EVENT | A$AP Ferg Hosts Health Fair For Youth

Rapper A$AP Ferg is using his fame for a good cause.

He started up the first-ever Ferg Fair, an event that took place at the Harlem Polo Grounds Community Center on Sunday, August 9. The fair focused on healthy living and positivity, with free health checks, activities and performances for 300 young people. The Harlem-bred rapper partnered with The Children’s Village and People of Peace (POP) to give back to his community and pick up where his grandmother left off.

INTERVIEW WITH | The Glitch Mob

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I sat down with the guys of The Glitch Mob earlier this month in Montreal, where we chatted about their new album, the world of EDM and the ever-growing Glitch Mob community. Made up of Josh "Ooah," Justin "Boreta" and Ed "edIT," this LA-based trio has been working hard on making their music known worldwide.

Check out some of the interview below:

Earlier this year, you released your second album, Love Death Immortality – what went into the making of it?

Justin: It was about a two-year process where we had been touring our previous album and decided to stop and take everything we learned on the road and put it back into our new record. The focus for us is always on the emotion and the story and feeling of a song. This time, we put it into a package that was ready to be performed live and toured. It sounded like music that was engineered for the live stage and had the energy of the drama of a big live show we wanted to put on.

INTERVIEW WITH | Local Natives

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I got the chance to chat with a couple of the guys in Local Natives, a cool indie-rock band from Los Angeles. I saw down with Ryan Hahn and Nik Ewing, who gave insight into the touring life, working with each other and what's coming up (the group also includes Taylor Rice, Kelcey Ayer and Matt Frazier).

INTERVIEW WITH | Dream Koala

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Yndi Ferreira, or better known as Dream Koala, makes music to inspire change in the world. His latest EP, Earth. Home. Destroyed., takes place in the future, where he hopes to see a difference in the way things are moving. “I really wanted to write about saving the planet and to change our mentality and think about our environment.”

Originally from Paris, the 20-year-old producer made his first trip onto Canadian soil to perform at the Osheaga music festival in Montreal on August 1. He hit the electronic stage and brought his energetic and ambient sound. His music brings together a mixture of genres, which he says comes from listening to so many different types growing up, ranging from traditional Brazilian music to metal and jazz.

INTERVIEW WITH: Cher Lloyd

It's been a crazy busy time—agh I've been seriously lacking on the blogging. Anyways, here's an interview I did with British popstar Cher Lloyd this summer. Make sure you give her new album Sorry I'm Late a listen!

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Christina Dun: Congrats on the new album! How does it compare to Sticks and Stones?

Cher Lloyd: My first record was very bubblegum pop and very pop-driven, but this record has so many different musical elements. You can’t really pinpoint what genre it really is and that was a conscious decision made by me. There are songs you can cry to and songs you can go out and party to. It’s quite an emotional record and it’s very up and down.

INTERVIEW WITH: Cris Cab

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Not everyone can say that they are mentored by the one and only Pharrell Willams, but 21-year-old Cris Cab can add that to his resume.

A raspy voice combined with reggae-infused musical style, makes him a force to be reckoned with. He’s already worked with big names such as Wyclef Jean, Mike Posner and Big Sean. The video for his song, “Liar Liar” featuring Pharrell, already has more than 16 million views on YouTube. Cris made a Canadian Music Week visit and performed at the CHUM FM FanFest.

We got a chance to chance with Cris about his rise in the music world.

This year has already been pretty exciting for you, with touring and the album release—what went into the making of Where I Belong?

Cris Cab: The album has been something I’ve been working on for two years.  We ended up with around 40 songs and there were so many great producers like Wyclef and Pharrell. We had to choose the right songs that would tell the story. For me, Where I Belong is really my introduction to the world. It’s what I’ve been working on for so long. The title for me also means growth. I started when I was 17 and from then to now, it’s been a period of finding myself.

Having a mentor like Pharrell is a huge deal. What have you learned from him?
 

CC: I’ve learned so much from Pharrell. He’s a really cool guy. He’s got such great musical wisdom and life advice. He’s a hard worker, number one. He teaches you that there are no shortcuts for hard work. He also teaches you to remain humble and treat everyone the same, and that’s really important. Everyone plays a different role in the world, but regardless, everybody is a human being. He teaches you that we’re all one.

Read the full Faze article HERE>>>http://bit.ly/1nNfqSG

Lightning round:

Something you can't leave your house without? My guitar.

Most embarrassing song we'd find on your iPod? Norah Jones, "Come Away With Me"

Biggest fear? Hmm, I guess falling.

If you could invite someone over for dinner, alive or dead, who would it be? Bob Marley.

What is your spirit animal? I think it's a dog.

