February 29th, 2008 ::: Tour wrap-up
Well we're back from our tour of the East Coast with our friends Entire Cities and we couldn't be happier with how it went. Thank you to all our friends, new and old, who made the whole trip worth while.
Exclaim! was nice enough to brave an ice storm and review our show at Zaphod's in Ottawa, and Herohill posted a very nice review of Hometowns.
Exclaim!:
"Like a well-oiled threshing machine, the RAA, in matching red uniforms, ripped through their catchy and tight indie anthems with a nice fervour. Moving breathlessly through their new album, Hometowns, their intricately composed pop songs effortlessly got people moving and dancing and, really, their entire set was a sheer delight. Even more charming was the encore, where the RAA disconnected, climbed down from the stage and serenaded the audience, who were appropriately in awe."
[Zaphod Beeblebrox, Ottawa, ON ::: February 17]
Herohill:
"The Rural Alberta Advantage is probably the best unsigned band in Canada and it's actually pretty shocking that no label has picked up Hometowns yet. With all of the small labels snatching up any knock off or sound alike, the simple fact no one has taken a chance on one of the most unique bands I've heard in forever baffles me.
...
The most amazing aspect of this record is despite the frantic energy and detailed, thought provoking narratives, they never veer off course. The ebbs and flows grow and retract perfectly, as if they can sense your involvement in the song."
[The Rural Alberta Advantage]
As of right now we're still only selling Hometowns at shows, however if its impossible for you to make it to a show, then send us an email and we'll see what can be arranged.
Thanks again,
The RAA
February 15th, 2008 ::: East Coast Tour and Reviews
As of tomorrow we'll be starting our trek out East to play a handful of shows in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes, so if you live in any of the following cities (Kingston, Ottawa, Montreal, Sackville, Moncton, Charlottetown or Halifax) we'd love to see you at a show.
We'll be selling our new album "Hometowns" on the tour. If you'd like to get a copy, the only way to get one is at a show. However, if you can't make it out then just send us an email and once we get back from the tour we'll have everything figured out.
We'd also like to give a great big thanks to Chromewaves and i(Heart)Music who have been writing some very nice things about the album.
Chromewaves:
"... the bright flourish of a trumpet, the low swell of a cello, the sleepy whirr of a combo organ - perfectly placed like colourful landmarks out the window of a long road trip, the sort you only see for a few seconds in passing but leave an indelible impression in your memory, and you've got an album that's simple and simply wonderful."
[The Ballad Of The RAA]
i(Heart)Music:
"Hometowns, like Michigan or Illinoise, is a near-perfect musical travelogue, and suggests very big things are in store for The Rural Alberta Advantage .... Every single track is a testament to the fact the band knows how to write emotionally engaging songs that are also instantly memorable."
[The Rural Alberta Advantage]
Well that should be it for now, but we'll be back in no time,
The RAA
February 2nd, 2008 ::: Some really nice words
Well, the tracks have only been up a week or so but we're already hearing some very nice things. NY Mag picked up on Emmet Matheson's words about Don't Haunt this Place and In the Summertime has been picked up by John Sakamoto's Anti-Hit List for Feb 2nd, 2008.
Don't Haunt this place:
"While this Toronto band's name is probably a cruel joke aimed at those who live too far out of Calgary to enjoy its rich nightlife, maybe listening to their sunny, hooky pop will be some consolation."
[Ehren Gresehover]
In the Summertime:
"There is much to commend this melancholy ballad (it's most definitely not a cover of the ancient Mungo Jerry hit, for any of you old enough to be wondering), but we're particularly taken by the way the drums enter abruptly, stick around for a few seconds, then lapse into silence. It's like witnessing an introvert work up the nerve to overcome his social condition before beating a hasty retreat. Part of the first full-length release by the Toronto-based trio of Paul Banwatt, Amy Cole and Nils Edenloff."
