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interview
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Get Down with Girls and Guitars
16 Apr 2012 by Y57Media / No Comments
Girls With Guitars at the Media Club was a stripped-back and sunny sounding celebration of female singer-songwriters. There were four local musicians: Amber Smith, Lisa Vesterinen, Lydia Hol and Christie Rose. Each girl had a folky sound but they each brought something unique and charming to the stage.
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Youth of the Months of 2011
05 Jan 2012 by Zahra Premji / No Comments
Woo! 2011 is over and what a year it has been! The Youth of the Months, or YOMs as we like to call them, have truly done some damage on my emotions throughout this year. I can personally say that this show has exposed me to some of Vancouver’s most inspiring, life changing, and wonderful youth! It’s hard to narrow down such amazing people to a top 5 list, but it had to be done.
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Local Artist Interview: Bank Heist
11 Nov 2011 by Sonia Sophia / No Comments
Bank Heist is the musical moniker of local musician Matthew Joel who creates electronic music heavily laden with deep bass lines, robust synth melodies and pounding dance beats. Below is a short interview done with the musician providing some insight into his project.
Could you tell us something about yourself and how Bank Heist started? Is it still a side-project for you or has it taken a much more prominent role?
My name is Matthew, I’m in my twenties, and from the Vancouver area. I started making Bank Heist tracks while I was still in highschool. I had already been making music for a while at that point and was looking for something a little more lighthearted and fun to pour myself into. Back then Bank Heist was just a joke, but it’s been slowly developing into something that has a bit more character.
Under Bank Heist, what genre or sound do you associate the project with and why have you decided to make music in that vein or aesthetic?
Especially when Bank Heist started I used it as a vehicle to carry my love for comics, space, and science fiction. It still has some of those nerdy qualities, but lately, probably marked by the release of Salvation, I’ve been focusing more on using that spacey sound to tell well developed stories.
On your Facebook page for Bank Heist, you say that it is a project for when you “don’t care”, but when you “try to care” you make music under your personal eponymous project. Could you elaborate on this point of view or how you would differentiate between the projects besides the genre difference?
I put that in there a long time ago when, as far as Bank Heist goes, I really didn’t care. My love is shared a little more evenly between my two projects now.
In terms of major influences, who or what moves you to make the music you make?
I’m moved to make music when I hear music that moves me. This has been true for almost every song I’ve ever written.
The Kingdom which you released earlier this year appears to be the closest thing to a full release, could you elaborate on the process of making that album or what is embodied in that album for you?I went tree planting for a summer two years ago. Which for those of you who don’t know consists of living in the bush in northern BC for two and a half months climbing over logs in clear cuts, getting bitten by bugs, rained on, and well, planting trees. My crew and I listened to a lot of really cheesy European house that summer in our truck and when I got home I had this over whelming inspiration from that experience and put it all into The Kingdom.
Would you say that your music or songwriting has changed or grown since you first started?
When I first started to try and write songs back in middle school I would try to write break up songs about girls, because that’s what all the emo bands I listened to back then did. I later realized that this was not the subject matter for me, mostly because as a tween I had never even dated a girl, let alone been broken up with anyways. Now I just write songs about what I care about. If someone wanted to know what I care about, the music I’ve been does a pretty good job outlining that.
Has the Bank Heist project ever been translated into a live setup or performance before? If not, is it something that you want to work towards?
It has, and it will! My good friend Simon Bridgefoot of The Parish of Little Clifton and I have done Bank Heist live sets a grand total of two times. It was a total blast and we’re hoping to do it again in the future with the release of my new album.
You just recently released a new track, “This is War” as a sample off of an upcoming release. What background information can you give about the track and what can you tell us about the upcoming release in terms of concept or direction?This track is from right in the middle of the new album I’m working on. On the Kingdom I only sang on one track, but for this new album people can expect a lot more like this one.
What are your future plans with this project?
I’m working on a new album right now that I’m really excited about. It’s a concept record about a post apocalyptic human civilization that’s been at war for decades. Compared to The Kingdom Its going to have a lot less four-on-the-floor house beats, but it will be twice as epic, and a lot more human.
You can find Bank Heist’s music over at his Bandcamp and connect with him through Facebook.
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VIFF: Choose the Right Thing?
14 Oct 2011 by Racquel Belmonte / No Comments
Have you ever had this amazing thought or idea during the process of waking up in the morning- just as you’re getting used to the subtle burn of morning light in your eyes- and you suddenly get this feeling that you just HAVE to write down, causing you to skip the next couple of steps in the “waking up†process so you can bolt for your laptop and just type it out?
