Because life hasn’t been easy, perfect, or exactly as you had anticipated, here’s your chance to talk about what you overcame.
5 Reasons to Stop Playing Video Games
The average video gamer spends 6 hours every week playing video games. That’s 24 hours a month and almost 300 hours spent on playing video games a year.
We all love playing video games. Almost every household has some sort of game, be it a board game or card game. Games allow you to relax and enjoy some leisure time without having to worry about anything else. But, can obsessive video gaming be bad for you? Click Pharmacy says that video games can be very time consuming without even realising.
Find out in this guide the top 5 reasons why you should stop playing video games this year.
1. A Waste of Time
Let’s start with the obvious. You can easily spend a lot of time playing video games. 3 hours, 4, hours, 5 hours, where does all this time go? It’s easy to lose track of time when you indulge in video gaming frequently. All that valuable time can be used for something more productive like learning a new skill or working out.
We all have 24 hours in a day, and it’s up to you to use that time wisely.
2. Video Games Are Costly
Video games can be very costly. Every year, new gaming titles and consoles are released and these costs can easily add up. It can be exciting to grab the latest title of your favorite sports game, but this is money that can be used elsewhere. What if you invested in a book instead, how would that affect your life in the long run?
When you cut down on buying the video game, you can save some extra money which can be used for more important things like investing or starting your own business.
3. Video Games Promote Social Isolation
Video games now allow gamers to play anyone in the online world. This is awesome, right? But if you think again is it really that good?
Online gaming creates an illusion, the same way, social media works. You’re living in a digital world that seems real but you’re really not creating any genuine relationships.
If you are substituting socializing in real life for video gaming, it’s time to sound the alarms.
- Distracts You from Achieving Your Goals
Humans are naturally goal seekers. We want to feel accomplished and live a life of purpose and meaning. Most often gaming only masks and covers this natural desire by rewarding you with fake accolades and achievements. With time, an individual can become depressed because it’s not a genuine feeling of fulfillment.
Procrastination is the leech of all hopes and dreams, and If you are not careful, excessive gaming can shatter your dreams.
- Gaming Makes You Lazy
This goes in line with the last item. Generally, you can get used to being lazy if you’re inactive for long periods of time. This is a bad habit you don’t want to pick up. Laziness will not help you in any way.
If you find yourself playing a lot of video games, it’s time to take a hard look at your life and assess if you are contempt with the life you’re living right now.
Canadian Jazz Pop Artist KATIE DITSCHUN Releases New Live Video of “HER” via YouTube
Alexandra, ON jazz pop artist Katie Ditschun cozied up with her piano this week to perform a stunning live rendition of “HER” — available now.
The video comes amidst the Ontario-based artist’s current album release and complimentary live virtual music lessons.
For those looking to optimize a rise in screen time by developing their sonic skill sets, the lessons are every Friday at 11:00 a.m. EST on Ditschun’s Facebook page; they are geared towards beginners and focus solely on singing — no instruments are required.
With a world reacting to the novel coronavirus outbreak, Ditschun is hoping both her at-home music lessons in a live, “social” setting — plus her newly released video for “HER” and single “Here We Are” — can offer respite for audience members navigating the world’s new circumstance from a place of increased isolation.
“There’s something about being in the moment when the music is all there is…” says the classically trained musician at both Berklee College of Music and the Royal Conservatory of Music, plus 2014 Independent Teacher Fellowship Award recipient. She holds over 20 years experience in teaching, and is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and the Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association. “For me, all life’s worries melt away and I’m left only concerned about what phrase comes next and letting the notes float out.
“It’s my hope that my online music lessons can offer even just a bit of that for others in this challenging time.”
Written and recorded last year, “long before we got to this place,” Ditschun says of the single, “Here We Are” is one of 10 via her debut LP, Spare Skirt.
“The song speaks to the feeling that there’s some distance between what your life is and how you thought it would turn out, who you thought you’d become, or where you thought you’d be,” she notes. “Now more than ever, we’re all finding ourselves with plans pushed aside, and wondering how do we go on like this, and for how long.
“Feeling the weight of our current reality, we need reminders that we’ll get through this together.”
“HER” is available now.
Paris by way of Los Angeles Prog Supergroup ‘Keeps In Touch’ With Fans In Canada
Compelling and powerful in its experience, International exploratory prog rock pop artists Briand Boursin Rohr release the eighth chapter in their forthcoming concept album, The View Inside.
“Keep In Touch” — detailing the main character’s delusions of godliness and readying for something unclear — is available now.
A creative collaboration from guitarist and singer/songwriter Ludovic Briand, keyboardist and songwriter Julien Boursin, and lyricist and producer Matt Rohr, the song and video are the fourth to be released ahead of The View Inside’s arrival via Hypostatic Records and Musea Records.
