Follow Me on Pinterest Follow Me on Twitter Follow Me on Twitter

12/04/2010

New Music Find: It Boys

Well these It Boys are truly IT boys. While a friend of mine was at a show tonight in Toronto starring Jeffree Star she informed me of this lovely band and that I just HAD to check them out! WELL, these guys are something else and uber talented! I'm super excited to introduce these guys to you as they are definitely talent you should not miss out on! If you enjoy Stereos or any other pop-punk/rock band out there, you'll enjoy It Boys!


Check out their music on myspace, facebook page, youtube and spread the tunes and the word! These LA boys need to come back to this northern country asap!

Peace!

Red White and You

 I love to randomly search itunes to find new music and new songs from fave artists and while I was doing JUST that today I came across the new Christmas single by These Kids Wear Crowns!! It's super catchy, and upbeat and kinda makes you want to dance!! Check out the link posted below to get your own copy of it for 99 cents!!! 




Photo courtesy of the These Kids Wear Crowns myspace!

12/03/2010

Local Band The Compound Releases First Music Video!

Small town band The Compound from Georgetown Ontario have officially launched their very first Music video online!



If you're into Progressive/Rock music you'll definitely enjoy these guys and I suggest taking a look at the video RIGHT now...



And after checking out the video I then suggest you go to their myspace to checkout MORE of their music and then head on over to itunes to purchase the cd and help support the band!

They are performing this Saturday at Poor Alex Theatre in Toronto. Tix are $10 dollars and The Compound goes on at 11! They also have a HUGE performace coming up in February. Keep an eye out for details by heading to their Facebook page, following them on Twitter!

10/29/2010

Happy Halloween!!

I just finished carving my pumpkin so I thought I'd share it with the world! Check it out...I think it's pretty awesome! It's Cheshire from Tim Burton's version of Alice in Wonderland!


Oh and just for fun, here's my Twilight pumpkin from last year (yes it's Edward and Bella...if you don't see it look here and it'll show you a similar picture!)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN GUYS!!!! :) Have a safe one!!

10/25/2010

Vampire Diaries

I am always one for a good book. And when it comes to books to movies (or in this case books to tv series) I usually like to read the book before I watch the movie/show. When Vampire Diaries first came out I was skeptical because it was yet another show that had to deal with vampires. Now don't get me wrong, a major genre in my book collection is sci-fi/fantasy, but with the tremendous success of Twilight, True Blood and other shows, I was just not that into it - that is until I watched a few episodes.

It's just into it's second season and already, each and every episode is incredibly compelling (no pun intended) and interesting in every nature. It's easy to get caught up in the episode, find yourself cheering for the good guys and caring whether or not they make it through the show (Vampire Diaries has a LOT of killing...supernatural and humans). I honestly don't know what it is about the show (besides the obvious that I've already pointed out) that makes me want to come back to it each week. It's dark, dreary at times and keeps you guessing. Maybe it's the talented actors and actresses that make me want to come back or maybe it's even the crazy idea that it could possibly happen in the real world (I know, I know, I I'm a dreamer).

Anyways...

The main character, our one and only Canadian girl Nina Dobrev, is Elena. A broody teenager with a traumatizing past. With her and her younger brother losing their parents in a freak car accident they go to live with their (young) aunt, and try to reconvene life as normally as possible. Then Elena meets Stephen (Paul Wesley), a dark-horse, mysterious type who she can't quite figure out...until one day she finds out that he and his brother Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder) had been around before (she saw picture proof), and found out they were - you guessed it - vampires! Damon is the bad boy that everybody can't help but love. He's got a sensitive side that comes out with Elena but keeps screwing it up because of his big ego and fast temper. It's become a love triangle in a sense even though it's clearer as the show goes on that Elena loves Stephen.

Now I could go on forever about the vast array of characters but it would take me a lot longer and I don't think I'd captivate you for THAT long. Now, in the first season we were introduced to Vampires (Stephen and Damon along with a few others that weren't main characters) and Witches (Elena's best friend Bonnie) , and now in the second season they've introduced the Werewolves. They're cursed by the moon but the catch is, the curse doesn't affect the Werewolf until they've killed a human. It's interesting to see how they'll develop this storyline as they recently (as in the episode I just watched) altered the plot!

With all these different supernatural beings in da house (sorry...), there naturally comes conflict, drama and action. There is definitely no shortage in each and every episode that I've seen. You can never get tired of watching it because each episode brings something totally different. What I DO have to say though, before I move on, is that the character Caroline (played by Candice Accola) has definitely grown on me! She used to be annoying, bitchy and just downright useless. Now that's she's become one of them she's a whole new character. She's strong, wants to help and do the right thing and even though she may be leading a constricted lifestyle, she's still determined to keep it somewhat normal. I have to say she's probably one of my favourites in the show!

I can't give too much of the plot away because why would you watch it if I've already told you the details? I just watched Thursdays episode (Oct 21) and I was so enthralled. There was so many emotions and situations going on you don't know what to think. Elena's (and the vampires) arch nemesis is that of Katherine. Katherine was the reason Stephen and Damon became vampires and is now the reason for all the craziness happening  on the show. The kicker is that she looks exactly like Elena. All I can say right now is that it left me wanting to watch more NOW. I don't want to wait until Thursday to get another dose of this great show!

I recommend taking a peek at this show because I can guarantee most of you will like it (well unless you're my mother)! In Canada it airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. on A Channel (which is Barrie for me) or CW if you have the American channel and Fridays at 7 p.m. on Much Music.

For more information go to the CW website to see the preview for next (well this week's) episode with the Masquerade Ball as well as some other fun details! 

The Cast of The Vampire Diaries - Photos Courtesy of CW

10/06/2010

Review x2: Hedley



I can honestly say that I've never really had a bad experience when it comes to seeing this band. For every show I've been too there have always had some awesome memories to go along with it. From every show starting from a small dinky theatre in Brampton back in 2005 to a sold out crowd at the Barrie Molson Center on Tuesday and again at the Sleeman Centre in Guelph last night, they have always made my night.
I know I may be a little biased seeing as Hedley is considered to be one of my all-time favourite bands. From the moment I listened to their first single I was in love. I loved their music, the lyrics were catchy and different and I loved lead singer Jacob Hoggard's energy. The band in general  have an appeal to them that allows people of all ages to just get up, let loose and have fun. They're music is catchy, creative and cleverly disguised ("Don't do all the thinking with your little head" - Don't talk to strangers) and most importantly, they are about the fans. After meeting them so often (more so back when they were smaller as opposed to now) they would put aside what they were doing and just talk to their fans. That's probably one of the best things I admire about them.