Yah. That’s what happened to me the morning that I thought after viewing Choose the Right Thing?, it was very obvious that I had ‘chosen the right thing’ to watch at the Vancouver International Film Festival this year.
I’m sorry, I just couldn’t help myself.
Still from 'Choose the Right Thing'
Choose the Right Thing? is a compilation of 8 short films from the USA, the UK, Germany, New Zealand, and Brazil as part of the High School Outreach Program at the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF). Â I liked everything about the films; from the scenery to camera angles, everything was so raw, fresh and exciting and youth centric.
It is impossible to watch any of these shorts passively. My mind was constantly in motion through the viewing of these shorts, for the storylines were layered and embedded with so much in regards to the youth experience. Each film details varying social, emotional, and cultural contexts that cannot go unnoticed in our world, and the steps taken to exemplify these issues in each short to the fullest is pretty remarkable. The execution of each story was unlike any other mainstream “box office hit†you’d come across, and the feelings associated with these issues are very different. Take Opus for example: the issue of a student-teacher relationship is something that is not so new to the industry, however, Opus looks at it through a superficial-less and much more realistic lens of infatuation, and shows the mental and emotional (not the judicial ones) complications associated with such an affair.  And in Just Like Her, when a teen girl has the opportunity to spend time with a model whom she idolizes, things un-spiral in a way unlike any other film has done before…but I’m not going to tell you what, because that will spoil the surprise!
Still from the film 'Crush'
One general note I feel compelled to make after watching each of the films is that the acting was fantastic. I kid you not; I’m pretty sure each and every character made me feel something. Whether it was wanting to beat the shit out of Micah’s older brother in Crush, or hug poor Ahmad in Broken Cycle, it was crystal clear that the actors successfully completed their jobs in telling the story. There were plenty of times where I wanted to reach out to the characters in the film, and give them a hug or something, since they gave me the impression that they needed it…if that makes any sense.
I, too, felt the frustration and confusion dwelling within the teenage boy in Goalie, and I so badly wanted to console the teenage boy in The Off Season who was grieving over the loss of his father. I was constantly on my toes anticipating the actions of each character, for it felt as though they were replicating real life…and we all know how erratic and spontaneous people in real life can be! There were instances in All Ages where I thought to myself, “story of my lifeâ€, especially when the girls had to pee so bad at a party and had to squat outside, only to be caught by a smokin’ hot guitarist (don’t act like it’s never happened to you). Each of the characters in each of the films are very relatable, which is something that I have always found to be pretty important; it was all very REAL, and that is what made these films so goddamn special.
Speaking of being “goddamn specialâ€, I had the honor of interviewing (via email because we love utilizing technology these days, and of course, time zones) four of the film directors who will be in town for the festival: Matthew A. Brown (Crush), Clifton Archuleta (Broken Cycle), Laramie Dennis (All Ages), and Max Rousseau (Opus). I had planned to be all journalisty and incorporate their responses within the article, but the content within their responses was just too good and inspirational to pass up:
So tell me about yourselves! Please state your name, age, how long you have been involved in the film industry, how you got started, when you did in fact start, what your films are usually about, etc.
Matthew (MB)- Matthew A. Brown. 37. Involved in the film industry since around 1997. Started as an actor. Did leads in some critically acclaimed American indie features like God’s Army (2000) and Brigham City (2001). But started writing very early on. Did English lit in university, where I started writing screenplays. And once I stepped behind the camera for the first time, I knew I’d never act again. Was ecstatic and so much more emotionally available and was always more interested in creating the entire world of the story than being a pawn to someone else’s vision. My stories vary. My first feature, which I’m shooting next year in Cape Town (I was born in Cape Town, immigrated to New York with my family at 16) is a South African coming-of-age gangster thriller, called STRONG BONES. Also have a psych-thriller in development. And another gangster movie with kids, but this one’s NY-based, called THE RISE AND FALL OF LORENZO THE KID. My shorts have displayed both these tendencies. Crush, my 4th short, deals with teenage violence, sexuality, revenge, love. And my previous short, Victim, is dark suspense thriller… Very much a genre piece.
