M U S I C – The Gifted: Hello Beautiful

March 15, 2009

By BD Marie Hughes

Charlie Royal – Lead Vocals
Cole Kidd – Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar
Darrell Wallace – Lead Guitar
Kevin Walsh – Drums/Backing Vocals
Dan Bradimore – Bass/Keys/Backing Vocals


I have been closely following the Canadian punk/hip hop/rock band Hello Beautiful for about 3 years now. The accomplishments of this band are nothing short of astounding. When I first logged onto their myspace, it had maybe just shy of 50,000 profile views. Today, it’s reaching in excess of a quarter of a million.

Earlier this week, I sat down with Hello Beautiful at their jam space in Whitby, ON. We were catching time between a fast-tracked weekend east coast double bill and another west coast blockbuster. This is the band’s second across-Canada tour in less than 6 months. Clearly, they are in demand by their growing number of fans. And clearly, they know how to hustle.

BD: Gentlemen! I can’t believe I actually got you pinned down for some face time to do this interview! You guys have been smokin’ busy since I last interviewed you! Let’s get right to it! (laughing) How were your shows this weekend on the east coast?

HB Charlie: Playing Saxby’s in Riverview, New Brunswick is always fun! We get good treatment from the people out there. It’s always really lively and it’s good to be on the east coast. The Pavillion in Halifax is somewhat of a haven for all of our younger fans. It’s good that there is a venue like that in the community. Those guys are doing something real and big for the kids out there.

BD: What has touring across Canada taught you? What was it like? Any differences or similarities in reception by your fans of your music and your live performances?

HB Charlie: Touring across Canada was a lot of hard work. It stressed us out but it also helped us to bond. There were some cool moments and some others we could do without. (smiles) There were some mega-long drives but some magical cookies actually helped to make the trip easier and more tolerable. The fans across the country are amazing, too – can’t wait to do it again! That's the thing. Maybe we're just too young but we LIKE to tour and play every night.

BD: Please describe your sound for us. (smiles) It’s a little something for everyone, isn’t it? (laughing)

HB Charlie: Yes! The sound definitely has a little bit for everyone to relate to and, hopefully, enjoy. There's an element of rock, punk and hip hop... but we do not confine ourselves. If it “sounds good”, regardless of genre, it rides. (laughs)

BD: And your writing methodology?

HB Charlie: I've, personally, been exploring a new writing technique where I live with the music for a good while, always taking notes, then, at the last possible moment, I write from those ideas. It’s worked for some new material and I've noticed it’s more thorough.

BD: What can you tell us about your song, “St. Andrew’s Bridge”? The lyrics are compelling.
HB Cole: St. Andrew’s Bridge is a bridge in, if I remember correctly, New Jersey that is used by people to commit suicide. We related this song to a friend of ours who experienced abuse. A lot of people have been through, or know someone who has been through, abuse. We decided to try and open the subject to debate and discussion through song – things tend to start to change when they are exposed, brought to the surface and discussed – even if ever so slightly. Any kind of positive progress is good.
BD: You’ve got some new songs on the front burner – “Broken Knees” and “Raising Change”. What can you tell us about them? What other projects are on the go?

HB Charlie: We're in the midst of writing a new album so we have quite a few tracks on the go right now. Those 2 songs were written last summer and may be on it. We're not sure yet. When writing for “Raising Change”, I thought about the courage it takes to fight a life-threatening ailment. After all, if you really want the stars, then why complain about short arms? Just find something to step up on. “Broken Knees” is about progressing through over-whelming obstacles. At the time, I heard about the unfair treatment in the Jena 6 situation and I was inspired to speak about it. The rest basically revolves around the climate of that situation.

BD: Hello Beautiful is enjoying a lot of college and university radio play – how much of that is feeding into building your reputation and growing momentum? Tell us about your 2 videos now on rotation on MTV.

HB Charlie: Having college and university airplay is very helpful. We are a lively, uptempo band, with upbeat grooves made for moving! (laughs) College and uni kids all love to dance and party so it’s a good platform for us to express ourselves. We have been fortunate enough to have had the amount of airplay we have received, especially from the start, with stations like The Edge playing us on feature shows, and so on. It feels good to have that support system and we've found the Canadian music community to be good for that. We have been blessed by having our first video “Virginia Symphony” reach number 2 on the Daily Much Music Top 10. “Saint Andrew's Bridge” made it to number 5. We have just released another single from Soundtrack for Scenario cd “Say Hey!” and another vid may be in the works. I'll leave that one for the mystery books. (smiling)

BD: Recently you had a change in your line-up, with your lead guitarist, Buddy Taylor, leaving Hello Beautiful and Darrell Wallace joining you. I understand Darrell was guitarist in the now-defunct indie rock band Spies (formerly What the Funk). What can you share with us about this and how do you feel it will affect your music’s evolution?

HB Charlie: Yeah, Buddy had to attend to personal issues and his leave of absence allowed Darrell to enter the fold. It's been a smooth transition due to the fact that 1) he's a crazy guitarist who simply refuses to dream of missing a note, and 2) he's also a cool guy who we were familiar with before the opportunity to work with him came about. His talent and hard work ethic have allowed us to write some different stuff – at times in a different direction. So it's making a lot of sense. We're just working hard and enjoying whatever happens next.

BD: Where do you see Hello Beautiful heading? What’s next?

HB Charlie: Right now we're working on the next record. Probably going out across Canada one more time before hitting the studio. Overall though, the answer from the last time is still the same. With enough hard work, effort, perseverance and swagger, we'll go to the top of an era and that's what we plan to do!

www.myspace.com/HelloBeautifulSpace

http://www.hellobeautifulmusic.com/

ROCKED: A night out with ILL OF DAY

Photographer credit: Robert Ciolfi

Toronto Independent Music Awards – TIMAs

WEB CONTENT – February 19.2009

www.TorontoIMA.com

ROCKED: A Night Out with ILL OF DAY

By BD Marie Hughes

ILL OF DAY

Denise Anselmo – vox

Jay Pierce – bass

Tyler Hunter – guitar

Danny Nobrega – drums

Towards the first week of February 2009, I met with the Canadian rock band Ill of Day at Bovine Sex Club for an insightful and reflective interview.

