Contemporary Jazz Singer Katie Ditschun Sends Peace & Warmth with “Be Still”

Fri Dec 04, 2020

Contemporary jazz pop singer/songwriter Katie Ditschun offers a moment of calm and cause for pause this holiday season with the release of her new single, “Be Still”.

“For me, this is a winter song to sing during Christmastime,” Ditschun says, “but the lyrics don’t mention a specific holiday, so it’s really for anyone who enjoys the warm glow of light on a winter’s night.

“My hope is that people will listen to it, maybe all cozied up by the fire, and feel the calm and peacefulness I wanted to bring them. I consider ‘Be Still’ to be a kind of ‘Silent Night.’

To watch and enjoy “Be Still” here:

“In January of 2020, I found myself inspired to write this song,” she reflects. “Christmas 2019 had been a quiet, peaceful holiday for me, so the lyrics are simply about taking the time during the holiday season to slow down and fully appreciate the beauty, joy, and peace that we can see, feel, and share.

Canadian Indie Wonder Delyn Grey Taps Into Bloodied Heart Of Heavy Blues On Latest Single

Fri Nov 27, 2020

To some people the sound of thunder may seem to be a portent, yet to young Toronto artist Delyn Grey it signals empowerment. Her rise has been a striking contrast to the dreary air of 2020, and though Delyn’s forthcoming EP is titled Disappointment Girl — and singles “Battle” and “Ghost Town” addressed the dark issues of depression and quarantine — Grey’s songs strike a chord with too many a listener to dub her a disappointment.

The Canadian’s new cut “Listen To The Thunder” will surely multiply the number of her fans because it’s a testament to Grey’s maturity as a musician — a writer and a performer.

Check out “Listen To The Thunder” here:

#2 on Indigenous Music Countdown, blind singer MATTMAC from Manitoba releases Debut Album "20/20"

Fri Nov 27, 2020

Blind music producer and recording artist Mattmac has harnessed his melodic pop-trap beats and inspiring story, quickly establishing himself as ‘one to watch’ on the national scene with his debut album, 20/20.

At 180,000+ streams across platforms, Mattmac’s premiere release features poppy vocals combined with hard-hitting trap beats, and thoughtfully honest lyrics that give listeners a glimpse into the mind of a blind creative as he paints vivid sonic pictures of struggle, healing, celebrating love, family and life on the rez.

The eight-track album’s lead single “Paradise” has risen to become a popular song in the Canadian music circuit; garnering more than 50,000+ streams on Spotify, it hit Top 3 on the NCI FM Indigenous Music Countdown hosted by SiriusXM, and Top 50 on the Mediabase radio charts. With heavy local support from Virgin Radio Winnipeg, the song has become both a national and local sensation — including features with CBC Indigenous, CTV National News, Winnipeg Sun, and more.

Watch and experience “Paradise” here:

The James Clark Institute Release Moe Berg Produced SIngle “Should I Tell Her”

Fri Nov 27, 2020

Whether he’s in the institute or not James Clark is a doctor of pop. His prescription is simple, three minute blasts of medicinal music.

For his new ten song album “The Colour Of Happy” James once again called upon the talents of producer/musician Moe Berg (The Pursuit Of Happiness) a man who knows his way around a hook. As well as being a fan Moe also added his unique guitar sound and vocals to the new record.

When he wasn’t listening to his parents early rock’n’roll and country-western records, James, persuaded by his guitar playing brother, settled in behind the drum kit and discovered the songwriters that would influence him, Lennon & McCartney, Ray Davies and Elvis Costello. Their influence can be heard on his last full length 2016’s “Yesterday’s Misadventures” an album which ended up on many a year-end best of list.

Moe Berg adds “James takes the power pop traditions of The Beatles, Jellyfish and Split Enz and combines them with the high IQ lyrics of Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson. The result makes him one of Canada's greatest unsung songwriters”.

Bronte Road Music Releases “This Christmas” By Peter Foldy

Fri Nov 27, 2020

Two-time Juno Award nominee, Peter Foldy is back with an up-beat, radio friendly pop single, “This Christmas.” Written by Foldy, the track was co-produced with award-winning Quebec born  - L.A. based Gerry Stober, and Rokman.

