March 2011 Issue by Becky Elliott

SECOND SPIN

THE FIELD MICE

SIX QUICKIES WITH JESSE ...AND YOUR FAVOURITE BANDS

THEIR FUTURE IS SO BRIGHT WE NEED TO WEAR SHADES

MARCH 2011 Table of Contents

Look Out Alexisonfire! Competition’s On The Scene!

Interview with Fred Penner

An up-close and personal interview with A spotlight on local metal the Canadian childhood band, Absence of Fear icon

Response To P!nk’s “F***in’ Perfect”

Six Quickies With Jesse ... And Your Favourite Bands

Did The Internet Help The Music Industry?

Interview with Dirty Radio

Second Spin:

Profiling the U.K. indie rock group, The Field Mice

CD Reviews

Read reviews on Nicki Minaj’s “Pink Friday”, Discussing the effects and Marvelous Darling’s that social media and the “Teenage Targets” internet has had on our listening habits and the music industry Avery Island:One

Their Future Is So Bright We Have To Wear Shades

We have interviewed some of the up-and-coming local talent and asked them a little bit about their band’s and what lies ahead for them

To Look Out For In 2011

Interview with Justin Nozuka

Volume 11 asks Toronto’s own Justin Nozuka about his experiences in the music industry thus far.

The Team:

Marketing

Journalism

Editor-in-Chief

Ryan Stark Morgan Ritcey

Becky Elliott

Design

Elisa Kritiotis Scott Kendall Mike Simpsom Natasha Zajakovski Jesse Letford Brian Willett Kyle Leclair Tashana Billey Sarah Abbott Alicia Harper Victoria Church Savannah Fullick Katrina Araujo

Assistant Editors Keena Elkington Dirk Mcmillian Kayla Tinson

Portia Shipman Amy Warbick Allanah Thomas Daniel Frederick Shawna Hunt

COVER: Dirty Radio photograph courtesy of Hassan Behgouei. TABLE OF CONTENTS: photograph courtesy of Hassan Behgouei and Daniel Bonavita. INSIDE SPREAD: photograph courtesy of Jonathan Evans.

Look Out, Alexisonfire! Competition’s On The Scene! By: Jesse Letford

When you think of a metal band, what comes to mind is probably the furthest thing from a group of down –to-earth, genuinely nice people. The mould has been broken by the members of Absence of Fear who have proven to be some of coolest guys (and girl!) on the scene, who are able to be both sweet and completely metal at the same time. Absence of Fear has been around for seven years, since Ethan Storer and Jordan Turnbull (on rhythm guitar/vocals and lead guitar/vocals, respectively) formed the band when they were just 14. At the beginning of 2011, Absence re-launched themselves with new members Jake Devine on bass (who joined in March of 2010), Reshaun Page on lead vocals, and Ariane Ganga on drums. Since December, Absence has been playing a steady stream of shows around Southern Ontario, and they don’t plan on stopping any time soon, especially since industry heavyweights Coalition Entertainment Management took interest. On January 14, Absence played a showcase for the management company, and are currently in the early stages of what looks to be a promising relationship. Absence of Fear is far more than a group of college kids who play in a band as a hobby: it is obvious that this is a way of life for this great group of friends who really care about making music. Don’t let them slip past your radar! If you haven’t had the pleasure of checking out one of Absence’s shows, visit their Myspace at www.myspace.com/absenceoffear2008 to view their upcoming dates!

Response To P!nk’s “F***in’ Perfect” By: Tashana Billey

Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood, miss “no way it’s all good” it didn’t slow me down. Mistaken, always second guessing, underestimated look I’m still around. Pink’s video for her latest single “F***in Perfect” has ignited controversy since its debut. The video contains ‘graphic’ scenes of sex, cutting, and suicide. In some ways, some might suggest the singer was encouraging that lifestyle. What I don’t understand is why people are only seeing the negative. “Why do we do that?” Self-injury, suicide, and depression are issues affecting society daily. We should talk about it but many choose not too. Growing up I was made to believe this myth were if we don’t address it, it will eventually fade. That is never the case. I’m aware that there are broken people in this world. I’ve seen it in crowded rooms and hallways. I’ve heard it scream on arms and faces. I’m proud that Pink has chosen taken a stand and use her music as a voice for the broken people. Music is a powerful tool to promote awareness and invoke change. Of course the video is somewhat graphic and might have ruffled some feathers but it is chance to at least start a discussion. So before you call it controversial and graphic, listen to the words and find the message within: “Pretty, pretty please don’t you ever; ever feel like you’re less than perfect. Pretty pretty please if you ever ever feel like you’re nothing, you’re perfect to me.” For more information regarding these issues,visit Canada’s Centre for Addiction & Mental Health at www.camh.net

