Interview with Elise Estrada

Hey guys so this week, I was able to land my first major recording artist to interview, and its none other than Vancouver's pop princess, born in the Philippines raised in Canada, Elise Estrada. Elise broke onto the scene in 2007 when she won the 2007 Beat Music Awards, and earned a record and management contract with RockSTAR Music Corporation. Her debut single, Insatiable, was released in May 2007 and went to No.1 on the Canadian Top 40 Charts. Elise had 7 or her songs off her first self titled album become singles, with "Unlove You" peaking at number 11 on the Canadian Top 100. She has toured with many big name stars from 50 Cent, Backstreet Boys, Nelly, and Sean Kingston.  In 2009 she was nominated for a Juno Award for Best R&B/Soul Recording of the Year. In 2014 she has broken back onto the scene under Universal Music Canada's XOXO Entertainment, with her singles "U Don't Need 2 Know" and "Over And Out".

ITS - You recently released a song called "U Don't Need 2 Know", what was your inspiration behind this song?

 

Elise - " Beautiful women we see on Instagram, music video's, youtube video's, movies and magazines inspired Adam H. Hurstfield, Jerry Wong, Vic Levak and I to write "U Don't Need 2 Know". Let's be honest…models, actresses, "beauty guru's" and singers do not wake up looking the way they do in pictures and videos. As a singer, I get lots of "you're so perfect and beautiful " comments…I just thought people should know, I don't wake up looking like those pictures. No woman does. I don't think it's right when young girls compare themselves to someone like Kim Kardashian. Yes, she's a gorgeous woman, but young girls don't realize that she's wearing false lashes and she's had those lips worked on. I don't think it's right for young girls to compare themselves to Victoria Secret models because those women dedicate their lives to the gym and diets.

As women, I think we're too hard on ourselves. My concern is that the media has bombarded us with messages that have us believing that their definition of beauty is actually true. That's why we wrote this song. A song that is honest and playful. A song that pokes fun at me and my beauty secrets because I believe young girls should know. There's a reason why the beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar powerhouse…so ladies, you don't need to be perfect. You can change your hair, wear makeup and all the hottest trends…but NOTHING is more beautiful than being confident in you. Confidence is what makes a woman beautiful, the rest are beauty secrets men "Don't Need 2 Know!"

 

ITS - Over the last couple years you have recorded some very amazing emotional songs (Wonder Woman and All It Takes Is A Moment) talk about these songs a bit and why they mean so much to you.

 

Elise - "We tried to write something to honour Amanda Todd and to let the victims of bullying who suffer in silence know that there are people out there who do care, and that they are not alone. So Adam H. and I wrote "Wonder Woman" with another one of our team members Vic Levak. Since the release of the song, we have been hearing from a lot of kids dealing with thoughts of suicide, and to be honest...it's been difficult. We are not professionals but we always try to help them and direct them to professional help, but more importantly we let them know we care. Sometimes that means the world to a kid who thinks they are alone in the world."

 

ITS - In 2008 you released your last album, when can fans expect another one? And how have you evolved as an artist over the last 6 years?

 

Elise - "You can expect an album sooner than you think!! In JULY 2014!!! The name of the album is #ROUND3 which basically means it's my third album and this time around, we brought it! I think as an artist, I'm more confident in who I am and know exactly what I'm doing. When I released my first album in 2008, I was always questioning myself and always took everything anyone said to heart. I've learned to follow my gut and stop caring about what others think. Along with being somewhat wiser…the music my producer, our team and I write are definitely more grown up."

 

ITS - You are going on tour later this year, what are you most excited about it?

 

Elise - "I'm excited about meet and greets after my shows. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing my audience react the way they do when we meet. When they tell me my music helped them get through a breakup or helped them get through depression due to bullying? THAT's when I'm happiest. I know that sounds cheesy and so "Disney" of me…but it's true. I'm not curing cancer and I'm not Mother Theresa. I'm just a singer, but if my music helps a little girl or boy in a positive way? I'm doing my job"

 

ITS - A fun question I like to throw in, what rituals do you have before a performance? And what is your pre show meal of choice?

