Thursday, August 25, 2011

Kaila Picard [Singer]


Name: Kaila Picard
From: Montreal, QC, Canada
What she does: Singer/Songwriter

I love finding new music and talent, especially when it's local. There's something about locals that keeps me grounded, in a way. Reminds me that anyone can make it if hey want it bad enough. Kaila Picard is a talented singer who has been working very hard for a long time She studied Jazz Performance in college and is currently working on her music career with hopes of becoming a distinguished artist.

In my time following her progress, I've been able to see her grow and develop into her own. I've seen her in bands, groups and lately more often solo. I must say, each stage [no pun intended] presented a different style of music and performance altogether, but her solo work thus far has been much more definitive and representative of Kaila as a person and artist.

Though sweetly corny at times, her lyrics are true to life and relateable on many levels. The songs out out delve into the pit of emotions that she carries around with her, from dealing with long distance relationships in her song 'I Can't' to diving into new experiences blind, as told in 'The Unknown' and more with with we can easily identify with.

Kaila's jazz training is evident in her vocal footwork and fancy runs. Like many Jazz greats, Kaila does not over use the vocal acrobats and keeps a very balanced a mature structure to her songs, which is refreshing lately. I really can't stand hearing singers go over teh top with the songs- simple and poised makes for sophisticated music, which, in my opinion, is what keeps an artist down to earth and timeless. I'm not much of a fan of Diva's; if you're good enough to show it, you don't need to. It almost comes across as having something to prove, which is a turn off for me.

Kaila has recently filmed her first music video and I'm looking forward to seeing what is coming from this Montreal artist!

You can find Kaila's music at the following links:

YouTube
Facebook
ReverbNation

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Because finding a place to live isn't easy!

Finding an apartment is never an easy task- let alone trying to find an apartment outside of my locality. Luckily, I've come across a useful tool that not only lets me narrow down my state and city preferences, but also enables me to compare all of the apartment candidates I am willing to consider side by side. Not only this, but it lets me compare several states altogether, which makes it easier for me to see what my options are, where, and what is most convenient for my lifestyle and goals.

Amongst numerous candidates, I've found one particular apartment that suits me and what I am looking for.

This beautiful apartment in Denver, CO is not only within fair distance from school, but it offers a variety of amenities that make student life easier (and more bearable, really). Amongst all the stress and chaos that takes place in a semester, it's nice to have everything you need in one place. This apartment, called the Axis At Nine Mile Station is walking distance from public transportation, which makes it easier to, you know, actually get to class, let alone on time. When I need some me-time, I can walk on over to the sports court, or have some friends over and make use of the grilling barbecues in order to celebrate passing that exam by a hairline (We all have our close calls!). Another benefit, I have to say, is the ample closet space. Being a girl, I have a lot of clothing and shoes, and this makes it easier for me to keep them organized. Additionally, It gives me room to hide those passed-by-a-hairline exams!

My favourite part, however, is the beautiful view I have of the mountains. Nothing is more grounding than seeing such natural beauties right in front of you, it's magical, it's breathtaking and that, my friends, is about 80% of the reason I would like to relocate to Denver, CO. The city will always be a a part of me and I don't want to leave that behind. Having access to these mountains and other pieces of nature that encompass the city at such an accessible and convenient distance is absolutely amazing. Denver is the perfect mix; the wine and cheese, the hydrogen and oxygen that is both necessary and delicious.

The big city is where I grew up, thus will always remain a part of me. Lately I've been getting an itch to move away to study; broaden my horizons and experiences to elsewhere than where I've been my entire life without leaving the big city feel behind. At the same time, I would love to be in a place laden with natural splendour, somewhere with less city smells, less concrete and more grass to lay on and watch the clouds go by. Don't get me wrong, I love the city, love the thrill of crossing a busy boulevard and as fond as I am about the smell of gasoline at 8:00AM, I wouldn't mind an afternoon hike or a beautiful view to satisfy my hankering for a natural encounter.

This is why I have chosen the Axis Nine Mile apartment; it's got everything I could want. The only thing that could make it better would be it having a library. It would be awfully convenient to have such easy access to books those nights where I need to get away from homework or have some time to kill. Additionally, I would love for it to have a rock climbing wall, seeing as it is a sport I regularly practice, but with those wonderful mountains and raw climbing destinations so close by it's not so bad. Overall, however, it is a wonderful find I am quite fond of.

You can check out my pad by clicking HERE!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

New Beginnings

Well, it's been a while since my last post. A lot of changes have taken place, such as new living location and arrangements, new job, a bit of a paradigm shift in many areas of life in general.

Life throws curve-balls at you; sometimes full of opportunity and sometimes they're laced with concrete and run into your face. It's up to you to do what you need to do to make the most of them, and see the good they have to offer. For me, it was about marking the end of a long standing relationship, put my big-girl pants on and move on with life. Since, I've learned a lot about myself and what my aspirations and goals are, and am generally happier than I was. That's not to say that I wasn't happy, just that I felt trapped in a cycle I didn't want to be in and was too afraid to make the changes necessary to move ahead.

Anyways, I'm back, and I will do my best to post regularly and keep up with the copious amounts of talent that the internet holds.

Hopefully I haven't lost too much of a following, but, alas, I guess I deserve it.

Here's to new beginnings and wonderful times :)

-The Music

PS. I've recently decided to start working on my music more seriously, so you may be hearing from myself every now and then! ;)