All Time Low and Yellowcard Take On The Sound Academy

If you're a music lover of any kind then you would understand me when I say that walking into a concert venue is like walking into the spa. You instantly relax, shake out your tense shoulders, grab a drink and forget all your worries - if for a small moment in time. It's instinct to just let go and enjoy the sounds around you, the excited chatter of seeing your favourite performer and the overall hum of a crowd waiting to be entertained. It's not exactly a feeling anybody can describe specifically, it's just something that you really just have to be there fore. All I know is that the feeling is always mutual.

Fireworks (01.17.13) - Taryn McElheran

The night of the All time Low and Yellowcard show on January 17, 2013 I was tense and worried about a situation that was taking place at my place of employment. Leading up to the show I was worried and agitated and thinking about how this may just ruin my night. I met up with my dear friend and some of that irritation lifted and as soon as we stepped into The Sound Academy (formerly known as The Docks), I instantly felt my mood lighten. Sure I was surrounded mostly by teenagers and it was bulging at the seams, but the overall excitement everyone was giving off was kind of a dose of contentment.

Lets be honest though, the first act Fireworks didn't exactly appeal to my ears - or anyone else's for that matter. I think the crowd was just being polite by nodding their heads along to the music. The music itself wasn't anything spectacular. Just like every other band out there trying to make it, they were belting out lyrics like their life depended on it but to me they didn't have anything that stood out. They reminded me of just another garage band and it pains me to say it. As most of you know I'm not exactly a fan of giving out harsh criticism but I can't praise something I didn't like! The band itself, while looking energetic, seemed to be doing so on an individual level. They had the energy but it wasn't cohesive and together. I don't know if that makes sense exactly but looking back on the night I remember the guitar player and the drummer rocking out, and the lead singer struggling to dance/move around the stage and sing at the same time.

Check out their myspace radio and judge for yourself! http://www.myspace.com/ihearfireworks/radio

I first heard Yellowcard live this past summer at Van's Warped Tour in Toronto. Crazy I know that I just started listening to them now as they were around when I was in high school but forgive me as I went through more of a boy band craze in high school instead of rock/punk/indie/pop/whatever I listen to now. While I didn't know any of the lyrics and only vaguely knew some of their new music of their most recent album Southern Air, I was pretty much foreign to the band. However, while I didn't know any of the lyrics, I did enjoy their set. Interacting with the crowd came easy to them and you could tell they loved their fans and they were thankful for the opportunities they were given. As the lead singer said on stage, they were gone for almost four years without producing any music or touring but when they came back their fans were still there. It's amazing what people will do when music is this good to your ears.

All Time Low (01.17.13) - Taryn McElheran

While Yellowcard was the main attraction for my friend (seeing as she actually listened to them in high school -unlike me), All Time Low was the reason I was excited. While I haven't been a long-time fan, it's going on almost five years now and it's been five years of great music. In the beginning they were more of a punk-rock band and while they've progressed into mainstream pop band (on some levels) they still produce catchy tunes that keep people coming back for more. Now I know some of you may be thinking that this is a band for the younger generations, I beg to differ. While standing in the 19+ section (that was pretty packed btw), I witnessed more than a few older adults jamming along to ATL - so don't judge! These guys have an incredible energy and vibe when it comes to interacting with their audience and their love of Canada and us Canadians was apparent. While Jack Barakat (guitar/bg vocals) and Alex Gaskarth (lead) did most of the talking the camaraderie on stage was undeniable. I think it's safe to say that Jack loves boobs (as if the abundance of bodacious bras thrown on stage wasn't a sign) and Alex loves is job. We can't leave out Rian (drums) or Zack (bass) either because while they may have been quieter on stage, that didn't stop them from feeling the love of the girls screaming their names.

