Indie Week is proud to announce, indie101 Summer Sessions Music as a Business (3 Part Series) with Rick Barker (ex-manager of Taylor Swift). The 3-part series is every Tuesday for 3 weeks (July 6, July 13, July 20, 2021) and are FREE for everyone to register and attend. Rick will be covering information on how to run your career as a business, how to make money and how to grow your online audience.

“The information Rick Barker gave during our indie101 conference (online) was so good that it just made sense for us (INDIE WEEK) to get Rick to come back and be able to go into more detail. As things start to open up - it also made sense for us to make this information available to artists and businesses, so we are making the sessions FREE for everyone to attend”, says Darryl Hurs (founder of Indie Week).

Blue was the fourth studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, released on June 22, 1971, on the Reprise label.Written and produced entirely by Mitchell, it was recorded in 1971 at A&M Studios in Hollywood, California.

Created just after her breakup with Graham Nash, and during an intense relationship with James Taylor, Blue touched on so many sides of relationships from infatuation on “A Case of You” to total insecurity on “This Flight Tonight”. The songs feature simple accompaniments on piano, guitar and Appalachian dulcimer, and had a sound like no other.

Today, Blue is generally regarded by music critiques and fans as as one of the greatest albums of all time; the way Mitchell's songwriting, compositions and voice all work together are frequent areas of praise.

In July 2017, Blue was chosen by NPR as the greatest album of all time made by a woman.

In January 2000, The New York Times chose Blue as one of the 25 albums that represented "turning points and pinnacles in 20th-century popular music".

In the music industry, when the discussion of lawyers comes up, 9 times out of 10 the name Paul Sanderson is mentioned, more often than not the comment is “Paul is my lawyer”. (Even I get to say that). But what so many don’t know is what a diversified career this deep and thoughtful man has and his latest poetry book embraces that sensitive and soulful side of a diversified talent.

Frampton Forgets the Words in our current age of legendary artists could very well be a disconcerting comment but the tongue in cheek title for this new studio album offering is actually a brilliant concept. Frampton Forgets the Words is the new studio album out now via Ume.

The album includes instrumental versions of some of Frampton’s favorite songs and is actually the follow-up to his 2007 Grammy Award-winning instrumental album, ‌Fingerprints‌. The Peter Frampton Band’s Instrumental Cover Album is being met with praise and kudos, with featured instrumentals of songs by other legendary greats such as George Harrison, David Bowie, Radiohead, Stevie Wonder, Roxy Music, Lenny Kravitz to name a few. The 10 perfectly chosen songs spotlight the guitar brilliance of Peter Frampton and also engage in his diverse influences with a plethora of mixed genres, proving he has not lost his magic in the deliverance and performance in this album.

Paul Saunders wears a lot of hats, actor, writer, producer, entertainer and songwriter. And although he wears them all well, the one he is most comfortable and happy wearing is songwriter. “That’s really how I started in this business was as a songwriter with Epic Records in Los Angeles. It was the kind of gig that paid me to sit in a room and write with a monthly quota of songs required.”

Paul started out his career in Toronto, Canada and played in the Yorkville Village, (Greenwich Village north) getting the grassroots training that would form the foundation of his musical career.  It wasn’t long before the call of the West was ringing loudly in his ears and he made his way to Los Angeles, CA to take his shot at the U.S. market. This led to connections and opportunities as a performer and acting roles. playing leads in both Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair and Paul continues to play character roles in film, television and commercials to this day.

Combining the singer and actor in him he created a stage show, Pauly and the Goodfellas with an entertaining and energetic troupe of talented performers that he produced and played frontman.

Merck and I first met by phone, while I was at CHOM-FM Montreal, later face to face backstage at the UB40 gig at Theatre St. Denis.

We became fast long-distance friends.  It was always about music, the music business, and our massive record collections. Merck was Head of Marketing at Virgin Records in Toronto, where he excelled in the music business, born in Schefferville, Quebec.

