Month: August 2015

Bringing Back Bubblegum Pop: An Interview with Solo Artist Indigo

By Alyssa Laube

“The genre of pop has always been natural to me,” said musician Indigo, who will be performing at the Art World Expo in Toronto’s Hard Rock Cafe this year. “This isn’t a surprise considering I grew up in the 90’s and 2000’s when pop, R&B and hip-hop were dominating the music world.” Certainly, the powerhouse songstresses of that time can be heard in her songs, ranging from the lively hooks of Madonna and the Spice Girls to the soulful crooning of Christina Aguilera and Alicia Keys. As a matter of fact, Indigo seems to emulate the charm of bubblegum pop’s poster child, Britney Spears. It’s the upbeat sound combined with the darling image that evokes images of America’s (ex) sweetheart, but although the parallel can be made, Indigo brings something fresh to the table. Like Britney, she’s a solo act who describes herself as “flexible” when it comes to who she works with, but all-in-all, she’s more involved, unprocessed, and authentic. Basically, every Indigo original starts and ends with her. Along the way, fellow musicians and producers may lend a helping hand, but at the end of the day, it all comes back to Indigo.

Although she’s a true indie artist, her live shows (such as the one that will be taking place at the Hard Rock) are played with a three-piece backing band. James Karfilis, “a good friend and an incredible artist with many creative projects on-the-go,” plays guitar, sings backup, and helps co-write. Ben Müller, the bassist, and Bradley Connor, the drummer, joined Indigo on stage together with their talent, musicianship, and admirable stage presence at hand. For Indigo, who “looks for heart, commitment, and drive in people,” this was exactly what she needed. The trio gives her shows a full sound and a high, positive energy. It’s the group’s expertise and friendly dynamic that promises a good night out of any Indigo performance, which usually consists of both originals and cover songs.

“Throw back tunes are a great way to connect with the audience because it’s speeds up the process of getting them comfortable with the band,” said Indigo, about her choice of covers. “It hits a nerve that makes them want to dance or sing along. For a performer, that’s the dream!”

Rather, that’s one of the dreams. Another one of Indigo’s is to publish an EP, but it will soon become a reality. The five-song record, entitled Child, is being released track-by-track (and two are available on iTunes already), but will be “re-released as a collection eventually”.

“All five tracks follow a chronological story, but due to money and time, I’ve had to spread them out over the years. I’m learning as I go and it’s taking me longer than expected, but in the end, I’m more interested in quality over quantity. I have another four to five song EP in mind for the future, once Child is completed.”

When it comes to inspiration for the albums, Indigo takes from the little things in life. “Honing on on every single detail” and taking notes on the interesting parts of overheard conversations has inspired many songs for the artist, but she was also heavily influenced by her childhood.

“My parents listened to a lot of world music when I was a wee one,” she recollected. “My dad played the Arabic tabla and the didgeridoo, and my mom was a professional belly-dancer. She took a couple of qanun lessons and they always had tambourines hanging on the walls. Growing up, I didn’t know how unique my childhood really was, but now, I see how lucky I was to be introduced to such exotic sounds and visuals so early on. I used a didgeridoo in the first four bars of ‘Mercury Retrograde’, not only because I think it sounds cool and works with the song, but also as a shout out to my dad. As an artist, I naturally gravitate towards those familiar sounds and I intend on incorporating them into my work in the future. It keeps me grounded and feels like home.”

Hopefully, these sounds will be heard on the upcoming releases. The trademark of most pop songs is that they’re somewhat formulaic, so the addition of an uncommon rhythm or instrument would undoubtedly give Indigo the upper hand. For now, she can use her tender (but powerful) vocals and admirable songwriting chops to gather crowds, including the show at the Hard Rock.

“The venue is a huge draw for people – it’s a household name that’s reliable. About two years ago, I was watching other artists play on that very stage and thought to myself, ‘It must feel great to be up there,’” she reminisced. “Now, it’s my turn.”

See Indigo play at the Hard Rock at this year’s Art World Expo in Toronto, and

Visit her website to listen and learn more about Indigo!

Photo credit: Madelayne Hajek

Interview: Author Robert Mulolo Why Me? and Theatre

by Alyssa Laube

For most writers, getting a book published is the end-all, be-all. It’s a milestone to work towards for years; not only does the author have to write and revise the story, but they also have to find a publisher and discuss all of the details that come with distributing a book. However, for Robert Mulolo, the aspirations didn’t stop there. His first novel to be released in 2012, Why Me?, told the tale of a young woman’s struggle to thrive in the face of adversity.

