Imaginary Cities

Even though local soul-pop outfit Imaginary Cities hasn’t even released its debut album yet, it’s already a hit.

Temporary Resident has gone to #1 on both Canadian college charts, and Imaginary Cities set a record for being the first band to ever have the #1 position before the release of their album on the Chart Attack chart.

The group – whose core duo is made up of Waking Eyes singer-guitarist (and Weakerthans sideman) Rusty Matyas along with Marti Sarbit of local soul tribute The Solutions – has toured heavily across Canada and Europe over the past few months.

They’ve also received props from Neil Diamond (or at least, a Paste magazine writer pretending to be Neil Diamond), who remarked, “A wise man once said, ‘Music is food for the soul,’ which explains why it felt like I enjoyed a delicious Reuben while listening to these two sassy Canadians.”

Imaginary Cities will return to Winnipeg to release Temporary Resident with a show at the Lo Pub on Friday, Feb. 11.

In an interview with The Uniter last spring, Matyas and Sarbit explained why they like working with each other.

“What I think I like most about (your voice) is that you have bluesy, soulful tendencies that I wouldn’t have with my boring, white guy voice,” Matyas told Sarbit.

“Well, what I like about you is that you bring hooks and awesome melodies,” Sarbit said in return.

Indeed, it’s a killer combination

“I write simple pop songs and then Marti blueses them up and it’s just a neat equation that makes something unique,” Matyas said.

See Imaginary Cities at the Lo Pub on Friday, Feb. 11 as part of CKUW Fundrive’s kick-off event. Cannon Bros. and Departures will also perform.
Visit www.imaginarycities.ca.

–Aaron Epp

Children’s Rehab Rockout

A battle of the bands like no other, the Children’s Rehab Rockout is a clash of Winnipeg’s up-and-coming musical talents in support of the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation.

The foundation gives kids living with disabilities the chance to have a little fun in their lives, designed especially for them. 

Those rocking out at the Children’s Rehab Rockout are helping to fund an art and music night for kids aged 10 to 21 living with disabilities. The RBC Art and Jam night gives them the opportunity to play some music and make some art. 

The lineup represents a combo of genres: Prophet, Mãs Headspace, Acidscar, Belle Air and The Beast.

Organizers Christa Campbell and Kiley Dyck spent eight months scouting for Winnipeg’s best to show off some local talent.

“We wanted fresh bands, ones that had been out for less than two years,” Campbell said in an interview. “We also looked for bands who were going to stay local.

“It definitely ties in with the arts and music component of our event,” she said.

Campbell and Dyck wanted to support a local children’s charity and the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation fit the bill perfectly. 

Voting continues online at www.wpgrockout.ca for the band you think should win the title. 

Catch the Children’s Rehab Rockout Thursday, Feb. 17 at the Pyramid. Power 97 radio personality Rena Jae and local musical comedian Jeremy Williamez host. Tickets are $10 and helps to change the life of a child.

–Sara Shyiak

DIANA POPS

Local singer-songwriter Diana Pops has been busy since releasing her debut album in March 2006.

Dividing her time between Los Angeles and Winnipeg, Pops showcased for publishing executives and major labels, including Epic and Sony.

She worked under the tutelage of Walter Afanasieff, the Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer known for his work with Mariah Carey and Celine Dion, and she co-wrote and pitched songs to other musicians.

Pops also worked on her own material with close friend Adrian Bradford, a Winnipeg expat now working full-time as a recording engineer in L.A.

But ultimately, California wasn’t for Pops, and she moved back to Winnipeg late last year.

“Everyone goes to L.A. thinking they’re going to take the town by storm, and I think I went there in the headspace that everyone was going to like me,” the 25-year-old said last week. “And that was foolish and naïve.”

Pops became disillusioned with the music industry, but being back in Winnipeg has rejuvenated her. She’s started an eco-friendly, handmade furniture company with a friend.

She’s also gearing up to release new music, a four-song EP titled For Bright Minds in Dark Corners.

“I tried to choose songs that had different subject matter that were all applicable to where I am at (right now),” said Pops, who wrote the songs over the last few years. “That said, I think these songs have a naiveté to them that I no longer have.”

Anyone who enjoys Norah Jones, Tori Amos and Fiona Apple will adore Pops’s beautiful, piano-based pop songs.

L.A.’s loss is Winnipeg’s gain. For Bright Minds in Dark Corners is available starting Tuesday, Feb. 22. Visit www.dianapops.com.

–Aaron Epp

Published in Volume 65, Number 19 of The Uniter (February 10, 2011)