Hey guys welcome to another wonderful week in the independent music scene. In case you didn't notice, I have restructured the premise of this blog. While the local Vancouver music scene aspect will be there, you will notice a bit more international artist interviews. After all we love all music right? Anyways this week I was joined by former SHARKS! On Fire! frontman Sheldon Stenning, and newly named drummer for Fighting For Ithaca, taking the place of original drummer Phil Maloney (who I caught up with last week for his final interview). Sheldon in originally from Kamloops, BC where he studied digital art and design at Thompson Rivers University, and now juggling being a musician and a graphic designer (which we will get into further).
ITS - Who are your biggest influences in your life personally and musically?
Sheldon - "Same answer for both: My biggest influences are easily my bandmates, past and present as well as the bands we tour with. You spend a lot of time with these people and they can really impact you with their insights - and taste in music. Creative people really drive me to work harder and keep expanding what I do conceptually."
ITS - What has life brought you after Sharks On Fire!?
Sheldon - "Mostly a lot of depression. Even though it was the right move for us to split (we had gone too far with a lot of issues), after eight years of the band being a core part of my identity it has left me feeling pretty empty. With that said, I’m proud of our accomplishments as a band, we’re all still good friends and I’m excited for what possibilities I might have with Fighting For Ithaca. (Although if anyone is in need of a front man, you give me a call.) I’ve also stated a few times that I’m ready for S!OF to regroup whenever the time is right. But that’s not up to me."
ITS - With being introduced as Fighting For Ithaca's new drummer, what are you bringing to the table with you?
Sheldon - "I think they were really excited to have me for my graphic design ability - I’m a professional graphic designer by trade - but mostly I’m just excied to bring my writing style into the band. I plan to give FFI’s lyrics a bit of a kick in the pants, and my drumming style is a little more on the punk side than Phil’s. Also, I’m a good helping hand as a show promoter and booking agent. I’ve been putting on shows since I was 17."
ITS - Do you have any words for your predecessor Phil Maloney?
Sheldon - "Nothing that hasn’t already been said: Phil, you’re a charismatic, hard working musician and I have a lot of respect for you. You had a good run, and I’m super happy for you and your family that you’ve decided to put your career-band days behind you. Hopefully I can do you proud buddy."
ITS - What song are you looking forward to playing the most and why?
Sheldon - "Better Off. It’s got amazing energy, I love the subject matter and the lyrics are pretty close to something I’d write - positive and bitter at the same time - plus it’s got some cool double kick in it."
ITS - Final question- a fun one I like to throw in, if you could choose one kind of food to live off of what would it be?
Sheldon - "Well, to be honest, I mostly live off of coffee and ramen. But if I had to upgrade, I would probably pick butter chicken and some nice wine."
Thank you again Sheldon for taking some time out of your busy schedule to do this interview.
If you want to follow Sheldon on social media you can here
This weeks interview is a little bittersweet for me, I have the final interviews with Phil Maloney and David Fox that may ever be done with them again. Phil from Fighting For Ithaca and David from The Faceplants. Both drummers for their respective bands and who have both recently left their bands. Not for selfish reasons mind you, but for reasons that are respectable beyond belief, and I will let them explain to you their reasons. Drummers are usually the most underrated member of a band being behind all the action, HOWEVER if you know Phil and David they are probably 2 of the most respected and loved drummers in the Vancouver music scene. If you were at Olympia Pizza in Surrey on August 8th, you saw the end of an era. and the beginnings of a new era with FFI. It was Phil's last show with the band and the evolution from Phil to Sheldon took place. Yes Sheldon Stenning formerly of SHARKS! On Fire! now of FFI (Who I'll have next week being interviewed so stay tuned for that). And also the debut of FFI's newest guitarist, Justin Mattock (Who I interview a few weeks ago, check that out). Hell enough of my rambling, time to let Phil and David say their final words.
ITS - For those that don't know the reasons you guys are leaving your bands could you briefly explain why?
David - " Family. At the level our bands were at, it was impossible to do what needed to be done. Any serious band needs ALL members to be 100% dedicated, motivated and extremely active. For myself, i couldn't financially support my family and be a member of a band that has high aspirations. I could have stayed but it would not have been fair to my band."