Okay. So on with the show(s). For both nights the openers were Hamilton born San Sebastian. Sound familiar? They most recently came out from winning Much Music's "Discovered: Disband" show a few months back and ever since then they've been touring constantly and singing their hearts out. Although I don't know any of their music - well, except their song "Wake Up" - they were so catchy and fun to listen too. They have that beat that just makes you want to get up and dance. I couldn't really hear the lyrics, mainly because the lead singer had the mic right up to his mouth...but you could probably blame my lack of hearing as well...but we won't mention that again!

Next up to bat was Toronto born LIGHTS. This cute little lady may be small in size (herself and her "band") but her voice makes up for it. Her music itself doesn't really appeal to me, but I can't ignore the fact that this girl has amazing vocal range. Her voice is so powerful for somebody who is tiny in nature and seems so quiet. She was great talking to the crowds and keeping everybody energized for the final act...Hedley!

 As I said before, I may be biased because Hedley has been a favourite of mine since forever ago, but not one person can ignore that these guys are through-and-through performers. They know how to entertain and please people of ALL ages. At both shows i witnessed more than one parent getting on their feet and dancing (and singing!) along to the music as well as kids as young as four or five singing their little hearts out. Being one of those "fans" from the begining, it's amazing to see a band grow and expand to allow more than one generation to enjoy their music. It's almost a "proud mama" feeling knowing they're going somewhere and giving others the chance to hear what they've produced.

The mixture of songs from all three albums was well done and not too obvious (the first time around...when you go to more than one of their shows in a tour, you know what's going to happen next, obviously). Being able to listen to old favourites and new singles, just brings back all the great memories this band has produced. I for one was singing every song and dancing to every beat without a care in the world. For anybody who knows me, I don't dance and sing because I can't do either. I'm not exactly talented on that front. With songs like "Trip", "On My Own" and "321" from their first album, to "She's So Sorry", "For the Nights I Can't Remember" and "Never too Late" from their second and then "Cha-ching", "Amazing", "The Sweater Song" and "Don't Talk to Strangers" among many others, everybody was having a blast and singing along.

They played for a good hour and forty-five minutes and had everybody pleased by the end of the night. The most moving thing of these nights though was the speech Jacob Hoggard (lead singer) gave to the crowd while playing a beautiful piece on the piano. He went on about how Hedley fans are "the best in the world" and that they'd be nowhere without them. He also mentioned "...If we come back? Will you?" This made me tear up to no end because it's incredible at how humble they still are. I know a lot of bands that become well-known (not to mention any names...) that dismiss their fans once they've made it big. Now I know Hedley is still in the process of becoming known in the States (proof: Canadian tickets cost approx $50 if you don't do the VIP route, while American tickets (they're touring the States right now) are going for $12 approx), they're still rooted in their Canadian style and as good-natured and humble as ever. I mean who else would stand outside for fans after the show (non VIP fans) and sign autographs, take pictures and talk?

I may be "growing old" for this kind of stuff, but I'll be one of those fans enjoying their music until the end. I

9/27/2010

Emerging Artists Get the Shove

I wrote this as my investigative article back in my second year of university. There was some talk about it on Twitter so I thought I'd share this with you guys so you'd understand the MAPL system and how the Canadian Government determines what is Canadian music and what isn't. It's more so based on the Indie bands but you still get the idea.

*********************************



The Canadian government has always pushed the idea upon Canadians that they are a diverse and unique country with ideas and values that differ from any other. Canada is known for their amazing hospitality and willingness to open themselves to new and different cultural experiences. A part of the cultural experience that makes Canada unique is the recording industry and wide variety of Canadian talent.

Something that Canada prides itself in is the Canadian recording industry – especially the indie music scene. Many Canadian artists and bands may not be as well-known as those from the United States but their fan bases are just as strong and the music stronger and better than ever.

To determine what exactly is Canadian music content and what isn’t, the Canadian Radio Television-Telecommunications Commissions (CRTC) created the MAPL system to help determine Canadian artists from other artists. MAPL stands for Music – composed entirely by a Canadian, Artists – music, or the lyrics, are performed by a Canadian, Production – recorded wholly in Canada or recorded in Canada and preformed live, and Lyrics –lyrics are entirely written by a Canadian. In order for a Canadian artist to qualify for MAPL, they need to fulfill at least two of the four of these definitions.

An example of MAPL would be the issue that occurred with Brian Adams. He is a Canadian artist, and always has been but the album Waking up Neighbours caused a bit of controversy. Although Brian Adams was Canada’s biggest music phenomenon at the time, his partnership with the “British-White-Zimbabwean Lange” meant that under the CTRC rules forced until 1991, the album did not qualify as Canadian content. Rules have since change a bit since 1991 but it still shows a similar system as to how they define what truly Canadian content is.

Over the years there have always been issues in determining what exactly an “emerging artist” is. According to a study released this past February, the CRTC suggests that an emerging artist should be one that has never reached the Top 40 on any chart that is eligible before the prior year. Artists as defined by the study were only played 2.9 per cent of the time on English-speaking radio stations.

Chris Fraser is currently the bass player for St. Catharines based band, Flatlined. The band is considered to be an “emerging artists” by way of the CRTC definition. Fraser’s description seems to be somewhat similar to that of the CRTC survey definition that was released this past February.

“I believe an emerging artist is an artist that is currently unrecognized in charts across Canada. Be it on radio, television, or the internet. The point of classifying these artists as such is to ensure a large variety of new music that isn't recognized by the public. Artists who take the time to create music and release it in a professional fashion are a general a cut above the garage band scene, although there are obviously exceptions,” Fraser says.

Those responsible for Canadian music and content would be the CRTC in partnership with CanCon (Canadian Content). Without these two government run programs American music and television would be completely infiltrating our lifestyles. There are a few questions that need to be answered though before moving on. First, why are Canadian public radio stations only required to play 35 per cent Canadian content? Secondly, out of that percentage, why are “emerging artists” getting only 2.9 per cent of airplay when the CRTC is saying that radio stations should be playing more emerging artists as per the condition of their licenses.