Recorded in three regions — Paris, Los Angeles, and the south of France — over the course of three years, The View Inside features another three things of note: big drums, big guitars, and big ideas.
“I had decided to return to my first love — British and American rock/pop masterworks from the 80s and 90s,” Briand recalls of The View Inside and its earliest origins. He’d explored nearly every style of music during his time as a French guitarist, and wanted to eschew any effort that sounded too commercial or trend-driven in its appeal. “I didn’t want to pursue a ‘flavour of the month’ musical fad. I wanted to make exactly the kind of album I felt like making.”
For Rohr’s part, he’d grown only occasionally active in music after moving to France following a string of engineering on hit records in the 90s. “I’ve always loved great lyrics, but never imagined I’d be asked to write an epic concept album,” he shares. “And I certainly never expected to embark on a three year creative odyssey.
“But Ludovic can be extremely persuasive!
“We really didn’t know where we were going in the beginning,” Rohr continues. “Paradoxically, the last song on the album, ‘From The Ground,’ is the first one we wrote. But every artist knows creativity takes on a life of its own, and the story just elbowed its way into our conscious minds.”
For the music side of the project, Briand took his growing archive of various riffs, melodies, and compositional snippets to long-time friend and collaborator, keyboardist Julien Boursin. “Ludovic came over one day to play a song he was working on with Matt and, right away, I realized some of my own compositions in progress would fit perfectly,” Boursin recalls. “I sat down at the piano and started into this slow, dark ballad. Ludovic wrote down a few lines on a scrap of paper, started to sing along, and right there we had the outline for the first song on the record.”
From there, it didn’t take long for the supposed “demos” to become more elaborate and of resounding resemblance to the final product. “To the point where virtually all of the guitars that made it into the final versions came directly from these solo sessions,” Briand offers, laughing. “I get pretty obsessed when I record guitars, so once I get started, I can’t really stop.”
Based on an original story crafted by Briand and Rohr, the album summons sounds of arena rock to classic pop to avant garde in one cinematic sweep, unfolding to detail the moving and dramatic tale of ‘Walter’, an orphan born with a strange oracular power, and the peculiar events that lead him towards his destiny.
“Keep In Touch” — the album’s eighth chapter — follows ‘Walter’ as he crashes through the streets, completely out of his mind with delusions of godhood, randomly afflicting passersby with unwanted visions of death. “In the last rational corner of his mind,” Briand explains, “he hears a faint, familiar voice urging him to ‘ready himself.’
“But the question is, ready himself for what?”
Born into a family of musicians, Ludovic Briand traded in his trumpet for a guitar at the age of 12, inspired by Brian Adams, Queen, Toto, Peter Gabriel and all the music of the 1980s and 1990s that he loves so much. Over the years, he’s been a part of many projects, and accompanied diverse international artists such as Gregg Bissonette, Dave Weckl, Bobby Kimball, Didier Barbelivien and Tanya Michelle Smith, while also becoming well known as a product specialist/demonstrator for Fender, Bose, Line6/Yamaha and Fibenare. Ludovic’s first self-produced album, the mostly instrumental Afrodiziak, was released in 2013. The arrival of The View Inside marks his debut as a full fledged lead singer.
Julien Boursin is a self taught musician, Julien began playing piano in the early 1990s at the age of 16. Passionate about music and heavily influenced by African rhythms, he quickly went professional, accompanying artists like Pablo Villafranca, William Baldé, Clarika, Christophe Maé, The Gypsy Kings, Tina Arena and Gilberto Gil. Over the years, several contestants on the show “The Voice” have also called on his unique feel for the groove. Various circumstances such as his endorsement with Yamaha have led to him regularly sharing the stage with renowned drummers such as Dave Weckl, Larnell Lewis, Nicolas Viccaro, Simon Phillips and Gregg Bissonette. In 2017, Julien began playing with the group Hyleen, currently on tour around the globe.
Matt Rohr is a California native formerly based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Matt is best known for his engineering work on a string of gold and platinum records in the 1990s. After learning to sweep floors at San Francisco’s semi-legendary Hyde Street Studios, Matt had the good fortune to be hired as a staff engineer for producer Narada Michael Walden. He went on to engineer and mix for other successful producers including Louis Biancaniello and Corrado Rustici before taking a lengthy break in the 2000s. In 2010, Matt formed Hypostatic Records in order to propagate the kind of intelligent, melodic rock and pop he has always been partial to.
“Keep In Touch” is available now.
