What’s that saying – In every young gay boy’s life an unrequited love for his straight friend must fall?
I had a bit of a crush on my friend in high school. He was also one of the few guys I knew in high school who treated me less like a freak and more like a friend. Nowadays he is based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and leads the hypno-folk band TWiN, and let me reccommend them if are not familiar. DAViD is a singer/songwriter with a knack for writing as well as singing very poetic songs that are inspired by the stories of his own zany life. Well, I say zany but from my perspective I’ve always found him a unique man with sensitivity, although he is no angel either. All in all – I know him to be nothing short of humble and human. This is only my opinion – I’m not one of his ex-girlfriends and trust me I’m close to a few of them too! All of these dynamics of his character come through in his songwritng and he tells great stories – sung or told. His band TWiN works with many different artists to create intimate, beautiful performances, recordings, and powerful song creating a “regional soundtrack” everywhere they go. TWiN are also the founders of the RiVER ARMADA concert series.
After a little bit of pasta and lot of reminiscing – he pulled out his guitar and together we worked on a song that I’ve personally been trying to develop a cover of for some time now. SAiLOR SONG is a CLAUDE MARQUiS penned PEPTiDES original – and after taking the opportunity to cover it in my own style, I determined I first needed to find someone who could not only appreciate the song the way I do but who could also take on the challenge of re-working the guitar, as I was getting nowhere with my guitar- fast. The original recording is on a ukulele I believe and for a guy with a lot to learn on the guitar alone I really didn’t know where to start. Luckily DAViD and I had been in contact leading up to his Ottawa trip and he graciously took on the task with me – and by the time he was over we were able to ease our way into doing it together.
I really have to thank DAVE for this time together. The results of our work on SAiLOR SONG are promising, what’s more it was fun to play with him. Next step will be to lay down proper recordings, which at first sounded impossible, what with him residing in Winnipeg – but thanks to the advancement of technology, the collaboration is not affected & I’m looking forward to doing what we can. I’ll keep you all posted on any development.
DAVE also shared an original of his – GiVE iT UP – and with his permission I was even lucky enough to record it in effort to share this good time. I missed the first part of it – but I think you’ll enjoy the jist. Check out the youtube vid below.
Part of what brings DAVE here is that he/TWiN are performing at UMi CAFE (7:00pm) – a release party for their SHARiNG SECRETS WiTH STRANGERS EP. There will also be an underground screening of The Los Angeles River Music Armada Documentary as well as performers iNGRiD GATiN and DEViN JOHNSTON. Come check it out.
Although I am back in the recording studio and focused on new material, I do have to take a moment and reflect on an album I think many people still need to hear. That album is THEY SAY I’M DiFFERENT and it is my independent debut release, recorded in 2009-2010, released independently last year by Torrid Productions.
At the time I began recording tracks for THEY SAY I’M DiFFERENT, there really was no album to speak of. In fact, CLAUDE MARQUiS (of The PEPTiDES) had me over to record what could have been my one and only track: DOLLY PARTON’S ‘THEY GRASS iS BLUE’. I have always had a strong affection for folk and country music; growing up it’s what I lived on. PARTON’S music is and always has been influential to me, so I took the opportunity to record with MARQUiS on what I initially took as a one-chance opportunity. I’ll never be able to thank MARQUiS enough for that gesture, because once my THE GRASS iS BLUE cover leaked online and I began to share it – I was baffled at the reception it got. I was mostly touched by how many people reached out and shared their connection to me or the beautifully written tune. It was encouraging for someone very shy like me.
From there I began to envision what it might be like to continue working on music: recording it and laying it down in a way that I could extend it to other like-minded people. On top of that, I performed at a few weddings over the summer of 2009 and again, the response I received from the crowds was so positive – how could I not consider pursuing music more?
