The Simcoe Scene

Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#43 - May 27, 2023).    In the early 80s, albums (and how they were characterized) had to fit into a very limited number of categories. Of course, there were the distinct categories of rock, metal, blues, jazz, pop, country, R&B, classical, soul, and each genre came with its own criteria. But what about the artists who were making music that didn’t conform to the rigid guidelines of just one genre? These outliers faced an uphill battle to be heard, and that battle was made even more difficult for Canadian acts.  One such band who existed between the lines of the established criteria and can be attributed to being pioneers of Canadian alternative rock are The Grapes of Wrath. Formed in 1983, the band crafted a unique sound that didn’t fit easily into any category. Offering dreamy, introspective lyrics with distinctly layered melodies and enough power to hook the ears of any passerby, The Grapes of...

Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#44 - May 21, 2023).  Is there a song that, the second you hear it start, transports you back to a particular moment? New music is released every day and while it can be catchy, even inspire feelings of nostalgia, nothing quite hits the same as jams from the past.  One such song that made an indelible mark on music history is Afroman’s 2000 global hit ‘Because I Got High’. The song made its way around the globe and quickly became a staple of great night playlists and sing-a-longs. But dig under the mellow beat and smooth flow, you’ll find genuine substance. Not an easy task for any artist but Afroman has consistently recorded and released an incredible 18 studio albums, laden with such gems, and he shows no signs of stopping.  ‘Because I Got High’ is an open invitation to listeners to dig just a little deeper and experience the variety and eclectic elements that Afroman brings to the stage. ...

Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#39 - March 11, 2023). Struggle and success. These two ideas seem to have a symbiotic relationship with each other, especially in art. Some of the greatest artistic works, whether it be audible, visual, dramatic or otherwise are generally rooted in very dark places.  Obviously the pandemic posed a very dark time for many musicians and bands. Unfortunately, not every band survived the pandemic - musically speaking. But some grew, evolved, and re-emerged stronger than ever with music and lyrics that invite listeners to pull themselves out of the weeds. Toronto-based indie rock trio MONOWHALES are ambassadors of this evolution and are heralds of having a good time.  Releasing their debut album Daytona Bleach in 2021 during times of high anxiety and mounting unknowns, they crafted a balance of hard lyrical truths with pulse-pumping music. A year and a half later, Tunnel Vision was released and did not shy awa...

Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#34 - Dec 31, 2022). New Year’s Eve marks the end of one year and the beginning of another. And what better way to celebrate the start of a new year than with live music from great Canadian musicians.  The annual Downtown Countdown, hosted at Barrie City Hall features skating, family activities, fireworks, and of course, live music. This year, attendees can ring in the new year with nationally-recognized band Sloan and Grant Boyer.  Before they hit the stage this weekend, I had the opportunity to ask Jay Ferguson of Sloan and Grant Boyer a few questions.  Richard: Jay, With over 30 years of experience as a band, how do you keep the creative process fresh? Jay: For me, the creative process of songwriting remains fresh by still having an interest in not only music, but also in the process of songwriting and producing records. I'm still discovering new music (or more often, old music) that gives me idea...

Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#31 - Nov 19, 2022). Personally, nothing hits me in the nostalgia receptor and transports me back to my youth quite like a good pop punk anthem. It was the soundtrack to many formative experiences and over the last few years, the pop punk revival has been coming in full swing.  A driving force behind the aforementioned revival is Barrie-based outfit 30 Going On 13. In honour of their latest EP, released on Friday, we’re taking a track by track look at Sophmoronic. From the first 10 seconds of the EP, it is clear that band members Adam Dyke (Vocals), Cheddarr McBoohawk (Guitar & Vocals), Mike Smusiak (Guitar & Vocals), Kiegan Christie (Bass & Vocals), and Alex Reid (Drums) have fully realized their sound which feel at home with Saturday morning cartoons, a montage of questionable hijinx, or on a Warped Tour compilation mix.  Sophmoronic is a collection of 6 tracks boasting fresh energy, catchy ...