V Fest Review Day 1:

I dont know what happened to v fest, but can someone please find it for day 2? Ill start off with the bad news and ease into the good? Sound ok? Alright, so... literally, it felt like i was just at ontario place with background music. Dont get me wrong the venue is different and all but I just wasnt feeling it for the usual activities. You could tell festival goers were a bit confused as well. The stages were extremely separated making it difficult to locate the bands they wanted, as well there were no forms of schedules to be found anywhere for audiences to see who was playing when and where. The main stage had seating, taking away the traditional lazying on the grass, or sitting down to enjoy the music. People on the 999 stage attempted to even sit on the concrete, cuz I mean music is meant to be enjoyed relaxed. As press the rules were very strict, and because I was a journalist I was not allowed backstage, in the photo pit, or even behind bars. I basically had the same rights as the audience, besides the fact that i was wearing a wristband that said press. Im assuming they want me to cover the event? Yes I can very well cover the event but I was hoping to get the interviews I wanted in at the same time! The audience attendance was also extremely lower than any other year ive been to v fest, in fact practically empty until late afternoon. There was also kids and their parents running around everywhere well because ...it is ontario place and its still open to the public after all. Ok ill stop my ranting on to the good...the weather was nice? NO im joking im joking. It wasnt as bad as I thought it would be. You could tell the Virgin employes were trying their hardest to keep everyone happy and try to make the best of the situation by working hard all day and keeping everything in order. The sound was great, and the bands that were selected did in fact give the crowds the adrenaline they needed. Id like to point out that that Thunderheist and Down With Webster got the crowds pumping their fists the most and banging their heads hard to the beat of the music. The day was great for giving viewers a sense of all the different kinds of music out there as well as whats in our own backyard (most of the bands being from Canada). So although this years turn out was a disappointment, crowd wise, and to some musician wise. But I have to say they made the most of what they had and tried to relive the past years. The performers gave it everything they had and it worked. Lets hope tomorrow is somewhat better and hopefully it will be...for the sake of V fest next year!

V BLOG 13- V FEST IS SOON!

V fest not to be on the island?

So this year V fest may not be on Toronto Island? Now here are your positives and negatives:

Positives:

1) WAYY bigger venue

2) Tickets are much cheaper

3) You get to camp out with all your friends!

4) Have a true festival experience and possibly feel like your living wakestock..kinda..sorta?

5) ROAD TRIP

6) Get to see bands from the comfort of your own tent

Now the Negatives:

1) If your not from the Orillia area, finding a ride if you dont have a license may be a problem

2) Gas costs

3) Tools, i.e what if you dont own a tent?

4) Are there any bands there that are worth camping out for?

5) If your younger will you be allowed to camp out by yourself?

SO its up to you to decide. I personally think that if theres a band there that your in love with listening to, why not camp out? I mean if you can find your way up there of course. It would be a great weekend to meet a bunch of people and listen to some fantastic music. V fest is changing it up this year, hopefully for the better?

V FEST PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY

Ok so I have to somehow mission it down today seeing how my car is in the shop at the moment, i know perfect timing for a week of complete madness. ANYWAY Vfest 2009 press conference is today at the Virgin Offices downtown. Im pretty sure their just going to confirm all the bands and such and make everything official for the public to know. I promise that as soon as I hear from them i'll tell you everything. I know a lot of you have been concerned as to why the list has not been sent out yet as well as the ticket price and location. Im almost positive that will be cleared up today so ill keep you all updated!

** UPDATE: yess like i said just a confirmation of bands which will be posted shortly, although im sure you all know whos playing. Now everything would be great and dandy except...

THE VENUE HAS CHANGED! ITS NOT AT THE TORONTO ISLAND ITS IN ORILLIA...CAMP OUT SAY WHAAAT?!

Way To Go Einstein Interview: Cristina

If you aren't rocking Way To Go, Einstein on your ipod there is defiently somethig wrong with you! This band is talented, funny,  and unbelievably epic! After listening to this infectious group on their myspace I just had to get in contact with them. This is what member Kevin Jack had to say about the band:
 
 
QUESTIONS:

Acid City: State a little about yourselves

- we are way to go, einstein. we play music. there are five of us. we like loud guitars, piano, synths, a personal vocal, and we use them to describe a specific feeling. we don't always take the easy road to resolve said feeling, but in the end, we get there. it isn't always a happy ending, but it is always honest. we have a light, and a map, and we hope you trust us enough to follow us to the end of the road. we'll get you there. safety first. also, we are shit hot dancers.

