HEAVY LOVE SIGNED TO TAKEOVER ARTIST

MANAGEMENT

BY: NICOLE CORCORAN

Heavy Love, also known as Dan Squires, signed to TakeOver Artist Management in September 2012. Over the last several months, Dan has been actively involved to develop himself as Heavy Love. With the help of a team, Dan will release a new recording by the end of April.

As I sat down with Heavy Love, he began to tell me of another interview experience he had at last year’s Songs Revealed, a student-organized event at Durham College. He continued to tell me about a question he was asked, which he found very interesting and unique: What do you currently have in your fridge? Intrigued by the question, I reiterated the question and his response was, “Veggies, beer, and hot sauce.”

V11: What makes your music unique?

HL: I don’t think there is necessarily something that makes it unique. I think the goal of a songwriter is to write a good song and a song that makes it memorable. A song that people can attach their feelings to and make a connection with. There are a million singer/songwriters out there, so you have to make a song that people are going to want to listen to. I hope my voice connects with people.

V11: In your opinion, how would you describe the music industry?

HL: That’s tough. I think the dream of the songwriter or even an indie band these days is to make your own success. It’s a market now where you can become successful like grassroots style. If you have a good record, you promote it well, you go on tour, and make connections and you can become popular in the music industry. Labels may come to you, and even artists start their own labels; they may not

necessarily need anyone’s help anymore.

V11: How do you market your music?

HL: TakeOver Artist Management! One of the reason I write songs is because I enjoy it, and I am constantly getting better at it. One way I reach my fans, which are mainly my friends, is by doing home recordings and posting them on the Internet through services like Soundcloud.

V11: What do you hope to achieve with TakeOver Artist Management?

HL: It would be great to finish the song we have been working on by April at the earliest. We would also like to have all our social media outlets organized and established.

V11: In 20 words or less, what would you say to someone to persuade them to listen to your music?

HL: If you like Bright Eyes, Ryan Adams, and Ray Lamontagne check out Canadian folk singer/songwriter Heavy Love!

V11: When did you know you wanted to become a music artist?

HL: When I went to an open mic in Oshawa at a venue called the Velvet Elvis. One distinct memory, that was inspirational, was seeing Trish Robb perform a song that she had written. It was the first time I discovered there were people in the community that were really good at writing songs. From there I knew I wanted to start writing.

Heavy Love will begin April by performing at Reel Music Festival on April 5, 2013. As well, Heavy Love will be performing at the Atria on April 11, 2013. He will be performing alongside musicians from TakeOver Artist Management and Backrow Records at this show. In addition, Heavy Love will perform at a cancer benefit show at the Thirsty Monk on April 13, 2013.

Find Heavy Love on Facebook (Heavy Love) and follow on Twitter (@heavylovemusic).

ALYSSA LEIGH

TAKEOVER ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

BY: HAYLEY YOUNG

Alyssa Leigh may only be 18 years old, but this Toronto artist has a clear vision of her musical career and a plan to make it happen. She is signed to TakeOver Artist Management, the Durham College student ran company, known for getting artists up and on their feet, and in to the right direction. I sat down with Alyssa in between recording sessions at PushPlay Studios and a photo shoot with BackStage Photography to get her opinion on her music, the industry, and marketing. Watch out for Alyssa’s upcoming performance announcements in The GTA and Durham region via Facebook & Twitter!

V11: What makes your music unique?

A: You’ll find in my music, I am not trying to me anyone else, but me. There’s an originality that I hope people will appreciate.

V11: What do you want to bring to the music industry?

A: I’d like to inspire people in many ways. I’d like to make music people can relate to, possibly have one of

my songs as their “go-to song” for a certain mood. I’d like to make genuine music and show others you can actually do what you love.

V11: How do you set yourself apart from others?

A: I’ve always done things differently. I try to take every opportunity and see where it leads because you’ll learn from it either way. I think that reflects in my music.

V11: In your opinion, how would you describe the music industry?

A: I can see the two sides of the music industry very clearly. The negative side suggests it’s falling to pieces. Where the positive side shows artists that keep pulling it together and making it work. Everything now is digital, so it changes the way people buy music. I personally listen to an album online, and then I selectively decide if I want to go out and buy the physical copy. It’s a great way to find what you like. Also today there are a lot of YouTube users that get exposure they wouldn’t have gotten otherwise, so I think that’s great. As for the music scene in Toronto and the GTA, I think things are going well, it’s really good to see that it’s still strong and people are interested.

V11: How do you handle judgment and criticism?

A: If it’s constructive criticism I handle it pretty well. I appreciate what people have to say about my music and always look for ways to get better. One time a girl in my high school mentioned she liked the structure and lyrics of my song, but she suggested I put a bit more passion into my tone. I took this advice seriously and have benefited from it. I reflect on criticisms and grow as an artist. Judgment seems more negative of a term. It motivates me to work harder and prove all those people wrong who pass judgment!

