Update!

Wow, I have been completely M.I.A. for quite a long time.

To be honest with you, I kind of lost the drive when it came to my writing. I guess it was a mixture of writer's block and frustration that my writing career looked like it was going nowhere. I can't honestly say how many people read this blog, but for those who do, and those who randomly come across this site and see it barren, I apologize.

I have a few things that I'd like to share with you so I hope you'll bear with me for just a little while!

1) I have vowed to myself to write more and that is going to happen. I love this site but I also love fiction so I am doing a bit of both! I hope to share with you everything that I'm doing though, not just music anymore. I love my music but I am so much more than that! I love to bake, DIY projects are the best - when I have time for them, and as I said before, fiction! I am trying my hardest to create characters to fall in love with and I think I have the wonderful beginnings of my leading man and that makes me extremely excited!

2) Summer is coming and usually so do the festivals and concerts! I will do my best to post what I've seen and when but I am (as of tomorrow!) working not one but two jobs! It'll be tough so please please be patient with me! Hell, if you're reading this semi-regularly, feel free to comment and/or email me to push me into posting something new and exciting!

3) IF you don't see my posts on here though, don't fret! I have a few other tricks up my sleeve! If you enjoy my writing (as I hope you are... even if it's just a little), then you'll be able to find me over at www.confrontmagazine.com as one of the writer/reviewers over there! Also! I have another blog (that I've been neglecting too - I've only posted twice!) that is strictly for fictional writing! Please head over to http://tarynmcelheran.wordpress.com! I don't have anything posted recent there as of yet but I'm hoping to add some new stuff very soon!

Following this post I'll be doing a movie review of Maleficent so please stay tuned!

Taryn

Vans Warped Tour 2013: Allstar Weekend

Think you've hard of Allstar Weekend? It's probably because you have. Gaining popularity through Disney Radio (and through the Family Channel here in Canada), they've been making a name for themselves since 2007. This four member band from Poway California has since released four studio albums and announced back in January that after Warped Tour they would be on an indefinite hiatus. They currently just announced this past Friday that members Zach, Cameron and Michael will be starting a new band titled The Tragic Thrills and their new single "Tears".




Starting the day off on a good note, these boys were upbeat and friendly onstage. While the crowd wasn't that large, they still acted as if they were performing in front of hundreds. I think that any performer who is able to do that deserves all the success that comes to them. No matter what their band title is. Why? It shows they love what they do.

While I'd only heard of Allstar Weekend, I wasn't familiar with their music. It was a combo of pop-rock (surprise surprise considering they were all the rage on the Disney Channel) and while the music and vocals were en par, to me they weren't memorable. However, if I happened to be an overly enthusiastic tween/teen that would be a totally different story. You're looking at a Backstreet Boys and *Nsync fan here so I know the feeling.

TO me the only set back to this first set was the security. I'm not sure if it was lack of communication between the Warped Tour organizers and the Amphitheatre security or if it was security was just - for a lack of a better word - stupid, it was a tad annoying when they refused media/photographers access to the pit. You would think they would understand the ins and outs of media access and have been more organized. It wasn't as if there were dozens of people trying to get into the pit. There was probably six or seven of us who were there to take pictures.

Vans Warped Tour 2013: Toronto

Allstar Weekend, July 5, 2013*

As much as people may say I'm getting too old for this, I always beg to differ. Music is music and no matter what age you are or the music genre that makes your heart AND ears happy. Age is only a number and when it comes to music, and festivals like the Vans Warped Tour, age is clearly ignored. I saw kids as young as 11 and as old as 50 rocking out to their favourite bands. Yes, the older you are the more likely you are a parent but what parent can disagree that some of their kids favourite tunes rub off on you?

My taste in music has varied over the years and has grown to include bands and musicians I never thought I'd listen to in a million years. Most people who know me know I listen to mainly pop-rock, so when they find out I like a certain band they look at me in disbelief. I've said this before and I'll say it again though, music is music. If I like the sound and the lyrics mean something to me, I'm all in!

July 5, 2013 started out like any other typical Warped Tour in Toronto - a long line and rain, rain, rain!

