Trainlight

1. How did the band begin and take its first steps?

A friend told me about a guitar player looking to start a band... I went out to jam with him once, and then when I saw our drummer Dave playing in the high school concert band, I asked him to join us. I'd been song writing throughout high school, so we just starting jamming out my tunes… we found our bass player later.

2. Who thought of the name Trainlight and what is its significance?

I thought of it... Sort of historical... trains we're a huge theme in blues music in its beginnings because of the travelling life style of a blues musician... but I also just loved the sounds and even more the images that seem to arise from the name. To me a train represents the rhythm section of the band, and the light is sort of the melody, strings, guitar over top

3. Has been playing gigs in Toronto helped you performance and music wise? Yeah definitely. Playing different venues helps you to get used to different challenges, and just used to playing for a new crowd/ adjusting to a new environment.

4. What was your favourite show you played?

We played a pretty sweet show last week at Georgian College in Barrie. It wasn’t huge… maybe 80 people, but everyone was there to listen and it just felt super intimate… the sound and overall vibe was great too – I loved it

5. Do you do anything special to prepare for a show?

Yeah definitely… I do about an hour of vocal warm ups usually, and before I go on I just sort of mentally go through the set. I try to calm myself and stop thinking about other things so I can get really into the music.

6. Which is your favourite song to perform?

Right now… I love playing a fairly new song called trouble – I just really like the overall vibe of that one

7. Is there anyone you dream to share the stage with?

Hmm… I would personally love to play with Coldplay, I have also always loved Jann Arden

8. What does the song "Ive Just Got to Try" about?

Love I guess… at least the feeling – among other things… that seem to have subconsciously worked their way in there…

9. Which path do you want your music to lead you down? Well, I think we’d all like to take it to whatever heights we can, but I definitely won’t stop playing no matter what happens.

10. How was the recording experience?

A little stressful to be honest… because I didn`t understand a lot of what was happening and I like to feel in control of it :P but eventually I could let go, and it was exciting to hear it played back

11. If you could pick a radio station to feature you guys which would it be?

CHUM probably… or 99.9

12. How does it feel to know your music is influencing others?

Wow… uhmm I think it feels fulfilling definitely, like there’s merit in what you’re doing – but at the same time it reminds me that I owe it to myself and others to be as honest in the songs as possible… I think honesty is very important in all art – you have to be honest to an emotion or to an experience for the art to really have the best potential impact I think.

13. Who got rights to the piano growing up, Nathan or yourself?

Ha… well actually I was a drummer for about three years and then mostly I jammed on the guitar… but since I’ve been playing piano a lot for the last few years its always just a first come first serve sort of thing… ha but there are a lot of hours in the day – it works out

14. Do you feel that having a musically inclined brother has helped you in any way?

Oh definitely… both my brothers are very musical, as are my parents and a lot of my siblings… I think overall it has really exposed me to a lot of music, and just put me in the atmosphere where music always came to the forefront of my mind… my brothers especially have given me feed back on a lot of my songs and it has been very helpful.

15. What is the best part about being a musician?

Just creating I think… letting out all of your emotions… I love the feeling of writing whatever you want… it’s an adrenaline rush and a release at the same time for me – Playing in front of people who seem to get into your song is also an awesome feeling, because you’re able to share something that means something to you.

16. What are three things you can’t live without?

Well… God, my family, and I guess good writing, be it music, novels, philosophy or whatever

17. If you could move any place in the world to pursue your music where would that be?

Maybe somewhere like New York… just so that I could be in a totally fresh environment

18. Favourte book or author? Or favourite/ most inspirational album to you?

Tolkien, and A Rush of Blood to the Head by Coldplay is definitely one of my favourite albums.

19. Favourite place to write your music?

In my room

20. What do you want the world to know about Trainlight?

That we`re so thankful to be able to do what we’re doing, and we’re always going to keep creating music no matter where it takes us because we love it.

Randolphs Academy for the Performing Arts

Listen up, theatre buffs! This one’s for you. So, do you LOVE the arts but have nowhere to express your passion? Can you sing like Mariah Carey or Usher, dance like Blake McGrath or Mia Michaels, and/or act like Reese Witherspoon (she was amazing in Legally Blonde, okay?) or Mister Denzel Washington himself? Then you better put your Chanel reading glasses on and pay attention to this article. Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts should basically be your home away from home.

Located right in the heart of Mirvish Village (Bathurst and Bloor) in the ever-so-trendy Annex neighbourhood, the Randolph Academy is the place for all performing artists. Founded in 1992 by George Randolph, this is not your everyday average studio. Many are fooled by the appearance. It was once a church, which seated about 1,200 people. In 1968, the United Church realized they should turn it into a theatre, and here we are today.

The programs offered at the Academy are incomparable to other studios. There are programs and classes for dancers, singers, actors, and even Triple-Threats-to-be.

This is where the musical theatre part comes in: a weekly three-hour intensive is offered throughout the school year. Classes are held on either Saturday or Sunday (you choose which day you would like to take the class). During each session, the three hours is split into an hour of acting, an hour of singing, and an hour of dancing. Dance classes are categorized based on level of expertise. Classes are separated into different age groups: the juniors, intermediates, seniors, and pre-college students. The Academy also offers a college program for high school graduates. Graduates of the college program have been seen on Broadway, in the Stratford Festival, in television, in movies, and many other places.

Does that sound appealing to you? Well, there’s more. Randolph Young Company is a theatre group based at the Randolph’s Academy. It allows children/teens of 10-18 years of age to participate in a professionally produced show. The past seasons have included The Wiz, Godspell, High School Musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Footloose, and Free to Be. The upcoming season includes West Side Story and Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr.

I hope this article has helped you realize that the Randolph Academy will give you the training, support, and environment you need to become your desired perform

Top 10 fashion trends for autumn 08!

1. Bohemian/ Folk Moccasins & Boots

Those chic and comfortable suede booties we adorned at the end of summer that went great with a paisley chiffon dress are spilling over into the autumn season.

2. Micro- Tulip Skirts

The new “It” skirt (gaining its name from the classic shape of a tulip) softly peeks out at the hips and pleats alongside the waist making legs look miles long. It is the must have skirt to create a bold statement outfit especially in popping colours like red and purple.

3. Cardigans

Yes! Cardigans are back and are bigger and better than ever before! Thick and long cardigans that double as a wrap are the latest craze. Whether it’s over a plain tank for a layered look or belted for a more finished look. Cardigans are one hot commodity!

4. Layered Jewelry

The latest accessories that are making a big impact are necklaces with multiple layers and strands. It creates a bold twist to a plain look!

5. Patterned & Colourful Tights

These autumn days are getting cooler and cooler so grab a pair of colourful tights and warm up while transforming a drab outfit. Tights add a funky, feminine appeal to personalize your style and create the optical illusion of elongating your legs. Tights are a definite must for autumn ’08!

6. Blouses

Whether you dress ‘em up or down, you will always look polished in a blouse. With a pair of jeans and boots or a leather bomber and high-shine leggings, a blouse is a fashion necessity!

7. The New Fall Colours!

The majority if not all of the autumn ’08 fashion collections a enriched with faded gold, chic neutrals, coppers, bronzes, and rustic browns

8. ‘Boho’ is Back!

The “Rock Chic” meets “Glam Hippie” look has a big influence on fall fashion. From rich coloured paisley prints and fringed boots to belts and silk patterned scarves with a slouchy, oversized look is how we roll!

9. Chunky Bangles

These bold statement jewelry pieces are the ultimate accessory to complete a look. The different style, cuts, shapes, and colours allow you to play with different looks!

10. Minimal Hair and Make-up

This season is all about fresh and natural so hair and make-up should be toned down. Foundation is more than enough for the face and eyes should be kept simple with mascara. Lips could be coated with a nude colour or very subtle pink or earthly tones. Hairstyles are leaning towards more of a clean ‘swept back away from the face’ look. Even pulling hair back into a neat ponytail can turn a style from playful to bold and sophisticated!

