Retrovision: Blue Peter - Don't Walk Past

Blue Peter's video for the song "Don't Walk Past" has been remastered in 2021, and the new version is now available on YouTube. Originally released in 1983, the song was part of their second album, Falling. Interestingly, this video marked the first appearance of a Canadian indie label video on MTV in the U.S.

Retrovision: Boys Brigade - Melody

 "Melody" was one of the two single releases for the Canadian New Wave band Boys Brigade. It was released in 1983 and it was also featured on the band's debut and only album which was never reissued.

Preoccupations Announce New Album for March

Preoccupations have announced the release of a brand new Album, simply called 'New Material' which will be a direct follow up to their marvelous self titled sophomore album which was our Album of the Year in 2016. The band released their debut album as Viet Cong in 2015.

The expectations are huge even for this new release. The first single from the album has been revealed as well and it is titled "Espionage". 'New Material' is announced to be released on March 23rd on Jagjaguwar.

http://preoccupationsband.com/

Next Wave: LEATHERS

LEATHERS is the anticipated collaboration between Vancouver visual artist/vocalist, Shannon Hemmett and producer/songwriter, Jason Corbett from Actors who we have been following since their formation and debut release "Nightlife" in 2012. LEATHERS took format in 2015 and by now they have released two singles. "Day for Night" is seductive, melancholic and the female vocals are beautifully delivered against the moody cold synths. "Missing Scene" reveals a bit different style where the guitars create a ground for very atmospheric shoegazing sound. It will be interesting to see in what direction their music will develop further. 

https://leathersmusic.bandcamp.com

Next Wave: Kaade

Kaade is a Belgrade-born, Toronto-based electronic music producer and singer. Her debut release, 'Encounter with Power', explores themes of outsider culture, masculinity and power dynamics. Composed between Berlin and Toronto, the four track EP layers frosty synths over pulsing rhythms, crafting her own style of dark and danceable pop. Kaade made her live debut in 2016 and has since shared the stage with a wide range of artists; from Black Marble to Inga Copeland. 

https://kaade.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/clubkaade
 

Photo by Nadia Khashan

In Conversation: Violence

Earlier this month we posted a special feature where we introduced the Canadian Visage Musique in our label spot. Out of the great line up of artist we would like to present you Violence. Based in Montreal and on Visage Musique since 2013, when they released their debut EP, Violence have developed their own unique electronic music formula. Their sound reflects an aesthetic of a discourse where no additional description is needed, words are shapes, music is the ultimate medium of expression. This year they released their enigmatic debut album 'Erlebnis' which is one of our top records in 2014. Ahead of their small tour which starts this October, here a small interview with the band.
Hear the words, experience their music, sense Violence.

 1. There is hardly any info about Violence on the internet. Are you trying to keep your musical profile low-'fi' and does the music as the main result tell the story of Violence or is there something more you would like to tell us about yourself? 
 V: We do indeed wish that the music retains a strong enough narrative value so that it can speak by itself. A type of discourse that we find interesting is the dialogue between the listeners and the music, which we think should be free of contamination from our own interpretation.

 2. The music of Violence reveals some great electronic shapes. What influenced your music the most and looking into future, what would be your vision in music? 
 V: Nice that you refer to a certain visual aspect of sound, which has been a driving force in this project since its initiation. We often accompany our live performances with visuals made of shapes and pictograms that we draw ourselves image by image on a very primitive device. It would be too long to enumerate our musical influences, but let's just say that we appreciate "la beauté baroque", past and future.

 3. You released your debut album ‘Erlebnis’ this year on Visage Musique. It is certainly one of our favorite music albums here on Burning Flame for this year. Were you approached by the label and if yes, did this label have any influence on your musical style? 
 V: Thank you. Yes Visage Musique previously released our self-titled EP in 2013, which they probably heard through mutual friends. The aesthetics of Violence already suited well that of VM, which is quite broad but at the same time nicely coherent we think.

 4. How would you describe your musical style on ‘Erlebnis’ and why did you pick the German name as the album title? Is the term ‘Violence’ in any aspect related to your music? 
 V: "Erlebnis" has several meanings; our intent was to refer to the inner experience of listening to music, i.e. its psychedelic properties. This inner experience is seldom quiet - the name Violence is no stranger to that.

 5. Do you hang out and tour together with other artists from Visage Musique?
 V: VM is a collaborative effort by great people driven by the love of music and the urgency to facilitate its diffusion. We often find ourselves playing and attending the same concerts and events in Montréal.

