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Jake Freekin Smith

MUSIC

Welcoming Matt

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Toronto singer/songwriter Matthew Barber opens the door to new fans with inviting new album

by Jake Freekin Smith
25.11.2011

With five full-length albums, lots of touring and a Juno nomination under his belt, Toronto’s Matthew Barber is no stranger to the musical stage. Like classic country rock mixed with contemporary pop, Barber’s melodic hooks drive his sound home –he has a delightfully accessible sound. His new self-titled record is nothing but Matthew Barber; it’s [...]

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MUSIC

On the Spot

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Lakes of Canada frontman Jake Freekin’ Smith lightly grills Folly & The Hunter frontman Nick Vallee in advance of their indie-folk co-presentation this weekend

by Jake Freekin Smith
23.11.2011

Folly & The Hunter are one of Montreal’s best kept secrets, though they won’t likely be a secret much longer. This indie-folk quartet is one of the best new bands to come out of Montreal’s rich music scene. Frontman Nick Vallee’s gorgeous lyrics, combined with the multi-instrumental talents of Christopher Fox, Laurie Torres and recent [...]

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MUSIC

Harnessing the Saucer

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Montreal indie-pop party HonHeeHonHee on aggravated cops, kangaroo GWAR tacos and the imminent zombie apocalypse

by Jake Freekin Smith
16.11.2011

The Rover recently had the pleasure of talking with HonHeeHonHee’s Matt Raudsepp, bassist for the indie-pop five-some that started in Montreal just over a year ago. The instrumental set-up is nothing new (electric guitars, synths, bass and drums), but it’s their feel and energy that set them apart – they sound like an optimistic, off-the-wall [...]

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MUSIC

West Coast, Sun-Soaked Folk

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An interview with B.C. folksters Jon & Roy

by Jake Freekin Smith
22.08.2011

Laid back West Coasters Jon & Roy have had a pretty admirable music career thus far, but it hasn’t gone to their heads.  These modest, chill dudes keep the focus on creating with friends, sharing the music they love, and enjoying the ride. It’s no surprise that their music is soaked in an authentic, British [...]

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MUSIC

Deputy of Funky Soul

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Zach Deputy masters the loop pedal and delivers a dance party to Divan Orange

by Jake Freekin Smith
20.08.2011

Sweet-funky-soul-dance-parties. If you were at Divan Orange on Tuesday night, this is what you saw and heard.  American musician Zach Deputy is a newcomer to the Montreal (and I’m told the Canadian) touring circuit, but he is obviously not new to performing. As part of an extensive American tour, Zach decided to head a bit [...]

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FESTIVAL CITY

Not Just Clowning Around

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Les Chroniques du Laboratoire Unik and Manga transcend typical circus & clown shows at Fringe

by Jake Freekin Smith
18.06.2011

Another beautiful day at the Fringe. The sun was shining, the beer was flowing, and there was no shortage of weirdos about. And I think I found some of the weirdest weirdos out there. Good thing that’s exactly what I was looking for.

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FESTIVAL CITY

Hopping and Pop-ing at Fringe

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The Montreal Fringe keeps ears, eyes and bellies satisfied

by Jake Freekin Smith
18.06.2011

What a wonderful day at the Fringe! If you aren’t out enjoying what is one of Montreal’s best festivals, then you might want to start. There’s only a few days left, so get in there while it’s hot! Seriously. Now. GO! Go see shows!

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FESTIVAL CITY

Monologue Madness!

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One-person shows on the menu at the Fringe

by Jake Freekin Smith
16.06.2011

I saw not one, not two, not three, but four one person shows today. For those of you who have never done this (myself included until today), that is a LOT of monologuing in one day. If even one of the four shows had been subpar it might have been a really long day, but [...]

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FESTIVAL CITY

The Pleasure of Being Out of Order

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The Fringe gets seriously hilarious with Ernest and Ernestine and Uncalled For

by Jake Freekin Smith
16.06.2011

What’s better than two powerhouse performers clowning around with an excellent script and rock solid direction? I’m not sure. And if you aren’t sure either, you probably should go see The Anger In Ernest and Ernestine.

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FESTIVAL CITY

Class Acts, Enraptured Audience

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Montreal Sketch Comedy Festival, Théâtre Ste-Catherine

by Jake Freekin Smith
22.05.2011

My face hurts.  My face freekin’ hurts.  I laughed so hard and so long at tonight’s show that my face actually hurts.  And the closing show of the Montreal Sketch Comedy Festival at Théâtre Ste-Catherine has been over for 2 hours.

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FESTIVAL CITY

Shoeless Dancing Elephants

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Montreal Sketch Comedy Festival, Théâtre Ste-Catherine

by Jake Freekin Smith
20.05.2011

Thursday’s Sketch Fest host Eman kicked the show off solidly with some grounded and personally driven stand-up. She took the stage with confidence and was no stranger to her craft.  From the way she delivered her stories to the way she riffed off of the audience, you could tell she was right at home.

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