Entertainment
A Review of Mattress, A 10 Minute Film
Mattress Nominated For Young Artist Award (2016) and Vancouver Joey Awards (2015)
Just as the title says, this movie is about a mattress. While that might not sound great, this short film, which is only ten minutes in length, follows the situation that unfolds when, under cover of darkness, a family dumps an old mattress in a dirty Strathcona alley. What happens next is an all-out suburban war, and the next day, blame passes from neighbor to neighbor with no one willing to take responsibility for the abandoned and illegally dumped mattress.
Dodging rotten eggs and Molotov cocktails, the youngest member of the Lee family, has to do the right thing, and the movie is about how Little Boy Lee has to take responsibility for his actions and clean up the streets.
The Movie ‘Mattress’ was Inspired By True Events
While it might sound unbelievable to you, this short movie was written by Michelle Kee, who said that she had always envisioned Mattress to be an extension of her overly-indulgent imagination during one strange month when a pale blue mattress was dumped on her garage and began a passive-aggressive mini-war between her neighbors, she said: “During that month, the mattress degraded into this disgusting big blue eyesore that had been spat on, peed on and even run over. The mystery of how and when the mattress ended up in the alley and the emotion it sparked between my neighbors fascinated me. We actually filmed this story in the same alley as the original inspiration.”
While only a short film, ‘Mattress’ is in a sense, an epic retelling of this incident from the perspective of the ‘dump and ditchers’ – specifically the youngest member of the family, Little Boy Lee.
Michelle Kee, who has lived in Singapore, the UK, and the USA before laying down roots in Vancouver, Canada, and has directed one short film and two music videos.
Mattress is a Tale Through a Young Boy’s Eyes
Every scene of Mattress is from the perspective of Little Boy Lee, and while it is an entertaining and funny film, at its very core, it’s a story about a little boy coming of age. The film is enjoyable as although only short, it takes you on a ride as the situation in the alley continues to escalate but what is the most important and endearing part of the film is that you get to see Little Boy Lee finding out and learning that a person’s actions can lead to disastrous consequences and that there’s a difference between family and world values.
Entertainment
Notes from the Heart: Lartist Yan on Music, Motivation, and ‘Second Chance’
By Mj Toledo
US rising singer, songwriter, producer, and beatmaker Lartist Yan has always believed that music is a universal language, and his recent rise in the industry proves he’s fluent in it. With his new hit song “Second Chance” and upcoming tour, fans nationwide eagerly anticipate his old-school soul and contemporary flair, as Lartist Yan blends genres such as Country Blues, Reggae, Pop, RnB/Soul, Ballad, Folk, and Soul/Blues into his captivating performances. The rising star discusses his songwriting process and how he is turning real-life challenges into chart-topping hits that speak to the soul.
Q: Can you share the creative process behind “Second Chance”? What inspired the melody and lyrics?
Lartist Yan: Of course. “Second Chance” was quite an experience for me. It all started one night when I was sleeping, and I suddenly heard this melody playing in my ears, as if someone was playing it to me from afar. It was a mysterious, compelling melody that demanded to be heard. I immediately woke up and started working on it, trying to capture the essence of what I had heard in my dream.
The lyrics were born from a personal experience of betrayal and disappointment. I had been let down by someone I loved at the time, and this song became a way for me to process those emotions.
But more than just expressing pain, I wanted “Second Chance” to offer hope. The message is that everyone deserves a second chance and that failure can often be the beginning of something great.
Q: Your music is like a combination of various genres. How do you balance these different influences in your songwriting?
Lartist Yan: What an interesting question. I really do not have a strict formula. I just let my inner self guide me. Listening to so many genres gave me a broad musical palette to work.
When I write a song, I naturally draw from these influences, picking elements that best express the emotion or story I am trying to convey.
We should not confine music to rigid genre boundaries. Instead, I aim to create a sound that is authentic to me, often resulting in a fusion of styles. For example, in “Second Chance,” you will hear elements of old-school RnB mixed with modern pop production techniques. This honors my musical roots while also creating something fresh.
Q: “Second Chance” has quickly climbed the charts in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK). Why do you think listeners love it so much?
Lartist Yan: I believe the universal theme of hope and redemption in “Second Chance” resonates most with listeners. We have all experienced setbacks in life, and the idea that we can bounce back and deserve another opportunity speaks to people. I am truly humbled and grateful that “Second Chance” has touched so many people and found its way onto the charts.
