Basia Bulat at Ottawa Folk Festival – Audio Interview & Radio Shows [Preseason - Update for Sept. 7, 2011]

It was a great opportunity to attend the newly managed Ottawa Folk Festival as the new location was down on Hog’s Back Park. The new site was enormous and accesible compared to Britannia Park, the old site to Folk Fest.
What I enjoyed about this year’s Folk Festival was that several CKCU-FM hosts (including myself) got to introduce some of the workshops in the daytime.
The Folk Fest lineup pretty good as my favourite bands and artists like The Rural Alberta Advantage and Basia Bulat attended for the first time. This leads to the Basia Bulat interview, as I was able to conduct on the final day. Aside that the final day of Folk Festival became cold and very windy, I was able to do the interview. It was great to see Bulat as I haven’t seen her for a year and missing out on her concert back in March. Hope you will enjoy it.
This ends the summer festivals in Ottawa and it’s nice that the Ottawa Folk Festival ended on a positive note.

On the radio show, there was a lot happening like the top 10 countdown, the countdown to Pop Montreal, a wrap-up to Ottawa Folk Festival and the final U2 Summer Shoutout Challenge.
The playlist for the August 31st show is at this link.
The Wild 10 Countdown entry is at this link.

Lastly, this is getting close to a brand new season, hence this entry as being preseason. Season 7 on the blog is soon. The new season of WildWorks on CKCU-FM will be on September 14, 2011.

Summer Related Entry

I forgot to mention about the link from Local Tourist Ottawa about the magic of community radio in Ottawa. Click at this link. Thanks to guest editor (at that time), Hilary for convincing me to write something up.

Audio/Podcast – Updated for September 7, 2011
The September 7th radio show. The playlist is at this link. The countdown summary is at this link.
Press play to listen.

August 31st radio show. Press play to listen.

The Basia Bulat Interview at Ottawa Folk Festival.

The Christmas Edition Continues With The Mountains & The Trees – S06E14

The WildWorks radio show on CKCU-FM continues on with the Christmas edition as I had been playing a lot of various holiday tunes from Canadiana to the mainstream ones. I know it’s a bit early but I got loads of Christmas songs to choose for the next couple of shows leading to Christmas. As mentioned from the previous blog entry, I had the opportunity to see The Mountains & The Trees again in Ottawa. The photo shown above has me with a new fashion wear and with a sense of fashion almost similar to Jon Janes (The Mountains & The Trees). I’m going for the holiday spirit with the cardigan. It was taken outside of the CHUO studios.
Speaking of CHUO-FM, here’s the link provided, Now Playing with The Mountains & The Trees. It’s not on my blog but I provided Emma Godmere (host of Now Playing), the recording of The Mountains & The Trees playing a cover of Already Yours by Bahamas.
I was fortunate to record a segment with The Mountains & The Trees after his session at CHUO. My segment with him had to do with a song on my countdown. What I also didn’t realize from last year that I got a Christmas song from Janes because I did not know he had a track in 2009 and I knew about music in 2010. It’s been great to support his musical endeavor as he’s had an exciting year from the touring and releasing his full length album, I Made This For You.

Onto what I played on the show, the first was the Wild 10 Countdown and in the second hour, I played a bunch of new Christmas tracks from one album called Light Organ Records: Our First Christmas. It’s a compilation of musicians and bands from Vancouver playing their favourite Christmas songs. One song that caught my interest was Nat Jay’s Green Trees Red Hearts. When I was commenting on someone’s Facebook not too long ago, I did not check the profile of Nat Jay until I found out it’s a she. I was left speechless with her beauty and looks when I added her on Facebook. I mentioned on-air that she looks like Karen O. of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I got tweet reply that it was sweet of me to say it. I also played a Christmas song from adaline. There was another compilation Christmas album by The Line of Best Fit. It’s their second year to release Ho! Ho! Ho! Canada, this time it’s Deux. I quickly had to download from the station’s computer and played new Christmas songs by Leif Vollebekk and Basia Bulat.
Here’s the music video to Green Trees Red Heart by Nat Jay.

Lastly, I decided to give a shoutout to another CKCU-FM show as I played them, Christmas In Hollis by Run-DMC.
Without further ado, you can check the playlist at this link. The Wild 10 Countdown for December 8th entry is posted up.

Audio – Radio Show for December 8, 2010
Press play to listen.

