I have a new Hopeful Monster website to introduce. Actually it's a blog and I will be using it as my main publishing platform for band news, videos, photos, artwork, lyrics, reviews, new music — the kind of stuff you usually find on band websites. But unlike myspace etc, this site lets me to post music and videos in quicktime format, which permits 16 bit audio, equivalent to the sound quality you get on a CD.

So far, I've compiled fairly comprehensive content for the site, including all four Hopeful Monster music videos, an mp3 player, lyrics for all songs released to date, press reviews, album and poster art, multiple downloadable hi res images and a growing photo archive with pics going back to the band's origins in Seabright, Nova Scotia. I even dug up some poems I wrote about a decade ago and posted a few.

Now that the basic content is there, I'll be making semi-regular posts, each focusing on a new release, upcoming or recent show, collaboration, memoir, art project, social movement or the like. The idea is to present various media related by subject, in an episodic way, rather than as batches  of files of the same kind, like traditional music albums. In each post you will get the full story, whatever it happens to be about, with music, video, photos, words and links to sources and related web pages.

The first couple of posts will be live videos from my recent UK tour — not only footage of me but also of some amazing acts I played with. They should be up in a day or two — in the meantime, please have a look around the site and leave me a comment if you like.

Here is the URL:

http://hopefulmonstermusic.blogspot.com

Enjoy!


JBall

While on tour in UK last week, I had the chance to stop by the BBC studios in Nottingham for a quick live performance and interview with Dean Jackson of BBC radio's The Beat.

Dean is well known in the UK music scene for sourcing out new talent, as well as for his role in "big time" music industry machinations — he has interviewed the likes of Oasis and been a judge for UK's Mercury Music Award. He took time out to present Hopeful Monster to his listeners.

The interview airs this Saturday, December 6, between 6 and 10 pm UK time on BBC Nottingham (103.8, 95.5fm, 1584am and DAB digital radio). If you have RealPlayer installed, you can listen online worldwide here (don't forget to do the time-zone math!) For more info on The Beat, click here.

Thanks Dean!

Nostalgic delights from Canadian songster Jason Ball

(reprinted from www.dailyinfo.co.uk)


Hailing from the land of beavers and maple trees, Canadian musical journeyman Jason Ball, aka Hopeful Monster, returns with his second album Metatasking. After a six-year hiatus, in which much gigging was done in a number of different guises, HM may have gained more experience, but no immediate cynicism.

My initial impression of Metatasking was that I was being beaten by the bastard child of The Beach Boys and Beck, weaving away from dreamy fists of honey, with punches of sound washing over my ears like a lazy river of chocolate. My mind began harking back to a more innocent time when I didn't need to be aware of my sugar intake; halcyon days when I would dance naked in the dusk next to a speaker blurting out mid tempo riffs laced together with liquorice shoelaces and 'mind expanding' pop poetry. After a few more listens, I have to admit, my initial impression hasn't changed.

The songs are well-produced, hypnotic soundscapes with some nice changes of pace initially. It is comparable with much of Beck's back catalogue, although is neither lyrically or sonically as avant-garde. The lyrics appear trippy and twee, although I detected an air of cynicism reminiscent of HM's compatriots Eels. The clue, I suppose, is in the band's name. It has some of the bouncing synth of Grandaddy, though is nowhere near as lyrically fraught whilst, particularly towards the second-half of the album, it drifts towards the Beach Boys when they were at their dreamiest.

As the album progressed I found that some of the songs were in danger of meandering into obscurity, but overall it's a strong piece of work. If you want to be reminded what it felt like to play with Lego, prior to life taking you in its grip and nothing ever seeming like quite so much fun after, or to prance around in a summer of ridiculous clothes as a post- GCSE sixteen year old, then this album is a perfect accompaniment. Not quite life imitating art, but the beginning was more fun than the end.

