Starlight Music Chronicles Issue 2 December 2015

ISSUE22||DECEMBER DECEMBER2015 2015 ISSUE

2 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Feature Artist

RACHEL WOZNOW

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 3

4 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 5

6 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 7

8 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Editors Note Welcome & Happy Holidays to all of our Readers of our Second Issue of Starlight Music Chronicles!

December has always brought back some pretty fond memories for me. It was always the time where my whole family would come together and gather at my parents home and when I say my whole family, I am speaking of my mother’s side of the family along with my immediate.

What? I am part Italian – big family gatherings were (and still are) an integral part of our holiday traditions and at the heart of it, music was always playing. Even now, as I sit here and write, I reflect on the last year and all that has come to be for the Starlight Music Chronicles Family: we launched our website in May, Implemented the Artist of the Month competitions in July, Launched our very first edition of the Magazine in October - all in a six month span!

In addition to these accomplishments, we began several amazing affiliations and business relationships with what I do call ‘The Starlight Music Chronicles Family’ with organizations such as Project Cuddle, Epps Productions, Hope Through Music, and Morgan’s Mission all of which are featured in this issue.

Going deeper, it has been very near and dear to my heart to nurture the friendship and affiliation with Morgan’s Mission being that this is a subject that hits home. Here is why: This year on exactly this launch date (December 9th, 2015) marks 20 years since my cousin Richard John Truman’s tragic passing. He committed suicide at the age of 18 and it was a moment in time that still catches my breath even to this day looking back. I was the first to arrive at my Aunt’s home on that day with my son in my arms (he was just a toddler) and what ensued was something I did not expect: ‘My son is dead. He killed himself. He is dead’ my Aunt said while standing in her doorway to welcome us. All I could do was hold her. All I could do was see the look of disbelief and devastation on my cousin Jamie’s (his brother) face and wish I could bring him back. I wish I could fix it. But I couldn’t. He was gone, and there was going to be a long healing process, if ever. We, his family, choose to honor him in this issue by speaking up about this very issue: Teen Suicide. Even now, twenty years later, my children and I decorate a gingerbread house in honor

of him every December 9th since he passed away. Not one year have we missed.

With the holidays fast approaching, I really do hope for many things for all of our Starlight Music Chronicles Family: Success, Joy, Peace, and most of all, Love. Without these things, we tend to lead a life of imbalance and in my experience, balance is key. In looking back, I have always seen that at the heart of everything that has been good in my life has been a cause and effect: you can’t expect good to come to you without giving of yourself first. So I encourage you all to give one person this holiday season a moment of your time to listen and truly be present in their lives. You can make a difference in even one person’s life today. You may even just be that person who saves a life of someone struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts.

There are many wonderful additions to this issue such as our newest affiliations with Epps Productions and Hope Through Music as well as a ‘Letter to the Editor’ section. We have features from all of our contributors on the following beginning with our Cover/Feature Artist Rachel Woznow, Amrit Sond, Donna Marie Sludds & Michael J Cloke, Luke Potter, Swerve, Palaye Royale, Shauna Specht, Three Beards, Shane Gaalaas, Fashion Film creator Danielle Gumina of GRIP Handbags, Scarlet Serenity, Dani Rosenoer, Stuart Epps, Contributor/Artist feature on Barley Station, Album/Artist review on Hedley and special features on our Artists of the Month for November , NOHC and December, The Roxy Suicide.

There are also special features by Natalie Richer, our resident Contributor and Expert in Teen Suicide & Mental Health as well as a letter from Tina Davies, my Aunt on her experiences with Suicide Survivors since the passing of my cousin Richard John Truman on December 9th, 1995.

Finally, please take the time to visiit our lovely Teen Beat Writer Baiey Dunbar’s Feature to see what she is up to for 2016! (hint: Miss Teen Canada is in the works!)

This is yet another edition full of amazing accomplished and Indie Artists that we are happy to support! Enjoy! In closing, I would like to wish you all a very Happy Holiday with Family & Friends with plenty of love to go around. See you in the New Year!

Cheers!

CA Marshall | Editor STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 9

Letter to the Editor Do you enjoy music and reading interviews with people involved in the music industry? Do you support awareness to issues such as mental illness and bullying?Well, so do I and you will enjoy Starlight Music Chronicles magazine just like I do! The Starlight Music Chronicles Magazine is absolutely amazing, and I love it so much! They contain articles related to music and musicians that they get to interview, and being a huge music fan, it is always such an interesting read in my opinion, and you get to be introduced to many talented artists that are starting out that you may have never heard of before! It is always amazing to add newer artists to your playlists! Not only does this magazine have articles that are music related, it also has articles that speak about Bullying, mental health, and gets word out about the awareness to end the stigma! They support groups such as Morgan’s Mission, and get the awareness out there, and this awareness is so important, especially in our society. Starlight Music Chronicles also contains amazing and high quality photos, and the photos and magazine covers are always well done! There is so much effort put into this magazine, and I promise that it shows in the end product! This online magazine is absolutely amazing, and I will be sure to keep up with it for sure! Keep doing what you are doing, you are all doing amazing! xoxo Baylee Portland, Miane 10 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Bailey Dunbar -STARLIGHT IzzyB - SMC TeenCHRONICLES Beat Writer MUSIC | 11

12 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Richard John Truman January 13 1977 - December 9th 1995 In Memorium

by Tina Davies

When I was asked to write this article, I immediately said yes. It was only after the fact I hesitated, when the fear crept in. Talking to my Self, I laid out the pros and cons. All pros, only the one con. Why, after all these years and doing what I do now for a living would I be afraid? I think I know the answer. The subject itself is fearful, full of fear. The subject is suicide and only those who have lost a loved one in this manner of death will understand the fear of which I speak. The word itself carries many fears. The stigma and shame associated with suicide clings like shit to a blanket, it’s hard to get off. Whether you have lost someone to suicide or have had suicidal thoughts yourself, perhaps even attempted to take your life, there is an aura of shame that recurs every so often, which in turn makes it hard to speak of, thus reinforcing the stigma.

Twenty years ago this December 9 my son Richard took his own life at the age of 18 years old. His younger brother James and I found him, he had hung himself in the downstairs bathroom. He had set his alarm for 7:30 that morning, as we were going to pick out the Christmas tree and he didn’t want to miss it.

WTF? What had happened from 11:30 pm the night before when I said “Goodnight, Richie! I love you!” and crawled into bed until he carried out the actual act of taking his own life? And of course, WHY? The devastation and absolute pain and horror aren’t even the right words to describe the way I felt. I know I certainly stepped out of my mind and body, just to survive. All I could do was breathe and blink and that was because it required no thinking, it was automatic.

The house was full of people, police, the coroner, my family. One of the main things I do remember is after the ambulance attendants arrived and I tried to follow them downstairs to where Richard’s body was, they told me no, to stay upstairs and wait for them. They would not let me down there again. I did not see his body until it was laid out in the beautiful coffin we had chosen for him. But by that time, I had signed the papers for the funeral home to embalm my son. I swear to God, no parent should ever have to do that! But

that wasn’t Richard in that coffin. It was just a made up shell that once contained my beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful boy. I was so very angry they did not let me back downstairs. I knew he was dead, I found him! All I wanted to do was hug him. You get to hug your baby when he is born, you should be able to hug him when he dies.

For the next 5 years, all I did was work. I buried myself in my job and tried to run so far away from that awful pain! James buried himself in drugs and alcohol and, with not much guidance from me (I couldn’t even help myself, let alone my remaining son!) ended up in jail in Vancouver. But grief has the patience of Job. It waits until you are ready to deal with it and man, they do not call it grief work for nothing!

My husband Kim was offered a managerial position in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Three times. The first two times he asked if I would like to move there, my answer was a swift and decisive NO. So the company got smart and asked him to bring me out to Newfoundland for a week, all expenses paid, to have a look around. When approached with that I thought to myself “Hmmm, I can go and get week’s holiday, see Newfoundland – because trust me, I would not have gone there on my own – and then return home to my miserable existence in Leduc, Alberta”. I agreed and off we flew to St. John’s, Newfoundland.

The first day Kim went into the office and I had the rental car all to myself. I drove all over the place and happened to come upon a public golf course. Being an avid golfer, I decided to play a round and was teamed up with a 76 year woman named Marge and what a hoot she was! Now I want you to remember these names, okay? The marshall told us there were two gentlemen waiting at the first tee we would be playing with, so off we went. Introducing ourselves, the gentlemen’s names were Richard and James. My mother’s name is Marge. Believe me, the hair on the back of my neck stood up and I realized I was supposed to be here. We had a wonderful round of golf and later that night I told Kim I would move to Newfoundland with him.

I would love at this point to say “And they lived happily

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 13

14 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

ever after”, but that’s not the way Life works. It was province and beyond. I speak about suicide, doing tough slogging. Grief is such a personal thing and presentations for companies and organizations for suieveryone grieves differently. Men and women grieve cide prevention, intervention and postvention. differently and each of us, as individual as we are, Two years ago, I incorporated the non profit organizagrieve at our own pace. There is no right or wrong way tion called Richard’s Legacy Foundation for Survivors to grieve and don’t let anyone tell you any different. of Suicide Loss, Inc. We raise funds and plan events Everything you feel is normal. Forgetting things? Norfor survivors. Kim Kelly, who lost her brother to suicide mal. Crying? Normal. Not crying? Normal. came to me more than 11 years ago to ask me to help There was nothing here in St. John’s for support. Actu- plan a Candle Light Memory Service for those who ally, nothing in the whole province of Newfoundland have died by suicide; we have this event the second and Labrador. After a year and a half of mostly sleepSunday in December and everyone brings a picture ing, I finally felt like I might be able to do the work part of their loved one. Our first service we had about 40 of grief. This is now 7 years after Richard died. So people. Last year we had over 350 people. The police when anyone tells you after a year or so “It’s time to and R.C.M.P. carry my card and they leave it with the move on” or “Get over it”– and they will – just let them family when they attend at a suicide death. I speak to know you hope it never happens to them. the police and RCMP about their risk as first respondI started seeing ers – we lose a psychologist too many to and continued suicide. I am seeing her for Vice President about a year. of ASIST NL Then I took a and former course in suico-chair of cide interventhe Commution. It was the nity Coalition ASIST (Applied 4 Mental Suicide InterHealth, NL. I vention Skills am writing a Training) two book called day workshop “The Second developed by Year” and the a company of foreword for loving indithis book will viduals called be written by Livingworks. renowned psyI knew I had chic medium to do someRichard with his Aunt Kim Michetti (both deceased)only months before his passing John Edward. thing here in When I tell you this province this story of so lacking any kind of postvention (after the suicide) mine, it is not my intention to crow about what I do, to support and taking that two day workshop gave me pat myself on the back for all the work. I would trade it some tools to work with. As Maya Angelou said “When all in a New York minute to have my Richie back! It is you know better, you do better”. That year I started to give you Hope. To let you know you can have a life the Survivors of Suicide Loss support group, meeting after a suicide of a loved one. You can heal. You can twice a month with people who had lost someone to laugh again, have joy in your life! I liken it to a dancer suicide. I continued taking courses and people started who breaks a leg in several places. It takes a long to call me, to come see me to share their horrific pain time to heal and when it does, you dance with a limp. of loss and I met with them one on one or with their For those of us who listen, who can hear the music families. Eventually I became a trainer for Livingworks within, keep dancing! Our loved ones are always with and began teaching those workshops all over the us. Love never dies.

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 15

Starlight MUSIC Chronicles

Artist of the Month Alumni

by CA Marshall | Editor Starlight Music Chronicles What a whirwind the Artist of the Month Competition has been! Every month, it is growing at break neck speed within the Indie Music Industry as one of the most creative and fun Music Competitions going on facebook. Best part? NO ONE has to leave their homes to attend! It’s all by the click of a button from your computer, laptop, phone or other electronic device: anywhere you can connect to facebook and the Starlight Music Chronicles Page (https://www.facebook.com/starlightmusicchronicles) you can get to the EVENTS section of the page and scroll through each month, past, present, and future (we are always open for submissions at least a month and a half in advance) It is also important to note that 80% of our monthly global views are coming through facebook via this forum and that already one of our winning Artists, IAMWARFACE has garnered the interest of many Production Companies whio deal with international radio. Exciting! Not just for Starlight Music Chronicles, but for the Artists being promoted!

16 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

What began as a ‘trial’ has turned into a phenomenal response from Industry Peers and Musicians from all over the globe. And this is not just a casual statement either because each month, we are checking the stats and we are easily surpassing the previous whole month’s visits globally in one WEEK! This is occurring more and more as the competition keeps moving forward in it’s almost sixth month and STILL shows no signs of slowing down.

Each Artist that has won the competition so far have been very pleased to be cast as ‘Starlight Music Chronicles Artist of the Month Alumni’, a ‘Class’ (for lack of better words) of Indie Artists that are attending a (Music-School of Rock?) event of sorts where at the end of the year, all 12 winners will compete for the Starlight Music Chronicles Artist of the YEAR! This will include YEAR-LONG free promotion for the winning artist which can showcase new music, branding, etc.

Considering that we get thousands of views per day globally to the website, this is a great addition

to artists wanting promotion on what is becoming one of the Best Music Entertainment websites for Indie & Signed Artists.

So far, we have Olivia Rose (August 2015 Winner), IAMWARFACE (September 2015 Winners), and Shay Esposito (October 2015 Winner), NOHC (November 2015 Winners) and The Roxy Suicide (December 2015 Winners) who have been featured for a month long promo spot for FREE on our site simply by participating in the Competition.

Aside from a few glitches here and there (facebook can be a ton of fun to try to get these tech things fixed in a timely manner *sarcasm*!), things have been running rather smoothly. In addition to being featured for a month long spot on our website, we also include the Artists in this quarterly Magazine (see in this issue and previously, the October 2015 Issue 1) with any new updates and progress that they have made since their win.

But what is the point of these kinds of competitions? For Starlight Music Chronicles, first and foremost, it’s the chance for Indie Artists to be showcased in a small forum (Only 10 Bands/ Artists maximum are allowed per month) which allows the fans to digest what they are all about. We post the bands’ Biography, Music, Achievements as well as allow the Artists themselves to post banners and info about themselves which ups the ante for the Competition. *Reference the September 2015 Artist of the Month Competition on our facebook page (www.facebook.com/starlightmusicchronicles) to see what we are talking about here. The Posters and even FAN videos that were submitted on the page was brilliant, encouraged, and interactive.

Another reason for hosting these competitions is for SMC to garner exactly what music the fans want to hear more of or read more about on our site. We have an ‘Our Faves’ page on the website as well as Spotlight features (www.starlightmusicchroniclesspotlight.com) on featured artists and The Chronicles (www.starlightmusicchronicles.blogspot.ca) where there are many featured Artists on Video as well as Song reviews, Announcements, Behind-the-scenes features, and much, much, more based on the genre and type of Artists our SMC fans want to hear more of.

What we know so far is that many Indie Artists have been reaching out to us via this Monthly Competition for various reasons, some not even related to the competition (some want photo shoots, branding, etc). It’s safe to say that since opening the SMC Artist of the Month Event, we could easily sum up the Competition has amalgamated the Starlight Music Chronicles website (and all social media outlets for that matter) as a sweet combo of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets The Wizard of Oz with a side twist of Rocky Horror Picture show. Hmm...and maybe a little of Alice in Wonderland and The Nightmare Before Christmas in there too for good measure!

Editor’s Note: It always excites me (like Christmas, one of my favorite times of the year!) when I go to click the ‘Submit Now’ and launch button for the monthly Voting Poll to OPEN on the event.

Something about that ‘OPEN’ sign that suggests freedom and joy and It isn’t much longer after I hit ‘Refresh’ and the fan votes are off and running.... and then the likes.....and then the comments.....it just escalates from there.

The few snags we have run across are really minor.......other Artists trying to post their fan pages or art on the event wall but it is strictly prohibited as the artists took the time to submit to us all of the requirements PRIOR to the poll launch. Usually when this happens, we encourage all artists that wish to have their music promoted to contact myself at editor@starlightmusicchronicles.com and I will be happy to discuss the event and the requirements. There have been some pretty wild comments on the content in these events as well but that is one thing we ARE grateful for with facebook: they block those comments and delete them for us. We try to keep the competitions as clean and fun as possible because at the end of the day all we are trying to do is offer Indie Artists the support that is severely lacking in the Industry.

We look forward to the next 7 months of competition and talks are already in the work of having an annual festival or ‘showcase’ of these artists so stay tuned for more information on that!

For more information on our Artists of the Month go to: www.smcartistofthemonth.blogpot.ca STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 17

NOVEMBER NOHC 18 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 19

20 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

by CA Marshall Photography: Courtesy NOHC Management And just like the very first snowfall, the magic and spark that Indie Artsts NOHC (pronounced: “knock”) have brought to the table for Starlight Music Chronicles Second Season of the journey for the Artist of the Month. We have already completed our first three winners circle wrap up in the Starlight Music Chronicles Issue 1 | October 2015 Magazine launch with much enthusiasm and success and already we are gearing up for the December 2015 SMC Artist of the Month competition and the Artist who are submitting have much credential behind their names much like NOHC. We are excited to bring a new genre to our Magazine and NOHC is just the band to do it! We won’t give anything away in this first intro of their feature except to say that their energy and positive vibe is very enlightening and their enigmatic ‘gravity pull’ towards the surface of the sun makes them not only a dynamic burst of Energy, they are the first BAND EVER to win the Artist of the Month Competition.

So, essentially, they have made Starlight Music Chronicles history with accomplishing this feat!

Let’s get to the good stuff shall we?

Interview with Indie Artists NOHC via CA Marshall | Editor | Starlight Music Chronicles SMC - Can you please give us your full names for your fans or are they Stage Names? {chose to stick to marketing our stage names} NOHC- NOHC - NOHC (pron. “knock”), we are an edm trio. Meet Brandon, “DJ ZML” - DJ/Producer, Suzanne Real – Vocals, and Kris Von – Guitarist/ Sampler.

SMC - How old are all the members of the band?

NOHC- uh hemm (cough, cough), 20s now and always :) SMC - What inspired the name NOHC? I read that it is the chemical make-up of the adrenaline in the human body? It’s an amazing name and easy to remember. Can you tell me a little bit more about it?

NOHC- That’s exactly what it is. When we started writing, we went through a few different name ideas.

But when Suzanne mentioned NOHC and its ties to Science and adrenaline, we knew it was the perfect fit for a high energy group like ourselves.

SMC - What is the most fun you’ve had on stage and at what venue?

NOHC- Every venue is fun for different reasons.

We are still growing and developing as a group, so every live show we play is the most fun because we are finding new ways to present our material and

work as a team on stage.

SMC - You played the Dewey Beach Music Conference 2015. Can you tell us a little more about the event and how you felt about the success of your performance there?

NOHC- We were invited to play at Dewey Beach’s Popfest earlier in the Summer. We liked the atmosphere, they gladly liked us and welcomed us for their DBMC 2015 for a 3-day weekend. NOHC was supposed to play once during that weekend (like most of the 100 acts are “supposed” to). Then we were put on to play twice. Then finally they said, “Okay, really, would you, could you play an acoustic set besides your edm performance as well?” So, we agreed to 3! Well let us tell you that this lead us to performing 5, yep ... a record total of 5 times in that 3-day weekend.

SMC - Who do you find is the age group that listens to your music?

NOHC- This is an interesting question because we definitely believe that our core fans are between 1825, those that enjoy electronic music. But we want a broader audience and it’s why we feel fortunate that we can perform acoustically and appeal to different people and fans of different genres.

SMC - What is your coolest fan experience to date?

And....We always like to ask this one: what is your weirdest fan experience?

NOHC- Can answer both of these. All cool! Nothing weird at all. To tell ya, we actually become even bigger fans of our fans. You see, we support our supporters!!

SMC - How do you feel about winning the Starlight Music Chronicles Artist of the Month Competition for November 2015?

NOHC- It’s a real honor. Thank you for creating something inspiring and meaningful @Starlight Music Chronicles. Music is a great community as it also comes along with great effort and hard work to be noticed. The support of family, friends, and fans to help give us this title over the other great artists in the running makes us feel great.

SMC - How do you feel about your fan support?

NOHC- Amazing! Growing, and we are truly grateful for their all of their love.

SMC - What projects can we look forward to in the near future?

NOHC- We are currently preparing a 4 track remix EP of our single “Here For You”, which will include 3 remixes and our first ever acoustic release.

SMC - What song do you feel is your greatest accomplishment to date and why?

NOHC- Every song has found us pushing ourselves STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 21

to write better, record better, mix better etc., and we feel that we grow every time we put a new track together. Our most recent single “Here For You” is very special because it was written as a dedication and support for our teachers involved with Special Needs Education. 100% of all the sales of the song goes directly to support public education for children in the Autism spectrum between the ages 3 to 18 benefiting the Valley Program Foundation. We encourage you all to please to to iTunes to search NOHC or simply click here: http://apple.co/1Wxn2bX SMC - How do you feel about your performance at Webster Hall? That’s some pretty serious stuff!

Many of the greats have played there.

NOHC-We believe it was our best performance to date. The energy in the room and the excitement of playing at the famous Webster Hall definitely came through. Our show has transformed in many ways in the year and half we have been performing and we feel that we are now really finding ourselves and our energy on stage together.

SMC - Do you ever have disagreements as a band?

NOHC- Of course, we are 3 strong personalities with a lot of opinions and passion for what we do.

Everything from songwriting, to set lists, down to the images and pictures that adorn our websites can lead to disagreements. What is important is that we have strong communication and we can disagree respectfully and come together to get an answer without any bad feelings between members.

SMC - What is your relationship among one another in the band?

NOHC- We are all close...Brandon and Kris have been in a couple of bands together prior to NOHC. Suzanne and Kris are not only band mates but they

are also engaged!

SMC- Can you name 5 things that your fans DON’T know about you?

NOHC: 1. We record and mix all of our tracks at Brandon’s home studio.

2. We have 8 songs fully written and recorded but only have 2 released to date.

3. We all play multiple instruments.

4. We all write music and lyrics for the group.

5. Only Brandon had prior experience as a DJ and in electronic music prior to the group forming.

SMC - Who is your ultimate inspiration?

NOHC- The group was founded largely because of Swedish House Mafia and their incredible legacy in the EDM scene.

SMC - Where does the band reside mainly?

NOHC- New York, NY SMC - How do you feel with support among you industry peer group?

NOHC- Having played at several music fests, we see all the camaraderie and awesome support we all share and have for one another. We watch their shows and cheer them on as they do for us as well.

SMC - What is the biggest crowd you have performed in front of?

NOHC- Pretty much going back to every venue has its own special feeling about them, we’ve played for crowds big and small and all. I guess, we pretty much give you our best performance no matter for who, where, and when.

SMC - When was the ‘Pivitol’ moment for the band.

Meaning: at what point in time/experience in your career demonstrated to you that NOHC would be the success it is today?

NOHC- When we wrote our first single “Fly,” it was the the first track we decided to have Suzanne sing

“Individuals in general are constantly faced with struggles. Many more severe than others. Whether someone is an artist or not is irrelevant, we are all humans and need to be aware of abuse and bullying and how it affects others. We feel very fortunate to get to perform on stage and be showcased in publications, but we also recognize that it’s an opportunity to bring people together and promote love and acceptance amongst fans and peers.”

22 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

on and the second she brought the lyrics and melodies to the group, we all knew we had something special.

SMC - Any Awards and Accomplishments?

NOHC- We made history w/ an unheard-of 5 total performances in a 3-day perf. weekend at Dewey Beach Music Conference 2015. And notably, you all for creating this award and us winning it! Thank you to our family, friends, and fans as well as Starlight Music Chronicles for honoring us with SMC’s Artist of the Month, November 2015.

SMC - Which country would you say you have your most supportive fan base?

NOHC- The good ol’ USA!!

SMC - Are there going to be any collaborations with any other Artists (like a Guest appearance) in any of your songs?

NOHC-We have multiple tracks in the works with our good friend Martron. He is a super talented Musician and Producer, he contributed a track to our upcoming “Here For You” remix EP, and he has a track in the works featuring Suzanne on vocals. We also did a remix of “Fly” featuring our boy Stillamess rapping on the bridge. We perform it live at many of our shows with him.

SMC - What deciding factor for each of you make you decide on the EDM genre?

NOHC-A lot of it came down to our prior bands falling apart and recognizing that it is tough to find committed musicians. We all enjoy music and the growing EDM scene and decided that instead of getting 4, 5, or 6 members together for a band, we could work better and more efficiently with the 3 of us, plus be able to have more control over our music

since we produce it ourselves.

SMC - How long have each of you been playing?

NOHC- Brandon and Suzanne have been playing most of their lives while Kris has been playing for just over a decade now.

SMC - Have any of the band members performed with any other bands?