Stacey Patton, who is a lifestyle marketing and artist promoter for Sony BMG Canada, is a big supporter of independent music but doesn’t always agree that it should be played on the radio.
“Something to think about is whether all Canadian artists should be played on the radio. Yes they should have the chance to be heard like anyone else but I would bet that only five per cent of all recorded music is anything that anybody would want to listen to. Radio shouldn’t have to play any old crap that is submitted just because it meets CANCON requirements,” she states.

In a study released by the CRTC it states that “some allege that commercial radio stations have adopted programming strategies that minimize the play-listing of such music in favour of broadcasting the work of well established artists.” By doing this though, does it not diminish the type of music industry they are trying to build in Canada?

The study continues to point out statistics from the years in between 2003 and 2006. The most noticeable stat was the fact that all music labelled as “emerging artists” was in decline in many aspects. It shows that emerging artists who’ve reached the top 100, 60, or 40 in four years is more significant then that of artists who’ve reached the top charts in less than six months. It almost seems as if it’s pure luck instead of hard work to reach success for an emerging artist in less than six months.

In charts illustrated in the study, it shows that emerging Canadian artists being played on the air have declined significantly. Artists who’ve reached the top charts after April 15, 2003 were played on Top 40 stations an average of 18.5% (of the 35%), whereas artists who have reached the charts after October 15 2006 were played approximately 3.3%.

In a statement on the Canadian Independent Record Production Association (CIRPA) website, it’s clear that the President and CEO of the company, Duncan McKie, believes that the statistics are true. Canadian music is becoming harder and harder to come across.

McKie says of the CRTC report that, “the report makes it very clear that English commercial radio did not play substantial numbers of Canadian acts…” He goes on to say that, “…in order for Canadian music to survive, it must find an audience. Small recording companies often do not have the marketing funds to widely promote their works. Radio play can be an important part of creating a following for new acts that otherwise may go unnoticed by the public.”

Fans of emerging artists, despite the myth that they don’t want to hear Canadian music, are eager to hear music they can relate to, and bands they can support whole-heartedly. Sarah Byrnes is an avid music listener. “I understand the popularity of, desire to listen to, and the commercial value of the American top hits, but there are times where I really wish that the songs I'm hearing could be more relevant to me. 'Alternative hours' on 'alternative stations' are fine but I want to be able to turn on the radio and hear a great band from my local music scene,” she says.

There are crucial times during the day when the audiences of radio stations are at its ultimate high. Most radio listeners are tuned into their favourite stations around the times of six and nine a.m. and again from four to six p.m. Data shows though that the majority of music (averaging at about 1.2%) is being played on all radios classified between the hours of six p.m. and midnight. Hours in which people aren’t nearly as much listening too the radio. Hours in which the television is more than likely their medium of choice. They say that emerging artists are spread out evenly throughout the day when it’s clear that they are focusing on the after hours.
How exactly can radio stations get away with such acts? The CRTC enforces rules and regulations but in the end it’s not enough. There are obviously ways stations are getting around the rules and playing what they want to play.

The 37th annual Juno awards that took place April 6, 2008 proves to people in Canada along with the rest of the world that Canadian talent does exist and that they can make it in today’s industry. But how did they get there? What makes them so different compared to the rest of the talent that has yet to be discovered? Canada has a wide variety of musical choices, most of which have yet to be discovered.
Music on the radio is a great way to get a band promoted and heard by many people. When producers and record companies don’t have the means (or money) to get their artist out there, the radio is something they should be able to rely on as a source of communication.

“In order for Canadian music to survive, it must find an audience. Small recording companies and individual artists often do not have the marketing funds to widely promote their works. Radio play can be an important part of creating a following for new acts who other wise may go unnoticed by the public,” says McKie.
The music that is created on our ‘home and native land’ is an important feature and it defines a lot of Canadians in many ways that are indescribable. Music is a sign of expression and there are many emerging artists who are just dying for the chance to get their voices heard. Being an independent artist is difficult enough due to the lack of money and support received from everyone besides their fan base. The radio outlets and especially the CRTC should be there to back up those who can’t afford to.

9/20/2010

New Music: The Mark Inside

LtoR: Chris, Gus, Geoff, and Geordie
Now most of the time I find music randomly through friends, the radio, and most importantly the internet. But sometimes - such as this time - they find me! A local Toronto band that goes by the name of 'The Mark Inside' have a unique sound that you don't hear every day. They are putting out a new album on October 26th, 2010. With the choice of either a Digital copy or Vinyl (who knew it would make such a huge comeback?) e.p. fans will be able to get a taste of what's to come in a future full-length album.

Produced by Jim Abbiss (Artic Monkeys, Kasabian), and distributed by their label Metalbox, you can definitely get an idea as to what you can expect from this local Canadian talent! Check out their myspace at www.myspace.com/themarkinside to listen to some of their tracks!

I was lucky enough to listen to one of their tracks called 'House of Cards' and it's catchy and different and something that many of you I KNOW will like! Recorded in Lincolnshire England at Chapel Studios, they're very proud of their music and want the world to know what they sound like! If you like The Trews, Joel Plaskett, Arctic Monkeys or Crash Karma, you'll probably enjoy listening to The Mark Inside.


9/06/2010

Down With Webster @ The Ex

You know summer’s winding down when the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) comes to town. Every year the last few weeks of August and into early September turn into a fun-filled day (or more) at the Ex for families, friends and anybody who enjoys the look, feel and smell of the carnival. With everything from shopping, games, rides, entertainment, and the food there is something to please people of all ages. This past Saturday (Aug 28) the weather w/as hot but not stifling. The sun was shining, the crowds were out in full capacity and the overall feel of the CNE was light and buoyant. Everywhere you looked there was a smile on someone’s face or food in someone’s hands.

Every year for the past couple of years I’ve been to the CNE not only for the fun, and food but also to take in some local Canadian talent that otherwise would be impossible. Whether they’re constantly on tour, charging insane amounts for tickets or just not in my area of the country, it’s always a great opportunity to enjoy some cheap entertainment. Every couple of days there were different bands/musicians performing and they always had something to please everyone.

