24OurMusic Magazine - Issue 02 2013

content DREAM HOUSE STUDIOS

Based out of downtown Toronto, this recording studio has a client list to be jealous of.

CHOMP CHOM ATTACK

Hailing from Montreal, Quebec; the band’s debut EP shows off the potential of their music that is sure to please all.

HILLTOP HOODS

The best thing to come out of Australia since Vegemite. Pressure and Suffa are taking their styles worldwide to great applause.

PAUL LIZZI

It is extremely difficult to find another person who can do precisely what the talented musician Paul Lizzihas done.

ADVENTURE CLUB AN EPIC VOYAGE!

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KILL KASPER

STARTS THE REVOLUTION

BOOKED PROMOTIONS

Our staff writer, Karl Nicolas had a chance to sit down and interview Andrew Maffettone, CEO of Booked Promotions.

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SKYROCKET ENTERTAINMENT

Montreal & Toronto’s Premier Promotion and Tour booking Agency.

MONTHLY MIX

Click on each of the pics below to be taken to the official page of each of these artists.

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D CALDWELL

Coming To You From The Bay Area With A Guitar And An Island Beat

KREWELLA

One hell of an album. This one covers all the bases up to and including dragonslaying music.

JAE E

Throwin’ down the raw beats from the New Orleans streets.

DAVID VERSIS So who is… David Versis?

THE CUSTOM OUTFIT

The Dark Side Of Town is an adventure to the country side worth taking throwing the listener into the country, bluegrassy world of The Custom Outfit.

MASTKATTACK

Breakfighter infuses the melodic and upbeat nature of soca with the grimy, synthesized nature of house music.

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Get ready to explore, learn, and discover! This issue is packed with many independent music artists of a wide range of genres. It doesn’t matter if you’re comfortable with a type of music or not; it is imperative that you take at least a three-second glance at each article in order to experience the full effect. While reading through, do not be afraid to take risks and strive to find something that will blow your mind.

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DUBFX FLOWER FAIRY & CADE

Dub FX has bee actively performing since 2005 and has released a total of three albums in that time.

LUCKYFISH FILMS

“You Dream It, We Produce It.” A Truly Fitting Motto

DVBBS

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RICHY NIX

Ontario’s Rising Rapocore Prodigy.

KATIE MORGAN

This Welsh Bombshell Will Bring The Authentic Sound Of Britain Right To Your Doorstep.

VILIFY

Watch out for this pretty little thing, her beats will destroy your soles.

LHEPPE

Who doesn’t love a band with an interesting history?

editors

Since the inception with our first issue, the good people here at 24OurMusic continues to strive and bring forth independent artists and production companies out of the undergrounds and into the spotlights. In a world of art whose plasticity continuously remoulds into something new each day, it would seem there is something new and interesting around every corner, born at every second, and created at every spontaneous moment. In spite of our desires to capture that massive musical spontaneity within the covers of a magazine, the ever-changing realm of music makes this ambition a difficult one. The solution to trying to come as close to this dream as possible is to highlight the works of people who do what they do within multiple facets of the musical world.

Whether they are a stomping dubstep artist, a crooning stand-up singer, or a dedicated hip-hop producer, we will do our best to bring them out of the darkness and into the light. In this issue packed with a variety of artists and producers, we hope you find something that suits your musical needs, as well something that will change the way you look about life.

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DAVID VERSIS

So who is… David Versis?

Well, we could say that he is just another singer/ song-writer, but that wouldn’t be giving him all the credit he deserves. Beyond those two labels, he is also an ambitious producer, rapper, and instrumentalist. Talk about multi-talented.

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he twenty-five year old from Toronto sticks to the Hip Hop basics, but is clearly influenced by nuances of Rock and the Blues. This creates a very interesting mix, and a great sound that is both unique and familiar for many. Music enthusiasts will love Versis’s openness to other venues as inspirations for

the music he creates. In 2010, Versis release DRAFTED, which was an eight track EP showcasing his poetic prowess. Tracks like “Vader Flow” and “Be More Fresh” make it both provocative and an invigorating listen. His lyrical ability definitely shines throughout the entire album. In 2011, he released another free project of his, known as I HATE TO SAY IT. This was

a more ambitious record which included his own original works, as well as some from Arthur McArthur, another Torontonian. He credits Drake, Lil’ Wayne, Dr.Dre, Nas, Rick Ross, Kelly Rowland, The Game, and many others. The flagship track “Hate to say it” is an incrediblesong that should simply not be ignored by those who wish to see what Versis is capable of.

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Where Is David Versis

You can find more of his work, and the official free downloads for his mixtapes at http://davidversis. com/, and his Official Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/ DavidVersis for all you readers who undoubtedly want to take a listen to thismultitalented young man.

On June 14, 2012,Versis released his sophomoremixtape “Poetics Symphonies And Like Minded Souls (P.S.A.L.M.S.)” which was executively produced by David Versis and Arthur McArthur, very much like his previous EP. This fourteen track mixtape has already received both local and international support in the short amount of time that it has been out and available for the

public, Lately, Versis has been active on the Toronto rap scene. He has constantly shown signs of gradual improvement and a widening fan base. His debut mixtape has garnered 20,000 unique downloads, and local recognition has understandably followed. He has sold out at every show he appears at (very impressive), and won the Young Money Artist of the Month in

the summer of 2011. His YouTube channel’s combined views also total more than 350,000 by the date of this article’s writing, which is also remarkable.

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RICHY NIX

Ontario’s Rising Rapocore Prodigy

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ichy Nix is a singer/ rapper based in Windsor, Ontario – who has released two different albums worthy of note: “Hell City” and “Light Years 2.0”. Both are incredible and showcase the musician’s talent and impeccable ability of finding the right balance between alternative metalcore,

rock, rap and hip-hop. We’ll begin with “Hell City”. “Waking Up” is an absolute oddity. To be honest, the flow is very similar to that of a foreign rap song. But a very good foreign rap song. This is where the title or main lyrics are repeated and emphasized (in this case “Waking Up”) supplemented by an unending flow of lyrics and energetic guitar riffs. “Foreign” may not have been

the intended effect he wanted for the song, but it works great, and even those not familiar withthe “feel” will love the fast pace of this excellent track. A more provocative song is “Lost Her Wings”, which dabbles in metal and rock. All-in-all, it turned out great. Your attention is never lost from the intro to the outro – and you are going to love the multi-genre mix that Nix

24OURMUSIC.NET | 7 effortlessly implements. A similar track is “You Are The One”, which accomplishes the same effect with a harder edge. The track slows the pace down quite a bit however, with lyrics that are not as exciting as those in his other songs.

The track “I Drink 2 Much” leans more to the Hip-hop side of the spectrum, and displays Richy Nix’s lyricism quite well. It’s interesting to note that despite that being the

case, rock and metalcore are still present in the backdrop of the song.

Again, it’s a fun ride and another must-listen on the album.

In “I’m a Superstar”, Richy Nix takes it up a notch and starts off with a mesmerizing loop followed by an incredibly powerful set of guitars into the rest of the song. The feeling is akin to sitting beside a puppy that suddenly turns out to be a ferocious bulldog waiting to bite your head

off. The attitude just completely catches you off-guard!

Next up is “Light Years 2.0”.Sporting off a more mature and refined sound, Nix only gets better in this (his most recent) album.

“Starlight” is a song that has no equivalent in any of his previous projects. It’s slow, but electrifying at the same time. Although deviously drawing you into a sense of calm –

“Nix establishes his dominance in numerous genres of music...” its intense lyrics and rap just shocks you with its impact and powerful influence on the message. Nix does a great job of blending his singing with his rapping to create a mellow, yet aggressive overall feel.

In “Backstabber”, Nix once again pulls out his wordplay and amazes with an array of lyrics that hit the listener hard. It’s also a story he tells about himself, which is always an excellent way to market a track. Not

that it would be hard with skill of a high calibre, clearly evident in every line of this song.

The flagship track “Light Years” once again takes more from rap – but goes incredibly hard to assert its position as the best track on the album. Once again accompanied by his pure vocals and breathless lyricism, it’s a surprise that Nix hasn’t already topped commercial charts with his music.

Overall, both “Hell City” and “Light Years 2.0” succeed in many areas.

Nix establishes his dominance in numerous genres of music, but instead of pursuing just one, he masterfully crafts his extensive arsenal into a hybrid of monolithic proportions. His strength lies in the effortlessness of his individual talent within genres, but what will propel him forward in the future is the combination of it all – a completely different beast on its own.

