(JUNO AWARDS) July Talk Pop-Up

The JUNO Awards Pop Up Show
Radius 151 James Street South

By Kristin Archer
Photos by Steph Dubik

The JUNO Awards are about a month away, and this past weekend we were surprised with another Pop Up show. Of all the Canadian bands in all the land, and out of all the nominees, I was absolutely floored to learn the band would be July Talk! They are one of the best bands I’ve ever seen live and I was so excited to see them again.

July Talk (who are up for Alternative Album of the Year at the JUNOs) has some hardcore fans. The limited amount of free wristbands were snatched up quickly from Radius and Dr. Disc. A few of the July Talk Superfans even lined up outside in the snow, hours before the event. There was so much excitement surrounding this one.

The newly renovated Radius, with its black walls, exposed brick, and chandeliers, looks beautiful. It was perfect for such an intimate show. The five members of July Talk took to the (temporary) stage and the crowd erupted into cheers. Their sound blasted through the space and we were hit with their energy. They are wild and chaotic, and completely bring the audience into the fray. During “Guns & Ammunition,” Leah held the mic at a few of us to sing the “Ooh ooh ooh!” which was my moment to shine!

I cannot say enough about this band – just thinking about the show gives me chills. They are the sexiest, most riveting band I’ve ever seen. There’s no one like them. I wasn’t expecting such a full out show, either. The band played for almost an hour, complete with encore. I was transfixed from start to finish.

It was fun to hear their banter in between songs. Peter noted that Leah dyed her hair pink because they heard it was Hamilton’s favourite colour. Coming from my colour scheme here at I Heart Hamilton, I concur! Peter also said some great things about the city – how much they love it here and how they keep coming back.

My friends and I noticed that Leah was wearing a Lowell shirt, another favourite artist of ours! Early in the set, Leah took it off and the shirt flew onto Peter, who then whipped it off his shoulder and into the audience. It landed right into our friend Mike’s hands. After the set, we took a few pictures posing with the shirt and even wearing it (we’re big fans, ok!?) and Leah came out looking for the shirt. A tad awkward for us, but a good icebreaker nonetheless. Leah had the idea for a photo of her and Mike “fighting” over the shirt. It was great to have a quick chat with her again as well. The band took the time to speak with and take pictures with all of the fans who hung around after the show.

Thanks to Steph Dubik for her fantastic photos in that July Talk signature black and white style.

The Pop Up show fun continued the following day with a surprise Jeremy Fisher show in Burlington. The energy is high as we get that much closer to the JUNO Awards here on March 15th. Stay tuned for JUNO Week announcements to come next week!