Vincent Van Gogh “loved life so bad, his paintings had twice the color other paintings had”. So sings Jonathan Richman (on Rockin’ and Romance).

And that tells you something about musician Allison Crowe.

A modern lover of music, blogger Muruch frames it like this: "There's really no way to convey through mere words how much the music... moves me, or how I want other people to listen to and adore it as much as I do. Allison sings with such an intensity of emotion, it's easy to see why she's often quoted as saying 'Why music? Why breathing?'... that kind of artistic passion seems extremely rare these days."

"I love singing for people," says Allison Crowe. "It's a way to connect and share with others. Communication is crucial. Just being able to do what I do, to write and sing and perform, makes me feel not only alive, but incredibly lucky. Knowing at any moment everything could change, I don't take one second for granted."

Born 26 years ago, on an island, in the harbour city of Nanaimo, B.C., today Crowe's reach is global. The audience for her music videos and song downloads numbers in the millions.

"Allison Crowe has a voice to fall in love with," says UK music industry journal Record of the Day. "She is from Vancouver Island in Canada, descended from Scottish, Irish and Manx stock. She's exactly the sort of artist who can make serious headway on her own label and that's just what she's doing."

When this phenomenon 'from the islands' reached the mainland she steered a path clear of what Joni Mitchell knowingly calls the record industry’s “style inventions”. With Ani DiFranco and Loreena McKennitt as models Crowe created her own label. Since 2003, Rubenesque Records Ltd has released five critically and commercially successful albums: Lisa's Song+ 6 Songs; Secrets; Tidings; Live at Wood Hall; and This Little Bird.

"The first thing you notice about Allison Crowe is her voice. Rich and dark, it seems to come from a place most singers can only dream of accessing. Then there are the songs. Filled with raw passion and accompanied by Crowe's eloquent piano playing," writes Clodagh O'Connell (The Courier). Hers is a joyous sound: "Elton John meets Edith Piaf."

A sensation at the UK’s John Lennon Northern Lights Festival, “Canadian angel Alison Crowe gave one of the weekend's most magical moments," says The Scotsman. Festival Director Mike Merritt describes Crowe as "awesome" and "spine-tingling", noting her performance “put hairs on the back of your neck! She brought the house down."

A true grassroots success, Crowe’s praised not only as a singularly talented songwriter - on themes personal as well as worldly - and as a visceral performer, but, also, as a supreme interpreter of song. Her vital takes on such 21st century standards as Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" and Joni Mitchell's "River" are applauded as "truly transcendent". Her Tidings CD, a mix of traditional carols plus songs of joy, peace, and redemption from the secular songbook, is an emerging classic: "music for the season and all time".

"Her voice celebrates the music with a bluesy rock-gospel intensity; her controlled vibrato, silken rasp, and powerful projection rivet your attention. This is no casual background music. be prepared to be amazed," says Hamline University Professor Of Law - and CD reviewer - Carol Swanson. "Every song radiates sincerity, creative flair, and emotional intensity."

”It takes a lot of self-confidence to tackle Aretha (Franklin)'s version of 'I Never Loved a Man...' but Allison does and nails it just as good as the Queen of Soul herself. Her piano playing is equally exquisite," says Bob Muller, curator of song covers at JoniMitchell.com in his review of Crowe’s newest album, This Little Bird. He sums up: "Treat yourself to one of the mightiest talents on the singer-songwriter scene today."

David Powell, Welsh-based tech writes: "I'm listening to 'Effortless' on (Allison Crowe's) This Little Bird album with my Pro-Ject headphone amplifier turned up about a quarter more than on most modern records. It sounds fantastic because unlike most modern records it hasn't had the **** compressed out of it to raise the loudness."

Vocalist, pianist, guitarist, songwriter, engineer, producer and arranger, Allison Crowe now lives in Nanaimo, British Columbia and Corner Brook, Newfoundland. From these home-bases, (spanning the full 7000 km breadth of Canada), she tours steadily, earning a reputation for exciting live shows that stir together her original songs with much-loved interpretations in an organic blend of rock, jazz, folk, Broadway, gospel and soul.

"Ever wonder what it would have been like to listen to a gifted singer/songwriter from Saskatchewan in a small, intimate hall before she became Joni Mitchell? Don't fret the missed opportunity. There's no need to turn back the clock. Check out Allison Crowe," says Robert Reid in The Record.

"Allison has a special gift that is so very rare in musicians today. She is true to her mind, heart and spirit," says Ross Hocker, long-time public broadcaster with NPR affiliate WGTE. Hocker, whose musical taste embraces Thelonious Monk, Bela Bartok and Charles Gounod, calls Allison Crowe's live performance "the most honest, heartfelt, and directly intimate concert in my entire life."

