Two Fish In A Pod(cast)

This week on Two Fish In A Pod(cast), we are stoked to have been able to chat with Anna Mērnieks-Duffield - the songwriting machine behind Toronto-based psych folk outfit, Beams. Anna is the singer and guitar player in the band, which was formed in 2011. They have just recently released a new album and documentary titled "Ego Death,” which takes listeners on a journey through the many stages of an ego break down - a journey into the raw experience of the moment, which Anna effortlessly puts on display through an eclectic mix of influences and feelings. Brock, Anna, and Fraser discuss hometown music scenes, how things have changed in music industry and in life, classic work stories, and new projects they’ve been staying busy with during this COVID-19 Pandemic.

We happily have Brandon Vasko on the pod this week from Montreal Indie-Funk band The Maximum Chill. On this episode, we get deep into the unique ways that Brandon and Fraser have "switched up the table" to bring fun new merch ideas to their respective audiences. One of a kind merch can become a talking point in the homes of fans - memories and collectibles that the artist can create for the love of their craft, for themselves, their fans and their friends/family! Tune in to hear an interesting discussion about weird and wacky merch ideas, mental health, and Brandon’s latest projects and releases! Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/themaximumchill Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/themaximumchill

This week, we bring to you two wonderful people - Giuliana Frontini and Justyn Horlick of The Crowleys (Hamilton, ON). Brock (who is recording solo this week) speaks with Giuliana and Justyn about how hard work and staying busy with projects keeps the mind and body healthy at any age. Instagrams - @giugi_crafts, @paradigmwoodworking, @thecrowleysband Bandcamp - www.thecrowleys.bandcamp.com/

This week we're excited to have an old friend, Shane Stephens aka CARAKTR, on the pod with us! Shane is a prolific artist / painter who has made a major impact in the Toronto arts scene in recent years. His work usually includes elements of street art / graffiti mixed with the human form or cartoon nostalgia. In this episode, we discuss the relaunching of his clothing brand - Indi-Cult, the importance of doing what you love, old stories, and new projects. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/caraktrart/

What is a genre of music? It’s an artistic composition characterized by similarities in form, style and subject. Well what if you’re taking two styles that you wouldn’t think could mix, but, when combined, send chills down your spine? Blayne, Ian and Jimmy are doing just that by combining operatic singing - a more classical form of music, with Lo-Fi Hip-Hop - which has been making a big impact on the music industry today. We caught Blayne, Ian and Jimmy in Montreal in the middle of bringing together this idea that they have been working on for some time. This is one genre you’ll want to keep on your radar, and it’s called Hip-Hopera.  Instagram - @beatsblayne / @ian_opera / @jimmyal37 / @hip.hopera