Where to start…okay, let’s pick up where we left off in our last episode: One of our favouritesongs from “Die to the Past” (please don’t mention the other songs, they’re very sensitive), “I Need a Man,” has been remixed and now features the sexy,  ballsy stylings of Holly Dish,
whom critics hail as the female voice Canadian hip-hop has been waiting for (BreakingTomorrow.com). We’re going to get your eyes as much as your ears with this one: we’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be working with international director and animator, Virpi Kettu (Radiohead, Wallace and Gromit) on a video for the remix!

Now, on to recording…what, we’re recording again? Yes. Are we crazy? Indisputably. Do you love it? Heck yeah. Inspired by the months following the release of “Die to the Past,” and a burgeoning musical friendship with Ron Sexsmith (who really needs no introduction)

we are getting set to bring you “The Lost EP,” a collection of songs about the myriad of ways a person can get, feel, and be lost. Currently in pre-production, this album will feature some other Canadian powerhouses: Tim Abraham, Rob Szabo, Adam Warner, Mark Mcintyre, Kirk Starskey, Sebastian Freeman, NLX, Colleen Hixenbaugh, Nancy Dutra and many others. We’ll be recording at the incredible Hive studio in Toronto starting this week! Get ready for this new gem: a collection of hooks that’ll stay in your head for days (all part of the secret, elaborate plan to take over your mind…oh, was I not supposed to mention that? Oops).

The new EP will be out in the coming months, but we’d love to see you at our intimate live show on August 2nd at The Piston in Toronto (937 Bloor Street West) with friend from Montreal Andrew Johnston!

Before we adjurn, some of you know that Amanda has been a vocal coach for over 5 years now, something else that’s been under the radar.

Maybe you’ve also been hiding…maybe you’ve got a punk rock star or a doowop singer inside of you that’s been aching to get out, but you’re unnerved by the idea of one-on-one lessons? We totally get that; everyone wants a team in their corner, cheering them on. Amanda’s new venture, Kin-E-Vox, offers just that with her vocal workshops geared at people of all ages and skill level that create a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Check out their site for the latest news and upcoming workshops, includes article in the MONTREAL GAZETTE this week: http://kinevox.wordpress.com/

True story: Amanda and Kin-E-Vox’s co-founder, vocal coach Mirjana Milovanonic are so fond of each other, and of each other’s work, that Amanda wrote her a letter as part of CBC’s Letter to My Teacher feature, which included Sarah Slean, Hawksley Workman and the legendary Oliver Jones. Read it here:

http://music.cbc.ca/#/blogs/2012/5/Letter-to-my-teacher-Amanda-Mabro

Okay, guys, you’re all up to speed now…how have you been?

We usually rely on lyrics and melodies to make our point (and we sometimes hide behind humour when our emotions make us uncomfortable), but New Year’s seems like a time for honesty, so here goes: We honestly can’t thank you all enough for your continued enthusiasm. Cheers to everyone, from the audience members who sing harmonies to the array of people behind the scenes. Your love has meant more to us than you know.

The year’s end has also reminded us that sometimes, when you put your heart on display, people see themselves in your veins. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that “Don’t Be Subtle,” from “Die to the Past,” is in The Gazette’s Top 5 Songs of 2011!

So, whatever you’ve chosen as your resolution for 2012*, do it with fervor, laughter, patience, and grace.

And whatever it is you do, don’t be subtle.

Happy New Year!

*Some of the best resolutions are the ones you can easily keep. Example: “I will stop playing Adele’s ‘Someone Like You’ when I am already sad,” or “I will stop judging people who don’t floss.” Feel free to share your quirky resolution!

Die to the Past: The Superwoman in the Making Disrobes

The superwoman in the making is finally disrobing, relinquishing not only her cape, but everything else. On her new full-length album, “Die to the Past,” Amanda Mabro is naked…and not just in the way you’re thinking.

“Die to the Past,” to be released October 14th, 2011 at Cabaret du Mile End, features Amanda at her most vulnerable: “This is the most personal thing I’ve ever shared publicly,” she says. Beginning with the song “Moments are Bubbles,” this concept album examines the issues of memory, identity and spots of time: Are we simply an amalgamation of our experiences? Do our memories define us? Or, are we able to throw that stuff away, let go of our baggage, and become whoever we want, whenever we want? The questions posed, stories told and universes created by “Die to the Past” function in the same way as memories do: they are separate and yet interwoven, and Amanda is earnestly trying to make sense of it all.

Matching lyrical content with vocal delivery, the approach to the recording of this album paralleled its theme: it is one that celebrates the times we fall short, fall down, fall back and fall away, and with this in mind, absolutely no autotune was used. “Die to the Past” takes a stand against this tool that has become the industry standard in the last 10 years, and, says Amanda, “embodies a different time in music when people’s humanity was valued over sonic perfection.” Recorded over 900+ hours at the historic Studio Victor, this poprock n’ soul-cabaret cocktail presents Amanda’s vocal prowess in the buff. She just might make you blush.

Come help us kick off this new chapter in the story of the band at their Montreal record launch, Friday, October 14th, at Cabaret du Mile End (5240 Parc) at 9pm. Opening the show will be neo-soul guest Nadia Bashalani and cabaret-folk artist Brie Neilson (of The Unsettlers). Tickets are available on ADMISSION

P.S. Check out Amanda nerding out about all things related to singing and songwriting, as well as performing a solo rendition of “Moments are Bubbles” at Studio Victor!

Press Release - MABRO JOINS ANTI-AUTOTUNE MOVEMENT AND LAUNCHES NEW ALBUM…

Communiqué de Presse – Amanda Mabro lance son nouvel album “Die To The Past” et dénonce l’utilisation d’auto tune…

My forth coming release “Die To The Past” is complete after countless bleary eyed trips between Montreal and Toronto, crazy bouts of insomnia and 900+ hours of work at RCA Studio Victor. It is DONE DONE DONE and I can’t wait to freakin’ share it!

This is the most personal thing I’ve ever shared publicly. I am naked on this thing. Literally.

The 15 tracks on “Die To The Past” explore whether our memories define us or if in every moment that we’re alive, we can experience a sort of rebirth. Combining rock n’ soul sounds with a little cabaret noire thrown into the mix, this record is lush with musical arrangements and lyrics that will land on your heart and squeeeze. Apologies.

I hope you like it as much as we do. Here are 4 tunes you can take for a test drive: LISTEN!

The band and I hope you come hear the rest live at our release show:

A Toronto date is coming very soon!

Big love to all the people who said “Mabs, what the F*ck are you doing?!”