Acid City: Describe your sound

- we used to describe it as mom-rock. our first record, hide and seek champion, was very mother friendly. but with this new record, pseudonym, while we haven't neglected our core mom base, we delved a lot deeper into sounds and textures that are a little more, beautifully uncomfortable? like a howler monkey giving birth? we're all competent and confident enough to kick a little dirt over the line of what is commercially viable and what could take some getting used to. i think the most interesting music has that dichotomy of standard and strange. 

Acid City: How did you come up with the name?

- it orginally stemmed from an idea i had of forming a black metal band with my wife and i, using only pots and pans. but since that didn't.....wait for it....pan out, the name was wide open for use. and when i met up with andrew, vocalist and main song writer, and we started piecing together this difficult puzzle of a band, i threw the name out there, thinking full well he would hate it. and he did. but then he started to like it. and i think that is a sign of a good moniker. band names are pretty silly when you really start to dissect them, but once and if you sort of establish your footing in front of people, they get used to it, eventually like it, and completely bypass the silliness of it all. 

Acid City: What message are you trying to send with your music?

- as musicians, and as a collective, we are dead serious. we take pride in what we do and/or what we are trying to do. but really, it is supposed to be fun, and if you want to stick to the stringent rules of the art fuck play book and take yourself so fucking seriously and think what you do surpasses the work of everyone else and forget that your ass smells just like everyone elses, then have at it. but we can sing a song about the impending apocalypse, all while having stuffed animal unicorns draped all over the stage. fuck you. that's punk rock.

Acid City: Describe the best gig you have every played

- as this incarnation of five strikingly handsome, yet overwhelmingly modest gentlemen, we have only played a handful of shows. recently we just celebrated our cd release with a rawkus show, in which i, myself, peed.....umm..myself. for real. thank god for low guitar straps. we played quite well and i think we finally figured each other out and can all absorb each other's energy properly and distribute it accordingly, to the audience....except no one wanted to come near me, what with all the pee.....and we played a tears for fears song, which put a huge smile on my johnson, because i love them.

Acid City: Where do you see yourselves in 10 years?

- if i were to be a realist, i would say, overweight, underpaid, and having a day job that i wish i could abandon for a full time career playing music. maybe a crippling addiction to very very crude and borderline illegal pornography. but i think i can speak for everyone when i say if we are all still playing music, we will be fine. we are all in this for the right reasons i think. we all just love music and want to play it and contribute as best we can. we aren't above getting paid for it or playing an arena or two, because you would have to be a fucking liar to say you don't have any interest in that. but if that doesn't happen, we will all still hoist a beer to each other, slap our fat asses, and get out on that dive bar stage and play to our friends. playing music is just a fun thing to do.


THINK QUICK:

1) Blondes or brunettes?
- neither. gingers. with freckles. and so pale it could be mistaken for a positively savage case of jaundice. we keeps it sickly.

2) Night or Day?
- dusk is a lot more fun to say. we'll go with dusk.

3) Coke or Pepsi?
- oh, soda pop is terrible for you. i don't really enjoy drinking either. having said that, i really love ice cream and cigarettes. not together though....well, maybe. i haven't tried that yet....

4) Vampires or Zombies?
- i'm going to say vampires, only to be a monster dick, because i swear i don't quite understand this fascination of zombies people my age have, these days. 

5) Batman or Spiderman?
- i dressed up as the joker for halloween when jack nicholson played him. ever since i have a sick joker fetish. nothing sexual, but there is something about the psyche of that character i am mentally attracted to. that of course, was re-ignited after heath ledger took that character to somewhere i could have only dreamed of it going. so i am going to say, neither. the joker. heroes get boring.

6) Whose the hottest member of the band and why? 
- check this out. i'm going to score some huge points here. we are all either married and or in relationships, so, the band wives and girlfriends are the hottest members......

