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