Posts By Asher
0 Battlehelm.com – Interview – Project Mars
0 ODIUM Premiere New Music Video ‘No Way Out’
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ODIUM Premiere New Music Video ‘No Way Out’
Walkerton, ON melodic metallers ODIUM premiere their new music ‘No Way Out’ on Blank TV. Directed by Chad Archiblad of Black Fawn Films (HED p.e., Kottonmouth Kings, Arise and Ruin, Farewell to Freeway), the video is in support of the band’s first single from their latest album ‘Burning The Bridges To Nowhere’ released earlier this year on Year of The Sun Records.
ODIUM will also be performing the following show dates in Ontario.
June 29, 2012 – The Underground – Hamilton, ON w/ Deathpoint, Misguided Aggression, A Sin For A Prayer
July 5, 2012 – Richmond Tavern – London, ON w/ Myley Cyrus Got Fisted, Mutual Execution
July 6, 2012 – Club 344 – Guelph, ON w/ Saigon Hookers, Darlings of Chelsea
July 7, 2012 – The Coach and Horses – Windsor, ON w/ guests
July 14, 2012 – Cafe Dekcuf – Ottawa , ON w/ Joe Thrasher, The Red Blood Truth
Founded in 2006 by drummer Joe Mullen and vocalist Tom Emmans, ODIUMwas born in order to create a focused project centered on the themes of growth and attrition. After being joined by bassist Dale Burrows and guitarists Bo Louther and Andrew Fullerton, it was clear the band was quickly becoming a cohesive group of musicians that had found their strengths in each other’s abilities to contribute to the writing process.
Most convincing is ODIUM’s arsenal of musical weapons that contribute to their overall sound, which was properly harnessed by Canadian producer Greg Dawson (The End, Moneen, Choke) on both of ODIUM‘s metal opus’ underlining the quintet’s penchant for writing metal songs that are as heartfelt as they are heavy with ODIUM’s emotional hybrid of epic crescendos and fiery heaviness.
Over the years, ODIUM has opened for such well known bands as Alexisonfire, The Agonist, Beneath the Massacre, Divinity, Moneen, Fuck the Facts, Fairwell to Freeway and Arise and Ruin.
‘Burning The Bridges To Nowhere’ – Album Stream – http://soundcloud.com/odium_music/sets/burning-the-bridges-to/
Free Downloads
Insomnia – http://yearofthesun.bandcamp.com/track/odium-insomnia
Identity of The Doomed – http://yearofthesun.bandcamp.com/track/odium-identity-of-the-doomed
Music Videos
‘At The Bottom’ – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ad09pJ8vT84
‘Populations Zero’ – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78W6j1rZp8s
0 Toronto Metal Music Examiner – Vesperia rocks first show after name change
0 Extreme Television – Interview w/ New Jacobin Club
0 Valley of Steel – Free Music Alert: Now You Can Download Vesperia’s Whole Demo for FREE
0 SkullsnBones.com – Review – Tribune – Elder lore / The Dark Arts
0 Balcony TV – Matt Track
0 H.M.M.A.C. Newsletter – June 2012 – Canuck Metal United
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Hey Metal Heads!
Welcome to our headbanging newsletter. We’re glad to hear from all of you and proud to bring Canadian Metal from across the provinces and territories to you.
In the news from H.M.M.A.C.
Congratulations to Montreal metal bands Dark Centuryand Hollow who were named the winners of this year’s En Route Heavy MTL battle of the bands that was presented by Dungeonworks Productions and Evenko on Friday, June 8th at Théâtre Corona. Both bands will now go on to play Heavy MTL with Dark Century scheduled to perform on Saturday, August 11th and Hollow on Sunday, August 12th at Parc Jean-Drapeau.
The final round was judged by a panel of local music industry representatives that included members of VOIVOD, members of Kataklysm, Jason Rockman (Slaves on Dope), Mikey Heppner (Priestess), Mike Metal (CHOM 97.7FM), Jon Asher (Asher Media Relations/H.M.M.A.C.) & Daniel Glick of Evenko/Heavy MTL.
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H.M.M.A.C. and Loudtrax.com will be unleashing Canuck Metal Volume 2 on July 1st (Canada Day). We would like to thank all the bands who submitted their tracks.
