June 2010
4 posts
In Review
Please ignore the lightening in this one and pay attention to the ear candy. ;) What an amazing time! Love. ♥
Jun 24th
14 notes
Gianna Lauren and Field Assembly: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu Gianna Lauren and Adam Fox (a.k.a. Field Assembly) played for us last Monday to celebrate our season finale as well as their harmonious work.  The two-some have been busy doing a cross Canada rail tour which sounds like an amazing adventure to be apart of. Both Gianna and Adam bring along their diaphanous voices, down home friendly personalites and of course that music you...
Jun 24th
6 notes
The Darcys: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu One half of the Darcys pleased us with an amazing performance at Canteen recently. Both Jason and Mike played a few songs as Wes and Dave looked on with an encouraging amusement. I realized after spending a few hours with the guys there is a great friendship within the band and it’s pretty freakin’ endearing. There is also a man candy element to the band as well,...
Jun 8th
Erin Lang & The Foundlings and David Simard:...
Photo by Ming Wu Erin Lang and David Simard (shout out to Mona and Patrick) are two of the sweetest people anyone could ever meet. Then to top it off, like granola on yogurt (wink wink, Erin), their music and talents very easily shine through their beaming hearts with beautiful melodies and timeless stories. I was absolutely blown away by the songwriting of these two! If any of you get the...
Jun 8th
1 note
May 2010
5 posts
Stan Diego, Neonbelle and Chop Wood: Review &...
Photo by Ming Wu  The Dutch Evasion otherwise known as Chop Wood, Neonbelle and Stan Diego made a special appearance at Canteen for Bands Undone on Sunday. It was a very hot day filled with magical sounds. All three bands were unbelievable and put on a spectacular show. I really really want to go to Amsterdam.   Watch this video on YouTube. Watch this video on YouTube. ...
May 27th
Connor Mercury: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu The raw talent Connor Mercury holds is unbelievable. For a young artist his understanding of relationships and the struggles we face each day is well crafted in his music. The comparisons to Connor Oberst and Elliott Smith are easy to place, but Mercury definitely “gets it” if you know what I mean. Watch out for this dude - he is incredible!  Watch this video...
May 24th
OCEANS: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu Close your eyes and listen to the music. ♥ Mark my words, OCEANS is a band we’ll be seeing around for many years ahead. Will Assaad and Kate Sargent have an endearing music chemistry that opens the future to a lot of promise and excitement. The potential of these two is electric! At first listen, you may hear sounds of Death Cab for Cutie and other influences, but even...
May 21st
Jonathen Becker: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu At first glance Jonathan Becker oozes charisma and warmth but once he turns over and begins to perform you can hear his colder side. His songs evoke nostalgic memories which grow into binocular images of his life. I’d like to say he’s a friggin’ sweetheart!  All art in the background is by Dietrich Rosteck. Check out Canteen’s website for more...
May 7th
Summer Vacation
Photo by Zombri Hey Everyone! We’ve been getting a lot of emails for upcoming days to play at Bands Undone so we felt we should post something up on the blog to update you all.  June 14 will be the season finale of season one. We are taking a break for summer vacation which means we’re on a small hiatus right now. Once we’re back we will begin bookings again.  Thank...
May 4th
April 2010
5 posts
Right by Midnight: Interview & Video
Right by Midnight may be a Canadian band but they understand the rich elements that come from bands across the water. They create melodies that keep the listener hooked. Each member brings their own unique touch and you can hear it in the music. We are giving a way two free tickets to their show at Zaphods on May 14. Email us and we’ll hook you up. =)  Be sure to check the guys out this...
Apr 28th
Loon Choir: Interview & Video
Photo by Ming Wu The guys of Loon Choir have been friends for years and were inspired to come together based on summer evenings around the fire. The band has only been together for just over a year but they already have some great credentials behind them. With a record produced by Ohbijou’s James Bunton, I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot more from Ottawa’s Loon Choir.  ...
Apr 27th
Meghan Tonjes: Interview & Video
Hey Everyone! Here are the videos from Meghan’s performance at the Avant-Garde Bar which was hosted by Bands Undone.  Thanks Brian for the videos!  ♥
Apr 19th
Meghan Tonjes: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu This past weekend was filled with many great moments with the very talented Meghan Tonjes. I was fortunate enough to spend most of Saturday and Sunday with her and I had such a great time! Meghan is such a beautiful artist and human being.  This video consists of her time spent at Canteen, but be sure to check back in a few days and we’ll have footage from her show at...
