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listening to: basia bulat - heart of my own

Though it was only an early cut, the song was already powerful enough to reach out and yank at my heartstrings. When I listened to the playback of "Gold Rush" during a photo shoot at Hotel 2 Tango in September 2008, I knew the finished product - and the album it would join - would be something special.

While taking pictures of the lovely Katie, I was able to a tiny part of the recording of Basia Bulat's latest album, Heart of My Own.

I had been intrigued by Basia's music for years, after hearing her distinctive voice in my Foundations in Singing class and as a host and frequently-played artist on CHRW during my time at Western. Her debut album, Oh, My Darling, was so fabulous and honest and strangely comforting that it constituted a large part of my new-to-Montreal, wandering-the-city-with-my-ipod-and-camera soundtrack.

After listening to her first effort so much, I'd grown accustomed to the softly gritty and wistful voice that lives on it. When I heard a much louder, more confident voice singing about a fool going north on Gold Rush, I was blown away by the vocal power she had developed in such a short time.

Heart of My Own features a stunning vocal performance by Basia, with evocative lyrics and melodies that slide right into your head and stay put. Equally impressive is the roster of musicians she's enlisted to infuse her well-crafted songs with virtuoso phrasing and complementary melodies. The musicians provide the scintillating sub-plots to her overarching narrative of adventure and independence.

Pick up a copy and listen for yourself, and watch this adorable video for a preview. For my fellow Montrealers, you can catch Basia's performance February 12th at L'Astral.

Basia Bulat - The Shore - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

on bodies rock summer '09

Two photos of a whole bunch to come. I am so proud of these guys! They played a rockin' show at the i(heart)music festival in Ottawa this weekend, and were mentioned in The Guardian's music blog last week.

Getting pretty good momentum going before going on tour next month!

vignettes

My bandmate and I recorded a demo during the coldest days of winter. I've been a little shy to share the results, but I guess it's time. If you're so inclined, you can listen to 3/6 songs here.

on bodies

On Bodies, a band consisting of Mark, Sheena and Brian (my dear friends and boyfriend) recently finished recording its EP. The launch is happening a month from today, but I am too excited to wait until then to tell you about them.

A snippet from their bio:

On Bodies’ anatomy consists of a melodious torso with three separate, distinct heads: Mark Ambrose Harris, whose deep dramatic baritone serenades an introspective set of keys; Sheena Hoszko, whose raw soaring vocals blend beautifully with the distorted lines of her bass; and Brian Fauteux, who knits it all together on the drums, providing an unbreakable backbone for the band’s sweeping compositions...

If this piques your interest, go check out their Myspace, Facebook fan page, or CBC Radio 3 page.

And, if they eventually post their song "Ballad for an Old man," you might just hear me busting out some opera in the background. I feel lucky to have even been a tiny part of this fantastic album.

recording: preludes and nocturnes

Do you notice that inspiration comes in bursts? I had been down-and-out for months, mired in my own anxiety and the drudge of winter. But now, it's as if my quarterly shipment of positive energy has arrived just in time for spring. Thank the heavens.

A lot of cool things are happening right now, one of which is the process of recording a demo. My band mate and I are working with a really talented producer to record 6 tracks. We hope to be finished the demo (titled Preludes and Nocturnes) by the end of March, so stay tuned for some... tunes

a musical debut

After one year of songwriting and practice, my band mate and I debuted our 12 song collection to an equal number of friends tonight.

My band mate and I are very different people. He is from a super Italian area and we joke that we speak different languages. In fact, we do actually speak different dialects of English and I often have to ask him to translate his slang for me.

Musically, however, our communication is crystal clear. I am really proud of the music we've been working on, and I'm very excited to share it with you all in a few months time.

After receiving feedback from our audience tonight, we're going to pick 5-6 songs to record starting in January. Before you know it, you may be getting a cd in your mailbox or zip file in your inbox from our band, Vignettes.

two-way mirrors

I'm not supposed to write about this, so I won't name names or places. It was too unique an experience not to at least share a piece of it. I'm back in Montreal now, but just a week ago ago, I was pacing in my hotel room in Toronto, trying to get myself and my songs in order for an audition.

