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3/31/2011

CMW 2011: Nikki Sixx

To be honest, when I first heard Nikki Sixx was going to be at CMW this year I didn't immediately jump for joy, or scream from excitement. I was one of those people who didn't really know who exactly Nikki Sixx was. In fact, the only tidbit I really knew about him was the fact that he used to date the beautiful Kat Von D. Well I was lucky enough to attend the special Celebrity Interview featuring this very man on March 10, 2011 and it's definitely one I will remember.


Nikki is a unique individual that has encountered many hardships in life but has yet somehow managed to see the light and positivity in all things around him. Allowing himself to be a better person has helped him in ways that most people can't even begin to understand. Throughout the Celebrity Interview he touched bases on art, how the digital age has affected the world, the lies of the beautiful people, as well as why he is disappointed in today's bands.

One aspect he talked about tied in with his love of photography, his upcoming book (which also involves photography) and the affects of the digital age. His new book This is Gonna Hurt is a photographic journey of his life while narrated as if it were in his own journal. He tells of his encounters with his love of art and all things beautiful. He admits himself that he finds beauty in what others find as disturbing. While using the internet as a tool ("it's useful, why not use it?" he says,)he fought not to use facebook and become one in millions who have been conformed to using the social media website. Myspace was his first choice and chose to post his photos of beauty at will. Eventually he moved towards Facebook and did the same thing - until he encountered a slight problem. "Maybe Facebook is not a place for art," he says to the crowd of a few hundred. Every time Nikki would add a photo moderators would instantly take it down.These photos (deemed as art by Nikki) were too "graphic" and not something that should be seen by others. These photos included a man with breasts and a woman with half of her face melted off. Nikki was able to see beauty in these unique individuals but Facebook clearly felt differently.

This is Gonna Hurt while a photographic memoir, was also a way for Sixx to be able to get his thoughts out on paper without going overboard when writing lyrics. He used writing as a theraputic device for his second book. He found it easier in the end to write lyrics and writing the book went hand in hand when it came to writing the new Sixx AM album. "Music is hard as a lyricist because you only have a certain amount of words and my fans would always tell me, 'Why do you have so many words? Why are there so many fucking words?' Well, I got a lot to say!"

Sixx was also very opinionated when it came to the lack of great bands."Personally, I’m really sick of looking at bands that don’t scare me, they don’t inspire me, they don’t dress in any way that’s interesting, they don’t have anything to say and they’re boring. I think it’s sad. I think it’s sad that that’s okay. I think it’s become redundant and ridiculous," he said to the crowd. "There are some good bands out there and there are a couple of great bands out there but I’m not seeing any new Metallicas, I’m not seeing any new Guns and Roses, I’m not seeing any new Rolling stones. Where’s the new Steven Tyler? I’d love to meet him; I’d love to work with him. I’d love to see a band become the biggest band in the world again." So what does it take to get noticed? Write good music, buy some hair products, and maybe some new clothes. Sixx wants a band that can stand up for themselves and create something that can be compared to other music greats.

While the entire interview was well done, I felt that my favourite portion of the hour was when he talked about the "beautiful people" and how society and celebrities seem to define what is and what isn't beautiful. Everything he said was inspiring and heartfelt and it really made me happy to hear that he sees the beauty in everybody. He went on to say that he sees the inner beauty that makes people special and doesn't think people should focus on what we see. "Let’s not let society make those decisions as to who is beautiful and who isn’t".

Overall this was a very interesting interview and I was glad that I was able to attend. I hope that everybody who reads this has a better understanding of Nikki Sixx and will take the chance to listen to the music and read his books.

Check out his video for "Lies of the Beautiful People":




For more information on Nikki Sixx feel free to visit: http://www.nikkisixx.net
For more information on Canadian Music Week visit: http://www.cmw.net

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Ellis...see more of her writing and photos at www.zebraprintsky.com!

3/30/2011

CMW Day Three: Down With Webster

Massey Hall, located in the heart of downtown Toronto, has been housing major talent for more than 117 years. Donated by the Massey family back in 1894, this beautiful venue has been an icon for many acts and concert goers over the years. With artists like Sarah McLachlan, Melissa Ethridge, John Mellencamp, Our Lady Peace,  Blue Rodeo, Bryan Adams and Tori Amos (just to name a few) already making waves, it was Down With Webster's turn to grace the stage to a sold out crowd during this year's Canadian Music Week. On March 12, 2011, these Canadian rockers wowed each and every person in the venue with old favourites and new music, jamming and pumping up the crowd their entire set.


