Textile Art Museum of Canada: Jessica

As soon as you step inside the doors all noise and chaos from outside is lost. The traffic, the business plans, the stress, just evaporates. This building is a hidden gem, found on a side street of town. It contains exhibits including the Cutting Edge, When Women Rule the World, and She Will Always be Younger than Us . These exhibits extend 3 floors up to where you’ll find anything from feminist art to fashion over the centuries. It displays a simple yet effective way of showcasing what is truly important. Single pieces display empty walls, followed by quotes, videos and interactive activities. Its raw in its own form, with no use of commodities to brighten it up. By viewing art like this, it allows your mind to wander, to think, to explore. Alene and I had the chance to visit the gallery. What was supposed to be a quick run in to the Cutting Edge exhbit, turned into a long stay eventually viewing every floor. The art was placed in such a way that you felt as though you had to examine it, study it, and understand it to its full potential. It was so quiet that we felt the need to whisper and keep to our own thoughts. Once in a while we'd turn to each other, nod our heads and move on. Now i'd explain to you which exhibit is about, but then that would ruin all the fun. Visit the website listed below for more information on the location and differnet exchibits in the museum. The Textile Art Museum of Canada is a definite must see for any Torontoians.

http://www.textilemuseum.ca/

Two lucky readers can score two passes to the museum for free! Email me and tell me which exhibit most intrests you and i'll send passes your way! jessica@acidcitymag.com

Cut Throat Kids: Jessica

This new group from Toronto really know how to get an audience going. From their catchy melodies to their amazing guitar riffs, the future looks bright in the music scene. Cut Throat Kids are the real thing, and im more than positive you'll be just as impressed as I am. I got the opportunity to have an amazing interview with lead singer Melissa, here is what she had to say:


1) So how did you guys all come together?

The band auditioned a bunch of singers and luckily I was one of the ones that got to audition! It was a perfect match right from that moment.

2) Where does the name Cut Throat Kids come from?

We spent a lot of time trying to figure out a great name, and after lots of reading and research we finally put together this name... I think we mixed it up from some Shakespeare and some other things.

3) When did you decide that you guys wanted to become an official band?

Right from the beginning. I think right off the bat we all knew what we wanted and it was just a unanimous decision that this was going to be a serious venture for a long time!

4) Which specific audience are you trying to reach through your music?

We shoot for anyone between 12-25 but of course we just want to reach anyone that can relate to the messages we put out through the music. We have fans over 50! and I think it is great haha :)

5) Tyler, I understand you had a previous band, how have things changed musically for you since then?

Things have definitely gotten a lot more serious, and also I have gone through some crazy jazz vocal training as well as working on my technique a lot more.

6) If you could choose somewhere to perform where would it be?

Oh god, well of course I will firstly say the ACC would be amazing, but even somewhere like the Kool Haus... I actually think I would love to play outside at Warped Tour... that would be win.

7) Dream band to share the stage with?

Uh oh... THE BEATLES hahaha no i'm kidding ummm you know I think I would love to share the stage with Radiohead but I dont think that will ever happen cause... We are COMPLETELY different music styles... but wow, Radiohead sure put on an amazing live show

8) Where do you hope this music will bring you?

Everywhere, I hope we can take it around the world over and over, and I think I would especially love to go to Japan!

9) What inspires you to write your catchy melodies and lyrics?

Oh gosh, just everything that happens in my life, even things I see in other people's lives... For example, 'Grounded' is about a bad failing relationship I was in for too long, whereas "Feed Me" is about a friend of mine's negative experience with drugs. Once in a while I write about random things that don't make sense though... I like mixing things up!

10) Best experience as a band so far?

Personally it was putting together our first set for our first show. The songs all came together so well and we finished them all up so nice, and I felt so accomplished... it was awesome!

11) How was it like performing for the first time as a band?

Oh god it was incredible, it worked out so well... I almost got smoked with a guitar though, so we learned to get some minor choreography after that haha! But no, it was awesome, I think the best 'first show' we could of asked for, especially at the Opera House!

12) Anything in particular that you do to prepare for a show?

I like to go over the set a few times in my head, really visualize what I want it to be like, down to every movement. Then I like to try and laugh at as much as I can to unwind and get excited about the show. I usually eat something really greasy first too, which is ALWAYS a bad choice but it seems to be the ritual now haha.

