Melissa Burks

I'm currently studying journalism at Conestoga College. I'm learning and training to be a multi-media journalist, learning skills in various writing styles like broadcast, script and reporting, as well as using Adobe programs such as InDesign, Premiere and Audition where I've found passion through editing. This page is a take through of my two years at Conestoga College.

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How a Toronto musician hopes livestreaming during the pandemic will grow his career and bring people closer together.

https://spokeonline.com/2020/04/video-livestreaming-during-covid-19-a-necessity-for-musicians/?fbclid=IwAR1QOEm9OXZVElo_T71aph4Jjb0KVep1W26y92aKJwFtBW4fEao5NVa82-E

This is my story that was posted April 4 on my school’s journalism news website. It goes into detail of how a musician is struggling during the pandemic currently affecting millions of lives. I spoke to musician Devin Moody to see how livestreaming is helping his career. Produced, edited, and written by me.

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St. Mary’s Hospital recognized for improving organ donation rates

St. Mary’s Hospital has received two awards from an Ontario agency focused on saving lives through organ and tissue donation for increasing the number of people willing to donate their organs.

This was the first time I tried a breaking news story, published October 4, 2019. I went down to the hospital to ask more about how St. Mary’s is saving lives. Click to read more. 

https://spokeonline.com/2019/10/st-marys-hospital-recognized-for-improving-organ-donation-rates/

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Listening Report: Josh Ramsay - We Should Be Friends

As an assignment for my pleasure and purpose of music class, we were required to listen to a song that was designed for stage or screen, defining it by things like instruments used, rhythm, voice, etc. I chose my favourite artist, Josh Ramsay of Marianas Trench since he wrote a song for a movie called Adventures in Public School. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp_HSiPWTis

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Intro to the song:

The song I’m choosing is We Should Be Friends by Josh Ramsay, written for the movie Adventures in Public School, which premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival.. The song was released on YouTube June 8, 2018 through Ramsay’s record label, 604 Records. It’s an acoustic love song, with barely changed notes throughout the song. I’m unsure of where it was recorded, or when to say, as the dates in the references have different dates, as well nowhere can I find when Ramsay set out to the studio to record.

Identifying materials:

I think what stood out to me most, is honestly the acoustic tone to a love song. It begins with a soft strum as if you could be the one doing it, thinking and just zoning out: one of my own big pass times. It’s as if when you hear it, you can tell he’s smiling and maybe even reminiscing through his own life experiences. In sense of melody, is it okay to say the soft change of octave when he says “you smile, I don’t know what to say” with a little giggle that really reminds you of nervous feelings towards a crush?

The slow change from “words escape me every day we pass each other by. I don’t know you, but I would love to meet you” shows the talent of really creating the feeling of being back in the moment yourself when you see someone that you may want to know more and pursue life with them.

The continuous strum of the guitar, with a slow piano beat in the verse after the first chorus, “we’ll get drunk …” shows that a change is about to happen in the song and feeling toward the song, as if the feeling of being fulfilled has finally been justified. “Words won’t fail me every day we spend together now,” showing that the next level of the relationship is formed, and all of a sudden, the music gets faster and intense.

It seems like the triangle comes into play now, or maybe a piano that’s been synthesized with the ‘ting’ sounding in the background. It’s really at this point that the song sticks out to me though, as the verbal texture of it becomes so heavy by describing more in-depth teenager issues like sex and drugs, and how tricky it can get while being in love.

He sings the word love from 2:19-2:35 in the video, and I can feel my heart melt just like if I saw someone I love. It’s the octave and enrichment he puts into using his voice as his best instrument to really power through it so subtly and beautifully.

“You’re all I, you’re all, you’re all, you’re all I, you’re all I, you’re all I, you’re all I think about,” shows gratification towards the finale of the song when all instruments are combined into a beautiful strong sensation of not only his voice, but the feeling in your stomach of thinking about your crush and wanting to get to know them even more. The song is something that everyone can relate to as you let your mind ponder to what could be with a potential significant other.

Difference to what we listen to in class:

So far, comparing to screen, we have listened to Doctor Who’s opening song, as well as Stranger Things. Both these have spooky, out of this world kind of tone to them. Supernatural, if you will. In just these pure instrument-based songs, it’s easy to get a sense of how you’re meant to feel listening to them. Meanwhile, Ramsay’s song allows vocals which really help you connect specifically to certain moments in time and feelings. I feel lyrics always help myself more, because not only do I not enjoy listening to pure instruments, but because it does allow me to sing along and get my emotion out with the song. How can you sing to instrumental? You can’t. I feel like that’s the biggest difference, aside from my song also being a love message and not just something to make you feel a sense of haunting and chilling.

