Shay Esposito | October 2015 Artist of the Month Winner!

It seems as though the month of September came and went like a swift breeze on a hot summers day: gentle and welcome with a lovely impact and result. I suppose, this would be one of many ways to describe Edmonton, Alberta, Canadian born Indie Pop Artist Shay Esposito. There are many facets to this young lady who has begun blazing a trail so bright that all of her friends, family, fans, and supporters voted her as the Winner of the October 2015 Starlight Music Chronicles Artist of the Month competition. One of the biggest ways that Shay has connected to her fans is through the reality of her own life experiences (see Hope Through Music Below) and it is her empathetic nature that she has been able to not only heal through her own music, but also to touch the lives of others with the same struggles she has been working to overcome.

Shay is our third Artist of the Month for Starlight MusicChronicles and we couldn’t be more proud to have such another lovely addition to what is becoming one of the most talked about and exciting Indie Music Competitions on a global scale. Shay will be featured alongside her peers and previous month’s winners: Olivia Rose (August 2015 Winner), and Matt Warface –IAMWARFACE (September 2015 Winner) in our first inaugural Starlight Music Chronicles Magazine which launches just prior to Halloween 2015.

In addition, Shay will be competing with past and future alumni in July of next year for the Artist of the Year competition for yearlong promotion on the Starlight Music Chronicles Website as well as our quarterly Magazine. We are very excited to have Shay as part of our Artist Alumni and look forward to supporting her musical journey!

Congrats Shay!

CA Marshall | Editor  

Starlight Music Chronicles

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Shay Esposito: HopeThrough Music

Shay isn’t just a singer; she is a gifted lyricist, a poetry lover, and motivational speaker. Her lyrics come from her soul and have great meaning and depth. She is a poet who is gifted with a beautiful voice. There is no greater joy for her then taking her poetry and arranging it into a song to share with the world. She has merged her love of singing with her love of writing, which culminated in the release of “For Annie,” her first full-length album of eight songs in June 2014. Her song writing has already been noticed in the industry, as she made semi-finalist in the International Song writing Competition, the finals in the UK Song writing Competition, and the Top 5 in the It’s Your Shot competition. Shay is an inspirational speaker, giving talks on the important topic of youth mental health. Having suffered from depression and anxiety from a young age, she has a unique ability to reach out and connect with other teens suffering from this illness. She speaks out on a topic that most teens shy away from and suffer with in silence. As a result of Shay’s experiences and desire to bring awareness to this very real issue, she has been invited to speak and perform at several conference events. Some of the topics Shay speaks about are: depression and anxiety, self-harm, peer pressure, bullying, warning signs, self-help, confidence building, coping mechanisms: music, writing, sports, other youth-specific issues as requested, self-help, and confidence building.

The Program

Shay loves sharing her message of strength and hope with youth. Her presentation can include a talk and may be accompanied by a performance of a few original songs or a mini concert. She can present to large audiences in a dedicated assembly, or small classes on specific topics in a more intimate setting. Her program fits well with schools’ wellness days, and with health class curricula covering mental health issues and other mental health organization presentations. Shay does not ask for a fee for her presentation, but requests a small honorarium/donation to cover travel costs. When at a speaking venue, Shay would like to have access to a secure room to store her belongings and warm up her voice. Standard for vocalists, please provide Shay with fresh, room temperature water.

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The Interview - October 3^rd

Starlight Music Chronicles | Shay Esposito

SMC - What is your family origin? Did you grow up in Edmonton?

Shay -  I was born in St. Albert and moved out to a small town called Calahoo when I was six years old. I grew up and went to school in Sturgeon County.

SMC - How do you feel about being a part of the Starlight Music Chronicles Alumni?

Shay - I feel incredibly honored to have won and even have been considered for October’s Artist of the Month. I am so grateful to SMC and everybody that voted for me.

SMC -  What kinds of things do you hope to be able to promote in your month-long feature on SMC?

Shay -  I hope to promote mental health awareness as well as myself as an artist and motivational speaker.

SMC -  How many public speaking events have you been to to date?

Shay -  In the last year I have spoken/performed at between 15- 20 events

SMC - Where were they?

Shay -  Most of my speaking/performing opportunities have been within schools in Edmonton and the surrounding areas. Although I have presented at schools and conferences throughout Alberta. I spoke at a Conference called Dream Big (a conference to empower young women,) Shaping the Future (a conference put on by Ever Active Schools catering to health care Practitioners and educators), Stories that Matter (an event to celebrate sharing stories of success for teens, The Jack Satellite Summit (a student led organization to bring awareness to mental illness and suicide prevention) and at several health and wellness summits hosted by schools within the education system.

SMC -  What satisfaction do you get out of your public speaking engagements?

Shay - It’s a very heart-warming feeling to know that I am making a difference in the lives of those that have been suffering with mental illness. It aids my own healing as well knowing that I can make a difference.

  

SMC - What is you most favorite song for getting your point across about teens suffering with bullying, mental health issues, or suicidal thoughts?

Shay - My favorite song to share is I See Everything, off of my album For Annie because it speaks directly from my darkest days and I think it’s relatable to anyone that has ever felt different.

SMC - What advise do you have for teens struggling every day with this?

Shay - My advice is to start living life for yourself. Start doing what makes you happy and forget about what other people think. Focus on your own well being because that’s the only way you’ll truly be able to help yourself.

  

SMC - What was your coping mechanism?

Shay -  My coping mechanism was making music. Singing and writing was my outlet for me and it’s how I released all of the emotions I couldn’t talk about.

SMC - Who was your mentor?

Shay - I have had may mentors over the years, vocal coaches, friends, family, my sister and of course my parents. I can’t really pick just one. I wouldn’t be where I am without the guidance and support of every person in my life.

  

SMC - Who is your music mentor?

Shay - I would say my biggest music mentor is Trey Mills. He is an artist manager and Juno nominated producer. He really believes in me and has been an amazing friend and invaluable source of information. He produced my album and I rely heavily on him for guidance in this crazy music industry.

