San Francisco-Based Said Sara Release Stark Acoustic Ballad ‘Same’

Feb 26, 2023

San Francisco singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Said Sara (aka David Benson) has released a stark, minimalist acoustic ballad, “Same.”

Recorded at The Guest Room and Yosemite Studios in Benson’s hometown of San Francisco, and mastered by Jesse Nichols at The Atomic Garden West in nearby Oakland, “Same” is a richly dark and cathartic song about the torment of wanting and missing, and how we torture ourselves even further to crush those feelings.

Over a bed of acoustic guitar, banjo, and piano, Benson effortlessly carries “Same” with his raw, pointed vocals, which recall Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, and Cat Stevens.

Skinned alive
Your rapier lips belie
You’re sweeter than shaved ice

The one breath of life
Was holding hands with you
Now every moment’s spent in an attempt at feeling
The same
Le meme
Suspended – same
Le meme
Sustained, the same

Written after Benson rearranged songs by Belly and Sinead O’Connor for a solo acoustic performance, “Same” is described as a “genuine outpouring.”

“The music for ‘Same’ wrote itself to a large extent and was completed in less than a week,” Benson expands. “The lyrics proved to be a more strenuous undertaking. I had ideas about the strains of missing someone, and the blurry sentiments attached to emotional concealment and heartache, and the ways in which we torture ourselves even more inside that torment. In addition, there’s the concept of trauma: Suffering is represented through vocal images of witches, warriors and goddesses and how they give tragic affection and receive death”

Born and raised in San Francisco, Benson grew up listening to 1970s singer-songwriters such as Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, James Taylor, and Lindsey Buckingham. Through the ‘90s, Benson wrote dark, stripped-down hymns that would eventually appear on Said Sara’s self-titled 2020 EP. Prior to launching Said Sara, Benson performed in the now-defunct post-punk-pop band Transition., with whom 1994’s Spine LP was released via SST Records. He also performs in the SF-based death metal outfit Acephalix, whose 2022 album Theothanatologist was engineered by Grammy winner Greg Wilkinson and topped numerous year-end lists.

Following singles “I Star As You” (2020), ”Bleedways” (2021), “Sea” (2022), “Same” is Benson’s most intimate and catchiest release to date.

When he is not performing, Benson is a Special Education teacher at a public high school in San Francisco, where he currently lives with his family.

Canadian Punk Rockers MOORE AVE Won’t Settle For “Second Best” In New Single

Feb 26, 2023

Moore Ave (formerly, Moore Ave Underground) is a band that takes the punk rock wave of the late 90-00s and turns it into a blend of melodically driven distortion that will have your eardrums yearning for mo(o)re. Community, empathy, and a sense of family are three pillars that Moore Ave has always stood for, and in a world where these qualities are fleeting… What’s more punk rock than that?

Moore Ave hails from the small town of Aylmer, Ontario, and is composed of brothers Gaudette; Josh (rhythm/vocals), Joe (lead vocals), and Jack (bass), with the final piece to the puzzle being their “guilty by association” brother-in-punk, Shawn MacDonald (drums).

Fans of the band have been eagerly awaiting new music, and luckily, they won’t have to wait too much longer. Moore Ave is releasing a studio album in the spring of 2023, after working tirelessly with Wade MacNeil of Alexisonfire to produce their best work to date.

Vocalist Josh Gaudette says, “Joe and I wrote ‘Second Best’ while we were jamming during the first COVID lockdown. We were just riffing together one day, and the chords fell out in a jam and I started humming the melody and it came together really quickly and organically. For us, the track is about sticking up for yourself and raising the standard of the people you give your time to. As cliché as it may sound, I think that one’s time is very valuable, and most people will get to a point in their life where free time is sparse, and you need to guard what time you do get.”