 

Elise - "Well, usually my team and I huddle up, put our hands in the middle and scream "Go Go Team". I also like to jump around, vocalizing and stretching just before going on stage!! Honestly? My meal of choice before a show is nothing. Does water count?? I'm always scared of burping while singing and having a big meal makes me a little slow sometimes. I eat AFTER shows!! :)"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you want to follow Elise Estrada on social media you can the following ways

Twitter - https://twitter.com/eliseestrada

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/EliseEstradaMusic

Instagram - http://instagram.com/eliseestrada

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/TheOfficialEliseE

 

Also check out her website for upcoming tour dates

http://elise-estrada.com/

 

Check out her video for her single "U Don't Need 2 Know" here

 

 

Interview with PJ Kingpin Wilson

Hey guys so a few weeks back I had done a CD review for PJ KIngpin Wilson's upcoming album "Return Of The KingPin" and with the success that had I decided that we should get into the head a little bit of the future "Motown" wonder. PJ is from Barrie, Ontario and is bringing back the sounds of "Motown", making you feel inner happiness when you hear it. PJ has worked with Juno award-winning producer Chris Perry, Grammy-nominated Kuya Productions, Ryan Toby (From City High), and Canadian R&B Artist Dru Grange. While the name KingPin may not yet be know in the music world, believe when I say he will be known and you do not want to miss out on hi journey. so with that here we go.

ITS - Who was your biggest influence in pursuing a career in music?

PJ - "Would be my late mother “Marie Jean Wilson”. When I was
younger, I liked to sing but I was also very shy about it. So my
mom would catch me singing and she would always say “God
gave you a gift so get out there and sing!” She was a constant
supportive influence. After she passed away in 2001 it was
singing and writing songs that helped me with the grieving
process and I began to work at finding producers and ways to
make music and it was then I started to pursue becoming and
artist."

ITS - Where did you get your inspiration from for writing your
album "Return Of The Kingpin"?

PJ - "Well the album came together because the first song which
was written by Ryan Toby, Andrew Grange and Kuya, was called
“Give Good-Bye a try” The song focused on relationships and how
sometimes people hold on to something too long even though they
know its reached it’s end. So the Ep was given a story and the story
was what could possibly cause individuals to reach that point in their
relationship and what are the emotions that people experience while
going through the scenarios of failed romance. To write the songs
I was able to draw from personal experience as well as from the
experiences that have been shared with me by family and friends."

ITS - What plans do you have for 2014?

PJ - "Plans in 2014 are simple I plan to Perform, currently I am
practicing with a band in order to start performing ASAP. As
well I will have some songs being released in Europe by Italian
Independent Label CDF Records later this summer and into the
Fall. The songs are a collaboration, with international producer
and Dj, Mario Romano. I will also be looking to make 2 videos to
go along with the release of those songs. Finally just to continue
promoting my music here and abroad."

ITS - If you could describe yourself in 1 phrase, what would it be and
why?

PJ - "The phrase would be “watch out world I’m ready to happen.”
Why because I am so ready to share my music with the world
and I believe it’s good enough and ready! I want to be a positive
influence in music and hopefully through success in Music I will
be able to affect change in this world in a positive manner."

ITS - If you could choose 1 type of food to live off of what would it be and
why?

PJ - "This has been the most difficult question to answer because I love
food! But I’d have to say Chinese food. It was a struggle Italian is like
1A. But I chose Chinese because it has vegetables and meat and I love
me some sweet an sour chicken so there is a ton of variety."

ITS - What artists or bands would you want to collaborate with and why?