Unlike Yellowcard, I knew most if not all the songs and lyrics they played during their set. Being a fan of their older stuff I was pleased that they mixed it up from songs off their most recent release Don't Panic! with old favourites from Put Up or Shut Up, So Wrong it's Right, Nothing Personal and of course Dirty Work. I was a little sad that they didn't play my favourites "Vegas" or "Remembering Sunday" but they more than made up for it with their rambunctious attitudes, infectious personalities and catchy tunes.

Needless to say I forgot all my worries for those few hours and had myself a rocking good time. My ears were pleased and my desperate need for a concert satisfied. Here's to hoping 2013 will bring more fun times and many more memories!

-Taryn

We Survived the Zombie Apocalypse, Now What?

A new year always means new resolutions - or new resolutions to make resolutions for next year. It seems  that a lot of people always seem to be pushing their resolutions for later on. Later on in the month, a few months in or even pushed into doing it next year. I'm not going to lie, I'm definitely one of those people to push it forward, believing I'll get to it later. I'll even go as far as writing down the resolutions and posting them where I can knowingly see them without denying it's existence.

This year I vow to change that. Or at least go as far as trying.

I guess you can all tell by now that the Zombies didn't end up coming after all. As much as I was relieved that the world didn't collapse in on itself (at least not literally), I was kind of hoping deep down inside I'd get to test my (non-existent) skills of shooting the undead right in the head. Oh well, guess we'll save that for when the asteroid is supposed to hit our precious planet in 2036. Maybe by then we'll all be living on Mars!! (P.S. I'm totally not making the last part up about the asteroid OR Mars - If you don't believe me, Google it!).

Anyways, I guess it's time to shoot off what I am going to attempt to complete this year of the Snake:

- Write a book. No, not self-titled biography (I hate writing about myself). I am a hopeless romantic which naturally means I love reading a good old-fashioned romance novel. Fiction is something I love to read to get away for a little while and I feel like if I put some heart into it, I could possibly accomplish this feat. Technically I've already put a dent into this goal but this year I'd like to make a bigger dent!

- Find some new people to interact with. It's no secret that I'm single and as I get older it's getting a little more...sad. Whether I find some new friends or somebody special, I would like to take a leap of chance this year. I'm too much inside my own box of insecurities that I'm not giving anybody a chance - and it sucks.

- I would like to attempt to take a class or two of continued education in something I find totally compelling and interesting. I realize I have yet to find a career but I feel like I've already gone to school for 17 years to learn. I want to learn more about something I love. So far I feel like I've narrowed it down to Baking/Cake Decorating and/or Creative Writing 101. Guess we'll see where 2013 takes us!

- This year is the year I'll seriously take my health into consideration. I've been chubby all my life and have hated myself for it but have done nothing about it. I managed to do it once - I need to do it again.

- I guess I should add to this list that finding a full-time job is crucial this year. Seeing as my 27th birthday is just 30 days away, I think it's time to get serious about taking that next step forward. As much as I love my job right now, it's just not enough.

- Last but not least I would like to take some time this year to go on a road trip to anywhere. Go on a vacation, just get up and have fun. Personally I would love to go to Disneyland AND The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but that's just ONE option of where I would love to have some fun. If anybody is up for that, please let me know!

Well folks I guess this concludes our very first session of January 2013. I realize I fell off the ball for the last few months and to tell you the truth I've been in a little bit of a writing rut. As much as I want to write, nothing seemed to come out and hopefully with this kicking it off, it'll all change.

In the next few weeks keep an eye out for more reviews (I've got two quick movie reviews coming at'cha, All Time Low and Yellowcard concert review, a cd review here and there, and possibly some TV show reviews if you'll be patient with me), an arts and crafts corner (I can't ignore my other creative side) and a whole lot more. This blog used to be mainly a music based site, but I'm hoping to broaden the horizon a little.

Bear with me friends and hopefully you'll stay faithful to me and I to you!

Goodnight!

