graves.

One thing you might not know about me...I used to review music, hardcore.

It started during the summer of 2010 when I replied to a Craigslist ad looking for writers. What happened next was two years of reviewing live shows, EP's, interviewing bands and generally, living out my Almost Famous dream.

After a few years and an upcoming internship, university graduation and other opportunities, I had to let my music journalist career go.

Do I miss it? Absolutely. Would I go back? Maybe.

It's changed, I learned a lot about music, and I am thoroughly enjoying being in the audience at a show and not taking notes throughout it.

My good friend Emma posted this video on her blog a few months ago, and I remember it really hitting me when I first watched it. I have met countless band guys like Shakey Graves, but he takes the cake. His story at the beginning of this video is just, fantastic.

Enjoy.

playlist.

NXNE is a milestone in the classic Toronto summer. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was running around covering it. This year, NXNE is making me nostaligic.

I started reviewing concerts and albums for The Take Media during the summer of 2010. I trekked all over the city watching rock, indie, metal and pop shows and writing whatever I thought about the band, the performance and most importantly, the music.

Even though I've put my pen down as a music writer to pursue other projects, (although, I'll never say never if the opportunity comes up again), I'm finding myself drifting back into this world again.

I can't get enough of classic rock and new electronic music. I'm wearing clothing that my friends say makes me look like a roadie or disco queen. I'm inspired by the music, persona's and lifestyles of ages past that I want to tap into for a new dance project this fall.

Hey, just like Penny Lane said, "it's all happening."

With that, here's my refresher playlist of songs I'm loving when I come up for air out of my rock-heavy world. Think new Daft Punk, lounge beats and some oldies thrown in for good taste.

Enjoy.

B&W.

Now, I'm not usually one for Dubstep music, but this has been at the top of my playlist for the last three weeks. 

Funny how some things can change. 

Check it out - "Crave You" (Adventure Club Dubstep Remix) by Flight Facilities. 

Also, Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! 

penny.

STYLE STAR: PENNY LANE

I have to admit, I only just saw Almost Famous for the first time this past fall.

I could not believe that I hadn't seen it before, as I instantly fell in love with the storyline, characters, music and of course, Penny Lane's wardrobe.

Kate Hudson plays the carefree bandaid brilliantly, and her closet (or suitcase) full of sheepskin coats, boho tops and simple hair and makeup are the perfect for summer. I may pass on the rose/purple-tinted shades, but I love the simplicity of her look. For her, it's all about the music.

"I always tell the girls, never take it seriously, if ya never take it seriosuly, ya never get hurt, ya never get hurt, ya always have fun, and if you ever get lonely, just go to the record store and visit your friends." - Penny Lane.

famous.

Almost Famous, 2000.