5 Songs to Tease You Before Summer Music Festivals

We are right now probably in the best time of the year: it has just become warm outside and we all know that it's the beginning of the 4 month summer music fest craze in Canada. 

When it comes to music in summer, I personally have 2 strong associations: trance/dance/house music and festivals, which often go together. There has been a lot of buzz recently around Digital Dreams Festival on June 28-29, 2014. So far, artist lineup includes AMAZING DJs such as Tiesto, Justice, Deep Dish, Dash Berlin, Paul Oakenfold and more.

         

Check out this link for more info on the upcoming music festivals in Toronto during spring-summer 2014: http://www.thegridto.com/blog-post/the-ultimate-2014-toronto-music-festival-guide-so-far/

I hope you are looking forward to these incredibly cool and crazy events just as much as I do. That's why, this week I really want to tease you about this upcoming summer fest madness and share a playlist that features songs that are not new, but blowing up. I'm pretty sure you're familiar with these tracks (at least you've heard them playing somewhere), but turn this music up really loud on your speakers and I promise, you will be craving for summer to finally start! 

The playlist kicks off with a song that will smoothly get you into a festival/party tune. It is a Classixx remix of well-known to music junkies song "Take a Walk" performed by Passion Pit. I love it, because it is so positive and summery.

"Take a Walk" transitions into my most recent and most favourite music finding - "Sun to Me (Mark Knight Remix)" by Faithless. If you want one song to explode you from within, this is it, so check it out!

The 3rd song is a co-work of Tiesto and Maxi Jazz of Faithless. I suggest that this song becomes a hymn of all house and trance music junkies - "Dance for Life"!

"Every Day" by Eric Prydz has been playing on the radio stations for a couple of months so far and I love it for its energy.

The playlist is wrapped up by an old but f@cking amazing co-work of 2 guys from Swedish House Mafia - Axwell and Steve Angello. "Tell Me Why" has been rocking it for years and it's still unbelievably awesome.

Enjoy the playlist and get yourself ready for the upcoming craaaaazy music festivals!

5 So Many Times Covered Oldschool Songs

Have you ever heard or Shazamed a song that is performed by a relatively new music band and than discovered that it actually has a much older original version? Or maybe you hear a song on the radio that sounds kind of familiar to you and then you realize that some time ago it was a killing hit? 

This has happened to me so often that for a while I've been thinking that I should write about it on this blog. This week is the week to do this as I just shazamed a song I simply can't stop listening to and it dates back to the 90s.

Although I love discovering new music masterpieces, I still think that oldschool music is the best. It has got some soul in it, when people actually listened to the songs that are not catchy or just sound nice, but their lyrics is meaningful and it can exist separately from the melody. 

Think of Sting, Rolling Stones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Phil Collins, The Beatles, The Who and many more of those good old days. Their music is the pure definition of art. 

Today many modern music bands make numerous covers on the songs of the great of the 20th century. This playlist includes the songs that have been covered (by the way, some of those covers are pretty amazing), but the original versions of which date back to the 20th century.     

Artists featured in this playlist: Gnarls Barkley, Kate Bush, Oasis, Jeff Buckley, The Cure.

Enjoy :)

5 "Give Me Sun" Tracks

It's 26th of March on the calendar and here we are in Canada stuck in the cold. Lately, basically everyone has been craving for spring, a little bit of sunshine and warm weather. But what do we get? Right, we get some more shitty weather, cold wind, snow and negative outside temperature.

There isn't a thing you can do to fix the weather. However, what you can do is change your attitude to it. Think about it: rather than sitting at home complaining about the weather and ruining your own mood as well as that of the people surrounding you, you might as well turn on some sunny and summery songs on your speakers/headphones and that will make you feel better!

This week, I will include very cheerful song that create an illusion of beach warm sunny weather. Don't let the weather get you down and enjoy this good music!

The playlists starts off with sweet lounge tunes of the cover to a very old song we all heard "Sunny". It makes you think of summer, beach, sun, parties and everything that comes with it. Totally recommended for listening.

The music set continues with another house track with elements of indie: "Hey Beau (makkit edit)" by dillon.

A very old, bur nevertheless great summertime song introduced by one of the most cheerful singers I've come across. Bob Sinclair is asking the whole world to hold on and, definitely, when listening to the song, the only thing you want to do is to hold on and enjoy the moment.

"Sloppy Seconds" by Watsky is simply amazing in everything: it creates the mood, it is catchy and it is undoubtedly very cheerful and summery. You will not even notice how you're gonna be singing the lyrics at the end of the song.