Who would play you in a movie? Danny DeVito. If there's ever a Cris Cab movie, that's the first person I'm calling. I know he would kill it.

Any hidden talents? I'm a great shower dancer. As soon as the soap hits my toes, I can't stop it. In the shower I go for a mixture of the electric slide and the hustle. It's kind of different and innovative to the shower dancing world. Very few people get to see it.

He also answered some fan questions via Twitter - here are his answers!

@christinaaa28 @criscab @CMW_Week @1045CHUMFM is there one thing that you really want to do before getting old? :)
— Sara (@xhemmoslaugh) May 9, 2014

Cris Cab: Sky dive.

@christinaaa28 @criscab @CMW_Week @1045CHUMFM What do you like most about your fans?  Love you.
— killin' it✨ (@ciaocher) May 9, 2014

CC: They're just so cool and loving and supportive. Some of my biggest fans, I see them consistently and spreading, it's really cool.

@christinaaa28 @criscab @CMW_Week @1045CHUMFM if you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? #CMW2014
— Cris Cab (@criscxb) May 9, 2014

CC: That's hard. I guess, if they gave me some kind of chicken every day, but I had different sauces, I think I'd be good. 

@christinaaa28 @criscab @CMW_Week @1045CHUMFM What was the 1st(your favourite)reggae song that you heard? How did it influence your music?
— Kar (@karkar023) May 9, 2014

CC: First reggae song I heard was Jammin' by Bob Marley when I was like seven years old in the Bahamas and that really struck me. Bob Marley at that age really played a critical role. That's why I really love infused reggae and it comes so naturally to me.

@christinaaa28 @criscab @CMW_Week @1045CHUMFM his celebrity crush?
— Scandalous (@KieraMarie26) May 9, 2014

CC: Kendall Jenner.

@christinaaa28 @criscab @CMW_Week @1045CHUMFM What is your inspiration in LIFE ? #CMW2014
— Anazryia (@Anazryia) May 9, 2014

 CC: My inspiration in life is to get to a point where I could help people. 

For more Cris Cab, check out http://criscab.com/

- Christina
Follow my adventures on Twitter: @christinaaa28

CMW 2014: Walk Off The Earth

It’s been an exciting time for Burlington rock band Walk Off The Earth. Fresh from a European tour, the band was in Toronto for the Canadian Radio Music Awards. They performed and walked away with four awards: Best New Group or Solo Artist in the “Hot AC” and “CHR” categories, SOCAN Song of the Year for “Red Hands,” and the Fans Choice award.

Marshall, Sarah, Gianni, Taylor and Joel have been on tour promoting their debut full-length album R.E.V.O, released in March 2013. It’s been an especially interesting time on the road for Sarah and Gianni, who welcomed their first child recently. “I’ve been on tour with my new baby and it’s been an amazing and challenging experience,” says Sarah.

The band was looking forward to taking part in this year’s Canadian Music Week. “I feel like Canada has finally reached the point of recognizing the musicians they should,” says Sarah. “They’re giving credit to the people who deserve it, and more people are seeing that there’s a lot of talent here.”

Read the full Faze article HERE>>> http://bit.ly/1jKCwuR

For more WOTE, check them out at www.walkofftheearth.com and find them on Facebook, Twitter & YouTube!

- Christina

Follow my adventures on Twitter: @christinaaa28

CMW 2014: Broods

As first-timers to Canadian Music Week, New Zealand brother-sister duo Broods brought their unique sound and contagious energy to the Underground at The Drake Hotel.

Made up of 19-year-old Georgia Nott and 21-year-old Caleb Nott, Broods takes electronic pop music to another level with their intricate and dark arrangements, which Georgia describes as “emotional down-beat pop music."

They released their debut self-titled EP this earlier this year. The six-track album features songs including “Pretty Thing” and “Never Gonna Change.”  They have been working closely with Joel Little, who produced megastar Lorde’s debut album. 

With the success of their hit single “Bridges,” Broods has quickly risen onto the radar in the music industry. “It’s pretty whirlwind. It’s hard to get used to because it’s all happening so fast. It’s really exciting,” says Georgia. “We’re grateful that we’ve been given this opportunity to do what we love.”

Their passion for making music is what keeps them going. “I’ve never really put as much of my heart and soul into anything else apart from music and writing,” says Georgia. “So to get to do this as a full-time career is incredible.”

Read the full Faze article HERE>> http://bit.ly/1oU1Bpd

- Christina

Follow my adventures on Twitter: @christinaaa28

CMW 2014: ODESZA

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Seattle-based production duo ODESZA brought their unique electronic sound to Toronto’s Tattoo Rock Parlour for Canadian Music Week for the first time. Harrison Mills (aka Catacombkid) and Clayton Knight (BeachesBeaches) have been making music together since 2012 after meeting during college.

