The 6th Post.

So here it is.
The elusive Blog #6.

Only the rare few ever live to see blog #6. So this time around, I'd like to focus a little bit on what I learned, experienced, and found interesting about my interactions with all of you on the interwebs in general.

My experiences over the last couple of months have ranged from discussions about internet privacy, and civility and mannerisms on the internet... to other discussions about Internet Communities and gender equalities. These discussions have really opened my eyes to the internet and what all is contained within. Even starting with the internet privacy, there are so many places on the internet that ask for personal information that it has become almost commonplace to give them up. A good example would be sites similar to Facebook. Where you don't give a second thought to punching in your name, birthday, address, email, phone number.... you get my point. Would you openly give this information to anyone you find on the street? I would hope not. Why? Because it's PERSONAL. There's a reason why we don't give it out. With a few simple restraints, you can keep your information more secure by not giving out your personal things for everyone to see. Even seeing what you can do in the Settings options on those sites to limit the amount of data that companies can pull and use.

Another things that the internet gives us is anonymity; This is a blessing and a curse. To some, it is a way to have their opinions and voice heard without having any discrimination based on their gender or cultural background. To others, however, it is a way to play the Troll and use it for the sole purpose of fulfilling their own devious or carnal needs. These "Trolls" will instigate fights or pranks on others for the sole purpose of being troublesome. No more, no less. Genitalia on ChatRoulette, blatantly deceiving answers on sites like Yahoo Answers... it doesn't end. The anonymity the internet provides is what you make of it.

Another general norm for the internet you will see a lot that I've learned about more is that of the Internet Meme. Internet Memes have increased in variety and frequency over the last few years and one could only assume that they would continue far into the future as well. They have become so common place that it's hard to find someone whose used the internet and NOT seen at least one. I see it as a way for people to tell their stories in a manner that communicates with others easily. By making these memes we are, on some level, connecting with others that feel the same way can making it easier for them to relate. 



The last thing I would like to discuss my discoveries about is of one I've been an active part of for the past while. It is that of the many Internet Communities that exist on the web. If you are interested in sports, fashion, photography, or all the above and more, there are site you can become a member of and discuss those topics with people sharing the same interests! It's amazing! Years ago, this wouldn't have even been a thought when the internet was first created, and now it is the source of so many connections around the world! Through you are bound to find someone who will argue what you believe in to no end. It is not uncommon to see two people arguing over something over the internet, but ultimately, it means nothing. Regardless of argument, it is ultimately pointless. Winning an argument over the internet doesn't put food on the table. 
It's like fighting something that doesn't fight back. (See the above clip).
Theres so much to the internet, that it would be impossible to contain within the walls of this Blog. So get out there and explore, Rocketeers. I know there wasn't much music in this post at all, and I apologize. But I felt like an ode to the very thing that brought me to you was in order.

You may carry on rocking out.

Rock It Rocket 5000 AWAAAAAaaaaayyyyyy!!!

"...For the Masses..."

I'd like to start this post by writing something I've always wanted to get off my chest. I want to tell everyone I went to middle school with that I lied when I said my middle name was Michelangelo, and then pretend like I didn't think it it was awesome. I know for a FACT that having that middle name would be awesome... if it were my middle name. So don't be so gullible.

I could have told you that the entirety of the ocean was on fire, and you'd be all, "Holy Balls! I don't think my Mom'll let me swim in that till it dies down!" But alas... I digress. For even to talk about fire on water is strange in itself! Though Adele certainly had a creepy way of putting it when she said "I set fire to the rain, watched it pour as I touch your face.

Weird. I know.

Though this isn't the only example of musicians singing about water catching aflame! In fact, there is one band in particular whose debut of that song on a radio station in the states put them on the radar for the music industry! When you hear the name "BloodnStuff", one would think that it sounds like the answer they'd get from a pre-teen or Twigh-hard after having asked them what vampires eat. Now in relation to MUSIC, I can tell you that my first impression was one of, "Oh, BloodnStuff? This sounds like it's gunna be some crazy 80's Speed Metal tribute band. Much to the tune of the following;

... Yeah. Like that. I was wrong, friends. 

I was very wrong. Let me show you why.

The two-man band is based out of Minneapolis, MN... and you heard me right; it's another two piece band. I would listen to these kind of bands all day! You won't find the same drive behind a one man band, and the music has potential to be too watered down with 4 or more people. 

