The Standstills: Renee Couture and Jonny Fox

There’s a hot new album that is leaving rock lovers craving for more. The album, Pushing Electric is a brilliant piece of music created by the dynamic duo of Renee Couture and Jonny Fox.

Couture (drums/percussion) and Fox (vocals/guitar) have been playing music together for five years. The two of them are members of The Standstills.
Fox explains how he and Couture met. “We met in school; we were both taking the same music program. We were just both in to the same type of music, and what not – we were friends and everything, so we started jamming together. Everything felt really great when we were jamming, we just kept on going.”

Couture talked about their first time jamming together. “We actually recorded it – still have the recording to this day, and we did it with one microphone which was the memorable part about it because the mix was so good to us.” She goes on to say that the producer loved it, and was blown away by the sound of it. “It was very experimental – just jamming,” Couture added.

Couture talked about how they came up with the name for the band. “I never have a good explanation for this, it just kind of came up. We were thinking of a standoff like how cowboys standoff with their guns – they do the five paces – turn around and fire; and then it turned in to Standstills, as in like a moment where time seems to stand still, but it’s that force of energy behind that moment, and then it just kind of stuck.” They tried to think of other names; however, they decided to stick with The Standstills.

Fox talks about the new album, and how it differs from their previous work. “I guess there are a lot of things different really, like the progression of this one, compared to the last ones. The song writings – it’s progressed to a lot heavier sound, and we actually recorded and produced this one ourselves whereas we didn’t do that with the other ones, and I think we’ve kind of come in to our own with the sound, like this heavier sound, this heavier style is really what we’re really excited about right now.”
The heavier sound has been embraced by their fans, especially at live shows.

Two members of The Tea Party came out to see The Standstill’s play at The Bovine in Toronto. They loved the music, and asked Fox and Couture to open for them at the Sound Academy the following night. “It’s almost too good to be true when it happened and it was a really cool experience, and from there we just did a couple dates when they came back from Australia,” Couture explained.

The Standstills are proud winners of Rocksearch 2012, which is a competition run by the St. Catherine’s radio station 97.7. Other winners of Rocksearch include the Trews and Finger Eleven.

Check these links here for more information on The Standstills.

Facebook.com/thestandstills – @TheStandstills – thestandstills.com

Lynn Phillips of Random Order

Not often do you hear bands described as Reggae Ska Rawk, or Canada’s premiere rockin’ reggae-ska supergroup; but that’s exactly what fits the Toronto band Random Order.

Lynn Phillips is the founding member, lead singer, and guitarist of Random Order. Phillips has been involved in music since her early child hood; when she was seven, she began taking steel guitar lessons; she then switched over to acoustic guitar when she was twelve.

Phillips explained how she came up with the name for the band. “I came up with the name a long time ago, it was just starting to be used as a term, as an oxymoron, so people were just starting to say – in Random Order – so I’ve had the name since 1989.”

Random order has drawn comparisons to bands such as The Clash, and the Slits. “Other people have made those comparisons; it’s interesting, because with our new album, you’ll recognize more of the clash now than some previous work.”

The new album will be titled Black Lipstick Kiss, and will be released this summer.

Random Order has toured all over the world. They have played in Tokyo, Guatemala, Milwaukee, Holland, and Belgium. Their music has been heard on radio stations in Ireland, and Berlin. They recently returned from Milwaukee Pridefest where they opened For Salt-n-Pepa.

Phillips describes the feeling of playing on stage. “The best part is being in the moment, I’m not thinking of anything else, and I’m just experiencing a connection with the people that are there to listen to the music, and you can’t beat it, you cannot beat it.”

Phillips has some advice for up and coming musicians and bands. “Do your short term goals, as well as your long term goals, and find a mentor, find a band that you can get advice from.”

Random Order consists of the following members: Lynn Phillips on lead vocals and guitar, John Jowett on trombone, Caterina Marchese on drums, and Anita Graciano on percussions.

Here are some links for more information on Random Order.

Facebook.com/randomorder

@RandomOrderband

Marty Simsovic: The Catman

On occasion, Marty Simsovic will be walking down the street when someone says, “You’re the cat guy!”

It is a reference to Simsovic’s nickname – the catman.

“At Humber College, I got the nickname the catman, because all I did was talk about my cats,” Simsovic said.

The nickname is now part of Simsovic’s brand; his twitter username is @catmanMarty.

Simsovic has embraced the nickname. “I like it, I like being a mini celebrity even if three or four people recognize me.”

Simsovic is a comedian in Toronto, Ontario. He has performed in many places, such as Spirits, Corktown Comedy, and Yuk Yuk’s.

“I love doing public speaking, I love doing stand-up, I love comedy, it’s one of the things that is a high point in my life, it gives me great pleasure. I value myself a little more because I’m able to make people laugh, and I have a good time at it.”

Aside from the comedy and public speaking, Simsovic also likes to blog. He has been on Blogger since October 2011. “The humor blog is where I write jokes, or I write funny stories.” There is also another blog, MartySimsovic Speaks, where he writes about general topics such as: The Blue Jays, comedy shows, and Rob Ford. Other blogs he has featured are Streetsmart Lessons, and Therefore I can do this.

Simsovic has some tips and advice for aspiring comedians. “You have to work the rooms, you have to always be writing, you have to make contacts, and if you can’t get time, you have to start your own room, and write about life.”

Here is a hilarious video of the one and only catman performing at a Toastmasters area contest.

Andreanna Browne: Those Gurls

,

It’s often said that sitting in front of a camera and recording a video is a dying fad. It’s considered old news by today’s standard; however, it has been brought back to the spotlight with Those Gurls.

