WARNER MUSIC: CYNDI LAUPER TAKES COUNTRY 'DETOUR' - Album Available From Sire Records On May 6

Lauper Enlists Country Elite For Swinging Duets Including Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Jewel, Alison Krauss, And Willie Nelson - Music Icon Makes Her Sire Records Debut With Her Signature Takes On Country Classics From The ‘40s, ‘50s, And ‘60s

LOS ANGELES – Cyndi Lauper’s celebrated musical journey takes an unexpected southern turn on DETOUR, her 11th studio album, which finds the Grammy®, Emmy® and Tony®-winning singer-songwriter putting her signature spin on a dozen classic country songs.

DETOUR showcases Lauper’s unmistakable voice on country classics from the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s and features guest appearances from county music stars Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, and Willie Nelson. Lauper recorded the album in Nashville alongside a band comprised of the city’s top session players.

The album is Lauper’s first for Sire Records and executive produced by legendary Sire founder, Seymour Stein. DETOUR will be available May 6 on CD, LP, and digitally.

Lauper says recording a country album is something she’s dreamed about for many years. Growing up, she recalls listening to singers like Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Wanda Jackson in her Aunt Gracie’s kitchen. “When I was a really young kid, country music was pop music, so this is what we grew up listening to. These songs are part of some of my earliest memories so it has been an absolute thrill to revisit them.”

Lauper sounds right at home from the start, beginning with the album opener, “Funnel Of Love,” a track Wanda Jackson, the Queen of Rockabilly, recorded in 1960. Another highlight is the rollicking take on “Heartaches By The Number,” a country standard previously covered by everyone from George Jones to Waylon Jennings to Dwight Yoakum. DETOUR also features stunning covers of two classic Pasty Cline songs, “Walkin’ After Midnight” and her #1 smash, “I Fall To Pieces.” Lauper says, “I spent a lot of time in my room singing with Patsy. I had to sing a Patsy Cline song – or two – because her voice was like one of my girlfriends. That’s how close I felt to her.”

For the album, Lauper duets with several special guests, including country music royalty: Emmylou Harris (on the title track), Willie Nelson (“Night Life,” a song he wrote over 50 years ago), Vince Gill (Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty’s “You’re The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly”) and Alison Krauss (Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas.” Jewel also makes an appearance on DETOUR, showcasing her prodigious yodeling skills on “I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart,” which was the first country song by a woman to sell one million copies.

DETOUR

Track Listing

1. “Funnel Of Love”

2. “Detour” - Featuring Emmylou Harris

3. “Misty Blue”

4. “Walkin’ After Midnight”

5. “Heartaches By The Number”

6. “The End Of The World”

7. “Night Life” - Featuring Willie Nelson

8. “Begging To You”

9. “You’re The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly” - Featuring Vince Gill

10. “I Fall To Pieces”

11. “I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart” - Featuring Jewel

12. “Hard Candy Christmas” - Featuring Alison Krauss

Luke Potter | 'Should I Stay' *NEW* Video Review

*EXCLUSIVE* Behind the Scenes photo of Luke Potter (center, facing) during the filming of his new video 'Should I Stay' - photo courtesy of Luke Potter Music

by CA Marshall

Once again, British Indie Pop Artist Luke Potter has delved deep into the heart and pulled out another winner in his newest video release: 'Should I Stay', a song about being emotionally torn in an already delicate relationship thus eliciting the question: Should I Stay (or should I go?).

This isn't something new to the music industry in terms of matters of the heart and song creation from that, but Potter always manages to take those emotions and pull them into one smooth languid gentle tug on the heartstrings in every nuance throughout the song making this a truly unique number.

'Should I Stay' was written by Potter and his good friend Casey Abrams (American Idol) during Abrams visit to the UK in the spring of 2015. It was recorded in Los Angeles and produced by Bleu McAuley (Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Adam Lambert, etc). Abrams provides backing vocals and 'chanting' on the song, which also features Joe Seiders (New Pornographers, Beat Club) playing keyboards and drums. 

