True North Pin Up Contest Titles

At True North Pin Up, we don’t just crown winners—we celebrate icons. Our titles reflect vintage elegance, modern confidence, and a whole lotta heart. Whether you're rocking victory rolls or putting a fresh twist on retro, our contest honours the spirit, style, and sass of Canadian pin-up royalty.

👑 Queen of the Show (1st Place)

Our top honour, reserved for the dazzling darling who commands the stage with vintage authenticity, radiant confidence, and unforgettable flair. The Queen is the full package—style, poise, and presence all wrapped up in a bombshell bow. She doesn’t just wear the crown—she owns it.

👒 Dame of the Day (2nd Place)

She’s grace, she’s grit, she’s got that sparkle in her eye. Our Dame of the Day exudes charm and class with every strut and smile. A runner-up in score, but a full-blown winner in every other way, this pin-up powerhouse is unforgettable.

💋 Doll of the Day (3rd Place)

Sweet, stylish, and full of vintage vibe, our Doll of the Day brings big heart and bold energy. She lights up the room and leaves a lasting impression—because every pin-up has a story, and this one’s just getting started.

🌹 Miss Gracious (Fundraising Award) Drumheller Specific Title

Miss Gracious is more than just a pretty face—she’s the heart of the hive. This title honours the pin-up who went above and beyond to support her community, raise awareness, and rally the troops for a cause that matters. She’s generous, grounded, and gracious in every way—radiating kindness, empathy, and strength.

When she’s raising funds for our chosen charity, Miss Gracious is proof that vintage values never go out of style.

This crown is reserved for a woman who leads with love—and leaves a trail of good wherever she goes.

Want to see the rubric? Check it here

A New Chapter for True North: Listening, Growing, and Rebuilding Together

Over the past week, I’ve done a lot of listening. I’ve heard your voices—in conversations, in messages, and in moments of vulnerability. I’ve sat with your stories, your feedback, your frustrations, and your hopes. And I want you to know: I see you. I hear you. And I’m doing the work.

True North Pin Up has never just been about the stage. It’s about the community behind it. The friendships. The visibility. The joy. The safety. And yes—the accountability too.

That’s why I’m making changes. Not just promises. Not just posts. But tangible, structural change.

Here’s what I’m committing to:

1. Clearer Communication
Our new 5-Step Communication Plan will ensure every contestant knows what to expect—from welcome emails to judging rubrics, photo bookings, timelines, and final reminders. You won’t be left wondering. You’ll be informed and empowered.

2. Collaboration & Support
I’m no longer doing it alone. I’ve partnered with passionate leaders like Janelle of Miss Friend Photography and Rose Chantel of AB Charity Collaborations to create better systems and more inclusive practices. We’re working together to ensure no detail is missed.

3. Holding Creatives Accountable
A brand-new Media Code of Conduct is now in place to ensure every photographer and content creator upholds the same values we expect from our contestants: respect, fairness, and consent. This applies to everyone behind the lens.

4. Respecting the Official Photographer
We’re honouring the creatives who invest in our events. Janelle of Miss Friend Photography—who pays to be there and brings her time and talent—is our official event photographer. A booking system is now in place, and all other photographers must apply, be approved, and follow the code of conduct.

5. Feedback & Transparency
We’ve launched a detailed feedback form so everyone can share their experience—the good, the hard, and the honest. This will shape how we move forward, together.

6. Non-Competitive Connection Events
We are committed to creating more spaces for connection without competition. This includes casual meet-ups, styled photo sessions, and collaborative experiences that prioritize community, creativity, and friendship—no scores, no pressure, just pure joy.

7. Anti-Bullying & Respect Policy Reinforcement
We’ve revisited and reinforced our Anti-Bullying & Abuse Policy to reflect our zero-tolerance stance on gossip, exclusion, and mistreatment in all its forms—online or in-person. Everyone participating in True North events agrees to uphold a culture of kindness, consent, and inclusivity. We are building a space where all bodies, stories, and identities are respected, and everyone feels safe to shine.

This is my promise to you:

To continue listening.
To take action rooted in kindness, not ego.
To lead with integrity, vulnerability, and growth.

I’m here to make sure True North is not just about pin-up culture—but about real culture change.

Thank you for holding space. Thank you for showing up. And thank you for walking this journey with me.