In the past I’ve seen Hedley (2006), The Trews (2008), Faber Drive and The Latency (2009) and this year it was Toronto born and bred Down With Webster.  All Canadian and all up-and-coming bands making their marks on the world. Bands that I remember seeing in small clubs and bars where nobody knew their names. It’s always an honour to watch them grow and flourish throughout the years and it makes you proud to see they’ve come from your home country.

The Bandshell has been known for their summer events at the CNE and it’s always fun to take in a show at the end of a long day full of fun. What I notice that’s different from any other shows I’ve been to is the variety of people who attend. If you were to see Down With Webster in a concert venue such as The Phoenix on College St. (?) you’ll find a general age group attending whereas at The Bandshell there are families young and old, teenagers, and even grandparents stopping by to take in the music. Every once and awhile you’ll even find them singing and dancing along to the songs even if they have no idea what they’re singing.

The line-up for this show was short and sweet as Toronto’s Sweet Thing opened for Down With Webster. This rock band just released their album not too long ago and have been promoting
 it as well as themselves relentlessly. Their music was upbeat and fun to dance around too. Even though they’re set wasn’t as long as that of Down With Webster, they sure knew how to get the crowd riled up and ready for the main event.

Down With Webster hit the stage at nine p.m. for a full hour show full of rambunctious band members, a fantastic performance and most importantly a very loud hometown crowd. With thousands of people there for a good time they performed radio favourites Your Man, Rich Girls and most recently added Whoa is Me. But that didn’t stop them from performing old favourites that many original fans of the band would know such as Tens, Weekends, and Grind.

Overall the day was fantastic. I was only at the Ex for a couple of hours (the main goal to see DWW) and I was worn out. I love the atmosphere and the people who come out to the shows. I also love watching people's reactions when they realize that this isn't the type of music they really go for. DWW is an incredible band and they're amazing live. You can't help but put on your dancing shoes and dance like a fool. I know I can't help it - and I can't dance!!

7/31/2010

New Music Find: The Joyride

LtoR: Paul Kinman, Colin Grieve, Trent Otter, Kyle Shields and Joey Levesque
Alrighty, I realize that I've been slacking lately and I wish I had a good excuse, but I don't! SO...A lovely group of guys decided to add me to twitter (@TarynAlicia), and so I decided to check out their music! When first listening to The Joyride they gave me the vibe of another breakout band called The Latency! Now to explain further, they have a distinct pop-rock sound that I believe will have ALL the girls squealing and giggling excessively!

Now, they're a five-member band hailing from Vancouver BC and their producer (as for The Latency as well) is none other than Hedley's Tom Macdonald! The band just released their EP 'Love at First Sight' on Itunes and have plans on creating a full album in the near future!! I had a chance to ask a few questions to their guitarist Paul Kinman, and here's what he had to say!
Paul Kinman (Guitarist)

Taryn Alicia: Tell me a bit about yourselves...
Paul Kinman: We are all from the Vancouver area and have grown up playing music since we were kids.We recently did an EP with Tommy Mac from Hedley as the producer and Dean Maher (ACDC, Slayer, Rise Against, Hedley, Elton John) as the Engineer and Mixer. We are also in the running to get on Warped Tour in the Ernie Ball Battle of The Bands.

TA: How did you guys get together?
PK: Well me (Paul), Joey, Trent and Kyle played in another band and we were looking for a singer so we put an ad on Craigslist. Fortunately Colin replied to it, so we jammed with him and it went great so he joined the band.

TA: What made you want to start a band?
PK: We started a band because we love playing music and being retarded. In this band we can do both.

TA: What would you describe your sound as if you could only use past/current bands available?
 PK: We are David Bowie, if he wrote for the Scooby Doo show.

TA: So you worked with Hedley’s Tommy Mac, how was your experience with that?
 PK: Working with Tom was a great experience. He’s an amazing songwriter so we have learned a lot from him on how to write the best songs possible. And we have also learned that he likes to meow like a cat a lot. That’s just a little insider dish on one of Toms secret traits.

TA: What do you think are essential traits in a band that allows them to work together?
PK: Pancakes and waffles are a must have. You need to be well fed for your band to work well together. That is all.

TA: What do you look forward to most about the future?
PK: Touring, meeting fans we talk to on Twitter and MySpace and recording/writing some awesome new songs for you all.

TA: What can we expect? New Album? Tour? Give details!
PK: We are currently writing abunch more songs for a CD so look out for that. Also we are in a competition to play the Edmonton date of Warped Tour and are currently booking a mini tour in that area. Plus we got some more crazy news coming soon so everyone keep checking our MySpace and Facebook group page!

TA: Any bands that have inspired you and your music?
PK: We all have very broad musical tastes so it ranges from hardcore and metal to pop and classical and as for our music we just try to write the catchiest most sing able/danceable songs possible so anybody who writes good catchy songs has influenced us.

Now for some fun!

TA: Secret obsession(s)?
PK: Pokémon! You have no idea how obsessed some people in this band are with Pokémon. None of us do drugs so Pokémon had to be our addiction. Motley Crew had heroin, other bands had booze, we have Pokémon. What can I say, we are hardcore!

TA: Stranded on a desert island…what can’t you live without?
PK: For this band it would be Instruments,Wal-Mart and Graeme Nash.

TA: If you could only listen to three albums for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
PK: As a band 'Kezia' by Protest the Hero, 'Riot!' By Paramore and probably something by the Blood Brothers or Kali for our bassist.

TA: Must haves when touring?
PK: Some type of entertainment like A DS or PSP. Oh, and the ability to sleep with one eye open because you have a minimum of 6 other guys in that vehicle who could and will "prank you hard" at any given time. Joey this is your warning.

TA: Most overplayed song on the radio?
PK: Regardless of how much I love these songs, 'I Got a Feeling' or 'Waving Flag'.


All photos are courtesy of their myspace...be sure you check them out!! www.myspace.com/thejoyrideson 

7/15/2010

Warped Tour Makes a Stop in Toronto

Wow. The Vans Warped Tour was definitely a great experience and even though I've waited 24 (yes, you read right) years before ever experiencing this fantastic event, it was well worth the wait. So on July 9, my friends and I congregated at Arrow Hall in Toronto (really Mississauga, but that's a minor detail) to take in the days events.