Much Music launched August 31st 1984. I went. I‘m sure Merck was there, everyone in Canada was there, including Rush, the best party ever! I knew this was my next move to do television in Toronto.  I got the job a week later and couch surfed in Toronto returning to Montreal weekly for a few years. Then I heard Merck needed a roommate.  It was worth it just for the guest list (Leroy Sibbles, Jackie Mittoo, Willi Williams, China Crisis, Simple Minds, Quincy Jones, MoJah, Colin Linden upstairs, and Big Sugar across the hall.)

The music coming out of our apartment was amazing in Arcadia the Artist Co-Op on Bishop Tutu Street and Queens Quay; it was one of the most creative and fun times of my life.

In Canada, we have the tradition of the May 24 long weekend, in honour of Queen Victoria. Being the Commonwealth country, we still uphold this holiday, but not so much as a Birthday recognition of a long ago Monarch, but as the tradition of cottages opening up for the season, gardens getting prepared for the summer flowers, holidays being planned and always the music. Music is the thread we all have in common.

Summer brings the radio stations back to playing hits from the past that we all identify with the season approaching. ‘Summer in the City’ by The Lovin’ Spoonful, ‘Summer Breeze’ by Seals and Croft and of course the Canadian summer anthem ‘Sunny Days’ by our very own Lighthouse.

Of course, this year will be different, there won’t be large gatherings, festivals, and big BBQ’s but the music can help make you feel a little more optimistic right now.

So try to grab on to some ‘normal’ while the weather warms up, work on your tan, go to the cottage with people in your ‘bubble’, go for walks and as The Doobie Brothers say: Listen To The Music!

Time Life has released Time Life “The Crickets and Their Buddies” to all major digital platforms, a collection of hits recorded by the band’s original members (with the exception of Buddy Holly) and a lineup of all-star guest vocalists and musicians.   Eric Clapton, Rodney Crowell, Phil & Jason Everly, Nanci Griffith, Waylon Jennings (one of his last studio recordings), Tonio K., Peter Case, Albert Lee, Graham Nash, Vince Neil, John Prine, Johnny Rivers, J.D. Souther and Bobby Vee step in to perform iconic songs including “That’ll Be the Day,” “Rave On,” “Not Fade Away,” “I Fought the Law,” “Someone, Someone” and “The Real Buddy Holly Story.” Originally released in 2004 (and produced by Grammy®-award-winner Greg Ladanyi), this marks the first time the tracks have ever been available for streaming.

There are names in the mosaic of the legendary list of bands that have stood the test of time - and Crack of Dawn is way up there on that list. Once again releasing a new, well-produced, catchy tune with and the song will have you dancing and groovin' from the first note on "Gotta Find a Way".

Featuring the same signature velvet-funk tones that have made them Canada’s most celebrated soul act for 40 years and running, this latest delivery from Crack of Dawn teems with that craft so finely tuned, it still has audiences moving in the seat of their pants.

In a tribute to history’s trademark funk-pop hallmarks, the lyrics of the 4:03 piece are about connecting with the heart of a desired woman. Soulfully delivered by Michael Dunston, the track’s engineering (Dennis Nieves, who also co-wrote the song), makes a brilliant stand for a composition method that’s now a rarity, where all of the musicians of the ensemble, collaboratively, are actually involved as arrangers to the track.

Watch and listen the new hit single “Gotta Find a Way” on YouTube here:

The life and times, the highs and lows of legendary singer/songwriter Eric Andersen has finally been captured and available to watch in sequence in the epic documentary: The Songpoet.

This labor of love was created by director/ producer Paul Lamont; "This is an intensely personal film for me because it came out of my deep appreciation of Eric’s music. But more than that, I think it came from a place in my soul that wanted to give something back to someone who had given so much to me through his words and music. Eric Andersen told me that he believes every artist has a spiritual or symbolic father; someone who enlightens and informs them and helps to define their path in life. For Eric, that person was the poet Arthur Rimbaud. That symbolic father for me, as a teenager with a guitar, was Eric. It took nearly eight years to make this film and my hope is more people will become aware of Eric and his music, through this film.”

Perseverance, patience and positivity, three things that when augmented with talent, are ingredients that Marshall Potts has utilized to the max on his musical journey.