NOHC- Yes, before NOHC, Suzanne fronted a blues/rock band simply called ‘Suzanne Real’ while Kris and Brandon played together in a hardcore band called ‘Shake That Bear’. It was during “Shake That Bear’s” performance at the 2012 Bamboozle Festival that Kris and Brandon actually met Suzanne.

SMC - How do you feel about the energy in the Artist of the Month Competition for Starlight Music Chronicles?

NOHC- Love seeing the Artists and all of their supporters engaging and supporting within this channel you created. It is informative and helpful when it comes to networking.

SMC - How do you feel about competing with 11 other bands/Artists next July for Artist of the Year?

NOHC- Sounds fun! We all win within the wonderful world of music. Best of Luck to all the Artists.

SMC - How do you feel about being referred to as SMC Artist of the Month Alumni?

NOHC- Feels nice! Ahhh, like a league of our own. jk SMC - How many years have you been together as a band officially?

NOHC-We have been together as a band for 2 and a half years.

SMC - Any plans for the holidays? PerforSTARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 23

mance-wise?

NOHC- Nothing on calendar. Please do stay tuned and we’re happy to share and talk to you on on any of these: (NOHC Official Site) http://www.nohcmusic.com/ (E-Press Kit) http://ourstage.com/NOHCmusic/epk ‘LIKE’ facebook https://www.facebook.com/NOHCmusic http://www.reverbnation.com/NOHCmusic https://soundcloud.com/NOHCmusic https://twitter.com/NOHCmusic https://instagram.com/nohcmusic/ SMC - What would you say is the most ‘unique’ quality that your band has that is different from any other band in your genre?

NOHC-Our most unique quality and biggest strength is our “live” aspect and versatility. DJ’s like Tiesto, Avicii, Skrillex, etc. are all very talented, but simply do what they do well, DJ’ing when performing. We are able to not just DJ but also feature Suzanne’s vocals live as well as guitar work, percussion and sampling during live shows. On top of that, we can easily transition to performing acoustically, another aspect that other DJs can’t or won’t do at their shows.

SMC - What kind of support have you received from family and friends?

NOHC-Endless support and love from our friends and family. They see our passion and drive and do what they can to help spread our music to others.

SMC - I am sure you have seen that SMC is affiliated with two amazing organizations: Morgans’ Mission and ProjectCuddle what are your thoughts on our support for these organizations and the awareness we are bringing to them through music? Meaning: do you believe that there are many artists who have been faced with these sorts of struggles and can relate on some level to the messages behind these organizations?

NOHC - Individuals in general are constantly faced with struggles. Many more severe than others.

Whether someone is an artist or not is irrelevant, we are all humans and need to be aware of abuse and bullying and how it affects others. We feel very fortunate to get to perform on stage and be showcased in publications, but we also recognize that it’s an opportunity to bring people together and promote love and acceptance amongst fans and peers.

SMC - Finally, where do you see ourselves in a year from now?

NOHC - Still performing, just on even bigger stages and to more fans. We love what we do.

For more information on NOHC, Please check out their Page on Our Website: http://bit.ly/1McsKwU half years.

24 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

SMC - Any plans for the holidays? Performance-wise?

NOHC- Nothing on calendar. Please do stay tuned and we’re happy to share and talk to you on on any of these: (NOHC Official Site) http://www.nohcmusic.com/ (E-Press Kit) http://ourstage.com/NOHCmusic/epk ‘LIKE’ facebook https://www.facebook.com/NOHCmusic http://www.reverbnation.com/NOHCmusic https://soundcloud.com/NOHCmusic https://twitter.com/NOHCmusic https://instagram.com/nohcmusic/ SMC - What would you say is the most ‘unique’ quality that your band has that is different from any other band in your genre?

NOHC-Our most unique quality and biggest strength is our “live” aspect and versatility. DJ’s like Tiesto, Avicii, Skrillex, etc. are all very talented, but simply do what they do well, DJ’ing when performing. We are able to not just DJ but also feature Suzanne’s vocals live as well as guitar work, percussion and sampling during live shows. On top of that, we can easily transition to performing acoustically, another aspect that other DJs can’t or won’t do at their shows.

SMC - What kind of support have you received from family and friends?

NOHC-Endless support and love from our friends and family. They see our passion and drive and do what they can to help spread our music to others.

SMC - I am sure you have seen that SMC is affiliated with two amazing organizations: Morgans’ Mission and ProjectCuddle what are your thoughts on our support for these organizations and the awareness we are bringing to them through music? Meaning: do you believe that there are many artists who have been faced with these sorts of struggles and can relate on some level to the messages behind these organizations?

NOHC - Individuals in general are constantly faced with struggles. Many more severe than others.

Whether someone is an artist or not is irrelevant, we are all humans and need to be aware of abuse and bullying and how it affects others. We feel very fortunate to get to perform on stage and be showcased in publications, but we also recognize that it’s an opportunity to bring people together and promote love and acceptance amongst fans and peers.

SMC - Finally, where do you see ourselves in a year from now?

NOHC - Still performing, just on even bigger stages and to more fans. We love what we do.

For more information on NOHC, Please check out their Page on Our Website: http://bit.ly/1McsKwU

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 25

DECEMBER The Roxy Suicide

26 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 27

28 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

by CA Marshall Photos Submitted by The Roxy Suicide

Well All! It has been yet another FABULOUS competition for our current Artists of the Month The Roxy Suicide and we are happy to bring you this interview for our Web platform that is connected to their WEB PAGE on our site: www.starlightmusicchronicles.com Please be sure to check the Bands social media links at the end of this article and take a moment to Congratulate them on a job well done as they are our first band/Artists to achieve the highest votes ever in the history of the competition! *Be sure to watch for stellar photos in the Upcoming SMC Holiday 2015 Magazine launching on December 9th featuring this interview and the band!

Without any further adieu, we shall proceed with our interview!

SMC - The Roxy Suicide! Welcome to Starlight Music Chronicles Magazine! We first met via the December 2015 SMC Artist of the Month competition and are pretty impressed with your win! Can you tell us a little bit more what your thoughts are about the event?

Dave: Yeah it’s great ya know? It has been a lot of fun.

Typically, we pretty much have a “no contest” policy, but with Starlight we made an exception because the magazine has such an amazing reputation.

Roxy Roller: I think that since this event was all fan-based voting, it allowed us to get to know who our fans truly are and it allowed us to become a combined force to be reckoned with.

SMC - What positive do you think you walked away with from the competition?

Dave: I think something like this is a healthy cry to all our friends to rally around The Roxy Suicide. I don’t like calling people fans ‘cause I more consider them friends.

Especially in this social media driven- white noise society, it’s reassuring that we could make personal contact to those who really care about us. This was a test to see if we could do that.

Roxy Roller: It was really nice to see affability between bands. It was also really gratifying to see our supporters stand behind us as a band. It encourages us to keep doing what we are doing and reminds us why we play music in the first place.

Ziggy: All the artists in the competition showed a lot of respect to each other. There was some good bickering STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 29

between fans supporting their favorite band but that made things even more interesting and quite funny at times!!

SMC - For the sake of introducing you to our fan base, can you tell us all of your names and which instruments you play?

Dave: Yeah Sure. Dave Mansfield I play Bass and sing OlieShox: Well, hello there Candice, I play Guitar in The Roxy Suicide. Name’s Olivia, but feel free to call me Olie or Shox or Olieshox.

Roxy Roller: Roxy Roller or Roxx for short. I play the synth.

Ziggy Starbux: I play the Drums.

SMC - Can you please tell us about the band itself and how you all came to be The Roxy Suicide?

Dave: Shox and myself had been playing together for about a year and a half but at that time she was on Bass and I was just lead singing. We were probably trying to be a bit like Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers or Dead Boys. We had a show booked with one of my teenage Idols Michael Monroe of Hanoi Rocks and our fill in drummer flaked out like a week before the show. Ziggy SBX contacted me and told me he had just bought a drum set and wanted to step up and keep us from having to cancel the show. He literally had one rehearsal with the band and had our set nailed down. I was really kinda bumming out because even though I have shared the stage with almost every hero of mine from Billy Idol to L7, Michael Monroe was a very personal and full circle accomplishment for me. From there I really wanted to solidify the line up with special people who were talented, looked cool, looked like they belonged in 30 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

the same band and eliminate the revolving door of flake-o’s and drunks. It takes a special kind of person to run on the level that I have grown accustomed to over the years of touring the world with The Mansfields. So the last piece of the puzzle came when Roxy had moved over from founding the Pikes Peak Derby Dames Roller Derby League to buying a Roland synth. We were pretty much screwing around one day at rehearsal and we tried moving Shox over to guitar and I went back to Bass as I had in The Mansfields. With Roxy, she had no musical knowledge at the time but we tried working a song out that I had a riff for and by the end of rehearsal we had ‘Sex Bomb Babies’ and a new sound. Quite honestly it sort of came together accidentally, the set up and sound. It’s all a bit Paul McCartney and Wings with us. Linda McCartney was never a musician for starters but Paul knew the value of those synthesizer hooks.

We utilize the instrument much the same way as Wings.

SMC - Would you say that your past work as The Mansfields in acquiring your fan base is what helped with the Fan Votes for this competition or is it more Roxy Suicide based?

Dave: It’s all relative right? I mean if the fan base was that big we would have had 10 times the number of votes right? Surprisingly, The Mansfields fan base doesn’t necessarily automatically love The Roxy Suicide. The Mansfields do a different thing musically and The Mansfields fans love The Mansfields for what they do. The Roxy Suicide has had to establish itself on its own accord. The music is just different…the aesthetic is completely different.

Completely.

SMC - Loving the band name! Tell us a little more about that?

Roxy Roller: It’s a little bit glam and a little bit punk, which is what The Roxy Suicide is all about. There is a little bit of perversity lurking behind the glitter-pop shell that is The Roxy Suicide, which I think is nicely played out in the name.

Dave: I just wanted a classic kind of name like Rolling Stones or Motley Crue. Something that flowed with the right syllables. Plus I have always wanted to use the umlauts ever since I was a kid doodling Motley Crue Logos on my Biology notebook. If you look at our logo it was designed with a very similar look to the Too Fast For Love Logo.

SMC - I know it was mentioned a few times in the duration of the voting that you are an ‘established’ band, but in what ways do you feel you are unique as a band?

Roxy Roller: As a band that is currently working on a debut album, I would hardly call us established.

We have seen some radio play, but we are still a new band. I think what makes The Roxy Suicide unique is the fact that we are not afraid of blending all of our influences together to create an original sound. I think we are pushing boundaries that need to be pushed, all while still writing fast, energetic 3 chord songs similar to those bands we all grew up with and love. There is a simplicity to our music that I think makes it sound effortless.

Dave: I agree with Roxy on the established tag. To me, and mind you this is just me, but a band that has yet to produce a debut full length album just can’t be an “established” band. We are known for sure but I feel like we are in the process of establishing this band.

SMC - Are there any things that set you apart from the other bands competing?

Dave: Every band in this competition was unique to one another. I thought every single artist in this

competition was fabulous.

SMC - We also saw that you are being spun buy KROQ’s Rodney Bingenheimer in Los Angeles, which is fantastic! Can you tell us a little about the reception you have gotten from that by fans?

Dave: Rodney has been absolutely incredible with his support. He was, is and will always be the Mayor of the Sunset Strip. Anyone who has not seen the film made about Rodney needs to see it immediately. If you are a fan of music, history and pop culture, you will be blown away by Rodney’s life experiences. So with that said, his impact has been enormous. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of Rodney at least a time or two, that’s how much he has meant to me. I am proud to call him a friend. He is my friend.

SMC - What do you feel you lend to your music that makes The Roxy Suicide ‘Special’ and ‘Unique’?

OlieShox: We all share the same love for the variety of music that influenced us to begin The Roxy Suicide. We all have different backgrounds in different genres, from punk rock and rockabilly, to alternative and acoustic. However, I don’t feel that it’s me, necessarily lending a certain talent or style to the music as an individual, rather than getting to create wonderful sounds with some of my best pals. We all pull in our own personalities, which is what makes this project so unique.

Roxy Roller: The Roxy Suicide does not have a lead guitar sound. We incorporate the synth as a “lead” instrument, which I think gives the band a distinctive flavor.

Dave: The members of the group are what make it unique. I grew up looking at groups like Hanoi Rocks, Ramones, Motley, Sex Pistols. The idea that when these bands were gonna come to your city to play a concert, you were excited mostly because you were gonna get to share an hour in STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 31

32 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 33

their presence. An hour of breathing the same air. But most importantly, you knew who you were gonna be spending that hour with. The members are what mattered. That, and the amazing music. I would like to see more bands with special characters in them quite frankly.

SMC - Do you have any plans to perform anywhere for New Years?

Dave: No. Never been a big fan of playing on New Years.

SMC - What does the next six months look like for the band?

Roxy Roller: The next 6 months will be full of a lot of writing, recording, mixing and rehearsing. Right now, our primary focus is on finishing our album. We are very excited to get our debut full length out into the world.

SMC - What does the next six months look like for live performances?

Roxy Roller: We play the Whiskey a Go-Go in L.A in February.

We are very thrilled to be sharing the stage with Michael Monroe again. Michael and Hanoi Rocks is a major influence in both style and music.

SMC - What is your favorite ‘Go-to’ music?

Roxy Roller: Hooks, it’s all about good hooks. I am a huge fan of 80s new wave and 70s glitter rock.

Dave: Stuff that never fails me includes ABBA, Beatles, Ramones. I love a lot of Pop Music from the 70’s and 80’s.

Ziggy: I listen to a wide range of music, but of course New York Dolls and Ramones would top that list. Hanoi Rocks is another, Razzle was such a great drummer. Also Michael Monroe’s last 3 solo albums are flat out amazing! I’m also a huge Oasis fan. They may not be considered a punk band but in shear attitude, Noel and Liam are far more punk than people realize. And the songs, my God, the songs!!!

SMC - Have you ever had any cool fan experiences?

Ziggy: Anytime I hear positive feedback from a fan is a cool experience for me! Whether it’s someone saying “hey great set” after a show or telling us they play our music all the time at home or in the car, whatever, that’s what it’s about, we made someone happy with our music and that makes me

34 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Matt: I’m like the Tasmanian devil: A whirling dervish. Busy going round and round in circles! My brain never stops. I’m a lover not a fighter. OCD. Bi-polar. Problems concentrating. Too trusting.

SMC: What is your most favourite clothing to wear – meaning what is your style?

Matt: Tight trousers, grungy tops and eye liner! Style is bohemian grunge pop.

SMC: Have you appeared in other contests or publications? If so, where?

Matt: Nope. This is the first.

SMC: Have you made new friends as a result of the Starlight Music Chronicles Artist of the Month Competition?

Matt: Yes, Hank from Three Beards and the lovely CA Marshall.

SMC: Will we be seeing a video during your month long promotion for Artist of the Month. What song will it be for?

Matt: Yes I hope to have it ready in the next week or two. It’s for ‘Fear the Future’.

SMC: What are the first five fave songs on your iPod? Matt: Queens of the Stone Age “Better Living Through Chemistry”, Hans Zimmer “Time”, Nero “My Eyes”, Pendulum “The Island Part 2”, Prince “Purple Rain” SMC: Have you or do you plan of collaborating with any other artists in the upcoming months?

Matt: I’m doing a remix for a friend’s band but I can’t say who they are just yet. Also, working on a remix for my friend’s band Suzerain.

SMC: What have you to say in closing this interview?

Matt: All I really want to say is, thank you to everyone that has been behind me and put up with my shit. Stay safe, stay connected! *Updates since September in the Artists words: Halloween- release of the video for Fear the Future exclusively for SMC then followed by the single release in late November.

Next year, will be releasing the album “Atomic White Gold” in March.

I’m gonna try to inquire about funding of some sort for a tour next year, would like to come over to the United States.

Basically I intend to gig like mad next year anywhere and everywhere.

To find out more about The Roxy Suicide go to: www.theroxysuicide.com To catch them as December Artist of the Month go to: http://www.starlightmusicchronicles.com/artist-of-the-month.html

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 35

36 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 37

SHANE GAALAAS ARTIST INTERVIEW

By CA Marshall World renowned Drummer Shane Gaalaas recently connected with Starlight Music Chronicles (SMC) for a feature in our Holiday Issue! The Innisfail, Alberta native (currently residing in Japan) has just released his album ‘Bitter Suites From The Red Room’ (November 2015) and is well on his way into the New Year with new projects! SMC has the scoop: SMC - Hello Shane, this was quite to discovery for Starlight Music Chronicles being that you are mainly based out of Japan and hailing from Innisfail, Alberta!

What was the draw? Why Japan?

Shane - Thank you SMC! yes, I have spent a lot of time in Japan over the last 13 years playing with B’z; between recording, touring and promotion, I average 3 to 6 months per year in Japan. “Why Japan?” I did my first tour of Japan back in 95 with Yngwie Malmsteen for the ‘Magnum Opus’ tour and then subsequent tours with other artists thereafter. As a musician, Japan is one of the most sought after countries in the world to play; the hospitality, food and service is unrivaled. However, for me, It was the people and culture of Japan I fell in love with.

SMC - How old were you when you first picked up the drumsticks?

Shane - I started bashing on ice cream pails when I was 8 and then got a drum kit for my 10th birthday.

SMC - I read in your Biography that you are working with Bz (since 2002) and that you have recorded 70 songs with them and that Jeff Kollman and Grammy Award winning B’z band mate Tak Matsumoto appear as additional guests on your new album ‘Bitter Suites From The Red Room’. Can you tell us a little bit more about how you became involved with the band?

Shane - I was introduced to B’z through a mutual friend and got the gig through a not so typical audition. In 2001, I went to a little rehearsal studio in LA and played through 3 B’z songs which their management videotaped. Then I got a call back; which took me to Tokyo, along with Billy Sheehan to record 3 tracks in the studio as part of their audition process.

38 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 39

40 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Then in 2002, I was hired to do one tour. Initially, I thought it was going to be a one off but we clicked so well together they ended up keeping me around for awhile…haha!

SMC - Finally had a chance to listen to your album ‘Bitter Suites From The Red Room’ and, WOW! I am speechless! I noticed that it has recently been released (November 6th), what has been the fan reception so far? Feedback?

Shane - Thank you! So far, I’ve had great response from the record. Instrumental music is a tough nut to crack in the first place. It is a labor of love, especially in today’s demographic. So to get any type of attention or admiration is a plus. Modern Drummer featured me recently in their online blog, I’ve had some nice reviews and feedback from peers. It’s always nice to get a little pat on the back.

SMC - I always like to ask: What is your weirdest fan experience?

Shane - Hmm… there’s been a few weird ones.. I’ve had a lot of bizarre food presents from Japanese fans… like fish flavored candy… or, just a fish! But I’ve had people post up across the street from my apartment in Tokyo taking pictures and gawking when I come and go... I always feel uncomfortable with that one.

SMC - Are you planning on touring with the new album release? If so, are there any dates/cities booked yet?

Shane - I’m not sure there will be any full blown touring with my instrumental album but I’ll do some drum clinics where I play along with tracks from the record.

SMC - With the new album being released, does this mean you are a solo artist now or are you still creating with Bz’s?

Shane - In this day and age to make a living playing music you need to wear many hats… Being a solo artist is cool if you want to live under a bridge… haha!

Not to sound too dismal.. of course you can make it as a solo artist but at this point in my life I’ll continue writing my own music along with sessions for other artists.

There will be B’z in the future as well.

SMC - What do you miss about Canada?

Shane - So much really but...The dramatic view and pristine air of the Rocky Mountains is really specific to Canada. I miss the simple friendly atmosphere Canadians inherently possess.

SMC - What do you love about Japan?

Shane - I love Japanese culture as a whole, but more specifically; the food is amazing, it’s safe, clean, convenient and the people are dependable and friendly.

People may not know this: but there are a lot of varied geography and climate zones in Japan. I’ve had the luxury to see just about everywhere from the northern tip of Hokkaido (Which is quite similar to the prairies of Alberta) all the way south to Ishigaki-Jima, which is tropical like Hawaii and has the most beautiful coral reef I’ve ever seen. I’m a nut about getting outdoors, so when I’m over there, days off are reserved for exploring, hiking or surfing. I’ve climbed Mount Fuji twice, surfed all over the place... I’ve been so lucky to travel with native Japanese in a rock band; it’s given me the luxury to see Japan on a much deeper level than the typical tourist experience.

SMC - Tell us a little about one of your coolest Fan experiences?

Shane - When fans tell me of how my music inspired them or helped them through tragedy or challenges in their lives - that really validates what I do and makes it all worthwhile.

SMC - I think I saw a YouTube video where you are being interviewed in what appears to be an airport...... how did that happen?

Shane - There is a very popular TV show called ‘Why did you come to Japan’ - It’s kind of a comedy where they interview and poke fun at foreigners in Japan.

Their crew was at the airport when I flew in to Tokyo and happened to catch me on my way off the plane. I was a little groggy from 11 hours on a plane and maybe a little too much red wine.... anyway, they just asked me questions, made some jokes... it was all in good fun and they took it relatively easy on me.

SMC - How often do you come back to Canada? Are you planning on any shows here?

Shane - I average 2 or 3 times a year. No shows in the near future but I look forward to playing there soon with someone.

SMC - There are some pretty funky titles on your new album too! Can you explain how some of those came to be?

Shane - Ya, guess you’re right… they are a little whacko!

‘El Niño Overture’ -We’re suppose to have a strong El Niño weather pattern this year, which produces more storms, which STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 41

make better waves. I surf so it seemed like a fitting title for the opening track.

‘Tales from a Fantastic Lumbar’ -I had a Lumbar (Back) injury while writing this song.

‘Wherever Giorgio Dare Roam’ -Named after my cat and his curiosity.

‘Sik Pa-Jam-As’ -Dunno, doesn’t make sense haha ‘Gaunch Pull Vs The Atomic Wedgie’ -Different names for the same silly things kids do to each other in Canada and the US. ...ya get the picture. Basically, you can call an instrumental tune whatever you want.

attention span than fans in North America. They still buy CD’s and listen to entire albums as opposed to fans here. I mean...I’m just as guilty! These days, we’re bombarded with so much music that’s in constant change, we can’t help but to become desensitized from all the stimuli and distractions of the internet, where the majority of people are these days when it come to music. So many fads come and go… It’s impossible to keep up with all the information that’s out there so we end up not listening as deeply because we’re spread so thin. There is so much great music out there now in all genres but it’s a challenge to focus on what we really like or what truly inspires us.

SMC - We are LOVING that you went outside the boundaries of your norm and experimented with Guitars in this album as well! Has your time spent with the Bz’s given you the learning experience on guitar or has it been all self-taught?

SMC - What would you say is your greatest experience in the (almost) three decades of performing?

Shane - I play all the guitars on all my previous solo albums as well but it was pretty straight up rock guitar. The arrangements on ‘Tales’ are a little more complex harmonically and rhythmically than my solo albums so it was fun to delve a little deeper into the guitar this time.

‘From a performance standpoint, playing at Yokohama Stadium would be my highlight. I’ve been lucky enough to play 6 “sold out” shows there. I think it holds around 80,000 people.

That’s probably the biggest rush I’ve felt so far.’

-Shane Gaalaas

SMC - This is your Fourth Album now, how do you feel it compares/differentiates from your previous Album Releases?

Shane - this one’s a different animal being that it’s instrumental fusion-y prog. My past records were more focused on the singer songwriter thing, whereas this one doesn’t really have any pop sensibility. The rule for this one was that anything goes musically.

SMC - Do you feel there is a difference in the fan reception in Japan and other foreign countries (to us here in Canada) as opposed to a North American Fan Base?

Shane - I think the Japanese fans have a little more 42 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Shane - From a performance standpoint, playing at Yokohama Stadium would be my highlight. I’ve been lucky enough to play 6 “sold out” shows there. I think it holds around 80,000 people. That’s probably the biggest rush I’ve felt so far.

SMC - Who would you say is your all-time greatest Musician ‘Hero’ and why?

Shane - I’d have to go with two song writers: Lennon/ McCartney - for me - the best ever! As for Drummers - John Bonham, also - the best ever!

SMC - We also love that you created a Drum instructional DVD as well. What is the feedback like from budding drummers that you have received as a result?

Shane - Thanks, I wish I had more time to make that thing but it was a fun experience and drummers seem dig it.

SMC - What are your other ‘hobbies’ outside of the music realm? What do you do on your ‘off time’?

Shane - Surf, surf and more surf… I’m an addict!!!

I also mountain bike or trail run when there are no waves.

SMC - Can you tell us of a time (if ever) that there was a catastrophe on stage that the fans don’t know

anything about? We always see the frontline where everything seems to go seamlessly, but there has to be at least one experience that stands out for you?

Shane - Oh yeah, I’ve had a few doozies… I did the full Spinal Tap “stand up on the drum throne and fall off the drum set in excitement” on my first gig. I broke my ankle getting off the drum riser at the end of a B’z show… guess I can say it now: I played 12 dome shows (B’z tour) with a broken left ankle - I guess I was lucky it was my left foot. I wore a snowboard boot that was spray painted black… No one knew accept the band.

