Calgary Soul/Blues Powerhouse OLLEE OWENS Releases New Album, Nowhere to Hide

Fri Oct 25 2024
Ollie Owens

 Canadian soul/blues powerhouse singer Ollee Owens releases her new album today, Nowhere to Hide, today through her Ollee Owens Music label imprint.

Produced by Bobby Blazier, the music on Nowhere to Hide is also graced by the presence of Muscle Shoals all-star guitarist Will McFarlane on eight of the album’s eleven tracks.  

 Check Out "Some Day's Here on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66rhpE1-yr8\

After Battling Cancer, Toronto Indie Songstress Moonlyn Officially Surpasses 1 Million Views/Streams Of "Here & Now"

Thu Oct 24 2024
Moonlyn

Moonlyn has officially surpassed 1 million streams and views across social media and music streaming platforms with her uplifting new single “Here & Now.” Known for her infectious positivity and radiant energy, Moonlyn continues her mission of spreading joy through music. As she prepares to release her highly anticipated full-length album, Possessed by Angels, on October 17, this milestone showcases the deep connection she's forged with listeners. With her third studio album, Moonlyn takes fans on a journey of vulnerability, hope, and gratitude, inspired by her personal battle with cancer and her unwavering commitment to find light even in the darkest moments.

Candadian Artist Network Announces Creativity Forever 24 Conference on Friday, November 1st

Thu Oct 24 2024
Creativity Forever 24

Join theatre mentor Jani Lauzon, music mentor Sandy Graham, and film mentor Edward Heeley, along with their mentees -- Jenn Forgie, Omatta Udalor, and JC Sol -- in an exploration of how artists of different generations can inspire each other to greater heights of creativity.

Chapter Three of Creativity Forever 24 takes place on Friday, November 1st at 1:00 PM Eastern | 10:00 AM Pacific time. This two-hour session will include breakout discussions.

Click the button to register for Mixing the Generations and our two other chapters:

In Guitar Quest Cult Film “Candy Mountain,” Restored And Returning To Theaters October 25

Thu Oct 24, 2024

“Candy Mountain,” the indie cult classic about a musician’s quest to find a legendary guitar craftsman, has been digitally restored in 2K and will be re-released to theaters on October 25. Originally released in 1987, the film stars Kevin J O’Conner and Harris Yulin, as well as French icon Bulle Ogier, with a supporting cast of real-life music legends Tom Waits, Leon Redbone, Joe Strummer, Dr. John, David Johansen and Arto Lindsay. Called “A wry, laid-back ‘Heart of Darkness’" (Chicago Reader), “Candy Mountain” combines the keen eye of the legendary photographer Robert Frank with novelist/screenwriter Rudy Wurlitzer’s mythic American prose to produce the quintessential road movie.

Check out the trailer on YouTube here:

Iconic Game Soundtracks That Shaped Modern Gaming

Fri Oct 18 2024
Iconic Game Soundtracks

While the world of video games changes rapidly, soundtracks remain a crucial aspect of the gaming experience. From stirring orchestral pieces to catchy electronic beats, game music long ago ceased to be simple background noise to become a pivotal part of storytelling and immersion. Iconic soundtracks not only define the ambiance of games but also leave a timeless impression on players, profoundly influencing modern gaming.

Take, for example, the haunting sounds of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim or the adrenaline-charged tracks from DOOM. Such soundtracks do much more than set the scene; they provoke emotions, create tension, and often join popular culture. In terms of music utilization, gaming has paralleled the interest shown in other entertainment media, from film to online casino environments, where such soundtracks play a critical role in shaping user experiences and user engagement.

The Evolution of Game Music

Lennie Gallant announces Christmas Tour 2024

Fri Oct 18 2024
Lennie Gallant

Fifteen shows throughout The Maritimes
November 22 - December 21

Renowned East Coast singer-songwriter Lennie Gallant has announced his Christmas Tour 2024

This holiday favourite is full of original seasonal songs, heart-warming stories, and captivating visuals in a multimedia presentation. The show will also present new arrangements for some traditional Christmas classics and will also showcase several songs from his new album to be released in 2025. Lennie has performed his constantly evolving Christmas show in Atlantic Canada for several years now to sold out crowds and this year’s multimedia version promises to be the best one yet.

