Though quite a far-cry from previous projects, I present On The Radio, my latest track. It is a collaboration between myself (“Ill Sash”) and my friend Matt (“Biji M.”), a talented musician and producer. In recent years I’ve become much more interested in hip-hop music after being introduced to the genre by my current roommate Yaakov. Making this rap was a great pleasure, and I hope this is the first of many.

Many thanks to Biji for his hard work in the recording and, especially, the mixing phases of On The Radio. Enjoy!

PS: It can be downloaded in mp3 format by clicking the down arrow button to the right of the track.

1.P-E4 | P-D5
2. K-C3

This past weekend I had the pleasure of going to the Sasquatch Music Festival in the Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington State. I camped with a bunch of old and new friends from Handsworth and had an absolute blast. This won’t be an experience I shall soon forget.

The site was breathtaking. The main stage is built before a humongous natural amphitheatre that has capacity well above 20,000 people. Behind the stage there is a picturesque view of The Gorge itself, which is apparently infamous amongst windsurfers for having ideal conditions for the sport. Needless to say, the epic scenery made for some epic performances. One artist that really brought it was The Decemberists. They were touring for their recent CD, The Hazards of Love, a concept album which revolves around a love story between an innocent girl, Margaret, and a shapeshifting forest-dweller. The album once again  taps into the band’s sharp skill for captivating folk storytelling but introduces a never-before-heard rock sound. It is a really phenomenal album and certainly worth picking up or downloading. Their sunset performance really made the first day great.

The second day’s greatest performance definitely goes to Mr. Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails. Having already seen NIN for the premiere show on their Lights in the Sky tour last summer at Pemberton Festival, I was pretty sure I knew what to expect. Well let me say, NIN took my expectations and shattered them to dust. This set was composed of perfect songs in a perfect venue. It was awesome to see them live, doing their thing. On the third day, Ben Harper and the Relentless 7 were by far my favourite. Some others that I would suggest looking into were Fleet Foxes, an indie group with an acoustic sound and stunning vocals, Gogol Bordello, a Ukranian punk-rock band, and Blind Pilot, another acoustic troupe.

All in all, it was a great weekend. Having had my vacation, I come home ready to work and enjoy life this summer. Red Robin gets easier every day and I’m sure once I get to know the work and the people I will have a good time there. Underneath I’ll post a gallery of my Sasquatch photos for all to see.

Gnight,
sash

Recently, I was discussing why I prefer photographing natural environments rather than urban environments with my friend Ryan. We agreed that the fascinating thing about forests is their dynamic nature. The photographs taken in these woods today represent a unique, specific time in the life of that ecosystem. One particularly nostalgiac sight was the decomposed trunk of the tree that I had the rare experience of seeing fall back in the summer of grade 9. After just about 5 years it has become a nursery tree that is supporting new life. I find that reassuring. Anyways, enjoy the photos.

sash

Another notable aspect of the trip was that I read Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. I must say that this was one of my favourite reads in a very long time. It was a breezy read, well written, and notably more to-the-point than many novels I’ve read of late. I look forward to reading more books of its calibre over the summer. If anyone has any novels similar to Catcher or any other reads that you recommend please drop the name in the comments. I am on the way to the library now to get a new library card and to see if I am still eligible for the ‘Summer Reading Club’ or if I am too old. We shall see.

Lastly, my search for a job continues. My most promising opportunity is at Red Robin where I have secured a second, ‘working’ interview, whatever that means. While I am desperate for anything full-time, I don’t really feel like watching dishes and prepping salads all summer. Beggars can’t be choosers, but if you know any places that are looking for a dedicated worker with solid credentials let me know. My resume can be found here. 

Till next time,
sash

Bruce

As my freshman year at university is quickly wrapping up I can’t help but already feel nostalgiac. The fears that permeated my mind in the year’s beginning have all but evaporated in this truly amazing environment. The friends I have made, the experiences and knowledge I’ve attained, have all culminated into a learning experience that cannot be contained within the confines of the GPA system. There is now, more than ever, a rhyme and reason to my life and education in Montreal. I feel blessed to have been able to be here and meet all the wonderful friends I know will stay in my heart forever. Gardner Hall will only be my home for 15 more days and I plan to cherish them as much as I can. It’s not often we get the chance to live in a building so densely packed with fly people. I’ll miss it for sure.

Though this chapter in my McGill life may be closing, the future is wraught with promise. First and foremost, I can hardly wait for my living arrangement next year. I will be living with my two brothers from different mothers, Dan and Yaakov, which should be a blast. The place we’ve rented in the Plateau is a beautiful 6 and a half that will no doubt provide unmatched homeliness. For all my friends abroad, I implore you to make the trip out to Montreal with the promise of either a comfy spot on the couch or a spoon with yours truly.

The next, and most drastic, big change that will be coming my way next year is a recent addition to my educational agenda. I am sticking to my guns and doing a Major in History, hopefully with Honours. However, I could not help but feel my initial Minor, English Literature, was a bit of a cop-out. I just wasn’t excited about it. Then, a few nights ago I had an epiphany that will most certainly make my next year interesting, challenging yes, but very interesting. The epiphany: East Asian Studies.

As many of you most likely know, I am an asiophile. From anime to gaming to samurai swords to the iconic Bruce Lee (pictured above), Asia is a continent that holds great wonder in my mind. For this reason I have decided to re-declare my minor to East Asian Studies, put my studies of French on hold and take First Level Japanese next year. This course will entail 50 minutes of instruction every day for both semesters. The word ‘intensive’ certainly comes to mind when I think of the task ahead of me. Yet, I can’t help but get giddy every time I think about it. Today I went and talked to an advisor in the department and got certification to take the Japanese class. So cross your fingers for me.

On a similar tangent, my roomate Yaakov and I have decided we’re going to study a martial art next year. Now, as much as I’ve enjoyed going to the gym this year, I must admit that it ain’t half as cool as learning karate or Jeet Kune Do, the Tao of the Intercepting Fist! As of now, I haven’t the foggiest notion which discipline I should try. I know Milan had a lot of fun with judo, the effects of which I could certainly see in our brotherly brawls. Hopefully next time we clash I will call upon my newly acquired techniques to vanquish him.  If any of you have any insight into different styles of martial artistry that you may think I’ll enjoy please let me know. 

Anyways, now classes are done and the time has come to begin studying for my exams coming up. Take care internet.

さようなら,
Sash