The last but not the least is another old/good stuff: "Summerlove" by David Tavare. There's no other song which makes you dream of summer, seaside and summer love affair more than this one.

Keep calm, the winter's gonna end soon!

5 Dynamic Runway Songs

Everybody in Toronto has been talking about this event for weeks. And here it is, this week we are delighted to see the newest Spring/Summer 2014 and Fall/Winter 2014/2015 collections introduced by fashion designers such as Joe Fresh, David Dixon and Rudsak at Toronto Fashion Week!

That's why, this week I want to share with you a playlist that features very dynamic songs which will make you dance off your feet and which in my opinion would be perfect to use as a soundtrack for models on runways.   

           

This week's playlist opens up with an immortal Muse masterpiece "Uprising". The song is absolutely fantastic in every second. In fact, its title reflects the essence of the track: the melody constantly rises from the first till the very last second. As it is usually the case with Muse songs, I'm not surprised why their music is often chosen as a soundtrack for fashion and runway shows.

The second addition to the playlist is probably the latest music release out of the 5: the song that's currently playing in all fashion stores - "Drunk in Love" by Beyonce and Jay-Z. So smooth and so dynamic, that's why I love it.

Does anyone here think France when you think of fashion? I do. Check out a very French song by Vive La Fete "Exactement"! The tune of the song goes so in line with fashion and Paris that all you will be able to say after listening to it is "Adorable, formidable!" :) 

The 4th song is very sunny and summery. Dive into the sweet lounge sounds of "Facing the Sun" by Fritz Kalkbrenner and enjoy!

The final track has been discussed in the blog before, but for this topic I couldn't just have omitted it. It is just so perfect for dancing, action and walking, that it was played during Victoria's Secret fashion show. Here are Fall Out Boys again with their song "My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up)" and they are perfectly finishing the playlist!

5 Amazing Night Time Tracks

Each and every one of us has his/her favourite time of the day. Some prefer early mornings, because they love watching sunrise. Some enjoy afternoon, because that's when they can meet up with family or friends during the lunch hour and have a chat. Some like evenings, when they can finally relax and watch a movie at home or go out.

But I'm pretty sure there are many of us, who like night time most of all. This time of the day when it's dark outside and there are barely a few people on the streets people find intimidating, romantic, mysterious and very appealing, in general.

Many writers and poets admire night time and write about their novels and poem about it. And it' the same thing with music artists! It was really hard for me to select 5 night time songs from my playlist, just because there are so many good ones! 

All of the 5 masterpieces I am putting into this week's playlist go far beyond a mere definition of a song. These music works possess some power, the one which makes you shiver inside and literally causes an internal explosion of emotions which overflows you. This is something that only really good music can do. I recommend that you listen to this atmospheric madness before going to sleep. Sweet dreams guaranteed! :)

So headphones on, world off and enjoy!

Featured artists: Halou, Kings of Leon, The Horrors, Late Night Alumni, Miusha

5 Songs for the Love of Women

First of all, congrats everyone, we survived through the winter! Yaay, it's spring :)

Now, although in Canada we don't really celebrate an International Women's Day, it is celebrated annually in Eastern European countries. And i think it's a great idea! The 8th of March is a day in the beginning of spring when every girl, sister, mother, wife and woman in general feels herself very special. Our men congratulate us, tell us how much they love us, give flowers and gifts etc. 

Although nowadays we celebrate this day just in favour of women, it wasn't like that initially. An International Women's Day started to be celebrated in recognition of women's achievements regardless of areas, whether scientific, linguistic, economic, political etc. This day is an occasion to look back to women's achievements and celebrate the future initiatives.

An International Women's Day was first celebrated on February 28, 1909. The Socialist Party of America designated this day in honour of the 1908 garment workers' strike in New York, where women protested against working conditions. 

In today's world women are equal in rights to men, but as we all know, it hasn't always been so. The first official document which allowed for women to become equal in rights with men internationally was signed by the UN in 1945. Since then, women are being actively promoted to get the same jobs as men, same human rights, level of security, sustainable development and respect as males. 

Since 1975 we celebrate International Women's Day on the 8th of March. 

As in many countries this day is a "big day" for women, I would like to dedicate this week's playlist to women. Just like Beyonce sings, "Who run the world? Girls!" This song opens up a playlist. This week, it is very multi-genre, as I tried to get together some of the greatest songs about women. 

Featured artists include: Beyonce, Urge Overkill, Franz Ferdinand, Nouvelle Vague and Wale.

