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Thanks to everyone who's ever read this blog and my opinions!
here's a list of the top 5 most popular of my posts:
1) Ghosts of a Sabre Tooth Tiger - show review
2) Run the Red Light - show review
3) 10 amazing songs to download right now (volume 2)
4) My controversial post about Translink
5) Carpenter & Northcote - show review
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Showing posts with label Vancouver. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vancouver. Show all posts
August 13, 2014
July 13, 2014
iTunes
If you haven't already, make sure you go here and grab my 2 songs on iTunes:
Thanks for listening!
-Marty
@martyzylstra
July 9, 2014
June 24, 2014
Seven! Released today!
Seven!
Marty's new song "Seven" produced/mixed by Carl Davis (the Left/the Pompadoors) and mastered by Abbey Road Studios (the Beatles/John Lennon) is released today in all digital formats! This song is his 2nd single of 5 (or more) tracks that will be continue to be released throughout 2014. This new song simply titled "Seven" is a guitar driven countrified adult alternative rock and roll track about typical 20 something life lessons to domestic bliss in the 30's and beyond. "Seven" takes the listener to a place they've been before but forgot about and glad they've returned. When you hear the hooks in the chorus you will not be able to help singing along!
Click here to be redirected to "Seven" on iTunesJune 5, 2014
My new song "Seven" to be released digitally VERY soon!
While you wait, feel free to read my biography!
Marty Zylstra has a unique Canadian perspective. Growing up as a preacher’s son across rural Canada from northern British Columbia to the prairies and Northern Ontario and back set a scene for a future music path that is as wide and all-encompassing as this country is vast. Marty learned to sing from old time gospel hymns and with influences strongly entrenched in early 60’s Beatles and the myth and legend of John Lennon to 1970’s Tom Petty & the eclectic nature of David Bowie to modern Canadian heroes Sam Roberts and Sloan to the pop rock British invasion of the 90’s and back again.
After grinding it out regionally in
local Vancouver power pop band “Sweetheart” for the last number of years, Marty
decided that it was time to stretch his legs and create something that spoke
more directly to his youth and heart. A monumental and life altering short
vacation to Memphis in 2012 on Elvis Presley’s birthday baptized Marty’s soul
in rock and roll in the way only the birthplace of rock and roll could.
Rejuvenated and invigorated upon his return to Vancouver, he started work on
the seeds of new songs and ideas that have now come to fruition in this new
recording. Carl Davis (the Left, the Pompadoors) produced this new three song
EP in an old school and almost Nashville style studio session where the songs
were finished on the studio floor with only the best Vancouver based studio
musicians.
Mixed by Mr. Davis and mastered
by Sean McGee (the Beatles, John Lennon) at Abbey Road Studios this initial
offering shows three sides of Marty’s personality which includes an
affinity for British culture, lyrical themes of a vision of past life lessons
and future domestic bliss, and a sheer twisted humour. Throughout 2014 each
song will be released individually through digital channels and will include a
new piece of visual media: one of video, print, or clothing. Local and regional
shows will follow in 2014 and hinging on a loose plan to grow a grassroots
following by starting small but thinking big, will likely continue to write new
material and record with as many of his friends as possible over the next year
and release numerous eclectic recordings.May 28, 2014
Artist Interview: Vancouver's Dominique Fricot
I had a chance to sit down and discuss (via cyberspace) my pal Dominique Fricot's new recording experience, and a few of his favourite things. Take a minute and read up on what he's all about here. I suggest you get in on what's left of his ground level because he's soon to be in high demand all over the region and likely North America/the World very very soon.
MZ: In your new song "I miss the 80's" you reference a number of pop-icons and artists but what I noticed was a hint or reference about your sister(s). Tell me what it is about your siblings and those relationships that inspired this song
DF: While the song talks about a lot of the pop icons of the 80's, I think what I was feeling when I wrote this song was my experience of being 4 or 5 years old and digesting culture through the filters of my two big sisters. All of the tapes I listened to, and opinions on pop culture at the time was very much molded by what they liked and what they were bringing home. As I say in the song "I'm too young to really know" the 80's. Which isn't really true because I was alive, but you made a good observation, my sisters had a big part in my perspective at the time.
MZ: Warne Livesey is a master producer. What did he bring to the table that was different then other producers from your previous work?
DF: Warne or papa dubs, dubya or Dubstep has an incredible ear for arrangement. His father was a jazz musician so I think that lends a bit to his ear for more elaborate chords and harmonies than other producers I've worked with. What I love about working with Warne is he follows the old adage to "serve the song" as most producers do but he has the sensibility to not make each an every song a radio single. Songs off my record like "hermit in the park" and "you can't leave me" are from he and I's favourite songs and I think it's because we let them be what they were: one a dark creepy ballad that turns into almost a trip hop groover, and the other a short little acoustic lament with a tasteful string accompaniment.
I think Warne has great honest sensibilities while having the pedigree to make a pop hit and get world class sounds on tape (digital tape)
MZ: Was there specific sound themes that you wanted to achieve with Warne? Were there unexpected or surprise moments on your new LP where you achieved something far better than your expectation?
DF: I wanted the string accompaniments to play a strong part in this record which I think we were fairly successful. For both of us the biggest surprise was where the song Saddest Thing went. We didn't really have anything more than a nice piano part and vocal and then we just started experimenting with electronic beats and putting delays on Rhodes. Once Warne sequenced that trippy beat every time we'd track or listen back I couldn't help but bounce all around the studio doing my silly weirdo dance.
MZ: I enjoyed your Vancouver locale name dropping on your previous record. Is the city of Vancouver in this new LP?
DF: Yes, Marty. There is. There's a track called Granville Bridge that was almost this name of the whole record, but I changed if last minute.
MZ: Do you have a favourite craft beer? What is it and where do you like to drink it?
DF: Nah. Drinking beer for me is something I do with friends. Really the most important thing for me is the company. Therefore I'll say my favourite beer to drink is whatever my man Cory Curtis (bass player on Sweet little fantasy, and Hannah Georgas) is pouring out of his beer fridge, and the best place to be is either on his couch or his deck.
MZ: Here we go. Who's your favourite Beatle? Why? and what's the song/era that connects with you the most?