13) Favourite place to go on a Friday night?

I'm occasionally known as a dance cave junkie :( but I am such a loser these days, Friday nights usually see me at home watching a movie!!

14) Current favourite hang out spot?

The jam space is fun to hang out at, as is any of my friend's houses! Out downtown though, Green Room is always awesome.

15) If you could pick any super power which would it be?

I WANT TO FLYYYYYYYYY

16) Description of your practice space?

Big open garage with couches, a nintendo, a microwave and a fridge, and all of our stuff, with incense always burning and the lights always dimmed... oh yeah, we set the mood

17) Emergency energy comes from?

Calvin (the drummer)

18) Favourite author and why?

Chuck Palahniuk cause he is gross and amazing

19) What makes a good party?

Good people!!

20) What makes a good gig?

Again, Good people!!!! An active audience makes the best nights :) So come dance with us!!

www.myspace.com/wearethecuthroatkids

The Rodeo:Jessica

1) Can you explain to us what the name " The Rodeo" means?

A friend of mine came up with this name. It’s actually an anagram of my name, Dorothée, and it’s perfect as it’s reminiscent of folk music.

2) If it’s possible, do you think you could classify your music?

My music is a mix between sailing/children’s/love/drinking songs.

3) When you discovered the guitar in your uncle’s attic, did you ever think it would become such a big part of your life?

This guitar was such a revelation for me when I discovered it. I still play guitar at least 15 minutes every day! But I didn’t know at the time that it would be a big part of my life, because my mom always said: “studies first”!

4) What inspires you to write? And what comes first lyrics, music, or both?

Music comes first. In fact, I hear melodies in my head and I do my best to transpose them in a song. I can find inspiration in everything. In a book, a movie, a city I’ve visited, a story a friend told me….

5) Has growing up in your area influenced your fan base as well as the sound of your music?

I’ve never really listened to typical French music, except a handful of classics such as Gainsbourg, Dutronc, Bashung, Françoise Hardy… I've been more influenced by Anglo-Saxon music. But there are great musicians in Paris and we all grew up helping each other, sharing the same stage. In that sense, they have certainly influenced me.

6) Do you think it has influenced you in the sense of the music industry?

Everyone knows that Paris is not the best city for indie rock bands. If you’re a DJ, if you do rap or if you play typical French music, that works better. Indie rockers here have to be very determined to make a living from their music or to export themselves, way more than in America or England.

7) As an artist what are your biggest dreams?

To make a living from my art as long as I can, meet great people, travel around the world with my music… Success in itself is not really my priority…

8) Do you have a favourite singer or band you'd love to share the stage with someday?

There are so many! If I limit myself to singers who are still alive: Patti Smith, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Neil Young…

9) What are your anticipations for your upcoming tour? Any particular location you’re especially excited to play at?

I’m always very excited to play abroad. It is an enormous challenge to myself.
Playing in Texas under the name The Rodeo is kind of strange; I hope the audience will appreciate it! Otherwise, I’m looking forward to playing in Montreal, where many of my friends live now!

10) Do you do anything different to prepare for a show?

A glass of red wine and a few singing exercises is the bare minimum. No prayer, no mascot!

11) What do you think to yourself right before you step out on stage? Get off stage?

The first two songs are always hard. I always try to seem confident. I love playing live and sometimes I’m sad when I have to get off stage.

12) Any bad experiences while playing?

Once the electricity went out during my show. The owner decided to put me outside the bar on a table. The audience came out too and it was quite fun!

13) Some of your videos are extremely artistic. Does art influence your music and yourself?

Nowadays, videos are more and more important. Every artist must control his image, because with Internet everything goes pretty fast. I’m very lucky to be surrounded by talented friends who work with me: a video director, graphic designer, photographers… They influence me in the same way that I maybe influence them. They all succeed in creating a world that resembles me.