ODESZA’s latest EP My Friends Never Die was released last year and the guys have been on tour extensively, making their presence known in the electronic music scene. They’ve seen a change in the industry and they like the direction it’s moving in.

“It’s a lot vaster than it used to be and I like that there’s a lot more variety,” says Harrison. “My favourite thing is the diversity in sounds, and I’m finding more and more often there’s a shift to stranger sounds, which is cool.”

Read the full Faze article HERE>> http://bit.ly/RVdmxD

Check out www.odesza.com and find them on Facebook & Twitter!

- Christina

Follow my adventures on Twitter: @christinaaa28

CMW 2014: Virginia To Vegas

Derik Baker, also known as Virginia To Vegas, has a lot to be excited about. Early in his music career, he’s signed to Wax Records, released his debut single “We Are Stars” and toured with Hedley.

“We Are Stars,” featuring fellow Canadian artist and label mate Alyssa Reid, has become a hit on radio stations across the country. Now, Virginia To Vegas is excited for what’s to come.

He remembers the moment he first heard his song on the radio. “I was driving home on New Year’s Day and I honestly broke down in tears,” he says. “It was the coolest moment in my life, since it was something I’ve wanted for so long.”

Read the full Faze article HERE>>> http://bit.ly/1h9eyne

For more Virginia To Vegas, find him on Facebook & Twitter!

- Christina

Follow my adventures on Twitter: @christinaaa28

CMW 2014: 1st Class

Made up of vocalist Mitchell Nugent and rapper Why Jay E, 1st Class is a young, up-and-coming duo hoping to dive into the music industry and get their name out there. After finding each other online, the two 19-year-olds joined forces to create a fresh sound that brings together their backgrounds of country, pop and rap music.

They debuted at Canadian Music Week, opening up a showcase featuring Ben Zamora, Aspire, D-Pryde and Crystalyne at Adelaide Hall.

“We just want to enter the music scene with a bang,” says Why Jay E. “We want to make a good impression.”

Read the full article on faze.ca HERE>>> http://bit.ly/SgPAMQ

Find 1st Class on Facebook & Twitter!

- Christina

Follow my adventures on Twitter: @christinaaa28

INTERVIEW WITH: Christina Perri

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Christina Perri describes her start in the music industry as a Cinderella moment. I had the chance to sit down with the American songstress and she told me what it was like going from a waitress on June 29, 2010 to having an instant launch into stardom after her song 'Jar of Hearts' debuted on So You Think You Can Dance.

"I remember I came home and just cried for like three days," she says. "I had to process what had just happened."

Another one of her ballads, 'A Thousand Years' made it to the big screen. Her fan base continued to grow after being part of the incredibly popular Twilight franchise.

"I might not have ever pushed my comfort zone had I not been pushed out into it," she says. "I was very afraid of this, which makes me believe in the concept of doing the thing you're afraid of."

--> Most recently, she released her second album, Head or Heart, and has been touring and sharing it with the world. "I think I love this album so much emotionally because I loved making it," she says.

INTERVIEW WITH: Fefe Dobson

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Last week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Canadian pop-rock singer Fefe Dobson. I'll admit, I spent a majority of my teenage years belting out Fefe Dobson songs—this one in particular, despite the lack of ever even having a boyfriend to say "bye bye" to....

So I was really looking forward to getting to chat with her, since she's been in the industry for quite some time now, and naturally she's grown as a person and artist.  She even fell in love along the way, sighhhh. (She's engaged to American rapper YelaWolf FYI)

MUSIC | Dierks Bentley

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During my last week interning for ET Canada, I got to tag along and help out with a shoot with country music star Dierks Bentley.

I got to check out Toronto's newest country bar, the Rock 'n' Horse Saloon, for the first time. Apparently they have a mechanical bull inside! Sounds like a fun time.

Dierks Bentley was in town for a special debut screening of his Riser documentary on February 11th at the Rock 'n' Horse Saloon and ET Canada chatted with him about his new album and even got his tips on how to win a country boy's heart (for a special Valentine's Day web exclusive).

 He was super nice!

INTERVIEW WITH: Matt Webb

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I've gotten to meet Matt Webb a couple times through Faze Magazine (him and Marianas Trench were once our cover stars!) and recently, I got to chat with him about his second solo project.

He released Right Direction on February 4th and he was super excited about it. I spoke with him over the phone about his new music.