[Anti-Hit List for Feb 2nd, 2008]
Thanks to both for taking the time to notice,
The RAA
January 28th, 2008 ::: New Songs, Album and an East Coast Tour
First of all we'd like to thank everyone who supported us this past November when we were nominated for a Bucky Award. While we didn't manage to score the trophy for "Best New Band Name" we were however bestowed on-air with an honorary Bucky Award for "Best Band Named After a Place They Don't Actually Live". Thank you CBC Radio 3!
Now on to the good stuff, we're currently in the final stages of completing our full length album. It's been a long time coming and we couldn't have done it without the tireless efforts of Roger Leavens ... and for that we can't thank him enough.
As of right now the album is tentatively titled "Hometowns" and release information will be coming shortly, however at this stage of the game let's just say that it'll be released this year.
In the meantime though we've posted four new songs off the album and you can find them in all the usual places (Myspace, CBC Radio 3, SonicBids, etc) as well as the audio section of our website.
We've also got an East Coast Tour planned in February with our good friends Entire Cities, so if you live in any of the cities listed below then keep the date in mind because we'd love to see you there.
Dates:
02-14 Waterloo, ON - Trepid House
02-16 Kingston, ON - The Artel
02-17 Ottawa, ON - Zaphod's
02-19 Montreal, QC - Barfly
02-20 Sackville, NB - Mount Allison
02-21 Charlottetown, PE, Brennan's Pub
02-22 Halifax, NS - Gus' Pub
02-23 Moncton, NB - Manhattan
Bye for now,
The RAA
Hello all, its been far to long since we've talked. Things have been busy from our end, we've been working hard on recording and hopefully we're just a few sessions from being finished. Once it's all wrapped up we should be able to give you all an ETA on the release, so keep an eye out for that.
However, more importantly we just recently found out that we've been nominated for a 2007 Bucky Award in the "Best New Band Name" category.
Now for those of you who aren't familiar with the Bucky's they're CBC Radio 3's annual year-end music awards where the winners are decided through online voting. Voting runs from Nov 1st – 30th 2007 and people may vote once per day in each category.
We're very grateful to have been nominated, or even recognised for that matter, so should you feel the need to support us with a vote, or two you can find the ballot here.
Bye for now,
The RAA
May 30th, 2007 ::: Shows and hard work
We realise its been a little quieter than usual around here, but not to worry because we've been working behind the scenes and hopefully before too long we'll be able to share some of our hard work with all of you.
In the mean time though we've got a couple shows lined up this weekend to tell you about, more specifically two shows this Sunday. That's right two shows, Guelph in the afternoon and Toronto in the evening.
If you're in the Guelph area this weekend and are lucky enough to have a ticket to Track & Field, then drop by the stage around 12:45PM Sunday afternoon for our set. The whole weekend is going to be pretty amazing so if you're able to get tickets and can make it out then do it.
Once that wraps up we'll be heading back to Toronto to play an early show with The Dudes (Calgary) and One Heart Many Hands at The Drake.
Both shows will be really great, so attend one if you can and both if you dare.
Bye for now,
The RAA
May 11th, 2007 ::: CBC-Radio 3 Podcast #103 - Pedal Power
Another big thanks to CBC-Radio 3, we managed to sneak our way onto Grant Lawrence's CBC-Radio 3 Podcast, which always has lots of great stuff. If you're interested in hearing it, there's a full archive of all the Radio 3 podcasts here, and we're on Podcast #103 - May 11, 2007.
Also, if you're interested in checking out our CBC-Radio 3 profile we're streaming all the songs from our EP, in addition to a new song we recorded for the Friends in Bellwoods Compilation.
Thanks again,
The RAA
We'd like to give a big thank-you to Matthew at i (heart) music for helping us get our first play on CBC-Radio 3.
As a chosen tastemaker we were Matthew pick for the R3-30, give it a listen or check out the R3-30 Podcast archive.
As a side note we'll be playing the i (heart) music festival in late August and we'll be providing more details as they become available, or just keep checking i (heart) music.
Bye for now,
The RAA
January 16th, 2007 ::: Big start to 2007 with MTV Live!
