Starlight Music Chronicles Issue 1

ISSUE 1 | OCTOBER 2015

Feature Artist

BRYAN FINLAY

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Welcome to the inaugural issue of Starlight Music Chronicles Magazine!

There has been so much commotion about this launch and it’s theme, I can hardly believe that it’s actually here! I think it’s important for me to explain a little about the sinister images that you will see throughout this issue. There’s a bit of a story to it, but I assure you that you will never read another collaboration of love and talent so divine as what is demonstrated in this issue. So, let’s begin....

In July of 2015, I met and friended a family whose tragic and devastating loss of their daughter, sister, and twin, Morgan Dunbar on June 27th, 2014 resonated with the loss of my own cousin at the age of only 18. It didn’t take me long to connect with the family and reach out to support their daughter Bailey and discuss a positive and safe place for her to think, dream, and maybe share her story on another platform different than the one that they had grown accustomed. So, by mid-July, Bailey Dunbar (aka: IzzyB as her sister used to call her) began writing for the Teen Beat section of our website. Now, in the span of time that we have met, Bailey has eagerly and willingly collaborated on this beautiful cover and issue with our Feature Recording Artist Bryan Finlay to make one of the biggest and boldest statements of all.

Let’s rewind a little....Morgan’s Mission was created after the family lost their daughter to the effects of cyber bullying. They are bringing awareness to bullying, mental health and suicide through whatever means necessary in order to create more safe and healthy environments for the youth (and even Adults!) of today.

More often than not, Discussions about mental illnesses, depression, anxiety, and suicide are shunned in society and it isn’t until something drastic happens that a whole community is shocked with the reality of it’s ‘realness’. By then, it is too late. The signs are always prevalent in the ones who suffer but no one wants to speak of them. The ones who suffer with mental illness, depression, Anxiety and PTSD suffer in silence.

Fast forward to this issue. The photo that you see on the left was taken on September 26th, 2015 and features both Bryan Finlay and Bailey Dunbar in it.

When we held our first meet and greet between the Dunbar Family, Myself, and Bryan, the family shared their story of their loss with him. No stranger to being bullied in his youth, Bryan quickly bonded with the

family and was completely agreeable to ‘sharing’ the cover of our first issue with Bailey. For a few reasons: They both love Halloween, and this issue has some of the greatest names in the biz backing our ‘Theme’ such as: ‘The Hollywood Vampires’, Nim Vind, Palaye Royale, Vesper Walk, Paul Woida, REND, Radio Drive, The Moon Kids, and of course, our winning Artists of the Month for August (Olivia Rose), September (IAMWARFACE), and October (Shay Esposito).

The other reason for having two public figures on the cover of Starlight Music Chronicles was to make the statement as bold as possible: letting all Artists (Signed or Independent) and Public figures such as Bailey Dunbar know that we stand behind Morgans Mission and wish to bring attention to a silent killer that is very real among many of us. So, it was decided to ‘Ghost’ in Bailey’s identical twin sister Morgan for the cover. Clearly, Bryan is representing mental illness, bullying, depression and PTSD in all of it’s forms with his dark image. And so, we, Starlgiht Music Chronicles boldly make a statement for the world to see, clearly, that this isn’t something we take so lightly.

The image of Bailey holding her deceased sister in her arms is statement enough.

Since we have been sharing our Messages with affilations such as Yale Productions in the making of ‘michigan’ film, a movie that adresses teen suicide, Morgan’s Mission, Richards Legacy Foundation and Bailey Dunbar, there has been a massive outpouring of shared stories among artists wishing to share their stories of struggles related to these issues. I am so grateful and pleased to see the comraderie and support within the community as well as globally among industry peers for our mission to get this message out through the SMC media platform.

I was more than pleased to also accept several stories from contributors wanting to share their stories in this publication and we support their courage to share with our friends, family, fans, and the world. These stories have come in from Sheilah Diane Chisholm , Natasha Dunbar, and Natalie Richer.

And finally, we wish for you to enjoy this issue which is packed with articles by my extremely talented contributors who I now refer to as: The Starlight Music Chronicles Family.

Today is a gift! Enjoy what we have today for tomorrow is never a guarantee. Live in the moment, be a little kinder, listen to a friend who needs it, and best of all, kick back, grab a cup of tea, a good blanket and enjoy a great read! There’s plenty in this issue!

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About the Cover By: Natasha Dunbar Hi, My name is Natasha Dunbar and I am Bailey Dunbar’s Mother. Many, I am sure, are going to question why we agreed to do this photo and our answer is simple, because this is Bailey’s life day in and day out!

So allow me to explain. June 27th 2014 started off like any other day. The first day of summer vacation and this usually included appointments for the twins. We all had blood work done, went to breakfast, sat and watched the twins play in the park and then went to have the twin’s last vaccine done. We had one more appointment but made a stop at home to let out our family dog and Morgan had decided she would stay home. She wasn’t alone as her brother was still there and her other family was in and out all afternoon.

We left and went to the last appointment for Greg’s appointment for 4pm, we stopped at Walmart prior too and then the music store after to pick up Morgan’s guitar books. As we were pulling out at 5:30pm Bailey stated she didn’t feel right and her stomach hurt and couldn’t figure out why.

When we arrived home she ran in the house and discovered their bedroom door locked and nobody answering it. She heard Laci, our dog, in there whining so she kept banging. We could hear music and just thought she had her headphones in. Greg got the tools out and started working to get the doorknob off.

When he got the door open we will never forget the look of sheer shock on his face and panic in his eyes.

Knowing something was wrong Bailey pushed in to get Laci and I after her. The sight we seen is one that will forever be imprinted in our minds. Our daughter and twin gone. She had hung herself from the bunk beds she shared with her sister. Reacting like I usually do I yelled for someone to call 911 and got her down to start CPR. It seemed like forever for them to get there. It seemed like forever before they took Greg, Bailey and myself to the hospital. I do remember telling the paramedic that was attending to me (and please don’t shove an oxygen mask in the face of a mom in a panic) that she was an organ donor. Normal maybe not but I knew we talked about her being a donor and she was proud of that decision.

Once we were at the hospital and taken to the quiet room we were told she had passed away and they tried everything and worked on her for an hour and a half. My only thought was seeing her. I didn’t care what the doctor had to say, I knew she was gone.

We waited for Bailey to tell her and we went to say our final goodbyes to our barely 13 year old daughter and twin sister. A situation no family should ever 6 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

been faced with! So why did our daughter/sister end her life. The answer is never simple but I can tell you what I do know. She was cyber bullied. She was told by two males in her school repeatedly to harm and kill herself, that she was ugly, fat and stupid. The months leading up to her death she endured abuse at the hands of her peers in the worst way possible. She had become depressed, started starving herself thinking she was fat (at 5’2” she was 95 pounds when she died) and was self harming. When we tried to get her the mental health care she needed the system failed her! She was refused by the hospital mental health, refused by psychiatrist as they weren’t “child” ones, and when her referral was finally accepted by a place in the city it was two months too late! We tried for half a year to get her help and to watch her every move to keep her safe.

So why the cover and why the photo shoot. It’s simple.

Bailey lives with the shadow of her identical twin every single day. Nothing and nobody will change that. This is how we can get people talking about mental health, suicide prevention and bullying. By putting it out there and starting the conversation, by stepping on the toes of those who can change things and by giving everyone the opportunity to start the conversation on mental health and suicide.

Bullying and cyber bullying has lasting effects on our youths mental health. By educating and making others aware that their actions have consequences is the only way we will end bullying.

Educating everyone on mental health in the proper way and not using fear tactics will help end the stigma and allow others to seek the treatment they need instead being too ashamed or scared to seek treatment!

Ending the shame surrounding suicide will allow others who are feeling hopeless and lost to open up about their feelings, fears and despair which means being about to prevent a tragedy from happening. It will also allow suicide survivors to open up and talk about how they are affected by suicide.

These topics are not an easy thing to talk about, but in our family this is what we deal and cope with every single day. Nobody should be in these shoes. If we don’t take down the walls around these topics and start forcing change to happen many more will walk the same path we do. Something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

So take this cover and share it. Show others you are like us and not afraid to start the conversation. Talk to your children, LISTEN to your children and seek help if you or they need it!

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Starlight

MUSIC

Artist of the Month Alumni

by CA Marshall | Editor Starlight Music Chronicles It’s about to get nuts. REAL nuts in the next few months for all of us at Starlight Music Chronicles.

We have our very Holiday Edition Magazine launching in December 2015, Photo Shoots, Branding, Interviews, (editing) and THEN...............there’s our Artist of the Month Competition which has been growing at break neck speed within the Indie Music Industry as one of the most creative and fun Music Competitions going on facebook. Best part? NO ONE has to leave their homes to attend! It’s all by the click of a button from your computer, laptop, phone or other electronic device: anywhere you can connect to facebook and the Starlight Music Chronicles Page (https://www.facebook.com/starlightmusicchronicles) you can get to the EVENTS section of the page and scroll through each month, past, present, and future (we are always open for submissions at least a month and a half in advance) It is also important to note that 80% of our monthly global views are coming through facebook via this forum and that already one of our winning Artists,

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IAMWARFACE has garnered the interest of KonaCindy Productions which deals with international radio. Exciting! Not just for Starlight Music Chronicles, but for the Artists being promoted!

What began as a ‘trial’ has turned into a phenomenal response from Industry Peers and Musicians from all over the globe. And this is not just a casual statement either because each month, we are checking the stats and we are easily surpassing the previous whole month’s visits globally in one WEEK! This is occurring more and more as the competition keeps moving forward and shows no signs of slowing down.

Each Artist that has won the competition so far have been very pleased to be cast as ‘Starlight Music Chronicles Artist of the Month Alumni’, a ‘Class’ (for lack of better words) of Indie Artists that are attending a (Music-School of Rock?) event of sorts where at the end of the year, all 12 winners will compete for the Starlight Music Chronicles Artist of the YEAR! This will include YEAR-LONG free promotion for the winning artist which can showcase

new music, branding, etc. Considering that we get thousands of views per day globally to the website, this is a great addition to artists wanting promotion on what is becoming one of the Best Music Entertainment websites for Indie & Signed Artists.

So far, we have Olivia Rose (August 2015 Winner), IAMWARFACE (September 2015 Winner), and Shay Esposito (October 2015 Winner) who have been featured for a month long promo spot for FREE on our site simply by participating in the Competition. Aside from a few glitches here and there (facebook can be a ton of fun to try to get these tech things fixed in a timely manner *sarcasm*!), things have been running rather smoothly.

In addition to being featured for a month long spot on our website, we also include the Artists in this quarterly Magazine (see in this issue) with any new updates and progress that they have made since their win.

But what is the point of these kinds of competitions? For Starlight Music Chronicles, first and foremost, it’s the chance for Indie Artists to be showcased in a small forum (Only 10 Bands/Artists maximum are allowed per month) which allows the fans to digest what they are all about. We post the bands’ Biography, Music, Achievements as well as allow the Artists themselves to post banners and info about themselves which ups the ante for the Competition. *Reference the September 2015 Artist of the Month Competition on our facebook page (www.facebook.com/starlightmusicchronicles) to see what we are talking about here. The Posters and even FAN videos that were submitted on the page was brilliant, encouraged, and interactive.

Another reason for hosting these competitions is for SMC to garner exactly what music the fans want to hear more of or read more about on our site. We have an ‘Our Faves’ page on the website as well as Spotlight features (www.starlightmusicchroniclesspotlight.com) on featured artists and The Chronicles (www.starlightmusicchronicles.blogspot.ca) where there are many featured Artists on Video as well as Song reviews, Announcements, Behind-thescenes features, and much, much, more based on the genre and type of Artists our SMC fans want to hear more of.

What we know so far is that many Indie Artists have been reaching out to us via this Monthly Competi-

tion for various reasons, some not even related to the competition (some want photo shoots, branding, etc). It’s safe to say that since opening the SMC Artist of the Month Event, we could easily sum up the Competition has amalgamated the Starlight Music Chronicles website (and all social media outlets for that matter) as a sweet combo of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets The Wizard of Oz with a side twist of Rocky Horror Picture show. Hmm...and maybe a little of Alice in Wonderland and The Nightmare Before Christmas in there too for good measure!

Editor’s Note: It always excites me (like Christmas, one of my favorite times of the year!) when I go to click the ‘Submit Now’ and launch button for the monthly Voting Poll to OPEN on the event. Something about that ‘OPEN’ sign that suggests freedom and joy and It isn’t much longer after I hit ‘Refresh’ and the fan votes are off and running....and then the likes.....and then the comments.....it just escalates from there.

The few snags we have run across are really minor.......other Artists trying to post their fan pages or art on the event wall but it is strictly prohibited as the artists took the time to submit to us all of the requirements PRIOR to the poll launch. Usually when this happens, we encourage all artists that wish to have their music promoted to contact myself at editor@starlightmusicchronicles.com and I will be happy to discuss the event and the requirements.

There have been some pretty wild comments on the content in these events as well but that is one thing I AM grateful for with facebook: they block those comments and delete them for us. We try to keep the competitions as clean and fun as possible because at the end of the day all we are trying to do is offer Indie Artists the support that is severely lacking in the Industry.

We look forward to the next 8 months of competition and talks are already in the work of having an annual festival or ‘showcase’ of these artists so stay tuned for more information on that when we go to launch the Artist of the Year Competition next July 2016!

For more information on our Artists of the Month go to: www.smcartistofthemonth.blogpot.ca

CONTINUED....

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Photography & Interview by CA Marshall

It is not often that we are witness to a phenom-

enon such as the one we have seen in the last month.

Really, we have seen many competitions over the course of the last year on other Music Forums come very close to a tie or one upping within minutes of the clock countdown on Indie Music Artist Competitions and it’s tense.

Very tense. We have seen some competitions become very challenging as fans begin to duke it out over social forums with negative verbal connotations and it’s very discouraging for the Artists who are simply wanting a chance at being Spotlighted because of their talent.

Starlight Music Chronicles Fans of Indie Music are truly class act and we have observed that they have one mission only: that is to support their favorite Artist by way of voting and positive comments and sharing of posts from the event page. We would first like to thank everyone who has been following the Artist of the Month competition with the utmost respect. It is wonderful to see the support the Indie Artists are getting and it is a great way for us to gauge exactly what content YOU the reader would like to see on SMC. The decision to host an ‘Artist of the Month’ competition means a lot of attention to details and following the Artists who have entered to see their journey even in the small span of time that the voting poll is open. (For This Competition, it was open for 3 weeks of FAN VOTING before the close date of July 27th, 2015 at Midnight MST) This means observing the artists Social Media Forums and events and sometimes (as we did with Miss Olivia Rose), the odd surprise discreet appearance at a show! We have to give a huge shout out to all of the Indie Artists that did join the event and encourage all to check the Spotlight Page of the website as we will be featuring some of these artists on this forum.

Now to the star of this page! Our reigning Indie Queen for August 2015 Starlight Music Chronicles Artist of the Month Miss Olivia Rose! It is with great pleasure that we publicly congratulate this young lady on her epic win in the FIRST EVER Artist of the Month Competition hosted

by SMC. We have to say, she is a delightful performer (we have witnessed her live!) being a positive role model to her peers and a ray of sunshine on the stage!

Her vocal ability is charming with conviction and we look forward to following her on her journey over the course of time!

Olivia has been a busy young lady this summer performing live and many events through the Festival Season and to throw in a competition into the mix well, we have to say this young lady truly connects with her fans tirelessly and has obtained a loyal base of people behind her as a result. We caught up with her recently for a short interview to share her views on the whole competition, her history, and where she’s headed next. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and settle in to find out more about our Featured Artist Miss Olivia Rose:

Hello Olivia! We are so pleased to have you featured as August 2015 Artist of the Month for Starlight Music Chronicles!

Let’s begin with the standard questions shall we?

SMC - Where were you born and raised?

Olivia - Born at the Royal Alex hospital in Edmonton, raised in Elk Point Alberta.

SMC - How Old are you?

Olivia - 16 years old SMC - Where are you recording your music?

Olivia - I am working to co produce my songs with two very talented musicians and producers here in Edmonton Nathan Kidd and Dave Stoten. They are two of the best guys I could have ever asked for to collaborate with being musicians themselves they understood what I was wanting my songs to say and feel like. The fact that they come from a rock background (Pistols at 20 Paces) they helped to give my songs an edge that I wanted. I am so very proud of my first three singles that I have done and think they are a true reflection of the type of artist I want to be. I very consciously picked them With MakeUp to Mud being my New Country single Daddy’s Little Girl a more Traditional Country song and my next single Please Maybe to come out this fall will be a more Pop Country feel SMC - What would you call your ‘Best Song’ and why?

Olivia - Although this may not be my best song ( I really don’t think songwriters ever have a best song as there is always another song to write and you are always learning new ways to express yourself haha) the song closest to my heart is one of the very first songs I ever co-wrote.

I co-wrote this song with The Doll Sisters at the age of 10. I had the chorus and melody and then got stuck on some of the verses. I was just learning guitar so Jenna Shelby and I had a skype session. They loved what I had so far and they are amazing musicians so had a lot of ideas for the chord structure and the musicality of the song. I think in about an hour we had the song done. It was more of a ballad then and as I got older I wanted it to be more of a statement song. I really love MakeUp to Mud because it’s really about who I am.

SMC - How are you feeling about the whole ‘Artist of the Month’ experience?

Olivia - It was really interesting to be a part of it! Online fan voting contests are a lot of work and this year we decided not to do CBC Searchlight and some other online contests this year because of our release of MakeUp to Mud. I really appreciate all my friends and fans who support me but I also don’t want to be asking everyday for votes as I know their time is very valuable and some people can get very tired of seeing it on their social media pages all the time. When this opportunity came up I looked at your online content and was really impressed with the different views, genres and the support given to all the artists on your site and the fact that it has global content made me really excited to be apart of the showcase STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 13

SMC - How did your Fans/Family/Friends react to you entering this competition?

Olivia - My family is very supportive, and I had lots of fans and friends voting for me which was amazing. They all really jumped in right from the start so I was lucky to be in the lead for the first part of the competition. I think what really pushed me over the edge during the last few days was my friends from a theatre camp I go to called Artstrek, I asked for their help in our Facebook group and they really rose to the occasion! They were all so excited for me as I went there right after my headlining spot at KDays.

SMC - When did Music become your Passion? Everyone asks how old you were, etc when you first picked it up, but really, SMC wants to know when you became truly passionate about music?

Olivia - Every since I was a little girl performing for my parents friends in the living room I knew that it was what I had to do. I’ve always been a little performer. I guess I became very passionate about it when I started performing on bigger stages at about 9. It is also the time when I really started to songwrite and play guitar. I love the feeling of being in front of an audience!

SMC - Why does the Country Music Genre appeal to you?

