Album Reviews: Bicep, General Malaise, Kiwi Jr.

 Bicep — Isles (Belfast, Northern Ireland) Between full dance tracks, scores and modern electronica, Biceps land somewhere in the middle, to craft sonically fierce tracks. While it's definitely crafted for a specific mood and a particular crowd, this is some fun music to get lost in. The frantic beats of

Best of Ottawa 2020: Local bands and musicians

 ?After over 20-years writing about life in Ottawa, we think we have a pretty good idea of the best of what this city has to offer. In this weekly series, we share our picks with you — our top hotels, live music venues, local brews, bands and more. Check, share and discuss

Album Reviews: Charli XCX, Perfume Genius, and more

 Charli XCX — How I'm Feeling Now (Cambridge, UK) Whether it's overt Top-40, weird experimental pop or somewhere between all that, Charli XCX continues to prove she's one of the most underrated and ambitious singers out there. With an album constructed in quarantine that follows her last release tightly, this

The Commotions: Sweet Soul Sensations Unleash Sizzling Satisfaction

 Photos by Andre R. Gagne They have got to still be cleaning the sweat off the dance floor inside the Babylon Nightclub after the The Commotions put the awe in awesome with a groove making, Bank Street shaking, sweet, sensational and soulicious show Friday night. There was sizzle! There was

Follow that Cab – Catching up with TAXI

 OLM caught up with Ottawa’s Emma Lamarre, AKA TAXI to discuss her “Intimacy Issues”.  That is the title of her debut EP, which will be dropping on September 8.  The songs titillate with straight-forward lyrics trip-hopping coyly along the notes of indie pop-noir rhythms. Her producer, Bernard Frazer also joined

From the Garage to the Dance Floor: 20 Years of Partying with Sticks ‘n Stones

 Photos courtesy of Sticks 'n Stones. “Brown Eyed Girl”, “Dancing in the Dark”, “Go Your Own Way”, “Satisfaction” and “Free Falling” all sound like songs that would be included in the ultimate rock and roll jukebox. For Ron Warwaruk, Sam Timmins, Craig Kennedy, Peter Kornherr, Sarah McClurg, Kyle Gilbert and

Johnny Vegas Announces Big Band Show

 By Johnny Vegas I’m sending this out to let you know about a fantastic show I’m putting together as part of The Gladstone Theatre’s One Night Only series this summer. The July 20 show features The Johnny Vegas All-Star Band with very special guests The Stan Clark Orchestra. The night

Musical Mayhem Goes beyond the Greenbelt

 It’s a fact – to make it as a musician, you have to tour. As a result, because a musician’s vocals and vibes need to be heard beyond home turf, many local bands are going beyond the greenbelt.  This month a slew of Ottawa bands are traveling to Montreal to