Well we're rapidly approaching the first anniversary of "The Rural Alberta Advantage" in its current three piece formation, and we must say its been a pretty crazy year with no signs of slowing down. We ended the year off with a pre-Christmas show at the Horseshoe and a 2006 year-end wrap-up at the Drake, both of which exceeded any of our expectations. So thank you to all who have showed your support.
As for the rest of January we're really excited to be heading back to Montreal (January 26th) for a show with Boo Hoo at La Plage. The evening before that (January 25th) we're very pleased to be playing with Ohbijou at the Gladstone Hotel for the "Get It To Go Green" Campaign launch, an intimate night of comedy and semi-unplugged acts, with the room being entirely lit by Bicycle Powered Lighting!
Now on to the big news, tomorrow is a very big show for us that you'll hopefully be able to attend. Tomorrow evening (January 17th) we'll be performing on MTV Live here in Toronto. On the show we'll be doing a little interview, playing one song live and then taping two more, all of which will be available for streaming on the MTV website afterwards.
If you'd like FREE tickets to the show and are 16 yrs or older then simply RVSP by calling 1-888-491-6888 (toll free) or by sending an e-mail to liveaudience@mtv.ca. Since the show goes live from 6PM to 7PM you MUST be at the Masonic Temple (888 Yonge Street @ Davenport) before 5:45PM in order to be admitted.
Hopefully we'll see you there, otherwise we'll let you know when when the footage has been posted.
Thanks again,
The RAA
November 14th, 2006 ::: Pitter Patter Nights #200
First of all thank you to everyone who came out the shows in the Waterloo, Oshawa and Wavelength last week, we all had a really great time, met a bunch of amazing people and got a chance to play with a bunch of great bands. So thanks to everyone who was able to be a part of last week.
Now on to pressing matters, tomorrow (Wed, Nov 15th) we'll be playing at Supermarket in Kensington (268 Augusta Ave) along with The Ghost is Dancing, Villa Borghese (MTL) and Ben Somer. This is going to be a really special night because it'll be the 200th show for Pitter Patter Nights. Now for those of you who are unfamiliar with Pitter Patter its a local indie music series run by local booking machine and all around stand-up guy Keith Hamilton. We're really excited to be a part of this show since it was Keith who gave us one of our first big shows a little over a year ago at the Pitter Patter 1 year anniversary party.
Anyway, hopefully you can make it out because its going to be a really big night and Pitter Patter is definitely something that we should all be supporting.
Thanks again,
The RAA
October 30th, 2006 ::: Waterloo, Oshawa and Wavelength
Man these things are really hard to write when there really isn't much new going on. Over the last month and a half we've been busy playing some pretty great shows but other than there really isn't that much to fill you guys in on that hasn't already been posted on the shows page. However, this week is a little busier than most.
On Nov 2nd we'll be playing at The Grad House in Waterloo with Entire Cities and Cowboys & Cowboys, and on Nov 4th we'll be playing along with Nick Ferrio for Jonas Bonnetta's CD Release Party "Farewell to Harmony" in Oshawa at The Velvet Elvis. This will be our first show in both Waterloo and Oshawa so needless to say we're pretty pumped.
Then on Nov 5th we're really excited to be playing Wavelength at Sneaky Dee's along with Radius and Helena. Wavelength is always a great time on Sunday nights and best of all its play what you can.
So if you're in the area any of the those nights, or have friends who might want to come down then please send them on out because we'd love to see them.
Thanks again,
The Rural Alberta Advantage
September 7th, 2006 ::: Its going to be a great September
First of all thank you to everyone who's been coming out to all the shows, between the mini-tour, all the Toronto shows and getting some actual merchandise to sell its been a busy summer. So thank you to all the new friends and especially to the bands that we've been able to play with recently: The Adorables, Boo Hoo, PDF Format, Germans, Spymachine 16 and others.
Well, now that all the thank-yous are out of the way lets get to the goods, we've got two shows next week that we're really excited about.
First off, Thursday Sept 14th, we'll be playing The Drake Underground for the By Divine Right show presented by Easy Tiger, also performing will be The Diableros and The Coast. Doors for the show open at 9PM and we're on first at 9:15 SHARP!!, so if you're coming out then be sure to arrive early.
