Area Magazine Blog

The momentum is picking up for Canadian rock band Isle of Thieves. About a year ago, the band released their first full length album ‘Only Human’ which contains ten great songs of radio friendly rock. This month, the band will introduce new songs on an upcoming radio show “Live @ The Verge” on XM Satellite Radio.

Isle of Thieves consists of (from left to right) Mike Marsh (lead guitar), Justin Kwan (synths/vocals), Charles Canovas (bass), Matt Coatsworth (drums), and Japeth (vocals/guitar).

At the radio show Live @ the Verge, listeners will hear an insightful interview and live performances of ‘Hollywood,’ ‘Clinger,’ and ‘Rockstar,’ which are songs on the current album as well as new songs ‘Surrogate Lover’ and ‘Boys will be Boys.’

“We are working on new songs right now. We are trying to write about 20 songs and only 10 will be used on the new album,” Japeth says. The band plans to start recording in the summer of 2009.

Air time for the Isle of Thieves Live @ the Verge show will be on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at 6am and on Sunday, March 8, 2009, at 9am and 9pm EST.

Isle of Thieves will also perform during Canadian Music Week at Tattoo Rock Parlour on Wednesday, February 11, 2009, at 9:30pm.

For more details, check out: The Verge or http://www.myspace.com/isleofthieves.

March 2nd, 2009
Categories: Magazine, Music . Author: Melanie Schade . Comments: No Comments

Written by: Allison Greenbaum

You can’t take your I-pod ear buds out these days without hearing someone say “green”. It’s a good thing too, making smart choices about the things we buy is one of the best ways we can have a positive impact on the environment.  Most people have their heart in the right place, they want to eat organic and carry reusable shopping bags.  But sometimes figuring out what to do and where to go can be a challenge.  Luckily, Toronto has many areas of highly concentrated eco-friendly businesses that can make shopping a breeze and take a weight off your conscience.

Kensington Market is one of Toronto’s oldest, most multicultural stomping grounds. It’s a unique part of town filled with local retailers offering a multitude of green-friendly options. You will see your fare share of second hand clothing stores, fruit and vegetable vendors and vegetarian restaurants. Visit Essence of Life Organics (50 Kensington Ave.), Pure Intent (64 Oxford St.), Shai’s Café and Eatery (180 Baldwin St.), and Full Moon Vegetarian Restaurant (638 Dundas St. W.) for tasty vegetarian meals and positive ways to improve your health. Four streetcar lines provide direct access to Kensington- From the Bloor Subway: take the Spadina or Bathurst streetcar south. Get off at College or one or two stops further south. From Young/University Subway: take the College or Dundas streetcar west, getting off at Spadina or the next stop. From Union Station: take the Queen’s Quay/Spadina streetcar. Enjoy the ride along the lake, where it turns north on Spadina. Get off at Dundas or the next couple of stops.

The Annex is a hot spot among artists, students and families. You will find many local green businesses along Bloor St., between Bathurst and Spadina. Stores like Grassroots (408 Bloor St. W.), Organics on Bloor (468 Bloor St. W.), Seekers Books (509 Bloor St. W.) and Ten Thousand Villages (474 Bloor St. W.) will take care of all your needs in an eco-friendly way. Head out of the Bathurst St. subway station and head East.

Of course, there’s more to being eco-friendly than eating and shopping. Read on to get more tips and details to help you live sustainably.

TIPS TO CONSERVE ENERGY

A good place to start having less impact on the environment is by conserving energy. Steps you take to use less energy will save you money as well.
Turn off your computer and lights and unplug electronic devices when not in use. They continue to draw power from the outlet, called phantom power. This can be done easily using a power bar. Your computer will also last longer if regularly turned off. Purchase energy efficient products, including compact fluorescent light bulbs. You can insulate your home by wrapping your water heater in an insulation blanket and fixing air leaks with caulking and weather stripping. It’s also a good idea to install a programmable thermostat in your home. They automatically adjust your temperature settings, allowing you to save energy while you’re away or sleeping. Drive less — walk, bike, rollerblade, use public transit and carpool with friends and co-workers. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has an amazing info line. Call (416) 393-4636 to have an operator tell you the best route and times to leave for your journey.

YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

Many daily activities contribute to climate change by producing carbon dioxide (CO2). Whenever someone flies, drives, or heats and cools a home, harmful emissions are produced and released into our atmosphere. The total amount of greenhouse gases you produce is called your carbon footprint. You can measure your household and office greenhouse gas emission by using an online Emissions Calculator at CarbonZero.ca. Adjusting your thermostat up 2 degrees in the summer and down 2 degrees in the winter; turning your water heater to 120 degrees; vacationing close to home; planting trees; investing in a fuel efficient car, and keeping your tires properly inflated are all actions you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. You can also purchase ‘offsets’ through reputable companies and non-profit organizations. They will use your money to research and implement renewable energy solutions that will neutralize your greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the need for toxic fossil fuels.

TIPS TO CONSERVE WATER

Water is a precious resource that many of us take for granted because of its abundance. It must be conserved and protected for the sake of our future. Toilets are the largest water consumer in your house. If you cut down the amount of water needed for each flushing by installing a low-flow toilet dam, you can reduce your water use by 20%. Washing machines are the second largest water consumer. Consider purchasing a high efficiency, front-loading washer. These use 40% less water and 60% less energy than conventional washers. The City of Toronto is offering $60 to $75 rebates for water efficient toilets and high efficiency washing machines. Call (416) 392-7000 or email savewater@toronto.ca for an application form. When washing clothes or dishes, it’s most efficient to use full loads, cold water and powder detergents. Laundry liquids contain 70% to 80% water, and cold water will utilize the lowest amount of energy.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BUYING LOCAL

By supporting independent businesses, locally based manufacturers and producers of locally grown food, you will help build a strong community and contribute to a healthy environment. Buying local goods keeps money circulating in your community. Local business people pay taxes and spend their profits locally, yielding 2 to 4 times the economic benefit to local residents compared with non-local businesses where money is sent outside of the region. Independent businesses are more accountable to our communities. They ensure the unique character of a neighborhood, are more likely to support local charities and provide meaningful job opportunities. Local food doesn’t have to travel far. This reduces packing materials, carbon dioxide emissions and consumption of oil needed to ship goods far away. Locally grown fruits and vegetables are sold within 24 to 48 hours after being harvested. Alternatively, fruits and vegetables shipped in from distant countries can take 1 to 2 weeks before they arrive in the supermarket. They are treated with preservative grown with pesticides in order to increase their shelf life. As a result, they are less fresh and contain fewer nutrients than locally grown produce.

The power to lessen our environmental impact is within each of us. The products we buy every day have an enormous impact on our planet. When large numbers of consumers buy green products the market responds with greater variety, more innovation and lower prices.

So, whether you want to do your laundry with water heated by the sun, or pick up the latest in vintage styles, the Earth is thanking you for doing your part.  There’s no way “green” is a trend or fad, we are surfing a huge wave of upheaval that effects every area of our lives.  Thank goodness Toronto is responding with so many businesses that provide responsible choices for smart people like you.

For more information check out The Little Green Book of Big Savings. This is Toronto’s guide and coupon book for green living- filled with practical tips, resources and coupons worth over $4,000 in savings from locally owned restaurants, stores and service providers. www.TheLittleGreenBook.ca

November 26th, 2008
Categories: Magazine . Author: Rodolfo Novak . Comments: No Comments

Tokyo Police Club cheerfully presented a private show consisting of 21 of their post-punk songs to a full house at Toronto’s MOD Club on November 09, 2008. The secret show, organized by local radio station Edge 102.1 and sponsored by Jack Daniel’s, was wildly successful and as much fun for the band as it was for the crowd.

Right from the start, the four band members fronted by lead singer and bassist Dave Monks captured the audience with the candid joyfulness in which they delivered their songs. The set started with “In a Cave” and “Graves” from the band’s current album “Elephant Shell,” this was followed by “Box” from the 2007 EP “Smith.” During the set Tokyo Police Club kept playing songs from the current album and earlier releases.

