Claudias Corner #2 : Jessica

Shirt: Costa Blanca $10.00

Vest: Value Village $2.99

Skirt: Mexx $49.99

Cardigan: Roots$ 80.00

Boots: Value Village  $4.99

Necklace: Italy 

Influence: "I was just feeling western this morning...like prairie girl"

yee hawww claudia...yeeee haww;)

11TH Annual Global Marijuana March this Saturday!-Jessica

Toronto is celebrating its 3rd Annual Freedom Festival this Saturday May 2nd. Everyone in the march will walk and travel peacefully North along Bloor Street West and continue toward Yonge Street. From there you will head South to Wellsely and then return to Queens park for the remainder of the day. The March will leave the North end of Queens park around 2:00 p.m. This multi-city event takes place in over 250 cities worldwide on the same day, marching together to celebrate cannabis and cannabis culture! After the march is done bands will be performing until 8:00! Take a glance below to see a few of the bands performing. 

Where:  Queen’s Park North

Time: Noon- 8:00 p.m

Cost: Free Admission!

Rules: No Dogs, glass bottles, alcohol, or attitude.. rain or shine!

Band Line Up:

DJ Spence Diamonds                              

Kidd Rasta and the Peacemakers          

Spookey Ruben                                        

The Good Times                                    

Planet Earth                                           

Rebel Emergency                                   

DJ Dopey                                               

The Stoned                                             

Manzone & Strong                                

Jonny White                                          

Neno                                                       

Julien Loreto                                        

Nik Nik                                                 

and tons more!

Links for further information: www.torontofreedomfestival.com

                                                       

www.globalmarijuanamarch.ca

Something to think about...

-Jessica

Bite Back!: Cristina

Da Da, Da Da, DADADADADA! SHARK! Ok let's cut the Jaws vision, calm down and relax! Sharks are not as evil and scary as we all think. Actually, more vending machines kill peope a year than sharks do. It's crazy right! The sad thing is the demand for shark meat is so high that sharks are being hunted and slaughtered to the brink of extinction. And trust me, I know what you are thinking! You're thinking "Why sharks? Who cares?". I know I was the same before watching the documentary "Sharkwater". I now view the ferocious shark as a vulnerable and vital member of our ecosystem. See here's how it goes: if the sharks become extinct than the fish over populate, if the fish overpopulate they will eat all the phytoplankton and 85% percent of the world's oxygen comes from phytoplankton. So if all the phytoplankton disappears we humans can say "bye-bye"! So listen, all it takes is 89 minutes, one movie night with the family. Get in formed and BITE BACK!

*Update: This is currently the charity we will be raising money for on May 14th at the El Mocambo! If your in the area swing by!

Style Icon of the Month: Peaches Geldof: Paige

Her style is edgy and eclectic with a hint of sophistication.  Peaches Geldof, one of Britain’s fashion icons and socialite voices her opinion on what’s hot for spring ’09. “Doc Martens, ‘Hippy Chic’, Baggy sweaters and crazy patterns” are definitely on Geldof’s list of ‘It Items’ for spring!  Whether she’s out for a night on the town hitting up the clubs, Peaches always adds her own personal indie touch to just about any outfit. “Boho Chic”, evening dresses, even her dark look of charcoal eyes with her fair skin are among her signature looks. “Fashion is about pushing boundaries”, the eccentric 22 year-old once said, it truly is what you make of it.

The Madness of the Sqaure Review: Alene

“The Madness of the Square” is the true story of the 1989 revolution in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China.  Four friends and students stand up for what they believe in and go on an incredible journey together in this remarkable play.  It was written by Marjorie Chan and directed by Ruth Madoc-Jones. 

I personally do not enjoy movies, plays, television shows, or anything that deals with historical events; I find them tedious. I found “The Madness of the Square” started off slow, which failed to catch my attention. However, in the middle of this short 90-100 minute play, it started getting interesting. Romances were formed and true feelings towards one another were established. The passion and emotion that was portrayed for making a better China was incredible and influential to any student. The use of a small stage and props was extremely efficient and perfect and showing the story line.

