The “For The Record” team started off Day 4 of Sled Island 2023 with a tour of the National Music Centre (NMC). First on the museum side was learning about all of the projects and services that the NMC offers, including:
The tour then headed to the studio side of the NMC, where the team was able to see the recording studios and mixing/control rooms! Each of the 3 studios can be patched to any of the 3 control rooms, and there is an estimated 5 kilometers of balanced cabling connecting everything. Not only can artists book studio time for recording purposes, but they also gain access to the functional historic instruments via their booking, including the largest synthesizer “TONTO”.
The tour ended with their third control room and crown jewel of the collection, The Rolling Stones Mobile recording truck. Though the truck can no longer drive, the recording equipment is still functioning. Not only is this patched to the 3 studios, it is also able to record live shows happening on the King Eddy stage!
Thanks so much to the NMC team for inviting us to tour the amazing facilities. The NMC offers so much to the community and to musicians!
After the tour, the team made their way to Calgary’s newest venue, Modern Love. They made it for the end of Dizzy Walka’s set. Despite being new to the scene, this young up-and-coming artist has a strong command of the stage. The live drummer’s percussive playing really added depth to the sharp 80s backing tracks. Check out Dizzy’s first single from the upcoming album, “Back to Me”.
Kaeyae Alo once again gave a beautiful performance, though more high energy than the Sloth Records performance – this really demonstrates Kaeyae’s range.
The team was then able to see one of their most anticipated performances, Sargeant X Comrade. The duo’s signature mix of Hip-Hop, Soul, R&B, Funk, House, Lo-Fi, and EDM was further bolstered by the addition of a full band. Their first song was able to draw a large crowd, even catching the ear of Sled goers on the Modern Love roof patio, who then made their way down to the main stage. Check out Sargeant X Comrade’s newest single “Love Someone”, along with their debut album “Magic Radio” which was a 2021 Polaris Music Prize Long List.
The legendary Calgary Hip-Hop duo, Dragon Fli Empire, took to the patio stage to end off the showcase. Their performance was so popular that Dai could only catch a couple songs from the stairwell as the patio was at capacity before the first song could drop. The group formed in 2002 and quickly became staples to the Campus/Community radio airways after hand mailing home burnt copies of their debut album “Conquest” to stations across Canada. The duo is a definite must see for fans of the Old School Hip-Hop style such as Pete Rock, Large Professor and Prince Paul. Teekay and DJ Cosm also have some solo releases out, and Teekay hosts “The Key of A” on CBC Radio.