V11: How do you market your music? Is there a specific market you are trying to reach?

A: I think everyone could listen to my music. I generally try to reach people who are younger, both males and females anywhere around the ages of 15-19 years old. That’s not to say that I won’t be appealing to people in their 20s-30s, I just believe when you’re younger you are more bound to seek out new music. I’ve been using social media and also YouTube to market my music. We are going to feature weekly covers every Tuesday on my YouTube channel soon. “Toonie Tuesdays” will have 2 songs and “Throwback Thursdays” will have me covering an older song.

V11: In 20 words or less, what would you say to persuade someone to listen to your music?

A: What you hear is what you get! I create genuine and honest music.

Q: What do you hope to achieve with TakeOver Artist Management?

A: I hope to get as many opportunities, so my name is known. I want to network. Also I’d like start performing more and building a fan base.

V11: Who are your musical influences?

A: A lot of my musical influences aren’t even in my genre. I really like Go Radio, a pop punk band. Set It Off is also a great band that I am friends with, and I take a lot from the way they write and structure their songs. I love John Mayer, I’m always listening to him. As for female vocalists, I’ve always sung in my car to Shania Twain since I can remember. Chantal Kreviazuk, Alicia Keys, Corrine Bailey Rae, Tracy Chapman, and Colbie Caillat are all great performers too.

V11: What is your top 3 favourite songs at the moment?

A:1) “Go To Hell” By Go Radio 2) “Cello Suite No. 1” By Bach3) Dad’s Song” By Set It Off

CAMERON KENNEDY

TAKEOVER ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

BY: HAYLEY YOUNG

Cameron Kennedy, also known as Rùm Cuillin (pronounced: “ Rum Cool-in”) is TakeOver’s newest artist and took the time to discuss his sound, plans for the future, and musical interests!

V11: How would you describe your genre/style of music?

CK: My music is a big mixture of all of my influences. At its root, it is Pop/Rock but there are elements of Folk and sometimes Blues mixed in there. I like to think its The Beatles meets Ray LaMontagne – very raw and real but also very catchy.!

V11: What’s the origin of your stage name, Rùm Cuillin?

CK: When I first decided to pursue my solo identity I didn't want to just name it "Cameron Kennedy

Music." I

really wanted my name to reflect something about who I am.

My father is from Glasgow, Scotland, a place filled with great music and seriously talented musicians, like my father and grandfather. I knew I wanted my name to somehow relate back to that so I started looking into the Kennedy clan history. My ancestors traveled all over the great country, but the one place that really caught my eye was a tiny island way up north called Rùm. I learned that this island and surrounding islands have huge mountain ranges made up mostly of volcanic remains that are locally called the Cuillin (pronounced Coolin). After looking at pictures of this beautiful place, the idea popped in my head to go out there to create and record. It is a serious dream of mine to experience the wonders of the country and create music inspired by the land that feels like home.

V11: I understand you were recently signed to TakeOver Artist Management, what are some of the goals you’d like to accomplish with this partnership?

CK: Some things I have in mind would be to get a few

shows going at EP Taylor’s, get

some of my

songs in rotation at Riot Radio, and I'd really like to get in the studio to record some of my new songs.

V11: What are some of your other associated acts?!!I heard you’re in several other bands aside from your solo career.

CK: I first started my music career with my best friend Jeremy Clarke. Recently, we picked up Jon Nolson as our drummer and together we are KennedyClarke, a Pop/Rock trio. I have also recently started a Punk/Rock band with Jon and other friends. We have yet to play our first gig but are looking to book something in early April. Also, I will be playing Canadian Music Week with a Folk/Rock band called Everybody Wave. Needless to say I've been keeping myself busy!

V11: What are your top three favourite songs at the moment?

CK: There’s no particular order...

1. “I Walk This Road” By Kim The Lion

2. “Talk Is Cheap” By Eric Hutchinson

3.“Bed Space” By Darwin Deez

V11: What sets you apart from other musicians in your genre?

CK: In a scene where it is really easy to be the same old singer/songwriter with the same old sad song, I really aim to entertain my audience. I try to engage the audience as much as I can at my live shows, get people dancing and singing along with me because that is what I love to see as a performer. Also, I play a variety of instruments and love to switch it up every now and then.

V11: Do you have a regular gig that our readers can come check you out at?

CK: I play a few shows each month in Markham at both Main's Mansion and The Duchess, but I'm hoping to make it out to EP Taylor's sometime soon for a gig!

Facebook: facebook.com/rumcuillin Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/rumcuillin

MELANIE FIONA

By: Jacob Noronha

Melanie Fiona was a pleasure to sit down and talk with. She is a very humble and kind person, even after she has been on tour with Kanye West, Alicia Keys and performed at the BET awards.