Olivia - I grew up in a really small town so country music was always around me growing up. Especially older country music because my family would take me to jamborees at the seniors centre. My Grandparents radio would always be on. My Grandpa has a huge collection of old time country and rock and roll records Patsy Cline Kitty Wells Loretta Lynn Brenda Lee Dolly Parton Reba Johnny Cash Waylon Jennings Elvis George Strait these were all the artists I was hearing when I was little. But I really do believe country music is about real life I think that really appeals to me. Its putting your everyday life into the song and the feelings you get when you listen and the connection to the listener who has had some of the same experience that I really think is what country music is at it core and why it appeals to so many people.

SMC - What and Who are your influences?

Olivia - This is a very hard question because I am still finding my voice as a songwriter and artist but first would have to be my family who have always told me to reach for your dreams and work hard for what you want! Without that support I wouldn’t be doing what I love to do at the age that I am. Musically I am influenced by everything I hear just because I choose to sing and write in a country format doesn’t mean I don’t listen to lots of other stuff. There are so many amazing local artists who I have had the privilege to meet either in person or over social media that constantly amaze me. People who need to make music because that is what drives their soul it isn’t about being famous it about making music because there is no option not to. Some of the songwriters I look up to and identify personally with are Lindi Ortega Kasey Musgraves Dolly Parton Olivia Wik Miranda Lambert Taylor Swift These are all strong women with distinct 14 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

voices and writing styles that I really like. Of course there are so many more but right now these are the ones influencing my songwriting SMC - What is your weirdest Fan experience?

Olivia - hmm I guess maybe the time I was 10 and was singing at Gazebo Park for Artwalk with School of Song and Rhea March. An older gentleman came up right close to me as I was singing and tried to have a conversation with me. He kept telling me I was an angel and he was about 2 feet away. It was a little different. It was kinda hard trying to keep singing my songs.

SMC - What is your coolest Fan experience?

Olivia – Every time I meet someone who takes the time to come say hi and tell me they enjoyed my set is a very cool experience!! I absolutely love being able to meet people who share a passion for music. I have lots of parents tell me how much their little girl likes my music and it just warms my heart because I’d love to be someone that young girls look up to!

SMC - What is on the agenda for the next three - six months for your career?

Olivia - Well in September I’m going on my first ever radio tour in southern Alberta to support the release of MakeUp to Mud! Very excited about that! nothing’s been confirmed for dates but I have a very talented guitarist Scott Slade who will be able to accompany me and we are also hoping to book a few shows in each place as well. And I’m releasing new single this fall fall so stay tuned for that. I also hope to be going back into the studio to do more recording of new material I have and am working an a ton more with My band Kris Marcotte David Blouin and Jen Perry as well as writing with Nathan Kidd and Dave Stoten. I plan to do a lot more writing this fall and hopefully have some very cool co writes too. Jen Perry my manager is also looking into the festivals and gigs for next summer and I would be very excited to be able to get down east and do a summer of festivals.

SMC - What is your most favorite Venue to play at?

Olivia - When I was 9 and 10 I performed at the Winspear Centre in downtown Edmonton and I’ll never forget how amazing that stage felt. I also really loved the stage at K-Days! And the audience was amazing, everyone had so much energy and we were all having a really great time. But really anywhere there are people listening and liking my music it is a great venue!!

SMC - What things would you like to say about your band?

Olivia - I have just recently gotten together with my band Kris Marcotte David Blouin and Jen Perry (The Red Cannons) AKA The Roughnecks and K-Days was our first performance together! Lots of people were giving us amazing feedback saying how they were surprised we’ve only had about 6 practices because we were really tight.

I love them sooo much and I hope I get so many more shows with them. I am really excited to tour next summer for festivals.

SMC - Tell us a little about your awards and Guest appearances with other Colleagues in the Industry. What

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was your experience like?

Olivia - It’s always great to meet with other artists that you admire and I have always been very lucky to have ever only had very positive experiences with them. I have opened for Adam Gregory, Jake Matthews, and Gary Fjellgaard. I’ve been an intermission performer for 54-40, George Canyon, and Emerson Drive. They have all been very professional and kind in giving me some advice or some of their time when meeting them. Just being able to watch these artists up close you learn so much in how to deal with fans and other professionals like the sound techs, stage hands and all the kinds of stuff that there really isn’t a manual for! One of my favourite experiences is the George Canyon show at the Shell Theatre in Fort Saskatchewan (a huge supporter of local artists) I was intermission performer for him and when I was finished my set I went back to my dressing room quickly to grab my phone and I bumped into George and his accompanist. He said “Hey you’re Olivia Rose right? I heard you singing on the monitor.” And I was freaking out ahhah but he just told me to keep doing what I’m doing because I’m going to go somewhere someday. We talked so long that one of the stage managers had to come out and tell him to go back on stage. So I went back up to my seat and I watched his performance which was amazing and when 16 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

he was nearing the end of his set he said something like “This is my show so I can do whatever I want.” He invited me up on stage to perform! So I went flying down the stairs, I grabbed my guitar and I got out on stage and he gave me this confused look. And he said “Why do you have your guitar? Use mine!” I said I was going to perform an original and I did MakeUp to Mud, family members say that was the best performance I ever did with that song. Those kind of experiences really push me as an artist, to try and do better and make people like George proud. Mr. Canyon is one of the most down to earth, genuinely friendly and most talented person you could ever have the opportunity to meet. If you ever have the chance to go see a small, intimate show with him I would highly recommend it!

SMC - What is your favorite thing to do when you are not focused on your music?

Olivia - I really love the sport fastball, I’ve played ever since I could swing a bat. But I had to quit this year because of my music schedule which was sad but I can’t do everything! I also really love acting, musicals are so much fun and my school puts on the best productions!

SMC - Family Support and friendships. How supportive are they?

Olivia - My family is so supportive words couldn’t even

describe. My mom left her hometown and moved to Edmonton with me so I could pursue my career while my dad stayed behind to work in the oil fields. And I have supportive friends from back home too. Going to an arts school is amazing because everyone supports everyone else in anything they do which is awesome. :) SMC - What words could you give to someone beginning a career in the Music Industry?

Olivia - I’d tell them to make as many connections as possible and be very present at every gig and social media. Being accessible and open to your fans and supporters is an amazing way to build long lasting friendships and fanbase. Look to ones who you admire and have made a successful career and try to figure out what works for you from their path but always remember that you have to make your own path!! There is no one way of doing something. Don’t be afraid to go up to someone and introduce yourself and talk to your peers and fans alike! Take the time to really listen to what they have to say to you.

SMC - What is your ‘Bucket List’ of venues you would like to perform at?

Olivia - My number one overall is The Grand Old Opry, it’s been a dream of mine ever since I was little to stand at that mic in that circle. Also the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville would be simply amazing to be recognized as a songwriter there would fulfill a very big dream. And I’d love to perform at the Rexall Centre (or the new arena) in Edmonton!

SMC - Do you write all of your own music?

Olivia - I write my own and I co write with people. Co Writing is the best thing ever because you get to mesh ideas and sometimes you come up with things you would have never thought about on your own.

SMC - Can you please shed some light for new fans on the timeline of your music career history up until this point?

Olivia - I started singing in our church choir at three and was up on some local stages at four. At nine I won the junior Country Global star search contest and was singing on bigger stages and more often for charity events than ever. Now with the single out we have been incredibly busy with gigs and interviews. It’s awesome!

SMC - How do you support other Artists in the industry? Do you feel there is a fierce competition or are your peers a tight knit group?

Olivia - I like to help out my music friends in any way I can whether that’s by sharing a post on social media or just mentioning their name to someone who I think could help them out. There is definitely some friendly competition but I know that in the music business we need to watch out for each other in any way we can. :) SMC - Beyond the Edmonton Scene, how do you feel with the support systems out there for a young Canadian Artist?

Olivia - I think Canada is doing amazing things for new Artists. With Organizations like SAC, SOCAN, CCMA, ACMA, AMIA and all the online supports like Starlight

Music Chronicles and individuals out there who support music.

SMC - Who would you like to thank for your music success to date?

Olivia - Everyone and anyone I’ve ever worked with or talked to. I wouldn’t be where I am right now without those people and I’d especially like to thank my parents, not many 16 year olds’ parents would drop their lives to let me live the one I want.

SMC - You are Starlight Music Chronicles Very First ever Artist of the Month. How does that feel?

Olivia - It feels so great because it was fan voted and it makes all the hard work feel like people are noticing what I am doing. It’s always cool to be a first ever anything! I can’t wait to check in each month to see who’s next.

SMC - Is there a video in the works for ‘Make-Up to Mud’ aside from the lyrical video (posted on the SMC Artist of the Month Page)? If so, when is it’s release date?

Olivia - There isn’t one just yet but we are trying really hard to get some grants to do one and for our next release. I think that is the hardest thing to learn in the industry; how to apply for grants and how do you get your product out on a very limited budget? would you like to give a ‘Shout Out’ to in this feature and why? My Mom and Dad and all my Family, My Band Kris Marcotte, David Blouin, and Jen Perry, My Manager Jen Perry and ID VIP Team, My Producers Nathan Kidd and Dave Stoten, My Favoritie co-writers Jenna and Shelby Doll and Olivia Wik, Rhea March - The School of Song, Wes Inaba and Irma MacPherson and Kathleen,Global Country Maryann Gibson and Bill Borgwardt, Tony Baxter Stacey, Jazz and Tannis Matthews, Bradley Tucker, and most importantly to all my incredible friends, fans, and supporters who help me reach for the stars and dream big! These all have been very crucial to my development as an artist and have become very special people in my life. Thank you! and to all the ones who aren’t mentioned, know that you are just as important!

There you have it folks! Olivia, welcome to the Starlight Mu sic Chronicles Family! Your name is now officially in SMC History! *Update: October 2015 in the Artists words: The last couple of months have been amazing! With the release of my first single to radio MakeUp to Mud. Radio tours and a headlining spot at KDays I have been super busy and loving it! In August with winning the first Artist of the Month for Starlight Music Chronicles I have been introduced to a whole new part of this music journey!

I have met so many wonderful and strong people like Bailey with Morgan’s Mission.

I am super excited with my next upcoming release Please Maybe and can’t wait to share it. If you would like to be kept up to date on my music adventures my website is www.oliviarosemusic.com STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 17

SEPTEMBER IAMWARFACE

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Photography & Interview by CA Marshall

This competition was FIERCE! Not in the way that

there were any people getting hurt or malice, rather, it was the FUN kind! The Starlight Music Chronicles Artist of the Month competitions have only been running for two months now and the pandemonium that has ensued has gotten seriously intense. The first month for the competition which ran throughout the month of July 2015 for the August 2015 winner was the calm before the storm. The 10 Indie Artists were very quiet on the event page and guests were content to watch as Starlight Music Chronicles posted the Artist info throughout the month and as gracefully as it swept in, our August 2015 Artist of the Month Olivia Rose gracefully swept into her role as winner of the competition.

Then August happened. Registrations for the August Artist of the Month competition were like horses kicking at the barn door! To be honest, we had all 10 Indie Artists registered by the end of July and ready for voting! Since these contests run until the 27th of each month (to allow for interviews and changeover on the website for the new reigning Artist of the Month) fans, friends, and family had almost four weeks of straight voting! In fact, when we made the voting poll live just after midnight August 1st, the voters were off to a running start!

So what made this month so much more intense than last month? Once Artists realized they were able to promote themselves along with us, Banners, Videos, Posters, you name it, they made it! (see banner by this month’s winner IAMWARFACE below as well as a fan video graciously donated for this article by Elodia Gahan!). In addition, Artists camaraderie had also begun. It was really nice to see all of the competitors complimenting and congratulating and friending one another on facebook while the contest was STILL RUNNING! So here we are, another month has passed and we are now launching IAMWARFACE (aka: Matt Warface to his nearest and dearest) as the reigning champion of the September 2015 Starlight Music Chronicles Artist of the Month. To be fair, a huge shout out needs to go out to the other Artists who took the time to compete in this competition such as: Rachel Woznow, Olivia Wik, MichaelResin, Lynda LAW, Jerry Hull, Mohsin Zaman, Three Beards, Brian Mackey, and Lunden Reign. (Please click on their names to check out their fan pages on facebook!)

Now, here’s where we get to congratulate Matt (Warface) for his title as Winner of the September 2015 Artist of the Month Competition. His loyal fan base has been waiting for this moment since he signed up for the contest and have been sending their applause all the way around the world. We are very pleased with his enthusiasm, candor, talent, great sense of humor (come on! He’s British, who are notorious for their awesome sense of humor!), determination and excellence in his craft, and most of all his Sportsmanship – he was completely graceful and considerate throughout the competition (as were all the others) and it is this kind of perSTARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 21

sona which will carry this Artist very far in his career.

So, without further adieu, let’s get on with our formal interview!

SMC: How old are you?

Matt: 31 SMC: Where are you originally from?

Matt: I’ve always lived in and around the Twickenham/ greater London area, famous for its world class rugby team! JUST MOVED TO BRIGHTON BABY!!!

SMC: What is your music history? Meaning: where did you first begin playing and picking up music?

Matt: Well, I guess it began when I did a job for a guy who was a drum teacher. I was eager to learn drums, so in exchange he gave me lessons. Apparently I was a natural. Played for around 5 years. It was only when after seeing Scott Weiland from STP perform that inspired me to become a front man. The rest is history.

SMC: What would you say is the best description of your genre? These days, some Artists use a combination of titles....

Matt: Dark Avant-Garde electro rock SMC: What makes IAMWARFACE unique/stand out/ unique?

Matt: I don’t care if I fall into a category or not. But, who can say? That’s not a question for me to answer.

I’ll leave that to the listeners.

SMC: What is your loyal fan base and where do they span in what countries?

Matt: Mostly I’d say Germany, Russia, USA, and the UK SMC: What is your first weird fan experience?

Matt: I got stalked in North Carolina by a very overzealous fan who thought I was Jim Morrison reincarnated. Really freaked me out when she asked me to make out with her and her boyfriend in the local grave yard! She even followed me back to my hotel room, crying and sobbing like a mad woman. I ended up hiding under a big blue tarpaulin until she left. Was very scary. I was a quivering wreck. Lol. SMC: List 10 things about you that no one knows?

Matt: I have double jointed fingers. I can hold my breath for 2 minutes. I suffer from mild Tourette’s syndrome, I regularly have panic attacks, I often have baths that last for hours, I love animals, I have a raging foot fetish, I hate Brussel sprouts, I hate most TV, I love humans.

SMC: When did you first learn of the Artist of the Month Competition?

MATT: I honestly can’t remember! I think it was on Twitter. I just remember a pretty young lady asking me if I would like to enter!

SMC: Would you recommend it to any Indie Artists wishing for exposure globally? And if so, why?

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Matt: Absolutely! Just for the fact that it’s run in a very professional manner and very supportive of the artists!

SMC: What kinds of things are you going to be promoting on you new page throughout September? Any cool videos, projects, etc you would like to share?

Matt: Well, I will be releasing a single that will accompany a video in mid to late October, the song is Fear The Future. I’m still waiting on a final edit of the video but it really is something quite special! Very David Lynchian!

SMC: What is your coolest fan moment?

Matt: Just happened last night! I was at SW4 festival and got recognised by a stranger shouting “IAMWARFACE!!!!”

SMC: Who inspires you to keep you motivated?

Matt: Life inspires me! If I didn’t have my music or art as an outlet I’d have gone mad years ago!

SMC: I was reading that you are a solo band. However, I have seen some You Tube videos of a band playing with you. Are they part of IAMWARFACE? Matt: I am a solo project. I basically write, perform, record and produce most of my tracks. For live purposes, I use backing tracks, my brother Stephen is an awesome drummer, and playing bass and guitar is Richie a lovely chap! They are both very talented!

SMC: What was it like growing up where you live?

Did you have a lot of family support?

Matt - My family have always been behind me but they think I should concentrate on a proper job. It was pretty boring where I grew up. Not much in the way of music scene or excitement. I wasted time pranking people and getting arrested for silly things like dressing up as a ninja at 3 in the morning and stealing milk bottles.

SMC: How do you feel about the growing rate of teenage suicide/mental disorders/ depression in young adults these days? Is there a message through your music or a personal experience you could tell to the youth of the next generation that might give them hope or inspire them in some way? I am not sure if you are familiar, but SMC works with Morgan’s Mission, which is a family who began their quest to bring awareness to schools and teens about the serious effects of teen suicide (the family lost their twin sister/daughter at the age of 13. Bailey Dunbar is our Teen Writer for SMC and she has been using it as a wonderful outlet for her grieving process and she is a phenomenal writer too! She was Morgan’s twin sister) Matt: Wow, she sounds like an amazing strong person! Bless her. It’s a difficult subject to get your head around, as each person is completely different and has different reasons for being depressed.

Young people are led to believe that there’s no hope and no future! The media do like remind us of this fact! However, there are loads of things to be positive about! Listen to good music, surround yourself with good people, nurture friendships, be open and honest, look around at the world, turn off your TV, be creative, write, perform, never grow up, listen to your heart! I used to have regular panic attacks and I’m a little bi-polar, sometimes even waking up wishing I was dead! It’s a horrible thought process. But, I have NEVER taken prescription drugs or anti-depressants!

I try to stay away from bad foods and eat well. Feed the body with goodness and the mind will also be healthy! It’s not always easy with a fast-paced life style. And I regularly fall into the trap of drinking too much or over indulging. I try to make time for myself and my thoughts, that’s where my creativity comes from. I’m always struggling with life and it’s challenges, but I know I’m not alone. That gives me strength.

SMC: What are your personal experiences /challenges within the music industry in the UK? Matt: It’s a strange place, these days, a lot of labels are scared to sign something that’s a bit different in case it fails and they lose their job. The industry is in a state of flux, there’s no real money to be made from the sales of albums anymore. It used to be that you’d tour to promote your albums, now it’s the reverse, you write and record an album to promote your tour!

Crazy!

SMC: How do you feel about winning this competition?

Matt: Well seeing as I’ve never won anything before, I was over the moon!!!!

SMC: What advice would you give to others in this competition based on your experience?

Matt: Just enjoy it! Go with the flow.

SMC: How many live shows have you performed at and where?

Matt: Hundreds! In previous bands, played in North Carolina, New York, Isle of Skye festival with Kasabian and Echo and The Bunnymen to name a few. With IAMWARFACE, only one so far at the fledgling Into the Wild festival. I hope to play there again next year!

Such an amazing location and the people are awesome! Best festival ever. I’m currently in the process of moving to Brighton on the south coast, so once I’m settled, I’m going to start booking more shows.

Playing live is the best part of being in a band.

SMC: Name ten things that you love about your Music.

