Righetous Interviews

You snooze, you lose. That's the saying anyway, and unfortunately, at the moment, it's quite relevant for Voilà! at least. Mount Righteous has been busying themselves all around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex with tons of high energy shows at every venue they can seem to locate in a 40 mile radius of Fort Worth.

Attention toward the collective has been spreading across the interweb like a wild fire in a Texas plain. So much so that fellow music blog Subservient Experiment was able to snag them for an interview/featurette with the members of Mount Righteous themselves. Sure, Voilà! didn't get there first, but interviews of our favourite bands are always a good thing no matter where you see them.

Go check out Mount Righteous' interview with Subservient Experiment right here! Or, if you're in the mood for something a bit more homely, try Mount Righteous' band of the week article right here on Voilà! But this is about the music! So while you read, drop by Mount Righteous' Myspace for some, well, righteous tunes. Now that's something to be thankful for.

The Voilà! Turkey Returns

"Frends, I return with grave news!" says the Voilà! Thanksgiving Turkey.
"They're after me! They say they want to kill me!
You've got to save me. You've got to keep them away."



"...Oooooh, is that stuffing? I love cornbread. Pass the cranberries."

Jingle Spells 2

The future looked bleak. The snow covered roads were hidden from the eyes of the weary music listening travelers as the snow banks towered above them. It had been a hard winter, with no promises of relief. But then... a light... Lumos... like magic, it shone faintly before coming directly into view...

To fully understand this little story, we're going to have to take you back about a year and two weeks. November 2007. It was certainly a kinder time, with less economic concerns, as Thanksgiving slowly loomed with happy expectation. Wizard Rock was was reigning supreme, as some of the best names in Wrock toured around the country, playing their delightful, Harry Potter inspired songs to the masses. That was when the humble website, known only as The Leaky Cauldron, decided to take on a wondrous task: to make some music so everyone could be wrocking around the Christmas tree!

Supporting the program Book Aid International, The Leaky Cauldron released what was known as Jingle Spells 2007, an extensive collection of adorable Wizard Rock Christmas songs - from covers to nifty originals - for many Wrock fans all over the country. Featuring everyone from Catchlove, Draco and the Malfoys, The Hermione Crookshanks Experience, and many more, the best of the best in the Wizard Rock business celebrated Christmas together with some of the greatest Christmas songs anyone's heard in years, all with a Harry Potter twist!

Jingle Spells 2007 was a complete success, which is possibly an understatement. After the original pressing, along with the subsequent digital release, The Leaky Cauldron garnered over $35,000 - you did read that correctly - which was entirely donated to Book Aid International, a group which supports literacy (which you can learn more about here). Complete success... yeah, that's an understatement. Not only did it give many needing children in countless places books to encourage literacy, and continue the passionate legacy of Harry Potter lovers all over the world, but it brought listeners and fans of Wizard Rock brand new material from all of their favourite artists! You can't go wrong with Jingle Spells.

Fast forward one year: the leaves on the trees were falling, the temperature was dropping, and slowly but surely, it was getting closer to Christmas time. Now, I have a strict rule about "No Christmas oriented activities until December 1st," but of course, as many have noticed, that hasn't stopped every store on the planet from promoting Christmas, even before Thanksgiving has arrived. But I couldn't help pondering, 'Will there be another Jingle Spells this year?' This is of course, why Voilà! contacted The Leaky Cauldron with the query, to which we recieved the following reply:

"We're so glad you enjoyed the last album! To my knowledge, no, there will not be a repeat this Christmas, although note that on rare occasions I'm proved completely wrong, and reserve the right to retract any statements at any time. :)"
-The Leaky Cauldron

Hope seemed lost, and since the next movie in the long series of wizardy, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, was delayed until Summer 2009, winter was looking pretty bleak. No Potter for Christmas was a scary fact, but one we would have to live with. The future looked bleak. The snow covered roads were hidden from the eyes of the weary music listening travelers as the snow banks towered above them. It had been a hard winter, with no promises of relief. But then... a light... Lumos... like magic, it shone faintly before coming directly into view...

Jingle Spells 2 was announced! Hark, the herald angels are singing, so deck the halls with bows of holly, and oh jingle bells, jingle all the way; here those bells, sweet silver bells. Hark, hark, I say! Gladly we can sing to some wonderful wizard rock while surrounded by family in front of the fireplace... or at least the electric heaters or TVs. What can you expect from Jingle Spells 2? Everything from Jingle Spells 2007, except bigger and better. This year features more favourites from the Wrock world, including The Mudbloods, Oliver Boyd and the Remembralls, Ministry of Magic, Gred and Forge, The Whomping Willows, Harry and the Potters, and many more.