As I began the interview she started to tell me about herself, not only as an artist, but being the person that she is towards her family and friends. She made it very clear to me that her parents were a huge influence on her. “My mom loves to sing and my dad plays guitar,” she proudly states. I really admire that she is able to look up to her parents. Her parents aren't the only people that have inspired her to do music. She says that Whitney Houston is what she hopes to become. “You could hear the emotion and passion in her voice, which is what I hope to be able to do.” She also says that her other influences include Sam Cooke, and Lauryn Hill.

The pressures of the industry have been pushed onto Melanie to use sexuality as a way to sell oneself, but she decided to take the same path that Whitney Houston takes; being classy and sexy while still keeping her dignity. This is one of the reasons I can see Melanie as a great role model for young girls watching her. Melanie tells me, “I knew who I didn’t want to be.” She really shows that she is here for the music and not for the fame and money. This to me is something that every artist should know so that they can stay true to themselves and true to the real fans.

She had a lot of good things about Kanye West. She goes on to tell me that he has become one of her biggest influences because she got to see how he works and how he is able to move a crowd of people just with his music. She also tells me that Alicia Keys showed her that even after being as successful as her that you can still be kind and humble towards everyone that is around you.

Being a Toronto girl she knows first hand that Toronto is a city that is hard to make it and their are artists that don't get enough credit for what they do. She tells me about her fellow artist Andreena Mills, another Toronto artist, who deserves more shine because not only is her music great, but she does it because she loves to sing and write music. Overall, I have to say out of all the celebrities I have met, Melanie was the most humble and sincere person. I would encourage everyone to check out her music and support our Canadian artists.

CanadianArtist

DIGITAL MUSIC

By: Graeham Barker

There was once a time when you would have to travel to the downtown strip of your town or city to get the latest CD or album. Those days are long gone. Yet another music store has filed for bank- ruptcy. The newest victim of the digital age is HMV. Over 4000 jobs are now on the brink of being lost if no one buys the company for a long-term. This poses a huge question, what does it mean for future jobs? The music industry can only survive a certain amount of time, while more and more people are starting to make their own music at home, cutting down more and more chances of jobs.

I get the fact that it is much more conve- nient to just buy online, I do most of the time as well. There is something to say about owning a physical CD or album. Personally, it comes with satisfaction, a trophy of sorts. But this is just one part of the industry that is screwing people over. Music isn’t the same price as it used to be, even with how cheap it is on iTunes. The International Herald Tribune reported last year that 39% of teenagers in the US alone download music. Canada is ranked fourth on the list of most file shares, behind Italy, UK, and the U.S. With the combination of Illegal down- loads and online music sales, many ana- lysts believe there will only be ten more years of CDs left before that medium is completely wiped out. Now the online presence of music is not a bad thing, don’t get me wrong. It is faster, easier, and cheaper while bringing new music genres into the world and starts to show some creativity.

But the sound quality is just not there; there is no crackle of vinyl or having the rewind a cassette to hear it over again. It brings a certain nostalgic, happy feeling when I see young kids buying Pink Floyd records, or RUN DMC tapes. My childhood contained so much music, and I got a taste of all different music mediums from 8 tracks to MP3s. I can hear a differ-ence. The experience is just not there.

Hopefully some companies will step up and save HMV and the music in- dustry, as we know it. This can put faith back into the music buyer and the music business. If we can’t go out and buy physical music, it will seem technology has taken over our lives. Our children won’t get the same ex- perience of owning their first CDs. I still remember my first CD: Christmas 1999, Pink Floyd’s The Wall. Once I got my record player, it was the first vinyl. This is a call for help from a music fan, and I know I am not alone. My name is Graeham Barker, I am 18 years old, and I am a survivor of the digital music era.

CARLY WEBER

OLD COUNTRY WITH A FRESH NEW SOUND

BY: NICOLE CORCORAN

Stepping into the music industry at just 15 years old is local country singer Carly Weber. Her inspirational sounds come from old country songs and roots from names like Loretta Lynn. These inspirations found Weber at a very young age. She began writing songs and playing the guitar. Soon after, she knew she wanted to be a singer in the music industry.

Weber Stays head strong and true to herself with every performance. “Everyone has their own opinion about my music,” explains Weber, ”I just have to turn a negative into a positive.” Weber is dedicated to her fans, making sure she connects with them. This is something that Weber values and will never lose sight of.

Carly Weber was recently signed to Backrow Records, a non-for-profit record label at Durham College. Through this new experience, Weber wants to involve herself in many interviews, photo-shoots, gigs, and establish more networking contacts.

Find Carly Weber on Facebook (Carly Weber Music) and on Twitter (@carlyweber_) for additional information and updates.

