EAST COAST OVERTURE Music from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and PEI rock indie folk alternative acoustic garage new wave emo ska shoegaze jazz and experiMENTAL

Hello and welcome to East Coast Overture, a music website dedicated to promoting musicians from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and PEI. This site also serves as a place where writers and photographers from the Atlantic provinces (and, while the site gets itself sorted out, the rest of Canada) can write about their favorite bands and see their work published. So, click on ECO Radio and listen to some great East Coast bands/singers while you surf the site. Email me if you have any comments, questions or suggestions.

2010 Music PEI Awards! by Jillianne Hamilton
The 2010 Music PEI Awards are upon us! Included in this year's list of nominees are Two Hours Traffic, The Sidewalks and Milks and Rectangles. (Continue reading...)

Review: Caledonia - We Are America by Brendan MaGee
This latest record has been described as message to those of us in the great white north who are quick to poke fun at our neighbours to the south. We Are America is a broad endeavour, both musically and conceptually. (Continue reading...)

Review: Acres and Acres - All Nations by Chris Dowbiggin
This is the kind of album that when heard, the listener feels the same effect as opening up a collection of short stories.
(Continue reading...)

Movies With Killer Soundtracks IV by Jillianne Hamilton
This is a special edition of Movies With Killer Soundtracks. Music of Sixties is simply incredible and really changed everything. Here are 3 soundtracks to 3 great films, Forrest Gump, Taking Woodstock and Pirate Radio. (Continue reading...)

Vinyl collecting: What’s Old is New Again by Jillianne Hamilton
Some people collect stamps and coins. Pat Deighan considers record-collecting a noble hobby. "I would rather have a large vinyl collection to flip through then a bunch of CDs any day,” he said. (Continue reading...)

Review: Racoon Bandit - Campcraft by Ryan Conway
After listening to Campcraft, the debut album from PEI’s own Racoon Bandit, I can’t help but feel a tad disappointed- only because it left me wanting more. (Continue reading...)

Review: Kestrels - Primary Colours by Jarrett Arsenault
I hate to come right out and say it, but pop-rock shouldn’t ever be accompanied by an out of tune guitar. That’s right folks, pop-rock. (Continue reading...)

NS Music Week: Joel Plaskett by Jillianne Hamilton
Joel Plaskett is nominated for 6 awards: Bell Aliant Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, Male Artist Recording, Pop/Rock Artist/Group Recording, SOCAN Songwriter of the Year and Video of the Year for Three, released this year. (Continue reading...)

NS Music Week: Jenn Grant by Jillianne Hamilton
Jenn Grant is nominated for 2 awards: Album of the Year and Female Artist Recording for Echoes, released earlier this year. Echoes is Grant's 2nd full-length album. (Continue reading...)

NS Music Week: Rebekah Higgs by Jillianne Hamilton
Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees are nominated for 2 awards: Alternative Artist/Group Recording, Group Recording, New Artist/Group Recording of the Year and Jazz/Electro/Acoustic Artist/Group Recording. (Continue reading...)

Sloan: Online and Underground by Jillianne Hamilton
Although they've since relocated to Toronto, Sloan is one of the first bands to put Atlantic Canada on the rock-'n-roll map. Chris Murphy answered some questions concerning the band's current stuff and the good old days... (Continue reading...)

Interview: Shotgun Jimmie by Sarah Henderson
Shotgun Jimmie, also known as Jimmie Kilpatrick and one of the past members of Shotgun and Jaybird, is heading out on a European tour. There's something incredibly poetic about leaving Sackville, N.B. behind for the streets of Paris. (Continue reading...)

Tom Fun Nominated for a UK MVA! by Jillianne Hamilton
The above video, "Bottom of the River" from the Tom Fun Orchestra, is nominated for a UK Music Video Award. The video is nominated in the "Best Animation in a Video" category. (Continue reading...)

Review: Christine Crawford - Peacetalks by Joshua Biggley
Christine Crawford’s album does not ask the listener to give too much of themselves but still manages to offer a pleasant, somewhat hypnotic listening experience, perfect the after-dinner, adult conversation crowd. (Continue reading...)

