Felicia Simion is a photographer based in Romania. Her work has taken the hearts of the online world, with unique and distinctive styles in both editing and shooting.

Tell Chloe a bit about yourself; where you come from, what you do?

I am a 19-year-old photographer living in Romania, who first started “dating” her camera at the age of 13.

What first got you started in photography?

I’ve been posting my photos on deviantART for 6 years, which has kept my passion alive and kicking – that’s where most of the people know me from; I must say I’m always surprised, because I’ve never considered myself the “popular” type.

Did you go to school to study photography?

I’ve learnt everything by myself, I’ve never even had the patience to look at tutorials, to be frank. I can be quite strong-headed, especially when it comes to learning something new – I’d rather spend a lot of time trying to do something on my own, although I can find the answer with just one click!

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

If I could live anywhere in the world, well, I’d choose… to live. I want to see, smell, breathe as much as I can, and maybe when I’m old (even if it ain’t gonna happen, ‘cos we’re young forever, aren’t we?), my love and I could build a small cozy house somewhere where the wild meets the sea. Like Greece. Who knows.

What is your favorite subject to photograph?

Honestly, I would take photos of kids all day long. Give me a group of beautiful child-dreamers and I could watch them through the lens forever. They are the most unexpected creatures. And this is what I wish for, homelikeness. Spontaneity.

If you could photograph any person you wanted, who would it be?

The person I wish I could photograph is my grandfather. But I’d have to visit Heaven. So I’ll try my best to earn my place there.

What keeps you inspired?

Inspiration comes naturally, and it’s fueled by love, air, music, words, basically art, in all its infinite forms.

How would you describe your style?

My style, let’s see… it’s… a tornado? I’m saying that because I love to mix many photography areas, such as surrealism, street, photojournalism, portraiture, landscape, fashion… each one gives me a different kind of satisfaction, and is a part of me.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

In five years, I want to be as childlike and dreamful and in love as I am now, except that I yearn to add a few more thousands photographs in my “memory card”.

Living in the fast lane is a regular occurrence for the ragtag group of misfits on the new MuchMusic landmark series, The LA Complex. Following the lives of aspiring actors, musicians and other employment du jours, viewers get a glimpse of the grit and glam of Los Angeles living.

The show maintains a promising cast, with star Cassie Steele (aka Manny Santos of Degrassi: The Next Generation fame) stepping into the limelight. But bad boy next door Jonathan Patrick Moore is the one to watch; with a twisted storyline of self-harm and toxic relationships, his character Connor Lake tugs at those fragile heartstrings. It’s all about characterization and excellent acting with Moore, a man who’s eye-candy physique easily translates from silver screen to magazine. He’s a man in motion for this issue’s men’s fashion spread. If the show dressed his character just as we did, he would be a sartorial sight to see on the streets of LA. Chuck Bass 2.0, no?

On playing Connor.
I’m thankfully not as dark as him! However, there are aspects of his life that I can certainly relate to. My mother died when I was young and I wasn’t given the guidance on how to deal with grief. Losing a parent as a child can play out very differently for each person affected by it. In Connor’s case, he resorts to self-harm to try and fill the void inside. Although I have certainly had my fair share of trouble, I am just incredibly fortunate to have met the right people along the way to keep me on track.

On his Canadian audience.
Canadians seem to have responded very well to the show. Nobody is telling me to fly outta here so I must be doing something right! What I’ve discovered about Canadians is that they’re very much like Australians. Great sense of humor, very down to earth and don’t take themselves too seriously.

On the future of The LA Complex.
Your guess is as good as mine! I am hopeful we’ll get to go back to work, but we’ll just have to wait and see. The reviews have been incredibly positive and although we could have stronger ratings, those that are watching are loud, vocal and passionate!

On the LA hustle bustle.
Part of the appeal in booking the role of Connor on The LA Complex is that I could totally relate to the material. I’d either experienced or watched friends live out the conversations and scenarios these characters were having. Life in LA is a constant hustle, and I am not sure that goes away. We’re always going to be chasing the next audition, the next job or fighting for the next role. The LA Complex is a very accurate depiction of life in Hollywood, the real Hollywood, not the glamorized version.

On being the token Australian.
It used to be novel to walk into a casting office as an Australian but nowadays there seems to be one of us in every TV show or movie.  It’s almost better to try and drop the accent for auditions, because they’re probably thinking “Oh terrific another fucking Aussie!” Ha! But I have to thank actors like Russell Crowe, Nicole Kidman, and Hugh Jackman for helping build the profile of Australian actors internationally.