"I had a much clearer idea of how I wanted to sound on this EP. I wanted to make a really stripped down sounding record that's really guitar based and taking it back to the roots. I wanted to make it really organic and raw, and something this is really cohesive that people can enjoy from start to finish." - Matt Webb

Here's his latest music video, for "Right Direction" -

INTERVIEW WITH: David Ward

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Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Vancouver musician David Ward. I interviewed him before his show at the Tranzac Club in Toronto for Faze Magazine. His new album, Golden Future Time, is a two part saga that showcases two different sounds — "Side A is more cinematic spooky art rock and on side B there's more synthesizer-based experimental soul jams," David explains. It was released on January 28, 2014.

What is it about music?

"I just love it. I love listening to it, I love making it. When you're singing on stage live and you're connecting with people on that kind of level, it's a spiritual experience. There's something so special about music, the way it translates to people and the way it translates to me. It carries so much, the stories, emotions, lessons—it's a special art form."

INTERVIEW WITH: Shad

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I got the chance to interview Canadian rapper Shad a couple weeks ago when he was in town for a show at the Danforth Music Hall. It was a chill interview and he's such a talented and humble guy. His latest album, Flying Colours, is nominated for Rap Recording Of The Year at this year's Juno Awards! Here's a snippet from our chat -

INTERVIEW WITH: Dan Godlin

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New York City-based musician Dan Godlin stopped by Toronto a couple months ago for a show opening up for Tyler Hilton at the Hard Luck Bar and I had the pleasure of chatting with him about everything, from his debut album, traveling between NYC & LA, and hearing his songs on Keeping Up With The Kardashians. If you haven't heard of his music yet, get on it! 

I wrote an article for Faze Magazine and it's featured in the latest issue, featuring the boys of Degrassi on the cover! Fun fact, Degrassi was the first TV show to feature one of Dan's songs. Cool, eh?

INTERVIEW WITH: Tyler Shaw

At the last Faze event, I got to interview one of the night's performers, Tyler Shaw. He's a fellow Vancouverite and it was nice chatting about what he's been up to since winning MuchMusic's Coca Cola Covers contest back in 2012 and his experience as a Free The Children ambassador. The full article will come out in an upcoming issue of Faze Magazine, so I won't let out too many spoilers, but here's a fun and quick lightning round from the interview.

Something you can’t leave the house without:

Guitar Pick.

If it's a rainy day outside, where would we find you?

In my house. I have a little home studio so I'm always in there.

What one item would you bring to a deserted island?

My guitar.

If you could invite 3 people (alive or dead) over for dinner, who would you choose?

Justin Timberlake, Elvis Presley and Taylor Swift.

First thing you notice in a girl:

Nose.

Most embarrassing song we’d find on your iPod:

I have Backstreet Boys and Spice Girls. I don’t know if I still have "Barbie Girl," but I may have taken it off. 

What is your spirit animal?

A wolf. 

 Keep an eye out for the article in Faze Magazine!

- Christina
Follow my adventures on Twitter: @christinaaa28
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MUSIC | The Paper Kites

Earlier this month, I got to see Australian indie-folk band The Paper Kites perform live in Toronto during their first-ever headlining tour. They played at the Horseshoe Tavern and it was packed. I got the chance to interview the band's leading lady Christina Lacy and we chatted about their debut album, their group dynamic and what it was like touring in the US with Canada's own City and Colour.

If you haven't heard of their music yet, you should. Here's one of my favourites, "Bloom"

Check out some of my pics from the show:

Christina Lacy on touring with City and Colour:

"It almost felt like we were cheating. Usually you start off with these really small venues and work your way up, but we kind of just got shoved into these huge venues and getting to play for his crowds, which were much bigger than ours. So that was a really cool first experience of playing in America. And Dallas Green was just lovely and his whole crew was really cool and took care of us. I think it was the perfect start to playing shows overseas."

"It's always fun to perform the favourites that people seem like they're excited to hear. When they hear the intro, they know the song. I don't think I'll ever get sick of that. It's so cool when you start playing a song and people's faces light up because they recognize it and for us, it's so weird. It's strange." - Christina Lacy

"My advice is to do music for yourself. You need to be able to write for yourself and write about things you want to write about. My attitude is like write and play for yourself and if other people like it, and therefore that makes you successful, then that’s kind of a bonus. We never ever thought we’d be playing here in Toronto. That was never our intention. We were playing songs and writing songs that we thought were good and that we enjoyed, and the fact that other people got on board was a really big bonus and something that you could ever plan for. You can never start into music with the aim to be successful." - Christina Lacy

I love their music video for "Young," a track off their album States.

Keep an eye out for the full article in the next issue of Faze Magazine!

- Christina
Follow my adventures on Twitter: @christinaaa28