DF: Knowing you, Marty, I feel like this whole interview was to get to this question. John Lennon hands down. I like his humour and how he spoke out the most with controversial/hilarious things. What era? I'd go with mid to late. His productivity may have slowed down but I think that's when the production and writing became more interesting and he had long left behind boy girl love songs. It's weird though not my favourite songs, loser and nowhere man are probably the songs I most connect with. Is that bad?
That isn't bad Dom. In fact, that's probably about right with me too!
--
Dominique's single "I miss the 80's" is available now on iTunes. I suggest you go grab it. And then check out all of his other music right away if you haven't already and curl up with a glass of red wine and fall in love with everything this homegrown Vancouver/British Columbian talent has to offer.
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
MZ: In your new song "I miss the 80's" you reference a number of pop-icons and artists but what I noticed was a hint or reference about your sister(s). Tell me what it is about your siblings and those relationships that inspired this song
DF: While the song talks about a lot of the pop icons of the 80's, I think what I was feeling when I wrote this song was my experience of being 4 or 5 years old and digesting culture through the filters of my two big sisters. All of the tapes I listened to, and opinions on pop culture at the time was very much molded by what they liked and what they were bringing home. As I say in the song "I'm too young to really know" the 80's. Which isn't really true because I was alive, but you made a good observation, my sisters had a big part in my perspective at the time.
MZ: Warne Livesey is a master producer. What did he bring to the table that was different then other producers from your previous work?
DF: Warne or papa dubs, dubya or Dubstep has an incredible ear for arrangement. His father was a jazz musician so I think that lends a bit to his ear for more elaborate chords and harmonies than other producers I've worked with. What I love about working with Warne is he follows the old adage to "serve the song" as most producers do but he has the sensibility to not make each an every song a radio single. Songs off my record like "hermit in the park" and "you can't leave me" are from he and I's favourite songs and I think it's because we let them be what they were: one a dark creepy ballad that turns into almost a trip hop groover, and the other a short little acoustic lament with a tasteful string accompaniment.
I think Warne has great honest sensibilities while having the pedigree to make a pop hit and get world class sounds on tape (digital tape)
MZ: Was there specific sound themes that you wanted to achieve with Warne? Were there unexpected or surprise moments on your new LP where you achieved something far better than your expectation?
DF: I wanted the string accompaniments to play a strong part in this record which I think we were fairly successful. For both of us the biggest surprise was where the song Saddest Thing went. We didn't really have anything more than a nice piano part and vocal and then we just started experimenting with electronic beats and putting delays on Rhodes. Once Warne sequenced that trippy beat every time we'd track or listen back I couldn't help but bounce all around the studio doing my silly weirdo dance.
MZ: I enjoyed your Vancouver locale name dropping on your previous record. Is the city of Vancouver in this new LP?
DF: Yes, Marty. There is. There's a track called Granville Bridge that was almost this name of the whole record, but I changed if last minute.
MZ: Do you have a favourite craft beer? What is it and where do you like to drink it?
DF: Nah. Drinking beer for me is something I do with friends. Really the most important thing for me is the company. Therefore I'll say my favourite beer to drink is whatever my man Cory Curtis (bass player on Sweet little fantasy, and Hannah Georgas) is pouring out of his beer fridge, and the best place to be is either on his couch or his deck.
MZ: Here we go. Who's your favourite Beatle? Why? and what's the song/era that connects with you the most?
DF: Knowing you, Marty, I feel like this whole interview was to get to this question. John Lennon hands down. I like his humour and how he spoke out the most with controversial/hilarious things. What era? I'd go with mid to late. His productivity may have slowed down but I think that's when the production and writing became more interesting and he had long left behind boy girl love songs. It's weird though not my favourite songs, loser and nowhere man are probably the songs I most connect with. Is that bad?
That isn't bad Dom. In fact, that's probably about right with me too!
--
Dominique's single "I miss the 80's" is available now on iTunes. I suggest you go grab it. And then check out all of his other music right away if you haven't already and curl up with a glass of red wine and fall in love with everything this homegrown Vancouver/British Columbian talent has to offer.
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
May 26, 2014
Show Review: the Ghost of a Sabre Tooth Tiger (May 23rd, 2014 at the Imperial, Vancouver, BC, Canada)
Sorry to state the obvious but Sean Ono Lennon has a legendary father. His hallowed catalogue and mythology that stands as giant as an elephant in a broom closet would make expectations on Sean's music career immensely difficult to imagine. That being said Sean's musical path has been eclectic possibly because he has been trying to find his niche. Having followed and appreciated his collected work from afar (Cibo Matto, solo, Chimera Records), and having dipped my toes into his discography numerous times I was upon finally listening to "Animals" from his new outfit The Ghost of a Sabre Tooth Tiger's new LP I determined that he has finally found a sound and lifestyle that truly suits him. This is his niche moment. With obvious comparisons to JL/YO - Charlotte Kemp Muhl is his Yoko as she is pushing his artistic legacy and is clearly his muse. And this record is glorious. It's hitting all the psychedelic glory of 1967 Summer of Love with modern inspiration from the always eclectic Beck's "Guero" or "the Information".
Once I'd digested the full LP "Midnight Sun" I decided to go to the can't miss concert of GOASTT at the Imperial on May 23rd here in Vancouver. Upon inspection of the venue, your mind is dazzled immediately at the quality of the room. For a meager $20 at the door (I recommend bringing cash as the Ticketfly system was glitching on this particular day as was the cash machine in the venue) it attracted me and my beautiful date (my wife and live music aficionado) to see the spectacle and grab a glimpse of the former Beatle's spawn. The crowd was sparse for the opener "Syd Arther" (RIYL Radiohead/ELO/70's prog with reverb) hailing from Canterbury, in England, but they blew me away with wide reverb drenched soundscapes and usage of a number of delays and unique instrumentation. "Dorothy" & "Edge of the Earth" were standout numbers in their short but concise set as was the new single "Garden of Time" from their newly release recording. I spoke to the multi-instrumentalist from Syd Arthur after the set and he was very approachable and was happy to discuss his gear and rig and initial impression of Vancouver with me. After a short break, the GOASTT hit the stage with the LP's opener "Too Deep" and subsequently tore through the track listing of the LP in track order. With a brief pause and some extremely casual and light sarcasm from Sean, the band lit up the stage and the room with "Animals" which is the clear standout on the record and possibly Sean's first "indie" hit. A few notes from my impression of the stage:
- I loved Charlotte's bass playing. She has a tasteful style and solid dynamics and plays a certain 60's finger style not that far off from a young John Entwisle.