With all my heart,
Kiki Lou
Editor in Chic, True North Pin Up Magazine

We Heard You: Here’s How We’re Communicating Better at True North

At True North Pin Up, we believe information is empowerment—and that confidence starts way before you hit the stage.

After reflecting on recent events, listening to community feedback, and sitting with some hard (but important) truths, we knew it was time to do better. That’s why we’re rolling out a brand-new Contestant Communication Plan designed to make your experience clearer, kinder, and more empowering from start to finish.

Why This Matters

We’ve all been there—wondering where to go, what time to show up, or if we even belong. That uncertainty can dim your shine. And that’s not what we’re about.

This new plan is here to remove confusion and create clarity, so you can focus on what really matters: celebrating yourself, having fun, and owning that stage.

The 5-Step Communication Plan

Every contestant will now receive five key communications leading up to each event:

1. You're In!

When: Immediately after acceptance when the registration time period closes.
You’ll get a warm welcome email confirming your spot, what to do next, and a link to our Anti-Bullying & Inclusion Policy. It sets the tone for the values we hold—and the love we lead with.

2. The Contestant Guide

When: 2–3 weeks before the event
This guide includes everything you need:

• What to expect on the day-of

• Judging categories and the updated rubric (we’re simplifying things!)
  Queen (1st)
  Dame (2nd)
  Doll (3rd)
  Miss Gracious (exclusive to Drumheller—Top Fundraiser)

• Code of conduct reminders

• Optional graphics and social media tips to share your spotlight moment

3. Photographer Access & Booking

When: 10–14 days before the event
You’ll receive access to a booking calendar for photos with Janelle of Miss Friend Photography, our official event photographer, in collaboration with Rose Chantel of AB Charity Collaborations.

This new system:

• Ensures equal access to photo time

• Respects photographer investment

• Keeps the experience kind, professional, and smooth

4. Event Timeline + After Party Details

When: 5–7 days before the event
You’ll get your full schedule, arrival times, contest timeline, and after-party details—so you know exactly how to plan your day like the icon you are.

5. Final Check-In & Encouragement

When: 2–3 days before the event
A quick final email with:

• Last-minute reminders

• Your judging rubric (again)

• Day-of contacts

• And a whole lot of hype because—we’ve seen your sparkle, and we can’t wait to see it shine 💖

And Post-Event?

Want your scores or feedback? Just ask. We’re committed to transparency and growth, and we’ll always offer feedback to help you feel proud, not puzzled, about your results.

We also want feedback on how to improve our events, we will send out a feedback form.

The Bottom Line?

We’re raising the bar. For communication. For structure. For community.

Because your time matters. Your experience matters.
And you should never have to guess if you’re doing it right—you should feel it in your soul.

This is the new standard. And it’s built for you. 💕

With love and organization magic,
Kiki Lou

Photography, Fairness & Fresh Energy: A New Era for True North Events

Honouring the creators behind the camera—and the contestants in front of it.

If you’ve ever stood backstage at a pin-up event with butterflies in your stomach, flawless curls, and a heart full of hope… you know the power of being seen.
And if you’ve ever walked away without a single photo to show for it, you also know how deeply that can sting.

At True North, we’re not just about lipstick and lashes—we’re about building a community where every person feels celebrated, not sidelined. And that starts with ensuring that everyone has access to the spotlight.

After World of Wheels, it became clear that our photo process needed a refresh. We heard you. And we’re acting on it.

Introducing a New Collaboration:

We’re proud to share that we’re now collaborating with two powerhouse creatives to elevate how photography works at our events:

Janelle of Miss Friend Photography
Our official, paid photographer—who has supported countless True North events with artistry, heart, and consistency. Janelle pays to be present and contributes to the experience with professionalism, kindness, and a true passion for the pin-up community. She also drives a heck of a long way from Grand Prairie Alberta to be involved in our events.

Rose Chantel of AB Charity Collaborations
A champion for fairness, structure, and behind-the-scenes harmony. Rose is helping us develop a new, transparent system that makes photo time more accessible and respectful for everyone.

So What’s Changing?

We’re moving to a calendar-based booking system for photo sessions at all future events. Here’s what that means for you:

• No more wondering who gets photos—you’ll receive a booking link before the event to reserve your time.

• No more cliques or exclusivity—this system makes space for every contestant, not just the popular or well-connected.

• No more stress—just a smooth, structured way to plan your experience and feel seen.

