Surkeus Records . . . The Podcast !: Recent Episodes
Hosted by Josef Mieto from Surkeus Records
Hosted by Josef Mieto from Canadian music label Surkeus Records. Casual chats with label artists and other special guests that often turn philosophical.
He's someone who has a lot in his head and a newfound reason to write them down. If there are three things that are utterly indispensable to him, they're: writing, music, and writing about music.
In this episode we sat down to talk with Mario. Mario's writing is available in "The Lobby" on surkeus.com
Enjoy!
Host, Josef Mieto, reflects on the events of 2022 in this special year-end episode. THE REWIND is a look back on things that happened in and around the Surkeus Records Community, and what to expect in 2023. Happy New Year!
www.surkeus.com
Dave Gallant comes from a musical family. His dad was a fine guitar player and singer and several uncles and aunts also played an assortment of instruments from guitar to fiddle and mandolin. The music was mainly country and blue grass with the Celtic flavour of the Maritimes thrown in for good measure.
Dave spent his teenage years growing up in Montreal during the late 50' and early 60's where he first learned to play Ventures tunes. Soon he was turned on to the rock and roll sounds of Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and the Everley Brothers. Then, along came the Beatles and that changed everything and inspired Dave's high school band "The Beatmakers".
During his last year of high school, Dave discovered Bob Dylan and soon was performing in some of the coffee houses around Montreal, most notably the New Penelope where he frequently was one of the "warm up" performers for such legendary folk artists as Richie Havens, Eric Anderson, Tom Paxton and Tim Buckley.
He has been playing in bands and as a solo artist on Vancouver Island since moving here in 1970. He was an original member of Victoria's popular Nightshift band for many years. He has also played with the late and much loved Tommy "Johnny Cash" Craycroft and the Black Mountain Band as well as Mr. Puffy, featuring Joyce "the Voice" Allenson. Dave also spent a year touring Ontario with the popular club act, Footloose. Dave also worked in a duo with harmonica wiz, Chris Palmer. Over the coarse of his career, Dave has shared stages with Valdy, Bill Henderson, Shari Ulrich, Gary Fjellgaard and many others.
Dave continues to play dates on Vancouver Island, either solo or with various configurations of back up musicians. In December of 2022, Dave released his new CD of his own original songs, “Just About There”.
Darrin Harvey is a veteran broadcaster with over 30 years experience in both radio and television. His radio career takes place in the Annapolis Valley where he is the morning show host at Rewind 89.3.
Darrin is also the host and co-producer of East Coast Music Unplugged on Eastlink community TV, a show going into it’s 10th season. Darrin also sings & plays guitar and is a singer/harmonica player in the 15 piece dance band Bluesmobile.
We spoke about his love for blues music and music in general, the current music industry climate, why music and art is so important, and much more in this very special episode!
Chaz Avery joins us on this super special 20th episode (season 2) of Surkeus Records...The Podcast!
We had a great time chatting with our favorite drag king, Chaz Avery about drag, acting, collaboration, community, some fun Top 3's and much more!! Enjoy :)
This episode features musician, singer song writer Daniel James McFadyen.
@danieljamesmcfadyen
Daniel has been nominated Entertainer of the Year 2022 and for Best Folk Recording 2022 by Music Nova Scotia!
@musicnovascotia
We discussed what it's like living and playing music in Nova Scotia, what role awards and recognition play for artists and the music industry, his upcoming shows, projects and much more!
Keyboardist, Nate Bailey (Sail Cassady, Man Made Lake, Miriam Baxter) joins us on the podcast to chat about teaching English in China, playing to a crowd of 18,000 people in Wuhan, the Miriam Baxter project, a bunch of fun Top 3's and much more! Enjoy.
Musician, singer songwriter, Nick Mintenko joins us on this episode from Victoria, B.C. to discuss the release of, "Vagabond" (out September 2, 2022). We also chatted about how Nick got started on his path in music and how that moment relates to his ongoing love and appreciation for jazz. That and much more on this very special episode. Enjoy!
www.nickmintenko.ca
We chatted with Maisie and Reuben Gilbert, from the band The Gilberts (www.thegilbertsband.com) recently about what it's like to play music as a family, their artistic goals, new music, and much much more! Enjoy!