Think Quick:

14) Fashion is :_superficial but I like it like every Parisian girl!_______
15) Soul is _: indivisible from what we really are, except if it is sold to the devil____
16) Dig to china or free float in space? A free float in space, I’ve always wanted to be a cosmonaut!
17) Train or Plane? I always feel sick in a train. I love planes!!!!!!
18) Analog or digital? Analog, even if digital is so magical!
19) What makes a great party? Great people
20) Describe The Rodeo in one word_____Chivalrous__


http://www.myspace.com/iamtherodeo

Why Work Retail?-Vittoria

The peachy-keen response would be, “Like OMG why not?” Well, there is a pro and con list associated. A paying job is a paying job and with summer quickly approaching I think we are all ready to hear that “cha-ching” when receiving a pay-check. After my vast years of experience (ahem, two years), two very different retail atmospheres and the amount of clothes to my name, I can now say I have the ability appropriately comment on the retail working world.
Pros, shall we?
1. Always Fashion Forward
If you manage to work at a store that is considered among the fashionable hot spots, count yourself as extremely lucky. You, my friend, will always be fashion forward. Being one of the first witnesses to the new trends, colours and styles of the season has to be one of the best parts of working retail.
2. DI$COUNT
Need I say more?
3. Social
As a highly acclaimed social butterfly I should know. Working retail is an extremely social job giving you the opportunity to truly test whether you are shy. You are given the opportunity every other minute to expose yourself to explaining to customers trends, where to go, and often even your own opinion. Also, keep in mind social includes coworkers. Those long hours of folding and refolding creates a tight bond.
4. Growing Opportunities
Many workplaces have opportunities for part-timers to grow within the company and often when hiring for positions with a large amount of responsibility look first at their own employees. This being a definite benefit as clothing companies have many jobs other than in store. For example, marketing teams, visual teams, buyers, etc. Who knew a part-time job at the mall could possibly set you up for life?
Cons, sorry.
1. Always Fashion Forward
Yes, you will manage to always be fashion forward, because you will become addicted. You are constantly seeing new product and not buying these items seems terrible, cruel and uncalled for. You will find yourself staring with envy as customers try on and buy items you want. Why, why not you? Believe me, I know.
2. DI$COUNT
It’s great and everything, but it just makes you that much more willing to buy everything. Sure, your discount is let’s say 40%, but if the item is $200 you are stilling paying $120. Pay-checks will barely make it to the bank and that Mac you wanted will never happen.
3. Social
Be careful! Social could possibly trump your actually work. This being a problem as it could possibly lead you to get fired. This I can luckily say I do not know... not yet.
4. Growing opportunities
P.s. you have to work hard, really hard, to be considered to move up in the company.
I would say that the cons of retail are not as bad as the cons of other jobs. My suggestion, if you’re looking for a fun job that pays reasonably well GO FOR IT! And quickly, the summer is soon approaching!

Dashing in Denim: Paige

This upcoming season, be sure to get your hands on a pair of jeans! Which style you ask? Well, the hottest styles of jeans you’ll be seeing a lot of on the streets are the destroyed, baggy denims and the “boyfriend” cut jeans. This spring and summer is all about being loose and free so what better way to feel comfortable in the wonderful weather than by wearing great looking jeans you feel free in. You may think that baggy, loose fitting jeans may make you look sloppy but this is definitely not true! These jeans will still fit your body shape nicely while giving your legs more room to feel comfortable. Some jeans are known to feel restricting because they are very fitted but this type of jean won’t hold you back, it will make you feel comfortable and confident by making you look simple yet polished. The destroyed accent on these jeans add a bit of edge to any outfit. Even paring these jeans with a white t-shirt or tank and cute flip-flops with jeweled details can really spice up your look. It’s all about how you accessories!


http://foreveramber.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/09/23/ripped_jeans.jpg


The “boyfriend” cut jean has been hitting the streets of New York and L.A like crazy! They’ve been seen on stunning stars such as Madonna, Mary-Kate Olsen, Jennifer Aniston and the always stylish Rachel Bilson. This style of denim resembles the look of wearing men’s pants which are very loose fitting, hence the name. These jeans are a hot commodity because of the empowerment it gives women to walk out on the streets and feel confident wearing their boyfriends’ jeans. You can always reinvent an outfit wearing these jeans from causal daytime to an evening out. You can switch it up by wearing them with cute flats during the day and throw on a pair of heels at night while cuffing the bottom of the jeans to mid-calf to accentuate your legs. When you look good, you feel good!

http://media.photobucket.com/image/the%20boyfriend%20jean/ajbar7/private/Boyfriend-Jeans.jpg