Review: Alert The Medic - We, The Weapon by Ryan Conway
The verses of these songs can be so catchy– you may find yourself singing along. Even if you are in an office setting. Not that I have ever done that. (Continue reading...)

Review: Two Hours Traffic - Territory by Chris Dowbiggin
While Two Hours Traffic still pledges allegiance to their signature upbeat, euphoric east coast indie rock sound, there are hidden surprises within their new record Territory. (Continue reading...)

Polaris Judges: Opinions & Temptation by Jillianne Hamilton
Bob Mersereau has covered east coast music for CBC, The Coast, The Telegraph-Journal and has appeared on Morningside and Sounds Like Canada. And this year, he's a member of the Polaris Music Prize grand jury. (Continue reading...)

Review: The Danks - Are You Afraid Of The Danks? by Amanda Blakeney
From start to finish, the recently released Are You Afraid of the Danks? by Charlottetown’s The Danks is jam-packed with upbeat, no-nonsense melodies that will appease your ears– all the while reminding you of a summer road-trip. (Continue reading...)

Review: Dog Day - Concentration by Justen Andrews
The opening track of Dog Day's full-length, sophomore release, is a hard hitter. The fat guitar chords, monotone vocals and Joy Division rhythm..., would make even the stalest music snob bob their head. (Continue reading...)

Review: The Sidewalks - Better Late Than Never by Jillianne Hamilton
I saw The Sidewalks perform live (for the first time, anyway) at the very beginning of this year. And ever since, I've been looking forward to the release of... (Continue reading...)

David Myles: Minstrel & Poet by Jillianne Hamilton
After seeing David Myles perform recently (and, thus, becoming a fan immediately), I decided that East Coast Overture needed (nay, deserved) to feature a Q&A with this charming fellow from New Brunswick. So, here it is. (Continue reading...)

Review: Milks & Rectangles - Civic Virtues by Jillianne Hamilton
The Charlottetown music scene fails to disappoint me. Another stellar album from a PEI band has been released onto the streets, its groovy beats permeating into the red soil. This album is Civic Virtues, the debut release of Milks and Rectangles. (Continue reading...)

You Are Love Sick, There Ain't No Cure by Jillianne Hamilton
I came across this video this morning (11:30 a.m. is still considered morning, right?) and thought I'd share it on the site. Jill Barber's album Chances... (Continue reading...)

The Top 100 Canadian Albums by Jillianne Hamilton
Published in 2007, The Top 100 Canadian Albums by Bob Mersereau is a collection of album descriptions, each one about a different Canadian album and why it deserves to be on the list. (Continue reading...)

Review: Carleton Stone Drives The Big Wheel - Carleton Stone Drives The Big Wheel by Ryan Conway
The self-titled debut album from Nova Scotia rockers, Carleton Stone Drives the Big Wheel offers a solid blend of rock and maritime flavour. The Sydney natives have only been together since last July and the fact that they have managed to work together as well as they do and to progress so quickly is nothing short of impressive. (Continue reading...)

Review: Chris Kirby - Vampire Hotel by Ryan Conway
I have just finished listening to Chris Kirby & The Marquee’s sophomore album, Vampire Hotel, and I have to say that Kirby has left me with a difficult task in reviewing this album. Why? (Continue reading...)

Interview: Chad Peck of Noyes Records by Jillianne Hamilton
Chad Peck, an active member of the Truro/Halifax music scene, started Noyes Records in 2005. Now, the label is associated with some impressive names: The Got To Get Got, Tomcat Combat and Kestrels- to name a few. (Continue reading...)

Movies With Killer Soundtracks III by Ryan Conway
The second edition of our multi-part series on killer movie soundtracks includes Maximum Overdrive (1986), Mallrats (1995) and Interstella 5555 (2003). (Continue reading...)