The cast was what intrigued me the most. Their energy was astounding! They kept me captivated and on the edge of my seat.  I’d recommend people to go see this show just so they can watch the actors.  Each actor brought a different element to the show.  My personal favourite was the character of Ding-Ding, played by Shannon Kook-Chun.  He was able to bring humour and excitement into all the appropriate parts.

No matter what age or interest, I recommend going to watch this play.  It wouldn’t be my first choice but if you’re in the area or feel like learning a lot about the 1989 revolution in China, it’s all yours.

 

For further information you can visit the website at www.factorytheatre.ca or call

(416) 504 9971.

7 Dollar Taxi Interview: Jessica

I promised I would be getting some international bands for you guys so i did. These guys are called 7 Dollar Taxi and supposedly their the next best thing from the UK since Franz Ferdinand. When I heard this of course i doubted that it could be true. However when I listened to their stuff I automatically wanted to get up, blast music and dance through my hall ways. Of course I saved myself the embarrassment and danced in my room instead...with the door shut of course;) I have attached their music video for a song called "Do the Robot". Play this song, and you'll do exactly that. 

1)) Where did the name 7 Dollar Taxi come from?

 Standard question, haha. Well, we have a funny story to tell but it's really an uncle of ours writing a whole booklet with band names and us picking this one particular.

2) When did you know you you wanted to be musicians professionally?

When we found out how fun it is not to stack shelves and type stupid things into a computer. We've always loved the idea to see new places and meeting new people everyday and then to go back to the studio to work on songs.

3) First song ever written together? Recorded together?
3) Can't remember the first song written but our first demo was a song called "no". A simple tune with a good no-brainer hook and it was about 3 minutes too long.

 4) How was the experience filming the Do the Robot music video?

Two great days with a lot of friends taking part, a lot of fun.

 5) Any ideas for a next music video?

Depends on what single is going to be released next, really. But we've always wanted to shoot a video with us while bungee jumping from a bridge. And simultaneously eating fondue.

6) What are your thoughts on the new tour coming up?

Well, hopefully there'll be a lot people coming down to the shows and we're really looking forward to getting to see some places weve never been before.

 7) What do you guys write about the most? Which audience do you want to grab?

We're trying to write about stuff that is different to the cliché "I was made for you/you were made for me"-crap, be it memories of a fun night or horror stories. We also make up a lot of things or extremely exaggerate.

8) Who is your most played artist on your mp3 at the moment?
I listened to the new Franz Ferdinand album about 6 times in the last 3 days. But during the last 7 days... maybe Fleetwood Mac, Supergrass or Dan Le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip.

9) What can fans expect from you guys in the future?
We might split up on 1st January 2010 and do a sold-out reunion tour from March 2010 to December 2011. But we havent made up our minds.

Think quick!

1) Stage diving or crowd surfing?

Never done either, to be honest, haha. there have been people stage-diving at our shows with a bad and painful outcome, though.

2) Best concert attended?

Hmmm, without a lot of thinking Id probably go with Ebony Bones in Berlin, May 2005. They performed in a small basement-like club and they just blew me away.

3) Favourite Sunday pastime?

Recovering from Saturday night which usually involves sleeping in late, scrumbled eggs for breakfast at 3pm and maybe a walk. Oh and we usually rehearse on Sundays.

4) Prep or punk? Punk I reckon.

5) Ocean or pool? Ocean.
6) M&m or skittles? M&Ms

7) Performing on stage is: the only sport we do.
8) Creating music is:something you can also do in a sober state.
9) 7 Dollar Taxi is:your best friends, in good and in bad times.

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/7dollartaxi

Just to add to the Earth Day Irony....

On Earth day a man was riding his bike on highway 7. I almost hit him. This not being metaphorical for the ending of the lives of those who are earth conscious just the possible ending of lives of those who do not know how to change lanes on highway 7 on a bike. 

-Vittoria

Claudias Corner: Jessica

Name: Claudia

Inspiration: "Found something in my closet...havent worn it in a while, i forgot that its nice!"