Silverstein, July 5, 2013*

Taking place for the second time around on the Flats on the grounds of what used to be Ontario Place and is still home to the Molson Amphitheatre, Warped Tour  this time around was a heck of a lot better from an organizational standpoint. Last year the stages were placed in awkward areas where it was hard for anyone to get around, the weather was a disaster (torrential rain anyone?), and due to extreme heat, the loss of a life. Anyone who went last year will all agree with me when I say it was a bit of a disaster. Despite the lack of communication with the Warped crew and the Amp security (um hello, photo passes ALLOW media to the front of the stage - duh!), I felt this year went a lot smoother and there were less complications.

Drummer from Hawthorne Heights, July 5, 2013*

While the tradition of the rain upheld (surprise, surprise), the crowds didn't. I'm definitely not saying it wasn't packed - because it was - but it felt this time around that it wasn't as busy. There didn't seem to be as many people this time around and it makes me wonder if the events that took place last year hindered this year's attendance? Nevertheless those fans who were present rocked out and their favourite musicians gave it right back. Tons of bands were out and about greeting fans, doing autograph signings and taking pictures. It was nice to see them interact and have fun with their fans. It's always hard to meet your favourite artists to begin with but it's even harder when bands don't come north of the border very often.

Kellin Quinn, July 5, 2013*

It's always hard to choose which sets to cover as most are located on various stages and throughout the day. It's never easy picking who you skip though and sadly I had to make some tough decisions. yes I am first and foremost a writer but when it comes to  music I may have had to choose between popular vs. favourites.
I feel like I have a nice balance, but I'll let you be the judge of that!

The posts following this main one will showcase the individual bands I was so fortunate to cover as well as any photographs that were taken!

If there are any bands/musicians/reps that read the following posts (including this one) and have any questions or comments feel free to direct them at taryn.mcelheran@gmail.com!

Happy Listening!


*Copyright - All photos are property of My Life in Lyrics. If you wish to use please email me and ask!

Cory Monteith: A Canadian Tragedy

Yesterday I woke to the news that Cory Monteith, known to many as Finn Hudson on Fox's worldwide hit Glee, had passed away. He was found 'clearly dead' by hotel officials when he failed to check out of his hotel room in Vancouver's Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel on Saturday morning. While the cause of death is still unconfirmed, Vancouver Police have determined that foul play was unlikely.

I remember when  Glee first aired. I wasn't a fan from the get-go but I became highly attached to the lovable characters soon after the show debuted. I realize that celebrities and regular everyday people pass away every day but for some reason I feel like this death has struck a note. I can't tell you how many times I laughed and cried with the characters in Glee. I may be 27 but every issued they dealt with on the show, I had dealt with at some point in my life and it was hard not to relate.

Cory was 31 and had so much life to live. He went from being an at-risk teenager almost forced to live on the streets of Vancouver to a singing sensation that thousands (if not millions) of people loved. His goofy, wholehearted jock persona on Glee was lovable and sweet and he was hard not to like. Never forgetting his roots he was constantly visiting British Columbia and always spoke out about what he believed in. Never quiet about his drug-induced past, he wasn't afraid to let people know that he fell off the saddle - but he never let that stop him from doing what he loved.

Obviously there are questions surrounding his death, many wondering if it was another tragic overdose that seems to plague young stars. I really truly hope that this isn't the case. Call me selfish but he did so many things to change his life, including entering rehab for drug addiction. He had so many positives in his life, including his beautiful girlfriend, Lea Michele, right by his side when times were tough. If it were by chance an overdose I really hope that this issue doesn't get swept under the rug. Drug addiction, as is any addiction, is a sickness. People need to learn more about this so they are able to help those they love so situations like this don't happen. Living with someone who has an addiction, I know that it's not easy on them or their family members. It's tough but in order to want to live life to the fullest you have to want to get help.

My heart is hurting right now. I'm still in disbelief that such a young and promising life was taken too soon. My heart goes out to Lea Michele. I can only imagine how hard it must be for her right now. Mere days ago she was dreaming of her wedding and marrying her love, and now she has to plan the funeral. I hope and pray that the media gives her the space she asked for and deserves. To Cory's friends and family, I may only be one person but my thoughts are with you right now. Just know that there are many many people around the world that share your grief.

Rest in Peace Cory Monteith. May your beautiful personality and smile live on through Glee and all the charity work you advocated. You will be missed.

photo courtesy of cp24.com

Cory Monteith

May 11, 1982 - July 13, 2013

Fave Picks for Warped Tour 2013 in Toronto!