Janelle will remain our official photographer when she attends events, and while other photographers may be present, they will be required to follow updated media conduct guidelines and must be approved in advance.

NEW POLICY: Media Code of Conduct Required

All photographers and media creatives who attend True North events must now agree to our Media Code of Conduct before participating in any shoots, whether official or unofficial.

This ensures that:

• Participants are treated with respect and dignity at all times

• No one is excluded based on appearance, popularity, or relationships

• Consent, professionalism, and transparency guide all interactions

This applies to ALL photographers, including those granted media passes. Our goal is not to limit creativity—but to protect the experience of every person involved. Read the Media Code of Conduct here.

Why This Matters

Because being left out of a group shot might sound small—but it doesn’t feel small.
Because people invest their hearts, time, and energy into these events—and they deserve to feel valued.
Because photographers are artists too—and when they show up with professional care and financial investment, that should be honoured.

This collaboration is about fairness, visibility, and respect—for every person behind and in front of the lens.

What’s Next?

When you enter a True North event, keep an eye on your inbox—our first booking calendar rollout. You’ll get all the info you need to plan your day and book your photo slot like the radiant legend you are.

We’re growing, evolving, and learning together—and we’re so proud to keep building a pin-up world where every body belongs.

With gratitude,
Kiki Lou

Why Kindness Isn’t Optional at True North

When I started True North Pin Up, I didn’t just want to host events or print a magazine—I wanted to create a movement.

A space where every person—regardless of size, style, background, or experience level—could feel seen, celebrated, and supported. A place where red lipstick meets real community. Where glitter and grit go hand in hand.

But lately, we’ve had to face some hard truths.

After World of Wheels, several concerns were brought to my attention—feelings of exclusion, whispers behind closed doors, selective behavior, and side-shoots that left others feeling invisible. I believe most of this wasn’t rooted in malice—but the impact was real. And the pain was felt.

So I want to be absolutely clear:

Bullying, gossip, exclusion, and disrespect have no place at True North.

This isn’t just about “drama.” This is about protecting the safe space we’ve worked so hard to build. The community we all say we want.

What We All Agreed To

When you registered for a True North Pin Up event, you signed off on a detailed Anti-Bullying & Anti-Abuse Policy.

Here’s what that means in plain language:

• No gossip. No cliques. No tearing others down.

• No “vibe” tests that exclude people from photos or conversations.

• No online side-eye, vague-posting, or passive-aggressive commentary.

• No abuse, in any form—verbal, emotional, or social.

• No retaliation when someone speaks up about harm.

And yes, this includes photographers and behind-the-scenes players, too. Everyone plays a role in the energy we bring to this space.

We’re Not Here to Recreate High School

We’re here to rewrite it—with kindness, courage, and community as our core values.

This is why we’re tightening expectations, starting with:

• Recognizing Miss Friend Photography as our official, paid photographer for events she is part of

• Requiring pre-approval for any additional photographers or media, including a Code of Conduct

• Enforcing our zero tolerance policy for exclusionary or harmful behavior—online or in person

• Increased communications through both the event Facebook Group AND via email so nothing and no one is missed

What Happens If the Policy Is Violated?

There may be consequences if someone is found to have broken the code, whether through bullying, exclusion, or online disrespect. That could mean:

• Disqualification from contests

• Removal from events

• Or being asked not to participate in future experiences

I don’t take that lightly, but I do take it seriously.

Because your emotional safety matters.
Your experience matters.
You matter.

A Final Word From My Heart

This past week has been heavy, but it’s also been healing. I’ve received so many messages of support, love, and encouragement from those of you who believe in what True North stands for.

That tells me this is still worth fighting for.

So let’s keep showing up for each other. Let’s hold ourselves to a higher standard. And let’s keep building a space that heals, empowers, and uplifts.

The pin-up community should be a place of radical joy and radical kindness.

Let’s be the reason someone feels brave enough to show up.

With love and fierce integrity,
Kiki Lou

Need to Revisit the Full Policy?

You can read or download our complete Anti-Bullying & Anti-Abuse Policy here:

True North Pinup Magazine Launches Heels & Hearts Initiative to Support Domestic Violence Survivors

For Immediate Release

Drumheller, AB – November 15, 2024 – True North Pinup Magazine is proud to announce the launch of its new Heels & Hearts Initiative, aimed at supporting vulnerable women and families affected by domestic violence. This initiative continues the legacy of the highly successful Rides for Relief, a car show fundraiser that raised over $16,000 for women’s shelters across Alberta.

