RIKERS at 11pm.
Friday, March 30, 2012
FURS AREN'T DEAD
The first bands that a kid likes are usually the same bands that their parents happen to be listening to. Some of the earliest memories I have of music are from the long drive to my cottage to every summer. In the late 80s and early 90s, my parents were still for lack of a better word, "cool." They were no doubt "yuppies" (we had a Volvo, a green one) but they loved great music. Every trip featured mix tapes that my Dad made, from Johnny Winter to the Stones. But it was the newer stuff that really stuck with me. Driving through small town Ontario in the summer might cause some people to reach for a folk or classic rock record, but for me these images bring to mind Billy Idol, Talk Talk, FYC and The Psychedelic Furs.
Years later, when I was in high school, I decided to dig out some old tapes and have a listen. I instantly recognized the dark vocals and panning synths.
There are colors flashing
people wearing stars and stuff
there are engines cracking
there's a way to turn it off
It gets so hard at times
to take it serious
it really gets to be a drag
when all we really need is love
Here Come Cowboys - Here to save us all
Here Come Cowboys - They're so well inside the law
I had no idea who The Furs were, but I wanted to hear more, so I went out and bought "Mirror Moves." Then I got "Forever Now," and pretty soon I was hooked on the band, and their decidedly moody sound. My friends and I all loved what was we broadly termed as "80s music," and every party we had became an opportunity to mine the top 100 charts of that decade and put the results on a CD. As we got further into it however, it became more of a competition to find more obscure bands (at least for a 17 year old in 2001), and introduce them into regular rotation. The Psychedelic Furs quickly became our soundtrack for everything from parties to driving to parties, to returning empties and eating breakfast at the Bloor-Jane diner the next day. Whenever I had a crush, instead of pursuing it (way too shy), I would listen to “The Ghost in You” while swooning in my room. And while most kids were blasting rap or whatever else was big in the early 2000s (I really have no idea), we would roll the windows down and blare “Heartbeat” or “Here Come Cowboys” at traffic lights, or go straight to the stereo at random house parties and put the record on. Immature to be sure, but not only did we like being different (and twenty years too late), we loved The Furs.
And last night, as I watched them play at Lee’s, I felt as though everything had come full circle. I first encountered them as a child, and then rediscovered them a decade later, when “Mirror Moves” was in my Discman more often than not. And now, ten years after that, I’m playing synthesizer in a band that I love, with guys I love, watching Richard Butler sing songs from the record that made me fall in love with synth in the first place. I am exactly where I am supposed to be.
- AP
Years later, when I was in high school, I decided to dig out some old tapes and have a listen. I instantly recognized the dark vocals and panning synths.
There are colors flashing
people wearing stars and stuff
there are engines cracking
there's a way to turn it off
It gets so hard at times
to take it serious
it really gets to be a drag
when all we really need is love
Here Come Cowboys - Here to save us all
Here Come Cowboys - They're so well inside the law
I had no idea who The Furs were, but I wanted to hear more, so I went out and bought "Mirror Moves." Then I got "Forever Now," and pretty soon I was hooked on the band, and their decidedly moody sound. My friends and I all loved what was we broadly termed as "80s music," and every party we had became an opportunity to mine the top 100 charts of that decade and put the results on a CD. As we got further into it however, it became more of a competition to find more obscure bands (at least for a 17 year old in 2001), and introduce them into regular rotation. The Psychedelic Furs quickly became our soundtrack for everything from parties to driving to parties, to returning empties and eating breakfast at the Bloor-Jane diner the next day. Whenever I had a crush, instead of pursuing it (way too shy), I would listen to “The Ghost in You” while swooning in my room. And while most kids were blasting rap or whatever else was big in the early 2000s (I really have no idea), we would roll the windows down and blare “Heartbeat” or “Here Come Cowboys” at traffic lights, or go straight to the stereo at random house parties and put the record on. Immature to be sure, but not only did we like being different (and twenty years too late), we loved The Furs.
