Wrapped Up.

I forgot to mention that all my Rifflandia photos are now online.

You can check out my stuff on the Rifflandia site (Sugar, Alix Goolden Hall, and Royal Athletic Park). You can also check out all of my photos on my flickr.

Rifflandia: Where I'm going to be.

Photo by Keri Coles

Howdy folks,

A few people have been asking where I'm going to be during Rifflandia this year. So I'll give you the details. 

Thursday September 22nd, 2011: Not going anywhere. Got work to do at home, and stuff to get ready. 

Friday September 23rd, 2011: Heading to Royal Athletic Park to catch Mother Mother and Broken Social Scene. Afterwards I'm shooting from 9:30PM to 2:00AM at Sugar Nightclub (Sage Francis). 

Saturday September 24th, 2011: Might go to Royal Athletic for a little bit. Maybe just USS. I could care less about the rest of the bands playing that day at RAP. Afterwards I'm shooting from 9:30PM - 2:00 AM at Alix Goolden Hall (J. Mascis).

Sunday September 25th, 2011: Short day for me. Shooting at Royal Athletic Park's Mainstage during Daniel Wesley and De La Soul. I'll probably end up at the park all day. 

Look for my photos to be uploaded on the Rifflandia Smugmug. 

Sunday Night.

I'm not going to apologize for the spotty transmissions lately. 

It seems like the next week is going to be another week of not really writing anything worthy of putting up here or elsewhere. 

Rifflandia is later this week. So look for some massive Rifflandia updates on flickr starting Saturday morning. I'll be shooting at Sugar nightclub, Alix Goolden Hall, and the mainstage at Royal Athletic Park.

Music, photos, food, and drink. Who could ask for more?

End of transmission.  

A Survival Guide to the Rifflandia Music Festival.

September 23- 26, 2010 marks the third annual Rifflandia Music Festival. This being my third year attending (second as a photographer) I thought I'd give you guys some pointers so finish that Blue Buck and start taking some notes.

-Pick out your favourite flannel shirt. You should be wearing this even if it is cold and raining.
-Don't forget that V-neck (remember ladies can't enough chest hair).
-Skinny jeans are a must. They restrict blood flow to the lower part of your body so there are no worries about getting an accidental boner while dancing with a young lady.
-Ironic t-shirt? You could never have enough.
-Facial hair? You should probably look like you just came out of the woods after raising a herd of little sasquatches. Or a handlebar moustache.
-Got one of those shoe lace headbands? Why aren't you wearing it right now.

Now you are wondering "Tyson, I'm going to be standing for a majority of the night what should I wear on my feet?" Quick answer nothing with any kind of ergonomic support. The flatter the sole of the shoe the better. Chucks or Vans should do the trick, but don't under estimate the power of the flip-flop sandal. Comfortable, breathable, and when you step in a puddle or have beer spilt on your foot it will dry up right away.

You should probably buy a wristband, make a game plan, and not listen to me when I'm trying to be funny.

Now go out there hand have some fun. 

Remembering Music.

Calexico

Yesterday I was wandering home post Rifflandia 3 party at Phillips Brewery when I fired up "Carried to Dust" by Calexico.

Lately Calexico has been my go to choice for making me feel better. I think it has something to do with the horns and whole border sound. By border sound I mean an Mexican/American influence to the music. Tex-Mex if you will.

As I walked up the country road back to my place I spent some time remembering how I felt when eeing them play last year at Sasquatch. I was taken back at how great they were. I knew they were good (I had listened to a cd or two before hand) but this was way better than I expected.

I'm sure it has something to do with the venue who can argue with the Gorge as a backdrop, but I think it also had to do with how I was feeling at the time. It is hard to take yourself out of how you are feeling sometimes and I find music is usually how I escape.

I think that is why I made some lasting bonds with the music I heard last year at Sasquatch because of it. Calexico, John Vanderslice, The Avett Brothers, and rekindling my love with Jane's Addiction have all slipped into my high rotation. All I have to do is listen to them and I feel better.

I forgot why I started writing this post but I'm okay with that.

Less than a month.