+ JIMMY EAT WORLD COVER MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA’S TELEPATH
HEAR BOTH TRACKS ON ALL DIGITAL PLATFORMS NOW
WITH LIMITED EDITION 7” VINYL AVAILABLE ONLY VIA VIP TOUR TICKET PACKAGES
AMPLIFIED ECHOES TOUR BEGINS JULY 11
BRINGING BOTH BANDS TO MORE THAN 30 CO-HEADLINED DATES INCLUDING LA’S GREEK THEATRE, RED ROCKS, NYC’S SUMMERSTAGE + CANADIAN DATES IN CALGARY AND TORONTO
TORONTO, ON – June 8, 2023 – Today, ahead of their highly-anticipated, North American co-headline tour, Manchester Orchestra and Jimmy Eat World have teamed up to cover songs from each other’s vast and beloved catalogues. As Manchester Orchestra pay tribute to Table For Glasses, the opening track off Jimmy Eat World’s classic Clarity LP, Jimmy Eat World reimagine Telepath, an album highlight and enduring favourite from Manchester Orchestra’s The Million Masks of God. Listen to Manchester Orchestra’s cover of Table For Glasses via Loma Vista Recordings, here.
Both of the original arrangements are simultaneously sparse, slow-burning and soaring in their delivery, speaking to the bands’ shared strengths of cathartic melodies and vocal harmonies that invite fans to shout and sing along. While Jimmy Eat World flips Telepath on its head, turning the song’s soft acoustics and spectral strings into a thunderous wall of electric guitar, Manchester Orchestra approach Table For Glasses with a subtle touch that equally and intricately retains its invigorating power.
“It was an absolute honour to trade covers with one of our favourite bands,” says Manchester Orchestra’s Andy Hull. “We approached our cover with admiration for the original and had a blast exploring all of its spacious corners.”
Jimmy Eat World’s Jim Adkins adds, “Manchester Orchestra is great at sitting you down, spinning your chair around and stopping it to show you are now somewhere else. We knew if we were going to cover an immersive song like Telepath, we’d have to commit to ‘stopping the chair’ at bizzaro-Jimmy Eat World universe.” Listen to Jimmy Eat World’s cover of Telepath via Exotic Location Recordings, here.
Both covers will also be available on limited edition 7” vinyl, exclusively as part of the VIP Experience on the bands’ upcoming Amplified Echoes Tour. Kicking off July 11, and produced by Live Nation, Amplified Echoes will bring Manchester Orchestra and Jimmy Eat World to dozens of illustrious stages from coast to coast, including Canadian dates in Calgary and Toronto, as well as LA's Greek Theatre, Red Rocks Amphitheater, Nashville's Ascend Amphitheater, Chicago's Salt Shed, NYC's SummerStage in Central Park, and more through to the end of August. Find the full list below and tickets here, featuring support from Middle Kids.
The Amplified Echoes Tour will see Manchester Orchestra perform music from their new album, The Valley of Vision, live for the very first time. The record was released alongside a breathtaking and groundbreaking film earlier this spring, enveloping the viewer in 180 degrees of 3D virtual reality. The dual release marked "one of the first instances of a rock band using VR to help tell the stories of their songs" (Alternative Press), and in a five-star review, Uncut said, "few bands are brave enough to try something this ambitious, even fewer have the talent to pull it off." Enter The Valley of Vision and explore more of its world in the music video for lead single The Way, currently climbing into the Top 20 on the AAA radio charts.
Celebrating three decades and 10 albums of existence in 2023, Jimmy Eat World will arrive at the Amplified Echoes Tour fresh off a string of shows with My Chemical Romance and the release of recent singles, Something Loud and Place Your Debts.
Amplified Echoes Tour Dates:
July 11 – Missoula, MT – Big Sky Brewing Company Amphitheater +
July 12 – Calgary, AB – Calgary Stampede
July 14 – Spokane, WA – The Podium +
July 15 – Seattle, WA – WAMU Theater +
July 16 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater +
July 18 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic ^
July 19 – Los Angeles, CA – The Greek Theatre +
July 21 – San Diego, CA – Gallagher Square at Petco Park +
July 22 – Las Vegas, NV – The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan ^
July 23 – Salt Lake City, UT – Complex Outdoors +
July 25 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheater +
July 27 – St. Louis, MO – Saint Louis Music Park ^
July 28 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater ^
July 29 – Asheville, NC – Rabbit Rabbit ^
July 30 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre ^
August 7 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall +
August 8 – Austin, TX – Moody Amphitheater ^
August 9 – Dallas, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory ^
August 11 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion +
August 12 – Bellevue, NE - Outlandia
August 13 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory ^
August 15 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave/Eagles Club +
August 16 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed ^
August 18 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheater at White River
State Park +
August 19 – Columbus, OH – KEMBA Live! Outdoors ^
August 20 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill ^
August 21 – Toronto, ON – RBC Echo Beach ^
August 23 – New York, NY – SummerStage In Central Park ^
August 24 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway +
August 25 – Buffalo, NY – Outer Harbor Buffalo +
August 26 – Philadelphia, PA – Skyline Stage at the Mann ^
+Jimmy Eat World Closing
^Manchester Orchestra Closing
DOWNLOAD - Manchester Orchestra press photo
DOWNLOAD - Table For Glasses single artwork
ABOUT MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA:
Manchester Orchestra continues to push themselves into fascinating new realms with their latest release, The Valley of Vision, a reinvigorating record and awe-inspiring film that immerses the viewer in 180 degrees of 3D virtual reality. From continuously appearing on Billboard charts and major festival lineups, to earning hundreds of millions of streams and frequently collaborating with visionaries like the Daniels (Everything Everywhere All at Once, Swiss Army Man), Manchester Orchestra have followed up their acclaimed 2021 album, The Million Masks of God, with six songs rooted in a renewed sense of resilience, rebirth and self-redemption, delivered through a wealth of sounds and textures unlike anything the band has made before.
ABOUT JIMMY EAT WORLD:
Jimmy Eat World is celebrating three decades and 10 albums of existence in 2023. The Mesa, AZ, four-piece’s commercial breakthrough came with the release of several singles from their album, Bleed American, with The Middle hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart and peaking at No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, where it spent 33 weeks total and became RIAA-certified Platinum. Futures, their follow-up to BA, featured Pain, which also hit No. 1 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart. In October 2019, the band released their tenth album, the critically acclaimed, Surviving, which became one of three 'chapters' of their 2021 globally streamed series, Phoenix Sessions, that also included Futures (Chapter V) and Clarity (Chapter III), performed in their entirety (available on YouTube here). Recently, they’ve released two independent singles, Something Loud and Place Your Debts, with the former charting 21 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay.
LISTEN TO 6 EP HERE
FOLLOWS HIS EP 3 RELEASED IN MARCH
9 EP COMING SOON
DRACULA VIDEO OUT NOW
WATCH HERE
TORONTO, ON – June 6, 2023 – Breakout Atlanta rapper, Kenny Mason, releases his latest EP, 6, today on the sixth of June via RCA Records – listen here. Produced by Coupe (Young Nudy, 21 Savage), Poison Thorn (Shane Moran from the band Title Fight), Prince 85 & Notinbed, this project expands on Kenny’s out-of-the-box, genre-blending style while still keeping true to his roots. Ahead of this EP, Kenny dropped focus single, DRACULA, alongside a visual – watch here. This all follows his EP 3 (listen here), and video for 100 or Nun featuring Tony Shhnow (watch here) that were dropped in March of this year. The 3 and 6 EPs area part of an 18-track unique rollout that includes an EP titled, 9, coming soon. Listen to EP 6 here.
Kenny on the creative/rollout for his latest Eps: “My team and I wanted to drop 18 songs for the Pups, but have it delivered in a cool way so we broke it up into three different projects — 3, 6, and coming soon, 9. Hope y’all enjoy.” – Kenny
Previously, Kenny released his mixtape, RUFFS, in September 2022 (listen here) which included the tracks from his EP PUP PACK and new songs such as, SPIN N FLIP, feat. Young Nudy and MINUTE FOREVER. Most recently, Kenny Mason has been working on new music and continuing to cultivate his elevation. Kenny’s music comes on the heels of his buzzing single, Stick, a Dreamville collaboration with J. Cole, JID and Sheck Wes from the D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape. The Stick visual, which has over 5.7 million views, featured Kenny alongside the other artists on the track. Kenny has been on the festival circuit with sets at Rolling Loud, Wireless Festival, Bonnaroo and more, in addition to making surprise appearances at 2022 Coachella on JID’s set and 2022 Governor’s Ball on J. Cole’s set.
Kenny first broke out in the rap space in 2019 with his buzzing single, HIT, which catapulted him from Atlanta's underground DIY scene to the national spotlight. As Kenny continued to release more music, he became increasingly known for his versatility and unique sound. His bars and genre-bending abilities that incorporates elements of 90's punk, grunge, hip-hop and more, sets him apart from the rest. Kenny Mason has received critical acclaim from press, being included on The FADER, Entertainment Weekly and more in addition to features with Rolling Stone, XXL, VMAN and FLAUNT. His 2019 single, G.O.A.T., was also featured in season one of HBO's hit show, Euphoria. Kenny released his debut album Angelic Hoodrat in 2020, followed by the alternative version, Angelic Hoodrat: Supercut, in 2021. The latter expanded upon the themes he set forth on the original debut album, showcasing his sweeping vocal range and well-earned reputation for stretching beyond the confines of rap. The new project continues the theme of duality inherent within its title, Angelic Hoodrat, representing the concepts of light within darkness, beauty within ugliness, and hope within despair.
Stay tuned for more from Kenny Mason coming soon.
6 EP TRACKLIST:
1. DARKSIDE
2. RICH
3. I GOT
4. DRACULA
5. SIDE II SIDE
6. STACK IT UP feat. Project Pat
BUY AND STREAM KARMA HERE
FOLLOWING RECENT SINGLE fund$
TORONTO, ON – June 5, 2023 – GRAMMY-nominated, Nigerian dance-pop vocalist, Kah-Lo, has released her new single, Karma, on Epic Records. Listen here.
Following on the heels of her fierce single, fund$, Kah-Lo continues to dazzle with her unabashed lyricism and playful bravado with, Karma. Flaunting her genre-blending tendencies, Kah-Lo’s unique palate of pop, R&B, and house music combine on Karma, with her sultry vocals shining amidst slinky basslines and snappy percussion. Enveloped with Kah-Lo’s bewitching personality, Karma is masterfully dichotic as it captures Kah-Lo’s inspiring self-confidence while simultaneously exposing her deep vulnerabilities. With Karma, Kah-Lo looks inward to unravel her own “toxic feminine energy,” learning to accept and overcome her flaws.
Regarding the single, Kah-Lo said, “Karma is a song I wrote when I was trying to channel my negative emotions into fun pop songs. I uncovered in therapy that perhaps I was the toxic one in a romantic situation and I decided to make a campy dramatic time accepting that I got what I deserved - to be walked out on.”
Kah-Lo first emerged on the scene in 2016 appearing on Riton’s, Rinse & Repeat, which earned them a GRAMMY nomination for Best Dance Recording. In 2017, Kah-Lo dropped her debut solo single, Fasta, following up with Fake I.D. in 2018, which became the lead song for the U.S. arrival of TikTok. Her fierce persona as a solo artist continued to shine through with her debut The Arrival EP, which saw its lead single, Commandments, included on the FIFA 2022 Soundtrack. In 2022, Kah-Lo released her hit single, Drag Me Out, which was featured in Oscar de la Renta’s Spring 2022 campaign and has amassed more than 6 million streams on Spotify alone.
A combination of frisky, party-starting lyricism and refreshing blend of house and pop music, Kah-Lo’s spirited originals have been placed in shows like ZIWE, Gossip Girl, Run The World, Harlem, NCIS Los Angeles, Everything’s Trash, and more. Her rhythmic vocals and consistent track record have also earned her features alongside Idris Elba (Baille), Diplo (Give Dem), The Knocks (Awa Ni), and Michaël Brun (Melanin).
Having garnered a reputation as one of dance music’s most accomplished vocalists, Karma is the next chapter in Kah-Lo’s new era. Kah-Lo invites fans to indulge in the pain and pleasure that has rocked her career and stream, Karma, out now.
Kah-Lo Upcoming Tour Dates:
December 10-16 - Your Paradise Festival - Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
DOWNLOAD - Single Art
LISTEN HERE
NEW STUDIO ALBUM PEACE…LIKE A RIVER
OUT JUNE 16 ON FANTASY RECORDS
PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM HERE
SUMMER HEADLINING TOUR LAUNCHES JUNE 9
DARK SIDE OF THE MULE TOUR DATES KICK OFF
JULY 22 WITH TICKETS HERE
"Warren Haynes is a meaty and masterful player, as well as a soulful singer and songwriter – an all-star."
– Rolling Stone
“Gov’t Mule is an essential, iconic American band.”
– Guitar World
“[Warren Haynes is] one of the most celebrated, legendary guitar pros.”
– Billboard
"[Gov't Mule's] songs stomp and wail with unmistakable energy and heft."
– NPR
“Brilliant and never predictable…an effortless combination of blues, soul and classic roots-rock…innovative and commanding.”
– American Songwriter
“One of the greatest live bands in existence.”
– Music Connection
“Haynes and the band deliver a world-class musical experience.”
– Goldmine
TORONTO, ON – June 2, 2023 – As they prepare for the release of their 12th studio album, Peace…Like A River, this month, renowned GRAMMY-nominated band, Gov’t Mule, led by guitar legend, vocalist, songwriter, and producer Warren Haynes, has issued one final tease with their new single, Made My Peace. Listen here and watch the visualizer here. When writing the new song, Haynes – who recently performed at Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday extravaganza and CMT Music Awards’ Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute and is a featured player on Dolly Parton’s forthcoming Rockstar album alongside Steven Tyler – drew on another rock-solid artist for inspiration: The Beatles. Haynes sought to double-track his vocals the way John Lennon often did on Beatles and solo recordings and included a harmony slide guitar in the song’s middle that was informed by George Harrison. Made My Peace also features a sweeping orchestral backdrop from The Kerhonkson Philharmonic. Watch a behind the song video for Made My Peace here.
Peace…Like A River, the follow-up to Gov’t Mule’s chart-topping, GRAMMY-nominated blues album, Heavy Load Blues, is a 12-song rock journey from the revered band that also includes guest appearances from Billy F Gibbons, Billy Bob Thornton, and Celisse, in addition to Ivan Neville and Ruthie Foster, the featured vocalists on the album’s lead single, Dreaming Out Loud. Pre-order and pre-save Peace…Like A River on DSPs here. Each digital pre-save includes an instant download of Made My Peace along with the previously released singles, Same As It Ever Was and Dreaming Out Loud. In addition to various vinyl options, Peace…Like A River will also be available in a Deluxe Edition (on CD only) including the special five-track, Time Of The Signs Bonus EP, in addition to the original 12 tracks.
“Made My Peace is one of the first songs we recorded for this new album,” shares Haynes. “It deals with a lot of different aspects of what we’ve all gone through. It touches on the emotions I was having to get past with the loss of my dad, who was an extremely important figure in my life. There are several songs that reflect on loss, but more in a way of making the future count. Taking the rest of your life and looking at it with a fresher, more aggressively positive attitude.”
Stirring lead single, Dreaming Out Loud, featuring Ivan Neville and Ruthie Foster, is currently impacting Triple A radio nationwide. For the song’s lyrics, Haynes wove together inspirational quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Robert and John Kennedy, and the late civil rights leader and U.S. Representative, John Lewis. Peace…Like A River opens with the soaring and heartfelt track, Same As It Ever Was.
Peace…Like A River was recorded during the same sessions as Heavy Load Blues at The Power Station New England with co-producer, John Paterno (Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, Los Lobos), alongside Haynes. The albums, however, were created in different rooms, with no shared gear or instruments, keeping the two concurrent projects with their own unique identity and character. Thematically, the forthcoming collection explores the seismic changes the world has gone through over the past few years. Influenced both in his songwriting and playing by what Haynes calls “the golden era of rock, soul, jazz and blues,” Gov’t Mule combines the best and most enduring qualities from all those musical strains to create a timeless piece of art on Peace…Like A River that could have easily come out in the 1970s. Watch the album trailer here.
Gov’t Mule will be out on the road all year in support of Peace…Like A River, bringing their acclaimed live show across the U.S. The band recently wrapped a headlining spring tour that took over the famed Ryman Auditorium for a sold-out evening featuring a variety of special guests including Peter Frampton, Jamey Johnson, and Audley Freed. Ahead of the tour’s two-night finale in his hometown of Asheville, NC, Haynes made a special stop at his elementary school alma mater, Claxton School, where he was joined by his grand-nephew’s music class to perform for the students and teachers and donated a gift to the entire student body. Up next, Gov’t Mule will launch a June headlining tour on June 9, taking the band to the West Coast and Midwest for a mix of headlining shows and dates with The Avett Brothers before launching their Dark Side of the Mule Tour on July 22. The 18-date summer amphitheater outing will feature a full Gov’t Mule set leading into their extremely rare Pink Floyd tribute Dark Side of the Mule, in addition to special guest Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening opening and will mark the final time Mule will perform the acclaimed set, which first debuted in 2008 and has only been performed live 10 times in total. Additionally, Gov’t Mule will appear at select dates on Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour as well as various festival appearances this summer and fall. The band’s New Year’s Run from last year has also been rescheduled for December 29 in Philadelphia and December 30 and 31 in New York City. See below for full list of upcoming tour dates and visit mule.net for ticketing details and to purchase.
GOV’T MULE TOUR DATES:
June 9 – Jacksonville, OR @ Britt Pavilion
June 10 – Saratoga, CA @ The Mountain Winery
June 11 – Valley Center, CA @ Harrah’s Resort Southern California
June 13 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Red Butte Garden Amphitheater
June 15 – Kansas City, MO @ Grinders KC
June 16 – Camdenton, MO @ Ozarks Amphitheater +
June 17 – Rogers, AR @ Walmart AMP +
June 18 – Wichita, KS @ TempleLive
June 20 – Peoria, IL @ Peoria Civic Center Theater +
June 22 – Cedar Rapids, IA @ Alliant Energy Power House +
June 23 – Mankato, MN @ Vetter Stone Amphitheater
June 24 – Fargo, ND @ Outdoors at Fargo Brewing Company
July 22 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena *
July 23 – Patchogue, NY @ Great South Bay Music Festival ~*
July 25 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE *#
July 26 – Columbus, OH @ KEMBA Live! *#
July 28 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center *#
July 29 – Bethel, NY @ Bethel Woods Center for the Arts %
July 30 – Darien Center, NY @ Darien Lake Amphitheater %
August 2 – Clarkston, MI @ Pine Knob Music Theatre *
August 3 – Noblesville, IN @ Ruoff Music Center *
August 4 – Tinley Park, IL @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre *
August 5 – Council Bluffs, IA @ Stir Concert Cove – Harrah’s Council Bluffs *
August 7 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre *
August 9 – Dallas, TX @ Dos Equis Pavilion *
August 11 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion *
August 12 – Atlanta, GA @ Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park *
August 13 – Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center %
August 15 – Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater *
August 17 – Gilford, NH @ Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion *
August 18 – Boston, MA @ Leader Bank Pavilion *
August 19 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center *
August 20 – Vienna, VA @ Wolf Trap *
September 16 – Fredericton, Canada @ Harvest Music Festival ~
October 6 – West Palm Beach, FL @ iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre %
October 7 – Tampa, FL @ MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre %
October 8 – Orange Beach, AL @ The Amphitheater at The Wharf %
October 15 – Columbus, GA @ RushSouth Fest ~
December 29 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Met
December 30 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
December 31 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
~ festival appearance
+ with The Avett Brothers
% Outlaw Music Festival dates
* Dark Side of the Mule dates
# Gov’t Mule only/No Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening
ARRIVES TO KICK OFF PRIDE MONTH!
TORONTO, ON – June 2, 2023 – Kickstarting another era, Florida-born quadruple-threat, singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor, MK xyz returns with a brand new single and music video entitled, No Boys Allowed, today via Epic Records and RZ3 Recordings. Listen here and watch the music video here.
With its empowering message, the track serves as the perfect soundtrack to PRIDE Month. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, they unwaveringly emphasize inclusivity. GLAAD just tapped MK for its ICONS interview series alongside Isaac Dunbar, and INIKO. During the chat, they opened about their story and spoke on what the community means to them. Additionally, Amazon Music just spotlighted MK on its Times Square NYC billboard in support of the Asian American Girls Club Playlist during AAPI Heritage month. Plus, No Boys Allowed and MK xyz will appear in an upcoming VICE News documentary, VICE Special Report: Out Loud, about groundbreaking queer artists set to premiere on VICE’s TV channel and YouTube June 15.
Produced by the GRAMMY Award-winning powerhouse producer, Theron Thomas (Grammy win for Lizzo About Damn Time and nomination for Latto’s Big Energy), Sam Sumser, and Sean Small, No Boys Allowed layers airy guitar above hypnotic drums. MK xyz oozes nothing but attitude on the verses before they carry the chantable chorus with an invitation and a declaration, “Come and slide with me baby, no boys allowed.” They alternate rapid flows with magnetic melodies, showcasing the dynamics of their signature style yet again.
Directed by Madeline Kate Kann, the accompanying visual shocks the song to life on-screen. Our star introduces a slick look as MK and her girl-gang take over a power plant with on-point choreography and a whole lot of fierceness.
No Boys Allowed comes on the heels of MK’s previous single, Baddie, which picked up acclaim from Soul Bounce, while RAP-UP praised, “MK xyz is quickly making a name for herself.” MK originally burst onto the scene with breakout singles including, Pass It, ft G-Eazy and One Time which garnered over 10 million streams combined.
MK captivated audiences everywhere as fan favourite Tess on the massive NETFLIX teen vampire series, First Kill. Their presence instantly shined on screen and the show quickly launched into the Top 10.
Stay tuned for more from MK xyz coming soon!
DOWNLOAD - single artwork
LISTEN HERE AND WATCH HERE
DEBUT ALBUM EVERYBODY'S FAMOUS
OUT JUNE 16 VIA THE CONFIDENCE EMPERORS
Toronto, ON – June 2, 2023 – Today, Toronto artist, Alex Exists, shares his latest single, Believe The Hype, the third release from his forthcoming debut album, Everybody’s Famous, out June 16 via The Confidence Emperors. A defiant, rebellious, and empowering earworm, Believe The Hype serves as a reminder for listeners not to believe everything you see or hear, and to cultivate a healthy sense of skepticism and independent thought, through the use of catchy riffs, melodies, and vocals from Alex, as well as fellow Toronto artists, Sam Casey and AARYS. Listen here and watch the video, directed by Agata Waclawska and produced by Moon Reel Media, here. Pre-order Everybody's Famous here.
Alex says of Believe The Hype: “[This is] a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly accepting popular beliefs and trends without questioning their validity. It satirizes the modern day hype machine and surrounding trends as entirely fabricated. It reveals how your beliefs can be subverted into blindly following the crowd, such as developing unhealthy habits, or even falling victim to scams or hoaxes. The song is a defiant anthem about the importance of being skeptical and critical in an age where information and opinions can be easily manipulated and distorted.”
Inspiration for the track first came from a time when Alex fell victim to an identity theft scam. “The experience really shook me,” he says. “It made me solidify the need to express the anger of inauthenticity in general. That, and of the never-ending cavalcade of fear-based nonsense spewed from mainstream news and TV.”
And it’s not just in the music Alex was able to express himself, the anger, and general inauthenticity from his experience. It also comes through in the single artwork which is designed as a newsprint tabloid about Alex Exists which questions whether you can be any artist, or yourself even, with reality, given the world of constant illusion. Further, the video sees Alex harnessing the energy of "Chaotic Good" with his own talk show called "Believe The Hype," where nothing seems to be real and satirizes how ridiculous news and talk shows can be.
The upcoming debut album, Everybody's Famous, is a sonic exploration of expressing optimistic nihilism and radical authenticity as we tread into a brave new world. Alex quips the album resembles "a wrestling match with one’s ego." It represents a story about finding one’s true self amidst the chaos, continuing to create through the chaos while learning how to wield the energy of the changing tides instead of swimming against it - and letting it destroy you. Alex will use art as a weapon for peaceful rebellion inspired by his interactions with the world, channelled through song. Audiences can expect melodic rock tunes ready for both solo listening and the dance floor, filled with ironic humour to highlight social issues, with a satirical dimension. “This will be my first full length album,” Alex says. “So, it’s very much an important moment in my overall growth as an artist.”
This can be heard on the previously released singles, With A Bang and Dancing With Chaos. With A Bang uses dark prose, edgy synths, funky percussion, and resonant chords to drive the irreverent dance song about celebrating the end of something in a flamboyant and over-the-top way. Whereas Dancing With Chaos crawls with riffs, Alex's sharp vocals and deep lyrics and is dedicated to anyone that feels overwhelmed by the state of the media, politics, and the unreal societal expectations they face. All videos were produced by Moon Reel Media, which Alex co-runs and co-founded, and were directed by Agata Waclawska.
Alex’s music is inspired by absurdism, hyper surrealism and optimistic nihilism with an acid tongue firmly planted in his cheek. He is fascinated by pop culture and ego. The signature of Alex’s creative work is his unique sonic touches, drum-heavy rhythms and classic “pop through a blender” melodies. His new project, Alex Exists, launched with a neo-glam pop version of David Essex’s, Rock On, for The Confidence Emperors’ multi-artist album, Coverama, followed by his T. Rex-meets-John Lennon seasonal original, Never Christmas Without You. Alex played all of the instruments on both tracks except the drums.
One final thought on Believe The Hype, Alex shares: “Not a lesson per say, but a reminder to use art to speak truth to power and help empower others. Everyone should do it more often and use art as a therapy for your anger, skepticism and bound up energy.”
Stay tuned for Alex’s debut album coming in just a few short weeks!
LISTEN HERE
KELLY HEADLINES NASHVILLE’S
ASCEND AMPHITHEATER TONIGHT
DATES WITH NOAH KAHAN START JUNE 17 IN ATLANTA INCLUDING SOLD OUT TORONTO DATE ON SEPTEMBER 17
TORONTO, ON – June 2, 2023 – Today, Ruston Kelly unveils a new version of The Weakness, reinterpreted as an atmospheric duet with singer-songwriter, Samia. A chance meeting in Nashville sparked a friendship between the two, and their mutual admiration inspired them to try their hand at collaborating on a new version of Kelly’s The Weakness, which is the title track of his acclaimed, recently released third studio album. Listen to the duo’s new version of The Weakness here.
“Samia brings that special infinity vibe,” said Kelly. “It’s like this familiar yet incredibly unique energy in everything I’ve heard her do. After hearing her sing, I became an instant fan. There wasn’t anyone other than her that I wanted to help me deconstruct ‘The Weakness’ and mold it into something new – something more haunting, and with a whole other emotional perspective. When we were in the studio, I found myself copying her interpretation of my phrasing, which added this cool synergy to us singing the song together.”
Writing in Rolling Stone, Jon Freeman noted, “The Weakness is much more of a massive indie-rock anthem in the vein of Band of Horses than the quieter acoustic work on Kelly’s last album [Shape & Destory], building from a steady drumbeat into towering walls of electric guitar and cascading countermelodies, both sad and hopeful.” The New York Times’ Melena Ryzik proclaimed The Weakness Kelly’s “most assured and expansive” work, and as Spin’s Daniel Kohn observed, “On The Weakness, he takes the pain, lessons, and wisdom he’s gleaned and channels his struggles into a hopeful body of work. For a recovering addict with a broken heart, that was no small feat.” Watch Kelly’s “majestic” (Stereogum) performance of The Weakness on Late Night with Seth Meyers here.
Tonight, Kelly wraps up the first run of headline dates on The Weakness Tour with a special hometown show at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater. Later this month, he will join Noah Kahan for the first of a series of that will include stops in Atlanta, Charleston, New York City, Syracuse, Columbus, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Toronto, and others. A full list of confirmed shows is below.
RUSTON KELLY – THE WEAKNESS
June 2 - Nashville, TN - Ascend Amphitheater (w/Jenny Lewis, Tommy Prine)
RUSTON KELLY ON TOUR WITH NOAH KAHAN
June 17 – Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park, Atlanta, GA – SOLD OUT
June 18 – Firefly Distillery, Charleston, SC – SOLD OUT
August 31 – Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY – SOLD OUT
September 1 – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview, Syracuse, NY
September 2 – Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, NY
September 5 – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater, Bridgeport, CT – SOLD OUT
September 7 – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, Gilford, NH – SOLD OUT
September 9 – Xfinity Center, Mansfield, MA – SOLD OUT
September 12 – KEMBA Live!, Columbus, OH - SOLD OUT
September 13 – St. Louis Music Park – Maryland Heights, MO – SOLD OUT
September 15 – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park, Indianapolis, IN – SOLD OUT
September 16 – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, Sterling Heights, MI – SOLD OUT
September 17 – Budweiser Stage, Toronto, ON – SOLD OUT
DOWNLOAD - single artwork
DOWNLOAD – press photo | DOWNLOAD – album cover artwork
DOWNLOAD - biography
LISTEN HERE AND WATCH HERE
LATEST EP 3 OUT NOW - LISTEN HERE
"Atlanta's soon-to-be star." – NPR
“Vince Staples-esque detachment, acrobatic triplets in the vein of Lil Baby, and a dutch-angle chirp akin to recent Playboi Carti.” – Entertainment Weekly
"The phrase “genre-bending” [has] never been used more appropriately than to describe the music of 25-year-old rapper Kenny Mason." – COMPLEX
TORONTO, ON – May 31, 2023 – Breakout Atlanta rapper, Kenny Mason, drops his new single and video, DRACULA, via RCA Records, today. Listen here and watch the music video here. This release follows his EP, 3, and video for 100 or Nun featuring Tony Shhnow – watch here. Previously, Kenny released his mixtape, RUFFS, in September 2022 which included the tracks from his EP, PUP PACK, and new songs, such as SPIN N FLIP feat. Young Nudy, and MINUTE FOREVER. Watch DRACULA here.
Kenny first broke out in the rap space in 2019 with his buzzing single, Hit, which catapulted him from Atlanta's underground DIY scene to the national spotlight. As Kenny continued to release more music, he became increasingly known for his versatility and unique sound. His bars and genre-bending abilities that incorporates elements of 90's punk, grunge, hip-hop and more, sets him apart from the rest. Kenny Mason has received critical acclaim from press, being included on The FADER, Entertainment Weekly and more in addition to features with Rolling Stone, XXL, VMAN and FLAUNT. His 2019 single, G.O.A.T., was also featured in season one of HBO's hit show, Euphoria. Kenny released his debut album, Angelic Hoodrat, in 2020, followed by the alternative version Angelic Hoodrat: Supercut in 2021. The latter expanded upon the themes he set forth on the original debut album, showcasing his sweeping vocal range and well-earned reputation for stretching beyond the confines of rap. The new project continues the theme of duality inherent within its title, Angelic Hoodrat representing the concepts of light within darkness, beauty within ugliness, and hope within despair.
Most recently, Kenny Mason has been working on new music and continuing to cultivate his elevation. Kenny’s latest music comes on the heels of his buzzing single, Stick, a Dreamville collaboration with J. Cole, JID and Sheck Wes from the D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape. The Stick visual, which has over 5.7 million views, featured Kenny alongside the other artists on the track. This past year Kenny has been on the festival circuit with sets at Rolling Loud, Wireless Festival, Bonnaroo and more, in addition to making surprise appearances at Coachella on JID’s set and Governor’s Ball on J. Cole’s set.
DOWNLOAD – Press Photo by @youneedgenie | DOWNLOAD - Single Artwork
LISTEN HERE
WATCH VISUALIZER FOR ALBUM HIGHLIGHT
BYE BYE BLACKBIRD
ON TOUR THROUGH SPRING AND SUMMER
INCLUDING CANADIAN DATES WITH THE OSTARA PROJECT
TORONTO, ON – May 26, 2023 – Today, critically-acclaimed, award-winning vocalist/pianist, Laila Biali, unveils her gorgeous new collection of Great American Songbook interpolations – Your Requests. A love letter to her listeners, the album sees Biali shift back to the classic jazz repertoire for the first time in more than 10 years, crafting dynamic and personal arrangements in response to song requests submitted by her fans. Listen to Your Requests here, including album highlight, Bye Bye Blackbird, out now!
Widely recognized for her original material, this return to classic jazz standards was prompted by Biali’s delight in fulfilling the song requests of her fans, and marks her first album release that exclusively features covers. When she put out the call on social media asking her followers what tunes they'd like to hear her perform and record, more than 150 songs were submitted.
“When the song requests came in for this album, there were a few tunes I had actually arranged decades earlier,” reflects Biali. “I created the arrangement for Bye Bye Blackbird almost 20 years ago, when I was fresh out of jazz school. It was tucked away in a binder until a follower online requested it for this project. So, we dusted it off, polished it up and decided to make it the lead track for Your Requests. It's a fantastic feature for the great drummer, Larnell Lewis, and saxophonist, Kelly Jefferson.
This album was an opportunity to revisit past arrangements like that, bring them into the present, and capture them on recording. I found it quite rewarding to revisit those versions and to be reminded of the excitement I felt when taking on familiar repertoire. These are well-known songs to most jazz fans, and my goal was to honour the original versions while offering a fresh and fun perspective on the old classics. I hope folks enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed re-imagining them!”
Your Requests also marks Biali’s first time recording duets for a full-length album, and features a number of world-class guest vocalists, including Kurt Elling (2x GRAMMY winner), Emilie-Claire Barlow (2x JUNO winner), and Caity Gyorgy (JUNO winner). The record is rounded out musically by clarinet virtuoso, Anat Cohen (GRAMMY winner); GRAMMY nominees, Grégoire Maret and Sam Yahel; plus tenor saxophonist, Kelly Jefferson; bassist, George Koller; drummers, Larnell Lewis and Ben Wittman; and more.
Dive in to Your Requests, and find your new old favourite with Laila Biali!
YOUR REQUESTS TRACKLIST:
1. Bye Bye Blackbird
2. Blame It On My Youth
3. But Not For Me
4. My Funny Valentine
5. My Favorite Things
6. Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars)
7. Pennies from Heaven
8. Autumn Leaves
9. The Nearness of You
10. All the Things You Are
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES:
May 26 – Cologne, DE – Salon de Jazz
May 27 – Stuttgart, DE – BIX Jazzclub
May 28 – Berlin, DE – Jazz Club A-Trane
May 29 – Bad Meinberg, DE – Red Horn District
May 31 – Paris, FR – Sunset Sunside
June 1 – London, UK – Ronnie Scott’s
June 17 – Woodstock, GA – Elm Street Arts Village
June 22 – Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeg Jazz Festival *
June 23 – Medicine Hat, AB – Medicine Hat Jazz Festival *
June 24 – Victoria, BC – Victoria Jazz Festival *
June 25 – Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Jazz Festival *
June 27 – Ottawa, ON – Ottawa Jazz Festival *
June 28 – Toronto, ON – Toronto Jazz Festival *
June 30 – Saskatoon, SK – Saskatoon Jazz Festival *
July 1 – Edmonton, AB – Edmonton Jazz Festival *
July 7 – Montreal, QC – Montreal Jazz Festival *
July 15 – Niagara, ON - Niagara Jazz Festival *
July 22 – Minneapolis, MN - Crooners Supper Club
August 6 – Campbellford, ON – Westben w/Brian Barlow Big Band
August 11 – Stratford, ON – Revival House
September 2 – Toronto, ON - TU Jazz Fest
September 16 – Fredericton, NB – The Playhouse, Harvest Music Festival
October 13 – Banff, AB – Maclab, The Banff Centre
October 20 – Quebec City, QC - Palais Montcalm
*with The Ostara Project
DOWNLOAD – album cover art | DOWNLOAD – hi-res photo
ABOUT LAILA BIALI
Multi award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter, pianist and CBC Music national radio host, Laila Biali, has headlined festivals and venues spanning five continents from New York City's Carnegie Hall to Beijing's National Centre for the Performing Arts, and supported international icon Sting. Her latest full album release, Out of Dust, received rave reviews and was nominated for a 2021 JUNO Award. In 2020, Laila was honoured by SOCAN Music with the Hagood Hardy Award for Excellence in Songwriting. In 2019, Laila’s eponymous release won her a JUNO Award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. The year prior, she was awarded top prize at the Canadian Songwriting Competition in the Jazz category. Laila was also the youngest-ever double winner at Canada’s National Jazz Awards when she was named SOCAN Composer of the Year and Keyboardist of the Year. She received her first JUNO nomination for Tracing Light (2011), and a spot on DownBeat Magazine's Best Albums of the Year for both Live in Concert (2013) and Out of Dust (2020). In September of 2017, Laila was brought on as the host for CBC Music's national radio show, Saturday Night Jazz, a weekly show broadcast to millions of listeners across Canada. While Laila continues to earn high honours in the jazz world, her signature sound transcends genre as she "masterfully mixes jazz and pop, bringing virtuosity and unpredictability to songs that are concise and catchy" (Washington Post). Her forthcoming 2023 release – Your Requests, Vol. 1 – showcases personal arrangements of jazz classics requested by her followers and features guest vocalists Kurt Elling, Emilie-Claire Barlow, and Caity Gyorgy plus instrumentalists Anat Cohen, Grégoire Maret, tenor saxophonist Kelly Jefferson, bassist George Koller, and drummers Larnell Lewis and Ben Wittman.
SOPHOMORE ALBUM BLAME MY EX SET FOR
RELEASE ON SEPTEMBER 15
PRE-ORDER HERE
HEADLINING TOUR THIS FALL WITH STOPS
ACROSS CANADA
TORONTO, ON – May 26, 2023 – Last month, The Beaches teased their forthcoming new album, Blame My Ex (set for release on September 15 and available to pre-order here), by dropping the melodic ode-to-an-empty-feeling, Everything Is Boring. Now, the band returns with a new version of the lead single, freshly remixed by acclaimed alt-pop quartet, The Aces. Listen to Everything Is Boring (The Aces Remix) here.
With their new album, Blame My Ex - their first independent album - The Beaches crack their upbeat, brazen shell to reveal a more vulnerable inside. Eliza Enman-McDaniel (drums), Leandra Earl (keys/guitar), and sisters, Jordan and Kylie Miller (lead vocals/bass and guitar respectively) are letting a real-life heartache lead the way. When the heart splits open, it unleashes all kinds of love; from platonic to queer and everything in between. The Beaches uncover it all on this album, while managing to keep it “equal parts silly party beaches, and heartbroken emotional girls,” says guitarist, Kylie Miller. The band paired with executive producer, Lowell (Madison Beer, Nessa Barrett), JUNO-nominated producer, Gus Van Go (Arkells, Sam Roberts), and producer, Sam Willows (Ruby Waters), to maintain their electric spirit. They’ve been dead-set on focusing on songwriting and melody to channel their live energy into this album for a more authentic sound. Listen to the original Everything Is Boring here, and the infectious (and currently having a viral moment on TikTok!) previously released single, Blame Brett, here.
Known for their rousing live performances that invite their audience into their realm of intoxicating energy backed by an undeniable connection, The Beaches have opened for Avril Lavigne, The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Alanis Morissette, The Aces, Passion Pit, and the Eagles of Death Metal, as well as being guest performers at the She Rocks Awards in Los Angeles in April 2023. There is no denying their lure on the stage and in everyone's playlists, including the great Elton John, who declared, "love them, love them, love them!" They've sold out two hometown Toronto shows at History and received acclaim in Prelude Press, KUTX, Indie88, Exclaim, Under The Radar, CBC, Luna Collective, Raydar Mag, and Pop Sugar. The proof is in the plays with six #1 singles on Canadian Alt Radio, and their 2022 single Grow Up Tomorrow at #1 on Alternative & Rock radio in Canada for seven weeks. The band will be hitting the road this fall on their 2023 headlining tour, which kicks off on October 8 after they wrap the summer festival circuit. See below for full tour details and get tickets here.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
May 26-28 – Allston, MA @ Boston Calling Festival
June 9 – Simcoe, ON @ Norfolk County Fair
June 23 – St. John’s, NL @ Iceberg Alley Performance Tent
July 6 – Saskatoon, SK @ SaskJazz 2023
July 8 – Milwaukee, WI @ Summerfest
July 8-9 – Kirtland, OH @ Wonderstruck (Cleveland)
July 14 – Buffalo, NY @ Cobblestone Live Music & Arts Festival
July 15 – Ottawa, ON @ Hope Volleyball Summerfest
August 3 – Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
August 5 – Saint John, NB @ Area 506 Festival
September 8-9 – Sarnia, ON @ Sarnia Block Party
October 8 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Cooperage
October 11 – Nashville, TN @ The East Room
October 12 – Atlanta, GA @ Aisle 5
October 13 – Charleston, SC @ The Charleston Pour House
October 15 – Washington, DC @ Pearl Street Warehouse
October 16 – Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie
October 17 – New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
October 18 – Boston, MA @ Crystal Ballroom
October 20 – Halifax, NS @ Light House Arts Centre October
October 21 – Moncton, NB @ Tide and Boar
October 26 – Kitchener, ON @ Centre in The Square
October 27 – Hamilton, ON @ FirstOntario Concert Hall
October 28 – Montreal, QC @ M Telus
October 30 – Kingston, ON @ Ale House
November 1 – Toronto, ON @ Massey Hall
November 2 – Toronto, ON @ Massey Hall
November 5 – Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Theatre
November 8 – Edmonton, AB @ Midway Music Hall
November 9 – Calgary, AB @ MacEwan Hall
November 10 – Kelowna, BC @ Kelowna Community Theatre
November 12 – Vancouver, BC @ Orpheum
November 13 – Victoria, BC @ Royal Theatre
DOWNLOAD - Everything Is Boring (The Aces Remix) single artwork
DOWNLOAD – hi-res photo
DOWNLOAD – Blame My Ex album artwork
ABOUT THE BEACHES:
Named after the neighborhood they lived in, The Beaches is composed of lead vocalist/bassist, Jordan Miller, guitarist, Kylie Miller, keyboardist/guitarist, Leandra Earl, and drummer, Eliza Enman-McDaniel. As self-proclaimed lifers, The Beaches forfeited a typical university experience to pursue their careers in music - a topic that is often addressed in their lyrics.
Taking inspiration from artists like Muna, Dayglow, Coin, Olivia Rodrigo, Girl in Red, Wet Leg, Wolf Alice, and The Strokes, The Beaches believe their upcoming releases will be a new direction for them: “We’re not abandoning our rock ‘n ’roll roots, but for this next chapter of our career we wanted to take ourselves less seriously, have fun, and be less precious with the musical ideas we pursue.”
After releasing their self-titled EP in 2013, the group landed a major label deal with Island Records in 2016. Under Island Records they released their debut album, Late Show – which was described by Elton John as “The best rock album of last year” – as well as their next two EP’s, The Professional (2019) and Future Lovers (2021), which were later combined for a full-length release called Sisters Not Twins (The Professional Lovers Albums) in 2022.
The Beaches have garnered over 52 million streams across Spotify, Apple and Amazon Music. Having sold 30,000 albums in Canada alone, it’s no surprise that they have found themselves awarded with five #1 singles on Canadian Alternative Radio. They have been recognized with two JUNO Awards for Rock Album of the Year (2022) and Breakthrough Group of the Year (2018).