Before hand, I couldn't help but notice people's comments on the Warped Tour web page as well as the Facebook page, about how the sets this year haven't met the standards of previous years. I know I can't compare previous years, but from judging from the reaction from the people who attended, I'd say they were pretty damn successful.

There were a few things that I wasn't impressed with. One I'll mention right now, is the expensiveness of the food and drinks on the venue. This is a summer tour and it's expected to be hot (unless you include last year...). We were lucky enough to have decent temperatures despite the rain, but had it been hot I would have been a little more upset with the costs. They were asking for four dollars for a bottle of water. Water. I luckily brought my own and was able to keep them, or I would have probably forgone any kind of refreshment that day. I realize that they need to make money, but this was just a little outrageous! Another thing that I wasn't impressed with was the weather! I enjoyed the cooler temps, don't get me wrong, but the rain and grey clouds I could have done without!

Okay, so there were set bands I was determined to see, while others I was open to giving a listen. I'm always finding new music and always willing to give any band (no matter what genre) a shot at least once! I was pleased to find a few at this year's Warped Tour that I am proudly listening to constantly now!

We The Kings
First up on our agenda, we saw We The Kings, from Florida. This band has been around for a couple of years and  although I liked their music, I lost a little interest because there was never an opportunity to see them live. Seeing them at Warped though reignited my love for this band. They were fun, energetic, and really enjoyable to listen to. Their vocals were incredibly in tune, you could clearly tell they enjoyed themselves and they overall did a great job. Bands can always gain points on my radar when they get the crowd involved in singing. There's just something about hearing more than 50+ people singing the words to the same song.

The Summer Set
Coming all the way from Scottsdale Arizona, this pop-punk quartet made a lasting impression on my day at the festival. They were just so much fun to listen to and I thoroughly enjoyed their set. From viewing their youtube videos after the show as well as comments on a few social networks, I found a lot of people tried to say the lead singer Brian Dale's voice was fake, that it sounded produced. Because I'd heard them live first before looking into any of their music, I can say for sure that his voice is all natural talent. It's unique though which I can see some people questioning the authenticity of his vocals. Overall they were very cohesive and this is one band I would not mind seeing again live...if they ever make it back to Canada!


The Rocket Summer

I have been listening to TRS for quite awhile now, but again, due to a lot of American Indie bands not making it past the Northern border, it was hard to see their show. Bryce Avery, the badass musician who's the brains behind this wonderful operation, was the key to this performance. His Keith Urban good looks (according to my mother), and his unique vocals definitely made for an interesting set. Although he's the sole member of TRS, his band behind him worked together to produce a great show. He was talkative to the fans, very genuine and honest and seems just by his presence on stage, very humble. With the recent release of his new album "Of Men and Angels", it's hopeful that we'll be seeing him in the near future.


I See Stars
I came across I See Stars while searching around Itunes for new music (you know how they offer you recommendations?), when I came across their cover of  Your Love by Outfield on the CD compilation of "Punk Goes Classic Rock". It's either hit or miss with me when it comes to mixing regular singing with that of screaming. I don't know if it's my preferences, or just my hearing decibels, but I can only handle so much. I found that I See Stars had a balanced mixture of the two, if not a little more singing and a less amount of the screaming. The lead singer, Devin Oliver, has a distinctly emo-pop (for a lack of a better word), that works well with the lyrics and the rest of the band. I loved their energy and the crowds energy with their set. Throughout the day I found that the later in the day it was, the more intensity the crowds managed to show during the bands they were seeing - even from afar you could tell who was having a good time.

Pierce The Veil

One thing that stuck with me after listening to this California-based band was the quote from the lead singer. Vic Fuentes threw out to the crowd, "we try to be professionals, but we're just a bunch of Mexicans in a band." Yes being a musician is a lot of work and it involves a lot of business and technical sides of things, but when you come right down to it, it's just about the music. These guys had fun with what they do and you could see it in their eyes, and their energy. Their bassist Jaime Preciado was ALL over the place, never being able to stand still. His passion for the music was visible for everybody to see. Their music in general was fun to listen to with a mix of singing and scream. Their lyrics were relatable nonetheless and the crowd ate them up like they were the last skille in the rainbow. I for one, was glad to have been able to catch their set.

Hey Monday

I find when it comes to bands these days, there are more and more women who are taking initiative and starting and starring in their own bands. Don't get me wrong, I'm not naive and I know there have been a ton of other female powerhouses, but I still find that the men are still the forefront of the industry. So I was pleasantly surprised when Cassadee Pope took the stage, I was extremely impressed. She's cute and petite and has a voice that reminded me of Paramore's front (wo)man Hayley Williams. Her voice was smooth and easy to listen to but had that edge that is sometimes hard to find. The songs were catchy and easy to listen to and it was great hearing her and the rest of the band perform. As you can tell, I've yet to be disappointed on this day.

Pretty Reckless

On our way to see Anarbor, we came across the band Pretty Reckless. And for those of you who don't know the band, the lead singer is none other than Taylor Momsen. And to divulge a little further, she's known for her acting career on Gossip Girl as Little J (aka Jenny) as well as her role as Cindy Lou Who in The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. When I first saw her I was completely turned off by the way she was dressed and walking around the stage. Once I began to realize it was just a part of her stage act I began to open up and listen to her sing. She reminded me of Joan Jett or Cherie Currie (no?). Her voice had a pure rock vibe to it that couldn't be accidentally mistaken for anybody else. She was unique, and although I was far from impressed with her wardrobe, I couldn't deny that this girl has talent. 

Anarbor

This band was one of the main reasons I was excited to attend this year's Warped Tour. I found their music a couple months back while rummaging through Much Music's new videos online and I came across their song "Green Eyes". I fell in love with lead singer Slade Echeverria's voice and I quickly found the rest of their music. They intrigued me because although you can classify them as a pop-rock band, they still had a different vibe from a lot of the other music I've heard lately. Their live performance just deepened my respect for them as musicians and people. I found them to be engaging, genuinely happy to be there and their love for their fans was obvious. They enjoyed being there and it showed. They are one band I seriously hope comes back to Canada soon, even if I didn't agree, their fans that came out to support them sure would agree.

