By Peter Quincy Ng

In 2007, Chilean singer-songwriter Francisca Valenzuela debuted with her first album “Muérdete la Lengua” (which translates roughly to “Bite Your Tongue”) to much success in her native Chile. The album was an instant success and received critical acclaim and even won her the title of the “Chilean Princess of Rock” as one of the newest musical revelations that the country has seen in quite some time. What many may not have realized was that this “instant success”, the now 22-year-old Francisca Valenzuela has had one rather prestigious and decorated past. Enrolling in music and art programs all over her hometown San Francisco since childhood, Francisca wrote and published her first poetry compilation at twelve, studied at the world-renowned Berkley College School of Music and even had the backing of internationally-acclaimed writer Isabel Allende to accompany the promotion of her poetry. There are many words to describe Francisca Valenzuela as an artist, but talented (or if not extremely so) is the only word in my mind sufficient enough to describe her. After few stints and promotional gigs in Colombia and Mexico, we got the chance to talk to the talented, charming and extremely articulate Francisca Valenzuela back home in her native Santiago.

By Jennifer Finjan

With over 66,000 Russian-speaking people currently residing in Toronto it shouldn’t come as a surprise that there is a thriving Russian party scene in our midst.

A party scene that once seemed exclusive and somewhat cliquish to outsiders, has blossomed into a successful electronic music scene to be enjoying by all. This is thanks to Russian-born, Toronto-based DJs and promoters like DJ Ortemy aka Artem Pogossian who have helped the Toronto Russian party scene evolve from stereotypical euro beats and Russian pop, to some of the best progressive, house, electro and techno music with a twist you will find just about anywhere. However, one thing remains the same at these parties –happy, beautiful people who dress to kill and know how to have a good time.

By Lindzrox

It’s 2010, and the lovable geek chic dance-duo Hot Chip made up of Alexis Taylor and Joe Goddard are back, and this time they’ve slowed it down to a melodic rock steady beat! Like I said, a lot of the tracks have been slowed down, but still posses awesome synths, processed vocals and feel-good vibes. One Life Stand is the band’s fifth release and proves that they are a solid group with a distinctive sound that crosses many genres.

The album begins with Thieves in the Night,’ a solid opener with heavy synths and sweet-sounding vocals. “I Feel Better,’ is almost anthem-like and has you tapping your foot and bopping your head. The title track “One Life Stand’ almost has a Latin vibe with tons of dancefloor appeal and some synthetic steel drums for an island tip. Some other highlights of the album include ‘Alley Cats’ which will have indie-loving fans appreciating the similarities to this track and the music of The Sea and Cake. Another favourite is the dark and ominous ‘Take it in’ that almost reminds me of a Depeche Mode track.

One thing is for sure, the new Hot Chip will have you dancing and dreaming all day long.

For more information on Hot Chip:

http://hotchip.co.uk/

By Jrox

February has a few titles. It’s black history month, heart month, and also the month that gave us and took away the great James Dewitt Yancey (Jay Dee, J Dilla). Born Feb 7th in Detroit, Michigan, James was pushed by his parents to become musical. Learning to play cello, keyboard, trumpet, and drums, Jay also became a record fanatic at an early age. In 1988 he formed Slum Village with high school friends, but it was in 1992 that a fellow Detroit native Amp Fiddler taught Jay how to use a MPC drum machine. He also introduced some of Jay’s music to Q-Tip who liked it and helped to get the word out. Over the next few years, Jay racked up a huge list of credits. Producing work for Busta Rhymes, The Pharcyde, De La Soul, and A Tribe Called Quest. In the later half of the 90’s he continued to produce incredible work like Common’s ‘Like Water For Chocolate’ as well as tracks for Talib Kweli and new Slum Village records.

Over the first half of the past decade Jay began to focus on a solo career, releasing albums such as ‘Welcome 2 Detroit’ and his final masterpiece ‘Donuts’ on Feb 7th 2006, three days before he would pass away from cardiac arrest after years of battling a rare blood disease. This mixtape is a light introduction to the brilliant resume of a ‘producers producer’. He was only with us for thirty-two years, but has left us with a body of work that will last forever. Thanks Dilla, TURN IT UP!!!

1. Pause- Jay Dee
2. Find a way- A Tribe Called Quest
3. Raise it up- Slum Village
4. Light my fire- J Dilla
5. The Mission- Jaylib
6. Runnin’- The Pharcyde
7. Strapped ft Guilty Simpson- Jaylib
8. Nothing like this- J Dilla
9. McNasty Filth ft Frank N Dank- Jaylib
10. The $- J Dilla
11. Wonce again Long Island- De La Soul
12. The Red- Jaylib
13. Didn’t cha know- Erikah Badu
14. African Rhythms- Jay Dee
15. Lightworks- J Dilla
16. Fall in love- Slum Village
17. Two can win- J Dilla
18. The Light- Common
19. Workinonit- J Dilla

To listen to Jrox’s Dilla mix go here:

http://www.jhodgsonmusic.com/music-group-32.html