“The basis of the story, when I first decided to write it, was that I wanted to display a character who had an uphill battle from the get go,” said Robert, about the inspiration behind his novel. “I wrote about Renee and created that character. She never knew her father. Her mother, running from taking responsibility for her actions, would blame her for the bad misfortune she’s experienced in her life, and her half-sister would be absent from her life unless there was a need to have her around. The story covers the span of 10 years and shows Renee trying to better her life, and she encounters three men during that time. The story touches on family, betrayal, abuse and the idea of love.”

After the publication of Why Me?, Robert felt that he had to make “a big announcement” with the book, and do more than simply release it to his audience. It was then that he felt inclined to host book readings and signings, but because the narrator was a woman, he decided that they would not do the character justice. It was this complication that eventually led to his next monumental success.

“I wrote the book in the voice of a woman…so I decided to hire a performer to [read it] out. After seeing one part of my book being acted out, I had the idea for the play. It’s not yet ready as more funds are required, but by the end of the year, it will either be on stage or we will have a date for it.”

With luck, the play will add more depth and excitement to an already well-written novel. The dramatics and emotivity of theatre has enhanced story lines countless times before; Les Misérables, Crime and Punishment, and The Grapes of Wrath are just a few on the list, and act as great inspirations for the developing adaptation of Why Me?. The play may not have a set date yet, but stay tuned to Robert’s Facebook for updates (such as his next novel, Just Chance It) and purchase your own copy of Why Me? at these three locations to prepare for Robert’s big release.

“Storytelling is all about showing a new reality to others, and that’s what you must do as a writer. Give your reader an opportunity to get out of the crappy reality they know and allow them to be the witness to an amazing story,” said Robert, and Why Me? should be a great escape.

Art World Expo-Call for Submissions TORONTO

We are very excited that ART WORLD EXPO is growing nationally and we want you to be a part of the show!

Art World Expo is currently looking for artists who want to show, sell and promote their work at our next event at Hard Rock Cafe in the heart of downtown Toronto. All mediums are welcome, and the more out of the box your art is, the better! We are looking for artists that are unique, interesting and who want to share their work with the general public at this extraordinary event featuring hundreds of artists annually.

To submit your art, visit: https://theartworldexpo.com/exhibitor-information/

World Hydration-The Importance and Possibility of Water

by Alyssa Laube

In North America, water is massively taken for granted. For most of us, it’s readily available anywhere. At home, we can drink it from the tap, and on-the-go we use water bottles. However, although we’re blessed with a quantity of water, the quality can sometimes be deceiving.

“Tap or bottled water contains chemicals such as chlorine, lye, ammonia, B.P.A.’s and even bacteria. All of the waters are lifeless, oxidizing, and acidic, so instead of cleaning and hydrating your body, they contribute to more health problems,” said Sabine Gaudette, business owner of water ionization equipment company, World Hydration.

The water that World Hydration produces solves this problem, along with many others, and the benefits are tremendous. Their filters remove any harmful substances, as well as altering the composition of your water depending on how you intend to use it. There are different types for every need: beauty water for hair and skin, acidic water for disinfection and wound care, Kangen water to replace degreasers and detergents, and most commonly, hydrogen/antioxidant-rich drinking water.

worldofhydration

Curious to know how it worked, I asked Sabine about how her products function.

“The units hook up to any tap and are plugged in,” she responded. “The water passes through a filter which takes out chlorine and other impurities, and then is charged as it passes over the platinum and titanium plates [inside of the device]. This separates it into alkaline antioxidant water and acidic water. All of the important minerals we need are drawn to the alkaline side, and the bad ones go to the acidic side.”

The result is pure, harm-free water with a flood of health benefits. Those who use World Hydration technology have reported being more alert and awake, weight loss, alleviated pain due to injury or illness, and generally feeling healthier. It’ll even help your pets! After all, we’re both mostly made of water.

Although her customers have praises of their own, World Hydration’s products also had a meaningful impact on Sabine and her loved ones. While she was initially interested in the business for it’s environmental benefits, the query took a much more personal turn when her husband, a war veteran, began drinking the hydrogen/antioxidant-rich water.