Nothing sets the mood for a great show, like great openers and DWW had been touring Canada in the beginning of 2011 with some equally awesome talent. Joining the Toronto band were American up-and-comers 2AM Club, and The Envy. For their final show of their second annual WINtour they also added another Toronto band Sweet Thing to their lineup.

2 AM Club is definitely a unique band to say the least. When first hearing them I thought them to be a lesser polished version of Down With Webster. They had the talent, and the music, but they were lacking when it came to the energy of their set. Don't get me wrong, there was energy, but it wasn't at their highest levels. Their music is catchy and definitely not something you hear everyday. While mainly pop oriented, they include rapping portions but more on the side of Eminem and less Jay-Z. It's hard to describe, but it was definitely interesting. They have a lot of potential and if they keep working at what they're doing I think they could definitely go places.

The Envy, I can't deny it, was amazing. Once a struggling band trying to get noticed, they are now known across Canada for their unique tunes and for their mentor, Gene Simmons. Because of Simmons they are on the road to mega-stardom and it's refreshing that they're 100 per cent Canadian. Their songs - or more so they're voice- isn't something you hear on the radio every day.  The songs are heartfelt and emotion emits from the lead singer's Shaun's voice is so powerful and you can see how much effort he puts into his performance. The entire band has a presence on stage and everybody couldn't help but get caught up. While they sang their single Don't Let Go, they also managed to sing a few new songs as well. One that stood out in particular was the song called "Fingers Crossed". Dedicated to the victims in Japan, the song had a sentimental touch to such a devastating disaster.

Sweet Thing was probably my least favourite set of the night. I honestly could not decide on whether or not I liked their music or not. The set itself was entertaining and they were full of energy but the music to me just didn't fit. They don't have just one distinct sound and I think that's what bothered me. Now I know a lot of bands have multiple sounds and different types of songs but theirs just didn't seem to mesh well together and it just seemed a little odd.

Down With Webster. A band you can't put a label on, and definitely can't define in one word. With Seven (it is seven right?!) members in the band they all have their purpose and all give their own energy that allows them to put on a great show time after time. With a mixture of rock, R&B, Rap, and Hip Hop, each song has a different beat but is catchy and definitely fun to dance and sing along to. They have a unique way of performing and this time it included a strings section (directed by bassist Tyler Armes' dad), on top of their horn section AND the rest of the band. While playing favourites from way back when like "Ten," and "Big Wheels", to their hit singles "Your Man," "Woah is Me" and "Rich Girls" off of their debut full-length cd Time to Win Vol. 1, they also gave the crowd a taste of what is to come. With catchy tunes like "G.T.F.O." and "She's so Dope" to the heartfelt songs that meant a lot to the band, they had a wide range to please the sold out crowd at Massey Hall.

The thing that makes DWW so successful is their dedication to what they do and the fact that they always put 120 per cent into each and every show. Every single member of the band has a part to play and they go at it with full force. There's not one person who leaves their shows without sweat glistening on their forheads and their voice raw from singing along and cheering them on. They have an essence that not many bands have these days and it's really something that people enjoy every time they see them perform. Just a couple years ago they were playing at venues small enough that they couldn't even fit every person on stage (yes they have ALL been in the band for many years). Now they are headlining their own tours in Canada and slowly making a name for themselves in the States. Their unique sound and crazy energy has allowed them to gain fans of all ages and will allow them to further their career to the highest degree possible.  If you haven't seen DWW live yet I recommend doing so as soon as humanly possible. My mom even likes them - and that's saying something seeing as she's rolled her eyes and shook her head at 90 per cent of my music choices since I was a teen.

Check out the video of Down With Webster performing She's So Dope at Massey hall during CMW 2011.

3/24/2011

CMW Day Two: Good Charlotte

The Phoenix Concert Theatre has to be one of my personal favourites when it comes to venues in Toronto. To those who have never been there before, it may in fact look small and dingy from the outside. Set in a neighbourhood where you wouldn't expect a concert venue, it's hard to find. I myself walked by it the first time without realizing that it was right in front of me. Once you walk into the building though it opens into a large area with a big stage and even a balcony. It's nothing fancy or spectacular but it has housed some great music in the past and it continues to do so to this day.

