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Land of Talk
Land of Talk performing at Barrymore's in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 2006
Land of Talk performing at Barrymore's in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 2006
Background information
OriginMontreal, Quebec, Canada
GenresIndie rock
Years active2006–2011, 2015-present
LabelsDependent, One Little Indian, Saddle Creek, Secret City
MembersElizabeth Powell
Joe Yarmush
Andrew Barr
Past membersMark "Bucky" Wheaton
Chris McCarron
Eric Thibodeau
Timothy Kramer

Land of Talk is a Canadian indie rock band formed in 2006 from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The band consists of singer and guitarist Elizabeth Powell.

History

Before becoming the front-woman for Land of Talk, Elizabeth Powell performed as a solo artist performing under the name ELE_K*. Powell began writing music at the age of fourteen while she grew up in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. She enrolled in the jazz program at Concordia University where she met Chris McCarron and Mark Wheaton with whom she formed Land of Talk.[1] Eric Thibodeau replaced Wheaton on drums in May 2007 to complete a new lineup.[2]

"Some bands have a bit more of a meteoric rise, and some are slow burners. I like to think we're a slow burner," Powell says. "It's totally true to who I am and how I approach my own life. Very slow and very unsure, but curious. And it all works out."[3]

Land of Talk has received funding from agencies such as the Canada Council Funding for the Arts (FACTOR).[4]

Applause Cheer Boo Hiss

The band released its first EP, Applause Cheer Boo Hiss, on April 4, 2006, on Dependent Music. The single "Summer Special" deals with the damaging nature of intra-female conflict and the sadness of losing oneself by way of buying into the damaging stereotypes of femininity. Powell commented in an interview about what inspired her to write "Summer Special" and how it compared to her life growing up as a tom-boy.

Another stand-out track from the EP is "Speak to Me Bones", which also deals with the theme of relational conflict. This track exemplifies their use of soft vocals and gritty rock sounding musical arrangements. The music video for "Speak to Me Bones" was directed by a former Concordia school mate, Jeff St. Jules. The concept of the video was kept simple, shot in black and white staying true to the band's no-frills style.

Some Are Lakes

Land of Talk released their first full-length album, Some Are Lakes, on Secret City Records in Canada and Saddle Creek Records in the US. The album was released on October 7, 2008, and was produced by Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. Drums on the album are played by Andrew Barr of The Slip.[5] Powell announced during a performance that the band would be taking a break after its tour with Broken Social Scene. The band did not in fact go on hiatus, but instead McCarron left (amicably) to play guitar for The Dears. He was replaced by Joe Yarmush, and the band announced a West Coast tour for 2009.

Fun and Laughter EP

Land of Talk released the EP Fun and Laughter on October 27, 2009, on Saddle Creek. Via Saddle Creek: "Land of Talk have announced a west coast tour beginning October 27th in San Diego, and running through November 7th in Vancouver B.C.. To complement to tour, the band will be releasing an EP with four new songs and three videos, entitled 'Fun and Laughter'.".[6]

Cloak and Cipher

Early in 2009, Powell had to cancel the band's tour to recover from a hemorrhage vocal polyp. Powell used her six month recuperation period to write and record the next album, titled Cloak and Cipher. It was released on August 24, 2010, on Saddle Creek Records. It has contributions from Patrick Watson, as well as members of Stars, Arcade Fire, Thee Silver Mt. Zion, Wintersleep, Besnard Lakes and Esmerine.[7] In 2011, Powell posted on Land of Talk's official Facebook page to sell one of her guitar amps. The Land of Talk Facebook page never saw another update, and management eventually confirmed a hiatus.

2015-present: Revival

On April 25, 2015, Powell played her first show since 2011 at the Roots North Music Festival in Orillia, Ontario.[8] On December 5, the band social media pages were updated for the first time in 4 years, with a photo of Powell showing the peace sign. She also posted another image thanking everyone for their support and confirmed that Land of Talk had returned.[9][10] A brief preview of an upcoming track was released on December 12, although no release date has been specified so far. An image posted on December 16, had the words, "I'm just gonna focus on the music" and 'kickstarter coming soon'. The band has played various shows in 2016 so far including NXNE on June 18.

Discography

Studio albums

EPs and singles

  • Applause Cheer Boo Hiss (2006)
  • L'aventure Acoustique (2008)
  • The Man Who Breaks Things - Single (2008)
  • Young Bridge - 7" Vinyl Single (2008)
  • Speak to Me Bones - 7" Vinyl Single (2008)
  • Fun and Laughter (2009)

See also

References

  1. ^ Dunlevy, T’Cha (December, 2006). "Talk of the town: 2006 was busy for Montreal’s dreamy, gritty Land of Talk, and 2007 looks even busier." The Montreal Gazette.
  2. ^ "Bucky Leaves Land of Talk!". Gen Art Pulse. May 4, 2007.
  3. ^ Land of Talk - Finding A Voice • On the Cover • exclaim.ca
  4. ^ Chase, Ted (2007). "Elizabeth Powell of Land of Talk Part II".
  5. ^ "Land of Talk Jump in Lakes". Chart. 2008-07-18. Retrieved 2008-12-07. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  6. ^ [1] Saddle Creek
  7. ^ Land of Talk announce Cloak and Cipher August release | popwreckoning
  8. ^ [2] Land of Talk’s Elizabeth Powell returns to the stage at the 2015 Roots North Music Festival
  9. ^ [3] Liz Powell Revives Land Of Talk
  10. ^ [4] Land of Talk are back
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