Cut Throat Kids, a pop / alternative / pop punk band, took to the stage at the TIMAs “Indie/Pop/Rock” Showcase at The Central on August 19.  This band has an energetic and professional live performance.  They echo that they definitely live for the “live show”.  Without doubt, they give an interesting, thought provoking, and amazingly articulate interview.

Tyler Tasson – vox

Jeff Raposo – guitar

Nick Chang-Fong – bassist

Calvin Castellino – drums

BD:  How do you prepare before a show?

Jeff:  Our shows get pretty physical so we like to make sure we stretch out a bit whenever possible.  Personally, I like to spend a few minutes alone and just ground myself, make sure I’m breathing.

Tyler:  (laughing)  Yeah, we always do a big, huge, group stretch before going on stage.  I think it creeps out and or interests a lot of onlookers!  I like to get somewhere to run through some scales and get my voice ready.  It usually ends up being a bathroom.

BD:  Do you have a really memorable show?  One where everything lined up for the band?

Jeff:  I love playing in Whitby because we have a lot of friends in other bands that we get to play with when we head up that way.  It always feels like a big party.

Tyler:  A memorable show for me was playing a Ryerson residence frosh a few weeks back.  Everyone was so excited and so open to hearing every song we had, even though they had never heard us before.  We have never had such an intense crowd before.  I, also, always do love playing in Whitby.

Calvin:  Whitby was definitely memorable for me at Johnny B’s where, like Jeff said, all of our friends were also playing.  It always boosts the chemistry, I find, within and outside the band when the crowd see you having fun with all of your friends in addition to your band mates.

BD:  How do you fuel your passion for writing your music?

Jeff:  I never really feel like I need to make an effort in that department.  The passion is there.  Trying to channel that into a structured piece of music that people will understand is what I try to focus on.

Tyler:  If I really feel like telling a story about my own life, I’ll try to read back on things that remind me of whatever I am trying to write about, like an old diary or looking at little memorabilia from that time.  I try to get into my own head and pull out the core feelings I felt at the time of whatever was happening and translate them directly into my songs.

Calvin:  Inspiration from other music definitely fuels my passion for writing music.  My favourite bands never cease to amaze me.  It drives me to try and create something that will have the effect that one of my favourite artists has on me for another individual.

Nick:  My passion for writing music is powered by my passion for enjoying music.  I try to do for people what some have done for me.

BD:  When you’re first starting out, everyone’s a critic.  What sorts of things have you had to face and, ultimately, overcome?

Tyler:  Personally, I have had to deal with the fact that people will be jerks and either judge me based on the fact that I am a girl or assume I have some kind of advantage because of it.  I get stereotyped a lot because of my gender and it’s something you just gotta learn to brush off and ignore.

Calvin:  Everyone has an opinion and, ultimately, you have to take it in stride and not let it get you down.  It’s always comforting to know that if, hypothetically, we have 8 bad reviews in a row, we know for a fact that there are kids who wear our shirts to our shows and know the words to our songs.  That definitely would overshadow the bad reviews.  Luckily, everyone has been kind to us and dig the songs and the live show.

BD:  What strategies do you have to get your music out there?

Tyler:  So far, we stick to the conventional method of myspace and giving out demos at shows.  Once we get our EP finished, it will be put out in as many places as we can get it!

Calvin:  Tyler has been really killer with the myspace and I know we don’t thank her enough.  She is really interactive with everyone that we add or adds us.  We just want everyone to hear us and we want to be as accessible as possible.

BD:  Do you have a motto you live by?

Jeff:  I remember being drunk at a wedding once, having just broken up with a girl I was absolutely in love with.  I was feeling pretty down and one of my cousins told me that all I could do was “love what comes”.  That’s stuck with me in a pretty big way.

Tyler:  “You get what you give.” Oh, and “A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.”  Two I try to live by day to day.

Calvin:  “Work like slaves, eat like kings.”

Nick:  “If you’re not having fun, why do it at all?”

BD:  What advice would you give to up and coming artists and bands?

Jeff:  People pay to see other people just “be” – that’s what makes reality tv so popular.  More importantly, they can always spot a fake.  What makes the entertainment industry so difficult is that it takes a lot of balls to be you in front of strangers.  So the best way to set yourself apart is to just go out there as yourself.  It may be a theatrically-enhanced version, but always an extension of the real you.  Play as many shows as you can with as many different bands as you can.  Make friends with all of them because the only way you’re ever going to make it is with their support.  Most importantly, remember that this is one of the most competitive industries in the world.  You can’t afford not to kill it every single time you play.

Tyler:  Learn to take constructive criticism, no matter what.  You have your own view of your band that is different than what other people see.  You aren’t the one watching from the audience or listening with the outsider’s ear.  Take criticism.  This doesn’t have to mean that you change your music, style, or anything like that.  Just listen to opinions with an open mind.

Calvin:  Don’t be afraid to commit yourself 100%.  There are people who I know that give up on bands because they say they are consumed with work or school.  I really believe that if you’re committed 100% to playing music you could make time be it once a month to practice or write.  You can still get it done.  Dedication is key because I really think that everything else will follow.

Nick:  Be an artist before a superstar.  Make music or art that is relevant to you or that you enjoy.  Popularity may or, in many cases, may not come but that’s not important.  What is important is that you create honest works of art.  After all, what good would popularity be if you couldn’t sleep at night?

BD:  What life advice would you give them?  What have you learned?  About yourself?  About life?

Tyler:  People will always try to bring you down.  If you learn to ignore it, or even better, to somehow feed off it, you will last a long time.  Turning people’s negative attitudes into positive reinforcement for yourself is something that takes time but will help your confidence like crazy.  Especially when others are trying to break you apart.