"In an entertainment world that increasingly genuflects at the altar of instant fame, Crowe seems an anomaly, building her career slowly and carefully," notes Adrian Chamberlain, of Canada's Times Colonist newspaper.

"Soulful. Alive. Joyous. Grievous. Real, true, music is what I want to make," says Allison Crowe.

You can lend an ear...

Navicula was formed in 1996 in Denpasar, Bali by two musician activists: Robi and Dankie. After changing personnels numerous times, the current formation is: Rob (vocals, guitar), Dankie (guitar), Made (bass), and Gembull (drums). The name Navicula was inspired by a type of single celled golden algae, which is shaped like a small ship (in Latin Navicula means small ship).Their music has a grunge rock undertone, but is combined with many other genres of sound, such as ethnic, psychedelic, alternative, progressive, and straight forward rock. The band's lyrics are heavy with activism messages of Peace, Love and Freedom.

Though the band has always been active in the indie music scene, in 2004 they signed a contract with Sony-BMG, a major label. Navicula released their 4th album, Alkemis, with sony-BMG. But, in 2007 they released their 5th album, Beautiful Rebel, independently and returned to following their ideals through the indie music scene. Navicula is based in Bali, but as an independent band, they continue to keep up a national profile. Since releasing their 5th album they have already began promotion through Java. Though distribution of the album isn't as widespread, it is available on i-tunes or it can be ordered through the band's myspace site or email:

Tim and Dave , close childhood friends, grew up in Victoria and then moved to Vancouver to pursue music. To make ends meet we began to work in the film industry as lighting technicians. I also picked up some minor acting roles.We got to work with the likes of Robin Williams, Robert de Niro, Al Pacino, and even my favorites Ringo Starr and Jack Nicholson. During this time I gained the experience of lighting rock videos (one of which went to number one on Much Music). Anyway, because of this we were able to buy recording gear and teach ourselves the art of recording music. In the process of recording we were robbed of most of our recording equipment. We worked to replace the gear and eventually produced this C D, Never Leave it Too Late, by Mojo Filter. Can you dig it?


1 Sparks in the Ashes (modern blues rock with some groovy tempo changes at the end)


2 Sunset Blvd (LA Rock)


3 Remember That Girl (Rock n Roll)


4 Sleepless Nights (Fast Rocker)


5 News of the Day (Heavy re-write interpretation of a "Day in the Life", by the Beatles


6 How Can Love Be Wrong (Garage rock punk)


7 If Not For You (funky clean guitars with dual vocal harmony)


8 Do You Feel Like Talking (funk rock)


9 You're On Drugs (rockin boppin comedy number with sax)


10 Too Much (Clean and jazzy but it still rocks)


11 War Song (I want You) (Heavy war rock with a nice rippin guitar solo at the end)


12 The Universe (Ballad with a big ending)

We now have written over 100 songs. a lot of our new material is even more centered on the vocals and harmonies. We are currently producing a video for Sunset Blvd. We started this while in Los Angeles, shooting scenes along Sunset Boulevard. Completing the principal photography in Vancouver on 35 mm film. We are now collecting our nickels to develop the film and edit the video.

Thanks for listening, Tim Heller (Vocals and Guitar)
Dave Innes (Vocals and Bass)
These are some of the influences filtered through the
MojoFilter
Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Black Sabbath, Sly Stone, Led Zeppelin, Iggy Pop, Ramones, Talking Heads, Cars, Devo, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Alex Harvey, STP, CCR, Ray Charles,, Marilyn Manson, Weezer and Britney Spears (just kidding).

"SKOOKUM is a riff-rock PARTY! Hilarious anecdotes are regaled with engaging songs delivered by strong vocals, solid grooves, and a wall of sound that brings an audience to its feet!"

In the beginning there was a catastrophic boom … and, without the use of an epidural, SKOOKUM was born.

Out of the depths of a deep forested bush lumbered this monstrous behemoth of rawk! It had a thunderous bottom end and the animals gathered ‘round to hear its driving beats and infectious rhythms. This indescribable beast could only be known as SKOOKUM!

This was NO serious matter though, as the dreaded SKOOKUM would take to heavy fits of laughter, nocturnal musings and doses of a strange forest tea brewed from alder berries and rootmarm. Yet, you could always be sure that as it reared its big hairy head, you would be raising your fist to the air in an all out heavy rawkin’ salute. An awesome creature . . . SKOOKUM sounds like no other!

Oh yeah... and there’s these four guys who like to play infectious riff heavy rock. So, in the end… There's no denying it… they’re big and they rawk, they sound SKOOKUM!

CoryVan - Lead guitar/Lead Vocals
Audie - Bass guitar/backing vocals
Storm – Drums/backing vocals
Shiny - Guitar/vocals

Ryan McMahon grew up in Ladysmith, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, where he began playing in local bars on Vancouver Island at the age of 17, under the moniker “Citizen Strange.”