Friday was a somewhat more relaxing day when it came to things we had to do. Besides the CMRAs all we had was the show in the evening with Good Charlotte featuring Canadian up and comers These Kids Wear Crowns, This Century and Forever the Sickest kids. I'll be honest, lately I've been feeling rather old when I am going to shows due to the many young fans that seem to take over the show. While there were a lot of kids this time around I felt right at home with the Good Charlotte fans. Seeing as GC came out when I was just a teen myself, a lot of their fanbase was a tad older then the average  age of 15 and 16.

You may have heard of These Kids Wear Crowns from their recent stint on Much Music's Disband, or their catchy single "Jumpstart" all over the radio, but one thing is for sure, they are definitely entertaining. Recently purchasing their new album, I was impressed but not extremely wowed over (if you know what I mean). The songs were catchy and seriously amusing but there was something missing. What was lost was soon found though when they first hit the stage as the opening act for a series of great musicians. They were catchy, upbeat and FULL of energy. They were sinscere in every song they sang, involved that crowd as much as they could and just had an overall great time on stage. Singing songs off of their EP and their new album Jumpstart they had the crowd singing and dancing the entire set. Favourites of the night would have to be when they sang the cover "I Wanna Dance with Somebody", "Jumpstart" and their very first single "Break it Up".

This Century is a band that originated from Arizona, have a distinctly pop-rock sound that is catchy and fun to listen and dance too. Although this was my first time seeing (or even hearing of these guys) I was intrigued and found myself dancing and keeping a beat even though I'd never heard the songs. Songs like "Hopeful Romantic", "To Love and Back" and "No Way Out", have a hopeful, optomistic approach to the lyrics and are positive. I feel that this band, while anybody could enjoy them, are geared towards the younger generation.  With their positivity it allows their fans to enjoy their music while being able to really listen to the meaning.

Up next came Forever The Sickest Kids. I've heard of them on and off for a couple of years, but never really listened to them until their song "Woah Oh! (Me vs. Everyone)" bombarded the Cineplex TV/movie screens for a couple of months o (I go to the movies often so I was exposed to the song, multiple times) a few years ago. And while they were entertaining, they had to be my least favourite act of the night. There was nothing special about them that jumped out at me to make their performance memorable. There sound was ok, and the songs were okay but it was just...eh. And to be honest, I couldn't really understand half of what they were saying. Maybe it was because I didn't know the songs, or maybe the sound was bad, but it just seems as if it were all a blur.

And finally the reason why I wanted to cover this show for Canadian Music Week. Good Charlotte has been on my radar for quite some time now and although many people say they are washed-up, they still manage to put on a great show every single time. Prior to the show starting both twins Benji and Joel Madden were tweeting like crazy, pumped for the show, but also put out some bad news that a few shows had to be cancelled. Explained more onstage, both boys needed to take a well deserved break to rest their voices as per doctor's orders. There's no denying that they both sounded rough around the edges but that didn't keep them from putting on an energetic, chaotic and fun show. One review I read said that the boys compensated their lost voices by using the crowd as back-up singers. Yes, that could be partially true, but truthfully, who doesn't enjoy singing along to the songs and hearing others do the same?

Lucky for the Madden boys, they were able to spend their 30-something birthday with a totally hyped Toronto, and were even surprised by the boys of FTSK and This Century with a birthday cake and a rendition of their single "Like it's Her Birthday". While they did sing songs like "Silver Screen Romance", "Like it's Her Birthday" and "Last Night", they decided to blow off promoting their new album Cardiology (because it was their birthday) and stick to old crowd favourites that had everybody jumping. Performing hits like "The Anthem", "Emotionless", "My Bloody Valentine", "Hold On" and many more, they kept the crowd entertained as well as themselves. While I admit that Good Charlotte is mainlly a band for the original and dedicated fans (I saw a lot of original band merch from years ago), I saw a large group of teens who wanted to give their heart to the band. Many people and critics may agree that Good Charlotte has come to their end, there are many more who will support them through and through until the end.

