LISTEN UP: FLOW INTO FALL

There is something incredibly sacred about the change of season, especially the transition from summer into fall. As the days grow shorter, darker, and cooler, we begin to shift as well. Pay attention to these shifts, stay with whatever swells within and begin to take your gaze inwards and honour your spirit. Feed it. Nurture it. Love it. 

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, think about what it truly is to feel love. Surround yourself with friends and family that bring that love into your life without boundary. Let it in. 

Before leaving this page, consider three things that make you feel love. FRIENDS, MUSIC & YOGA   bring me into direct contact with love every day. What and who ignites that love within you? I assure you there are many, many things and people so don't stop at three, keep going...

On the heels of the most spectacular eclipse, i've put together a very special Fall Playlist: Flow into Fall is up on rdio now. If you're not a member you can still get a taste by clicking on the pic above. Find an hour in your day, roll out your mat, open the windows, light a candle (or 3), press play and invite your inner warrior onto your mat. Enjoy!

Happy Wednesday

xo

TAKE ME TO THE RIOT

Two things you should know before continuing to read: I LOVE live music and I LOVE Toronto. Okay, lets go. RIOT FEST rocked Downsview Park this past weekend. The line-up was on point, catering to music lovers of all types, from the overly discerning it-takes-a-village-for-me-to-tap-my-foot hipster to the M-is-my-bff-happy-to-dance-my-face-off-to-the-sound-of-crickets EDM lover. Side note, I am writing this post while sitting across from my childhood BFF aka the math guru aka lead singer of Goodnight, Sunrise (SO spotlight) who so eloquently captured what I couldn't in the above sentence and just so happens to agree that we may be over festivals of this grandeur. Hence why this post was originally going to be called 'Riot Fest: A Coming of Age Story'. I digress... when the line-up was revealed back in May, I was not convinced until I rolled my cursor over two of my favourite bands scheduled to play day two, Toronto born and raised, Metric and Stars - SOLD.  I give myself absolutely no permission to blast my opinions of the festival as a whole on here considering I was only there for one day and truly, to see four bands nestled into the monstrous line-up. With the weather on our side, day two was, simply put - sensational. 

One of four stages at Riot, creatively named, not so strategically placed... ROCK, REBEL, RIOT & ROOTS

The Head and the Heart, played beneath a cloudless sky. They are truly, truly talented people. Sharing vocals, creating stirring harmonies, guitars, drums, violin etc... they were the full package, even when competing with the booming beats that wafted over from the Rebel Stage. Unshaken, they played their albums title track, Let's Be Still, without skipping a beat. Love.

...what's a festival without a selfie with my better half at all things music @lindsbanban

Torquil Campbell & Amy Milan of Stars image: instagram.com/blogto

Stars took the Rock stage just before golden hour, kicking off their set with none other than,  Take me to the Riot - adorable. They gave the crowd everything they wanted and more. Showcasing two songs from their much anticipated new album, No One is Lost, coming October 14, peppered amongst fan favourites like Fixed and We Don't Want Your Body. The setlist was flawless. Torquil Campbell did not disappoint, offering up his loveable, always entertaining fevered tirades about our glorious city. Amy Milan and Evan Cranley's adorable daughter danced her little heart out behind the band accompanied by Milan's BFF and former BSS bandmate, Emily Haines. It was really, really good. 

Stars image: @lindsbanban

Emily Haines image: instagram.com/blogto 

As The National finished up their set on the Roots Stage, the crowd quickly shifted one stage over to eagerly, and very pushily, wait for Metric. I cannot say enough about the experience of Metric. You have to feel it for yourselves. The energy they bring to the stage is infectious. Taking your eyes off of Emily is near impossible, unless of course, Jimmy Shaw has the spotlight. Kicking things off with Empty set the bar high but they carried it through, unbroken. After a sweet tribute to a close family friend of Haines' the band closed their set with Breathing Underwater, transitioning to acoustic half-way through. It was actually really emotional... I mean standing in a sea of people sharing this moment was pretty amazing...