-T

New Hearing Aids Campaign

I've been a horrible horrible blogger as of late and I am truly sorry for my slacking off! I've just been busy with life and considering that writing/blogging is not my job description, I kind of had to put the blog on hold...and for that I am truly sorry!!

To start things off I would like to direct you to a campaign that I am currently pushing for myself. First off, have you ever heard of www.indiegogo.com? No? Well it's a website where people can post their stories and basically fundraising money for their causes. In simple terms it's called crowd-funding. My campaign is focused on the fact that I need new hearing aids. As much as I don't want to come out and let the entire world know that I am in fact hearing impaired, they have become such an expensive necessity that I couldn't do it on my own. And by expensive they average (the good ones, not the ones you see on tv commercials and in Walmart's inner stores) about $6100 for the best of the best. It made your heart hurt and made you flinch just now right?! Yea, that's what I did when I officially found out the prices today.

Hearing is such an essential part of life that you really don't miss it until you actually have lost it. I have been without 30 per cent of my hearing for the better part of 21 years. You're supposed to replace them every five and I am currently going on eight - and they're showing their wear. With technology advancing and also getting smaller my hearing aids are literally falling apart and digitally aging by the day. What was once new technology in my ears in 2005, is sorely outdated in 2012.

Here's where I need your help. I am campaigning to raise $4000 by January to help me to fund new hearing aids so I can get out there and live my life. Some people may say that they'd choose blindness over hearing, but I would beg to differ. Hearing is essential to your balance, to being able to interact with people and your surroundings and it's a sense that will allow you to stay connected with the world. At least that's how I see it.

Please take a moment to read my pitch for my indiegogo campaign and pass it along. That's all I ask. If you donate I will forever be grateful and humbled by your support but I understand these are financially troubling times. Trust me, I know. But please just share it! Social Networking is such a powerful thing and if used properly, many amazing things can be accomplished!!



Thanks a million,
- T

(P.S. I know my opinion should stay neutral but to all my American readers you better get out there and vote! And vote for your future not your past. #Obama2012)

Celebrity Hunting at #TIFF2012

I always say year after year that I am going to go to Toronto and find celebrities during the internationally known Toronto International Film Festival (aka TIFF), but somehow I always find some excuse not to go (and always end up totally regretting it later). This year (while I did make a few major mistakes in the short-timed planning process) I decided that it was a must, and I just had to make it happen!

Friday a friend and I decided to stake out in the general areas of Wellington and John Streets and King and John Streets to see who we could see. This festival is known for reeling in the big wigs of the Entertainment/Movie industry so I was nervous and excited to see who we could get a glimpse of. To be honest I was 100% there to scope out Ryan Gosling (I have the tiniest biggest crush on the man and I was totally stoked to be in the same city as him), but I was excited in general to be amongst some major celebrities!

A tiny tidbit about myself before we move on is that I have been head-over-heals obsessed with anything and everything entertainment, celebrities and music all of my life. My mother was always telling me to be realistic and not fantasize about it all the time. Funny thing is, I still am crazy about it after all these years and if I ever get the chance to work in the business (on the writing/journalism/media end of things) I will consider it my dream/passion come true! So if anybody out there needs a grunt, admin, researcher...I'm available!!

Anyways, back to business. We stuck around the Bell Light Box (which is TIFF headquarters), The Ritz-Carleton Hotel, and Roy Thompson Hall/Princess of Wales where they were known for celebrity sightings during the day/evenings - and we weren't wrong! Just walking by the back end of the Bell Light Box we spotted a tv crew and a mysterious van. Not too long after that the one and only Snoop Lion (uh, aka Snoop Dogg?) step out of the vehicle and into the building. While he didn't stop to talk to anyone going in, he took to twitter to tweet his doings while waiting for his press conference to start.

