Apologue Podcast

Vancouver pop-punk supergroup Precursor is set to ignite the music scene once again with their latest full-length album, “Thick & Thin,” scheduled for release on August 9th, 2024. Known for their eclectic blend of punk, skatepunk, softcore, melodic hardcore, and pop punk influences, Precursor promises fans an exhilarating musical journey reminiscent of bands like The Story So Far, Kid Dynamite, Piebald, A Wilhelm Scream, Daggermouth, Carpenter, and Gob. Originally conceived as a defiant response to the prevailing indie trends, Precursor emerged as a side project uniting talents from Stuart McKillop (Daggermouth/End This Week with Knives), Daniel Sioui (Carpenter/All State Champion), Andy Lewis (The Fullblast), and Blaine McNamee (In Bear Country). Drawing inspiration from the hardcore punk ethos of the 1990s, the band quickly garnered attention for their high-energy performances and unapologetically raw attitude. “Thick & Thin” represents a significant milestone for Precursor, capturing the essence of their evolution over the years. Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Stuart McKillop at Rain City Mastering, with drums tracked at Rain City Recorders, the album is a testament to the band’s commitment to authenticity and sonic excellence. Vocalist Daniel Sioui’s lyrics delve into personal struggles and poignant reflections, shaped by the challenges of middle age and the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Daniel Sioui candidly shares, “This album sucked to make. It took months of starts and stops because life gets in the way when you are married, almost 50 years old and have 3 kids. Imagine driving to the burbs on random Sunday mornings before your kids’ dance class, violin or soccer practices to scream your head off in a garage. It wasn’t hard to be pissed off. I lost a few friends to suicide leading up to the recording and you can hear it. Spent months of nights scrawling lyrics in bed. Thick & Thin was the hardest album for me to make in my 35 years of recording. There were times Stu would have me completely rewrite songs…both lyrics and melodies. A total redo. It always yielded a better result and he was right to do it but it really beat me down at times. I’m so proud of the record now but there were many days I didn’t know if I could finish it. I don’t have too many more records in me so I’m happy it’s released out into the wild. Just need my kids to grow up before I can play it for them.”

The addition of Gabe Mantle (Gob/Brand New Unit) on drums and Travis Hein (Neck of the Woods) on second guitar and backing vocals injected new vitality into Precursor, propelling the band to new heights of creativity and intensity. “Thick & Thin” not only showcases the band’s musical prowess but also serves as a personal testament to resilience and artistic vision. Released on Gold Stock Records, “Thick & Thin” is poised to captivate both long-time fans and new listeners alike with its infectious melodies, explosive energy, and thought-provoking lyricism. As Precursor prepares to unleash their latest offering into the world, anticipation is high for a record that promises to leave an indelible mark on the punk rock landscape. Catch Precursor live at the Pearl in Vancouver on August 2nd alongside Samiam, Off with Their Heads, and Weird Mood, where they’ll bring their electrifying sound to life on stage.

Watch The Video “Where’s The Cavalry”

D I S C O V E R
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WeArePrecursor/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/precursor604/
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/track/3FAqoc6XbMVfWzvvEynlLv?si=d44c601501f04c25
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EoA8dL0erM
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/wheres-the-cavalry/1748945239?i=1748945241

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Formed in Vancouver in 1994, Mossy Ledge consists of James Milligan (vocals), Dean (guitar/bass/vocals), Kirn Khaira (bass), Ryan Mason (drums), and Den Zee (guitar). The band initially performed under different names, including Soul Dance and Crush, before settling on Mossy Ledge. Between 1994 and 2001, they released two EPs and two full-length albums, along with music videos for b Get to Meb and b Ready for the Storm.b The band played extensively in the Pacific Northwest and completed a Canadian tour in 1998. They have shared the stage with notable acts like Sass Jordan, Nickelback, Underwater Sunshine, Jar, The Botnicks, and Resurrection Mary. In 2022, all original members reunited to re-release their catalog on major streaming platforms and complete previously recorded songs. With their highly anticipated single b All You Need to Know,b Mossy Ledge is poised to recapture the hearts of long-time fans and attract a new generation of listeners. The band’s music remains available on all major streaming platforms worldwide, with tracks featured in films like Project Ithaca (2019) and The Dogs (2024). As they embark on this exciting new chapter, Mossy Ledge promises to deliver more of the compelling sound and passionate performances that have defined their legacy.