I sit in my bedroom writing this as the clouds darken and the rain starts hitting the pavement. I'm listening to my "Low Key" playlist and wondering what the summer will bring. I'm not one for an action packed, never-have-time-for-everything, summer girl but I always enjoy having things to look forward too - even if it's a

Photo courtesy of creativeallies.com

little to hot for my liking! One music festival that I've looked forward to for the past few years is Warped Tour! Toronto being the one and only Canadian stop this year around (sorry Montreal, I know you're all disappointed!), it's important for a lot of local (and not so local) pre-teens, teens, young adults and adults alike to get in line and listen to some of their favourite musicians.

I find that a lot of these bands and musicians don't get opportunities to come to Canada as often as they'd like and Warped Tour gives them the opportunity to do what would otherwise be impossible. Even bands that I love never seem to reach over the border as often as I'd like and it's part of the reason why I'm excited to see them perform onstage at Warped this year. I'm just hoping the rain decides to hold off. No offense to mother nature or anything but that torrential downpour/mini flooding of the Amphitheatre wasn't exactly the most ideal fun - but we made it work! Seems like my friends and I were even in a clip of "Warped Tour Roadies : Toronto Edition" which is kinda awesome!

Anyways, I always post bands I am excited to see and so I thought I would share with you the ones I'm most excited for and new ones that I believe would round out a fabulous day!

The Used

Photo courtesy of Hopeless Records

I really hope this rings true as I know in Warped Tours past The Used were supposed to be present in Toronto but due to Canadian Border issues, they weren't given entry into the country. I know most people look at me and probably see me as a certain music type, and they wouldn't be wrong. The thing that they don't understand is that if I like the music and the lyrics speak something to me, then I'll more than likely enjoy the band. While The Used isn't necessarily on my regular playlist, I enjoy the musical genius of Burt McCracken. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing these guys hit the stage finally.

Sleeping With Sirens

Photo courtesy of last.fm

I can give whole credit to a friend of mine for tuning me into Sleeping with Sirens. Here is another band that most people are surprised to hear that I enjoy. There's something about Kellin Quinn's voice that is captivating. The lyrics, especially in their most recent album "Feel", are meaningful and I believe a lot of people will be able to relate to what they hear. I have to say that their acoustic album (now THAT is typical of me haha) "If You were a Movie, This Would be Your Soundtrack" is probably one of my favourites. It's nice to hear the voice without a wide variety of instruments to back them up. I know that they'll obviously be focusing on their newly released album (it's amazing by the way), so I am hoping and crossing my fingers that they'll play "Feel", "Low" and "Satellites" off of their new one as well as old favourites "Tally it Up, Settle the Score", "All My Heart", and "Dead Walker Texas Ranger". Obviously this is my playlist wish but it'll be nice to see them onstage again at Warped with a little more of the SWS song knowledge!

Anarbor

Photo courtesy of mattvaroy.com

While I was doing Pre-Warped research back when it was my very first Warped Tour, I was pleased to come across the guys of Anarbor. My ears seriously enjoyed these guys and their unique sound. Their song "Mr. Big Shot" from their album The Words You Don't Swallow was probably one of my favourites for the longest time. In fact their whole album released in 2010. They have come to Toronto over the years but it was very few and far between. I either found out too late (usually after the fact) or I had something previously planned and couldn't attend their show. I've was thrilled when I learned they would be joining this year's tour and that it included Toronto. Anarbor's new album Burnout was newly released June 4, 2013 and I am looking forward to hearing them rock!

The City Shakeup

The City Shakeup is a band that I came across while doing this year's research. When I first heard them they reminded me of Blink 182 and my friend's former band SixXxer. As weird as it is, they're a mix of punk and rock and something else completely. I don't mean to make them sound weird or out there but it's not what I expected when I played their song "Silence" and "Fallen" on Youtube.  I look forward to hearing what they put forth on stage!

The Summer Set

Not going to lie, these guys are probably the band I'm most looking forward to seeing in Toronto. I'm truly a pop fan and these guys are the epitome of pop. Their songs are catchy, easy to relate to and so much fun to sing along to. Their newest album Legendary was just released this past spring and brings for a variety of happy-go-lucky tunes and ballads that will appeal to a wide variety of people (well...girls).  Off their new album I'm hoping I get to hear "Legendary", "Lightening in a Bottle" and "Heart on the Floor" as well as old favourites like "Must be the Music" and "Punch-Drunk Love". I can't really say anything bad about these guys and I cannot wait to hear them live once again!