The Midway State

The lights go out, all eyes turn to the stage in a sudden excitement and rush. Girls are screaming, guys are howling and the noise level crescendo's to a loud and unifying roar. The first few notes on the piano are hit, followed by the beat and rhythm. All eyes are glued in amazement, as they hear a sound they haven't heard in a while. A sound that a lot of people look for now a days. A sound they cant find, something rare. Which band am i talking about? The Midway State. This inspiring Toronto home grown band has proven to have what it takes. Their creeping up the charts and taking everyone by surprise. Their single "Never Again" is getting radio airplay as well as being featured on MTV Live, and the Much Music Countdown. They are apart of opening and closing festivities of the world known Toronto Film Festival, and for all fans, their playing a free show in Dundas Square on Saturday 13th. Nathan Ferraro, Daenen Bramberger, Mike Wise, and Mike Kirsh are their names, get to know them...because their not going anywhere anytime soon.

1. Were you guys friends before you decided to start a band?

Nf: Daenen and I quickly became friends through music in school. The amount of time we started spending together because of the band made our friendship inevitable. Mike and Mike became friends the same way in school as well. The four of us are all very close friends now because no one quite understands what were doing the same way. We relate to each other more than any one else can and that's created an incredible bond and friendship between us.

2. What made you decide you wanted to have music as a career?

Nf: It was never a real "decision". For me its always been a very natural progression and a series of kind of obvious steps. At this point in my life I really couldn't imagine doing anything else because I don't feel quite as passionate about anything else. Nothing gives me the inspiration or excitement that making music does.

3. Where does the name Midway State come from?

Nf: "the midway state" is a name that our original bass player came up with one night. We related to it then and we relate to it now because it describes a sense of naivety and talks a bit about not knowing the answers to everything in this life. Its kind of what being young is all about, ya know?

4. What was it like to record your music for the first time?

Nf: The first time we ever went into a studio we had only enough money to rent it out for 2 days. I believe it was $500 and we had to record 5 songs and mix them. We recorded the songs "live off the floor" which means all at once whereas now we record track by track, each instrument one at a time. I remember the experience being a lot of fun, even though we took it incredibly seriously even then.

5. A lot of people are relating your sound to Coldplay how do you feel about that?

Nf: I think Coldplay is one of the most classic bands of our time, I've been a huge fan of theirs growing up and still am. I've always looked up to Coldplay and so when people say that I take it as a compliment, even though I think our sounds are very different. I think people hear the piano and immediately relate us to them, but really, music doesn't work like that.

6. Does the Never Again Music video have any symbolic or personal meaning behind it?

Nf: The symbolism in Never Again has to do with rebuilding something you've broken and making it whole again. I've broken some important things in my life and when its something that's very important to you, you spend all your time finding a way to fix it. That's what the video is all about...

7. Which song is most important to you and why?

Nf: I wouldn't say one song on the record is necessarily the most important to me. My taste changes a lot and somedays I really dislike some of the songs we've made, but at other times, I really like certain things about them. We were playing "Where Did We Go" in rehearsal today and I think i'm kind of proud of the way its turned out. Its the most important to me tonight.

8. Which song is most fun to perform?

Nf: Fireflies

9. Do you do anything specific to prepare for a show?

Nf: Before a show I usually sing scales and warm up my voice. I do a bunch of exercises my singing teacher's taught me and I find just running a bit and generally getting warmed up and hyped up is important. On the Daughtry tour Mike Wise and myself would fight in the hallways for get hyped up. He usually won.

10. If you could pick any place in the world to play where would it be?

Nf: Hong Kong because since watching some of the the olympics in China, I really want to travel there, it seems incredible.

11. If you could pick any artist to share the stage with you who would it be?

Nf: Peter Gabriel

12. Do you feel like opening for Avril Lavigne has gotten your name known a lot more?

Nf: Definitely, Avril was awesome to have us on some shows with her. While our styles are very different I felt like her audience were open to what we were doing.

14. Do you think Toronto has influenced the sound of your music in any way?

Nf: Music is such a universal thing in a lot of ways. Its very 'global'. were lucky to be able to and love british and american and canadian and even icelandic music. the Internet makes thats very easy. I think my musical influences come more from the artists that I grew up on and that I listen to today, like Sigur Ros, or Peter Gabriel, or Green Day, or Emily Haines, than they do from the area we live it, you know?

15. Do you feel any pressure to sound or look a certain way?

Nf: No, not really. I pressure myself into trying to be as good as the other artists that I look up to. I feel like no matter what success really comes to us as musicians we'll always feel a need to be a lot better. There's really a lot of pressure on us every single minute as artists but we put it on ourselves because we want to create music that is fulfilling and that will last. Its a hard order to fill I find!

16. How did you react when you heard your music on the radio?

Nf: Hearing "Never Again" on the radio for the first time was amazing and exciting. Its kind of what you think it'd feel like in an almost cheesy way. I was in my car and the DJ announced and I swerved a tad... I called some people right away -

17. If you guys werent playing music what would you be doing right now?

Nf: Probably trying to find a way to play music...

18. Have you ever had any doubt in your abilities as musicians?

Nf: Yes, I doubt my abilities every single day, music is such a subjective thing that you never know if you are actually succeeding or anything like that. I keep making music because I really really really love it and i love writing songs most the time, but sometimes it gets hard. I pretty much just do it because I love it I guess, I have no idea how to be fully confident with our 'abilities' really.

19. What inspired you to write your first song

Nf: I think just seeing enough bands play live at my school and in my little town by the time I was 14 built up the inspiration to make me want to do it myself. I always get inspired by other artists and it makes me want to create more and more every day. Inspiration is such a cool thing, its that bit of magic I need to 'create' something worthwhile.

21.What do you want the world to know about the Midway State?

Nf: That we are a GREAT band! - and our new record is called Holes... and we'll be near you soon to play for you live!

22. My favourite songs on right now are Met a man on top of the hill and Nobody Understands. Can you vaguely tell us what their about?

Met A Man On Top Of The Hill is about deceit and lies and nothing good at all.
Nobody Understands is about loving someone who is so incredible and believing in them no matter what anyone else says.

Think Quick

1. Hot or Cold? hot
2. Rain or Snow? rain
3. Tea or Coffee? coffee
4. Most inpirational artist/artists? today, Tom Petty
5. Favourite book/author, Roald Dahl
6. Favourite Album - right now its So, Peter Gabriel
7. Hobby besides music? - Food
8. Sky Diving or Scooba Diving? Scooba
9. 3 things you cant live without? Food, Water, Air.
10. One word to describe The Midway State? sexyback

Raid for Blood Diamonds

They say they've got "In-your-face energy. Complex yet catchier than mono. A fusion of styles from all over the musical spectrum."---- i say, this is spot on! This band is upbeat, with a sound that's catchier-than-average, undoubtedly making them a craze through the toronto garage band scene.

Acid City: How did you guys start out?

Luc: Will and I have been playing music together for years now, but in the beginning we would play whatever would suit the other musicians we tried working with (we were young and just wanted to play in a band, but together, we were only a guitarist and drummer). We used to play some weird funk shit, then we somehow ended up sounding like Incubus for a while, which we hated. Eventually, we ended up getting rid of a bunch of members and writing crazier, more energetic stuff, and that totally felt 100% natural too.

Will: Luc and I have been playing together since we were like 16, back when we were both little punks, jamming out to the misfits and NOFX and all that stuff, and we sort of evolved from there. We went through many lineup changes, and created a sound that reflects our growth as a band and as people.

Acid City: Who came up with the band name and what does it mean?

Luc: I came up with it after we had tried brainstorming a million ridiculous names. I think something like "Killer King" was one of them...haha. The concept of our name is basically a "Robin Hood" transfer of wealth idea. The name sounded cool at the time and stuck!