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AN EPIC VOYAG WITH ADVENTU CLUB H

ailing from Montreal, Christian Srigley and Leighton James fuse to form “Adventure Club.” Fans of the cartoon show Adventure Time will appreciate the obvious references with the duo’s profile picture on Facebook, however Adventure Club is more than just a title that sounds similar to a television program. “Club” can allude to an adventurous gang of boys exploring the world, implying that you must be a member in order to revel in these adventures. Alternatively, and quite simply, “club” can simply just refer to the club music that this duo creates. ”Retro City” encapsulates this double-entendre of the word

“club” quite easily; not only does this track thrive in the night scene, but the sounds it induces evoke the very image of adventuring, throwing the listener directly into Retro City.

The listener is only given a few seconds to absorb the synthetic, dreamy atmosphere of Retro City before the music erupts into a shower of neon lights (if neon lights had a sound).

This song is not just dubstep; it is something that will definitely carry you throughout the city, to accompany you into social scenes and immerse yourself in the young life. “Need Your Heart” embodies this same “city-young-life” spirit, featuring the crooning of Kai and

the same splashing of neon lights.

It is evident that Adventure Club strives to place their listener on an epic voyage throughout the glowing night life of the city, all the while encasing this adventure in the safety of a club. Their remix of Foxes’ “Youth” is another prime example of Adventure Club’s youthful music.

At the onset of the song, the hook “don’t tell me our youth is running out” resonates, underscoring the importance of staying young and energetic. In this way, the dubstep duo challenges their listeners to embody the spirit of youthfulness, accompanied by dreamy synthesizers and head bobbing bass drops..

24OURMUSIC.NET | 9

GE URE

Take The Trip...

A surprising but personal favourite track of mine is their remix of Alexisonfire’s “To A Friend,” maintaining the angry and morose emotions supplied by Dallas Green’s singing and polymerizing it with the escapist nature of Adventure Club’s electronic sound. Once again, the duo lives up to the promise of their name, yanking the listener away from their personal and dark quarrels with their friends into an epic adventure.

...And See Adventure Club has many tracks available for streaming and free download on their Facebook page. They can also be found on Twitter (@adventuredub), Soundcloud, and YouTube.

Their Inner Child

“Fans of the cartoon show Adventure Time wiill appreciate the obvious references wit the duo’s profile picture on Facebook...”

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UT VILIFICAT

Watch out for this pretty little thing, her

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UNSTOPPABLE

“She has shown her worth as a DJ, and has proven time-and-time again that she can jam with the other big players of the decade”

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ilify, an up-andcoming Montrealbased DJ, is an unbelievable pleasure to listen to.

If you don’t want to take my word for it – realize that this young star was just voted Montreal’s #1 Club DJ in the Montreal Mirror 2012. To be ranked the best in a city where the DJ scene is a flourishing, dense environment is no easy feat for anyone. ean “Vilify” is unquestionably redefining Montreal’s electronic music scene one gig at a time.

Having made a name for herself by performing ever since late 2007 – she is an example of hard

Best Club Night in The Mirror’s Best of Montreal 2012 AND 2011.

TTER TION

r beats will destroy your soles.

Photographer: DannyGirl MUA/Styling: Kalven Kimball

work paying off. Vilify’s reputation is now solid and recognized, with an impressive list of collaborators to boot. She has appeared alongsideSkream, Benga, Goldie, Andy C, Rusko, Dieselboy, Dj Hype, Nero, Bassnectar, Excision, Datsik, as well as many others on her upward climb to fame. Needless to say, her presence is now both well-received and respected. We can expect to see more of her performances at various venues in the near future.

Her signature Dubstep sets display adaptability over most Drum N’ Bass variations and anything she feels she can tackle during the night. Whether this is Hip-Hop or Reggae, Metal or Jazz – Vilify can probably (actually, definitely) take it and make it one of her own

masterpieces.

To add to her impressive track record, she is also the founder and resident DJ of Montreal’s most popular weekly “Bass Drive Wednesdays” which was voted #1 Best Club Night in The Mirror’s Best of Montreal 2012 AND 2011.

Having performed in both Canada, and a lot of North America – it doesn’t seem like Vilify is going to vanish anytime soon. She has shown her worth as a DJ, and has proven time-and-time again that she can jam with the other big players of the decade.

If you are in the area, or happen to be near one of her future gigs – it would be a great idea to give yourself a treat and go out to see her. Vilify has not disappointed many thus far, and it wouldn’t hurt to give her dynamism a good listen.

Her official Facebook page is at http://www.facebook.com/ DJ.VILIFY/ and to book her for your events, just go through her booking agent at josh@flyskyrocket.com.

Her Soundcloud stream is also accessible at https://soundcloud. com/vilify if you need a little more convincing than what I’ve already mentioned.

So… are you ready to get Vilified?

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IN-HOUSE TRAILBLAZER PAULLIZZI It is extremely difficult to find another person who can do precisely what the talented musician Paul Lizzi has done.

24OURMUSIC.NET | 13

HOT WRITE-UP

Musical Warrior Practicing his art by battling the elements themselves.

Make sure to check out Lizzi’s new Yoututbe project, Lizzify, which offers a real, no-holds-barred view of the independent music scene in Montreal.

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he Montreal-based artist is first and foremost an expert drummer. But moving beyond that – he has done what others have rarely even attempted - adding his own vocals into the mix of his drumming.

People seem to love this amalgamation of talents; his many fans skyrocketing him into the spotlight of various social media networks. One example of this is noted on his Facebook page which states that he has reached “32,500 subscribers on YouTube in just nine months”. An impressive accomplishment for such a short span of time.

Guided by his very capable drumming teacher Vince DiZazzo ever since Lizzi was just five years old, he has simply been refining those skills to their breaking point, achieving what other musicians will recognize as undeniable success

in his field. His impressive list of past work has had him crossing paths with the likes of Karl Wolf, Adam Lambert, Sean Paul, NKOTB, Shaharah, and Girlicious, to name just a few. And his impressive sponsors now include such giants as Hype energy drink, Lofthotel, Lucky drums, Beyer microphones, Epic Meal Time, Harley-Davidson and AlertPay.com.

Widely viewed as the first drummervocalist in the heavily saturated world of House Music, Lizzi is certainly carving out his niche. His unique blend creates a welcome break from the usual – which is probably what draws numerous new fans to listen in and jump on his relatively young social media bandwagon.

From the European MTW Award in 2008 for his “Mash Up Tour” to his “Last Forever Tour” in Australia during 2011, Lizzi is clearly picking

Talk about getting an exciting reference list. up steam and shows no sign of slowing down in 2013.

His musical art which inventively blends his technical mastery of drumming,together with his vocals, is definitely nothing to ignore.

In fact, Lizzi is now recognized worldwide in countries such asCanada, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Europe and the United Arab Emirates where he has performed with the various aforementioned artists. So, don’t worry if you haven’t heard his stuff yet – you are sure to be hearing more of Paul Lizzi’sunique brand of music in the future.

If you would like to know more about this tremendous talent, Paul Lizzi’s official website can be accessed at www.paullizzi.com and he can be contacted for bookings or other related issues at info@ paullizzi.com.

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LUCKYFISH l PRODUCTIONS AFRICAN ROOTS

A look at some of Sequerra’s commercial work.

“You Dream It, We Produce It.” A Truly Fitting Motto

LUCKYFISH Productions is a fledgling start-up production company based in Montreal, Canada. Although they’re a relatively new company, having been around for less than 2 years, they have helped produce many creative and corporate videos, and already have an extensive artistic portfolio.

(Their Facebook page can be seen athttp://www.facebook. com/LuckyFishFilms/ and their official page athttp:// www.luckyfishfilms.com/) Despite being new on the scene, their work speaks volumes, with many of their videos having hit millions

24OURMUSIC.NET | 15 of hits, and some in the hundreds of thousands. Their President, Cedric Sequerra, has made sure that their portfolio is heavily equipped with the latest content, from new music videos to photo shoots to brand the artists..

Most of their work is very artistic and professionally done, and spans works completed up to the time of this article’s writing from the day of their ‘online’ founding in March 23, 2011.

HARLEQUIN A snapshot from one of Sequerra’s earliest works. He and his cousin Julian produced this film together.

Their motto is “You Dream It, We Produce It”, and they are definitely fulfilling that promise for many of their clients. Claiming to specialize in “Photography, Video Production, and Graphic Design”, LUCKYFISH does not fail to disappoint; their true talent, however, seems to be image branding; artists from all over have come to consult with Cedric about their image first, and everything second. By branding each artist with a unique style, photo shoot,

and video to match their vibe and personality, they have seen much success in a short period of time.