Are you not invigorated yet?! I can say this much, even if you are not a huge fan of Wizard Rock, you will be hard pressed to find to not enjoy this upcoming album. And the more Potter knowledge you have, the merrier this Christmas album will be! But, act quickly, friends. The Leaky Cauldron will only be producing 2,000 physical copies of this Christmas compilation. This is a one time only moment, so if you let it pass by, you'll miss your opportunity. Pre-orders are being accepted presently right here. Never fret if you don't want one of these rare albums in their physical forms; if you'd prefer a digital copy, you can find Jingle Spells 2 on iTunes sometime in December! So hurry down to The Leaky Cauldron to order Jingle Spells 2 to receive it in time for Christmas, or at very least, listen to some samples from the album! Christmas will be in the air soon, friends!

Band of the Week: Ben Kweller

[November 24-30]

Ben Kweller
Sounds Like: Alt-Country / Indie-Pop
Drinking Buddies: Ben Folds, Andrew Bird, Sondre Lerche

Synopsis: That good ol' Texas boy type of indie rock.

Makes You Want To...: Get lost in Hill Country; Two-step; Sing
[Myspace]

One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is Ben Kweller.


Thanksgiving time. Autumns definitely here, and it's chilly wind is striking down upon the entire North American continent with a vengeance. All the coats in your wardrobe have no doubt been brought out of mothballs, or at least from the back of your closet, and if you haven't shoveled the white stuff in those places fortunate enough to see the freezing water, you won't have to wait much longer now. But let's think southern for a minute, more specifically, to the one and only Republic of Texas. Sure, in the big cities like Dallas, Houston, or Austin, you'll find modern metropolises filled with diversity and progressive living, with luxury downtown condos and sophisticated local news stations.

But if you look about ten miles out of any of such big city lives, you'll find a completely different world; a world that not only can be recognized by its sprawling ranches, cowboys, and big belt buckle with accentuating boots/hat/pick-up truck, but you'll find a world that prides and defines itself in such recognition. This is a world where the west never really changed, and a laid back country lifestyle that is perfectly content with that. A world of neighing horses, dirty country roads, barbed wire, and twangy guitars. This also happens to be the residence of the one and only Ben Kweller.

50 miles east of Dallas is Greenville, where Ben Kweller spent his formative years. From personally experience, I can happily say Mr. Kweller grew up in a world of musical contradiction (I say this in a very complimentary way). Surrounded by the latest and most modern alt-rock on FM 102.1, drifting into the realm of rap on FM 97.9, while still being able to catch a glimpse of some country on FM 93.3. North Texas offers an invigorating, eclectic mix of music. So why exactly am I talking about the local D-FW radio stations? Because it accurately pinpoints Ben Kweller's style.

Many have since hailed Kweller's musical stylings since his debut album, Sha Sha, and he only gained more acclaim after the release On My Way and his self-titled album in the following years. He was touted as an indie-pop superstar in the beginning across the blogosphere, and as he matured, so did his music. Drifting slowly from an indie-pop bearings that bring vivid memories of Ben Folds performances (hey, they were in The Bens together - it counts), Kweller has slowly been adopting an exemplary mix of good ol' Texas country. Kweller hasn't lost his unique appeal of homemade, homegrown singer-songwriter which fans have adored from the beginning of his career.

Beyond his insatiable mixing of modern genres, Ben Kweller has built of a collection of accomplishments. Whether you're applauding his performances at Austin City Limits, his tours with major international acts including Death Cab for Cutie, Gomez, not to mention the aforementioned tour with The Bens (AKA: Ben Kweller + Ben Folds + Ben Lee), or his excellent musicianship on every instrument of his self-titled album, you'll definitely find yourself applauding if Kweller is filling your speakers with perky poignant pop.

It seems that the Texas boy will be travelin' a'far and wide, as Ben Kweller is romping across the pond to Europe for December. He'll be back before Christmas, and just in time, because as slated by a few sources, word is that Kweller is going to be releasing his latest musical endeavour, Changing Horses, sometime in January 2009. The new album is said to be quite the departure from Ben's previous works, embracing the alt-country feel more fully.

