By Megan Magdalena
A sold-out night at the Vogue Theatre brought Warped Tour memories roaring back.
When producer/musician Michael Kenyon had a client cancel on a recording session he decided to use the last-minute studio time to gather some friends and record a festive track for the holidays. The result kickstarted a new tradition for the Phono Pony frontman who also produces and records other artists from his Phony Records recording studio.
The International Christmas Consortium is a collective of musicians based out of Vancouver, BC which includes Kenyon, Mike Young (Mother Mother), Johnny Andrews (Tegan & Sara), Megan Magdalena (Brat Boy), and others. Their first release, “Merry Christmas (Let’s Buy Some Shit!),” begins as a somber Christmas ballad which culminates as a power-pop rocker rallying against consumerism. It’s short, fun, and all of the money generated by the song will be donated to the St. James Music Academy, a non-profit school in Vancouver pursuing social change by teaching children music.
So when you think you’ve heard enough “Wonderful Christmastime,” think local while supporting a good cause. You can donate directly here, then e-mail your proof of donation to [email protected] and they will send you a free copy of the song.
By Megan Magdalena
A sold-out night at the Vogue Theatre brought Warped Tour memories roaring back.
By Stephan Boissonneault
With There Is Nothing In The Dark That Isn’t There In The Light, the veteran vocalist leans into intimate, searching folk.
By Sam Hendriks
A refined turn toward clarity reveals Melody Prochet at her most grounded and assured.