Sunday's thoughts...

Oh hey! I know, it's been forever. I feel like I'm having a deja-vu moment, where I tell you I've been busy with life, and totally fell off the blogging train for what feels like years? Anyway, instead of coming up with lame excuses, reality is - who cares! Here's a new post and let's see where that takes me.

I recently read an awesome article called "Screw Finding your Passion" by Mark Manson, which is about life, and how we're always complaining about winning the dream job, or finding the right passion. Reality is, most of the time our passion is right in front of us, yet we tend to ignore it. Manson goes on to say that the problem isn't finding your passion, the problem is productivity, perception and acceptance. I highly suggest you read this article whenever you're feeling in a funk, or just simply want a new look on life. I really agreed with a lot of the points he gave, and so here I am right now, going with my passion, using it, exploring it and sharing it. MUSIC! Anybody who knows me well, knows this is my passion. I get so much pleasure by discovering new artists, and creating playlists for myself, friends and hey, whoever out there wants to listen! Maybe I could work in the Music industry one day and have that "dream job", or maybe simply keeping Music as a strong passionate hobby is all I need? We'll see.

I recently went to see two shows in the city at the Corona theater on Notre-Dame street in Montreal. Bahamas on November 25th, and Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats on November 30th. Both were absolutely fantastic, but yet two completely different styles of music. I was talking with my girlfriend who joined me for both, and was saying that what I love most about music, and going to live shows, is seeing the people from all different backgrounds, races, ages etc come together to see someone perform - music brings people together, and I love it. I promised myself that I would continue to attend random live shows for as long as I can. I tend to stay away from the bigger venues like the Bell center, I really enjoy being in a more intimate venue, the energy is amazing. Next up is Vance Joy at the end of January, it'll be my third time seeing him perform live, and I cannot WAIT! He added a 3rd show, if tickets are still available and you're a fan, do it, you will not regret it!

In conclusion of today's post, I urge you all to stop and ask yourself what do you love doing?  Reading, writing, music, crafting, running, cooking? Go out and take 30 mins today and do it. Create something for yourself, the gratification will be worth every second!

Cheers!

xo

B to the A, to the D, to the ASS.

Did you catch the Grammy's this year?

How BADASS was this performance?!!

Seriously AMAZING!

Hozier & Annie Lennox

Enjoy

Cheers!

"Wherever I end up, wherever I roam..."

Oh heyyy! Been a while I know. The holidays happened, I was in Florida, and then winter depression sunk in, and I haven't been motivated to do much these days. BUT, better late than never right?

Today's tune is from the indie- electro band "Sylvan Esso" from North Carolina USA, made up of Amelia Meath, and Nick Sanborn. I totally dig their music! I love how they layer different sounds, it makes their tracks different from the mainstream stuff, and I am all about discovering music that fits in that category. They released their debut album in May 2014, and I have to say, I really enjoy the entire album! Because I can never pick just one favorite, here's two tracks that I think you'll dig. Here's Coffee, and H.S.K.T, enjoy!

Awesome no?

Cheers!

You knew it was coming!

Well, you knew it was coming!! I am dedicating Tuesdayz Tune to one of my favorite Christmas songs!! Otis Redding is a legend in my books, absolutely love him! Enjoy :)

Merry Christmas everyone, I hope you have a wonderful holiday! Speak to you in the New Year!!

xox

"You send me..."

Feeling a little old school love today. This is one of my favorite Aretha Franklin songs, although for the record... I believe it was originally sung by Sam Cooke. This song makes me extremely happy, it's most likely going to be my wedding song (fun fact). Enjoy!!

Lovely song isn't it?

Cheers!

" I'm that reoccurring thought that's haunting you, it keeps on coming back around.."