PJ - "The band I’d like to collaborate with would be the “Roots Band”
I’ve been a fan of them for a long time, they are amazing musicians
and performers they can play anything and they incorporate many
instruments into there music.
Also I’d like to collaborate with Quincy Jones. He is such a musical
genius and he has worked with the best! So I think I could learn so
much from him and that he could bring out the best in me.
Finally Boyz II Men because they are my personal favorite performers
and singers and it would be a dream come true to work with my
childhood idols.
Although I could go on because there are so many great artists past
and present! And there is so much to learn about being an artist! I find
there is always ways to evolve and grow."

If you want to join PJ on his journey you can on:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/PJKINGPIN
and facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PJWILSONMUSIC


Also you can check out his video for his song "Sinners" here

CD Review of Elm Treason's debut album "Days Of Reaction"

Hey Guys so this week I had the pleasure of listening to a couple songs that were sent to me by a band from Staten Island NY called Elm Treason. On May 30th 2014 they released their debut album called "Days Of Reaction". One half of the band Andy Roman was quoted saying "Who do we sound like? I guess it depends on the song" Well if their title track "Days Of Reaction" is any indication, one band comes to mind right away and that is The Beatles. While this is a huge comparison, because The Beatles are.....well....they are The Beatles, but Elm Treason are soulful and jazzy with amazing harmonies. I can honestly see these guys going places in the music industry they are all over the place when it comes to a style of music, but it works. It's kind of alternative, sort of. Some songs are a bit progressive. Some are funky are fluffy. Some are based in roots music, some are garnished in paisley. Some rock, some glide. Some float, others roll. It's maybe a little indie-ish and overall strangely familiar. Here is a little sample from their album, the album titled track "Days Of Reaction"

If you like what you hear you can purchase the album from their website http://www.elmtreason.com/Elm_Treason_Home.html
also check them out of Twitter - https://twitter.com/elmtreasonband and facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ElmTreason

Interview with Tommy Alto

Hey Guys so Welcome back after a week off. We are back at it again this week with Vancouver based 4-piece Math-Pop group Tommy Alto. Tommy Alto consists of Tom Vanderkam- (Lead Vocals, Rhythm guitar.) Benji Klassen- (Vocals, Lead Guitar.) Chartwell Kerr- (Vocals, Drums.) and Chris Young- (Vocals, Bass). Tommy Alto this past weekend kicked off their 4 month tour, and will be releasing their album titled "Atlas \\ Patterson", TOMORROW. that's right June 3rd you can check out their website for more details which I'll list at the end. So with that said here we go.

ITS - How did you guys come together as a band and where did the name Tommy Alto come from?

Tom - "Chris and I have known each other since childhood and you bet we've seen each other's butts a lot. He and I were really into Kitchen Nightmares when we were younger because Gordon Ramsay's face looks like it's made of that expanding foam rubber insulation stuff. That's irrelevant to the story. Anyways, Ben just sorta showed up one day and he was way better at guitar than I was, and we needed a blonde, so here we are. We met Chartwell at the old tattoo parlour he used to work at, when we all stumbled in drunk one night with Chris asking to get "BOOK WORM" tattooed on his knuckles. Chart slipped on some spilled Orange Julius and accidentally wrote "TOMMY ALTO" so that's where the band name comes from."

ITS - You guys have a big 4 month tour coming up starting May 30th in Vancouver, what is the most exciting part leading up to this tour.

Tom - "All the girls we know have been texting us lately like "we should totes hang out before u guys leave!!!! ur gonna be gone 4 a rly long time i want something 2 remember u by ;)" so we all know what that means: we've been saving our tears in jars to give to all our female friends as going-away presents."

ITS - What are some perks about being in a band based in Vancouver? And what would you like to see change in the scene in the next 5 years?

Tom - "When we tour to the prairies and say we're from Vancouver, all the northern Saskatchewan ladies practically drop their pantaloons instantly. So that's a pretty big bragging point right there. Look out Grammy's or whatever the award for making music and getting Amish girls randy is. And we'd like to see more dudes at our shows. There's always just too many attractive ladies in the front row for us to handle, and it gets really difficult. Also, can someone PLEASE start an 8-piece band called Rocktopus?"