6 Quickies with Jesse And Your Favourite Bands

Jesse Letford

Social Code - answered by vocalist Travis Nesbitt 1. What is your favourite concert you’ve ever been to? “Tool”

2. What was your favourite place you’ve played at so far? “Edmonton. Hometown shows for us are always the best because the crowd is singing along to every word and you get to see your friends and family.”

2. What was your favourite place you’ve played at so far? “Cobo Arena - Detroir, MI”

3. What lyric from one of your songs means the most to you? “That’s like picking which one of your children you love the most, haha. I am really proud of the lyrics on a song called “Welcome To Where Ever You Are” on our new album, you will have to hear them when it comes out.”

3. What lyric from one of your songs means the most to you? “‘I’ll miss you forever.’”

4. What song do you want played at your funeral? 4. What song do you want played at your funeral? “‘Balls To The Wall’” by Accept “Something really upbeat and happy in celebration of life... probably a Frank Sinatra song.” 5. What’s the best piece of life advice anyone ever gave you? “Don’t let the success and happiness of others decide your success and happiness.” 5. What’s the best piece of life advice anyone ever gave you? “Just keep doing what you’re doing and everything will work out.” 6. What are your top 5 desert island songs? “I don’t think I can pick 5 songs that I love more than any else. I am more of an album guy. But I can tell you that my favorite song of all time is ‘Polaris’ by Jimmy Channel One - answered by vocalist Corey Norris Eat World so that would be at the top of the list.” 1. What is your favourite concert you’ve ever been to? “Silverchair - Kool Haus in Toronto in 2003.” 2. What was your favourite place you’ve played at so far? The Johnstones - answered by drummer Ryan Long “There are a lot of amazing places across Canada that we’ve played. One that sticks 1. What is your favourite concert you’ve ever been to? out is The Park Theatre in Winnipeg. The Capitol Centre in North Bay is a favourite “Beastie Boys at the ACC a couple years ago its was soooo cool and sooo loud.” of ours too!” 2. What was your favourite place you’ve played at so far 3. What lyric from one of your songs means the most to you? “The last tour we did on the East Coast we were doing big hockey arenas and that “All the lyrics have a special place in our hearts. They all remind me of different was totally badass the stages were huge and we could really do a ton of awesome times of my life or experiences that I’ve lived through. My favourite song to sing is stuff. Montreal is my favourite city to play, though. “The Lowest Point” off our record “Living Through Battles”. 3. What lyric from one of your songs means the most to you? 4. What song do you want played at your funeral? “The song ‘Girls’, I really loved how accurately the lyrics depicted an actual situation. “Ooh...that’s a morbid question. Hahaha Maybe ‘Wish You Were Here’ by Pink Thats the best when lyrics can really illiterate [wait, what?] what you are trying to Floyd.” say, and when it’s a very specific situation and you only have so many words it gets difficult and I’m always really pumped when I can get it sounding great without 5. What’s the best piece of life advice anyone ever gave you? sacrificing the subject.” “Follow your dreams.” 4. What song do you want played at your funeral? 6. What are your top 5 desert island songs? “Maybe ‘I’m Too Sexy’ by Right Said Fred?” “‘Emotion Sickness’ by Silverchair, ‘Fix You’ by Coldplay, ‘Alive’ by Pearl Jam, ‘Para- 5. What’s the best piece of life advice anyone ever gave you? noid Android’ by Radiohead & ‘You got it’ by Roy Orbison.” “‘Don’t shave your head again.’”

Ten Second Epic - answered by vocalist Andrew Usenik 1. What is your favourite concert you’ve ever been to? “I went to a Strung Out concert when I was young and there was about 50 people there. If that same show happened now, there would be over 1000. So it was a cool memory to see a band like that in such a small venue.”

