Sandra Bouza On the Making Of “Sit By The Fire”
What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of "Sit By The Fire?"
The song was initially a very short acoustic ballad that I thought would be a perfect end to the album, in the style of 4&20 by CSN&Y. I was very overwhelmed with life one day, as we have all experienced I'm sure, and one night I picked up my guitar which usually centers me a bit, and I started writing this sweet little acoustic tune about being overwhelmed, and then it just started to expand to reminiscing about times of chaos in my life when I was just moving too fast, living too fast, planning too fast, and all the times people around me were telling me to slow down. The last verse is sort of a summary of what happens when you don't slow down and one day you are left with nothing but chaos.
Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for "Sit By The Fire?"
Yes! This song was supposed to be an acoustic ballad, but when we all got into the studio we decided to add SOME instrumentation, the album was recorded live off the floor, so the band was together in the studio for the week tracking the whole record, and when it came to this song, it just didn't work. It kept getting heavy, and we kept trying to drag it kicking and screaming back to soul, or something softer, but the song wanted what it wanted. So finally, we just stopped trying to control, and let it be the awesome soulful southern rock tune that it became, and it is one of my favourite songs on the record!
What did you enjoy most about making this song?
This song really re-enforced for me the idea of letting go of control, and sometimes that's how you get the best results. Working with a group of amazing musicians, with no egos, who are all just invested in making the best product possible and not getting stuck in a box that you designed for yourself and refuse to see out of, even though there might be something really cool sitting just on the other side! It sort of fits in a lot of other areas of life, getting so stuck on a specific plan or idea, that you can't see that maybe the universe has another, better plan for you.
Can you share a bit about your musical background and the journey that led you to where you are today?
I was raised on folk, like Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and the laurel canyon era, but then I discovered harder music from the same era and got pretty obsessed with Led Zeppelin and Janis Joplin, THEN I discovered jazz and soul and wanted to sound like Erykah Badu, so I was a bit of a confused musical lover, and my last album definitely has more soul pop elements. This album is a bit of a return to my roots, because when I met my producer; Ross Hayes Citrullo, we bonded over the Laurel Canyon era, and our love for that era and music, so this album has a lot of that influence. I still feel that all of those other genres that I love so dearly, deeply influenced my sound, I still love doing cover gigs and getting to sing jazz and soul, but I like to think that I have reached a point in my career where I can amalgamate all those styles but still have a common consistent theme that still remains very "Sandra".
How do you balance crafting relatable stories with maintaining your unique voice as a songwriter?
Interesting question! I like to believe at the end of the day, that there is a human experience that almost all of us can relate to. I don't however try to fit into all of them or appeal to absolutely everyone, because I don't think you can, and I think people that try to run the risk of losing their own unique voices. So I focus on being true to my own stories, but listening to the stories of others and trying to find that connection. That is the music that appeals to me, is some artist, across the world, from some other place or time in some cases, who is spouting these lyrics that completely and beautifully sum up my experience. I think that is the magic of art, and I want to be a part of that! I also think that authenticity, and being yourself, in a society that does not really encourage that, IS a unique voice! Loving yourself is an act of rebellion in our society. And I am trying to do that every day. I don't succeed every day, but I think being honest about that specific journey in itself, can contribute to some pretty relatable art.
Chloe Mayse Releases "Mad In Love "
Toronto, ON- Hailing from Toronto of half Irish and half Chinese- Trinidadian descent, Chloe Mayse is claiming her space in the queer alt-pop scene.
Chloe is super excited to share her new single "Mad In Love " and the accompanying music video, set to release. Here's what she had to say about it: “I wrote 'Mad in Love' about my first serious relationship. I fell in love with a great friend of mine and we had a beautiful love story that lasted 3 years. I was so infatuated and deeply in love to the point of making her my sole purpose in life. I was switching back and forth between a manic and depressive state, and the only thing that felt stable and secure to me was when we were together". The music video, made with a few of Chloe's friends in her home city of Toronto, features flashbacks to that relationship. "There were certain activities and places we used to go together- that's what I was trying to show in the video" Chloe continues, "Each location has a scene of her and I together, then it cuts to the present day: me alone and reminiscing". The video is almost like a home video, taking us into Chloe's world as she re-experiences it through her memories.
Chloe is a strong advocate for the queer community in Toronto, and for creating and fostering more accessible spaces for queer people everywhere. With her confessional songwriting, she aims to bring awareness to mental illness and open up an honest and vulnerable conversation about the struggles we all face.
Päter On the Making Of “Something // Way”
What was the creative process like for this particular "Something // Way (Something in the Way)?"
I wrote S//W when I was feeling super blocked creatively and in my life. I was getting really frustrated and I felt like I couldn’t form a coherent thought. That’s where that intro came from, just pure ethos into the guitar. The rest of the song happened pretty quickly as this kind of protest against this thing inside me that was holding me back. When I got to the final chorus, I realized I had to end it on a hopeful note because I wasn’t ready to give up on myself and what I was doing.
Were there any challenges or breakthrough moments during the songwriting process for "Something // Way?"
