The Antidote - Show 6 Oct 26 11 available

Here is episode 6 of The Antidote.  A smorgasbord of music on this show (doesn't the word "smorgasbord" make you hungry?) .

Listen to The Antidote live on Trent Radio 92.7 FM, Wednesdays from 9 - 10 EST.  You can also access a live stream here.

Listen to episode 6 here.

Calgary and GMA Canada Week, Covenant Awards - Day 4

Friday morning began with breakfast listening to speaker and worship musician Brian Doerksen leading in a time of worship.  How do creative Christian artists, made in the image of a Creator, create a place of peace and offer something life-giving to those in the community?

Over lunch artists and attendees involved in radio listened to Geoff Moore as he spoke of his lengthy  recording career.  He spoke of the role he plays in assisting Compassion Canada.  The 2011 Radio awards were presented over the lunch hour.

Friday night.  The BIG night.  The 33rd Annual Covenant awards and banquet.  Artists, the media, and families gathered at 5 in yet another enormous church, Foothills Alliance Church for the festivities.

Artist performances interspersed the announcements of the various Covenant awards.

Some of the performing artists included:

Junkyard Poets performing at the Covenant Awards

• Junkyard Poets
• Jodi King
• The City Harmonic
• Tenore
• Jacob Moon
• John Bower
• Fresh IE
• Brian Doerksen
• Dan Bremnes
• Mike Janzen

I'll only be listing a few of the award winners that would interest readers of Christian Rock Files.

Song of the Year:  Let Me Rediscover You - downhere  

Rock Song of the Year:  Crazy Love - Hawk Nelson

Rap / Hip Hop Album of the Year:  Live in Concert - Manafest

Rap / Hip Hop Song of the Year:  Avalanche - Manafest

Modern Rock / Alternative Album:  Lukewarm Love - Cities Under Fire

Modern Rock / Alternative Song:  Tonight - Sky Terminal

New Artist of the Year:  The City Harmonic

Daniel Band in concert, 2009

Lifetime Achievement Award:  Daniel Band

Dan McCabe and Tony Rossi were both in attendance to accept the award.

It was an incredible night.  A fabulous stage design, lighting and audio showed the performers at the best.  During the Covenant awards a series of great emcees announced the awards.  Emcees included, Arlen Salte, Connie Scott, Leroy Harder and many others.

This was a great week and I felt really blessed to be a part of our Canadian and Christian culture, but it's great to be home and, hopefully, in bed before 3 AM.

The Antidote on YouTube

I was looking up some information on From Love To Forfeit, a great new band I met at GMA week in Calgary.  I didn't realize they were recording our interview on their iPhones.  Check out their iVlog.

Calgary and GMA Canada Week, Covenant Awards - Day 3

Today should be sub-titled "Steve Taylor Tribute Day".  No, Steve Taylor isn't dead, he's alive, well, and extremely active.  During 2011 in the music realm he co-wrote much of Peter Furler 's solo release On Fire.  He also directed his second feature film, Blue Like Jazz, based on the best-selling book by Donald Miller.

Taylor hosted two sessions at GMA Canada Week in Calgary today.  During the first seminar Steve showed as an amusing video describing his varied career as '80's and '90's recording artist, his time as record producer and CEO of Squint Entertainment, and his current career as film director.

Click for link to Steve Taylor's video documentary website

In the afternoon workshop, Taylor spent time playing songs primarily from the band Sixpence None The Richer.  Taylor was instrumental in the band's success in the marketplace as he strove to improve their sound.  The hit single "Kiss Me" was played in a recording produced prior to entering the studio and the much improved final release.  Taylor's talents were displayed as he described the process taken to bring the song up to it's excellent quality.

Official video of Sixpence None the Richer "Kiss Me"



This evening Steve Taylor presented a rough cut screening of his new film, Blue Like Jazz, at the Plaza Theatre in Calgary.  The film's theatre release will be in the spring of 2012.  After the film presentation the audience was asked to fill out a questionnaire describing their thoughts of the film.  I had been eagerly anticipating this showing as I am a fan of Donald Miller's book.

Please be aware that the film will not be in the same vein as many of the Christian films released in the past few years.  Due to language, drug and alcohol use, I would expect the film would be receiving a PG, or more likely, a 14A rating.  While the film may not be a family rated affair, it should be kept on your "must see" list.

