http://soundcloud.com/colin-rink/away-from-myself-demo

When I heard the news that my friend, co-host and musician Randy Ponzio had gone missing on Tuesday, November 15th, i was immediately shocked.  From the 2 years that i’ve known him, he has been a great friend, and supporter of all music.  It’s with great sadness that i report that he was in fact found dead this weekend, in a downtown east side hotel.

I first met Randy in the summer of 2009, when I was beginning to record my first album, and was looking for a studio to record.  At the time, his studio was out of the basement of his home in Burnaby, but something about his energy, and professionalism drove me to him.  After a few times of coming back and fourth to record, and even to hang out, Randy and I became friends; not that we were best of friends, but we would hang out periodically, and always share tips and tricks in the industry.  Then in 2010, Randy and I started a podcast called “Dylan For Virgins”, where we would drink beer, and talk about things that worked in the music industry, while reviewing independent music.  We recorded about 20 episodes, 10 or more which are currently on itunes.  The other 10, I have not been uploaded.

Randy was an amazing person.  He was a “rising star”, with music talents that were incredible.  Aside from those, his draw to music, and love for the people around him, always left a big impression and impact on me.  I remember one such occasion when we were recording an episode of DFV, at his apartment in Chinatown, and I mentioned that I was feeling down about my music, that it didn’t seem to have direction.  He instantly recalled all the great things i have accomplished, how great i was as a person, and how he love it, and how great i was doing overall.  He was always like that; always a good friend when you needed cheering up.

I think many people, like me are shocked, and at a loss of words when it comes to this situation, as he left such an impact on the people around him.  I’m not sure what happened to him that Tuesday night, but one thing is for sure.  He has left a lasting impression to me, and i feel a void that will never be filled from his loss.  I always thought that if there was one person that would have made it in the music business it would have been him.  Since i never got to say goodbye, Randy,

Thank you for being a great friend.  Thank you for being you.  You were always a great person to be around, and i feel so much better in saying that you impacted my life dramatically, and you changed it for the good.  You were not only a great person inside and out, but an excellent husband, and father to yours.  I cherish all of the stuff we did together, but most of all, I cherish the time I got to spend with you, and for that i am truly thankful.  Until next time when we meet again

All the best to all, and Happy Holidays

Thanks so much for visiting my site, and making my 2010 year all that it could be.  This holiday season, as it continues to get busier and busier,  I just want to announce that November was an awesome month for the Colinrinkmusic.com store, as we have been selling, shipping, and mailing out all the orders that came in.  There are currently only 7 First Edition books left of my debut poetry book “A Walk, Uphill in the Snow”, so there is still a few days to get your hands on them.  A lot of new and exciting things are coming in 2011, be sure to join the colinrinkmusic.com newsletter, for all the free awesomeness that will be coming your way!

Colin

When I think of Washington DC, I think of a Lincoln statue, the Washington Monument, and Martin Luther King jr.’s speech that changed a country.  But when I first put on The Public Good’s album, I now have a new thing that I will remember when I hear someone talk about DC.

There album at first sound reminded me of a cross between early Weezer and the Barenaked Ladies; a kind of addictive fresh sound with catchy lyrics, that seem to  have a punkish feel to them if that makes sense.  Their music is fun, and doesn’t seem to get old (as I’ve been listening to it non-stop for 3 days haha).

Check them out at http://www.thepublicgoodonline.com/ or click below to watch a vid

Week #2, I checked out Chapman and his album “The … of Mr. Ballad” from Hastings, United Kingdom.  These 11 song full length albums, are pretty amazing, and no it’s not a typo, I’ll get to that in a minute.  Right from the first song “Hum Along”, it’s clear that this artist has got a talent and passion for music.  I admit it is my favourite song on the album, and he kind of reminds me of a Tom Petty, Neil Young mix,  great lyrics, tempos, catchy vibes, and a likeness that is addictive.

Releasing these albums, Chapman used his 11 songs, and released 3 different versions of his songs, on 3 completely different albums, which is not only an awesome stylistic idea for anyone, but shows his drive for musicianship and talent.  The album names; the Amplification, The Bare Bones, and the Remixes of Mr. Ballad, are like listening to 3 different albums, yet each one has its own feel and atmosphere.

My personal favourite is the Amplification album, although I’m a big fan of the Bare Bones mixes as well, which is more of a stripped down version.  The Remixes album has some excellent surprises, seriously, you should check out one of these 3…you will not be disappointed.

http://www.mrballad.com/