I stood in a room with 99 other young sopranos, all of whom were warbling away like crazy, and I had the strange sensation of being just another songbird in a cage. Our hopes and talents were trapped together in one room for hours, and they flitted desperately around, resonating, but ultimately bouncing off the walls. It became a cacophony of competing chanteuses.

I walked onto the set after hours and hours of waiting. I looked at the two esteemed judges, I was blinded by the stage lights. I froze. I sang, but the song was trapped inside by my nerves, so the story couldn't come out.

They couldn't make up their minds about me, so they invited me back the next day, along with 23 others. We would soon be in cramped quarters together again, but on a stage instead of in a waiting room. I can't divulge any more at this point. You will have to wait for the show to air in June.

So, despite feeling deflated, I have learned a few things from this experience. From all my practicing, I have remembered how much I need to sing. I need to sing regularly, loudly, and with gusto. Which means it's back up to my secret practice space, since I don't want to drive my neighbours crazy.

The other thing I learned is that getting ready for this whole audition process breathed new life into me.  I have been so excited, nervous, thrilled, scared, and bewildered. I like how those estranged emotions feel. It feels great, and it feels like something, to not know what will happen.  To know that anything could happen. I want to feel that way more often.

***

As for the above photo, I tried something different and stood on the other side of the camera this week, while modeling for my mom. I learned most everything I know about photography from her--she is amazing. It was fun to have my picture taken by someone whose abilities I respect and trust. I will post a few more once I figure out my new computer.


Happy belated Easter, or happy spring pick-me-up, pastel-toned accessories day!

stormy weather

Let's get the weather out of the way first: we in Montreal (and across south-eastern Canada) have had 3 major snow storms in one week. Jennie and her boyfriend Zach got snowed in at our place last Tuesday night, and we got snowed in at their place in Ottawa this weekend. I have no memory of a winter that surpassed this one. That being said, there are ways to take advantage of such an extreme winter.

Option 1: Embrace it

Last weekend, I attended Montreal's edition of Nuit Blanche, an all-night party spread across the city's cultural venues. We started out at a giant gallery that had all kinds of lovely art, performance pieces, a free cupcake feast and cheap apricot beer. After dancing in the snow at the Old Port, watching a disco dance at Old City Hall, eating maple syrup poured on ice, dressing up and having our photos taken at a costume shop, listening to organists play horror themes at a cathedral, and passing out at the planetarium, Brian and I made it to the free breakfast at 4:30 am. I was surprised to see a lot of small children who made it through the night at hungrily ate their free breakfast. I admire their stamina.

Ariana and I, falling asleep in line for the free breakfast

I know many other cities are starting to join the Nuit Blanche tradition, keeping their museums, galleries, and other cultural spaces open all night. I think it is a fantastic idea, and it is taken up by citizens with enthusiasm. I'm not sure how similar the Toronto version of Nuit Blanche is, but if it's anything like Montreal's, I would certainly recommend it.

Another way to embrace this weather is to frolic in it. During the height of the latest storm on Saturday night, a few of us piled on some winter gear (and in my case, some scuba goggles) to play in the snow. Instead of grumbling about the storm, why not make the best of it? There's nothing to get endorphins pumping like flailing one's body into 4 feet of snow.








Option 2: Become an Indoor Activity Enthusiast

In addition to my ballet classes (which I do not enjoy, but take as some kind of self-imposed torture), I have recently started taking ballroom dancing lessons. Believe it or not, this was my dad's idea. He thought it might be good for my dancing confidence (of which I have little) and brighten up my winter life. He was right. I think I have found a new passion. Despite his penchant for silk shirts, my instructor is great. Let me tell you, busting out a Viennese waltz is one way to dance away the winter blahs.

