Greg Neufeld - Last Man To Die

Greg Neufeld - Ever You - Live

Cupcakes and Heartthrobs

Cupcakes and heartthrobs should always go together and for one night they do at Frostings Cupcakery in downtown Langley On Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. enjoy an intimate and interactive Friday night with Abbotsford’s Canadian Idol contestant Greg Neufeld who is stopping by to play a few songs off his new CD. RSVP to 778-278-8832. Admission is free with a donation to the food bank.

http://www.bclocalnews.com/entertainment/70317272.html

Greg Neufeld - The Music - Lyrics

Leaving Song

She gathered the days and the nights
That we spent
She's holding them in her hands
It's too bad
I want to want her to stay
But I can't, no I can't

She left that one picture
We both know that I'll miss her
But it's too far gone

This is for you
It's a leaving song
And i know it's not much
But it's all I got
And I'm not even sure how the ending should go
But it's gotta end so
La la la la la

I tried to leave without using the door
But you deserve more, you deserve much more
These are the things that I should have said
But I could never so
I will sing them instead

These mistakes that I've made
I know what I've done
These regrets are coming home
Now that I've sung them

This is for you
It's a leaving song
And i know it's not much
But it's all I got
And I'm not even sure how the ending should go
But it's gotta end so
La la la la la



Map of the Stars

I bought a map of the stars
To find the place where you are
I drove way up in the hills
To get some distance from the city lights
Oh yeah

I left the last of the street lights behind me
Went the the place where the Lord couldn't find me
And if the world was still flat
I'm pretty sure I might have driven off
Oh yeah

How could you not stay
I was much too proud to beg
But now I know
Should not have let you go
We were so close to beautiful
We were so close to beautiful

And in the black of the night
I caught a flicker of light
I swear it must have been you
Trying to reach me across the universe
Oh yeah

How could you not stay
I was much too proud to beg
But now I know
Should not have let you go
We were so close to beautiful
We were so close to beautiful

And now I'm watching above
To get a glimpse of your love
And now I'm watching above
Above, above, trying to find you

I bought a map of the stars
To find the place where you are
Yeah

We were so close to beautiful
We were so close to beautiful

We were so close to beautiful
We were so close to beautiful

And now I'm watching above
And now I'm watching above
Trying to find your love
Trying to find your love



Ever You

I wanna make your body ring
I wanna make your body sing
Like a bell or like a circle
When you wrap yourself around me

Gonna dance you around the room
Like i've got something to prove
Spin you around
Take you down

We've got all this time
And you're such good news
Yeah

It's only ever you
It's only ever you
You and me were perfect
It's only ever you
It's only ever you
You and me were perfect
Love

Like a book I wanna know you
Wanna sit down and unfold you
Read you left to right
Won't stop until I find out
The best parts
Of where you are
Why don't you just me

It's only ever you
It's only ever you
You and me were perfect
It's only ever you
It's only ever you
You and me were perfect

Let me grab something
To write you down
Don't move stay still
In case you don't remember this
I will

It's only ever you
It's only ever you
You and me were perfect
It's only ever you
It's only ever you
You and me were
We're perfect
Love
You and me were perfect, were perfect, love

It's only ever you
It's only ever you
You and me were perfect

I tried to look the other way
We tried to go our seperate ways
It ain't no use
From around the world
I'm coming back to you

I tried to look the other way
We tried to go our seperate ways
It ain't no use
From around the world
I'm coming back to you

Back to you
Back to you
You and me, we are



Sleep You off

Okay, Alright
One more and I'll call it a night
One more and it might just take
At least until I leave this place
What time is it
Get outside and you are everywhere
You're burning up the street lights
You're in the air
I can almost feel you
Touching my hand
Leaving you alone is taking all that I am

If I can sleep you off
If I can close my eyes
And wake up like I forgot
If I could dream you out
Of all the things I miss
Somehow I dream us different then this

Okay, it's light
I'll lay here for a little while longer
It didn't work
It didn't help
Maybe I should try to be somebody else

I hate this bed
I hate this room
Another 9:15 waking up without you
There's no where to go
And nothing to say
You wouldn't want to see me like this anyway

If I can sleep you off
If I can close my eyes
And wake up like I forgot
If I could dream you out
Of all the things I miss
Somehow I dream us different then this

Come on
Take me down
I'm tired of being tired

If I can sleep you off
If I can close my eyes
And wake up like I forgot
If I could dream you out
Of all the things I miss
Somehow I dream us different then this

If I can sleep you off
If I can close my eyes
And wake up like I forgot


Secret

I know you can't tell a lie
But i think that you ought to try
When I see things too clear
They all tend to disappear and hide

You came from a good heart
And I should have known
When you told me your
Dirty little

Secret
You never told me to keep it
My mouth has run off
And i'm sorry
At least I would like to be
But how could I break
A promise that I didn't even make

