Just Friends is a record label based out of Halifax. It was started up by two guys, Mat and Dave. These two guys also host a radio show/podcast called Lets Get Baked With Mat and Dave. The hour long show consists of Mat and Dave, in the kitchen, cooking up a meal with a different musical guest each week. As far as musical guests go, Mat and Dave have the Canadian scene covered. A quick glace at past shows includes Immaculate Machine, Jenn Grant, Jill Barber, Buck 65, and Ninja High School. Chances are if you are a Canadian band and have played a gig in Halifax, then you have been on Lets Get Baked.

As far as Just Friends artists go, I am going to so some pushing for Laura Peek And The Winning Hearts. Laura was in Toronto a couple of weeks ago for the Over The Top Festival. When I noticed that she was going to be in town, I rushed down to her show at the last minute to see what I could catch, and to also pick up a CD. When I got to the church, the girl working the door told me that I had missed her set and that she didn’t bring any CDs with her. I have since received Lauras’ latest release, From The Photographs (2007) compliments of Laura herself. It is fantastic.

What to write about Laura Peek? Ummm “…piano pop from a charming musical hostess…” is a good place to start. I would describe it as hotel lounge pop. Simple, catchy and memorable. Lots of piano and lots of Laura. On The Verdict, she throws in a hint of an electric guitar to give the song a little bit of edge. Stand Right There is a head bopper with a solid bass line.

If you want to hang out,
You can give me a shout
But its not a possibility

Yah, i’ve known girls like this before. She probably only dates musicians too. Her album art/press photos are fantastic too. If you have a look through her press photos on her site, you will see some pretty fantastic dresses, much like the ones in the Stand Right There video below. Sharp.

Quote from Laura: As far as band news goes, my old bass player relocated to Montreal so I have a new one: Mike O’Neill! This is super exciting for me because I love Mike and his music.

Also check Just Friends cast member, Brent Randall & His Pinecones. Have a look for his latest release We Were Strangers in Paddington Green out some time soon.