For a taste of Ben Kweller's repertoire, you can always snag his wonderful collection of albums, Sha Sha, On My Way, and Ben Kweller, at any online or offline retailer in your local vicinity. May I sincerely suggest listening to the song "Commerce, TX"?; you won't be disappointed. If you're in the mood for something a bit more social though, feel certainly free to wander on down to Ben Kweller's Myspace, for some nifty country ditties and friendship!

And with a smile and a tapping foot, I wish you all a wonderful week, and of course, a happy Turkey Day later this week. Peace, folks.

Video: The Kids Don't Stand A Chance (Live) - Vampire Weekend

As Conan O'Brien said, it has been quite a year for the quaint quartet that hails from New York City. Vampire Weekend went from the depths of musical obscurity, with a minimal murmur from Northeastern loyalists of the bands, to an explosion of success, spanning beyond the silly music blogs onto television sets internationally. Rooms everywhere were filled with Vampire Weekend's unique blend of indie rock and Afro-pop, and faces everywhere lit up with smiles as the band began to be featured on not just Daytrotter, La Blogotheque, and Stereogum, but their success with their three music videos, an original song featured on Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, and of going gold with their self-titled LP.

And now, Vampire Weekend has traipsed into NBC studios to do a live rendition of one of my favourite songs, "The Kids Don't Stand A Chance," for Conan O'Brien. And it's always a fun performance with these guys are on stage! Drop by Vampire Weekend's Myspace to hear their latest song, "Ottoman," or, if you'd rather stick around with Voilà!, catch their live performance of "The Kids Don't Stand A Chance" right here.

What Year Will You Buy The New Peachcake?!

After month upon month of taunting with brand new material, a huge nationwide tour that invigorated the feet/hearts/ears/souls of loyal fans across the country, and plenty of pumping up to get ready for the moment of all moments, that moment has finally arrived! What Year Will You Have The World?
What Year Will You Have The World? is the question indeed, as Peachcake lays down the law of love with their latest musical release. After many months of waiting, Peachcake has officially dropped their latest album at the beginning of this week. Filled with tons of brand new, high energy, foot tapping songs, it has been touted and is promised to entertain.

Don't worry friends, I do still hear your curious cries. "But, dear sir, I have never heard Peachcake," you comment so warily, "I am not sure if - in this dangerous financial crisis - that investing my money in What Year Will You Have The World? will be a prudent decision." Fear not! With the wonders of this handy dandy tool called the internet, we have an easy and free way of streaming the entire album, a place humbly known as Purevolume, where the entire album is up in its entirety for your listening pleasure.

Once you've gotten your gander, wander over to Peachcake's lovely little blog. On said blog is a huge list of nationwide stores that are offering their brand new album, What Year Will You Have The World? Don't see any town near you on that list? Then instead of giving thanks for Peachcake's new album this month, you can snag their album along with your Christmas tree through digital outlets (iTunes, Zune, Amazon, etc.) internationally next month!

I no nobody likes to have homework over the weekend, but I promise these are chores you will not lament over. If you want a little lowdown on who exactly Peachcake is, your first assignment is to wander over here to see what Voilà! thinks of this musical miracle. If you'd rather jump straight in, go to Peachcake's Myspace blog to find the nearest retailer to you, and buy Peachcake's brand new album, What Year Will You Have The World? If you want to check your work to make sure you have the right answers, drop by Purevolume for a sneak preview of all the songs from the album. Your final assignment, my musical pedigrees, run over to Peachcake's Myspace for oodles of fun; make sure you say hi! Oh, and have a wonderful weekend.

"Our War" - Rachel Lee

There's something in subdued, quiet, subtle songs that I can't get enough of. They're lonely, they're haunting, and in a strange, desolate sort of way, they're beautiful. Old kings of slow and subdued were Some By Sea, who with their orchestral rock sound, so pristinely well rounded, could form an heartstring strumming song with the most natural of effort.

Some By Sea, and Ghosts & Liars may be gone these days, but there are a few former members of the Tacoma troupe who are still making some irresistible music. That happens to be Rachel Lee Bowman, who has been pursuing a solo career for quite some time now. After her debut album, Le Seaside, released several years ago, Rachel has slowly been crafting some new songs. Last weekend, she released her latest song, "Our War," a tune made for autumn or winter with it's strong piano and singing that echoes out of the speakers. Go check out Rachel Lee's latest song on her Myspace, along with other handy tunes, right now!