I’ve had back hernias, torn rotators, all kinds of physical ailments but that’s part of the job when you’re a rock drummer.

SMC - Can you tell us when you really felt 100% elation in your career to date?

Was it on stage?

Completion of an album? Fan experience?

Shane - Maybe a couple live shows I’ve had that feeling of pure elation… First time I played Budokkan in 95, First Yokohama Stadium show with B’z was pretty epic. We also did a huge outdoor for the 15 year anniversary that was pretty crazy big. I don’t think I’ve made a record yet that has given me that feeling… still working on it. Like I mentioned earlier on in the interview… when you can inspire people with music; or just to bring people together in a loving environment and make them feel good for a night - that is something truly special.

SMC - If you could give any advice to new/young talent wanting to ‘make it’ in the music industry, what advice would that be?

Shane - It may sound cliché but all the successful people I’ve ever met have the identical recipe for their

success. Passion, dedication, confidence and complete devotion to become what it is you seek. You have no choice but to get what it is you’re after… I’m not saying it’s easy, there is a ton of sacrifice, hardships along the way but if you believe in yourself enough and never ever give up on your dream.. you will eventually get there… it is that simple!

SMC - I can NOT brag or say enough about your gift with those drumsticks! I have personally been sharing your talent on my facebook page as well as the Starlight Music Chronicles Page and the reception is always fabulous. Everyone knows in life that there is that one thing that they are exceptionally good at, would you say Drums is your insignia or are you now delving out into other realms/ instruments/talents?

Shane - I’d like to think the drumming is part of the musical painting I’m still creating.

I’m still inspired to grow and evolve.

I think my journey has only just starting and I’m looking forward to what will happen in the next chapter.

SMC - Well Shane we certainly appreciate the time spent on these questions and in connecting with Starlight Music Chronicles Magazine. We are excited to be sharing this interview and album in the Holiday 2015 Magazine edition being released on December 9th. How does it feel that you are reaching back to the home fires through our publication being that you have been primarily based out of Japan?

Shane - I’m grateful to SMCM for including me in your magazine… I’m excited to share my story with my homelanders! thank you for all the love and support!

For more info on Shane go to: www.shanegaalaas.com STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 43

44 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 45

46 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 47

Hope Through Music Submission by Annkatrin Siegl The Idea “And I thought about how many people have loved those songs. And how many people got through a lot of bad times because of those songs. And how many people enjoyed good times with those songs.

And how much those songs really mean. I think it would be great to have written one of those songs.

I bet if I wrote one of them, I would be very proud. I hope the people who wrote those songs are happy. I hope they feel it’s enough. I really do because they’ve made me happy. And I’m only one person.”

- Stephen Chbosky, Author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower We are grateful you’re reading this, because it means that you’re still alive. Alive in a time where kids get bullied not only in school, but also on the Internet. Times were 800.000 people die by suicide each year. Suicides sometimes caused by depression, a topic society still doesn’t talk about. We, AK and Flo, created “Hope Through Music” as a safe place for those struggling with life. We know that it can be tough from time to time and we need people to fix us, people to talk to and people who encourage us to keep going. It can get pretty intense and our families and friends aren’t able to help us or we don’t want them to know. That’s when we reach out to music; it speaks about things we can’t talk about or it makes us feel better in the most honest way.

Sometimes its one specific song that we keep 48 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

listening to over and over again that helps us. One song that makes us cry, scream or heals us. Lyrics sung with words we are afraid to speak out loud, but we’re able to sing. This one song that helped someone might be able to help someone else too.

Isn’t it fascinating how society doesn’t talk about things, but thousands of people sing out during a sold out concert? We created stories with those songs, stories full of hope. A story that might be able to help others too. We believe in the good and that the world can be a better place if we just keep telling real stories about real people. Please know that we’re not specifically looking for stories about bad things that happened to wonderful people.

We’re open to any kind of story. We all have songs we connect to a ride with our best friends during a sunset. We all have a song we listened to our first or last day of school. We are here, open to any kind of story, because every story is worth listening to and inspiring and whether you visit our website to share your own personal story or just to read the story of somebody else, all we want at the end of the day is letting you know that you’re not alone.

And to whoever reads this, you are a brave person, because you didn’t give up.

We are grateful you read all of this, because all we have left to say is: Welcome to the “Hope Through Music” Family.

Flo’s Story Song: Tidal – Imogen Heap Hope through music is all about people, their stories and music that helped them through difficult situations in their lifes. It’s to important thing: these stories need to be told and shared with people that have made similar experiences! These stories can help other people! When AK first told me about her idea to create this project, I remembered what it what like to be in one of my toughest situation and how I solved it music of which always a big part in my life. I always had my headphones on and listened to music to get through the day. So I think it’s time to take the opportunity to talk about my story.

Actually my story affected a long time in my life! It starts when I was 13 and came to its final when I was almost 21! Its about coming out of the closet and finding my love, the one love! During my time in school I probably knew it, but being gay is not a thing you tell everybody when you’re already on outsiders. Being diffirent is hard enough, but being different and gay is something that can be handled

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 49

50 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

by hardly a teenager. I absolutely what our about my sexuality. Why should I be different. I didn’t have a girlfriend like others in my class. I wasn’t even interested. I fooled myself. I told things to other classmates to apologize. And I what damn good at it!

People bullied me and said that I’m gay. Actually they were totally right, but I said that it’s simply ridiculous. Fact is: I dated guys and I dated a girl.

But love? I what caught between two worlds: I didn’t want to be gay, because I’d been bullied for it I didn’ t want a real relationship with a girl, because I felt that it wasn’t right. I talked to a lot of people on the internet. There were really nice guys, but nothing ever happened, because I couldn’t share it with my friends or family. When I what 20, I talked to a guy who seemed really nice.

We had a lot of the same interest and somehow we met. The strange thing what: I asked for a date.

Maybe I finally wanted to change something in my life. Maybe I simply gave a f * of other opinions!

What should I say? It what one of the greatest days in my life. It something really nice to be around someone who is like me! And love happened. I loved him and what it okay. Music helped me and I can’t remember any other song that fits so well! After three months of dating we even went to the concert of Imogen Heap in town. It what a magical evening and felt so right to be in his arms!

A few weeks later I came out to my family, friends, and even to colleagues at work. I did not receive any negative comments and what it so much fun to tell the world that I have a boyfriend! It simply what the right time.

AK’s Story Song: Last Hope – Paramore My story started when I what is only four years old, because sometimes things are done to kids which shouldn’t. In secondary school I what not only bullied with words, I got beaten up and strangled till I fainted. And today, my story is not near the end. I kid of never fitted in. I listened to different music than other kids. I dressed myself differently, and the worst part - I got better grades.

Reflecting on that time, I think if it wasn’t for the music I listened to and loved with my full heart, I don’t know how I should have fought this. It what the home I liked to come home to. It is what the reason I found amazing friends and hope that it will get better.

Lake, life isn’t easy. It never what and it never will be. Friends leave, things don’t work out, loved ones... The idea to this site came in a time where all I knew what running to and from work. Leaving my head at the entrance and picking it up again for my way home. Again, music what there to help me through the day, giving me something to look forward to. It is what the spark that kept me going.

I kid of know a thing or two about pain and the darkness that comes with it. I know how scary it is to share real emotions with people or the internet.

Project honestly, I am scared as hell about this, but it is our attempt to show people that things change. It’s okay to struggle in life. We all do and we all want to. We’re all broken people, but let US all come together and sing to the sky! Let music and people catch you while you fall. You’ll stand on your own two feet soon enough. I could try and hate the past and the people, but I am sitting here today with all this love and hope inside me, not only for the people around me, but for everyone, because who you are today so re Dahl on your past. You’ll rise in the morning.

Hope Through Music Facts: * Flo and I met on the Internet 11 years ago and talked almost every day ever since * Music playes an important role in both of our lives * We live 500 miles apart from each other, but that’s not reason for us to not start this website * We founded this website in summer 2014, also with the help of the internet * We wrote on Skype every single day during the process on starting this website * Flo is a full-time working Graphic Designer while I’m about to move to London, UK to start University in January * We use our spare-time to work on the website * It’s not yet an organization, because we want to see where it’s going in the future * We not forcibly focus on stories about mental health, we want to be open to any kind of story whether it deals with Mental Health issues or is just about a song some shares with their friends and they have the best time together * Since the day we started, the connection between the both of us got deeper, but also with the people around us. We share deeper information and can talk about things more openly STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 51

52 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 53

ARTIST INTERVIEW

By CA Marshall It has been over a year since we interviewed Luke Potter via Indie Habit (www.indiehabi.com), an Indie Recording Artist from the United Kingdom who has been making his mark as a Brilliant and Talented Pop Singer with his latest hits ‘Do You Love Me (Yet)?’, and ‘Ready Or Not’. Here’s the scoop: SMC –Hello Luke! It has been quite some time since we last spoke and covered a feature on you (via www.indiehabit.com)!

A lot of ground has been covered since then especially with the new release of your single ‘Ready Or Not’ (October 30th, 2015).

We looked at the views on your YouTube channel and saw they are rapidly growing with your newest release. Can you tell us what your response has been like globally?

Luke - Wow! Yes, it’s been amazing watching the growth of my channel and I couldn’t be prouder…I think my followers are quite globally spread so it’s great that lots of different people in different countries are picking up on the music. I get lots of messages that people are sharing with their friends and that really makes me feel good SMC - Your previous single ‘Do You Love Me’ (released in June 2015) is absolutely astounding! Looks like there has been fabulous reception to it as well! There seems to be yet another level in the game you have reached in your writing/artist career. Where would you say your strengths are in your most recent music as compared to previous?

Luke - Thank you, it really makes it worth it to have comments like that. To be honest I find song-writing quite a scary thing to do.

One of my favorite writers (Johnny Rzeznik) once said that when you write a song you almost feel like it’s going to be the last one you’ll ever write. And I definitely feel like that a lot of the time haha! But I think the more you do something, the more natural it becomes and I just feel like time has really helped me discover what I’m trying to achieve and write about. When I first started writing songs, I didn’t really have a VOICE. It was something that I honestly had to work on really hard and I never considered myself to be a ‘SINGER’ but because of the work I put in I feel my songs now come to life a lot more and I can give them the performance I envision in my head beforehand.

SMC - You travel to Sweden quite a bit. Tell us a little more about this - fans reading about you on Starlight Music Chronicles for the first time will want to know more 54 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 55

“It feels like I’m always on the go, like I’m never satisfied with where I am in my career. I have to tell myself all the time not to be so hard on myself.”

-LUKE POTTER

56 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Luke - Sweden has to be one of the most amazing places to travel as a songwriter/artist. The writers over there take song writing to a completely new level and I’m in awe of their talent. It really makes me have to raise my game, which is good, and I learn something from every session.

My last two singles have been co-written by some crazy talented Swedish people who I now consider being some of my closest friends and they travel regularly to the UK to write new songs with me. I recently started working on a new project that meant I went to Sweden to write with some new people. I am EXTREMELY excited about it and, hopefully, I will be able to reveal more in the New Year!

SMC - There are many Artists accounts that SMC follows and yours in particular has always been a favorite. Can you tell us what other media platforms are saying about you?

SMC - When was the last time you traveled to North America?

Luke - I was lucky enough to travel to Canada. It was organized through an amazing music publisher (Cymba Music) based in Toronto. They are such great guys! And I’ve made some great friends there too who I’m looking forward to seeing again when I next get there!

Luke - I was in Canada in March/April 2015 on a song-writing trip. I visited Montreal, Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver! I actually have an uncle in Canada so it worked out really well as I got to spend some time with some of my family! Again, the talent in Canada is amazing and I think I came out with some brilliant songs and new friends!

Luke - I’ve also been back to Los Angeles a couple of times in the last 18 months, most recently when I recorded 3 new songs with Bleu producing. They’re all ready to go which is pretty exciting.

SMC - Do you have plans on traveling anytime soon to North America?

Luke - Right now I’m spending a lot of time traveling Europe and going back and fourth from London but hopefully I will be able to plan a trip real back there soon!

SMC - You are very active and interactive on your Facebook and Twitter pages. Do you find that it’s becoming increasingly harder to keep up? How many hours a day would you say you commit to your social media presence?

Luke - HAHA! Yes, Social media is very hard to keep up with; I think the hardest thing for me is trying to post things people will find interesting. There are only so many food pictures I can take ;) haha! But no, I’m very active on twitter and like using that more than anything because it’s a platform in which I am able to speak my mind when a stupid thought comes into my head!

SMC - You have had recent radio play in Japan! How do you feel about Luke Potter Music being spun there?

Luke - It’s absolutely mental to say the least; to think my music is being played on radio in Japan is incredible!

Luke - I have some great support from a number of media outlets in different places around the world. I’m so thankful for all the support I get. Being an Artist is hard these days so having support from you guys and other people keeps me going.

SMC - What are your connections to Canada and the music scene here?

SMC - Are there any plans for future collaborations?

Luke - Yes, I am always up for collaboration! I’m off to London at the weekend to write with a Swedish guy who I just met with when I was in Stockholm. And I’m looking forward to lots more sessions up to Christmas.

SMC - Your video for ‘Ready Or Not’ is truly an amazing wild ride and the Star Wars/Harry Potter Theme was fantastic! Who came up with the idea?

Luke - I’m happy to say that it was my crazy idea! It took a lot of help and dedication from friends to make that idea happen but it was a brilliant day and I’m glad you like it!

SMC - It looks like you had a lot of fun during the filming of that video too. Can you tell us some funny back stories?

Luke - It was definitely fun being in character all day, gave me an excuse to act like a wizard and a Jedi all day! My friends and me shared a few light saber battles outside in my garden haha! And we got Buttons, one of my dogs, dressed up in a Spiderman costume too. If you look closely she’s in a shot near the end of the video!

SMC - What would you say has been your most challenging experience as an artist to date?

Luke - The music business and the way it’s changing so fast is the biggest challenge. One day you can feel like everything’s possible and others it feels like you can’t win. It might sound odd, but the only way I can describe it is by saying it’s the most exciting uphill battle I’ve ever faced. But being an artist/songwriter is a dream, and I’m fortunate enough to have the right people around me pushing me and supporting me. There have been so many scary and difficult experiences but they have all STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 57

58 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 59

60 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

been worth it.

SMC - What has been your most pleasant ‘Fan Experience’?

Luke - Lots but here’s a recent example. I played a small show in Kent near London last week and there was one girl who stood out in the pouring rain with a home made ‘Luke Potter’ Shirt, to see her standing out there supporting me in the freezing cold honestly meant the world to me. That has to be one of my favorites.

SMC - What do you do like to do in your free time? Is there free time?

Luke - I like to keep fit! I play a lot of basketball and going to the gym when I’m not traveling! I also love watching movies and playing games with my friends.

SMC - What do you have coming up in the next 4-6 months in your career?

Luke - It’s very hard to answer this as my plans are constantly changing. I know for sure I’ll be heading back to Sweden to do some more writing. And I’m rehearsing a new live set too and there’s talk of an American tour in the spring, which would be amazing!

I’m also filming a new music video for my next single ‘Should I Stay’, soon, which I’m excited about! That’s going to be out In January and is a track I recorded with Bleu in Los Angeles earlier this year. I’m really proud of it!

SMC - Can you tell us what the creation/songwriting process is like for you? Every Artist is different and we would love to hear your take on it!

Luke - For me it changes every time I write, whether it’s a co-write or I’m writing on my own. Sometimes it starts with a melody you come up with, or with a chord progression and sometimes it can come from some lyrics you jot down on your phone. Inspiration finds you at the most oddest of times but its so rewarding and it’s one of the main reasons I keep doing this crazy music thing!

Luke - HAHA! Well, my Dad’s sense of humor seems to be rubbing off on me which I never thought would happen It’s even more unbelievable it that I actually find it funny now!! We share a very dry humor. My mum has always guided me and I think the reason I can be very emotional sometimes is because of her, she always taught me to be open with my feelings.

SMC - What are the most important things in life for you to achieve?

Luke - It feels like I’m always on the go, like I’m never satisfied with where I am in my career. I have to tell myself all the time not to be so hard on myself.

It’s important to slow down and look at what you’ve achieved, and I would say the most important thing to for me is enjoying the moment I’m living in and trying not to race on to the next thing. I know I’m happy and that I can’t worry about tomorrow, the next day or next year. I just have to do the best with what’s right in front of me.

SMC - What inspires you most in general?

Luke - I think my friends and my family, and also what I’ve been through as an individual.

SMC - What is your favorite venue that you have performed in/at to date?

Luke - The House Of Blues Orlando Florida! It was amzing to be on a stage where I’d watched some of my heroes like the Goo Goo Dolls and Jimmy Eat World play!

SMC - What is your long-term goals for Luke Potter Music?

Luke - Keep writing, keep learning and keep enjoying every ‘up and down’ this adventure throws at me.

SMC - I know we spoke about it once before, but it seems to have really taken off - the Luke Potter Love Heart: We LOVE seeing this everywhere. Are you going to keep that in your branding always?

SMC - What is the age range in your fanbase?

Luke - I would love to think a lot of people could appreciate my music as I write in a wide range of songs. But the core audience is probably 10 to 25 with a strong female bias and that’s great!

SMC - We have always felt you have been a very positive role model on your social media platforms with a side dish of a great sense of humor. Who would you say you could chalk up your personality more to? Mom or Dad?

Luke - Of course! I think it covers so much of what I think and feel is important! : D SMC - And down to our last question: Who would be your ‘Dream Artist’ to perform or jam with?

Luke - I think, defo The Goo Goo Dolls!

Go to: www.lukepottermusic.com for more information on Luke Potter STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 61

www.indiehabit.com www.indiehabit.com 62 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 63

Big Country Dream: Donna Marie & Michael J Cloke ARTIST REVIEW

by Xristopher Bland People generally don’t associate the ancient Vikings with great country music. When it comes to the History Channel’s prime-time hit Vikings, however, that association stands easily—and spectacularly—through Donna Marie and Michael J Cloke, the Irish-born husband-and-wife duo who appear as extras on the show when they’re not burning up iTunes with their classic style of country.

Recently hitting number five on the iTunes charts for their cover of the 1970 Dolly Parton-Porter Wagoner song “Just Someone I Used to Know,” the pair began their incredible 19-year-long musical ride together through what might be called serendipity. “I met Michael through my brother,” says Donna Marie on break during a busy shooting schedule. “Michael was looking to start a band and my brother was living in an apartment in town at the time. He was playing his guitar kind of loud, and Michael was passing by and shouted up to the open window. They got chatting and agreed to start a band together. My brother suggested me as their bass player. I did an audition with Michael a couple of days later—and got the job!”

As accomplished performers whose comingled timbre, timing and presence falls easily within the same class as Johnny Cash and June Carter, Sylvia and Ian Tyson and other legendary country-music duos, Donna and Michael jointly draw inspiration from a range of country-music icons, including Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean, Philomena Begley and Jeannie Seeley. “I’ve always loved country music,” says Donna, who spent a few years playing in her parents’ country band before meeting Michael. “It’s always been inspirational in my songwriting.” Yet she draws from a wide range of musical artists, including Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion and the late blues-jazz master Jeff Healey. “There’s so many,” adds Donna, as there are for Michael. “We love the same artists and listen to the same music together,” and in being so perfectly in tune with Michael, Donna sites the key elements to their relationship and musical success as mutual interest and honesty.

“We both love performing,” says Donna, who’s performed with Michael alongside the likes of the Fureys and Davey Arthur, Brian Kennedy, Derek Ryan, the Saw Doctors, and Moore & Moore. “We pretty much have spent every minute together over the past 13 years. So when we try a new song together, we can work at it until it’s perfect. We’re not afraid to pussyfoot around if something doesn’t sound good. We’ll say it to one another and keep trying new ways until it’s how it needs to go. So there’s none of the usual band-mate tension,” and by this mutually created gift of agreement, the duo stands wonderfully aligned with a new generation of music fans across the world who’ve come to the agreement that country music is 64 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 65

66 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 67

pretty awesome. with Vikings, where another of the day’s actors was “It’s been very big here for the last couple of years,” Steve Wall, founder of the chart-topping Irish rock Donna notes of country’s popularity in Ireland. “I think band The Stunning. “I was on set one day on my own,” it was big years ago and seemed to disappear, and if recalls Donna. “Michael dropped me off. When he you were young, it wasn’t cool to like country music,” came to pick me up that evening, he told me, ‘You’ll which was recently dubbed “the new rock” by His Roynever guess who I saw coming out of the studio. al Dudeness Steven Tyler. “Now, the younger generaSteve Wall.’ I was gutted... where I was placed most of tion have taken to it and there’s a great vibe about it,” the day was right beside Steve! I didn’t recognize him and in paying into this vibe through songwriting and in character and I’d been talking away to him most of performance, Donna and Michael find the ultimate the day without realizing who he was.” returns of music through its global resonance.

Laughing about the crosswire case of hidden identity, “I think the feeling of when you write and release a Donna recalls the second half of the two-part scene. song and people get in touch with you to thank you “So when we went up the next day, Michael actually and how much your words have helped them through doubled in a scene for Steve, and we chatted away whatever they’re going through at the time is worth about his music and ours, and after the day, we kept more than anything in the world,” says Donna. “To be in touch. So he texted me a few weeks later and invitable to help and touch the hearts of people you may ed us to go open for them, and it was amazing—800 never have met halfway across the world is the most people standing, hanging onto our every word!” amazing feeling Amazingly, that perforever. So I think when mance—one of the most you’re writing a memorable for Donna song—whether it’s a and Michael (and those in real subject or a creattendance)—truly began ative one—you need most innocuously while to keep in mind the Donna and Michael were people who are lisstanding in line to auditening to your music tion as extras for the 2015 and how it’s going Saoirse Ronan film Brookto touch them,” and lyn. “While we were in the within this guideline, line,” recalls Donna, “a guy Donna and Michael complimented me on my are careful when it wild curly hair and asked comes to re-creating whether I’d heard of Viclassic songs like kings. I hadn’t a clue what “Just Someone I it was, and he explained Michael J, Jeff Healey, & Donna Marie Used to Know.” it to us and told us to go to the open “Classic songs are like a casting call.” The pair afterward forgot playground to musicians,” says Donna, generally about it. Yet after seeing a casting call on Facebook, referencing the school of cover-song reinvention the pair went out for the audition and got cast a few that often goes off the tracks. “You have to be very weeks later, meaning two things. In the pursuit of any careful. You can very easily destroy a classic song. I creative vision, you can never know where things will think it’s important to still keep the same familiarities lead, and for the present intertwinement between while putting your own stamp on it,” which Donna Vikings, Donna Marie and Michael J Cloke, there likeand Michael definitely do. With Michael’s strong, rich ly are those who associate the ancient Vikings with vocals set against Donna’s lilting and crisp tones, the great country music. pair stamps each work as a jewel inhabiting two world For more about Donna and Michael, visit www.donof classic vintage and contemporary beauty. “Also, namarieandmichaelj.com having a great producer is so important,” adds Donna, To download their version of “Just Someone I Used to who works with music producer JD Mercer at JustAdKnow,” visit iTunes. dVocals. “He’s amazing. When we say to him, ‘Okay, I For a whole playlist of great music, visit www.soundhave an idea,’ we send him a rough demo and it’s like cloud.com/donna-marie he gets right into your head. He knows exactly what For an on-set visit with Vikings and more, head over you want done and sends back the track exactly how to www.starnow.com/donnamariesludds you imagined it.”

To connect on Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/ If musical awareness is one of JD’s talents, that donnamariesluddsofficial or humorously wasn’t the case for Donna one day on set www.facebook.com/michaeljcloke.

68 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 69

ARTIST REVIEW A REVIEW BY CLOUDS AS SKIN Honeymoon is Lana Del Ray’s fourth studio album.

The record is produced by Lana herself along with Kieron Menzies and Rick Nowels. It features 14 tracks which are drenched in lush reverb and ethereal string arrangements. Honeymoon is filled with Lana’s vivid eeriness, splicing pop, jazz and trap. The preproduction process began just two months after the release of Lana’s third record Ultraviolence. She stated in a couple of occasions that she wanted her fourth album to have a more noir and cinematic sound than its predecessors.

Honeymoon’s vibe is reminiscent of the golden Jazz era, portraying freedom, sensibility, excess and boredom, with a touch of nostalgia. The album opens with the title track Honeymoon, which pretty much sets the tone for the whole record. The vocal harmonies are sublime and really strike a chord, combined with the strings and Lana’s soft and longing main vocals the auricular scope provides a floating dream like state. The songs feature heavy, wet filtered beats which later give way to the sounds of flute, piano, mellotron, brass, guitar, cellos and violins.