PERFORMANCES BY LABEL ROSTER ARTISTS
RUSSELL LOUDER, ORMISTON, RADIANT BABY,
LE COULEUR AND SUPER PLAGE
FREE ENTRY AND FREE MERCH FOR
CMW PRO PASS HOLDERS
Toronto, ON – May 25, 2023 – Montreal experimental pop record label, Lisbon Lux Records, is thrilled to be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year! The past decade has seen the label help develop and support some of Canada’s finest artists, and on June 7th, they will be taking over Toronto’s Monarch Tavern to commemorate the milestone with a free showcase featuring some of their incredible roster. Attendees will be treated to performances by Russell Louder, Ormiston, Radiant Baby, Le Couleur and Super Plage, with free merch available to CMW Pro pass holders. See here and below for full details.
“Lisbon Lux is 10 years of developing Canadian artists without artistic compromise,” reflects Founder, Julien Manaud. “From our first signings that today enjoy international renown (Le Couleur, Das Mörtal) to our most recent signings of emerging artists (DVTR, Super Plage, Grand Public), we continue to search for good songs and relevant artists that allow us to develop the Lisbon Lux touch. 2023 will be a year of celebration, with several events coming up, and we are very excited that our first event will be in Toronto on June 7th at the Monarch Tavern, with five artists from the label performing!”
Russell Louder (they/them) is a songwriter, producer and performer born and raised in Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island, Canada). Their music is carried by a powerful clear voice reminiscent of Florence and the Machine, Eurythmics and La Roux. You only have to see them in concert once to fall for the luminous and authentic world they've built - both poignant and danceable. In 2021, Russell released their debut album, Humor, on Lisbon Lux to critical acclaim, including being selected for the prestigious Polaris Prize Long List. Their single, Hello Stranger, stayed on CBC Music's Top 20 list for four consecutive weeks following the album's release. Russell currently pays rent in Tiohtià:ke (Montreal, CA) while their heart waits for them on the shores of Epekwitk.
Ormiston is the solo project of Montreal's Nicola Ormiston; singer, songwriter and producer of a sunny and relaxed music. Between indie pop, chillwave and yacht rock, we find influences like Toro Y Moi, MGMT as well as an electro-disco touch. In 2020, he signed with Lisbon Lux and released his debut album, Hammer Down (2021). Cinematic and full of groove, his album explores love stories and failed relationships on optimistic indie-pop. The opus was well received by the public and the song, Time Fades, was also featured in Pete Davidson's latest film, Meet Cute. Ormiston's next album is scheduled for release in the fall of 2023.
Radiant Baby, aka Félix Mongeon, comes from the Montreal music scene. He discovered and learned music composition on his own, all while pursuing his PhD in social science. After a few electronic instrumental sets, he decided to layer his compositions with his own vocals to express his energy on stage and to communicate with the audience. Radiant Baby played several shows on Montreal stages, shortly after which he released his first EP, It’s My Party (2017), followed by LP Restless (2019), both published on Lisbon Lux. His most recent album, Pantomime, draws inspiration from 70s vintage, passing through glam rock, punk, disco, and new wave. The fiery and rough energy of his music cultivates paradoxes, juxtaposing vulnerable, melancholic, and romantic ambience, similar to artists such as Bowie, Blondie, Suicide, Pulp, and Serge Gainsbourg.
Montreal trio, Le Couleur, created by Laurence Giroux-Do, Patrick Gosselin and Steeven Chouinard, first rose to prominence with an electro-pop sound as bright as the lights of the now-defunct Studio 54 with the EPs Voyage Love (2013) and Dolce Désir (2015), followed by the acclaimed P.O.P. (2016) and Concorde (2020). With rich and irresistibly danceable performances, Le Couleur delivers decadent and dynamic shows – full of exhilarating energy. In addition to their four European tours (UK, FR, IT), the trio, which has over 100 dates under its belt, has made notable appearances at SXSW (US), Sound City (UK), Fimpro (MX), etc. Le Couleur is back with a new single, Sentiments nouveaux, a languorous slow disco track flirting with 80s sounds, which brings us to the search of sensations and exaltations. This first single is a preview of a new album to come in the fall of 2023.
Founded at the end of 2019, Super Plage offers a bewitching sound flirting with nu-disco sounds. The artist puts forward the French language and the female artists of his entourage in order to create a bright, playful and colourful universe where it feels good to party. A true creative machine, Super Plage has released three original albums in three years: Super Plage I, Super Plage II (winner of the GAMIQ Electro Album in 2021) and Électro-vacances (nominated at the ADISQ and winner of the GAMIQ Electro Album in 2022), as well as the remix album REMIXTAPE. With his fourth opus, Magie à minuit (Lisbon Lux Records), released earlier this year, the artist once again succeeds in lighting up the nightlife with his subtle and touching house-pop style. A definitely refreshing album and entirely devoted to his ultimate quest: dancing and having fun until the end of the night.
Lisbon Lux Records 10th Anniversary Showcase
Featuring: Russell Louder, Ormiston, Radiant Baby, Le Couleur, Super Plage
Date: Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Venue: The Monarch Tavern (12 Clinton St, Toronto)
Time: 7:30pm (doors), 8:00pm (show)
Free entry
19+
DOWNLOAD – event poster
LISTEN | WATCH
ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICAN FALL TOUR WITH SCOWL
MONTREAL AND TORONTO DATES IN OCTOBER
DEBUT ALBUM LIFE UNDER THE GUN DUE JUNE 23
VIA LOMA VISTA RECORDINGS
Life Under The Gun will include the previously-released singles, Do It Faster, which arrived with a video directed by Shelton, and Very High, which arrived with a Mason Mercer-directed music video emulating early 2000s teen drama intros. Life Under The Gun is available to pre-order now on limited edition vinyl, CD, and cassette here.
Additionally, Militarie Gun announces their upcoming 32-date fall tour, with Scowl, across North America, which begins on September 8 in Los Angeles and sees both bands, with support from MSPAINT and Big Laugh, crossing the continent before wrapping up in Berkeley on October 21. The band will also play in Montreal on October 3 and Toronto on October 4. In the meantime, Militarie Gun returns to Europe in June to perform at multiple festivals - namely Outbreak, Kliko, Metropolis, 2000 Trees, Rock Werchter and Ieper. In July, Militarie Gun will play at Chicago's The Rumble festival on the 21st and 22nd. See all upcoming live dates below and get more ticket info at militariegun.com.
Life Under The Gun is almost impossible to describe without bouncing between contradictions. Is it abnormally aggressive pop music or is it unusually catchy hardcore? Is it deeply intellectual or is it satisfyingly primal? Is it a vulnerable attempt to unpack lifelong cycles of hurt, or is it a collection of world-beating, absurdist punk anthems? In the end, the answer is obvious: it is all of it. It is Militarie Gun.
Since forming in 2020, the group have been releasing music and touring at a startling rate, and while Life Under The Gun feels like a culmination of this recent hard-earned momentum, the record is inextricably linked to Shelton’s past. “I grew up in a household with family members struggling with addiction,” he explains. “It was an oppressive force. We were always wondering, ‘Is it going to be a good day or a bad day? Are the cops going to come today? What am I going to come home to after school?'” The challenges of his homelife were only exacerbated by living in Enumclaw, WA, a sparsely populated rural suburb where Shelton spent his formative years longing for a way out. In this difficult and stifling environment, the roots of Life Under The Gun began to grow. As he began to pick up instruments, play in bands, and write his own songs, music quickly became a vital outlet for self-expression, but Shelton couldn’t shake the idea that it was also a literal escape route.
What followed was a flurry of activity that still hasn’t let up. After relocating to Los Angeles and forced to stay put during the 2020 lockdown, Shelton’s restless creative drive took over and he spontaneously wrote the first songs that became Militarie Gun. The sound was decidedly new for him: firmly rooted in punk and hardcore but more hook-driven, pulling from influences like Guided By Voices, Fugazi and The Jesus Lizard. Shelton quickly recorded Militarie Gun’s 2020 debut EP, My Life Is Over, by himself, then rounded out the lineup with guitarists Nick Cogan and William Acuña, and drummer Vince Nguyen (Max Epstein played bass on Life Under The Gun). 2021 saw the release of the dual All Roads Lead To The Gun EPs and the start of a seemingly endless run of tour dates. In 2022, Militarie Gun teamed up with Dazy for the critically-acclaimed collaborative single, Pressure Cooker, which was soon followed by the band signing to Loma Vista Recordings and releasing a deluxe edition of the All Roads Lead To The Gun EPs that included even more new material.
Militarie Gun soon had the makings of Life Under The Gun: the kind of debut album that feels like a true arrival, one forged by a lifetime of experience and effort that’s now allowed an artist to fully come into their own. Engineered by Taylor Young at The Pit Recording Studio, the album’s 12 tracks take all of the best parts of Militarie Gun’s earlier work and amps them up to the highest possible degree. It sounds massive without sacrificing the punk spark–full of driving drums, distorted bass lines, and of course Shelton’s instantly recognizable roar–only this time everything is bigger and even catchier. “This is what I thought we sounded like all along,” Shelton laughs. “It’s always felt like a melody-forward band to me, but I think now we’re finally achieving what I was always setting out to do.”
Check out Will Logic and pre-order / save Life Under The Gun above and see below for upcoming live dates and more info about Life Under The Gun.
Life Under The Gun tracklist:
1. Do It Faster
2. Very High
3. Will Logic
4. My Friends Are Having a Hard Time
5. Think Less
6. Return Policy
7. Seizure of Assets
8. Never Fucked Up Once
9. Big Disappointment
10. Sway Too
11. See You Around
12. Life Under The Gun
Upcoming Live Dates:
5/26 - Las Vegas, NV @ Punk Rock Bowling
5/27 - Landers, CA @ Giant Rock
6/22 - Nottingham, UK @ Rough Trade
6/23 - Manchester, UK @ Outbreak Festival
6/24 - Haarlem, NL @ Kliko Fest
6/26 - Antwerp, BE @ Kavka Zappa &
6/27 - Nijmegen, NL @ Doornroosje &
6/29 - Werchter, BE @ Rock Werchter
6/28 - Hamburg, DE @ Logo &%
7/1 - Roskilde, DK @ Roskilde Festival
7/2 - Rotterdam, NL @ Metropolis Fest
7/3 - Berlin, GER @ Hole44 #
7/4 - Cologne, GER @ Gebaude 9 #
7/5 - Haarlem, NET @ Patronaat #
7/7 - Cheltenham, UK @ 2000 Trees Fest#
7/8 - London, UK @ Electric Ballroom #
7/9 - Ieper, BE @ Ieper Fest
7/21-22 - Chicago, IL @ The Rumble
9/8 - Los Angeles, CA @ 1720*
9/9 - Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction*
9/10 - Phoenix, AZ @ Rebel Lounge*
9/12 - Albuquerque, NM @ The Launchpad*
9/14 - Dallas, TX @ Cheap Steaks*
9/15 - Austin, TX @ The Ballroom*
9/16 - San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger*
9/17 - Houston, TX @ The Compound*
9/19 - Orlando, FL @ Conduit*
9/20 - Miami, FL @ Gramps*
9/21 - Jacksonville, FL @ 1904 Music Hall*
9/22 - Atlanta, GA @ Aisle 5*
9/23 - Birmingham, AL @ Furnace Fest*
9/25 - Durham, NC @ The Pinhook*
9/26 - Richmond, VA @ Richmond Music Hall*
9/27 - Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar*
9/28 - Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts*
9/29 - New York, NY @ The Meadows*
10/1 - Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall*
10/3 - Montreal, QC @ La Sala Rossa*
10/4 - Toronto, ON @ Velvet Underground*
10/6 - Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups*
10/7 - Detroit, MI @ The Sanctuary*
10/8 - Chicago, IL @ Subterranean*
10/9 - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St Entry*
10/10 - Omaha, NE @ Reverb*
10/11 - Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater*
10/13 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Beehive*
10/14 - Boise, ID @ The Shredder*
10/17 - Seattle, WA @ Vera Project*
10/18 - Portland, OR @ Mission Theatre*
10/20 - Reno, NV @ Holland Project*
10/21 - Berkeley, CA @ 924 Gilman*
10/23-27 Miami, FL @ S.S. Neverender
& = with Soul Glo
% = with Code Orange
# = with Rival Schools
* = with Scowl
LISTEN TO DELUXE EDITION SINGLES:
SUCKER FOR THE SAD LIFE
ONE TRIP PONY
THE TROUBLE WITH REDEMPTION
MONTH-LONG EUROPEAN TOUR WRAPS UP THIS WEEKEND
NEW U.S. DATES START JUNE 15
READ THE ROLLING STONE PROFILE OF EARLY JAMES HERE
TORONTO, ON – May 19, 2023 – The deluxe edition of Early James’ Strange Time To Be Alive, a Dan Auerbach-produced record that came to life in three whirlwind days at Easy Eye Sound studios in Nashville, is out today via Easy Eye Sound. Strange Time To Be Alive (Deluxe Edition) features three previously unreleased songs from the original recording sessions. While they didn’t make it onto the original release, the three songs on the deluxe edition – Sucker For The Sad Life, One Trip Pony and The Trouble With Redemption – match the strength and singular sound of the original 12 songs from Strange Time To Be Alive.
The album is the sound of an artist sublimely out of step with the world. With all the charmed eccentricity of a true poet conjuring the ghosts of great southern gothic writers from Eudora Welty to William Faulkner, Early James takes in the endless absurdity he sees around him, then alchemizes his unease into a glorious patchwork of musical idioms: forsaken blues and contemplative folk songs, brooding murder ballads and lovestruck piano tunes. Early James ultimately extracts a certain magic from the madness, imbuing even the most painful truth-telling with a wild-eyed joie de vivre.
Upon its release last summer, Rolling Stone complimented how “James accented his outré, Tom Waits-ian compositions and signature gruff croon with knotty bursts of electric guitar and surprising melodic changes to complement his lyrics” on Strange Time To Be Alive, while BrooklynVegan praised the “world-weariness that makes James sound wise beyond his 28 years.” The album spent 19 consecutive weeks in the top 40 of the Americana radio charts, and Early James was featured on the cover of key streaming playlists like Spotify’s Fresh Folk and Tidal’s Gothic Americana.
Early James and his band are electric live, able to easily switch from hushed, introspective moments to a raging cacophony that would make Kyuss proud – often in the same song. Last year, they spent a good chunk of the summer and fall opening for The Black Keys as well as making their debut at the Austin City Limits Music Festival. In 2023, Early James has played the Americana UK festival, toured Europe twice and opened for Arlo McKinley in Australia. Early James wraps up a month-long European tour this weekend, and he’ll start a string of summer U.S. tour dates on June 15 in Charleston, SC.
EARLY JAMES 2023 TOUR DATES
May 19 - Museumshafen Harburg e.V. - Hamburg, Germany
May 20 - Hansa 48 - Kiel, Germany
May 21 - Salon Buchholz - Altlandsberg-süd, Germany
June 15 - Riviera - Charleston, SC
June 16 - District Live - Savannah, GA
June 17 - Standard Deluxe - Waverly, AL
June 18 - Callaghans - Mobile, AL
June 21 - Hernandos Hideaway - Memphis, TN
June 23 - Barleys - Knoxville, TN
June 24 - Grant’s Lounge - Macon, GA
LISTEN TO THE FIERCE NEW TRACK RIPPIN’ AND RUNNIN’ HERE
HEADLINE DATES AND SHOWS WITH BUDDY GUY
“… a powerful, spirited, and at times exuberant collaborative effort…"
– American Songwriter
“...some of the rawest and most hard-hitting music of their careers.”
– No Depression
“…nearly touches the charm of duets like Johnny & June Cash as well as Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazelwood. Excellent."
– Americana Highways
“…the dynamic guitar duo entrusted their artistry to producer Jon Spencer, and the result is full of wicked stories, tongue-in-cheek escapades, greasy grooves and helllacious guitar.” – Vintage Guitar
TORONTO, ON – May 19, 2023 – Today, dynamic blues auteur, Samantha Fish, and guitarist extraordinaire, Jesse Dayton, release their anticipated collaboration, Death Wish Blues, on Rounder Records. The latest track is the gritty Rippin’ and Runnin,’ a bold number full of swagger and bravado, featuring a twangy intro that quickly evolves into thumping riffs alongside gut-punching vocals. Listen to the hard-hitting Rippin’ and Runnin’ here and listen to Death Wish Blues here.
Rippin’ and Runnin’ follows the release of earlier tracks Deathwish, Riders and “Settle for Less. The songs highlight the synergy and free-flowing nature of Fish and Dayton’s musical partnership as they expand the limits of the blues and rock genres. Jon Spencer’s production magnifies the sonic power of each track, resulting in an exhilarating collection of blues, soul, punk, funk, and exceptionally bold rock-and-roll.
After their electrifying set at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in April, Fish and Dayton are gearing up for a round of tour dates to support Death Wish Blues, including a run with the legendary Buddy Guy. A full list of tour dates is below.
Hailing from Kansas City, MO, Samantha Fish is one of the most dynamic blues forces in the world today, headlining festivals and captivating audiences with her guitar prowess and power vocals. An award-winner and road warrior, she performs 200 shows yearly, both domestically and abroad. Death Wish Blues is her 7th album. Jesse Dayton boasts an exceptional resume as an acclaimed solo recording artist, collaborator with artists such as Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Duff McKagan, a touring guitarist for seminal punk band X, and teammate with Rob Zombie on the soundtracks for his iconic horror films.
SAMANTHA FISH & JESSE DAYTON US TOUR DATES
June 9 – Flagstaff, AZ – Flagstaff Blues Fest
June 11 – Vienna, VA – Filene Center*
June 13 – Northampton, MA – The Pines Theater*
June 14 – Plymouth, NH – Flying Monkey
June 15 – Kingston, NY – Ulster Performing Arts Center*
June 16 – Beverly, MA – Cabot
June 17 – Syracuse, NY – NY State Blues Festival
June 18 – New York, NY – Central Park Summerstage*
June 20 – Amagansett, NY – Stephen Talkhouse
June 22 – Hartford, CT – Infinity Hall
June 24 – Winter Park, CO – Blues from the Top
June 25 – Augusta, NJ – Rock, Ribs and Ridges Festival
June 27 – Columbus, OH – King of Clubs
July 1 – Sioux City, IA – Saturday in the Park
July 30 – Ft. Wayne, IN – Sweetwater
August 5 – Mammoth Lakes, CA – Bluesapalooza
August 19 – Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion
August 27 – Edmonton, AB – Edmonton Blues Fest
September 8 – Las Vegas, NV – Big Blues Bender
November 4 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Big Easy Cruise
*supporting Buddy Guy
SAMANTHA FISH & JESSE DAYTON EU TOUR DATES
May 22 – Zurich, SWITZERLAND – Kaufleten
May 23 – Prattein, SWITZERLAND – Z7
May 25 – Karlsruhe, GERMANY – Tollhaus
May 26 – Mainz, GERMANY – Frankfurter Hof
May 27 – Schoppingen, GERMANY – Grolsch Blues
May 29 – Maastricht, NETHERLANDS – Blues Festival
May 31 – Paris, FRANCE – Bataclan
October 19 – Sunderland, UK– The Fire Station
October 20 – Glasgow, UK – Barrowlands
October 21 – Manchester, UK – 02 Ritz
October 22 – Bristol, UK – SWX
October 24 – York, UK – Barbican
October 25 – Cambridge, UK – Junction
October 26 – Bournemouth, UK – 02 Academy
October 27– Bexhill, UK – De La Warr Pavilion
October 28 – Birmingham, UK – 02 Institute
Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton
Death Wish Blues Bio
DOWNLOAD - Cover Art | DOWNLOAD - Press Photo
TORONTO, ON – May 19, 2023 – The pioneer of urban music, Nicky Jam, and the current musical phenomenon, Feid, have joined forces to create a musical collaboration that promises to be a hit. The song, titled 69, is produced by Caleb Calloway and Edgar Barrera and features sensual and daring lyrics with a catchy urban melody. Listen here.
Nicky Jam, a singer, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur, is one of the most versatile artists in the Latin music industry. With over 25 years of experience in the music world, he has positioned himself as one of the references to the urban genre, thanks to his unique style and ability to fuse different rhythms.
Meanwhile, Feid is considered one of the most influential artists of the moment and has won over the public with his talent and creativity. Among his most outstanding hits are Ferxxo 100, Si tú supieras, and Porfa.
69 tells a story of infidelity and desire. In it, Nicky Jam and Feid narrate the story of a man who is attracted to a committed woman and cannot resist her charms. The song features an innovative style and well-crafted lyrics that will surely become one of the most popular songs of the moment.
In addition to the song release, 69 is accompanied by an official music video directed by Sanchez, which shows Feid, Nicky Jam, and some beautiful women in a competitive motorcycle race, giving the video a touch of action and adrenaline. Watch here.
With this collaboration, Nicky Jam and Feid once again demonstrate their talent and ability to create quality music. 69 is a sample that the urban genre is still evolving and that these two artists are at the forefront of this transformation. Fans of both artists can expect an unforgettable and sensual musical experience with this new hit.
LISTEN HERE AND WATCH THE VISUALIZER HERE
NEW ALBUM ARRIVES THIS OCTOBER
TORONTO, ON – May 19, 2023 – Today, Canadian synthwave reference-artist, Das Mörtal, shares IDÖL, the second single from his new and upcoming album, due this October via Lisbon Lux Records. The single offers another new sound for the Montreal based producer that falls between techno, Miami bass, trance, trap and even gives a wink to medieval video games, transporting listeners into a completely broken universe. Listen to IDÖL here and watch the visualizer, from Guillaume Vallée, here.
IDÖL is about the pressure - sometimes internal and sometimes external - that comes when you reach a certain level, and you must keep on doing more, even if you are not interested anymore. As heard in the track: “Don't you wanna feel like you're on top / Don't you wanna feel like the best of them all.”
“IDÖL is gonna make you dance and bounce while we try to escape the pressures of society,” shares Das Mörtal.
WASTED, the first single from Das Mörtal’s third and upcoming album, was released in February and showed how much the Chilean born producer had grown as an artist, as the track related to the fear and mental block he experienced during the pandemic, when the impression of doing nothing was omnipresent. IDÖL, the second track from the upcoming record, further shows how Das Mörtal has pushed his sound and tapped into new influences he hadn’t explored previously.
“It goes in so many stylistic places because that’s how my brain was working,” Das Mörtal explains. “Being stressed, lazy, anxious and etc... while working on just one track, can make them feel a bit erratic. It makes them sound less over produced and more genuine to the creative struggle I was in.
In the past, my music was based on imaginary narratives, almost being soundtracks to non-existent films,” Das Mörtal adds. “This new album is more personal and about the struggle of actually making it.”
Stay tuned as Das Mörtal’s sound expands this year and his new album unfolds.
DOWNLOAD - Single Art | DOWNLOAD - Press Photo
About Das Mörtal:
Das Mörtal began his journey in Berlin, inspired by artists such as Steve Moore and Aphex Twin. The producer forges a dark and nostalgic sound, skillfully mixing influences that range from German techno to horror and sci-fi film soundtracks. With several EPs and albums released, he has performed in several major festivals such as Osheaga, Transmusicales de Rennes, FME and Meg Festival while opening on tours for Vitalic, Perturbator, Carpenter Brut, etc. Now part of the world's leading synthwave producers, the enigmatic artist offers a more personal sound, a unique musical signature charming a growing audience worldwide. With over 20 million streams on Spotify alone, Das Mörtal receives media and radio support in a dozen countries, as well as on several influential pages on YouTube. On stage, he has racked up nearly 100 shows since 2015, including more than 70 dates in the U.S. and Europe (UK, France, Scandinavia).
DEBUT MONSTERCAT SINGLE OUT TODAY
LISTEN HERE
TORONTO, ON – May 19, 2023 – Monstercat, one of electronic music's most influential independent record labels, today adds two powerhouse acts to its extraordinary roster: sensational Montreal-based and two-time JUNO-nominated dance duo, Adventure Club, and unstoppable bass maestro, Jessica Audiffred.
The momentous entrance on the label welcomes an electrifying single from Monstercat’s newest additions with their first collaborative record, You Found Me, featuring the stunning vocals of singer-songwriter, Clara Park. Unearthing an undeniable synergy, the record leads with tinkering bass chords and emotive toplines that are bound to leave listeners mesmerized this upcoming festival season. Adding to Adventure Club’s collection of heart-tugging and high-energy records, the single sees Jessica Audiffred continue to push boundaries as she leans into a slower BPM than her usual adrenaline-pumping repertoire. Listen to You Found Me here.
Adventure Club shares, "We love watching new artists come into the scene, seeing their journey, so many of them really provide so much value to scene, pushing it forward, making sure it stays alive. It’s always refreshing to see someone as talented as Jessica get recognition, with reason of course, she really is a blessing to the scene. Sometimes all it takes is a tweet and great friendship is started."
Jessica Audiffred adds: "Working with Adventure Club has been so easy and organic! We finished the song so fast and I feel like you can definitely feel both of our styles being combined in here, this is such an amazing emotional track that I love playing at the end of my sets.”
Adventure Club’s world-renowned stylings and widespread acclaim have positioned them as forefathers of melodic dubstep. The duo have earned accolades to their name including GRAMMY and JUNO nominations and Gold record accreditation, and have amassed multi-millions of streams across all platforms. Jessica Audiffred is cemented as Mexico City’s bass icon, having curated one of the country's leading bass festivals, Mad House, and is currently soaring across the globe taking over upcoming festival stages including Tomorrowland and EDC Las Vegas. Serving as an Adidas ambassador in Mexico for the last five years, she has partnered with the brand for Live Session pop-ups and female empowerment campaigns in the region. Last year, she collaborated with bass tastemaker Excision.
Keep up to date with Adventure Club and Jessica Audiffred’s musical journey on their socials below and read more in their bios here.
DOWNLOAD – Adventure Club Press Photo | DOWNLOAD – Single Art
DOWNLOAD – Jessica Audiffred Press Photo | DOWNLOAD – Composite Press Photo
PRODUCED BY THREE-TIME GRAMMY WINNER
SHOOTER JENNINGS
LISTEN TO FIRST SINGLE GOLDEN STATE HERE
WATCH LEDGER’S PERFORMANCE OF GOLDEN STATE
FOR WESTERN AF
TOUR WITH VINCENT NEIL EMERSON KICKS OFF MAY 31
TORONTO, ON – May 18, 2023 - Today, singer, songwriter, and musician, Logan Ledger, announces his second studio album, Golden State, slated for release on September 8 via Rounder Records. Ledger enlisted three-time GRAMMY winner, Shooter Jennings, to produce the album, which is the follow-up to his self-titled 2020 debut. To accompany today’s announcement, Ledger has released the titular single, Golden State. Listen to it here.
Centred on a soulful vocal performance that telegraphs both weariness and hope, Golden State illuminates Ledger’s rare gift for expressing complex existential questions with a poignant simplicity. Western AF captured a live session with Ledger after his recent appearance at the Stagecoach Festival. Watch the performance of Golden State, which premiered today, here.
The second full-length from singer/songwriter, Logan Ledger, Golden State is steeped in so many of the ineffable qualities embodied by California: wild-eyed idealism, uneasy unpredictability, the infinite promise of rebirth and renewal. In keeping with the refined ingenuity first revealed on his T Bone Burnett-produced self-titled debut, the Bay Area-raised, Nashville-based musician also leans into California’s legacy of restless reinvention, continually cross-pollinating his vast reservoir of influences to create entirely unexpected musical idioms (including, at one point, a glorious collision of British folk and rowdy surf rock). Anchored in his captivating baritone and poetic lyricism, Golden State ultimately matches Ledger’s rich sense of history with an unfettered originality, arriving at a body of work both elegantly composed and endlessly surprising.
Golden State marks a stylistic departure from the timeless country noir of Ledger’s critically lauded debut. This time around, Ledger worked with musicians like Cage The Elephant guitarist, Nick Bockrath, pedal-steel player, Russ Pahl (Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers), Shooter Jennings’s longtime bassist, Ted Russell Kamp, and drummer, Jamie Douglass, and Jennings himself (on piano, Wurlitzer, organ, and celeste), dreaming up a lush and spirited sound partly inspired by the California country-rock scene of the late-60s and early-70s. Mainly recorded live at the famed Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, the result is a sublime setting for Ledger’s layered meditations on loss and despair and the search for transcendence.
Later this month, Ledger will join Vincent Neil Emerson for a run of dates along the west coast, with additional shows in Phoenix, Albuquerque, Tucson, and El Paso. This summer, he will appear at a number of music festivals including FitzGerald’s American Music Festival, Red Ants Pants, and Pickathon. A full list of confirmed shows is below, and further tour plans will be announced in the coming weeks.
Logan Ledger – Summer 2023 Tour Dates:
5/31 The Rebel Lounge, Phoenix, AZ*
6/1 Pappy + Harriet’s, Pioneertown, CA*
6/4 The Grove House, Mariposa, CA*
6/6 The Siren, Morro Bay, CA*
6/7 Strummer’s Bar and Grill, Fresno, CA*
6/8 The Wayfarer, Costa Mesa, CA
6/9 Soda Bar, San Diego, CA*
6/11 Club Congress, Tucson*
6/13 Sister, Albuquerque, NM*
6/14 The Lowbrow Palace, El Paso, TX*
6/29 The Basement, Nashville, TN
7/2 FitzGerald’s American Music Festival, Berwyn, IL
7/29 Red Ants Pants Music Festival, White Sulphur Springs, MT
8/3 – 8/6 Pickathon, Happy Valley, OR
*support for Vincent Neil Emerson
Golden State Track Listing:
1. Golden State
2. There Goes My Mind
3. Till It Feels Right
4. All the Wine in California
5. Midnight in L.A.
6. Some Misty Morning (featuring Erin Rae)
7. Court of Love
8. I’m Not Here
9. Obviously
10. Where Will I Go
DOWNLOAD - Album Art
TORONTO, ON – May 12, 2023 – Today, GRAMMY-nominated Nigerian dance-pop vocalist, Kah-Lo, releases her new single, fund$, on Epic Records.
Spinning a tale of greed and glory, Kah-Lo’s latest single sees her fierce vocals cut with a darker edge. A powerful anthem that flaunts Kah-Lo’s intrinsic ability to seamlessly blend genres at her will, fund$ commands attention with its shiny synth stabs, punchy basslines, and rhythmic percussion. Kah-Lo’s playfully audacious lyrics add a feminist flare to the track as she sings, “Girls just wanna have funds, can’t have fun if you don’t have funds.” As with all of Kah-Lo’s originals, her vibrant persona shines through on fund$ as she teases her more rebellious side.
fund$ arrives with an official music video that sees Kah-Lo take a murderous turn to enact revenge on those who have done her wrong. Portraying a femme fatale in this Kill Bill-esque music video, fund$ is an enticing introduction into Kah-Lo’s villain era.
Kah-Lo first emerged on the scene in 2016 appearing on Riton’s Rinse & Repeat, which earned them a GRAMMY nomination for Best Dance Recording. In 2017, Kah-Lo dropped her debut solo single, Fasta, following up with Fake I.D. in 2018, which became the lead song for the U.S. arrival of TikTok. Her fierce persona as a solo artist continued to shine through with her debut, The Arrival EP, which saw its lead single, Commandments, included on the FIFA 2022 Soundtrack. In 2022, Kah-Lo released her hit single, Drag Me Out, which was featured in Oscar de la Renta’s Spring 2022 campaign and has amassed more than six million streams on Spotify alone.
A combination of frisky, party-starting lyricism and refreshing blend of afrobeats, house, and pop music, Kah-Lo’s spirited originals have been placed in shows like ZIWE, Gossip Girl, Harlem, NCIS Los Angeles, Everything’s Trash, and more. Her rhythmic vocals and consistent track record have also earned her features alongside Idris Elba (Baille), Diplo (Give Dem), The Knocks (Awa Ni), and Michaël Brun (Melanin).
Having garnered a reputation as one of dance music’s most accomplished vocalists, fund$ marks a new era for Kah-Lo’s solo artistry as she invites fans to indulge in the pain and pleasure that has rocked her career. Stream fund$ out now.
DOWNLOAD - Single Art
SECOND SINGLE FROM TOGETHER AS ONE
OUT THIS YEAR ON MONSTERCAT
SINGLE ARRIVES WITH TOUCHING MUSIC VIDEO DIRECTED BY MARY CHEN
CINEMATOGRAPHY BY ZACHARY KOSKI
VIDEO TO PREMIERE HERE TOMORROW AT 10:00 A.M PST
LISTEN HERE
TORONTO, ON – May 11, 2023 – Asian-American dance duo, ARMNHMR, today join forces with alt-pop songstress, Lights, on Monstercat Instinct delivering, Someone To Forget. The record arrives as the second single from ARMNHMR’s forthcoming album, Together As One, out later this year. Leading the track with a heart-tugging ballad touching on temporary love, Lights conveys raw emotion while putting her stunning vocals on full display. ARMNHMR’s signature melodic bass sound fused with live instruments illustrates the poignant storyline, also highlighting their ability to leave an impactful mark on listeners through musical storytelling. Currently, ARMNHMR are on their Together As One headline run, bringing an enhanced live experience to fans with production bigger than ever before. Upcoming stops include Denver, Boston, Toronto, and festivals EDC Las Vegas, Tomorrowland, Lollapalooza, and more. Listen to Someone To Forget here and watch the video here (premiering Friday May 12 at 10:00 a.m. PST).
ARMNHMR shares, “Someone To Forget deals with loss of love. We all come to terms with grief in different ways. This song in particular is a story of how one person has through temporary people.”
Lights adds, “The track ARMNHMR sent over was so melodic and pretty. I really got a chance to let my emo poetry skills shine. I really like how they’ve brought live instrumentation into this one, with the guitars and live drums—it really suits the topline.”
Directed by Mary Chen, the Someone To Forget music video reflects the feelings of loneliness that are created through memories of repetitive, short-lived relationships. With stunning cinematography from Zachary Koski, the essence of the video’s narrative showcases moments cycling through repeating histories with different people.
Following ARMNHMR’s previous release, Drowning (feat. Heleen), the new record adds to their upcoming album’s theme of the human experience. The LP will introduce new narratives from the duo, as the tracks reflect on topics including anxiety, grief, and more. ARMNHMR are on a roll this year, coming off hot performances from their headline album run, Together As One, that has already sold over 17,000 tickets. They’ve brought bigger production and new music live to venues including Observatory Festival Grounds, Concourse Project, The Factory in Deep Ellum, and more, with plenty of stops to come. Tickets are available here.
Returning after her last Monstercat release, Last Summer with Tokyo Machine and Weird Genius, Lights showcases her lauded vocals that have positioned her as an iconic force. Collaborating with huge names including Travis Barker, Kaskade, Illenium, and others, she’s also won four JUNO Awards. Fans can catch her live as she headlines Pride Toronto on June 25, and opens for Waterparks in Australia this fall.
About ARMNHMR:
Los Angeles based duo ARMNHMR spent most of their lives around music. Festival goers turned headliners, Joseph Chung and Joseph Abella compliment their individual musical tastes to create a distinctive melodic sound. From remixes and EPs to their debut album, The Free World, the duo has fostered a global fanbase through intertwining their ethereal melodies with expertly crafted heart pounding bass drops.
In 2022, ARMNHMR wrapped up a nearly entirely sold out 20 date EP tour with notable sell-out shows at Webster Hall NYC, Hollywood Palladium and San Jose Civic Center, as well as an electrifying Mainstage performance at EDC Las Vegas 2022.
DOWNLOAD - ARMNHMR press photo | DOWNLOAD - Someone To Forget single art
About Lights:
Lights is many things all at once: Singer. Songwriter. Producer. Multi-instrumentalist. Comic book author. DJ. Artist. She’s also unabashedly honest and unapologetically confident. Weaving in and out of alternative, indie, electronic, and dance, she makes manic pop irreverent of boundaries, yet reverent of truth. She speaks her heart musically and her mind lyrically. It’s why her shadow over alternative music and culture continues to grow with streams in the hundreds of millions and widespread critical acclaim. Over the course of career thus far, the Canada-born disruptor has garnered four JUNO Awards, including 2020’s Dance Recording of the Year for the platinum smash, Love Me, with Felix Cartal and Pop Album of the Year for her previous two albums, Skin&Earth and Little Machines. She has sold out tours on multiple continents and powered collaborations with Travis Barker, deadmau5, Kaskade, Steve Aoki, Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park, and more. Now, she captivates like never before with PƎP and its brand-new counterpart album dEd.
DOWNLOAD - Lights press photo
VIDEOS PAY TRIBUTE TO MIKE’S LATE MOTHER AND MARKS THE DEBUT OF NEW SONG MOTHERLESS FROM FORTHCOMING ALBUM MICHAEL
SHARES ALBUM ART AND TRACKLIST
WATCH THE FILMS HERE:
DON’T LET THE DEVIL (PART I) / MOTHERLESS (PART II)
TORONTO, ON – May 11, 2023 – Killer Mike has shared a two-part short film tribute to his late mother, comprising a pair of songs from his forthcoming album, MICHAEL (out June 16 via Loma Vista Recordings), including his most recent single, DON’T LET THE DEVIL (feat EL-P & thankugoodsir), and the previously-unreleased song, MOTHERLESS. In keeping with the album’s nakedly autobiographical nature, the two-parter kicks off with Mike digging through keepsakes in his mother’s Atlanta home when he discovers and smokes a joint among her belongings that unlocks a wave of memories. DON’T LET THE DEVIL, directed by Davi Peña based on a treatment by EL-P, is a joyful and nostalgic homage to the parties Mama Niecy used to throw in the family’s home.
Mike notes: “El’s heard me talk about these bohemian-artsy-disco infused parties my mom used to throw when I was kid. I’d hear everything there- that’s where I first heard Grandmaster Flash, Kurtis Blow & Whodini. So when we were trying to figure out what the video for DON’T LET THE DEVIL should be – Jaime came back with this treatment written out and I cried at the end. What’s even crazier is he didn’t know what we were doing for MOTHERLESS either but that’s the magic I guess.”
MOTHERLESS, directed by Shane Smith, is a somber tribute to the impact she had on all around her, culminating in a recreation of the moment Mike rapped the phrase “my Momma dead” in the recording studio, realizing immediately after that it was the first time he had spoken those words aloud.
“When I first played Dion (No I.D.) the album he said two things – one of which was that I was essentially holding something back and that was the song MOTHERLESS,” Mike explains. “It was the last song made for the album because I hadn’t uttered these words out loud since her transitioning. When I tell the story of my mother the tales told include one when I walked in on her attempting to take her own life – it gets to the heart of how deeply sensitive an artist and human she was. She survived, was diagnosed bi-polar and depressed; she fought that until the day she died. She lived a beautifully rich outlaw of a life and I am honoured to show her as the total beautiful badass she was.”
He continues, “These aren’t meant to be sad videos or eulogies. This is a celebration of a BAD ASS BLACK GIRL from the westside of Atlanta. She’s been affectionately called OG Mama Niecy by the many people she helped stay on their path.”
To complement Killer Mike's very personal, fan driven two-part presentation of his music videos, DON’T LET THE DEVIL and MOTHERLESS, BET/MTV also participated in the launch of his new music. Hosting a broadcast premiere for MOTHERLESS the same day, with hourly plays across six of their network channels (BET Jams, BET Soul, Yo! MTV, MTVU, MTV Live, and MTV Biggest Pop) and release day profile on Paramount's Times Square Billboard.
Killer Mike recently announced a 19-date U.S. tour in support of his forthcoming solo album, MICHAEL – his first major solo outing since touring in support of his 2012 album, R.A.P Music. Tickets for the tour – which kicks off July 10 in Birmingham and makes its way across the U.S., including an appearance at Pitchfork Music Festival and a performance at New York City’s iconic Apollo Theatre, before wrapping up August 5 in New Orleans – are on sale now. See full dates below.
MICHAEL TRACKLIST:
1. Down By Law
2. Shed Tears
3. RUN
4. N Rich
5. Talkin Dat SHIT!
6. Slummer
7. Scientists & Engineers
8. Two Days
9. Spaceship Views
10. Exit 9
11. Something For Junkies
12. Motherless
13. Don’t Let The Devil
14. High And Holy
UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
July 10 - BIRMINGHAM, AL - Saturn
July 11 - CHARLESTON, SC - Music Farm
July 13 - ATLANTA, GA - Tabernacle
July 14 - NASHVILLE, TN - Ryman
July 15 - CHARLOTTE, NC - Underground
July 17 - NORFOLK, VA - NorVa
July 18 - WASHINGTON DC - Lincoln Theater
July /20 - NEW YORK, NY - Apollo
July 21 - PHILADELPHIA, PA - Franklin Music Hall
July 23 - CHICAGO, IL - Pitchfork Festival
July 24 - MINNEAPOLIS, MN - First Avenue
July 27 - SEATTLE, WA - Showbox
July 28 - PORTLAND, OR - Crystal Ballroom
July 29 - SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Fillmore
July 31 - LOS ANGELES, CA - Ace Theater
August 1 - PHOENIX, AZ - Van Buren
August 3 - HOUSTON, TX - House of Blues
August 4 - DALLAS, TX - House of Blues
August 5 - NEW ORLEANS, LA - Joy Theater
Watch DON’T LET THE DEVIL here
Watch the video for MOTHERLESS here
Pre-save MICHAEL here
Watch the video for TALK’N THAT SHIT! here
Watch the video for RUN (feat. Young Thug) here
DOWNLOAD – MICHAEL album artwork
DOWNLOAD – MOTHERLESS single artwork
DOWNLOAD – hi-res photo
HIGHLY ANTICIPATED DEBUT ALBUM JAGUAR II COMING SOON
TORONTO, ON – May 10, 2023 – Today, the multi-talented, GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer, Victoria Monét, releases her new steamy female summer anthem, Party Girls, featuring renowned dancehall legend, Buju Banton, via Lovett Music/RCA Records. Throughout the D’Mile, Yonatan “SDTRK” Ayal, and Dready-produced track, Monét glides over soaring instrumentation, wavy basslines, and sharp percussions that set ablaze her seductive vocal treatments reminiscent of Sade — fusing her R&B roots with classic dancehall sounds. Ignited by a fiery verse from Buju Banton, Party Girls is adrenaline-packed and effortlessly inviting— a certified summer classic. The Meji Alabi-directed music video brings the pulsating grit of a classic Jamaican dancehall party to life with Victoria’s striking looks, styled by Kollin Carter, and jaw-dropping dance breaks from world-renowned choreographer, Sean Bankhead. Crystal-adorned and compulsively hypnotic, Monét is undeniably the life of the party— dancing from room to room boasting all the traits of the ultimate party girl.
"Party Girls is an ode to women around the world who keep celebrations alive!” says Monét. “If you recall any social gathering, nightlife extravaganza or day party you’ll likely recall a moment where a woman made it so much more exciting! I wanted to make a song giving credit where it’s due, while simultaneously curating a sensual Caribbean-infused R&B song to continue the fun to. I hope this song makes you feel sexy, empowered and appreciated!"
Party Girls comes on the heels of the recent single, Smoke feat. Lucky Daye — an unabashed homage to herbal ecstasy that garnered attention from Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Flaunt, Nylon, Hypebeast, and more. Both singles mark the beginning of a new era for Victoria Monét, ending the long-awaited pause since her heralded 2020 solo project, JAGUAR. Since then, Monét has been steadily turning up the heat with a string of releases including remixes featuring Kehlani (Touch Me) and Bryson Tiller (We Might Even Be Falling In Love (Duet)). Additional tracks F.U.C.K and Coastin' built on the JAGUAR sound and emphasized its staying power with impressive visuals all set in Monét’s signature brown tones and 70s influences. She’s also gone viral on socials with the #SomeCutChallenge and currently with her open verse challenge for buzzing song, We Might Even Be Falling In Love. Garnering press praise from the likes of Paper, Pitchfork, Vulture, VICE, NY Post, The New Yorker, The Guardian, and more, Monét continues to evolve in her artistry while challenging social and gender norms through her multidimensional lyricism. Monét’s breakthrough artistry led to appearances on The Late Night Show with Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’s #PlayAtHome and festivals such as Made In America, Sol Blume, and Day N Vegas and a coveted slot as an artist partner with Cash App Studios.
