Hello and Happy New Year to the best readers and followers out there! I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday season this year.
I apologize that I haven’t posted in a while. I’m dealing with some pretty heavy news these days. Back in November I learned that my father has advanced stage 4 liver cancer, in addition to my step-father who was already, and still is battling stage 4 throat cancer since earlier this year. So, needless to say 2015 has been a crazy year. However, having said that, as a writer and lover of music, 2015 has also been one of the best years of my life. I have had the privilege of meeting some amazing people this year – whether it be fellow industry professionals, artists, management, PR, and more. I am so lucky and very thankful to be in this business. It is my passion – and the second absolute love of my life – aside from my incredible husband, of course. So, I thought I would share some of the amazing moments I got to experience this year – along with a few pictures!
Cavendish Beach Music Festival Moments
Cavendish Beach Music Festival is always a festival that I look forward to every year. The atmosphere is always fun, and everywhere you go you hear music playing. It’s literally the perfect summer party! The 2015 line-up brought with it some incredible acts such as Eric Church (the night of his performance had completely sold out crowd), Keith Urban (My personal favourite of the entire weekend as he did not stop the entire night – not to mention he came on stage earlier, and left the stage later than expected – which concert goers loved!) Other notable fan favourites that graced the festival grounds were Dan + Shay, High Valley, and Steve Earle, just to name a few. I already cannot wait for 2016 – Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, and The Band Perry are set to headline the festivities!
Speaking of Cavendish Beach Music Festival, another notable moment for me was the opportunity to not only meet Dallas Smith – but I got to interview him as well! I was already a HUGE fan of his ever since he was lead vocalist of Canadian Rock group, Default so getting to sit and chat with him was an incredible moment for me! The fact that he was incredibly nice, was the icing on the cake.
Waterfront Concert Series
2015 was the first year of the Waterfront Concert Series in Charlottetown, PEI. This was the first festival for Mark Fisher and Shift Management. Acts included April Wine, City and Colour and my next highlight – Kim Mitchell. I was already slated to interview Kim as arranged via management prior to his performance. However, the way the interview took place could not have been any more incredible. While waiting at the side entrance of the festival grounds for Kim’s management to come escort me to him, sure enough Kim comes walking down the waterfront in shorts, a t-shirt, an old ball cap, and some classic Chucks. Of course I introduce myself and without hesitation he suggests that we go relax in the grass and “have a chat!” For those of you who’ve ever watched MuchMusic in the 90s, would know “Egos and Icons.” That’s exactly what it felt like! It was so cool, and casual and out in the open. It was a very VERY cool moment!
Dean Brody Interview
Since my first year with Atlantic Canada Rocks, Dean Brody was an interview I have always wanted. I have always been such a fan of his innovativeness and incredible ability to tell stories in his song writing. While on the Road Trip tour, I finally got my chance. I was able to ask him all the questions I had been wanting to ask for years and it was so nice! I felt like a real accomplishment had happened in that moment and I was so grateful.
Halestorm Interview/Coverage
My number one moment is no surprise to those who know me. I have been a die hard fan of Halestorm since 2009 when I first heard, “Familiar Taste of Poison.” So, naturally when it was announced that they’d be opening for Three Day’s Grace on their Cross – Canada tour, I was of course elated and an interview was a huge desire of mine. My experience however, was so much more than that – it’s something I will NEVER forget. I found out I was going to interview Lzzy Hale in October – right before the tour began. So here I am sitting in my apartment chatting on the phone with one of my all-time favourite artists. My mind was blown – but the interview was amazing and what was supposed to be 10 minutes turned to 20 really fast! What happened next, I did not even expect. Thanks to Lzzy tweeting the interview after it was published, it went viral and was shared everywhere – a VERY proud moment for me as a writer. I was supposed to cover their Moncton performance but was unable to do so because I would be travelling at the time through Ontario and Michigan. Well – because of all of the interview excitement, Halestorm management made it so that I would be able to cover their show in London, ON as I was going to be in the area at that time. If that wasn’t exciting enough, when I was when I was in Michigan I recieved an e-mail, again from their management letting me know that I going to meet the band – I was going to get to meet one of my favourite bands! I was floored and didn’t see it happening. Getting to meet them was insane. It was just me, my husband, and the band. No one else. No long line of fans behind me – just us. It was awesome. The four of them were incredible and so nice and approachable – not to mention proud nerds as they quoted Ludo from Labyrinth with ease! ** If you haven’t seen Labyrinth – watch it! It’s cheesy 80s at it’s finest accompanied with Jim Henson Muppets, and David Bowie in tights** I now have their autographed picture, along with our group shot hanging on my wall – along with a very special momentum. Before we all parted ways after meeting, Lzzy came up to me had handed me a pick. She told me that this particular pick was one she had been using for weeks and she wanted me to have it. That moment, paired with their absolutely amazing live performance was most definitely the highlight of my 2015.
Well there you have it! Hope your 2016 is filled with fun, excitement and most important of all – LOUD MUSIC!
Peace, Love, & Music!