Metric; image: @lindsbanban

As we made our way off the grounds, City and Colour seemed to be serenading us the whole way out. And that my friends, was how we did Riot Fest, potentially for the last time. As much as I loved every second of it, it was a big, young crowd and the sheer scale of it made me long for the smaller more intimate scene at festivals like Hillside and Field Trip. Big thanks to @lindsbanban for being an exceptional wingman, for screaming loud, dancing hard and constantly reminding me how amazing this life is and to Toronto for celebrating live music and culture.

Sun sets as the moon rises ushering in the final bands of the day... thank you Riot Fest, thank you Toronto. 

Listen to savageOM's VIP playlist on rdio featuring Metric, Stars, The National & City and Colour. 

LISTEN: SUMMER FLOW

1 #3 Aphex Twin - Selected Ambient Works, Vol. II 

2 Pyrakantha Balmorhea - Stranger

3 Finally Moving Pretty Lights - Taking up Your Precious Time

4 Solo Sunrise Chet Faker - Thinking in Textures

5 Magic Coldplay - Magic

6 Morning Sun Weathertunes - Natura Vol.2

7 Stay Alive José Gonzalez - The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty

8 Morning Sheets Patrick Watson - Adventures in Your Own Backyard

9 Never Expire (Oliver Tank Remix) Gossling - Harvest of Gold - EP

10 Tremors SOHN - Tremors

11 Subsun Dr. Toast - Gravity is Quiet

12 The Breach (Oliver Tank Remix) Dustin Tebbutt - Bones EP

13 Pillars and Pyre Christopher Smith - Earning Keep

14 Breathe Me Sia - Breathe Me

15 Honest Hands Dustin Tebbutt - Bones EP

16 Husks And Shells Volcano Choir - Unmap

savage*note: Yoga is best practiced outside in nature to the beats of a well curated playlist... 

Today's to do list: 

þ  do yoga

þ  be awesome

PHOTO ESSAY: FIELD TRIP

Photographs by manesy 

Words by savageOM

We locked our bikes up on the bridge off of Strachan and headed down the steep staircase leading into historic Fort York, summer home to Arts & Crafts second annual Music and Arts Festival: Field Trip. After the success of last years maiden celebration of A&C's 10-year anniversary, the festival was expanded to two days this year, capping the weekend off with a flawless show by everyone's favourite band, Broken Social Scene. There were other bands there too - Interpol, the Kills, Hydra (with Feist), Shad, the reunited Constantines, and the lovable Kevin Drew, BSS frontman and co-founder of the A&C label. 

The sign reading "Almost There" echoed my anticipation, which had been brewing for days, and then if by magic, it's here. There are few things better than an outdoor music festival - floating in the ocean being one of them - but, there is something truly unspeakable about the feeling of being surrounded by friends, artists, great food, and music - nothing but sky above you, earth below and music, all around you. 

Dupont's Holy Trinity - Rose & Sons, Big Crow, and Fat Pasha - satisfied our cravings in the VIP section, while The Food Dudes held it down backstage. The rest of the grounds showcased the vast yumminess of some of Toronto's culinary greats. There was little fear of going hungry and no chance of leaving unsatisfied. 

Let me tell you how Field Trip pulled of the multi-stage festival: 

1) You could not hear Fort York Stage from Garrison Stage.

2) There was no stampede to get from one stage to the other. 

3) Same, same - but different. Each stage brought with it it's own unique feel, 

and the bands that took the stage evidently felt it too.

photo: instagram/fieldtrip

Kevin Drew showcased his new solo album , Darlings, on the festival’s first day, bringing former BSS bandmate Feist up on stage for "You in Your Were". 

(the brand new video features Zach Galifianakis and it is a masterpiece) 

Suffice it to say, the two shared some adorable moments on stage.  

Special shoutout to Toronto based artist Jeff Blackburn. Jeff was onsite all weekend painting as a part of the Artist Takeover. It was amazing watching the evolution of his installations over the course of the weekend. Inspired by graffiti and street art, with an unbelievable attention to detail, Jeff is an incredible talent and will surely take over more than just Field Trip.

Festival style has taken on a life of it's own. Our bestie photog stayed away from trying to spot the do's and don'ts in the crowd, instead, capturing the effortless style and cuteness of one of our favourite little festival bunnies.
Simple is always best, in almost all things in life. 

