Tommy James is ALIVE!

Fri Jul 12, 2019

Not only is Tommy James still alive, but he's also making vital, important and absolutely catchy music. His new album ALIVE is filled with the kind of ear candy that sticks to the soul like a tattoo on the brain. Being released June 7th and available where all good music is sold and streaming worldwide.

"ALIVE started out as an acoustic album," he explains, "but little by little I realized that there was no way i could interpret the songs acoustically..so i gave into electricity!"

Apollo X1 CelebrationComplete with three of his beloved songs totally reconfigured, stretched inside-out and pumped up with the kind of esoteric action that only the greats could pull off, plus new songs that are bound to be instant classics, and well-chosen covers that are bound to not only surprise but captivate. ALIVE boasts 15 tracks in a wild, circuitous meandering adventure that criss-crosses genres with ease and flair.

Marshall Potts That’s How it Starts

Fri Jun 28, 2019

British Columbia singer/songwriter Marshall Potts has a new album, That How It Starts, and it’s a winner. The ten-track offering is an intimate invitation into the heart and soul of the man.

We got to spend some time with Marshall is Cannes, France and saw his showcase at the festival and had some insightful one on one chats. The first thing you notice about Marshall Potts is that when he’s talking to you he looks you in the eye and you know you have his full attention. He does that same thing from the stage, the audience is his only focus, that and the message is conveying through his songs.

Thank you Morrison’s and Midem 2019!

Fri Jun 14, 2019

MIDEM (Marché International du Disque et de l'Edition Musicale) was first held in 1967, making it one of the longest standing music events, was held on June 4 to 7 in Cannes, France. During the daytime hours, it is billed as the leading music industry event for the music ecosystem with producers, agents, managers, lawyers, executives, entrepreneurs and journalists from around the globe conducting business. During the evening hours until the wee hours of the morning, live music is featured.

This is the first time that Cashbox Canada and Cashbox Magazine USA presented an officially MIDEM sanctioned series of showcases at Morrison’s Irish Pub in Cannes. June 5 and June 6 the music began at 5 pm and ran until 2 am, with the two evening event featuring both singer/songwriter and band showcases.

Producers Rob Ryan, Sandy Graham and Kathy Hahn headed up the helm, taking an already established event and making it a global showcase, adding international to the mix of what was an all Canadian showcase in the past.

Betty Moon’s Address To The Nation

Fri May 31, 2019

There is such a thing as being too far ahead of the curve. Or just too outspoken, creative or damn convincing. Betty Moon is a former teen model, singer and dancer. She sold over 10,000 DIY records during her high school years and A&M/Universal signed her to a record deal, launching her professional career. Still and all, traction for her particular brand of music was hard to come by in Canada and in 2010 she relocated to El Lay. There she found a toehold which to date has grown to an impressive global footprint.

In 2013, Moon broke through as a featured artist at the Sunset Strip Music Festival. Moon has performed at venues including The Roxy, Whisky a Go Go, and The Viper Room in Hollywood, California. As you can imagine, much has been written about the rising Moon, with the final product, of necessity, allinterlarded with the viewpoints of the writer and oftimes, an editor.

A good way to get out of the way of the story is to have Betty tell it in her own words, via a Q&A.

So here we go.

How do you stay so prolific?

Lily Frost Rocks It With “Retro-Moderne”

Fri May 24, 2019

With a CD/Vinyl Release Party June 1st and Worldwide Distribution on June 7, Lily Frost

is getting ready to break-out with her new offering of Retro-Moderne.

Canadian singer/songwriter Lily Frost’s first single off forthcoming album Retro-Moderne is “I Dodged A Bullet”.

Frost’s most focused and stylish work to date, Retro-Moderne is available live at Toronto’s Rivoli on June 1 and digitally worldwide June 7th.

“We set out to make a retro-infused album with a fresh and current vibe,” the award-winning, multi-talented, genre-defying dynamo of an artist reflects. “Gus and I both love 60s mod music and we grew up at the same time in Montreal when mod, ska, and punk subcultures were part of the underground scene we played.

“We also love current trends in fashion and art.”