Acid City: What insipires you to write your music?

Luc: A central lyrical, and even musical theme, for me is coping with life and death. Also, if I may use the cliche "musician" explanation - to forget about every other responsibility we have and just have fun doing what we love to do!

will: A need for solid songs. This will also sound very cliche, a music industry saturated with un-inspired music needs a passionate, from-the-heart alternative... US!!

Acid City: Do you think Toronto has influenced the way your music sounds or how it is delivered?

Luc: For sure! There are so many awesome bands coming out of the Toronto scene lately, and obviously they are our competition in some ways. So we need to practice ALOT - because some of these bands are fucking TIGHT! We also tend to feed off what other bands around us do, in terms of marketing and stuff like that! Its a great scene to be a part of.

Acid City: Which song is most important to you guys?

Luc: I'd have to say "The Audio Ghost", just because of what it's about. We wrote that song a couple days after our vocalist Frank died in the summer of 2007. It was a really horrible time and that song still gives me chills because I remember that week so vividly.

Will: agreed.

Acid City: Dream band to share the stage with?

Luc: Dillinger Escape Plan. Or Glassjaw if they ever get going again. Or, like, whoever will hook us up with some label contacts! :P

will: Coheed and Cambria.. nirvana, bob marley...

Acid City: Dream location to play a show?

Luc: WEMF, Cutting Edge Music Fest, Warped Tour Main Stage, Taste of Chaos, anywhere those are held!

will: The Kool Haus.. I feel like once you play the Kool Haus, and if you are able to sell out the Kool Haus three days in a row.. you've made it somewhere!

Acid City: Where do you hope to be in 10 years?

Luc: I always said my dream life would be touring around the world in a big ass bus, with a hot tub and bar in it. Ballin'. But I'd definately settle for being crammed in a van with a bunch of sweaty dudes for months on end, just as long as I'm playing in this band as a career!

Will: Ballin'. MTV cribs style.

Acid City: Do you do anything to prepare for a great show?

Luc: We practice alot, put on just the right amount of stage make-up, and practice our poses in the mirror for a couple hours.

will: straighten our hair, and help each other squeeze into our girl jeans...

Acid City: Which song do you like performing the most and why?

Luc: I'd say "The Audio Ghost", for the same reason as before. Or Lt. Ron Hubbard, an "older" one, cuz I get to sing Franks insane parts.

Acid City: What is the song Wheezing about?

Luc: Lyrically, it's another song we wrote when dealing with the shitty times last summer. Musically, we were going for a cross between Weezer (half the reason behind the name) and Converge - an unlikely match!

Acid City: Most played band on your ipod at the current moment?

Luc: I can't afford an iPod. On my car CD player I've been listening to alot of Drum and Bass and Psy-Trance.

Acid City: Hollywood is -

party central?

Acid City: School is -

fun! Will and I are about to graduate York University and it has the best parties, lots of cool people and places to hang out!

Acid City: Best place to hang out is -

Richmond Green Skate Park, The Gym, The Office (where we jam)

Acid City: Loudest in the band is -

Me, I guess, cuz I scream the most?

Acid City: Whats one thing you hope never changes about the band?

Luc: The line-up. We've gone through so many changes, and it feels perfect now. Everyone gets along great, has musical chemistry, and wants to play constantly! What a relief!

will: The line up, we have a super sexy lineup right now, and we all get along to boot!

Acid City: What can people expect out of you guys in the future?

Luc: Tons more songs! We're gonna keep giving out our music FOR FREE at our shows, until we make a proper full length ( which we'll sell for super cheap anyway ). We don't care about making bucks off our songs, we just want people to hear it, and if they like it enough to come see us and chill out with us, thats amazing!

Will: Consistent, solid music, and an energetic live set!

Acid City: Why should people listen to your band?

Luc: Well, we love the punk and hardcore scene, but we really try to make an original, memorable contribution to the scene. Our songs aren't "cookie cutter", although we still write energetic, catchy, moshable songs! We also love to meet new people and our recordings are available FREE of charge, so we definately won't hold a grudge for getting downloaded or burned!

will: Cliche, but: Because honest, from-the-heart music seems hard to come by these days, and we try our best to stay true to who we are. If you give us a shot, you wont be let-down.

Acid City: Definition of Raid for Blood Diamonds in one word:

Luc: ENTHUSIATIC
Will : SEXY

Looking for Alaska

"Just like that. From a hundred miles an hour to asleep in a nanosecond. I wanted so badly to lie down next to her on the couch, to wrap my arms around her and sleep. Not f---, like in those movies. Not even have sex. Just sleep together, in the most innocent sense of the phrase. But I lacked the courage and she had a boyfriend and I was gawky and she was gorgeous and I was hopelessly boring and she was endlessly fascinating. So I walked back to my room and collapsed on the bottom bunk, thinking that if people were rain, I was drizzle and she was a hurricane." – Miles ‘Pudge’ Halter, Looking For Alaska by John Green

I love books that are epic, profound even. Something that will make the cogs and gears in my brain move rapidly, and timely. How often do I come across a book so indulging as this? Not too many times, I’m afraid. Lucky for me, I came across a book—but not just any book filled with teenage angst and corny love tales, but a book filled with words that can ring through your mind, that no other words can even begin to touch upon. This book was not something you’d expect. It was something more. It explored the deep and dark meanings of love, friendship, betrayal, and the brokenness of life.

Looking For Alaska, as I said, was not something you’d expect to read. The characters were so insightful, that you’d be falling in love with each and every one of them. They pulled you, and captivated you, as if you were tied with a string around their imaginary fingers. Their words flowed melodically, and provoked your thoughts. The protagonist especially, Miles ‘Pudge’ Halter, had a very sweet yet strong way of speaking. He wasn’t what you’d anticipate to read from a teen-fiction love novel—someone like a popular jock, who’d always get the girl perhaps? No, he was just a regular teenage boy, ordinary, trying to find, not love, but in search for “The Great Perhaps”. As ordinary as he was, he was believable. Which is what the entire book was; believable. He went through tough times, and fun times, through making right decisions, and wrong ones, and times when he’d be confused about everything happening in his life. From the drugs, to concentrating hard in school, to staying out of trouble, and slowly falling in love with the most beautiful girl on campus—this book glides you through the life of what most teenagers in today’s society go through, in the eyes of this sixteen year old boy.

I really can’t say more about this book, but other than the fact that it made me see a new meaning to my life. The awestruck genius that John Green brought, leaves me speechless and reflective. It was like seeing one of those amazing movies, that when you left the theater, there was nothing more you could say, because there was not one word in the english language to describe how incredible it was. This was one of the most amazing books, I have ever read, and one of the very few books that got me to tears. I suggest that everyone out there goes and buys this book, just to experience the mind-boggling sense of it. I am still in amazement even as I type this mediocre review. But to borrow words from Alaska Young herself: “Pretty good? Sure, and bufriedos are pretty good. Sex is pretty fun. The sun is pretty hot. Jesus, it says so much about love and brokenness - it’s perfect.”

Also, by 2010 this award winning novel, is set to make it's way to the big screen! Take that all you Perks of Being a Wallflower fans.

So You Think You Can Dance?