D I S C O V E R

Website: http://mossyledge.com/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mossyledge/
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/6vPSxVLbEaRxT85jaKGr0M
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@mossyledge
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/mossy-ledge/338328254
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/2X1Gtovvu8VQNcwgF62kxh?si=DSJ-6-PdQIu6acChVt2UiQ
Amazon Music: https://www.amazon.com/music/player/artists/B0031EG9JI/mossy-ledge

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Sudden Death Records and Roots Round Up are pleased to announce the release of “Up Rooted,” the 6th full-length album from one of Vancouver’s long-time music scene veterans. The album was recorded by Stephen Hamm at Simian Studios in Burnaby, BC, with final mixing and mastering by renowned Canadian music producer Chris Wardman. “Up Rooted” features 12 tracks, including six new original songs, a cover of DOA’s classic “War in the East,” a unique take on the Sarcastic Mannequins’ “Red Fury,” and four live recordings from a performance on Denman Island, BC, in June 2023. According to member David Hathaway, “Roots Round Up has always been more about the live shows than the recorded output, but capturing that in a recording has proved elusive. The live songs were captured at our first full show after the pandemic had settled down, and we were more than a little excited to be playing again. Especially on Denman Island where we have played many times over the years. We had gotten an audio feed from Chris Wardman’s mix of the show and as we listened back the next day, we thought “wait a minute… this came out well!” In addition to finally capturing their live sound, the album also captures Roots Round Up’s distinctive and eclectic sound, blending rock’n roll, reggae, ska, afro-beat, folk, funk, and punk.

Roots Round Up has a storied history in the Canadian music scene, with band members Greg Hathaway, David “Dymitri” Hanna, David Hathaway, Keith Rose, Mark Campbell, Eric Napier, and Bradford Lambert contributing to their high-energy, globe-spanning sound. Formed in 1985 in East Vancouver, the band became widely known throughout Canada during the late ’80s and early ’90s as one of the hardest working and touring worldbeat dance bands. Formed out of the hardcore punk scene in Vancouver in 1985 but included elements of reggae, ska, and old school rock’n roll in their sound. Original drummer Barry Taylor (1985 – 2021) was a member of first generation punk band the Young Canadians / K-Tels and then Shanghai Dog.  Greg and Bradford were both drummers in second generation punk bands the Unknown Fibres and House of Commons, who both played shows with Shanghai Dog. Their extensive touring across Canada and the Western U.S., coupled with numerous independent recordings like “Get Rooted,” “What We Do,” and “Syzygy,” cemented their place in the music scene.

D I S C O V E R

Website:http://www.rootsroundup.com 
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/rootsroundup
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rootsroundup/
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/1BYWXOK3NdlHhtullJJyPs
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLR7uuOX_QHMAgNJ6ys8q1g

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The Meringues (Kingston, ON) are a post-punk powerhouse known for their explosive live shows and captivating stage presence.

At the heart of The Meringues are Amanda Pants and Ted Evans sharing lead vocals. Their onstage antics create a captivating dynamic that blurs the line between playful banter and an intense rivalry. This unique interaction has become a defining characteristic of the band and their live shows.

The Meringues also feature Jackson Baird on bass, and Alastair Morrison on drums. The two provide a solid foundation to complement and support Ted and Amanda’s electrifying presence. 

The band’s intense delivery of each song creates a thrilling atmosphere where the entire show can seem like it’s about to spiral out of control. However, beneath all the chaos lies a band with a clear vision and purpose. The Meringues craft their music with a blend of catchy, memorable melodies and fiercely sharp lyrics, showcasing their focused energy and artistic prowess.

Their lyrics and song content strike to the core of relationship dysfunction, as well as the prevalence of self-doubt and darkness that exist within so many of us.

Their sophomore album, Pavlova’s Dog, explores the intersection The Meringues have created at fun and dysfunction. Spanning from deep and dark psychological themes to playful, child-like perspectives, the album features 11 songs that weave these elements together artistically and coherently. Pavlova’s Dog lets listeners know exactly who The Meringues are as a band. 

Social Media Links

The Meringues 

http://www.themeringues.com

http://www.facebook.com/themeringuesband

http://www.instagram.com/meringuesband

http://www.x.com/TheMeringues

https://youtube.com/@themeringues

http://linktr.ee/themeringues

General Streaming Links

Spotify

Apple Music 

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-meringues/1367001153

Amazon Music:

SoundCloud: 

http://soundcloud.com/themeringues

Bandcamp: 

http://themeringues.bandcamp.com

Tidal: 

https://tidal.com/browse/artist/9695946

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Six years after Italian rock ‘n’ roll band The Peawees gave us their critically acclaimed album “Moving Target,” they’ve finally returned with their 7th studio album, “One Ride.” 