The video for “Second Best” was directed by the band’s drummer, Shawn, and shot in Moore Ave’s hometown of Aylmer—it was a tough shoot, Josh says, even though they were familiar with the location. “We didn’t anticipate the terrible sunburns and borderline heat stroke we all got from carrying all our gear down almost 3 km’s of abandoned train tracks in the middle of one of the hottest days of the summer. In the end, we had a great shoot and made a rad video that we are all really proud of, so it was truly worth it.”

Bill Bruford Explains How To Use The Simmons Electronic Drum Kit Back In 1985

Feb 26, 2023

Bill Bruford – whose drumming CV includes bands like Yes, King Crimson and Genesis – demonstrates the percussive potential of the Simmons electronic drum kit for Lesley Judd, on Micro Live.

Which hair removal method is best for females?

Feb 26, 2023

By Mitch Rice

Hair removal is a personal choice for women. Some prefer the convenience of shaving, while others opt for longer-lasting methods like waxing or laser hair removal. With so many options available, it can take time to determine which hair removal method is best. In this blog, we will discuss the pros and cons of each hair removal method to Learn more and let you decide which one is right for you.

Shaving

Shaving is the most common and convenient hair removal method for women. Shaving involves using a razor to remove hair from the skin’s surface. It is a quick and painless process that can be done daily.

Pros:

Convenience: You can shave at home, which takes only a few minutes.
Cost-effective: Razors and shaving cream are affordable and can be found at most drugstores.
Painless: Shaving is a painless process that doesn’t require any preparation.
Suitable for sensitive skin: Women with sensitive skin can shave without irritation.

Cons:

Short-term results: Hair grows back quickly, often within a day or two.
Razor burn: Razor burn is a common side effect of shaving, which can cause redness, itchiness, and small bumps.
Cuts: There is always a risk of cuts when shaving, especially if you’re not careful.
Ingrown hairs: Ingrown hairs can occur when hair grows back into the skin after shaving.

Waxing

Waxing involves applying hot wax to the skin and removing it with a cloth or paper strip. The wax pulls the hair out from the root, meaning it takes longer to grow back. Done by own or by a professional.

Pros:

Long-lasting: Hair takes longer to grow back, so that you can enjoy smooth skin for up to four weeks.
Thinner hair growth: Repeated waxing makes hair grow thinner and sparser.
Convenience: Waxing can be done at home or by a professional.
Suitable for most skin types: Waxing can be done on all skin types.

Cons:

Painful: Waxing can be painful, especially when waxing a sensitive area.
Expensive: Professional waxing can be expensive, and you’ll need to purchase waxing supplies if you plan on doing it at home.
Ingrown hairs: Ingrown hairs can grown after waxing.
Preparation: You’ll need to let the hair grow to a certain length before waxing, which can be inconvenient.

Depilatory Creams

Depilatory creams are a hair removal method that involves applying a cream or lotion to the skin. The cream dissolves the hair, making it easy to wipe away. Depilatory creams are affordable and can be found at most drugstores.

Pros:

Convenience: Depilatory creams can be used at home and take only a few minutes.
Painless: Depilatory creams are a painless hair removal method.
Long-lasting: Results can last up to two weeks.
Suitable for most skin types: Depilatory creams can be used on all skin types.

Cons:

Unpleasant smell: The creams can have an unpleasant smell.
Chemicals: Depilatory creams contain chemicals that can irritate the skin.
Incomplete removal: The creams may only remove some of the hair, especially if it’s coarse.
Time-consuming: You’ll need to wait a certain amount before wiping off the cream, which can be inconvenient.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a long-term hair removal method that involves using a laser to destroy the hair follicle. It is a professional treatment that is done in

Pros:

Long-lasting: Laser hair removal can provide long-term results, with some people experiencing permanent hair reduction.
Precision: The laser targets the hair follicle, so it’s a precise method that doesn’t damage the surrounding skin.
Suitable for most body parts: Laser hair removal can be done on almost any body part.
Reduced ingrown hairs: Laser hair removal can reduce the occurrence of ingrown hairs.