“He was not able to function after he was exposed to the effects of war. For 19 years, he suffered with multiple symptoms, P.T.S.D. being the worst of them,” explained Sabine. After drinking this remarkable water for 3 weeks, he began healing, and today he’s living his life fully and with purpose. Now, we’re inspired to help others to realize that they have the choice to help themselves, too.”

This motivation is what inspires Sabine to share World Hydration with anyone who will listen, but the environmental advantages are equally as important. “They eliminate the need to buy bottled water [and cleaning chemicals], thus creating less pollution,” as well as reducing the need for medication by improving the health of those who use it.

“Everything we put down the drain eventually gets recycled back to us in our water. Can you imagine how much the planet would flourish if we didn’t use these unnecessary chemicals?” Sabine questioned. World Hydration is getting us a little bit closer to finding the answer.

The company will be sponsoring this year’s Art World Expo in Toronto, where talented, Canadian artists will showcase their work.

“When I attended this years Art World Expo in Vancouver, I was absolutely mesmerized by the talent surrounding me,” said Sabine, about why she chose to sponsor the event. “Monika Blichar has really done the world a favour by creating this amazing venue for artists to be seen! If you haven’t been, you need to get there. You have no idea what your missing!”
sabine
To learn about or purchase from World Hydration, buy tickets to one of 2015’s Art World Expos where you will find more information from this business!

Painting Dreams Art Tours meets Elizabeth’s Vines

We are so grateful to have made lots of new friends and connections while visiting Southwest France this year. One of the interesting women that we met this year is Elizabeth Vines. Elizabeth is a keen writer and lover of French wines, a worldly resident living in France, Canada, UK and Cypress throughout the year. Visit Elizabeth’s site here: http://elizabethsvines.com/

While we were in Dordogne, we met Elizabeth and to our pleasure, we found out that she loves to write about the area’s wine, food and music! Here is the latest from Elizabeth highlighting the Bergerac Wine Region! Be sure to check her out and sign up for our tour next year. Our free information session is on September 18 in our North Vancouver studio. Sign up here and learn how you too can enjoy South West France next year: Painting Dreams Art Tour Free Info Night

Bergerac Wine Region: jazz and wine

by elizabethsvines

The heat wave in South West France, with temperatures in the high 30’s and low 40 degrees C, has thankfully cooled. Sunflowers continue to salute the sun and lavender hedges are buzzing with the sound of many bees and other pollinators doing their work.

Lavender hedges

Sunflowers saluting the sun

Trimming the vines

In the vineyards it’s work as usual. The tractors are in the fields by 5.00 am getting a start on the work before it gets too hot. Vine trimming is complete and new vines are planted where the vignerons are making changes to their vineyards.

Amid all the flurry of vineyard work, there is still time to enjoy music and wine! More particularly jazz, performed at a wine chateau, in the barn or chai as it is called here, where the wine is made.

The Jazz En Chais, Cru 2015, a series of 5 jazz concerts held in the Pourpre Perigord area of South West France from March to November is very popular and offers live music, wine tasting at the host wine chateau as well as a farmer’s market where people can buy food and eat in situ before the concert.

Jazz en Chais concert: Chateau Court les Muts

Chateau Court Les Muts

Our most recent Jazz en Chais concert was held at Chateau Court Les Muts situated about 20 minutes from Bergerac and set in the gently rolling countryside of rural Dordogne, surrounded by the chateau’s own vineyards. The wines of this Chateau are highly regarded in the area.

First of all, we enjoy a glass of Chateau Court Les Muts ‘L’Oracle’, their premier red wine: 50% Malbec, 40% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, all black fruits, violets, chocolate and touch of white pepper. Then, we find our seats in the chais and settle down to listen to the Serge Delaite Trio play a concert called Comme Bach… in which the classical music of Bach is harmonized with jazz classics by Duke Ellington, Bart Haward and others and played with talent, style and energy. These concerts are a well attended and popular expression of South West France wine culture.

Being a fan of such music as Fly Me to The Moon, the Jazz En Chais series of live music partnered with high quality wines of the region ticks all the boxes for me for an enjoyable summer evening

References: Les Jazz en Chais concerts, Cru 2015. www.jazzpourpre.com

Chateau Court Les Muts, www.court-les-muts.com. See also their vine jewellery made on site.

Serge Delaite Trio. “Comme Bach”.