Hailing from the tiny logging town of Ladysmith, British Columbia, Canada, 20 year old Stef Lang is perhaps at first glance an unlikely troubadour. But the unique combination of her mixed heritage coupled with growing up in the remote working town of 7500, provided just the right atmosphere to fuel Stephanie’s youthful pursuit of truthful expression and self-knowledge.
This drive to achieve her ultimate expression eventually caused her to pack up her guitar and walk away from small town life at 17 and relocate, on her own, to Vancouver, a city of over 2 million, to chase her songwriting dreams and locate kindred spirits.
An extremely prolific writer and performer, Stephanie now works closely with many diverse and talented musicians in the vibrant Vancouver songwriting scene. She has done vocals on Calgary’s killer’esque indie boys The Dudes and a co-writing credit for “Dust In Gravity” which will appear on Delerium’s upcoming album. She is also a participant in the respected weekly songwriting circle known as Hipjoint Throwdown, of which she has become a core member.
Stef recently penned a publishing deal with Nettwerk/H-Songs and was approved for a VIDEOFACT grant for her song “Straitjacket.”
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More information on Stef Lang:
http://www.myspace.com/steflang
Loveshit
After two independent albums, Puer Dolor and Up Go The Arms, Montreal singer-songwriter Jason Bajada has joined MapleMusic Recordings for the release of his third album Loveshit. Though the first two albums earned him accolades as one of Montreal’s best songwriters, listeners will be privy to Bajada’s best work yet with Loveshit. “This really does feel like a first record because the other ones were never quite what I was looking for. With this one we nailed it,” says Bajada. “I’m happy with what comes out of the speakers now.”
A heartfelt portrait of a rollercoaster relationship and its demise, the album showcases Bajada’s knack for dealing in dark subject matter, while delivering catchy pop melodies. Indeed, music blog More Nights notes that his live show is “full of sad songs, but somehow always manages to put a smile on my face.” These mesmerizing performances have landed him sold-out shows, headlining slots in Berlin and the opening spot on a tour with Quebec superstars Dumas and Charlebois, including two nights at famed Paris venues La Cigale and Le Bataclan.
“Ten Days in Miami,” the first single, and first song written for the album, came into being during a particularly desperate time – “I was sitting at my coffee table writing and crying,” Bajada says – but has a breezy feel that contrasts with lyrics like “I don’t blink when I look at you / ‘Cause I can’t let you go.”
Bajada calls his writing process “the chase for the perfect pop song,” and it’s a hunt that sees him touching on a plethora of genres and moods – elements that are tied together through the common thematic thread of one relationship’s heartbreak, and Bajada’s skilled songcraft. There’s the upbeat bounce and hand claps of “Hard Not To Quit,” and the stripped-down melancholy of “Sad Song About You #2.” Bittersweet boy-girl harmonies on “Home’s Still Your Bones” set the scene for what Bajada calls “a straightforward twee pop song.” “Tired Of Talking” was written after some ribbing from a friend who told him to create something that would inspire people to sing along. “Challenge is on!” Bajada said – and the result was the final track penned for the album.
Loveshit was recorded with production duo Les Troublemakers, one half of which happened to be a childhood friend of Bajada’s. With shared musical references, and the gear needed to get the sound Bajada was looking for, Les Troublemakers were a perfect fit. They brought Bajada into the studio when “things were still very emotional,” and channeled that energy into creating a searingly honest album.
Despite the fact that the songs were conceived in various cities across the continent, including Halifax and Los Angeles, the album is very much intertwined with Montreal. It was recorded at Troublemakers Studio in Montreal and includes a cover of “You Are A Runner (And I Am My Father’s Son)” by fellow Montrealers Wolf Parade. Bajada will also be heading out on tour as the opener for Montreal songstress Martha Wainwright in December. He credits the city’s other inhabitants with inspiring his songwriting (the strength of which earned him a place as a finalist in the International Songwriting Competition, judged by artists like Tom Waits, Robert Smith, Brian Wilson and Isaac Brock) as well. “When you have those kinds of quality musicians in your backyard, there’s a challenge there. It’s keeps you on your toes.” Bajada has risen to the challenge and then some with Loveshit, a collection of ten infectious songs that spin heartbreak into musical bliss.
