Interview: PDO


Recently, I had the pleasure to interview Pavlovs Dogs Orchestra member Matt Falkovich. You really need to listen to PDO. (myspace link below), to truly understand the statement “The songs are dynamic and versatile while presenting a solid root to their sound and style.”


Now calling Toronto home, PDO will be playing at Sneaky Dee's this Sunday (August 24 2008) What follows is that interview.

Recently PDO has won the TIMA 2008 AWARD for Best World Award. What exactly is "Best World Award?"
“The "Best World" (or as we jokingly call it "best in the world") is a category for bands that play ethnic music. We won that particular award because apparently we were the best band in that category - one of many awards presented at the 2008 Toronto Independent Music Awards.”
How would you describe your music style?
“Our style is wild, humorous, soulful and exotic.”
In a few words, describe each member of PDO, and their strength.
Dima (guitar/vocals) has tremendous leadership skills among his many other talents.
Toha (bass/vocals) shines when it comes to writing music and promoting the band.
Tsoy (guitar/vocals) is the biggest showman of the bunch and loves arranging the music.
Andrey (percussions) is in charge of all the visuals and keeps track of our finances.
Kirill (keys/vocals) adds melody and texture to the songs and helps write lyrics.
Ruslan (violin) bring a sense of style and finance - coming from a rich classical background.
Matt (drums/vocals) is the groove-mister of the band and is always working on getting the band exposure.
What was your favorite CD to produce and why?
“Our favorite CD to produce would have to be "to whom it may concern" (with the help of studio giants L. Stu Young and Ian McNally). A few days after the recording was finished, our singer at the time decided to leave the band. We had to put all mixing on hold and come up with new lyrics and vocal melodies - it turned out completely different but surprisingly good considering the circumstance.”

What makes PDO unique?
“What makes us unique is our musical background – the fusion of styles makes our sound very distinct.”

What is the biggest challenge for PDO?
“The biggest challenge is to promote ourselves without the support of a label.”
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
“Touring the world and probably recording our 10th album.”
What do you want to say to your fans?
“We'd like to tell them how much we cherish them and that their support keeps us going.”
What advice would give a new group about to embark upon the music path?
“The only advice we could give a young band is to be friends not just band mates.”
Where can readers purchase your CD's?
“Our CD's are available online at itunes, amazon, cdbaby, snocap and napster – and in Toronto stores like: Criminal Records, Sonic Boom, Soundscapes, Rotate This, Play de Record.”
Can readers find you on YouTube?
They can see some of Andrey's work at http://www.youtube.com/user/pavlovsdogsorchestra
With all members of the band hailing from different parts of the former USSR- how has this influenced your style?
"Growing up in the former USSR has influenced our style dramatically - not only as musicians but as people as well. One of the reasons our music appeals to people is probably due to the fact that it has a certain Easter European charm to it."
What's next?
"We plan to play shows and festival across North America (for now) to promote our music further, the next album is in the works and should be released sometime next year… We'll also be shooting a "real" video in September."

What upcoming gigs do you have?
"We're opening for Run With The Kittens at the Horseshoe on the 12th of September and playing the M.E.A.N.Y. festival in New York on October 3rd."

Where does PDO call home?
"Toronto has been our home sweet home to us for the last 15years - we love it here!!"

Conclusion: Visit http://www.myspace.com/pavlovsdogsorchestra or
http://pavlovsdogsorchestra.com/, for more information. And discover for yourself if PDO is “one of a kind and incredibly enjoyable.”
~T~
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About the author: Tilly Rivers is a best selling celebrity author, radio host for “Features,” & Entertainment Editor / Food Critic for IRM Magazine.

Review: Willow Cakes and Pastries


Tilly Rivers
Food Critic and Entertainment Editor: Immediate Release Media
“For Immediate Release”
http://immediatereleasemedia.blogspot.com/
e_editor_irm [@] ymail.com

August 17, 2008

Review: Willow Cakes and Pastries
Location: Mary Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario


Review Rating: 2 Stars!

Pastry Chef Michelle Chandler has a reputation in the Niagara region as being one of the best pastry chefs in the area. Perhaps then like all of us she had an off day- because when I arrived with my companion at the pastry shop I had high hopes- that were quickly dashed.

