SheMachine has one sassy show under their gold belts.

Friday night was SheMachine’s debut at the Company House, and fundraiser for their first video. The girls played a bit of a teaser – a three song set – but a three song set that sounded and looked great! We’d seen Steph play before with The SuperFantastics but had never seen Naomi-Joy. They both blew us away. Naomi-Joy sounds alive on that stage! She grabs your attention and keeps it! Her voice is strong, her pitch perfect, and damn! Both girls are fine.

Everyone had a good time, dancing to A.A. Wallace’s tight DJ skills, and enjoying a set from SheMachine that left us begging for more. Kim Diamondz added further delight as the hostess. What a sexy night! It was great to see the community come out and support & share in some good times.

The SheMachini Martini was delicious (LB: I should know – I had 3 or maybe 4?)  and the glitter cakes were yummy! Great additions to the night, and creative ways to help fundraise for the video for their first single, A New Addiction. The vibe and thought behind every aspect the night really shone through – from the mini SheMachine flags on all the cupcakes and in the drinks to the door prizes; a photo shoot with Marc Anthony Ramsay and a makeup session with Nicole Steeves. (No wonder Stephanie won Best Merch Award in the Coast’s Best of Music three years in a row!) These girls are working super hard in their real lives, and then manage to rehearse, record and produce their music, organize photo shoots, create amazing short videos, whilst still managing to create mini flags and plan an event!

SheMachine’s first video shoot, happening in May, is definitely cause for anticipation!

We can’t wait to hear the girls play again live soon, and are very excited to hear more music. A sweet evening of dancing and amazing, positive, sexy energy! We can use more of that.

Halifax Music: Unique, Alive and Well

One of the things I have always liked about Halifax, that has kept me coming back and now,  makes it home; is the music scene. Besides being the nest to some names like Sloan, Joel Plaskett, Feist (semi), Buck 65, and Jenn Grant; there is always someone coming behind them.

The music scene in Halifax is always rolling, moving along, with something new and something you need to hear. If you don’t have anything to do on a Friday night there is bound to be a show to see. There is always something happening and simply by picking up The Coast or checking things out online, you can find something to make you put on your mascara.

I have had my classic favorites for years, the musicians that always get my support and those I just love to see live. Amongst these are Al Tuck                   ( http://www.altuck.ca/) a singer & songwriter whose soulful lyrics are consonantly revered by other artists. Another is Jon McKiel (www.jonmckiel.com) who always manages to almost see right into your soul. You have got to get down with Ghettosocks (http://ghettosocks.com/), Halifax’s finest, and most relatable MC. Laura Peek (www.peekpeekpeek.com) who is perfect for in the bath or at a romantic restaurant in Yarmouth with your mother and your best friend. I am also a big fan of Ryan Cook (http://www.ryancook.ca/) who is pretty much the only reason I listen to country. Of course I could list Maritime musicians for hours that I am in love with, but I digress.

A great way to find out about music happening in the city is by taking advantage of some of the amazing local blogs. One of my favorite blogs and radio shows is Halifax is Burning. (http://www.halifaxisburning.com/). Trevor always manages to have his pulse on what is happening in the city, what is new and what is really good music. I thank him a million for playing SheMachine’s new song on the show tonight. It sounded great!

Another great blog is Broken Speaker (http://thebrokenspeaker.com/). I actually had the pleasure of meeting Jonathan and driving him down to Yarmouth for MNSW. He is a great blogger, and catches and reviews a lot of local shows.

There is no excuse to not get out in Halifax and catch a live show. Sure, you are usually broke, but there is always something cheap and something local. So grab a hold of yourself and head out! You could always try to make it the Company House this Friday (April 6th) for SheMachine, as they host a fundraiser for their first video. It’s bound to be a stellar time as we watch a new band in Halifax rock on their new feet.

LB

Wiftspiration…

Since 2009, I have been volunteering with Women in Film & Television Atlantic, after meeting the ridiculously talented, dynamic and brilliant Jan Miller.  I met Jan when I joined her team at Strategic Partners at the Atlantic Film Fest as their Publicist.

Jan is a music and film/TV industry pitch expert, the founder of Strategic Partners, and so much more. Jan founded WIFT-AT, the Atlantic chapter of an international organization that was founded in 1973 to give women in Television and in Film a network and support system.

WIFT continues to grow, with over 35 chapters worldwide, with a mandate to be a global network dedicated to advancement for women in professional development and achievement in film, video, and other screen-based media. It is so exciting to be a part of it.

Monthly I put together WIFT-AT’s newsletter, Tidings, and update their website. Volunteering with WIFT has opened my eyes to the amazing community of women in the Atlantic film & TV industry. There is such talent here – in all roles, from key creative to behind the scenes and everything in between. I do such a little part to contribute to WIFT-AT, but I’m proud of that little bit of work.

I should get back to the final touches of the newsletter and website, but was just feeling inspired to talk about WIFT. The events and women featured in this month’s newsletter are diverse, fun, celebratory and interesting. So much is happening in Atlantic Canada!