Ed Holmberg and Dylan Gouert, guitarist/vocalist and drummer respectively, were once in a band named 'Economy Team'. After the Bassist never showed up to a gig and Holmberg was forced to sing for him last minute, he and Gouert realized that they could do everything they needed on their own. After having known each other since high school for the past 10 years, the two were very strong in how the other preformed and felt music.

And Thus; "BloodnStuff" Formed. And It Was Good.

As I'd mentioned before, the band also had a fire/water song that caught the ears of many as they were featured on '89.3 The Current' down in the states. The Current is an amazing radio station that harbours an amazing recording studio wherein they have up-and-coming bands preform live on air. BloodnStuff appeared to have an amazing following after their cycle on the radio station; where they preformed one of their amazing songs "Fire out at Sea".

>>AND YOU NEED TO HEAR IT<<

In compensation to not having a Bass Player, Holmberg has rigged his guitar to a pedal-board which allows him to control the sounds and effects on his guitar. Three of these pedals are very significant however, has his guitar is not just wired into one amplifier as most guitars would be, it is wired into TWO guitar amps and ONE BASS AMP. He can control which of these amps are on at anytime by pressing the right pedals in-front of him.                                And as I strongly supported in a previous post, should you feel the need to find more songs by this voracious duo hit up iTunes music store or your local record dealer. The rest of the Album, titled "BloodnStuff" is MORE than worth a hearty listen!

Look! I'll even link it for you! Aren't I nice?

Till next time, Rocketeers... The 'Rock It Rocket 5000' will catch you on the rock-side of the moon!

" ...BloodnStuff... "

It seems like the world is turning to a darker time.

 If you haven't caught the news recently, you may want to give it a second glance! It seems like there's some Zombie-esque things happening in Uh-mer-cuh. Though some may blame this on Bath Salts, LSD, or movies based off of the boardgame Battleship (Which, by the way, if you Movie Big-Shots wanna make a movie based on Cribbage... I wanna be an extra), I think it's time to seriously consider one thing. That it's time to get your Zombie Playlist in check. If people are eating faces, I think it's a good idea to have some theme music to go along with the end of the world! No one wants to go insane and die a music-less zombie! Amiright?

So here's the setting I wanna play out for you. You're wandering around your neighbourhood (Or countryside, I'm not biased) and you need some kickin' home-style jams to keep you motivated to search for survivors, food, and other basic necessities.

Enter Rural Alberta Advantage stage right.

I know what you're thinking. With a name like that, they must really love Alberta.
Well I'm gunna stop you right there. They're all from Toronto. That doesn't make them bad people, it just means they recognize a good thing when they see it.

Rural Alberta Advantage is a 3-piece band that
plays some real gritty folk-rock music. I discovered them a few years ago, just after the release of their first full album, "Hometowns". I find them to be quite soothing, while at the same time... the kind of music that you can really sink your teeth into (No Zombie Pun intended). I mean, even though the Zombies are in Florida, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy what you have here before it's all gone!

"BUT DANGER...?" You ask, "Is it possible to have a band that plays both rockin' music, AND appeals to folk-style lovers?!?"

In response to that... If Toast always lands butter-side down, and Cats always land on their feet... is it possible to have magic abilities if you combine both of them back-to-back?

                                                                      I say Yes.

Yes... A band can be both Rockin' AND Folky.

Figure 1 - Eye of the Tiger (Cover) - Rural Alberta Advantage

So I say, take it from Rural Alberta Advantage! You should "Sleep All Day" while you still have the chance! I mean, everyones gotta try it once, right? ... and don't you dare say YOLO.
I WILL go all spider-monkey on you.

So, in conclusion, Rural Alberta Advantage makes for perfect post-apocalypse music. So whether you're getting your face eaten in Florida, or Draining the Blood in Alberta... everyone needs a jam. So consider them. Seriously. DISCLAIMER - Don't listen to music to loud, incase it over powers the shambling sounds of a life-less zombie approaching your person.

Oh, and stay away from Bath-salts and Florida for a while till things calm down. I'd hate for you guys to turn to the undead. I love you guys too much.

Also, What kind of music would you listen to if Zombies were to over take you? Hit me in the Comments!

"...Home Towns..."

Hey Folks! 

It's time for another jam for your insatiable hunger!
... Peanut Butter and Music Jam. Just like Momma used to make. So get ready to take another ride on the 'Rock It Rocket 5000', because today... we look at some HOMEGROWN TALENT!

Rocket Sauce ENGAGE!


It always nice when you're home team wins the Cup, or Series, or becomes the stage to some massive event that makes your face melt and your voice hoarse. Well I feel that about a few Bands from here in the city as well. That's right Kids and Other Kids; It's "Calm Asa Coma"!