The lyrics on the record are what you would expect from Lana; mysterious, seductive, dark and weird. In the song Terrance Loves You Lana sings: “But I lost myself when I lost you, but I still got jazz when I’ve got those blues. And I lost myself when I lost you, and I 70 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

still get trashed, darling, when I hear your tunes.” On the last bridge of the song she incorporates a line from David Bowie’s Space Oddity: “Trying to transmit, can you hear me? Ground control to Major Tom Can you hear me all night long? Ground control to Major Tom.” In God Knows I’ve Tried Lana gives a nod to The Eagles; “Sometimes I wake up in the morning, to red, blue, and yellow skies. It’s so crazy I could drink it like tequila sunrise, put on that Hotel California, dance around like I’m insane.” (Apart from being the name of a cocktail, Tequila Sunrise is also the name of the first single off of Desperado, while Hotel California is arguably the best record that The Eagles have produced.) In the song The Blackest Day Lana mentions, one of her heroes and all time greats, Billie Holiday: “Ever since my baby went away, It’s been the blackest day, it’s been the blackest day. All I hear is Billie Holiday, It’s all that I play.” , while in Burnt Norton she hypnotically narrates the beginning of T.S Eliot’s poem The Four Quartets.

Honeymoon is, without a doubt, the best Lana Del Rey record to date. She has managed to display more artistic maturity while still retaining her signature sound.

It’s hard to say anything negative about this album, it’s an all around solid effort. Perhaps the cover of Nina Simone’s Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood could have been omitted and released as a B side, which would have resulted in a more coherent package.

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 71

72 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Cyber Bullying

by Natalie Richer You are a 16 year old girl. You have a few good friends; your grades are relatively good, with the exception of a few subjects that you absolutely despise and struggle with a bit more. Like most girls this age, you try to fit in as much as possible but you don’t find it easy. You don’t particularly like the way you look, even though your friends tell you you’re beautiful.

You’re kind, caring, loving and funny but you’re struggling inside. Other girls make fun of you; they judge you on your appearance, on your mannerism, on your family, on your activities and they even feel compelled to tell you what to do.

Most of you will say that it’s normal, that those are the teenage years. We all go through an awkward phase and some teasing and that things will get better!

Every day, you wake up and look at your phone. You have many notifications on various apps and a lot of text messages. You cringe a little before reading them… But why? Some messages are from your friends but some are from unknown numbers and some are from those people who make fun of you.

Messages like: ‘ur ugly’ ‘ur fat, go on a diet lol’ ‘no one cares about you, u should go ky (kill yourself)’ ‘------- -----, stop trying’ ‘you are so fat and ugly and honestly, no one likes you, why don’t you go kill yourself’ ‘you’re a ------- whore, everyone hates u’ ‘stupid slut’ ‘you should kill yourself, no one will miss you anyway’ ‘you’re a bitch, go ------- die’ ‘you’re better off dead you ------- slut’ ‘your own foster family hates you, no one wants you’ ‘you are the definition of worthless’ Now imagine receiving those kind of messages repetitively, sometimes on a daily basis. How would it make YOU feel to know that people you know send

you this, over and over, to make you feel bad, to attack you, to make fun of your weaknesses and life situation? This 16 year old girl feels absolutely horrible, desperate, unworthy, sad, frustrated and so much more. She doesn’t want to tell anyone right away because she feels she deserves what those girls are telling her. She doesn’t want to seem weak so she will keep it inside and suffer. She slowly becomes more and more depressed, her grades drop, her friends feel she’s more closed off…

This is cyber bullying and the consequences of cyber bullying can be absolutely disastrous. Cyber bullying is not your ordinary banter; it’s not funny in any way.

It’s not something you can get away from. Back then, before smart phones that is, if you were bullied at school, it was words to your face or behind your back and sometimes a physical fight that could have left visible scars. You would then go back home and catch a break until the next day. Cyber bullying occurs 24/7 and doesn’t show any visible scars but the pain is still very real. Cyber bullies feel powerful and they are ruthless and vicious; partly because they are not face to face with their victims. It’s way easier to feel this way when you don’t have to deal with the person’s emotions face to face. Sometimes, they are going through difficult times themselves and they somehow get validation through making others feel bad. Regardless, I have seen absolutely horrifying stuff being said through various online media. If you think it’s “not that bad”, think again!

Other forms of cyber bullying are: • Sending mean and sometimes threatening emails or text messages.

• Spreading gossip, secrets or rumours about another person that will damage that person’s reputation.

• Breaking into an email account and sending hurtful materials to others under an assumed identity.

• Creating blogs or websites that have stories, STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 73

cartoons, pictures or jokes ridiculing others.

• Creating polling websites where visitors are asked to rate individuals’ attributes in a negative manner.

• Taking an embarrassing photo of someone with a digital camera and emailing that photo to others.

• Engaging someone in instant messaging, tricking them into revealing personal information and then forwarding that information to others.

• Using someone else’s password in order to change their profile to reflect sexual, racist and other content that may offend others.

• Posting false or hurtful messages on online bulletin boards or in chat rooms.

• Deliberately excluding others from instant messaging and email contact lists.

Source: http://www.prevnet.ca/bullying/cyber-bullying Often, the victims of cyber bullying won’t tell anyone about this because they feel ashamed and think they will be pegged as being weak for talking about it. They sometimes believe they deserve it.

Other times, they might open up but the only thing that people will tell them is that “this is high school, it happens, just ignore it”. Most times, it’s not easy to just ignore and there needs be consequences to the cyber bully’s actions. What is absolutely important is to open up to an adult and ask them for help and support.

The problem is that cyber bullying has long term effects. Cyber bullying can lead to low self esteem, depression like behaviours, hopelessness, anger, depression, anxiety, self harm and worse, suicide. I have seen all those effects on teenagers first hand.

I will talk about the stories of various teenagers I know in a future issue. Those teens are incredible fighters and some of the strongest people I know, but they have all been impacted by cyber bullying in negative ways and yes, I also know of teenagers who committed suicide due to the mental illness brought by the effects of cyber bullying. Never underestimate the consequences of cyber bullying in any way.

What can be done if you see cyber bullying or are a victim yourself?

• Always talk to an adult you trust about it.

• Never treat someone online in a way that you wouldn’t feel comfortable doing face to face.

74 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

• Always stand up to bullying behaviour you see online.

• Always talk to a trusted adult about your online relationships and what you see online. If you are being cyberbullied or concerned that someone else is, you don’t have to deal with it alone.

• Always protect yourself. If you think you or someone else is being harassed or threatened, make a copy of the message before you delete it.

Even if you didn’t create an email or message, simply forwarding it to friends means you have participated in the bullying of another and are now part of the problem. If you delete it and refuse to pass it on, you become part of the solution.

Before you send an email, a message or a photo consider the following: • Is this hurtful? Is it intended to be hurtful?

Would you find it funny if you were the subject of this message?

• Is this message meant to hurt someone’s reputation? If so, you could be accused of libel.

If found guilty, you will be responsible for paying damages to the person you hurt.

Source: http://www.prevnet.ca/bullying/cyber-bullying If you are a parent, what can you do if your child is a victim or a bully? How can you ensure your children’s online safety?

Have a conversation about what is considered acceptable behaviour both on and off-line. Set family guidelines and rules for online behaviour. Encourage teens to think how they would feel if they were the target of cyberbullying.

• Always keep your computer in a common area, like the kitchen, so you can monitor online activity and reactions to online communication.

• Always charge all cellphones in your room overnight.

• Always set up email, chat accounts and blogs with your children so you are aware of the type of information they are posting online. Keep a list of your teen’s IM and email contacts so you can verify each person.

• Always encourage your child to apologize to the person they have hurt. Emphasize the consequences if bullying does not stop – the effect it has on other people, the loss of all cellphone and Internet privileges, and possibly, legal consequences.

Source: http://www.prevnet.ca/bullying/cyber-bullying The laws and legislations are slowly getting better regarding cyber bullying but they can be ambiguous. More so, to apply a law, there are steps that need to be followed and this is where it gets tricky.

The victims of cyber bullying are already having an incredibly difficult time dealing with the messages. They need to do everything in their power to make it stop. They should be blocking the person / people doing this. This is another issue: for some reason, many victims don’t want to do this simply because they want to know what people think of them. This is why it’s crucial for people around them to notice any change in someone’s behaviour and really push to know what is going on by showing compassion, care, love and by telling them that no matter what, they won’t judge them and they are not alone. This step is extremely important.

Once that person knows, again, they need to do everything in their power to convince the victim to block the bully. Keeping proof of what was said and when, is also important. Then, depending on where you live, you can contact the local police department to open a case.

For more information on which laws are in place in your area, please follow this link:http:// mediasmarts.ca/backgrounder/cyberbullying-law-fact-sheet The criminal law, civil law and charter of rights and

freedom can be protecting the victim, depending on the circumstances. Also, there might be legal or financial consequences for the cyber bully.

The important thing to remember is that anyone can be a victim of online tormenting and that cyber bullying and any form of bullying, can lead to mental illness, especially with vulnerable teenagers. In the end, what matters most is to realize the impact that cyber bullying can have on everyone. It’s so important to do everything we can to denounce bullying when we see it. We cannot be a bystander.

If you suspect that someone you know might be a victim of bullying, don’t be afraid to ask and show compassion towards them. If you are a victim, you need to know that you are not alone. Open up to someone you trust to take the needed steps. You don’t have to suffer in silence and no one deserves such meanness. Don’t wait until it affects your mood and behaviours in a negative way, you deserve better! We have to work together to make put an end to this epidemic. We can all play a certain role in stopping cyber tormenting or bullying.

We are counting on you!

For more information, I encourage you to visit these websites: kidshelpphone.ca www.getcybersafe.gc.ca www.PREVnet.ca mediasmarts.ca RCMP: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cycp-cpcj/bull-inti/video/ STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 75

76 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Oliva ARTIST INTERVIEW

As a connoisseur of original Christmas music it’s always great to find something new that is full of festive joy, delight, and fabulous vocals! “Christmas For Two” by Canadian recording artist Olivia Penalva is just one of those songs. With a fresh clean sound that has a somewhat Jazzy and R&B old motown rhythmic feel combined with a very contemporary vocal and lyric, Olvia delivers a song that reminds us of the joy of the season, and just enjoying life and having fun. It is the perfect Christmas feel-good song!

As a singer, not only on this song, but in all of her work, her voice has a timbre and character that make one think of a voice like that of Andrea Wittgens, Nora Jones, or Colbie Caillat. Olivia’s voice has a mature tonal quality to it and a special warmth with a sultry yet innocent character to it that will capture your heart and ears.

At a mere 15 years old, Olivia has already begun making a splash in music, and the addition of “Christmas For Two” to her repertoire will only further the ripples created by the waves she’s already making. This new Holiday song has already gained some radio play alongside other well established artists with Christmas songs on this years Christmas playlists such as 103.5 QMFM in her home area of Vancouver, BC; Majic 100 in Ottawa, ON and more. But this isn’t her first airplay.

Then there is Miss Penalva’s recent single “Ferris Wheel”, a song that has a carefree atmosphere with a strong rhythm section, once again, giving a solid beat behind the song which is, more than less, a celebration of life. With another powerful vocal performance, the song will simply leave you in a good mood! The control she has over her voice allows her to naturally move around her notes and move in and out of vocal inflections with great ease. This is a very note worthy song also garnering airplay support.

Another song I should mention is a song called “Forgettable” which Olivia co-wrote and collaborat-

ed on with a Canadian DJ Group called Project 46 who released it as part of their own album called “Beautiful”. And indeed it IS a beautiful! At this stage in her career, the music seems to be defined by strong rhythm section and very powerful vocals.

So don’t shrug off the “fifteen years old” part because her voice is like that of an experienced 20-something, and one only needs to be reminded that when LeAnn Rimes came out with “Blue” and floored everyone with her mature sounding voice at age 14, they said the same thing with a similar “Wow” effect. Her voice simply commanded respect and admiration.

So naturally, one of the questions I wanted to ask leads right into my interview: Randy: When did you discover you had a gift for singing?

Olivia: I guess it was at age 11 when I was singing in the car and my mom complimented my voice. I told her I wanted to take singing lessons and even went about finding my own singing teacher. I did very well with that as I found Betty Anne Northup, who really saw something in me, and it all flowed from there.

Randy: Yep, singing teachers are good for that! I really love the song “Christmas For Two”! What inspired you to do a Christmas song? And in particular, what inspired “Christmas For Two”?

Olivia: I wrote this song back in September 2013. It was my first trip out to LA to songwrite with Sony/ ATV writer Andrew Allen as well as another fellow Canadian living LA, Robin Ghosh. We decided to write two songs on that trip, and decided that a Christmas one would be cool in time for Christmas.

It was pretty funny though because it was really hot and sunny in LA so it was funny to be thinking about Christmas. But we are all Canadians, so it STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 77

was easy to tap into our imagination and think of the festive and fun white Christmases we have all had. The three of us wrote the song in one day, and we were all super happy with the outcome. Christmas is about family and friends, but also has that fun whimsical romantic feel.

Around Christmas everyone is joyful and so the song is about sharing all those things that make up a white Christmas with the one you like or love.

Randy: So what is the song writing process like for you? Do you have co-writers, or do you write alone and then have help tweaking? Or do you do it all by yourself through the whole process?

Olivia: I started song writing three years ago when I was 12. I realized pretty quickly that as fun as it was to do covers, being able to write and perform your own stuff was way cooler. It was a difficult process in the beginning, but I had some great guidance from my then vocal coach, Betty Anne Northup. By 13, I had released my very own album of 8 original songs called Rainfall. One of those songs, Fight For You, was even a top 15 winner in the teen category of the Internationals Song writing competition, with over 40,000 entrants. 100 % of the proceeds from the sale of Fight For You on iTunes goes to the Salvation Army of BC. Since the fall of 2013 I started co-writing with my first trip out to LA to write with Sony/ATV writer Andrew Allen and fellow Canadian Robin Ghosh. We wrote Christmas For Two and Ferris Wheel together (produced by the super talented Brian West in LA), as well as a bunch of other songs that have not been released yet. We still write together today. I also have had the luck to write with fellow Canadian singer Laurell, LA native Josh Cumbee (Madonna), Troy Samson (Cody Simpson), SATrackworks (Loverboy) to name a few. I feel very fortunate to write with such talented and professionally accomplished people. I still write on my own, but definitely enjoy the collaboration.

Randy: What challenges have you faced being a young person in the music business and how have you overcome them?

Olivia: I have to say that so far I have been 78 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

extremely lucky as I am surrounded by an amazing team (Managers - Andrew & Julia Allen, Radio Promoter - Oscar Furtado, and publicist Sera Roadnight of MT Press). If it were not for them and the support of my parents, I would not be where I am. I am also lucky to live in a city which has a strong music community, which has also really helped get me where I am today. I have amazing fans that give me such positive feedback on social media, and seem to have great supporters out there like you an Candice Marshall of Starlight Music Chronicles. But it is a lot of work, and there is no end game. For every success I have and celebrate, there is more work to keep it going. So I am learning to be patient as I want to do this as a career. Longevity is the goal! Besides, it is easy to do something you love. I feel really fortunate for that.

Randy: Yes, you seem to have a lot of really good support from family. Do you come from a musical family then?

Olivia: No!! And I always make fun of them. My parents love music, but that is as far as it goes.

My brother and sister actually have really nice voices too, so the talent must have skipped a generation!

Randy: I bet sense of humor didn’t skip. Ha ha.

And do you play any instruments?

Olivia: Yes I do. I play the guitar.

Randy: That’s always a plus for a songwriter.

When and how did you learn to play?

Olivia: I started about two years ago, and love it.

I used to have to have a musician always accompany me on my gigs, because I did not play an instrument. I wanted to be self-sufficient and so I started taking lessons, and now for the past year I can do gigs on my own. Though I still love to have musicians accompany me now and then, especially my friend Cole Friesen, who plays guitar beautifully and so we play together and he also harmonizes with me, which definitely brings the energy level up. I also have a favorite drummer, Dan Oldfield, who often will accompany me on his cajon. Creates a very cool drum beat and vibe for some of my gigs.

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 79

80 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Randy: Speaking of gigs… Is there a local music scene or support system for people your age?

Olivia - We used to have an annual local talent competition called Our Kids Have Talent here in Vernon, BC. It was a great way to put your self out there musically, and it helped get me gigs in the community, which of course opened so many more doors for me. Vernon is a very artistic community and there is lots of love and support for musicians. I have definitely benefited from that.

Randy: And have you had many opportunities to play live?

Olivia: Yes, it started with the talent competition in 2012, then I started getting gig offers around the community, to now being flown out to perform around Canada. I love playing live. I recently was out in Edmonton performing at the Edmonton Chante Francophone Festival, tapping into my French side. I perform at festivals, for private functions, charitable events, as an opener for different musicians, and I also have a running acoustic night once a month here in Vernon at an amazing restaurant, Intermezzo Restaurant &Wine Cellar. Playing live is the best part of this all!

Randy: Who are your personal biggest musical influences? And why?

Olivia: When I started singing I really loved Colbie Callait and Norah Jones, both amazing singer /songwriters. Norah Jones’s style is really unique and I love the jazz side of her music.

Even though I guess you would classify me as a pop singer, I think there are some subtle jazz influences in Christmas For two and Ferris Wheel.

I am also a huge Ed Sheeran fan. His lyrics are stories that he is telling. It really is just his words and his guitar. I would love for my music to tell the story. I also love Adele, Sam Smith, Coldplay, Alessia Cara, Kodaline… there are too many to name.

Randy: Would you say your own “sound” as an artist is still developing? Obviously, as artists we also want to try something new or different, but what I mean is, on the whole, do you feel you have your own “sound”.

Olivia: I am for sure still growing as an artist. That probably never stops. But being a teenager is already complicated, so knowing who I am exactly as an artists is difficult too. Sometimes I will write a song and think “this is me”, then I will collaborate with someone else who has a completely different music vibe, and think “no this song is me”.

I would say that I do have a style which is reflected right now in Christmas For Two and Ferris Wheel, that is light and jazzy pop, but I also really love bigger songs with “feels”, like Forgettable. I feel I can be both, as we all have different moods and moments, and my music reflects the moments and moods in my life at the time I am writing them. The most important thing is that my vocals carry the song and not the other way around. I am excited to see where my music takes me and how my sound will evolve over time. So far I am enjoying the ride.

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 81

82 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 83

Randy: Are you a self-motivator or did you need a little push from time to time to keep going?

Olivia: I definitely need a push every once in a while. I have my mom and great management team, Andrew and Julia Allen for that. I love the work, but of course I also love regular 15 year stuff like my friends, school, etc. There seems to be so much to do between songwriting, putting up covers on my YouTube, performing. But I love it all.

Randy: What achievements so far are you most proud of?

Olivia: Gosh there are so many. Probably the first would be getting up on that stage at a local talent show at age 11, terrified, and getting off knowing that singing was it for me! Releasing my own album at age 13, selling out my CD release concert, having Andrew & Julia Allen notice me and take me under their wing, winning songwriting awards, having my songs play on the radio, collaborating with so many amazing people, learning to play guitar, and seeing the smiles in th crowd when I perform… to name a few (ha ha).

Randy: How do you connect with fans? Best way for you?

Olivia: Definitely through social media. My generation is all about social media, so it is amazing to see the fans that I can reach. I started with my YouTube page back in 2014, and it just grew from there. Now I am active on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram as well. I love getting comments from my fans. I love to see where they are writing me from. Social media really helps connect you to the world, and I have seen my music played in Australia, the UK, France. So it is definitely flattering when someone discovers my music, but also when the same fans keep in touch. I have the best fans!

Randy: Where would you like to be musically in 5 years?

Olivia: Well, I hope that I am doing what I am doing right now. Writing and performing. It would be fantastic to make this my life. That is my goal.

Randy: I always like to ask this: What are the top 5 most important things in life to you?

84 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Olivia: Family first because mine is super loving and supportive. Music of course. Can’t imagine my life without it. I love to travel. My family and I travel quite a bit. My dad is from Lyon, France, and so we get to go to Europe often, which leads me to “Food”, my other love! My friends are also super important to me because they make everything fun, and happiness. It feels good to be happy!

Randy: Are there any causes that you support or feel strongly about? If so, what and why?

Olivia: Yes, I support the Salvation Army of BC with my song Fight For You. I always feel sad that we have people living in our community that don’t have a warm home or food and I want to help out in any way I can. So I decided that all proceeds from that song would go to the Salvation Army of BC to provide food and shelter. I know it is a small contribution at this point, but I feel very grateful for everything I have, and will continue to give back.

Randy: That’s a great attitude! Aside from music, what do you like to do in your spare time? Any hobbies, etc.?

Olivia - There is not a huge amount of free time between music, school, and family, but when I am free, I love to spend time with my friends. I love watching movies. I love travel, and my funny hobby is that I also love collecting things. What I collect seems to change from year to year. Right now it is shoes and candles! Oh yeah, and I love to organize stuff… I get in these moods where I decide I have to organize all my things. The end result is very satisfying! Ha ha!

Randy: Thank you for taking the time to do this!

Olivia: You are welcome, thank you so much!

--------------------Olivia Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/ oliviamusiclive “Christmas For Two” on youTube: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=_qPf_3YrM1I Olivia Homepage: http://www.oliviamusiclive.com Olivia Twitter Page: @OliviaMusicLive http://www.twitter.com/oliviamusiclive

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 85

86 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Fashion Watch:

by Amber Jenkins

Now about their style....

Quick! ‘White glove’! First thing that came to mind? I’ll bet it was Michael Jackson. Here’s another one; ‘sexy school girl’? Let me guess, Brittany Spears right?

Palaye Royale has a unique but very fitting style, suiting them perfectly. That being said, their influences for clothing come from the 1920s and 1960s Era which you can definitely see from the stylish coats, blouses, scarves and jackets that they can be seen wearing pretty often. On top of their vintage influences, another staple is their jewelry and hats! Did you know they design many of those themselves? I didn’t, but they make it look fabulous!

We don’t realize how big a influence fashion has on the music industry, but it does. In this article you will know a little more about a Fashion-Art rock band and the influence behind their unique style and fashion sense .

They go by ‘Palaye Royale’: A Fashion Art Rock Band from Las Vegas, Nevada with roots from Toronto, Canada. (now based out of Los Angeles, California) The band is comprised of Front man; Remington Leith, guitarist & organist; Sebastian Danzig, and drummer; Emerson Barrett and in the last few years have independently released two brilliant singles, “Morning light” and “Get Higher” with their newest single ‘Live Like We Want To’ already creating radio buzz on Rodney on the ROQ’s KROQ and Japan’s What The Funday’ radio stations..

The approach for them is to combine cinematography with their music which they do beautifully between their fashion sense and music style making them the perfect Fashion-Art rock band. Check out their music videos and you’ll see for yourself.

Along with that success, they beat out Linkin Park in the MTV ‘Music March Madness’. becoming the first unsigned band in the history of MTV ever to do so. They were also handpicked

by Samsung to have their single; ‘Get Higher’ used in a Samsung galaxy Note commercial.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PalayeRoyale/

For More information on Palaye Royale go to: www.palayeroyale.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PalayeRoyale

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PalayeRoyale STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 87

88 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 89

Fashion: Short Film Danielle Marie

DESIGNER INTERVIEW

by CA Marshall Photos Courtesy of Danielle Marie of GRIP Handbags Not long ago, Starlight Music Chronicles chose to incorporate a Fashion section to the magazine. It was inevitable: fashion and Rock & Roll is the magic recipe and our readers have expressed interest in seeing this come to fruition. Here, we interview CEO & Founder Danielle Marie of GRIP Handbags (www.griphandbags.com) regarding her brilliant Fashion Film which incorporated jewelry from Joomi lim (www.joomilim.com) to help tell a compelling story. In addition, through the interview process we also found out that Danielle was also touched in a way very similar to our contributor Natasha Dunbar and our Teen Beat writer Bailey (IzzyB) in relation to Morgan’s Mission. Below, we interview the Fashion maven on her own line: GRIP Handbags, her experience working on set of a short Fashion Film, and where she’s headed next. Here’s the scoop: SMC - Hello Danielle! Welcome to Starlight Music Chronicles Magazine! For the purpose of this introduction could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your company Grip Handbags?

DG - Thanks for the warm welcome! I’m Danielle, 25, born and raised in New Jersey. I moved out to California to pursue graduate school. I am currently studying Media Production at Pepperdine University, focusing on fashion and film, and I reside in Malibu’s beautiful countryside.

My company GRIP Handbags is a line of elegant and contemporary clutches that revolutionizes the handbag market. Nothing like it exits today. I was inspired to deliver a conceptual product that the industry has never seen before, and that my fun and fashionable customer would love! It’s all about making a great statement.

SMC - We discovered you via a mutual interest. Obviously, music is our connection and your film directed by 90 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

CEO Danielle Marie of GRIP Handbags - Photo by:MUSIC Joshua Shultz STARLIGHT CHRONICLES | 91

Joshua Schultz (David Hasselhoff credentials) features Frontman Remington Leith of Fashion Art Rock band Palaye Royale as lead role/love interest in it.