ITS - A little fun I like to have, what rituals do you guys have to get you pumped up for a show?

Tom - "Before we go on stage, we like to scope out one guy in the crowd who we're all going to stare at throughout our entire set, and freak him out and make him think we're gonna sacrifice him or something. Like that indie band in Jennifer's Body. Have you seen that movie? It's just okay. Megan Fox is a babe, but what even was that plot?"

ITS - Where did the inspiration come from for wiring your upcoming album  "Atlas \\ Patterson"

Tom - "Okay I guess we'll answer seriously now. When we were on our way home from our last tour, our tour van rolled twice and slammed into the side of a mountain and nearly killed us. That sparked a lot of wild emotions, so many of the songs on the record reflect the way we were feeling in the weeks after the crash. Some of them are more fun though, and there's lots of sonic diversity on the record, so we like to think it makes for a pretty balanced listening experience!"

ITS - When can your fans expect your album to be released?

Tom - "ATLAS \\ PATTERSON comes out digitally and on CD June 3rd!"

 

If you want to follow Tommy Alto on their great journey you can on:

 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TommyAlto

Twitter - https://twitter.com/tommyalto

Instagram - http://instagram.com/tommyalto#

youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0V9MJwy0KPvcNRZrRzlrTQ

 

In the meantime you can check out "Mountain Top" by Tommy Alto here

 

 

 

Review for PJ Kingpin Wilson new upcoming album Rise Of The KingPin

Hey guys so this week I'm changing things up a bit. I normally would be doing an interview however, on Saturday, I was sent over some music from an artist from Barrie, Ontario by the name of PJ Kinpin Wilson. So I thought I would review his upcoming album tilted "Rise Of The KingPin". PJ brings back the sounds of Motown and the sound of soul with his music. Sounding like a young Marvin Gaye, PJ brings smiles to the faces of his listeners, with tracks like "Sinners" and "Give Goodbye A Try". Working with Grammy-nominated Kuya Productions, "Give Goodbye A Try"was written by hit-maker Ryan Toby (Usher’s Confessions Album and formerly of R&B group City High) and Canadian R&B Artist Dru Grange, it delivers a feel-good, throwback soul anthem. PJ will certainly make a lot of noise when his album gets released. When I listen to this it puts me in a fantastic mood, and I promise, no I guarantee you, that it will for you to.

So If you would like to follow PJ on Social Media you can on twitter - @PJKINGPIN also check out his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxcq6zlP0pWlI3pCTs92xCg

While you are here watch his video for "Sinners" here

 

 

Interview with No Operator

Hey guys, hope you all had a great Mother's Day. For all you moms out there hope you got spoiled, and for all the kids out there hope you spoiled your mom, because she deserves it. So this week I was joined by an out of town guest, From Victoria I have No Operator. No Operator is a five-piece Rock/Metal Band whose sound blends heavy, intricate riffs with melodic vocals, and an extreme commitment to writing great original music. No Operator is TJ Muhl-Lead Vocals, Oliver Galloway-Guitars&Vocals, Ben Hughes-Guitars, Steve Holtby-Bass and Vocals, Dave Wiebe-Drums. Lets get to the interview.

ITS - So who inspires you individually and as a band? 

 

NO - "Some common influences we all share are AlexisonFire, Protest the Hero, Avenged Sevenfold, System of a Down, Tool, and Chevelle. A few of us are into heavier bands like Killswitch Engage or Trivium, and a few of us are into more melodic rock like The Foo Fighters and Biffy Clyro. Over all we're pretty well rounded in our influences, so we don't aim to be a genre-specific band when we're writing." 

ITS - What were some of your shining moments in 2013?