- Sean's guitar tones were massive and intense. It should also be noted that Sean is a monster on guitar. He "shreds" nimbly over the fretboard and even broke a high E string during the last tune before the de facto encore
- The percussionist and/or roadie held down excellent rhythm with strong tambourine playing which complemented the drums perfectly.
- At times there was 3-4 part harmonies drowned in reverb. I personally think the live performance of each song captured the essence of the album's spirit perfectly
The interplay between Sean & Charlotte made me instantly think of his mom and dad's beautiful partnership in 1970 and I'm sure many people compare the two frequently in public but also in private. Charlotte would playfully banter with Sean and the running jokes of the night was that him and the guitar player were kicking her out of the band. She would sarcastically defend herself by mocking Sean and wispily striking evil poses with her bass pointed like a gun. Considering the story on how S & C met (Coachella, 2004), I feel like their story may play out similarly to J & Y - a perfect love story. I hope for them that it's less scrutinized and less public than many other pop stars of today's modern age and that they are able to create a true path for their public career and private life.
All in all, the sheer energy and enthusiasm of the GOASTT, with the charisma and charm of Sean, brought me to my knees in laughter, and nearly to tears with the soundscapes and song selection.
I hope that this first foray into a new psych-pop realm will satisfy the public's need for more from the GOASTT and that they will continue to make ever better music for many years to come.
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
Once I'd digested the full LP "Midnight Sun" I decided to go to the can't miss concert of GOASTT at the Imperial on May 23rd here in Vancouver. Upon inspection of the venue, your mind is dazzled immediately at the quality of the room. For a meager $20 at the door (I recommend bringing cash as the Ticketfly system was glitching on this particular day as was the cash machine in the venue) it attracted me and my beautiful date (my wife and live music aficionado) to see the spectacle and grab a glimpse of the former Beatle's spawn. The crowd was sparse for the opener "Syd Arther" (RIYL Radiohead/ELO/70's prog with reverb) hailing from Canterbury, in England, but they blew me away with wide reverb drenched soundscapes and usage of a number of delays and unique instrumentation. "Dorothy" & "Edge of the Earth" were standout numbers in their short but concise set as was the new single "Garden of Time" from their newly release recording. I spoke to the multi-instrumentalist from Syd Arthur after the set and he was very approachable and was happy to discuss his gear and rig and initial impression of Vancouver with me. After a short break, the GOASTT hit the stage with the LP's opener "Too Deep" and subsequently tore through the track listing of the LP in track order. With a brief pause and some extremely casual and light sarcasm from Sean, the band lit up the stage and the room with "Animals" which is the clear standout on the record and possibly Sean's first "indie" hit. A few notes from my impression of the stage:
- I loved Charlotte's bass playing. She has a tasteful style and solid dynamics and plays a certain 60's finger style not that far off from a young John Entwisle.
- Sean's guitar tones were massive and intense. It should also be noted that Sean is a monster on guitar. He "shreds" nimbly over the fretboard and even broke a high E string during the last tune before the de facto encore
- The percussionist and/or roadie held down excellent rhythm with strong tambourine playing which complemented the drums perfectly.
- At times there was 3-4 part harmonies drowned in reverb. I personally think the live performance of each song captured the essence of the album's spirit perfectly
The interplay between Sean & Charlotte made me instantly think of his mom and dad's beautiful partnership in 1970 and I'm sure many people compare the two frequently in public but also in private. Charlotte would playfully banter with Sean and the running jokes of the night was that him and the guitar player were kicking her out of the band. She would sarcastically defend herself by mocking Sean and wispily striking evil poses with her bass pointed like a gun. Considering the story on how S & C met (Coachella, 2004), I feel like their story may play out similarly to J & Y - a perfect love story. I hope for them that it's less scrutinized and less public than many other pop stars of today's modern age and that they are able to create a true path for their public career and private life.
All in all, the sheer energy and enthusiasm of the GOASTT, with the charisma and charm of Sean, brought me to my knees in laughter, and nearly to tears with the soundscapes and song selection.
I hope that this first foray into a new psych-pop realm will satisfy the public's need for more from the GOASTT and that they will continue to make ever better music for many years to come.
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
May 24, 2014
May 22, 2014
My Top 6 reasons to Cycle Commute in Vancouver
I hate commuting.
I recently purchased a used bicycle and have noticed that my quality of life has improved. I'm not an expert in cycling however as I slowly get into the sport I've noticed a few things. One of which is that the city of Vancouver is beautiful to cycle in. Cycling lanes are everywhere and if you get used to them and use them you'll notice how great they are.
From a recent post in the Vancouver Sun:
In the past generations, the car has been seen as a symbol of coming of age and of freedom and of whatever. Now people are actually seeing that maybe it’s the opposite, maybe it’s tying them down to car payments, parking fees, gasoline, insurance, and general bad health spending 90 minutes in traffic on average per person per day.
I read recently a statistic that teens aged 16 to those in their early 20's are not getting their drivers licenses as much and instead as they have decided to utilize transportation which is at a freemium right now: cycling and/or public transportation.
A recent local study in today's paper suggested to me that people in this city are unhappy with commuting and dislike the congestion, the travel times, and the limited parking. I would suggest that for a couple months of your accrued gas, insurance & parking fees, you could own a very good high end commuter bike and would support my thesis to switch to biking.
here are my 6 reasons to cycle to work in Vancouver:
1) health. cycling is as good or better for your health that walking. A 60 minute commute per day in your car is probably going to run you the same amount of time on a bike in the city of Vancouver. 60 minutes of cardio a day will make your life better.
2) save money. let's add it up. $30/week on gas + $125/month on insurance + $100 on parking + $50 on maintenance + car payment/lease payment/depreciation (for sake of argument $150/month) = $6,660/year (extremely conservative) for car expenses.
3) it's faster. you can get from Coal Harbour to Gastown faster than you can drive/walk/transit.