SMC - Who have you written a song with lately?

Shay - I have been writing all of my songs on my own. My producer has helped me with some arrangements and melodies but the lyrics are all mine. I haven’t yet had the opportunity to do any co-writing.

  

SMC -  Is there any new music we can look for coming out in the next few months?

Shay - We have a few songs that are nearly finished, with a few more in production. Hopefully I will have some new music out for my fans soon!

SMC - Are there any exciting tours you can leak any information about?

Shay - I just confirmed a gig in Winnipeg. I have been invited to sing a song or two with Robb Nash at an arena show in November. Robb is one of my biggest inspirations so to be able perform with him is going to be amazing. I have also recently booked a 5-school tour in northern Alberta the end of November which I am pretty excited about.

SMC -  Who is your most favorite person to collaborate to date with and why?

Shay -  I haven’t done a lot of collaborations yet. I have really only worked with my producer Trey Mills. I do love working with him, he understands me and how I think and we really work well together.

SMC - Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?

Shay - I would love to do a collaboration with the band La Dispute. I think they are amazing writers and their lyrics are really captivating. To be able to work with them would be a dream come true.

  

SMC - What would be your dream tour as an opening act?

Shay -  I would love to be an opening act to a band like Paramore, or a singer like Lana Del Ray, or any of those amazing female powerhouses with unique voices and unique styles.

SMC - Who are your influences?

Shay - Lyrically, I would say my influences come from a band called La Dispute. They are powerful and clever writers and they set the bar that I hope to reach with my own writing some day. Vocally, I would say Hayley Williams of Paramore is a great influence.

SMC - How has your family been supportive?

Shay -  My family has always been very supportive and invested in my music, coming to all of my shows and always looking for more gigs for me to play, paying for years of vocal lessons and driving me all over the city for workshops and performances. I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive family to back me on such an up and down path.

SMC - How do you feel about competing with 11 other winning Artists of the Month next year for a year-long free promo spot on Starlight Music Chronicles?

Shay - I’m excited to be a part of it and I’m going to give it my all!

SMC -  Have you song written with anyone before and if so, who is your fave?

Shay - I haven’t had an opportunity to write with anyone else yet. The hard thing about co-writing, is finding a middle ground between too drastically different artists. There are a lot of artists in my area but stylistically it’s tough to find someone similar to me. That being said, I would love to give it a try.

SMC - What was/is your coolest fan experience?

Shay - My coolest fan experience was after a speech and performance I did in Grand Prairie as a junior high school. There was this group of girls that just latched on to me after the show like I was a friend they’d known their whole lives. It’s a great feeling because that shows me that I really connected with them on stage and I got through to them on an emotional level.

SMC - What was your worst or scariest fan experience?

Shay - My scariest fan experiences have all happened over twitter. I’m sure everyone can relate to this. Guys are very direct and very creepy over twitter.

SMC - Tell us 5 things that no one knows about you

Shay - Five things that no one knows about me.

1. I love to take baths. They’re my favorite pastime, I seriously take one

every day. I will put off going out with my friends because I haven’t

taken a bath yet that day. I will refuse my Dad’s amazing cooking

because I want to take a bath.

2. I’m an anime fangirl. Always have been, always will be.

3. I’m terrified of moths. And I mean terrified.

4. I’m in love with penguins. I want like at least eight.

5. While all of that makes me sound like a dainty little fragile girl, I’m also one of the most fiercely protective people you will ever meet. That means you do not mess with the people close to me because I will end you.

SMC-  Who would you like to thank for getting you to where you are today?

Shay - I would like to thank my parents and my sister for always supporting me and pushing me to work hard. Bernard Quilala for being my vocal coach for years and helping me realize my sound. Trey Mills, my producer, for being a great mentor and friend throughout our working together. Bryan Hetherman for seeing potential in me and putting me in touch with the people I needed to take my career to the next level. And finally, every fan, friend, or family member that has ever believed in me and stood by me whenever I needed them. Thank you!

SMC - What would you call your fashion edge?

Shay - I honestly don’t know, I’m pretty hopeless when it comes to fashion. Maybe that’s my edge. “I don’t know what I’m doing but it’s kind of working for me!”

SMC - Any tattoos? If so, what are they are what are their meanings?

Shay - I have one tattoo (so far) and it’s a bow on my left index finger. I got it to represent a promise I’d made to myself to never self-harm again.

SMC -  What have you noticed is your audience range?

Shay - My audience range is fairly broad. I’ve found that I can direct my music at teens, and gain an even larger following by enveloping their family members, parents, teacher and peers into that equation.

SMC -  Any new videos coming out soon?

Shay -  Right now I am working on some my EP so that is going to take priority. Once my EP is done I would love to create a music video for one of my songs. That said if the right opportunity presented itself to do a new video on one of my current songs I would seriously consider it.

SMC - What qualities do you dislike in others?

Shay- Pretentiousness, the need to demean, the need to feel superior, and general selfishness.

SMC - What qualities do you admire?

Shay - I admire honesty. “Honest” is probably one of the hardest descriptions to pin to someone without any doubt.

SMC - Do you feel you have gotten a lot of peer support over the years?

Shay - Peer support is tough because when you’re growing up, your peers don’t want to see you succeed more than they have succeeded. That being said, I have a few very close friends that have supported me unendingly from the very start. Those are the type of friends you shouldn’t ever let go of.

SMC - How was/is it like attending school knowing your vocation? Are your friends supportive of your career choice?

Shay - My friends are very supportive. That’s why they’re my friends. In high school, you meet people that have common interests with you, and I spent all of my time with the music kids because they understood me and supported me. Everyone always has those few people that don’t believe in them or think they’re not going to succeed, and maybe it’s worse when you’re still in high school, but it’s easy to ignore when you have as good of friends as I did.

SMC - What advice would you give to children or teens wanting to pursue a career in the music industry or the arts?

 Shay -  My advice is find your own unique style and do what you love, because the trick to making people love you is making them feel the passion that you have for your art. If you can share that, captivate people and make them feel something, then you’re already a pro and you don’t need any advice from me.