Hands  Like Houses

Photo courtesy of mindequalsblown.net

Here is another band I came across and look forward to hearing what they'll bring to the Warped Stage. Hands Like Houses have a rock edge to them that is appealing to my ears. This Aussie rock band (that's right ladies they're from Australia!) was formed in 2008 and have been trying to make a name for themselves ever since. I'm still getting to know their music so I'll most likely just bobbing my head along to the beat but they're definitely a band you should give a chance this year in Toronto!

Now this is only a few of what is to come at this year's Warped Tour in Toronto. There will be a ton of new music to experience, vendor's to scour and friends to meet. Last year met a tragic end so please PLEASE remember to keep hydrated, take shade when you can and take care of yourself. We are in the middle of summer my friends and the heat can and will get to you if you let it. 

If you haven't purchased your Warped Tour ticket yet don't wait to do so! You can find them on ticketmaster.ca or a few should be at the box office the day of the show. You can also skip the lines if you bring 3 canned goods/a used cellphone/or $5! 

CMW 2013: Chum Fanfest ft. Hedley, Marianas Trench, and Serena Ryder

Anybody who reads these blogs or knows me in some form or another knows my love for Hedley. So when I was approved for media for Chum's Fanfest 2013 at Danforth Music Hall on March 22, I was just a little unprofessionally excited.

Fanfest, as many of you probably already know, bring in some of the top selling musicians in the country and in the world for CMW and it's only win to get in. I felt privileged that the staff and crew at Chum FM allowed me to attend their event and was thoroughly impressed with the talent provided as well as the way things ran. I think the only downfall for me was it wasn't nearly enough music - I wanted more!

photo property of Chum FM

Unfortunately due to timing my co-blogger and I were unfortunate to miss Tyler Shaw, the first act of the night. Tyler became known after winning last year's Much Music and Coca Cola Cover contest. Since then he's been working hard on getting his voice out there and known. His current single "Kiss Goodnight" can be heard on radio stations across Canada!

Arriving with moments to spare, I was able to check out the crowd and the surroundings. The Danforth
Music Hall has a lot of history and is a gorgeous building; it was my first time in this music venue, so I was excited to check it out. The crowd was packed with excited winners of all ages (ranging from 19 and up). Everybody was excited to be in the crowd and you could feel their anticipation.

photo property of Chum FM

Serena Ryder is a musician that has been around for some time. She has always been on my radar but never at the forefront - until now. She performed with such zest and enthusiasm that you couldn't help but "Stompa" your feet. Her quirky and catchy tunes had everybody engaged and excited to sing along. "Stompa" was the only song I knew (because of listening to Chum FM - duh!) but because she so graciously intro'd every song, everyone knew what she was singing. Sticking to songs mainly off of her newly released album Harmony - she rocked the crowd and kept them entertained for almost an hour. Something tells me they had her play longer due to the fact that the next act, Marianas Trench, was still MIA (they were at the Indie Awards accepting awards for Video of the Year for Fallout and Pop Group of the Year), but she put on a fantastic performance. Kudos Serena! And congrats on your recent Juno!

Next on the block was Marianas Trench. I have been a MT fan since my high school years (so going on 10 years) and I usually have nothing but great things to say - this time is no different. Although I often find that

property of Chum FM

no performance of theirs can beat the one I saw in Vancouver at the Commodore, they usually never fail when it comes to pleasing their fans. Being someone who has seen them work super small stages to super large ones, over the years I have noticed minor and major differences with the band. Their music is and will always be fantastically done. The vocals are impeccable 90 per cent of the time and they always sound fantastic. What bothers me, and I noticed it this evening, was their lack of interaction with each other. Josh was fantastic with the crowd but when it came to his band mates, they barely spoke to each other. I found that because of this, it wasn't as good of a show. I wish they acted more like brothers having fun then guys on the stage doing their job. I don't know if anybody else noticed that, but it was definitely something that stood out to me.

