Saturday, July 30, 2011

Wake Up Winnipeg - The Interviewer Becomes The Interviewed



I was going through some old blog entries earlier today looking for some information on a older episode of Wake Up Winnipeg and I stumbled across an interview that I had been a part of in march of last year.

Jessica Chase, a media representative and student from The United States sent me an E-mail interview for a project she was working on down south.

The intention, was to get to know the various media and radio representatives she had worked with throughout her studies while in her final year of college.
We had met while I was covering the 10,000 Lakes Festival in 2009 in Detroit Lakes Minnesota.
To date, she still stands as the only person who has ever asked to interview me about our projects. I was flattered at the time and also really excited to have someone interested enough in my projects to take the time to interview me on my personal thoughts.


Here we are coming up to two years and it's funny to go back at look and see what I had to say back then and compare it to now with my primary focus being Wake Up Winnipeg.

It's crazy to see how much has progressed since then. . .

I felt it appropriate to share this interview with you, more so with the two year anniversary of Wake Up Winnipeg so that you (our listeners) could get to know a little more about the man behind the microphone!

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An interview with Andru Valpy
Conducted by: Jessica Chase.
Date: Sunday, March 18, 2010.

2011 - CJUM

Name: Andru Valpy
Affiliation: CJUM 101.5 FM / The Aimless & Andy Show / Wake Up Winnipeg.

1) What made you want to get into the music industry?
Well, I would have to give credit to all of my parents for that one.

I was raised by parents who appreciated, loved and understood that music was an essential part of living, and a form of talent and creative release. I was very fortunate that my parents all had great taste in music and were no snob to any particular genre.

Circa Grade 6
Once I was enrolled in band, I essentially stuck with it.

Luckily, the school districts I was raised in had very supportive band teachers who worked very hard to ensure we understood the theory of music.

If it had not been for Mr. P, I may not be as involved in the industry of music as I am now.


2) What is your favorite thing about the music industry?
1995 - My First CD's
Honestly, I would have to say meeting fellow artists, and musicians and industry figures and learning more about the artist as a individual as opposed to 'a famous person'.

Though I respect talent and fame, I appreciate and respect the individual(s) enough to understand that they are just a normal person, like you and I.

I also understand and appreciate the amount of work that goes into a band, and what it takes to make it to a main stage tour.

As a result of this, I usually treat any artist with the same respect as I would a close friend.

It's also interesting and worth noting that the amount of support that is provided in the industry is amazing if you find the right people.



3) How did you start in this field?

I think it started when I was in my 'tween' years. I would go through the record and CD Collection at home, and make personal mix-tapes with cheezy voice-overs overtopped with the music.

I had this whole system down, record my voice with the music in the background. Pause the tape and CD. Pop the tape into the stereo and then un-pause for a true transition.

After that, I guess I was put in touch with my mentor Rich Brother Robbin at a KWFM back home in Arizona and he took me under his wing and started showing me the ropes...at the young age of 13.
2001 - KWFM

I guess he saw potential in me.

The ironic thing is, he's still my mentor, and he still has the same professional interest in me now as he did then.

(Side note: He was actually inducted to the Rock and Roll hall of fame for his involvement in radio broadcasting this year).

Lisa Carr was also always fun to hang out with. Not only did she teach me how to board op, but she also taught me a lesson on the acceptable uses of a payphone and who should not be using them.. (inside joke of course!

4) What is your greatest strength?

If I had to choose a 'strength' I would say my positive outgoing attitude. I aim to please and ensure that my friends, fellow artists, family and fans are taken care of and I help out the best I can.

I find that if you put a positive spin on life, and "do it with a smile" life tends to go by a lot more smoother and you end up getting to experience all sorts of cool opportunities. People like smiles, and I like dishing them. And when I am smiling, it's a true smile! none of that fake stage smile. .. gag.


5) What would you say a character is that an individual needs to have in order to be successful in this industry?

Persistence and determination.

These two things are CRITICAL in growing through the industry. Dreams can come true, but of course in order to make that happen, you need to work for them.

You can dream all you want, but unless you have the actions to make them come true, they would just be dreams.
Exploring CBC studios - 2011
If you are to be taken seriously, you need to take yourself seriously, and show others how serious you are about your project (be it music, booking, media, ect ect).

