The Sound Affect

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In a world of downloadable singles, our hope with this podcast is to look a little deeper at what influences musicians and see the impact an album (as opposed to a single) can have on an artist’s work. The Sound Affect is about discovering (or re-discover

Tom and Dave


    • Apr 10, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 3m AVG DURATION
    • 112 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Sound Affect

    Rob & Ian from Change of Heart pick The Dream Syndicate's The Days of Wine and Roses

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 96:14


    Toronto's legendary Change of Heart are back baby! After 27 years, the members of the post-Smile line-up of the band have a new album, In the Wreckage, and are hosting two shows at the end of the month in Toronto! To celebrate this, bassist/lyricist Rob Taylor and Guitarist/Singer Ian Blurton joined us to discuss one of their early influences, The Days of Wine and Roses by California's The Dream Syndicate.

    I, the Mountain pick The Strumbellas' We Still Move on Dancefloors

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 89:54


    Kitchener's I, the Mountain, pick an album by their kindred souls, Toronto's The Strumbellas.Formed in 2009, they soon picked up residencies at legendary Toronto clubs like The Cameron House and The Horseshoe Tavern before releasing their debut albumMy Father and the Hunter. They then  signed with Six Shooter records and brought on The Lumineers' producer Ryan Hadlock to make their sophomore releaseWe Still Move on Dance FloorsJoin us as we chat with I, the Mountain, about The Strumbellas, The Red Dog in Peterborough, and community.

    Matt Hart from The Russian Futurists looks back on the 25th anniversary of their album The Method of Modern Love, and the influence of The Magnetic Fields.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 82:59


    25 years ago, the Toronto and Canadian music landscape was turned on its ear with the release of The Russian Futurists' internationally acclaimed debut, The Method of Modern Love. The album is an unabashed confession of romance built on a bedrock of thrift-store toy keyboards and cheap guitars recorded on a porta studio. The Method of Modern Love won fans in R.E.M's Peter Buck, former Blur guitarist Graham Coxon, and filmmaker Jason Lee. The Magnetic Fields' first two albums, Distant Plastic Trees and The Wayward Bus, were the template for The Russian Futurists and a change in the direction of Canadian indie music!

    Year in Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2024 89:54


    We at the Sound Affect hope you had a wonderful 2024 and we wish you a great 2025! This episode lists some of of our faves of the year!

    Brendan Canning from Broken Social Scene joins us to chat about their upcoming documentary It's All Gonna Break

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2024 69:56


    In the early days of the new millenium Toronto was alive with new innovative music. This new indie music revolution was spearheaded by one band in particular: Broken Social Scene. And, now, almost 25 years after it began, they are the subject of a documentary. Stephen Chung's IT'S ALL GONNA BREAK unearths the intimate behind-the-scenes footage that shows the creation of Canada's indie-darlings of the early aughts, Broken Social Scene. Founding member and Toronto-indie-rock-darling Brendan Canning joins The Sound Affect to discuss the movie and the band's legacy.

    NRTHRN picks This Will Destroy You's Young Mountain

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2024 100:36


    NRTHRN is the solo project of composer and producer Felipe Elioenay. He started playing hardcore in 2002 in his hometown of Sao Paulo, Brazil. His ever-evolving music style explores the Cinematic powers of the Guitar. His love of Post-Rock music stems from his first listen to San Marcos, Texas band This Will Destroy You and their debut album Young Mountain.

    Alex Southey picks George Harrison's All Things Must Pass

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 89:45


    Toronto's Alex Southey has a penchant for indie folk. His sound encompasses various styles, making him a popular minstrel in the Toronto indie scene. He is a staple in bars across Toronto, and his latest EP, Entertainers Bring May Flowers, is out now. He is also the host of the podcast “Your Worst Song” which is a great listen when you are not listening to The Sound Affect. Alex joins us to discuss George Harrison's debut album All Things Must Pass.

    The Meringues pick Tyrannosaurus Hives by The Hives

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2024 87:11


    Hello! We have been on a summer hiatus but are returning with an amazing episode featuring Kingston, Ontario's The Meringues' picking The Hives' Tyronnosaurus Hives. The Meringues have a new album out on September 16th and their live show is something to behold! So, listen to the podcast. Then listen to The Meringues and The Hives. Then go see them and support indie music!

