By Kristina, on July 6th, 2010
 After a whole lot of hoping and a whole lot of rocking out to her album, I finally had the opportunity to have a conversation with Canadian singer-songwriter Serena Ryder. An avid disbeliever in solid truths, Serena is a very philosophical and honest artist who acknowledges and accepts change and difference along every step of her journey. My favorite thing about her is that she’s not afraid to sing it like it is. If you’ve listened to her latest album, Is It o.k, then you know exactly what I mean.
I caught up with Serena on a lovely June day on which both of our portions of the sky were overcasted even though we were in different countries and on opposite coasts. You probably don’t know this but, on gray days like this one, Serena loves to cook big breakfasts (she also home-makes tamari almonds!) and enjoy them with the company of a friend. For Serena, days like this don’t happen too often – especially now that she has been spending the majority of her days touring with artists like Howie Day and The Barenaked Ladies – but that’s okay with her because she’s learning how to feel at home while she’s on tour for several months out of the year. “I find that it’s a lot easier if you try and find your home inside of yourself,” she explains, “which has a lot to do with staying healthy.”
Just after she says this, she’s careful to explain that the idea of being healthy is one of those ever-changing liquid truths that she’s continuously recognizing. “It’s about definitions and what you define to be true for you. Sometimes drinking is good for certain people. Sometimes eating cheese pizza is really good for somebody. It just depends on what you think about it.”
At the end of July, Serena will be playing a few shows on the east coast with several other brilliant female artists for Lilith Fair before hitting the road with Ray LaMontagne and David Gray in August. . . . → Read More: Finding Wisdom in Words: Serena Ryder is Meant To Be Heard
By Kristina, on June 17th, 2010
 Named after a phrase from Shakespeare’s prologue in Romeo and Juliet, Two Hours Traffic is a Canadian band that was founded ten years ago by lead singer Liam Corcoran and guitarist Alec O’Hanley. Leading up to the recording of their first full-length record, Liam and Alec were joined by Andrew MacDonald (bass) and Derek Ellis (drums) in 2003. . . . → Read More: They Like The Beat: Indie Rock Band Two Hours Traffic
By Kristina, on June 7th, 2010
 You know those wonderful days that you have every now and then? The days that you get to spend sipping on a fresh cup of coffee and relaxing with your favorite songs playing in the background? Well, I have one of those days every time that I turn on Mikey Wax’s music. His full-length debut, Change Again, is a beautiful mix of songs that capture Mikey’s talent for writing beautiful lyrics about the trials and tribulations that come along with love, change and then the eventual lightness that comes with finding hope at the end of it all. . . . → Read More: Mikey Wax Makes Music For Your Everyday
By Kristina, on June 4th, 2010
 Talking to Angel Taylor is like talking to an old friend – she’s totally awesome and down-to-earth, so much so that one may not have a clue that she’s the up and coming singer-songwriter whose music is enchanting ears and capturing hearts across the country. You might’ve heard her single, “Like You Do,” on your favorite radio station or perhaps you’ve seen her video on a music channel that you fancy. If not, then today is bound to be a refreshing day for you! With smooth, thoughtful lyrics and beautiful guitar and piano driven melodies, Angel writes songs that are both insightful and delightful. Not too shabby for someone who has only been playing guitar for just over a year! . . . → Read More: Songs For a Great Summer: Angel Taylor’s Love Travels
By Kristina, on May 14th, 2010
 The American/Canadian Nozuka started penning the songs that would appear on his debut album when he was just 15 years old. Now 21, he released his second full-length album, You I Wind Land and Sea, produced by Bill Bell (Jason Mraz, Tom Cochrane) on April 13th. The album features twelve great songs including the single “My Heart is Yours” and my favorite song, “Heartless,” which was written after Justin’s brother, Christian Bridges, brought him a melody that he described as “magical.” . . . → Read More: Just Some Good Ol’ Brown Eyed Soul: Justin Nozuka’s You I Wind Land and Sea
By Kristina, on May 13th, 2010
Check it out, I found out what some of Jason’s favorite books, movies and albums are!
Favorite books:
“I’m always reading Jack Kerouac. I’ve got a huge stack of his books in the van right now. I’m reading one right now called Visions of Cody which is the extended and insane but brilliant version of On The Road. I’m pretty much obsessed with his writing.”
Films:
“One of my favorite movies is Amelie, it’s a French movie, you should definitely go see it. I also always love The Notebook because I’m madly in love with Rachel McAdams so it doesn’t ever hurt to watch that one.”
Albums:
Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan,
Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd… I think everyone should hear that record no matter what.
What must be noted right now is that everytime I answer this question it’ll probably come out differently because it’s almost impossible to choose three because there are so many incredible albums.
And also Blue by Joni Mitchell.
You can get into . . . → Read More: Jason Reeves’ Favs
By Kristina, on May 13th, 2010
 It’s the craziest thing, falling in love… It’s like you’re in a little bubble and no one in the world exists except you and your love. For the last couple of weeks I’ve been in a little love bubble with my Jason Reeves records. Everytime I spin his CD I feel like all of my troubles melt away and I think I finally figured out why… . . . → Read More: Jason Reeves For The Waiting
By Kristina, on April 23rd, 2010
 I might just be one of the luckiest people on the planet! Why? Because I got to interview Steven, Andrew and Richard of the band Civil Twilight on April 23rd. The South African trio has been on tour supporting the April 13th release of their latest self-titled album. The album is better than great and features the single “Letters From The Sky,” which was penned in studio by frontman Steven McKellar. . . . → Read More: They Were Made For This: Civil Twilight Talks Music, Lyrics and Life in South Africa
By Kristina, on August 9th, 2009
 Remember a few months ago when I talked vegemite with Dan Young of This Providence? Well, let me refresh your memory: I asked Dan whether or not he liked vegemite (he is Australian after all), and he said he loved it thanks to the wisdom of his cousin, Joel, who suggested that he put a thin layer on toast. Turns out, Joel is also the very talented lead singer of his own band, a brilliant Aussie group by the name of Detective Social. . . . → Read More: Australia’s Hidden Talent: Detective Social
By Kristina, on April 1st, 2009
 The optimism that Eric incorporates for himself into his music definitely shines through the album as it exudes a relaxed but fast-paced musical documentation of his world. If you’re looking for a new favorite song, you’ll find ten of them right here. Give him a listen and I won’t need to give you anymore reasons as to why you need this entire album in your collection! . . . → Read More: Sounds Like…Eric Hutchinson
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