Urban Camo Update - Work & Upcoming Writing

My devoted roster of long-time readers will probably notice that there's been a bit of a gap since my last post here on Urban Camouflage. My deepest apologies - I'll send reimbursement cheques to you all soon.

The update is that I've just started a new job at a software company, and I'm very iBusy learning the e-ropes.

However, I am working away on another piece for the Gazette on some of Montreal's alternative performance spaces - a few of the abandoned or repurposed buildings around the city now being used for creative output. This little honey should be out in print in the first week of August, and I'll have it online shortly thereafter.

Also, a few people over the last few days have mentioned that the link to the last Gazette piece I wrote (on Montreal's emerging dubstep scene) requires registration on the Gazette site, so I decided to post the whole piece here.

I hope you are able to read it and enjoy it. Leave a comment if you are feeling so inclined.

Montreal Dubstep Coverage in the Gazette

Over the last several weeks I've been spending time checking out Montreal's Dubstep scene. I've been going to DJ nights and Mutek performances, doing interviews with promoters and musicians and generally just researching what is going on here with this dark and spare electronic music.

The piece I wrote about the scene ran in today's anglo newspaper, the Gazette, in their Arts & Life section. The piece can be read online, or it can be glaumed in paper form from the nearest Dep whilst picking up some Red Stripe.

On the whole, it was a great experience, and I must say that working with the Gazette was very pleasant and simple: I got clear direction, and their editors made suggestions that made sense. Now that the piece is written I feel like I can attend some of these events without being a journalist, necessarily, and just sink into the syruppy thickness of bass-driven tracks. Also, drink more.

Good times.

Mutek 2007 Coverage - Dubstep

Just a fast post to say that Mutek is going on right now, and I've been checking out some of the goods. Last night's Dubstep night was heavy and impressive, featuring great sets by Sam Shackleton, Kode 9 & Spaceape, and Rhythm & Sound. I reviewed it on Midnight Poutine, so if you want to check it out, do so.

Standing around at the SAT last night I was reminded that a great thing about Mutek is the number of dudes who look like me - sporting a sort of a non-intentional Moby look (skinny white guy, short-shaved hair, glasses). Everywhere I looked, there was another near-doppelganger dancing the night away, and it occurred to me: I should round up a team of these guys for some bank heists. Nobody would be able to describe the robbers beyond generalities. If I fail to make my zillions as a freelance writer, watch out!