How did you connect?

the set, she radiated with kindness. She was one of the sweetest people I’ve had the pleasure of working with, especially in the entertainment industry. I wish I had the chance to get to know her better.

DG - It’s sort of a blessing how it happened. The band added me on Twitter out of the blue. At the time, I was in the middle of casting roles for my Fashion Film. When I reviewed their profile, I realized that the boys seemed pretty interesting. They were not only very talented (their song “Higher” got me hooked), but I had a good feeling that they may be beneficial to work with as well. They’re still early in their career, but they have an impressive fan base. I was in search for a particular look, and Remington had exactly “it.”

SMC - We read that this film was a ‘thesis’ for you and demonstrates societal pressures on youth today. Can you explain a little about that?

SMC - We also see the rest of the band in the film as well. What was your experience working with Palaye Royale?

DG - I lightly joke with my friends. Being around them is like walking onto the set of “Twilight.” There is just something vampy and fantastical about them that compels me. They are definitely not your “Average Joe.” They bring out my dark side, and by that I mean musically. Did you know that they’re all brothers? And they really dress the way they do on a regular basis?? That just blows me away! They all have a strong sense of style that really speaks to their audience, and compliments their music. The boys are really good at what they do. I admire them for living out their dreams and embracing who they are, despite whatever obstacles come their way.

SMC - This film is dedicated to the late Cathriona White (known as Actor Jim Carey’s girlfriend and accredited to Stylist and MUA for Sleepy Hollow and Divergent). We have already discussed that her passing was suicide and we certainly send our condolences to everyone involved in this project who knew her well. Could you tell us a little about (Cat) and this project with her?

DG - When I released my Fashion Film in late October of this year, I wanted to dedicate it to Cathriona White because I felt that honoring her would be the right thing to do. I produced this project last year with no intention of addressing it towards suicide. Originally, it was written to tell the common tale of young love, using the jewelry pieces to support the story.

But when Cat passed, the message that the film portrayed suddenly altered. Working with Cat was truly a privilege. She was so talented. When I met her on 92 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

DG - I initiated this project to satisfy the requirements of my thesis for a Master of Arts degree in Media Production at Pepperdine University. When the film got released on my YouTube channel, viewers began understanding the story was more than just about young love and pretty jewelry. It was conveying the pressures young girls face today of validating their self worth, in this case through having the “perfect” career and finding that “fairy tale” romance. Questions like, can you have it all? When will you get married? How much are you earning at your job? What is your definition of success? These are questions that spark the kinds of pressures girls face with everyday.

I think especially with social media on the rise, tons of everyday insecurities can develop into severe and untreated depression. After Cat passed, I realized that for some, these pressures “to have it all” are too much to handle. It was an unfortunately tragic turn.

SMC - We have connected with Natasha Dunbar, mother to Morgan who also sadly passed in June of 2014 by suicide due to cyber-bullying. They have begun Morgans Mission (www.morgansmission.ca) which focuses on Depression, PTSD, Depression, Mental Health and Suicide Awareness. Would you say that this is a project that is even closer to the heart since Cathriona’s Passing?

DG - Absolutely. It is so important to raise awareness of depression, PTSD, depression, and overall mental health. I realize it affects all of us in some way, whether directly or indirectly. Cat was the first person I’ve known personally to pass by suicide. It happened so suddenly, I was in shock. I got a taste of a harsh reality. Understanding the warning signs can save a life.

SMC - Looking back, do you think you saw some red flags with (Cat)?

DG - I didn’t know Cat on that kind of level. From my impression of us working together on set, she was a pure and kind-hearted human being. She welcomed everyone with the biggest smile that would light up any room. There was no indication of depression in

The Late Cat White

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 93

94 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Behind the Scenes of the filming for the Fashion Film with Remington Leith and Olivia Crocicchi Photo by: Danielle Marie STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 95

The Late Cat White touches up Palaye Royale Frontman Remington Leith as Olivia Crocicchia looks on Photo by Danielle Marie 96 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

her behavior that I was capable of catching. But, that was almost a year ago. As the months passed after the project, I don’t know too well what experiences she faced that may have severely impacted her. I knew (and remember) Cat as a confident and warm spirit. That’s why her passing was so unexpected.

SMC - So tell us what you can summize from your thesis?

DG - My thesis emphasizes the convergence of fashion and film. With digital media on the rise, I’ve noticed more and more fashion houses are coming up with interesting ways to brand their business and sell their products. Video is one of those emerging trends.

Recognizing that fashion films help boost brand awareness, I wanted to write and produce a fashion film for my designer friend, using pieces from her line to tell a compelling story. The presence of celebrities and TV personalities add credibility to fashion films.

Those with recognized talent tend to perform better than those without. That is why my decision to cast Palaye Royale as talent was so exciting to me. To have Remington as the lead role’s love interest helps to illustrate the story in a unique and memorable way.

SMC - What do you hope would be the interpretation of this film by Industry peers and your followers?

DG - I hope viewers understand that this Fashion Film was intended to highlight the jewelry pieces, but due to circumstances close to home, it also tells a deeper story that matters beyond just fashionable goods.

SMC - What has been your reception so far? (We happen to think it’s brilliant by the way)

DG - I had such a wonderful learning experience collaborating with the jewelry designer. And being that it was my first real gig, I really enjoyed the freedom of writing and producing the Fashion Film; it has expanded my horizons, and prepared me for everything I need to know for upcoming projects. I will definitely love to continue to write and produce more Fashion Films, maybe even take a stab at music videos and commercials down the road. Two months ago, I produced a short commercial video for GRIP Handbags.

You can watch it on the GRIP YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_fYx0MPR10 or on my website (www.griphandbags.com) SMC - Of course we know that Fashion and Music go hand in hand. So, we found it pretty awesome that you integrated key industry characters for this film.

What would you say is your main reasons for this kind of collaboration? What message did you hope to bring?

DG - From my research behind the fashion film genre, I found that fashion films with known industry talent tend to perform better because people (the audience watching) recognize the artists, and usually it’s because actors and many TV personalities already have a solid fan base that will want/ be willing to watch too. My lead actress, Olivia Crocicchia, starred in a film with Jennifer Garner and Adam Sandler in Men, Women, & Children. TV personality, singer, and designer Taylor-Ann Hasselhoff, the Fashion Film’s supporting role, was on a reality television show earlier this year that aired on E!. And of course, Palaye Royale and their impressive musical background is always a plus. I loved working with each of them. They made up a unique group of individuals representing various platforms of the industry.

DG - Thank you! I’m getting mixed reactions. Some are just starting to understand what Fashion Films are, so they have to watch my film several times to understand its purpose. Others immediately understand and catch the underlying message. It’s definitely a different kind of piece to digest, but I’m proud to say it’s very well made and the characters are great.

I’m hoping some loyal Palaye Royale fans will want to check it out! I thank the cast and my crew members for making it look so amazing. We put a lot of sweat and tears into this.

SMC - We have taken a look at your site (http://www. griphandbags.com/) as well as Social Media Profiles and it’s a truly fabulous design you have! Are there are a few celebrity ‘fans/supporters’ of your handbags currently?

SMC - Are there going to be more films in the future or collaborations of this sort?

SMC - Are you planning on expanding? We see in this film that you integrate jewelry as well.

DG - Thank you so much. I’ve been getting tons of amazing recognition from bloggers, which has helped build my following on social media. The brand is still growing, so I am hoping to get my designs in the hands of a celebrity soon!

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 97

Behind the Scenes of the filming for the Fashion Film with Remington Leith and Olivia Crocicchi Photo by: Danielle Marie 98 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 99

DG - The jewelry pieces are not my designs. But, I never limit myself. So to say that I won’t expand is not necessarily true.

However, for now, I’m primarily focusing on handbags. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience so far! The jewelry you see in the fashion film are from a brand called Joomi Lim. I’ve known the designers since 2009 and they truly have inspired my career as a designer. My FW15 line incorporates Swarovski elements, just like most of Joomi Lim’s core pieces do.

SMC - Can you tell us a little about you as an individual and your career to date?

DG - I always find the “tell me about yourself” question to be so hard. I never know where to begin (haha). Academically, I graduated from Rollins College in 2013 with the Bachelor of Arts degree in Critical Media & Cultural Studies, and a minor in Communication Studies. I also have certification in event planning and fashion industry essentials. Professionally, I have over five years of experience interning for beauty, fashion, and media companies. I work part-time as a personal assistant to an industry-respeted videographer. I am also a contributing writer for Locale Magazine. This year I have recently taken up photography too. I am the Creative Director behind most of the photos you see for GRIP Handbags, both on the website and on the social media pages. The company blog is another area that I regularly work on as well. I wear many hats in my company, but I love having the control. My interests include, of course, fashion and film. But I also love interior design and decorating. Animals are the key to my happiness. They’re innocent nonjudgemental beings. I have two dogs and a cat, and I can’t imagine my life without them. I love a great fall day, as long as the sun is shining and there is an impeccable breeze. Music keeps me sane. Without it, I don’t think I’d be where I am today.

SMC - We saw that you won an Independent Handbag Designer Award as well on your Facebook Page. Can you tell us a little about that as well?

DG - The Independent Handbag Designer Awards, started by 100 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Emily Blumenthal, is an annual award show hosted in New York City that announces the winners of several handbag design categories, such as “Best Student Made Handbag,” which is the category I won. My premier design, the Nova clutch, was recognized out of thousands of applicants from all over the world. As a result of winning, I received an apprenticeship with Trina Turk and Signal Brands, a year long membership with the Accessories Council, and I got a feature of my winning bag in the September issue of InStyle Magazine. It was the best feeling in the world to be recognized so early on in my career. I might apply again next year!

SMC - The young leading ladies in your film, can you tell us a little about your experience working with them?

DG - The girls were great to work with. Olivia was so excited to be a part of my Fashion Film, which was a compliment in itself.

She is building her presence as an actress, so I was lucky to have her while it was still possible. Taylor loved the jewelry pieces and it was fun getting to build a working relationship with her as well. I think it was a fun opportunity for her to give her acting skills a try, that her father undoubtedly passed on to her!

SMC - We look forward to following your future projects and welcome you officially to the Starlight Music Family! Are there any things you would like to share with our readers before closing?

DG - Thank you for your kindness and support. I, too, am looking forward to what the future has in store. I am very excited to be a part of the Starlight Music family. It’s wonderful that you embrace the power of music. My brother channels a lot of his energy through his music, and his band that he started about five years ago, Borderlines (https://www.facebook.com/BorderlinesNJ). It’s everything to him. His commitment to Borderlines, and his amazing talent inspires me everyday to keep following my dreams and live for something that is important to me.

Cate White & Olivia Crocicchi Photo by: Danielle Marie

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 101

102 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 103

104 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Fasnion King of Fine Leather Q. Please share how Bano eeMee came to be.

Bano eeMee founded in 2012 is a realization of the dream of algorithmic stock trader turned fashion designer, Aleem Arif who wanted to express his creativity and use fashion to make a difference. The name Bano eeMee comes from a very personal place. His grandma used to call his mum “Bano” lovingly and Aleem’s mum calls him “eeMee” so he combined the two dedicating the line to his mother. Bano eeMee is a proudly Canadian fashion label that is known for its hand distressed, vegetable tanned leathers that are sustainably produced in Pakistan creating fair work opportunities and helping support families and spreading a message of love and togetherness.

Q . The detail work is so intricate from paper-hole perforated lapels to jaw dropping fringes. Can you talk about the inspirations behind these details?

Since we are focused primarily on lamb leather (by-product of the food industry) each season we strive to push the boundaries of designing with leather and use techniques that highlight the beauty and versatility of this age-old fabric creating pieces and silhouettes

that our customers appreciate, look amazing in and get to wear lots. We have incorporated laser-cutting, perforation, hand distressing and burnishing to create truly unique and timeless leathers that are inspired by our wonderful customers and our travels around the world.

Q. What does it mean for you when designing sustainable, planet-friendly and ethical apparel.

Sustainability has been the buzz word for sometime now but major fashion industry players have been slow in embracing it. We hope to change that and have built sustainability in to the heart of Bano eeMee. We are great proponents of being conscientious in our practices from the fabric and notions we use to create our designs to the people we work with.

We strive each day to use fashion to make a difference and educate our customers on why supporting sustainable fashion Vs. fast fashion is important and that its okay to have a smaller wardrobe of good quality, well produced pieces than having closets full of cheaply sourced fashion because their low price tags do not reflect the real human and ecological cost.

For more information on Bano eeMee please check: www.BanoeeMee.com and for information on stockists carrying Bano eeMee please check: http://www.banoeemee.com/pages/ stockists

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 105

106 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 107

108 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Scarlet Serenty

by Natasha Dunbar Photography by CA Marshall Surprise!!! Teen Beat writer Izzy-B had a surprise visit from two of the boys from Scarlet Serenity during the cover shoot with Rachel Woznow. The boys even got in on the act and posed for a few photos with the lovely ladies.

While Izzy was busy doing the shoot I decided to sit and talk with the boys and find out a little bit about them. Joseph and Broden were very soft spoken at first but soon warmed up and started talking about music and other challenges faced by not only them but most teens in today’s society.

My biggest surprise was when Broden admitted to loving country music! Not something you expect from a heavy metal band! Joseph admitted that one thing that everyone does is put on metal music when they are around not realizing they love all music, and yes even pop music and not just metal. Proving you can never judge a book by its cover, or an artist by the music they play!

SMC - How was it taking part of a photo shoot you weren’t planning for?

Joseph: It comes with the territory I guess. We are a very hard working band; it’s nice to keep busy even by surprise. The team we were working with was really great. It was rad to shoot with Rachel Woznow too, she is such a sweetheart!

Broden: It was quite different from the photo shoots I’ve done in the past, but I feel it went a lot smoother then I anticipated.

SMC - You mentioned getting back together after the holidays to do some shows any idea where they will be and how many? And any new music to look forward to for the shows?

ARTIST INTERVIEW Joseph: We are currently in the process of writing new music and working on another EP. No official deadline has been set as of yet but we are more than excited to show everyone what we have up our sleeve.

Don’t get me wrong, we still love Bad Jokes & Half Truths because it was the best we could accomplish at that point in time and it’s helped us get to where we are today. We just feel that this record isn’t as rushed and there is much more of a band collaboration this time around. Everybody has contributed to the fullest and it’s going to blow people’s minds.

Broden: We have a few dates planned, and are still figuring out more. We have a few demos we’re currently working on, and so far they all sound like they’ll be arena anthems [Laughs] SMC - We talked a little about the benefit/awareness concert in May and you spoke for the group that your will to perform. How important is it for you two to take part in this concert? And why?

Joseph: We aren’t here to preach the whole ‘outcast’ brand but I do believe that music has played a big part in all of our lives. Anybody who says they have never been bullied or treated like in such a way is a liar. I feel music is a much more positive release from everyday life than suicide, self-harm or similar vices. I just feel blessed to be given the chance to be a part of such an amazing show with amazing artists for a really important cause.

Broden: Extremely important! It’s a subject everyone should be concerned about, and should pay more attention to then creating the next smallest cell phone. People need to know that there are people out tree who need help, and if you can help them, and get them on the right track, we could be much further in innovation then we currently are.

SMC - For those who don’t know your music, how would you explain your sound?

Joseph: It’s heavy, it’s melodic, and it’s in your face rock n roll. We’ve never been a band to write a certain way to appeal to whatever demographic. You really have to come to a show and experience it; I can’t really explain how spectacular it really is.

Broden: I’d say we’re heavy, easy listening band. We have the hard rock intensity, but we’re still gentle on the ears.

[Laughs] STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 109

SMC - You both talked about the type of music you like and listen to. Who are your go to artists and why?

Joseph: A lot of people are surprised at how eclectic of a music taste I have. My top 3 go to artists would probably be Slipknot, Avenged Sevenfold and Fall Out Boy to be honest.

Broden: I have a wide variety of music I like listening to.

My most listened to artists would be bands like Black Veil Brides, and The Family Ruin. I also like jammin’ some Katy Perry, and Garth Brooks on occasion.

SMC - Music is an important part of your lives. Joseph you have been doing this since you were 10.

How has music helped you both with the challenges life tends to bring?

Joseph: Music is the only thing that has always been there for me. No matter how bad of a time you’re going through its nice to turn on music and turn off the world.

I left home when I was like 15 and have been a slave to grind since which I don’t exactly recommend for anyone else, but it has worked for me and put me in a much better place in life.

Broden: Music is one of the challenges life brings me.

That’s why I make music, life’s not supposed to be all rose pedals. It’s a challenge in the way that its fun and I look at it as a brain teaser. Have fun, but work hard.

SMC - What got you both into music?

Joseph: I’ve just always been in love with music. To me the fact that you can literally create and arrange any sounds you can think of in such a way that strikes emotion from another human being really is the most amazing part of being an artist.

Broden: There wasn’t really anything in particular about music that got me into it. After I started learning a little bit about how everything fits together, it became art, and was so relaxing to me. How certain sounds can make up a masterpiece is what really drew me towards being a musician SMC - I know you have a personal reason for speaking out about mental health and bullying. I would like to know your stories, why it’s personal for you and how you feel music has helped.

Joseph: When I was 17 I was diagnosed with severe social anxiety, chronic depression and post traumatic stress. It’s made every day of my life a living hell... A lot of people don’t really understand

110 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

how much of a struggle it really is to cope with unless you have the same issues yourself. The combination of mental health and bullying has had a major affect on my personal life. Music is the only thing that won’t yell at you or call you down for looking or acting how you feel you should.

SMC - Over the years school shave cut more and more funding to music and art programs in schools.

Do you think this has hurt those who have a natural talent or an interest in music? And do you think it has caused more teens to have less coping skills by not having that time to be who they are?

Joseph: In my opinion, no. Because half of the ‘music’ teachers in public schools have no idea what they’re talking about, what they’re teaching and most honestly don’t care about the students’ outcome, they just want to get paid. This is one of those questions where the answer depends on the person you’re asking I think.

Personally with my experience in the music industry you either got it or you don’t. Most of the worlds best musicians don’t know what they’re doing, as most musicians who spend their lives going to school never really get anywhere with it.

I think people shouldn’t be afraid to be who they are at all. They don’t need an art or music class to express themselves. Just be you, believe in yourself and others will notice and connect.

Broden: I hate to sound like your typical outcast, but I truly believe schools, and ‘proper society’ are trying to remove art programs because the government doesn’t make as much money off it as they would a trade. If you are naturally artistic, and your time restricts you from being who you are, I firmly believe you should make a few changes to show who you are, even if you’re the only person who sees it.

SMC - I tend to ask the hard questions (Laughs) but I need to know, how was it doing the photo shoot? I am honestly looking forward to being able to do one with the whole band when you guys are all in town, are you all going to be up for it?!

Joseph: I’m quite shy so I feel a little awkward sometimes. I loved working with you guys and feel the shared support between both parties so you can count me in!

Broden: I really enjoyed my time at the photo shoot! I’ve done a few of them now, and I can honestly say, this was the smoothest going one. I enjoyed the vibe, and people I was around, and it helped get me in ‘The zone’. I would love to do another shoot sometime, and I’m sure they rest of the guys would be down as well!

I can not wait to catch up with the guys after the holidays and see what they have come up with for music!

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 111

HEDLEY ARTIST/ALBUM REVIEW: HELLO

by Natasha Dunbar Photography by CA Marshall (Archives) Watching the rise of Hedley since the beginning when frontman Jacob Hoggard was a contestant on Canadian Idol in Season 2 back in 2004 has been an amazing experience. In 2004 Jacob entered the Canadian Idol contest after his band mates (at the time) bet him $150 that he wouldn’t make it past auditions. Boy did he surprise them!

Not only did he make it past auditions he also went on to make top three where he was then voted out. Shortly after the show ended the original band went their separate ways however it wasn’t long and Hedley formed again with Jacob as the only original member.

In 2005 when Hedley released their first self titled LP their first single “On My Own” hit number 1 on the Canadian Singles Chart. This was also the year they went on their first Canada-wide tour with The Weekend and Faber (known now as Faber Drive) and also did shows with Simple Plan.

In 2007 they released their second album titled “Famous Last Words” which went Platinum just 10 days later! They then put their own tour on hold until early 2008 after being chosen to open for Bon Jovi during his Lost Highway Tour for 14 Canadian shows.

November 2009 the band then went on to release their third album called ‘The Show Must Go On’ with their first single ‘Cha-Ching’. Other singles that followed were ‘Don’t Talk to Strangers’, which was one of my personal favourite from the album, along with ‘Perfect’. It was this album that I personal began to connect with their music. ‘Perfect’ became a song that I added to my playlist because it spoke to me in a way that I hadn’t felt in a long time. ‘Perfect’ for me gave me the courage to accept the fact that I wasn’t perfect and that not only did others need to accept that but I did as well.

By their album release ‘Storms’ in 2011 I knew this band was going to have a personal impact on my life. This album touched me on a personal level like no other, as well as my daughter Morgan. Between the years 2011 and 2013 this album was our saving grace, seen us through heartbreak and also helped through starting to live again.

In 2012 my granddaughter was born, my grandfather passed away from cancer, my family was falling apart and I was financially, emotionally and mentally a mess. Songs like ‘Heaven’s Gonna Wait’,’ Hot Mess’, ‘One Life’, ‘We 112 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Are Unbreakable’ and ‘Invincible’ became regularly played songs in our home. We went as far as to have lyrics from those songs written on mirrors throughout to keep us all from falling over the edge.

The release of the bands ‘Wild Life’ album in August 2013 could not have come at a better time. Again the feeling the album gave myself and my family was as if they were living our lives. Morgan became more and more a fan and listened to ‘Anything’ and ‘Parade Rain’ consistently. Parade Rain is the reason why our daughter held on as long as she did. 10 months after the release of this album our daughter lost her battle with depression after bullying/cyber bullying pushed her into her own personal hell. To this day ‘Parade Rain’ is still hard to listen to but I know it gave her hope in her darkest days. I continue to regularly listen to older songs from Hedley to seek comfort and remember happy and hard times in my life over the last few years.

Now we head into their newest single and release of their newest album ‘Hello’. I have been almost “fan girl” waiting for the release and the singles to come out. Their first single ‘Lost In Translation’ pushes a topic that shows many that you need to be true to how you are. While it is a story about a guy who is trying to do everything to impress a girl she simple and politely says so I like girls too.

The video for this song is filled with Jacob being true to his fun and crazy side with going from a cab driver to following the girl to a party where he sees her kissing her girlfriend. The band has stayed true to themselves and it show in how they perform in each video they release. With the release of the single ‘Can’t Slow Down’ the band takes us into a personal side of their life. While the single ‘Hello’, which is the third single released, holds out hope for those struggling in a relationship the single ‘Can’t Slow Down’ came with a personal side from Hoggard. It speaks of how one cannot slow down in life while the other struggles to keep up. Yet again another thing I can personally relate to. Life moves at a different pace for everyone. Different things mean different things to everyone. One may live for the fast life that is always changing while others may be just as happy with the calm and settled routine. When you put one from each way of life together they need to learn to balance each other. ‘Can’t Slow Down’ shows the struggles in a relationship that can come from life on the road and in the fast life.

I somehow knew this next single would be a song I need-

ed in my life as well as many others. “Hello” is a single that while it may be about struggles in a relationship it can be interpreted as even a relationship with yourself. The song speaks of hope and holding on for better days. A song telling you that that surviving is the right thing to do. So again I am left feeling that the album speaks to me and my life! ‘Hello’ needs to be heard by everyone. Anyone who is struggling with any relationship in their lives be it with a spouse, friend, family or even themselves, needs to listen to this song and really hear the lyrics! “We’ve been waiting our whole lives to make this album,” Hoggard said. “It’s everything we wanted to say and even some things we didn’t want to. Hello is who we are now; it’s where we’re going next.” As quoted in an interview with National Post.

The video for ‘Hello’ shows what can be seen as Jacob in his early years with what would appear to be his first break up and reaction to it. While it may be about him personally many teens will be able to relate to the video as their first heartbreak and to give out hope that things do get better as you go on in life.

The album Hello in a whole is one of the most heartfelt and amazing pieces of work I have listened to in a long time. From the touching ballad ‘The Knife’ to the upbeat slap in the face song ‘Lost In Translation’, the album gives you your money’s worth! Back to Basics is another song that will have you stopping and thinking about life and what you can do to change for the better!

Watching and listening to Hedley through the years has been amazing. We have been able to watch them grow and become the band they are today. They are a band that truly knows and understands their fans are an important piece in where they are today; you can see that in how they interact with their fan base at concerts and online!

However! Hedley is not just an amazing band making music. There is so much more to Hedley that is

off stage. Free the Children is an organization the band has worked relentlessly to support and make a difference in the world through since 2009. We Day is a celebration of youth making a difference in their communities both locally and globally. WE schools work all year long in their program to create social changes and it works to create compassion in the youth involved. Hedley has travelled to India, East Africa and most recently Ecuador all with Me to We to make a difference in our world and in the lives of children. Their latest trip to Ecuador was to spend time working with community member to build a school. Their fans helped raised $10,000 towards this very project.