Found In The Margins

Reading. Yep, reading. You're doing it as we speak! Reading is an invariably integral part of human living. Think about the last time you went without reading anything. You'd probably find it hard pressed to make it out of your house before you saw some sort of combination of letters that undoubtedly equated to a word. From brand names and billboards, to music blogs and novels. We read everything. It's how we navigate from street to street. It's how we learn. There are millions of different languages over the entire planet, yet they're all written, because we've got to set it in stone (or in ink), and thus, we are reading what has been said year after year, age after age.

I certainly love reading, not to mention writing. I'm a novelist, myself, and of course I've got this handy dandy little blog of mine. Reading is fundamental to me, especially with the great books that surround us in our local bookstores or public libraries; a plethora of knowledge - an infinite collection of literary genius, fiction and non - just on the tips of our mental palette. "Ibi Dreams Of Pavement..." and writes wonderful novels; whether it's contemporary writers like Kaslik, Martel, Murakami, or past writers, like Fitzgerald, Orwell, Nabokov, Bronte, there is plenty of material to enhance to life with, ink laid firmly on their pages.

Found In The Margins is a website dedicated to sharing the wealth in reading by... well... sharing! The idea is, the folks from Found In The Margins interview musicians, writers, and activists, and allows these idols of our modern age speak their opinions on the books that make their worlds go 'round. We aren't talking just any old folks now: From Los Campesinos!, The Most Serene Republic, Brendan Canning, Peter Bjorn & John, Tegan & Sara; all such musical artists declare their love for literature.

So run on down to Found In The Margins and search up your favourite musical artist. Find out what they read, and get your knowledge on, as the hip kids say these days.

"I Wanna Be Like You" - The Morning Benders

Okay, curse me, berate me, taunt me. Do what you will, but I stand firm to my belief: I love Disney movies. You can't go wrong! Aladdin, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast... they made the world go 'round when I was a kid. I admittedly have several Disney which get more play than they probably should (following up Godspeed You! Black Emperor with "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" on my Last.FM is just a bit strange.). Disney's are classics, and their musical ditties have been sung by folks of all ages, immortalized as little stepping stones in life for millions of kids everywhere.

Changing pace, there's a new little band on the block from Oakland. They call themselves The Morning Benders, and are notorious for covering songs. As it turns out, The Morning Benders seem to be Disney fans as well. On Tuesday, iTunes released Live Sessions with The Morning Benders for digitial download, offering some nifty tunes by the quirky quartet. One of which happens to be "I Wanna Be Like You," sung by none other than King Louie the orangutan in The Jungle Book! Putting some rock in the jazzy Disney song, The Morning Benders add their own style, featuring funky guitaring, and some heavy drumming to an old classic.

Now, iTunes Live Sessions: The Morning Benders is obviously only available on the iTunes store... lovely, eh? You can wander to the iTunes Store for yourself to grab the entire album via digital download all for yourself. Or, if you're a thrifty penny pincher - such as myself - you can hear some of the live session - including "I Wanna Be Like You" - on The Monrning Bender's Myspace completely free of charge. Drop by while you're at it, wish them a great weekend.

I hope you have a good weekend too, reader. Remember, all we need is The Bare Necessities.

"This Modern Love (Acoustic)" - Bloc Party

"C’était un soir d’octobre. Nous avons été insistants, aidés par quelques fans et badauds... Il faut savoir être un peu lourd, un peu insistant, la récompense est quelquefois largement à la hauteur de l’embarras..."

Translation time: "It was an October evening. We were insistent, helped by some fans and people passing by. In the end it was worth the trouble... There are times when you know you should be a bit tiresome, insistent, because sometimes the reward is worth the trouble." That's what La Blogothque had to say about their latest feature film in their ongoing series of Take-Away Shows (Les Concerts À Emporter). The French folks of La Blogotheque definitely got lucky, given the opportunity to film Bloc Party in an exclusive acoustic performance of "This Modern Love" on a Parisian sidewalk.

And the following is the easy part. Watch the Take-Away Show performance of Bloc Party. You may even be tempted to wander to Bloc Party's Myspace to visit their British musical talents. Of course, if you're one of our lovely francophone readers, visite La Blogotheque pour un blog de musique avec un perspective français. Interested readers can also see the article about Bloc Party (Anglophones, you'll want this link). And if nothing else, go visit La Blogotheque's collection of Take-Away Shows!