4) environmental concerns. Cars burn fossil fuels. Simple
5) you will have a more productive day. There are too many studies to list regarding exercise and improving your overall wellbeing
6) it's really easy to get around.
I don't have the answers but maybe this will help you make your decision and push you over the edge
Love,
@MartyZylstra
I recently purchased a used bicycle and have noticed that my quality of life has improved. I'm not an expert in cycling however as I slowly get into the sport I've noticed a few things. One of which is that the city of Vancouver is beautiful to cycle in. Cycling lanes are everywhere and if you get used to them and use them you'll notice how great they are.
From a recent post in the Vancouver Sun:
In the past generations, the car has been seen as a symbol of coming of age and of freedom and of whatever. Now people are actually seeing that maybe it’s the opposite, maybe it’s tying them down to car payments, parking fees, gasoline, insurance, and general bad health spending 90 minutes in traffic on average per person per day.
I read recently a statistic that teens aged 16 to those in their early 20's are not getting their drivers licenses as much and instead as they have decided to utilize transportation which is at a freemium right now: cycling and/or public transportation.
A recent local study in today's paper suggested to me that people in this city are unhappy with commuting and dislike the congestion, the travel times, and the limited parking. I would suggest that for a couple months of your accrued gas, insurance & parking fees, you could own a very good high end commuter bike and would support my thesis to switch to biking.
here are my 6 reasons to cycle to work in Vancouver:
1) health. cycling is as good or better for your health that walking. A 60 minute commute per day in your car is probably going to run you the same amount of time on a bike in the city of Vancouver. 60 minutes of cardio a day will make your life better.
2) save money. let's add it up. $30/week on gas + $125/month on insurance + $100 on parking + $50 on maintenance + car payment/lease payment/depreciation (for sake of argument $150/month) = $6,660/year (extremely conservative) for car expenses.
3) it's faster. you can get from Coal Harbour to Gastown faster than you can drive/walk/transit.
4) environmental concerns. Cars burn fossil fuels. Simple
5) you will have a more productive day. There are too many studies to list regarding exercise and improving your overall wellbeing
6) it's really easy to get around.
I don't have the answers but maybe this will help you make your decision and push you over the edge
Love,
@MartyZylstra
May 20, 2014
10 AMAZING songs to download now (#3)
Song #1: Just another Girl by Alexandria Maillot
Song #2: Legs for Daze by Owl Skowl
Song #3: Sacrifice by Jay Arner
Song #4: Blackie by Rykka
Song #5: I heard I had by Dear Rouge
Song #6: Ruby by Louise Burns
Song #7: the Heart of Juliet Jones by Tough Age
Song #8: Animals by the Ghost of a Sabre Tooth Tiger
Song #9: Showering with Wine by Sunshine
Song #10: Date Night by Needles/Pins
Song #2: Legs for Daze by Owl Skowl
Song #3: Sacrifice by Jay Arner
Song #4: Blackie by Rykka
Song #5: I heard I had by Dear Rouge
Song #6: Ruby by Louise Burns
Song #7: the Heart of Juliet Jones by Tough Age
Song #8: Animals by the Ghost of a Sabre Tooth Tiger
Song #9: Showering with Wine by Sunshine
Song #10: Date Night by Needles/Pins
May 6, 2014
10 AMAZING songs to download right now (#1)
Song 1: Lovers Outta Love by Mardeen
Song 2: Better Off by Fighting for Ithaca
Song 3: Reaction by Acres of Lions
Song 4: Letterman by Gay Nineties
Song 5: Girls by Laurell
Song 6: Sunday by Paul Filek
Song 7: Shake your Money by the Rockies
Song 8: Magic by Two Hours Traffic
Song 9: Queen by Pompadoors
Song 10: Our Last Song by Dominique Fricot
Bonus: Between you and me by Jody Glenham
August 9, 2013
Adam's List
I've been thinking about something lately: How can I expect anyone to pay for my music if I don't pay for music myself? This train of thought has got me on about a song/album per week on iTunes on my iPhone. It's easy, it's quick and dirty, it solves a problem for me which is listening to my friends new music.
Here's my "what if" question: What if all of the people I know, either music industry people or even just friends/family, purchased 1 song by 1 band per week on iTunes or Bandcamp etc etc?
Let's say it was 1000 people, just for sake of argument. Buying said music not because it was "amazing!" or "best song ever!" or "OMG!" or a "radio single" etc etc but to support the arts in the city of Vancouver/Canada and also to pay it forward. On iTunes, depending on your distribution method (CDBaby, Tunecore, etc) 1000 downloads would be about $600-700 to the artist. That kind of money could equal another recorded song for the recipient. Pay it forward.
I've been reading about this phenomenon sweeping Tim Hortons this summer. A lady in Edmonton bought $800 worth of coffee for the "next" x number of customers. The recipients of this generosity carried it on the next time they were at Tim H's coffee joint, and on, and on, until it hit national headlines recently.
Going back to the "Marty's List" or as I'd prefer "Adam's List" (named after Adam Fink: the most solid dude around, and a quasi-hero/friend of mine/dance-guru/save-on-meats host/drummer/subpop/scientist/"Brad Pitt in Legends of the Fall") a $52 yearly investment in the local music/arts community may spark a wave of new music based positive vibrations.
Know what? I'm going to start this list off. I know Adam would agree with my 1st choice:
Rolla Olak - Download track 8 - "Highway Patrol"
Pay it forward.
Love, Marty @martyzylstra
Here's my "what if" question: What if all of the people I know, either music industry people or even just friends/family, purchased 1 song by 1 band per week on iTunes or Bandcamp etc etc?
Let's say it was 1000 people, just for sake of argument. Buying said music not because it was "amazing!" or "best song ever!" or "OMG!" or a "radio single" etc etc but to support the arts in the city of Vancouver/Canada and also to pay it forward. On iTunes, depending on your distribution method (CDBaby, Tunecore, etc) 1000 downloads would be about $600-700 to the artist. That kind of money could equal another recorded song for the recipient. Pay it forward.
I've been reading about this phenomenon sweeping Tim Hortons this summer. A lady in Edmonton bought $800 worth of coffee for the "next" x number of customers. The recipients of this generosity carried it on the next time they were at Tim H's coffee joint, and on, and on, until it hit national headlines recently.