Here is the track listing with more to be added by Loudtrax.com
Arapacis – End of The Line
Crisis Kings – Glutton
Forbidden Sin – Man Down
Hollow – Sunriser
Hymnosis – How Dare You
Makaria – Spire
Nephelium – Merciless Annihilation
Project Mars – Don’t Hold Back
Sanktuary – Raise The Flag
New Jacobin Club – My Smile
The Void – If Ya Can’t Beat ‘Em (Detour ‘Em)
Trainwreck Architect – Dream Pariah
Tribune – The Succubus
Wolven Ancestry – The Animistic Awakening
Free download of Canuck Metal Vol.1 is currently available at the following link here. Promo code = HMMAC
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Check out these spotlighted bands.
If you are an artist or member of a group and would like to be featured in our spotlight, please send us your band’s information, as well as any relevant links (Myspace, music video, etc) so we may showcase your work in our newsletters and our Youtube channel.
Unleash The Archers – New Music Video – General of The Dark Army
Urban Aliens – New Music Video – Wall of Desh
Fatality – New Fan Video – Weekly Challenge 2 – Silly Walk Video Contest
Wolven Ancestry – New Music Video – March Forth Under Tortured Skies
All Else Fails – Web Series – Breaking Acclaim – Eps 1 –Kanye West Is Still A Giant Douche
Titans Eve – Album Preview – ‘Life Apocalypse’ – Free T-Shirt w/ Pre Order
Virulys – Live Video – Endless World
Valfreya – Music Video – Inferno
Teach Her Treason – New Song – Unkind
Korpius – Music Video – Awaking Terror
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Need a Music Video?
Check out these video companies
FadeBack Studios United (Edmonton)
Need Recording Services?
Dreamsound Studio (Hamilton, Ontario) Contact: Chris Rhodes dreamsound@sympatico.ca
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Burnt Offerings (CJLO 1690AM – Montreal) –Interview w/ Cannibal Corpse Drummer Paul Mazurkiewicz
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Events
June 11-17 – Toronto, ON – NXNE 2012
June 14 – Toronto, ON – NXNE – Grimskunk @ Bovine Sex Club
June 15-16 – Montebello, QC – D-Tox Rockfest
June 15 – Toronto, ON – Hard Luck Bar – Vesperia (Live DVD Filming)
June 23 – Montreal, QC – Slaves On Dope, Diemonds, Chainsaw Armageddon
June 23 – Toronto, ON – Entropy (CD Release)
July 17 – Medicine Hat Metal Fest
July 20-21-22 – Mandeville, QC – Hellfest Lanaudiere
July 20-21 – Armstrong, BC – Armstrong Metalfest
Aug 11-12 – Montreal, QC – Heavy MTL
Aug 11-12 – Toronto, ON – Heavy TO
Aug 17 – Montreal, QC – Automan
Aug 24-25-26 – Mascouche, QC – CMF3 Camping @ FULLPADGE 2012
Sept 28 -29 – Calgary, AB – Noctis V Metal Fest & Conference
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About HMMAC: HMMAC is dedicated to supporting established and upcoming talent in the Heavy Metal genre and its subgenres and promoting the overall practice of music. The Association will also help with promotional tour support, informing its members of grant support and new and upcoming information concerning the ever evolving music industry of today. We will be representing our Association through Trade Shows, Conferences and Seminars, and our own events.
Drop us an email at HMMACanada@gmail.com
We’re looking for the following:
– concert listings
– metal news
– events to sponsor
– submissions for HMMAC featured Band / Industry Rep.
– submissions for Loudtrax.com – Free Downloads
And please let people know they can sign up to our newsletter at this link – Signup –http://hmmac.fanbridge.com/
Canadian Metal News
Concert Listings
Toronto
Montreal
Vancouver
Trampled Under Hoof Productions
Calgary
Edmonton
Winnipeg
Ottawa
Regina / Saskatoon
East Coast Canada (Halifax, Fredericton, Moncton)
Canadian Labels
Consulting Firms
Booking Agents
Grant Deadlines
(Money$$$)
FACTOR Tour Support
May 24, August 23, November 29
FACTOR Showcase Support
May 3, July 19, October 11
FACTOR Juried Sound Recording and Demo Grants
June 28, November 1
CIRAA Groundbreaker Grant
10th of each month
0 EPK – Matt Blais
MATT BLAIS
Tour Dates | MattBlaisMusic.com | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube | Reverbnation | Soundcloud | CBC 3 | SIN Agency
Release Date: Feb 26, 2013
LABEL: Self-Release
DISTRIBUTION: TBA
CATOLOG #: TBA
UPC CODE #: TBA
ISRC Codes: CA0UV1200001 through CA0UV1200010
Contact: PR Rep – Jon Asher – ashermedia(@)gmail.com
Radio Tracking: Barbara Pavone – radiotrackingashermedia(@)gmail.com
Management & Booking Agent: Leanne Harrison – leanne(@)sinagency.ca
RIYL = Sam Roberts, Matt Mays, The Arkells, The Trews, Joel Plaskett, Wide Mouth Mason, Big Sugar, Sloan, Tragically Hip
“Frontman Matt Blais knows how to work a crowd and he is far from afraid of showing off his talents.” – The Scene Magazine (Live Review – Indie Week 2013)
“Over the past five years, Matt Blais has been generating a catalogue of material that is both emotive and relatable. His passionate live performances demonstrate eagerness to create heartfelt songs and nowhere is more evident than on his newest album, The Heartbeat, where a poetic personality fuses with growing life experience.” – Beatroute AB
“The name Matt Blais is a familiar one to those in the Calgary, Alberta music scene. Well known as talented and respected musician, Matt likes to break musical moulds, mixing rock, blues and soul for a sound all his own…I sat with what might be described as a “perma-grin” as he effortlessly played to every person in the room that night. A natural born entertainer, Matt is the real deal, and if it’s an entertainer you’re looking for all you have to do is follow The Heartbeat.” – The Portal Magazine
“…he is rock ‘n’ roll. And has been for some time, now, becoming a fave staple on the western Canadian scene, fronting his melodic barroom blues rock band, that calls on the jukebox of classic rock influences – many of who are in said club (the 27 club) – while making it distinctively his own.