Ramsay’s Background:

Josh Ramsay is the lead singer of the famous Canadian band, Marianas Trench with Matt Webb (guitar), Mike Ayley (bass), and Ian Casselman (drums). He was born in Vancouver, British Columbia on June 11, 1985. He comes from a musical family, his mother a vocal teacher and his father owning a recording studio, where he’s mentioned in concert how he grew up hanging out there a lot, beginning a music career at age 14.

Life gave Ramsay a curve ball, as teenage years lead to mental health issues, as well as body issues like anorexia, bulimia, vertigo and even stemming into drug abuse, which he talks more about in a YouTube video over a decade ago before performing Lover Dearest; a song he wrote in rehab for heroin addiction.

At age 13, he was capable of playing eight instruments. He’s a musician, writer, producer, chef in his own YouTube series, Rock and Roll Kitchen, and who knows what else.

His ability to overcome a lot and continue to push through, has led to a Marianas Trench EP, “Say Anything” in 2003 to what is now five full length albums by the band, “Fix Me” in 2006 focusing on his teenage life, to the latest, “Phantoms” in 2019 focusing on relationship issues.

Music in context, how it came to be:

In a behind the scenes (BTS) video, Ramsay tells us why and how this song came to be, stating an old friend called him up:

“Josh Epstein called me and he was thinking of a movie and he had the idea of like would I agree to write a song for the movie? … He sent me a cut of the movie, but it wasn’t like the finished edit … It was like a two-and-a-half-hour movie. But I watched it, and I loved it. I wrote the song like about an hour after I saw the movie. I saw that long cut of the movie; I was really into it. I took my dog for a walk in the woods and came back and there was the song.”

It was the first time he got to use his 1935 National Resonator steel guitar he found while touring with his band in Nashville, he says in the BTS. He used it in the studio, and in the music video.

My Reaction:

I love this song, and Ramsay, and Marianas Trench, as they have been my favourite band since 2009. As soon as I knew I’d be able to do a report on a song written for screen, I only thought of this song.

My reactions when I first heard it, really restored my belief that as a fan of Marianas Trench and Ramsay’s writing skills, that he really can create a feeling for any mood.

The fact that it’s my favourite type of music to zone out to and allow me to focus, while still being able to be something that I sing along to every time it comes on is something that I find hard to come by.

When I first listened to it, it made me reminisce on the time when I met my boyfriend for the first time. We met at Canada’s Wonderland in 2014, we spent the whole day together. Long story short, I messaged him on Facebook a stupid question just to talk to him and in surprise he asked me out. Everything that Ramsay sings about, wanting to be friends/ being flustered while in presence of your crush/ fantasizing about what could be – it’s something so personal for each person to experience, because only one person has the same response and affiliation to the song and the memory that plays when you hear it.

I believe it’s a beautiful song, that I wish more people knew of because of how it really does take you back to that one moment in time when first see the love of your life.

I would definitely recommend this song to anyone in need of a feel-good tune and who’s not afraid to step into a world of love and curiosity.

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VIDEO: Graphic design students say ‘Happy Holidays’ with annual card sale

This will be the ninth year in a row the graphic design students will be participating in the holiday card sales. The cards displayed had a wide range of designs from classic to contemporary.

Posted on Dec. 11, 2019, myself and classmate Kiyana Wheeler collaborated on an event happening at Conestoga College’s Doon campus.

https://spokeonline.com/2019/12/video-graphic-design-students-say-happy-holidays-with-annual-card-sale/

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Be a diva, with hair by Deeva

After 24 years in business, Dee Fortier says invest in your hair because you wear it everyday.

Take a look at a profile story I did on Deeva Hair, located in Kitchener, Ontario. I was required to choose a business, and conduct multiple interviews to learn about who and what they are. My main source was owner herself, Dee Fortier, where she tells me about her background and why Deeva Hair means so much to her. 

https://spokeonline.com/2019/11/be-a-diva-with-hair-by-deeva/

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Concert Report: Theory of a Deadman brings their Say Nothing World Tour to Guelph feat. W3APONS

I wrote a concert review about a show I had attended for my pleasure and purpose of music class. The assignment was to go to a concert, and get a sense of the atmosphere and your surroundings. We were to answer questions like, what stood out to us the most, what’s the background info on the performer(s), did we enjoy ourselves, all while analyzing tools of music (tempo, form, performance style, etc.) I had a lot of fun with this one!