The Ritz-Carleton was full of celebrities and I'm sure we only saw less than an 1/8th of the entire hotel. While we did spot some amazing actors/actresses we had yet to see Gosling (oh yes, I'm totally going back there). It's hard to write about all of them in sentences so here's a list of who we saw at the Ritz:

- Andy Samberg (aka first well know for being on Saturday Night Live - he's super cute btw)
- Viggo Mortenson (I was excited for this - first thing I squealed was that he's from Lord of the Rings haha)
- Fran Dresher (ya know, from The Nanny! I grew watching her!)
- Kate Hudson (only had a glance as she had her little baby with her)
- David Spade
- Numerous directors/producers (I'm assuming - I believe we saw one who was later on at the after-party for The Place Beyond the Pines).

We headed over to the red carpet for Roy Thompson Hall and The Princess of Wales to catch a glimpse of even more celebs! These were the main theatres so they had the most action so it was definitely awesome to be apart of such a big crowd and event. While we were at Roy Thompson we managed to see the likes of Bryan Cranston (anybody watch Breaking Bad?), just a tiny glimpse of Jennifer Garner and of course the wonderful (and super amazingly friendly) Ben Affleck! At first we thought Ben would skip our side (as they were trying to push him into the media tent) but he came our way and we were like inches away from him! I even managed an autograph of my He's Just Not That Into You DVD cover along with the comment "Woah, haven't seen this one in awhile!". To be honest I was going to bring another cover but it had both Bradley Cooper AND him so I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone! Too bad I never saw Bradley Cooper haha.

Then *deep breaths* we headed over to the Princess of Wales to...wait for it... see Ryan Gosling!! Sadly I only got a brief glimpse of his beautiful face, but it was just enough that I was able to breath in the same air. I'm sure all of the other girls felt the same way but still...I was stoked! He was looking dapper as always and while it was only for a second, it definitely made my night (other than Ben Affleck of course!).

So you can probably get the picture as to how the rest of the evening went. We went back to the hotel, the back to the red carpet at Roy Thompson (this time to see Alexander Skarsgard and Julianne Moore), and then back to the hotel - with a trip to Starbucks and Boston Pizza in between. Oh and went back to the Princess of Wales to catch Amy Adams,  and Joaquin Phoenix, at their premier of The Master.

Director Derek Cianfrance from
The Place Beyond the Pines

 Nearing the end of the night we got word that Ryan and Bradley Cooper (who are castmates on The Place  Beyond the Pines) - thanks Twitter! - were at a local restuarant/bar for their after-party. So, as dedicated stalkers...I mean hunters, we headed over to Ame to see if those beautiful boys would make an appearance. Unfortunately they didn't *sadface*, but it was interesting just the same to see who else we could spot. We did end up seeing the director of the film as well as one of the other actors Dane DeHann.

Sadly that was the end of our long day/night but it was a blast none the less!

TIFF runs from September 7th until the 13th so there is still plenty of chances for you to go and find your own celebrity experiences! The first weekend is the biggest for the stars but there are PLENTY to go around! Plus, if you're a Cineplex SCENE card holder you can save money and get TIFF tickets for as little as $12 dollars a ticket! That's awesome!! (Tickets regularly start around $19.99 and go up to around $40!)

Hope you have your own fun stalking...uh, I mean...hunting...down celebrities! Pictures will come as soon as I have some!

If you're on Twitter make sure you follow @EtalkCTV and @ETCanada to get all the up-to-date info about what's going on at TIFF!

- Taryn

P.S. I was serious about the job part! If anybody from Etalk or ET Canada sees this...I'm yours!

Two: Jesse Labelle Releases Second Album

Album Cover for Two, photo courtesy of Wax Records.

Okay so this is a long time in the making but as I've had little time over the last few weeks (started a new job position which is taking up a LOT of my time lately), it's been kind of hard to keep this site up-to-date!

SO! That being said, I spoke to Canadian cutie Jesse Labelle a few weeks back as part of his promotion of his new album Two. After listening to it numerous times (and still listening to it obviously) I have got to say that it is a fantastic piece of work!