6. What are you top 5 desert island songs? “‘Junkie Man’ by Rancid, ‘What Goes Around’ by the Beastie Boys, ‘Someday I Suppose’ by the Bosstones, ‘I Don’t Feel Like Dancing’ by the Scissor Sisters’, and ‘Bulls on Parade’ by Rage Against the Machine”

Did the Internet Help the Music Industry? By: Natasha Zajakovski

Does anyone remember what life was like before Twitter, Facebook, Google and YouTube? Do you remember buying your first CD and throwing it into your CD player or Walkman? What about having to turn on your TV, hoping to catch your favourite music video buried somewhere within a 3 hour playlist? Many of us cannot remember the last time we listened to an album in my CD player or watched a music video on TV. Much Music and MTV have changed immensely over the last five. It seems that with the creation of Napster, the music industry as a whole has shifted. Once everyone discovered music could be downloaded â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for FREE?!?- album sales started dropping rapidly and profit started declining steadily. This is definitely a problem; namely for artists who have to earn a living and pay rent just like everyone. There is still money being made from tours, selling merchandise, iTunes sales, game and movie synchronization licenses, and the dedicated CD buyers that are left. Is this enough though? What about the effect all of this has had on record labels and distribution companies? Now that the focus has shifted away from physical sales, these companies have been laying off employees. Manufacturing and distribution companies are no longer producing as many physical CDs and, as a result, need fewer employees. Fewer CDs being sold means less money overall, meaning wage cuts, downsizing, and consolidation of companies. However, this is not all bad. Major record labels no longer hold the most power in the industry. Independent labels and management companies, as well as completely independent artists are now holding the power because of the internet as a marketing tool. Indie bands and artists are now able to market themselves using social media sites like YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, etc. Justin Beiber was discovered on YouTube, Passion Pit gained the majority of its fan base online, and LIGHTS talks to her fans directly through her Twitter account. The internet is the greatest marketing tool to hit the music industry. Whether these technological advances will continue to impact the music industry is unquestionable. However, it is up to those within the industry to determine whether the outcome will be positive or negative. Will success be hindered or will the industry continue to evolve? Only time will tell.

THEIR FUTURE IS SO BRIGHT, WE HAVE TO WEAR SHADES By: Victoria Church Some argue that the music scene is fading, and in reference to great venues, I agree. However, I believe when it comes to new talent, the music scene is booming. I have had the privilege to interview some local talent, and was overwhelmed with both, their responses, and the future that lies ahead of them.

Kings in Vain

V11: What’s the name of your band? What’s the origin of that name? Have you changed the band’s name before? KIV: Kings In Vain. Our bassist was reading Romeo and Juliet when he found the name. No, the band name has been used since the start of our band. V11: What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences? KIV: Metalcore/Hardcore V11: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how? KIV: Getting along with each other and respecting each other’s ideas. Yes, we have, through band meetings and cooperation.

www.myspace.com/kingsinvain Beauty Beyond the Gates

www,myspace.com/beautybeyondthegates

The Prima Vista

www.myspace.com/theprimavista

V11: What’s the name of your band? What’s the origin of that name? Have you changed the band’s name before? BBTG: We are Beauty Beyond the Gates, we were called Beauty Behind the Gates, however Dylan’s dad suggested to use Beyond instead of behind. The guys always think of Toy Story… to Infinity and beyond. V11: What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences? BBTG: we are a versatile metal. Speed, screamo, metalcore and I guess you can add Pop in there too. Our major influences, we have to say Escape the Fate, Underoath and Metallica V11: When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together? Is there any more well known bands would you compare yourself to sound wise? BBTG: We formed in May 2010. We do not try to compare ourselves to anyone, but if we were, we would have to say Escape the Fate and Metallica. Some old Metal mixed with modern Metal V11: What’s the name of your band? What’s the origin of that name? Have you changed the band’s name before? TPV:We’re The Prima Vista! We just thought it sounded good. We were originally called Cerulean City, but it turns out some jazz band from the states was already using that name V11: What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences? TPV: It’s really hard to put a label on it. I’d just say we’re “Alternative” because it’s a good umbrella term. As for the influences, 80’s and 90’s bands like Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine, Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, Placebo, I guess musicians who weren’t afraid to experiment have all been pretty influential on us. V11: Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time? TPV: Songwriting is always a collaborative effort; we all do our part to contribute to the songs. There really aren’t any topics in our songs, for the most part the lyrics don’t have any specific meaning, and we just use words that sound good.

