Dan Mangan and His Outstanding Five Albums If you’re a fan of the Vancouver music scene, then I think it’s safe to say you’ve at least heard of Vancouver’s very own Dan Mangan. From the early 2000’s, Mangan has took the Canadian stage by storm, as his fans have watched him grow into the well rounded artist he is today. From playing multiple instruments like the guitar, keyboard and piano, to writing and singing his own songs, the indie-rock/folk artist has just released his fifth album. Over the years, we’ve seen Mangan keep his signature indie-rock vibe while still changing and evolving with every album. So if your interested to see how this local artist has managed to bring a little something new to the table with each and every album released, then listen up! 1. Postcards & Daydreaming Released in 2005, Mangan’s first album was well received in the Canadian music scene, especially to all the indie lovers. Although some said the album showed a more “generic folk sound”, his convincing lyrics gave most listeners a tease of what could be coming next for the local performer. 2. Nice, Nice, Very Nice Released only four years after “Postcards & Dreaming”, the title of Dan’s second album “Nice, Nice, Very Nice” was inspired from a poem contained in American author Kurt Vonnegut’s 1963 novel Cat’s Cradle. The record opens with arguably the most popular track on the album, “Road Regrets”, which set the tone for the listener’s experience. This album got Mangan a nominee for 2010 Polaris Music Prize. 3. Oh Fortune “Oh Fortune”, Mangan’s third album, not only won the hearts of many Canadians, but also won the Juno Award after debuting on the Billboard Canadians Albums Chart at number nine. From here, the indie-folk artist started to gain popularity, and a more musically advanced sound. 4. Club Meds Released under Dan Mangan + Blacksmith, “Club Meds” consist of a variety of Vancouver musicians plus of course, Dan himself. Mangan’s fourth album gave his fans the chance to see him as a band leader rather than a solo act, as his following continued to grow.
5. More or Less Dan Mangan’s most recent album, “More or Less”, is described by Mangan as “witnessing birth and in some ways, rebirth” as he reflects on himself as a father. He also describes his latest work “about raising kids in a turbulent world, unanswerable questions and kindness and friendship and fear”. Dan Mangan continues to share his musical talents with the world while still keeping his authentic indie vibe. So what’s your favourite Mangan album? Let us know in the comments, or tweet us @evolution1079. https://commons.bcit.ca/evolution1079/2018/11/27/dan-mangan-and-hisoutstanding-five-albums/
A Star to Look out for: Tommy Genesis If you are looking for some new music, maybe wanting to step out of your comfort zone, you know something with a different flare, then Tommy Genesis is the girl you’ve been searching for. “Who is she?” “Is that her real name?” “Does she still have that indie-alternative sound I like?” I know your asking yourself these questions, but don’t worry because we got you covered. Born Genesis Yasmine Mohanraj, Tommy Genesis created this stage name for herself after her birth name. She is a Vancouverite who graduated from Emily Carr University of Art and Design where she studied film and sculpture. From here, her music career took off after she started recording rap as a personal project. Now typically rap and indie don’t go hand in hand, yet somehow Genesis found a way. Her unique sound and style has caught the eye of many Canadians and earned her a record deal back in 2015. After signing with Awful Records in 15’, she then signed to Downtown Records/Interscope Records and released her single “100 Bad”. Not only did “100 Bad” draw in the hearts of Canadians, but also caught the eye of superstar Charlie XCX who did a remix of her single, helping Genesis gain a larger following. Not only has this ‘fetish rapper’ made a name for herself in the world of music, she also has is quite well-known in fashion. Genesis is a Calvin Klein model and walked side of some of the biggest names in the industry like Kendall Jenner. One thing that’s certain, Tommy Genesis likes to remain secretive. In no time soon does she plan to tell the world her age, and agrees her sound and extremely sexual lyrics often leave her audience wondering what is truly meant. Another thing that’s certain…if you aren’t listening to Tommy Genesis…start. https://commons.bcit.ca/evolution1079/2018/11/30/a-star-to-look-out-for-tommygenesis/