For this tour, he will be joined by his partner and well-known Acadian musician Patricia Richard and her son, piano marvel Julien Robichaud along with talented New Brunswick-based Acadian violinist/fiddler, Marie Andrée Gaudet.

The 20th Annual Andy Kim Christmas Returns To Toronto’s Massey Hall December 4

Fri Oct 18 2024
Andy Kim Christmas

The Andy Kim Christmas returns to Toronto’s legendary Massey Hall Wednesday, December 4 for another unforgettable evening celebrating the magic of the season with performances from iconic Canadian artists. This year marks the 20th year that luminary musician and Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee, Andy Kim will bring together some of the nation’s most applauded talent featuring Barenaked Ladies, Alex Lifeson, Broken Social Scene, Billy Talent, Dan Hill, William Prince, Molly Johnson celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Kumbaya and more with all event proceeds donated to CAMH’s Gifts of Light.

Tickets to The Andy Kim Christmas go on sale Friday, October 18th at 10am local time at TicketMaster.ca, with prices ranging from $35.50- $85.50 plus fees. The complete line up of musical guests taking the stage will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tom Rush Returns to Hugh’s Room Live

Fri Oct 18, 2024

The indefatigable Tom Rush’s 6-decade career of crossing the continent is marching right along.

The pioneering troubadour/folksinger/songwriter/storyteller is currently on tour and scheduled to make a long overdue return to Hugh’s Room Live in Toronto, Ontario on October 25 and 26, 2024.

Rush’s impact on the American music scene has been profound. He helped shape the folk revival in the ’60s and the renaissance of the ’80s and ’90s, his music having left its stamp on generations of artists. James Taylor told Rolling Stone, “Tom was not only one of my early heroes, but also one of my main influences.” Country music star Garth Brooks has credited Rush with being one of his top five musical influences. Rush has long championed emerging artists.

Tom Rush began his musical career in the early ’60s playing the Boston-area clubs while a Harvard student. The Club 47 was the flagship of the coffee house fleet, and he was soon holding down a weekly spot there, learning from the legendary artists who came to play, honing his skills and growing into his talent. He had released two albums by the time he graduated.

MiMc Music Awards: Changing Lives in the Music Industry

Mon Oct 07 2024
Music in Montion Awards 2024

Music in Motion Canada changed the lives of many musicians. Are you next?

Calling all eager musicians and singer/songwriters who want to Fast Track their careers! Music in Motion Canada in association with EMG Collectives is proud to host their 2024 MiMc Music Awards. This competition gives undiscovered indie talent a chance to gain connections and exposure to music industry experts and opportunities. As a direct result of our 2023 event, the lives of many Canadian musicians were changed. Two of the winners were invited to perform on a festival stage in Sweden August / 2024, and our grand prize winner signed a management deal, with a worldwide release date of November 2024. Find their success stories in our inTune Magazine.

The Legendary Downchild Blues Band Announces Farewell Tour with Special Guest Jeff Rogers Announces Farewell Tour with Special Guest Jeff Rogers

Thu Oct 03 2024
Downchild Blues Band

After 19 albums, countless awards and 55 years of spreading the blues around the world on tour, the time has come for THE LEGENDARY DOWNCHILD BLUES BAND to say farewell to the road and their beloved fans, with their FAREWELL TOUR.

Tickets for all shows are ON SALE NOW at downchild.com/tour-dates

It’s hard to believe THE LEGENDARY DOWNCHILD BLUES BAND are celebrating their 55th Anniversary this year. As they say, time flies when you’re having fun!

Downchild came to international prominence as the inspiration for Hollywood stars Dan Aykroyd and the late John Belushi’s hit film, The Blues Brothers. In fact, two Downchild songs, “Shotgun Blues” and “I Got Everything I Need (Almost)” were even covered on The Blues Brothers’ 1978 multi-platinum album Briefcase Full of Blues.