You Me At Six

These rather handsome, British Boys were next up on the roster of bands to see and even if they were the crappiest band alive (which they weren't by the way), I would have still loved them if only for their cuteness and extremely sexy accents. Relying on their pop-rock vibe and their charming personalities, they pushed out an extremely well done performance. Fans were responsive and were constantly dancing and having a good time singing along to their music. I was a newcomer when it came to listening to this band and I was impressed with their smooth vocals and instrumentals. They seemed to be enjoying the Canadian crowd and said so whenever they got the chance.

Mayday Parade

The one and only Mayday Parade has been a band I've been following thoroughly ever since I saw them perform with Every Avenue and All Time Low in Toronto back in late 2007. There was something catchy about the music and even catchier about the boys in the band. The just recently released their newest album "Anywhere But Here" a couple of months ago which gave a little more pop and a little less rock vibe to the songs they belted out. I was impressed with them back in 2007, but this time around I wasn't...but we're not going to blame the band, we're going to blame the venue and the organizers. For the most part the organizers did a great job with the event, but the set up of the stage that the band was performing on was poorly situated and didn't really benefit anybody. Mayday Parade is a rather well-known band and set on a small stage and in an awkward area, resulted in a lot of unhappy people, including myself. I managed the press pit for the first three songs and then after that, pushed to the side and was barely able to hear the music, which thoroughly disappointed me, as well as many others. Overlooking that, from what I could see, they had a great vibe and performed their best despite their less-than-opportune situation! They still rocked out and had a great time entertaining a Canadian crowd they clearly don't see enough of. 

The New Cities

The New Cities are one of the few Canadian Bands that played for the two Canadian Warped Tour dates. This wasn't my first time seeing them and it won't be my last. Even if you're not a fan of their techno-pop-rock sound you can't help but feed off of their entertaining moves onstage. They bounce all over the place and know how to pump up the crowd. These wonderful French-Canadian boys know how to rock out and have a blast while singing perky, upbeat songs that you can't help but  dance along to - and I know, because even though I can't dance I still do so! They are so much fun to watch, and listen too. During the set though (which was short to begin with), an unfortunate incident happened to a fan. I won't go into details but needless to say she was injured rather seriously and for her consideration the band decided to cut their set short. Although unfortunate, you could see the concern for their fan radiate from them and were extremely upset with her situation. Later that night on Twitter they all were wondering her state hoping she was okay. This here heightened my love for these guys. Their concern and devotion to their fans is always evident and it's great to see that that still exists in today's world.


The All-American Rejects

Last but certainly NOT least was the All-American Rejects. These guys are some kind of crazy - or at least, lead singer Tyson Ritter is. Their performance was electric and the audience loved every single moment. Singing old favourites that everybody knew the words too and bouncing around like a fool made every moment memorable during their set. Ritter's vulgar language and quirky comments left many wondering if he was stoned or drunk during the show, but that didn't stop them from singing along, dancing or crowd surfing throughout the show. They were incredible to see live and although I'd been listening to their music for years, this show was the first time I'd gotten to see them live. I have to say though, I was definitely NOT disappointed!


The day was long, the weather wasn't the greatest (until the sun came out during AAR's set, of course) and my feet were overly sore, but overall the Vans Warped Tour was considered a success in my eyes. I had fun as did everybody else in the crowds and everybody I hung out with during the day. It will definitely be something I'd be interested in going to again when it comes around again this time next year. But until then, this review will have to do!


7/04/2010

Rob Dyer: Light Up a Smile, not a Cigarette

Cancer is something that is all around us, but not everybody understands. It's a disease that can break apart families, that can tear apart souls and can bring out unimaginable fear. But Cancer can also bring together the most inspiring people who will do whatever it takes to try and conquer this seemingly unconquerable disease. Rob Dyer is one of those people who decided to step up and take a chance. To go beyond all expectations and create a foundation that has now reached all borders of the world and has inspired so many more to help create a change through knowledge.

At 25 years of age, this tiny, soft-spoken, and tattooed skater has already accomplished so much and touched so many lives. Creating Skate4Cancer (S4C) after his mother passed away from it in his teens, he decided to push forward and create something positive out of something so negative. Skate4Cancer is an organization that helps to promote cancer prevention through knowledge. The "mission" on the S4C website states, "Though we stand in solidarity, Skate4Cancer recognizes that presently the best tool we have is knowledge on prevention. In fact, hope shines with the understanding that 80 % of all cancers can be avoided through early detection and healthy lifestyles…Working together through accessing this community, we can combine all of our spirited passion to drastically reduce the presence of cancer. Right now, the cure is the knowledge…”

Let's Skate!

Over the past eight years, Rob Dyer and his team have constantly been promoting the S4C campaign while creating awareness that has slowly been spreading all over the world. Just recently, he returned from skateboarding all across New Zealand and half of Australia before having to return to Canada after an unfortunate hit-and-run accident leaving Dyer injured. Even after all that, he's still determined to push forward. "We skateboarded across New Zealand and we had just started to skate across Australia when I got hit by a car. [Unfortunately] I had to come home, but we’re going back there in January and starting over," Dyer said in a recent interview at the S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival, held in St. Catharines.

Ever since S4C has gotten up and running Dyer, they've basically run it from their apartments and homes, but now it's time to step it up a notch. The S4C team has recently been planning on opening a drop-in centre to help those suffering with cancer. "Basically what it’s going to be is a place where kids can go in to talk to someone while they’re going through cancer treatment and whatnot, a place for people to pick up Skate4Cancer educational pamphlets and for someone to talk about it and about the programs there," he said.

Dyer's most recent campaign was inspired by a saying he found two years ago. It really struck a chord and went on to become the title to his most recent endeavour. "I remember about two years ago I saw it on a ‘no smoking sign’ and I fell in love with it so we started doing it with T-shirts and pamphlets and things like that."

Dream.Love.Cure.

Rob Dyer's dream is to have all the world acknowledge that cancer is out there and that through knowledge it can be prevented. Cancer can be beat, it's just a matter of dreaming it can happen, loving yourself enough to care, and finding a cure through knowledge. Through Rob Dyer's connection with skateboarding and his love of music, he's been able to reach many people, but mainly teenagers and young adults, across the border with his passion for cancer prevention. Through the younger generations, he is able to spread the word about cancer and in turn they spread the word even further, thus far creating an endless chain of knowledge.

