Soundtracks to Life

My Dark Beautiful Twisted Fantasy

Listen Here: 'Runaway’

I’m walking around Vancouver’s beautiful snowy streets singing, “Let’s have a toast for the douchebags! Let's have a toast for the scumbags, every one of them that I know..."

I’ve just arrived from Oakland, California, where I was staying with Mo, Marcus & AJ. Kanye’s new song was on repeat in their house, and now I can’t get enough of his new album. The production is undeniably good, and it reminds me of Mo and makes me wistful for the way I lived in the Bay a year ago.

Now 6 months later I realize my life truly belongs to New York. I almost feel guilty moving on so fast. The Bay Area was like a really good boyfriend, someone who looked after me and made me so happy, and although I still appreciate and love that place and time, being back there has made me realize it’s truly over and I can never recreate it.

Porgy and Bess
Listen Here: 'Buzzard Song’

I’m staying in the same apartment as I did the last time I came to Vancouver. The funny, spirited Sara is no longer here (she’s moved to Mexico) but her dear friend Hari is subletting her home and with all the generosity of a true gentleman he is having me as his guest. Last time I was here the tails of summer were still lingering. The leaves were just starting to change colour and the rainy season was slowly elbowing its way in. Everything looked romantic to me. I had a giant crush on someone back in the Bay and it seemed like a new relationship would take off when I returned. However, when I did get back to Oakland the relationship immediately hit a rock, and everything I felt in Vancouver stayed in Vancouver.

Porgy and Bess is definitely not a swinging Miles album; instead it’s some heavy, emotional drama. The mood is raw and intense and when the opening track ‘Buzzard Song’ explodes with walls of horns, you can never look back.

Tell It Like It Is
Listen here: 'Peace of Mind'

I walk up and down Commercial Drive like it’s an old friend, wrapped up like a marshmallow in layers of woolley things. The snowy streets of East Van are turning black and slushy, but to me the city still looks beautiful and romantic. It’s been over a year and I have a new fella on my mind - someone back in New York. He's been supporting me during this whole tumultuous process of applying for a US work visa and while I've dealt with the rollercoaster ride of establishing my life in NYC.

Vancouver is such a dreamy city; a good place to miss people while you apply for visas, where you can feel both faraway and connected at the same time. It's something about the mountains against the city; the coffeeshops and delis and the streets full of gardens; the beautiful Trout Lake and its arrangement of lush and weepy trees; the flat sandy beaches lined with felled logs; and that rolling blue sea which goes all the way to Australia.

I’ve finally secured my US work permit and will fly back to New York in a week. Nina plays her piano and sings it like it is, and I can’t wait to see what’s gonna happen next.