Fake Shark and Their Unique Sound Do you ever wonder how a band does it all? You know, bands with captivating live performances, multi-instrumentalists and fall under a ton of different genres? Now a days, it seems that many bands are looking to find a more mainstream avenue in order to gain popularity and more reach. Some may argue that finding an authentic band who looks to keep their different yet favorable sound is almost impossible to find. If you’re feeling the frustration on your search for these diamonds in the rough, then look no farther! Fake Shark is a Vancouver based band who has been taking on the local Canadian scene head first. Once known as the Fake Shark – Real Zombie!, this band consists of three members and fall under seven different genres such as freak-pop, indierock, indie-pop, hip-hop, post-hardcore, dance-punk and art-punk. So how do they do it? How has Fake Shark remained so popular, managed to keep their exceptionally unique sound, and find the talent to appeal to such a wide range of music lovers? It could be that their inspiration came from bands they looked up to. Formed by Kevvy and Louis in October 2005, they both enjoyed each others unique sounds which was inspired by bands they shared a mutual appreciation for in hopes of opening for them on tour one day. From here, new band members were added to complete their fascinating yet prominent sound. In addition to their beloved style, their punk-like attitudes also caught the attention of many. It is said that bouncers had to start taking down Fake Shark’s set in order for the band to get off the stage and stop playing. The band is also known to wear dresses while performing which has helped paint the image of them as punk-indie rockers. Although their love for exclusive styles and unique character helped shape the band into who they are today, Fake Shark has always obtained the desire and inspiration to take on the Canadian stage and share their one and only sound. https://commons.bcit.ca/evolution1079/2018/11/27/fake-shark-and-their-uniquesound/
Yukon Blonde is Coming to Vancouver Calling all Yukon Blonde fans! (Yes I know you’re reading this). Interested in learning more about this awesome Canadian band and how you can get the opportunity to see them next month? Perfect. Yukon Blonde is a Canadian indie rock band from Kelowna BC, but has been based in Vancouver since 2009 where the alternative indie scene is much more alive. The once eight-member group has now turned into a five-member powerhouse, by being named one of the "10 Canadian bands destined to break 2010” by the CBC. If you’re a fan of the already well-established Canadian group, then your familiar with their most recent work “Critical Hit”, a 13 song album released in June of this year. I asked one of Evolution’s very own music nerds William Cook on his opinion of Yukon Blonde’s latest album: “If your into groovy alternative rock with a retro vibe, and some slick guitar licks, then this new album by Yukon Blonde should be right up your alley. Personally, I thought the album was a feel good set of tracks that makes for good pick-me-up”. Yukon Blonde is making their way back to the lower mainland early next month for a can’t-miss concert. On Wednesday December 5 at 8:00pm, watch them take the stage at the Commodore Ballroom right here in downtown Vancouver! https://commons.bcit.ca/evolution1079/2018/11/27/yukon-blonde-is-comi/
Script for on camera: Hello and welcome to this special edition of Chalkboard Entertainment. I’m your host Brooke Graham, and today we are going to look a little deeper into the passing of one of LA’s most significant and influential members of the hip hop community. Born Ermias Joseph Asghedom, rapper Nipsey Hussle was reported dead on March 31 after numerous gunshots were open fired. The LA born rapper died just an hour after the shooting took place, which resulted in fatal gunshots to the head and torso. Hussle was outside his clothing store in South LA before shots were fired, making this one of the most talked about stories to date. Just 2 days later, a suspect by the name of Eric Holder was rumored to be the alleged murderer, and is currently in solitary confinement. The breaking news surfaced the internet less then an hour after the scene was attended to, before the announcement of his passing. Just minutes later, posts flooded the social media realm with prayers, thoughts, love sent to Nipsey and family. Members of the hip hop community such as Drake, Meek Mill and Dave East were quick to comment on his passing, as well as many athletes such as LeBron James, Donovan Mitchell and Odell Beckham Jr. One thing made clear throughout Nipsey’s death was his involvement in the Rollin’ 60’s; an LA gang that is associated with the Crips. Many were quick to speculate that the incident was gang related, despite the LAPD’s disbelief that this was the motive behind the killing. And while there were many who appeared on social media as “not surprised”, there may be some things you don’t know about Nipsey Hussle. The 33-year old was much more than a grammy-nomiated rapper. He was a community activist, entrepreneur, and father of 2. Nipsey Hussle may have been best known for his talents in the hip hop world, but was also well known for his involvement in better shaping his community of Crenshaw. In 2017 after escaping the gang scene, he opened his clothing store; Marathon, where customers could use their smart phones to order. In 2018, he co-founded a science and tech focused center for under privileged youth in the neighbourhood. And throughout his years in the spotlight, we watched Hussle work to benefit his communities, with a pure intention to give back.