Matt: I don’t know if I can name ten things. What I can say is, I make music that I want to hear, so I tend to listen to my own music a lot of the time. That may sound narcissistic, but as I said, I make music I want to hear.

SMC: Name ten things you would like to change or improve in your music?

Matt: Sometimes I think my vocals don’t sound genuine enough. I’ve been told that my sound is quite industrial. Well, I’d like to move away from that sound a tad, so I think that’s down to the production. I’d like to hone my production skills more. I sometimes think I’m not being as honest as I can be.

SMC: How do you feel about the support SMC has given you so far?

Matt: Nothing but praise so far! Lovely people.

SMC: What’s next coming up in the next 6 months for IAMWARFACE? Matt: More live shows, single release this year accompanied by my music video. Then hopefully festivals next year to coincide with the album launch in March/April.

SMC: What are your long term goals for IAMWARFACE? (1-5 years from now where would you like to be)?

Matt: World domination obviously!

SMC: What artist would you like to perform with?

Matt: Massive Attack.

SMC: What couldn’t you live without?

Matt: Oxygen. Food. Sunlight. Music. Star Wars and Indian food.

SMC: Fans always want to know this: What’s your favourite color? Food? Lucky Number?

Matt: Fave colour is red. Food, Sushi, Indian, English roast. Lucky number is 87 SMC: If you could thank for your career to the point where it is today, who would you thank?

Matt: I would thank everyone that has believed in me and continued to support me up to this point.

SMC: Who are the biggest believers in your music?

Matt: My fans.

SMC: What is your most favorite thing to write about?

Matt: I’m a bit of a conspiracy theorist so anything to make people open their eyes and better this world.

I also write very silly ridiculous verse. Completely bananas short stories about poltergeists with OCD or murderous idiot clowns. I’m also an avid artist and illustrator.

SMC: Would you say the Music Industry in the UK is very supportive of you?

Matt: So far, all good. A few snakes along the way though.

SMC: What is the camaraderie like among your peers?

Matt: Well, I know a lot is bands and we all support each other! It the only way to be. Also, Hank from Three Beards (who also entered this month’s competition) has since become a friend. He’s a very cool guy.

SMC: What kind of personality are you?

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Matt: I’m like the Tasmanian devil: A whirling dervish. Busy going round and round in circles! My brain never stops. I’m a lover not a fighter. OCD. Bi-polar. Problems concentrating. Too trusting.

SMC: What is your most favourite clothing to wear – meaning what is your style?

Matt: Tight trousers, grungy tops and eye liner! Style is bohemian grunge pop.

SMC: Have you appeared in other contests or publications? If so, where?

Matt: Nope. This is the first.

SMC: Have you made new friends as a result of the Starlight Music Chronicles Artist of the Month Competition?

Matt: Yes, Hank from Three Beards and the lovely CA Marshall.

SMC: Will we be seeing a video during your month long promotion for Artist of the Month. What song will it be for?

Matt: Yes I hope to have it ready in the next week or two. It’s for ‘Fear the Future’.

SMC: What are the first five fave songs on your iPod? Matt: Queens of the Stone Age “Better Living Through Chemistry”, Hans Zimmer “Time”, Nero “My Eyes”, Pendulum “The Island Part 2”, Prince “Purple Rain” SMC: Have you or do you plan of collaborating with any other artists in the upcoming months?

Matt: I’m doing a remix for a friend’s band but I can’t say who they are just yet. Also, working on a remix for my friend’s band Suzerain.

SMC: What have you to say in closing this interview?

Matt: All I really want to say is, thank you to everyone that has been behind me and put up with my shit. Stay safe, stay connected! *Updates since September in the Artists words: Halloween- release of the video for Fear the Future exclusively for SMC then followed by the single release in late November.

Next year, will be releasing the album “Atomic White Gold” in March.

I’m gonna try to inquire about funding of some sort for a tour next year, would like to come over to the United States.

Basically I intend to gig like mad next year anywhere and everywhere.

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OCTOBER SHAY ESPOSITO 26 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

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It seems as though the month of September

came and went like a swift breeze on a hot summers day: gentle and welcome with a lovely impact and result. I suppose, this would be one of many ways to describe Edmonton, Alberta, Canadian born Indie Pop Artist Shay Esposito. There are many facets to this young lady who has begun blazing a trail so bright that all of her friends, family, fans, and supporters voted her as the Winner of the October 2015 Starlight Music Chronicles Artist of the Month competition. One of the biggest ways that Shay has connected to her fans is through the reality of her own life experiences (see Hope Through Music Below) and it is her empathetic nature that she has been able to not only heal through her own music, but also to touch the lives of others with the same struggles she has been working to overcome.

Shay is our third Artist of the Month for Starlight MusicChronicles and we couldn’t be more proud to have such another lovely addition to what is becoming one of the most talked about and exciting Indie Music Competitions on a global scale. Shay will be featured alongside her peers and previous month’s winners: Olivia Rose (August 2015 Winner), and Matt Warface –IAMWARFACE (September 2015 Winner) in our first inaugural Starlight Music Chronicles Magazine which launches just prior to Halloween 2015.

In addition, Shay will be competing with past and future alumni in July of next year for the Artist of the Year competition for yearlong promotion on the Starlight Music Chronicles Website as well as our quarterly Magazine. We are very excited to have Shay as part of our Artist Alumni and look forward to supporting her musical journey!

Shay Esposito: HopeThrough Music Shay isn’t just a singer; she is a gifted lyricist, a poetry lover, and motivational speaker. Her lyrics come from her soul and have great meaning and depth. She is a poet who is gifted with a beautiful voice. There is no greater joy for her then taking her poetry and arranging it into a song to share with the world. She has merged her love of singing with her love of writing, which culminated in the release of “For Annie,” her first full-length album of eight songs in June 2014. Her song writing has already been noticed in the industry, as she made semi-finalist in the International Song writing Competition, the finals in the UK Song writing Competition, and the Top 5 in the It’s Your Shot competition. Shay is an inspirational speaker, giving talks on the important topic of youth mental health. Having suffered from depression and anxiety from a young age, she has a unique ability to reach out and connect with other teens suffering from this illness. She speaks out on a topic that most teens shy away from and suffer with in silence. As 28 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

a result of Shay’s experiences and desire to bring awareness to this very real issue, she has been invited to speak and perform at several conference events. Some of the topics Shay speaks about are: depression and anxiety, self-harm, peer pressure, bullying, warning signs, self-help, confidence building, coping mechanisms: music, writing, sports, other youth-specific issues as requested, self-help, and confidence building.

The Program Shay loves sharing her message of strength and hope with youth. Her presentation can include a talk and may be accompanied by a performance of a few original songs or a mini concert. She can present to large audiences in a dedicated assembly, or small classes on specific topics in a more intimate setting.

Her program fits well with schools’ wellness days, and with health class curricula covering mental health issues and other mental health organization presentations. Shay does not ask for a fee for her presentation, but requests a small honorarium/donation to cover travel costs. When at a speaking venue, Shay would like to have access to a secure room to store her belongings and warm up her voice. Standard for vocalists, please provide Shay with fresh, room temperature water.

SMC - What is your family origin? Did you grow up in Edmonton?

Shay - I was born in St. Albert and moved out to a small town called Calahoo when I was six years old. I grew up and went to school in Sturgeon County.

SMC - How do you feel about being a part of the Starlight Music Chronicles Alumni?

Shay - I feel incredibly honored to have won and even have been considered for October’s Artist of the Month. I am so grateful to SMC and everybody that voted for me.

SMC - What kinds of things do you hope to be able to promote in your month-long feature on SMC? Shay - I hope to promote mental health awareness as well as myself as an artist and motivational speaker.

SMC - How many public speaking events have you been to to date?

Shay - In the last year I have spoken/performed at between 15- 20 events SMC - Where were they?

Shay - Most of my speaking/performing opportunities have been within schools in Edmonton and the surrounding areas. Although I have presented at schools and conferences throughout Alberta. I spoke at a Conference called Dream Big (a conference to empower young women,) Shaping the Future (a conference put on by Ever Active Schools catering to health care Practitioners and educators), Stories that

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Matter (an event to celebrate sharing stories of success for teens, The Jack Satellite Summit (a student led organization to bring awareness to mental illness and suicide prevention) and at several health and wellness summits hosted by schools within the education system.

SMC - What satisfaction do you get out of your public speaking engagements?

Shay - It’s a very heart-warming feeling to know that I am making a difference in the lives of those that have been suffering with mental illness. It aids my own healing as well knowing that I can make a difference.

SMC - What is you most favorite song for getting your point across about teens suffering with bullying, mental health issues, or suicidal thoughts?

Shay - My favorite song to share is I See Everything, off of my album For Annie because it speaks directly from my darkest days and I think it’s relatable to anyone that has ever felt different.

SMC - What advise do you have for teens struggling every day with this?

Shay - My advice is to start living life for yourself.

Start doing what makes you happy and forget about what other people think. Focus on your own well being because that’s the only way you’ll truly be able to help yourself.

SMC - What was your coping mechanism?

Shay - My coping mechanism was making music.

Singing and writing was my outlet for me and it’s how I released all of the emotions I couldn’t talk about.

SMC - Who was your mentor?

Shay - I have had may mentors over the years, vocal coaches, friends, family, my sister and of course my parents. I can’t really pick just one. I wouldn’t be where I am without the guidance and support of every person in my life.

SMC - Who is your music mentor?

Shay - I would say my biggest music mentor is Trey Mills. He is an artist manager and Juno nominated producer. He really believes in me and has been an amazing friend and invaluable source of information. He produced my album and I rely heavily on him for guidance in this crazy music industry.

SMC - Who have you written a song with lately?

Shay - I have been writing all of my songs on my own. My producer has helped me with some arrangements and melodies but the lyrics are all mine. I haven’t yet had the opportunity to do any co-writing.

SMC - Is there any new music we can look for coming out in the next few months?

Shay - We have a few songs that are nearly fin30 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

ished, with a few more in production. Hopefully I will have some new music out for my fans soon!

SMC - Are there any exciting tours you can leak any information about?

Shay - I just confirmed a gig in Winnipeg. I have been invited to sing a song or two with Robb Nash at an arena show in November. Robb is one of my biggest inspirations so to be able perform with him is going to be amazing. I have also recently booked a 5-school tour in northern Alberta the end of November which I am pretty excited about.

SMC - Who is your most favorite person to collaborate to date with and why?

Shay - I haven’t done a lot of collaborations yet. I have really only worked with my producer Trey Mills.

I do love working with him, he understands me and how I think and we really work well together.

SMC - Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?

Shay - I would love to do a collaboration with the band La Dispute. I think they are amazing writers and their lyrics are really captivating. To be able to work with them would be a dream come true.

SMC - What would be your dream tour as an opening act?

Shay - I would love to be an opening act to a band like Paramore, or a singer like Lana Del Ray, or any of those amazing female powerhouses with unique voices and unique styles.

SMC - Who are your influences?

Shay - Lyrically, I would say my influences come from a band called La Dispute. They are powerful and clever writers and they set the bar that I hope to reach with my own writing some day. Vocally, I would say Hayley Williams of Paramore is a great influence.

SMC - How has your family been supportive?

Shay - My family has always been very supportive and invested in my music, coming to all of my shows and always looking for more gigs for me to play, paying for years of vocal lessons and driving me all over the city for workshops and performances. I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive family to back me on such an up and down path.

SMC - How do you feel about competing with 11 other winning Artists of the Month next year for a yearlong free promo spot on Starlight Music Chronicles?

Shay - I’m excited to be a part of it and I’m going to give it my all!

SMC - Have you song written with anyone before and if so, who is your fave?

Shay - I haven’t had an opportunity to write with anyone else yet. The hard thing about co-writing, is finding a middle ground between too drastically different artists. There are a lot of artists in my area but stylistically it’s tough to find someone similar to me.

That being said, I would love to give it a try.

SMC - What was/is your coolest fan experience?

Shay - My coolest fan experience was after a speech and performance I did in Grand Prairie as a junior high school. There was this group of girls that just latched on to me after the show like I was a friend they’d known their whole lives. It’s a great feeling because that shows me that I really connected with them on stage and I got through to them on an emotional level.

SMC - What was your worst or scariest fan experience?

Shay - My scariest fan experiences have all happened over twitter. I’m sure everyone can relate to this. Guys are very direct and very creepy over twitter.

SMC - Tell us 5 things that no one knows about you Shay - Five things that no one knows about me.

1. I love to take baths. They’re my favorite pastime, I seriously take one every day. I will put off going out with my friends because I haven’t taken a bath yet that day. I will refuse my Dad’s amazing cooking because I want to take a bath.

2. I’m an anime fangirl. Always have been, always will be.

3. I’m terrified of moths. And I mean terrified.

4. I’m in love with penguins. I want like at least eight.

5. While all of that makes me sound like a dainty little fragile girl, I’m also one of the most fiercely protective people you will ever meet. That means you do not mess with the people close to me because I will end you.

SMC- Who would you like to thank for getting you to where you are today?

Shay - I would like to thank my parents and my sister for always supporting me and pushing me to work hard. Bernard Quilala for being my vocal coach for years and helping me realize my sound. Trey Mills, my producer, for being a great mentor and friend throughout our working together. Bryan Hetherman for seeing potential in me and putting me in touch with the people I needed to take my career to the next level. And finally, every fan, friend, or family member that has ever believed in me and stood by me whenever I needed them. Thank you!

SMC - What would you call your fashion edge?

Shay - I honestly don’t know, I’m pretty hopeless when it comes to fashion. Maybe that’s my edge. “I don’t know what I’m doing but it’s kind of working for me!”

SMC - Any tattoos? If so, what are they are what are their meanings?

Shay - I have one tattoo (so far) and it’s a bow on my left index finger. I got it to represent a promise I’d STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 31

made to myself to never self-harm again.

SMC - What have you noticed is your audience range?

Shay - My audience range is fairly broad. I’ve found that I can direct my music at teens, and gain an even larger following by enveloping their family members, parents, teacher and peers into that equation.

SMC - Any new videos coming out soon?

Shay - Right now I am working on some my EP so that is going to take priority. Once my EP is done I would love to create a music video for one of my songs. That said if the right opportunity presented itself to do a new video on one of my current songs I would seriously consider it.

SMC - What qualities do you dislike in others?

Shay- Pretentiousness, the need to demean, the need to feel superior, and general selfishness.

SMC - What qualities do you admire?

Shay - I admire honesty. “Honest” is probably one of the hardest descriptions to pin to someone without any doubt.

SMC - Do you feel you have gotten a lot of peer support over the years?

Shay - Peer support is tough because when you’re growing up, your peers don’t want to see you succeed more than they have succeeded. That being said, I have a few very close friends that have supported me unendingly from the very start. Those are the type of friends you shouldn’t ever let go of.

SMC - How was/is it like attending school knowing your vocation? Are your friends supportive of your career choice?

Shay - My friends are very supportive. That’s why they’re my friends. In high school, you meet people that have common interests with you, and I spent all of my time with the music kids because they understood me and supported me. Everyone always has those few people that don’t believe in them or think they’re not going to succeed, and maybe it’s worse when you’re still in high school, but it’s easy to ignore when you have as good of friends as I did.

SMC - What advice would you give to children or teens wanting to pursue a career in the music industry or the arts?

Shay - My advice is find your own unique style and do what you love, because the trick to making people love you is making them feel the passion that you have for your art. If you can share that, captivate people and make them feel something, then you’re already a pro and you don’t need any advice from me.

SMC - Where do you plan on touring with your public speaking campaigns in the future?

Shay - I would like to do a cross-Canada tour. That’s 32 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

my first goal because if I can touch a nation, I can change an entire generation’s views on mental illness.

SMC - Name three quirky things about yourself that fans would find interesting Shay - Three quirky things about me: 1. I am obsessed with the Legend of Zelda. I’ve played Twilight Princess seven times. The only Zelda games I haven’t played are the Gameboy advance games because I never had one BUT I’m an adult now and I can buy myself a Gameboy advance so just you wait.

2. I love books. They’re the perfect escape. Also, I fall in love with book characters and I am not ashamed.

3. If you haven’t caught on already, I’m actually a real dweeb and the fact that so many people tell me “it’s so ‘cool’ that you’re a singer” and “oh you’re a public speaker? ‘cool!’” is actually hysterical to me. If only they knew.

SMC - What is the first five songs playing in your iPod? Shay - Alright, I shuffled my music and these are the first five songs to play. (1) Skeleton Key by Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s (2) Self-Disclosure by A Bullet for Pretty Boy (3) Windows by Awolnation (4) In Your Eyes by Kate Boy (5) Million Dollar Man by Lana Del Ray. SMC - If you had to do it all over again, would you?

What would you differently?

Shay - I wouldn’t do anything over again. Every mistake I’ve made has made me who I am, and I like who I am today.

SMC - How do you feel about winning October Artist of the Month AND being featured in the first ever Edition of Starlight Music Chronicles Magazine?

Shay - I am so excited and so grateful to be a part of this, and I couldn’t be happier. Thanks so much to SMC for this wonderful opportunity and to everyone that voted for me!

SMC - Are there any final words or things you would like to share with your fans?

Shay - Just thank you for supporting me, I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of my amazing family and friends and I feel incredibly honored to know that you’re all rooting for me! *Artist Update: On October 27th, 2015 October 27, 2015 Shay will be the Emcee, guest speaker and performer at the HASS (healthy active schools symposium). November 16, 2015 she will be flying down to Winnipeg to perform with the Robb Nash Band and between Nov 23-28 she will be in the High River area where she will be doing a 5-school tour speaking on youth mental health and performing!

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Photo Credit: Kyler Clark 36 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Album & Artist Review

by Candice Marshall

Being that this issue of Starlight Music Chronicles has a consistent ‘Halloween Theme’, it was only fitting that the newly formed (in 2015) musical supergroup ‘Hollywood Vampires’ consisting of (core group) Frontman Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp (guitar), and Joe Perry (guitar) to honor the music of rock stars who died from excess in the 1970’s should be included in this issue.

No wait, let’s re-phrase this: not only is it fitting, it is an absolute honor to have this newly formed band in our first inaugural issue of Starlight Music Chronicles Magazine. I mean really? This is Hollywood Music Royalty at its finest here!

The band’s name, derived from ‘The Hollywood Vampires’ club, a drinking club formed by Cooper in the 1970’s, originated at the Rainbow Bar & Grill in Los Angeles, California. ‘We would stay up all night and drink the blood of the vine instead of the blood of the vein’ said Cooper in a recent YouTube interview. Even though The Hollywood Vampires was incepted as an exclusive drinking club, Cooper takes pride in the fact that he has 30+ years of sobriety under his belt and is able to create this album to commemorate a time in his life where being sober wasn’t an option. Past members of the famous club include famous and deceased musicians such as John Lennon (The Beatles) and Keith Moon (The Who) just to name a few.

