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...

City and Colour - A Look at Melbourne Street Art

I recently returned home (Canada) from being abroad for the past year (New Zealand/Australia). Before moving to Australia, I knew that Melbourne or somewhere close to it was where I wanted to settle for a bit. Mainly because it is a place with a unique culture and a strong presence of arts, theatre and music. I arrived in St. Kilda, a suburb of Melbourne in November 2012 and immediately felt comfortable and a little at home. 

Side of Iddy Biddy Bar off Acland Street

Off Carlisle St. Balaclava

Off St. Kilda Road

Alleyway off Acland Street, St. Kilda

One aspect of Melbourne that attracted me was the appreciation and accessibility of arts and culture. Melbourne is known as one of the greatest street art capitals of the world. The first time I went into the city to explore I could spot a wall with vibrant colours sticking out and saw an amazing portrait of the Joker. I soon discovered that this was Hosier Lane. Over the years, Rutledge and Hosier Lanes have become a popular tourist attraction with hundreds of people visiting daily. However, there are different opinions on the artistic quality and reputation of the spot. 

While wandering along the busy streets you never know what you're going to see, but I do know you're going to want to remember it. The laneways have people taking pictures and doing all kinds of photo shoots every day. For those who like change, within weeks it's out with the old and in with new on these walls. 

You could easily spend a day exploring all of the alleys and laneways that offer a variety of pieces and the best part is, it’s free. 

For a self-guided walking tour visit here.

Artists outside of Blender Studios

The iconic walls truly add colour to the city and the range of street art will never disappoint. You will be amazed with the work of the artists when you take the time to notice the little details and really focus on a wall. 

Most of these pieces are done on walls where artists have permission. Basically anyone, at any time can paint. But if your smart, you will make sure you have some artistic talent before attempting to burn someone else. 

Blender's Laneway

If you really don’t want to miss anything and would also like to hear what an actual street artist has to say about it all, you can go on a Melbourne Street Art guided tour. The gallery that runs the tours called Blender Studios, also often hosts many different shows. I had the chance to check out one of the shows called 'I fucking <3 Melbourne' by Will Coles. Check out his unique perspective on street art and consumerism. Follow on instagram: mrwillcoles

Keep your eyes open and go explore! If you're lucky, maybe even spot some artists in action.

Even if you're not in Aussieland, explore a city near you...

Coachella 2012- Keeping Music Alive

This year, one of the biggest and most important music festivals, Coachella Music and Arts Festival, is held in Indio, California at the Empire Polo Club. Acts include popular artists, as well as up-and-coming ones and attracts about 75, 000 concert goers. The festival ended its first weekend last night (April 13-15) and still has another set list of performers for next weekend (April 20-22). 

Sunday nights line up included performances and collaborations from some of the greatest rappers in the hip hop scene right now (Snoop, Dre, Eminem, 50 Cent, Wiz, Kendrick Lamar)...and even in the past. Let me start by saying that I watched the video of the set list and every minute was amazing and had me wishing that I was there. I have decided that 'attend Coachella next year' or as soon as possible, is officially on my bucket list and it should be on yours. Dr. Dre, looking better than ever and Snoop D-O-Double G owned the show playing all of their classics. They even took the audience all the way back to when they first started together 20 years ago with 'Deep Cover.' 

The biggest highlight of the night is the hologram technology that allowed the rappers to perform with resurrected West Coast homie Tupac Shakur for 'Hail Mary' and '2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted.' I have to admit seeing him rise onto the stage in the video gave me the chills and hearing him speak to the crowd and rap just like he was there is unbelievable. It must have been a weird, but awesome feeling for Snoop and Dre to perform in front of thousands with their boy again. There is now a twitter dedicated to the hologram, @HologramTupac if you want to follow. Honestly, if that could be done at concerts, to experience artists that you would never have a chance to see live, I would enjoy it. Maybe digital superstars will be the new thing? 
Music festivals and tours are what keeps the industry alive and Coachella is going strong.


Watch the full set here:

Part 1

Part 2 (Tupac at 32:00)

  


Article on more details of Coachella.   

The Beat Down Under

I apologize for not posting in the past couple of weeks. My school year came to an end on Thursday, so I was focused on that and now I will do my best to keep up with the weekly posts. So continuing on...

Similar to the scene in Canada, hip hop in Australia began in the early 1980s and has only really began to build in the past couple of years. Other than listening to it on the internet, Australian hip hop is not something you hear on our local radio stations. So why not give you a chance to hear some hip hop from somewhere other than North America.

The first hip hop group I’ve ever heard from Australia was Hilltop Hoods. I also realized the other day that I just missed their show in Toronto Mar. 22, boo.  They are from Adelaide, South Australia and formed in 1991.  Their latest album, Drinking from the Sun, was released on March 9.

Listen to Hilltop Hoods - I love it feat. Sia off Drinking from the Sun album.