My impression was that the film was good, but not great.  I spoke with Taylor earlier in the day and during the interview I asked how he would be able to take the varied real-life stories and meld them into a cohesive screenplay.  Taylor said "it was really a collection of essays ... I decided to make the character a 19 year old college student who leaves his fundamentalist South Baptist home to attend Reed College.  Donald Miller was up for the idea and collaborated on the screen writing. It's not a great idea for an author to help with the screen play, but in Don's case he was a really great collaborator".

For fans of the book, many details had to be excised to make the film workable.  It primarily deals with Miller's entry into the almost hedonistic atmosphere of the upper echelon Reed College.  The character has to deal with students who do not share his upbringing.  Miller's movie character dismisses his Christian faith and his return to Christ only during the very last moments of the film.  Negatives for me included the lack of development of the relationship that Miller had with Penny, which was a highlight of the book, and the constant visage of the decadence prevalent at Reed.  My final negative is the abrupt end to the film.  Little is given to Miller's start up of the Reed college student Christian organization.

With those negatives not withstanding, it's a film worth watching.  I know I will be out opening weekend and, when available, it will be added to my DVD collection.

Calgary and GMA Canada Week, Covenant Awards - Day 2

View from Samaritan's Purse

It was a full day in Calgary with the continuation of GMA week.  Today featured a number of workshops, held at the Samaritan's Purse building, for artists.  Topics covered songwriting, keyboards and bass.  One of the most interesting was "Live Stage Makeover".  Linnea Salte and her band put their live performance under the microscope of Kevin Pauls who analysed their stage performance of one of their songs.  A number of changes to how the band performed.  Suggestions included a short guitar solo, Linnea moving out from behind her keyboard for a portion of the song, and drawing out the overall length of the performance.  Small changes, but a dramatic difference.

Dining area of First Alliance

Five seperate showcases were held this evening at various churches in Calgary.  I opted to attend the rock emphasis showcase at the First Alliance mega-church in the south-west corner of the city.  Six bands had the opportunity to perform three songs each.  Short sets were needed due to the number of bands playing.








The Silent from Moncton, NB lead off.  As one of my favourite bands, I was delighted that they were available to play at GMA week while I was there.

I won't go into a detailed description of the different bands as it is really late and I'll be up early tomorrow to attend the radio conference seminars.  It's great having Samaritan's Purse only steps away for the doors of the hotel I'm staying at.

Here are some photos of the bands that performed.

The Silent

Linnea Salte

Wretch Like Me

Sky Terminal

Junkyard Poets

Fresh IE

Calgary and GMA Canada Week, Covenant Awards - Day 1

A long (for me) 4 hour Westjet flight dropped me into sunshine and plus 9 temperatures in Calgary.  This week is the GMA (Gospel Music Association - Canada) Week with the annual Covenant Awards taking place on Friday.  It was great to be invited to attend this years event.  It's a wonderful opportunity to meet Christian artists, radio staff and people from the Canadian music industry.

Tonight included a traditional worship concert led by various artists attending this weeks events.  Guitarists Jacob Moon, Chris Bray and Dan Brennes (along with a young lady whose name I ahve completely forgotten), plus Mike Schuster on percussion, shared their abilities leading worship.  Tough job as the audience called out worship tunes to the performers.

A great night, very low-key, relaxing, inspiring and refreshing.  Attendees and musicians had the opportunity to share testimonies, scripture, words of encouragement, and prayer.

Wednesday is an early and full day with seminars for musicians to improve their skills as lyricists, stage presence and instrument skills.

Tomorrow night will include FIVE showcases held at various locales in the city.  A number of bands will be performing at each location. It's going to be a difficult choice to choose which one of these I will be attending.

I'll update what's happening in the world of GMA Week tomorrow night.

"Punk Your Lights Out" - Week 5 of The Antidote

Here is episode 5 of The Antidote.  This show features punk music, hence the title "Punk Your Lights Out".

Listen to The Antidote live on Trent Radio 92.7 FM, Wednesdays from 9 - 10 EST.  You can also access a live stream here.

Click here to listen to "Punk Your Lights Out", episode 5 of The Antidote

Roots of Rock - The Antidote podcast week 4

Here is week four of The Antidote.  This episode is titled "Roots of Rock".  Features include a two part interview with Randy Stonehill, one of the original Christian rock musicians and tracks from several influential retro artists.