We bought a butter tart and a slice of peach strudel. They looked delicious, as did the display case of other items in the bakery. The young man behind the counter explained each dessert to us, and was helpful in making our selection- this is why Willow Cakes and Pastry received the two stars- it was not- sadly because of the desserts themselves.

Both the tart and strudel crust was stale. We made our purchases about five in the evening while waiting for the ‘great’ pizza in the same plaza- but that is for another review. Not only sadly was the pasty stale, the strudel was heavy and the peaches were discolored-with a slight sour flavour- I only had a few bites before placing it back in the box.

The shop itself is lovely- as is the service. However the main reason for coming- the dessert- was dreadful. Maybe it was just an off day-Maybe not-either way I will be back to try again.

~T~

Interview with Artist Kara Elsberry


Tilly Rivers
Entertainment Editor &
Food Critic for IRM Magazine
Host; Features Radio Show.
http://immediatereleasemedia.blogspot.com

Recently, I had the pleasure to interview Artist / Author Kara Elsberry. Among her artistic inspirations are Boris Vallejo, Clive Barker (yes, the author!), DaVinci, Dali, Luis Royo and Brian Froud. As for everyday inspiration? She says nature and fantasy inspire her the most. The exploration of dreams, the beauty of youth and innocence, mystery, the ‘unknown’, perseverance, stubbornness, magic, eroticism, sensuality.

Now calling South Dakota home, Kara owns and operates Kara’s’ Designs. What follows is that interview.

How long have you been an artist?
“Professionally for about 8 years. However Art has been a passion for as long as I can remember.”

What mediums do you work from?
“Mostly digital, but some painting and free hand drawing.”

What is the favorite medium and why?
“Digital by far, because it allows me to do so many things at the touch of a few buttons. But, when I just need to get away from all the stress and aggravation that lovely technology can cause, I really love to get out the paints and get my hands dirty!!”

Why did you start muti-artist venues? Most artist stick to painting (drawing), graphic art or photography, you ‘do it all’ so to speak.

“I don’t do it all, but I certainly give it a go. It’s just plain exciting working on so many different projects; meeting so many interesting and fun people…sticking with the same thing over and over is just boring.”

What was your inspiration?
“That’s hard to say, there are so many people and factors in my life that inspire and have inspired me. Life in general, life experience, all the people around me, my family, nature, fantasy, dreams… so many things to choose from I couldn’t possibly pin down one.”

How long does it take you to complete a piece?
“That depends. Say, I’m going to do a book cover for a certain author….and maybe that author is a certain sassy author with a lovely radio show for instance…. Anyhow, a book cover generally takes about a day to get the concepts I want to show to the author, then another day or three to finalize final details and all that good stuff. So, we’ll just go on the generous side and say a week at the very longest. There are other factors of course that affect everything, but very rarely does it go over a week. Logos, about 1-3 days, T-shirts I generally do within a couple of hours, as well as business cards, etc. Paintings on the other hand take me a while; I could actually take up to a month or so. I get very picky and it’s not like there’s an undo function for painting…though I wish there were!! LOL.”

Can you describe the process you go through when creating a piece from start to finish?
“I start out getting all the information I can about the person or company I am designing for. From what the company name means to what the person’s favorite colors and their hobbies are all things that are taken into consideration. Printer’s specs, and the final output of the design are also considered. For instance, will the design be solely used on the web, or will it also be used for print and large signage? That’s all extremely important. Once I have all that information, I start looking for inspiration, be it on the internet, the TV, or print ads, I look for inspiration everywhere. Just the tiniest little thing can get an idea going and then Bam! You have a starting point and off you go! I usually put together a few different design concepts for each client, so they get a variety to choose from. They pick their favorite (sometimes I have to do another round of concepts), and we refine the design with their personal details. Then, we agree on the final design and I send all final files to them to keep for their records and to use as they wish.”

Do you work from live models?
“Ahh, wouldn’t that be nice to have a bunch of models to have at my beck and call when I needed them? ;) Sadly, that is not the case and I don’t often get to work from live models. In college drawing courses I worked from models quite frequently. I also use them as inspiration for paintings and sometimes in ads for beauty clients.”

