ECMAs - Day 4

The last day in Fredriction was less like a day and more like a scene out of a suspense-thriller movie. Soon after we set out on our departure of the city Xandi and I would begin to question if we had entered some sort of time-warp where the city would never let us leave.
We awoke at 7:30am and quickly packed. I woke Vanessa to say goodbye and thank her for her hospitality before setting out on the road. We filled up the car and I got a giant coffee and apple and a protein bar to get myself through the trip. Xandi and I got on what we thought was the highway going South. Soon enough the signs saying "South" began to say "North" and somehow we entered the first trap of what I now call The Fredericton Vortex. We turned around and once again headed back into Fredericton. We got on the south-ward highway and looked for signs directing us East towards Nova Scotia. Trap number 2 showed its form through signs that stopped labeling themselves with directions and started labeling the highway routes with the various New Brunswick town they went to. Xandi and I took the route we thought headed East but of course the FV got us once again and we realized we were headed West. Included in the marvelous package of confusing signs Fredericton highways also offer a complete lack of exits. So, 20 km headed in the wrong direction and Xandi and I think this city will never let us leave. Finally, the 3rd time through the city and we are on our way out.
The next trauma came in the form of an over-worked bladder. 1 large coffee and half an energy drink in and I was looking for a stop. At this point I didn't realize the abuse my system, more specifically my kidneys, had taken from days of multiple coffees and several caffeine loaded drinks but I was soon to find out. Even before I parked the car at the next gas station my body was calling it quits. Once I reached the stall and released the urine I was so happy to say "goodbye" to my kidneys started throbbing in a way that would give the worst migraine a run for its money. Because these were my kidneys and I don't drink alcohol things started freaking me out. I gave myself time to calm down and breathe through the pain. This, of course, all with my penis still out of my pants at a the gas station toilette.
I got back in the car and we headed on our way again. There were more stops of of bladder-stress-intensity and a break for Harvey's before we reached Antigonish in time for Xandi to get to dance class and me to take a nap before that night's episode of Well Versed.

ECMAs - Day 3

It was the first day Xandi and I awoke in a regular house and it felt great. I woke our host, Vanessa, with a big hug and then we prepared to go into the Farmers' Market. Three more people were staying at the house and we all worked together to prepare food, brew coffee, and just chttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifhat about the night before. Vanessa, Christina, Xandi and I went downtown and first got ourselves some falafel wraps and samosas. The two other ladies left for work while Xandi and I continued to browse the various stands of home-made candles, pastries, and clothing. I bought some purses for my sisters and Xandi got herself some more food as big as her face!
The two of us didn't have a lot planned for the day so things definitely felt more relaxed. I got a hold of Tanya Davis and we finally set a time to do our interview. I headed downtown to Nicky Z's where the PEI stage was being hosted. Tanya was there to here one of her friend's bands, who's name I forget, but I know they were awesome. We went into the green room and did our interview right after. Tanya really opened up and I had a great time talking to her. You can listen to the interview here. I ran into my old roommate Kent at the PEI stage as well and we made plans to meet up at the Two Hours Traffic show later that night.
Desperately in need of coffee Xandi took off to get some joe while I talked to a few other bands. Once we met back up we took off to Vanessa's house for dinner. Vanessa made Xandi some pasta while I ate a super-large Greek salad that I had. I started to hit the coffee and energy drinks in preparation for my last night at the ECMAs. A bunch of people came over and we all listened to the new Rebekah Higgs CD and danced around. After talking for awhile Xandi and I took off to the Back Nine for the NS stage where Jill Barber and Joel Plaskett were playing. Too bad that was the place to be, because by 9:15 it was already packed. We tried to go through the back entrance and even wait at the stage door but had no luck. I got pissed-off at the bouncer but that only made things worse.
Xandi and I decided to head over to the Crowne Plaza to see Down with the Butterfly play. The whole weekend I was trying to get an interview with them and I finally was able to talk to Kris and Dave about their views on success. Kris and I talked just outside the venue but Dave was jonzing for some coffee so him and I set off to find a coffee shop. I thought we would find someplace close so I walked without my coat. Well, 15 minutes later and a lot of freezing and we were above the Mexicala Rosa's. The atmosphere was incredible in this dimly lit haven. As we sat in a mahogany booth and talked quietly the both of us couldn't help but comment on the contrast between walls lined with wine bottles and fake stain-glass windows all over. The lighting was that of a cathedral and the ceiling above the tables were all different hightes, creating amazing acoustics. Dave and I talked for awhile and I was able to get another great interview. Dave lost track of time and we had to run back to the Plaza because he was right about to go on stage.
Once DWB was done playing Xandi and I took off back downtown to the PEI stage. Once again this venue was just as packed as the Back Nine and it looked like we weren't going to get in to see Two Hours Traffic or my friends. Luckily I knew where the band entrance was and we just followed a few people in. I ran into Tanya again and then I headed upstairs to see the band. I ran into my old roommates Kent and Pat. Xandi and I danced with them all night and it felt just like old times back in first year when THT would room with us. In-line with just about everything else that week I made a girl swear allegiance to my mustache before I finally took off for the evening.
Spending the last night listentining to a great band with a few of my closest friends was the prefect way to end my stay at the ECMAs.