BD: Happy New Year! Great to see you again, as always! What’s happening? What’s new?

IOD Denise: Happy New Year, BD! Things are going great right now! There has been some strong interest from different sources and we are currently writing our first full length album! We’re busy but energetic and excited!

BD: Tell our readers how Ill of Day came together and when, as an introduction to you.

IOD Denise: We came together in early 2006 when Danny Nobrega, Jon Roberts and I met through another guitarist, Matt, that we had both jammed with. It was instant chemistry. We all knew it wouldn’t work with Matt so we began our hunt for a guitarist while writing and jamming. In August 2006, we found Chris Bennett. At that time, we wrote and recorded our first album, the “Ill of Day” EP. Following that, Jon decided to pursue his career and we were back on the hunt for a bassist in late 2007. Luckily, we barely skipped a beat and found Jay within a month or two. Shortly thereafter, Chris left the band and we were, once again, forced to find the right guitarist. Tyler Hunter was the man for the job. Now here we are! Our lineup is complete and we couldn’t be happier!

BD: Can you tell us how Ill of Day came to have a female lead vocalist? Was it a desire for diversity? To be more unique?

IOD Danny: We were aiming for a certain melodic drive, something very dark but yet sensual to the ear. When Denise had come out to rehearse, we were able to play with our eyes shut and not a worry about what was to come next. Within the first 2 minutes of her audition, I knew Denise was the individual that this band needed to be what it is today.

BD: Have you ever encountered problems with sexism in having a female lead which we all know exists in the metal scene?

IOD Denise: I have witnessed sexism all my life way before I was ever in a rock band. You will always come across some pervert or people who automatically have pre- conceived notions of who you are and how you perform. That is part of the thrill, proving them all wrong and not giving a fuck! How long will it take for people to start seeing one another as individuals with unique abilities and interests?? Woman or man, black or white?

BD: Why do you think there’s so much aversion or resistance to female vocalists in the scene?

IOD Jay: Well… I’m not sure that is entirely true. I think that female fronted rock bands are becoming more and more popular. There are a lot of really good female fronted bands that are popping up all over the place in this industry! I think that maybe some people don’t think that women can "rock it out". (laughs) Come catch a show and watch Denise.... (everyone laughs)

BD: (To Denise) What’s the best, worst, and hardest thing about being a female singer in a metal band? (grinning)

IOD Denise: We all have ultimate respect for one another and treat each other equally. But sometimes I can get away with not lugging as much gear as the boys do. (laughs) My arms are wimpy! I cannot lift heavy amps and stuff like that. The guys are always such gentleman and treat me like a lady. I can’t really think of the worst or hardest thing. But scale some lyrics, the truth might come out in a song. (we both laugh)

BD: What’s your take on the Toronto music scene?

IOD Denise: Toronto is a tough scene to break into. It seems as though Torontonians just don't go out to see live music unless it is an already established act. Venues do little to promote indie shows, leaving it up to the bands performing. Bands should do all they can to promote their gigs but it is in the interest of all involved to have a great turn out. I think there should be more support from venues who want to see their clubs fill up. They should do their share of promo, radio, print, and so on. There are tons of amazing bands from Toronto and even Ontario. People, go out and check out some shows! It’s better than sitting at home playing rock band! Come experience the real deal! (laughing)

BD: When you’re writing your music, do you focus on specific topics such as current political issues and, as another example, relationship pitfalls, or, are you writing more to convey a mood or, say, a frame of mind? Describe your writing scenario.

IOD Denise: I never actually set out to write about a specific topic. I just let my thoughts flow and usually discover what I’m singing about throughout the writing process. So I tend to base all lyrics upon a mood and frame of mind. We do have politically charged songs like “Nameless, Soulless” for example. A lot of what I write lyrically is a battle to try to understand yourself like “Mind Control”. Or songs about the human condition and tragedy like “Cry”. Mostly I like writing ambiguously where words don’t necessarily mean one thing or the other and it’s completely open for interpretation. The listener can use it in whatever way they choose.

BD: Are you able to say all that you want to say with your music?

IOD Denise: There is a feeling in expressing thoughts through music that sometimes speaking words cannot describe. I definitely feel fulfilled after a good jam session and show. A weight is lifted and I can move on. It sometimes helps put things into perspective, so yes I say the things I want to say without holding back. I have a lot more to say so Ill of Day won’t stop!

BD: Tell us about your debut EP available on iTunes, eMusic & Indiepool.com. That is pretty exciting for you!

IOD Jay: We recorded our EP May 24 weekend in 2007. We piled into a small basement studio and went to work. We recorded with Tim Oxford, a graduate of Metal Works engineering program. We all had a blast working with him. We are eagerly anticipating the sessions recording our new full length! We are currently looking for a studio and producer to work with us. We have had a few offers but are keeping our options open as well. We cannot wait!

BD: Do you see your music as a business or an art? Can your music still be an art if you sign to a major label?

IOD Denise: Our music is an art first and foremost. We do it because it feels great and gives us a much needed outlet to say the things we need to say… release… Unfortunately or fortunately, depends on how you look at it, there is a business aspect that needs attention so we can reach a larger audience and share our art. It would be great to be able to make a decent income with it so we could all do it full time and still be able to provide for our families. I don’t know what it’s like to be signed to a major although I’m sure there is some pressure to mold and change your art to what will appeal to a larger audience and make the label money. But there are tons of bands signed to major labels because their art appeals to a lot of people and they do not need to compromise. That is what we hope for.

BD: Do you feel heavy touring will equal a record label deal? Is it possible for you to tour?

IOD Jay: Well... I think you need one to get the other. Heavy touring will definitely help promote a band. You need to create a buzz around the band before you can get any labels to even check you out. Yes, we are totally willing to tour!!! No doubt about IT!!! I’m not really sure that you can afford NOT to tour. That is what separates garage bands from artists!

BD: There’s no mistaking your outstanding musicianship along with electrifying and often mesmerizing performances. What really allows you to “bring it” when you’re on stage? What flips your switch?

