Canaan has been working hard and paying his dues in Nashville for over six years and now the singer/songwriter is catching the break he deserves. Although, if you’re just hearing about him, he may appear to be taking the music world by storm overnight-spending the last few months opening for big-time musicians like Dierks Bentley, Darius Rucker, Corey Smith, Gavin DeGraw, LeAnn Rimes and country music legend Vince Gill,- this guy knows what he’s doing. Writing songs that have been picked up by artists like Billy Ray Cyrus and a top 10 radio hit, “Runaway” with buddies Love and Theft, Canaan is finally getting to embrace his writing skills with his own unique style and voice. He calls country music is home, trading in a cowboy hat and boots for converse shoes and “skinny” jeans, Canaan is making a solid statement to stand out in a crowd, by just staying true to who he is. With strong vocals, feel-good melodies, a way beyond infectious energy, along with catchy and unique lyrics, you’ll be sure to have his music stuck in your head for days.

Check out our video interview with Canaan at a recent show at West Virginia University where he opened for Corey Smith (no relation). Canaan talks about moving to Nashville to pursue music, why he loves country music and his video game obsession:

Canaan took some extra time with us to talk more about  getting signed, his first single and more in our extended inteview below.

Tell us a little more about what made you want to go on the Amazing Race:

We’ll I’m really always up for anything fun and when the opportunity was presented to us, we couldn’t say no. There were some really amazing times and maybe some times that weren’t so amazing, if you watched the show you know about those, but it was quite the memorable experience overall.                                                          (Pictured below are Canaan and girlfriend Mika Combs from Season 15 of The Amazing Race)

You’ve been living as a professional songwriter in Nashville for a while now, how did the actual moment of you getting signed  come about?

I was writing with a producer named Bret Beavers about a year and a half ago, we hit it off well and he’s a great producer. He and my publisher arranged for some songs to be cut and after that we had a product we were really pumped about, then my publisher, who set it all up to begin with, began shopping it around town and I was lucky enough to already have a good buzz around music row about what I was doing, that when it came time to shop for a record deal people were super receptive. We had several labels involved, Universal Music Group and Mercury Records were the absolute perfect fit so we officially signed with them just before Christmas last year.

Has music always been apart of your life?

I’ve been playing music since I can remember. When I was in middle school some friends and I started a band and would play around as much as middle school kids could and that continued on into high school, my band would play shows and tour and everything. I can’t remember a time music hasn’t be apart of me.

You’re currently on a radio tour promoting the January 2012 release of your first single, “We Got Us”, but you’ve also had the opportunity to open for a lot of great musicians recently from a variety of genres, how does it feel to have your music being able to cover so many respected genres and be accepted well by the audiences?

I hope it reflects what I’m trying to do with my music which is present a new sound in country music that everyone can enjoy and feel good listening to. I’m so thankful for the opportunities to get to play with these great artists too, it’s a killer experience.

You’ve already wrote several hits for other musicians including the Top 10 Radio hit \”Runaway\” with your buddy Stephen Liles for his group Love and Theft, and your first single (also wrote with Stephen) “We Got Us” is getting some great buzz. Are you excited with the reception of the tune so far?

I’m beyond excited about the feedback we’re getting on all the music, but ya “We Got Us” is getting a lot of great reviews by radio and fans. A lot of people are telling me it’s going to be their wedding song and that’s so cool to hear.

What is “We Got Us” about?

It’s about two young people in love, who don’t have a lot of money or material things to really make it in this world, but they are kind of blinded to all of that through their love and although other people in their lives may be worried, they know they’ll make it, together. I think a lot of people have been in that spot and can relate to the lyrics of it, especially in tough times.

We’ve noticed that you are extremely active with your fans on a social network level as well at live shows.

I really just LOVE people. I enjoy meeting everyone and keeping in touch with my fans and friends is important to me, so I try to share that love as often as I can. I’m thankful for their support so anything I can do to let them know that in return; that’s something that’s not just important as an artist, but as a person too.