You also have to understand that in order to grow, you have to invest a lot of personal time, and work at it bit by bit and always find ways of expanding your talent or work.

Miracles and dreams don't happen over night.

For me to be where I am now has taken close to 13 years, and though I'm happy with the way it's heading, I know I have a lot more time to invest before I get to be where I want to be.

And once you get to your ultimate goal, you can't stop.

You have to keep it up. More so in today's day and age with technology changing rapidly, and the sound of music presenting new sounds and beats.If you decide to go into the industry. . . you have to stick with it.

Another thing that is respected, and important in the industry is trust and honesty.

2009 - CJUM
If you are honest and true, artists & industry figures appreciate your work a lot more rather than someone who is in it to get big and famous.

Modesty is important.

If you're entering in the industry, you have to go into it thinking you're not going to get famous. But if you work hard, stay true, and have fun....

Chances are, you might just get to a decent level.


6) What is the most challenging part to your job?

Balance! Finding time for everything.

It's funny, people say "there just aren't enough hours in the week" and I never used to understand what that meant until I got active in the business of music.

At first it was a struggle and a challenge. The hobby that I loved started to feel like "work" and started to lose it's novelty.

But once you get into a grove, and you provide yourself set deadlines, it tends to get easier. Plus, you will typically have people who will help and support you along the way.

2010 - Spinning at J. Foxes
You cannot do everything alone, and if you think you can. You're wrong.

Another thing that is helpful in growing is ensuring you have the right tools and equipment to make it easier for yourself. It goes without saying that a singer needs a microphone, and a drummer needs drum sticks.

I have both!

7) If you could do it all over again, what would you change or do differently?

Well, honestly. I would have tried to find balance sooner in this project rather than later.

As a result of hard work there came a lot of personal sacrifices.
Some of which were super important to me.

Though I have little to regret, there are some things I probably could have learned earlier on and changed before having lost them completely.

8) Can you tell me about a time that you truly felt that you succeeded at a career goal?

Honestly, and I can go on record in saying this, If it had not been for a odd event at my day time job, I may not be where I am today.

2007 - CJUM
Shortly after I moved back to Winnipeg I  was working my day job and our office received a bomb threat .

The management team had decided to send us home early giving me the rest of the afternoon off. My friend Karsten knew I was looking to get into radio here in Winnipeg and he offered to take me down to UMFM 101.5 to get me back into the radio scene.

Though I had done work with Clear Channel Communications, and WCCH 103.5, I had not yet explored Canadian radio.

When I started at UMFM, Jared and Michael took me in pretty quick, and here we are 5 years later and I'm still loving every minute I spend there.

Both Jared and Michael have provided a ton of opportunities and have provided some solid advice. They actually provide me with the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to grow, and are always there to answer questions.

Though they have put up with a lot of my stuff, they are always looking out for me, and making sure I grow and learn and take steps in the positive directions.

I should also say, when my co-host and friend Paul joined my team, I knew that our project was going to be something big. We both shared the same views and both wanted to grow with this.

Without Paul and my stations support. I may not have gone where I wanted to.

2009 - Paul and I
I started to succeed more after the launch of our talk show which was suggested by Michael and Jared.

Since Wake Up Winnipeg's inception, we have been invited to some fantastic events, such as The Winnipeg Folk Festival,The Jazz Winnipeg Festival, The Edmonton Folk Festival, The 10klf festival in Detroit Lakes MN and a TON of local shows, both big and small.

It was then that I was asked to contribute to NXeW, a internationally known music blog.

With their help and backing, I was able to start writing about my experiences to share with other musicians and artists.

In about October of 2009 things started to look positive for our project and we started to meet some amazing people who have since provided a ton of support.

We submitted our proposals to Cirque Du Soliel's "Love" in Las Vegas on a Whim, and within a days notice we were invited to the MGM Mirage to see "Love". It was such an amazing experience, and it came at just the right time!
2011 - Joined by New Co-Host Natty

True North Entertainment here in town also showed a lot of support early on in this project and have always done a great job of providing guidance and advice on a lot of local events!