Bloc Party, 'This Modern Love' - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Band of the Week: Bon Iver

[November 10 - 17]

Bon Iver
Sounds Like: Folk
Drinking Buddies: Okkervil River, Great Lake Swimmers, Shearwater.

Synopsis: Whispers from the good winters.

Makes You Want To...: Escape; Introspect; Leave the city
[Myspace]

One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is Bon Iver.


The grand return! After a few weeks without the internet, and without a computer - which explains the lack of Bands of the Week and the somewhat odd timing on updating of entries - I can humbly say that I'm glad to be back (beware motherboards that have the random potential to send themselves into extinction). Since I've last been on a decent computer in the privacy of my own home, we've had a presidential election, plenty of assorted celebration and confusion due to that, and an economic stimulus in China. Yes, yes, the world is moving steadily, ever so quickly along. The world isn't slowing down for anyone, and as we all jog through the race of life, you may quickly learn that if you can't stay with the pack (socially, anyway), well, don't feel too bad if you're not the next Bill Gates.

But stop, stop, stop, stop, stop! Sometimes you just have to yell to the world, "STOP!" Sometimes you have to stop symbolically running and socially moving. Sometimes you must, dare I say, escape from the rat race. Whether it's cooking, cleaning, meditating, painting, or listening to your favourite LP on vinyl, it's healthy to sometimes disconnect you from the difficulties of the world that surround us and reach a formal catharsis in our lives.

This is a similar tale - one you may have heard before. You may have heard it from a distant cottage in the middle of nowhere in Northwestern Wisconsin. You may have heard it, a collections of songs For Emma, Forever Ago, bouncing quietly, plaintively, humbly off the walls of your domicile. Bon Iver knows the story; been there, done that, and written down, Justin Vernon has captured this quintessential hiatus in verse for those who recognize, those who sympathize, and can be characterized by.

Bon Iver - lead by Justin Vernon - is from Wisconsin. The legend goes, he and his band DeYarmond Edison left their small town Wisconsin town to Raleigh, North Carolina. Then, the band broke up, as well as Justin with his girlfriend. Dealing with trouble, Justin retreated to his father's cabin in Wisconsin. And in tis hiatus from the rest of the world, Bon Iver was born.

Now, I'm sure that as Mr. Vernon reads around all these reviews about him, he might not exactly like to hear other people - complete strangers to him - talk about his life with such inaccuracy and indiscretion that it's almost silly how flippant the retelling is. But the reason I shoddily account this tale is because the tale makes the music. As you listen to the distant, eerily barren, yet vibrantly crisp tones, you hear the story of Bon Iver being told. Not by word, not in thorough detail, but figuratively, poetically, the history that spawned these songs is weaved like an Ottoman quilt, with unprecedented detail and unbelievable passion. Folk music is supposed to be the song of the people. Justin Vernon is a person; Bon Iver is a group of people; this is music by the people, for the people; this is music that you can hear when you're far enough from city skylines and autovehicles to notice.

For Emma, Forever Ago. Bon Iver tells some beautiful tales on their beautiful record, released back at the beginning of the year. Since it's release, it has received unprecedented critical acclaim all across the boards. At present, Bon Iver is preparing for an upcoming tour through the United Kingdom, followed by a traipse through the States, and an Australian tour in the new year. You can catch him on the Black Cab Sessions, or La Blogotheque in his extended Les Concerts À Emporter session (one and two), or on Daytrotter! And of course, there is his Myspace.

An escape is not always negative, and a hiatus is sometimes an important step. And now that mine is over, I come back with a strengthened perspective and renewed vigour. Have a wonderful week, reader.

"That Beep" - Architecture In Helsinki

Anyone who made fun of things for being weird was obviously a very boring person. Sure, there are some very awkward, quirky sort of things in this crazy world of ours. But let's look at this realistically: if these lovely, enigmatic randomnesses were no longer around, what kind of sick, horribly dull place would we be living in?!

Definitely not a place I'd like to spend my weekends. Or my weeks, for that matter. Ouais, there is a lot of weird stuff to sift through in our days. But weird to some of us charismatic characters happens to be a compliment. Some of these folks who pride themselves in their colourful differences are the folks comprising the collective, Architecture In Helsinki!