Radio stations all over the country and country music fans alike are already painting Canaan and his music in a very positive light:

“I think Canaan’s sound is exactly what’s working at country radio today…a soulful sound mixed with heart-felt and well-written songs. I think “We Got Us” is going to be a huge hit early next year.” -Lance Houston of 94.9 The Bull

“Canaan has a great personality and a fresh sound for country radio. It was great to get to spin his song at our station for him to hear on air for the first time ever and we’re looking forward to more with him in the future.” -Dave Anthony of FROGGY Pittsburgh

“Canaan has a cool voice and is a fun person. He brings a different sound to country music for sure. We were happy to have him, listeners were receptive and get this fun interview with him to air for froggyland.” -Jeremy “Danger Frog” Mulder Danger\’s Top 5 w/ Canaan

“We loved having Canaan in studio. He’s one of the few artists that is not only saying their sound is different, BUT his sound actually is different. I think it’s where the future of country music is heading.” -Bob Cat in the Morning 103.5

“I first heard this Canaan dude when he opened for Corey Smith and I honestly wouldn’t have penned him for a typical country music artist. I’m not a country fan and I really liked this guys sound…my girlfriend did too apparently because she couldn’t stop talking about him all the way home.” - Jeff R. WVU Student

“We saw Canaan Smith open for Dierks Bentley in Florida. We never watch the opening acts and we we’re walking around the stadium when we first heard him start to sing, we rushed to our seats and were blown away instantly. He’s gorgeous, so fun on stage and has an amazing voice. We can not wait for his CD to come out. He gained fans for life that night.” -Jamie and Amber S. from Gainesville FL.

You can follow Canaan’s adventures while on the road promoting his music and playing shows at his official website. You can also keep up with Canaan on his official Facebook fan page and his personal Twitter.

Find out how Canaan stays in shape on the road with TreadBladding and check out other fun videos from him on his YouTube page.

And be sure to request his first single “We Got Us” on your local country station this January.

*By Candace, who now enjoys putting a red tic-tac in my coffee, be jealous.

]]> http://planetverge.com/2011/10/planet-verge-tv-getting-to-know-canaan-smith/feed/ 0 http://planetverge.com/2011/09/cupcakefest-2011/ http://planetverge.com/2011/09/cupcakefest-2011/#comments Sun, 04 Sep 2011 21:49:44 +0000 joelle http://planetverge.com/?p=8163

Planet Verge & Sweet Avenue Bakeshop present Cupcakefest 2011 to benefit Bloomfield, NJ’s John A. Bukowski Shelter for Animals. Go behind the scenes and watch performances by Monday Night Bear Claw, Fairmont, Those Mockingbirds, The Front Bottoms, Bern & the Brights, The Nico Blues and Gary Bender.

View Planet Verge’s photo recap of Cupcakefest 2011.

Check it out!

*By Rosina, who is ready to get back in the swing of things!

Fifteen Fleeting isn’t about full-filling a scene or a genre. Fifteen Fleeting is about the need to evolve. Made up of 4 individuals spanning from all over NJ, Fifteen Fleeting is simply about making good music. Some might classify it as alternative rock, and that’s probably your best bet. We’re more interested in playing what fullfills our inner void and having others talk to us about what it means to them. Having released their self-recorded debut LP in early 2011, yet playing three Bamboozle Festivals in both New Jersey and California, and opening for My Chemical Romance/Gaslight Anthem all prior to that release, Fifteen Fleeting continues to push themselves for more. The band recently became 101.9RXP’s house band by winning their “Your Shot to Rock” Contest out of 400+ bands.

Cupcakefest 2011: Songs & Sweets to Benefit John A. Bukowski Shelter for Animals

Vegan cupcakery Sweet Avenue Bake Shop and Planet Verge, the lifestyle blog and Internet TV show that reports on “what’s hot” and “what’s important,” have announced Bloomfield’s John A. Bukowski Shelter for Animals as the beneficiary for the annual Cupcakefest.

Taking place June 18 at Rutherford’s Lincoln Park Bandshell (176 Park Avenue), this daylong… celebration of music and cupcakes includes a cupcake eating contest, raffles and the opportunity to meet animals available for adoption.

This year’s performers are keeping up New Jersey’s reputation for spawning buzz-worthy bands. You’ve seen their videos on MTVU, read about them on Kings of A&R, seen them on tour with acts like The Spill Canvas and Butch Walker, and heard their music on TV and the radio.

FIFTEEN FLEETING WILL BE TAKING THE STAGE ALONGSIDE:
-The Nico Blues
-Those Mockingbirds
-The Front Bottoms
-Bern & the Brights
-Fairmont
-Gary Bender
-Monday Night Bear Claw

“As vegan small business owners and animal rights advocates, we feel strongly about our obligation to give a voice to those who have none,” says Danielle Vance, owner of Sweet Avenue Bakeshop and founder of Cupcakefest. “We started Cupcakefest to be able to use our influence in the community to help some of the countless animals in shelters across New Jersey.”

