New Music: Marvest Edition
With the new addition of Marvest to this year’s CityFolk festival, nine acts have been given the opportunity to release new music at Aberdeen Pavilion. Fans of music will be given the chance to experience what Ottawa’s best have to offer, and maybe even find a new favourite band to follow in town. We’ve laid out all the artists releasing a new album this weekend, along with all the information you need. So go on, get out there, and check out what treasures this year’s Marvest has to offer!
‘ * ‘ denotes the official album release show
James Leclaire and the Cable 22’s
These Weights
- *September 17, 2015, 7pm @ Aberdeen Pavilion – Free
- September 17, 2015, 12am @ House of Targ (1077 Bank St.) – $5 Cover Fee
James Leclaire is ready to release his fourth studio album, These Weights, which focus on some of the darker and more troubling times we experience in life. These Weights was recorded analog, live off the floor and has a truely live feel to it. His raspy, whiskey soaked voice, small-town working-class sensibilities, and powerful storytelling capabilities make James Leclaire and the Cable 22’s a strong addition to Marvest this year.
Alex Silas and the Subterraneans
Tunnels
- *September 17, 2015, 10pm @ Aberdeen Pavilion – Free
Silas and his crew are releasing their sophomore followup to 2014’s Roots at Marvest this year. Silas describes Tunnels as introspective, and all about transitions and connectivity to different parts of the self. Hip hop at its core, Silas’ music blends all kinds of genres together, making his music accessible, unrestrained, and relatable to listeners. This album will be a big step forwad for Silas and his band, charting a path in a new direction. Check out a beautiful acoustic rendition of his song “Lions & Tigers & Bears” featuring fellow Marvest artist Amanda Lowe.
Ilvekyo
Out of Control
- September 17, 2015, 9pm @ House of Targ (1077 Bank St.) – $5 Cover Fee
- *September 18, 2015, 7pm @ Aberdeen Pavilion – Free
Ilvekyo (pron. ill-veck-yo) is a pop-rock band that consistently makes irresistibly catchy and fun songs since their formation in 2011. If you’re familiar with their catalogue of songs such as “Subtle Dance Moves”, “Easy To Love”, and “Downtown Girls,” then you know exactly what this band is capable of – getting folks off their asses and dancing uncontrollably. The first single called “Out of Control” off the new album by the same name has a distinctly folk-country sound to it, with the same honesty and zest that has always been present in their songs.
Loon Choir
All of This and Everything Else
- *September 18, 2015, 10pm @ Aberdeen Pavilion – Free
- September 19, 2015 @ 11pm @ FarmTeam Cookhouse – Free
Since their formation in 2009, the 9-piece band Loon Choir have taken Ottawa by storm. Not only that, they’ve toured across Canada, and grown as a band in the process. Coming off the success of their 2012 album Fire Poems, Loon Choir digs even deeper with their new release All of This and Everything Else. Working with a diverse array of themes – everything from alienation and anxiety to community – the album offers a more vivid look at what this ensemble is really about. Their rich and full sound will appeal to Canadian indie rock lovers across the country, and you’ll be sure to hear many of these songs on CBC Radio if you’re dialled in. They are one band that are not to be missed.
Have a first listen of the new album in its entirety here.
Moonfruits
- Friday, Sept. 18, 9pm @ Original Burger Joint – Free
- *Saturday, Sept. 19, 4pm @ Aberdeen Pavilion – Free
Moonfruits is the name given to a band of two lovebirds, Alex Millaire and Kaitlin Milroy. The recently married couple are releasing their follow-up to 2014’s Debut, which was received with much acclaim and praise. Millaire’s intricate, serenading guitar work is perfectly complimented with Milroy’s beautiful vocals, creating a concoction and chemistry that is rarely seen in today’s world of music. Be sure not to miss Moonfruits, as they are a treat for any showgoer.
Lost to the River
Lost to the River
- *Saturday, Sept. 19, 7pm @ Aberdeen Pavilion – Free
- Friday, Sept. 18, 10pm @ Wild Oat – Free
Lost to the River, formally known as Miss. Polygamy will release their debut album at Marvest. The band’s songs are intimate, textured, and contain the heart and soul that many of us have come to love about Canadiana folk music. The record also features special appearances by other local musicians including Tom Thompson of Orienteers, Jessie Lyon of Snowday, singer-songwriter Danielle Allard, and Brodie Conley of Future States. Lost to the River are a great retort for those who say “there is no folk at CityFolk.” Not only is there some folk and Canadiana, there are great local contributions.
High Waters
– Goodnight Mara
- *Saturday, Sept. 19, 10pm @ Aberdeen Pavilion – Free
- Thursday, Sept. 17, 11pm @ House of Targ – $5 cover
Goodnight Mara is High Waters’ first full-length album. Building on their great debut EP, Gather Wish, the local art-rock band is reminiscent of early Radiohead with their simple yet textured sound, eerie yet beautiful sound and thought-provoking lyrics.
The Brook
– Sweet Talk
- *Sunday, Sept. 20, 4pm @ Aberdeen Pavilion – Free
- Thursday, Sept. 17, 10pm @ House of Targ – *$5 cover
The Brook are creating East Coast inspired folk in the nation’s capital. Led by Newfoundland-born songwriter Sarah Murphy they play very catchy songs that will get you clapping, stomping your feet and ooh oohing along. The EP is all about the trials, tribulations and dishonesty involved in modern millennial relationships. On top of all that the title track, “Sweet Talk,” focuses directly on the dating app Tinder.
John Allaire
– South of Solitude
- *Sunday, Sept. 20, 7pm @ Aberdeen Pavilion – Free
- Friday, Sept. 18, 11pm @ Wild Oat – Free
John Allaire is the truest example of a road warrior, playing over 120 shows a year for several years now. Formally the front-man for the legendary Town Cryers in the ’80s and ’90s, Allaire’s new album South of Solitude’ is the 16th career release. The folk-rocker perfectly encapsulates a folk festival through sound, story and personality. For someone looking for actual folk music at CityFolk, Allaire joined by his loyal band of merry men, The Campistas, are not to be missed.