There, he befriended several promoters that allowed him opening support slots for bands coming through town such as Nickelback and Wide Mouth Mason, allowing him the opportunity to hone his craft alongside those already established.

In 2003, Ryan moved to Vancouver and began playing with two musicians who would become his best friends, Mike Rogerson (who produces all of Ryan’s material) and Dustin Young, both of whom still play guitars for him to this day. Together they formed the band, “Ryan McMahon & the Dirty Five,” along with drummer Jesse Smith and bassist Thomas Dowding, and the band toured throughout British Columbia and Alberta, but was never really afforded the opportunity to take it further.

Wanting change, and a more diversified sound, Ryan, Mike, and Dustin stuck together and headed to Baker Street Studios in North Vancouver, to begin work on what would become Ryan’s first solo album, “Better Days Gone By.” They recruited several friends throughout the music industry, including Hamish Thomson (the Hermit), Jon Frederiksen (the Hermit), Doug Elliott (the Odds), Pat Steward (Bryan Adams, Matthew Good, the Odds), Jesse Smith (Jeff Johnson, the Dirty Five), Thomas Dowding (the Dirty Five), and Craig Northey (the Odds).

The result? A 12-song rock n’roll roots album that showcases Ryan’s love for playing rough, honest music, which people of all walks can easily relate to.

With themes ranging from infidelities (“Liar”) to the music industry itself (“Song Says So”), “Better Days Gone By” is a well-rounded honest album that will surely communicate well in both the rock and acoustic formats.

Rye’s dynamic, genuine personality, combined with his unique emotional style will definitely offer fans of roots rock a true kindred spirit.

For a better tomorrow, vote Ryan McMahon.

Contact Information:
Geoff Goddard @ Fronstide Promotions - 604-648-2782
Ryan McMahon - 778-892-6974

www.ryanmcmahon.com
www.myspace.com/mcmahonryan

•  Like it lots
•  just found it again
•  This scratches my musical itch
•  A wonderful song!
•  Catchy

The Southern Urge was born on Vancouver Island in a basement near the University of Victoria in early summer, 2005. Three local musicians were at their campus pub having beers and checking out the open mic players. They were already in a band known around Victoria but “creative differences” in the band had led to their search for a new singer. There they found Ryan Evans and asked him to come out to front the band. After a few practices in the basement they hit the bars at UVIC and in downtown Victoria. The story continues to unfold today…

The Southern Urge is Ryan Evans (vocals/guitar), Tony Garossino (lead guitar), Jonny Milstein (bass/congas/clave/harmonica/backup vocals), and Cameron Duron (drums).

Ryan, who was living in Halifax, had been frequenting the L.A. scene meeting with producer and friend Sheila E after she had taken notice of his songwrting skill a few years previous. During the summer in B.C., and after a couple of rehearsals with the Southern Urge, it was undeniable that there was a definite chemistry between the friends who embraced his songwriting; the L.A. scene would just have to wait.

With the speed of Jimmy Page and the originality of Trey Anastasio, Tony was able to add energy to the solid progressions penned by Ryan. Cam’s drumming style, reminiscent of Jazz-Fusion masters like Carter Beauford, Dennis Chambers, and Steve Gadd, is a rhythmic extension of Ryan’s aggressive acoustic playing. Add solid bass grooves locked to the beat by Jonny and you have an original song by The Southern Urge.

The band’s first EP entitled “…until it hurts” was recorded over one night at Vancouver’s Art Institute, and is scheduled for release this summer. The disc includes the songs, “I am a rolling wind”, “Gimme all your love”, “See you move”, “Better time”, and “Been around”.

All of the songs offer a diverse range of sounds, which is representative of the diversity in the group. From a rocker out of Halifax, to a guitar wizard from Texas, to a drumming inferno from Toronto, to a killer bass player from Vancouver – They all come together to produce something very special.

The band has had extensive experience in Victoria's live music scene. As a band with a social conscience they have headlined benefit concerts around Victoria for such organizations as: Rock for Rwanda, The Tsunami Relief Effort, Engineers Without Borders and Children of War. After securing an opening spot at Steamer’s Pub, one of the biggest and best know live music venues in the heart of downtown, the band has been a monthly headliner on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights. Felicita’s, Uvic’s campus pub, has been a local home for the band. On January 21st 2006, UVic hosted it’s first ever winter SUB party. The entire Student Union Building was converted into a five-stage venue for 2,500 people. Some performers featured were Moka Only, Mobile, and The Armchair Cynics. The Southern Urge was given the longest time slot that night, playing for three full hours and ending the night for a sold out crowd.