Spring Awakening: A Must See!-Alene

SPRING AWAKENING: A MUST SEE

Two words: Spring Awakening. I went to watch it and it is THE MOST AMAZING MUSICAL you will ever see. The music, the acting, the singing, the dancing, the set, I could go on and on. It truly is very different from your usual musicals. It talks about issues that I’m almost positive many of you reading this talk to your friends about or have heard your friends talk about.
It takes place in Germany in the late 1800’s. This is the story of a group of teenagers discovering their sexuality and questioning their bodies, minds, and hormones. There are love stories that untangle throughout the show that will make you laugh and cry. Through all their discoveries, they rock the songs that you’ll be singing for days, weeks, months and years! I guarantee it.
I loved every single number in the show. Some songs, such as “All That’s Known” were not the standouts; however it did show off Melchior’s (Matt Doyle) voice. The opening and closing numbers however, “Mama Who Bore Me” and “The Song of Purple Summer” were amazing. Vocally, it did not fail to amaze me with the unbelievable harmonies. Moritz’s numbers were the energetic ones, the ones that will get you so into it you’ll HAVE to sing along; “The Bitch of Living” and “And Then There Were None.” The song “Totally Fucked” is the most energetic number of the show and you see everyone really letting loose. One thing I found extremely cool was the fact that they used hand held microphones. Yes ladies and gentlemen, hand held microphones. The choreographer somehow put it into the choreo to take out the mics and put them back in.
Let’s now talk about the artists themselves. Matt Doyle played the role of Melchior instead of Kyle Riabko. He delivered a breathtaking performance vocally and dramatically. He will make you cry with “Those You’ve Known.” The role of Wendla was played by Christy Altomare. She was good but she wasn’t my favourite, there were other characters that I’d rather have watched. The females did not leave me in awe; it was the males who really took the cake. Blake Bashoff, who played Moritz, was, by far, my favourite character in the entire show. Blake killed the role of Moritz. He captured the attention of every member of the audience and you could not take your eyes off him. Not to mention, he’s kinda cute even with his quirky hair!
To bring this to some kind of conclusion, just go see Spring Awakening. You will not regret it! Tickets differ in prices, but you can get student rush tickets two hours prior to the show at the box office. You can get more information on how to get tickets at www.mirvish.com. Also, you can visit the website at www.springawakening.com.


“You never forget your first time”

Broken Social Scene Presents Kevin Drew: Spirit If! vs Brendan Canning: Something for All of Us-Jamie

Genre: Indie / Experimental / Other
Album: Spirit If! VS. Something for All of Us...

Brendan Canning and Kevin Drew, have both made breathtaking music when working together with their 19 other members of Broken Social Scene. Yet, when separated, they have completely different feelings shown through each of their solo albums. You can obviously hint the original essence of Broken Social Scene through their music, however I believe that I have become more lenient towards Kevin Drew’s Spirit If!. This is probably an album that you can listen to from beginning to end, and be completely satisfied with the result. Track 5, Lucky Ones, has to be my favorite song on the album. I think it’s simply the basic structure of the song that just makes me melt into a million pieces. The pauses between the main riff and the chorus are just beyond epic for words. It all fits so perfectly, which makes this song a must listen! Track number 4, Safety Bricks, is another great listen. Even with the absence of Leslie Feist, Drew’s ex-girlfriend, singing along, the song still lives up to its full potential. I think what makes this song as good as it sounds, is the emphasis on the banjo. It gives this song a more mellow, country feel to it. In comparison to Canning’s Something for All of Us…, I believe that Spirit If! takes the cake. Some of the songs featured on Something for All of Us..., make you want to skip right through. Track number 6, Love is New, is perhaps one of those songs. It strays away from the original aspect of what is Broken Social Scene, which is why I wasn’t too keen on it. Perhaps the reason for a solo album is to find a new identity? If that’s the case, it didn’t seem to work with Something for All of Us…. This album would have been a complete let down if it weren’t for track 5, Churches Under The Stairs. This song keeps with the danceable and upbeat BSS nature, which makes for a good song to listen to. Overall, Broken Social Scene always brings you the most epic and amazing songs, so I don’t think you’d expect anything less from frontmen Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning.

Overall Rating: Sprit If! - 9/10M, Something for All of Us... - 7.5/10