What has been the biggest challenge in the work you create?
“The biggest challenge is not in the art itself, but at first attracting clients to your business. I live in a small town in SD and it was hard to get started…to convince people that are out of state or even out of the country that you are the best artist for the job. But I stuck with it and things improved dramatically for me year after year. After that, the only challenge is keeping up with the latest technology and artistic styles to keep everyone happy and up to date with what’s new and improved.”

What do you want to be remembered for?
“Hmmm, that’s a tough one! I guess I just want to be remembered for being a good mother to my children… (But even though that’s absolutely true, it’s also the safe and boring answer, isn’t it?) LOL- But…. oh hell, who am I kidding, I just want to be remembered for being a kick ass artist!!”

How would you describe yourself?
“I guess I’m not your average cup of tea to say the least. I work from my home office, I hardly ever get out to meet many people in real life, I’m usually corresponding over the internet or by phone, but when I do go out I have definitely have my share of fun!! I love books, art, (big surprise!); gardening…you should see all the plants I have, video games, cartoons…pretty much a kid at heart. I love the fairytale side of life, the childlike wonder that we don’t get to see much these days.”

What do you hope people think of when they view your work?
“Oh many many things. I hope my work strikes a cord in some way, makes people remember a moment in life where they were truly happy or deliciously scared if we’re talking about scary books… maybe my artwork makes them crave something they’ve been dreaming of or yearning to return to…or dream of a place where fairytales exist…. whatever I can do to make people feel good, that’s what I want them to feel when they view my work."

Is there anything else you’d like the readers to know about? The artist:--the woman?
“Hmmm, well….I’m pretty down to earth most of the time, I guess (unless you count the times I have my head in the clouds dreaming up my latest design)… love my family, love the simple things in life. I love dogs, (I have two beagles, Snoopy and Lilly, and a chow named Gizmo. You can catch my attention the best with a fun, sassy, creative imagination…. I am always up for a new and exciting artistic challenge…if you can dream it, I can design it. I’m a pretty stubborn person (must be the red hair, do you think?) and when I really want something, I usually end up getting what I want in the end… So, why fight it? Smiles! Oh, and I love to write, it’s my secret passion, not many people know about that.”

Where can readers find you? View your work?
http://kara.mosaicglobe.com/, (that’s my online portfolio, though I don’t have nearly all my work posted on there yet). http://www.blackvelvetseductions.com/, http://www.funnytshirts.biz/ , or just do a search for my name, Kara Elsberry on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, your favorite bookstore, or just sign on to Google and look me up!”


Conclusion: What captures you about Kara is her ability to turn an idea from words into a creative work of art. From her nude drawings to her book cover art, she has a rare talent and passion that comes through in everything she touches. Her humor- her daring nature is balanced with a soft sensitive spirit that I have the pleasure and privilege to be a part of as Kara has designed many of my book covers. PS- Who really just wants an average cup-of-tea anyway?


~T~

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About the author: Tilly Rivers is a best selling celebrity author, radio host for “Features,” & Entertainment Editor / Food Critic for IRM Magazine.

Book Review: 15 minute total body workout


Tilly Rivers
Entertainment & Lifestyle Editor: Immediate Release Media
“The World of Books”
http://immediatereleasemedia.blogspot.com/
http://entertainementbytillyrivers.blogspot.com/


Thursday, August 07, 2008

Review: Book; 15 minute total body workout
Author: Joan Pagno
ISBN: 9780756633561
http://www.joanpaganofitness.com/
http://www.dk.com/
Publisher: DK
$17.95 / USA
Pages: 128

Review Rating: 3.5 Stars!

What I Liked
I like that this was designed for various stages of women, from getting back to the exercise, to the sometimes exerciser, to the ‘die hard’ offering four- 15 minute workouts that you can do from home.
I like that it comes with a “Live Action” DVD- demonstrating all four exercise programs
I like that the author Joan Pagano is a respected NY personal trainer, with 20+ years of experience at designing personalized programs.
I like the hot pink cover and step-by-step demonstration photos, with a fit, yet ‘real’ model
I like the exercises- the program is set up for 3 times a week at 15 minutes- easy to fit in a busy schedule. (Trust me- I know!)