“I’m not looking to revolutionize any genre,” Blais says simply. “I love rock ‘n’ roll songs.”
And crowds have shown him a great deal of love over the past several years, with Blais and band packing rooms across the Prairies and gaining notoriety by performing during Calgary’s Juno Fest shows in 2008 and winning local talent showcases such as the AMP Radio Rockstar competition.
That success, he says, has nudged him to step his game up, as a performer and songwriter, which he thinks he’s done with his latest release The Heartbeat,” – Calgary Herald
“Blais uses heavily-charged emotional lyrics as well as a gritty band behind him to produce a blues-slash-rock sounds, which has been commended by many local media sources. His sound is highlighted by a sometimes raspy voice, which helps to fill the total appearance of the band.” – Grande Prairie Herald
“Matt’s newest release, “The Heartbeat”, is packed with emotionally driven rock and roll that possesses a nostalgic presence that will fill the listener’s head with a sound that is not usually found in today’s music scene…What makes him and this song (Running) unique is his ability to create a vintage sound that is of his own with lyrics that fully compliment the song as a whole. Matt instantly catches the listener’s ear with an addictive chorus.” – Emurg.com
“The boy has a confident presence on stage and certainly rejoices in the reality that to perform is to share a beautiful experience with your audience.” – Red On Black Music
“A great album that listens well.” – Quebec Daily Rock
“Matt sais également faire de très bonne balade avec de petits relents des Rolling Stones avec All I’ve Got to Lose. La chanson Looking At You Now me fait penser à Runaway Train du groupe Soul Alysum, mais il n’y a pas seulement des ballades sur The Heartbeat, on y retrouve également du bon rock bien énergique avec Get Out avec une excellente section rythmique, mais aussi avec I Wanna Love You” – Quebec Daily Rock
“His high energy set was a definite crowd pleaser, and everyone was up out of their seats for the entire performance. With a voice reminiscent of The Cat Empire (minus the accent), Blais powered through his rock songs, and showed his ability to go in a bluesy direction, with accompanying harmonica, that really brings out the grit in his vocals. Keeping with the theme of the opening acts, Blais brought in a cover of “Are You Gonna Go My Way” by Lenny Kravitz that was thundering, with good horn additions to make it his own. He transitioned smoothly to Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition“, but a version that was slower, harder and very slick. Next, a cover of Franz Ferdinand’s “Take Me Out“, full of the same joy and energy that Blais showed with the rest of the set, highlighting the great new material on the release. Fans eagerly streamed to the merch table, securing their own copy, which came free with paid entrance to the show.” – Live Review – YYC Music Calgary
Blankfest Calgary CBC Interview – http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2012/11/04/calgary-blankfest-blanket-mustard-seed.html
“Matt’s voice is entirely unique, and really fits into his old-style rock and roll music edge. If you are into classic rock, or just like a unique voice and refreshing style, his music is for you!” – Calgary Music Blog – CMB: The Calgary Music Scene
“And, Matt Blais…great voice and the band is very tight. What’s not to love?” – The Big Rock Blog – Tapped In
“Firmly rooted in many of the genres that Matt Blais incorporates into his music, his raspy yet refined vocals point each song in the direction it was originally intended.” – Phylicia Tran – Spun – The Gauntlet
1. Running
2. Guilty Heart
3. Headed Back to You
4. Goodbye Sunshine
5. All I’ve Got to Lose
6. Looking At You Now
7. Always
8. Get Out
9. I Wanna Love You
10. Set the City On Fire
• All songs performed by: Matt Blais
• All songs written by: Matt Blais
Except:
Running- Matt Blais and Sean Peters
Looking At You Now – Matt Blais and Nicholas Dourado
Set The City on Fire – Matt Blais and Jay Semko
• Produced by: Matt Blais
• Mixed by: Johnny Gasparic
• Mastered by: Johnny Gasparic
• Single released: RUNNING
• Available on: BandCamp
Matt Blais – Vocals, Guitar and Harmonica – (Photo Credit – Jenn Five) [Download – High Res Press Photo]
BIO:
Matt Blais isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel; he is just finding a new way to roll it.