The band is also one of the many ambassadors for We Day. They bring with them stories from their travels in hopes of inspiring more youth to follow their lead and do the same. “This is a generation that’s been more capable, more connected globally than ever before. The ability that we have now to make a difference should be used to the fullest” Jacob Hoggard, as quoted on the We Day site.

To know that we have a group of young men who have opened up and poured their own personal experiences into the very music we all love and connect with at some level, spend time making this world a better place for those who are less fortunate in countries around the world make these guys a huge success in our eyes. To know there are people out there in a position to make a difference and they are doing it all while encouraging our younger generations to do the same shows compassion, empathy and class. This is something that this world needs more of. These are the people that we need in this music business and in this world. These are the difference makers and the ones who will make the world a better place for all of us; be it through their music or their Philanthropy work.

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 113

114 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Photography by: CA Marshall | Hedley STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 115

ARTIST REVIEW/INTERVIEW

by CA Marshall Photography submitted by SWERVE Never has the Starlight Music Chronicles (SMC) Artist of the Month competition struck so much controversy as in this last month. For the majority of the competition, Los Angeles-based Rock and Roll Band SWERVE really had the win in the bag. However, they were outnumbered in the last 24 hours by The Roxy Suicide who had played tango for first place with this newly formed band for the entire length. Victory and Losses aside, what this did do was piqued enough interest for SMC to want to secure an interview after the competition to get down to the fine details of who Swerve really is and what they are all about. We were lucky enough to catch up with the band after the competition ended just in time for this issue!

SMC - Hello Swerve! Welcome to Starlight Music Chronicles Magazine! We first met via the December 2015 SMC Artist of the Month competition and are pretty impressed about you holding the top spot for mainly the duration of the voting period. What do you think of this competition?

SWERVE - It’s a pretty cool avenue for bands to interact with their fans in a spirited way as well as a great introduction to other artists you might not yet be aware of. Things got pretty close and competitive and there was great promotion by SMC for all the artists!

SMC - What positive do you think you walked away with from the competition?

SWERVE - We really didn’t expect that we’d have so many people come out and support us by voting and sharing the postings with their friends and followers.

We were getting constant updates on Facebook and people seemed really into it! It’s so much easier to do nothing than participate in anything, and to about three times as many people as we expected show their love for us felt amazing. I wasn’t aware that so 116 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

many people cared.

SMC - For the sake of introducing you to our fan base, can you tell us all of your names and which instruments you play?

SWERVE - There are four of us- I’m Gregory Mahdesian and the lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter.

Brandon Duncan plays bass, sings backup and produced our EP. Casey Baird plays the drums and Ryan Berti also plays guitar and sings backup.

SMC - Can you please tell us about the band itself and how you all came to be SWERVE? SWERVE - Where to start? We’re a rock’n’roll band from Los Angeles and officially formed earlier in the year! Swerve actually began as a different projectmy old band the Simple Pleasures went into the studio to record an EP with Brandon producing but that band fell apart (though we’re all still friends!) after laying down the basic tracks. Brandon and I ended up finishing the record together and as we worked on it the songs changed shape and evolved into Swerve songs. Brandon decided to officially join the band as our bassist and we recruited Casey and Ryan to round out the lineup and to continue to work on new material. We made our live debut on June 1st and things have been moving very quickly!

SMC - Loving the band name! Tell us a little more about that?

SWERVE - We thought of tons of different names but as soon as someone said Swerve it immediately felt right and we settled on it then and there. We wanted something that was short and memorable and it gives a slight nod to LA since we spend so much of our lives in cars. A lot of our favorite bands and biggest influences had concise names like we do- Pulp, Blur, Nirvana, Oasis, Hole- so that probably had something to do with it too.

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 117

118 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

SMC - I know it was mentioned a few times in the duration of the voting that you are a ‘newer band’, but in what ways do you feel you are unique as a band?

SWERVE - I don’t think many other bands really sound like us right now, for better or worse. We make classic, familiar sounds but I think we put them in a newer context. We’re a melodic guitar rock band and like to sound big without sounding busy. We love choruses and harmonies and sounding like a “band,” but we have a lot of different influences- from the Beatles to Bowie, the Replacements to Bruce Springsteen and even a dash of heavier rock or more contemporary artists like St. Vincent- that we try to synthesize into one consistent sound. I like to write with tight structures and hopefully we never let the songs outstay their welcome!

SMC - We have to agree: you music is truly unique.

What do you feel you lend to your music that makes Swerve ‘Special’ and ‘Unique’?

SWERVE - Personally, I’m a terrible actor. If I’m not into something or inspired by it I can’t fake it so you’re always going to hear something honest from us. I have my musical passions and style and so does everyone else in the band, so we’re not going to go chasing trends if it’s just not us and hopefully people are into it. Also, I have a deep and somewhat distinct voice, so that’s something!

SMC - Are there any things that set you apart from the other bands competing?

SWERVE - I think all of the bands have pretty unique sounds. I hope our trick is that once you hear one of our songs you can remember how it goes and you’ll want to hear it again! I always liked how the Beatles and bands of that era called themselves “pop” artists even though we’d tend to call them rock artists. We’re trying to keep that tradition alive, so I guess we’ll find out if we can pull it off.

SMC - What does the next six months look like for the band?

SWERVE - I believe we’ll be releasing a new single in January that we didn’t finish in time for the EP. I’m really proud of it, we were just under time constraints and it has a slightly different feel to the other five songs on the EP. I really think you’ll like it though.

We’re also excited because we’ll be heading back into the studio to record another record. We have a whole crop of new material and we all have so much more experience now so none of us can wait to get in there and see what we can do together.

SMC - We also saw that you are being spun buy KROQ’s Rodney Bingenheimer in Los Angeles, which is fantastic! Can you tell us a little about the reception you have gotten from that by fans?

SWERVE - I actually think we’ve made a lot of our fans because of that! I’m not even sure you guys would be aware of us if that didn’t happen. It’s really been one of the most exciting things we’ve experienced in our time together as a band. He’s discovered so many of my favorite artists so I’m getting such a kick out of it. I think it also made some of our friends and families think, “ok, maybe they’re for real”.

SMC - We are also aware that you were competing against another band to whom you are friends with.

Can you please let us know a little about that? How hard was it to compete against your friends?

SWERVE - It was a little difficult but we’re close enough with them that it wouldn’t ever pose any problems or anything like that. Normally we’d each be cheering each other on but we had to be a little bit selfish this time, but only a little bit! The competition was all in good fun.

SMC - Do you have any plans to perform anywhere for New Years?

SWERVE - We’re still figuring out our New Year’s plans but we’ll keep you in the loop!

SMC - What does the next six months look like for live performances?

SWERVE - Playing live and seeing how our audiences interact with our songs is my favorite part about being in a band, so there’s almost always a show around the corner. We think we’ll be doing a month long residency at a venue in Los Angeles in late winter, and within the next few months we plan on playing our first shows outside of the cityhitting up places like Orange County, San Diego, Santa Barbara and San Francisco.

SMC - What is your favorite ‘Go-to’ music?

SWERVE - Everyone in the band has their own go-to music so to find out from Ryan, Brandon and Casey you’ll have to ask them (though I have my ideas of what they obsess over). Mine personally tends to be early Oasis. I must have seen them at the right time in my life because they’ve stuck with me. However, at the end of the day, I’m always going to belong to the Beatles.

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 119

SMC - Have you ever had any cool fan experiences? (we love to ask this one in all of our interviews) SWERVE - I don’t want to invade anyone’s privacy so I won’t mention any names, but we made a very cool fan after we were played on Rodney on the Roq. She reached out to us and has become a friend, which is something you hear about and when it happens is just awesome. Because of that we’re now on the radio in both Japan and Peru- mind blowing!

SMC - Tell us a little about your thoughts on album releases. We are finding that Artists are seeing it more and more beneficial to release one song as a ‘single’ prior to their big album releases as opposed to years ago when it was the other way around. Do you also adopt that in place with your releases?

SWERVE - Yes, so far that’s what we’ve done. We’ve only release one EP with five songs on it, and three of those were “singles” before the whole thing came out. If you’re a major artist like Drake you can just surprise release your album and people will pay attention, but with smaller or newer artists like us I think it helps people learn who we are and build up anticipation for the full release.

SMC - What demographic (age/country) is your loyal fan base so far?

SWERVE - So far it’s pretty broad. Our shows are mostly 21+ so it’s usually people in their 20s and 30s, but we have some followers that are teenagers and some that are a lot older than that!

SMC - Do you think you would compete again in the Artist of the Month competition? (we have had bands give it a second time to give it a second kick at the cat) SWERVE - It’s definitely something we would want to do down the line, but we’d want to wait until we’ve been around the block a little bit more before we jump back in the ring. That way we’ll be confident and ready.

SMC - Where would be your ‘perfect’ venue to perform in?

SWERVE - In a perfect fantasy world? Coachella or Glastonbury. Today, any place people enjoy going out to that also has good sound system and lighting!

SMC - Last question: What would you say to the next generation of Recording Artists as words of advice about the industry?

SWERVE - I’m not sure how qualified I am to answer that! I might be a bit old school, but I always prefer it when the artist writes their own song and brings their own voice to their music, and I like live music so remember to rehearse. Don’t be afraid to use guitars either, they don’t bite and are way more fun to look at than sample pads- not that there’s anything wrong with sample pads! *There is no doubt about it, we are confident that this is a band that is well on its way to major stardom!

120 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 121

AMRIT SOND: ANATOMY OF A MUSICAL ALCHEMIST Artist Interview/Review

by Xristopher Bland Photos Courtesy of Amrit Sond

If the transmutation of ideas into form can be called alchemy, Grammy Award-winning guitarist Amrit Sond might be more than one man. Drawing from Indian, African, Arabic and Eastern influences, Sond comingles and renders blended musical agreement with such skill and subtlety, he just might be many alchemists inhabiting the soul of a singly incredible artist, who attributes heartbeat and wholeness as key elements to his unique instrumental compositions.

“It’s taken me a while to realize,” says Sond from his home in the UK, “but I’ve finally nailed it down.

For me, it’s the pulse. It’s the essential heartbeat of the composition that’ll convey what I’m trying to get across. I prefer my music not to come across as being divided into parts or sections but as a whole—an experience that washes over you,” and that experience has certainly spread impressively across the musical landscape.

Winning a Grammy in 2005 for his version of the Henry Mancini classic “Two for the Road” (Pink Guitar: The Music of Henry Mancini), Sond so completely defines fingerstyle playing that Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine devoted an entire article to his work on the title track for Sond’s debut 2000 album Circular Motion (Solid Air Records). Indeed, as an unparalleled player, Sond has performed at prestigious venues across the UK and Europe, including Opera North and Acoustic Avalon. He’s also been featured on BBC Radio and Canadian radio. Yet for his renown as a guitarist, Sond is also known as a percussionist in that he often uses his guitar as a percussion instrument while playing.

“I’ve grown up with so much different music around me,” says Sond, of Indian origin but born and raised in Nairobi, where he was exposed to both 122 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Indian and African music at an early age. Later moving as a teen with his family to Kuwait, Sond developed an interest in Arabic and Eastern music, including their percussion traditions. “That element has always existed,” but it wasn’t until hearing the late New Age composer-guitarist Michael Hedges that Sond truly saw the possibilities of the acoustic guitar as a percussion instrument. As a new area of exploration, he says, “I’ve only written about three compositions. The rest are all melodically driven.”

In composing many of his melodies with time-signature shifts (a progressive style of composition embodied by bands like Rush), Sond does so with remarkable intuitiveness. “Honestly, I’ve never thought about it, and it’s been brought more to my attention by friends who are keen to understand what’s going on in my head,” says Sond, who sees the absence of formal music theory training as something that has only helped him compose naturally and freely—elements intrinsic to Sond’s new focus toward jazz.

“I’m beginning to understand the structure, dynamics and overall freedom it lives for,” says Sond, who was reintroduced to jazz by a special person.

“I’ve spent most of my life maybe writing stuff and sticking within my own boundaries, but lately I’m letting go of all that, especially for the live sets. I’m improvising a bit more and presenting my music in a different light, trying to be free,” and in this transcendent reach toward what many view as the very essence of a vibrational universe, Sond sees music serving its best purpose as a reminder of that place, where freedom is implicit to life.

“We don’t own music,” Sond emphasizes to note how musical inspiration comes to everyone on the planet. “It just exists. It is its own entity and I’ve always liked that. It communicates on so many levels within us: spiritually, emotionally, intellectually. I guess the core value of music will always be its unique vibrations. Vibrations—sounds to me— are part of life/us—who we are, when and how it affects us.” With music, the effects are typically emotional, and where music has been called the universal language, Sond draws a connection by saying, “I’ve always felt—and still feel—we as human beings are all ONE at the core of our existence in terms of our emotions. Is this where we hear the purest form of vibration a word or note denotes?” In asking such important questions about

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 123

124 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 125

126 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

music, universality and the connectedness of a global village, it’s perhaps not surprising that, although it’s been some 15 years since Circular Motion, he’s excited about a forthcoming follow-up.

“I’ve been working on my follow-up for an embarrassingly long time now,” says Sond, whose time speaks to the creative heights he’s been exploring.

“It’ll be a personal masterpiece album for me. I’m happy to say that all the music for it is completely written now, all refined and it’s an embodiment of work that I’m really proud of. I’m looking to get into the studio early next year and give it the love it needs and get it ready for release. Getting new music out, for me, has to be new music. Circular Motion was a very important album for me and I’d like to present a worthy follow-up to it.” Nodding to the asyet named new album, Sond joyfully adds, “This is!”

Part of Sond’s excitement toward the new album seems to come from not knowing where the music will take listeners. “I guess instrumental music can be left open to interpretation, and could take the listener to places that you didn’t intend,” he notes in a good way. “Maybe that’s the beauty of it.” As well, listeners might expect a grounded sound. Though the guitar-string maker Dean Markley no longer makes the Alchemy brand strings that Sond fell in love with and used extensively for their warmth and resonance, he’s taken to Wyres brand strings. “I really like the feel and sound of them,” says Sond. “’Earthy’ would be a good description for their feel and sound. I’m really into them. They sound great both acoustic and live through a PA.” Though Sond has no immediate tour dates for North America, he nonetheless looks forward to flying across the pond one day soon. “I have a lot of friends in the US,” he notes, including James Jensen, owner of Solid Air Records. “It’s a dream and I’m sure it’ll happen. For now, Sond continues performing throughout the UK and Europe, working his unique musical alchemy like the universe brought down in form, and offering listeners and fans a portal back up to that place for their own self-discoveries in the process.

For more about Amrit Sond, visit www.amritsond. com.

To download Circular Motion, visit iTunes.

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 127

Shauna Specht Artist Interview

Foreword by CA Marshall Interview by Natasha Dunbar Photos Courtesy of Shauna Specht It was the night I first saw Johnny Marr play, just a smidge over a year ago, that I met yet another brilliant talent who, at the time, I didn’t realize would influence the future of Starlight Music Chronicles in such a powerful way. Her name is Shauna Specht and she is a Country/Folk sounding mix of wonderful. In addition to being incerdibly talented, this songbird met with me this last July on our way to meet Carlene Carter in Calgary, Alberta and it was then that we bonded over similar circumstances.

You see, it was Shana who opened up to me in our travel time to the show about her experiences with loss, grief, and depression and it was then that the lightbuld went on. I knew I needed to connect she and Natasha Dunbar (www. morgansmission.ca) immediately. It wasn’t long before we launched the Teen Beat section of the website, a ‘safe zone’ for Bailey Dunbar (Morgan’s twin) and began our quest to support all artists in the industry who have an important message or story to tell through their music.

Shauna Specht always will be an important part of the Starlight Music Chronicles family for this very reason and I would personally like to say that we support her endeavour to bring people together for the sole purpose of healing.

SMC’s and Morgan’s Missions’ goals to bring healing to those suffering with Depression, PTSD, Bullying, and Suicidal thoughts would just not be the same without including Shauna in the process. Enjoy this insightful interview to truly know the connection between SMC, Morgan’s Mission and this amazing and brilliant Artist. Enjoy!

The Interview: Natasha - How would you describe your music, and who are your influences?

128 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Shauna - In terms of genre, I’m not entirely sure how to describe my music, because I’m not sure it fits neatly under any specific heading. Alternative/folk/pop is probably not far off, but my debut album, Tail of a Comet, has elements of other things too, from the dreamy, spacey feel of the album’s title track, to the rock out second half of “Whatever You Want.”

What I do know is that the songs that flow out of me come as much from a place of emotion as they do imagination, two forces within me that demand expression. I also have a deep fascination for the human condition - what makes us all tick, both individually and as society overall, and those sorts of contemplations are weaved through most of my song writing to varying degrees.

The question of my influences is a more loaded question than you might expect. I grew up the youngest of seven children in a musical family, listening to multiple generations of country, pop and rock music, and the influence of that is undeniable. I had a pretty indiscriminate love of music overall growing up in the 70s and 80s, and I still love a bit of everything. In my late teens, while I was beginning to realize the brilliance of The Beatles, I was also finding that I related very much to the songwriting of Crowded House (and, previously, Split Enz) front man, Neil Finn, and he continues to be an influence today. These days, I take great enjoyment in seeking out music outside the mainstream, including many a treasured find at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, as well as a lot of local music, and the inspirations there are limitless!

Natasha - When did you know making music was going to be your goal in life?

Shauna - This is a simple question with a very complicated answer. Music has always been an integral part of who I am, but I had to lose it, though, to realize how much I need it. I have written songs since I was 11, but started becoming serious about song writing in my late teens. I felt the pull of big dreams as a young adult, but I was still just shy of finding the courage and confidence to pursue it. My confidence as a singer, though, was derailed by having overheard a conversation that lead me to believe that I, in fact, could not sing. I thought people had only humoured me all my life, As soon as I believed it, it became true, and after a period of not being physically able to sing at all, I spent years trying to get it back, with my own self-doubt being the only true barrier. That abrupt change, from someone who was eager to sing in front of people, to someone who was humiliated and terrified by the prospect of having to do so, was confusing to the people around me, and I was even once accused of playing some sort of ego-boosting game – they thought that I “got off” on feigning reluctance and, thus, making people beg me to sing, when in reality, I did not want them to ask at all.

As the years passed, there was this constant void in my life and ache in my heart, and it wasn’t until my late 30s that I began trying to overcome what was holding me back. I recorded my first album this year, completely on blind faith, that the people encouraging me were right about my ability

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 129

130 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 131

132 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

to sing and write songs – I had no confidence in either.

Now I’m so glad that I’ve done this, and just diving in has proven to be the best way to find my confidence. Knowing and accepting that music needs to be a big part of life is very new, so in my mid 40’s, I’m just starting what I should have started more than half my lifetime ago.

Natasha - If you could give advice to others starting off in the music industry , what would it be and why?

Shauna - I have shared my personal story and struggle with music because I think it ties into what I want to say to other singers, musicians and songwriters who are not following their passions. Maybe someone out there will see themselves in my story, and learn from it what I had to learn over a long, difficult time: if music is your passion, then you have to find an outlet for it. You HAVE to. It doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be a career choice, it could mean jamming with friends every Friday night, but make it a priority.

You cannot deny yourself of what is part of you. You don’t have to “qualify” to do what you love, just do it, and never think it is too late.

Also, if you decide to take the leap and record an album, my most practical advice is to absolutely always have at least one copy with you. You never know when you might run into someone who might be interested in buying one. I sold one to an acquaintance I ran into in a grocery store. I sold another to a total stranger sitting next to me in a pub, who happened to ask what I do. Always have one with you.

Always, always, always.

Natasha - Your music has been a large part of your life.

What next for you with your music?

Shauna - Any new albums or songs you are working on that we should know about? In 2016, I will be submitting a track from my current album to a compilation album for Musical Mamas, a group that supports local women in music. (If you’re a woman in music in the Edmonton area, you should check us out. We’re on Facebook!) I also have a secret project in the works that I’m super excited about.

Stay tuned… (Dear reader, don’t ask, I will not tell!!)

Natasha - Have you experienced bullying in the music industry personally or know anyone who has? If so, what advice do you have for others who may be facing the same thing?

Shauna - I have not experienced it in the music industry so far, but I have experienced it in other ways with respect to my music. I once had someone I love and trust stand up and yell “get someone up there who can sing” while I was performing my original songs. It hurts enough being humiliated in that way, let alone having it come from someone close to you. It was at a time when I was already struggling with my confidence and was just starting to play in front of people again, and I had this dual response inside of me, where part of me was hurt and humiliated beyond words, but another part of me was so angry that anyone would treat someone this way. My defiant side took over, and I sang more songs than I originally intended, even though I was so shaken I felt I could hardly sing. NO ONE has the

right to treat person this way, and if they don’t like what you’re doing, they don’t have to listen. It still took years before that moment of defiance manifested as any degree of confidence, but recognizing that fighting spirit within myself added to the arsenal of what I was collecting that eventually helped develop my confidence. I recommend keeping a checklist of these personal strengths and referring to them in moments of weakness. Other things to add to that list are all the words of support ever given to you. We tend to remember the hurtful things, and it helps to keep a list of the things said that helped or built you up. Refer back to these things whenever you need to.

Natasha - Going forward, you want to create some sort of non-profit to help others. How important is it to you to make this dream a reality?

Shauna - Not unlike how my life felt incomplete without music, it also feels incomplete when I am not doing something meaningful. The project I have in mind has been formulating over a long time, and is driven by wanting help others to avoid some of kinds of suffering I’ve endured. I think that is a normal human response, and the benefit of our ability to empathize – we want to make things better for others.

Natasha - Everyone we have met that wants to help or be a part of Morgan’s Mission has a personal story or connection to what we are doing. What is yours?

Shauna - When I was 11 years old (by no coincidence, the year I started songwriting), we had a very difficult year in my family, that included the deaths of my mother and brother-in-law, and having my older sister abducted from our home while we slept and brutally raped. On top of extreme grief, I felt stripped of everything that made me feel safe in the world, and slept with a knife under my pillow until my mid 20s.

While I was never exactly in-crowd material, I never had any social difficulties before all of this happened. A smiley, gregarious little girl was transformed, and while I still smiled on the outside, the brokenness inside me never went unnoticed by the kids at school. I was dealing with things too big for me, exactly at an age when kids can be cruel at school, and maybe the intensity of what I was going through was just too much for them, too. I found myself on the social outs for the rest of my growing years, and the victim of merciless bullying.

I know too well the sort of tormenting and humiliating one child can inflict on another. I kept most of the bullying I was experiencing to myself, and when I did try to talk to someone about how I felt, it was dismissed as teenage hormones. I had finally had enough by age 13, and tried to end my suffering with some pills. I just wanted to be with my Mom, in her warm, safe presence, and feel the comfort of that again.

When I saw how my suicide attempt hurt my family, especially my Dad, I vowed to never hurt anyone like that again.

I kept that promise, but doing so meant I had to dig down deep and find the strength to endure the sort of suffering I still experienced, because I was still keeping it primarily to myself. My creative outlets are what got me through.

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 133

Depression and a tendency for suicidal thoughts have been a life-long struggle for me, and I continue to work on the effects those early experiences had on my self-esteem and ability to form relationships. Imagine if things had gone differently for me after that tragic year in my family – imagine if the bullying hadn’t occurred and I had felt able to talk to someone about what I was experiencing. Maybe I can help make that difference for someone else. Maybe if enough of us work together, we can help create a kinder world, and make a difference for those who need it.

Natasha - You have an interest in the areas of mental health and helping youth. How important do you think music is in helping others?

Shauna - Music can be so good for mental health, and in so many, intermingling ways.

Writing and playing music can be a terrific outlet for our feelings. If someone is having difficulty expression these feelings, or feels they have no one to talk to or who will understand, putting them into a creative outlet can be very therapeutic, especially if you, then, share those creations.

When other people relate to what you have written or played, it can help a person feel less alone and connected to others, and that connectedness is so important. Feeling isolated can be so toxic, especially if you are someone already dealing with low self-esteem, or even worse, already struggling with mental health issues, such as depression.

On the flip side, when you are the person hearing the music of others, there is also the potential for personal benefit.

Sometimes a song someone else has written expresses exactly what you could not say. Maybe you feel less alone in what you are experiencing, or maybe it helps release the feelings you have had bottled up. Maybe a song gives you hope when you felt there was none, or something in the lyrics was exactly what you needed to hear to make a change or move forward.

The power of music is boundless, and though I think people recognize it, I also think it is a hugely under-tapped resource for helping people maintain their mental health.

Natasha - We have noticed an increase in teen suicides over the last few years. Alberta has the highest suicide rage in the country, with more suicides in the last year than people killed in motor vehicle accidents. Do you think the schools cutting funds to the Art areas in schools has caused more problems for our youth in the sense that they are not able to have that mental break, or those who excel in those areas but maybe not in academics?

