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Audio / Music / Series 9 / WildWorks Blog

A Very Merry Christmas & The Top 50 of 2013, Part 2 – S09E16

WW Vinyl December 23

It was an epic day as I was on the airwaves from 7-10am and then the regular show at 11am on CKCU-FM. First, it was the Monday Special Blend and I was joined by Canadian Spaces host, Chris White as we had Shannon Rose & The Thorns. Rose has a new song which is fitting for Christmas and it’s called North Star. She performed three songs live on the airwaves. First was North Star, the second was Phoenix and lastly, a Bing Crosby cover song, I’ll Be Home For Christmas. Luckily, Ottawa didn’t bear brunt of the ice storm which hit Toronto on the weekend. Overall, it was a great morning to have guests like Chris White and Shannon Rose. From the image above, it was shot on a Polaroid.
The next show to help out was The Filibuster and we basically played Christmas songs ranging from the popular one to Metal to Canadian indie music. It was a nice mix of tunes to play as I was joined host, Ben James for the Filibuster.
To my own show, I played the favourites from Jill Barber, Basia Bulat and Nat Jay. It’s become a yearly tradition to play those wonderful festive songs. There were a few new tracks from Mounties, The Mountain and the Trees and a new Said The Whale.
You can check the playlist over at the this link. You can listen to the audio below. It will be a lengthy listen. Happy Holidays!
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Music / Series 9

The Interview with Kat Burns of Kashka – S09E14

WildWorks Vinyl December 9

Three consecutive days to writing a blog entry is astounding. It’s a nice way of making it up from a month’s absence in October. All I have to say that it was a great weekend as I attended Ottawa Pop Expo.
This week’s radio show on CKCU-FM had the interview with Kashka. It is fronted by former Forest City Lovers, Kat Burns. It’s been awhile since I last saw her.
As mentioned elsewhere, it’s the last music interview of 2013 as I will be getting into the festive tunes and the year end countdowns. Back to Kashka, Burns was in Ottawa on Friday night for her tour and in support of the second album, Bound. It was released in late November. For those who don’t know, Kashka’s music takes the term of ‘folkpoptronica.’ A blending folk, pop and electronic music into one. You can listen to the interview below.
I started the show with a tribute to Nelson Mandela. I played the song Glorious Days by Hong Kong rock band, Beyond. It’s a homage to Mandela back in 1990. It was inspired by his fight for inequality and the song is now used for demonstrations fighting against anti-racism and for freedom. The music video is posted below with English subtitles. Even though, it’s in Cantonese, there’s images of the late great Mandela. Long live Madiba!

You can check the playlist over at this link.
Lastly, if you’re listening from the blog, I played the full versions of Make Me A Mirror by Ark Analog and the brand new song by St. Vincent, Birth In Reverse.
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Series 9

Ottawa Pop Expo (Sunday Edition) – S09E13

Ottawa Pop Expo Sunday-1

Day 2 of Ottawa Pop Expo was a relaxed affair as I decided to check out the celebrity Q&A. I forgot to take a photo of their logo but able to take a photo from their video screen along with a countdown.
Let’s say that it was more on Doctor Who as Neve McIntosh and Seventh Doctor, Sylvester McCoy were guests of the pop culture convention. It’s their first time to be Ottawa, Canada.
Aside from that, the first panel I checked out which was the Q&A on Doctor Who’s 50th Celebration. After the brief session, I had to bolt over to the celebrity Q&A for Neve McIntosh, who plays Silurian, Madame Vastra in the current series of Doctor Who. She’s quite a lovely actress without the heavy makeup as the fan-favourite Silurian. Her Q&A was pretty good as she told the crowd as being a lifelong Doctor Who fan and having Tom Baker (Fourth Doctor) as her first and favourite Doctor growing up. McIntosh also said that she will be back for Series 8 when Peter Capaldi takes over for Matt Smith in the new year. Towards the end of the Q&A, a couple of Daleks and Seventh Doctor, McCoy appeared to join McIntosh on the Q&A. It was quite the fun and hilarious moment as it felt like the Seventh Doctor crashed the party.
After her Q&A was then McCoy’s turn to get questions asked. Quite an entertaining and funny Q&A session as McCoy decided to walk off the stage and get interactive with the fans. Things he brought up was that he never watched the previous Doctors and decided to be his own character. He mentioned the 1996 TV movie and not knowing about the perks as he mentioned Eric Roberts wanted to change the carpet. McCoy also cracked a joke on Toronto mayor, Rob Ford. He liked how Canadians are polite towards him.
Overall, it was great to see one of the living Doctors to be Ottawa. It’s definitely a treat for Doctor Who fans in the Nation’s Capital. You will see some of the photos from below.