    Lives Like Skyscrapers pick The Flaming Lips Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2024 95:07


    The Flaming Lips have established themselves as one of the most important alternative acts of the 21st Century! So, why did it take us until season 4 to finally discuss them and their album Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots? Mindblowing! Alas, here we are... Ottawa's Lives Like Skyscrapers have a lush sound that is full of layering and powerful musicianship. Their debuted album At Dawn We Said Goodnight is out now! Go and buy it!

    The Anti-Queens pick The Distillers' Coral Fang

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2024 89:54


    Toronto's The Anti-Queens have just released their latest album, Disenchanted on Stomp Records! Their heavy punk is a perfect blend of pop mastery and gritty aggression! And, as you will learn in this episode, they come by it naturally! Lead vocalist and guitarist Emily Bones and lead guitarist Valerie Knox join us to talk about Brody Dalle and the Distillers and the impact of her on their sound and the sound of many young women in punk music.

    Episode 61 - pHoenix Pagliacci picks The Women in Red by Stevie Wonder

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2024 84:09


    This week we are joined by Toronto's pHoenix Pagliacci who is here to talk about everyone's favourite Stevie Wonder record...The Woman in Red soundtrack. Weird choice? Well, before you judge hear her thoughts on the song "Love Light in Flight", sampling, and challenging her artistic self on her latest single "Close to Me".

    Pop Up - Too old for live music Dave?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2024 19:22


    Who's up for the summer festivals...oh my back.

    Episode 60 - Thrush Hermit pick...Thrush Hermit?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2024 91:26


    2024 marks the 20th and 30th anniversary of many iconic Canadian records. Today we are going to look back at one such record: Thrush Hermit's debut EP Smart Bomb. As the Halifax music scene was beginning to surge 4 very young men came onto the scene with a penchant for pop and classic rock. Smart Bomb instantly made young music fans pay attention, and over the next five years, Thrush Hermit would release several classic Canadian albums. Let's sit down with Joel and Ian and take a trip back to 1994!

    canadian halifax thrush hermit smart bomb
    Pop Up with Jaguar Sun

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 5:29


    Sometimes we cut things out of the podcast that should really be heard. Here's what Jaguar Sun had to say about his excellent version of For What It's Worth.

    Episode 59 - Spencer Burton picks...Nature?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2024 86:09


    Well, now for something completely different. The charming country sounds of Spencer Burton obviously have some country and folk influences, but on the making of his latest record, North Wind, Spencer found his biggest inspiration was nature. Secluded in northern Ontario, Burton tapped into the world around him and created a stunning album of elegant wonder.

    Jaguar Sun picks x and Y by Coldplay

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2024 86:33


    Whether you love or hate them, the impact of Coldplay on modern music is undeniable. And, their impact on Dreampop musician Jaguar Sun is equally undeniable. Join us as we chat with Toronto's Jaguar Sun about the importance of Coldplay's X & Y on his layered pop masterpieces.

    Episode 57 - 2023...our thoughts

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2023 89:58


    Because you know you've been waiting.

    Episode 56 - Autogramm picks Have An Idea by The Heats

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2023 83:07


    Seattle, Chicago, and Vancouver combined to create Autogramm. A pure power-pop masterclass, their new album "Music That Humans Can Play" brings their love of everything 80's to an epic crescendo! In this episode, Autogramm's Lars Von Seattle joins us to chat about hometown Seattle heros The Heats and their debut album "Have an Idea".

    Episode 54 - Terra Lightfoot picks The Slider by T-Rex

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2023 95:38


    Episode 53 - Rachel Hickey picks Come On Over By Shania Twain

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2023 94:58


    Kitchener's Rachel Hickey kicks Dave and Tom out of their comfort zone and sends them flying all the way back to 1997's where they will revisit the absolutely massive hit album Come on Over by the pride of Timmin's Shania Twain. Don't know Rachel HIckey? Check her out wherever you get your music. Or, better yet, catch her live on Saturday, November 18th at Quinn's in Ottawa, or Saturday, December 8th at The Transac Club in Toronto. https://www.racheljhickey.com/

    Episode 52 - Rise Carmine pick The Bends by Radiohead

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2023 101:00


    Toronto's electro-pop-rock band Rise Carmine have a slew of influences, but for lead singer and guitarist Liam Colbert one stands above the rest: Radiohead's The Bends.

    Pop Up: Saying goodbye to some legends. Robbie Robertson and Sinead O'Connor

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2023 38:37


    This summer, we have seen the passing of several legendary musicians. We want to take a few minutes in this pop-up episode to look on the music of two of these legends: Sinead O'Connor and Robbie Robertson. Take some time and wander with us down this "crazy river" as we look back on "the last days of our acquaintance" with Sinead and Robbie.