Concert ReviewConcert: AerosmithCity: Toron!oVenue: Air Canada Centre Da!e: November 27, 2012

By: Claire Terzich

Over !en albums la!er, and Aerosmith can still rock everyone’s world. As Cheap Trick opens the show, dedica!ed Aerosmith fans anxiously await the bands appearance as the s!age is being set up. The lights go out, and S!even Tyler and Joe Perry rise up from the middle of the s!age. They open the show with “Mamma Kin”. The band could never disappoint fans with their amazing s!age performance as they play hit af!er hit and leave fans screaming for more. Playing classics like “Walk This Way” and “Sweet Emotion”, S!even Tyler would be seen dancing along and playing drums with Joey Kramer. Joe Perry is always expec!ed !o do a solo; however, this time he surprised fans by making a tribu!e !o an amazing man the music industry misses so much, Jimi Hendrix. As the band continues !o rock everyone in the Air Canada Centre, the show comes !o an end. When the band leaves the s!age fans loudly scream for more. Aerosmith comes back on and ends !o show playing an amazing song called “Dream On”. While fans wa!ch S!even Tyler sit at the piano and everyone in the crowd sings along with him, Joe Perry s!ands on !op the piano playing his gui!ar. Many people would agree that anyone who has followed the band over the years would !ake any opportunity !o see them live. Those who see Aerosmith for the "rst time will be left wanting more.

Concert: Macklemore & Ryan LewisCity: Toron!oVenue: Sound AcademyDa!e: Sep!ember 17, 2012

Concert Review

Conscious rap duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis set off for their world !our on Sep!ember 17, 2012 playing 71 shows back-!o-back. When I at- !ended the con-cert on Friday November 23, 2012, the Sound Academy in Toron!o was al-most comple!ely packed. VIP was the only area that wasn’t at its capacity.

Some at!endees showed up wearing thrift-shop clothing. A few in par- ticu-lar were dressed in full pajama suits, similar !o the one Macklem- ore wears in the music video of his current hit song “Thrift Shop”. For part of the song Macklemore wore a big fur coat that was thrown on s!age by one of his fans.

The audience demonstra!ed a lot of encouragement by cheering en- core multiple times. Macklemore announced the concert was done at 10PM but he continued !o play until 10:30PM. The concert s!ar!ed at 8PM with the opening act and then Mackle-more & Ryan Lewis came on s!age around 9PM. The group that I was with, along with a few other people around us were as all surprised at how early the concert ended.

While Macklemore was performing, I could see how exhaus!ed hewas from the !our so far. The fact that he booked so many consecu- tive shows in a row for his !our may have been a bad idea. His perfor- mance was great in the sense that he sounded exactly like he does on his album, but his energy was cer!ainly lacking.

Album Reviews

The highly anticipa!ed album Jesus Piece has been very controversial since

the album cover has been released in mid Oc!ober. The Game is always known for headlines with his outspoken views on music and his beliefs. The album play list consis!ed of 15 songs with features from the likes of Meek Mill, Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Jamie Foxx, Kendrick Lamar, JMSN, Chris Brown, 2 Chainz, J.Cole and Pusha T. The album had very commercial buzz through online blogs before the release, which gave him the push !o sell 86,000 copies "rst week for the last time under In!erscope Records. The album de"antly makes us look back in!o our lives and

just live with no regrets and just accept things as it is. The Game also mentioned on his past music experiences and his music friends including the fued with Eminem about “The Documen!ary”. The un-resolved feud s!ar!ed with Eminem allegedly back in 2002 over some minor jealousy with Eminem as he was a new artist, as well under Dr Dre’s af!ermath. The cold feud has never been addressed, but is known within the music industry and die heart fans. The album is a must lis!en if you haven’t done so. Enjoy Jesus Piece!

Artist: The GameAlbum: Jesus PieceRelease Da!e: Decemeber 11, 2012Rating: 10/11

By: Mussie Mehari

One Direction has found themselves on the verge of a new boy band af!er

their podium "nishing success on the UK version of The X Fac!or. The new album from One Direction, Take Me Home, has sprin!ed up !o the very !op of charts in the UK as well as many countries around

the world. As a whole, Take Me Home de"ni!ely has that manufactured pop sound direc!ed right at the !eenage girl audience. Overall, this album is without a doubt extremely ca!chy and well produced, but at the same time it’s very bland and qui!e repetitive. If you were a fan of One Direction’s previous album, then this follow up album will be right up your alley of boy band and pop music.

