The Weather Report: Rich Aucoin

Canadian singer/songwriter Rich Aucoin has never been one to do things normally. On top of executing his musical releases in brilliant ways, such as how his debut EP Personal Publication syncs up perfectly with How The Grinch Stole Christmas, he is also an extraordinary person looking to give back to the community. He previously biked across Canada and back, running a half-marathon in every city and raising money for childhood leukemia research for The Childhood Cancer Foundation. As if that wasn’t enough, Aucoin decided on round two, an untraditional tour titled Press On where he rode his bicycle from Los Angeles to New York,  raising awareness for mental health by donating 100% of tour proceeds to Mental Health America and The Canadian Mental Health Association. 

Needless to say, when we heard about Rich Aucoin’s mission to raise money for mental health, we knew we had to ask him the question: If you were the sky, what kind of day would you be? You can read Aucoin’s Weather Report below.

The Weather Report: Imani Givertz

Back in October, our team collectively decided to share our voices in honor of World Mental Health Day. While some people struggle silently, we wanted to open a conversation on mental health in a way that was comfortable and free of judgement. Months later, I asked why couldn’t we continue that conversation? What was once seen as something to be fearful of discussing has turned into a relatable topic that has no boundaries. Our journeys may all be different, but they’re also similar in ways that we wouldn’t imagine.

While attending Launch Music Conference and Festival in Lancaster, PA roughly a month ago, I was surrounded by panels and discussions with industry professionals, musicians, and friends on their journeys with mental health. It sparked something in me that wanted to find a way that would allow having these types of conversations comfortably. During a chat with a talented friend of mine, Imani Givertz, a question came up: if you were the sky, what kind of day would you be? It’s a question that seems simple at first glance, but actually allows for a dialogue that may be difficult to openly talk about. There are plenty of questions to be asked in an interview, but very rarely is someone asked how they are truly feeling. Using this question that Imani brought up, we decided to launch a new column called The Weather Report that will allow those struggling with mental health to talk about how they’re feeling in a genuine and authentic way.

I thought the best person to kick off The Weather Report would be the inspiration behind the column, Imani, a photographer, social media manager, friend, and avid tea-drinker. Working in the music industry for about 8 years, Imani has had the opportunity to tell artists’ stories through photos and writing for publications including Cliche’ Magazine. She has a drive for being an advocate for those that struggle with mental health and to be a friend that walks with people through their mental health journey as she continues to walk through hers. You can read Imani’s Weather Report below.

Flashback February: STACEY

Back in September, I caught up with STACEY for one of the most stunning sessions I’ve done yet. With the sun setting in New York City, we were treated to a live version of “It’ll Be Alright,” which you can see below. The session also included performances of “Daydreaming” and “First Move.”

Flashback February: Ben Talmi

With quite the impressive resume, Ben Talmi has not only worked on creating music for himself, but has also composed scores and string arrangements for television, film, and artists including Manchester Orchestra. Last year, we caught up with Talmi for an acoustic version of his track “Someday”  and a cover of “Kathy’s Song,” originally by Paul Simon, which you can listen to below!

 

 

Flashback February: Seth Glier

As continue our Flashback February posts this week, we’ve realized that…well…it’s no longer February. This last month flew by and we easily lost track of time. That being said, we’re just going to pretend that it’s February through the end of this week and share with you the remaining sessions we’ve got lined up for you! Let’s jump in, shall we?

We caught up with Grammy-nominated Seth Glier, right before the release of his album, Birds. A personal project for Glier which was written after the passing of his brother, we were treated with a captivating acoustic version of “I’m Still Looking.” Give it a spin below!

Flashback February: The Delta Saints

Following the release of their album Monte Vista last April, we caught up with the band for an incredible stripped down performance of “California” and, my personal favorite, “Sun God” which can be seen below!

The band will be heading out on their Farewell For Now Tour, details can be found over on www.thedeltasaints.com.

Flashback February: Kylie Hughes

Last year, we sat down with Kylie Hughes in New York City for a short acoustic session. Hughes did a stripped down performance of her hit single “Heat,” which can be seen in the player below, as well as “Hungover” which can be seen here!

For more on Kylie Hughes, head on over to www.KylieHughesMusic.com.

Flashback February: Tribe Society

We previously caught up with Tribe Society in New York City for a stripped down live session where the band performed a few of their tracks including “Problems” and “Secrets,” which can be found below!

Flashback February: Fiona Silver

Last summer, we caught up with Fiona Silver in New York City prior to the release of her debut album, Little Thunder, for a stunning live session. Silver and guitarist Guy Fiumarelli performed four tracks including “Smoking Gun,” which can be found in the player below.

 

Video Premiere:: “Sleepover” – Kyle Britton

It doesn’t take long for Kyle Britton’s “Sleepover” to dig itself into your head. While the first bright, plucky chords are enough to get you tapping a foot, by the time the chorus comes along, there’s no chance at you sitting still. Playful, simple, and far from innocent (in all of the good ways), Britton’s breezy voice and carefree attitude are seasonally perfect, setting the mood for that lazy Sunday afternoon or that morning where you need to hit the snooze button just one more time.

Kyle had this to say about the track, “Sleepover is a playful song about lovers turning off the world, locking themselves away from the day, skipping out on all responsibilities and living in their perfect universe. There is no amount of money or ramification too great that could take this day away from them.” Check out the music video for “Sleepover” below!

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