#ygkPlaylist: April 2016
From one month to the next, I’m never totally sure what to expect from the #ygkPlaylist, and April’s compilation is no exception. Once again, the playlist is entirely shaped by what’s being produced locally and shared via SoundCloud. With the likes of The Tragically Hip, Moist and Bedouin Soundclash all having roots in this city, there’s an incorrect assumption that Kingston bands are limited to that rock and guitar sound. However, it’s rare that I come across a month’s worth of new music from around the city that is limited one particular genre or type of sound. And for me, that speaks volumes about the diversity of the local music scene. Past editions of the #ygkPlaylist further reinforce this, as they’re bursting with everything from metal to jazz, classical to marimba and much, much more. This month’s playlist is as distinct as ever, featuring three new talents who are all appearing on our playlist for the very first time! Hit play on the #ygkPlaylist for April 2016, and enjoy tracks by Dave Barton, Trelnin and Turpin’s Trail.
Dave Barton: this jazz guitarist and composer began by trying to copy Chet Atkins at the age of 10, and by the time he turned 16, he was gigging in dance bands. Dave went on to study classical guitar, composition and education at Queen’s University (BMus 1981, BEd 1982). Over the years, he has taught high school band and guitar classes, and was also a guidance counsellor and special education teacher. Dave currently teaches in the St. Lawrence College Music and Digital Media program. Find Dave online on Youtube and Soundcloud.
Trelnin: this Wolfe Island-based solo artist’s live shows combine strings, visuals and various filters to produce a unique sound. He describes his sound and approach through descriptive poetic verse such as this: “Cave being swirling in sporadic overlapping time shifting energy swelling storms and calms spiralling within, in and out, up and below cycling forms. Another digging expedition, putting what is into what will be, through blood and arterial gushing thinking feeling dragging and reeling in, a place to step off from. Heart of the human cave echoing out towards greater strands of interconnectivity and loving oneness.” Find Trelnin on Bandcamp and Soundcloud.
Turpin’s Trail: with an arsenal full of over a dozen instruments and a wealth of original and traditional tunes, Turpin’s Trail brings together five well-known local musicians. The Celtic/Folk quintet is comprised of Brian Flynn, Steve Kennedy, Jon McLurg, Chris Murphy and Noah St. Amand. They’ve been hard at work putting the finishing touches on their brand new, self-titled album. The first track they released out into the wild happens to be included in this month’s playlist – you can also see the video here. Find Turpin’s Trail on Soundcloud, Facebook and Twitter.
Every month, we comb Soundcloud looking for sounds that are unique to Kingston. We are constantly seeking out active musicians to show off to the local community and beyond. If you’re a musician who wants to be included in a future #ygkPlaylist, the first step is to get your original music up on Soundcloud and then follow us. We promise to follow you back, listen to your work and consider it for the monthly #ygkPlaylist.
Credit to Troy Johnson for the photo used in the background of of this month’s ygkPlaylist.