Toni Vere

Toni Vere: My World (Folk Alternative)
In this accoustic/electric release, My World, folk stumbles into country, country seems to ooze into folk lines and in the end, there is no genre really to speak of, only the music, reminiscing of tender women, the ache of the rural life and other distilled gems of beauty that infuse everyday life. Toni Vere weaves a subtle desperation with a sense of urgency and "what the hell" approach as if the manic rage of the heart could only be heard in a whisper. While there are echoes of mountains and prairies and deep questioning, one of the most powerful nuances in Toni's music is the delivery and momentum driving these pictures, these stories, these frozen frames of life in motion. With a voice that is both half falling apart and half picking itself up, this woman's songwriting is like a big-wheel pushing a semi; there's something simple and playful behind a thundering, ground-shaking experience - Saddlestone International

CD REVIEw May 2010 Frank O. Gutch Jr. - Every once in awhile an album comes long that makes me want to get out of my chair and do a little jig and this week (month... year...) it is Toni Vere's Just To Be, a country roots phantasmagoria for everything that roots can be and seldom is. The Alternate Root Magazine pointed the way, stating something to the effect that... just what the hell did they say? I can't remember because when I followed the link and clicked, the music coming out of the speakers did a mindsweep. At first I thought I shouldn't be liking it but like a guy with a finger in a light socket, I couldn't pull away. - Rock and Reprise

Hashmagandy (Australian definition): An outback stew made from a variety of ingredients.

Hashmagandy (Calgarian definition): “An artful infusion of genres, spiced with original music, flavoured with timeless favourites and stewed with a healthy portion of fun.”

Enter Hashmagandy, the folk-rock all-star gurrll band with Toni Vere on rhythm guitar, harmonica and vocals; Carla Rawlyck on lead guitar and vocals; Kelly Temleck on bass and vocals; and Lauren Buckell on drums.

Toni Vere and Hashmagandy are in the works to release Vere’s debut album, Just To Be, by the end of January 2010. The CD was recorded and produced at Alchemy Studios in Calgary by Toni Vere and Jeff Muller, and Vere and her band are busting at the seams.

“My ultimate message is basically the same as the title to my CD: Just To Be... What I've struggled towards for most of my life has simply been to find out who I am and to honour that. I find that joyous place within my heart and soul just by being on stage playing music and connecting my thoughts and ideas through song with the people who I'm lucky enough to be performing to,” says an overwhelmed Vere, who has spent more than twenty years writing, performing and touring western Canada, but has never taken on such a major recording project before.

Vere has a gift for songwriting and performance, and has combined her passion for writing words into music with the songwriting capabilities of her seasoned fellow band members.

Vere’s sound can best be described as folk-rock, with roots, blues and country elements that walk in between the riffs of her original music to create a gritty, hearty, honky-tonkin’ groove. Her songs tell honest life stories that most anyone can relate to, infused with an on-stage vivacity that makes audience members sing along and tap their feet.

Vere is filled with gratitude for her rapidly growing fan base and support network, who have helped her recently become ReverbNation’s number one Calgary folk artist. She also gives special thanks to the collaboration of all musicians on Just To Be, as well as Lin Elder, Kate Reid, Hashmagandy and her partner, Marilyn – who takes care of the business end of Vere’s musical career.

While looking forward to the CD release, she is ultimately excited about the journey on which she and her band are embarking.

“Hashmagandy is a new chapter in my life. Carla, Kelly and Lauren are more than band mates; they've become my friends, and sharing a stage with them is the ultimate musical high.”

For more information on Toni Vere, visit www.tonivere.com
Lindsay Wilson - Beatroute

- Beatroute

CD- Review April 2010 - Dan MacIntosh Ariel Publicity . "Vere has gone through some major life changes over the past decade or so, and you cannot understand the present and future, without also analyzing the past. Just to Be is a fine ideal........we are made to embrace what we were, are, and hope to become, and this 11-song release finds Vere appreciating the here and now as best she can. There are moments when Vere comes off somewhat like a female version of John Denver. It’s not hard to imagine that Rocky Mountain man, for instance, singing the praises of nature, as happens during “My Backyard”, or considering a family heirloom, as Vere does with “Grandma’s Old Guitar”. Folk is probably the most encapsulating description of what Vere creates, although there’s a whole lot of country thrown into this mix. Vere is at her country best during “Which Train Did I Miss”, which rumbles down the tracks at a mighty powerful clip. It’s a road song, and every songwriter’s got one in him/her" - Ariel Publicity

It’s not all the way folk, downright country or straight-up blues — it’s a tasty mix of all the above, and Vere pulls it off with a set list that’ll hold any room, making the audience smile all the while. Originally from Lethbridge, Vere considers herself a songwriter before a guitar player and a vocalist. Vere not only has a strong focus on songwriting, but also an enormous energy on stage - The Cochrane Eagle

Leicester Bangs: How did you start out making music?
Toni: Music picked me at the tender age of 5. I started writing songs when I was 12... living in a small town of 500 people didn't offer much in the way of recreation. I wasn't into sports, boys, or alcohol... I did what any good-natured odd child would do... I turned to music... (laughs)! - Leicester Bangs

CD- Review April 2010 - Dan MacIntosh Ariel Publicity . "Vere has gone through some major life changes over the past decade or so, and you cannot understand the present and future, without also analyzing the past. Just to Be is a fine ideal........we are made to embrace what we were, are, and hope to become, and this 11-song release finds Vere appreciating the here and now as best she can. There are moments when Vere comes off somewhat like a female version of John Denver. It’s not hard to imagine that Rocky Mountain man, for instance, singing the praises of nature, as happens during “My Backyard”, or considering a family heirloom, as Vere does with “Grandma’s Old Guitar”. Folk is probably the most encapsulating description of what Vere creates, although there’s a whole lot of country thrown into this mix. Vere is at her country best during “Which Train Did I Miss”, which rumbles down the tracks at a mighty powerful clip. It’s a road song, and every songwriter’s got one in him/her" - Ariel Publicity

Press April 2010 - "Just To Be" is the beginning of an outstanding career that draws from a myriad of life experiences and musical stories. If There is one thing that Toni Vere wants to say to say about her CD and advise she gives to her fans it's this: " We all have the right to be who we are. I have struggled with trying to be who people thought I should be for the lions share of my life." - Gay Calgary - by Sam Casselman
- Gay Calgary

Press April 2010 - "Just To Be" is the beginning of an outstanding career that draws from a myriad of life experiences and musical stories. If There is one thing that Toni Vere wants to say to say about her CD and advise she gives to her fans it's this: " We all have the right to be who we are. I have struggled with trying to be who people thought I should be for the lions share of my life." - Gay Calgary - by Sam Casselman
- Gay Calgary