Check out the video of Benji Madden singing their hit "Emotionless:

3/23/2011

Skate for Cancer: The Official Short - Documentary

Cancer has affected a lot of people in Canada and in the world. As you saw in a previous post, Skate4Cancer is a huge reason why kids, teenagers and young adults are now aware of what Cancer can do to you and your family. Rob Dyer has been affected and wants the world to know what is going on and how one can become aware of what they can do to protect themselves. Check out the Skate4Cancer documentary and share it with many others.

3/22/2011

Canadian Music Radio Awards 2011

Having media access during CMW means being apart of every aspect of the week, not just the music and heading out to the shows. The Canadian Music Radio Awards, which took place on March 11, 2011, was a time for Canadian artists to come together to present or perform together while celebrating Canadian talent at it's best. The awards showcase the best music currently on Canadian radio and the rising talent that often gets overlooked.

Below are this years winners at the 14th Annual Canadian Radio Music Awards




Factor Breakthrough Award
Hollerado

SOCAN Song of the Year
Wavin' Flag - Young Artists for Haiti

Best new Group or Solo Artist (Rock)
Crash Karma
Best New Group/Solo Mainstream (A/C)
Johnny Reid

Best New Group or Solo Artist (CHR)
Down With Webster

Best New Group/Solo (Dance/Urban/Rhythmic)
JRDN

Best New Group/Solo Artist (Hot AC)
Ash Koley
 
Best New Group/Solo Artist (Country)
High Valley
 
Chart Topper Award
Hedley

Fan's Choice Award
Nickleback

Hall of Fame (Allan Waters Lifetime Broadcast Achievement)
David Marsden

3/18/2011

IllScarlett @ Tattoo Rock Parlour

So Canadian Music Week. It was a long three days but it was three very interesting and very exciting days.Thursday March 10th was my first day covering Canadian Music Week and Canadian MusicFest. And it was definitely far from uninteresting!

The day started off with the Celebrity Interviews with Nikki Sixx and meeting up with my fellow crazies @Zebraprintsky and @frontrowlady. The one hour interview was informative and interesting and although I've never been a Motley Crue or Nikki Sixx fan I was engaged and thorougly enjoyed everything he'd said throughout. A post about his interview will be posted seperately, later on.

Next stop was helping Zebraprintsky film some interviews with Monday Rose's Ari Lyon, and the boys (Ash and Human Kabob) behind the music of USS, and then finally Alex Norman of Illscarlett before we headed out to see Ryan Malcolm's band Low Level Flight and then scooted BACK to Tattoo Rock Parlour to see the highlight of the night, Illscarlett.

If I had to choose one phrase to describe their shows it would have to be 'out of control'. No matter how many times you see them live, their energy is always off the charts and the crowd easily reciprocates. Sticking to mostly familiar songs like "Mary Jane", "Nothing Special", "Life of a Soldier" and "Rally" they really got the crowd pumping.


The Tattoo Rock Parlour was electric. The venue itself is unique as it's a bar and a tatto parlour so to add great music, it's just something special. I'd been there the year before to see 100 Monkeys perform and while they were just as good, they didn't have the spark that our hometown hereos Illscarlett posessed.

While they did play a few new songs, I felt that they were still playing it safe by sticking to their guns and playing what they knew the crowd would love. I personally have nothing wrong with that but it would have been nice to hear what they've been working on for the last little while. I'm sure the crowd would have agreed with me. Nonetheless, the songs they did perform were full of life, feeling and of course authenticity.

Overall it was a rocking good time full of crowd surfing, a few joints (anybody who was there couldn't deny it) and an at capacity crowd going a little crazy. Illscarlett lit up the night and was a great way to end off day one of Canadian Music Week 2011.

3/16/2011

Low Level Flight @ The Gibson Showroom

It's been more than eight years since the first Canadian Idol was crowned and Ryan Malcolm took the top honour of being Canada's next great big thing. While on Canada's radar for a little while after his big win, he soon became less and less talked about and people forgot he ever won. Most people now (from experience) when I talk about Canadian Idol is "Ryan who?"  

For my first show of my three day concert stint my lovely friends and I hit up the Gibson Showroom at 1205 King St West to catch Low Level Flight. Formed by Ryan Malcolm in 2006, the band has been constantly touring and making a name for themselves outside of the world of Idol ever since.