    Episode 51 - Matt Rhode of Bend Sinister picks Styx's Paradise Theatre

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2023 92:05


     Matt Rhode is the bassist for Vancouver's progressive-indie band Bend Sinister. Their latest single Price You Pay and Hot City, was released on July 14th, 2023 and they are currently working on their next album release in early 2024. And, when we asked Matt what album he wanted to chat about he answered Styx's Paradise Theatre. Yup. Styx baby! So, hop about the Sound Affect time machine to the AOR years when radio was filled with big bold poppy-proggy-jazzy-rock n' roll!

    theater vancouver styx rhode aor price you pay hot city paradise theatre bend sinister
    Episode 50 - Kilometre Club picks The Closer I Get by Hayden

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2023 97:02


    WOW, it's our 50th episode! Kilometre Club's Daniel Field describes himself as someone “who has entirely too much time on his hands”. However, this abundance of time has allowed him to create some of the most interesting ambient and electronic music coming out of Canada. Fields joins us to discuss his love for Hayden's 1998 album The Closer You Get.

    Episode 49 - Marc from Hammock picks Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me by The Cure

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2023 111:51


    Marc Byrd is one half of American ambient/post-rock band Hammock who formed in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2003. The band consists of composers and instrumentalists Marc and Andrew Thompson. Hammock's music is characterized by its ethereal, atmospheric soundscapes, lush melodies, and emotional depth. The Cure are...nevermind, you all know the Cure. Listen to hear the best "album discovery moment" on our show's history and relive the glorious mid-eighties when the Cure could do no wrong!

    The One & Only Tina.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2023 39:57


    Sorry for the delay on this episode, but we wanted to make sure we got this pop-up episode right. The loss of the reat Tina Turner is a hard pill to swallow. Dave and Tom reflect on their love of the Queen of Rock n' Roll and all that she did for the music industry. Rest in Peace Queen.

    Episode 48 - Stuart Chatwood picks Ocean Rain by Echo and The Bunnymen

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2023 96:57


    For over 30 years, Stuart Chatwood has been 1/3 of Canada's legendary Tea Party. He has also garnered great attention as a soundtrack composer for video games like Prince of Persia and the recently released Darkest Dungeon II. Whether it is as a member of The Tea Party, in his role as a music producer, or his soundtrack composing, Chatwood pushes the sonic landscape to create a musical aesthetic like few others. His choice of album is Echo & The Bunnymen's classic Ocean Rain, and album well worth a visit.

    Pop Up - So what bands do you think should be more famous?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2023 31:22


    We give you 4 to check out for yourself!

    In memory of Gordon Lightfoot

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2023 16:04


    This week Canada and the world lost the legendary Gordon Lightfoot. His music touched the souls of so many. It was only suitable to spend a few minutes reflecting on his passing and his enormous impact on the music world.

    Episode 47 - Brent Smith from Tin Constellations picks Sweet Release by The Flashing Lights

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2023 91:16


    Brent Smith arrived in Ottawa in the late 1990s and brought a penchant for pop music! That pop music is the root of his latest project Tin Constellations. Joined by Andrew Robertson on violin/mandolin, Brennan Plikington on drums, and Rob "Chops" Snasdell-Taylor, Tin Constellations' debut EP A Cosmonaut's Lament is a daring narrative-folk record that distinctively fuses pop sensibilities with folkish flair and creates a sound that is both comfortable and original. The Tin Constellations take to the road in May to play Ottawa (Live on Elgin), Waterloo (The Dive Bar), and their Toronto debut at The Dakota Tavern.

    Episode 46 - Sunsetter picks Captured Anthems For an Empty Bathtub + Anthems For The Could've Been Pills by KC Accidental

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2023 88:35


    We are going back to Toronto in the late nineties, and two albums that shaped the Canadian indie music scene. On the heels of his new album The Best That I Can Be, Sunnsetter joins us to chat about all the importance of Charles Spearin and Kevin Drew's KC Accidental, and how this album came to shape Broken Social Scene, the Canadian music scene, and his latest record!

    Pop UP - What are we listening to?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2023 20:18


    Lots of great new music out right now, some old favs and new stuff to!