Kid Zone.
Being that many of my 30 something friends are toting toddlers these days,  it's nice that we can all hang out together and act like kids. Something feels so right about hula hooping while listening to Torq Campbell (Stars frontman) play the kazoo.

After a day of rain, the sky literally opened up as BSS took the stage. 

The rest is history.

Thanks for an amazing weekend A&C. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About manesy 

mansey is an elusive gypsy

whose primary element is air 

and she is a vata/kapha mix - 

which should tell you just 

about everything you need 

to know about her. 

ON THE ROAD: SAN FRANCISCO TO NAPA VALLEY

Words & Photography by lindsbanban 

This year my Dad turned a very special age. To celebrate, he decided he was going to take each of his children on a very special, once in a lifetime trip. Without hesitation, I was all in when he suggested a week long journey traversing California's Pacific Coast Highway aka Highway 1. First Stop: San Francisco

DAY 1:  To kick off my adventure I watched The Secret Life of Walter Mitty on the plane. This inspiring story of getting yourself out of a rut - recognizing that there is so much more out there – then, actually getting up and seizing it was a breath of fresh air. Whether you’re finding yourself, or re-discovering yourself, travelling opens your eyes to the unknown, it shows you what you are made of, or perhaps,  reminds you. I can't think of a better way to have started this adventure with my dad. To top it off the soundtrack is incredible, LISTEN WHILE YOU READ:

On our first full day in San Francisco we wander through The Mission, and get a feel for the city. When we find La Taqueria for cheap tacos, nachos, guacamole and beer, I decide, in that moment, to eat my way through San Francisco. My first taste of what can only be described as the epitome of San Fran came after driving up a steep road in Knob Hill and drop down towards the bay at golden hour. The light hit the sail boats and they glow as the fog settles in the air. Simply beautiful. Next, Fog City for a delicious dinner - hello local oysters and ahi tuna, and better yet? Delicious cocktails.  We had to seek out Humphrey Slocombe in The Mission for the most creative ice cream flavours I have ever heard of - I mean,  Secret Breakfast? Corn flakes and Bourbon? Nailed it.

DAY 2:  Wake up and head to the Farmer's Market at the Ferry Building. We are overwhelmed by the smell of fruits and veggies, flowers and best of all - lavender.  We stop into Blue Bottle Coffee for a quick caffeine fix and a breakfast made up of tasters of cheese at Cowgirl Creamery and meats at Boccalone - highlight: fennel salami - and all the other tasty treats on offer.  After, we head out to Napa Valley - stopping at The Buckeye Roadhouse for pulled pork and wedge salad - to stay with friends in their stunning home set to the breathtaking backdrop of wine country. As I write this, I can't stop thinking about how lucky I am to have a Dad who loves me and spoils me the way that mine does. Lucky right?! We head to Tra Vigne for dinner and order Mozzarella "al minute" - fresh mozzarella made to order - arrancini, organic lettuces salad and tuna pasta with black noodles accompanied by rare glasses of Châteauneuf wines. Unbelievable. This is the dreamiest patio I have ever seen.

DAY 3:  We take an early morning hot air balloon ride over Napa valley. Soaking in the most breathtaking views as we sail through the sky. This is my thank you gift to my dad for our time away together. I was hoping it would be special and was I ever right!  For dinner we went to Mustard's Grill, the quintessential California grill.

DAY 4:  We spend the day going to vineyards in the area. Mondavi is just gorgeous. Every aspect has been thought about in regards to aesthetics. We go to Robert Sinsky and try a Pinot noir rose. Next, Silverado, where we are offered their tasting fleet and a host of tasty rare extras. At Oxbow Market we eat delicious tacos and black beans and then onto the next incredible tasting fleet with Arthur at Napa Valley Distillery. Vodka made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, limited edition plum brandy aged for 15 years, probably the best gin I have ever had, and on, and on....we stumble home to a gourmet home cooked meal. Spoiled.

