While our culture adjusts to the New Normal, artists are revealing the threads of our common humanity as they find new ways to bring their work to virtual communities. In this installment of Tiny Desk (home) Concerts, hip-hop wordsmith Tariq Trotter, aka Black Thought of The Roots crew, took the occasion to premiere three new songs.
Billie Joe Armstrong and Susanna Hoffs Perform The Bangles ‘Manic Monday’
Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong teamed up with Susanna Hoffs to perform the song her group made famous, Manic Monday, written by some guy named Prince.
1-minute tip for artists: Share stats.
Keep up with trends and stats and turn them into a social media post: Vinyl sales year by year, revenues for concerts by decade; amount of downloads now versus 10 years ago, streaming stats, how many people still buy ringtones, even the amount of YouTube videos uploaded daily are fun stats to share.
Simple Success Tips for Math Students
There isn’t a rigid technique of studying math that works for every student. However, there are several general guidelines that a student can use to improve and eventually achieve success in a math class. Here are a few tips for ambitious math students hungry for success.
Attend Your Classes
Regardless of how genuine your excuse is, missing a class puts you just as far behind as skipping it for an irresponsible reason. Therefore, unless it is unavoidable, do not miss a class. A class gives you a platform to learn consciously and subconsciously through the interactions of your peers with the teacher and each other.
Practice
The secret about math is that you grasp the most when you practice. You will learn the concepts through classwork and studying, but the only way to reinforce the problem-solving techniques is by attempting as many questions as possible on the topic of study. Always try to do the practice assignments that your lecturer gives you in class. There is no problem with going to the internet and asking assignment helpers, “will you do my math homework?”, when you have too much on your plate. However, ensure you do the same assignment yourself when your schedule frees up. That is the only way you won’t miss out on what the lecturer is trying to teach you by issuing that assignment.
Cross-Check Your Answers
What is the point of practicing if you have no method of checking your answers for accuracy? Have a referral strategy. Use questions or problems that have predetermined solutions you can compare with. However, the beauty of math is that even without the predetermined solutions, you can work backward to find out if your answer is correct or not. For example, you can prove the solution of an algebraic equation by inserting it into the equation to see if the two sides balance. Checking your answers helps you find the errors in your problem-solving formula.
Be Organized
Successful mathematics study starts with planning. All mathematics formulas for solving simple and complex problems define a procedure of operations. For you to master the art of problem-solving in mathematics, you need to learn how to organize your thoughts to perform one action after the other, procedurally. Habitually, when presented with a problem, write the known information on a piece of paper, such as the variables mentioned in the problem and the formula you intend to use. This helps to organize your brain and to ensure you don’t miss anything in the process of looking for your solution.
Consult With Your Lecturer and Peers
Communication goes hand-in-hand with being organized. Constant communication in the learning process enables your tutor to correct you or clarify a difficult concept or method in real-time. Instead of waiting until the lecturer grades your paper to find what you did not understand, constant communication enables the tutor to assess and correct you during the learning process.
When faced with a difficult problem, consult your classmates and peers. The brain is a strange organ. We might attend the same class and get different things out of it. Therefore, solving problems as a team helps you and your peers combine the individual tricks and tips learned from the class.
Learn From Your Mistakes
Most students don’t take the time to find out why they failed a certain problem. The students who take steps back to find out their errors make significant progress. Doing revisions and corrections is a sure way to avoid failing the tested topic again. Whenever you figure out what went wrong, you won’t make a similar mistake in the future.
Math skills don’t come easily to everyone. They are built through strong interest and motivation. Follow the simple tips mentioned and you will improve your math grade.
Music in Fitness: It Helps Your Body Move Efficiently
Perhaps you have heard the saying “Music makes everything better” and wondered what they meant. This saying is nothing but the truth because it’s possible to incorporate music into every aspect of human living including your physical fitness and workout.
Your favorite music and impressive beats are useful for more than just dancing during your leisure time. Music had been determined to have performance-boosting effects. In case you hadn’t noticed, music has been banned from professional races or marathons.
