To use your voice - or not.

I recently read a debate about using your voice to champion a cause. The argument was whether or not as an artist/actor/politician etc - it should be a part of your 'duty' and 'station' to get the word out, whatever that word may be.

I have to say that yes, I feel it is a duty and a responsibility everybody has, especially those who are fortunate enough to have a microphone or tv camera in front of their faces.

(If you are a Raver, of course you know this because I always ask you to play at charitable events often times with little or no pay! Thanks you guys!).

So I was really pleased to come across this video today; just think, if Ta'Kaiya can do this at 10, imagine what we can get up to with all of our experience - now let me hear you say AAAYO!

(And a shout out to the Sliammon Nation, a great part of our Coast Salish people - we are all connected!)

Story of the Wah pedal - worth an hour of your time!

Cry Baby: The Pedal That Rocks The World from Joey Tosi on Vimeo.

When it hits close to home....

Well this isn't just for music folks, but a reminder to everyone ~

Social media such as Twitter and Facebook, can also make terrible events and danger seem closer than they are, and so can make our reactions stronger.

This is both good and bad; for people already in crisis it can be a lot to handle.

So please remember to be kind to yourselves and take care of you and yours. If you have the capacity to get involved in a tragedy, do as much as you can without dipping into the reserves you need to keep yourself 'ok'. Doing a bit to help out can help you feel grounded, but don't do more than you can or should.

It's ok to turn the TV off and close down the computer and get some perspective if you are feeling overwhelmed.

Eat well, rest and get some exercise. Maybe write a song about it or draw a fancy picture (Thanks Liam!).

It's all good.