*EXCLUSIVE* Behind the scenes of the filming of the 'Should I Stay' video - Photo courtesy of Luke Potter Music

The video (see here) itself is a beautiful instagram-worthy kaleidoscope of color wrought with emotional scene changes and brilliant acting throughout. It's definitely worthy of a watch! 

In following Potter's career over the last couple years, we have seen him really evolve from his 'youthful pop' vibe evolving to 'ripened' themes and lyrics. If you have not seen our recent interview with Potter in our Holiday Issue 2 of Starlight Music Chronicles Magazine check it here!

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iTunes link to 
'Should I Stay'
YouTube Video

Dani Rosenoer *NEW MUSIC* | 'Monkey Prison' Album Review

by CA Marshall

So let's face it: when an Artist takes on an independent solo career alongside their already thriving and established career with a band that has chart-topping music, fans come to expect a certain ‘sound’ when the newest album drops. With the recent release of Three Days Grace (TDG) keyboardist & back up vocalist Dani Rosenoer’s solo album ‘Monkey Prison’ earlier this month, he has broken all the rules in this unique compilation: there is not one track that sounds anything remotely like TDG, it sounds like Dani.

So what does that mean? Well, when you begin listening to each track you really don’t know where it’s going to go – which is exactly what happened when I interviewed Rosenoer (which was probably the most fun interview I’ve had in years!): the man’s extensive and expansive history in the music industry is well documented and this album is an accumulation of these experiences all in one. There is most always a prelude which ranges from (sometimes) electromagnetic heart pumping energy, such as in the Album’s title track Monkey Prison, to a progressive climactic ‘Opera’ vibe in a similarity titled song ‘Hiphopera’, to completely unforgettable piano riffs that stretch the ordinary bounds of what we are used to when we think in terms of ‘piano’ performances in the song ‘Onward’.

This is an album that was carefully thought out by Rosenoer and is creative in its execution: there was a fabulous fundraising campaign that offered fans exclusive benefits, behind the scenes videos of the making of the album (now being released on the Artists Facebook Page), as well as hand delivered ‘Drop Cards’, given by Rosenoer himself which allow the recipients a FREE DOWNLOAD of the album in its entirety.

I had the privilege of speaking to Rosenoer in November 2015 just before a TDG concert in Edmonton, Alberta (Click Here to see the Article in ourDecember, 2015 Issue 2) and since, he has been actively communicating his progress with this brilliant album to Starlight Music Chronicles and we feel very privileged to be a part of his journey.

I first heard about Rosenoer’s solo project through a Reverbnation contest in October, 2015 and was immediately impressed with his song ‘Legacy’ from the upcoming album. After much research and after connecting in November 2015, we continued to follow his journey with the launch of the Album earlier this month and we will continue to do so. This is an Artist who clearly understands what he wants to produce in terms of how far the boundaries of both sound and lyrics should be stretched.

After listening to the compilation, it is safe to say that everything from the high energy guitar riffs featured in the song ‘Taxi’ with TDG Lead Guitarist Barry Stock, to the sinuous sounds created with violinist Eugene Draw (Dr. Draw) in the song ‘Up In Lights’, this is an album that stretches the bounds in terms of vast range in sound structure and theme. My personal favorite would be ‘Place In The Sun’, a gentle melody which lends summer-relaxed quality, and ‘Onward’, a highly addicting song with fast-paced piano riffs and lyrics that leaves one with that ‘feel happy, I’ve-got-this’ kind of joy in their day.

In speaking to Rosenoer recently, he admitted that TDG fans that were waiting for this release were surprised by the difference in sound from what they had become accustomed to and that was really OK by him. ‘Some have said it’s not ‘angry enough’ for them and that’s to be expected. I think ‘Song For Alanna’ and ‘Onward’ are their favorites. I am not much for ‘angry rock’ but I do have to keep an open mind (when planning future compilations). With that being said, folks who have heard it so far have said they love the album!’ said Rosenoer.

Starlight Music Chronicles doesn’t have an iconic ‘Two Thumbs Up’ method of evaluation but we do have the ‘Star System’ and for us, this album was truly worthy of a review with a 4 out of 4 stars on our solar system of music. Well done!

