Tag: Hamilton

Ellevator faces their dreams in “Hounds”

On February 23, 2018

Ellevator

A dream will often present itself as a metaphor for something the dreamer is dealing with (or failing to deal with) in their waking life. For the band’s new song, “Hounds,” frontwoman Nabi Sue Bersche of Ontario-based Ellevator was inspired by a recurring dream in which she’s chased by wolves or wild dogs. They bite at her heels and keep her from being able to stop and ask for help. She hears their whistles in her head, and they drown out the voices of others who need assistance. She has had this dream since she was a child, and it’s all-consuming. This isn’t just a personal fear — it seems to be a strong indictment of our current social condition.

“Hounds” is an acknowledgement that we need each other to survive. There’s safety in numbers. We’ve seen how ‘every man for himself’ turns out, and we need to do better. – Nabi Sue Bersche, Ellevator

Ellevator releases their self-titled EP on April 20 (Arts & Crafts). It was recorded in Hamilton with Michael Keire (Arkells, The Dirty Nil, Wildlife). They’re currently on tour to support the new music. This has included dates with Our Lady Peace and Matthew Good, and from April 12-26, they’ll be supporting BANNERS. They’re also headlining in NYC at Pianos.

Listen to and purchase “Hounds”

Ellevator Tour Dates

4/12 Toronto, Ontario – Phoenix
4/13 London, Ontario – Rum Runners
4/14 Ottawa, Ontario – The 27 Club
4/17 Albany, NY – The Hollow
4/18 New York, NY – Pianos
4/19 Vienna, VA – Jammin Java
4/20 Boston, MA – Cafe 939
4/21 Montreal, Quebec – Theatre Fairmount
4/22 Quebec City, Quebec – Palais Montcalm
4/24 Waterloo, Ontario – Maxwell’s
4/26 Hamilton, Ontario – Club Absinthe
5/11 Toronto, ONtario – CMW (Lee’s Palace)
6/3 Toronto, Ontario – Field Trip
6/22 Ottawa, Ontario – Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival
6/23 Hamilton, Ontario – Tim Hortons Field
8/19 Elora, Ontario – River Fest Elora

Introducing… Gillian Nicola

By julie

On April 2, 2016

In Indie Music

On her second EP, No Place To Call, Gillian Nicola explores the idea of having everything one needs in life but still grappling with a feeling of emptiness. In “Oh Marie,” her protagonist decides to abandon her current reality for a new one. The immense courage it takes to do this too much for some, keeping us forever locked away in our comfortable prisons. Here is a live version of that song. It begins as a gentle, laid-back alt-country tale and slowly develops, as does its story, into bold self-determination and a passionate resolve, propelled by Nicola’s powerful vocals.

Classically trained as a vocalist, Gillian Nicola hails from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Her 2013 EP Chasing the Wind received nominations for two Hamilton Music Awards (Best New Artist/Group, Alt-Country Recording of the Year) and the Toronto Independent Music Awards (Best Folk). She has had high profile appearances such as the JUNO Concert Series.

On No Place To Call, Nicola creates emotionally resonant music that brings forth the inner commotion that’s churning underneath the deceptively calm surface. She’s joined by Dan Hosh, Ben Alexander, Andrew Ivens, Bruce Savuzzo and Timon Wientzek (acoustic guitar, lead guitar, piano, keyboards, organ, pedal steel, bass, drums and backing vocals). It was recorded at Catherine North Studios with producer Dan Hosh (Whitehorse, City & Colour, Rose Cousins), and is set for release on April 15.

“The title, No Place to Call, refers to a lack of being able to call anyone, or any place, home — a theme that is highly present throughout the recording.”