Yes You Are A Failure!

Fri Dec 13 2019
Peter Åstedt

You have every right to fail. I don’t know why failure is such a high thing in the music industry? Okay, it’s high in the rest of the market but still, I just find it very present that you must succeed. Inside the startup world in some cases, it’s a plus that you have done some failure missions. In the music industry, it’s that you changed the style and didn’t want to be a sellout!

It seems in the music industry or at least in artist sections it is like a taboo. Things like artists think it’s bad that they post videos when there is not much audience. It looks like failure to them that there is no audience and the numbers are low. That can also be a lack of marketing or other things. Same situation, when their last single didn’t go as planned, then they did this artistic thing to not be a sellout. If you have any critic against a song, well then you don’t get it, but my 25,000 spins on Spotify prove you wrong. In the music industry, you never fail. That is so wrong, this industry is full of failures.. So, come and join the party.

Don't Surround Yourself With Yes-Men!

Fri Dec 06 2019
Peter Åstedt

"My mom thinks the song is great!" Yes, most moms are proud when their babies even just fart so that the source is not that reliable. Sure, you want people to like what you are doing. When you do the hard work and put your heart and soul into it, then you want people to like it. Still, you need the critics to become your fans.

I see it too many times, artists surrounding themselves with yes-men. Sure, it feels great with people that instantly like what you have to offer. It’s easy when you don't need to change anything. At the same time, usually, these yes-men can't take you any further. Since they already like you, they already spread that in their network or either they lie to you to make you feel good. In either case, it won’t take you further.

Okay, all critics are not good either. Letting a metal fan judge a folksong might not get the right feedback for you.  But listening to your mom’s advice before the radio plugger can be a crucial mistake. The radio plugger has the knowledge of what the stations are looking for; your mom has no experience in that area.

Royal Prospect – Lights Out!

Fri Dec 06, 2019

Royal Prospect is an international rock band formed in Sweden by brothers Oscar and Gustav and their childhood friends Hannes and Hannes. As songwriters as well as performers their music and stage performance has soared them into the global spotlight by winning the Swedish competition of Emergenza, the world’s leading festival for unsigned bands. The success at Emergenza led them to obtain bookings at top Swedish events and Croatia’s biggest international festival INmusic where they played a set between the bands Of Monsters and Men and Placebo. 

Royal Prospect was officially discovered at Scandinavia's biggest showcase festival, Live at Heart Sweden, which has quickly been gaining a reputation for breaking indie bands on a global level. They were immediately signed and are now co-managed by Peter Åstedt (MusicHelp) and Tommy Rehn (Rehn Music Group).

BTW Leahy, Black Puma, Good Lovelies, Jay Douglas, Kaia Kater, Tush, Ripped, Salvation Army Band, Recollectiv, Unison Holiday Schmoozefest, Joanne Powell

Fri Nov 29 2019
Leahy

You really should shout ‘cause Leahy band is coming to town. One of the country’s most highly regarded progressive folk-roots bands checks in at Hugh’s Room Live Nov.29/30. Music 8.30pm both nights.

The “Leahy sound” – a combination of strong stride piano, unique bass guitar and drumming styles along with driving rhythm guitar – was the foundation from which fiery fiddle led instrumentals and vocals were launched to mainstream music listeners. Leahy would go on to win three Juno awards and receive countless accolades for their dynamic and powerful performances. As well as touring extensively throughout Canada, the USA and Europe, the band had the enviable opportunity of opening for fellow Canadian, Shania Twain throughout the USA, Canada and the UK on her record-breaking Come On Over tour.

Cashbox Caravan Indie Week Wraps Up with Two Nominations for EMG Artists

Fri Nov 29 2019
Ventresca

Cashbox Canada participated in our first Indie Week Canada and oh what a week it was!

Continuing our journey of the Cashbox Caravan, (recently performing in France and Sweden) we had two official showcases and both were met with resounding success. In addition, our acts performed at other venues throughout Indie Week, all to great reviews and accolades.

