Imogen Heap (The Queen of my Soul)

       Ms. Imogen Heap deserves major props, I'm pretty sure she told the world, "screw you, I'm going to be fabulous on my own." She does everything completely independently: instrumentals, vocals, and writing. Heck, she even mixes and produces her own music. 
     Imogen is a British Grammy award-winning artist. Her parents divorced when she was twelve, and by the age of thirteen she had begun her writing career. Due to her dislike for her music teacher at boarding school, Imogen taught herself all there was to know and more in the world of music. 
     Her music is unlike anything I have ever heard before. Truly. I admire her honest and pure artistic take on music that just seems hard to find these days. Many of her songs are deep, emotional, and painfully easy to relate to. Perhaps the most unique quality of her's is her ability to loop. Looping is when artist play instruments and/or sing verses that are recorded and can repeat and the artist moves onto a new instrument. It's not easy, as one mistake can ruin an entire live performance. 

Imogen Performing Solo

     Imogen is commonly known now for the unfortunate song "Whatcha Say" by Jason Derulo, which robbed the chorus of one of Imogen's best songs, "Hide and Seek" and absolutely butchered it (I'm still bitter about it five years later).
     It is hard to pinpoint Imogen into a specific genre, although much of her music is electronic sounding (in a good way). 
     During March of 2014, Imogen will be releasing a new album, Sparks. 

Move aside boyfriend, it's her that I love.

The Civil Wars (and the emotional war they caused me)

     The Civil Wars are a beautiful, majestic, and romantic duo. Their love spills through their lyrics; it is the romance that everyone should hope to have. Each and every song is like a love note that the two artists, Joy and John have written to each other. Their talents have even won them a Grammy, and the award for Best Folk Album. 

     The duo met in 2008 during a writing workshop in Nashville, Tennessee. Joy got the name for the band as she drove around looking at Civil War monuments. They were first made famous by their song "Poison & Wine", which was featured in an episode of Grey's Anatomy (you may have seen it... If you like that sort of thing). 

     Since their first song released, the lovestruck duo has made it big, even making it to number twelve on the Billboard Top 200 Chart in 2011. You may have also heard their collaboration with TayTay Swift where they actually do absolutely nothing while she finally get's her uninterrupted moment with the mic (Kanye) - it is called "Safe and Sound"; it was used in the Hunger Games soundtrack. The married couple has released two absolutely amazing albums together, and I strongly suggest that everyone listen to them. Barton Hollow was released in 2011, and The Civil Wars in 2013, which features one of my favourite songs, "Dust to Dust".

True Love at it's Finest

    

     I don't mean to cause any emotional pain for anyone, but the Joy and John aren't actually married. I know. Devastating. I spent two joyous years thinking that they were the most adorable thing on the planet, even HOPING to die and be reincarnated as their child. I'm sorry if I have just ripped a part of your heart out. To make matters worse, the duo also split late this summer and are no longer collaborating to make beautiful music together.

     I will be hosting a group grief therapy session in the near future. 

The End.

Photos courtesy of google.ca

Haunted Tunes - A Halloween Playlist

     In the spirit of Halloween, I have made a playlist full of recent, and old songs for you to enjoy. I collected these songs through research of classic Halloween favourites, recent Halloween favourites, and from my own personal judgement. 

1. Kick In The Door by The Notorious B.I.G. - Who can't love Biggie Smalls? This song portrays an "up to no good" vibe; the beat seems great for Halloween. 

2. Transylvania by Tyler, The Creator - This song is pretty much terrible. However, it's scariness and beat make is a good song for the Halloween season. I also recommend avoiding listening to this song while young children come to your door looking for candy.

3. Shook Ones Part II by Mobb Deep - This is another song that has an eery beat. The lyrics and background music all come together to create a perfect song for Halloween. 

4. A Nightmare On My Street by DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince - A true classic. I love the way this song makes fun of Nightmare on Elm Street. 

5. Somebody's Watching Me by Rockwell - This song is great for any Halloween occasion! The eery lyrics make you wonder if the next time you turn around, someone may be staring and waiting for you. The person that wrote this song is also a diagnosed schizophrenic. 

6. Ghostbusters by Ray Parker Jr. - Another classic. There has not been one Halloween dance or party that I have been to where this song didn't play. It is a great sing-along tune that you can be sure people will know the words to.

7. Monster Mash by Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers - This song is even older than my mom, but it still brings out the best of everyone's spooky Halloween spirits. 

8. Thriller by Michael Jackson - In all reality, who doesn't know this song? It's another great party or dance sing and dance-along. 

