In our series Home Scene, Grid City asks music fans to share what they love most about the city’s music culture. This time we check in with live music luminary, the one and only Sven T. Sexgore.
What have you been listening to lately?
I literally just finished listening to the new EP from The Trick, Fearsome Places, as these questions arrived and I’m sure I’ll be listening to it a few more times. B.A. Johnston’s latest, Shit Sucks, has been on pretty heavy rotation lately – you can always trust B.A. to deliver a great album. Teledrome’s self-titled LP probably comes second for most repeat listens in the last few months.
Other than that the winter’s been wearing us all down so I’ve been revisiting a lot of old favourites to help bear through it: The Darkest of the Hillside Thickets, Consortium of Genius, Careers in Science, Strawberry Switchblade, Adam and the Ants – I seem to trend towards weird, big, and theatrical right now.
Most anticipated local release of 2015?
It’s cheating to say ‘all of them’ but it’s probably the honest answer. Forced to pick one I think I’ll have to go with Young Satan in Love. The live shows have been amazing and I think it will still work just as well recorded.
But, seriously, there are a lot of great releases coming out this year and I’m looking forward to all of them.
Name the one Fredericton band you believe more people should know about.
Again with the tough choices. It’s like being asked to publicly pick a favourite child – only I actually love the bands! I adore The Shorty Tubbs and they deserve even more love than they already get. And I’m not just saying that because they did that tribute to me that time….
Live music culture is an important part of Fredericton’s identity. If you could improve one aspect of the city’s music scene, what would it be?
More support from the city itself. I think what most of us think about when we say ‘the scene’ is pretty damn strong and supportive already but Fredericton as a city doesn’t seem to really take advantage of the talent it has here at home. The concerts in Officer’s Square are nice but they’re about all that comes to mind. I think legalizing busking would be a good first step – but I’m biased on that one.
As for within the scene itself: less (or just earlier) pre-drinking and come out to shows on time. It’s pretty demoralizing sometimes to see an awesome band open and give it their all despite the fact there might only be five people in the venue most of which are other folks playing that night.
Looking back at the past year, what would you consider to be an important highlight for the city arts scene?
Shifty Bits Circus without a doubt. The other festivals and events are great and I love them but this is the one that really stands out as *ours*. This is Fredericton and its scene doing its own thing and having one hell of a blast doing it. There’s just a sense of place and energy that really stands out with the Circus.