IOD Danny: There is something in our performance that I just cannot explain. The feeling that comes out of our live set for me is mesmerizing every single time. I am completely lost in the moment. It seems our inner souls are holding hands and allows us to compile our emotions and release them on stage naturally.

IOD Jay: For me, it’s the energy of the band and the audience! Denise can pump anyone up!! For me..... the pounding of the bass and kick drum!! (laughs)

IOD Denise: The music flips the switch! The vibe, energy and connection I have with the band, and of course, the audience feeding back. We truly believe in what we say and do. It all comes together and alive on stage. It’s a feeling like no other… seduction of the mind... (laughs)

BD: When your audience leaves the club you’re playing at, how do you want them to remember you?

IOD Danny: I would hope that the audience would feel a personal connection with us through our music and our performance. Our main drive is performing live and captivating our audience. Making them feel they have a full connection with us, whether it is a track they liked or our energy on stage keeping them on their feet. When they walk out the door I would like them to think, “When is their next show? I have to see them again!”

BD: Where in Ill of Day do you feel you take chances? You know, dread is a close cousin of fear. (laughs)

IOD Jay: I feel that I take chances everyday!! (laughs) I put 100 % into this band.... and will quit my real job just to push it!! I would like to have a career in music... so whatever it takes! I am not afraid... of failure. I am more afraid of not trying!

BD: You have had tremendous industry recognition in the past 2 years including a TIMA nomination for “Best Metal” in 2007. How do you define success?

IOD Denise: Success is doing what you love. It is great to have your music recognized by TIMA and we hope to be nominated again this year! However, in the end, your personal happiness that comes from doing what you love – that makes you successful.

BD: What’s on the horizon for Ill of Day?

IOD Denise: Hopefully some great things! We are prepping to record our new album and with that will come a video shoot, hopefully for our first single “Identify”. Keep checkin’ our website for an exclusive acoustic version of the song! Mailing list members will be able to download it for free!! We have had some radio play with “Nameless Soulless” which spent a few weeks at number one on the charts! (Humber Radio’s “Unsigned Top 5 Countdown”) We’ll have some new promo shots done. We are planning a US tour… The horizon holds the unknown. We are super stoked to spread the word and get to as many people as we can with Ill of Day. Wish us luck!

REFS/Sources:

www.myspace.com/illofday

www.illofday.com

The 68pornomags

M U S I C – The Gifted


Original submission to SUBSTANCE Magazine, November, 2007

The 68pornomags

BD Marie Hughes

Recently I sat down with the front man of The 68pornomags, Wes Ryan, and band drummer, Mike “Wally” Wallington, (absent, working late, Mike Wistuba, bass guitarist) in Mike’s downtown Toronto home in their practice space.

BD: Nice to see you, Wes, Wally, as always. You have your band set up online with your own web page and a myspace page. They’re quite impressive in their content and layout. What can you tell me about them and your take on cyberspace? How does it work with music, specifically your band, and generally in music today?

Wes: Cyberspace has really leveled the playing field in so far as it is allowing unsigned bands to compete with major label bands that have considerable corporate backing. The internet has been a great equalizer. Myspace has been a useful tool. However, there are many tools online that allow unsigned bands to connect with fans they would otherwise not have connected with. Look at Radiohead, one of most popular bands in the last 15 years, essentially adopting the methods of “the unknown band”. They’re selling their music for whatever you, the fan, feel it’s worth – essentially it’s free, they’re giving it away. Radiohead will make their money on concert tickets, merchandising, and licensing etc. We’ve had our songs downloadable for about 4 years.

Wally: Cyberspace is an excellent tool and everyone should use it! (the 3 of us laugh, acknowledging Wally’s “myspace” stab)

Wes: It’s like with “indie” music.” In the 90’s,” indie” had an entirely different connotation. “Indie” meant independent. Since the 90’s, music has changed. The classic record industry has learned to watch the underground and find ways to infiltrate it. “Indie” has morphed into a buzzword, a marketing word. You have “indie” bands that are signed or dream of being signed to a record label. So “indie” no longer means “independent” in the traditional sense. I mean shit, they are selling cars and ipods with the “indie” esthetic now.

BD: You have described your music as a cross of rock, thrash, and punk for lack of better terms. Are you writing most of your own music? How do you 3 create your music, from ideas, to conceptualization, to encapsulating the whole thing, and then laying down a track? Describe your writing scenario.

Wally: We write all of our songs. Any one of us can start to play the music, then Wes slowly writes the lyrics to it. It’s usually done in one evening.

Wes: We don’t write anything down. We can do it in 15 minutes, sometimes longer, an hour or 2. The lyrics will be about what you’ve heard and read – current stuff.

Wally: (deadpans) His mind is like a computer, my mind is like a drain (points to Wes).

BD: Recently you played a venue where there were record label execs there to offer free critique about your talents. What was the feedback? How do you view the whole record label scene?

Wes: These types of events are done in every large urban centre in the country. It’s basically an entertainment event. It’s for the promoters – they get bands to come out and the bands bring their friends out. We don’t see it as our big break, quote unquote, so to speak. Again, music is now DIY. If you look hard enough you will find out what works. It was interesting though, I mean, to hear Roadrunner A&R tell us that the record company is basically trying to figure out how to get their CD’s under $10 so that they can compete with unsigned bands who own burners/printers. It was quite nice to hear. That part of it was interesting. You get the feeling that they are really trying to stop the coffin from closing and are quickly running out of options to block the lid.

BD: How do you feel about censorship? You had a show recently where the promoters refused to bill your band as The 68pornomags. They billed you as “Mags” or “The Mags”.

Wes: We don’t think anything about it. I mean it’s 2007 for christ sakes. If it’s OK to fight an illegal war and slaughter innocent civilians in the name of decency, I can’t really see how the word “porno” or “fuck” holds much power next to that…

BD: The obvious question is, “What are your music influences?” The not-so-obvious question is, “How do those influences reveal themselves in your music?”

Wes: We each listen to different types of music.

