The Simcoe Scene

  Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#19 - June 4, 2022). Many people know that sinking feeling that comes on every time an album you vividly remember buying on release day hits a major anniversary. Personally, I’m not a fan of that feeling. But at the very least, it’s a reminder to play it front to back, and to play it loud.  Playing their landmark album Hardcore ‘81 in its entirety, with some greatest hits thrown in, Canadian punk legends DOA hit The Queens Nightclub on June 15th. Spanning over 40 years, DOA have released 18 studio albums, sold over 1 million copies, and performed over 4500 shows across 5 different continents. Fronted by “the Godfather of Punk” Joe Kiethley, more commonly known as Joey Shithead, DOA continues to play loud and call for change.  High School-aged me wouldn’t believe it, but current-aged me had the opportunity to ask Joe a few questions about the band, the album, politics, and more.  Richard: What ...

Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#15 - April 9, 2022). It’s been a long time coming and live music has been stirring people out of their pandemic slumbers. And next Thursday, two pillars of the punk rock genre will be hitting the stage at Barrie’s own Queens Hotel.   Formed over 40 years ago, Vancouver’s Dayglo Abortions have been packing venues with their signature sound that blends fast and heavy with scathing and satirical lyricism. Supported by Toronto legends Random Killing, this one-night-only event promises to be a well received shot to the heart.  I had the chance to ask a few questions to the legend himself, Murray “The Cretin” Acton of the Dayglo Abortions about the industry, the new album and more.  Richard: The musical landscape has changed dramatically since the Dayglo Abortions formed in 1979, are there any particular changes that you love to see in the industry today and are there any that you sorely miss?  ...

Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#14 - March 26, 2022). To be an artist these days means more than creating catchy, relevant and replayable songs (which is already a monumental feat) but to create a unique and unforgettable experience for the audience.  Blending their own distinct brand of hyper-pop with lyrics ripe with modern dissent and a ferocious but fun live show incorporating elements of drag, Feura demands attention.   Performing since the age of 9, Feura grew up in Simcoe County attending Forest Hill Public School and then Eastview Secondary School. It was at Eastview they started to explore music as part of the choir and was involved with theatrical production with local professional companies Theatre by the Bay and Talk Is Free Theatre.   Now based in Toronto, Feura has quickly established themselves as an undeniably exciting presence both sonically and on stage. Alongside their electrifying performance, Feura is a Produc...

Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#8 - Jan 2, 2022).  Before their names were lit up on marquees around the world or headlined generation-defining festivals, artists spanning across all genres of music shared one thing in common: they all had to start somewhere.  While rocketing popularity or acclaim can feel like it is achieved overnight, working musicians spend years crafting their sound in the hopes of reaching an audience that shares their thoughts, feelings and connects genuinely through music.   Behind every release is an artist with a story to tell and there is something very special when the storyteller is from our hometown.  18-year-old Barrie local Jessie Gosling offers a unique glance into her world on her debut EP Forewarning, released on Friday.  I had the opportunity to talk to Jessie about her journey as a musician and the development of her debut release.   Richard: How long have you been pla...