Calvin:  Make sure you’re happy doing what you’re doing because there is no point in creating something that doesn’t get by your personal standards.  Chances are others will pick up that you’re not having a good time doing what you’re doing.  Playing in other bands and comparing it to the situation I’m in now, I can’t believe that I put up with certain elements that made me unhappy for so long.  This is the perfect situation for me now.  I can sincerely say that I love my band mates and the music that we’re making.

Nick:  Listen to your critics but don’t work for them.  I’ve learned that it’s important to make a product that you can stand behind and that authenticity is more important than anything.  Don’t confuse authenticity with originality.  If your music isn’t the first in a new, groundbreaking genre but you’re happy with it, hold onto it.

BD:  A music industry insider has recently made the statement that artists are in partnership with their audience and that the long-term, more affordable route is where it’s at – as opposed to a Top 40 track and instant tour.  Basically, don’t go for world domination.  Go for a little piece of the whole rock.  What are your feelings on this?

Tyler:  I feel a bit from both sides.  I definitely think it is beneficial for an artist to do as much as they can on their own.  You make all the money, keep all the creative control and so on.  I also feel like if you get into the Top 40 world and help is needed from management, labels, like that, then good for you!  As long as you keep the creative control, I think it’s all good.  Make a deal that works for you and, if you get in a position to bargain for your deals, even better!  Being close to your audience is important either way.  Having a good connection between you and them is so important to your career in the long run.

Calvin:  There are two perspectives to this, I feel.  For the artist who wants instant fame, that sucks.  But for the band that wants to stand the test of time in this day and age of rapid technological advancement, it’s probably dead on.

Nick:  I agree with that.  I would rather be involved on a smaller, longer journey than a large, short one.  Don’t go for world domination, yes.  But, if the world wants you, bring it to them.

BD:  What’s next?

Tyler:  An EP, maybe a new photo shoot, lots of shows, a mini tour, who knows!  Keep checking on the myspace to find out!  (smiling)

Calvin:  New songs!  All day every day!

Nick:  After this, some breakfast, some school, some fun then the next day.  One day at a time, people!  (everyone laughs)

www.myspace.com/wearecutthroatkids

By BD Marie Hughes

I was really looking forward to the performance of Bella Clava at The TIMAs “Best Live” Alt Rock Showcase on July 22.  Their myspace sound is amazing.  I wanted to see if their sound would translate well in a live performance.  They did not disappoint!

Caitlin Dacey – Vocals, piano, organ, bass

Steve Suttie – Vocals, guitar, drums, bass

Luis Figueroa – Drums

Derek Edwards – Bass

BD:  How do you create your music?  Does it come to you naturally or do you have to sit down and work within a structured environment?

Bella Clava Caitlin:  We’re trying to make music that makes us want to dance.  Music that we would want to see live.  If an idea takes too much convincing, we usually drop it.  Then, sometimes, we pick it back up and find it has a lot more potential than what was initially seen.

Bella Clava Steve:  It comes pretty naturally. We fine-tune the song at our jam spot unless there is nothing left to be done with it.

BD:  What did you learn about yourself and, as a band, through the recording process?

Bella Clava Steve:  I learned that time is very, very valuable.  I should give my guitars a tune-up before the next recording session and try not to make Caitlin mad as I like to do.

Bella Clava Caitlin:  I learned to let things go, allow for the snapshot to be taken without trying to produce something “perfect”.  It is difficult to transcribe what you hear in your head or what you hope is translated live when making a recording.  Especially with a finite amount of time and dough.  Hopefully the recordings will get better and better.

Bella Clava Luis:  Being a drummer playing to a click was the challenge for me.  Now hearing the end product, I would always recommend any drummer to do this.

BD:  What is the name of the cd you released at The Horseshoe on July 31?  It was 2008?  Is it your first cd?

Bella Clava Steve:  The cd is called “ColdSpell”.  We had our cd release party at The Horseshoe on July 31 of this year.  It was our first proper EP that we’ve put out.

BD: You are recently back from touring Ireland.  Was this your first road trip?  How did you prepare for it?  Who is Pathfinder Pat?

Bella Clava Steve:  We prepared for it by not expecting anything in return except having a great time playing shows and meeting fabulous people which made for an awesome life experience.  Pathfinder Pat is a cat we met through Vesta Varro.  We did an online interview with him and he also put us up at his house for a few days.  He definitely loves music and we love him.

Bella Clava Luis:  Yeah, this was our first road trip as a band and was kind of hectic preparing for it.  Steve was back in Thunder Bay making some money and, of course, Dane (Newbold), our bass player at the time, was living in Thunder Bay making it very hard to practise.  So, four days left until we had to leave we still hadn’t practised in a month.  The stress level was increasing and the pressure was on to create the best set for the tour.  I think these chain of events set the tone for the rest of the tour – beautiful chaos.  Ah yes Pat, the man with the great couch that kept us warm through the tour.  What a legend he was waking us up with some cider and amazing vintage rock and some Canadian rock I have never even heard of on his record player.  He was also the scholar that had interviewed us for his blog “A Town Full of Losers”.

BD:  Highlights of your Ireland trip?

Bella Clava Luis:  Well, I think this goes without saying but the best part of the trip was finding a wicked jumping spot in the middle of the ocean and watching Dane do the biggest front flip to face plant from fifty feet!  Check it out on YouTube!  (laughing)  But seriously, I think the best part of the trip was the second last day.  We had just finished playing four shows consecutively.  We were very tired and bagged out from all the good times.  Then we find out that we have another slot to play at a blues bar that night and it happens to be a blast.  It was a great crowd, awesome vibes and a perfect way to end the trip.