To view entire interviews as well as other features, please visit www.volume11magazine.com

Fred Penner To say that Fred Penner is a Canadian icon is an understatement. If you grew up in Canada, chances are that Fred had some impact on your childhood, whether through his great songs or his CBC kids’ show, Fred Penner’s Place, which aired throughout the 80s and 90s. Even after a 40 year career, Fred Penner is still going strong, making regular appearances at concerts and festivals throughout the year for audiences inclusive of children and adults alike. In 2011, he will be making his Canadian Music Week debut at the Drake Hotel on March 12th. It was an honour to interview one of my childhood heroes.-Scott Kendall V11: How does it feel to be an important part of the childhood of an entire (or maybe multiple) generation(s) of Canadians? FP: I am honoured to be a part of the lives of so many. Children learn by observing and imitating, they are sponges and I think that the connection with my music, through CDs and TV at a critical time of their development, is the foundation of our relationship. I believe deeply in the power of music to make a difference in the life of a child, and at this point in my career I am seeing the proof of the philosophy. During a recent Mall Tour in Edmonton, I was singing to the full range of humanity, babies to teenagers to seniors and a beautiful wave of parents who were the ‘first generation’, rediscovering Fred with their children. The sensation is hard to describe, but it definitely keeps me smiling. V11: How long do you think you’ll carry on touring and making new music? FP: Until I drop. I love what I do. I made the decision to pursue a performing career 40 years ago. I can’t believe that it is still nurturing me and the audience. As long as I stay healthy and creative and feel the ‘vibe’ from the audience, there’s no reason to stop. V11: Are you looking forward to playing at CMW? Have you

played at it before?

in the retail market. Musicians now have to bring computer FP: Canadian Music Week is savvy to the table and play the going to be incredible. I have ‘quest for popularity’ game that not played it before, and I am way. There’s good news and bad delighted that Paquin Entertain- news...the good news is that it ment asked me to present at the is relatively inexpensive to reDrake Hotel on March 12th. I will cord your material and get it out be joined by two of my daughters there; the bad news is that it is who live in Toronto as well as my too easy to record your material Winnipeg side man Paul O’Neill and get it out there. Not everyand a couple of surprise iconic thing you write is ready for pubCanadian musicians as well. lic consumption, I sometimes feel Come and check it out. that artists should spend more time in the editing process. Being a musician is a profession and it takes years to develop the skills, it doesn’t happen overnight, contrary to the viral videos we see.

“

I love what I do. I made the decision to pursue a performing career 40 years ago.

”

V11: What are your opinions on the music industry nowadays and where it’s going?

FP: I am pleased that the major record labels are having to really work for their money now. I know a lot of musicians who were taken for a ride on the corporate train, so in a way there’s a little payback now. The retail distribution channel is in constant turmoil because of the ease of downloading product from the net. You don’t have to go to a store to buy a CD, and usually only the most popular artists get some decent visibility

V11: Finally, are you happy with what you’ve achieved in your career? FP: I am extremely happy with what I have achieved in my career. I do have to give my wife Odette credit for setting me on the right path. She was inspired to start a childrens dance theatre company in Winnipeg in late 70’s. She choreographed pieces for the young audience and I wrote the music. This was the springboard for the the first album The Cat Came back in 1979, which was picked by Raffi’s company and led to a 5 year relationship there. The rest is history. I am overwhelmed with how this is turning out. I never knew where this would go in the beginning, I followed this path because it felt right and I guess this was an accurate sensation.

By Dirk McMillan

DIRTY RADIO

irty Radio (aka. Farshad Edalat) is a singer/songwriter/producer and multi-instrumentalist based out of Vancouver, Canada. He has been on the rise in Canada, working and collaborating with artists such as Kay, Chin Injeti, Sherry St. Germain, and remixed for K-OS. Dirty Radio recently celebrated after becoming the 2011 regional winner in Astral Media’s Radiostar National Songwriting Competition. With a combination of catchy lyrics, a fast beat, and a killer baseline, Dirty Radio is sure to get anyone up and dancing.