And last night, as I watched them play at Lee’s, I felt as though everything had come full circle. I first encountered them as a child, and then rediscovered them a decade later, when “Mirror Moves” was in my Discman more often than not. And now, ten years after that, I’m playing synthesizer in a band that I love, with guys I love, watching Richard Butler sing songs from the record that made me fall in love with synth in the first place. I am exactly where I am supposed to be.
- AP
OTTAWA BOUND
Driving from Peterborough to Ottawa is a bit of a desolate journey. Luckily, the B-52s are on the radio.
Come join us at Club Saw tonight. It's a little old place where we can get together.
-CS
Come join us at Club Saw tonight. It's a little old place where we can get together.
-CS
Thursday, March 29, 2012
RIKERS GUIDE TO YOUR WEEKEND
looking for a good show to see this weekend ?
obviously if you're in OTTAWA for Junofest we recommend you come see RIKERS @ CLUB SAW on Friday March 30th but if you're not lucky enough to be in Ottawa we've got a few other recommendations that might make your weekend a little better.
Here's a list of our friends that are on tour this weekend and where you can find them .
BIRTHDAY BOYS
www.birthdayboysmusic.com
These guys are our bff's when it comes to bands . technically speaking there is some blood relation but all bias aside we're massive fans and seeing as they've slowed down their touring schedule lately you should catch em while you can.
THE LUMBERMEN
www.thelumbermen.bandcamp.com
ever seen a man wearing a bearskin and holding a chainsaw ? they're opening up for Birthday Boys in Peterborough , grab their ep from bandcamp
Friday March 30th
The Red Dog
Peterborough
TEENAGE KICKS
www.teenagekicksteenagekicks.com
we've played with these guys twice recently and each time they killed it . great tunes , great band , good guys blah blah blah . we're not a very warm and fuzzy band so we don't pass out those compliments easily. just take our word for it and check out TK. they're on tour with Wildlife ( who i've never seen but also come highly recommended by others ) across the east coast. here are the remaining dates...
Friday March 30th
Michael's - Halifax
Saturday March 31st
Peppers Pub - St. John NB
Sunday April 1st
Scanners - Quebec City
FIREXFIRE
www.firexfiremusic.com
another band we played with a while back . keyboards . harmonies . good songwriting. worth checking out for sure.
Saturday March 31st
Montreal - Pub St Cibiore
PAINT
www.paintband.com
check out the song ' girl in a frame ' . reminds me of 90's indie in a good way. the simplicity of a pop song will never lose it's appeal.
they're on an ontario run right now , weekend shows here..
Friday March 30th
Windsor - Milk
Saturday March 31st
London - Black Shire
enjoy some live music this week kids . it's better than playing video games and drinking diet mountain dew.
obviously if you're in OTTAWA for Junofest we recommend you come see RIKERS @ CLUB SAW on Friday March 30th but if you're not lucky enough to be in Ottawa we've got a few other recommendations that might make your weekend a little better.
Here's a list of our friends that are on tour this weekend and where you can find them .
BIRTHDAY BOYS
www.birthdayboysmusic.com
These guys are our bff's when it comes to bands . technically speaking there is some blood relation but all bias aside we're massive fans and seeing as they've slowed down their touring schedule lately you should catch em while you can.
Friday March 30th
The Red Dog
Peterborough
THE LUMBERMEN
www.thelumbermen.bandcamp.com
ever seen a man wearing a bearskin and holding a chainsaw ? they're opening up for Birthday Boys in Peterborough , grab their ep from bandcamp
Friday March 30th
The Red Dog
Peterborough
TEENAGE KICKS
www.teenagekicksteenagekicks.com
we've played with these guys twice recently and each time they killed it . great tunes , great band , good guys blah blah blah . we're not a very warm and fuzzy band so we don't pass out those compliments easily. just take our word for it and check out TK. they're on tour with Wildlife ( who i've never seen but also come highly recommended by others ) across the east coast. here are the remaining dates...
Friday March 30th
Michael's - Halifax
Saturday March 31st
Peppers Pub - St. John NB
Sunday April 1st
Scanners - Quebec City
FIREXFIRE
www.firexfiremusic.com
another band we played with a while back . keyboards . harmonies . good songwriting. worth checking out for sure.