Today, emotional music seems to be an art form that has gone the way of an ancient cave drawing, it still exists, but you have to know where to look.
A cutting edge artist, Matt Blais combines elements of fiery rock and roll with smooth vintage soul to form a sound so uniquely his own that one can’t help but become emotionally charged. The combination of a high energy live show and a passion for song writing is Blais’ formula for success, which thus far has been very well received by critics and the audiences that continue to grow in number.
His debut record, “Let It Out” is produced by Juno nominated all-star Canadian producer Mark Howard whose discography reads like a veritable who’s who of Canada’s finest musical talents. This includes artists such as The Tragically Hip, Sam Roberts, Avril Lavigne, The Wailin’ Jennys and Daniel Lanois, to name a few.
“Each footstep brings me closer to you” rasps Blais in his new single currently being played across Canada “(Oh!) What Can I Do?”. . . and only time will tell where his steps will take lead. With a recipe like this however, you can be sure they’re heading in the right direction.
Past Festival & Tours
2013 – Calgary Stampede
2013 – The Heartbeat Tour – Cross Canada Tour
2010 – “Blow a Tire” Western Canadian Tour
2010 – “Blow a Hose Western Canadian Tour
2009 – Big Valley Jamboree w/ Troy Kokol, Myrol, The Wheatpool
2008 – Monster Truck Rally @ Stampede Grandstand
2006 – Australian Tour (no name)
Shared the stage with:
• Charlie Winston
• The Great Bloomers
• K-OS
• The Dudes
• Michael Bernard Fitzgerald
• Lindsay Ell
• The Watchmen
Accomplishments
2008 – Big Rock Star Talent Competition Winner
2008 – Juno Fest Performer
2009 – Big Rock UNTAPPED Artist
#5 on Top 50 – CJSW 90.9FM (Calgary, AB) – May 11, 2010
#1 on Folk Chart – CJSW 90.9FM (Calgary, AB) – May 11, 2010
Discography
2013 – The Heartbeat
2010 – Let It Out
2008 – EP – The Matt Blais Connection
Let It Out
Release Date: Mar 5, 2010
LABEL: Self-Released
DISTRIBUTION: Indiepool
CATOLOG #: MBM2010
UPC CODE #: N/A
ISRC Codes: CA0UV0900001 – CA0UV0900011
• All songs performed by: Matt Blais
• All songs written by: Matt Blais except:
• Back to Life – Matt Blais & Jay Semko,
• If It’s Love that You Need – Matt Blais & Sean Peters,
• Let It Out – Matt Blais & Troy Kokol
• Produced by: Mark Howard
• Mixed by: Mark Howard
• Mastered by: Gavin Lurssen
• Single released: Back to Life (campus radio stations cross Canada)
• Available on: iTunes, Bandcamp, Amazon, HMV
1. I’m in Love
2. Beautiful Thing
3. (Oh!) What Can I Do
4. If It’s Love That You Need
5. So Far Away
6. Seller of the Sound
7. Amphibious
8. Take Care of You
9. Time
10. Back to Life
11. Let It Out
2008 – The Matt Blais Connection EP
The Matt Blais Connection EP
Release Date: Aug 12, 2008
LABEL: Self-Released
DISTRIBUTION: CD BABY
UPC CODE #: 884501018555
1. (Oh!) What Can I Do?
2. Amphibious
3. Beautiful Thing
4. Time
5. My Lady Friend
6. The Boy
• All songs performed by: Matt Blais
• All songs written by: Matt Blais
• Produced by: Derek Sylwestrzak/ Matt Blais
• Mixed by: Derek Sylwestrzak
• Mastered by: Derek Sylwestrzak
• Available on: CD Baby, Amazon
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