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.

Oh No Forest Fires Interview: Jessica

A lot of bands now a days are trying to go for something a bit different..a bit more..out there. Who says you have to stick to one..two..or even three genres of music? Who made up the rule that your musical styling had to be kept in a creative filled box? Rules are meant to be broken, and this battle is made to be defeated. I'm glad to say that finally today bands are taking that into play, especially us Toronto ones.  Oh No Forest Fires has that bad ass edge of rock and roll with that twist of happy go lucky pop. One thing that matters most to me is lyrics, and they have that too. What's better then getting that song stuck in your head for hours on end! Not to mention they put on a killer live show. This band has a history of members carefully formed together from different bands. These include the Most Serene Republic, Fox Jaws, the Vulcan Dub Squad and Five Blank Pages. Want that spring in your step for spring 2009? Go ahead, listen, im almost positive you'll smile. 

1) How long ago did you guys start out?

Hmmm it depends what you mean by "starting out." Our first practice was just me and Adam back in December 2006, playing songs I'd been sitting on for years and years. A few months later Matt joined, a few months later Brock joined (there was another guy too, but he's not with us anymore). The first show we played was Sept 20, 2007. Maybe that's the best starting point.

2) How did you come up with that name?

As for the name story, I don't think I've ever said it better than right here, skip ahead to 1:34 if you want:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc4mOOFss74

3) How was it like recording for The War on Geomerty?

Hmmm. Almost all of it was fun! So that's good. We did things really really quickly, and if you listen to the album really really REALLY closely, you can kind of pick up on that. 
 
We did all 7 tracks (9 actually, but we only used 7!) instrumentally in two days at Last Ounce in Brampton, and over the following few months we would go into Kenny (Bridges, from Moneen) basement and do vocals here and there. Eventually it was done. And me and Shawn mixed it over a few days at his place, usually working late into the night trying all these weird shit. 
 
I think the sound of the album reflects the love and care of not just us but everyone that helped us out, and I know we're all really proud of that. If every record was this much fun to make I don't think anyone would ever want a real job haha

4) Did you know which song was going to be your first single?
 
No we didn't actually, certainly not before recording the album. We made the whole record, and there was maybe.... 4 songs that really stood out to us, all of them showcasing a different kind of sound for the band. Ultimately, I think "It's Not Fun And Games Unless Someone Loses An Eye" just got picked up the most by stuff like CBC Radio 3, so we just kind of ran with that. Hmmm, although, that said I think "Robin The Boy Wonders" was the one that XM Radio liked the most. 
 
Well either way, I think we're gonna try and push "Swing and a Misdemeanor" on people a lot now, if we can call that a second single. It's not like we're going for radio play or making music videos or anything, so the idea of a "single" is a little less concrete with us. 

5) My favourite song is New Cove Road Back Home can you explain what thats about?
 
It's funny you should ask about that, because New Cove Road Back Home is probably the most important song on the album to me lyrically. I went out with this really wonderful beautiful girl named Kim for a long time, like 4 years, and eventually we just kind of grew up a little differently so we had to break up. Being the geniuses that we are, we decided that moving in together a year after breaking up would be a smart move (IT WASN'T). After eight months of living together and fighting every day (partly because we loved each other too much, partly because we hated each other too much) we kind of came to an understanding that it just wasn't working out and she had to move out. That's where the idea of "when you said you were never coming back" came from. And it really really really reaaaaaally sucked. I knew then (and now) that it was definitely the best decision but it still sucked. Anyways, I suppose the main point of the song is to capture that perspective of having lost something really important that you thought you could have, and the crushing weight of loneliness and regret that can come along with it. Making coffee for just yourself in the morning when you don't even really feel like you have a reason to wake up is an awful feeling. It's made even worse when you know the one you love has started a new relationship with someone else, and they moved in together and seems really serious and like maybe she's moved on forever, for good, and some other guy is getting every you wanted. I probably will go to her wedding (although she doesn't have one planned yet), but I honestly have to be really careful not to drink much. I will probably say something stupid. Although I love her family, so that'd be nice to hang out with them a little bit again. I don't know.
 
As for the title, it's a reference to both an older ONFF song, and a road back home in St. John's NFLD (where kim and I are both from). The old song was called "Cove Back Home Song", and then Adam thought the new one was "the New Cove Back Home" and there's this street in St J called "New Cove Road" so we just called it "New Cove Road Back Home"... we're very stream-of-consciousness when it comes to making song titles.

6) Where do you guys practice? 

In a room at Dufferin/Dupont, in this thing called The Rehearsal Factory. It's a whole bunch of practice rooms in one building. We share with a bunch of other bands, including the band I'm on tour with right now, who are also really amazing, called "The Ghost Is Dancing".

7) What comes first the music or the lyrics?

It depends how you look at it. I can't really speak for Matt, but I know with me I write down all my different lyrical ideas first in this notepad file on my computer, and then I have a whole pile of music recorded as demos separately. Once the melody is in place, then I kind of go through the lyrics and try to edit them and tie ideas together to form a cohesive song. THat's how it works most of the time for me, although sometimes I'll just start singing something randomly in the jam space and I"ll make a point to remember it and develop an idea around that ("Fighting Heidi" is a perfect example of that).

8) How does it feel like to be on  the music charts?

