Music | EYES & EDGE

EYES & EDGE November 9, 2018

NEW MOON IN SCORPIO

MUSIC No Reply

▽ NEW MOON IN SCORPIO || FEEL THE LOVE || This New Moon in Scorpio ignites a much-needed break from our regularly scheduled program of stress, fatigue, hopelessness + unpleasant emotions from the world around us. It calls in an atmosphere of peace + love asking us to take a leap of faith into what can feel like uncomfortable joy. If you feel as if you’re wheels have been spinning incessantly, days fading into weeks + months into years, we now have an opportunity to pause + smell the roses. Not only is that a wise idea + notion but it’s necessary for the experience of being in the world, not just doing in the world. It’s time to go on an inner road trip + get crystal clear about what + whom is serving your environment + what is not. Part of our daily frustration + exhaustion spawns from aspects in our lives we know we need to change or long to + yet having this script in our minds that keeps telling us when I… when that…There is no more time to wait or waste. Take time to sort your discontentment + your joy. Find, write + even vocalize it to yourself + others what you long to eliminate + what you dream to manifest. Scorpio is the sign of sex, death + regeneration so fuel your passions + watch what unfolds. Your energy goes where your attention flows, so be vigilant on taking a hiatus from old stories, hurts or suffering + get your mind’s eye fixated on your treasure. Your heart is ready + willing to explode into a million colors with love, just open the door. MANTRA :: As I shed what does not serve me, I rise with newfound trust, love + passion for all I long to manifest in my life. I choose love. ||

art + insights by @dinalockridge ▽

EYES & EDGE November 7, 2018

DAREN TODD

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Photographers: Anthony Demarco & Corrinne Theodoru
Interview: Devyn Jones

Powell’s City of Books in downtown Portland claims to be one of the world’s largest independent bookstores today. Ironically enough, the best story I got from Powell’s during my trip came from a young rapper right around the corner of releasing his debut album to the world. Daren Todd, recent Portland resident, looked calm. Coffee in hand, Daren sat with me in a crowded coffee shop eager to share his story and talk about his debut project “RE:NA”. Our conversation eventually went from talking about his music to just talking about life’s lessons and the current landscape of hip hop music and how to navigate the oversaturated waters of the genre. Throughout the brief but rich dialogue, four things rang true about the rapper. These four themes were present throughout Daren’s work and set solid expectations for his upcoming album.

1: He has strong musical origins

When you hear Daren’s music, you can hear quite a few things being done well simultaneously. One of the reasons was due to the artist’s upbringing in church when he was younger. “My exposure to music was super crafted and shaped by gospel and church music.” Said the Lompoc, California- bred rapper. Daren’s 12 year involvement in the church were the breeding grounds of his musical education. The proof of his gospel upbringing can be heard in songs like “Coast” and “Celebrations.” The smooth syncopation of Daren’s vocals over jazzy, in house production shows the attention to detail he has in the quality of what he’s putting out to the listener. The keys being played in both songs were dead giveaways to the trained ear of a gospel influence. A great deal of that influence is heard throughout his catalogue.

EYES & EDGE October 5, 2018

DENZEL CURRY

MUSIC No Reply

Photos By: Jr Gonzalez

EYES & EDGE October 3, 2018

RIFFLANDIA 2018

CULTURE, MUSIC No Reply

Photos & Words By: Marina Choy

With Rifflandia’s 11th trip around the sun, this rainy weekend proved to be yet again a fun, family occasion. Headliners ranged from Daniel Caesar to Current Swell to Jessie Reyez and Adventure Club. It was a weekend full of dancing, poutine and, of course, a little rain.

Blitzen Trapper, a Portland band, made a special appearance at Rifflandia on Day 1 of the festival. They brought kids and adults alike over to the Rifftop Tent for a great start to the festival.

SonReal got the audience hyped with oldies but goodies, singing his own classics but with newer twists on the lyrics. The audience was one, waving their hands back and forth and singing along. SonReal also dedicated a song to the late Mac Miller.

Daniel Caesar headlined Rifflandia Day 1 and brought all the feels. He performed a great show with three backup singers and an encore.

Day 2 brought artists such as Andy Shauf, Bishop Briggs, Bülow and Jessie Reyez out.

Andy Shauf serenaded the audience with his calming voice.

Bishop Briggs commanded attention main stage. Even with our previous knowledge of Briggs’ music, we were pleasantly surprised with her performance. We highly recommend seeing her live as her presence, energy and powerful voice exceeded our expectations.

Jessie Reyez’s show started with mysterious, silhouetted light that exponentially grew into a powerful show. Her performance was sassy and full of talent. She talked about her experiences coming up in the industry and gave advice to the audience that had everyone with hands in the air and spirits high.

Finally Day 3 of Rifflandia closed off with talents such as LIGHTS and Current Swell. Current Swell, a Victoria favorite and local band, ended the festival with sing-alongs like ‘Woman in White’ and brought on friends. Jesse Roper was the first guest performer, laying down guitar solos and lots of energy. Many other friends joined, including Dougal McLean, the Monarch Trio, and Jon and Roy.

Overall, this weekend of dancing, bubble chasing and poutine eating was a proper send off to summer and the 11th year of Rifflandia.