There's no other way to describe this other than to show you his commitment and love for knowledge. With only eight years in the making, Dyer has a multitude of years ahead of him, and a determination that will set him apart from any other out there. As he sets to skate across the Australian continent yet again this coming January, as well as continue to gather support from people around the world, Rob Dyer is inspiring people to become inspired.




Written by: Taryn McElheran
(Originally posted on suite101.com - July 4, 2010)


Photo courtesy of Victoria Morse

6/29/2010

S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival 2010

St. Catharines Ontario isn't the biggest city or the most well known. yet every year for the past 15 years St. Kitt's has hosted the S.C.E.N.E. music festival at the end of June while hundreds (if not thousands) of music fans take over the downtown core to take in a wide variety of today's music. With over 160+ bands who performed in multiple venues, it was a day was packed from afternoon into late into the evening with a wide variety of rock, punk, hardcore, pop, and R&B musical talents.

The day itself boasted of warm weather (maybe too warm for some) and a mix of sun and clouds - before the steady downpour of rain took over the evening portion of the days events. People were roaming the sidewalks around St. Paul Street and surrounding areas, enjoying the array of music, the multitude of people, and the delicious food choices. The Market Square, the main venue hosting some of the top names of the music industry today, was filled with many people of all ages waiting to get their wristband that will allow them access to every venue who was participating in the day's events. Event staff and promoters were busy handing out free samples and cards promoting some kind of business.

With so many musical choices it's hard to decide who to see and when to see them. It's best to just pick and choose who's the most important and pick a few new acts in between just to add a little balance.

The Johnstones

Decked out in "poo-stained white pants" and little else, The Johnstones hit the Market Square stage with a burst of energy that never faltered once during their 40 minute set. Their sound boasts a ska punk vibe with a little R&B added into the mix to produce a an up-beat crazy sound that has everybody bouncing to the beat. Lead singer Ryan Long was constantly all over the place and engaging the crowd in every way possible while keeping his energy at the highest level possible.

Their anything but civil attitude is a turn-on to many of their loyal fans. Their rambunctious and almost illegal way of performing grabs the crowds attention from beginning to end and never fails to amaze anybody as to what they are going to do. Performing such songs as "Bank Song," "Down on Me" and "Take Me to the Party," they show their unique skills as performers as well as music artists. The lyrics are funny but they also sound a like they're womanizers. Their choice of instruments (a.k.a. trumpet, trombone etc), are unique and fun to watch and finally their vocals are pretty much on point - when you can understand what Long is saying (he sings so fast sometimes it was hard to decipher what exactly he was saying).

Sixxxer

Jumping to the opposite spectrum of the musical rainbow, Sixxxer rocked out to a small but nevertheless excited crowd at a bar down the street from the Market Square, at Rockford's. Sixxxer consists of four members that include lead singer Rob Turner (Socialight), Joe Manchisi (Dead Celebrity), Dave B (Neverending White Lights) and Nick Dude (American Standard). Although the band itself has only been together for a short period of time, it still consists of a group of talented musicians who just happen to be great friends who just want to play their music.


When anybody listens to their tunes it distinctly sounds like rock and roll, and there's no other way to describe it. Turner's vocals have a rough edge but adds character to whatever he sings. With the rocking of their guitars and the pounding of the drums, as an onlooker, it's not hard to understand why these guys are so talented. Many were found to be tapping their foot to the beat or breaking out into dance. Performing songs off of their new EP "We Are...Sixxxer" while mixing it up with a cover as well as a song or two from Turner's Socialight Days, it was hard not to get caught up in having fun.

Birds of Wales

Onto another genre of music, Birds of Wales has a folk-pop vibe that reminds people of Jason Mraz or newcomer Carly Rae Jepsen. It's catchy and fun to listen to all the while giving a mellow performance. The lyrics are full of imagery and teamed with lead singer Morgan Ross' sexy-intimate vocals, bring out a wide variety of emotions with each song. While only a medium sized crowd gathered to hear them perform, they still engaged and talked to the crowd with so much professionalism and courtesy as any band should. Their friendly nature allowed everybody from old fans to new to enjoy every moment of the performance.

While listening it was hard not to notice some similarities between some of the songs. When it comes to this type of music though, it's hard to make sure every single song has a different feel. The lyrics are what makes the music different and it seems to be that Birds of Wales has done a perfect job at allowing the songs to have a story of their own. This indie-band has so much potential and it'll be interesting to see what they come up with in the future.

The New Cities

The New Cities are another band who has so much energy they sometimes don't know what to do with it. The pop-punk electro group from Montreal always have an amazing show no matter how small or large the crowd may be. And whether the stage is big or small, this six member group always make proper use of their space and bounce around it at every possible moment. Lead singer David Brown speaks and engages the crowd with his cute French accent and funny comments that always seem to tie into their music. The only downfall is the other members rarely spoke.


Their album "Lost in City Lights" has been out for awhile now but the songs always seem fresh when played live. Performing radio hits like "Dead End Countdown" and "Hypertronic Superstar" along with "Leaders of the Mislead" and "Sinking has Never Been so Easy", there was never a quiet moment during their set. A sea of bouncing heads, and a wave of voices singing along to the words, along with a great beat and catchy lyrics, made for one entertaining 40 minutes.

Lights

There's never a set list of words that can describe this petite brunette and her style of music. Her facebook page describes her as a "Canadian girl who makes intergalactic-electro music." Even that description doesn't even fully describe the music she creates. Donning her piano or keytar for the majority of the set, she belted out lyrics that you wouldn't expect from such a small girl.

Her music nonetheless was exciting and enjoyable to listen to. She sang crowd favourites such as "Saviour", "February Air" as well as "Second Go" and "Drive My Soul". It was easy to notice there was a much larger male presence during her act. It's surprising and amusing at the same time, seeing as she has more of a pop sound more than anything else.

Cute is What We Aim For


Pop-punk band Cute is What We Aim For got the crowd warmed up for the final act and they did a stellar job at keeping everyone's attention. Lead Singer Shaant Hacikyan was anything but dull and the band was extremely upbeat despite the downpour of rain drenching the fans. The rain didn't deter the band or the fans though and CIWWAF went on to produce a great show.


