Honey Jam Auditions

Ninety-three females ranging in age, culture and experience level, with performances of every genre, from all over Ontario, auditioned for a chance to be in the Honey Jam showcase at The Mod Club last Sunday. The showcase, which has run 17 years strong, supports female talent and has been instrumental in the early careers of artists such as Jully Black, Nelly Furtado and Michie Mee.
In front of two rows of music industry professional judges such as Rich Kidd, Boi-1da and Honey Jam founder, Ebonnie Rowe, and a full club of contenders and supporters, each artist had 60 seconds to sing her heart out in order to earn a spot in the showcase on August 16.
Some ladies accompanied themselves with instruments, some danced along to soundtracks, while others performed a capella numbers. Whether they were singing, or rapping, the immense talent in the building was undeniable as shivers were sent down the spines of the people in the packed club, who quietly watched each performer take to the stage, one by one.
Twenty-five-year-old singer/songwriter Stacey who performed at Honey Jam five years ago with a band came out to audition as a solo artist this year, performing the 4 Non Blonde track “What’s Up”, while accompanying herself on guitar. Her confidence and stage presence was evident, yet she says that even experienced artists such as herself get nervous during the audition process, as it all comes down to that one minute on stage to show everyone what she has to offer. “As long as I’ve been performing, I always get a little freaked out when I get up there. My heart goes fast, but it was over really fast. All of a sudden, I was done,” she laughs.

Even though the audition process can be stressful, Stacey explains the surprising support of all the other talented females made it easier. “All the ladies here today have been so supportive of each other. There’s no animosity, there’s no diva-ness — everyone is just really cool here today. It’s been a fun day.”
Stacey’s nerves had left after her piece and she was able to enjoy the rest of the afternoon by staying to watch the remainder of the auditions. She sat back down on the same seat she sat before, but this time as a supporter rather than a contender.
New singer/songwriter Diia, whose first time auditioning was at Honey Jam, says that the audition process is quite different from any other type of performance for an artist and can be a lot more nerve-wracking.
“It’s different, because there are other competitors and there’s judges and there is a difference between playing your own gig and having your family and friends supporting you and fans supporting you, but nonetheless it’s a great experience,” she says smiling.
No feedback was given from the judges after the performances, just a small round of applause from those in attendance after each audition. The ladies could only reflect on their own opinions of how they did in anticipation to hear back from the showcase organizers in the weeks to come to find out if they have been chosen to be a part of this year’s Honey Jam.

Photos By: Fitzroy Facey

Stylus Pre-Award Nominee Party

Showing love to the DJ and supporting Canada’s music industry was the motive of the night at the third annual DJ Stylus Pre Award Show nominee party at The Mod Club Sunday night, which was hosted by Rock Da House and sponsored by vodka brand Stoli Canada.

DJ Ritz, who is a 2012 Toronto DJ of the Year nominee, spun hip-hop and R&B tracks throughout the evening while guests, which consisted of industry heads, DJs, artists, producers, management and supporters of the craft, took the opportunity to mingle and celebrate their achievements and recognize those who are making a large impact on Canada’s music industry.

David “Click” Cox, co-producer of the annual DJ Stylus Awards, says that the pre-party is a big part of the Stylus weekend as it allows for a more laidback, casual vibe than the awards ceremony and gives an opportunity to artists to showcase themselves at an industry event.
“They deserve the recognition, they deserve to be heard and they deserve to be seen,” he says. “That’s the main motive behind it all.”

The seven performers of the night which consisted of artists such as Raz Fresco, Shaun Boothe, Shi Wisdom, Son Real and JRDN all varied immensely in style, yet all were welcomed equally by the audience. With acts from Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto who ranged in music genres such as R&B, hip-hop, from young to mature and involved both male and female acts, the event exemplified the diversity of artists in Canada.

M.A.G.N.U.M, hailing from Montreal, nominated for Mixtape of the Year, also hit the stage and spit a lyrical set, which energized the crowd for the remainder of the evening. He says the more relaxed vibe of the night was the motive in order to celebrate and enjoy the music and networking, as opposed to the award ceremony, where the spotlight is solely on giving the DJs the recognition they deserve. The Montreal emcee says it’s not all about performing and winning awards; everyone involved, or who attends the Stylus Awards, wins.

“It’s a good scene; it’s a platform for all these artists to get recognized on a national scale. Whether you’re nominated, or you win, or even if you’re in attendance, it’s a good place to network,” he says.
Four awards were given out throughout the evening which included Most Original DJ Mixtape of the Year to Dames Nellas for his work on Hip-Hop Ain’t Dead, It Lives In The North Vol. 4, Club MC of the Year was awarded to Almighty Chops, DJ Manifest & Flo took home the Stylus College Radio Show of the Year for their Toronto Morning Live show on CHRY 105.5 FM and Underground DJ of the Year was awarded to DJ Law.

“We have so many talented artists in Canada,” Cox says. “We have so many different awards that we really can’t do it all in one night.”

Photos by Michelle Green