This week, we’re thrilled to feature one of our favourite Canadian bands as our Artist of the Week: The Acorn. If you’re a fan of HBO Canada’s Less Than Kind you will already be familiar with the Ottawa band – their song “Hold Your Breath” was in the premiere episode of Season 2, and “Dents” aired in Sunday’s most recent episode of the award winning series, in no small part because of the raw honesty behind their music. Year after year, they remain a perfect fit alongside Less Than Kind‘s episodes.
The Acorn is making waves outside of the TV world too – in 2008, they were nominated for Canada’s prestigious Polaris Prize, and have since toured with the likes of Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes and Elbow. We can’t wait to hear what happens next!
About:
“There’s a freshness and spontaneity to the recordings that’s honest and organic, and suggest the band is happy to be moving on to fresher themes…the failings of the human heart and soul wind their way through them, always with compassion… At the same time, the performances flow with a simple but palpable joy; the Acorn fill the arrangements with a variety of instrumental textures but leave enough open space to prevent the material from sounding cluttered, and the interaction of the five musicians feels fresh and confident at once, as the players explore their spaces and like what they find…the interaction and emotional enthusiasm of the Acorn stretching their boundaries clearly informs the recordings…it does allow the Acorn to cast a significant glance into their own hearts, minds, and creative processes, and the finished product is an album of genuine beauty and intelligence that merits careful listening.” – Allmusic
“The Acorn have a knack for accretion of tiny, engaging details: marimbas, horns, organs, and other colorful elements will often slip fluidly into the background halfway through a song, adding warmth, texture and atmosphere on an almost subconscious level..” – Pitchfork
“One of those rare bands that deals exclusively in mystery, where everything is at once both familiar and oddly strange: like Talking Heads bumping into Fleet Foxes in dreamtime.” – Uncut
Today Vapor is pleased to present the first edition of My Day Friday with our very own Gerry “The Mozz” Mosby: Vapor Partner, Composer, and our resident classic music expert. We’re excited to begin sharing his musings each week on any and all things musical and enter the mind of a true music connaisseur. Enjoy!
When Vapor Music was first conceived in 2004, it was with the notion that we could provide a service to both our clients and the artistic community at large. Vapor would be a place for artists and ad agencycreatives alike to get to know one another, on an integral level, and morph their specialties into magic.
Our two-Gold Lion win at Cannes in ’07 spoke volumes about the great results we were having with ouroriginal creative and artistic manifesto. Subsequent awards and accolades have confirmed that we’restill striving for – and achieving – greatness, day in and day out, here at Vapor.
Our hunger for new and exciting music is bottomless, and we’ve forged and strengthened our own identity with each and every project we’ve completed. Personally, I’ve been active in this crazy business for a very long time now, and while I may have grown a bit more cynical and demanding as the years have rolled by, I still crave - and constantly search for – examples of artistic greatness, whether as diamonds-in-the-rough or as shiny and slickly polished, world class phenomena. I’ve always wanted Vapor to be a leader in the business - and highly specialized art form – of either composing or licensing just the right music for just the right project. I’ve also wanted, more than anything, to help expose new or less than top-of-mind artistry to our friends and family, through a timely Vapor search for timeless music.
Seeing as this is My Day Friday, I’d like to shine a light on an artist that I’ve been following for some time:
Jon Gomm
Jon Gomm is a supremely talented UK guitarist/singer/songwriter that has been toiling away for at least the past decade or so, and came to my attention a couple of years ago, via his Youtube video posts. His singularly unique guitar playing style literally first made me guffaw OUT LOUD, truth be told. His ability to play multiple melodic and rhythmic guitar parts simultaneously, all the while singing with a road-worn smokey voice, completely floored me when I first saw and heard one of his online video offerings. It still does, to this very day.
His 2009 release, Don’t Panic was my number one recommendation last December, when Vapor shone a light on new and/or slightly used music and musicians of all genres, with our 2011 Vapor Holiday Music Picks. So imagine my delight when yesterday, I received my latest instalment of critic, Bob Lefsetz’ blog, and read about HIS discovery of Jon Gomm, via an online, three letter exclamation from one of Jon’s new fans, British comedian, Stephen Fry:
“Wow!”
Here’s an excerpt of an email sent by Dave Cool to The Lefsetz Letter, detailing Gomm’s very recent surge in global popularity:
Subject: Guitarist Jon Gomm turns down Britain’s Got Talent: “Simon Cowell can kiss my ass”
Hi Bob, A video by UK guitarist Jon Gomm recently went viral thanks to a tweet from British comedic legend Stephen Fry.
