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SHERIDAN SUN ONLINE PORTFOLIO Articles & Design by Sara Rozalina Krstevski

The Sheridan Sun Online

04/02/10 11:41 AM

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Thursday February 4th, 2010

THE ARTS

What Veronica Ballestrini is all about

MORE INFORMATION What others have said about Veronica Ballestrini's new album What I'm All About.

By Sara Rozalina Krstevski

In a world where country music artists such as Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban rule the roost, crooning your way to success is like trying to find a needle in the haystack.

However when you hear someone like Veronica Ballestrini, you know she’ll be moving to the big leagues. Making herself visible on the Internet is what is paving the way for “V,” as she refers to herself.

Ballestrini has recently released her debut album, What I’m All About and already has more than 11 million views on her MySpace page.

Review by Matt Bjorke of Roughstock “…There are some songs that are obviously modeled after what has gotten Taylor Swift her success, the majority of this album is remarkably enough to suggest that Veronica Ballestrini isn’t just some carbon copy artist.”

Review by Chris Neal of Country Weekly “Her debut album carries a youthful ebullience that makes it a natural fit for Taylor’s fans, and her voice is immediately likeable.”

Veronica's upcoming 2009 shows:

“I am 18 years old now and I started playing guitar and writing songs when I was 13. Soon after I made my "MySpace Music" page and started marketing my music,” said Ballestrini. “I knew MySpace was a great PHOTO COURTESY OF FRESH FILM+DESIGN way to get my music heard all around the world. After a Veronica Ballestrini, 18-year-old up and coming country singer is garnerning huge attention across the web. lot of begging and talking about Nashville, my parents surprised me with a trip down to Music City for my 15th birthday. I met producers and songwriters down there and started working from there. I've been so blessed with the chance to work with some really great people.”

Ballestrini believes that her day-to-day experience is a huge part of her musical training.

"She is a self-developed artist, not by any political machine, but by the dedicated fan and consumer."

http://sheridansunonline.sheridanc.on.ca/dec_10_2009/thearts_veronicaballestrini.html

-Dec. 11, 2009 – 6:00 p.m. – Factory Spa Christmas Party 20 Franklin Rd., Franklin, Tennessee

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“I believe that everyday and every time I'm around music, whether it be co-writing, in the studio, at a concert, meeting with record labels, anywhere… it is like an educational class,” said Ballestrini. “I just graduated from high school and I will definitely be going to college soon. Right now I've been traveling a lot and keeping with my music.”

Enjoy what you do Sticking to her music is what Ballestrini is all about and she is thoroughly enjoying the recording experience.

“It was so incredible! Definitely nothing like I thought. Being in the studio with such talented musicians is so cool. I played them one of my original songs, and within one minute, they all started playing it like they had been playing it for 20 years,” said Ballestrini. “Recording with Cliff Downs is awesome too. He understands how I want my music to be, he gets it, and that's a great feeling.”

Glenn Sweitzer, President of TimBob Records, who helps market Veronica's music, believes Ballestrini has the talent and a “girl next door” appeal.

“The future reach and growth for Veronica is like no other.

She is a self-developed artist, not by any political machine, but by the dedicated fan and consumer. She is where she is now because of her talent, passion and communication with the fan,” said Sweitzer.

“The challenge with an artist like Veronica is that we do not purchase opportunities for her. These situations arise on their own, very much like the New York Times article, which triggered a showing on the CMT channel and website. These are opportunities that arose from her visibility on the web. The potential for her growth is unlimited and will have an everlasting presence in the music community.”

-Dec. 12, 2009 – 10:30 a.m. – Operation Tribute Christmas Party Hartford, Connecticut -Dec. 13, 2009 – 6:00 p.m. – Light Parade Float Sponsored by Orthodontic Associates of Southeastern Connecticut Main Street, Niantic, Connecticut 06357 -Dec. 14, 2009 – 6:00 p.m. – Mohegan Sun WCTY Christmas Party with Blaine Larsen Cabaret, Uncasville, Connecticut – TBA -Dec. 18, 2009 – 7:00 p.m. – Christmas Party Private, New London, Connecticut 06320 – PRIVATE -Dec. 19, 2009 – 8:00 p.m. – Christmas Party Private, New London, Connecticut 06385 – PRIVATE -Dec. 31, 2009 – 12:00 a.m. – “Amazing” will be playing on all Delta Flights for the month of November and December Delta Airlines, New York, New York

Veronica's single Amazing:

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Ballestrini says that it’s all about the music and the fans.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FRESH FILM+DESIGN By following her own motto, “livin' for the minute and lovin' Veronica Ballestrini's debut album came out this year, What I'm All every second,” Ballestrini will About. soon be charging the country music charts.

“First and foremost, God is my support system. He is always there,” said Ballestrini. “Then my family, friends and fans always have my back and that always keep my confidence and head up.”

http://sheridansunonline.sheridanc.on.ca/dec_10_2009/thearts_veronicaballestrini.html

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The Sheridan Sun Online

04/02/10 11:40 AM

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Thursday February 4th, 2010

THE ARTS

MORE INFORMATION

Making music a family affair

Girl groups succeeding in the music industry.

Point of Grace

By Sara Rozalina Krstevski

Succeeding only in a genre that is not so popular is not stopping a Fort Worth, Texas girl group from plugging on. The singing group, Strand of Pearls, with their harmonizing voices, guitars, fiddles and banjos, are a breath of fresh air creating a unique bluegrass sound.

-One of the top Christian bands in the United States -Has the most consecutive #1 singles of any band in history -Dove Award winners and sang at the Grand Ole Opry

Strand of Pearls, a family quintet consisting of Kellie Swisher, Lyndsey Swisher, Rachel Mayer, Jenny Kutz and Aubrey Oaks, recently released its sophomore album, Light in the Land.

BarlowGirl

This family affair began while its members were on vacation together.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STRAND OF PEARLS

“We were out on a lake in Arkansas The Strand of Pearls, from left to right: Jenny Kutz, Lyndsey Swisher, and we started singing. It was not Aubrey Oaks, Rachel Mayer and Kellie Swisher. long after the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? came out and we were singing ‘I’ll fly away’ and ‘Down to the River to Pray.’

Something started then,” said Mayer. “Then Papa, what we call our grandfather, encouraged us to make an album and before we knew it we were singing in meetings and making our first album. The group name came from our great-grandmother Vinita Pearl Copeland.”

"Education and training is very important with your success in the music industry, but I believe that before education and training you must first have a passion."

-Christian rock band of three sisters originating from Illinois -Released five successful albums having #1 hits on Christian charts -Nominated for many awards including a Dove Award ZOEgirl

Musical education adds definition Music education had an influential part in helping these girls start up the Strand of Pearls.

