The National: Love At First Sound

The National: Matt Berninger, Aaron & Bryce Dessner, Scott & Bryan Devendorf

The National are an "indie" rock band you can feel good about loving and sharing. Sometimes I feel like a pretentious music snob when I talk about indie artists. I can't stand those hipsters who hate on their favourite bands once they achieve mainstream success. When I talk about The National I feel far removed from that scene. Whether music snobs like it or not The National's music is meant to move the masses.

I remember the first time I heard Ohio Bloodbuzz. The first ten seconds of drums was enough to make me instantly purchase the album.   The band was doing on interview on CBC radio the day after performing their second sold out show at Massey Hall.

How had I not heard of them before? Ohio Bloodbuzz was the first single off their fifth studio album High Violet.  It seems I'm not alone in this, because as successful as The National have become they still have a cult like indie fan base. I don't think I've ever heard them on a mainstream music station. That's not to say that the CBC isn't mainstream, but nobody listen's to CBC Radio 1 for it's music content. I even introduced my indie rock loving friends to them. A serious first.

I was hoping and preying that they would be on the bill at Bonarroo this year. They're not. I can't remember the last time I felt so desperate to see a band live. This is the problem with discovering an artist right after they've performed in your city.

My pathetic desperation led me to check out their website 
http://www.americanmary.com/ in hopes that maybe they'd be playing anywhere within driving distance. My dreams of seeing them live anytime soon are fading buy my respect for them is growing.

Near the end of an excellent and fairly long official biography, lead singer and lyricist Matt Berninge says something truly amazing."I prefer misquotes to the actual lyrics. It gives the songs more dimensions when people hear something else."

The National are about making music that matters not just to them but to their consumers, their fans - the people who really matter. As a music fan I often misquote lyrics and then become disappointed to discover I had a key word wrong. One word can change the entire meaning of a song. Matt's lack of ego and self importance as a lyricist allows everyone to find true connection to the band and their songs in there own unique way. His baritone voice can literally swallow your soul if you let it.

Sunday Bloody Sunday

Today @GarinKilpatrick tweeted a Paramore cover of U2's Sunday Bloody Sunday.

I don't have any stats on this but I feel like Sunday Bloody Sunday is one of u2's most popular and most covered songs.  Here are a few versions of it that I find interesting. Which one do you like the best?



 I don't hate this cover but I think it's missing a bit of umph. If this was a performance on American Idol I think she'd be voted off.



I love this version because it remains true to the original while still being authentic to Saul Williams rap/industrial/electronic style.



Hilarious. Kudos to whoever took the time to make it.


The band gave the song a break for a few years in the 90s. It remerged as an Edge solo towards the end of the Popmart Tour.  In the middle of the show Edge would sing karaoke with the audience and this version of Sunday Bloody Sunday to give Bono's ailing voice a rest. This is my favourite version.



There's nothing like the original. "and it's true we are immune when fact is fiction, tv reality." I think it's fascinating how much that applies to current society even though this song was released in 1983 long before the first reality television shows were produced (and when mtv still played music).


The best live version of this song. If you don't feel anything watching Bono's obvious disgust in the "revolution" and the "troubles" you have no soul.

Sometimes I Like To Relive This Memory

I filmed this on September 16th 2009. U2 was performing Until The End of The World (and then Stay) at the Roger's Centre when Bono decided to take a tumble and lay down on the stage right infront of Steph and I. Clearly, I couldn't contain myself as you can tell from my screaming.

Amazing day. Amazing concert. I took those pictures of the CN Tower that day.

Next show I'm dancing on stage with Bono. You can count on it.

A Year of Deadmau5 - Part 2

I took this from Deadmau5's facebook.
Cool people "like" him http://www.facebook.com/deadmau5

It was reading week in February. The Olympics had just started and I was driving home with my dad. We were just around the corner from my house listening and Sirius Satellite Radio on the top 40 station. They were doing a count down and Selena Gomez was the guest announcer.  I so vividly remember looking at the green letters on the  display that read artists: Deadmau5 song: Ghosts 'n' Stuff.

As Selena introduced the song she dropped some pretty key facts about the mau5, " Here's Joel Zimmerman or Deadmau5, The 28 year old DJ sensation from Toronto is taking the world by storm with his smash hit Ghosts 'n' Stuff" 

This was my first time hearing a mau5 song that wasn't Move For Me and it was only on for 20 seconds before we got out of the car, but I knew instantly his music was for me.  