7) Any comments or advice to listener and stuff.
- the obligatory sales pitch. both records, hide and seek champion, and our new record, pseudonym are available both digitally and in hard copy. if you hit itunes and type in way to go, einstein, you should have smooth sailings ahead, and if you are like me and still buy, what we used to call, compact discs, head over towww.cdbaby.com, punch in way to go, einstein, and you too can be a winner. we may also be heading to your town later on in the year, so catch us at myspace.com/waytogoeinstein, orfacebook.com/waytogoeinstein for details, or if you just want to talk about how a baby is born, because i really have no idea. enjoy your meal.

love, kevin william jack, of way to go, einstein

object width="425" height="344">

Stereos Interview: Jessica

For some of you, "Stereos" is that musical, power pop group you saw on Much Music's edgy show "disband".  For others, the catchy sing along melody of "Summer Girl" has invaded your speakers throughout the last couple of weeks, and you can't seem to that tune out of your head! For a lot of people, the bands rise to stardom came out of no where. One minute they were on Much, and the next well...they were invited back to the ever so popular MOD. With a few powerful shows coming up in the future, including performing with Katy Perry on July 26th, this band has everything it takes to not only be the the hit of the summer, but yet another Canadian band pumping out some light hearted, party going music. I got the chance to interview the lead singer Pat K, here is what he had to say:

Acid City:  How long ago did you guys start playing together? Was it the same band members as now?

The band started out 3 years ago with Dan, Robb and me figuring out exactly what we wanted to do in terms of musical direction and then it was just writing songs for about a year until we got members. We've had quite a few members under different band names til Miles joined about a year and a half ago and we had a pretty steady lineup with some fill-in drummers.

Acid City:How did you choose the name Stereos?

Stereos basically came up as an idea during our 3 day drive from Edmonton to Toronto. We were brainstorming names and listening to tons of music. We wanted a name that was simple but still showed how diverse our sound was and the word stereo was used in a lot of Rancid songs and one of the first groups Ice Cube was in was called Stereo Crew so it ended up being a good fit.

Acid City:What was your first thought/ reaction when you found out you made it to made disband?

We were so excited, probably one of our most exciting moments. As a band that had been working so hard to get noticed we realized that the opportunity to get ourselves on TV was huge.

Acid City:How has your musical careers changed since the airing of that show?

It's pretty much a complete 180. We're now able to focus on our band 100% without going to our old day jobs that we hated. We're getting so many extremely supportive fans and it feels amazing.

Acid City: What emotion do you guys wish most to evoke from your fans when they hear your music?

We really just want people to have a good time. Our music is what we would want to hear ourselves, and the stuff we listen to is generally all about good times.

Acid City: Has the success of Summer Girl come as a shock?

Yes and no. It's surreal to see something I created in my basement on a laptop get so much appreciation and I still can't believe it's happening. On the other hand I always believed in our music and thought it deserved to be heard by as many people as possible.

Acid City:What can everyone expect from you guys in the near future?

We want to continue working as hard as possible on this band. Whether it's playing shows, or writing and recording our album (all of which we'll be doing) we want to be doing as much of it as possible.


Think Quick:

1) Favourite artist/band at the moment: The-Dream
2) Favourite hang out spot: Our front porch
3) Best venue to play a show: So far, the Sound Academy in Toronto
4) Best venue to watch a show: The Rev in Edmonton
5) Most inspiring/successful show so far: Kelowna show on our first tour in 07. It was the first time kids loved us and it felt amazing.
6) Biggest fear: Spiders
7) 3 most important things right now are: Each other, Fans, Music
8) Stereos are: Takin' over!

Luminato Disco Night Movie Clips: Jessica

Luminato Festival 09!

Carmen the Ballet: Jessica

The new Ballet Carmen, which debuted at this years Luminato festival, is an extremely controversial story. Escamillo, played by Kevin D. Bowles, is a bull at some points of the ballet. The show itself is very sex forward, filled with public displays of affection, as well as extreme costume and make up use to inhance the performance. To play the role of Escamillo can be quite challenging, due to the fact that the bull must be tough and powerful, and at the same time graceful and weightless. The choreography itself is hard to grasp, but Kevin pulled it off.I got the chance to interview Kevin and what his thoughts and feelings were towards the ballet. Here is what he had to say:


1) When did you first start dancing?