Tokyo Police Club just finished touring with Weezer, which Dave had good things to say about on stage. Guitarist Josh Hook, keyboarder and vocalist Graham Wright and drummer Greg Alsop, and Dave interacted cheerfully with the audience and with each other so that it was all in all a great show to watch and be part of.

Highlights of the show were when the band played hits like “Tessellate,” “Your English Is Good,” “Nature Of The Experiment,” or “Cheer It On” where the audience happily clapped and sang along. The show was definitely a treat, especially for those who recently saw Tokyo Police Club opening for Weezer in big venues and now were able to see them up close at this private and secret show at the MOD Club. For more photos, check out this link and for more info on Tokyo Police Club, check out http://tokyopoliceclub.com.

Photo: Melanie Schade

November 26th, 2008
Categories: Magazine, Music . Author: Melanie Schade . Comments: 2 Comments

On his tour through Canada and the U.S. last summer, singer / songwriter Ken Tizzard was in awe of the many places he visited and he now invites us to take part in his experience by sharing some of these moments on his current 14-song-album ‘Lost in Awe.’

Ken Tizzard is a renowned Canadian musician who was The Watchemen’s bass player for 12 years and Thornley’s for three years. After being a major label musician and touring the world for 15 years, Ken Tizzard decided to become a solo artist.

The first solo record Ken Tizzard released was ‘Quiet Storey House’ in 2006, “which was primarily six string bass and voice,” Ken says on the phone from his home East of Toronto. “I’ve been a bass player for a long time, I felt, I needed to get a bass record out of my system. And it seemed to be the right time to do it, transition time, in life and in music.”

This transition affected every aspect of his life. “I’ve been touring for more than a decade with bands. I’ve seen a lot of airports, hotels and restaurants. But when I started touring on my own and with my family, I started seeing stuff that I’ve never seen before.” Ken says. “It was not all about being in a band; it was about living a life and playing music.”

With his new record, Ken Tizzard underwent another transition. “This record here, there is no bass at all. It’s just guitar, harmonica, voice, and organ on a few tracks. So that’s totally different.”

In producing his new record, Ken Tizzard worked with John Whynot, who also produced his first record. The album was recorded in Toronto, in Blue Rodeo’s studio The Woodshed. Its interior was redone “with wood from an old barn that was torn down in Northern Ontario,” Ken says. The songs on ‘Lost in Awe’ have a folk sound and transmit a very intimate and honest feeling. For Ken Tizzard, the recording “captures exactly what I was looking for. It sounds like a guy sitting in a corner playing guitar.”

It seems there is no other sound more appropriate than this, considering how Ken Tizzard wrote this record: “I was looking at the photos, I started remembering bits and pieces of songs that I was writing in certain places,” Ken says. “And then it occurred to me how I’ve really written this entire record on the trip.” The album’s title entails an even broader meaning: “These things that take over your world and put you on a new direction and you just get lost in the awe,” Ken says. “And it can be something as simple as visiting a mountain range, struck by the beauty of nature. Or falling in love with someone, finding a new job, having children, totally alters the course of your life.”

Ken Tizzard has a photo contest on his web site with the same title ‘Lost in Awe.’ He invites people to send photos of situations where they were lost in awe. “The only criteria that I had were photos that kind of took you down that path where you got lost in awe. I’ve gotten pictures with people’s parents and children and beautiful scenery, all kinds of interesting things that people felt had an impact on their life or just a beautiful moment.”

During his tour, Ken Tizzard took some photos to show the listener his point of view in an original fashion. “The actual album cover is a picture of my feet. It is a neat way to show my perspective without putting my face in it.” The album includes a twelve-page booklet which contains a lot of photographs taken on his trip.

The album ‘Lost in Awe’ was released in May. For more information and to purchase CDs, check out http://www.kentizzard.com.

Photo by Roland Wilhem

November 2nd, 2008
Categories: Magazine, Music . Author: Melanie Schade . Comments: No Comments

Vesta Varro, one of last year’s winners of Indie Week Toronto, is a rock band from Limerick, Ireland. With their captivating performances during Indie Week and most recently during Canadian Music Week, they’ve left a lasting impression in the Toronto music scene. Soon they are going to come back for more.

