For an 18th year, NXNE music and arts festival is taking over Toronto, and it is only fitting that Canadian indie rock pioneers, By Divine Right, be part of the invasion.

Since head honcho, José Miguel Contreras, formed the band in 1989, By Divine Right has become a landmark in Canadian music and a springboard for a massive mound of Canadian musicians.

Alums who have catapulted include Broken Social Scene’s Brendan Canning, Rob Higgins of Dearly Beloved and indie scene queen, and Canadian success story, Feist.

“I still remember the first time I heard her play guitar,” José says, thinking back to 1998. “Feist is just awesome. She has a lot of charisma and when I first met her, it was really obvious. Everything that Feist is now, she was then.”

In the now, José and the current lineup, Geordie Dynes and Alysha Haugen, just released By Divine Right’s 8th studio album, Organized Accidents, and are kicking off a summer tour in support of the record. 

Here is a playlist José can be caught with on the road. .

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Let’s Spend the Night Together – The Rolling Stones

“I just love their vibe. Choosing a track is near impossible, but being honest with myself, this is my fave. This tune has a lot of their thing all rolled into it. It’s frank, messy, and joyous. It’s hilarious to think this song was considered risqué. I love the piano, I love the way the singing is so free and fun. I’m a sucker for those babababa’s. Plus there’s that fuzz bass, just holding that beautiful note. This tune makes me happy.”

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Frank Lloyd Wright – Simon and Garfunkel

“This song is so beautiful. It’s also so brainy and silly, a beautiful melancholic ode to a deceased architect, set to bossa nova. I just fucking love Simon and Garfunkel these days. Can’t get enough.”

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Always Crashing in the Same Car – David Bowie

“The spoken word verse, leading into that beautiful chorus where he realizes that he always fucks up the same way. This speaks to me, I guess I always fuck up the same way too. It brings his extraterrestrial perspective into the intimate. You’re watching yourself live your life, watching from an orbit you can’t leave, watching and unable to warn yourself. Low is such an awesome album.”

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Radioland – Kraftwerk

“Kraftwerk is one of the greatest pop bands of all time. They are also so stark and metallic. The way this song comes in with the melody, all euro synth vibes, sounds like an anthem to outer space. It’s the catchiest beat on the planet, sexy robots are dancing in mini skirts on the moon. I always have a laugh imagining all these long hair German prog rock dude’s smoking hash at Kraftwerk shows in the 1970s, the band all dressed like gay robot butlers. They were so ahead of the rest of the world, and yet they were never really outrageous.”

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New Grass – Talk Talk

“Laughing Stock is the album I was obsessed with in 1991. I bought it the day it showed up at sunrise records at the local mall. This album made so much sense to me when it arrived. The songs were deconstructed, the sounds dictated the lengths, and the arrangements were spontaneous. I guess now it’s called post-rock. Back then it was the only time I’ve ever connected with a band and their record while it was actually happening.”

By Divine Right plays NXNE on Friday, June 14 at St. James Park. More tour dates here.

Organized Accidents, By Divine Right’s latest album, is available on iTunes now. Follow the band on twitter and facebook.

It’s official, I’m heading to the 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards, and I want to take some of your questions with me.

So, if you’ve got anything on your inquiring minds that you’re dying to direct at some of Canada’s elite like Avril Lavigne and Serena Ryder or superstars like Armin van Buuren, Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift, drop your questions below. I just might pick yours up.

See all the MMVA nominees, performers and presenters here.

Willy autographed his debut album & guitar pick backstage during his Montreal tour stop. ©marcandrew.ca

Here’s Willy Moon and you can win an autographed copy of his debut album, featuring the hit single “Yeah Yeah,” you know, that song from the iPod commercial, courtesy of Universal Music Canada!   

One lucky winner will also get Willy’s autographed guitar pick with their copy of the autographed album!   

To enter this contest, like marcandrew.ca on facebook and write “Willy Moon” on the wall.

The winners will be contacted via facebook. 

Contest ends Tuesday, June 18.

Follow Willy on twitter and facebook.

Also just in, Jesse announced that he has been working on new songs that he will perform on the tour that kicks off on August 2.

Speaking of Jesse’s music, here is some trivia for you.

Did you know that Jesse co-wrote Leona Lewis’ 2007 breakthrough single, “Bleeding Love?”

In fact, the hit tune was initially written for Jesse’s upcoming album at the time.