Cons:

Expensive: Laser hair removal can be costly, especially since multiple sessions are required.
Requires preparation: You’ll need to avoid sun exposure and certain medications before and after treatment.
Painful: Laser hair removal can be painful, although most people find the discomfort tolerable.
Not suitable for all skin types: Laser hair removal works best on light skin and dark hair, so it may only be suitable for some.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a hair removal method that involves inserting a tiny needle into each hair follicle and using an electric current to destroy the hair root. It’s a permanent hair removal method, although multiple sessions are required.

Pros:

Permanent results: Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal method.
Precision: The electric current targets the hair follicle, so it’s a precise method that doesn’t damage the surrounding skin.
Suitable for all skin types and hair colors: Electrolysis can be done on all skin types and hair colors.
Reduced ingrown hairs: Electrolysis can reduce the occurrence of ingrown hairs.

Cons:

Time-consuming: Electrolysis can be time-consuming since each hair follicle must be treated individually.
Expensive: Electrolysis can be costly, especially since multiple sessions are required.
Painful: Electrolysis can be painful, although most people find the discomfort tolerable.
Not suitable for large areas: Electrolysis is best suited for small areas, such as the upper lip or chin.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Learn more about the best hair removal method for women depends on personal preference and individual factors such as skin type, hair colour, and budget. Shaving is the most convenient and cost-effective option but it only provides short-term results. Waxing and depilatory creams provide longer-lasting results but can be painful and require preparation. Laser hair removal and electrolysis provide permanent results, but they are expensive and may be painful. Consider the pros and cons of each hair removal method and choose the one that works best for you.

Photo Gallery: Billy Joel at Niagara Falls’ OLG Stage Grand Opening

Feb 26, 2023

All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or Twitter

Mr! Mouray Releases Beatles + Badfinger-Influenced “Cats Can’t Fly” From What’s The Stouray Album

Feb 25, 2023

Hooks and harmonies. Jangly guitars, groovy rhythms, and influences including the Beatles and Badfinger. No drama, no gimmicks. Just good people and good tunes. For Toronto’s Mr! Mouray, it’s all about making music with catchy melodies and a classic rock-and-roll spirit and doing it on their own terms.

Bandleader Simon Bedford-James formed the group upon deciding that after 30+ years on the music scene it was time to re-evaluate his role as a songwriter/performer, leave what had become an unsatisfactory situation, and step into the spotlight as a frontman of a new project. He put together a crew of trusted veteran musicians to help arrange and interpret his original songs, and together they’ve become a power-pop force to be reckoned with.

Joining singer/guitarist Bedford-James (formerly of Swedish Fish, Moving Targetz, The Last Band and more) are his ex-Moving Targetz bandmate Jaimie Vernon on bass, Nelson Pereira (The Last Band) on guitar, and fellow Swedish Fish alumnus Craig Adams on drums.

“Mr! Mouray is the best band I’ve ever been in. We’re just having fun,” Bedford-James says. “We’re all on the same page now and when it stops being fun, that’s when we’ll call it a day. Until then we’ve got a lot of material coming. All we can hope is that people like the songs.”

After launching several EPs and singles over the past few years, Mr! Mouray’s full-length record, “What’s The Stouray” (with former member David Otanez on drums) was released at the tail end of 2022 on Vernon’s Bullseye Records and made it on International Pop Overthrow Festival impresario David Bash’s best-of list. Mr! Mouray proudly takes part in the festival each year and plans to perform extensively in 2023.

The New Wave-influenced single “Cat’s Can’t Fly,” featuring Bedford-Jones’ trademark witty lyrics and the band’s knack for infectious arrangements, was released with an accompanying video produced by Vernon that depicts a couple’s penchant for arguing over trivial matters while avoiding real communication.

