…….I spent some holiday time in the “D”.  That’s what a Windsorite calls Detroit, Michigan.

I grew up in Windsor, Ontario.  Most Torontonians laugh when I tell them I grew up there.  Torontonians (like New Yorkers or people that live in Los Angeles) think they are in the center of the Universe, or at least the center of Canada.  Windsor operates as a safe suburb of Detroit.  A place you go home to after a night out at Leyland House, Grand Circus Theatre or Todd’s.  A place where you don’t need bars on your windows.  Yeah….we kind of tore down our art gallery to make way for the temporary casino; the strip bars are raw as hell; and it’s turning into a ghost town as the North American automotive industry continues to shutter it’s plants.

For me though, it’s the place where I saw the Clash, Iggy Pop and REM in the flesh (when Michael Stipe had lots of hair); but more importantly, inspiring punk rock bands you’ve probably never heard of like, The Dry Heaves, Rat Pack, DOS and others.  It’s true, Windsor produced Shania Twain and Richie Hawtin, but I never saw them growing up (former Prime Minister Paul Martin as well).  In high school, my band BFA (it stood for “Bourgeoisies Faggot Assholes”) would use this old Chinese restaurant on the main drag called the “King Wah” to set up our PA…. half of Windsor’s punk rockers would order their first underage beer there from 1982 to 1984.  We kept it running for 3 or 4 year despite numerous raids by the police and bloody fights inside and outside on the street.  Other weekends were spent in places like Bert’s Marketplace.

This holiday season I went back there for a jam session (yeah, your President isn’t all “cool” music all the time) and people like James Carter casually got up on stage and blew my mind.  It’s that sense of discovery and inspiration that led me to the music business.  Somewhere along the way I became the cheerleader, the enabler, as opposed to the participant…but it was all inspired by the same thing: a love of music and those who make it well.  In 2007 I almost forgot that.  It’s going to be a hard 2008 kids, but we’re going to continue to bring the inspiration no matter how hard the bastards try to beat you down – don’t give up – and don’t EVER underestimate the boy from the City of Roses.

Yours always

from South Detroit,

Your President.

xoxoxo

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We are busy putting the finishing touches on The New Pornographers’ video for, “Myriad Harbour” – check LGR TV for the premiere…..the vibe of the song captures the sentiment of Velvet Underground.  Stay tuned for a tour announcement with stops all over North America through March-May 2008.

Metric’s DVD, Live at Metropolis, is finally here as of February 12, 2008.  The band, Last Gang staff and I have worked a long time to pull this together so we hope you like it.  We are previewing the film at various theatres in Canada and the U.S. through January and February – Metric in HD! – the next best thing to seeing them live…..check here for local listings.  Three live tracks from the Metropolis show are packaged along with the DVD trailer on iTunes, all for just $1.49….(or less) – CAN / USA.  And if you just can’t wait……you can pre-order the DVD from these fine retailers: Canada – Kill The 8; USA – Insound and Newbury Comics.

Boys Noize is coming back too.  Alex’s recent visit to Montreal blew the roof off the place.  I don’t think I can say more than I have in previous posts……you just have to see him to get a sense of how powerful and distinct his sets are…they are epic.  Watch this to get an idea.  The wild part is that this continues for 90-120 minutes……sets are perfectly spliced together with tailored edits/remixes to exhausting heights.  As a follow up to Boys Noize’s critically acclaimed debut album Oi Oi Oi….we’re working with Turbo to assemble a new EP of remixes which should hit shelves March 11….watch for a preview here.

The BBC says Crystal Castles are “one of the hottest bands around at the moment”….and they’re making everyone’s “Band to Watch” list for 2008…..should you believe the hype?? – your President thinks so…. either way, now’s the time to see them in some sweaty bar before they explode mid-year: Ethan and Alice (aka Crystal Castles) will be touring throughout Canada and the United States in February and March……see all the dates here.

Dave 1 and Pee Thug, known to the masses as Chromeo, continue to spread the gospel.  Kid Sister, Steve Aoki and A-Trak will be joining them soon for sold out dates at the El Ray, Bowery Ballroom and Studio B….though it’s all just a run up to their March 11 show in New York at…….yeah…….Madison Square Garden!!  Our favorite sons will be sharing the stage with Justice as part of the Myspace Music Tour.  Get your tickets now kids.  We’re preparing a new batch of remixes for release next month, along with a string of Canadian tour dates……watch for a pre-sale link here.

We’ve been working with our good friends at Turbo (one of THE best dance labels on the planet) to bring you various 12”s and a retrospective compilation…..all set for release in 2008.  Expect music from Jesper Dahlback, D.I.M., Proxy, Jori Hulkkonen, ZZT…..just too much good shit to mention it all.  The Turbo/Last Gang partnership first brought you Tiga…..then Chromeo…..then Boys Noize….who will be next???