SMC - Where do you plan on touring with your public speaking campaigns in the future?

Shay - I would like to do a cross-Canada tour. That’s my first goal because if I can touch a nation, I can change an entire generation’s views on mental illness.

SMC - Name three quirky things about yourself that fans would find interesting

Shay - Three quirky things about me:

1. I am obsessed with the Legend of Zelda. I’ve played Twilight Princess seven times. The only Zelda games I haven’t played are the Gameboy advance games because I never had one BUT I’m an adult now and I can buy myself a Gameboy advance so just you wait.

2. I love books. They’re the perfect escape. Also, I fall in love with book characters and I am not ashamed.

3. If you haven’t caught on already, I’m actually a real dweeb and the fact that so many people tell me “it’s so ‘cool’ that you’re a singer” and “oh you’re a public speaker? ‘cool!’” is actually hysterical to me. If only they knew.

SMC - What is the first five songs playing in your iPod?

Shay -  Alright, I shuffled my music and these are the first five songs to play. (1) Skeleton Key by Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s (2) Self-Disclosure by A Bullet for Pretty Boy (3) Windows by Awolnation (4) In Your Eyes by Kate Boy (5) Million Dollar Man by Lana Del Ray.

SMC - If you had to do it all over again, would you? What would you differently?

Shay - I wouldn’t do anything over again. Every mistake I’ve made has made me who I am, and I like who I am today.

SMC - How do you feel about winning October Artist of the Month AND being featured in the first ever Edition of Starlight Music Chronicles Magazine?

 Shay - I am so excited and so grateful to be a part of this, and I couldn’t be happier. Thanks so much to SMC for this wonderful opportunity and to everyone that voted for me!

SMC  - Are there any final words or things you would like to share with your fans?

Shay - Just thank you for supporting me, I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of my amazing family and friends and I feel incredibly honored to know that you’re all rooting for me!

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Upcoming Live Show Dates for Shay Esposito:

October 10th - Judge the Grand Finals - Edmonton Singing Competition
October 27th - Emcee, speaker and performer and HASS (Healthy Active School Symposium)
October - November - 5 day tour Northern Alberta Schools - dates TBA
November 16th, 2015 - Invited to sing on stage with Robb Nash at one of his concerts.

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BIO (as per the Artist`s website)

Shay Esposito – Bio Shay Esposito has been singing and writing her entire life. She has had the honor of singing at many fundraising events, helping to raise money for various charities and has become a strong advocate in the youth mental health movement. In 2013, 15-year old Esposito became the youngest Artist to receive a Rawlco Radio 10k20 Project Grant. As a result, Shay recorded and released her debut album in June, 2014 and has gone on to receive worldwide recognition. Esposito was nominated for “Best Underage Recording of the year” - Edmonton Music Awards, 2013, “Rising Star” – Edmonton Music Awards, 2014 & 2015, “Rising Star,” semi finalist in the 2013 & 2014 International Songwriting Competition, and her song “Medication” was a finalist in the 2014 UK Songwriting Competition. Esposito was also a Top 5 Finalist in Canada’s “It’s Your Shot” Songwriter Competition which is run by Slaight Music, in partnership with Warner Music Canada. In addition to singing and songwriting, Esposito is an inspirational speaker, speaking to teens, educators and healthcare practitioners on the importance of being yourself, following your dreams, never giving up, anxiety, mental illness, and depression. She believes strongly that by sharing her own struggle, perseverance and triumph over depression and anxiety she can bring some awareness to the issues surrounding youth mental health. Shay was a keynote speaker for the Dream Big conference and Shaping the Future conference as well as the Jack Satellite Summit. She has traveled throughout Alberta speaking to students and educators in the school setting about this very important topic. As a result of her work she has been nominated for Alberta’s Great Kids award in addition to Emerging artist – St. Albert Mayor’s Recognition of the Arts Award. Esposito is a gifted singer, and thoughtful lyricist with an important message for her peers. Her lyrics are honest and real and touch on subjects more typically uncommon in popular music. Big things are in the future for this young artist.

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Shay`s Social Media:

Website: www.shayesposito.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shayesposito.music
Twitter: @Shay_Esposito
Reverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/shayesposito

IAMWARFACE | September 2015 Artist of the Month Winner!

Editors Note | CA Marshall

This competition was FIERCE! Not in the way that there were any people getting hurt or malice, rather, it was the FUN kind! The Starlight Music Chronicles Artist of the Month competitions have only been running for two months now and the pandemonium that has ensued has gotten seriously intense. The first month for the competition which ran throughout the month of July 2015 for the August 2015 winner was the calm before the storm. The 10 Indie Artists were very quiet on the event page and guests were content to watch as Starlight Music Chronicles posted the Artist info throughout the month and as gracefully as it swept in, our August 2015 Artist of the Month Olivia Rose gracefully swept into her role as winner of the competition.

Then August happened. Registrations for the August Artist of the Month competition were like horses kicking at the barn door! To be honest, we had all 10 Indie Artists registered by the end of July and ready for voting! Since these contests run until the 27^th of each month (to allow for interviews and changeover on the website for the new reigning Artist of the Month) fans, friends, and family had almost four weeks of straight voting! In fact, when we made the voting poll live just after midnight August 1^st, the voters were off to a running start!

So what made this month so much more intense than last month? Once Artists realized they were able to promote themselves along with us, Banners, Videos, Posters, you name it, they made it! (see banner by this month’s winner IAMWARFACE below as well as a fan video graciously donated for this article by Elodia Gahan!). In addition, Artists camaraderie had also begun. It was really nice to see all of the competitors complimenting and congratulating and friending one another on facebook while the contest was STILL RUNNING!

