Pioneer of the punk rock fast folk movement, Eugene Ripper is back with an electrifying new single "Folk Song 3000" accompanied by the powerful B-side "Go Van Gogh" and series of shows for 2023. Steeped in the rich heritage of folk music infused with a contemporary twist, these tracks showcase Ripper's distinctive song writing and musical prowess. Check them out on YouTube here:

Humans make mistakes, take things for granted, and experience pain. You cannot run from it. Embrace your missteps and march forward. Humanity demands it.

This is the message of Peruvian-born singer-songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer Arturo Rojas’s single, “Te Diré (Ser Humano),” part of the artist’s debut, self-titled album, “Arturo Rojas,” that dropped in April. Check it out “Te Diré (Ser Humano)” on YouTube here:

Rojas left Lima for New York City when he was 20, where he spent six years. He later crossed another border, relocating to Toronto to start in the Music Industry, Arts & Performance program at Centennial College. He’s found his home in the Canadian metropolis since.

Canadian composer and classical musician, Bill Brennan, is set to unveil the release of his new album "Kaleidoscope.” The St. John’s, Newfoundland native's latest creation is a captivating collection of original compositions for mallet instruments, predominantly featuring the marimba and vibraphone. 

Check it out on YouTube here:

 “Kaleidoscope” draws from Brennan’s rich career as a performer of contemporary new music and jazz, and from his vast experience and appreciation of music from various cultures around the world. When describing the new album, the two-time MusicNL Jazz and Blues Album Award winner says, “I want to acknowledge the music of Ghana, Brazil, Indonesia, and India. I have been fortunate to have great teachers and mentors from these countries, and my musical life has been immensely enriched because of them and their music.”

Cactai Road is a Delta space trio with roots in Skåne, Sweden. With influences from the American South to the folk tones of the North, Cactai road creates its own rootsy country blues sound.

The Eastern band Cactai Road are at the same time deeply rooted in the midst and halfway up to the sky like floating helium balloons.

Check them out on YouTube here: youtube.com/channel/UC2XaSd6PzSS2GxJDvVQwFPg

Primitive American blues from the prairie and swampland, while the three members create music at a personal distance from the traditions. They connect back to mainly the blouse but play there (as in the USA), here (as in Österlen) and now (both here and there).'

Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1E4q4mJTrv18es

Cactai Road will be performing and hanging out at the lillabyfestivalen.se/ August 25-26^th in Rinkaby, Sweden.

instagram.com/cactai_road/

It’s easy to take what we have for granted in the moment, and Woolwich, ON-based folk artist Carla Muller perfectly captures that sentiment with her new single “Another Morning After” – check it out on YouTube here:

 Featuring whimsical violin, acoustic guitar, banjo, and upright bass, “Another Morning After” is both celebratory and introspective, taking the listener through snapshots in the life of a couple, beginning with their courtship and ending with them looking forward to the rest of their lives together. In fact; it’s actually the story of Carla and Tom; her own husband of 32 year.

The chorus begs “I want another morning after” as Muller looks at the day after each big day. For example, here’s the morning after the couple’s wedding:

Fog Blues & Brass Band, the talented and charismatic 7-piece ensemble of Blues artists from Kitchener, Ontario, are excited to announce the release of their latest single, "Too Deep". The new track is featured on the blues/rock band’s latest EP – 12 Bar Prescription, debuting this week at #4 on the Roots Music Report’s Canadian Chart. Check out "Too Deep" on YouTube here:

 Known for their infectious, high-energy live performances and creative twist on the classic rock and blues sound, Fog Blues & Brass Band continues to captivate audiences with their powerful rock-infused music. The songwriting process for the group has always been a collaborative effort, with one member coming up with an idea or demo for a song and then everyone contributing their ideas and talents to bring it to fruition. According to the band, this tune came together rather quickly.

In 2023, streaming is abundant. It has its pros: reach, convenience, cost. But what streaming offers in ease it lacks in intimacy. There is no medium more suited for such than vinyl.

Of the many musical genres the world over, jazz and blues remain among the most intimate. Quality blues records never lose their mystique, aging like wine through every era. Tapes, CDs, and streaming cut into vinyl’s market, but nothing can put it to bed.

That’s part of why Maple Blues Band is so excited about the vinyl version of its latest album, “Let’s Go.” The Toronto outfit’s 10-track project was released in January through Cordova Bay Records. It has since climbed to the No. 1 spot on Roots Music Report’s Canadian Chart while residing on the list for 27-straight weeks. It has earned itself quite the reputation, and lovers of jazz can now enjoy the band’s suave grooves through timeless means; its vinyl unveiling provides listeners with the art in its purest form.

