And we're back!  New quarter.  New time.  Dig.

This week, we started things off with a stellar playlist - check the WNUR website for the specifics.
Additionally, we broadcast two band interviews: one with PS I Love You and another with Young Galaxy.


Also, we spoke a little bit more to jefftheworld this past week and got some updates on the Kitchener, ON festival he recently played.  For more info on the festival, check out http://www.deadbeatblast.com/ press_start/ or go to jefftheworld's YouTube account to see his set.

Next week we'll be back on air with our weekly updates from Brent Hodge.  Oh, how we miss Brent.  Some FB exchanges occurred over break, and I think it's safe to say that he's pretty smitten with the States after his SXSW extravaganza.  Canadian/American exchange?  Me thinks yes.


Upcoming Shows of Interest

Arcade Fire
UIC Pavilion
April 22, 24, and 25
SOLD OUT
I know.  We're bummed, too.

Suuns
Lincoln Hall
April 18th


Tracks of the Week

Hay's Pick:

Gord Downie - "Christmastime in Toronto"

If you liked this track and its moderately depressing lyrics, definitely check out Downie's "Vancouver Divorce".

Ted's Pick:

Akido - "Instantine"

*thumbs up* 


Tune in next week, Thursday noon to 2PM for more delicious Canadian tracks!

No Press Allowed

It's America's Hat time, and I hope you're ready to get dowwwwwn, because this is your last dose of our dulcet Hoosier tones over the airwaves and my manic blogging until after Spring Break.  Don't worry, we'll be back full force March 31st at our new time: Thursdays noon to 2PM on WNUR 89.3FM.

This week, Ted spoke with Brent about Canadian film and television programming, including shows like 18 to Life and Heartland, as well as American shows filmed in Canada, like Psych and Fringe.

Although Canadian TV is highly influenced by US programming, the CBC (Canada's national public radio and television broadcaster) mandates that a certain amount of TV be of domestic origin in both content and actor pool.  Specifically, 60% of television programming must be Canadian-produced and 50% during prime time.   Canada supporting Canada.  Pretty cool, eh?

Brent's recommendation for a Canadian classic was the CBC short Log Driver's Waltz.  Originally a Canadian folk song by Wade Hemsworth, the song was turned into a part live-action part animated short that aired between hockey games instead of commercials.  Check. It. Out.

Also, speaking of Brent...THIS.

That intense stare belongs to Brent, a CBC Radio 3 Producer by day, extra in Smallville...also by day.  Because American shows frequently shoot in Vancouver, particularly at the CBC studios, sometimes staff members get pulled into roles as extras, and it would seem that Brent had that special somethin' that caught the casting director's eye.  Young Cop #1, Smallville, Season 7 Episode 2.  If you like what you see, check out more HERE.  

This week, we broadcast an interview with Toronto-based chiptune artist jefftheworld and caught up with New Foundland group Hey Rosetta! on their way to SXSW.  If you missed them on air, check out our interviews on our Artist Interviews and Sessions page.

Shows of Interest:

You Say Party

Friday, March 25

Empty Bottle

Winter Gloves and Young Galaxy

Friday, March 25

Empty Bottle

The Rural Alberta Advantage

Saturday, March 26

Lincoln Hall

Godspeed You! Black Emperor

Sunday, March 27

Metro

PS I Love You

Monday, March 28

Empty Bottle

Tracks of the Week:

Hay's Pick:

"Montreal -40ºC" - Malajube

Malajube is a francophone indie rock band based in Montreal, currently signed to Dare to Care Records.  Rock-y and fun, but with some morose minor chords, this song is going to make you want to make the journey up north to Montreal, even if it is freezing cold.

Ted's Pick:

"Scratch It" - Dog Day

"Listen with me on this one.  I think this song might have NFAs?"
Low-fi and grungecore.


In two weeks at our new time on Thursdays from noon to 2PM, we'll be talking about our plans for the new quarter.

Let's Talk Tuques

Welcome to America's Hat!

Wow.  First blog entry.  This is...a milestone.  Right?  Right.

Ted and I will be keeping you updated on what's going on with our radio show, Canadian cultural topics of interest, and cool bands coming to the Chicagoland area.

Sadly, we had to nix our weekly interview with Brent Hodge of CBC Radio 3 due to technical difficulties, but if we had gotten to talk with him, our cultural topic of the week was going to be that singular enigma of Canadian fashion: the tuque.

Not to be confused with a chef's "toque", these hats can be found on the heads of many a Canadian during cold winter months.

Variations include the bruque, a tuque with a brim worn by snowboarders, and the boggan or "sherpa", a tuque with a pom-pom on top.

As an American, my greatest difficulty with the idea of a tuque is its pronunciation.  For the longest time, I've improperly said "toe-k".  For all of you similarly struggling with mastering Canadian-speak (and I hope I'm not a minority here), the correct pronunciation is "too-k".  Now you are one step closer to sounding like a real Canadian.  Throw in some "ehs?" and "a-boots" and you've got a great conversation starter for that girl/guy you want to hit on at a party as "the adorable Canadian exchange student".


On our show this week, we re-broadcasted our in-studio acoustic set with Hey Rosetta!, recent recipients of CBC Radio 3's Artist of the Month.  We also played a nice little interview with Braids, who recently were in the Chicago area on their current tour.


Show(s) of Interest:

Crystal Castles
Saturday, March 12
Riviera Theater


Hayley's pick of the week:
"Brun (La couleur de l'amour)" - Bernard Adamus

Recently nominated for the Juno Awards Francophone Album of the Year, Bernard Adamus's Brun is an energetic, fun collection of songs with the sound of a large ensemble and a little bluegrass twang.  He...makes me wish I actually spoke French.

Ted's pick of the week:
"Odessa" - Caribou

"I dig it."


Next week we'll be talking about film in Canada.  That means: Toronto Film Festival, Canadian cult classics (a la Black Christmas), and the film industry in Vancouver and Toronto.  Prepare to get your cinephile on.