Going back to the "Marty's List" or as I'd prefer "Adam's List" (named after Adam Fink: the most solid dude around, and a quasi-hero/friend of mine/dance-guru/save-on-meats host/drummer/subpop/scientist/"Brad Pitt in Legends of the Fall") a $52 yearly investment in the local music/arts community may spark a wave of new music based positive vibrations.
Know what? I'm going to start this list off. I know Adam would agree with my 1st choice:
Rolla Olak - Download track 8 - "Highway Patrol"
Pay it forward.
Love, Marty @martyzylstra
November 24, 2011
Sweetheart XOXOX review - the Georgia Straight
XOXOX (Independent)
Sweetheart might not be the most prolific act around—this six-track release is the first we’ve heard from the band since its debut LP came out in 2007—but its songs display an attention to detail that suggests it hasn’t spent the past four years perfecting its hair.
It’s not that Sweetheart’s compositions are particularly complex, though. Quite the opposite is true, but economy is the group’s greatest strength. Witness “London Girl”: built on a rock-solid foundation of churning power chords, the song surges forward and explodes into its chorus with a burst of melody that will resonate with anyone who ever wondered why the Killers got huge and Stellastarr didn’t.
Which is another way of saying that if you like your power pop crisply played and tightly arranged, you could do a lot worse than numbers like the punkish opener “Perfect” or the synth-buzzed closing salvo “Less Conversation”. The latter finds frontman Marty Zylstra howling emotively on the chorus without ever losing sight of the hook, which is something he seems to have dead in his sights at all times.
(Jon Lucas - Georgia Straight)
Sweetheart might not be the most prolific act around—this six-track release is the first we’ve heard from the band since its debut LP came out in 2007—but its songs display an attention to detail that suggests it hasn’t spent the past four years perfecting its hair.
It’s not that Sweetheart’s compositions are particularly complex, though. Quite the opposite is true, but economy is the group’s greatest strength. Witness “London Girl”: built on a rock-solid foundation of churning power chords, the song surges forward and explodes into its chorus with a burst of melody that will resonate with anyone who ever wondered why the Killers got huge and Stellastarr didn’t.
Which is another way of saying that if you like your power pop crisply played and tightly arranged, you could do a lot worse than numbers like the punkish opener “Perfect” or the synth-buzzed closing salvo “Less Conversation”. The latter finds frontman Marty Zylstra howling emotively on the chorus without ever losing sight of the hook, which is something he seems to have dead in his sights at all times.
(Jon Lucas - Georgia Straight)
November 9, 2011
Sweetheart "XOXOX" EP Review: reposted from Beatroute (November 2011 issue)
One of Vancouver's soaring power pop bands, Sweetheart, return to the grind with their latest EP, the unsurprisingly titled, six-track, XOXOX. Fans of Sweetheart will find no unexpected surprises on this 20-minute EP, though it is by no means a disappointment. It is clear that the trio have found their pocket and are quite comfortable in it, letting their own chops shine through with little regard to the "correct" way of doing things.
The album opens with "Perfect" before quickly moving into the hilariously titled "David Bowie is Dead?", a Britpop track that should entice disillusioned twenty-somethings across Canada. Over a strong, driving, backbeat, frontman Marty Zylstra sings, "Your boyfriend said/That your girlfriend said/David Bowie is dead." These are not the most complicated arrangements on the planet, but such is the emotional import behind the band that the simplicity works in their favour, letting their hearts burn brightly on their sleeves.
Album standout, "London Girl," sounds cool and sophisticated, opening with a subdued line that gradually opens up into the chorus. Sweetheart cast direct lines to their influences across the ocean in England, such that you could easily mistake them for the bands that gained popularity in the early 2000s like Franz Ferdinand, the Strokes, or even America's take on it all, The Killers.
"Dance all day until you feel alright," screams Zylstra on "London Girl," his head thrown back for added reach. Take their advice: you'll feel awesome.
- Sebastian Buzzalino
From Beatroute Magazine, November 2011
The album opens with "Perfect" before quickly moving into the hilariously titled "David Bowie is Dead?", a Britpop track that should entice disillusioned twenty-somethings across Canada. Over a strong, driving, backbeat, frontman Marty Zylstra sings, "Your boyfriend said/That your girlfriend said/David Bowie is dead." These are not the most complicated arrangements on the planet, but such is the emotional import behind the band that the simplicity works in their favour, letting their hearts burn brightly on their sleeves.
Album standout, "London Girl," sounds cool and sophisticated, opening with a subdued line that gradually opens up into the chorus. Sweetheart cast direct lines to their influences across the ocean in England, such that you could easily mistake them for the bands that gained popularity in the early 2000s like Franz Ferdinand, the Strokes, or even America's take on it all, The Killers.
"Dance all day until you feel alright," screams Zylstra on "London Girl," his head thrown back for added reach. Take their advice: you'll feel awesome.
- Sebastian Buzzalino
From Beatroute Magazine, November 2011
September 29, 2011
Less Conversation
Earlier this month Sweetheart released a new EP.
I still remember the rehearsal jam that sparked the new songs on this recording. At that time in my life in early 2008 I was probably in the worst place I'd ever been. I'll spare you the details but how I felt the day we first worked on the spark that was going to become our new album was deep into a pit of self loathing. I'm not going to make any excuses for my choices or the way it panned out in those days but as we got through the song that eventually became Less Conversation, I could feel the band channelling what I was feeling. They all had been or were going through something similar. Things weren't great in our lives. We still managed to laugh and to support each other. That's what I really appreciate over the years of life in Sweetheart. The amount of support we give each other.
These are some of my favourite lyrics I've ever written. I can't take full credit because the other 3 guys in the band really steered the lyrics to where they finally stay. Here's a sample:
I'm desperate/And dangerous/One last kiss/We won't forget/This love we had/Why won't you take me/For me?
We'll make less conversation/put to death our good intentions/I wrote every book you ever read/I'm violence in your head/blood eyes cannot deceive me/why can't you make this easy/this conversation keeps repeating everything you ever said you ever said you ever said you ever
You never listened to my story/a warning/you never given me the glory/a warning/me for me
go check it out for yourself here
Although those times are over and the journey has led me here down this path, this song sticks with me. It represents a picture of the memory of where I've been. This song is not who I am. But it is apart of me. Maybe who I once was.
