Oh Canada...

I am well aware that I have not written on here in nearly 7 months. However, to be fair, I do have a horrible tendency to have ideas, but never write them down. As well, everything else that seems to be going on around me also seems to hold me back from ever writing anything on paper. Mostly, it’s because I’m lazy.

Alas, I am now back in action. I recently went to a beautiful place called Toronto, Canada. Smaller than my extra-large metropolis of Los Angeles. Though, as I did tell my Canadian chums, I was much more comfortable in Toronto than in Los Angeles. My reasoning? For one, it’s nice knowing that not everything is scattered and broken up like it is here in Los Angeles. No need to run far and wide and be stuck in traffic just to get something specific just because you crave it or want it. Everything is within proximities. Secondly, the air is cleaner, not exactly smoggy. As well, the people being nice and amazing, who wouldn’t want to live in such a wonderful place? And may I add, apparently the rent is not that expensive (it beats paying 1300+ dollars for one room here in LA).

Though, I’m not here to discuss the full details of my trip (it sounds lovely, doesn’t it?). I’m actually here to tell you my opinions on Canadian music. Up until 7 months ago (when I last wrote on this), I was introduced and re-introduced to Canadian music. Several of which I have heard of because I heard some bands through friends or because they reached some level of success here in the States. The few that I NEVER heard of in my life, have this on-going trend. For one, they all seem to have a message of hope and messages of risk-tasking. In addition to that, they seem to deliver this message in a very cutesy, adorable manner. Such bands like Joel Plaskett Emergency, the Elwins (a favourite band of mine at this moment), and Sloan, to name a few, give messages of optimism; For instance:

There’s nowhere left to go but down//don’t believe that no one cares//cause we’re here for waiting you- Sloan, “Everything You‘ve Done Wrong”

Don’t be scared to make amends or ruin your new dress with me//Waiting for an apple to fall into my hands//waiting seems to be the master plan- the Elwins, “Paper In Your Pocket”

I’ve been looking for pies in the skies//I’m feeling my temperature//Is the right time only the nighttime?//Is my way only the highway?//Is this slow dance my only chance to find me a little bit of romance?- Joel Plaskett Emergency, “Slow Dance”

It’s these songs that can be interpreted differently by listeners, but I feel so full of hope and happiness when I listen to these songs. Songs that tell me to go forward and  take my chances, while I risk getting hurt; songs that tell me that I’m not alone when I feel alone. In Los Angeles based bands like Best Coast, the Airborne Toxic Event, and Weezer (which I love!), they tend to be fun and focus on matters of getting away or just enjoying the sun. Or even sometimes, they can focus on matters of heartbreak to an extent. However, they do not seem to have a lot of focus on leaving optimistic notes to the listener, like the Canadians do.

One thing I also want to point is that Canadian bands tend to be very patriotic. They take pride. If you ever visit Canada, you can probably see more than 10 Canada flags as you drive or walk by. It’s actually really nice to see that a country is very proud of who they are and how they present themselves. Musically, I like the hip-hop turn of Canada’s national anthem by Classified, which from what I remember, it was featured in the Winter Olympics not too long ago. I would also like to add that when attending a show in Canada, and if the band is from Canada, it’s a big homecoming party. The crowd shows much more enthusiasm. In fact, Canada has showed a lot of enthusiasm in their concerts than any other concerts that I have ever attended. The crowd jumps, they sing, they heckle (just generally being loud), and the people just tend to be incredibly fun. I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a Joel Plaskett Emergency show, and the last show of their tour. The crowd went wild; It was also one of the first times that I have ever rushed a stage to get a setlist without getting tackled by a security guard (well, security guards are less douch-ie there too).