Give a listen to “This Christmas” here:

Foldy is best known for his classic #1 Canadian hit, “Bondi Junction” as well as his infectious follow ups, “Roxanne” and “Julie-Ann,” both chart toppers in Canada released by Capitol/EMI Canada.

Beyond enjoying a long run as a singer/songwriter Foldy is also an accomplished film director who has worked with major stars such as Paul Rudd, Eugene Levy and Beverly D’Angelo, among many others.

Leahy Releases Holiday Traditional Classic O Come All Ye Faithful in Time for the Christmas Season

Fri Nov 27, 2020

Who better suited to record traditional holiday music than Canadian group Leahy, one of the country’s most highly regarded progressive folk-roots bands? Their well-tuned sibling harmonies and exceptional arrangements are legendary, as can be heard on  their new single, a rendition of  the Christmas hymn, “O Come All Ye faithful.” Having just released their single “Good Water” to great acclaim, the JUNO Award-winning group will also be releasing their upcoming album of the same name, in 2021.

From its strikingly original piano-chord opening to its gorgeous solo vocal ending, Leahy's achingly beautiful version of "O Come All Ye Faithful" moves through the sparsely-backed, haunting voice of Denise Leahy; a glorious chorale of the second verse; a tender violin solo; and a mesmerizing, repeated incantation of the line "Let us adore him." It feels pure and heartfelt.

"Love At Christmastime" Single by Heather Christine & Featuring Donovan Locke

Fri Nov 27, 2020

“Love at Christmastime,” a new jazz composition by Mississauga’s award-winning vocalist Heather Christine, flawlessly mixes the joy of the holiday season with the romance and sexiness of jazz. Heather Christine is accompanied by some of Canada's top jazz musicians: Mark Kelso on percussion, Pat Collins on bass, Anthony Panacci on piano, Brian O'Kane on trumpet, and Donovan Locke on guest vocals.

“Deep in my heart I know you’re the one for me
This holiday I know it’s meant to be
For once in my life I find a love at Christmastime
For once in my life I know love’s here to stay”

“Love at Christmastime” is written by Heather Christine and Eddy Ruyter, produced by Anthony Panacci, mastered by Reuben Ghose, and vocal arrangement by Justin Bacchus.

Empty Streets & Collective Concern Inspired Winnipeg Rockers D2UR’s New Single, “Slippin’ Away”

Fri Nov 27, 2020

Inspired by Winnipeg’s empty streets and the nation’s collective concern for COVID-19, Canadian modern rock outfit D2UR channeled their straight-to-the-point songwriting into this, their newest single “Slippin’ Away”.

Check out “Slippin’ Away” on YouTube here:

Co-fronts Diane Isbister and Mike Isbister — plus Dave Sikorski-Thorn, John Colburn, and Stephen Broadhurst — continue to bring their signature rhythms to the forefront in the riff-filled rock piece and serve “Slippin’ Away” as the latest in their library of recently released tracks.

“Upon returning from a well-deserved break in Palm Springs in March, COVID-19 hit Canada hard and restrictions were put in place,” Diane recalls. “Self-isolation for two busy people was going to be a challenge if we didn’t find ways to entertain ourselves!”

ECMA Winner CHRISTINA MARTIN Releases New Holiday Single, “Kisses For Christmas” and Announces Holiday Show

Fri Nov 27, 2020

The Martin & Murray Virtual Holiday Party
Sunday, December 13th @ 3:00pm AT / 2:00pm EST
$10 via Crowdcast

Ahead of her virtual holiday party this December 13th, ECMA Award winning singer-songwriter Christina Martin has released her newest holiday single, “Kisses for Christmas” — available now!

Check out “Kisses for Christmas” on YouTube here:

Following her 2018 hit holiday tune, “This Christmas” — which has 750,000 streams on Spotify alone, and includes features from Dale Murray and Jordi Comstock, as well as a video by Seela Misra — “Kisses for Christmas” speaks to the simple joys of the season: spending time with the people we love.

“Who remembers all the presents they got growing up?” Martin asks. “Maybe it was that Playmobil mansion, or a first electric guitar, or a prized stuffed animal or G.I. Joe...