DAY 5:  Driving out of Napa is bittersweet - but we couldn't miss a visit to the spectacular Muir Woods. The trees are ancient and huge. So much life! We have dinner at the Slanted Door - which had JUST received the James Beard award for outstanding restaurant in the country.  The menu is creative and delicious, the service is terrible. Honourable mentions: Ban nahm - interesting and incredible. The huge and local scallops were outstanding. The biggest most flavourful sugar snap peas I have ever tasted.

DAY 6:  Driving down the coast towards Big Sur is breathtaking. Stunning Cliff Sides, ocean roads, feet in the sand, incredible wealth along 17 Mile Drive. Beautiful lunch at Nepenthe. Dinner at Delfina is incredible - amazing service, delicious food, and noteworthy wine. Erica, our adorable waitress, is super friendly and knowledgeable. I have instant order envy when the most incredible calamari I have ever tasted arrives at our table in front of my dad with white beans so good we asked for the recipe. My choice of duck ragu homemade pasta made up for my bad starter order. And luckily we have a salmon poke bite that filled my seafood void.

DAY 7:  The only cloudy day and we are visiting Alcatraz. I am fascinated. It's crazy to think about life in prison on an island with a front row view of such an active, lively city. We hesitantly cancelled our reservations for Barbocco, due to a week of gluttony and opt for a light sushi dinner followed by an ETB (early to bed).  Side note: This was the day we were meant to check out the Tanner Household, but when I looked up the address and I saw it had been painted, we chose not to go - childhood dreams must remain as they are.

DAY 8:  We decide to join the rest of the city and bike the Golden Gate Bridge. It is challenging and remarkable. We ride down the hill and land in Sausalito for lunch on the water at a crab shack. Back to the city to freshen up for our 7 course tasting at Sons and Daughters. To say the service is perfection would be an understatement. The food is so thoughtfully created with local produce and game. The vegetables, fruits and herbs all come from their own garden - prepared with so much thought and attention. They are consumed that way as well. Cassandra, Nathan and Amy make sure we are well taken care of.

Packing up to leave is always sad. This week has been unforgettable, educational, gastronomic, and much needed. The best part? Spending QT with my amazing Father in what is now, not only his favourite city, but may be one of mine as well.

----------------------------------------------------
Missed Opportunity: the Food Truck Festival every Friday at the Fort Mason Centre. If I was in SF for another Friday you better believe this is where you would find me. We biked amongst the trucks as they were getting set up and I would have loved to have tasted many morsels from these mobile cuisine machines. Oh well, next time… 

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About lindsbanban 

Linds lives in Toronto. She is a daughter, friend, sister, lover, and magic maker with a deep appreciation for local food, delicious wine and anything that encourages dancing. When she is not busy planning events, she can most likely be found somewhere in Trinity Bellwoods; drinking coffee; nuzzled into a good book; or here - as a featured writer for savageOM. 

LISTEN: COSTA RICA SURF

In 2008 I lived in Costa Rica. This is what we listened to. Surfed to. Danced to. Made love to. Did Yoga to... and Floated to. 

Dedicated to one of my greatest muses, inspirations, and soul sister, Chanti.

If you know Toronto in the Summer you know that we do three things really well: 

Parks, Lakes, and Patios. Each one demands a well-curated playlist. 

Based on the perfection of last weekend in the Park, this playlist will not disappoint,

especially if you're simply sitting, sipping and sunning in Bellwoods. 

K x

LISTEN: VINYASA YOGA PLAYLIST

Yesterday evening, I taught to the soundtrack of my most recent Vinyasa Playlist creation. 

It left me feeling very inspired... Hope you enjoy! 

(perfect for a one-hour practice with an extra sweet Savasana) 

Lonely Beach - Lemongrass

Cavalier- James Vincent McMorrow

Open - Rhye

One More Time with Feeling - Regina Spektor

Private Universe - Crowded House

Tessellate - alt-J

Little Star - Stina Nordenstam

You Got Caught - Kevin Drew

Perfect Darkness - Fink

It's Cool - Kevin Drew

Morning - Beck

Dreaming My Dreams - The Cranberries

Svefn-G-Englar - Sigur Rós

I have the best job in the world.

