Eduardo Ottoni & James Ong - The Event-repreneurs

Yvonne Matsell is a celebrated music booker and long-time friend of the Canadian indie music scene. As the live music talent buyer for clubs like Ultrasound, Ted's Wrecking Yard, The Horseshoe Tavern and The Reverb Room, Yvonne gave countless indie bands their first decent gigs, and watched as many of them went on to become success stories and musical household names. Just a few of the bands and artists that flourished as a result of Yvonne's magic touch include: Skydiggers, Lowest of the Low, Rheostatics, Barenaked Ladies, Headstones, Matt Mays, Ron Sexsmith, Sarah Slean, Hawksley Workman, Feist, and Broken Social Scene.

In a business that can often be tough, gritty and uber-competitive, Yvonne remains "one of the good ones". A deep love of music, good humour, generosity, and a willingness to work tirelessly on behalf of artists, has made her one of the most admired and respected people in the Canadian music landscape.

Music samples in this episode:
"Hey Darlene" - The Stephen Stanley Band (Before the Collapse of the Hive, 2023)
"Muscle Cars and Sissy Bars" - Skydiggers (Hide Your Light, 2023)
"Legal Age Life at Variety Store" - Rheostatics (Whale Music, 1992)
"New Westminster Taxi Squad" - The Stephen Stanley Band (That Thin, Wild Mercury, 2003)
"Journey" - The Cash Brothers (Phonebooth Tornado, 2000)
"The Owl" - The Stephen Stanley Band (Before the Collapse of the Hive, 2023)
"Lover You Should've Come Over" - Jeff Buckley (Live at Sin-é Legacy Edition, 1993)
"All of Our Dreaming" - Skydiggers (Bittersweet Harmony, 2003)
"P.I.N." - Rheostatics (The Night of the Shooting Stars, 2001)
"Come to My Senses" - Skydiggers (Hide Your Light, 2023)

Thank you for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the pod with a donation. Any amount helps!

MUSIC BUDDY IS:
Jane Gowan (host, producer, editor)
Tim Vesely (co-producer/co-host)

The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely, and performed by Jane and Tim, with additional vocals by Steve Wright and Connie Kostiuk

STAY IN TOUCH
Email: jane@musicbuddy.ca
Instagram: @musicbuddypodcast
Facebook: @musicbuddypodcast
Twitter: @janegowan
TikTok: @musicbuddypod

This podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

Internationally-acclaimed and award-winning singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith first sang and strummed his way into the hearts of music lovers in the early-mid 1990s. At that time, the distorted fuzz and raw angst of grunge bands dominated the airwaves, and most "folk" singers watched from the sidelines, clutching their acoustic guitars and cursing their lack of effects pedals - but not Ron. Amidst the dense and glorious swirl of guitar rock, Sexsmith offered up his self-titled debut album of simple, heartfelt songs. The melodically refined and gracefully sculpted nature of his music gradually won him fans around the world, including rock n roll dignitaries such as Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, and Paul McCartney. 30-ish years and 17 albums later, Ron Sexsmith has become one of the most revered songwriters in the world, while continuing to create music that is essential, fresh, and timeless. 

In this conversation, Ron guides host Jane Gowan and co-host Tim Vesely through the storied travels and charmed encounters of his illustrious career to date.

Sexsmith turned 60 this January. To celebrate this milestone, he and his band are performing a special one-night-only concert on Feb 29 at Toronto’s Massey Hall. The show is a career retrospective, highlighting songs from every release to date. Tickets are still available (see link below).  

Sexsmith at Sixty
Feb 29 @ Massey Hall
Get tickets here

More about Ron
ronsexsmith.com
Rawnboy youtube channel

THE MUSIC BUDDY SESSION:
"Seem to Recall", by Ron Sexsmith
Performed by Ron Sexsmith, Tim Vesely, and Jane Gowan
Recorded and Mixed by Tim Vesely

Music samples (all by Ron Sexsmith)  in this episode:
"What I Had in Mind"  (The Vivian Line, 2023)
"Diamond Wave" (The Vivian Line, 2023)
"This, That and the Other Thing" (The Vivian Line, 2023)
"Secret Heart" (Ron Sexsmith, 1995)
"Thinking Out Loud" (Other Songs, 1997)
"This Song" (Blue Boy, 2001)
"Former Glory" (Cobblestone Runway, 2002)
"Hard Bargain" (Retriever, 2004)
"One Less Shadow" - Sexsmith & Kerr (Destination Unknown, 2005)
"All in Good Time" (Time Being, 2006)
"Brandy Alexander" (Exit Strategy of the Soul, 2008)
"Believe It When I See It" (Long Player Late Bloomer, 2010)
"The Morning Light" (Forever Endeavor, 2013)
"Foolproof" (Blue Boy, 2001)
"Getaway Car" (Carousel One, 2015)
"Evergreen" (The Last Rider, 2017)
"Lo and Behold" (Hermitage,

Thank you for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the pod with a donation. Any amount helps!