Are you just testing me now
Or are you just bringing out
The best in me somehow
Cause when I see things too clear
They all tend to disappear
And I don't know why

You came from a good heart
And I should have known
When you told me your
Dirty little

Secret
You never told me to keep it
My mouth has run off
And i'm sorry
At least I would like to be
But how can I break
A promise that I didn't even make

Yeah you make me feel
Just like i did back when I was a child
And I just can't hold it inside
I gotta tell the world tonight
How you made me your dirty little

Secret
You never told me to keep it
My mouth has run off
And i'm sorry
At least I would like to be
But how could I break
A promise that I didn't even make


Counterfeit

I talk enough
For the both of us
And I speak of what I do not know

I sing of love
Like I've touched her face
Like I've kissed her lips
But what do I know

So where is love
Stranger to me
Oh where is love
Such a mystery

I hear her name on the radio
At the picture show
And on TV

Some sing about
A counterfeit
But that's not the one
That I seek

So where is love
Stranger to me
Oh where is love
Please introduce me

Everywhere I look I see you there
Shinning with a blinding light
I'm reaching in the dark to find
A love that's blind
A love I cannot find

I talk enough
For the both of us

So where is love
Stranger to me
Oh where is love
Such a mystery

So where is love

Oh where is love
Yeah


Powerless

Come find your way into this place
I won't breath a word
I just need your faith
Sometimes I don't mean
The words that I say
We are only humans
And that's ok

There's no one else to blame
No one else to blame
We're just powerless to change

Once in a while
I feel like
Maybe I know
Why you cry at night
Broken and torn

I find a way to get up and go
If I could see your smile
From out on the road

There's no one else to blame
No one else to blame
We're just powerless to change

There's no one else to blame
No one else to blame
We're just powerless to change



A Place To Shine

Unlock the door from the inside
It's my last hello and my first goodbye
Untie your arms from your sides Yeah
Cause we both know something's not right

Was it something that you couldn't see
Was it something that you don't believe
We're out of patience and we're out of time, yeah
Now you know why I don't shine

Pull back the curtains from my soul
I don't shine
There's nothign left for you to know
I don't shine
And now we've got to find a place
I don't shine
Another place where
We both can shine, yeah, we both can shine

Tonight's the night to open our eyes
Pull back your hands
To see the skies yeah

Was it something that you couldn't see, oh no
Was it something that you don't believe
Then you told me that we're out of time, oh oh
Now I know why I don't shine

Pull back the curtains from my soul
I don't shine
There's nothign left for you to know
I don't shine
And now we've got to find a place
I don't shine
Another place where
We both can shine, yeah, we both can shine

When it began we were diamonds in the night shinning so bright
The clouds rolled on in
Now they keep us both from shinning

I don't shine
I don't shine
Yeah
I don't shine


7 Miles Away

Lay you down
Sing to you
Don't speak
This talking only makes us blue

I was always round here
You were looking for me
But i was at the drive-in
While you were at the movies
Now the clock is waiting
The second hand is taunting
And all this time you lay
Just 7 miles away

So please wake me
When you're leaving
Cause it's over
It's over
Before it's begun

Go now
Slip into your dreams
And for right now you're just a breath away from me

I was always round here
You were looking for me
But i was at the drive-in
While you were at the movies
Now the clock is waiting
The second hand is taunting
Tomorrow you will lay
A thousand miles away

So please wake me
When you're leaving
Cause it's over
It's over
Before it's begun

The morning will come too soon
You'll rise you fly in your own direction
I feel like I'm breaking through
Could time rewind for a second chance

No it's too late
And morning's light is on its way

So please wake me
When you're leaving
Cause it's over
It's over
Before it's begun


Your Eyes

My world don't know
It's changed for good
The light it fades the the darkness

Your eyes they spoke
I understood
And now you're leaving

And the lights are going down, down
On the street where we grew together
Down down
There's a shadow on this town

You said it all with your eyes
You said your goodbyes
Yeah so save your replies
And every single reasons why
The lights have all gone out

What's lost cannot be found this way
The search is never ending

And time can heal but not replace
Your face so lovely

And the lights are going down, down
On the street where we grew together
Down down
There's a shadow on this town

You said it all with your eyes
You said your goodbyes
Yeah so save your replies
And every twisted reasons why
The lights have all gone out

And the lights are going down, down
On the street where we grew together
Down down
There's a shadow on this town

You said it all with your eyes
You said your goodbyes
Yeah so save your replies
And every single reasons why
The lights have all gone out

And the lights are going down, down
On the street where we grew together
Down down
There's a shadow on this town

You said it all with your eyes
You said your goodbyes
Yeah so save your replies
And every single reasons why
The lights have all gone out


So Far

Do you even know just where you are
The arrival gate just seemed so far
Don't try to call me to tell me you're on your way
I won't pick up, I won't have much to say

