Super Cool Umbrella…
After some few years the non-product continuously known as The Umbuster has formally graduated from solid-world prototype to a bespoke-produced and purchasable boxed goods. Each handle is individually CNC cut in a 16 hour process by the enduring Mr Liu.
The umbrella itself is provided by the good Guy de Jean of France. And finally packaged in the boxes designed with the good Snorri Már Snorrason in Reykjavik Proper.
And it is said: sr112 is The Umbuster.
Retail sale through srulirecht.com is 225euro + Shipping
To The Nines…Vancouver Stand Up
What is To The Nines about?
We’re what in the late nineties might have been difficult to define; a streetwear line. With ties to the sub-cultures of the skate/surf/snow
worlds, our designs are loud, colourful, and exclamation points for anyone’s daily urban attire. All our prints are silkscreened by hand using a variety of inks. (plastisol, water-based, discharge) Since we first started, we’ve looked to collaborate with artists and athletes in many regards. We’re trying to create a To The Nines “Family” in sponsoring skateboarders, bmxers, up and coming djs, club promoters, graffiti writers, etc. In return for the clothing and promotion, family members wear our designs in competitions, around town and at shows. Because we were helped out by a number of friends and contacts that became friends at the beginning, we’re trying to do the same in whatever way we can, for others.
What sets the brand apart from other graphic tee lines?
The ideas behind our designs and products are ones based on more than fads. And although that might sound a little cliche, what we’re trying to do is to establish a brand with designs that are new, fresh, but well-grounded. We want our clothing to be something our buyers aren’t going to tuck in to the closet two months later because it’s lost its appeal.
Who is the target demographic?
Our target demographic is 14-26 year olds, ladies and gents, boys and girls.
What are the price points?
All our shirts cost in and around $30.00, our sweaters and heavier knits (hoodies etc.) will be in around the $45.00 mark. Our wholesale discount is roughly 30%, but is adjusted for each store/order.
Where is the brand available?
We’ve been very selective in our choices of retail outlets. Our clothing is currently available at Clack Clack Empire (http://clackclackempire.com/) and we have some accessories available at Complex Clothing (http://complexonline.com/complex_blog.html) both in Vancouver. And are in the midst of arranging for another 2 Boutiques in Vancouver’s Gastown. We also have our full line available on our website. (http://tothenines.ca/)
Sean Jones steps out on his own, cooks up a new sound, and rocks out on his solo debut. In Essence vocalist grows tired of the regular R&B mix…
In Essence had a major NYC single, worked with Funk Flex and eventually signed with BMG Canada. What happened? Did BMG do their job or was it all talk? I had some of my greatest moments with In Essence. Hearing our song on the radio in New York City for the first time, signing a major label deal, winning the Juno award in 2004, are things that I will always remember. More importantly though, I grew so much as an artist from that experience. As a human being I learned how important communication is and how it can tear people apart if ignored. As a musician I learned how and where to place harmonies, vocal techniques, and showmanship. I also learned a lot about the business of music which is just as important as the musical side of things, if not more so these days. We all go through life and experience different things. All we can do is hope that we take away more positives than negatives from any experience and that those positives will enrich our lives for the better. I cherish the moments spent with those guys. I am on a different path right now and very excited that I have the opportunity to share my music with the world.
Why the solo route now? I am a firm believer in the saying that goes, “nothing happens before its time”. I wasn’t ready back then to do what I’m doing now. I needed time to develop as a songwriter and artist. I needed time to develop my sound and be able to communicate to people what it was that I was hearing in my head. But most of all I needed to develop confidence in my vision and my abilities. Those kinds of things don’t happen overnight. They take time. And funny enough, when I had finally reached a point where I could fly on my own, the universe sent me the support I needed to help me climb the rest of the mountain, WIDEawake. The ‘time’ just feels right. People are tiring of the same old sound and they are looking for something fresh and new that harkens back to a time when a song lasted a lifetime, not just a season. This is what I’m aiming for and God willing, that is what I will achieve.