Shirt: Liz Clairborne $19.99

Necklace: Arcadia Music School (actual working harmonica) $5

Vest: hand me down (from her aunt)

Pants: Nudies from Aritzia... (interesting fact you put them in the freezer to clean them)$199

Boots: Michael Kors $149 (american)

So heres the thing, theres this great chick named Claudia who I intern with. Shes 24, has a great sense of style not to mention sass. If someone ever asked me how I want to see myself at that age...shes the PERFECT example. Coming from the same area (Woodbridge) its hard to break out of the normal "gina" spell thats been cast on everyone. Growing up,  girls sported these articles of clothing and looks : 

1) Hollister Top or Sweater

2) Hollister/ Abercrombie Jeans/ Tna Pants

3) Ugg boots

4) Coach wrislet

Hair: pin straight

Often I was scrutinized because I wasnt in this "it" frame, this complete bogus of "what looks cool". In my mind, looking cool is being yourself, trying new things, and being daring! I always tried to look different whether it be wearing floral dresses or mismatched outfit combinations. Nylon was my bible while the others had their faces stuck in j-14. So, I have been inspired by Claudias look and I am going to blog her clothing daily. Not to mention shes started a little fashion blog on me! Shes a true inspiration of us small town girls!! 

Mansfield TYA Interview: Jessica

As I discussed earlier, Europeans really know how to step up their game. Mansfield TYA does not prove my theory wrong in any way. This band straight out of France reminds me of an edgier/gothic Tegan and Sara. Their new album " Seules au bout de 23 Secondes" is gaining the recognition it needs. They are currently on a France tour promoting this album, and at the same time, stepping all over the music scene with their heavy music. "Sur le Plaford" is the perfect song to listen to on a rainy day, as with the rest of the album ( I have included the music video at the bottom). Combing instruments such as violin and piano, it creates a melancholy mood...in a a positive way...if that makes any sense. Trust me, you do not have to know how to speak french to enjoy this entrancing music. I got the chance to interview them and here is what they had to say: 

1)What decision making went behind choosing your name?

 Mansfield was because of June Mansfield the Anaïs Nin's friend and Henry Miller's wife. TYA … for nothing.

2)What inspired you to start writing and performing music?

I really don't Know cause i 've always dreamed about being a painter. I still do today. 

3) Has living in Paris influenced your sound in any way?

 Paris makes me angry sometimes, like today, cause it's just too big and really impersonal. So, if i had to write a song, i'll probably have this feeling. Maybe tomorow will be just the opposit. 

 4) How was the recording process for your new cd?

 We take our time in a small house, near St-Nazaire ( West cost ). A small house close to the sea !!! And we record this second album like in family with Antoine Bellanger from Belone Quartet and some others friends ( Vale Poher , Etienne Bonhomme, Manuella Lahaye etc ... ).

 5) Did you have any say in the album art?

 Of course, the artwork was made by Julie Redon Accapulco , and it's a part of M.TYA. We care about all the universe around us. This is why we start to work with a dance compagny and we've done, few years ago, the music for a movie ( "un chant d'amour" Jean Genet ). We also realesed a vynil for this second album, screenprinting hand-made !

 6) What has been your favourite performance so far?

 I like when the people are not just looking at us but take part of the gig. 

The last one was in Paris ! Sometimes i love Parisians !!! 

 7) What are most of your lyrics about?

 About feelings. 

Love, death, fear, sadness, joy ... and sometimes about time passing.

8) Fashion is: Alexender McQueen

9) Art is:Julie Redon Accapulco

10) Mansfield is:Carla Pallone & Julia Lanoë

 www.myspace.com/mansfieldtya 

A little Earth Day Irony

So I was out driving and this HUGE hummer in front of me decides to throw out not 1, but 2 coffee cups out the window...grand i know. 

Should hummers still be sold for normal city driving?

Dsquared: Vittoria

Seeing as I found the Spring RTW lines completely uninspiring, a part from Marc by Marc Jacobs, ADAM and DVF, I have decided to jump a head a bit. Fall RTW lines were pretty great this year as it seems to be the season of youth. I fell in love with Dsquared2’s 09 line up. Basically, the epitome of trendy, beautiful, superstar style was turned into a runway show. The girls carrying Starbucks in one hand and a Blackberry in the other, wearing effortlessly cool clothes and facial expressions reminded me of a nice stroll down the madness that is known as Queen West on a Saturday. Let’s get inspired for our summer months! Check the line out.