“I think education and training is very important with your success in the music industry, but I believe that before education and training you must first have a passion. With passion, it will inspire you to train and you will want to learn more,” said Kutz. “Most of us majored in some sort of music degree in college. All of us had something to do with it, whether it be in theatre, vocal performance or worship leadership, it has always been in us. The training just put more definition to our passion.”

Strand of Pearls is also doing its fair share of promotion, making its songs available to the public.

“Along with singing and signing CDs at some of the Kenneth Copeland Ministries events, we have TV spots in the Believers’ Voice of Victory broadcasts as well as ads in the Victory magazine,” said Mayer.

Kenneth Copeland, the “Papa” whom Mayer referred to, is very instrumental in helping this group http://sheridansunonline.sheridanc.on.ca/dec_03_2009/thearts_strandofpearls.html

-Dove Award-winning group that sold over a million records -Eventually disbanded; two original members formed new

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Kenneth Copeland, the “Papa” whom Mayer referred to, is very instrumental in helping this group succeed.

“We have a few commercials that play on TV, a website, and we also have a Facebook fan page and MySpace,” said Kutz.

Future plans

band COLEMANblue with new member -Kelli Trontell, a life-long performer and songwriter whose song, "Right Here With Me" was a finalist for the first America Idol Songwriter.

Future plans for the Christian group include a possible Christmas album.

“Right now our plan is just to continue ministering to people however and whenever we can, as well as providing music for various Kenneth Copeland Ministries meetings,” said Mayer. “If the time comes when God calls us to go beyond that, we will.”

*Photos courtesy of: PointofGrace.net, BarlowGirl.com and ZoeGirlOnline.com

Overall, being a positive influence in the lives of others is what makes this a rewarding experience for the girls.

“One of the greatest experiences is when someone comes up to us with tears in their eyes, explaining how our albums have touched them in one way or another,” said Kutz.

“One woman told us that she played the album when her mother was very sick, and the music calmed and ministered to her.

So, to us, that success is more PHOTO COURTESY OF STRAND OF PEARLS important than how many albums we The Strand of Pearls on their photo shoot for their sophomore album, Light in the Land. have sold.”

www.nbc.edu

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9/25/10 10:23 PM

NEWS CONTRIBUTE

Austria has best social system in Europe

Have a story idea you'd like us to investigate?

By Sara Rozalina Krstevski

Send it to the Sheridan Sun Online.

According to a study done by the Euro Health Consumer Index, Austria has one of the best health care/social systems in the world and in 2007 it was ranked as the best in Europe.

Austria has better health care and lower expenses, especially for seniors, than countries like Switzerland and Luxembourg who are known for their high standards of health care.

Vera Schmidt, a 64-year-old pensioner, cannot stop praising her health benefits.

IN PRINT

In 2007 Austria had the best health care/social system in Europe.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIEN INTERNATIONAL

“It is really good here. When I go to the doctor waiting times are really short,” said Schmidt. “You also don’t need to wait long for emergency operations and you have direct access to any kind of doctor.”

Tourists get benefits as well The Austrian social and health care system also covers tourists from other European countries.

According to the tourism site JustLanded.com, “If you are a tourist or just staying temporarily in Austria coming from a European Union country you are automatically entitled to free basic health care due to reciprocal agreements among EU countries.”

Pick up the Sheridan Sun in print for more great stories.

“I don’t even have to pay for my TV,” said Schmidt. “I get it free.”

Seniors can start getting pension benefits at an early age. According to the DeutscheRentenversicherung, a government-based research group, women can attain pension benefits from the age of 55 and men from the age of 60.

Pensioners can receive medicine and dental care from that age onwards for free or at a reduced cost, depending on income.

Ruza Vuckic, a 76-year-old pensioner, really likes some of the special treatments that come with pensioners’ benefits.

“Every two years we have free spa treatments in the Alpic Mountains for three to four weeks,” said Vukic. “It’s like a healing resort and it’s all paid for.”

To receive these you must qualify by

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To receive these you must qualify by getting permission from a doctor. Another benefit is that pensions grow every year based on the inflation rates. And if a pensioner is on social assistance the government will help pay for bills by reducing cost in utilities.

“I don’t even have to pay for my TV,” said Schmidt. “I get it free.”

Considering all of these benefits one might wonder where the government gets the money for all of these expenses.

According to the Austrian newspaper, Wien International, “Everyone living and working in Austria must make health insurance contributions. Health insurance is part of the social security insurance system. Depending on the type of employment, there are different fee and payment scales.”

Pensioners especially gain many benefits in the Austrian health care/social system.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TELEGRAPH.CO.UK

“I originally come from Serbia, but I’m doing my health care here,” said Vukic. “It’s a chance you don’t let pass by.”

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Thursday February 4th, 2010

THE ARTS

Carried Away is making no compromise

MORE INFORMATION What others are saying about Carried Away's new album No Compromise.

By Sara Rozalina Krstevski

Ontario-based pop/gospel group Carried Away knows what it takes to keep their fans wanting more. Having begun almost 10 years ago, Carried Away has just released their third studio album, No Compromise and a new Christmas EP, I Saw Lights.

Carried Away is a singing trio consisting of Christine Prankard, Pam Walker and newcomer, Tyler Seidenberg.

“Carried Away first PHOTO COURTESY OF CARRIED AWAY began in the year 2000. The group is The members of Carried Away from left to right: Christine Prankard, Tyler Seidenberg and Pam Walker. all family, so to do the three-part harmony thing it was something natural to us when we sang our first song together,” said Prankard, 24. “It was a song that all three of us loved, “Keep the Candle Burning” by Point of Grace. We sang that song at our first contest and performance at an event called Music Fest. We ended up winning first place in our category.”

Review by The J Man “Carried Away - the pop group from over the Canadian border – returns with a project filled with powerful messages coupled with exceptional musicianship. If you’re walking down the CD aisle and you run across this band you might notice something different – there’s a new face on the cover! Welcome Tyler Seidenberg."

Review by HearItFirst.ca “Multiple GMA Canada Covenant Award winning Carried Away returns with a new sound and a new member! Tyler Seidenberg joined the group in the summer of 2008… adding a new dimension to the group’s trademark pop-harmony sound… the trio continues to mature and explore new musical territory.”

Watch Carried Away's EPK:

"We do this for the glory of God and not the glory of men, but it is an encouragement to us to hear that people truly enjoy what we do and the music we write.”

The win inspired the group to start incorporating their own written music into their performances.

“After the music competition and having some experience singing in local churches, my parents decided that the best place to go to develop our music is Nashville, Tenn.,” said Walker, 22, Prankard’s cousin. “We went down in the beginning of 2005 and met with Otto Price who ended up being our first producer. He really encouraged us in song writing and made recording our first album easy. Although we were all a little unsure and nervous about http://sheridansunonline.sheridanc.on.ca/dec_17_2009/thearts_carriedaway.html

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made recording our first album easy. Although we were all a little unsure and nervous about how things worked in the studio, Otto put us at ease and we knew God had a plan in everything. “

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That recording experience turned out to be a blessing as their debut album Closer to You, earned the group the distinction of best selling new Canadian Christian artist the same year.