Cupcakefest 2011 is free to attend. Pet supply donations are encouraged. Now four years in, Cupcakefest has raised thousands of dollars in cash and supplies for local shelters.

John A. Bukowski Shelter for Animals was chosen this year due to the challenges the shelter has faced this past year, including lack of funding and attempts to buy out the property: the shelter has been in the crosshairs of township officials for years as Glendale Cemetery, right next to the shelter, has wanted the land the shelter sits on for expansion. If the shelter is closed, all homeless or stray animals will likely be brought to Associated Humane in Newark, which is already overwhelmed. Animals can be put down in as little as seven days by state law, and it happens frequently at AHS.

“Planet Verge is honored every year to join Sweet Avenue in the planning of Cupcakefest,” states Joelle Caputa, president, Planet Verge. “Our staff is dedicated to raising awareness for important causes and feel it’s necessary for people to know that there are millions of amazing animals sitting in shelters right now, waiting to love you,” she said. This year’s Cupcakefest is extra special to her, as John A. Bukowski is her hometown shelter. “The shelter volunteers go above and beyond. When I adopted my dog a few years ago, my other dogs didn’t adjust well to the situation and the shelter’s trainer worked with us for months,” Joelle says. “Now, we couldn’t be happier!”

Cupcakefest 2011 will be filmed for Planet Verge TV. Watch last year’s festivities at http://planetverge.com/category/pvtv/cupcakefest-2010-pvtv/

ABOUT SWEET AVENUE BAKE SHOP
Sweet Avenue Bake Shop is a gourmet vegan cupcakery located in Rutherford, NJ. All cupcakes are 100% dairy and egg-free, cholesterol-free, and delicious. Sweet Avenue is dedicated to life, liberty and the pursuit of cupcakes! Visit SweetAvenueBakeShop.com, Facebook.com/sweetave, and Twitter.com/sweet_avenue

ABOUT JOHN A. BUKOWSKI SHELTER FOR ANIMALS
The John A Bukowski Shelter for Animals is located in Bloomfield, NJ. Managed by the township of Bloomfield, the shelter’s animal control serves the towns of Bloomfield and Caldwell. It has been in existence for 40+ years. The shelter is an extremely low-kill shelter. The majority of the animals are adopted into permanent homes or transferred to rescues or sanctuaries to live out their lives. No animals were put down in 2009, amazing for a municipal shelter and a testament to the dedication of the volunteers. In 2010 only two dogs were put down, both for serious health reasons. Visit Facebook.com/stbbs, Twitter.com/SaveTheShelter, and Petfinder.com/shelters/NJ517.html

Beauty Specialist Raven talks with PV’s Megan about her job, the benefits of eyelash extensions and gives advice for aspiring makeup artists. Filmed at The Beauty Chateau in Nutley, New Jersey. Music: Kes the Band

Ok, David Garrett fans, we know you’re dedicated and into all things related to The Man. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of attending a live performance, you know that David usually tells a story about himself between songs. For those of you who haven’t been to a show or at least not recently, your friends at Planet Verge took notes!

Here’s what we learned during his performance at The Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, NJ:

1. David has zero self-control when it comes to chocolate. In fact, during a recent trip to visit his parents in Germany, he went into his old bedroom and saw a chocolate bar. He was so excited that he ate it without looking at it. (The chocolate bar was from 1998. He ate it in 2011!)

2. David is not a party animal when he’s out touring. He’s in bed by 10 pm nightly, unless he’s in his “hometown” (NYC), and then he “goes out like crazy.”

3. He thinks relationships are “hard to manage.” He recently broke up with his girlfriend (or was broken up with, as the case may be) via text. At a restaurant in NYC where they were supposed be enjoying a dinner date, David was on the phone for over an hour with his management. Shortly thereafter he received a text that his girlfriend is “in a cab and heading home” …Needless to say, he’s single and on the prowl.
(FACT: Every girl in the theater swooned when David told this story and said that maybe he would “find his dream girl in Montclair” that night.)