Artist: One DirectionAlbum: Take Me HomeRelease Da!e: November 22, 2012Rating: 5.5/11

By: Ashley Hackett

Artist: Various ArtistsAlbum: Django Unchained O!cial Soundtrack ReviewRelease Da"e: December 18, 2012

By: Hayley Young

Django Unchained is one of the most

buzzed about #lms of year. People are raving about the inspired screenplay and all the music used "o elude the charac"er’s emotional journey. Jamie Fox s"ars in Django, the wes"ern #lm set in the Deep South, where he travels as a newly freed slave helping a bounty hun"er in the efforts of rescuing his wife, who is held captive in a plan"ation. Quentin Tarantino also direc"ed and wro"e the screenplay, which means you can expect his inordina"e, unique style of #lm.

Much of the music accompaniment in #lm can be attribu"ed "o Mary Ramos who was the music supervisors and has worked on numerous Tarantino’s #lms like Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill Volumes 1 & 2, and Inglorious Bas"ards. They released a 23-song soundtrack incorporating everything

from plot "opping instrumen"als and scores, dialogue, and featured songs from popular artists.

“Django” by Luis Bacalov, is a triumphant ballad about the main charac"er as the main titles are introduced. The vocal ranges and dynamics contrast each other as lyrics like “Oh Django! Af"er the showers is the sun” are bel"ed out in a lega"o operatic yet dream-like fashion. The use of strings and complex Spanish gui"ar picking make the track s"and out. “Freedom”, the track by Anthony Hamil"on & Elayna Boyn"on, is a great addition as a heavy percussion based tune that plays when Django has a $ashback on the hard times he faced as a slave. “The Payback/Un"ouchable” is a remix of the popular James Brown and Tupac’s titles. It serves as humour relief for the audience as Django gains his

redemption as a free man and makes him look rebellious as he proceeds "o shoot everyone in the plan"ation.

“100 Black Co!ns” by Rick Ross serves as a heroic Rap with lines about seeking revenge. He raps “I need a hundred black co!ns for a hundred bad men, a hundred black graves so I can lay they ass in”. Finally the concluding track “Who Did That To You” by John Legend is a chanting retribution song for Django as he strides away horseback with his long lost wife. The song is has a soulful beat and chorus declaring, “You call the police, call the corner, call up your priest, have him warn ya! Won’t be no peace when I #nd that fool.” with Legends lusty vocals. This album con"ains many "alen"ed compositions that are sui"able for the #lm and everyday lis"ening!

Rating: 8/11

Artist: Bridgit Mendler Album: Hello My Name IsRelease Da!e: Oc!ober 22, 2012

By: Ashley Hackett

Bridgit Mendler is a 19-year-old actress and

singer/songwri!er who is globally known as the Disney Channel s!ar of Good Luck Charlie, has dropped her album Hello My Name Is.... The "rst single off the album is “Ready or Not”, and it’s the perfect song with its insane beats, extremely ca!chy lyrics, and very memorable hooks. Mendler showcases her

powerful vocals and funky beats with her song “Hurricane”. This song includes some impressive raps about being in the middle of s!ormy relationship or as she refers !o it “being in the eye of the hurricane”. The song “Blonde”, on the other hand, pokes fun at the typical s!ereotypes about her natural hair colour. The rest of Hello My

Name Is... is full of R&B-inspired beats, fun and ca!chy lyrics, and Bridgit Mendler’s powerful voice. This album is de"ni!ely one that will have you dancing and ready for a night out with your friends.

Artist: Faber DriveAlbum: Lost In Paradise Release Da!e: August 28, 2012

By: Ashley Hackett

Faber Drive is a Canadian Pop-Rock

band from Mission, British Columbia. Faber Drive’s new studio album Lost In Paradise is extremely radio friendly, and is just waiting !o be played on radio s!ations throughout the country.The "rst single off the album is “Do It In Hollywood”, which is

an observation and salu!ation !o the Los Angeles party scene.

Faber Drive has a very recognizable sound. I "nd personally repetitive in lis!ening !o their previous albums. I must admit that as repetitive as Lost In Paradise is, I really enjoyed lis!ening !o this album because it’s extremely ca!chy. I disliked how predic!able this album was and how similar each song

sounded !o one another. I was hoping that this album would have a lot more development from the bands previous work. If you’re a big fan of Faber Drive’s previous album you will like this album for sure. I think this album is like food; you may have !o acquire a !as!e for it.

Rating: 9.5/11

Rating: 6/11

Artist: Cher Lloyd Album: Sticks & S!ones Release Da!e: Oc!ober 2, 2012

By: Ashley Hackett

Cher Lloyd is a 19-year-old singer/songwri!er from England, U.K who

is globally known for competing on the U.K version of The X Fac!or. Sticks & S!ones walks a very "ne line between being comple!ely mediocre and being something decent !o lis!en !o. The lack of popularity in some of Cher Lloyd’s songs could be as a result of the pro-duction and management !eam because she has great musical instincts and charisma.It’s obvious that the only songs actually worth a lis!en on Sticks & S!ones are the singles “Want U Back” and “Oath”. Both of these songs are very Pop driv-en, and the songs showcase Lloyd’s clear !alent and personality. Sticks &

S!ones just seemed !o be one of those albums that were just all over the place musically, as well as lyrically. This album gave me whiplash more than it made me exci!ed.Overall, I think this album is really just okay. It didn’t blow my socks off, but it wasn’t a !o!al #op. There were at least two good songs on it. I de"ni!ely wouldn’t recommend Sticks & S!ones, unless you like skipping over the majori-ty of the songs just so you can "nd the one or two golden ones!