Being on campus radio and the CBC Radio 3 charts has been above everything else, really surprising!! hahaha I say that half jokingly, but seriously, it's really cool- we didn't really expect it and it feels great to know that other people seem to enjoy our songs as much as we do. Hopefully we can keep it up! It's helping with bringing people out to our live show, which is what our band is really about- the live show I mean, so that's also a really awesome bonus too.
 
9) Any exciting thoughts or anticipations for the summer?

HMmm not sure yet! We have some ideas we're kicking around, and a bunch of new songs. I know in mid/late May we're doing a quick Ontario/Quebec tour with our buddies in the band Arietta, that'll definitely be a lot of fun. We have some exciting oppurtunities besides that coming up too, including NXNE, and a music festival in Ottawa at the end of the summer. I guess for me specifically, the new songs are probably the most exciting thing haha I can't wait to demo them!! EEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!
 
Think quick:

1) Most played on your ipod right now?

I don't have an ipod, and my itunes is back home on my computer right now, but I know lately I've been listening to a lot of:
 
So Many Dynamos
Mountain Goats
Phoenix
Dark Was The Night
Wilco

2) Best performance so far?

For us?? HMmmmm. We played REALLY well at the Horseshoe a few weeks ago with The Coast. I don't know what it was, a mix of crowd reaction and us just being a little bit "on", but it was fucking fun as fucking fuck fuck.
 
As for performances that I've seen, I'd say hmmm, Fox Jaws at the Rivoli was amazing, their new album is definitely going to melt faces and destroy brains it's so good, the new songs are incredible. Ummm, I saw Hey Rosetta! at Lee's Palace, and they just killed. The Constantines/Weakerthans at the Phoenix was really really great. HMmm.
 
And you know what, I know it's not music but I saw Norm Macdonald do stand up at Yuk Yuk's last week and it was easily one of the most incredible things I've ever seen, so definitely that too.
 
3) Dream band to tour with?

Oh gosh, there's millions!! On the more realistic side of things I'd love to tour with Moneen, adam/matt have been friends with them forever (and toured with them before in their old band) and that'd be like a little dream come true for me. I'd also love to tour with So Many Dynamos again, that might actually be possible later this year, but more on that later.
 
As for other dream bands that I think we'd fit with, I'd say "And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead" would be super super fun, maybe someone like "Maps And Atlases" I don't know, I love too many bands hahaha

4) Craziest person in the band?

Oh my god that's like asking which cast member on Full House is the "whitest". We're all batshit insane- although in different ways. 
 
5) Biggest fear? 
 
Those sliding automatic doors at grocery stores and airports.

6) Favourite book/author?

Tie for favourite author is Michael Winter (amazing writer from NFLD, he splits his time between St. J and Toronto, just like me!) and Milan Kundera (we were talking about him in the van yesterday, I want to be his drinking buddy).
 
Favourite book? Let's say "This All Happened" by Michael Winter, "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" by Kundera, and I gotta say "Shadow Of The Wind" was really good too. And "The Kiterunner". And this book of poetry by Shawn Collins is really good took, the name of which escapes me now.
 
7) Mars or Jupiter?
Mars. It lives by the three words I base my whole life on: Smaller, faster, redder. That makes... NO sense. 

8) Oh No Forest Fires in one word:

"Guitarded"

Myspace:  www.myspace.com/ohnoforestfires

My Heart Monitor: Jessica

VFEST 09 LINE UP

The Line-up!

Legendary rockers BEN HARPER & RELENTLESS7 will co-headline day one with alternative rock legends THE PIXIES. Joining them will be Scottish rockers FRANZ FERDINAND; singer-songwriter PAOLO NUTINI; Brooklyn indie rockers GRIZZLY BEAR; American rock duo MATES OF STATE; Canadian faves SLOAN; Juno Award-winner LIGHTS; Canadian rockers THE RURAL ALBERTA ADVANTAGE; and California new wave rockers IGLU AND HARTLY. On top of that, UK-pop royal DANIEL MERRIWEATHER and chart topping PITBULL will headline the Virgin Radio stage with guests such as Canadian singer-songwriter ANJULIE; electro club artists CANDY COATED KILLAHZ; progressive indie artists DOWN WITH WEBSTER; and Toronto electro-rock duo THUNDERHEIST!

Industrial rock gods NINE INCH NAILS will headline day two and will be joined by English electronic dance icons PET SHOP BOYS; Juno Award-winning band OUR LADY PEACE; American party hip hop band N.E.R.D.; American indie band COLD WAR KIDS; Grammy Award-nominated rock band MUTEMATH; Danish rockers MEW; Montréal indie rock band PLANTS AND ANIMALS; Quebec songstress COEUR DE PIRATE; alt-rockers THE VON BONDIES; Norwegian electro-rock group DATAROCK; Montréal indie rockers SILVER STARLING; and alt rockers D’URBERVILLES! Day two on the Virgin Radio stage will be headlined by reggae fusion singer SEAN KINGSTON. Also pumping up the volume on the Virgin Radio stage will be Canadian R&B singer-songwriter MELANIE FIONA; electro hip hop group HYPER CRUSH; punk rocker TROUBLE ANDREW; Electro Pop Punk locals FRITZ HELDER & THE PHANTOMS and synth-pop specialists THE NEW CITIES.