MUSIC BUDDY IS:
Jane Gowan (host, producer, editor)
Tim Vesely (co-producer/co-host)

The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely, and performed by Jane and Tim, with additional vocals by Steve Wright and Connie Kostiuk

STAY IN TOUCH
Email: jane@musicbuddy.ca
Instagram: @musicbuddypodcast
Facebook: @musicbuddypodcast
Twitter: @janegowan
TikTok: @musicbuddypod

This podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

Stephen Stanley is not just a gifted musician and singer/songwriter, but also a wonderful storyteller. His song introductions are almost legendary, and for anyone who witnessed his facebook live shows during the height of the pandemic, you'll know how skilled he is at not just playing and singing, but also communicating with an audience, even when the audience is invisible.

Stephen honed his craft through the 90s and early 00s as co-founder of the much-loved alt-rock band Lowest of the Low, and continues now to perform and record with his own group, The Stephen Stanley Band. 

Stephen's new album—Before the Collapse of the Hive—is a musically rich and dynamic album from which springs a myriad of  stories, memories, and perspectives. Partly truth and partly interpretation, each song is delivered with humanity, heart, and vibrancy. Produced by Hugh Christopher Brown (Wolfe Island Records), the album is dedicated to Stephen's dear friend Dave Bookman, a much-loved Toronto-based radio personality, who passed away in 2019.

In this conversation, Stephen and Jane delve into the album track by track, story by story.

THE MUSIC BUDDY SESSION: NO LOVE LOST, by Stephen Stanley
Performed by Stephen Stanley, Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely
Recorded by Tim Vesely and Jane Gowan
Mixed/Mastered by Tim Vesely

Learn more about Stephen at stephenstanleyband.com
Listen to Stephen’s radio show Northern Wish

All the song samples in this episode are from Before the Collapse of the Hive. 

Thank you for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the pod with a donation. Any amount helps!

MUSIC BUDDY IS:
Jane Gowan (host, producer, editor)
Tim Vesely (co-producer/co-host)

The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely, and performed by Jane and Tim, with additional vocals by Steve Wright and Connie Kostiuk

STAY IN TOUCH
Email: jane@musicbuddy.ca
Instagram: @musicbuddypodcast
Facebook: @musicbuddypodcast
Twitter: @janegowan
TikTok: @musicbuddypod

This podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

It's the most Buddy-ful time of the year! Welcome to the 2nd Annual Solstimas episode.
Once again, we asked friends of the podcast to send us their thoughts on winter and the holidays, and to suggest a favourite seasonal song. 
A huge thank you to all our guests, whose talents and kindnesses continue to warm our hearts and blow our minds.
A big shoutout to our "Music Buddy Christmas Office Party" guest, Dave Ullrich (The Inbreds, Zunior.com, Lemonade Dave, Salad Days), who dropped by in person to join in the fun, talk about the special Salad Days xmas day episode, and  offer up an indie holiday gem that’s fun for the whole family.

The Solstimas Buddies, in order of appearance:
Monique Barry
Ansley Simpson
Dave Ullrich
Jerry Leger
Sofy Castro
John Borra
Rich Aucoin
Kelly Crowe
Eduardo Ottoni
Annelise Noronha
Andrew Rucklidge

Music in this episode: 

"Mele Kalikimaka" by Alex Anderson - performed by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters, White Christmas (1945)
——
"Silent Night" - The Jingle Cats, Meowy Christmas (1994)
——
"Wild as the Wind" - Nick Ferrio, Ho! Ho! Ho! Canada XI (2019)
——
"Hark, The Herals Angels Sing" - performed by The Violet Archers (feat. Reudi, Sadie and Oliver), A Peanuts Christmas, the 2009 Zunior Holiday Album
——
 "Oh Holy Night" - performed by Jerry Butler, White Christmas, Pt. 1 (2014)
——
"El Burrito de Belén" by Hugo Blanco - performed by Calexico (feat. Gaby Moreno), Seasonal Shift (2020)
——
"Christmas in Prison" - John Prine, Sweet Revenge  (1973)
——
"White Christmas" by Irving Berlin - performed by The Drifters, Let The Boogie-Woogie Roll: Greatest Hits 1953-1958  (1988)
——
"February" - Dar Williams, Mortal City (1996)
——
"Oh Come, All Ye Faithful" - performed by Eduardo Ottoni
——
"Every Flake of Snow", Annelise Noronha, Christmas in the County (2019)
——
"You Slightly Care", Andrew Rucklidge, Unreleased
——
"In the Bleak Mid Winter" by Gustav Holst - performed by Andrew Rucklidge
——

Thank you for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the pod with a donation. Any amount helps!