Not only does teaching yoga bring me profound, personal pleasure, it also allows me to celebrate my two greatest passions in union with one another: yoga and music. Many of us have come to think of yoga music, strictly, as the sound of singing bowls, or Sanskrit chanting.  Like all things in life, the choice is up to you. While some yogi’s find music to be a distraction, others will tell you it invigorates their practice! It is no secret that I have an intense love for music. Some days I teach to the hour long, meditative drone of Jonathan Goldman’s Ultimate Om, while on other days the sounds of bonobo, alt-j, sigur ros and even The Roots and Otis Redding can be heard coming from inside the studio walls. The practice of Vinyasa Yoga – linking breath with movement – begs for rhythm and beats.

Bottom line: music and yoga have the power to influence deep emotional and physical release, inviting those who have the courage to really go there the opportunity to explore their deepest desires and greatest fears, connecting to the beautiful PERFECTION of their flaws.

I am so incredibly fortunate to teach yoga to a group of woman who continually inspire me with their beauty, depth, and devotion – both on and off their yoga mats. Through their willingness to share their personal stories with me each week, our classes our rich in lessons of love, loss, perseverance and laughter.

“Yoga is like music: 

the rhythm of the body, 

the melody of the mind, 

and the harmony of the 

soul create the symphony 

of life.” ― B.K.S. Iyengar

LISTEN: NEW MUSIC FOR YOUR EARS

It is quite possible that I am a walking playlist. I always feel more myself when there is music on around me. The soundtrack of my life would be all sorts of amazing. From my early obsession with the Beatles and Van Morrison to my angsty teenage crushes on Kurt, Courtney, Eddie and Veruca Salt. Then came hip-hop, my love of Biggie, Tupac and Bone Thugs was as epic as it was short lived. Pretty sure Radiohead, Broken Social Scene and The Stones have remained consistent throughout, along with Bob Marley and anything with a solid beat. The Jungle days were fun, exhausting, but fun and we can't forget the dramatic heartbreaks that were soothed only by the latest love ballad or emo acoustic song sung from the lips of, oh I don't know, say Patrick Watson or Ray LaMontagne. Yoga music, synth, soul, reggae... there is so much music out there, so much talent, so much emotion. I can't wait to share more playlists with you, especially with the arrival of festival season! Rest assured I'll be posting, along with some great guest writers, about all things Toronto Music as we welcome back Field Trip Music & Arts Festival and Turf to Fort York & Garrison Common. 

THREE NEW ALBUMS worth more than one listen...

Sometimes I surprise myself with what makes it onto my heavy rotation list. I was a total skeptic about all three albums spotlighted below; however, they are, each in their own right, fantastic. Get into it. 

K x

LISTEN: savageOM SPRING PLAYLIST

In anticipation of warmer days (and my upcoming trip to Mexico), I've pulled together a little spring playlist of some of my favourite new beats with a sprinkling of some old favourites. Perfect for while you're at work, biking around the market, while getting naked, while getting dressed (less fun), or dancing around the kitchen... If you are not a member of rdio, I highly recommend you consider becoming one, today. As a passionate music lover, festival goer, playlist maker, and closet rock star, I don't know what I did before rdio. It is essentially like having a record store in your pocket. Take a peek, have a listen and see for yourselves.
For those of you not on rdio, here's what your missing:

I’ll Be Around –Empire of the Sun

Another Love (Zwette Edit) – Tom Odell

Go Ego – Eight and a Half

#88 – Lo-Fang

Without Your Love – oOoOO

Us – Movement

That’s All There Is – The Black Ghosts

Odessa – Caribou

Breathe – Delilah

Dark Doo Wop – MS MR

Truth – Alexander

Empire of Light – Savoir Adore

Sun Models - ODESZA (ft. Madelyn Grant)

R U With Me – ASTR

Change – Banks

Like You Used To – Kidnap Kid

Dreamers – Savoir Adore

Black Out Days – Phantogram

Hurricane – MS MR

savageOM loves collaborating!
Follow us on rdio and share YOUR Spring 2014 playlist with us,
we will choose our favourite one and feature you on the blog.
LISTEN.CREATE.SHARE.

K x