Pretty Little Liars

I don't get Much Music as an option right now...basic cable stinks...so I watch a lot of shows online (oh the joys of high speed internet!). I've been caught up with the shows I love so I decided to check out new ones that will keep me occupied during the summer...Cheesy or not!

I decided to check out the show Pretty Little Liars. I usually try and stay away from teen drama shows, considering I'm WELL out of my teen years, but I never seem to be successful. With so many great shows out there (aka Gossip Girl, The Vampire Diaries, 90210 etc) it's hard to stay away. And I never act my real age anyways so why start now?

When I first saw previews for Pretty Little Liar, I honestly didn't think much of it. Much Music (no offense) has been putting out rather bland shows lately (Secret Life anyone?) and I thought this would be another one of those bland shows. Suffice to say, I was wrong - so far. Only on episode two, the season is just in the newborn stages of production and success. It's even too early to tell how many viewers there are...and how many will tune in on a constant basis.

The show is about four friends who have a secret. Their friend "Allie" went missing a year ago and they know what happened and vow to tell nobody else. A year later a discovery is made and the police are re-questioning the girls and seemingly catching them in their lies. All the while they are all receiving mysterious texts from "A" revealing their so-called secrets as well as what they're doing when they're supposedly in a private environment.

Of course since it's a teen drama it revolves around teens and high school (surprise surprise). Each of the girls have their own crazy lives intertwined with each other and gives the show a little more depth. If it was just about their secrets, I believe it could get old very fast and people would stop tuning in. Not that I want to reveal too much of the plot (I'm not one for spoiler alerts...or try not to be anyways) but let's just say so far there's student/teacher love, a lesbian (or not?) connection with a new neighbor, shoplifting troubles, and sister drama...and that's just the beginning.

I'm looking forward to seeing what this show will become and how they will turn this book series by Sara Shepard into a smash hit. I guess I'll have to keep you updated...what do you think?

Taryn McElheran

photo courtesy of abc.com

Much Music Video Awards Lineup

June in Toronto is usually known for two major events to kick off the summer season. First off, the biggest music festival in north, North By North East, which kicked off today and runs until the 20th, and the much anticipated Much Music Video Awards (MMVAs), which will take place on Fathers Day, June 20 at the Much Music Headquarters on Queen Street.The MMVAs have always been a hugely popular event, and over the years the hype has increased and so have the crowds.

It doesn't help that the performances and presenters are big name stars that many are ecstatic to see. Last year we saw the Jonas Brothers grace the stage. Fans lined up for three days before they were able to receive their wristbands. This year is no different. With Miley Cyrus co-hosting and Justin Bieber performing, the fan-girl crazies are out and it's only going to be insane.

Here is the full list of performers and presenters you  can expect to be gracing the red carpet event and awards ceremonies for the 2010 MMVA's:


Performers
-Justin Bieber
-Miley Cyrus
-Hedley
-Drake
-Katy Perry
-Down With Webster
-Adam Lambert
-Ke$ha
-Marianas Trench

Presenters/Celebs/Nominees
-Jonathan Toews (Blackhawks)
-Shenae Grimes (90210)
-Leah Miller (SYTYCDC)
-Charlotte Arnold (Degrassi)
-Kellan Lutz, Ashley Greene, and Xavier Samuel (Twilight:Eclipse cast members)
-Miranda Cosgrove (singer, iCarly)
-Whitney Port (The City - MTV)
-Shailene Woodley, Daren Kagasoff, and Megan Park (Secret Life)
-Emily Osment (singer, Hannah Montana)
-Snooki and Pauly D (Jersey Shore - MTV)
- Nina Dobrev (The Vampire Diaries)
-Kristin Cavallari (The Hills - MTV)
-Perez Hilton (Celebrity Blogger extraordinaire)
-Lights (singer)
-Faber Drive (band)
-Nikki Yanofsky (singer, vocals behind Vancouver 2010 anthem)
-Blake McGrath (SYTYCD)
-Girlicious (music group)
-Cobra Starship (band)
-Karl Wolf (singer)
-Three Days Grace (band)
-Bedouin Soundclash (band)
-JLS (band)

Look for full coverage of the MMVAs here on Sugarcain Entertainment. I'll also be tweeting live from the Press Room so follow me at @entaffairsmag to be kept updated!!

Posted By: Taryn McElheran
taryn.mcelheran@gmail.com

photo courtesy of Much Music

Hedley - Never Too Late performed in Africa

So I have been shamelessly following the band Hedley since before anybody knew who they were. I found out about Jacob Hoggard and did a little research on his band (named hedley. before the change-up), and have loved them and their music ever since.

