Jaylene Johnson's Blog
Cats, songs and viral videos
First of all, the video of Marc Martel singing "Somebody to Love" that has gone viral for the Queen Extravaganza contest is one to which I keep returning. I'm fascinated by what's happening. I've always loved Marc's voice…It's perhaps my favourite male recorded voice of any current (living) band. Years ago, I opened for his band, Downhere, in Winnipeg. Afterward, I said to him: "Your voice reminds me of Freddie Mercury" Anyway…
Reading the comments is what has me interested. Downhere is a great band that's been working really hard and with tons of integrity for years. They write intelligent songs, are fantastic musicians…and they were "picked up" years ago and have been in the music industry since the beginning. Yet, people are JUST NOW hearing Marc's talent. Comments like, "Someone should pick you up" intrigue me. He did get noticed. He has been part of "The Machine"…With all due respect to his label (and I do have a TON of respect or Centricity) Why is it only now that Marc is getting this kind of exposure? Is it because he's been in a Christian band, and that just doesn't intersect with the mainstream marketplace? Having met the head of Centricity and heard him speak, I think he's probably thrilled to see the crossover into the mainstream marketplace that's happening as a result of this audition…And I hope that Downhere's music is heard by the masses because of this. They're a great band with lots to say. Also, the "success" here could simply be because it's linked to Queen and the contest. I'm sure that has the most to do with it…
Secondly, the weirdest thing happens to me when I go for walks in the neighbourhood…Random cats come bounding (literally) over to me, purring, meowing, even jumping into my arms for a cuddle. I LOVE IT! I adore cats, but due to allergies in my household, I don't have one. I can't tell you how happy it makes me when this happens, but seriously…Do I smell like fish?
Finally, I have some cool stuff happening this week…Sept 30th (Friday) I will be mentoring along with Chris Burke Gaffney and Keith MacPherson (Keith and Renee) at Manitoba Music…We'll be working with Ila Barker (who just won a big NCI contest) Dana Bean and Adam Hanney…The workshop is called "WritersConnect" sponsored by Songwriters Association of Canada, Manitoba Music and Culture Days Manitoba. It's free, if you'd like to come and watch how collaboration/mentorship works in songwriting…but do register by emailing roland@manitobamusic.com. On Saturday, October 1st, all of the participants will be performing at The Forks (under the canopy) from 4-6PM…also FREE!
Be well, people...
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