Two nights after that, Saturday Sept 16th, we'll be playing at The Palais Royale for The Adorables CD release party a.k.a. "Afternoon Delights on a Hot Summer Night". This is a full day event, with bands playing on the patio from 2PM-11PM, a BBQ provided by The Embassy and Going Steady ending the night with a dance party. A complete list of all the set times and bands can be found here.
Advance tickets for both shows can be picked up at either Soundscapes or Rotate This for $10. Tickets for The Adorables CD Release show are also, fittingly, available at The Embassy.
Thanks and hopefully we'll see you out next week,
The Rural Alberta Advantage
August 8th, 2006 ::: New songs up, shows in Montréal & Ottawa
So first things first, remember those songs that we referred to in the last update? Well we finally received the masters for those recordings and we've posted two of the songs both here and on our Myspace, we hope you like them.
Now on to more pressing news, this week we'll be playing our first shows out of town. We're starting out by playing Pitter Patter this Wednesday at O'Gradys, then Thursday night in Montréal and Friday night in Ottawa, details below:
Wed, August 9th @ O'Gradys, Toronto
::: 171 College Street @ McCaul ::: $5 ::: 9PM :::
::: w/Bedtime Sleepyhead, Luma and PDF Format (the Band) :::
Thr, August 10th @ Casa del Popolo, Montreal
::: 4873 Boul. St-Laurent, Montreal, QC ::: $3 ::: 9PM :::
::: A benefit for Le Roc (Montreal Youth Homeless Shelter) :::
::: w/Boo Hoo and The Letlowns :::
Fri, August 11th @ The Clocktower Pub, Ottawa
::: 575 Bank Street ::: 9PM :::
::: w/Captain Foxy and Run with the Kittens :::
It's going to be a great time and we're really excited, so if you're going to be in any of those cities we'd love to have you come out and say hi. We'll also be selling some T-shirts and CDs at the shows.
Well, in the interest of keeping this update short and sweet we'll end it here and talk more once we return from Montréal and Ottawa.
Sincerly,
The RAA
July 12, 2006 ::: In the City in the Rain
It seems like such a long time since we've talked. Please forgive us, Toronto is just so nice in the summer, but currently its looking more like spring with all the rain, so we figured now was as good a time as any to let you know how things are going.
We played a couple of really great shows in June and did some recording as well. We're really excited to post the new songs and we'll be doing that very soon, so keep checking back.
Next month we'll be heading to "La Belle Province" to play our very first show in Montréal with our friends Boo Hoo. We're also working on playing a show in Ottawa on the way back, so we'll keep you informed if that works out.
This Saturday (July 15th) we're playing at The White Orchid with PDF Format, Casey Johnson, and Tyson & Todd. Then at the end of the month (July 29th) we'll be playing at the High Park Curling Club with Henri Faberge and The Adorables.
We've also got a show coming up that will without a doubt be the party of the summer, but don't worry we'll give you a plenty of lead time just so you can keep your schedules open.
I guess that's all for now, but keep checking back for the new songs and details on that party of the summer.
Thanks again,
The Rural Alberta Advantage
May 24, 2006 ::: What happened to May?
So it may have seemed a rather quiet here as of late, but we have in fact been quite busy, however for now you'll have to trust us on this one.
If you were able to make it out to the Easter weekend Pitter Patter show at the White Orchid then you'll know that both The Great Awake and The Postage Stamps played amazing sets, it was really a great time so thanks again to Keith Hamilton for managing to save this show at the last minute.
Now on to new stuff, we'll be playing a show this Friday (May 26th) at the Tranzac [292 Brunswick Ave] with friends of ours Friday Morning's Regret, also playing will be The Department of Foreign Affairs [from Ottawa] and Another Blue Door who we hope to become closer acquainted with.
Also, in June we'll be playing an all ages show at The Boat [158 Augusta Ave., just north of Dundas] as part of ALL CAPS!. ALL CAPS! is a brand new monthly all ages series and we're really happy to be a part of the first official show along with 10,000 Watt Head, Crystal Castles and Mortimercy.
Well that's it for now but we'll keep you posted on any new shows and/or developments.
Thanks again,
The RAA
April 12, 2006 ::: Embassy Show/Pitter Patter show is on!!!
First of all, thank you to everyone who came out to the Embassy last Wednesday for the Adorables 1st Birthday, we had an amazing time and we're still scratching our heads wondering if it all really happened. We had a great time meeting all the bands that played, of which there were way too many to name, but being able to take part in the whole night was unbelievable, so thank you again Henri Faberge and the Adorables.
Now on to the urgent news ..... Keith Hamilton has somehow managed to save the day by finding an alternate venue for our Pitter Patter show. The show will be this Saturday (April 15th) at White Orchid (812 Dundas St. W. @ Palmerston), the doors open at 9PM and there's no cover, so come out and have a couple drinks.
We're excited to finally be able to play a show with both The Postage Stamps and The Great Awake, so we hope you can all make it out.
Thanks again,
The RAA
April 5, 2006 ::: Last minute show added
Thanks to everyone who made it out to the Drake last night for the Joke Club, Becky and Levi did a great job hosting and we had an amazing time playing at the end of the night.
Now on to the big news ... we've picked up a last minute show opening up for Henri Faberge and the Adorables tonight at the Embassy (223 Augusta @ Baldwin) for their one year anniversary party. If you can make it out you really should because it'll be an amazing time, Beth in Battle Mode will be playing and in addition the night will feature a slew of standup comedians. So come on down, it'll be a great time and bring balloons, five to be exact.
Thanks,
The RAA
March 3, 2006 ::: March Shows Added
As promised we've got two more shows lined up in March. First we'll be playing the Cameron House on March 9th with Rich Lowenburg and Janine Stoll. Then on Sunday March 12th we'll be playing the Sketcherson's Sunday Night Live after party at the Brunswick House.
Hopfully you can make it out,
The RAA
Feb 22, 2006 ::: Clinton's Show Wrap-up
Thanks to everyone who braved the ice and rain last Thursday to come out and see us play at Clinton's. The show was a totally success and we hope you had as much fun as we did. These Electric Lives and Megan Hamilton, both put on really great shows.
As of right now our next show will be April 15 th at the Speakeasy as part of Pitter Patter, we’ll be playing with The Postage Stamps and The Great Awake. So hopefully you'll all be able to make it out.
Since the middle of April is a long way off we're currently working on trying to put together a couple of shows for March. Details are a little sketchy as of right now, but as soon as we got some solid details we'll let you know.
Keep checking back,
The RAA
Feb 8, 2006 ::: A New Show for the New Year
Yeah, I know it's a little late to be starting the New Year but that's exactly what were doing. While things with The RAA may have seemed relatively quiet as of late I can assure you that some very important developments have been bubbling just below the surface. As proof we've got a great show lined up in February that should make all the waiting worthwhile.
On February 16th we'll be playing a show at Clinton's Tavern (693 Bloor St W) along with These Electric Lives, and Megan Hamilton. We're on first at 9:30PM so be sure to get there early and stick around, it's going to be a great show.
We'll be divulging more details in time but for now hopefully this Thursday will be an appropriate trailer to the full length feature.
Hope to see you there,
The Rural Alberta Advantage
Oct 20, 2005 ::: Pitter Patter Aftermath
Thanks to everyone that showed up for the Pitter Patter 1 Year Aniversary Party at O'Grady's this last weekend. We had a really great time playing with all of the bands Ghost is Dancing, Fire Hydrant, and Thick Hawk. We'd especially like to thank Keith for letting us play, it was a really great time.
Just to let you know we've got two shows coming up in early November. First we'll be doing a show on the 10th of November at Free Times Cafe (320 College Street) with Paul Price. The show will be starting at 9PM and it'll be a little quieter than what we're used to so we'll be making some modifications but trust us it'll be worth your while to come out.
We'll also be playing our first show in Cambridge the following evening (November 11th) at Stephanie's Caribbean Cuisine (5 Water Street), so if you are in the Cambridge area by all means stop by, we should be playing with the full ensemble so we promise it'll be a good time.