9. Diary Of A Madman by Gravediggaz - Although this song is slightly depressing, it still offers a great, creepy Halloween vibe. 

10. We Are Your Friends by Simian vs. Justice - Right from the first note this song sounds Halloween-ish. It is a techno-based song, and offers a great beat for dancing!

11. Dr. Frankenstein by Ice Cube - This song takes you inside the mind of Dr. Frankenstein and is an obvious Halloween hit. Ice Cube is also hilarious.

12. Nightmare by Artie Shaw and His New Music - This song is my favourite of all Halloween songs. This 1938 stunner is a full instrumental song. It makes me feel like I'm in a black and white detective film from the early 40s. 

13. Interview With A Vampire by Ras Kass (ft. God & Satan) - Who knew that both God and Satan could rap? The title, and the song's substance make it another great Halloween song. 

14. Chuckwick by Bushwick Bill - This song scares me even more than Chucky in Child's Play ever did. 

15. Hell Sent by Bone Enterprise - This song has the ability to scare me more than anything else. The intro gives me chills, and I refuse to listen to it alone. 

All rights belong to each artist. 

What Ever Happened To...? The Indie Music Edition

     After what seemed to be a mass success in the world of underground music with their song, "Skinny Love" it seems as though Bon Iver has completely disappeared from the world of music. "Skinny Love" even hit the radars of people who listen to ordinary music. After touring Ireland, the group stated that they were taking an indefinite break from performing. Fans assumed the worst (they broke up), however, since 2012 there has been no confirmation of a break up. Their label denies all rumours that Bon Iver is over for good. I, being one of their biggest fans, hope that they will soon rekindle.

Bon Iver's lead vocalist, Justin Vernon

    When I was in grade five and six, my life revolved around a few male singers, who now, I know must have been morbidly depressed. One of them was Damien Rice. You may know him for his song "Cannonball". If you've never heard of him, well, you've missed out. Rice hasn't released an album since 2006. According to his most recent performances, his life has seriously gone downhill. In the past two years he has only performed once at a lesser-known festival in Holland. However, in case you were panicking, he promised his devoted fans is Seoul (what?) that he was working on a new album. Unfortunately, this promise was made over two years ago; so who really knows what is happening to good old Damien Rice. Recent pictures of him suggest that he may be homeless. 

Damien Rice in 2006

A dishevelled Damien Rice in 2013

Livin' Large - Biggest Music Festivals Around the World

Exit - Serbia

Exit is an annual summer music festival that occurs in the ancient Petrovaradin Fortress in Serbia. It was founded in 2000 as a protest against the government by three university students. In 2007, Exit won the "Best European Festival" award, competing against 40 other festivals. The festival takes place over four days, and has been visited by over two million people from around the world. CNN and New York Times have both proclaimed it as one of the top ten festivals in the world. It's unique location, impressive lineup, and festival village make it a music fest to see and experience. 

Petrovaradin Fortress, Serbia
inserbia.info

Exit Festival
pulseradio.net

Paléo - Switzerland 

This music festival started in 1976 as solely a folk festival, however, since then it has grown to be one of the largest European music festivals. It lasts for six days at the end of July.There has been over 3.5 million spectators, and 2500 artists at Paléo. In the past, artists such as Bon Iver, Placebo, The National, Beirut, and even James Blunt have performed. 

Paléo Festival 

www.nickcave.com

Sziget - Hungary

Sziget is known as seven full days of straight partying in Budapest, Hungary. It is one of the largest and most successful musical and cultural festivals in all of Europe. In has been named in the top ten by the European Festival Awards, and is ranked as one of the top five festivals in Europe. The festival started in 1993 after government funding fell short in 1989 as a result of the end of the communist era. Now, the festival hosts artists of many different genres, and from all over the world. Within the past few years Sziget has seen many popular American artists such as Regina Spektor, Fink, and The Killers. 

Sziget - Budapest

www.xpatloop.com

Coachella - USA

Coachella started as a festival that would cater specifically to indie/alternative artists. It has been regarded as one of the most "hippie" festivals of the present day. It lasts for three days in Indio, California. Coachella now also features big-name artists such as Snoop Dogg and Kanye West. Since 2002, the festival has sold out, and has remained as one of the most well-known music festivals around the world. 

Coachella - Indio, California

lostinsound.org

Donauinselfest - Austria

This festival may take the crown for biggest music festival. In only three days, this festival racks up millions of spectators over 6.5 kilometers of land in Vienna, Austria. Unfortunately, the festival is mostly German. A few international artists from Italy and Sweden have made their way to Donauinselfest, however, American's don't usually make an appearance. The festival acts mostly to promote Austrian music and artists. 

froliceevent.com.au

blog.eu.playstation.com

Artist of the Week - Of Montreal

     Of Montreal is definitely a unique group. They are unlike any group I have written about this far concerning their musical style. The group originated from Athens, Georgia. They are one of the bands that make up the Elephant 6 Collective, which is a collective American recording company of musicians that created many independent bands in the 90's. 