So here we are, another month has passed and we are now launching IAMWARFACE (aka: Matt Warface to his nearest and dearest) as the reigning champion of the September 2015 Starlight Music Chronicles Artist of the Month. To be fair, a huge shout out needs to go out to the other Artists who took the time to compete in this competition such as: Rachel Woznow, Olivia Wik, MichaelResin, Lynda LAW, Jerry Hull, Mohsin Zaman, Three Beards, Brian Mackey, and Lunden Reign. (Please click on their names to check out their fan pages on facebook!)

Now, here’s where we get to congratulate Matt (Warface) for his title as Winner of the September 2015 Artist of the Month Competition. His loyal fan base has been waiting for this moment since he signed up for the contest and have been sending their applause all the way around the world. We are very pleased with his enthusiasm, candor, talent, great sense of humor (come on! He’s British, who are notorious for their awesome sense of humor!), determination and excellence in his craft, and most of all his Sportsmanship – he was completely graceful and considerate throughout the competition (as were all the others) and it is this kind of persona which will carry this Artist very far in his career.

So, without further adieu, let’s get on with our formal interview!

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SMC Interview with Matt Warface | IAMWARFACE

August 30^th, 2015

SMC: How old are you?

Matt: 31

SMC: Where are you originally from?

Matt: I've always lived in and around the Twickenham/greater London area, famous for its world class rugby team! JUST MOVED TO BRIGHTON BABY!!!

SMC: What is your music history? Meaning: where did you first begin playing and picking up music?

Matt: Well, I guess it began when I did a job for a guy who was a drum teacher. I was eager to learn drums, so in exchange he gave me lessons. Apparently I was a natural. Played for around 5 years. It was only when after seeing Scott Weiland from STP perform that inspired me to become a front man. The rest is history.

SMC: What would you say is the best description of your genre? These days, some Artists use a combination of titles....

Matt: Dark Avant-Garde electro rock

SMC: What makes IAMWARFACE unique/stand out/unique?

Matt: I don't care if I fall into a category or not. But, who can say? That's not a question for me to answer. I'll leave that to the listeners.

SMC: What is your loyal fan base and where do they span in what countries?

Matt: Mostly I'd say Germany, Russia, USA, and the UK

SMC: What is your first weird fan experience?

"I got stalked in North Carolina by a very overzealous fan who thought I was Jim Morrison reincarnated. Really freaked me out when she asked me to make out with her and her boyfriend in the local grave yard! She even followed me back to my hotel room, crying and sobbing like a mad woman. I ended up hiding under a big blue tarpaulin until she left. Was very scary. I was a quivering wreck. Lol."

SMC: List 10 things about you that no one knows?

Matt: I have double jointed fingers. I can hold my breath for 2 minutes. I suffer from mild Tourette's syndrome, I regularly have panic attacks, I often have baths that last for hours, I love animals, I have a raging foot fetish, I hate Brussel sprouts, I hate most TV, I love humans.

SMC: When did you first learn of the Artist of the Month Competition?

MATT: I honestly can't remember! I think it was on Twitter. I just remember a pretty young lady asking me if I would like to enter!

SMC: Would you recommend it to any Indie Artists wishing for exposure globally? And if so, why?

Matt: Absolutely! Just for the fact that it's run in a very professional manner and very supportive of the artists!

SMC: What kinds of things are you going to be promoting on you new page throughout September? Any cool videos, projects, etc you would like to share?

Matt: Well, I will be releasing a single that will accompany a video in mid to late October, the song is Fear The Future. I'm still waiting on a final edit of the video but it really is something quite special! Very David Lynchian!

SMC: What is your coolest fan moment?

Matt: Just happened last night! I was at SW4 festival and got recognised by a stranger shouting "IAMWARFACE!!!!"

SMC: Who inspires you to keep you motivated?

Matt: Life inspires me! If I didn't have my music or art as an outlet I'd have gone mad years ago!

SMC: I was reading that you are a solo band. However, I have seen some You Tube videos of a band playing with you. Are they part of IAMWARFACE?

Matt: I am a solo project. I basically write, perform, record and produce most of my tracks. For live purposes, I use backing tracks, my brother Stephen is an awesome drummer, and playing bass and guitar is Richie a lovely chap! They are both very talented!

SMC: What was it like growing up where you live? Did you have a lot of family support?

"My family have always been behind me but they think I should concentrate on a proper job. It was pretty boring where I grew up. Not much in the way of music scene or excitement. I wasted time pranking people and getting arrested for silly things like dressing up as a ninja at 3 in the morning and stealing milk bottles."

SMC: How do you feel about the growing rate of teenage suicide/mental disorders/ depression in young adults these days? Is there a message through your music or a personal experience you could tell to the youth of the next generation that might give them hope or inspire them in some way? I am not sure if you are familiar, but SMC works with Morgan’s Mission, which is a family who began their quest to bring awareness to schools and teens about the serious effects of teen suicide (the family lost their twin sister/daughter at the age of 13. Bailey Dunbar is our Teen Writer for SMC and she has been using it as a wonderful outlet for her grieving process and she is a phenomenal writer too! She was Morgan’s twin sister)

"Wow, she sounds like an amazing strong person! Bless her. It's a difficult subject to get your head around, as each person is completely different and has different reasons for being depressed. Young people are led to believe that there's no hope and no future! The media do like remind us of this fact! However, there are loads of things to be positive about! Listen to good music, surround yourself with good people, nurture friendships, be open and honest, look around at the world, turn off your TV, be creative, write, perform, never grow up, listen to your heart! I used to have regular panic attacks and I'm a little bi-polar, sometimes even waking up wishing I was dead! It's a horrible thought process. But, I have NEVER taken prescription drugs or anti-depressants! I try to stay away from bad foods and eat well. Feed the body with goodness and the mind will also be healthy! It's not always easy with a fast-paced life style. And I regularly fall into the trap of drinking too much or over indulging. I try to make time for myself and my thoughts, that's where my creativity comes from. I'm always struggling with life and it's challenges, but I know I'm not alone. That gives me strength."

SMC: What are your personal experiences /challenges within the music industry in the UK?