 

NO - "Expanding our line-up to a five-piece was definitely a big step up for us. Up until mid 2013 we were a four-piece, with TJ Muhl on guitar as well as lead vocals. We added Ben Hughes on guitar, allowing TJ to focus strictly on vocals. It's really made our performance that much more energetic and entertaining, and gives us a bigger, tighter sound. Another great experience in 2013 was playing our first outdoor festival; "The Summer Shinedown Carnival" which took place last August over on the island."

ITS - What does No Operator have planned for 2014?

 

NO - "Our biggest plans for 2014, and of our career so far, is our "Going for a Rip" BC/Alberta tour this June. We'll be kicking it off in Vancouver, June 10 at The Roxy, with other stops in Kamloops, Vernon, Calgary, Red Deer, Medicine Hat, Edmonton, Rossland, Kelowna, Victoria, and Nanaimo. We're really excited to hit the road, and spread our music to new audiences in new places.

Once the tour is over we'll be focusing on writing some more new songs. We have a couple new tunes completed, with lots of loose ideas, and we're a band that never stops writing. By the end of 2014 we'll definitely have our sophomore release planned out."

ITS - Being a band from Vancouver Island, what are most bands struggles on the island compared to Vancouver?

 

NO - "The most obvious challenges on the island are less people and less venues. There are also less industry people (photographers, promoters, managers, writers, etc.), so it kind of forces island bands to be very self sufficient. We don't feel like being from the island is a disadvantage by any means. There is a lot of great talent over here, and a few really cool places to play. Gigs at The Cambie (Nanaimo) and Logan's Pub (Victoria) are always great shows. They are strictly rock bars, they let the bands play until close, and they are always packed."

ITS - Now you guys have played some shows in Vancouver, what would you like to see happen for the music scene in the next 5 years?

 

NO - "Our experiences playing in Vancouver have been great so far. We've gotten a lot of positive feedback from our audiences and fellow musicians, and we're grateful for the help we've had from Hammer Records, Rednyne Productions, and 99.3 The Fox. One thing that Vancouver seems to lack is a bar that puts rock bands first. We've played some awesome gigs for awesome crowds at The Cellar and Joe's Apartment, but both places push aside the live music in favor of DJ's at 11pm. Vancouver needs a place like The Cambie or Logan's, where live music can close down the bar, and be the main attraction of the night. We know that it's ultimately up to the bands to fill the venues over and over, and prove to the bar owners that they can make just as much money off of live music as DJ's. Other than that we're excited about the direction the Vancouver scene is headed, and we're happy to be a part of it."

ITS - Final question - a fun question I like to ask, what are some pre gig rituals you guys have to get you pumped for a show?

 

NO - "Watching other bands play is the only one we can all agree on for this one. Any show we play where there's a great band playing before us, we really feed off their energy. Other than that its different for each member: coffee, beer, redbull, singing in the car, etc."

 

If you want to follow No Operator on social media you can in the following ways

 

https://www.facebook.com/nooperator

http://www.nooperator.com/

https://twitter.com/nooperator

 

and you can check out their track "State Your Allegiance" here http://nooperatormusic.bandcamp.com/track/state-your-allegiance

Interview with Rose Weekes

Hey guys, welcome back to another week here in beautiful Vancouver. Hopefully a lot of you got a chance to hit up the very last Sharks! On Fire! concert. I heard it was awesome. So this week I was able to interview the Co-owner of Hammer Records Rose Weekes. Rose is very talented and very busy, from singing to rapping, Filiming concerts, doing photography, being a mother of an eighth month old son and even doing a web series with her husband James, called #Vancouvermusicians. Where they interview local Vancouver musicians. Very recently Rose and James have decided to take their adventure to Toronto, where I'm sure they are going to make just as big of an impact as they did here. So lets get to talking with Rose.

ITS - Who inspired you to pursue a career in music?