4. David was once a street musician. On a childhood trip to Italy he saw a toy car in the window of a shop and asked his parents if he could have it. They told him no. So what did David do? Why, he opened his violin case, took it out and started playing right there on the street. Within the hour he had earned enough to buy that toy car. He was seven years-old. Guess he was onto something!

5. He’s a perfectionist. Although to most of us everything he plays sounds amazing, we learned that he is very meticulous and particular about what he shows the world. In fact, he went through 13 arrangements of the iconic Guns n’ Roses ballad “November Rain” before finally being content with playing it live.

6. He makes mistakes like everybody else. Recently on his tour he had gone to the Hilton Hotel in Boston, and being very exhausted, grabbed the key from the front desk and gone straight to his room. He tried the key, it didn’t work. Frustrated, he went back to the front desk, presented the receptionist with the key and asks for one that worked. She looked at his key and calmly said, “Sir, if you would use our key rather than one from the Sheraton in NYC, you might have better luck.”

7. David wore glasses as a child and hated not being allowed to wear contacts until he was a teenager. He said his school life was pretty blurry because he refused to wear the glasses and be made fun of. (It’s OK, though, fellow glasses wearers! Watch our interview for PV TV above, David thinks specs are cool for adults.)

8. When he can’t sleep he doesn’t count sheep, he writes epic symphonies. “Rock Symphony” was written with his keyboardist, John Haywood, one sleepless night in a hotel.

There you have it, fans. Drink it in.

*By Nicole, who was told not to crush DG’s Stradivarius.

It’s been 30 days for The Lives of Famous Men’s Jason Wahto and the moment of truth has come: to continue as a vegan or not? Jason heads over to Dylan’s apartment to make some healthy vegan pizzas in honor of Vegan Pizza Day and Planet Verge’s Jordana finds out the details for which we’ve all been waiting.

BONUS EPISODE: The Wrap Party!

JASON’S DIARY FOR THIS EPISODE:

The first annual Vegan Pizza Day was also my last day of the challenge. Coincidentally it was just a few days after Dylan’s one year veganniversary. We decided to celebrate by making some home-made vegan pizza. The pizza was fantastic but it was just the start of a gluttonous celebration.

We then headed to Sweet Avenue Bake Shop for vegan cupcakes. When we arrived we were welcomed by owner Danielle Vance, with a spread of delicious cupcakes. My favorite was called “Fat Elvis.” It was a banana cupcake with peanut butter frosting and soy bacon bits on top. It was surprisingly good.

After the smorgasbord of treats had ended, it was time to get serious for a minute. I was presented with the question that had been at the center of my entire vegan experience thus far. That question was: “Am I going to stay vegan?”

I decided that I am going to stay vegan- with one exception. I am still going to eat fresh caught Alaskan salmon. I feel a little guilty about eating salmon, but I figure that it’s better than not being vegan at all.

One important thing that I realized from this experience was that it’s important to do what you can. My initial feeling about going vegan was that of being overwhelmed and I think most people feel this way.

I think that this pressure is what discourages most people from trying veganism and therefore not incorporating some of its really good aspects into their lifestyles.

Lastly, I just want to thank everybody who helped me throughout my journey- especially Jordana and Dylan. Without their advice and reinforcement I would have never taken the challenge and never had this great life-changing experience.

- Jason Wahto,
The Lives of Famous Men

Quick and Healthy Vegan Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:
*Store-bought tortillas (we used brown-rice tortillas from Trader Joes)
*Tomato sauce
*Daiya mozzarella cheese shreds
*Spinach
*Onion
*Tomato
*Broccoli
*Basil

Directions:

1) Heat oven to 450 degrees
2) Spoon a thin layer of tomato sauce on tortillas
3) Sprinkle array of veggies on top, we used: spinach, onion, tomato slices, broccoli
4) Finish with daiya cheese and basil
5) Bake in oven until cheese melts and tortilla appears crispy, about 10 minutes

Enjoy!

GOING VEGAN IS SPONSORED BY:

WATCH GOING VEGAN SEASON 1 FEATURING DYLAN MANDEL (THE LIVES OF FAMOUS MEN).

Dear David Garrett fans,

Wow! You guys are hardcore. We have been reading all your e-mails, Tweets and Facebook posts regarding our soon-to-be-released episode of Planet Verge TV with THE MAN.

While we work on editing, we decided to treat you to a preview of our interview. So here it is….