Individual members have different amounts of recording experience. Ryan has recorded his own demo as a solo artist, working with session players and recording his own compositions. Jonny has had experience recording with two previous bands, as well as many other small session projects. Tony is familiar with home recording, and cam’s first major experience was the current EP.

Upcoming shows: April 11 – Darcy’s pub (Victoria)

Additional info/songs/pics: visit www.ryanevansmusic.com

•  Hard rock. Great Hook.
•  Great lyrics
•  Great song - mediocre recording

21 Gun was started in the summer of 2005 by Dan Alm and Adrian Serrato. Dan had already been playing guitar for a year and Adrian had just started playing. Soon after the creation of this band Dan had to move away for a few months.
It looked like the band wasn't going to work but then Adrian found Keith Cury, an old friend who had just started playing drums. They jammed together and realized they had a great chemistry.
Following this jam, they started practicing every weekend and making their own songs. They then decided to look for a bass guitarist to join the band. A school friend, Tyler Hovan, became part of the band. A few practices later, the three of them finished the bands first original song and played it at their school talent show and end of the school year celebration.
The band continued to make new songs in the summer of 2006. But shortly after, Adrian and Keith decided to take Tyler out of the band for their own reasons. Tyler is now part of the band "The Dead Legs".
Adrian and Keith continued to work together during the summer. Dan Alm, who Adrian and Keith had been keeping in touch with, moved back to Florida. Dan rejoined the band. With Adrian already on guitar, Dan started working on singing and writing lyrics.
The three worked together for most of the summer. The songs such as "First Seed", "Time Lost", and "Oblivion" were made. The band decided to start looking for bass player again. A mutual friend told them about Taylor Ward. Tay was contacted and invited to a practice. He turned out to be exactly what they were looking for. Around this time the band started calling itself "21 Gun".
The four of them worked together for most of the year. Near the end of 2006, in December, the band noticed that Adrian wasn't showing up to practice as much, and it seemed like he just wasn't interested in the band anymore. Sadly, the band decided to take Adrian out. They weren't happy about this since Adrian was one of the founders of the band.
Dan took over guitar and the band continued to work together. Dan, Tay, and Keith then made three new songs "Last But Not Least", "Promises", and "No More".
They started to do shows at parties and other small performances, but were constantly asked to find a singer. The band found Ryan Pence, who had been singing for a few years. He seemed to be working out in the band. But after the first official show with Ryan, they began to realize he wasn't really quite right for the band's style.
The band continued working hard for most of the beginning of 2007, and created a few more rough drafts of songs. As summer arrived, Dan asked a fellow musician at school, Andrew Renfroe, if he knew any good singers. Andrew advised Dan to contact Chase Merrill, a singer he used to play with. The band had a practice with him and were amazed at how great of a singer he is. His vocals brought a great sound to the band. After a few more practices, he really began to fit in with the band.
About the same time that Chase joined the band, Dan had to take a trip to California for all of June and half of July, and Tay got a job in North Carolina for all of June and July. So only Chase and Keith were left to work on the band. Keith started teaching Chase some of their songs, and Chase taught Keith some of his originals. Chase and Keith then wrote the first half of the song "Sleepless".
When Dan got back from California, the three got to work. About 2 1/2 weeks later, they finally organized their material for their 5 track EP. They then spent 3 straight days recording in Bentwood studios. Right after finishing the EP, they played their first show with Chase. That's where 21 Gun is today.

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ATTENTION: We're looking for a Rhythm Guitarist. Message if interested!

There is one true guarantee in life: death.
The beginning is simply prey for the end.
The Art of Dying is your life to live.

Lacombe, Alberta. Population: 9,384
Calgary, Alberta. Population: 860,749

Two guys in a high school band risk everything to drive out to Toronto in pursuit of a good gig.
After a year out east they move to Vancouver for a new perspective.
The two guys from Calgary meet a singer from Lacombe busking on a street corner.
An instant connection is forged.
The three of them make demos, play live shows, mess around with programming sounds,
and become a tight unit.
They make a record together called ‘Inverse’, and tour endlessly to prove their point.
They write.
They meet a producer who becomes an unofficial member of the band.
The four of them sift through songs and begin tracking a new record.
A drummer from New Westminster joins the band.
The two guys from Calgary are guitarist Greg Bradley and bassist David Mariacci.
The singer from Lacombe is Jonathan Hetherington.
The producer is Darryl Romphf.
The drummer is Flavio Cirillo
The band is Art Of Dying.

A.O.D. has just finished recording their first full-length record, which will be in stores in January 2006.
The first single ‘Get Through This�? is available now on itunes.

artofdyingmusic.com

•  I'm showing up at your...
• awesome!
•  Can be real? -Yes, it...
•  Playlists Work for this song
•  Fire it up!