Hopefully we'll see you one of the one of the two shows.
Thank you,
The Rural Alberta Advantage
Oct 10, 2005 ::: Pitter Patter 1 Year Anniversary
Just to let you guys know we will be playing at O'Grady's Bar (171 College) this weekend (October 15th) as part of the 1 Year Anniversary Party for Pitter Patter Nights. For those of you who may not know Pitter Patter Nights is a local Toronto indie night put together by Keith Hamilton. We're all big fans of Pitter Patter Nights and needless to say we're really excited to be part of this Anniversary Party.
We encourage all of you to come out and show your support for Pitter Patter Nights. Its a PWYC event, the doors open at 9:30 PM and we'll be playing with three other acts: The Ghost is Dancing, Fire Hydrant, and Thick Hawk with the RAA playing at around 11:15 PM.
Thanks again and hope to see you all there,
The Rural Alberta Advantage
Sept 10, 2005 ::: Delays and Reminders
Though the notice is rather short, we regret to have to inform you that the show we were going to be playing this Thursday at The Boat (September 15th) with Clementine featuring a special bluegrass set with Ken Farrell and his Grandpa, has had to be postponed indefinitely. We were really looking forward to seeing this Grandfather/Grandson bluegrass combination, but for now we'll just have to cross our fingers and hope that the stars may align at some future date.
On a more positive note, next week Paul and Nils will be hosting another Singer/Songwriter Night at the Red Guitar (603 Markham St). Based on the success of the show last month we're expecting more great things this month. If you, or anyone you know is interested in being involved in this special night, then have them contact us (contact@theraa.com). The event will be held on Tuesday September 20th at 9PM, there is no cost for the show and they also have a patio for you to enjoy while the weather is good.
Thanks again,
The Rural Alberta Advantage
July 26, 2005 ::: Upcoming shows and details
Hi there, we just wanted to let you know about wo shows that we will be playing this week:
July 28th at The Smiling Buddha Bar
::: 961 College ::: near Dovercourt on College :::
July 31st at The Poor Alex Theatre
::: 296 Brunswick ::: in the up-stairs bar after SNL :::
The Smiling Buddha show will be starting at 8:30PM, cover is $5 or PWYC. As for the show at the Poor Alex, The RAA will be performing as the music guest for the Sketcherson's Sunday Night Live after party. The SNL show will be starting at 8:30PM, admission is $5 and we'll be playing up-stairs immediately after the show.
Thanks again
The RAA
July 14, 2005 ::: Sights and Sounds from The Rural Alberta Advantage
So we now have a final mix of the four songs that we recorded last month and as promised we've added an audio section where you can stream or download some of the tracks at your leisure.
We've also received some more information about the show at the Smiling Buddha on July 28th. The show will be starting around 9 and will feature Leceda, Wakefield Brewster and Charlie Bellemare.
Thanks again
The RAA
July 7, 2005 ::: .... and they recede again
The RAA will be performing at the Smiling Buddha bar on Thursday, July 28th. We look forward to seeing all of you there and as the details of the show come together we'll be sure to keep you and this website up to date.
Also, if you would like to be informed of any of our upcoming shows then you can sign-up for the mailing list in the contacts section below.
The RAA
June 24, 2005 ::: The floodwaters rise ....
We are currently in the final stages of recording our EP. Once we've got everything mixed and finished up we'll be doing a major update to the website to include links to several of the songs on the forthcoming EP.
The RAA
June 7, 2005 ::: This is the beginning of the Rural Alberta Advantage
Hello and welcome to this our first formal step into the cold and murky waters of the Internet. We all hope that you will be able to find a warm place in your hearts for us and that you'll find your way back to our site every now and again.
Thank-you to all who came out and braved the heat for Clementine's CD release party at Rancho Relaxo yesterday, while we didn't manage to get on until fairly late we hope it was worth it for those who stuck around.
We are currently in the process of recording a four song EP, in order to provide everyone with a clearer picture of what The RAA is about. So please keep checking back or sign-up for our mailing list to be kept up to date on any news or shows.
The RAA
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