On Joaquin Phoenix.
He scares the shit out of me… in a good way. His performances are haunting and I think it would be an incredible experience to work opposite him. If he’s anything like his interviews, he doesn’t let others define who he is or how he thinks. I imagine we could have some very interesting chats over a beer or two.

On dream TV show roles.
I finally watched Downton Abbey and I’m all in! I just knocked out the first season in one session and am in awe of the amazing performances and writing. It would be fun working on a period piece, and one with so much gritty drama! As for an oldie… maybe a guest role on The Sopranos or The West Wing.  So different, both brilliant, amazing writing and actors who are totally in command of their craft.

On fashion and photo shoots.
I quite enjoy photo shoots. It’s fun messing around with a photographer, particularly if we’re in a cool location. I’m blown away by the artistry of the photographer, particularly how they can capture a story in a single image. In many ways, I think photography is the ultimate art form. My interest and taste in fashion has evolved since living in Adelaide, Australia. Now I really appreciate design and aesthetic. I recently wore a Dolce & Gabbana suit to a movie premier but my day-to-day outfit is easy: can’t go past a cool pair of jeans and a comfy tee.

On teenage shenanigans.
Considering the amount of mischief I got up to as a teenager, like the time I was jumping and skateboarding off high altitudes, I am honestly amazed at how unscathed I am! Don’t get me wrong… there were many sprains, strains and breaks, but no visible scars to prove it!

On keeping that six-pack.
I wouldn’t say that I have a strict workout regime. For me it’s about staying healthy. Working on set can mean long hours, so stamina, keeping fit and eating healthy is important. I’m a bit of a foodie and can always be found trying out new restaurants or gastro-pubs in LA, so having a consistent workout regime means a little less guilt!

On Twitter.
I’m fairly new to the world of Twitter. I’m not sure what rock I was hiding under for the past 5 years!  Now that I’m hooked in, I’m hooked! I always love to hear people’s thoughts, so hit me up @Mr_JPM!

Your current iPod playlist.
Mumford & Sons. The Postal Service. Bon Iver. Hall & Oates. Nathanial Castro.

Photographer Sandy Galli

Art Director Frank Mazzuca

Words by Jay De Belen

Stylist Laynna Meyler

Make Up Artist Shawnna Downing

Hair Stylist Dat Tran

Bicycles by InVita Sports

Clothing by Eunoia Jeans

Jane Lockhart is a myriad of things: interior designer, furniture aficionado, television personality, entrepreneur. The common element: a good loveseat.

Contrary to the picturesque home furnishings in home furnishing catalogues and home decorating magazines, Statum Designs’ showroom seems shockingly spartan. At first glance, the place is a four-walled industrial hub, in the industrial core of the Toronto outskirts. Gorgeous living room and bedroom sets are splashed upon a slate grey concrete floor – these are Jane Lockhart’s pride and joy, her furniture collection. Everything looks less glamorous than the glossies, but like any well-designed space, the beauty is in the details.

As Lockhart walks me around the showroom, she gushes about her products. There’s a chic teal throw pillow that would go well with any home’s white couch. There’s a rustic bed frame, couches… once the industrial look of the showroom fades, the hominess of the furniture really sets in. She points out a sturdy coffee table; rap your knuckles on the surface and you know it’s a work of art. She says the table’s a complementary piece to her furniture line, solid oak coffee table with a drift wood finish strong enough to take hard use. It’s got family heirloom potential, a home’s classic piece that isn’t painfully trendy or modern – that’s the new balance in interior design.

For Lockhart’s furniture line Jane by Jane Lockhart, she specializes in creating comfortable and transitional pieces. “You could dress it up to be modern, or dress it down to be traditional,” Lockhart explains.

What does this mean for the regular family? It means nobody has to be married to the piece. Many people keep expensive items around, to simply justify the price they paid. “I want people to understand that it is possible to [have a good-looking home] and it doesn’t have to be bargain basement, or so expensive. With the Jane line, what we tried to do was make it couture without the couture prices.”

Not everyone is living with couture budgets, so for the price point the furniture line offers, clients get maximum comfort. Other furniture brands sacrifice comfort for price point and accessibility, but Lockhart doesn’t believe in following that business model. Usability is top priority for Lockhart; “Comfort comes first, that’s the big important pillar of our brand. We want people to sit in it, enjoy it, interact with it.”

If comfort and function is Lockhart’s pulling factor, keep in mind that fashion and design is never sacrificed. Lockhart says the pieces purposefully blend into a homeowner’s space and style. There is no piece too exotic or too bland; everything has that furnished expert quality. Lockhart herself owns the Crawford, dubbed the company’s “little darling.” Being a sectional seater, the oatmeal-coloured fabric and dark wood frame exude comfortable modernity. There’s other notable pieces like modern European style of the pale grey Sutherland couch, or the chic herringbone pattern of the black Stephanie chair. Looking at their website is like looking at a well-edited collection, only leveled up.