Their impressive list of works already includes videos for artists Adventure Club, Vista Cruiser, and Klaypex, and as we’ve learned, TBA promotional images and videos for Nikki Yanofsky, while photos for Lights & Shawn Hook are on the horizon.

So how did this all start, you ask? Well, when at the age of 19 years old , Cedric produced, with his cousin Julian Malka, a piece called “Harlequin – A Joker Fan Film”, after having written it with his friend Ryan Cohen, and revising it with Julian.

While he is adamant that it is not his best work, he still credits it for having introduced him to the world of online video.

They’ve even covered DJ Superstar Deadmau5 in concert, and in January will be shooting Major Lazer at New City Gas on the 10th of the month. In the photo department, they have also covered many seasons of Montreal Fashion Week, and their work can be seen onwww.DistrictMode. com , while they have shot editorials for emerging brands such as Hip & Bone, with upcoming videos for WowWee Toys, & JMSB, HEC & McGill to create promotional ads.

This spectacular video reached a grand total of 3.15 million views, and is a testament to the production company’s dedication to their craft. A truly impressive feat, considering at the time, Cedric had never produced a video before.

Photography, Video Production, Graphic Design They have also been on set multiple times to support the antics of Epic Meal Time, a Montreal born youtube channel which has reached over three million subscribers. Specifically, they shot and edited Zombie Meal Time, which to date, has over 5 million views.

LUCKYFISH has definitely proven itself to be wholly capable of taking on projects and completing them with a high degree of proficiency.

To get in touch with the company, you can simply contact csequerra@gmail. com and watch them turn your dreams into reality.

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KILL KASPER STARTS THE REVOLUTION

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ill Kasper’s debut EP Stuck Between The Devil And Blues In Drop C is everything they described on their Facebook page: “loud, dirty rock music in [an] old ammunitions dump in a quiet part of the city.”

In their official description of the record, Kill Kasper notes: “We don’t care if the music is fashionable or not and we aren’t trying to be the next big thing. We’re just making tunes we’re passionate about and hope a few of you out there dig them too.” Indeed, Stuck Between The Devil And Blues In Drop C is modest and reserved yet loud and bombastic at the same time. In spite of their promise for music that simply shows “what they are passionate about,” this record still accomplishes as an ostentatious soundtrack to a post-apocalyptic war in a ravaged desert wasteland, or even and quite simply noise to pulsate through your earphones as

you strut down the street. Through their attempts at modesty and a blatant desire to just have fun, Kill Kasper have created a melodious but blaring and epic white noise.

Perhaps fittingly starting the EP is a raucous anthem called “Start The Revolution.” The first notes are played by a filthily distorted guitar, followed by Kolonel Kasper’s sinister crooning. “You can hold me back / you can run my name / but I can run for miles and miles,” he says, as if challenging the audience through a large megaphone. The curtain unfolds, and the entire ensemble begins to play; Kasper malevolently yet elegantly pulls aside the veil and gives us a glimpse of his army.

“Start The Revolution” is, after all, the title of the song; Kill Kasper and their dramatic entrance embodies this notion to “begin.” .” I imagine the band standing atop a city skyscraper, beckoning the people to come forward to be a part of the

revolutionary movement. The notion to “start the revolution” extends to the idea that the recruits themselves are encouraged to spread “the revolution.”

These notions to revolution are complemented by the searing of Kasper and Paul Karuana’s guitars and the pulsating of Matt Knight’s bass, backed by the stomping of Sean Kenneally’s drums. Combine all these sounds and you get a flamboyant and dirty rock anthem calling forth revolution.

“Rock This City” starts off with a clean guitar and Kasper’s vocals before sliding back into the zone of dirty rock. If “Start The Revolution” is about the birth of a force, “Rock This City” is about a rebirth.

“Nobody knows me,” Kasper sings in the chorus as he searches for a rebirth to his identity. After the song drops into a wailing guitar solo, Kasper then sings “oh sweet Lord I gotta rock this city,” the explicit

d

f

24OURMUSIC.NET | 17 ROCKIN

Art their recent show in December

declaration of his challenge to find rebirth. The song ends with one last guitar solo, a stark contrast to the beginning where it was only Kasper’s vocals and a clean guitar. The song’s progress from a quiet ballad to a loud track, in itself, represents the call to rebirth and to “Rock This City.”

The record then swings into a pulsating bass guitar and bass drum march called “Who Lied,” embellished by a fiery guitar simmering beneath. “Who,” Kasper asks as the bass guitar and drums wallop your ear drums; Kill Kasper draws you in, beckoning you to march as Kasper searches for this “who.” “I want you to live forevermore / I want you to live forever!”

Kasper belts this line right before the song drops into a cinematic, instrumental interlude. Following the rebirth of “Rock This City,” the theatrical anthem “Who Lied” is a self-evaluation; the

aftermath of a burning city after a revolt. “I want you to fly like angels fly” Kasper sings, assuring his audience that they will reap the rewards of fighting the revolution.

He seals this promise by repeating “I want you to live forever” and offering the audience one last guitar solo interlude.

The song then tails off peacefully, with the outro emulating the beginning of the song; a slow and quieting bass groove accompanied, this time without the marching bass drum.

Stuck Between The Devil And Blues In Drop C is the perfect soundtrack to your daily revolution, stomp around the block, or simply loud white noise to block out the world.

I highly recommend this record to anyone seeking twenty minutes of dirty, passionate rock music.

“I imagine the band standing atop a city scyscraper, beckoning the people to come forward...”

g The Kolonel Kasper Jammin for the crowd

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Take A Walk In The Dark Side Of Town

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he Dark Side Of Town by the energetic Montreal-based alternative-country group The Custom Outfit is a melodic treat that is sure to bring the audience into a state of nostalgic desire for the open country air. Complete with twinkling guitar riffs, steady and methodic bass grooves, a sparkling mandolin, a crooning fiddle and the hearty vocals of Derek Williams, The Darkside Of The Moon is a foot-stomping, hand-clapping record that is the perfect soundtrack to dance to around a campfire on a summer’s night.

Beginning with the eponymous titled “The Dark Side Of Town,” the record kicks off with a classic, twanging, western-ridden guitar lick that immediately throws the listener into the wilderness of an American desert. “When the sound of the alley reminds you of a place you’ll

never leave” Williams sings as the band paints a picture of the record’s world: a place where the shadows of cowboys can’t hide, even “in the night / on the dark side of the town.” The audience is slowly walked through the town as The Custom Outfit welcomes them in to their home. This song is a peaceful introduction to a party of which the band is about to throw.

As the band sits the audience down in the town’s saloon, they break out into “Goodbye To The Moonshine,” an upbeat fiddle-laced clapper, complete with a fiddle solo by Catherine Planet. “Do you remember the time I ran so fast” the singer asks, underscoring the escapist themes of the song and solidifying the assimilation of the listener from his or her world into the band’s world. “Goodbye to the moonshine” Williams declares triumphantly, encouraging the audience to throw their worries and

sorrows away. “I finally found my country girl / and I’m gonna treat her fine” he announces happily, an implicit invitation to the audience to revel in his happiness and to share their own joys with him. “Goodbye To The Moonshine” is a feel-good track that starts off the record on a giddy and energetic note.

“Good Liquor Gonna Bring Me Down” is The Custom Outfit’s

“I finally found my country girl / and I’m gonna treat her fine” saloon equivalent to LMFAO’s “Shots;” this track is your archetypical drinking song, the soundtrack to binge consumption until the “good liquor carries [you] down.” Supplemented by a playful piano, “Good Liquor Gonna Bring Me Down” is another upbeat

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HOT WRITE-UP

THE CUSTOM OUTFIT

Beginning with the eponymous titled “The Dark Side Of Town,” the record kicks off with a classic, twanging, western-ridden guitar lick

The Dark Side Of Town is an adventure to the country side worth taking, throwing the listener into the country, bluegrassy world of The Custom Outfit.

Talk about getting an exciting reference list.

clapper, carried by Dave Dixon’s pulsating bass groove and Williams’ crooning.

for-coming” note to the audience as as they leave the world.

“Clap Your Hands” is an obvious invitation to clap along; and with an infectious arrangement of upbeat guitar playing, methodic bass, and a smatter of mandolin playing throughout, The Custom Outfit once again channels the feelgood energy of “Goodbye To The Sunshine.”

Sealing this percussive desire to clap along is Williams’ vocals and the diction of the chorus, striking the audience with a vocal beat through the line “turn back time.”