MUSIC BUDDY IS:
Jane Gowan (host, producer, editor)
Tim Vesely (co-producer/co-host)

The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely, and performed by Jane and Tim, with additional vocals by Steve Wright and Connie Kostiuk

STAY IN TOUCH
Email: jane@musicbuddy.ca
Instagram: @musicbuddypodcast
Facebook: @musicbuddypodcast
Twitter: @janegowan
TikTok: @musicbuddypod

This podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

Andrew Rucklidge is an award-winning Canadian visual artist, whose paintings have shown all over the world, and can be found in collections from Toronto, to London, to Dharemshala, India. Andrew is also a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, who has played in several bands, including Farmer in the City (Martin Tielli), John Southworth, The New Romantic Portal, The Linoleum Falcon, Cactus Club, and—currently—Dopamine Dream.  He also records as a solo artist under the name Bobbe Ruck.

This conversation delves into the nuanced and wondrous overlap between the worlds of music and art: creating layered and textured sounds with a "painterly" approach, or conjuring fantastical abstracts inspired by albums played on repeat. You'll also learn the definition of "Gnome Rock", why an "eggy bridge" breaks the rules, and how making your own paint from scratch is like working with a Moog synthesizer. 

Learn more about Andrew at andrewrucklidge.com
Stream or download Bobbe Ruck: https://ffm.to/bobberuck
Get a dose of Dopamine Dream at dopaminedreamband.com

THE MUSIC BUDDY SESSION:
"Too Little To Lose", by Andrew Rucklidge
Performed by Andrew Rucklidge, Tim Vesely, and Jane Gowan
Recorded by Tim Vesely and Jane Gowan; Mixed by Tim Vesely

Music samples in this episode:
"All County Holdings" - Bobbe Ruck (All County Holdings, 2020)
"Unknown" - Dopamine Dream (Unknown, 2023)
"Banner G" -  Bobbe Ruck (All County Holdings, 2020)
"Astro Jet" -  Bobbe Ruck (All County Holdings, 2020)
"Someone's Looking At You" - The Boomtown Rats (The Fine Art of Surfacing, 1979)
"Message to a Friend" -  Bobbe Ruck (All County Holdings, 2020)

Thank you for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the pod with a donation. Any amount helps!

MUSIC BUDDY IS:
Jane Gowan (host, producer, editor)
Tim Vesely (co-producer/co-host)

The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely, and performed by Jane and Tim, with additional vocals by Steve Wright and Connie Kostiuk

STAY IN TOUCH
Email: jane@musicbuddy.ca
Instagram: @musicbuddypodcast
Facebook: @musicbuddypodcast
Twitter: @janegowan
TikTok: @musicbuddypod

This podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

Annelise Noronha is an award-winning audio engineer, producer, composer, musician, singer/songwriter, and actor.

In the early days of her career, Annelise found herself honing her production skills at Manta Sound—her first big studio job—where she worked on studio recordings for the likes of Oscar Peterson, James Brown, and Jennifer Lopez.

Since that time she has gone on to work with music professionals at the top of their game, such as Producer John Whynot (Blue Rodeo, Bruce Cockburn, Kathleen Edwards), and Oscar-winning composer.

Annelise currently lives in Prince Edward County, Ontario, where she works from her home studio.

More about Annelise at annelisenoronha.com

THE MUSIC BUDDY SESSION:
"Little Bird", by Annelise Noronha
Performed by Annelise Noronha, Tim Vesely, and Jane Gowan
Recorded at the Woodshed Studio by Tim Vesely; Mixed and mastered by Tim Vesely

Music samples in this episode:
"Lake Ontario" - Annelise Noronha (In the Headlights, 2020)
"Slip Away (feat. The Life Au Lait Project and County Artists)" - Annelise Noronha (single, 2019)
"Saviour" - Annelise Noronha (My Dog is You, 2001)
"Not The Girl" - Annelise Noronha (In the Headlights, 2020)
"Lemonade Dave Theme Song" - Annelise Noronha (jingle)
"Constellations (feat. Lisa Bozikovic) - Annelise Noronha (single, 2020)

Thank you for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the pod with a donation. Any amount helps!

