Intervew with Nicki Meier

Hey friends welcome back to another week with Inside The Scene, where we continue to showcase local bands and artists. This week, I was joined by 15 year old Nicki Meier, a talented and beautiful country farm girl, who has been singing for about 8 years, and has recently advanced to the top 6 in the Valley Voices Vocal Competition (We will get to more of that later). Nicki has been working with some amazing names in the local music scene such as Ben Klassen, Willis Taylor and Victoria Duffield. I'll let Nicki explain to you guys what she's all about.

ITS - Hi Nicki I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview.

Nicki - "Thank you so much for choosing me for this!  I am so excited."

ITS - Explain a little bit about yourself briefly.

Nicki - "My name is Nicki Meier, and I am a 15 y/o pop country singer.  I spend most of my time on our dairy farm, and I love it.  I have been singing since I was about 7 years old."

ITS - What inspired you to pursues a career in music?

Nicki - "The music itself has inspired me in so many ways.  Music is an expression and the words of a song help to inspire and motivate many people.  It just fascinates me how something as simple as a song can do that.  Music can be taken to so many levels.  Every age, every culture, even male and female can all relate.  It can be used for every part of life.    This is all inspiring to me, and I love having a part in it.   Just knowing that I can be on stage, and whether I am singing the anthem, or at a funeral or a wedding, or even a competition, I have the ability to touch people with my music.  Amazing."

ITS - Who has been the biggest inspiration for you?

Nicki - "Dean Brody.  Because, like me, he started in a small farm town and his music is amazing!  He has a way of telling a story in a song and it comes across as if you are watching it on film.   It was my dream to sing with him, and last year I got to do just that.  JRFM had a night with Dean Brody at their radio station, and told him about me and a Facebook page I had started called, "I Wanna SING With Dean Brody", and he allowed me to stand beside him and sing a song called "Bob Marley" with him and it certainly was a dream come true.  While I was star struck, he still seemed to be just a normal guy.   But it was a memory that I will cherish forever!  Taking the time for a 14 year old girl, was something that I will always appreciate!!"

ITS - Talk a little about becoming one of the top 6 finalists in the Valley Voices Vocal Competition.

Nicki - "I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Valley Voices Vocal Competition!!   There is such an amazing pool of young talent in BC and it is really hard to get out there and find venues, or good quality competitions to compete in.  This is one that you know you are getting great advice each round you are in.  It started as an audition, which led to them choosing the top 25.  I made it to the top 25, and then they had a Facebook voting segment.  The top 15 would advance to the Semi-Finals.  I tried my hardest to get as many votes as I could but came up shy and didn't make the top 15.  To my surprise, the organizers, DarcyD Vocal Studio, Brad Styba, Lisa Witt and Angela Harris of Fairwind Entertainment, called me the night that voting ended, and told me that they had decided to make it a top 16 instead and award me the Wildcard.  It was such a shock and such a great surprise because a Wild Card vote had never even been mentioned!  They said that my talent, and the way I have handled myself throughout the entire competition was something they were so proud of, that they couldn't let me not advance. I was shocked!   So, I made it to the top 16! 

    The top 16 competed for the top 6 in the Semi-Finals.  The songs I chose to sing, were "Not Ready To Make Nice" by The Dixie Chicks.  I chose this song to encourage others that they do not have to sit down and take bullying.  This song has inspired me when I was a victim of bullying, and it's words were so encouraging to me.  The other song I sang, was "My Hallelujah Song", by Julainne Hough.  A song that to me, speaks of "That Moment" when you know you have done well, and things are going just right.  THAT...is your Hallelujah song.  Our judges were Victoria Duffield, Chiko Misomali, and Ryland Haggis.  I respected and learned so much from each of their comments, that win or lose, there was still opportunity to learn.  I was so excited to hear I was chosen as the top 6!!

    So now, we will be competing on Monday, August 2 at AgriFair in Abbotsford in the Finals.  All 6 that were chosen are amazingly talented.  It is going to be a really tough competition!"

 

ITS - Who are some artists you would like to work with (local or not) and why?

 

Nicki - "I would LOVE to work with Dean Brody because I find him to be a very inspirational person, as well as an amazing writer.  Sitting down with him would be the most amazing thing!  I am a pop country singer, but my heart always stays with the old time country music.  I love Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Don Williams, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton...they are all amazing!  And being in the same genre as any of them, to me, is amazing.   I try to always add a couple of old school songs to every set when I perform because I feel, without them as the platform for country music, I wouldn't be doing what I do now.  On an even bigger scale, I would also love to work with Carrie Underwood because she is a crazy powerhouse singer and I love challenging my vocals with her songs.  And...like her, I started out singing to the cows on our farm."

 

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

 

Nicki - "Definitely Mexican!!  I don't know if that counts but a lot of my family is from the states, and having Mexican is just something that reminds me of the time spent with my far away family.  Last year I was invited to sing at a wedding in Arizona and the friends we stayed with made Mexican food every day for us!!  Best food ever!!"