Apr 14th
Tall Trees: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu Tall Trees have such an endearing sound! Trevor and Kelly met in their high school music class and for a set of youngin’s their talents go beyond their ages. They make my heart go pitter patter. Make sure you check out their music!  ♥ Thanks to Tall Trees, the WildWorks Station and PhotogMusic for the videos.  BLOG REVIEWS PhotogMusic
Apr 14th
March 2010
10 posts
Mar 27th
Stairwell Leo: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu Stairwell Leo is the new music child of Amanda Cottreau and Steve Perron. Both members reside in Ottawa and belong to a very close community of talented musicians.   Like many duos, the best ones finish each other sentences, or in this case, a melody. Amanda is the prime songwriter and Steve the composer. The symbiotic relationship between these two is what make their...
Mar 24th
Old Crowns: Review & Video
Photo by Kyle Raven I first heard of the Old Crowns when they opened for the Wooden Sky (at Canteen) during their Bedrooms and Backstreets tour last summer. Steve St. Pierre’s diaphanous voice is one of the main elements that stands out. There’s a certain vulnerability and raw honesty that is triggered by the way he sings the words.  The band is a very close group; a band of...
Mar 23rd
Dave Norris & Local Ivan: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu Catchy sounds and catchy riffs, you can’t ask for much more as a music listener. Dave Norris & Local Ivan have the right ingredients to make your ears grin. Simply, Dave Norris is Ottawa’s best kept secret that needs to be told.  Dave’s voice reminds me of all the reasons why I love Mark Kozelek, but rather than leaving me in a midst of sullen emotions, I...
Mar 22nd
Bahamas: Review & Video
Photo by Dave Gillespie  On what has now become a historic day in Canadian history, Afie Jurvanen a.k.a. Bahamas stopped by Bands Undone during the mens gold medal hockey game - now that’s commitment! Afie was an absolute delight! His voice pierces deep inside your soul with his romantic and transcended lyrics. He easily makes you feel like you are wrapped inside a warm blanket with a...
Mar 18th
Woodpigeon: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu Woodpigeon is a band you’ll instantly fall in love with. Even with the description of why frontman Mark Hamilton choose the name, when you write it in cursive, it looks like a rollercoaster, you can’t help but find a place for them in your heart. With Hamilton’s delicate vocals and the bond of yearly friendships, the band has consistently been charting on...
Mar 13th
Pawnshop Diamond: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu Based on the recommendation of another amazing Vancouver band, the Parlour Steps, Pawnshop Diamond found their way to Canteen to play a few songs for us; it was a breezy beautiful Monday afternoon at Bands Undone. The band has been together for a few years now and boy you can tell they love what they do! I like the description of their music being tagged as...
Mar 10th
Language-Arts: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu What a cute, sweet and friendly band! Language-Arts may be one of the most genuine and appreciative bands I have met since starting Bands Undone. They have a quirky love vibe about them and I like it a lot. Living up to their name (representing the days of fourth grade English class), there is a pure innocence to their music that warms your heart. Kristen Cudmore, the main...
Mar 10th
Update: Woodpigeon & Bahamas Videos
Hey Guys! This is just a quick reminder to let you know videos from Woodpigeon and Bahamas performances are in the works and should be uploaded within a week or so. Who knew Apple technology could fail on you from time to time, ay Steve squared?! Anyway, thanks for all the support! We love you all. <3 P.S. I love my Mac!
Mar 4th
Musk Ox: Review & Video
Ottawa’s Musk Ox stopped by Canteen on Sunday and embraced us with their warm music. With an enchanting sound that will remind you of times past it becomes overwhelmingly impossible to not get lost in their intricate melodies. It was definitely a nice highlight to have a band like this at Bands Undone. Thanks to Musk Ox and the WildWorks Station for the videos. BLOG REVIEWS ...
Mar 3rd
February 2010
6 posts
The Belle Game: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu After a few weeks of mildly obsessing over The Belle Game, the band finally made it to Canteen to play an awesome set for Bands Undone. For such a young band their sound and chemistry can undoubtedly withstand comparisons to Feist, Ohbijou and the Shins. Honestly you guys, their future is so bright they all should invest in a pair of sweet sunglasses! This also marked the...
