THUNDER BAY – Getting to know local artists is one of the goals of Angelo Petta, Raechel Reed and the UBMMG. Crack entertainment reporter, Raechel Reed, along with the co-operation of a growing number of very talented individuals, and NetNewsledger.com are pleased to share the information, videos and interviews with you, our loyal readers.
Cody McCowell & Laura Cortens of Pictures of Tomorrow came into the Urban Boutique for a sit down visit and unfortunately piano player & keyboardist Michelle Bizjak wasn’t available for the interview but a future follow up segment will be coming soon.
Standing at an intimidating 6’ 4”, Cody McCowell walks onto the Urban Boutique set with his acoustic guitar, smiles and says something funny to break the ice.
Cody in his entirety is musically driven from majoring in music @ Lakehead University, to working in the music industry, networking and playing wherever they can get a gig. Appreciating the academics of the music, his preference is entertaining. Cody says that “The program is so by the book and every note has to be perfect but by writing my own music allows me that freedom of expression that I can’t get from the classroom”.
Being in previous successful bands like Jordana Divinorum, Dead Romantic and now moving up the musical scale with Pictures of Tomorrow Cody has seen the ins and outs of music in Thunder Bay. Establishing who the local promoters were, the right venues and finding the major players was a lengthy process.
Working as a bouncer and door man at local venues with Jolt Management has opened his eyes to more of the inside operations of the music business and he can now take this working experience to better position the future endeavors of the band Pictures of Tomorrow.
Pictures of tomorrow have been together for just less than 3 months and Cody’s already surpassed the expectations he has set for himself.
Laura Cortens, an accomplished vocalist moved to Thunder less than a year ago to study in the music program at Lakehead University. Winning High School Idol two years ago was just one of the stepping-stones under her belt in pursuit of her musical identity. Being only 18 years old, and moving from Dryden to Thunder Bay was a big step in the right direction for her musical aspirations.
“I didn’t know anyone here, and Cody was one of the first people outside of the program that had any involvement in the music scene”. Following her father’s love for music and having had her two brothers & sister ‘s band release a CD in Thunder Bay years before, she’s very proud of her roots and where she has come from.
“Start young, you can always put it away for a while and come back to it later”. She further explains “I can’t see myself doing anything else, I love to sing, play guitar and hope to be on stage everyday playing and entertaining ”.
Both Cody & Laura’s take on pianist Michelle Bizjak was a match made in heaven. “Michelle is amazing” says Laura. We take a song to her and she quickly puts something together and it just works. Laura and Michelle met through Cody just months before and they hit it off.
Cody says “I come up with the format, take it to Laura, she adds her vocal flare and input, and finally we take it to Michelle to bedazzle the final cut.
Check out their social stream
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pictures-of-Tomorrow/110898698979044
http://www.myspace.com/picturesoftomorrowband
Definitely a must see band of tomorrow.
Raechel Reed
MMG (an Urban Boutique company)
If you are a band, or artist looking to get a little more local cover, please contact Entertainment Editor.