Enter DANNiEL OiCKLE, founder/producer of TORRiD PRODUCTiONS. Much like MARQUiS, OiCKLE generously invited me into TORRiD PRODUCTiONS as a resident artist, where we developed the idea for a full length grass roots/folk album with original material as well as covers of some of my favorite tunes. OiCKLE is another major force behind what soon became THEY SAY I’M DIFFERENT – and over 2010 we were in and out of the recording studio laying down potential tracks. For someone like me, who was used to singing alone in my living room and playing solely for my cats and boyfriend – the concept of coming into a recording studio and laying down raw music was completely foreign to me. I’ll be honest and say that I have ton of learning to do; although I do consider myself a singer/songwriter – I also know my limitations. Every week OiCKLE and I got together, I used our sessions as opportunities to flex myself and push what it is I think I can do. Before I knew it, we had laid down tracks for all of my original tunes: LONELY BLUE WAVES (i WANT YOU), iLLUSiONS, SAViOUR iN A CAGE, BLUE, SAiL AWAY WiTH ME and THE GENTLEMAN. The results are admittedly mixed but I will say a valuable lesson learned is that much like children, a song needs time to grow and develop into its full potential, and so while I can appreciate that there is major room to grow – these recording are very representative of a certain time and place for me as an individual and artist. They are my first recordings.
These recording sessions at TORRiD PRODUCTiONS were very affirming to me as a musician – and I also jumped on the opportunity to cover some of my favorite songs by other artists. HOPELESSLY DEVOTED TO YOU, originally a NEWTON-JOHN number from 1978’s GREASE remains a song close to my heart. It made sense for me to re-work it and present it in a stripped down manner where listeners could hear the beauty of JOHN FARRAR’S lyrics. Additionally we recorded TiLL i GET iT RiGHT , originally a TAMMY WYNETTE song done in the early 1970’s. Her version is a classic that moves me even today – but getting to put my own twist on it as well as include it on THEY SAY i’M DiFFERENT meant a lot to me because the song reflects how I feel myself – ‘If I fly my wings/ and if I try long enough/ I’m bound to learn to fly/ so I’ll just keep on falling in love/ till I get it right’. This is the essence of THEY SAY i’M DiFFERENT.
As the tracks with OiCKLE kept adding up over the year, I was able to return to MARQUiS’ for some additional recording with him. MARQUiS has an ear for music, as is clearly evident in his work with THE PEPTiDES – so having him lend his touch of talent to TOMORROW iS FOREVER and my own PRAiRiE BOY further fueled the reality that I truly was on my way to putting together a full-fledged/full-length album. Wrapping up with MARQUiS we laid down a cover of STEViE NiCKS ‘AFTER THE GLiTTER FADES’, this time he also invited THE PEPTiDES member OLEXANDRA PRUCHNiCKY in to add her beautiful harmony (making it my first official duet), as well as accordion player JUDY JiBB. AFTER THE GLiTTER FADES remains one of the songs people refer to most and I can understand why. PRUCHNiCKY (also a member of TORRiD PRODUCTiONS) and I have continued to work together on numerous other projects since our time on GLiTTER, including OiCKLE’S very own baby, THE CORRUPTiON of FLESH. I think it’s pretty safe to say that I wouldn’t even be involved with CORRUPTiON had I stayed playing guitar in my living room. This goes to show that making THEY SAY i’M DiFFERENT was as much about extending myself to the world as it was about making a folk record.
THEY SAY i’M DiFFERENT may have wrapped up recording at the end of 2010, but a lot of work was put into its release in 2011. Again, I am so thankful for all of the people involved in making this project happen; I have since watched it be received in a way that I really can only be thankful for. We held the CD LAUNCH party at ELMDALE HOUSE TAVERN in July, to which I faced a big fear of public performing. I’ve done a hand full of other live gigs since then; including THE RAiNBOW, BACKYARDS of CHiNATOWN and even played up in Manitoba’s NorVA Centre, where I also had an exhibit of my photography. Ottawa’s Xpress even nominated me and THEY SAY i’M DiFFERENT for BEST ALBUM and NEW MUSiCAL ACT in their October Best of Ottawa 2011 Contest. I’m no fool and never expected for a moment that I would win either category – but it was yet another source of encouragement; someone out there heard potential. Besides, I’ve only just begun!