Listen to The Antidote live on Trent Radio 92.7 FM, Wednesdays from 9 - 10 EST.  You can also access a live stream here.

Click for week four of The Antidote

MUTEMATH Odd Soul review

MUTEMATH has been a favourite in our household since their Reset EP, which included the outstanding track "Peculiar People". We were familiar with MUTEMATH's style as the band carries musical similarities over from their previous band, Earthsuit.

MUTEMATH has continued to gather critical acclaim for each of heir releases, not to mention their live shows.  Alternative Press has declared MUTEMATH as "the #1 band you need to see live before you die."

MUTEMATH's self-titled 2006 album nears the top of my list for most listened to recordings.  From their first EP, MUTEMATH has continued to modify their sound, while maintaining their renowned musical complexity.  While not reinventing themselves musically, they have created enough of a change to form a unique sound to each of their albums. Their self-titled CD offered a touch of funk infused alt-rock with an electronca bent.  Armistice, from 2009, has more subdued electronics and a pop feel on the vocals.

Their Oct 4/11 release Odd Soul, may prove to be MUTEMATH's most outstanding album. This CD has continued the legacy of unique sound the band has developed.  The band has given a gritty sound and strong blues styling to the new album.  The bass takes precedence on many of the songs.  This is likely due to the departure of orginal guitarist Greg Hill.  Bassist Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas took on the guitar duties for Odd Soul.  Todd Gummerman has sinced taken over guitar duties for MUTEMATH. Paul Meany, vocalist and keyboardist for the band, utilizes his vocal talents to take the songs from a raw and gritty feel to controlled and smooth.  Drummer Darren King abilities are outstanding.

The first track and single, "Odd Soul", uses the sound distortion that is so evident on MUTEMATH songs.  I was astounded by the song when I first heard it earlier this summer. I continue hitting the repeat button on my ipod to replay "Odd Soul" over and over.  The band also generously offered the vocal and instrument tracks from "Odd Soul" to fans for a remix contest.



"Blood Pressure, the second single from Odd Soul, is another outstanding track.  It delivers lyrics describing the pressure that parents and society in general place on individuals.


The bluesy instrumental "Sun Ray" was a great choice to lead into "Allies" which is, musically, in a similar vein.

Nice try, cross enemy lines,
Look out for the mines, buried in the mirror.
Fall out, target on the move,
Coming into view, coming in clearer.
By now, no one else around,
Narrowing it down, guess I got to figure.
One war, is all I can afford,
No more.

"All or Nothing" has an intro that is very reminiscent of songs created by Arcade Fire.

Psychedelic rock comes to the forefront on 'Walking Paranoia" as the band takes a shot at televangelists.

Preachers are on the prowl
And they got me on the TV dial
Say your prayers or burn and rot
Gotta move fast when you're on the spot

Be sure to pay attention to the outro of "Quarantine".  Darren King shows off his excellent drumming capabilities.

Beautiful lyrics are found on the final song "In No Time".  It contains a message that should speak to all of us.

When the war starts falling on the world you had
Just hold tight, in no time we can get it back
When the skies come crashing on the world you had
Just hold tight, in no time we can get it back
Oh, oh,
We can get it back
Oh, oh,
We can get it back
We can get it back 

While MUTEMATH and the Odd Soul album in particular, may not be to some listeners taste, no one can dispute the band's musical and lyrical capabilities.  This album is a brilliant melding of genres by a band that has the experience to pull it off with finesse.  Odd Soul is a true highlight of anything produced in the past year.  It's anyone's guess as to how MUTEMATH can do a follow up to this superb album.

Get Odd Soul here.

Introduction to The Antidote part 3 podcast

Week three of The Antidote is now available.  This is the final week of a three part introduction to the show.  Show three features hard rock and metal bands.

Listen to The Antidote live on Trent Radio 92.7 FM, Wednesdays from 9 - 10 PM EST.  You can also obtain a  live stream of the show here.