 

Again Nicki thank you for doing this. I just want to be the first to say, the way you have handled yourself through you young career is already amazing. Remember to stay as humble as you are and strive to become the best, and WE the people of Vancouver will rally behind you no matter what.

 

If you want to contact Nicki or follow her journey on social media you can on:

 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nicki-Meier-Music/828555227169657?ref_type=bookmark

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCphbjSf-c22Wwh4TVzi3MEg

 

Watch the video here of the song that launched her into the Top 6 here. Nicki Singing "Not Ready To Make Nice" by the Dixie Chicks.

 

 

CD Review for Celeb The 1 Lost From Love Mixtape

This week is a late entry, but hey better late than never right? So this week I decided to do a review on a mixtape put out by Celeb who has brought us recent hits "Second Chances" ft KT and "My Boo" ft Craig Smart. Produced by "Jazze Pha" who has worked with artists such as Missy Elliot, 2Pac, Notorius B.I.G. the "Lost From Love" mixtape is definitely a great introduction to the world on the talent that the first Lebanese Canadian rapper that is Celeb. Working with XOXO Entertainments very own Adam Hurstfield (Elise Estrada, Desire, Ray J) is a big jump in his young career and will surely bring out some amazing hits. The title track "Lost From Love" ft. Sid has a great beat being joined by a piano all while Celeb raps about his struggles of finding himself as an artist, while trying to find the love of his fans. And his track "Next 1" ft. Sid is straight and to the point letting us know that he is the "Next 1" to look out for in the industry.



 
If you want to follow Celeb on social media you can in the following ways

 
ITunes - https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/celeb/id296785818
Twitter - https://twitter.com/celebthe1
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celeb/261589137200604
Instagram -  @CELEBTHE1
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/Celebthe1
Download The Mixtape Here - http://www.celebthe1.com/lfl/

Check out "Second Chances" ft. KT here

And Also "My Boo" ft. Craig Smart here

Interview with Fighting For Ithaca's Justin Mattock

Hey Ithacans so this week I thought I'd do a quick interview to help get to know the newest member of Vancouver based Fighting For Ithaca, (Read first interview for that one)  Justin Mattock. As you are all aware Adamm Strange left the band (on great terms) to pursue school and just didn't have the time to devote to us Ithacans. Cue Justin Mattock.

ITS - Who has been your biggest influence in your life to want to become a musician and why?

Justin - "My influences come in different phases that I go through. When I was younger I was all about Metallica, Lamb of God, Avenged Sevenfold and those types of bands. Solo guitarists like Joe Satriani and Neil Zaza played a big part in my style as well when I was really big on lead playing. What really pushed my to become a musician was bands like All Time Low, A Day to Remember, Yellowcard, The Story So far and a bunch of others. The music was catchy and it looked like they were having a great time doing what they loved so I knew that's what I wanted to do."

ITS - Were you a fan of FFI before becoming the newest member? And how does it feel being part of the band?

Justin - "I had heard the name but I never really got around to checking out their music. I thought they were just some local band who played a few shows in Vancouver, so I didn't realize how lucky I was to get the spot. Once Curtis sent me the songs to learn I was stoked because the music was awesome. It feels amazing to be apart of FFI. All the guys are great, they welcomed me right away. The fans are very cool too, and I can't wait to meet them all!"

ITS - So taking over for Adamm Strange there are definitely some big shoes to fill, what are you bringing into FFI and what made you stand out over the rest?

Justin - "I never met Adamm, but I've seen videos and he's an awesome guitarist. Hopefully I'll be able to try and contribute as much as he did (nice hair included). As for why I stood out I'm not quite sure, I just went in and played for them, and I was lucky they were nice guys so they were easy to talk to. They said I had a good balance between personality and playing guitar, so I guess that's what it was. I'm hoping to bring some ideas to the guys and help them out with writing, and stage presence during the shows. Also lots of high-fives and smiles. You always need high-fives and smiles."

ITS - So if you could choose one type of food to live off of what would it be and why?

Justin - "Toaster Strudels hands down, those things are unreal. Probably peanut butter too but Toaster Strudels for sure."

ITS - What song are most excited to perform and why?  

Justin - "I'm actually really stoked to play all of them, there's not one song I don't like playing. If I had to choose one it would be "Out of Time". It's catchy right from the get go and the Chorus has been stuck in my head since the first time I heard it."

 

Thanks again Justin for taking the time to do this. And I want to be the first to say welcome to the Ithacan Army. And ladies he's single ;). You can all catch Justin in his first gig with FFI on August 8th at Olympia Pizza in Surrey. And to coincide with this, it will be Phil Maloney's (Drummer) last show with the band. While this came to a surprise to the Ithacan Army, its understandable with 2 children, a full time job, and the band, family does always come first. I'm sure however this will not be the last we see of the Philthy "Mother Lover". So be sure to get your tickets and lets give Phil the sending off that he deserves. Best of luck to the future Phil.

 

If you want to follow Justin on social media you can on

Instagram - http://instagram.com/justinmattock

Twitter- https://twitter.com/Justin_FFI

and Facebook - Justn Mattock. 

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