I started ‘late’. My first ballet class was at the age of 14! I had a lot of music training before that, piano and oboe, but no dance until I was 'duped' into the high school musical in the ninth grade. I started in tap and moved into jazz then -- to better my technique-- I took a ballet class.

2) Describe your favourite moment on stage?

Creation, for me, has always been far more rewarding than interpreting what has already been done. I think that doing a role that is 'ready-made' and reinterpreting it is more difficult and highly rewarding, but my most recent favourite moment on stage would have to be dancing Beaujolais from James Kudelka's An Italian Straw Hat.

3) Which ballet was your favourite to dance and why?

My "favourite" ballet is one that most people have never seen: Colin Connor's Streets and Legends. Genius! I wish you would publish this in the hope that someone would look him up! On a more familiar note I would have to say The Green Table by Kurt Joss. In Canada, I would have to say Swan Lake by James Kudelka. It is untouchable.

4) What ballet pose, move or exercise is your favourite and why?

Ballet is a form of communication. Instead of one pose or movement in particular, it is the whole system that makes it beautiful. The nuances and playfulness of the system are what defines it. What I say, or dance, is not in any singular 'step' or 'movement' but is a product of the whole.

5) How do you like the National Ballet?

The National Ballet of Canada is among the best in the world. That is a bold statement! We are respected, admired and coveted by ballet dancers around the world. Most artistic companies dream of attracting the kind of calibre we turn away. We are the best but we don't apologize; we just offer better and longer! We are the standard the the rest of the world is struggling to achieve.

6) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

No question! I can't imagine my life without The National Ballet of Canada.

7) What advice do you have for aspiring dancers?

I will quote one of my former teachers: "le veux peut tout", which means whatever you want, whatever you dream, can happen and will happen, everything is possible!



8) How did you find the experience transforming yourself into the character for Carmen?
A lot of fun! The costume for Escamillo includes body paint from the waist up. I've never had to put on that much make-up! It took about 45 minutes to get into the costume the one time we tried it -- we will probably be faster the next time but it will be quite an experience every time!


9) Did you try to do anything specific to make your own twist on the character?

The choreographer for Carmen did not make a literal interpretation of the opera. Escamillo is only seen at the end of the ballet and is kind of metaphorical. (It was suggested during a rehearsal that the entire scene might even be a figment of another character's imagination!)



Escamillo is not the bull fighter from the opera but rather ‘an embodiment of the masculine’. The result is that the three of us dancing the role of Escamillo are each totally different. We all do the same steps but watching my co-workers dance the role is almost like seeing them dance a different part!



10) How do you make your character connect with the rest of the characters as well as the audience?

Escamillo is different from all the other characters in the ballet because he is almost fictitious. Whereas the other characters are supposed to be real people doing real things, Escamillo sort of explodes onto the stage in a very surreal scene. There is a lot of humour involved but the scene is ultimately disquieting. The connection to other characters is therefore not the point of Escamillo, he is rather a force that happens and then leaves.



Not unlike an act of nature like a hurricane or an earthquake, the result of his passing is more important than what was actually happening during the event. Connecting with the audience, on the other hand, I don't think will be a problem because the role is so over the top you can't help but have fun with us while we tear up the stage!

**Note** Our own ballerina/ writer Cristina got the opportunity to watch the play this past Sunday, her opinion and review will be up soon

Kensington Prairie Interview: Jessica

"We will destroy you with our soft melodies" is the bands catch phrase on Myspace, and they definitely live up to that. As soon as I started listneing to their music my jaw dropped and I instantaneously wanted to be somewhere with long grass and a warm sun above me. It's the kind of music to wind down to, pense over, read with, or any other relaxing activity for that matter. Their simple messages make the listening experience all that better, with a clear vision of what the song is trying to potray. The atmosphere and emotion they create is something quite special, and makes me realize what talent we have stored away in Canada. Here is the interview I had with Rebecca, enjoy!

1) How long have you all been together and how did you come up with the name?

Kensington Prairie has been together for two years, but KP has been going on in different forms (as Maplewood Lane) since around 1998. I (rebecca) came up with the name while driving the back country roads in Langley, BC....I drove past an old boarded up school called "kensington prairie" and I just knew it was perfect!