Here’s the story, the video that went viral, and the tweet:”‘Wow!’ Stephen Fry’s one-word tweet catapults guitarist from obscurity to an audience of 2 MILLION listeners”:
Jon is now getting a lot of attention in British media, and even got a phone call from Britain’s Got Talent. Here’s what Jon’s manager told them:
“To all those dreamers and wannabes who may somewhat foolishly believe in the integrity of shows like The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent: A producer from BGT just called me to ask if Jon Gomm would like to take part in the show. I happen to know for a fact that the open auditions took place months ago and there are anxious hopefuls all over the country waiting for their phones to ring to see if they’ve made it to the TV stage of the audition process. In the meantime, producers are calling musicians who have shown zero interest in appearing on the show to invite them to take part and groom them for victory. As a long time loather of all reality/talent shows I told them where to shove it in no uncertain terms. These programmes are exploitative bollocks. Don’t believe the bullshit people. Simon Cowell can kiss my ass.”
Thought you might enjoy that, you don’t see independent artists saying no to the establishment like that (and turning down “instant fame”) very often…
Needless to say, that email got Lefsetz’ interest, and he quickly researched – and fell in love with – Jon Gomm, himself. Just so you all know, Lefsetz has a been a major critic of the established recording industry, exposing wanton insider graft and inequity at every turn. He’s also predicted for years that the old, record label model of garnering radio airplay – and instant riches – for each label’s artists’ music would soon be replaced or verily supplanted by online access – for their fans and newcomers alike – of free or iTunes-posted music.
He’s also acknowledged that, from time to time, a cleverly licensed and synced piece of music in an ad or movie or TV show can help popularize an artist’s musical catalog, in ways that a radio single no longer can.
Which is what I’ve always said about the power of advertising to help position music in its best light.
I remember – and still bristle at the thought of – trying to get approval from a major label honcho for one of his up-and-coming artists to be the voice-over talent for one of my 90s company’s biggest clients. After leaving many messages – over a two week period – for said honcho, with detailed ad information for his consideration, I finally received his eleventh hour reply, “Mozz, if I relented and let my artist be your voice-over talent, you and your ad business arrogance would cause great damage my artist’s street credibility!”
My reply was “If you don’t start to do SOMETHING for his career, your artist will be ON THE STREET before you know it!”
Well, the honcho refused my entreaties, and I found someone else to be the voice-over. Within a year… one short year… the ads were all over North America, and the replacement voice-over talent bought a house with his performance royalties.
Meanwhile, the honcho’s formerly protected artist was summarily dropped from the label, and ended up on the street… driving a van for a film company!
Thank goodness, that old honcho’s been retired to semi-obscurity for years, and the record business has morphed into a new, artist-and-fan driven beast, capable of not only promoting, but sustaining greatness.
Likewise, the ad and film businesses have proven themselves to be two of the BEST places for artists – and their music – to find new fans around the world.
And I’m proud to say that Vapor has been – and will continue to be - the BEST place for artists to gather and exchange their ideas, both with our amazing Vapor crew, AND with our amazing clients.
So go check out Jon Gomm, folks, and be sure to stay tuned for new updates from Heather, Leah and me!
Tetley’s newest campaign for their line of green teas blends viral advertising with honest feel-good content that everyone should take a moment to view and share.
A 4 spot campaign spearheaded by the creative minds at John St. in Toronto, Tetley’s Green Tea Renewal Party showcases that everyday individuals have the ability to bring about positive change in our communities.
Tetley Green Tea has become synonymous with the ideas of overall health and wellbeing, concepts that translate insightfully through this do-good campaign. Each “Renewal Party” begins with the team at John St. seeking out a noteworthy nominee that is doing something charitable for those around them. The campaign allows for real people to meet real goals; candidates are filmed for what they believe is to spread awareness about their cause, only to be surprised at the end with a grant from Tetley.
Good deeds and Tetley Green Tea, a match made in heaven.
The most recent spot “Courage In Sight” can be viewed below and the first two spots can be found here and here.
