Here it is, the end of 2011. I can’t believe it’s already been a year since I started up at Discorder. Whether crammed into our offices up here on campus, or checking in on things late-night from my laptop at home, the last twelve months have been eye-openers. Just think of all the incredible local acts that have been covered in Discorder since January—Dirty Beaches, Heavy Chains, prOphecy sun, Teen Daze, Blackout Beach, Baptists, Vacant State…the list just goes on and on, really. This issue alone collects some greats, whether it’s the free form art rock of Dixie’s Death Pool, the downcast but hopeful piano musings of expat Great Aunt Ida, or the undiscovered talent present on the open mic circuit. Needless to say, 2011 wouldn’t have been the same without any of these artists’ records or live performances.
While we’re undoubtedly skipping over a few, both sides of the staff and volunteer contingent for CiTR/Discorder are playing the year end wrap-up game and saluting their favourite records of 2011. Chances are you may have a different top spot, but we’re pretty confident these albums will stick with us well past New Year’s. For the record, I’d like to shout out Dirty Beaches for delivering Badlands. The cyclical guitar chugs and Francoise Hardy samples that drive this dark and brooding cinematic love letter to loneliness are gifts that just keep giving.
On the topic of generosity, CiTR just wrapped up our annual Fundrive, and we want to thank everyone who pitched in to help fund the station and the magazine. Between the donations collected through our websites, over the airwaves, over the phone and via our grand finale party at the Biltmore Cabaret, you helped us raise over $23,700 this year. That’s incredible! Thanks again.
Discorder’s still got plenty of love to share this holiday season, namely through our upcoming Discorder Contributors Art Show on December 16. Please come on down to the Interurban Gallery and check out a whole room’s worth of work from some of our favourite contributing photographers, painters and illustrators, including Louise Reimer, Tyler Crich, Melanie Coles, Andy Dixon and more. The whole thing was put together by longtime volunteer Robert Fougere and our old art director Lindsey Hampton, both of whom are also featured in the show, and we can’t wait to see what they chose. Be sure to stick around afterwards, as the night will be concluded by some local faves that graced our pages throughout the year: Shimmering Stars, Kellarissa and Lost Lovers Brigade.
Finally, we wrap up our annual SHiNDiG competition on December 6 at the Railway Club. Part of the prize for the top three spots is a feature in Discorder, so you can rest assured that next issue, like always, you’ll be hearing about some fresh new talent. I, for one, can’t wait.
However you feel like celebrating this holiday season, keep yourself warm and full of great tunes and good cheer. See you in 2012, everybody.
Discorderly yours,
Gregory Adams