The Everyone Else

By Connor Simpson

The day after an election is never easy for the Opposition. They've collected their posters, and been left to stew for two days while their fate is left in the hands of the students. The students that they've been fighting to represent. They ask themselves questions about their campaign like, "were my posters appeasing? Did I talk to enough people? What if I had worn that tie? I look good in that tie, it brings out my eyes."  

The problem with an election is that someone has to lose. Asher, Ali and Nic are all a bit quieter today. They don't have to campaign anymore. They don't have to respond to anymore questions, except mine. They can rest knowing that they fought for what they believe in. I asked them all for a few parting words for everyone and here are the messages I got:  

Ali, "First, I'd like to congratulate all the winners! Second, I would like to thank all those who voted and made it their mission to express their opinion. I am extrememly happy, and consider this voter turn out as a personal success. I also encourage you all to stay current with Student Union issues, make sure to be proactive, and keep in touch with your representatives. 

The students have selected their new Union, and I sincerely hope and wish them the best. Thank you for all the support, and let's make sure the trend is kept alive for the years to come." 

Asher, "I would like to congratulate all the winners and thank everyone for voting. Now that we have our new Executive it is time to support them in realizing their bold vision.

Let this high voter turn out be a sign to everyone that UPEI students do care. All we (the union) need to do is reach out and engage them." 

And, last but certainly not least, Nic Frost, "I guess all I can say is that it is too bad, my team and I had countless projects underway that I really wanted to work on. I'd like to thank all the people who helped on my campaign. I'd like to also congratulate Tim on his win, and wish him all the best luck for next year. Also, surprisingly, I would really like to thank the Semantic for their absolutely professional coverage of the election. I thought you all did a great job giving all candidates a fair shake and I know what paper I will be reading next year." 

See everyone again next year. Hey, maybe I'll run for something?

(No he won’t.  He will stay with the paper.  -Ed.)

The Winner

By Connor Simpson

After two long days of voting, the waiting is over.  

The real waiting, the kind that makes the back of your neck itchy, or that makes you rock back and forth like a crazy person, began after the polls closed on Wednesday night. The voting came to a stop at nine o'clock. The scrutineers reported to the Student Union offices, the doors were locked, and we all waited. We sat and watched our cell phones and computer screens, waiting for them to light up with the news, with at least a name. Expecting an announcement around ten o'clock, word trickled out that the election had a 50.4% voter turn out, a personal best for the UPEI student body. But that meant that the ballot counting would take even longer, which meant more waiting for us, and the candidates. 

My cell phone exploded with the news at 12:14 AM. Texts rolled in, "Tim - Jrod - Shawn." And we had our executive.  

The first name is the one that really matters. He's our unifier, our leader, our mouth. He is the one who is assigned the duties of playing with our money, making it rain on whatever cause or concern we have.  

Tim Cullen, our newly elected president, is ready for the job.  

He wouldn't confirm if he was suffering from any victory-celebration after-effects. When asked if he was hungover, Tim, the consummate politician, responded with, "no comment." 

Joking aside, he was having trouble processing his win. "It's difficult to describe the feeling you get when you know that other people really voted for you to actually do something," he said. "To be bestowed this honer is really something, and to know that so many people turned out to vote and be a part of an election that clearly generated a lot of enthusiasm and interest in the student union on behalf of the student body, I'm thrilled."  

He officially begins his term as president on May first, a day he looks forward to. He plans on spending the summer holed up in the dark corners of the Student Union office, scrubbing away any pesky stains and familiarizing himself with the policy handbook so that when the rest of us come back, we have a spiffy, shiny new Student Union ready to, "hit the ground running."  

He isn't quick to forget about his many opponents that he blew through to assume his post. "I'm not one to abandon an idea just because it wasn't mine. I'm plan to pursue parts of their platforms that students seemed interested in," he said. "I intend to get in touch with each of them over the next few days and see how they can be involved next year in some of the things that they were interested in doing."  

Tim understands that he has a lot of work ahead of him, but he's also very excited, and honored, to step up to the challenges that lay ahead. We, the public, are more than excited to watch what happens next. The ball's in your court, sir.

Cold and Wet: Wading through the North Lakes

by Patrick Weeks

Established but several months ago, the North Lakes are making waves not just around town, but nationally.  Their recent single has scored plays on CBC Radio 3, putting them on the same page as Boxer the Horse and Sam Roberts.  In their first official interview, Patrick Weeks asks tough questions, laments being a hipster.

Semantic: Explain your origins!