And it's time to get pumped about our Aussie friends! For the past year or so, the ladies and gentleman who brought us Places Like This have been riding the coattails of their latest album, with many tours and special song releases coinciding with the aforementioned. Now, debuting Friday evening (or early Friday morning for those of us on the other side of the planet), Architecture In Helsinki unveiled their latest musical masterpiece. Intriguingly titled "That Beep," we're introduced to the next wave of wild musical weirdness Architecture In Helsinki is willing to offer, which should appear on their next album, Vision Revision (working title). We also learn about romance in the form of bubblegum. And if you are in any mood to have a complete blast, you'll probably also be introduced to the romance of dance, with the new perky indie-pop ditty.

Architecture In Helsinki is hanging out in their homeland for now, and "That Beep" won't arrive to international audiences until (probably) next year. But if you're willing to romp over to Architecture In Helsinki's Myspace, you can catch "That Beep" for yourself right now! You can also glimpse one of their numerous remixes from of their previous song, "Heart It Races," - latest by the delightful Malawian singer Esau Mwamwaya, whom I simply can't compliment highly enough, - along with English friends Radioclit in their rendition entitled, "Kamphopo." If that weren't enough, Architecture In Helsinki is offering hot-off-the-presses remixes of "That Beep," also on their Myspace. Why wouldn't you visit?! Now this is a start to a good weekend.

"Build God, Then We'll Talk (Panic! At The Disco)" Cover

Sooner or later, if you listen to enough music, you'll eventually hear them. They creep out of the corners of the musical consciousness, dwelling in the shadows, echoing their delectable melodies and quiet harmonies throughout the wider world of music listeners. I am talking about nothing else but the lovely cover song; one artist performing another with their own unique stylings. Music doesn't get much more fun and interesting than that!



Now, anyone can cover a song - it's fundamentally an easy process. And that's the subject of today's cover song. I take you beyond the realms of bands; here, you meet a lovely lady from San Luis, Mexico; my sister showed me this lovely little guitarist. She's a muscian, and quite a good one, with a smooth, unique, and poignant voice, and is definitely worth some attention. Check out her cover of "Build God, Then We'll Talk" by Panic! At The Disco, and then wander by her YouTube site, where she has plenty more covers to find!

A Political Perspective

(Peachcake 08!)

Alright, so it's about that time. The time when democratic politics is showing its real colours. Yeah, we all heard (er... maybe not?) about the recent Canadian elections, which re-awarded Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party dominance, keeping the Liberals and Stéphane Dion down. (sigh, ignore that bit... just a Texan wishing he was in Québec.) But, now the big one is coming. All eyes of the world now focus in on the other North American country, as the United States preps for what is being touted (probably way too often) as the greatest election in the last generation.

Now, hold on, wait a second. Voilà! is a music blog; where do I get off blabbing about politics? Well, I'm normally not one to jump on the bandwagon of the rest of the world by doing a little feature about the election (which is obviously what I'm doing now). But seeing as this is the first presidential election my 20-something self will have the opportunity to vote in, it's a big personal deal to me, as well as to other US citizens who need to get out there and vote so we can show the rest of the planet just how democratic elections are supposed to work. I'm also normally not one to go spoutin' my political beliefs in a place that should be devoted to equality and logical discussion (Obama!!!). But I think a little politics will do a person good once in awhile.

And better now than never! But again, how does Voilà! enter the political blogosphere? Well, let's take a musical perspective! Uncensored Interview conducts neat little interviews with some of the most novel, and most cool, names in the music business. Politics is a hot question/topic, and Voilà! provides! Following is substantial collection clips from artist interviews, pertaining to politics, election*, government differences, or big issues affecting our world. All of the above, all by some amazing musicians; everything from Yelle to Xiu Xiu (though that wouldn't be far on an alphabetical scale). Watch, learn how some of your favourite artists feel, and don't forget - if you're a US American - get out there and vote this coming election day!

Yelle

!!!
Brought to you by: Nic Offer

!!!: Obama for a Day.

Broken Social Scene
Brought to you by: Brendan Canning

Au Revoir Simone
Brought to you by: Heather D'Angelo

Black Kids
Brought to you by: Owen Holmes

Islands
Brought to you by: Nick Thornburn and Alex Chow

Jaguar Love

Lightspeed Champion

Los Campesinos!
Brought to you by: Aleksandra, Ellen, and Harriet

Lykke Li

My Brightest Diamond

Priscilla Ahn

Ra Ra Riot

The Most Serene Republic
Brought to you by: Adrian Jewett and Ryan Lenssen

The Muslims

The New Pornographers

Xiu Xiu

*note that some of these interviews were conducted earlier in the election, so some of these videos are out of the date.