Did you know you're a part of my plan
Did you know I was trying to be a better man
A better man than the rest

Even thought your place is right on time
It's about 3 weeks late in my mind
Now that you're here and we're talking
In about 3 4 days you'll be walking away

Did you know you're a part of my plan
Did you know I was trying to be a better man
A better man than the rest

Look over your shoulder
I'm waving goodbye again
You keep walking forward
You never look back
And until the next time
When everything's new again
I'll be here waiting
My head in my hands

Waiting for light to break through
Break through the darkest night
And bring the new day
And have the words to tell you
All that I feel inside
Instead I chase you away

And then you crawl into your hide away
Into your hiding place
Into your, into your hide away

Greg Neufeld - Interview StarFM 09/09/09

Greg Neufeld - Ever You on Virgin Radio

Virgin radio has picked up Greg's single 'Ever You'.
In BC, call 604.280.0953 and request it.

Also Wednesday morning, Greg will be interviewed on Star FM 98.3 and they are picking up the single as well!!!!
So call and request Ever You today! And Tomorrow! And the next day!

via Greg Neufeld Facebook page

Listen to Ever You:

Greg Neufeld on Tour With Civeda and Suzie McNeil

Civeda is rock on ice

By Jessica Murdy - Chilliwack Progress
Published: January 15, 2009 6:00 PM


It’s been a few years since sweet Suzie McNeil rocked it up on a little show called Rock Star: INXS. But it’s been a busy few years, and she’s still working her rock star butt off.

She was a favourite on the reality series, and was the last woman standing. (JD Fortune went on to win, and to front INXS.)

But since that experience, she hasn’t fizzled. There was no slinking away. No giving up. She kept on working, backing up Pink on her I’m Not Dead tour across North America and recording two albums to date. The most recent, Rock N’ Roller, was released in November and features her hit song Believe.

But the reason she’ll be touring this winter is to take part in an innovative rock show that combines ice skating, circus acts and live music. The show is called Civeda, and will tour Canada coast to coast. And the first stop for the show is right here in Chilliwack at the Prospera Centre, January 29.

McNeil and a long list of others will be in town for the five days prior to the show’s opening date, rehearsing all the choreography together for the first time.

“The idea was to combine the music and the ice dancing together,” McNeil told the Progress this week. “So they’ll be helping to tell the story (to go along with the music).”

For now, the dance performers are rehearsing the choreography to McNeil’s tracks, along with hits by Canadian Idol finalists Carly Rae Jepsen, Greg Neufeld and Ashley Leitao. But by opening night, the two different art forms will become one.

“We will be taking people on a journey and it’s something I’m really excited about,” she says.

As for McNeil, the singer/songwriter, she’s busy writing songs for a third album in the near future.

“The second one was grueling,” she says, but she’s determined to do it again. Living between her Canadian home of Toronto, and her working home in L.A., she says her real home lately has been her suitcase.

But she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to join Civeda. She’ll take any opportunity to promote her own material, something she has made certain sacrifices for. When the tour with Pink ended, McNeil was offered the chance to tour Europe with her.

“After a lot of thinking, I said, I think I’d rather do my own thing,” she recalls. “If you’re an artist it’s sort of in your blood and in your bones. It’s the struggle of being an artist, and being your own artist. It’s so much more rewarding emotionally (to perform your own music.)”

While singing back up was “like a job” with the security and ease of not being in charge, it just wasn’t enough to fulfill her creativity. So, she left Pink and struck out on her own.

“It was a great learning experience and good to see how a big machine like that works,” she says.

Tickets for the show are $24.75, $45 and $65, depending on seating.

Tickets for Civeda are available through Ticketmaster’s website. For more information, visit www.civeda.ca.

Greg Neufeld - New Songs

3 new songs on Greg's myspace, from his upcoming album, The Music:

www.myspace.com/gregneufeldmusic

- Ever You

- Counterfeit

- 7 Miles Away

We've heard Ever You before, and this version is different than the others, but it's amazing nonetheless. Counterfeit is a mid tempo song, with soaring vocals. Amazing. 7 Miles Away makes me weep.

As always, gorgeous voice, better than ever I'd even say....

Go listen. NOW! What are you waiting for>

Canadian Top 7 Idol performs at TWU.

http://www.twu.ca/about/news/general/2008/canadian-idol-top-7-at-twu.html

In one of the most shocking episodes of Canadian Idol's Season 5, Abbotsford native Greg Neufeld was eliminated from the top seven on the popular CTV program, after his rendition of Queen's "We are the Champions" just didn't ring victory with Canadian audiences. But while his hopes of being the top idol fell away, his passion for performing and songwriting have risen steadily like a star since that summer of 2007.

"I was doing music for about five years before Canadian Idol, so on Idol I chose songs that I was a fan of and that people liked to hear," says Neufeld. Influenced by these songs and popular recording artists like John Mayer and Dave Mathews, Neufeld has carved out his own unique sound and composing style that is a true blend of rock and pop, and his audiences are following faithfully.