The Canadian Artists Network Announces 'Creativity Forever' The Canadian Artists Network Annual Conference

Thu Oct 03 2024
The Canadian Artists Network

The Canadian Artists Network is thrilled to be bringing Creativity Forever [formerly Maintaining Creativity] back for its ninth year from October 28 to November 1, 2024. Sharing perspectives on how creators maintain vibrant artistic careers while surmounting the challenges of ageing, this year’s event will feature speakers from visual art, theatre, dance, film, music and journalism streams. The conference will be available to attendees from coast to coast to coast via Zoom.

Register here: Conference - CanArtNet

Three engaging chapters, spaced over the three days of the conference, will focus on the physical and mental health benefits of creativity, how the ageing process and other circumstances impact our creative process over the years, and the importance of mentoring and intergenerational collaboration.

The conference opens with legendary Canadian actor and singer [and CAN board member] Tom Jackson delivering the land acknowledgement and a presentation of his music video I’m Not Saying, I’m Just Saying.

Master Tour Announces Partnership With Berklee College Of Music To Support Next Generation Of Touring Professionals

Thu Oct 03 2024
Master Tour Announces Partnership With Berklee College Of Music

Equipping up-and-coming tour professionals with Master Tour’s state-of-the-art tools

Industry-leading software Master Tour, is partnering with the Berklee Popular Music Institute (BPMI) at Berklee College of Music to bring its platform to the next generation of tour professionals. Through this partnership, students in the institute’s BPMI Live program will learn about Master Tour through the course curriculum. Students will be granted access to the platform to manage events and concerts on campus–invaluable early exposure to the software that they will almost certainly encounter in their careers following graduation.

Women In Music Launches Eq Live Presented By Sirius XM Canada

Fri Sep 27 2024
Women In Music

TORONTO, ON – September 24, 2024 – Women In Music Canada is thrilled to announce the launch of EQLive, presented by SiriusXM Canada. EQLive is an exciting new showcase series dedicated to uplifting women and gender-diverse artists and crews as they develop toward the biggest stages. This fall marks the inaugural season, with live performances scheduled in Calgary (October 19), Whitehorse (October 30), Ottawa (November 29), and Toronto (December 20). Each event will feature affordable ticket pricing ($15 - $25) and, where possible, will be streamed nationwide to maximize reach and opportunity. Visit eqlive.ca for details.

The Irish Descendants Christmas 2024 tours Atlantic Canada and Ontario, November 22 - December 22

Fri Sep 27 2024
The Irish Descendants Christmas 2024 tours

Enjoy festive tunes, tales and merriment in The Irish Descendants Christmas 2024 starring multi award-winning Newfoundland folk group, The Irish Descendants with longtime front man Con O’Brien. The group will be joined by Mark Manning and Aaron Collis of the popular Newfoundland folk band, Rum Ragged, creating a powerful ensemble that will tour throughout Atlantic Canada and Ontario, November 22 – December 22. 

Our Lady Peace Announce 30th Anniversary Tour With Collective Soul

Fri Sep 27 2024
Our Lady Peace

Olp30 Tour Kicks Off February 2025 With Dates Across Canada
Pre-Sale Begins Thursday, September 26, 2024

In celebration of their 30-year career, iconic Canadian rock band Our Lady Peace (OLP) has announced their highly anticipated OLP30 Tour, kicking off in February 2025 with shows across Canada, including the Avenir Centre in Moncton, March 12 and the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax on March 13.

Following the release of OLP30 Vol. One—featuring the new single “Sound The Alarm”—this tour will be a powerful tribute to the band's three-decade legacy and an unforgettable experience for fans both old and new.

Our Lady Peace will revisit their biggest hits and introduce new tracks. Each performance will celebrate the band’s evolution while delivering an energetic, one-of-a-kind show.

