ION Magazine

Daily Specials

Wild Nothing Release New Single

Matt Sharp and the Rentals Share First Single from New Records

HAIM Release Video for "Hallelujah"

White Fence | For the Recently Found Innocent [Album Review]

Wed, 07/23/2014 - 09:57 by Natasha Neale

There will be many mentions of how White Fence’s new album For the Recently Found Innocent was produced by Ty Segall, Tim Presley’s newfound partner in psychedelic crime. More noteworthy, though, is the mere fact that these songs were given the full studio treatment. Innocent… is Presley’s fifth album, but it’s his first solo effort to feature studio polish, such as live drumming. The album is cleaner and, with less of the bedroom fuzz and crackle, perhaps a bit less uniquely White Fence. But much of Presley’s trademark style remains.

Got a Girl | I Love You But I Must Drive Off This Cliff Now [Album Review]

Tue, 07/22/2014 - 00:15 by Natasha Neale

Every artist would rather have their music speak for itself than answer, “What are your influences?” and “How did you get together?”, questions that only become more overwhelming in actress-plus-established-musician situations. The combination this time around is Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Dan “The Automator” Nakamura. Winstead you would know from Scott Pillgrim vs. The World and Death Proof, while Nakamura you’d know from literally a million things.

FESTIVAL DE MUSIQUE ÉMERGENTE 2014

Mon, 07/21/2014 - 01:11 by Natasha Neale

Franco-phone a friend because it's time once again for the Emerging Music Festival (FME). In its twelfth year this seasoned vet of a music machine is here to deliver a wide array of musical acts to shove in your ear and eye holes. With 65 acts spanning a myriad of different genres from symphonic pop (Rich Aucoin) all the way to metal (Ghoulunatics), there's something for every music fan. Hell, there may even be a dog in a tutu riding a unicycle with a theremin.

OK Go | Cracking the Code

Fri, 07/18/2014 - 08:20 by Natasha Neale

OK Go have grown a lot since you last saw them, probably with a distinct vision of colours and treadmills. As any good band does though, they have grown and manifested into something that is closer to their own truth, closer to the music that now resonates with their souls and their new experiences. JJ Brewis spoke with frontman Damian Kulash about growing up and moving forward, maturity of sound, and creative balls.

Stefana Fratila | Evil [VIDEO]

Thu, 07/17/2014 - 08:19 by Natasha Neale

"Evil" is a simple yet effective new video utilizing the wonders of 80's style contrast to effectively present a song with vocals that need not be overshadowed by high concept....unless you watch it with "They Live" glasses. That's when all the zombie/alien propaganda takes over and you'll need Fratila and Munoz (the director) to "Rowdy" Piper/David your way through the darkness.

Hands off, Shepard Fairey. They don't need your help.

FINK | Hard Believer [ALBUM REVIEW]

Tue, 07/15/2014 - 11:30 by Natasha Neale

On FINK’s new album Hard Believer, the title track starts out simply with the sound of an acoustic guitar and a lone stomping foot. It sounds almost Jeremy Enigk-esque when FINK starts to sing, “I can see the light coming.” It’s a strong opening statement from an album that doesn’t really go anywhere from there.

Faraday Café

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 11:55 by Natasha Neale

I can't tell you how much I depend on café's to connect me to the rest of the world. With work being in the cloud and with my role as the Online Editor relying on a strong Internet connection, café's with available WiFi are key. These days many of us work satellite and cafe's have become our home away from home and our office for the day. And we can't forget the coffee in one hand, phone in the other, checking our feeds and texting away. It's common-day communication. But what happens when there's no signal?

Angus & Julia Stone | A Heartbreak [VIDEO]

Tue, 07/08/2014 - 17:23 by Natasha Neale

Hiring a top-shelf name to produce your record won't get you anywhere on the name alone. That's not the way it works anymore. Our attention spans are about ten seconds for the unknown, and thirty for the super famous. If it isn't instantly capturing, the public won't absorb it into the zeitgeist. This is why Angus & Julia Stone have their work cut out for them.

Regimental Oneton | Categorically Speaking

Tue, 07/08/2014 - 15:21 by Natasha Neale

We live in a society of labels. Consciously or not, many people wind up squashing their lives into digestible categories for the sake of ticking boxes in questionnaires, filling out social media profiles, or not ruffling the feathers of the rest of society. Society loves people who can aptly be described in one sentence. White collar or blue collar, Liberal or Conservative, omnivore or vegetarian, Canadians or Bruins fan. People can process this and move on. They’ve made up their mind about you, and whether or not they’d like to have a beer with you.

The Pains of Being Pure At Heart | Truth Be Told

Mon, 07/07/2014 - 05:30 by Natasha Neale

Kip Berman has blossomed into one of the most candid and earnest pop frontmen in the cycle today, which is impressive considering the success his band, The Pains of Being Pure At Heart, has achieved over the last several years.

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