The first Cashbox Caravan Showcase was Thursday, November 14 at the B-Side Lounge, a cozy gem of a venue with a great stage and friendly staff. A cocktail hour show from 5-7pm featured Toronto’s newest shining star Ventresca, followed up by veteran singer-songwriters Barry Stagg and Don Graham.

Alex Pangman Releases New Video for “If I Don’t Mean It”

Fri Nov 29 2019
Alex Pangman If I Don't Mean It

Alex Pangman’s latest release is a catchy retro song “If I Don’t Mean It” written by the legendary Connee Boswell (of The Boswell Sisters).

The Boswell Sisters were a close harmony singing group, consisting of sisters Martha Boswell Lloyd, Connee Boswell and Helvetia "Vet" Boswell who were noted for intricate harmonies and rhythmic experimentation. They attained national prominence in the United States in the 1930s.. After a successful career as a trio recording with top jazz musicians in New York, sister Connie embarked on a solo career, eventually selling 75 million records and influencing generations of singers, Ella Fitzgerald included.

What's The Point Of A Producer If You Want to Do It Yourself?

Fri Nov 29 2019
Peter Åstedt

Back to explaining things from the industry again. I seem to come across this quite often, Today it's the urge to work with a producer. In every artist's career, they suddenly start to think that a producer is key to their success. Often with no knowledge what a producer the role really means.

To have a producer means that you hand all your material over to another person.

To have a producer is not that a genius comes into the studio and praises all your musical ideas. No, this person is here to take that stuff to another level. And in many cases, you will not agree on the things they actually change. Yes, they will take off that long nice drum solo that you like. Literally, they will come in and just change the look of your baby.

The artist thinks they need to spend a lot of money on a hotshot producer. This is also a cliché that you get really often. The more money or things they have done is better! In so many cases it's not.

Tonia Evans Cianciulli Releases Book/CD Of Georgina Ann Stirling Performing 12/10 In Toronto

Fri Nov 29 2019
The Heart's Obsession 3rd Annual Christmas Concert

Newfoundland-born, Toronto-based international superstar opera singer Tonia Evans Cianciulli and her new CD and book The Heart’s Obsession, celebrating the historical ripple effect of one woman's voice—Georgina Ann Stirling brings her astounding legacy into the twenty-first century.

Johnny Reid Shares 'My Kind Of Christmas'

Fri Nov 29, 2019

Award-winning Scottish/Canadian artist Johnny Reid shares details of his new Christmas EP, My Kind Of Christmasand just in time for the holiday season. This new EP also marks his first vinyl release and for this occasion and is available in a single jacket with sleeve, pressed on limited marble vinyl and available now.

Widely known for his energetic stage performances, Johnny will embark on a national cross-Canada My Kind Of Christmas Tour that will cover 23 dates and will run from November 16 – December 14, with only dates that are sold out in Ontario.

Listen to “My Kind of Christmas” here:
youtu.be/arBPggx8b-o

Swedish Alt-rock artist YOHIO Releases New Single “Defeating a Devil a Day”

Fri Nov 22 2019
YOHIO Defeating a Devil a Day

Swedish Alt-rock artist YOHIO has released a new single “Defeating a Devil a Day”, the  5th single from the upcoming new album “Neon Light Orchestra” to be released in 2020.

Over 3 million views on his 2 latest music Videos has led to a fast increase of 100 000 New subs in 2019
on the official YouTube Channel to a total of over 160 000.

Watch Defeating a Devil a Day here:

With his extravagant way of expressing himself, the looks of a visual prince, a singing voice which can tackle English, Japanese, and Swedish, his naturally confident stage awareness, and his undoubtedly great fashion sense – YOHIO has captured the heart of thousands of fans all over the world.

Here Is The Secret To Success In The Music Industry!