Alex Whorms Sings the Bittersweet Sentiment on Holiday Classic “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”

Fri Nov 27, 2020

With a voice CBC calls “incredibly earnest” with an “honest purity,” award-winning Canadian singer/songwriter Alex Whorms delivers a stunning and timely rendition of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” in time for an unprecedented season.

“The idea for this project came about last year,” Whorms recalls. “I was on tour to promote my EP, Burgundy, and I met producer Micah Doern at a radio interview at Ryerson University’s CJRU. We became friends after that, and decided to try recording together.”

Whorms’ rendition of the holiday classic first recorded by Bing Crosby in 1943 was recorded and mixed by Doern, and mastered by JUNO Award-winning and GRAMMY Award-nominee Dan Brodbeck.

Enjoy “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” here:

With 2.5+ Million Plays & 800+ Playlist Adds, Hamilton's TonyTone Is Definitely “Not Alone”

Fri Nov 20, 2020

With 2.5+ Million plays across platforms, Canadian modern pop / hip hop artist and producer TonyTone is definitely “Not Alone” when it comes to his newest single — available now!

“I imagined 'Not Alone' as a feel good, easy listening, summer-style track," he explains. "I wanted to create a song that had a relaxed mood and memorable vibe that everyone would feel good while listening to.

Give a watch and listen to “Not Alone” here:

With inclusion on upwards of 800+ of Spotify’s most coveted tastemaker playlists, the latest from TonyTone — aka Anthony Marzanek — continues to fall seamlessly inline for his brand of lounge beats and an ambient moods that nod to both hip hop and indie influences, while staying pop-centric at its core.

Former Nylon Micah Barnes Details “The End of a Love Affair” in New Single & Video

Fri Nov 20, 2020

 “It felt like time to give folks the torchy ‘bar stool’ ballad,” Toronto-based jazz virtuoso Micah Barnes says of his sad yet sensual new single, “The End of a Love Affair” — available now.

It’s the latest to land from Barnes’ most recent and #1 iTunes Jazz Album charting and 500,000+ streamed album, Vegas Breeze, and follows the hard swinging version of “That’s Life,” his playful and wink-worthy take on “When In Rome,” and the celebratory sizzle that accompanied the release’s title track, “Vegas Breeze.”

“So yes, it was time,” he continues. Every Vegas entertainer seems to have that moment where they sit on a stool, in the middle of the spotlight, and sing about the heartbreak of a love affair gone wrong. It’s the flip side of the Vegas high life, when the glitter and neon have faded & our high rolling hero admits to being a loser in love.. 

“In some ways, ‘The End of a Love Affair’ is the perfect saloon song,” Barnes adds, offering its astute lyricism and gorgeous melody as indisputable evidence. “The listener never drowns in the emotion, but stays buoyed up in its mood of sophistication and intelligence.

Erick Beau is “Waiting for You”

Fri Nov 20, 2020

They say good things come to those who wait. 30 years ago, Montreal artist Erick Beau decided to put his music career on hold to pursue a career in law. Today, he has reunited with his first love--music. He releases his new single, “Waiting for You”, a love song he wrote after experiencing the highs and lows of a long distance relationship. Popwrapped, who premiered the single, says Beau's lyrics "tell stories, express emotions and help paint vivid images in a person’s mind." "Waiting for You" is Beau's second single from his debut album, What it Takes, slated for a May 2021 release.

Check out the video for Coming Home here:

Bruce Sudano - Keep Doin' What You're Doin'

Fri Nov 20, 2020

Brimming with romantic emotion and biting observations about the state of the union, Bruce Sudano’s EP Spirals Vol. 2: Time and the Space In Between -- set for digital and streaming release via Onerpm on Oct. 23 -- marks the Los Angeles singer-songwriter’s second release of 2020 on his Purple Heart Recording Co. label.

Check out Bruce Sudano “Keep Doin' What You're Doin'” here:

The seven-song collection succeeds Spirals Vol. 1: Not a Straight Line to Be Found by just six months. The new collection was produced by Steve Addabbo (Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin, Jeff Buckley) at Shelter Island Sound in New York, Randy Ray Mitchell (Billy Bob Thornton) at Akadak Studio in Los Angeles, and Mike Montali (lead vocalist of Hollis Brown) at the Creamery Studios in Brooklyn.