Vesta Varro’s live performances are a real treat. It is not often that a band captivates whole venues in the way they do. With their music, that is equally heartfelt and intense, Vesta Varro creates soundscapes that draw people in and make them want to come up close to watch the performance. Impeccable musicianship combined with a contagious energy on stage guarantee a great live experience.

When you listen to Vesta Varro’s debut CD ‘Exit Here,’ you will encounter an album with ten outstanding and well produced songs. The producer is no other than Richard Rainey, who also produced fellow countrymen U2.

Vesta Varro’s music can also be heard on TV. The CBS show “Guiding Light” features four of their songs: ‘Reaching Out,’ ‘Pyramid Clocks,’ ‘Coming Back,’ and ‘Believe.’

“The buzz and reaction we got completely overwhelmed us,” bassist Rod Smith said in an interview on indieSolo.com about their 2007 debut performance in Toronto. Now, that they’ve been back for a second time, Rod Smith says: “One of the best things we’ve found with the Toronto music scene is how much other bands and musicians support each other. It is bands helping bands, and it creates a great atmosphere to be involved in.”

With only three visits to Toronto so far, the band has already noticed a growing fan base. Vesta Varro came back in May to play at the Roger’s Spring Festival, as well as other shows in Toronto, and will be back in October to perform once again at Indie Week Toronto 2008. To find out more about the band and gig schedule, visit http://www.myspace.com/vestavarro.

September 7th, 2008
Categories: Magazine, Music . Author: Melanie Schade . Comments: No Comments

If you want to go out and have fun seeing a live band, Hello Beautiful is who you should be looking for. This unique blend of rock and hip hop never fails to make the crowd dance, but be aware, there is way more to the songs than you might think at first glance. When you unwrap the upbeat packaging, you’ll find lyrics which deal with serious and important issues of our time.
Hello Beautiful is one of two last year’s Indie Week Toronto winners and is currently touring in support of their debut album ‘Soundtrack for Scenario.’ The band’s promotional tour includes many great live venues in Toronto, such as The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern, but they also brought their music to Breakfast Television in April. Currently, the video to ‘Virginia Symphony’ can be seen on MuchMusic.
In Hello Beautiful the lead vocals are shared between two band members. While Cole Martin sings the melodic parts, it’s Charlie Royal who is responsible for the hip hop portion of the band’s music. Charlie comments on the Toronto music scene: “It is very eclectic, the indie scene is very open to trying new things: new sounds, styles, etc. and in the band scene, there is a vibrant acceptance of innovative sound.”
With their innovative sound, Hello Beautiful takes a special place in Toronto’s independent music scene. “I think we bring a refreshing difference to what is normally heard, even within the surroundings of mixing hip hop and rock,” Charlie says. “We are actually very fortunate to have found a blend of things that create a unique sound, but are also entertaining at the same time.” And entertaining it is.
So, put on your dancing shoes and head over to http://www.myspace.com/hellobeautifulspace for concert listings and videos which take you behind the scenes of the life of Hello Beautiful.
Photo: Cory from Blindfive Music Syndicate

September 7th, 2008
Categories: Magazine, Music . Author: Melanie Schade . Comments: No Comments

“FSD, FSD,” was the chant that charged the electrified atmosphere in Toronto’s live venue Jeff Healey’s Roadhouse. 40 Sons and Daughters is what FSD stands for, and the noise was about the national finals of the Bodog battle of the bands.

While there was a blizzard outside, 40 Sons and Daughters put on a hurricane inside. The band’s explosive performance of hard, yet melodic alternative rock songs with powerful vocals, took not only the highly engaged audience, but also the judges by storm. “We have some of the craziest, most supportive fans I’ve seen for an underground band and they are a huge reason why we are here,” the appreciative lead singer Mike Repic says.

Alternative rock band 40 Sons and Daughters succeeded and were crowned the national winners of the Bodog battle of the bands. All together 900 bands across Canada signed up for this battle. 40 Sons and Daughters will proceed to Los Angeles this summer to be part of a reality TV show in which they are going to compete against world wide national winners for a $1 million recording contract. About winning, Mike Repic says “I didn’t quite believe it at first. They called our name and the whole place just erupted. Through the hysteria I couldn’t quite gather my thoughts to realize what had happened, it was very surreal.”