Social Media Links (Click to be directed):

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Monkey Prison *exclusively* available through

PledgeMusic

Album Art for 'Monkey Prison' by Alanna Marie Nish

Album Track List:

1. Monkey Prison

2. Legacy

3. Horizon (Feat. Alex Norman)

4. Onward

5. Place In The Sun

6. Hiphopera

7. Taxi (Feat. Barry Stock)

8. Up In Lights (Feat. Dr. Draw)

9. Minutes In Colour

10. Level Ten

11. Tycoon

12. We Are Villians (Feat. Andy Wood) 

13. Song For Alanna

14. Morning, Day, And Night

SMC Supports LIVE4TAY FOUNDATION for Childhood Cancer Awareness

by CA Marshall

Well it was inevitable that Starlight Music Chronicles would begin supporting organizations on our Affiliates section of the website because as we network with our Brilliant Artists, we are also meeting the organizations and foundations they also support. This one in particular: LIVE4TAY, also is close to home for myself as an individual whose family has also been affected by cancer. 

With all of the recent deaths of our industry greats in the last two weeks alone, and which has devastated fans and friends and family who loved them, when we look at children and their families going through this, it is unfathomable. I do hope that you will all check out the Live 4 Tay website and consider a donation to help a family financially struggling to make ends meet while they try to remain strong for their child. 

We would like to send out condolences to the Filorimo Family for the loss of their beautiful daughter Taylor. You are all doing a wonderful thing to honor her memory and we are happy to help in any way that we can through promotion in our Magazine as well as website. 

We would also like to thank Recording Artist Kaylin Roberson and her family for being so supportive of this family and for bringing awareness to Starlight Music Chronicles via Maria Coleman Filorimo in our February 2016 Artist of the Month competition. (Maria made a lovely post in support of Kaylin in our competition by sharing a song that Kaylin dedicated to Taylor) If we had not have met, this article for awareness would not even be possible. Please head on over to the front page of our website www.starlightmusicchronicles.com to see this video (located just abouve our Social Scene on the right-hand side).

________________

Taylor's Story 

(excerpted from the website: www.live4tay.org)

July 31, 2009 Tay was in Illinois for the ASA Softball Nationals. This was the last time Tay played softball, but she played a much bigger game after that day. In early August of 2009 Taylor Filorimo was diagnosed with a rare form of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). 

On August 4th, 2009 (the reason the number 4 is a part of PRAY 4 TAY), Tay had her very first surgery where they removed three tumors and 5% of her right lung. After numerous tries with different clinical trials and chemotherapy treatments, on Dec.29th, 2011 her scans showed the cancer had spread back into the right lung. In Feb, 2012 Tay was discovered to have more than 23 tumors in and around her lungs, spine and heart! Tay holds the record of being the youngest patient ever diagnosed with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Papillary Type 2, which is most commonly diagnosed in age 50+ year old adults.

Taylor always held a positive attitude, many, many times encouraging her new found friends that she met along her journey who were facing similar situations, as well as being the cheerleader for her family, teammates and closest friends in HER FIGHT! She was always thinking of others. 

In September, 2010, BIOSILK Kids honored Tay's GOLD PROJECT by adding a gold ribbon, along with Tay's story, to the BIOSILK Kids shampoo & conditioner for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. In April, 2012 she inspired Kim Milliken, Clinton's mom, (Clinton, 8, lost his battle fighting Medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor, on January 19, 2012) with a wish from her bucket list to create COLORS FOR HOPE nail polish to honor or remember her friends along this journey. All proceeds from this project go directly toward childhood cancer research. Be sure to Like COLORS FOR HOPE on Facebook! Tay is also responsible for giving life to the phrase HOPE IS EVERYTHING and has immeasurably raised awareness for September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and brought meaning to the GOLD ribbon for many. She also referred to Wednesday every week as HOPE Day. Tay's philosophy on her diagnosis: "I will NOT let the FEAR of cancer STRIKE me out."

Tay played her last inning here on earth on September 5, 2012.  She left a large "bucket list" of things that she didn't have time to accomplish in her quest to raise awareness for childhood cancer and help families that she expects her Warriors to Live 4 Tay and make happen, and we will, with your help, to TAY IT FORWARD!

