The Simcoe Scene

Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#25 - August 28, 2022). After more than 2 years since they were supposed to play in May of 2020, hardcore heavyweights Cancer Bats are returning to Barrie. Since bursting onto the scene in 2006, Cancer Bats have carved their name into the foundation of hardcore music and have brought their supercharged blend of influences to stages all over the world.  When the Bats release new music and come screaming into a new city, it’s a challenge - Not for the band to get the crowd moving but for the crowd to keep up with the band.  I had the opportunity to ask Cancer Bats frontman Liam Cormier a few questions before they roll into our city next month.  Richard: How did you find or create the sound and tone of Cancer Bats that people fell in love with and continue to pump into every release?  Liam: I feel pretty lucky that people have been into what we’ve been making for this long. To be honest, we just al...

  Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#23 - July 30, 2022). We’re switching things up a little bit this time and taking a deeper-drive into an upcoming release and getting the inside scoop, track by track.  Not That I Care, the all-female four-piece who currently call Barrie home were making their way in the local scene and ready to unleash their original music. Unfortunately, they were primed to hit the clubs in early 2020 when, well, you know.  Two years later, Leighla-Jane Quail (Guitar & Vocals), Samantha Brown (Lead Guitar), Jessica Rosati (Bass), and Alyssa Rosati (Drums) are releasing their first EP this Friday, August 5th.. Before their EP release party on August 11th, I had the opportunity to ask the band a few questions about their journey so far and have a deeper look at each track.  Richard: How did Not That I Care come to exist as a band and what prompted the formation of the band? Jessica: We all took music lesso...

Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#22 - July 17, 2022). Vinyl and cassettes are making a comeback, streaming has never been more popular (or has had so many platforms to choose from) but nothing rivals the timeless CD Release Party.  If the anticipation of new music from a favourite band or artist wasn’t enough, hearing it live for the first time in a venue filled with other fans is an experience like none other. It marks a moment in time that is shared only by those in attendance and is there a better time to enjoy good music together as a community? This Thursday, Barrie’s own Indian Handcrafts will be holding a CD Release Party for their first full length album in over 6 years. Forming in 2010 and gaining an instant following as a ferocious two-piece, Indian Handcrafts have expanded into a trio and will be unveiling their new album next week. Known for their distinct brand of darkly crafted psychedelia and intense grooves, this is not an e...

Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#21 - July 2, 2022). The weather is heating up and so are the stages in our city. It feels like ages since we played host to some of the incredible talents that live below the border but they're coming and they're bringing the heat. For over 20 years, Wyoming's Teenage Bottlerocket have been stirring crowds into a frenzy with their signature brand of fast and fun punk mastery. Following the tragic loss of one founding member in 2015, Teenage Bottlerocket enlisted the talents of Edmonton's own Darren Chewka and has since released several albums and EPs.  Before they light up the stage on Friday, July 15th, I had the opportunity to ask Darren a few questions. Richard: For people who are not familiar with Teenage Bottlerocket (TBR), how would you describe your sound and live show? Darren: It's like eating a Donair and then at the end you look at the plastic bag it was wrapped in and you're li...

  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 ...