Canadian Stars: The Marble Index and the Waking Eyes

Canadian Indie bands are dominating the music scene and it just so happened that three of them took over the Rivoli on Queen St. for a night of true entertainment. Boy, The Marble Index and The Waking Eyes all performed for free at an event that was hosted by BenQ called the Video Sound Tour. Unfortunately I was unable to make it for the West Coast natives Boy who were the openers for the show but was told that they were great but lacking the entertaining factor.

"I thought their music was good but I personally like watching bands that look like they are having fun when they play, but they were hot," said Melanie, a fan from the crowd.

The Marble Index, personally one of my favourites, rocked the show. The Hamilton trio graced the stage with their talent, as vocalist and guitarist Brad Germain even got intimate with the audience by getting in there and also making sure we all applauded them since it was a live taping. All he wanted was to make them sound like they were a well-known band that everyone loved but the crowd did fail to achieve that. The guys from The Marble Index definitely stole the show specifically with the track by them 'Not So Bright' that is getting great airplay on the Edge. Germain added humour to the show and was fun to watch as he continuously jumped up on the speaker boxes. With Ryan Tweedle on Bass and Adam Knickle on Drums they added exactly what this band has that makes it stand out from any other. The Casby Awards were when I first discovered these guys and ever since their tunes are constantly playing on a CD in my car.

Melanie and Ashley were two girls right up in the front that seemed to be enjoying themselves the most out of everyone. Here's what they had to say about The Marble Index. "I've seen the Marble Index a bunch of times and I love them, they are amazing live," said Melanie. "This was my first time seeing them and they were great," said Ashley.

Next up was The Waking Eyes another Casby performer. This is another band who sounds the same live as on their CD, possibly better. They have two vocalists that probably helps them differentiate themselves from others. These boys from Winnipeg Manitoba have been appearing on the charts and for sure played a great show.

"The concert was great, they all sure know how to perform especially when The Waking Eyes brought out the trumpet," said Samantha Cox.

Yes that's right, a trumpet. Rusty who plays guitar and does vocals brought out another talent and that was gracing the audience with his trumpet playing skills. Something I've never seen before but went well with the music they played. He was actually good and the crowd was feeling it for sure.

The Waking Eyes and The Marble Index played excellent sets and looking around at the audience they all seemed pleased with what they saw. Overall a memorable night, the venue was perfect sizing even though at times it was a little crowded but when three Canadian rock bands get together for a tour there is guaranteed enjoyment. Next time when they come to town I'll be there, supporting them 100%.

Farris Green
farris@sugarcainentertainment.com
http://www.sugarcainentertainment.com

---

Musical Improvisation Basics - Four Strategies For Playing Wrong Notes

While it probably doesn't seem like this would help - let's face it - if you are unwilling to play a lot of wrong notes, you're never... Read More

Music for Corporate Entertainment

For many years I have supplied music for and played in bands that provide music for corporate entertainment. Clients have included Audi, The Evening Standard, Sainsburys, P.C.... Read More

Beginners Guide to Music File Formats

Are you confused by the various types of music file formats out there? Most of you would have heard of the popular MP3 format, but are you... Read More

Micheal Jackson

I bet your wondering all about the Micheal Jackson Trail. Do you think he's guilty. All of us are entitled to have different opinions. I believe Micheal... Read More

Does Your Band Need a Manager?

New bands looking to book gigs and establish contacts often start looking for a manager to handle the business aspects of their music. This is especially the... Read More

How to Create an Original Melody

Here's a method I use that works. First, sit down at your piano or keyboard and just improvise. I suggest improvising first because music that is created... Read More

Music, the Spiritual Connection

All through the age's music and spirituality as served hand in hand. As for instruments, the earliest is presumed to be, percussions from noisemakers to drums.Wind instruments... Read More

Music to Echo Your Mood

In what way do the kinds of music (rock, rap, classical, instrumental, etc.) change or alter our mood and in what way do our moods effect what... Read More

An Interview with Jon Bon Jovi ? 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Cant Be Wrong

The idea originated with singer Jon Bon Jovi. Jon kept upping the ante with his label and ultimately they consented to a four-CD set of essentially new... Read More

Musicians: What Chords Do You Absolutely, Positively Have To Know?

As you probably know, there are thousands and thousands of different chords in music - everything from basic major chords to minor 7ths to 13ths to suspensions... Read More

How Many Guitar Chords Do I Need To Know?

Guitar chords, (chords played specifically on a guitar,) differ only from other types of chords by virtue of instrument; they're simply a series of three or more... Read More

Choosing a Jazz Band for Your Party

In many years of arranging jazz bands for all sorts of events I am struck by the similarity of how the request is made by most of... Read More

Jazz Yatra

Jazz is arguably the most argumentative form of music (even has diminished and argumented chords). So at the outset let me present my side of the argument.... Read More

Micing a Kick Drum

This months tip deals with micing kick drums.You wouldn't believe how many people ask me about micing their kick drums. It leads me to believe people really... Read More

Review: The Bled - Pass the Flask

Released in 2003, Pass the Flask turned this little quintet from Tucson, into a mainstream success overnight. Classifying this band as 'metalcore' or 'indie' or 'hardcore' is... Read More

Playing The Piano Using Chord Symbols Instead of Being Tied To The Written Sheet Music

Piano improvising and arranging is an art but definitely not a science. It is all based on chords and chord progressions. There aren't any steadfast rules for... Read More

The Post-rock Revolution (Explosions in the sky)

A lot has been said about the 'post-rock' revolution as of late. The rise of instrumental bands such as Explosions in the sky, Godspeed you! black emperor,... Read More

How to Create Interesting Textures

A lot of new age piano music consists of repeating patterns, or textures in the left hand while the right hand improvises a melody. This approach is... Read More

Is Your Child Struggling in School? Get Him (Or Her) Music Lessons

This is counterintuitive, I know. Our natural response to seeing our child struggle is to find a way to help, not to add to the burden. If... Read More

Surf Waves With Jack Johnson

Lately I've been listening to some pretty cool music by some beach bum named Jack Johnson. The tunes he plays really touch a chord within me. They... Read More

Play Piano As Fast As Possible!

One of the rules of practicing we all hear over and over is "Be sure to practice slowly." (I'm guilty of this too!) Often the result of... Read More

How the Internet Helps Musicians

Everyone talks about the negative impact of the Internet on the music business. Illegal file sharing and copyright violations have decimated the profits in the industry. Record... Read More

Irish Fiddle Ornaments

When I started playing jigs, my default bowing pattern made a groove like Pop Goes the Weasel: "Long-short, long-short, muberry bush, the long-short, long-short weasel."And that still... Read More

Pakistani Pop Music

Pakistan is blessed with talent and when we talk about Pakistani Music, you can never stop picking up one of the best Pakistani pop song uptill now... Read More

Bagpipe Lessons In Your Own Home !

Bringing Bagpipe Tuition to Everyone, Everywhere.I have been teaching music for many years and always thought that there must be a better way of reaching more people... Read More

The Time Machine Exist!

We call it music, ever noticed how vividly music triggers memory?The music start and instantly we remember who we were with, where we were, what we were... Read More