“We have had great responses from our audiences and fans across North America. We have always strived for excellence and have been pleased to know that people are being blessed by our music,” said Walker. “We do this for the glory of God and not the glory of men, but it is an encouragement to us to hear that people truly enjoy what we do and the music we write.”

Balance is important Their music is currently being played on many radio stations across Canada and the group travels extensively across the country.

“We have been touring for many years all across North America. We have toured with Jump 5, Casting Crowns, and Avalon to name a few,” said Prankard.

But Carried Away likes to keep their balance in check.

“As of right now, we are not on any major tours; we mainly do shows on the weekends and like to be home during the week,” said Walker. “We feel balance is important.

I’m not too sure what the future hold for tours, so we’ll see.”

The group members do make time to just have fun.

“I love to cook and bake. I haven’t done too much cooking PHOTO COURTESY OF CARRIED AWAY recently cause I Carried Away's new album No Compromise was nominated for three Gospel have been busy, but Music Awards in Canada.

I love this time of year to do Christmas baking,” said Walker. “My mom and I like to do it together, we compare recipes and are always on the lookout for new ones to try.”

Faith and family are a very big part of their lives and what keeps them going.

“I would say God is the greatest support system of all. I count on Him for anything and everything,” said Prankard. “Also, my husband (Eric Seidenberg, Tyler’s older brother) is amazing and he stands beside me no matter what. Also, my parents, aunt and uncle and of course my best friend Pam.”

http://sheridansunonline.sheridanc.on.ca/dec_17_2009/thearts_carriedaway.html

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Thursday February 4th, 2010

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Marketing musicians to stardom

The visionaries behind Extol Music Group and ten16entertainment: DESHAUN JONES

By Sara Rozalina Krstevski

In a world where media rules and major music labels run the show, independent record marketing companies may find it really tough to hang in there.

ten16entertainment is run by Hollie Sackett-Reid.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ten16entertianment

Extol Music Group, the umbrella group for three music brands, Extol Music, Holy Hill Records and Exousia Recordings, is one of those independent labels.

Extol, since its beginnings in 1995, has started to establish itself as one of Canada’s upand-coming Christian/Gospel marketing companies.

"The interesting thing about this field is that even though taking courses is helpful, the best training you get is from being in the field, learning hands on and networking.”

“We offer marketing for artists and record labels, so we first assess the level where the artist/label is and then prepare a plan that fits,” said DeShaun Jones, founder and director of Extol Music Group. “We try to utilize a micro marketing approach, to ensure that the artist is saturated in their community, city or province. We target appropriate media outlets, live music opportunities, Internet sites and trade conferences. The main goal is to secure exposure to the public and industry.”

DeShaun has more than 10 years of professional experience in marketing the Christian and mainstream entertainment industry. He began his career as a marketing/promotions intern at Groove-A-Lot Records/EMI, and worked as an assistant recording studio engineer. DeShaun has also had the privilege of being the “chairperson of the Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Advisory Board for the Canadian Academy of Recordings Arts & Sciences/JUNO Awards.”

DeShaun wants to help others succeed in the music industry. “In the industry that I am in, I do believe that I get the artists that hire me heard. Fame is the goal for Extol or the artists we represent.”

HOLLIE SACKETT-REID

Education goes a long way Jones believes that education is very important in the marketing and music industry.

“If you cannot afford education, then intern or volunteer, go to the library and sign out books and then get in touch with some indie bands and volunteer help,” said Jones. “It’s a great way to get experience until an opportunity comes. That's how I did it.”

Hollie Sackett-Reid, founder and owner of ten16entertainment, an entertainment promotions company, agrees with Jones.

“Training and education is very important to succeed,” said Sackett-Reid. “But the interesting thing about this field is that even though taking courses is helpful, the best training you get is from being in the field, learning hands on and networking.”

Jones sees the direction of the industry being greatly influenced by the Internet.

“The purchasing of physical recorded music has shrunk due to the Internet, but not the market as a whole. The Internet has opened up the world to music from around the world with just a click of a mouse,” said Jones. “The music industry has embraced it and is learning every day how to use the Internet to market music.” http://sheridansunonline.sheridanc.on.ca/feb_04_2010/profile_marketingmusic.html

Hollie started in radio back in 2001 after graduating from Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton. It wasn’t until she

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learning every day how to use the Internet to market music.”

Sackett-Reid understands that being independent requires a lot of work, but enjoys its benefits.

“Self-promotion, teaming up with other businesses, cold calling, online communities and being creative is what’s needed to put yourself out there,” said Sackett-Reid. “By being independent, I have more freedom to try different ideas more quickly then the majors, which is a good thing in this fast changing industry.”

Extol Music Group is run

by DeShaun Jones.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EXTOL MUSIC GROUP

Jones and Sackett-Reid sometimes feel the pinch in terms of finances, but are happy to have been awarded some grants from FACTOR – Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent on Record, which assists in raising “the necessary capital,” according to Sackett-Reid.

“I’m not out there to become famous. My goal is to be able to be able to help others succeed in their music ministry careers. I see my role as a supporter,” said Sackett-Reid.

“It’s hard work, but fun. If you’re not enjoying the process of reaching your goals, you need to rethink what it is you want to do. It’s a labour of passion.”

moved to Toronto in 2006 to attend Harris Institute for the Arts that she really started to take the music industry part of her career seriously. Hollie recently launched her own company called ten16 entertainment. “ten16 entertainment is my portal to utilize my past experiences to help new and emerging artists as well as to help generate international exposure for the Canadian Christian music and radio industry.”

Hollie has seven years experience primarily in the Canadian Christian radio industry, but also in the world of artist management and entertainment promotions.

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According to Jones it all comes down to “plan your work and then work your plan.”

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Da'Verse going diverse

Successful Christian Rap Artists: Manafest

By Sara Rozalina Krstevski

Da’Verse, a local Christian rap/reggae trio from Oakville, released its debut album, Judge Me, last summer and the group is learning how to get people hooked to its music.

The trio group consisting of Jacqueline Saliba, Chris Lewis and Don Jon saw the results of their hard work pay off when Legitimate Entertainment decided to record their album.

-Canadian Christian rapper from Toronto -Has released three successful studio albums Juno-nominated artist and winner of numerous Gospel Music Awards T-Bone

Member of Da'Verse from left to right: Chris Lewis, Jacqueline Saliba and Don Jon.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEGITIMATE ENTERTAINMENT

“To succeed in this genre you need to know what people like, what captures their attention and it comes quite easy because you like the same kind of music. You use your taste and opinion successfully to help create that buzz,” said Saliba. “There are current trends that are occurring in the music industry and you must be aware of them. Research is also very important. Take the popular styles out there but make sure that you’re different.”