Besides Lockhart’s ambitious spin on traditional meets modern seating, she also brings her pointed design eye to her interior design work. Jane Lockhart Interior Design specializes in commercial and residential design and décor, renovation, colour consultation and custom furniture design, she’s been in the business for over twenty years, and shows no sign of stopping. “Design is what I went to school for and I’ll stick to it for the rest of my life.” A hearty proclamation, but for someone who’s been working (and loving!) their job for so long, it’s hardly surprising.

Like most people, the only thing I understand about furniture and interior design is that it makes my space look perfect. And that’s thanks to an interior designer’s work. According to Lockhart, the more stuff you have, the more cluttered the brain becomes. It’s also much harder to maintain everything to perfection. If productivity and comfort come hand in hand, a Lockhart furniture piece would provide some comfort in your own home.

www.janelockhart.com

LUX Design’s renowned Condo Quickie package, a turn-key package offering quick solutions to condo design challenges, was used to complete the beautiful interior design at the Queensway suite.

When Paula Velez of LUX Design first arrived to her client’s suite, she immediately began to see great potential in the 750 square foot space.  The condo was empty, but flooded with natural light and was truly an inspiring blank canvas.  Despite the small size of her condo, our client was looking for an elegant and luxurious design that still allowed the tight condo to feel large and open.

Paula found a stunning blush, blue and silver wallpaper for a living room accent wall, that quickly inspired the condo’s colour palette.  A classic white tufted sofa was paired with contemporary pieces like the brushed stainless coffee table to add a modern touch. One of the biggest challenges in the living room was the media unit.  It was difficult finding a piece that would not overwhelm the room in form, scale and colour.  After a long search and many unsuccessful options, Paula found a white lacquered media unit that adds texture in the space with its wave-like detailing, while keeping the space airy and open.

It was important that Paula included pieces in the dining room that continued the luxurious look from the living room, without allowing the space to feel visually heavy. The glass dining table offset the rich upholstered dining chairs, finding a balance between form and lightness in the small dining space. The accent mirror makes the space feel larger and paired with the glass chandelier, adds an exquisite detail.

Finally the bedroom offers elegant contemporary luxury.  The wallpaper creates a focal wall with its ornate white trellis pattern without overwhelming the space.  A cream tufted headboard and the white sheers brighten the small bedroom, and the classic mirrored side tables add sumptuous detail into the space.  A drum shaded crystal chandelier anchors the space, tying together all of the design elements.

With attentive thought in colour, forms and materials, LUX Design created visual harmony and balance in a luxurious design with contemporary details.  Our client loves the finished space and the elegance that was brought into her small space.

www.luxdesign.ca

That’s how my office design really began. I saw spots. I happened to be in London England at the time when I came upon a booth at Decorex (fabulous Design Show in the UK) featuring the Thibaut Tanzania wallpaper. I was instantly smitten – had to have.

As a designer, I fall in love with fabrics, wallpapers and finishes of every kind each day. I’m passionate about pattern & texture. I commit and go full in for client projects without question. For myself however, I am my worst client nightmare realized. Meredith the Designer is decisive, some even have called me a visionary. Meredith the client however, is indecisive and has commitment issues. Too many loves, narrowing it down to just one concept is always an exercise in frustration.

The good news was that the wallpaper is Bossy enough that once I had committed, all other decisions would flow from there. The bookcase behind my desk was grey, it needed to go black. Meredith the Client, is a magazine hoarder. Some of the ‘collection’ had to be purged the rest put on display. The yellow punch from the National Geographics was not planned but worked. It came as a bit of a shock I am an avowed hater of yellow. Never let it be said that, I’m not game for a challenge. As a designer, I have the confidence to know when to go with the flow and let the room begin to speak for itself – this was one of those instances. If the client (who is oh so fickle) gets tired of the yellow, it’s an easy fix. Some clients always need an exit strategy for colour commitments especially this one.

If you’ve ever worked in a service industry, especially a luxury service industry – having a bar in one’s office isn’t so much a nice to have, but rather a must have…. you know what I’m saying? One of the perks of this office space is that I have room for an actual seating area (truth though, it often doubles as a napping area for a certain husband/business partner). The sofa is actually an oops. An upholsterer took the liberty of making it 6” too deep for my house, so to finally have a home for it that works is great, though Meredith the Designer still has a different idea for that spot… it’s always a negotiation though.