Bella Clava Steve:  The people, the bands.  Everybody there was so welcoming it was ridiculous.

Bella Clava Caitlin:  The impromptu jam session at Dolan’s after our last gig when members of the other bands and some friends came up and played together.  Partying at Niall’s with his friends was the ‘craic’.  Driving around Ireland with Shane.

BD:  Lowlights?

Bella Clava Steve: Narrow roads and Nettles.

Bella Clava Luis:  Finding out how much money I had spent.

Bella Clava Caitlin:  Getting my crow and heart-shaped glasses stolen from Whelan’s in Dublin.  My fault.  I was too distracted to be responsible for anything.  I hope they have a good home.

BD:  Did you bring any favourite things on the road with you?

Bella Clava Caitlin:  My crow and glasses, glass head (which fortunately did not get stolen) and some candles.

Bella Clava Luis:  Yeah, for sure I brought my snare, my kick pedal and three of my really good friends.

Bella Clava Steve:  My favourite guitar and my hat.

BD:  How important was it for you to be “Band of the Day” on Indiesolo.com?

Bella Clava Caitlin:  Cooooooooooool.  Thanks Indiesolo.com!  Great exposure!  We hope we reach out to more bandits through your site, too!

BD:  Is “Coldspell” an EP?  Or name of a song?  You released it June 20.2009?

Bella Clava Caitlin:  ColdSpell is the name of our debut EP released on July 31st this year.

Bella Clava Luis:  The title kind of reminds me of childhood memories growing up in Thunder Bay.

BD:  How do you prepare for your shows?

Bella Clava Caitlin:  Picking up the rental van, loading up equipment and dreaming of a future in which we will be able to relax before our gigs.

BD:  Do you have a motto that you live by?

Bella Clava Caitlin:  At heart, everyone is a Bella Clava Bandit.  (everyone laughs)

BD:  How are you creating opportunities as a band?

Bella Clava Steve:  I think by being honest and playing a good show has created the most opportunities so far.  As long as we continue with those ingredients we will be cooking for a long time.

Bella Clava Luis:  Constantly making new music and keeping a good relationship within the band.

BD:  What are your upcoming plans?

Bella Clava Steve:  We are going to record with Steve Albini, who’s worked with Nirvana, Pixies, and such in the fall.  After that, we will be planning another tour at some point and continuing to play more shows in the Toronto area.

Bella Clava Luis:  I think a full-length album is a future goal and definitely some more touring.  But always taking every show, every review, every compliment with the most seriousness as I think our goal is to be the best fucking rock ‘n’ roll band to this day!

Bella Clava Caitlin:  I want to open for Them Crooked Vultures.  I’m planning it right now.  If you plan it, you will play it!

www.myspace.com/bellaclavaband

By BD Marie Hughes

Solo artist, Neal Reed, traveled to his TIMA Showcase for “Best Live” in the Indie/Pop/Rock category from his home town of Orillia, ON.  His lengthy commute to The Central in Toronto didn’t put a dent into his no-holds-barred performance on August 19.  The crowd was introduced to this artist as Peter Turns Pirate, an experimental / alternative / electro fusion musician.  Within an instant, everyone was mesmerized.  His performance was nothing short of spectacular!  And definitely memorable!

Neal has been evolving Peter Turns Pirate since 2004.  He creates his music using synthesizers, drum programmers, keyboards, effects pedals and more.  Fixated on the live performance, Peter Turns Pirate pulls out all the stops using lights, smoke, and theatrics.  On June 5, Neal played the Maclaren Art Centre in Barrie, ON and, on August 15, he played Wasaga Beach Music Hall.  Listen in on our chat post TIMA show.

BD:  When did you decide to do music?

Neal:  It was never really a decision that I had to make.  The music more or less found me.  I was asked to sing in a band early on.  I believe the reason that I was asked was because I was a risk taker.  I have drastically evolved since then but I am still the same risk taker especially when it comes to creating an epic live performance.

BD:  What has the feedback been?

Neal:  The feedback I receive is very positive.  I have never experienced negative feedback in person although I feel it is out there sometimes.  I thrive on feedback whether it be negative or positive and especially both.  It keeps you in line.  I have heard the phrase, “I was blown away by your set,” too many times to count.  There is usually a buzz in the room after I play.  It’s because I am not a typical artist and people expect me to be something different.  I am such a surprise.  When people hear that I am a solo artist, they assume a guy with an acoustic guitar.  What they get is the complete opposite.

BD:  What is some of the toughest criticism you’ve had to overcome?

Neal:  I really have not experienced a lot of criticism and I guess I should feel lucky.  There is one thing that I am paranoid about and that is that people will think that, as one person, I won’t be able to pull off the show experience of a full band.  People sometimes wander up to my set pre-show and say, “Oh, it’s just you.”  They don’t mean it as criticism but I use it to give the best possible performance.

BD:  What are your influences, music or otherwise, and do you have any pre-show rituals?

Neal:  My influences come in the form of any and many great live performers.  I would have to attribute my main inspiration and unique stage presence to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.  When people hear that they think that I am joking as our genres and audiences may be quite different.  He is the greatest performer the world has ever seen and I could only hope to be as great an innovator to the entertainment world as he was.  My other musical influences include Trent Reznor, Freddie Mercury and Skinny Puppy.  I also take inspiration from my everyday life where I am faced with a variety of emotions and situations.