Everything about THEY SAY i’M DiFFERENT; leading up to it and after wards has been incredibly rewarding. Reviews, although slightly mixed – do indicate to me that any flaws aside (and I do recognize a great deal of flaws) there must be something good. If anything, THEY SAY i’M DiFFERENT woke me up to my own potential. It’s not the sum of who I am but it certainly should be seen as a work in progress.
As I move forward and continue to record new material – I take these experiences with me and strive to evolve even further as a singer/songwriter/performer and artist. Going forward I will take my time and collaborate with like-minded musicians who want a piece of the CC TRUBiAK experience – creating intimate, grass-roots folk and country-tinged music full of hope and optimism. Fortunately for me I have peers like DARREN HOLMES, iSAAC VALLENTiN, JENNY NASMiTH, KETURAH JOHNSON, SHANE NORRiS along for the ride – I can assure you that anything you see from me next will be a labor of love – for if I’ve learned anything from these past two years; take you time and be proud of what you do but always strive to outdo even yourself. Stay tuned!
In the meantime – take a moment to check out THEY SAY i’M DiFFERENT, which you can find on iTUNES here (http://bit.ly/zQFwDg). Below are youtube vids for several tracks, and stay tuned for what will be my first official music video release this spring; I’m currently working on a video concept with TORRiD pals OLEX and DANNiEL for an accompanying video to AFTER THE GLiTTER FADES. It will be beautiful I can assure you!
One of the perks of working part-time in retail the way I do – is getting to meet and work with a lot of young and energetic people, who I find are often doing such amazing and inspiring things in their own lives. For instance – after working with a lovely young girl by the name MARiE-ANNE (whom I just think is adorable, not to mention full of initiative and talent), I discovered she is actively involved in a lot of very interesting and creative projects in addition to her education and work; one being a blog specifically devoted to all things (& boys) facial hair.
She is one of two girls who have such a, to quote “healthy appreciation/love/obsession with facial hair’ that they decided to devote a blog just to that love. It’s called TUFF SCRUFF (http://tuffscruff.tumblr.com/) – and I suggest you check it out if your love is anywhere near theirs. It’s chalk full of beautiful beards and the men that often come along with them – many of which were scouted on university campuses here in Ottawa. TUFF SCRUFF is not just about showing off men in beards – but its also a forum for the featured bearded men to speak to their own thoughts and views on the subject of facial hair. It’s light – its fun.
In fact – I’m pretty flattered to now be a part of this ever-growing community of bearded men featured on TUFF SCRUFF, and was more than happy to ‘submit a beard’ myself. Thank you TUFF SCRUFF – and MARiE-ANNE, for making me a part of what I HOPE is a movement – because as their site quotes Confucious as saying -
“A man without a mustache is a man without a soul.”
Check it out below or cut and past the address located above and be sure to bookmark TUFF SCRUFF as one of your faves too!
(The images of CC TRUBiAK used for the TUFF SCRUFF blog were taken by photographers ZOE BARANSKi and CLAUDE MARQUiS, respectively)
Yesterday was a great day in terms of getting the chance to pop over to my buddy SHANE NORRiS’ place and for the first time jam with yet another very talented musician living in Ottawa.
From what I understand SHANE does not necessarily play live, but his interest in music is rooted in years of practice. Just entering his warm and homey apartment, I was giddy at the sight of the many instruments he began to bring out and share with me like two kids after school. He seemed eager to share all of his ‘toys’ with me – almost like a variety of the coolest G.I. Joe’s (or Barbie’s) in the whole neighborhood. SHANE has not one, but two beautiful guitars, a mandolin, a fiddle and a banjo as well – and had I any ability to play these instruments SHANE would most certainly have let me – but alas, all I could do was stare, wide-eyed at his beautiful instruments. I’ve known SHANE for years, but never to this capacity that I understood his love for music. As well I was able to quickly determine, by the sounds of the music coming from his record player and the quick fingers he displayed on his banjo – that he is VERY talented. Passionate.
