Shain Shapiro tells us about the trails and tribulations of promoting Canada's music abroad and being left out of the hockey team.
Summer may have been a bit of a weird one thus far, but by the end of the week it's going to take a drastic turn as the capital becomes awash with red maple leaves. Thankfully, it's not because our greatest foe, pesky ole' Global Warming has come and delivered autumn early – so mop that brow and do a 'phew'. It is actually because July 1st is Canada Day. While it may not necessarily be the date you have naturally written 'yippee!' next to on your calendar, Canadian Blast are an organisation working towards making it so.
Working as part of the Canadian Independent Music Association, Canadian Blast showcases the best and most exciting acts that the Canadian music industry has to offer. The company develop and protect the interests of their home-grown talent both in their native land and abroad – and what way to do the latter than to throw huge parties in vibrant cities? June and July sees showcases popping up around Europe, but 'the big one' will be the largest Canada Day celebration outside of Canada – being held right here in London. Last year's free Canada On Stage gig in Trafalgar Square attracted over 50,000 people, and we can almost guarantee you'll get to see a lot more exciting stuff than a fleeting glimpse of a Royal Wedding dress.
There will be plenty of things to see and do around the city for the one-day festival as the Canadian Community share the best of their sport, culture, tourism, food and drink – but with a bill featuring Blue Rodeo, Karkwa and The Mahones, Canada On Stage is going to be the highlight. I spoke to Shain Shapiro from Canadian Blast's London HQ to find out a bit more about what they do.
What is it about Canada's music you most enjoy promoting across the world?
I've been living away from home for a long time so it's a way to connect with what I left behind and keep in touch with old friends. I also believe that we have some of the most interesting music being made and one of the more interesting systems in developing and sustaining it. I feel a lot of countries could learn from our system, as much as we learn from everyone else. By promoting Canadian music I learn about everyone else's in the field. That's exciting. I’ve learned so much in this job.
Just how big is the Canadian community in London?
About 250,000 at best estimate, but we're not as organised as the Aussies or South Africans.
You had a phenomenal crowd turn up to Trafalgar Square last year – can it be quite hard in selecting what acts to include in the line-ups for these events?
For the gig in Trafalgar Square it’s hard. We had 400 odd applications for eight slots. Plus we need to represent as much of Canada as possible, both geographically and through style of music. That's why we're doing The Barbican show too; it’s a way to ensure we showcase everything, and I mean everything, Canada has to offer. Or at least try our best.
In all the cities you've staged events in, which has proven to be the biggest party atmosphere?
Probably Reykjavik in Iceland. We have a big party there every year at Airwaves to celebrate our bands that are there. That is always a special day. London is always terrific and being home, it's our most active market.
These events aren't just about bands, right – what's your favourite non-live music related aspect?
The street hockey. I never get to play 'cause I'm working, but watching it in the square is always brilliant. This year the lead singer of Blue Rodeo, a super famous Canadian band headlining on the square, is playing for three teams. Lucky guy.
We're getting treated to a day of celebrations over here, but what would Canada Day in Canada usually entail?
There's a massive party in Ottawa for 100,000 odd people. There's concerts in every city across Canada and god knows how many BBQs. The country has a collective hangover on July 2nd, recovers on July 3rd and usually gets drunk again on July 4th, America's day of independence.
If there was just one reason you could give to encourage people to check out a Canadian Blast event, what would it be?
I promise you'll enjoy the music. You have my word.
Canadian Blast takes over the Barbican this Saturday.
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