This is due to the effect it could have on anyone who’s trying to win themselves a medal. The right type of music is powerful enough to give some level of advantage and make you last longer during a tough workout.
In fact, many people opt to use music to make their workouts more fun and serve as motivation. There’s a lot of science behind this too. Let’s take a look at the role of music in fitness and what it does to your workout.
Music Motivates And Gets You Started
There are times where you may feel not in the best mood for your workout. Even if you don’t like wearing your exercise clothes and workout shoes or don’t want to leave the home, music can add spring to your step.
Music will motivate you and get you going. According to a study, music can help you get started on a run and will push you to keep going.
Music Makes Workout More Enjoyable
Have you ever been to a spin class where heavy beats were played? You’ll notice the difference in doing your routines without music. By simply listening to the beats of the song, you’ll be able to focus more on the activity.
According to a study, listening to music is more effective in easing a workout than watching a video without audio. This is because you’re able to lose yourself in the lyrics of the music and clear your mind of any disturbing thoughts.
Another study revealed that a great playlist can prevent you from over-exerting yourself during exercise. It would help you reduce how hard you think you’re working yourself and it’ll seem less difficult. However, it’s important that you like the song in question.
Music Can Have a Calming Effect
Workout routines vary between simple and intense sessions. Music isn’t only good for the tough times, it’ll also calm you down and make you focus. While the beats and lyrics may be a contributing factor to this, it can change the feel of your entire exercise.
Slow music with 80 – 115 BPM is effective in slowing your heart rate and eliminates anxiety before a race or during a slower routine.
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Music Helps Your Body Move In Sync
Music isn’t all about dancing and wriggling to the tunes. Regardless of the type of movement, you’re making, music helps you move rhythmically. With the beats, you can time your movements unconsciously.
According to a study, listening to music you like increases the electrical activity in parts of the brain that help you coordinate your movements. Due to this, a good beat makes an aerobic or HIIT class better.
Music Aids Fatigue Recovery
Music is a way to drop your heart rate and recover from the accumulated buildup faster. According to a study that involved 60 participants discovered that slow music reduces your heart rate, and hastens your recovery time faster than with fast music.
Another study with 12 participants revealed that fast music can improve your intensity while slow music helps you relax from a strenuous workout.
Due to this, the chances of cardiac arrest are reduced in athletes and speeds up your recovery. The best songs will relieve you of stress. Stress keeps you from recovering and disturbs your performance.
Music Helps With Cadence and Helps To Prevent Injury
This is great news for runners. Listening to the right type of music can help you get the right level of cadence and reduce injury to yourself.
A high cadence has been associated with lower injury rates in long-distance runners. Those small steps you take are perfect to keep your body aligned and prevent flashing your foot against the floor.
A study has revealed that music with BPM between 130 – 200 BPM was able to speed up and minimize their footfall. It’s therefore important that you aim to listen for music between 160 – 180 BPM. If you’re a runner aim for this type of music during your practice.
Music Drives You
Do you feel unable to progress past a certain level? Why don’t you try starting out your next session with some music? It’s really gonna make everything better.
According to a study, participants were found to work harder while listening to music. People were even able to keep up with intense performances without any complaints when jamming their favorite tunes.
Many studies have proven the effect of music during repetitive or intense workout routines. Playing your best tunes can cause you to work harder without overexerting yourself. To put it simply, music can make your regular routine feel simpler or less intense.
The reason behind this reaction is unclear but some scientists have attributed it to the metronome effect caused by good music. The right song will take your mind off a tough task or help you maintain a steady pace or both.
Jams Can Amp You Up
Yes, it’s been established that music can push you to work harder. However, the rhythm and volume of the song can make you perform harder. The feeling the music provides is crucial.
There’s no general workout music for anyone. It’s usually about what you like to listen to. Your favorite music can flashback memories and lyrics that intrigue makes you more powerful.
Music is a great workout partner. It will make you perform better. However, there are limits to the wonders of music.
It won’t push you beyond your physical limits but will ensure that each workout season yields better results and you can maintain your focus for longer.