I should also mention that I met him years ago when I was a barista working at a coffee shop – but since then we’ve become more familiar outside of that setting. This was the first time I’d gotten the chance to really sit down and talk to him – and I must say I’m fairly intrigued by his character; strong, intelligent as well as gracious and kind. His lovely and equally kind female friend KATRiNA was also present – adding to the pop-a-squat nature of our jam session, and she was also kind enough to snap several very beautiful shots of our time to commemorate the moment. Thanks for that KATRiNA! Needless to say it was easy to kick back for a spell and enjoy the time.
Stories and toys aside – my mission when heading over to SHANE’S was to take him up on his offer to jam together, not necessarlily for any particular reason per se, although I did have a song in mind that I wanted his take on, in terms of fleshing it out and helping me to perhaps draw more. And draw more we did -
My friend CLAUDE MARQUiS (of THE PEPTiDES) generously provided me with a couple of his original tunes to, at the very least, play around with and attempt to try on for my own size. To say that I’m honored is in truth an understatement – as beyond having on-line fans request numerous country songs for me to play – I’d never had an actual song-writer allow me to interpret their song, much less invite me to do so. Especially a song like SAiLOR SONG from THE PEPTiDES 2006 i’M A SPY album. SAiLOR SONG is a very beautiful, introspective song – and because of its unique composition, I consider it to be very much a ‘singer’s song’ in the truest sense of the word. Meaning, for me – I have a style of singing that I’m very accustomed to, and although I have yet the words to define what I mean by that exactly – what I know is that SAiLOR SONG has provided me with a bigger vocal challenge than I’ve ever experienced, and I mean this in the best possible sense. I’m looking for a challenge, and in this way I am very much enjoying the work being put into it. Singing it myself I have visions of ribbons flowing gently in the wind… this may sound funny but this is the best way I can articulate how it feels to sing it – I sing like the ribbon blowing in the breeze because it feels like a natural essence of the song.
Anyways – I can sing SAiLOR SONG in an a Capella version that has at least allowed me a platform to begin getting comfortable with my own stylization – however I wanted to share this with SHANE as an opportunity to see what another musician could tease out of it with me, or see within its potential – without the pressure to necessarily do anything with it (i.e., record it/play it live etc). Of course, SHANE and I exchanged many songs through out the day – him taking turns at busting into his original stuff, and myself likewise – but then turning our attention to SAiLOR SONG. The first really encouraging thing was when the lovely KATRiNA, who also fueled the enthusiasm with her glee – indicated that she really thought SAiLOR SONG was a very fitting and complementary song for my particular style of singing. Funny but it really did encourage me to stick with it and wear it like a comfortable pair of jeans – as opposed to a itchy, ill-fitting angora sweater.
All in all – the day was very well-spent. I left that cozy apartment well fed and slightly high on the given results. SHANE and I will continue connect and with any luck, we can bring something special to SAiLOR SONG. I’m certainly up for the challenge.
Last year offered me a lot of opportunities to accomplish some life-long ambitions of mine – mostly of which involved being able to extend myself to a community beyond my living room, musically speaking. What with ‘THEY SAY i’M DiFFERENT‘ and DANNiEL OiCKLE’S ‘THE CORRUPTiON of FLESH’, and a few live shows under my belt – a personal/professional goal going forward has been to continue pushing myself creatively, but within the context of collaborating a lot more – as I find its’ one thing to play/sing/write alone – and another richer experience to feed off/inspire each other to far exceed yourself.
Speaking of which – last Wednesday I brought my buddy/fellow musician friend iSAAC VALENTiNE over to jam on our individual material. iSAAC, already familiar with releasing his own music independently – has his sights set on recording tracks for his next release, and much to my enjoyment he has generously allowed me in on, at least one track – an original tune he wrote and composed called ‘Workhorse‘.