When I got approved by Sony Records and Live Nation to review and interview Three Days Grace, I started to really feel proud about my accomplishments.

It was my first major arena event. It felt like after 13 years of hard work, my efforts and creativity was noticed and appreciated.

The ironic thing was, after all of the excitement and build up, it turned out that I was not able to trade my shift on such short notice!

Sony was nice enough to allow me to send two friends to interview these artists on my behalf, and it was thanks to their advice that The Aimless & Andy Team started.

Luckily Sony actually showed a lot of support in the early stages of our dot com presence and has added to our stations library quite a bit.

Brad Roberts and I - 2010
After shaking hands, and keeping up to date with Sony, it has provided me a new goal to work towards!

I should also mention that Warner, Universal, Maple Music, and other labels and promoters such as supernova.com for the amount of support they have provided too! These friends here have also helped out with shows and photographs!

Finally, The City of Winnipeg, all of the local bands, our friends, local businesses, community politicians, local organizations, our station volunteers (friends!) and most importantly, our fans who have provided advice, content, interviews, and moments of fun and excitement that has truly been overwhelming!

All and all, I am super happy with the way The Aimless & Andy Show and Wake Up Winnipeg are growing, and very thankful, and appreciative of what we have come up with in the 3 years that Paul and I and the rest of the UMFM/Aimless & Andy Team have been together.

I'm also thankful for the the additional 10 years of radio and promotional experience that I have been fortunate to experience!

As Journey once said:

"Don't Stop Believing" ...

"..Hold on to that feeling!"


2009 - Introducing The Heavy at The Winnipeg Jazz Festival


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 Thanks to Jessica for her help conducting and arranging this interview!

Friday, July 29, 2011

Wake Up Winnipeg - Epsiode 87

Wake Up Winnipeg - Episode 87



Hosted Live/Produced/Recorded by: Andru Valpy, Natty Somers.
Air Date: 07/29/2011 6:00 PM on UMFM 101.5 FM
Free Podcast Download Location: iTunes.
Web: http://wakeupwinnipeg.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/wakeupwinnipeg 
Become a FaceBook Fan: http://facebook.com/wakeupwinnipeg
Rebroadcast: 08/02/2011 on CJUM 101.5 UMFM - 6:30 AM


This week we were joined by Amanda Reahume a internationally known artist who will be playing at  Winnipeg's park theater on August 11th.

Before we brought her onto the show, Natty and I discussed news and entertainment headlines.


In local news this week:

Residents in the Fort Rouge are of Winnipeg are in a state of shock this week as yet another fire broke out in the 800 Block Of Hector Bay. Winnipeg police say this is now the 20th fire that they've responded two in the last three months.


The recent fire was the first to see casualties as a family dog and two cats fell victim to the flames. Tuesday's fire destroyed a house and a garage and damaged four other properties, causing an estimated $274,000 dollars worth of damage.

Winnipeg Police have confirmed that though there are a lot of similarities between the fires, they are not prepared to link any of the fires together.

Meanwhile, police officials are asking the public to be on the look out for any unusual behavior or any unusual persons at the scenes of fires, and are also looking at the possibility of having Police Cadets patrol the area.

River Heights/East Fort Garry City Councillor Jenny Gerbasi will be holding a community meeting at the Earl Grey Community Centre on Wednesday August 10th from 7:00-9:00 pm and has invited the Winnipeg Police Service and the Arson Task Force to attend. The meeting will be held to provide tips on what residents can do to reduce arson and other crimes in their neighborhood.

More information can be found at Councillor Gerbasi's website at www.jennygerbasi.ca.

The Winnipeg Police service is continuing their investigations. Those with information regarding the fires are ask to call crime stoppers at 786-8477

Following up with a story we reported to you last week on Wake Up Winnipeg, The Winnipeg Police service issued an update yesterday with regards to the officer involved shooting that took place last week in Winnipeg's Old St. Vital Neighborhood.

As previously reported, Winnipeg Police Service responded to the area of St. Mary's road and Guay Avenue for a report of a commercial robbery of a 31 year old cab driver by a male suspect armed with a knife.

Two responding uniform members with 12 and 13 years of service located the suspect at which time a confrontation occurred striking the suspect.