While I didn’t plan to find the perfect spot on the bookcase to hang art done by super talented 2yr old, didn’t foresee using black/cream silk striped drapery from a Design Show booth in this office, repurpose furniture from left over projects, they all decidedly work. Area carpets from Weaver & Loom in cobalt/green & black also weren’t in my minds eye but they bring the room together so perfectly it is hard to imagine anything else there now. The spots are balanced by the darker ground in the carpets and in the bold stripes in the drapery. A lot of pattern in a small room but the scale & proportion work, similar to disguising one’s problem spots ie; hips/middle section… it’s all about how you arrange the patterns.

Designing for one’s self is an exercise in letting go, it’s almost therapeutic at times. Except of course when you start talking to yourself, then argue & lose. That’s when you need to outsource the therapy… or hit up that bar you just styled so perfectly. Having said that, I don’t recommend it – I think everyone (who can afford to) should hire a designer.. but I’m biased that way just a bit. Having someone who is a visionary oversee & steer the course is a sanity saver in the end & your project will be better for it. Not that a little bit of crazy is a bad thing though…

I’ll let you know how the spots work after the 2nd or 3rd mojito…

Salute!

Meredith Heron is the principal at Meredith Heron Design Inc. based in Toronto Canada. The firm works on both residential and commercial projects across Canada, the US & beyond…  Host/Designer for the first 5 seasons of Restaurant Makeover on both Food Network & HGTV, the show currently airs in 121 countries around the world. She has also hosted several design shows on HGTV & Fine Living and her work can also be seen on House & Home Media & Steven & Chris in both Canada & the US. Meredith also writes a daily blog Sashay, which is filled with her work in progress, design inspirations & of course her often bold & sassy commentary. Check it out here at meredithheron.com/blog

Let the Games Begin

This trés élégant games room with inviting cream and gray palette was formerly the dining room that Jane’s client’s family had eventually outgrown. “My clients love to play cards with family and friends so turning this bright and cozy space into a formal games room was the perfect solution!” says Jane. A reproduction card table from seats two to four comfortably, for a game of euchre or bridge. Wingback chairs from the old living room have been reupholstered and placed by the window. They’re perfect for reading the morning paper and can easily be pulled up to the table for games night. A soft wool carpet and dimmable light from the cut-glass chandelier warm up the space. Vertical striped satin draperies give the illusion of higher ceilings and frame the large bay window.

Photography by Brandon Barré

Soar to New Heights

Covering tall windows that soar two stories, reaching heights of 12-14 feet can pose an expensive challenge for homeowners. “Keep the window treatments simple but elegant with as little embellishments as possible,” says Jane. Jane dressed these tall windows in oh-so-elegant silk draperies in deep chocolate brown, layered over sheer, remote-controlled window blinds for a stunning backdrop for the furnishings. A three-seater sofa, armchair upholstered in soft but durable microfiber with nail head detailing, and upholstered coffee table makes this room perfect for entertaining. Use the coffee table as a bench and occasional side chair for extra seating when entertaining. Multi-functional pieces make a lot of sense for today’s homes.

Furnishings by Jane by Jane Lockhart, janelockhart.com

Photography by Brandon Barré , courtesy Kylemore Communities

The Midas Touch

A hint of gold in this room’s colour palette gives it brightness and a regal look day or night. Shimmery silk drapery panels layered over sheer blinds that diffuse the light and add privacy without blocking the view, create a soft backdrop for Jane by Jane Lockhart “Harlow” tufted sofa in durable but elegant microfiber. A vintage-inspired tufted upholstered ottoman doubles as a bench offering extra seating when required. The charcoal chair, dark floors and side tables add contrast and ground the space. A brick veneer TV wall adds texture and creates an interesting focal point in the room while helping to minimize the black TV.

Furnishings by Jane by Jane Lockhart, janelockhart.com

Photography by Brandon Barré, courtesy Kylemore Communities

By The Fire

There’s nothing that speaks the language of romance better than a chair by a roaring fire. No fireplace is complete without at least one fabulously inviting chair by its side. Who could resist the temptation to take a few moments to relax and unwind when the room is designed around a toasty fireplace with plush down-filled furnishing that beckon you to stop and take a moment to relax? “Choose armless upholstered chairs to flank your fireplace so you can feel the warmth of the fire,” says Jane. Remember to add a reading lamp on a side table or a floor lamp. You’re going to want to stay a while, so make it as comfy as possible.