     The band was founded in 1996 by singer Kevin Barnes. The groups consisted of only himself before he moved to Athens. The name "Of Montreal" for the band was oddly inspired by his failed romance with a woman from Montreal. In Athens he met bandmates, Derek Almstead and Bryan Poole. Together they recorded their debut album, Cherry Peel in 1997. In 1998, after the production of their third album, The Gay Parade, the band was signed to Kindercore Records. Come 2002, the band's sound began to change with the release of their album Aldhils Arboretum; shortly after the release their record label fell through, and new member Andy left the band, along with Bryan. Barnes took to writing and performing the next album, Satanic Panic in the Attic which was released by Polyvinyl Records in 2004. Derek Poole rejoined the band during their Satanic Tour. 

     Their style is very different from many other existed bands today. It reflects a more psychedelic aspect than other bands tend to. However, the style does vary depending on each album. Their earlier albums are easily described as quirky, lo-fi indie productions. In 2004 with the release of Satanic Panic in the Attic the band adapted a more electronic sound. Their lyrical styles also ranges from humourous, small narratives, and fictional conversations.

     Of Montreal is the Artist of the Week this week based on their impressive diversity, and uniqueness that set them apart from any other current band. They also have an impressive list of released albums - they have officially released twelve records. Below is their song, "Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games" from their seventh album, The Sunlandic Twins. 

Three Indie/Rock Music Festivals You Need to See in Canada

1. Pemberton Music Festival - Pemberton, British Columbia
The Pemberton Music Festival is a three day event that takes place in a city just north of the popular skiing location, Whistler. The festival is comprised mostly of indie-rock, and rock bands. The stages are set up at the foot of the mountains that surround the festival. There are also campsites available for easy access. Instead of having to commute to the festivals, people can simply book a camp site. The festival has hosted many famous bands such as Metric, Vampire Weekend, The Tragically Hip and Death Cab for Cutie.

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=155055

http://www.explorex.net/articleprint.jsp?artid=417

2. Edgefest - Toronto, Ontario

Since 1987, Edgefest has been promoting Canadian rock music. It is the longest running rock show in Canada. An immense amount of famous artists and bands have performed at Edgefest, they include: Alexisonfire, Billy Talent, Our Lady Peace, The Bravery, Arkells, Metric, Silversun Pickups, and Young the Giant. http://www.blogto.com/music/2009/06/edgefest_2009_mud_wrestling_stage_diving_and_crowd_surfing/

3. Osheaga - Montreal, Ontario

Osheaga is one of Canada's most famous music and arts festival. It is held annually at PARC Jean-Drapeau on Île Sainte-Hélène every summer. There are five stages that hold ranging capacities. Emerging artists play 30 minute sets, and headliners will play at sets of at least 90 minutes. The name Osheaga comes from the original area now known as Montreal. When Jacques Cartier arrived in Canada, he miscummincated with the Mohawk people. One day, he approached rapid waters, and waved his hands as a motion to find out the conditions of the water from the Mohawks. According to Mohawk history, they were confused about Cartier's actions, and called him, "O she ha ga," or as translated, a person with shaking hands. However, Cartier noted the term "Osheaga" as rapid waters, whereas the Mohawks used it to describe the place where they met the man with shaking hands. Osheaga has always had impressive musical lineups, including Snoop Lion, Florence + The Machine, Plants and Animals, The Black Keys, Of Monsters and Men, The Raveonettes, ASAP Rocky, Imagine Dragons, Mumford and Sons, Alt-J, and The Lumineers. 