“I was building up my catalogue for my new album. It wasn’t intended for another artist,” Jesse says. “I hadn’t even heard of Leona at the time. It was just one of those songs that was sitting in our files and probably would still be there right now if it wasn’t for her.”

In a World like This Tour kicks off in Chicago on August 2. Jesse and the Backstreet Boys play Montreal’s Bell Centre on Tuesday, August 6. More tour dates here. Follow Jesse on twitter and facebook.

Courtesy of Sony Music, marcandrew.ca is giving away two autographed copies of Laura’s debut album, Sing to the Moon.

To enter this contest, like marcandrew.ca on facebook and write “Laura Mvula!” on the wall.

The winners will be contacted via facebook.

Contest ends Tuesday, June 10.

Follow Laura on twitter and facebook.

The Montrealer has landed a lead role in the highly anticipated new CBS sci-fi drama, Under the Dome, opposite Mike Vogel, recently of Bates Motel, and Breaking Bad’s Dean Norris.

Rachelle plays Julia Shumway, an investigative reporter and resident of Chester’s Mill, a small town dealing with chaos of apocalyptic proportions when a mysterious dome suddenly encases the community.

The series, based on Stephen King’s 2009 novel of the same name, marks Rachelle’s official return to prime time after 2011’s A Gifted Man.

The actress has actually been building a concrete career in TV land for quite some time now. Previous gigs on the tube include stints on Boston Legal, Charmed, CSI: NY, Eli Stone, How I Met Your Mother, Off the Map and Veronica Mars.

When Rachelle isn’t on the clock (yes, the workaholic does have a life), she finds the time to support animal rights as an advocate for Best Friends Animal Society.

She is also actively involved with School on Wheels, a non-profit literacy organization for homeless children, and is spreading breast cancer awareness as an ambassador for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.

Who knows how she does it, but Rachelle also finds the time for horseback riding, rock climbing and music. Lots of music. Here is a look at one of her playlists..

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All This and Heaven Too – Florence + the Machine

“As a person who has strong emotions I’m always struggling to express them in some way. This is the most incredible song about the heart having it’s own language and how words will never truly translate feelings or do them justice. Actually, I’m obsessed with the whole Ceremonials album and had trouble picking only one song for this playlist.”

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Is Love Enough – Michael Franti & Spearhead

“I’m a spiritist and a humanist, and this song says it all.”

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F**ckin’ Perfect – Pink

“Except for the swearing part, I really think this should be every high school’s theme song. The message that you should love yourself is so important and it’s also just a good tune.”

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I Believe – The Book of Mormon

“Best play ever. The song is a perfect musical theatre masterpiece, the lyrics are hysterical and Andrew Rennells’ voice is a gift.”

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I’m Not the One – The Black Keys

“The best jazzy, dirty, groove track and it opens with ‘I’ve been tried and I’ve been tested, I was born tired, I never got rested…’ Who doesn’t feel like that sometimes? Put it on, let out a resigned sigh and just chill.”

Under the Dome premieres on Monday, June 24 on CBS, click here for show times. Find Under the Dome on facebook and follow Rachelle on twitter.

“You know, I only realized that I could write songs as a job when I was 16,” Regina remembers.

“I realized it after a friend of mine made me a cassette tape that had Ani DiFranco and Joni Mitchell on it.”

Regina credits that very mix tape for giving her the courage to write music and pursue it fully.

“It’s an interesting phenomenon. Why does a female need to see another female do something in order to realize that she’s capable of doing it? It’s funny, before those two women I just didn’t think it was possible …and I’m not that stupid,” she laughs.

Since her epiphany, Regina’s released 6 albums, including her latest, What We Saw From the Cheap Seats, voted the #1 album of 2012 by ABC News, and 2005′s gold record, Begin to Hope, the album that put Regina on the map.

Singles like “Fidelity,” “On the Radio” and “Better” found major TV placement in hit shows like Grey’s Anatomy, and helped Regina secure her place in the music industry.

“Oh the music industry,” Regina laughs. “Growing up, I was their biggest nightmare. I didn’t have money to buy music, so all I had were mix tapes and burnt CDs.”

Regina’s made a playlist of artists found on some of those legendary mix tapes she held so dear.

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Doctor Robert – The Beatles

California – Joni Mitchell

Both Hands – Ani DiFranco

Strange Fruit – Billie Holiday

Running Up that Hill (A Deal With God) – Kate Bush

Join Regina on facebook and visit her official site.