I encourage you to check out WIFT-AT and discover the film and TV being created right here in our backyard.

Now, must go to get back to work…

– Rose

The Disappeared

Billy Campbell and Ryan Doucette in The Disappeared.
Photo by Mike Tompkins

The Disappeared is a feature film that was shot off the coast of Lunenburg, NS in September 2011. LoRoPR was fortunate to be on board as the unit publicist. Our first time working as a unit publicist on a film on our own – ie not working at an agency. What an amazing experience!A stunning script, interesting story, handsome actors, a great crew and the ocean! The film was actually shot ON the ocean, in two vintage dories and on a custom-built shooting raft/barge. As this was an independent feature, it was really interesting to see how a teeny budget was able to accomplish shooting at sea – something usually only big budget productions do!

Starring Billy Campbell ( The Killing, Once & Again, and yep, the Rocketeer!), Shawn Doyle (Big Love, Grown Up Movie Star, Endgame), Brian Downey (Lexx, Hobo With a Shotgun), Gary Levert (Heart of Rhyme, Moby Dick, Bag of Bones), Ryan Doucette (Cloudburst, Charlie Zone) and Neil Alan Matheson, The Disappeared tells the story of six fishermen lost in the North Atlantic. The Disappeared was written and directed by Shandi Mitchell, film maker and author of the award-winning Under This Unbroken Sky.

It is a true Maritime tale – not just for the Maritimes as in a region of Canada – but maritime communities around the world. Did you know that from the town of Lunenburg alone something like over 600 men have been lost at sea? (Not a proper statistic, just using my memory.) I am sure many of us living on the East Coast know a fisherman, and maybe don’t think how they risk their lives every day by making their living from the sea.

What we think is really special about the film is the fact that it is true storytelling, a human story; viewers go on a journey with these men, and are invested. So many films these days are about an event or a string of hijinks, while The Disappeared is six men in two dories, alone on the Atlantic, with just their thoughts and interactions. Having seen an almost final cut a few weeks back, we can attest to its powerful and thoughtful impact.

Find The Disappeared online at http://thedisappearedthefilm.com/. Follow them on Twitter and Like them on Facebook!

For Immediate Release

Halifax’s New Musical Obsession, SheMachine, Release First Single A New Addiction
Performance Debut and Retro Future Dance Party at the Company House on Friday, April 6

For Immediate Release

Halifax, NS – March 29, 2012 Naomi-Joy Blackhall Butler (AQuestrya) and Stephanie Clattenburg (The Superfantastics) are SheMachine, an exciting new two-piece female electronic dance band. Their first single A New Addiction is now available on Soundcloud (http://soundcloud.com/shemachine/a-new-addiction ) in lead up to their debut performance and video fundraiser on Friday, April 6.

SheMachine explodes with a bomb of glitter at A New Addiction Retro Future Dance Party at The Company House. Raising money to shoot their first video, A New Addiction, the dance party also features DJ A.A. Wallace. Host Kimberly Diamondz, a local drag queen, will be entertaining the crowd and there will be a retro future costume theme, offering the winner a role in their upcoming video.

Inspired by such artists as Depeche Mode, Dragonette and Lady Gaga, the group combines 80s synth pop and industrial goth sounds. Upbeat dance hooks and powerful female vocals will have music lovers and club goers moving, singing along and craving more.

“SheMachine is a departure for both Naomi and I musically and we’re having a wicked time,” said Stephanie Clattenburg. “We’re really proud of what we’re creating and are pumped to share it at the Company House, the home of SheMachine.”

Naomi-Joy, mother of three, entrepreneur, singer/songwriter, dancer and actor, is one of Halifax’s triple threat artists. A “Maiden of Metal,” Naomi-Joy is in AQuestrya, Halifax’s only female fronted progressive metal band. Naomi-Joy works primarily as a professional Actor in the film industry and is a member of ACTRA.

Stephanie was half of the Halifax pop-rock duo The Superfantastics, nominated for Music Nova Scotia and East Coast Music Awards. She has written and recorded EPs and albums, and has toured Canada and the UK. Acclaimed for her original promo ideas of The Superfantastics, with video blogs and handmade merchandise, Stephanie received the Best Merch award from The Coast three years in a row. Stephanie is a professional videographer.

SheMachine performs Friday, April 6 at The Company House at 2202 Gottingen Street with DJ A.A. Wallace. Dress in retro future costumes for the chance to win a role in SheMachine’s first music video A New Addiction. Come for the addictive music and dancing, stay for the glitter cupcakes, the SheMachini (a custom created cocktail) and sweet prizes, including a Mark Ramsay photo shoot and a makeup session with Nicole Steeves.

Listen to SheMachine online at http://soundcloud.com/shemachine/a-new-addiction . Follow them on twitter @She_Machine and find them on Facebook @SheMachine.

