Lost and Found Benefiet Commemorates Loss of Friend

Melissa Ligertwood organized “Lost and Found- A Benefit for Addictions Awareness” at Charlie’s Tap House and Grill Saturday night. “No one talks about mental health issues or addiction,” Melissa said in regards to the reason behind the benefit. She wants to create awareness of the consequences of misusing drugs and alcohol and how addiction affects lives. She also used the benefit as a memorial service in honour of her friend who passed away in February and did not have a funeral. For many that attended, the benefit would bring closure to the passing of this individual.

Any profits raised are to be donated to the Edgewood Treatment Center and Foundation in Vancouver, the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, and the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice in Kamloops. Her first time organizing such an event, Melissa was unsure whether the benefit would pull crowds or earn a profit. Her goal was to pay tribute to her friend, gain awareness about addiction, cover costs, and potentially raise some money for her cause via any profits.

Six bands played and advocated on behalf of Melissa’s cause. Careful With That Axe, Blister, A Case in Point, Kilmore Place, Say It In Colour, and Throttlecaster all donated their time. It was a noteworthy cause when musicians are arguably more exposed to the drug and alcohol scene than any. Josh Bolen and Erko Nomm of Throttlecaster proudly spoke of their drug-free lifestyles, while Clay Andrist of Case and Point said he isn’t easily influenced by others. “Kids in high school have more pressures than we do,” Clay explained, “We are capable of making our own choices.”

Dave Marlin shared opinions on the topic before the concert started. Had he not been already in charge of sound with the venue, he would have donated his time. Dave shares with many the impacts of addiction in his world. “Drugs manipulate,” Dave said. “Addicts have the ability to candy-coat their situation”. With experience Dave has found that when dealing with addicts, boundaries are most important.

Dave also feels that we may be curing symptoms of addiction but not the solution. Corrupt syndicates weaved into society are the cause for these substances getting out. “They melt our economy and crush our families,” said Dave. He also fears that the mentality of society is that if you make your bed you have to lie in it. Hopefully by contributing to Melissa’s benefit, we proved him wrong.

If you would like to make any donations on behalf of someone affected by addiction, you may contact Melissa at mligertwood@hotmail.com.

Animal Nation Making a Name in Canadian Music Scene

If you attended the Vancouver 2010 Olympics or the Pemberton Music Festival in 2008, you may be familiar with the Canadian band Animal Nation. Their music can’t be placed into any one category. A mix of hip-hop, indie rock, and electronica, the two members, Garnet Clare and Mike Armitage, said in a phone interview that they have been labeled everything from “hip-hop for kids who don’t like hip-hop” to “indie-nerd-hop”. If you mix the style of a couple snowboarders with the sound of the band Atmosphere, and the influence of today’s modern electric sound, you would have Animal Nation.

Living in Whistler BC, they are working to make it big with their music in Canada – something not easily attained. They both have jobs in Whistler to supplement their passion which is a similar situation to many students. Not only do they work hard, their music contains Canadian references that imply their Canadian pride. Notably, their music video for “Party Animals” found on their MySpace page shows Mike wearing a Vancouver Canucks baseball cap. He agrees that it will benefit the Canucks to relieve Roberto Luongo of his responsibilities as captain this season. Their Canuck pride is relatable, and it is inspirational to see talents so near to us pursuing their dreams.

Animal Nation recently released a new EP entitled “Basti Made Me Do It!” which was produced by German producer Sebastian Hochstein. The influence he had on their music was “more electric and less organic” Mike said. The decision to name the EP after Sebastian came from the motivation that he gave the guys during the project. It was Sebastian’s first time in Canada, yet he wasn’t interested in the outdoor opportunities that British Columbia has to offer. The boys claim that he literally made them do it when they got sidetracked, but Sebastian insists his dedication to the project came off as pushiness. The pushiness paid off. With the collaboration of Animal Nation and Sebastian Hochstein, this mix of genres merits a genre all in its own.

Animal Nation is going on tour within Canada beginning September 30 in Ottawa and ending November 11 back in Whistler. During the interview, they were on their way to a cabin in Montreal to add original content to their new live show. They often use animal mascots to get the crowd going, so anything is possible. Unfortunately Kamloops didn’t make the cut, so for potential fans, you can get their music online. Their mySpace page has a link to purchase the new EP through iTunes at a very student friendly price of by donation.

Sebastian plans on working with Animal Nation again. In the mean time, he is releasing an album with Illect Records next spring, an album with JustMe from the Scribbling Idiots, and an album with Shawn Lov. He is so busy working on his music that we were forced to speak at 1:30 a.m. Germany time.

As for our Canadian boys, expect to see them on the road together and also independently working on their side solo projects. Watch for their mascots, and find some of their tunes, you’re sure to hear from them in the future.

Visit them at: http://www.myspace.com/animalnation