While not as well known as Tegan and Sara may be in the music spotlight, these Gents have made a mighty big name for themselves around the Calgary area. So I'd like to give a huge shout-out and some wonderful jams from Calm Asa Coma to you folks! Every little bit helps when it comes to getting your name out, right?

CONTINUE?
Y / N / (YOU BET YOUR SWEET BOTTOM DOLLAR)

In an article written by Allison Drinnan in the Online Magazine 'BEATROUTE', Allison explains that Calm Asa Coma almost WASN'T calm, but very comatose for a short time. A few months before coming to fame and winning X92.9 radio's "X-Posure" Context (a contest set up to pit local bands with each other to win radio time and prizes), Calm Asa Coma was about to call it quits. Their founding member, and guitarist, Bret Smitstad. had left the band for other pursuits in life. Then, after coming in second and third in various other contests and battles; X 92.9 gave them the hope, and sense of appreciation they needed.

...Like a Sir. (Photo by: Chris Dowsett)

Calm Asa Coma now stands as a 4 man band again; featuring Jeff Desmeules, Jarrod Sterling, DJ McClelland, and Chris Karpuk. And as luck would have it, they are coming out with another album as of June 16th of this year titled, 'In English'.

Aside from the X 92.9 Fame, Calm Asa Coma was also featured on Breakfast Television with a live performance of a song off their first album (Calm Asa Coma) titled, "Brittney".
These amazing artists have wormed inside of my music library and rocked my mind!

However, when I say wormed, I mean that I hopped on iTunes and purchased their music LEGALLY.

I care about music. I really do. I don't know how life would revolve without it! What I DON'T support is piracy. I'm proud to say that I have never pirated a single episode of "Game of Thrones" or "Breaking Bad" or anything like that, and I SURE AS SHOOTIN' haven't ever pirated Music either. It's something I am very passionate about.

It takes a LOT to get on the music scene. A lot of time, a lot of talent, but it takes massive amounts of green to keep a band running smoothly. There are a lot of arguments for and against Piracy, and it is something I don't think that can be dissolved through simple discussion. I am aware of the excuses that say "Well by pirating, I can share their music with my friends and then the Bands name gets out faster".

NO IT DON'T. IT DON'T AT ALL, HOMEBOY.

We Gunn' Find you.. HOMEBOY.

Because while there are Local Bands in your area waiting to rock you, their music is going out un-paid for and will eventually see that their work and efforts are wasted. I am aware that buying the CD in stores doesn't give ALL the proceeds to the Band itself, that's one of the problems of having a middle-man. But it's the support that counts. Hearing "Record Sales for an Album" is MUCH better than hearing "You can find their music all over Pirate Bay".

So. in coupling with your need to CHECK OUT THIS BAND, I want to hear what your thoughts are on Piracy and how you think it affects the music industry.

In Closing, Jack Black has something to say.

ROCK IT ROCKET 5000 AWAAAAAAaaaaaayyyyyy...

"... Calm as a Coma ..."

HEY YOU GUYS! (Goonies Fans...?)

Thanks for letting me get a little creative in that first post. From here on out, it'll be a little less storytelling and a little more one-on-one music learning!

If you haven't guessed it yet,
then I feel bad for you son.
I could start 99 blogs,
and this'd be the music one!




And this week, we focus on the title of the blog from last week!!! What's that you say? "Jason, your blogs are inter-related to one another? How can that be?!"

Well folks, I'll give it away early! The titles I use for each blog post will hint at what I'll be talking about next week! For example, LAST week I titled the post, '...You're a Woman, I'm a Machine...'. So this week we'll be looking at none other than my MOST favorite band;

Death From Above 1979

I just can't seem to get enough of these guys! Both figuratively and literally. 'Death From Above 1979' or 'DFA 1979' are a two piece band that formed up in the early 2000's here in Canada! Who doesn't love a good maple after-taste when listening to music? I know I sure do! Jesse F. Keeler and Sebastien Grainger, who make up the band, came out with an EP entitled "Heads Up", and a full length album('You're a Woman, I'm a Machine') before breaking up in 2006-ish. Much to my chagrin... 