Chair: Jane by Jane Lockhart “Barry” chair, janelockhart.com

Photography by Brandon Barré, courtesy Kylemore Communities

Jane Lockhart, BAAID, Intern ARIDO

Principal Designer

Jane Lockhart Interior Design

www.janelockhart.com

info@janelockhart.com

Canadian opera star Ambur Braid reconciles being a clean freak with coloratura chic, a feat that isn’t so cultured and complex as it seems, Jay de Belen reports.

There are certain expectations, nay assumptions, when meeting with an opera singer. Is she a loud-mouthed virtuosa, with dressing room demands like a Mozartian Mariah Carey? Is she a catty, gossip-monger, à la Nini Legs-in-the-Air from Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge? Does she bleed blue blood? I mean, historically, opera was reserved for the aristocratic crowd of the 16^th century. Colour me shocked when Toronto-based opera singer Ambur Braid unceremoniously walks into the room, looking all safari tourist chic. A men’s white oxford shirt from Joe Fresh, an H&M khaki-colored midi skirt and Gucci sandals is the day’s outfit of choice. Her only request? If she could wash her hands at the bar sink of Proof the Vodka Bar, at Toronto’s Yorkville Intercontinental hotel. So much for a dramatic diva.

It’s all about fashion and feathers on this breezy summer day in August. Sitting in hair and makeup, Braid is easily distracted, but gloriously chatty. A gorgeous Lucian Matis black feather gown is splayed out on a coffee table, close to our little cosmetics corner of the room. “Oh, it’s a day of feathers! I just had a fitting this morning, it’s all ostrich feather.” It’s an appropriate sartorial choice for a bourgeoisie photo shoot, and her eyes gleam with glee. She then goes back to her usual conversation topic: opera, opera, opera.

The truth is, Braid didn’t start out as a childhood opera aficionado; the bright-eyed 29-year-old was more of a musical theatre gal before the opera bug bit her square in the vocal cords. “I was doing musical theatre until [after] I graduated high school. I grew up in a small town, where the extent of my knowledge was The Phantom Of The Opera, which is a musical. I performed it for all my stuffed animals, all the parts!”

And what a stage she had, coming from a family full of athletes from Terrace, British Columbia. She’s the self-proclaimed weird one in the family, the kid that laid out her outrageous wardrobe choices, and proclaimed of its lackluster panache as she grabbed a belt from her closet. She did her Oscars acceptance speeches in the mirror, and filmed mini-fashion shows with childhood BFF’s. She’s the quintessential small-town girl, living in a not-so-lonely opera world. Though never unsupportive, Braid laughs about how her family doesn’t, and never did, understand her need for music and performance. Softball, skiing and snowboarding were the household’s activities of choice; “it was always ‘do your thing;’ it was never ‘you can’t be a musician, that’s not what grown-ups do.’”

Opera is a crazy, glamorous world but she attributes her level-headedness to tennis pro husband Kwame Gachinga. “My husband is my rock. He’s this sane, polite, calm person. I was away from [him] for seven weeks this summer – it can be incredibly lonely. You have to be strong to deal with being alone a lot.”

But, Braid insists if you’re born to do it, you’re born to do it. Alexander Neef, the General Director of the Canadian Opera Company, is a fierce believer in this young artist’s star power – “She has a fairly unique voice… it’s a very big dramatic coloratura voice. Usually coloratura voices are smaller. That [opens] up a repertoire to her that’s not open to everybody. And she’s a very, very strong performer.”

According to Braid, all eyes are on the Toronto opera scene right now, with most of the credit going to Neef and his work with the COC. Their latest production, the German Die Fledermaus, debuts this month. Braid plays the role of Adele, a wily maid who steals her mistress’ elaborate dress and flirts with the lord of her house. And, she has a sassy solo piece in the form of “Mein Herr Marquis,” commonly known as “Adele’s Laughing Song.”

She’s debuting under ideal circumstances, with a heavily talented cast. Christopher Alden, an American opera director, is at the helm of the new Fledermaus – he’s an opera radical known for reinventing ancient material into imaginative, contemporary experiences. Excitedly, Braid muses of a darker direction for what usually is a playful opera about cheeky deceit and gallons of champagne. “[Alden] is known for being very visceral, and sexual, and very human. Instead of prancing around the stage with jazz hands… we’ll be actual humans dealing with deceit, and sex, and cheating, and alcohol. It’s great – it’s life! It’s life in Toronto!”

Besides spending every waking moment in the opera world, when she can spare the time, Braid is actually way more down-to-earth than she seems. She’s an organizational furniture freak. Hair and makeup artist Aniya Nandy heartily agrees with Braid’s home decor rants – “we were doing a shoot for Chatelaine [a few months ago]. Her house is immaculate, everything has a home, everything has a place.” It’s safe to assume she lives in an Ikea catalogue come to life. It’s an organized life for an effervescent opera singer.