Founded by Keri Looijen and Tracy Loeppky, Rides for Relief held three major events from 2018 to 2020. However, due to the challenges posed by COVID-19 and changes in location, large car shows are no longer feasible. Despite this, the mission to support survivors of domestic abuse continues under Heels & Hearts, which will now focus on new and innovative fundraising avenues.

While co-founder Tracy Loeppky has stepped back to focus on her growing business, Cunning Folk Pagan Emporium in Didsbury, her support for women’s causes remains steadfast. Keri Looijen, co-founder of Rides for Relief and Editor in Chief of True North Pin Up Magazine, is now taking the lead to continue this important work through the Heels & Hearts Initiative.

The first initiative will raise critical funds for Colton’s Place, a temporary domestic violence shelter in Drumheller. Colton’s Place provides a safe space for women and children in crisis and relies on community support to continue its work.

“We are thrilled to launch Heels & Hearts,” said Keri Looijen, founder of True North Pinup Magazine. “Although the format has changed, our dedication to supporting those affected by domestic violence remains stronger than ever.”

For more information on how you can support the Heels & Hearts Initiative, please visit www.truenorthpinup.ca/heelsandhearts

Contact:
Keri Looijen
Email: info@truenorthpinup.ca
Phone: 403-507-1788
Website: www.truenorthpinup.ca

BADASS BABE - Why We Need Rosie

Why We Need Rosie

I’m sure the majority of us are familiar with the iconic image of Rosie the Riveter, this image is synonymous with Women in thetrades and has become an image of women empowerment over the years. The 1943 propaganda poster created by J. Howard Millar was intended to encourage women to join the work force in order to fill the void created when men went off to war. In the aircraft industry alone, more than 310,000 women took on nontraditional roles, making up around 65% of the aircraft industry in the USA in 1943. A lot of women said they enjoyed the work and found it to be fulfilling and rewarding, a few women even had the opportunity to stay in the roles they had taken on during the war, and its these women that paved the way for the girls like me who wanted to enter the trades from a young age.

When I was a young girl I was fascinated by machines and how things worked. I liked using my hands to create things, and I liked taking things apart and trying to figure out how to put them back together. I had a hard time sitting idle for too long and I didn’t do well with the traditional way of schooling and instruction. I knew that an office type job would not be the right fit for me. So, when signing up for high school I decided it would be best to go to a school that offered some kind of skilled trade, even though the closest one was a 45min bus ride away. At that time there were quite a few high schools that offered trade programs, whether it be for automotive, welding, construction or hair stylist. Currently a lot of these schools are abandoning their trade programs, which is making it difficult for individuals who are interested in learning a trade at a young age, but also making it hard for businesses to find people who are interested in working in a skilled trade. This could also be the reason for the resurgence of Rosie in the last little while, and maybe it’s just me, but her influence and likeness have been gaining some momentum lately.

At the moment Canada is in a skilled labor shortage, meaning they just can’t find people to fill the jobs in various trades like welding, electrical, construction and mechanics. Statistics show the average age for a journey person (someone certified to do a specific trade) is 57, and according to Stats Canada the average age of retirement is between 63 and 65. So, in another 10 years around 25% of the skilled certified laborers in the trades will need to be replaced by someone, why not women again? Currently women make up about half of the work force, but only around 5% of those women are in skilled trades, that 5% also includes female dominant trades like hairstyling and aesthetics. Which is why we need Rosie again. Rosie helped to show women that they could do it, they could work along side men in factories and production shops doing the jobs traditionally carried out by men. Today we see more and more women entering nontraditional roles in the work place, but taking that step into a male dominant trade can be intimidating. I know when I got into the Auto Body trade about 18 years ago it was a challenge. Some things have changed since then, but some things remain the same. For instance, it’s really hard to ‘get your foot in the door’ or even be considered for the job. Interestingly enough, I am hearing that in the Auto Body trade more and more employers are seeing value in hiring female staff. What kind of value you ask, well it turns out women can more commonly see variations in color than men because of the cones and rods inside of our eyes which perceive color, which is why we are seeing more and more female painters in the trade. I am also getting feed back saying women tend to have a great eye for detail and can offer a different perspective than that of their male counter parts, which can be extremely helpful in problem solving scenarios which we deal with every day in the body shop. Another interesting thing I noticed going through the trade was that I had more opportunity to learning from some of the more seasoned veterans in the shop than some of my male co-workers, for no other reason than the simple fact they didn’t feel threatened by me. I think there is something to be said about competitiveness with in the same sex whether it be male to male or female to female, and considering my lack of testosterone, I believe this helped me to tap into information that wasn’t available to some of my male coworkers. Now this wasn’t always the case, sometimes people in the shop were not very receptive to a female being there. It took them a while to get used to the fact that I actually wanted to be there, and had hand skills that were capable of preforming the same tasks as them. It took a lot of hard work and me going over and above my job description to prove to some of them that I had what it took to make it in the trade.

