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The Apartment613 Fall Fiction Contest - Enter Now!

With an active writers festival, several poetry slams every month and a plethora of reading series taking place - Ottawa’s literary scene is producing great writers like never before. We’re hoping that Apartment613 can feature some of this great writing over the fall months with our Fall Fiction Contest. Here are the details:
We’re accepting entries of original fiction of 1000 words or less. There is no restriction on topic - but a local Ottawa hook is encouraged.

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iheartmusic
i(heart)music

Videotape, 8 pm @ Jupiter Room (with Murder Ford Monument, Steve Shiffman and the Land of No and The Darcys)

Women may have garnered all the attention last year for their '60s-tinged lo-fi pop, but they were actually bested at that game by Videotape, who released a far superior album and garnered a fraction of the notice. I don't know if that superiority carries over to the live realm...but I'm definitely interested in finding out.

Alternate 8 pm suggestion: Ghost Bees @ Ukranian Federation

Dowload "Night Lights"

Giant Hand, 9 pm @ O Patro Vys (with Jane Vain and the Dark Matter, Mt. St. Hellen's Vietnam Band and Shapes and Sizes)

My love of Giant Hand is pretty well-, but I just thought I'd reiterate it again. He's now added loop pedals and a drum machine to what was already a pretty entrancing live performance, making him all the more worthy of checking out.

(And as a sidenote, it should be pointed out that Woodpigeon is, sadly, no longer on this bill -- frontman Mark Hamilton contracted Swine Flu, and they had to back out. Luckily, they should be fine in time to play Ottawa two weeks from now!)

Alternate 9 pm suggestion: Caroline Keating @ L'Astral

Dowload "Coming Down From The Mountains"

Hannah Georgas, 10 pm @ Le Milieu (with The Daredevil Christopher Wright, Mittenstrings and Postcards)

Really, this recommendation is sort of a consolation prize for anyone unable to get into either Sufjan or Destroyer. But if you're talking about Hannah Georgas, I use the term "consolation prize" pretty loosely. She's extremely talented, and I have a feeling that it won't be long before she's playing venues just as large (if not a little bigger) than either of those two guys.

Alternate 10 pm suggestion: L'embuscade @ Cagibi

Dowload "The Deep End"

Golden Isles, 11 pm @ Green Room (with Adam & The Amethysts and Diamond Rings)

Truth be told, as excited as I am to see Sufjan, I'm hoping his set isn't too long, since one of the joys of festivals is seeing as many bands as possible. One of the bands I'm hoping his set doesn't overlap into is Golden Isles, who caused a bit of a stir last year as Crystal Moustache. I've heard nothing but good things about the band's brand of soulful, '60s-influenced pop, and I'm eager to finally see them in concert.

Alternate 11 pm suggestion: The Unsettlers @ Il Motore

Dowload "You Look Good"

No Gold, 12 am @ Divan Orange (with Snailhouse, The Two Koreas, The Coathangers and Japandroids)

Truthfully, all I've heard from these guys are the two songs on their Myspace, and I only just started listening to them for the first time half an hour ago. If they're any indication of the band's talent, however...then they're probably a pretty good bet. Of course, the fact they're on right before Japandroids means that getting in will probably be next to impossible.

Alternate 12 am and beyond suggestions: Hollerado @ Bar St-Laurent II (12 am), Les Handclaps @ Le Gymnase (1 am)

Dowload "Hot Bay"

ming2046
Ming Wu Photography

Day 2 of Pop Montreal was a fun night.
I went to four different venues which were:
Club Soda to see Hey Ocean! and Joel Plaskett Emergency

Metropolis to see Fever Ray
Jupiter Room to see Said The Whale
Petit Campus to see Flecton Big Sky

First show was seeing Hey Ocean! at Club Soda.
I had ...

ming2046
Ming Wu Photography

Went to my first night of Pop Montreal.
Did not get to see the ones that I wanted to see but I was happy to see whoever was playing on the first night.
I had trouble finding one venue which was the Ukrainian Federation.
The other venue which was abit far so I ...

iheartmusic
i(heart)music

Technically, Pop Montreal started last night with some pretty impressive shows. But I wasn't there, and I didn't really want to talk about all the really great acts (Bahamas and My People Sleeping in particular) that I'd be missing. But I'm in Montreal as of this evening, so here's the i(heart)music guide to Pop Montreal.

Todor Kobakov, 8 pm @ O Patro Vys (with Brian Borcherdt, Julie Fader, Ryan Dahle, By Divine Right and The William Blakes)

Honestly, the only reason I haven't written about Kobakov's debut, Pop Music, yet is that I haven't the faintest idea of how to describe classical music. But, as the saying goes, I know what I like, and I really like this guy's music. Plus he's played with the likes of Stars, Emily Haines, Jason Collett and a whole bunch of other fairly well-known people, so you have to figure that a bit of their knack for performing will have rubbed off on him. Regardless, he's definitely worth checking out.