Deep thoughts.
love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
I still remember the rehearsal jam that sparked the new songs on this recording. At that time in my life in early 2008 I was probably in the worst place I'd ever been. I'll spare you the details but how I felt the day we first worked on the spark that was going to become our new album was deep into a pit of self loathing. I'm not going to make any excuses for my choices or the way it panned out in those days but as we got through the song that eventually became Less Conversation, I could feel the band channelling what I was feeling. They all had been or were going through something similar. Things weren't great in our lives. We still managed to laugh and to support each other. That's what I really appreciate over the years of life in Sweetheart. The amount of support we give each other.
These are some of my favourite lyrics I've ever written. I can't take full credit because the other 3 guys in the band really steered the lyrics to where they finally stay. Here's a sample:
I'm desperate/And dangerous/One last kiss/We won't forget/This love we had/Why won't you take me/For me?
We'll make less conversation/put to death our good intentions/I wrote every book you ever read/I'm violence in your head/blood eyes cannot deceive me/why can't you make this easy/this conversation keeps repeating everything you ever said you ever said you ever said you ever
You never listened to my story/a warning/you never given me the glory/a warning/me for me
go check it out for yourself here
Although those times are over and the journey has led me here down this path, this song sticks with me. It represents a picture of the memory of where I've been. This song is not who I am. But it is apart of me. Maybe who I once was.
Deep thoughts.
love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
June 20, 2011
The Aftermath
This is what people are saying about the Vancouver Riots almost a week later. I found some of these statements by regular people very very profound:
If someone went to the Kotylak home to break all of the windows, trash the place, steal everything of value and torch the family car... would the good surgeon and his son accept a "public apology" and let the entire matter slide?
I suspect not." - BC2011 from CBC.ca
"Let's not forget the culpability of the city govn't of Mayor Gregor Robertson in all of this.
It takes minimal common sense to recognize that putting up multiple massive tv screens at free venues, and then inviting tens of thousands of people into the downtown core, with NO ATTENDANCE RESTRICTIONS and little control, is a recipe for disaster...especially for the last game of the Stanley Cup series. In Vancouver. And given our experience in 1994.
And then Chief Constable Chu says he was "surprised" at the riots, and that they "didn't expect" it to happen. WHAT?! If that's not an admission of incompetence, I don't know what is...
And, stop with this fiction of the small group of anarchists and criminals being responsible for the riot. Does Mayor Robertson and Chief Chu really think that the thousands of rioters in Canucks jerseys were "anarchists" in disguise? Clearly, ordinary Canucks fans, mainly kids from the suburbs, were the majority of rioters" - MacStephens from CBC.ca
It takes minimal common sense to recognize that putting up multiple massive tv screens at free venues, and then inviting tens of thousands of people into the downtown core, with NO ATTENDANCE RESTRICTIONS and little control, is a recipe for disaster...especially for the last game of the Stanley Cup series. In Vancouver. And given our experience in 1994.
And then Chief Constable Chu says he was "surprised" at the riots, and that they "didn't expect" it to happen. WHAT?! If that's not an admission of incompetence, I don't know what is...
And, stop with this fiction of the small group of anarchists and criminals being responsible for the riot. Does Mayor Robertson and Chief Chu really think that the thousands of rioters in Canucks jerseys were "anarchists" in disguise? Clearly, ordinary Canucks fans, mainly kids from the suburbs, were the majority of rioters" - MacStephens from CBC.ca
"Thought experiment:
If someone went to the Kotylak home to break all of the windows, trash the place, steal everything of value and torch the family car... would the good surgeon and his son accept a "public apology" and let the entire matter slide?
I suspect not." - BC2011 from CBC.ca
"I chuckle at all the hand-wringers protesting that this riot doesn't represent the "real" Vancouver. Sure it does. The riot was the symptom, not the disease.
Let's face it, everyone in town knew a riot was likely to happen, win or lose. A general attitude of permissiveness - and our Mayor's refusal to anticipate reality - allowed this to happen. And it'll happen again.
But at least we have chicken coops in our backyards, and are willing to shut down half of a busy, downtown bridge to allow a few cyclists some elbow room. Progress!
There's some good analogies in there, somewhere." - BC2011 from CBC.ca
Let's face it, everyone in town knew a riot was likely to happen, win or lose. A general attitude of permissiveness - and our Mayor's refusal to anticipate reality - allowed this to happen. And it'll happen again.
But at least we have chicken coops in our backyards, and are willing to shut down half of a busy, downtown bridge to allow a few cyclists some elbow room. Progress!
There's some good analogies in there, somewhere." - BC2011 from CBC.ca
--
After reading multiple stories on CBC.ca today, I've realized that normal hardworking Canadian folks who live in BC want justice from these riots. We are tired of the abuse of the political system by idealists and the far left in Vancouver we are tired of the focus on the trivial in this city and we are tired of treating our city that it is somehow a utopia, "different" from all other cities in the world. These riots proved that Vancouver is not different. Vancouver is worse. In Boston the riot police was prepared and game 7 wasn't even held there.
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
April 4, 2011
Show Review: Jets Overhead & the Racoons at Venue, April 2nd, 2011
I've known Jets Overhead for almost 16 years.
I was in high school bands in Victoria (area) on Vancouver Island and grew up musically with these wonderful people. I was extremely lucky to play shows and share the stage with the former incarnation of JOH and even played in a band with their star drummer, Luke Renshaw.
My weekend was hectic and I'd been looking forward to the show from the moment I heard about it but as usual I was considering flaking and staying home. I'm glad I didn't. I ran into my friend Rob from Boompa/Secret Study on my way downtown and he generously offered his "plus 1" guest list. I accepted and we had a good chat on the way to the show.
the Racoons:
I was looking forward to the Racoons set almost as much as I was to see JOH and I can say that they are intriguing. They are a trio with 2 guitars/keyboards and a drummer. The vocals are reminicent of current indie but also a late 80's/early 90's vibe similar to Joy Division but with a hint of later Isaac Brock's Modest Mouse. They use dynamics within the songs flawlessly and their use of drums to build the songs was creative and keeps the listener interested. They also used some drum samples and I really liked the sounds that were flowing from the stage. It was different from the usual 4 piece, 2 guitars/bass/drums. I liked the use of backing tracks and drum loops but I felt that there was some authenticity lost within the live show. I would suggest adding a bass player because a great bassist can add to the live sound and may make the band stand out even more. My only other critique would be to improve on stage banter. When there was banter it felt forced and I wasn't sure if they had a CD available or any merch to purchase. Overall they closed the set extremely strong with 2 upbeat dancier numbers that suggested Arcade fire influences and Interpol bleakness. I'd also like to hear the recordings and will review these later on in this blog.
