SNEAK PEEK: Alli Simpson Style Shoot

Via Facebook

Already a past Faze Magazine cover star, the adorable Alli Simpson will be featured once again in our upcoming issue. We had a fun back-to-school style shoot with the Australian beauty earlier this month. You may recognize her as Cody Simpson's younger sis, but she's quickly making a name for herself, through her own singing talents and her incredibly pretty Instagram.

IG: @christinadun

MuchMusic Video Awards [Part 2]

My friend Naomi and I were super excited to cover this year's MMVAs on June 15th. Naturally, we took lots of selfies. It was pretty chaotic the entire night, with the streets blocked off, crazy screaming fans, and such. We mainly stayed in the media room though (photos of the celebs who stopped by HERE) so we avoided being amongst the massive crowds.

Fave performance of the night:

After the awards show, we checked out the Universal Music after party at Maison Mercer, which was pretty rad.

Overall, it was an awesome experience! Peace out, until next year!

- Christina
Follow my adventures on Twitter: @christinaaa28

CMW 2014: CHUM FM FanFest In Photos

These are a little late, but oh well......here are some of my snaps from CHUM FM's FanFest during Canadian Music Week!

CRIS CAB

ANDREW ALLEN

ALYSSA REID

 FT. VIRGINIA TO VEGAS

MAGIC!

KRISTINA MARIA

TEGAN & SARA

ELLIE GOULDING

- Christina
Follow my adventures on Twitter: @christinaaa28

All photos by Christina Dun | Please contact for use
info@christinadun.com

INTERVIEW WITH: Cris Cab

Photo via Facebook

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

Photo via Facebook

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

CMW 2014: HIGHS

Toronto is a great place for budding musicians. I met up with HIGHS, a local indie-pop band made up of Doug, Karrie, Joel and Kevin, who gave insight into the making of their debut EP.

Their song "Nomads" is featured in the trailer for Adult World, a movie starring John Cusack and Emma Roberts—a huge deal if you ask me. They are pretty stoked about it and joked around that they are now tight with John and Emma, on a first-name basis obvi. Check it out here:

On their band name: "If encompasses this positive message that we're aiming for. We felt the name reflects the sound that we were creating." They also threw around some ideas of what HIGHS would be as an acronym. The result? "Heavenly Influenced Gregorian Harmonies, Sup?"

 

"We enjoy playing the music and also playing together as a band," says Doug. "I think that is communicated while we're playing and that can be contagious, which is the goal. We want everyone to enjoy themselves as much as we are."

Advice to fellow aspiring artists: "If you want to be a musician all the time, you have to be ready to run a business. For some musicians, that's not what's going to make them happy, but for us, we enjoy that as well."

Their songs have the perfect summer chill vibe, check out 'Summer Dress'

Find them at www.highsmusic.com and on Facebook & Twitter!

- Christina

Follow my adventures on Twitter: @christinaaa28

Canadian Music Week 2014

I got to cover Canadian Music Week once again for Faze Magazine and it was a jam-packed week, that's for sure. I checked out some shows, did some interviews, took some photos, the works.

CMW had an awesome kick-off party and concert featuring M.I.A - I'm such a fan—sigh—so seeing 'Bad Girls' live was pretty amazing.

Swedish artist Elliphant opened up for M.I.A and she had a ton of energy, getting everyone pumped up. It was cool because the show was free for roughly 200 fans who had to win to get in.

I love getting to discover new music, through festivals like CMW. This year was another cool experience, getting to meet some awesome people. Keep an eye out for my full coverage on www.faze.ca!

Interviews to come on the blog ft. Broods, Cris Cab, Walk Off The Earth, 1st Class, ODESZA, Virginia To Vegas and HIGHS, plus coverage from CHUM FM's FanFest & the SiriusXM Indies!

- Christina

Follow my adventures on Twitter: @christinaaa28

MUSIC | Sneak peek: 4Count

The Faze Magazine team and I got to spend an afternoon with Adam, Kieran, Aaron and Ben, the hilarious guys of 4Count for a fun interview and trivia game. If you're unfamiliar, here's their video for their track 'Epic'

A little sneak peek photo from the shoot:

Stay tuned!

- Christina
Follow my adventures on Twitter: @christinaaa28

INTERVIEW WITH: Christina Perri

Photo via Facebook

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

Photo via Facebook

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)

Fun with Fifth Harmony

Photo via Facebook

The cutest girl group Fifth Harmony made a visit to Toronto on tour with Demi Lovato and I was fortunate enough to hang out with them for a Faze Magazine cover shoot (they'll be our summer issue cover girls). Ally, Lauren, Dinah, Camila and Normani are all so incredibly sweet. It was so much fun, with lots of energy and impromptu dance moves.

Of course, Faze brought them cupcakes:

EVENT | Faze Magazine's Glow Girl 2014

It's been a super busy time, so I know this post is a little late.....

Faze Magazine hosted its Glow Girl prom prep event last month and it was such a fun time. Lots of awesome performances, special guests, and fab makeup and hair stations. I was the videographer lead at the event, so stay tuned for the video to come! Degrassi's Luke Bilyk was our charming host and we had performances by:

Jordan McIntosh 

Mandia