Lastly, the last thing I ever want to mention of Canadian music, is the charisma they bring. While on my trip, I had the luck to being introduced to a musician who goes by the name of Bahamas. His album, Barchords, is one of those albums that you MUST own. In a nutshell, it is a break-up album, but it deals with all forms of what comes from a break-up; Dealing with losing the person you love, you saying that you’ve let them go, but then later you catch yourself missing them and would probably do anything to have them back. I know we have all been there, the feelings of longing for someone. This is the album. It’s beautifully written in lyrics and the guitar rhythms are very entrancing. My favourite track off the album is “Your Sweet Touch.” I assure that song will capture your heart just like it did mine (which I thank my Canadian friend for making me listen to this song).

I’m glad that Canadian music can reach the United States; Bahamas performed for local radio station KCRW in Los Angeles on June 9, 2012. It was a part of KCRW’s Summer Nights Concert series. If given the opportunity to go see a performance for free, then one should do it. Bahamas has this likeable aura to him. Cracking jokes on stage, commenting on the admiration that he receives from fans, and staring at any fan that tends to squeal really loudly for one song (that would be me). It’s all these things that have built up and make me feel much more happy. Barchords has helped me cope with certain things on better levels, and I am happy I got to tell the talented musician how much the album meant to me while I was in Canada, and how much it still means to me now. 

My dearest reader, I got to tell you tiny significant bits of Canada and it’s wonderful music. I hope that I have encouraged to you to listen to some of the Canadian bands that I mentioned above. If you would like to hear of some more Canadian bands, you could always contact me. I’ve been blown away by many bands; I would be more than happy to introduce you to more music to add to your listening lists. But truly, Canadian music has added hope and hints of optimism in my current life, it could also add that to your life too.

Resolutions

Every year, one sets new goals to achieve for the new year. It ranges from losing weight to traveling around the world, or to even just do better at school. I do not set resolutions to lose weight because I am content with it for the most part, but anyways, here are my resolutions for 2012.

Do better in school-I have never been a shit student. I'm usually a good student for the most part, but this year, things managed to crash and burn academically. I plan to make the biggest comeback of all time in 2012 academically. Not only will I prove to the world that I can do good at school, but I will prove that I am a smart.

Be less cynical-This one is a bit tough. To be honest, it's nearly impossible to break this one. I have this thing where I question everyone's motive, or I question the good out of something. I try not to do that because sometimes it tends to ruin things. It's an inner battle with myself all the time, and it becomes draining when I suddenly start to worry so much. Right now, I'm worry about 3 different things. I'm starting assume negative things too along with it. I'm trying to stop, seriously. Despite my inner battle, i'm going to do what I can to stop creating negative endings, and i'm going to try to stay positive that every little thing is going to be okay. It's so hard for me to think that things will be okay, after everything I have been through. This is indeed going to be a long-term goal.

Go to Canada-I have been friends with a Canadian gal for 7 years. She is indeed one of the best friends that I could ever have. She came to visit me in July of 2010. It was possibly one of the most memorable moments of my life. This time, I vow to make it to Canada to visit her to make it not only a memorable experience for me, but to make one for her as well. In addition to that, I plan to meet my sweetheart and the bestie's fellow mates to have the most epic adventures ever.

Become an amazing runner-To point it out, I do not run to lose weight. I run because it's a very liberating feeling. It feels good to know that one can run 3 miles at about 40 minutes. However, I am more than sure that I could run 3 miles in a lesser amount of time. I want to become more active at my school's running club, and through that, I am sure that I will become a better runner. The greatness about all of this, is that it is helping me become a healthier individual.

5 Great Moments and Items of 2011

2011 is nearly at an end. However, I cannot depart from 2011 without one final recap of things and moments that highlighted the year for me. It can vary from shows, to albums, people, etc. These are my top 5 things of the year.

5. C110 Logitech Webcam

A webcam would not stand out to many, but it does for me. I have grown a stronger friendship with a my Canadian friend. Her and I have shared many great conversations, via skype. At first, it was always a struggle to communicate with her with the crap webcam on my laptop. The c110 offers greater video quality than the standard webcam, as well takes great video and photos. I would recommend for the next person who needs a better webcam so that they don't sound like they're in a wind tunnel.


