The Magnettes Return With Ambivalent Party Anthem ”Anx”

Fri Nov 02 2018
The Magnettes Return With Ambivalent  Party Anthem ”Anx”

Northern Swedish pop outfit The Magnettes, consisting of lead vocalists Rebecka Digervall and Sanna Kalla and producer Tomas Bäcklund Tuneström, are back with their new single ”ANX”, available Nov 23, on all digital platforms. The track with its hearty chorus chant, it’s raw guitars, 80’s synths and upbeat, driving rhythm contrasts to the deeper message of the song. The band explains: ”It’s like an ambivalent party anthem. The song is about dealing with FOMO, about wanting to let go, throwing yourself out there and failing. It’s that feeling like you gotta do what everybody else is doing but it doesn’t really come naturally to you. It’s fake, it’s scary and it’s just fucking exhausting.”

This pop band was founded in Pajala, Sweden and has crafted their own blend of electro-pop and riot grrrl punk. In 2015 they performed at SXSW in Austin, TX and signed with label Digsin, where their debut album ”Ugly Youth” was released in 2017. The album was chosen as one of the best albums of 2017 by PopCrush.

Rachel Cousins: “This Fire” Burns Bright

Fri Nov 02, 2018

If you live in Canada, you’ve likely seen Rachel Cousins on your TV screen, but you might not have realized it at the time.

As a young girl, Cousins, currently a 17-year-old singer/songwriter from St. John’s, and one of the rising female stars in the province, starred in award-winning television commercials promoting tourism in Newfoundland & Labrador. The commercials, which featured a young Cousins exploring the beauty of rural Newfoundland settings, were hugely popular, and are still showcased regularly, even though Cousins herself is now letting her musical accomplishments showcase herself & her province on the national & international stage. Iceberg Alley NL Tourism Ad featuring a young Rachel

Iceberg Alley, TV Ad, Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RpShYvI84JI

BTW - Folly & The Hunter, Vishtèn, Kelly Moran, Headstones, Harrison, Ryan Hemsworth, Jaymz Bee, Chloe Charles (ECHLO), Georgian Bay, Audra Santa

Fri Oct 26 2018
Folly and the Hunter Photo Credit Julia Marois

So this summer, dark romance duo Folly & The Hunter returned from hiatus with fresh energy and a hot hand of polished, sophisto, cinematic indie-pop, led by the gritty new single, “Remains”. The Montreal based band of multi-instrumentalists Laurie Torres (Rae Spoon, Little Scream, Land of Talk) and Nick Vallee are way pumped on the release of upcoming album, Remains, dropping Oct.26

Remains is filled with striking melodies and tightly woven rhythms which come together to stay memorable. Recorded over 2 weeks at the Tragically Hip’s Bathhouse Studios, the goal was to get the band sequestered into a studio without outside distractions and have them live and breathe the making of this album. Engineer Nyles Spencer was a source of technical inspiration with Nick handling bass and guitar duties while Laurie played most of the other instruments. Mathieu Parisien (Karkwa, Patrick Watson, Aidan Knight) mixed the album.

Skidderpup: Conquering The Great Divide

Thu Oct 25, 2018

“’Cause when you see me comin’, you better get out of my way.”
-Runaway Train by Skidderpup

When you visit the rural Newfoundland community of Grand Bank on the province’s Burin Peninsula, you see a close-knit community of 1500 with a rich connection & history to the sea.

But lately, Grand Bank and the rest of the South Coast has been rocking more often than not lately, thanks to the sounds of a power rock trio named Skidderpup.

The band, which features Dave Noseworthy, Damon Greene & Chad Grandy, is no stranger to the area, and have been together since 2001.

The musical bug was likely introduced by Chad’s grandfather, George Grandy, a well known Burin Peninsula entertainer, who was one of the originals in the growth of the area’s music scene.

“I was only young when I watched my grandfather play,” Chad recalls. “He was the face of rock and roll on the Burin Peninsula from the 1950’s onward, filling dance halls around the Peninsula.”

But the elder Grandy instilled a love of music in young Chad.