Jets Overhead:
It's been a long journey for Jets Overhead to this night to Vancouver. I felt the band catch hold last year when it seemed you couldn't turn the radio on to any local station without hearing a Jets Overhad song from their last LP "No Nations". I was extremely happen for them and loved to see this well deserving band finally grab hold of long deserved success. Venue is a about a 500 person capacity and to fill this room you really need a strong fan base as Vancouverites are known world wide as not being very supportive to live music. That being said, Vancouver truly delivered on Saturday and the crowd was in a great mood and you could sense the electric energy to hear JOH.
Adam & Antonia are the live focal point of Jets Overhead. They are at the centre of the stage with Piers and Jocelyn flanking them stage right and left. The way their voices fit together feels magical and I noticed right away the timbre in Antonia's voice matches Adam's and compliments perfectly. You can feel the love between them (they are married) and I think the feelings for each other come out strongly in the lyrics and vibe in the band. It's a lovefest. I've been listening to this band's music since day 1 and on this night their set included most of my favourite songs. I won't get into specifics but their live show is still blowing me away. It feels organic and the minimal use of guitars keeps the listeners attention on the lyrics and melodies within the vocals. The drums do not overshadow any of the songs and the songs are usually built with a strong bass line which sometimes is just a single note. It was a beautiful experience to see these old friends again. I hope you will find out more about them and their music will speak to you as much as it has to me in my heart.
I suggest you find out more about Jets Overhead here
Purchase a few songs from the iTunes store here
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
I was in high school bands in Victoria (area) on Vancouver Island and grew up musically with these wonderful people. I was extremely lucky to play shows and share the stage with the former incarnation of JOH and even played in a band with their star drummer, Luke Renshaw.
My weekend was hectic and I'd been looking forward to the show from the moment I heard about it but as usual I was considering flaking and staying home. I'm glad I didn't. I ran into my friend Rob from Boompa/Secret Study on my way downtown and he generously offered his "plus 1" guest list. I accepted and we had a good chat on the way to the show.
the Racoons:
I was looking forward to the Racoons set almost as much as I was to see JOH and I can say that they are intriguing. They are a trio with 2 guitars/keyboards and a drummer. The vocals are reminicent of current indie but also a late 80's/early 90's vibe similar to Joy Division but with a hint of later Isaac Brock's Modest Mouse. They use dynamics within the songs flawlessly and their use of drums to build the songs was creative and keeps the listener interested. They also used some drum samples and I really liked the sounds that were flowing from the stage. It was different from the usual 4 piece, 2 guitars/bass/drums. I liked the use of backing tracks and drum loops but I felt that there was some authenticity lost within the live show. I would suggest adding a bass player because a great bassist can add to the live sound and may make the band stand out even more. My only other critique would be to improve on stage banter. When there was banter it felt forced and I wasn't sure if they had a CD available or any merch to purchase. Overall they closed the set extremely strong with 2 upbeat dancier numbers that suggested Arcade fire influences and Interpol bleakness. I'd also like to hear the recordings and will review these later on in this blog.
Jets Overhead:
It's been a long journey for Jets Overhead to this night to Vancouver. I felt the band catch hold last year when it seemed you couldn't turn the radio on to any local station without hearing a Jets Overhad song from their last LP "No Nations". I was extremely happen for them and loved to see this well deserving band finally grab hold of long deserved success. Venue is a about a 500 person capacity and to fill this room you really need a strong fan base as Vancouverites are known world wide as not being very supportive to live music. That being said, Vancouver truly delivered on Saturday and the crowd was in a great mood and you could sense the electric energy to hear JOH.
Adam & Antonia are the live focal point of Jets Overhead. They are at the centre of the stage with Piers and Jocelyn flanking them stage right and left. The way their voices fit together feels magical and I noticed right away the timbre in Antonia's voice matches Adam's and compliments perfectly. You can feel the love between them (they are married) and I think the feelings for each other come out strongly in the lyrics and vibe in the band. It's a lovefest. I've been listening to this band's music since day 1 and on this night their set included most of my favourite songs. I won't get into specifics but their live show is still blowing me away. It feels organic and the minimal use of guitars keeps the listeners attention on the lyrics and melodies within the vocals. The drums do not overshadow any of the songs and the songs are usually built with a strong bass line which sometimes is just a single note. It was a beautiful experience to see these old friends again. I hope you will find out more about them and their music will speak to you as much as it has to me in my heart.
I suggest you find out more about Jets Overhead here
Purchase a few songs from the iTunes store here
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
March 24, 2011
Charity
Recently I performed at a charity event with a band I threw together with some friends. We played a handful of covers that we all were familiar with and had a blast! I love playing shows with Adam Fink. He's amazing. Cole is amazing too! you should check out both of their bands here's their twitter:
@tvheartattack
@clockmakersband
The event was at Republic Night Club on Granville and we ended up helping raise over $12,000 for the Children's Variety Network!
I thought I'd post the photos because they're pretty cool!
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
@tvheartattack
@clockmakersband
The event was at Republic Night Club on Granville and we ended up helping raise over $12,000 for the Children's Variety Network!
I thought I'd post the photos because they're pretty cool!
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
March 21, 2011
My controversial blog about Translink (Vancouver Public Transit)
Scenario #1:
It was Xmas eve.
I was heading to Vancouver Island for the holiday. I did a quick google maps for directions using public transit to get to BC Ferries in North Vancouver. I was pleasently suprised at the easy trip. A short walk to the skytrain and 1 bus to the ferries. All for $5. Cheap right?
So I caught the skytrain, and when I got to the bus stop there was a growing line-up but I was confident that I would get on the bus.
