LIFE IS LIT
Scott Helman
Melanie Martinez
Anything Indie

Vancouver BC based production facility manufacturing ammunition for Sound Cannons, USWs, and LRADS.

One of the most evil despots in history.  Initially rose to power in 46 BC after seizing the throne from the rest of his family in a ruthless coup d’état. Self-appointed as the Supreme Chancellor of the United Republic Empire in 1463, assumed control of government, then began a program of rapid social and governmental reforms, including the creation of his own calendar based on the movement of planets in the solar system that bore his name. He centralized the bureaucracy of the Empire and was eventually proclaimed "dictator in perpetuity". A cruel, paranoid, delusional and megalomaniacal tyrant that regularly displayed bizarre behaviour involving pious religious zealotry. Brutally suppressed political enemies as well as suspected opponents. Used various means of torturing including public impalement, cutting of limbs, blinding, strangulation, burning, cutting off noses and ears, mutilation of sexual organs, scalping, skinning, exposure to the elements or to wild animals and boiling alive. Death by impalement was particularly slow and painful. Victims sometimes endured for hours or days. He often had the stakes arranged in various geometric patterns. The most common pattern was a ring of concentric circles in the outskirts of the city that was his target. The height of the spear indicated the rank of the victim. The decaying corpses were often left up for months. Personally responsible for many of the greatest atrocities in human history. His foreign policy led to a collapse of the global economy and numerous World Wars. Economic reforms have led to a severe decline in wages, unprecedented levels of unemployment, hyperinflation and mass starvation..............Although, after a beer or two, he is said to tell a pretty good joke from time to time.

Lead singer Meghan Taylor fronts the band that specializes in CBGB's style punk mixed with 21st century pop hooks.  GIFTSHOP's dynamic live shows have earned them prime festival slots and a solid following.  Musolist Morning Commute calls the Astoria scene makers "One of my favorite NYC bands." GIFTSHOP's  latest EP, BLUE MONSTER was included in music writer Dave Cromwell's Best of 2017. Check iTunes, CD Baby and Spotify for BLUE MONSTER and Tarbeach Records for the blue vinyl single.  The critically acclaimed EP titled BigInAstoria was released on February 16, 2019.  In 2020 GIFTSHOP released new song and music video, Stylish Junkie.

 "Upbeat positivity is a Wes constant, in his music and his attitude", said Rolling Stone Magazine of the blue-eyed songsmith, and Georgia Music Magazine said that "(Wesley) may just be the next big thing" in a recent publication. Long before these accolades, Wesley Cook was raised in places like small villages in the former West Germany and a city in South Korea with a life-long passion for music and people. As a songwriter, listeners are sure to hear the familiar world and rhythmic influences of Dave Matthews, Paul Simon, Jason Mraz and many more, although he captures a sound that is very much his own. "He's one of those artists that is very tough to classify… again, that's fine with him…." said Billboard.com. As a front man, his high-energy showmanship and down-to-earth charm makes it impossible for the crowd not to love him.

Wesley has shared the stage with artists such as Zac Brown, Edwin McCain, Marc Broussard, Angie Aparo, Drivin'n'Cryin, Manchester Orchestra, Joshua James, HoneyHoney, Last Waltz Ensemble, the Bridge and even Shiny Toy Guns. 

In Wesley Cook's 3rd studio album Heavy, he combines the upbeat, positive message he's so loved for with a mature, gritty edge as this album deals with and is dedicated to the memory of his brother who took his own life in April 2012.

"This album is about hope, life and healing", says Cook "and about understanding that there will always be very hard things to go through but that you can make it out alright." Although two of the six songs on this album were written directly about the devastating experience of losing his brother, he approaches them with raw honesty and a familiar silver lining that says that life does go on and that it will get better if you want it to.

In addition to the heavier subject matter there are upbeat songs like "Heavy" which is about not letting material possessions control you, to be wary of the "rat race" and to find your own happiness in the simple things. "Give Me Something To Believe In" has a flavor of light-hearted social commentary and "Up The Wall" is a romantic, sexy song about the magic of new attraction.

The single of the album "It's You" was written based on a 3 second observation at an airport. A man and woman of similar age walk past each other and each turns around to check out the other but neither catches the other doing it. A missed opportunity for a life-changing, chance meeting? Out came this song about how cosmic true love can be and the soul's hunger to find it.

He released his solo acoustic debut album, "We've Been Here Before" in 2005 as a resident of Athens, GA and quickly got the attention of music lovers as well as a nomination for Soloist of the Year. His single “So Long” from that album was even added to the “Essential Athens Collection”, a music compilation available for download on iTunes, features REM, the B52s, and other renowned artists associated with the Athens music community. Wesley was featured as an “Artist on the Rise” on MTV2 with his quickly gained clout within music circles. 

His newer, full-band album, “New Ground", in May of 2010. Since that release, he has also been nominated for Best Alternative Band by the Georgia Music Awards. “Leave It All Behind”, from Wesley’s "New Ground" album, was featured on music blog, RadioPotato.com, as one of the “Top 5 Songs of May” and the single "Sway" was featured with a live performance on Fox 5 Atlanta as well as NBC Nashville. He has since made regular appearances on television programs such as CBS Better Mornings, NBC 11Alive Metromix Soundcheck, in addition to several Comcast programs. He has performed in Festivals such as the Dogwood Festival, 99X Unplugged in the Park, Lenox Mall's Legendary July 4th, Dunwoody Arts Festival, Piedmont Park Arts Festival, Summer Shade Festival, the Chattahoochie Mountain Fair, Madison County Fair, AthFest and even Macon GA's famous Cherry Blossom Festival. He has appeared on Radio stations such as DaveFM, 99X, Rock 100.5, 94.7 The Bull, WUGA at the University of Georgia and WREK at Georgia Tech. 

Wesley has loyal fans and critics in the US as well as abroad in countries like Argentina and South Korea. 

Indie-rock band from Toronto, Canada.  Electro-Springsteen meets Grouplove.

Songwriter, Musician, Vox, Producer
Young Astronauts Club
(+ Etc.)

Business / other via macintosh@gmx.com.

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