Album Reviews: Strumbellas, Lael Neale, The Staves

 Lael Neale — Acquainted with Night (Los Angeles) While we've undoubtedly hit a saturation point with lo-fi music, there's a spare few like Lael Neale that can find a magic in its timbres. By bringing out the raw character in each instrument's minimal scope, Neale is able to harness a

Hope Volleyball Summerfest: Serving Up a Win for Charity

 Ottawa Life’s Festival City Series is back! We'll provide a unique look at some of your favourite events. We’ll go beyond the music with artist interviews, volunteer profiles, concert reviews and spotlights on the tastes, sights and sounds of the festival season.  Your city! Your festivals and events! Like a good sunscreen,

The Strumbellas on music, tour life and making it big

 Photo credit: Heather Pollock “I know I’m supposed to say my favourite part of being on tour is meeting the fans,” says the Strumbellas frontman Simon Ward. “But really it’s trying all the different food from everywhere we travel.” If I wasn’t a fan of the Strumbellas before, you can bet

The Strumbellas Make Tracks on the Canadian Scene

 With a Juno nomination for their debut album and collaboration with Grammy-nominated producer Ryan Hadlock (Metric, The Lumineers) on their sophomore album We Still Move On Dance Floors, The Strumbellas are tucking some impressive credentials under their belts. Added to that is the use of their song Sailing for Hockey

“Hillbilly Pop” from The Strumbellas

 Hear ye! The Strumbellas are coming to Ottawa! Holy macaroni, I love this band! You  may not have heard of them yet, but believe me when I tell you, you will! Quirky and adrenaline-fueled, The Strumbellas' debut release My Father and the Hunter is a wonderfully full listening experience. Packed with