An inviting and intimate evening

Gazette file photo
THIS IS THE PART OF THE SHOW WHEN WE DANCE. Echostylus joins other indie talents at the Something Inviting show this Saturday night.

By Mark Lewandowski
Gazette Staff

The London independent music community has often been described as punk-based and underdeveloped. Something Inviting Records, which last month celebrated its first birthday, is one label which is not concerned with fitting into these stereotypes. The label is inviting everyone interested in the London scene to attend a night of music featuring a variety of local musical cuisine.

Rick Montcalm and Sean Kennedy are the brass of the label and did the bulk of the organizational work for this weekend's showcase. The small venue at 123 King St. suggests limitations in space and equipment, but this is not the case.

"We wanted to play here because we have total control. It's a really cool place and we can start the show early," Kennedy explains. The duo confirms they are not expecting any surprises – directly addressing problems independent bands face when doing the club scene. "It's going to be our show, not a show at Freddy Lima's or something," Kennedy explains, but adds the sword cuts both ways. "Anything that fucks up is completely our responsibility too."

The show is just that – a show. It will feature a variety of artists who all have a different tale to tell. "It's an important show for Echostylus because they have never played before and are ready to cascade onto the scene," Kennedy states eloquently.

Florentine Cruise is also on the slate even though the band is on a competing upstart London label, E.K.. Still, Montcalm and Kennedy are quick to reassure that the competition is only an artistic one.

"It's a dog eat dog business, that's the reality, but we are good friends with them," Kennedy states honestly.

"We are adding something important to the London scene," Montcalm comments, in reference to both the show and the labels.

Radiate is coming form Toronto and will be playing in London for the first time. "Where Echostylus is pretty and emotionally textured, Radiate makes real 'balls to the wall' synth-pop," Kennedy says. Interzone will also add flavour to the night's feast with an entree of electro, unclean, euro-synthy darkness.

"We haven't played since December so it will be good to play together," Interzone member Kennedy comments. Indeed variety is the spice of this show.

The label has grown swiftly and there are plans for a New Order tribute album. "We received almost 12,000 hits on our label's web site in 19 days," Montcalm reveals. He suggests it is because they are so good but relents the New Order tribute had a big hand in the numbers. The label hopes its philosophy will attract more attention in the days to come.

"The difference between them and us is they do it to join a band or do a CD. We do it to make music. We're more involved in how it sounds," Montcolm says.

Montcalm and Kennedy both admit they have been restricted as to the promotional avenues they can take, due to the intimate nature of the show, but they have little doubt about the quality of the show.

"It's going to be a great show – worth well more than $5. The P.A. system and the bands are great," Montcalm suggests.

"Essentially [the fans] will have to judge for themselves, but it will make for a very interesting evening," Kennedy adds.