One aspect of the lessons is a supervised practice period. At this point, the instructors lower the lights, turn on the disco ball, and start calling out dances to each successive song. I managed to learn the basics of the tango, foxtrot, swing, hustle, mambo, rumba and many more within that period. My favourite partner was 80something man who hobbled over to me to ask for a dance. Once the music started, however, he straightened up and, as if by magic, was the strongest dancer on the floor. I could not keep up with him if I tried, and believe me I was trying. If you are a hardcore Dirty Dancing fan, or just looking for a new activity, I would suggest taking a ballroom dancing class. It is surprisingly fun.

I am leaving for Toronto next Sunday. Before then, I have a heck of a lot to do. Here goes nothing!

no turning back

I spent Friday morning pacing around the apartment. I was waiting for a phone call that would decide whether or not I would have to clean the apartment.

At around 10 am, I got a call from a journalist at the CBC, asking for my address. They were coming to my place after all, and around noon. Son of an onion, I had to get cleaning fast.

A few days before, I had been contacted by some people at CBC Montreal, who were looking to do a feature on someone who was auditioning for How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria, the cross-country casting call for the lead role in The Sound of Music (to open in Toronto in October). I'm never one to turn down a chance to do something unusual, so I agreed to be interviewed. Which brings me to Friday, when I was frantically trying to clean, get dressed, do my makeup, and warm up in case they asked me to sing.

Around 12:30 the journalist and cameraman arrived. They rearranged my furniture a bit to set up the shot, and then started the interview. She asked me all about why I am interested in this show, what I would do if I did or didn't get the part, and why the casting agents should choose me. I tend to squirm when asked to self-promote, and this time was no different. Fortunately they cut the parts where I talked about how my clumsiness and scatterbrained personality could help me relate to the part.

They also asked to interview Brian. He had been trying to remain inconspicuous, typing away in his room, but I dragged him out anyways. He was a great sport, although when I heard some of his answers, I had to stifle my laughter. For example, when asked what his relationship to the sound of music was, he told them "I've known it's existed for a long time."

Talking was the easiest part for me. It was when they asked me to play the guitar along to my singing that I cringed. I didn't even know some of the chords in the song. So I completely faked it. I just put my fingers in random places on the frets, and strummed softly enough that the mic wouldn't pick up the notes.

All in all, it was an interesting experience. Tomorrow, they will be coming with me to my audition. I am extremely nervous, and there is something up with my throat, but hopefully those things will pass by tomorrow. For better or for worse, there is no turning back now.

me, on the cbc

I will write about this experience later today, but in the meantime...

http://www.cbc.ca/video/popup.html?http://www.cbc.ca/ondemand/newsatsix/montreal.asx#

(fast-forward to the 55 minute mark)

my favourite thing

Today I got a rather unexpected, but very welcome phone call from a certain casting agency reminding me to come out and audition (again) for this. Two weeks to get myself ready!

passion versus reason (part 2)

I went to the audition. If I hadn't gone, I would have been sitting at my desk, working on my paper, and wondering what would have happened if I would have gone.

While preparing this morning, I didn't want the guy upstairs to tell me to "SHUT UP!" again, so I grabbed my sheet music and headed up to the rooftop pool in our building. Warming up in a room full of bright morning sunlight, and fabulous acoustics, I felt pretty hopeful about the day ahead.

I hopped on the Metro by 9:30, so that I wouldn't have to wait in line too long at the auditions. Past open calls I have done have had line-ups that stretched city blocks. Imagine my surprise when I walked into the theatre to see only 10 others waiting to sign up. More people arrived eventually, but it was still a very small turnout.

After a while, I made it past the first screening audition, where I sang without accompaniment. The lady told me to loosen up and be sassy. Her instructions made me laugh, and helped me to feel more at ease for the second round. I sang my audition piece for the casting panel, and then "The Sound of Music," upon request (which, thank god, I had been practicing just in case). They seemed to be happy, and handed me some scenes to read over.