MISU is a small band from Stockholm, Sweden. They have been playing since 2019 and in 2020 they released an EP on Spotify.  Check it out here: open.spotify.com/artist/4zdNq9xMMdLQuyCCqnVVgs

The songs are written by the two front people in the band  and talks about what it’s like to be a confused kid in this weird world we are living in. They play a mix of punk and rock, featuring a singer songwriter style,  but recently some folk music have made it’s way into the set list.

Cactai Road will be performing and hanging out at the illabyfestivalen.se/ August 25-26^th in Rinkaby, Sweden.

From lead vocalist and guitarist Tyler Schlagenhauf, bassist and back-up vocalist Wes Schlagenhauf, and drummer Jason Guadalupe, comes the anticipated 10-song strong Master & Machine with its title track leading the charge.

Check out ‘Master & Machine’ on YouTube here:

In “Insomnia,” Lagos, Nigeria-born, Edmonton, AB-based Osasioo perfectly captures the feeling of losing a lover and knowing you deserved to do so. It's about realizing that you didn't treasure someone when they're around and accepting that they made the right choice to protect themselves from the pain you inflicted by walking away. Check it out on YouTube here:

Osasioo, born Osas Igbinosun, is known for his descriptive songwriting style and his captivating blend of R&B and modern pop. The Nigerian-born Canadian based artist has amassed a great number of fans with his unique voice and relatable lyrics. His songwriting processes, much like his songs, are a journey, as he originally started “Insomnia” in 2021 during the pandemic.

Is there anything quite like the anticipation of a new season? When the air is thick with dreams, and every supporter’s heart is filled with hope and the unspoken phrase, ‘This could be our year!’ And all this is heightened by the sight of a beautiful new pitch, as smooth as a carpet—a testament to the groundskeeper’s art. Like a blank page ready for the season’s triumphs to be written.

Check out “The Greenest Green” on YouTube Here:

This lush indie pop ode to football (soccer) from Toronto band Spotkix is packed with raw driving guitars and polished harmonies. The Greenest Green celebrates the feeling on the first day of a brand-new season—before a ball’s been kicked. A day when however fleetingly, everything seems possible…

Singer-songwriter Lara Eidi soars high with the release of her latest single "Breathe Love" from her debut album Sun, out September 4 on Pastiche Records. With its genre-defying sound and heartfelt lyrics, the song is a testament to Eidi's unique artistic vision and creative prowess. Check it out on YouTube here:

Relocating to Athens, Greece from London, England during the pandemic, Eidi found herself in the city's streets and gathering inspiration during her daily walks. These moments led Eidi to confront her fears and rediscover her true voice. She felt empowered to create music that reflected her courage and resilience on her journey of self-discovery.

When you've been through tough times, the act of surviving and reaching a better place can feel miraculous. To experience a major hurt or loss and still find a way to move forward is a powerful feat. No one knows this more than Vancouver based rock band Econoline Crush, who have made a triumphant return with their new single "Invincible." Check it out on YouTube here:

The song opens with bombastic vocals from frontman Trevor Hurst, as he sings and dares pain to come at him with everything it’s got. His vocals explode especially well in the song's chorus, which is enhanced by the band's bassist Troy Zak, drummer Dayvid Swart, and the late guitarist David "Ziggy" Garrison.

When you're trying to change your life and aim for something better, sometimes you need a little motivation to get there. One of the most inspirational things can be music, especially if you find the right song. Maybe that song can be from Florida based Hip-Hop group Bulletproof Soul and their new single, "The Ascension", which features DJ Sabrina the Teenage DJ & Nyyjerya.

Check it out on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/track/3CYFXTacyJ0vnZ5r5xOZ5H

This song doesn't waste any time, opening with a danceable electronica beat as well as an introductory lyrics that are ladened with braggadocio, sex, and auto-tune. Bulletproof Soul knows what they want and knows that they can get it, and they will always keep trying their best no matter what.

Moreover, the song's confidence is especially palpable at the song's chorus, which also boasts of a love of the West Coast as much as the desire to make it to the top. It's a fun, good way to sum up the song's overall message.

Mystery Romance, a four-piece band hailing from the rich musical heritage of Western Canada and Ireland, is proud to announce the release of their latest single, “Forever For You" on Current Records.