December 5th 2014, was a very special night. The Franklin Electric played a sold out show at the Corona Theater in Montreal. The night was magical and heartfelt, you could feel the passion in the air. As Jon Matte spoke to his audience, he mentioned that we, as a province, are often closed off from world, but that's what makes us so special". I've been to quite a few live shows in Montreal, and I have to agree that our crowds are something else, we have this energy that is indescribable. I wonder if it's because Montreal is made up of so many different cultures, by letting music bring us all together, it brings out the best in all of us. One thing is for sure, this local band is definitely loved by their city. Seeing The Franklin Electric start from the bottom, and work their way up in such a short amount of time is absolutely amazing, I could not be more proud of the hard work they've put into their career thus far. The lyrics are beautifully written, real and raw emotions poor out of each song. I think what I love most, is how true Jon Matte has stayed to himself throughout his entire musical journey. The trumpet will always be an instrument that reminds me of him, and to see him incorporate it into so many of his songs, truly makes me smile.

I absolutely love every song on their debut album "This is How I Let You Down", and so deciding on 1 song to share with you today, was nearly impossible. SO, having said that, I'll be sharing two of my favorites. "Uninvited (Storm)", and "Show Me The Quiet Air". Love, love love.

Here's a few pics from the December 5th show at the Corona Theater in Montreal.

Cheers!

"Just move with me Darling..."

DECEMBER 2ND!? Where did 2014 go?? I can't believe we're already in December! I'm not going to lie though, my inner child is beaming right now. I absolutely adore the holidays; Christmas lights, party dresses, family & friends, it's a great time of year! I have lots to look forward to this month, and so I need to take time and appreciate each event, since life seems to be FLYING by me at a speed I can't keep up with these days. This Friday, I have the pleasure of seeing The Franklin Electric perform at the Corona Theater in Montreal. I c a n 't waitttt! Although it seems like I'm setting up Tuesday'z tune for them... you'll have to wait until next week ;-)

Today's track is one I found off Soundcloud a couple of months ago. It's been tweaked by the now famous DJs based out of NYC, "The Chainsmokers". This duo is better known for their hit "Selfie", which isn't exactly my cup of tea, but I would be totally lying if I said I didn't move a part of my body when the beat hits. The song I chose today, is much more chill, but I really enjoy it.

Here's "Sway" by Anna of the North, remixed by The Chainsmokers.

Cheers!

"I know you care..."

Queen Bey, I really don't think she needs much of an intro, we all know who Beyoncé is, and let's be honest, we all wish we could own even a quarter of her swag. On November 21st, 2014, Bey released a new song/video called "7/11". Yet again, Beyoncé surprised the world with another crazy release. This video felt like MIA was on set,  I really enjoyed the cinematography - totally nailed it. With over 21 million views on YouTube, it's clear this woman knows what she's doing. Blue Ivy, you definitely made it into the right family.

Right?

I actually really enjoy the song, definitely adding it to my workout playlist!

Cheers!

Ohh those Germans!

SOUNDCLOUD! Have you heard of it? This genius German website has made some of my dreams come true! Soundcloud allows artists and every day folk like myself, upload, record and share music. Through this website, you can create playlists that you can then listen to through your smart phones, and computers. I encourage everyone to try it out, you can follow different artists, as well as your friends etc. (Make sure you download the app!)  I've been on Soundcloud for a couple of years now, and although you cannot always find the "original" version of the song you're looking for, you can definitely always count on finding amazing remixes, or mashups!

I update my playlists weekly, as well as release new ones every month or so. You can follow me by simply singing up with your email, or social media (don't worry, there's an option to Hide the Soundcloud activity). You can find me under "Katie Brecknock", there might be an impostor or two, but here's my profile so that you can make sure you're following the right account!

My latest playlist is mix of indie folk meets rock alternative, which includes 25 tracks of awesomeness. "Sweater Weather", if you're unfamiliar with the site, look for the imagine below.

Cheers!

"If you really think that you can stomach me..."

