How David Geffen Changed My Life

          Its Tuesday morning and I've waltzed into my last business class of the semester with the regular coffee in hand.  To be awesome and give us a piece of mind, our teacher presented us with the documentary Inventing David Geffen. I've always been a fan of biographies, and been fascinated with the life of the music industry and its luster, but when I sat down in my usual spot this morning I never thought that in the next two hours something would completely change, that this single film would define everything I want to accomplish in life.  This wasn't just a story, but the journey of an inspiring man who beat all odds and worked his way to the top in true class.  This is how David Geffen's story changed my life.
          Growing up I always recognized and associated the Geffen Records symbol with the iconic 80's rock group Guns n Roses, thanks to my mom who was and still is arguably one of their biggest number one fans.  But once I took the time to look over the countless universal success of Geffen, I began to realize the astounding accomplishments this man made throughout his life and how he  built himself up from literally nothing.  Throughout the documentary, Geffen remissness's of his mother's struggles and her dedication to building her own business and self worth, and this I felt was a very touching aspect of his story because you can see how his mother humbled him for future successes.  It truly touches me to see successful people within the industry this genuine, real, and committed to their career because it drives me to want to be that role model.  As a person who holds their personal and work relationships on a very high level, I aspire to be the business partner and friend that Geffen was to so many.  Recognizing how this one man changed the lives of countless people inspires me to try that much harder to leave the same impression he did on so many.
          Something that Geffen said that really resonated with me was that "he feared living an ordinary life", that he wasn't going to accomplish anything exciting.  And this stuck with me because there are so many times I have thought and felt the same way, that in my life I knew I had to accomplish something big, dream big to accomplish even bigger things despite the conceptions around me.  It was after hearing this I knew that what Geffen had done throughout his career was exactly what I wanted to achieve, that the main driving force to my perseverance is the fear of living an ordinary life.  Though I have spent such a short amount of time within the industry, I have a firm belief and understanding that it takes an incredible level of dedication and true love for the world of music to achieve the wildest of possibilities and dreams, to discover a genuine commitment within yourself to want to bring success to others.  
          Near the end of the film, another statement that left a lasting impression was that artists become artists because they were the underdogs, now looking for somewhere to belong and be welcomed.  This struck me because it made me realize the similarities and characteristics of any and every artist.  These are individuals who don't want to lead normal lives, but people who have an imagination that they want to share.  It was this very thought that made me realize the exact qualities that define and bring together the arts community, and it was these exact aspects that Geffen based his style of business off.  Geffen had a true love for the music, he many never have been talented, but he knew what was worth appreciating and deserving of recognition.
          Throughout this chapter of my life so far, I have had a world of opportunities to learn and discover more about myself than I ever imagined I would.  And never would I have thought that something as simple as a two hour documentary could materialize my dreams into a potential reality.  I have always had high hopes for myself, but knowing that someone has achieved those great things once before encourages me to achieve those lengths once again.  Geffen's successes aren't just tabloids to me, but goals.  I hope to achieve great things throughout my career, change the lives of those around me, leave the same impressions that Geffen was able to.  If there was one thing that I took from this video today and promise to believe, is to be honest, to imagine, and to dream.

- Carly June

Open Mic Nights Are Like a Blank Canvas...

          "An open mic performance is like a a painter with a blank canvas; the performers are the paint colors, the evening is the blank canvas, and the individual styles are the brush strokes used to create something unique."  

          To start off my week I accepted an invitation and dropped in at Mr.Brownstone on Main and 13th last night for an open mic night hosted by a couple of totally rad dudes I have recently met.  Instead of working away endless hours in front of the computer, I threw the open toed pumps and grabbed the Canon to share  something cool and intriguing with you; maybe influence you to check out something new.  

          Open mic nights are always a surprise, so I wasn't sure what to expect once I arrived.  The venue it's self is fantastic for the environment, welcoming and just the right amount of casual and sophisticated, Mr.Brownstone is a supreme spot for this kind of vibe.  Getting comfortable, I grabbed myself a A Main Street Pilsner and I joined some fellow students, including musician Phillip Anthony, who to my surprise was on the list of performers for the evening along with Cory Owens, the coordinator of open mic night every Monday at Mr.Brownstone along with Alex Mandy.  As I took a seat I knew I had surrendered to what the night had in store; this was going to be the most unpredictable live set I had seen in a while.
           It didn't take long to sink into the luminous blue lights and raw music of the evening.  The first performer of the evening welcomed me into the wholesome mood of the night with a delicate acoustic serenade of Jet Plane grandly accompanied by the refrain of a melodic crowd creating a simply whimsical and warming performance.  To follow was regular guest and performer Phillip Anthony.  Already familiar with his style and a fan from first listen, this live performance made me even more excited to see what this artist has in store for the future.  Rich vocals and deep rhythmic guitar filled the room with a gracious energy.  Humanistic and down to earth, Phillip truly captured the genuine style of the evening, setting a comfortable stage for many to come.
          As the music played throughout the evening, a variety of passionate musicians played for a generous audience, bringing these music fans on a journey of intrigue.  It is these small performances that make you realize the true purpose of music. It's meant to be organic and intimate, sharing not only the music, but the tone and emotion of something an artist has created.  These are the opportunities that fans should take to discover something real and unique. Being the music fan I am, I thrive on these types of personal experiences because its distinct, something that can't be re-created.      
          So if you find yourself free on a Monday night, and your musical ear is feeling adventurous visit Cory and Alex at Mr.Brownstone from 8:30 - 12:00 for a low key night filled with musical wonder.   

