If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
The MMVAs has showcased some of the biggest names in music performing on our very own street (Queen St. West that is) From Kanye West and his daunting 'Jesus Walks' to Arcade Fire bringing a marching band into the storied studio, to Drake and Bieber walking the red carpet together, it's a night that never ceases to impress. This year promises to be no different, and I'm a part of it!
I've often been asked about what it was like growing up around music, both by strangers and friends. I am still trying to figure it out myself, both its impact on me as a musician and its impact on me as a person. I think there are two points of influence, music at home and music as my father's job.
Original, talented, independent and self-reliant, women are in the forefront of music today. I may be biased, but I truly believe that women can be THE FUTURE OF MUSIC AND THE WORLD. Now we can really say, we've "come a long way baby".
Performing live is difficult for most musicians. Successfully conveying emotion to a crowd takes practice. Even professional musicians make mistakes. One great gig can be the difference between fame and obscurity, so don't sabotage your debut before you even arrive. Follow these tips to avoid shooting yourself in the foot onstage.
She recently headlined a show at the Phoenix where she blew the audience away with her inspired performance. Though some folks say it's hard to define her style, there's one thing that couldn't be clearer: she was born to sing and she is fulfilling her destiny.
Lavigne is like the prom queen who peaked in high school, looking back on her glory days. While other pop stars who hit it big in their teens have made efforts to be taken more seriously, like her attitude, Lavigne's music hasn't matured at all in her more than decade-long career.
So, I wrote a rap song with my mom. Before we even set pen to paper, my mom began expressing some doubts about the whole endeavor. She was fearful that, never having done such a thing, she wouldn't be able to write a rap song.
This was my big dream -- to work with Sting. I experienced first-hand his brilliance and his unique ability to draw out the best in those around him. He took care of his body and his instrument. No matter what the situation, he was always prepared, and he expected the same of us.
His songs are funny without being cruel. Proud but not prejudiced. Honest but gentle. They are what Canada wishes it could be (they assign Stompin' Tom songs at school). But, above all, they are great travel writing from a great traveller.
Music is an undeniably powerful thing. It's something I've been striving to learn how to use since childhood days when my dad's acoustic ramblings would put me to sleep in comfort. My new album Siberia Acoustic started out as just acoustic version of Siberia but turned into an entirely separate album. I hope this is what I'll get to play at the end of the world.
When summer finally hits in the Great White North, it blooms into a music festival paradise. From Osheaga in Montreal to NXNE in Toronto to the folk festivals out West, this land was made for music fans. Here are some of the best fests happening this summer.
I don't want to have to compromise my morals in order to make a living. I don't want my words to be taken out of context. I don't want to be infantilized because I refuse to be sexualized. I don't want to be molested at shows or on the street by people who perceive me as an object that exists for their personal satisfaction. I'm tired of men who aren't professional or even accomplished musicians continually offering to "help me out" (without being asked), as if I did this by accident and I'm gonna flounder without them. I'm sad that my desire to be treated as an equal and as a human being is interpreted as hatred of men.
Sadly, neither Drake nor Director X was there to accept the award. They robbed me of probably my best moment to run on stage and "Pull a Kanye." I think that's what sent me into the downward spiral. I ordered another drink. Then a double. Then a triple. And a Regina triple is pretty stiff, let me tell you
It never occurred to me that my music and sexuality could be helpful in this way. I have just always written what I write. But never as a political act. But today I sang in front of several hundred queer high school students. My lyrics suddenly took on new meaning. I can't stop thinking how this conference could have completely changed my youth.
SXSW has such a palpable hedonism. It is a parade of acts, a carnival of different kinds of food, sunshine, and music heard in every street. Though I guess I am 'here to work,' I would love to experience this festival, as a performer, responsibility free (am I a diva?).
I was asked to explain how it felt to go back to the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver this past November and maybe list some of the highlights over the last 25 years in a page or so. This was tough to do but, here it goes.