Review: Molly Thomason - Through The Static by Jillianne Hamilton
For a debut album, this is certainly an impressive attempt. Antigonish singer/songwriter Molly Thomason doesn't sound like any 14-year-old I've ever heard. Mature, thoughtful lyrics and inviting guitar melodies fill this 11-track record. (Continue reading...)

Kestrels: Where They Are & Where They're Going by Jillianne Hamilton
Three-piece indie rock outfit Kestrels are at it again. Their first full-length album dropped today. (Continue reading...)

Molly Thomason: Not Wasting Any Time by Jillianne Hamilton
I was listening to the East Coast Countdown the other day when Molly Thomason's catchy, romantic pop tune "Kiss Me" came on. Despite her mature, unwavering and easy-on-the-ears vocals, Thomason is only 14. (Continue reading...)

Review: In-Flight Safety - We Are An Empire, My Dear by Justen Andrews
It's been a long time coming for the lads of In-Flight Safety since their 2006 release of The Coast Is Clear. Now they're back with We Are An Empire, My Dear, their third album recorded in the small-town isolation of Fox River. (Continue reading...)

Review: Chris Picco - Ferris Wheel by Jarrett Arsenault
Chris Picco’s Ferris Wheel greets you with a calming, down-stroke, clean guitar sound that reminds me of the persistent individual at your place of work who always seems to be bumming smokes. (Continue reading...)

This Film Should Be Played Loud by Ryan Conway
The Last Waltz (1978) is one of, if not the best, concert film ever made. With great musical performances from such legends as Joni Mitchell, Muddy Waters, Neil Young, The Staples, Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, Eric Clapton, and Ringo Starr among others. All of which have been brought together to celebrate one of the most revered bands to ever come out of Canada, The Band. (Continue reading...)

Joel Plaskett: Beatnik Poetry On The Fly by Jillianne Hamilton
"I drove an hour, Joel, but I'd drive ten for you!!" This was shouted from an eager audience member during the recent performance of Joel Plaskett (ft. David Myles) at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre in Springhill, Nova Scotia. (Continue reading...)

SappyFest: A Weekend of Comradery by Jillianne Hamilton
Well, it's that time of year again, kids. Sackville, NB once again plays host to SappyFest, a music festival for the indie kids who live on vinyl recordings and button-up plaid. (Continue reading...)

Q&A: Leo McKay of The Marvel Stove by Jillianne Hamilton
"You've seen me perform sans shoes, and probably socks, I take it. I don't know. I don't always do that. But if I can, I like to give the audience something visual to think about or to latch onto in a performance. As soon as a fully dressed person walks onstage in bare feet, it gets people's attention." (Continue reading...)

Actually, I Do Miss You, Ruby Jean by Sarah Henderson
I don’t usually make it downtown but last Friday I braved Gottingen Street to make it to Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees play the Marquee (oops! I still have trouble remembering it is called The Paragon now) with Room Doom and Jenocide. (Continue reading...)

How To Choose a Music Player by Jillianne Hamilton
Coca-Cola vs. Pepsi used to be the stand-by debate for the masses. Now the rivalry is between iPods and other mp3 players. (Actually, there is no debate. iPods outsell all other kinds of portable music players by 300%.) (Continue reading...)

Review: Klarka Weinwurm - EP by Jillianne Hamilton
Klarka Weinwurm strums her guitar softly, sings sweetly, writes songs that could be mistaken for poetry and shows all the big boys that girls can do sensitive folk rock too. (Continue reading...)

Review: The Novaks - Things Fall Apart by Jillianne Hamilton
There's something greasy, vintage and very enjoyable about the newest album from Newfoundland rockers, The Novaks. It reminds me of the good old days of rock 'n roll. Y'know, the type that was around before I was born. (Continue reading...)

Rebekah Higgs: Haligonian Pixie by Jillianne Hamilton
Rebekah Higgs has garnered buckets of attention and praise. She's been nominated for Best Female Artist and Best New Artist at the ECMAs. And she's got a voice as smooth and soothing as a glass of chocolate milk. (Continue reading...)