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Hollywood Vampires have released the self-titled album on September 11th, 2015 with guest appearances from Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Joe Walsh, and Christopher Lee among others. There have also been discussions of a live album in the works as well. All songs with the exception of two (My Dead Drunk Friends, and Raise The Dead) are covers of songs by the deceased members.

Since the album release, the band has performed live at The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California on September 16th & 17th, 2015. The three core members were accompanied by Bassist Duff McKagen, Drummer Matt Sorum, rhythm Guitartist Tommy Henricksen, and Bruce Witkin on Keyboards & additional Guitar. in addition to this, there were guest performances by Tom Morelly, Geezer Butler, Perry Farrell, Zak Starkey, and Kesha with Marilyn Manson performing on the evening of the 17th.

Following this, the band performed for hundreds of thousands of people at the world famous Rock in Rio Festival on September 24th, 2015 which was webcast by AOL and included guest performers Lizzy Hale, Zak Starley and Adreas Kisser.

The album in its entirety is a proverbial ‘toast’ to all of the band’s fallen friends and in fact, the (new) original written song on the album titled ‘Raise the Dead’ truly honors their fallen friends and resurrects the classic rock sound these iconic musicians are known for. The song has already hit the famous Rodney on the ROQ. KROQ radio station in Los Angeles and has received amazing reception among fans. It is consistent with the classic Alice Cooper sound (genius shock rock vocals) and flows very well with the instrumental which classic rock fans have been missing for many years. The song is a fabulous return to the good old days of Classic Rock and Roll with meaning as in: there will never be another song that will commemorate a time in Hollywood History where such talent and music royalty would meet just to become a couple of ‘regular guys’, share some fantastic memories (like Keith Moon dressing up in costume every night, according to Alice Cooper), have some laughs and a few drinks.

Talks are already in the works about future touring dates among the core group according to a recent YouTube interview and Starlight Music Chronicles looks forward to following their successful journey. Follow the bands website to stay up to date on the latest tour activity and announcements: www.hollywoodvampires.com 38 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

Photo Credit: Kyler Clark STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 39

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Group Photo (l-r): Johnny Depp, Zak Starkey, Bruce Witkin, Joe Perry, Photo Credit: Kyler Clark

Alice Cooper, Matt Sorum, Duff Makagan, Tommy Henriksen

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Photo (l-r): Johnny Depp, Tommy Henriksen Photo Credit: Kyler Clark 42 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

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“That’s our definition for [change]—that people would hear our music and be changed in a positive way.”

-REND

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The Skin and Bones of Their Music and Message Artist Song Review | by Xristopher Bland Where true beauty rests beyond the costuming and

transience of the physical, Edmonton-based alt-rock band Rend uniquely offers a reminder of this truth in their new single, “Skin and Bones.”

An engaging blend of rock guitar, power vocals and synth intertwinement that places Rend under the alt-rock label, the song sidesteps any core-message cluttering through careful video composition.

Avoiding spectacle performance shots, photo-studio self-adornments or other common pages from video-shoot storyboards that would stand counterintuitive to a song about vision focused past the masks and shells of life, the video presents the song on message as a lyric video, only subtly enhanced by simple silhouette and graphic treatment. From the opening lines—“Everyone else is just skin and bones / but if I look close, you’re heart and soul”—the song speaks to the bravery of vulnerability that allows one to see inside another. It speaks to positive change—the core of Rend’s vision and name.

“Rend means to tear apart so you’re never the same again,” says lead vocalist Carol-Lynne Quinn as she prepares for a full week of performance in Toronto.

“That’s our definition for [change]—that people would hear our music and be changed in a positive way.” Said another way, if the sum of any whole is only ever equal to its parts, the rebuilding of any new whole (or, how we see each other and interact as a global people) begins with a re-fragmentation and re-positioning of those parts, which fall under a compound view for Rend. “As a songwriter,” says Quinn, “I want people not just to have a good time. I do want them to have a good time and enjoy the music but also feel something about the lyrical content and be moved,” like one particular woman who contacted the band after hearing the song “Scars” from Rend’s 2013 album Winter to Summer.

“She had certain diseases that had left her body with scars,” recalls Quinn. “She’d really struggled to feel beautiful and worthy.” Yet after hearing the track—a song crafted to acknowledge emotional scars and help listeners toward emotional freedom—the woman “messaged us and said she really liked how the song affected her positively.” Quinn notes the woman

hadn’t been feeling suicidal because of her experiences. Yet it’s to this much deeper, darker, prevalent social issue (particularly among teens) that “Scars” directs its spotlight.

“I grew up as a voice teacher,” says Quinn in recalling experiences with teens, troubles, suicidal thoughts and motivations to do what she could to help through song-craft. “So I have many teenagers that I’m connected with and I see their struggles and everything they’re going through. I had a lot of stuff I had to work through emotionally, so I understand those feelings. I’m surrounded by a lot of teens.” Initially releasing “Scars” in 2013 in fairly straightforward video form, Quinn envisions a second video incarnation of the song to further raise awareness of teen suicide and assist support organizations, and awaits the necessary funding to further the project.

“We haven’t been able to make the suicide video because we’d applied for a grant to get that, and we didn’t get that one. When funds become available, we’d like to make that eventually. That would be more connected to charity work and proceeds from the video would be on that side.”

If the unknown is an element intrinsic to future Rend video projects, the same element stands centrally to the band’s music. Though classified as an alt-rock band (which now may be one of the vaguest labels going), Rend sees itself as a collection of artists chiefly following inspiration and enjoyment as it comes.

“It’s a progress,” says Quinn. “We’ve been together for five years. Our first record [2012’s No Lines] had a lot of different genres in it. Our second EP, Winter to Summer, started to move toward alternative rock with synth elements. The new single [“Skin and Bones”] has evolved again into something that’s a little more modern... We don’t really believe in being stuck to one sound. It’s nice to grow and push yourself and try to experiment with new sounds... It’s nice to have that freedom and it’s fun because the whole point of making music is to be creative and affect people”—a sensibility that frames the release of future Rend albums and changing outlooks among musicians as a whole toward the album.

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“After ‘Skin and Bones,’ we’re going into the studio to record the next record,” says Quinn, who counts “Skin and Bones” as a pre-release of the band’s next album even though she’s uncertain of when that album may come out. “It’s either going to be next spring or possibly the fall, but we’re going to be focused on releasing singles. It’s kind of the way of the music business right now”—a trend in releasing single tracks over an extended period of time rather than recording and offering music as a single-shot album release. “I feel like most people, when you release a record, they go to iTunes and are super dazzled by the full record. But a lot of people kind of click through and pick the [tracks] they like.” In releasing singles over a long period of time prior to any album, Quinn sees expanded opportunity to engage and remain connected to fans by giving them something new every few months, as well as better target audiences.

“I feel, when you have [an album], it’s a national tour thing.

When it’s a single, you can go to specific markets that you’re targeting,” says Quinn. “We just released ‘Skin and Bones’ to Canadian radio. So it went across Canada and we’ve gotten some play so far. So we’re waiting to see where it picks up,” at which point the band will begin slating performances. Presently performing in Toronto as part of Indie Week, Rend has shared stages with Mother Mother, Dear Rouge, USS, City and Colour, the Pretty Reckless and Weezer. After wrapping things in Ontario, Rend will head back across Western Canada, where Winter to Summer won the 2014 EMA Rock Recording of the Year, the 2014 Rawlco Radio Breakout Artist of the Year Award and was nominated four times at the Edmonton Music Awards—all of which more or less means one thing. Where the medium of music is Rend’s message, and where the music industry represents the medium, the medium is not only the message.

The medium itself is hearing it. To download “Skin and Bones” (or other Rend music), visit iTunes or rend-music.com, where you can also connect to Rend through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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What is Beautiful ME event all about?

How does the way you feel about your looks impact your well being?

Have you ever looked in a mirror and really looked at yourself? Did you feel comfortable or uncomfortable?

At Plugged IN’s Beautiful ME event, we ask teens to spend the day looking in the mirror and discovering their beauty — to let their inner and outer beauty collapse into just being beautiful. As they start to have special/unique features pointed out or highlighted, you can see their discomfort turn to acceptance and even appreciation of their reflection. If you are busy dealing with what you don’t like on the outside, it is often incredibly difficult to love the inside. The event’s sole purpose and intention is to impact our youth in the most positive way — at the core of how they feel about themselves. A group of committed volunteers comprised of professional hair stylists, makeup artists and photographers are there to make the difference for 25 teens. Local celebrities, such as Olympic figure skater, Jamie Salé, have joined us for past events. At the event, the teens are greeted by our encouragement team, who works with them to feel comfortable and to learn what the event is all about. The next step is the creation of their “I am…” and “Beauty is…” statements. Examples of “I am…” and “Beauty is…” statements that previous participants have created include: “I am not afraid to be different” “I am strong” “Beauty is personal” “I am an artist” “Beauty is loving yourself” “Beauty is compassion” “I am passionate” “I am successful” “Beauty is loving who you are” “Beauty is being unique” “I am fierce” “Beauty is strength and independence” “I am beautiful” “I am kind of a big deal”

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“I am brave” “Beauty is being yourself” “I am tenacious” The participants then work with a professional hairstylist and a makeup artist, who will talk about skin and hair care, as well as how to discover and highlight what they love about themselves. Next, the teens move to wardrobe where we have a special local designer there to help them explore clothes that express their beauty. Finally, they participate in the photo shoot with three photographers so that we can truly capture the experience for them. All participants work with the encouragement team throughout the day. At the end of the event, participants leave with a photo and a swag bag, which KoKo The Salon has graciously donated in the previous two years.

This is a space where teens are celebrated for exactly who they are. You might be asking, how is that the case if we are offering societal beauty standards of hair, makeup, wardrobe to the participants? The truth is quite simple — we aren’t! Each teen gets to decide what they want to do, what they want to wear and how they want to pull THEIR look together; they make ALL of the decisions around hair, makeup and wardrobe. Our goal is to offer the chance to have someone support the teens as they take the leap of a new look and to provide the confidence boost that they need to really LOOK at themselves and feel BEAUTIFUL! The nomination process is easy. You can be nominated, nominate yourself or nominate a friend. In the past, we have had family, friends, teachers and caseworkers nominate the teens to provide them with this extraordinary day. Donations to the Plugged IN Community Centre are also greatly appreciated.

With community support, Plugged IN is committed to keeping this event running. Last year, after Izzy B’s participation, we challenged volunteers to take on another 5 participants ­participants that are struggling with mental health and bullying issues, in honor of “Morgan’s Mission” and the family that so bravely shared their story.

Submitted by Plugged IN Board of Directors

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PAUL WOIDA Artist Interview by Randy Wayne Belt Photography: CA Marshall

You never know where you might find Paul Woida performing live. It could be on a bridge, in the MIDDLE of the street, or just at home in his comfy studio area. With a dynamic use of falsetto, tone, ambience and a distinct voice that stands out from the rest, you’ll find any Woida performance unforgettable - whether on a bridge, on the street, in the concert hall, at home, or even on YouTube.

Usually, when I run across other multi-instrumentalists, I find that they can play quite a number of instruments and they can even sing a bit or even quite well. The ones who can do it all and do it all quite well are rare. I imagine if you took their midi-chlorian count you might find them quite high – perhaps at Jedi level and running in the family.

You might think you are witnessing a musical Jedi or even a musical Time Lord with all of the innovative musical contraptions that Woida has mastered using in order to create his musical plethora of sounds and loops combined with his live performances. (If you don’t get the Dr. Who and Star Wars references here, you just haven’t lived) You need to watch Paul in action to fully comprehend. The best way to do that if you’re not in Paul’s hometown of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada is to hop over to YouTube with me and pull up his cover of Justin Timberlake’s “What Goes Around Comes Around”. As Woida demonstrates in his home studio step by step and completely live, how he puts his loops together to create a full song and then performs it as well, if not better than the original artist! https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=OMqBMxuX-ps This is well worth the watch. Now you’ll notice all STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 53

the gadgets, instruments, and other stuff in the video. And of course, you’ll notice the Star Wars poster if you’re a Star Wars nerd like me.

So on my quest to get an interview with Paul Woida… well, we definitely have to talk Star Wars.

So when I caught up to Paul here’s how it went down: Randy: I saw the Star Wars poster in the background of one of your videos. Are you a big fan? I have to ask! Plan a cover of the Cantina music? (just kidding… lol) Paul: Haha!! HUGE fan. I’m a gigantic nerd at heart.

Randy: Have you seen the new Star Wars trailers and what do you think it’ll be like?

Paul Woida: Hahah!! You’re awesome! I did just see it. It looks SO GOOD!! I”m so excited. I love JJ Abrams so I have faith!

Randy: Yeah, I’m psyched! Ok, before we get into music, I’ve gotta know this: Favorite Star Wars character of all time is? (up to this point) Paul: Han Solo 100%. He’s like David from the bible in that everyone loves him because he’s very flawed and relatable. People seem to relate to flawed people which makes sense because everyone has their flaws and it makes us feel safe. Plus the millennium falcon is my favourite space ship of all time. I need to get that Millennium Falcon Drone. It looks AMAZING! Randy: Awesome! I got a Millennium Falcon for Christmas one year when I was a kid. Best present ever!

Paul: ME TOO! Best ever!! Haha!

Randy: Ok, so how did it all begin for you? (I’m talking music now, not Star Wars haha) Paul: I’ve been drumming since the age of six but never enjoyed it until high school when I got into the drumline. I went to school in Florida and marching bands are a big deal. From there I went to study music and that is where I absolutely fell in love with it and realized it was what I had to do.

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Randy: You have a such a fantastic voice! Did you ever have any vocal training and is there a moment or timeframe you remember where you “found” your voice. Or even a “wow, I can do this!” moment?

Paul: Good question! I feel like I have just started finding my voice. I always wanted to sing like my favourite singers (mainly Jeff Buckley) and it wasn’t a good fit for me. No one can sound like Jeff Buckley. As soon as I realized this and started singing in my range, focusing on making my toner warmer and rounder, and working on agility exercises, my voice started improving greatly and I was getting better reactions from people.

Randy: Yeah, you sound pretty comfortable with your own voice. So, does musical talent run in the family?

Paul: Yes. Everyone in my family is extremely musical. Especially on my Mom’s side. Almost everyone on my mom’s side was a professional musician or actor at some point.

Randy: Do you have any vocal exercises you do or any advice about singing for someone who wants to be a singer? Keeping your vocals in shape, etc.?

Paul: I would say try to sing in your range and focus on making your tone as great as possible. It’s all about tone. It’s what makes a singer timeless.

Randy: I totally agree and been there so that’s super great advice! The looping… How long did it take you to learn how to use your looping programs/software/ gadgets where you were comfortable making music that way?

Paul: I was almost immediately comfortable using the looper. Performing in front of people with the looper however took me a few months to get really comfortable doing.

Randy: I have seen your drumming video. Fab! When did you first learn drums?

Paul: Six years old.

Randy: How about guitar?

Paul: Grade 11 (wanted to impress girls) Randy: Ha ha! How about piano/keyboards?

Paul: I can fool you into thinking I know how to play

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piano.

Randy: You did! It worked! Who are your top favorite recording artists/biggest influences?

Paul: I have two artists who have influenced/inspired me more than anyone else. John Mayer and Jeff Buckley.

Randy: Tell about the recent Hot 107 - $10,000 prize you won and how that came about?

Paul: It was a local radio station called Hot 107. They put on a competition every year called the Hot Factor. Essentially you have to submit an original song. The top ten who are picked have to perform in front of a live panel. Then the top 5 get 10 grand!

Randy: How are you investing it?

Paul: I’ll be using it to record an EP and hit the road most likely.

Randy: Is that the biggest project you are working on now? Can you tell a bit about it if so? And what all is coming down the pike?

Paul: The major project right now is getting this EP done as soon as possible.

Everything that happens after that is up in the air. I have a good team of people who are more experienced than me who are going to give me suggestions once it’s finished. Everything starts with songs.

Randy: Any song titles from the EP you’d like to leak to us?

Paul: I think the first single will be called “Not Yours” Randy: Have you done any songwriting/ music collaboration before? Or would like to or plan to? If so, with whom?

Paul: Not much, but it is something I plan on doing in the future. Right now it’s usually me bringing a 90% finished song to someone to get an opinion. I’d love to build a song from scratch with someone else though.

Randy: What’s your favorite song of 2015 so far?

Paul: All my favorite songs this year I’ve discovered came out 3-5 years ago. Not that nothing good came out this year. I LOVE Uptown Funk. So funky. There is also a sweet song called “Catch” that I love by Allie X. So good.

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“I’ll Never Love you”, is that significant to anything? Usually we see your hair up.

Paul: I wanted it up in that video, but my friend Chauncey thought it would look better in that setting with that lighting if it were down.

Randy: I agree with Chauncy. It lends the video a certain aspect it needed. You do a lot of performances in unexpected places.

What’s the strangest or craziest place you’ve performed?

Paul: I’ll play absolutely anywhere. I played a kids party once with a petting zoo and sang “Let It Go” from Frozen for 4 hours. (Not four hours, but it felt like it).

Randy: That’s awesome though! What has been your Best and/or Worst experiences playing live. Like… anything go wrong? i.e electricity go out on you, rain on your equipment – and what did you do to overcome any obstacles?

Paul: I could probably write 3 pages worth of bad gig experiences. My favourite gig ever though was when I pretty much packed out the Starlite Room and won the Landmark Showcase event competition.

Randy: Who would you love to tour with?

Dream Tour?

Paul: Oh man. I’d say Ed Sheeran, but he does the looping thing too so that would be too much I think. I’ll say John Mayer.

Randy: What are the 5 top things you can’t live without or that mean the most to you in life?

Paul: 1) My faith. 100% 2) My Family 3) My friends 4) Inspiring people and impacting their lives through music 5) Waking up every morning with a true genuine purpose Randy: Alright Paul, thanks for taking the time to chat.

Paul: My Pleasure!

Website: paulwoida.ca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ paulwoidamusic Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/paulwoidamusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ woida

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michigan film

by CA Marshall

This Year has been a blur. I mean, I was

just having coffee with my Colleague at a Starbucks making plans for Starlight Music Chronicles and the next I am having a conference call with Tzeitel Abrego, Assistant and Associate Producer to Jordan Yale Levine, Producer of the upcoming film ‘michigan’ (yes, all lower case in case you were wondering).

Before I get into what the film is all about, it is important to correlate exactly how Starlight Music Chronicles SMC) fits into this project. I will tell you a story......

On December 9th, 1995, our family was impacted in a way that was never expected. You see, that’s the day my cousin ended his life by his own hand at the tender age of 18. Still just a child and with his whole life ahead of him....it was surreal. I remembered walking up to the front step at my aunts house and she telling me, ‘My son is dead. He hung himself. He’s dead’. At the time, I had my own son who was only a year old and with life just beginning for our family, it was incomprehensible going home and imagining him gone only 17 years later. I held him tight that night and rocked him to sleep, grateful for the moment and wishing I could bring my cousin back to heal the pain my aunt was going through.