Wally: We listen to tons of shit as a band and tons as individuals. Some music I listen to, Wes doesn’t. Like Wes likes everything from Duke Ellington to Justin Timberlake to Beneath the Masses. I like Classic Rock, Jazz, a lot of 90’s music. Mike listens to Jazz, classical, old punk, Dave Matthews Band, Victor Wooten and so on. The sound of the band is a sum of its parts.

Wes: There are 2 kinds of music – good and bad. The only difference is how well it’s played.

BD: It’s quite apparent that all 3 of you are insanely talented, each in your own right. How do you, as a band, play to those strengths? Also what helps you develop your musicianship?

Wes: Playing in the band has been the most practice we’ve had recently, but in prior years we all practiced on our technique quite a bit. There is a prog-ish element to what we do.

BD: What advice would you give to young artists? We often read about musicians retaining control of their own music.

Wes: Don’t do drugs unless they are totally free or cooked into pastry. Don’t do what Cobain did.

BD: Your fan base is escalating really quickly. I’ve seen this first-hand in checking out The 68pornomags and the numbers of people turning up at many of your gigs. Are you looking to appeal to any specific group or are you going for that wide appeal? How is your reputation spreading and building momentum?

Wes: We just want to be loud and rock the shit out of people. Putting up posters is always a real drag so recently we’ve begun a new program.

Wally: Yeah, we are hoping to contract out a hearing aid company that can offer discounts for people who have attended our shows. Maybe get them to put ads up in the washrooms at venues that we are appearing at soon.

Wes: We’ve got a strategy in mind.

BD: What’s next for The 68pornomags?

Wes: We’d like to set out our critical path, get a series of ads out, really promote the band and the fact that we are worth at least $5 to see live. We’ve been songwriting and have half an album done already. We really like to think things through, take time so it sits right. I mean we looked for a drummer for 5 years and finally found Wally. We held auditions and all that, just to get the right fit. (Pointing to Wally playing Mike’s bass guitar) Wally’s a really, really technical player who’s played with no technical purpose for years – it’s going great!

REFS/Sources:

www.myspace.com/the68pornomags
www.68pornomags.com

Wake-up Nightlife - Venues - The Dungeon, Oshawa, ON

Wake-up Nightlife – Club District – December 9.2007

The Dungeon, Oshawa, ON

By BD Marie Hughes

Originally submitted to SUBSTANCE Magazine, Dec.9.2007

Where is the best place to go & take in the best bands just beyond the city limits of Toronto? Two words: The Dungeon in Oshawa. Three more words: Worth the drive.

The following are excerpts from an interview with the incomparable and highly energized Sarah Bisch, General Manager. She managed to impressed the hell out of me with her quick management skills and problem-solving (“There’s always a problem!”) at a massive show in early December 2007 featuring The 68pornomags, Blackjacket, Man With Target, Bridge Too Far, End Program, and Raised Fist from Sweden currently touring Canada & the U.S. I told her she seemed extremely plugged-in to her job and that, as a competitive men’s rowing coach, I don’t blow no sunshine. Sarah is also a full-time student of the Music Management Program at Durham College. She’s a young woman that’s on top of her game.

BD: How would you describe The Dungeon to someone who’s never been? What’s its reputation?

Sarah: The Dungeon is the longest running venue for live music in Oshawa. It lives up to its name. It is a bar situated in the basement under a Laser Tag place. It’s grungy, small, and bursting with positive energy and kickass live music.

BD: Does The Dungeon advertise?

S: Due to The Dungeon being around for such a long time, it isn’t necessary to advertise the bar itself. We promote our shows all around Durham region and the internet. We have been doing some promotions lately with local radio stations and with Rogers television. The media is very supportive of our venue and we try to give them lots of opportunities to work with us and artists we are booking.

BD: What types of bands do you book – are you looking to go with a certain genre or is it a free for all?

S: The Dungeon is usually known for having in Rock, Hardcore, Punk, Ska (punk rock with brass), Emo, and Metal shows, however the venue is definitely NOT limited to those genres. In January, we are having East Coast Hip-Hop artist Classified hitting our stage. We’re always open to every genre. Another favourite Hip Hop band we’ve been having out lately is Down With Webster from Toronto. If you want to get a crowd moving, invite those guys out!

BD: How do you go about booking bands for your venue? Do you contact them or are bands getting in touch with you? What criteria, if any, do you have for the bands?

S: Bands contact us all the time. Fans of bands contact us all a time. Will (the owner of The Dungeon/WRNent which is William R. Neville Entertainment) and I are constantly on myspace, or kicking around Toronto checking out shows when we have the night off. If we find a band that we dig, we see about getting them in to play. Criteria: Be good.

A big factor about getting a second gig at the venue is to be polite. Since starting at the venue, I have dealt with some really difficult “rockstar” types. That’s a huge turn off. Your music can be good, but if you aren’t polite to the bar staff, and the promoter, don’t expect a second gig.

BD: You had mentioned earlier that there is a new owner – what is it like to work with him? I understand he’s promoted the hell out of you internally, giving you a larger role at The Dungeon and more responsibility.

S: I started at The Dungeon January 5.2007. This was the first show put on by the new owner, William Neville. I went to a show he put on at another bar a month or so earlier and got his contacts from one of the bands. I asked him if he needed a hand at any shows he was putting on. He told me he had just bought The Dungeon and offered me a job. I started out as the door person. From there I became Will’s assistant on the promotions side, and as of recently, have been promoted to being the General Manager. Will is a great boss and friend. He has been my biggest mentor in the industry. As he likes to put it, “I (Will) am a promoter. I promote my bar. I promote my bands. I promote my people”. He has lived up to that statement in every way. The venue has really had a huge turn around this year since Will took over. It’s a lot cleaner than it was in the past years, and is a safer environment to harbour the “all ages” crowd that we are proud to welcome. The bar has had some really big names play at it this year, including: illScarlett, Gob, Rockstar Supernova winner: Lukas Rossi, Social Code, Protest the Hero, The 68pornomags, Raised Fist from Sweden, etc., etc. The place is getting noticed from big entities like myspace, too. We will be co-presenting our New Year’s Eve Bash with them.

BD: What’s the craziest band you ever booked?