So you think you can jump Canada? So you think you can shake Canada? So you think you can DANCE CANADA? That right folks the infectious reality show SYTYCD is making its long anticipated debut on the Canadian stage this fall. Although it will be SYTYCD Canada’s first season, we Canadians know the drill. So You Think You Can Dance Canada will showcase dancers as they compete to impress an expert panel of judges during a cross-country audition process. Selected competitors will be invited to call-backs where they will work with some of Canada's top choreographers.
The panel will then choose the Top 20 dancers to move on in the competition. Then, it's up to Canada to decide who stays and who goes as the public votes for their favorites following weekly performance episodes in which the competitors are assigned different partners and dance styles to perform. And I know what you’re thinking Canada! What about all the amazing choreographers and crazy judges we’ve come to love? Will it be the same with out them? Don’t get your pointe shoes in a knot just yet! Jean Marc Generous, who is best known as a choreographer for the U.S. SYTYCD will be a permanent judge this season. Toronto’s very own Blake McGrath will be appearing as both a choreographer and an alternate third judge. Other familiar faces include broadway and hip hop legend Dan Karaty and of course the “Queen of Scream”, Ms. Mary Murphy. Also look out for some fresh but legendary faces such as world renowned ballet dancer Rex Harrington and the new Jonas Brothers choreographer, Paul Becker. And with host Leah Miller what’s not to like! So from hip hop to Broadway, salsa to contemporary, Canadian dancers will definitely rock the country this season. So watch out U.S., it’s Canada’s turn!

The Rage of Pins and Buttons

So lately as I've walked down the streets of our fair city my eyes could not help but notice the abundunce of circular objects that see to have afflicted many of my fellow citizens bags and sweaters. Small, big! Phrases, pictures! Buttons have seemed to sweep our nation! From "Save The Environment" to "The Future Mrs. Joe Jonas", this is one craze that i fully approve. Whatever kind of pin you chose to rock you get to put your views and opinions out there. And its a great way to meet new people who share your likes or dislikes! Whether I'm sharing my opinions on the issue of a "Free Tibet" or discussing how super talented Claudio Sanchez from Coheed and Cambria is, IVe met several new people who were interested in the pins i was wearing. So my friends, I'd hurry up and get myself pinned if I were you because you never know whos looking.

Gregory and the Hawk

Gregory and the Hawk's soft melodic sounds brings forth a new meaning to the indie music scene. Meredith Godreau's interpretation through her acoustic-folk ballads show the softer side to music, as well as the indept meanings of her songs, captivating you with each listen.

Acid City: What inspired you to start writing your music?

not too sure, i really loved songs, particularly song form, i had a thing for it as a little kid. i would listen to stuff on the radio. i remember the day i figured out that if i kept singing the chorus - in time - over the verse that when the chorus hit again it would be perfectly synched. it was magic all then. i was totally into it

Acid City: What do you feel as you write?

time passing faster

Acid City: Was music apart of your life when you were younger?

yeah i took lessons on piano, then clarinet, then violin, the viola, then oboe... my family's musical too we would sing a lot

Acid City: Biggest ambition as an artist?

transcend business

Acid City: What is your favourite song to perform?

the ones that start crappy and end great so you wish they weren't over

Acid City: Do you find it strange when other people are covering your songs?

well, i've only seen one of my songs covered once and that was by my intoxicated friends. and it was the most natural thing that could have happened, being that i think they just did it cause i'd been cursing at them all night. no just kidding. or, sorry, jk *wink* hehe

Acid City: Do you wish to stray or go towards the "hollywood" lifestyle? Why?

oh man that is an intense question. i have a girlfriend who goes to a gym in hollywood. that is as close as i can get. it would be nice to be rich and lived a famed life in wild of northern canada, but i expect that will come from my many unexpected discoveries as a marine archaeologist not as a musician

Acid City: What were your best and worst experiences on stage?

there are times when i've had the desire to mosh. i didn't do it, but the desire made it great... no truly horrible experiences. it's music! it's amazing, it's never so bad

Acid City: If you werent writing music, what do you think you'd be doing?

probably playing somebody else's music

Acid City: Most played on your ipod at the moment?

broken ipod, but i've got this discman totally hooked up to my car... pj harvey and mice parade is all i've listened to lately

Acid City: Where do you go to unwind?

woods with a river

Acid City: Do you feel any pressure to look or act a certain way by being on the music scene?

besides the pressure a person puts on themselves, i don't think there's any need for feeling pressure by outside sources, i think if you feel bad pressure you should slowly back away, keeping your hands and arms inside the car.

Acid City: What message do you wish to convey to your listeners?

your power to chose is precious and that you'll get a second chance if you hang on. infact i was thinking about that genesis song this morning "when you've had too much of this life, well hang on..." that's a god one. but a lot of times, people take it too seriously. forget about life and whether or not you have to ability to hang on to your life or not. there is no ability. i think you just have to hang on. i guess why i write music is just a form of waiting until the having-to-hang-on subsides and you can move on to more fun things. mad respect to phil collins

Acid City: Which song means the most to you and why?

i couldn't say

Acid City: Where do you see your music in 10 years?

ten years from now i hope i have abandoned almost everything i prefer and have found new tastes and whatever i write reflects that, but you can never tell, more than i think about my own music, i think about what i wish for music that;s mass consumed i really hope that goes crazy. i have faith it will. i mean, people are insane... how could music not go crazy right?

Acid City: Cup half empty or half full?

whichever is more expensive

Acid City: Sunrise or sunset?

ok i don't know

Official Myspace: www.myspace.com/gregoryandthehawk

The Dark Knight

one word to describe this movie? epic.

it's been months since i, like many others, have been awaiting for this movie to come, and finally it has, along with all of it's amazing screenworks, non-stop action, as well as exploring the darker and emotional side of our human perspectives. i guess it was an excuse to let out our inner 'fanboys/fangirls' of the 1980's batman comic books (developed by bob kane and bill finger). however, the movie brought out so much more compared to the drawings and sketches imprinted in the mere books we all loved to read as a child. through the first five or six minutes of the movie, you'd already be gripping tightly upon your handrail, anticipating the rest of the heart-racing excitement there was to come. after the first few scenes of the movie, we get introduced to the villain of the movie; the joker, played by (the now deceased) heath ledger. ledger's acting capabilities and performance were shown to the extreme through this movie. his character was played out perfectly, and his portrayal of the crazed-psychopath clown was indeed flawless. the layers of his emotion were so deep, yet could be seen in his eyes, face and body, with every line he spoke. he truly WAS the joker. though, your sorrows would still sway out for him, knowing that he'd never have another performance, but alongside of that, his acting in this movie definitely screams oscar-material. there is no misunderstanding, that the highlight of this movie was heath ledger. hats off to you, heath! you would have gone very far in your career.

also some new additions to the batman cast were maggie gyllenhaal, who in my opinion played a much better rachel dawes than katie holmes compared to the first batman movie, and aaron eckhart, playing district attorney harvey dent. i think that harvey's progression into becoming 'two-face' was very well played, and christian bale (again) played batman out exceptionally well, so kudos to that.

movie blog says this, about aaron eckhart's performance in the dark knight: "I’d go so far as to say that he nearly does just as well as Ledger does as the Joker (it’s just that the Joker is a far more charismatic and extreme character and thus much more noticeable). The fact that Eckhart just blends into the story instead of standing on top of it is a testament to the job he did as an actor. So for the next couple of years we’ll all talk about how great Ledger was (and rightfully so), and we’ll talk about how Bale is the best Batman ever (and rightfully so), but let’s not forget the job done by Aaron Eckhart, who by his performance gave this great movie it’s very soul."---- and on this note, i very much agree with this. he did do an excellent job, and played an excellent character in tying this movie together.

however, some bits of the movie that bugged me were, first off batman's voice. i mean, christian bale did a great job on playing batman, but his deep and darker batman voice kind of ruined it for me. at some points it seemed like he had an appliance attached to his mouth to keep him from speaking clearly. bad deal. but otherwise, he delivered on point and precise.

this summer seems to be the hit for comic book based movies (the incredible hulk, hellboy II, and iron man.) with the dark knight proclaiming at number one. i can't say enough about this movie, but that it is a must see. i definitely see the way they are tying in the third movie into this one, and if it is anything like the two previous movies, this will be one of the best trilogies, period.