Visit their website. 

I found a great article highlighting another one of Australia’s top hip hop groups right now and the difference between their style and North American hip hop - Bliss and Eso.  They're also the first Australian hip hop act to tour the U.S. Read the article about Bliss and Eso here. Bliss and Eso stated, "We've found real differences when we have toured in North America." "We've found that turntableism and beat boxing is very rare over here, so the crowds always seem to love it when we pull it out in the shows," said Bliss and Eso. (Music video included in article.) Bliss n Eso played on Wed. March 28 alongside Big B in Whistler.

Listen to Bliss and Eso - Coastal Kids from Running on Air album.

Visit their website here.

I enjoy listening to both groups and find some similarities in the music to North American hip hop. However, they bring their own sound and lyrics that are different and I appreciate that. Also, it seems like seeing/hearing one of their live shows would be a great experience.  

Visit: Australian Hip Hop blog

War on graffiti

From previous posts you will notice that I believe graffiti can be art and I appreciate graffiti writers who put meaning into their work. If you have ever been to Toronto you have probably noticed at some point some form of graffiti. There is a thriving street art community in Toronto and it has become a part of its backdrop.

This past week I had planned on going to Toronto to attend an art gallery opening (based on graffiti) and I wanted to tell you guys all about it in this weeks blog post. Instead, I decided to get sick and be stuck in bed. Luckily, I can still tell you all about it, just not my own first-hand experience and without any personal photos.

For those of you who don’t know, Toronto Mayor (Rob Ford) has been trying to ‘clean up’ Toronto by getting rid of all possible marks of graffiti. About a year ago, he declared a war on graffiti. He decided that he would make business owners pay to remove graffiti off their buildings, even if it was an amazing piece of art and the owners liked the work. Many comments on this issue are that he should be working with the artists, not against them. I agree with this statement. Many artists are just going to retaliate and fight for what they want, which many artists have done. Watch the news clip below.

And with that, SPUD a Toronto graffiti writer, stood up for what he believed and has been aiming his work at Rob Ford. He has been spray painting the streets of Toronto and creating canvases with images of the Mayor as a grotesque worm, a smog cloud, and a human “gravy train,” as a reaction to the mayor’s crackdown on graffiti. 

On Thurs. March 8, 2012 “CENSORED” art gallery opened. The gallery takes Spud’s work inside, both graffiti and fine art pieces, to express his thoughts on the Ford administration's censorship of Graffiti as an Art form. SPUD’s show hopes to highlight the art in graffiti and settle the argument once and for all – graffiti IS art. The gallery reached capacity and had people waiting in line to get in, meaning it is more than just street artists interested in Spud's work. 

Watch promo video here.
Between The Lines Presents Censored: SPUD vs. Mayor Rob Ford) from betweenthelinesdoc on Vimeo.


Read National Post interview with Spud here. 

The show is open to the general public for the month of March. If you happen to be in Toronto this month, check it out! Located at Don’t Tell Mama Gallery Space. 108 Ossington Ave. Toronto

Music makes the world go 'round

At the top of my list of Canadian Hip Hop artists is Shad. Shad is a little different from some of the other artists I have posted and I think that everyone can appreciate his music. I hope there are some of you who have heard of him and take pleasure in such a great artist. If this is your first time you have even heard his name or music, I believe you will enjoy it and may even find yourself continuing to listen to him.

Shad or Shad K, born Shadrach Kabang, is a Canadian hip hop artist. He was born in Kenya and was raised in London, Ontario. Shad’s music has been described as an ‘old soul.’ His sound resembles that of some of the old school hip hop artists. He has stated that he grew up listening to artists such as A Tribe Called Quest and Maestro and are influences on his style of music. He is a lyrical genius. It is true that his music is thoughtful and reflective. Real meaning and soul are put into all of his lyrics and sound. Interesting facts: he never uses the F-word in any of his songs and has a Master's degree in Liberal Studies from Simon Fraser University.

To learn a little bit more about Shad watch here. This is a great interview of him at the CBC Hip Hop Summit in 2011.

Shad’s last album, TSOL, was released in 2010. You can find more of his music on his Myspace. The latest music from Shad can be heard on his Mixtape released in December 2011. Listen to it here. 

He is on tour right now in Canada and will be coming to Toronto on March 22.

One of my favourite Shad song's 'Keep Shining.'

The day I discovered he collaborated with another one of my favourite Canadian artists, City and Colour (Dalls Green) was a great day. 'Live Forever' is always on repeat. The mixture between the two genres creates a perfect song. Listen to 'Live Forever' below. I'm hoping there is more of this to come.

A group that has toured with Shad and other groups such as Bedouin Soundclash is Grand Analog. They perform all of their instruments live, even the kazoo!
All of their songs are great…they even have one featuring Shad.
Listen to 'Electric City' below.

Listen to more of their music here.