The arts are so undervalued, but so important. Things like music and art and drama are not just “for fun”, they can be tremendous outlets for students. Not only has stress and mental health in children historically been under-recognized, but youth today experience a sort of stress not typical of past generations - you can look this up.

There is so much focus on mental health counselors and psychiatric medications for dealing with mental health problems after they arise, but we need to be considering more preventative solutions, like having sufficient resources and opportunities to deal with stress and emotions as they come. Once you’ve crossed that threshold into dealing 134 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

with mental health problems, the risk for recurrence is increased. Why would we not do whatever we can to help prevent mental health problems from occurring in the first place, especially in these young, still-developing brains?

Not only are we denying youth from following and developing their passions – passions that might relate to future career choices, for one thing – but we are definitely denying them a break from personal, academic and social stresses.

Prolonged stress actually shrinks a part of the brain, called the hippocampus, which is involved in memory and learning. You do the math…

Natasha - Starlight Music Chronicles has been connecting Morgan’s Mission and Bailey with artists who want to make a change. How do you want to fit into this project?

Shauna - I’m so glad to have connected with Morgan’s Mission, as I can see that our visions are interconnected, and thank you, Starlight Music Chronicles, for your support.

I think music could play an important role in helping make a kinder world.

We can all think of a song that we connected with instantly because it expressed what we were feeling, even in an uncannily accurate way. If you ask one hundred people what song did that for them, you will get one hundred different answers. Music is very personal, and the songs that really reach us have the potential to make a difference when we need it. What if we took advantage of that?

What if, for example, you were a teen being bullied t school to the point of contemplating suicide, and you were watching a video for a song that gave you a glimmer of hope?

And what if in that moment of hope, you had the fleeting thought that maybe you felt you could talk to someone?

Imagine if in that small window of opportunity, the right information came to you – the music video included an encouraging message and information on where to get help. A life could be saved that easily.

The music that reaches an individual will vary, but it is already out there and continuing to be made. I want to start a movement where we are taking advantage of the music already reaching people as opportunities to help them.

At the same time, we need to create a kinder, more understanding world, where people are not afraid to ask for help.

I firmly believe that once the stigma has been removed, we will see a drastic drop in number of suicides. Music can be a vehicle for spreading the sort of messages that will help make a kinder world, where people are not afraid to ask for help. These are only part of what I have envisioned. Imagine, also, the anti-bullying messages music could send, or how music programs could take a targeted preventative role in mental health, including in schools.

My vision is to create a program that uses music to create awareness about mental health, and, in particular, depression and suicide, while bringing hope and healing to those suffering. I hope we can all work together in making a kinder world for everyone, and one where young people are less likely to be bullied, but if they are, they are less likely to contemplate suicide, but if they do, they are more likely to ask for help instead.

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 135

136 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

ARTIST INTERVIEW/REVIEW

Interview by Randy Wayne Belt Photos Courtesy of Three Beards In 1944, there was an army medic who was just doing his job on the front lines. The sights and the sounds all around were deafening gunfire, mortar, tank, and grenade blasts. A wounded comrade was down and needed medical attention. The medic rushed to pull his comrade back from enemy fire and in doing so was himself pierced with shrapnel from an enemy grenade.

Though hit in the face, hand, arm, and side, the medic succeeded in saving his comrade. In the midst of the turmoil - the blood and sweat and death and explosions, the medic was eventually declared Missing In Action. A telegram was sent by Western Union from the Secretary of War expressing deep regret to the medic’s spouse that he was missing in action in France.

Later on in early 1945, another telegram was sent. This time it said, “your husband... was slightly wounded in action in France... and is not missing in action as previously reported”. And another letter followed stating that he was making normal progress. Finally, he came home. He came home with a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and Good Conduct metals - and with scars.

The scars are more than physical, but also mental.

War is hell. That medic was my grandfather.

Back in those days, there wasn’t much attention payed to the mental scars of war.

PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) was not very well understood. And for many today, it is still not understood as it should

be. It wasn’t talked about. You just “suck it up and tough it out” in those days. But how was it really dealt with - the trauma of war, of being a victim of crime, of any number of things that can lead to PTSD? The answer for some was MUSIC. Music perhaps one of the greatest therapies!

After my grandfather passed away, I began to understand a bit when I found some of the music he listened to. One such piece of music was an album titled “Songs that got us through World War II”. There you go.

To me he was a hero. To himself, he was just doing his job. I can look back now and see that he had suffered from trauma from the war.

Fast forward 60 years to the Iraq war.

There’s another soldier who was in a similar role - that of a Medivac. His name is Hank Barbe. Not only has music been great therapy, but as a songwriter, he will give you a glimpse into the mind of a soldier who has suffered the trauma of war. You see, Hank started really getting into music after enduring the hardships of war, and it has helped with his PTSD. Three Beards is the name of the music group he has formed. Based in Texas and led by Hank Barbe, the band’s single “Lessons learned” is a noteworthy effort that gives a glimpse into what this group has the potential for as it progresses. The song also gives a glimpse into Barbe himself, who is a combat veteran and was featured in a TIME Magazine article for a lifesaving mission in Iraq in 2003 titled “Anatomy of a Medivac”.

Despite what some may think, PTSD is not a sign of weakness. I can tell you that my grandfather was one tough old man. There STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 137

was no sign of weakness in him. He was tough as nails. But he had a big heart as well. And I guarantee you that he was thinking the same thing as you hear in the Three Beards’ lyric “Well I just wanna go home -Yeah but I still can’t find the light - And while I guess its time to go - And I wonder if she’ll know - That I might not be alright”.

A verby acoustic guitar starts the song with string plucked harmonics in the intro. You aren’t sure where the song will go when suddenly the full band kicks in and the lyrics begin to paint a colorful image with “broken glass and twisted steel” and you begin to get the picture of what it might be like to recall a war zone when you hear the lyrics “I can smell the kingdom burn over the gasoline and grass” and you realize that the song is indeed giving you a glimpse into the inner thoughts of a soldier struggling with PTSD and even suicide.

“Lessons Learned” is a well structured song with a strong and convincing vocal performance. You 138 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

can feel what the singer feels. Drums and Gritty electric guitars give the backdrop and the song gives a bit of a Counting Crows vibe. It is rock and it is alternative, with a touch of southern feel. When you hear how the sounds were put together along with the lyrics, “The broken glass and twisted steel - I won’t rest my soul til they finally dig a hole and bury me” - you begin to get a picture of what the song is about and it becomes very relatable.

The sonic backdrop of the song is quite fitting for the subject matter and displays a sense of awareness of the picture that the artist is painting with sound and words.

As work has just finished on Three Beards 5-song EP and I’m sure it will be a humdinger so without further ado, let’s talk to Hank!

Randy: How did you get started in music?

Hank: My dad had an old guitar when I was a kid, and we lived in the country so there wasn’t a lot to do. I remember having an Eagles song-

book and a Simon and Garfunkel songbook.

I learned chords from those books. After a while, I started writing my own songs. I think I was 14 and thought it’d be a good way to meet girls, now it’s a completely different motivation.

Randy: Got the guitar from Dad… so there’s music in the family?

Hank: My dad had a passion for music and really supports the band. I got to see him play stand up bass with a couple of guys from Edie Brickell’s band (The New Bohemians) a few months ago. It was pretty cool.

Randy: Yeah! “Shooting Rubber Bands at the Moon” is a favorite album of mine!

So how did three Beards form?

Hank: When I finally had some songs I wanted to share, I started going to an Open Mic at The Rock Shop in Fayetteville, NC. The first couple times, I signed up and didn’t go up because I was too nervous. After I finally did, I got a good response. I met Kenneth Freeman and we got together to jam and and it kind of snowballed from there. Kenny moved on, and I was lucky to add Ian Dehle (Guitar/Vocals) to the band in 2014. We met Billy Bosler (Bass) and Mike Froedge (Drums/Production) through CBM Records.

Randy: How do you approach songwriting?

Do you write a guitar or piano part first? Melody first? A tune in your head? Or does it vary?

And how does it all come together for and in the recording process?

Hank: We approach songwriting in a bunch of different ways. Sometimes the music comes first, sometimes the melody. Lessons Learned happened all at once, and was pretty close to the radio version within about 10 minutes. For Sink or Swim, Ian brought a riff and some hooks to me and I listened to it on a loop for three days until it had the arrangement and lyrics that fit with what Ian brought to the table. Once that’s done, we take it to Mike and he writes the percussion and he and Billy write the bass line together. It’s pretty

awesome because we all hear the finished song for the first time together before the first mix.

Randy: What song that you’ve written means the most to you and why? I’m going to guess “Lessons Learned” because you can really feel the intense passion in the song.

Hank: Lessons Learned is my baby. It’s a song about Iraq and what PTSD feels like to me. I remember the smells in Iraq and similar smells can trigger strong emotions in me.

It is my anthem. Hopefully it can bring PTSD Awareness into more conversations and help people.

Randy: When was it originally written?Hank: Lessons Learned was written in 2013, and the finished version was released as a single on July 4th, 2015.

Randy: When most people back home think of war, they aren’t there, and they see it glorified on TV or on the news, and the media will often paint a picture like it was a breeze and everything is great and they don’t really grasp the suffering and what these soldiers have lived through.

Hank: I like the way you think Randy: Thanks. What are some good programs that you know of that help soldiers coming home with PTSD or just in general?

Hank: There’s Maggie in North Carolina who runs Warriors in the Workplace, which helps connecting soldiers with finding employment.

I know Wounded Warriors gets some grief about money but they have really helped a lot of soldiers. Another non-profit is run by Rosie Babin in these parts called “Help Our Wounded”.

Randy: Great! If any vets out there are reading this and need help, there’s somewhere to start. Thank you Hank. Now I always ask this question – what are the top 5 most important things in life to you?

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 139

Hank: 1. Be good to each other- Everyone has their own set of problems, and their own life experiences.

2. Find a way to be Happy- there are always things to be grateful for.

3. Be honest 4. Don’t be afraid to take risks 5. You get what you put into it.

Randy: Now lets go back in time. When did you first learn to play an instrument?

Hank: I started playing guitar and piano when I was about 14.

Randy: Do you remember the very first song you learned on guitar?

Hank: I think it was “The Boxer” by Simon and Garfunkel Randy: A good one! When did you first discover a love for singing?

Hank: I sang in front of people for the first time when I was about 15 at my church. I wrote a song called “Walk like a Man” and it went over pretty well.

Randy: I can hear some influences in your sound. What are your biggest influences musically?

Hank: I grew up listening to all kinds of stuff from The Smiths to Pink Floyd. We used to get a lot of Counting Crows comparisons.

Now, I think the biggest musical influences for me are the guys I play with. Ian is a phenomenal guitar player and really creative, Billy has the southern rock and country influences that effect our sound, and Mike Froedge toured the world as the drummer for Black Label Society.

Everyone writes in the studio. Honestly, I think my biggest musical influence is those guys.

Randy: That’s a good thing and lends towards originality. What are you currently working on musically? Album? New single? EP? Hank: We just finished recording a 5 song EP that should be released straight to radio in The US and Canada in late January. We are 140 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

really excited about it.

Randy: You have a great logo, who designed it?

Hank: David Peche did the design; he’s our go to guy for design and artwork.

Randy: What’s down the road for Three Beards?

Hank: After the EP, we’ll be back in the studio for more music, We are also putting together a new show schedule for 2016 in support of the new EP. Randy: What do you think about the music industry today and is there anything you would change?

Hank: It’s a lot easier to get new music out there with the internet. It’s kind of a double edge sword, though. On one hand, it creates competition among songwriters because there are more ways to get heard, competition can be a good thing, but on the other hand, people are making billions off music and the songwriters are making squat. There are people working to fix it. Our record label, CBM Records is working closely with #protectourfutures to help enact legislation to protect songwriters.

Randy: How do you define success for Three Beards?

Hank: As a band, as long as we can keep making music and people keep listening, we are successful. We have goals we set, and lately we have been surpassing our own expectations. The new EP has a lot of people excited.

Randy: What’s your live show like?

Hank: Our live shows are fun. We want fans to have a good time, and we want to have a good time. We give away a lot of free stuff and try to engage the audience as much as we can.

Randy: What do you like better or enjoy most: Recording process or live performances?

Hank: Both! I love the look on people’s faces when we play a song they love. It’s also pretty cool when people you’ve never met are yelling out requests for our songs. But the studio is magic. When we finish a track and hear it for the first time as a finished song, it can be amazing to know we created that. There is no way I can really explain it except to say its magic. We are really lucky to have the team we have.

you go here, thanks for taking the time to do this interview and take care!

Hank: Welcome, you too!

Randy: Any upcoming shows in the New Year you’d like to plug?

Hank: We are retooling our 2016 schedule and preparing for more festivals. Hopefully we’ll have more info in a few weeks

Reverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/threebeards4

Three Beards on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3Beerds Reverb Nation: http://www.reverbnation.com/ threebeards4

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Three_Beards

Randy: We look forward to that! Alright, I’ll let STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 141

142 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

The Survivor

BAILEY DUNBAR

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 143

Miss Teen Canada

On the Horizon

by CA Marshall Photography by CA Marshall MUA & Hair: Blushed Beaute

A lot has happened in the last few months for our Teen Beat writer Bailey Dunbar. In fact, a lot has happened in this young Humanitarians’ lifetime. She is the youngest daughter to Natasha and Greg Dunbar and is the very reason for our support of Morgans’ Mission (www.morgansmission.ca) Bailey has experienced more than the average teen should experience at such a young age.

Last June 27th, 2014, she found her twin sister after she had lost her battle with depression and cyber-bullying.

Morgan had taken her own life and it is a tragedy that Baily re-lives every day of her life.

It was in July of this year that we connected with the Dunbar family and offered Bailey a spot on the website to express her own love of music and to allow a safe platform and support for her healing process. The healing process in the time that I have known Bailey has been tough: I mean, how many teens do you know who are suffering from PTSD? Answer: Lots, and Bailey is one in thousands who are in need of the proper supports that are severely lacking in today’s society, a society which holds the stigma that even talking about suicide is abhorred.

Fast forward to present day. For our Holiday photo shoot, I was happy to see a fresh-faced smiling young lady who is very grateful for her own life after her own attempt with suicide and I am happy to say that when I saw her again (following this attempt) I hugged her for a long time and let her know that she is loved. Recently, Bailey has made it known through her own social media platform on Facebook that she has chosen to participate in the Miss Teen Canada competition and we couldn’t be more proud of her. We had an interview prior to this magazine launch going to press and here’s what she had to say: SMC - HI Bailey! We are very excited to be sharing your information about Miss Teen Canada! Can you tell us about how this came about?

Bailey- I learnt about Miss Teenage Canada (MTC) through another anti bullying advocate Kenzie on Facebook. We basically started talking and I became interest144 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 145

146 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 147

148 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

ed in doing the pageant.

SMC - We read in your campaign (please also attach her campaign) that you are doing it for yourself and Morgan. There are many readers who don’t know a lot about Morgan’s Mission (www.moregansmission.ca) yet and this would be your first chance to introduce them to it. What would you like to say about Morgan’s Mission?

Bailey- Morgan’s Mission is a society my family and I started after my twin sister Morgan died by suicide. It is to help end the stigma of mental illness and suicide; And to raise awareness to bullying and cyber bullying.

SMC - How Does Morgan’s Mission or Morgan relate to your entry into this competition?

Bailey- For MTC we need to have a platform. My platform is mental health & suicide prevention in teens.

Morgan relates as these were issues that effected her personally. She is the reason why I am using the platform I have.

SMC -Tell us a little but about what you need to do in order to be eligible Bailey – To be eligible for MTC you have to be at least 13 years old, a Canadian, attend school and those sorts of things. You then have to fill out an application and Michelle personally interviews you over Skype. Based on that you are selected as a delegate for regional’s.

SMC - We know that you have had some challenges of your own as of late. How do you feel about entering this competition given the fragile circumstances not too long ago?

Bailey – Having survived my suicide attempt a month ago makes me stronger and braver going into this now.

SMC - How does it feel to grace two covers now of Starlight Music Chronicles?

Bailey - Amazing! I am honored to be on them!

SMC - What does Starlight Music Chronicles mean to you in relation to your own circumstances?

Bailey – SMC is part of my family now! You are like my second mom lol! So it relates to everything I do and have been through.

SMC - There have been talks of a concert next spring to raise money for youth who are also struggling with the same pressures you have. Can you tell me the main goal of fundraising from that event? What would the money be allocated to?

Bailey – LOL That’s a question better directed to my

mom! As long as it is going towards something to help teens with these issues I am game!

SMC - What message do you hope to be sending your peers by appearing in the public eye as often as you do now?

Bailey – That they are not alone. I want them to know they are not the only ones battling these illnesses and that their mistakes need to be lessons to learn from.

AND NEVER TO GIVE UP! SMC - You strive to make changes at the school level.

What changes would you like to see happen most of all?

Bailey – We need to be learning to about mental health in school because its not always other people making you feel bad, you are often doing it to yourself. We need to be teaching the connection between bullying and how it can lead to mental health issues. Had we learnt about depression, self harm and eating disorders in school we would have noticed Morgan’s issues earlier. They need to be teaching suicide prevention in school because so many think bullying and suicide is a big joke.

SMC - If there was any advice you could give to teens your age or younger, what would that be?

Bailey – My advice to all youth and teens is you’re not alone. No matter what you are going through someone can always relate to it. That you can’t hide everything from those who care about you. I would tell them to think about all the people who do care and love them, all the experiences they have yet to do, like graduate high school, go to college and get married and have a family.

SMC - Last Question: Can you tell us where you would like to be or what you would like to be doing in the next year with all of this?

Bailey – I hope I am at least representing my city as Miss Teenage Fort Saskatchewan! I would love to be doing more with my dancing; I know meeting artists through SMC can help that dream happen. I would also LOVE to be doing school tours with Shay and talking and sharing about my story as well as Morgan’s.

To learn more about Bailey go to: www.facebook.com/baileydunbartwins4life To Learn more about Morgan’s Mission go to: www.morgansmission.ca To Read Bailey’s Teen Beat section on SMC go to: http://www.starlightmusicchronicles.com/bailey-dunbar--teen-persepctive.html

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 149

150 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

The Artist RACHEL WOZNOW

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 151

152 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

RACHEL WOZNOW

by CA Marshall Photography by CA Marshall In 2013, my oldest daughter mentioned to me that I ‘had to check out her friend Rachel’ and that she was ‘recording a song ‘in Vancouver, British Columbia. At the time, I was writing for my own entertainment blog and had just begun to delve into the music industry. As it turned out, I took a moment to listen to (now 19 year old) Rachel Woznows’ ‘American Boy’ single and I was blown away: I HAD to meet this young woman. It has almost been three years since I have met Rachel and in that time she has stayed the course now skyrocketing with her hit single ‘Big & Loud’ on the Billboard Top 40 charts from 38th place to 34th within a matter of weeks!

But even Sheer talent aside, Rachel has worked personally with me through several Photoshoots and Causes (she helped raise funds/awareness for Multiple Sclerosis in late 2013 at a Fashion Show for Edmonton Designer Trisha Pasnak by participating in a live performance – all money raised went to MS) and she has done so without even batting an eyelash. I have seen Rachel’s growth as both an individual and an Artist and I am personally very proud of how far she’s come in even such a short time and we can expect great things to come for this brilliant and talented young lady.

So without further adieu, let’s proceed with our interview!

SMC - Hello Rachel! We are happy to have you as our feature Artist for our second edition of Starlight Music Chronicles Magazine. What are your thoughts being asked to be a feature Artist in a Music Magazine?

I am honoured to be this month’s feature artist.

Starlight Music Chronicles has provided me with an amazing opportunity to share my music with its readers. I’m stoked to be included in this issue with so many other talented artists.

FEATURE ARTIST

SMC - Okay, next - Congratulations on all of you r success so far with your hit single ‘Big and Loud’! Can you tell us a little about the journey for you?

It’s been a crazy journey so far! I could’ve never anticipated that Big & Loud would receive such a great response not only in Canada but also in the U.S.. For Big & Loud to be on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 Indicator Chart for 5 straight weeks is surreal. Finding out that Big & Loud is the #1 indie song at U.S. Top 40 radio is absolutely thrilling.

SMC - We saw you traveled to Los Angeles for the MTV Video Music Awards in August of this year. Can you tell us a little bit about how that came to be?

I was selected as the winner of Canadian Music Week’s Street Idol 2015 contest with my single Big & Loud. They were searching for the most radio friendly Canadian recording. I was then invited to attend the 2015 MTV VMA’s (Video Music Awards) in Los Angeles to represent Canada.

It was an awesome experience getting to see so many of my favourite artists perform live. Attending the VMA’s provided a fantastic opportunity for me to introduce Big & Loud to U.S. radio.

SMC - It is now December and the year is almost over, What things would you say are the ‘Highlights’ of 2015 for you in your music career?

Oh I feel blessed to have had so many wonderful experiences this year! Some of the standout moments are signing a major licensing/distribution deal with ToCorea Music & Entertainment (South Korea) for the international release of Big & Loud, receiving two 2015 Edmonton Music Award nominations - “Rising Star” and “Pop Recording of the Year” for Big & Loud, being named the winner of Canadian Music Week’s Street Idol 2015, winning HOT 107 Edmonton’s HOT Factor radio STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 153

contest, opening for Mia Martina and Kardinall Offishall at HOT 107 Edmonton’s HOT Factor Block Party, attending the 2015 MTV VMA’s in Los Angeles representing Canada as Canadian Music Week’s Street Idol, Big & Loud receiving international air play as well as play all across U.S. radio, and Big & Loud debuting on the U.S. Billboard Mainstream Top 40 Indicator Chart at #38 while being named the highest debut of the week. Big & Loud has since moved up 8 spots on the U.S. Billboard Mainstream Top 40 Indicator Chart to #30 and is currently the #1 indie song at U.S. Top 40 radio! Phew! It’s been a whirlwind! *Noteworthy: at the time of this publication, Rachel moved up to the #30 spot!

SMC - What sorts of things can you say are going to be happening for you in 2016?

I’ll be releasing my next single in early 2016 and filming my first music video. I’m looking forward to returning to LA to promote my new single. One of my goals is to tour across Canada and the U.S. in support of my music.

SMC - Is there an album in the works for you?

At this point I’m going to be focusing on my next two singles but hopefully by next summer I will be looking seriously at releasing an EP! SMC - Are you planning on any collaborations with any other artists in 2016?

I would love to do a collaboration! There are so many amazing artists out there and I think it’s really cool to come together and each bring different elements to a song. I’m busy working on my next single right now but I’d be stoked to get the chance to do some collaborations in 2016!

SMC - If there was one artist you would love to collaborate with, who would that be?

Demi Lovato is one of my musical inspirations so I would be absolutely thrilled to get the chance to collaborate with her. I admire her powerhouse vocals and pop sensibility. She kills it on every performance she does!

SMC - We loved having you as our Cover mod154 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

el for the magazine. Tell us, what was it like to share the cover with our Teen Beat writer and the talented Miss Bailey Dunbar?

Sharing this cover with Bailey Dunbar was incredible. We had a blast on set! There was definitely a lot of laughs. Bailey is such a sweetheart and I think we made a great team.

SMC - What are your thoughts on Morgan’s Mission (www.morgansmission.ca) and what the Dunbar family is doing to raise awareness for teen suicide, bullying, mental health and PTSD? I think the Dunbar family is courageous for sharing their story. I so admire that during such a difficult time they have the strength to help other families that may be dealing with these serious issues.

SMC - If there was an organization that you would be in support of what would that be and why?

I’ve always been supportive of organizations that speak out against bullying. It’s become an epidemic in our society and it needs to be addressed. The Dunbar family is making such a difference by shining a light on this heartbreaking topic. I wholeheartedly support Morgan’s Mission and will do all I can to help spread her message.

SMC - What makes you most passionate in your career?

Music has been a joy in my life for as long as I can remember. It has sustained me through all the ups and downs. I would like my music to provide that same source of entertainment and comfort to others. There’s nothing like being onstage and feeling the electrifying energy from the crowd!

SMC - Looking back, we interviewed you when SMC was first beginning. Since, we both have grown in many diverse paths and have seen the amazing progress and giant strides you have made with your career. What do you think about your music today in comparison to the first recording you made?

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 155

While I’m proud of all that I’ve done I definitely feel that as I’ve matured so has my music. I have a better sense of who I am and I think this translates into my work. I am more confident now and I know that my music will continue to evolve as I do. I just want to keep getting better and better!

SMC - ‘American Boy’ was the song that captured our attention and we remember that first interview well. Since then, many media platforms have expressed interest in what you are doing.

What would you say is your most commonly asked question?

I’m often asked how I started singing. People seem to be very interested in what inspired me to become a singer and the journey that I’ve been on.