Matt: It's a strange place, these days, a lot of labels are scared to sign something that's a bit different in case it fails and they lose their job. The industry is in a state of flux, there's no real money to be made from the sales of albums anymore. It used to be that you'd tour to promote your albums, now it's the reverse, you write and record an album to promote your tour! Crazy!

SMC: How do you feel about winning this competition?

Matt: Well seeing as I've never won anything before, I was over the moon!!!!

SMC: What advice would you give to others in this competition based on your experience?

Matt: Just enjoy it! Go with the flow.

SMC: How many live shows have you performed at and where?

"Hundreds! In previous bands, played in North Carolina, New York, Isle of Skye festival with Kasabian and Echo and The Bunnymen to name a few. With IAMWARFACE, only one so far at the fledgling Into the Wild festival. I hope to play there again next year! Such an amazing location and the people are awesome! Best festival ever. I'm currently in the process of moving to Brighton on the south coast, so once I'm settled, I'm going to start booking more shows. Playing live is the best part of being in a band."

SMC:  Name ten things that you love about your Music.

Matt: I don't know if I can name ten things. What I can say is, I make music that I want to hear, so I tend to listen to my own music a lot of the time. That may sound narcissistic, but as I said, I make music I want to hear.

SMC: Name ten things you would like to change or improve in your music?

Matt: Sometimes I think my vocals don't sound genuine enough. I've been told that my sound is quite industrial. Well, I'd like to move away from that sound a tad, so I think that's down to the production. I'd like to hone my production skills more. I sometimes think I'm not being as honest as I can be.

SMC: How do you feel about the support SMC has given you so far?

Matt: Nothing but praise so far! Lovely people.

SMC: What’s next coming up in the next 6 months for IAMWARFACE?

Matt: More live shows, single release this year accompanied by my music video. Then hopefully festivals next year to coincide with the album launch in March/April.

SMC: What are your long term goals for IAMWARFACE? (1-5 years from now where would you like to be)?

Matt: World domination obviously!

SMC: What artist would you like to perform with?

Matt: Massive Attack.

SMC: What couldn’t you live without?

Matt: Oxygen. Food. Sunlight. Music. Star Wars and Indian food.

SMC: Fans always want to know this: What’s your favourite color? Food? Lucky Number?

Matt: Fave colour is red. Food, Sushi, Indian, English roast. Lucky number is 87

SMC: If you could thank for your career to the point where it is today, who would you thank?

Matt:  I would thank everyone that has believed in me and continued to support me up to this point.

SMC: Who are the biggest believers in your music?

Matt: My fans.

SMC: What is your most favorite thing to write about?

Matt: I'm a bit of a conspiracy theorist so anything to make people open their eyes and better this world. I also write very silly ridiculous verse. Completely bananas short stories about poltergeists with OCD or murderous idiot clowns. I'm also an avid artist and illustrator.

SMC: Would you say the Music Industry in the UK is very supportive of you?

Matt: So far, all good. A few snakes along the way though.

SMC: What is the camaraderie like among your peers?

Matt: Well, I know a lot is bands and we all support each other! It the only way to be. Also, Hank from Three Beards (who also entered this month’s competition) has since become a friend. He's a very cool guy.

SMC: What kind of personality are you?

"I’m like the Tasmanian devil: A whirling dervish. Busy going round and round in circles! My brain never stops. I'm a lover not a fighter. OCD. Bi-polar. Problems concentrating. Too trusting."

SMC: What is your most favourite clothing to wear – meaning what is your style?

Matt: Tight trousers, grungy tops and eye liner! Style is bohemian grunge pop.

SMC: Have you appeared in other contests or publications? If so, where?

Matt: Nope. This is the first.

SMC: Have you made new friends as a result of the Starlight Music Chronicles Artist of the Month Competition? 

Matt: Yes, Hank from Three Beards and the lovely CA Marshall.

SMC: Will we be seeing a video during your month long promotion for Artist of the Month. What song will it be for?

Matt: Yes I hope to have it ready in the next week or two. It's for 'Fear the Future'.

SMC: What are the first five fave songs on your iPod?

Matt: Queens of the Stone Age "Better Living Through Chemistry", Hans Zimmer "Time", Nero "My Eyes", Pendulum "The Island Part 2", Prince "Purple Rain"

SMC: Have you or do you plan of collaborating with any other artists in the upcoming months?

Matt: I'm doing a remix for a friend's band but I can't say who they are just yet. Also, working on a remix for my friend's band Suzerain.

SMC: What have you to say in closing this interview?

Matt: All I really want to say is, thank you to everyone that has been behind me and put up with my shit. Stay safe, stay connected!

*Keep Checking back on both the Starlight Music Chronicles Website as well as this Blogspot to see more updates throughout the month of September as we promote IAMWARFACE with more Videos and New Music! 
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Editors Note: Starlight Music Chronicles would like to especially thank Karla Da Silva Photography for the images of Matt both in this feature as well as on the Official Artist of the Month Page on the Website.

 

Karla's Social Media: 
Website: www.karladasilva.com
Facebook Page: https://m.facebook.com/KarlaDaSilvaPhotography
Flickr: https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/karladasilva
Instagram: https://instagram.com/karladasilva

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 IAMWARFACE Social Media:

Website: http://www.iamwarface.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamwarface

Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/iamwarface
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warfacesounds/timeline
Reverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/iamwarface
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZGg5G-ClopppP1M2Zyb-dQ
Starlight Music Chronicles: http://www.starlightmusicchronicles.com/artist-of-the-month.html

Olivia Rose | August 2015 Artist of the Month Winner!

Olivia Rose | Starlight Music Chronicles August 2015 Artist of the Month Winner

Photo by: Kelli Scherr - In My World Photography

It is not often that we are witness to a phenomenon such as the one we have seen in the last month. Really, we have seen many competitions over the course of the last year on other Music Forums come very close to a tie or one upping within minutes of the clock countdown on Indie Music Artist Competitions and it's tense. Very tense. We have seen some competitions become very challenging as fans begin to duke it out over social forums with negative verbal connotations and it's very discouraging for the Artists who are simply wanting a chance at being Spotlighted because of their talent. Starlight Music

Chronicles Fans of Indie Music are truly class act and we have observed that they have one mission only: that is to support their favorite Artist by way of voting and positive comments and sharing of posts from the event page. We  would first like to thank everyone who has been following the Artist of the Month competition with the utmost respect. It is wonderful to see the support the Indie Artists are getting and it is a great way for us to gauge exactly what content YOU the reader would like to see on SMC.   