Bif Naked and Hot Box Girls

Fri Oct 19, 2018

Bif Naked is a celebrated and notorious performer in music, TV, film, and dance, and a tireless advocate and Humanitarian. Orphaned in India, emancipated by punk rock, and empowered by surviving breast cancer, kidney failure, heart surgery, divorce, and surviving as a Woman in The Entertainment Industry for twenty-five years, Bif has transcended any and all obstacles placed in her path to become one of the world's most unique, recognizable and beloved icons. It is because Bif is such a tremendous performer and musician, that she is able to seamlessly and successfully explore and record other mediums, like writing, painting, choreography, and of course- other genres of music.

A celebrated and diverse artist and writer, known for sliding easily between her punk roots, to rock, pop, alternative, and contemporary genres of music. Known for her inimitable live shows, Naked has said, "Performance is my passion, my raison d'etre in life. I owe it to myself and my beautiful fans to keep evolving and pushing the boundaries, to keep challenging myself."

BTW-Madeleine Roger, The Málchico, The Treble, Kyp Harness, Abby Zotz, Steph Cameron, Buckman Coe

Fri Oct 19 2018
Madeleine Roger

Here’s a feminist Resistance anthem doing it right, by being simultaneously trenchant and grabby. Winnipeg singer-songwriter Madeleine Roger released new single '60 Years More' recently, somewhat off the radar but that won’t last long. It's the third single to be released from debut solo album Cottonwood, out October 26th.

Those Without - Five Punks With One Dream

Fri Oct 19 2018
Those Without Photo Credit MQvist Media

Last week the Burin Peninsula in Newfoundland, Canada came to life for Live At Heart Newfoundland- an international music conference in its inaugural year, drawing heavy-hitting music industry delegates such as award-winning producers, managers, strategists, record labels, bookers and writers and connecting them with artistic talent from all around the world. The magic that this incredible showcase festival embodied was as much a product of the landscape, community and culture of its "islanders", as it was in the artists that brought their passion and dreams to Newfoundland, charged with the hope of impressing the industry and furthering their careers.

Mr! Mouray Bats in Disguise

Fri Oct 19 2018
Mr! Mouray Bats in Disguise

Jaimie Vernon makes things happen, plain and the simple. The singer/songwriter/bass player author and music junkie is at it again, this time with a “super group” called Mr! Mouray.

When I asked about the curious band name Mr! Mouray Jaimie explained. “We were watching a “B” movie, I don’t even remember the name, about a club and a lounge singer. He was asked to sing ‘That’s Amore’ and although he didn’t know the words he plowed ahead and at one time belted out “Mr! Mouray” to the tune tune of ‘That’s Amore’. It struck me funny and voila, the band had a name.”

Mr! Mouray is the musical embodiment of a 1950’s French bachelor who has style, taste, and an affinity for adventures of the heart and mind. Making that vision a reality are three old friends who have reconnected after a 30-year absence.

Simon Bedford-James and Jaimie Vernon became songwriting partners in 1983 and founded the band Moving Targetz. They released their first 5-song EP, The Wonderful World Of… in 1985 on their own imprint – Bullseye Records.

Targetz splintered with Vernon carrying on and Bedford-James forming Swedish Fish. Now there were two bands on Bullseye.

BTW-Tony Quarrington, Andrea Ramolo, David Leask, Melanie Peterson, Blue Stones, Joe Nolan, Dead Soft, Kaia Kater, Linda Carone, Jaymz Bee

Fri Oct 05 2018
Tony Quarrington

Hugh’s Room Live is Toronto’s cozy nest for singer/songwriters, especially of the rootsy/folkie bent. Its new Songwriter Sessions series explores songcraft in a round robin format with players peeling back the stories behind their work. Crossing genres and tapping into the natural Canadian gift of open, honest lyrics and tunes, the artists get to delve deeper as they share their songs and bond with each other. This week’s Songwriter Session features Tony Quarrington, Andrea Ramolo, David Leask and Melanie Peterson, and happens Tues. Oct. 9, 8.30 start.

Veteran musician Quarrington has been a formidable and thriving presence on the Toronto music scene for more than 40 years. He first appeared at the Mariposa Folk Festival in 1966, and played at many renowned Yorkville nightclubs and coffee houses in the late ‘60s, performing ballads, blues and his own original tunes. Quarrington’s relentless career as a sideman and studio musician has seen him appear on literally hundreds of other artists’ recordings, playing guitar, banjo, mandolin, piano and dobro, and lending his voice as a singer.