2) How did you decide on the genre of music you wanted to create?

I've always written "folk" style songs...even before I knew what folk music was...so, I really just wanted to make an album that felt honest and natural, with organic instruments. In our previous version of the band, as Maplewood Lane, we would take my folk songs and morph them into something a little more brit-pop...so, it was fun to try and strip the songs down again.

3) Your source of inspiration seems to be somewhat organic, what inspires the music you create?\

I am definitely inspired a lot by nature. On the west coast I was fortunate to spend hours by the mountains and oceans, and in my childhood, growing up in Africa and India, I spent a lot of time travelling and in the outdoors. I think years of road-trips, and staring out windows as the scenery flies by, evokes a lot of thinking and reflecting on life.

4) Most musicians get influenced by the places they live in. I understand that you have travelled quite a lot, did all that moving around help your musical creativeness?

Yes! In my songs, there are a lot of themes of change, moving, travelling, saying goodbye, distance, longing...and I think those are themes we can all relate to in our lives. I think, too, that the experience of isolation that one goes through when living in a foreign country spurred me to throw myself into fervently writing songs, learning guitar and spending countless hours recording those early songs on cassette tapes...channelling my experiences and thoughts into music.

5) What has been your most moving live performance so far?

I have sung at my Grandma's funeral and at both of my husbands' grandma's funerals...and I found both of those experiences very moving...it was an honour.

6) What do you want people to feel when they listen to your music? I

guess I want people to feel that longing that is in all of us for beauty...and for hope.

7) Is there any specific instrument you feel most connected to?

I would have to say slide guitar/lap-steel etc....there's something about that high lonesome sound that captures so much feeling and emotion.

8) What are your favourite things to do on your spare time besides music?

I love to spend time with our two little girls, and I like to read good english literature.

9) What is your ultimate goal as musicians?

I would like to create thoughtful art that strikes a chord with people and celebrates the wonder of the joys and sorrows of life.

10) If you could tell the world what Kensington Prairie is in one sentence, what would that be?

nathan likes to say: "we will destroy you with our gentle melodies"


Think Quick:
1) Best day of the week: Monday
2) Favourite TV Show: Seinfeld
3) Summer or Winter?: Winter
4) Favourite flower:Dahlia
5) Favourite author/book:T.S.Elliot/ Letters from the Wasteland
6) Current most played artist or song: Dennison Witmer
7) Current favourite hang out spot: the Dutch Mill, Waterdown On
8) Favourite venue to perform in: Red Rooster, Burlington On (good sound)
9) Art is: transcendent
10: Kensington Prairie is: your new friend

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/kensingtonprairie

Its Here

Firefly Tonics: Cristina

Move over Vitamin Water, here comes FIREFLY! So again, I was at my local grocery store shopping for the weekly supply when I walked over to the drink section and I saw a collection of interesting looking labelled bottles. At first I just thought that they were another version of Vitamin Water and but the name of the drink made me curious! The collection of drinks was called Firefly Tonics. Every flavour had a different colour labelling and a black and white photo to depict what that particular tonic was called. They had cool names like "Love Potion", "Wake Up". "Recharge", "Chill Out", "De-tox" and "Sharpen Up". I was intrigued so I decided to grab a "Recharge" and a "Chill Out" and try them. Later on that evening, I opened up the bottle of "Recharge", took a sip and was amazed. The flavours that hit my taste buds were most agreeable! What's truly amazing is that there is no added sugar to these drinks. These drinks are amazingly compiled herbs, fruits and teas. So not only are you drinking something that tastes amazing its 100% good for you too! So guys, I'd start making Firefly Tonics a regular in you pantry! And just like the name, the drinks are natural and inspiring!

