MMVA Afterparty

Ready to party!

Last weekend I went to the Much Music Video Awards afterparty with work. I had a great time there getting to know some of my coworkers outside of the office and just enjoying the celebration for a very well-done award show.

The DJ set was spun by Far East Movement and LMFAO, and I had the privilege of meeting with and talking to some bands, and their staff. There were also some songwriters and local musicians present, and I really can't remember how many people I met!

I'm really glad that I don't come into the offices on Monday though, because I was out until 4:00 in the morning, and I was really, really happy to be able to sleep in.

I didn't take many photos at the party, because it's a nightclub and nothing really turned out well, but I do have a photo of the DJ booth here on my instagram and the view from the VIP booth, here.

Below I have some photos of what I wore, since... I feel like it's obligatory to post them. (click to make them bigger!) Everyone loved my manicure! I got so many questions about it, which made me pretty proud because I've never used charms or decals before. I posted a photo of it in my last entry.

Wearing my hair like this makes me want to shave it again!

My "sparrow claw" bracelet from Queen St.

Brash wedges, because I'm really short.

The Re-bops

LISTEN UP. I did the album photography for these boys and their music is so sweet. You can download "Rock 'n' Roll Guitar Man" for free or get their new album Drag Race for $5! Come out and see the boys if you're in Toronto July 4th at Clinton's! Stunt it!

Clintons 693 Bloor St. W, Toronto, ON M6G 1L5

Photo: me @ neighbourhood1

Signing and afterparty

Today was a long one.

I helped out at HMV from 2:00 until 8:30 for a signing session. We had Far East Movement, Alyssa Reid, Karl Wolf, Down With Webster and Carly Rae Jepsen come into the store for a signing. I met two more co-workers of mine, and basically just helped out with extra tasks like preparing the green room and shopping for the items on the artists' rosters. During the signing I helped to show fans where to go and line up, hand out wrist bands to contest winners and just make sure everyone was following the rules.

It was a really nice treat to meet some new artists today! Everyone was very friendly and down-to-earth, and Carly Rae is so adorable in person... Seriously, the photographs of her don't lie!

I was really excited to meet Far East Movement and talk to them, mostly because of their recent collaboration with Bill Kaulitz from Tokio Hotel. They also said some really kind words to me about the passion of Tokio Hotel's fanbase. It was really sweet!

Tomorrow is the Much Music Video Awards and afterparty. It's going to be a loooooong night. I have a photo of my manicure above, hehe. I'm dressing in ivory, grey and black. I'll probably post a nice photo tomorrow.

Whirlwind

I've been very busy working away at the label, and looking for a new place to live, but on Wednesday I went to go see a room in an apartment over in Riverdale (East Chinatown). It's perfect (although very small), so I'm going to put a desposit down on it this Monday and move in July 1st!

At work, I've been taking over some of the marketing assistants' jobs while they've been on their summer vacation hours, which is awesome! It really makes me happy to think that they trust me with their jobs and to speak with important collegues like band managers, and other marketing directors at outside labels. I've also been taking a lot of extra graphics work when there's overflow since my coworkers discovered I'm more than skilled with photoshop. Ehehehe.

Next weekend we're gearing up for the MMVAs, and it's going to be a busy time for us, since a good chuck of the Universal Canada roster is going to be there. There's Hedley, Marianas Trench, Carly Rae Jepsen, LIGHTS, Dragonette, Nelly Furtado, Down With Webster, Bieber, and Far East Movement, to name a few. Everyone has been rushing to make sure everything is perfect, from crowd handouts, to budget and red carpet entrances. Some of the artists are going to make a huge splash, you'll see!

I'm mostly just really excited (and scared) to move into my own space in July... It's all I can think about. I'll also be able to feel comfortable bringing my camrea equipment up with me, so I can share how beautiful Toronto is with all of you.

As for new music... Listen to Medicine, by the UK band 'Daughter,' it might just bring tears to your eyes.

Week one...!

I've officially completed my first week at work. Getting settled into the apartment with Stef is still an ongoing process! I really like her company, and the house is beautiful, plus the location can't be beat, but I'm still new to the area and getting a hang of things, plus it's hard to stand the Toronto heat with no air conditioner!

Work has been great, I'm really feeling welcome at the marketing department and all of my coworkers are fun -- they really love what they do. I've been doing work like mailing, scheduling, and booking flights/hotels for contest winners. I'm also looking at the numbers side of things, which is very interesting in itself, and all very important to success! So far, I love my job, and I'm looking forward to continung work next week. I even got a ticket to go see Garbage this Monday! If you don't know who they are, check out their song Blood and Poppies, I'm digging it. Originally, I was only supposed to stay at the label until August as an intern, but we've been throwing around the idea of me staying until January, which means I will probably have to move into a new place around the end of August, unless one of the basement rooms opens up in the house, since I will be able to afford it, but we'll cross that bridge when it comes.

When I head back up to Toronto on Monday, I will be bringing some things to decorate my desk with, maybe I'll post a picture.

I've been recommended to and sampling a whole ton of new music, so I'll pass some of those album recs onto you in my next few posts. For now, check out the new single from the Scissor Sisters, Only the Horses. Their album, Magic Hour comes out on the 28th, and I think that people will love it. Most of the songs were produced by Calvin Harris and Diplo.

Ain't no Rest for the Wicked...

It begins...

Well, here we are. Time to get this blog started. Starting Monday I am going to be moving up to Kensington Market, where I will be spending Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday living with Stef and working at the label. Every weekend, I will be returning home to St. Catharines to continue my part-time job. It's exciting to live in a place as cultured as Kensington Market, but I am also glad that I'll be able to go home every once in awhile, to sleep in my own bed.

As for the job, well... I'm very nervous, and I hope that everything will go as planned. I also hope that I'm able to make a good first impression on my new co-workers. It may be naive, and I may only be an intern, but I want to strive to do the best job possible, and make sure that I make a mark there.