Movies With Killer Soundtracks II by Jillianne Hamilton
The second edition of our multi-part series on killer movie soundtracks includes Twilight (2008), Dan In Real Life (2007) and The Phantom of the Opera (2004). (Continue reading...)

Review: The Got To Get Got - Sahalee by Chris Weaver
Now, I think I should admit before I go on: The Got To Get Got are one of my favourite bands at the moment. Not just out of East Coast bands, but all told. And I absolutely love this album. (Continue reading...)

Review: Myles Deck and the Fuzz - Police Cops by Sarah Henderson
Police Cops is the 2008 EP from a band who goes by Myles Deck and the Fuzz. "Police Cops", a Simpsons reference (I hope!), won me over even before I heard their 3 track EP and I must say, I was not disappointed. (Continue reading...)

Review: Shotgun Jimmie - Still Jimmie by Chris Weaver
Still Jimmie, backed by the guys from Attack in Black and issued as the first release of You've Changed Records, acts as a slight departure from Jim's previous work, but, like the title says, he's still the same Jimmie we've come to know and love. (Continue reading...)

33 People To Follow On Twitter by Jillianne Hamilton
Twitter is a growing online force, taking control of everything it touches. Like The Blob. I resisted Twitter for as long as I could but I too was sucked into the website that is so simple, it's ridiculous. Simple, yet so very addictive. (Continue reading...)

Charlottetown Record Store Owner Plans to Rock Until He’s 80 by Jaclyn Crawford
Deighan is a music guru. He is the manager of a local record shop, which caters to the vinyl and local variety, as well as modern music. He also plays guitar in his band Pat Deighan and the Orb Weavers. (Continue reading...)

Drumming is Almost Spiritual: Allen by Jaclyn Crawford
Thomas Allen has been playing drums since he was 14. Well, according to him, he has been banging on the drums since he was 14 and didn’t start actually playing until about two years after. (Continue reading...)

Music Glossary: A (Very) Abridged Version by Jillianne Hamilton
Not all of us can be music majors- but yet, music lovers come face-to-face with various music terms every day. So, I thought I'd make a basic glossary of music meanings that everyone should know. (Continue reading...)

Review: Bloodsport - Goodbye To The Holy Mountain by Chris Weaver
Halifax's Bloodsport are a fairly recent addition to the Haligonian music scene, making unpretentious rock music under pretentious titles. (Continue reading...)

You Be April Stevens, I’ll Be April Wine by Jillianne Hamilton
My top 12 favorite things featured in Joel Plaskett's new video for "Through and Through and Through". (But seriously. What isn't to love about any of Joel's videos? Come on.) (Continue reading...)

Rock ‘n Roll… and Click? by Jillianne Hamilton
Indaba Music is a new music website that lets musicians from different parts of the world not only meet but also collaborate. Think of Facebook- but exclusive to music lovers. (Continue reading...)

DJ Bones: Always In Photo and Music by Jillianne Hamilton
Necessity is the mother of invention. And, according to Maritime DJ, photographer and music lover Marc Xavier LeBlanc (aka DJ Bones), necessity is how Indie Pop Night all began. (Continue reading...)

Review: Jessica Rhaye - Good Things by Jillianne Hamilton
Some albums remind me of different relationships I've had in my life: friends, family, crushes, everything. Jessica Rhaye's album, Good Things, reminds me of the weather. (Continue reading...)

The Art of Self Promotion: Performers Guide by Alex Maine
This article by industry insider Alex Maine explains the art of self-promotion and how artists can use online tools (like Facebook, Twitter and blogging) to give their career a boost. (Continue reading...)

The Jukebox Musical: Friend or Foe? by Jillianne Hamilton
I watched the film version of Mamma Mia! last night and started thinking about jukebox musicals. A jukebox musical is a stage or film musical that uses previously released popular songs as its musical score. (Continue reading...)

Movies With Killer Soundtracks I by Jillianne Hamilton
The first edition of our multi-part series on killer movie soundtracks includes The Tracey Fragments (2007), Marie Antoinette (2006) and Across The Universe (2007). (Continue reading...)