Emeli Sande is conquering the world.

The Euro diva dominated her homeland with her debut, Our Version of Events, the UK’s bestselling album of 2012, and now Emeli has her heart set on winning over North America.

“It’s a big adventure,” Emeli says. “North America is huge. It’s like a brand new world, but that’s ok. I’m always trying to find a new challenge.”

Amassing a following isn’t one of those challenges that Emeli is so ready to meet. With charmers like her US gold single, “Next to Me,” the public barely needs convincing.

Emeli has even made fans out of some of American music’s biggest icons including Alicia Keys.

“I grew up listening to Alicia Keys, so this is quite surreal,” says the BRIT Award winner.

Jay-Z, is the newest star addition to Emeli’s fan club. After hearing her cover of Beyonce’s Grammy-winning anthem, “Crazy in Love,” featured on The Great Gatsby soundtrack, the hip hop king was hooked.

“It is such a good feeling to hear about people I respect so highly enjoying my music,” she says, practically surprised by the fact. “I’m blown away by my fanbase.”

Naturally a huge music buff herself, here is a playlist of artists Emeli admires.

Adele

“Adele has opened doors for many people. I think she reminded everybody that great songs that are honest and raw have a place on the radio. She has switched people on to that and conquered the world.”

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Frank Ocean

“Frank gets put on repeat a lot, especially ‘Thinking of You.’”

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Lauryn Hill

“I’ve loved her since I was 12. Lauryn definitely shows people that women can be just as strong as men, and say what they want to say.”

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Little Dragon

“I really love Little Dragon. Their songs ‘Twice’ and ‘Ritual Union’ are always going round and round.”

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Tinie Tempah

“Tinie Tempah is somebody else who has helped open doors so that UK artists can get international attention and airplay. Now it’s easier to come through.”

Visit Emeli’s official site for news and tour dates, and follow her on twitter and facebook.

Jen and Sylvia Soska, the twisted sisters who delivered the 2009 indie horror, Dead Hooker in a Trunk, have just slammed something much more meatier on the slab.

American Mary, the twins’ latest film and winner of 5 Screamfest Awards, finally gets its well deserved big screen release in selected theatres across Canada after making its rounds in film festivals this past year. 

Gemini Award winner Katharine Isabelle, best known for her role in the Ginger Snaps trilogy, gives a crazy/beautiful performance as the lead, Mary Mason, a med student who turns to performing backroom surgeries in desperation to make ends meet and achieve the American dream.

With its graphic violence, American Mary can’t flee being boxed in the torture porn sub genre, but this dark tale is much deeper than the typical blood bath.

The cinematography alone sets this film apart, and that goes without mentioning the heights to which Katharine Isabelle carries the film. 

If you can stomach a little blood and guts, and see past a couple superficial flaws, then this film is definitely worth a look, and a listen.

“Music does play a big part in American Mary,” Sylvia Soska says, stitching together a playlist of tunes torn right from the movie scenes. “We feel really lucky to know these artists and be able to feature their music in our film.”

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Puke Rawk – Fake Shark – Real Zombie!

“You’ll hear the punk rock styling of one of our favorite bands and collaborators for film, Fake Shark – Real Zombie!, and new tracks created by their lead vocalist, Kevvy Mental, for intricate standout scenes in the film. Since the film has so many unique moments, we needed to get original tracks to really make them pop. ‘Puke Rawk’ is hardcore and amazing where it plays.”

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Want Your Body – Kevvy

“‘Want Your Body’” plays in one of the more hardcore surgical sequences in the film. I think people are going to have a lot of fun listening to our soundtrack because of what it adds to the scenes in the film.”

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Screecher – Jakalope

“Kevvy introduced us to a very cool gentleman that he has been working with, Jakalope’s founding member, Dave Ogilvie. Dave is just amazing with all the work he has done in the industry (Dave has worked with the likes of David Bowie, Queen, Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson). We were lucky enough to be able to include ‘Screecher’ on the soundtrack.”

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Ashamed – Deer Tick

“One of the songs that Katie, our Mary, listened to during the film was ‘Ashamed’ by Deer Tick, another great band. The song really touches on the psyche of the main character in the film.”

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Ave Maria – Bach

“You’ll also hear some beautiful renditions of ‘Ave Maria’ recorded specifically for the film on the soundtrack.”

American Mary will be presented in theatres across Canada on Thursday, May 30 as part of Cineplex’s Sinister Cinema event. Get your tickets & info here, and watch the official trailer.