“Dogs don’t laugh at photographs you show them. They find it trying. I know you’re lying,” Bedford-Jones sings, in this chronicle of a troubled relationship that seems to be headed for a bitter end.

With the incredibly prolific Bedford-James’ wealth of original material to work with and Vernon’s record-label experience to support their efforts, Mr! Mouray is looking ahead to a bright future after a pandemic hiatus.

Throughout the new year, the group will be releasing more singles and videos and, most importantly, enjoying the ride.

“We’re also at the age where we’re not putting up with any bull. We’ll stream songs. We’ll play live if and when we want. We’ll make videos. We’ll do whatever tickles our fancy,” Vernon says. “Imagine being in a weekend garage band full time. That’s Mr! Mouray.”

Toronto-Based Folk Artist Ian Arden Takes On A Delicate Hope In “Nadia”

Feb 25, 2023

It’s always interesting that in some languages similar words can have different meanings. And Toronto folk artist Ian Arden speaks to two meanings in his new song “Nadia.”

In Russian, Nadia means “hope” and in Arabic Nadia means “delicate.” The character of Nadia in his new song, and accompanying music video, represents both of those words while describing someone who has been suffering for too long.

“The music video and the song depict a beautiful, innocent young maiden. As I am the ‘Toronto troubadour’ she represents the muse that has guided me throughout my life,” says Arden of the “Nadia” video.

Arden started to focus inspiration for his music on mental health after he noticed how people around him were struggling. “Nadia” is a song that sounds like the 20th Century but remains current and impactful with its slow yearning and captivating chorus with a polished and modern folk sound.

With a focus on mental health, Arden speaks to the many things he’s learned such as there’s light at the end of the tunnel for those having a hard time.

“The song taught me to not be silent about mental health and to speak my truth. I take away from it the knowledge that I can firmly stand for what I believe,” says Arden.

“Nadia” is the first single off the EP Songs for Rebecca that continues to be centred around stories of trying to live in the modern world and those struggles. Arden’s first release has a list of guest appearances from local artists and blends pop and folk with songs that have the power to uplift anyone.

Songs for Rebecca is the first album by the Montreal born troubadour. After moving to Toronto, Arden’s father made him recite lyrics to songs from artists like Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon, and Bob Dylan to help him learn English and overcome his stammer. Although the process was unscientific, and maybe a little scarring, those influences can be heard throughout the album in its poetic lyrics and progressive folk elements.

Feez Da Popstar Realizes True Love In “All I Need Is”

Feb 25, 2023

Hailing from New York and now based in Charlotte, North Carolina as well as Honolulu, Hawaii, Feez Da Popstar is showing off his romantic side in his new single “All I Need Is.” It was alongside K-Pop singer Seeon Kang, whose vocals feature on the track. The single comes from Feez Da Popstar’s new album Life of A Popstar, which releases this summer.

When you realize what type of love that you want and need for yourself, it is only natural to want to show that love to the world. “All I Need Is’ accomplishes this in two ways: One is through Feez Da Popstar’s casual and sincere rap delivery. The other is with Seeon Kang’s soothing vocals, which add to the courtship going on in the lyrics.

“You my boo no other
Had to figure out had to discover
Your my only one my only lover
Closer than my sister father and mother
Out in the open no undercover
But when do our thing its under the covers”

Feez Da Popstar confirms the song is a confession of love, stating, “This song is about finally realizing you love someone and realize you have to tell them. You need to express your love, make a public declaration and want everyone to hear it.”

This realization can be hard to come by when your feelings are wavering or if you are envious of the love other people have. However, Feez Da Popstar shows that being true to what you really feel can be worth it, displaying a softer side of hip-hop that he feels is rarely seen these days.

He explains, “Today, when Rap expresses love for someone it’s very aggressive and at times vulgar with no romantic moments in it. But if you go back decades in music when you expressed love for someone and wanted to get with someone you talked to them. You spoke to their soul. I wanted to create that same feeling in my lyrics.”