S: I was on tour while Toronto’s 3Tards (punk rock) played at The Dungeon. I heard stories about there being a riot and the General Manager having to call the cops to shut the show down. 3Tards are definitely one of the craziest bands in the Toronto area. They are crazy wild and encourage the crowd to get rowdy. It’s a formula for a riot for sure (we both laugh). They are also really great guys to work with. We are hoping to get them back to the venue sometime this spring.

BD: Which band or bands have come to play at The Dungeon that brought a huge audience that you weren’t expecting?

S: illScarlett shows are always huge for us. I remember the first time I saw them. It was a few years ago at the Vinyl in Guelph. illScarlett was opening for The Salads, and I was hanging out with the Salads’ bassist, Chuck, watching them. We discussed how good they were. I started my first year of college in 2006 and the first party I went to I heard a familiar sound . Since then, I haven’t been able to go a day without hearing something about the band. It has been nice to see them doing so well.

BD: Conversely (laughs), who bombed?

S: (laughs) We don’t like to talk about them.

BD: Club drink du jour?

S: There is not one drink that is a house favourite. We ensure that we stock Labatt’s 50 on nights with punk shows. It is key to stock 50 for punks.

BD: You went on tour last summer with the insanely talented Jen Militia. What was that like and how did you find it prepared you for your role here at The Dungeon?

S: The tour was a 10-week Western Canada tour. We went through highs and lows while on the road. The experience gave me an amazing look into the life of a touring band. I find that I am far more accommodating to bands and their tour managers now that I have seen how rough it can be on the road. After sleeping on a concrete floor and bathing in a wash tub for almost a week in Vancouver, you really get the feel for how life on the road can be.

We hit every different type of venue while crossing the country. You meet a lot of different people when you hit a different town every couple of days. I got to meet plenty of bar owners, promoters, bartenders, and fans. It was neat to see how different bars were run.

BD: What advice would you give to other young women looking for a career in the music and club industry? Do you, yourself, feel you’ll be here in 5 years time growing the biz or perhaps moving into a different area?

S: I shouldn’t be giving advice at this point. I’m still a baby in this industry. 19 is too young to be offering words of wisdom to anyone other than myself. I often remind myself to not lose focus. Advice I have gotten that has been good for me:

“Don’t be scared.” This has been said to me at least once by every single member of the Jen Militia. I heard it at least daily while on tour with them.

“Sleep is for the weak.” – (laughs) Will likes to joke and say this to me when I get busy juggling my school work and my work for him.

I hope to be working with Will in 5 years. He is a great boss and things just keep getting bigger and better for everyone here. I’d be crazy to bale on this operation anytime soon. I will, hopefully, tour a few more times while I’m still young and full of energy, and working with the Jen Militia. They’re going to be huge.

Ref./Sources:

www.TheDungeon.ca

www.myspace.com/wrnent

Classy, Smart & Choosy: Enjoy your Cocktails!

Classy, Smart and Choosy – Enjoy your Cocktails!

By BD Marie Hughes

Originally submitted to SUBSTANCE Magazine, Jan. 2008 issue

The start of a new year often brings weight management resolutions. It’s the little changes, added up over time, which help you reach your goals. Soon you are defining a new and refreshing lifestyle approach. If you design it, you can live with it!

An evening out need not be anxiety-laden – you can indulge and enjoy, all the while keeping your New Year’s resolutions!

Take a look to see where you can trim “calorie corners”. Tip: Anything “spritzer” is a clever calorie “stretcher”!

Type	Typical Serving	Calories
Bailey’s Irish Cream (& most liqueurs)	1 glass – 37 ml	139
Beer, bitter, canned	1 pint	182
Beer, Guinness, stout	1 pint	170
Beer, lager, Stella Artois	1 can – 550 ml	221
Vodka, 40% volume	1 shot – 25 ml	55
Gin, 40% volume	1 shot – 25 ml	56
Sherry, sweet	1 glass – 50 ml	68
Port, ruby or white	1 glass – 120 ml	175
Wine, white, medium	1 glass – 120 ml	85
Wine, red	1 glass – 120 ml	95
Wine, rose or blush	1 glass – 120 ml	95
Champagne	1 glass – 120 ml	90

"Jagermeister Cured My Cold!!"

“Jagermeister cured my cold!”….. and other mythical cures for the Common Cold

BD Marie Hughes

Originally submitted to SUBSTANCE Magazine, Oct. 2007

Feed a cold, starve a fever. Starve a cold, feed a fever. What are you going to do?? You’re suffering and you just want relief…..

Contrary to the exclamation above, alcoholic beverages do NOT ward off the flu! That includes Jager, Cosmos, designer martinis, single malt scotches, and Heineken!

Other myths to cure the common cold:

• Drowning yourself in orange juice

• Boiled cabbage quarters wrapped in a tea towel and applied to the chest

• Chicken noodle soup (vegetable is actually better – it’s easier on your digestive system)

• Eating garlic, garlic, and more garlic

• Turnip juice

• Pigeons’ egg yolks

• Donkey or goat milk (huh??)

• Wrapping a stinky, woolen sock around your neck (compliments of my Swedish mother, “When you can smell the sock, you’re good!”)

• Large doses of vitamins including vitamin C (Be careful! Vitamins, in excessive doses, can be toxic!).

There is no known cure for the common cold. There are many strains of influenza. The flu shot is only effective for a few. At most you can do things that bring comfort and induce sleep. Who wants to be awake and suffer?

When you begin to feel lousy, that’s when you’re most contagious. That’s also the ideal time to excuse yourself from life for a day or two. That time frame gives you a chance to get eating as healthy as possible and get more rest. You also avoid stares and complaints about sneezing, coughing and “infecting everyone”! You will also be stronger to endure the inevitable symptoms that will follow.

Go with what feels right to you. Eat what you can, drink plenty of liquids, and rest.

Toronto Independent Music Awards (TIMAs) 2008

TORONTO INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS (TIMAs) 2008

Originally submitted to Tambourine Magazine, "Tambourine Magazine Sponsors The 2008 TIMAs"

By BD Marie Hughes

The TIMAs, the Toronto Independent Music Awards, is in its fourth year and quickly gaining momentum, prestige, and music industry recognition. The TIMAs celebrate music talent not only in Toronto but internationally. Awards are given in a comprehensive range of categories including songwriting and cd art design.

