2013, in review. Chapter 2 - Hannah Epperson

"Oh, it’s totally perverse. " -Hannah Epperson on competition in music. It is with this in mind that I have decided to forgo the traditional "Best Of" list to end the year. Instead I will bring an ongoing series of updates on the most memorable musical experiences of the year, be they concerts, records or even just songs. Today I bring you adopted Canadian Hannah Epperson, violin champion.

I first saw (And was slightly mesmerized by) Hannah Epperson open for and play with Morlove in April this past year. I missed her set at Rifflandia (Though I don't remember off the top of my head why) but got to talk to her in anticipation of that set that I missed. It was a big year for Epperson, who seems to be gaining all kind of momentum. This interview was one of my favourites from the many I conducted this year and, importantly, contains the quote that has guided this end-of-year series.

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Hawksley Workman and I chat for a third time. I love Hawksley Workman.

My friends, it's been a little while since you've heard from me. I've been busy preparing and executing my plans in and around the Rifflandia festival. It's the biggest week of music in Victoria every year (Though I still contend that the Victoria Ska Fest is the BEST week) and it's always a mightily distracting thing. But here I am with a delicious interview for you with my favourite guy to talk to and all-around dreamboat, Hawksley Workman.   I conducted my this interview, my third with Workman, in preparation for writing his profile in the Rifflandia guidebook. The 600+ word article I wrote ended up getting cut down to somewhere around 175, so the amount not in there is mighty. We talk about his involvement in and the creation of supergroup Mounties, using art to deal bridge emotions and machismo, the best sounding venue in Victoria and how he crippled me emotionally with "Piano Blink."

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Dusty Melo is well-spoken and not at all the ADD ruffian he seems like on stage.

I did some writing for the Rifflandia Festival Guide and one of the groups I covered was Pigeon Hole. I first saw the duo play before Tommy Guerrero a few Rifflandias ago and loved their raucous energy and swagger. Seemed like a good choice for me. There wasn't enough information on the net about the duo to write the allotted word count so, through the power of Twitter, I contacted the duo and Dustry Melo was quick to get back to me.

Having seen them again recently at Shambhala, where they destroyed the Amphitheater in the blazing sun, I can happily assure everyone that their energy has not diminished one ounce. But now, that energy is focused like a laser. I don't know what trap music is, but apparently that's what you call the beats that pack their new album Chimp Blood . All I hear is slightly more electronic hip-hop. I dunno. Labels, eh, fuck 'em. Let's not worry about that right now. Let's all just read this sweet conversation I had with Dusty Melo, one half of Nanaimo-bred gangstas, Pigeon Hole.

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I talk to Tech N9ne again and surprise! He's still awesome.

Tech N9ne just released one of the best hip-hop albums of the year and definitely one of his personal best, Something Else . As like last time, the good people at Strange Music were quick to find some time for me to chat with Tech about his love of my hometown Victoria, the dreams he got to fulfill on the new album and his tenuous relationship with the Black community. Tech proved once again that he's a thoughtful, engaging and humble presence, more than deserving of all the adulation and accolades that have been coming his way. Respect to Technician #1.  

(If you see the thumbnail, that's my Tech-inspired war-paint I donned for Shambhala.) 

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Kris Wood isn't quite as mysterious as I originally believe. (But still kind of mysterious.)

Blackberry Wood was my surprise highlight of last year's Victoria Ska Fest. When I saw that they were coming back for more this year I had to jump at the chance to get Kris Wood on the phone. Their unique sound and intense live performance makes them a fascinating, not to mention insanely fun,  band that has quickly made itself a staple of my listening repertoire. We had a great talk about influences and our shared love of hip-hop, slaying crowds in Dawson City and facial hair maintenance. Great talk, read it.

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