As hair and makeup wrap up, stylists and assistants begin crowding around our corner of the room; Braid needs to be pulled for wardrobe, cosmetic add-ons and test shots. The black Lucian Matis ostrich feather gown beckons. A handler whisks her away, but not before Braid imparts me with words of wisdom: “Anything in the arts, there’s always someone else that can take your position. It’s 80% about timing and work ethic… talent is such a small part of [opera].”

Photographer Sandy Galli

Words by Jay De Belen

Stylist Amarsana Gendunova

Hair and Make Up Aniya Nandy

This October marks ten years since Melanie Berry was offered her “dream job” at the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), a not-for-profit organization responsible for promoting and highlighting the best in Canadian music.

As president and CEO, Berry is responsible for managing over 20 employees who execute the organization’s mandate through programs such as the annual JUNO Awards and MusiCounts, an associated charity that helps keep music in schools across Canada. Since her appointment in 2003, Berry has been the executive producer of the JUNO Awards. While her team finalizes the details for the 2013 Awards in Regina, Saskatchewan, she is looking ahead to the 2014 and 2015 JUNOs as well.

Named one of Canada’s most powerful women in 2009, she is celebrated for her commitment to the arts. The Galt, Ontario native believes that music is “the universal language that unites us.”

Sitting down for a conversation with Chloe Magazine, Berry reflects on a decade of Canadian music and her role in strengthening its national and international appeal.

CARAS and Canadian Music

I think we’ve got a very important and crucial role. CARAS’ mandate is to promote and celebrate Canadian artists and their music and that’s what we strive for everyday. I believe the JUNO Awards have been an integral part in establishing and developing new and existing talent through our nominees and winners.

The Traveling JUNOs

When we took the JUNO Awards on the road in 2002 to St. John’s, Newfoundland we were motivated to bring the music directly to the fans. Our commitment to travel to a different part of the country every year was a landmark initiative, and subsequently has been a huge boost to the overall visibility of the JUNO Awards. Each year we’ve had the opportunity to spotlight a new city and experience its distinct culture. Most importantly, the Awards and its numerous activities have enriched the regions we’ve visited every single year through increased economic activity and the showcasing of their local music industry.

JUNOs 2013

Fans can look forward to a fun, exciting and memorable JUNO Week experience filled with amazing music and unforgettable events. I challenge everyone to come out and discover some new talent – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

On Her iPod

I love all different types of artists, but right now I’m listening to the “new” nominees like Lindi Ortega and Dan Mangan. Canada has so many fantastic emerging artists that sometimes it’s hard to keep up. That’s a good problem to have!

No Such Thing As A Typical Workday

I usually start the day out by hitting the gym, and try to be at the office by 8am. A normal day can involve back-to-back meetings and conference calls. There are times when I don’t even get a chance to get to my emails until 6pm, which can make for a very long day. Other times a typical workday could consist of traveling to a host city, spending a day in meetings and then flying back the next day. There really isn’t a typical workday in this position; it’s always changing, which keeps things exciting.

Style of Leadership

I ask a lot from the people I work with but I would like to think that I’m very fair. I try to lead by example and I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty. I expect people to work smart and to work hard and I think that I emulate that. I’m also not afraid to admit when I’m wrong which I think is important. I’m very lucky to have an incredible team supporting me.

Most Notable Professional Achievement

Surviving our 40th Anniversary in Toronto was one of my greatest accomplishments. It was an incredible year of new and cross-cultural events. I was so proud of the CARAS team for pulling it off with such success. It was also the highest rated broadcast in our 40-year history with more than 7.6 million people tuning in to watch part of the show. It really was incredible to be part of. Since the first JUNO Awards aired in 1975, over 150 million people have watched the broadcast.

Music in Canadian Schools

All too often, music is not a mandatory subject in schools across Canada. Music education has so many positive benefits that its permanent position in a curriculum is vital. When a child is provided with the tools to build musical skills, it affects them in so many other areas of their life. They learn the value of teamwork, the importance of practice and dedication and it also provides a foundation that success can be built upon.

MusiCounts

Through our core programs such as the Band Aid grants, post-secondary scholarships and our annual Music Teacher of the Year Award, we’re able to achieve our goals. Since our program’s inception in 1997, close to $5 million has been awarded, impacting over 262 post-secondary music program graduates and over 400,000 students, their schools, and communities.

Get Involved

Donations are the easiest and best way to help increase our efforts. You can also follow us through our social media networks on Facebook and Twitter and help to spread the word on the importance of music education. We also encourage people to sign up and volunteer at our various fundraising events that take place throughout the year. You can visit www.musicounts.ca for more information.