Q: You have mentioned multiple times that your music addresses real-life challenges. How do you translate personal experiences into chart toppers?
Lartist Yan: Translating personal experiences into universal themes is at the heart of my songwriting process. I believe that even though our individual experiences are unique, many often share the emotions we feel.
When I write about a personal challenge or situation, I focus on the emotions and the broader lessons learned rather than getting caught up in specific details that only apply to me.
For example, with “Second Chance,” I think about how others might relate to my feelings and what words or melodies might resonate with them. It is about finding the common thread in our human experiences so listeners can see themselves in the music, even if their circumstances differ.
Q: Can you tell us about your upcoming single, “The Wave of Love”? How does it differ from or build upon “Second Chance”?
Lartist Yan: While “Second Chance” focuses on themes of redemption and new beginnings, “The Wave of Love” explores the power of genuine, true love and how authentic love can impact our lives.
Musically, “The Wave of Love” builds upon the soulful foundation of “Second Chance” but introduces new elements that reflect the song’s theme. You will hear a more expansive sound. I cannot wait for everyone to listen to it and experience this new aspect of my artistry.
Q: You’ve won several prestigious awards before releasing your first single. How have these accolades impacted your career?
Lartist Yan: Winning those awards in Russia was a turning point for me. It was not just about the recognition; it also gave me a huge confidence boost in my abilities as a performer.
When starting, you often doubt yourself, wondering if you have what it takes. But standing on those stages, receiving the Golden Voice of Russia and the other awards, was like a confirmation that I was on the right path.
Those accolades also opened up a lot of doors for me. I got to share the stage with some major stars in Moscow, which was an incredible learning experience. It exposed me to a broader audience and helped me understand what it takes to perform consistently at a high level. But more than anything, it fueled my passion to keep pushing, improving, and bringing my music to an even bigger stage – which is why I am so excited about my move to the U.S. market now.
Q: As both a songwriter and beatmaker, how do you approach the production process for your tracks?
Lartist Yan: It is very organic and intuitive. It usually starts with a feeling or an experience I want to express. Sometimes, like with “Second Chance,” the melody comes to me in a dream, and I build from there.
Other times, I will start with a beat or a chord progression that captures the emotion I am trying to convey. I do not like to force the process. I believe the best music comes when you let it flow naturally.
Q: How do you balance creating personally meaningful and commercially appealing music?
Lartist Yan: That is a great question, and I think about it a lot. For me, the key is to always start with authenticity. If a song is significant to me, if it comes from a genuine place of emotion or experience, then it has the potential to connect with others. That connection is what makes music commercially appealing in the long run.
Of course, I am not naive about the realities of the music industry. I pay attention to trends and what is resonating with audiences. But instead of trying to copy what is popular, I look for ways to incorporate those elements into my style.
Q: You’re preparing for your first U.S. tour. What can fans expect from your live performances?
Lartist Yan: I am incredibly excited about my first U.S. tour. Regarding the setlist, I’ll perform songs from my debut album, including ‘Second Chance,’ some memorable covers, and tracks from my debut EP. I also plan to include interactive elements to connect with the audience.
My band and I have been rehearsing extensively to guarantee that we deliver a tight, energetic show that brings the studio recordings to life. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to my music, I promise an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
We will start the “Discover Me” Tour in Los Angeles, then head to Washington, D.C., and New York City. After that, we will be in Seattle, Chicago, and wrap up in Dallas in 2024-2025.
Q: What are your long-term goals as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Lartist Yan: My long-term vision is to become a global artist who can touch people’s lives through music, regardless of where they are from or what language they speak. I also want to create music that entertains and brings positive change.
To achieve these goals, I am focusing on a few key things. First, I am constantly working on my craft – writing, producing, and performing as much as possible to keep improving. I am also very committed to building genuine connections with my audience through music and platforms like social media.
The upcoming tour is a big part of this strategy. It is about getting out there and connecting with people face-to-face. It is a long journey, and I am excited about every step of it.
For longtime fans and new listeners, the upcoming US artist’s music provides a fresh take grounded in real experiences. With a new song and an upcoming tour in the pipeline, the world is about to get a “Second Chance” at falling in love with music all over again through Lartist Yan.
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