Building slowly ‘Workhorse‘ is a lovely tune, iSAAC taking lead vocals, surrouded in acoustic and slide guitar, as well as a harmony from yours true. Wednesday in particular was a lot of fun, as it was time for me to add a third part harmony – resulting in a trio of vocals remicent of another TRiO: DOLLY PARTON, LiNDA RONSTADT & EMMYLOU HARRiS, respectively. Now I’m no Dolly but what we did accomplish – is something just as fine with that VALENTiNE/CC twist. Needless to say we’re both excited about the results – so do stay tuned for ‘Workhorse‘ as it continues to evolve.
While on the subject of recording, another CC project currently on the go, centres around a collaborative effort between myself and photographer/musician/songwriter DARREN HOLMES. Similarly to working with VALENTiNE, DARREN and I have been slowly but surely building tracks for a yet-to-be titled follow-up album to ‘THEY SAY i’M DiFFERENT‘. This time ’round, my primary goal is to be a part of crafting something even more evolved as to me there would be no point in releasing more unless I’m able to grow and evolve. Being able to do so in the company of like-minded artists is what feels best, so I’m thankful for Mr. DARREN HOLMES, indeed.
What I like most about collaborating with him thus far, is the loose nature of these sessions; which usually start with a cup of coffee and good conversation before we begin tackling tracks. So far DARREN and I have begun working on several of his original songs, ‘All I Need‘ and ‘So Hard‘, in addition to a song I wrote called ‘Maggie Brown Eyes (Maggie’s Theme’). Additionally, I’m about to start working on a collaboration effort between myself and local folk singer KETURAH JOHNSON – someone I’ve admired musically for some time (and who is also in the midst of recording a studio album) – and I’m only thrilled she is just as eager. Something else that uber excites me are ‘Sailor Song‘ and ‘Nothing Matters‘ – two songs originally recoreded by Ottawa’s very own THE PEPTiDES – and written by none other than CLAUDE MARQUiS. Finally, DARREN and I have been teasing out a beautiful banjo version of BOB DYLAN’S ‘I Threw It All Away‘, giving me the opportunity to interpret a song I’ve loved for years. We see each other in these recording sessions on a when-we-can-afford-to basis.
All in all these endeavors provide those of us involved opportunities to play – so even if these tracks never see the light of day (and I hope they do), the experiences in recording alone have been rewarding. Until then – or until there is more to report – stay tuned and keep well folks! Check out the images below from Wednesdays session with iSAAC.
Now apparently I am! Popular enough to be included amongst some very fine talent in XPress’s Annual Best of Ottawa 2011 Contest.
Nominated in 2 categories; Best New Musical Act and Best Album 2011 (They Say I’m Different).
I’d like to give a shout out to XPress for the acknowledgment – that’s pretty cool if you ask me. I’d also like to thank DANNiEL OiCKLE, CLAUDE MARQUiS and OLEXANDRA PRUCHNiCKY for the creative input and support that pretty much made my album THEY SAY i’M DiFFERENT happen at all.
What’s most exciting for me is that I could never have anticipated the riches that have come along with the opportunity to sing and connect with people through music as I have experienced this past year. It has given me a great deal of insight as to knowing just where I want to go in life and how I enjoy connecting with people. And on the horizon are some fantastic things coming up ahead – such as my involvement with the production of DANNiEL OiCKLE’S THE CORRUPTiON of FLESH, playing at SAW Gallery this November (more to come on that soon), as well as more recording and musical collaborations with some fantastic local talents here in Ottawa. I’m currently back to recording, slowly and very patiently – and as things continue to grow and develop with these songs and collaborations I can assure you that I will keep anyone interested posted and in the loop. SO …stay tuned.
Should you be interested in giving me a vote or two – check out the link below which will take you directly to Ottawa XPress’ web page. Deadline for voting is Wednesday, November 2, 2011. Go vote!
Singer/composer/instigator and founding member of THE PEPTiDES, CLAUDE MARQUiS is also a Painter and personality extraordinaire – and I ain’t just whistling Dixie. CLAUDE MARQUiS may have been responsible for producing 4 tracks off of my own ‘They Say I’m Different’ but make no mistake – he’s an artist and entertainer in his own right. After 13 or so some odd years of painting and exhibits, MARQUiS essentially traded in the easel and brush, reprogramming himself to make music with THE PEPTiDES; a band named after addictive chemical neurotransmitters.