Kitchener/Waterloo’s LGBTQIA+ Advocate Joshua Sade James Releases New ‘Love Song Gone Wrong’ in “All Fall Down”
It’s a love song gone wrong for Kitchener/Waterloo’s singer/songwriter and multi-talented artist Joshua Sade James and his new single, “All Fall Down” — available now!
Fresh from his forthcoming sophomore album release, JSJ — slated for June of this year — “All Fall Down” was written about mistrust, dishonesty, and miscommunication in a relationship.
“Without these core attributes enforced by love, we… ‘All Fall Down,” he explains.
First written about three years ago, the song’s bittersweet inspiration was related to a relationship and breakup he’d had while in college. “It allowed me to do a lot of self-reflection,” he shares. “I wrote the song after the second time we broke up, and just got to think about how truly toxic we were towards each other.
“There was cheating, there was manipulation, there was just a lot of baggage neither of us knew how to get rid of. We just sort of gave it to each other because it was easier than being alone.
“It was interesting to shoot this video with a current love interest when it’s actually about a previous one,” he continues, laughing. “When writing or hearing the song in my head, I wanted this song to be like if a sad, old clown got drunk, broke into the old carnival where he used to work, and started up the merry-go-round, only for it to not fully work.
“I think I achieved that in both the song and the video.”
“It was a blessing to shoot this with Sagi and my good friend Esther,” James adds of director Sagi Kahane-Rapport and actor Esther Vlessing. “Also, shoutout to Dylan Spilberg and Leo Vargas for making this happen!”
“All Fall Down” serves as a preview for what’s to come from the artist’s upcoming EP, JSJ (Joshua Sade James).
A Sheridan College alum for Musical Theatre Performance — and winning the Sheridan: Pop Award for Outstanding Performance — James also co-choreographed, co-directed and starred in the College’s PREP Production original, Revue Diva Dynasty. Hailing from the tri-city Kitchener/Waterloo area — with country artist Jamie Warren for a dad — he’s been featured coast to coast, including Newfoundland to play ‘Pepper’ in Mamma Mia!, The Calgary Stampede’s Talent Search, Ontario’s Western Fair’s Rise2Fame, PEI’s Charlottetown Festival, and more.
In addition to his extensive performing and recording work, Joshua Sade James is an active advocate for mental health rights and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“All Fall Down” is available now.
Glen Foster is “Not Far Away” with New Album — Available Now!
Resident Canadian folk/rock singer/songwriter and guitar slinger Glen Foster is Not Far Away with his new album and single, “Do Like You Do.”
In fact, they’re both available now.
“I don’t care what anyone says,” Foster offers off the top about the new release. “Listen to music however you want, but I still like albums!
“My albums are always a journey that takes you somewhere,” he continues. “And the best way to get there is from start to finish. Not Far Away reflects on places, things, and concepts that can seem distant but really are not far away, by measure of distance, time or attitude.”
And so goes the foundation for Foster’s fifth album in a decade with the Glen Foster Group…
Life and death. Love and hate. Wealth and poverty. Sickness and health. Whatever it is you want in this life — or want to avoid in this life — it might be closer than you think.
“Time, distance, events: They’re all relative,” he says. “Some things seem like they’re a long way off when in fact they’re very close, while other things seem so close when they’re actually far off. Life is full of coincidences and connections and uncertainty.”
That’s never been truer than today. Even so, there are still some things you can count on — like the impeccable craftsmanship, stellar musicianship and life-affirming positivity this respected B.C. veteran always brings to the table.
Not Far Away is no exception. With nine tracks that run the rootsy gamut from country-pop and rockabilly to skiffle, Celtic folk and even soul-stirring gospel — not to mention arrangements that incorporate everything from strings and choir to harp and ragtime tack piano — it’s far and away the most ambitious and multi-faceted work of his career. “This album could easily be a vinyl LP with lively uptempo songs on Side 1, while Side 2 is more folky and laid back, with violins and strings,” he says, jokingly christening his sound “Cathedral Rock” after the album’s title photograph featuring the famous Arizona butte.