The last Q&A to check out was a popular actor who was in the hit show, The Game of Thrones. I decided to check out Jason Momoa because of the blogger I met at the convention to check this guy out. Mind you, I’m not into Game of Thrones as I listen to a radio show on Sunday nights. I know people tweet like crazy, hence the spoilers. OK, onto Momoa. He played Khal Drogo from the hit series. On stage, he got a nice comfortable chair and drinking Guinness beer. He talked about his time on Game of Thrones, Conan and going against Sylvester Stallone. He also mentioned about a movie he directed called Road to Paloma. The tone of the Q&A was more on the no-so family friendly side as Momoa swore a bit and there were a few guys asking negative questions towards him. It kind ruined the fun atmosphere because I could say that men are jealous of him, but it’s just my opinion.

All in all, what a way to wrap things up for the first year of Ottawa Pop Expo as the main convention, Ottawa Comiccon will be in full swing for May 2014.
Check out the photos!
I’ll be back again for the radio show recap as I have the interview with Kat Burns of Kashka.

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Series 9

Ottawa Pop Expo (Saturday Edition) – S09E12

Ottawa Pop Expo Saturday-97b
I had the opportunity to attend Ottawa Pop Expo, a pop culture fan convention which features genres from comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and a bunch of others. It’s in the realm of geek culture nonetheless. The convention is presented and run by the organizers of Ottawa Comiccon. It’s the first time the pop culture convention is being held in December as Ottawa Comiccon has been running for two years and held in May.

For this convention, I decided to take photos of the cosplayers for the fun of it. You will see a bunch of photos below. I totally forgot to create a main photo for the blog entry. Luckily, I took a photo of their podium as shown above.
I decided to check out the celebrity Q&A with Tom Felton. The actor who played Draco Malfoy from the Harry Potter film series. I got to deal with the screaming fans who are big into the actor.

Lastly, how could I say that I finally met one of Canada’s known wrestling analyst/commentator and TV personality, who’s currently with The Weather Network. It’s none other than Arda Ocal. I’ve been tweeting him back and fourth about wrestling and his time at The Score (now Sportsnet 360) on the programme, Aftermath. It’s a privilege to finally meet him and just good timing to see Ottawa become a fun city.

I will be back for another entry on Ottawa Pop Expo for Sunday and it’s most likely on Doctor Who.

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Music / Series 9

The Lonely End of the Rink with Grant Lawrence – S09E11

With Grant Lawrence Polaroid Vinyl

Grant Lawrence was in Ottawa on Friday, November 29, 2013. He was there to promote his new book, The Lonely End of the Rink – Confessions of a Reluctant Goalie. The event was held at Pressed, which is a great place for sandwiches and other food.
I had the chance to interview with Lawrence and talked about the details on his second book, which is on the hockey side. You can listen to the interview below.
It was great to see the venerable radio host on CBC Radio 3 come to the Nation’s Capital and say positive things about Ottawa. His second book has connections to Ottawa, be sure to look for it at bookstores.

December 2nd Radio Show
Aside from the interview, there were new music from the like of The Balconies and MORI. MORI released a music video to this song, I Know It’s Over. If you watch the music video, a certain appearance from Cadence Weapon and Miracle Fortress are in it. Keep an eye on it.
The Balconies will be releasing their new album, Fast Motions in the new year, keep a look out on it.

As usual, Lauren joined me for the second half of the show and talked about HAIM as we approach the end of the year and have our yearly best of 2013 countdown coming up.

Performing this week in Ottawa is Kashka at Raw Sugar Cafe for December 6, 2013.
To check out the playlist from the radio show, click here. You can listen to the audio below.
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Music / Series 9

Finally! The Interview with Motel Raphael – S09E10

WW Vinyl November 25

I have been holding it off for awhile but I finally aired the interview with the Montreal band, Motel Raphael on CKCU-FM. It was originally recorded in the Summer and my radio show doesn’t do new music interview segments around the Summer months. The reason for holding it off was to wait for their album but it’s been pushed back as I last checked. As 2013 is ending, it’s best to air it sooner and have it without music in the background. The nice part was that I didn’t have any music interviews to conduct and it was just convenient timing to air the Motel Raphael interview. There were recently on a reality show and it had to do with a kitchen makeover.
Overall, it was great to meet the lovely band as they had an awesome 2013 since they made it to the Top 16 of CBC Music’s Searchlight Contest, placed fourth for Best Musical Act according to Cult Montreal,  their crowd funding for their album and finally getting to see them live in Montreal (missed out their performance in Ottawa). You can listen to the interview below.
The playlist for the radio show is over at this link.
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Series 9

The DAVIDsTEA 24 Days of Tea Giveaway [Done] – S09E9.5

24daysofteagiveaway

Contest is finish but this post will be updating the days of the 24 teas.
Posting this again. I just want to remind certain people who reads this blog and whom I contacted through Twitter that I am doing this holiday giveaway. I noticed people missed out on the 24 Days of Tea by DAVIDsTEA. It’s their third year that the company released this hot item. The value is $34.50.
I’m doing this giveaway only in the Ottawa area for those who want this wonderful festive gift.
You have until Sunday, November 24th to enter this contest and I have to make sure I can give it to you before December 1st. The 24 Days of Tea is an advent calendar, just like the chocolate kinds.