Chicago Rockers bluefront Brace for Emotional “Aftershocks” in Sophomore Release’s Title Track

Fri Nov 20, 2020

International indie rocker Alan Zreczny and his band bluefront confront the often harrowing reverberations of emotional, new single “Aftershocks”.

Watch the video “Aftershocks” here:

The title track from bluefront’s 2019 sophomore album release, the song “was written after I watched a news report about an earthquake and its aftershocks,” Zreczny lays plainly. “It started a process of thinking about the correlation to emotional aftershocks, like the flash of a memory where the whole thing would sort-of hit again.

“The song is my small way to address my own aftershocks and being ‘ready’ to handle them when they come,” he continues. “I realized that the aftershocks could actually feel worse than the shock or the event itself. In essence, I had already made it past the initial blow but now, on top of reliving that, I’m upset with myself because I’m thinking about it again, and it's affecting me in the same way.

Award-Winning Multimedia Artist Zahed Sultan Reimagines Classic 70s Lebanese Disco Track into Today’s “Layl”

Fri Nov 13, 2020

International award-winning multimedia artist, culture producer, and social entrepreneur Zahed Sultan has reimagined a 70s disco classic with a personal connection in this, his new release — “Layl”.

Watch the video of “Layl” here:

Originally "Do You Love Me,” a famous Lebanese song from the 70s by the Bendaly Family, the track has been reframed as a cinematic piece and placed in a more melancholic and somber space.

Featuring spirally vocals, deep synths, and rich textures from the violin, Sultan’s spin lends the gem greater meaning through its haunting music video. “I expanded on its themes of love and loss,” he shares. “It felt particularly fitting in light of the tragic explosion in Beirut, and the crippling of its creative community.”

Folk & Roots Duo Tomato/Tomato Are All About the Groove in Their New Single, “Better at Leaving”

Fri Nov 13, 2020

Canadian folk and roots duo Tomato/Tomato are all about the groove when it comes to their newest track, “Better at Leaving”.

The track is the next to land from their forthcoming album, It’ll Come Around, set for release this November 20th, and features funky drums, bass, and stereo guitars. Motown-inspired strings for good measure keep the song delivering good vibes beginning to end.

Check out “Better at Leaving” on YouTube here:

“When we began writing for the album, we weren’t quite sure what direction we would be heading,” John McLaggan shares. “We were, though, feeling strong pulls back to our roots.”

Multi-Award Winning Blues Man Steve Hill Goes Off-Road in New & Eighth Album, Desert Trip

Fri Nov 13, 2020

One of Canada’s most prolific guitarists Steve Hill is taking audiences along on his Desert Trip with the release of his latest album, and single “Rain”. 

A multi-talented instrumentalist with a JUNO, eight Maple Blues Awards and well over 2,500 live concerts notched on his axe, it was a previous solo sojourn into the dusty, dusky wide open that would inspire and transpire into most of this year’s release.

“In the fall of 2016, I went to California with some friends to attend the Desert Trip Festival in Coachella,” Hill recalls. “I had an amazing time while I was there and decided to hang around LA a little longer.

“After a couple of days in the city, I felt an urge to move and a need to explore,” he continues. “I rented a camper van and criss-crossed the state for about three weeks.

“I bought a guitar, too, and wrote some tunes at night while camping in Death Valley, Big Sur, Yosemite, San Rafael, and many other wild places.

Toronto's MAUVE Gets 2+ Million Plays, Continues Electro Chill-Pop With “Right”

Fri Nov 13, 2020

Topping more than 2+ Million plays across platforms, award-winning Toronto’s electro chill-pop artist Mauve delivers a rush of synth-pop grooves in her newest single, “Right”.

“I wanted this song to bring out the feeling like you’re under the glimmering lights at a party,” she muses. “Even if it’s a self-isolation party…”

Watch and enjoy “Right” here:

“There’s a lot of uncertainty going on in the world this year, but the message from this song is all about that person who is a much-needed balm to those stresses,” she continues. “‘Right’ reflects the freedom and fun of not having to go about the serious stuff alone because this person is by your side, and gleeful intoxication in connecting with that special someone as they help you see the better things in life.”