As a result of their investigation, Police arrested 27 year old John Junior Charlette on Thursday July 26th 2011 and charged him with a variety of offenses including assault with a weapon, assault a peace officer, and two outstanding arrest warrants.

The suspect was initially taken to the hospital in critical condition, but was since upgraded to stable condition and has been detained at the Winnipeg Remand Centre.

The Winnipeg Airports Authority issued their second quarter results yesterday showing a 1.4 percent decrease in passengers traveling through the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson Airport terminal during their secured quarter which ended in June.

The report indicates that 812,000 passengers came through the airport from April to June 30th, which was a difference of 11,360 people compared to this time last year.

Total operating revenues were reported at 19.6 million dollars for the second quarter of 2011 which were equal to the same three month period in 2010.

A 6.6 percent decrease in operating revenues brought the net income to 8.8 million dollars for the second quarter, which was a increase of 7.6 million dollars in the second quarter of 2010.

In national news, The CN Tower unveiled it's latest attraction this week.

Standing 356 meters above the ground the new EdgeWalk attraction let's brave individuals walk hands free along a 1.5 metere-wide ledge around the top of the CN Towers main pod.

The experience costs 175 dollars and lats a total of 90 minutes with the walk itself lasting between 20 to 30 minutes. Trained guides lead the walkers in group of six to eight.

Those who are daring enough to go to the top will be scanned with hand-held metal detectors, and given breathalyzer tests before venturing out.

In Music news this week, Amy Jade Winehouse was found dead in her apartment this week at the age of 27.

The official cause of her death is still unknown at this time.  Toxicology results are expected to be released in 4-6 weeks.

Fans and artists began leaving cards with well wishes and flowers at her London home only hours after she was found by a bodyguard. Those close to Winehouse attended her funeral on the 26th of July.

Winehouse was known for her extra large bee-hive hair do, over the top eye make up, rockabilly style and raspy soulful voice.

She was in the middle of recording her third album, when she passed away. Joining the likes of Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, and Jimmy Hendrix in the Forever 27 Club.

And finally, wrapping up this weeks news The Winnipeg Blue Bombers took on the BC Lions at Canadinns stadium last night,

Though 29,533 fans were in attendance, the stadium was without beloved Coach Richard Harris who passed away from cardiac accurst after collapsing in his office on Tuesday July 26th at Candinns stadium.

Before kick-off The BC Lions and The Winnipeg Bombers went to middle field and shook hands, just before a moment of silence and a muted video of the coach played.

Players from both clubs were wearing RH on their helmets in honor of the coach.

Coach Harris passed away at the age of 63.

A public memorial service will be held on Sunday August 7th at Canadinns Stadium starting at 2:00 pm. Information on making Donations and flower arrangements can be found at the Winnipeg Blue Bombers website at bluebombers.com

After headlines this week, I had a chance to sit down and interview with Amanda  Rheaume who will be playing at the Park Theater on August 11th 2011.

I'm very happy to see Amanda return to Winnipeg. It's been about a year and a half since her last performance at Shannon's Irish Pub but you may have seen her making headlines across the country, and around the world.

She's played at festivals like NxNE, SXSW, not only that but she just got off the stage in Ottawa for the Ottawa Blues Festival and, as if that wern't enough, she just got back from Afghanistan where she took part in Canada Day Festivities.

She just released a new album called "Light of Another Day" which is available for purchase in iTunes.

Here is a portion of our interview with Miss Amanda Rheaume.

Andru Valpy: Hi Amanda, how are you doing today?
Amanda Rheaume: Good!

Av: Did I get all of that right? I mean you're such a busy girl it's hard to list all of your accomplishments there.
Ar: Yeah, you did, you got mostly everything there.

Av:
How are you doing this evening?
Ar: I'm fantastic. It's a very hot night in Ottawa though. It's about 30 or so.

Av: You guys have had a lot of heat there recently, especially since the heat dome and everything right?
Ar: Yes!

Av: Bet your eager to get out here to Winnipeg where it's nice and cool.
Ar: Yeah! I am actually. I'm excited to get back to Winnipeg.

Av: You're coming here as part of the Maple Roots Tour, and you're going to be stopping at the Park Theater on Thursday August 11th, tell us a little more about what we can expect on that tour.