Now I know some of you may be thinking that that isn’t fair and that’s a whole lot of BS, but the way I look at it is, by doing all that extra work (that I wasn’t always paid for), and by staying late to learn or hone my skills, not only did it help me to be accepted by my co workers but it helped to elevate the work ethic of the shop as a whole. By my showing everyone how hard I was willing to work to be there, and showing how much passion I had, I truly believe it helped to remind some of my coworkers why they themselves got into the trade. Nowadays I am happy to hear that more women are beginning to feel accepted in the trades and they feel encouraged by their male counterparts to learn and grow in their field. Now don’t get me wrong, there are still some hurdles women are going to have to overcome, and there are still some misconceptions about women being able to do work that has been otherwise fulfilled by men over the years, but I feel like we are on our way to closing the gender gap in the trades.

One of the major misconceptions of the trades as a whole is that it is dirty, hard work reserved for those of us without ‘academic aptitude’. There is a whole lot I could say about that, but in order to keep this article PG rated all I will say is that, that mind set is the furthest thing from the truth you can get. In order to be a trades person you need to have an incredibly creative mind, you need to be able to process technical information quickly and apply what you see on paper to something that is tangible. The trades are critical in the development of a country and its going to take some hard working, creative and passionate people to fill those roles in order to prevent a labor shortage. Being a trades person has been the most rewarding experience of my life, everyday I feel like I’m making a difference. Its hard work and there are days I come home exhausted, but I come home with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. But more importantly I am showing my daughter that with hard work and passion you can make a difference in the world while enjoying what you do.

I like to think that the strength and perseverance of the trail blazers from yesteryear have been the spark to light the torches of the strong beautiful women of our trades today. If it wasn’t for their hard work and persistence we wouldn’t see the diversity in the trades we see today, and after almost two decades in the Auto Body trade I am starting to see the change happen. As a woman in the trades I feel that it is important for me to help encourage other women to seek out their dreams and not put limitations on themselves, try something different be bold and don’t let anything hold you back from doing what you are passionate about. And if you want to get into a trade there are women out there to help support you in your journey. There are programs like WITT (Women In Trades and Technology), empower, women building futures and countless other women trade programs that can help you on your path to being a trades person.

As a beautiful, strong, and courageous women once said, “You can do it!”

Miss Ashley Rose

Photographer Spotlight: Vintage & Vogue Photography

Mark Bilash of Vintage and Vogue Photography, located in beautiful Ste. Anne Manitoba is one of the best pin up photographers in Canada. His work has graced the covers and pages of over 60 international pin up magazines. With a passion for the vintage styling of the 1920s through the 1960s, he pulls a flair for it in all his sessions including traditional cheesecake, couples, maternity, and beyond.



Mark has always been a lover of history, with a strong gravitational pull toward vintage. With two studios located in Ste. Anne and Winnipeg Manitoba, offering both boudoir and (our favourite) pin up photography. To separate his quality from the amateur, he is a Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) accredited member, in both studio lighting and pin up photography. One of only two accredited photographers in the pin up category nationwide. This accreditation is quite intense as you have to show a high level of quality in all your work, and prove to a panel of judges that your work is high-caliber enough to gain the sacred accredited seal. 



Mark pulls his inspiration from the bygone eras of; “craftsmanship, things were made stronger and everything was a piece of art”. With a prop collection that would make an antique lover squeal with joy, he also owns a 1950 Dodge Deluxe and a 1959 Vespa Motor Scooter that makes the gears and grease girls swoon. With an expansive wardrobe of outfits and costumes, he is set to help all women travel back in time with ease and to have the best most inspiring photoshoot.



With two studios, booking a photoshoot is flexible and easy to access. With connections to local hairstylists and makeup artists, he will connect you to get the most out of your shoot and look top-notch. Due to his drive to make each client shoot as individual and unique as they are he prefers to take time to get to know his clients so he can help plan the shoot of their dreams. 



Photography is a very powerful medium and a treasure that will last generations. He really emphasizes on printed products that help to tell a story, “the physicality to hang on the wall has more impact”. It tells a story of the experience; the positivity, the empowerment and can uplift women for a long time.



While no one is totally happy with themselves and it’s always easy to nitpick ourselves. However, when clients see themselves on the computer at the end of the photoshoot is magical. Suddenly they are emotionally uplifted and happy and leave as if they are on a sugar rush. “A positive uplifting experience, with planning and the actual shoot followed by stunning images, it’s a build-up. The images are the bonus.”



His favourite part of pin up photography is time traveling with his clients and uplifting and empowering women to see the sparkle within.



Mark assures us that the Canadian pin up community is busy, interactive, and fun. In his words, Pin Up is a wide range of all women and emphasizes on “self-love, body acceptance and positivity”. So next time you’re in Manitoba, give Mark a call and book a shoot; then submit your gorgeous photos for a chance and at being published in the next edition of True North Pin Up Magazine.

Connect and Book with Mark-

Website: www.vintageandvoguephotography.ca 


Email: justdreamphotography@gmail.com


Phone: (204) 296-6647



Social media:



Facebook @vintageandvoguephotography


Instagram @vintageandvoguephotography

Photographer Spotlight: Miss Friend Photography

Hello Guys & Dolls!


I am Janelle of Miss Friend Photography. I am a pinup photographer who is based out of the Swan City of Grande Prairie, AB.


While the pinup scene in the North is still slowly gaining traction, I would love to meet fellow pinup and classic car enthusiasts in Edmonton, Calgary and even as far as Saskatoon, SK. 


My love of pinup culture began in my early 20’s with a few choice pieces and an admiration for everything classic pinup. Having studied Photography Mckay Career College in my home province of Saskatchewan a few years earlier, I was still searching for my niche interest. 


Over the course of the next few years I established my own personal pinup personality as well as my art style. Consequently in 2015 the foundation of my pinup photography career as Miss Friend Photography was born.



While my love for the trade is focused on mid-century styling I also enjoy photographing families, children, portraits, and events. I am an avid mid-century treasure seeker - I love finding a vintage item and incorporating it into my art and everyday lifestyle.


Since 2018 I have published two classic vintage calendars. The first calendar was a fundraiser for the Kidney Foundation of Canada which raised $4,820 in donatable sales. The theme for this one was classic pinup and featured close friends and family. We travelled locally to capture and celebrate Peace Country scenery. 


My second calendar showcased classic cars found at nearby car shows and enthusiast clubs. For this calendar I travelled within the Grande Prairie area to local car shows and met with classic car owners. Both calendars were a huge hit!


Moving forward I plan to continue publishing vintage inspired calendars annually. 
I

believe that all women have a radiant timeless beauty that comes from within. The kind of beauty that allows us to shine brighter than the stars. I truly feel that every woman deserves to experience that magic in her soul and fire in her heart… I don’t enhance perfection; you are perfection.


-Miss Friend

Running From Daylight

Brought together by their combined love for punk and rock ‘n’ roll, these possessed musicians have joined together to infuse their old school ‘billy sound with horrific inspiration that will keep you awake... and on your feet dancing the night away! Running From Daylight captivates their audiences with a swinging and rocking rhythm section driven by Garrett’s clickin’ n’ clackin’ upright bass and Tarek’s high energy drumming. Andrew’s singing and Troy’s lead guitar lines paint the perfect landscape for their haunted tales and stories intertwined throughout each song.

Band History (as told by Garrett):

The seeds for Running From Daylight began to sprout in 2016. Andrew and I worked together in London and bonded over music. We started jamming together and we recorded a handful of DIY demos of different music, ranging all the way from acoustic folk to Viking metal, but we were having trouble settling on a genre. I ended up buying an upright bass because of my love of the rockabilly and psychobilly genres. It turns out that Andrew was also a big fan of these genres and we hit the ground running. We wrote 5 or 6 songs together, and once we decided to start pursuing the band further we recruited Tarek to join us on the drums. Tarek was a friend of mine from school and I knew of his drumming chops from his time in the killer punk band Against Belief. Shortly after Tarek joined, we decided to thicken our sound a bit more and invited Tarek’s friend Troy to join us as our lead guitarist.