2010 Summer Special

It’s this time of year where I sporadically post entries during the Summer. I had the opportunity to go for more Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest dates compared to last year. I was able to do audio interviews with several artists. It will be provided here. Overall, I was excited to see some of the performing acts. Worse part was enduring the heat.

The Ottawa Folk Festival Edition (Posted on August 18, 2010)

You can listen to the August 18th edition of the radio show. Aside from the top 10 countdown and Arcade Fire songs, there were interviews from Rolf Klausener of The Acorn, Aidan Knight, Jill Zmud, & Jim Bryson.
Press play to listen.

Apparently, I am taking part in this blog rally challenge, check the blog link out by clicking here. If you like my entry on Ottawa Bluesfest or the radio show, just comment away. Finished on July 26th.

Don’t forget to check out http://wild5countdownckcu.wordpress.com/ as it will be the only blog to be updated weekly during the Summer. I have been mentioning Arcade Fire over on the other blog.

Cameo In Audio Form on Other Radio Shows

Posted: August 4, 2010
There are two radio shows where I made a voice cameo appearance.
The New Midnight Jamz on July 31, 2010 – press play to listen.

The Drunken Master Revue on August 4, 2010 – press play to listen.

Basia Bulat and Chinese New Year 2010 – S05E37

It was a hectic weekend checking out bands and dealing with the cold. It started with doing an audio interview with Young Rival at Mavericks on Friday night. It was last minute because I almost forgot they were in Ottawa and it has been awhile I haven’t heard from the band. There’s a lineup change in the band and as far as I know, the interview should be airing sometime in late March as their upcoming album will be released in April.
On Saturday night, it has been a long time waiting as Basia Bulat came to town for a sold out concert. This time, it’s for her current release of the second album, Heart Of My Own. The funny thing was having to wait outside the First Baptist Church for several hours. Thoughts on the concert, the opening act was Ottawa native and now residing in Montreal, Leif Vollebekk. Vollebekk brought along a band as the previous times I had seen him, he was performing solo. As usual, he soothed the crowded with his soft toned songs. His folk influenced fit the right tone for the church.
Onto Basia Bulat’s performance. As usual, she still brings the excitement when she comes up on stage. The crowd still enjoy her songs from Snakes & Ladders to the new song like The Shore. The video on top is a live track of Sparrow. Even though, the church had a curfew for 10pm, the audience still wanted Bulat to return for several more songs and she definitely did. The best thing about the Ottawa crowd was knowing when to clap on I Was A Daughter and Before I Knew.
I almost forgot to interview her because her publicist text messaged me that sound check was late and they didn’t get food as well. I was fortunate to interview her at the end of the concert. On the interview, Bulat did mention a Casey Mecija of Ohbijou. CBC News posted an article on Bulat on Feb. 22, 2010.

Feb. 17, 2010 Update
Without further ado, here’s the interview with Basia Bulat. Press play to listen or download it. You can also stream it through iTunes or other media players.

Here’s the radio show including the interview. Playlists are this link, Show #1 and Extra
Press play to listen to Show #1

Press play to listen to the extra half hour show. Foolishly used two other CKCU radio show themes.

Happy Chinese New Year – Gung Hei Fat Choy/Gung Xi Fat Chai
It’s this time of year for having as I have many liondance performances. In time to celebrate the Year of the Tiger, it started off with a 30 min performance at T&T Supermarket in Ottawa, Canada. The video posted from above in a condensed form. It was crazy when performing at the Asian supermarket because it was difficult having to get through from the crowds. Overall, it was the first time for our troupe to perform at a popular Canadian Asian Supermarket.
Afterwards, we had another performance at Winterlude. Before getting to the area, I bumped into Basia Bulat and her band again but they were leaving the hotel. It was a funny moment because I saw their red van and I decided to get out of the friend’s car and started to run towards them. It was funny to surprise them and then telling them I had a liondance performance. If you’re able to read this entry, I posted the videos for your enjoyment.
Back to Winterlude, we had three performance, it was at noon, 1.30pm and then 3pm. It was cold but fun as the crowds got to watch it. Here are videos to check out.
Enjoy!


Another video, here’s one from Monday (Feb. 15) at Ottawa Chinatown. A Chinese New Year parade, click on the link.