Saturday March 31st
Montreal - Pub St Cibiore
PAINT
www.paintband.com
check out the song ' girl in a frame ' . reminds me of 90's indie in a good way. the simplicity of a pop song will never lose it's appeal.
they're on an ontario run right now , weekend shows here..
Friday March 30th
Windsor - Milk
Saturday March 31st
London - Black Shire
enjoy some live music this week kids . it's better than playing video games and drinking diet mountain dew.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
ALBUM RELEASE PARTY - TORONTO
We will be celebrating the release of our debut record 'islands' with a show on Tuesday April 17 @ the Horseshoe.
The record will be in stores and online on the 17th and we're looking forward to tossing a few back in celebration.
it's the legendary Edge 102.1 Nu Music Nite at the Horseshoe so that means NO COVER.
We've worked long and hard on this record so come party with us and get your copy.
Birthday Boys are also on the bill so that makes a sweet night even sweeter.
The record will be in stores and online on the 17th and we're looking forward to tossing a few back in celebration.
it's the legendary Edge 102.1 Nu Music Nite at the Horseshoe so that means NO COVER.
We've worked long and hard on this record so come party with us and get your copy.
Birthday Boys are also on the bill so that makes a sweet night even sweeter.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
HANGOVER DAYS
Ever notice that certain albums were almost designed to deal with a hangover? 'Nebraska' is one for me.
CS
Sunday, March 25, 2012
STAY IN THE LIGHT
This week the spotlight is on finishing up the video for our first single, "I'm on the Radio".
And we can't wait to show you.
CJ
And we can't wait to show you.
CJ
Saturday, March 24, 2012
EXEUNT
So many great acts, so many great venues.
A great CMW. Glad to have been a part of it 3 times.
Looking ahead: Rikers @ JunoFest in Ottawa next Friday.
CJ
A great CMW. Glad to have been a part of it 3 times.
Looking ahead: Rikers @ JunoFest in Ottawa next Friday.
CJ
Friday, March 23, 2012
TIP OF THE HAT
A nice nod from Toronto's Lithium Magazine from our show at LEE'S Palace on Wednesday night.
http://lithiummagazine.com/archives-rikers-and-reason-lee’s-palace-toronto-march-21-2012-canadian-music-week-2012
http://lithiummagazine.com/archives-rikers-and-reason-lee’s-palace-toronto-march-21-2012-canadian-music-week-2012
R&R
Today Russ and Ryan head out on the town to represent Rikers to the press.
Bon voyage fellas, and thank you. We'll be in the pool.
Warner showcase tonight at Cabin 5.
RIKERS at 9:44.
CJ
Bon voyage fellas, and thank you. We'll be in the pool.
Warner showcase tonight at Cabin 5.
RIKERS at 9:44.
CJ
Thursday, March 22, 2012
SHOWCASE
For a place that's called The Hideout, there sure are a lot of people here.
Shoulder to shoulder.
But beneath the stage, something dwells in a lowly bathroom.
Waiting.
Rikers at 10:45.
Shoulder to shoulder.
But beneath the stage, something dwells in a lowly bathroom.
Waiting.
Rikers at 10:45.
COOLING OUR HEELS
Lunch in the beautiful Toronto sun.
S.L. Feldman showcase tonight @ The Hideout.
RIKERS @ 10:30
S.L. Feldman showcase tonight @ The Hideout.
RIKERS @ 10:30
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
BLING
Rikers is registered for CMW and ready to roll. First stop, LEE's Palace.
Brand new jewellery for the band. Surely these will be out of style in a few days.
RIKERS @ LEE's Palace with The Reason tonight. Rikers @ 9:45pm.
Brand new jewellery for the band. Surely these will be out of style in a few days.
RIKERS @ LEE's Palace with The Reason tonight. Rikers @ 9:45pm.
Monday, March 19, 2012
THIS WEEK AT CMW
RIKERS AT CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK:
Wed, March 21 - LEE'S Palace @ 9:45pm
Thurs, March 22 - The Hideout @ 10:30pm
Fri, March 23 - Cabin 5 @ 9:45pm
Wed, March 21 - LEE'S Palace @ 9:45pm
Thurs, March 22 - The Hideout @ 10:30pm
Fri, March 23 - Cabin 5 @ 9:45pm
Sunday, March 18, 2012
LESSONS ON PERSPECTIVE
Lesson I: Keep your cup half full.