Thanks in part to a lot of patience and the technology of a home-recording laptop purchased in 2006, MARQUiS was able to transfer his gifted skills as a visionary and painter over to the musical side of arts, spending hours perfecting his craft. By the time 2007 rolled around THE PEPTiDES released ‘I’M A SPY’, followed by ‘StereoStereo’ in 2008. With each album evolving ever so slightly (the band has reincarnated itself by showcasing different vocalists including PAM KAPOOR, DALE WATERMAN, OLEXANDRA PRUCHNiCKY, DAN VALiN, DOROTHEE ROY, MAUDE KOSTiNE, MiCHAEL STEVENSON and DEEDEE BUTTERS) they have particularly found their stride with 2010’s ‘For Those Who Hate Human Interaction’, a 60 minute/25 song concept album that spans copious music styles such as vaudeville, lounge and funk. ‘For Those Who Hate..’ explores the colossal theme of hate but as MARQUiS has said himself, “It’s not about hating humanity, it’s more about hating human behavior”, and with titles like ‘For Those Who Hate Salacious Fame’ and ‘For Those Who Hate This World’, you get the sense that his particular view of humanity – is only part of what makes him interesting and the music worth hearing. There is certainly no doubt that MARQUiS has a narrative of his own and fortunately for us he isn’t shy about sharing it. Original and known for their racy beats, baroque ballads and quirky presence in the Ottawa music scene, they’ve had quite the exciting summer, having played the International Ottawa Jazzfest, The Live Lounge and Elmdale House Tavern just to name a few.
As I’ve said – CLAUDE MARQUiS and I are no strangers ourselves. Wearing only his producer hat, MARQUiS generously invited yours truly into the recording studio in 2009 for what initially started as one-time opportunity to lay down my own music. Well, specifically a folksy cover of DOLLY PARTON’S ‘The Grass Is Blue’. Prior to this, any singing I had done was strictly in the confines of my living room. What MARQUiS did was plant the seed for me to flex my own musical muscles as well as provide a much-needed bridge to communicate with a wider audience. I’ll never really understand why – but I’ll always be grateful and I say this as someone who relates to the narrative MARQUiS presents on ‘For Those Who Hate..’. As much as my own disdain for humanity at times has kept me a relatively introverted misfit, I do also have the desire to extend my hand out to society and have my own voice be heard within the chaos of humanity. The touch he lent to ‘The Grass Is Blue’, ‘Tomorrow Is Forever’, ‘After the Glitter Fades’ and my own ‘Prairie Boy’ certainly added warmth and velvety feel to the album as a whole and are something I’m personally proud of.
Stay tuned for more from THE PEPTiDES as they are gearing up to be a part of the inauguration opening of the new Centerpoint Theatre on September 12. Most importantly you can expect their new album ‘Love Question Mark’ to come out early next summer, and straight from MARQUiS himself he promises “it’ll be packed with non-stop one-hit wonders”! Excited! I am. In the meantime, keep your eyes and ears open for them as they continue to record and revamp their live act.
Also included here is a selection of original MARQUiS Photos, taken in the Summer of 2005 – followed by the FOR THOSE WHO HATE SALACiOUS FAME video.
The night in general was FANTASTiC – and full of many wonderful memories. First I would like to thank everyone who was able to come out that night in support of me and the album. From my long time Ottawa boys, to all my friends and co workers – and everyone in between : I’m grateful for the crowd of devoted people who were able to make it. The energy brought into the show was magnificent. To see the faces of my friends and loved ones was especially calming before the show itself, as leading up to it I was filled to the brim with nerves and anticipation! A special thanks has to be given to the following :
My sister EBONY and JAMES - I thank you for making a pit stop in Ottawa on your travels. Just having my sister in the audience made me feel a certain ease - the embrace you gave after the show is etched in my memory.