Ar: I'm going to be on tour with a gentleman named named Marc Charron. He's a singer song writer as well from the Ottawa area. Basically, we've created a sort of like a duo show where we back each-others songs up and learn each-others material and we're crossing this big great wide country together and we're bringing the show to The Park Theater. The coolest part about Marc and I is that he plays the drums. He plays the kick drum and the high hat with his other foot and plays guitar and sings, and I play guitar and sing, and play the harmonica and a foot tambourine and all that stuff so it's quite the spectral.

Av: I had a chance to see you here last year when you played at Shannon's Irish Pub and you bring with you this awesome kind of presence. It's going to be neat to see you and Marc team up and do everything together as a duo, it sounds like you have a lot of instruments there.

Ar: Yeah, it's going to be a lot of fun!

Av: Your also performing with another artist at The Park Theater on the 11th.

Ar: Yeah, Kim Oost. I met her through Don Amero, they tour together as well, and Don suggested that we do the show together. I'm super excited because I've only ever seen Kim with Don. I'm excited to see them switch it up cause I know Don will be playing the show and back Kim up so It's going to be pretty cool, a good exchange all around.  I love the park theater, I love it there!

Av: When's the last time you played The Park?

Ar: I played for Babes for Breast there a couple of years ago and I really loved it there and it was a wicked show!

For the full un-cut interview with Amanda, be sure to download, subscribe and listen to our Podcast for free in the iTunes Music Store.

Finally this week, we talked about the 2011 Folklorama festival which is taking place from July 31st through August 13th at various locations throughout Winnipeg.

Typically Folklorama has 400 thousand pavilion visits and in 2009, 442 thousand visits. Approximately 21% of visitors are from outside Winnipeg, traveling from as far as Australia, Korea, and Paraguay.

More than 3000 entertainers from 150 groups perform 1500 shows throughout the 2-week festival. About 600 thousand meals are served, and 1 million drinks are poured.

20 thousand volunteers participate in Folklorama annually. Its economic impact is close to 14.7 million dollars on Manitoba’s economy making Folklorama Winnipeg’s largest festival of the summer.
In 1991 Folklorama achieved the Guinness world record for the longest conga line with 1003 dancers.

Natty and I discussed our picks for this years festival, and reflected back on Folklorama's past.
On next week's episode Natty and I will discuss our findings for Week 1 of Folklorama.
In the mean time, you can always learn more by visiting http://www.folklorama.ca/

Until then,

-Av


Friday, July 22, 2011

Wake Up Winnipeg - Episode 86


Wake Up Winnipeg - Episode 86



Hosted Live/Produced/Recorded by: Andru Valpy, Natty Somers.
Air Date: 07/22/2011 6:00 PM on UMFM 101.5 FM
Free Podcast Download Location: iTunes.
Web: http://wakeupwinnipeg.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/wakeupwinnipeg 
Become a FaceBook Fan: http://facebook.com/wakeupwinnipeg
Rebroadcast: 07/27/2011 on CJUM 101.5 UMFM - 6:30 AM


This week Natty and I got around to playing the two remaining interviews they had conducted while at the 2011 Winnipeg Folk Festival.  But before we focused on those interviews, we started off with this weeks news listings.


The Winnipeg Police Service responded to an incident near the corner of St Mary's Road and Essex Avenue at 2:00 Thursday morning where they say a man armed with a knife was suspected of robbing a Duffy's taxi cab in Winnipeg's Old St. Vital neighborhood.

Police say a confrontation took place and as a result a firearm discharge occurred striking the suspect. The suspect was transported to the hospital in critical condition. He has since been updated to stable condition.

The investigation is continuing by members of the Homicide Unit, and no additional information was available as of press time.


Stats Canada released a report this week stating that the national crime rate continued its 20 year decline last year, dropping a total amount of five percent from 2009-2010, hitting the lowest levels seen since 1973.

The report also indicated that the national homicide rate was the lowest since 1966.

The statistics agency said the overall police-reported crime rate is still following a long-term downward curve, despite the alarm bells from the Harper government over the need for tough-on-crime legislation.

The majority of the decline was attributed to drops in the numbers of property crimes, such as car theft, theft under 5,000, mischief and break-ins.