Phil - "While I have really enjoyed my time in the Fighting For Ithaca, I felt it was really time to focus on my sweet bostaff skillz. I think there is a big market for someone who is able to twirl a big stick thingy, and I also think it's a good way to tell people "Stop touching my sandwiches (I make REALLY good sandwiches. And people keep touching them). Also, there wasn't enough room for both me AND Curtis's biceps in the same band, so something had to go. We took a band vote, and unfortunately I lost. Oh, and also, I have a beautiful, wonderful wife and two young kids who I love more than anybody has ever loved anything (including delicious, delicious pizza), and I kind of want to be around more for them. But mostly the first stuff I said."
ITS - What are some of your fondest memories with your respective bands?
Phil - "I have made far too many memories with far too many people over the years to even begin listing them. But they all involve the guys I have played with and interactions with fans. Usually both at the same time. There is nothing quite like the feeling of realizing that you've "made it" with your best friends."
David - "Touring was always my favourite part. I love the guys in the faceplants and we always had a great time. To name some specific shows; Inlet Theatre (multiple tour kick offs), Vanier Hall (Prince George/Largest Crowd), Park Theatre (Winnipeg/ great night), Tom Lee music hall (first all ages show with the band). To me nothing will beat my 12 hour marathon drives, hopped up on BurrBull (blueberry redbull) with the top gun sound track CRANKED."
ITS - Do you guys have any regrets about anything you have done or didn't get a chance to do?
David - "I do and I don't. I do because I wish I had toured all the way to Newfoundland/toured other continents and I wish I'd seen more commercial success. I don't because i still accomplished goals and have the fantastic memories that go along with it. I've always said that I can live with failure.. I can't live with regret. I can rest at night knowing I went for it."
Phil - "The only regret I have is that I was too busy loving what I was doing to make time to do things I would regret later in life."
ITS - You guys have touched many hearts across the country, what final messages do you have for the fans?
Phil - "The biggest message I have for the fans is "thank you." You have meant the world to me. No matter how many of you I've met, I have always been blown away by how amazing you are. YOU. For your own unique abilities, quirks, and spirits. Keep shining."
David - "Appreciation, respect, and happiness. If I made one person want to play drums, or made someone's day better, then I'm happy. The love, appreciation and gifts that were shown and shared with me touched my heart beyond measure. I'm a musician, to be validated in such ways made me incredibly happy and was very humbling. I thank you all. Support your indie scene, it is the only way it will stay alive."
"Cezar White and Spencer Paul - your efforts were very appreciated, glad to call you both friends. Tommy - I know you won't read this, but your guidance and advice were always bang on. Thank you for the support"
ITS - Do you have any messages you want to pass on to the drummers that will be taking over for you?
David - "The Faceplants are the most driven band that i have been apart of. Don't waste that; it is much more than just playing your instrument well. Don't try to fill my shoes, make your own."
Phil - "Sheldon- hold onto your butt. FFI fans are the most effed up group of people you will ever encounter. In a totally hilarious, fun, and heartwarming way. And in a little bit of a scary way. Don't ever try to bring back the alternate definition of "Banff." Your parts will regret it."
ITS - And finally any final words for your band mates?
Phil - "Curtis, Tommy, Jonny, Adamm, Justin, and Patty- We've shared some of the best times of our lives together. I hope you all perish in a dumpster fire so that those remain the best times of our lives. <3"
David - "I love these guys. I have the highest respect and admiration for all of them. They took a chance when they asked me to join the band, I didn't fit the image and was definitely a bit older.
They looked past it and took me based on skill set and drive. People always seemed to think that I mentored them, and although I was able to bring forth my past experiences, in reality it was the other way around. They restored my faith in the abilities of an unsigned band, they are an example of what grit, determination and ability can accomplish.
Dan - we clicked instantly, you made me incredibly welcome and allowed me to create my own parts and mold the rhythms into my flavour. You are a beast on stage and i enjoyed our conversations on the complexities of life.
Gward - your pursuit of perfect tone makes me wet. no one will ever tetris a trailer better than us. my fellow gear head, always a true beauty and down for whatever. forever the best back tracks.
MattyG - my other half (musicly speaking, of course) i wouldn't have had this experience if it wasn't for you. you are a prime example of "It's not how much you play, it's what you play." thank you for grooving with me.
Gmack - Baby Face, my Co-pilot, Ivory tickler. thank you for staying up with me those many late night drives. you are a fantastic musician and are only getting better. don't be lazy, load the trailer. sexy sax forever.
abbrev's for life boys.. don't let the Dave-isms die.
thanks for the memories. Success is in your futures. stay the path."