Being an original fan I have come to see these guys grow from guys who played small clubs and theatres to doing their first stadium tour this past spring and most currently traveled to Africa with their charity Free The Children. I am honoured to have been able to follow them from such small beginnings to seeing them thrive in the music industry today and helping people in any way possible. As much as I loved being able to talk to them for an hour after they performed and being in a venue with less than 50 people, I can't help but be proud of them for all their accomplishments!

Here's a video of them performing their single from their old album Famous Last Words called "Never Too Late". They played for the children in Africa and from the looks of it they quite enjoyed the song!



Now, Hedley plan on doing another Canadian tour in the near future but if you can't wait to see them, they have multiple summer festivals booked as well! If you live in and around the Toronto area check them out at this year's Much Music Video Awards, as well as z103.5's Summer Rush and many other events!

Indie Pick: Colorsound

One time not so far in the past I got a friend request on Facebook for a band who called themselves Colorsound. I'm usually not so open to random friend requests, but sometimes I make exceptions. I dug a little deeper and found out who they were and I realized rather quickly that they were a very talented power pop/punk band hailing from Montreal. (Has anybody else noticed the steady stream of talent coming from the province of Quebec lately!?!)

I accepted their friend request, because I'm nice like that, and I love to support the lovely Canadian bands. After checking out their wonderfully designed Myspace page where they have their music showcased for all to hear, I definitely encourage you to do the same!

So for their sound...My first impression when I listened to their music was that they were catchy, upbeat and fun to listen too. And now, after a couple of weeks of listening constantly, my opinion hasn't changed. I've always found myself drawn to this genre of music and I was rather excited when I heard them because they're like candy for my ears!! I couldn't listen to them enough! Unfortunately due to my lack of funds right now, I am unable to support them by purchasing their tunes (either on itunes or otherwise), I encourage all you readers to go out and buy their EP!

They were most recently heard in the background of a scene during "The Hills", which is really exciting for the band to be getting international coverage!! Let's hope there's more experiences for these guys in the future!

If you like the sound of The New Cities (fellow Montrealers), The Mission District, or even Faber Drive, I can pretty much guarantee that you'll enjoy their sound! Check them out and support them by adding them to Myspace and/or Facebook and support their music!

Make it Sweet
Taryn

photo courtesy of Colorsound's myspace page.

Other musical suggestions: Fiction in Motion, Marianas Trench, The Artist Life, Stereos, etc.

Ontario Concert Update

Okay, so I get an email every once and awhile that informs me of concert dates that are upon us. I thought I'd share some important ones that you won't want to miss!

Coming up this month (June):
Carly Rae Jepsen - June 10 @ the Enwave Theatre (formerly known as Harborfront Centre)
 Thrice w/ Special Guests Kevin Devine, Bad Veins and The Dig - June 15 @ The Pheonix
CocoRosie - June 15 @ The Opera House
The Bamboozle Roadshow - June 16 @ Molson Ampitheatre
Hail the Villain - June 18 @ The Mod Club
Adam Lambert (Kiss 92.5 Wham Bam!) - June 19 @ Molson Ampitheatre
MMVA's - June 20 @ Much Music Headquarters
Down With Webster - June 25 @ The Sound Academy

Future Dates (be sure to get tix!):
Lady Gaga - July 11, 12 @ Air Canada Centre
Bon Jovi w/ Kid Rock - July 20, 21 @ The Rogers Centre
Backstreet Boys - Aug 14 @ Molson Ampitheatre
Rockstar Energy Drink UPROAR Festival ft. Disturbed, Avenged Sevenfold and more - Aug 25 @ Molson Ampitheatre
Jonas Brothers and Demi Levato - Sept 2 @ Molson Ampitheatre
Rascal Flatts - Sept 5 @ Molson Ampitheatre
Kiss - Sept 10 @ Molson Ampitheatre
Carrie Underwood - Nov 3 @ Air Canada Centre

There are plenty more, so be sure to check out www.ticketmaster.ca and www.livenation.com to find out more information, buy tickets, and keep up to date on more concert announcments!

Tic Tac Small World Contest

Alright, I need all my imaginary (if you're real...choose to FOLLOW me!!) friends to do me a favour. There is this wonderful contest called the Tic Tac Small World contest where people are invited to submit a video or picture that had something to do with the Tic Tac candy!

Well...I decided to go for it and I created a little video called "When Tic and Tac Fell in Love". Yea lame right? Well I thought it was cute andI submitted it anyways and I NEED your help!!