By ‘Gus’ she means Gus Van Go (The Stills, Whitehorse, Jill Barber, Terra Lightfoot), whose pointed and precise production helped deliver a record that wastes little time living up to its name. “I am thrilled with the new record and to be working with Gus and his team. When you find the right team and chemistry, it falls into place."

Jacob Cade – 20 and Rising

Fri May 17, 2019

Submitted by Sandy Graham

At 20 years old, Jacob Cade has nowhere to go but up in this industry. Originally from El Paso, Texas and now residing in Parker, Colorado, Cade is a force to be reckoned with in an industry that is hungry for a talent like this artist.

It would be impossible to walk away from a Jacob Cade performance without being overwhelmed by the sheer energy he brings to the stage. Mixing old school rock and roll guitar shredding with dance moves straight out of modern pop, Jacob has tapped into a style that is unique and unexpected.

Jacob first picked up the guitar at 4 years old. Growing up, Jacob's father, Jim Cade played guitar successfully with various bands locally such as Rail and The Jim Cade Project. Inspired by Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Ace Frehley, Slash, and Billy Gibbons it is obvious where the old-school classic rock has influenced his current performances while continuing to develop his own persona.

Legendary Blues Band Downchild Celebrate 50 Years in the Business

Fri May 10, 2019

Legendary blues band Downchild are celebrating 50 years of the blues – and taking the party across North America. Announced U.S. dates thus far include June 21 at Rochester International Jazz Festival (with special guest Dan Aykroyd); and August 17 at Chenango Blues Festival in Norwich, New York. Additional US tour date announcements are forthcoming.

Watch the trailer for the Downchild film documentary, Flip, Flop and Fly, here:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUyGjjHvK4ljwxnyhSifkQw/featured

Hot on the heels of their JUNO-nominated (Canada’s Grammy) 2017 album, Something I've Done, Downchild have announced a special 50th Anniversary Tour, bringing their iconic sound and timeless hits to theatres and festivals in Canada and the U.S.

The Many Sides Of Marc Jordan

Fri May 03, 2019

He has written hits across many genres for the likes of Diana Ross, Josh Groban, Cher, Bette Midler, Joe Cocker, Chicago, Amy Sky and Rod Stewart (including his worldwide hit, “Rhythm of my Heart”). He’s a Juno-winning producer, an artist with a sturdy international following, a musical visionary with a cinematic bent, a nuanced vocalist, proficient guitarist, Musical Director of the Slaight Family Music Lab and with Amy Sky, a national UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Canada with a burgeoning rep as a painter. With such a rich legacy, it can safely be said dude can kick back and not write another song ever without dulling any of his luster.

That, however, is not how it’s ever going to guy with a guy who matter of factly lets on he’s in the studio every day before he has his first coffee. The current release, Both Sides, is a collection of chilled out popular songs that blur the lines between pop and jazz by some of his favourite composers, along with previously unreleased original Marc Jordan  songs, all superbly arranged by Toronto multi-talent Lou Pomanti.

Neena Rose This Bud’s For All of You

Fri Apr 19, 2019

It was a grey, rainy, foggy morning, I needed an emotional upgrade and Neena Rose turned out to be just the person for that. From the sec I pick up the phone, the Hammertown based 17 year old rising r’n’b presence is all rapid fire delivery punctuated by giggles and riding a wave of being really here, really now and really a happening thing.

Last March, Neena Rose was the first young Canadian female artist to represent at the California Copyright Conference in Los Angeles. She appeared at the “Young Guns — Innovative and Thriving in the New World Music Order” and pronounced it an exciting learning experience.

“I was the youngest one and there was so much to be learned. For me the most important takeaway was that how you make money in the music business has changed and it isn’t going back to old models. Also the power of social media in music is just going to increase. I learned that you have to evolve to survive.”

Music Export Canada Presents Canadian Blast in Guimarães, Portugal

Fri Mar 29 2019
Canadian Blast in Guimarães, Portuga

Westway LAB, Portugal’s first showcase festival and professional music conference, will take place for the sixth consecutive year from 10th to 13th of April in Guimarães, Portugal. Founded in 2014 with a clear mission: to operate a cultural, social and economic transformation through music, crossing borders enabling the construction of sustainable internationalization of artists and professionals from Portugal. During the 4 day event, Guimarães becomes a music city, combining in an innovative way the realization of an event based with three dimensions: Process (artist residencies), Thought (PRO Conferences) and Product (showcases and headline concerts).