Join the American Mary facebook community for more screening and release details, and follow the Soska twins on twitter and facebook.

Birmingham breakthrough artist, Laura Mvula, is earning comparisons to epic talents like Nina Simone and Nat King Cole, but doesn’t want to wear the crown just yet.

“It’s flattering, but I can in no way be compared to such iconic music legends,” Laura says. “I’m so young in my development and I have so much to learn.”

While that is what the 26 year-old newcomer modestly insists, her debut album, Sing to the Moon, says differently.

You would never guess that this soulful orchestral pop record marks Laura’s first time in a recording studio, “and my first time as boss lady,” she adds.

“It was all new. I had to learn how to talk to musicians, you know, ‘Please mister sir, who is twice my age and has played in every orchestra I can think of, can you play it this way, and not that way?’ I struggled with that. I might have a few insecurities to work on,” Laura laughs.

Next, Laura is trying to find her footing, dizzy from instant stardom and the speed at which her career is accelerating.

In under a year, Laura was shortlisted for the Critics’ Choice Award at the 2013 BRIT Awards, ranked fourth on the BBC’s Sound of 2013 poll and pierced the American market with an applauded performance at SXSW, all before Sing to the Moon even dropped.  

“Everything is happening so quickly, it’s like I’m living a fantasy,” she says.

And, like a dream come true, Sing to the Moon made the Top 10 UK Albums Chart, and the record’s success recently brought Laura back to North America for a promotional tour.

“It is an amazing feeling, but so overwhelming,” Laura admits. “Knowing that it is a huge privilege to share this part of me with the world keeps me going through this whirlwind. People are connecting with the album and that makes me feel like I’ve got a good lengthy go at this.”

Laura may not be ready to be crowned Britain’s next big thing, but she is an heir to the throne and that is undeniable.

While in Montreal on her promotional tour, Laura took a minute to put together this playlist.

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Little Girl Blue – Nina Simone

“I love this cover. It’s always in my top three.”

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I Wanna Be Where You Are – Michael Jackson

“One of my favorite Jackson songs.”

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Baby Be Mine – Michael Jackson

“I love Rod Temperton. He wrote this Michael Jackson recording.”

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Concerto for Double String Orchestra – Michael Tippett

“This, for me, is one of the greatest pieces of music of all time.”

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I Thank You God for This Most Amazing Day – Eric Whitacre

“I wanted to walk down the aisle to this song, but my mother-in-law said it was too granny. I don’t care, it’s still one of my favorites.”

Laura’s debut album, Sing to the Moon, is available on iTunes now. Follow Laura on twitter and facebook.

Chuck Comeau is photographed by A. Dagher, special to marcandrew.ca ©marcandrew.ca

To mark the release of Simple Plan’s hot new single, “Summer Paradise,” featuring MKTO, marcandrew.ca is giving away a sizzling Simple Plan prize pack.

Here is a look at what is inside.

Chuck Comeau, drummer of the chart topping, award-winning ensemble, autographed his drum sticks especially for you!

Core fans may remember Simple Plan’s hard-to-miss, racy nude Centraide campaign. Well, that steamy poster is included!

You will also receive a $25 iTunes gift card to get you started on your summer playlist!

And just incase you don’t have the guys’ last album, Get Your Heart On!, that is in there too.

To enter this contest, like marcandrew.ca on facebook and write “Simple Plan!” on the wall.

The lucky winner will be contacted via facebook.

Contest ends Thursday, June 13.

Simple Plan’s single, “Summer Paradise,” featuring MKTO is available as of Tuesday, May 28.

Follow Simple Plan on twitter and facebook.

For those who haven’t tuned in to the CW hit series, Nina stars as both Elena Gilbert, a worrisome girl next door, and Katherine Pierce, an egocentric, devious and cutthroat vampire.

As appetizing and evil sexy cool as that sounds, Nina grew hungry for something else when season four was nearing its end.

“I’ve been looking for new inspiration,” Nina says.

So while the cast and crew of the Vampire Diaries are on a summer hiatus, the actress is going to show off just how versatile she really is by sinking her teeth into something new. Comedy. 

Nina landed a main role in the feature film, Let’s Be Cops, opposite prime time funny guys Damon Wayans Jr. of Happy Endings, and Jake Johnson from New Girl.  