With a beat falling on each word and its accentuation by the beating of the instrumental; The Custom Outfit underscores the timelessness of being upbeat and feeling good.

The record’s last track, “White Freightliner,” is the closing of the show as The Custom Outfit bids farewell to the audience and prepares to leave. “White Freightliner” is another song about escapism, this time about returning home fearlessly.

In a rather upbeat and celebratory manner, The Custom Outfit once again takes the audience by the hand and whisks them back to the world they once resided.

Rather than a cinematic and drawling guitar, Derek Harrison’s mandolin takes the stage as it sparkles throughout the song and happily bids the audience farewell.

“White freightliner, won’t you steal away my mind” sings the speaker, as the white freightliner drives away into the sunset; indeed, “White Freightliner” is a joyful closing to the record, doubling as a “thank-you-

The Dark Side Of Town is an adventure to the country side worth taking, throwing the listener into the country, bluegrassy world of The Custom Outfit and holding a lively party with an energetic cowboy swagger.

As promised by the band in their ReverbNation bio, The Dark Side Of Town showcases a band that is a “high energy, foot stompin’, music making machine.”

I highly recommend this record to anyone seeking a fresh, young adventure full of nature, clean air, and untainted by the electronic synthetics of contemporary music.

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interview ANDREW MAFFETTONE Our staff writer, Karl Nicolas had a chance to sit down and interview Andrew Maffettone, CEO of Booked Promotions.

We’re based out of Central most venues in Central Florida and our South Florida but we do shows all Florida region is growing quickly as well. over Florida and are hoping to venture into New York this year. 24OurMusic Wow, very impressive. Do you have any advice 24OurMusic 24OurMusic for independent artists who are looking to Okay, so first of all, tell us a little Nice, can you mention any take their first steps and seek help from bit about yourself and Booked notable things you guys have promotional companies such as yours?

Promotions! accomplished since you have opened?

Andrew Maffettone Andrew Maffettone Appear as professional as possible. Get My name is Andrew Maffettone, Andrew Maffettone quality photos, have quality graphics, if you I am a drummer in my free In Florida alone we have look like an amazing artist you can become time, and as a career I run over 500 independent artists one much easier.

Booked Promotions. who have signed up with us, we have put on over 50 It’s sad to say this but music isn’t all about Booked Promotions is a events, and we have put on 3 the talent anymore, it’s more about how you booking/promotions company successful festivals as well. market yourself. The more professional you predominately for independent look the more people will enjoy working with musicians but we work with Our most recent festival had you. So I would say the first steps as an artist national artists as well.We help over 40 performing artists is to establish yourself as a brand, then worry artists find and put together including The Red Jumpsuit about getting a fan base. shows, and we even help them Apparatus, Oceana, Broadway find everything else they may and Modern Day Escape. We 24OurMusic need such as photography, have also worked with several Great advice, on that note - do you accept videography, audio production, other national acts including every artist that approaches you? merchandise, and a lot more.

Close To Home and Picture Me Broken. We also work with Andrew Maffettone

24OURMUSIC.NET | 21 Yes, actually we do, we will always bring an artist on to our roster. Everyone is different and everyone is at different levels in their musical careers. Some may be ready to do massive shows at our biggest venues, others are just starting, so who are we to judge them now?

The last thing we would want to do is turn down an artist that we may have thought wasn’t good enough then we find out we were wrong and they’re touring with U2.

I actually did not notice this until the company had started but I have come to realize that the nicer the artist is the bigger their fan base is. When you’re first starting out as an artist all your friends become your fans and for a while all of your fans become friends, so the nicer you are the more people will like you instead of just your music.

I do know a handful of musicians who are a nightmare to work with and their fan base seems minimal, but I know a 24OurMusic lot of artists who I love working Aha, true enough! It seems that with and they have pretty large you understand the current fanbases. Being an independent state of the industry as it musician is no time in your stands right now, can you give career to start getting cocky. us more insight?

24OurMusic Andrew Maffettone Interesting, all artists should

definitely take note!

Last question, any plans for the future?

Are there any exciting things the readers should look out for in terms of projects or the like?

Andrew Maffettone We have had this awful beta site since we started, we are finally launching a brand new site

with artist profiles, online ticketing, show calendars for all artists, and a lot more.

in 2013 and we are planning bigger headliners than we had this year. And of course, we plan on having a lot more shows in 2013 than we did before. We have a lot of cool stuff coming up that we can’t wait to announce.

24OurMusic Awesome! Thank you so much for your time and giving us the chance to have this interview with you!

We’re really excited to have a clean looking website that makes it easy to use for all artists and Andrew Maffettone music businesses.

No thank you!

Also, our annual festival B.O.B.B. Fest will be in the summer

MAKEWAY STUDIOS Bringing The Mad Beats To Montreal

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.S (aka Ollie) is an upcoming hip hop artist fresh out of south Florida. He made his move to Montreal in August for school and hip hop purposes. Not to mention the connects he has here.

That being said, the kids passion for music continues to expand everyday and you can be sure to expect a dope mixtape coming very soon. Makeway

is very excited to be working with O.S. He lights up the booth with energy which makes for sick productions.

Make sure you keep your eyes open for the kid. With a top notch flow and lyrics to back it up, you can expect this rapper to make a name for himself in no time.

22 | 24OURMUSIC.NET

I

t’s always a treat to see a couple drawn together by their love of music and propelled to greater artistic heights by that union. Such was the case when Dub FX, otherwise known as Benjamin Stranford, met his fiancée Flower Fairy.

THE DYNAMIC

Stratford was initially a street performer and recording artist based in Melbourne.

DUB-DUO

Dub FX has bee actively performing since 2005 and has released a total of three albums in that time.

Playing around for a while with a band known as Twitch, he set out on his own after relocating to Europe from Australia.

THE SOUND His music is infused with drum and bass, hip-hop and dub step influences and has the power to turn heads of all backgrounds

Audiences were initially drawn to his performances because of their simplicity and energy. Most of the time it was simply a live performance utilizing live looping and effect pedals, to intermix his own vocals.

This was a very distinctive technique, and those who watched simply loved the unorthodox manner by which he produced music. This was not limited to just one genre

DubFX is a 10-piece powerhouse with a 3-piece horn section that relentlessly dishes out an unstoppable reggae groove either, as Dub dabbled in both Reggae and Hip-hop – using a variety of DNB rhythms.

24OURMUSIC.NET | 23

A CROSSWORLDS

Released in 2010, this collaboration with Melbourne producer ‘Sirius’ will really impress.

When he met Flower Fairy, acts quickly became duets rather than solos. Originally from Manchester, she now joined Dub on his trot around the world as he performed his own appealing style of music. She can be spotted selling his CD’s as well as on stage working the crowd with her future husband.

Flower Fairy is featured on the tracks “Everythinks A Ripple”, “Wandering Love”, and “Time Will Tell”.

In 2010, Dub FX released his album “A Crossworlds” made in collaboration with a Melbourne producer known as Sirius. The album is mostly dub step, but still showcases

Dub’s versatility and distinct style.

He does not have any promoters of his own, merely spreading word of his performances and albums by social networking and similar venues. Recently, he has founded Convoy Umltd.which acts like a hub for similarlyminded artists, who share the same style and preferred genre, as Dub himself.

If you are interested in an up-and-coming artist that proliferates a message of resilience and tackles matters of a philosophical nature with lyrical mastery (and a definite touch of authenticity), definitely check

out Dub FX and Fairy Flower.

These two just have so much to offer to those who would give them a chance.

COMMUNITY

After having built up a solid fan-base, he has released several records, including a solo album, Everythinks a Ripple, and many collaborative works.

Not only does this couple know how to work together, they definitely make some good music. You can check out Dub’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ dubfx and his collaborative

Audiences were initially drawn to his performances for their simplicity and energy. group’s main website over at http://www.convoyunltd. com/dubfx.

You really would not want to miss out on this great – independent – dynamic dub-duo.

24 | 24OURMUSIC.NET

GET READY FOR A MASKATTACK!

Breakfighter infuses the melodic and upbeat nature of soca with the grimy, synthesized nature of house music.

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J Breakfighter makes up the oneman act Maskattack, an electronic artist of the drum and bass, break beat, and dubstep persuasion.

On his Facebook page, Breakfighter describes Maskattack’s music as “hyperactive,” striving to infuse music that is both energetic and melodic.

This polymerization of

“energetic” and “melodic” is demonstrative by his remix of Baby Cham’s “Man A Man.” Breakfighter certainly fulfills his promise of energy and melody, taking the original track by Baby Cham and blasting it with a tremendous amount of bombastic electricity.