As for the music, playing my favourites definitely puts me into a good mood. It's hard to act professional as a writer/media representative when the music is just so damn good. I was definitely singing along to favourites like "Haven't Had Enough", "Stutter", "Celebrity Status", and "Desperate Measures" among many others. It's hard being a fan for so many years and not having so many favourite songs. I was happy they mixed it up a bit for those who have known them longer than their last two albums. I hope their current tour finishing up in Canada is going well and I wish them all the best of luck with their upcoming tour in the US!

photo property of Chum FM

Last but not least we get to Hedley. These boys are a fantastic group of guys and picture perfect when it comes to treating their fans like gold on and off the stage. I can't count how many times I've seen them over the last eight years but each and every time has been a fantastic memory. They never fail to amaze me with their talent for singing, playing their instruments and the energy that they all have on the stage. Each one of them brings such joy and you can definitely tell by the way they interact with each other the camaraderie they have behind the scenes.

Being the headliner meant the longest and most interactive set. Singing songs from all four of their albums, they definitely didn't lead a boring hour. Singing radio favourites like "Invincible", "Cha-ching", and "Perfect" were just the start. I think the song that I loved the most - I'm a little biased, it's my favourite - was "Never Too Late". This is the song I can never record because I get too excited; it's one that I can never get sick of. There is just something about this song that makes my heart swell every time  I listen to it - and no it's not because of the cheesy video remake they did of it a few years back. It's uplifting and hold promises that it's never too late to make things right and start

photo property of Chum FM

fresh. It's worth the listen if you haven't heard it already. Ending it off with "Kiss You Inside Out" was the perfect reminder that they always have something new up their sleeves. Even through twitter they have been hinting new music will be dropped  VERY soon and this makes for one happy girl!

Overall the evening spent with hundreds of Chum FM and music's closest fans was a complete success. They were fun, courteous and enjoyed spending time with those who love music as much as they do. In a world full of crazy, it's nice to get away for awhile and forget all the troubles.

Thanks Chum FM for letting me be one of your guests! I thoroughly enjoyed the night and I'm sure I can say the same for each and every person who attended the event during CMW.

Much Love,
Taryn

CMW 2013: Eleven Past One

Canadian Music Week is somewhat of a staple in Toronto and Canadian culture, and over the years has produced some big names in the music industry and attracted the best of the best in the business. Whether you're a musician, a mogul, or a student training to become one, the conferences and key notes held information that was vital and - because no other words can replace it - informative. 

CMW for a writer is a lot like that of everyone else: hectic, disorganized and exhausting. This year was my first after taking 2012 off, and I'd forgotten just how crazy it could actually get. With venues scattering Toronto, cab rides, subway trips and walking was a commonality when getting to any and all venues. It was sometimes hard to keep track of where and when you had to be there in order not to miss sets.

This year I toned down who I saw strictly because I was transporting myself to and from Mississauga via public transit and that in itself was an adventure. Thursday, March 21, was the first of three days of great music that feasted my ears.

1:11

The first act of the evening was held at The Rivoli, a tiny restaurant/pool hall/music venue, tucked into the uniqueness of Queen Street West. Coming in just before the set of Eleven Past One, my partners-in-crime for the evening caught the tail end of Stef Lang's set for The Feldmen Agency showcase. It was literally one and a half of a song but her energy and passion for music was noticeable. I thoroughly enjoyed her use of the  

drum. She has an indie-pop sound that kind of reminded me of Lights. Obviously they sounded differently but if I were to put her in a category, it'd be the same one as Lights.

Eleven Past One has been on my my radar for quite some time now. I'm not entirely sure how it came about but eventually we were in contact via Facebook and it went forth from there. They were always making music and having fun but one day I heard they were Chum FM's Artist of the Month and they blew up on the radio. Their song "The World is Ours" is catchy, fun to dance to and easy to memorize. So when I heard they were playing CMW, I knew I had to check them out in person.

I can't place ages on these boys because I'm not entirely sure how old they all are, but what I do know is that they're young. Since their conception since 2007, these guys have been working mercilessly to get their foot in the door and get noticed. While somewhat unknown to the majority of the population, their devoted fans, aka "Timebombs", were out in full-force at both shows I attended during CMW.  

Singing songs like "Fate Love", " Tonight's the Night" (their soon to be released new single), and of course

 

"The World is Ours", they had the crowd dancing and singing along. Personally, I believe when lead singer Daniel belted out "Fate Love" while playing the keys,  I truly became a fan. Eleven Past One may be categorized as "just another pop band" but this song made me believe otherwise. Daniel put so much passion into the song you could almost feel it. His vocals were on par and practically spotless (to my untrained ears) and I couldn't help but be enthralled. They're most definitely made for bigger things and I look forward to hearing their album when it gets released.