Tricia at the Landmark Showcase Event

"Do what makes you happy. Everytime you make a decision, think if it's going to make you happy in the long run."

In the cozy back room of Le Cagibi café, located in St-Laurent, fans, friends, and family gathered to hear local talent while supporting Jam for Justice. Jam for Justice is a showcase for local talent, where the ticket proceeds go to fund charities. Tricia Fitz, an aspiring Montreal artist graciously agreed to meet me before her set, to chat about music and life.

The members of Sleazy Way Out were kind enough to allow me to interview them during one of their rehearsal session. I got to sit in on part of their rehearsal time, enjoy their music, ask them a few questions and find out more about the band and the individuals who make up the band.

The band consists of: Stacey Sleaze on lead vocals, Cleve Hartwick on guitar and backing vocals, Dany Cardinal on drums and backing vocals and J-F Daigle on bass.

ML: You describe your style as sleaze metal, which bands would you say influence you?

SWO: Cinderella, Hardcore Superstar, Britney Fox, Motley Crue,  Dangerous Toys, L.A. Guns, Reckless Love

ML: Which band do you despise most in metal? No, NickelBack does not fit into this category!

That got the whole band laughing and they had to think about that one. 

Dany: I don't like Death, Gore, M-Core stuff like that, 

J-F: Speed metal, I hate speed metal. 

Cleve: Dillinger Escape Plan it's not our thing. Jazz metal and that kind of music is not for us either. 

Dany: Limp Bizkit as a band they don't like, but they argue it's not metal. 

SWO: We hate Korn, Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit, but those bands should not be considered metal.

The concert led with a darkened Bell Center and screams of anticipation.  While the guitarists punched holes through a wall that separated them from the excited audience, the lead singer bored one through that same wall with a laser cutter, expelling a glowing red light. This was it. It was about to begin. The minute he sang, I don't think anyone could help but notice the LED light was in his mouth! The drums exploded, ringing out like hammers. This was the beginning of a spectacle Montrealers had been awaiting for the better part of a decade.

After a ten-year absence from Canada, fans were beginning to wonder whether Rammstein would ever cater to North American again. The last time they were in this region was during the Mutter tour in 2001. However, December 9th of 2010 changed everything. They came back from their hibernation, rocked North America and are planning to do so again on May 1st, 2012. The German sextet is back and better than ever!

Being one of the largest cultural hot spots in Canada, Montreal is an important stop for most major bands that tour across North America. That being said, there are a variety of incredible venues to choose from for any band visiting this vibrant city. From rock to hip-hop to metal and everything in between, there is a venue in Montreal to suit any musician's needs. In this list I'll break down my top five venues to catch your favorite rock band rip it up.

5. The Bell Center