Music Travels / Lausanne, Dublin & Montreal / Man Man, Cheveu, Kid Koala & The Tenori-On

LAUSANNE, Switzerland - Music, Festivals & An Excellent Local Rock Venue.

Lausanne has been a great experience so far, the numerous cultural and musical events are still in full force even if Summer is almost over and Autumn presents itself a little more each week. I'm impressed with the diversity in its' inhabitants and how the contrast of university life and business intermix with the alternative or creative. You will never have a problem finding something to do that caters to your interests, this is quite astounding for such a small city. Or, the strong influences of French and Italian culture woven into the local characteristics and multi-cultural openess, full of distinction while being distinctly Swiss or perhaps better, Lausannois.

Here are some highlights of my recent time in this beautiful city bordered by the mountains, Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Geneva, as well as flashbacks of my trips to Montreal and Dublin back in May.

Seeing Cheveu again was a real treat last night. If you do not know this Parisian trio, please check them out or watch the video below to get a feel for their lively, often humourous, punk/rock/electro wigouts. The band opened for Man Man in Dublin this past spring and I had the good fortune to meet them after their energising set. We met again last night months later and their live show is even better, especially on a Sunday - I've done two now in two different cities and countries. As someone involved in making instruments, this is exactly the type of band I would love to see experimenting with our creations, Cheveu radiates intensity. Highly recommended for any Francophiles out there looking for something outside of radio play. http://www.myspace.com/cheveu

Finding a perfect venue in Le Romandie was an awesome opportunity to learn about the founding association that runs it. For 15 years, the members have dedicated their free time to promoting local and international rock acts while also running a first class, not overly priced, kickass venue. I staked out the establishment 6 months ago but had to wait for their renovations to be completed at a new location in central Lausanne. Encompassing a clean but rock aesthetic while appreciating the stone historical structures of an old towering bridge, I was most pleased with the care and detail of the premium sound system and echo panels, design and layout, showing utmost respect for the passionate members and musicians alike, a rarity for many noted venues I've visited. Many thanks to a long time member/volunteer for making me feel at home. We will definitely return. http://www.leromandie.ch/

Lastly, a crazy weekend fulfilling the 3rd annual Electrosanne festival. 5 venues were participating in bringing a last summer electronic celebration with various artists from Switzerland and abroad. My only complaints were the tightly fastened bracelet I had to wear for three consecutive nights (I cheated and scotch taped it together the last) and the sudden change in minimal or garage to house music once the time hit 2AM, obviously a genre more successful in seducing the mass crowds. Otherwise, it was a good time and the general vibe of the event was very friendly and open. http://www.myspace.com/electrosanne

MONTREAL - The Mutek Festival & The Tenori-On.

A flashback to May when I visited Montreal for the first time. I have been living in France for almost a decade so this was a treat considering I am Canadian and now capable of speaking French better than a 3 year old. The festival was pretty good but the highlight was both Kid Koala (amazing!) and Modeselektor on the same night. Surprisingly, having seen some of the same acts in Europe, I found the sets tamer but longer than the European sets I've caught including Modeselektor. The 9 year event also included some great audio/visual workshops, panels and demonstrations but I just couldn't find the time to do all of the festival, site seeing, and catching up with good friends in a week. Create Digital Music has excellent coverage of the festival. http://www.mutek.org/

I also got to touch this beautiful instrument...

Attending the Tenori-On workshop was interesting yet I found the Yamaha exec pushing the boundaries between an informative workshop and a blatant sales pitch. Many of the other workshops had namebrand marketing too which in all fairness allows the festival to take place. It was good fun though and I really enjoyed manipulating the pricey sequencer and seeing how excited everyone was.

I finished the trip finally tasting poutine, being overcharged by a travel agent and racing to my flight reeking of Bloody Caesars, watch out for those dangerous 5 à 7's!

DUBLIN - Man Man, Cheveu & Too Many Pints of Guinness.

Dublin is like another home for me. I was back this Summer but also returned in May for a last minute trip to see a good friend perform his first solo gig, opening for the crazy Philly band Man Man. Dublin is a great city to see independent music, the crowds are enthusistic, friendly but usually very full on in quantity and well, quantity. I was weary heading to the popular venue but seeing how it was Sunday, the crowd was smaller and less intense. I saw the floors and walls for the first time rather than a sea of perfectly held pints which I have never managed to maneuver confidently.

Cheveu kicked off the night with brilliant energy as mentioned above. Followed by my friend. Technical difficulties aside, he did a great job revising his set but didn't have an opportunity to use the instrument we made for him which would have been cool. Still, it was impressive to see him open for such a wicked band, I love Man Man and as expected, the concert was immense. My partner John fed me too many pints too quickly however and I missed out on a thoughtful discussion on Philly love and also spending a night out with the band. Aw. Maybe next time.

If you haven't read already, this is what I did in June/July/August ;-)

Next up, a night of music and illustrations...