The success of his last single “That’s How It Starts” opened doors for the Kamloops B.C. artist and solidified his belief in his chosen path. The single created career openings such as touring in France and Sweden at major festivals as well as a mainstage performance at Canada’s Indie Week in Toronto which saw him nominated in Best Emerging Artist – National category.

Marshall began writing songs at age 12, after an early heartbreak. At 18, he began his musical journey when he formed a band with high school friends called the Cause. Early performances under this name followed a rebranding of the band name to Saints and Poets. Regular performances and tour dates followed to support the band’s first CD release. Early success was achieved with 2 songs from the CD placed on a movie soundtrack, received radio airplay, a CFOX seeds CD, the Best of BC CD placement, and many live performances.

Award-winning Hall of Famer and multi-Platinum selling producer, songwriter, and April Wine leader Myles Goodwyn asks a tall and transcendental question as he releases this, his first-ever spiritual song, “Will the Last Voice I Hear Be an Angel?

Beyond a legendary mainstay of the Canadian music landscape in his own right, Goodwyn is joined on the track with Bruce Dixon (Oakley Band, Rita MacNeil, Roch Voisine) and Jim Henman — the latter with whom he started the iconic rock band, April Wine, alongside David Henman and Ritchie Henman in 1969.

The stunning song arrives ahead of Goodwyn’s forthcoming recording project, Long Pants, set for release this Summer 2021. A collection of his most personal songs to date, the new full-length dives deep into the masterful musician’s extensive and previously unreleased archives, with one song’s origins even dating back 40 years.

“The ‘oldest’ new song on the album, ‘Forever Amber,’ was written four decades ago,” Goodwyn shares. “I wrote it for my daughter, Amber, on the very night she was born.

Entertainment Music Group (EMG) has gathered legendary artists and young independent artists from around the world to create a virtual music-doc to be pre-produced and released on April 22, 2021 in honour of Earth Day. The project is headed up by Executive Producer Sandy Graham, a music industry veteran and owner of the legendary Cashbox Magazine Canada, joined by celebrity icon, Dr. Tom Jackson  C.C., LL.D, as Producer and Host for this music initiative.

The Black Crowes Present: Shake Your Money Maker, the multi-platinum debut by the seminal rock n' roll band The Black Crowes, is being re-released in multi-formats sets on February 26, 2021, through UMe/American Recordings.

Band founders, brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, with original producer George Drakoulias, oversaw the creation of the re-release.  Most exciting are the  4LP and 3CD Super Deluxe versions, which includes the original album, remastered; 3 never-before-heard studio recordings; 2 unreleased demos from the band's early incarnation as Mr. Crowe's Garden;  B-sides; a spectacular, high-energy 14-song unreleased concert recorded in their hometown of Atlanta, GA in December 1990; reproductions of an early Mr. Crowe's Garden show flyer, setlist and tour laminate; a 4" Crowes patch; and a 20-page book with liner notes by David Fricke.

I grew up in the era when Tony Orlando ruled the charts, so to say I was thrilled (and a little nervous) to talk directly to such an iconic legend would be an understatement.  I reached Tony Orlando at his home in Branson, Missouri and he was charming and wonderful to interview. I immediately felt like I was talking to an old friend.

His energy and excitement about his current life and career, along with the star-studded stories was like talking to a guy in his 20’s just starting out and his love of life shines through in his every word.

Tony Orlando was born Michael Anthony Orlando Cassavitis, in New York City, the son of a Greek father, (Leo) and a Puerto Rican mother (Ruth). “My parents didn’t always understand my need to entertain but they were so supportive of helping me with my dreams. My mom was actually with me when I signed my first record deal; I was only 15 so she had to be part of the signing due to my age. The lawyer in attendance was none other than Clive Davis!"

Little River Band have amassed worldwide album and CD sales of over 30 million and are the first band to have Top 10 hits in 6 consecutive years.  Bassist/vocalist Wayne Nelson joined LRB in 1980 and worked alongside founding members with some of the most distinctive harmonies and vocal abilities in pop music, creating the unique LRB sound.  To date, Nelson’s vocal and bass guitar talents are included on 23 Little River Band albums.  The band continues to record and tour throughout the world and hosts a fan club with global memberships.