Okay I 'm going to go ahead and say it, Alt-J is the new Radiohead. I know, I know, how can you compare anybody to the Legend, however if you listen to Alt-J's two albums, start to finish, you will understand why. Both of these bands are musical geniuses. They go outside the box, using different types of instruments, sounds, and tempos etc. Alt-J is an indie rock band from Leeds, England. They released their second studio album called "This is All Yours" this past year. The album is a true masterpiece, not only do I feel incredibly peaceful while listening to it, but I feel the passion and energy they put into each track. Beautifully written and orchestrated, they are serious music gods in my eyes. I feel like if I were a painter, their albums would be constantly on repeat. My creative juices start flowing when I listen to their magical songs.
Now to go back to my earlier reference, much like the legendary Radiohead, Alt-J can be a little weird. However over time I've realized, weird is good, weird is very good. The weird is what sets these artists apart from the mainstream typical rhymes and rhythms, I totally dig it. Dying for the day I can see them live, there must be so much that goes into producing their music.

Much like every other bands I've ever written about, picking a favorite song to share with you is nearly impossible. I would definitely recommend you buy their first and second album, you wont be disappointed! Having said that, today I will share two songs with you, one off their 1st album, and one off their second. Here is "MS" off of "An Awesome Wave", and "Every Other Freckle" off "This is all yours".
Enjoy.

Cheers

Can we talk in the morning?

Hi my name's Katie, and I'm obsessed with Vance Joy.
Last Thursday, I had the pleasure to see him perform live in Montreal, for the second time in 2014. Both shows, were absolutely incredible. Osheaga was wild, with thousands of people crammed together, you could literally feel the human electricity in the air, the crowd brought so much energy and enthusiasm to the show. Metropolis was more intimate, it was seriously incredible. It was one of those shows you wished just never ended, great from start to finish.

This Aussie gives me that butterfly “in love” feeling. First off, the singer/songwriter James Keogh (better known as Vance Joy), is totally hot. Dark hair, tall, insane voice, and plays the guitar - smoking hot (he's definitely my free pass card). Vance's band is made up of Jonothan Colliver on bass, Edwin White on drums, and Christopher Mulhall on keys. These super talented Australians signed a five- album deal with Atlantic Records in 2013. Vance's Ep “God loves you when you’re dancing” was released in March 2013, and they later released their debut album “Dream your life away” on September 9th 2014. Many ask why the name Vance Joy? Well fun fact, James got the name from a book he was reading called "Bliss", one of the character's was named Vance Joy. He was a storyteller, so James thought it was fitting for his music. Buzzfeed released "19 things you never knew about Vance Joy", check it out!

I love the upbeat tempo of this folk rock band; they’re really fun, but also a little shy, which I really adore. At his most recent show on October 30^th at Metropolis, Vance seemed generally grateful to be playing for us. They were originally scheduled to play at the Corona Theater, however due to how popular they've become, they needed a bigger venue. Vance mentioned during the beginning of the show how fast his heart was beating from the nerves - so cute (MELT!).

The entire show was energetic and real. He is a true artist, and he's come a long way in such a short amount of time. On November 3^rd, 2014 Taylor Swift announced that Vance Joy would be touring with them for her upcoming 2015 “1989” world tour. (If they start dating I might actually cry, better not break his heart Swift!) I'm super happy for him, This means BIG things for these boys!

I decided to share two songs with you today; “Red eye”, of his debut album "Dream your life away", and “Snaggletooth”, off his EP "God loves you when you're dancing". These are two of my favorites, but let's be honest they're all fantastic, and so it's hard to pick just one!

I actually filmed the video "Red Eye" that I am sharing with you today, I apologize in advance for the shitty zoom, and shaky camera.

UNREAL no? So talented, love him.


Here's a couple of pics from his most recent show!

Cheers

Ok so it's 6 months away...

Happy Halloweek!!!
I was originally going to write about a group from the UK today, however I received an email last Thursday that totally changed my mind. The email informed me that Milky Chance (who I completely adore) was coming to Montreal (for the first time ever), on April 3^rd 2015. For the record, I realise that this is 6 months away, but when you see that one of your favorites is playing for the first time in your city, for $20 at an intimate venue? - You book that shit.