It’s been a long wait, one that includes line-up changes, divorces, lost loved ones, job troubles – whatever hardship was thrown at The Peawees, “One Ride” makes it clear that it only made them stronger. This album seethes with the rock ‘n’ roll swagger of a bygone era, and the band shows the rare ability to wear their influences on their sleeves with a sound that feels unique. 

The mix of rock ‘n’ roll, soul, punk, and garage spins on the record like it came straight out of a blender: one part The Sonics, one part Link Wray, two parts The Clash, a splash of Stax shaken over Phil Spector and served like it was thrown straight in your face. 

Approaching their 30-year mark, the band continues to defy convention and write their own epic on the vast canvas of contemporary rock ‘n’ roll. “One Ride” is “a true showcase for the criminally underrated songwriting talents of Hervé Peroncini.” Once more, The Peawees do not disappoint: as the saying goes…all killers, no fillers.

Reflecting on the album’s journey, drummer Tommy Gonzalez shares, “We started working on ‘One Ride’ in 2019. We even recorded the title track then. We were riding the wave of ‘Moving Target,’ touring, playing festivals, and had planned to have an album ready for 2022 at the latest. We thought we would record a few songs, go on tour, record a few more, and continue like that until we had a full-length album. Of course, everything got messed up when Covid hit: no possibility to practice together and Hervé was stuck abroad on an island.”

Frontman/songwriter Hervé Peroncini adds, “We were coming off a beautiful and exhausting year of gigs and tours, and in the meantime, I had written some new material. We all agreed that we should start recording a new record until all that shit broke out just as I was due to return from the island I was supposed to be on for only a short period of time. Although it was a nice place to get stuck, I was still in a two-tiny-room apartment with nothing to do, and after managing to get a guitar, I started recording some stuff on my phone and sending the recordings to the guys. In the end, I stayed on the island for 6 months and wrote three-quarters of the album there. Fortunately, the restrictions were not so strict there, so after a short time, I had the opportunity to go out, see friends, and hear bizarre stories of various kinds – all things that in some way stimulated me to write.”

The isolation and the unexpected surroundings became fertile ground for creativity, turning adversity into an advantage. The unique circumstances under which “One Ride” was conceived added a layer of raw authenticity to the album. Stories of outsiders, dreamlike lyrics that drag you into nocturnal situations, a sick love, frustration, indecision, resignation, and moments of crazy euphoria suck you into the grooves of a record that exudes rock ‘n’ roll in every aspect.

Tommy Gonzalez continues: “We tried to make demos from a distance. I remember programming a drum beat on some computer app for ‘She Cries as She Kills’ and sending it to Hervé. It was such a pain in the ass and so unfulfilling to go from hitting the drums to hitting the keyboards, but it was the only way we could keep going. When we finally got the chance to start playing again, we dove back into it as hard as we could.” 

Hervé adds, “Yeah, when we got back on track, our long-time guitar player Carlo Landini told us he was moving to Berlin. So when Dario took his place, we thought it would be essential to play and tour as much as we could to break in the new lineup both musically and on a personal level, and when we realized everything was going smoothly, we finally entered the studio!”

The Peawees’ journey to “One Ride” is a testament to their enduring spirit and unwavering commitment to their craft. With “One Ride,” The Peawees prove that their creative fire burns brighter than ever. The album, which was preceded by 5 singles and a promotional tour with the Swedish band The Hellacopters, will be released on September 6th by Wild Honey Records, with exclusive licensing in North America through Spaghetty Town Records and in Spain through Folc Records.