The most important ritual that I perform pre-show is my vocal warm-up.  This warm-up is performed an hour before each set and makes me feel more confident.  I also stretch way too much and drink gallons of water on the day of my shows.

BD:  What has been your most memorable show?  Why?

Neal:  My most memorable show is honestly each one whether they are memorable for good or bad.  I always record each performance to be critiqued and enjoyed over and over again until there is a new show to dwell on.  Although, I did once slip on a puddle of water I had created on stage.  I fell flat on my back.  I made it work.  It was probably the only time I have been embarrassed on stage.

BD:  Where do you have to be mentally, emotionally, physically to create your music?

Neal:  Mentally I like to be frustrated to create music.  Frustration builds up emotion.  This emotion needs to be released and music is my outlet.    Physically, I need to be in pretty good shape in order to perform the way I do.  My shows are very high intensity with rapid movement and live singing throughout the mix.  Dancing is a large part of my show that may not be noticed until you step back and look at the bigger picture.  I can’t stop moving once the set starts.  I am a slave to the rhythm.

BD:  You use a lot of equipment to create your sound.  What’s your perfect jam space?

Neal:  My perfect jam space would include cob webs, dim and strobe lighting, a smoke machine, a Michael Jackson poster on the wall and a scented candle.

BD:  What advice would you give to up and coming artists and bands?

Neal:  I need advice!  (we both laugh)  But, in all seriousness, I would say that one of the most important things is to have like-minded musicians and friends around you for support.  You can’t follow the leader.  You need to create something new and innovative.  But it’s risky.  That’s why a lot of bands have the exact same formula.

BD:  What life advice would you give them?  What have you learned?  About yourself?  About life?

Neal:  I would say, “Know who you are and what you want first and foremost before jumping in head first.”  There are some people out there who aren’t cut out for this “unglamorous” lifestyle.  You have to sacrifice a lot and put so much on hold.

I have come to realize that I can be very selfish.  I think it stems from being a solo artist and always having to think only of myself and put myself first.  The downfall is that there is no one else to pick up the slack.  It all rests on my shoulders, good or bad.

Life is very hard and unpredictable although most of time it is a very beautiful thing that we are so fortunate to experience.

BD:  A music industry insider has recently made the statement that artists are in partnership with their audience and that the long-term, more affordable route is where it’s at – as opposed to a top 40 track and instant tour.  Basically, don’t go for world domination.  Go for a little piece of the whole rock.  What are your feelings on this?

Neal:  I completely agree with this statement and it has been my philosophy for quite some time.  It is far better to have a smaller following of die-hard fans who truly appreciate you and your art rather than millions of people thinking that you’re just “alright”.  My goals as a musician have always been to be the “hidden gem” that people stumble upon and appreciate on their own rather than the band you grow to eventually like.  It’s because it is thrown in your face over and over.

BD:  What’s next?

Neal:  I am currently writing and recording new songs for a full length album.  I am also seeking labels, managers and distribution companies to further my career.  The writing process never stops.  The live performance never stops.  And Peter Turns Pirate will never stop.  (smiling)

www.myspace.com/peterturnspirate

The Sound Technicians are a power pop band from Ottawa, ON.  The band’s self-titled album was just recently released in April 2009.  I had a chance to talk with the band’s bassist, Pete Ling, after their set at the TIMA Showcase (“Indie/Pop/Rock”) at The Central in Toronto on August 19.

BD:  You’ve infiltrated the U.S.!  How does it feel to go international?  (101.7 fm WFNX.com – Boston for a month starting Aug. 7.2009, and 95.5 fm WBRU – Rhode Island, 2 songs “Reset” and “Looking at You” in rotation the month of Sep. 2009)

Pete:  Yeah, thanks!  We’ve been very fortunate to have a over a dozen stations pick us up for regular rotation in the States.  It’s early days and we have a long way to go.  We don’t have any label horsepower or machine helping us.  For some reason, Boston has provided a hot-bed of attention to The Sound Technicians, while at the polar opposite end of the country, Los Angeles is starting to buzz.  We’re playing to a packed house at the Whiskey a Go-Go (in West Hollywood, on Sunset Blvd.) on October 8th, as part of the L.A. Music Awards.  Incidentally, we are also nominated for International Showcase Artist of the Year at the L.A. Music Awards.  Ah, yes, the sole Canadians up against acts from China, Russia, Argentina & the UK.  Should be cool and will be broadcasted via satellite feed to over a dozen countries.

BD:  You were selected by Sonicbids for Spotlight Artist Feature the week of August 17.2009.  What kind of feedback are you getting?

Pete:  We’ve had a pretty constant flow of feedback from promoters and media outlets we would have never even had the chance to get access to.  So, thanks to Sonicbids, we’ve had some great traction there.  You know, at the risk of sounding cliché, it’s a classic example of only getting something out of an opportunity based on the level of effort and resources you put into it.  How well you read the opportunity for fit and probability for success takes time.  But within a year or so, if you have a solid electronic press kit and use the service properly, you become a bit ballsier and take more risks with your submissions.  We did and had a few pan-out nicely.  We tend to have between 150-200 submissions on the go at any given time during the year.  It’s an exercise that is not for the faint of heart.  Outside of Sonicbids, we’ve had a sudden discovery-surge in Canadian teens from coast to coast with Facebook.  So, thanks cats!  (laughing appreciatively)

BD:  What is some of the toughest criticism you’ve faced to date?  How do you work past that?