I went into the house to watch Olympic coverage well into the night.  It must have been three in the morning when CTV showed some live footage of Deadmau5 show in Van City. It took me a few minutes to even register what they had shown. Flashing lights and someone on stage wearing a blue mouse mask didn't exactly fit the whole sports theme they had going on. It was late and my mind wasn't putting a+b together until I check my computer. 

I was downloading mau5's complete discography, and as soon as it was done I immediately a) realized that brief clip was Joel in action and b) listened to Ghosts 'n' Stuff. 

I'm pretty sure I've listened to that song on average once a day since. 

2010: Epic Epicness

You know that saying that implies that how you spend new years will be how you spend the rest of your year... Yeah, I always thought that was bullshit but in 2010 in tuned out to be true. Indulge me as I pay tribute to 2010…the best year of my life (or just stop reading, your choice).

Highlights in chronological order according to my memory:

New Years: Circa night club with Steph and Ray – I’m pretty sure that place doesn’t exists anymore.

new years

End of January: The Diva’s (my group of amazing girl friends from high school) all get together for the first time in 5 years. I truly miss them and it’s sad that we aren’t super close anymore but I’m thankful for cellphones and facebook which let me keep in touch with them as much as possible.

Beginning of March: Muse concert with “obstructed seats” which turned out to be amazing seats and cheap. Matt Bellamy and co knocked my socks off and I bought all their albums that I did not already have (which was most of them).

Middle of March: One of my best friends and I had a big falling out. We didn’t speak for 8 months but on her birthday I sent her a message. A few days later were hitting a dance floor on St. Patrick’s day and now we’re like two peas in a pod again.

End of March: Steph and I went to see David Guetta at the Guvernment. This event marked a big shift in my life. It was the first time I was truly exposed to house music/dj/rave culture and I fell in love. The Guv plays a role in many happy memories in 2010.

April: hey look there’re leaves on the trees and Kaskade is at This is London. Tickets are $35 bucks so Steph and I are there. Took some great photos of us that night.

May: My favourite late night talk show host was prohibited from appearing on television but that didn't stop me from seeing him at Massy Hall. 

I'm With Coco

June: Finally finished classes at Humber. I decide to take an internship at a music school. This is probably one of the best decisions I have ever made. I love that school, the staff, the kids, and what it stands for. Music means the world to me and I truly believe everyone should have access to high quality music education.

July: July was going to the be the most epic month ever. It didn’t go exactly as planned but it was still amazing!

July 1^st: Steph and I see Deadmau5 for the first time ever at the Guv. The cube was there and in full force. Unfortunately we got separated so while we didn’t get to experience it together but we still had an amazing time.

Deadmau5 on June 30th

One week later Steph and I are back together at the Lady GaGa show. Girl puts on a wicked show and Elton John was there.

Lady Gaga

The week after that I was supposed to see u2 three times but Bono’s back injury pushed the entire north American leg of the tour back a year. Whatever, 2011 will be full of u2 goodness.  I was also supposed to see Simon and Garfunkel but that got cancelled all together. I’m truly disappointed about that, it would have been a great night with my father.

End of July: I must say I’m not a fan of Bon Jovi, but I have friends who are in a Bon Jovi tribute band. I went to every one of their shows for almost a year so when real Bon Jovi rolled into town I figured it should see the real thing. It sucked. Concerts should just not happen at the Roger’s Centre unless the roof is open.

Bon Jovi @ The Roger's Centre

Middle of August: Freya and Claire return from India after 8 months. We celebrate by going to see John Mayer at the Molson Amphitheatre. He’s such a douche bag and it really distracts from his talent. Maybe next time you're here you should spend more time playing music and less time on twitter and talking about how hot you are. That’s not what I paid for!

End of August: I win free tickets to a private Brandon Flowers show at the modclub. Thanks Virgin Mobile. Crossfire is one of my favourite songs from 2010.

Beginning of September: The girls and I move into our new apartment in Chinatown. I LOVE LIVING DOWNTOWN.

Middle of September: The kids at RPSM get asked to perform Another Brick in the Wall with Roger Waters for 3 sold out shows at the ACC. I was lucky enough to play a small role in making a dream come true for our kids and watching a legend at work.

Fear Builds Walls

End of September: I make a decision to get a personal trainer for a year instead of paying off my student loan. This is the best decision I have ever made. My trainer pushes me not only to be a better athlete, but a healthier and happier person. I’ve never been as consistently happy and I’m sure that  exercise  plays a big role in that.