 

Talent Over the Pond? : Jessica

Now im known in Toronto for going to show upon show upon show. Once in a while you find that different artist, that one that stands out. But lets be honest, Toronto's music scene has definitely had a downfall. Most of the bands are a dime a dozen if that and kinda well...annoying to watch. When in Europe I couldnt help but notice the VAST amount of talent in the music scene! After visiting pub upon pub I noticed that not only were all the artists different and extremely bold with their music, their style was remotely unique, wearing objects of clothing ive never seen worn before. While in Paris, I was once again shocked at the street musicians as as seen in the picture above. I found these men on a bridge performing all day...literally all day. And all day they had a huge crowd around them...you know why? because they were GOOD. Street artists here hardly get that respect...well maybe if they had talent people would stop by and listen. These men had to be in their late 50's early 60's...and SOUNDED BETTER than tons of the young artists we have here in Canada. 

Scary?

yes

Suprising?

No.

Their culture has so much character its kinda hard not to make good music...and if there are the bad musicians of europe..which im sure there are, I have yet to stumble upon them. So next time you visit Europe, take these tips:

1) go to a random acoustic pub in London and listen...really listen

2) go to a side street in Paris, have a crepe, sit down in the sun, and enjoy the beautiful jazz music

Acid City has a few UK bands coming up and im extremely excited to introduce them to North American crowds. Stay tuned! 

Metric Interview-Jimmy Shaw: Jessica

Its been a while since I've seen an album name so close to its content. Metrics new album "Fantasies" was started in the bucolic woods outside Seattle. Each song is unique in itself and pushes the listener to their greatest challenge: to let go. The CD brings your dreams to life with mythical lyrics and trance like vibes. Its lyrics are bold and harsh bringing a new meaning to the "addictive". I've been listening to the album everyday in a row since its release and literally cannot put it down. Its the perfect music for those great spring days, windows down, wind blowing your hair and the strong beats from the bass and drums sticking in your head. For current fans of Metric, this album will yet again not disappoint. Fantasies was released on April 7th, and not too surprisingly sold over 10,000 copies in Canada in one week. Not to mention its debut was #8 on the charts.They will be traveling everywhere from Canada to Europe in the next couple of months and we wish this home grown talent the best of luck. Pick up the album in stores now, I promise it'll ,make your heart beat like a hammer;)We had the amazing chance to score an interview with Jimmy Shaw, the guitarist of the band here is what he had to say:


1) I understand the writing process is very important to you, do you
 ever find it hard to place all your emotions on paper and in music?

 Its hard to place all of them in one song but that's never reallly
 the point. One song, one emotion at a time.

 2) How important is staying true to yourself and remotely unique in
 this business?

 Its the most important to stay true. If that means unique then so be
 it

 3) Where has been your favourite place to perform so far?

 Too many to list. Sao paolo, istbanbul, Paris to name a few

 4) What are you expecting from the Fantasies album release?

 To be working really hard for the forseeable future.

 5) What or who influences you most to pick up a pen and write?

 For me musical ideas come to me most during walking. Thinking about
 some experience or something that may have happened to me. The worst
 thing I've ever heard is some guy saying that 9-11 was a bummer but
 that now he had a lot to write about.

 6) What is your favourite song to perform? Do you have a song your
 sick of performing?

 The favourites change. The ones I'm sick of the most we stopped
 playing

 7) What do you wish to gain from performing at Edgefest this year?

 A tan and a wicked hangover

 8) Do you think that forming your band in Toronto has influenced
 your music in any way?

 The musical community in Toronto is incredibly supportive. If
 anything it instills an idea that no matter what happens with your
 endeavors you will still be loved and supported by your friends
 family and fellow musicians. Its also very inspiring to be around
 that much talent

 9) If you could live in any time era what would that be?

 1472 Jimmy shaw sailed the ocean blue

 10) Most played on your mp3 player at the moment?

 Flash lightning pre production. Awesome band I'm producing. You guys
 are gonna freak

 11) What was your best and worst concert experience?

 Playing with the stones. Puking in the NBC van on the way to conan o brien

 12) Is there a certain song thats most important to you?

 No. I'm not a song elitist. Do you like one of your kids more than
 the others?

 13) Do you enjoy writing anything else besides music?

 I don't write anything but music and emails and hopefully my
 preference is obvious

 14) 1 weird strange fact about you?