Why you ask? Because I get the chance to win $5000 to spend in 24 hours of 'small fun'. There are no limitations to spending the money except it has to be spent in 24 hours or less and it needs to be documented with photos and/or videos!!

SO...my plan (thanks to my brilliant friend ERIN) is to FIRST buy a brand new camera...I've got my eye on the new Canon Coolpix series...I'm in love with the purple one!! And THEN me and my bestest ladies are gonna live it up a little! We're going to hit up a tattoo parlour and get a small tattoo done! Then we're gonna check into the swankiest hotel for a night and then hit up the mall for a little shopping and then to top it off get some dinner and MAYBE a Broadway Show/Concert!! Sounds fun right?! SO I NEED YOUR HELP!!!!

Here are the steps:
1) Click on this link ---> http://www.tictacsmallfun.ca/#/see/557
2) View it as many times as possible
3) Share it on Facebook AND Twitter (if you have it)
4) VOTE! Everyone thinks it's 'cute' but I've been getting a 2/5 in response!

So do you think you could help me out?!! I'd LOVE you guys forever!!

Make it Sweet!
Taryn

CD Review: Eclipse Soundtrack

The Twilight Saga movies are notorious for mediocre films and a huge fan base that’s grown like a weed since the release of the movies in November 2008.  Critics are quick to discourage people to see the movie and fans are quick to defend at all costs. The music has been one of the only things that have been a highlight of the films. Although, I must say, “New Moon” was better than “Twilight” and by the looks of the “Eclipse” trailer, it will be better than “New Moon”. Maybe by “Breaking Dawn”, it’ll be Oscar-worthy...Okay, so maybe I’m dreaming a little bit.

I am a fan of the books first and foremost. I was introduced to them before the “Twilight” hype took over the media and the world and I’ll always love the books more. The movies are amusing at best. They are able to put a face to the name and allow the imagination to widen and become more open to new ideas. I will be one of the first to say that the movies aren’t that great (at least the first two). The acting is just okay, the directing is mediocre (with the exception of Catherine Hardwick – I was really not impressed with her directing style for “Twilight”...it could have been done so much better), and overall, it was just rushed.

A movie is never a movie without music. Whether it’s just instrumentals in the background that aids an intense moment or urges a superior fight scene, or it’s a song by a popular artist, it adds to the movie. All can agree that without the background sounds and music a movie produces, the movie would just be moving pictures. Yes, there is more than one component that makes a movie what it is, but one of the most important (or so I believe) is the music.

Music has always been essential to a lot of people’s lives. It’s the music that tells the story of their life or what’s happening in the world. The beat gives substance and the lyrics add meaning to something that otherwise cannot be described. I for one rely on music a lot of the time to try and make sense of what my feelings are. It’s a part of me as it’s a part of a lot of other people in the world. It’s a voice that otherwise won’t be heard.

Now, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse movie is not due out until June 30, 2010 but a preview of the new  soundtrack was made available for 24 hours on inmusic.ca (among other websites), and has given a glimpse into what fans can expect to hear during the movie.

Overall the music is a lot more upbeat and promising then the last movie, “New Moon”.  Due to the content of the book and now the movie, Eclipse is supposed to have a more upbeat feel that is full of love, conflict and drama.  I’m excited to say that they picked a stellar line-up for the soundtrack and am excited to see how they put the music to use.

Keeping with the themes of the other two films, the music is a mix of bright, happy tunes and sad and depressing. It also sticks to the theme of using artists who don't sound like your average "pop" band. They carry a folksy-art tune that is eccentric and exciting. Strong beats and a steady rhythm is consistent in all the songs and allow the listener to create story lines for the songs. It will be interesting to see where they choose to incorporate the songs throughout the movie (if they use them IN the movie at all). It's easy to picture certain moments in the book with certain songs. Here's to hoping the directors will be able to do the same thing for the movie.

Fans can expect to find music from Canadian talent Metric with her song “Eclipse (I’m Yours), Vampire Weekend, Muse, The Black Keys and of course Howard Shore who has written the score for the past two films (among many other talented artists). The entire album has an eccentric feel to it and suits the film just as the other soundtracks have suited “Twilight” and “New Moon”.  I can tell you that the majority of the music on here isn’t normally something I’d listen to, but it’s definitely a soundtrack that I believe is worth remembering.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse soundtrack will be released to stores on June 8, 2010 while the movie will be released worldwide on June 30, 2010. Check out the preview at www.eclipsesoundtrack.com/preorder

Written by: Taryn McElheran

photo courtesy of shutterpillar (flickr)