Since Idol, Neufeld has gone on to share stages with Matthew Good, Stabilo, The Trews and even joined Lukas Rossi of Rock Star Supernova on an acoustic Canadian tour. This November Neufeld will take to the stage once again performing at the free Great West Life Spirit of Christmas celebration at Trinity Western University in Langley.

The 24-year-old Neufeld first felt the passion for music while he was a student at Langley Fundamental School where he initially picked up a ukulele. This exposure to music grew when one Christmas morning he was given his first guitar - a gift from his father. Neufeld hasn't put it down since and has been constantly composing and playing since the day he began to strum.

He recalls how he used to write songs but was often embarrassed to sing them. When on occasion he would try them out on audiences composed of friends and family they would all say they liked them. With that in mind he offers some advice for those pursuing a career in music. Says Neufeld, "Don't be shy about your craft and keep working on it everyday. It's a long road but it's a road worth taking."

Neufeld is continuing to dream and aim high. His goals are big but because of his immense talent, they are most likely attainable. In five years time he sees himself touring, continuing to write music, and having three albums under his belt.

In the immediate future however Neufeld and his full band will hit the Spirit of Christmas main stage on November 29th at 7:00pm giving audiences a taste of what this talented performer can really do. "I'll also be doing an acoustic set by myself - breaking up the concert a bit," says Neufeld. "It's going to be a good night of music."

Audiences will also be able to purchase a limited edition album - the first seven songs of a larger album currently under production. The album called The Music is being recorded at Room and Board Studios in Abbotsford and produced by Ryan McAllister who Neufeld calls an "unbelievable producer and engineer." McAllister and Neufeld co-wrote some of the songs on the LP. The full length album is due to be released before 2009.

When asked what he is currently working on, Neufeld hints at some exciting projects. "We are working on a music video to the song "Map of the Stars," working on getting some radio play, and potentially embarking on a national tour in the New Year."

For more information including schedule and bios on performers appearing at the Great West Life Spirit of Christmas check out the website at www.twu.ca/christmas or call the information line at 604-513-2006.

Trinity Western University, in Langley, B.C., is an independent Christian liberal arts and sciences university enrolling approximately 4000 students. TWU offers 41undergraduate majors, ranging from biotechnology, education, nursing, theatre and music, to psychology, communications and biblical studies. TWU's 17 graduate degree programs include counseling psychology, business, theology, linguistics, and leadership, and interdisciplinary degrees in English, philosophy and history. TWU holds Canada Research Chairs in Dead Sea Scroll Studies, Developmental Genetics and Disease, and Interpretation, Religion & Culture.

Last Updated: 2008-11-25
Author: Erin Mussolum
Email: erin.mussolum@twu.ca

Ultimate Music Survey Part 2

Do it too! It's fun!


Concerts & Shows:

1) How many concerts have you been to? Oh, I don't know... Somewhere around 20-30, I'd guess...
2) Who have you seen live? Ok, let's try this... Rock Voisine, Bryan Adams, Kevin Parent, The Watchmen, Big Wreck, Planet Smashers, Sarah McLaughlan, INXS, The Killers, Bryan Byrne, JUICE, Stabilo, Cat Empire, One Republic, Colbie Caillat, Lukas Rossi, Stars Down, Juke Kartel, Dilana, Supernova, Greg Neufeld, Channel One, Daughtry, Puddle of Mudd, Nickelback, Avril Lavigne, Blake Lewis, Chris Richardson, David Cook, Michael Johns, Oliver Pigott, Sebastian Pigott... I bet I'm forgetting some, but...
3) Who would you like to see live? Jason Mraz, The Trews, The Dunes, To Have Heroes, Pearl Jam, and of course see many of the bands I've lready seen...
4) Which band have you seen live the most? INXS, 7 times, and waiting for more!
5) What is your favorite venue to see a show? In town, Massey Hall
6) Have you ever met anyone famous at a concert? If so, who? I have had the chance to meet many of the artists I've seen play, either before or after the shows. It's always a lot of fun, and I've only ran into gracious, fun and appreciative artists so far.
7) Have you ever been front row for a concert? If so, what show? Well duh! Front row is the best place to be. I've been front row many times, but the best one was for INXS in Toronto. OH MY!
8) What were the worst seats you’ve ever had at a show? The only real bad seat I've ever had was for my very first big arena concert, Bryan Adams back in the 80's. We were in the nosebleed... Still, I was up on my feet, dancing and screaming and having a good time!
9) Have you ever gotten in a fight with someone at a show? No. But I threw dirty looks to some obnoxious, intoxicated peeps. And I received a few from people who were seated and wanted me to sit down. How obnoxious! If they want to sit at a rock show, they should stay the fuck home!
10) What was the best concert you’ve ever been to and when? (only one!) I can't answer that! I love different concerts for different reasons. But if I absolutely had to choose... Probably INXS in Toronto in 2006 at the ACC.
11) What is the worst concert you’ve ever been to and when? (only one!) The Killers. I love the band, but they are just. not. good live.
12) Which band/artist always has the best merch? I don't buy much merch aside from albums, so I wouldn't know...
13) Which band do you have the hardest time buying tickets for? I've had a heck of a time buying tickets for INXS, but usually it's not so bad buying tickets since I like smaller scaled bands.
14) If you could choose one person that would go with you to every concert you see from now until the day you die, who would it be? Can't decide - different peeps for different artists! I wanna go to concerts with enthusiastic fans, first and foremost.

