Indie music gets its moment

Popped by the Festival Music House Monday for the first night of its three-night showcase. Looked like the changes to the old Canadian Music Café were having a desired effect.

Previously, the CMC was in the middle of the afternoon and many filmmakers couldn’t make it because it conflicted with screenings. Now organized by local record label Arts & Craft, the buzz factor has definitely been taken up a notch and it was a pretty packed house at the Roosevelt Room.

We caught Chilly Gonzales’ and Couer de Pirate’s set. Gonzales, best known for collaborating with Feist (who was in the house), gave an interesting performance wearing a plaid bathrobe. He had no problem interacting and antagonizing the talking audience. He rapped a song about not being able to get arts grants – but said he didn’t mean it, if someone in the house had the power to get him one. It was a pretty amusing audience, and a bit of an interesting and provocative choice for a music industry showcase.

Meanwhile Couer de Pirate’s set was rather lovely. Also known as Beatrice Martin, and the 20-year-old French singer played solo, and easily won over the crowd.

The organizers were adamant that the showcase is not about celebrities, and for the most part, it seemed to be curious industry folks. There were some Canadian celebs in house, though, including Trigger director Bruce McDonald and Michael Riley and Joanna Douglas from Being Erica.

--Raju Mudhar