Milky Chance, is a folk-rock duo from the other side of the pond, Germany.  Made up of, vocalist Clemens Rehbein , and Philip Dausch as DJ, their style has influences of reggae, and indie electronic. What I first loved when hearing Milky Chance, was how original they sounded, they're not like your average folk- rock band. They have an electronic edge to them, much like another favorite, Robert Delong, who I've blogged about before.  I love artists who play around with different sounds, and instruments, it makes them so unique.  

You’ll probably recognise Milky Chance from their debut hit “Stolen Dance”(great song), but today I’m going with my favorite off their album Sadnecessary, “Flashed Junk Mind”. 

ENJOY!

Other songs to mention off their album are; "Loveland", "Down by the River", "Stolen Dance", and "Fairytale". Ticket's went on sale last Friday, if you're interested in seeing these two live, I suggest you purchase them asap! You can purchase your tickets through Evenko.

Cheers

"When you do things from your soul, other people really dig that shit"

Sooo it’s been awhile since I've posted anything on the blog, 489 days to be exact.  I don’t really have anything that exciting to report during those 489 days, just living life. I bought a house with the boyfriend, friend’s got engaged, I made some new friends, lost some old ones, you know - life. Ok I guess buying the house, and having friends engaged is pretty exciting!!?  Anyways, I’m back and I decided this time around, I’d write about something I really love. However asking yourself what you really love can be kind of tough... I love a lot of things, naturally, but what do I truly love enough to write about, and share with the world? MUSIC. Music is my love of all loves; it’s the sole thing that I never ever get sick of.  Whether I’m happy, sad, or mad, music can leave me feeling perfectly content. For as long as I can remember (thanks Dad) music has been a part of my life, it seeps out of my pours like garlic does when you eat too much of it. Music educates, heals, and brings people together, and without it, I think life would be very different. Alright let’s be honest, life without music would just downright suck.

Getting back to the point, I am always on the hunt for new tunes; I get that “I just met the love of my life" butterfly feeling when I hear a new song or artist that I really dig. About a year or two ago, I started creating playlists on Soundcloud (thank you 8Tracks for the help) and this fueled my passion for music even more. 

I love sharing new talent, my dream job would be scouting bands from around the world (if you’re reading this and hiring, call me). No, I don’t really sing, or play instruments (although ask anyone who's been in my car, there's been an electric guitar in my back seat for 4 years? Don't ask..) but I like to believe that I have the ear for music. It brings me joy playing a new song, and seeing friends get excited over it. This goes back to saying that music brings people together, I'll never fully be able to explain my love for it.
I read a great quote the other night, that seems fitting for this post, "When you do things from your soul, other people really dig that shit". Couldn't agree more, music is definitely a large part of my soul.

Back when I used to blog regularly, every Tuesday I would post “Tuesday’s Tune” which would introduce new or older bands, that I completely adored and needed to share. Going forward, every Tuesday I am making it my mission to share my faves with you. I enjoy a wide range variety of music... so beware.

I heard today’s artist while driving to my friend’s place this past summer. I am fortunate to have Sirius Satellite radio, and therefore get to hear some great music before it hits the mainstream radio (which they then completely ruin...). “Take me to Church” by Hozier, immediately gave me chills. I’m not religious at all, so it wasn't really his lyrics that enticed me, but his voice. O M F G this guy can sing, his range is incredible!! After hearing what Sirius called their “new-artist alert” hit, I did some digging for myself, and came across today’s tune, “Work Song”. Ok so warning it’s a little deep, if you’re going through a hard time this can either help you heal, or drive you to take a bath with a toaster, but if you’re just a music lover who appreciates a seriously talented voice, this is for you!

I bought his self-titled debut album yesterday, it’s pretty fantastic! This 24 year old Irish man, will be playing at the Corona Theater in Montreal, on Wednesday October 29^{th 2014}! Unfortunately after getting totally hyped about this news, I read it was sold out. If you have the pleasure to attend this no doubt amazing show, please enjoy it for me!