Some Random Questions…

1) Who is the best looking male and female artist out there today?
Male = David Cook, Female = I don't know
2) What are some of the best album covers that you’ve seen?
I don't really pay attention to that stuff - I buy an album to listen to the music, not to stare at the cover art. It's not that important to me.
3) Who is the most over-rated artist out there today? Billy Talent, Justin Timberlake, Rhianna
4) Who is the most under-estimated artist out there today? Many smaller scale artists
5) Who is the most over-played artist out there today? Nickelback and most of what plays on the Top 40 stations. It's always the same stuff!
6) What one album or CD should everyone own? Any Beatles album
7) What album or CD do you think everyone has owned and won’t admit it? ABBA, Neil Diamond, Celine Dion *L*
8) Which artist has the best website? I have no idea!
9) Which forgotten artist would you love to see release a new CD? The Watchmen!
10) Who was the best one-hit wonder? Gloria Gaynor - I Will Survive
11) Who always makes the best music videos? I don't really watch them
12) What are some of the best music videos ever? See answer above
13) Who is your favorite musician that isn’t famous or well-known? Greg Neufeld, Jimmy McGorman, Lukas Rossi
14) Do you have any friends that are musicians and should be famous? No
15) Name some of your favorite indie bands: Jamestown Ltd, Stars Down, The Trews
16) Who is the best writer and has the best, thought-provoking lyrics? I wouldn't know what to answer, there are so many!
17) Name a few of your favorite lyrics or quotes from songs:
“…a broken back is only something if you did it saving me” – David Cook

“…I can’t keep holding on to what you’ve got, when all you’ve got is hurt” – U2

“…I was a name across your lips, it's time to spit me out” – David Cook

“...In her mind she is blinded by all she sees” - David Cook

“…This silver leaves me longing for gold, second plce has never carried me home” – David Cook

“…Looking back on better days, keep finding pieces of myself in yesterday” – Axium

“…True friends stab you in the front” – Axium

“…I'll swim in you if you'll drown in me” – Axium

"...Like a book I wanna know you, wanna sit down and unfold you, wanna read you left and right, won't stop until I find out the best parts of where you are..." - Greg Neufeld

"...Don't know how to whisper, cause I've been screaming for so long..." - Jim McGorman

"...Your in and out and in between but never with me, I'll taste you, make you, break you, hate you, it's all over me, I am bored
(I'll taste you, make you, break you, hate you, it's all over me) I am bored, I wanted nothing more than making echoes with you..." - Lukas Rossi/Cleavage

18) If you could wake up every morning for the rest of your life to one song, what song would it be? I can't answer that, as my favorites change all the time.
19) If you could fall asleep every night for the rest of your life listening to one song, what would it be? See answer above
20) Name the best song for the following circumstances:
Driving: I'm Alive - David Cook
Getting ready to go out: ROCK!
Taking a bubble bath: The First Taste - Fiona Apple
Doing housework: Anything by Less Than Jake
Making out: John Mayers? *L*
Having a party: All the old sing along classics
A rainy day: Everything and anything
Out at a dance bar: Dancing Queen by ABBA! *L*

YUCK!

1) In your opinion, name the worst…
Group(s): Billy Talent, Jonas Brothers
Singer/Solo Artist: Hilary Duff, Ashley Simpson, Miley Cyrus
Songwriter: I don't know
Song(s): I don't know, because if I think it's crap, I don't listen to it...
CD/Album(s): see answer above
2) Who would you like to see jump off a cliff, never to make another album again?
Paris Hilton
3) Which artist has the worst lyrics? All the cheesy ones?
4) Who do you think HATES being a musician, but stays in the business for the money? Oasis
5) Who always makes the worst music videos? I don't really watch music videos
6) What are some of the worst music videos ever? See answer above
7) Who is your worst hated musician that has a career only because they (or people they know) have lots of money? Miley Cyrus
8) Who is the worst actor/actress turned musician? ???
9) Who is the worst musician turned actor/actress? ???
10) The sight of this artist makes you sick to your stomach: No time for getting sick over bad artists


In closing…

1) Why do you love music? Because it's a great escape, makes me feel, and it's fun!
2) What do you think about music being “the universal language”? I thought sex was???
3) What would you do if you couldn’t have music in your daily life? I'd probably be totally depressed!
4) List a few ways in which music helps you in your daily life:Helps pass the time, helps get over things, helps by making me happy, helps by calming me down or exciting me
5) Describe your love for music in 6 words or less: Best fun with your pants on!

gregneufeld.ca is live!