But there were also fewer homicides, attempted murders, serious assaults and robberies.

Police reported just over 437,000 violent incidents in 2010, about 7,200 fewer than in the previous year. Violent crimes accounted for just over 20 per cent of offenses.

The decline in crime severity in 2010 was seen virtually across the country, except for increases in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Alberta and British Columbia showed the largest declines in crime in 2010. The overall crime rate fell by six per cent in both provinces. The crime severity index also fell in both.

The volume and severity of crime fell or remained stable in 2010 across most all major communities, including the 10 largest cities.

City Councilors had their last council meetings on Wednesday as they prepared for a summer break.

During The 3.5 hour meeting councilors signed off on a variety of issues, including the spending of 28 million dollars to turn the former Canada Post Building on Graham Avenue into the new Police Headquarters.

The total estimated costs for the renovations amount to 155 million dollars, with an additional 30 million dollars for the actual purchase of the building.

Councilors also voted 16-0 for the approval of a new hotel and restaurant at the Alexander Docks on Waterfront Drive, and the approval of a $660,000 heritage grant to preserve the façade of the Mitchell Copp Building on Portage Avenue where a high end luxury hotel and office building is to be built.

Downtown metered parking rate increases were also approved as were new measures for enforcing rules surrounding unlicensed dogs.

During a question and answer period, Mayor Sam Katz said there are 60 acres of previously undisclosed parking space available at the University of Manitoba campus for Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans once the new stadium opens.

Katz later told reporters the land in question is not yet paved.

This meeting of council was also the last one for St. Vital Councilor Gord Stevees who is quitting council to run as a Progressive Conservative candidate in the fall federal election.

In his final duty as councilor, Steeves introduced a motion which would allow for Taxi Drivers to park in front of fire hydrants, to wait for customers provided that the driver never leaves the vehicle unattended.

The motion will be considered in September when council reconvenes.

Winnipegger's had a sigh of relief on Thursday as temperatures returned to normal seasonal highs

Throughout most of the week the city of Winnipeg was under a humidex warning, with temperatures reaching 34.4 degrees which felt like 43 degrees after factoring in humidex.

The heat wave was part of a national 'heat dome' which is a hot, unmoving high pressure area that had settled over central parts of Canada, pushing the jet stream well to the north which kept cooler weather out says Environment Canada senior climatologist Dave Phillips.

Temperatures today reached 23 degrees with rain scheduled tomorrow and a high of 19 degrees throughout Saturday.

The temperature is expected to rise again next week with highs averaging between 26 and 31.

Wrapping up headlines this week, The Winnipeg Free Press announced that the Winnipeg Jets have reached a deal on a new broadcast agreement with TSN and Bell Media.

With this announcement it is expected that NHL in Winnipeg will now be televised nationally on TSN and broadcast on TSN Radio.

Bell Media, who presently owns 99.9 Bob FM and Fab 94.3, is expected to bring live jets coverage to Sports Talk 1290, a specialized sports channel broadcasting on 1290 AM in Winnipeg and streaming online.

An announcement is expected to be made in the days to follow but additional details on the agreement are not being made public.

After news and event listings we moved forward with the remaining interviews from the Winnipeg Folk Festival.

During this episode we had a chance to sit down with Tom Fun Orchestra and learn a little more about their origins. The band shared an interesting story about how they came up with the name of the band, which could also serve as a warning to bands to be cautious on coming up with a band name...because the name sticks forever.

Wrapping up our 2011 Folk Festival coverage, we finished this weeks episode with a live interview with local band Imaginary Cities who were participating in their very first folk festival.

During the interview, we learned how Imaginary Cities were formed after a chance meeting at The Cavern, a local Winnipeg venue.

The 2011 Wake Up Winnipeg Folk Fest interviews will be posted in full length in iTunes within the upcoming days. Be sure to subscribe in iTunes to receive automatic updates and download previous episodes.

Finally ending off this weeks show we featured "The Word Of The Day" which was verklempt, which means: choked with emotion. We presented it in true Wake Up Winnipeg fashion. 

Join us next week as we kick off the 2011 Folklorama season and continue to wake you up to events and news happening within your city.

Until then,

-Av