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VULKAN Exclusive Interview | TALLULAH HADDON

My latest VULKAN exclusive is with actress Tallulah Haddon who you can see upcoming on Kiss Me First which will be available on Netflix this spring.   Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned from working with the cast of Taboo that you’ll take with you to future projects? Tallulah: Sex scenes are harrowing enough as they are, don’t film one with food poisoning. Thanks for the tip, Tallulah. Read the entire interview now! Read the full article

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Forest Regeneration is Crucial - Those Trails Are Blocked For A Reason

Yesterday I was out for my regular Sunday run (for those keep track of my half-marathon training, this was my first 10k of the season, and the distance only grows from here!) and in a desire to escape the frigid winds, I took myself to the tree-enclosed Beltline for it.

For those of you that don't know, the belt-line is a 9km hiking and cycling trail that consists of the York Beltline, Key Gardiner Beltline, and Ravine Beltline. All in all, it's a great trail that'll take you to the Evergreen Brickworks and beyond, depending on how energetic you're feeling. I fell in love with the Beltline when I moved to Davisville. It's a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and with ample accessible from multiple major intersections, including the Mount Pleasant Cemetery which I also frequent. On any given day it is filled with dogs, kids, cyclists, runners, and nature enthusiasts alike. I personally visit it multiple times a week for runs and long walks with Dakota (he, too, fell in love with the Beltline from the moment his big paws stepped foot onto the dusty trail, so we make a point to go often).

Over the last year, many parts of the forest and trail have been closed off to allow for forest regeneration and reconstruction of the quarry, and while much of it has reopened again allowing you to make your way into the Evergreen Brickworks, the trail is still lined with signs and temporary fencing with very clear signs that dictate you stay on the trail. While out running, I kept coming across groups of people blatantly ignoring those signs and allowed themselves into the forest. I watched parents lift their toddlers over them and encourage their older children to do the same. I even saw someone remove part of the fence entirely to casually stroll through. How entitled. Forest regeneration isn't as easy as planting some new seeds and throwing down some dirt and with construction in Toronto showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon, it is crucial that we respect our existing green spaces and allow them the time needed to properly regenerate. It's not just for aesthetics. These forests are home to many plants and species that rely on a prosperous environment to thrive. The rivers, ponds, and ravines all benefit from the growth of new trees. If we're not careful, we could destroy the existing ecosystem entirely, and then when your toddlers become adults, they wont be able to enjoy the quiet escape that is the Beltline Trail with their own friends, children and pets. The thought of that, to me, is devastating. Please obey the signs and stay on the existing trails; they're just as pretty as the forest, I promise you.

  Read the full article

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Big Brother Canada 6 Wants You To Choose The Last Two Houseguests

.....and one of the finalists is my big brother. Big Brother Canada is back next week, but until we get our first true look at the house, Canadians can vote in their favourite male and female finalists that they think will make the best addition to the house. Here are your contestants at a glance. From Alberta we have Kirsten, a university housing coordinator and Big Brother superfan who is sure to bring some snark, and Merron, a self-proclaimed kind and humble guy that wants to prove that nice guys don't finish last.

Pro tip Merron - if you're finishing last, you're doing something wrong. From Ontario we have Veronica, a student, and server that lives by "peace, love, unity, and respect" so much that she has the acronym tattooed on her wrist.

And finally, we have Mikey, a charismatic Real Estate agent who also happens to be my big brother.

I'll let his video speak for him. Would I say this is an accurate portrayal of my big bro? Well, you'll have to vote him in to find out. While Veronica and Merron sound like nice enough people, something that BBCAN producers clearly agree on as they placed them in the "Angel" category, I couldn't help but feel incredibly underwhelmed by their bio videos. As a reality TV connoisseur, Y'all just don't have it. I mean, this is BIG BROTHER, people! We have no time for pleasantries. I voted for the pot stirrers Kirsten and Mikey because Lord knows if I'm going to be dedicating months of viewing to a series, I want to see some chaos. BBCAN fans can vote at the official website before March 8 at 2 p.m. ET. Get voting, Canada!     Read the full article

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VULKAN Exclusive Interview | RORY FLECK BYRNE

Check out my latest interview with actor Rory Fleck Byrne! You can see Rory in his latest film "The Foreigners." "Pierce Brosnan and Jackie Chan, both legendary in their own right, how was that experience? Well…what can I say? Pretty much a pinch yourself moment…it was awesome – like Pierce is such a gent and I learnt lots working with him and then fighting Jackie is something I never ever thought I would be doing. Like, I got schooled in martial arts by Jackie Chan! Awesome, surreal and I want to go straight back and do more." - Rory   Read it now! Read the full article

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VULKAN Exclusive Interview | JUSTIN PRENTICE