Alternate 8 pm suggestion: Hey Ocean @ Club Soda

Dowload "Carpe Diem (featuring Emily Haines)"

The Paint Movement, 9 pm @ Divan Orange (with Yukon Blonde, Leif Vollebekk, Fox Jaws and Gregory Pepper and His Problems)

Very quietly, Nevado Records has become one of the most interesting new labels in Canada. The Paint Movement, Fox Jaws, Yukon Blonde, Bahamas (who, sadly, isn't playing this)...none are household names yet, but you get the feeling it's only a matter of time, and it won't be long before fans of their talented roster aren't able to fit into a setting as cozy as Divan Orange. Catch them now, because the opportunity won't be there for much longer.

Alternate 9 pm suggestion: Dinosaur Bones @ Il Motore

Dowload "Terms"

Martin Royle, 10 pm @ Les 3 Minots (with Oldfolks Home, Hooded Fang and The Breezes)

To a large extent, this pick is driven by nostalgia. Actually, scratch that; this pick is entirely driven by nostalgia. I saw Royle at the inaugural Pop Montreal about eight years ago (which makes me feel very, very old), and as frontman of Washington Social Club he wowed me. I can't say I know what he's been up to since then, but I'm eager to find out, if only for old time's sake.

And if he sucks, then just stick around for Oldfolks Home and Hooded Fang.

Alternate 10 pm suggestion: Boxer The Horse @ Jupiter Room

Unfortunately, no download. I can't seem to find any music from him. So instead, here's "Charlie The Russian", from Royle's Washington Social Club days

Leif Vollebekk, 11 pm @ Divan Orange (with The Paint Movement, Yukon Blonde, Fox Jaws and Gregory Pepper and His Problems)

Basically, see what I said above for The Paint Movement. This may just be the most stacked line-up of the night.

Alternate 11 pm suggestion: Sports: The Band @ Balattou (who, technically, are actually on at 11:30, not 11)

Dowload "Quebec"

Young Galaxy, 12 am @ Il Motore (with Dinosaur Bones, Mardeen and Silver Starling)

Do I really need to explain this pick? Probably not. But just in case you need refreshing: Young Galaxy are a great band. They're extremely good live. They have an excellent new record out. And they're some of the nicest people I've met in music. In other words...see them.

Alternate 12 am suggestion: Hooded Fang @ Les 3 Minots (or Brides @ Casa del Popolo. There are a lot of good bands playing at this time slot, so you really can't go wrong with whatever you pick!)

Dowload "The Golden Coin"

iheartmusic
i(heart)music

I'll have a Pop Montreal preview up later today, but before that there are a few quick things I wanted to pass along.

First, one of the shows I announced on Friday just got a whole lot better...

As you can see, the very amazing Woodpigeon (download "Cities of Weather") have been added to the bill on October 16th at Cafe Dekcuf. Tickets are now going to be $8 at the door, and it's now going to be an even more amazing than it was already going to be!

With the Polaris Prize nomination, of course, Woodpigeon are definitely one of the more buzzy bands in Canada...which brings me to my second point: it's almost time once again for this year's hottest bands in Canada poll! I sent out a whole bunch of invitations yesterday, but I couldn't have possibly gotten everyone, so if you're a Canadian music blogger/journalist-type person and you want to vote for this year's list, get in touch for more details!

Users //

  • marcbertrand
    marcbertrand's picture

    I contribute to one of Canada's most popular independent music blogs http://bridgingtheatlantic.blogspot.com and frequently write about local bands and shows.

    I am a PR/Communications strategist always willing to help out local bands. Ottawa's talent pool is inspiring and most artists/groups just need a well-executed strategy to get noticed.

  • Anita Utas
    Anita Utas's picture

    I am a professional artist, a member of the Foyer Gallery, Ottawa West Arts Association, and Ottawa Mixed Media Artists. I am the curator at Gallery Farina (upstairs at Johnny Farina Restaurant on Elgin), where local artists can exhibit their work.

  • green bee
    green bee's picture

    I make ambient electronic music from a discreet space station on my desktop. These 'songs' then seek to populate various corners of digitized space like multicoloured gelatinous dendrites gone haywire.

  • mathieu coates
    mathieu coates's picture

    plan and play electronic medium events all the time. Mostly at the Mercury lounge and at la petite morte.

  • ROSEBUSH
    ROSEBUSH's picture

    I am a performing electronic musician. My music has been released at various times by Immanence Records (UK), Hive Records (US), Livevil Records (US), and most recently the Meat Parade Collective (OTTAWA).

    I am also active in Ottawa's film and video community, as a member of SAW Video co-op, former VP of the Carleton Film Society, and founding member of the now-defunkt Ottawa Film Forum. Since 2003, I have written and directed 5 short films, and have worked on countless others as composer and/or sound designer.

    I have also worked for a variety of local festivals, including Centretown Movies Outdoor Film Festival, and the world-renowned Ottawa International Animation Festival.

    Plus, I like to dance.

  • Alexandra-Jane
    Alexandra-Jane's picture

    Hello! I'm a young aspiring artist hoping to make some great connections with other contributing artists in Ottawa. I'm currently attending university for Fine Art and have exhibited some of my work at Oh So Good. I'm booked for a second show in June and I hope this is only the beginning! Any advice or criticism is so greatly appreciated. I am here to lean. Teach me something!