LOCATION: We interviewed David in his dressing room at the Wellmont Theatre in New Jersey.

TIME OF INTERVIEW: Intermission. That’s right. David spent the break between his sets talking to us (and snacking on some fruit, as he had to “get some vitamins.”)

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

- We got the scoop on the Rock Symphonies album

- David revealed what his new album will be based on

- David gives his opinion of girls who wear glasses (We bet you won’t get this scoop anywhere else!)

Oh yea, we also asked

- YOUR FAN QUESTIONS! Find out if yours made the cut!

Love,

Nicole and Joelle

P.S. If you missed our PREVIOUS interview with David, or his performance of “Summer” live from our studio, then watch David Garrett’s interview and performance here.

Before we bring you the Going VEGAN season 2 finale (will Jason stay vegan?!), we have an outtake from the Peanut Butter Intervention episode. Jason reveals his money-saving strategy, vegan on the cheap.

JASON’S DIARY FOR THIS EPISODE:

This week I’m going to share with you my Top 5 Cheap and Easy Vegan Meals. If you’re someone who doesn’t have a lot of time to spend but wants to eat relatively healthy- then these recipes are for you.

#5. V8 Spaghetti

-1 can of V8

-1 serving of Spaghetti

-Spaghetti sauce

Optional:

-2 tsps Black pepper

-1/4 cup flax meal

After your noodles are cooked put them in a bowl with some V8 and Spaghetti sauce. Add Flax meal to thicken up the consistency of the sauce and/or black pepper if you desire. Throw it in the microwave for a minute or two and voilà you have V8 spaghetti!

#4. BBQ Brussels Sprouts

-1/2 lb Brussels sprouts

-1/3 cup BBQ sauce

-1 tsp Black Pepper

Put your sauce in a pan and simmer it on a med-low heat. Take your sprouts and trim the ends. Then half them and place them flat on the pan. Stir them occasionally until they are soft and flavorful. You can also try substituting the BBQ with Soy or Jerk Sauce.

#3. Left-over Soup

-1 can of V8

-Leftovers

Optional:

-Tomato soup

-1 tsp Black Pepper

-1/3 cup minced Onions

-1 clove minced Garlic

-1/2 cup of Nutritional Yeast

-1/4 cup of Flax Meal

-Assorted veggies

-Rice

Start by simmering your V8 and/or Tomato soup. Then add in whatever spices you prefer (garlic, onions, black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, oregano, salt). Then throw in any leftovers you have in your fridge that you want in the soup. If you have any rice or fresh veggies you can throw them in too. Then once everything is cooked you can add some nutritional yeast to give it a cheesy taste. I recommend enjoying it with a piece of toast or some crackers.

#2. Southwest Hummus

-1 can of Garbanzo beans

-2 tbsps of olive oil

-1 clove of Garlic

-2 tsps of Chili Powder

-1 tsp of Black Pepper

-1/2 tsp of Salt

-3/4 cup Nutritional Yeast

Optional:

-Blender/Food Processor

-1 tbs Flax Meal

Drain ¼ of the oil from the Garbanzo beans and put the rest in the blender/food processor (if you don’t have one then use a large bowl and a potato masher). Throw the rest of your ingredients in and blend it up. If it’s a little dry, add more olive oil. If it’s a little watery, then add some more flax meal or nutritional yeast. Serve with fresh veggies, pita bread or crackers.

#1. Super Easy Mac and Cheesy

-1 box of noodles (Penne, Rotini, or Spaghetti)

-2 cups Nutritional Yeast

-2 tbsps Black Pepper

-1/2 tsp Salt

-1/4 cup Soy Sauce

-3/4 cup Almond Milk

Optional:

-1/4 cup Flax Seed

-1 ½ cups Daiya cheese

-Veggies (kale, spinach, broccoli, peppers, and tomatoes)

Cook your noodles and drain the water from the pot. Add your other ingredients to the pot and stir well.

So those are some of my favorite cheap and easy vegan meals. Be sure to check out next week’s episode where I reveal if I’m going to stay vegan or not.

- Jason Wahto,
The Lives of Famous Men

GOING VEGAN IS SPONSORED BY:

WATCH GOING VEGAN SEASON 1 FEATURING DYLAN MANDEL (THE LIVES OF FAMOUS MEN).

Headed out for a romantic evening? Wow your date with this sweetheart look! Modeled by our very own, Megan.