Although we have a soft spot in our hearts here at Vapor Music for Canadian music, sometimes an international band hits us hard and it’s love at first listen. This was the case when we heard Hong Kong indie folk sextet noughts and exes for the first time. With gorgeous vocals, harmonies and an emotional, intimate sound complete with strings and bells, we knew they’d be perfect for our favourite comedy series Less Than Kind. The team behind the show agreed wholeheartedly, and not one but *two* of their tunes ended up Season 3 of the show (“Everything” in Episode 304 and “The Madness I Make” in Episode 307). We can’t get enough of their most recent album ‘The Start Of Us’, and anxiously anticipate album number three.
Enjoy!
About:
“Their songs are stylistically varied… filled with warm, rounded layers of multi-instrumental colour, rich harmonies, and vocal lines that regularly threaten to float away into the stratosphere – qualities that seem to bind the album. Bits and pieces of Damien Rice, Mumford and Sons, Andrew Bird, and Elliott Smith pop out from left, right and centre. Perfect for someone looking for a domestic answer to Belle & Sebastian. On songs such as A Time For Love, they approach the razor-sharp pop rock of Spoon, while dabbling in the flavours of alt-country elsewhere.” – Time Out Magazine
“Their set was heartfelt and honest, especially Joshua’s vocal performance. Their set became an intimate affair as he the strain of his vocals revealed him laying bare his feelings through the songs, and the interaction with the audience felt sincere. The rest of the band was also lost in the music when they played, showing their utter commitment and faith in the music they were making” – Melissa Ng, Power of Pop
“Art, music, visuals and performance are all integral to the Noughts and Exes vision, and the band aims to bring that vision to the world stage in a way never before seen by a Hong Kong band. The band is working on new videos and also a unique project which aims to explore the story-telling aspect of their music in a compelling way.” – Bite Tone
After a brief hiatus, we’re back on the Vapor blog to bring you our favourites in the wild and wonderful world of music. What better way to mark our return to the interweb than with a crazy, music-filled episode of Todd and the Book of Pure Evil (followed by a second episode of Todd right after)! With eight tunes in the episode, including Canadian metal legends Anvil, your mind is guaranteed to be blown.
Even for those who aren’t fans of heavy music, Anvil needs no introduction. Over the past thirty years, the band has released eighteen albums, been the subject of a biography and documentary, and have been featured in numerous films, television shows and video games. With that kind of notoriety, we’re so excited to feature their tune “Metal on Metal” in tonight’s episode of Todd, airing on SPACE at 9e/10p.
About: “The 2009 documentary Anvil! The Story of Anvil unmasked this Toronto band as a real-life Spinal Tap, founded by two polite Jewish boys who never caught a break. Questions of musical worth went mostly unanswered. This comp clears that up: Turns out Anvil raced at thrash tempos before disciples like Metallica did; they also balanced chops, hooks and pervy humor in ways speed metal was too serious for.” – Rolling Stone
“If goodwill alone careers made, then lovable heavy metal losers, Anvil, would be topping charts across the globe, headlining stadiums, and rolling joints with $100 bills these days, following the massive acclaim achieved by their profile-reviving documentary, Anvil! The Story of Anvil…guitarist Steve “Lips” Kudlow, drummer Robb Reiner, and bassist Glen Gyorffy take listeners down the crooked path between divine inspiration and all-too-human imperfection known to us all.” – All Music Guide
Friends and family of us at Vapor Music are sure to receive one thing for the holidays this year – new music! While some give clothes or tech goodies, we prefer to share our obsession with great tunes with the ones we love – including you! Below are our top picks for which of this year’s album releases you should pick up for someone special, or for yourself (because there’s nothing wrong with putting a little something in your own stocking.). We hope you enjoy them, and have a safe and happy holiday season.
Our resident classic music expert Gerry “Mozz” Mosby ventured outside of 2011 to bring you his picks!
Jon Gomm – Don’t Panic (2009) Red Hot Chili Peppers – Live 1989 (Bootleg) Tomita – Snowflakes Are Dancing (1974) Blonde Redhead – Penny Sparkle (2010) Jethro Tull – Aqualung Remixed Box Set (2011)
Lindsey Bates, Managing Director + Executive Producer
December may be upon us, but we at Vapor are still reeling from this year’s Movember excitement! This year, donations in Canada alone totalled over 37 MILLION dollars – over 10 million more than was raised in each the United Kingdom and Australia, and nearly 25 million more than was raised in the United States! We’re incredibly proud of all our Mo Bros and Mo Sistas, and wanted to feature one more well groomed band to conclude our Mo-Artist of the Weeks: The Sheepdogs.