Even as a teen, I recall attending my first funeral at the age of 16 for a local boy who had ended his life at the age of 17. Before then, I had never seen a body before. I mean, it’s not the natural order of things in life when it comes to accepting death, especially on those terms. Afterwards, I recall being relentless in my own crusade to help others: skipping a whole afternoon of school with a close friend to help him through a crisis in his life and talking him out of suicide. He is still around to this day and living a happy life with his wife and daughters in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Years later, he called and thanked me for that time.

I don’t call myself a hero. Some I have helped and some I couldn’t. Being a survivor of suicide (I have had 4 friends and one family member pass away in my lifetime) it makes you truly appreciate the little things in life and cherish the moments. I have remained determined and focused knowing I can’t control always what other people choose to do, but

remain hopeful that my actions speak volumes when I spend that ‘extra’ time talking to a friend or family member who really needs me.

I don’t know why I have witnessed such tragedy in my lifetime, I suppose a higher power has guided my path to be one of a helper and healer and, well, I have just followed suit to what comes naturally for me to do. All I know is this: This topic is very real. No one is exempt and the more we address why this is happening by talking more openly, the more we bring awareness to the source: Depression, Mental Health Disorders, Bullying....the list goes on. We won’t change the world entirely, but we can make an impact, and we can only do this if we try.”

Fast forward to present day.

The last few months have been a whirlwind with preparations, emails, planning, and scheduling for the first ever launch of Starlight Music Chronicles as an online magazine. My team and I have been busy behind the scenes working to bring the very best to our audience and for the Music Artists we work with.

It has been an amazing adventure so far. In addition, we have teamed up with some amazing organizations such as: Project Cuddle, and most recently, Morgan’s Mission, a cause that directly connects me to the Dunbar family who lost their child Morgan to suicide at the tender age of 13. In support of the family, specifically to Bailey Dunbar (Morgan’s twin sister & our Cover Model), SMC has opened a ‘Teen Beat’ page which launched July 21st, 2015 with Bailey as our Teen Writer Contributor.

So this brings us back full circle, and why this is important to me which brings us to ‘michigan’ and what, exactly, our affiliation will provide for this independent film:

Jordan Yale Levine ‘michigan’ is a film which will begin production in March 2016 in New York, USA and is being produced

by Jordan Yale Levine (click here for complete info on Levine), the mastermind behind Yale Productions.

The company boasts completion of films such as ‘My First Christmas’, Dynamite’, ‘Love on the Run’, ‘Petunia’, and ‘Wreckage’ to name a few working STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 59

with big names such as: Thora Birch, Brittany Snow, Michael Urie, David Arquette, Bijou Phillips, Vivica A. Fox, Aaron Paul, Scoot McNairy, Cameron Richardson, Michael Madsen, Vinnie Jones, Michael Urie, Jesse Eisenberg, Ben Stiller, John Waters, Jennifer Coolidge, Lance Henrickson, Andrew Keegan, Corbin Bernsen, Tom Conti, Evanna Lynch, Carol Kane, and many more. Levine has also managed stars such as Obie Trice and former WWE wrestling star Earnest Miller (aka: The Cat).

The film will be directed by Janos Szasz of the film ‘The Notebook’ 2013 (see link) which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, was picked up by Film Classics and was on Oscars’ top nine foreign films to be considered for an Academy Award.

The Storyline for the film (as submitted by the ‘michigan’ team) is as follows:

Our story highlights the isolated, desperate and sometimes comically dark life of young people trapped in a small town in the Midwest. The story begins in the snow-buried parking lot of a high school in the state of Michigan, where three teenage boys are making a suicide pact. Two of the boys carry it out, but the third backs out at the last moment. Thirteen years later, we meet this same boy again – Jude. He has become the successful screenwriter of a hit film about teenage suicide. Now a grown man, Jude returns to his hometown and must choose how to keep the promise he made thirteen years ago, while his girlfriend Jesse must decide what really matters and 60 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

what role honesty plays in her life and her relationship with Jude.

Starlight Music Chronicles will act as a media platform helping to promote this film in conjunction with Morgan’s Mission as well as networking the ‘michigan’ team with media supports, music industry support, and a myriad of other organizations and platforms to help make the project reach Global distribution. A kickstarter campaign will begin in a few months which will help with funding to promote the films mission: to bring awareness to teen suicide.

Keep watching for more updates on our Facebook Page as well as the ‘michigan’ page (click here) for further announcements as this project moves forward.

We look forward to this venture and are happy to support Tzeitel Abrego, Mickey Solis, Jordan Yale Levine, and Janos Szasz as they move closer to production!

Social Media for ‘michigan’:

Website: http://www.michiganfilm2016.com/ (coming soon) www.yaleproductions.com/michigan-1.html (active) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michiganfilm2015 Twitter: @michigan_film Instagram: @michiganfilm Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/michiganfilm Google+: http://bit.ly/1IPGIAt Tumblr: http://michiganfilm.tumblr.com/ https://vimeo.com/69808203 - Janos Szasz on michigan (6:20 start time)

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ARTIST REVIEW

by CLOUDS AS SKIN

Gary Clark Jr.’s sophomore effort The Story Of Sonny Boy Blues is the exact opposite of what most people were expecting to hear after, his critically acclaimed and commercially successful debut, Blak And Blu. Gary self-produced this record and he definitely knew what he wanted, or in other words, this is how a Gary Clark Jr. album should be produced. There is an openness and a rawness to the production that emphasizes and brings out the thrilling nuances of his sound. The record features 12 tracks in which Gary intertwines Blues, Soul, R&B, Gospel, Funk and Hip Hop. The songs usually progress backed by a steady beat that keeps the flow of the songs strong but, at times, the cymbals lack clearness, especially the hi-hat. On some of the songs, most notably “Wings” and “Can’t sleep”, the drums have been heavily filtered resulting in a neo-soul, trip-hop vibe. The bass tone and playing are exceptional throughout the record. The bass line in “Wings” is the highlight of the record; it’s very simple, yet very effective and tasteful. The same can be said for the ones on “Our Love” and “Grinder”. If these songs had bass lines with a lot of notes and fast fills the emotional quality of the songs would have been degraded. The keys on “Our Love” are beautifully arranged and take the song to a whole new level. Even though the guitars are less present on this record compared to Blak And Blu, when Gary kicks in the Fuzz Distortion pedal on “Grinder” you can see why he has been called “The Chosen One” by Rolling Stone magazine. Rooted in the blues, wrapped in soul, expressive and powerful, his tone is truly one to behold.

The lyrics on the record range from poetic to border line cheesy but most of them are just mediocre. In “The Healing” Gary sings some thought provoking lines: We stand in formation. While they test and they see. They compile information. And try to make us believe. That there is something we can’t touch. Something we’ll never feel.”

But in songs as “BYOB” the lyrics are inferior to the music: “Damn I feel good, I might be a little too high. Damn I look good, I might be a little to fly. I got money in my pocket. I got a drink in my hand.”

One thing is certain, Gary Clark Jr. has subtlety expanded his scope, moving more towards the sounds of neo-soul and gospel but, although beautifully arranged and produced, some of the songs just aren’t as strong if stripped down, good examples would be “Star”, “Hold On”, “BYOB” and “Can’t Sleep”. This is a great sounding record but the songwriting isn’t as strong as on Blak And Blu. Now that Gary has perfected and expanded his sound I’m looking forward to his next release, hoping that it would be one of those career defining records.

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VESPER WALK UK music photographer Marc McGarraghy of Yellow Mustang Photography introduces the world, music, theatre and magic created by two sisters from York, England

Fairytales Come True

How many bands do you see or hear these days that mix great musical composition, theatre and dance in a way that’s both classic showtime and contemporary art. A band where you sense every song could be the ‘big’ number, every word integral to a story, an almost seventies ‘prog rock’ concept album scale to the landscape they create and a constant questioning around what’s real and what’s ‘make believe’ ?

Sat watching the eight piece version of Vesper Walk perform on their nine night run at the Edinburgh Fringe recently it struck me just how far they’ve come, and how many more people should know about them.

There is something otherworldly about the characters, lyrics and magic they weave for audiences. But the morals and passion in the music are very much set in the reality. They challenge a ‘real’ world where there’s so much pressure to conform with the retort to “dance a little differently”. They’ve evolved from a two piece, four hand song writing duo into something more than a band, an event if you will. A collection of talents, ideas, opinions and songs that takes itself seriously but frivolously in equal measure..and above all entertains. For sister Catherine Cowan and Lisa-Marie Baker it’s a fairytale, or ‘wonder tale’ as they prefer, coming true.

Once Upon A Time

Today you can experience a band that’s already written it’s opening story, one questioning modern takes on beauty and carrying a beacon for the dreamers seeking to escape chains society imposes. Six additional cast members surround the antler wearing, puppet waving sisters at the keyboards, and the show has matured and sparkles differently with each passing evolution.

But like every good tale this one does start once upon a time. The sisters were born and raised in Wakefield and although very different in character “I was very quiet and ‘bookish’, Lisa more extrovert…Lisa danced and I still don’t” were and remain very close. They also shared the same immersion in music. They were told they were “singing before they could talk”, began piano lessons in formative years (Lisa was eight, Catherine six) and the wealth of family passion for and involvement in music meant that the sisters fostered a creative spark and a love of music together at an early age.

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The Family Gift

Their father played records by everyone from Doris Day to The Beatles, Beethoven and Wagner (“high octane, high drama, high volume”). Their mother’s family included generation upon generation of music teachers, composers, band and orchestra members which meant that they were surrounded by a love of rhythm and performance. It was their grandfather though that perhaps inspired their passion for bringing this all together with a sense of story and theatre.

A coal miner at a very early age who was fired for writing his songs on the mine walls, Albert Watson was a self taught musician, composer and later music teacher. Said to have a “photographic memory” when it came to reading and retaining sheet music he was renowned for his exceptional ability at the piano. He had eight children and his gifts and passion have been passed on through generations including a son who was actually banned from local competition to give others a chance!

It’s easy to see the influence this family upbringing has had on the sisters now, but in these early years it might not have been the piano lessons that captured their talents. As Catherine admits, she was “only following in Lisa’s footsteps, if she’d taken up surfing I’d be a surfer”. Thankfully as they entered their teens all of the influences around them, their own wonderfully creative imaginations and being taken to see Les Miserables became the catalyst for wanting to create theatre, drama and stories themselves.

they are impossible to categorise or predict it would be ‘Auntie Sarah’. The first song Catherine and Lisa wrote together, the precursor to the whole show. The song, as well as drawing on pop and classical music influences, incorporates folk rhyme and melody. A dark, broody drama that hints at the sense of theatre, playfulness and “wonder tale” throughout their work.

With lyrics based on a Glaswegian nursery rhyme called ‘Murder In The Chip Shop’ that was taught to the sisters by their grandmother this powerful mix of something borrowed, something inherited and something new and is the epitome of their approach.

The bands work and show is the musical equivalent of a journey with Lewis Carroll through his Wonderland, his Looking Glass and beyond to the chapters he never got to put to paper. A story still being written….full of colour, fantasy, positivity and perhaps its own darker corners.

Although the stage show draws on a variety of media, performance and dance the drama and composition of the story and music can still be experienced in their recorded work and I highly recommend exploring both The Fallen Angel EP (released on iTunes) and their video output (available along with the EP via their website - link below) Check out Vesper Walk’s music, videos and more about their story at http://vesperwalk.co.uk

Evolution

Despite only performing live since 2014 Vesper Walk have already seen strong critical acclaim for home town and Fringe Festival appearances. Catherine and Lisa, with their combination of vocals, dance and theatrical costume have been at the heart of this. But in the decade before the focus was on song writing, playing piano and work with other musicians including writing an album for a young local acoustic talent and a children’s song book. Essentially creating the score to underpin another’s story or vocals. Thankfully, as they saw characters in their own songs that needed to have their stories told, a ‘real life’ need for Catherine to take paid work as a singer at weddings and the inspiration of a new generation of pianists such as Anderson & Roe (who create dramatic versions of classic and contemporary music) meant they’d take the decision to weave and lead their own stories, giving the characters life on stage themselves and ensuring their own unique interpretations.

The Fallen Angel Show

If I was to take you to one song that sums up the evolution of this band and the fact that, excitingly,

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By CA Marshall Interview with Frontman David Barr SMC - What is behind ‘The Moon Kids’ name?

David - We struggled for a name initially it wasn’t until we had an EP recorded and a set of live songs that we finally settled on ‘The Moon Kids’… When we were bouncing ideas around in the studio we wanted the name to sound like a gang. We took a lot of inspiration from American sub cultures at the time. So we began looking at 70’s skateboarding gangs like The ‘Z’ Boys, but also 70’s cult film The Warriors was a big inspiration too… ‘Orphans’ ‘Rogues’ ‘Gramercy Riffs’ all really cool gang names in the film. We wanted our name to sound like it could fit in that movie…

I wrote a song called ‘The Boston Dixie Cups’ so we were that for about a week… Then somehow the name ‘The Moon Kids’ popped up. I imagined a fairground gang wearing leather jackets with our logo on the back… So that’s how we came up with that.

SMC - Your logo is very congruent to sort of the ‘Theme’ of you r music (Ferris Wheel), can you tell me a little more about the branding and how it relates or has inspired your music (or, is it the other way around?)

David - Like I said I kind of imagined the logo in my head when we first came up with the name… The atmosphere, imagery and narrative behind the fairground is a massive part of what we do… The fairground is kind of like a metaphor for rock’n’roll really… The bright lights, adrenaline 70 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

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excitement but also that feeling that at any minute something could go horribly wrong. Fairgrounds are edgy… When you go to one you may kiss the girl of your dreams or you may get in a fist fight round the back of the waltzers… Either way it’s exciting. I like the feeling of our music conjuring up that butterfly stomach feeling you get when you’re on a fast ride just like the feeling of being young falling in and out of love and basically getting yourself into as many adventures as possible.

SMC - Do you write all of your own music?

David - Yes… I write the songs then work with the band and our producer to refine them and develop them to where they end up. I write on an acoustic guitar and have always believed that a good song should always be able to translate acoustically… If it doesn’t it may be music… But not great song.

SMC - ‘Strange Thoughts on Sunday’ is a fabulous song, very catchy. How did that come about in the writing process? What is the songs’ focus?

David - The basic verse and chorus of ‘Strange Thought’s On Sunday’ was one of the earliest songs I ever wrote… Its kind of about the aftermath of the party type thing. Which Im sure most people know the feeling of. When we decided we were going to use it for the band I wrote from the second chorus… I was listening to a lot of David Bowie especially Ziggy Stardust and I think you can hear that when it comes out of the solo… I think the song is a great representation of ‘fairground pop’.

SMC - Your next single ‘Ice Cream’ is also a ‘Theme Park’ style song. Was it intended to be a summer hit or is it simply being congruent with the album?

David - It wasn’t intended to be a summer hit at all. Again it was written a while back. That line ‘Ice Cream in you eyes’ is a metaphor for someone being soft, sweet but also ice cold. That’s where the title comes from. It’s actually one of the more darker songs that I’ve ever written. But I think the major chord progressions and rocky guitars hide that. Which is perfect for what the song… I love the contrast. It’s all about contrast. But yes it’s congruent with The Moon Kids way of writing.

SMC - I know you are going to be sending me some more upcoming music to review/listen to. But what can you say as a band what your fans can expect in the new music?

David - I think we’ll always sound like us but we 72 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLESdevelop and explore new avewill also constantly

nues… Our sound has already developed from our releases but I don’t want to give too much away on what to expect. Way more fun to surprise people.

SMC - Rumor has it that Johnny Marr is also a huge supporter of The Moon Kids. What words can you share about your affiliation with Johnny?

David - Johnny Marr is the greatest guitarist of all time in my eyes and in our guitarist, Conor’s eyes… An absolute living legend. Both myself and Conor have met Johnny and you couldn’t meet a nicer guy. He even sent Conor a pair of his trademark Birkenstock dessert boots. I think Johnny makes a real effort with his fans and Conor is a Smiths fanatic so that’s where that comes from.

SMC - We saw the promo for Johnny’s Dynamic Video with a few albeit cartoon) cameos of The Moon Kids in it. Does this mean there are going to be some future collaboration with Johnny?

David - Well… We’re open to it. ;) SMC - What are your ages (if you don’t mind me asking?)

David - we are all in our early 20’s apart from Conor who is only 18.

SMC - I was reading an article that you all originate from Scotland. Do you still reside there?

David - We are all from Scotland and are still based here.

SMC - Is there a lot of support for music (Indie specifically) in Scotland and Ireland as opposed to England?

David - BBC Introducing, XFM etc are all fantastic platforms throughout the whole of the UK and we have had some fantastic support from people like Tom Robinson (BBC Radio 6), Vic Galloway (BBC Radio Scotland) Jim Gellatly (XFM) among many others… These kind of guys are true music fans and we couldn’t be more thankful of the support and interest they have shown for The Moon Kids.

SMC - Tell us about your experience at the BBC Edinburgh Festivals and what it was like?

David - It was great. We were really delighted to have been asked to play and it was during the Edimburgh Fringe Festival which is a massive arts festival in Edinburgh through the whole month of August. So the atmosphere was fantastic. Great to be part of events like that and part of the reason why we love being in a band.

SMC - Who would you like to do any future collab-

David - There are so many amazing artists out there that I would love to collaborate with. Damon Albarn would be one in particular. I’m a big fan of his and I think he does the whole collaboration thing better than anyone else at the moment. I love what he does with Gorillaz and his approach to songwriting. He’s a real artist who is always pushing boundaries.

Obviously we’d love to tour with Arctic Monkeys, Blur, Catfish & The Bottlemen etc… Guitar bands who are from a similar ilk to ourselves.

drive yourself mad.

SMC - What is your 6 month plan for the band?

Album release dates? Concerts? Other live performances?

David - We are focusing on studio work at the moment. We have a ton of stuff recorded but we are also constantly writing new material. Our next goal is to record our debut album and get it out there.

SMC - We look forward to following your journey with a Number Series in our Spotlight edition of the SMC website such as we have for the band Palaye Royale (www. palayeroyale.com) because we see you going very far in your career.

Would you be open to us beginning a Spotlight Series on your band as well with future interviews following your journey?

David - Of course

SMC - I have read about your biggest influences (which is the boring question everyone asks lol) but what we want to know is specifically why they are your influences?

David - I am influenced by great songwriters.

People who have mastered the craft of songwriting.

Songs with strong melody and great choruses. Guys like Lee Mavers, who can pen the perfect pop song but always maintaining an edge to what they do.