4. Mylo Xyloto-Coldplay
It's nearly impossible to pick a favorite album of the year. However, Mylo Xyloto stands out to me the most. For one, the previous Coldplay album "Viva La Vida or Death and All of His Friends" was quite significant during my last year of high school. Their new album that was released in late October has indeed been significant. Coldplay never fails to disappoint. Always innovating their albums in a different way. This album is different with the last one, with the use of more synth and then going back to their acoustic roots. However, that is not the reason why this album stands out. This album is a concept album, meaning that there is a story behind it. According to the band, it is about a boy and a girl (Mylo and Xyloto) who meet through the gang of the Lost Boys and fall in love. When one thinks about it, many may think it's a cheesy story. Though, the album does deliver the stories by introducing the characters (Paradise and Charlie Brown), and how their love goes through ups and downs, but still want to stay together despite everything. That's such an important message to me because I think i'm in a place where Mylo and Xyloto are in.

3. Meeting Stevie Nicks

Summer 2011 was quite adventurous. Though, the most significant memory of this Summer was meeting my icon, Stevie Nicks. I have loved Stevie since I was a little girl. I loved her voice whenever I would listen to Fleetwood Mac songs such as "Dreams", "Gypsy", and "Landslide." All those songs I just mentioned have been significant in my life somehow, and they still are to this day. I also think she is possibly one of the most beautiful individuals that has ever lived. I woke up at 5 am to get in line at the record store to get my wristband. I waited about 5 hours to get that wristband for her signing of the new album. Her record reminds me a bit of her album Bella Donna, but I might get criticized for that. Anyhow, meeting her was something worth remembering. She is an idol, and admire her talent and beauty. It's truly wonderful remembering how your idol holds your hand while you tell them how much you admire them. I think that's how you know they're truly a beautiful person.

2. Captain America: The First Avenger

Out of all the Marvel films I have seen, this one stands out the most. I did see Thor earlier this year as well, and it was pretty simple for a Marvel film. Nothing too extravagant. Though, I loved the plot for this film. The story of one man who wanted to fight bullies, the Nazis. I did love the twist that Hugo Weaving was the evil guy who wanted to be the power of all. The little guy, Steve Rogers, represents the ideal American during WWII who wanted to stand up for everybody else and fight the bullies. Steve Rogers is indeed the first avenger because he does go through the experiment to become the first super soldier and then kicks some serious Nazi ass. The ending was indeed a bit unrealistic, but it is a Marvel film, which is derived from a comic, so anything can happen. The Avengers film which shall be released in 2012 shall be exciting, and I cannot wait to know more about S.H.I..E.L.D.

1. Arcade Fire Secret Show-Ukrainian Culture Center

In February, I spent a week looking for the Foo Fighters. However, I failed in doing so. I told my friend that I predicted a secret show. Little did I know that that same week, Arcade Fire was throwing a secret show. On twitter, they announced they were going to announce 3 locations where they will sell tickets on the day of the show. Limited to about 1000. However, the locations were out the night before the show. I remember that Thursday night, my friend picked me up, and we got in line at midnight, February 11, 2011. It was about 40 degrees F, and it got colder as the night went on. I did not sleep that night due to some people. There was a boy there too, but he is not even important to count as a memory. Anyways, my friend and I were in line for about 12 hours for the wristband/ticket. At noon, I was the 30th person in line, and I got my wristband. I went back, got dressed up, then waited an extra 2-3 hours to get inside the venue. Front row. 1-2 hour set. It was worth it. I did have my moments during the show where I did cry because the songs were so powerful. It seemed liked everything was worth. I sacrificed a night of sleep and I did miss school for this special event. It became apparent that it was the best day of my life when Win Butler and Regine Chassagne signed my wristband at the end of the show. No words can describe how amazing that day was. It is possibly my favorite memory of 2011. Nothing will ever replace it.

2011 was so good to me. I can only expect that 2012 will come with better events and more exciting adventures. I look forward to so much, and the only, most simple that I want is to just hold someone's hand.