Longlisted earlier this year for the Polaris Music Prize, and winning a competition to be the first unsigned band EVER to covet the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine, 2011 has been a good year for these Saskatoon rockers. Being compared and often praised for their similarities to 70’s rock legends, The Sheepdogs are a breath of old air that help a bright light to shine for a new generation.
If you like quality classic rock , mustaches, and just one hell of a Canadian band, be sure to watch the video below of The Sheepdogs’ single, and visit ‘em on iTunes to hear more!
About:
“the band finds consistency and success in the use of soulful lead vocals, layered instrumentation, and striking harmonies that combine to achieve a brilliant sound”
- Eric Kane (HeyYa.com)
“The Sheepdogs got together and jammed with the spirit of classic rock running through their veins, and what was the result? Learn and Burn: An excellent classic rock album, maybe even an instant classic. It really has it all.”
- Beram C. Lansay (Sputnik.com)
Movember continues here at Vapor as we celebrate the many moustached men in the music scene. This week we’re excited to present Charles Spearin, whose resume (and ‘stache!) is unlike any other.
Spearin is a founding member of Canadian indie music royalty Broken Social Scene as well as Toronto based Do Make Say Think and KC Accidental. He earned a Juno award for his solo album ‘The Happiness Project’, and has had the honour of making the Polaris Long List in 2009 for the same album. Spearin’s album ‘The Happiness Project’ is not only a concept album masterpiece, but can be considered an inspiration to how one should properly live their life. During a month that’s all about raising awareness and helping others attain a happier and healthier life, we can’t think of a better mantra.
You can catch Spearin and ‘The Happiness Project’ on tour with Feist this fall.
As a special Movember treat, Arts & Crafts has graciously allowed us to give you this download of “Anna”, off of ‘The Happiness Project’. Click here to download. Enjoy!
“The way Spearin makes you hear the music of spoken language by translating speech patterns into notes is truly thrilling” – Pitchfork
“Charles Spearin’s The Happiness Project is everything that has been lacking in modern music for the past 10 years. No indie posturing. No ego. No cooler than thou. No self-referential bullshit. Just beautiful music celebrating what it is to be a human being, living, day by day.”
– At Constant Speed
“A heartening topic, broached with compassion, which yields many wise insights and reveals the beautiful and universal musicality of everyday life.”
– Exclaim
Ontario indie pop act The Elwins’ distinctive sound and natural aptitude for writing upbeat and luminous pop tunes have promptly launched them as a clear-cut contender in the Canadian music scene. Their forthcoming album promises to take everything loved about the EP and live performances and turns things up to 10, taking it beyond anything we’ve heard from them thus far. They are currently performing their high-energy shows locally and around the country. You can catch their quirky sense of humour on their video blogs and posts, where they show their love of cats, sewing, paisley and of course, music.
Best of all? They have sweet moustaches.
Vapor is a big supporter of Movember, the world’s official moustache season in support of prostate cancer research. On Movember 1st, guys register at Movember.com with a clean-shaven face. For the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery. Supported by the women in their lives, Mo Sistas, Movember Mo Bros raise funds by seeking out sponsorship for their Mo-growing efforts. All funds raised are directed to programs run directly by Movember and their men’s health partner, Prostate Cancer Canada.
A great cause and great tunes? Count us in.
“The Elwins have a wide eyed, “Gee whiz, I’d like to buy the world a Coke” sincerity that, in combination with their almost infuriatingly catchy tunes, makes them a damn sight more fun to listen to than just about any other band going. If every band (and every person) was more like The Elwins, the world would be a sunnier place.”
– Graham Wright (Tokyo Police Club)
“I wish The Elwins were everywhere all the time!”
– Tyler Kyte (Sweet Thing)
Nothing screams Halloween more than blood, guts and gore, and this weekend, Vapor’s helping serve up all of the above with the Season 2 premiere of our favourite demonic comedy Todd and the Book of Pure Evil. This season, the gang is back as they continue fighting the evils in Crowley High – with mixed results.
As always, the show is set to a rockin’ soundtrack of the best in heavy metal and hard rock tunes, and the premiere features the song “Firefight” by Montreal’s Blackguard.
Todd and the Book of Pure Evil Season 2 premieres this Sunday, October 30th at 10pm EST, and you can catch Season 1 on MuchMusic in Canada and FearNet in the US. Happy Devil’s Night!
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