It took a little over two years and and two attempts but he finally released an album that he was proud of. He said in our interview, "The record label didn't think the first one I wrote was quite right so I had to re-write a second second version and that became “Two”.  After I wrote it I was so proud and so happy with it and I was glad I had the opportunity to write it again."

The writing process was a lot shorter this time around and the album itself is more about getting back to who he is. While his first album Perfect Accident was written over a span of seven years (from the ages of 18 to 26), this time around it was an album that was more cohesive and something that suited who he is now.

"The record is all about human interactions and both sides and connections. It’s really about the good, the bad, the ups, and downs. It starts with an honest and happy song and it ends with a kind of sad song...I really believe it does have a beginning, middle and an end."

You start with an emotionally powerful and heart-tugging song that is full of hope and promise. "Let You Down". This one is probably my favourite off of this album. The line that got to me the most would have had to be "There's two to every story; two sides of a heart. One that fears the ending, and one that fears the start". It may only be 21 words long  but it probably has the most impact. 

The song that seemed the most playful had to be "One Last Night". While playing up the romantic side of the "impending" end of the world in December, he still manages to make it light-hearted and fun. I really liked the fact he added a rap portion of the song by featuring artist Nixon. It was a nice contrast and made the song just a little bit different than the rest of the album - it was a nice touch!

Other noteworthy songs (in my books anyways) would have to be "Something to Feel" and "Kryptonite". The lyrics are special and I believe a lot of people are able to connect with them. I definitely give this album two thumbs up and I look forward to seeing Jesse perform live in the near future! 

You can find his album wherever they sell albums and most definitely online at itunes! Pick it up if you know what's good for you!

That's it, that's all! Stay tuned for my Celebrity filled day while I tried to hunt down Ryan Gosling at this year's Toronto International Film Festival!!

- Taryn

Faber Drive's #LostinParadise out Tuesday!

That's right guys...there's only a few more days until Faber Drive drops their new album Lost in Paradise!! It's been a long time coming but they're finally ready to show the world some new songs!

Don't forget to pick it up in store or on itunes this Tuesday!

And while you're waiting, check out their lyric video for Candy Store!

Q&A with Canadian Cutie Jesse Labelle

Jesse Labelle's sophomore album "Two" released Aug 7, 2012*

So I talked to the one and only Jesse Labelle earlier today and while I have an article on the go for  Suite101.com, I figured I would post the Q&A portion of if here for you all to see! Our interview was short and sweet (he probably wasn't used to that but I didn't want to take up too much of his busy schedule) but he had some really great things to say.

While it was only for 15 minutes I got a good sense of who he was as a person and an artist. I know that a lot of people put their favourite musicians and bands on pedestals (I admit it, I do from time to time) but in the end they are really just normal people. I hope you get the sense of it to as you read on!

(p.s. I tried to get this as true as to what Jesse said. As it was a phone interview I had no recording device so I had to type as fast as I possibly could!)

Taryn: Hi Jesse! How have you been?

Jesse Labelle: Been busy, early mornings long days, and late nights but it’s been fun.

T: How does it feel to be releasing your second album finally? Did you face any obstacles before the release?

J: Not really, but there is an interesting story. It’s actually the second second album I did. The record label didn’t think the first one I wrote was quite right so I had to re-write a second second version and that became “Two”.  After I wrote it I was so proud and so happy with it and I was glad I had the opportunity to write it again.

T: If you compared your first album “Perfect Accident” to your new one, what would you say the main differences would be?

J: It is completely different album. It was written from the time I was 18 until 26. There was long time in between and a lot of things happened. “Perfect Accident” was about me chasing my influences. This one I really wanted to go originality over influence. Ninety per cent of “Two” was written over the piano – over the keys. Has a sound that is is closer to my own sound. I mean every artist wants an album that sounds like who they are and I think this album has touched on that.

T: What has the writing process been like? Was it easier the second time around compared to your first?

