Hello. My name is Laurel. I like editing, writing, music, bands, songs, and concerts. I like riding bikes and making beer, too. I am also the new editor of Discorder. It’s very nice to meet you.
If I had run into you on the street on a sunny Sunday or at the Biltmore on a rainy Friday a year ago (heck, even six months ago), and you asked me what I had to look forward to in March 2012, I would have had a lot of answers: celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, my birthday, the onset of spring and counting down to Record Store Day, to name a few.
Being editor of Discorder would not have been one of them; I had no idea I’d be this position, but I assure you my giggling has been off the charts since I was hired earlier this month. I only wish that an Ecstatic Sans font existed so I can better convey in print how sincerely excited I am. Because what is there to not be excited about?
I’ve bathed in the glow of Discorder since my days at UBC in 2002. I’ve stormed the masses of Vancouver’s musical and artistic talent from the hoards of the now defunct Arts County Fair, to sketchy back alley gigs at the Peanut Gallery, to following Soul Club from the Astoria to the Waldorf to the Biltmore, and saw as many concerts as possible in between. All these things make my love for Vancouver grow, and have somehow led me to Discorder.
As a 10-year Vancouver Island transplantee, I don’t have the deep roots of a home-grown Vancouverite, but this city is indeed my home. I’ve grown with Vancouver’s creative community as it has grown on me with each album, band, artist and venue I discover. Discorder has always been a medium that fosters and promotes that community and I’m here to carry it forward with vim and vigour and vitality.
Before burying you in a pile of things to be excited about in March, I’d like to acknowledge a profound loss in the musical community, the recent passing of Women guitarist Chris Reimer. On behalf of Discorder, I send condolences to his family and friends, the band, and the community and encourage you to share your thoughts and memories at christopherjohnjosephreimer.com. While Women are Calgary-based, we all know how tight western Canada’s music community is; there is a void on the coast too. It’s a reminder to live your days happily and fully, and there are a lot of reasons to do that in March.
In mid March, CiTR is excited to bring you 24 Hours of Student Programming. The name really does say it all. The station will also premiere The City, a new show about urban spaces; you can catch up on that and more in our Program Guide.
On March 29, we will host a night of butt-shakery and finger-wigglery at the Biltmore for our spring fundraiser. If you like bands and dancing and fun and supporting this most excellent publication, I highly recommend you come. Plus, we can meet in person and high-five in real life. Stay tuned for the full line up.
Finally, I hope you are as excited about this issue as I am. The past month of Gregory Adams imparting wisdom and advice upon me has been interesting, hectic, hilarious, fun, stressful and sweaty for me; I’ve got some game to bring following that guy and I am looking forward to the challenge. Also, with features on Shearing Pinx, Nardwuar, and War Baby in the following pages, I’m feeling a bit giddy.
In short, it’s great to be here. Thanks for having me. On that note, I bid you happy listening and happier reading. There is a lot to look forward to.
Read on and stay rad,
Laurel Borrowman