-From California who has nine albums in his discography list -Grammy nomination helped him break into the Christian music market -Starred in several films including The Fighting Temptations and The Rally TobyMac

Passion is necessary Saliba also believes that passion in singing is what helped her get into music.

“I have always been passionate about singing since I was a little girl. It was my dream to sing, but for years before I said I would never want to be a Christian singer. It just didn’t seem fun,” said Saliba. “I would always try writing songs but could not make it to the second sentence. Even my singing was not the best. I would literally cry and feel so discouraged because the passion inside of me was ready to explode but it seemed like I couldn’t do anything about it. Little did I know I would end up where I am today.”

"Whichever genre/style you choose to put Christian lyrics to it should always reveal the love of Christ.”

Chris Lewis, who is also the manager of the group, understands that as a Christian-based group it gets a little harder to go mainstream.

-Grammy award-winning artist is one of the first Christian rappers -Known at first for being a member of the group dcTalk, one of the most popular Christian music acts of all time -Between dcTalk and his solo career he has sold more than 10 million albums

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“The Christian music genre is slowly getting accepted in the mainstream. It is not popular at this moment of time, but it is slowly getting people’s attention,” said Lewis. “Da'Verse is currently working some projects that have the influences of reggae and progressive house.

They really have a original sound with a new flavour.”

Jon believes that the main difference between secular and Christian rap is in its lyrical content.

“I would define Christian music as a type of music which is God-centred and not selfcentred,” said Jon. “Christian music should consist of positive messages, which will impact the believer or non-believer’s heart in a personal way. Whichever genre/style you choose to put Christian lyrics to it should always reveal the love of Christ.”

more than 10 million albums

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Da’Verse has had many opportunities to perform its music.

“We’ve performed at women’s shelters, youth drop-in centres, Sheridan College, Nathan Phillips Square and the list goes on,” said Saliba. “Last summer at Toronto Gospel week Da’Verse came as number one place winners and our single Rebellion got on the radio.”

Da'Verse released their debut album Judge Me last summer.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEGITIMATE ENTERTAINMENT

According to Da’Verse, “the world can be your greatest teacher, but also your greatest enemy.” In the end the group members like to have fun performing their music and getting their message

across.

“I just want to encourage everyone reading this. You may have a dream and feel it is impossible to accomplish it, said Saliba. “I want you to know the plans God has for you are greater than you can imagine. Do not give up but be encouraged because He made my dream come true.”

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Manic Drive takes the wheel in the Christian music scene

Successful Christian rock bands: Skillet

By Sara Rozalina Krstevski

Toronto-based rock band Manic Drive is working hard on getting heard.

Presenting fresh Drive members from left to right: Michael Cavallo, Shawn cutting-edge music Manic Cavallo and Anthony Moreino. isn’t easy, but Manic Drive is starting to see that hard work can reap positive results.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MANIC DRIVE

Manic Drive, a trio consisting of Anthony Moreino (drummer) and brothers Shawn (singer) and Michael Cavallo (guitar), has released its third and most successful album last year, Blue, which features their single “Walls,” which recently hit number 27 on the U.S. Billboard CHR charts.

-Coming from Tennessee this band has men and women as part of the band -Has released eight successful studio albums selling so far 1.3 million albums -Grammy-nominated group Stryper

Common goal to succeed Manic Drive went full-time around 2005 with the founding members – the Cavallo brothers.

“They started off playing music together at a very young age and formed a band called One Cross. When they went full-time in 2005 the name of the band then changed to Manic Drive,” said Moreino. “I joined them about two years ago when they were in need of a drummer for their tour.”

Before really knowing about the music industry and how it works, Manic Drive had to go through a lot experiential training before success finally started knocking on their door.

“My brother and I have been educating ourselves since we were 15 years old by visiting seminars, music conferences, reading contracts, our tour experience and simply consulting with different artists and people in the industry,” said Michael Cavallo. “We have taken advantage of every opportunity that we get. We have been blessed with meeting incredible people and have established an excellent database over the years. Networking and building relations is a must.”

“We are able to make a larger percentage of profit off each album sale than most signed artists on a major, which is always a plus."

-Originating in California it popularized Christian metal music into the mainsteam market -Has released 13 successful studio albums -GMA Dove Award winners Audio Adrenaline

Marketing is king Online marketing is key for Manic Drive.

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“The new generation of kids are taught to do everything online basically… so one of our biggest marketing tools would be the online community,” said Moreino. “We have everything from MySpace to Twitter. We also have our own personal Facebook accounts so that the fans can add us, making it more personal.”

Owning the “masters” to the songs of Manic Drive is what helps this independent band.

“We have what the industry calls a "licensing deal" with our label.

That gives the artist the freedom to own the rights to all of our songs and less of a buy-back from our units that artists need to buy from their own labels,” said Michael Cavallo. “We are able to make a larger percentage of profit off each album sale than most signed artists on a major, which is always a plus. This has allowed us to have extra money to self-invest over the years.”

-Originated from Kentucky from a Christian University -Was awarded two Grammy awards, multiple Dove Awards and released 18 number one singles -Has eight successful studio albums

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Backed by a small label based out of Nashville, Tennessee called Whiplash Records/Bema, Manic Drive’s latest album is distributed by Sony/Provident.

“This past year we did a threemonth long tour with the legendary rock band Stryper, which was amazing,” said Moreino. “Early this new year we also did our own little headlining tour starting in Michigan right down to Texas.”

Shawn Cavallo, singer of Manic Drive, jumping in the air in one of their shows.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MANIC DRIVE

Manic Drive is on a roll as bookings keep piling up.

“We have a few weeks worth of shows coming up the last week of February in Ottawa. We have more info up about that on our MySpace about those,” said Moreino. “Then come spring and summer we will be touring the festival circuit. So be there!”

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Thursday February 4th, 2010

PROFILE

MORE INFORMATION

Royal Roads University paving the way

By Sara Rozalina Krstevski

Royal Roads University, in Victoria, B.C., is a fairly new school founded in 1995.

However, its history spans back to the time of the early settlers.

Residing in a 102-yearold castle built by the first premier of B.C., James Dunsmuir, the campus has a history as rich and as interesting as the programs offered.

Fun facts about Hatley Castle 1. Films regularly filmed on campus some of which include: The X-Men trilogy, Little Women and the TV show Smallville.

2. Queen Elizabeth II used the castle as a summer home and visited regularly.

Royal Roads University recruiters from left to right: Mike Thompson, Sandy Huang, Vivi Doersam, Joshua Guilar and Timothy Kituri.