Finally Greg Neufeld's website, www.gregneufeld.ca is live! You can listen to the entire EP there, purchase it if you want (YOU SHOULD! GO GET IT IT'S GOOD!!!) and read Greg's blogs. There is also a gallery, and added were three new pictures from Erin Gilmore...

So go! Visit gregneufeld.ca today!

Greg Neufeld - Erin Gilmore Fantastic Pictures

This professional photographer took some absolutely fabulous pictures of Greg Neufelf. All I can say is WOW over and over again!

You can find her website here:

http://www.eringilmorephotography.com/wordpress/?p=1394

Map of the Stars - Greg Neufeld @ Houston's Pub

Video by Kelly Townsend
Via Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=22233090924&oid=2370697128

Greg Neufeld - Chilliwack June 10 2008

Brian Melo and Greg Neufeld

Not doing anything tonight? Why not go and support some local talent and live music? With guests Tupelo Honey @ the Chilliwack Arts Centre. Tix $25 plus services @ Ticketmaster. Starts @ 7:30 p.m.

Be there! And let us know how it went!

Canadian Idol - Season 6 - Auditions - Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton

Dont you feel it growin, day by day
People gettin ready for the news
Some are happy, some are sad
Oh, we got to let the music play
What the people need
Is a way to make em smile
It aint so hard to do if you know how
Gotta get a message
Get it on through
Oh now mama, dont you ask me why

Oh, oh, listen to the music
Oh, oh, listen to the music
Oh, oh, listen to the music
All the time


And here we go again! Canadian Idol is ready to fill our ears and eyes with talented performers for a sixth season. For the third year - yes, I am a late bloomer - I'll be recapping the shows every week. So let's start RIGHT NOW!!!

Our well tanned host Ben Mulroney starts us off with a recap of all the previous seasons, concentrating especially on the last one. Oh, I spy my Greggy in there!!!!

First person to sing in front of the judges - Gary Sneddon. Damn the guy cannot sit still! He's bouncing all over the place, talking fast and nervously. His singing is not great... The judges tell him he's just a weird dude and can't sing. Bye Gary...

Diana Salvatore is next, singing "Piece of My Heart". And littereally blow the judges out of their seats with a huge, no so good scream.

M.C. Yep, that's his name, M.C. Woo! Not sure what' he's singing, but it's NOT good. Funny, but not good.

16 yo Taylor Abrahmse comes in with his guitar and sings his own version of a Queen song (I can't place it at the moment). He's not bad... Zach tells him he reminds him of a bad chewing gum commercial - Taylor launches into the song "The taste is gonna move ya..." Funny stuff. And here's the first to get a gold ticket!

Vanessa Kalala, who pierced her own lip, is up next. Ear screeching.

Tatiana Ostapowych. American Idol watchers, remember her? She auditioned in San Diego last season and got a Golden Ticket. And she gets one for Canadian Idol, too. Blech. She's a good singer... But just like last year, she leaves me really, really cold.

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Single dad Omar Lunan says he is one of those singers who can bring back the emotions in music. The judges love his personality and his voice. Golden Ticket!

Next up, the Pigott Borthers. Cutie pies right there who grew up in Portugal and have been on the music scene ever since their pre-teen years. First to perform for the judges is Oliver, 27. Jake LOVES him, says it's the best audition he's ever heard in his life. Zach wants to reserve judgement and hear the other bro before he decides. So in comes Sebastian, 25. Holy James Dean! says Zach. They bring them back both into the room to deliver their fate. The 4 judges agree that Oliver is the better musician of the two, but that Sebastian has tons of personality. They both go through, and I gotta say, I am very much looking forward to what they'll do. Love both of their voices.

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Edmonton, here we are!!!

Courtney Waldie looks familiar to the judges. She's never auditioned before. And I hope she never auditions again.

A little R&B hip-hop white guy in the middle of cowboy country? Meet Franco Baccari. 4 nos, but Franco doesn't seem to get the hint. Security!!!

Guitar instructor by day, musician by night, here's Jesse Cottam, 23. He's the lead singer of the band 7 angels. All the judges have to say to him is "You're in!"

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Julia Black warms up the crowd before more contestants go in to meet the judges. Maybe she warmed them up just a tad too much...

The next person walks in with huge pit stains. Boy was sweating BUCKETS. Theo Tams is the name, and he sings "Collide". VERY nice. Golden ticket!

And it's time for a little country medley of contestants. Meh.

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And here's a rocker, Aaron Biblow. And well, to make an easy joke... He blows.