Pete:  While I can’t think of any specific or recent nasties off-hand, rejection is a constant variable that you have to get used to, particularly in this space.  So we just keep our heads down and plough through.  We have been told everything from “Suck it” to “Not today thanks.  Next!”  So what do you make of that? You keep trying, you keep marketing and networking.  Our families think we’re a bit nuts for being so tenacious.  But the way I see it is that our behaviour is analogous to playing scratch-lottery tickets.  If one doesn’t pan out, you can always get another or not.  Funny how you never brag about the ones you didn’t win, huh?  (smiling)  Hey, I won 25 bucks!  Very similar.

I guess we take a bit of flack from people who are expecting something like a solo in a particular part of a song but get another verse.  Or some silly section where we yell something like, “We’re having a party!  You’re all invited!  But don’t bring any losers!”  We like to play with and work from formulaic structure.  But we never bind ourselves to a given or static formula or approach.  Makes for some great comedy when people are dancing to your songs and they have to stop because a certain part is a wee bit whacked!  (we both laugh)

BD:  Do you consider you’re pushing boundaries with your music?  What is your writing scenario?

Pete:  Nope.  We’re all just singing something clever, aren’t we?  Not really sure what boundaries there are left to push.  We’ll leave that effort to keener explorers.  In fact, maybe we’re pulling back from those “boundaries”.  Don’t get me wrong.  We like to do cool guitar tricks to get neat sounds and play with structures.  But we are trying to write songs that have mass appeal yet are personable and memorable to each listener.  You know, like a few of the best kisses you’ve ever had.  I want to take the listener into a 3 or 4 minute story after which they walk away feeling something cool just happened.  Just a bit though, ‘cause we’d want them back for another.

BD:  What sorts of people do you surround yourself with?

Pete:  We are a very tight-knit bunch of guys and have been playing together since we were kids.  We’re like extended family and hang a lot when not playing or recording.  Friends around us are a clever bunch with amazing families, often musically rooted in one way or another.

BD:  Do you have a really memorable show?

Pete:  Yes, but I can’t remember!  (laughing)  Terrible, I know!  We’ve had a number actually opening for so many great bands since the late 90’s from Cracker, Our Lady Peace, Tripping Daisy, The Headstones, Age of Electric, I Mother Earth, By Divine Right, The Devlins, The Rheostatics,  Finger Eleven, Big Wreck, Econoline Crush and many others.  If I had nickel for every really memorable show I’d probably net a dollar.

BD:  Do you have a motto you live by?

Pete:  Two actually.  “Take it on the chin, son.  Never raise your hand.  Never let your friends down and be an honest man.”  And  “Don’t hate me for who I am but for who I am trying to be.”

BD: What advice would you give to up and coming artists and bands?

Pete:  At the risk of sounding like a village elder, here’s our list.

“If you’ve got decent material (songs) either in the can, or released, get over it.  Now market the piss out of yourselves!  They don’t sell themselves.”

“Master the value and proper use of viral and social media and, for shit’s sake, stay on message.”

“Avoid cheese or doing stupid things like playing useless or embarrassing gigs that may haunt you later or have no purpose.  Do things in order.  Kind of like a business plan:  crawl, walk, and then run.”

“Once you get some momentum, you absolutely cannot stop the effort or it will drop like a lead-balloon.”

“You and your music combined are a brand.  Your efforts will dictate whether you stay local, regional or go national or international.”

“Network like a whore at a picnic.”

BD:  What life advice would you give them?  What have you learned?  About yourself?  About life?

Pete:  Life advice?  Family first.  Deny that anything else matters (smiles) if they ask.

No seriously, we’ve learned that, with a tolerant family support structure, your life of rock and day-to-day career, if outside of rock, can co-exist in a freakishly amazing way if you manage the balancing act responsibly.  It helps to have amazing ProTools studios in all of our homes.  But you don’t need to blow all your cash on expensive gear like we did to bang out or regularly get material into the right hands.

What have I learned?  Nobody gives a shit about anything you are doing unless you give them a reason to.

About myself? I wish I knew then what I know now.  Seventeen years in the international high-tech business has given me an edge to navigate and has shown me how to build and grow a brand.

About life?  Execution and making connections is essential.  Creating music or anything is great.  But getting it into the right hands is the key.  Pick your target market or partner prospects and stick with them – relentlessly.

BD:  A music industry insider has recently made the statement that artists are in partnership with their audience and that the long-term, more affordable route is where it’s at – as opposed to a Top 40 track and instant tour.  Basically, don’t go for world domination.  Go for a little piece of the whole rock.  What are your feelings on this?

Pete:  World domination attempts rarely materialize or take shape in any industry.  With music being such a free-for-all including a lot of stinky songs and material out there, it’s very hard to get noticed, unless you have something that cuts through.  When I say that I mean to the right people.  It’s about networking, building trust that you can deliver from both a material and marketing perspective. Relationships still matter.  As I mentioned a bit earlier, if your music, work ethic and efforts warrant movement and some level of success, something may happen.  Take “it” whatever “it” is and be grateful that you’re seeing any traction at all.  Leave attempted world domination to despots, dreamers and mineral water companies.

BD:  What’s next?

Pete:  We plan on getting back into the studio this fall and bang out another album.  We have so much material buried in our 4 brains these days that we just need to extract it.  Maybe we should build a song juicer.  We’d really like to work with a leading name producer who can help operate said juice machine.  While “hope” is not a strategy, we still hope to get some attention from the publishing and distribution world.

www.myspace.com/soundtechies

www.thesoundtechnicians.com

www.facebook.com/thesoundtechnicians

By BD Marie Hughes

I had a chance to catch up with some of the talent on June 24th, 09 @ The Central to do some interviews with artists participating in the TIMA “Best Live” competition.

