opportunity to go see a performance for free, then one should do it. Bahamas has this likeable aura to him. Cracking jokes on stage, commenting on the admiration that he receives from fans, and staring at any fan that tends to squeal really loudly for one song (that would be me). It’s all these things that have built up and make me feel much more happy. Barchords has helped me cope with certain things on better levels, and I am happy I got to tell the talented musician how much the album meant to me while I was in Canada, and how much it still means to me now. 

My dearest reader, I got to tell you tiny significant bits of Canada and it’s wonderful music. I hope that I have encouraged to you to listen to some of the Canadian bands that I mentioned above. If you would like to hear of some more Canadian bands, you could always contact me. I’ve been blown away by many bands; I would be more than happy to introduce you to more music to add to your listening lists. But truly, Canadian music has added hope and hints of optimism in my current life, it could also add that to your life too.