Nina plays girlfriend to Damon’s character who, along with his buddy, impersonates cops just for kicks until they have a run-in with a very real mobster.

Filming has already kicked off and should wrap up by the end of summer seeing as Nina still has her Diaries duty to fulfill.

“I wish I had a little bit more time off to be home and see my friends because I honestly miss it,” Nina says of her busy schedule.

But don’t consider that a complaint. The star loves her daily grind and the challenges that come with her double role on the Vampire Diaries.

“You’ve got to love what you do,” Nina says. “Otherwise there’s no point in doing it.” 

Plus, the actress adds, “I get to kill people and suck blood!”

Now what’s not to love about that?

The Vampre Diaries season finale airs on MuchMusic on Friday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

Let’s Be Cops is expected in 2014.

Follow Nina on facebook and twitter.

Colt is photographed by Hannah Palmer, special to marcandrew.ca ©marcandrew.ca

Colt Prattes, Pink’s “Try” video co-star, autographed a handful of 4×6 stills of the jaw-dropping MuchMusic Video Award-nominated video following an exclusive interview and photo shoot with marcandrew.ca during the Montreal tour stop of Pink’s The Truth About Love World Tour.

Colt Prattes autographed 4×6 “Try” video still

Here is your chance to “try” your luck at winning one of these rare collector items!

To enter this contest, like marcandrew.ca on facebook and write “Colt!” on the wall.

Contest ends Thursday, May 30.

Winners will be contacted via facebook.

You can also get your hands on an autographed 8×10 official Ripped Together photo of Colt by visiting Colt and Angelina Mullins’ fitness venture, Ripped Together, here.

“Try” is nominated for Internation Video of the Year and Pink is up for Your Fave International Artist of the Year at the 2013 MMVAs. The award show takes place at MuchMusic on Sunday, June 16. Get all your MMVA info here.

Connect with Colt on twitter.

Colt is photographed by Hannah Palmer, special to marcandrew.ca ©marcandrew.ca

Congratulations are in order for Pink and company.

The superstar’s video for her triple platinum single, “Try,” is nominated for International Video of the Year at the 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards.

Justin Timberlake, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna are also in the running for the honor that has previously gone to the likes of Madonna, Beyonce and Lady Gaga.

In all the excitement, Colt Prattes, Pink’s video co-star, can’t seem to wrap his head around the extent of the video’s success and the global attention it has received.

“I thought I was going in to meet Alecia, do a video and have something to look back on and be proud of. The end,” Colt says (yes, they are on a real name basis). “Now, it is just so much more.”

“Try” has reached over 84 million views on youtube, which is no surprise, just look at the guy, and while the numbers continue to rise, Colt is dancing by Pink’s side on her Truth About Love World Tour.

“Now that, I didn’t expect,” Colt laughs. “A world tour?”

After wrapping the video, Colt was approached by Pink’s management team on her behalf, and asked to join the icon on her international tour.

“Of course I said yes. I’m ecstatic to be working with her more.” 

Colt was also asked to join Pink for numerous live reenactments of the video including their critically acclaimed performance at the 2012 American Music Awards.

“I’m fortunate that when I met Alecia we had an immediate connection,” Colt says. “I could not respect her more as an artist. Alecia is one of the most inspiring and motivating people I’ve ever been around. She pushed me throughout the ‘Try’ video shoot and continues to every day.”

Colt also hit it off with Pink’s fans and has become something of a celebrity within the community.

“So many people from around the world started writing me through twitter and facebook. It’s amazing to feel such an outpour of love from her fans. I really think that comes from Alecia’s love and what she gives to them,” he smiles.

Now, Colt is living la vie en rose, thanks to one video that has grown larger than life, and, among its accolades, is recognized at the 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards.

Pink is also nominated for Your Fave International Artist of the Year. For a full list of the nominees visit MuchMusic here. The MMVAs will be held on Sunday, June 16 at MuchMusic.

Follow Colt on twitter.

This is a confession that no one could have seen coming.

“Christina Aguilera,” Josh says, with a dead serious look in his eyes. “She is a firecracker, a tough cookie. She is like chain metal underwear!”

The band’s new album, Like Clockwork, is available Tuesday, June 4. Follow the Queens of the Stone Age on facebook and twitter.

“I found this old, dope pic of me,” Holden says. “I’d love for you to post it.”

Holden Nowell, Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe,” dreamy video co-star, is more than just a pretty face and washboard abs.