–List of the 24 Days of Tea starting December 1st–
White Chocolate Frost – December 1st
Alpine Punch – December 2nd
Blueberry Jam – December 3rd
Forever Nuts – December 4th
Stormy Night – December 5th
Genmaicha – December 6th
Strawberry Rhubarb Parfait – December 7th
Mango Madness – December 8th
Silk Dragon Jasmine – December 9th
Coffee Cake – December 10th
Mother’s Little Helper – December 11th
Kokomo Green – December 12th
Glitter & Gold – December 13th
Cinnamon Rooibos Chai– December 14th
English Breakfast – December 15th
Main Squeeze – December 16th
Cream of Earl Grey – December 17th
Buddha’s Blend – December 18th
Read My Lips – December 19th
Vanilla Orchid – December 20th
Chocolate Orange – December 21st
Sleigh Ride – December 22nd
Gingerbread – December 23rd
Santa’s Secret – December 24th

–How to Enter–
All you have to do is tweet me at @wildworks and @DAVIDsTEA about your favourite Winter/holiday tea. If you don’t have Twitter, you can leave a comment here. I will be drawing the winner on the November 25th radio show at CKCU-FM.
Good luck entering!

Audio / Music / Series 9

The Hannah Georgas Interview – S09E08

WW Nov 11 Vinyl Blog

It’s November 11th and it’s the day where everyone observes and pay their respects to the soldiers and veterans who fought in wars. Wars are still continuing throughout parts of the continent and we still reflect the sacrifices that soldiers face in combat and defending peace. Remembrance Day this year marked the 95th anniversary of the end of WWI. Lest We Forget.

Radio Show
On the this week’s radio show, Lauren returned to the program after a month’s absence. It was a good timing as I aired the interview with Hannah Georgas. Georgas was in Ottawa last week for two shows at the NAC for NAC Presents. It’s the first time to finally interview her as she’s been busy touring and it was a nice opportunity to do so. It’s been awhile I have seen her live and in the interview, I got to ask about the emotional process that she brought in her 2012 self titled album. Played on the show was her cover rendition of Rihanna’s Stay. Myself and Lauren have found her version to be raw and powerful. It almost put me in tears when I listen to the song. Her song is available on iTunes. Played on the show this week are new tracks from Rebekah Higgs, Kashka and the usual artists and bands like Basia Bulat and Arcade Fire.
I got a message on my Facebook page and played Jess Hart.
You can listen to the interview and the radio show below.
The playlist for the radio show can be seen at this link.
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Series 9

The 24 Days of Tea – S09E07

24 Days of Tea Grid Lens
I know it’s November and Christmas decorations are slowly being displayed at malls. I missed out last year as DAVIDsTEA released their 24 Days of Tea at their retail stores and online. This year is no exception as I decided to get a head start in purchasing this hot seller in time of the holiday season. I like the design and lovely colour to the 24 days of tea. There’s a magnetic to keep the box closed. I’m glad I got a chance to get it as I missed out on the 2012 edition advent calendar.
It’s definitely worth the $34.50 as it brings on the holiday spirit.

As for the days the teas are set and I’m not cheating or peeking (as the box says), here’s the list for the 2013 edition of 24 Days of Tea; Continue reading →

Audio / Music / Series 9

Using Instant Film Cameras – S09E06

Instant Cameras Blog

Since June, I have been using instant film cameras and so far, it’s been a total shift to how I take photos. Even though it’s costly getting instant film sheets but the response to people seeing me use Polaroids have been quite a surprise because they haven’t seen the cameras in quite a long time and I get asked where I get the instant film sheets.
Recently, I loaded the sheets to the Polaroid SX 70 camera (photo shown on top row) and the results have been not perfect as the film runs on 125 ISO speed and there’s no flash on the camera itself. I’ll most likely have to shoot outdoors with the camera.
The photos are posted below. The results to using The Impossible Project have been mixed as I have messing around the dark/bright slider on the two Polaroid cameras. It’s been a work in progress to shooting Polaroid/instant film cameras and it’s challenging and fun. I have success on using the Fujifilm Instax Wide 210 (photo shown on bottom right) and the Polaroid Land Camera 600 (Autofocus 660) as the film speeds are not as volatile compared to the PX 70 film by The Impossible Project.
I have made a rule of sorts that taking instant film photos is like making three wishes from a Genie bottle as I have to carefully shoot carefully and be sure it’s fun and creative. Analog photography has rapidly decline since the convenient use of digital photos from smartphones and cameras. It’s still good to cherish instant photos in a very artistic way. Recent photos are posted below, check them out.
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