Posts

It's a Long and Dirty Road

Image
    Over the last four years Mark Hughes has come a long way in comedy. At the moment Hughes is half the driving force behind the ever-expanding Comedy Shocker series. Starting as a novelty and growing with every show it's quickly become a staple in the Vancouver comedy scene. Every show has a fun new lineup of dirty people with the kind of jokes that'll make a sailor blush. From show to show the topics change as consistently as the line-up and, while everyone in the audience will certainly have an idea of what they hope to see, there will always be something unexpected in store. Between organizing the Comedy Shocker, and spending an unfathomable amount of time on stage, Hughes was able to find some time to chat about the path of a dirty comic. Following the rocky road of learning how read an audience and sell a joke, Hughes talks candidly about the ups and downs that define his path as a comedian. DK: Hi Mark, it's good to see you again. So, you're one of the ...

Mark Hughes - Upcoming Thingies

Image
    Fresh off the tarmac after Winnipeg Fringe Fest I had a chance to chat with Vancouver comedian Mark Hughes about some upcoming events. Right around the corner is the  Victoria Fringe Fest  which will offer a chance to see his solo show  Tragedy + Time Served = Comedy . For show times and ticket info click  here . Based on true life events, Hughes makes light of addiction and spending too much time in jail. If you're easily offended save yourself the aspirin and stay home. Dark subject matter is perfect fodder for comedy, especially for someone whose lived it. After all, if you can't laugh at your own pitfalls life isn't worth living.     Hughes is co-creator of the Comedy Shocker series which will be seeing it's fourteenth show this October and featuring a lineup of filth that is surely not for the squeamish. For up-to-date information check in on their Facebook page  here  or follow along on  Twitter  for the kind of...

Arctos

Image
    At long last this is finally going to see the light of day! In February I tracked down Dan Von Thrash and we had a chat about the birth and developement of Arctos while it was a somewhat top-secret project lurking in the shadows. Since we chatted Arctos has taken the stage and released their album: A Spire Silent. Catch up with them on their Facebook page for updates, or get a copy of their album through Bandcamp . Dan: Hello there. A Spire Silent DK: Hey! How's it going? Dan: Not to bad. This is Imo---? DK: Yeah, close enough. Dan: Ah, ok. I figured I wasn't gonna get that one on the first go. DK: No one ever does. It's all good. Dan: That is your real name? DK: Yep. That gibberish that appears on my social media is, in fact, my real name. My parents were alcoholics.  Dan: That's fantastic! Even the weird part? DK: Yep! So, Arctos, how is that pronounced? Dan: Pretty much as you said it. I believe it's Latin so we're not ...

Ashpyx w/ AHNA, Graveolence, and Konform

Image
    The Rickshaw theater is magical. Located in a shitty, piss-soaked part of Vancouver it is home to some of the best heavy metal to float through BC. Formerly a Shaw Brothers movie theater it still has the cool layout and great acoustics that give live sound the shape it needs to thrive. Welcome to the Rickshaw.     When I went to see Asphyx recently I didn't know what to expect. The original bill included Skeletal Remains but with a bumpy tour schedule which included multiple border crossings it came as no surprise that they were denied entrance back into Canada. Disappointment! Regardless, ticket sales were largely driven by Asphyx as it was their first time in Canada. The other acts were AHNA, Graveolence, and Konform.     Having never heard of the opening act, Konform, I didn't know what to expect. It seemed like more fun to not look them up and be influenced by what others had to say. Listed as being crust punk surely they would be fun. Cert...

Nim Vind and Argyle Goolsby's European Vacation

Image
Okay, "vacation" doesn't really apply unless you're a fan. Nim Vind and Argyle Goolsby will be touring like hell through Europe this summer. More dates will be added for both so check back for more info as it comes up. Monday June 5th @ Wave-Gotik-Treffen  This will be an early show so get there while the sun is still up! Friday July 14th @ Mighty Sounds Outside of Tabor in the Czech Republic Nim Vind will be sharing a stage with Argyle Goolsby and Cock Sparrer for the 10th anniversary of Mighty Sounds. For full line up and ticket info click here . To see a documentary about one of the biggest concert festivals in Europe go here .    Thursday July 22, 2017@  River Side Festival In Neckarinsel near Esslingen, Germany.  Friday August 18 Argyle Goolsby and The Roving Midnight will be at The Cove Music Hall in Worcester MA, USA. Saturday September 2, 2017 @ Wreck 'n' Roll Attack If you're going to be i...

Cryptopsy

Image
    Cryptopsy. We all know and love Cryptopsy for the crushing swell of metallion death that is delivered with every album. At the moment they're on the road with the Devastation On The Nation tour which wraps up June 11 th . After that there will be a short pit stop in Clisson, France for opening day of every metalheads dream: Hellfest. Also playing that day will be Belphegor, Behemoth, Ministry, Marduk, Obituary, Rancid, In Flames, and about a million others. Immediately following Hellfest is the kickoff for None So Live MMXVII Europe Part I, celebrating 21 years since the release of one of the most iconic albums in recent music history. With such an intense schedule we were pretty happy to be able to catch up with Chris Donaldson for a short chat. DK: Yo! Thank you for finding some time to chat. How's the tour going? CD: Good. Very busy. Touring and producing bands is extremely demanding. Just finished         mixing one from the West,...