We just got a copy of Montreal based She’s Got a Habit’s first EP: Blindfold Test and we were blown away.   With Emma Frank on vocals you will for sure notice and make comparisions to her sounding like Esthero.  Emma is joined by : Mark Haynes (Bass), Danny Lutz (Synth and Samples), vocalists Anna Goren and Akua Carson, Martin Rodriguez (Producer/Guitarist) & Andy Bauer (Producer/Drummer) and together they produced what I can call a: soulful, dreamy & cinematic ep.  Make no mistake this is by no means a dark album.  The Blindfold Test EP is the perfect soundtrack for that dinner party, a late night in or by far what I consider the best way to start your morning.  The best part the EP is free! You can listen and download it from: www.shesgotahabit.bandcamp.com .

If you love the EP do make sure to catch the half electronic / half live band in person when they play at Divan Orange on November 2nd.

Drama Queen from She’s Got a Habit on Vimeo.

Posted under montreal, music

If one person rose and stood out as an artist during this time its Janet Jackson. With 2 albums that came out in this period produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis she not told the world she is more then just a Jackson (as told in the album: Control) but became a pop icon with a voice of concern for the world (as heard on the album: Janet Jacksons Rhythm Nation 1814).

We’ve given a lot of props to Teddy Riley over the last month for being the king of New Jack Swing (and we still believe that).  But Janet’s track Nasty Boys (released in 1986 from the album) could’ve influenced him to perfect the NJS sound and you can see his influence on the genre with the production on: Rhythm Nation 1814 (released 3 years later).

Not only did Janet usher in a new sound and give a break to unknown Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis (at the time) but opened the doors for an unknown Paula Abdul.  With Abdul’s choreography, Janets music videos were a staple on Much Music and ushered in a new audience from the mostly rock music video station.

With twelve top 5 hits (five of them hitting #1) on the Top 100 charts, selling 28 million copies (14 million for Control & 14 million for RN1814) between the two albums it was a tough pick to choose a perfect track to close out New Jack September but in the end we went with..

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Posted under music

Is it my birthday? anniversary? christmas?  no…even better!  An unexpected gift from the prestigious fashion house of Givenchy, delivered to me like a stork delivers a baby to a vulnerable mother.  I became weak at the knees when I opened a white box labelled “Parfums Givenchy”, aching to see what marvel awaited me inside.  A black box…in leather, and as I pulled it out I realized that it was the most fashionable jewelry box a girl could ever ask for!  Assuming that inside I’d find a white unicorn dancing to the sounds of Bjork, I was instantly overjoyed and transformed into school-girl mode when I saw the new Play for Her fragrance!  Dazzled by bouquets of soft florals and enchanting hints of woods, I knew that this would be my new candy. And just as I thought it couldn’t get any better, a little drawer at the bottom of the jewelry box revealed another gift: its sister fragrance, Play for Her Intense.

Following the success of the men’s fragrance Play for Him in 2009, (incarnated by the one and only Justin Timberlake) Givenchy presents us two captivating choices for women, Eau de Parfum and Eau de Parfum Intense.  The new fragrance captures the spirit of elegance and spontaneity with aromas that flirt with the senses and play with the mind.  And how absolutely fitting such a name: PLAY.  At a time when we  all need to take a break from the turbulence of everyday responsibilities, relentless worrying, and unnecessary problems, I have encouraged myself  and those around me to allow more positivity, enjoyment, and good ol’ happiness back into our lives.  Who coined the phrase “All work and no play” anyways?…

Play for Her is a set around this exact type of person, a “carefree spirit that is energetic and full of surprises”.  The Eau de Parfum embodies a bright and vibrant essence where as the Eau de Parfum Intense shows us the sensual, voluptuous and encapsulating interpretation.  Here are the secret ingredients:

EDP Top: Pink Peppercorns, White Peach, Bergamot, and Sweet Pea // Heart: Taire Flower, Magnolia Flower & Leaf and Amyris Wood // Base: Sandalwood and Musks

EDP Intense Top: Pink Peppercorns and Orange Blossom // Heart: Tiare Flower, Orchid and Amyris Wood // Base: Sandalwood, Patchouli, Tonka Bean and Benzion

Being the strict Gemini that I am who bases everything on mood, my two new companions will be my weapons in disguise.  And not to forget its design!  Serge Mansau, sculptor and creator of numerous bottles that have set history in Givenchy design, presents us the most “digital” look of all Givenchy bottles, perfect for the current era.  Ultra-pure, contemporary, gently rounded lines and refined details evoking a piece of silver jewelry.  Feminine and deliciously sophisticated delicately painted pink and purple.

So only one thing left to say:  It’s time to Play:)

Posted under Fashion, design, fragrance, montreal

À l’occasion de POP Montréal, le Musée d’art contemporain tient une Nocturne spéciale à saveur électronique, le vendredi 1er octobre à compter de 18h, avec l’artiste « compositeur symphonique » français Koudlam. Le MAC de Montréal est la seule destination nord-américaine de l’artiste pour les prochaines semaines.