Starting 2010 With Doctor Who and Sadie Hell – S05E30

It’s now 2010 and I started off the new year by watching Doctor Who. It was part 2 of The End of Time and also the end of David Tennant’s stint as the Time Lord and the show’s head writer, Russell T. Davies. Ever since Doctor Who returned to the airwaves in 2005, they have been coming out with the Christmas specials. The Christmas specials have become a tradition for myself because there’s not much happening on Christmas day. This one is very important because in 2009, there was no full series of Doctor Who because Tennant was off acting on stage. There were the four specials and the final two were David Tennant’s final adventure and swan song. Here’s an image I put up and it’s from the ending where he regenerates. It’s a sad scene watching the Doctor go into regeneration. Doctor Who fans like myself have been fond of Tennant, it’s just hard to see him leave the role. I’m going to miss the brown pinstripe suit (there’s also the blue pinstripe suit), the Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers (I will continue to wear them no matter what), the glasses he occasionally wore and the sonic screwdriver.
Overall, the 2nd part of The End of Time was excellent. As non-spoiler as I can be, the acting among the cast was superb. Seeing the emotions of Tennant as The Doctor clings to his death was just strong and emotional. It was touching to watch the companions of previous seasons mark their farewell as they won’t be coming back for future episodes. The words, I don’t want to go will probably linger on for awhile because it’s so heartbreaking and us fans will have to move on that Tennant is no longer the Doctor.
I can’t wait for the Spring when Matt Smith (Eleventh Doctor) takes over for Doctor Who.
How could I not forget to mention that it’s wonderful to see another “iconic” British character (well, actor) appear in the show. I know Timothy Dalton did two James Bond movies. It was nice to see two famous British character sort of meet face to face. I know it’s silly of me to imagine James Bond meeting Doctor Who.
Since I wanted to embed the YouTube clip, here’s the link to the preview of Doctor Who Series 5.
It looked like the finale scored 10.4 million viewers in the UK. Thus ends the David Tennant years on Doctor Who.

The First Radio Show of 2010 – Another Themed Show to Wrapup the Holidays

Here is the first radio show of 2010 (on January 6). Started with Sadie Hell, played a new Basia Bulat song (album to be released on January 26, 2010), and almost ending with Doctor Who (again). I played the best of the 2000s. It was basically my picks throughout 2000 and I had to change my song choices due to the mainstream music that I’m not supposed to play regularly. In irony, I played several British hits from the 2000s and it seems like a few people are starting to remember S Club 7. I will resume the interviews for next Wednesday.
Playlist is up on CKCU’s website at this link.
Press play to listen

The Ohbijou Interview and What’s Ahead for December – S05E26

I had to fill-in for the host of Audio Sensory Resuscitation on CKCU-FM for Wednesday. Luckily, I was prepared to play whatever songs and I started off with What’s Going On?, a cover from the classic Marvin Gaye song. Done by the All Star Tribute, it was for the fight against AIDS Worldwide in 2001, following the 9/11 attacks. It was the day after World AIDS Day, which takes place on December 1. It’s fitting that I played “What’s Going On” and the new song by Alicia Keys because I’ve been a supporter of the (Red) campaign. From the Hallmark cards to the iPod nano, it’s all for a good cause. What’s unique this year was having to participate via Twitter by using red texts and watching the Alicia Keys live concert through YouTube as part of World AIDS Day.
Aside from that, I finally aired the interview with two members of Ohbijou. Mind you, there were funny moments that I didn’t edit out in the interview. My segments throughout the show was a coast to coast starting from Joel Plaskett of Halifax all the way to British Columbia from bands like Said The Whale, You Say Party! We Say Die! and etc. Then I played this connecting theme from Silver Starling to Stars and Arcade Fire. There were some shoutouts to people I called out during the B.C. set.
You can listen to Wednesday’s show by pressing play. Slight apologies on the sound because it seems like it’s back to the mono-like sound quality.

The Ohibjou interview. Press play to listen or download it.

Don’t forget to check the playlist.
I can’t wait for the return of Corey & Erica on the airwaves because their presence has been missed. They will be on sometime next week. We also need Kristal of Kristal’s Method to return on the radio too. I also can’t wait to play some Christmas tunes.

What’s happening in December? I’m starting off by participating in the YouTube Battle at Babylon Nightclub this Friday. Presented by Artengine, Canteen and Disorganized.

As usual, I will be attending Bands Undone with Caledonia, Mother Mother and Laurent Bourque.

