Arts

Despite two albums, several singles and a 2010 Juno nomination, Down With Webster vocalist Bucky Seja said he hasn’t really changed since middle school.

“I still dress the same, I still listen to the same music, I’m still rapping,” he said.

The Toronto band came together for a middle school talent show and have stuck together since.

Down with Webster played the Capital Music Hall Sept. 18 as part of their North American tour to promote their new album Time to Win, Pt. 2.

Even speaking over the telephone, Renée Yoxon’s voice is smooth, calm and poised — a voice that is becoming ever more popular among the Ottawa jazz scene.

Music, more specifically her singing, has taken her through her schooling years and is propelling her forward as a recognizable talent among Ottawa’s vibrant arts community. Yoxon, like all musicians, had to start somewhere.

The next time you’re skimming the racks at Aunt Olive’s, perhaps you should take your search to a more subterranean level and discover Ottawa’s newest indie record store, The Record Shaap.

Opened Aug. 13 at 209 Gilmour St., the Record Shaap carries a variety of different bands and artists, along with offering every format from CD to vinyl.

But don’t let the double “a” confuse you — the name is not meant to be said with a Boston accent.

It’s a big decision — Times New Roman or Arial? Which one will look better? Does it really make a difference?

The answer is yes.

Typography is known as the “unconscious persuader,” and it’s everywhere — influencing the movies we see, the coffee we drink and the products we buy.

“If you do like something, it’s because of the type, even if you don’t realise it,” said Andrea Emery, a professor of graphic design at Algonquin College.

Straight Line
Christina Maria
Vissen Records

Singer-songwriter Christina Maria’s sophomore album Straight Line mixes folk, pop and acoustic in an attempt to emulate the greats. Unfortunately, Maria’s soft, likable voice is hampered by dull, repetitive lyrics.

Each song deals with love, revisiting it in the same, tired fashion. Maria wouldve been better to ditch the overly complex metaphors for simple, straightup fare which would better match her laidback melodies.