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On February 25, 2020, I attended the Theory of a Deadman (TOADM) “Say Nothing World Tour” concert in Guelph, Ont. at the Guelph Concert Theatre. The theatre has a main lobby with a bar, and the concert area has a bar too. Already a plus in my books, means a good time is ahead. There was an upper level, and a steep-ish hill leading to the stage. I would have gone closer, hadn’t there been so many tall people. But the theatre is small, so every spot was a good choice, so I stood in the back to elevate myself higher than the tall people. The dark setting with a lit up, instrument set up stage meant it was going to by my favourite type of show – intimate and loud. TOADM from Delta, British Columbia. Having grown up listening them in my childhood, I was immediately in for the show. This was the second time I saw TOADM, while they had an opening band I hadn’t heard of before, W3APONS. I had actually gone to this concert because I was doing it for a story video for my program, where I did a summary of the show in a video podcast (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95Cv2G0r7pU&t=0s). I’ve always appreciated TOADM’s music, because they make sure they always speak about the core values of what’s truly important. They focus a lot of their music around domestic violence issues, mental health, among much else. TOADM’s world tour to debut their new album “Say Nothing.”. W3APONS was formed in 2018, so they are still a beginning band with not much known about them aside from they’re formed in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan with a quick Google search before the show, but I very quickly became a fan of them. As I looked around the room, I noticed as a 24-year-old, I may very well be one of the youngest people there, I think more younger people need to get back into rock and roll. Regardless, I was ready for some fun. W3APONS had a six song setlist, while TOADM had 17 songs.

While waiting for W3APONS to perform, I’ll admit the music being played was questionable – pretty sure it was some type of Jason Derulo, radio station type of feel. I was a little curious of what the band would be, I was assuming rock but you never know, as TOADM have a rock and country feel to them. But they were absolutely more than I could have thought, and what else could I have expected with a band name like theirs. I even saw merch before the show that had “Make music not W3APONS” on it, which proved good humour equaling to a most-probable kick*ss band. Their band formed in 2018, and their first single Off The Top Of My Heart was released May 11, 2018.

Suddenly, the lights became dim and blue lights starting flickering to indicate the performance was about to begin, a countdown recording began too “5, 4, 3, 2, 1” and you know that’s always going to lead to a good time! As the drummer, Tallus Scott, hit his sticks together, the subtle rock sound from the guitars set in and I was hooked immediately. These three guys started grooving along in a long rock intro and you could tell their passion for what they were doing, before the deep vocal tone of the singer, Jordan Welbourne was revealed. Their song Off the Top of My Heart was absolutely fantastic as bassist, Myk Ulan-Hohol started the song off with a catchy riff, before Scott started hitting the drums bringing the trio to perfect unison. Welbourne’s deep rustic style filled voice demonstrated so much passion throughout the song. Their three-harmony chorus really showed the talent behind what makes a band sound so good – they were fully harmonized, while a chant near the end of the song gets you into the spirit. The strong lead in as instruments really synch back together after Scott’s quicker tempo change, to create an even heavier and better texture to the live performance. There was a Rage Against The Machine cover they did, where the rock and roll came out was at full. The focus Scott held while singing and playing drums was mesmerizing, there was such a dynamic in his voice to really channel the delivery of Bulls on Parade, and he did it with astonishing ease and simplicity. This alone showed the bad*ss attitude behind this band, and it’s working for them. I think honestly, one of the best parts of their performance as well was when Ulan-Hohol would do a groovy sway with hips that definitely didn’t lie and hands eagerly waiting to shred some more, bypassing time with his hula-dancing (very entertaining). Through many clap-along moments, strong solos, and performance passion they definitely didn’t lack, their set was one that I never knew I needed. I’ve never not known of an opening band before and ending up liking them so much to proudly say they are of my favourites. I hope other people discover them too, so they can grow to be favourites to many.