We spoke to David Chenery (The Hex, The Purrverts) about his artistic journey and got a brief history of The Hex. We also spoke about his unique vocal style and his love for comic and album art. That and much more. Enjoy!
Rebecca, from the band r. mason joined us to chat about her call to artistry and moments in life that shaped her experience of art and music. We also discussed current and upcoming projects by r. mason . . . and much more. Enjoy!
www.rmasonmusic.ca
Cole Kelly and Darren Chambo of Brother Sea Productions and Tea with Mara join us on the podcast to chat about their personal and professional journeys, balancing art and entrepreneurship, and living life while making kick ass music and videos. That and much more.
Enjoy!
Musician, singer songwriter Terra Spencer joins us on the latest episode of Surkeus Records . . . The Podcast !
We spoke to Terra about her cross Canada tour with Ben Caplan , why it's important for artists to "go with the flow" in life and art, and about the music scene in Nova Scotia.
That and much more. Enjoy!
@orangeterra
https://terraspencer.ca/
We covered a lot of ground on this episode. We asked Colin Craveiro of Sail Cassady about his recent show at The Victoria House through Side Door Access, chatted about fashion and artistic expression, Sail Cassady's upcoming album 'Juniper', plans for the summer and much more!
Enjoy!
In this episode we're speaking with musician, singer songwriter Freya Milliken about what put her on the path to becoming a musician. Freya is currently pursuing her Bachelors of Music degree at Acadia Univeristy and will be performing several shows across the east coast this summer.
We learned just what makes the east coast so special for her, and for other musicians living and creating art in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
That and much much more. Enjoy!
Drummer, musician, songwriter and composer Michael Wilford joins us on this episode of Surkeus Records . . . The Podcast !
We asked Michael about his new single Esraela, his upcoming EP and remixes project, and got all the deets on the 5 or so bands he currently plays with! That and much more - Enjoy!
Cover 📷 @ameselkie
This episode features musician, singer songwriter Aaron Wylder.
We spoke with Aaron about his new single, "Annamarie", his upcoming album, the importance of studio chemistry, having fun making music videos, and much much more.
Enjoy!
Cover Photo: Hailey Krakana
Kaylar Chan (Sax, Vocals) and Ryley Kirkpatrick (guitar) from that band Raincity joined us on the latest episode of Surkeus Records . . . The Podcast !
We chatted about their recent Vancouver Island tour, their new album "A Proper Latte", their upcoming cross-canada tour, and even got a few funny stories about being on the road and a few other on-stage mishaps.
For more about Raincity visit :
https://www.thatbandraincity.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thatbandraincity/
MP has well over 20 years in the hip hop game as an emcee, producer, and the co-founder and manager of underground hip hop label, Factual Records.
www.factualrecords.bandcamp.com
@factualrecords
@mp.factual
This impromptu podcast episode took place at Surkeus HQ after recording some vocals for one of MP's upcoming singles.
We discuss everything from the first hip hop tracks he ever heard, to mental health, to the whole Factual Records story, and even reflect way back on his winning "Battle Royale 2" at 14 years of age.
CFUV 101.9FM in Victoria, B.C. has officially started their 2022 funding drive. In this special funding drive episode, you'll hear a brief history of Surkeus Records , and how CFUV played a huge role in the making of our community & label.
To donate to CFUV, visit: www.cfuvfriends.ca
Funding drive runs from March 11-18, 2022.
Zoltan Zsoges (former member and multi-instrumentalist in Lauren Mann and The Fairly Odd Folk) acted as touring manager for the band for many years.
Zoltan joined us in the studio recently for an in-depth chat about his musical history, offering up great insights into the music business and touring across Canada, Europe, and the states.
We also chatted about living in Victoria and east coast adventures.
Thanks for the chat, Zoltan!
Fred Cameron, Operations Director at SOLID Outreach in Victoria, B.C. joined us in the studio to discuss the recent B.C. Coroner's report, which stated 2224 overdose deaths occurred in B.C. in 2021.
We discussed the importance of safe supply, how it relates to rehabilitation, and got to know more about Fred's work as a writer and journalist, plus his own personal story through addiction and recovery.