October: Yo October, you were more amazing than July.

First week of October: Steph and I drive out to London to see Deadmau5 at Western’s Homecoming. This tent party was sweet. Getting into a minor accident with my dads car and asshole western boys were not. $500.00 later the car is fixed and I can say deadmau5’s mom likes my shirt.

Deadmau5 @ Westerns Homecoming

Second week of October: Thanksgiving turkey and Calvin Harris at the Guvernment. Got love for you if you were born in the 80s.

Third week of October: Kaskade was at the government. I was there, but I don’t remember it and that’s why I won’t drink that much ever again.

Kaskade takes over the Guvernment

November was pretty laid back. The biggest highlight was graduation.

December: Happy 23^rd birthday to me. Jodi made me an amazing Deadmau5 cake. Then on boxing day I saw the mau5 himself at the guv and the last show of 2010 was definitely the best.  

I can’t wait for a relaxing new years. 2010 you were amazing. I hope 2011 is just as great or even better. 

A Year of Deadmau5 - Part One

Kendra's Talents:

1) extreme fandom                    

2) playlist making

3) internet procrastination

In 2010 my extreme fandom, playlist making and internet procrastination took a new direction as I fell in love with house music. This has resulted in Deadmau5 joining the ranks of U2 and Nine Inch Nails the musicians who define my existence. 

It's hard to believe that just a year ago I was among the masses that ask "What's a dead-maow-five?"

The brilliance of name like Deadmau5 is it allows the army of fans to immediately discover and initiate the new person who doesn't know it's pronounced dead-mouse. This is normally done by making fun of them to the point that they will a) never pronounce it wrong again and b) always make fun of others who do. 

Thankfully, I received my initiation from my good friend Stephanie Hannah. She's been listening to house for years, the influence of her british fiance. Unlike myself, she doesn't try to force her taste in music on others but when you've been friends with someone from almost 10 years the influence is inevitable. 

I had been taking the Ballet Bootcamp class at Flirty Girl Fitness for a couple months by January 2010. Just like most exercises classes the music was the same every week and  fell into the house/pop genre.  

I always looooved the first song of the class but I could never remember the lyrics to google when I got home. One day I asked the instructor for the name but the simple concept of writing it down eluded me.

A small miracle happened and I remembered a sole piece of identifying information. 

"Hey Steph, I'm trying to find this song...it's pretty and it's by someone and someone else who's name ends with five" 

"mmmm it's it 'Move For Me by Kaskade and Deadmau5?"

One simple youtube search later and an obsession was in its infancy.

What's My Age Again?

Today is my 23rd birthday. To celebrate I'll be editing my bio and listening to some blink182.

Growing as a Professional

So there is a school of thought out there by the "corporate professionals" That you should censor your online presence to make you appear responsible.

By this I mean no posting party photos on facebook and having limited profiles and only using linkedin for work connections.

I completely reject that notion.

I don't want to feel like I have to hide anything from anybody, including my boss and potential employers. Yes, I like electronic music, raving, concert going, dancing, drinking and general night life things that apparently make me look "unprofessional." However, I challenge someone to show me how my love of night life makes a bad employee?

Clearly, I have the capacity to make rational decisions.

For example.


Deadmau5 (or Dead Mau5 as the promoter called him) is playing in Kingston on Nov. 19th. My graduation is on November 20th. Now, as much as I love Deadmau5 and am dying to visit Kingston I made the responsible decision to attend grad. I'm not really happy about it but I suppose there are plenty of Deadmau5 shows in my future.

Steph is still going so at least I'll be represented in spirit.

I feel like I've failed as a professional crazed fan and excelled as a professional.

It's been a while.

Hey Blog.

I've missed you. But I've been incredibly busy.

I had billed July to be the best month ever. Well it didn't go exactly as I had envisioned but it was still pretty awesome.  Here's a brief recap.

Concerts

• bad news first:  I was supposed to go to 8 concerts this month but only went to three: all 3 u2 concerts were rescheduled for next summer, Simon and Garfunkel was cancelled and I sold my black eye peas tickets.
• Good news: I got to go to three concerts! 
• Deadmau5 at the koolhau5 on Canada Day eve! PS: Joel Zimmerman is my future husband!
• Lady Gaga 
• Bon Jovi

Career

• I'm enjoying my internship and have a few solid job prospects for September. Can't ask for more then that.
• I got an article published as well! goo me. Read it Here

Personal

• Moving to Chinatown in September!
• Was on two radio talk shows and in the newspaper. Why you ask? Click here

So blog. I'm sorry I've neglected you. I'll try to write more frequently in the future. I'll make it up to with sharing a video from Lady Gaga!