For all its grandeur and majesty, however, Not Far Away also houses some of the most spiritual, philosophical and emotionally grounded lyrics Foster has penned. The playfully titled album opener “Dusty Roads: Ode To Dusty Rhodes” is not a tribute to a wrassler, but a moving salute to a stage manager whose biker persona masked a heart of gold. Fittingly, the track is anchored by a gorgeous Fender Rhodes electric piano, superbly played by longtime go-to-guy Marty Steele. Then there’s “Brains Brawn and Beauty,” a classic rocker whose lyrics “speak to determination, making it and not being denied,” Foster says. He ought to know — he’s been performing the song for more than 25 years. For its long-overdue debut on vinyl, he pulled out all the stops, adding a tense silent movie-style interlude that begs to be depicted on video. Equally scenic is “Dalgety Bay,” a Celtic folk number inspired by a village on the Firth of Forth that is home to friends.
Speaking of friendship, connection and closeness: “Fruit of the Spirit” fuses Biblical quotes, honky-tonk country, violin and even a harp to create a song that Foster calls “a message for all of humanity and faiths without borders: Love, joy, goodness, kindness, peace, faithfulness, patience, gentleness, self-control.” Finally, “Somewhere Over The River: Somewhere Under The Rainbow” closes the album with lush gospel tones featuring a bass solo by Jay Stevens, tenor sax from Pierre Komen, the Cryptomnesia Choir, and B3 organ played by Foster — all united in a song that came to him in a dream, as sung by Tom Petty during a mid-concert blackout. Between those touchstones, you’ll find rockabilly rave ups, party-hearty anthems and even a shot of old-school, harmony-rich skiffle inspired by influential British legend Lonnie Donegan. And of course, all the tracks boast Foster’s tastefully blazing fretwork and casually personable vocals.
Whether working the fretboard or the microphone, he makes it all look easy. Of course, easy is easier said than done. It only comes with decades of blood, sweat, toil and tears. Foster knows that first-hand. For him, music is a lifelong labour of love. He grew up on a balanced diet of guitar bands like The Ventures and Santo and Johnny, pop icons like The Beatles and Beach Boys, and singer-songwriters like Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Paul Simon. He’s criss-crossed the country with countless bands, backing Ray Materick of Linda, Put the Coffee On fame and fronting his own group The Falcon. He’s gigged with everyone from Lighthouse, Dr. Hook and Stan Rogers to Valdy and Sammy Hagar. He’s played Massey Hall, the El Mocambo, The Ian Tyson Show and the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. He worked with Daniel Lanois when the famed producer’s studio was still in the basement of his mother’s house. Bottom line: He’s been there, done that.
Along the way, he’s created an impressive catalogue of adventurous, meticulously crafted music: Two Falcon albums, and five with the Glen Foster Group. GFG’s 2010 debut Trusted Tried and True featured guests like David Gogo, Gerry Barnum and The Turtle Doves. The 2012 concept album The Reckoning raised the bar with political lyrics inspired by the Occupy Movement and Arab Spring. 2015’s acoustic outing Leaving the Lagoon featured bagpipes, while 2017’s groovy, celebratory Music Alchemy co-starred a horn section. He’s even got a best-selling holiday single: “The Spirit of Christmas,” released in 1986 and remastered in 2011 for its 25th anniversary.
If it sounds like Foster changes his tune with every release, you’re right. “I don’t bother to write a song that sounds like something else,” he says. “For me to be inspired about something I’m writing, it has to be new. It has to be fresh. That’s the kind of thing that lights my fire and gets me excited. I am kind of a stickler for excellence. But then it’s great to improvise. That’s when the free spirit will flow.”
With Not Far Away finally arriving and a slate of narrative videos in the works, it’s abundantly clear that Foster’s creative spirit is flowing as strong as ever. Or, to put it another way: So far, so good.
Not Far Away and “Do Like You Do” are available now.
1-minute tip for artists: Fun facts or useless trivia.
Don’t take for granted what people do or don’t know. Post a fun fact about an artist you love, an album you can’t stop listening to, who sings backup on a cool song.
Do Movie Stars Act in Theatre?