Canadian Musicians Gather To Pay Tribute To Tom Petty At The Dakota Tavern

Fri Oct 05 2018
Canadian Musicians Gather To Pay Tribute To Tom Petty At The Dakota Tavern

Canadian singer-songwriter Jadea Kelly has announced Canada Covers Tom Petty - a collection of covers in honour of the late American singer-songwriter. The official playlist, curated by Jadea, will be released on October 20th - what would have been his 67th birthday, a year following his untimely death. The collection of covers includes Learning to Fly by Matt Mays & Terra Lightfoot, Crawling Back To You by Sweet Alibi, Don't Come Around Here No More by Royal Wood, and many others (full list of songs and artists below). To mark the anniversary of Petty’s passing Jadea releases her heartbreaking cover of Wildflowers.

Listen and share here

https://youtu.be/F24qtyIRq1A.

Lisa Marie and Elvis Presley – United in Love and Music

Fri Oct 05, 2018

Credit: www.lisamariepresley.com

RCA/Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, has released Elvis Presley - 'Where No One Stands Alone, a new Elvis album celebrating the artist's everlasting love of gospel music.

Produced by Joel Weinshanker, Lisa Marie Presley and Andy Childs, Elvis Presley – ‘Where No One Stands Alone’ introduces newly-recorded instrumentation and backing vocal contributions from music legends who'd performed on-stage and/or in-the-studio with Elvis. It also includes a re-imagined duet with Elvis and his daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, on the album’s title track and spiritual touchstone.

"It was a very powerful and moving experience to sing with my father," said Lisa Marie, "The lyrics speak to me and touch my soul. I’m certain that the lyrics spoke to my father in much the same way."

Watch ‘Where No One Stands Alone’ here:

https://youtu.be/RaRaUjzD-as

BTW – Tragedy Ann, Jesse Munro, The Lytics, Robert Connely Farr & the Rebeltone Boys, Skerryvore, John Young/Astrid Young, Blackburn Band

Fri Sep 28 2018
Tragedy Ann The Last Thing

Here’s an act with that cozy fall sound just right for the season. Guelph-based award-winning duo Tragedy Ann, (Braden Phelan and Liv Cazzola), release a new video on August 17th, for their first single “The Last Thing,” from their upcoming debut full-length album Matches. The beloved alt/folk duo will support the new album with a tour in Canada (ON, QC, BC, NS, NB), and with stops in Toronto (release concert at Burdock Oct 13), Hamilton, London, Oakville, Montreal, Vancouver and others.

The video for “The Last Thing,” (audio and video by Sam Boer), is a simple but totally effective idea: Two people, two voices, two instruments, and one continuous shot to capture their heartfelt performance of an excellent song they wrote about the push and pull of a romantic relationship that may or may not be imminently ending. These days, that’s practically revolutionary.

A WILD Halloween Ball with the Greasemarks & The Desperados

Fri Sep 28 2018
Greasemarks

Submitted to Cashbox Canada
Toronto's Greasemarks

Toronto’s rockabilly punks GREASEMARKS have had a hell of a year for a bunch of supposed ner' do wells- signing to L.A. Rockin’ label WILD Records, putting out a hot self-titled album to both controversy & critical acclaim, and stepping up from burnin’ local barns to the biggest international stages - Vegas, Nashville, L.A., Brockville, they've hit them all this year... Like Spicoli hiring Van Halen for his birthday party, Greasemarks aren’t going to do anything sensible with the spoils of moderate rockabilly success - like paying off debt - they’re throwing the biggest ROCKIN’ HALLOWEEN Party this town has seen! Bringing one of the absolute WILDEST bands on the international rockabilly the scene up from Santa Ana, California - THE DESPERADOS - & gettin’ the biggest local dogs to make sure the party goes all night!

Meet Royal Prospect - Sweden's Spotlight Sensation

Fri Sep 28 2018
Royal Prospect Photo Credit Peter Astedt

Fresh off their blistering set of performances at LiveAtHeart Festival, the rapid-rising Swedish arena-rock sensation, Royal Prospect, have everything aligning for them to close the year out with a bang. Their fresh new single "Soldier" injects upbeat electro-pop into an energetic piano-driven hand clapper, with quick & catchy transitions fronted by the smooth vocals of lead singer Oscar Reingsdahl; it's no wonder Royal Prospect are making waves at industry spotlights around the globe. I caught up with Oscar who had this to say about their new single:

Abby Zotz - Singer, Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist Shows the Human Side of Music

Fri Sep 28 2018
Abby Zotz - Singer, Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist Shows the Human Side of Music

Submitted to Cashbox Canada

Sharing her personal journey with an enchanting voice, soul-touching lyrics and a range of musical styles, Abby Zotz weaves tendrils of hope together with strands of humour, resilience and, ultimately, joy.