DANNiEL OiCKLE and OLEXANDRA PRUCHNiCKY - I have to thank you both for the time and energy you both put into not only the album, but the night in general. I LOVED getting to rehearse with you – we are BiRDS oF A FEATHER and I’m quite looking forward to working on future shows – be it YOURS, MiNE or OURS. You’ve very talented and creative people - WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN MY WHOLE LiFE! In addition to the help with the show, all of the promotional help, such as bringing me on as a guest on ANYTHING BUT VANiLLA to share and discuss the project was incredibly appreciated.
ELMDALE HOUSE TAVERN – Thanks for allowing me to play in such an warm and cool atmosphere. Having previously played there last March before STONEY MARTiNS & THE OUTRiDERS I knew what I wanted and ELMDALE was the place that had it. I felt very at home there and the venue was the PERFECT spot for my music. I look forward to the chance of playing there again sometime!
DERREK PENNOCK - Thank you for your time and work on the event poster. You’re a talented man and the poster was beautiful. My FiRST LiVE SHOW POSTER !
Thank you to ALAiN and JULiE for helping me out in various ways such as greeting everyone at the doors and ensuring they know about the CD. I love you both!
BONNiE FiNDLEY – thank you for being present for such a momentous night, and for documenting it in such great style. You’re an amazing photographer and it has to be said that the photos from the night are greatly appreciated by me. (To check out more about BONNiE and her photography please go to : www.findleyfoto.com ). Check out the following photos:
Recently I had the fortune of talking to a very creative and savvy friend of mine. This friend is much more informed about how to communicate with society in today’s gizmo-happy times, particularly when you want to reach a lot of people and share a variety of things from music to photography. Myself, I am a slow learner – but after much consideration I think I may developed some new and fresh ways to keep viewers of WWW.CCTRUBiAK.COM happy and entertained more frequently. I would also LOVE to hear of any suggestions on what YOU may want to see more of so please share your suggestions!
So here is how it will look going forward:
MUSiC TRiBUTE MONDAYS: This is where I will continue to post anything pertaining to music that influences me; from my tributes to albums; songs; genres; singer/songwriters; cover art etc. As of now I’ve been very sporadic in my tributes (BOB DYLAN, TANYA TUCKER, OLiVIA NEWTON-JOHN, LABELLE, CRYSTAL GAYLE, JUiCE NEWTON etc), but this will allow for more consistency. I’ve really only touched the tip of the ice burg.
FiLM TRiBUTE TUESDAYS : Similarly I will do my best to post tributes to the films/actors/actresses/directors/genres that again, have inspired me over the years. Up to now I have done short features on PAPER MOON (1974), KLUTE (1971), CARNAL KNOWLEDGE (1971), LADY SiNGS THE BLUES (1971), THE ROSE (1980) and THE PURPLE ROSE OF CAiRO (1985) but there are many more films to be discussed. Any thoughts from you?
ANYTHiNG GOES WEDNESDAYS: On a day like Wednesday I say anything goes – so I may feel like doing a tribute/feature on anyone from a LOCAL ARTiST, to an exceptional SUPERSTAR from our times who has relevance to me and my own sensibility. To date I’ve featured Ottawa-based photographer DARREN HOLMES, DEEDEE BUTTERS as well as STONEY MARTiNS and the OUTSiDERS – but keep your eyes open for future features on THE PEPTiDES, AKSHAY TYAGi, DANNiEL OiCKLE, DAN ZiEMKiEWiCZ and more.
QUOTABLE THURSDAYS: I am often inspired by the words of wisdom that can come from anyone as relevant as LADY GAGA to as everyday as the LiTTLE OLD LADY WHO SAT ON THE BUS NEXT TO ME. Here is where I wish to share these words of wisdom with you.
PHOTO FRiDAYS: Here I would like to post any image or photograph of my choice, be it one of my own or by any given photographer, living or dead. For all the years I spent pouring over TiME, ROLLiNG STONE, VOGUE, LiFE, iNTERViEW – there are millions of photos I find striking and inspirational – so let me share them with you!
Again – don’t be shy and let me know if any of you have ideas or suggestions on how to spice up CCTRUBiAK.COM.