 6. Can you share some impressions from your first live performances, how was the energy, atmosphere in general? 
 V: Around 2010 we left Canada to establish ourselves in Oxford UK, that's where we started composing music as Violence. We've played our first concerts in loft parties when returning temporarily to Montreal. The atmosphere was quite unique, with friends doing performance art, video projections, etc... Almost everyone attending these parties would have prepared some kind of performance, making those dancing nights very unique and inspiring.

 7. How good are you in remixing music, any plans of doing some remixes for other artists. Do you also do DJ shows? 
 V: We sometimes do remixes, which can be refreshing. We DJ in private parties but up to now never had the time to really invest in this art.

 8. What music are you listening to when you are not recording your own? 
 V: We listen to a lot of music composed by our friends, including Automelodi, Low Factor, Ambrose, as well as some who don’t have any desire to make it public.

 9. What was the first record you bought with your own money? Is it still with you? 
 V: Eric: I bought “Sigue sigue sputnik - Flaunt it!” when I was around 10 years old, which was one of my first contacts with electronic music. I still have it but to be honest it very rarely lands on my turntable...

 10. What are the future plans for Violence, further releases, tours outside Canada? Europe maybe? V: We'll be doing a short European tour at the end of October, really looking forward to it. We'll be releasing new material in January, but may leak a song or two by then.

 11. Where can fans gain access to your music?
 V: Vinyls on VM: http://visagemusique.tumblr.com/
Digital on bandcamp: http://violence.bandcamp.com/
News/shows: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Violence/182111595174108

Very special thanks to Eric Trottier for this interview!

Label Spot: Visage Musique

There was this wonderful Gold Zebra song I discovered few years back which led me to its mother label. You can see that I'm referring to Visage Musique, one of the finest record labels in Canada. Based in Montreal, the label was probably established in 2010 and since then, it has released material of very distinctive synth driven electronic sound. Best known for Brusque Twins and Gold Zebra who share the history with the label and are there since its launch. Visage Musique certainly is the Face of the Montreal's electronic music scene and I'm sure there are more synth pop artists lined up and waiting to be heard. One of my personal favorite from VM's catalog certainly is Violence who released their debut album this year. 

They will join us for an exclusive interview this month. Stay tuned!

http://www.visagemusique.com

Dead Wax Records to Release Kinetic Ideals' This Face EP

Deadwax Records have announced the release of Kinetic Ideals "This Face" 12" EP. Recorded after almost 30 years, the EP will feature the three session tracks, plus an additional song recorded at Toronto's Manta Sound studios later in the winter of 1985. They have been digitized from the original master tapes by Peter J. Moore of Cowboy Junkies' The Trinity Session fame, carefully remastered by Nicolás Zúñiga of Dead Wax Records and sound just great with all their original analogue glory. Patrick Duffy plays the drums here but has also designed the whole artwork for the release, which is presented in gorgeous clear vinyl, housed in a heavy matt finish sleeve with printed inner sleeve. A short run of 420 copies for worldwide distribution.

http://www.deadwaxrecords.es/releases_kineticideals_this_face.php

Next Wave: Footprintz

Footprintz is a Canadian synth-pop duo from Montreal consisting of Addy Weitzman and Clarian North. A month ago the duo released their debut album 'Escape Yourself' which is a great collection of electro-pop songs influenced by decade's finest. From the steely dance floor grooves to the dreamy synth pop imagery, 'Escape Yourself' is there to put you in the right mood. 

The album is out now and it is available on Visionquest. 

www.vquest.tv/
https://www.facebook.com/Footprintz
https://soundcloud.com/footprintz

Next Wave: Gold Zebra

Gold Zebra is a Montreal based electro pop duo consisting of Julie (Vocals) and JP Richard (Synthesizers). The duo is active since 2010 when they released their debut EP on Visage Musique. Their music combines dark tones with melodic electro beats and seduces you with late night disco melancholia. The duo is currently working on their debut album which is announced for release in spring. Take a listen to Gold Zebra on Bandcamp and check out their official FB page for updates. 

In Conversation: Actors (Jason Corbett)

As promised, we bring you more news about the Canadian retro outfit Actors. Last month we featured the video for their brilliant single "Nightlife" and we wanted to find out more about the band and got in touch with the lead singer Jason Corbett. Here is what Jason told us about his band, inspiration and influences and their plans in music in 2013.