Running Order:
1. uncivilized
2. dream car
3. humpty dumpty by the bag
4. air highway
5. rocky holler canon
6. alpha disco
7. landwarning
8. landslide
9. follow me down
10. pay the rent
11. perfect riddle

For a taster of some of the tracks, you can visit:
www.myspace.com/hopefulmonstermusic
Stephen Jones, 19/11/08

TORONTO COLLEGE RADIO, PRESS, INDIE RETAIL


*This is not a comprehensive list, just some suggestions for touring musicians who are trying to promote their show in Toronto. Please go to the websites listed, to decide which organizations to contact and how to contact them.



NATIONAL PUBLIC BROADCASTING

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)

This is an enormous organization with national television and radio and regional radio stations across Canada, as well as web radio and music hosting for artists.

Canadian Broadcasting Centre, Toronto

250 Front St. W
 
P.O. Box 500, Station "A"

Toronto, ON
M5W 1E6


Tel: (416) 205-3311 (general inquiries)

Toll Free: 1-866-306-4636
www.cbc.ca


COMMERCIAL ALTERNATIVE ROCK RADIO

CFNY 102.1 FM The Edge

1 Dundas St W Suite 1600
Toronto, ON
M5G 1Z3

Tel: 416-408-3343 (EDGE)
Fax: 416-847-3333

www.edge.ca


COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY RADIO

University of Toronto Radio

CIUT 89.5 FM
91 St. George St.

Toronto, ON

M5S 2E8

Tel: 416-978-0909

Fax: 416-946-7004
www.ciut.fm


York University Radio

CHRY 105.5 FM
Room 413 Student Centre

York University

4700 Keele St.
Toronto, ON

M3J 1P3

Tel: 416-736-5293
Fax: 416-650-8052

www.chry.fm


Ryerson University Radio

CKLN 88.1 FM
55 Gould St.
Toronto, ON

Tel: 416-979-5251
Fax: 416-595-0226

www.ckln.fm


Humber College Radio

Radio Humber 96.6 FM
205 Humber College Boulevard
Toronto, ON
M9W 5L7

http://radio.humber.ca



NEWSPAPERS

NOW Magazine (THE weekly entertainment taboid for reviews and listings)

189 Church St
Toronto, ON
M5B 1Y7

Tel: 416-364-1300
www.nowtoronto.com


Eye Weekly (the OTHER weekly...)

625 Church St, 6th Floor
Toronto, ON
M4Y 2G1
Tel: 416-596-4316
www.eyeweekly.com



INDEPENDENT RECORD STORES

Soundscapes

572 College St.
Toronto, ON
M6G 1B3

Tel: 416-537-1620
www.soundscapesmusic.com

Rotate This

801 Queen St. W
Toronto, ON
M6J 1G1

www.rotate.com

All four Hopeful Monster videos can now be viewed in Quicktime format, which looks and sounds way better than the flash versions posted on youtube. The myspace blog doesn't support embedded Quicktime, so here are links that will open each movie in a new browser window. I recommend waiting a minute or two till the movie autostarts, then it should stream smoothly to the end.


Videos in medium format (426 X 320 pixels — smooth streaming with normal hi-speed connections):

Uncivilized (23 MB)
Stepping In (31 MB)
Stars Are Photomagnets (19 MB)
River Reflexive (40 MB)


Videos in large format (720 X 540 pixels — the whole movie should load in 5 - 10 minutes):

Uncivilized (55 MB)
Stepping In (74 MB)
Stars Are Photomagnets (54 MB)
River Reflexive (86 MB)


To share videos, right-click on the link above, choose "copy link" and paste it in an email or your web page.

I made a new home/music video for Uncivilized & put it up on youtube as a video response to Spiritualized's "Soul On Fire" video, which only makes sense cuz we have THE SAME JACKET! Well, obviously his fits better but I bet he got it made from a fire suit like mine...