"I will not let the fear of cancer strike me out!" 

- Taylor Filorimo, 13

The Mission

The Live 4 Tay Foundation supports families who have children with cancer by providing financial assistance generated through fundraising events held to raise awareness for childhood cancer.  We maintain a passionate commitment to raise funds, foster community support, and promote childhood cancer awareness.

The Live 4 Tay Foundation is a community-based organization dedicated to raise awareness for childhood cancer through advocacy and education, and by raising and disbursing funds to provide financial assistance to families who have children with cancer and to organizations that are leading innovative research for the prevention and cure of childhood cancers.

**We at Starlight Music Chronicles look forward to supporting this Organization along with our other affiliates: Morgan's Mission and Project Cuddle and hope to help make a difference in the lives of our youth! Please check out all the social media links below for LIVE4TAY and see the logo on our website in our 'Affiliates' Section to be directed to where you can make a donation. We hope to be able to help this Organization with creative projects such as our Starlight Music Concert for Morgans Mission in June. 

_______________________ 

Social Media Links (Click to be directed):

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Twitter

Website

PLAY4TAY

*NEW* Song Review: BARLEY STATION'S 'LIKE DESTINY' released today!

by CA Marshall

The long awaited single 'Like Destiny' by Missouri based Barley Station has launched today and, well, it's bloody fabulous! It is the band's music which originally connected Vocalist Randy Wayne Belt to Starlight Music Chronicles via mutual industry friends and there is definitely credibility that needs to be recognized here: Randy Wayne Belt is an exceptional writer and it clearly shows in this new release. 

All instrumental, mixing, vocals, and production was created singlehandedly by Randy and it is a credit to both his multitasking abilities & talent that such a pretty song has been created in such a short amount of time! In addition to his meticulous and consistently polished articles that he writes for Starlight Music Chronicles Magazine and online, he is able to continuously create something new every time for Barley Station and keeps up with the growing fan base. 

In the wake of last fall's epic 'Double Star' release on October 15th, 2015, 'Like Destiny' is a Mellifuous blend of both instrumental and vocal brought home with a folk/rock blend truly consistent to what is now known as 'The Barley Station Sound'. 

Congrats on yet another single knocked out of the park!

______________________

To find out more go to (Click to be directed):
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Link to purchase 'Like Destiny': iTunes

JEFF HEALEY ESTATE set to RELEASE 'HEAL MY SOUL': LOST ALBUM to CELEBRATE HEALEY'S 50TH BIRTHDAY

Toronto, ON - The Jeff Healey Estate, in conjunction with Convexe Entertainment / Universal Music, have announced the release of Heal My Soul. Never before heard by the public, this extraordinary lost album will be on sale March 24, 2016, a day before what would have been Healey's 50th birthday. 

The music on Heal My Soul captures Healey in full flight, displaying the virtuosity that made the Toronto native one of the most revered musicians in the world during his all-too-brief lifetime. Key tracks include the blistering "Daze Of The Night," the soaring acoustic ballad "Baby Blue," and Healey's soulful take on Richard Thompson's "I Misunderstood."

In a joint statement, Jeff Healey Estate Co-Administrators Cristie Healey and Roger Costa said, "Heal My Soul is a project that we have wanted to tackle for years. A 'lost' album, it contains material recorded during one of the most creative periods in Jeff's rock career. Until now, it has never seen the light of day. Jeff was very proud of this work and it features some of the most powerful and impassioned performances he ever committed to record. With complete creative control we've laboured hard, tracking down recordings, identifying the right performances, restoring them to their proper stature and mixing and mastering them from the ground up. This has been a true labour of love for us from beginning to end and we're absolutely thrilled to be able to finally share this significant release with the world."

Healey is remembered as one of the most outstanding guitarists and all-around musicians of the past 30 years. He lost his sight during early childhood due to retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer. Playing guitar since the age of 3, he developed the distinctive lap-style guitar technique that helped bring him international attention by his late teens. A Grammy nominee and JUNO Award winner, his five releases with The Jeff Healey Band totaled millions of sales worldwide. Over the course of his career, he also shared stages and earned the admiration of countless other musicians including B.B. King, Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, George Harrison, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the Allman Brothers Band. Jeff Healey died on March 2, 2008 at age 41 after a three-year battle with sarcoma cancer.