When we think of actors, chances are that we consider movie stars over actors who get their start in a theatre environment. However, with thousands flocking to acting hubs like London, New York, and LA, how many think to look to the theatre as a place for training? If they do make it big, how many like to go back to the theatre for extra experience?
(Image Source: Pixabay)
A Different Ball-Game
Many actors like to go back to the theatre as acting here is a very different experience compared to being on a film set. For one, a crew is trained to keep as quiet as possible, to let actors do their jobs. However, an audience is nowhere near as considerate, with some even going so far as to call out to actors on stage.
Acting in the theatre also forces actors to use their skills in different ways. On a set, they have the luxury of being able to try different things in each take, and if they mess up or forget a line then there will always be another take. Things are not the same on stage. You have one shot in which to nail it, and if you under-deliver you can leave your audience for the evening unimpressed.
Prestigious Roles
Taking up a role on the stage allows actors to step into some of the most prestigious roles they will face in their career. For example, Shakespeare films are few and far between compared to the wealth of stage productions put on each year.
There is also a multitude of other iconic roles that are best performed on the stage. For example, James McAvoy is well-known for his film roles, but he is also an accomplished stage actor. Most recently, he took on the role of Cyrano de Bergerac to critical acclaim. This will allow them to develop new skills that will also help them once they return to a film state.
A Chance to Start
Even if they have a dream to end up as a movie star, many of the best actors start off in theatre. Many talented British actors like Sir Ian McKellen and Olivia Colman had their start on the stage and it helped them to develop their careers and build a following even before their first role.
If you want to know more about the best up-and-coming actors and what the big names are up to, you can browse sites like www.celebnetwork.com. You can easily keep in the loop when it comes to your favourite films and actors with sites like these, no matter what is going on in the wider world.
Every TV or film actor should consider taking on a stage role at some point in their career. It can teach them invaluable skills, and gives us – their fans – the chance to see them in a live setting, doing what they do best. Keep an eye out for news of film actors heading to the theatre soon!
LIVEMEDAID: Global Science Leaders Come Together to Support the Fight Against COVID-19
Canadian digital video company Underknown is proud to lead LIVEMEDAID, a live-streamed benefit show featuring renowned scientific leaders. It will shine a spotlight on the global crisis caused by COVID-19, and celebrate hope, resilience and the human spirit.
The fundraising event will provide insight into the collaboration between global scientists and researchers in their collective hunt for a cure and share ideas about what we can learn from the virus. All money raised will support Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and frontline healthcare workers in the global fight against COVID-19.
The event will take place this Saturday, May 9th between 6 p.m. EST – 11 p.m. EST, and will stream live on LIVEMEDAID social channels including Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and on www.livemedaid.com.
“We are thrilled to lead this global first-of-its-kind event, promoting unity and showcasing hope and humanity,” said Steve Hulford, co-founder and CEO of Underknown. “Science is more important than ever and we are committed to deliver credible, science-based information to a global audience who is searching for answers,” said Hulford.
An impressive list of doctors, scientists and other prominent thinkers confirmed to participate include:
- Dr. Jane Goodall, primatologist and anthropologist
- Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist, cosmologist, planetary scientist and author
- Dr. David Suzuki, academic and environmental activist
- Wade Davis, anthropologist, ethnobotanist, author and photographer
- Dr. Sarah Ives, Netflix documentary, “Pandemic”
- Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, climate scientist
- Dr. Isaac Bogoch, infectious disease physician at University Health Network
- Anders Tegnell, physician and civil servant and current state epidemiologist of Sweden
Musical acts lined up for the event include Ed Robertson (Barenaked Ladies), Earth, Wind & Fire, Bombino, Patrick Watson, Jesse Cook, Alex Cuba, Paul Anthony and more.
All online peer-to-peer donations will go to support relief efforts through Doctors Without Borders / MSF.
LIVEMEDAID is being distributed to over 200 million digital followers including: Popular Science, Goalcast, WatchMojo, Infographics Show, Diply, WCSFP and What If.
For more information, and a full list of speakers and acts visit https://livemedaid.com/.