 I am a hobbit with one gold toe

15) Any hobbies you like doing when your not involved in music?

 Cooking. Body surfing

 16) If you didnt have music as a career, what do you think you'd be
 doing right now?

 Sleeping

 17) Your music videos are extremely artistic, do you have any say on
 how they are made?

 We have all the say on how they go. We try and make them amazing.
 Occasionaly we succeed

 18) Your favourite time of day?

 4pm. Breakfast

 19) If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

 Me

Album Rating: 5/5

http://www.myspace.com/metric

A Shoulder to Lean On: Paige

The one-shoulder fashion trend is hitting the streets for spring time of ’09. This sexy yet subtle style can turn any look from causal-chic to glamorous. A one-shoulder style that people are dying to get their hands on is a figure complimenting one-shoulder dress. Whether it is for day-time or evening wear, having a dress with asymmetrical detailing that accentuates your neckline and emphasizes your shoulders for that sexy edge is a must-have this season! This stunning style is also a great way to draw attention to a statement neck piece like layered gold or jewels. Some of the hottest places to find these looks are; BCBG, Bebe, Marciano and Forever 21.

Liz Stott: Jessica

While traveling around the UK we not only got the chance to see some great sites, but also to take in the cultural aspect. London had tons of things to offer from art to fashion to music. While stumbling across a homey pub called the Ivy, we accidentally ran into an emotional artist: Liz Stott. She sat on a stool alone with her friend and her guitar, singing with a slow, meaningful passion. Her lyrics were dark, powerful and moving, and we froze as soon as we got in the door. "Get her info! Get her info!" Cristina yelled in my ear over the defining music. Staying true to my instinct...I did. Ladies and gentleman of Canada, I introduce you to Liz Stott!


1) What inspired you to write your first song?

Well I used to play trumpet in a band called The Argonauts a few years ago, so I would say it was their song writing ability that inspired me to pick up a guitar and give it a go myself! Also my dad is a jazz musician and so there has always been guitars kicking about the house growing up, so one day I decided to pick one up and I just started writing on it, coming up with random little riffs that I eventually turned into songs and added lyrics to.

2) What message do you want your music to convey to listeners?

I want my listeners to get a real feeling of story-telling in my songs. I write about things that have happened to me, my friends, fictional stories or even ideas taken from books or poems I like. I like my songs to have a feeling of escapism and I find writing very therapeutic, a way of me to express what I'm thinking or feeling at the time I write it and I hope that mood translates into my music, in a soulful and heartfelt way.


3) Has living in London influenced the way your music sounds?

Yeah I reckon it definately has. From gigging around London I have played with and seen such a variety of musicians, that I properly wouldn't have had the chance to if I was not living in the city. Also the pace of life is so fast and exciting in London, I think that encourages me to work harder and do more live shows.

4) What is the most challenging part of being a musician?

Erm I think the most challenging part of being a musician is the element of luck and timing that it takes to make it in the industry as it is at the moment. What music is popular changes so quickly that if you miss your chance it is very hard to climb your way back up. I have known bands to seem like they are on the brink of breaking into the industry in a massive way, but then the promotion side has failed or taken too long and they missed their chance.


5) Do you have any other hobbies besides music?

Yeah well I'm currently doing a degree in fashion illustration at The London College of Fashion, and I work freelance as an illustrator under my company name 'DiscoBetty Illustrations'. I love drawing and music so much and if I didn't have a creative outlet I think I would probably shoot myself! I am definately not one to work doing something boring and conventinal, I think I accepted that pretty early on, so that made me all the more keen to succeed doing something I love and am passionate about.


6) Best and worst part of playing gigs?

Erm the worst part about playing gigs is for me the elements that you can't control, like if the sound at the venue is bad or the other musicians playing on the bill that night are completely different to you, like I recently had to play with some heavy metal band and go on straight after them with my acoustic guitar! But I love playing live and the best part for me is just getting a response from the crowd and getting to play my songs to people that haven't heard me before. I love performing and I think it is the best thing about being a musician.

7) Favourite band or artist at the moment?