Heal My Soul Track Listing:

1.  Daze Of The Night

2.  Moodswing

3.  Baby Blue

4.  I Misunderstood

5.  Please

6.  Love In Her Eyes

7.  Temptation

8.   Kiss The Ground You Walk On

9.   All The Saints

10. Put The Shoe On The Other Foot

11. Under A Stone

12. It's The Last Time

Heaven's Newest Angels | Editor's Personal tribute to David Bowie, Alan Rickman, & Rene Angelil

by CA Marshall

As I posted this banner (above) on our Starlight Music Chronicles Facebook Page as well as my personal wall, a friend shared it with the comment: 'They say it comes in threes' and it had me remembering that this was always something my mother used to say. And then, I began to reminisce.....

I am not writing about the chronological lifetime or career of each of these distinguished gentlemen. I am not going to write about the complete state of shock or sadness the world is in that we are about to bury yet two more of these magnificent souls taken by the very same disease (cancer) as their predecessor, Mr. David Bowie within days and in today's case, the very same day as one another.

I am going to write about what each of these three gentlemen brought positively and personally to my world and what enrichment they have leant to my life as a result of leaving this world. 

DAVID BOWIE

'Little China Girl' was the first song that truly had me at 'hello' with our beloved Blackstar (click here to read my review on the album). I remember the 80's very fondly because of musicians like New Order, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Culture Club, and David Bowie (to name a few). I guess I always did have a thing for British Pop/Rock/Alternative culture and it is something that has not left me to this day.

Memories of listening to David Bowie on the radio brings me back to a time in my life where I was transitioning from a young girl to a grown woman and with each passing year, his music brought color and culture into my life through his lyrics, keen fashion sense, and unique sound. I will always maintain that the very sound of his voice catapults me right back to that time and the greatest days of my life. It was a time when my mother was very healthy, I was having a blast in High School and College and there wasn't any worry about this thing called death. I will always associate him with the best time in my life. 

I will miss the art of the man they called 'Ziggy Stardust' and more importantly, the man who brought me true appreciation of British Music culture. 

ALAN RICKMAN

Sense and Sensibility was not the first time I saw Actor & Director Alan Rickman on the silver screen but it is truly my most memorable moment of this fine Actor. You see, this movie came out at a time in my life when romance was in full bloom as it was the same year I was married. 

I remember this transition time in my life also very fondly and I began avidly following Alan throughout his career for the simple fact that he embodied everything that romance stood for to me: he portrayed gentle, calm, delicate, kind, loyal, protective and loving roles in other films as well (aside from his appearance in Die Hard and the Harry Potter series). It helped me to transition from the young woman dating boys to the adult woman who had become a wife and mother all within a few years span. I have often related to books and exceptional Actors in many rites of passage in my life and that has often helped get me through. I am a huge Jane Austen fan as well and Alan brought the role of Colonel Brandon to life in a way that so few Actors could ever do. His art will also be missed greatly.

RENE ANGELIL

As a fan and connoisseur of Celine Dion from the mid nineties until today, it is safe to say that 'behind every great woman, there is a great man'. This man was René Angélil.

I have always seen the love and support my mother received in her last days with my father who took such care of her in her last days of her life. Similarly, I saw this same pattern in this great man who taught me endurance and trust and to cherish the bonds between friends, family, and otherwise and I really admired him for that. I know, I know, I admire a LOT of industry people but really, isn't that what life is all about? Having a passion for what you do and loving it? 

This was a tough one to hear about because I feel that the time between these two magnificent people was cut way too short and I am reminded today that we are not getting any younger....the relationships and bonds we build in our lifetimes are precious. Hold the ones you hold dear close. 