 Carly June

In Sound House Studios With Liars and Lions

          So I ended my weekend in a Sound House jam space with the band Liars and Lions getting a sneak peak at the new music the band has in store - If you haven't had the chance to listen to their self titled EP Liars and Lions, I highly suggest, if not demand you go straight to their website, it will be a worth while listen and an appreciated discovery. Lately the band has been aggressively pursuing more original compositions to release in the months to come, but they are still celebrating the recent release of their seven song EP, which can only be best described as a heavy metal escapade executed by a three man brigade. Imaad Dalal, Devin Turner, and Frazer Pelling come together to produce a dark and delicious harmony sure to resonate in anyone's mind. All it took was my first live show of the band at the Roxy on Granville on February 7^th 2013, and I was hooked to the haunting solos, articulated bass lines, and barbaric drums arrangements that these three integrate to create a truly hefty sound.

           While being in the jam space with the guys this past Sunday, I was brought back to this night. Goosebumps ravaged me while I photographed the remainder of the session; never had I heard a sound that heavy and uninterrupted that possesses such an enticing and rich attitude. It was these exact attributes that made me a fan, and and I can't wait to see where the direction of their music goes from here. Anxiously anticipating upcoming shows to experience the unforgettable energy once again, I'll be sure to share the crowd with this band; Liars and Lions are a diamond in the rough, a band deserving to shine.

- Carly June

   

My Experience at the Canadian Music Awards 2013

My Experience at the Canadian Music Industry Awards

           I woke up this morning mildly hung over after what I can only say was an amazing evening filled with inspiring individuals of the Canadian music industry. Hosted at the notorious Fanclub on Granville, this sure became an evening to remember. Unbelievably, I had the first class opportunity to witness the long overdue recognition of Lover Boy and their righteous accomplishments throughout their music career, with the classic Canadian rockers receiving the Bruce Allen / Sam Feldman Legend Award. As a fan of Canadian music it was one hell of an opportunity to be amongst some of the most influential and respected people who have made the industry what it was and has become. Being a music business student at Pacific AudioVisual Institute and trying to break into the industry, I can truly appreciate the contributions these individuals have made to build the very industry I cherish and work towards being a significant part of.
           One of many highlights from the evening, was the gracious opportunity to speak with the one and only Mike Fraser. Admittedly, I was quite star struck, but I knew I had to make a point of expressing my gratitude for what he has done throughout his life to impact the industry, bringing the world of music a roster of countless renegades including Motley Crue, Metallica, Bif Naked, Lover Boy, Mariana's Trench, and ACDC just to name a few. It was then I realized that meeting Fraser inspired me; this moment made me want to work even harder to accomplish goals in my career, my life. And it was so many individuals such as him from the evening that made me seriously think of where I wanted to go in life, the impressions I wanted to leave, the goals I wanted to achieve.

  After this amazing experience I have an even greater understanding of what I want to do with my company Sick Mind Productions. How I want to work with the artists that reach out to me and how I want to help them achieve their goals, develop their dreams. My goal for Sick MindProductions is to create opportunities for up and coming artists who seek and deserve recognition for their music. To give artists a memorable and intimate experience to tell a story, share a moment with you, the passionate fan.          

- Carly June

Welcome to Sick Mind Magazine

 Sick Mind Magazine    

         Welcome to Sick Mind Magazine (SMM).  As the CEO of Sick Mind Productions I wanted to create a behind the scenes pass to my viewers of whats happening in the life of this sick mind.  The focus of SMM is to share photos, stories, and music with fans about new artists working with Sick Mind Productions, past and upcoming events, industry experiences, noteworthy new music, intriguing thoughts and topics, and simply music.  SSM is for the fan who is looking for a bit more than  just music and glamor, but an unbeatable backstage ticket into the world of artists and music.

        I am Carly Redford, but you can call me Carly Jane.  Let me take you on a tour no one has ever brought you on before, there is so much in store, memories, madness, music, and more.