Elyse Simpson

She is not your average singer/songwriter.  At 16, Elyse Simpson delivers her interpretation of modern folk music through expressive lyrics that contradict her years.

BD:  Did you face any negativity or indifference early on in your music career?

Elyse:  I am lucky enough to be surrounded by people that not only encourage my work but go out of their way to support my music.  I will always have negativity follow my work because I am my own biggest critic.  This struggle with myself is the only way I will really show improvement in my performance and writing.

BD:  What types of feedback, and from where such as fans, family, friends, let you know you’re on the right track?

Elyse:  The love and support from my family and friends is irreplaceable.  But my favorite feedback is from the more unsuspected sources.  There is a level genuineness and sincerity that always comes when receiving praise or compliments from a stranger.  Overall, it’s when people tell me my music is really part of their lives.  Having someone say they have my myspace set as their homepage, one of my tracks set on repeat, or that they listened to my music while experiencing a huge change is their life means I’m making an impact.  That’s all I can ask for really at the end of the day.

BD:  A few months ago I interviewed a hip hop/reggae artist from Montreal named Empire Isis.  Her advice to other artists was, “Associate with people who make sense in your life.”  Do you identify with that?

Elyse:  Positive energy breeds positive energy.  Associating with people who make sense in your life is what spawns positive energy and inevitably puts you in a positive place in your life.  Artists are known from creating their work based on struggle and hardship.  But to be able to draw inspiration from cold hard places and events and turn it into something beautiful takes a level of positivity to be able to see the solution, resolution or lighter side of things that comes with these problems.  So, yes, I identify with filling your life with people who make sense because bottom line is people want to be happy.  To succeed in what they are doing, having good energy fields, and environments has a lot to do with both.

BD:  How do you write?  Is your process organic or very structured?

Elyse:  I would say my writing process is sporadic more than anything.  If needed to, I can sit down and churn out lyrics or music to finish a song.  But the base of what will spark me writing is unpredictable and cannot necessarily be done on command.  Having this style of writing means I can find myself sometimes in dry spells.  On the other hand, it also makes the writing process incredibly exciting because, to some extent, it will always be uncontrollable and wild.

BD:  You have recently received a grant.  What can you tell us about that?

Elyse:  It is a $3,000 dollar grant from Halton Region given to young entrepreneurs.  I received it for my record label Jangle Records.  I cannot express how much it has helped me in getting my company off the ground.  Beyond simply the financial aid, the opportunities I have had to meet with mentors have opened so many doors for me.  It’s allowed me to become more aware as a consumer as well as a label owner.

BD:  How do you create opportunities?  Is starting your own record label part of that forward momentum?  What can you share with us?

Elyse:  I try to make opportunities for myself as well as for my label by putting myself out there in the right places at the right time.  It can be challenging.  So it’s essential for me to just keep pushing constantly until the place and time line up in my favor. The label makes it possible for me to be around the right people.  This makes the time and place line up so much quicker and enjoyably.  Running the record label allows me to interact with people who make sense to me creatively and starts the chain reaction that breeds opportunities for me and for them.

BD:  What’s next for you?

Elyse:  I’ll be working a lot with my own label.  I recently signed my first artist, Russell Horton, and will be signing my second by the end of the month.  So there’s a lot of work associated with that as well as with merchandise, promotion, photos, media and getting ready for the launch coming up in October.  Other than that, a big part of me is stepping back from the business side of things.  This allows the right side of my brain to be active in the forefront at least for a while.  So that means more writing and hopefully getting to experiment a bit in the studio sometime soon.

http://www.myspace.com/elysesimpson

Lizzy and the Pretty Boys

Elizabeth (“Lizzy”) Clarke, Ian Moore, Ben Phelen, Lowell Whitty, Alistair Whitehead, Evan Diamond, Angie Hilts (also of “The Rucksack Willies”) and Danielle Bourgois are the collective that is “Lizzy and the Pretty Boys”.  They have been together for just the better part of a year.  Lizzy and the guys are grads from Humber College’s Music School.  Their formal studies and training clearly shine through their skillfully crafted music.  If you’re looking for a contemporary vibe as your soundtrack for lovin’, losin’, or making the most of your place in the universe, you need to check out their myspace.  Sweet, sweet and, yes, pretty.

BD:  Lizzy, what negativity, if any, did you face early on?

Lizzy:  I have been lucky in that I have been surrounded by very supportive people most of my life.  There has been the odd nay-sayer here and there.  The worst they might say is something about how many female singer/songwriters there are out there and how I might end up being just one of many unsuccessful artists.  But, I feel confident that the music we play stands out and that people will want to listen to it.

BD:  How do you know you’re on the right path?

Lizzy:  I know we’re on the right path when people want to buy our music.  People will, more often than not, be polite and tell you you’re great even if you’re not.  The fact that people are willing to spend money on the music we make let’s me know we’re doing something right.

BD:  How do you get creative?

Lizzy:  Lizzy being creative.  Step one:  Make a pot of tea.  Step two:  Sit at piano for 30 minutes.  Step 3:  Get frustrated and go for a walk.  Step 4:  Wait for the most inconvenient moment for a creative spark and scramble for a writing pad and rush to the nearest piano!  (we both laugh)  I couldn’t say how it is I get creative.  It’s very much hit and miss when it comes to projects I start and what I write.

BD:  How do you keep inspired?

Lizzy:  I keep inspired by surrounding myself with inspirational people.  I find I am most inclined to write after a good night with good friends.

BD:  What are your upcoming plans?