Jason Morgan with a red guitar! Sass gets arrhythmia, while Zach has lost his chipmunks.

Alena Cherry makes Jake laugh. Good or bad thing? Yeah.

Greg McKenna - dude, your life will go on. And so will ours, without you. Sorry!

Meanwhile Julia Black is getting her freak on with the contestants outside waiting to see the judges. Oh boy.

Brianne Chalifour, who comes from a very small town north of Saskatoon, sings Barracuda. She's not bad, but she's not great... Jake tells her no, but Zach (WTF Zach???) offers her a Golden Ticket so she can have a "life changing experience".

Big girls don't cry... *sigh*

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Earl Stevenson, 23,from Lloydminster, AB. Hole digger, snowboarder and singer. And Golden Ticket Holder! Wow, the guy is mellow, has got a great voice with soul... I don't think we've seen even the tip of what this guy can do. I mean, he sang "Heard It Through The Grapevine" in a pretty mellow manner. Can't wait!!

Montreal, Vancouver and Winnipeg next week!!!

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Stand outs for me this week? The Pigott Brothers, Jesse Cottam, Theo "Pit Stains" Tams and Earl Stevenson. Big surprise, all guys. *LOL*

Thoughts on Reality TV's influence on the music world

I will come right out fully admit it; reality tv has had a huge influence on my musical choices in the last 3 years.

I had never watched a reality tv show about music before 2005. Sure, I had watched reality tv before: Survivor, The Amazing Race, Fear Factor, etc... But never one that was about music. All that changed when I heard this great soulful rocker voice on my tv one night.



I had never watched American Idol, or Canadian Idol before. I had watched an episode or two, decided it was not for me, and just ignored the show. Until one night, where I heard a ROCKER sing on American Idol. Yes, Bo Bice. I couldn't believe it! I started watching, and have been hooked ever since. Damn you Bo Bice!!! Same story with Canadian Idol.

Then I heard about the show RockStar:INXS. First, I've always loved INXS. So I was very intrigued when I heard about the band going the reality tv route to find a new lead singer. Being a proud Canadian, I was also really happy to learn non-american could participate in that show (turned out 4 canadians made it on RS:INXS, too!).

Long, very long story short... I was completely blown away by the talent of the RSINXS cast. Those were, after all, unknown singers to the vast majority of the public. Sure, most of them had experience; many were in bands before the show, or had some prior stage experience. Still, they were unknown... The amount of talent was just ridiculous. I was quickly hooked on RSINXS!!! Not only did my favorite contestant won the big prize, but a band I love was coming back on the music scene. What more can I ask for?

Then came RockStar: Supernova. Because of the nature of that season, I didn't get into the band as much... But instead got more into the contestants. There were even more note-worthy contestants to me than in the previous season, if that makes sense. Names such as Lukas Rossi, the eventual winner, Toby Rand (with his band Juke Kartel), Storm Large (and her balls), Magni, Ryan Star, Josh Logan... Those are the ones that grabbed me. I found myself searching the internet for pre-show music from them, and discovered quite a few artists that I like and still follow to this day.

But because of all this, I discovered many talented artists I would have never ever had the pleasure of listening to otherwise. Singers such as Daughtry (love his old Absent Element stuff), Blake Lewis (his pre-idol music is so different and amazing!), David Cook (oh yeah, the new AI winner! WOO HOO!!!), Greg Neufeld (of Canadian Idol fame), Michael Johns (his old stuff is soooooooooo good!), etc.... All great artists in their own rights... But people I would not have heard of unless they made it outside their local music scene. There's just no way I would have heard of an ex-bartender from Tulsa Oklahoma, or even a house framer from Abbotsford BC, if it were not for these types of shows.

Of course there are problems with the reality tv type thing - these singers are trusted into immediate fame. Sometimes it works for them, sometimes it doesn't. Some people say that those tv produced singers have not paid their dues and are not believable, since tv made them. And I beg to differ. Sure there is the occasional newbie with very minimal singing experience on those shows. But there are more and more of the experienced performers, too, who recognize shows like these could be great exposure for their art, could be the big break they were waiting for.

And what is wrong with that I ask? Why should it matter how an artist came into the public eye? Personally, I don't really care if an artist has worked 10 million jobs in between making music and trying to make it on their own, playing dodgy bars to tables and ashtrays, just as much as I don't care if I came to discover someone's music through a reality tv show. Because for me, the bottom line is, as long as the music grabs me, speaks to me, makes me feel and makes me happy... That's all that really matters, isn't it?

So music snobs out there... Instead of waving off singers, artists, performers who came off the reality tv show path, why not take a listen? Who knows, you might end up liking it, just like I did!!!

Greg Neufeld with Carly Rae Jepsen - Comfortable

From the Clarke Foundation Theatre in Mission, B.C. taken April 9, 2008

GORGEOUS.

