Lights is a Candian Juno award-winning musician. Her full name is Lights Poxleitner, though she was born Valerie Anne Poxleitner in 1987. Another native of Ontario, she is now living in Toronto.
Her musical style is that of electropop/synthpop. It's a unique genre in which synthesizers are used to add a cool or even robotic feel to the sound. One of the most well-known songs currently in this genre is Fireflies by Owl City. Lights has actually been dubbed the female version of Owl City, and she has even been on tour with him this past year throught Canada, the US, and Europe. She will also play in the Lilith Fair concert series this summer.
Check out her albums on iTunes. Here are also a few of her music videos. I think they're quite fun.
Who hasn't heard of these guys? Bon Jovi is a classic, A CLASSIC! With millions of records sold and a career that started way back in 1983, this well-loved American rock group has never failed to deliver memorable hits. Some you may recognize include Livin' on a Prayer, You Give Love a Bad Name, and It's my Life.
I thought I'd share a little more Bon Jovi love with some pics and vids for their Circle Tour concert that I went to on July 15th, 2010 (exactly a month ago). It was held at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.
Their opening act was none other than Kid Rock, another well-known big shot of country-rock.
You Give Love a Bad Name:
Pretty Woman:
Livin' on a Prayer:
I was sitting in the cheap seats section, but that did not dampen my experience in any way. The stage setup was great and the sound was quite crisp and definitely LOUD enough. This crowd was full of energy and the music was just plain awesome. The set was very looong. What more could you ask for?
Priscilla Ahn's music is one of favourites. There's no question but to simply put her album on repeat and just melt into the atmosphere. I'd describe her style as acoustics and either quirky or hauntingly beautiful melodies. It's the kind of mellow sound that you'd welcome after a long day, curled up in a comfy sofa with a cup of warm tea.
She currently resides in Los Angeles although she has lived in a few other American cities and even South Korea as a child. She officially started her music career about a year after graduating high school. Priscilla Ahn has so far released one studio album, entitled "A Good Day". It can be purchased through iTunes or Amazon, or you can check her website.
Magnetic North and Taiyo Na have joined forces for their new album entitled Home:Word
Magnetic North is a duo hailing from California. Derek Kan and Theresa Vu have been attacking the music scene since 2003. Their music couples honest lyrics with beats that are hard not to grove along with.
Taiyo Na is a New York City boy who has been churning out rhymes since he was just 13. Luckily, he coupled them with rhythms and decided to share with this world.
One source of inspiration for their songs is the subject of being an Asian-American. Their true-to-life words have gone on to inspire many other young AA's and they continue to do so today. Even if you aren't an AA, their music is still relatable and the stylizing of their new music is completely spot on.
This new album, Home:Word, is the second release for all of them (Magnetic North having previously put out a self-titled album and Taiyo Na offered Love is Growth). I would say that these 10 tracks covers and merges hip-hop, rap, and even jazz. The blending of voice and beats is very smooth. My favourite song would be the title track, Home:Word. It's a definite must listen.
If you want to have a little preview to this album, here is a sampler track that have taken bits of the album and mashed them together. And for your listening pleasure, it's free to download too!
If you liked it, make sure to check out their entire album. Also, here's a few of their music videos for you to watch.
Let me now introduce you to a little group called Michou. They hale from from the city of Windsor, Ontario. Comprised of four fun-loving guys whose music just needed to be spread outside of just their city.
Michou has so far released 3 albums, each one showcasing their unique folky style. They are jedis at blending sound together, from the basic piano to xylophones, and even boxes and the clapping of their own hands. You should check out their tracks on iTunes.
They are a quirky band. If their original music is not enough to describe them, then perhaps you should read what they have to say about themselves:
A scientist from the future made a quantum leap back to the year 1974 and conducted an experiment in which one man would impregnate 4 separate women with 4 separate children. The 4 children were all born male, and therefore brothers from separate mothers. Following in their father’s footsteps they became inner city cowboys and started a gang known to all as “the downtown rumblers”. They were feared for their frequent attacks on the innocent, and their calling card: cooked macaroni noodles stuffed in shirt pockets. Citizens would walk around fearing the call “MICHOU!”, which the gang would shout as they jumped from near by ice cream trucks.
The scientist, realizing the damage and randomness of his experimentation, took the inner city cowboys back into the future; the year 2009. The rumblers used their post teenage/futuristic angst to compose delicate indie music with pop sensibilities. Now their music is daring to take over the world, as the scientist sits back and collects 15% publishing rights, and an additional 5% on any gross over $200,000. The band, paying homage to their previous attack call, “michou” decided to name the group as such. Now we look to the future and watch their destinies unfold.
I was actually introduced to this group by attending one of their live shows back in early 2008. From then, I've been following their progress and I must say that they have indeed made some great strides. Their touring schedule is jammed packed. Their music videos also made some waves of viewer requests online.
Now how excited do you think I was when I got the chance to go see them live for a second time? And this time they were touring with San Sebastian and The Archives too!. Below is a vid from the Michou portion of the show today at the El Mocambo.
And if that wasn't enough Michou for you, here are a few of their music videos:
One of my interests is music. Let's just say that I am one of those people who always always have music on. Silence makes me uncomfortably anxious for some reason I cannot explain. So expect me to post a lot about random bands/artists, some you may have never even heard about before and others that you definately have. There will be a very diverse range, so you've been warned.
The first up on the block today will be Metric.
Metric is an indie rock band based originally out of Toronto, Canada. They had their start back in 1998, but have since then gotten plenty of momentum. Metric has released four albums to date, with most recently Platinum selling Fantasies out in April of 2009. This album went on to win Alternative Album of the Year at the 2010 Juno Awards. It also made history as the first ever album to have a single that has entered the Billboard Top 20 without the backing of a major label. Metric also recieved the honour as Group of the Year.
Today (August 4th, 2010 - yes, it's technically the 5th now since it's past midnight, but really it's the same day to me still =P), I was surprised to find out that they were going to be having a free concert. To be completely honest, I have heard their music in passing before but I wasn't exactly a die-hard fan of theirs. This has definately changed!
Now if the success of thier CD was any indication of their talent, I would say that it might be off mark. I found that their live performance was even better than thier recordings. It was exciting, energic, and definately dance-worthy.
The crowd was screaming and dancing for the entire set (and sweating, it was 37 degrees Celsius out there - just about 100 degess Fahrenheit). But the heat did not stop the thousands of people who showed up. Surposedly, the concert was kept a secret for as long as possible but news travels quickly these days. The entire street had to be closed down.
I managed to nab a spot right near the front of the barracades. It was an awesome view. Luckily I got to snap a few shots and videos before my camera's battery died out. You should definately check them out. Go buy thier CD if you like what you hear.