Lizzy:  I plan to hit the city as hard as I can.  I want everyone to hear our music.  I want for us to play as much as humanly possible.  I’m very excited about the future!

http://www.myspace.com/lizzyandtheprettyboys

The Strip is a unique mix of folk, rock, roots, experimental, alt-country and jazz all infused with brilliant songwriting and beautiful harmonies.

Darrin Davis – Lead vocals, saxophone, banjo, harmonica, acoustic guitar
Kevin Robinson – Lead guitar, back up vocals
Matt Blackie – Percussion, back up vocals
Greg Plant – Bass

Together for over 5 years, the band has played at or in just about every possible venue.  Those venues include a year’s stint busking by way of an awarded “busking permit” from the TTC (for Darrin and Kevin) with many places in between all the way to The Opera House and The Horseshoe Tavern.  The Strip already has a west coast Canada tour under its belt.

BD:  When was it that you became serious about your music?  When do you feel you were viewed as serious?

The Strip Darrin:  Myself and all the other guys in the band have known from an early age that music was what made us tick.  I’ve known that I’d be a musician since I was a kid, playing saxophone at church.  I’ve been blessed to come from a very musical family.  I was encouraged right from the beginning to pursue music as my career.  The guitarist, Kevin, and I first wrote music together for a visual art project that I was working on back when we were drinking buddies at York U.  There was a great synergy there.  Soon his best friend, Matt, joined us on drums.  We moved to Kevin’s parent’s place in Bracebridge for the summer after we graduated and started the band up there.  Our bass player, Greg, joined us last year just before we recorded our first album.  I think having a professionally recorded album that charted nationally showed any questioning family and friends that we’re serious.

BD:  What types of feedback are you getting?

The Strip Darrin:  There’s nothing like playing a new song for a small group of friends for the first time.  We love debuting new material at shows and seeing how they work in front of an audience.  But, in the end, the ultimate judge of a song’s success just has to be us.  We’re always re-working parts of songs, adding outros, switching bridges and so on in an effort to distill more essence out of the tune.

BD:  What strategies do you have to get your name out there?

The Strip Darrin:  The Strip has been banging away for several years now.  The big thing we’ve been learning is to do as much work as you can do well (he emphasizes the word “well”) on your own.  Then hire professionals to do the things you’re having a hard time with.  We just recently hired a publicist Lisa Weitz (he notes her website at www.LWCommunications.ca) who has been doing great work for us.  She’s thorough, connected, and a total sweetheart.  And she gets results.

BD:  How do you create opportunities?

The Strip Darrin:  Playing loads of shows is our tried and true method.  We’ve played at art openings, big venues like The Horseshoe and The Supermarket, tiny rooms like Not My Dog in Parkdale, at book stores, house concerts and the like.  We’re working on developing connections with people in a variety of different venues and formats.

BD:  How do you keep inspired?

The Strip Darrin:  We love playing with other bands.  All of us are active members of several other groups and that keeps us inspired.  Reading music magazines like “Uncut and Paste” and buying tons of albums help, too.  There are tons of awesome music blogs to point you in the right direction.  And getting out of the city, up to a cabin in the woods to write always gets the juices going.  I’ve just started taking guitar and harp lessons to keep things flowing.

BD:  Who do you look up to?

The Strip Darrin:  Kevin and Matt are big fans of Phish.  Greg loves The Queens of The Stone Age and The Foo Fighters.  For me, Bob Dylan, Hank Williams and Ornette Coleman.

BD:  Do you have a motto that you live by?

The Strip Darrin: The way to tell a person’s true character is by the way they treat waiters and cab drivers.

BD:  Toronto – all of Canada, really – is full of aspiring artists.  What practical tips would you give to them drawing on what you have learned and experienced?

The Strip Darrin:  Stick to your guns!  (with full emphasis)  (we both laugh – “Stick to Your Guns!” is also the band’s 11-track debut album name)  It’s easy to get discouraged, especially trying to make a living playing music in a huge city like Toronto, with countless bands all going for the same little piece of pie.  But, if you know, deep down, you’ve got it in you, if you practice relentlessly and cover all the bases from a business side, things will start happening.

BD:  What’s next for you?

The Strip Darrin:  We’re just starting to book a house concert tour of Western Canada.  And there will be a new album in the works in the coming year!  Thanks so much!

http://www.myspace.com/thestripmusic

Beth Moore

Beth is a singer/songwriter from Niagara Falls, ON.  Along with acoustic sets, she’s joined by Carl-David Onoforio, electric guitar, Peter Haverkamp, keys, Joseph Stracuzzi, bass, and Bob Goodall on drums.  Reaching beyond her hometown recognition, she brings her take on modern folk music to Toronto.

BD:  How do you write?  Is your process organic or very structured?

Beth:  My songwriting is definitely something that comes naturally.  It really feels like such a gift and I’m blessed to have it.  I first picked up a guitar 3 years ago and began songwriting right away, before learning covers or anything.  I played my first show for a group of about 30 people 3 weeks after first picking up a guitar.  I played two songs I had written.  So I can’t explain how I am able to write songs.  They just come out.  It’s truly a natural gift from God.  Anytime I have tried to write a song based on any sort of template, it just sounds mechanical.  It doesn’t compliment the emotion I’m trying to get across in the song.

BD:  When did you become serious about your music?  When did others start to view you as serious?

Beth:  I feel from the moment I first realized I had this talent, I was serious about it.  I was always determined to not waste such a blessing.  In such a short time, my music became such an important part of my life that I don’t know how I could not take it seriously.  However, about a year ago, I made the choice to leave my college program and pursue music 100% with everything I have.  That’s when my close friends and family knew I was really going for this.  As for everyone else, I think some of them started taking me seriously when I was nominated for “Songwriter of the Year” by the Niagara Music Awards.  The rest, I think, started to take me seriously once they actually heard the music and enjoyed it.

