With a music scene as diverse as a spectrum, Halifax Pop Explosion celebrates a kaleidoscope of local music acts this year with many bold and colourful queer and queer-friendly acts. Here are our picks of some must-see shows.
Lindsay Dobbin
After releasing two albums in the past year, Broken Deer’s Lindsay Dobbin, a first-time showcaser at Pop Explosion, continues to record new material. Having returned from several years in Whitehorse, Dobbin now resides in the north end of Halifax, inspired by living near the ocean, she is in the midst of working on another collection of sonic explorations.
“Evan Cardwell will be joining me for this special performance. There will be old songs, new songs, field recordings and a focus on minimalism and space,” Dobbin says. “A couple of the new songs really utilize drones and repetition, having a kind of mantra feel, which I’m really excited to play in an environment of worship.”
Heather Green
Heather Green, who relocated from Los Angeles to Halifax, ruffled feathers with her latest album, Your Last War, recorded with Daniel Ledwell. The solid collection of pop songs translates to her live show.
Mo Kenney
Nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award for new/emerging artist of the year, Mo Kenney has been the talk of the music scene nationwide. Touring across Canada with acts like Joel Plaskett Emergency and Ron Sexsmith, Kenny’s self-titled debut has garnered a SOCAN songwriting prize award, nominations for CBC Radio 3 Bucky Award for Rookie of the Year, an East Coast Music Award for rising star recording of the year, and made the iTunes Best Singer Songwriters list last year.
Like a Motorcycle
Like a Motorcyle is having one hell of a year. Currently on the road in Ontario in support of their latest EP, Motorpool, the trio recorded last year with Troy Arsenault and Mike MacDougal. They return home to rock the Olympic Community Hall during the festival.
Kim Harris
Kim Harris has a voice as powerful as the ocean. This past year, she’s been retreating to the woods with producer Dale Murray to record Only the Mighty, her debut full-length album. Harris could rival Adele for a voice of boundless emotionality and depth, musing on love, loss and bravery. Sassy and sweet, Harris works closely with musicians Stewart Legere and Margot Durling, both artistic mainstays in Halifax’s queer community.
“It has been such a wonderful process for me. Just recently I have been able to hear the finished songs and I am overjoyed and so excited to share them,” says Harris. “So, lately, I have been trying my best to keep my heart from exploding before I get the chance to release it.”
Harris plans to release Only the Might in February.
Halifax Pop Explosion
Tues, Oct 22–Sat, Oct 26
halifaxpopexplosion.com
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