Where do you draw your influences? All aspects of my daily life to be honest… studio jams, relationships, movies, video games, blogs… even food! Inspiration is all around me… Who are your idols? I’ve had a lot of different idols throughout my life. As a child, I greatly looked up to Michael Jackson, Bruce Lee, and the Ninja Turtles. As a teen, my idols were really diverse: Jimmy Hendrix, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Led Zeppelin, Sade, Craig David, Tom Petty, the Eagles, George Michael, Shy. More recently, it’s been more producer/hit-makers: Kanye, Dr. Luke, Will.I.Am, Pharell. What are some of your ups and downs that you have experienced in the music industry getting to where you are today? To start, one major down: as an independent artist, the toughest part has been balancing everyday life with work in the studio. I try to spend as much time as possible working on my craft and getting my music out to as many people possible; it’s stressful when daily life interferes with that. On the flip side, when I see the results from the hard work I’ve put in, it’s very rewarding. I have a solid team that I work with everyday, who I write, produce and plan everything with. When we get to release new material and perform and connect with others, it makes it all worth it! Do you write all of your own material? Yes I do, although the majority of time I’m writing, I’m with my production team “SEX-ED”. We co-founded our team 4 years ago now and I’m lucky to be surrounded with my guys, some of the most talented individuals I know. We’ve all been musicians for most of our lives and work really well together. Have you collaborated with other artists on your album? And if so, whom and what were they like to work with? Yes, my first single “My <3” was written and produced with the incredible Sherry St Germain; she’s the craziest little ball of fire you’ll ever meet in your life! I have not met anyone as talented and as versatile as her—she’s the kind of person that if you locked her in a room with just a paper clip, could make music with that paper clip! I also had another producer by the name of Konrad do a track with me called Ready To Go—another dope collab!

What are your views on CanCon (Canadian Content) in Canada? First off, I’m really proud of a lot of the achievements Canadian artists have made in recent years! We’ve got some of the biggest names in the business right now: Drake, Arcade Fire, DeadMau5 to name a few. There’s some really solid international CanCon out there, and on top of that I’m also really excited about a lot of music brewing in my local scene. CanCon requirements on radio also mean we have a better shot at getting heard than in some other markets, so I’m thankful for that. However, having said that, on radio you often hear a sound that’s super recognizable to me as being “Canadian”, and not in a good way—it seems to be really prevalent in pop music especially. As a producer, I strive to create records that sound international. What are your thoughts on the music industry today? I think it’s a total cluster-f**k of creativity and panic to be honest.With people not buying records like they used to, artists and record companies are running around like mad trying to figure out ways to “get that money”. The artist nowadays has to work hard to connect with fans directly, keeping on top of all social media tools and giving people reasons to keep coming back for more and more! This often means getting out there playing mad shows and grinding. I’m actually quite optimistic about the industry though, because a lot of cool new product is being discovered. For me personally, I’m working harder than ever, practicing and getting my chops up! I want to make music that is timeless and is worth people’s hard earned cash!

If you had the chance to work with any artist today (alive or dead) who would it be? Of course I would have loved to one day work with MJ; I think that would have been my all time dream! I would have also loved to work with Freddy Mercury from “Queen”—I think he was an amazing performer. As for peeps I’d like to work with now, I would say “The original skateboard P, Pharell” because he really changed music in a sense, not just musically but the face of it, with his fashion, his demeanor, his attitude and work ethic! Timbaland would be another obvious one. I’ve always loved Timothy’s beats and production! Also, Danga hands, Polo da don, Outkast and Organized Noise, Kanye, Jay-Z, Lil’ Wayne, and Drake. With all this Bieber fever, I think it’d even be cool to do a song with or produce a track for Justin Bieber—he’s a really talented kid! What music did you listen to growing up and how does it differ to what you listen to now? I listened to a lot of MJ, Stevie wonder and Prince which totally influenced a lot of my singing! Since I am also a drummer, I grew up playing and listening to a lot of jazz. Jazz makes me happy and calm. Recently I’ve been listening to a lot of electronic music—lots of house and some insane Dub tracks by this wicked producer/DJ, Skrillex! He’s nuts! Where do you see yourself five years from now? I’d like to be on my 4th record, touring the world and playing sold out shows! A few number ones on the chart as an artist and producer wouldn’t hurt either! I also see myself having my own clothing line ‘cause I love clothes—I think fashion and music go hand-inhand. I want to change music and be a trendsetter!