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Posted under Events, Experience, art, exhibition, montreal, music

Proving once again the creative capacity of Montreal, Dark Night of the Soul brings us a multi-disciplinary experience that goes beyond our expectations.  Presented by Montreal’s recent creative collaboration, Trusst Club, and production company 1976.tv, Dark Night of the Soul reveals its highly anticipated Canadian debut, exclusively during POP Montreal, a North American grass roots festival that provides a dynamic introduction to the next generation of musical talent and independent art forms.

Beginning this thursday until October 3rd, Dark Night of the Soul will be premiering as an interactive video installation by noted Montreal-based producer, Jean-Luc Della Montagna.  Inspired by the photography of iconoclastic film-maker David Lynch, Montagna brings us a one of a kind piece where he interlaces the conceptualized music compilation by producers Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse with the powerful imagery know to Lynch.

The imagery, as haunting as the soundscape, comes to life in a series of 13 short films, documented in collaboration with director Louis-Phillippe Eno who was invited to work alongside Lynch.  Using only a lantern as a source of lighting, the effect becomes as surreal as its landscape, introducing the viewers to ambiguous situations and ominous subjects; a definite extension of the genre unique to Lynch.

Dark Night of the Soul launches thursday night, September 3rd from 6-9pm with a performance by DJ Why?Alex?Why?.  The exhibition will also feature the original Dark Night of the Soul soundtrack which collectively includes guest vocalists Frank Black (The Pixies), Julian Casablancas (The Strokes), Vic Chesnutt, Iggy Pop, Suzanne Vega, Nina Persson (The Cadigans) and more.

The event closes with a special performance by singer/song writer Mekele on Sunday, October 3rd from 5-7pm.

Posted under Events, Fashion, Films, art, design, exhibition, montreal, music, photography

The pinacle of New Jack Swing albums is Michael Jackson’s: Dangerous.  This was the first time Jackson didn’t have his album produced by Quincy Jones. Under the recommendation of Jones, Teddy Riley was brought on to co-produce and give Jackson a “new sound”.  With Riley’s signature productions and Jackson’s voice, its no surprise Dangerous debuted at #1 on the charts where it held that spot 4 weeks straight.  In its first 2 months Dangerous sold 7 million copies US and went on to sell 32 MILLION COPIES WORLDWIDE!!!!!

Not only is Dangerous the best selling but is the pinnacle of New Jack Swing albums.  It was hard to choose a track let alone a video, from the funky jazz inspired: Jam co-starring the other MJ, Michael Jordan and Heavy D to the lyrically brilliant: Remember the Time unforgetable bassline (co-starring Eddie Murphy, Iman & Magic Johnson and directed by John Singleton).  They’re all brilliant and amazing in their own way but we had to choose: In the Closet.

Originally In the Closet was supposed to be a duet with Madonna but after finding Madonna’s lyrics too suggestive the pair ended the collaboration there.  In the end it didn’t matter MJ truly delivers on this track vocally and this is one of the best productions from Riley, merging the signature New Jack drum kick with middle eastern influenced backround vocals (on the album the “mystery girl” is actually the Princess Stephane of Monaco).  MJ has never sounded so sexual and seductive compared to all of his efforts, it only made sense that photographer Herb Ritts was enlisted to direct the video with Supermodel Naomi Campbell co-starring.  The end result is this amazing track (which doesn’t get its fair share of airplay) & video which is todays New Jack September track of the day.

Micheal Jackson – Keep It In The Closet
envoyé par Sarex_82. – Regardez plus de clips, en HD !

ps. with only 1 day left who do you think will wrap up New Jack September??

Posted under music

Still to this day you when that opening drumline comes on there is no mistaking Bell Biv Devoe’s track: Poision.  With that hard hitting street sounding drumline (supplied by Public Enemy producers Eric Sadler, Hank and Keith Shocklee, and more) merged with their R&B vocals, BBD literally put New Jack Swing into full motion.  It didn’t just stop there, R&B had never been so suggestive in terms of lyrical content take their second track: Do Me! Bell Biv Devoe paved the way acts like Jodeci, H-Town, TLC & even Mary J. Blige.  BBD also reinvented the style of R&B, instead of being all smooth and slick in suits like they were as New Edition they came with their hats to the side, timbaland boots, sports gear and literally invented streetwear.

Today we give praise to one of the greatest R&B groups of all time: Bell Biv Devoe.   Taken from their first album: Poision (which out sold there former New Edition mates Ralph Tresvant & Johnny Gill) the innovative, stylish and provocative (at the time): Do Me!

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C’est le jeudi 30 septembre prochain dès 19 h qu’aura lieu le dévoilement officiel des services de stylisme personnalisés de Boi Quan Ha et Véronique Duchesne.

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Posted under Events, Experience, Fashion, design, montreal, music, networking, photography, press