My latest VULKAN interview is now live with Justin Prentice who you know as Bryce from Netflix's 13 Reason's Why. Read it now! Read the full article

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VULKAN Exclusive Interview | BRANDON LARRACUENTE

Really dug Brandon Larracuente's performance in Netflix's 13 Reason's Why. We talked about the controversial series and his upcoming film Bright starring Will Smith. Take a look at my most recent interview live now on Vulkan below. Read it now! Read the full article

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VULKAN Featured Article | GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK

I'm sure you're all gearing up for busy Thanksgiving weekends, some of you may be fortunate to be off work today (most of my office is, only two of us remain currently!) and using the extra time to prepare, shop, and clean. I for one am really looking forward to the three(!!) dinners I will be attending, because... pumpkin pie! This year I'm making them myself, for the first time ever, so it should be interesting haha. Hopefully they turn out well. I'm reasonably confident they will. To ease you into the long weekend I wanted to share with you my latest featured article on Vulkan which focuses on brands who make giving back to communities/charitable organizations a core part of their business model. Since Christmas is just around the corner, and the spirit of giving is at our doors, it seemed like appropriate timing! Have a great Thanksgiving everyone, I'll likely be quiet until Tuesday morning =) Read: Gifts That Give Back Click to Post

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VULKAN Exclusive Interview | REID SCOTT

Good morning everyone! My latest interview is now live on VULKAN with actor Reid Scott! I'm a big fan of Reid so this was a fun one for me. Read it now! Click to Post

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VULKAN Exclusive Interview | QUIN

My latest VULKAN interview is now live with breathy RnB singer Quin. Read it now! Click to Post

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VULKAN Exclusive Interview | Neil Brown JR.

My latest interview is live (technically, it went live yesterday, whoopsie!) You can catch Neil Brown JR. in the new series SEAL Team and the new film Labyrinth! Read it now! Click to Post

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Exclusive Interview | DOM MAR KZ

As part of a new and ongoing series that takes a look at the Toronto music scene past, present and future, my latest interview is with Toronto singer-songwriter Dom Mar Kz. We talk about everything from Dom's first gig experience to playing the same stage as rock legends Def Leppard and Bon Jovi, the ever changing face that is Toronto's live music scene and the process behind his first solo release. Get a taste for Dom's sound in the album teaser below. What was the first gig you ever had? Was it a good turnout? My first gig was a fashion show. They turned out great for the fashion show but the audience didn't really pay too much attention to the band. The experience was great though, you can't put a value on that. Loved every minute of it! Who was the first artist you saw that made you think you wanted to pursue music in some fashion? The very first artist I saw was Elvis on TV when I was about 8 yeas old. Something triggered on the inside and I knew then I needed some of that. Later in my teens, I discovered Elton John; it was all over... I wanted to be a singer songwriter. Best show you’ve ever seen? Where was it and who was playing? The best show I ever saw was Bob Dylan at the Concert Hall in Toronto. I was about four rows back, center stage. Mr. Dylan was looking at me all night smiling as he performed. Oh ya, there was a lot of weed rolling around that night... So many of Toronto’s music venues are closing or have recently closed. What do you think is killing Toronto’s live music scene?  Not sure why the music scene in Toronto is declining or losing its power on the people. Maybe it's because the music these days has no soul, not really sure. But, I can say this, when you perform in other countries, you can see the appreciation that people have for live music.    What is one venue closure that you would be devastated to hear about (if it hasn’t already happened yet)? Rock and Roll Heaven closed down about 20 years ago, it was sad to see cause it was such a great live venue. I saw so many cool bands their. I believe The Cadillac Lounge is closing or about to close. Another great live venue for bands; I played there many times. Editor's Note: Rock & Roll Heaven was located at Yonge & Bloor and managed by Gareth Brown, who went on to manage the Warehouse and later the Guvernment. Both of which venues also recently closed and I have to say, the stories I have heard about the original venue are eerily similar to those I witnessed myself during my stint as a stage hand for Guvernment/Kool Haus. The venue was revived in a new location in the north east end of the city in about 2008 but it too has since closed. More on all this in an upcoming piece about Toronto's historic venues. 