Music showcases take place at Jeff Healey’s Roadhouse, on Blue Jays Way, downtown Toronto, every Wednesday night beginning April 9. The Phoenix Concert Hall in Toronto will be the place to be on July 31 for the awards show! Nominees and fans alike will have the chance to rub elbows with music industry executives and, together, celebrate independent music achievement.

The TIMA’s visionary producer and founder, Daniela Oliva, fueled by her passion and obvious hard work, has successfully contributed to the independent music scene by creating this unique opportunity for artists to connect with industry mentors. Independent artists now have one more way to add to their experience, knowledge, and networks – tools that are invaluable in the highly competitive, ever-changing world of music.

Tambourine Magazine is a proud supporter of The 2008 TIMAs. We will be there to bring you the highlights and all that is leading edge in the independent music scene world-wide!

For complete showcase listings and details on the July 31 awards show, visit www.TorontoIMA.com.

Toronto Independent Music Awards (TIMAs) 2007

THE TORONTO INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS (TIMAs) 2007

Orginally submitted to SUBSTANCE Magazine, "SUBSTANCE covers The TIMAs 2007"

By BD Marie Hughes

The TIMAs, the Toronto Independent Music Awards, is in its third year and quickly gaining momentum, prestige, and music industry recognition. The TIMAs celebrate music talent not only in Toronto but internationally. Awards are given in a comprehensive range of categories including songwriting and cd art design. SUBSTANCE was there to bring you the highlights!

The Phoenix Concert Hall in Toronto was the place to be on October 4! Nominees and fans alike rubbed elbows with music industry executives and, together, celebrated independent music achievement.

A high level of energy was maintained throughout the night as various artists performed between award presentations. Host Sabrina Jalees kept the festivities hyped injecting her dead-pan yet razor-sharp “Swiss Pakistani” humour between introductions of guest presenters.

Some of the winners and their categories included:

Daphne Darling – Best Pop

Lowlife – Best Rap

Jen Militia – Best Urban

Romney Getty – Best Country

A Certain Symmetry – Best Indie Rock

Fancy Girls Market – Best Young Songwriter(s)

Best Female Fronted – The Joys

Flat Top – Best Out-of-Province

Max Min (Austria) – Best International, Best Album Art

For the full list of winners, see www.TorontoIMA.com.

The evening’s outstanding live performances were:

Layah Jane

Letters to Elora

KC Roberts

Run with the Kittens.

The Best Alternative Rock Award was presented by Gordon Lewis, of Teenage Head fame, to the band Westpoint.

TIMA’s visionary producer and founder, Daniela Oliva, fueled by her passion and obvious hard work, has successfully contributed to the independent music scene by creating this unique opportunity for artists to connect with industry mentors. Independent artists now have one more way to add to their experience, knowledge, and networks – tools that are invaluable in the highly competitive, ever-changing world of music.

SUBSTANCE will be there in 2008 to bring you all that is leading edge in the independent music scene world-wide!

REFS/Sources:

www.TorontoIMA.com

Art Tour: Toronto's "Graffiti Alley"

ART TOUR: Toronto’s “Graffiti Alley”

By BD Marie அughes

Originally submitted to TAMBOURINE Magazine www.TambourineMagazine.ca - February 12.2008

Even in the dead of winter, Toronto’s downtown “Graffiti Alley” remains an energetic riot of colour. If you’re rambling around downtown at any given time and want to see what it’s all about, a good starting point is Queen St. W. at Spadina. Walk about half a block south of Queen W. along Spadina and you’ll find the hidden masterpieces welcoming you in.

This is a concentrated area of wall to wall graf. You will find an array of styles, subjects, and “statements”.

Since 2002, Style in Progress, a non-profit organization that promotes urban culture by producing exhibits and events, has hosted the event (with owners’ permission, naturally). In October 2005, through SIP, Bell Canada commissioned the painting of 10 utility boxes. Community feedback was so positive that, in October 2006, Bell commissioned 40 more. That commission covered utility boxes in the Jane & Finch neighbourhoods, as well as those in Queen St. W. downtown. Alas, favour in all things artist waxes and wanes. SIP wasn’t able to secure financial backing in 2007 to host the event. On the positive side, the existing graf was not removed and remains as a tribute to the urban art scene.

Whether you feel this type of art exists at its best in an illegal form (“bombing” under the guise of dark) or in “legal” hosted events, you won’t be disappointed in a walking tour regardless of the time of year. As an aspiring musician, I am passionate about any avenue in which art can be viewed and expressed. Graffiti Alley is one of those places, to me, by its sheer will of existence, only furthers that passion. When you have time, check it out. It’s all fenced up now but try to find “the secret swing”.

All the Brightness

ROCKED: In conversation with ALL THE BRIGHTNESS

By BD Marie Hughes

Originally submitted to TAMBOURINE Magazine www.TambourineMagazine.ca - February 10.2008

ALL THE BRIGHTNESS

Nick Mazzei – vocals, guitars

Kevin Bailey – bass guitar

Pete Maniatis – drums

In mid-February, I met with the gifted Canadian rock band All the Brightness, based out of Toronto. They’ve been together for the better part of 3 years and have garnered prestigious industry recognition & awards from both Indie Week and The Toronto Independent Music Awards (TIMAs). Among other accomplishments, the band also enjoys serious internet radio play (IndieSolo.com and BreakThruRadio.com, to name but a few).

BD/Tambourine: Nick, this question is for you. Many of your songs of the modern rock/power pop genre speak to the human condition, often with a glimmer of hope.

Beautiful Massacre – Will you follow, Even for no reason? / There’s always a treasure out there, To be uncovered, I feel love all around me; and,

Come a Long Way – Can’t get too far if you, Don’t know who you are / If there’s one thing I’ve, Learned, it’s to set a pace, One I can handle, Within a reachable place / I come on strong, When I know I belong.

Are you drawing on your own life’s experiences or those you’ve observed? In any time or place, your lyrics are universal. What can you share with us about your writing process?