PHOTO BY JAMES RUBEC

Wearing a black vest with a smart pair of glasses, Joshua Guilar, PhD, looked pretty comfortable getting interviewed by a frenzied journalism student in the SCAET building of Sheridan College. Guilar, the director of the School of Communication and Culture at Royal Roads University, knows what he’s talking about.

3. Campus is well known for its beautiful gardens and trees.

4. In 2008, Hatley Castle celebrated its 100th anniversary 5. Christmas at Hatley’s Castle is one of Victoria’s most popular seasonal celebration.s Check out the castle yourself:

“Dunsmuir’s offspring decided to sell the castle to the Department of National Defense and it officially became the Royal Military College,” Guilar said. “It was a place for naval officers to get their Bachelor’s degrees.”

Reaching out to the community The name ‘Royal Roads’ comes from a time in history when the old ships from the British navy used to get fresh water from the bay behind the castle.

“But before the British came, the place had a whole aboriginal story,” said Guilar. “At the time of first contact with the settlers, 70 per cent of Canada’s aboriginal people lived in the area.”

There is a continued effort to help the aboriginals, particularly the Coast Sailish tribe, by getting them into the school.

“We try to echo the province’s need to reach a reconciliation with the aboriginal communities,” said Guilar.

However, Royal Roads is not just trying to reach out to the people in the immediate community but hopes to reach potential students across Canada as well.

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“Education gives you an opportunity to explore life and travel. It gives the ability to combine academic and social enrichment to broaden your horizons.”

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Helping students get their degrees Sandy Huang, a university recruiter with Royal Roads, is helping students reach their goals.

“Royal Roads is a public university designed for people working full-time who want to get into the job market,” said Huang. “Our focus is on undergraduates and we offer our online options for those who want to work full-time and get a good education.”

Therefore, Royal Roads University is a key institution for students who wish to turn their college diplomas into university degrees.

“We have lots of transfer agreements with the colleges in Ontario, such as Sheridan, Humber and Seneca, to name a few,” Guilar said. “But one thing to be sure of is that a Sheridan student who has a diploma is guaranteed transfer.”

Guilmar visited a second year journalism class to talk about the transfer options to their Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication program.

“There’s an accelerated 12-month option and a 24month option,” Guilmar said. “A student can get a degree in two years because of the college diploma that they have previously acquired.”

The historical Hatley Castle is the main campus of Royal Roads University.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROYALROADS.CA

Timothy Kituri, a former graduate from

Royal Roads, has been a university recruiter for the past three years.

“The best part of my job is putting people in touch with the availability to go back to school,” said Kituri. “Education gives you an opportunity to explore life and travel. It gives the ability to combine academic and social enrichment to broaden your horizons."

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28/01/10 7:34 PM

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Thursday January 28th, 2010

PROFILE

Luxury homes are not going anywhere

MORE INFORMATION 5 tips to selling your home in today's economy:

By Sara Rozalina Krstevski

The president of JR Custom Homes knows what he is talking about when it comes to building luxury homes.

“My greatgrandfather came from England and built houses and PHOTO COURTESY OF One of Robinson's custom designed homes in the prestigious MYVISUALLISTINGS.COM Bluffs neighbourhood in Burlington. churches in Hamilton. These were for families that were coming back from the war,” Jay Robinson said. “My grandfather then had five sons and one daughter and four of the sons were homebuilders, one of whom was my father.”

Robinson got into the homebuilding business at a very young age by helping his father.

“My dad did high-rise apartment buildings at the time and I started when I was 12 years old,” Robinson said. “I was basically a labourer and I used that job to pay off my schooling once I got into the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University.”

1. Initial Research and Planning -Find out how much equity you have in your home -Visit open houses in your area to se you competition 2. Pricing the Home -Biggest mistake is overpricing your home -Determine the value of your home with a professional appraiser 3. Preparing the Home -Start with the obvious: fix what needs to be fixed -Stage your home to make it look at its best 4. Marketing the Property

Starting your own business

-Get a yard sign to let the world know that the property is for sale -Advertise it everywhere else you can: create a website, flyers, etc.

Robinson built his first house completely by himself.

5. Negotiating with Buyers

“I built my first house in 1972, when I was 21 years old for a summer job. It wasn’t sold in time for school so I had to come back every weekend for the open house,” Robinson said. “I remember one weekend I didn’t want to go because there was a homecoming going on in the school so I asked my dad to sit in for me.”

-Back your negotiations with hard data: show the potential buyers the appraisers report and recent sales in your area -Make decisions carefully

When Robinson finished his schooling he was able to get into the business full time and start his own in 1974. He loves working with his clients.

Sign up online to sell your home at:

“With our clients we suggest that they buy the lot first because this dictates what type of home you design. If you design a house first then find a lot it’s like riding a horse without a saddle,” Robinson said. “So find the right property, find an architect to suit the style of home you’re looking to build, then price it. Once the plans are done I recommend that people bring in a landscaper to design the exterior and an interior decorator to design the inside.”

PropertySold.ca

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"Real estate and houses are always one of the best investments you can ever have because the appreciation is important.”

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Kim Molkoski, a home designer with her own company called Su Casa by Kim, was one of his satisfied clients.

“There is a development called Whispering Pines in Campbellville. He did that whole development and we really liked the houses up there,” said Molkoski. “We liked the styles and structure of it. We were happy to work with him and were satisfied with the outcome.”

Rich buyers are always out there Despite the downhill run of the economy, Robinson believes there are always going to be people who will have the money to buy big homes.

The Bluffs neighbourhood, one of Robinson's developments, is located in the beautiful escarpments.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MYVISUALLISTINGS.COM

“There is always a demand for highend custom homes.

For example, as you get older you may not need a big house but you can’t take your money with you. There are truly people out there with a lot of money. There will always be,” Robinson said.

“They want to come home to a beautiful home. And real estate and houses are always one of the best investments you can ever have because the appreciation is important.”

Besides driving his Harley-Davidson and travelling with his wife, Robinson doesn’t have many hobbies or unfulfilled desires.

“I’ve been fortunate to feel like I’ve never had a job. I enjoy what I do so much that I’d rather do that than play golf,” said Robinson. “All I ever wanted to do is build houses and coming from a family that does, you could say I was pre-ordained for it.”

http://sheridansunonline.sheridanc.on.ca/jan_28_2010/profile_jayrobinson.html

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GLOBAL AID CONTRIBUTE

Balkan poverty in the slums

Have a story idea you'd like us to investigate?

By Sara Rozalina Krstevski

Send it to the Sheridan Sun Online.

As we enter into the dirty, moldy house of a 56-year-old elderly widow, poverty stares us in the face and dares us to enter further.

IN PRINT

The mission team (which I was a part of) and I were sweating in the summer heat of 2009, staring in shock.