Acclaimed Singer/Songwriter Francine Honey Announces Retirement From The Road, Clears The Decks For Rockets In My Boots, Vol II

Fri Sep 27 2024
Francine Honey Photo Credit Jeff Fasano

A feeling of transition emanates from every note of musical treasure in Francine Honey’s focus single, “Unfinished Business.” And that’s totally appropriate for an artist who’s in the midst of taking stock of her past while charting a bold change in her career trajectory, including announcing her retirement from the road and concentrating on the studio.

Inspired by a dream Honey once had of a timeless love in a canyon, the song explores the themes of destiny, choice and possibilities. But its implications are significantly more personal than that. Her musical vision conjures up memories of relationships that ended badly and finds her wondering if she would ever be find real love. Picturesque lyrical images of canyon dust filling the air and white smoke “rising up in prayer” contribute to an eerie Western gothic in which those ghost riders in the sky may be specters of a now-painful past—or guides into a promising unknown. The song sticks with you long after the final chord has been struck, leaving a sensation of wistful hopefulness that’s the perfect metaphor for where Honey now finds herself as an artist.

Pop Singer/Songwriter Peter Foldy Has a Remedy for the Alienation Blues in “Toxic World (Remastered)”

Fri Sep 27, 2024

Photo Credit: Jonathan Stoddard

Has it ever struck you that this planet we all share might be getting … well, meaner? Colder? Less conducive to a rewarding, peaceful time for everybody who has to live here? Peter Foldy has certainly noticed. And on the lead track from his new EP entitled “Toxic World (Remastered),” the iconic Canadian singer-songwriter declares his dismay over the situation in no uncertain terms. 

Will someone tell me what’s going on?” he sings, over a deceptively skipping rhythm and a rolling acoustic-guitar figure that make for a perfectly ironic counterpoint to the grave subject matter. “People talking hate, they don’t know right from wrong.

Canada's Teen Jam Announces Second Finalists Showcase Due to Overwhelming Submissions

Fri Sep 20 2024
Canada's Teen Jam

Canada’s Teen Jam is thrilled to announce a second Finalists Showcase due to an overwhelming number of submissions. Mark your calendars for February 27, 2025, when the nation’s most talented teen musicians will take the stage at the iconic TD Music Hall. The October 10, 2024, showcase is now officially complete, and the response has been nothing short of phenomenal.

Renowned live music producer Mark Higgins, the visionary founder of Canada’s Teen Jam and Big Music Fest, which has featured legendary acts like Aerosmith, Soundgarden, Bryan Adams, Slash, The Tragically Hip, and ZZ Top, shared his enthusiasm for the program's success:

 "Our Discovery Program is creating the next generation of musical superstars, and I only wish I had started this program a decade ago," said Higgins. "Teen musical growth is absolutely essential for the future of our music industry! Without supporting our musical teens, the creative wall will stop."

 The October 10, 2024, showcase at TD Music Hall promises an unforgettable evening as these young artists take the stage to share their talent and passion.

Toronto’s Kensington Market Jazz Festival – Led By Molly Johnson – Announces Lineup For September 27-29

Fri Sep 20 2024
Kensington Market Jazz Festival

Cue the scatted syllables and snapping fingers: The Kensington Market Jazz Festival is returning to the streets of Toronto the weekend of Sept. 27-29, 2024. And when it arrives, it won’t be as just a revered local tradition, but the embodiment of an enduring vision. This ninth edition of the annual salute to all that jazz will make good on legendary singer-songwriter and philanthropist Molly Johnson O.O.C.’s ongoing, dogged determination to fill the city’s beloved heritage district with the sounds and sensations of musical excellence—and to do it better each and every time.

youtube.com/channel/UCSlJBByVP0JA-8x2_IFrwzA

Last year’s KMJF saw more than 200 world-class players and vocal stylists taking the stage for a whopping 92 performances, in a best-yet showcase of the rich diversity of Canadian jazz. The 2024 schedule is poised to top even that landmark success, with a stunning assemblage of talent delivering a shot of musical adrenaline straight into the vibrant heart of Toronto.