Most recently, Monét sold out her first-ever headlining show in Los Angeles at the El Rey Theatre in partnership with Spotify and Goldenvoice. The show sold out in under one minute, with Billboard stating Monét “made sure the crowd never forgot who she is.” As a new member of RCA Records, much more music from the superstar is on the horizon as anticipation builds for the much-desired album, JAGUAR II, coming summer 2023.
DOWNLOAD - Party Girls Single Art
AUDACIOUS NEW ALBUM DUE AUGUST 18 VIA FANTASY
ANNOUNCES FALL MOTHER ROAD TOUR
NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO MOTHER ROAD OUT TODAY
LISTEN HERE AND WATCH HERE
TORONTO, ON – May 10, 2023 – Grace Potter, “one of the greatest living voices in rock today” (SPIN), will release her fifth studio LP, Mother Road, via Fantasy Records on August 18. An audacious and heart-pounding map of the soul, Mother Road finds Potter deconstructing her deepest fears and darkest regrets, charting the fallout with brutal honesty and emotional daring. Today, she shares the first single, the inviting, irresistibly twangy title track, Mother Road. Listen here and watch the track’s official video, a phenomenal Pulp Fiction meets Thelma and Louise styled romp, here. Pre-order Mother Road here and watch the Mother Road album trailer here.
On the meaning of Mother Road, Potter says, “In Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck called Route 66 the ‘The Mother of all roads...the road of flight.’ As I zeroed out my odometer and started west on my road trip across the US, I hoped that driving the road of flight would give me a bird’s eye view of my life. But it didn’t take long to realize that I was not flying; I was running away. In the solitude, I found myself smashing open the piggy bank of deeply-buried memories. Those gems of my real-life exploits spilled into my creative consciousness and emboldened me to write an album that reaches far beyond what actually happened–launching me down the alternate-reality roads of what could have happened.”
Produced by Eric Valentine (Queens of the Stone Age, Nickel Creek) and recorded at RCA’s famed Studio A in Nashville and Topangadise in Topanga, CA, Mother Road follows Potter's 2019’s acclaimed, 2X GRAMMY-nominated album, Daylight. Throughout the album’s 10 original tracks, Grace, along with contributions from a top-flight band including guitarist Nick Bockrath, bassist Tim Deaux, drummer Matt Musty, pedal steel guitarist Dan Kalisher, and keyboardist Benmont Tench, commands an expansive soundscape of soulful rock, roots, funk, country, and R&B.
Mother Road’s myriad high points include the searing Ready Set Go, which ricochets with stinging slide guitar and attitude to burn; Lady Vagabond, a paean to anti-heroines everywhere; the self-deceptive Rose Colored Rearview; the spirit-purifying All My Ghosts; and the album’s wild, theatrical finale, Masterpiece. At the album’s centre is Little Hitchhiker, a beautifully detailed story-song co-written by superstar songwriter Natalie Hemby, which poignantly re-imagines the time nine-year-old Potter ran away from home, a profound experience that sparked much of Mother Road’s narrative.
Potter is currently on tour throughout the U.S. For the complete itinerary and full ticketing information visit https://www.gracepotter.com/.
Mother Road - Track List:
1. Mother Road
2. Truck Stop Angels
3. Ready Set Go
4. Good Time
5. Little Hitchhiker
6. Lady Vagabond
7. Rose Colored Rearview
8. All My Ghosts
9. Futureland
10. Masterpiece
Grace Potter - 2023 Tour Dates:
May 11 - Greensboro, NC - Piedmont Hall w/Jaime Wyatt
May 12 - Myrtle Beach, SC - House of Blues Myrtle Beach w/Jaime Wyatt
May 13 - Spartanburg, SC - The Hall at Spartanburg Memorial *
May 17 - Isle of Palms - SC - The Windjammer’s NURTRL Beach Stage *
May 18 - Isle of Palms - SC - The Windjammer’s NURTRL Beach Stage *
May 19 - Savannah, GA - District Live *
May 20 - Beaufort, NC - Beaufort Music Festival
May 21 - Knoxville, TN - Southern Skies Music Festival
June 8 - Fort Collins, CO - Washington’s
June 9 - Fort Collins, CO - Washington’s
June 10 - Morrison, CO - Red Rocks (supporting Big Head Todd and the Monsters)
June 11 - Salt Lake City, UT - Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre
June 13 - Minneapolis, MN - Sparkyard Sound Series
June 24 - Winter Park, CO - Blues From The Top Music Festival
August 12 - Beech Mountain, NC - Beech Mountain Resort
September 1- Snowmass, CO - Jazz Aspen Snowmass
September 15 - Shelburne, VT - Shelburne Museum
September 16 - Shelburne, VT - Shelburne Museum
October 1 - Ocean City, MD - Oceans Calling Festival
March 18 - 22, 2024 - Miami, FL to Cozumel, MX - Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea
* with Devon Gilfillian
WATCH HERE
OFF FORTHCOMING GREATEST HITS COLLECTION
ARRIVING ON VINYL, CD AND DIGITAL FORMATS THIS SUMMER
ALBUM INCLUDES THE RECORD-SETTING QUINTUPLE PLATINUM HIT PARALYZER, JUNO-NOMINATED ONE THING, + A PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED COVER OF PINK FLOYD’S WELCOME TO THE MACHINE
TORONTO, ON – May 10, 2023 – Multi-platinum-selling band, Finger Eleven, is thrilled to share the official music video for their latest single, Together Right, off the forthcoming collection of hit singles from Craft Recordings. Spanning over two decades, Greatest Hits highlights the group’s diverse range with fan favourites, including the record-setting Quintuple Platinum (Canada) hit, Paralyzer, and JUNO-nominated One Thing, plus chart-toppers like Falling On and Living in a Dream. As a bonus, the 12-track set also offers a previously-unreleased cover of Pink Floyd’s Welcome to the Machine (a longtime live staple), as well as Together Right.
The song’s accompanying video, which premiered today with BraveWords and is available to view here, opens in a factory, as uniformly-dressed workers move like cogs in a machine. But it soon becomes clear that not everyone is happy in their monotonous existence. “The video takes place in a world where everything is the same,” explains lead guitarist, James Black. “Efficiency and conformity are mistaken for unity. But real connection, between two people, is WAY more powerful than people idly following a routine.”
“Together Right is about unity,” explains frontman, Scott Anderson. “It’s about the bonds between people and how far that bond can extend before it’s broken. The song has an optimistic-sounding chorus but it’s really a desperate plea from one party to another asking please stick around, let’s go down with this ship together.” Recorded in Toronto last year with drummer/producer, Steve Molella, the song packs a punch with anthemic guitar-driven hooks and high-energy handclaps.
Director, Martin Klapperbein, shares: “Shooting the music video was an unforgettable experience… Drawing inspiration from the film adaptation of George Orwell’s dystopian novel, 1984, we created a cohesive design that beautifully showcased the choreography through the wardrobe, colour tones, titles, and casting choices. This project was definitely a group effort, and I'm so grateful to have worked with such a dedicated and talented cast and crew.”
Greatest Hits arrives on CD and digitally on June 16, while the vinyl edition (the band’s first-ever vinyl release) will follow on August 25. A limited-edition Blue Smoke pressing will be available exclusively via the band’s website and CraftRecordings.com, and indie record stores will carry an exclusive Yellow Marble variant. All formats are available to pre-order here.
Finger Eleven, which currently includes original members, Scott Anderson, Sean Anderson, James Black, and Rick Jackett, plus drummer Steve Molella (who joined the band in 2013) have remained active on the road and enjoyed their legacy as one of Canada’s biggest bands. Between 1995 and 2016, Finger Eleven was among the top 75 best-selling Canadian artists in Canada and among the top 25 best-selling Canadian bands in Canada – as evidenced by Greatest Hits. Today, they show no signs of slowing down. This summer, they will appear at a variety of festivals across North America.
Click here to pre-order/pre-save Greatest Hits, and listen to / watch Together Right today.
DOWNLOAD - hi-res photo | DOWNLOAD - Greatest Hits album cover
HEAR FRENETIC FROLICKING NEW SINGLE NYE HERE
PRE-ORDER/PRE-SAVE TIME WILL WAIT FOR NO ONE HERE
BAND CELEBRATE ALBUM ANNOUNCEMENT WITH
YOUTUBE LIVE STREAM PERFORMANCE
FROM NEUEHOUSE HOLLYWOOD ON MAY 11
25-CITY US TOUR KICKS OFF AUGUST 18
VANCOUVER SHOW SEPTEMBER 25 AT VOGUE
Of the album the band says, "This record was made during a time of metamorphosis for us. Former selves melting away as some of us became fathers, endured periods of isolation, loss, and identity crisis. The highs and lows we were feeling at the same time were so extreme. There was a moment halfway through making the album, we played one of the most emotional concerts of our lives. A sold-out show at the Greek Theater in LA, our first performance in almost two years, but we didn't know how we could move forward. As individuals and as a band, we were on the verge of a collapse. Time flows on uncontrollably and change is relentless, and the people you love are the only constants. Out of that reckoning we dissolved everything down to start again, and had the most prolific period of songwriting in our history. This is the first chapter, Time Will Wait For No One."
The announcement comes with the release of their newest single, NYE, a frenetic, frolicking post-punk inspired tune, which premiered this morning on 6Music. Local Natives have an ongoing tradition where the rest of them make up the wedding band when another member gets married. So, at Ryan Hahn's (guitar/backing vocals) wedding last year, the others assembled to play some of his favourite songs of all time, one being Someday by The Strokes. Hahn says of the experience, "I was so floored watching the guys play this from the audience, something I'd never seen before, that I thought we had to do a fast and wild song, & NYE was born." The catchy soundtrack to a favourite memory.
To celebrate the announcement of their new album, Local Natives are hosting a Sunset Sounds at NeueHouse Hollywood on Thursday, May 11. This celebration includes a special rooftop performance that will also be live streamed via the band's Youtube channel at 7:30pm PST that night and followed by an official Youtube After Party live Q&A with fans.
Local Natives Time Will Wait For No One Tour Dates:
August 18, 2023 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
August 19, 2023 - Milwaukee, WI - Pabst Theater
August 20, 2023 - Detroit, MI - Majestic
August 22, 2023 - Boston, MA - House of Blues
August 24, 2023 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
August 25, 2023 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
August 26, 2023 - Philadelphia, PA - Franklin Music Hall
August 27, 2023 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage AE
August 29, 2023 - New York, NY - Pier 17
September 8, 2023 - Chicago, IL - Riviera
September 9, 2023 - Cleveland, OH - House of Blues
September 11, 2023 - Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall
September 12, 2023 - Nashville, TN - Marathon Music Works
September 13, 2023 - Atlanta, GA - Eastern
September 15, 2023 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues
September 16, 2023 - Austin, TX - Stubb's
September 17, 2023 - Tulsa, OK - Cain's Ballroom
September 19, 2023 - Phoenix, AZ - Van Buren
September 21, 2023 - Denver, CO - Mission Ballroom
September 22, 2023 - Salt Lake City, UT - Depot
September 23, 2023 - Bozeman, MT - The Elm
September 25, 2023 - Vancouver, BC - Vogue
September 26, 2023 - Seattle, WA - Paramount
September 27, 2023 - Portland, OR - Grand Lodge
September 28, 2023 - Oakland, CA - Fox Theater
September 30, 2023 - Del Mar, CA - The Sound
TRACK FEATURED ON NEW EP
LOST IN THE REWIND OUT ON JUNE 2
STICKLAND TO PLAY EP RELEASE SHOW
AT THE MINT IN LOS ANGELES ON MAY 31
TORONTO, ON – May 5, 2023 – Singer/songwriter, Craig Stickland, releases a second track from his forthcoming EP today. Firing Line, a sweeping, melancholy love song, is featured on the forthcoming 6-song EP, Lost in the Rewind, which will be released on June 2, via MNRK Music Group. To celebrate the release of Lost in the Rewind, Stickland will play an EP release show on May 31 at The Mint in Los Angeles, CA. Listen to Firing Line here and watch the visualizer here.
In addition to some new songs, Stickland sifted through tons of material going as far back as 15 years to ensure he was putting his best foot forward on the EP, and Firing Line is one of those tracks.
Stickland says, “I wrote Firing Line 15 years ago, the first time I thought I was in love. I was so invested in the relationship, but with every interaction, I felt her pulling away. In my gut, I knew she was going to break up with me long before she eventually did (to get back with her ex!). It’s written about the final moments of a relationship you don’t want to end, even though you can feel it coming. I’m excited to finally release this song so many years later.”
The gorgeously plaintive EP, Lost in the Rewind, "is really about finding myself again," says Stickland. When pandemic restrictions lifted and songwriting presented itself, “I really had to take a step back to find my love for myself and music again,” he says. “Lost in the Rewind is me trying to unpack why I did these things.” Stickland previously released the track, Colorblind, from the EP. Watch that video here.
Stickland previously released the three-song EP, While We Wait For the Sun to Rise, in 2021. His debut, the JUNO-nominated Starlit Afternoon, chronicled Stickland’s decade-long struggle to break through into music. The album garnered millions of streams on Spotify, with a pair of pristinely lovelorn tracks, the meditative title song and laid-back anthem, Break Every Rule, winning him a loyal following.
LISTEN HERE
TORONTO, ON – May 5, 2023 – Today, rising artist, August Royals, returns with the release of his latest single, Angel Arms, out now via RCA Records. Listen here and watch the visualizer here.
His first song of 2023, Angel Arms, follows last year’s release of his debut project, Inhaler, a nine-track EP that served as a multi-genre reflection of his own experiences and struggles. Driven by the strums of an acoustic guitar before bursting to life with a flurry of drums and percussion, Angel Arms is an emotional indie-pop track that sees August trying to connect with a love interest.
Says August of the song, “if I had to write a song that captured falling in love, this is what it would sound like.”
Garnering praise from V Magazine, Rollacoaster, Lyrical Lemonade, and more, August Royals has quickly started making a name for himself in just a few short months, establishing himself as an artist to watch. Selected as part of Pigeons & Planes’ highly coveted Best New Artists, he was heralded as “the rare kind of talent who’s positioned to strike the difficult balance between artistry and accessibility.” The Georgia-born and Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter first caught listeners’ attention in 2019 when he posted a clip of his song, Restless, and went viral on Instagram with hundreds of thousands of views.
After a chance meeting with Kevin Abstract at a show in Los Angeles, the two became fast friends and collaborators. Championed by Abstract, August signed with RCA Records and released his debut single Blue Football to praise and critical acclaim. Clash called the release “exhilarating,” praising it as a “carefully finessed song, one that balances the micro with the macro in its search for meaning.” Following suit with Crash less than a month later, the single was featured as one of Billboard’s 10 Cool New Pop Songs.
LISTEN HERE
NEW STUDIO ALBUM PEACE…LIKE A RIVER OUT JUNE 16
ON FANTASY RECORDS
SPRING HEADLINING TOUR KICKS OFF TONIGHT
IN NEW ORLEANS
MAY 12 SHOW FROM NASHVILLE’S RYMAN AUDITORIUM WITH SURPRISE SPECIAL GUESTS TO LIVESTREAM VIA NUGS.NET
DARK SIDE OF THE MULE SUMMER TOUR LAUNCHES JULY 22
“Warren Haynes is a meaty and masterful player, as well as a soulful singer and songwriter – an all-star.” – Rolling Stone
“Gov’t Mule is an essential, iconic American band.” – Guitar World
“[Warren Haynes is] one of the most celebrated, legendary guitar pros.” – Billboard
"[Gov't Mule's] songs stomp and wail with unmistakable energy and heft." – NPR
“Brilliant and never predictable…an effortless combination of blues, soul and classic roots-rock…innovative and commanding.” – American Songwriter
“One of the greatest live bands in existence.” – Music Connection
“Haynes and the band deliver a world-class musical experience.” – Goldmine
TORONTO, ON – May 5, 2023 – Renowned GRAMMY-nominated band, Gov’t Mule, led by guitar legend, vocalist, songwriter and producer Warren Haynes (whose performances last weekend at Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday concert at the Hollywood Bowl were an event highlight), has released the new single, Same As It Ever Was, the opening track of their forthcoming studio album, Peace…Like A River, out June 16 via Fantasy Records. Same As It Ever Was features a soaring arrangement – anchored by Jorgen Carlsson’s thunderous bass and Matt Abts’ precise yet soulful drumming – that helps bring the song’s heartfelt sentiments home. Listen here and watch the visualizer here.
Gov’t Mule has also shared a behind the song video for Same As It Ever Was – watch it here. Peace…Like A River, the band’s 12th studio album and follow-up to Gov’t Mule’s chart-topping, GRAMMY-nominated blues album, Heavy Load Blues, is available to pre-order and pre-save on DSPs here. Each digital pre-save will include an instant download of Same As It Ever Was and the previously released single, Dreaming Out Loud, featuring Ivan Neville and Ruthie Foster.
“Same As It Ever Was is such an opus, an expansive piece. It goes in all these different directions, but lyrically and conceptually it makes sense to be the opening track,” shares Haynes. “Life throws challenges at you when you least expect it, but in some ways, the disruption of the lockdown period is no different than what could happen at any given moment. We've all dealt with what in some cases seem like insurmountable hardships, but in my lifetime, the pandemic is the first time that the entire planet went through it together. The whole message of the tune is we’ve come a long way, but now we’re on the other side and life is normal, life is good. Same as it ever was.”
The album’s lead single, Dreaming Out Loud, featuring Ivan Neville and Ruthie Foster, is currently impacting Triple A radio nationwide. For the stirring song, Haynes wove together inspirational quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Robert and John Kennedy, and the late civil rights leader and U.S. Representative, John Lewis. Watch a behind the song video from Haynes about Dreaming Out Loud, here.
Peace…Like A River was recorded during the same sessions as Heavy Load Blues at The Power Station New England with co-producer John Paterno (Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, Los Lobos) alongside Haynes. The albums, however, were created in different rooms, with no shared gear or instruments, keeping the two concurrent projects with their own unique identity and character. One distinguishing difference on Peace…Like A River is the presence of talented friends in important guest roles, including Billy F Gibbons, Billy Bob Thornton, and Celisse as well as Ivan Neville and Ruthie Foster. Thematically, the new 12-song rock collection explores the seismic changes the world has gone through over the past few years. Influenced both in his songwriting and playing by what Haynes calls “the golden era of rock, soul, jazz and blues,” Gov’t Mule combines the best and most enduring qualities from all those musical strains to create a timeless piece of art on Peace…Like A River that could have easily come out in the 1970s. Watch the album trailer here. Peace…Like A River will also be available in a Deluxe Edition (on CD only) including the special 5-track Time Of The Signs Bonus EP in addition to the original 12 tracks.
Tonight (May 5th), Gov’t Mule – Warren Haynes [guitar, vocals], Matt Abts [drums], Danny Louis [keyboards, guitar, and backing vocals], and Jorgen Carlsson [bass] – kicks off their spring headlining tour in New Orleans for a special show during Jazz Fest featuring special guests George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners. The band’s show at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Friday, May 12 will feature surprise special guests and be livestreamed for free via nugs.net exclusively for subscribers – click here to subscribe and watch. The 10-date spring run then wraps in Haynes’ hometown of Asheville, NC with back-to-back shows at Salvage Station’s Outdoor Stage on May 19 and 20. Gov’t Mule will head to the West Coast and Midwest in June for a mix of headlining shows and dates with The Avett Brothers before launching their Dark Side of the Mule Tour on July 29. The 21-date summer amphitheater outing, produced by Live Nation, will feature a full Gov’t Mule set leading into their extremely rare Pink Floyd tribute Dark Side of the Mule, in addition to special guest Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, and will mark the final time Mule will perform the acclaimed set, which first debuted in 2008 and has only been performed live 10 times in total. Additionally, Gov’t Mule will perform select dates on Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour this summer and fall as well as various festival appearances. The band’s New Year’s Run from last year has also been rescheduled for December 29 in Philadelphia and December 30 and 31 in New York City. See below for full list of upcoming tour dates and visit https://mule.net/for ticketing details and to purchase.
GOV’T MULE TOUR DATES
May 5 – New Orleans, LA @ Orpheum Theater ^
May 6 – Memphis, TN @ Beale Street Music Festival ~
May 7 – Evansville, IN @ Victory Theatre
May 9 – Cleveland, OH @ TempleLive Cleveland
May 11 – Ashland, KY @ Paramount Arts Center
May 12 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
May 14 – Birmingham, AL @ Avondale Brewing Company
May 16 – Macon, GA @ Macon City Auditorium
May 18 – Augusta, GA @ Miller Theater
May 19 – Asheville, NC @ Salvage Station – Outdoor Stage **
May 20 – Asheville, NC @ Salvage Station – Outdoor Stage ^^
June 9 – Jacksonville, OR @ Britt Pavilion
June 10 – Saratoga, CA @ The Mountain Winery
June 11 – Valley Center, CA @ Harrah’s Resort Southern California
June 13 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Red Butte Garden Amphitheater
June 15 – Kansas City, MO @ Grinders KC
June 16 – Camdenton, MO @ Ozarks Amphitheater +
June 17 – Rogers, AR @ Walmart AMP +
June 18 – Wichita, KS @ TempleLive
June 20 – Peoria, IL @ Peoria Civic Center Theater +
June 22 – Cedar Rapids, IA @ Alliant Energy Power House +
June 23 – Mankato, MN @ Vetter Stone Amphitheater
June 24 – Fargo, ND @ Outdoors at Fargo Brewing Company
July 22 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena *
July 23 – Patchogue, NY @ Great South Bay Music Festival ~*
July 25 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE *#
July 26 – Columbus, OH @ KEMBA Live! *#
July 28 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center *#
July 29 – Bethel, NY @ Beth Woods Center for the Arts %
July 30 – Darien Center, NY @ Darien Lake Amphitheater %
August 2 – Clarkston, MI @ Pine Knob Music Theatre *
August 3 – Noblesville, IN @ Ruoff Music Center *
August 4 – Tinley Park, IL @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre *
August 5 – Council Bluffs, IA @ Stir Concert Cove – Harrah’s Council Bluffs *
August 7 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre *
August 9 – Dallas, TX @ Dos Equis Pavilion *
August 11 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion *
August 12 – Atlanta, GA @ Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park *
August 13 – Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center %
August 15 – Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater *
August 17 – Gilford, NH @ Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion *
August 18 – Boston, MA @ Leader Bank Pavilion *
August 19 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center *
August 20 – Vienna, VA @ Wolf Trap *
September 16 – Fredericton, Canada @ Harvest Music Festival
October 6 – West Palm Beach, FL @ iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre %
October 7 – Tampa, FL @ MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre %
October 8 – Orange Beach, AL @ The Amphitheater at The Wharf %
October 15 – Columbus, GA @ RushSouth Fest ~
December 29 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Met
December 30 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
December 31 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
^ with special guests George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners
** with special guest Neil Francis
^^ with special guest Maggie Rose
~ festival appearance
+ with The Avett Brothers
% Outlaw Music Festival dates
* Dark Side of the Mule dates
# Gov’t Mule only/No Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening
DOWNLOAD – press photo | DOWNLOAD – album cover artwork
ABOUT GOV’T MULE & WARREN HAYNES:
For over two decades, Gov’t Mule – Warren Haynes [vocals, guitar], Matt Abts [drums], Danny Louis [keyboards, guitar, and backing vocals], and Jorgen Carlsson [bass] – has galvanized a global fan base with their honest, organic and daring music and improvisational virtuosity, leading them to be recognized as one of the most timeless, revered and active bands in the world whose spot amongst rock titans remains unshakable. Led by visionary GRAMMY Award-winning artist and guitar legend Warren Haynes – a cornerstone of the American music landscape – the enduring, globally revered GRAMMY-nominated group has showcased its intelligence and breadth over the course of 20+ studio and live albums, thousands of memorable performances, and millions of album and track sales. Gov’t Mule has become a human encyclopedia of great American music while adding to that canon with their signature sound. The band’s flexible interplay in the studio and on stage makes them a true living, breathing ensemble and Haynes is lauded as one of the most formidable guitarists and vocalists of the modern era and a prolific songwriter and producer. Throughout his prolific career as part of three of the greatest live groups in rock history – Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule and the Dead – and an acclaimed solo artist, Haynes has become one of music’s most treasured storytellers.
LISTEN HERE
NEW TRACK TO APPEAR ON DELUXE VERSION
OF DEBUT ALBUM flounder OUT THIS SUMMER
LISTEN TO flounder HERE
WATCH THE MAKING OF flounder HERE
Toronto, ON – April 28, 2023 – Today, songwriter and indie artist, quinine, shares a brand new track entitled, fade (flounder bonus track). Listen to the song and watch the official lyric video here. The track will also appear on her forthcoming deluxe version of her debut album, flounder, which will be available this summer.
flounder consists of 11 tracks laced with quinnie’s unapologetic lyrical candor, expressive instrumentation, and dreamy beat-craft. Among many highlights, her breathy intonation echoes listlessly on security question as she confesses, “Wish I could make a friend today.” The vocals sink into distant guitar on the nostalgic, popcorn and juice, while jake’s car caps off the LP with a weirdly wonderful send-off, “Cuz I borrow Jake’s car, cuz I’d drive but I can’t afford it, YET.” Plus, it boasts her breakout, touch tank, the fan favourites man and itch and the previously shared title track, flounder. Listen to flounder here.
quinnie, who sold out her previous run of shows in less than a day, will hit the road again this May with dates in Brooklyn, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Toronto. Fans can find tickets and more information here.
As a self-described “very sensitive 21-year-old,” quinnie went from writing songs as a kid to releasing independent projects such as a gold star in 2019. She is bitingly funny, she is brutally honest, she loves the underwater world and sea creatures, and she will help you escape if you let her.
quinnie 2023 LIVE SHOWS:
5/06/2023 - TORONTO, ON – DRAKE UNDERGROUND
5/09/2023 - BROOKLYN, NY – MUSIC HALL OF WILLIAMSBURG
5/10/2023 - CHICAGO, IL – SCHUBAS
5/17/2023 - SAN FRANCISCO, CA – RICKSHAW STOP
5/18/2023 - LOS ANGELES, CA – TROUBADOUR
DOWNLOAD - Artwork
NEW FULL-LENGTH ALBUM ARRIVING THIS SUMMER
TORONTO, ON – April 28, 2023 – It’s the sound of a song you half remember. A shiver of remembrance, tingling along your spine. A glimpse of a now-scratched record. You pause, reaching into the dark recess of memory, returning with the sensation you’ve forgotten what you once knew... until you realize: there was no recollection to be found. That innate feeling of sense memory shines through beautifully on Sleepy Jean’s brand new track, Lonely As I Can Be – the lead single from her forthcoming new album, set to arrive this summer. Listen to Lonely As I Can Be here today, and watch the accompanying music video here.
"Recorded while watching the gentle sway of someone mopping the floors of a breakfast joint across the street, Lonely As I Can Be is a melancholy meditation on the meaning of loneliness,” Sleepy Jean shares.
The evocative feeling of loneliness that blankets the track is all the more poignant when heard through the lens of the new album’s overall concept.
“As we were piecing the album together, I started to realize how much I had drawn from my father’s family story lyrically,” Sleepy Jean reflects. “My dad was born in Uganda to Parsi parents (ethnically Persian people of Zoroastrian faith who fled what is now known as Iran in the 7th, landing in India) in the mid-60s. When Idi Amin came into power in the early 70s, my bupawaiji (grandfather) was placed on a hit list as he was smuggling political enemies out of the country, and was part owner in the first major bus company operating in Kampala – Uganda’s capital. My father’s family fled to India and were never able to return to Uganda.
Lonely As I Can Be is told from my bupawaiji’s viewpoint, as he sent the family away ahead of himself, and stayed behind trying to take out as much money as he could.”
Sleepy Jean’s spaghetti western-infused Americana reimagines the sounds of yesteryear in a blend all her own. Hailing from Welland, ON, Sleepy Jean – the moniker/alter-ego of singer-songwriter Katey Gatta – independently released her debut EP, Idle Hands, amassing over 100,000 cumulative streams. Now armed with her backing band, the Deadstock Three (featuring members of TALK, Cat Clyde’s Shitbats, and alumni of Great Lake Swimmers, Jill Barber and Deep Dark Woods), Sleepy Jean is thrilled to begin sharing the new music from her soon-to-be released debut full-length.
DOWNLOAD – Lonely As I Can Be single artwork
DOWNLOAD – hi-res photo
TRACK DEBUTS ALONGSIDE FEATURE IN
HIT VIDEO GAME ULTRAKILL
TO PLAY LAS VEGAS’ SICK NEW WORLD FESTIVAL MAY 13
TORONTO, ON – April 27, 2023 – LA’s HEALTH today released their visceral and propulsive new single, HATEFUL, co-written with SIERRA and featuring backing vocals from Street Sects’, Leo Ashline. In tandem with the launch, the track also appeared in-game via ULTRAKILL’s latest software update. HEALTH says of the new song, “BACK TO THE CYBER GRIND.” More collaborations between HEALTH and ULTRAKILL will soon be announced.
HATEFUL follows last year’s acclaimed collaborative album, DISCO4 :: PART II, which featured tracks with Nine Inch Nails, Lamb of God, The Body, Backxwash, Poppy, Perturbator, and others. The band of Jacob Duzsik, John Famiglietti, and Benjamin Miller will next perform at Sick New World Festival in Las Vegas on May 13 before heading overseas for summer shows and festival dates in Australia, Europe and the U.K.; a full tour itinerary is listed below.
HEALTH Live Dates:
5/13 - Las Vegas, NV - Sick New World
6/15 - Sydney, NSW (AUS) - Crowbar
6/16 - Brisbane, QLD (AUS) - The Triffid
6/18 - Hobart, TAS (AUS) - Dark Mofo
8/18 - Saint-nolff, FR - Motocultor Festival
8/19 - Bristol, UK - Arctangent Festival
ALBUM RELEASE SHOW ON MAY 5
AT GENGHIS COHEN IN LA
MORE DATES TO COME!
“Zoe beautifully blends folk-tinged guitar melodies with a dreamy, ethereal vocal delivery to create an atmospheric release. A buttery concoction, her sound is totally addictive, providing the perfect soundtrack to ease the ups and downs of life’s rollercoaster” - Earmilk
TORONTO, ON – April 26, 2023 – Today, alternative singer-songwriter, Zoe Sky Jordan, releases her first full length album, Selfish - produced by music industry veteran, Liam Russell, and mixed by Rob Shnapf (Kurt Vile, Elliot Smith and Micah Tawlks (COIN, Louis Prince). Listen here. Zoe and her band will celebrate the release with an LA Show at Genghis Cohen, supported by Bella Porter and promoted by Sid The Cat, on May 5.
A self-proclaimed “chronic bullshit detector”, Zoe Sky Jordan, does a deep dive on her album, Selfish – delving headfirst into the pain points and uncertainty of being a 30-something female. In an era when women are expected to excel both professionally and personally, she examines the reality of what we’re calling freedom, autonomy and progress for women, wondering if the choices are actually better, or just have better branding, when the reality remains that this generation still faces the same double standard as its predecessor.
Every song in this collection is a gem. Musically influenced by the grooves and melodies of the 90s songs which shaped her ear as a young girl, Zoe is a consummate storyteller who packs a powerful punch of observation and emotional reflection into each of the 12 songs that make up her latest album.
Wanting nothing makes you useless to men / Who trade your youth and your time for their children / Love and desire interchange, just like the bitch and the whole and the saint/ I’m introducing myself like a stranger / After seeing my body in the mirror / Down to the dollar I know what it’s worth / I’m gonna cash out while it still works
The lyrics from the title track Selfish were written before Roe V Wade was overturned, around the time of her 30th birthday. After 10 years of working predominately with men in studios and at shows, Zoe felt an impending doom. “I didn’t have a 30-year-old version of me to look up to, someone who was married and wants kids but also doesn’t want to miss a beat in their career,” she reflects. “The narrative was always ‘that I would feel differently once I had kids’ - the insinuation being that there’s something beyond my own free will, intrinsic in being a woman that would bring me back to domesticity. No matter what I think is best for me, these are the laws of nature.” At the time she wrote those lyrics, Zoe says “I felt like I was being a little hyperbolic, but in retrospect I think I was responding to the rumblings of what was about to happen.”
The song is accompanied by a music video directed by Maya Fuhr (set for release on May 3) which gives a behind-the-scenes look at making a music video as an independent artist and pays homage to Zoe's mother, singer-songwriter Amy Sky’s music video, I Will Take Care Of You. Don’t let the anthemic, earworm chorus deceive you, the song goes deep, delivering an unsettling lyrical observation - “Decades after the feminists won / Women do whatever they want / As long as you’re thin and the house is clean/ You can be whoever you want to be”.
Zoe’s lyrical gift is to peer under the relationship rocks most people leave unturned. Just Fine illustrates her natural pop sensibilities, with its stand-out melody and sinewy groove - I’ve heard something about / Where I get the money / I’ve heard something about every woman I’ve ever met / And at a certain point / It’s gotta be easier / To stand on her shoulders / Than sit on his lap / They say sittings the new smoking so there’s that.
Love Me is a cascade of nonstop sing along hooks; the lyrics speaking to the identity issues facing her generation. Zoe examines the dilemma posed to those struggling to find themselves in a world obsessed with the idea that self -esteem Nirvana is one self help webinar away. She posits that the cost of change can be disenfranchisement from one’s authentic self, and it can make love and acceptance conditional on a high-maintenance manicured personality.
Enjoying this album brings about the same feeling of catching up with an old friend who’s been through the wringer, and has come out the other side. Cautionary tales, peppered with hopeful silver linings that everything’s gonna get figured out.
SELFISH TRACKLIST:
1. Selfish
2. Just Fine
3. Achievement of Youth
4. Cooler Than I Am
5. Love Me
6. Hands Off The Wheel
7. Crazy Too
8. Misery
9. Why
10. Sundown
11. More Than Ever
12. Rosh Hashanah
DOWNLOAD - album cover artwork | DOWNLOAD - hi-res photo
ABOUT ZOE SKY JORDAN:
Zoe Sky Jordan has seen great experiences and career highlights, having shared the stage with the likes of Marlon Williams, Ohmme, Madi Diaz, Molly Pardon, Savannah Conley, Andrew Combs, Jezzie Baylin and more. She enjoys collaborating with artists in all genres and in 2020 she teamed up with Kayobe (Cadence Music) for his track, No Sympathy, which was the lead single off his album, and Nashville folk darling, Robby Hecht, for his song Ferris Wheel. TOPIARY, her 2015 EP charted in the top 10 at U.S. college radio and won a CSC award for the music video for Powerlines, one of the album's first singles. You know Zoe from a myriad of tv placements her songs have had including Lost Girl, Riverdale, Finding Carter, Less Than Kind, Hockey Night in Canada and Hallmark. Her covers of True Colors and Love Is All Around were featured in Canadian Tire's award-winning Christmas ads two years in a row.
WATCH THE ACCOMPANYING VIDEO HERE
TOUR DATES WITH grandson THIS JUNE
TORONTO, ON – April 24, 2023 – Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, Jack Kays, has shared his new track Highlight Reel. Providing commentary on the façade of social media, the song arrives alongside an official video, directed by Siena Saba, and conceptualized by Jack and his frequent creative collaborator, Cagla Akcadag. Listen to Highlight Reel here and watch the music video here.
Speaking about the new track, Kays says, “So much of the time when I’m writing music, it’s about topics that are really personal and sensitive to me. This song is an exception, it’s one of the first I’ve written where I was just having fun.”
Highlight Reel follows the February release of The Voice In My Head, which marked the first offering of new music since Kays’ acoustic EP, CESSATION. Released at the end of last year, the five-track project is an extremely vulnerable collection of songs that chronicle the lifespan of a man and his journey to sobriety starting at ages 10-17 with Wish You Well and concluding with a reflection of an entire life with The Walk.
After his first-ever headline tour last year with sold out shows across North America, Jack will join grandson on his Love You, I’m Trying tour this June. Kays will begin his support run on June 3 at New York’s Webster Hall with shows in Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and more. See full routing below and visit https://www.jackkays.com/ for tickets and more information.
Stay tuned for more from Jack Kays coming soon!
JACK KAYS LIVE:
6/3/2023 - NEW YORK, NY - WEBSTER HALL*
6/4/2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA - FRANKLIN MUSIC HALL*
6/5/2023 - MCKEES ROCKS, PA - ROXIAN THEATRE*
6/6/2023 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN - EGYPTIAN ROOM @ OLD
NATIONAL CENTRE*
6/9/2023 - DETROIT, MI - SAINT ANDREWS HALL*
6/11/2023 - CHICAGO, IL - HOUSE OF BLUES CHICAGO*
6/12/2023 - SAINT PAUL, MN - PALACE THEATRE*
6/16/2023 - CHESTERFIELD, MO - THE FACTORY*
6/17/2023 - KANSAS CITY, MO - BOULEVARDIA FESTIVAL
6/19/2023 - DENVER, CO - MISSION BALLROOM*
6/22/2023 - GARDEN CITY, ID - REVOLUTION CONCERT HOUSE*
6/23/2023 - SEATTLE, WA - SHOWBOX SODO*
6/26/2023 - SAN FRANCISCO, CA - THE WARFIELD*
6/27/2023 - LOS ANGELES, CA - THE WILTERN*
6/29/2023 - PHOENIX, AZ - THE VAN BUREN*
* with grandson
ON TOUR THIS SPRING AND SUMMER
HEADLINE SHOWS AND FESTIVAL APPEARANCES
IN NORTH AMERICA AND EUROPE INCLUDING NEW YORK CITY, LONDON, STAGECOACH, UNDER THE BIG SKY FESTIVAL, TELLURIDE, MERLEFEST AND MORE
NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL JUST ANNOUNCED
APPEARING JULY 28
“Sublime Appalachian heartbreak.” - Rolling Stone
"Sometimes the minute you hear a voice, you know it's for the ages. That's how Canadian Bella White, the daughter of a Virginia bluegrasser, enters the picture. Making her second album now, at 22, White is poised for a major breakthrough. This is her origin story." - NPR
“At just 22, Bella White is a songwriting prodigy and emotional alchemist.” - Grammy.com
"Bella White bends the genres to her will, producing a fresh sound exploring all-too-familiar melancholia... Honest and grand, 'Flowers on My Bedside' elevates the familiar folk song form, showcasing White’s mastery of simplicity." - Consequence
"Her lyrics are wise beyond her years—she’s 22, good lord—as is the warble in her voice." - Jezebel
“(‘Break My Heart’) is an instant classic” - Folk Alley
"Among Other Things finds her, only two albums in, already stretching beyond what’s expected of her." - No Depression
"Her vocal range is unreal, and her songwriting ability takes complex thoughts and turns them into beautiful melodies." - Whisky Riff
TORONTO, ON – April 21, 2023 – Calgary-born singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, Bella White, has released her new album, Among Other Things, today via Rounder Records. The LP was produced by Jonathan Wilson and features Buck Meek of Big Thief on guitar. Bella teased Among Other Things with a handful of songs that together give the listener a sense of Bella’s remarkable writing and life-long-honed skills as a bluegrass player. “Bella White stands out as the youngest in her class of breakthrough virtuosos defined by the likes of Billy Strings and Amythyst Kiah. Her poetic poignancy conjures up the palpable devastation from a novice lover whose heart —one brimming with naïve ideas of romance—has shattered into a seemingly irreparable form,” said American Songwriter. The tracks include The Way I Oughta Go, Rhododendron, Break My Heart, and Flowers On My Bedside. Bella spoke with PopMatters about the album - read that story here - and she was No Depression’s April Spotlight Artist - read her personal essay here and their interview with her here.
Mesmerizing live, Rolling Stone included Bella in their Best Things We Saw roundup of AmericanaFest. She just announced a July 28 appearance at this year’s Newport Folk Festival - the date is one of many she is playing this spring and summer including her U.S. headline tour that includes a stop in New York City on May 4. She has also added dates in Europe and the UK and has confirmed appearances at major U.S. festivals throughout the spring and summer including Stagecoach, Merlefest, Telluride, Under The Big Sky, and more. All tour dates listed below.
White made her mark on the scene with the release of her debut album Just Like Leaving. The LP caught the attention of Rounder Records which signed her last year. While traditional bluegrass originated in Appalachia, the genre has surely found a safe and loving Canadian home via her songwriting. The 22-year-old singer/songwriter and instrumentalist shies away from modern and fussy arrangements, and instead brings a traditional style of music into the contemporary moment by personalizing it to her own experiences. White has shown herself to be a star student of the bluegrass genre, with something new to bring to the table. Her ability to translate modern experience to an old sound is seamless and compelling, and permeates the boundaries of a regional genre with authentic singing and songwriting. Read more about Bella White here.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
April 28 - Stagecoach - Indio, CA
April 25 - Grand Ole Opry - Nashville, TN
May 2 – The Loft at City Winery Philadelphia – Philadelphia, PA
May 3 – Pearl St. Warehouse – Washington, DC
May 4 – Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 2) – New York, NY
May 17- Duke’s Indy – Indianapolis, IN
May 19 - Sleeping In The Woods Songwriter Festival - Monticello, KY
May 20 - Pit House – Slade, KY
June 13 - Telluride Bluegrass Festival - Telluride, CO
June 18 - Black Deer Festival, Tunbridge Wells, UK
June 20 - The Glad Cafe - Glasgow, Scotland
June 21 – The Lexington, London, UK
June 23 – SPOT, Groningen, Netherlands
June 24 - Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival - Rotterdam, ZH, NETHERLANDS
July 14 - Under the Big Sky Music & Arts Festival, White Fish, MT
July 28 - Newport Folk Festival - Newport, RI
LISTEN TO TOO CLOSE
AND PREVIOUS SINGLE DANGEROUS
TORONTO, ON – April 21, 2023 – Following the release of her funk anthem, Dangerous, trailblazing Toronto artist and emcee, Lex Leosis, sets boundaries and cuts cords with bold bars in Too Close. All about working up the courage to choose yourself, the song takes you verse by verse through a cheating experience with Lex's final rap verse, proclaiming: "I'm leaving." Listen to Too Close here.
"I wanted to explore creating a pop-rap song that had a funk element to it," Lex says of the inspiration behind Too Close. "The lyrics are about being cheated on by a past partner and having to choose myself and let that person go."
Lex continues to relay her mission to empower women and non-binary folks to feel confident in themselves, always bringing these communities to the forefront. Too Close was produced by Pacific, multi-platinum producers from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Their production kicked off an organic process, as Lex completed writing within a few hours. Lex recorded the song with longtime collaborator, KR Moore in, Scarborough, Ontario. Additional vocals and arrangement were completed with Brodie Metcalfe, percussion with Julian Clarke and synths with Cameron Tinklinberg. Finally, we mixed the record with Jamie Kuse in NOVA Studios, Vancouver, BC and he was able to give it that final pop flavour.
The song aims to detail the experience of realizing you're being cheated on, as the first verse follows the journey of getting the person to admit what they've done, and confronting them, to the second, where pain sets in. "I wanted to take the listener through the range of emotions I felt during that period. Anger, sadness, wanting revenge. The third rap verse is a huge exclamation of 'it's your loss.' Realizing that it was a bad situation and that the truth was able to set me free," Lex expands.
Lex's previous release, Dangerous, is all about feeling yourself, shaking off the winter blues and basking in the sunlight, and a sample of what will be heard on Lex's forthcoming album set to drop this summer. Listen to Dangerous here.