“I’d like to start being recognized for my music and not just as a model,” Holden says over his mobile. “Yeah man, I rap.”

Looking to push his modeling career behind him and move in a new direction, Holden has taken on the stage name “H da 6′Trey” and has been spending long hours in the recording studio.

“Modeling isn’t really me,” Holden admits. “Music’s always been a part of who I am and I’m not gonna hide it. I just can’t wait to share it.”

Keep an eye out. Holden promises the release of a mixtape and a full length debut by summer.

Before H da 6′Trey headed back into the studio, he wanted to set you up with this playlist. Check it.

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Juicy – Notorious B.I.G.

“One of my favorite songs. To me, this is about making something out of nothing.”

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Changes – 2Pac

“‘Changes’ has a message and a lot of meaning. 2Pac’s really trying to say something with this one.”

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If I Had – Eminem

“When you hear this song… oh man, he’s pouring his heart out. I’ve had quite a past and some trials and tribulations. I know what it’s like to be young, broke and chasing a dream. There’s something about this song that I can relate to, like eating with plastic cutlery all the way to not having my songs on the radio.”

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Old Man – Neil Young

“Classic Neil Young. This song brings tears to my eyes. ‘Old man look at my life, I’m a lot like you were.’ I don’t know my father too well, he ran out when I was a little kid. It’s crazy that sometimes I feel like I’m making the same dumb mistakes that my pop did, even though I don’t know the dude. This one takes me back.”

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No Woman No Cry – Bob Marley

“I’ve been listening to Bob Marley since I was a little kid. I love this track. I love Bob Marley. This playlist wouldn’t be me if there wasn’t any Bob.”

Follow Holden on twitter and check him out on reverbnation.

Happy worker: Kristen Hager is all smiles ©marcandrew.ca

Kristen Hager’s long flowing golden locks reflect sunlight the same way the wavy surface of the St. Lawrence River does at high noon.

Shades are required.

From behind her aviators, Kristen smiles. What fuels her grin is uncertain at this point.

The actress stayed behind at a press conference in the Old Port of Montreal to intimately talk about her current gig on Syfy’s hit series, Being Human (which is filmed here in the city), rather than get out of the blistering heat.

I mean we’re sweating here, so how thrilled could she truly be?

“No really, I’m happy to stay,” Kristen insists. “This is great and I love talking about Being Human. It’s so exciting.”

The Ontario-native, who previously starred opposite Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy in the action blockbuster Wanted, has been a guest star on Being Human since season one (2011), but only graduated to show regular in season three this year.

“I was hoping for it at the end of every season,” Kristen laughs. “You know, I felt like it was a long time coming.”

Kristen got the news of her promotion over the phone at her place in LA where she has been spending winters.

“I was waiting to hear what was happening and I knew that we were a month away from production,” she remembers. “The way season two ended, I didn’t even know if I was coming back at all.”

Well, viewers know that Kristen returned alright, full time and with a vengeance. 

“There’s just great stuff Sammy Huntington and I got to do,” Kristen says of her co-star and the season that ended on April 8.

Also last month, the suits at Syfy announced that Being Human was renewed for a fourth season.

“Being Human really hit its stride creatively this year,” said the cable network’s President of Original Content, Mark Stern. “This show has become a signature series for Syfy and we are thrilled to have it return in 2014.”

The executives at Syfy aren’t the only ones who know a good thing when they see it. Before even wrapping up the season, Kristen knew they struck gold.

“It’s my favorite season,” she says. “I just love this show and how, if you take away all the supernatural elements, it’s about human beings dealing with very real afflictions. There are so many metaphors for very human problems. The writers do a fabulous job, and I think it’s one of the reasons why the show is successful.”

But smart writing and a talented cast doesn’t necessarily equate a sure thing in a reality where networks are swinging axes like eager tweens at a pee wee batting practice. 

“You’re right, so many shows do get cut and it is a difficult business,” Kristen admits. “So difficult that you’re lucky to find work, but here I am. I found this unique, exciting show and I’m happy. I’m just so happy to be working,”

And there’s that smile.

Being Human returns to Syfy in early 2014. Follow Kristen on twitter and facebook.

The godfathers of boy bands are back with a new album and a North American tour. What looked like a midlife crisis when they initially returned in 2008 is looking more and more like a serious comeback.

If seeing is believing, then the first sighting was at the 2008 MuchMusic Video Awards. It had been well over a decade since the New Kids last performed, and they nailed it dead on.