In closing and as an industry professional, I am sending my condolences to all of the families affected by these losses. As an individual, I would like to add this:

We are often busy getting 'to that thing' we need to do or 'hurrying up time' to 'get through' life. I caution you all to stop today and calm your mind, grab a warm blanket and a cup of tea and just allow yourself to be.....really be, and connect to whomever or whatever brings you peace. Tomorrow is uncertain, yesterday is a memory, but this very moment is what you've got so make it everything you want it to be~

Candice Anne Marshall

Editor | Starlight Music Chronicles

THE CAT EMPIRE TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM RISING WITH THE SUN MARCH 4

Toronto, ON - Inspired to get their new music out to fans as soon as possible, The Cat Empire have brought the release date of their new album 'Rising With The Sun forward to March 4  (Two Shoes / Fontana North). "The music is finished, the artwork is done, we're all excited about getting the album out as quickly as we can, so people have time to listen to it ahead of our world tour this year. So we are moving the release date forward a week to March 4" explains lead vocalist Felix Riebl.

The cover art was created by local Sydney and ARIA Award winning artist Aaron Hayward. Inspired by a traditional Mexican design known as an "Ojos de Dios" (Eye of God), these designs were traditionally created for a celebration, and often presented as a gift to bless a home. Inside, the booklet art will feature the faces of over 3,500 lucky fans of The Cat Empire from around the world who were quick to respond to the bands call to fans to share their faces for the artwork. The band posted; "We know The Cat Empire fan to be a spirited, international, ageless, music loving person who loves to dance and have a good time. But sometimes from stage the audience can start to look like a blur of faces. We want to know who you are, and we want to be able to see each and every one of your faces. So we are going to shine the spotlight back on The Cat Empire global army of fans for a moment, and ask you to share a photo of yourself with us".

The album was recorded during 2015 in their home town of Melbourne, Australia with sought after producer and long-time friend Jan Skubiszewski.  The band fit managed to fit in recording sessions in between touring commitments which saw them play to a global audience of over half a million people, including headlining some of the world's biggest festivals, and a sold out show at London's iconic Royal Albert Hall.

 "We kept everything fresh" front man Riebl reveals. "We were confident because we had a sound from our previous record (2013's Steal The Light) that we were really happy with, so that was our starting point... it was just a matter of going back to that physical space and coming up with new songs."

"The spontaneous side of our music is the thing people are drawn to," adds co-front man Harry James Angus. "We started each day with all the musicians finding their seat, and we'd get a sound and play. Something would sound good and we'd develop a song out of it. Felix and I both brought ideas we'd already developed to the table but they were able to be borne out in the band in a very spontaneous way".

With two songs already released including 'Que Sera Ahora', which the band have been performing as part of their set throughout Europe, and the triple j / double j favourite 'Wolves', fans have already had a glimpse at The Cat Empire's new material.

The songs on Rising With The Sun feel explosive and custom built for festivals. Riebl makes no secret about what the intention is for these songs. "You can play it on a big stage. The choruses are ones people can sing. The rhythms really work."

Pre-sales for the new album will go live this week on the bands website. A 100% independent band globally, The Cat Empire have the freedom to offer fans exactly what they want, and they are doing just that with pre-order packages that include coveted opportunities like attending sound check, one on one music workshops with band members, Harry and Ollie performing in people's homes, signed memorabilia, limited edition packages of CD/digital and vinyl versions of Rising With The Sun, artisan crafted jewellery, handmade artworks of the album art, and many more offerings to make the fans smile. Fans in Canada will not have long to wait to see the band live with a Canadian tour being announced soon.

Check out "Wolves" video below

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Masterpiece 'LIVE' Art by Just Joe Clarke

by CA Marshall

It isn't everyday that you come across something as completely extraordinary and different with individuals such as Joe Clarke on this Earth when you consider the likes of many of the Great Artists like Picasso, Renior, Monet, Degas, Klimt, and Davinci  (to name a few) who have also walked a similar path to greatness with their Art. 

Last February, I was witness to this unique individual when we met at an Art Battle competition. Art Battle (www.artbattle.ca) is the Art World's filmed version of 'The Voice' or 'American Idol' where 12 Artists compete in two rounds of 6 to make it to the top 4 who compete in a final round of live painting which is a race to complete their painting in 20 minutes. Joe happened to be in my round and upon meeting him in his iconic over-sized 'Mad Hatter' hat, I knew instantly this was someone different. After our first round, I discovered I was right! (see photo below for one of Joe's finished pieces from the event)

Art Battle - February 2015 where I met Joe

Known in the Artist Community as: Just Joe Clarke, this Artist has been paving his path for the last seven years as an outlet to channel his own personal healing process. The result is nothing short of amazing. 