A Lovely October Night With Basia Bulat – S05E07

This is somewhat the 3rd and final time for going to The Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield, Quebec. I dubbed it the “Black Sheep Inn Fall Series” because the past two concerts I attended were Kyrie Kristmanson and The Balconies. It was in a span of a few weeks. This time, it was none other than Canadian indie darling, Basia Bulat. It was packed crowd because Basia Bulat is just popular within Canadian independent music. As often, Basia and her bandmates are usually happy to see me as I’ve been a great supporter of her music. Before I review her performance, Basia’s opening act was Patrick LePoidevin, he’s a singer residing in Sackville, New Brunswick. What’s unique about his music is that he uses a looper pedal where plays a tune and it will repeat as he will continue playing a different tune. His style of music blends from the acoustic and Alternative. The last song he performed where he got the audience to sing along a part with “la la…” and then he started going around the crowd. Not bad for an opening act.

A Dreary, Gloomy and Rainy Monday – S05E06

It was totally unexpected but I got to fill in on-air again. It’s funny how I was on-air for Friday, the end of the week and now hosting at the beginning of the new week. I was hoping to be co-hosting with Kristal on her show and weigh in my thoughts on F**ked Up winning the Polaris Music Prize for their album, The Chemistry of Common Life.
On the show, I got to mention in short detail that I will be going to Basia Bulat at The Black Sheep Inn on October 3, 2009. I’m trying to not write as much but listen to the show for anyone who missed it, as you will be surprised with the songs I played and as usual, the playlist is posted up.

Here’s the player for anyone who missed it live or want to listen again. Press play to listen.

My Weekend Warm-Up – S05E05

It was an exciting Saturday night at The Black Sheep Inn as it was Kyrie Kristmanson headlining with guests, Jill Zmud and Adam Saikaley. I was with a few friends and my brother. It’s nice to have good company and talk about funny stories. To the performances, it was a surprise to see CBC Radio One’s Alan “Aquaman” Neal be the MC for the concert. Adam Saikaley, who’s still a producer with the CBC started off by playing with the piano. It was raw and very different from the previous music I’ve seen and heard. Certainly, a nice way to start off his set. The second performer, Jill Zmud, who is an up and comer to the Ottawa music scene. She’s originally from Saskatchewan and now living in Ottawa. She brought a softer tone to her set. Her songs were sultry and calming, which felt engaging to the audience. She had a funny story about her previous guitar being broken thanks to United Airlines and mentioned about Dave Carroll and the broken guitar song.
Onto Kyrie, before she got on stage to perform, Alan Neal was still on stage and I told my brother about him wearing the Aquaman shirt. Alan heard me as it was somewhat of a funny moment because whenever I see Alan, he usually wears a DC Comics… or Entertainment heroes shirt. As for Kyrie and her trademark white furry hat, she delivered an excellent set where she performed her usually songs and addition to some new material. I was surprised with a few French songs she played. As usual, she got the audience to join along with the songs. Overall, great crowd to keep the performers excited on a Saturday.
You can check out photos on this link.
Here’s a clip I took.

I have put some videos from the Chinese songs I played on the bottom of the post. I still cherish the early 1990s Cantopop songs.

Friday’s Entry: It was very last minute being notified but I filled in on the Weekend Warm-Up at CKCU 93.1 FM. This entry will be continuous because I will be covering my post for the concert happening at The Black Sheep Inn for Saturday night. Here’s the first part of the entry for the radio show I filled in.

Anyone can listen to it if they missed out on it live. Note: You may have to lower the volume during Night Lights by Videotape and after. Apologies on the sound issues coming from my laptop. Press Play to listen.

August Extra #2 – Horses Spilled Milk and Guest Hosting for Kristal’s Method

I know the photo is not really linked to this particular entry but I mentioned at the start of Horses Spilled Milk that I went to Perth, Ontario on Saturday for 2 lion dance performances. Check the 2009 Summer page for the short entry. I had to sub in for co-host for the beginning of the show because he was running late. I was basically a lifesaver for Horses Spilled Milk and Kristal’s Method.
Halfway through Horses Spilled Milk, there was a classic 80s song played and the hint; The Breakfast Club, directed by the late John Hughes.

Afterwards, I unexpectedly decided to guest host Kristal’s Method because Kristal wasn’t around. I had to scramble and figure out what songs to play. I had help from Armen of Thematics at CKCU-FM at the first host break. This time, I totally played 100% Canadian independent music.
Note: Audio for both shows are no longer available to listen.