All the Brightness (ATB) Nick: A lot of inspiration comes from experiences in my life. My observations and my own personal experience. It pretty much starts there and I incorporate stuff I see around me. Whether it be politics or other aspects of the human condition. I try to put it all together to make it easy for someone to relate to and not so specific to my circumstances. I think I’ve always had that writing style. It means more when someone can take what they hear and relate it to their own personal experience. That is validating to me.

T: You have placed twice in the USA Songwriting Competition which accepts entries worldwide. “Never You” won first place in the rock/alternative category in 2006, and “Soul Deposit” has placed as a finalist for 2007. All the Brightness also made the semi-finals with “Soul Deposit” in the International Songwriting Competition in 2007. A big congratulations from me on those accomplishments! How has this exposure parlayed for the band?

ATB Pete: We got a free guitar! (everyone laughs)

ATB Nick: It definitely raised our confidence. I don’t think we’ve fully taken advantage of our accolades as much as we should. We’re taking baby steps, maybe, to something bigger.

ATB Pete: We got someone from Universal in New York contacting us. I guess that’s something that builds your confidence. In the end, this and that happened, and things didn’t work out. But the fact that we were at least contacted was a big confidence booster for us.

T: Last February you had an invitation from IndieCan.com for a live performance radio session along with an interview with Joe Chisholm. The live radio experience…. (laughs) What was that like?

ATB Kevin: It was a lot of fun really. We went in and played a few songs and did a short interview. It was a good experience.

ATB Pete: It was very comfortable. They do it in a recording studio. We each got our own little booth. We’ve been in studios for years now so it was pretty fun.

ATB Nick: It wasn’t broadcast live. They recorded everything we did beforehand and then they broadcast. So it’s not really 100% live. We may have been a bit nervous if it was live. Nevertheless, it was definitely a unique experience because we haven’t done anything like that before.

ATB Kevin: What I liked about it is that we have a lot of fans in other parts of the world and it gave them a chance to hear us play the songs live and find out a little more about the band.

T: Do you consider it a “door opener” to get national air time? You must feel that you’re doing something right.

ATB Kevin: Anytime we’re presented with an opportunity, it’s a validation that we’re doing okay and an affirmation that we’re doing something right.

ATB Nick: As far as mainstream radio goes, we’ve learned that it’s not realistic at our level as All the Brightness right now because there are a lot of politics involved. If you don’t have a lot of money, you don’t get radio play. If you have the money, you can pay to have yourself played. But that’s way out of our budget. We sort of set our aim at a level that we think we can accomplish – for now, anyway. I mean that’s something ultimately we hope to accomplish – to get out to the masses. But, as I’ve said, it’s baby steps for now.

T: Was it the same feeling that “you’re on the right track” when you were asked to be part of compilation cd’s put out by Powercast Radio and AlternativeAddiction.com?

ATB Pete: Ya, definitely with AlternativeAddiction.com because we didn't have any personal connection with them. We contacted them randomly through the Indie Bible and down the line they not only invited us to be on their compilation cd, but also put us in their Top 20 Indie Bands of 2006, so that definitely makes us feel validated that what we’re doing is good in other people’s minds.

ATB Kevin: I don’t think that’s necessarily the reason why we do it. That we think we’re getting on cds. It’s more the fact that people enjoy our music and want to include it in their projects.

ATB Nick: We like what we do. Every new song is exciting. We look forward to showcasing it and getting feedback. And that makes it all worthwhile.

T: Twice in 2007 unbiased reviews by listeners at Garageband.com earned you “Track of the Day” airplay. What was this experience like? Did this type of internet radio exposure help secure the deals “Crash Addicts” on the Outdoor Life Network and CrucialMusic?

ATB Pete: The CrucialMusic thing came from a myspace contact. They contacted us through myspace. The appeal came from the USA Songwriting Competition.

ATB Nick: CrucialMusic came a few weeks after we won the USA Songwriting Competition. It may have been pure coincidence or because we won and were able to get some recognition there. The song that won was the same song on their website for possible licensing.

ATB Kevin: Crash Addicts was basically by word of mouth through mutual acquaintances. They heard our cd and decided our style was right for their theme song. We had a song presented to us and we had to put our signature sound on it.

ATB Nick: They had a song more “country” in style and they wanted it more “rocked up”.

ATB Kevin: I think they wanted it to sound more “Guns n Roses”.

ATB Nick: Somebody recommended us to take on this task. We put our spin on it. They ended up liking it. We went ahead with it and recognized the potential exposure. It was the experience as well and something to add to our resumé.

T: Are you still on rotation on MuchLoud? How did you get added? Has this generated more interest in your band?

ATB Pete: You can check us out on MuchLoud.ca, so I think we’re still in rotation on TV. But I haven’t seen it recently.

ATB Nick: There’s a weekly panel and selection process involved and we did get through the panel. I’m sure they get tons and tons of videos a day. Basically, if you can shoot your own video and it looks good, and you get a shot to go down to MuchMusic, if they like it, it gets a chance to play on MuchLoud.

ATB Pete: Our old manager was telling us that he saw it up until about 16 weeks in, so it got a least that much rotation.

T: You must have been excited to have been selected!

ATB Nick: Thrilled – we were thrilled!

T: What can you tell us about the BoDog competition? One band that I recently interviewed made it to the All Ontario finals.

ATB Kevin: Well, I can tell you that we didn’t! It’s all based on internet voting, and for whatever reason, we don’t really excel in that department. We’re just maybe a different type of band. A younger band will have a younger audience and go to the BoDog site and vote every day. We entered, we promoted it like any other undertaking and, for whatever reason, we didn’t go very far. We didn’t get a showcase or venue to play at.

ATB Kevin: It’s kind of like getting into Canadian Music Week. We apply every year and they don’t accept us. It’s not our music. It’s just that we don’t have the right connections or enough buzz.

T: (I ask some questions “off the record”. The discussion becomes more intense and I’m asked by the band to put the following “ON the record”.)