Once again guys I just want to say thank you for all you have done for the Vancouver music scene. If it wasn't for people like you, this blog would not exist. The appreciation I have for the two of you and what you have done for the Vancouver music scene cannot be described in words. I am proud to be able to call you both friends. But more importantly, I'm proud to be able to call you my brothers.
If you want to contact these wonderful gentlemen, you can on social media if you havn't already been following them on twitter hit up
Hey guys so I know I usually post on Mondays but I thought I would do something a little different. The other day JT Crim from The Deadset asked me to do a quick review for their upcoming single release called "Honestly" and well of course I said yes. If I had to sum up this song in one word it would have to be "Paramore". This track has an amazing pop/rock sound shying away abit from their usual pop/punk sound but still keeping with The Deadset sound that fans know and love. The song becomes even more complete with an awesome guitar solo done by JT herself. I mean come on who doesn't love a good ol' geeetahhhh solo. So on August 30th. be sure to pick up this track. It will be available on ITunes, Bandcamp and other places as well. So be sure to follow The Deadset on Social Media if you want to find a place to pick this track up. Because I guarantee you, you will want this track in your library.
Hey guys welcome back to another week in beautiful Vancouver. Or wherever you may be. This week I have a special interview with an amazing woman from Vancouver by the name of Tracy Weddell. Don't know the name? Well by the end of this, you will hopefully love this woman for her amazing beauty inside and out as much as I have and many others who she has come in contact with. The last 4 years have been a struggle in her life and she will go further into detail about that, however it seems that nothing or nobody can stop Tracy.
ITS - WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN MUSIC?
Tracy - "I think what inspired me to a career in music for myself, was a two part thing..1) Writing my songs and being able to portray them to people by singing, was a healthy way for me to let go of some of scars and wounds from the past, from being trapped in dark places in life. 2) It is giving me the needed "PLATFORM" so to say, to be able to reach more people, to give them strength and hope, to let them know that they too can break free."
ITS - WHO HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST INSPIRATIONS IN YOUR LIFE?
Tracy - "oh, lol.. that's a tough one. I was on my own at a young age in life, so I got inspiration from people everywhere, everyday. People who have faced their battles, who don't give up, who show such strength that it touches your soul. It amazes me how many people silently fight, while most people don't even see it. Those are the biggest inspiration to me, not just one in particular. There are A LOT of strong people out there. I'm so very excited to be able to finally get the chance to give inspiration to others through my lyrics/ my life."
ITS - THE LAST FEW YEARS HAVE BEEN A CHALLENGE FOR YOU, CAN YOU EXPLAIN A LITTLE ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED?
Tracy - "Just over 4 yrs ago, I was racing my girlfriend on her horses, showing off in front of friends. I didn't notice that the chin strap was missing, and the horse took the bit in his mouth and took off. I was heading toward a barbwire fence, and didn't want to get torn up, so I fell and tried to roll. I ended up 9 days in the hospital, was in and out of hospital too many times. I was bed ridden for just over two years and had a baby through those two years, (which I almost died from ) and then was told I needed to accept that I would never walk again. I refused to believe this. I had to fight to find doctors to help me, and have received vascular leg surgery, multiple injections to various areas of my back, and may still need neuro-surgery as time goes on. But I am walking again. It has been roughly a year that I have been learning to walk again and strengthening my body. I am definitely a miracle walking. I went from ordering the medical supplies to help me get out of bed, get into a bathtub, not being able to take care of my family, to being able to get back up on a horse AND dirt bike for my fundraising campaign video, and working with some of the best people in the industry to develop my "Brand" . The battle isn't over yet, but the war is won.
ITS - TALK A BIT ABOUT YOUR INDYGOGO CAMPAIGN THAT YOU HAVE GOING ON.?