I listen to a lot of old stuff to be honest, mainly from the 60's era but I have a really diverse music taste! Some of my favourite artists are The Strokes, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Davy Graham, Nick Drake, The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Pj Harvey, Love, Television, Supergrass and The Broken Family Band.

8) Favourite show performed to date? worst? and why?

Erm my favourite shows I have played have been my two most recent at the Ivy House In Holborn. It's a great, relaxed venue with good sound and always lots of fun! All the acts end up getting up and jamming together at the end of the night and it's always a good laugh. My worst gig was prob the one I mentioned when I had to play with a bunch of heavy rock bands, although it was still a good learning curve haha.

9) Where do you hope to go with your music?

I hope to just gig more and more and I am currently writing a bunch of new songs which I hope to be performing soon. Furthermore I am going into the studio again and I am planning on releasing a music video. I want to get a full band together for the live shows and just give it everything I got!

10)If you could tell the world about your music in one word, what would that be?

 Bosh!!

11) My name is Liz and: I just ate a tuna melt and it was goood.

http://www.myspace.com/lizstottmusic

Images Festival Toronto 2009 - Scott Miller Barry:Jessica

Art in today's culture is hard to pin point. It is no longer viewed as pen to paper, paper to paint, paint to canvas. Art has expanded and grown into so many forms that can be soaked into our minds if we just let it happen. The Images Festival is one way to help broaden your art knowledge. The event is held in Toronto from April 2nd- 11th and consists art from visuals to on screen to music and movement. While attending some of the events I was blown away at the different artistic perspectives found in everyday life. Everyone participating found a way to be original, creative, bold and satisfying. I have never seen so many unique short films in my life. The whole team did a great job at pulling the different exhibits and events together, while pitching everything in a very exciting/ underground way. The vibes were so mellow and relaxed, yet I felt the excitement from the people attending. I had the opportunity to interview Scott Miller-Berry the director of the whole festival! Make sure to check out the website and possibly go to the festival next year, you'll definitely see me there. Here is his perspective:

1) What motivated you to take on the role of an Executive Director for the Images Festival?


As a filmmaker myself, I've always looked up to Images as a place where I've learned a lot about contemporary film and moving images and after volunteering 1 year, working part time here for 4 years, I decided I wanted to contribute to the future and growth of the festival by jumping into the drivers seat! I love experimental and artist film / video as well as music, installation art and all things "underground" so to speak, so this job has been a DREAM COME TRUE!

2) How long does it take to plan such a huge event?

3 of us work all year 'round here! We literally start planning as soon as this festival closes.
We've been working on a Conference for 2010 since January of 2008! We need to start earlier and earlier each year....

3) Has the festival changed at all over the years in terms of interested people?

Hmm...we're seeing younger audiences which is GREAT! More and more of our surveys are indicating that its attendees
FIRST year at Images, which is also encouraging....we do a lot of workshops with youth and I hope those are translating into younger fans of non-commercial films!

4) Which crowds are most drawn to the festival?

Its all over the place: art lovers, film fans, music heads, anyone who is into art on the FRINGES, who is up for a new, unexpected and/or unique experience. This includes students, teachers, filmmakers, artists and regular film festival junkies. We're lucky in Toronto to have over 90 film festivals, so there's a huge diversity of films and genres to choose from!\
5) Which part of the program is your favourite and why?

We have 3 sections at Images: On Screen, Off Screen and Live Images.

-On Screen includes the screenings in the cinema;
-Off Screen includes installation art in galleries across the GTA'
and Live Images includes performances which mix music and/or performance with film.

I think my heart is with Off Screen, as that' s where I got my start @ Images/

6) If you had absolutely no budget would there be any ad ons to the festival?

Yes, we'd rent one of the vacant cinemas in Toronto and run a theatre all year long and provide an alternative space for cinema and contemporary art!

7) Any new artists showcasing that we should look out for?

We have tonnes of new artists as always -- I would be on the lookout for:

Sung Hwan Kim, Hanne Mugaas + Cory Arcangel, Cloud Eye Control, Deanna Bowen and Althea Thauberger.

8) What are your biggest aspirations for the 2009 festival?

I hope that every screening & event has audiences who appreciate what they experience at Images and it takes them to new levels of film viewing!!

9) Image Arts Festival is: a mind blowing experience!


http://www.imagesfestival.com