MUSIC BUDDY IS:
Jane Gowan (host, producer, editor)
Tim Vesely (co-producer/co-host)

The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely, and performed by Jane and Tim, with additional vocals by Steve Wright and Connie Kostiuk

STAY IN TOUCH
Email: jane@musicbuddy.ca
Instagram: @musicbuddypodcast
Facebook: @musicbuddypodcast
Twitter: @janegowan
TikTok: @musicbuddypod

This podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

Lori Yates is an award-winning musician, singer-songwriter, photographer and writer. Her bands—The Last Resorts (late 70s), Rang Tango (80s), and Hey Stella (current)— each attracted a dedicated fan base, and Lori's raw talent and endless dedication have resulted in her working with some of the Industry's best. 

From Queen Street's cow punks to Nashville's country music bigwigs, Lori has shared stages and studios with a vibrant, sometimes dizzying array of music-makers and hand-shakers. Along the way, there have been awards, victories, and adoring fans, but also frustrations and challenges. Despite the ups and downs, Lori has continued to forge her own path with steadfast determination, unique creative insight, and a deep love of music and performing.

Lori's 6th solo album—Matador—is due out in Fall, 2023. It was recorded at Blue Rodeo's Woodshed Studios, and co-produced by Tim Vesely. The first single—"Alive"—will be available on October 29.

More about Lori at loriyates.com

THE MUSIC BUDDY SESSION:
"Alive", by Lori Yates
Performed by Lori Yates, Tim Vesely, and Jane Gowan
Recorded at the Woodshed Studio by Tim Vesely; Mixed and mastered by Tim Vesely

Music samples in this episode:
"What Keeps You Loving Me" - Lori Yates (Book of Minerva, 2007)
"Any Way You Want It" - The Last Resorts (Cassette release, 1981)
"Sweetheart Ave" - Rang Tango (Live at the Diamond Club, Squash Hunger Benefit, Oct 15, 1987)
"Trouble in the Country" - Lori Yates (Sweetheart of the Valley, 2015)
"Time After Time" - Lori Yates (Matador, Fall 2023)
"Rebel Angel" - Lori Yates (Breaking Point, 1994)
"The Future is Here" - Lori Yates (Untogether, 1997)
"Angels with Bloody Knees" - Lori Yates  (Sweetheart of the Valley, 2015)

Thank you for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the pod with a donation. Any amount helps!

MUSIC BUDDY IS:
Jane Gowan (host, producer, editor)
Tim Vesely (co-producer/co-host)

The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely, and performed by Jane and Tim, with additional vocals by Steve Wright and Connie Kostiuk

STAY IN TOUCH
Email: jane@musicbuddy.ca
Instagram: @musicbuddypodcast
Facebook: @musicbuddypodcast
Twitter: @janegowan
TikTok: @musicbuddypod

This podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

Lillian Allen is a Jamaican-born, Toronto-based writer, performer and activist.  She is a 2-time Juno Award winner, and is considered the godmother of Canadian rap/hiphop, dub, and spoken word. Lillian was recently appointed as the city of Toronto’s 7th Poet Laureate - a position she’ll hold for 3-years. 
A trailblazer, ambassador, professor, and creative force of nature, Lillian's insights into music, literature, society, and culture come from a lifetime of experience, observation, and unique artistic expression.

Learn more about Lillian at lillianallen.ca
Other references:
Make The World New: The Poetry of Lillian Allen (2021)
Jamaica Labrish (Louise Bennett-Coverly)

THE MUSIC BUDDY SESSION:
"To a Jazz Musician (Contemplating Suicide)", by Lillian Allen
Performed by Lillian Allen, Tim Vesely, and Jane Gowan
Recorded at the Woodshed Studio by Tim Vesely; Mixed and mastered by Tim Vesely

Music samples in this episode:
"The Subversives" (Revolutionary Tea Party, 1986)
"My Toronto" (Anxiety, 2012)
"Revolutionary Tea Party" (Revolutionary Tea Party, 1986)
"Limbo Dancer" (Word Up, 1994)*
"Woken and Unbroken" (Single, 2018)
"Conditions Critical" (Conditions Critical, 1994)
"Birth Poem" (Revolutionary Tea Party, 1986)

*Thank you to musician and performance poet John Sobol for sharing the audio file for "Limbo Dancer". The song was recorded at the Banff Centre for the Arts, and recorded by poet Kedrick James. For more information on John or his work, head to youareyourmedia.org. 

