JUNOs 2009: Going Green
Stuart Davis / Vancouver Sun
The artistic theme of the 2009 Juno Awards evening was truly 'West Coast' as almost everyone commented on the herbal decor of the set, "to celebrate, we'll smoke the stage," noted Nickelback's Chad Kroeger upon accepting one of three of their Junos. Some say the stage looked like something out of Alice in Wonderland however Executive Producer John Brunton said the theme was to represent the natural beauty that surrounds Vancouver, while mixing with its glass archetecturural elements.
Outside of GM Place the green theme continued as one of the largest Juno afterparties was also a benefit for the David Suzuki Foundation, which focuses on sustainability, climate change, and clean energy education. Vancouver Fashion Week was running in tandem with Juno Fest all and merged its closing gala with this Junos celebration, dubbing it "Fashion vs Rock". Along with Music from Sea to Sky and with help from recording artist K-OS , who had been milling seen at Fashion Week for several days, the fundraiser was the place to be on Sunday night.
David Suzuki, voted one of the Greatest Canadians of all time, was on hand to give a quick talk and thank some of the musicians who have supported the organization over the years such as Sam Roberts, Sarah Harmer, 54:40, Bruce Cockburn, Nelly Furtado, and many more. K-OS himself also participated in the David Suzuki Nature Challenge, which helps individuals make sustainable decisions about our their homes, the food they eat, and how they get around.
JUNOs 2009: Lights Shine in Vancouver; Nickelback Takes 3
Ward Perrin / Vancouver Sun
Nickelback kicked off the 2009 JUNO Awards show and ended up walking away with the most—three awards last night for Album of the Year, Group of the Year and JUNO Fan Choice Award. While indie-pop princess, Lights, shone in front of the packed audience at Vancouver’s General Motors Place, winning New Artist of the Year.
The night was full of unique musical collaborations including three of Canada’s hottest young stars Crystal Shawanda, Divine Brown and Serena Ryder, who each performed their smash singles. Bryan Adams performed Walk On By with JUNO Award nominee Kathleen Edwards on violin. As well, folk-rockers Great Big Sea teamed up with Hawksley Workman and Eccodek for the show closer.
Take a look at the evening's big winners in our photo gallery.
JUNOs 2009: Best & Worst
Stuart Davis / Vancouver Sun
Canada has a bit of a love/hate relationship with the Juno Awards. Some of us love them. Some of us hate them. And some of us love to hate them...yet we tune in all the same. Last night had its highs and lows. Here are our picks for the Best and Worst of the 2009 Junos:
Best dressed lady: Kreesha Turner turned heads in a purple Carlie Wong-designed gown that showcased her spectacular...clavicles.
Worst dressed lady: Chantal Kreviazuk's unfortunate and extremely unflattering white dress made her look like an escapee from a Victorian insane asylum.
Best dressed dude/s: The boys of Hedley looked slick in matching white Armani jackets with black detailing. We would like them to take us to prom.
Worst dressed dude: The Sam Roberts band member who felt it acceptable to purchase his ensemble at the Cancun airport gift shop.
Best couple: Elvis Costello and Diana Krall, holding hands and looking effortlessly hip.
Worst couple: Russell Peters shamelessly pawing at Divine Brown (who was a very good sport about it). Hey, it's not sexual harassment if it's televised!
SXSW Lights Up
Juno nominated singer, Lights, hits up South by Southwest this past week, rocking out a set that included a lot of new material.
In fact, the Toronto singer told E! News Weekend her new album is already done! It will be hitting store shelves in August. We asked what the title might be but she’s keeping closed lip but says it will be one of the song titles.
Lights will be in Vancouver next Sunday for the JUNO Awards and feels honoured to be in a category with all these very talented ladies.
JUNO Mania Begins in Vancouver
CARAS / iphoto
The Juno Awards may broadcast Sunday evening but the City of Vancouver is already bustling as Juno Fest, the Juno Cup, and the WestJet Street Party which are all prepared to launch this week.
“As the world watches on, we’re thrilled to be part of Vancouver’s exciting horizon and bring the experience of the JUNO Awards in 2009,” said Melanie Berry, CARAS President. “A city well known for its diversity, inclusiveness and cultural heritage, Vancouver is a natural fit to host Canada’s music awards show.”
Juno Fest will host 100 acts in 19 venues across the city and feature a strong percentage of local talent, from to Daniel Wesley, You Say Party! We Say Die!, and Hey Ocean!, to Acres of Lions and Armchair Cynics from Victoria.
Big names like Mobile, Wide Mouth Mason and even Odds will also be playing in intimate venues like The Bourbon and The Roxy Night Club while this expansive event takes over the city for just a few short days.