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Greg Neufeld - Upcoming Shows - The Roxy and the Clarke Theater

Greg Neufeld will be playing two shows in the upcoming weeks! Go see him live if you get a chance, he is great! And buy his album, only available at shows for now!



20 Mar 2008 The Roxy Vancouver, British Columbia
10 Apr 2008 Clarke Theater Mission, British Columbia


From Greg Neufeld:

here it is Greg Neufeld and Carly RAe are playing live at that Clarke Foundation Theater in Mission, B.C on April 10th! tickets are available at the Box Office just call 604-820-3961
The brand new Greg Neufeld C D will be available at the show so go get your tickets!!!!
Greg

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Greg Neufeld - Greg Neufeld - Album Review

Yes, Greg has a new album out! And it is GOOD. Greg debuted this 7 songs album on tour with Lukas Rossi at the end of January 2008. Reviews of the shows I attended can be found here for The Horseshoe show in Toronto, and here for The Dungeon show in Oshawa.


1 - Leaving Song
I love the lyrics of this song. It is a sad song, but the guitar is very hopeful, almost joyful, like a liberation of some sort. Beautiful melody supporting Greg's silky vocals.

I tried to leave without using the door
But you deserve more
You deserve much more
These are the things
That I should have said
But I could never know
So I will sing them instead

These mistakes that I've made
I know what I've done
These regrets are coming home
Now that I've sung them

This is for you
It's a leaving song
And I know it's not much
But it's all I've got
And I'm not even sure how the ending should go
But it's gotta end so
Lalala la la
Something like
Lalala la la



2 - Secret
Oh I love the slow pace of this kind of jazzy song. It allows Greg's vocals to really shine high and bright, to envelop itself around the melody. The slightly plaintive guitar adds a touch of melancholy to the song. The bridge is where Greg's vocals really explode, taking it to the next level. Gorgeous.

Yeah you make me feel
Just like I did back when I was a child
And I just can't hold it inside
I gotta tell the world tonight
How you made me your

Dirty little secret
You never told me
To keep it
My mouth has run off and I'm
Sorry, at least I would like to be
But how can I break
A promise that I didn't
Oh yeah
How can I break
A promise that I didn't make
How can I break
A promise that I didn't even make



3 - Map of The Stars
The rhythmic guitar really makes this a song one cannot help but move to.It also lends itself really well to a live, acoustic setting. The layered vocals are awesme, too.

And in the black of the night
I caught a flicker of light
I swear it must have been you
Trying to reach me across the universe

How could you not stay
I was much too proud to beg
Now I know
Should not have let you go
We were so close to beautiful
We were so close to beautiful

And now I'm watching above
To get a glimpse of your love
And now I'm watching above above above yeah

I bought a map of the stars
To find the place where you are


4 - So Far
Greg recorded this song before. This rework version has a totally different vibe. The added instruments really support the beautiful lyrics, rendering them even more powerful. The bridge has a totally different feel to it than the rest of the song, but it all ties together brilliantly.

Did you know you are a part of my plan
Did you know I was trying to be a better man
A better man than the last

Look over your shoulder
I'm waving goodbye again
You keep walking forward
You never look back
And until the next time
When everything's new again
I'll be here waiting
My head in my hands

Waiting for life to break through
Break through the darkest night
And bring the new day
Wait for the words
To tell you
All that I feel inside
Instead I chase you away



5 - Sleep You Off
The passionate piano and the tribal drums pave the way to Greg's velvety vocals. So much passion and emotions in this sad song. Greg raspy voice really brings home these raw emotions. This song is AMAZING live.

Ok, it's light
I'll lay here for a little while longer
It didn't work
It didn't help
Maybe I should try to be somebody else
I hate this bed
I hate this room
Another 9:15 walking up without you
There's no where to go and nothing to say
You wouldn't want to see me like this anyway

If I can sleep you off
If I can close my eyes
And wake up like I forgot
If I can dream you out
Of all the things I've missed
Somehow ...... than this?


6 - Your Eyes
I totally love the vibe of this song. The drums and the bass really lay down a great backdrop for Greg's vocals. The chorus is catchy, one remember it easily. Very nice.

My world
Don't know
It's changed for good
The light it face to the darkness
Your eyes
They spoke
I understood
And now you're leaving
And the lights are going down down
On the street where we grew together down down
There's a shadow on this town

You said it all with your eyes
You said your goodbyes
Yeah so save your replies
And every single reason why
The lights have all gone out


7 - Powerless
What can I say about this song that I have not already? It's just so gorgeous... It's got it all... Beautiful guitar, plaintive cello, subtle vocals in their delivery yet powerful in lyrical content... Just brilliant.

Come find your way
Into this place
I won't breath a word
I just need your faith
Sometimes I don't mean
The words that I say
We are only human
And that's ok

There's no one else
To blame
No one else
To blame
We're just powerless to change