Thank you for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the pod with a donation. Any amount helps!

MUSIC BUDDY IS:
Jane Gowan (host, producer, editor)
Tim Vesely (co-producer/co-host)

The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely, and performed by Jane and Tim, with additional vocals by Steve Wright and Connie Kostiuk

STAY IN TOUCH
Email: jane@musicbuddy.ca
Instagram: @musicbuddypodcast
Facebook: @musicbuddypodcast
Twitter: @janegowan
TikTok: @musicbuddypod

This podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

Dave Bidini is a musician, songwriter, author, journalist, publisher, and sports enthusiast. Most people know Dave as the beloved front man of Canada's art rock darlings, Rheostatics. His super-fuelled stage presence is a wondrous thing to behold, and his ability to deliver a song with focused fervour—in addition to the superb musicianship of the band—has captivated fans since the late 80s. But, take a closer look at Bidini's overall creative output, and you'll find that the music of Rheostatics provides a rich sonic backdrop to a life jam-packed with all manner of artistic, intellectual, and community-based pursuits. 

In this conversation, Dave and Jane are joined by Music Buddy co-producer (and Dave's oldest friend and Rheos' bandmate), Tim Vesely. Plus, Dave fields some "phone-in" questions from friends (and previous Music Buddy guests) Stephen Stanley, Mike Downie, Lisa Sabino and Ryan Myshrall. 

THE MUSIC BUDDY SESSION: "The Aftermath", by Dave Bidini
Performed by Dave Bidini, Tim Vesely, Jane Gowan, and Martin Tielli
Recorded at the Woodshed Studio by Tim Vesely; Mixed and mastered by Tim Vesely

Music in this episode:

"Legal Age Life at Variety Store" - Rheostatics (Whale Music, 1992)
"Queer" - Rheostatics (Whale Music, 1992)
"Dope Fiends and Boozehounds" - Rheostatics (Whale Music, 1992)
"Vancouver" - Rheostatics (Here Come the Wolves, 2019)
"P.I.N." - Rheostatics (Night of the Shooting Stars, 2001)
"The Ballad of Wendel Clark, Pt. 1 & 2" (Greatest Hits, 1987)

More about Rheostatics
More about West End Phoenix

Thank you for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the pod with a donation. Any amount helps!

MUSIC BUDDY IS:
Jane Gowan (host, producer, editor)
Tim Vesely (co-producer/co-host)

The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely, and performed by Jane and Tim, with additional vocals by Steve Wright and Connie Kostiuk

STAY IN TOUCH
Email: jane@musicbuddy.ca
Instagram: @musicbuddypodcast
Facebook: @musicbuddypodcast
Twitter: @janegowan
TikTok: @musicbuddypod

This podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.

Starting in the mid nineties, Eduardo Ottoni and James Ong were the drummer and keyboardist in the band Spygirl, a group that was founded by singer Koralee Tonack and (Music Buddy host) Jane Gowan.  The group embodied the spirit of collaboration, and the members developed a deep bond that created a safety net of creative and personal freedoms.

Over time, Eduardo and James’ focus turned from being bandmates to being business partners. Working together mostly in the context of festival production, they became trusted and much-loved members of the arts and cultural community in Vancouver, BC. Their understanding of each others' work styles, and their ability to play to each others’ strengths grew over time, and in 2020, they co-founded Event Lab, a live event production company with a focus on sustainability, community, inclusivity and economic viability. Their client list includes The Vancouver Jazz Festival, The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Pride, The City of Burnaby Deer Lake Concerts, the Vancouver Chamber Choir, The Elektra Women’s Choir, Push Performing Arts, Cellar Jazz, the West Vancouver Community Arts council, and the Coalition for Music Education in BC, to name just a few. 

Eduardo and James have gracefully turned a creative and joyous musical relationship into a thriving and lucrative business partnership. Their story is one of friendship, shared values, trust, and hard work. 

Enjoy this conversation with three old friends as they simultaneously celebrate the past, present, and future. 

Thank you for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the pod with a donation. Any amount helps!

MUSIC BUDDY IS:
Jane Gowan (host, producer, editor)
Tim Vesely (co-producer/co-host)

The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely, and performed by Jane and Tim, with additional vocals by Steve Wright and Connie Kostiuk

STAY IN TOUCH
Email: jane@musicbuddy.ca
Instagram: @musicbuddypodcast
Facebook: @musicbuddypodcast
Twitter: @janegowan
TikTok: @musicbuddypod

This podcast is brought to you by Morning Run Productions.