While doing so, “Man A Man” does not lose its original, grinding edge; in fact, charging it with electricity may

world of dubstep. Casual listeners, however, may find this track lacking structure, and suffering of repetitiveness in spite of its edgy and dark nature.

“Orient” is another dark track that makes use of a jagged drumbeat stomping beneath the chorus of East-Orient style crooning and the resonance of piercing, echoing bass. While also subject to heavy

movie masterpiece with the swagger of Optimus Prime.

In this remix, Breakfighter truly evokes the “energetic melody” he strives for with Maskattack, setting the haunting piano lines of the famous song with the filthy darkness of glitched robots. Listeners are sure to appreciate the blending of cinematic orchestral sounds with raucous bass drops and a roaring chorus of screeching electronic metal. DJ Breakfighter’s Maskatt-

entice more intense dirty dancing. Breakfighter calls this style of music “socastep;” rightfully so, Breakfighter infuses the melodic and upbeat nature of soca and infuses it with the grimy, synthesized jaggedness of house music.

beginning with a dark and mechanized synth cluster humming over a hi-hat ridden drumbeat.

The track then drops into a shadowy roar of wobbly bass before being embellished by the snare-marching of a soca drumline.

The addition of blips and a breakbeat hi-hat make this track intense and energetic.

“Badtrip” is also labeled as a socastep track,

Although not necessarily melodic, “Badtrip” is definitely energetic, pulling in the feel-good energy of traditional soca and polymerizing it with the

repetition, Breakfighter dishes out another track that is reflective of Maskattack’s “hyperactive” nature, creating an ambience that is perhaps suited to being the soundtrack of a street race up a mountain side in the midst of a torrential thunder storm.

One of his strongest tracks is his remix of “Requiem For A Dream,” where he blends in the sounds of the famous

ack is an electronic act that seems to be finding its sound, striving to bring in melody and energy and have them play together in harmony. With strong tracks like his remix of Baby Cham’s “Man A Man” and the famous “Requiem For A Dream,” Breakfighter’s attention to enhancing the energetic nature of upbeat tracks and adding a filthy edge is one listeners will appreciate.

24OURMUSIC.NET | 25 Led by CEO Josh Laroche, they make it clear that they are truly interested in seeing their artists grow and establish a successful career in entertainment.

SkyRocket Entertainment’s track records show that aspiring musicians can rest assured that the company will be able to provide the resources and guidance that they need to get some footing in an industry that can be unwelcoming to many.

If you want to get in contact with them you can emailjosh@flyskyrocket.com, alanna@flyskyrocket.com, or rustam@flyskyrocket.com.

TO THE SKIES - SKYROCKET ENTERTAINMENT Montreal & Toronto’s Premier Promotion and Tour booking Agency

T

he easy part is deciding you want to pursue a musical path in life, the difficulty lies in figuring out how to get there.

That is where production agencies like SkyRocket Entertainment come in.

The fresh newToronto& Montreal-based company handles promotions and tour bookings for artists signed under their name. Their roster already includes the likes of Vilify, theCinnamon Chasers, and Hydee. They

are constantly expanding, and the young agency, established May 15, 2011, is slowly becoming known as an effective platform that aspiring artists can rely on for a great start.

Their motto and structure is built around the satisfaction of their customers, and they put the happiness of those they signed on as the premier gaugefor a job well done. They attribute their success to this dogma. It is clear that following it has led them to all the accomplishments that they have experienced.

To date, they have successfully released three videos, Lips - Everything To Me, Klaypex - Lights, and Vista Cruiser - I Dig, You Dig.All the videos have become popular, with the first video garnering more than one million views to this date.

The other two videos have also accrued a respectable amount of views ranging upwards from 100,000 hits.

As if that wasn’t enough, SkyRockethas also successfully set-up and seen to fruition five separate tours for their artists. The response to these events have been amazing; they all clearly have bright futures ahead of them because of the great promotion and stage they have been given.

By working closely within their area, establishing relationships with local businesses, and targeting the right groups – there is no doubt that the agency is going to see a lot of clear skies ahead. Their strategy is obviously still developing, but the growing popularity of their individual artists is definitely a telling measurement of their trustworthy methodology.

26 | 24OURMUSIC.NET croons over Clayton’s keys. “I’m just a simple girl who’s caught up in this mess / all my hopes and dreams depending on somebody” she softly sings, two lines that course throughout the song and deliver visions of an Adele creeping beneath the sounds. “Your Love” on the other hand seems to channel Canadian superstar Celine Dion’s trademark vibrato vocals, as Morgan delivers her voice over the sound of a glowing piano. The higher notes of which she hits helps audiences to see the Alicia Keys influence in her voice.

PURE AND SOULFUL

KATIE MORGAN This Welsh Bombshell Will Bring The Authentic Sound Of Britain Right To Your Doorstep

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rom Wales of the United Kingdom hails soul singer Katie Morgan. Collaborating with Brian Clayton, they form a label by the name of Soul and More, a project dedicated

to collaborating with other artists and seeking work with other music producers. Citing many famous divas such as Adele, Alicia Keys, and Amy Winehouse, Morgan’s music is pure and encroaches deep into the heart, carrying on the chilling reverberation of her voice and using its plasticity in a variety of song styles to capture the hearts of many audiences.

A quick listen-through of the music on her Facebook page will present to you the versatility of Morgan’s songwriting and singing. “Just Somebody” seems to be your typical soul-infused song, opening with the chorus of a piano as Morgan elegantly

To say, however, that Morgan’s music is simply a reincarnation of the “Rolling In The Deep” singer’s music is an insulting simplification; you will quickly see this with Morgan’s song “On and On.” This pleasant feel-good track is one to kick off your shoes to and dance barefoot on a hardwood floor. “No more excuses in my life / no one to blame but my pride” she triumphantly sings, as Morgan announces her detachment from her sorrows and chooses instead to sing and dance about it.

The swirl of strings and the clapping snare line that lingers beneath Morgan’s joyful singing help create this pop-tune that is sure to please audiences looking for music not too introspective and is simply something simple to play in the background. Meanwhile, “Never See Me Cry” is both upbeat and soulful, encouraging the audience to revel in her defiance against her emotions while performing a head-bob worthy tune.

In short, Katie Morgan’s music is an eclectic slate of her finest song writing, all tied together by the sheer power of her voice. While channeling her influences such as Adele and Alicia Keys, Morgan’s lyrics and singing patent her music to her, and her alone. With the production of Brian Klayton, Katie Morgan’s music is sure to please a variety of audiences whether they want something easy-listening or soulful and The swirl of strings introspective.

Her music is and the clapping available for online streaming on her snare line that Facebook page lingers beneath “katiemorganmusic,” Morgan’s Joyful as well on ReverbNation and singing.....

24OURMUSIC.NET | 27 and an edgy electric flair. “She is the very best of me / Under red skies” Caldwell croons as an arena wailing guitar screams behind him.

Undoubtedly, this guitar is the icing on “Red Skies’” cake, adding a dramatic edge that supplements theatricality to the chorus. ”Forever Again” is a candle-light love song complete with the chiming of a piano and the chilling coolness of a reverberating strings chorus. “Love ain’t always easy” begins Caldwell; the first word “love” is enough to immediately let the audience know which emotion this song is meant to evoke.

RED SKIES AND CALIFORNIA DREAMS WITH ouglas Caldwell D CALDWELL (under his stage

d

name D Caldwell) channels a soulful acoustic sound with a pleasant tinge of electric rock through his 2009 release Red Skies. With a cool and icy voice, melodic guitar riffs and a dreamy arrangement of reverberating instruments, Red Skies is a delight for listeners seeking something soft and easy listening.

Red Skies begins with a smooth jam named “At Night,” a lament to a woman whom the singer regrets hurting. “You’re not there anymore / I’m dreaming” he mourns; Caldwell’s cool voice and echoing instrumental arrangement pulls the audience with him into his dream as he envisions the lady

Coming To You From The Bay Area With A Guitar And An Island Beat

“Let’s dance alone under starlight / and dance together the rest of our lives,” the speaker beckons as he pulls the curtain off the window and reveals the effervescent glow of the night sky, a pale moon shining into the living room as he pulls his lover close to him for a slow dance. Indeed, “Forever Again” is the kind of love song you would expect to hear in the background of a tender love scene between two movie characters, plucking at the audience’s heart strings like Caldwell plucks at the strings of his guitar throughout the song.

he misses. As the first track, “At Night” is a slow and savory tune that softly eases the audience into the dreamy universe of Caldwell’s record.