Week three of The Antidote

Absolved to Join Thumper Punk Records

If you enjoy punk as much as I do this is good news:

Thumper Punk Records (TPR) is pleased to announce that Absolved has joined the TPR family of bands.  Absolved’s skate punk sound includes a touch of old-school punk with some youthcrew hardcore flavorings.  Built on high energy and an advanced level of musicianship not typically associated with punk rock, these old friends have crafted and melded their combined influences over the last four years.  Absolved features Jimmy Sisco on vocals and guitar, Bob Magana on guitar, Byron Brumit on bass, and Aaron Kelly on drums.  Available for pre-order now through the TPR webstore, Absolved’s first release on TPR is an EP of 7 songs called “This One Goes To Seven,” which includes their unique versions of some punk classics.  The first 100 copies of their "This One Goes To Seven" EP will include hand drawn cover artwork by members of the band, with each cover being different from the others. 

Check out Thumper Punk Records here

Randy Stonehill and Jodi King concert

What a great night of music!  Friday September 30th, one of the fathers of Christian rock, Randy Stonehill came to Peterborough, ON to play at Murray St. Baptist Church.  Randy is well known for being one of he originators of Christian roc.  He began his music minstry in 1971 with the release of Born Twice.  His acclaimed 1976 album, Welcome to Paradise, was listed as number 13 of the 100 Greatest Christian Albums by CCM magazine.

Randy shared songs from his 41 year musical journey.  The crowd favourite had to be "Shut de Do".   The audience eagerly joined in on the fun lyrics.

Randy's style has ranged from fun songs (American Fast Food, (with the only belch I have ever head on a Christian album)), social commentary (Who Will Save the Children?, Great Big Stupid World), our trials as believers living in this world (Even the Best of Friends, Christmas at Denny's) to worship (Faithful, Good News).  Stonehill has continued to present the Lord's message in the same folk/rock format as four decades ago.  This is a timeless style of music.  His voice and abilites are as stong today as they were when he first began recording.

Randy was kind to spend some time with me for an interview that will be played on The Antidote 92.7 FM on Oct 12, 9 - 10 PM.  Listen in and hear Randy's comments on Christian rock history, his new album Spirit Walk, and his thoughts on todays music industry and trends.

Jodi King is an up and coming Christian artist form Winnipeg, Manitoba.  In additon to performing songs from her current CD, Little Smile.  King also accompanied Stonehill on a number of songs.  She is best known for two singles, My Boyfriends Jeans, and Breathing In / Breathing Out.  She told me after the concert that she wants her music  "that a young girl can rock out to, singing into her hairbrush in her bedroom, and her Mom can also enjoy it".  She described her musical style as pop, in the vein of Britney Spears, but in with inspirational lyrics.  Jodi give a very breathy vocal style, that suits the music she performs.  She has received four Covenant award nominations for 2011.  The end of October will reveal if she can claim this prize.

Week two of The Antidote

Here is week two of my radio show, The Antidote.  Show number  two covered bands playing indie folk, alternative rock and pop, and all the way to funk influenced rock. Listen to The Antidote live on Trent Radio 92.7 FM, Wednesdays from 9 - 10 PM EST.  You can also do a live stream of the show here.

Week two of The Antidote podcast.

The Incredible Marc Martel

Marc Martel, one of the two lead vocalists for the Christian band downwhere. Marc has the greatest voice in Christian music.  I know Christian rock has many outstanding vocalist, but none in the same caliber as Marc.

Check out these videos.

Marc leading leading downhere on "Rediscover You"





Marc performing opera with his rendition of "Nessun Dorma" by Puccini.





Marc entered a contest to perform with a Queen cover band on the Queen Extravaganza Tour.  His audition has gone viral with over 3.7 MILLION views since being posted Sept 20th.  You'll be amazed!



"A Christian singing Queen?. Is he still a Christian?".   I'm sure that question will be asked many times.  Read how Marc responded when this topic was raised during a Wall Street Journal interview.

Martel's band, by the way, is a Christian rock band. Will singing the songs of Queen help, or hurt him in the eyes of those with strong opinions about Mercury and his sexual proclivity? Martel feels this is a non-issue. "Freddie Mercury wrote songs that were real and true. Rock and roll reaches people because it's honest, and doesn't shy away from the issues. You can have a great voice, but people can spot a fake from a mile away. Our music may come from a biblical standpoint but we don't shy away from true experiences  - doubt, loss, pain, sorrow - we want to deal with all of that. Queen's repertoire deals with those emotions and feelings too and I love singing their music because at the end of the day, it's just true".

Read the complete article here.