J: It was a lot different and I included a lot of co-writers.  For my first album I only had one other co-writer. With “Two” I started to believe in strength in numbers and I really wanted to get the opinions of others. The writing process was a lot more intuitive and happened over a lot shorter period of time and  it was a lot more cohesive.

T: Everybody has their favourites (like mine are Won't Let you Down and Some to Feel) but what song or songs off of “Two” are your favourites?

The first song Won’t Let You Down, is definitely my favourite. I put it first because it’s the purest and most honest song on the record and I wanted everybody to be able to listen to it and feel that. I also wanted to let them know where I planned to take the music.

T: What’s the story behind One Last Night? Do you believe the world is going to end in December?

J: *laughs* I honestly don’t know. I mean you’ll never really know. I kinda like to live my life as if the world is going to end every day. Things pop up and things happen but you just have to go with it. This song is about living for the moment and making it count.

T: Heartbreak Cover-Up is about a personal experience right? What do you do to pick up the pieces of a broken heart?

J: Pretty much what’s in the song. That’s really where that song came from, having a broken heart and having the emotions that go along with it. Pretty much everybody has a way to deal like this, unless you’re too young and don’t have the card. They’re only emotions you can make because you’re grown up (talking about drinking Patron). That’s what I have done in the past. I haven’t had a broken heart in a long time and I don’t really want one of those again. They’re no fun to deal with and nobody should have to feel like that.

T: You also worked with Alyssa Reid on Heartbreak Cover-Up. Is there any other collaborations you’d like to do in the future?

J: There are tons, I mean there are so many people I would love to work with.  I’d really like to work with Ryan Tedder from One Republic. I really like his style and what he does. I’d also love to write a song with Rob Thomas - that’s always been a goal of mine. When it comes to collaborating with artists – this is going to sound crazy – but I would like to sing with Bono. I know it’s a little out there, but I would love to collaboration where would just share the song.

T: After reading your bio I got the vibe that you’re a bit of a romantic? How would you get the attention of the girl you like?

J: Yeah a little bit, I can be at times *pauses*. Wow, that’s a good question. I guess there are lots of different ways. I mean it really depends on the girl. I guess though that to get her attention I would give her attention.

T: You also mentioned in your bio that you’re trying to tell a story from beginning to end with “Two”. Do you feel that you accomplished this?

J: Yeah, I mean the record is all about human interactions and both sides and connections. It’s really about the good, the bad, the ups, and downs. It starts with an honest and happy song and it ends with a kind of sad song. But I really believe that it does have a beginning, middle and an end.

T: Can fans look forward to a tour anytime soon?

J: We’re working on it! I mean the summer doesn’t really have an opportunity for shows but we’re working on some shows for the fall. There should be an announcement soon about it.

T: Do you have any other projects on the go that you’re excited about?

J: I’m doing a ton of writing right now; so much. I’m working with a bunch of bands and artists. I’m helping with Alyssa Reid’s new album and as of yesterday a band called Bangarang. I’m really just looking to write with as many people as possible.

T: If you could tour with anyone, who would it be?

J: That’s a great question. It’s so hard to choose as there are so many amazing artists out there that I would love to tour with. I would be happy touring with anyone really. I would totally choose U2.  Or even Coldplay as they are like the U2 of this generation.

T: What favourite playlist could we find on your iPod/mp3 player at this exact moment?

J: I love Of Monsters and Men – they’re great. I really like the Frank Ocean album, and Collective Soul. I love them so much and always find that I am going back and listening to them. I mean I could really go on, I’m a lover of all kinds of music.


After all of this I want to thank Jesse for taking the time out of his schedule to talk to little ol' me. I wish him all the best with his new album and I hope to hear from him a LOT more! You'll be sure to see me at one of his up-coming concerts if one of them happens to be in the Toronto or GTA! 

- T 

*photo courtesy of Wax Records.