This is only one of the achievements, 40 Sons and Daughters made so far. In 2006, the band played Ozzfest, sharing the stage with bands like Ozzy Osbourne, System of a Down, Disturbed, and Atreyu; and they were named the Y108 and Rogers Spring Music Festival’s Breakout Band 2006.

40 Sons and Daughters have released two albums so far. The first album is titled ‘Paint the Sky’ and the current release ‘The Monster’s Face.’ For more information and to find out when 40 Sons and Daughters are playing in Toronto, visit http://www.myspace.com/40snd.

September 7th, 2008
Categories: Magazine, Music . Author: Melanie Schade . Comments: No Comments

If you’re always ahead of the game and want to know what’s in store for Spring 2008, Toronto’s L’Oreal Fashion week is definitely the place to find it. This year’s event will be showcasing designers like Ryerson’s own Joeffer Caoc, as well as Canadian designers Stephen Trigueros, David Dixon, Ula Zukowska and many more.
Area Magazine headed to the L’Oreal Fashion tent at Nathan Phillips Square to check out the scene. Inside, the crowded space was filled with designers, media, and the trendiest fashion followers. With a full house, and a flashy runway, who would expect anything less as Toronto supports our growing fashion industry.
Want to catch a runway show? This is the first year L’Oreal Fashion Week is opening the doors to the public. For $50.00 you can purchase a half-day pass, or for $20.00 you can take in a runway fashion show. (Tickets and seating are limited) Visit www.lorealfashionweek.ca for more details.
The event is just heating up. Fashion week continues until Saturday, October 27 with busy days and gala nights.
Those of you who are eco-friendly, Fashion Takes Action is a green event that will be held on Friday October 26 from 6-10pm. Using energy saving lights, all natural hair and makeup, organic food and beer and shuttle bus services, this is the event that anyone can support. Ten designers will use pesticide free, low impact dyed and biodegradable fabrics, and proceeds go towards Environmental Defence. To purchase tickets, visit www.fashiontakesaction.com

October 25th, 2007
Categories: Magazine . Author: mcristina . Comments: No Comments

Jeff Bryant and Zachary Stevenson of the folk-funk band The Human Statues have been “takin’ it to the streets” for several years and they are serious about having a good time. Many recognize them from Toronto’s lively streets where they busk on a regular basis but their gigs are gaining some heavy momentum. Their purpose, as they state it, is “jubilation, man. Jubilation.” The positive vibe soaks in when listening to their debut album titled, Sweet Sorrow for the Happily Departed.

The phrase, “get on the bus” (coined by the artists) speaks to those encouraging a sense of community or equality. I was fortunate to share some time with Jeff Bryant and he explained that regardless of where your interpretive-bus is heading, one should take the leap and remember that, as he put it, “if it were easy, everyone would be doing it.”… more>>

Book your calendar!

Confirm the date: The Human Statues Play Clinton’s Tavern Thursday, October 18th which is located on the SW corner of Clinton and Bloor St. The show begins at 9pm.

See you there!

Read more…

October 15th, 2007
Categories: Entertainment, Magazine, Music . Author: Christina Spencer . Comments: No Comments

Toronto based band Fancy Girls Market took over the stage at the MOD Club last night to give a fun performance presenting their catchy songs which effortlessly cross genres of rock, punk and pop. Lead singer Keith Burkett’s performance was very energetic and he utilized his voice well. Guitarist Justin Jun steered through the melodies with altering between melodic and heavy riffs. The rhythm section was great with Mikey Stecky-Efantis on the bass and Izador Centeno on the drums who did not only stood out through his precise drumming, but also through his extravagant taste in clothing. He showed the audience how to wear only underwear with style by adding a bow tie to his look.
It’s been a very good year for Fancy Girls Market so far. The band was recently featured as band of the day on indieSolo.com; and just last Thursday, Fancy Girls Market were awarded Best Young Songwriters at the Toronto Independent Music Awards. Watch out for these fancy boys and make sure you’ll let them rock your world next time they are around.

October 7th, 2007
Categories: Magazine, Music . Author: Melanie Schade . Comments: 1 Comment