The decision to host an 'Artist of the Month' competition means a lot of attention to details and following the Artists who have entered to see their journey even in the small span of time that the voting poll is open. (For This Competition, it was open for 3 weeks of FAN VOTING before the close date of July 27th, 2015 at Midnight MST) This means observing the artists Social Media Forums and events and sometimes (as we did with Miss Olivia Rose), the odd surprise discreet appearance at a show! We have to give a huge shout out to all of the Indie Artists that did join the event and encourage all to check the Spotlight Page of the website as we will be featuring some of these artists on this forum. 

Now to the star of this page! Our reigning Indie Queen for August 2015 Starlight Music Chronicles Artist of the Month Miss Olivia Rose! It is with great pleasure that we publicly congratulate this young lady on her epic win in the FIRST EVER Artist of the Month Competition hosted by SMC. We have to say, she is a delightful performer (we have witnessed her live!)  being a positive role model to her peers and a ray of sunshine on the stage! Her vocal ability is charming with conviction and we look forward to following her on her journey over the course of time! 

Olivia has been a busy young lady this summer performing live and many events through the Festival Season and to throw in a competition into the mix well, we have to say this young lady truly connects with her fans tirelessly and has obtained a loyal base of people behind her as a result. We caught up with her recently for a short interview to share her views on the whole competition, her history, and where she's headed next. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and settle in to find out more about our Featured Artist Miss Olivia Rose:

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Hello Olivia! We are so pleased to have you featured as August 2015 Artist of the Month for Starlight Music Chronicles! 

Let's begin with the standard questions shall we? 

Q. Where were you born and raised?

Born at the Royal Alex hospital in Edmonton, raised in Elk Point Alberta.

Q. How Old are you?

16 years old

Q. Where are you recording your music?

I am working to co produce my songs with two very talented musicians and producers here in Edmonton Nathan Kidd and Dave Stoten. They are two of the best guys I could have ever asked for to collaborate with being musicians themselves they understood what I was wanting my songs to say and feel like. The fact that they come from a rock background (Pistols at 20 Paces) they helped to give my songs an edge that I wanted.  

I am so very proud of my first three singles that I have done and think they are a true reflection of the type of artist I want to be. I very consciously picked them With MakeUp to Mud being my New Country single Daddy's Little Girl a more Traditional Country song and my next single Please Maybe to come out this fall will be a more Pop Country feel

Q. What would you call your 'Best Song' and why?

Although this may not be my best song ( I really don't think songwriters ever have a best song as there is always another song to write and  you are always learning new ways to express yourself haha) the song closest to my heart is one of the very first songs I ever co-wrote. I co-wrote this song with The Doll Sisters at the age of 10. I had the chorus and melody and then got stuck on some of the verses.  I was just learning guitar so Jenna Shelby and I had a skype session. They loved what I had so far and they are amazing musicians so had a lot of ideas for the chord structure and the musicality of the song.  I think in about an hour we had the song done. It was more of a ballad then and as I got older I wanted it to be more of a statement song. I really love MakeUp to Mud because it's really  about who I am. 

Q. How are you feeling about the whole 'Artist of the Month' experience?

It was really interesting to be apart of it!

 Online fan voting contests are a lot of work and this year we decided not to do CBC Searchlight and some other online contests this year because of our release of MakeUp to Mud. I really appreciate all my friends and fans who support me but I also don't want to be asking everyday for votes as I know their time is very valuable and some people can get very tired of seeing it on their social media pages all the time. When this opportunity came up I looked at your online content and was really impressed with the different views, genres and the support given to all the artists on your site and the fact that it has global content made me really excited to be apart of the showcase

Q. How did your Fans/Family/Friends react to you entering this competition?

My family is very supportive, and I had lots of fans and friends voting for me which was amazing. They all really jumped in right from the start so I was lucky to be in the lead for the first part of the competition. I think what really pushed me over the edge during the last few days was my friends from a theatre camp I go to called Artstrek, I asked for their help in our Facebook group and they really rose to the occasion! They were all so excited for me as I went there right after my headlining spot at KDays.

Q. When did Music become your Passion? Everyone asks how old you were, etc when you first picked it up, but really, SMC wants to know when you became truly passionate about music?

Every since I was a little girl performing for my parents friends in the living room I knew that it was what I had to do. I've always been a little performer. I guess I became very passionate about it when I started performing on bigger stages at about 9. It is also the time when I really started to songwrite and play guitar. I love the feeling of being in front of an audience! 

Q. Why does the Country Music Genre appeal to you? 

I grew up in a really small town so country music was always around me growing up. Especially older country music because my family would take me to jamborees at the seniors centre. My Grandparents radio would always be on. My Grandpa has a huge collection of old time country and rock and roll records Patsy Cline Kitty Wells Loretta Lynn Brenda Lee Dolly Parton Reba Johnny Cash Waylon Jennings Elvis George Strait these were all the artists I was hearing when I was little. But I really do believe country music is about real life I think that really appeals to me. Its putting your everyday life into the song and the feelings you get when you listen and the connection to the listener who has had some of the same experience that I really think is what country music is at it core and why it appeals to so many people.

Q. What and Who are your influences?

This is a very hard question because I am still finding my voice as a songwriter and artist but first would have to be my family who have always told me to reach for your dreams and work hard for what you want! Without that support I wouldn't be doing what I love to do at the age that I am.

Musically I am influenced by everything I hear just because I choose to sing and write in a country format doesn't mean I don't listen to lots of other stuff. There are so many amazing local artists who I have had the privilege to meet either in person or over social media that constantly amaze me. People who need to make music because that is what drives their soul it isn't about being famous it about making music because there is no option not to. 