Useful source of information about International Women's Day: History Of International Women's Day

   

5 'Oh Canada' songs

In the light of the recent Sochi Olympic Games 2014 'tis the perfect time to write about how proud citizens and people who live in Canada are proud of their country. 

Congratulations to Canada Olympic Team which came in 3rd in the competition, earning 25 medals (10 gold, 10 silver, 5 bronze)! We are very proud of you, although you were set aside by the teams of Russia and Norway who took 1st and 2nd place accordingly. More info on medal count can be found here: http://www.sochi2014.com/en/medal-standings .

Canadian athletes won medals in the following sports: freestyle skiing, alpine skiing, bobsleigh, curling, figure skating, ice hockey, short track, snowboarding and speed skating. Great job! 

For this reason, I decided to make and share this week's playlist that features great Canadian artists. While compiling the playlist, I specified it a little bit to feature electronic and trip hop Canadian artists, such as Crystal Castles, The Weeknd, Chromeo and Dr.Draw. 

Canada has a lot to offer (ofc not only when it comes to music), but some great Canadian artists and bands include Garou, Drake, Mylene Farmer, Nelly Furtado, The Barenaked Ladies. The most well-known pop singers include Justin Bieber and Carly Rae Jepsen.

The playlist opens up with Canadian Anthem (so obvious!), followed by vibrant rhythms of Crystal Catles "Suffocation", smoothing tune "Montreal" by The Weeknd, festive beats of Chromeo's new release "Come Alive" and a finishing touch of Dr.Draw's instrumental madness "Ra Ra Ra".  

So turn your speakers really loud on and be proud of Canada!

I am Ukrainian and I Cannot Keep Calm

For a while I've been trying to avoid introducing negative topics in the blog, cos' let's be honest, everyone has a lot of shit going on. However, THIS I cannot simply omit.

I come from the Ukraine. For those of you who might not know it is a beautiful country in the Eastern Europe which has a very rich culture, nice people and which has gone through centuries of wars, tortures and selfish, moronic governors.

Starting from November 21, due to Ukrainian government's not signing the trade agreement with the EU, a number of riots emerged in Kyiv, the capital of the country, and in other cities in the Ukraine. These protest movements received the title #Euromaidan.

During 3 months of these protest actions, the situation in the country has got worse. Moreover, there is a negative tendency for the country's further development. Just think about it: citizens of the Ukraine are being killed (as for now the media reported at least 30 killed people) by the police (!) and BERKUT (security services) employees. The government headed by Viktor Yanukovych are not intending to make any concessions, respond to people's protests and fix the situation in the country. Ukraine's business is tied up, people are not working because they participate in the riots across the country. The currency is going down. More and more citizens of Ukraine are turning to embassies of foreign countries in Kyiv, because they want to leave the country as refugees. The list of these effects is nearly endless.

Furthermore, inspired by the actions of Ukrainians, people in Venezuela started their own protest movements. The situation in these two countries is very similar, but in some instances, Venezuelans are going through something even worse than Ukrainians. People in Venezuela are being kidnapped all the time, there isn't a single chance you'll be safe if you go outside. A lot of people are being killed, even more than in the Ukraine. Now, can you imagine walking into a grocery store, where there's no food? You can't buy even a pack of rice, as it is simply out of stock for more than a month! In Ukraine, this has last happened at the times of Soviet Union. In Venezuela, this is a reality today.

What is now happening in both Ukraine and Venezuela is terrifying. I would like to express my deepest respect for those Ukrainians and Venezuelans, who didn't just deal with the dreadful actions of the government and 'their' people. Thank you, those of you who stand up and fight for the brighter, safer and better future. It is amazing that you want your countries to prosper, that you want to live the life you deserve and you want to give this opportunity to the whole nation.

Just because I'm in Canada, it doesn't mean that I'm not supportive of Euromaidan. I love my country and I pray for Ukraine. For this reason, this week I want to introduce a playlist of patriotic mostly Ukrainian songs.

The first three are performed by my favourite music artist, Svyatoslav Vakarchuk, a lead singer of a Ukrainian rock band Okean Elzy. The main ideas of those songs are as follows: Vakarchuk sings that he will not surrender without a fight, we're all not alone and he asks the one to who the song is addressed to say why he/she is afraid to make the final step.

Another Ukrainian artist Skryabin wrote a song specifically devoted to the events at Euromaidan. It is included in a playlist as well.

Specifically for my Spanish-speaking readers, I include a song by an electro tango band Gotan Project. Queremos paz!

Ukrainians and Venezuelans, don't let it get you down and enjoy good music!