Photography by:  Laynna Meyler

Words By: Christina Pellegrini

Hair by:  Joe Commisso Hair Textures Inc.

Make Up by:  Connie Pisani Hair Textures Inc.

Looking at Lindsay Cox’s resume, it’s easy to see that she’s become a powerhouse in the Canadian television industry.  As the Vice President of Productions and Supervising Producer at Insight, one of Canada’s top production companies, Lindsay has used her talents on some of Canada’s biggest shows including the Juno Awards, Canada’s Walk of Fame and Battle of the Blades.  Although Lindsay might have a lot to boast about, when asked about her achievements she insists that the success she’s had so far is a product of the great teams she’s worked with.

“I can’t say enough how much it’s a team, sometimes one person gets the credit but it’s not one person.  That’s the most important thing in anything, that it’s a team on all of our television shows and in particular on the [Junos] I would say it is a team that makes the show, it’s not one person at all.”  Not only does Lindsay attribute her accomplishments as a producer to the various teams that she’s worked with on sets but also to the team that has been with her since the start of her career at Insight.  “There’s two incredible leaders who own this company, there’s a brother-sister team running Insight and they are fantastic mentors and role models,” says Lindsay of John Brunton and Barb Bowlby, Insight’s CEO and COO respectively.   “When I started here I was the receptionist and then moved on to other production opportunities and found out that production is what I love. They were able to give me the opportunity to find out what types of shows I like doing and producing and working on.  They’ve just been amazing people to work for so I wanted to stay here for good reason because it’s such a great company.”

After spending two decades in the business, Lindsay has really found her passion in producing live shows.  “Having to get a show on and off the air in two hours that you’ve put your life into, it’s an incredible feeling when you do it, it’s an amazing, amazing experience,” says Lindsay of producing the Junos.  “I really love live shows, I love the energy and the adrenaline rush.” Even though putting on a live awards show is incredibly rewarding and fun for Lindsay it is a huge responsibility, one that requires very hard work and extreme focus, “Everybody’s working at odd hours and long days and there isn’t time to sit back and complain and say how hard it is, you just have to get the job done.  That’s what our entire team does on that show and it’s incredible what everyone’s accomplished,” says Lindsay of working on a live show when it’s down to the wire.

Producing can be a very time consuming job but Lindsay figures out how to divide her life between work and home with help from her family. “We have a really open dialogue at home with my four year old and with my husband on what that entails,” says Lindsay. “This year we actually said ‘Let’s just get through this show and the time I’m not accessible and then we’ll go away and do something after’ and we actually just came back from Disney World and that was my son’s choice.”  Beyond planning family vacations, Lindsay feels that in order to have both the work and life sides of the equation you have to let the two mingle, “I have to be able to take a call when I’m with my son and I have to be able to take a call at work about my son or about my personal life but I think it’s trying to allow the two sides to co-exist with a balance.”

As I wrap up talking with Lindsay she reminds me that  her main feeling towards career is teamwork is everything. After hearing that it’s not hard to see why she’s so successful–she is a compassionate and caring leader, someone who can take charge but also never forgets to appreciate the value of others.

Words by Ashley Singh
Photography by Laynna Meyler
Hair by Sandra Ceserone
Make Up by Diana Ciampa La Rosa

“Listen, dude, if you don’t serenade me right now I’m going to leave!” exclaims Kristina Maria as she jokingly re-enacts her first encounter with former ‘N SYNC group member JC Chasez. “I was like, ‘How are you in front of me and not serenading me right now?’” she says, animating her anecdote with comical hand gestures, dramatic voices and a wide grin across her face.  It’s easy to tell with that kind of expressive delivery that this girl is a natural performer.

In fact, the 22 year-old pop singer/songwriter has been performing since she could barely talk. “I started taking interest in singing when I was maybe three years old, maybe younger even. I can’t even remember: that’s how way back it goes,” the petite brunette explains between sips of Diet Coke at Fairmont Royal York’s Epic Restaurant, Toronto. “The Bodyguard movie came out and I got the CD and I would sing along and I would listen to Celine Dion and belt out these crazy notes and my parents would look at me like, ‘Where is that coming from?’ you know?  It’s just a gift that I’ve been blessed with. As corny as that sounds, it really did pick me. I knew that I was going to do it professionally my whole life.”