Perez Hilton One Night In Toronto

I won tickets for Perez Hilton One Night in Toronto. 


GREAT, except I don't really like any of the acts and only really want to go because it's free.


Problem is it's Sunday night. So aside from having to leave the family fathers day get together early, I'd also have to go to work hung over in the morning.


Is it worth going? 


I can't decide.

Grace Inside A Sound

16th of June, nine o' five, door bell rings
Man at the door says if I want to stay alive a bit longer
There's a few things I need you to know.

Three coming from a long line of traveling sales people on my mother's side
I wasn't gonna buy just anyone's cockatoo
So why would I invite a complete stranger into my home
Would you?

These days are better than that
These days are better than that

Every day I die again, and again I'm reborn
Every day I have to find the courage
To walk out into the street
With arms out
Got a love you can't defeat
Neither down or out
There's nothing you have that I need
I can breathe
Breathe now

16th of June, Chinese stocks are going up
And I'm coming down with some new Asian virus
Ju Ju man, Ju Ju man
Doc says you're fine, or dying
Please
Nine o' nine, St. John Divine, on the line, my pulse is fine
But I'm running down the road like loose electricity
While the band in my head plays a striptease

The roar that lies on the other side of silence
The forest fire that is fear so deny it

Walk out into the street
Sing your heart out
The people we meet
Will not be drowned out
There's nothing you have that I need
I can breathe
Breathe now
Yeah, yeah

We are people borne of sound
The songs are in our eyes
Gonna wear them like a crown

Walk out, into the sunburst street
Sing your heart out, sing my heart out
I've found grace inside a sound
I found grace, it's all that I found
And I can breathe
Breathe now 

MUTEMATH for Music Monday

If it's good enough for twitter it's good enough for Defining Smaller. I hereby declare all Mondays to be Music Mondays. I promise I will try to keep the U2 down. I do have other musical interest, although so far they haven't come out much.

Do you listen to New Rock or Alt Rock? Have you heard of MUTEMATH? If you haven't, check them out.

I had the unexpected pleasure of seeing them preform at VFEST Ontario last year. They were on the same bill as Nine Inch Nails and played a short mid afternoon set. In fact, I think that they only played four songs. I'd never heard of them before that day, but that set ended up being on of my favourite performances of the whole festival. 20 minutes was enough to convince me to buy both their self titled debut album and their follow up Armistice.

Of course, I listened to the albums a few times and never really got into either of them. Plus, the new rock station in Toronto doesn't play their music so I kind of forgot about them. (Yo, Alan Cross - I know you know who they are. Play them on The Edge).

Fast forward a few months. My father purchases a new car and with that comes a free subscription to satellite radio - What's this? MUTEMATH is all over the alternative stations. I guess they are kind of popular. And they should be.

I started listening to Armistice again. Articulated on it is the anger and devastation that all New Oreleans residents are feeling post Katrina.  It's a beautiful, interesting and engaging album that leaves you wanting to replay it over and over again. If you a twihard you'll recognize Spotlight from the first twilight soundtrack.

Tracks by them you should check out include: Spotlight,  Typical and The Nerve.

Getting Into The Spirt

I'm not going to lie. I'm not feeling the world cup this time around. I don't have cable and I'm just not into soccer enough to put up with a buffering live stream or drink at 10am in the morning.

However, I might be able to get more into the spirt with the help of some creative advertising on behalf of ESPN. In 2006, ESPN used the music of U2 to create different ads which featured the members of the band narrating a short story. In 2010 ESPN is again using the music of U2 in their advertising campaign. However, If you missed the originals I can't think of a better time to take trip down memory lane:

Bono on the Ivory Coast:


Adam Clayton on the Tartan Army


Edge on sick days - I think this one screams the truth!!

My Personal Brand is U2

One of the first people learn about me is my deep love for U2. The music created by Adam, Bono, Edge and Larry inspires, comforts and defines my life on a daily basis.

Defining Smaller is a perfect example. The main picture of the CN Tower was taken at the U2 concert on September 16th 2009. You can see the edge of stage on the left hand side of the picture. Moreover, I've already mentioned Bono a bunch of time and this is only my tenth post. 

I'm proud of my wealth of knowledge about the band and the things I've accomplished because of their inspiration. It's easy for me to talk about and allows for easy conversation when talking with relative strangers.