Clifton (CA)- Hi, my name is Clifton Archuleta and I’m 32 years old. As a recent college graduate, my industry experience is just beginning. Four years ago, I decided to make a major career change. I had been working as a contract translator after serving 7 ½ years in the U.S. Army as an Arabic linguist, but felt it was time to pursue my passion to pick up a camera and start making movies. That’s how I ended up in film school. Since graduation, I’ve been working with a commercial production house in Denver and doing some freelance work. It’s all been a great experience and I feel fortunate for the opportunities that have come my way. Most recently, I was able to spend ten days in Argentina on a shoot. My films often deal with social justice issues. Making such films is difficult for me though, because while I’m very opinionated, I’m not interested in beating people over the head with my message. I’d rather let issues present themselves in the circumstances surrounding an individual and focus on the human aspect of how one deals with them. I believe this helps to provoke thought and allows the viewer to reach their own conclusion about a given issue.
Laramie (LD)- I’m 38, but my psychic age is 17. After college, I spent ten years in New York directing theater before deciding on a whim to apply to film school. All Ages is my graduate thesis, and the first film I’ve ever screened publicly.
Max (MR)- I’m Max Rousseau, 23 and I’ve really been involved in the film industry since I was 9. I wanted to be a filmmaker ever since then and never jumped ship no matter what was thrown at me. It started mainly with me wanting to be a Producer (when I was 9, I used to watch big budget action films produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, he was my childhood hero) but that shifted to writing as I would write my own scripts on my free time. It wasn’t until high school that I actually picked up a camera and starting shooting my scripts. I interned on numerous low budget films shooting where I grew up in South Florida (Ft. Lauderdale to be specific). I decided to get my degree in film and I got into the Film B.F.A. program at the University of Central Florida. I directed four short films in undergrad, (one of which is Opus – which is playing/premiering at VIFF).  Right now I’m at UCF getting an M.F.A., teaching Film Courses and directing my first feature which is in pre-production currently (check out www.pembrokecircle.com). My films to be honest are usually about outcasts of some sort, people who don’t fit into the “norm” due to social awkwardness, not relating to people their age, cultural differences or insecurities. That has been a running theme in all of my films including Opus and my up-coming feature Pembroke Circle.
All of these films revolve around youth (ages 15-25). Why was it important to you to create such a film using the demographic of teenagers? How do the issues in your film address real life, and why did you choose to create a piece on that specific issue addressed?
MB- I love working with teenagers because there’s so often a certain raw and burning emotional aliveness and immediacy. Also no bad acting habits from years of TV or theater or whatever. In Crush, I went through agencies in Berlin, and couldn’t find the right faces or rawness. In fact, many of the agencies were too scared of the material to even show their kids. But of course when the kids read the script, they loved it. Because it was real to them. But this was also due to working in Germany I think, where there’s a certain fear of violence. Unless it’s depicted in the past. I like to capture spirit on the screen. And teenagers are so often just exploding with all this life and desires and impulses going haywire… But that’s also why I like actors like Sean Penn. The unpredictability.
CA- I feel like teenagers are at a very vulnerable point in their lives. I remember being faced with split-second decisions that could have potentially changed the course of my life(drugs, vandalism, etc.). There was a night that I decided not to get in a car with some kids from school who had been drinking. Later that night, they crashed their car and two of the teens died. I feel that it’s important to address issues that teens are currently dealing with in order to help them see that a person doesn’t have to succumb to peer pressure or pretend to be something they’re not. Broken Cycle addresses several issues, but primarily racism and bullying. Several years ago, I read an article about a Sikh 9th grader in Queens, New York who had been assaulted by his classmates because of his appearance. That same year, there was a Muslim teen from Staten Island who finally spoke up about being beaten and bullied by his peers for over a year. Stories like these forced me to think more in depth about the potential consequences of such actions on the development of adolescents. There’s also my personal connection to these issues. My heritage is half hispanic, half irish. Growing up in an ethnically divided community, I found it difficult to find acceptance from my peers. Luckily, I was able to look past these things and not let it reflect negatively on the way I viewed myself, however, I can see how easily youth can get caught up in the conflict it causes.
LD- When I was in high school, my friends and I were obsessed with the movies John Hughes made with Molly Ringwald (Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club + Pretty in Pink). We wanted Molly’s clothes. We wanted to get the guy in the end, like Molly always did. We wanted to be her. But we also identified with Molly. Whether she was playing an awkward sophomore or a prom queen, she radiated this intense, teenage self-consciousness. This fear of acting like a dork. I really identified with that.
MD- I think it was important for me to make the protagonist of my film 17, because I wanted to show a character who felt alienated because of her passion (in this case classical music/ piano) which ultimately leads to her falling for her teacher. I think many of my peers, in my generation at least, have no idea what they want out of life or are afraid to follow their dreams (or passions). The main character in my film is following her passion (though she has temptations along the way) she does what many people my age seem to not be doing. They’re not willing to take risks. This could just be Florida though…
Do you think the teenage experience often exemplified in film and television is generally important? Why do you think the medium of film is so successful in raising awareness to teenage issues and struggles?