SMC - Do you plan on coming to North America anytime soon? Canada?

David - We’d love to… Hopefully soon.

SMC - How do you feel with the industry supports you have in the UK? David - it’s not really something we focus too much on. We are happy with the support shown so far but we prefer to just concentrate on ourselves and our music. If you focus too much on the industry you’ll

SMC - Starlight Music Chronicles is launching its first magazine due to the high demand/traffic globally that filters through on a weekly basis. How do you feel about being one of the first European bands being featured in a magazine that originates from North America?

David - It’s fantastic and we’re very honoured to be part of it.

SMC - Are there any moments in the history of your band that are most memorable – meaning: that moment when you thought to yourselves, ‘Yeah, this is what we are doing this for’?

David - When we were asked to play T In The park festival last year. It is the largest festival in Scotland and after Glastonbury it’s the best in the UK. We’d been every year as fans since we were kids and we got to play the festivals last year at its location in Balado. 10 minutes from where we live. The whole experience was fantastic and we played a blinder a show.

SMC - If you could summarize what The Moon Kids means to you as a band so that new fans/followers could understand who you are and what you are about, in a brief synopsis, what would that be?

David - We are about great music. Plain and simple.

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Breaking The Silence

by Natalie Richer

Mental health… we hear this term more and more, but what does it truly mean when we talk about mental health in schools, with children? Why is it so important to not only educate them but involve them in all aspects of mental health in schools? What is the link between mental health and bullying in schools.

Bullying, another term that we too often hear about.

As per the World Health Organization: “Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.” We will all agree that we want every child to be mentally healthy in the present but also to be able to have the necessary tools to cope with our often too stressful and pressured society.

Bullying, as per the excellent website PREVNet, is referred to as: “a form of abuse at the hands of peers that can take different forms at different ages (such as: physical, verbal, social, electronic (cyberbullying), racial, religious, sexual, disability). It is targeted and repeated. It involves power, aggression, intimidation and shame. It preys on vulnerability and exposes both children who bully, and those who are bullied, to a number of social and mental health problems and a lifetime pattern of abuse.” Bullying is not “kids being kids”, it is not teasing or making fun of lightly: it is something that can affect a child’s mental health deeply and that needs to be taken seriously. Why? Because it can lead to various mental illnesses, addiction or worse, suicide. How? Because being constantly and negatively targeted for simply being who we are, is hurtful. We, as adults, can sometimes shield ourselves from that type of behaviour, but it can and is detrimental for us and even more so for children. Ignoring it is way easier said than done.

When someone attacks your character, for no valid reason, it’s wounding, no matter how great our coping

mechanisms may be.

You may think that youths are not that prone to mental illness, but think again. Statistics from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), shows us otherwise: • It is estimated that 10-20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder – the single most disabling group of disorders worldwide.

• Today, approximately 5% of male youth and 12% of female youth, age 12 to 19, have experienced a major depressive episode.

• The total number of 12-19 year olds in Canada at risk for developing depression is a staggering 3.2 million.

• Once depression is recognized, help can make a difference for 80% of people who are affected, allowing them to get back to their regular activities.

• Mental illness is increasingly threatening the lives of our children; with Canada’s youth suicide rate the third highest in the industrialized world.

• Suicide is among the leading causes of death in 15-24 year old Canadians, second only to accidents; 4,000 people die prematurely each year by suicide.

• Surpassed only by injuries, mental disorders in youth are ranked as the second highest hospital care expenditure in Canada.

• In Canada, only 1 out of 5 children who need mental health services receives them.

Schools are small communities; in a classroom, there are expectations, interactions and challenges which, in turn, are impacted by many things, directly or indirectly, that are out of our control. We have many young people coming from various backgrounds, with various upbringings, more often than not, willing and ready to learn, but sometimes not. Sometimes, situations at home prevent a child from being in the right mindset to learn, yet this is the exact situation we need to be learning from and focusing on.

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If you are a parent, you certainly have heard your child talking about “that” kid. If not, you can most likely think back to your own school experience and remember “that” child who was perceived as being disruptive to others, or different. Why is it that he/she is/was in such a state? There is most likely something affecting his/her mental health, such as: an abusive household, being in foster care, parents fighting or going through a divorce, a sibling going through tough times, a simple fight with a family member or friend, an unemployed parent, money problems leading to a child not eating properly, substance abuse by a caretaker, a learning disability, cyber-bullying, etc.

The list of possibilities is long and we never know the struggles others are having but we are often quick to judge and label them.

tions as a teacher and too often, it seems that no one wants to take responsibility. The parents don’t want to invade their child’s privacy by looking at how their child uses their phones or tablets; the teachers and schools only have so much power. And keep in mind; children are in a class room less than 20% of their total time in a given year. What can we do? Well, we need change and people/parents need to engage.

As a society, we need to first and foremost teach our youth kindness and empathy. Will that erase all types of bullying? Of course not. Will it erase our differences and our challenges? No, but it will help us help others a little better and maybe understand each other. What I always tell myself and my students is to treat others the way they would want to be treated if they were going through a difficult time.

What can we, as a society, do to better deal with others that are going through difficult times? We can show empathy, be more caring and kind. It is that simple, but yet it is sometimes a challenge. Those are not acquired skills and it has been proven that understanding how someone feels (empathy) and treating them with kindness, is not only the best, but the simplest way to help someone. I can assure you that as a teacher, there is nothing more helpful and precious than to see children helping each other, listening to each other and caring for each other. I often repeat to my students, “you don’t have to be friends with everyone; you simply have to be kind and respectful towards each other.” Spending time showing youths how to treat each other with care and respect isn’t a waste of time, it is an investment; we are building caring citizens who will have a better understanding of what may be afflicting others.

For all of those who suffer in silence, we owe them a voice, we owe them a shoulder to cry on, an ear that will listen and a mind that will care. Together and ONLY together, we can achieve this!

Mental illnesses aren’t necessarily visible. It is our duty as a member of society to condition our youth to be sensitive, caring yet strong and empathetic.

We also want to give them tools to deal with issues and behaviour that could lead to mental illness, such as bullying. We also want to make them mindful of possible illnesses so that anyone who needs help will feel comfortable enough to reach out and ask for it.

The stigma towards mental illness is still very much present. I personally know many kids and teenagers who have been and are still bullied who do not feel comfortable talking about it or reporting it. They feel ashamed and for most, it took a toll on their self esteem and mental health. I cannot stress the fact that this is a very real issue that we all need to open our eyes and hearts to, and as a community help prevent and/or detect it.

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Change never comes easily. Because technology changes so quickly, we have a sense that things are moving at a faster pace than ever before. But technology can only fix certain things, and humans must still rely on other, more traditional means for other fixes. We need to ask and demand more in terms of research, tools and funding when it comes to mental health and our youth, so we can respond to the ever growing demand.

There are a few websites I always go to for references on mental illness and bullying: www.PREVnet. ca is considered Canada’s authority on research and resources for bullying prevention. It contains a lot of tools, researches work, projects, conferences and many tips for everyone. They are partnered with Queen’s and York Universities.

There is also the WITS program at www.witsprogram. ca, which is “creating Responsive Communities for the Prevention of Peer Victimization”. There is also www.kidshelpphone.ca/ that has proved its efficiency and care, time and again. I strongly recommend you visit those very valid, free and resourceful websites.

Finally, if you want to help make a change towards legislation and anti-bullying laws, please take a moment to sign this petitionhttps://www.change. org/p/cyber-bullying-amp-bullying-legislation?recruiter=24083437&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylinkand follow Morgan’s Mission on Facebook!

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by CA Marshall SMC – Starlight Music Chronicles has been following your journey on the sidelines to date and would like to know how you feel about where you are at in this point in your career?

Kevin - I feel great. This year has been an amazing journey for me both musically and personally. It’s been a time of refining and redefining myself and my music. It’s also been a hard year with lots of challenges. There’s been a lot of time and resources invested, especially over these last few years. I believe a firm foundation has been built and it’s time to start building the next level.

SMC – How did you become affiliated with the famous Stuart Epps?

Kevin - We met about 4 years ago online through a music community called Music X-Ray. It’s a community where musicians can upload their music and submit to various opportunities. Stuart had made himself available for production work and I contacted him pitching music from my “Life Today” CD. He liked what he heard and wanted to work with me. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to launch a project at the time, however we kept in touch. Stuart later contacted me in June of this year expressing interest to produce my song “Humanity”. This time I jumped at the change to work with him.

SMC – In your bio, you mention that you are about to prepare for a European tour, which countries are you going to be touring in and who are you touring with?

Kevin - Unfortunately the European tour is still in the works. It’s been more difficult for my management and booking team to coordinate a viable tour. There have been clubs wanting to hire us, but not enough clubs to cover the expenses. It’s still in the works. Hopefully there will be more to come on that real soon.

SMC- What project have you completed with Mr. Epps?

Kevin - To date, Stuart and I have just worked on the one song “Humanity”. We’ve discussed working together again, hopefully this winter. Since the winter’s here in Minnesota are so long and brutal, I typically hibernate and work on music. I’m sure by Spring I’ll have a few new songs – or hopefully a full CD ready for release.

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SMC – What are your plans for a North American Tour? Will there be one?

Kevin - My management and booking team have also been working on that. No news yet. For now, we’re playing local clubs in Minnesota. Earlier this year I was talking to a booking agency out east about doing some gigs in New York City. That would be fun!

SMC – What can you compare the sound of your new album to?

Kevin - I wanted to let Stuart have total freedom and bring his experience to this new recording. He’s worked with some of my favourite artists like George Harrison, Led Zeppelin and Oasis. One of my favourite songs is “Wonderwall” by Oasis. He kept that in mind while putting the song “Humanity” together. He had me add an acoustic guitar and change the piano sound. We added a heavier guitar sound. It was great fun to hear the song develop. We constructed the song to give it that vibe. I really love the “big” sound that Coldplay gets on their recordings. Stuart kept that in mind for the final mix and mastering. I think he did a great job bringing all that together. The sum total is a blend of Oasis, Coldplay and my own personal twist.

SMC – What can we expect as you move forward with expanding this album globally?

Kevin - I think we can expect more of what’s happening now: More radio play and press. I’m so thankful for all the support from radio stations, magazines and webzines. I’m overwhelmed with how well its’ been received. With each release, there is more momentum and it keeps growing. For this latest release, I’m working with a few radio promo companies and have someone helping out with PR. That really helps, since I can only do so much by myself.

SMC – What has been your vision with Radio Drive up until this point?

Kevin - Radio Drive has always been the vehicle for my music. It’s the band name that I record and release my music under. For years, it’s just been myself recording all the parts. I’ve always had a vision to put together a band to bring the music to the clubs and venues. I’m glad to see that materialize this last year.

SMC – What is your vision with Radio Drive in the next year to 5 years?

Kevin - Over the next 5 years, I’d like to see this band put together an amazing live show and take it on tour to the US and Europe. I’d like to assemble the right team for management and booking. I’d like to work with Stuart Epps again and other producers to record and release more music. I’d like the next release 82 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

to be a full CD. I’ve got so many new songs in the works. There’s so much I want to do over the 5 years to establish myself and Radio Drive in the music industry. Then continue to write more music, record, tour and repeat!

SMC – How do you feel about local support systems within the industry among your peers?

Kevin - There’s a great music scene here in Minneapolis / St Paul, MN. The local clubs are very supportive. I’d like to give a shout to KFAI radio for their amazing support of local musicians. Earlier this year we played a live concert broadcast from their studio.

They’re great to open their doors to local bands to do that. Local musicians here are very supportive, helping each other out to fill a night at a club when looking for warm up bands. It’s really important to have that.

SMC- Have you had an odd/weird fan moment?

Kevin - Nothing too odd. To date our fans have been pretty level...lol. Facebook and Twitter have been a great vehicle for connecting with people around the world. I love getting messages from fans, making new friends and sharing music.

SMC – How long have you been passionate about your Artistry?

Kevin - For a long time. I started playing drums at age 7 and playing guitar in my teens. I started writing songs with a friend when I was 9 or 10. We’d get together after school and come up with songs. When I graduated from high school I became more serious about writing songs and developing as an artist.

When I was around 19 or 20 I recorded some songs and sent to a few labels. Capitol Records called me up and said they liked what they heard. That was an amazing boost to my confidence as an artist. Over the years I’ve kept the passion and fire burning. It never grows old for me. I love every aspect of it from song writing, to developing the song structure, recording, even the mix down processes, and then performing and sharing my music with a live audience.

SMC – We always hear about the tough journey that Artists have (trials/tribulations) getting to the point where you are at currently. Can you tell us a little about your challenges and triumphs?

Kevin - You’re right about this being a tough journey.

Along the way I’ve been in bands that break up. One band I put together after 6 months of auditioning musicians – they decided to stage a mutiny, kick me out and start their own band. It wasn’t anything personal, they just wanted to be a heavy metal band and that’s not the sound I was going for. That really hurt.

‘The most amazing – interesting ‘Fan’ moment was when a fan talked to me after a show and told me my music and the positive messages had such an impact on them, they decided not to commit suicide. He went on to tell me he had decided to kill himself, but after the show and the impact of the music and lyrics, he had a change of heart and decided to give life a chance. I was totally floored when I heard that. To think my music and lyrics saved a life. That is so rewarding. I’m still blown away just thinking about that.’

-Kevin Gullickson

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That’s when I decided to go alone as a solo artist. It was the best thing for me. Instead of letting that bring me down, I learned how to play lead guitar (I already could play drums, keyboard and rhythm guitar, vocals and harmonies), bought some recording software and started recording music. After a few years of doing that, I’m now releasing songs like “A Taste of Heaven” and “Humanity”. Over the years I’ve entered a couple bad contracts and lost money. That’s never a good thing. I was too trusting and naive. I worked with a Promo company and later a production company. They each made promises that never happened. I had to hire an attorney to get one company to deliver what they promised.

It was terrible. Instead of becoming bitter, I made the decision to forgive them and move on – and be all the wiser in the future!

I’ve always been very optimistic and set very high goals and expectations. Things have not always happened the way I’ve expected.

For example, last year my band was to take off on a European tour.

It was a huge undertaking and unfortunately it didn’t transpire.

Again, I’ve had to make the choice not to be disappointed or disillusioned. I’ve learned to be flexible and make course corrections.

Another big challenge has been balancing time and priorities. I’m one who can totally immerse myself in music and throw everything into it. That in itself is great, but when you have a family you need to learn when to unplug, power down and be with them. They’ve been amazingly supportive and allow me that time to squirrel away and work on music.

SMC – How do you feel about ‘A Taste of Heaven’ going to number two in the European radio charts?

Kevin - I was totally thrilled to see that on the Top IndeCouvertes charts. It’s so gratifying and humbling to see my music so well received. My music has also 84 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

landed on other indie radio charts, making the Top 100 for 2013 on NBT Radio broadcasting from Berlin, and Top 20 on EGH Radio in the UK, and other stations Top playlist. Very pleased about all that.

SMC – How do you feel about being featured in our first issue of Starlight Music Chronicles Magazine?

Thoughts?

Kevin - Wow! I am totally blown away and honoured.

This is so cool being a part of what you’re doing, especially the first issue. Thank you for including me!

SMC has been so supportive of myself and other indie artists. With all that help and support you’ve given to others, I know good things will come back at you and you’ll have great success with this.

SMC – Where are you from originally? Do you plan on a move to the UK anytime soon?

Kevin - I’m originally from Rochester, Minnesota, USA. Funny you should ask, I’ve always wanted to move to the UK and immerse myself in their culture. No plans to move there at this time, but you never know if that might change.

SMC – We look forward to following your journey as you move forward with your career in the Music Industry by supporting articles and follow-ups on your journey from time to time. What kinds of things would you like to share exclusive to Starlight Music Chronicles for the purpose of this interview?

Kevin - I appreciate all the amazing support from SMC and the staff. The music industry can be a long and difficult journey. It’s moments like this that are so rewarding along this journey. To connect with someone through music, for me, is what it’s all about. I’m so glad to make that connection with you – with SMC - and now hopefully with your readers. It makes the journey all the more enjoyable traveling with friends.

Thank you for being a part of it!

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Barley Station Artist Song Review

by CA Marshall

When you hear the first few chords of the new single

by Missouri-based band, Barley Stations’ ‘Double Star’ you are instantly transported into tranquility and pacification, and the gentle tones and nuances in the vocals by Randy Wayne Belt evokes one into complete submission. The song itself is written about one soul searching for their soulmate (thus the term: Double Star) and truly embodies and reflects (as suggested in the art work) what the universe would answer back with: the perfect partner: a bit of s reflection of oneself. There is no doubt about it, this is a deep and soulful song which pulls back on Cupids bow and aims straight for the heart.

With nearly 6,000 loyal and dedicated fans on their Facebook and triple that amount on their Twitter page, it’s clear that this is a band that is going in a consistent, forward direction and show no signs of stopping. ‘Double Star’ is brilliant in its Immaculate Conception, composition, and imagery that is evoked when listening but it is also just a small piece of the pie when you consider the capacity and the quality of music that the band has already produced and recorded. Songs like ‘4th of July’, ‘Younger Summer Memories’ and ’10 Nights’

keep being tweeted and re-tweeted in rotation and radio stations such as AVA Live Radio with Jacqueline Jax have demonstrated interest and support through live interviews and airplay.

The band won three Akademia Awards as well earlier this year: one for Best Song for ’10 Nights’ and Best Song and Video for ‘Younger Summer Memories’ from their album ‘Damaged Goods’.

Previously, they received nominations for AIM (Artists In Music) Independent Music Awards in Los Angeles, California for Best Composer/ Songwriter and Song in 2014. Prior to that, they were nominated for ‘Best Folk Artist’ and ‘Best Country Artist’ with their first album ‘After All’.

In briefly speaking with the bands front man, Randy Wayne Belt, I learned about his process (also as Producer) of mixing for the sonorous melodies fans have been listening to past and present. ‘There’s a new song coming up which blends a Johnny Cash-Americana-type feel with sensibilities of 80’s new wave and modern poppunk’ said Belt. Indeed, Barley Station is delving into a variety of blended genres and is evolving consistently and we look forward to reviewing more!

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By CA Marshall He is probably one of the coolest cats I have even spent three and a half hours on the phone conducting an interview with.

The Vancouver-based ‘Horror Punk Rock’ moniker known as Nim Vind (Formerly band member of The Vincent Black Shadow fame who toured with Silverstein) is truly a one of a kind in the ‘Horror Punk’ industry fan-base which has become huge extremely popular in Europe, specifically, Germany. Music from his ‘Saturday Night Séance’ album has been titled ‘Album of the Year’ by Rue Morgue Magazine in 2014 and with the band currently on tour in Germany with the Hell Nights Tour with Christian Death, The Other, Blitz Kind, and Argyle Goolsby and the Roving Midnight. Now, with a brand new song and video release called ‘That Girl’ (based on Horror film lead role ladies), it’s about to get a lot crazier!