    Episode 45 - Kevin Hearn and Hugh Marsh talk about the decade that influenced their new album Dreaming Of The 80's

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2023 88:26


    After joining the Barenaked Ladies in 1995, Kevin Hearn has released innovative solo records and collaborated with everyone from Ron Sexsmith and Mary Margaret O'Hara to The Violent Femmes and Lou Reed, for whom Hearn acted as a musical director and keyboardist from 2007 until his passing in 2013. Hearn was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2018 as part of Barenaked Ladies. Canadian violinist Hugh Marsh began playing music professionally in the late 70s. Although he began playing Jazz, he branched off by joining Bruce Cockburn's band in 1979. Marsh was a founding member of the band Nick Buzz.  But, throughout his distinguished career, he has also played with Loreena McKinnett, Peter Murphy of Bauhaus, Robert Palmer, Hans Zimmer, and most recently, the Rheostatics. These pillars of Canadian music have released Dreaming of the Eighties, a celebration of a decade that we either love or hate. After listening to Hugh and Kevin's record, I think you'll agree that they have tapped into that love!

    Episode 44 - July Talk pick Pleasure by Feist

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2023 114:10


    Formed in 2012 by Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay, Toronto's July Talk has spent the last ten years building up an incredible following based on an energetic live show and three stellar albums that won them the Juno award for Best Alternative Album. They have just released their fourth studio album, Remember Never Before, on Six Shooter Records. They are about to hit the road on a massive tour that begins with two shows at the legendary Massey Hall before crossing Canada and forging into the US! The two of them wax poetically about Leslie Feist's 2017 album Pleasure, an album that Leah and Peter would agree is almost perfection!

    canada toronto pleasure formed juno feist massey hall july talk leslie feist six shooter records best alternative album peter dreimanis
    Episode 43 - Jim Bryson picks Sumday by Grandaddy

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2023 89:55


    In what very well might be the most entertaining interview (at least for us) in the show's history, we are joined by Ottawa's Jim Bryson to discuss Grandaddy's album "Sumday". This may very well be our last episode, as Jim decided halfway through the interview to take over the show. I think he was okay with us joining him, but by all accounts, this is his podcast now. So, listen to Jim Bryson's The Sound Affect. I hope you find it as entertaining as we did making it! These guys sound sketchy - Jim Bryson

    Episode - 42 Glen Milchem picks Natural Bridge by The Silver Jews

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2023 102:09


    For the first episode of our third season, we are so excited to be joined by Glenn Milchem. Most of us know Glenn as the drummer from Blue Rodeo a band he joined in 1992 after cutting his teeth with Groovy Religion, The Plasterscene Replicas, Vital Sines, and of course, as the drummer on Change of Heart's Smile. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, he played with the Swallows, Starvin' Hungry, Holy Fuck, Luke Doucet, Andrew Cash, and a slew of other great Canadian bands. Join us as we discuss The Silver Jews' album "Natural Bridge".

    Season 3 Pop Up 1 - Jeff Beck 1944-2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2023 32:19


    Episode 41 - The Sound Affect 2022 Year End Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2022 87:00


    As we wrap up 2022 - and our second year on the air - it is time for us to look back on the year that was! A special thank you to all the amazing guests we had this year and an extra special thank you to Ian Blurton, Bucky from Royal Canoe, Abigail Lapell, Dave from the Golden Dogs, and Manfred from Elephant & Stars for sharing with us some of their favourite albums for 2022. Listen in to find out our favourite moments, our favourite records of the year, and why it is that Darryl Hall topped Dave's favourite singles of the year! That's right, I said Darryl Hall.

    Episode 40 - Eamon McGrath Picks Black Love by Afghan Whigs

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2022 103:43


    Edmonton's Eamon McGrath has been making a name for himself since releasing his debut Wild Dogs in 2008. Ever since then, McGrath has been a non-stop touring machine playing both stripped-down folky solo shows and upbeat punky rock with his band. His 11th record Bells of Hope was released earlier this year. And when he is not recording music, he has also published two books. He is just coming off a tour of Japan and will no doubt be back on the road delivering a hearty blend of Springsteen & Neil Young folk and rock to fans in 2023. A perfect guy to speak passionately of his affinity for Black Love by the Afghan Whigs.

    It's a Christmas Pop Up!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2022 13:04


    Because it's 2022, we discuss our most hated Christmas songs...oooooh controversy.