Known for her dynamic flow and aggressive stage presence, Lex Leosis is a name you don’t forget. With a unique gravely vocal delivery, acrobatic flows, and a mastery of her instrumentation, Lex breathes life into contemporary Hip-Hop and mesmerizes with her rapping abilities. She sets herself uniquely apart by holding space for various causes and using her platform to support other women and non-binary artists and creatives.
Following the disbanding of her rap group, The Sorority, Lex turned heads with her jazz/funk-influenced debut 2021 EP, Terracotta, which caught attention from CBC, Exclaim!, Conversations with Dwyer, Earmilk, and Broadway World. Standout track, Wanted, landed in CBC Networks, Run the Burbs and Pretty Hard Cases. She rounded out 2021, by touring Terracotta in the US, opening for Snotty Nose Rez Kids and again, joining them for their 30+ date North American Tour in 2022. Lex finished the year releasing a string of collabs with Keysha Freshh, Lex Bratcher, and producers Alexander Lewis and Oh Gosh Leotus, most of whom she met through her budding success on TikTok. Lex spent the pandemic building an impressive following on the platform performing rap duets with other users.
Stay tuned for more from Lex Leosis as she prepares to release new music this year.
DOWNLOAD - Too Close Artwork (by Lex Leosis and Brodie Metcalfe)
DOWNLOAD - Press Photo (by Sydney Robertson)
WATCH STUNNING VIDEO FOR HOLDING ON
"Said I’m holding on for dear life once again
Said I’m lost in the weight and it's pulling me in
And it’s pulling me"
Toronto, ON – April 21, 2023 – Today, JUNO Award -nominated Indigenous (Anishinaabe/Cree), Queer, activist, actress, poet, Alt-Pop singer-songwriter-producer and filmmaker, Jayli Wolf, shares a powerful new single, Holding On. Embodying the juxtaposition of deep love and a dark sadness, the song captures moments in life where we can lose touch with ourselves. Resonant chords flow alongside Jayli's expansive, emotive vocals evoking the feeling of these layered experiences as the song grows into a vast sonic landscape in its chorus. Listen to Holding On here and read the lyrics here.
"Sometimes the darkness can be so lonely that the love for another is the only thing tethering us to this world," Jayli adds. "Such a weight placed on another can be extraordinarily difficult for them to carry. The awareness of this burden and the journey of finding self-love/purpose is what this song and visual portray."
The beautiful video depicts Jayli exploring a surreal dream world as a scarecrow protecting a desolate land, as past memories of a love connection that cannot be forgotten play out as flashbacks. She seeks to find peace and freedom within herself from the darkness that has loomed over her. Watch Holding On here.
A by-product of the Sixties Scoop, and proud of her post-traumatic growth, the Canadian rising star’s debut EP, Wild Whisper, which explored the hardship her family endured from the colonial genocide inflicted by the Canadian Government; the exodus of leaving the religion she was born into and releasing the shame and guilt instilled in her around her bisexuality, received much critical acclaim including a 2022 JUNO Award nomination, Apple’s 100 Best Songs of 2021, and CBC top 10 Canadian Songs 2021 lists, a #1 on CBC Radio One, over 1+ Million views on YouTube for the self-directed music video of her song, Child of The Government, and coverage in VOGUE (Global), NYLON, Rolling Stone, CBC, them., and much more.
Jayli’s work caused a global stir, when several of her TikTok videos went viral, one of which reached over half a million viewers and received countless comments from people whose Indigenous family members have had similar experiences in the Sixties Scoop.
Rolling Stone calls Jayli Wolf's music a crossover between Phantogram, Crystal Castles, and Chvrches. Jayli Wolf’s critically acclaimed prowess is living proof that you can find your truth despite a tumultuous past. Jayli Wolf’s much-anticipated second EP focuses on themes of spirituality, self-love, awakening, and healing. Sonically, it experiments with collected sounds across Turtle Island, and fuses both folk and electronic alternative elements.
Holding On is the first single from Jayli's forthcoming album, set to launch this summer via her own label, ALT EDEN. Until then, keep your ears, heart and mind open for more.
More about the Sixties Scoop: the Canadian Government and Catholic Church were responsible for taking or “scooping” more than 20,000 First Nation, Métis, and Inuit children from their families and communities in the 1950s through the ‘90s. The children were placed in foster homes or adopted (with accounts of children even being sold) into non-Indigenous families across Canada, the United States, and beyond. Along with the loss of cultural identity, the government went so far as to change some children’s true ethnicity on file. Many experienced severe sexual, physical, and emotional abuse.
DOWNLOAD - Holding On Artwork | DOWNLOAD - Press Photo
Jayli Wolf on TikTok: @JayliWolf
Connect with Jayli: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify | TikTok
LISTEN TO WITH A BANG
DEBUT ALBUM EVERYBODY'S FAMOUS (EXCEPT ME)
OUT JUNE 16 VIA THE CONFIDENCE EMPERORS
WATCH & LISTEN TO FIRST SINGLE DANCING WITH CHAOS
Alex adds: "Realizing the absurdity of their own behavior, and the emptiness of celebrating an ending purely for its own sake. Overall, With A Bang is booty-shakin', gothic western twang tune that satirizes the tendency to glamorize endings instead of what may be a somber or reflective moment. It serves as a reminder to approach endings with humility and sincerity."
Previous single, Dancing With Chaos - crawling with riffs, Alex's sharp vocals and deep lyrics - is dedicated to anyone that feels overwhelmed by the state of the media, politics, and the unreal societal expectations they face. Watch Dancing With Chaos here and listen to the song here. The video was produced by Moon Reel Media, which Alex co-runs and co-founded, Directed by Agata Waclawska and edited by Alex himself.
A founding member of both The Ruby Spirit and The Nursery, Alex Exists started his foray into music at the tender age of eight when he wrote and recorded his first songs (and noisy experiments) using the family’s home karaoke machine. Its two tape decks and record functions were used to overdub and build songs with Alex recording every instrument he could get his hands on.
On the heels of The Ruby Spirit breaking up, Alex started writing and performing his songs with the Nursery. Their debut album, Life After Wartime, was awarded Best Independent Rock/Pop Band in Canada by Indie 88 in 2018. The station described the album as “a complex record that explores numerous themes such as our society’s obsession with technology, fame and nostalgia." That same year, the band was awarded Best Music Video for Digital Ashes by the Toronto Independent Music Awards.
Alex’s music is inspired by absurdism, hyper surrealism and optimistic nihilism with an acid tongue firmly planted in his cheek. He is fascinated by pop culture and ego. The signature of Alex’s creative work is his unique sonic touches, drum-heavy rhythms and classic “pop through a blender” melodies. His new project, Alex Exists, launched with a neo-glam pop version of David Essex’s Rock On for The Confidence Emperors’ multi-artist album, Coverama, followed by his T. Rex-meets-John Lennon seasonal original, Never Christmas Without You. Alex played all of the instruments on both tracks except the drums.
Stay tuned for more music as Alex shares his debut album this year.
DOWNLOAD - Press Photo by James Heaslip | DOWNLOAD - Single Art
Alex Exists on @TikTok: @alexexistsworld
LISTEN HERE
SINGLE TO APPEAR ON ZARDONIC’S THIRD STUDIO ALBUM SUPERSTARS
SET FOR RELEASE JULY 14 ON MNRK HEAVY
TORONTO, ON – April 21, 2023 – Since the early 2000s, the masked performer known to the world as DJ and producer, Zardonic, has harnessed the power of the nexus between drum & bass and heavy metal to create the sound that is now known as “metal & bass.” Today, Zardonic has released his latest single, Follow Me, featuring vocals from Camo MC on MNRK HEAVY. Listen to Follow Me (ft. Camo MC) here.
Cultivating a sound that resonates with music fans who worship energy above all else, Follow Me featuring New Zealand artist, Camo MC, urges the listener to be themselves. “It sounds very cliche, but something so simple seems to be so difficult for most of us. We struggle so much with trying to fit in, with not feeling enough. Cameron and I connected on a very deep, personal level, and I let him take care of the lyrics entirely. His energy made me want to jump around like a toddler, so I followed him.”
The release of Follow Me also marks the debut of Zardonic’s new signature mask. As if reflecting progression in palpable form, it has evolved with him. “To some extent, every mask marks the end of an era in my life and my way to approach music,” he notes. “The mask from the Become album [Zardonic’s 2018 album] and recent tours received a lot of battle damage. I had to constantly glue it back together. The paint scraped off. It wore a lot of scars with pride, yet it was a huge weight on my shoulders because no longer want to these scars to rule my decisions. Hence, the new mask is the exact opposite: shiny, sparkly and full of life. You could say I’m constantly resurrecting the Zardonic character, so to speak.”
Follow Me, along with Zardonic’s recent releases Bring The Rukus featuring The Surgery & MC Reptile and Bitter featuring REEBZ, will appear on his third studio album, Superstars, set for release July 14.
Since the early 2000s, Federico Ágreda Álvarez, the masked performer known to the world as DJ and producer, Zardonic, has harnessed the power of the nexus between drum & bass and heavy metal to create the sound that is now known as “metal & bass.” Born and raised in Venezuela, inspired by America, and based in Germany with a passport book stamped into oblivion, he also represents a union of cultures. Boundlessness has defined his output since day one a prolific string of releases including two studio albums Antihero (2015) and Become (2018), with a third Superstars arriving summer 2023, high-profile remixes and video game collaborations, packed shows on multiple continents, and 100 million-plus streams. Zardonic has cultivated an expansive catalog of original tracks and remixes for platinum icons, leaving his imprint on Pop Evil, Fear Factory, Bullet For My Valentine and Sonic Syndicate, among others. He has also contributed music to soundtracks for videogames such as Superhot: Mind Control Delete and Redout 2, plus features on All Elite Wrestling, TNT and NBC Sports.
He’s the rare force of nature who can earn praise from both YourEDM and Metal Injection. Renowned as “Venezuela’s Top DJ Act,” he has impressively toppled Beatport’s Drum & Bass Releases of the Week and Amazon’s Hard Rock Bestsellers at #1. Not to mention, he even appeared in Warlocks Vs Shadows, standing out as “the first Latin American musician to ever be featured as a playable character in a video game,” and has created factory presets and artist packs for Arturia, Brainworx, Slate Digital, BABY Audio, GForce Software, and many more.
WATCH & LISTEN TO LLEGÓ
SERÉ LIBRE TO BE RELEASED MAY 12 VIA ALMA RECORDS
PRE-ORDER ON CD, AND ALL DIGITAL STREAMING PLATFORMS INCLUDING DOLBY ATMOS HERE
WORLDWIDE ALBUM PREMIERE AND VIDEO PERFORMANCE ON MAY 11 AT CINEPLEX YORKDALE IN TORONTO
"This is an original song about adventure, it’s about living in the now and enjoying our present experiences to the fullest, without worrying about what happens next," Eliana adds.
Seré Libre marks a debut collaboration recording with the Angel Falls Orchestra — a new 27-piece orchestra created for the project, featuring some of the best and most versatile classical musicians in Toronto — arranged, conducted, and produced by JUNO Award-winning pianist, Jeremy Ledbetter.
The vibrant, dynamic album will receive a worldwide premiere through a stunning long-form visual performance of the album alongside the Angel Falls Orchestra, presented in theatrical Dolby Atmos Immersive audio, at Cineplex Yorkdale’s UltraAVX theatre in Toronto, Ontario on Thursday, May 11. The screening is free admission - find more info and RSVP via Facebook here.
The individual videos of each track performed alongside the orchestra will also be available to stream at VEVO/YouTube on release day. Subscribe to Eliana’s channel here to stay updated. More information will be announced soon.
The album's first single, Como Llora una Estrella, released March 31, symbolizes a beautiful tribute to Eliana's grandfather, who adored the poetic song about heartbreak, originally written by Antonio Carrillo. The title translates to 'the way a star cries' and is a favourite amongst many. Listen to Como Llora una Estrella here and watch the video for Como Llora una Estrella here.
The seven tracks across Seré Libre will showcase the intricate and layered elements of traditional Venezuelan music, often less known or understood in comparison to other Latin genres. Songs ranging from covers of Venezuelan traditional, to Eliana's own work draw inspiration from an array of emotive social and personal themes: a deep yearning to witness improvement of the economic and political situation in Venezuela, living in the present moment, life after death, loss, love and beyond.
Seré Libre marks the most ambitious musical project of Eliana's career to date. Taking many risks while adhering to ever-changing pandemic protocols in the process, courage and perseverance were the ingredients that ensured a collaborative experience for all. Complete with immersive, refined production, the accompanying piece will further emphasize the compositions and master musicianship, while bringing a passionate celebration of Eliana's culture and heritage to the fore. Eliana and Jeremy worked alongside the 27-piece Angel Falls Orchestra, named after the world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall of the same name, located in Auyán-tepui, Canaima National Park, Venezuela. Thom Varey directed the production at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts with audio engineers, Justin Gray and Patric McGroarty. The album was recorded live-off-the-floor without the isolation you would have in a recording studio - thus, no room for edits or numerous takes. This process marked Eliana's first time performing alongside a full orchestra - many of the members she had never met prior.
Seré Libre is the seventh entry in Eliana Cuevas’ eclectic discography, one that has brought her wins at the National Jazz Awards, Toronto Independent Music Awards, Canadian Folk Music Awards, and the Independent Music Awards in the US.
Stay tuned for more as the elements of Seré Libre make waves on May 12!
DOWNLOAD - Album Art | DOWNLOAD - Press Photo
About Eliana Cuevas
Through years of touring around the world, across Canada, and collaborating with JUNO and GRAMMY Award-winning performers, Eliana Cuevas has grown into an accomplished singer-songwriter and bandleader with unlimited colours in her compositional and lyrical palette. She has released 6 albums of original music to this date: Cohesión (2001), Ventura (2004) Vidas (2007), Espejo (2013), Golpes y Flores (2017) and El Curruchá (2021). Eliana has performed with a long list of prominent artists such as Larnell Lewis, Jane Bunnett, Jesse Cook, Alex Cuba, Hermeto Pascoal, Hilario Durán, David Rudder, OKAN, Mark Kelso, Rich Brown, Alexis Baró, Laila Biali, Aquiles Báez and Emilie-Claire Barlow among others.
UPCOMING FESTIVAL APPEARANCES INCLUDE STAGECOACH, FITZGERALD’S AMERICAN MUSIC FESTIVAL, RED ANTS PANTS, AND PICKATHON
TORONTO, ON – April 20, 2023 - Today, Nashville-based, Bay Area-raised singer and songwriter, Logan Ledger, releases his new single, a heartfelt and deeply nostalgic cover of the beloved Grateful Dead standard, Ripple. Listen to Ripple here.
Ledger has been working with producer Shooter Jennings on the follow-up to his acclaimed self-titled debut, which was released in April 2020. As Ledger explains, Ripple came together rather spontaneously during a recent recording session.
“I’ve long been a fan of the songs of Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter. To me, Robert Hunter is basically the poet laureate of Marin County or something. Ripple is, of course, one of the Dead’s best-known songs, and it has a kind of archaic zen folk mystery to it that I dig,” says Ledger. “I had been playing it with my friends Sam Grisman and Ric Robertson for a series of shows out in California.”
He recalls, “When it came time to make the record with Shooter, we were at Sunset one day and I just started playing around with it in the vocal booth. Shooter was like ‘we should record that,’ and I agreed that would be a fine idea—real spontaneous like that. I’m very fond of the recording we made together—the way Shooter’s piano weaves in gracefully just for that one little section, Nick Bockrath’s tremolo part which evokes David Grisman’s mandolin on the original, Russ Pahl’s blanket of hippie steel, Frank Rische’s beautiful harmony. It reminds me of home.”
Ledger will unveil some new material at his upcoming shows, including an appearance at the Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio, California later this month, and this summer at The Basement in Nashville, FitzGerald’s American Music Festival, Red Ants Pants Music Festival, and Pickathon. Further tour plans for 2023 will be announced in the coming weeks.
Tour dates:
April 29, Stagecoach Music Festival, Indio, CA
June 29, The Basement, Nashville, TN
July 2, FitzGerald’s American Music Festival, Berwyn, IL
July 29, Red Ants Pants Music Festival, White Sulphur Springs, MT
August 3 – 6, Pickathon, Happy Valley, OR
DOWNLOAD - Ripple Single Art
PRODUCED BY NO I.D., EL-P & LITTLE SHALIMAR
INTRODUCES MICHAEL FIRST SOLO ALBUM SINCE R.A.P. MUSIC DUE OUT JUNE 16
WATCH AND LISTEN TO DON’T LET THE DEVIL
(FEATURING EL-P & THANKUGOODSIR )
DON’T LET THE DEVIL arrives in the wake of RTJ announcing a 10 year anniversary run this fall, the release of their collaborative sneakers with Nike this week, and Mike’s recent appearance at SXSW, where he performed an intimate career-spanning show at Stubb’s flanked by a choir, and previewed several new songs that are expected to appear on the Atlanta MC’s new album (read more here). He further brought the album to life at a private listening event in NYC this past Monday, where a couple hundred attendees crowded into St. Ann's & the Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn to hear Mike present the album in his own words.
The single was preceded last year by RUN (ft. Young Thug) and TALK’N THAT SHIT!, his first batch of solo material since linking up with El-P to form Run The Jewels in 2013, who have gone on to create four fanatically received albums and achieved near cultural ubiquity. Mike has also frequently surfaced as a cultural commentator in high regard, from his own shows Love and Respect and Trigger Warning (Netflix), to regular appearances on Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Real Time with Bill Maher, to his stint as a campaign surrogate for Bernie Sanders, to viral moments addressing the public in the wake of the Ferguson verdict and the police killing of George Floyd. Last week he re-asserted his acting bonafides in a cameo on FX’s Dave, where the titular rapper agonizes over a perceived Twitter beef with Mike, adding to a growing acting CV that also included an appearance on the last season of Netflix’s Ozark.
LISTEN HERE AND WATCH HERE
PREVIOUS RELEASED RUDEBOY
BBC INTRODUCING TRACK OF THE WEEK
SUMMER OF FESTIVALS INCLUDE READING & LEEDS,
2000 TREES, NASS FESTIVAL, THE GREAT ESCAPE,
AND BARN ON THE FARM
NOISY CONFIRMED TO CLOSE SEASON FINALE OF
MADE IN CHELSEA WITH LIVE PERFORMANCE
+
HOST FAST FWD TO FRIDAY STAGE AT THE GREAT ESCAPE
TORONTO, ON – April 19, 2023 – Fast rising electronic trio, NOISY, are back with their second single of the year, DESIRE, out now via Concord Records. Listen to the single here.
A sonic melting pot of intricate sampling, textured synth and drum patterns reinforced by captivating hooks, the vigorous energy of DESIRE is fast becoming synonymous with NOISY’s back catalogue.
DESIRE comes as the trio perform on the season finale of Channel 4’s Made In Chelsea, which airs May 22 and are announced to bring their celebrated club night, Fast FWD To Friday, at this year’s The Great Escape, on Thursday May 11 at 11:30pm with their own dedicated stage at The WaterBear. This new single also follows their previously released fan-favourite, RUDEBOY, was hailed as the BBC Introducing Track Of The Week.
DESIRE demonstrates the trio’s uncompromising consistency with generating feel-good dance-floor anthems. The accompanied Jake River Parker directed music video features a similar electrifying tone as the track itself. Strobe lights and a glitching red backdrop create an intimate mind-altering club aesthetic. Watch here.
Speaking on the new single, the group said: “The song is about the feeling of escape through euphoria and desire, inspired by a night out we had in Brighton years ago that turned crazy pretty quickly (as they usually do). It’s been a crowd favourite from our live shows for quite some time now so we’re gassed to have it out in the world. It’s a proper hands up in the air kinda tune and we can’t wait for people to hear the recorded version.”
Doing what they do best, NOISY have had an explosive start to 2023. Back on home soil after a monumental SXSW in Austin and off the back of performing at London’s Lafayette for BRITs Week, they reintroduced their celebrated Brighton club night, Fast FWD To Friday. A melting pot of DJ sets and live performance, the club night promised an exhilarating, energy-filled night out whilst emerging talent within the scene. After the success of the first sold-out show at The Prince Albert - and having blown out the windows due to the volume of the show - they’ve upgraded venues to The Hope And Ruin for their next show.
Festivals are where the music comes to life, and this summer offers a run of unmissable shows, including NASS Festival, Barn On The Farm, 2000 Trees and a returning slot on the BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage at the prestigious Reading & Leeds.
NOISY have also been announced as official artists involved in this year's Record Store Day. On April 22 the group release a 4 track 12-inch Crystal Clear vinyl featuring new single DESIRE, RUDEBOY, ALLIGATOR, and the exclusive ALL OF YOU. This will mark the group’s first ever physical release.
It’s been all gas no breaks for as long as NOISY can remember. The past year alone, they’ve had D&B legend High Contrast remix their single 24/7, opened for Mike Skinner, enjoyed a UK headline tour which came to London for a sold-out XOYO show and collaborated with the likes of The Prototypes, 1991, and Zero.
This self-sufficient, DIY mindset is one of the driving forces of NOISY (comprised of singer Cody, guitarist Connor and producer Spencer), who pride themselves on owning creative control, writing, recording and producing all of their music, designing their own merch and often shooting their own music videos.
If NOISY’s ambitions are no-holds barred, then they perfectly match-up to the euphoric maximalist blend of dance, drum’n’bass, jungle and electro sounds they’ve celebrated for creating.
2023 continues to shape up to be a standout year for NOISY - your new favourite band that sound nothing like a band.
PRE-ORDER NEW ALBUM IN SEARCH OF GOLD
OUT MAY 5 VIA BIRTHDAY CAKE RECORDS
WATCH ANIMATED VISUAL FOR BIG DAWG
WATCH AND LISTEN TO PREVIOUS SINGLE TONIGHT
ROCKING UK FESTIVAL DATES AT FOCUS WALES
AND THE GREAT ESCAPE IN MAY
Toronto, ON – April 19, 2023 – Today, Canadian hip-hop trailblazer, Mouraine, teams up with LA rapper, Westside Boogie, for heavy duty collab in Big Dawg. Marking the final preview of Mouraine's forthcoming album, In Search of Gold, the bouncy, bold song booms with confident energy, heavy bass and sharp bars that carry the duo through their personal evolution process. Listen here and pre-order In Search of Gold here.
"This song is about the underdog becoming the Big Dawg. Growing up as the little guy with a big heart has always been a blessing in disguise," Mouraine shares. "It humbled me, but it also never limited or kept me from achieving anything I wanted. 'It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.' Right Boogie?"
The song arrives with a brilliant animated visual directed by side (@naboka_vlad), depicting Mouraine and Westside Boogie riding through the Rockies with undeniable, signature swagger. Watch Big Dawg here.
As In Search Of Gold nears its launch on May 5 via Birthday Cake Records, Big Dawg follows Mouraine's single, Tonight, where he tells the honest story of his humble beginnings and the roots of his mission as an artist. The track was produced by Rayannah Kroeker & deadmen, features background vocals by Begonia and a special excerpt of Mouraine's immigrant story, as told by his mother during a heartfelt call from the studio. Listen to Tonight here and watch the video for Tonight here.
The album's shiny first single, Gold, evokes the inner and outer glow of realizing self-worth and pursuing potential to the highest degree. Produced by Western Canadian Music Award (WCMA) winning producer-engineer duo, deadmen (Begonia, Ashleigh Ball, Royal Canoe), Gold moves with a melodious beat and Mouraine's clever rhyme and verse. The video for Gold was filmed in Joshua Tree National Park, California and directed by Mat Dunlap and assisted by Kevin Manning. Listen to Gold here and watch Gold here.
The songs shared with listeners to date highlight a new era for Mouraine, and drive the energy for In Search of Gold. Mouraine worked with deadmen (Matt Peters & Matt Schellenberg) to craft new sounds, showcase Mouraine's growth as an artist, and create a sonic representation of Mouraine's life journey. The project is a collaboration with producer duo deadmen (Begonia, Royal Canoe, Ashleigh Ball, Ian Sweet), with features from his brother MOTO, Canadian R&B icon, JRDN, and more. The songs delve into Mouraine’s personal life story and deliver an intimate vulnerability complemented by captivating stories, bold lyricism and colossal beats. Audiences both familiar, or newly introduced, to Mouraine's catalogue and unparalleled stage presence will witness In Search of Gold as a byproduct of years of hard work, determination and talent, failure and loss. This album comes with as much triumph and accomplishment as it does challenge and vulnerability.
Last month, Mouraine rocked JUNOFest in his hometown of Edmonton, and is amping up for shows in the UK in May. He'll make a big debut at FOCUS Wales Festival in Wrexham, a show at Notting Hill Arts Club in London followed by The Great Escape Festival in Brighton. Learn more about Mouraine's career below, connect with him online and stay tuned for more music as he blazes his path.
FOCUS Wales (Wrexham, UK)
May 4 - 8:40pm @ Penny Black Room
May 5 - 11:00am @ Glyndwr TV
May 6 - 9:35pm @ The Parish
London, UK
May 8 - London, UK @ Notting Hill Arts Club (headline)
May 9 - London, UK @ The Strongroom (7pm)
The Great Escape (Brighton, UK)
May 13 - 3:15pm @ Green Door Store (Canada House)
May 13 - 9:15pm @ Patterns Up
DOWNLOAD - Big Dawg Artwork | DOWNLOAD - Mouraine Press Photo
Connect with Mouraine: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | TikTok
As a young, first-generation immigrant to Canada, Mouraine first learned to speak English through his insatiable appetite for music. Hip Hop, Rap and R&B lyrics became his teacher, his solace, and his inspiration to use this language as a tool for self expression and survival. By the age of 11 he began writing, recording and performing original music that would lead to sharing stages with the likes of Mac Miller, J.Cole, T-Pain, Big Sean, Pusha T, Classified, and Shad. Mouraine’s music has been placed in Footlocker ads, played live at Toronto Raptors NBA games, awarded him accolades from his community and peers, and continues to infect audiences around the world. A seemingly endless source of energy, there’s no denying that Mouraine has a magnetic ability to pull people in and make them feel a part of his music and message.
MAKES RETURN TO THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK
WITH NEW ALBUM YOUR REQUESTS ARRIVING MAY 26
SPECIAL PRE-RELEASE CONCERT IN CELEBRATION OF THE ALBUM APRIL 23 AS PART OF THE COLLEGE STREET JAZZ FESTIVAL - GET TICKETS HERE
ON TOUR THROUGH SPRING AND SUMMER
INCLUDING CANADIAN DATES WITH THE OSTARA PROJECT
TORONTO, ON – April 19, 2023 – Laila Biali is here to chase the clouds away with the enchanting music video for her latest single, Pennies From Heaven! Following the song’s Friday release, Biali is thrilled to share its companion visual, showcasing performances by the talented roster of artists that feature on the track. Watch Pennies From Heaven here today, and stream/share the song here.
Biali is joined by JUNO Award-winning jazz artist, Caity Gyorgy, who shares the vocal work on Pennies From Heaven, making for a bubbly and beguiling duo take of the classic jazz standard. Michael Davidson's vibraphone and Kelly Jefferson's tenor sax add wonderfully to the sophisticated sonic landscape, making it the perfect soundtrack for spring whether you're relaxing with your morning coffee or enjoying a leisurely nightcap.
“The arrangement idea for Pennies from Heaven first came to me when I was on a plane, en route to a show,” reflects Biali. “Enjoying the aerial view of fluffy white clouds, I first heard the bassline doubled by my left-hand piano part – the band cruising along with the melody floating overtop. Caity Gyorgy was the perfect voice to bring even more levity and momentum. She's an effortless improviser, and I love the interplay of her scat with the vibes and sax. As the saying goes, ‘spring showers bring May flowers,’ and that's the feeling I hope people get as they listen.”
Of the video, she adds: “When Caity came over to film the video for Pennies from Heaven together, it was straight after the 2023 JUNO Awards nominee press conference where she received a nomination. It was fun to experience some of her excitement in that moment and even more fun to see her take home the JUNO Award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year – for the second year in a row – last month!”
The song is the latest release from Biali’s new album, Your Requests, which is set for release on May 26th and sees the multi-award-winning vocalist, pianist and arranger return to the Great American Songbook for the first time in more than 10 years. Widely recognized for her original material, this shift back to the classic jazz repertoire was prompted by Biali’s delight in fulfilling the song requests by her fans. When she put out the call on social media asking her followers what tunes they’d like to hear her cover, more than 150 songs were submitted. The album debuts a collection of Laila’s dynamic and personal arrangements in response to her listeners, which she describes as a musical love letter to them. Pre-save Your Requests here.
Fans will get a special live preview of the songs found on Your Requests this weekend, when Biali performs at the College Street Jazz Festival on Sunday, April 23. Tickets are available here, and Biali will be back on the road through the spring and summer with tour dates in Europe, followed by a run of Canadian shows with jazz supergroup, The Ostara Project. See below for a full list of dates where you can catch Laila Biali live, and stay tuned for more to come from Your Requests!
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES:
April 23 – Toronto, ON – College Street Jazz Festival
May 25 – Bremen, DE – KITO
May 26 – Cologne, DE – Salon de Jazz
May 27 – Stuttgart, DE – BIX Jazzclub
May 28 – Berlin, DE – Jazz Club A-Trane
May 29 – Bad Meinberg, DE – Red Horn District
May 31 – Paris, FR – Sunset Sunside
June 1 – London, UK – Ronnie Scott’s
June 17 – Woodstock, GA – Elm Street Arts Village
June 22 – Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeg Jazz Festival *
June 23 – Medicine Hat, AB – Medicine Hat Jazz Festival *
June 24 – Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Jazz Festival *
June 27 – Ottawa, ON – Ottawa Jazz Festival *
June 28 – Toronto, ON – Toronto Jazz Festival *
June 30 – Saskatoon, SK – Saskatoon Jazz Festival *
July 1 – Edmonton, AB – Edmonton Jazz Festival *
July 7 – Montreal, QC – Montreal Jazz Festival *
July 15 – Niagara, ON - Niagara Jazz Festival *
*with The Ostara Project
DOWNLOAD – album cover art
DOWNLOAD – Pennies From Heaven single art
DOWNLOAD – hi-res photo
ABOUT LAILA BIALI
Multi award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter, pianist and CBC Music national radio host, Laila Biali, has headlined festivals and venues spanning five continents from New York City's Carnegie Hall to Beijing's National Centre for the Performing Arts, and supported international icon Sting. Her latest full album release, Out of Dust, received rave reviews and was nominated for a 2021 JUNO Award. In 2020, Laila was honoured by SOCAN Music with the Hagood Hardy Award for Excellence in Songwriting. In 2019, Laila’s eponymous release won her a JUNO Award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. The year prior, she was awarded top prize at the Canadian Songwriting Competition in the Jazz category. Laila was also the youngest-ever double winner at Canada’s National Jazz Awards when she was named SOCAN Composer of the Year and Keyboardist of the Year. She received her first JUNO nomination for Tracing Light (2011), and a spot on DownBeat Magazine's Best Albums of the Year for both Live in Concert (2013) and Out of Dust (2020). In September of 2017, Laila was brought on as the host for CBC Music's national radio show, Saturday Night Jazz, a weekly show broadcast to millions of listeners across Canada. While Laila continues to earn high honours in the jazz world, her signature sound transcends genre as she "masterfully mixes jazz and pop, bringing virtuosity and unpredictability to songs that are concise and catchy" (Washington Post). Her forthcoming 2023 release – Your Requests – showcases personal arrangements of jazz classics requested by her followers and features guest vocalists Kurt Elling, Emilie-Claire Barlow, and Caity Gyorgy plus instrumentalists Anat Cohen, Grégoire Maret, tenor saxophonist Kelly Jefferson, bassist George Koller, and drummers Larnell Lewis and Ben Wittman.
NEW ALBUM BIRDS, BEES, THE CLOUDS AND THE TREES OUT NEXT FRIDAY, APRIL 28 VIA LAST GANG/MNRK
FEATURES CONTRIBUTIONS FROM KADHJA BONET, TOBi, M.E.D., GUILTY SIMPSON, NANNA.B
PRE-ORDER ALBUM HERE
TUNE IN TO LIVESTREAM Q&A AND PERFORMANCE
ON APRIL 27 @ 8 PM EST AT BANDCAMP
"Harrison enlists MED and Guilty Simpson, whose verses walk the line between optimistic and cynical, despite rapping over the Toronto producer’s lightweight, jazzy beat."
– Complex Canada (Best New Canadian Tracks This Week – Bump)
"The track's retro feel is instantly nostalgic — the instrumentals are reminiscent of the ragtime soundtracks of classic cartoons, plus the crackling sound of spinning vinyl amplifies the warm, rich vibe that dominates the album."
– CBC Music (Songs You Need To Hear – Bump)
“Bonet's ethereal vocals are appropriate for a song titled Float.
The Los Angeles-based R&B singe…glides effortlessly
over Harrison's bass and drums-driven production.”
– Exclaim! (Track Feature – Float)
“Harrison is a high-achieving polymath... His work fuses synthetic beats with complex, jazz-like arrangements." - NPR Music
"Upbeat yet meditative, complex yet breezy, the track is emblematic of Harrison’s range, and undoubtedly confirms him as an innovative artist to watch." – Consequence
“...It's got some cool guests, including Kadhja Bonet, who's on the recently-released, psychedelic soul-leaning 'Float,' and rappers MED and Guilty Simpson, who are on the just-released 'Bump,' which will take you right back to the early '90s jazzy alt-rap era."
– Brooklyn Vegan
TORONTO, ON – April 19, 2023 – JUNO, UK MVA + Prism Prize nominated Toronto producer and musical polymath, Harrison, has been cultivating excitement around the launch of his anticipated new album, Birds, Bees, The Clouds & The Trees. Out next Friday, April 28 (Last Gang Records/MNRK), he shares a glimpse of the project's horizon with Blue Sky - a stunning song featuring the smooth vocals of Danish, LA-based artist, Nanna.B. The key-laden, ethereal R&B-forward tune glides, like colours across a watercolour landscape painting, infusing vibrant grooves as Nanna.B proclaims “shine, my love, just like the sun.” Listen here, check out the visualizer here and pre-order Birds, Bees, The Clouds & The Trees here.
"Nanna captured the vibe of the instrumental for this one," Harrison adds on the collab with the artist, who is know for her work with Raphael Saadiq, Hodgy Beats and Mndsgn. "Nanna and I chatted earlier last year over Zoom about the effects on the pandemic and how we got through it. I think she captures the solitude of the situation while also floating across the beat."
Harrison’s innovative nature shines in Birds, Bees, The Clouds & The Trees: a 16-song collection that highlights his affinity and dedication to the piano, blended with strong grooves, classic and contemporary jazz ingredients, sharp verses and prose lined with Brazilian bossa, funk, old-school hip-hop and rhythmic texture. The album taps into themes of awakening from daydreaming, impacts of solitude, odes to younger selves, emerging from dark moments, honouring family members that have passed, carefreeness and more. The songs incorporate an array of instrumentation including Farfisa keys, breakbeats and a music box that was gifted to Harrison, as highlighted in the song of its namesake. Harrison drew inspiration from cartoons such as Looney Tunes and Gumball to Vince Guaraldi soundtracks.
Blue Sky follows Harrison's previous album singles: Bump - a dream connect with some of his heroes, M.E.D. and Guilty Simpson - alongside Inthecoupe, a revved-up instrumental ode to cruising in your custom whip. A deep dive into Harrison’s universe, exciting guest features include LA-based songstress Kadhja Bonet (Float), fellow Toronto artist TOBi (on 2022-relesed single, Outta This World), and previously released instrumental gems, A View From The Sky, Like When We Were Kids, Around You.
To complement Harrison's artistic vision, he enlisted acclaimed illustrator, Elijah Anderson, and the design and animation of Jeremy White to craft single artwork that recalls classic Blue Note covers and iconic Saturday morning cartoons like Schoolhouse Rock!. The album art was illustrated by Kento IIDA and designed by Jeremy White - visit Harrison's YouTube channel to view them all.
On the eve of his album release (Thursday, April 27), Harrison will share an exclusive livestreamed performance and engage in a Q&A on Bandcamp at 8:00 p.m. EST. Tune in here.
Learn more about Harrison in his bio below and keep your keen ears open for the launch of Birds, Bees, The Clouds and The Trees next week.
DOWNLOAD - Blue Sky Artwork
DOWNLOAD - Album Artwork | DOWNLOAD - Hi Res Press Photo (by Luis Mora)
Connect with Harrison: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | Soundcloud
About Harrison
When Harrison (Harrison Robinson) began working on his third album in his modest Toronto sudio in 2019, the producer and composer felt a strong desire to his artistic roots. “I knew I wanted to just make what I thought was cool, regardless of it being cheesy,” he says of the piano-centred compositions that would become Birds, Bees, The Clouds & The Trees. “Chick Corea had a quote along the lines of ‘you have to find what sounds beautiful to you’ and that really stuck a chord with me.”
Like his previous two albums, Apricity (2018) and his 2016 debut, Checkpoint Titanium (which earned the attention of the prestigious Polaris Music Prize), Birds, Bees, The Clouds & The Trees sees a handful of guests stepping into the producer’s technicoloured world, including Kadhja Bonet, TOBi, Nanna.B, M.E.D. and Guilty Simpson (their first reunion since J Dilla’s The Shining in 2006) To help complement his artistic vision, the producer enlisted the help of illustrator Elijah Anderson, whose single artwork recalls classic Blue Note covers and classic Saturday morning cartoons like Schoolhouse Rock.
Taken as a whole, Birds, Bees, The Clouds & The Trees is an assured and joyful statement from a young artist evolving and finely honing his craft. Or as Robinson himself puts it, “It’s the music that I dreamed about making as a kid.”
About Last Gang
Last Gang is a music company founded in 2003 and credited with launching the careers of Metric, Death From Above 1979, Mother Mother and MSTRKRFT. The company is also well known for its work with Arkells, Stars, Keys N Krates, Lights, and Chromeo. Last Gang is a MNRK Music Group company. www.lastgang.com
SHARES NEW SINGLE/VIDEOVERY HIGH
LIFE UNDER THE GUN DUE JUNE 23 VIA LOMA VISTA RECORDINGS
Toronto, ON – April 18, 2023 – Los Angeles' Militarie Gun announces their debut album, Life Under The Gun, due June 23rd via Loma Vista Recordings. The 12-track project will include the previously-released single, Do It Faster, as well as today's new single, Very High, which arrives with a Mason Mercer-directed music video.Very High distills vocalist and bandleader Ian Shelton's uncanny ability to marry instantly-memorable hooks with classic punk anthems, this time letting the song's soaring chorus take the spotlight. It is quintessential Militarie Gun while marking their most direct and accessible musical statement to date. Life Under The Gun is available to pre-order now on limited edition vinyl, CD, and cassette here.
Speaking about the new single, Shelton says, "'Very High' centers around the desire to escape the embarrassment of day to day life as much as possible. From the lyrics, to the video to the cover art of the album, it’s about struggling with something no one else sees, 'I’ve been feeling very down, so I get very high.'”
Additionally, Militarie Gun announces two headline shows in the US next month. Before embarking on a string of EU dates including a sold out show in London, Militarie Gun will perform in San Pedro at The Sardine with Modern Color on May 6th and upon returning, the band is set to play in Joshua Tree at Giant Rock on May 27th. Then in June and July, Militarie Gun returns to Europe to perform at multiple festivals, namely Outbreak, Kliko, Roskilde, Metropolis, 2000 Trees and Ieper before returning stateside to perform at Chicago's The Rumble festival on July 21st and 22nd. See full live dates below and get more ticket info at militariegun.com.
Life Under The Gun is almost impossible to describe without bouncing between contradictions. Is it abnormally aggressive pop music or is it unusually catchy hardcore? Is it deeply intellectual or is it satisfyingly primal? Is it a vulnerable attempt to unpack lifelong cycles of hurt, or is it a collection of world-beating, absurdist punk anthems? In the end, the answer is obvious: it is all of it. It is Militarie Gun.
Since forming in 2020, the group have been releasing music and touring at a startling rate, and while Life Under The Gun feels like a culmination of this recent hard-earned momentum, the record is inextricably linked to Shelton’s past. “I grew up in a household with family members struggling with addiction,” he explains. “It was an oppressive force. We were always wondering, ‘Is it going to be a good day or a bad day? Are the cops going to come today? What am I going to come home to after school?'” The challenges of his homelife were only exacerbated by living in Enumclaw, WA, a sparsely populated rural suburb where Shelton spent his formative years longing for a way out. In this difficult and stifling environment, the roots of Life Under The Gun began to grow. As he began to pick up instruments, play in bands, and write his own songs, music quickly became a vital outlet for self-expression, but Shelton couldn’t shake the idea that it was also a literal escape route.
What followed was a flurry of activity that still hasn’t let up. After relocating to Los Angeles and forced to stay put during the 2020 lockdown, Shelton’s restless creative drive took over and he spontaneously wrote the first songs that became Militarie Gun. The sound was decidedly new for him: firmly rooted in punk and hardcore but more hook-driven, pulling from influences like Guided By Voices, Fugazi and The Jesus Lizard. Shelton quickly recorded Militarie Gun’s 2020 debut EP, My Life Is Over, by himself, then rounded out the lineup with guitarists Nick Cogan and William Acuña, and drummer Vince Nguyen (Max Epstein played bass on Life Under The Gun). 2021 saw the release of the dual All Roads Lead To The Gun EPs and the start of a seemingly endless run of tour dates. In 2022, Militarie Gun teamed up with Dazy for the critically-acclaimed collaborative single, Pressure Cooker, which was soon followed by the band signing to Loma Vista Recordings and releasing a deluxe edition of the All Roads Lead To The Gun EPs that included even more new material.
Militarie Gun soon had the makings of Life Under The Gun: the kind of debut album that feels like a true arrival, one forged by a lifetime of experience and effort that’s now allowed an artist to fully come into their own. Engineered by Taylor Young at The Pit Recording Studio, the album’s 12 tracks take all of the best parts of Militarie Gun’s earlier work and amps them up to the highest possible degree. It sounds massive without sacrificing the punk spark–full of driving drums, distorted bass lines, and of course Shelton’s instantly recognizable roar–only this time everything is bigger and even catchier. “This is what I thought we sounded like all along,” Shelton laughs. “It’s always felt like a melody-forward band to me, but I think now we’re finally achieving what I was always setting out to do.”
Listen to and watch the video for Very High and pre-order / save Life Under The Gunabove and see below for upcoming live dates and more info about Life Under The Gun.
Upcoming Live Dates
* = w/ Rival Schools
^ = w/ Modern Color
5/06 - San Pedro, CA @ The Sardine^
5/09 - London, UK @ The George Tavern SOLD OUT
5/11 - Brighton, UK @ The Great Escape Festival
5/12 - Brighton, UK @ The Great Escape Festival
5/14 - Paris, FR @ Le Klub
5/15 - Brussels, BE @ Ancienne Belgique
5/26 - Las Vegas, NV @ Punk Rock Bowling
5/27 - Joshua Tree, CA @ Giant Rock (Desert show)
6/23 - Manchester, UK @ Outbreak Fest
6/24 - Haarlem, NL @ Kliko Fest
7/01 - Roskilde, DK @ Roskilde Fest
7/02 - Rotterdam, NL @ Metropolis Fest
7/03 - Berlin, DE @ Hole44*
7/04 - Cologne, DE @ Gebäude 9 *
7/05 - Haarlem, NL @ Patronaat*
7/07 - Cheltenham, UK @ 2000 Trees Festival
7/08 - London, UK @ Electric Ballroom*
7/09 - Ieper, BE @ Ieper Fest
7/21-22- Chicago, IL @ The Rumble
DOWNLOAD - Press Photo | DOWNLOAD - Album Art
Connect with Militarie Gun: Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok
PERFORMS HAWÁI - HIS TRACK LOVED BY PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD AND TOPPED THE BILLBOARD
HOT LATIN SONGS CHART FOR NINE WEEKS IN A ROW
TORONTO, ON – April 17, 2023 – In episode 310, Colombian global superstar, 2018 Latin GRAMMY winner and 2023 GRAMMY Award Nominee, Maluma, makes his first appearance on THE FIRST TAKE.