Michael Carver: We all play in other bands around town, and one day I contacted Nathan Gill to start a more folk inspired band. My new friend, lil'buddy aka Gillian (Arsenault, from the Barnkats) was invited and thus we became a nameless band that played in my basement. Once we had a song or two down we invited bassist Chris (Francis, of New Royalty and Urban Eatery fame), to the group. 

    Group name ideas were thrown around, but it was my persistent nature to "The North Lakes" that made this group of clueless wonders deeper in thought than they appear. In my mind "The North Lakes" name is based off the fact that the group creates music in this basement, which if you stand on a box, look out the window, and lean to the right you can see Charlottetown's North River. We make music by the North River. The North Rivers sucks. The North Lakes, less suck, more obscure "indie" name, like Balloon Trees. Balloon Trees, now there's a name. 

The Semantic: First, I know that you've been working a single recently and that it has gone up on your Myspace page. I'm curious to know which groups directly influence your music, particularly on this new single, and what sort of mood you think it emits?

Nathan Gill: Groups? Group of Seven, maybe. I'm not sure on the mood. I'd imagine the listener will dictate the mood rather than anything I could suggest. I would hope it would be greeted with a nodding head and a smirk. I think we all have a lot of musical influences though. Quite varied. I think it's too early to tell how any of them will impact our music. 

MC: Our influence - I don't think could be narrowed down to anyone group or artist. Within our group there are so many different tastes coming together that it shouldn't work, but it does. Folk, blues, pop, could-be-pop, unknown instrumentals, the illusive "indie" term.  

   For me, Cold Ottawa Wind (the single) allows people to paint their own image, sing along, and move their feet. I wouldn't want to predict what mood it should present people with, but let them find their own. 

Semantic: So do you think "indie" is a four letter word, in terms of self labeling?  

NG: Yes, I do. I'd rather avoid the term, really. Granted, if we're indie we're indie. I just mean I don't want to say that's what we are because it's what people want to hear. I'm not sure what we're categorized as yet, assuming indie is used as a categorization / genre. 

MC: I think I know what "indie" means, or well tries to mean. I think the term meant something different a year or two ago than it does now. I always thought, in music at least, that indie meant independent or informal not belonging to or affiliated with a major record. I think more recently indie has taken over music, lifestyle, and clothing. For my understanding indie is a unpolished or uncommercialized style of 'blank', be it music, clothes, or what you're eating for dinner. I guess I am confused with indie right now as certain clothing styles, which were once considered indie, are now mass produced. 

   As far as indie music taking on a new definition than just being independent of a major record label - I think it has. I think the majority of indie kids would be hard pressed to define what indie music is, but they all seem to know at the same time. We play what sounds good to us, and we're not very good at labeling our genre. How about, indie folk. 

I wear grampa sweaters, and dress shirts which are on their second life. I was told I am indie. I don't ask questions. 

Semantic: Well, as you are without a record label I would say that you are indie in the most literal sense of the word. How are you expecting your shows on the mainland will go over with audiences, and what are your plans for touring in the future? 

NG: I'm excited for them. I'll hand touring plans off to Carver. 

MC: I enjoy taking on the managing aspects of the bands I play in, and thus I have with The North Lakes. We're coming along with our shows, fine tuning each song. As far as touring we're not, but we have a couple shows coming up in Halifax, and we're looking to Fredericton as well. 

The North Lakes' next scheduled Island show is June 7th at Babas. You can find more information and their latest single at 

myspace.com/thenorthlakes.  

Patio Vs. Carver: School's Almost Finished Edition

Hey guys, the semester is almost over and I haven't lined up a summer job. What do you suggest I do? Signed - Jeremy Jobless

P: Get a sweet job on campus, or become a prostitute like me.

C: Write for The Semantic. (don't you dare edit this out, Kate! MY VOICE WILL BE HEARD)

[It’s worth noting that (a) we definitely don’t get paid to do this, and (b) there will be no Summer Semantics, but I won’t edit it out anyways. -Ed.]

I don't want to be stuck in an office all summer, I want to see the world and travel. Where should I go, guys? Signed – Patrick Callbeck

P: You could do the whole backpacking in Europe thing, or you could just go to DISNEY WORLD! Oh Wait! I am going backpacking in Europe. 

C: You, and three friends may have the once and a week lifetime opportunity of hanging out with me, Carver. Send your cash only lump sum of $150 to B.O Pox 1289 Chicago, IL. You too can experience such attractions as: Watch me nap, grocery shopping, and playing Settlers of Catan.