Be sure to download Dirty Radio’s new album titled, ‘Debut’, which is available on iTunes and Bandcamp. Also join his YouTube channel and follow him on Twitter (@dirtyradiomusic).

Kori Kameda Visits The Crooked Uncle

By: Jesse Letford

ave you ever had the pleasure of developing an addiction to a new artist or band? That was what happened to me at The Crooked Uncle in Oshawa on February 3. Aside from being almost positive that I found a real-life crooked uncle in the form on a distinguished gentleman at the bar, I also got the pleasure of witnessing Kori Kameda’s acoustic set in the intimate bar space of exposed brick and happy regulars who were enjoying the music just as much as I was. At first glance, Kori appeared as a beardy, plaid, folk type. However, once he started playing, I was pleasantly surprised at the blues, country, and obvious rock influences worked into his unique sound. Other than amazing vocals, Kori’s talent for the guitar kept the entire audience intently listening to his own wide catalogue of songs, as well as covers. He added his own flare to Incubus, Filter, and even Stevie Wonder. Hailing from Dryden, Ontario, Kori moved to Manitoba for four years to focus more on his music career. He then decided to start over and moved to Whitby nearly year ago. Playing in bars since he was 16, Kori has seen considerable success for someone who makes their living solely off of their music. He sold his first batch of 1,000 CDs with a “pay-what-you-want” mindset, getting as much as $40 per CD in some cases. When it comes to Kori’s influences, he made sure I mentioned Tool. Matthew Good, Dave Matthews Band, and Incubus are among his other influences, but instead of trying to sound like them, he strives to be unique. When asked what advice he had for striving musicians, he said, “There is no making it, just keep it going.” Musician or not, I think that’s a piece of advice we could all learn from.

If you want to hear more from Kori, visit www.myspace.com/korikamedamusic

SECOND SPIN: The Field Mice By: Brian Willett

efore Belle & Sebastian had graced the music industry with their take on twee and indie pop, a group from the U.K. called The Field Mice were already creating the same type of lovelorn music. It was gentle, sublime, innocent music constructed with simple melancholy lyrics and melodic jangling guitars. Originally formed in the late 80’s and led by Robert Wratten, the group would have a short career that revolved around releasing mostly singles for the indie pop label Sarah. Though they never achieved any real commercial success, they felt the uncanny rewards of a dedicated, rabid, cult-like following that adored their “heart-on-sleeve” indie styles. There was certainly nothing rock and roll about The Field Mice, but it was because of their fragile innocent perspective take on indie music during the late 80’s and early 90’s that they were able to garner some critical praise. It was a short lived group, for, by 1991 the band broke-up following onstage altercation. Perhaps the weight of being seen as such as sensitive group was too much to take, however, this does not mean it was the end for all who participated in the band considering Robert Wratten would go on and form another equally lovesick group similar to The Field Mice called Trembling Blue Stars. For those seeking out the innocent sounds of The Field Mice, one should check out Where’d You Learn To Kiss That Way? and consider the genius within the music.

Album Reviews: Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday Reviewed by: Tashana Billey

The long anticipated release of Young Money’s self-proclaimed Barbie was greeted with as much attention as the hype surrounding it predicted. Just like her Canadian label mate, Drake, Nicki Minaj created quite a buzz last year. Her debut album Pink Friday provides a nice selection of hip-hop, R&B, and pop tunes. She challenges the critics with anthems such as “Check it Out”, “I’m the Best”, and “Fly”, and shows her sensitive, feminine side in “Your Love” and “Right Thru Me”. Duets can be found throughout, with guest appearances from the likes of Drake, Natasha Bedingfield, and Kayne West, to name a few. Nicki is no stranger to criticism, though it is undeniable that her antics captivate fans and critics alike. She has proven herself to be a real life doll, and Pink Friday is the first page in her fairy tale.