Feb 26th
Paper Beats Scissors: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu Paper Beats Scissors otherwise known as Tim Crabtree (and Tanya Davis’ housemate) was recently in town for the In The Dead of Winter Festival. He stopped by Canteen just before his show at the Black Sheep Inn and it was tres jolie. Tim definitely sets an introspective mood with his music that I can only explain as a sound that embraces a Sunday morning rainfall. If you...
Feb 16th
Tanya Davis: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu East Coast artist Tanya Davis was recently in town as a key organizer and performer for the In The Dead of Winter Festival at the Black Sheep Inn. I was extremely excited to hear her play a few songs off her record, Gorgeous Morning, especially Art since it’s one of my favorites! Watch this video on YouTube. Watch this video on YouTube. Featured art in the...
Feb 16th
The Belle Game
Photo by Owen Ellis On February 22, The Belle Game will be playing at Canteen for a special Bands Undone event. This session will be open to the public for a small donation, so come out and enjoy the music! Things start at 6 P.M. and it’s going to be pretty. <3
Feb 11th
Matthew de Zoete: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu Before his performance at the NAC on Wednesday, Hamilton’s Matthew de Zoete stopped by Canteen to play a few songs for us. Matthew was in town to perform for the Bluebird North showcase presented by the Songwriters Association of Canada. He is definitely a talented guy with a warm heart bursting with expression. He is also a man with a sense of humor. Due to my ongoing...
Feb 7th
Bonjay Returns to Ottawa
Photo by May Truong The electric high energy duo will be performing at Ritual Nightclub on February 26. If you haven’t seen Alanna and Pho do what they do best, this needs to change - stat! Bonjay was recently voted one of the Top 10 Canadian Bands destined to break in 2010 according to CBC, and rightfully so. Check them out here when they visited Canteen for Bands Undone back in...
Feb 5th
January 2010
4 posts
The Wooden Sky: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu The Wooden Sky popped by Canteen for Bands Undone last weekend which made it their second appearance at the art shop + gallery. The guys played five songs for all of us and it was a very nice surprise - love love love them! Watch this video on YouTube. Watch this video on YouTube. A huge thanks to The Wooden Sky and Basically Brian. BLOG REVIEWS Ming Wu Music ...
Jan 31st
The Property Line: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu The Property Line are a great local band here in Ottawa! If you enjoy folk-rock you should definitely check them out. You can also download their EP This is My House on their official website. Watch this video on Vimeo. Thanks to The Property Line and everyone in attendance. BLOG REVIEWS Ming Wu Music
Jan 25th
Nightwood: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu Nightwood stopped by Bands Undone early this week to perform a few songs off their new record Carta Marina. It was a great treat for all of us in attendance because it was so stripped down for a rock band. Watch this video on YouTube. Watch this video on YouTube. A big thanks to Nightwood and Basically Brian for the great videos. BLOG  REVIEWS Ming Wu Music The...
Jan 25th
Sadie Hell: Review & Video
Photo by Lenny Wu Photo by Kyle Raven Photo by Ming Wu After two years of composing the latest Sadie Hell record, Ben Welland and May-Jun stopped by Bands Undone for a great set. The sound can sometimes be described as quite dark which is fitting to the band name (sad ie. hell), but that does not eliminate the beautiful atmosphere captured in the music. Watch this video on YouTube. ...
Jan 3rd
December 2009
4 posts
Laurent Bourque: Review & Video
Photo by Lenny Wu Photo by Ming Wu I have been listening to Laurent Bourque’s record What We Talk About non-stop for the last week; I am completely enamored with it. When Laurent stopped by Canteen I was extremely excited to see him perform some of my favorite songs. He is such an incredible talent! Watch this video on YouTube. Watch this video on YouTube. Thanks to...
Dec 16th
Mother Mother: Review & Video
Photo by Kyle Raven Photo by Lenny Wu Photo by Ming Wu I cannot say enough good things about Mother Mother. They are an unbelievable band! They sound great, they look great and are just all around amazing. It was huge deal to have them play at Canteen for Bands Undone! Go buy their records ASAP! Watch this video on YouTube. Watch this video on YouTube. Watch this video...