    Episode 39 - Family Man Pick Brutalism by IDLES

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2022 94:11


    The aggressive sounds of IDLES have turned them into one of the world's premier rock acts! So, it should be no surprise that Montreal's post-indie darlings Family Man has chosen IDLES' 2017 debut album Brutalism to chat about.

    The Sound Affect Live!!!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2022 94:41


    Since we began this little podcast over 18 months ago, we have always wanted to try and pull it off live. Well, this past weekend, we did just that! At Together We're Bitter Brewing in Kitchener, we had the pleasure of interviewing Marcus Addams from Hyness! And, wouldn't you know it, he picked one of Tom's favourite records, Teenage Fanclub's Grand Prix. Special thanks to David Harnes at Midtown Radio for mixing the chaos on the fly. And, a special thank you to everyone for showing up and listening! Strap in and listen to our live episode in its wacky glory. And be sure to let us know if Dave is right or if Tom is right.

    Episode 38 - Dan Mangan pick Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2022 111:18


    Vancouver's Dan Mangan has gotta be Canada's nicest guy! So, can we even possibly come close to explaining what an honour it was to have him join us on The Sound Affect? No, we cannot...and wait, what? He picked what album? Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot! So, why am I still reading this and not listening already?

    Episode 37 - Dave from Golden Dogs The White Album Part Two

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2022 71:54


    The Beatles White Album is so gigantic that we needed two episodes with Dave Azzolini from The Golden Dogs! So, join us for part two of our chat about one of the most essential albums of all time! This episode includes an excerpt from John Cage's - Radio Music Remember to check out our playlist with the songs we play on the show!

    Dave from Golden Dogs The White Album Part One

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2022 68:25


    So, today we are talking about a little band called The Beatles. And, we are talking about a little album called The White Album (maybe you've heard of it). So, needless to say, there is a lot to chat with the great Dave Azzolini of The Golden Dogs about. As such, we are posting this as a two-parter. One this week and the follow-up next week. We hope you enjoy Part 1. Share it on your social media, and be sure to include The Golden Dogs and The Beatles. The latter needs a push right now! And remember, all the music we discuss and play is on our Spotify playlist!

    Season 2 - Pop Up 13 - What's Your Favorite Greatest Hits Compilation?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2022 20:52


    The guys discuss a couple of their favorite Greatest Hits Albums. That's all... Dave - If you aren't tapping your toes by the end, you aren't human. Tom - What the hell was that?!

    Episode 35: Jose Contreras from By Divine Right picks too many records!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2022 97:53


    If you know Jose Contreras and By Divine Right, Jose is a huge music lover. As such, it should be no surprise that the Candian Indie Rock All-Star couldn't pick just one record to chat about on this week's episode. So, join us to hear what Jose says about Neil Young's Tonight's the Night, Lana Del Rey's Ultraviolence, D'Angelo's Black Messiah, and Kraftwerk's Radioactivity. Whether or not you hear these sounds on By Divine Right's latest record, OTTO MOTTO, is one thing, but there is no arguing that the guts these icons showed on these records are truly inspiring!

    Episode 34: Domanique Grant picks TLC's Fanmail

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2022 89:57


    Toronto's effervescent and ultra-cool Domanique Grant is a Pop-Soul Singer/Songwriter with a penchant for empowering music! Named one of Buzzfeed's top 20 artists to watch, her EP Queen/Dom is a "fusion of feel-good pop, moody R&B and soul". It should come as little surprise that her music has been influenced by 90s' icons TLC. In this week's episode, Grant joins us to chat about the influence and the message behind TLC's third album Fanmail. Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow our Spotify Playlist!

    Season 2 Pop Up 12 - The retort!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2022 5:58


    Toms away and now is the time for the truth about Dave's co host to come out!

    Episode 33 - Kiwi Jr. pick The Mollusk by Ween

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2022 90:00


    Toronto's Kiwi Jr. has released their newest album Chopper on Sub Pop Records. Jeremy Gaudet joins us to chat about a strange band and an equally strange album that he was listening to a lot when making this record. So, sit down and relax with Ween's 1997 album The Mollusk. From the very start to the very end enjoy the strange ride of #tensionandrelease that make up this wonderfully strange ride!

    Season 2 - Pop Up 11 - The Stranger Things Effect.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2022 36:57


    Stranger Things has brought Kate Bush back to the Top 40! This is not the first time a TV show has relaunched a song! So, Dave and Tom talk about the Stranger Things Effect and songs that they have discovered (or rediscovered) because of TV!

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