You have a new album coming out. What is one thing you’ve learned since making your first record that you will never forget? On October 6, 2017 I will be releasing my first solo record. The one thing I learned and never will forget is, you must always be three steps ahead and prepared with the material you are going to record. I write more than ten songs when I'm about to record, you never know what songs will work best for a record. Who’s producing/engineering the record? Dusty Chesterfield Produced and Engineered the record. He's a great musician and really knows his stuff. He's passionate and loves music. The title of the album is Destiny, what inspired this album and it’s name? I woke up one day and realized, if I wanted anything in this life I would have to make it happen. Destiny was a song I wrote thinking about my life and where I wanted to go and who I wanted to be. When you search yourself on the inside, the answers are waiting to be discovered and when you discover, you realize it's your destiny wanting to be released. At least one of the new songs, “War” seems politically driven, as you sing, “War, what do we need it for?” Why do you think it’s important to start discussions like this through your music? War is part of our world it has been since the beginning of time. Man has ego and is selfish. Therefor, man will always engage in battle toward one another. I believe it's very important to speak out against hate and blood shed. If we are ever going to live in a civilized society, people need to fight for love. I am blessed to have the gift of music so, it's my duty to use it in a positive way. What do you think we should be doing as a society today to combat people that are enabling this kind of behaviour? We need to crack down on this because hatred is on the rise. People don't have any regard for human life it seems, no fear of the law, or God. What was your process like for this album? The process with this album was a bit different. I wrote the songs and sent a rough demo of me either playing guitar and singing or playing the piano and singing to Dusty. We then recorded vocals over a guitar structure or piano structure and built an arrangement over the song. It's easier to work this way when you're a solo artist.

What’s one thing you can’t record without?  I can't record without a good song! Favourite pedal or amp to experiment new sounds with right now? My favourite writing tool is an acoustic guitar or my piano. That's where I get all my inspiration from. My favourite electric guitar is my US Tele and Fender Deluxe amp. Amplifier simulators are a big thing in the studio nowadays, also the use of digital plug-ins rather than outboard rack gear. Are you a more old-school purists that will go out and rent a particular amp you want on your records or do you use the simulators?  I like old school mixed with new technology; I believe in fast efficient recording. We used a lot of plug-ins as Dusty is really good at the new technology software. Besides, it sounds great. One record that you will never stop listening to? Bruce Springsteen's Born To Run. One producer that if given the opportunity you would love to work with?   Bob Rock You’ve been billed with the likes of Def Leppard, Bon Jovi. How did those opportunities come about? With the opener for Bon Jovi we won a Q107 contest and with the Def Leppard show we submitted our songs to the promoter. It’s surprising that these bands have managed to continued to be relevant in today’s music scene, something that today’s artists struggle with, many barely get out of the gate never mind if they stick it out for 5/10/20 years. Why do you think that is? Great music will always stand the test of time. Any particularly fond memories from those shows you can share? The sound coming off the stage was like thunder and it wrapped around you like a thick blanket. Greatest feeling in the world, to hear your music fill up so much space. Out of all the classic rock bands that are still touring today, is there one you think should probably pack it in now? No, not really. I believe if your healthy enough to tour and perform, you should keep rocking. What is the most important quality you look for in potential band mates or collaborators? I look for passion and the love of music. You can see if a musician either has it or not. One thing you notice young bands are doing today that you might say is detrimental to their careers? They rely too much on technology to sound good. When did you first start to notice social media altering the music scene? A few years back you could see the shift taking place. I mean, it works if you use it properly. Do you think in the long run the use of the internet will revitalize Toronto’s music scene? And if so, how? That's hard to say, I mean I hope people learn to appreciate live music here in Toronto. Maybe if there's a shortage, people may open there eyes. What’s your preferred way to discover new artists? Radio and live shows. You can catch Dom and his band as they tear up Revival Bar for the "Destiny" CD and video release on October 6th, 2017. Cover is $10 at the door.

Thanks Dom! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Click to Post

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VULKAN Exclusive Interview | TRAVIS MILLS

My latest VULKAN interview is now live with musician/actor Travis Mills! Read it now! Click to Post

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VULKAN Exclusive Interview | CAMERON BOYCE

Super thrilled to have had the opportunity to interview this next actor, as he keeps popping up in films all over the place! Very funny, very talented young man. Check out my latest interview with Cameron Boyce below. Read it now! Click to Post

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VULKAN Exclusive Interview | MARK JACKSON

If you've caught an episode of The Orville you already know at least one thing about Mark Jackson, in that he plays Isaac - but there is much to learn! My latest VULKAN exclusive interview is below. Read it now! Click to Post

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VULKAN Exclusive Interview | ALLY MAKI

My latest interview is with the hilarious and fearless Ally Maki! Read it now! Click to Post

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VULKAN Exclusive Interview | GARRETT CLAYTON

Garrett Clayton indulged me with my silly questions about alien life and spooky towns. You can see him in the upcoming horror film Welcome to Willits and alongside Nicholas Cage in the sci-fi thriller Between Worlds. Read it now! Click to Post

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VULKAN Exclusive Interview | VERONICA DUNNE

I told ya there would be two! My latest interview is with Veronica Dunne who Disney fans will know as Marisa from K.C. Undercover - you can see her upcoming in the thriller film The Ninth Passenger. Read it now! Click to Post