Summer is soooo soon and I need your help! I need to lose weight so I can look good at the beach! Any suggestions? Signed – Arnold “Which Way To The Beach” M-Schwartz-cDonald

P: Just don't eat until summer. I bet you'll lose a couple pounds. 

C: ^False, Patio. You want to lose a couple 'lbs' by beach season? TOO LATE! It's always beach season somewhere. (joking) But seriously, send your cash only lump sum to.....

Exams are coming up and I think I am going to fail all of them! What should I do?!

P: IF ANYONE KNOWS...please phone me at....

C: Run for an Student Union Executive position next year

Picking Brilliant Brains

Dr. Malcolm Murray: 

Philosopher and Writer Extraordinaire

Semantic writer Katelyn Dykstra-Dykerman continues her series in interviewing UPEI Profs

First, lovely readers, I must apologise. I did hope to have this interview out before the big debate (If you didn’t go – SHAME!), but owing to reasons previously stated by our dear editor (see: wretched illness on part of all staff - Ed.), this did not happen. Please forgive me.

Let me introduce Dr. Malcolm Murray.  I will begin by stating that I have had the distinct pleasure of directing one of Malcolm’s plays (and if you didn’t come see “Chop Wood, Carry Water” last semester, then double SHAME!!). So, as  tradition over the last couple of issues, I jumped on an opportunity to grill Malcolm for purely selfish reasons.

Malcolm grew up in Quebec as an Anglophone. He attended a small high school, before heading off to CEGEP. Malcolm admits to having a bit of attitude in school. In fact, there are two stories I want to relay;

1) After receiving a paper back which was very harshly graded, Malcolm decided that he would correct the professor’s grading. So, he corrected the corrections and handed it back.

2) Malcolm decided he did not agree with being graded for work at all, so one year in his undergrad he just didn’t hand in any assignments. He attended the lectures and did the readings, but felt that he should not have to be assessed. Luckily, when he realized that he would not be able to go back to university, he relented. 

Malcolm did his undergraduate in stops and starts. He changed paths a number of times, to settle into a degree in Psychology and Philosophy after 11 years. During those 11 years, he got married to his wife, Pat, and had his daughter, Emma. After having a family Malcolm decided to continue his schooling, and get his M.A. and PhD (both at Waterloo). After which, in the same week, he gave two papers, defended his PhD, and got accepted to cover a one-year sabbatical in Red Deer. After Red Deer, Malcolm took some sessional positions at Waterloo and Wilfred Laurier before coming to UPEI.

Malcolm’s main passion is research. In fact, it is the reason he decided to become a professor. Malcolm has published three academic books: Critical Reflection (2005), Liberty, Game and Contracts (2007), The Moral Wager (2007).  We are also excited awaiting the publication of Malcolm’s fourth book; The Atheist Primer. Aside from all of his academic work,  Malcolm also writes creatively. He began writing poetry in CEGEP, but it “became more prosaic”, so he moved to short fiction, and then plays. Malcolm has won two island literary awards; one for short fiction and one for playwriting.    

Favourite Movie: Wings of Desire, directed by Wim Wenders. 

Favourite Book: Recently, I really liked People of Paper by Salvador Plascencia.

Favourite Music: Minimalist: John Adams, "Shaker Loops."

Neo-classical: Henryk Gorecki, "Symphony No. #3 (Symphony of sorrowful Songs)"

Jazz: John Coltrane: "Blue Train."

Jazz fusion: St. Germaine, "Tourist"

Patio vs. Carver: Election Edition

Q: Why are Will Farrell and Harvey Dent running for president?! They don't even go here, and one of them is fictional! - Jack Frost

P: I don't know man, this is news to me. I wouldn't mind if Harvey Dent was our president though. For the half of that batman movie i saw he seemed like a stellar guy!

C: Why so serious, man?

Q: Who do you think is the hottest student running for office? - Pater Porter

P: Me. *brushes shoulders off*

C: See above. 

Q: Why do people have such a problem with executive having BlackBerries? - 902-620-1247

P: Deh r jus jelus dat exec cAn go on MSn froM there fones!1!11! Jus like me!11 :) D: :0 lol jk no but srsly.

C: Bet they wouldn't complain if exec used carrier pidgeons.

Q: I heard Obama is running for prez! I saw his posters up all over the school! Is this true? - canadian_obama_fan4evar_734

P: He was, until he heard who was running against him.

C: Vote Ryan Gallant!!....Five more years! Five More years!

