BEST OF MONTREAL

Readers Poll 2009

Global positioning

Montreal?s favourite local hip hop act, Nomadic Massive, reach past political specifics and points on a map by MORGAN STEIKER When considering the collective destiny connecting the group of individuals that has become Nomadic Massive, location and locality are undeniable factors?at the same time a crucial yet ultimately non-binding force. Few places in the world can safely admit that their hip hop culture is best represented by a collective of nine people from as many different backgrounds, who make music in five different languages and trade instruments on stage like villagers sharing tools to build common shelter. The cross-cultural assimilation that Montreal embraces and represents, although sometimes misconstrued, is nonetheless a central element of our city?s modern heritage, and Nomadic Massive, again winners in the Best Hip Hop Act category, has become a microcosm of that. When the question of the ?Montreal factor? comes into the discussion, opinions in the group are mixed. Most see it as crucial, but Diegal Leger Honourable mentions: Dawn Tyler Watson, Jeri Brown, Jordan Officer, Matt Herskowitz, Michelle Sweeney, Turtleboy, Wray Downes Technically speaking, given that he passed away in 2007, Oscar Peterson should be disqualified from this list. But there?s no denying that the big man born on Delisle street in St-Henri is Montreal?s most recognized jazz export, a guy who helped put this city on the jazz fan?s map and paved the way for the many talents mentioned above. The ladies rule the rest of the roost here?cabaret queen Amanda Mabro, honey-piped heroine Ranee Lee, precocious aka Rawgged MC, looks at it with a different lens. ?I think we could have formed anywhere, as long as we were all living in the same place,? he says. Before anything else, Nomadic Massive is a group of individuals that connected on a personal and musical level. All the different backgrounds, nationalities and situations came to strengthen the already existing bond. ?The more important thing is not where we all come from but that we all want to get to the same place,? adds Lou Piensa. ?It?s a family thing, we don?t just hang out at practice. We see each other all the time and we really are a family.? HAVANA GOOD TIME As important as the city has been in forming the group, there is another, equally formative location for Nomadic Massive. ?We can?t go past the fact that if it wasn?t for Cuba, maybe we wouldn?t be together right now,? explains Rawgged MC. In fact, most group members knew each other from the scene here, but the true bond was solidified when they all gathered in Cuba. Piensa, who previously lived pup Nikki Yanofsky, swing-slinger Susie Arioli and Icelandic import Stina August all rank?though sax symbol Franco Proietti and his Morph-tet wriggle into fourth place. Best Singer/Songwriter 1. Leonard Cohen 2. Sam Roberts 3. Pierre Lapointe 4. Celine Dion 5. Coeur de Pirate 6. Lee Mellor 7. Rae Spoon BEST CLUB DJ #1: Stevie V ILLUSIONS PHOTOGRAPHY there for several years, explains further. ?We all went down to Cuba to perform at this festival and there was only one half-hour slot left for all of us, so we put our energies together and performed collectively. That?s really when the bond came together. We stayed with MCs and friends there, lived together and did only music for three weeks. When we came back, we decided to keep it going.? When listening to Nomadic Massive?s new, self-titled album, the influences of Cuban music and Afro-Cuban rhythms are instantly recognizable on songs like ?Spirit Shake? and ?Sounds So Sweet.? But reflecting on the group?s existence and dynamic, Cuba?s influences seem more than simply musical. Singer Meduza clarifies the role of politics within the collective. ?Nomadic Massive isn?t inspired by a system or organization on a national level,? she says, ?but rather by everybody?s background, life experience and what they are bring-

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FOREIGN EXCHANGE: Nomadic Massive ing to the table. We?ve learned from each other much more than by applying ideologies.? And at the end of the day, their common goal is the glue that keeps them together. ?We just wanna be able to play in different places and bring people together,? Meduza adds. ?If it gives us enough to eat and provides us with shelter and clothes, we don?t need the glamour and glitz.? ? Train for an inspiring career in the field of natural health. Courses and workshops also available for individuals seeking personal growth. 4240 Girouard (Villa-Maria metro) (514) 485-3859 | www.nhcinstitute.com

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68661.1 MONTREAL MIRROR MAY 14 - MAY 20 2009 21 RACHEL GRANOFSKY

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