Tracy - "I have an Indygogo Campaign going called " Tray's Music Campaign, She will arise out of ashes." I have had a few technical difficulties with people being able to donate, so if anyone wants to be a part of the journey and get some cool perks , (IF IT DOESN'T work on the Indygogo end of things,) please message me at my FB link that Rob will provide at end of interview. I'm making other arrangements for if this continues to happen. I had been working with Kevin Williams productions solely on my own pay to get production of the music score and me to get ready to launch, but that's not feasible anymore at this time. We are roughly halfway done production, so I decided to send out my message, my mission, to gain a platform to reach more people than I could alone, to send them strength and light. To be the light they need in dark times. Please take a couple minutes to check out my campaign video, where I shared footage of the first time back on a horse and dirt bike (3/4 of way up Chilliwack mountain) to prove to people that just because someone (a doctor even..) says you CAN'T do something. NOT to give up, to stand strong and fight, the worst that can happen is you can WIN ! xo"
ITS - HOW HAS IT BEEN WORKING WITH YOUR PRODUCER? AND HOW DID YOU GUYS MEET?
Tracy - "It has been AWESOME working with Kevin Williams. He is one of the three co-founders of Nimbus School of Recording Arts. Kevin is much more than an insanely talented producer, he is a huge blessing to me. He is a big brother type role in my life, and much more. Kevin is taking what I heard in my head with my songs, and from me singing them has started to bring them to life. He is a kind, hard working, talented man, and I'm so proud to be working with him, and to be able to call him "friend". I met Kevin on social media. I was networking on Facebook, and came across him, and decided to talk to him about my dream and how it could come to be. He seemed inspired in my story, my life, and wanted to work with me. We met for coffee, talked a bit, sent him my lyrics, which he wrote back to say I had his confidence as a lyrical artist, and its been incredible ever since! He is an incredible blessing to my life, and always goes above and beyond for me, which I will never forget. I hope to make him very proud :)."
ITS - I'VE HEARD YOU ASSOCIATING THE PHRASE" SHE WILL ARISE OUT OF ASHES" WITH YOURSELF,. EXPLAIN WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU.
Tracy - "I have referred to that phrase MANY MANY times lol. I truly see my life that way, not only from the very visible physical angle, where I couldn't walk anymore and was told I never would again. Having to re-learn how to do simple things we take for granted like walking again, but also in my life, I went through very dark places, in many ways in my life, (there is going to be a biography on it in the future, it's still in discussion phase) I have been through them all. But even though I've had times of my life where I used to pray every night for god to let me "come home". Things were THAT bad, I was built back up again, STRONGER than ever, this time to live with enough strength to share, to be able to give it to others, to help them raiup and out of those dark oppressed times in life. Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes. NEW STRENGTH AND NEW LIFE ARISES. ;)"
ITS - IF YOU HAD ONLY ONE FOOD TO CHOOSE TO SURVIVE OFF OFWHAT WOULD IT BE?
Tracy -"It would soooo be SUSHI ! :) I love sushi."
If you want to check out Tracy's Indygogo campaign you can click the following link\
Happy BC Day and welcome back to another week with us at Inside The Scene. This week I was joined by a Vancouver Hip hop artist named Tom Macdonald (Mr. Mac). Tom never was always a musician, he pursued a career as a professional wrestler. I'll let him tell you all about it. Tom is a very mysterious guy and the name of his website describes that very well, (whoismrmac.com). He has worked with another Vancouver artist, Matt Brevner. I'll stop rambling on and get right to it.
ITS - What was your inspiration in pursuing a career in music?
Tom - "Honestly, my inspiration for pursing a career in music was that my pursuit of a career in professional wrestling had come to an end. I started wrestling when I was fourteen. Was on my first show a couple months after I started training. Wrestled on Pay Per View and on a bi-weekly TV show by the time I was eighteen. I just developed a lot of bitterness toward the industry. Guys were telling me I was going to be the greatest thing since sliced bread from the first day I got in to a ring, so…by the time I was old enough to drink I’d heard it all. That stuff goes to your head when you’re young. I was super confident in myself and guys didn’t like that. I was out-shining people twice my age every night and I wasn’t shy about saying exactly that. It just got to a point where I had to walk away from it all. The politics were overwhelming. Guys were trying to hurt me (unsuccessfully, I might add). It was my time to ride into the sunset. I’d had enough. I’d always LOVED music, though. 2 Pac’s “All Eyez On Me” was the first record I ever bought. I’d been writing poetry since I was old enough to hold a pencil, so, I put all of my energy into that. The poems developed into rock songs, but, I didn’t have the voice for that type of music. Then, the rock songs developed into Hip-Hop and R&B songs. The rest is history."
ITS - Who have been your biggest influences in your career?