Alessia Cara Releases “I Choose”, Original Song From Netflix’s The Willoughbys
Directed by Kris Pearn and based on the book by Lois Lowry, Alessia Cara makes her acting debut as the lead voice of Jane in The Willoughbys; releasing April 22nd in 190+ countries worldwide. “I Choose”, the lead song from the film, was co-written and recorded by Alessia Cara. The track is produced by Jon Levine, the film’s composer Mark Mothersbaugh, director Kris Pearn, Jordyn Kane, Jason Rabinowitz, Mark Mothersbaugh, Brayden Deskins, Colton Fisher and Trope’s lead singer Diana Studenberg. The movie also stars Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Terry Crews, Martin Short, Jane Krakowski, Sean Cullen and Ricky Gervais.
Convinced they’d be better off raising themselves, the Willoughby children hatch a sneaky plan to send their selfish parents on vacation. The siblings then embark on their own high-flying adventure to find the true meaning of family.
1-minute tip for artists: #MondayMotivation
It’s hard to get other people as excited about your happiness and motivation sometimes. You’re one of the lucky ones – your worst day as a musician is better than most people’s best day ever. But you keep going, because it’s #MondayMotivation!
Canadian-Led Rockers TROPE Unleash Groove Grinding Take on Tears For Fears’ “Shout”
Opting for a heavier guitar and groove-centric approach to Tears For Fears’ 80s New Wave classic “Shout,” alt rockers Trope explore new sonic territory for their cover — available now!
“We wanted to do something different with the song musically and instrument-wise, and balance the beautiful melody and message with the intensity of the guitars, bass and drums,” says Montreal-born, Los Angeles-based lead singer Diana Studenberg. “Due to the song’s pop sensibility and 4/4 beat, it didn’t fit into the Trope realm at the time.
“But as things progressed and electronic instrumentation was replaced with organic instruments — including bass, guitars and ebow — the tune took a darker turn and actually really worked for us.”
The band were inspired by the poignant lyrics, particularly the universal message in the lines ‘those one track minds, that took you for a working boy. Kiss them goodbye, you shouldn’t have to jump for joy.’
“How many of us have been in situations where we’re mistreated and looked down upon by people who just don’t recognize our value?” Studenberg confides. “I believe, in life, we shouldn’t have to placate or put on a clown face and do a fucking happy dance to appease people who behave toxically towards us, and lack the foresight to really see who’s in front of them.
“I see this whole song as a reaffirmation of value and strength and of our ability to move past these situations and people towards the things that help elevate us emotionally and spiritually.”
“Shout” is Trope’s follow-up release to their debut single “Lambs,” an epic 15/8 progressive/alternative rock song that garnered high praise and positive reviews.
The visuals for “Shout” were directed and filmed by Stewart Whelan, along with the help of an incredible film crew; Whelan’s credits include cinematography on The Flash TV Show and Metallica’s “Some Kind of Monster.”
Trope have performed shows internationally in Europe, Canada and the US — including legendary Los Angeles venues like Whisky A Go-Go and The Viper Room, and the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest, where they played the main stages in the past two consecutive years. They have shared stages with Switchfoot, Sevendust, and at the legendary Hollywood Improv with world-class comedians Iliza Shlesinger (Unveiled/Netflix), Steve-O (Jackass), David Koechner (Anchorman), Bryan Callen (Hangover), Harland Williams (Something About Mary), and more.
“Shout” is available now.
SiriusxXM Launches 9 New Limited-Run Channels With Iconic Artists
SiriusXM has collaborated with acclaimed and iconic artists and their representatives to create personally curated audio experiences for listeners everywhere. The collection of exclusive music channels launching on Friday, May 1 — and in conjunction with SiriusXM’s extended Stream Free period through May — are dedicated to megastars David Bowie, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, George Strait, Guns N’ Roses, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Prince, and The Rolling Stones.
To make sure as many people as possible can hear these special audio experiences, SiriusXM is extending its unprecedented Stream Free offer through May 31. Stream Free gives free and easy access to SiriusXM’s full lineup of Premier Streaming content to any listener in North America on the SiriusXM app.
The David Bowie Channel will feature music spanning Bowie’s career, from his earliest recordings to his final album, Blackstar. Listeners will hear rare tracks and demo versions of some of Bowie’s greatest songs as well as interpretations of his work from artists including Beck, Annie Lennox, Nirvana, Tears For Fears, Barbra Streisand, The Wallflowers, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Duran Duran, the late Scott Weiland, and more. The David Bowie Channel will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category.
Hotel California, SiriusXM’s Eagles channel, will feature music from the band’s extensive career, stories behind the making of their biggest hits as well as their solo records and influences. Listeners will hear a timely curated collection of songs during these uncertain times ‘The Eagles Pandemic Playlist,’ as well as encores of the Eagles’ exclusive SiriusXM concert from the Grand Ole Opry from October 2017. Additionally, famous rock journalist and SiriusXM host David Fricke shares narratives on Eagles lineage and more. The Hotel California channel will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category.