“He loves his woman / She loves her man / forever again” the song concludes, with the twinkling of chimes as the track trails off into its end.

The record’s eponymously named track “Red Skies” is a mellow head-bobber, starting out with an upbeat acoustic jam before it crescendos into a roaring chorus complete with an electric guitar. Reminiscent of Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” Caldwell’s track is the product of the 1980’s pop hit combined with the breeze of a summer’s day

Caldwell then shows off his California nativity with his song “Long Way To California.” As are many songs that idealize the west coast, “Long Way To California” sings of nostalgia and a longing to return home. With a deep bass groove pulsating throughout the song underneath the purring of a harmonica and Caldwell’s vocals, the audience is sure to feel the sun

28 | 24OURMUSIC.NET of the Western state as Caldwell paints a picture of his home.

The harmonica and the swaying bass guitar indeed are a wonderful touch to the song, bringing out the singer’s desire to see his loved ones after being away from home for so long.

The song ends with Caldwell saying “daddy will be home real soon. I miss you,” followed by a harmonica solo over the bellowing of a marching snare drum and the roar of an airplane.

Red Skies channels a mellow ambience that borders on introspectiveness and a simple yet pleasant soundtrack. Whether

seeking to reflect on life, looking for a song to serenade a loved one, or searching for an ambience that can help relax and carry you through the day, D Caldwell’s record is smooth and dreamy enough to fulfill all of these at once.

With his cool voice and well placed melodic arrangements, Caldwell’s Red Skies is worth a listen, perhaps even as a musical stress reliever in a very busy and fast-moving life.

The audience is sure to feel the sun of the Western state... of his home.

BRANDON KARL JUSTIN XANDER EVEREST MINIA NICOLAS GAWRON

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resident/ Founder/CEO of 24OurMusic

M

edia Correspondent

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ead Contributor

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ssistant Editor

24OurMusic strives to support independent musicians around the world and help them gain the recognition they deserve. While other websites allow musicians to upload their content and hope for attention, many of theses sites showcase big name celebrities that overshadow the potential of their independent artists. Our extensive social network allows us to promote your music as well as your own social media networks at no cost to you.

24OURMUSIC.NET | 29 present throughout the song. If you are going to listen to any track in the album, we would have to recommend this one over any others.

However if you need a gem with vocals included, take a listen to “Fly A Way”. It does not have as much oomph as the previously mentioned track, but it still features the same feel accompanied by a decent set of lyrics to keep the mood going. By the end, you will probably be in – or close to – a state of flying away on the soft melody that LHEPPE generously provides.

Much like the songs we have already mentioned, the rest of the album is simply a mixed bag. In the end, you may find yourself liking a few of the tracks, but it is incredibly difficult to appreciate each and every one of the songs they have put in. It might have been a better idea to have narrowed down the song selection and chosentracks they felt were better than the rest to place in the double album. LHEPPE must have just wanted many songs out there, to be accessible, in order to hit home for a wider listener group.

LHEPPE – ODE TO A PINAPPLE Who doesn’t love a band with an interesting history?

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HEPPE (pronounced leh-pay) is a three-piece band from Montreal, Quebec, consisting of members Pete Warning, Jimmy Vegas, and Jeff Lo. But more interestingly, they state that they were originally a four-piece band which lost its bassist to a fan from Mexico. Odd yet intriguing.

Moving on – we are going to be talking about their album, or rather double album, recently released and known as “Across The Pineapple”.

Overall, it is a decent album with moments where it can surprise and be effective, but it also has flaws and blemishes which the band should go back to and address in order to produce better songs in the future.

Claiming to dabble in the Dream Pop/Alternative/Psychedelic arena of music, LHEPPE certainly hits home in all twenty tracksand eighty-two minutes of the DA. Unfortunately, for those not willing to wade through the songs a couple of times, they might find themselves nodding off to sleep if they aren’t paying attention. It can be a difficult album to listen to if the noticeable flaws are not something the listener is willing to overlook.

“Tiki Samba” for one, is a nice track which is complemented by great drumming – but falls shorts in terms of vocals. It’s not that the vocals themselves are bad, but the fact that they just do not mesh well with the background music that accompanies it. As if in direct contrast however, in “Heaven is Black”, what could have been great vocals are just drowned out and lost in the drumming that just overpowers what the singer is trying to convey. It is clear that LHEPPE needs to find a way to work on that balance for now.

“Counter Clockwork” is an odd mish-mash, but unlike the earlier two, it works to an extent. The slow drawn-out vocals with an equally sluggish instrumental makes for a very lullaby-ish song. A dream pop feel is established and retained, and certain parts of the track do shine through despite what it is missing in terms of excitement. If you need something to actually doze off to during bouts of insomnia, you can definitely count on this number to send you off to dreamland.

The flagship track “Across the Pineapple” is a different story altogether. The wonderful instrumental which relays an elegant, historic ballroom-dance feel is wonderfully orchestrated. Additionally, the lack of vocals simply allows the listener to pay more attention to the details and minute moments of sophistication ever-

30 | 24OURMUSIC.NET

DREAMHOUSE STUDIOS Based out of downtown Toronto, this recording studio has a client list to be jealous of.

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ocated in a tiny and graffitilaced brick house with a living room holding the vast arsenal of recording equipment and instruments, Dreamhouse is a setting ideal for bringing out the grimy and dark edge of Toronto’s urban scene.

Serving the Toronto music landscape, Dreamhouse boasts a large and wide collection of clients, reflective of the culturally and

Dreamhouse is clearly committed to serving artists who are dedicated to producing music... musically broad and diverse nature of the city.

Residents of the Dreamhouse include production duo RealBlaze, a team dedicated to creating “radio-friendly hip hop with underground appeal” (as quoted from

their website.) Alex Bonenfant, another resident, is the founder of the small and independent label White Girl Records.

Dreamhouse is also home to Vulture Culture Films, a music video production company who has worked with acts such as Torontonian hardcore punk band Cancer Bats and Hamiltonian rock piece Arkells.

Jon Drew, Thomas D’Arcy, Crispin Day, and Arthur McArthur serve as Dreamhouse’s resident producers, engineers, and songwriters.

Perhaps the most famous of Dreamhouse’s clients include the late post-hardcore rock outfit Alexisonfire, featuring the soft vocals of Dallas Green (City and Colour) and the edgy screaming

24OURMUSIC.NET | 31 of George Pettit. The raucous and dirty style of Alexisonfire’s music is a perfect representation of Toronto’s urban scene and Dreamhouse’s physical exterior itself: loud, borderline-obnoxious, yet refined and pure. Alexisonfire’s music and Dreamhouse itself both represent the purity and rawness of Toronto.

The Airplane Boys, a hip hop duo hailing from Scarborough, the east side of the city, is another example of artistry that represents the dirty purity of Dreamhouse and Toronto.

With tracks such as “Like You” and their hit single “Beau Monde,” The Airplane Boys channel the energetic vibe of Scarborough and the rest of Toronto, thus scoring them a perfect fit with the grimy energy of Dreamhouse.

The Weeknd, another Scarborough-based artist, is an R&B artist whose music channels dark grittiness, another perfect representation of Toronto’s music scene.

Dreamhouse is clearly committed to serving artists who are dedicated to producing music that is laden with the dark purity of the self and the city. In such a culturally diverse Canadian city,

Dreamhouse has done a great job serving artists seeking to show-off to the world the difficulty of finding identity in this strange collage of a city called Toronto.

Dreamhouse Studios, as well as a complete list of their recording equipment and all the clients they have served is available for contact on Facebook, Twitter, and their website http://thedreamhousestudio.com.

CONTACT

info@ thedreamhousestudio. com

32 | 24OURMUSIC.NET

“PLAY HARD WITH KREWELLA” lay Hard” is what One hell of an they beckon album. This one to you in the middle of intense covers all the bases competition, and up to and including that is exactly what Krewella dragonslaying seductively whispers to its audience in their debut EP. Play music.

Hard is a six-track barrage of electronic music that can double as a soundtrack to either your daily post-apocalyptic fights with Deathclaws, your occasional firefight against robotic zombies, or the background noise as you intensely make-out with your attractive next-door neighbour’s daughter.

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The EP’s eponymous track “Play Hard” is an obvious introduction to the volley of electronic music that is set to rain. After briefly easing the listener into the ambience of the song, the track drops into Skrillex-esque bass shower. “I can play hard” croons the singer, as if challenging the listener to a game of domination. It does not matter whether this domination is through a friendly game of Call of Duty or something a little more suggestive; it is clear that Krewella intends on starting their party off with everyone playing as hard as they can.