http://notable.ca/nationwide/celebrities/Osheaga-2013

http://www.muchmusic.com/events/osheaga/

http://www.thesputnik.ca/?attachment_id=4257

Artist in Crescendo - Of Monsters and Men

     Three years ago, this group barely existed. Since then, they have they have taken over and become an internationally-known band. Of Monsters and Men is comprised of five band members: Nanna Bryndis, Raggi Porhallsson, Brynjar Leifsson, Arnar Rosenkranz, and Kristjan Pall Kristjansson. 
     Their hasty rise to global stardom took only less than a year to transpire. In 2012, Nanna's solo act, Songbird morphed into Of Monsters and Men after she met Raggi. The new band entered a prestigious Battle of the Bands in their native country, Iceland - Musiktilraunir. They ended up winning, which began their rise to stardom and global success. This also earned them a spot in Iceland's Airwaves festival later that year, and Seattle Radio Station's KEXP which posted a living room session of their song, "Little Talks".
     By the time summer of 2011 rolled around, "Little Talks" had reached number one on Iceland's music charts. However, global interest began to materialize, "people around the world seemed to be listening to us," said Raggi. Also occurring in 2011 was the signing of the band to Record Records for the release of their debut album My Head is an Animal. They were later signed to Universal Records for the international release of their album. 
     Of Monsters and Men have performed globally, having visited Canada, Ireland, The United States, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Chile, Brazil, and Scotland. On May 4th, 2013, the band played on an episode of Saturday Night Live. Their song, "Dirty Paws" has also been featured in the 2013 movie trailer for The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and iPhone 5 advertisements. To add to a list of their global successes, they have been nominated for numerous MTV, Juno, ECHO, and Billboard awards. 
     Even though this group has only recently come together, they have the ability to captivate not only their nation, but also gain the attention of the entire planet. Within the last three years, Of Monsters and Men has gained mass success internationally, and will continue to rise in not only the world of alternative music, but music as a whole. This is a group to keep an eye on.

Photo courtesy of http://www.npr.org

Artist of the Week - The Raveonettes

     The Raveonettes are Danish duo that specialize in indie-rock music. Sune Rose Wagner plays guitar, provides instrumentals, and vocals, while Sharin Foo plays bass, guitar and provides vocals. The unique band's vocals harmonize similarly to one of their main influences, The Everly Brothers. Murder, drugs, violence, sex, love, and lust haunt their lyrics. 
     Sine and Sharin met in Copenhagen in 2001. They started recording immediately through Once Was & Sauna Recording Studio, which was formerly owned by Sony. After recording their first album, Whip It On, The Raveonettes booked their first gig at the SPOT Festival in Aarhus, Denmark, the second largest Danish city. It was at this festival that the band was officially discovered by Rolling Stone editor David Fricke - his rave reviews led to a mass amount of offers from major record labels for the band. They were eventually signed to Columbia Records for two million dollars in 2002. 
     In pop culture, and media/film, their songs have been used on multiple occasions. In 2004, their song "That Great Love Sound" was used for the FIFA soundtrack. "Dead Sound" and " Oh, Stranger" have both been used in the popular movies, Whip It! and Batman: Arkham City. 
     The Raveonettes have been awarded Artist of the Week this week due to their hard work, depsite their natural talent. This band has made it big in the world of Indie Rock despite being a Danish group.

Photo Courtesy of http://thenewphiladelphia.com

Artist in Crescendo - Alt-J

     Although this British indie-rock quartet has been together since 2007, they are only recently becoming known in North America. The four band members, Gwil Sainsbury, Joe Newman, Gus Unger-Hamilton, and Thom Green met in university in 2007. The group spent two years rehearsing before singing to the record label, Infectious Records in 2011. Before deciding on the name 'Alt-J', they were known as "Daljit Dhaliwal' and 'Films'. In 2012, Alt-J released their first record, 'An Awesome Wave'. 
     Their songs have been used in TV, film, and even advertising. Their song, 'Tessellate' was used in both CSI: New York and Sons of Anarchy, 'Fitzpleasure' was also used in the popular drama series, Suits. Their music has also made several debuts in major motion pictures such as Silver Linings Playbook, and Leave to Remain. Their song 'Fitzpleasure' has also been used in advertising for Nokia, and the UK movie trailer for The Way, Way Back. 
     Alt-J began touring in 2012. Since then they have traveled throughout the UK, China, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the US, Portugal, and even Canada for the popular Osheaga music festival in Montreal, Quebec. Later this month, they will also be traveling to South Africa to open for The Hives, and Skunk Anansie. 
     Their work has not gone unnoticed, in 2012, Alt-J's debut album won the British Mercury Prize, an annual prize awarded to the best album in England and Ireland. They were also nominated for three Brit Awards; British Breakthrough Act, British Album of the Year, and British Group of the Year. 'An Awesome Wave' was announced as the BBC Music Radio album of the year, and also won album of the year at the Ivor Awards, and award given to excellence in singing and songwriting in the UK. 
     Alt-J has begun to captivate North America. Their song 'Breezeblocks' and 'Fitzpleasure' are often played on any indie and/or rock music station. Their music is in crescendo and has begun to take over indie-rock in North America.