link to website:
http://www.fireflytonics.com/our-drinks/your-questions/

Calling all Fashion Bloggers!: Paige

Fashion will always be something that allows you to experiment with so many different concepts and still manage to be “Funky Fresh”.  It’s a way to express yourself, your mood, how you feel and how you see the world.  Fashion allows you to be yourself and it also allows you to mix and match your style with someone else’s.  There must have been countless times where you’ve walked down the street and saw a girl in a wicked outfit and thought to yourself “Ohhh, I gotta get a pair of those flats!” Seeing how other people put themselves together often gives us inspiration to spruce up our own looks or to try something different.  I absolutely love to see what other people are wearing especially in different parts of the world like England, L.A and Tokyo.  One of the easiest ways to access info on what others are wearing and how to get inspired by their style is through fashion blog spots! It is a daily journal of someone’s personal style.  People take pictures of their outfits and write about what they are wearing, where they bought their outfit and what inspired their look.  My friend Jamie actually introduced me to fashion blogging and I quickly became addicted spending hours online checking out other peoples cute clothes! Some of my favourite fashion bloggers are Tavi (Tavi- thenewgirlintown.blogspot.com) and Jane (Seaofshoes.typepad.com).  There are over thousands of fashion bloggers expressing their personal sense of style everyday so check ‘em out and get inspired!  

Frank and Derol Interview: Jessica

3 girls, 3 instruments, 3 personalities, booming out of the promise city  Los Angeles, California. Megan Park, Codi Caraco and Brandi Cyrus all know what it means to make simple yet effective music. I discovered them on Myspace, and got addicted to watching their video blogs. For three young girls, their sound is quite impressive, as well as their lyrical knowledge and knack for catchy melodies. I had a chance to interview Cody and Brandi, here is what they had to say: 

1) Where did the name Frank and Derol come from?
we like contradiction, anything that contradicts. and that name does. 
derol is also my dads name -codi

2) Were all 3 of you seperate artists before this collaboration?
codi was a solo artist
brandi has played with a few different bands

3) What was the first song you ever wrote together? How did you know 
your connection clicked?
a song no one has heard. we actually wrote it for the new twilight 
movie.
we just clicked.


4) Do you guys think your ever going to get a drummer? If so is it going to be a girl?
yes, probably not a girl though.

5) When do you find it hard to write?
when nothing comes out.

6) Anything in particular that inspires you?
pretty much everything. and the typical love and lust.

7) Where do you guys practice? How often?
we practice anywhere we can. sometimes at brandis, megans, and codis. 
we also practice at the gibson show room in beverly hills. we try to 
practice as often as we can.

8) Ultimate music goal?
travel the world playing our music.

9) Any dream instrument youd love to get your hands on?
oh too many

Think quick:
1) Crunchy or smooth peanut butter? Smooth
2) Private Jet or Private boat? Take a private jet to our private boat
3) Myspace or Facebook? Myspace
4) Current favorite hang out spot? The Studio
5) Favorite designer/brand? Anything that fits
6) Life is : Crazy 
7)Frank and Derol is: cool!
-brandi and codi

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/frankandderol

Cover story on Tavi (aka Style Rookie) : Jamie

If you look across the internet, I am pretty sure that you are bound to find at least a handful of fashion bloggers. The '08/'09 craze of internet blogging, has become a well known thing with today's fashionista's. Ranging from lookbook, to superfuture, to weardrobe, to WAYWT?, and much more-- these well-rounded hipsters know what's in, and what's out, for the latest trends in today's fashion. Personally, catching up on fashion bloggers is in my daily routine. One of my personal favorites has to be Tavi K (aka Style Rookie). She is well known across a various amount of fashion websites for her unique style. She has a vintage flair, with this sense of some sort of edge to her look. Her style is absolutely adorable, and in no way does it reflect her age. What makes her so well known, and much appreciated, is the fact that she got recognized in the fashion world at the young age of twelve (now thirteen). Even her writing style in her blog is phenomenal for someone at that age! You would think that a thirteen year old girl would be stuck in the bubblegum princess era, but unlike the other girls, Tavi's passion for fashion shows incredulously through the way she dresses and the way she expresses herself in her blog. At thirteen, I was still listening to blink-182, and wearing my skater tee's and ripped up jeans. I didn't start getting into the whole idea of fashion and the industry itself until the beginning of this year. Approaching eighteen, I feel such an admiration for Tavi, because already at thirteen, she knows more about fashion than I do! In reading her blog, you can obviously tell that she knows what she's talking about. All in all, Tavi's style is not only memorable, but leaves an impression that makes you want to see more, and wait for what amazing combinations of clothes she'll come up with next!