ATB Pete: We met the person who runs the USA Songwriting Competition at NXNE. He was on one of the songwriting critique panels and I remember the panel listening to our song and this person being blown away by it (the song). Meanwhile we apply to NXNE and CMW year after year and never get in, which seems kind of inconsistent. Anyway, it's not that big of a deal because at this point we know that the selection process is not exactly based on merit alone. A lot of the nights are sponsored by magazines or record labels and other industry groups and they place their own bands on their nights, so there's very few spots remaining for the bands who simply submit their press kits. In the end, I think it's more about who you know than how good you are.

ATB Kevin: I think it’s ironic that we won an American songwriting contest and we’re still not getting into Canadian festivals. (Understood “Read between the lines”.)

T: I have to ask: What’s the deal with Total Wrestling Entertainment? (laughs) That’s the “WWE” of Australia, right? The “TWE Divided Music Video” on YouTube really slams! (still laughing) How did the two of you come together?

ATB Kevin: It’s ultimately through myspace.com. We have some very loyal fans in Australia who just, I don’t know, they came across our band and really like our music. And these fans are really promoting us hard down there. And they know some people who make those videos and they recommended us.

T: In my discussions with other indie musicians, there seems to be a consensus that it will be a partnership or certain type of pairing that will bring success. For example, indie punk bands or hard metal bands with skateboarding. Will it be All the Brightness and Australian wrestling? (everyone laughs)

ATB Nick: I don’t think that’s our first reaction. To think that it might be something, you never know, we’re not going to close ourselves off.

ATB Kevin: I don’t know how it would logistically work out with us being in Toronto, but it always helps when someone decides to use your music with their product or whatever they do. When you’re partnering with someone, you both stand to gain from the exposure.

ATB Nick: Maybe it might branch out into other extreme sports. I can see some of the new songs being used for sports advertising. It’s all cool.

T: Any idea on types of extreme sports?

ATB Pete: Ping pong! (everyone laughs)

T: You know I can help promote you if it’s rowing! Windsurfing! Ice windsurfing! Note to self: All the Brightness. Ice windsurfing. Bring helmets. (more laughing)

T: As a spin off to that question, how hard is it to maintain connections that will present your music once you’ve made those connections? I know of one-off’s, say, for indie punk rock bands on snowboarding. There often isn’t a follow up gig. You managed 2 (“Lost in the Soul Deposit” and “Never You”) with the Aussie wrestling. Any thoughts on that?

ATB Kevin: Well, in some ways it’s easy, and some, it’s hard. With the internet it’s easy to get in touch with people on myspace. On the other hand, there are so many contacts you can lose track of them.

ATB Nick: I don’t know what it is about the music business. Or the entertainment business in general. The hard part comes where there is always a new flavour of the week. Unless you’re constantly maintaining contact, you’re easily forgotten. It’s one of those things we have to constantly stay at it. Sending out emails or whatnot just to remind them that you’re there. It could be something as simple as keeping our website up-to-date as much as possible. At least if they happen to visit your website they see that things are current and you’re working. And, if something comes up, they’re able to reach you.

ATB Kevin: I honestly think that the worthwhile contact usually comes to you. If you have to work at something too hard, it’s usually not worth it, I think, in this industry.

ATB Nick: I agree with Kevin. For some reason, it’s the way some people are. They’re just really hard to reach. And when you do reach them, it’s worth it. But that’s for some people. They are few and far between.

ATB Kevin: If you expose yourself properly on myspace and your website and work at those enough, that’s pretty much the best you can do.

T: Will you be participating in Indie Week and the Toronto Independent Music Awards in 2008? You seem to be gaining momentum with these independent music showcases.

ATB Pete: I think we will be participating in Indie Week. Last year for the TIMAs, we didn’t have a new product so we didn’t participate. If we get our album done, we’ll definitely be participating!

T: I have to say that out of all the indie bands I’ve interviewed, All the Brightness is the first one I’ve seen with 6 digit profile views in myspace! What was the count as of today’s date? 120,142?? That’s pretty solid. Obviously you have a very interested fan base. You seem to be using the internet to your advantage.

ATB Kevin: Ya, we try! I basically do 80% of the internet work, whatever you want to call it. It’s a lot of work. It’s almost a fulltime job to stay on top of it. I just think that’s a good way of promoting your music these days.

T: You gig pretty regularly at select clubs in Toronto and to the southwest: Mississauga, Brantford, Hamilton, Kitchener, London, and Windsor, among others to the west and east of the city. Your recent performance at the El Mocambo in Toronto was stellar. I hope you thanked the sound guy – he did the best job I’ve heard in a long time. You sounded great! There were also a lot of people to take you in that night. In terms of touring, do you have any aspirations to cast the net wider?

ATB Nick: First, we can thank the sound guy – it’s Tod Cutler at The Elmo.

ATB Kevin: It’s nice to think about – it would be cool. I think right now we don’t have enough things working for us to go on the road. Unless we have radio promotions going on, there wouldn’t be a point.

ATB Nick: Other than honing our live show, to just pick up and go tour without having other things in place, yes, you do expose yourself to other new fans, but the yield or reward would be little compared to what you have to put forth. It’s a pretty big undertaking. As Kevin said before, if you can put a lot of the pieces in place like prior radio rotation and people listening to you before you visit, you at least get 10, 20, 30 more people in attendance at your shows than if you went on the fly. Our goal is to get more radio play, other college radio play, and building our fan base in Toronto and the neighbouring metropolis. Detroit. Windsor. London. New York City. (laughs) I don’t know – we’ll see.

T: What are the plans for All the Brightness going forward?

ATB Pete: We have new material for a new cd so we should have it recorded by mid to the end of April. We’ll have 10 new songs out.

ATB Nick: And once we have that, we’ll follow up with another video or video campaign and just gigging. We’ll try again to build on the little successes like “Soul Deposit”. It’s a lot of hard work. We all work fulltime jobs, too, and that’s what kind of limits us to a large degree. But we do what we can and use the internet to our advantage.

ATB Pete: The main goal is to make the best music we can and something that satisfies us creatively. And you do your best to support the business. We don’t have a ton of control over that. First and foremost it’s the music. Everything else comes after that.

REFS/Sources:

www.myspace.com/AllTheBrightness

www.AllTheBrightness.com

Photographer credit: TBA