5 Great Romantic Songs

Love. L'amour. El amor. Lyubov'. Kohannya. There is an infinite number of ways in which you can say it and express your feelings for someone you care, be it your family, friends or your beloved, your Valentine. Yes, this week's post is related to the upcoming Saint Valentine's day.










Each and everyone of us has at least one person who he or she deeply cares about. Your boyfriend or girlfriend, your parents, children or your best friend. And in this day, the day of love, Saint Valentine's Day we tell them how much we love them. We want to make those people happy, so we something to delight them, to see them smiling. It is such a wonderful feeling, when you give and make your loved ones happy.

  The good thing about music is that it can create mood for almost everything. When it comes to romantic and love songs, it is soooo hard to choose just 5 of them to create a romantic mood. There are thousands of romantic music masterpieces. Having taken a lot of (trust me when I say this), really a lot of time, I chose 5 songs that are full of love and romance.
I should say that when it comes to love songs, nothing can beat old school music tracks. They just feel so...real and they have this internal beauty in every sound.
Speaking of the language: it does make difference. Love songs are so much better when they are performed in the three most beautiful, melodic and romantic languages: Spanish, Italian and French.

For this reason, the playlist included in this post features 2 really old and amazing songs: one by Sting and another one by U2. Sting's "Fields of Gold" is one of his masterpieces and is very pleasant to listen to. "The Ground Beneath Her Feet" by U2 is incredibly beautiful and sensual. I can't express in words how beautiful these songs are. It can only be experienced when listening to them.

As well, you will find an immortal Andrea Bocelli's hit "Besame Mucho". This song never gets old, it has lived through generations and is still very popular.

There are 2 relatively new songs in the playlist - they are simply amazing. A New York based music band Woodkid released the most romantic song of 2013 titled "I Love You". Check it out below! You will also find a very cheerful romantic song "Semplicemente" performed by an Italian band Zero Assoluto. By the way, this song was a soundtrack to a very successful Italian movie Scusa Ma Ti Chiamo Amore.

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone,

Love and be loved in return!

5 Inspirational Study Music Tracks

I hope you're not freezing because of the cold temperature and if you do, check out the previous blog post and the music featured there will get you dancing and feeling really happy.

However, this week we will listen to something different. It's February 3rd on the calendar, which means that college and university students in Canada are having their midterm exams and completing assignments this week and the week after. 

Sometimes we feel overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by the amount of information we are trying to fit into our heads. Overwhelmed by the amount of work that remains to be done. Or probably, by some other events going on in our lives.

When exam period starts, every student is in a panicking and overwhelmed condition. And this is not the worst, because when you are having that hysteria state of mind after a certain amount of hard work has been accomplished, it only means that you are very close to achieving your goal. 

In that instance, all you need is a little push. You simply have lack of inspiration. Luckily, music is one of the best sources in which to search for creative ideas. It's only logical: you start thinking a lot when you are listening to music. Diving into the depths of your subconsciousness helps you to fish out those well covered thoughts and ideas. 

This week I'm introducing you my own inspirational/study playlist which has 5 most amazing mellow electronic, trip-hop and downtempo songs. They will literally illuminate your mind with a bunch of new thoughts and ideas.

After all, brainstorming is so much better when you have great music playing in your speakers.  

Artists featured: Massive Attack, Fatboy Slim, Yonderboi, Bonobo, Pet Shop Boys. 

So headphones on, world off and good luck on your midterms!

5 Energizing Songs to Warm You Up

As we're going into February, it gets really cold outside. We all want to laze and become couch potatoes until it gets warmer. And this is not a bad thing to do!

 

Spend some time for yourself: stay home, watch a good movie, read a book, make yourself a cup of tea to have with your favourite sweet treat. And most importantly, listen to your favourite music to stay cheered up!







During the harsh weather in winter we are most reluctant to go out and do stuff we all need to do. Instead we stay home feeling depressed and useless. However, not much is needed to feel happiness, even in this cold weather. So, what's the trick? It's simply energy and motion!

Need an energy boost? This week's post suggests 5 amazing tracks that will get you up and running. Now, I suggest you listen to them in 2 ways:

1) When you get ready for school/work etc. in the morning, turn these songs on really LOUD and start dancing! Good mood for a day is guaranteed!

2) Listen to them on the go. These cheering songs combined with fast walking result in your feeling full of energy and optimism!

So,here they are!

The first song featured by me this week is "Fancy Footwork" by a Montreal-based electrofunk duo Chromeo. Those of you who watched "Step Up 3D" might recognize this energizing track that is perfect for a workout. You can stream this song online from this blog (via Soundcloud). A scene of the Pirates workout form the Step Up 3D movie is also attached.