In southern Serbia, in a small town called Bosnjaci, Radunka Becirovic, a widow of 12 years, with a tremour in her hand and a crutch to hobble along with, shows us what she calls home.

Radunka Becirovic with the child she found left to die on the streets.

PHOTO BY SARA ROZALINA KRSTEVSKI

Hardly able to speak, she shows us her clean but empty dishes and cries desperately, “Nema nista.”

There is nothing. She shows us her empty medicine bag and her torn apart furniture and cries again, “Nema nista.” There is nothing.

Pick up the Sheridan Sun in print for more great stories.

As we look at the mud floor covered up with scraps of carpet and the cracked moldy walls, we can clearly see poverty rearing its ugly head, threatening to take over completely.

In her younger years, Becirovic took in a three-month-old baby boy and a seven-day-old baby girl that she found on the streets left by their mothers. Despite her poverty she took the babies home and cared for them with great struggle. Now, there is no one to care of her. She is lacking in every area of life and as a result of physically not being able to go anywhere, she cannot help herself.

“There is over 90 per cent unemployment among these people. They need help.”

The pain etched in her face is because of her desperate and inhumane situation. She says that her life was completely hopeless until she became a believer.

“Only God can help me now,” she said.

Bridge of Hope Bridge of Hope, a charity organization based in Serbia, is listening to Radunka’s plea for help.

Partnering with Burlington’s Shining Light Ministries in Canada, Bridge of Hope has a project to assist 120 refugee widows with humanitarian aid.

The project consists of buying firewood for the winter, which costs $750 per widow, as well as basic food supplies, which are $200 per month.

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According to CIA World Factbook, Serbia is one of the poorest nations in Europe with a population of 7.5 million and an average annual income of $4,200 (U.S.).

Erman Salkovic, a pastor in Zemun, Serbia, works with the refugees that live under a major highway bridge in the capital city of Belgrade.

“These people live in their shack communities under the bridge. This particular shack community, Staro Sajmiste, has over 200 families,” said Salkovic. “There is over 90 per cent unemployment among these people. They need help.”

Two-year-old Ana is one of the refugees living in the slums.

PHOTO BY SARA ROZALINA KRSTEVSKI

Salkovic is working with Bridge of Hope to bring much needed humanitarian aid to the impoverished people as a result of constant civil wars.

Salkovic, who also is in great need receives pastoral support of $1,000 per month in order to be able to do the work he does with helping the refugees.

“Not many people know about the poverty going on here in the Western Balkans,” said Salkovic. “I pray that whoever hears about us will open their hearts to help the people.”

Click here to donate.

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28/01/10 7:38 PM

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Thursday January 28th, 2010

THE ARTS

MORE INFORMATION

How to become supermodel material

The self-esteem of men According to an online article on WebMD, media lowers the self-esteem of people. Not much is said about helping the self-esteem of men, whereas campaigns for women’s selfesteem have skyrocketed.

Models face an expectancy to conform to stereotypical impossible body types.

By Sara Rozalina Krstevski

Gisele Bündchen, Tyrese Gibson and Adriana Lima are some of the leading names in the modeling world. Success is written all over their faces and their portfolios command attention. What’s their secret?

Ryan Taylor, a 19-year-old up-and-coming model from Burlington, Ont., should know.

Appearing in popular men’s magazines such as Vogue Homme International, Details and Arena Homme +, as well as walking the runways in Milan, Paris and New York, modeling is familiar ground for Taylor.

The online article written by web author and editor Jennifer Warner says men, just like women, have a lower selfesteem after having the media throw the “culture of muscularity” in their faces. This helps develop depression, anxiety and dissatisfaction with their bodies. But there are ways to avoid this.

Just like any career it all starts with good connections.

Here are five tips that will help increase self-esteem:

“My mother wanted a family photo taken for our living room. After the shoot the photographer suggested we go to an agency in Toronto. From there it just kind of happened,” said Taylor. “About a month later I was flying to New York to have a meeting with IMG, who then linked me up with agencies in Paris and Milan.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF DNA MODELS

Getting noticed by IMG Models, one of the Ryan Taylor posing for famous Italian fashion brand United world’s top modeling agencies, got Taylor the Colors of Benetton. runway shows and magazine shoots in exotic locations such as Spain, Germany, UK and Japan.

How to make it happen

1. Stop speaking negatively about yourself.

2. Start speaking positive messages.

3. Do not focus so much on yourself. Start helping others.

4. Start doing things that you love.

5. Write down your accomplishments and treat yourself.

This online article was reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD, for medical accuracy.

More on self-esteem

Carolyn Nikkanen, President of Carolyn’s Model & Talent Agency (Mississauga and Toronto), said that flexibility for this job is key.

“I like my models and actors to understand that it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get started. It can be quite challenging at times and disappointing,” said Nikkanen. “They must always keep their head on right and be ready for the challenge, and be ready at a moment’s notice.”

"Models need to have a passion for the industry. Too many give up too quickly because it's not as easy as it seems."

Clearly a unique look is extremely important in the fashion world.

This book by Polly YoungEisendrath, PhD, talks about building our self-confidence and self-esteem.

“There are a lot of beautiful people in this industry, and it's really hard to stand out. Surprisingly though all it really takes for someone to become a big model is for one particular designer, photographer, or stylist to like them and continue to use them in their line of jobs,” explained Taylor. http://sheridansunonline.sheridanc.on.ca/nov_05_2009/thearts_supermodel.html

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stylist to like them and continue to use them in their line of jobs,” explained Taylor.

For those interested in a modeling career, it is also essential to know everything about it, especially how to work with others.

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“During a runway show you are actually only expected to show up, put on the clothing, walk, and then leave. At a shoot there is a little more talent involved. There is a combined effort between the photographer, model and stylist to create art,” said Taylor. “If the model doesn't work well with the photographer, it’s normally quite transparent in the pictures. That’s why it’s important to make sure that everyone gets along, feels comfortable and can work together without hiccups.”

Hard work is another aspect that is part of the modeling industry. Models have to put themselves out there and be in a sense their own agents.

In the end it’s how a model markets him or herself.

“Models need to have a passion for the industry. Too many give up too quickly because it’s not as easy as it seems,” said Nikkanen. “An agency will advise models of PHOTO BY HAMISH KIPPEN bookings. But models must constantly keep their portfolio updated at all times, with great Ryan Taylor during his photo shoot for Cheek magazine. shots. A portfolio is built over time, not overnight.

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Thursday February 4th, 2010

THE ARTS

MORE INFORMATION

Social Code thrives on independence

Canadian musicians competing with American counterparts

By Sara Rozalina Krstevski

According to an online report for 2009 by the IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry), a company known for gathering music market statistics, the “U.S. is the world leader in digital music sales, accounting for some 50 per cent of the global digital music market.”

Succeeding in the rock and roll scene without the financial backing of a major record label is a big feat. Edmonton’s Social Code can make that claim.

