Angel Olsen - My Woman

Came across an artist by the name of Angel Olsen today on Apple Music (side note: Apple Music has elevated my obsession for music to an entire new level, if this was even possible). Her album, My Woman, is truly amazing and sets me on a cosmic, space travel odyssey. Angel's voice is fucking beautiful, and her rock-and-roll sound makes me want to slap on a leather jacket, dim the lights, light some candles, and sway my hair. She has a real Stevie Nicks, Pretenders, Sharon Van Etten sound and I. AM. DIGGING. IT.

YOGA CHALLENGE UPDATE:

My first class of the yoga challenge yesterday was amazing. It was a 1 hour HOT DETOX yoga class and the twists, bends and holds were both challenging and relaxing. I felt like it was a good work out. The one hour was so much more bearable than the 1.5 hour class last week that has me pretty terrified to try again. I will, however, give it another go before the end of the week. Tonight, I am debating between the dreaded HOT 26 class at 6pm, or the Hot Core class at 8pm. I guess we'll see how it goes.

Ciao xo Margaux

Yoga Challenge Starts Today!

Well, it's been over 4 years since my last blog post. Yikes! I had pretty much given up on this little blogging muse of mine, but then ... after searching for a new fall challenge, I've decided to sign myself up for a 30 day yoga challenge at Hot Yoga Winnipeg. Am I crazy? Probably! I've done yoga quite a bit but in a more sporadic, one hour flow kind of way.

The decision to continue this blog comes from a need for some motivation. I also wanted to journal on how I am feeling each day, and read for myself the evolution of possibly becoming some sort of a yogi! And hey, if I lose a little weight and tone up on this challenge... BONUS!

So today, I'm feeling super pumped to take my first class at 4:30 pm after work. It's the HOT DETOX 1 hour class with Nancy. I think this will be a nice start to the challenge... ease my way into it. I did my first Hot 26 class last Thursday, which is an hour an a half class, and almost DIED! It was so hot in there, and I was by far the worst in the class. This class was more traditional with the 26 official yoga poses in an incredibly hot room. Prior to taking this class, I thought I was decent at yoga, so this experience really humbled me. The class was really eye opening, and I hope to be able to successfully complete the class with some ease by the end of the 30 days. So, Day 1 - I've been pounding water all morning and have probably peed 10 times already before noon! Keeping the food light and vegetarian today.

I'll keep you posted tomorrow on how it went.

Ciao xo
Margaux

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

While purchasing a much needed dark roast coffee the other day at Starbucks, I saw that Edward Sharpe and co. just released a new album titled, Here. Did some solid listening, and WOW! This album is amazing. After seeing them live, I knew this group wasn't destined for the one hit album curse, however, I was not expecting their second album to outshine their last.  Songs like "I don't wanna pray", "Here", and "Dear Believer" have all had me swaying in my kitchen and envisioning myself dancing at the beach, if that day will ever happen. While I'm waiting for sunshine and beach weather, I'll be listening to Here ... daydreaming.

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On cloud Sasquatch...

The dream became reality last week, as we pulled into the Sasquatch commune at the Gorge Ampitheatre in George, Washington. Four blissful days dancing in the sun, meeting new friends, smashing heads with old ones, and enjoying some pretty special music amidst canyons and valleys. It was an incredible weekend! I thought my heart was stolen by Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Tennessee, but Sasquatch Music Fest held it's own against it's southern counterpart. The jaw dropping backdrop had not only festival-goers happy but on several occasions artists with stop their shows, speechless, taking in the beautiful scenery.

 Highlights of my trip and in no particular order:

1) Alabama Shakes were everything I had hoped for and more.
2) Ben Howard put on the most perfect set for a sunny day. He played for an hour, with all of his tracks off of the Every Kingdom album and had me wanting more! He'll be playing in Vancouver on October 3rd at the Commodore, and you can bet that I'll be there.
3) Charles Bradley: Holy shit! I didn't realize that I would be swaying the sunshine to this god of soul. Perfect music for a festival. JUST PERFECT!
4) James Murphy from LCD Soundsystem played a set in a tent late Sunday night, and it was so epic. We found ourselves in a straight greek circle dance, laughing and having the best time.
5) Bon Iver: Had people sobbing during the final set on Sunday night. Pretty special moment.
6) Girl Talk: As expected had the entire field dancing as hard as physically possible. Although Girl Talk neglects to play original music, he knows how to get a crowd dancing and I truly respect that. So much fun!!
7) Deer Tick: OBVIOUSLY! They played tribute to Adam "MCA" Yauch from the Beastie Boys and played their version of "Fight For your Right", it was amazing.
8) GroupLove: Just purchased their album. They put on a great California inspired show on Monday afternoon!
9) Jack White: Because we all know the kinds of shows he puts on. This guy is just a classic and will be playing music and inspiring people for years to come.
10) Beirut: Their trumpets and ukuleles were just too cute for words and just had me standing there with the biggest smile on my face!

These are just some of the amazing moments from my trip. My addiction to music festivals becomes more and more intense every year. Such great people, music, and good vibes. PEACE!

Sasquatch 2012 is coming

Sasquatch 2012 is on the horizon and I am buzzing with excitement. To think that in less than a week I will be in my element, among music fanatics, trees, sunshine, and some of my favourite bands.:) Sasquatch Music Festival takes place at the Gorge Amphitheatre near the Columbia River in George, Washington. A perfect 5 hour road trip with three great friends. It is also a nine time winner of Best Outdoor Music Festival by Pollstar. As a Bonnaroo girl tried and true, we will see how Sasquatch measures up. Here is a preview of the artists I am most excited to see:

Deer Tick: No surprise there. My small, innocent obsession from Providence Rhode Island will be partaking in the event, and ofcourse, they are number one on my list. Can't wait to jump around in the open field to all of my favourite tracks, and witness John's outlandish stage antics, ie) wearing a sundress at Coachella, and rolling around on the stage.

Alabama Shakes: They're album Boys & Girls has been blasting daily in my apartment for weeks now. They're lead singer Brittany Howard has a kickass soulful voice that I can't wait to hear live.

BEN HOWARD: I just, just, just realized that he's playing Sasquatch!! His latest album, Every Kingdom, is insane. I'm so excited I may blow up before I see him.

Kurt Vile: I love love love his album, Smoke Ring for my Halo, and love love love his long hair. 

SantiGold: I've seen her at Bonnaroo live, and her shows are sure to make the whole crowd on their feet dancing like mad people. The energy she shares is AMAZEBALLS!

The Shins: I first fell in love with this band when I purchased the soundtrack to Garden State (one of the best soundtracks I have EVER heard), hello "NEW SLANG". Their music just makes me so happy and will be perfect at a festival to sway to in the sunshine!


Gary Clark Jr.: Holy shit this guy is going to rock our socks off. Such an amazing voice with the craziest guitar skills. He's got a sound reminiscent of Black Keys, but has been around longer.

 


More top artists:
Feist, Jack White, Beck, Bon Iver, Beirut, Silverspun Pickups, Metric, Sheepdogs, M.Ward, Little Dragon, Girl Talk (because I know the dance party is going to be insane for that. I saw them at Squamish Live Festival last summer and it was such a good time), Explosions in the Sky (put on an awesome show at Bonnaroo last year), Of Monsters and Men.

Okay, I should probably stop myself, but you get the hint. I'm about to have an epic weekend at Sasquatch :) Stay Tuned....

Santi is GOLD

I just purchased the new Santigold album, Master of My Make-Believe, and it's killer! Santi has taken that same new wave, post-punk, reggae vibe and has proven that she ain't no one hit wonder. After falling in love with her first single L.E.S. artists, off of her debut album Santogold in the summer of 2008, I bought her album. It's one of those albums you can hear front to back and love every single tune.She really knows how to create something unique, and by touching so many genres of music she can resonate with such a wide audience. And after seeing her live show at Bonnaroo, I was hooked. The girl can get a crowd dancing!! Her first single, Disperate Youth, is one of those epic summer anthems, and she has also hooked up with some awesome artists for this album like Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Feels like this album will be on heavy rotation this summer... i can just picture sunshine, waves, and dancing when I close my eyes. And lucky me, she's playing at Sasquatch Music Fest this year, which is ... less than 3 weeks away :)