Ryan Setton of The Holds on Recording Juke, the Band’s Development and the Montreal Scene
Montreal’s The Holds are a band inspired by the greats and their local contemporaries. Frontman Ryan Setton cites classic R&B artists like Otis Redding and Stevie Wonder, classic rock acts such as The Animals and Led Zeppelin and local acts like John Jacob Magistry and The Damn Truth among the band’s influences. “When we approach […]
Dawn McSweeney on Writing, Montreal, Narrative Structure and The Hills We Climb By Accident
Dawn McSweeney has been writing for years: short stories, poetry, even some journalistic pieces for this very site. Now, she has finished and published her first novel, The Hills We Climb By Accident. “The story lent itself to the length of a novel,” McSweeney said in a phone interview, “I started writing it with the […]
Pride 2018: Demystifying Queerness and Sexuality – Talking Dog Productions Presents The History of Sexuality
The History of Sexuality is a play that is going to make you uncomfortable, but the reasons it will are the very reasons why you should see it. Following a successful run at the Mainline theater in September 2017, it was selected as part of Pride 2018’s programming. Playwright, director, and producer Dane Stewart set […]
The CAQ Aren’t Different, They’re Just the Bigots Some Anglos Don’t Have to Fear
It’s one of those headlines that sounds great: “Anglos, it’s time to get over the 1995 Quebec referendum.” Yes, it is. Glad The Montreal Gazette finally realized it. However, the paper’s Facebook plug of the op-ed revealed what guest opinion writer Lise Ravary only got to at the end of her piece. That fear of […]
Mtl Pride 2018: An History Lesson Wrapped in a Sincere Portrayal of Queer Intimacy – Brave New Productions Presents Gently Down the Stream
I had no idea what to expect when I entered the Mainline Theatre to see Brave New Productions’ staging of the Martin Sherman play Gently Down the Stream. I knew that the play was part history lesson, telling the history of the persecution of gays in the United States, but I had no idea what […]
Osheaga 2018 Day Three
Day 3 of Osheaga seemed like any other. Folks both young and old lining up for the attractions in between the long awaited sets of their favourite artists. The atmosphere was jolly, friendly and exciting. There was much to be entertained with and everyone seemed delightfully entangled with the surrounding crowds and atmosphere. With seesaws, […]
Pride 2018: Playwright Dane Stewart Talks Queerness, Sexuality and Power Dynamics in his play The History of Sexuality
Montreal Pride is upon us and with it tons of amazing entertainment! Whether you like drag shows, workshops, films, plays, or parties, Pride has something for everyone, all it requires is that you have an open mind and not be a bigot. The History of Sexuality is one of Pride 2018’s many theatrical offerings. It […]
Osheaga 2018 Day Two
Even with 95% humidity day two of Osheaga was still was packed, energetic affair. As we arrived this afternoon, it was hard not get swept up in the crowds of kids singing “Ole, Ole, Ole, oh LEY!” It really set the tone of what Osheaga is all about; swarms of people heading off island to […]
Osheaga 2018 Day One
A day at Osheaga is like a rollercoaster. It’s fast, crowded and constantly in movement. The key, just like a roller coaster, is to stay focused on the spot right in front of you and keep your wits about you. It’s impossible to do everything and trying will result in truly doing nothing. Instead pick […]
Osheaga in the #MeToo Era
Summertime is peak festival season. This is supposed to be a fun, exciting time of year when you get to see some of your favourite artists or discover new ones. But for others, festival season can also mean an increased period of unwanted sexual advances. Despite the heightened awareness surrounding these issues due to the […]
Osheaga 2018: Four More Acts to Check Out
On Friday Osheaga returns to Parc Jean Drapeau for three days of music, art and general fun in the sun. As a result, we at FTB have been putting together our lists of performances we’re most looking forward to see. Yesterday Stephanie Laughlin put out her list of top choices, today it’s my turn. It’s […]
Five Bands I’m Looking Forward to Discovering at Osheaga This Year
Osheaga, the popular music festival which comes rolling into Montreal every August, is upon us yet again. Anyone who’s taken a gander at the schedule is likely pumped for all the major acts showing up; who wouldn’t want to see Blondie, Florence and the Machine, or the Yeah Yeah Yeahs perform? And while I’ll definitely […]