I met Nim Vind, ironically on October 31st of 2014 when he opened for Gary Numan’s Spilnter Tour (See next page). I was pretty taken right away by the bands unique sound and look. In fact, I don’t think the band was off the stage more than 5 minutes before I was making my way through the crowd and introducing myself. Then After several months (both of our schedules are THAT nuts), we finally had our interview in the summer of 2015, knowing it would be slated for the fall.

Here are some of the topics we covered: SMC – How did you get titled ‘Horror Punk’ Nim – I always was doing all of these European tours and somewhere along the line I was labelled a ‘Horror Punk Guy’. I never really set out to be called ‘Horror Punk’ but I always found myself on these strange tours and what I kind of get is when people go through all of their groups who get asked to do something, every once in a while you get a tour like (The Gary Numan Tour) where they say: ‘Who the heck can we get to go on this?’ and 88 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

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that’s when they call me. In fact, we are called 12 days before tour and my manager asked if I wanted to go and being a big fan of Gary’s, I figured it worked out perfectly since our Album was finished and we were already working on the distribution. He turned out to be a really fun guy to tour with, a really nice guy.

SMC – What is the coolest/weirdest festivals you’ve performed in?

Nim – We played a festival in Germany once and it was 3am and we thought ‘Who the heck is going to show up at a gig at 3am?’ but there ended up being about 2000 people in a tent – at 3am! The show was great, pretty rowdy, but great. We have even played in clubs that should only hold about 250 people, there’s only one exit, no rules at all, and everyone is smoking...it’s chaos but it’s a lot of fun, kind of like the second Woodstock. (he laughs) We’ve even played at noon at a hippie festival surrounded by bales of hay. You name it we have done it and it’s always a great turn-out.

SMC – You had asked me to ask you about your thoughts on Artist competitions. What are your thoughts?

Nim – Um, well I don’t like Art competitions because, and i’ll tell you why: mostly because, well, I was never really a popular kid when I was younger which is why I became ‘A Rocker’ and a traveller, you know what I mean?

High School was horrible for me. Those things (competitions) always ended up being more of a popularity contest. I think that some of the best Artists are the people who never won a popularity contest. Like when Weezer said they got their record deal there was only, like, four people at their show or something like that. Like, what if they gave up based on that and said, ‘Well, there’s not enough people here’ then the industry would have lost out on the success that Weezer has made since then. (Backing Nim’s Statement, we have currently several radio stations which have picked up some of the Artists who DIDN’T win in our Artist of the Month competition and are receiving airplay on high calibre radio stations in Los Angeles and Japan!). One of my biggest reasons is that I don’t want to say to someone, ‘I’m sorry, this guy was better than you’. Like

how does that make a person feel? You know what I mean? Because it’s all subjective. Any art is legitimate art. Who are we to say if it’s legit if anyone else wants it?

SMC – For your song ‘Astronomicon’ mixed by Todd Rundgren, what are your thoughts on working with Mr. Rundgren and the mix?

Nim – (laughs) Well, it was mixed by Todd Rundgren and he’s in Ringo Starrs band, I suppose, who would I be to say anything other than ‘Great Job Todd’. I’ve seen Todd Turn down a tour I would probably sever a finger for. He is a cool dude and Todd Rundgren does not need to do anything for anyone he doesn’t want to because he is, well, he is TODD RUNDGREN! The guy is a legend! I was honored when he heard Astronomicon enough to want to mix it. I was so stoked! I was always the guy who always dreamed of hanging out with my music heroes and I got the chance to hang out with Todd and Alice Cooper. How cool is that? It was super awesome to hang out with (Rundgren) talk with him and have a song mixed by him) I also had four songs off the album mixed by Jay Ruston (Steel Panther, Anthrax, Stone Sour, Meat Loaf). It’s really cool to be involved in the process of all of it with these high calibre Artists.

SMC - How do you feel about the peers in your industry and industry supports?

Nim – I am one of those guys that, you know, honestly, when it comes to the music industry 99.9993% are like, ‘I don’t get what this guy is doing, I don’t get why he looks like that, I don’t get why he sounds like that....you u name it I’ve heard it. I wish I would name-drop the rejection letters I’ve gotten and I’ve said to my band ‘It would be great to make a website: The Nim Vind Rejection website’ Honestly, the stuff people have written to me.....

SMC- But your sound? When you first heard people labeling you as a ‘Horror Punk’ guy, what was your reaction to that? What genre were you aiming at to begin with?

Nim – Well, I wasn’t aiming at any genre, I love ‘The Misfits’, ‘Angst’ and the bi-polar-ness of ‘Nirvana’ mixed with ‘Bauhaus’. I love it, you have this dark and light sound kind of crashing into each other, this really manic depressive sound and it would be fun. It would be crazy music for crazy partying people on a Saturday night: music to crank up and have fun to but music that also

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had a hallucinogenic sound which pulls you out of wherever you are in the minute of your reality. A fun escape for a moment or two so to speak. For instance, the song from my new album called ‘Where I am from’ it captures the feel of where I grew up: I always felt like I was by myself in this weird kind of dark path of a windy, cloudy place and the nice thing about it is, you can jump out of that song and power up and listen to another and just leave that energy behind. The great thing about being different is that you begin to find your own path within your music. When you begin to create music that is different not everyone is going to like it but you always evolve as an artist when you at least attempt to create what is uniquely you.

SMC - What are your thoughts on fame?

Nim – Now, everything is happening so fast, people don’t have time to think about anything but themselves right? So, with music, I don’t expect it to be like the old days where you’re a cult leader to them (fans) and they spend all this time thinking about who you might be and looking at your poster. I am just thinking, ‘Here is a song to power up a moment in your day. I hope you like it’ I don’t see it the old way anymore where you’ve gotta write hits and tour this....no, you gotta just do whatever you want! Make it awesome. When you do show up (for a performance) make it the best it can possibly be and never let anybody tell you different.

SMC – Because of your genre do you find you get most of your tours in the ‘Halloween’ time period?

Nim – Well, yes, I would be lying to myself if I thought that wasn’t a part of it but that’s great. I actually love Horror Punk and after I discovered what it was, I didn’t hate it I was like ‘It’s interesting that they picked me because there are other bands that are way more Horror Punk’ than I am’ I admit, I am weird dude. I do all of my own things and it seems all of these tours find me more that I find them and that’s why I stopped worrying a while back about whether or not I would be on tour or not. I could be stressed about it and take tours that I don’t really believe in or that are suited to who I am as an artist, but I just decided, ‘You know, I am not going to worry about it.’ And it’s always just kept on (more tours, etc) I have been dropped by managers before and when that happened I had a new Manager the next day and I feel that in a way, I just didn’t sweat the small stuff. I am true to what I believe in and I feel like that energy maybe attracts those opportunities if and when they are there and it comes back to you. Know what I mean?

SMC – Would you say you are an Optimist, Pessimist, or Opportunist? What would you describe yourself?

Nim – I would probably say I am a mentally ill version of an Optimist. Like when everyone else could be telling me ‘There’s a sand storm coming! Run!’, I would be the one saying, ‘Well, if you really look at it will provide some sort of symposia backspin on the whole thing....”

I consider myself a strange kind of Optimist. Like, you could do something this year and you tried and you 92 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

failed and for all intense purposes someone would say to you, ‘You didn’t succeed’. But then the next year you meet someone who says, ‘Well, you almost succeeded but we just didn’t tell you and now this year we are going to do it’. So if you hadn’t made that original effort, you wouldn’t have been there. Most things and most people I eventually want to meet, they eventually happen and if you don’t stop believing in them you won’t.

I have met all of my music heroes in just believing I would. For instance, when I first began playing guitar, I didn’t think ‘if I meet slash’, I just thought to myself ‘When I meet this guy, I am showing him this lick (guitar lingo)’ (and he has!) .

In his career, Nim Vind has met and/or worked with Gary Numan, Todd Rundgren, Slash, Danzig, The Misfits, Filter, and Skid Row to name a few.

SMC – Tell us about your David Bowie obsession.

NIM – He has requested and industry peer to have his album sent to David Bowie. ‘I asked – Can you send this to David Bowie please? Don’t ask him for anything, just send it to him and see if he actually writes back: yeah, I checked it out.’ It would mean the world to me to know that before David Bowie left this world, or the Music World, he heard Nim Vind. Over time, I have met his bass player and a few others who are in his camp who said ‘We think you should show your work to him’ so I am still on that same quest to connect with him but he is a tough guy to lock down. I have met Gail Ann Dorsey (Bassist for David Bowie) and she is great. I played bass in Vincent Black Shadow and I have always felt she was an amazing player to try to emulate.

SMC – Last question. How has it felt to meet all of your idols?

Nim Vind – To meet all of my idols is great. I seem to get along well with all of the Legacy Artists. Am I one of those guys who is looking to make a million dollars and get laid every night? Ah, no, no I am not. I think it’s kind of sacrilege to use your band as a method to pick up girls. That should be your own deal. You know what I mean? If someone is enamoured by the talent you have I don’t really see how it should translate to your brain as: ‘Hey! This is a sexual opportunity!” (we laugh).

It shouldn’t really work like that. It should be like ‘Wow, it’s great that this person cared at all because it’s the fans that make up an Artist, not the other way around.

If no one came to the talent show, it would be just four guys playing loud guitars and someone would be complaining about the volume somewhere, but the fact that it’s in a stadium of 30,000 people that becomes an amazing event and every person that paid to see the artist made it that amazing event so you can’t double cross them. You know what I mean?

So that’s what being Nim Vind is about for me: meeting my idols, getting to play, getting on an amazing tour so I can look back one day and say, ‘You actually did that’ And that is exactly what he’s doing at this very moment!

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Bryan Finlay Talking all things Halloween, Future Projects, and his newest Single ‘Ain’t Gonna Lie’ Photography & Story by CA Marshall Late September, a crew of six, including Edmonton-Based Recording Artist Bryan Finlay and our Teen Beat writer Bailey Dunbar, set out on an adventure.

Most photographers would call this a photo shoot. But I am not like most photographers and my skill-set and capacity to think outside the box goes much deeper than that. (reference Letter from the Editor). Also, the two cover models were not just a working with me for the sake of being on the cover of a magazine. They were working with me for CHANGE: we wanted a cover that would be Halloween-themed (both Bryan and Bailey’s favorite season), of course, we also wanted to focus on the Artist and most importantly of all, we wanted a cover that, upon reading the first few pages of this magazine, the Bryan Finlay Feature, and the last four pages of the magazine, it would make the world go: WOW! I personally have been on two behind the scenes video shoots with Bryan Finlay, countless live performances, and now, this photo shoot where our friendship and had bonded beyond industry peers. (please read the article called ‘Survivors’ at the end of this magazine, you will see why). Finlay has not only created quite a stir within the music industry with his new single release ‘Ain’t Gonna Lie’, but his music continues to play in high rotation across Canada and globally for hit songs like ‘RICH’, ‘Tonight Is Alright’, ‘Bulletproof’, and ‘Good Times’ (my personal favorite).

In addition, he has suggested that he will be writing for a very well know international recording Artist in the near future and is very excited.

On the day of our photos shoot, it was cold and overcast with the odd sunburst held just long enough to capture the cover photo you see here. The ‘theme’ of the shoot was for ‘Halloween’ for this layout spread for the Artist, but the cover and back story focuses on our message of getting Morgan’s Mission (www.

morgansmission.ca) out to the public. If you have read the Editors Note and ‘The Cover Story’ article in the beginning of this issue, you would know that Bailey Dunbar shared the cover with Bryan to bring awareness to the serious effects of what Depression, Mental Illness, PTSD, anxiety, bullying, and teen suicide has done to her twin sister Morgan Dunbar on 27th, 2014. It was that day that she chose to end her life by her own hand.

When first meeting with the whole team for the photo shoot, I asked them how they felt about me ‘ghosting’ in Morgan into the cover, and no one person was against it. All were in agreement that the message needed to get out: That Bullying (within the workplace, schools, or anywhere) , mental illness, depression, PTSD, and teen suicide needs to get out and that there Starlight Music Chronicles Supports Morgan’s Mission (www.morgansmission.ca) as a media platform to demonstrate through creative and graphic images (such as our cover) that this is an issue we all need to speak up about because there are many who suffer in silence.

One of the coolest things about Bryan? He has suffered intense childhood bullying growing up and has taken that traumatic experience and has turned toward music as his escape. In fact, most recently, doctors working with the Dunbar family have suggested the arts as a means for Bailey to become more creative as an outlet for her depression and PTSD since her sisters passing. Bryan cites ‘Bulletproof’ as almost his ‘release’ song – where he was able to take of the harnessed hurt and frustration and pen it to paper and then record it. A cleansing of sorts. And this has worked remarkably well as since, he has been writing and recording one hit single after another!

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The Interview SMC - How old are you?

Bryan - 22 SMC - Where were you born originally?

Bryan - Edmonton, Alberta SMC - We are very excited about the recent release of your song ‘Ain’t Gonna Lie’, how do you feel about the song and its meaning and who is your target audience for it?

Bryan - I wrote the song with 3 of my favourite Canadians, Troy Samson, Dan Davidson and Ari Rhodes.

My goal is to always write something everyone can relate to. The song is about falling in love with your friend.

SMC - Will there be video following the release? If so, when do you project your fans will be able to see it?

Bryan - At the moment we don’t have a plan for the video but we are looking to release a lyric video very soon.

SMC - We just completed a very cool photo shoot which, I am guessing, is unlike any other you have done. What are your thoughts on the whole ‘Halloween’ theme?

Bryan - I was very excited when SMC reached out about the project! I’m a huge fan of Halloween, October, and all things horror!

SMC - The cover of the magazine has a purpose (as you are aware). How do you feel about sharing the cover with Bailey Dunbar and, essentially, Morgan?

What are your thoughts on Morgan’s Mission?

Bryan - I think it’s an honor to get to work with the Dunbar family. I absolutely love the whole project!

SMC - How do you feel with industry support among your peers?

Bryan - The support from everyone is very awesome. I appreciate the feedback from everyone!

SMC - What is the next big project you plan on working on or putting out to the public?

Bryan - Hopefully finishing my next EP soon! Theres a bunch of other things in the works which I can’t talk about yet. But it will be worth the wait!

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every Artist’s answer is truly unique and different: What is your coolest fan experience that touched you in some way?

Bryan - I remember I did a show in a small town in Alberta a few years ago. After my performance a young girl came up to me and told me that my song Bulletproof really helped through some tough times.

It’s moments like that, which remind me why I love music so much!

SMC - What is your weirdest fan experience?

Bryan - The only times I’ve had weird fan experiences is via Snapchat. I definitely do not want to elaborate! haha.

SMC - Can you tell us about your awards and most favorite accomplishment to date?

Bryan - Honestly, being able to work with some of the writers I’ve worked with! I’ve always been such a nerd when it comes to behind the scenes of music. So when I get the opportunity to work with some of the big names in music I start to fan girl! haha SMC - To date, which one of your songs (other than your current single release) is your favorite and why?

Bryan - Bulletproof was a great song to write. It was definitely a healing process for me. Another song I wrote a couple years ago called, ‘Chemical Weapon’ which never got released really allowed me to heal some scars in my past!

SMC - If you have one piece of advice for young Artists just starting out, what would that be?

Bryan - If you truly want to do this for life, you have to hustle and make the connections which will allow you to grow! Hone your craft!

SMC - Are there going to be any duet’s planned in the near future? We know you created ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ last winter with Recording Artist Lexi Strate and it was fabulous!

Bryan - Hopefully, I have someone in mind for the EP. So hopefully it pans out!

SMC - What is the most unique thing about you that fans don’t know? Can you name about five?

Bryan - I love doing weird voices. I always have. I can do a pretty rad Scooby-Doo impression. I love Scooby Doo, obsessed. I love nature. Nothing calms me down

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more than a walk through the woods. I’m very spiritual. I try and promote positivity as much as possible SMC - What is your worst experience in your career and how did you handle it?

Bryan - There isn’t one particular thing that has been bad. The only thing that sucks is that its a very big roller-coaster. There’s ups and downs. You just have to learn to accept the downs and move forward.

SMC - Are there any Artists you would love to work with?

Bryan - Jessie J, Michael Buble, Meghan Trainor, The Weeknd SMC - Who among your industry peers locally are your favorite to listen to?

Bryan - Post Script, Dan Davidson, Lexi Strate SMC - We know we have spoken about your song ‘Bulletproof’ and how the story behind it is based on your experiences with being bullied when you were younger. What advice would you give a teen today given your experience?

Bryan - It sucks. It definitely does. But you have to remember it ALWAYS gets better. Surround yourself with awesome loving people.

You will be able to get through it. Just don’t do it alone!

SMC - Doing anything special for the holidays? New years? Meaning: are there any performances your fans can look forward to seeing you at?

Bryan - Some things are in the works. But nothing I can say yet!

SMC - We noticed you have a thing for fashion and unique style, what is your favorite designers name?

Bryan - YSL, Moschino SMC - Where do you see yourself six months from now in your music career? What kinds

of personal accomplishments do you hope to strive for in your career?

Bryan - I really hope to secure a larger deal which will allow me to have my music promoted internationally.

SMC - How do you feel about being on the cover of the very first ever Starlight Music Chronicles Magazine as our Feature Artist?

Bryan - It’s an honor. I’m very excited for the launch and I know SMC is going to do great things! *Special thanks for this feature goes out to the following: Hair & MUA (for Bailey Dunbar): Ashley Marshall Hair & MUA (for Bryan FInlay) Caitlyn Finlay Assistants: Austen Marshall, Natasha Dunbar, Greg Dunbar, Ashley Marshall.

Caitlyn Finlay Photography: CA Marshall via Candice Anne Graphics & Photography for Starlight Music Chronicles Editors Note: *This issue and it’s ‘Halloween Theme’ would not be made great without the help and support of Bryan Finlay and Bailey Dunbar. Our team honors both Bryan and Bailey in their support for Morgan’s Mission and in taking a stand and making a voice for others who need it. Please, if you need help, reach out to someone you can trust and get help if you are suffering with depression, anxiety, PTSD, Mental Illness and having suicidal thoughts. If anything, contact editor@starlightmusicchronicles.com and we can connect you to someone who can help. With much love and admiration for both Bryan Finlay and Bailey Dunbar, we thank you for being a part of our cover!