Drawing influence from iconic artists such as T-Rex, George Michael, Alan Parsons Project, Gerry Rafferty, and Al Stewart, Mystery Romance presents a distinctive blend of melody, guitar, synth-pop, and heartfelt lyrics, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in their captivating sound.

"Forever For You" is a timeless track that showcases Mystery Romance's skilled musicianship and innovative songwriting. The song's melodious harmonies are complemented by intricately woven guitar and synth arrangements, creating a harmonious soundscape that resonates with audiences of all ages. The lyrics are thoughtfully crafted, offering an authentic and emotive experience for those who listen closely.

Swedish rock solo project Winterland approaches music with a down-to-earth perspective. Reminiscent of rock bands like Fleetwood Mac, Dire Straits and Hall and Oates with strong influences from the 70s, while making it their own sound, blending nostalgic sounds with a fresh approach.

Listen on Spotify here:open.spotify.com/artist/3Tt6uqSiDr4QMC8efjaIKG

A music enthusiast from an early age, Fredrik Nilsson the bands writer has played with several bands over the years, allowing him to develop a mature sound, which permeated his previous project, the band Waterhil!

Winterland was signed to Gothenburg-based Rexius Records in 2021, and released it’s first album titled Winterland in February 2023. Winterland currently works on their second album which will be released during 2023.

instagram.com/winterland.music

Love is a double-edged sword. At its highs, nothing beats it. At its lows, you’re fully defeated. Toronto indie rock band The Alter Kakers captured the torrid experience of a love affair gone wrong in its latest single, “Stopped Being In Love.” Check it out on YouTube here:

Combining influences from both rock and country, vocalist and guitarist Steve Bronstein serenades the listener with a twangy sound that emanates the emotion and turbulence of a relationship falling apart. He starts from the beginning, explaining how he and the nameless woman met at a truck stop some time ago. The relationship unfolded from there, but it fell apart down the line, and now Bronstein confesses that he might have stopped being in love.

The track intertwines with the band’s motif - alter kaker is a Yiddish term for an old person, or as the band likes to call it, it means “an old fart.”

Meïa Santiago’s new single “I Can’t Stay From You,” produced by Prince’s Music Director and keyboardist Morris Hayes, tells the full arc of a love story. Blending pop, jazz, and Latin with yearning lyrics, Santiago infuses each note with sensuality, infatuation, and heartbreak. Check it out on YouTube here:

Meïa found inspiration from a relationship that bloomed and ended in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a Spaniard living in New York City, she was particularly vulnerable—being far away from home, friends, and even sense of self. Despite love lost, Meïa’s lyrics center hope: “Through the open window I hear / 3 little birds singing / To make a new start / Sweet love bring me your wings / So I can fly away.” And in the midst of darkness, she rekindled another love: her love of music.

Award-winning singer-songwriter Julian Taylor releases a new single “Georgia Moon,” out now. It is one of the new songs from his forthcoming retrospective collection, “Anthology Volume One”, set to release October 20, 2023.

Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/track/4rccvQd9g94LPiej5ZQk4l

Julian Taylor talks about “Georgia Moon”: This is one of the first songs that I wrote when I was still in high school and my band was starting to do some shows in and around the city. I remember really focusing on writing this song from a third person point of view and trying to convey a tale that took place in a sort of Wild West, modern romantic era. Even though the song is very dark, it doesn’t come off that way. tells the tale of a bandit and someone chasing him all over the Eastern Seaboard. I used to play this song frequently at open stages, and it went over really well. It was never officially recorded before this, and as I reflect on much of my work, it felt like the right time to go back into the studio and finally nail it down."

Watch it on YouTube here:

In celebration of Emancipation Day, JAMBANA™ One World Festival takes place on Monday, August 7^th from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Gage Park in Brampton. Canada’s premier “fun for the family” festival, JAMBANA™ celebrates the sights, sounds, and tastes of this nation’s diversity.

The festival ignites passion and inspires creativity, while representing Canada’s African and Caribbean communities through performances by internationally acclaimed bands, artists, and JUNO Award winners.

Headliner Fab 5 celebrates 50 years in the music industry, while other featured acts include Steele, Nana McLean, Joshua Lucas, Rayzalution, Kairo McLean, Chelsea Stewart, Dance Caribe, Dale Brown & True Praise, and Hardcore Band. The festivities this year are hosted by Master T and Tanya Mullings.

Admission is free and, in addition to great vibes and rhythms, the festival will feature arts and crafts vendors, community vendors, as well as delicious food. There’s tons of free parking in downtown Brampton. Bring a lawn chair for maximum enjoyment of the show!

About JAMBANA™ One World Festival: