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Illvis Freshly - Cheap Champagne

It has been awhile since I posted here! Illvis Freshly have a new video out for their track “Cheap Champagne” so I thought I would share it here. The tune is catchy and features Kosmic Kitty on the vocals!  

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The Vinyl Breakdown

In March of 2006, I went to Hush Nightclub in Victoria, BC for the first time.  Sadly that club no longer exists but it was the beginning of a wonderful time in my life. I had already been listening to electronic music a bit because my dad liked it. I honestly did not understand what it was until I became part of the Vancouver Island electronic music scene.

That fateful night was my first encounter with Xavier Walker. I did not know it then but he would become one of my favourite DJs, photographers, and just all around awesome person in general.  It is safe to say that Xavier is one of the reasons that I love breakbeats. When I first entered the dance music scene, breakbeats were still popular.  There were a few DJs playing breaks at the time and it quickly became one of my favourite subgenres.

I have witnessed Xavier DJ several times over the last ten years and what I can tell you is that from the first time to the last time, he has this brilliant energy that flows out to dance floor. If that sounds cheesy, I am not sorry. These days, it is not as common to hear breakbeats on the dance floor or in mixes. These days you will often hear Xavier playing other genres but mostly house music. I love house music too but breakbeats will always have the most special place in my heart. So I was excited when Xavier called me just to tell me that he was working on an all vinyl mix that would consist of breaks. I am listening to the mix right now and so far, so good. I am not going to write a typical review on this mix because I know it will be good. I know that I love breaks and I know that Xavier makes quality mixes. So just sit back and turn up the speakers and enjoy some fucking amazing breakbeats.

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A.V.I.D (A Very Important Date) Pt. 1

A good friend is throwing an awesome show for his 15 year promoter anniversary party. Check out the event 

I thought I would share some of my favourite tunes/mixes and such from some of the people performing that night! It makes sense to start of the man throwing the show,  Mykee! This is a mix that he put together years ago but it still makes its way into my speaker from time to time. Mykee knows how to keep people dancing.

Next up is Illvis Freshly. These guys are my favourite newer group on Vancouver Island right now. They recently put up their new album for free streaming on Soundcloud. If you like hop hop that has funky beats, then this is the act for you! I am a sucker for well versed raps and this release is stacked with them.

I am also jealous of them because the clearly own a time machine that they used to go back to the 90s’ to film this music video:

Next up is Missy Chrissy, a talented make up artist who will be available to help you finish up your looks for the night! She has a youtube channel jam packed with tutorials. 

Now for Xavier who doubles as a DJ and photographer. Over the years I have watched his photography reach new levels and Xavier is constantly improving his skills. You can look at his photography here

When it comes to DJing, Xavier has super fucking insane energy. Yes, using profanity really is the only way to explain it correctly. I have an so much love for disco house and breakbeats and it happens that Xavier does too. I can never stop smiling when I hear Xavier DJ

One of my favourite mixes at the moment is Turn on the Lights by Jennay Badger. This lady mixed together r&b mixes with sexy house music. How can you not love it? 

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To those who have cut me down

You focus on what you deem to be imperfections While the smoke of your hate clouds your reflections Whispering words like stupid, ugly, freak, hideous I used to wonder how people were so invidious While I strive for truth and higher intelligence You sit behind keyboards trying to stay relevant Words hurt less than they used to Once I realised I have nothing to prove to you

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The Symphony Tree Fear of Green EP

It has been awhile again. I finally finished my first year of school. I thought it might be about time that I start to share some music again. I will be honest in saying I completely lost my motivation for this blog but I am working on getting it back again. . 

It is time to share the new EP “Fear of Green” by The Symphony Tree It is folk rock with psychadelic influences with catchy guitar riffs. Nick Paisley's melancholic vocals in "To Alaska' might make you sad because the Symphony Tree sure knows how to evoke a response. Don't worry though, the net tune "For All Time" has more uplifting sounds that might make you want to do a little dance! My favourite track on the EP is "Bluebird" featuring the sultry vocals of Gabrielle Paisley.

Fear of Green EP by The Symphony Tree

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Childhood Trauma and Health

This is an interesting video on how childhood trauma can affect a person's health later in life.

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Sirreal - Words Like Weapons Feat. Jona Kristinsson

Another quality tune from Sirreal. Words Like Weapons features the vocals of Jona Kristensson. Sirreal has a way to evoke memories through his words so this tune will hit home for many listeners. I had to listen to Words Like Weapons twice in a row because is resonated with my past.

<a href="http://sirreal3.bandcamp.com/track/words-like-weapons-feat-jona-kristinsson" data-mce-href="http://sirreal3.bandcamp.com/track/words-like-weapons-feat-jona-kristinsson">Words Like Weapons Feat. Jona Kristinsson by Sirreal</a>

My elementary and high school years were tough. Elementary was harder as I had to switch schools 7 times. The last school I went to was in an area where most kids were more than well off. I had a few friends and that was only because one girl stood up for me and insisted people give me a chance. I was in grade 7 and it was only one year after my mom had passed away. It was also just after I broke my leg for the fourth time. That year I had the surgery that removed the cyst and stopped the issues I was having with my leg. It was great I was able to have the surgery but because of that and missing a lot of school I  ended up being held back a year. So now I was the kid that was held back a year. I was now down to two friends. One day, one of them came up to me and said "we are not your friends anymore" When I asked why she said "because no one likes you" 

I spent the rest of the year alone. I had friends outside of school but it was still hard to go everyday and have no one stand by me. 

High school was better for the most part. I spent most of my time at one school and in general a lot of the kids there did not tolerate bullying. In the group I had originally hung out with - my supposed friends, there were a few who ended up being mean to me for no reason. A couple of them decided they didn't like me so the others had to be sheep and follow. I was alone for a good chunk of grade ten but ended up figuring out who my real friends were and just spent time with them. 

A lot of the words said to me will stick with me forever but they cannot hold me back anymore. I don't keep people around that treat me like shit and know who my true friends are. I have been bullied as an adult but I have amazing friends who stick up for me. It is easy to get caught up in the words other people say but in the end you have to realise that they don't love themselves. I won't tell you to just ignore the words people say because I know it isn't that simple. I will say that there will always be people out there that love you for who you are. There is always a reason to push on. The bullies may use their "words like weapons" but your wounds can heal over time. Thinking about those girls in grade 7 that told me no one likes me still hurts sometimes but it does not rule my life. It only hurts for a moment because I realise that NOW I have many friends who love me and care about me. 

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Jennay Badger - Turn On the Lights (A R&B love Mixtape)

Remember all those smooth and sexy R&B tunes you loved in the 90s? How about the newer lovey tracks that are out now? Here is a short but sweet mix by Jenny Badger to set the mood. I am in love with the first track. The cold season is here and this the perfect mix to get under the blankets and cuddle to. If you don't have a cuddle buddy get a hot drink and relax and listen!

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What Have I Been Up To?

In September of this year I started my educational journey after a 10 year hiatus. I thought I wanted to take Creative Writing. I ended up being accepted into a 2 year social work program and decided to go for it. I am happy I did! It turns out this is something I am passionate about. I want to be able to help people and possibly make a change in the world and that goes beyond taking writing in school. 

I am just as passionate about social work as I am about writing. I am learning a lot and can see how passionate my classmates are as well. I went through a hard time trying to decide to go for this program or go for the writing program. I even did pick creative writing at first but now I know that would have been a mistake. So far I have realised that social work will align better with what I want to contribute the world.

Being in school and writing essays made me realise how much I miss this blog. So I am going to start writing again. I am going to write about more than just music and art. 

I am sorry for being flaky at times and for losing my motivation but it happens to best of us.

Thank you to everyone who has stuck by me. This will be a new start and i look forward to bringing back quality content for everyone!

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WOAH!

I have not posted anything on my blog in a long time. I will fully admit I became discouraged, unmotivated, and lacked inspiration. I want to start updating again but it won't just be about music anymore. I was accepted into  Social Services program and have been loving it so far. There are all sorts of things I will want to talk about. 

First of all, something that made me stop writing here is I felt like I did not attract a lot of readers. I didn't know how to apply for press passes to shows or festivals and took it personally when I wasn't approved. I kept thinking what do these blogs (even the new ones) have what I don't, I was feeling pretty down about it but I realised I had not presented myself the best way I could have. I realised I was frustrated other things not working out, frustrated with myself for being flaky at times, upset I didn't work harder.I have learned from all of this now and I am going to start over. No one is perfect and I can't turn back time.

I also accomplished a lot on this blog. I interviewed Orbital and that  never would have happened if I didn't start it. I am going to focus on the good things this blog has brought me and I know I will eventually accomplish all my goals I originally intended to fulfil. 

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Lizabett Russo - Forigven

One of my favourite acoustic artists, Lizabett Russo has a new track for your listening pleasure! Forgiven is a mesmerizing, folk style tune. I'm in love with Lizabett's torrid vocals.

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A new DNB tune by Bustre!

This one has some interesting sounds mixed with sultry vocals by LaMEDUZA.

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Wilkinson - Afterglow

This is an older track and video but I love it so I decided to share! I love a creative music video and this one is extra fun!

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Skulastic - The Bridge

Skulastic has a new video out for her rad song "The Bridge"

Check out Van Isle talent!!

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ANDY C Essential Mix

It is  a lazy Sunday so I thought I would share something a bit older but still awesome. You can't go wrong with an Essential Mix featuring drum and bass. This goes double when it is cooked up by none other than ANDY C!

I can't express my love for dnb enough. When you hear flawless mixing and love every tune in a mix... well that is just magic!!

You can see Andy C at Shambhala Music Festival this year.

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Beardyman is more than just a beatboxer. He is a real, genuine entertainer. I have watched many of his videos of his live shows but have yet to see him  live. That will all change this year because he is playing at Shambhala Music Festival!

The festival will be August 6 to 13 in Salmo, BC, Canada. Check out the line up they have so far!

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SHAMBHALA 2014 Headliners have been announced! My wish for ANDY C has been granted. I am also excited for Beardyman, Moby, Both the Martin Brothers, and way too many more to name!