After playing hard, Krewella then announces that they are “Killin It” on their second track. “Tell me you’ve had enough / I’m taking off these gloves / Get down and lick the dust” the singer sinisterly feeds into the listener’s ear; Krewella’s Jahan and Yasmine do not stop the seductive game of domination from “Play Hard.” Moreover, before the listener can absorb Krewella’s challenge, DJ Rain Man lifts the walls and showers another meteor storm of bass on the audience.

Play Hard’s fourth track “Alive” is a synthy, pop infused power ballad that serenades both love and life. “I’m making the night mine until the day I die” is a line that underscores the song’s dedication to life; the singer grabs hold of the night and ensures that she live out her youthful ambitions without worry. “All alone, just the beat inside my soul” from the prechorus also brings in a love for music, underscoring how music can make a person feel “alive.” “[I] finally think I found

what I’m chasing after” she directly addresses her lover, for it’s a person’s lover that encapsulates music and life into one memorable night. “Alive,” indeed, is both an ode to carpe diem and at the same time a ballad to the significant other, as Krewella reminds the audience that “playing hard” is also being in love and living life.

“One Minute” arguably has the grittiest synthesizers that surely would not be out of place in the background of a machine gun assault against a horde of zombies. “We got one minute” beckons the speaker of the lyrics, a subtle rephrasing of the ageold “life is too short;” indeed, as the horde of zombies

24OURMUSIC.NET | 33

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“Feel Me” is a massive dubstep track with a pulsating beat and infectious vocals by Jahan and Yasmine. This track features a speaker serenading someone who drives her crazy with passion, desire, and who she longs to touch. Set to the dirty bass drops of Rain Man and underscored by the lines “take it deep into my veins / til my heart is in your veins,” “Feel Me” is definitely the make-out track of the EP, and is a perfect ending to a record that encourages the listener to live life and “play hard.”

Succinctly speaking, Play Hard is an electronic bomb that explodes and pushes the audience to live life, fall in love, and “play hard.” As the last line of “One Minute” goes, “light up this fire before you come rushing.

angrily rushes in against you, Krewella arms you with weapons to fight them off. This firefight against the zombies manifests itself into a filthy cascade of screaming bass as the night perpetuates with the bursting of dead flesh and the horrific moans of your dying comrades.

This track is the epitome of “playing hard” in which you literally fight to keep yourself alive, and you only have “one minute” to change your fate. “So long and leave the world behind” bids the singer, and so it is up to you to let the monsters eat you alive, or follow her.

”Amidst the obvious youthful and innuendo-driven lyrics of “Play Hard” and “Killin’ It,” coupled with songs like “One Minute” and “Alive,” Krewella challenges the audience to ensure that they actively make their lives as amazing as possible; indeed, to “light up this fire before you come rushing.”

If you seek noise to supplement the hustle and bustle of your party, a bass-infused soundtrack as you cruise around the city, or simply music to slay dragons, Play Hard is an electronic bombardment sure to help you satisfy your human desires.

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CHOMP CHOMP ATTACK and venomous (the longest song is the last track, which clocks in at 4 minutes and 4 seconds.)

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homp Chomp Attack’s How Do You Like Me Now is a six-track record that delivers fast-paced, guitar lacerating post-hardcore music in cinematic fashion. Hailing from Montreal, Quebec; the band’s debut EP shows off the potential of their music that is sure to please fans of the genre. Clocking in at about 17 and a half minutes, How Do You Like Me Now promises a quick lashing of rock music that will satisfy anyone seeking something dark

Beginning with the violin infused introduction “For A Loss Of Words,” the record starts with a cinematic and slow march towards the explosion of Chomp Chomp Attack’s music. The glitchy sounds that sprinkle throughout the violins indicate a desire to break through the curtain, as if to throw off the orchestra and begin the sounds of their own band. With a sinister gait, “For A Loss Of Words” eases the audience into the theatre as Chomp Chomp Attack prepares their musical onslaught.

“Falling With Broken Wings” and “How Do You Like Me Now” are the first two shots at the audience. With each track being about 3 minutes in length, this assault is quick and jagged. Although the lyrics resemble

juvenile words ripped out of a young high school boy’s diary, both tracks feature a cascade of good ol’ fast-paced guitar riffs and raucous screaming vocals from singer Mike Silentts. “You were always in the back of my mind / But now your lies mean nothing to me now / I’ll prove you wrong” underscore the angry intention of “How Do You Like Me Now,” solidifying the track’s role as the listener’s anthem against doubters and liars.

In cinematic style, the record ends in traditional “best-for-last” fashion, as Chomp Chomp Attack dishes out “From Dreams To Reality.” The song begins with an arena resonating guitar riff by Omer Valentine, pulling the audience in before the band explodes into head-bobbing, rocktheatrical music. “We will not back down, together we stand out” he announces, declaring to the listener that they will not succumb to the

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conformist pressures of society and resiliently face the humiliation of “standing out.” “We run the race” he then sings in the chorus, “but we’re not the only ones;” the speaker equates the course of life to the intensity of a race, assuring the audience that the challenge of life is a normal experience for everyone, and that we are all in a competition of survival. “From Dreams To Reality” is truly meant to be a song inspiring Chomp Chomp Attack’s audience to follow its ambitions: “If you ever had a dream / One life you wish to lead / Don’t give up this time / I won’t give up one you.” Through these lyrics, the band assures the listener that they will stand close beside him or her.

It is songs like “From Dreams To Reality” that really draw fans to the music; Escape The Fate’s anthem “Not Good Enough For Truth In Cliché” sang of hardship and being

roaring of guitars and the pulsating of Aiden Scared’s drums creates a theatric anthem that is sure to grab hold the hearts of the listeners and help them to feel secure. Truly, “From Dreams To Reality” is not only a great song by the band, but it also represents how music can act as therapeutic medicine and an escape from a troubled world.

How Do You Like Me Now is sure to Full of emotion and purity, Silentts croons “and we’ve fallen / but we satisfy fans of fast-paced anthemic guitar riffs, energetic drum lines, won’t get left behind.” This line underscores the bond that Chomp and edgy screaming vocals. While Chomp Attack establishes with their begging for a closer attention fans, just as My Chemical Romance to lyrical poetic diction and a was able to establish an emotional consideration to a wider range of song styles that can also highlight bond with its fans through songs a broader vocal range, How Do You such as “Welcome To The Black Like Me Now is a quick barrage of Parade” and “I’m Not Okay (I’m post-hardcore rock that is sure to Sorry).” Chomp Chomp Attack creates a lyrical world in which both inspire the resilience of fans against the artist and the listener are both the terrors of life. suffering the trials of life. The use of the word “we” while the dramatic in love, while Pierce The Veil’s “I’d Rather Die Than Be Famous” acts as a theme song of anger against society and conformism. In the same vein, “From Dreams To Reality” acts as a signature song for Chomp Chomp Attack, becoming a theme song that inspires audiences and fans to be stronger and better people.

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Click on each of the pics below to be taken to the official page of each of these artists.

With Bullet we’re hit silently, directly, and taken straight to the point with a House of Pain beat, bounce and rhythm, classic repeating skip beat harmonic sample with less pain more flow..

Their rocking tracks exude inspiration and spot-on lyrics, the type of music that you’ll definitely be singing to shortly afterwards.

For Los Angeles bassline technician BARE, aka Sean Rodela, 2010 will be fondly remembered as the year his twisted face melting sickness exploded into a worldwide With over a decade in the mix Rhiannon has managed to establish a career as a trustworthy DJ delivering an impeccable performance at every event.

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I Will Never Be The Same NeroArgento is a project mixes hard-edged melodic created by multirock with pulsing ambient and instrumentalist Alessio industrial chords. Lighting up the NeroArgento (songwriter, producer, stage at packed Viper Room shows programmer and remixer). in Los Angeles.

Boasting an array of metal/ rock stylings, “We, the Undersigned” are set to dredge the stagnant waters of music’s auto-tuned leaches.

Since his first piano lessons at age five, Josh Money has been composing music.

Looking forward to a promising future as a traditional composer, he studied classical composition, guitar, and piano at Macon State

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Ain’t No Love, an electro hip hop quartet from Toronto, but with a sound cultivated in Montreal, have perfected the craft of making body moving music with an attitude. b.LaY started rapping at the age of 14 when he entered his freshman year of high school at Vista High.

Entering every rap battle and contest he could to develop his skill kept him out of trouble.

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JAE E

Throwin’ down the raw beats from the New Orleans streets.