 

Ceramic Hello- 'The Absence of a Canary' Reissue

Ceramic Hell's classic album 'The Absence of a Canary' has been reissued by Suction Records. The duo was formed in 1980 after the former member of Spoons joined forces with Roger Humphreys to produce at that time a very obscure and avantgarde minimal-synth album. Ceramic Hello made their debut in 1980 with the single “Climatic Nouveaux” and the album followed a year later in 1981. The German label Vinyl on Demand reissued the album in 2006 and it was sold out. Despite not being the first official reissue of the LP, it is the first time it will be reissued in its original single-LP format, with the original artwork. It is also the first time that the LP will be reissued in CD / digital download format. 

www.suctionrecords.com
 

Spoons- 'Arias and Symphonies'- 30th Anniversary Edition

Arias and Symphonies, the second album by the Canadian new wave/synth pop pioneers Spoons has been reissued for the first time. 'Arias and Symphonies' was originally released in 1982 and it was one of the ground breaking records for the Canadian music industry. To celebrate its 30th Anniversary, Sparks Music/Ready Records have created a special edition of the album - available now for sale on iTunes. This special iTunes exclusive version features a complete one hour live concert which was recorded at the El Mocambo in Toronto back in 1982. 

http://www.sparksmusic.com/spoons 

Rational Youth and YUL Records Are Back!

The original YUL Records is back and celebrating it's 30th Anniversary with the return of Rational Youth whose original three members Tracy Howe, Bill Vorn & Kevin Komoda are back together and recording again. Back as well are Monty Cantsin, in the flesh and as a virtual apparition, Cham-pang. These are the three artists that started a Montreal electro-pop revolution! Joining them are new artists Derek Falls and Truth Division. The label YUL (aviation code for Montreal) is also back with original (d)istributor UNIDISC, who were incredibly instrumental in our success during the 80s.

 In early 1981, it only took a call from Tracy Howe armed with a freshly recorded demo, played over the phone to local scene maker & record store owner Marc De Mouy, to officially launch the YUL Records brand. Along with the self proclaimed motor mouth Pyer Desrochers, and disco producer Pat Deserio, this group of renegades carved out a slice of Montreal musical history by releasing such influential records as Rational Youth's debut LP "Cold War Night Life", Monty Cantsin's "Neoist Songs" and Cham-pang's "Tantum Ergo" which are all now regarded as 80's classics and vinyl collectables.

Now 30 years later we are putting together a series of very special limited edition extended play "CD EPs" priced as CD Singles all with 6 or more tracks and bonus tracks never previously available and brand new recordings. To complete the set of releases a full-length debut CD album from Truth Division. Later in 2012 we will start issuing special vinyl products such as a Collectors 180 Gram Audiophile 30th Anniversary Edition of "Cold War Night Life" and more vinyl 7 & 12 inches form our 80's vault and new recordings from the 21st century.

Follow the link to find out more about the first batch of releases will be available at the finest record stores across Canada, USA and Europe.

http://www.yulrecords.ca/merchandise.php

Images In Vogue

Images in Vogue formed in April 1981 when Don Gordon And Gary Smith joined together with Kevin Crompton and Joe Vizvary. The four came together out of common interests in synthesizer-based music and the many types of post-punk experimental music coming from England.

Rather than playing in bars around Vancouver, the band decided to concentrate on writing and recording. By September 1981, Images in Vogue (IIV) had released two well-received 5-song demos to college radio and local DJs. The band found Dale Martindale through mutual friends, and the band's line-up was complete. Images in Vogue's first Canadian tour started in January 1983 and continued until May 1983, climaxing with opening slots with Depeche Mode in Toronto and Roxy Music in Edmonton and Vancouver. During the tour, band generated record company interest, and in March 1983 IIV were signed to Warner's Canada. The band's first major label release was a self-titled EP containing remixes of "Lust For Love" and "For Germans" and re-recordings of "Masks", "Breaking Up", and "Just Like You". After a final show in November 1991 at the Opera House in Toronto, the band unofficially ended as members went on to other projects

In 1994, IIV’s first compilation CD, Collection, was released on SPG records. The CD featured extended mixes of many songs as well as remixes and unreleased tracks from 1982 and 1986. Through the nineties, IIV songs appeared on many eighties compilation albums.

In October 2002, after years of fan requests, IIV reunited for a concert at Toronto’s Opera House. They reunited again in Vancouver on August 2004 for a concert at the Commodore Ballroom and filmed a video for "Look Me in the Eye" later that year. A new collection of rarities is expected in late 2005 entitled Evolution and there is hope for another video to be shot.