With his star continuing to rise across the globe, this Latin Urban Pop phenom will perform Hawái, his song that topped the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart for 9 weeks in a row. Hawái also became the first number-one single on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart and topped the charts in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, and Spain.
Loved by people around the world, the song is an expression of sincere romanticism. Enjoy Maluma's alluring and sweet, smoky voice, groovy mood, and a South American twist on this one-shot performance, only on THE FIRST TAKE.
Maluma's THE FIRST TAKE performance on YouTube will be available all around the world. Premiere will be available for free on the YouTube channel, THE FIRST TAKE, on April 17th 8am EST / 6am PDT and on April 17th at 10pm JST here.
THE FIRST TAKE is a YouTube channel from Japan that films and releases videos featuring artist performances shot in a single take. The channel has over 7 million subscribers -- the most out of all omnibus music channels in Japan. Performances are filmed in a pure white space with the artist in front of a single mic. The production is simple and stripped down, and the resulting footage highlights the artist's pure talent.
The channel is popular with the international audience, with about 30 per cent of the subscribers being overseas users from countries and regions such as Taiwan, Indonesia, the United States, and the Philippines.
DOWNLOAD - Press Photo
About Maluma
Maluma is a Latin musician, known for Latin pop, urban, reggaeton and salsa. He’s been a mainstay on the Billboard charts since his first track hit the Latin airplay and Hot Latin Songs charts in 2014 and has also crossed over with hits on Billboard 100. A social media sensation, Maluma was the first male Latino artist to surpass 50 million followers on Instagram and is currently the number one Latin male artist on the platform with 63M followers
Among Maluma’s best-known songs are Felices Los 4, HP, Hawái (with The Weeknd) and Corazon (with Nego do Borel), all of which hit the Billboard Hot 100. He’s also known for collaborating with music’s biggest names including Shakira on Chantaje in 2016 and Clandestino in 2018 and Madonna on Medellín in 2019.
Maluma has released six studio albums: Magia in 2012; Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy in 2015; F.A.M.E. in 2018; 11:11 in 2019; Papi Juancho in 2020; and The Love & Sex Tape in 2022. He was nominated for a Latin GRAMMY for best new artist in 2012 and won the Latin GRAMMY for best contemporary pop vocal album for 2018’s F.A.M.E., He also received a best Latin pop album GRAMMY nomination for 11:11 in 2020.
He has also added movie actor to his resume, voicing the character of Mariano in Disney’s animated favorite Encanto in 2021 and starring as Bastian alongside Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson in Marry Me in 2022.
LISTEN HERE
LEAD SINGLE KID REMAINS AT #1 AT AAA
AND TOP 5 AT ALTERNATIVE RADIO
NEW STUDIO ALBUM POUR IT OUT INTO THE NIGHT
OUT JUNE 2 ON CONCORD RECORDS
ON TOUR THIS SUMMER WITH TORONTO STOP JULY 26
“The Revivalists focus on the positive on new single Kid [with] the feeling that in this cluttered world, we must block out all
the distractions to find our most authentic self.” - PEOPLE
“[‘The Long Con’ is an] urgent, highly chantable call-to-arms – a bracing dose of soul-charged alt rock with heavy, bluesy bite and a socially astute heart.” – LouderSound
“The Revivalists' sound covers a lot of ground and harkens back to many of their diverse influences…but they are constantly moving forward.” – Grammy.com
“A high energy, seamless blend of soulful, horn-abetted rock and roll…inching closer to pop superstardom…” – Relix
"... a creative, compelling blend of musical ingenuity and heart..."
– Billboard
TORONTO, ON – April 14, 2023 – Chart-topping rock band, The Revivalists, have released a brand new album track, Down In The Dirt, today from their forthcoming studio album, Pour It Out Into The Night (out June 2 via Concord Records), as lead radio single, Kid, remains at #1 at AAA for the second week in a row (their fourth career #1 at the format) and Top 5 at Alternative Radio.
Featuring a stark, driving guitar line, a rootsy melody, and warm melodic vocal harmonies, Down In The Dirt paints a portrait of the intersection of family, childhood, and religion. Listen to Down In The Dirt here and pre-save/pre-order Pour It Out Into The Night here. Each pre-order includes an instant download of Down In The Dirt, The Long Con and Kid.
“Down in the Dirt is like a mini family epic that reckons with the big questions of life. I was inspired to write this song after happening upon a performance by ‘Southern Gothic’ New Orleans folk trio called The Wanting. I was struck by their song called Dark Road. (Chris Jacob is credited as a co-writer on the song for the inspiration). So, I listened back to that song while walking my dog the next day and the first lines of ‘Down in the Dirt’ popped in my head, and I completed the song over the next few months before the world went on pause for the pandemic,” says guitarist, Zack Feinberg.
The Revivalists’ hit lead single Kid – which has become the first ever song to hit 700+ plays in a week on the Mediabase AAA Chart – is a hopeful anthem invoking the zest for life, self-belief, catharsis and “living for the spirit now” as the song declares, featuring an infectious melody and piano peeking through bright acoustic guitar as intricate layers of the band's distinctive instrumentation power a euphoric chantable chorus. Directed by Johnny Chew, the graffiti-inspired music video features artful, eye-popping stop-motion animation of the band against a backdrop that pays homage to the architectural and artistic aesthetics that define the band’s home of New Orleans. Watch the Kid video here.
The band also recently released the politically charged album track, The Long Con. Featuring a gospel-style chant and a punchy groove amped up by waves of distortion, the track acknowledges the deep divisions in our country with the hope that we can hold onto the power of love.
Pour It Out Into The Night is a life-affirming album about living in the moment that offers both an unburdening and an appreciation for the here and now, fueled by lessons in gratitude and life realizations. As the world came to a standstill in the years since their last album, Take Good Care, personal experiences and life challenges abounded, with band members having their first children, getting married, and navigating the mental hurdles of lockdown. The band’s process for this record was the most self-guided one yet, and was produced by GRAMMY Award-winning producer, Rich Costey [Muse, Foster the People, Death Cab for Cutie], with co-production from lead vocalist and guitarist, David Shaw, Feinberg, and the rest of the band.
The Revivalists are renowned for their live prowess, soulful alt-rock anthems, and distinct mix of many of the classic styles of American music, led by the incredible voice of front man David Shaw, will deliver a big hometown set at New Orleans JazzFest on April 29 and are also set to perform at festivals including Bonnaroo in June and Lollapalooza in August before embarking on their North American tour, including a Toronto stop on July 26, co-headline dates with The Head and The Heart beginning June 30, and co-headline dates with Band Of Horses beginning July 28. After three consecutive sell-outs at the famed venue, they return to Red Rocks in Colorado for a headline show on September 14. For tickets, please visit www.therevivalists.com.
Eight-piece rock 'n' roll collective The Revivalists – David Shaw [lead vocals, guitar], Zack Feinberg [guitar], Andrew Campanelli [drums], George Gekas [bass], Ed Williams [pedal steel guitar], Rob Ingraham [saxophone], Michael Girardot [keyboard, trumpet], and PJ Howard [drums, percussion] – have earned multiplatinum success, more than 800 million streams, multiple Adult Alternative #1s and Alternative Radio hits, major media praise, numerous national television performances, and sold-out shows at hallowed venues such as Radio City Music Hall, The Ryman and Red Rocks. Their philanthropic umbrella fund, Rev Causes, supports a variety of organizations dedicated to reviving and investing in our communities, our health, and our environment. By donating a portion of ticket sales, through fan donations, and a variety of other fundraising efforts, the band assists multiple national and local organizations in building a better future.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
April 28 – 30 - New Orleans, LA @ New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
April 29 - New Orleans LA @ The Fillmore
May 27 - Greenwich, CT @ Roger Sherman Baldwin Park
May 28 - Pittsburgh, PA @ WonderWorks Fest
June 3 - Littleton, CO @ Breckenridge Brewery
June 9 - Atlanta, GA @ Fox Theatre
June 10 - Beech Mountain, NC @ Beech Mountain Resort
June 18 - Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo
June 30 - Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theater #
July 1 - Waite Park, MN @ The Ledge Amphitheater #
July 3 - Cedar Rapids, IA @ McGrath Amphitheatre #
July 5 - Selbyville, DE @ Freeman Arts Pavilion #
July 6 - Raleigh, NC @ Red Hat Amphitheater #
July 8 - Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion #
July 9 - Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony Summer Stage (with The Head and The Heart only)
July 12 - Philadelphia, PA @ Skyline Stage at the Mann #
July 14 - Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater #
July 15 - Gilford, NH @ Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion #
July 26 - Toronto, ON @ HISTORY (with The Heavy Heavy only)
July 28 - Chautauqua, NY @ Chautauqua Amphitheater ^
July 29 - Indianapolis, IN @ TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park ^
August 1 - Milwaukee, WI @ Riverside Theater *
August 3 - Oshkosh, WI @ Leach Amphitheater *
August 5 - Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
August 6 - Cleveland, OH @ Jacobs Pavilion *
August 8 - Portland, ME @ Thompson's Point ^
August 10 - Brooklyn, NY @ Prospect Park ^
August 11 - Boston, MA @ Leader Bank Pavilion ^
August 31 - Berkeley, CA @ Greek Theatre *
September 2 - Troutdale, OR @ Edgefield Amphitheater (with The Heavy Heavy only)
September 3 - Seattle, WA @ Bumbershoot Festival
September 6 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas *
September 7 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Red Butte Garden Outdoor Concert Series *
September 9 - San Diego, CA @ Gallagher Square at Petco Park *
September 10 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Greek Theatre ^
September 14 - Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre (support from Band of Horses & The Heavy Heavy)
September 17 - Telluride, CO @ Telluride Blues and Brews Festival
# co-headline with The Head and The Heart & support from Jaime Wyatt
^ co-headline with Band of Horses
* co-headline with Band of Horses & support from The Heavy Heavy
WATCH CBS THIS MORNING SATURDAY SESSION PERFORMANCE OF NOTHING LEFT TO GIVE HERE
NEW LP TIRED HEARTS IS AN INDIE-POP REVELATION
SET FOR RELEASE MAY 5 VIA FANTASY
25-DATE TIRED HEARTS TOUR RESUMES MAY 12 WITH TORONTO SHOW MAY 16
TORONTO, ON – April 11, 2023 – BAILEN, siblings Daniel, David, and Julia BAILEN, today released the impassioned, pop anthem Nothing Left To Give, a track from their forthcoming album, Tired Hearts, due May 5 via Fantasy Records. Listen here and pre-order the album here.
This past Saturday, the band appeared for the second time on CBS This Morning Saturday, check out their sparkling performances, here.
Commenting on Nothing Left To Give, Julia Bailen stated, “Nothing Left to Give came from feeling so overwhelmed that you no longer care if everything goes wrong. The song is a mantra to help me crawl out of a depression hole, to help me clean my room for the first time in a while, call a friend when I need to talk, or keep an overwhelming day in perspective, even when it feels like you won’t survive it.”
BAILEN is back with Tired Hearts, a taut, synth-driven album, showcasing radiant harmonies and adventurous arrangements. At times both intricate and playful, measured and elaborate, the album’s 12 original songs wrestle with an uncertain future where ethics and morality—both communal and personal—are constantly shifting. Tired Hearts beats with empathy, vulnerability, and resolve, navigating the space between the heart’s expectation and the head’s sober reality.
Produced by Brad Cook (Bon Iver, Waxahatchee) and BAILEN, and mixed by Lars Stalfors (Soccer Mommy, St. Vincent, Local Natives) Tired Hearts’ highlights include the recently released sparkling new wave/indie pop banger, Call It Like It Is, written by the band and X Ambassadors’ Adam Levin and Sam Harris. The track’s hilarious video, directed and edited by the band’s David Bailen – is a fictionalized account of a scary real-life catfishing episode they recently experienced while on tour, watch here. Previously the band also shared the piercing, unforgettable title track, Tired Hearts, listen here.
The album also includes the tender, hushed intimacy of These Bones, and the moving BRCA (Nothing Takes Me Down), a title derived from the breast cancer gene Julia shares with her mother (a breast cancer survivor). Over a slow building rhythmic pulse, Julia sings of hospital gowns and uncertainty, untying a complex knot of familial anxiety, guilt, and acceptance, while embracing the determination to move forward: I’ll still live like I’m dying/But I won’t let it take me down. “It’s about finding ways to not be defined by these circumstances, and to move past them with resilience,” she affirms.
Known for their stunning vocals and sharp, literate songwriting, BAILEN have cultivated a passionate following and emerged in indie circles via word of mouth, robust playlisting (with well over 25 millions streams to date!) and steady touring with artists such as Hozier, Amos Lee, The Lone Bellow, and Joseph, to name a few.
BAILEN’s nation-wide, 25-date tour resumes on May 12, with a stop in Toronto on May 16, before finishing with a hometown show at New York’s venerable Le Poisson Rouge on May 20.
BAILEN ON TOUR:
May 12 – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brendas
May 13 – Washington, D.C. – Miracle Theatre
May 14 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Café
May 16 – Toronto, ON – The Drake Hotel
May 18 – Fairfield, CT – Stageone
May 19 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
May 20 – New York, NY – Le Poisson Rouge
OUT NOW VIA MONSTERCAT RECORDS
LISTEN HERE
PREMIERING LIVE PERFORMANCE APRIL 12
VIA MONSTERCAT SILK’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
TORONTO, ON – April 11, 2023 – Vancouver-based record producer and multi-instrumentalist, zensei ゼンセー (ZEN-say), releases his highly anticipated debut album, destination heartbreak, via Monstercat Records today. The record serves as a raw and honest portrayal of the ups and downs of love, as songs explore sadness and resentment, as well as melancholic and introspective avenues. “But through it all, there's a sense of hope that runs through the album - despite the heartbreaks that have shaped me,” says zensei ゼンセー. “I hope that listeners will find comfort and solace in my music, and maybe even see a reflection of their own experiences.” Listen to low-fi leaning, hip-hop laden and soothing, destination heartbreak, here.
To further celebrate the release of destination heartbreak, there will be a live zensei ゼンセー performance premiering on the Monstercat Silk’s YouTube channel, tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time, which you can check out here.
For zensei ゼンセー, the making of destination heartbreak was both an exhilarating and nerve-wracking experience. Differing from his previous work, he used down sampling and ran it through old tape and amps at his home studio. This gave each song a stronger vintage feel, pushing him out of his comfort zone and helping zensei ゼンセー grow as an artist.
“I took a leap of faith and started experimenting with new sounds, genres, and writing techniques. It was daunting at first, but as I delved deeper into the creative process, I felt a renewed sense of excitement and inspiration,” zensei ゼンセー adds. “I found myself taking risks and trying things I never would have considered before, and the results have been incredible. Each new song feels like a breakthrough, a step forward on my musical journey.”
Keep up to date with zensei’s ゼンセー musical journey on his socials below and check out the album’s track by track for some more insight into themes and stories behind the music.
destination heartbreak Tracklist:
1. dreaming of you
2. stay
3. spadina 3am
4. who we are
5. just friends
6. brentwood station
7. kaleidoscope
8. parker 6am
9. magic
10. dreaming of you too
11. destination heartbreak
DOWNLOAD - album art | DOWNLOAD - press photo
JESUS HE KNOWS ME TRACK & VIDEO OUT NOW
PRE-ORDER EP HERE
WATCH NEW WEBISODE CHAPTER 17: NAP TIME LIVE NOW
TORONTO, ON – April 9, 2023 - Fresh off winning Best Rock Album of the Year at the iHeart Radio Music Awards, Ghost announces the coming of PHANTOMIME, a five-song covers EP intended from the start to follow last year’s international chart-topping opus, IMPERA. A diverse and spellbinding sampling of the GRAMMY Award-winning band’s musical DNA, PHANTOMIME is comprised of covers of classics and deep cuts by Television, Genesis, The Stranglers, Iron Maiden and Tina Turner. PHANTOMIME pays tribute in equal measure to every one of these unlikely bedfellow, influences while stamping them all with Ghost’s undeniable sonic signature.
The announcement of PHANTOMIME’s impending release also solves the mystery of Ghost’s recent, Jesus Is Coming campaign, as referenced in the Good Friday premiere of the newest installment of the band’s long-running webisode series, Chapter 17: Nap Time. PHANTOMIME’s May 18 release via Loma Vista Recordings is heralded by Ghost’s interpretation of Genesis’ 1992 satirical stab at televangelists, Jesus He Knows Me, available now to stream and download, and as an instant grat track with pre-orders of the EP.
This second coming of Jesus He Knows Me is accompanied by an Alex Ross Perry-directed video that will surely make the case that one person’s beauty is another’s blasphemy. Culminating in a climactic ritual that must be seen to be believed, Ghost's visual interpretation of Jesus He Knows Me rises to the occasion in unholy fashion — and then some. Viewer discretion is advised: i.ghost-official.com/JesusVideo.
The Easter Sunday release of the Jesus He Knows Me track and video continues two established Ghost traditions: 1) Following up the release of a full length studio album with uniquely Ghost-ified cover versions, past efforts having included reinterpretations of favourites by Abba, The Beatles, Depeche Mode, Roky Erickson, Eurythmics, Metallica, Pet Shop Boys and many more; and 2) Challenging, confronting and upending societal conventions and authority figures, often taking on specific antagonists — in this case, Father Jim DeFroque, host of the evangelical radio show, Jesus Talk, with Father Jim DeFroque on KLAQ in El Paso TX — and also star of the Jesus He Knows Me video.
PHANTOMIME’s release will coincide with Ghost’s first live dates of 2023, beginning with a May/June European run of festival and headline dates including appearances at Primavera Sound 2023 where the band will share a bill with Blur, Depeche Mode, Halsey and Kendrick Lamar, among others, and Sweden Rock Festival 2023, where Ghost will be one of four headliners alongside Def Leppard, Iron Maiden and Motley Crue. Ghost will then make its triumphant return to North America, for its RE-IMPERATOUR U.S.A. 2023 summer tour with special guest Amon Amarth. RE-IMPERATOUR U.S.A. 2023 kicks off August 2nd in Concord, CA, with stops in more than two dozen cities before its two-night finale the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on September 11th and — recently added by popular demand — September 12th.
PHANTOMIME Tracklist:
1. See No Evil (Television)
2. Jesus He Knows Me (Genesis)
3. Hanging Around (The Stranglers)
4. Phantom of the Opera (Iron Maiden)
5. We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome) (Tina Turner)
DOWNLOAD - hi-res album artwork | DOWNLOAD - hi-res press photos by Jimmy Hubbard
SHARES NEW SINGLE DREAMING OUT LOUD
FEATURING IVAN NEVILLE AND RUTHIE FOSTER
LISTEN HERE
ALBUM PRE-ORDER AVAILABLE NOW
SPRING HEADLINING TOUR KICKS OFF MAY 5
DARK SIDE OF THE MULE SUMMER TOUR LAUNCHES JULY 22
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
"Warren Haynes is a meaty and masterful player, as well as a soulful singer and songwriter – an all-star." – Rolling Stone
“Gov’t Mule is an essential, iconic American band.” – Guitar World
“[Warren Haynes is] one of the most celebrated, legendary guitar pros.” – Billboard
"[Gov't Mule's] songs stomp and wail with unmistakable energy and heft." – NPR
“Brilliant and never predictable…an effortless combination of blues, soul and classic roots-rock…innovative and commanding.” – American Songwriter
“One of the greatest live bands in existence.” – Music Connection
“Haynes and the band deliver a world-class musical experience.” – Goldmine
TORONTO, ON – April 5, 2023 – Renowned GRAMMY-nominated band, Gov’t Mule, has announced their new studio album, Peace…Like A River, will be released this summer and has shared the first single, Dreaming Out Loud, featuring Ivan Neville and Ruthie Foster. For the stirring new song, GRAMMY Award-winning vocalist, songwriter, guitar legend, and producer, Warren Haynes, wove together inspirational quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Robert and John Kennedy, and the late civil rights leader and U.S. Representative, John Lewis – listen to Dreaming Out Loud here.
Peace…Like A River, the band’s 12th studio album and follow-up to their chart-topping, GRAMMY-nominated blues album, Heavy Load Blues, will be released on June 16 via Fantasy Records. The 12-song rock collection also features guest appearances from Billy Bob Thornton, Celisse, and Billy F Gibbons, the latter of whom performed with Haynes this past Sunday night at the CMT Music Awards for an incredible tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd. Peace…Like A River is available to pre-order and pre-save on DSPs here. Each digital pre-save will include an instant download of Dreaming Out Loud. In addition, the Peace…Like A River Deluxe Edition (available on CD only) includes the original 12-track album plus the special five-track Time Of The Signs Bonus EP, which features four brand-new, unreleased tracks and an alternate version of the album track, The River Only Flows One Way, with Warren taking lead vocals.
Watch the Making Of album trailer here.
“Peace…Like A River is very ambitious from a musical arrangement standpoint in the way that a lot of the songs take twists and turns that is not common in today’s pop music world,” shared Haynes. “At the same time, it’s very much a song record and covers a lot of ground, stylistically speaking. Song for song maybe my favorite one.”
The tracks on Peace…Like A River explore the many sides of Gov’t Mule and bring together all the qualities that have earned the four-piece – Haynes [guitar, vocals], Matt Abts [drums], Danny Louis [keyboards, guitar, and backing vocals], and Jorgen Carlsson [bass] – the beloved stature they enjoy today. Concise songcraft coexists seamlessly with the band’s trademark instrumental journeys. Songs longer than pop convention are somehow still compact: they’re explorative but never meandering; the tunes are at once both wide-ranging and tightly focused. Thematically, the new album explores the seismic changes the world has gone through over the past few years. Influenced both in his songwriting and playing by what Haynes calls “the golden era of rock, soul, jazz and blues,” Gov’t Mule combines the best and most enduring qualities from all those musical strains to create a timeless piece of art on Peace…Like A River that could have easily been released during rock ‘n roll’s classic 70s classic.
Peace…Like A River was recorded during the same sessions as Heavy Load Blues at The Power Station New England with co-producer, John Paterno (Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, Los Lobos), alongside Haynes. The albums, however, were created in different rooms, with no shared gear or instruments, keeping the two concurrent projects with their own unique identity and character.
One distinguishing difference on Peace…Like A River is the presence of talented friends in important guest roles. Billy F Gibbons’ trademark vocals underscore the tasty ZZ Top textures that inform the humour-infused, Shake Our Way Out, while Billy Bob Thornton adds his distinctive vocals to The River Only Flows One Way. For introductory track, Dreaming Out Loud, Haynes wanted a Sly and the Family Stone vocal style where different singers take different sections of the song, so he called upon previous collaborators blues great Ruthie Foster, whose backing vocals graced Mule’s 2006 album High & Mighty, and longtime friend, New Orleans soul legend, Ivan Neville. Lastly, rising soul artist Celisse adds her incredible vocals to Just Across The River.
Gov’t Mule will be out on the road this year in support of Peace…Like A River. First up, the band heads out on a 10-date spring headlining tour, which kicks off May 5 in New Orleans during Jazz Fest, stops at The Ryman in Nashville on May 12 and wraps in Haynes’ hometown of Asheville, NC with back-to-back shows at Salvage Station’s Outdoor Stage on May 19 and 20. Then, this summer, Gov’t Mule is bringing back their extremely rare Pink Floyd tribute Dark Side of the Mule tour for a 12-date summer amphitheater run that includes a stop at the famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre on August 7. The Dark Side of the Mule Tour, produced by Live Nation, will feature a full Gov’t Mule set leading into DSOTM, as well as special guest Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, and will mark the final time Mule will perform the acclaimed set, which first debuted in 2008 and has only been performed live 10 times in total. Additionally, Gov’t Mule will perform select dates with The Avett Brothers and on Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour this summer as well as various festival appearances. The band’s New Year’s Run from last year has also been rescheduled for December 29 in Philadelphia and December 30 and 31 in New York City. See below for full list of upcoming tour dates and visit www.mule.net for ticketing details and to purchase.
PEACE…LIKE A RIVER TRACK LISTING:
1. Same As It Ever Was
2. Shake Our Way Out (ft. Billy Gibbons)
3. Made My Peace
4. Peace I Need
5. Your Only Friend
6. Dreaming Out Loud (ft. Ivan Neville and Ruthie Foster)
7. Head Full Of Thunder
8. The River Only Flows One way (ft. Billy Bob Thornton)
9. After The Storm
10. Just Across The River (ft. Celisse Henderson)
11. Long Time Coming
12. Gone Too Long
DELUXE EDITION (CD ONLY) – TIME OF THE SIGNS EP TRACK LIST:
1. Stumblebum
2. Under The Tent
3. Time Stands Still
4. Blue, Blue Wind
5. The River Only Flows One Way (WH vocals)
UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
May 5 – New Orleans, LA @ Orpheum Theater ^
May 6 – Memphis, TN @ Beale Street Music Festival ~
May 7 – Evansville, IN @ Victory Theatre
May 9 – Cleveland, OH @ TempleLive Cleveland
May 11 – Ashland, KY @ Paramount Arts Center
May 12 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
May 14 – Birmingham, AL @ Avondale Brewing Company
May 16 – Macon, GA @ Macon City Auditorium
May 18 – Augusta, GA @ Miller Theater
May 19 – Asheville, NC @ Salvage Station – Outdoor Stage **
May 20 – Asheville, NC @ Salvage Station – Outdoor Stage ^^
June 16 – Camdenton, MO @ Ozarks Amphitheater +
June 20 – Peoria, IL @ Peoria Civic Center Theater +
June 22 – Cedar Rapids, IA @ Alliant Energy Power House +
July 22 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena *#
July 23 – Patchogue, NY @ Great South Bay Music Festival ~*
July 29 – Bethel, NY @ Beth Woods Center for the Arts %
July 30 – Darien Center, NY @ Darien Lake Amphitheater %
August 2 – Clarkston, MI @ Pine Knob Music Theatre *
August 3 – Noblesville, IN @ Ruoff Music Center *
August 4 – Tinley Park, IL @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre *
August 7 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre *
August 9 – Dallas, TX @ Dos Equis Pavilion *
August 11 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion *
August 12 – Atlanta, GA @ Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park *
August 13 – Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center %
August 15 – Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater *
August 17 – Gilford, NH @ Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion *
August 18 – Boston, MA @ Leader Bank Pavilion *
August 19 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center *
August 20 – Vienna, VA @ Wolf Trap *
October 15 – Columbus, GA @ RushSouth Fest ~
December 29 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Met
December 30 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
December 31 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
^ with special guests George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners
** with special guest Neil Francis
^^ with special guest Maggie Rose
~ festival appearance
+ with The Avett Brothers
% Outlaw Music Festival dates
* Dark Side of the Mule dates
# non-Live Nation date
DOWNLOAD – press photo | DOWNLOAD – album cover artwork
ABOUT GOV’T MULE & WARREN HAYNES
For over two decades, Gov’t Mule – Warren Haynes [vocals, guitar], Matt Abts [drums], Danny Louis [keyboards, guitar, and backing vocals], and Jorgen Carlsson [bass] – has galvanized a global fan base with their honest, organic, and daring music and improvisational virtuosity, leading them to be recognized as one of the most timeless, revered, and active bands in the world whose spot amongst rock titans remains unshakable. Led by visionary GRAMMY Award-winning artist and guitar legend, Warren Haynes – a cornerstone of the American music landscape – the enduring, globally revered GRAMMY-nominated group has showcased its intelligence and breadth over the course of 20+ studio and live albums, thousands of memorable performances, and millions of album and track sales. Gov’t Mule has become a human encyclopedia of great American music while adding to that canon with their signature sound. The band’s flexible interplay in the studio and on stage makes them a true living, breathing ensemble and Haynes is lauded as one of the most formidable guitarists and vocalists of the modern era and a prolific songwriter and producer. Throughout his prolific career as part of three of the greatest live groups in rock history – Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule, and the Dead – and an acclaimed solo artist, Haynes has become one of music’s most treasured storytellers.
FIRST SINGLE KINDNESS OUT TODAY
ALBUM PRODUCED BY BRANDI CARLILE AND SHOOTER JENNINGS
TWO NIGHTS AT NASHVILLE’S HISTORIC RYMAN AUDITORIUM ON SALE THIS FRIDAY
TORONTO, ON – April 5, 2023 – Two-time GRAMMY winning entertainment legend, Tanya Tucker, who, earlier this week became the newest inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame, will release her highly-anticipated new album, Sweet Western Sound, June 2 on Fantasy Records. Today, Tanya also shared the album’s poignant lead track, Kindness. Listen/share it here and pre-order Sweet Western Sound here.
Produced once again by Brandi Carlile and Shooter Jennings, Sweet Western Sound reunites the award-winning trio following the release of Tanya’s landmark 2019 album, While I'm Livin'. Her first new album in 17 years, While I’m Livin’ reintroduced Tucker to a new generation and went on to win the GRAMMY for Best Country Album as well as Best Country Song for its poignant single, Bring My Flowers Now. Sweet Western Sound stands on Tucker’s exquisitely warm and wizened vocals and a spectacular collection of cut-deep songs—an assertive and confident declaration of vitality and purpose from an irrepressible and irreplaceable country music icon. In addition to songs by Tucker, Carlile and Jennings, the album features contributions from Bernie Taupin, Phil and Tim Hanseroth, JT Nero, Billy Don Burns and Craig Dillingham as well as a voicemail-generated rhyme from Tanya’s hero and close friend, the late great Billy Joe Shaver, which opens and closes the album.
“Sweet Western Sound is another revelation and I'm excited to see what folks think of our new endeavor,” Tanya shared. “It's ALWAYS a trip working with Brandi and Shooter. I didn't know if we’d be working together again on a new album after While I’m Livin’!! But we did it! Lots of new things we did this time, and I even co-wrote some of the songs, which means a lot to me. Brandi says we're MAGIC together, and I'm starting to believe her!!!!”
In celebration of the release, Tucker will return to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium this spring for two special shows on June 3 and 4. Tickets go on-sale this Friday, April 7 at 10:00am CT. Additional tour dates to be announced soon.
Born in Seminole, Texas, Tanya had her first country hit, the classic, Delta Dawn, at the age of 13 in 1972. Since that auspicious beginning, she has become one of the most admired and influential artists in country music history, amassing 23 Top 40 albums and a stellar string of 56 Top 40 singles, 10 of which reached the #1 spot on the Billboard country charts. Tanya’s indelible songs include some of country music’s biggest hits such Soon, Two Sparrows in a Hurricane, It’s a Little Too Late, Trouble, Texas (When I Die), If It Don’t Come Easy, Strong Enough To Bend, and the aforementioned Delta Dawn. Tanya is also the recipient of numerous awards, including two CMAs, two ACMs and three CMT awards. In 2020, Tanya received two GRAMMY®Awards for Best Country Album: While I’m Livin’ and Best Country Song: Bring My Flowers Now. In October 2022, The Return of Tanya Tucker featuring Brandi Carlile, a documentary that chronicles the resurgence in Tucker’s career following the success of While I’m Livin’ hit theaters globally via Sony Pictures Classics. Lauded by The New York Times, the documentary raves that Tanya “hasn’t lost a step-in terms of phrasing. The teardrop in her voice, strategically used in heartache songs, remains credible. [The doc] interweaves the contemporary sessions…better-than-competent piece of fan service.” In December 2022, Tanya made her acting debut in a lead role in Paramount’s A Nashville Country Christmas, starring alongside Academy Award winner Keith Carradine. On the spirits side, the country icon’s signature tequila, Tanya Tucker’s Cosa Salvaje Tequila, is now available in 14 U.S. states and Canada, with additional stores carrying the tequila every day. To order Tanya Tucker’s Cosa Salvaje Tequila, visit CosaSalvajeTequila.com. To keep up with Tanya Tucker, go to TanyaTucker.com.
SWEET WESTERN SOUND TRACK LIST:
1. Tanya (written by Billy Joe Shaver, Tanya Tucker)
2. Kindness (written by Tim Hanseroth, Phil Hanseroth)
3. Breakfast In Birmingham featuring Brandi Carlile (written by Brandi Carlile, Bernie Taupin)
4. Waltz Across a Moment (written by Shooter Jennings)
5. Ready As I’ll Never Be (written by Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker)
6. The List (written by Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker)
7. Letter To Linda (written by Tanya Tucker, Shooter Jennings)
8. City of Gold (written by JT Nero)
9. That Wasn’t Me (written by Brandi Carlile, Tim Hanseroth, Phil Hanseroth)
10. When The Rodeo Is Over (Where Do the Cowboys Go?) (written by Billy Don Burns, Craig Dillingham)
TOUR DATES
April 15—Georgetown, TX—Two Step Inn
April 30—Wilkesboro, NC—MerleFest
May 12—Biloxi, MS—Golden Nugget Casino Biloxi
May 13—Lake Charles, LA—Golden Nugget Casino
May 18—Prior Lake, MN—Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
May 20—Saint Michael, ND—Spirit Lake Casino
June 3—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium
June 4—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium
on-sale this Friday, April 7 at 10:00am CT
June 11—George, WA—The Gorge Amphitheatre
June 17—Martinsville, IN—Morgan County Fairgrounds
June 22—Fort St. John, Canada—Energetic County Fair
DOWNLOAD – press photo | DOWNLOAD – album artwork
JON SPENCER PRODUCED DEATH WISH BLUES ALBUM
OUT MAY 19 ON ROUNDER RECORDS
WATCH THE RIDERS VIDEO HERE
SAMANTHA FISH IS ONE OF GARDEN & GUN’S “NEW GUITAR GREATS”
TORONTO, ON – March 31, 2023 – Dynamic blues force, Samantha Fish, and country outlaw, Jesse Dayton, reveal the fierce new track, Riders, from their upcoming effort, Death Wish Blues, out May 19 on Rounder Records. Riders finds the duo interchanging commanding vocals while building a ferociously groove-heavy rhythm. Describing the song, Fish says, “Riders is about being musicians and troubadours and having one-night stands with whatever city you happen to be in,” says Fish. “Every city is personified as a love interest or partner, and in the end you just move on to whatever adventure is coming up next.” Follow Fish and Dayton down the road in the gritty Riders video here. Listen to Riders and pre-save Death Wish Blues here.
Garden & Gun recently featured Fish in their “New Guitar Greats” roundup, alongside Marcus King, Billy Strings and other top players. Garden & Gun writer Jim Beaugez noted, "On Faster, her 2021 Rounder Records release, she worked with producer Martin Kierszenbaum (Lady Gaga) to create a set of spunky, pop-focused cuts, and her latest—Death Wish Blues, a collaboration with outlaw country figure Jesse Dayton—channels those same impulses through a fuzz box with the grit set to eleven.”
Death Wish Blues showcases the raw power of Fish and Dayton’s guitar playing, both with foundations grounded in blues music. And aided by Jon Spencer’s production, they push the limits by seamlessly merging their strengths into an album of songs with both swagger and bravado, as well as emotion and sensitivity. The result is a raw combination of blistering blues, deep soul, punk, funk, and good old rock-and-roll.
Fish and Dayton are gearing up for a round of tour dates to support Death Wish Blues. A full list of tour dates is below.
Hailing from Kansas City, MO, Samantha Fish is one of the most dynamic blues forces in the world today, headlining festivals and captivating audiences with her guitar prowess and power vocals. An award-winner and road warrior, she performs 200 shows yearly, both domestically and abroad. Death Wish Blues is her 7th album. Jesse Dayton boasts an exceptional resume as an acclaimed solo recording artist, collaborator with artists such as Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Duff McKagan, a touring guitarist for seminal punk band X, teammate with Rob Zombie on the soundtracks for his iconic horror films, and as a radio show host on Gimme Country.
SAMANTHA FISH & JESSE DAYTON EU TOUR DATES:
March 31 – Leipzig, GERMANY – Kupfersaal
April 1 – Winterbach, GERMANY – Lehenbachhalle – SOLD OUT
April 2 – Milan, ITALY – Santeria Toscano
May 22 – Zurich, SWITZERLAND – Kaufleten
May 23 – Prattein, SWITZERLAND – Z7
May 25 – Karlsruhe, GERMANY – Tollhaus
May 26 – Mainz, GERMANY – Frankfurter Hof
May 27 – Schoppingen, GERMANY – Grolsch Blues
May 29 – Maastricht, NETHERLANDS – Blues Festival
May 31 – Paris, FRANCE – Bataclan
October 19 – Sunderland, UK– The Fire Station
October 20 – Glasgow, UK – Barrowlands
October 21 – Manchester, UK – 02 Ritz
October 22 – Bristol, UK – SWX
October 24 – York, UK – Barbican
October 25 – Cambridge, UK – Junction
October 26 – Bournemouth, UK – 02 Academy
October 27– Bexhill, UK – De La Warr Pavilion
October 28 – Birmingham, UK – 02 Institute
Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton
Death Wish Blues Bio
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LISTEN TO FIRST SINGLE COMO LLORA UNA ESTRELLA
WATCH VIDEO HERE
PRE-ORDER SERÉ LIBRE ON CD, ON ALL DIGITAL AND STREAMING PLATFORMS INCLUDING DOLBY ATMOS HERE
WORLDWIDE ALBUM PREMIERE AND VIDEO PERFORMANCE TO BE LIVESTREAMED FROM ULTRAAVX THEATRE WITH DOLBY ATMOS IMMERSIVE AUDIO
AT CINEPLEX YORKDALE IN TORONTO ON MAY 11
Toronto, ON – March 31, 2023 – Multi-award-winning Toronto artist and performer, Eliana Cuevas, announces an incredible sonic-cinematic venture, Seré Libre, her forthcoming album set to release May 12 on Alma Records. The collection of songs will feature imaginative orchestral versions of her original repertoire with a focus on her roots, showcasing a unique take on music based on the Venezuelan tradition. Seré Libre marks a debut collaboration recording with the Angel Falls Orchestra — a new 27-piece orchestra featuring some of the best and most versatile classical musicians in Toronto — arranged, conducted, and produced by JUNO Award-winning pianist, Jeremy Ledbetter.
Today, everything begins to flow as Eliana shares Como Llora una Estrella, the first single from Seré Libre. It symbolizes a beautiful tribute to Eliana's grandfather, who adored the poetic song about heartbreak, originally written by Antonio Carrillo. The title translates to 'the way a star cries' and is a favourite amongst many. Listen to Como Llora una Estrella here and learn more about the album below.
“It takes me back home to my childhood and to my family,” Eliana adds. “I had to practice singing this song several times before the recording session because Jeremy’s breathtaking arrangement would bring me to tears every time and I needed to be able to sing it! One of my favourite moments happens in the interlude, it was supposed to be an instrumental section, but I had to sing a beautiful line Jeremy wrote, I just couldn’t resist!”
The seven tracks across Seré Libre will showcase the intricate and layered elements of traditional Venezuelan music, often less known or understood in comparison to other Latin genres. "Being able to feature it in an orchestral setting like this was a dream come true," Eliana says of the album's impact. Songs, ranging from covers of Venezuelan traditional, to Eliana's own work draw inspiration from an array of emotive social and personal themes: a deep yearning to witness improvement of the economic and political situation in Venezuela, living in the present moment, life after death, loss, love and beyond.
The vibrant, dynamic album will receive a worldwide premiere through a stunning long-form visual performance of the album alongside the Angel Falls Orchestra, presented in Dolby Atmos Immersive audio, at Cineplex Yorkdale’s UltraAVX theatre in Toronto, Ontario on Thursday, May 11. The individual videos of each track performed alongside the orchestra will also be available to stream at VEVO/YouTube on release day.
Watch the video for Como Llora una Estrella here, subscribe to Eliana’s channel here to stay updated. More information will be announced soon.
Seré Libre marks the most ambitious musical project of Eliana's career to date. Taking many risks while adhering to ever-changing pandemic protocols in the process, courage and perseverance were the ingredients that ensured a collaborative experience for all.
Complete with immersive, refined production, the accompanying piece will further emphasize the compositions and master musicianship, while bringing a passionate celebration of Eliana's culture and heritage to the fore. Eliana and Jeremy worked alongside the 27-piece Angel Falls Orchestra, named after the world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall of the same name, located in Auyán-tepui, Canaima National Park, Venezuela. Thom Varey directed the production at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts with audio engineers, Justin Gray and Patric McGroarty. The album was recorded live-off-the-floor without the isolation you would have in a recording studio - thus, no room for edits or numerous takes. This process marked Eliana's first time performing alongside a full orchestra - many of the members she had never met prior.
Seré Libre is the seventh entry in Eliana Cuevas’ eclectic discography, one that has brought her wins at the National Jazz Awards, Toronto Independent Music Awards, Canadian Folk Music Awards, and the Independent Music Awards in the US.
Stay tuned for more as the elements of Seré Libre make waves in the months ahead. Eliana’s boldest artistic statement to date, it deserves your close attention.
Seré Libre Tracklisting
1. Seré Libre (Eliana Cuevas)
2. Como Llora una Estrella (Antonio Carrillo)
3. Caballo Viejo (Simón Díaz)
4. Lamento (Eliana Cuevas)
5. El Manantial (Eliana Cuevas)
6. Nacerá (Eliana Cuevas)
7. Llegó (Eliana Cuevas)
Connect with Eliana Cuevas: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify
DOWNLOAD – Single Art
DOWNLOAD - Album Art
DOWNLOAD - Press Photo
We acknowledge the financial support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada, Ontario Creates, Canada Council for the Arts, the support of the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council and Ontario Arts Council.
About Eliana Cuevas
Through years of touring around the world, across Canada, and collaborating with Juno and Grammy Award-winning performers, Eliana Cuevas has grown into an accomplished singer-songwriter and bandleader with unlimited colours in her compositional and lyrical palette. She has released 6 albums of original music to this date: Cohesión (2001), Ventura (2004) Vidas (2007), Espejo (2013), Golpes y Flores (2017) and El Curruchá (2021). Eliana has performed with a long list of prominent artists such as Larnell Lewis, Jane Bunnett, Jesse Cook, Alex Cuba, Hermeto Pascoal, Hilario Durán, David Rudder, OKAN, Mark Kelso, Rich Brown, Alexis Baró, Laila Biali, Aquiles Báez and Emilie-Claire Barlow among others.
FEATURING BENJI B, THEON CROSS, NUBYA GARCIA, SHABAKA HUTCHINGS, DAVE OKUMU, TOM SKINNER, MARTIN TEREFE & MORE
LISTEN HERE
"Brilliant though many of these musicians have been in numerous other contexts, this might be some of their finest work: a thrilling voyage into the outer regions of electric jazz." - Uncut, 9/10
“It’s a kind of jazz - on an ambitious scale, drawing dark beauty from chaos - it would be nice to hear more than twice a century." - MOJO, 4/5
"An epic feat of improvisation... London Brew celebrates the diversity of London’s musical cultures through the joyous freedom of jazz. It updates the expansive ethos that Davis himself was channelling when it came to recording Bitches Brew in the musical melting pot of New York City in 1969." - The Observer
"An eight-song, almost 90-minute LP of genre-hopping experimentation that blurs the lines between rock, jazz and ambient, sometimes within the scope of one song." - New York Times
"As Wayne Shorter, who played on Bitches Brew, famously said, jazz means “I dare you.” The players on London Brew have taken the dare, and good for them." - Stereogum
"Almost magically, it shrewdly captures an ever-shifting London at a very specific point of time. Davis would be proud." - Loud and Quiet, 8/10
"The success of London Brew isn't in trying to emulate the original Brew but in inspiring the players to live up to the concept. The albums feels both of the original vintage in its occasional psychedelic trappings and, masterfully, altogether new... Rarely is retro so now." - The Wire
"Capturing the contrary emotions of the pandemic, lockdown, and the easing of restrictions, London Brew relishes in union, and communal creativity." - Clash
Toronto, ON – March 31, 2023 – Seeing release today via Concord Jazz is London Brew, a new album inspired by Miles Davis' Bitches Brew, from a crème de la crème collection of UK jazz luminaries, available now as on 2CD and digitally, with the 2LP release - available on black vinyl, limited edition opaque blue and indie-exclusive voodoo maroon vinyl - to follow on April 14. Buy London Brew or listen in full here.