Sure, being the drummer in the band isn't always the most glamourous position. We're hidden behind the drum kit, we bang up our hands and fingers when we're not precise, and we have the most gear to set up and haul around.
But we're also the only person in the room that simultaneously gets to be part of the show and watch it at the same time.
Lesson II: Smell the roses
Focusing too much on what you want can make you lose focus on what you already have.
Lesson III: Occam's Razor - The simplest explanation is usually the right one.
Ask yourself... Is Alex merely sitting in a cool space-age looking chair?
OR.. Is Alex about to be eaten by Pacman?
Yes, the answer is obvious. And no, Pacman doesn't look very good in person.
-CJ
Sure, being the drummer in the band isn't always the most glamourous position. We're hidden behind the drum kit, we bang up our hands and fingers when we're not precise, and we have the most gear to set up and haul around.
But we're also the only person in the room that simultaneously gets to be part of the show and watch it at the same time.
Lesson II: Smell the roses
Focusing too much on what you want can make you lose focus on what you already have.
Lesson III: Occam's Razor - The simplest explanation is usually the right one.
Ask yourself... Is Alex merely sitting in a cool space-age looking chair?
OR.. Is Alex about to be eaten by Pacman?
Yes, the answer is obvious. And no, Pacman doesn't look very good in person.
-CJ
Friday, March 16, 2012
LAST NIGHT IN PHOTOS
Played in Guelph last night. Came across a cool Vincent Van Gogh book at the bar called 'I Am A Stranger On The Earth' . Even had the library card in the back.
I didn't know my biography had already been written.
RK
I didn't know my biography had already been written.
RK
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
TORONTO FASHION WEEK
Check out this amazing Rikers dress . it was made by Breeyn McCarney and worn by Arianne Young during Toronto Fashion Week.
To find out more about Breeyn & Ari check out these links
www.breeyn.com
www.bettykissstyle.com
To find out more about Breeyn & Ari check out these links
www.breeyn.com
www.bettykissstyle.com
Monday, March 12, 2012
COLIN'S SPRINGTIME MIXTAPE
Good weather calls for a good mixtape. These are a couple of tracks I'm listening to lately.
SIDE A
curtis mayfield - move on up
talking heads - this must be the place
yelle - amour du sol
the coup - showyoass
lcd soundsystem - i can change
college feat. electric youth - real hero
SIDE B
bruce springsteen - promised land
simian mobile disco feat. hot chip - bad blood
justice - canon
battles feat. gary numan - my machines
stars - he dreams he's awake
bry webb - zebra
SIDE A
curtis mayfield - move on up
talking heads - this must be the place
yelle - amour du sol
the coup - showyoass
lcd soundsystem - i can change
college feat. electric youth - real hero
SIDE B
bruce springsteen - promised land
simian mobile disco feat. hot chip - bad blood
justice - canon
battles feat. gary numan - my machines
stars - he dreams he's awake
bry webb - zebra
RIKERS - GUELPH - THIS THURSDAY
Don't miss Rikers in Guelph this Thursday March 15 at Van Gogh's Ear!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE
tracking more keys this afternoon in toronto. For what's it worth I think Alex is better than Stevie Wonder .
-RK
-RK
Saturday, March 10, 2012
POMP vs POMP
Backstage at the Red Dog last night - Alex gets into a hair battle with Graeme from Birthday Boys.
it was game over when Brian Setzer walked in.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
it was game over when Brian Setzer walked in.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, March 8, 2012
THIS FRIDAY NIGHT
RIKERS
+ teenage kicks
@ the red dog
peterborough
ONLY $5 !!!
FREE RIKERS T SHIRTS ( while supplies last )
come party with us at our last peterborough show before the new record comes out in april.
+ teenage kicks
@ the red dog
peterborough
ONLY $5 !!!
FREE RIKERS T SHIRTS ( while supplies last )
come party with us at our last peterborough show before the new record comes out in april.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)