A gifted musician and vocal artist, Abby’s message is an uplifting and often poignant expression of the human experience. She explores tiny fragments of life, both the lighter side and the struggle of finding hope in a troubled world. Her songs are at once intimate and relatable.

From classical and world music to country and traditional folk, Abby’s exposure to a medley of styles in her childhood set the tone for a life-long thirst to explore new musical avenues and expand her range. Her multi-faceted career has taken her from the Royal Conservatory of Music Concert Hall to tavern stages to trios and (almost) everywhere in between.

Live at Heart Newfoundland

Fri Sep 28, 2018

Following in the musical footsteps of the recent success of Live at Heart Sweden, Canada is about the embrace another version of this successful festival, with the inaugural event, Live at Heart Newfoundland.

Live at Heart Sweden began in 2010 when founders Anders Damberg and Johannes Nilsson wanted to create a space for local, unsigned bands to play for larger audiences. In its first year, Live at Heart featured 102 different acts and hosted gigs on 10 different venues around Örebro, Sweden. Over the years, Live at Heart has evolved into a creative industry conference and showcase festival – attended by hundreds of artists, filmmakers and creative professionals from all over the world. The event has grown into one of the biggest of its kind in all of Scandinavia and is considered one of the best festivals in the world. The 2018 version showcased more than 200 music acts and independent film screenings in the heart of Örebro.

BTW - Begonia, Hard Rubber, Micah Barnes, Plain White T's, Donovan Woods, Skydiggers, RYAN Playground, Blue Goose

Sat Sep 22 2018
Begonia Phone Credit Leeor Wild

So, Winnipeg based Begonia (aka Alexa Dirks) reveals the charmingly haunting video for “The Light”. Directed by Emma Higgins, Dirks says “she felt the emotion and saw my vision for the song right away.” The visual of Begonia singing in a store window surrounded by little dolls wearing white frilly dresses is one that Dirks says “encompassed the pure, ultra-feminine ideals that women are told to take on from a very young age, juxtaposed with me, a woman that does not fit into those stereotypes, sticking out and singing amongst them.” Dirks and Higgins then took that idea a step further, making, sez Begonia “the ‘creepy mother of the dolls’ going out for a night on the town with my pure, frilly, little, babies in tow.”

WATCH AND SHARE “THE LIGHT” HERE

Sheldon Kagan Not In a Shy Way

Fri Sep 21, 2018
DJ Sheldon and his early DJ Gear
DJ Sheldon and his early DJ Gear

If you are a Montrealer, or even just worked in the entertainment business in that glorious city, then the name Sheldon Kagan is one you will instantly recognize.

For 50 years plus, Kagan was known as one of Montreal’s leading event producers and entrepreneurs. From starting out as a 16-year-old kid doing high school DJ gigs to creating a niche for jazz shows to come through the city, to booking the likes of local bands to legendary greats, producing thousands of productions and taking the chances it takes to book live entertainment.

Canadian Indie Pop Folk Duo In The City Remember the “Best Time” in New Single

Fri Sep 21 2018
Canadian Indie Pop Folk Duo In The City Remember the “Best Time” in New Single

Sometimes, bad times help us remember better times. It's a circuitous path to happiness, to be sure. But it's the one taken by Toronto pop-folk duo In the City on their new single and video “Best Time” — available now.

Although it was inspired by the untimely and unexpected death of singer Ashley Jane's mother last year, the song — a preview of the pair's forthcoming concept EP MaryAnn — chooses to celebrate life rather than mourn a loss. "It's really a song that she's singing to my dad," explains Jane, who splits musical duties with multi-instrumentalist and studio whiz Timon Wientzek. "I was really grappling with the idea of grieving for someone you've lost and how you can get really swept up in the tragedy of it. It's really easy for that to become how you remember someone.

“But the storyteller in me was saying, 'No if your mom was still here, I think she'd tell all her friends and loved ones that she had the best time while she was here.’