– 30 –

For more information and interviews, please contact:
LoRoPR
e loropr@gmail.com  p Laurie 902.440.8623 p Rose 902.495.6806

A New Addiction

SheMachine’s first single – A New Addiction. And hopefully yours.

SheMachine A New Addiction

Really pumped to see them live on Good Friday – it’s time to dance.

Shit Girls Never Say

Shit Girls Say has been an extremely succesful meme, spawning many incarnations – Shit White Girls Say, Shit Drunk Girls Say, etc.

Lady Parts Productions (Naomi-Joy Blackhall Butler, Stephanie Clattenburg & Nicole Steeves) added to the fun with Shit Girls Never Say. It is true, funny and surprising. (What is also surprising is how this video only has 6,516 views. Please, watch. Enjoy. Share if you’re so inclined.)

“I just started my period. Want to have sex?” is probably my favourite. That is shit I have NEVER heard a girl say!

That’s all for today, I needed to take a minute and have a laugh. Back to brain time.

– Rose

A new favourite

In early March I was fortunate to participate in Women Making Waves, a conference put on by Women in Film & Television Atlantic. (I also sat on the WMW committee and provided social media support for the weekend.) It was an insightful, engaging, interesting & fun weekend. I met some amazing women (and men) and learned a lot.

In a panel on unions in the film & TV industry, Brock University Professor Amanda Coles enlightened us on the gender imbalance that exists within the production side. There are more female than male Production Managers and in Wardrobe/MakeUp, but more male than female DOPs and location scouts. This divide extends throughout the industry, and this is how I was introduced to my new favourite…Feminist Frequency.

The Feminist Frequency is a  web series discussing pop culture with a feminist slant. Anita is amazing, I am fascinated, horrified & entertained with each video I watch.

Here is the video Amanda shared with us, of Anita breaking down women in film.

I was shocked and after watching this video I realized that so many narratives are from a male perspective, for males. Where are the meaningful female stories within the typical male storylines? They can co-exist; why does our society discount women?

Perhaps I’m thinking of this gender divide more as last week I finally saw Bridesmaids! It was funny and honest, and I connected. What I really liked is that while it was written by women, it wasn’t just for women. The man I watched it with roared – far more than I would have laughed while watching a similar male written/dominated movie.

Anyhow, I totally got off track there…My new favourite way to be amazed and entertained and engaged is Feminist Frequency. Check out The Bechdel Test for Women in Film and Feminist Frequency.

– Rose

SheMachine

Stephanie Clattenburg & Naomi-Joy Blackhall-Butler.
Shot by Mark Anthony Ramsay. Hair & Wardrobe by SheMachine, Rouge Fatale & Kimberly Diamond. Makeup by SheMachine & Nicole Steeves.

Halifax’s newest musical addiction is soon to be SheMachine, an exciting new two-piece female electronic dance band. SheMachine is Naomi-Joy Blackhall Butler (AQuestrya) and Stephanie Clattenburg (The Superfantastics).

Inspired by such artists as Depeche Mode, Dragonette and Lady Gaga, the group combines 80s synth pop and industrial goth sounds. Think upbeat dance hooks, powerful female vocals and an explosion of glitter.

LoRoPR is thrilled to be joining SheMachine in their quest for world dance floor domnation!

Intrigued? Check outSheMachine on Facebook and Twitter. And MARK YOUR CALENDARS…

SheMachine debuts at A NEW ADDICTION Retro Futuristic Dance Partyat The Company House on Friday, April 6.  Raising money to shoot their first video/short film A New Addiction, the event features DJ AA Wallace and a retro future costume party, offering the winner a role in their video! There will also be glitter cupcakes, a special SheMachine Martini and sweet door prizes.

Full event info can be found here.

We know you want more SheMachine, so here’s a little tease!

A Sleazeless Afternoon, or Our First Photo Shoot

We are blessed to know good people, one of them being Aaron McKenzie Fraser, a talented and cool photographer with a kick-ass beard. We hired Aaron (ie. offered beer & future services to him) to photograph us for this very site, business cards, social media, etc. and our photo shoot was this afternoon. Neither of us have never been the subjects at a photo shoot, so it was amazing having Aaron leading the charge.

Aaron is thoughtful, creative and professional, not to mention flattering. We love us some flattery! He was also the least sleazy photographer we’ve dealt with. (It was a little disappointing, actually. Ha.) Despite how cold it was, Aaron made us feel warm!

It was fun to set up shop in front of a house, and then in an abandoned courtyard for the photos. We *think* we remembered to smize! (Again, Ha.) We never thought we could feel so comfortable as a subject, so once more, great work Aaron, for making us feel at ease.

Based on his positive words, it sounds like we looked pretty good. OR he is an excellent liar. Photos will be available in the next couple weeks, and we look forward to sharing!

Muchos appreciation to Aaron for sharing his talent and time with LoRoPR. You’re the best!

See more of Aaron McKenzie Fraser’s work here.