“The role of the artist is exactly the same as the role of the lover. If I love you, I have to make you conscious of the things you don’t see.”

―James Baldwin

P R O S E 

Good morning dear readers,

Greetings from the big city. People call it the big smoke. The most prevalent smoke is that of people lighting cigarettes before they step out of the building. A rat finding a moment to pause and feel something, or to un-feel something, before they get back to their race. Many times, in the last few weeks, the phrase “you’re not in Kansas anymore” comes to mind brought upon by a giggle. Of course not. And when asked with befuddlement over and over by others why one would ever leave paradise and the big sexy mountains and loving embrace of the pacific and quiet sanctuary of the forest – “adventure” and a smirk is usually the reply. There are roots in paradise, how privileged to be able to so easily be welcomed back there with open arms.

People work hard here and many must to live. So far removed from the 3-day lackadaisical work week of the gulf islands. Capitalism is loud and strong, the belly of the beast is here. A reality of the times is lifting many curtains from naïve eyes, and it’s a beautiful experience. Collectively, generally, people look out for each other. And with so many people, perhaps even all as equally complex individuals, the overall kindness and warmth is impressive. Experiences with strangers bring great perspective that there is this deep ethereal unspoken connection. A sensual eye lock brings a spark to two people who will never see each other again, a collective feeling of sadness and concern as someone is rolled into an ambulance after they overdose in the public washroom, smiles and laughter and knowing looks about a happy and silly child or a sweet pup. We feel each other, we are each other, and that is more apparent in a city of millions. Donning tired eyes, an easy smile and my finest outfit, I am off to the races.

S H O W S + S O N G S

T A R O T for the C O L L E C T I V E
ft. R.Farr

You have Six Cups.

The first is full of messages from old friends and family, invitations from people from your past. These lead you to revisit relationships that hold significance for you.

In the second cup, there is a tea of nostalgia and reminiscence about your childhood.

In the third cup, a salve to heal past wounds: use it to ease the sting of trauma and resentment.

In the fourth cup, you will find a collection of your lost passions and interests, rolling around like marbles. When you lost these, you lost some of your sense of joy in life.

In the fifth cup, you will find two coins. These are actually a new set of eyes. They will allow you to become innocent again.

The last cup is obscure…what do you see?

M U S I C

F E A T U R E D   F R I E N D 

NAOMI KAVKA

Where are you? What'd you have for breakfast? And what are you up to today?

Right now I am in Port Alberni, and for breakfast I had goat cheese and vegan cheezies. I'm not a big breakfast guy. I spent my day hanging out with my partner's standard poodle named Dougal, exploring parks around the hotel we're staying at!

What three things in your life are you most grateful for right now?

Only three? This is tough, I feel so fortunate right now in so many ways, but here's the first three that came to mind: 

The lovely spring weather I'm experiencing on the coast, the love of my sweet partner Jeff, and the places I've been able to go as a musician, especially the last two years. 

What have you got on the go artistically at the moment?

So much!!! I have a new album coming out, and the first single “Landline” is now live on all streaming platforms! I'll be releasing another single “Hate to Say it” with a fun video on May 16th, with “Then and Now”, the full album, out June 14th! It's a sprawling indie rock album produced by Jordy Walker and I'm so very proud of it!

I also got to work on two very special albums this year and they're coming out soon! Kym Gouchie's “Shun beh nats'ujeh” is coming out on June 13th. I think it means “we are healing through song” and it's a children's album that absolutely slaps and I'm so proud of it! Also Richard Garvey recorded his album “In the Arms of Lovers and Friends” with me and my band back in November, and we're celebrating by going on tour around the west coast in May! 

If I passed you an instrument, what song would you play us right now?

Which instrument? If it's a cello I almost always start playing the Back C Major Cello Suite Prelude. If it's a guitar, probably “Hard Headed Woman”

What's been on repeat on your record player/streamer/tape deck/CD player/ et al.? 

This is always so tough, because my music listening habits are so sporadic. I mostly listen to podcasts or music I'm working on performing. But my go tos lately if I'm tasked with choosing tunes have been Big Thief, La Luz, and Frank Zappa. Also Jordy Walker just released a single that is beautiful and should be listened to far and wide! I did rock some Rush recently on a drive home to get pumped up for the last 60 km from Houston to Smithers and it did the trick. If you want a long list of podcasts I can go on at length! 

If we want to find your work, where can we go?

Check my website and find me on Instagram

G O O D   O C E A N   N E W S

Greece becomes first European country to ban bottom trawling in marine parks

“We will ban bottom trawling in our national parks by 2026 and in all marine protected areas by 2030.”

He said he would also establish a state-of-the-art surveillance system, including drones, to enforce the ban.

“We hope this creates a domino effect on other European countries to do the same. The pressure is on France, as it hosts the UN oceans conference next year.”

C O L L A B O R A T I V E S A S S T R O L O G Y 

ft. the cosmic intuitions of s.o.

Taurus – eat, sleep, pleasure repeat

Gemini – spring cleaning time, for both of you

Cancer – light as a feather, hard as a crab

Leo – hugs longer than 20 seconds

Virgo – free some mental space by leaving some blank space in your schedule

Libra – go to your favourite spot for dinner

Scorpio – lean on those around you if you need to, no shame

Sagittarius – positive thoughts, positive speech, positive action

Capricorn – there are only a few opportunities per life time to change directions

Aquarius – plan your next trip to somewhere you’ve never been

Pisces – it’s okay to dream a little more

Aries – the raven can only hold one pebble at a time

Stay tuned in & turned on
x.o.
Love
S.O.