For the next few weeks the eyes of the world will be on Canada as Vancouver, British Columbia plays host to the Winter Olympics. So what better time to take a virtual road trip across this gigantic country and make pit stops in each province to check out some bands that you may or may not have listened to before. Every day (or second day) we’ll look at two bands from each of the 10 Canadian provinces. Buckle in, enjoy the ride, and help support the talented Canadian music scene!
Quebec
When the Canadian music scene is brought up, Montreal is the first city that comes to mind. The francophone province is culturally diverse and a fertile bed for many Canadian bands. Currently the most recognized band is the Arcade Fire who are working on their third album. But I’m going to assume you have already heard them before and need no further introduction. Other fantastic Quebec bands include the Stills, Wolf Parade, Islands and Patrick Watson.
Band #1 – Land of Talk – Montreal, PQ
Some bands have the “it” factor, that element that has the ability to draw your attention and catch your ear right from the first listen. Land of Talk is one of those artists for me. Elizabeth Powell’s vocals have a soft sincerity and sense of urgency which is put on fine display in the song Some Are Lakes when she sings the lyrics “I’ll love you like I love you then I’ll die.” Powell also helps out with this band called Broken Social Scene.
Songs to check out: Some are Lakes, Speak to Me Bones, Weighty Ghost (Wintersleep cover)
Band #2 – Stars – Montreal, PQ
Over the past decade, Montreal based band Stars have dropped a lot of melodramatic pop songs on the music world. Lead singers Amy Millan and Torquil Campbell exchange vocal parts telling stories of love and life on top of lust instrumentation. They have released four great albums, but their 2004 album Set Yourself On Fire stands above the rest with standout tracks such as Ageless Beauty and Your Ex-Lover Is Dead. At their live shows, expect to be showered with roses as the band present their songs in a romantic way which you might expect after listening to their studio work. Amy Milan has also dabbled in solo work, releasing two albums under her own name. Both Millan and Torq Campbell also contribute to indie supergroup Broken Social Scene.
Songs to check out: Ageless Beauty, Reunion, Take Me to the Riot, Elevator Love Letter