Photo Credit: Chris Haiderer

D I S C O V E R

Facebook:www.facebook.com/thepeawees

Instagram:www.instagram.com/thepeawees

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4VBH5wOuG96Gx97VGJh16p?si=CSNs4OYaQ-a8_vrH_GC_dg

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC26KH36XblAqw4Kl825FtPw

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In 2010, Justin Maurer’s band CLOROX GIRLS fell apart and he found himself living in his uncle’s attic and working as a dental supply salesman in Long Beach, California. He was inspired after seeing James Carman’s band IMAGES play a killer set at notorious longshoreman dive Harold’s Place in San Pedro.  Harold’s bartenders were known to deal trucker speed from behind the bar as well as brandish a sawed off shotgun if any of their patrons got out of line. Being the diviest of Pacific Avenue’s drag of working class dive bars, they allowed locals to throw their own punk shows.  Justin made the pilgrimage across the Vincent Thomas Bridge to check out one of these shows and was blown away by IMAGES, a local band who took equal inspiration from late 70s LA punk as well as poppier UK punk like THE BUZZCOCKS.  The vocal harmonies were great and a particular lefty drummer who played his snare and floortom with his arms crossed – one James Carman – was singing lead vocals and backing vocals and harmonies in a way that caught Justin pleasantly off guard.  A few weeks later Justin bought a round of $1 beers for the IMAGES boys at Fern’s, one of Long Beach’s diviest on East 4th Street, but before taking their first sip they were chucked out by the doorman because every single member of IMAGES was all under 21.  Justin soon produced a music video for the boys (“Frustration”, directed by Vim Crony), and also asked James if he would be up for joining a new band.  

Back in Long Beach, Justin and another new friend Cezar Mora, who had played in local bands THE SWITCHUPS and THE BAD MACHINE, were working on a project called LOS LONG BEACH BOYS, a Beach Boys cover band that sung in Spanish.  They hoped to rake in the big bucks at swap meets and lowrider car shows.  Translating and harmonizing an entire Beach Boys set in Spanish proved to be quite the challenge, and Justin and Cezar decided to write originals instead.  

James invited his childhood friend Johnny Reyes to audition on bass at LA DRUGZ’ first band practice at his parents’ house in Carson.  The guys liked his yellow BUZZCOCKS t-shirt, his sense of humor and his mod hairstyle, so he was in.  They celebrated with homemade pancit and lumpia from James’ mom. At practice, James mentioned that the best music was like a drug and the name LA DRUGS was pitched.  They looked it up and it seemed there was already a band called LA DRUGS from Boston. And they sucked. The boys decided to differentiate themselves by spelling it with a Z as an homage to THE PLUGZ. 

LA DRUGZ began to gig around the South Bay, Orange County and Los Angeles playing spots like The Redwood, The Continental Room, Harold’s, The Observatory, Alex’s Bar and Vince Lombardi High School (VLHS). They recorded the OUTSIDE PLACE EP with Kid Kevin of CALIMUCHO  in San Pedro and approached Tim and Mark Janchar at HOVERCRAFT RECORDS in Portland, Oregon about releasing it.  The brothers dug it and said yes!  A westcoast tour was promptly arranged around the release of the record and would take the boys north to Sacramento, Oakland, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle.  In Seattle, Kurt Bloch of THE FASTBACKS joined them onstage for a raucous cover of “You’re Gonna Miss Me” by 13th Floor Elevators. 

The following year of 2015 took the boys out on the road with London’s FAT WHITE FAMILY where they kicked off at storied L.A. Venue The Troubadour,  and toured all the way out to  Austin, Texas.  After ripping it up at the final show of their tour at The Chapel in San Francisco, both bands’ vans were broken into at the Travel Lodge Motel on Market Street and Valencia where over $20K of gear was stolen along with both bands’ suitcases of clothing.  FAT WHITE FAMILY flew back to the UK all wearing LA DRUGZ t-shirts which was the only clean item of clothing each member now owned. 

The ALL BURNED DOWN EP was the followup and all things were quiet on the western front UNTIL NOW.  

James Carman formed THE REFLECTORS, who are still touring and releasing records, and both Carman and Justin Maurer played in both MANIAC and JENNY.  The deluxe limited edition 10 year anniversary reissue of LA DRUGZ’ debut EP “Outside Place”,  long out of print, is now available in a limited edition run of 386 pressed with a few copies on colored vinyl.  Grab your piece of history now, or forever hold your peace. After all, the best music feels like a drug.