Being off of the radar didn't mean the fans were gone. With a wide variety of songs off of their newest album "Rotation" as well as their first album "The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch", they satisfied everybody's tastes, and more than half the crowd was always singing along. Song favourites included "Navigate Me", "There's a Class for This", "Risque" and their newest release "Harbor" among many other hits. Their catchy pop beats were fun and enticing and easy to sing along to whether you were new to the music or not.

Down With Webster

The last act to hit the Market Square stage was the most anticipated act of the whole day. Down With Webster only a short year ago were playing one of the smaller venues at S.C.E.N.E. fest and this year ended up headlining the entire event. In only a year the boys who originate from Toronto writes, produces, and performs (obviously) all their own music which as gotten the attention of many industry favourites such as Timbaland, and KISS frontman Gene Simmons. With their album, Time To Win Vol. 1, just released this past spring, their fan base has grown exponentially and will continue to do so as they move up in the music industry. Using a mix of rock and R&B with a little bit of Tuba and brass, they're style of music isn't exactly what you see on a regular basis. That's what makes DWW such a special and unique band that forever have an impact on how music is created today.

Out of all the performances seen this day, DWW was one of the most energy packed out of them all. The entire band, yet another consisting of six members, were off the wall with the energy and although they were almost an hour behind schedule due to the 2 inches of water gracing the stage (again due to the rain), they put on a stellar performance that will have everybody talking for ages. Performing chart topping hits such as "Rich Girls" and "Your Man" along with other crowd favourites "Time to Win!", "Grind" and new song "Light the Night Up", everybody was dancing around, singing at the top of their lungs and having a freaking great time.


Mean Tangerine and Crush Luther


To end the night our last stop was at The Red Hot Chili Pepper to see Mean Tangerine and Crush Luther. A lot of people who first heard of Mean Tangerine was when they were 'dis-banded' on this year's show Disband, which is a show hosted by Much Music where they host bands who can either "make it" or "disband". Given a first listen they remind most people of The Johnstones, and they're not lying. But they bring to the table another kind of energy that people love just as much as they do The Johnstones. Although they were playing a small stage, they still managed to make it work.

Crush Luther was a little less crazy and a little more tame when they hit the stage as the last act of the night at The Pepper. They were fun to listen to and although I hadn't heard them in a long time, I still recognized more than one of their songs.

So In Conclusion...S.C.E.N.E. Rocked!

Every year S.C.E.N.E. brings something different to the table then the year before. Although there aren't always favourable bands to some, there are to others. This year was no different and even though the rain decided to try and ruin things, it was still a fantastic day and well organized event.



























Written By: Taryn McElheran

*All Photos courtesy of ZebraPrintSky

(pictures will be up on my Flikr account as soon as a friend of mine adds her photos of the days events!)

6/22/2010

2010 Much Music Video Awards - Inside the Press Room

Well another Much Music Video Awards has surpassed us and as per usual, they rocked the corner of 299 Queen St W. like it was nobody's business. From the very moment I got there, the crowds were extremely intense. People of all ages swarmed to catch a glimpse of Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber do last minute sound checks before they went off to get themselves prettied up for cameras. There were girls screaming and even crying when they saw little J-Biebz hit the stage! From what I was able to hear though, they are both extremely talented, young individuals who know how to rock out - from their dance moves to their voices - and from what I could tell, it was going to be an amazing show!

 I only caught glimpses of the awards in parts because I was in the Q&A lounge inside the Much building, where there was constant flow of celebs coming and talking after they hit the MMVA stage. The lounge itself was incredible. Journalists from all over were mingling around, talking to each other, or setting up their computers and notepads,all ready to talk to some of the worlds biggest celebrities in entertainment.

Being new to this scene (the scene I REALLY want to get into), I have to admit, I was a little starstruck...at first. Once I calmed down a bit and really (and I mean reallllllllly) realized they were just people, then I was able to get down to business! It was such an incredible night and there were so many talented people who were in the building and it honestly was just one big party!!

Due to the fact that there were so many of us in the room, it wasn't always easy to get the mic to ask a question. I was determined to get at least a couple in though and in the end I was fortunate enough to talk to Kellan Lutz, Ashley Greene, and Xavier Samuel (who as you all must know are stars in the up-coming summer blockbuster The Twilight Saga: Eclipse) as well as those lovely boys who I adore so much, Marianas Trench. All of them were so easy to talk to and nice which definitely made it easier for me. In the end it also made a lot more confident in the fact that I CAN and WILL do this.

The list of celebs who attended the MMVAs is just too long to say them all but what I can tell you is the ones who came up to talk to the press! So after a long day we heard the experiences and excitement from the following: Nina Dobrev (The Vampire Diaries), Snooki and Pauly D (Jersey Shore), Jonathan Toews (Blackhawks captain and 2010 Stanley Cup and Gold Medal Winner), The Twilight Crew, Jackson Rathbone and Nicola Peltz (The Last Airbender. Jackson is also in Twilight), Bedouin Soundclash, Belly, Stereos, Shenae Grimes (90210), JLS, Emily Osment (Hannah Montana), Cast of the Buried Life, Leah Miller (SYTYCDC), Whitney Port (The City), Hedley,  Charlotte Arnold (Degrassi: The Next Generation), Marianas Trench, Blake McGrath (SYTYCDC), Miley Cyrus, and Justin Bieber!


Overall, it was an amazing experience and I have Much Music to thank for that! I look forward to being able to cover next year's MMVAs and hopefully it will be just as fun as this year!!

During the broadcast only certain awards were handed out. Here is the list below:

-International Video of the Year by a Canadian - Justin Bieber (Baby ft. Ludacris)
-MuchVIBE Hip-Hop Video of the Year - Trez Songs and Drake (Successful)
-Pop Video of the Year - Hedley (Cha-ching)
-UR Fave New Artist - Justin Bieber (Baby ft. Ludacris)
-Video of the Year - Hedley (Perfect)
-International Video of the Year - Miley Cyrus (Party in the U.S.A.)
-UR Fave International Video - Adam Lambert (Whataya Want From Me)
-UR Fave Video of the Year - Justin Bieber (Baby ft. Ludacris)

For the full list that weren't announced during the awards show please visit www.muchmusic.com/mmvas.

Written By: Taryn McElheran