Social Code, a quartet consisting of Travis Nesbitt (lead vocals), Morgan Gies (lead and rhythm guitars), Logan Jacobs (bass) and Ben Shillabeer (drums), has already released three successful albums; their latest CD Rock ‘N’ Roll came out in early September.

This is one of the major reasons why Canadian musicians have such tough competition with their American counterparts.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SOCIAL CODE Social Code quartet from left to right: Logan Jacobs, Travis Nesbitt,

Ben Shillabeer and Morgan Gies.

The members met each other during high school through their mutual love of music. All those years of practice together have been a great part of their success.

“We've all taken some kind of music lessons to different degrees, but the truth is that our experience has meant far more than education or training,” explained Jacobs. “The training really comes in the form of doing. The more we played together as a band, live and in the studio, and the more we took on the challenges of exposing and promoting our music, the more we learned and the process is ongoing to this day.”

One of the things that help Canadian bands become successful is being noticed by the major record labels in the U.S. How to succeed Canadian multi-platinum band Moist from B.C. started off as an independent band but eventually received major label success when EMI, one of the “big four” music labels in the recording industry, noticed them.

Being completely independent Social Code also believes in complete independence for their success, which is why they run their own record label.

“Fifth Season Music is our own label. The name was taken from the original band name years ago. We produce, record, release and market everything we do. We hire all our support team directly and are having a great time doing it,” Jacobs said. “It's a wonderful thing to be in total control of our music and how it's presented.”

Being completely independent brings in a lot of competition from bands being marketed by major record labels, but Social Code’s uniqueness is what makes them stand out.

“It's not a benefit to be independent or signed if the right people aren't in place.

The advantage of either situation comes with dedication, commitment and love of the music that everybody is working with."

“Being independent, we have to be pretty selective with what we do marketing-wise. Major record deals can come with a lot of financial support for a band but being independent's not quite the same,” Nesbitt said. “We have to let the music speak for itself. People are either going to like it or they won’t.”

Mark Makoway, the guitarist of the band and also author of the book The Indie Band Bible: The Ultimate Guide to Breaking a Band, shares some basic steps on how to become successful in the U.S., including: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Touring Recording Promotion Indie videos

This book is a must-read and an important tool for all Canadian musicians.

Marketing your way to success Proper marketing is clearly important to being successful. http://sheridansunonline.sheridanc.on.ca/nov_12_2009/thearts_socialcode.html

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Proper marketing is clearly important to being successful.

“Our main focus for marketing is radio and touring. We tour as often as we can and bother every radio station as often as we can. So far it's been working out great. Our first single "Satisfied" is the highest we've been to date on the rock charts at #16,” said Jacobs. “And on the touring side, one of the more exciting things we're involved in right now is the FSX Fire & Ice World Tour. We're playing arena shows in the round while extreme freestyle snowmobilers jump 40 feet plus in the air.”

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Social Code is also joined by The Februarys, a band from Vancouver, on their upcoming Ontario tour dates this month. One of the stops is at Sheridan College on Nov. 17. Jacobs says that one of the greatest benefits in being independent is having a great team of people behind you with the same vision and purpose.

“It's not a benefit to be independent or signed if the right people aren't in place. The advantage of either situation comes with dedication, commitment and love of the music that everybody is working with,” Jacobs said. “The benefit right now is that all the people we work with genuinely love our band and are working incredibly hard to promote the album we made and because we are completely independent PHOTO COURTESY OF SOCIAL CODE we were able to select all the people involved directly.”

Social Code is coming to Sheridan on Nov. 17.

Social Code's Ontario headlining tour dates with The Februarys: Nov. 17: Oakville – Sheridan College Nov. 18: Kingston – The Ale House Nov. 19: Peterborough – Montreal House Nov. 20: Windsor – Chubby Pickle Nov. 21: St. Catharines – Mikado Nov. 22: Chatham – Encore Nov. 24: Hamilton – Casbah Nov. 25: Ottawa – Mavericks

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Thursday February 4th, 2010

THE ARTS

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Elias is rocking its way to success

Music artists known for their charity and humanitarian work Bono from U2

By Sara Rozalina Krstevski

Vancouver-based indie rock band Elias is working hard to be heard.

Presenting new cuttingedge Canadian music isn’t easy, but when you are doing what you love, reaching new heights is the only way to go.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELIAS The Elias trio from left to right: Brian Healy, Robert Tornroos and Stefan

Elias, a trio consisting of Tavares.

Brian Healy (lead vocals/keys), Robert Tornroos (guitar) and Stefan Tavares (drummer), recently signed up with Wax Records and released their debut album, Lasting Distraction, last month, which features their successful single, "All We Want."

-Known for his activism in Africa -Organized many benefit concerts and meets with influential politicians -Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize & named Person of the Year by Time Michael Jackson

Common purpose to succeed Elias believes that a common purpose and goal are what brought the team together.

“Musically we clicked right away and over the years have always shared a common vision for what a good song should be,” said Tornroos.

Before really knowing about the music industry and how it works, Elias had to go through a lot of trial and error before success finally started knocking on their door.

“Education helps to refine your skills as a musician. In terms of education regarding the industry, it’s funny because there is so much to understand and experience before you can really have a solid grasp on how to play the game,” said Healy. “At the same time a lot of it comes down to good timing and who you know.”

-Founded Heal The World Foundation to help underprivileged children -Held many benefit concerts to support charities raised hundreds of millions Coldplay

Adding to the fact that they’re an indie band competing with a large market doesn’t make it any easier. But Elias believes that major record labels are starting to look for new bands with a new unique sound.

“In terms of music producers, I think that a lot of decent talent from the other side of the mixing board is starting to seek out smaller more independent bands with real drive and musicality,” said Healy, “So maybe we will be able to hook up with someone like that for the next album.”

“Hopefully we can connect to people and they can connect to the music.”

But Elias is relishing its status as an indie band because of the control they have over their work.

“Benefits of being with a more 'indie-ish' of a label is just the accessibility we have with everyone who works there. I have no problems with calling up Ron the president and talking to him directly, where I could imagine if say we were signed to a major label I most likely couldn't do that,” said Tornroos. “Also everyone is super keen and eager to work there hard and make something special http://sheridansunonline.sheridanc.on.ca/nov_19_2009/thearts_eliasband.html

-According to an article on BBC, 10 per cent of all earnings go to charity -Held benefit concerts to help aid in Africa & the Teenage Cancer Trust (UK) *Photos courtesy of: U2.com, MichaelJackson.com and KevinWestenberg.com

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Tornroos. “Also everyone is super keen and eager to work there hard and make something special happen.”

SEARCH

Promotion is key The members of Elias are doing whatever they can to promote themselves through social networking sites and live performances. One of their recent appearances was a live performance on MTV and a cross-Canada tour with Pilot Speed.