Official Movie Site: www.thedarkknight.warnerbros.com/

LIGHTS

If you saw LIGHTS walking down the street, the first thought that pops into your head is different. On the outside, her crazy, outgoing fashion sense gets you interested. Her style makes you feel happy, and her headbands are turning into her signature. She may be small, but shes bigger than her body gives her credit for. Her voice is beautiful, calming, and draws back every memory you have. Whether it be sad, motivating or happy. She creates songs with the thought of making others feel good. Her self titled CD called LIGHTS, has 6 tracks, each better than the last. You can pick up this CD at Best Buy and even HMV. I have one, i suggest you get your copy, its money and time well spent. Her song, February Air has been used for an Old Navy commercial campaign, and slowly but surely she's making her way up with a spark. Her kind personality, and passion for music, has enough to hold her in for the long run and create a music impact. Lights, is here to stay. Acid City: What inspired you to start writing music? LIGHTS: The day i realized my head would explode if i didn't. It's a build up of emotion, ideas, words and melodies that just needs to be released. You get addicted to that feeling--there is sort of a buzz that comes with wrapping up a good song. Acid City: What do you like best about performing? LIGHTS: Singing is just fun in general, but the pleasure is ten-fold when you hear other people singing your own words back to you. Acid City: What situations do you like writing about the most? LIGHTS: Intense moments, most of my songwriting feeds off of a moment of intense emotion. It's usually one that doesn't last the night, so you have to capture it while you can. Acid City: Can you tell us what the song Drive My Soul is about? LIGHTS: It was the title actually that came first, and in a bizarre way. I was listening to an indie station that I never listen to, and a song came on that I had never heard, and I could swear the words "drive my soul" were sung in the most beautiful way, and I thought to myself, "wow, that is a beautiful phrase, it's too bad I didn't think of that." When the song title was shown it something completely different, so I looked up the song and scoured the lyrics, and "drive my soul" was never even in it. A few weeks later I was writing with one of the guys I record with and that lyric flew back to me so I rolled with it. The song basically is about the premise that I'm not the one who motivates me, I'm not the one actually driving myself. So what if the one that was driving me wasn't around? I would definitely crash. I think we all come close to those moments. Acid City: What is your favourite song to perform and why? LIGHTS: It changes every single show I do. Some songs connect for that evening, and some songs don't, depending on my mood, the crowd, the atmosphere. A typical favorite is Last Thing on Your Mind though for me. It's easy to sing and flows so well. Acid City: Your fashion sense is definitely getting noticed, does any particular person inspire you to wear what you wear? LIGHTS: If Wonder Woman is considered a person and not some Amazonian Goddess spawn, then yes! My fashion icons are Wonder Woman, Barbarella, and the flower children of the 60's/70's! Acid City: How was your experience going on tour with big bands like Protest the Hero? LIGHTS: Concentrated learning, in every way! It was so much fun. Everyone was amazing and really took us in. Acid City: If you found out you were going on tour, what is the first thing youd have ordered? LIGHTS: Phil Collins mix tapes for our van. Acid City: Who is your dream band to share the stage with? LIGHTS: If I could have a dream, I'd go on tour with Abba! Acid City: Do you think Toronto has influenced your style of music? LIGHTS: Not really, I'm not influenced musically by my surroundings as much as I'm influenced by the stage of life I'm in at the time. Acid City: Has your music changed in any way since you started playing with a band? LIGHTS: I'm a little more aware of what parts need to be accentuated for live performances, but otherwise my music has been pretty consistent. Acid City: Favourite instrument to play? LIGHTS: Synth, synth, synth! Acid City: What was your reaction on having February Air featured as the song for the Old Navy campaign? LIGHTS: Initially I was a little skeptical, Old Navy wasn't really the look I was going for, but after I heard their plans for the campaign I really liked what they came up with. It was romantic and chic and very cool--something I was stoked to be part of. Acid City: Favourite Starbucks drink? LIGHTS: Awake tea with caramel flavor shot! Acid City: Polka dots or stripes? LIGHTS: If you connected three stripes to a polka dot all in one direction it might look a bit like a shooting star, and i'd wear that. Acid City: Best place to get a headband? LIGHTS: Shoelace rack Acid City: Most played band on your ipod? LIGHTS: TATU :D Acid City: What makes a great party? LIGHTS: Too many people crowded into a small room with stellar music and good air flow. Acid City: Favourite place to hang out? LIGHTS: My server in Warcraft... Acid City: What can we expect from LIGHTS in the future? LIGHTS: In the near future, I have a song on a Billie Holiday tribute album coming out, plus a cool vocal score I did for a neat, Canadian indie movie out this fall, plus lots of touring around North America. In the not-so-near-but-still-sort-of-near future I want to put out a graphic novel, maybe be in a sweet sci-fi flick, and find a mate for my pet spider Lance. Oh, and a full length album. Acid City: Why should the world listen to LIGHTS? LIGHTS: Because it's easy to do, and you might feel 12 again. Unless you are 12. Then you'll feel 11.

Official Myspace : www.myspace.com/lightsnoise

RIP SAINT LAURENT

"For a long time now, I have believed that fashion was not only supposed to make women beautiful, but to reassure them, to give them confidence, to allow them to come to terms with themselves."
- Yves Saint Laurent

The fashion world has recently lost a legend. Last Sunday Yves Saint Laurent died at the age of 71 in his home in Paris, after a long period of ill health. The king of fashion designers was born in 1936 and grew up in Oran, Algeria. He left for Paris at 17 where he showed his drawings to the director of French Vogue at the time Michel de Brunhoff. Brunhoff quickly published several of his designs. Following a stint at fashion school he worked for Christian Dior. When Dior died in 1957 he took over as art director, at the age of 21, and launched his first collection for the company, Ligne Trapeze, that year. The line was a huge success and won him a Neiman Marcus Oscar. Following some time in the National Service, in 1962 he created his own fashion house with Pierre Bergé. Bergé says that Coco Chanel "gave women freedom. Yves Saint Laurent gave them power." In 1966 he created his legendary smoking suit and in 1968 the jumpsuit. He designed for women, giving them clothing that would represent their freedom and elegance. By tying freedom and elegance into his pieces he managed to reflect the change of the role of women. His last ready-to-wear collection was in October 1998 for the Rive Gauche label that he created more than 30 years earlier, but he continued his couture lines. Briefly Alber Elbaz was designer but the position was taken over by Tom Ford in 1999, making the line a huge success, bigger then it was to begin with that is. At Laurent’s last show in 2002 he took his final bow while his long-time muse, Catherine Deneuve sang. Laurent battled depression, drug and alcohol addiction and when he retired in 2002, he said, "I tell myself that I created the wardrobe of the contemporary woman, that I participated in the transformation of my times.” Many of his peers credit him with their inspiration to become designers. They all view this loss as a great one to the fashion world and his life and creative genius left a huge dent in the fashion world. He, after all is credited with single hand idly changing the way women dress. As said best by Michael Kors, “the first designer who understood modern life—a woman who was on the move and powerful and sexy.”

Official Website: www.ysl.com

Push Play

A group of young and energetic artists came together and formed a spectacular group called Push Play. Acid City got the amazing opportunity to have an exclusive interview on what is to come of the band in the future. Their music is catchy, their personalities are incredible, and they have the passion to carry them through the long run. Here they are, presenting…Push Play!

Acid City: How does it feel to play with guys you've known for years?

Push Play: It feels great! Like home!

Acid City: Who came up with the name Push Play and what does it mean to you?

Push Play: We were in Derek's car and CJ said wanted to put a CD in and said to Derek, " Just Push Play! Hey that's a great name!"

Acid City: What are your anticipations for your upcoming shows, and which show are you most excited about?

Push Play: We're most excited about our showcase for major labels on June 12

Acid City: Where is your dream place to play a show?

Push Play: Madison Square Garden

Acid City: Which band would you love to play with?

Push Play: Jonas Brothers, Fall Out Boy, Rolling Stones

Acid City: Having meet and greets after every show, shows how much you care. Do you feel the meet and greets make a difference when it comes to devoted fans?

Push Play: Yes, they are REALLY important.

Acid City: What is your favorite song you guys composed so far?

Push Play: Away, Away

Acid City: Do you think where you grew up had an influence on your music?

Push Play: Sure!

Acid City: If it wasn’t music, what would you guys be doing?

Push Play: CJ: Production, Derek: Finance Steve: hockey Nick: hockey

Acid City: You do a lot of benefit shows for charities, has this changed your outlook on life at all?

Push Play: It gives us perspective and it is just so important to give back

Acid City: Who do you guys look up to?

Push Play: Our parents.

Acid City: Do you ever feel pressure to act or be a certain way?

Push Play: No, we pretty much toe the line.

Acid City: Is fashion a major aspect in your life?

Push Play: CJ: Absolutely Derek: Yes ma'am Steve: No Nick: Not really

Acid City: If you were to have a movie, which actor would you get to play the part of you?

Push Play: CJ: Will Ferrel Derek: Tom Cruise Steve: Tom Hanks Nick: Robert DEniro

Acid City: Most played band right now on your ipod?

Push Play: CJ: Panic at the Disco Derek: Panic at the Disco Steve: Envy on the Coast Nick: Brand New

Acid City: What did you guys wanna be when you were small?

Push Play: ROCKSTARS

Acid City: Best part about being in a band?

Push Play: The camaraderie between us

Acid City: Worst part about being on tour?

Push Play: Nothing

Acid City: What can we expect from Push Play in the future?

Push Play: Arena Tours...we hope

Acid City: Why should people listen to Push Play?

Push Play: Why not?

Official Myspace : www.myspace.com/pushplayrox

Twilight

Picture this: you're on the bus, on your way home from a tiring day at school. You sit back at your comfortable seat on the breezy bus, take a minute to close your eyes-- enjoying the peacefulness, I suppose, and at once, you open your eyes to the mass production of apples around you. I mean, they're everywhere. Apples, apples, and more freaking apples! You're too scared to look anywhere else, so you keep your eyes closed, but it seems like the apples have taken over your subconscious mind as well! Finally, you've reached your stop, and you jet off the bus, and run to the front steps of your home, to where a nice shiny silver Volvo is parked. You're thinking, "What the hell? Mom doesn't drive a silver Volvo.." So you reach for the door knob, and suddenly apples fall from the sky, and crush you to your death.

A little on the over-exaggerated side, but really, how scary would that be?

Personally, I love the Twilight series, and I can't wait to read more of it, this coming August when Breaking Dawn comes out. But I guess I would probably be one of those people behind those dreaded apple covers. But there are some of you, who right now, have no clue whatsoever what I'm rambling about. Well, first off, I know you're asking What in the world is Twilight? Well, Twilight is a fictional book created by the amazing author, Stephanie Meyer. It is based on a young girl named Isabella "Bella" Swan, who finds her life in danger, after falling in love with a Vampire, Edward Cullen. The book is a best seller around the globe, and awarded Publisher's Weekly Best Book of the Year. The book may be over 500 pages long, but it's filled with non-stop action, and suspense that you'd never be able to put it down. It's filled with teenage lust, and complicated problems, faced between the star-crossed lovers, which is more or less familiar to every teenager out there.

Not only is this book a big hit at the books stores, but by this coming December, it will make it as a big hit in the big screen as well! Critics have been saying that Twilight may even rank out the coming film Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince. However, I, myself, love both the series, and every other sci-fi/fantasy story there is out there. But right now, I'm sucked into the hyped-up energy of Twilight, so Team Edward ftw! The movie comes out on December 12, 2008 playing in selected theaters near you. And another plus, Robert Pattinson, aka Cedric Diggory, is playing Edward, which I fancy a heck of a lot. But there seems to be quite the controversy coming from the fellow 'Twilighters' between whether or not he'll play a good Edward Cullen. "He doesn't seem good looking enough, Edward's supposed to be this perfect being," Fangirl #736497643 says. Well y'know what Fangirl #736497643? He's human, not a vampire, like how you picture it in your crazed universe! Nobody's perfect. On another note, I personally think that all the characters are perfect for the movie, and they play off Stephanie Meyer's characters spot on. But I guess we'll have to wait another 6 months before we really find out. 'Til then, here's the trailer to keep your heart racing.


Official Movie Website: www.twilightthemovie.com

The sun was shining, the air was fresh, and the soft fragrances of Lush Handmade Cosmetics filled Queen Street. Vittoria and Jessica popped in, drawn by the colours, shapes, and textures throughout the store. Amazed at the different, natural, herbal remedies and the friendly sales associates, we of course were drawn to buying some products. Vittoria left with a couple of remarkable and eco friendly bath products. Jessica left with a pink, sparkly, bubble bath substance. Not only does it look pretty, it is not tested on animals (nor are any of the products in the store) but it makes my water pink, soapy, and sparkly! We pulled over Laura, Amber and Heather for a short interview on what Lush products and company is about. Take a look at what they do to help you and the environment.

Acid- How did Lush start?

Laura- It actually started a while ago in Pool England. The creators of our company had been working together for about twenty-five years plus. They came up with their own company, which was like a mail order business called Cosmetics to Go. When that went under they decided to try everything all over again, to start back up from scratch. They started Lush, and everybody just bought into it.

Acid- Do you know how much work is put into making Lush products? Is it a hard process?

Laura- It is definitely, we have two pitches we have one in Etobicoke and one in Vancouver, and everything is made by hand. So when we make things for example like any of our fresh facemasks, everything is hand poured, hand stirred, lots of love goes into the product. We also use sometimes-fresh fruits and veggies, and very high quality of special oils. So the product is a very high quality product and is also really ethically made. We use as many organic ingredients as possible, and if we cant get it then we make sure we pay a fair price for it, and there is no animal testing whatsoever.

Acid- What are peoples reaction when they come into the store and have never been here before?

Amber- A lot of people think they can eat it!

Heather- Ya a lot of people come in here asking, “Is this cheese?”

Laura- Totally, I think that’s what’s the most endearing things about it, its fun, its personal and its from the environment. So when people walk in the door their like “…can I…can I eat it?”

Amber- And that definitely makes people feel welcome because we can joke with them and say “Well I wouldn’t…but you probably could if you wanted to.”

Laura- And the reason why a lot of the stuff looks like its been made to look like cheese is that, is that molds were made from cheese molds, from flower pots, to things that were found when they first started and they didn’t have any money. So they had to go around and find things to make the molds from.

Acid- What’s the best part about working at Lush?

Laura- Its so much fun, very relaxed, I love interacting with people from all walks of life, and definitely being able to use the products all day long, its really really awesome.

Heather- yea, just being interested in the products that you’re selling

Amber- One thing for me is that I believe the company invests in us and we are going to invest in them and that makes you want to work really hard for this company. They care a lot for people that work for them; it’s like a family, which is awesome.

Acid- Do you have any favourite products?

Laura- I actually really like rehab shampoo, and I’ll actually show it to you. It’s got such a good pepperminty smell; it’s like a hero shampoo. We’ve got so many lovely ingredients in it: olive oil, pineapple, kiwi, and mango. It really makes your hair get nourished and super shiny.

Amber- My favourite is probably the Buffy. Which is a cocoa butter base, it has brown olives in it, and its really really great shower moisturizer /exfoliate. It’s incredible. You get out of the shower and you literally cant stop touching your skin.

Acid- So has this store been in this location since it opened?

Laura- This store has been in this location for about eleven years. Were actually having an anniversary coming up at the end of July and its gonna be really really special.

Acid- Do you feel like your store is different from other natural cosmetic shops?

Laura- There’s definitely a lot more accountability wherever we get things from. It’s very ethical and our creator is actually used to create products for the Body Shop. They just decided to do something that was more their own thing. Our animal testing policy for example, is very extensive. Its not just “we don’t test anything on animals”, we don’t test the ingredients on animals, and we also don’t buy any ingredients that suppliers give to other buyers who are testing on animals. We created an industry boycott that way.