We saw him renovate an old basketball court in the South LA area, donate 10,000 to an elementary school, and open up a barber shop where he would often offer free hair cuts to under paid workers. Just a day after the rapper was killed, he was said to meet with the LAPD to talk quote “about ways he could help stop gang violence and help us kids�. There is no doubt, Nipsey Hussle was seen as an inspiration to many, and a neighbourhood hero who will be missed greatly. That is all I have for you today but make sure to stay tuned for the next episode of Chalkboard Entertainment.
Script for on camera: Good afternoon, I’m Brooke Graham and here is your Evolution entertainment update to 1:00 o’clock. Felicity Huffman has agreed to plead guilty in the ongoing college admissions scandal that broke out in mid March. The actress and 13 other defendants, which includes 13 parents and one coach, will appear in Boston for a court date that is later to be determined. Huffman pleaded guilty for paying 15 thousand dollars to a fake charity associated with Rick Singer, to help facilitate cheating for her eldest daughters SAT exam. The Desperate Housewives star said in a statement quote “I am in full acceptance of my guilt, and with deep regret and shame over what I have done, I accept full responsibility for my actions and will accept the consequences that stem from those actions”. Alongside Huffman, many of the defendants could face up to 20 years in prison, however a federal judge will have the final say. Just yesterday, our girl Oprah Winfrey made a sizable donation of 2 million dollars to help rebuild Puerto Rico’s art and cultural programs. In 2017 Hurricane Maria tore through Puerto Rico, leaving not much in its trail. The island has been doing its best to revive and rebuild, however is far from a full recovery. Winfrey’s donation will be split in half, with one million going to the Hispanic Federation’s UNIDOS Disaster Relief and Recovery Program, while the other half is donated to The Flamboyan Arts Fund. The 65-year-old expressed in a statement quote “The needs of Puerto Rico and our fellow American citizens following the tragic hurricanes are still very real, and the work that has already been done by the Hispanic Federation, Flamboyan Arts Fund and other organizations on and off the island is long from over." This is not the first time we’ve seen Oprah donate millions of dollars into bettering numerous communities, but I have to say it never gets old. And finally, if a donation from Oprah wasn’t enough then how about another generous donation from Taylor Swift? Just yesterday, the 29-year-old singer made a donation of 113 thousand dollars to a Tennessee LGBTQ Rights Organization. Swift drafted up a handwritten note expressing how grateful and inspired she felt by the organizations work, and asked if they would accept her donation to quote “support the work you and these leaders are doing”. I don’t know about you but I think they’re gunna take it. That was it for your entertainment update, I’m Brooke Graham, and next update in 1 hour.
NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Dec. 18, 2018
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BCIT Students Help Burnaby’s SPCA by Taking Pictures with Santa Paws BURNABY – BCIT students will be raising money for the Burnaby SPCA by having their photo taken with Santa and a therapy dog of their choice. Around the Christmas time, the Burnaby SPCA is always looking for pet food, supplies and a loving family to adopt the many animals in need. The BCIT Student Association brings in therapy dogs with the “Doggy-De-Stress” service, held in the Great Hall of the Burnaby campus. Students and staff will have the opportunity to donate a minimum of two dollars as they get their photo taken with Santa Clause and a therapy dog. Props such as Santa hats, reindeer antlers, elf ears and plush candy-canes will be available for use. This charity event is an example of BCIT’s commitment and desire to give back to the Burnaby community, all for a good ‘claws’. The goal of this event is to raise $500.00. The Burnaby SPCA is in high demand for various materials for basic pet care. Items such as food, grooming supplies, and beds/crates to keep the animals warm and safe are just to name a few. In 2017, the BC SPCA provided care to just under 50,000 distressed animals. With a large number of animals entering the shelter each year, the urgency for supplies is growing. The date of this charity event is set for December 22, 2018 from 11:30am – 3:30pm. We want to ensure all students and staff have the appropriate amount of time to snap the perfect shot and get to know each dog. Learn More: Visit the BC SPCA page for more information and how you can help make a ‘pawsitive’ difference: https://spca.bc.ca/locations/burnaby/
Contacts: Lorie Chortyk General Manager, Community Relations, BC SPCA lchortyk@spca.bc.ca 604-647-1316 (office) 604-830-7179 (cell) Trina Prince Event Manager, BCIT Student Association tprince@bcitsa.ca 604-432-8413 (office) Ivan Tucakov Event Coordinator, BCIT Student Association itucakov@bcitsa.ca 604-456-1201(office) Brooke Graham BCIT student, Broadcast Media Communications, School of Business graham3b@gmail.com 250-634-2131 (cell) -END-