It’s time...

by SCOTT C

All of you producer/DJ, singer/songwriter,composer/arranger, beatmaker/MC multi-tasking types will be pleased to know that this year’s application phase for the Red Bull Music Academy begins on March 14. Sixty promising prospects will be chosen from applicants around the globe, and flown to Barcelona, Spain, in the fall of 2008. There, they’ll take part in two weeks of music and production workshops, as well as attend lectures by musical innovators from different generations and genres, all while soaking up the local culture. Participants are also given access to studio, recording and production facilities for the duration of their stay, and encouraged to explore and create. Those of you keen to get an early start on a chance to take part in this annual international exchange of knowledge, skills and music can head over to www.redbullmusicacademy.com and download the 2008 application.

Now, I can’t say I’m the biggest fan of Tanya Kim, Ben Mulroney and the rest of those eTalk Daily nerds, but I hope Jully Black decides to commit more time to music and less time to that dumb-ass show. I know it’s great to see another talented black woman doing her thing on Canadian TV, but I guess I’d much rather see her kill it live with her band. She’s playing Club Soda on Saturday, March 15, for $15 in advance or $17.50 at the door.

I know the show isn’t until May 20, but you may want to consider grabbing your tickets now. It’s not every day that Kanye West comes to Montreal. The Glow in the Dark Tour is bound to unleash something crazy on what will most likely be a sold-out house, eager to see whatever it is that Kayne plans to do next. Bringing along good friends Rihanna, N.E.R.D. and Lupe Fiasco is a great idea, and will probably be the first big neon-flavoured stadium spectacle of the year. Tix will cost you $60–$100.

NulSiDécouvert MC Jeune Chilly Chill (aka Chillmasta X, aka Xavier Constant, aka Ixe-13, aka Dr. Folamour) is probably very excited about his big launch party this Saturday, March 15. He’s probably very proud of his new mixtape, Swaggalicioso as well, and plans to do it right at Zoobizarre this Saturday night. Five bucks gets you in, with doors opening at 9 p.m. This one wraps up at 1 a.m., so if you plan on reaching late... well, don’t.

Seven reasons I can feel it too:
1. Jamie Lidell “Figured Me Out” (Warp)
2. Rednose Distrikt “Popsong” ft. Harco Pront (Kindred Spirits)
3. Indigone Trio & Strings Live in Montreal (Ropeadope Digital)
4. Pete Rock NY’s Finest (Instrumentals) (Nature Sounds)
5. Black Spade “She’s The One” (CDR)
6. Think Twice ft. Manchilde “Freak Boutique” (CDR)
7. Katalyst ft. Steve Spacek “How Bout Us” (Invada)

I LIKE CANDY, HOW ABOUT YOU? fathead@videotron.ca