We caught up with Wayne Nelson at his home in the USA, and the conversation was one of passion for the music, a love of the fans and respect for all the people who make LRB continue to perform at sold-out concerts. (and will do so again once the pandemic makes it possible to resume their hectic booking schedule.)

“You can take the boy out of Oakland but you can’t take Oakland out of the boy.”

That line from band leader and founder Emilio Castillo is crucial to understanding how, against all odds, an Oakland CA. band took the world by storm. Also crucial, 50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater – Oakland, CA June 2018, which drops March 26, 2020. As much cultural artifact as album, it plays out the Tower of Power history in story and song.

Who better to tell the story than Emilio Castillo himself?

Castillo was only 17 years old when he met Stephen "Doc" Kupka and started to assemble the band that would become Tower of Power. “I had no vision at all, I just loved playing soul music. My idols were a tight little local band called The Spyders and they had gigged in Sacramento. I thought, ‘Man, if I could just get to Sacramento that would be it.’ That's literally how small my vision was at the time.”

The first song I (Michael Williams) ever learned on guitar was written by Mark Farner, “I’m your Captain Closer to Home “by Grand Funk, the second one was “Stairway to Heaven”!

Mark Farner:  “One night my mom packed up the whole extended family in Leachville, Arkansas and moved us all to Flint, Michigan for high paying auto factory jobs. People migrated from all over the South, and the music followed.”

“I sat by the radio eating mayonnaise-horseradish sandwiches, waiting for John R on “The Royal Crown Radio Hairdressing Show” on WLAC Nashville.  Michigan was a crossroads where north met South, late night AM radio was King, Rosalie Trombley was the Queen at CKLW Windsor, Ontario.

Grand Funk Railroad, made up of 3 Flint natives, ? and the Mysterians bassist and two former members of Terry Knight and the Pack, Grand Funk was born. Mythic status was guaranteed after their first live performance at “The Atlanta International Pop Festival”, in 1969 in front of 150, 000 fans. A year later Grand Funk released 3 multi platinum albums including the classic anthem “Closer to Home” released June 15th 1970.

Dan Hill has reached the peak of the proverbial songwriter mountain, induction into Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

“I have now been included with my heroes, my mentors my university professors Leonard Cohen, Gordon Lightfoot, Bruce Cockburn to name a few.. To be included in the same list as the these writers is the greatest honour and most humbling accomplishment in my career.”

Over his 40 plus year career Dan has had much success, not only as a songwriter but as a Grammy nominated Best Male Vocalist, Grammy winner as co-producer of “Seduces Me” on Celine Dion’s ‘Falling Into You’ album that topped 30 million in sales and the winner of five Juno Awards and recipient of the Harold Moon Award  SOCAN’S Canadian Lifetime Achievement Award as well releasing multiple gold and platinum selling albums.

So now might be a good time to kick back and bask in the spoils of a well-earned rest. But Dan is not resting instead he is releasing a brand new album. I’ve been digging to try and find another artist who gets inducted into a Hall of Fame and releases a brand new body of work all in the same week.  Haven’t found one yet except for Dan Hill.

The east coast of Canada, the Maritimes, has yielded some fine country music talent. Hank Snow, Carroll Baker, Bruce Guthro, Anne Murray and George Canyon to name a few.  And there’s a new name vying for inclusion on that list.

Laurie LeBlanc has a unique and fresh sounding blending country with his East Coast Acadian roots. His latest album, “When It’s Right It’s Right,” the much anticipated follow up to his debut English release is a collection of 10 original songs co-written with some of Nashville’s top writers and produced by multi-CCMA award winner, the legendary  Jason Barry and the session players include  members of Dean Brody’s touring band, Brodeo. The finished product is a gem and is a perfect vehicle to introduce Laurie Leblanc to a mainstream audience.

The first single Laurie LeBlanc longs for “Another Night Like This” in this, check it out on YouTube here: