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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.
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
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 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
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
"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 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!
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.
