The Silver Dollar

Last week we opened up for The Dead Projectionists at The Silver Dollar. Our relationship with the Silver Dollar and it's booker Dan Burke goes way back to the beginning - and even a little before then I suppose. I've played this venue with every band I've been in since moving to Toronto. Random Family played here, Britta B and the Banter, and of course BamBoo. 

Our first show as BamBoo was at The Silver Dollar opening for our friends in Fever City on December 20th of 2013. We've played there countless times since and Dan Burke has always been a supportive and fair host for us. I've literally seen him dig deeper into his pockets to pay us more when we brought out a stellar crowd one night. It was really important to Dan that we get a gig with The Dead Projectionists. So much so, that he had four different dates and plans of attack to make it happen. 

The show was really well attended (especially for a Thursday night) and we played plenty of new material. The venue has undergone some changes - they got a digital console (X32), a couple different bartenders and a fancy faux glass backdrop behind and above the stage. They're still working out some kinks, and the house drum kit is still a P.O.S., but for any shortcomings the venue might have when it comes to sound it more than makes up for in atmosphere and memories. 

Our next show will be at The Horseshoe Tavern on January 7th when we release the first of our 3 EP's. 

Studio Visit

Stephen and I visited Loud Mouse Studios last week in Etobicoke. The plan is to tackle drums, guitar and bass over two 10-hour days in early November. 

A good friend of mine, Nick Obal, gave us a tour of the facility. Nick and I were hired at Long and McQuade at the same time last year. Since then he's moved on to other projects and has found himself working out of Loud Mouse. He's a standup guy and it'll be great to work alongside him again.

The studio itself is modest in size, but has lots of character. Plenty of nice toys to play with too. We checked out the live room where we intend to record the drums - a small room with high ceilings that is made 'livelier' by a stone wall on the West side of the room. It's got a nice tight sound, but still allows for the drums to breath. You can check out the website for Loud Mouse Studios here. 

We're having a rehearsal tonight to finalize our new arrangements so we can whip up ghost tracks for Nick to record his drums to when we get to the studio. We'll also be preparing for our upcoming show at The Silver Dollar opening for The Dead Projectionists. 

In the second week of November Mike, Nick and I will hunker down alongside Stephen and Nick to track the beds for the first 3-song EP. Things are moving along at a great pace at the rehearsal factory and I'm really excited to get this EP underway!

- Marcus

BamBoo