ECMAs - Day 2

So after only 2 hours of sleep and a long night of typing online and listening to Xandi's sleep talking the both of us woke in need of coffee. We got dressed, paid our fees and went out to find a local coffee shop. Xandi and I found The Friendly Baker a European bakery that served many organic options. We both got a muffin and large coffee. On our way to the open panel discussion with Steven Page I realized that I was drinking the best coffee ever. We arrived at the Delta Hotel where The Divorcees were playing on stage. Afterwards Page come on to answer a few questions for the media. It was announced that a film crew would be following all 4 days of the ECMAs (instead of just the gala) and Page would host the TV-Special "Barenaked Music". I asked Page about the positive impact digital music has on environmental issues and whether that was a viable option for the industry. He said that we are past the days where youth enjoy shopping and are only concerned with consumption. For me it is true; I am an online consumer whore.
After the press conference Xandi and I booted it over to the Playhouse to see David Myles do his soundcheck for CBC radio. We did an interview with him that went really well. When we gave David a CFXU shirt he was very pleased. We watched the show and I saw Meaghan Smith play and it was amazing. She had such a beautiful presence on stage that really got the crowd feeling all warm and loving. I decided to go back stage and interview her when she was done playing. It was an enjoyable interview and Meaghan had a pleasant and soothing voice that made the interview extra-special. I also ran into X-alum Kim and chatted with him a bit.
After the show Xandi and I got some food at M & T Deli down the road. The food was amazing and the cookies, like much of the food in Fredericton, was as big as Xandi's face! It was really delicious and the owner was super nice.
After dinner we went back to the Hostel to change and get ready to go back to the Playhouse and then over to the Crowne Plaza to see some bands. At the Playhouse we watched Cape Breton fiddly star Ashley MacIssac. I had only seen him on TV and he was fantastic live. I actually ended up chatting with him later between sets at the Crowne Plaza. At the Crowne I ran into my long-time friend Vanessa and her possy of Freddy hoodlums. She invited us to stay at her place and said I was a jerk for not telling her I was coming. I felt bad for once again keeping her out of the loop and not staying in a real bed rather than a cheap cot. I got her info and proceeded to watch rock-duo The Superfantastics from Halifax. It was super sweet to see this band play again. We got an ID from them and their new CD. Before the end of the weekend Xandi and I listened to that thing about 15 times!
After The Superfantastics played we headed over to The Back Nine to see Wintersleep and The Tom Fun Orchestra. There is a reason Tom Fun is one of the must outrageous and ridiculous live bands in Canada. Seeing those 9 all rowdy on stage was one of the biggest highlights for me at the ECMAs.
After the bands Xandi and I packed up our stuff at the Hostel, headed over to Vanessa's and slept in some comfortable beds. Great Day 2.

ECMAs - Day 1

Today began my trip on a journey of musical discovery. Right now I post to you from a hostel in Fredericton, New Brunswick. However, my journey started a lot earlier and a lot more chaotic than this point in time. After waking up and finding out that my radio show had been snaked from me I was told that there were no cars in Antigonish to rent. With this dilema I proceeded to take care of other issues like printing business cards and packing. By the time the more controllable odds and ends were settled I received a call from one of the agencies and was able to procure myself a vehicle. I made arrangements to pick up the car and some much needed energy drinks before packing my luggage in the trunk and heading to my two classes of the day. After the classes I met my station manager and we headed off on the 4 hour journey.
With the energy drinks coursing through my body mine and Xandi's talks got off to a good start. However, my bladder eventually gave in and we were stopping every 45 minutes. Besides this we had a deadline to reach the hostel before 10pm. We were close to Fredericton by 9:30 but one wrong turn sent us into a panic. Missing the exit again resulted in a call requesting the manager to stay later. We finally made it to our lodging by 10:20, checked in, and set off to get our media passes at the local hotel. We arrived before their close of 11pm to receive the passes that would grant us both entrance into all the events and a pretty crummy bag ohttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.giff swag.
After unpacking and getting our bearings Xandi and I were off to see David Myles play at a club downtown. David was energetic on stage and a real delight to watch. After his show Old Man Luedeke came on stage.
The last time I saw him was at a Feist concert and he was amazing. The night continued to be amazing as I ran into some of the guys from Wintersleep and Down With the Butterfly and had some good conversations with them. They were able to introduce me to one of the poets I play on Well Versed - Tanya Davis. I got her number and we decided to set an interview for the next day.
I was overwhelmed with the sense of eagerness of these artists to just talk about the work. When Xandi and I left the Back Nine I was excited to just be a part of this entire event. I was also hungry.
Xandi and I drove around for a bit and eventually found a pizza place that wasn't far from where we originally were. With two joints side by side the deciding factor was which place had the fewest drunk and boisterous party-goers. Well, apparently it doesn't matter how vacant the venue, eventually you will run into a drunk and surly person in Fredericton. Besides a giant amount of ill-logical and ridiculous comments (albeit hilarious) the pizza slices themselves were giant. Xandi seemed to be getting massively full from the slice that was as big as her face and anxious from the increasingly loud yells from our new friend "Josh".
We left for the hostel and bunked down in our soft and thin cots. Xandi fell into slumber immediately while I stayed up writing this post.

**Eventually it got deleted and it took me until after the partying to finish up what I started**

Just when I thought things were begining to settle

At the time of my last post I was saying that I just got over the most stressful moments of 2008. Well, I will let you know that those days in January still hold their title. In close second is this current week. I have been covering a Presidential/Vice-Presidential campaign slate in my Students' Union election over at this site. If you read my posts, or just what I am about to say, you will see that I have been the recipient of much criticism. I didn't expect this reaction, but I do accept that I will have to receive these comments. I guess I was naive in thinking the process would be easy. Well, it isn't.
Besides that I have a lot of upcoming tests that I will have to study for. The only issue is that I don't know when I will study as I am going to the East Coast Music Awards this Thursday. This weekend will be amazing though. I will get to talk to some of Canada's best musicians including: Two Hours Traffic and The Tom Fun Orchestra. I plan on doing many interviews and getting lots of pictures. Look for some upcoming blog posts and potential podcasts.