Rose - "My Dad originally inspired me to pursue a career in music. He's a Winnipeg musician through and through. He plays the drums, so, I grew up listening to a very eclectic variety of music. From Pop and Rock to Polka, Metal, Punk and Classical. "Anything with a good rhythm," as Dad always says. Having that early connection to music really pushed me in the direction of wanting a career in The Arts from a very young age."

ITS - Your husband James and yourself started a new web series called #vancouvermusicians. Explain the premise behind it and how you guys came up with the idea.

Rose - "James and I are very committed to supporting the local music scene. That means everything from seeing live shows from bands, going to the venues, to even simply connecting with the fans of local artists by providing awesome video and picture services for a reminder of a good night of music. It also means we're dedicated to bringing out certain thoughts and opinions from those people in order to keep the scene alive, thriving, and ever changing. All great things have come about through revisions and editing! 

#VancouverMusicians is all about getting your voice heard. It's about people in the music community as a whole, coming together to share similar (and different!) thoughts and ideas, make new connections, and bring light to certain aspects that just may need some "editing." We have artists, musicians, engineers, producers, venue owners, fans and friends of all genres, backgrounds, and experience levels sharing what they have to say. It's great to see this community of music lovers come together, blur the boundaries of what genre is which, and get behind the movement of making Vancouver a hub for music of all kinds. An eclectic city where you can entrust any night of the week to have some good, live music going on somewhere."

ITS - So you have been to quite a lot of shows lately and have seen numerous bands, if you were to headline a show who would you want to have open for you.

Rose - "If I were to headline a show? Hm. That's tough, as I'm not as experienced with a band as most of the musicians I'd love to play with are. There's also many bands in the Vancouver scene that I would consider to be personal favourites of mine (Aviator Shades, Rude City Riot, Pigeon Park and Red Eye Empire I'm talking about you! Among others of course), but we wouldn't match up genre wise. I think one hell of a great night of music would come from a lineup like My project, Bullets Over Beauty, then Incura ending the night with an epic bang."

ITS - You recently released a new song called "Blurry" with Rebecca Boux. Where did the inspiration come from for this song?

Rose - "This song is all about having a good night, with good friends, doing whatever you want to, and looking good while doing it. The inspiration came one wild night of catching up with an old friend I hadn't seen in years, who finally made the short jump to Vancouver from the Island for a visit. The two of us, with James, were listening to some of the beats we've produced here at Hammer Records and thought this track would make a fun, current, club style song you could blast anytime and feel like dancing. The three of us wrote and recorded the song in a night, and the rest is history! It's not the genre I typically perform- I'm definitely more comfortable on the rock/metal side of music, but the sing/rap style of vocals was a lot of fun to do, and something I'll probably do again in the future."

ITS - What are some plans for 2014 that you may have going and that your fans can expect from you.

Rose - "Actually, there's some BIG things in the planning stages right now. James, our son Eliseo and I are going to be relocating and taking Hammer Records out East, to Ontario. James and I have some cool projects on the go currently. We'll be crafting up some new merch, writing more songs, and launching the first album from North Van artist, "Rayne," under our label. We're also going to be working on a full fledged documentary for Vancouver bands and musicians to watch as a How To guide to entering and surviving the Vancouver Music Scene, and Rebecca and I will hopefully be shooting a music video for "Blurry" in the next couple of months. Keep your eyes and ears on our Facebook page for everything that will be coming up." 

ITS - A fun question I like to ask, if you choose 1 type of food to live off of what would it be?

 

Rose - "Probably sushi. Or stir fry. You can sort of rope all, or most, of your food groups into those and I like to eat healthy! Give me veggies over chocolate any day"

 

If you would like to follow Rose and see what's going to be in store for her great career you can check her on social media.

 

twitter.com/RoseWeekes   

www.youtube.com/user/RoseMarieAnson   

www.facebook.com/RoseMWeekes  

https://www.youtube.com/user/HammerVideoVan 

 

You can check out the lyric video for Blurry here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JfXKlfN-Wg