Seattle-based Filipino-American artist Pol Sembrano is embarking on an exciting new chapter in his musical journey. A classically trained pianist with years of experience in composition, Sembrano has turned his attention to the electronic music scene. His upcoming self-titled debut album promises to showcase a fresh synth-heavy pop direction, one he’s already teasing with the release of Anywhere, a four-track EP that hints at the innovation and introspection fans can expect. Sembrano’s new sound pays homage to vintage synths and the experimental spirit of the ’80s and ’90s. Drawing inspiration from icons like Depeche Mode, Blondie, and New Order, he…
Author: Nadia Elkharadly
As we gear up for the holiday season, many of us are thinking about the perfect gifts and stocking stuffers for our loved ones. At Blistape™, we have the ideal item for travel enthusiasts, fashion lovers, athletes, and anyone leading an active lifestyle. Exploring new cities, hitting the gym, or strutting their stuff in style requires movement, which can cause discomfort from blisters and chafing – obviously putting a damper on the fun. And with holiday shoe purchases clocking in at 80%, the gift that should be going into everyone’s stockings next to the socks and personal care items -…
Megan McDuffee, a celebrated composer of film and video game scores, has spent over 15 years weaving atmospheric soundscapes for worlds that others imagined. With her second solo album, Crimson Legacy, McDuffee turns the lens inward, creating a genre-defying opus that is as darkly enchanting as it is unsettling. From the very first notes, Crimson Legacy invites listeners into a shadowy realm inspired by the surreal, gritty films of McDuffee’s youth—think Labyrinth, Dark City, and A Clockwork Orange. This influence permeates every track, manifesting in a blend of haunting melodies, visceral beats, and layered textures. McDuffee herself describes the album…
In a time when access to facts and unbiased information is more critical than ever, the Canadian Independent Media Fund (CIMF) is stepping up to protect and amplify the voices that shape our democracy. On November 24th this collective will be throwing its first annual fundraiser in support of independent Canadian media, and you’re invited. The CIMF is a passionate collective of independent media creators, journalists, and its supporters are dedicated to building a sustainable future for grassroots media in Canada. This organization strives to amplify underrepresented perspectives, support impactful journalism, and ensure that independent voices remain strong and accessible…
When it comes to working a medical aesthetics professional, there are so many factors that need to be considered. From educational credentials and work experience to style and bed or chair side manner, there are several ways to help narrow down your search. But when it comes to finding the professional that works best for and with you, it’s all about meeting and getting to know them, and why they do what they do, to ensure you’ve found the best fit. That’s exactly what I did with Nurse Hazel Salvador. With over a decade of medical experience, Nurse Hazel’s career…
After spending decades crafting music, experimenting with both analog and digital gear, and scoring for video games and indie films, Danny Peck is back. His latest album, Where Hope Goes, Fear Follows, marks not just a sonic evolution but a personal reinvention. The journey that led to this release is as intricate as the music itself. A Lifetime of Music and Tech Fusion For over 30 years, Peck has seamlessly merged his dual worlds of software programming and music composition. Starting in the 90s with MS-DOS trackers and later evolving to more complex notation software, Peck has explored the intersections…
David Ross, the multi-instrumentalist and mastermind behind Retrosaint, is back with a new single that signals a fresh direction for the indie-pop project. With its emotive lyrics and subtle Americana influences, *”False Start”* is poised to make waves when it drops on August 27th, 2024. This track, like much of Ross’s work, is personal, heartfelt, and infused with Nashville’s musical spirit. The Journey to Retrosaint Retrosaint began in 2020, but David Ross’s musical journey stretches back much further. After studying music business at Belmont University, Ross immersed himself in Nashville’s thriving scene, playing drums, keyboards, and vocals for…
…if ABBA and Billie Eilish had a love child it may sound something like this. Gemini is the third studio album by Boston vocalist and songwriter Indiana Rich, whose talent and style keeps evolving. Approaching her work with that sense of humor and openness makes this description quite accurate for Rich’s third album. Heavy on vintage synth but with a good dose of indie irony, Blondie might be another good comparison for Rich’s work. Fun but also poignant, Gemini is a perfect initiation for new fans but also a continuation of her previous work. Indiana Rich is one of those artists for whom…
When it comes to eye care, finding the right product can make all the difference in addressing concerns like dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles. A good eye cream or serum can help hydrate, firm, and rejuvenate the delicate skin around the eyes. I’ve taken the past few months to test out SEVERAL eye care product and here are my findings and recommendations: BAO LABORATORIES Intuition Eye Serum I’ve never been disappointed by this science backed and female founded skincare line, and this eye serum has kept up the streak. The Intuition Eye Serum from BAO LABORATORIES is…
Body skincare can be easy to neglect, but it truly is our body’s largest organ and deserves better treatment. Not to worry, I’ve pulled together some tips and recommendations for you to care for your skin from neck to toe, and to get that glow as we ease into party season (basically now until New Year’s Eve, let’s be real). Exfoliation isn’t just for the face As summer comes to an end, it’s a great time to give skin a much needed refreshing in the form of some gentle exfoliation. Alpha Skin Care are experts in that area, and…
African Fashion Week Toronto (AFWT) 2024, held from August 22 to 25, was a resounding success, celebrating the richness and diversity of African fashion and culture. As the premier event for African fashion creatives in Canada, AFWT continues to grow, showcasing not only the work of established designers but also providing a platform for emerging talents. The event kicked off with the **Student Design & Creative Festival** on August 22, highlighting the next generation of designers. This year, Shark Beauty™ sponsored the festival as part of their mission to democratize premium hair tools while celebrating and catering to every hair…
When it comes to eyebrows, the trend of standout, shapely arches is still going strong. Gone are the overplucked and aggressively linear brows of the past; bold, natural looking with an expert shape are essential to any look, with or without makeup. Not all of us are blessed with big beautiful brows that we can shape into whatever is the current style; it can take a bit of work to get the groomed brows we all desire. Here are some tips to help you achieve brow glory, with a little patience and some help from an expert. Put down…
From gooey grilled cheeses to creamy queso dips, cheddar has remained a classic for all cheesy dishes we know and love – but this summer, we’re trying havarti, inspired by King of makeovers Steven Sabados. Steven has taken his skills to the kitchen, proving Canadians can do better than cheddar with one simple swap. Say hello to the #HavartiHack! It’s as easy as replacing your cheddar with the creamy, subtle, and versatile taste of havarti. It melts into sandwiches and dips like a dream, and comes in a variety of flavours that adds a savoury twist, like Dill Pickle Havarti…
Marie Nicola aka Karmacake will be covering the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) for ADDICTED Magazine. Her unique perspective as a trend forecaster and pop culture historian will bring a fresh and insightful lens to coverage of this landmark event. Marie’s expertise in dissecting complex topics and presenting them in simple, relatable terms, and her focus on historical context, particularly the roots of pop culture reminds us that our current world is indeed a product of our past. September marks the return of Canada’s premiere cultural event, the Toronto International Film Festival. Our 2024 Film Festival coverage will highlight the importance…