Some of the songwriters I look up to and identify personally with are Lindi Ortega Kasey Musgraves Dolly Parton Olivia Wik Miranda Lambert Taylor Swift These are all strong women with distinct voices and writing styles that I really like. Of course there are so many more but right now these are the ones influencing my songwriting

Q. What is your weirdest Fan experience? 

hmm I guess maybe the time I was 10 and was singing at Gazebo Park for Artwalk with School of Song and Rhea March. An older gentleman came up right close to me as I was singing and tried to have a conversation with me. He kept telling me I was an angel and he was about 2 feet away. It was a little different. It was kinda hard trying to keep singing my songs. 

Q. What is your coolest Fan experience?

Everytime I meet someone who takes the time to come say hi and tell me they enjoyed my set is a very cool experience!! I absolutely love being able to meet people who share a passion for music. I have lots of parents tell me how much their little girl likes my music and it just warms my heart because I'd love to be someone that young girls look up to!

Q What is on the agenda for the next three - six months for your career?

Well in September I'm going on my first ever radio tour in southern Alberta to support the release of MakeUp to Mud! Very excited about that! nothing's been confirmed for dates but I have a very talented guitarist Scott Slade who will be able to accompany me and we are also hoping to book a few shows in each place as well. And I'm releasing new single this fall fall so stay tuned for that. I also hope to be going back into the studio to do more recording of new material I have and am working an a ton more with My band Kris Marcotte David Blouin and Jen Perry as well as writing with Nathan Kidd and Dave Stoten. I plan to do a lot more writing this fall and hopefully have some very cool co writes too. Jen Perry my manager is also looking into the festivals and gigs for next summer and I would be very excited to be able to get down east and do a summer of festivals.

Q. What is your most favorite Venue to play at?

When I was 9 and 10 I performed at the Winspear Centre in downtown Edmonton and I'll never forget how amazing that stage felt. I also really loved the stage at K-Days! And the audience was amazing, everyone had so much energy and we were all having a really great time. But really anywhere there are people listening and liking my music it is a great venue!!

Q. What things would you like to say about your band? 

I have just recently gotten together with my band Kris Marcotte David Blouin and Jen Perry (The Red Cannons) AKA The Roughnecks and K-Days was our first performance together! Lots of people were giving us amazing feedback saying how they were surprised we've only had about 6 practices because we were really tight. I love them sooo much and I hope I get so many more shows with them. I am really excited to tour next summer for festivals.

Q. Tell us a little about your awards and Guest appearances with other Colleagues in the Industry. What was your experience like?

It's always great to meet with other artists that you admire and I have always been very lucky to have ever only had very positive experiences with them. I have opened for Adam Gregory, Jake Matthews, and Gary Fjellgaard. I've been an intermission performer for 54-40, George Canyon, and Emerson Drive. They have all been very professional and kind in giving me some advice or some of their time when meeting them. Just being able to watch these artists up close you learn so much in how to deal with fans and other professionals like the sound techs, stage hands and all the kinds of stuff that there really isn't a manual for!

One of my favourite experiences is the George Canyon show at the Shell Theatre in Fort Saskatchewan (a huge supporter of local artists) I was intermission performer for him and when I was finished my set I went back to my dressing room quickly to grab my phone and I bumped into George and his accompanist. He said "Hey you're Olivia Rose right? I heard you singing on the monitor." And I was freaking out ahhah but he just told me to keep doing what I'm doing because I'm going to go somewhere someday. We talked so long that one of the stage managers had to come out and tell him to go back on stage. So I went back up to my seat and I watched his performance which was amazing and when he was nearing the end of his set he said something like "This is my show so I can do whatever I want." He invited me up on stage to perform! So I went flying down the stairs, I grabbed my guitar and I got out on stage and he gave me this confused look. And he said "Why do you have your guitar? Use mine!" I said I was going to perform an original and I did MakeUp to Mud, family members say that was the best performance I ever did with that song. Those kind of experiences really push me as an artist, to try and do better and make people like George proud. Mr. Canyon is one of the most down to earth, genuinely friendly and most talented person you could ever have the opportunity to meet. If you ever have the chance to go see a small, intimate show with him I would highly recommend it!

Q. Fans always want to know the personal side of an Artist. So tell us: What is your favorite Color, Lucky Number, Band, Food, etc.?

Oooh this is a tough one. It's really hard for me to choose a favourite colour so I'll tell you my top three. I love teal, pink and gold!! I don't have a lucky number, is that weird? Does everyone have a lucky number except me? Although I love my country music I'm also really into alternative pop/rock/indie music. I really like The 1975, Arctic Monkeys, The Arkells and MisterWives! I've always loved good pasta (*smiles*) and since I didn't have a lucky number to tell you I'll let you know that my sign is a Cancer!

Q. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not focused on your music?

I really love the sport fastball, I've played ever since I could swing a bat. But I had to quit this year because of my music schedule which was sad but I can't do everything! 

I also really love acting, musicals are so much fun and my school puts on the best productions!

Q. Family Support and friendships. How supportive are they?

My family is so supportive words couldn't even describe. My mom left her hometown and moved to Edmonton with me so I could pursue my career while my dad stayed behind to work in the oil fields. And I have supportive friends from back home too. Going to an arts school is amazing because everyone supports everyone else in anything they do which is awesome. :) 

Q. What words could you give to someone beginning a career in the Music Industry?

I'd tell them to make as many connections as possible and be very present at every gig and social media. Being accessible and open to your fans and supporters is an amazing way to build long lasting friendships and fanbase. Look to ones who you admire and have made a successful career and try to figure out what works for you

from their path but always remember that you have to make your own path!! There is no one way of doing something. Don't be afraid to go up to someone and introduce yourself and talk to your peers and fans alike! Take the time to really listen to what they have to say to you. 

