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MUSIC: Nashville’s Breakout Star – Canaan Smith
Photography by Dana Tynan
All eyes are on Nashville’s hottest new star, Canaan Smith, as he dominates not only the airwaves – both television and radio – but also the hearts of everyone…everywhere.
You might recognize him from the CBS’ hit TV show The Amazing Race, but, trust me, this is not just some TV-star-turned-singer. Canaan has chops where it counts the most…on stage with a mic and in front of thousands.
I was able to score an interview with Canaan Smith to discuss the whirlwind of success he has seen thus far, in addition to his incredible single, “We Got Us,” which is available on iTunes now.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Canaan: 1) I forgive you, 2) he will soon be a household name, and 3) he is probably one of the most charming people you will ever meet. In fact, he is so down-to-Earth and friendly that I forgot I was even interviewing him.
In the past, Canaan has described his sound and style saying, “My music makes you feel like you want to drive along the coast with your windows down on a sunny day and smile and groove. It makes you want to move and dance. It just feels good. I like to think of my music as being an escape for people to go where they want to go. If it’s a cloudy day and they want to be somewhere else, they can put my music on.”
Photography by Dana Tynan
While I wholeheartedly agree with the country singer, I like to describe it a bit more simply: vocal butter melting over the listener.
Canaan’s take on his career is a humble and interesting one, “It’s been a great journey. I started playing music when I was a kid. I was lucky enough to have parents who provided that outlet for me. They bought us a room full of instruments when we were kids. I was one of six kids, so it was a lot of instruments. I just fell in love with the art of creating music, and putting words to it.”
About seven years ago, Smith moved to Nashville – aka The Music City – to, “learn from the best,” in order to progress his music career. “These songs that come from this city are, in my opinion, the greatest songs and I wanted to be where that was happening…I tried to figure out who I was as an artist, amidst all these amazing people.”
His debut single, “We Got Us,” dropped earlier this month to great success. Canaan lit up even more when talking about it, “I’m stoked about it, man! Radio has been very receptive so far; we already have commitments to add the record. We even got to hear it spun in Pittsburgh at Froggy [FM Radio 94.9], which was great!”
Clearly, after the ride he’s been on with his own music career and also having written an amazing debut, top 10 hit single for Love and Theft – “Runaway” – and even opening for Sugarland, Canaan is now one of the amazing people he spoke about.
Here at Maniac, we can’t wait to see what’s next for the star. We are already hooked on Canaan, and are highly anticipating his album, which should be out later this year. For all things Canaan, be sure to check out his site – www.canaansmith.com – which includes all the latest news and tour info. Don’t forget to get your copy of “We Got Us” on iTunes now!
~~By Dominic Janidas
BEAUTY: Smells Like A Gummy Bear, Soothes Like a Dream – Freeman Goji Berry Facial Hydration Mask
Is your face a hot mess? Has parched, flaking, disastrous winter skin got you down? If so, get ready to meet your savior: the Goji Berry Facial Hydration Mask by Freeman. This mask, which the company claims “helps restore healthy skin tone and improves moisture retention,” is a soothing, moisture-rich treat for dehydrated, chapped, aging, stressed or tired skin. It’s the perfect happy ending to a day on the slopes, or to “one of those days” when you need some pampering.
Goji Berry Facial Hydration Mask has a delightfully slippery and gelatinous texture, and its yummy fragrance is so fresh and fruity you’ll want to slather it on all over; you can apply as thin or thick of a layer as you’d like. The mask packs pure aloe, goji berry, blueberry, mango, pomegranate, Indian mulberry, cranberry, vitamin E, and avocado together into a quenching, fruity-licious anti-oxidant elixir.
Although intended to be rinsed off with warm water after 10 minutes, I usually leave it on overnight. I have been using it a few times a week for nearly a month and have seen a marked improvement in overall skin texture, radiance and fine lines. The mask is suitable for all skin types, except perhaps the most sensitive. It’s especially great for those with oily skin who crave the hydration of a rich cream without the greasy feel.
Freeman Beauty was founded in 1976 and is based out of Beverly Hills, CA. The company specializes in skin, body and hair care products that combine “the beauty of nature” with “the benefit of science.”
Goji Berry Facial Hydration Mask is available in .5 ounce packets for $1.99 at walmart and six ounce tubes for $3.99 at freemanbeauty.com.
~By Katherine Reel
M-I-C-K-E-Y- M-O-U-S-E….
When we think of Walt Disney, the first thought that comes to mind is a mouse named Mickey. We all grew up watching Disney movies, the Mickey Mouse Club and couldn’t wait for our first trip to Disneyland or Disneyworld. It’s hard to believe that Mickey Mouse will turn 84 years old this November! Even though Mickey and his gang have been around for over 80 years, the Disney brand continues to create trends – even in today’s fashion industry. 
Designer Marc Jacobs created a Mickey Mouse headband that retailed for $650. The headband is black with two furry puff balls attached to each side. This headband gives a modern look from the old Mickey or Minnie ears you can buy at Disney theme parks. Another high-end designer, Jeremy Scott, designed a Mickey Mouse inspired military helmet. The helmet was so hot that Rihanna wore it in her music video for “Hard.” Scott also designed Lady Gaga’s Mickey Mouse outfit for her video, “Paparazzi.”
Retail stores like Urban Outfitters, Forever 21 and H&M have also recently carried Mickey Mouse inspired clothing. In 2009, model Chanel Iman found her inner mouse, as she was featured in Vogue Germany wearing Minnie Mouse ears and clothing. In the latest edition of Elle France, photographer David Burton captures Heather Marks throughout Disneyland. The spread is a beautiful mix of childish memories with an adult edge. One can’t help but feel inspired by these photos to find your inner child and imagination.
Walt Disney said it best in 1954, “I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing – that it was all started by a mouse.”
~~ By Jacqueline Cunning