I rehearsed the scenes with the first lady who'd seen me. She was incredibly generous with her time, and her direction, which was awesome. After a short while, it was back into the main audition room to present the scenes I had been working on. We ran through them, and it felt so great. They asked me to wait outside the door.

A few minutes later, one of women on the casting panel came and told me they were interested in seeing more of me for the part of Maria. I think I started to hyperventalite at this point.

The catch is, I will have to go through a rigorous audition process that will be the feature of an upcoming reality show called "How do you Solve a Problem Like Maria." Based on the British program of the same name, the show will conduct nation-wide auditions for the lead role of the show. I am truly hesitant to participate in reality tv, but having done well in today's audition, I'm told, may help me through the process.

Now, buzzing with excitement after today, I have to wait a month and a half until those auditions get started. AHHHHH.

we dream beneath ceilings

In my old basement room, I always tried to bring a little incandescent starshine in to brighten up the gloom. On lazy nights in, or in a post-bar haze, I would lie in bed and look up at the lights to relax.

I guess it was the closest thing to stretching out on the deck, or the top of the big hill at my cottage, wrapped up in sleeping bags during shooting star season, trying feebly to name constellations.

I miss the wide expanses of the countryside. But tonight's activities will tide over those longings for a while, hopefully. Tonight is Nuit Blanche (aka "The All-Nighter) across all of Montreal. All the spaces that are usually closed (especially during the wee hours of the morning) are open tonight. Art galleries, theatres, rooftop hotel pools. I can't wait. I am especially excited for the planetarium show on this eve of the lunar eclipse.

Details after tonight.

For last night's photos from the opening night party of Art Matters click here.

winter wedding

The week is almost over and it is time to get fancy. Elke's wedding is this Saturday. I called her last night to see how things were shaping up, and she was entirely calm.

"Actually, everything has been falling into place really nicely."

Good to know someone is calm. Not only is this the first wedding I have been to, besides my aunt and uncle's wedding. At the time I was their 3-year-old flower girl and I apparently stopped in the middle of the aisle and ran over to try to sit with my mom and dad when I saw them. I remember standing there the whole ceremony, fiddling with my dress, being really thirsty, and wondering why my aunt Lena and uncle Gary were talking about parting at Death.

Things have changed, and hopefully I won't mess anything up at this one. Elke is my first friend to get married! She has asked me to sing "Ave Maria" right after the ceremony. I am excited to do it, but I know I will be comparing myself to the choir boy in Baz Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet the whole time. I mean, no one can compete with that kid. But seriously, I'm honoured to have the change. It's just that I think I'm more nervous than the bride herself.

"french exoticism"

Not only was Opera de Montreal's production of Lakme not sleep-inducing, it was breathtaking. Canadian coloratura soprano Aline Kutan was the best singer I have ever had the fortune to hear in person. What a voice! I could only dream of ever having that much control of my pipes. She was graceful and powerful, completely dominating the stage; all eyes followed her wherever she moved. I don't mean to play down the prowess of the rest of the cast, but I have never seen one performer have such...magnetism.

The set design and costumes were jewel-toned and elegant. Saris swirled in the stage fog, and bustling market scenes gleamed with dangling jewels and bouncing cages filled with faux tropical birds.

Highly, highly, highly recommended.

This morning I tried out an Ashtanga yoga class, which was no easy feat. I mean sure, the incense and the peaceful music make it seem like it's going to go smoothly. and sure, the world-class, lulu-clad instructor with his nimbleness made it look easy as hell, but it was challenging!

Today is superbowl Sunday. I called my family to see who my brothers were rooting for (so I would know who to cheer for--go Colts!). Now Brian and I will continue a winning streak of procrastination while we eat pizza, watch the game, assemble our new Ikea aquisitions, and put of thinking about thesis proposals a little bit longer.

...and i just can't hide it

Lots of excitement today.

Anything related to the performing arts will always assume the biggest place in my heart. Yes, I am happy where I am, and with what I am doing, but when an opportunity arises so strangely and serendipitously, and a friend is so encouraging, I can't turn it down.