Artist: Before You ExitSingle: I Like ThatRelease Da!e: January 4, 2013

By: Ashley Hackett

Before You Exit is a "ve-piece pop band from Orlando, Florida who have

released their new song entitled I Like That. This song is a de"ni!e !oe-!apper from the "rst no!e, and it ins!antly makes you want !o dance along. I Like That is one of those typical Pop sounds, but actually has meaning and depth !o it. The song is about a humble girl and a guy who loves everything about her, especially the qualities and physical

charac!eristics she doesn’t realize she possesses. What I love about this song is not only that it has great beats, but also it is comple!ely rela!able and it has excellent hooks. In all honesty, the meaning of the song reminds me of “What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction. I Like That goes beyond the beauty of this girl.

Rating: 5/11

Rating: 11/11

Artist: Matt MaysAlbum: Coyo!e Release Da!e: Sep!ember, 2012Volume 11 rating: 7/11

Matt Mays, the East Coast rocker, returns with his "rst album in four years called Coyo!e. The release da!e was on Sep!ember 4, 2012. He chose the title, Coyo!e because it represents “an analogy for life”, which is rather "tting since the animal inhabits Canada, The Uni!ed S!a!es, and Mexico, which was where the album was recorded. Coyo!e is a diverse, intri-ca!ely produced, and con-cept-like album that has numerous tracks worth mentioning. Each song showcases Mays’ ability !o explore different styles and !echniques.On the track “Indio”, Mays grooves with his reverb-coa!ed electric as he sings about “Old fashioned, Cali-fornia sin”. “Drop The Bombs” is a song that escalades in!o a punchy tune that ex-

ci!es the lis!en- ers from beginning !o end. Mays’ use of violin during the breakdown is brilliant. Then there are songs like “Dull Knife” which are more acoustic and can draw you in from the "rst gui!ar slides and angel-ic harmonies. In addition there are many tracks that encompass a dif- fer-ent vibe, everything from Folk, Reggae, !o Country. “Take It On Faith”, s!arts out like a Country-Pop song that bleeds in!o a heavier Rock anthem. The title is amusingly appropria!e since Mays recorded all the instru-ments other than the drums in this song as a last minu!e track in just a mat!er of 2 hours.There are several songs on the album that follow similar styles of other es-!ablished musicians, !ake the song “S!oned”, from

the "rst couple lines you’d swear it was Joel Plas-kett, a fellow Acoustic Rock musician from Nova Scotia. An- other track worth lis!ening is “Slow Burning Luck”, which has a Spring- s!een feeling, with a rich rhythm you can melt the lyrics !o.

Mays, the homegrown Canadian artist, manages !o encompass a comfort-able, easy lis!ening ambi- ence all throughout the album with amped up acoustics. If you were not a Matt Mays fan before, this album may change your mind!

By Hayley Young

Ever since A$AP’s mix!ape Deep Purple there has

been hype around him. The long anticipa!ed album unfortuna!ely got leaked nearly a month before its release da!e January 15, 2013. Long.Live.A$AP features many artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Yelawolf, and Skrillex. The album s!arts off with a typical A$AP sound !alking about the money, guns, and broads, that entire lifestyle. It features the song “Goldie”, which was

released last April, and it reminded everyone of what A$AP is capable of. The entire album sounds like cloudy, hazy music. One song that I think is the best on the album is “Suddenly”. It s!arts about how fast he got !o his fame and then goes on !o !alk about his upbringing in Harlem and what he had witnessed. He also is rapping about that it doesn’t mat!er about race or skin colours, that everyone should just be happy and accepting everyone. The

last song !o be mentioned is “Problems” that features 2 Chainz, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar. The song is very ca!chy with 2 Chainz for the “ra!chetness”, Drake for a sophistica!ed voice, and Kendrick Lamar’s voice for the icing on the !op. Overall, the album is something that everyone should lis!en !o, especially if you like great "ow, and cloud 9 music

Artist: A$AP RockyAlbum: Live.Long.A$APRelease Da!e: January 15, 2013Rating: 8/11

By: Sherydan Urbanek

Artist: Never Shout NeverAlbum: IndigoRelease Da!e: November 12, 2012Rating: 7/11