Surkeus Records . . . The Podcast ! S2/E3 is available in audio format on Spotify, along with a full video version on the Surkeus Records YouTube channel which includes video footage from the rally that took place at the Victoria B.C. legislature on Feb 10, 2022 (organized by @momsstoptheharm ).
To learn more about the amazing work SOLID Outreach is doing in the community, visit :
www.solidvictoria.org
@solidoutreach
Musician, songwriter, and funeral director Terra Spencer joins us to talk about how she got started in music, the music scene in Nova Scotia, the importance of collaboration and community among artists, and much much more!
This recording was intended to be part of a interview for Surkeus Magazine, but it was such a great conversation we just had to share the audio version. Thanks for a great chat, Terra!
Learn more about Terra Spencer at www.terraspencer.ca
We're kicking off season 2 of Surkeus Records...The Podcast! with a 2021 recap, a look at what's coming up in 2022, and a surprise phone call to our good friend, Erik "Big Love" Van Meerbergen, who is currently living life to the fullest in Whistler, B.C.
Erik played a huge role in encouraging and inspiring this whole podcasting idea last year, but he hasn't been on since Episode 1 of Season 1, so it felt right to get him back for the kick off to season 2!
Enjoy!
Singer songwriter, Georgia Lee Johnson joins us for episode 17 to discuss her musical journey that began in New York City.
Georgia's background in acting played a role in bringing her to the place she is today. We discuss differences between the two crafts, the benefits of being involved with a community, grant funding and assistance for the arts, her new single, "The Loons" (Out December 17th, 2021), and much more!
Thank you for the great chat, Georgia!
https://www.georgialeejohnson.com/
As far as introductions go, this is one of the hardest ones I've ever done, as episode 16 features the legendary, Carole Pope.
Carole is an agent provocateur pushing the boundaries of sexuality, sexual politics, and the status quo. Her work has been recognized with three Juno Awards, multiple independent music awards, a Genie Award. 4 gold, 1 platinum and 1 double platinum album.
Carole's latest EP, Music for Lesbians explores the funny tragic things about being a lesbian. Contributors include Peaches, Alain Johannes and Rob Preuss.
She has toured with David Bowie and performed at Roskilde, World Pride, AGO, MOCCA, Fashion Cares 25 with Elton John, The Brooklyn Museum of Art, The AGO, Luminato, Joes Pub, The Global Cabaret Festival, The Frostbite Festival, Reykjavik, Toronto, Los Angeles, Montreal, San Diego, San Francisco Prides, and the Michigan Womyn’s Festival.
Carole appeared in SUCK a Vampire movie along with guest stars Moby, Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper and Henry Rollins, and has contributed music to film and television, including Transparent Season Two, Love or Whatever, Pretty Hard Cases, The L Word, General Idea Art AIDs and the fin de siecle The Trailer Park Boys Movie, This Revolution, Queer As Folk, The Five Senses, The Silencer, and Cruising.
Her seminal band, “Rough Trade” was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020 and the Canadian Music Week Indy Hall of Fame in 2007.
Carole's latest single, “Speaking In Code” with Clara Venice is available now everywhere.
It was an honor to chat with Carole about her accomplishments, and how the recognition she's received over the years has played a role in her self perspective and self image as an artist. We also discussed how she's stayed focused on the craft of songwriting, advice for up and coming musicians, and even a bunch of "TOP 3's"!
You do not want to miss this episode. Thanks for a great chat, Carole!
Visit: www.carolepope.com for up to date news.
Florence Fatale is a burlesque dancer, promoter, producer, and designer. They join us on episode 15 to discuss the various events they promote and are currently involved in, the value of an arts community, empowerment through art, how they deal with nerves, onstage mix ups and more!
Thanks for a great chat, Florence!
@florencefatale
Cover Photo: MKM Photography
President of the Mental Health Society of Greater Victoria, Pearl Thompson and Community Engagement Volunteer, Stacie Couch join us episode 14 to talk about the history of the Mental Health Society of Greater Victoria, their own experiences with mental health, how MHS is working to streamline accessibility to mental health resources in Victoria, how to support and get involved and much more.
Thank you to Pearl, Stacie, and all of the volunteers at the Mental Health Society of Greater Victoria for the amazing work they do.
