By Aaron Levy (CIVL Station Manager) – Email
Print Edition: January 16, 2013
CIVL station manager Aaron Levy comes from out of town. Here are some of his favorite local artists from the town he came from, Guelph, Ontario!
Ambre McLean – “Tricky Truth”
McLean, of the North Vancouver McLeans, had a major label jazz recording deal back in the day, but snubbed it in favour of doing her own thing, with more creativity, more freedom, and more foot pedals, as indicated by this favourite from her most recent album, Murder at the Smokehouse.
Wakeless – “Desolation”
Anchored by former Victory Records’ Arise and Ruin drummer and guitarist, Derek D-Wok Prince-Cox and Greg Richmond, Wakeless was silly enough to offer me a tryout as their lead vocalist the summer I came to the Valley. They’re probably better off without me, wouldn’t you say? I think so, yes.
Nathan Coles Outfit – “Wheeled”
Despite the audio quality, YouTube videos of Stay out of the Mall will elucidate why his songwriting has haunted me pleasantly since the first time I saw him play his Sunday open mic set at the bar named after the Clash song. A songwriting ox, due to his power and consistency.
Run With the Kittens – “Blue Flame”
One of the greatest live acts you’ll ever see, not only in bobble-head form, but also in person, as people, but not kittens. They’ve been around for almost 10 years, and I tell you, they’re just about to break. Singer Nate is a YouTube sensation (Jamie’s World). Don’t dare miss’em.
