Danielle Duval’s OF THE VALLEY

 Danielle Duval's new album OF THE VALLEY is a solid and heartfelt collection of songs. Emotive, melodic and honest, all at the same time. All pulled together with a strong pop sensibility. Duval's voice has a unique, friendly and inviting feel, providing a contrast to some of the blander, radio-friendly,

Please Allow Me to Introduce Myself

 Hello, and welcome to my very first blog post! It's definitely an honour and privilege to be asked to contribute to such an informative, insightful and honest magazine. I'm excited to be a part of a magazine with such a long history in this city, and grateful to have the

Are you ready for Canada’s largest independent literary celebration?

 By Clayton Andres When his father Neil first came up with the idea of a writing festival in Ottawa, Sean Wilson thought his dad was insane. “At the time, I had been noticing that just about everyone I knew in the creative community had the sense that they had to

Holly McNarland: Juggling Lives On Her Own Terms

 When Holly McNarland’s smash single “Numb” went viral as she approached her mid-twenties, she was a bright young rocker, a rookie to the record label and a hopeful firecracker quickly winning her way on to MuchMusic countdowns and Women & Songs compilations. Like any fresh face, she was ready to

54-40 is Still Rocking Over 30 Years Later

 As time goes by, those groups of old friends – the ones who have known each other for decades, seen it all and weathered the storms of time as a unit – can’t always find the time to get together. But when they do, when life grants them the excuse

Musical Mayhem Goes beyond the Greenbelt

 It’s a fact – to make it as a musician, you have to tour. As a result, because a musician’s vocals and vibes need to be heard beyond home turf, many local bands are going beyond the greenbelt.  This month a slew of Ottawa bands are traveling to Montreal to

Pia Ashley Rocks the Ottawa Music Scene

 If you have not yet heard of Pia Ashley, you soon will because this local singer/songwriter is rocking the Ottawa music scene. Pia began writing and singing at 12 years old and became completely hooked once she got her first guitar at 16. Now 28, she has performed at The

Ottawa, Music and Inspiration

 Music and Ottawa go wonderfully hand in hand. The city is brimming with musicians. Ottawa is blessed with excellent schools, dedicated music teachers, performance opportunities and excellent ensembles and festivals. I was recently reacquainted with the home grown contemporary music composer, Colin Mack. Ottawa born Colin continues to make the

Western Newfound is Shelter for the Soul

 Western Newfoundland: A place that rush hour forgot. As you step out of the airport in Deer Lake, you can almost immediately sense a downshift in pace. There’s a calmer, gentler atmosphere in Western Newfoundland. Our trip began with a drive south toward the town of Stephenville. The location of