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AE E, a twenty-four year old American rapper from New Orleans, Louisiana, has just recently released his latest project: ADITL: First Class. This young talent caught the eye of MIL/Danny Boy records after the release of his first EP Grand Entrance, and has since signed with them, slowly becoming an artist to watch out for.

What makes this artist so attentiongrabbing is his fearlessness and the brutal honesty he lays down in his tracks. JAE E’s album pertains to his self – the keen self-observation and subsequent retelling that he provides his listeners within his songs. Like many of the successful rap artists of our time, he gets his inspiration from his own life and situations that have happened to him in order to put out hits that sell through their raw, real account

of a life struggle and personal perseverance.

On a track like “Camo”, JAE E makes it clear that he’s in it for the long haul. Oozing out an almost primal energy, he systematically shoots down those who refuse to acknowledge the talent that he has. Building upon this, “Get At Me” addresses the competition that he will receive, and establishes that he will take on any who gets

24OURMUSIC.NET | 39 in his way. To top this off, “Finale” has lyrics that scream the perfect conclusion,just tell them I’m here, and I got to the top with no fear, and no care in the world what they think. This young man is clearly not concerned about those that don’t see eye-to-eye with what he has to offer, and he’s ready to defend his pride against anyone who dares to test him. This is an excellent example of three songs which borrow heavily from his own

emotions and thoughts to create a whirlpool of aggressive, entertaining music.

learn from them – rather than go on living your life without making decisions that you would want to.

More specifically, this song talks about his newfound aversion to crime, and his emerging disposition to walk the straight and narrow.

listeners can learn and be inspired by what he has gone through.

As an artist, there is no doubt that this is an exemplary example of the manner by which JAE E can pick out powerful moments of his own life and retell it in a way that his

In “Boarding Pass” JAE E analyzes his own early childhood and the male father figure that he had to learn to grow up without. He states that he was raised by a woman cause [his] pops was a bitch.

These are powerful lyrics, and the track takes its time to dissect and analyze the layers of frustration

Overall, the album is very reminiscent of the musical stylings of Nate Dogg and DMX, with JAE E properly dropping meaningful bars and an incredible flow that mimics older styles of rapping.

There is no doubt that most of his songs were heavily influenced by this era of music. He is not truly eclipsed by their talent however,

hidden inside his psyche. It shows JAE E’s willingness to go on, and the thankfulness he has towards his mother who was there to do what his absentee father could not. It is truly a moving song.

Mistakes are also a big theme in major rap albums, and JAE E does not skip a beat. In “Nothing to Lose”, he acknowledges his mistakes and tries to relay that it is best to make those mistakes and

and it is important to note that the distinctions between the classics and his own verses are equally as unmistakable as the similarities.

If Hip-Hop and Rap are what you are into, there is no reason to look further than JAE E and his album ADITL: First Classfor new music. His career is just beginning and the fireworks are already starting to fly.

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IT’S PRONOUNCED “DUBBS” (DVBBS)!

Very calm, very chill, and then BAM! Toronto has gifted us with yet another gem.

Gene to craft aremarkablyunnerving and hypnotic intro. And when you least expect it - they drop you into a beast of an electro banger. They also mix in some auxiliary vocals to create a track that’s not all synth and bass; an exciting well-made mix of all three elements to make an absolutely mesmerizing four-minute wonder-track.

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n March 23 2012, Toronto would warily welcome brothers Alex and Chris Andre to avery saturated electro scene. But since this date, they have accrued an enormous following – atestament to the tremendous success they have seen in such a short amount of play time.

DVBBShas already risen swiftly up the charts and become a pair of very coveted DJs, performing at events with stars such as Tiesto, Steve Aoki, and LMFAO. DVBBS’s youth (22 and 20 respectively) has not stopped them from releasing their stellar debut EP INITIO, an electro house masterpiece that showcases their dynamic range and ability. The best part is that it’s

not just comprised of tracks you want to hear in the club - unlike other new artists in the genre. But of course, there is no shortage of powerful head bangers if that’s what you are into.

A”Dance Bitch” is a classic ‘hard’ track you’d love to just wile out to, and DVBBS does an excellent job creating the right type of atmosphere with this album opener.

The energy is never lost, and the electricity just surges throughout the entire song to keep the club (or just you) energized and ready to go.

You’ll be quick to comply with their request.

They go in a little bit of a different direction with “DRVGS”, where they include the vocals of artist Hayley

Their dynamism starts to show by the third track “Come Alive”, where again they switch up their style and come out funkier and more radio friendly. However, it still has the oomph, to get you dancing to the rhythm and praising the catchy little chorus lines that they repeat at all the right moments. It must hurt sometimes to be this talented, and like they say, it’s something they can’t control.

Much like “DRVGS”, they have a track named “Sugar Coated” which is another taste of their skill with making melodic house music. It really is an energy track, something that can both invigorate an already hyped up dance hall, or set everyone up for the long night of partying ahead of them! Definitely give this one a quick listen.

The rest of the album songs are just as stimulating as the ones that came before them, and also deserve a thorough listen. Overall, INITIO is just what it is – the beginning of something that simply promises to be incredible. The numerous different styles that they

24OURMUSIC.NET | 41 showcase all through the album, and a unique (which is hard in this genre) sound that gets you jamming along, it’s surprising if you don’t find yourself liking each and every track on this album.

If you don’t go out there and take a listen for yourselves, just wait a bit – it won’t be long before this dynamic duo is playing at your favourite club.

Get ready to put some DVBBS in your DVBBSTEP.

An electrohouse masterpiece that showcases their dynamic range and ability.

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HILLTOP HOODS

The best thing to come out of Australia since Vegemite. Pressure and Suffa are taking their styles worldwide to great applause.

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n the early 1990s, emcees Suffa and Pressure met at a high school in the picturesque hills of Adelaide, South Australia. Later introduced by a mutual friend to DJ Debris, the trio found common ground with their love

of Ultramagnetic MCs and Public Enemy, along with local pioneers Def Wish Cast and AKA Brothers. When the trio conspired to add their own chapter to Hip-Hop’s canon, Hilltop Hoods was born.

Applying their personal experience to the music that inspired them, the

24OURMUSIC.NET | 43 Hoods set out to represent their world, their lives and their country. When the crew’s first EP, Back Once Again dropped in 1997, the broad Australian accents, nimble flows and stunning beats declared the arrival of a significant new force in Australian Hip-Hop. More importantly, it laid down a gauntlet to an industry that had for too long ignored this burgeoning movement in Australian music. Over beats that celebrated the traditions of funk, jazz and soul, Suffa and Pressure displayed an instinctive rhyme chemistry that has remained as tight as it is intense.

The Hoods have grown in both stature and skill through five full length albums – A Matter of Time (1999), Left Foot, Right Foot (2001) The Calling (2003), The Hard Road (2006) and The Hard Road: Restrung (2007). While their path has drawn on a broad range of influences, they have never lost touch with the unique flavour they created in the Adelaide Hills as young Hip-Hop fans. With an ethos that is innovative and fearless, Hilltop Hoods’ inspirational sound has been embraced far beyond Hip-Hop’s loyal underground.

When the heads of rock fans, dance music devotees and even casual radio listeners nod in unison to the Hoods’ infectious beats, there’s no doubt the boys are at the head of their game.

The crew are singled out among Australia’s hottest live acts by press, industry insiders and fans alike.

A sold-out national tour and standout festival spots at Big Day Out, Splendour In The Grass and The Falls festival have confirmed their local drawing power, while performances at London’s Shepherds Bush Empire and Berlin’s Popkomm have proven they can take their sound to the far corners of the globe. With forthcoming spots at prestigious international festivals including Glastonbury and Canadian Music Week, the horizons are ever expanding for this powerful trio.

The Hoods’ phenomenally successful 4th album, The Hard Road, debuted at number 1 on the ARIA Album Chart and became the group’s second Platinum certified album, winning 2 ARIA Awards in 2006. Five singles from this album earned spots in Triple J’s annual Hottest 100 and the group were awarded with the coveted J Award for 2006. 2007 saw the Hoods return to the studio to rework The Hard Road with the assistance of arranger Jamie Messenger. The Hard Road: Restrung, incorporating the 31 piece Adelaide

Symphony Orchestra, has since attained Gold certification and took home the 2007 ARIA Award for Best Urban Release. With these exceptional accolades, Hilltop Hoods have not only risen to the top of Australian Hip-Hop, but have cemented themselves a place at the very forefront of the Australian Music Industry.

Hilltop Hoods have stayed true to their music and retained their integrity in an industry that has a tendency to value the transient. Their tireless work has born the fruits of success and the future looks only brighter.