The guys were in sync, rehearsed and in shape. More importantly, not one of these forty-somethings threw their back out trying to keep up with their entourage of dancers half their age.

The New Kids went on to release their comeback album, The Block, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart, sold 100,000 copies in its first week and fueled a world tour.

“[Our fans] have been incredible,” Donnie Wahlberg says.

The masses of young girls who spent their allowance and babysitting money on concert tickets and NKOTB merchandise in the mid-80s have stood the test of time and are more loyal than ever.

“They’ve evolved into respectful, healthy, mature, adult screaming fans,” Donnie continues. “This is a chance for them to just let their hair down and be kids again. It’s a chance for us to do that as well.”

But what have the New Kids on the Block been doing for 15 whole years?

Well, since hitting Splitsville in 1994, each member went down their own avenue and built very different solo careers.

Taking a cue from his younger brother Mark Wahlberg, Donnie traded the stage for the silver screen, and went on to appear in blockbuster films like Saw II and its sequels, the acclaimed mini-series Band of Brothers and more recently the crime drama Blue Bloods.

Joey McIntyre and Jordan Knight continued on musical path, each releasing solo albums. Joey pushed his career further and went on to appear in Broadway musicals like Wicked, TV’s Boston Public and as a contender on Dancing with the Stars.

Danny Wood dabbled in music production and hit the gym, big time.

And finally, we have Jonathan Knight who quickly became the black sheep member of the group. Jonathan’s missing years were very different from his boy band brothers. He struggled with anxiety and fully withdrew from the entertainment industry. He built a career in real estate and has been living an openly gay lifestyle since the split in 1994.

With each original member clearly doing their own thing, the historic group’s return was the most unexpected comeback of the decade.

The reunion especially came as a surprise considering the amount of times rumors were flat out denied.

“Since we broke up, everyone’s been coming to us [about] a reunion,” Jordan Knight says.

“We’ve had many offers in the past,” Donnie adds. “But it was always on someone else’s agenda. It really didn’t serve us. It had to about a connection between us and not about making a fortune. It had to be about us wanting to make music together again and going from there.”

And from there, the NKOTB are actually going strong, especially in Canada, where The Block is certified gold.

“It feels great,” Joey McIntyre smiles. “Canada has been amazing and so supportive.”

So supportive, that the New Kids are coming around again this summer with 98 Degrees and Boyz II Men in support of their forthcoming album, 10.

With ongoing international tours and solid album sales, it’s hard not to take their return seriously.

Even before their comeback album was released to success, the men had a plan of attack. The Block featured current chart toppers The Pussycat Dolls, Lady Gaga, Ne-Yo and Akon. In recruiting these hit makers, the NKOTB merged the past and the present. They reclaimed followers from their glory days, while catering to a fresh new fanbase.

The NKOTB are doing more than reliving their wonder years. Step by step they’ve moved back in on the mainstream and picked up right where they left off.

“And we’re having fun,” Donnie says. “We’re getting to do something we haven’t done in a long time. I don’t think we’re having a mid-life crisis,” he insists, defending the group.

Rest assured New Kids, your fans don’t think so either.

The New Kids’ album, 10, is available on iTunes now. The group performs at Montreal’s Bell Centre on Thursday, June 6. More tour dates here.

Follow the New Kids on the Block on twitter and facebook.

Rainn Wilson, who has starred as Dwight Schrute since the comedy debuted in 2005, shares the secret to success, fame and fortune.

“I think anyone who’s shown their butt crack a good deal has a great deal of success,” Rainn says. “It is one of the most vulnerable, beautiful and under appreciated parts of our body. Just ask Avril Lavigne.”

The Office series finale airs on Thursday, May 16 at 9 p.m. EST on NBC.

Dragonette’s Bodyparts autographed by members Dan Kurtz, Martina Sorbara and Joel Stouffer ©marcandrew.ca

Canada’s Dragonette and Australia’s The Presets have joined forces for an electrifying coast-to-coast tour.

Dragonette is parading their latest release, the Juno-nominated hit album, Bodyparts, and this is your chance to win an autographed copy!

To enter, like marcandrew.ca on facebook and write “Dragonette” on the wall.

Contest ends Thursday, May 16 at 5 p.m. EST. The winner will be contacted via facebook.

Dragonette and The Presets play Montreal’s le National tour on Thursday, May 9. Complete tour dates here. Follow Dragonette on twitter and facebook now.