I'm a big Spiritualized fan and I love his song and the video, by the way. One of my favourite first verses ever. So it's both an honour AND a shameless publicity stunt—I hope you like my song too. [If you haven't seen the Soul On Fire video, watch it first (top video). Mine will make more sense.]

SOUL ON FIRE by Spiritualized


UNCIVILIZED by Hopeful Monster


In my youtube description I said you could download the Uncivilized mp3 at myspace, but I haven't figured out the new player and playlist gizmo so if you're having problems, you can still download it from SPIN.com

JBall

Metatasking has had its first official review (reprinted from electricroulette.com):


"I've got a paid vacation and I'm headin' for the sun..."

Some cats got in touch and say "Hey! We think you might dig our LP!" and of course, I was left mutterin' into my chest and grumblin' "What the hell do you know? Jerknow how many bozos get in touch with lamo indie that sounds like The Liberti... whatthefug... is that Colin Blunstone?!"

Fact is, Hopeful Monster wear their influences on their lapels... and for the most part, they're the kinda influences that make me bubble at the snout. We're talkin' Lovin' Spoonful, Harry Nilsson, The Zombies and newest fave LeckRouleck band, The Junipers. Toytown is calling me back and I jusso happen to own a passport...

Where to start with these guys? Well, before I continue, I'll tell you that they hail from Canada. Of course, Canada is like America, if America was inhabited by nice people and wooden cottages. This may not be strictly true, but hey, who gives. If you wanted facts, you'd be reading some news website. So back to the fiction. Canada is filled with people who look like the cast of Northern Exposure and they all sit around smoking cigarettes and sharing cooking tips. Canada is a lovely place to visit. They even have guns legally and don't bother usin' 'em.

So what's that gotta do with Hopeful Monsters? Well, the prevailing sound of 'Metatasking' is one so laid back that, if you don't mind, could you pop a coaster under your head so you don't get your dreams on the carpet? The LP kicks off with 'Uncivilised' which is piano-led pianner popsike that could easily be on 'Odessey and Oracle', if Emitt Rhodes sat in on the sessions. Dig that! It continues too. From the opener straight into the stupendous 'Air Highway' which has something of John Sebastian about it. No lie. They hit those weird jazz notes through lullaby chords. The kinda songwriting that you ain't seen since when. "Come on darlin', open up your eyes..." swoons around in gorgeous ooooohing backing vox. Man, you'll throw away your guitar and give up.

Closer, 'Perfect Riddle', you start thinkin' of Harry Nilsson, Brian Wilson making his glorious pop on the cusp of Pet Sounds. Not quite Pet Sounds... but imminent. Basically, when this album... this band... are good, they're almost unparallelled. However, this ain't completely a joyous glide toward golden slumbers, nosir. See, the LP is blighted by some 'rockers'... namely, 'Alpha Disco' and 'Humpty Dumpty By The Bag'. Just think of the difference between The Zombies and Argent. When the amps are kicked into overdrive, this band don't work at all. When the low them to hum, then they feel like the best band in the whole world and you can't believe you ain't heard of 'em yet.

Somethin' tells me that they kinda agree. Go to their Myspace page (here) and it's all sunshine psychedelia. The rockin' tracks nixed. That said, it's not worth writing off a band on a coupla songs. Man, these guys are amazing. If they live up to their name (Hopeful Monster is a term used in evolutionary biology to describe an event of systemic mutation, which contributes positively to the production of new major evolutionary groups) they'll only get better. Here's hoping, as the world needs bubblegum psych like this.

You can buy Hopeful Monster's 'Metatasking' by clicking here.

mof gimmers

CLUBS TO PLAY IN TORONTO

This is by no means an exhaustive list—there are dozens of music venues in Toronto. In fact it is quite the opposite: I have chosen a handful of venues in a few categories that I can personally recommend—I have played at more than half of them and seen shows at almost all of them. They are all legit venues where cool shows happen; most of them have been around for years and everyone in Toronto knows where they are. Some of them specialize in particular genres, so check out their websites to decide which ones to contact.