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“We’ve been fans of theirs (Pilot Speed) for some time now, so when we found out we’d be touring together, we were very happy,” said Healy. “It’s a great fit musically for both of us… so we’ve all been excited.”

Elias also decided to partner with WarChild, a charity organization that helps with humanitarian aid to war-affected children around the world.

“Our relationship with WarChild is just developing. We had the opportunity to meet with one of the heads of the organization just recently. WarChild has been doing a great deal of innovative events recently that we would love to be a part of, such as their “Busking for Change” project,” said Healy. “I think that it is great when artists of any kind can pair up with charitable organizations like this and use their skills to help make a difference.”

In the end the members of Elias aren’t after the “rock star” image but they want to be taken as serious musicians and songwriters.

“We are just normal guys who have been given a great opportunity to do what we love the most and showcase that to the world. We really just want to write music people can relate to when they listen to it,” said Tornroos. “Hopefully we PHOTO COURTESY OF ELIAS can connect to people and they can connect to The cover of Elias' debut album, Lasting Distraction. the music.”

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Thursday February 4th, 2010

THE ARTS

It's never too late to live your dream

By Sara Rozalina Krstevski

MORE INFORMATION Christian music artists succeeding in the mainstream market: Darlene Zschech from Hillsong

Up-and-coming singer and songwriter, Mela Kamin, based in Twin Cities, Minn., has already released her debut album, Summer In My Soul, only a year into writing and performing.

“I am a mom of three who happens to be a singer/songwriter and contemporary Christian recording artist. I've always been a writer and singing was something I didn't step into until last year,” Kamin said. “I have a journalism degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and worked in public relations in Milwaukee, Los Angeles and Minneapolis before I chose to stay home.“ What Kamin needed was a little push to get her started.

-Leads the worship team of Hillsong Church in Australia.

-Received numerous Dove Award nominations.

-Best known for song “Shout to the Lord,” which was eventually sung on American Idol.

Michael W. Smith

“A friend encouraged me to use my gifts in writing and my love for music to PHOTO COURTESY OF MELA KAMIN become a songwriter. A week later, I Mela Kamin, a 35-year-old mother of three, started her wrote my first song and performed it at a music career last year. women’s shelter,” said Kamin. “In the coming weeks and months, songs, melodies and ideas came flooding in. Doors started to open, opportunities started presenting themselves and I really felt a surge of energy and passion for singing and writing songs.”

Key contacts makes things happen Soon after that Kamin met Carl Herrgesell, producer of HergyBear Studios, who offered to coproduce her album.

“I think her potential is limitless. She is such a go-getter,” said Herrgesell. “She will figure out whatever needs to be done. And before I can even think about it, she has gotten it done… Her drive to succeed is infectious.”

"I wish I could find even one person like her in the next five years.”

-Won numerous Grammy Awards and Dove Awards.

-Named one of People magazine's “Most Beautiful People.”

-Influential in support of Republican Party.

Rebecca St. James

Kamin’s first music recording was an experience she will never forget.

“It was exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. To see what kind of work and effort goes into a three-minute or four-minute song is incredible,” said Kamin. “I really enjoyed collaborating with my co-writers and producers. They were very gracious and patient with me.”

Networking your way to success Kamin is now working on promoting her new album through networking in whatever way she http://sheridansunonline.sheridanc.on.ca/nov_26_2009/thearts_melakamin.html

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The Sheridan Sun Online

04/02/10 11:39 AM

Kamin is now working on promoting her new album through networking in whatever way she can.

“I have a website, which I update frequently and regularly interact with fans through Facebook and Twitter. I work at creating relationships with people in the industry,” said Kamin. “I’ve also aligned with ministries, local charities and service organizations to bring attention to areas of need in my community.”

-Won numerous Grammy Awards and Dove Awards.

-Influential in advocating sexual abstinence and is pro-life.

-Dating James Haven who is Angelina Jolie’s brother.

Herrgesell said that Kamin's interactivity with others is what makes her different.

“She just works harder than any other artist I've worked with. Most musicians and creative people are lazy,” said Herrgesell. “She is a can-do person. I wish I could find even one person like her in the next five years.”

Kamin admits it takes a lot of hard work and effort to “make it" out there.

*Photos courtesy of: DarleneZschech.com, michaelwsmith.com and UrbanChristianNews.com

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“The best thing I can do is to continue booking myself wherever I can and to gain exposure as I continue to grow in my experience,” said Kamin.

But the most important factor to Kamin for her success is the support of her family and her faith.

“My husband gave me full support when I decided to take this leap of faith and work PHOTO COURTESY OF MELA KAMIN on and invest in an album. My kids are proud of their mom and are wonderful Mela Kamin's debut album, Summer In My Soul. cheerleaders,” said Kamin. “I have tremendous friends and a church family that is very supportive and encouraging. But, ultimately, I draw my support from God. I could never do this without the faith and strength He provides.”

http://sheridansunonline.sheridanc.on.ca/nov_26_2009/thearts_melakamin.html

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The Sheridan Sun Online

9/25/10 10:25 PM

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Saturday September 25th, 2010

THE ARTS

Knowing disappoints

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By Sara Rozalina Krstevski

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Despite cruising to the top of the box office last weekend, Knowing proves to be both a surprise and disappointment.

Knowing catches your intrigue in the opening and as the film goes on it does manage to thrill you to death, but with a disappointing ending.

It is the year 2009 and Nicolas Cage stars as John Koestler, a professor at MIT, a drunken PHOTO COURTESY OF BOX OFFICE MOJO widower and father of young Caleb (Chandler Canterbury) who gets a letter from a time Nicolas Cage and Rose Byrne star in the thriller Knowing. capsule that students at his elementary school had buried 50 years earlier.

Knowing leaves you depressed and a tad bit frustrated with its failure to tie up all the loose ends.

The letter is filled with numbers jumbled together and with a closer look, professor Koestler figures out the numbers are codes that predicted the date, location and number of deaths of every major disaster in the last 50 years.

Koestler wants to stop the future disasters from happening, so he uses his detective skills to track down Diana Wayland (Rose Byrne), the daughter of the girl who wrote the numbers 50 years before. Together they try to find clues on how to prevent the final disaster that will end the world.

What hurts this film is that it leaves the fate of the future to a set of numbers. It’s an interesting premise but it’s too far-fetched, even for a sci-fi movie. But there are some good things in this film. The special effects of the disasters are mind-blowing especially with the plane and train crash sequences.

It also brings out a good message by showing that relationships with people, especially those of family, is what matters in the end. For instance, Koestler is not on good terms with his parents but lets go of any resentment he has for them. Despite the film raising some thought-provoking questions, Knowing leaves you depressed and a tad bit frustrated with its failure to tie up all the loose ends.

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