Tom - "Man, there’s a lot. I’ve said it a million times, but, Robert Plant is my dude. I grew up on classic rock. Zeppelin, Floyd, Steppenwolf, The Beatles, Jethro Tull. Those guys made real, honest music. I know I don’t make anything that sounds like what they did, but…they’ve influenced me more than I can say. Im a big Kanye West fan too. I think his music has a lot of integrity and, like myself, he produces a lot of his own stuff. Also, he’s really outspoken. I think we’d get along. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is a pro wrestler, but, I still find myself being inspired by him. He’s just a guy who didn’t put up with any bullshit and overcame every obstacle put in his way to become the best of all time. Politics, broken necks, family problems - overcame it all. His work ethic and moral fibre is totally admirable. My less critically acclaimed influences are probably the most important, though. My Dad. My Mom. My sister. They’re the most incredible group of people a guy could ever hope to go through life with. They’ve supported me whole-heartedly from the jump. They tell me what they think is good, what they think is bad, what they think I should do next. They’re probably my biggest influences in life and in music."
ITS - What was the inspiration behind writing your most recent release “Wannabe"?
Tom - "Well, I’d just returned home from Europe. I was on tour with Onyx for the better part of a month. I had a tough run on my first tour through Europe, man. Onyx fans are purists. They don’t fuck with ‘new’ hip-hop, really. They like that classic sounding stuff. Sample based boom-bap rap. So, I mean, if you’re familiar with my music, you know that’s something I just don’t do. I respect it. I appreciate it. But I don’t fucking like it. It’s just not me. Im someone who makes music because I communicate my feelings poorly otherwise. It means something to me. It’s not some shit that the crowd is always going to be able to sing along to or clap their hands to or whatever, so…you know. I had a couple tough shows where people were like, “Yo, fuck this guy. Im not tryna hear someone sing about their life - I’m tryna party with Onyx”. So, when I got back to Vancouver I got offered a spot on Kool Keith’s tour through Europe and I was like “Alright, lets go to the studio and make some performance songs”. That’s what we did. That’s what “LeeAnn’s Son” was to me. Performance tracks. Songs you could get a little crazy to. Not all of it, but, a big portion of it. When we were like ten songs I deep I was like, “Alright. We got a bunch of bangers for shows. I need to do something real right now. Something true to me.” That’s when I wrote “Wannabe”. In the midst of all these party tracks…I was doing a lot of partying, haha. I’d just got out of a relationship and I was sort of depressed about some other stuff. Sometimes you just lay in bed or look in the mirror and you’re like “This isn’t who I want to be”. That’s the vain I wrote “Wannabe” in. “This is not the way I wannabe”. Done."
ITS - How would you describe the hip hop scene in Vancity, and what can other aspiring hip hop artists do to get themselves noticed?
Tom - "Haha, man. I’m going to have to be careful about how I answer that question. So, I guess that means the hip-hop scene is sensitive, really. Seriously, though - it’s cool. It’s small. It’s not even a blip on the music industry’s radar for the most part. There’s a few of us doing our thing and there’s a lot of bullshit. Same as the hip-hop scene in any Canadian city, I think. That’s about all I can say in regards to the scene without pissing too many people off. Most of the music is stuff that I’m not really a fan of. Not saying it isn’t quality, it just doesn’t interest me. I make a really different type of hip-hop than what the majority of artists in Vancouver make. There’s some really great guys out there, though. I could definitely see a handful of dudes going on to bigger and better things in the near future. As far as what an aspiring artist can do to get noticed…that’s an entire interview on it’s own. Everyone always says this, but, it’s the truth - be yourself. Make honest music. Even if you’re not the most talented rapper on the block- a relentless work ethic goes a long way. Stay true to yourself and don’t be discouraged by the nay-sayers. TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF CANADA."
ITS - What plans are in the works for Mr. Macdonald in 2014?
Tom - "Lots, man. I can’t really say much at this point. I hate to be the guy who leaves the party and then shows up on the doorstep again fifteen minutes later. I’m working extremely hard. I’ve got tons of new material. My plans will reveal themselves as they actualize in my life."
ITS - A fun question I like to throw in, if you could choose one type of food to live off of what would it be?
Tom - "Shit, man. One food? I dunno. The only thing I eat every day that I don’t get sick of is a tuna-melt after I work out in the morning. I guess that’d be it. A lil tuna. A lil cheese. A lil avocado. Some pickles. A lot of Miracle Whip. That’d probably tie me over."
If you want to find out more about what's coming you way from Mr. Mac you can among various social media.