The Fleetwood Mac Channel will showcase music from the band’s extensive GRAMMY Award-winning, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame career, including their indelible hits, solo material, live songs, rare demo tracks and musical influences. The channel will also include exclusive stories and insights from the band, plus special shows hosted by Mick Fleetwood and Christine McVie. A special hour-long behind-the-scenes look at the band’s landmark album, Rumours, called “Rumours Revealed” will include commentary from Fleetwood and McVie, as well as Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. The Fleetwood Mac Channel will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category.
Ace in the Hole Radio, dedicated to the music of George Strait, will encompass personal insights and stories from the country music legend, about his life and music. The channel will also air Strait’s biggest songs including 60 No. 1 hits from throughout his career. Ace in the Hole Radio will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Country category.
Guns N’ Roses Radio will feature music from their entire iconic career, including their monumental 1987 Appetite for Destruction album, live tracks and rarities. The limited-run music channel will also include music by artists who have influenced Guns N’ Roses as well as those that have toured with the band. Additionally, listeners will hear Guns N’ Roses’ exclusive SiriusXM concert from the Apollo Theater from July 2017. Guns N’ Roses Radio will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category.
Led Zeppelin Radio will feature every song from the iconic band’s music catalogue, which includes some of the most groundbreaking albums in rock history. The channel will provide fans exclusive access to the sounds and insights from Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones, as well as the songs that made Led Zeppelin rock legends. In addition to their epic songs, listeners will hear early rough mixes, alternate versions, remasters and momentous performances captured live. Led Zeppelin Radio will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category.
Mandatory Metallica will feature the band’s biggest songs, rarities and concert recordings from throughout the band’s iconic career as well as commentary from each band member. The channel will embark on a 30-date “virtual Metallica tour,” which will air a daily concert from the band on tour around the globe, including the band’s exclusive SiriusXM concert from 2013 at the Apollo Theater in New York City and their 2016 concert at New York City’s Webster Hall. An exclusive at-home DJ session, “Welcome Home,” from Lars Ulrich will also be featured. The band will take over SiriusXM’s Liquid Metal channel each Monday in May, for “Metallica Mondays.” Mandatory Metallica will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category.
The Prince Channel will feature music from the GRAMMY®, Golden Globe and Academy Award® winner’s iconic catalogue, from early recordings to his biggest hits, and will notably include an extraordinary audio performance: a never-before-heard demo of a conceptual radio show created by Prince for a Sirius Satellite Radio channel from 2005. Created by Prince around the release of his celebrated 3121 album, the show, running more than two hours, features songs from his unparalleled catalogue, personal favourite selections by other artists, mixes, interviews, and a peek into his legendary vault of unreleased studio and live recordings. Prince collaborated with DJ Rashida, who hosts the show, with Prince joining throughout. Comedian Katt Williams, who was a favourite of Prince’s, also pops in as “Ezekiel,” providing comedic relief through the full 2+ hours. The channel will also include a takeover from Sheila E., special playlists from Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and SiriusXM’s recent Let’s Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute To Prince Town Hall, featuring Jimmy Jam, Sheila E. and H.E.R. Music by artists that Prince was closely connected to, inspired by, and collaborated with will also be featured. The Prince Channel will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Hip-Hop/R&B category.
Rolling Stones Radio, which debuted on SiriusXM in 2008, has been updated and expanded, giving new and lifelong Stones fans a comprehensive journey through the band’s almost six-decade career, while also including their new song ‘Living In A Ghost Town’ which was completed during quarantine. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood share thoughts and memories about writing and recording their biggest songs, performing live, friendships, and the band’s legacy. Rolling Stones Radio will be available all month on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category.
These new limited-run dedicated artist channels are examples of SiriusXM music channels created with iconic and leading artists including The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Pearl Jam, Eminem, LL COOL J, Phish, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Diplo, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and more.
Anyone who is not already a SiriusXM subscriber can download the SiriusXM app or go to SiriusXM.ca/streamfree, and start listening free of charge, with no credit card or commitment required. The SiriusXM app is available on mobile phones, tablets and computers, as well as on a wide variety of connected devices in the home including smart TVs, devices with Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant, Apple TV, PlayStation, Roku, Sonos speakers and more. The SiriusXM app also offers additional features such as SiriusXM video, Personalized Stations Powered by Pandora that listeners can curate themselves, and an On Demand library with more than 10,000 hours of archived shows, exclusive music performances, interviews and audio documentaries.
Here’s The Police’s set from the 25th anniversary of Amnesty International in June of 1986.
Setlist:
0:00:00 – Message In A Bottle
0:04:58 – King Of Pain
0:11:24 – Driven to Tears
0:16:33 – Every Breath You Take
0:21:39 – Roxanne
0:26:12 – Invisible Sun
Future Green Day singer/guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, age 5, singling “Look for Love” in 1977.
Everybody has to start somewhere!