Dec 15th
Caledonia: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu After receiving four ECMA nominations and touring Canada for the last few months, Caledonia stopped by Bands Undone for a very satisfying and engaging set. One of my favorite moments was hearing We Are America performed live - what a great group of guys! The band is also very environmentally conscious and more bands should follow in their footsteps. By using an access card...
Dec 8th
Hey Ocean: Review & Video
Photo by Lenny Wu On Saturday two members from Hey Ocean! stopped by for a delicate intimate acoustic set. Ashleigh Ball and David Beckingham have adorable voices that compliment each other perfectly. The performance was a real treat for everyone in attendance because it was so simplistic and beautiful. Watch this video on YouTube. Watch this video on YouTube. A big thanks to Hey...
Dec 2nd
November 2009
8 posts
Kalle Mattson: Review & Video
Photo by Lenny Wu They may be a young band but their music and spirit traces sentiments of an old soul. For only being together for a couple of years, Kalle Mattson has a beautiful defined sound that echoes the greats of our past. Watch this video on YouTube. Watch this video on YouTube. A big thanks to Kalle Mattson and Basically Brian. BLOG REVIEWS The WildWorks Station
Nov 26th
1 note
Bonjay: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu Bonjay is definitely one of my favorite duo’s to hit the Canadian scene in quite sometime. When you watch them perform it is as though a spell is cast over you. Both Alanna and Pho have a magnetic energy that transcends beyond the music and the beats. Poetry is often lost in translation but for Bonjay, this idea only adds to the unique creativity devised by the...
Nov 21st
Parlour Steps: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu Photo by Lenny Wu If you love great melodies and catchy indie-rock pop songs, you will love the Parlour Steps. The Vancouver band has been around for nearly a decade and frontman/lead songwriter Caleb Stull intrinsically understands the importance of creating well-formulated songs to appeal to the listeners; you will be humming along before you know it. Members include: ...
Nov 19th
Silver Starling: Review & Video
Photo by Kyle Raven Music is often described as the vernacular of the human soul and that’s a perfect description of Silver Starling. Through the genius of Marcus Paquin, his beautiful and equally as talented wife, Marika Anthony-Shaw, passionate drummer, Liam O’Neil, sweet bassist, Peter X and mesmerizing guitarist, Gab Lambert, Silver Starling fronts the stage with a powerful...
Nov 11th
Silver Starling
Photo by Kyle Raven Photo by Ming Wu Before I gush and resemble a teenage girl from 1999 cheering on the Backstreet Boys, I will say this, I am absolutely enamored with Silver Starling. Not to mention, every member is so gracious and kind, and just all around wonderful. Go purchase their self-titled debut now! In the mean time, hold tight because we will be posting videos and reviews within...
Nov 10th
Meadowlark Five: Review & Video
Photo by Ming Wu When I first listened to Meadowlark Lemon’s record Twists my thoughts were scattered. There were moments I was thinking Godspeed You Black Emperor meets the Decemberists, and some other times I was blown away by their capabilities of painting an abstract portrait with the semblance of music. The two piece was named after the “clown prince” of the Harlem...
Nov 9th
Meadowlark Five
Photo by Ming Wu Photo by Kyle Raven Photo by Brian Goldschmied I want to thank everyone who came out yesterday. It was a crazy day in downtown Ottawa - traffic delays, snow and ice, and our beloved guests, Meadowlark Five were involved in a van mishap on the highway. We will be posting videos and reviews within the next couple of days so stay tuned.
Nov 6th
Silver Starling
Photo by Joseph Yarmush Built on the pieces of Montreal indie rock royalty, Chart Attack cites, Silver Starling will be appearing on November 7 at 5 P.M. Mark your calendars - this will be a treat! MP3: Ghosts
Nov 4th
Parlour Steps
Photo by Angela Fama Just off their third full-length release, The Hidden Names, the Parlour Steps will be stopping in on November 16 at 6 P.M. MP3: Little Pieces
Nov 1st
October 2009
5 posts
Oct 21st
Oct 21st
Meadowlark Five: Contest
Bands Undone is an exclusive event not open to the general public, but as a fan you have a chance to win a spot to see the band up close and personal. All you have to do is e-mail me at karaj22s@gmail.com explaining why you should be selected. You also have a chance to win a Ladyboy Records prize pack, which includes a CD of Meadowlark Lemon and the Birthday Cakes, as well as a Meadowlark Lemon...
Oct 20th