When a new connection finds out about U2 and I it sparks a range of questions that allow for easy engagement:

Why U2?

Honestly I don't know. It started in high school because I loved the songs Beautiful Day and Elevation. I stole my sisters Best of 1990-2000 and The Joshua Tree and the rest is history

Favourite song?

In A Little While 

Favourite Album?

Achtung Baby!

Favourite member?

Adam Clayton

How many times have you seen them live? twice in 2005 and twice in 2009.

Even if the person I'm talking to hate U2 or hates Bono it allows me to 

engage in easy and interesting conversation. Normally, I ask why and listen to them with interest. I don't expect everyone to love what I do and respect their opinions (unless they Bono bash without a decent reason).

Most of the time people I talk to have the same passion for another artist. If that passion is there, it's easy to make a meangiful and memorable connect with someone that could transform into a great friendship. 

How To Destroy Nine Inch Nails

I have nothing but love and respect for Trent Reznor. The music he's created with Nine Inch Nails changed, saved and defines some very key moments in my life.

                                                                                                            

When he announced last summer that Nine Inch Nails would be touring for the last time I was lucky enough to see them twice in three months. At their very last Canadian date at VFest on August 30th 2009 I stood from 8:30am till 11:30pm just to be in the front row. Trust me it was worth it.

As NIN drew to a close many fans wondered what would become of the band and the man that created the music that mattered so much to them. We knew he wouldn't disappear forever, and of course he didn't.

It seems that Trent has finally grown up completely. He married former West Indian Girl front woman Mariqueen Maandig and together with Atticus Ross they formed a new band How To Destroy Angels.

First thought. What a lame name, but I guess this really doesn't matter. It's all about the music right?

Then came the first sample of their music:


Right of the bat, I'm not impressed. The last thing I want to see is one of my favourite musicians dead on floor while his wife whines about how hard it is to be famous. I acknowledge fame is tough, but it's a choice to live in the lime light, don't complain.

You can get the rest of the album Here. It's free and you if you have any interest in NIN's music you will probably like like it.

As for myself, I don't exactly hate the EP but I don't really like it either. It's basically a Nine Inch Nails album with a different singer. It would have been nice to see Trent step out of his comfort zone a little and create an album that departed more from The Slip (which you can also get for free Here).

The Slip had to grow on me and I think maybe the first EP from How To Destroy Angles will too. Either way I'm happy that Trent is still creating music.

Dream Out Loud: Setting Goals

Today as I made my morning commute to class I picked up a copy of the Toronto Metro. Sitting at the back the bus I browsed my way through the paper. I glanced at my horoscope and couldn’t help but smile.

Under Sagittarius it read:

By all means set yourself new goals. By all means aim high. But don’t aim for perfection. For that can never be reached.

 

As I previously mentioned I am an extremely goal oriented person and I’ve always met my goals. 

For example: When I was 12 years old I decided I wanted to go to Queen’s University in Kingston, ON. I graduated from Queen’s in 2009 with a BA in Global Development Studies. During my second year of university I decided I wanted to be a Fundraiser.  Now I am just a few weeks away from completing my Post Graduate Certificate in Fundraising and Volunteer Management.

For the first time in my life I lack clear goals. That is aside from the obvious vague goals that most of society has: find a job, keep a job and maybe find a significant other. And my goal block couldn’t come at a worst time.

I’ve been reading many books about networking. Currently I’m reading Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi. In chapter three of his book Ferrazzi describes the importance of having clear goals and understanding how to meet them by using a three-year matrix in which you outline your goals and sub goals and the people you will network with to help you accomplish all these goals.

He states the importance of sharing your goals with others. Apparently this will help you stay more focused on the task at hand. I can’t help but believe this to be true. I was very vocal with my friends and family about my earlier mentioned goals and accomplished them with little difficulty.

So blog readers (if you are out there) here are 4 personal goals I have to share with you.

 

  1: To gain at least 5 followers of this blog by the end of June.

  2: To find a house to live in that I love for reasonable rent by August.

  3: Find away to attend Toronto Raptors games for free or pay by October.

  4: To dance on stage with Bono in the summer of 2011.

Notice how all my goals have dates attached to them. Ferrazzi argues without a deadline a goal is only a dream. Dreams are often expendable, while my last two goals may seem like I’m living on dream land, they are very important to me and by giving them deadlines I am more likely to stay focused on meeting my goal.