Bob D’Eith, executive director of the Junos’ host committee told Metro News, “we’ve done other festivals but (this is) certainly the biggest music celebration we’ve ever had."
Christer Boosts the Local Electropop Sound
File Under Music
Vancouver-based electropop artist, Christer, has grown her own sound over the last few years in a market traditionally known for its heavier roots. However, with artists like Christer emerging from the community the future is promising.
"There's a great metal scene and a great indie rock scene, and there are a lot of artists in town who are working with those genres." Christer said that artists such as CircleSquare are starting to gain recognition not only locally, but globally. "I'm noticing it's starting to blossom, there's more of a buzz about dance music... ...Things are starting to pick up."
With a background in classical guitar and creative writing, Christer's current album Techna combines her training with her passion: electronic music.
"I came out West on vacation and fell in love with Vancouver," said Christer who then enlisted in UBC's Creative Writing program and grew her lyric-writing skills as a result. "I was writing songs on the guitar for years - but it was more of a hobby." Her progression into electronic music then came naturally, "It was what I was listening to a lot at the time," and her inspiration came from many other women in electronic music.
Christer will be a part of Canada Music Week, which starts today, and play at several locations throughout Ontario. She credits most of her jump to the touring and festival sceneto her band-mate and manager, Josh McNorton. "I've just done my thing and focused on my music but he's the one that's on the phone and internet all day just making things happen and booking shows." Josh also manages The Painted Birds that will be playing in Toronto during CMW's Music BC along with other Vancouver acts such as Mother Mother, Mani Khaira, and Dan Mangan.
Blue Rodeo, McLachlan and Others to Take on NHL Greats at JUNO Cup
Hockey and music...two great Canadian pastimes come together for the 6th Annual Juno Cup game with an impressive rooster of Rockers and NHL Legends.
The line-up of of stars representing Canadian rock music include JUNO Award nominees Sarah McLachlan, Tyler Stewart (Barenaked Ladies), Kathleen Edwards, Alan Doyle (Great Big Sea) and Jim Cuddy (Blue Rodeo) returning as team captin.
Ready to Rock—Canadian Artists to Perform at JUNOs
Sonia Mansillo
JUNO Award winners City and Colour, Simple Plan and Nickelback (nominated for 5 JUNOs this year) are ready to rock the roof off Vancouver’s General Motors Place on March 29th. The Canadian artists join JUNO winner Sarah McLachlan on stage.
The talented Dallas Green as his solo moniker, City and Colour is also nominated for Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year.
Check out our 2009 JUNOs photo gallery for a glimpse at the other notable nominees this year and let us know who you think are winners. Go ahead, comment away!
JUNOS 2009 Noms: Nickelback, Roberts, Celine Tops Nods
AP Photo/William B. Plowman
If you bet five cents that this year’s Juno Awards would be varied, innovative and inclusive, then you’re going to be asking for that nickel back.
This year’s list of nominees include the most dismally generic band to ever come out of Canada (‘sup, Chad?) a tortured ingénue whose album title utilizes American spelling (it’s flavours, Alanis!) and a puzzling New Group of the Year nod to a group whose popularity actually peaked in 2004 (Montreal’s The Stills).
Also nominated are two Canadian music icons who owned the ‘80s and ‘90s and who should really be put out to awards show pasture in favour of recognizing and elevating brave new blood (sorry, k.d. and Bryan! I loved “Constant Craving” and “Run To You”, respectively!)
The silver lining to all of this is the inclusion of the brilliant Plants and Animals nominated for Alternative Group of the Year alongside Fucked Up, Black Mountain, Chad VanGaalen and, uh, fresh-faced newcomers The Stills.
Let’s at least hope that that delightful Russell Peters will be hosting again this year.
2009 Juno Awards: Hub for New Media in Vancouver
Duane Storey
Last September, Vancouver was named the-city for the 2009 Juno Awards and with its diverse blend of acts and media forms it's sure to be a one-of-a-kind event for Canada's music scene.
"Vancouver is super excited about the Juno's coming here," said Kris Krug, who was a part of a delegation that went to Calgary's awards ceremony last year as a member of the original organizing committee for the Vancouver Juno’s.
"We've got a ton of awesome bands here in Vancouver, big names and small, and they all deserve recognition; Sarah Mclachlan and Michael Bublé to Black Mountain and Fake Shark - Real Zombie."
Duane Storey, a blogger, entrepreneur and photographer, is looking forward to seeing how the Vancouver social media community will contribute to the event’s success. "[In Calgary] my grass-roots coverage allowed me to have blog entries and photos up on my site almost instantly, giving the awards an immediate global audience."
While the Juno’s encourage emerging artists and also celebrate hall of fame music legends, they also embraced many new media forms, as these are becoming common practices for many artists in this day and age.