Bara Jonson and Free Fairytale Me

Fri Mar 22 2019
Bara Jonson and Free Fairytale Me

How does an act from Sweden take a chance and go to a Live at Heart Festival on a Peninsula named Burin in Canada’s Newfoundland, write a song and end up on the Swedish Independent Music Chart 10 weeks in a row in a # 1 position, thanks to the fans (who are now friends) that they met there?

This is what Bara Jonson and Free did. “We rented a car, drove through torrential rain, landed in the middle of nowhere at the Marystown Hotel and suddenly you feel like you came ‘home’? There is no explaining it, but that is what happened to us.”

So they went back to Sweden and immediately wrote “Hello Newfoundland” and their newly found friends embraced it.

The release of the video included all of the amazing people who forged the road to these lifetime memories and also featured Tale The Rapper.

Watch ‘Hello Newfoundland’ here: https://youtu.be/Lg1FiA8jCZM

The New Sound of Linus Jackson

Fri Mar 15, 2019

Linus Jackson is a Swedish artist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Early in his career, he was the lead singer and guitarist in Swedish grunge band The Sludge, and he has been touring with a lot of artists in different roles. For example, you can hear him sing backup vocals with Ane Brun on her live album “Songs Tour 2013 (Live)”.

The same year Linus Jackson released his debut solo album “Said and done” (Album) where he was joined by 13 guest musicians such as Vindla String Quartet, Linnea Olsson, Conny Bloom (Electric Boys) and more.

His latest EP "I Want More” was released in Scandinavia on all platforms in September 2017 and worldwide in Sept 2018.

Cashbox Magazine caught up with Linus at his home in Sweden to talk about his future plans, his solo career and what brought him to the new sound.

“Although there were not a lot of musicians in the family (my Dad’s cousin Gunilla von Bahr was a flutist) I was surrounded by music all my life. I listened to all the Beatles songs as a kid. My parents also sang and influenced me by all the music they listened to as well. To this day they still perform in a choir.”

Dervish The Great Irish Songbook

Fri Mar 08, 2019

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day! As one of the world’s most renowned and imaginative interpreters of Irish folk music, Dervish has devoted the last three decades to gently reinventing the traditional songs of their homeland. On their debut release for Rounder Records, the Sligo-based band join up with over a dozen luminaries across an eclectic range of genres.

Featuring guests Steve Earle, Rhiannon Giddens, Vince Gill, Brendan Gleeson, Jamey Johnson, Kate Rusby, The SteelDrivers, Abigail Washburn, and others, The Great Irish Songbook both preserves the spirit of each song and brings a new vitality to iconic traditional songs of their homeland.

Gangstagrass! A Sound All Their Own

Fri Mar 01, 2019

Although the real break-through for Gangstagrass happened on July 8, 2010, Gangstagrass producer Rench and rapper T.O.N.E.Z were nominated for an Emmy in the category of Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music for "Long Hard Times to Come”, they initially formed in 2006 and have been evolving and changing ever since. The band's song "Long Hard Times to Come", was selected to be the opening theme song of the acclaimed television show Justified on FX in early 2010.

There is no distinct category or genre to put this band into; how do you define hip-hop/rap meets bluegrass. Truly a trailblazer, I had the opportunity to catch up with Rench, the producer as well as vocalist/guitarist in Gangstagrass at his home in New York.

Lynx Talks Random Order

Fri Feb 22, 2019

The thing about a lunch interview with Lynx, founder of Random Order, is that the eating part is played down in favour of flowing conversation. Full of ideas, plans, history, fun and the power of dancing, and somewhat obliquely, the legacy of Random Order. The latter is on the table as Lynx begins a new life as Random Order the solo performer. 

“It was a natural progression. From early on in the band’s life I’ve been writing all the albums and working in the studio. I’d started focusing on electronic production with the Random Order sound and working more on remixes. I thought about putting out new material as Lynx the solo act but Random Order has an established name and following.

Peter Anderson Just In Time

Fri Feb 15 2019
Peter Anderson Just In Time

One of the things you can’t buy is experience, the only currency for that is time-in. Peter Anderson has the talent and drive and most certainly has the experience.

