I was having music school flashbacks last night. They weren’t flashbacks of anything I’d played or heard, but rather the budding realization of what I wanted to hear from my band or the bands I loved at that formative time.
There were those of us who believed that technical proficiency would trump all. The logic being, that if you play in perfect tune, swing with metronomic precision and arpeggiate the most fiendishly extended chords on your solo, then the crowd would be moved (if that were the case we’d all be wearing Joe Satriani T-shirts right now…but we’re not). Something in me knew that line of reasoning was flawed. But how could you blame us? The musicians we loved were technical masters. Our teachers were technical masters. Problem was, you can’t teach someone to emote.
Which brings me to last night…My friends and I arrived a bit later than expected and after securing my media pass headed over to Agora Des Arts. I was sincerely moved by Pawa Up First. Without a doubt they are incredible musicians, but they also have an ability to craft a story through a strong use of visuals and cinematic samples.
The venue can be a bit of a sauna though, little FME-brand fans notwithstanding (nice touch though). Makes me wonder if the Catholics made that a condition of the conversion from church to music hall. « You heathens can have your music, but you will suffer for it! »
I saw a lot of young, good looking people go in to that place, and then a lot of sweaty Rob Ford look a likes come out.
I staggered out of there and caught the end of Misteur Valaire’s excellent set and then over to Au Diable Rond for my Sophie’s Choice.
I had heard enough about Random Recipe that I had to see them. (Later reports indicated that Mordicus and Solids were amazing acts as well, but I’ve only got two ears).
Let it be known that Random Recipe can move a crowd (in any direction they want). I haven’t witnessed that kind of energy in a long time. They worked a perfect formula of solid rhythm section, samples, Fab’s MC’ing and Fran’s vocals. But above all they glued it all together with a visceral love of hip-hop.
They play they music they love, they feel the way they want the crowd to feel. It sounds simple but it is profound and it works in large part because of the cultural mix of the band as well. Fab and Fran didn’t set out to be hip-hop superstars, they are respectively, Translating and Anthropology majors whose education no doubt strongly colours the art they want to make.
It’s not about perfection or imitation; of course you need to know your shit, but beyond that it’s about taking the things you love and wrestling in the mud with it.

-Zeus

It’s only when being driven up to Rouyn-Noranda from Toronto that I realize the strangeness of this summer ending ritual that I’ve come to depend on. Being a part-time passenger on this third trip lets me focus less on the insanity of Ontarian drivers and more on the anticipation.
I have to confess that for me this weekend is equal parts reunion and festival. It’s only through close friendships with « the natives », that I ‘discovered’ FME.
In many ways these friendships provided much needed wind in my sails during extended music and cultural doldrums (of my own design).
You see, some five or six years ago, I became a victim of “The Ontarian Dream”. For some reason, having attained a stable relationship, a house and a good job, I felt it was time to settle. For everything. Everything was « good enough », so I should have been happy. So I was miserable.
One of the most depressing things that occurred was a diminished curiosity for new music. There’s nothing sadder that a 30 year old becoming nostalgic for tunes he listened to in high school. It’s right up there with watching 40+ year olds rush a wedding dance floor when « Old Time Rock and Roll », or « Don’t Stop Believing » comes on.
Enter, Disruptive Quebecer Influence (should be a punk band).
I’ll spare you the gory details, but in short order, I was down to « the good job » and up a bunch of new friends. I’ve since won back my sense of musical curiosity, and happiness abounds.
The only trouble with FME, is the conflict that arises between ones musical curiosity and FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). I put in a lot of time pre-listening to some of the acts this year. As usual, the programmers did too good a job. Inevitably, the festival will demand some Sophie’s Choice moments from you. But that’s part of the fun.
Tonight for example. What will it be? Karim Ouellett or Besnard Lakes. Dammit, sometimes I think it would be easier picking your favourite child.

-Zeus