Andreanna Browne and her sister Andrenella or simply Nella, create videos and vlogs for YouTube where they talk about celebrities, Toronto events, and Toronto’s talent.

“We make our own ideas, put it on our vlog, and then we kind of just post it randomly.”

After seeing lots of girls on TV trying to imitate and look like Nicki Minaj, they decided to make a parody about it and create a spoof. Browne reflected on having a conversation with her sister about making the video.

She said to her sister, “Let’s just make a vlog or a parody of girls trying to look like Nicki Minaj.”

Browne then told me, “That’s kinda what we did, put something together.”

The video has reached over 100 views and according to Browne, the people who watched the video’s enjoyed it and thought it was funny. Browne has also considered doing parodies of Kim Kardashian and Lil’ Wayne.

Acting is a natural talent for Browne. She is comfortable with many different genres.

“I can do funny roles, and sad roles,” she said. She then talked about her love for improv acting.

“I love improv, I love improv, I don’t mind following a script, but I feel with improv, the acting is more natural, it comes more natural than trying to memorize, I prefer improv personally.”

Browne is very helpful and she is always willing to help others with their projects as she has appeared in many short films.

“I like to act, and I just kinda like being in front of a camera, I like being seen. That’s just how I am so that’s why when people ask if they need extras, I don’t mind in my free time.”

Browne described herself as a spontaneous and crazy individual. Those two incredible traits are what makes her YouTube channel unlike any other. During the summer, she and her sister plan on filming several more videos in their free time. It’s definitely worth watching and is very entertaining.

With her phenomenal voice, Browne plans on expanding her talents from TV to radio.

“I feel like I have a TV personality but I wanna try out having a radio personality, because I like to talk and try new things.”

When you’re craving laughter and entertainment, look no further than Those Gurls on YouTube. Andreanna and Nella are a pair of Gurls that are a force to be reckoned with.

Diana McNally: A Jack of All Trades

9-5. it’s the hours that we dread. The cliché hours that we’d rather abandon to do our own things on our own time. Many people say they want something more fulfilling. Diana McNally did that and now she is happy fulfilling her time with the work that she wants to do.

She started off in an office job for about three years as the head brand designer at the University of Toronto. She said that this didn’t appeal to her and she needed a change. “But I realized that I don’t work very well 9-5, not that I would say that I’m lazy but rather I like to work on my own time and work on a variety of projects, and I didn’t find that just working on the brand design in the university was particularly interesting.”

Since leaving her job at the University of Toronto, McNally has worked on several different projects, mostly freelance work. She spoke about the freelance work she has done since. “I do a lot of design and branding work for places around town, music posters in particular for different clubs, events, and album covers.” McNally also is a DJ which explains her musical talent. She jokingly described herself as “music obsessed.”

McNally is now teaching a portfolio class at Centennial College. She touched on what she likes about the College. “I actually really like talking with people, and helping them if I can.” One aspect she loves about the class is that the students help each other all the time with projects.

Keep your eye out as McNally can act as well. You may be able to spot her alongside Channing Tatum in the Vow.

A jack of all trades would best describe her work; however, she smiled and joked, “A jack of all trades but a master of none.”

Why work 9-5 when you can act, teach, design, and DJ? Diana McNally can do it all.

http://dianamcnally.tumblr.com/

Steve Flemming: Bringing Friends Together

If you’re looking to connect with some new people and even make some new friends along the way, a great way to do that is to attend an event facilitated by Steve Flemming.

Flemming is an entrepreneur in Toronto, Ontario. He hosts three-four events weekly that bring people together in the Toronto area.

In 2005, Fleming founded the Soul City Social Club. Initially, it began as a hobby to “bring friends together, and to talk about important things in our lives.”

It was a chance for people to relax and share opinions and views on various topics. It became a hit, as friends began to tell their friends about it and it then took off.

In 2006, he began to realize that this would be his work in life. A job that requires bringing people together to network and have a good time.

When discussing the beginning of Soul City, he summed it up in great detail. He said, “It was just a real passion of mine, to start this and to create this, and I haven’t looked back.”

This is an example of a great character who pursues his passion.

When speaking about his events, he said he enjoys seeing familiar faces at the parties and feels fulfilled when everyone applauds after their favorite song is played. “It’s very fulfilling” he said, referring to everyone having a good time.

Everyone is given the opportunity to come out and experience something new. Flemming’s events are fun and interactive, activities include: dancing, pool, and board games. There’s something fun for everyone.

Flemming also hosts discussions about various topics including law of attraction, personal growth, and health and wellness. Members of the audience are all given opportunities to share their ideas, and views in a friendly and engaging environment. He also has guest speakers speak at events.

His dancing events consistently attracts over one hundred people. People can come out, dance the night away, get to know one another, and leave in an upbeat mood.

At each event, there is a song request board where people can go and write what song they want to hear. Music varies from top-40, 90’s classics, and hits from the past.

Flemming continues to find his own voice. He referred to his guest speakers and said, “I can become an inspirational speaker just like these guys.” He goes on to say, “As I grow and evolve, I discover my other inner gifts, the business itself can only grow and expand, and that’s what’s happened the last eight years.”

When asked about his personal highlights, Flemming said with a smile, “Personal highlights are when I come home after an event, and I can say that event worked, it was great, people really enjoyed that particular night.”

When asked about his future, he jokingly said, “If I retire, and I’m in a retirement home, I’d be organizing events, having game nights, and guest speakers.”

If you are looking for some laughs, and good company, check out an event hosted by Steve Flemming.

Here is more information.

http://www.soulcitysocial.com
http://www.meetup.com/soulcity/