In addition to his already vibrant and stunning paintings, Joe has incorporated a canvas of a different sort: Live Models. Yep! You heard it right: Joe literally paints models into his canvases making for a truly unique Live Art Display that has the whole community talking. In fact, he has also turned his art into a means of giving back to the community with the inception of his Breast Cancer calendar that will be a topic for discussion on CTV news in the coming weeks. (don't worry, we will be sure to share it:)). (see below)

An Artist and his Muse - Joe preps a model for his painting featured at the start of this article

So why are we talking today about fine Arts instead of Music? Well we are happy to announce that Joe has come on board as our resident Artist for the new 'ARTS' section of Starlight Music Chronicles Magazine! In our December 2015 issue we began phasing in Fashion and now, we are delving into the Arts as a way to support our communities globally and locally (also, we've been asked, 'Are you going to add an ARTS section to the magazine?) So - voila! There you have it: if you click on Just Joe Clarke's name at the start of this feature you can be directed to his brand new page on our site. From there, you may contact Joe directly to commission a painting, connect to his blog, find out more about him, or even discuss with him the possibility of a feature in our Magazine. 

Welcome to the Team Joe!

(click below)
Just Joe Clarke on SMC 
Just Joe Clarke's Artist Blog

David Bowie: Epic Release of BLACKSTAR Album & Birthday Wishes

by CA Marshall

I really thought I had begun the year on a positive note when I saw the new Star Wars movie for the first time only this week, but as luck would have it, my ears were treated to it's absolute equivalent with the release of David Bowie's 'BLACKSTAR' album today, his 69th Birthday. 

I have listened to this album from beginning to end and it is safe to say this: in his whole career from the 'good ole days' (known as Ziggy Stardust to our younger generation of readers) right through the 80's (when I was introduced to his epic awesomeness) up to this very moment as I type these words, David Bowie is and always will be the epitome of EPIC COOL.

Classic Bowie as 'Ziggy Stardust'

This album is all new and yet, all familiar in its content: the lyrics and sound in each song are truly reminiscent of a time long ago when Bowie was known as 'the strange one' and yet, they reflect a man who has effortlessly and unquestionably pulled off this 'epic weirdness' with the kind of class that is uniquely his own: it is just who he is and who we know him to be. 

I believe that a younger generation of listeners are in for a real treat with this album and I really mean that. In a day where there is so much production of 'cookie cutter' music (let's call it that for arguments sake), this album goes beyond something new: it is a special and unique compilation of Bowie's vintage sounds mixed with modern jazz accents that are perfectly suited to everything from the ecclectic Artsy College crowds to the high class society Dinner Parties to that moment when one just needs to sit down, chill the ____ out, and be taken to a place otherworldly. Clearly, this mastermind has mastered his own Art and has gone a step beyond with this album.

No other song is the same in this album yet they are completely Bowie: reflective, new age, modern, vintage, (modern and vintage? yes - a feat Bowie pulls off well!) classy, fun, unique, and different! And don't get me started on this man's iconic vocals: they are flawless and reminiscent of the 'Little China Girl' days that I remember where just hearing his voice made my ears perk right up. 

I am extremely picky about what I choose to listen to over and over and over again. It has to really have staying power for me to want to hear a song (no less, an album) more than once but this album in it's entirety is impeccable and is already on my iPod, iPad, iPhone and will be for years and years to come. 

Thank you David Bowie. You have treated US on YOUR birthday to the greatest gift of all: you. Happy Birthday to you and and to the inception of BLACKSTAR!

Does it get any better than this? 

PS: My favourite songs on this album are 'Girl Loves Me', and 'I Can't Give Everything Away'. Impeccable and Classic. Also, see Star Wars and you'll know what I mean.

Enjoy!

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The *NEW* BLACKSTAR Album

David Bowie on Social Media:

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iTunes to Purchase BLACKSTAR