If you enjoyed "Work Song", then I also recommend "From Eden", "Cherry Wine", and "Like Real People Do". If you like those, then just buy the album, you won't regret it!

Cheers

Tuesday's Tune - June 18th, 2013

Just discovered this musical genius a few weeks ago! Robert Delong is an Electronic Musician from Bothell Washington, and I am completely obsessed with his EP "Global Concepts" that he released in 2012. I literally almost jumped for joy when I read that he was performing at Osheaga on Sunday (Aug 4th), the day I'm going.

This is no doubt my summer song, love! I can guarantee he's going to "make us fucking dance"! 

Here's "Global Concepts" by Robert Delong.

 

RIGHT? soo good.

Cheers!

xo

Tuesday's Tune - June 11th, 2013

RAIN, RAIN & more RAIN!!! Can you smell the bitterness? So sick of this!

Well, since it's cuddle up on the couch weather, he's a nice mellow song for you.

Off the Local Natives' new album called "Hummingbird" released on January 29th, 2013, here's "Ceilings".

Cheers!

xo

Tuesday's Tune - June 4th, 2013

June 4th! Feels more like October 4th... this weather is depressing!

Here's a lil reggae inspiration to lighten our moods!

Love.

Cheers!
xo

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Although the weather has been complete garbage for the past week or two, today’s sun & heat is giving me hope for this Summer!

Now if you’re like me, Summer means light, easy meals. I find myself always on the go, and therefore spending hours in the kitchen on a week night, isn’t always ideal!

I came up with this meal in early Spring, in hope that it would save me from ordering out, on nights that I don't feel like cooking. It’s easy, healthy, and DELICIOUS!

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:

·         2 cooked chicken breasts* (this makes enough for 6 wraps) season with cumin, paprika, curry, sea salt & pepper. Baked at 350 for 20-25 minutes

·         1 head of Iceberg Lettuce

·         ½ cup full fat Goat yogurt

·         1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard

·         ¼ teaspoon ground Paprika

·         1 tablespoon Lemon zest

·         1 tablespoon fresh chopped Cilantro

·         2 minced Garlic cloves

·         ¼ cup chopped Cashews

·         Sea salt & Pepper

·         Coleslaw mix (Red, Green cabbage & Carrot… this is sold at Adonis or any grocery store)

*I baked the chicken the night before, I prefer the chicken to be cold in the wraps. Plus, with having the chicken already cooked, this makes this recipe even easier! Note that if you’re not a fan of curry, you can season the chicken however you like.

1)    Fry coleslaw mix with a bit of Olive oil (and if you want an extra kick, add in some dried hot chili flakes)

2)    In a small to medium sized bowl, mix yogurt, mustard, paprika, garlic and lemon zest.

3)    Chop the chicken into small cubes, chop cashews and add both ingredients to the yogurt mixture.

4)    Add the fresh chopped cilantro, salt and pepper. Mix all together.

5)    Delicately unroll lettuce, place fried coleslaw and about ¼ cup of the chicken/ yogurt mixture.

6)    Roll & Eat!

Picture quality is pretty terrible... sorry!

Enjoy!!!

Cheers!

xo

   

Tuesday's Tune - May 28, 2013

Are you a Kendick Lamar Fan? He's playing at Osheaga on the Sunday, so excited!

Here's a new song that he's featured in. Love the chorus!

Memories back then

Cheers!

xo



Tuesday's Tune- May 22nd, 2013 (on a Wednesday)

The long weekend threw me off... I'm a day late!!

Just bought my Osheaga ticket!! Soooo stoked. I decided to do Sunday this year, great line up!
Check out this amazing band, that will be playing on Sunday August 4th, 2013 @ Osheaga!

Here's Shovels & Rope - Birmingham

So good no?

Love!

Cheers

xo

Tuesday's Tune- May 14th, 2013

Heard this song on Sirius Satellite the other night, and totally fell in love. His voice so different (which I love), but also, really incredible! Here's Breezeblocks by Alt-J!

Cheers!

xo