Tavi's blog: http://tavi-thenewgirlintown.blogspot.com/

Interview with PlantLove Jaye Campbell: Jessica

If you all didnt see my video blog, PlantLove is this great new organic make up line that you can buy at Sephora. Everything is natural and eco friendly, even the packaging it comes in! Some of the packaging contains seeds, so you can plant the paper and grow something! How cool is that! I had a short interview with Jaye Campbell, and here is some extra info he had to spill about the line. 

1) When did PlantLove Cosmetics first begin?

 PlantLove first began as a collection of eco-friendly lipsticks in January 2007 

2) What was the inspiration behind the line?

Beauty without compromise! 

3) Did you find it difficult to create make up that was eco friendly/ organic?

 It was a welcomed challenge, especially finding natural pigmentation that performed at a professional standard

4) Do you find the process takes longer?

Yes, we were first to market the PLA compacts in the cosmetics industry so it took a bit longer to find a manufacturing partner that could work with the material

5) What is the most beneficial part about using organic make up?

Using products that are not only good for you but also the environment, it doesn't get much better than that! 

Kira Plastinina: Teenage Fashion Designer: Paige

She has a knack for high fashion, the ambition some people would kill for and is considered to be the world’s youngest fashion designer!  Born and Raised in Moscow, Russia, Kira Plastinina debuted her clothing line in September of 2008 and with more than 54 outlets worldwide, this 16-year old designer has everything going for her.  With a collection of bright, funky, sequin-studded hoodies and dresses this rising business woman spends her free time approving sketches, choosing fabrics and modifying designs of her ever expanding clothing line while still managing to hand-in her homework on-time at the Anglo-American School in Moscow.  Her style brings a fresh look for girls while still leaving a little room for adventure when adding your own personal style to a Plastinina outfit.  This young Russian beauty is making her mark in the fashion industry and is inspiring girls of all ages to put themselves out there and chase their dreams.

Carrot Top: Cristina

So the other day I was in line at my local grocery store topping up on my new favourite drink Firefly (check it out!) and as I was waiting to pay my eyes feel upon a most shocking site…. the new cover of an Archie Comic! I know what you’re thinking, “What could possibly be so terrifying about our lovable carrot top?” And the answer is … nothing. Everyone at some point in their life has read an Archie Comic, I mean they were a childhood favourite and as the former collector queen I’ve always loved them. But I must say what I saw that day was truly disappointing. Although Betty and Veronica were always depicted wearing short skirt and skimpy bikinis but they always still looked classy, the new altered cover of the Archie Comics took it a touch too far. The female character’s bodies had been altered to make them more “voluptuous” and that is putting it gently! Their shirts were shorter, their tops lower, and their hips and their chest incredibly accentuated and exaggerated. It was actually really sad. Females have worked hard to earn the rights that we all take for granted in present day. Up until 1929 woman were not even considered people in Canada! It’s upsetting to think that this image of women is available for young children to buy! So all the women in the world must recognize that we must still hold dear the rights and principles that our fellow women before us have fought for and that you don’t need to wear a shirt as a dress to be sexy or beautiful! So stand up for yourselves! And as for the cartoonists at Archie Comics, GROW UP!

Moonface: Alene

This is a really random topic, but tonight I was driving home and I looked up at the moon because it just looked so beautiful. I’m at a red light, and I’m staring at it because something seemed off. I turned to my friend and said, “Doesn’t it look like the moon is smiling at us?” She replied with a simple, “Yeah.” Take this as a warning girls and boys, ladies and gentlemen, next time you see a full moon, take a good look. Tonight, I saw two eyes, a nose, and a friendly smile. It seemed as if the moon was looking right at me and smiling; it was unusual. I felt as if someone was watching over me.My friend sat beside me nonchalantly while I was gaping at it. It was one of the most amazing experiences. I really hope that one day one of you will get to see the face on the moon if you haven’t already seen it. Give us some feedback if you’ve ever noticed anything like this, I’d love to hear your stories!

Muchlove,
Alene

Blackbud Interview: Cristina

The first time I heard this talented band, I paused astonished at what I heard, hope. Blackbud is proof that good music still exists and that their are alternatives to the garbage on the radio. There song "Road to Nowhere"captivated my attention in a way only The Fab Four have ever managed to do. This band has a bright future ahead of them and their music should be a must on everyones ipod playlist. So check them out ASAP!