Fri Nov 22 2019
Peter Åstedt

Yes, the secret to success in the music industry is to understand that it works like any other financial market! No, don’t buy the repeated phrase that 'we all work in the music industry because we love music". We are here for the money like any other artist. And there is nothing wrong with that since we all need a salary to make our daily living. But that we work just because we love music well then, we could just have it as an extraordinary hobby.

So, for all you that just want to play for fun at the local bar or at your parent’s party, I’m not writing about that. That is cool that you are doing it. My story here is aimed at the ones that want to make it more than a hobby. They want a career.  And here it works like any other financial markets. I don't get how people think that someone would put in thousands of dollars in a project that clearly only will generate a hundred dollars.

BTW-Altameda, Morgan Rider and The Deep Dark River, iskwē, Amigo The Devil, Sven Gali, The Box/ Images In Vogue, Julian Taylor Band, Joanne Powell

Fri Nov 22 2019
Altameda

Hailed in some quarters as the best touring band in the West, Edmonton-based rockers Altameda is hitting the road again. This fall, they’re out supporting critically-acclaimed soph album Time Hasn't Changed You.

Altameda has become a must-see live act, winning fans with each show and impressing audiences in North America and recently, Germany.

Since the release of Time Hasn't Changed You, the band performed live sessions for Toronto rock station The Edge, and a special set for SiriusXM's North Americana station. They also landed coveted opening slots with Sheepdogs and The Trewsearlier this year.

As prolific as they are melodic, Altameda also released More Time: B-Sides from Time Hasn’t Changed You as a companion to their full album. The EP included three unreleased B-Sides from the Time Hasn't Changed You recording sessions and was also produced by Aaron Goldstein.

Joey Clarkson Shares “The Year That Never Happened”

Fri Nov 22, 2019

For country/Americana artist Joey Clarkson, the title of her currently released album, The Year That Never Happened — and its second single of the same name, represents so much more than a blip in time.

“We got the idea for the title from a friend of ours,” Clarkson recalls of the single and album’s early foundation. “They had taken me for coffee and referenced the year we were living as ‘the year that never happened’ for us.

“I wrote down the title straight away; I knew in that moment it was going to be my album. That was the only way to make this struggle and depression worth it.”

Clarkson is referring to the time she spent navigating the lengthy bureaucratic labyrinth to secure a spousal visa to remain in the UK with her husband.

“‘These Days’ was the first song I wrote after my visa was declined,” says the Canadian singer/songwriter about the album’s first single. “It quite literally fell out of me the day after an absolutely soul crushing moment where immigration officials explained I would not be walking out of the office with one in-hand. And it was due to a technicality!”

BTW-BAYLA, The Hearts, Christina Martin, Linda McRae/String Bone/ Deni Gauthier, Mazacote, Ben Rogers, Jerry Leger, Long Winter, Cashbox Canada Caravan

Fri Nov 15 2019
BAYLA

Indie-pop singer-songwriter BAYLA is back with a bang! Ok, Brittany Kwasnik is back with a new name, new sound and a big win, first time out the gate. Montreal based BAYLAhas been announced as the winner of the 7th Annual RBC Emerging Musician Program, a part of Canada’s Walk of Fame Emerging Artists Programs and Scholarships. With over 1000 applicants BAYLA wowed the committee with her upbeat and infectious single “Monster”.The accompanying video is thematically linked and probably inspired by the Toy Story films. As the Grand Prize winner, BAYLA will be attending and performing at Canada’s Walk of Fame Awards Show and Gala on November 23 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Mike Biggar and Manitoba Hal Hit the Road for “All The Same”

Fri Nov 15 2019
Mike Biggar & Manitoba Hal

Multi-award-winning soulful Roots & Blues artist MIKE BIGGAR and critically acclaimed, globe-trotting Blues master MANITOBA HAL have come together to hit the road with their first-ever combined tour, performing shows across the Maritimes, Quebec and Ontario in October and November 2019.