MB- I’m not sure the medium of film is so successful in raising awareness to teenage issues… Most of what I see nowadays that deals with teens in cinema has nothing at all to do with raising awareness… I see a lot of purely entertaining stories that involve teens kicking ass, sucking blood, flying broomsticks, talking about cocks and cunts, and generally living balls to the wall and loving life. In fact one my upcoming features is a teenage surfing vigilante movie called MY NAME IS CALIFF HUTCHINS. And it’s a balls to the wall and ecstatic celebration of living your dreams to the full. And yes, killing, or at least maiming, anyone who gets in the way.
CA- It’s definitely important. Teenagers are influenced by so much. The culture they experience through movies and on television helps to define their self-image. This can be bad, violence is a good example. Not that I’m against violence in media, I think it has its place, but I don’t agree with violence being gratuitous or glamorized. For this same reason, film and television can also be good. It has the ability to reach so many people, as well as, show youth that there are others who share their experience.
Why do you think it’s important for youth (ages 15-25) to be involved in the film industry, whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes.
MB- I think the teenage / young adult perspective will naturally bring a whole other energy/vision to the table. Harmony Korine’s writing KIDS for example. Or Catherine Hardwicke’s writing “13″ with the teenage girl. There’s an element of life there that’s raw/burning, like what I was talking about above. And the other major thing for me is that so often adults either forget or try to deny just how hardcore their thinking/dreaming/desires were as teenagers. I was so excited when I saw Chloe Moretz in KICK ASS. Firstly coz it felt like at least now there’s a precedent for some of the shit my kids get up to in LORENZO THE KID, which has a much darker, but ecstatic tone… But also I was thinking how brilliant it is that she was just allowed — by parents/guardians/agents/whoever — to do the role in the first place. I feel like it should be the kid’s decision. Sure, there are limits. But I think kids reach the age of discernment infinitely earlier than parents are willing to admit.
CA- I think it’s important for several reasons. One, it helps them to get their stories heard. A major problem with issues like bullying is that teens often feel that no one is listening. Two, filmmaking a hugely a collaborative effort. Becoming part of a team, such as a film crew, helps to instill a sense of belonging and confidence through accomplishment in people. It also allows people to express themselves creatively, which can help break down barriers and inhibitions.
LD- Make movies if that sounds like fun to you. Or act in a play. Or play basketball. Play violin in the dork-ass ORCHESTRA, if that’s what you’re into. (Do schools even have orchestras anymore??) Tell your mom you’re going “out for coffee” and go to rock shows instead.
If you have anything at all, whether it be advice or something important about your film that you would like revealed in the article.
MB- Do what you love.
Agreed. Do what you love, people. Just like Ellie did in Ellie. Not sure of what she did? Then go see Choose the Right Thing? and be inspired to create and do the things it is that you love. Speaking of which, I’m going to eat now. Thank you very much to VIFF for accommodating Youth in 57 Minutes Media, and an even greater thank you to those directors who shared a word or two with us…we appreciate it, and look forward to seeing more of you in the future!
Photos from www.viff.org
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Ellie Plays Live!
28 Oct 2010 by mallory mcleod / No Comments
On our latest show singer/songwriter Elizabeth (Ellie) Boeycame down to the station to play an acoustic version of her new song “Listen to Me†and to chat with Y57 about her progression as a musician. Ellie is well known to us at Y57 because she was the lead singer in the band All The Way that performed at our Second Annual Battle of the Bands in August.
During her interview it became clear that Ellie has had a relationship with music all her life because of family influences. She first became involved with music at a young age, starting out with piano and violin at the suggestion of her mother. It wasn’t until she was older, after her dad introduced her to the guitar, his instrument of choice as a teenager, that she finally realized she was hooked on music.
As a solo artist, Ellie leans towards jazz influences but she can also take on rock and pop when the mood strikes her. Ellie develops her music around the life experiences and emotions that she deals with as a teenager. But as she grows up, Ellie is focusing on maturing as a songwriter, from themes of heartbreak over first loves, to songs with deeper meaning such as “Listen to Meâ€, which is a song for all the pessimistic people out there who need to try a smile on for a change.
If you want to hear more of Ellie’s music, check out her MySpace page atwww.myspace.com/elizabethboey. If you missed her interview you can catch it on the Listen Now page on our website. Thanks for the live performance and insightful interview Ellie!
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