1) State a bit about yourselves.
Joe Taylor-Guitarist and singer, and the source of Blackbud's songs.  
Adam Newton- Bass, and depite the extremely friendly exterior lurks a  
somewhat angry young man. Sam Nadel- Certainly not your average rock  
drummer!

 2) How did you all meet?
We were young aspiring musicians, looking for a way to skip school,  
the band formed during school time.

3) How did you come up with Blackbud?
Blackbud is one of a few names we used in the beginning, over time the  
stories have changed, one probable explanation is that Joe was in an  
unknown location, and saw the reflection of a flower against the sun.

 4) What kind of audience are you trying to reach?
We would like to reach each and every person.

5) First song ever written together
That has to be the blues funk classic 'Do ya know' lol.

 6) Favorite gig/band memory
We had some great gigs in Moles Club in Bath UK, an underground cellar  
type venue.

 7) Who are your musical idols?
We have a wide sphere of influence between us, so I'll a very brief  
summary: Paco de Lucia, Jimi Hendrix, Dylan, The Police

 8) Whose currently most played on your ipod?
The only cool thing I thought came out recently was the MGMT album,  
but in answer to the question mostly the Beatles!

Think Quick
1) is the glass half full or half empty? Half full
2) salty or sweet? Salty Bazouki
3)blondes or brunettes? Brunette
4)pepsi or coke? smoke?

Hope you guys come to Canada soon!
We hope so too  We spent a few weeks in Toronto while recording our 1st Album, so we
have a connection to Canada that way. Dave Bottril was producing. The Drake
hotel was awesome and the café next door... we had a really creative time
over there.

http://www.blackbud.co.uk/
 

PlantLove Organic Make Up: Jessica

Second Cup Waiting: Jessica

Ballerina Black Interview: Jessica

The Mircophones in the Mattress is the first song that begins to play on their Myspace. Instantly I'm brought back to the 80's punk/pop scene, full of hard rhythms and catchy melodies. The bass has that well known power to make your foot instantly start tapping and your head bobbing. Ballerina Black are well established in L.A where they live. Their live shows are without a doubt spontaneous, and the have the charisma and skill to back it up. I had the chance to chat with Bobby Moynahan, the singer/songwriter of the group. These guys will be crossing borders into Canadian territory verrryy soon!

1) How many years ago did you guys form Ballerina Black?

A year and a half. 

2) Where did you come up with the name?

 Its just a paradox between light and dark/discipline and negligence. 

3) What was the first song you wrote? What was it about?

As a band, Kelly Pain. Its about regret and optimism. 

4) Do you find it hard to stand out somewhere so musically influenced?

No. thats not my job ... i can only do what i can do.  

5) What has been your biggest challenge in your music career so far?

Drummers, drummers, drummers. 

6) Anything you wish you could change?

Drummers, drummers, drummers. 

7) Favourite place to perform?

 Silverlake Lounge 

8) Electro is coming back in, is that being beneficial to you guys in any way?

Absolutely, there has always been a dancey element to our tunes.  

9) What do you want people to feel when they hear your music?

The warmth of something new mixed with the chill of goose bumps on your arms.  

10) If you could have a concert with absolutely no budget, what would you have guys going on?

An amazing visual experience coupled with a sound man that could convey everything that is going on in my head. 

11) What can audiences expect from you in the future?

 The same dedication and spontaneity that we are bringing to our music now 

Think Quick:

1)Black or blue?Black 

2) bowling or basketball? Bowling 

3) itunes or cds? Cd's

4) Art is: Art

5) current hotspot is: Spaceland 

6) Favourite restaurant is:Terronit 

7) Wheres Waldo? Who's waldo? 

8) Tape or a stapler? Stapler because it has "tape" inside of stapler 

http://www.myspace.com/ballerinablack

Claudias Corner #3: Jessica

Jeans- Jacob $19.99

Shirt-Jacob $19.99

Vest- Mango $12.99

Shoes- Michael Kors $149 usd

Heart necklace- Forever 21

Underwear- La Senza;)

Inspiration- "i just wanted to look tall"

doesnt she remind you of a chick you'd find in studio 54?...just sayin.