BD:  What strategies do you have to get your name out there?

Beth:  I do all of the viral promotion – facebook, myspace, my own website and so on.  However, I also play a lot of shows every week throughout southern Ontario, and soon to expand to more of Canada and the States.  I host a songwriters night every Wednesday in Niagara Falls at Midé Bistro.  People can hear my music live every week and also to promote all the other amazing talent the Niagara Region has to offer.  I hand out lots of business cards and cd demos.  No matter what, though, the best promotion is just writing great tunes and having a great time while you play them.  That’s what makes the music infectious.  If they love to listen to it even half as much as we love to play it, they’ll want to hear more.

BD:  How do you keep positive and keep forward momentum?

Beth:  I’ve always been a positive person.  I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason.  I’ve found that when you look for the positive, you find it.  Also, I mentally take myself about 20 years from now.  I think about how I would feel if I gave up now.  I know I would not feel very great about myself.  Just like it says in my song “The Road” – “I’ve already worked it out in so many ways, I can’t give up now.”  That song tells you exactly how I keep moving and, really, it’s just because I can’t give up now.  Someone has to make it.  Might as well be me.

BD:  Who do you look up to?

Beth:  I’m pretty tall!  Most people are shorter than me!  (laughing)  Really, though, I look up to a lot of people.  Dustin Kensrue is a songwriter that really inspires me.  He writes amazing songs and keeps his faith in God strong and apparent throughout them without any shame.  He doesn’t force it in people’s faces the same way I don’t.  He just tells them about this beautiful love he has found and that is all I want to do.  Just tell people about my experiences, share with them the times I found hope, love, and something to believe in.  I really look up to anyone who stands strong in what they believe as long as they do it with love and understanding.

BD:  Do you have a motto that you live by?

Beth:  Which of us can add one hour to our lives by worrying?

BD:  What practical tips would you give to young, aspiring artists based on what you have learned and experienced?

Beth:  The most practical tip I can give is to write good songs, write honestly, and write what you know.  And, whatever you do, don’t give up.  Because even if what you’re doing at this point in time isn’t working out, there is always another angle to work at it from.  Even the most impractical goals are practical.  Your most unrealistic dreams are only possible if you make them possible.  I want to win a Grammy one day.  Right now saying that sounds far fetched.  But I wouldn’t ever let anyone tell me I don’t have a chance.

BD:  What’s next for you?

Beth:  Right now is what’s next!  I’m doing it!  I don’t really make plans because it seems that God just laughs at those and they change anyways!  In the meantime, I will just keep loving my music, nurturing it, and being the person I need to be to effect people with my music.  To show them some positivity and that you really can get what you want out of this life.  You just have to be a little fearless, very confident, and honest as you can.

www.msypace.com/bethmooremusic
Beth Moore Website

Japhy

Nominated for “Best Live” by the TIMAs in 2006, Japhy continues to consistently blaze musical trails with his high energy rock ‘n’ roll.   His showcase at this year’s TIMAs was heavily anticipated.  Most noteworthy under “songwriting skills”, Japhy won the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in 2006 with “Alright” which earned a live performance at the Namm Show (National Association of Music Merchants a.k.a. “The World’s Loudest Trade Show” in Anaheim, Cali as part of the John Lennon tour bus stage.

BD:  When was it that you became serious about your music?  When did you feel you were going somewhere?

Japhy Michael Stanfield:  I was lucky enough to have music find me at a very young age.  It has always represented a huge part of who I am.  So I’ve been serious about it since I felt that first thump of the drum and first strike of the guitar.  I believe the path we travel is a winding road with many corners to turn.  Being recognized by the industry receiving certain awards along the way has been a good indicator that we are on the right road.  Ultimately, it’s the fans and our continuing pursuit that lets us know we are going somewhere.

BD:  What strategies do you have to get your name out there?

Japhy Michael:  The best strategy is to write and perform the best music you can aspire to.  With that in place and the power of the internet, it allows us to reach a worldwide fan base.

BD:  How do you create opportunities?

Japhy Michael:  Opportunities are always present.  It’s being aware of them and keeping an open mind to them that brings them to fruition.  Being a part of great networking events like the TIMAS creates many open doors.

BD:  A few months ago I interviewed a hip hop/reggae artist from Montreal named Empire Isis.  Her advice to other artists was, “Associate with people who make sense in your life.”  Do you identify with that?

Japhy Michael: I do identify with that statement.  But I would say that there is sense to be made of any situation and growth to be found in everyone because our lives are always evolving.  Things that once confused me make perfect sense in my life now.

BD:  Who do you look up to?

Japhy Michael:  Anyone over 6 feet tall?  (smiles)  Seriously, I have always had a great deal of respect for people who are strong in their beliefs and vision and are able to act on those attributes.

BD:  Do you have a motto that you live by?

Japhy Michael:  Something once was nothing and now it’s everything you know.

BD:  Toronto – all of Canada, really – is full of aspiring artists.  What practical tips would you give to them drawing on what you have learned and experienced?

Japhy Michael:  Have faith and believe in who you are and what you are doing.  Surround yourself with strong people dedicated to making your music the best it can be.  And choose who you trust wisely.

BD:  What’s on the horizon for you?

Japhy Michael:  We are extremely excited about our soon to be released new album, a tour, a new website, and being a part of The TIMAS.  (smiles)  Anything and everything that each new day brings us!

http://www.myspace.com/japhy
Japhy Ryder Website