What I Didn’t Like
I didn’t like the gatefold pages at the end of each program. The step-by-step pages are meant for a visual, yet I find them awkward. It may have been easier if the page was perforated on the left side so you could remove it and lay it flat.
I didn’t like- and have found it the same in most exercise books- that none of them offer storage tips for the exercise equipment you need. In this book you need two sets of free weights (3 and 5 lb), exercise mat and a medicine ball. But if you are like me- you are probably exercising in the family room- and do not want to be able to store these items in an ‘out-of-sight’ place. The point after all- is that this exercise program can be done quickly- and you will see results quickly- I do not want to spend ten more minutes gathering equipment I have shoved in a plastic tub in the basement!

Over all- this is a good work out book, and worth the money. The results? I will keep you posted—as I have committed to doing the 3 work outs a week- and will let you know the results in September!

Congratulations Joan- I think you have a winner here!

Tilly
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Tilly Rivers is a best selling celebrity author, radio host for “Features” and Entertainment & Lifestyle Editor, and Food Critic for IRM Magazine.
-end-

Canada's Top Chefs


Canadian Top Chefs
Featuring Chef Alain Irvine


Tilly Rivers
Entertainment Editor
Food Critic for IRM Magazine
Host of Features Radio Show.

August 1 2008

Recently, I had the pleasure to interview Chef Alain Irvine. Chef Alain is an internationally renowned Chef. His career boasts of awards such as first place at the Canadian International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) “Copper Skillet” competition. Chef Irvine, at an almost unheard of age, became an Executive Chef at 28- and has won the hearts of diners and foodies across the globe and Canada.

Now calling Muskoka home, Chef Alain Irvine opened his own restaurant “North” located in Gravenhurst Ontario. What follows is that interview.

Why did you become a chef?
“I did not set out to be a chef. My family comes from tradesman, construction workers and electricians. One day while picking up my friend who was apprenticing- the Chef said, “And what about you? Do you want to be a chef?” I thought my destiny was to work as my family always had- but instead—it had a plan of its own.”

Becoming a chef than was a twist of faith, but what kept you as a chef?
“I discovered that I loved what I did, what I do. The lessons I learned as an apprentice, the importance of tradition, quality and creativity- no short cuts- I carry to this day.”

Did growing up in Scotland influence your cooking style?
“No- I left Scotland when I was six.”

What would you say are the traits in which a chef needs, besides cooking of course, to succeed?
“You have to love what you do. At times bad management can create a smothering environment to a chef, they do not always understand the creative process, a Chef will need to pull from the strength of their passion, that first love.”

Are your friends and family intimated to have you over for dinner? I know I would be.
“Yes, for the most part they are- but when I have the opportunity to relax and eat a meal that has been cooked for me- I do not go to critique.”

Never? There has to be a part of you that says, “I would have done this differently?
“If I am going for a meal with close friends or family- I do not have a set expectation. If however I am eating at a restaurant that has great reviews, and is the elite- yes- I have high standards and will critique the meal.”

What advice would you have for those that find the kitchen an intimating place?
“Call Me. I would be happy to walk them through a question during non-service hours.”

I am not sure, but I think at this point my jaw dropped. “You are kidding right?” I have had many answers to that question, but never has a chef of Alain Irvine’s caliber said he would take the time for a perfect stranger over the phone to help them with a recipe!
“As long as I am not busy during peek hours, I would be happy to help. Food is my passion, and I would love to show that it does not have to be intimating.”

Conclusion: At this point, I was literally blown away- and can not tell you how over-the-top impressed I was. Not just with the food, the restaurant, but the Chef. Alain Irvine- you truly are the best-of the best, and truly one of Canada’s Best Chefs. I was so impressed in fact, that I plan on writing more- the time spent with Chef Alain Irvine was a delight.

Until then if you are searching for one of the best dining experiences, visit North Restaurant in Gravenhurst- you will not be disappointed!

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Chef Alain Irvine’s Biographical information was posted on line earlier in the week- and is available at http://immediatereleasemedia.blogspot.com/

About the author: Tilly Rivers is a best selling celebrity author, radio host for “Features,” & Entertainment Editor / Food Critic for IRM Magazine.
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