Keep It Fuckin' Evil: Buried Inside Interview Pt 1

by Matt Dixon

I'm in the process of interviewing Ottawa hc/punk mainstay Buried Inside. I first fell in love with the band during a show at the legendary House of Rock in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island back in 2001. I remember being lost in the crowd as the house turned red and orange with the power of the music and the fire of the ideas that were being expressed within it. It seemed like the walls would come crashing down at any moment as the vocalist (who had previously been striking a massive gong in the middle of the room) ascended piles of amps and delivered his sermon of ethically conscious screams to a wild audience. The band has a new record out; a follow up to the 2005 epic "Chronoclast" entitled "Spoils of Failure". This is part one. The full interview will appear on my webzine JUNNNKTANK.com later this month.

You're poised to released your third full length album, The Spoils of Failure.  Could you explain the evolution of the band from where you began to the point you have reached now?

Spoils Of Failure is actually our fourth record. I suppose you could put In And Of The Self under the 'demo' category, but yeah... fourth recording anyway. 

That's a harder question to answer than it seems I think. We've definitely evolved as musicians and people. I'd like to think our records have become more focused and structurally stronger, and obviously we've worked with different people to record both Chronoclast and Spoils of Failure, so the records sound much better. 

But the essence of the band has always been to write music that challenges us creatively and that is honest and from our hearts. I feel like we wear our emotions on our collectice sleeves musically, and that's maybe what sets us apart at times. Our records tend to be very emotionally driven and each one seems to have an overall mood to it, whether intentional or not. For Spoils of Failure people keep asking why it's such a sad record for example, whereas Chronoclast was more triumphant. 

Your 2005 album "Chronoclast" has been characterized as a concept album; can you put into words the focus of the new album, Spoils of Failure? What can we expect thematically from your latest work?

When we wrote Chronoclast, we knew in advance what we wanted to accomplish. We wanted to abandon the typical structures and rules of pop music and sort of follow the more classical structures, along the lines of a movie score. We wanted to make one long piece with re-occurring themes and ideas, both muscially and lyrically. 

For Spoils Of Failure, we didn't want to write the same record again, so our intent was almost the opposite. We wanted to write a collection of pieces that could really stand on their own... we wanted each one to be as powerful and as moving as the one before it. 

Lyrically there's always been an underlying theme in this band that dates back to our first record, which is simply the use and abuse of power, whether over a person or an entire people. While Chronoclast dealt with a very specific topic under this broad theme, the new record covers several different elements of it. 

You've been going strong for over ten years now. I would like to know your thoughts on the current state of the Ottawa hc/punk community. What have your experiences been in Ottawa, both good and bad, and what do you think is the biggest challenge facing the music community?

When this band started out we were all really involved in the Punk community. Nick and Matias were putting on shows, some of us were running record distros, Steve and Matias were doing radio shows, I was recording a lot of Ottawa bands' records back then... It was a pretty tight nit group of music lovers back then. I'm not sure that that's changed, but as we got older and especially once we started touring pretty heavily, we weren't around as much and other people began to take over those things. So in a sense we're not as involved to the same extent, but I think it's as strong as ever in Ottawa. There are a lot of really good bands coming out of Ottawa and bands of all different genres. 

 

The biggest challenge in the underground music community to me is the popularity of some of the commercial "punk" bands. Some of them are of the most transparent and void music I've heard in my life. Business oriented people presenting themselves as bands, labels, etc., expoiting a pretty sacred culture and making it into some sort of marketing machine for Hot Topic or whatever. Next we're gonna see some of these bands persuing legal action against kids that download their music. Honestly, I think the Backstreet Boys are more genuine than a lot of those bands.

You mentioned that you have toured quite extensively in the past. With this in mind is it difficult to take time off and seemingly put life on hold to go on tour? How are you able to handle it monetarily, emotionally, and do you still bring that big gong with you?

It can definitely be hard to get everything in order to go out and tour over the course of several months. On the last record, 3 of us were living at home, I was forced to quit my job where I had been for several years. It's not an easy lifestyle and I think many people think it's a breeze. We'd be home for 3 weeks or so at a time between long tours and I was doing some pretty shitty jobs here and there, washing dishes and working at a paper factory. But at the same time, it's such a great experience to be able to travel the world and play your music for people who love it.

 

This time around we're older and have more committments that make it a little tougher, so as a result we're very picky about which tours we're willing to do.

 

And unfortunately, the gong has seen it's last days.

Matt Dixon has left Charlottetown for the wilds of Korea. He runs a webzine called JUNNNKTANK.com