The Gibson Showroom is a live artist venue located in the Gibson Guitar building. A small, intimate venue that allows fans of bands to come in closely to enjoy live, close encounter sets. With the sponsor of this private event being Steamwhistle Brewery, beer was the drink of choice and Low Level Flight was the choice of music.

 Their rock-alternative vibe resonated through the venue and their songs came out strong and proud. The entire band worked together to create something different that others haven't heard on the radio. They performed many of their songs from their older album as well as their new single "Cash Machine" off their yet to be released album "Through these Walls".

After Zebraprintsky and I had a recent chat with them backstage at the Canadian Radio Music Awards (CRMAs), we learned they are currently excited for the release of their new album as well as looking forward to touring in the UK and overall world domination!

For more information about Low Level Flight visit them on myspace at http://www.myspace.com.lowlevelflight

3/11/2011

CMW 2011: Day 1 Round-Up

Alrighty, there's been so much going on that the major articles, reviews, etc. will be posted at a later date but to give you just a tease I'll give a daily round-up of last night as well as for today and the next this weekend while I perfect my wonderous adventures for all of you readers (hopefully new readers as well seeing as I've been handing out my business card like CRAZY!).

So first off...the rain. WTF is up with this rain? It rained all morning, all day and all night. Seriously, I'm all rained out so monther nature, will you please give us a break today? Please?

I arrived into Toronto yesterday about 10 AM and headed straight over to the lovely Royal York for sign in and then we headed up another level to see the Celebrity Interview session with the one and only Nikki Sixx. Nikki is the bassist for Motley Crue and an aspiring photographer. His interview was definitely inspirational and I can't wait to write more about it!

Next we were onto the Phoenix to interview Ash and Human Kabob from U.S.S. They have to be the most random, happy-go-lucky, excited-about-life guys I have met in a very long time. My friend Jenny (aka ZebraPrintSky) did a sit down interview with them and it's so funny! (I'll add the link later)

After that we had time to get ready before we headed out to get some dinner (and Jenny to get her friend's camera - her camera decided to quit working on her, boo!) before we went to have a chat with Alex from Illscarlett!! After talking to him we ended up on the streetcar and headed to the Gibson Showroom and saw Low Level Flight (if you don't know this former Idol winner Ryan Malcom fronts the band) where there was free beer and great music despite the ugly weather outside.

*sidenote, I'm complaining about the weather, yes but it's in no way a comparison to what happened in Japan this morning and my heart and thoughts go out to those who are missing a loved one or lost one.*

After LLF we went on back to Tattoo to catch the sold out Illscarlett show! Nothing like great Canadian music rocking out to a crowd who was bouncing from front to back. Everybody was having a great time and it could be seen no matter where you were in the building!

AND we're not done yet...finally the last show of the night we headed down the street to the gorgeous bar Cherry Cola's, which is a caberet inspired bar, to see The Never Ending White Lights. Even though we were all super tired and sore at that point (which was about 1:30-2:00am) you couldn't help but get into the groove of The Never Ending White Lights. They just had a great vibe to them and everybody who was packed into that tiny bar had such a great time!

We were in bed finally by 3a.m. exhausted. We were up at 8a.m. today to do it again!!

...too be continued...our adventure is back in action as we head to the Royal York again for the CRMA's!

3/04/2011

Maria Aragon and Gaga

As we all know, the wonderfully talented Lady Gaga was in Toronto last night...and even after an hour delay, she still managed to come out and impress a sold out crowd at the ACC. I wasn't a lucky viewer (unfortunately) but from what I've heard, it's been nothing but amazing.

Anybody who's anybody knows about little Winnipeg native Maria Aragon who wowed people around the world with her rendition of Lady Gaga's new single Born This Way. This wonderful 10-year-old first caught the attention of Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, who just happens to be very close to Gaga, and forwarded her video to the pop sensation. She went on to tweet "Can't stop crying watching this. This is why I make music. She is the future. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG0wi1m-89o".
Radio Stations in Winnipeg and Toronto caught wind of  Aragon and did everything in their power to make this little girls dreams come true - starting with a phone call from Gaga herself. So over the period of two and a half weeks Aragon went from just a regular kid to a superstar in the making. Last night they finally connected and did a beautiful duet of Born This Way in front of the sold out crowd. 


Check out a video that was taken of their duet last night at the ACC. Enjoy and keep spreading the Gaga love. This song is a great inspiration and the lyrics are deep.