 

If there's one thing I love the Brits for (well, apart from their hottest ever accent), it's there ability to make amazing music. Enjoy an electroindie band Delphic founded in Manchester and their greatest piece of work "Baiya"!



Even if you don't know a name Nadia Ali, I bet you will instantly recognize her voice from "Rapture" - a hit from 2001. This song never gets old, so enjoy its Avicii New Generation remix.



Is there anything more warming up, than hot funk rock rhythms of Red Hot Chili Peppers? I don't think so. Their 10th studio album introduces a song that will get you dancing off your head. Look around!



The last but not the least: Fall Out Boy's song "My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up)" was featured at Victoria's Secret 2013 show. No wonder, as it is so dynamic and makes your body move at every beat! Check it out:

No time to be sad. Dance and stay in the tune!

Top 5 Album Picks of 2013

Greetings to all of you, music junkies, and those who just view this post!

I should start off saying that last year our favourite artists released a lot of amazing songs and great albums. 
The list is nearly endless and includes artists from around the globe who perform in various music styles: 

Arctic Monkeys, Daft Punk, Depeche Mode, Disclosure, White Lies, Drake, Franz Ferdinand, MGMT, Phoenix, The National, Lorde and Kanye West have done a really good job to give their fans new quality stuff to go crazy about. 

What's more, some of the old but still loved and internationally recognized artists are rocking it just like at those good old days. Check out new releases by Elton John, Paul McCartney, David Bowie and Sting!   

My Top 5 picks for album releases of 2013 have been sitting for a while in my iPod in "Quality Stuff13" playlist.

This post introduces those top 5 pics mentioned above. So turn on Mixcloud, YouTube, Spotify, VK Playlist or whatever it is that you're using to listen to your favourite music and get into the rhythm!

5. The National "Trouble Will Find Me" 

Guys from this Brooklyn-based indie rock band just seem to sound better with each recording they make: so far, out  of their albums, this one is the best. You can tell a difference between their first release "The National" and every one of those that followed. "Trouble Will Find Me" is not an exception. So far, the latest release of this band is the leanest and most aerodynamic.

Top tracks: Sea of Love, Demons, Fireproof, Heavenfaced

4. Daft Punk "Random Access Memories"

I don't think there's a single person left who didn't get himself dancing at the beat of Get Lucky and Lose Yourself to Dance - vibrant summer 2013's most recognized tracks. Daft Punk rocked dance floors since the band was created, but their 4th record "Random Access Memories" was a huge universal success. 

In fact, "Random Access Memories" was the fastest selling album in UK chart history even before it was released.

So turn your speakers on, put the volume on max and lose yourself to dance!

Top tracks: Get Lucky, Lose Yourself to Dance, Give Life Back to Music, Within

3.  Depeche Mode "Delta Machine"

Depeche Mode proved their ability to make unbelievably deep and touching rhythms over almost 35 years of being on stage. "Delta Machine" wasn't the exception to this statement. If I could make love to a song, I would get restless with Heaven. 

"Delta Machine" tracklist is provided for your enjoyment.

Top tracks: Heaven, Soothe My Soul, Angel, Slow

Depeche Mode - Delta Machine (Album Stream) by Juan Fortran on Mixcloud

2. Arctic Monkeys "AM"

Before the release of "AM", Arctic Monkeys had a few pretty (damn?) good recordings. Indie junkies were dancing their heads off with I Bet You Look Good on a Dance Floor and Fluorescent Adolescent.

But when "Do I wanna Know?" single was released last June, it all changed. It seems that everyone was singing together with Alex Turner 
"Too busy being yours to fall for somebody new..."
and waiting for the album to come out.

Top tracks: Do I Wanna Know?, Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High, Arabella, No.1 Party Anthem

XFM Track-By-Track: Arctic Monkeys on AM by Xfm Radio on Mixcloud

1. The Neighbourhood "I Love You"

Rolling Stone probably didn't include this music masterpiece to its Top 50 Albums of 2013. Nevertheless, this band literally made my year in terms of music. These smooth indie pop rhythms tune seem to be able to get everyone into the tune. 

Light. Catchy. Smooth.

No more descriptions. Just press play and dive into this indie pop perfection.

Top Tracks: Afraid, How, Sweater Weather, W.D.Y.W.F.M.

The Neighbourhood ‘I Love You’ Full Album Stream « Radio.com News

Playlists: courtesy of YouTube, SoundCloud, Mixcloud, radio.com

Useful links: 
http://www.metacritic.com/music 
http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews
http://www.billboard.com/articles/reviews