  • bentlove
    bentlove's picture

    I am an electronic musician looking for collaboration and performance opportunities.

  • Gabrielle Giguere
    Gabrielle Giguere's picture

    I'm a singer, songwriter, autoharpist and a member of she said she said (an indie, folk, pop-rock band) who loves painting and photography.

  • Ottawabill
    Ottawabill's picture

    I am a regular participant in numerous arts and culture events as well as a collector of local art, a generous sponsor of various groups and events, and a faithful patron of several local artists.

  • sawvideo
    sawvideo's picture

    SAW Video is an artist-run-centre committed to support ground breaking artistic production, presentation and programming of independent video and media art. SAW Video provides many services to its membership including affordable technical facilities, and a wide range of programmes designed to create an atmosphere that will inspire production through the exchange of ideas around form, content and style.

    In concrete terms, we provide affordable access to video production and post-production facilities. Our activities include production support programmes for video artists, a comprehensive range of introductory, intermediate and advanced workshops and as well as screenings and exhibitions.

    Artists are encouraged to explore video and other electronic media in relation to other media. SAW Video's facilities are used in a wide range of productions - video art, drama, documentary, multi-media, performance, installation, and community-based projects.

    SAW actively promotes access for all artists, regardless of age, class, gender, sexual orientation, race or ability.

  • Geneviève
    Geneviève's picture

    Once in a while, when I'm ripe and blistering and taut, I make a few lovely photographs.

  • peterguindon
    peterguindon's picture
  • jacksoncouse
    jacksoncouse's picture

    Jackson Couse is a editorial and documentary photographer, artist, and culture lover.

  • Wire and Light
    Wire and Light's picture

    Wire and Light is a music act. It records in Ottawa.

  • Gilda Furgiuele
    Gilda Furgiuele's picture

    Director of the independent co-operative,
    Visual artist (photography, painting, sculpture revolving on femininity, pornography, kitsch, and childhood)
    Active participant in arts and culture events and the community
    Lover of fashion
    Wannabe infamous femme fatale and local trend setter
    Photographer/model
    Groupie
    Patron
    Fan of the secret metropolitan side of this city

  • Mariel Ashlinn
    Mariel Ashlinn's picture

    I am an independant graphic artist/illustrator/micro press from Ottawa and am interested in learning more about the Ottawa scene.

  • PARAMEDICS
    PARAMEDICS's picture

    We are an experimental indie band from Ottawa

  • Nomad Gallery
    Nomad Gallery's picture

    Inspiring communities to share and create through DIY initiatives and the arts.

  • amanthethy
    amanthethy's picture

    I'm an acoustic artist new to Ottawa. I'm looking to meet other musicians in this city.

  • Helga
    Helga's picture

    As a Photographer I hope to produce photographs that represent the humanity behind the subject. In line with the theme of my work to date, I want to reveal my unconditional love for Ottawa. My photographs depict living the daily life from a variety of perspectives: events, families and friends, technology, nature and urbanism.

  • nuotio
    nuotio's picture

    I'm not sure.
    I'm a songwriter and musician,
    a current board member at Galerie SAW gallery, and I'm on the Ottawa Advisory Committee for Magnetic North Theatre Festival, and I'm peripherally involved with the Ottawa International Writers Festival too.

    I like collaborating and going to a lot of shows and events and hanging out.
    I also like to help in organizing events and promoting shows.

  • sarajarvis
    sarajarvis's picture

    Full-time professional glass artist primarily creating unique commissionned projects for clients' homes

    In the process of setting up an artists’ marketing network (mARTketing?) for all artists, artisans and crafters to share their experiences and to discuss different ideas and experiences. We have a tendency to work in isolation, each having to invent our own wheels. I want to increase the marketability of art and artists in the area, helping to raise the profile of Ottawa’s arts sector at the same time. Marketing is the most important task we must undertake beyond the actual creation of our various artworks, but few of us really know what we are doing. I know that I have felt my own frustrations in marketing myself and my work despite having a better grasp of it than most…..

  • MStellar
    MStellar's picture

    A writer focusing mostly on the medium of the short story, I also have been known to have small humour articles published on the likes of black20.com. A huge advocate of Ottawa's zine scene, in particular Matilda Zine and Standard Issue - keep a lookout for my in-the-works zine: "Borderline Narcotic".

  • Bloomistry
    Bloomistry's picture

    Bloomistry began in 2004 with a name inspired by an Ottawa storefront, H.H. Bloom Sound Enterprises. Based in the Capitol Region of Canada, Bloomistry records and mixes at The Underground in Hull, at Bova Sound and at Little Bullhorn Productions in Ottawa, Ontario.

  • He Moth
    He Moth's picture

    I write zines, develop photography, create prints, silkscreen and sew clothing, and other weird things.

    I recently did a first showing at Nomad Gallery a month or so ago at SAW gallery and I am interested in getting my work noticed.