The biggest challenge was just getting started. Bashing on that minor chord was the most honest thing I could have done in that moment haha. Then having the chorus shift to the major of the same chord really helped add some levity to the song where it’s needed. I hadn’t used that move before and I was very happy with how those pieces fit together.
Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for "Something // Way?"
The vocal session for this was a particularly smooth one. I was working on a batch of songs together with my co-producer Howard [Redekopp] and some of them took a lot of finessing to get the vocal performance right. But with this, I remember feeling pretty relaxed going into it (contrary to the mood of the song) and I think it helped get the right nuances in there.
Another funny thing that happened was that we had borrowed this gorgeous, expensive telecaster to record the rhythm guitar on but we just could not get it to sound right. Something about how I was playing or how it was set up was making the tuning sound so off from chord to chord. In the end, I recorded the part on a $600 Gretsch guitar I had at my apartment through a Scarlett Solo interface, which is like some seriously basic tools (which work great). That ended up being a key layer in the sound of the song. Just goes to show how the right tools for something aren’t always the fancy ones.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
Music was my favorite company to keep growing up. I was a bit of a loner in my pre-teens, my family had just immigrated to Canada from Iran and the culture shift was pretty isolating for a while. I spent a lot of time in my room listening to my favorite bands and it didn’t take long for me to start writing my own songs and fantasizing about playing on stage. When I did finally start to play, it seemed to reach people in a way that I otherwise couldn’t. There’s a give and take in performing that’s so essential to me now. When you can see that you’ve gotten through to a room of strangers and made them feel connected to each other and to you, it’s the best feeling. Plus, I just love creating a world with visuals and letting that weird, imaginative kid in me go wild. That’s the stuff that’s kept me at it.
Can you share a memorable experience from a collaboration that enriched your music?
In the early days of perusing the Toronto music scene, I happened upon a guitarist named Alex Purcell who’s become one of my dearest collaborators and friends. We met at an open mic, he was a jazz school kid and I was a totally self-taught, scrappy songwriter and I think we were both really inspired by each other. He’s played in my band for many years and added a lot to the songs, including playing the lead guitar on Something // Way! Alex’s belief and investment in the project right from the start has been invaluable to me. He’s an incredible producer now - we co-produced Earth in Revolt together which is still one of my favorite tracks.
Chris Caulfield Releases “Antigravity Mind Chamber”
Renowned artist Chris Caulfield continues to captivate with his groundbreaking projects, and his latest single "Antigravity Mind Chamber" is no exception. This mesmerizing track marks the third release from his highly anticipated album "Catharsis," set to redefine the boundaries of modern music.
"Antigravity Mind Chamber," the latest offering from Chris Caulfield, delves deep into the tumultuous world of emotions and experiences. The song vividly portrays the intense feelings of dissociation, adrenaline, and the physical effects of anxiety and anxiety attacks. Sonically, Caulfield meticulously recreates the chaotic nature of these moments, enveloping listeners in an immersive soundscape that reflects the raw intensity of the emotions portrayed.
Ideal for enthusiasts of Palaye Royale, Layto, and Jake Daniels, "Antigravity Mind Chamber" promises an exhilarating journey through Caulfield's artistic vision. With a fusion of electrifying melodies, evocative lyrics, and dynamic instrumentation, the song emerges as a powerful exploration of the human psyche.
"Antigravity Mind Chamber" is set to release on all major music platforms. Fans and music aficionados alike are invited to embark on this sonic adventure, as Chris Caulfield continues to redefine the boundaries of contemporary music.
Wrené Releases ‘Metamorphosis’
Toronto - Multi-talented artist, producer, and vocalist, Wrené Nova, is proud to announce the release of her latest album, ‘Metamorphosis.’This effort in contemporary pop defies conventions, explores unconventional soundscapes, destigmatizing mental health, and healing through uninhibited artistic expression.
As a prominent figure in Toronto’s music scene, Wrené Nova fearlessness in pushing boundaries and redefining the limits of Canadian pop music is evident throughout ‘Metamorphosis.’ The album is a seamless journey of self-acceptance, embracing the constant of change, and stands apart from the norm with its full concept, synchronistic flow, and lyrical exploration of esoteric concepts and ideas - all while incorporating elements that are accessible to the masses. Entirely produced using original recorded samples and textures created from soft synths, and vocal layering- Wrené has meticulously woven each track to offer a distinct sonic landscape, resulting in an immersive experience for listeners.
Themes of love, lust, sleeplessness, yearning for completeness, and the human longing for true connection grace the album, creating an intricate journal of a profound spiritual awakening. Integrating psychedelic influences, Wrené explores the surreal and reality while promoting the use of sacred substances for mental health and healing.
Through her artistry as producer and vocalist, Wrené Nova invites listeners on a transformative sonic journey, encouraging us to embrace change, celebrate individuality, and find wisdom in adversity. With ‘Metamorphosis.’ Wrené fosters healing and introspection, leaving an indelible impression that inspires both her audience and fellow artists to embrace their authentic selves.
Join Wrené Nova on this profound musical odyssey as ‘Metamorphosis’ unveils a world of sonic exploration and a celebration of human resilience.