Acid- Do you think the industry is going to grow and hit other locations?

Laura- Well Lush is actually a pretty big company, we have over 300 locations world wide. It is definitely expanding and it’s growing wider. We don’t have any franchises, its still privately owned, for us to keep our ethics apart that way and have a little bit more control over it. Ya for sure, it’s definitely exploding. I think its nice that the whole go green thing is becoming more; we’ve been doing it the entire time but its exploding as a trend, and now more people are paying attention.

Acid- In one word for each of you, how would you describe Lush?

Heather- Fresh!

Amber- You stole my word!

Heather- Vibrant!

Laura- Heartfelt.

Amber- Everything.

Official Website: www.lush.ca

Sarah Dylan

The day started off with an early trip to Queen Street West. Arriving at the peak hours of the morning, there were no crowds, no noise, and no cars. We attended Starbucks and had our breakfast, getting ready to shop the day away. Around 11:30 we headed down to the Much Music building to meet up with promising artist Sarah Dylan. The sun was on her side, and she showed up with a smile, glad to be there. We searched around for a quiet place and decided to sit on the furniture inside the furniture store Umbra. Convincing the sales associate that we’d only be a couple of minutes, she gladly agreed and let us sit where we liked. Escaping away from the chaos of the streets we got a closer look to how Sarah ended up to where she is now, and where shed like to be in the future. Her sparkling personality, and positive music, lets us believe she can conquer the music scene. After the interview we left the store, Sarah asking if we could get some Starbucks. Of course we didn’t say no, and went in to try LIGHTS favourite drink, tea with caramel shots. Sarah liked it, and the drinks were a perfect way to end the interview. We then walked around Queen, went into a couple of shops, I myself bought some boots which I am proud of. After a couple hours we departed, promising to stay in touch. We have high hopes for Sarah, check out this interview and you’ll see why.

Acid City - What inspired you to start writing music?

Well basically emotional experiences, I had to write music as my therapy. I started writing music when I was seven. The first time I wrote a song was when my boyfriend broke up with me in seventh grade and those emotional experiences made me feel like I had to do it.

Acid City - What is your favourite instrument to play?

Definitely guitar because I can bring it around with me to all my shows, where as keyboard you gotta lug it around and its heavy. I had a piano in my brothers room and id go in and play even before I started playing guitar, and he’d always use to yell at me! So a guitar I can always keep it in my room and not bother anyone.

Acid City - Which song is most important and personal to you?

Probably the song not enough that I wrote. It’s about how you don’t have to be perfect.

Acid City - How was the experience performing in charity concerts?

I was in two charity concerts and it was so good to try and raise money for people less fortunate. It was a great experience.

Acid City - Where is your dream location to play a show?

Definitely the Air Canada Center

Acid City - Wow that’s so awesome! High hopes! Watch in a few years we’ll see you performing there, that would be amazing. If you could play at the ACC what would be your dream band to share the stage with?

City in Colour, Dallas Green. My favourite artist, and it would be so amazing to be at his level. To play on a stage with him would be awesome. I saw him at the MVAs and I was like “DALLAS!” and he didn’t look at me. It was raining, I got completely soaked but I met Flo Rida! I gave him my CD and I put my number on it.

Acid City - Haha! That’s so genius definitely a smart idea. So how hard have you worked to be where you are right now?

Really really hard, I play a lot of instruments. I play the Viola, the Guitar and the Piano, a little bit of Drums but not really. I literally practice music all day every day pretty much. I’m in choir, orchestra, I do music music music.

Acid City - That’s a good sign because it shows that your not tired of it yet, which shows your passion towards music. What advice can you give to new artists starting out?

Definitely they should write music, because a lot of people can play music, but writing your own song is taking a bit to the next level. Also get out there as much as possible, play lots and lots of shows, because you just get better and better and better.

Acid City - Yeah, a big thing is the promotional side of it.

Sarah- Yeah definitely facebook and the myspace, post your songs on the internet.

Acid City - How did you figure out the words and music to your song? As in how did you know it felt good and it fit, and that people like it?

I’ve just been studying music for the longest time; even before I started my own songs, id literally study songs that I liked. I learned a lot of theory, like key signatures, making sure all the notes fit together, you cant put notes that don’t match. I’ve heard a lot of songs on myspace where the notes are wrong.

Acid City - What message do you want your music to convey?

Definitely just a positive message for young women. It sounds pretty bad but most of my songs are about how boys suck.

Acid City - No its true trust me both of us know.

Basically it’s about how girls should be able to do whatever they want, and they don’t have to listen to what boys tell them to do.

Acid City - Completely makes sense. So you’re around our age, do you find it hard balancing your music with school?

Sooo much. It’s crazy, this year especially. I’m in choir, which is also part of school, and I also take music and vocals. Definitely practicing for shows I have to really really manage my time well. I was with a band for a bit, just me and another guitarist, and after school I would go over to his house and practice for five hours and then I would not do any homework that night and then I would have to do all my homework the next night. And then id practice again during the whole week of the show. So if the show was on Saturday; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday id be at his house. For five hours every night practicing.

Acid City - How was the show you just played on Sunday, did it go well?

Yeah, it was crazy, a lot of kids from my school came and they don’t usually come.

Acid City - Aw so you got a lot of support, you have your own support team behind you. What’s your favourite song to perform live?

Probably the same one as the most important to me, Not Enough. I think it has just a positive message and I like to perform it. And also the guitar part its really cool. Most of my songs are just basic chords; this song actually shows off my guitar skill, rather than my singing.

Acid City - Now how was the experience playing your first show?

Well I've been performing since I was little, so my first show I don’t really remember. I remember when I was five and six I would never be nervous at all, I used to perform a lot. But my first show performing my own original material was probably the scariest thing in my whole life. I was shaking on stage.

Acid City - Oh man, how did that turnout?

People thought it was good, but I thought it went really badly. I was really really scared.

Acid City - Do you think things have improved since then?

Yeah for sure, when I play shows now I'm not nervous at all. The more that I play, the easier it gets to perform.

Acid City - So is there anything you do to prepare before a show? Anything to pump you up, any pump up songs?

I never ever practice the day of. Then you jinx yourself, every time I practice the day of the show I mess up.

Acid City - Yeah, you psych yourself out right?

Exactly, so if I'm not ready that day, then I'm not going to be ready. I practice a lot the days before and then the day of I don’t really do anything. I just hang out with friends, go watch a movie, and then I maybe pick out a really nice outfit.

Acid City - Haha there you go, awesome. So favourite store, talking about outfits?

I really like Winners.

Acid City - Winners, wooo! So talk or text?

Talk. Acid City - Yeah I completely agree. Favourite thing to doodle?

I’m not really much of an artist but I draw shapes. Like lines. Oh and flowers! I like drawing faces, like funny faces with big eyes. Aliens too.

Acid City - Alright so facebook or myspace?

Both, because myspace is a lot better for people I don’t actually know, just to get my music out there. All my friends on myspace I don’t necessarily know, but it’s so cool that people are listening to my music, and I don’t even know them. And then facebook is more personal life for my close friends.

Acid City - Favourite book or author?

Its called the World is Flat. It’s about economics, and it’s actually really helped me with my music.

Acid City - And how’s that?

It teaches about how anywhere in the world, everyone is connected, that’s what it means by the “world is flat”. It’s like how everyone in the world can hear my music.

Acid City - Has reading it influenced you to think or act differently in any way?

Yeah, like before I just had my CD and I didn’t need to have a myspace, and it made me realize that once I put my music on the internet, everyone can hear it.

Acid City - Yeah it’s a free for all and anyone can tune in. So what can we expect in the future?

Definitely more songs and more shows.

Acid City - And Why should people listen to your music?