Kristina Maria’s appropriately titled debut album Tell The World is bringing her life’s purpose onto the world stage. “Europe, America…I want to go worldwide, baby,” Kristina says of her career aspirations.  Global domination may not be too far off for the Ottawa native, since she’s already begun conquering Canada.  Her first single, a flirty dance track called “Let’s Play”, has surpassed Gold status at 60,000 copies and counting, not to mention that her second single, “Co-Pilot”, has been on heavy rotation at radio stations throughout the country.  “Canada has been so supportive and the fans here have been amazing to me.  I have loyal fans, I have hardcore fans and it’s great .I honestly didn’t expect that. it’s overwhelming and I love it,” gushes Kristina.

One of Kristina Maria’s biggest fans is definitely her manager, Vito Luprano.  Luprano, former VP of Artists and Repertoire for Sony Music with almost thirty years experience in the business, was the first to sign superstar Celine Dion so it’s safe to say that he knows talent when he sees it.   “She had told me that she writes and co-writes her own stuff: that interested me,” Luprano says of the first time he met Kristina two and a half years ago through Mia Dumont, who works with Celine Dion.  “I loved her technique of singing and I thought, ‘Wow this is different. Maybe I should get involved.’”  Luprano was so impressed with Kristina that he agreed to an exclusive management deal with the songstress and signed her to his Montreal -based label , Lupo One Productions.  “We definitely connected right away, one hundred percent. As soon as we met I feel like we just shook hands and were like, ‘All right.This is going to work.’” Kristina says.

Since then, Kristina Maria has traveled to Sweden and worked with some of the most talented and accomplished writers and producers in the business.  Among them are Kristian Lundin and major international songwriter Billy Steinberg who have worked with some of the most successful pop acts around , including The Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears and ‘N Sync.  If that were not enough, the previously -mentioned JC Chasez of ‘N Sync (one of the best-selling boy-bands of all time) also wrote and co-wrote songs for Kristina’s album.  “I mean, it’s surreal. It’s something that makes you go, ‘Oh my god, I can’t believe I’m here’ and the fact that I even wrote with [JC Chasez] and Kristian Lundin. It’s like, ‘Oh my god, are you kidding me?” says Kristina of her time spent with them in the studio.  With the amount of talent behind Kristina Maria’s record, it’s not surprising that the songs are unbelievably catchy and can easily be subjected to repeat listening.  Fast and upbeat, Kristina Maria’s dance-pop sound is no stranger to the club floor with its infectious beats and attention-grabbing hooks.  “I love pop songs,” says Kristina. “They’re fun to dance with, they’re fun to jam out to. That’s the most important part. I want people to be able to jam out to my songs and have a good time.  You know when you’re driving in the car and a Britney [Spears] song comes on and you can’t help yourself but to sing along? I feel like that’s so fun.”

However, Kristina Maria isn’t just about uptempo party songs and is quick to state that she also has emotional ballads and tracks that are straight from the heart.  “Understatement” is one of her album’s slower songs and it’s one of the most personal. She wrote it herself about the difficulty she faced while in a previous long -distance relationship.  “Ninety percent of my songs are definitely life experiences,” explains Kristina Maria.  “My emotion is so different with every song, you can hear it, like in one of my songs, ‘Karma’,” Kristina Maria says, referring to a song she wrote about an unfaithful ex-boyfriend. “You could tell I’m angry and when I was writing it I was angry, and when I performed it I was angry because it was from the heart. It was me.” She says.  “‘Understatement’ and ‘Karma’, those two are my babies.  I love them. It doesn’t feel like I wrote them. It impresses me because I’m so proud of myself at how far I’ve come with my writing.”

Kristina Maria may be on the brink of a major singing career but as I sit across from her it’s apparent that she’s still just a regular college-aged girl.  Wearing a casual grey tee, dark leggings, black thick-framed glasses and her hair pulled back with her glamorous make-up in place after just wrapping her Chloe cover shoot, she’s cracking jokes and telling me ghost stories.  At times, it’s hard not to feel like I’m chatting with a close girlfriend instead of a rising pop star. Her energetic and goofy personality makes it difficult not to instantly like her.  “I can be a clown sometimes and I sweat like a mule when I’m nervous,” laughs Kristina Maria.  But when I ask her about what has motivated her to keep striving for a professional singing career she becomes very serious. “I cannot see myself not singing. It’s not like it’s a choice for me, it’s not an option.  I don’t see myself being something else,” she says.  “I already have my foot in the door; now all I have to do is put the other foot in and I’m there. If I can’t I still have that foot. I still always have my music no matter what.”

Once our dinner starts winding down, I begin to ask questions about where she wants her career to go.  In true Kristina Maria form, she says with a giggle, “I want the whole world to love me!” With one foot in a door that’s already wide-open with possibility, she just might slide the other one right in and make it happen.