D I S C O V E R

Label Website: https://www.hovercraftrecords.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladrugz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L.A.DRUGZ

Distributor Website: https://store.greennoiserecords.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/37Lq1mXkmo0p9vT8wPTEXN?si=o66GLKnETw6DMOMdqRhcBA

Watch the Video for “Outside Place”

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Vancouver’s Stephen Hamm Theremin Man has just released his sophomore album Songs for the Future with the accompanying video “Planet Earth”. Following the critical acclaim of his debut album, Theremin Man, this latest offering promises a thrilling journey into the realms of electro-rock. Songs for the Future explores themes ranging from isolation and hope to science fiction and fantasy. Each track invites listeners on a cosmic voyage through sound and emotion, with a nod to interdimensional and intergalactic entities. Building on the sonic landscapes established in the first album Theremin Man, Hamm’s new album expands his artistic vision. From ethereal melodies to pulsating rhythms, each composition is meticulously crafted to transport audiences to new dimensions. “I’m excited to share Songs for the Future with everyone,” says Hamm. “This album represents a new chapter in my creative journey. Unlike the first Theremin Man album, which was a solo effort, I also had some great help with this new album from Shawn Mrazek (Flash Bastard, The Evaporators) on drums and Felix Fung (Pointed Sticks, Colleen Rennison, Mode Modern) on guitar and production.”

Stephen Hamm has been a pivotal member of the Vancouver Music and Arts scene for over 25 years. He’s played bass, keyboards and sang in bands like Slow, Tankhog, Canned Hamm and Nardwuar And The Evaporators. Today, Stephen is Theremin Man, a space traveler and storyteller who sends waves of good vibes and dance beats out to his followers, affectionately known as “The Space Family”. Since stalking the Pacific Northwest with his legendary rock bands, Stephen has shifted his focus to mastering the Theremin, an early electronic instrument that one does not touch but plays by interacting with magnetic fields around two antennae. In recent years Stephen has studied under the tutelage of German Theremin virtuoso Carolina Eyck and New York based Thereminist Dorit Chrysler. Stephen’s solo show, based around Theremin and Synthesizer is a psychedelic electro musical journey into new abstract dimensions of sound.

Photo Credit: Ryan M. Clark

D I S C O V E R

Website:https://stephenhamm.ca/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereminman
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephen.hamm.7 
Bandcamp: https://thereminman.bandcamp.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTILaNOR-MdEeyXOs_uWj7A

UPCOMING LIVE DATES
Saturday July 6, The Wise Hall opening for Roots Roundup

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Ken Tizzard and Music For Goats In St.John’s in 1982 he cut his teeth playing bass with local skate/punk bands who wholeheartedly embraced the DIY model of the punk rock culture. SNFU were the first band I had ever seen who had taken this model to a national level.
After touring with the Watchmen, Thornley and Big wreck, Ken changed his life and his musical direction to be closer to home both with the musical style and his proximity to his family.
In the Podcast, we talk about Music for Goats and the new album the Dagg Sessions and it importance in Ken’s musical growth. Hardly any covid talk and one of the great classic episodes of the podcast

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Michael Crusty is a content creater and freelance Video Editor. Michael is resposible for the Mikey and His Uke Series on YouTube for all of the video editing and project managment. Michael also plays in the anti-queens playing bass and production. a wonderful conversation and a classic epidoe of the Apologue Podcast!

Mikey And his Uke: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeyAndHisUke
AntiQueens: https://antiqueens.com/
Crusty Media: https://www.instagram.com/crustymedia/?hl=en

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Recorded in the dead of winter in a newly constructed studio at the former residence of controversial Edmonton photographer Con Boland, the month-long project was the result of what the sound might be if there was a collaboration between Elliott Smith and Massive Attack. Long gone are the bluesy-punk sounds of Sparrow’s first band the Murder City Sparrows.

Sparrow tells the story. “Eight records in fifteen years… Some came easy, others were a struggle. ‘Hard Eight’ is a little of both. I fell in love and found the woman I am to marry since my last record came out in 2020. You can hear a little of what that sounds like in some of the songs. The act of writing music feels like sitting under an attic hatch far above your body, you close your eyes and the hatch opens, falling through the crack are particles of dusty creative moments, if I am positioned correctly with instrument in hand, they land on me, some I even reach out and catch. They aren’t mine, I don’t know where they come from but if I am ready and available, I can usher them into existence. I make music because I have to, the rest of life is elective.”

Photo Credit: Cooper & O’Hara

Written by Jay Sparrow
Produced by Mike Schlosser
Mixed by Brad Smith
Mastered by Reuben Ghose at Mojito Mastering
Artwork by Mike Egan
100% Canadian Content

Website: https://jaysparrow.com
Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/album/5wXiFRSqLuSrRXWVSN3Sr5?si=fKytFjuZRG2VBiII2qLB5A

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