CBC Radio 3 has recently launched a recurring playlist challenge, the "ehList," which switches themes every week. For the past week, the challenge was to create a "diamonds in the rough" playlist, which would recommend undiscovered or underplayed artists to the staff at Radio 3. Naturally, I compiled a list of a few artists who have piqued my interest. Some old, some new, some borrowed, some blue. Although I haven't been able to devote blog time to many of these artists, I hope to remedy that now... Take a listen and let me know what you think!
Here's one of those artists, Headwater, whom I had the pleasure of catching outside on the CBC Vancouver Plaza on a bright summer day. So pretty much the opposite of what the weather is likely to be at your part of the country. Hope this helps make your day a bit warmer!
Henry and the Nightcrawlers is Henry Alcock-White-- bassist, guitarist, songwriter. Collaborator and member of Vancouver bands Bend Sinister and The Zolas. As the photo above may imply, he's probably also a sombre, poetic guy with a romanticist streak. But with his fingers crossed behind his back. When you first pop Alcock-White's debut full-length 100 Blows into the stereo, what's evident instead is a forest of bouncy pianos, guitar noodling and drum machines. A musical jaunt as opposed to a waltz.
So where in this solitary image is the possibility of beat-driven pop? Alcock-White combines his youthful forays in rhythm and blues with his more recent endeavors in indie rock, and adds influences from Henry and the Nightcrawlers' rotating cast of supporting players, including members of Said the Whale, The Zolas and We Are the City.
----- CONTEST :Henry has generously given me 3 autographed copies of 100 Blows to give to some lucky readers. To win, simply email brendahlee [at] gmail [dot] com with "Oh Henry!" in the subject line and your name and address in the email body. I'll pick a winner shortly and contact accordingly. (The contest is now closed. Thanks to all who entered!)
----- Tour dates (supported by members of The Zolas and We Are the City):
9 NOV Tracks Pub, Olds , AB
10 NOV Bohemia, Edmonton, AB (w/Ghost Cousin) - Facebook info
11 NOV Amigos, Saskatoon, SK (w/Imaginary Cities)
13 NOV Music Trader, Winnipeg, MB (in-store @ 2pm) - Facebook info
13 NOV The Park Theatre, Winnipeg, MB (w/ The Liptonians)
15 NOV The Slice, Lethbridge, AB
17 NOV The Central, Fernie, BC
19 NOV TBA, Kelowna, BC
27 NOV Billy Bishop Legion, Vancouver (Album Release Party - Facebook info)
Henry Alcock-White (centre), who goes by the stage name of Henry and the Nightcrawlers, is no stranger to the music scene. Those familiar with local Vancouver music will recognize him as the guitarist in the Vancouver prog band Bend Sinister, although he has recently left the band on amicable terms. Nowadays, you might see Henry and his luscious blond locks backing up fellow Vancouver band The Zolas on bass guitar. And although Henry and the Nightcrawlers is in its infancy, with nary but an EP to his name, Alcock-White demonstrates a pop sensibility influenced by his friends, and many of these friends contribute to the recording of his album and live shows.
You can expect a full-length from Henry and the Nightcrawlers in September 2010. This upcoming album, 100 Blows, was co-produced by Alcock-White and Tony Marriott, who also played drums on four of the songs. Peter Carruthers from Said the Whale played bass on a few tracks, and Tom Dobrzanski of Vertical Studios and The Zolas helped with mixing. Those expecting to hear escalating guitar solos a la Bend Sinister will be pleasantly surprised by Alcock-White's bouncy, beat-driven pop, best characterized by "100 Blows," the title track off of his upcoming full-length.
I have a copy of Henry and the Nightcrawlers' 5-song EP for one lucky reader. These babies are only available at shows and only 100 were printed! All you have to do is post a comment below with the following things:
1) your email
2) your favourite night crawler and why
Be creative! Best entry will receive an email within the next 2 weeks.
Henry and the Nightcrawlers will be playing the following Vancouver dates:
May 22 Lab Magazine Party with Maurice and TV Heart Attack at the Media Club
July 1 with We Were Lovers at the Media Club
As H&NC and The Zolas effectively share the same band members, you will also be able to catch Henry supporting The Zolas on many upcoming tour dates in June. You can check out those dates here.