Never Shout Never is a three-piece band comprised of front man Chris!opher

Drew, Taylor MacFee (bass), and Hayden Kaiser (percussion). The career of Chris!opher has been nothing but unpredic!able, which proves that he is willing !o grow as an artist and experiment with his music. Never Shout Never’s new album is de#ni!ely a s!ep !owards a different sound for the band because of the pop music feel it gives off. Indigo opens with the “Magic”, which s!arts off with a cheerful gui!ar and tricks lis!eners in!o believing that this album will be reminiscent of the early days of Never Shout Never. Thesong quickly moves in!o a different, more theatrical direction. “Magic” features

air vocals by C h r i s ! o p h e r Drew that fans are not used !o hearing. Overall, Indigo is a great album, which shows the musical diversity and !alent of Never Shout Never, but mainly front man Chris!opher Drew. It also goes !o show that artists and bands can grow and development over the years, and that they don’t have !o reproduce the same sounding albums over again.

By: Ashley Hackett

Artist: The WeekndAlbum: The Trilogy Release Da!e: November 12, 2012Rating: 7/11

Abel Tesfaye also known as The Weeknd is one

of the most promising new artist of the year. The in"uence that his music has had over the wes!ern world is !oo pervasive !o ignore. Drake recognized his !alent in the early s!ages and pos!ed the songs that were in"uencing the street culture in Toron!o on his fan blog. The Weeknd is a Toron!o native where he worked with local producers for years !o build a distinctive sound.

The Weeknd is a very low-key individual with only few close friends from high school that were the true pioneers of the XO crew. The Weeknd recently had a huge bidding war !o be signed with major labels across the Uni!ed S!a!es but la!er postponed the issue due !o his love for music and not the business side of it.

The Weeknd #nally made a surprising decision and signed with Universal Republik this past Sep!ember.

The Weeknd recently wro!e a deep let!er about his decision !o his fans that he displayed on his blog.

The Trilogy album is a combination of all three mix!apes that were released through out 2009 !o 2011 that are undeniably considered gems !o fans and music critics. The album consists of all prior music from the 3 mix!apes called “House of Balloons” which was critically acclaimed, “Echos of Silence” & “Thursday” with also three new song additions !o the “The

Trilogy” .The music that has been released by The Weeknd is something new

and fresh !o the music lover audience. The new jack of R&B twis!ed with up-!empo production !o bring his vocals out is de#antly new and could honestly be a new genre emerging out of this new sound. This Album is a big recommendation for all and it won’t cost you much as it’s priced only at 10 dollars a record.

By Mussie Mehari

Album Reviews

Flying Lotus is Producer from Los Angeles area with amazing futuristic sounds crea!ed with his very unique production skills. Flying Lotus also comes from a musical family that de"antly inspires his musical !alent. FlyLo as the fans call him is rela!ed !o the la!e John Coltrane and Alice Coltrane who were on of the great Jazz musi-cians of the 60’s. Clearly the musical love and joy come deep from a his!ory of Jazz and soulful music that inspires FlyLo consecutively released three studio albums since 2006 and is considered critically acclaimed pieces of art. He also won an independent music award for his “Mmhmm” video in the short video ca!egory. He has exceptional visual skills that sync very well with his different, but joyful music sound. The release of his third studio album was anoth-er critically acclaimed work of art with sounds that are pure and engaging !o the ear that

makes you repeat the album more than once. When lis!ening through the album you’d be able !o !ell there is a heavy in#uence of J.Dilla as well, and he even embraces it in the short "lm piece he did for this album. The in!eresting measure of the album has amazing visuals that follow up and are always a must see for ins!ance the short "lm for this no!able album has various shots of the street culture in Los Angeles with vivid imag-ery of each scenery in de!ail. FlyLo has de"antly been no!ed as a phenomenal producer and vi-sionary within short "lm. The music and artwork of his "lm can be found on his si!e.

Artist: Flying LotusAlbum: Until The Quiet ComesRelease Da!e: Sep!ember 26, 2012Volume 11 Rating: 11/11

By: Mussie Mehari

Af!er being a ghost for a short period of time, J.Cole released his mix !ape Truly Yours on February 12, 2013. This is a "ve-song mix !ape, which is a thank you !o the fans and just letting them know that his second album is coming soon. To me, his mix !apes he provides us with noth-ing, but quality lyrics and beats. He raps about the things that are real !o him and his fans. His ability !o rela!e !o people

is amazing. I can pick out at least "ve things in each song that I can rela!e !o my own life. The songs on this mix !ape were songs that he says he couldn’t "t on the album or they didn’t ma!ch the theme of his album. We are glad !o hear from him it has been a while. We all wish that he could drop all of the unreleased ma!erial that he has, but I guess we are going !o have !o wait for his next album!