Shortly after we settled on our lineup we hit the studio to record our debut EP Coffin For Two, which we released in May 2017 as a free/pay-what-you-can download on Bandcamp. We took this route so that we would have a ‘sampler’ of music that we could share with bookers and potential listeners. We started playing shows through southwestern Ontario and continued to write the music which would end up on our first full length album, Elvis Ain’t Dead Yet. Shortly after releasing Elvis Ain’t Dead Yet in April 2018, we connected with Missing Fink Records, which is an indie record label in Augusta, Georgia, which specializes in Rockabilly, Surf and Horror Punk music. We signed with them and have put out a 7” single for Elvis Ain’t Dead Yet as well as a 7” split with Doghouse Rose through the Missing Fink.

We continued playing live and writing new music until we had enough material we were satisfied with to record and release our latest EP, titled Horror! Horror! Scream All About It! This EP was released digitally in November 2019, and we are currently coordinating a vinyl release through Missing Fink Records before the end of 2020.

Find them

Facebook - www.facebook.com/runningfromdaylight

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rfdband/

Bandcamp - https://rfdband.bandcamp.com/community

Take It To The Strip - Mandy Mae

I miss the days gone by that I never knew. Days where every vehicle was a work of art. In this fast pace self-centered world, I was craving a different kind of speed and a different kind of people. I ventured out into my own backyard and found I had gone back in time. I finally found where I belonged.

On an old Wold War ll airfield in cozy Prince Edward County Ontario, cars of the past were alive and well. I knew I had to be in the thick of it, there was no way I sitting on the sidelines. I promptly tracked down Glen Conway as he along with his wife Heather Conway are the masterminds behind the scenes. I requested to flag a few races as you see this was no ordinary drag race. This was honest to goodness ol' school Armdrop drag racing. With my yes I made my way out onto the blacktop never to return until the last race of the day had been won. I was hooked and Armdrop has become apart of who I am.

Armdrop Drag racing all started so street racers could have a safe place to let their rides sail to the limits. There are 3 events held each season at the historic airfield with the first Armdrop event being held in the summer of 2008 With 300 cars 2000 spectators in attendance. To date, the largest event included 600 specialty vehicles with 350 registered to race and 4000 spectators in attendance.

Dash plaques are handed to the first 200 vehicles through the gates.

When I'm out on the track the racers are lined up to the right of me awaiting their chance to rip at the blacktop. The drivers are motioned it's their time to run. As they warm their tires the friction against the blacktop creates a cloud of smoke that covers the very thing that made it. The wind gently carries the smoke away to reveal the beast in all its glory. The drivers are now staged and I meet their eyes with mine to see our anticipation for the race is matched. I can feel the rumble of the engine beating like a drum in my chest and I know I'm alive. I signal the first driver by pointing to let them know it's about to begin, and the same with the second. My arms are up, and they're dropped to my side with a swift motion and they're off. A noise so loud you can feel it as well as you can hear it. The vibrations of cars is felt throughout my body as the beasts fly past ripping shreds of rubber in every direction I would later be picking from my hair and clothing to see who will be the first at the finish line.

The spirit of Armdrop is like no other. I have seen racers help repair another's vehicle just shortly after losing to them. If you forgot a tool and need a quick fix not to worry, ask around and you will always find a helping hand. This isn't only about competing but about a group of people, all gathered together in the same spot for one afternoon to forget about all the worries the world has to offer. Where strangers are friends and friends become family. All makes and models are welcome at Armdrop.

You don't have a race car but have that itch to run? Not to worry, borrow your mother's minivan and give it a go. Just don't tell her what you've been doing to her grocery getter, it'll be our little secret.

If shining up and showing off is more your bag you can enter your car or bike in our show n shine. Everyone will appreciate a little eye candy to sweeten the day. There is an abundance of trophies to be had one include is the Miss Mandy Mae Choice Award. It may be a machine that is a beautiful work of art, or it may be one of the mean machines that sail down the strip that is the lucky recipient. It all depends on what tickles my fancy.

Come step back in time with me and experience Armdrop for yourself.

Armdrop, Take It To The Strip.