This is a Story All About...Music

Limiting a list of the most meaningful, inspirational, life changing, whatever you want to call it, albums that have had an affect on you is a very daunting task and it is most certainly not an easy one. But what I like about this new Facebook album status trend, is that it's supposed to be done quickly.

I think of music as a gateway to the soul. (Cheesy, I know) But seriously, to publicly tell people a list of albums that have had a significant meaning to you over the years, is such a personal thing and truly tells you about someone. One of the questions you ask someone when you first meet them is “what kind of music are you into?” It sounds like a simple question, but in its essence it is so much more complex. And what I also like about this list is that it makes you wonder why? All you have to do is ask someone why he or she picked a specific album and there is a story on its own. So I thought I would tell you a little about myself with my list (no particular order) and make you wonder why...

Death Cab for Cutie - Transatlanticism

The Kooks - Inside In/Inside Out

Florence and the Machine - Ceremonials

Classified – Self Explanatory

Backstreet Boys – Backstreet’s Back

Shad - TSOL

Of Monsters and Men – My Head is an Animal

City and Colour - Sometimes

Freelance Whales - Weathervanes

Wu-Tang - Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers

Dashboard Confessional – Alter the Ending

Across the Universe – Soundtrack

The Killers – Hot Fuss

Notorious B.I.G. – Ready to Die

The Pogues – the very best of…

Some have more significance than others, but the bottom line is if I had to be stuck somewhere with only these albums to listen to…I would be fine.

And on that music note… here is a video I prepared to become Live Nation’s next Nokia All Access Correspondent. 

Basically, this is my dream job. To attend concerts, write about them, take pictures and videos, interview the artists, interact with other fans, just be there in the moment and love every minute of it. How could any music enthusiast not want to do that? Even if I don’t win, I appreciate the companies who give people this kind of opportunity. Both of these projects reminded me why I want to have a career in the entertainment industry and to keep working towards my dreams.

"Music should go right through you, leave some of itself inside you, and take some of you with it when it leaves."
                                 - Henry Threadgill

SonReal is ForReal

I'll be honest...I have heard of SonReal on different occasions, but for whatever unfortunate reason he has gone under my radar. From the looks and sounds of things, this Vancouver native has been working hard over the past couple of years and it just keeps getting better. 

SonReal has released his new project One Long Day. A free mixtape, yes that's right, you don't have to illegally download it. Tracks feature the likes of Shad and Kardinall Offishall, as well as productions from Arthur McArthur and Rich Kidd to name a few. I didn't even finish the first track before deciding that the mixtape is worth the time and praise. There is no doubt it will be a success. All of this and the fact it sounds like an album is why you should appreciate it even more. Respect to those who support hip hop, Canadian hip hop and independent record labels. 

Check out and download SonReal - One Long Day (Mixtape) 

For more artist info and music downloads visit here 

Side Note: I'm hoping to make the Buffalo, NY show. Anyone else planning on going to a show?

M A X O U T

I first heard local rapper Marcel “Moofeek” Dudi back in 2006. I was immediately impressed with the speed and creativity of his rhymes and was even happier to find out he was from St. Catharines. He has since created a name for himself as a valued artist in the city with many supporters. Now, with many years of experience and several mixtapes under his belt, Moofeek is at it again. 

Psy Fly Records presents Moofeek “Max Out” EP available for download November 26. The new EP features original music from Psy Fly producers Deek, Blue Ribbon, BWAER (pairOnormals), and Mr. Cook. Max Out is a fresh take on hip-hop that incorporates modern sounds and techniques. The beats, giving off a sci-fi/futuresque vibe, work together to produce an out of this world sound (literally and metaphorically). No two beats are the same and there is this anticipation to hear how each track changes. Moofeek delivers clever lines with his own distinctive flow. Check out 'Nasty' off the upcoming EP 'Max Out.'

Just this summer Moofeek released “Big Fish” which was a big success. The mixtape featured local artists, including Sese and many tracks produced by Deek. The mixtape was featured on HipHopCanada.com and can be streamed here.

Moofeek doesn’t waste time when it comes to working hard in the studio and creating buzz worthy music. I think someone with so much dedication and passion deserves to be recognized. If you like what you hear come out to the release party on November 26 in downtown St. Catharines or download the new EP. 
Keep your ears open...

For more event details visit here.

Follow Psy Fly Records on Twitter for more music updates

The Smell of Aerosol is in the Air

Last weekend, on Sunday, October 27 the annual Graffiti Jam, referred to as the Garden Park Urban Art Festival and Loop Graffiti Jam, took place in downtown St. Catharines.

Over 30 artists from Niagara and surrounding areas came together in Fulton’s Alley off of James St. to reinvent the walls and businesses. Once again, the art that was created did not fail to amaze me. I’m not surprised, since the artists spent an entire day and even longer working on their pieces. I think to an artist, a piece is never really completed...I'm not an artist, but I value art. I’ve learned over the years that there is always going to be something you can add or change, but either way it will still look awesome. 

I was impressed with the amount of media and sponsors the event had this year which helped make it a real success. The best part about the event is that all proceeds raised are going to Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Catharines-Thorold (a charitable organization dedicated to adult volunteers being mentors for children.) Also, each artist was supplied with a blank canvas to be painted and auctioned off to support BBBS. 

Live music and DJ’s performing throughout the day gave visitors even more entertainment. Each year the event keeps getting bigger and better. A lot of time and planning goes into an event like this and a big thanks to John Fulton who runs the event each year, as well as the sponsors and businesses who allowed the art work to be displayed. 

I'm excited to see what next year brings. Hopefully, the success of the event will draw attention towards these talented artists and create more legal art walls in the community.

Check it out on Facebook

Keep Shining...