Feez Da Popstar is the alter ego of DJ Jay Faire, which comes from his origins as a DJ making mixes and working club shows. By channeling the energy from his DJ work, Feez Da Popstar began performing and producing his own material.

Soon, he would be featured on songs by top artists, including Lil’ Wayne’s “Pump It” featuring Casey, Chris Brown’s “Shine For Me,” and New Boys’ “You’re A Jerk” remix.

These features would allow Feez Da Popstar to start finding his voice before he released his debut single, “Fly Away,” which would be remixed by Tiesto and associates. His next single, “Take Me Home,” would peak at #9 on the Digital Radio Tracker independent charts.

Feez Da Popstar’s most popular track to date is “Down For You (Party Get Lit),” an infectious high energy party anthem that combines Hip Hop with EDM Pop. This single has over 1.5 million combined streams on digital platforms with 900k alone on Spotify as well as several radio plays on stations such as 8.7 WRVZ The Beat in Charleston, Power 101.7 WZEB Maryland, and KPAT in Santa Monica.

Toronto’s 21st Annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival Announces 100 More Artists Including Sultans of String, Gary Kendall Band, Anne Lindsay & More

Feb 24, 2023

After two years of an online-only hiatus due to the Covid pandemic, Toronto’s annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival is back IRL, baby, for its 21^st Anniversary! The festival, which features a change of neighborhood this year to Kensington Market, will showcase some of the most talented blues and roots acts performing over the course of two nights of live performances, and one night of strictly online streaming.

This year’s Winterfolk lineup includes three-time JUNO Award winners Sultans of String; eight-time Maple Blues Award winner Gary Kendall Band; Jazz Violinist of the Year Anne Lindsay, and many, many more, including Alfie Smith, Anne Lindsay, Black Suit Devil, Brian Blain, Brian Gladstone, Brian Morgan, Camie, Carmen Toth, Chris Birkett, D’Arcy Wickham, Danny Marks, David Celia Band, David Essig, David Laronde, Garnetta Cromwell & DaGroovmasters, Glen Hornblast, Graham Lindsey, Harpin’ Norm Lucien, Heather Luckhart, Hilario Duran, Howard Gladstone &the Gladtones, Isabel & The Uncommons, JESSA (aka Jessica Stuart), Joey O’Neil, Kevin Breit, Laura Fernandez, Laura Hubert Band, Mandy Goodhandy, Melanie Peterson, Myke Mazzei, Noah Zacharin, Ori Dagan, Paul Mills, Quarrington and Adams (Q & A), Robert Priest, Shawn Lawrie & Kendall Kiddie, Sultans of String, Tania Joy, Tannis Slimmon & Lewis Melville, Taylor Abrahamse, The Gary Kendall Band, The Swingin’ Blackjacks, The Vaudevillian, Tia McGraff, Toney Springer, and Tyler Ellis. View Full Artist List on the Winterfolk website.

Winterfolk has moved this year to a new neighborhood, Kensington Market. With its multicultural mix of supermarkets, street food, charming boutiques, vintage clothing stores, and hip bars and cafés, Kensington Market feels like a perfect ‘bohemian’ fit for the festival. “Due to this change, Winterfolk’s lineup will be slightly scaled back so as to ease comfortably into our new digs, yet we will hopefully return back to full-strength next year once we’ve settled in,” said festival director Brian Gladstone. Kensington Market also feels like the perfect environment for fostering Winterfolk’s aim of strengthening diversity and inclusivity by adding to its yearly lineups more artists of colour, artists representing the LGBTQ+ community, Indigenous artists, women performers, and new young emerging talent.