Tell us about your soul over rock sound. The term was actually coined by Lara Lavi, CEO of WIDEawake, the entertainment company I’m signed with. The easy way to explain it is soulful vocals over heavy guitars but I don’t think that really provides an accurate description. I do sing over some distorted guitars but there are harmonies that I’ve layered over the music that provide a beautiful compliment to the raw guitars. In terms of chords, I’ve stayed away from the usual chord progressions found in most R&B music but yet still found a way to leave the listener feeling emotionally engaged. I usually tell people that they just have to hear it to understand it. It was a challenge at first trying to explain what was in my head because the sound I was hearing was so organic, a sharp departure from the syncopated rhythms of In Essence. However my producer, Maurice Jones Jr., took the time to listen to my ideas and used his experience with live instrumentation to craft the perfect blend of “soul over rock”.
Have you heard Dru’s solo release? I went out and bought Dru’s CD the day it came out. I have nothing but love for Dru and want to see him rise to the top. There are some great songs on that record. “Stay with me” and “Seasons” are my favourite.
What is your favourite Lenny Kravitz record? I love “Are You Gonna Go My Way” and “Fly Away” but my probably my favorite Lenny track is “It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over”.
What is the state of Canada’s urban music scene? Is there a community? There is some amazing talent here in Canada. However, much of that talent needs to be developed further in order to realize its full potential. Artist development is an expensive word in the music industry and Canadian labels just aren’t willing to put in the kind of capital it takes to get that act to the next level. In terms of business, they do have a point as the return on investment here in Canada for an urban act right now is next to nothing. It’s a tough situation for everyone involved. Then you add in music downloads and a failing economy and you find yourselves with executives who are not going to pull the trigger on your project unless it’s a sure thing. What’s the answer? If you’re an artist, you keep grinding. If you work hard enough, long enough, your chance will come. Just make sure you’re ready for it. Labels aren’t needed these days to become successful. The web has become one big shopping mall. Find a way to make your music. Find a way to perform your music. Find a way to market your music. It can be done. Will it be hard? YES! There is no way around that. But by doing it all yourself you are in a sense going through that artist development that I spoke of. It’s a slow road but if you truly love what it is you’re doing you’ll stay the course.
Can you make a living and bring up a family as a solo artist in Canada? I believe you can but it’s not going to happen overnight. There is a lot of groundwork that has to be done and that may take years to accomplish. So hold on to that part time job if you have to. There is no shame in doing whatever you have to do in order to stay in the game. I was working at Cineplex Odeon as an usher when we released the first In Essence video. You do what you have to do. It only humbles you and makes you stronger.
When and where will you be performing? I’m doing a bunch of shows in and around the Toronto area over the next little bit at various great live music venues like Supermarket, Tattoo, Liberty Market, and Annex Wreck Room. You should all come and check it out and see what I am doing this time around. You can check out my website for all exact dates and details as they become available.
Where can people hear songs from the record? If you want to get a sample of the EP you should go to my website: www.seanjonesmusic.net or my myspace page.
How can people contact you? My website is good place to start: www.seanjonesmusic.net . I’m on facebook as well. I have a fan page as well as a personal page. And of course I’m on myspace: www.myspace.com/seanjonesmusic. There, I’ve given you everything except my personal phone number and you could probably find that as well if you ask around enough!!
Dan from Ontario Wins NHL 2K9 Tournament
On Saturday November 8th Toronto hockey fans strapped up their Wii Remotes and took centre ice to show off their skills on the virtual rink during Nintendo and Future Shop’s Wii NHL 2K9 Tournament.
At stake? A hockey fan’s ultimate prize: a chance to win a trip for two to the 2009 NHL All-Star Game in Montreal!
Above, please find a photo of the winner of the tournament from the Yonge St. and Dundas St. Future Shop location.
His name is Dan.
Note that he is not the grand prize winner – that is still being decided and the winner of the trip to the 2009 All-Star Game will be announced on December 1, 2008.
Stay tuned for more people…
The Difference
featuring inspiring songs by: janelle monae, stevie wonder, usher, justin timberlake, mary j blige, de la soul and more 
http://www.thelegendsleague.com/compilations/thedifference.zip