To learn more visit : www.mhsvictoria.org
Instagram : @mhsvictoria
She tells jokes and makes shows. Comedian, Emily Woods joins us on episode 13 to talk about her history in the scene, comedy and controversy, and her super cool variety show. We also talk about stage-life balance as it relates to mental health and much more.
Thank you for an amazing chat, Emily!
Musician, writer, chef. Bruce Enloe joins us on a very special 12th episode to chat about his roots and artistic endeavors . We go through his entire discography, talk about how his restaurant/music venue, "The Branch" originally came to be, his "song a day" project, and much much more.
Thank you Bruce!
Episode 11 features musician, songwriter, and drummer, Michael Wilford. Michael released his new single, Rattle My Bones (feat. Sail Cassady) on October 15th. He also went head to head with a whiskey expert in a tasting challenge recently. Songwriting, team work, whiskey, and dream drum kits are but a few of the topics touched upon in this awesome episode.
BTW// the smokey, peaty whiskey Michael had in Bamfield was "Laphroaig Quarter Cask".
For more about Michael Wilford, check out his new website at www.michaelwilfordmusic.com
Cover photo : Hailey Krakana
Episode 10 features John Flatman. John is a keyboard player and backup vocalist in Sail Cassady, as well as a producer, engineer, and videographer with a passion for the local arts and music scene. John and I discuss everything from 4 track tape recording, to space travel, the pros and cons of social media, top 3 horror movies, and how to set a room's lighting up so you feel "coz". and much much more.
Thanks for a great conversation, John.
Hailey Krakana joins us on episode 9 to discuss the art of photography, originality and the artistic process, Jack Kerouac, aspects of spirituality, and more.
Hailey Krakana was the featured photographer in Surkeus Magazine Issue One. She shot the cover photo as well as many of the photos inside. For more about Hailey Krakana and her work, visit: www.haileykrakana.com
Instagram: @haileykrakana and @foxskullco
Singer and guitarist from Standard Issue Pleasure Model, Raine Balson joins us on episode 8 to discuss Standard Issue Pleasure Model's history, their favorite movies and music, as well as activism and finding balance.
Mary Matheson joins us on episode 7 to discuss architectural photography, travel, rock climbing, fashion, and much more!
Check out Mary's music at www.marymathesonmusic.com and her photography at www.marymathesonphotography.com and www.mathesonphotography.ca
'Parq Vancouver' cover photo by Matheson Photography.
Episode 6 features an anonymous Anarchist who has spent the last several years doing work with Indigenous communities and activism in places like Standing Rock, on Wet'suwet'en territory against the CGL pipeline, and continues to do ongoing work with #landback projects.
Recommended reading:
Armed Joy - Alfredo Bonano
Blessed Is The Flame - Sarafinski
Desert - Anonymous
At Daggers Drawn - Anonymous
Anarchy and Nihilsm: Consequences - Aragorn!
Anarchy Without Roadmaps or Adjectives - Aragorn!
Anarchy: The Life and Joy of Insubordination - Flower Bomb
Peter Gelderloos - How Non-Violence Protects the State
Postscripts on Societies of Control - Gilles Deleuze
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Against His-Story, Against Leviathan - Fredy Perlman
In this episode we chat with Cat Madden about the upcoming Squamish Soiree, her new album, and more! Thank you for coming on the show, Cat!
In this episode we're joined by musician, writer, and activist, Fen Racket from Ottawa, Ontario. We discuss everything from music (obvs), workers rights, unionizing, ideal business structure and how to effectively make changes going forward in your own community and abroad.
Chatting with Michael "Owl Man" Wilford and Clare Twiddy about their super powers, favorite films, philosophy, and who would win between ninjas V.S. pirates - and of course MUSIC.
Recorded live on August 4th, 2021. The show features interviews with David Chenery, Rebecca Barritt, Aaron Wylder, and Colin Craveiro.
Hosted by Josef Mieto.
In this very first episode of Surkeus Records . . . The Podcast ! Erik and Josef discuss how Surkeus Records came to be, the future of the music industry, the fundraiser for the Mental Health Society of Greater Victoria - and other fun things - over beers.