*Please note: just because I haven't included a club in this list doesn't mean it is necessarily to be avoided—I just can't recommend it because I've never been there or I don't know anybody who has played there or for some other reason.

I'd also like to draw your attention to a weekly event at the Horseshoe Tavern, called Nu Music Nite, presented every Tuesday by 102.1 "The Edge" CFNY, Toronto's commercial alt rock station. Bands play strictly regimented half-hour sets and there's no cover, so there's always a crowd. But you don't get paid. You can sell merch though, and use it to promote your main show in Toronto.


**Please see my other blog entries for local press, radio, retail and clubs to play in cities near Toronto**



TORONTO MUSIC VENUES (short list)

CLUBS FULL-TIME, TOURING BANDS PLAY (feels empty with audience smaller than 150-250)

MOD CLUB 722 College St. 416-588-4MOD www.themodclub.com
OPERA HOUSE 735 Queen St. E 416-466-0313 www.theoperahousetoronto.com
PHOENIX 410 Sherbourne St. 416-323-1251 www.libertygroup.com/phoenix/phoenix.html
LEE'S PALACE 529 Bloor St. W 416-532-1598 www.leespalace.com
MUSIC HALL 147 Danforth Ave. 416-778-8163 www.themusichall.ca
HUGH'S ROOM 2261 Dundas St. W 416-531-6604 www.hughsroom.com


SMALLER CLUBS FOR TOURING AND LOCAL BANDS, SMALL ENSEMBLES AND SOLO ACTS (50-150 people is a good turnout, depending on the venue)

THE BOAT 158 Augusta Ave. 416-593-9218 *
CADILLAC LOUNGE 1296 Queen St. W 416-536-7717 www.cadillaclounge.com
CAMERON HOUSE 408 Queen St. W 416-703-0811 www.thecameron.com
DAKOTA 249 Ossington Ave. 416-850-4579 www.thedakotatavern.com
DRAKE HOTEL 1150 Queen St. W. 416-531-5042 www.thedrakehotel.ca
EL MOCAMBO 464 Spadina Ave. 416-777-1777 www.elmocambo.ca
GLADSTONE HOTEL 1214 Queen St. W 416-531-4635 www.gladstonehotel.com
HORSESHOE TAVERN 370 Queen St. W 416-598-4226 www.horseshoetavern.com
MITZI'S SISTER 1554 Queen St. W 416-532-2570 www.mitzissister.com
RANCHO RELAXO 300 College St. 416-920-0366 www.ranchorelaxo.biz
RIVOLI 332 Queen St. W 416-596-1908 www.rivoli.ca
SILVER DOLLAR 486 Spadina Ave. 416-763-9139 www.silverdollarroom.com
SUPERMARKET 268 Augusta Ave. 416-840-0501 www.supermarkettoronto.com
WRONGBAR 1279 Queen St. W 416-516-8677 *


TINY CLUBS AND NEIGHBOURHOOD BARS FOR SOLO ACTS, SMALL OR QUIET ENSEMBLES (feels packed with 50 people)

HOLY JOE'S 651 Queen St. W 416-504-0744 www.thebigbop.com
C'EST WHAT 67 Front St. E 416-867-9499 www.cestwhat.com
FREE TIMES CAFE 320 College St. 416-967-1078 http://freetimes.sites.toronto.com
SMILING BUDDHA BAR 961 College St. 416-516-2531 www.smilingbuddhabar.com
THE LOCAL 396 Roncesvalles Ave. 416-535-6225 http://thelocalpub.ca
LOONS 416 Roncesvalles Ave. 416-535-8561 http://loonspub.tripod.com
COMMUNIST'S DAUGHTER 1149 Dundas Street West 674-435-0103 *


*venue does not have a website

VENUES NEAR TORONTO

I have played a few of these venues, but I have never set foot in most of them. I offer this list of clubs in cities a short drive from Toronto, for musicians who are trying to flesh out their Ontario tour. E Bar, Jane Bond, Starlight, Boathouse, Call the Office, Elixir, Grad Club and Casbah are all top notch. As for the others, buyer beware!