“This album, a collection of lovesick rejection songs, should move him into the realm of fine Canadian craftsmen like Rufus Wainwright and Ron Sexsmith.” – Metro (4/5)
“…each of the 10 tracks on Loveshit are teeming with quiet wistfulness and longing.” – Chartattack (4/5)
“Expertly produced, and with a variety of tones and textures, this is quality emoting from end to end.” – Montreal Gazette (4/5)
“The stark themes of Loveshit and Bajada’s folk and country influences make this an easy one to compare to Lee Hazlewood’s Requiem For An Almost Lady.” – Exclaim
“…it’s funny how the saddest songs are often the most beautiful; Bajada writes sublime pop songs.” – National Post
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More information on Jason Bajada:
http://www.myspace.com/jasonbajada
“Better than pancakes!” – Peggy
Local yokel rising crust folk singer, whatever that means. Described as a “hootenanny” by mother – tends to get a bit loopy. You decide!
The Mountains & The Trees are/is Jon Janes. He plays guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, harmonica, bells, drums, and whistles, hums, and sings. He is often backed-up by the Valleys & Seas Orchestra featuring a collective of friends with a variety of instruments.
After spending most of his musical career behind the drums, Janes finally came out of hiding (it was a large drum-kit!) and embraced the singer-songwriter inside. Shy at first, he adopted the stage moniker The Mountains & The Trees and has been loving it ever since. Originally a two-piece, it shrunk to a solo act, then grew to a 3-piece, 4-piece, shrunk again to a 2-piece, grew again to a 3-pie… you get the idea. The size of The Mountains & The Trees changes with the weather and, often, with whomever in the crowd is brave enough to step on stage to play and sing along.
Genre-wise, Janes has too many effects pedals for folk, too many banjos for rock-n-roll (if you’re wondering how many banjos are too many – it’s one). He playfully describes himself as Folk-Pop or Folk-N-Roll. Recordings contain a variety of instruments, such as guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, bells, and drums. Live, Janes backs himself up with the help of some looping-pedals, some deft footwork, and a little luck.
The Mountains & The Trees have released two recordings thus far – Paper Or Plastic EP [2006] and Document [2007]. The former is a 5-song disc recorded on a shoestring budget and delivered in creative packaging (will that be paper or plastic casing?). It features Janes in a variety of roles, instrumentally and vocally, as well as guest appearances by Rick Lambe and Louis MacDonald. The latter is a full-length 15-song acoustic effort, recorded over three night-sessions at Park St. United Church in Corner Brook. Featuring Janes on vocals, guitar, and mouth harp, this disc is an effort to capture a moment in musical form. It comes in a hand-printed case with a photo-postcard and a package of dirt and seeds (please plant them). All this is contained in a vinyl case, hand-sewn with help (and love) by grandma. Document is also a limited-edition release of 90 discs. Both discs have received airplay on CBC and College Radio.
As well, to coincide with the 2009 ECMAs in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, the “Hop, Skip, & A Jump Promo EP” was released. It includes 4 songs featuring Janes accompanied by the Valleys & Seas Orchestra and is available free at shows (while quantities last) or by e-mailing info@themountainsandthetrees.com. “Hop, Skip, & A Jump” will be released as an official album this fall accompanied by new artwork and a hand-designed case.
With work on a new full-length album starting this summer and appearances at the East Coast Music Awards, Trails, Tales, & Tunes Festival, North By Northeast, NL Folk Festival, and the Toronto International Film Festival, 2009 is shaping-up to be a mighty fine season for The Mountains & The Trees.
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More information on The Mountains and the Trees:
http://www.rockandroots.com