Photo courtesy of http://thekey.xpn.org/2013/08/05/just-announced-alt-j-and-lord-huron-will-play-the-electric-factory-on-917/

Artist of the Week - Radical Face

     This one man band led by Ben Cooper, of Jacksonville, Florida. Ben Cooper is also involved in musical groups Iron Orchestra, and Mother's Basement. The unusual name, Radical Face was inspired by a flyer found by Cooper advertising plastic surgery. The flyer was titles 'Radical Face-Lift', however, the word 'lift' had been ripped off.
     In 2010, Cooper released an EP consisting of six tracks (Touch the Sky) as a preview for a trilogy of albums entitled Family Tree. Radical Face's first album, and first part of the trilogy, was released accidentally through iTunes in 2011. This album, The Roots, was then followed by the two other albums of the trilogy, The Branches, and The Relatives later that year. The trilogy album follows the tale of a fictional family, the Northcotes through two of it's generations in the 1800s.
     In 2012, Cooper teamed up with artist Richard Colado to create an album called Clone. This album was set to be released later that year, however, due to record delays, was released in January of 2013.
     Even though Cooper has only recently begun releasing albums, he has been producing music since 2003 under the name Radical Face. His first album, The Junkyard Chandelier has since been made available for online download. Radical Face also released an album in 2007 called Ghost.
     The music stylings of Radical Face have been made popular in society, as well. Earlier this year, their song "Welcome Home" was featured in the "I Am Nikon" and Coolpix campaigns for the popular camera brand, Nikon. Their song, "We're On Our Way" was also used in the motion picture trailer for the popular film, The Perks of Being a Wallflower in 2012.
     Although Radical Face has not gained global, or even Billboard status, their music has begun to captivate popular advertisements. I believe that Radical Face is close to reaching the recognition they deserve, it is only a matter of time before they become a major break out group.

Photo courtesy of http://hipstercritic.com

Artists in Crescendo

     Indie and alternative music have slowly begun to inch its way onto the top charts. Artists and bands such as Fun., Mumford and Sons, Bon Iver, Ed Sheeran, and The Lumineers have all become globally known musicians. Indie and alternative artists are finally getting the recognition they deserve.
     Recently, as society changes from the desire to blend, to the desire to be different, and unique, more people are taking an interest into lesser-known music. Groups that have spent years in the world of underground music are becoming exposed.
     A group that is currently on the rise is Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Even though this group formed in 2007, their major breakthrough has only been recent. One of their hit singles, "Home" hit the top charts in 2012, two years after it was originally released. Later that year, their album titled "Here" rose to number five on the album chart. This unique indie folk band consists of the lead singer, Alex Ebert, and a revolving group of twelve people. The name Edward Sharp was taken from a book in which Alex Eber began to write in rehab about a messianic figure.
     In my opinion, as society continues to change, and people continue to strive for individuality, indie and alternative music will become increasingly well-known. It is visible in music charts that pop and rap do not entirely dominate anymore. As times change, so do the public's interests, including music - in my opinion, indie and alternative music are going to continue to climb the charts, and eventually dominate the world of music.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Photo courtesy of http://www.pastemagazine.com

Artist of the Week - Dallas Green

"There are lots of things I sing about where people wonder if I'm being a too little 'open book'. But I've always written that way and I think people who know me and are in my life know that and they've come to appreciate it's the way I sing and the way I make music. To me it's an unbelievable feeling to have someone tell you that a song has helped them through their tragedies. But at the end of the day I'm still left with this sense of hopelessness in myself. Are the next songs I write about going to help somebody and should it matter if they do or not?" Dallas Green is the type of artist who lets no one listen to his music without being affected. His songs have the ability to haunt and linger in the thoughts of those who listen.

Commonly known as City and Colour, Dallas Green is one of the greatest musicians of all time, in my opinion. He has been a singer-songwriter since the age of 14. His earlier fans may know him as the ex lead vocalist and guitarist of the band Alexisonfire.

Although Dallas has not formally expressed the struggles in his personal life, his music suggests that there have been many. His song, "Little Hell" suggests forms of addiction, "Save Your Scissors" suggests depression and mental illness. Every single one of his songs has a different story to tell, whether they be directly about him, someone he loves, or someone he wants to help simply by creating it. His music creates a portal from the real world, to a world where people learn to recognize, and solve struggle through song. Every note, every melody has the ability to heal and mend. His music has become an outlet for not only myself, but countless others all over the world.

City and Colour's latest album, The Hurry and The Harm was released on June 4th, 2013. It debuted as the number one album on the Canadian Albums Chart, a second number on debut for City and Colour. The album also reached international recognition when it reached number 16 on Billboard's top 200 chart.

City and Colour's diversity, musical storytelling, and international success has earned The Riff List's first Artist of The Week Title.

Photo courtesy of http://www.alancross.ca