Marvelous Darlings - Teenage Targets Reviewed by: Mike Simpson Marvelous Darlings could very well be one of the strongest power pop bands currently on the music scene. They may not dress the part (has the era of skinny jeans, teased hair and striped shirts ended?) and rarely does anyone know if they’re still active (while they continue to release records, they never play live), but this does not hinder their creative outlets whatsoever. The single up for was slated to be released nearly 3 years ago but due to lack of funding from not one, but three record labels, it hasn’t seen the light of day until just a few months ago. It goes without saying that despite that set back, this is arguably their best release. Some have compared the title track “Teenage Targets” to early era Replacements mixed with the Exploding Hearts, and with these catchy hooks, the influence is undeniable. This is the kind of record that collectors will be paying big bucks for in the next 20 years. If you happen to come across a copy, do your ears a favour and pick it up. You won’t regret it.

Avery Island

One To Look Out For In 2011! By: Shawna Hunt

very Island, formed only a year ago, got their name from Neutral Milk Hotel’s first album “On Avery Island”. They have been influenced by many genres, including 90’s grunge and hip-hop. Jordan, Brandon, Lauren and Kyle are the proud members of Avery Island. These four talented individuals have put much heart and dedication into their music over the past year as a band. They have played numerous shows and also made an appearance at the Toronto Independent Music Awards, finishing second out of over 100 talented bands and artists. This may just be what landed them a spot in Canadian Music Week 2011! Avery Island’s music conveys an artistic, creative image that is clean, fun, and easily appropriate to be listened to by everyone. Although Brandon and Lauren are related, they find it easy to work together in the band; even connecting without realizing it. To come up with a hit, Brandon and Lauren collaborate in a joint effort to write the majority of the music and lyrics. They bring their masterpieces to the rest of the band to re-vamp them. They tend to speak lyrically about their life experiences, movies, and media; easily relating to their fans.

After their CMW appearance, they plan to play more venues in Toronto to expand their fan base. Their fans are the ones that inspire them to get up on stage and perform. Music is the only thing that they want to do in life and being able to share it with their fans makes it even more special. They hope to be able to make ends meet with their music and, much like any artist, hope to rely on their music as a career. This to them would be success, along with knowing that they have created music that speaks to their audience. Getting a spot at CMW is a piece of that success that will lead to new doors for Avery Island. Music means the world to them; it’s their favorite passion and a unique way to bring people together. They love meeting people who have been inspired by their music because “when you meet the people you have reached out to its inspiring”. Their “melodic, erotic and funktastic” music is available to be heard on Youtube, Myspace, and soon on their demo. They have been recently recording so be sure to check them out!

Justin Nozuka By: Katrina Araujo

oronto’s own Justin Nozuka is no stranger to the Canadian music scene. With two successful albums under his belt, he’s got a third in the works. With a JRN award to his name, and a Juno nomination for best adult album of the year, it’s not hard to tell that his star has just begun to rise. As an artist in an industry that, undeniably, only has room for the crème-de-lacrème, Justin was pleased to give Volume 11 an exclusive insight to his experiences thus far. V11: Looking back, what was your biggest struggle when you first started your career? JN: Knowing what to do. In the beginning I just didn’t really know what to do, there were actually a few things, a few different obstacles; one was that I was trying to figure out what path to go down, and I was doing a lot of R&B at a young age, [...] eventually, I made a decision, which was kind of scary, to pursue my own music, so that was kind of an obstacle. Another obstacle was knowing what to do with labels, because when I first started out playing my own music with songs I had written, I was being approached by some Canadian labels and they were asking me to sign deals and I wasn’t really sure what to do. In the beginning, I was really excited about that, but, eventually, I realised that wasn’t the best move, so I had to make some decisions whereas to say that I’m not going to sign any deals, you know? V11: It must’ve been tough. How did you figure out what to do and overcome these struggles? JN: Well, I had good people around me who gave me wonderful advice, and everything just seemed to open up and turned out wonderfully from one to the next. V11: For sure. What advice would you give someone who is looking to get into the music indus? JN: I would say; first, get in tune with your heart, get in touch with your heart and then I think it’ll be clear what feels right and what feels wrong and then just immerse yourself in music. Listen to wonderful artists from the past that are very successful not just musically but career wise. How they’ve set it up and just kind of listen to their music and just digest everything, and watch wonderful documentaries of these artists, and just acknowledge that anything is possible in this world. And then continue to cultivate all these wonderful gifts that we have in this life from these different artists in different forms of art and teachers, and then just continue to focus on this vision, fine tune the vision and then just go out and pursue it.

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