An active musician since the late 60’s, Peter Anderson’s songs are rich in honesty and uplifting messages. The Alabama-born California resident has his roots in country and rock ‘n’ roll and has just released a new album, ‘Just In Time’ just in time for the exciting new opportunities coming his way. With songs on this new CD certain to gain global airplay, Anderson is gearing up for some groundbreaking live performances.

Peter Anderson has been selected to participate in the inaugural Cashbox Canada singer/songwriter Showcase in Cannes, France at MIDEM this year. This new musical initiative at the annual gathering of music industry who’s who will give the singer/songwriter to reach a global audience. MIDEM was started in 1967 and is known as deal-making opportunity of the year, and an Official Showcase at MIDEM is certainly a groundbreaker for any artist.

Canadian Rock Icon Kim Mitchell To Release Single “Diamonds Diamonds” Featuring Barenaked Ladies

Fri Feb 08 2019
Canadian Rock Icon Kim Mitchell To Release Single “Diamonds Diamonds” Featuring Barenaked Ladies

ole label group is pleased to announce that Canadian rock legend Kim Mitchell will release a re-recorded version of the Max Webster hit, “Diamonds Diamonds”, featuring Barenaked Ladies on February 22, 2019. Produced by Greg Wells (Keith Urban, Twenty-One Pilots, Adele), the Max Webster gem co-written by Kim Mitchell and his writing partner Pye Dubois, marks Mitchell’s highly anticipated first solo release in six years.

 

“After hearing audiences sing this song louder than the band on many nights, we decided to give a nod to this classic without trying to make it a period piece. Simply, let's record it more as we play it now," said Kim Mitchell. "Working with Barenaked Ladies made the session more vibed and fun than we could have imagined. She STILL takes more whiskey than I wine!"

Tommy James Celebrates 50 Years of Crimson and Clover

Fri Feb 01 2019
Tommy James Celebrates 50 Years of Crimson and Clover

On February 1, 1969, The Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart was topped by an astonishing new sound From Pop band TOMMY JAMES AND THE SHONDELLS.

CRYSTAL BLUE PERSUASION, CRIMSON & CLOVER, MONY MONY, I THINK WE'RE ALONE NOW, HANKY PANKY, DRAGGIN' THE LINE, SWEET CHERRY WINE, THREE TIMES IN LOVE And MIRAGE are just a few of the many hits from TOMMY JAMES, Singer, Songwriter And Producer.....23 GOLD SINGLES, 9 PLATINUM ALBUMS And Over 100 MILLION RECORDS SOLD WORLDWIDE and 32 BILLBOARD HOT 100 CHART HITS!

Many artists have and continue to cover his songs...PRINCE, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, BILLY IDOL, JOAN JETT, KELLY CLARKSON, DOLLY PARTON, CARLOS SANTANA, CHER, TOM JONES, and even THE BOSTON POPS. The music of Tommy James is heard in over 42 films to date, TV shows such as BREAKING BAD, CRIMINAL MINDS, THE SIMPSONS, THE GOLDBERGS and AQUARIUS have featured his music as well as numerous commercials.

The Spirit of John (Mann) a Benefit Concert for The Toronto Alzheimer’s Society

Fri Jan 25, 2019
Alzeihmers Benefit Concert
Alzeihmers Benefit Concert

A few years ago, when Spirit of the West’s singer and main song co-writer John Mann was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s, a ripple went through the fairly close-knit Canadian music community. While it was clear that performing music would recede from John’s personal endeavors over time, his love of music has not diminished.

This concert is a benefit for the Toronto Alzheimer’s Association Music Project, which provides iPods free of charge to people living with dementia. Loaded with music from each patient’s “soundtrack”, they are able to listen to music connected to meaningful experiences over their life.

Myles Goodwyn Lost and Found Memory Maker

Fri Jan 18, 2019
Norma
Melody Maker

Imagine you lose something very near and dear to you. You’re told that the article has been destroyed. You go through all the stages of loss; grief, questioning what happened and finally acceptance that it’s gone, never to be seen again only to suddenly have it reappear some forty years later.

That’s exactly what happened to blues artist and founding member of April Wine, Myles Goodwyn.