Q. If you could do a Duet with your favorite Artist, who would that be?

 That would be impossible to decide!! I admire so many artists but if I have to give an answer right now it would probably have to be Brett Kissel as he is from the area I grew up in and is making huge waves in the Canadian music industry and I absolutely love his song It All Started with a Song because it does! It's the very core of being an artist writing or finding that song that speaks to you and everyone else is very special.

Q. What is your 'Bucket List' of venues you would like to perform at?

My number one overall is The Grand Old Opry, it's been a dream of mine ever since I was little to stand at that mic in that circle. Also the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville would be simply amazing to be recognized as a songwriter there would fulfill a very big dream. And I'd love to perform at the Rexall Centre (or the new arena) in Edmonton!

Q. If you could Tour with anyone in the industry who would that be?

My ideal tour right now would be a kickass show of amazing female artists like Alee Jess Moskaluke, Olivia Wik, Livy Jeanne, and Lindi Ortega to name a few( there are a ton more) I think we could show the audience and radio that Country Girls Rock

Dream tour would be any tour booking a show every weekend in every city we can find because thats what I'd like to do more than anything!  

Q. Do you write all of your own music?

I write my own and I co write with people. Co Writing is the best thing ever because you get to mesh ideas and sometimes you come up with things you would have never thought about on your own.

Q. Can you please shed some light for new fans on the timeline of your music career history up until this point?

I started singing in our church choir at three and was up on some local stages at four. At nine I won the junior Country Global star search contest and was singing on bigger stages and more often for charity events than ever. Now with the single out we have been incredibly busy with gigs and interviews. It's awesome!

Q. How many siblings do you have and are they interested in a future in music also?

I have four older sisters and none of them are in music. In fact I'm the only person in my family who plays or sings anything other than the radio.

Q. We saw your clip on the way for Sound Check at Kdays and you looked pretty excited! Your energy both onstage and off is a very inspiring, positive vibe that we have picked up on. Would you like to think of yourself as inspiring to other within your peer group? Do you consider yourself a role model?

Like I said earlier, I've had moms say how their daughters love my music and it's amazing. Also, I have had friends tell me that I've inspired them to go out and do something that they wanted to try so yes, I would like to think of myself as a role model! I also try to be very conscious in what I post and how I treat others as if there were any younger girls out there wanting to be like me then hopefully they would see a positive person.

Q. We are doing a photoshoot for you this upcoming week with a full photo spread in the Artist of the Month Blog/Website. How do you feel about the theme we have chosen?

I am very excited to do this romantic, soft Taylor Swift inspired theme. It's always amazing to be able to put on a gorgeous dress and feel beautiful. It's also good to remind everyone (male Artists) that just because your 'Country' it isn't always about the cut offs and bikini tops ha ha! 

Q. How do you support other Artists in the industry? Do you feel there is a fierce competition or are your peers a tight knit group?

I like to help out my music friends in any way I can whether that's by sharing a post on social media or just mentioning their name to someone who I think could help them out. There is definitely some friendly competition but I know that in the music business we need to watch out for each other in any way we can. :)

Q. Beyond the Edmonton Scene, how do you feel with the support systems out there for a young Canadian Artist?

I think Canada is doing amazing things for new Artists. With Organizations like SAC, SOCAN, CCMA, ACMA, AMIA and all the online supports like Starlight Music Chronicles and individuals out there who support music.

Q. Who would you like to thank for your music success to date?

Everyone and anyone I've ever worked with or talked to. I wouldn't be where I am right now without those people and I'd especially like to thank my parents, not many 16 year olds' parents would drop their lives to let me live the one I want.

Q. You are Starlight Music Chronicles Very First ever Artist of the Month. How does that feel?

It feels so great because it was fan voted and it makes all the hard work feel like people are noticing what I am doing. It's always cool to be a first ever anything! I can't wait to check in each month to see who's next.

Q. Is there a video in the works for 'Make-Up to Mud' aside from the lyrical video (posted on the SMC Artist of the Month Page)? If so, when is it's release date?

There isn't one just yet but we are trying really hard to get some grants to do one and for our next release. I think that is the hardest thing to learn in the industry; how to apply for grants and how do you get your product out on a very limited budget?

Q. Are you working on new music at present?

I'm always writing, but I'm not recording anything at the moment. I'm just getting ready to do another big release on my single in the fall!

Q. We loved your 'All About That Twang' parody song on your You Tube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/OliviaRoseLeaf/feed ) Can you tell us a little about how that came about? Such sweet vocals in that and very catchy! Whose idea was it and who wrote it?

Dave Woods, a songwriter and host of 'In The Country' and I were talking on Facebook and I think we said something about all that Bass as in the fish and I replied, 'No, It's all about that twang' and he messaged me and it went from there ha ha! It was such an awesome project. We wrote it and Wes Inaba, an extremely talented music mentor here, helped me film the video.

Q. Well thank you Olivia! In closing here, Who would you like to give a 'Shout Out' to in this feature and why?

My Mom and Dad and all my Family

My Band Kris Marcotte, David Blouin, and Jen Perry

My Manager Jen Perry and ID VIP Team

My Producers Nathan Kidd and Dave Stoten

My Favoritie co-writers Jenna and Shelby Doll and Olivia Wik

Rhea March - The School of Song

Wes Inaba and Irma MacPherson and Kathleen

Global Country Maryann Gibson and Bill Borgwardt

Tony Baxter Stacey

Jazz and Tannis Matthews

Bradley Tucker

and most importantly to all my incredible friends, fans, and supporters who help me reach for the stars and dream big!

These all have been very crucial to my development as an artist and have become very special people in my life. Thank you<3

and to all the ones who aren't mentioned, know that you are just as important! 

There you have it folks! Olivia, welcome to the Starlight Music Chronicles Family! Your name is now officially in SMC History! 

Sincerely,

CA Marshall

Editor | Starlight Music Chronicles

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Watch for the Official Photo Shoot for Olivia Rose to appear here in the next coming week! Also, stay up to date on all of her Social Media and Events by Subscribing to this Page by Email.