As anticipation grew for TOADM to play, the room filled with “WOO’S” as the lights became dim again and the lighting started flickering once more. TOADM started with their song Lowlife which is always a get up and sing along type of song with its fast beat and angry-like tone that’s just fun to channel yourself. They played many classic songs, like Santa Monica (my personal favourite), Hate My Life, Bad Girlfriend, while playing songs off their new album “Say Nothing,” History of Violence and World Keeps Spinning. What was fantastic about their performance, was that lead singer Tyler Connoly used the stage to talk about why these songs, and the album, as a whole are important. He speaks about how it’s difficult to leave an abusive relationship, how so many suffer from mental health issues, and how music can help us all feel less alone. I feel as though this is the best way to use a famous platform, which adds to why I like the band so much. I’d say one of the two biggest things I loved most, were when they were playing History of Violence, the red lighting throughout the entire song truly played well towards the feeling of anger and resentment that is of the lyrics. The instruments really help the lyrics, as it feels like they attempt stronger texture and dynamic to showcase anger like the lyrics. I also loved that before beginning Santa Monica, guitarist Dave Brenner plays the acoustic riff that’s heard throughout the song, while Connoly talks about the importance of having a favourite song and bringing people together. Not to mention, hearing so many people sing along is always my favourite part of any concert. It was so cool seeing the drummer, Joey Dandeneau, get so into it at times that it looked like he’d lose his drumstick. As well, bassist Dean Black engaged with the crowd a lot by walking back and forth. During Not Meant to Be, the lights switch from being on the band, to being on the crowd in a nice purple as the starts the “It’s like one step forward” chorus sing along. I think what’s so great about this moment, was how the instruments all toned down and created a slower rhythm, while the texture of the sound was much calmer – a moment where everyone just feels so connected, swaying together.

              As good as a concert is, there’s also a lot to say about the artists themselves. I think what made this concert so memorable, was the fact Scott was at the merch booth immediately after his bands set ready to meet fans and sell merch himself. During this time, I did get to interview Scott for a different assignment, where he was just the nicest and you could tell he was beaming from the show still. It’s nice when people are enthused on helping out a journalist, and he was definitely that, while he also told me all three members of the band would be there after TOADM’s set. At which point, more memorable moments were made as a fan when I was able to get photos taken with them, and have them sign an empty gum package (I had nothing else and couldn’t afford merch right then!). I left that night, smiling and still singing along in my head. Not only were W3APONS fantastic and truly nice guys, but both they and TOADM wore their hearts on their sleeves during their performances. These are the best types of concerts, because the small location truly brings out the feeling of being close to the artists as they entertain you. No matter where you are, you get to see a perfect show. These bands, and their concert experience, I’d recommend to anyone.

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For my Digital News Design class, we were given a yearbook assignment where we interviewed a classmate asking them 10 questions, and then had to incorporate 5 of those questions into what would be their yearbook pages. I made sure to take notes during the interview process so I could transcribe our interview and make the designing process even easier. The two things I like most on this design is where it shows Jensen Ackles but with himself and his name fading out on top of the show he stars in when I asked her for her favourite famous person. The second thing I like is how I decided to have a thought bubble over her head since the lyrical tattoo she would get is, “The voices in my head are legendary.” 

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Not so long ago for my Performance class, we were given a script and then had to ad lib the weather report. I’m pretty proud that it only took me around 30 minutes to memorize everything I was going to say. We were told to pick a location as well, and I loved how professional this made me look having a nice complimentary background. I’ve learned to pace and articulate well, with continuous learning to do so. Performing and using my voice is something I’ve found high passion in.

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Eric’s To Become a Phoenix

Hey, and welcome back to my Tumblr! Welcome to my second blog post! I have decided to further the topic of tattoos and the importance of them by interviewing my boyfriend, Eric, on his tattoos. If...

https://behindthetattoo15.tumblr.com/post/179810510674/erics-to-become-a-phoenix

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As part of having to create the blog during my first semester social media class, Eric Daranyi was my first subject interview on why he may have gotten his tattoos to which I learned why he doesn’t regret them. It’s interesting to be able to hear someone’s reason to getting a tattoo, because you could see something so small that could be something so huge for that person.

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Tattoos, Powerful and Meaningful

Intro: Hi there, and welcome to my first ever blog post. First, let me introduce myself. My name is Melissa Burks, I am a 23 year old living in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. Just in case you are someone...

https://behindthetattoo15.tumblr.com/post/179770827814/tattoos-powerful-and-meaningful

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During my first semester of journalism, I had to create a blog for my social media class where we then chose a topic to discuss. I chose tattoos because I have two and often see the stereotyping against them so I wanted to create something that would allow those who don’t understand to hopefully understand why many people do consider tattoos.