Artist: J. ColeAlbum: Truly YoursRelease Da!e: January 28, 2013Volume 11 Rating: 11/11

By: Jacob Noronha

French Mon!ana has been in the Rap game for almost decade now. He is the founder of Cocaine City Records signed "rst with Akon’s Konvict Muzik back in 2009 but due !o album delay’s French decided !o go elsewhere and "nally recent-ly signed a joint venture deal with Maybach Music Group and Bad Boy Records. French Mon!ana’s his!ory in music is de"antly unique where he had a completion of emerging art-ists including him showcasing their own Rap skills on a DVD that sold over 1 million copies. The volume of sales opened many doors and also French

Mon!ana received recogni-tion through out the Hip-Hop community. French’s music is described as hardcore Hip-Hip but has a universal appeal with his ca!chy hook’s and ca!chy adlibs that everyone could enjoy.

Mac & Cheese has been a completion of great music and even artwork on the covers over the years and this par-ticular one hasn’t failed. The recently released mix!ape from French Mon!ana was highly anticipa!ed record for the last quar!er of the year of 2012. The 21 song list with about an

hour and half of good music con!ent with features from the likes of J.Cole, Movado, MGK, Diddy, Mac Miller, Ace Hood, Fabolous, Los, Wale, Trinia, Tyga and many more. The production is also done very will with highly no!ed produc-ers like Young Chop, Swizz Beatz, Shawdi P, Dj Mus!ard, Toron!o’s own Boi1da and French’s favori!e pick through-out the years Harry Fraud. Mac & Cheese 3 mix!ape is worth lis!ening !o the Hip-Hip heads that haven’t done so yet. French Mon!ana’s ca!chy adlibs are hilarious will have you wanting more.

Artist: French Mon!anaAlbum: Mac & Cheese 3Release Da!e: November 20, 2012Rating: 8/11

By: Mussie Mehari

Artist: Pusha TAlbum: Wrath Of CaineRelease Da!e: January 28, 2013Volume 11 Rating: 10/11

On January 28, 2013, G.O.O.D Music’s Pusha T dropped his highly anticipa!ed mix !ape Wrath Of Caine. This mix !ape is nothing short of great. Personally, Pusha T is one of the best lyricists in the game right now. Af!er his brother Malice now, known as No Malice, was incarcera!ed he was forced !o go on and continue as a solo artist. Af!er being around for so many years you would think that he wouldn’t be able !o pick back up, but he’s proven that he is still one of the best. His clever drug dealing me!aphors and co-caine references seem like they are never ending. Just when you think he cant come up with another one, he spits a line that

makes you bring the song back so you can hear it. The thing that I love the most about this album is that he uses all original beats so its pretty much like an album. He has production from producers like Harry Fraud, Illmind, Young Chop, The Neptunes and Toron!o’s very own Arthur McArthur. We can’t wait for Pusha’s album !o come out but the mix !ape will hold us up until then.

By: Jacob Noronha

Writ!en by: Graeham Barker

On November 14, 2012, Open Mic held its "rst event of the year at EP Taylor’s on the Durham/UOIT campus in Oshawa, On!ario. This event gives music fans the opportunity !o see up-and-coming sing-ers. As you would expect, there were a lot of cov-ers, but they were done in each artist’s own unique way. Also, when each performer brought out their original songs you could truly see their po!ential.

Some of the highlights of the night go !o the im-peccable Daniel Gallinger. He covered the song Light Is You by Said the Whale before jumping in!o some older childhood nos!algic songs like California by Wave, and All or Nothing by O-!own. But for his "-nal song he called up a friend, Rachel Bes!ard. They did a duet of a Day !o Remember song called If It Means A Lot To You. Their voices worked incred-ibly well !ogether, and I enjoyed it !o the fullest.

The next highlight would go !o Keegan Lacrosse who performed a mixture of covers and originals. He opened his set with a medley of Who Can It Be Now, and Land Down Under by Men at Work. He then moved on!o a set of originals, one dedica!ed !o his recently passed Grandfather and another !o his girlfriend. Then Keegan closed out his set with a cover of Rocket Man by El!on John, a slowed down and more intima!e performance.

My third highlight would go !o John Flynn who had a great rock voice; a sort of raspy but melodic voice that echoed through the bar when he came up and just s!ar!ed playing. He s!ar!ed with a cover of Cham-pagne Supernova by Oasis. La!er, he jumped in!o Slide by Goo Goo Dolls, which some girls in the audience expressed the love for. Finally, he ended with Born Losers by Matthew Good !o calm everyone down.

I highly recommend Durham College’s Open Mic events. The artists always en!er!ain, and who knows, may "nd a new love !o play an instrument or wri!e a song. Every big artist s!arts out doing open mic concerts or something along those lines. So you may "nd the next big s!ar there or just someone you can lis!en !o while hanging out with friends!

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