Sincerely, CA Marshall | Editor Starlight Music Chronicles

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Starlight MUSIC Festival Edition

Special Edition Issue November 2015 www.starlightmusicchronicles.com

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www.vesperwalk.co.uk

https://soundcloud.com/vesperwalk/monster

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ARTIST REVIEW

by CA Marshall

Photos provided by Management at Palaye Royale When it comes to Canadian Born, Las Vegas based Fashion Art Rock Band Palaye Royale, it’s perfectly fine to name drop. And we’re not talking just the band as an entity, we are talking all of the Fashion and Entertainment Industry Professionals sitting up and taking a serious look at history being made here and wanting to be a part of it. Prominent Profiles such as Kellin Quinn (Frontman for the band Sleeping with Sirens) have begun talks of collaborations on music with the band as of late, The Agency Groups’ Ralph James (see note worthy below) has signed the band following their candid performance at Canadian Music Week in Toronto, Ontario, Canada earlier this spring, and Fashion Moniker John Varvatos has also demonstrated his support via fashion ensembles which have become the bands insignia: Fashion Art Rock Band. To be perfectly frank, their trail has cultivated from a ‘dwarf- sized’ star (haven’t they always been stars?) to a blazing comet across the universe and this is no short-term comet either, this one is for the history books.

But how can we be so confident in making this claim though? Proof is in the documented and historical timeline leading up to present day. I have personally written several articles on different Website platforms for Palaye Royale (now based out of Los Angeles, California) and have followed their journey quite closely since February of 2014 when they messaged me via Twitter to ‘check out’ their video for ‘Get Higher’. I didn’t realize at the time (and after 48 consecutive hours of research later) that I had been reeled into what I call the ‘Palaye Royale Vortex’ which anyone who has heard them knows as: ‘We NEED to know more!

HEAR more! SEE more!’ And so it went…..following their victory with the MTV Musical March Madness competition in the spring of 2014 where they became the first ever unsigned band in the history of MTV to ever accomplish this feat beating 106 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

out other high caliber bands like Coldplay, Fallout Boy, Linkin Park and Tokio Hotel to where they are at this moment in time.

The band broke ground early this year when they hopped aboard the High School Nation Spring 2015 Tour (Palaye Royale & High School Nation Tour Spring 2015 ) from April and well into the end of May by performing in front of tens of thousands of people. At the same time, their single ‘Get Higher’ was (and still is daily) released and getting into high radio rotation across the USA and Canada which also secured the video a spot on MUCH Canada rotation. *Notable: Prior to the High School Nation Tour, Palaye Royale did live pre-production, an ‘old school’ style of music creation much like the Rolling Stones. In fact, World famous DJ Rodney Bingenheimer (KROQ 106.7 FM Radio based out of Los Angeles, CA) has been so smitten with the band’s music, he has sought them out, connecting immediately, and taken it upon himself to spin their unreleased song ‘White’ causing their 193,000 (and growing) Twitter fan base (also known as Soldiers of the Royal Council) into a frenzy wanting to get their hands on a copy. Here’s the catch though: the song hasn’t even been released on record yet!

Dedicated fans have driven throughout various Provinces and States in the USA and Canada just to see the band perform some of their new music live. Frontman Remington Leith shared in an interview with me earlier this year that it was ‘a unique way to see what the fans would like to see on the album and to gauge their response’ This ‘test’ (also known as ‘The Boom Boom Room’ where their Iconic imprint had already begun) certainly left a huge impact and quick response time from three high caliber Agencies scrambling to sign with the band after their smashing performance in Toronto, Canada at the Hard Rock Cafe during Canadian Music Week. Before their Plane had even landed back in Las Vegas to continue with the High School Nation Tour after their 48 hour whirlwind tour for the CMW showcase, they had struck a deal with Ralph James with the Agency Group. . *Noteworthy: Ralph James has a long list of high

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caliber talent signed with The Agency Group such as: Billy Talent, Mariannas Trench, Dallas Smith, Down With Webster, Platinum Blonde, Nickelback, Walk Off the Earth, 54-40, and Barenaked Ladies to name a few (his list is long!)

-Earlier accomplishments/HistoryLet’s recap what has evolved in the last year and a half: Palaye Royale has accomplished an MTV Music Award (after winning first place in MTV Musical March Madness in early April of 2014 beating out bands like Coldplay, Fall Out Boys, Linkin Park, and Tokio Hotel, clearly demonstrating their artistry is also of the same high caliber. Even more interesting is that they are the FIRST EVER Independent band in the history of MTV to ever accomplish this feat and were consequently invited to appear on the red carpet at the MTV Movie awards in the same month. They have also performed on the Ernie Ball Stage at Vans Warped Tour as well as The Hard Rock Rising in Las Vegas. All of the above are fan voted accomplishments, all within a few months span.

Palaye Royale was also featured in a Global Samsung Galaxy Note commercial (see above) alongside their single ‘Get Higher’ (See below) The Samsung campaign started in Londons’ ‘Picadilly Circus’ on the Teletrons for its visual content. Subsequently, due to the overwhelming response from viewers at the International Consumer Electronics Show CES in Las Vegas, Nevada the campaign continued for a further 18 months. Clearly, this isn’t any ordinary band and the strategic plans that they have charted out for the future of their success is absolutely remarkable.

Palaye Royale were also winners of Bongo Boy TV’s (BBTV) Indie Music Video Contest this last Spring being selected out of 1.2 million independent artists via Reverbnation. Their music video ‘Get Higher’ featured on The Bongo Boy Rock n’ Roll TV Show aired in two episodes: premiering in April 2015 with National rotation coast to coast and in New York City on April 4th 2015. BBTV distribute their TV show series on 3 TV channels with cable companies like NBCUniversal Comcast, Cablevision, Time Warner, FiOS, AT&T U-Verse, Suddenlink, Charter Cable and RCN Network Television.

Palaye Royale performing at SOCAN July 1st with Rodney Murphy A&R President of Socan Fast forward: On July 1st, Palaye Royale performed at the World famous Hollywood Rock and Roll Hotel: Sunset Marquis right off of the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, California before a private

audience of 300 prominent Industry Dignitaries and the Canadian Consulate for the Canada Day SOCAN Friends and Family event. Once again, the band made music history in a venue which has been a platform for actors, comedians, writers, artists, filmmakers, fashion designers, supermodels, restaurateurs, billionaire entrepreneurs, for the past 50 years. (See photos) On July 15th of this year, Palaye Royale performed on the CBGB Stage originating from the famous club in New York at the Bowery which was shipped to the YouTube Space LA where the live recording of their new song ‘Live Like We Want To’ took place. (Cool side note: the club is now the home to John Varvatos’ flagship store since 2007 following the clubs closure in 2006) So what does this mean? It’s a pretty huge deal: The CBGB Stage originated as a biker club in 1973 featuring Country, Bluegrass and Blues Musicians (thus the acronym CBGB) and towards the early 1980’s became a famed venue known for hosting punk rock Musicians Blondie, The Ramones, Television, Patti Smith Group, and Talking Heads. By being asked by YouTube Space LA to perform on the original stage specifically brought to Los Angeles and having Palaye Royale create yet another major historical music maneuver does not surprise me one bit given their accomplished history. (see exclusive photos from the CBGB filming & Exclusive Video released to Starlight Music Chronicles SPOTLIGHT Page: www.starlightmusicchroniclesspotlight.com ) Emerson Barrett Artist In addition to all of the focus on the bands accomplishments as a whole, Drummer Emerson Barrett (under the alias: Dr. Strangebomb) has been featuring his unique and exquisite art in Galleries and Art shows throughout Los Angeles. The attention to the tiniest details in his creations has fans and collectors across the Globe fascinated by his ‘Revolutionary Art’ conce pts and principles. His next show will take place on September 10th at KGB Studios Downtown Los Angeles. (see photo of description and reference the Artists Tumbler Page: http://emersonbarrettartwork.tumblr.com/) Fall Tour 2015 Palaye Royale are at present heading out on tour with Ghost Town in a 31 date tour that begins in Portland, OR, and ends in Los Angeles, CA. Their 13-track album ‘The Boom Boom Room’ with collaborations with Kellin Quinn from the band Sleeping with Sirens which will only create more of a stir globally!

It is exciting to see what will come next as they head towards new accomplishments and unique historical music feats. It can only be anticipated given their STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES | 109

successes. Let’s face it folks, there will never be another band in the history of music who will have paved a path so unique such as Palaye Royale and with all their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments under their belt, I am confident saying this IS the Band of the Century and the Century has only just begun! (see postor on opposite page for tour dates) In their words: “We get to play till our fingers bleed ... you get to watch and enjoy!”

Palaye Royale will be playing in a city near you and driving over 13,000 miles in 41 days to meet

as many new fans as they can.

In addition to the tour, In each city, a lucky fan and twelve of their friends have the opportunity through Kickstarter http://kck.st/1MhqEs for a private acoustic performance at your house with Sebastian Danzig, Remington Leith and Emerson Barrett of Palaye Royale.

The bandwill be launching daily contests through their social media in each city which may include: chances to have lunch with the band on the day of the show and on their days off , photographs with 110 | STARLIGHT MUSIC CHRONICLES

the band, hanging out with the band backstage, the chance to attend sound check many more surprises ... So follow their twitter, facebook, instagram and lookout for these daily announcements for up to date contest details.

Palaye Royale Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PalayeRoyale Twitter: https://twitter.com/palayeroyale Instagram: https://instagram.com/palayeroyale

Management: Palaye Royale is Managed Exclusively by The Parliament Management email: contact Stephanie Rachel at mgmt@palayeroyale. com Band/Press/Licensing Inquiries contact email: mgmt@palayeroyale.com Band Booking Agent: Ralph James at The Agency RalphJames@theagencygroup.com | Tel: 1.416.368.5599

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I want you to close your eyes and imagine the worst pain you have ever felt and multiply that by 1000. You know the kind that make each heartbeat feel like its being held in someone fist, the kind that makes breathing feel like your drowning, the kind that makes your whole body shake and feel like you just ran the Boston Marathon 10 times, the kind that no matter what anyone says or gives you it never seems to go away. Now I want you to imagine living with that EVERY…….SINGLE……

MINUTE……OF…..EVERY ……DAY. Now imagine watching one of your children live like this all while you yourself feel this pain as well.

Friday October 23rd my world stopped……again.

The school had called just an hour earlier telling me Bailey wasn’t herself and she was sluggish and lethargic. They felt she needed to come home and sleep. So she agreed to walk home and I would meet her. Not an hour later the vice principal called and said she was slurring her words and couldn’t hold herself up and that he would bring her home.

20 minutes later my world stopped when he called and told me Bailey had admitted to taking 28 Ativan, a half bottle of Advil and we later found out she also took 25 extra strength Tylenol.

I remember calling Greg and telling him he had to come home that Bailey OD’d and they were taking her to the hospital. I remember shaking so bad I couldn’t believe this was happening….. Again. The memories of Morgan’s suicide and that day sped through my mind and all I could do was think not again I can’t do this again.

My mother in law drove me right to the hospital where we met Bailey at the same time. We got her in and all she could say to me was she wanted to be with Morgan, she missed her too much and that she was sorry. I held her and told her to stay with me. I cried but held back enough that I wouldn’t fall apart when inside that is what I was doing. The nurse took her in to get her monitor on and blood work started while I finished registering her and answering their questions as best I could.

It seemed like forever till the nurse came back with the charcoal to give her. It had already been over two hours since she took all those pills (and on an empty stomach) and I was getting scared. The

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doctor came in and told us her Tylenol levels where fatal and above treatment level but they would treat her anyways. I heard fatal and above treatment level that was it. My daughter was dying and I couldn’t fix her, and I couldn’t take the pain away that she has felt for the last 16 months so that she could live her life. I failed as a parent in my mind.

They started treatment and she would tell me she missed Morgan, Morgan needed her, she couldn’t stop the pain she felt and it was killing her from the inside out literally. She said she was sorry, she knew her dad and I didn’t need this again and she felt like she was causing us pain being here.

Then a panic attack started, she had starting feeling itchy, like spiders were on her all over (she has a phobia of spiders so this was really bad) and if you touched her skin it hurt and she felt her throat getting sore. She was having an allergic reaction to the treatment and we had to stop it. ‘Now what’, I thought ‘we just let her die?!’ The doctor was quick to get the reaction under control and adjust the treatment so that she would now be getting it with something else and over a longer period of time.

The next 20 hours we where living in hell. She would come to and cry saying how sorry she was.

She would ask where she was and what happened. She couldn’t remember the day, what she had done and in her mind it was still Thursday and was asking me why she was in the hospital. She had suffered a complete mental break from reality.

I couldn’t sleep but I knew enough to make myself eat so I had the strength to stay awake by her side.

Dad would keep watch long enough for me to update family which was on the other end of Canada and couldn’t be at our sides. Dad would grow more panicky as time wore on and she wouldn’t wake up. At one point getting scared because her blood pressure dropped. He would sit in the corner and cry because we were once again watching and waiting to see if our daughter would make it.

At about 2am Saturday morning she woke up, she was talking and able to understand what was happening but she still couldn’t remember the day before and how long she had been there despite asking every time she woke what time it was. We talked. We asked questions but we didn’t push. We

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told her we were worried and scared and still didn’t know if she was out of the woods yet and wouldn’t till the treatment was done and the blood work redone. It was the longest 28 hours of our lives.

Bailey had and still has an angle watching her. She shouldn’t be here and the doctors are amazed that with her Tylenol levels she is living to tell her survivor story. Morgan made it very clear to her that she does not want her with her yet, that this is not her time to leave and that she has a job to do here. Her results showed her levels as 0 just 26 hours after ingestion and 0 damage to her liver. But her trials were not over.

We now had to wait for the doctors to arrange for her to be evaluated at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton. What should have taken an hour had taken 8 hours. Bailey was growing impatient and just wanted to go home. This is the problem.

So many get to this point and that is what they do, they leave. Before being evaluated and seeing the Physiatrist. At this time it is imperative that those who attempt suicide get HELP! If they don’t then the chance of a complete suicide go up drastically!

Once we got to The Stollery the doctor on call took less than the hour he started to get there and looked over her file and went right in to talk to her.

He spent almost an hour with her. He listened and she knew she had to be honest and open about everything. While he talked to her we talked to the nurse that sits and watches the rooms to make sure nothing happens while they are there. We learnt that in a month they see at least 160 teens/ youth in those two psyc rooms. ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY! And that Alberta Health is terrible for mental health care because there are no funds for it! SERIOUSLY!! 160 teens and no funds! WHAT THE F&^K!!! This is not acceptable AT ALL!!!! In the time Bailey was getting the help she needed we were finding out just how badly our system is failing our youth. I couldn’t believe it, I was in shock but I wasn’t surprised.

Now it was our turn with the doctor. And boy was I ready. We told him her history, family history, about Morgan, Bailey’s diagnosis, her FAILED diagnosis from the system with her Autism Spectrum Disorder which he agrees she needs that last test done because she has every “symptom” of ASD which also means so did Morgan, and her triggers that have started appearing. He was the FIRST doctor to agree if she isn’t sleeping she isn’t going to function in the day. His first concern was the night terrors, nightmares and her not sleeping. He AGREED school is too much of an added stress right now and is causing problems in her healing.

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HE LISTENED! We thanked him because for the first time we felt our concern for the daughter we know and deal with everyday where listened to.

Her PTSD is being treated FINALLY! Not just with therapy but with medication that will help her sleep so she IS able to cope with everyday stress. THIS IS HUGE! So, today as I sit and write this for our magazine I am relieved but numb again. My mind has put itself on auto pilot knowing dad is an anxious mess because he can’t be home 24 hrs a day with her and he knows I am one bad day away from a psychotic breakdown. He knows that his daughter is suffering more then most adults are able to understand. And because I as mom have to be able to watch and tend to Bailey and make sure she is still doing what makes her happy and still stable in her mind I have to make sure mine is on auto pilot to keep from not being able to be there for my family.

Today I ask you all to stop and think how we can make this better for everyone suffering from a mental illness. How we can come together and insure that no youth or teen is able to slip through the cracks and die by their own hands because the pain has become too much to bare. And how we can MAKE our governments listen to what is important for our overall health and FIX the lack of funds in the mental health field. THIS NEEDS TO STOP NOW! I also need to add that as I was tending to my own daughters attempt, I was given word of two teen suicides. One was connected to my family back east and other was a teen that we were personal connected to. 48 hours and personal connected to 1 attempt and 2 completed suicides……. Now stop and think about that and tell me we don’t have a problem and that we are not failing this generation.

Natasha Dunbar *Editors Note as posted on Social Media: Dated: October 24th, 2015 Yesterday morning, our Starlight Music Chronicles Teen Beat writer Bailey Dunbar suffered from a huge setback due to a PTSD episode and as a result, she attempted suicide. Since her attempt, there were two other youth suicides within a 24 hour period. Today, we are grateful Bailey is with us and the Dunbar family is receiving the support they need.

As most of you all know, we honored Bailey’s sister

Morgan on the 22nd by wearing the color purple.

We wore it to remember a life gone too soon due to the intense effects of bullying. Not sure if you remember what I wrote yesterday, but it went something like this: “It’s really been a day of reflection and circumstance.

Can you all please do me a favor tonight? Please hug your loved ones. Hold them tight and always tell them you are there for them to support them and listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so we should be listening twice as much as we are speaking. Sometimes, all a person needs is to know they will be heard when they are feeling a little fragile. Trust me, a little goes a long way. Thank you” Today, Bailey Dunbar is a Suicide Survivor. She is stable and in the care of her family and we are fully supporting her progress and recovery in whatever way we can. I have asked Natasha Dunbar if she still wishes to continue with our cover & story for the new magazine, and her reply was simply this: ‘Yes, now more than ever. We need the support.

Everyone who is suffering like this needs the support.”

We have also contacted our Cover Artist Bryan Finlay and he was completely supportive and agrees with continuing with our message. Our future Cover Artist is just as supportive of our message: to be a platform for resources, awareness, and change!

The family has asked that we not inundate Bailey with messages direct on her personal facebook or any social media at this time (if you are connected).

However, positive words of support and encouragement on her page: Bailey Dunbar - IzzyB, I am certain, would be encouraged.

Friends, this magazine has been a labor of love on all fronts, and it is very near and dear to our hearts for obvious reasons. It is not only a Music Entertainment magazine, it is also our voice for those who ARE fragile and need to be heard.

Please listen.

Thank you for your attention and time but more importantly, I ask that you always give people who need it the very same. This is a real issue and it isn’t going away. Further, we will continue to support and be a platform for suicide awareness and education on PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Depression, and Mental Health awareness for Morgan’s Mission, Richard’s Legacy Foundation, and our affiliation with Yale Productions in the making of their film michigan (which is based on these very principles) because as a team, we may not be able to save everyone from this kind of tragedy, but we can at least give the majority who are suffering in silence the courage to speak up and feel supported.

With Love and Absolute respect for Bailey~x There is a lot we have to be grateful for today. That is all I have to say.

– Candice Anne Marshall

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