GUELPH

E Bar
41 Quebec Street
Guelph
519.821.3311 ext. 126
ebarmusic@bookshelf.ca


KITCHENER / WATERLOO

The Boathouse
57 Jubilee Drive, Victoria Park
Kitchener
519.745.7202
voodoohealin@rogers.com

The Jane Bond
005 Princess St.
Kitchener / Waterloo
519.886.1689
StarlightWaterloo@Gmail.com
http://janebond.ca

The Starlight
47 King St. N
Waterloo
519.886.1689
StarlightWaterloo@Gmail.com
http://janebond.ca


KINGSTON

Elixir
14 Garrett St.
Kingston
613.545.1591
info@elixirnightclub.com
Grad Club
162 Barrie St.
Kingston
613.546.3427
gradclub@post.queensu.ca


LONDON, ONTARIO

Call The Office
216 York St
519.432.4433
bookings@calltheoffice.com


HAMILTON

Casbah
306 King St W
905.521.4441
brodiebooksrock@yahoo.ca


BURLINGTON

Boston Manor
4460 Fairview St
(905) 637-1984


MISSISSAUGA

Basement West
Mississauga/ Streetsville
thebasementwest@hotmail.com

Roc'n Doc's
105 Lakeshore Road E
Port Credit
905.891.1754
rocndocs@yahoo.ca

Abbey Road Pub & Patio
3200 Erin Mills Parkway
Mississauga
905.608.9603
abbeyroadpub@rogers.com

The Harp Pub
55 Lakeshore Rd. E
Mississauga
905.274.3277


On The Curve
55 City Centre Drive
Mississauga
905.804.9582
onthecurve@hiprestaurants.com
http://www.hiprestaurants.com/otc_entertainmentcalendar.html

West 50 Pourhouse & Grille
50 Burnhamthorpe W
Mississauga
905.949.WEST
west50@hiprestaurants.com
http://www.hiprestaurants.com/west50_entertainmentcalendar.html

The Clarington
2157 Royal Windsor Drive
Mississauga
905.823.6111
theclarington@yahoo.com

Lionheart British Pub & Restaurant
3221 Derry Road W
Mississauga
905.824.6669
info@lionheartbritishpub.com

The Pump on Rathburn
1891 Rathburn Road E
Mississauga
905.602.6296

Manchester Arms
2760 Derry Road W
Mississauga
905.858.2124


ETOBICOKE

Honey’s Beestro
5555 Eglington Ave W
Etobicoke
416.695.9178
eglington@honeysbeestro.com

Hollywood On The Queensway
1184 The Queensway
Etobicoke
(416) 251-0288
hollywood@bellnet.ca
http://www.hollywoodonthequeensway.com/schedule.html

Timothy's Pub
344 Brown's Line
Etobicoke
416.201.9515
tim@timothyspub.ca
http://www.timothyspub.ca/html/calendar.asp


OAKVILLE

Moonshine Cafe 137 Kerr Street
Oakville
905.844.2655
moonshinecafe@cogeco.net
http://www.themoonshinecafe.com/Aug2008.htm

Greyfriar's Pub
231 Oak Park Blvd
Oakville
905.257.3620
info@greyfriarspub.com


BRAMPTON

There is contact info for several Brampton promoters here:

http://www.myspace.com/bramptonshows


Oscar's Roadhouse
1785 Queen St
Brampton
905.799.1304
oscarsroadhouse@hotmail.com
http://www.oscarsroadhouse.com/entertainment.htm

Goodtimes Cafe
158 Kennedy Road S
905-453-2233

Ware Haus
http://www.myspace.com/warehaus