Here are the Kensington Market venues hosting this year’s performances:

Freetimes Café: 320 College St. Toronto, ON M5T 1S3; (416) 967-1078
Taco Taco (2 stages): 319 Augusta Avenue, Kensington Market. Toronto, ON (416) 277-1856
Supermarket: 268 Augusta Ave, Toronto (416) 840-0501
Church of St. Stephens (2 stages); 103 Bellevue Ave., Toronto, ON, M5T 2N8 (At the corner of Bellevue and College)
Trinity Common – 303 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2M2

Directions are available on Winterfolk.com. Wristbands will also be made available on Winterfolk’s website (www.winterfolk.com) available now. A Weekend Pass is $30 allowing admittance to more than 80 performances, (includes Friday stream), while Stream Passes are free, and donations are encouraged. A One Day Pass for either Saturday or Sunday is $20. Wristbands will be sent via post before February 10.Winterfolk will feature ‘cashless doors,’ meaning cash will not be accepted on entry. However, wristbands can be ordered from Winterfolk.com.

Blue Moon Marquee Sweep Maple Blues Awards For Scream, Holler & Howl

Feb 24, 2023

Blue Moon Marquee rocked the Maple Blues Awards in a stunning four-award sweep, winning the coveted categories of Entertainer of the Year, Acoustic Act of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Record/Producer of the Year for their fifth album, Scream, Holler & Howl.

It’s the first time in the 26-year history of the awards that one artist has swept in these specific categories. A.W. Cardinal, one half of the duo, is also the first Indigenous artist to win the big four categories.

Blue Moon Marquee have worked diligently over the past decade, touring throughout North America and Europe. They have put out a total of five albums, as well as band member A.W. Cardinal’s second solo project Stainless Steel Heart (2012).

“The best part of these awards is that they came from the people. All those long years on the road crisscrossing the country, sleeping in alleys with our instruments and performing anywhere we could,” Blue Moon Marquee said. “It was predominantly fan voting, and that feels special. It is spark and spur for inspiration and encouragement to keep going.”

“A deep thank you and bow of gratitude to everyone who took the time to vote for us, come out to a show, buy a record and support us along the way,” the band said, adding that they will soon announce plenty of new tour dates, including for their very first tour of Australia.

Blue Moon Marquee writes and performs original compositions influenced by anything that swings, jumps or grooves. A.W. Cardinal (vocals/guitar) and Jasmine Colette a.k.a. Badlands Jass (vocals/bass/drums) have played for a vast gamut of crowds at jazz clubs, Lindy Hop dance halls, folk venues, blues haunts, hospitals, prisons, markets, motorcycle joints, dive bars and prestigious festival stages.

Colette not only commands the upright bass but also brings the rhythm with her feet on a custom foot drum kit, all while singing in her signature honey-dipped tone. Cardinal’s distinctive and soulful vocals barrel out like a raging bull while his guitar crackles with the swinging energy of jazz-tinged blues.

With their highly anticipated fifth album Scream, Holler & Howl, Blue Moon Marquee have captured their most sophisticated collection of songs yet. Co-produced by Duke Robillard (Fabulous Thunderbirds, Roomful of Blues) and Erik Nielsen (City & Colour) and recorded live to tape, SHH blazes forward with a full band featuring some of Canada’s finest veteran players. While they have primarily performed as a duo since 2013, over the last couple of years Blue Moon Marquee have been performing often as a trio or quartet featuring Darcy Phillips (Jann Arden) on piano and Jerry Cook (Colin James) on tenor and baritone saxophone.

In addition to sweeping the Maple Blues Awards, the album was also honoured this year with the Blues Foundation’s Blues Music Award nomination for Emerging Artist of the Year. The album has topped the charts in the United States and Canada, achieving No. 1 on the !Earshot National Folk/Roots/Blues chart and No. 3 on their National Top 10 Chart for all genres, No. 1 on Canada’s Top 50 Chart by Roots Music Report, No. 6 on the International NACC Radio Chart and No. 8 on the coveted Living Blues Radio Chart. In a rare feat, it also reached No. 9 on the !Earshot National Jazz Chart.