I was wrong.
When the bus showed up about 15 minutes later, there was a line-up about 100 people deep and I was about 25th in line.
Here's the problem: the bus was completely full and there wasn't another bus heading to the ferry for another hour (which means I would've missed the ferry)
Scenario #2:
It was 2008.
I was excited to attend Radiohead's show in support of "In Rainbows" at Thunderbird stadium. I was with some great friends and we decided to catch public transit there and back from this awesome show.
Simple, right?
Getting to the concert was easy as pie. One bus.
When the concert ended however, about 8 thousand people all were looking for a bus.
There was 1 bus every half hour and unfortunately the capacity wasn't 8000.
Scenario #3:
I was catching a bus home this weekend. The B-Line #99. It's a great bus service and gets me right to Commercial Drive near where I currently live.
Well this past Saturday it was the opening game for the Vancouver Whitecaps (GO CAPS!) at the stadium out in East Vancouver and every B-Line was completely, utterly packed.
I took another bus because I knew that it was a waste of time to try to catch the B-Line that day.
Scenario #4
New Years Eve 2008
It was late (or early depending) and I was finally heading home after a night on the town with some friends. It was far too late to catch a skytrain home because Translink only runs an extra hour on NYE. With all of the focus on anti-drinking and driving, one would think the city would run more trains on the busiest drinking night of the year. I ended up walking half way home (5 kilometers) and then finally getting a cab the rest of the way.
--
Here is my observations based on the above true life stories.
Generally the bus system in Vancouver is very good. It's integrated well with the Skytrain and costs very little to get all over the lower mainland.
Translink does not use common sense and does not pay attention to what is going on in the city. I'm sure some of you have similar stories about Translink. But I feel that Translink is another part of the problem when it comes to the stigma in the city as being "No Fun-Couver". If you build it they will come, right? Well this is true with the skytrain stations. Local business is thriving around each train station. Sure crime is up slightly and some properties are devalued but the skytrain service has taken alot of cars off the road and make commuting mostly better during the rush hour.
I also have a slight insight into improving service.
How does Translink monitor usage?
There are no turnstiles at skytrain stations.
Many people do not pay for tickets and during peak hours the skytrain police do not check 90% of the time. The "good faith" system does not work. Why not hire a few people during rush hour to check passes and tickets? Even just at the high traffic stations? This would employ a few people and would also possibly increase revenues enough to pay for more buses and trains and other services for translink. I've heard rumblings about installing turnstiles in the future but why not get this initiative rolling sooner? My other argument that is "pro" turnstiles or "internal control" is that from a marketing standpoint, wouldn't it be great to use a system that more accurately calculates who is travelling on the train? On Sunday the skytrain service is decreased but I see empty trains driving by all the time. Does Translink notice? There is currently no real way to integrate a tracking procedue other then the people who stand at the stations in green coats.
What do you think?
Would you like to see the Translink "product" improved in any way?
Feel free to discuss.
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
It was Xmas eve.
I was heading to Vancouver Island for the holiday. I did a quick google maps for directions using public transit to get to BC Ferries in North Vancouver. I was pleasently suprised at the easy trip. A short walk to the skytrain and 1 bus to the ferries. All for $5. Cheap right?
So I caught the skytrain, and when I got to the bus stop there was a growing line-up but I was confident that I would get on the bus.
I was wrong.
When the bus showed up about 15 minutes later, there was a line-up about 100 people deep and I was about 25th in line.
Here's the problem: the bus was completely full and there wasn't another bus heading to the ferry for another hour (which means I would've missed the ferry)
Scenario #2:
It was 2008.
I was excited to attend Radiohead's show in support of "In Rainbows" at Thunderbird stadium. I was with some great friends and we decided to catch public transit there and back from this awesome show.
Simple, right?
Getting to the concert was easy as pie. One bus.
When the concert ended however, about 8 thousand people all were looking for a bus.
There was 1 bus every half hour and unfortunately the capacity wasn't 8000.
Scenario #3:
I was catching a bus home this weekend. The B-Line #99. It's a great bus service and gets me right to Commercial Drive near where I currently live.
Well this past Saturday it was the opening game for the Vancouver Whitecaps (GO CAPS!) at the stadium out in East Vancouver and every B-Line was completely, utterly packed.
I took another bus because I knew that it was a waste of time to try to catch the B-Line that day.
Scenario #4
New Years Eve 2008
It was late (or early depending) and I was finally heading home after a night on the town with some friends. It was far too late to catch a skytrain home because Translink only runs an extra hour on NYE. With all of the focus on anti-drinking and driving, one would think the city would run more trains on the busiest drinking night of the year. I ended up walking half way home (5 kilometers) and then finally getting a cab the rest of the way.
--
Here is my observations based on the above true life stories.
Generally the bus system in Vancouver is very good. It's integrated well with the Skytrain and costs very little to get all over the lower mainland.
Translink does not use common sense and does not pay attention to what is going on in the city. I'm sure some of you have similar stories about Translink. But I feel that Translink is another part of the problem when it comes to the stigma in the city as being "No Fun-Couver". If you build it they will come, right? Well this is true with the skytrain stations. Local business is thriving around each train station. Sure crime is up slightly and some properties are devalued but the skytrain service has taken alot of cars off the road and make commuting mostly better during the rush hour.
I also have a slight insight into improving service.
How does Translink monitor usage?
There are no turnstiles at skytrain stations.
Many people do not pay for tickets and during peak hours the skytrain police do not check 90% of the time. The "good faith" system does not work. Why not hire a few people during rush hour to check passes and tickets? Even just at the high traffic stations? This would employ a few people and would also possibly increase revenues enough to pay for more buses and trains and other services for translink. I've heard rumblings about installing turnstiles in the future but why not get this initiative rolling sooner? My other argument that is "pro" turnstiles or "internal control" is that from a marketing standpoint, wouldn't it be great to use a system that more accurately calculates who is travelling on the train? On Sunday the skytrain service is decreased but I see empty trains driving by all the time. Does Translink notice? There is currently no real way to integrate a tracking procedue other then the people who stand at the stations in green coats.
What do you think?
Would you like to see the Translink "product" improved in any way?
Feel free to discuss.
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
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