I can totally relate to that because I’ve always been interested in how some of my musical heroes got their start and the journey they’ve taken to get where they are today.

SMC - We always like to ask every Artist we interview this: What is your coolest fan experience?

After performing at HOT 107’s HOT Factor Block Party this past summer I came offstage and there was a group of teens waiting for my autograph.

We chatted and they told me they had made a special trip in from out of town to see me perform Big & Loud live. Performing at the event was awesome but meeting these fans was just the icing on the cake!

SMC - If there were anyone you could thank in your life for helping you with your career to date who would that be?

Definitely my mom! I certainly wouldn’t be where 156 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

I am today without her constant love and support. She has guided my career from the very beginning and has always been supportive of my dreams. My vocal coach Carol-Lynne Quinn has been behind me from the very start of my musical journey. I couldn’t ask for a better mentor. She’s been a role model for me both as a person and musician. I am so blessed to have these people in my life.

SMC - What do you like to do in your spare time outside of your ‘music life’?

I love to dance! I started taking dance lessons at age 3. I’ve done ballet, tap, hip hop, and I was a competitive jazz dancer. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family, listening to music, going to movies, etc.. To be honest pursuing my music is pretty much a full time job so I don’t really have all that much spare time!

SMC - You have worked with the HandsUp team (www.handsupmusic.com) on many occasions.

What words or thoughts would you like to share about your experience working with them?

Dan and Ari (of the production duo HandsUp!) are like family to me! They’re incredibly talented and it’s always fantastic to work with them. They have been there from the very start of my recording career and have helped me to grow as an artist and develop my own unique sound. I’m so excited to continue working with them and I feel fortunate to have them along on this crazy journey with me.

SMC - Which Artists locally have you been inspired by?

My vocal coach Carol-Lynne Quinn (lead singer of the band Rend) inspires me each and every

day. She’s got killer pipes and she’s an amazing songwriter. She navigates her career with such grace and dignity and I so admire that.

ues to be an amazing support for you throughout your journey. Do you feel you get all the family support you need?

SMC - What would you say would be the ultimate high in your career?

Yes, my family has been nothing but supportive! I think what I appreciate most is they have always been encouraging but at the same time also very protective of me. This can be a difficult business to navigate and I am so thankful that my family has helped me stay grounded and realistic in my goals. The main thing that they have taught me is to be humble when you win and gracious if you lose. This advice is something I will carry with me always.

The ultimate high in my career was debuting on the U.S. Billboard Mainstream Top 40 Indicator Chart (11/21/2015) at #38 above Ariana Grande and being named the highest debut of the week!

That was definitely one of those “pinch me” moments!

SMC - If there were words of advice you would like to give to a young person today about the music industry what would that be?

I would tell an aspiring musician to enjoy every moment of the journey and not be in a rush. I have learned that it is almost like climbing a staircase.

You can only take one step at a time but each step can lead you to greater heights. Surround yourself with good people who have your best interests at heart. It takes talent, passion, and tenacity to pursue your dreams. As cliché as it sounds you really have to believe in yourself.

SMC - Can you tell us a little about when you first began your career and what that was like for you?

When I first started my only goal was to sing because I loved it. It was fun! Finding out that there were vocal competitions I could participate in was really exciting for me. Getting a chance to sing on an actual stage was such a thrill and when I won my first regional vocal competition at age 9 I had no doubts that singing was what I wanted to do.

SMC - We know that your mom has and contin-

SMC - Okay, last question: What would you like to add to this that we don’t know about?

It might seem a little strange for a pop artist but I played the flute in my junior high school band. In my younger days I really enjoyed art and won a few local art competitions. I played soccer for many years growing up but finally figured out that I had a tendency to run away from the ball instead of towards it. I was always so afraid of getting hit in the face with the ball! I have kept in contact with my favourite teacher from grade four and I am proud to say that I regularly visit her elementary school class. The students are such an inspiration for me.

SMC – Awesome! Thank you Rachel!

We look forward to even more abundance and great news for this budding Pop Star and wish Rachel all the best in her Bright Future!

For more inforamtion on Rachel go to: www,rachelwoznow.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/RachelWoznow/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/rachelwoznow Instagram: www.instagram.com/rachelwoznow/

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 157

158 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

www.michigan

nfilm2016.com

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 159

160 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

PRODUCER INTERVIEW/REVIEW

STUART EPPS

by CA Marshall Photography by CA Marshall Part One: Stuart Epps Record/Music Producer Photos courtesy of Stuart Epps

Only a few weeks back, I had the privilege of speaking for a generous amount of time to the one and only (famous) Record/Music Producer Stuart Epps. Now, for an older generation (such as myself) who grew up listening to the Classic Rock sounds of Elton John, Led Zeppelin (particularly Jimmy Page), Oasis, and Robbie Williams, Mr. Epps is a legend. He has helped produce some of the most notorious albums of all time with these Artists and even now, shows no signs of stopping.

For the purpose of this feature and for subsequent features in a Special Edition series magazine issues we have chosen our first interview with Mr. Epps to speak about current projects, get to know a little more about him and what he is offering for today’s Artist looking for that ‘Midas Touch’ on their final production. We have conveniently broken down the interview (an hour and a half was our phone time!) into two parts, the first of which appears as an introduction in the Holiday 2015 issue and part two in the January 2016 where we begin to discuss Mr. Epp’s career path to present day. Watch for Part two in our Special Edition magazine issue in January, 2016.

Interview: Part One SMC – Hello Stuart! Let’s begin shall we? What spurned it on to work with (exclusively?) Indie Artists at this point in your career?

Stuart – It’s not exclusive really, ‘Indie Artists’ isn’t a new term really, I mean, Elton John was an Indie Artist when I started working with him. I guess it’s just a new term for Artists who aren’t really signed to a major label. I am up for working with all Artists whether they are signed or unsigned. Since the internet has grown, it has become more possible for independent Artists, or anyone really, to contact me. It’s not just me, it’s Record Producers and people in the Music Business generally whereas before it was a closed business and the only way you could get to talk to a Record Producer or Publisher was through a Record Company. Now with the internet everyone is available to get in touch with.

In my case, it’s happened in quite a technical way, there’s so many STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 161

The 1974 North American ‘Elton John Tour’

162 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 163

people using home studios these days, (Independent Artists) what with the costs of writing and studios....it’s more easy for them to work at home and record at home but then they are limited to just their expertise and to what they can do so what’s been happening is that Artists can get in touch with me and I can literally produce them remotely – what I call ‘remote producing’ by sharing music files and in that way I have been able to produce whole albums for Artists who have maybe only sent me guitar and voice and I then might be doing the whole production around it or I might be remixing and mastering. It is an amazing, modern way of working with Artists.

I am working with a lot of Artists from Canada, USA, Europe and all over the world really. It’s opened up the whole field for me being able to work with a more varied collection of Artists and giving them the chance to improve their production.

SMC – My curiosity, which genre of Artists do you prefer to work with? Is there a preference? Obviously you cannot accept every Artist that is going to approach you...?

Stuart – I’ve always said I probably can produce and help anyone in any genre but obviously if it’s music that I’m particularly fond of it’s a lot easier to work on. It’s more enjoyable and the ideas will come to me that much better so that would be mainly Pop and Rock and Folk Music/Folk Rock. It’s very wide ranging – the genres I am not particularly fond of would be Rap, Heavy Metal, and straight Country & Classical music. Those are the genres I don’t really know so much about so I am probably best not getting involved with it.

The vast Soul and R&B I am also into but Rock bands or Rock/Pop Artists.... that’s probably my favorite.

SMC – I saw an article from last year – you’ve been doing this for a year already? How long have you been doing this?

Stuart – About ten years now – quite a long time really. But technically, it’s been about 30 -40 years so it’s relatively a short period of time. The last ten years people have been really able to get in touch with me via the internet and so that work has really gone up quite a lot. Any given time, I am working with about 10-15 different Artists from all over the world. It is very exciting – I don’t get bored as the genres are very diverse. It’s very different than from when I started out working with maybe only one or two Artists for quite a few years, and months on an album as opposed to working with Artists every day really. You are from Canada and I do quite a bit of talks with Canadian Artists in particular – Music Colleges and that sort of thing. The internet has really just opened it up.

SMC – I have also noticed that you do some promo and branding with some of the Artists you work with too. Can you tell us a little bit about that?

Stuart – The thing is, I do know other people in the music business, I can always give advice on promotion to artists that I work with, but in a more serious way, if I heard something and thought ‘This really is something different, something special’ then I would help promote that Artist wherever possible on my own websites, Facebook and with record company connections and that sort of thing but it would have to be something special – something a bit different.

SMC – How would you like Starlight Music Chronicles to help with introducing Artists to you? Would you like for us to approach Artists or would you prefer they be looking for the help and then we introduce our Artists to you?

164 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

(l-r): Stuart Epps, Elton John, and Kiki Dee STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 165

(l-r): Noel Gallagher, Liam Gallagher, and Stuart Epps 166 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 167

Stuart – Ideally it would be best if they want the help and then the introductions can be made so based on that if there are any you would like me to listen to then no problem. Canada is where many of my absolute favorite Artists of all time come from – I don’t know why that is, why Canada is a particularity amazing place for singer/songwriters but it does tend to be. In the past, you’ve got Joni Mitchell, Bryan Adams, James Taylor, and Jackson Browne.

I mean, the list just goes on and on. They are all a similar Folk sound.

SMC – Great! We will definitely connect you with some of the brilliant Artists here in future. What is best for contact purposes?

Stuart – I prefer email but people contact me via any means really, but I prefer if an Artist is actually looking for a Producer as opposed to one asking to ‘have a listen, see what you think’. I’m not crazy about that really because if I was doing that I would be listening to everyone’s music all day long.

The website: www.eppsmusicproductions.com – I am trying to get more exposure for that all over if possible.

SMC – Are you okay with us promoting your website on the front page of www.starlightmusicchronicles.com?

Stuart – Yes, absolutely! Anything you can do Candice would be a great help. Thank you.

SMC – Let’s go into some history/timeline of your career. I had a giggle when going through your photos. I saw one of a huge plane and a whole bunch of people in front of it. Could you tell me a little more about that photo? I believe its Elton John’s plane? (See full page spread) Stuart – Yes, there is a bit of history that I have really. That photo was taken in 1974 and I was 23 I believe and by that age I had already accomplished a lot with Elton. I met him when I was only 15 and I first toured with him when I was 18 in the USA. That wasn’t as his producer yet, more so as his personal Manager and Assistant and that was via working with Dick James, who was The Beatles music Publisher and that’s where I started working in the music business from school in 1967. I was there for about 5 years working on Elton’s career and there were other bands there. I was also learning production, engineering, A&R, Publishing and everything else. Then Elton started his own record company: Rocket Records in 1972 approximately and then I started working with Kiki Dee and in 1973/74 I began working more so with Kiki and

168 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

getting her band together and Elton asked her to go on his big American Tour. That’s what that photo is about: that’s Kiki there and everyone on that tour.

We came to Canada also and that was the tour that John Lennon came on tour with us for a few days and performed on stage at Madison Square Gardens. It was a pretty amazing tour.

There’s another photo I sent you of Elton in a chicken suit and that’s Kiki in that photo on the right and that’s me on the left. That’s on that same tour in 1974. I miss touring really, they were great days for Elton’s career. It was nice to witness Elton’s career take off from playing for a few friends then becoming this international superstar and playing for hundreds of thousands of people and selling millions of records.

I’ve been fortunate that I have seen several Artists start off from their early beginnings and watched them transform and when you are working with new Artists that’s what you are looking for is the possibility of any of those Artists being able to gather that root as well.

SMC – You’ve worked with Robbie Williams, Oasis, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) is my favorite I’d have to say....

Stuart – That’s right, well, with Jimmy, after this tour in 1974, I was actually thinking of retiring at that point because I felt I had really done everything and I was getting old (I was 23) and I figured it was about time to retire. Gus Dudgeon, Elton John’s Producer decided to build a recording studio in a village called Cookham (England – called ‘The Mill’) which is where I am still to this day. It is a phenomenal studio with advanced technology – very luxurious and he had that studio for about five years.

Elton John recorded there and all sorts of bands.

Then he sold it and Jimmy Page ended up buying it and wanted to keep me on as engineer and studio Manager. So then I started this new period of working for Jimmy for about five years.

It has all been very exciting because after forming my own studio called Wheeler End which was originally owned by Alvin Lee (Guitarist of Ten Years After), and that was where I managed to get Robbie Williams, Oasis, and Paul Weller to come and record in the 1990’s. That was another amazing time as well. It’s always been very exciting. I’ve been lucky really. There have always been new things going on and new things to do even up until present day where I am working with more new Artists.

I just came from a studio up north where I was working with some young kids and their lead singer is about nine years old. They are a great Rock band

and the lead singer plays great guitar and they are all great musicians, very impressive. I find that parents are spending more time with their children to build their careers at a young age these days.

SMC – That is very young. We are obviously seeing a much younger generation of Artists and I do know with the male voice, there is the ‘voice change’ that happens as they get older. For you, working with these youth, how would the transition be?

Stuart – Well with these young boys, they have a higher pitch voices but it’s actually quite nice. So obviously when he reaches 12 or 13 his voice is going to break and you never quite know what’s going to happen to your voice when that happens. So you just have to wait and see what it turns into. I know of one Artist that was signed to Elton John’s label when his voice hadn’t broken, then it finally did, and he still had a great voice. I think chances are if you have a great singing voice to begin with then it just develops into a deeper, good voice. You just have to wait and see what happens.

SMC – If you had to name a band that you’ve worked with recently (even a couple of them) who would you say would be your favorite if you had to pick?

Stuart – On my eppsmusicprodutions.com site there’s actually a German band (Audio Circus) and I did particularly like them because there is a very good mixture of Rock and R&B – also for the fact that they are German was pretty unusual. There is a track of theirs on the Artists section of my site.

On that particular part of my site is where I put the Artists that I like.

Another band is called Ginger Tom, I like what they are doing it’s pretty vibe-y but there’s not very many other bands that I have come across that I have struck me in a profound way really – not for quite some time which is a shame, I’d like to find more and work with more bands, I love bands but I haven’t run across any that I would go absolutely berserk over in a while to be honest.

There is on my other website: www.stuartepps.com is a band from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada called ‘The River Valley Search Party’ that I worked with a little while ago and they were pretty good.

I have worked in the past with a band in South Africa and I thought ‘Wow! This is just one of the best things I’ve ever heard’ but then I found out after hearing their album, the lead singer had just been killed in a car crash. The lead singer was very charismatic and just had a very good voice for his

age. So that was pretty tragic.

But yeah, there are a lot of bands on the site from all over who are also really good. Where have all the bands gone Candice? Find me some bands. (laughs) I have all sorts of theories about this. I talk a lot about it: it does seem that youngsters (with so much choice, and only so much you can do on your own) that it doesn’t seem to be that that many stay together too. There’s a lot of choice and a lot people can do in their own studio.

Being a band is a different dynamic, it’s a very complex situation really that takes al lot of patience and dedication. People don’t necessarily want to do that these days – they come across a few problems and it’s like ‘right, that’s the end of that, I’ll find something else’. That’s why you have to admire bands like The Rolling Stones and The Who and these bands that have been literally going for 30 or 40 years. Of course, they’ve become massive, companies really, more than just bands so there’s a lot of that involvement. But still, it’s not that easy to get a bunch of guys or girls together really and put them to work.

SMC – (Final question before being continued in the Special Edition Magazine for the Career on Stuart Epps) Does it step on anyone’s toes if I were to say to a band: ‘Hey would you be interested in speaking to Stuart Epps’ if they already have production work done?

Stuart – Yeah, well there is really no harm in mentioning it. If a band is very happy with the Producer and their productions then and they feel it is brilliant and they don’t want to change then or they don’t need to change then that’s fine, But there is the possibility that they may want a change, they weren’t happy with the sound or there were aspects of production that they are not happy with: the mixing etc., there’s all that so, there’s all sorts of different possibilities and it’s not stepping on anyone’s toes because if they’re happy with everything then they’ll just say they are not interested. So, that’s fine.

I am all for working with Artists abroad where I may not be involved with every part of the production from the beginning and maybe they want to try a different mix or they’re just not happy with the mix then I am up for doing that. Making music – it takes whatever it takes really and whatever the ingredients are that make it all happen is what needs to be done.

To find out more about Stuart Epps go to: www.eppsproductions.com or; STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 169

170 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

ARTIST INTERVIEW/REVIEW

DANI ROSENOER

by CA Marshall Photography courtesy of Dani Rosenoer

Dani Rosenoer is a pianist, vocalist, and songwriter from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He currently tours with the band ‘Three Days Grace’ as their keyboard player and backup vocalist. Dani also fronts the band ‘Everyone’s Talking’ and releases solo material featuring a variety of genres, diverse guest-musicians, and world-class production values. Born in Russia and raised in Israel, Dani’s musical influences stem from many contrasting genres and styles including: pop, progressive rock, new age instrumentals, and electronic music. To date, Dani has released 3 EPs, a solo album (several singles from his sophomore solo album have already been released) and an album with the band Everyone’s Talking. Dani’s second LP, ‘Monkey Prison’, is due in the coming weeks.

It isn’t often that the timing works as seamlessly as it did when I had the opportunity to interview Singer/Songwriter Dani Rosenoer (Keyboardest/Back Up Vocalist for Three Days Grace) of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. However, mid-November, time stood still and I was lucky enough to meet up with the budding Indie Artist downtown Edmonton, Alberta for an exclusive interview.

Rosenoer is about to release his new album ‘Monkey Prision’ in January of 2016 and has already begun an exciting fan interactive campaign to get it started (To find out more, go to: http:// www.pledgemusic.com/projects/monkeyprison) Dani’s musical flair for blending a variety of styles such as Pop, Progressive Rock, New Age Instrumentals and Electronic Music transcends to a truly unique sound which caught our attention when he participated in the December 2015 Starlight Music Chronicles Artist of the Month competition and we haven’t looked back. Similar to the different sound that Swerve (also competitors in the same event) creates, it was worthy of an article to define who and what Rosenoer is about.

Interview SMC – Hello Dani! Thank you for meeting with me today. We STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 171

are happy to have you on board for the Artist of the Month Competition and know that you are in town to perform (on tour) with Three Days Grace (TDG).

Dani – Yes, thank YOU! SMC – I see that you are now in fourth place in the competition (at the time of the interview) which is pretty good! More importantly, I am curious to find out what is your main reason for going Independent as an solo Artist (from Three Days Grace)?

Dani – I guess I have always been making music all of my life so that’s always been the fun part and that’s what eventually got me into an interesting place with what I do now. I have always been composing, performing, releasing music.....just doing it all – no reason to stop now. At present, I 172 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

am juggling the two (careers).

SMC – What sorts of things do you do that aren’t music related in your off-time?

Dani – When I am at home I watch a lot of movies and read a lot of books. Me and my girlfriend are geeks you know? (laughs) We even play a lot of video games, so, you know....I love to travel too.

We get to do a lot of that on tour as well so that’s always nice but my favorite thing to do is always create music. It’s my job and my off-time hobby if you can call it that.

SMC – I saw you were born in Moscow, Russia, and raised in Israel. Can you tell us a little bit about that?

Dani – yeah, I left Moscow when I was six years old.

SMC – So you have a lot of culture – and when you’re bringing that into a musical career with the band, what do you think you lend to the band?

Dani – I lend keyboards and back-up which is nice because it isn’t every band that does that so it’s unique in its own right but yeah, you know.... also, when we go to Russia I can spy for them (he laughs, jokingly) But no, really, I can understand what everybody is saying and can translate so I guess that’s the biggest contributor.

SMC – How do you feel about travelling to Russia considering what recently happened in Paris. I mean, are you all even a little unsure of travelling there? How do you feel the band would be prepared for something like that?

Dani – Well, it definitely hits home you know. Paris is a relatable event in general, but we have friends in our crew that knew people who died in that

incident.

SMC – Oh, I am sorry to hear that!

Dani – Uh yeah, it was actually the merch Manager who passed away. So you know just hearing stuff like that and you think ‘Wow! This is a city much like the one I lived in and it hits home you know. I mean, these events happen all the time.

It’s actually nothing new in the world – I read that there’s been like, 200-something terrorist acts this year globally alone. But when it hits a place like Paris, yeah, it hits everyone.

SMC – The changing of the flag on Facebook.

What are your thoughts on that?

Dani - I don’t agree with that. I mean, I come from Israel and I never put up Israeli flags myself. We have terrorist acts there sometimes on a daily basis. I don’t know, I suppose if someone thinks it’s significant and chooses to do it, who are we STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 173

to say, don’t change your flag you know? I am not from Paris but I thought it was such a crazy thing to have happened. I am not going to be judging others because of their grief, that’s their right (to change their profiles to a different flag) SMC – When is your release for Monkey Prison (new album)?

Dani – Hopefully early next year – January 2016. I am trying to lock all of the dates at present. It’s been many years in the making so, it’s about time it comes out. I am promoting the album through www.pladgemusic. com. Fans will be able to get a lot of really cool stuff: Skype lessons, original music composed for them and t-shirts, and all of that regular cool stuff-merch, even the opportunity to mix a song with me and all kinds of cool pledges like that. This is a pre-order project for fans. It’s a little bit risky but....

SMC - Risky? In what way?

Dani – Well.... people don’t buy music these days, and we know people don’t buy music.....hopefully they buy the music, well, they can buy the merchandise and hopefully it is an incentive to have something from the Artist that is truly unique that they can’t get anywhere else.

SMC – Do you have any plans to tour as a solo Artist?

Dani – (laughs) Well, I am touring enough for now (with Three Days Grace) SMC – But as a solo Artist do you have plans?

Dani – Perhaps one day, that would be really fine SMC – So, what’s your favorite place to play in Canada?

Dani – That’s an interesting question – I would have to say ‘The Sound Academy’ in Toronto, my own hometown. I have watched many bands perform there myself. We also played a cool gig in Moscow at a stadium there and performed in front of about 6000-7000 fans. That was really cool.

SMC – What is your weirdest fan experience?

Dani – Well, in Russia fans are really crazy and they followed the band (TDG) everywhere. Like, at 6am you would be coming off the train and there they would be you know? They know exactly where to stand too – and the train is huge so you don’t know where the band is going to be coming out of and there they are!

SMC – Has there been ever an experience that has freaked you out?

Dani – no they have all been fairly positive experiences really. I have seen some interesting stuff online but, yeah, generally it has been positive experiences.

SMC – With your new music that is coming out, how many songs will there be on the album? (see photo for complete playlist announced December 7th, 2015) Dani – There will be 14 on the album and if you order and pledge the mu174 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 175

176 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

sic you can get five extra tracks – acoustic stuff.

SMC – Are there plans for another video or single release before the album launches?

Dani – I will be dropping some tracks, yeah. Hopefully another video would be nice but you know, it’s hard to make videos, it’s expensive.

SMC – How do you feel about Indie Labels?

Dani – Indie labels are good SMC - If you had to tell us the first few songs in your iPod that you have on play which ones would that be?

Dani – I’ve been listening to this new band called ‘Nothing But Thieves’ – really really good! They are kind of like early Radiohead which is another band I always like to listen to. I also like to listen to psychedelicelectronic music like Infected Mushroom – they are an Israeli band and they are really crazy.

SMC – For tonight’s performance, do you get excited or nervous before a show or....?

Dani – Of course! I mean, that’s always the fun part right? We had a day off yesterday so we are all refreshed and ready to rock and today will be the first set of three shows in a row so it will be good! It will be fun.

SMC – Aside from Toronto, where else do you enjoy performing?

Dani – I have always liked Vancouver. I also Like Kelowna, British Columbia – it’s very relaxing.

SMC – When did you come to Canada?

Dani – About 13 years ago.....in 2002.

SMC – And you have been with the band for...

Dani – Three and a half years now, yeah.

SMC – I was going to say: 2012 right? That’s what I read Dani – Yes. SMC – Which do you prefer: performing your own music or with the band?

Dani – I don’t think it’s really a fair comparison – my favorite is being able to do both really. When I am home I work on my stuff and when I am touring I am touring right? There’s always time on tour to work on stuff too. From touring with TDG I have learned so much, it’s been a wild ride. It still is – it’s quite a rush really.

SMC – Well thank you Dani it has been a pleasure talking with you!

Dani – Yes absolutely!

For more information on Dani go to: http://www.YouTube.com/DaniRosenoer http://www.SoundCloud.com/DaniRosenoer STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 177

Starlight

MUSIC Concerts&Festivals

SPECIAL EDITION COMING JANUARY 2016 FEATURING: 178 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 179

180 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Starlight

MUSIC Contributors AMBER JENKINS MARC MCGARRAGHY NATALIE RICHER NATASHA DUNBAR RANDY WAYNE BELT XRISTOPHER BLAND

Happy Holidays!

Love From,

The Starlight Music Chronicles Family!

STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 181

182 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES