Shanies: Artist of the Year

2016 was a weird (kinda shitty) year. Aside from canonizing the laundry list of incredible musicians who died this year, for me, there was one individual who, in the face of all odds, lived for the year like no other. And, as a Canadian who grew up in the 90s, even if he'd sat back and done nothing all year but through simply existing, encouraged us all to listen to the words, "If I die of vanity, promise me if they bury me someplace I don't want to be, you'll dig me up unceremoniously," it may have still been enough.

I'm of course talking about Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip. We all know the story. After being diagnosed with a terminal form of brain cancer, Downie did more in a year than most of us hope to do in a lifetime. Releasing Man Machine Poem in June, the Hip then set off on a cross-Canada tour that would act as some sort of strange pilgrimage-meets-goodbye to the country that embraced them for so many years. But for Downie, the end of the Hip was only the beginning of his year.

He would release Secret Path in collaboration Kevin Drew (BSS) and illustrated by Jeff Lemire. This was a concept album about a young Anishanaabe boy who died in 1966 trying to escape a native school to his home. This project would both fund and raise awareness for the Truth & Reconciliation movement in Canada and do a great deal to raise the profile of this crucial cause.

However, what Downie did in all of these acts is remind us of the Canadian spirit. The never-say-die, look-out-for-the-little-guy, love your neighbour, challenge your country, and push yourself, spirit that lives within all of us. I still remember watching the final Kingston concert with a group of coworkers on a camping trip in the middle of Ontario, huddled around my tiny smart phone. It was a moment of shock and sadness, but also a celebration of life and meaning in the world.

Gord Downie is my artist of 2016 because he reminded us all to be artists of our own sort.


-Topple the days through the uncertain haze around the back of this maze and to you.

Shanies: Artist of the Year

Typically, this award goes to whoever's been absolutely killing it for the past year. While that claim could still hold true, perhaps a better descriptor of this year's winner is the group that was able to overcome the most adversity; in fact, more than most bands go through in their lifetime.

On August 15, 2012, a bus carrying Baroness crashed near Bath, UK, injuring three of four members and seriously injuring two (Blickle and Maggioni who both suffered fractured vertebrae). Frontman John Baizley would walk away with a broken arm and leg and undergo months of rehab before beginning to play some acoustic shows.

In 2013, it was announced that Blickle and Maggioni would be leaving the band. The epic rhythm section would soon be replaced and Baroness would hit the road again in late 2013, touring into much of 2014. With two new members rapidly working into the fold of the group, the next major obstacle would have to be overcome: recording.

By creating a video log around the entire recording process, one can tell that it was not a simple jaunt in the park. While the new foursome had formed a solid bond on the road, the recording process is a different beast altogether. After nearly a year in a basement of writing and rehearsing, this prog-force returned to the studio to lay down their fourth LP, Purple, continuing their theme of the colour series.

In short, Purple, is fucking awesome, and a beautiful return to the Baroness sound for anyone who loves their slow, stoner-metal sound, alongside an obvious evolution in songwriting, lineup, and personal struggle. After what this band has been through, it the least you can do to take a listen.

-No, I can't being different versions of me... as far as the eye can see

Shanies: Artist of the Year

This year, as are most now that I think about it, was a no-brainer. The number of times I saw this band live, the anticipatory salivation that would hit my mouth each time news broke about a new recording they were slated to release, the excitement I would have before every show, the rock that would be rolled every time I listened to I Ain't Gonna Live, or Vault Doors. It all heralded one thing: Blurton was back... as though he ever left.

And he came back with his latest foray into sonic madness, Public Animal. Granted, the Animal got started in 2013, however, 2014 was the year that they hit their stride, with the release of their full-length, Habitat Animal, and the opportunity to open for countless great bands as a go-to in their local Toronto. You could ask me to try to explain or define why I gave the nod for artist of the year to Public Animal, but at the end of the day, the only good answer I could give is the way I feel when I hear Blurton's sweet tone fading into the powerful drone of Dacey's keys, alongside the smooth lines of Larock's bass, and all the while driven forth by a monster known as Ryan Gassi on drums.

The way I feel when I hear that music is what matters... and nothing else.



-Everything can be alright when everything can never be wrong

Shanies: Artist of the Year

This award is always a bit tricky in terms of being able to differentiate it from other awards and define exactly what makes a winner. If I look on past examples (Foo Fighters, The Black Keys), it would appear that this award is designed to recognize hard working bands that have poured their blood, sweat and tears into their music for the past 12 months.

As such, my unquestionable pick for this award is Indian Handcrafts. After riding the success of their epic, independantly released freshman album in the local scene, IH decided that 2012 was going to be their year to step to the plate. Recording their first label release, Civil Disobedience for Losers, under Sargent House and with members of Big Business and The Melvins, one could quickly tell that this was a band that had no intention of staying local/indie – Barrie simply wasn’t big enough for their sound. Getting opening slots with the likes of Red Fang and Billy Talent, it very quickly became apparent that hard work pays off and for IH 2012 could be just the beginning.

Honourable mention goes to riff kings Monster Truck – who also had a phenomenal year and who I’ll be keeping a very close eye on in 2013.

-Promise me you'll feel how I feel, or at least that you'll try