I think just because it has a positive message, its fun to listen to. I have different songs for different moods. I just wrote a happy song for the first time. It’s different because I write when I'm emotional, so when I have sad experiences I write about them but recently I wrote a happy song.

Acid City - Are you getting ready to perform that too?

Well I performed it at my last show. Everyone was so surprised. And I just set up a studio in my room, so my new songs are gonna be more upbeat and you can dance to them.

Acid City - Well thank you for your time and I'm sure we’ll be hearing from you shortly!

Official Myspace : www.myspace.com/sarahdylanmusic

One Star Story

Acid City: How did you guys start out?
Geno - The band originally started back in '05 with Will and I under the name Exit Earth. Through the natural evolution of bands, members came and went. Bryant joined the band when the original bassist left the band, and then we picked up Vanessa in the Spring of '06 when our previous lead singer decided to leave the band to start a family.

Acid City: Who came up with the name One Star Story, and what does it mean to you?
A: Geno - The band decided to change the name of the band when Bryant joined the band because we felt that the old name longer applied to the style and feel of the band. So we brainstormed for about month on what to change it to, and one day I looked down at my shoes that I was wearing (Converse One Stars), and I though One Star... One Star Story? And it stuck. While thats the origin of the name, we like to interpret the meaning of our name as a quest to figure out what each and everyone one of us choose live and guide our life by. Whether thats money, love, faith, career or whatever... Its a journey through our music with our listeners to identify the "One Star" that guides our story. For all of us it is our faith.

Acid City: Do you feel that growing up in Missouri had an impact on the sound of your music?
A: Geno - Vanessa is originally from Maine, but Im sure I can speak for the rest of the band when I say no we dont feel it did have a direct impact. We are all big music fans, and especially of the Pop/Rock genre, so we are very much influenced by the top Pop artists of our time and the past. Bands like Jimmy Eat World, U2, The Beatles, Third Eye Blink, etc. are probably on top of our biggest influences right now.

Acid City: What is your favourite song you have composed so far?
A: Geno - We have actually been working on some new stuff, and we have written a new song titled "Give Chase" that I am stoked about right now, but it will probably be something else in 6 months. haha.
A: Vanessa - Say Anything was a really fun song to write to. Geno and I have been collaborating lately when it comes to lyrics, and Say Anything was specifically fun because of the scenario we decided to write about.
A: Bryant - On The Empty Room I really enjoyed working on Tears Behind a Smile. But like Geno said we have some new stuff in the works that I really enjoy. As we keep writing we get closer and closer to defining what OSS is all about.
A: Will - Probably for me it was Tears Behind A Smile. It was fun to see the idea that I had be shaped into what it is today by all the other members of OSS. Each one of us had some influence in that song.
A: Zack - So far, i would have to say "Tears Behind A Smile", every time i put on the EP thats the first song i listen to.

Acid City: How is it working with Transatlantic Records?
A: Will - Working with Transatlantic Records has been a good thing for us as a band. The label has allowed us to grow and push ourselves to the next level with our music and has been a huge help in getting that music to the listeners. With out the support of the label and the support of our fans, we wouldn't be where we are today.

Acid City: Dream location to play a show?
A: Geno - Hmm. Madison Square Gardens or a sell-out show in London, England.
A: Vanessa - The Civic Center in Portland, Maine. It's not anything special, but I saw my first real concert there when I was younger (I was raised in Maine), and would imagine being the one on stage. It would just be very surreal.
A: Bryant - The Sprint Center in KC just because its my home town and my dad always says we should play there, haha.
A: Will - I think some place like Madison Square Garden. You know you are doing something right when you are playing there. And plus, just think of the countless other amazing acts that have played there before. If we could be mentioned among the likes of Led Zepplin and JT.... that would be killer
A: Zack - I dont know.. a shows what you make it. so where ever there's people who want to see us. any kind of arena would be sweet though haha.

Acid City: Favourite band to share the stage with so far?
A: Geno - Toss up between Jonezetta and Vedera.
A: Vanessa - Waking Ashland. 2 years before we played with them, I bought their record and was so addicted. I saw them in concert a few months later, and was so psyched to see them live. Then we ended up playing with them a couple years later. Funny how those things happen.
A: Bryant - Jonezetta. They're an amazing band live.
A: Will - Hmm, I will have to go Jonezetta as well.
A: Zack - Jonezetta

Acid City: What is the most fun song to perform and why?
A: Geno - Probably "Love". Its soo high energy and everyone gets so into it I just like to go crazy.
A: Vanessa - Love... it's fun and kids get into it.
A: Bryant - I feel like I can move to "Love" the most live so that's probably it.
A: Will - feel like a dork going along with everyone else, but "Love" is my fav. Its just high energy.
A: Zack - "Love", its the last song in our set, so its kind of the crescendo, big bang, go nuts song.

Acid City: What was your reaction when you heard you were going to be in the magazine Alterntive Press?
A: Geno - We were stoked. It was something we had told Transatlantic we would be stoked to be promoted in, so to have it happen on this first album release was incredible.

Acid City: Do you ever feel pressure to act or be a certain image?
A: Vanessa - Because blending in irritates me, I've always made it a point to be different from what's going on around me. Keeping up with the latest trends doesn't exactly concern me; I wear what I think looks classy and works with my body type. I think that every girl has at least some level of a self-conscious nature, and I'm no exception.

Acid City: Dream band to share the stage with?
A: Geno - Jimmy Eat World... The are incredible.
A: Vanessa - Jimmy Eat World
A: Bryant - Jimmy Eat World
A: Will - Jimmy Eat World
A: Zack - Jimmy Eat World


Acid City: What feelings does your music emphasize?
A: Geno - Obviously we have songs expressing a wide variety of emotions, but I would say if you had to describe our "emotional style" it would be hope.

Acid City: Most played band on your ipod at the moment?
A: Geno - For me its been Jimmy Eat World's "Chase This Light" album.
A: Vanessa - Leeland
A: Bryant - Jimmy Eat World
A: Will - Motion City Soundtrack
A: Zack - Acceptance

Acid City: Hot spot to hang out? A: Geno - On tour its the closest Starbucks or Panera.

Acid City: If you had to choose 3 things to live with for the rest of your life what would they be?
A: Geno - My family, my drumkit, my laptop.
A: Vanessa - My family, my macbook, and green apples
A: Bryant - Loved ones, my accoustic, and my black and gray sweater vest
A: Will - 1. Loved ones 2. My camera 3. my iphone
A: Zack - My Guitar, an Aston Martin, and Megan Fox.

Acid City: Coffee or Tea?
A: Geno - Im sure I can speak for everyone in the band that we all prefer tea over coffee. Thanks to Vanessa and Will we always have a wide variety of tea to choose from when we are on the road.

Acid City: Bungie jumping or sky diving?
A: Geno - Skydiving, only because I have alread Bungied.
A: Vanessa - I have no desire to do either one.
A: Bryant - Haha, neither! I'm so scared of heights. Sky diving if I had to though. I trust a parachute more than a long rubber band!
A: Will - Neither please. No sense in jumping out of a perfectly good airplane or off a bridge.
A: Zack - Bungie, i think i could trick myself into thinking there's more contact with the ground that way.

Acid City: Favourite author or book?
A: Geno - Will got me into Chuck Klosterman on our last tour.
A: Vanessa - Joseph Mercola
A: Bryant - Dan Brown. I really enjoyed his book Angels and Demons.
A: Will - I have been reading a lot of Chuck Klosterman lately.
A: Zack - House Of Leaves - Mark Z. Danielewski

Acid City: How would you describe your music to someone whos never heard of One Star Story?
A: Bryant - Catchy, sing-along, heart-felt vocals on top of rythmic, clap-your-hands, move-your-body music.

Acid City: What can we expect from One Star Story in the future?
A: Geno - We have plans to tour full time through the rest of the year, and we have tentative plans to go back into the studio this December to begin work on a full length album.

Official Myspace : www.myspace.com/onestarstory