The first song I'd ever listened to from the band was, in the above link, "Romantic Rights". I can remember the precise day that this occurred, and it forever changed my life. It was at the start of my graduating year of high school, and had a peanut butter and raspberry jam sandwich(THE BEST jam in the world) when I got a text on my Nokia. My buddy had just discovered this wild new band that he needed to show me. So, sandwich in hand, I walked to his house and had my mind blown apart! I wanted - I needed more! So we looked them up and, as it turned out, they'd broken up not 2 months previous. I was devastated, but picked up their CD "You're a Woman, I'm a Machine" anyways. For the next 6 years, not a day will go by where I did NOT listen to at least one DFA 1979 track. 

A little bit before breaking up, another album had been released called "Romance, Bloody Romance". The Album was filled with electronic/dance remixes of most of their current works. In that album, I came to love a track called 'Blood On Our Hands (Justice Remix)'. The sheer flow and emotion of the piece then got me into the electronic scene a lot more and from there I grew roots in a genre I'd left previously unexplored! Up until then, I'd been mostly a Tool/Rage Against the Machine/Linkin Park fan. Were it not for this band, I would not have the positive and happy outlook I have on life today. Their music really does pick up the mood!

As of recently however, they have joined forces yet again! In early 2011, Sebastien wrote on their blog;

" ...Together again, as was always the intention, as a collaboration.

The collision of two different worlds.As this all takes shape, we will reveal it to you.All of it happening, as it always has, in our own way.Thank you all for sharing in our excitement!

Yes.
SEBASTIEN "

This was in prelude of their announcement that they would be joining and playing at Coachella in April of 2011. They had re-formed and it was glorious! There's no news yet as to a new album being released, I think most of us are still just basking in the glory of their return. Canada, once again, has a major dance/punk/metal foot in the music industry door! Lets hope this one is a little more permanent!

If you have the chance, I strongly advise you purchase the album! It's great for workouts, weddings, baby-births, candle-lit dinners, and most importantly; FOR ROCKING OUT!

See you guys next week with a brand-new band!
Till then; Happy Flying, on the 'Rock It Rocket 5000'!

"You're a Woman, I'm a Machine"

Zero meters - Ground level


The 'Rock It' Rocket 5000 has now taken off. You are strapped into your astronaut bean-bag chair of the future. The velvety fabric feels soothing, as your mind wanders to the thought of where this Rocket will take you. What new things will you discover? ... The P.A. system to your left crackles to life as your Captain gives you his speech;

*Crackle*... "Good morning, everyone... This is your Captain speaking. Welcome aboard the 'Rock It' Rocket 5000. The Weather outside will soon be far below freezing as we leave the Earth's stratosphere, so I wanted to mention that it's best to keep your arms and legs inside the Rocket at all times. As was mentioned in the pamphlets you received when you stepped on the Rocket, we are destined to take you to new facets of Music that you've never been to before. Perhaps some of you may have seen, these new Musics; or better yet, perhaps you've taken a previous tour of Music Space and have seen these 'new' Musics before. To that end, I ask that you not ruin it for those around you. This trip is a couple months long, and refreshments are whatever you've brought with you. Washrooms are located wherever... I trust you're all wearing Space Suits equipped for those situations. Lastly, I'd just like to mention that I thank-you for your participation in the 'Rock It' Rocket 5000 and if you look outside to your right, you will see that we're just about to leave the Earth's selfish pull. So, for your safely, please remain buckled until we've gotten a good distance away..."


1, 000, 000 meters - Approaching the last of Earth's Exosphere

As the Captain drones on, you start to wonder what you'll learn in the Worlds of Music. You browsed the Pamphlet and read that most planets that exist outside of Earth are very Indie, Alternative Rock, and Electronic. Further down you notice that Country music won't be on the tour due mainly to the fact that it wasn't sustainable enough to survive in Outer Space.

A Man approaches you in casual clothes and you wonder how he can casually walk and dress with the Rocket travelling at such speeds. He suddenly changes shape into a pull-down projector screen as lights begin to flash and dance across it's white face, and the lights grow dim;

Pumped up Kicks (Acoustic) - Foster the People

As the song fades and lights come up, he says;

Hey everyone! I'm your On-Board Holographic Tour Guide. ...before you question that remember; if it worked for Tupac, than it'll work in space. My name is Danger Rasmus, and I'll be introducing you to the different World and Planets of Music we'll be seeing and listening to. Many of you may have just recognized the song that was just played, but perhaps not in that fashion. I just wanted to start you all off with somewhat of a sampling to get your minds open to what we'll be discovering. There will be more information provided on the later treasures of sound, so that I can set you up for a mind-blowing experience.Thank-you for joining us on the 'Rock It' Rocket 5000.

Sit Back.

Relax.

...and most of all...

Listen.

1, 500, 000 meters - Outer Space