Watch “All the Same” here:
https://youtu.be/pfGglFzWcWU

Friends for years, Mike and Hal’s first performance together came in February 2019 when Hal joined Biggar onstage for his blues showcase at the International Folk Alliance Conference in Montreal QC. They appeared again in May 2019 at East Coast Music Week in Charlottetown PEI for showcase appearances that garnered praise from audiences and industry delegates. Their first official tour combines Biggar’s soulful melodies and powerhouse vocals – Hal’s effortless mastery of the Blues on the resonator, cigar box guitar and ukulele – and abundant fun and humour from each with their onstage banter, demeanour and tales from the road.

The Social Media Dilemma – Nice or Mean?

Fri Nov 15 2019
Peter Åstedt

It is a focus on the hate on the internet. Yes, the algorithms are the focus. They are designed to bring topics that will make us react. Since we mainly just react with a ‘thumbs up’ or a ‘heart’  to things we like and it takes us to be angry to write something, the algorithms just give us cute cats and bad decisions made by politicians.

And the same here in my blog. Most of the posts are I write about are things that I react around. Things that annoy me or I want to change. The opposite is the post where I just celebrate something like it was the best thing since sliced bread. It's never anything in between. Why? Easy it won't get my readers to react. Yes, I'm stuck in the algorithm trap where I have become a react junkie?

I guess I'm not so much of a ‘react’ junkie. I seldom look at my numbers or how many likes or so. Still, back in my head, I feel I'm just here nagging. You can hear me say on panels that I'm an old grumpy guy writing negative things. I would like to experiment with the things I create. So, can I write three positive posts in the blog? Just leave the old grumpy person for awhile?

Producer And Songwriter Chris Birkett Releases Debut Album with The Free Spirits

Fri Nov 15 2019
Producer And Songwriter Chris Birkett Releases Debut Album with The Free Spirits

Multi-award winning record producer and songwriter Chris Birkett has announced the release of the debut album with The Free Spirits 1:11.

11:11 signifies a time of serious reflection in the world, heralding a new beginning, announcing an Age of Awakening for the planet.  The 11 songs on the album have titles and lyrics that ask us to explore ourselves and our world.  Listening to this music, you’ll notice a pattern that flows through the album.

Every Day People - “We got to live together” - a new take on the Sly Stone classic

The Power of Our Love - “We are climbers, and we’re climbing to the stars..”

Seeds of Peace - “Find the peace within, and give it to the one you love.”

Andy Kim Christmas Celebrates the 15th Year of Giving the Gifts of Light

Fri Nov 15, 2019

Canada’s own Andy Kim celebrates Christmas every year by producing a star-studded event both in Toronto and his hometown of Montreal.  Now in its 15th year, this event has become a tradition for fans and music industry folks,who by supporting with ticket purchases provide much needed funds for the Gift Of Light through CAMH.

BTW-Adam Ndaro Solomon, Dan Mangan, Coco Love Alcorn, Taylor Abrahamse, nêhiyawak, Linda Carone, Les Stroud

Fri Nov 08 2019
Adan Ndaro Solomon

The ‘African Jimi Hendrix’ has a new album that’s another step forward in his evolution, a lilting and in parts slashing fusion of the styles of his native Kenya and the folk/roots elements of Western music that he employs to generate organic, joyous, uplifting sound.

Adam "The Professor" Solomon is a Juno Award-winning composer, guitar maestro, and singer. He established his career playing lead guitar and singing on recordings and videos with some of Kenya's most popular artists including Joseph Kamaru, Bana Citoyen, Super Kalles and numerous others. It was during this period he picked up the ‘Hendrix ‘ tag.

Solomon was a co-founder (with Tarig Abubakar) of Canada's best-ever pan-African band, the Afronubians, with whom he toured western Canada in 1993. He collaborated with them for two CD releases, "Tour To Africa" (1994) and "The Great Africans" (1995). The band looked poised for mainstream and indeed, international success when Abubakar died in a car crash while on a visit to his native Sudan. "Afronubians Live" was released posthumously in 2005.