Comprised of a veritable who's who of some of the most important and innovative musicians of the 21st century, London Brew features contributions from Benji B, Theon Cross, Nubya Garcia, Shabaka Hutchings, Dave Okumu, Tom Skinner and more, brought together by Producer and guitarist Martin Terefe and Executive Producer Bruce Lampcov.
Speaking of the album's release, Lampcov offers: "I can hardly contain my excitement now that London Brew is finally ready to be served to the world, after the idea for it was conceived more than three years ago. This record was inspired by Miles Davis' Bitches Brew, shaped by the trials of a global pandemic, and created with the exceptional talents of London's finest musicians. It is a testament to the creative ingenuity and collaborative spirit of these musicians, as well as the support of numerous allies who have helped bring it to fruition."
To tie in with the album's release, a new single from the album also sees release today, It's One of These: an abstracted, syncopated Afrobeat maelstrom that cooks up a storm at the heart of London Brew's running order and allows Hutchings ample space to shine. Listen to It's One of These here.
Of the track, Terefe explains: "After choosing various pieces of the source material to work on, this is the one I finished mixing first. It’s starts with such a dirty groove and then comes Shabaka’s initial formula one race through and around the inner workings of the ensemble. Then all of a sudden it falls apart, new sections appear as trying to and rev it all up again but it starts and stops in the most magical way. I followed the melodies and loved what I found."
Two previous singles have been shared from the project previously, its incendiary lead single, Miles Chases New Voodoo in the Church, which debuted alongside word of the album in January of this year, and its follow-up Raven Flies Low, London Brew's hypnotic closer, named for violinist, Raven Bush, who was fundamental to the track's gorgeous textures as he played his violin through electric pedals to stunning effect. The full-length versions of both tracks are now available to hear as part of the album. Catch up on Raven Flies Low (Single Edit) here.
Since its announcement in January, London Brew has received support from publications as diverse as The New York Times, Pitchfork, The Observer, NME, Clash, The Line of Best Fit, Jazzwise, Loud and Quiet, Jazziz, The Fader, The Independent, MOJO, Crack, Stereogum and Uncut. Meanwhile at UK radio it's been championed by the likes of Craig Charles, Jamz Supernova and Mary Anne Hobbs on 6Music, John Kennedy on Radio X and Gilles Peterson on Worldwide FM. Revisit Miles Chases New Voodoo in the Church (Single Edit) here.
London Brew reflects an emotional journey through the period in which it was conceived, having been recorded during the pandemic and after many months of isolation and the inability to collaborate in person. Recorded in December 2020 at Paul Epworth's Church Studios in London, Terefe explains how the resulting music is "sometimes uncomfortable, other times it's familiar and joyous and other times it's like deep meditation."
What began as a plan for a live performance at the Barbican in honour of the 50th anniversary of Bitches Brew in early 2020 - an event that was sadly to be scuppered by the pandemic - would eventually blossom into so much more. London Brew is a collection of original recordings rooted in inspiration and celebration - not just a rapturous, moving tribute to one of the most totemic figures in modern music but equally a one-off moment in London's musical history captured forever on four sides of vinyl. As Lampcov writes in the album's liner notes, "London Brew is also inspired by... London. The city, the people, her creativity and her struggles. London Brew is primordial, born out of a year of trying to get to grips with what being human is about. The sounds and melodies cover the gamut of human emotion from delicate and caring to coarse and angry. Nothing is left unsaid."
An intelligent, dexterous assault on the senses from a group of artists united in their freewheeling vision, London Brew's eight tracks are unified by an experimental, improvisatory fire. "In all my years of recording, I'd never been involved in an improvisatory process on this scale," offers The Invisible's Dave Okumu. "It's ease and sense of endlessness is surely a testament to the calibre of each musician and the unique manner in which they've taken on the lessons Miles set before us through his recording and performances."
Theon Cross highlights how "the possibility of playing with a larger group of people [at the end of a year marked by the pandemic] with such an open and free approach was an incredibly powerful and moving experience," while Shabaka Hutchings comments: "For me, that's what Bitches Brew is. It's a bunch of musicians making music because of the love of making music, as a social force and as a social construct. They are creating something that expresses unity and motion. That's what it is to be alive… you know, you have unity, you have motion, and you have vibration. You don't get any more alive than that. That's Bitches Brew." That's London Brew, too, and you won't have ever heard anything quite like it.
London Brew is:
Benji B: Decks, Sonic Re-cycling
Raven Bush: Violin, Electronics
Theon Cross: Tuba
Nubya Garcia: Saxophone, Flute
Tom Herbert: Electric Bass, Double Bass
Shabaka Hutchings: Saxophone, Woodwinds
Nikolaj Torp Larsen: Synthesizers, Melodica
Dave Okumu: Guitar
Nick Ramm: Piano, Synthesizers
Dan See: Drums, Percussion
Tom Skinner: Drums, Percussion
Martin Terefe: Guitar, Electronics
Samplism artwork by Toby Laurent Belson
DOWNLOAD - Press Photo | DOWNLOAD - London Brew Album Artwork
DEBUT ALBUM Soul,PRESENT OUT EVERYWHERE MAY 5
Q NAMED 2023 SPOTIFY ARTIST TO WATCH
TORONTO, ON - March 31, 2023 - Q announced the release date of his debut album, Soul,PRESENT, out everywhere May 5 via Columbia Records, his first major release since his critically acclaimed EP, The Shave Experiment. With the news comes the release of his latest single, NOT ALONE, which displays Q's love for experimentation - with influences of funk, soul, and pop-R&B. Listen to NOT ALONE here.
Earlier this year, Q dropped LUV (I KNOW I WANT THIS FOR REAL), STEREO DRIVER, and TODAY – the songs saw support from his peers 6LACK, James Blake & more. With every release, Q's versatility as a singer, songwriter and producer becomes more and more profound. Soul,PRESENT is a culmination of his growth and evolution as an artist over time. Pre-save here.
DOWNLOAD - Not Alone Single Art
KOREAN-AMERICAN BLUES POET'S DAN AUERBACH-PRODUCED DEBUT ALBUM YELLOW PERIL COMES JUNE 23 VIA EASY EYE SOUND
LISTEN TO 75-71 HERE VIA WNYC'S NEW SOUNDS
TORONTO, ON – March 30, 2023 - Nat Myers has returned with 75-71 today, a blistering blues ode to the Korean-American artist's Kentucky upbringing. Namechecking the places that helped form him, from Rabbit Hash to Kenton Vale, 75-71 is the latest offering from Myers' upcoming debut album Yellow Peril - produced by Dan Auerbach and out June 23 on Easy Eye Sound. 75-71 was recently included as the lead entry in a WNYC retrospective on the contemporary state of the blues, with host John Schaefer comparing the material on Yellow Peril to "the great Delta bluesman" and specifically Charley Patton’s, High Water Everywhere. Patton used High Water Everywhere to recount the great Mississippi River flood of 1927 and how African-Americans were left to fend for themselves - not unlike Myers shining a light on the injustice of the AAPI experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Watch the 75-71 video, directed by Andy Hawkes, here. Pre-order Yellow Peril here (out June 23 on Easy Eye Sound). Listen to WNYC New Sounds' piece on Nat Myers and the state of contemporary blues here.
On Yellow Peril, Nat Myers explores a passion for the blues that began while the Kentucky musician was immersing himself in the world of American poetry: “it dawned on me that the real epics were being told by these itinerant musicians from the ’30s and ’40s, even before recorded sound. That’s when I did my deep dive into the blues, so I could write my own epic,” Myers recalls. Yellow Peril finds Myers pulling from a wide range of historical threads while remaining thoroughly modern - using fleet riffs, complex rhythms, and quick tempos to tell tales full of intelligence, soul, contradiction and nuance. Yellow Peril was recorded by Myers with Auerbach, who oversaw sessions for the first time in his own Nashville home (which acts as another instrument on the record), and also finds Myers working with special guests like songwriting luminary Pat McLaughlin (John Prine, Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal) and blues giant Alvin Youngblood Hart. Combining each of these factors, this ten-song debut leans on its creator’s idiosyncrasies to deliver nothing short of an American epic for the post-pandemic age.
NAT MYERS TOUR DATES:
March 30 ~ Thursday ~ House of Blues, New Orleans, LA*
March 31 ~ Friday ~ The Echo Lounge & Music Hall, Dallas, TX*
April 1 ~ Saturday ~ Stubb’s Waller Creek Ampthitheater, Austin, TX*
April 2 ~ Sunday ~ White Oak Music Hall Downstairs, Houston, TX*
April 5 ~ Wednesday ~ The Crescent Ballroom, Phoenix, AZ*
April 6 ~ Thursday ~ Troubadour, West Hollywood, CA*
April 7 ~ Friday ~ The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA*
April 8 ~ Saturday ~ Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CA*
July 13-15 ~ Thursday-Saturday ~ Masters Musicians Festival, Somerset, KY
August 3-6 ~ Thursday-Sunday ~ Pickathon ~ Happy Valley, OR
* with G. Love & Special Sauce
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TORONTO, ON – March 24, 2023 – Global Latin music icons, Maluma and Anuel AA join forces for the first time to release their new single, Diablo, Qué Chimba; a highly anticipated collab, destined to become a party anthem with its infectious urban beat mixed with electro and the the distinctive flow of both superstars - an urban banger that proves that music has the power to bring people together. Stream or download Diablo, Qué Chimba here.
Diablo, Qué Chimba, was produced by DJ Luian and written by Juan Luis Londoño Arias (Maluma), Emmanuel Gazmey Santiago (Anuel AA), Wander Manuel Mendez (Santo Niño), René David Cano Ríos (Bull Nene), Luian Malavé Nieves (DJ Luian), Xavier Semper, Edgar Semper, Pablo Fuentes (BF) and Kedin Maysonet.
The music video was shot in Miami, produced by Royalty Films and directed by Juan Luis Londoño Arias (Maluma) and Cesar "Tes" Pimienta. Shot in Miami, it features elements reminiscent of old school Reggaetón videos and has an edgy comedic twist alluding to past friction between the artists and underscoring new phrase, "Siempre Flow Maluma" as well as Anuel's iconic "Real Hasta La Muerte". To watch the official video, click here.
This new single, along with La Fórmula and La Reina will be part of Maluma's highly anticipated upcoming album, due out later this year.
And, as if that were not enough; last week, Maluma garnered two Latin American Music Awards nominations, including: Best Song - Pop (for Junio) and Tour of the Year (for Maluma Papi Juancho World Tour). The eighth annual Latin American Music Awards will take place on April 20th at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas and will be broadcast simultaneously on Univision, UNIMAS and Galavision networks starting at 7:00 pm ET. Fans can vote for their favourite artists until March 26 here.
DOWNLOAD - Diablo, Que Chimba Artwork | DOWNLOAD - Press Photo
Maluma on TikTok: @maluma
About MALUMA
Maluma is one of the leading voices in Latin music and a bona fide global youth idol. Born Juan Luis Londoño in Medellin, Colombia, he formulated his artistic moniker Maluma from the first two letters of the names of his mother, father and sister.
The 2018 Latin GRAMMY award winner for Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album (for F.A.M.E.) is one of social media’s most popular artists with over 25 million Facebook fans, 8 million Twitter followers, and a whopping 63 million Instagram followers, making him the leading Latin male artist on Instagram and the first and only one to surpass 50 million followers. His official YouTube/VEVO channel has more than 28.1 million subscribers, having earned him a YouTube Diamond Play Button Award.
With his Maluma World Tour he has achieved unparalleled success, having sold over one million tickets in 105 worldwide concerts in 2017 alone and becoming the top concert-selling Latin artist in the world. In 2018 and 2019, he broke records achieving full houses in all of his shows throughout the United States and Europe selling out Madison Square Garden (New York), the American Airlines Arena (Miami) and two The Forums (Los Angeles), among others. With his 11:11 World Tour he also sold out Israel's largest venue, Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv (60,000+ audience); made history at the 18th annual Mawazine Festival in Rabat, Morocco, setting an all-time attendance record with his headlining concert in front of 200,000 people; and performed for the first time ever in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in front of 25,000. He continued to take over throughout 2021 and 2022 with sold-outs in the United States, Europe, Latin American and the Middle East.
Since joining Sony Music Latin in 2015, Maluma has released seven albums, Pretty Boy Dirty Boy (2015), F.A.M.E. (2018), 11:11(2019), Papi Juancho (2020), 7DJ (2021), The Love & Sex Tape and The Love & Sex Tape Deluxe (2022). Maluma is the youngest artist to simultaneously hold both the #1 and #2 spots on Billboard's Latin Airplay chart and only the sixth act to ever achieve the feat he has now repeated three times. To date Maluma has had twenty-two #1 singles on Billboard's Latin Airplay chart.
Maluma's altruistic spirit is outstanding for the community work he leads with his foundation, El Arte de Los Sueños, based in Medellín, Colombia. Founded in 2016, the Foundation's mission is to transform at-risk youth through art and music education. In 2021, Maluma acted in his first Disney animation movie, Encanto, 2022 Oscar winner for Best Animation Feature. Earlier this year, Maluma debuted in Hollywood with his starring role as Bastian in the movie, Marry Me, alongside Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson.
About Anuel AA
Anuel has earned the title of Latin Global Superstar. Because of the success of the song, La ocasion; he entered the artistic world. The artist was arrested and sentenced to 30 months in prison in Puerto Rico at the height of his popularity.
On the same day as his release from prison in July 2018, Anuel released his album, REAL HASTA LA MUERTE, which received overwhelming support from his fans all over the world. The album reached the top of the music charts across all digital platforms. For more than 26 weeks in 2018, Anuel held the title of most viewed musician on YouTube worldwide. He was nominated for and won the Premio Lo Nuestro 2019 for Best New Artist.
Anuel's tours have been a success in the United States, Latin America, and Europe, with sold out crowds in every city. With REAL HASTA LA MUERTE, he was also named one of the 50 best Latin albums of the decade.
Premio Lo Nuestro, Premios Juventud, Premios Tu Musica Urbana, Premios Billboard, and Latin Grammy are among his accolades and nominations. With the release of his most recent studio album, EMMANUEL, he achieved the latter. Anuel was honored by the highest authority in Spanish music in seven categories, including the opportunity to realize his most cherished childhood ambition of singing on the Latin Grammys stage. Recently, Anuel presented his new album, LAS LEYENDAS NUNCA MUEREN (Legends Never Die), as a tribute to his idols and artistic achievements. His new 33-song studio album Las Leyendas Nunca Mueren 2 is currently being promoted along with his focus single, Si yo me muero, available on all digital platforms and YouTube.
NEW ALBUM THE NAME LIVES ON TO BE RELEASED
APRIL 21
AVAILABLE NOW FOR PRE-ORDER/PRE-SAVE HERE
TOUR DATES HAPPENING NOW
TORONTO, ON – March 24, 2023 – Heavy Southern Rock band, Texas Hippie Coalition, is set to release their new album, The Name Lives On, on April 21 via MNRK Heavy. The band's seventh studio album is a hard-hitting, riff-heavy sonic assault from beginning to end. Starting today, fans can pre-save/pre-order the album here. Texas Hippie Coalition is currently on the road, with U.S. dates through mid-June (full dates below).
The band also releases the punishing video for their first single, Hell Hounds, directed by Justin H. Reich. Watch it here.
Texas Hippie Coalition is often compared to the many great Southern Rock and Texas bands that came before them. But they are proving to the world that THC is not just following in their footsteps, they are leaving giant footprints. THC has etched out a place for themselves in the multi-genre fields of music, and have also created their own genre, "Red Dirt Metal." You have to hear it to understand it. Words are not enough to convey how powerfully big their sound is.
Texas Hippie Coalition Tour Dates:
March 29 - Arizona Bike Week- Scottsdale, AZ
March 30 - Count’s Vamp’d Rock Bar - Las Vegas, NV
March 31 - Juggernaut Music - Gallup, NM
April 1 - Lauter Haus Brewing Co. - Farmington, NM
April 2 - The Liberty - Roswell, NM
April 13 - Southbound - Springfield, MO
April 14 - Royal 66 Mountain - Home, AR
April 15 - Kansas Crossing Casino - Pittsburg, KS
April 16 - Brooksto - Dover, AR
April 20 - Moxi Theatre - Greeley, CO
April 21 - Wild Goose Saloon - Parker, CO
April 22 - Wild Goose Saloon - Parker, CO
April 23 - Sunshine Studios Live - Colorado Springs, CO
April 28 - Yukon Czech Hall - Yukon, OK
April 29 - Diamond Ballroom - Oklahoma City, OK
May 19 - Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall - Fort Worth, TX
May 20 - Scout Bar - Houston, TX
May 21 - Southport Hall - Jefferson, LA
May 25 - The Crafthouse Stage & Grill - Pittsburgh, PA
May 26 - Blue Note Harrison, Harrison, OH
June 8 - The Forge - Joliet, IL
June 9 - The Eclectic Room - Angola, IN
June 10 - The King of Clubs - Columbus, OH
June 11 - Mohawk Place - Buffalo, NY
June 14 - The Big House - Laconia, NH
June 15 - The L, Horseheads, NY
June 16 - The Winchester - Lakewood, OH
Texas Hippie Coalition are:
Big Dad Ritch
Cord Pool
Nevada Romo
Lorado Romo
Joey Mandigo
DOWNLOAD - Album Art | DOWNLOAD - Press Photo
OUT TODAY ON LISBON LUX RECORDS
LISTEN HERE
AND WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ALBUM HIGHLIGHT
GOUTTE À GOUTTE
TORONTO, ON – March 24, 2023 – Mixing hypnotic rhythms and explosive tension, Montreal’s Grand Public offer music built of angular textures and aerial melodies; the guitars intermingle and respond to each other, while the bass and percussion insert themselves into the vocal tunes. Today, the four-piece band shares their dreamy indie-pop infused EP, Idéal tempo, via Lisbon Lux Records. Listen here.
Grand Public – made up of Gregory Paquet (The Stills, Molly Rankin of Alvvays, Peter Peter) and three childhood friends who have played together in several bands over the years – took advantage of the pandemic era to bring the project to a boil, refining their sound and writing several songs; four of them coming to fruition with producer, Dominic Vanchesteing (Bernardino Femminielli, Marie Davidson, Julia Daigle). Recorded live off the floor over the course of only a couple of days, at Alex Crow’s studio in the heart of the Plateau in Montreal, the band poured over every detail of the songs, and played with vocal harmonies for the first time.
“Our producer put a lot of emphasis on the harmonies and it definitely adds a rich layer to the songs – very much colours the mood of the EP,” reflects the band.
In tandem with the EP’s release, the band shares the music video for standout album track, Goutte à goutte. “All of the songs on Idéal tempo were recorded live with the most standard rock instrumentation: two guitars, bass and drums,” the band adds. “But we did use a 12-string guitar on Goutte à Goutte for that extra chimey, jangly magic, and we really like the way it came out – the sinuous, swirly, hazy feeling of it.” Watch Goutte à goutte here.
With more new music on the horizon, Grand Public give the ideal taste of their captivating sound with Idéal tempo. Stay tuned for what’s to come!
LISTEN TO PRIMARY HERE AND WATCH THE FUN ANIMATED MUSIC VIDEO FOR ALBUM TRACK WILD PARTY
TORONTO, ON – March 24, 2023 – Celebrating with one Wild Party, Toronto singer-songwriter, Darrelle London, is overjoyed to release her brand new children’s album, Primary! Out today, the dazzling, awe-inspiring collection of “Kindie” (Kid-Indie) songs takes listeners on a journey through a colourful world of curiosity, creativity and laughter. Dive in to Primary here!
Perfectly capturing the spirit of the record is Wild Party – a catchy pop-punk styled song about some unexpected furred and feathered party crashers. "One of the joys of writing kids’ music is that no topic is too strange or too silly,” says London. “I wrote this song on ukulele but it ended up having pop/punk/rock production, and it offers instructions on what to do when wild animals crash your birthday party – because, why not?" Have a look at the colourful animated music video, which arrived alongside the album release today.
With a back-catalogue of albums that have been described as “quirky” and “whimsical” – though not necessarily aimed towards kids – it was a natural progression for London to take her musical style and turn it into her first full-length children’s album. Primary perfectly treads the line between music for kids and music for grown-ups, with enchanting lyrical storytelling set to infectious indie-pop instrumentation. Produced by Dean Drouillard, and featuring some of Canada’s best session players bringing London’s imaginative tunes to life with jubilant horns and lush strings, the album carries listeners on a journey through a colourful world of curiosity, creativity, and laughter.
“I am so thrilled to finally share these songs with the world,” exclaims London. “Families have been so supportive of the first singles, which means the world to me. It’s such an honour to be incorporated into a family’s life through music, whether it’s a bedtime pajama dance party or a long car ride. I feel so grateful and I can’t wait to hear what the little ones think of the album!”
A mother of two young’uns herself, Primary marks the first time that London made an album since her children were babies. While playing the role of teacher (among many other things!) during the initial COVID lockdowns, London’s children would ask questions and she felt compelled to answer them in the form of songs. The songs on Primary explore the small wonders of life, such a seeing the moon out during the day (Day Moon); simple pleasures, like going for ice cream with a friend on a hot summer day (Ice Cream); they joy found in creating art just for the sake of it (Primary and Let’s Make Something New); and even important lessons like why we should respect even the tiniest of creatures (Bugs).
DOWNLOAD – press photo | DOWNLOAD – album cover artwork
MORE ABOUT DARRELLE LONDON:
Darrelle is no stranger to following her heart to unexpected places. After turning down law school to pursue a music career, she has spent the last decade making her mark on the college and festival circuit across North America. Some highlights include performing at iconic venues such as Hollywood’s Troubadour Club and Nashville’s Bluebird Café, collaborating with her favourite artists such as Chantal Kreviazuk, being chosen by Sarah McLachlan to perform at Lilith Fair, and placing her music on TV shows and ad campaigns in the US and South Korea.
FEATURING VIRAL TRACK MORE THAN FRIENDS
WATCH OFFICIAL VIDEO HERE DIRECTED & WRITTEN BY LaROSA
CONFIRMED FOR LOLLAPALOOZA AUGUST 2023
DEBUT SHOWS IN THE UK & DUBLIN ANNOUNCED
“This EP follows the story of a girl growing up in a religious household,” shares LaRosa. “She goes through the motions of new love and heartbreak, intertwined with grief and guilt. It’s structured so that the beginning of the EP is the most innocent and lighthearted part, and by the end, it reaches the darkest part in her story.”
In addition to more than friends - which beautifully captures the frustration of being in a friendship that you wish were more - LaRosa’s new EP includes the songs, butterflies, i don't forgive you, and without you. In succession, these songs take the listener through the emotional journey of a failed relationship – from the excitement that comes from first meeting to the anger that comes from breaking up.
The EP culminates with praying, during which LaRosa encapsulates what it’s like to grow up in a strict, religious household.
“The environment starts to feel suffocating as you want to rebel more as a young adult,” shares LaRosa. “The song describes the shame and guilt that you feel and the fear that comes with thinking you’re making the wrong decisions, and God will know.” The official music video for praying drops on March 31.
Even with the release of YOU FEAR THE GOD THAT LOVES YOU, LaRosa is probably still buzzing from the success of her single, i’m yours, and debut EP, i’m watching you.
Since its release in late 2022, i’m yours has amassed 200+ million streams, 15+ million longform video views, and 770+ million shortform video views. The sound has been used by breakout influencers like Nessa Barrett, as well as Huddy, Emma Norton, and Kayla Nicole. Of the track, Billboard raved, “On i’m yours, Isabel LaRosa leans into the wooziness, allowing her vocals to sway back and forth between the more urgent verses and the surrendered vibe of the chorus. The result is moody yet beguiling.”
Across all her releases, LaRosa has garnered nearly 300 million streams and 800 million shortform video views. LaRosa’s music has been featured on flagship Spotify playlists like Today’s Top Hits, Pop Sauce, Fresh Finds, Pop All Day, The Pop List, Pop Rising and Fresh Dance Pop.
You can experience LaRosa’s captivating live show as it has just been announced that she will perform at The Road To The Great Escape in Dublin on May 9, at The Courtyard Theatre (hosted by Radio 1’s Abbie Mac) in London on May 10, at The Great Escape on May 11, and at this year’s Lollapalooza in Chicago, IL.
About Isabel LaRosa
Born in Annapolis, MD, LaRosa was always surrounded by music. Her father, a jazz musician, regularly took her to the jazz clubs for open mic nights, where he played the saxophone and her brother played guitar. She often sang alongside them.
LaRosa began writing songs with her brother in elementary school and from there, a creative duo was formed. The two still write and produce music together in their childhood home. At just 18 years old, LaRosa has already made a name for herself in contemporary music, having inked a deal with Slumbo Labs/RCA Records.
DOWNLOAD - Hi Res EP Art | DOWNLOAD - Hi Res Press Photo
Isabel LaRosa on TikTok: @isabellarosasofia
NEW ALBUM LOVE YOU ANYWAY OUT APRIL 7
VIA FANTASY RECORDS
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR RIGHT KIND OF CRAZY HERE
ON TOUR THIS SPRING
TORONTO, ON – March 24, 2023 – Today, rising soul artist, Devon Gilfillian, shares Right Kind of Crazy, a brand new track from his upcoming full-length studio album, Love You Anyway, which is set for release April 7 via Fantasy Records. The new single, a delectable slice of hip-hop inflected R&B, comes on the heels of Devon’s impressive week at the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, where he performed stellar sets at Willie Nelson’s annual Luck Reunion, as well as showcases for Waterloo Records, Paste Magazine, Relix Magazine, Jam in the Van, and many more. Watch the Right Kind of Crazy video here and pre-order Love You Anyway here.
“Love can be chaotic and beautiful and so often in the early stages of romance almost intoxicating,” Devon explains. “Right Kind of Crazy is a song about what comes next, the deeper understanding a couple can reach as they start to truly see each other through that chaos. There’s a beauty in that, a real power in truly knowing someone and still allowing for that intoxication to creep in, when the lights are low, and the right song is on…”
Last month, Devon premiered the album’s first single, the alluring Temptations infused gem, All I Really Wanna Do, that The Philadelphia Inquirer called “an irresistible slinky and soulful candy-colored invitation.” This week, the track debuts Top 25 on the Mediabase Triple A Chart, hits Top 20 on Billboard’s Adult Alternative Chart and was added to Sirius XM’s Spectrum Channel. Meanwhile, the album Love You Anyway is a Top 15 entry on the Non-Comm Albums chart.
Next month, Devon heads out on tour for shows throughout the spring and summer including his first-ever performance at Tennessee's famed Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival on June 17 and the recently announced Oceans Calling Festival in Maryland on September 29. To celebrate the release of Love You Anyway, Devon will headline the Mercury Lounge in NYC on April 17, and is scheduled to perform at Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium supporting Emily King on May 26.
Gilfillian’s Love You Anyway spans soul, hip-hop, R&B, and rock, all under the banner of Black joy. Produced by Jeremy Lutito (Joy Oladokun, NEEDTOBREATHE), the album confronts as well as comforts, chronicling Gilfillian’s journey as a Black artist living in 21st century America. The LP’s 10 original tracks (all co-written by Gilfillian), are as much about fighting for what you believe in: equity and representation, as they are about love: finding it, making it, and channeling it into every facet of our lives.
Growing up in Philadelphia, Gilfillian discovered that the towering icons of his musician father’s era—Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, The Temptations—were just as formative and exciting as the new sounds of his own generation: Wu-Tang Clan, Notorious B.I.G., and Jay-Z. Bursting on the scene in 2020 with his highly regarded debut album Black Hole Rainbow, Devon received acclaim from NPR, the New York Times, PASTE and The Tennessean, among many others. Then later that year, Gilfillian re-recorded and released Marvin Gaye’s iconic album, What’s Going On, which raised funds for low-income communities of colour, and provided resources and education around the democratic process.
Now, with Love You Anyway, Devon Gilfillian pays it forward. Conjuring the raw, sexy emotions of his predecessors and the next-level production grooves of his R&B and hip-hop contemporaries, Gilfillian is taking soul music into an exciting and restorative new future.
Devon Gilfillian On Tour:
APRIL 12 - Nashville, TN - Grimey’s New & Preloved Music
APRIL 14 - Philadelphia, PA - Main Street Music
APRIL 17 - New York, NY - Mercury Lounge (album release show)
APRIL 22 - Carrboro, NC - Cat’s Cradle
APRIL 23 - Charlotte, NC - Tuck Fest
May 26 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium *Supporting Emily King
JUNE 9 - Selbyville, DE - Freeman Arts Pavilion
JUNE 10 - Boston, MA - Leader Bank Pavilion
JUNE 11 - Gilford, NH - Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
JUNE 17 - Manchester, TN - Bonnaroo
SEPTEMBER 15 - Shelburne, VT - Shelbourne Museum *Supporting Grace Potter
SEPTEMBER 16 - Shelburne, VT - Shelbourne Museum
SEPTEMBER 29 - Ocean City, MD - Oceans Calling Festival
NEW EP LOST IN THE REWIND TO BE RELEASED JUNE 2
TORONTO, ON – March 23, 2023 – Indie singer/songwriter, Craig Stickland, announces the release of his new six song EP, Lost in the Rewind, on June 2 via MNRK Music Group. Today, he releases the first track and accompanying video, Colorblind, a cascading meditation about a failed relationship. It digs into the idea of perspective, “essentially two people looking at the same thing but seeing something different.” Listen to Colorblind here and watch the video, directed by Luis De Peña, here.
The gorgeously plaintive EP, Lost in the Rewind, "is really about finding myself again," says Craig. When pandemic restrictions lifted, and songwriting presented itself, “I really had to take a step back to find my love for myself and music again,” he says. “Lost in the Rewind is me trying to unpack why I did these things.”
Craig Stickland previously released the three song EP, While We Wait For the Sun to Rise, in 2021. His debut, the JUNO-nominated Starlit Afternoon, chronicled Stickland’s decade-long struggle to break through into music. The album garnered millions of streams on Spotify, with a pair of pristinely lovelorn tracks, the meditative title song and laid-back anthem, Break Every Rule, winning him a loyal following.
DEBUT OFFICIAL MOTHERLODE VIDEO FEATURING
EODM’S JESSE HUGHES AND THREE DAYS GRACE’S BARRY STOCK
WATCH IT HERE
BAND SOARS TO UK AND GERMANY FOR SUMMER TOUR SUPPORTING EODM
TORONTO, ON – March 23, 2023 – Oshawa guitar-driven outlaw rock n’ roll band, The Standstills, released the official music video for their hit single, Motherlode, today. The track is off their 2022 smash album, Shockwave, from MNRK Music Group, and features Jesse Hughes, from legendary rock band, Eagles Of Death Metal. The video was filmed live this past fall while the band was on tour with Three Days Grace.
Directed by Scott Baker, the clip captures the energy, vitality, and power of a live Standstills performance. Special guests Hughes and Barry Stock from Three Days Grace, and newest Standstills member, Brendan McMillan on bass, are showcased throughout the video in front of an invigorated hometown crowd. Watch it here and listen to Shockwave here.
“Filming Motherlode live on stage with Jesse and Barry was THE most bad ass dream come true,” said Jonny Fox, lead singer and guitarist for The Standstills. “The stage was so full of genuine icon rock and roll, for us it was like suffering a tidal wave of pure energy. And we couldn't be happier with how well the film crew caught so many great moments. It is the Motherlode of Motherlodes.”
The Standstills have also been added as special guests on Eagles of Death Metal’s European summer tour, ripping through the UK and Germany. The tour follows a spring fling in Canada with Big Wreck and Theory of a Deadman.
"I’ve gotten to know Jonny and Renée over the last few years. We’ve written songs, jammed, shot a video, and partied together,” added Hughes, leader, and founder of Eagles of Death Metal. “They are good people, and The Standstills are a great band that rock’s hard. How hard you ask? Let’s see if they can survive a European tour with EODM. I am really looking forward to this summer run.”
The Standstills (Fox on vocals/guitar, Renée Couture on drums/vocals, McMillan on bass/vocals), have built a reputation for transcendent anthem-making with an earnestly steadfast formula: gigantic hooks, unapologetically hypnotic grooves, and infectious unabashedly cool riffs, which can be heard in force on their latest release, Shockwave. Produced by Neil Sanderson from Three Days Grace and mixed by two-time GRAMMY Award-winner Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, Santana, Daughtry), the album blends immediately accessible choruses with magnetic layers of depth.
The Standstills on tour:
with Big Wreck
March 29 @ The Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts, Brantford, ON
March 30 @ The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, Oakville, ON
March 31 @ River Run Centre, Guelph, ON
April 1 @ The Grand Theatre, Kingston, ON
April 4 @ Rose Theatre, Brampton, ON
April 5 @ First Ontario Performing Arts Centre, St. Catharines, ON
April 6 @ Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, Richmond Hill, ON
with Theory Of A Deadman
May 4 @ Bronson Centre, Ottawa, ON
May 6 @ Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, Thunder Bay, ON
with Eagles Of Death Metal
July 4 @ O2 Forum, London, UK
July 5 @ The Leadmill, Sheffield, UK
July 9 @ Batschkapp, Frankfurt, DE
July 10 @ Täubchenthal, Leipzig, DE
July 11 @ Capitol, Hannover, DE
July 13 @ Markthalle, Hamburg, DE
July 17 @ Huxleys, Berlin, DE
July 18 @ Hirsch, Nuremburg DE
DOWNLOAD - Shockwave Album Art | DOWNLOAD - Press Photo
DOWNLOAD - Tour Poster
FROM NEW ALBUM IN SEARCH OF GOLD OUT MAY 5 VIA BIRTHDAY CAKE RECORDS
PRE-ORDER ON BANDCAMP
WATCH AND LISTEN TO PREVIOUS SINGLE GOLD
Toronto, ON – March 22, 2023 – Canadian hip-hop trailblazer, Mouraine, shares Tonight, the second single from his forthcoming album, In Search of Gold. In soft strums, resonant 808s and poetic verses, Mouraine tells the honest story of his humble beginnings and the roots of his mission as an artist. The track was produced by Rayannah Kroeker & deadmen and features background vocals by Begonia and a special excerpt of Mouraine's immigrant story, as told by his mother during a heartfelt call from the studio. Listen to Tonight here.
"My humble beginnings trying to adjust and fit in a new country as a refugee reaching a place where I no longer had to worry about my safety and basic survival needs, but now I had to face new struggles," Mouraine adds. "It's hard to dream big when the system is set up to limit you to a stereotype. being in a dilemma of feeling grateful but still hungry for more."
In addition, Mouraine shares an incredible visual highlighting his recent performances at JUNOFest last week soundtracked by Tonight. The piece is a showcase of his hustle, come up and the community that surrounds and supports him. Watch the visualizer for Tonight here.
As In Search Of Gold nears its release on May 5 via Birthday Cake Records, Tonight follows Mouraine's shiny first single, Gold. The song evokes the inner and outer glow of realizing self-worth and pursuing potential to the highest degree. Listen to Gold here. Produced by Western Canadian Music Award (WCMA) winning producer-engineer duo, deadmen (Begonia, Ashleigh Ball, Royal Canoe), Gold moves with a melodious beat and Mouraine's clever rhyme and verse. The video for Gold was filmed in Joshua Tree National Park, California and directed by Mat Dunlap and assisted by Kevin Manning. Mouraine traverses the desert terrain to claim his throne - and spin gold records - beneath a warm west coast sun. This is a reminder to never settle, no matter the time or the setting. Watch Gold here.
Tonight and Gold are a telling entrance into this new era of Mouraine, and drives the energy for In Search of Gold. Mouraine worked with deadmen (Matt Peters & Matt Schellenberg) to craft new sounds, showcase Mouraine's growth as an artist, and create a sonic representation of Mouraine's life journey. The project is a collaboration with producer duo deadmen (Begonia, Royal Canoe, Ashleigh Ball, Ian Sweet), with features from his brother MOTO, Canadian R&B icon, JRDN, and more. The songs delve into Mouraine’s personal life story and deliver an intimate vulnerability complemented by captivating stories, bold lyricism and colossal beats. Audiences both familiar, or newly introduced, to Mouraine's catalogue and unparalleled stage presence will witness In Search of Gold as a byproduct of years of hard work, determination and talent, failure and loss. This album comes with as much triumph and accomplishment as it does challenge and vulnerability.
Earlier this month, Mouraine rocked JUNOFest in his hometown of Edmonton, and is amping up for shows in the UK in May. He'll make a big debut at FOCUS Wales Festival in Wrexham, a show at Notting Hill Arts Club in London followed by The Great Escape Festival in Brighton. Learn more about Mouraine's career below, connect with him online and stay tuned for more music as he blazes his path.
TOUR DATES
May 4 - 6 - Wrexham, UK - FOCUS Wales Festival
May 7 - London, UK - Notting Hill Arts Club
May 11 - 13 - Brighton, UK - The Great Escape Festival
DOWNLOAD - Tonight Artwork | DOWNLOAD - Mouraine Press Photo
Connect with Mouraine: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | TikTok
Apple Music | TikTok: @mouraine
BBC INTRODUCING TRACK OF THE WEEK
ANNOUNCED FOR READING + LEEDS, NASS AND THE GREAT ESCAPE
LISTEN BACK TO FAST FWD TO FRIDAY MIX SERIES HERE
Toronto, ON – March 21, 2023 – Electronic trio, NOISY, bring a new flavour to their banger single, RUDEBOY, with an alternative version featuring pal and rising powerhouse, Master Peace, out now via Concord Records. Listen to the single here / watch the music video here.
Following the immense success of their first single of 2022, RUDEBOY, which was crowned BBC Introducing Track Of The Week, as well as receiving extensive support from Radio X, 6Music and more, NOISY have recruited friend Master Peace to bring the track up a gear. Rude by name, rude by nature, RUDEBOY is an attitude-driven anthem, sonically flirting between the likes of Justice, Basement Jaxx and Fat Boy Slim.
On the new single and collaborating with Master Peace, singer Cody said: “RUDEBOY is about feeling completely locked into music, whether you’re in a club, or in a packed tent at a festival or on a night bus with your headphones on. When it hits the music takes you and you can't think about anything else. It started with the lyric 'I put my shades on.' I was just thinking about being at a festival, with the sun shining and feeling euphoric. We were listening to a lot of Chemical Brothers and Justice at the time and so we wanted a heavy bass beat-driven song and it all flowed from there.
“We had been DMing (Master Peace) and it turned out we were fans of each other, we absolutely loved his stuff, and Peace came to hang out with us in the studio a few weeks ago. He liked RUDEBOY and hopped on a verse, we were blown away. We then performed it together at our club night Fast FWD to Friday and thought we had to put it out, it was a highlight of the night!”
2023 has already been bountiful for the exciting trio, with two sold-out club night shows, performing at the esteemed Brits Week at Lafayette London, and confirmed slots at Reading + Leeds, NASS Festival, and The Great Escape. Their debut appearance at the SXSW Music Festival was a triumph, with the band performing in front of capacity crowds at showcases presented by the British Music Embassy, Dr. Marten's, and KROX/101X as well as their own official SXSW showcase. Now, collaborating with the likes of Master Peace continues to cement this year as the year of NOISY.
The past few years have been all gas no breaks for NOISY. Collaborations have been bountiful, from High Contrast remixing 24/7 to releases with the likes of The Prototypes, 1991 and Zero. The music truly comes to life on stage, and the group enjoyed knock-out festival slots at the likes of Reading & Leeds (Radio 1s Dance Stage), Mad Cool, Kendal Calling, and Neighbourhood Weekend. The group also opened for Mike Skinner ahead of embarking on their UK headline tour which came to London for a sold-out XOYO show last year.
NOISY’s touring schedule has been eventful in more ways than one. In 2021 the group made the headlines between shows when their tour van was stolen outside their tour manager’s flat one night, along with synthesizers, FX pedals, guitars, amps; the lot. With a never say die attitude though, the trio came across some of their equipment on eBay and planned a sting operation to reclaimed all of the equipment.
This self-sufficient, DIY mindset is one of the driving forces of NOISY (comprised of singer Cody, guitarist Connor and producer Spencer), who pride themselves on owning creative control, writing, recording and producing all of their music, designing their own merch and often shooting their own music videos.
Allow us to reintroduce NOISY. Your new favourite band, that sound nothing like a band.
DOWNLOAD - Press Photo
DOWNLOAD - RUDEBOY featuring Master Peace Artwork
NOISY on TikTok
FULL ARTIST AND VENDOR LINE-UP REVEALED
DIGGING ROOTS AND AYSANABEE TO PERFORM
ELDER DR. DUKE REDBIRD TO CLOSE FESTIVAL
TORONTO, ON – March 20, 2023 – Celebrate and honour springtime at Ziigwan (SEE-gwon), a free three-day Indigenous music and arts festival at Yonge-Dundas Square, March 24 - 26, 2023.
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund and Downtown Yonge BIA, in collaboration with ELMNT FM Radio, Red Music Rising, and Music Tourism, are pleased to reveal the complete artist and vendor lineup for the festival, featuring some of the most prominent and emerging Indigenous artists, creators, and entrepreneurs.
BLACKIE & THE RODEO KINGS ⧫ DJ SHUB ⧫ NORTHERN CREE JULIAN TAYLOR ⧫ DIGGING ROOTS ⧫ AYSANABEE BOOGEY THE BEAT ⧫ TIA WOOD ⧫ LOGAN STAATS STATUS/NON-STATUS ⧫ SHAWNEE KISH ⧫ BULLHORN SINGERS W/ SPECIAL GUEST NOELLE ⧫ SEBASTIAN GASKIN ⧫ NIMKISH 📍 YONGE-DUNDAS SQUARE 📆 MARCH 24 - 26, 2023 downiewenjack.ca/events/ziigwan |
Beginning Friday at 4:30pm and continuing all weekend, the following Indigenous vendors will be serving up food, beadwork, clothing, and more as part of the festival:
Aaniin ⧫ Beadwork by Saga ⧫ Dashmaawaan Bemaadzinjin
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund ⧫
GoodMinds Indigenous Books ⧫ Indigenous Bijoux ⧫
Little Wiggly Art ⧫ Native Arts Society ⧫
Neechi by Nature ⧫ Pacha Indigenous Art Collection ⧫ Riksworks ⧫ Theresa Burning
Sunday, March 26 is Family Day at Ziigwan, where GoodMinds Indigenous Books will sell a variety of books catered to children and youth, and the Strong Water Singers will facilitate learning activations so children and families can engage in meaningful conversations about Indigenous cultures.
Later that day, Elder Dr. Duke Redbird will join us to close this important gathering in a good way, sharing his thoughts on Ziigwan (springtime) and our collective journey toward reconciliation. Dr. Redbird is an Elder from the Saugeen First Nation and a celebrated Indigenous Visionary, intellectual, poet, broadcaster, and filmmaker.
Ziigwan, the Anishnaabemowin word for springtime, celebrates the healing and learning power of music and art, the rebirth of spring, and the collective awakening. The festival aims to bring people together in one of the city’s most prominent spaces, collectively reemerging from the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This project is being made possible and funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
ABOUT THE GORD DOWNIE AND CHANIE WENJACK FUND:
Inspired by Chanie’s story and Gord’s call to build a better Canada, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Our goal is to improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all peoples in Canada. downiewenjack.ca
ABOUT THE DOWNTOWN YONGE BIA:
The Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area (DYBIA) is a catalyst for creating vibrant urban experiences and events in the heart of downtown Toronto. Representing more than 2,000 businesses and their employees, as well as the broader community of residents, students and visitors, the DYBIA champions attractive public spaces, popular events, safety and cleanliness. It plays an active role both at street level and in boardrooms, advocating for a thriving and diverse community of retailers, restaurants and services. downtownyonge.com
ABOUT ELMNT FM RADIO:
106.5 ELMNT FM is Toronto’s only Indigenous-owned radio station. Owned and operated by First Peoples Radio and launched in October 2018, 106.5 ELMNT FM plays the latest pop, hip-hop and R&B, while promoting some of the best First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists working today. elmntfm.ca
ABOUT RED MUSIC RISING:
Launched in January 2020 in partnership with Dadan Sivunivut, Red Music Rising is a holistic music company. A full-service artist management company and record label owned and managed entirely by Indigenous individuals, with a mission to help develop robust, sustainable, life-long careers for Indigenous artists and industry professionals. Matt Maw (Chippewas of the Thames First Nation) is Red Music Rising’s Director & Lead Artist Manager. Matt brings over a decade of multi-faceted music industry experience to Red Music Rising, along with a passion for artist development and a mission to amplify Canada's Indigenous talent on the global stage. redmusicrising.ca
ABOUT MUSIC TOURISM:
Specializing in music city and music tourism industry consultancy and business development, Music Tourism is led by Chris Campbell, an inventive, collaborative, and self-motivated music, entertainment, and tourism industry professional with decades of experience in strategic planning, event acquisition and major event management. We specialize in the creation and implementation of music city and music tourism strategies. Working together with your industry stakeholders we will maximize economic and socio-economic potential. musictourism.ca
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ZIIGWAN FESTIVAL DE MUSIQUE ET D’ARTS AUTOCHTONES DÉVOILEMENT DE L’ENTIÈRE PROGRAMMATION LUMIÈRE SUR LES ARTISTES
ET EXPOSANTS
DIGGING ROOTS ET AYSANABEE SE PRODUIRONT
ELDER DR. DUKE REDBIRD CLORA LE FESTIVAL
TORONTO, ON - Le 20 mars 2023 – Célébrez le printemps et rendez-lui hommage à l’occasion de Ziigwan (prononcer SEE-gwon), un festival de musique et d’arts autochtones gratuit d’une durée de trois jours qui se tiendra Place Yonge-Dundas du 24 au 26 mars prochains.
Le Fonds Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack et Downtown Yonge BIA, en collaboration avec ELMNT FM Radio, Red Music Rising et Music Tourism, sont heureux de dévoiler la programmation complète du festival. Celle-ci réunit certains des artistes, créateurs et entrepreneurs autochtones les plus en vue du Canada ainsi que d’autres, en pleine émergence.
BLACKIE & THE RODEO KINGS ⧫ DJ SHUB ⧫ NORTHERN CREE JULIAN TAYLOR ⧫ DIGGING ROOTS ⧫ AYSANABEE BOOGEY THE BEAT ⧫ TIA WOOD ⧫ LOGAN STAATS STATUS/NON-STATUS ⧫ SHAWNEE KISH ⧫ BULLHORN SINGERS W/ SPECIAL GUEST NOELLE ⧫ SEBASTIAN GASKIN ⧫ NIMKISH 📍 PLACE YONGE-DUNDAS 📆 DU 24 AU 26 MARS 2023 downiewenjack.ca/events/ziigwan-fr |
À partir du vendredi, 16 h 30, et tout au long du week-end, les participants autochtones suivants vendront de la nourriture, des objets perlés, des vêtements et plusieurs autres items dans le cadre du festival :
Aaniin ⧫ Beadwork by Saga ⧫ Dashmaawaan Bemaadzinjin
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund ⧫
GoodMinds Indigenous Books ⧫ Indigenous Bijoux ⧫
Little Wiggly Art ⧫ Native Arts Society ⧫ Neechi by Nature ⧫ Pacha Indigenous Art Collection ⧫ Riksworks ⧫ Theresa Burning
Le dimanche 26 mars sera le Jour de la famille au festival Ziigwan! GoodMinds Indigenous Books offrira à la vente une foule de livres destinés aux enfants et jeunes lecteurs. Les Strong Water Singers animeront des activités d’apprentissage de sorte que les enfants et leurs familles puissent prendre part à des conversations signifiantes au sujet des cultures autochtones.
Plus tard ce même jour, Elder Dr. Duke Redbird se joindra à nous pour clore bellement ce rassemblement important, partageant ses pensées au sujet de Ziigwan (le printemps) et de notre voyage collectif vers la réconciliation. Dr Redbird est un Aîné de la Première Nation Saugeen. Il est de plus un Autochtone visionnaire, un intellectuel, un poète, diffuseur et cinéaste.
Ziigwan, le mot anishnaabemowin pour « printemps », célèbre les pouvoirs de guérison et d’apprentissage que possèdent la musique et l’art; la renaissance printanière; et l’éveil collectif. Le festival vise à nous rassembler dans un des espaces publics les plus importants de la ville alors que nous émergeons collectivement de l’emprise de la COVID-19.
Ce projet a été rendu possible grâce à un financement du Gouvernement du Canada par l’entremise de l’Agence fédérale de développement économique pour le Sud de l’Ontario.
À PROPOS DU FONDS GORD DOWNIE & CHANIE WENJACK :
Inspiré par l’histoire de Chanie et l’invitation de Gord à construire un meilleur Canada, le Fonds Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack vise à bâtir une compréhension culturelle entre peuples autochtones et non-autochtones et à créer un chemin vers leur réconciliation. Notre objectif est d’améliorer la qualité de vie des Autochtones en suscitant la sensibilisation et l’éducation de tous les peuples du Canada de même que leurs interrelations. downiewenjack.ca/fr
À PROPOS DE DOWNTOWN YONGE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA :
Cet organisme est le catalyseur de la création d’expériences et d’événements urbains vibrants au coeur du centre-ville de Toronto. Représentant plus de 2 000 entreprises et leurs employés, de même qu’une vaste communauté de résidents, d’étudiants et de visiteurs, il milite pour des espaces publics attrayants et des événements populaires, et promeut sécurité et propreté. Il joue également un rôle actif dans la rue comme dans les conseils d’administration en plaidant pour une communauté prospère et diversifiée de détaillants, de restaurants et de services. downtownyonge.com
À PROPOS D’ELMNT FM :
106.5 ELMNT FM est la seule station de radio autochtone de Toronto. Détenue et exploitée par First Peoples Radio et inaugurée en octobre 2018, 106.5 ELMNT FM fait tourner les plus récents tubes pop, hip-hop et R&B tout en faisant la promotion des meilleurs artistes des Premières Nations, Inuit et Métis oeuvrant aujourd’hui. elmntfm.ca
À PROPOS DE RED MUSIC RISING :
Fondée en janvier 2020 en partenariat avec Dadan Sivunivut, Red Music Rising est une maison de disque holistique. Il s’agit d’une compagnie offrant un service complet de gestion d’artistes et d’enregistrement de disques, entièrement détenue et gérée par des Autochtones, dont la mission est de contribuer à développer des carrières solides durant toute la vie des artistes autochtones et des professionnels de l’industrie. Matt Maw (de la Première Nation des Chippewas de la Thames) est le directeur et gérant d’artistes principal de Red Music Rising. Il y apporte une expérience diversifiée dans l’industrie de la musique longue de plus d’une décennie, ainsi qu’une passion pour le développement de la carrière d’artistes, assortie de la mission d’amplifier la présence du talent autochtone sur la scène mondiale. www.redmusicrising.ca
À PROPOS DE MUSIC TOURISM :
Firme conseil spécialisée dans le développement commercial de villes de la musique et du tourisme musical, Music Tourism est dirigée par Chris Campbell, un professionnel de l’industrie de la musique, du divertissement et du tourisme possédant des décennies d’expérience en matière de planification stratégique, d’acquisition d’événements et de gestion de projets d’envergure. Music Tourism se concentre sur la création et la mise en œuvre de stratégies visant les villes de la musique et le tourisme. En travaillant de concert avec les parties prenantes de l’industrie, elle en maximise les potentiels économiques et socio-économiques. www.musictourism.ca
LISTEN HERE
LEAD SINGLE KID RISES TO TOP 10 AT AAA
AND #13 AT ALTERNATIVE RADIO
NEW STUDIO ALBUM POUR IT OUT INTO THE NIGHT
OUT JUNE 2 ON CONCORD RECORDS
“The Revivalists focus on the positive on new single Kid [with] the feeling that in this cluttered world, we must block out all
the distractions to find our most authentic self.” - PEOPLE
“The Revivalists' sound covers a lot of ground and harkens back to many of their diverse influences…but they are constantly moving forward.”
– Grammy.com
“A high energy, seamless blend of soulful, horn-abetted rock and roll…inching closer to pop superstardom…” - Relix
"... a creative, compelling blend of musical ingenuity and heart..." – Billboard
TORONTO, ON – March 17, 2023 – Chart-topping rock band, The Revivalists, have released a new politically charged album track The Long Con today from their forthcoming studio album, Pour It Out Into The Night, (out June 2 via Concord Records), as lead radio single Kid is rising fast, jumping into the Top 10 at AAA and #13 at Alternative Radio after being #1 most added at both formats in its first week, and starting to buzz at Hot AC, with more than 1.3 million streams to date.
Featuring a gospel-style chant and a punchy groove amped up by waves of distortion, The Long Con acknowledges the deep divisions in our country with the hope that we can hold onto the power of love. Listen to The Long Con here and pre-save/pre-order Pour It Out Into The Night here. Each pre-order includes an instant download of The Long Con and Kid.
“The Long Con is a song for the marginalized, the underrepresented and taken advantage of. It’s heartbreaking to see what’s happening in our country. I wanted to write a song that we could all sing together at our concerts, and truly feel connected and aligned. It’s a song for the people,” says vocalist/guitarist David Shaw.
The Revivalists’ lead single Kid, which sees the band featured on this week’s cover of Apple Music’s ALT CTRL playlist, is a hopeful anthem invoking the zest for life, self-belief, catharsis and “living for the spirit now” as the song declares, featuring an infectious melody and piano peeking through bright acoustic guitar as intricate layers of the band's distinctive instrumentation power a euphoric chantable chorus. Directed by Johnny Chew, the graffiti-inspired music video features artful, eye-popping stop-motion animation of the band against a backdrop that pays homage to the architectural and artistic aesthetics that define the band’s home of New Orleans. Watch the Kid video here.
Kid introduces Pour It Out Into The Night, a life-affirming album about living in the moment that offers both an unburdening and an appreciation for the here and now, fueled by lessons in gratitude and life realizations. As the world came to a standstill in the years since their last album, Take Good Care, personal experiences and life challenges abounded, with band members having their first children, getting married, and navigating the mental hurdles of lockdown. The band’s process for this record was the most self-guided one yet, and was produced by GRAMMY Award-winning producer, Rich Costey [Muse, Foster the People, Death Cab for Cutie] with co-production from David, Zack, and the rest of the band.
The Revivalists are renowned for their live prowess, soulful alt-rock anthems, and distinct mix of many of the classic styles of American music, led by the incredible voice of front man David Shaw. They will deliver a big hometown set at New Orleans JazzFest in April and Bonnaroo in June before embarking on their North American tour, including co-headline dates with The Head and The Heart beginning June 30 followed by co-headline dates with Band Of Horses beginning July 28. After three consecutive sell-outs at the famed venue, they return to Red Rocks in Colorado for a headline show on September 14. For tickets, please visit www.therevivalists.com.
Eight-piece rock 'n' roll collective The Revivalists – David Shaw [lead vocals, guitar], Zack Feinberg [guitar], Andrew Campanelli [drums], George Gekas [bass], Ed Williams [pedal steel guitar], Rob Ingraham [saxophone], Michael Girardot [keyboard, trumpet], and PJ Howard [drums, percussion] – have earned multiplatinum success, more than 800 million streams, multiple Adult Alternative #1s and Alternative Radio hits, major media praise, numerous national television performances, and sold-out shows at hallowed venues such as Radio City Music Hall, The Ryman and Red Rocks. Their philanthropic umbrella fund, Rev Causes, supports a variety of organizations dedicated to reviving and investing in our communities, our health, and our environment. By donating a portion of ticket sales, through fan donations, and a variety of other fundraising efforts, the band assists multiple national and local organizations in building a better future.
The Revivalists 2023 Live Dates
March 19 - Tampa, FL @ Innings Festival
March 31 - Jackson, WY @ Rendezvous Festival
April 28 – 30 - New Orleans, LA @ New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
April 28 - New Orleans LA @ The Fillmore
June 9 - Atlanta, GA @ Fox Theatre
June 18 - Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo
June 30 - Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theater #
July 1 - Waite Park, MN @ The Ledge Amphitheater #
July 3 - Cedar Rapids, IA @ McGrath Amphitheatre #
July 5 - Selbyville, DE @ Freeman Arts Pavilion #
July 6 - Raleigh, NC @ Red Hat Amphitheater #
July 8 - Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion #
July 9 - Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony Summer Stage (with The Head and The Heart only)
July 12 - Philadelphia, PA @ Skyline Stage at the Mann #
July 14 - Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater #
July 15 - Gilford, NH @ Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion #
July 26 - Toronto, ON @ HISTORY (with The Heavy Heavy only)
July 28 - Chautauqua, NY @ Chautauqua Amphitheater ^
July 29 - Indianapolis, IN @ TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park ^
August 1 - Milwaukee, WI @ Riverside Theater *
August 3 - Oshkosh, WI @ Leach Amphitheater *
August 6 - Cleveland, OH @ Jacobs Pavilion *
August 8 - Portland, ME @ Thompson's Point ^
August 10 - Brooklyn, NY @ Prospect Park ^
August 11 - Boston, MA @ Leader Bank Pavilion ^
August 31 - Berkeley, CA @ Greek Theatre *
September 2 - Troutdale, OR @ Edgefield Amphitheater (with The Heavy Heavy only)
September 6 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas *
September 9 - San Diego, CA @ Gallagher Square at Petco Park *
September 10 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Greek Theatre ^
September 14 - Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre (support from Band of Horses & The Heavy Heavy)
September 17 - Telluride, CO @ Telluride Blues and Brews Festival
# co-headline with The Head and The Heart & support from Jaime Wyatt
^ co-headline with Band of Horses
* co-headline with Band of Horses & support from The Heavy Heavy
TORONTO, ON - March 17, 2023 - Today BRIT nominated DJ and producer, Regard, has shared a brand new dancefloor creeper, No Sleep, with chart topping, multi-platinum selling artist Ella Henderson. The track is out now via Ministry of Sound - listen here.
No Sleep is the perfect pairing of moody trance-inspired synths driven by Ella's soulful vocals, addressing moving past a lost love. The disco inflected chorus glistens, and is a testament to Regard’s penchant for crafting compelling dance tracks with infectious and nuanced melodies.
Speaking further about the track, Regard says “I started creating the beginnings of what would become No Sleep last summer. I was so consumed by making the track, I didn’t realise that by the end of my session, it was morning. I worked my way through the entire night on this song. Ironically, it went on to become ‘No Sleep’ thanks to Ella’s incredible performance on the track.”
Ella adds “I’m so excited to have collaborated with Regard on No Sleep. It feels so empowering to sing such a defiant lyric over such a feel good record! I believe many people will relate to this song & I think having more upbeat records with a strong & powerful message is something we all need right now! I’m excited for this one & I can’t wait to perform it live together at some point!!”
About Regard
It was by accident that REGARD found his stage name. The word, “regardé,” came to the DJ during French class in high school. “To see” became the core behind Regard’s music. “When I perform,” he says, “I look at the people and how they feel the music.” For REGARD, his deep house mixes consist not only of sound, but also of sight. Performance is a reciprocal and intimate relationship between the DJ and the audience. Kosovan DJ and producer REGARD garnered global attention with his debut single, Ride It, which became an international hit, taking the internet and TikTok by storm and quickly followed it up with his second hit single and BRIT nominated Secrets featuring South London singer RAYE. He has gone on to achieve over 10X top 10 single chart placements globally. In the UK, Ride It has sold over 1 million records to date (6x Platinum), while Secrets was recently certified Gold. His 2x Platinum single, YOU, with Troye Sivan and Tate McRae achieved over 320 million streams, #2 at Main AC, #20 at Hot AC, #32 at Top 40 in Canada, #1 TikTok sound in UK and is the longest running #1on the US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart in 2021, plus saw REGARD perform on Jimmy Fallon. REGARD has had four #1 US Dance Airplay hits, amassed 3.3 billion combined streams & 12 million worldwide sales.
About Ella Henderson
Bursting onto the scene 11 years ago with a No. 1 debut single (Ghost) and album (Chapter One), Ella Henderson has since ascended to a multi-platinum selling, BRIT and Ivor Novello Award nominee, with over a billion streams to her name - all by the age of 27. A hit songwriter and powerhouse vocalist, Ella has collaborated with musical luminaries including Ryan Tedder and Babyface, as well as superstar DJs including Sigma and Kygo. To date, she has achieved seven UK Top 10s as a lead artist, the most recent including, Crazy What Love Can Do with David Guetta and Becky Hill, and 21 Reasons with Nathan Dawe. Last year, Ella released her long-awaited second album Everything I Didn’t Say. Heralded by powerful lead single Brave and a showstopping performance on The Graham Norton Show, the record debuted in the Official Charts Top 10, becoming her second to do so. She also hit the road for her first headline tour in seven years, spanning seven dates across October, the sold-out run concluded at London’s prestigious O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire.
DOWNLOAD - Press Photos | DOWNLOAD - No Sleep Art
Regard on TikTok
Connect with Regard: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
SONG OFF FORTHCOMING NEW ALBUM AMONG OTHER THINGS
OUT APRIL 21 ON ROUNDER RECORDS
ANNOUNCES NEW U.S., EUROPEAN AND UK TOUR DATES
SXSW THIS WEEK + STAGECOACH, UNDER THE BIG SKY FESTIVAL, TELLURIDE, MERLEFEST AND MORE!
"Sometimes the minute you hear a voice, you know it's for the ages. That's how Canadian Bella White, the daughter of a Virginia bluegrasser, enters the picture. Making her second album now, at 22, White is poised for a major breakthrough. This is her origin story." - NPR
“At just 22, Bella White is a songwriting prodigy and emotional alchemist.” - Grammy.com
“Sublime Appalachian heartbreak.” - Rolling Stone
“(‘Break My Heart’) is an instant classic” - Folk Alley
TORONTO, ON – March 17, 2023 – Calgary-born singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, Bella White, will release her new album, Among Other Things, on April 21 via Rounder Records and today she shares another taste of the LP by way of new single, Flowers On My Bedside. The single – both raw and mournful – took shape as White tapped into the bracing lucidity that sometimes accompanies heartache. She says, “Flowers On My Bedside is a song for empowerment. I wrote it when I was in a sad place and it was a very healing experience, to take a hard situation and turn it into something that feels creatively inspiring.” Listen to/share Flowers On My Bedside here.
Among Other Things was produced by Jonathan Wilson and features Buck Meek of Big Thief on guitar. White has teased the album with a handful of songs that together give the listener a sense of her remarkable writing and life-long-honed skills as a bluegrass player. “Bella White stands out as the youngest in her class of breakthrough virtuosos defined by the likes of Billy Strings and Amythyst Kiah. Her poetic poignancy conjures up the palpable devastation from a novice lover whose heart —one brimming with naïve ideas of romance—has shattered into a seemingly irreparable form,” said American Songwriter. Previous releases include last year’s The Way I Oughta Go the gorgeous and reflective Rhododendron and last month’s Break My Heart.
Among Other Things is available for pre-order here digitally and on LP with specialty vinyl in Garnet and Tiger’s Eye via the artist’s website at www.bellawhitemusic.com.
Rolling Stone included White in their Best Things We Saw roundup of AmericanaFest and she has spent this week captivating audiences in Austin during several appearances at SXSW including a slot at the Luck Reunion. Tonight, she will be appearing at the imogene + willie party. White is excited to announce new U.S. headline dates that include a stop in New York City on May 4. She has also added dates in Europe and the UK and has confirmed appearances at major U.S. festivals throughout the spring and summer including Stagecoach, Merlefest, Telluride, Under The Big Sky, and more. All tour dates listed below.
White made her mark on the scene with the release of her debut album Just Like Leaving. The LP caught the attention of Rounder Records which signed her last year. While traditional bluegrass originated in Appalachia, the genre has surely found a safe and loving Canadian home via her songwriting. The 22-year-old singer/songwriter and instrumentalist shies away from modern and fussy arrangements, and instead brings a traditional style of music into the contemporary moment by personalizing it to her own experiences. White has shown herself to be a star student of the bluegrass genre, with something new to bring to the table. Her ability to translate modern experience to an old sound is seamless and compelling, and permeates the boundaries of a regional genre with authentic singing and songwriting. Read more about Bella White here.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
SXSW
March 17 - Yeti Showcase - 220 S. Congress - Austin, TX
March 17 - The imogene + willie party - imogene + willie store - Austin, TX
April 28 - Stagecoach - Indio, CA
May 2 – The Loft at City Winery Philadelphia – Philadelphia, PA
May 3 – Pearl St. Warehouse – Washington, DC
May 4 – Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 2) – New York, NY
May 17- Duke’s Indy – Indianapolis, IN
May 19 - Sleeping In The Woods Songwriter Festival - Monticello, KY
May 20 - Pit House – Slade, KY
June 18 - Black Deer Festival, Tunbridge Wells, UK
June 20 - The Glad Cafe - Glasgow, SCOTLAND
June 21 – The Lexington, London, UK
June 23 – SPOT, Groningen, NETHERLANDS
June 24 - Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival - Rotterdam, ZH, NETHERLANDS
July 14 - Under the Big Sky Music & Arts Festival, White Fish, MT
LISTEN HERE
Toronto, ON – March 17, 2023 – Ormiston - the solo project of Montreal-born Nicola Ormiston - is bringing a Distortion Of Reality with his new single. Out today via Lisbon Lux Records, the pristine indie emotional track draws inspiration from the songwriting of the 80s (a la Cindy Lauper) while establishing a more lo-fi contemporary sound. Listen to Distortion Of Reality here and watch the fantastic visualizer here.
Distortion Of Reality marks the beginning of a new era for Ormiston, unveiling a more dramatic and dreamlike sound after the release of his debut 2021 album, Hammer Down. Ormiston explores the identity crisis of a young adult, who lives his life unconsciously, without worrying about the harsh realities. The song is a sample of what will be heard on a new album, set to be released later this year.
Hammer Down, received over 400k streams, received incredible support from BBC, CBC, Amazing Radio and was featured on numerous playlists (Indie All Stars, it's a BOP!, Fresh Find Rock). Highlight track Time Fades appeared in Pete Davidson's latest film, Meet Cute.
About Ormiston
Singer-songwriter and producer of a sunny and laidback sound, somewhere between indie pop, chillwave and yacht rock where you can find influences from Toro Y Moi, MGMT and electro-disco. Born into a bilingual Montreal family, he was raised around female musicians and grew up with a strong sense of melody. After mixing and producing some tracks for Milk & Bone, Heartstreets, Misage and Freida Mari, he released in 2013 the song Typically Her (under the name Beverlay) that ended up being remixed by Kaytranada, helping it reach more than 3 million streams worldwide. In 2020, he signed with Canadian label Lisbon Lux Records. On stage, his piercing voice is supported by his three outstanding musicians. He offers a lively and touching show that irresistibly invites you to dance.
Connect with Ormiston: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify | TikTok
DOWNLOAD - Press Photo | DOWNLOAD - Artwork
TikTok: @ormistonmusic
LISTEN HERE
NEW RENDITION OF CHART-TOPPING SINGLE FOLLOWS RECENT COLLABORATIONS WITH SHARON VAN ETTEN, LUCIUS
& MORE FEATURED ON STRAYS
UPCOMING APPEARANCES INCLUDE SXSW KEYNOTE AND AUSTIN CITY LIMITS TAPING PLUS HEADLINE TOUR DATES, SUMMER FESTIVALS AND CHRIS STAPLETON SHOWS
TORONTO, ON – March 16, 2023 – Today, Margo Price joins forces with Sierra Ferrell to release a brand new rendition of her Strays standout, Change of Heart, which recently reigned #1 for 14 consecutive weeks on the Americana chart. The single marks the first-ever collaboration between two of Nashville’s most shapeshifting singers and songwriters, who together transform the track from a turbulent eruption of psych rock into a stripped-back but swift arrangement of spellbinding vocals, a gently stomping acoustic guitar, and haunting lines of fiddle. In the album’s original recording and mind-bending music video, “a wiry blues guitar riff and jabs of organ hint at the Doors as Price delivers a breaking-away song that toys with paradoxes” (The New York Times), but here the focus is further given to the lyrics’ reflection on reckoning with one’s past and eradicating the fear of judgment.
Listen to Change of Heart (feat. Sierra Ferrell) via Loma Vista Recordings, available on DSPs as a three-track EP alongside Strays highlights Radio (feat. Sharon Van Etten) and Anytime You Call (feat Lucius).
On working with Sierra Ferrell, and celebrating friends, fellow artists and collaborators during Women’s History Month, Margo Price says, “I’m real excited to share this stripped down take on 'Change of Heart' featuring Sierra Ferrell. Sierra is one of my favorite new voices in music and I loved getting to work with her on this acoustic version of the song. I love to lift up other women in the genre when I see somebody putting out great art. In an industry that tries to drive us apart, it’s freeing to break down those barriers and say, ‘there is room for everyone.’ Thanks also to the cowriter of the song, my husband, Jeremy Ivey on acoustic guitar and the talented Billy Contreras on the fiddle.”
Following the release of Strays – a freedom-filled, mushroom-fueled, Jonathan Wilson-produced opus that’s been called her “strongest, most cohesive record yet” (Rolling Stone) – Margo Price has showcased songs like Change of Heart and Radio on The Late Late Show with James Corden, CBS Mornings and a national headline tour that just brought her triumphant return to the Ryman Auditorium. This week, Price heads to Texas to discuss Strays and her memoir, Maybe We’ll Make It, during a keynote conversation at SXSW on March 17, in addition to performing at Luck Reunion, and taping an episode for Season 49 of Austin City Limits on March 19.
This spring and summer, Margo Price’s ‘Til The Wheels Fall Off Tour rolls on with new headline shows just added today, plus amphitheater and arena dates with Chris Stapleton, festivals and more to be added soon. Find the full list below and tickets here.
Margo Price Tour Dates
3/24 - Boise, ID - Treefort Music Fest
4/26 - El Paso, TX - Don Haskins Center*
4/27 - Albuquerque, NM - Isleta Amphitheater*
4/29 - Los Angeles, CA - Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90
4/30 - Los Angeles, CA - Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90
6/22 - Pendleton, OR - Jackalope Jamboree
6/24 - Lander, WY - Lander Concert Series
6/25 - Livingston, MT - Pine Creek Lodge
6/28 - Omaha, NE - The Waiting Room
6/29 - Rogers, AR - Outlaw Music Festival
7/1 - Denver, CO - Dusty Boots
7/13 - Charleston, SC - Credit One Stadium*
7/14 - Virginia Beach, VA - Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater*
7/15 - Baltimore, MD - CFG Bank Arena*
8/5 - Boston, MA - Leader Bank Pavilion!
8/6 - Portland, ME - Thompson's Point!
8/7 - Portsmouth, NH - The Music Hall Historic Theater
8/9 - Buffalo, NY - Town Ballroom
8/10 - Philadelphia, PA - The Met Philadelphia!
8/19 - Bethel, NY - Catbird Music Festival
8/25 - London, UK - Lafayette
8/25-8/27 - Leicestershire, UK - The Long Road
9/8-9/10 - Bristol, TN - Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
9/24 - Franklin, TN - Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival
10/1 - Bridgeport, CT - Sound on Sound
10/5 - Charlottesville, VA - John Paul Jones Arena*
10/6 - University Park, PA - Bryce Jordan Center*
*w/ Chris Stapleton
!w/ Tyler Childers
Praise For Strays
"Unstoppable, Unsinkable, Uninhibited…Strays struts through big-hearted indie country, honky-tonk stomp and ’70s guitar-explosion psychedelia"
The New York Times
"Perhaps the most comprehensive iteration of her continually evolving palette…as a songwriter, Price has never quite sounded more in command of detail and scene setting"
Rolling Stone
"Strays bursts with easy confidence and kind, stoic pearls of wisdom"
Pitchfork
"A potent, genre-spanning opus"
NPR Music
"Volcanic vocal performances and sharp character studies"
Vulture
"Brilliantly rattles through country, psych and Patti Smith-style poetic rock’n’roll...powerful lyrical gut-punches"
The Guardian, ★★★★
"A winding, deeply felt, at times rollicking trip"
ELLE
"Billows with pop sensibility, rock guitar, and country lyricism"
Vanity Fair
"A Career-Best"
Variety
"Excellent...her strongest and most collaborative album yet"
The Daily Beast
"Sonically brave and lyrically obstinate, a rare delight that stands out from its counterparts"
NME, ★★★★
"Price remains one of the best chroniclers of our fraught political moment"
PAPER
"There’s proof of Price’s growth - as an artist and observer - on every track"
Jezebel
"A thrilling step forward in a career that’s already made Price one of the most intriguing
voices in music"
BUST
"It’s her weirdest and wildest record yet, but also her wisest"
UNCUT
"This is an album to cherish"
CLASH
DOWNLOAD - single artwork | DOWNLOAD - Margo Price & Sierra Ferrell photo
DOWNLOAD - Strays album artwork | DOWNLOAD - Margo Price photo
LISTEN TO MOONSTONE HERE
Toronto, ON – March 14, 2023 – Following Sapphire and Tourmaline, Montreal-based genre-bending artist Aether unveils his stunning four-track EP, Moonstone, out on Monstercat today. Inspired by the way gemstones evolve into new formations, he produced each track in order - transforming the previous track’s foundation into the next, reflecting the crystalline evolution process.
Continuing to connect his music with astral elements of nature, the title track is reminiscent of moonlit walks, leading with lush ambient pads and charming piano chords. Aquamarine ushers in the preceding tracks’ percussive and bass elements while giving listeners an oceanic listening experience through waves of soothing hums and shimmering synthwork. Arriving as a celebration to Aether’s tenth year of making music, the EP also allowed him to overcome musical challenges in his pursuit of creating ambient-leaning sounds for the first time.
Aether shares, “I hope listeners can at the very least take away a pleasant listening experience. Deeper than this, I hope that it can help people explore outside of their comfort zone. I am a strong believer that life happens outside of your comfort zone and I think this EP is a testament to what kind of unexpected beauty that can lead to.”
Moonstone highlights Aether’s lauded producing and composing capabilities that range from lofi to contemporary over the years. His records and compositions have landed in popular video games titles and have amassed millions of streams, all while overcoming his Retinitis Pigmentosa diagnosis - a rare eye disease that breaks down cells in the eye, leaving him legally blind. He shows no signs of slowing down as he continues to unfold new musical creations and explore different soundscapes that fans can look forward to hearing soon.
Moonstone EP Tracklist
1. Moonstone
2. Aquamarine
3. Sapphire
4. Tourmaline
DOWNLOAD - Press Photo | DOWNLOAD - Moonstone EP Artwork
About Aether (pronounced A-ther – He/Him)
Jason Taylor, better known under the name Aether, is a Scottish music producer, composer, and sound designer. With a passion for sound in all forms, his work covers a diverse range of palettes including contemporary piano, ambient works, and electronic dance music.
Growing up with a music loving family, he was always exposed to new genres and sounds. This led him to an early love and appreciation for music. Entering the world with a visual impairment, Retinitis Pigmentosa, resulted in Aether spending a lot of his teenage years exploring the world of music production and composition in his bedroom.
In 2013, the Aether project was born. Spanning a decade-long career, his ever expanding portfolio continues to grow and evolve through new styles, new instruments, and new ideas.
"The focus is always on telling a story. Once that story presents itself to me, I do whatever I can to see it exist. Very rarely does this happen and I already have what I need." -Aether
SHARES NEW SINGLES
BUMP (WITH M.E.D. AND GUILTY SIMPSON)
ALONGSIDE INSTRUMENTAL INTHECOUPE
LISTEN HERE
PRE-ORDER ALBUM HERE
“Harrison is a high-achieving polymath...
His work fuses synthetic beats with complex, jazz-like arrangements,
and on ‘Float,’ he distills these sounds into a smooth, delicate soul rhythm.”
– NPR Music (Now Playing – Float)
“…a chef's kiss of a downtempo R&B jam for a dreamy two-and-a-half minutes.”
– CBC Music (Songs You Need To Hear – Float)
“Bonet's ethereal vocals are appropriate for a song titled Float.
The Los Angeles-based R&B singe…glides effortlessly
over Harrison's bass and drums-driven production.”
– Exclaim! (Track Feature – Float)
TORONTO, ON – March 14, 2023 – Following a strong return with two new songs last month, JUNO, UK MVA + Prism Prize nominated Toronto producer and musical polymath, Harrison, continues to share fresh sounds. A sonic intro to Spring, Harrison releases new single, Bump - a dream collab with some of his heroes, M.E.D. and Guilty Simpson - alongside Inthecoupe, a revved-up instrumental ode to cruising in your custom whip. The tracks usher the announcement of Harrison's new album, Birds, Bees, The Clouds & The Trees, out on April 28 via Last Gang Records/MNRK. Pre-order it here, and listen to Bump (featuring M.E.D. and Guilty Simpson) and Inthecoupe here.
Bump highlights verses from veteran emcees M.E.D. and Guilty Simpson, marking their first reunion since working on the 2006 J Dilla project, The Shining. Harrison's pivotal collab with the duo on this hip-hop heavy tune channels energies of J Dilla and Madlib, which influenced the duo's early Stones Throw careers. Opening the doors to Inthecoupe: inspired by Harrison's brief ownership of a 1991 BMW convertible with funk at the fore. Watch the visualizers, illustrated by Jeremy White, for Bump (featuring M.E.D. and Guilty Simpson) and Inthecoupe.
“Bump Is a love letter to some of my favourite rappers growing up. M.E.D. and Guilty have been huge influences on me since I was 16. Understanding their beat choices on producers they worked with was a really helpful growing tool. The instrumental for Bump was actually originally different. They found the pocket I was looking for on this new joint. I’m floored that they were kind enough to join me on this album," Harrison adds. “Inthecoupe is a reminder to myself to not be so serious all the time. My love for jazz is very deep but I still love making fun dance music. A playful song revolving around a brass synth and a bounce.”
Harrison’s innovative nature shines in Birds, Bees, The Clouds & The Trees: a 16-track collection of songs that highlights his affinity and dedication to the piano, blended with strong grooves, classic and contemporary jazz ingredients, sharp verses and prose lined with Brazilian bossa, funk, old-school hip-hop and rhythmic texture. A deep dive into Harrison’s universe, exciting guest features include rising LA-based singer-songwriters Kadhja Bonet (Float), Nanna.B (Blue Sky), fellow Toronto artist TOBi (on 2022-relesed single, Outta This World), and the previously released instrumentals, Like When We Were Kids and Around You. Pre-order the album here.
The album taps into themes of awakening from daydreaming, impacts of solitude, odes to younger selves, emerging from dark moments, honouring family members that have passed, carefreeness and more. The songs incorporate an array of instrumentation including Farfisa keys, breakbeats and a music box that was gifted to Harrison, as highlighted in the song of its namesake. Harrison drew inspiration from cartoons such as Looney Tunes and Gumball to Vince Guaraldi soundtracks.
Previous single, Float, is a smooth downtempo tune with a grooving R&B bassline that saw love from NPR, Exclaim!, CBC Music and Consequence, among many others. As guest Kadhja Bonet sings of struggling to find oneself in absent love, the LA songstress' graceful vocals weave throughout this buoyant track. A View From The Sky highlights Harrison’s deep study of jazz and dedication to the piano, written during a moment of personal reclamation after a dark time.
To complement Harrison's artistic vision, he enlisted acclaimed illustrator, Elijah Anderson, and the design and animation of Jeremy White to craft single artwork that recalls classic Blue Note covers and iconic Saturday morning cartoons like Schoolhouse Rock!. The album art was illustrated by Kento IIDA and designed by Jeremy White - view these pieces below. Check out Float here and A View From The Sky here.
Learn more about Harrison in his bio below and stay tuned for the album drop next month!
Harrison - Birds, Bees, The Clouds & The Trees Tracklist
1. Daydreamin
2. Cowboys
3. Outta This World (featuring TOBi)
4. Overhead
5. Like When We Were Kids
6. Bump (featuring M.E.D. and Guilty Simpson)
7. Honey Harbor (Bill's Song)
8. Music Box
9. Around You
10. Float (featuring Kadhja Bonet)
11. 2016
12. Inthecoupe
13. 7 pm
14. Blue Sky (featuring Nanna.B)
15. A View From The Sky
16. Runthatback
DOWNLOAD - Album Artwork | DOWNLOAD - Hi Res Single Artwork | DOWNLOAD - Hi Res Press Photo (by Luis Mora)
TikTok: @harrison.music
About Harrison
When Harrison (Harrison Robinson) began working on his third album in his modest Toronto sudio in 2019, the producer and composer felt a strong desire to his artistic roots. “I knew I wanted to just make what I thought was cool, regardless of it being cheesy,” he says of the piano-centred compositions that would become Birds, Bees, The Clouds & The Trees. “Chick Corea had a quote along the lines of ‘you have to find what sounds beautiful to you’ and that really stuck a chord with me.”
Like his previous two albums, Apricity (2018) and his 2016 debut, Checkpoint Titanium (which earned the attention of the prestigious Polaris Music Prize), Birds, Bees, The Clouds & The Trees sees a handful of guests stepping into the producer’s technicoloured world, including Kadhja Bonet, TOBi, Nanna.B, M.E.D. and Guilty Simpson (their first reunion since J Dilla’s The Shining in 2006) To help complement his artistic vision, the producer enlisted the help of illustrator Elijah Anderson, whose single artwork recalls classic Blue Note covers and classic Saturday morning cartoons like Schoolhouse Rock.
Taken as a whole, Birds, Bees, The Clouds & The Trees is an assured and joyful statement from a young artist evolving and finely honing his craft. Or as Robinson himself puts it, “It’s the music that I dreamed about making as a kid.”
About Last Gang
Last Gang is a music company founded in 2003 and credited with launching the careers of Metric, Death From Above 1979, Mother Mother and MSTRKRFT. The company is also well known for its work with Arkells, Stars, Keys N Krates, Lights, and Chromeo. Last Gang is a MNRK Music Group company. www.lastgang.com
TITLE TRACK PREVIEWS RISING INDIE-POP TRIO’S UPCOMING NEW ALBUM DUE MAY 5 VIA FANTASY
TORONTO, ON – March 14, 2023 – Today, rising indie-pop trio, BAILEN, have shared Tired Hearts, the title track of their second full-length album, Tired Hearts, due May 5, via Fantasy. Building from a gentle synth-figure intro, the ethereal, reflective track soon transforms into a lustrous, probing, and powerful search for acceptance. Listen to Tired Hearts here and pre-order the album here.
“Tired Hearts is one of the first songs we wrote for this new album,” the band explained. “It set the tone for where we took the rest of the songs both thematically and musically. The song began as an adaptation of a 19th century poem about an Irish factory worker and examines the search for understanding and belonging while our means of survival drives us further from that goal. To be quite honest, this is a song about late-stage capitalism.”
In February, the New York City based siblings shared the album’s first single – the alt-pop gem, Call It Like It Is, along with its cult classic style video – listen and watch here. The sparkling track, co-written by BAILEN and X Ambassadors’ Adam Levin and Sam Harris, is “an anthem for anyone who refuses to be taken advantage of,” the band stated. “It unmasks the ugly truth behind shiny veneers.”
BAILEN is currently on a nation-wide, 25-date tour that is set to visit major cities across North America before finishing with a hometown performance at New York’s venerable Le Poisson Rouge on May 20. BAILEN is also set for high profile appearances this week at Austin’s famed SXSW Music Festival, March 14-16. Find the full tour itinerary below. For tickets and more information, please visit: bailentheband.com.
On Tired Hearts, Daniel, David, and Julia BAILEN deliver an alluring set of songs that navigates the space between the heart’s expectation and the head’s sober reality. At times both intricate and playful, measured and elaborate, the album’s 12 original songs wrestle with an uncertain future where ethics and morality—both communal and personal—are constantly shifting.
Produced by Brad Cook (Bon Iver, Waxahatchee) and BAILEN, and mixed by Lars Stalfors (Soccer Mommy, St. Vincent, Local Natives) Tired Hearts’ taut, synth-driven tracks are centred around BAILEN’s radiant harmonies and adventurous arrangements furthering the group’s exhilarating avant-pop evolution. Cook was instrumental in expanding the band’s ambition beyond what they initially envisioned. “We played the last record live a hundred times before recording it, so we tracked a lot of it live,” Daniel explains. “With Brad, we took a collagist’s approach. It freed us up to explore and be sonically adventurous.”
The album’s numerous high points include the iridescent pop of Nothing Left to Give, the tender hushed intimacy of These Bones, and the piercing, lilting title track, Tired Hearts. The moving BRCA (Nothing Takes Me Down), a title derived from the breast cancer gene Julia shares with her mother (a breast cancer survivor) is indicative of the band’s incredible range. Over a slow building rhythmic pulse, Julia sings of hospital gowns and uncertainty, untying a complex knot of familial anxiety, guilt, and acceptance, while embracing the determination to move forward: I’ll still live like I’m dying/But I won’t let it take me down. “It’s about finding ways to not be defined by these circumstances, and to move past them with resilience,” she affirms.
Known for their stunning vocals and sharp, literate songwriting, BAILEN have cultivated a passionate following and emerged in indie circles via word of mouth, robust playlisting and a stream of steady touring with artists such as Hozier, Amos Lee, The Lone Bellow, and Joseph, to name a few. The group’s acclaimed 2019 debut, Thrilled To Be Here, produced by John Congleton, has amassed over 25 million streams since its release.
BAILEN – Tired Hearts Tour - Spring 2023:
March 14 – High Road Touring Showcase - Austin, TX – SXSW
March 15 – All Together Now – Hotel St. Cecelia – Austin, TX – SXSW
March 15 – South By San Jose – Hotel San Jose – Austin, TX – SXSW
March 16 – The Socal Sound 88.5 Radio Show – Austin Convention Center – SXSW
March 19 – San Diego, CA – The Casbah
March 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Echo
March 22 – San Francisco, CA – Café Du Nord
March 24 – Portland, OR – Polaris Hall
March 26 – Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern
March 30 – Minneapolis, MN – Parkway Theatre
March 31 – Milwaukee, WI – The Back Room at Colectivo
April 1 – Chicago, IL – Old Town School of Folk
April 2 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark
May 12 – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brendas
May 13 – Washington, D.C. – Miracle Theatre
May 14 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Café
May 16 – Toronto, ON – The Drake Hotel
May 18 – Fairfield, CT – Stageone
May 19 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
May 20 – New York, NY – Le Poisson Rouge
LISTEN TO LEAD SINGLE THE WAY
WATCH THE VALLEY OF VISION GLOBAL ALBUM PREMIERE & OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY HERE
UPCOMING EVENTS INCLUDE SXSW SCREENING
TWO SOLD-OUT LONDON SHOWS
Toronto, ON – March 10, 2023 – Following a premiere with SiriusXM’s ALT Nation, Manchester Orchestra have revealed The Way, the lead single and latest look into their reinvigorating new album and breathtaking film. Out today, with a physical release set for April 7, The Valley of Vision is a record rooted in the higher powers of resilience, rebirth and self-redemption. After a prolonged period of grief and trauma that permeated the band’s previous LP and past several years together, songs like The Way illustrate the journey of losing one’s mind and finding it again. Through a ghostly haze of reverb, fear and pathological feelings, singer Andy Hull’s voice rises into a guttural and goosebump-inducing belt, carrying the arrangement of piano and electronic drum beats to a cathartic crescendo. The lyrics tell a vivid story that Hull had struggled to present since first writing it in 2019, but he credits the track’s additional producers - Jamie Martens, Catherine Marks and Ethan Gruska - with helping him to finally shape it. Listen to The Way here.
Like all songs on The Valley of Vision, The Way is accompanied by a captivating cinematic experience, presented in the groundbreaking format of 180-degree, 3D virtual reality. Directed by Isaac Deitz – who shot the film over a solitary, year-long journey through snow storms in the Rocky Mountains, dark nights in the deep woods of Wyoming, creek beds in Manchester Orchestra’s native Georgia, and climates both scorching and freezing – the visual mirrors and enhances the album’s overarching themes of life and death, change and growth, forgiving oneself and letting go. “Experiencing the film in its intended 180-degree, 3D VR format feels like downloading a dream into your head,” says Deitz. “Each symbol represents a different experience nested in our internal worlds; it's up to you whether you want to just enjoy them, or try to interpret what the dream means."
On the heels of four sold-out screening events in Los Angeles and New York City in recent weeks, Manchester Orchestra presented The Valley of Vision’s global premiere on their YouTube channel last night (Thursday, March 9). The livestream of the full project included the first-ever After Party that YouTube Music has ever done for a film premiere, where band members and co-producers Andy Hull and Robert McDowell were joined by Isaac Deitz to discuss the making of The Valley of Vision, and answered questions from fans (VR headsets recommended for the optimal experience). The Valley of Vision will also screen during SXSW, at The Carpenter Hotel's Quonset Hut on Thursday, March 16 (12-4 pm), and two sold-out shows at London’s Union Chapel on May 13-14, following the band’s hometown return to Atlanta’s Shaky Knees on May 5. Tune in to The Valley of Vision premiere here.
From being the first musicians to work with filmmaking duo Daniels (Everything Everywhere All At Once, Swiss Army Man), to continually embracing emerging technologies over the course of their career, Manchester Orchestra have further pushed themselves into fascinating realms with every new release. While they recorded The Valley of Vision at a converted manor in Muscle Shoals, AL, none of the songs were written with the band being in the same room all together - something they have never done before. The process began in the summer of 2021, when Hull was looking through his suitcase for his lyric notebook, but instead found a 1975 book of Puritan prayers called The Valley of Vision, which his mom had gifted to him the previous Christmas. The title became a mantra that helped inspire the music, as the band almost completely abandoned the instruments it is used to, and treated each track like a science experiment that started from the bottom and was added to gradually over time.
FROM FORTHCOMING ALBUM
EVERYBODY'S FAMOUS (EXCEPT ME)
OUT MAY 26 VIA THE CONFIDENCE EMPERORS
WATCH & LISTEN TO DANCING WITH CHAOS
Anecdotally, the production on Dancing With Chaos embodies a distinctive distorted bass guitar riff as created by using an effect, custom-built and engineered by Scott Fleming and Alex Exists. Based on the iconic discontinued Japanese fuzz pedal, the Shin-Ei Companion FY-2. A guitar effect that was known for its raw, distinctive, gated fuzz. FY-2 pedals are now quite rare.
A founding member of both The Ruby Spirit and The Nursery, Alex Exists started his foray into music at the tender age of eight when he wrote and recorded his first songs (and noisy experiments) using the family’s home karaoke machine. Its two tape decks and record functions were used to overdub and build songs with Alex recording every instrument he could get his hands on.
On the heels of The Ruby Spirit breaking up, Alex started writing and performing his songs with the Nursery. Their debut album, Life After Wartime, was awarded Best Independent Rock/Pop Band in Canada by Indie 88 in 2018. The station described the album as “a complex record that explores numerous themes such as our society’s obsession with technology, fame and nostalgia." That same year, the band was awarded Best Music Video for Digital Ashes by the Toronto Independent Music Awards.
Alex’s music is inspired by absurdism, hyper surrealism and optimistic nihilism with an acid tongue firmly planted in his cheek. He is fascinated by pop culture and ego. The signature of Alex’s creative work is his unique sonic touches, drum-heavy rhythms and classic “pop through a blender” melodies. His new project, Alex Exists, launched with a neo-glam pop version of David Essex’s Rock On for The Confidence Emperors’ multi-artist album, Coverama, followed by his T. Rex-meets-John Lennon seasonal original, Never Christmas Without You. Alex played all of the instruments on both tracks except the drums.
Stay tuned for more as Alex continues to dive into his big debut this year.
DOWNLOAD - Press Photo | DOWNLOAD - Single Art
Alex Exists on @TikTok: @alexexistsworld
LISTEN TO DANGEROUS
TORONTO, ON – March 10, 2023 – Trailblazing Toronto artist and emcee, Lex Leosis, warms us up for spring by taking a walk on the wild side. Kicking off a new season - be it her own and that of the elements - is a new single, Dangerous. The girlie funk anthem is all about feeling yourself, shaking off the winter blues and basking in the sunlight, and a sample of what will be heard on Lex's forthcoming album set to drop this summer. Listen to Dangerous here.
"The song is about stepping into your power as a woman. For so long I felt like I had to constantly be humble and not take up too much space, but this is the complete opposite," Lex says. "This is knowing that you are a threat to the patriarchy and being loud, confident and DANGEROUS in the open. I want women and non-binary folk to FEEL themselves when they hear this. I wrote this to be a 'scream-the-lyrics-in-your-face' type jam."
Known for her dynamic flow & aggressive stage presence, Lex Leosis is a name you don’t forget. With a unique gravely vocal delivery, acrobatic flows, and a mastery of her instrumentation, Lex breathes life into contemporary Hip-Hop and mesmerizes with her rapping abilities. She sets herself uniquely apart by holding space for various causes and using her platform to support other women and non-binary artists and creatives.
Following the disbanding of her rap group, The Sorority, Lex turned heads with her jazz/funk-influenced debut 2021 EP, Terracotta, which caught attention from CBC, Exclaim, Conversations with Dwyer, Earmilk, and Broadway World. Standout track, Wanted, landed in CBC Networks, Run the Burbs and Pretty Hard Cases. She rounded out 2021, by touring Terracotta in the US, opening for Snotty Nose Rez Kids and again, joining them for their 30+ date North American Tour in 2022. Lex finished the year releasing a string of collabs with Keysha Freshh, Lex Bratcher, and producers Alexander Lewis and Oh Gosh Leotus, most of whom she met through her budding success on TikTok. Lex spent the pandemic building an impressive following on the platform performing rap duets with other users.
Stay tuned for more from Lex Leosis as she prepares to release new music this year.
DOWNLOAD - Dangerous Artwork | DOWNLOAD - Press Photo
Lex Leosis on TikTok: @LexLeosis
TORONTO, ON – March 10, 2023 – Global Latin music idol, Maluma, has just released his new single and video, La Reina, an empowering track dedicated to women, that transmits an inspiring message about the beauty and worth that all women carry naturally, no matter their age, sexuality, culture or physical condition in appreciation of their true value, their essence and the magnificence of being a woman by honouring and crowning them in every way possible. Stream or download La Reina here.
"I wrote this beautiful song in a music camp and it came to me as a gift from above, because I have always wanted to make a tribute to women. For me, the most important thing about this song is that the main characters are all these spectacular women and all the women around the world who are going to identify with it," Maluma expressed at the video production for La Reina.
The track was written by Maluma, Kevin Cruz Moreno, Edgar Barrera, Lenin Yorney Palacios and Luis Miguel Gómez Castaño. The music video was filmed in Medellin, Colombia; directed by Juan Luis Londoño Arias (Maluma), Juan Felipe Zuleta and Cesar "Tes" Pimienta; and produced by his very own Royalty Films.
The video highlights the beauty of 17 Colombian women. Each one reflects a different personality and essence, and also her own story: Yaneth Rodríguez Jiménez, Carmen Emilia Pulgarin, Angie Marquinez Montaño, Ana María Ramírez, Maritza Siagama Certiga, Diana Rodríguez Álvarez, Valentina López Rodríguez, Susana García Restrepo, Alice Barrada Castro, Alejandra Blanco Sánchez, Lina Loaiza Bran, Erika Medina Mesa, Silvia Rosa Julio, Martha Álvarez Ossa, Sara Llanos García, Marcela Vargas Osorio and Leidy Ocampo Quintero. Each woman models, sings, dances and shines to the rhythm of this endearing and empowering song. Watch the official video for La Reina here.
La Reina is the most recent single from Maluma's highly anticipated upcoming album due out later this year. The previous single being smash hit, La Fórmula, the artist's collab with Marc Anthony.
Maluma recently won two Premio Lo Nuestro awards for Banda Song Of The Year and The Perfect Mix Of The Year forCada Quien, his collab with Grupo Firme, underscoring his musical excellence and versatility.
DOWNLOAD - La Reina Artwork | DOWNLOAD - Press Photos
About MALUMA
Maluma is one of the leading voices in Latin music and a bona fide global youth idol. Born Juan Luis Londoño in Medellin, Colombia, he formulated his artistic moniker Maluma from the first two letters of the names of his mother, father and sister.
The 2018 Latin GRAMMY award winner for Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album (for F.A.M.E.) is one of social media’s most popular artists with over 25 million Facebook fans, 8 million Twitter followers, and a whopping 63 million Instagram followers, making him the leading Latin male artist on Instagram and the first and only one to surpass 50 million followers. His official YouTube/VEVO channel has more than 28.1 million subscribers, having earned him a YouTube Diamond Play Button Award.
With his Maluma World Tour he has achieved unparalleled success, having sold over one million tickets in 105 worldwide concerts in 2017 alone and becoming the top concert-selling Latin artist in the world. In 2018 and 2019, he broke records achieving full houses in all of his shows throughout the United States and Europe selling out Madison Square Garden (New York), the American Airlines Arena (Miami) and two The Forums (Los Angeles), among others. With his 11:11 World Tour he also sold out Israel's largest venue, Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv (60,000+ audience); made history at the 18th annual Mawazine Festival in Rabat, Morocco, setting an all-time attendance record with his headlining concert in front of 200,000 people; and performed for the first time ever in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in front of 25,000. He continued to take over throughout 2021 and 2022 with sold-outs in the United States, Europe, Latin American and the Middle East.
Since joining Sony Music Latin in 2015, Maluma has released seven albums Pretty Boy Dirty Boy (2015), F.A.M.E. (2018), 11:11 (2019), Papi Juancho (2020), 7DJ (2021), The Love & Sex Tape and The Love & Sex Tape Deluxe (2022). Maluma is the youngest artist to simultaneously hold both the #1 and #2 spots on Billboard's Latin Airplay chart and only the sixth act to ever achieve the feat he has now repeated three times. To date Maluma has had twenty-two #1 singles on Billboard's Latin Airplay chart.
Maluma's altruistic spirit is outstanding for the community work he leads with his foundation, El Arte de Los Sueños, based in Medellín, Colombia. Founded in 2016, the Foundation's mission is to transform at-risk youth through art and music education. In 2021, Maluma acted in his first Disney animation movie, Encanto, 2022 Oscar winner for Best Animation Feature. Earlier this year, Maluma debuted in Hollywood with his starring role as Bastian in the movie, Marry Me, alongside Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson.
LISTEN HERE
A NEW ALBUM INSPIRED BY MILES DAVIS' BITCHES BREW OUT MARCH 3 VIA CONCORD JAZZ
FEATURING BENJI B, THEON CROSS, NUBYA GARCIA, SHABAKA HUTCHINGS, DAVE OKUMU
TOM SKINNER, MARTIN TEREFE & MORE
WATCH A TRAILER HERE
"Brilliant though many of these musicians have been in numerous other contexts, this might be some of their finest work:
a thrilling voyage into the outer regions of electric jazz." - Uncut, 9/10
Toronto, ON – March 9, 2023 – Concord Jazz recently announced London Brew, a new album inspired by Miles Davis' Bitches Brew from a crème de la crème collection of UK jazz luminaries, due for release as a 2LP set, 2CD and digitally on March 31. Pre-order London Brew here.
Comprised of a veritable who's who of some of the most important and innovative musicians of the 21st century, London Brew features contributions from Benji B, Theon Cross, Nubya Garcia, Shabaka Hutchings, Dave Okumu, Tom Skinner and more, brought together by Producer and guitarist Martin Terefe and Executive Producer Bruce Lampcov.
Today, a second single is shared from the project in the guise of Raven Flies Low, the album's closer named for violinist, Raven Bush, who was fundamental to the track's gorgeous textures as he played his violin through electric pedals to stunning effect - seemingly a nod to how Davis ran his trumpet through tape delay on the original album.
Of the London Brew sessions, Bush offers: "Being able to play in a beautiful studio with this amazing group of musicians was an honour. With this type of record-making process, the music is just constantly unfolding in the room, so many brilliant moments are passing you by. I’m always somewhere else during improvisations….It was great to be reminded of this vibe we had going, I’m into it.”
“When a recording session like this happens, the amount of ideas that gets generated is considerable," he continues. "I don’t know how Martin [Terefe] and Bruce [Lampcov] managed to choose what made the album, there were so many dope moments!”
Terefe further explains: “When I started mixing the section that became Raven Flies Low, I fell into focusing on the continuous flow Raven’s violin melodies and electronic pedal orchestrations. His mini compositions moved so brilliantly under the radar and this one blew my mind. I chose the title inspired by the track, John McLaughlin, on Bitches Brew. Simply a hats off to a maestro at work.”
Listen to Raven Flies Low (Single Edit) here.
Raven Flies Low was preceded by the album's lead single, Miles Chases New Voodoo in the Church (Single Edit), of which Nubya Garcia explains, “this single is our interpretation of Miles Davis’ ode to Jimi Hendrix (Miles Runs the Voodoo Down). I’ve always been very inspired by the creative minds of both Miles and Jimi…. Both were innovators who carved their own lanes, which is something I’ve aspired to in my own career. For a while now I’ve been experimenting and using pedals and effects with my instrument, so to be able to do that on this track, while paying tribute to their legacies, was a joy both creatively and personally.”
The track has received support from publications as diverse as Pitchfork, Clash, The Line of Best Fit, Jazzwise, The Fader, MOJO, Crack, Stereogum and Uncut. Meanwhile at UK radio it's been championed by the likes of Craig Charles, Jamz Supernova and Mary Anne Hobbs on 6Music, John Kennedy on Radio X and Gilles Peterson on Worldwide FM.
Revisit Miles Chases New Voodoo in the Church (Single Edit) here.
London Brew reflects an emotional journey through the period in which it was conceived, having been recorded during the pandemic and after many months of isolation and the inability to collaborate in person. Recorded in December 2020 at Paul Epworth's Church Studios in London, Terefe explains how the resulting music is "sometimes uncomfortable, other times it's familiar and joyous and other times it's like deep meditation."
What began as a plan for a live performance at the Barbican in honour of the 50th anniversary of Bitches Brew in early 2020 - an event that was sadly to be scuppered by the pandemic - would eventually blossom into so much more. London Brew is a collection of original recordings rooted in inspiration and celebration - not just a rapturous, moving tribute to one of the most totemic figures in modern music but equally a one-off moment in London's musical history captured forever on four sides of vinyl. As Lampcov writes in the album's liner notes, "London Brew is also inspired by... London. The city, the people, her creativity and her struggles. London Brew is primordial, born out of a year of trying to get to grips with what being human is about. The sounds and melodies cover the gamut of human emotion from delicate and caring to coarse and angry. Nothing is left unsaid."
An intelligent, dexterous assault on the senses from a group of artists united in their freewheeling vision, London Brew's eight tracks are unified by an experimental, improvisatory fire. "In all my years of recording, I'd never been involved in an improvisatory process on this scale," offers The Invisible's Dave Okumu. "It's ease and sense of endlessness is surely a testament to the calibre of each musician and the unique manner in which they've taken on the lessons Miles set before us through his recording and performances."
Theon Cross highlights how "the possibility of playing with a larger group of people [at the end of a year marked by the pandemic] with such an open and free approach was an incredibly powerful and moving experience," while Shabaka Hutchings comments: "For me, that's what Bitches Brew is. It's a bunch of musicians making music because of the love of making music, as a social force and as a social construct. They are creating something that expresses unity and motion. That's what it is to be alive… you know, you have unity, you have motion, and you have vibration. You don't get any more alive than that. That's Bitches Brew." That's London Brew, too, and you won't have ever heard anything quite like it.
London Brew is:
Benji B: Decks, Sonic Re-cycling
Raven Bush: Violin, Electronics
Theon Cross: Tuba
Nubya Garcia: Saxophone, Flute
Tom Herbert: Electric Bass, Double Bass
Shabaka Hutchings: Saxophone, Woodwinds
Nikolaj Torp Larsen: Synthesizers, Melodica
Dave Okumu: Guitar
Nick Ramm: Piano, Synthesizers
Dan See: Drums, Percussion
Tom Skinner: Drums, Percussion
Martin Terefe: Guitar, Electronics
Samplism artwork by Toby Laurent Belson
DOWNLOAD - Press Photo | DOWNLOAD - London Brew Album Artwork
SHARES NEW MUSIC VIDEO FOR ALBUM TRACK
REWIND… (BUT I LOVE YOU)
THE DARK VR – A HIGHLY INNOVATIVE MIXED REALITY PROJECT CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CANADIAN TECH COMPANY DEPARTURE LOUNGE – SET TO DEBUT AT SXSW XR EXPERIENCE IN AUSTIN MARCH 11-14
"Caroline Cecil, best known behind the decks as WHIPPED CREAM, is renowned for her authentic, bassy and limitless sound that transcends stylistic borders. This can be seen in numerous tracks by the artist such as ‘Be Here (LA LA LA), ’All Eyes On Me,’ ‘Light of Mine’ and ‘Angels.’ Most notably, her genre-bending style is showcased in her latest single, 'The Dark.'" – Forbes
"Ever since a sudden and unexpected change in career t
rajectory, Caroline Cecil's full focus has been on music. That focus has paid off: Working as WHIPPED CREAM, she's managed to climb to electronic music's top rungs in just a few short years. with the release of the new Someone You Can Count On, along with a journey toward self-discovery, she's entered what feels like a new phase in her life." – DJ Mag, February 2023 Cover Story
“WHIPPED CREAM offers no shortage of beauty for everyone”
– The Georgia Straight
TORONTO, ON – March 8, 2023 – Today, acclaimed music producer, singer/songwriter and artist, WHIPPED CREAM, unveils her new EP, Someone You Can Count On, on Monstercat. Listen here.
Boasting a portfolio of work with a diversity of greats such as Latto, UNIIQU3, Moore Kismet, and Lil Keed, there is no limit to WHIPPED CREAM’s creative ingenuity. Accumulating over 8.4 million streams already across featured tracks like CRY, Angels, and The Dark, the seven-song EP sees WHIPPED CREAM step out of her comfort zone and into her higher power, to unleash a boundless and raw representation of her artistry. Recently, she has added ‘singer-songwriter’ to her title, flexing her own vocals for the first time on this EP, as heard on Angels, Be Here and the today’s focus track, Rewind…(But I Love You) – which arrives alongside a visually stunning and evocative music video. Watch here.
Someone You Can Count On – a body of work that chronicles WHIPPED CREAM’s journey of self-discovery (someone you can count on is always you) – also features the single, The Dark, which sees her teaming up with rapper and songwriter, Jasiah, and producer, Crimson Child, for a genre-bending masterpiece. Unraveling a story about toxic love and loss, the single puts Jasiah’s operatic talents on full display, heightening the drama in the haunting keys and textured synthwork.
The Dark’s ground-breaking music video will be available as a unique virtual reality experience, set to debut at SXSW this month as an official selection in the XR Experience Competition. Produced by the Vancouver-based studio, Departure Lounge, directed by Will Selviz, and co-produced by WHIPPED CREAM, the music video is a highly innovative mixed-reality project developed in Canada’s first volumetric capture facility. Visitors will be able to experience the VR video at the The Dark VR exhibition booth between March 11 and 14, with WHIPPED CREAM in attendance March 13 and 14. Read more about The Dark VR at SXSW here.
Whether on the ice or on the decks, WHIPPED CREAM’s talents for expressing herself through music are undeniable. Born in Toronto as Caroline Cecil, she spent her formative years as a competitive figure skater before a fateful accident brought a new passion for production into focus. Now, she is living proof that everything happens for a reason and becoming one of the fastest rising stars in electronic music. Look for WHIPPED CREAM to embark on a national tour in support of Someone You Can Count On with dates to be announced very soon.
SOMEONE YOU CAN COUNT ON TRACK LIST
1. The Dark (WHIPPED CREAM, Jasiah & Crimson Child)
2. Angels
3. Be Here (La La La) (WHIPPED CREAM & The Dutchess)
4. CRY
5. Rewind… (But I Love You)
6. Friends
7. Someone You Can Count On
ALBUM PRODUCED BY JON SPENCER OUT MAY 19
ON ROUNDER RECORDS
GRITTY SINGLE DEATH WISH OUT TODAY
WATCH PROVOCATIVE VIDEO HERE
TORONTO, ON – March 3, 2023 – Blues powerhouse, Samantha Fish, and guitarist extraordinaire, Jesse Dayton, unveil the thundering single, Death Wish, from their upcoming collaboration, the album Death Wish Blues out May 19 on Rounder Records. With gritty, dirty hooks alongside fierce vocals from Fish, Death Wish is the perfect kick-off to the album, itself a bold collision of blues, soul, punk, funk, and fantastically greasy rock-and-roll. The Death Wish video captures that dark, raw power as Fish and Dayton take down a predator in retro Hollywood. Watch here. Listen to Death Wish and pre-save Death Wish Blues here.
Death Wish Blues evolved from the duo’s 2022 EP, Stardust Sessions, which featured imaginative covers of Brand New Cadillac, I’ll Be Here in the Morning, and Feelin’ Good. Their undeniable musical chemistry led to a recording session at Applehead Recording & Production in Woodstock, produced by the inimitable Jon Spencer. Spencer’s expertise aligned perfectly with Fish and Dayton’s vision for the release, centred on the blues while constantly augmenting, expanding, and pushing the limits. Dayton said, “For this album we wanted to keep everything blues-based, with a lot of inspiration from people like Albert King and Magic Sam on the lead-guitar parts, but we also wanted to have fun with that and take it somewhere new and different and way outside our wheelhouse.” With the addition of Kendall Wind (bass), Mickey Finn (keyboards) and Aaron Johnston (drums), Death Wish Blues was recorded in an intense 10 days, mostly live.
The commanding chords and words of Death Wish move right into the hypnotic, heavy Down In the Mud. Fish and Dayton trade textured back-and-forth vocals on the groove-heavy Riders, while Trauma surges with momentum while lamenting heartbreak. The album offers lighthearted moments as well, as Supadupabad shines with upbeat carefree lyrics amid blues-funk fun. No Apology finds Fish’s elegant vocals a bit softer but just as crushing and impactful as she longs to push through and make love work. The album closes with the tender love song You Know My Heart, displaying the mesmerizing synergy of Fish & Dayton.
Hailing from Kansas City, MO, Samantha Fish is one of the most dynamic blues forces in the world today, headlining festivals and captivating audiences with her guitar prowess and power vocals. An award-winner and road warrior, she performs 200 shows yearly, both domestically and abroad. Death Wish Blues is her 7th album. Jesse Dayton boasts an exceptional resume as an acclaimed solo recording artist, collaborator with artists such as Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Duff McKagan, a touring guitarist for seminal punk band X, teammate with Rob Zombie on the soundtracks for his iconic horror films, and as a radio show host on Gimme Country.
Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton
Death Wish Blues Bio
DOWNLOAD - Cover Art | DOWNLOAD - Press Photo
STREAM AND ENJOY ON DSPS HERE
THE BLIND OBEDIENCE TOUR BEGINS TODAY
WITH PERIPHERY AND LOATHE
TORONTO, ON – March 3, 2023 – Today, Underoath released their new single, Let Go, via MNRK Heavy – stream/enjoy via DSPs. In discussing the song, the band said, “This is actually the first song we completed after recording ‘Voyeurist.’ It took a few different forms but we got it to a place where we knew this is what it should be. It’s about letting go of whatever trauma or demons that might be holding you back. As hard as it is to make those decisions sometimes, I feel like we can never grow without stepping out of those toxic environments.”
In February, the band announced their new label signing to MNRK Heavy for a worldwide deal. “Rarely does the opportunity present itself to partner with a band as amazing as Underoath,” said, Scott Givens, SVP of MNRK Music Group. “When that opportunity was presented, we seized it immediately, and speaking for the entire company; we are truly honored they gave us a chance to work with them on their upcoming recordings. The band has had a remarkable career, and all of us at the MRNK Music Group can’t wait to accompany them on their next phase of it.”
Underoath added, “Choosing who we partner with in releasing our music is always a huge decision. The team at MNRK simply rules, understands our vision, and is passionate about the music. We couldn’t be more excited and ready to work with the MNRK team to release some of our favorite work to date.”
The Blind Obedience Tour with Periphery and Loathe starts today, March 3 in Silver Spring and concludes on April 2 in Nashville, plus festivals at the Slam Dunk Festival and Inkcarceration Festival.
Tour Dates:
03/03/23 - Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore* (SOLD OUT)
03/04/23 - Stroudsburg, PA @ The Sherman Theater*
03/05/23 - Huntington, NY @ The Paramount*
03/07/23 - Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room*
03/08/23 - Pittsburgh, PA @ The Roxian*
03/10/23 - East Moline, IL @ The Rust Belt*
03/11/23 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Eagles Club*
03/13/23 - Grand Rapids, MI @ 20 Monroe*
03/14/23 - St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant*
03/15/23 - Kansas City, MO @ The Uptown Theater*
03/17/23 - Wichita, KS @ The Cotilion*
03/18/23 - Denver, CO @ The Ogden Theater* (SOLD OUT)
03/20/23 - Boise, ID @ Revolution*
03/21/23 - Portland, OR @ The Roseland Ballroom*
03/23/23 - Wheatland, CA @ The Hard Rock Casino*
03/24/23 - Anaheim, CA @ The House of Blues* (SOLD OUT)
03/25/23 - Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl*
03/26/23 - San Diego, CA @ Soma*
03/27/23 - Tucson, AZ @ The Rialto Theater*
03/29/23 - Albuquerque, NM @ The El Rey Theatre*
03/31/23 - Oklahoma City, OK @ The Diamond Ballroom*
04/01/23 - Little Rock, AR @ The Hall*
04/02/23 - Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works*
05/27/23 - Hatfield, EN @ Slam Dunk Festival
05/28/23 - Leeds, UK @ Slam Dunk Festival
07/15/23 - Mansfield, OH @ Inkcarceration Festival
*Blind Obedience Tour with Periphery and Loathe
DOWNLOAD - Press Photo | DOWNLOAD - Tour Poster
UNDEROATH reinvents the balance between chaos and harmony with each successive release. Their compositions, conjured from creative tension, become iconoclastic anthems. Even when the band almost combusts, the crackling energy coalesces into something deeply resonant for millions.
Their pair of gold albums and three GRAMMY nominations stand in stark defiance of the idea of commercial compromise. The Underoath catalog weaponizes noise, aggression, and ambiance as skillfully as melody. The combination of heaviness and headiness found on Define the Great Line makes it the only record of its kind to debut at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.
The heart of their sound, which delivers naked vulnerability with thrilling force and cinematic lushness, can be heard in generations of bands who’ve pursued their trail.
Walking an artistic tightrope between immersive access and isolationist otherness, Underoath owns the space between huge choruses and forward-thinking heaviness, both on record and onstage.
LISTEN HERE
PERFORMING AT SXSW IN AUSTIN, TEXAS THIS MONTH
JUNE 2023 SHOWCASES AT CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK
IN TORONTO TO BE ANNOUNCED
Toronto, ON – March 3, 2023 – Today, Montreal trio, Le Couleur, share a fresh languid disco-pop track, Sentiments Nouveaux. Flirting with '80s nostalgia, the song reflects the search for a sensation, an exaltation, and desire to be on the edge. A new air, an exploration of the senses, Le Couleur hits the deepest of desires, intrinsic drives, and the naivety of first times. Listen to Sentiments Nouveaux here.
"We will constantly seek out those new feelings that put us on edge," Le Couleur adds regarding the new track.
The single arrives ahead of Le Couleur's big return to South By Southwest Festival (SXSW) in Austin, Texas this month. The trio will perform three shows, including: March 13 for the M4MTL x Investissement Québec showcase at Swan Dive (patio), March 15 at Icenhauer's, and March 17 at Hotel Vegas. In June, they will hit Toronto for performances at Canadian Music Week from June 8 to 10 - showcase info to be announced. See all details below and don't miss their performances if you're in town - Le Couleur delivers an unparalleled live set that is rich and sensual.
Sentiments Nouveaux is a preview to the group's forthcoming album set to release this fall. It follows their 2020 album, Concorde, which emanates a vintage atmosphere, recalling the faded charm of 70s erotica, warm tones also rooted in psychedelia, disco, yéyé, and French chanson. The group has had the opportunity to share the stage with mentor and influence, Giorgio Moroder, which greatly inspired elements of their conceptual and applauded release.
Le Couleur, formed by Laurence Giroux-Do (vocals), Patrick Gosselin (bass), and Steeven Chouinard (drums), delivers rich and irresistibly danceable performances. Le Couleur first propelled themselves towards an electro-pop sound as bright as the lights of the now-defunct Studio 54, with the EPs Voyage Love (2013) and Dolce Désir (2015), followed by P.O.P. (2016), a critically acclaimed debut album.
Connect with Le Couleur online as more music will be unveiled in the months ahead.
Le Couleur at SXSW 2023 - Austin, Texas
March 13 - M4MTL x Investissement Québec - Swan Dive (Patio)
March 15 - Sound Dessert - Icenhauer's
March 17 - Spage Agency Booking Showcase - Hotel Vegas
Le Couleur at Canadian Music Week - Toronto, Ontario
June 8-10 - Dates and Venues TBA
DOWNLOAD - Press Photo | DOWNLOAD - Sentiments Nouveaux Art
TikTok: @lecouleur
FIRST TRACK HELL HOUNDS OUT TODAY
LISTEN HERE
TORONTO, ON – March 3, 2023 – Heavy Southern Rock band, Texas Hippie Coalition, announces the release of their seventh studio album, The Name Lives On, on April 21 via MNRK Heavy. The hard-hitting, 10-track collection is another riff-heavy, sonic assault from beginning to end.
The first single, Hell Hounds, was released today and proves this dog hunts right out of the gate. With a punishing riff, Big Dad Ritch growls, "And I know that you think you're so strong/And I've been sent to prove you wrong."
THC frontman Big Dad Ritch says, “Where there once was an appetite for this style of music, I witnessed a hunger grow and now I see the lovers of real music starving for it. The Name Lives On is an album that is a dinner bell ringer… I was sent to ring that bell!!!”
Texas Hippie Coalition is often compared to the many great Southern Rock and Texas bands that came before them. But they are proving to the world that THC is not just following in their footsteps, they are leaving giant footprints. Not only is the band etching out a place for themselves in the multi-genre fields of music, but they have also created their own genre in "Red Dirt Metal." You have to hear it to understand it. Words are not enough to convey how powerfully big their sound is.
Texas Hippie Coalition are:
Big Dad Ritch
Cord Pool
Nevada Romo
Lorado Romo
Joey Mandigo
DOWNLOAD - Press Photo | DOWNLOAD - Single Art
STREAM ON ALL PLATFORMS HERE
GET TICKETS FOR 2023 UK TOUR HERE
PRE-ORDER EVERY CLOUD HERE
8 UK Top 10 Singles
7 global Platinum Singles
10 global Gold Singles
7 Million UK sales
22 Million worldwide sales
4 Billion streams
Over 1 Billion video views
Toronto, ON – March 3, 2023 – Not one but three powerhouses join Sigala for his brand-new single ‘Feel This Good’, which is released globally today. Feels this Good is a buoyant future anthem with an earworm of a chorus and features the incredible Mae Muller and the hotly tipped Caity Baser, with a brief break in the action from rapper Stefflon Don. It's a matrix of collaborative artistry that highlights something Sigala values: sticking by, returning to and/or championing stars with whom he has a close bond – or of whom he's purely and simply a fan.
The song is accompanied by the release of the first part of Sigala’s new record, Every Cloud – Silver Linings, featuring the first available 11-tracks from the album, with the full album coming on September 1, 2023.
After eight UK Top 10 singles, a BRIT Nomination for Best Single for Lullaby, seven global Platinum singles, nine global Gold singles, seven million UK sales, 22 million worldwide sales, 4 billion audio streams and over one billion video views, Sigala is showing no sign of slowing down.
Every Cloud is the album Sigala has been working on from pretty much the minute he finished making his first, September 2018’s blockbuster, Brighter Days. The impressive debut album featured a stellar line-up of collaborators that included Kylie Minogue, Paloma Faith, Becky Hill and more!
Sigala has had another incredible year, playing to fans across the globe and consistently releasing smash single. Every Cloud – Silver Linings will also include Lasting Lover, with James Arthur, Melody, Stay The Night featuring Talia Mar, Rely On Me, the David Guetta and Sam Ryder collaboration, Living Without You and recent release, Radio, with MNEK.
As well as new music. Sigala also announced a UK headline tour which kicks off in Dublin on March 5. This year is set to be another standout for Sigala, who is looking forward to reengaging with his fans and bringing the Sigala experience to more live electrifying shows.
Sigala UK Tour 2023
March 5– 3Olympia, Dublin
March 7 – NX, Newcastle
March 8 – O2 Academy, Glasgow – SOLD OUT
March 9 – O2 Academy, Glasgow (*Extra Show Added)
March 10 – The Engine Shed, Lincoln
March 11 – HMV Empire Coventry, Coventry
March 15 – Albert Hall, Manchester
March 17 – Electric Brixton, London
March 18 – Tramshed, Cardiff
DOWNLOAD - Feels This Good Artwork
DOWNLOAD - Feels This Good Composite
DOWNLOAD - Sigala Press Photo
ABOUT SIGALA
In the first nine months of last year the artist-producer released four singles. At the top of 2022 came Melody. Written in his studio HQ near London’s Kings Cross, the uplifting trance epic was vocalled by Norwegian singer-songwriterand co-writer Ida Martinsen Botten, and was a spiritual sister of Wish You Well, Sigala’s 2019 hit with Becky Hill.
It was followed by Stay the Night, a hook-up with fast-rising British singer Talia Mar that was a certifiable summer smash. Then, with that song still filling dancefloors all over, came punchy piano-house monster Living Without You. His wingmen this time? Only the other biggest dance music producer in Europe and ’22’s most explosive new voice in pop. That is, respectively, David Guetta and Sam Ryder. You knew that.
A disco-minute later, Sigala was releasing again, and it was another all-star collab: All By Myself was the inspired result of a mash-up with Ellie Goulding, cult Brazilian DJ/producer Alok and a deft sample of Depeche Mode’s Enjoy The Silence.
Four bangers, streams numbering 300 million all before winter kicked in, and all centred on the force of musical gravity that is Sigala.
The answer to those opening four questions? Barely, never, probably, definitely.
Because as '23 gets underway, Sigala's work-rate shows no signs of slowing down. Prime your ears for anotherhuge soulful dance track in the shape of new single, Rely On Me. Again, Sigala flexes his unerring ability to open up to, and dig deep with, a diverse and international range of co-writing/producing talents spanning the horizon of electronic music – in this case Italian DJ Gabry Ponte and his countryman Alex Guadino, the legendary label-runner, sampling wizard and hitmaker.
“It's another one that's based on a cheeky sample, a song called 2 Times, which is quite a niche tune,” explains this electronic music obsessive of the 1999 hit for British-born Italian Eurodance phenom Ann Lee. “Alex came up with it – he's famous for sampling songs before it was really a thing, going back to Destination Unknown and some of his other huge tunes.”
Rely On Me also serves as the curtain-raiser for the rollercoaster next chapter in Sigala’s rise and rise: the release,in spring this year, of his long-awaited second album. Currently running to 20 (and counting) tracks, it’s the albumthe Englishman born Bruce Fielder has been working on from pretty much the minute he finished making his first,September 2018’s blockbuster, Brighter Days.
4.2 billion audio streams and over one billion video views, here comes Every Cloud. It’s a second album that’s already stuffed with hits, including as it does all Sigala’s singles from the past couple ofyears, including James Arthur collab Lasting Lover and You For Me with Rita Ora.
“Basically it's like a best-of – with extras,” grins Sigala.
And what extras. Stay tuned for another new track, Radio, co-created with, and sung by, one of Sigala’s all-time heroes.
“MNEK, what a legend!” he beams. “I've followed his career since day one, when I was at uni. He's somebody that I've always dreamed of working with.”
In the writing, too, MNEK didn’t disappoint, even for a man well-used to using the studio as a creative playground.
“I spent about two hours making a beat, getting some nice chords, whilst he was just chilling. And then he was like,'OK, just play it through.' He's on his phone, typing down lyrics, then he jumps on the microphone. And literally 20minutes later, he had written pretty much the whole song – and the vocal is the one that he sang in two takes!” Sigala marvels. “Just incredible. I was honestly blown away. It was like being in the presence of true genius.”
There is, accordingly, a freshness to the French disco feel of the track. “That's something that I really wanted to keeptrue to: not overproduce it. It's such a simple production, but it's unique as well, with that offbeat bass going all theway through. It throws back to early 2000s and late '90s stuff, and even disco.”
The positive, upbeat vibes continue in another new track, one that already feels like the feelgood sound of 2023. Feels This Good is a further massive writing hook-up with old friend– Well, their identity will have to remain secret for a little longer. In fact: such is the calibre of the not one, not two, but three massive vocal collaborators on the track that they all need to stay anonymous for now. Suffice it to say that in its creation and execution, Feels ThisGood features four towering British female talents. It's a matrix of collaborative artistry that highlights something else Sigala values: sticking by, returning to and/or championing stars with whom he has a close bond – or of whom he's purely and simply a fan.
For Sigala, those ties, ones that go far beyond tactical and fleeting professional connections, make for music with character and meaning.
“You can see by the people that are going to be on the album,” he begins, holding back on revealing some other keycollaborators, “and who are on my previous one – a lot of it is people who are local to me, people that I've bumped into. It is quite a small circle of writers and artists in the UK, really, when you get down to it.”
A key member of that small circle is Bryn Christopher, his co-writer and the gospel-voiced singer on Mood For You, another deep new cut.
“Bryn was one of the first people I ever worked with as Sigala. We wrote Sweet Lovin' together, which was mysecond ever single, and we've been working on stuff since. He wrote Came Here for Love with Ella Eyre and a fewother people. He's going to be quite heavily involved in album number three, which I'm already working on. So I was like, we have to have you on the album.” It is he, adds, another nice full circle moment for an artist for whom human connection matters more than anything. Even if the spark of a tune originates somewhere else, as with Rely On Me and Living Without You (which began with songwriter JinJin, another old creative partner), Sigala will only jump on if that spark resonates personally – and if can get in the studio with his would-be collaborators.
“I absolutely prefer making music with people in person,” he affirms. “Unless I'm travelling, organising sessions and flying to places, which does happen, but not that frequently, I can call up Ella. She lives five minutes down the roadfrom where my studio is. She'll just come by, and we can work on some stuff.”
That travelling, though, is also important. Playing out as a DJ last year – he again took his Sigalaland experience to Ibiza, with a residency at Eden – he had first-hand experience of audiences' hunger and enthusiasm for properclubbing and proper dancing in what was the first fully free summer since 2019.
“Over lockdown, dance music became stronger than ever,” he reflects of a time where he himself spent long months “honing and honing” the songs for Every Cloud. “People were missing that side of their lives. So they were havingtheir own parties at home or listening to dance music in their kitchen. That was a beautiful thing.
“And that's continued,” points out this assiduous chart-watcher, scene observer and true-born fan. “This year even some of the more underground dance tunes have risen up the charts, and gone massive and viral on social media.That shows that people have more of an appetite than ever for dance music and having a party. So performing thisyear, with all that energy, has been just awesome.”
All that energy also ripples through Every Cloud. It’s there in the multitude of recent hits and future hits, in thegalaxy of stars who feature, and also in the line-up of fresher talent. The latter is a crucially important element for a musician intent on further stepping out from behind his decks or his desk and encouraging the writers, singers and producers of tomorrow. Hence Sigala’s founding of Lighthouse, a publishing, management and mentorship company for new artists.
“Lighthouse is a real big passion of mine,” Sigala says, the enthusiasm spilling out of him. “It's great to do something that's focused on other people, helping them, passing on things that I've learned and done wrong in the past, so that they don't have to make the same mistakes. And then giving them the facilities they need to do whatthey need to do. Basically, just all things that I wish I had when I was starting out!” he adds, laughing.
Shout out, then, to Shaun Ferrugia, the first signing to Lighthouse. “This dude from Malta had DM'd me onInstagram and said: ‘Hey man, can you listen to my songs?' I checked him out, and was like: ‘Oh, my God, this guy has the most incredible voice, he's a great songwriter, but he has no connections in the industry and doesn't know what to do.’ “So I invited him to London and we helped him out, got him in sessions and stuff like that. Since then, he's just done two songs with Martin Garrix, where he's written and singing on them, and he's about to start his own artist career.”
It all speaks to where Sigala finds himself at this crucial crossover phase in his career: paying back the experience, and doubling down on the energy and the excitement. He’s just announced a tour for spring, an underplay run after previous arena-sized outings with a live band. Going back to dancefloor basics, DJing while accompanied by guestsingers, he’ll be both tapping into and ramping up the excitement of the club environment, while also foregrounding the songcraft and production passion he holds dear.
“I feel like I’ve got a really good ear. And I feel like, with all the people who've had long careers in music, you haveto be at your own A&R as well. I have great A&R guys at Ministry of Sound and Sony,” he says of his label partners. “But if the artist can be a decent A&R as well, you're just on to a winner. People like Calvin and Guetta, people who are having constant success, they have a really good ear.
“That's something I’ve really honed in on over the years. If I feel strongly about a song, I want to get involved. I try and listen to my gut instinct. And it's done me well so far.” That could be the understatement of, well, any year. If you thought Sigala was brilliantly all over 2022, wait till you hear what he has planned for 2023.
SHOWS IN VANCOUVER MAY 19 AND TORONTO JUNE 9
CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ALBUM AS ABOVE, SO BELOW OUT NOW
“A hard-hitting, feel-good album that empowers the audience
to be their most authentic selves.” - TEEN VOGUE
“As Above, So Below is a potent emotional journey.” - FLOOD
“A triumphant and supremely catchy celebration of her home country's enduring cultural influence, the song features fellow Zambian artists Chef 187, Tio Nason, and Mwanjé. Watch the vibrant video from Rhara Nembhard, Imraan Christian, and Furmaan Ahmed.” - THE FADER
“There isn’t an emcee from the continent of Africa with the level of creative respect within the streaming era as Sampa The Great.” - BET
"the album both showcases Sampa's growth as an artist and delivers on fan expectation, taking them on a journey beyond bars into Africa's rich musical heritage" - Exclaim!
“She sounds renewed on these homegrown songs,
the anxiety of her past music replaced with relief.” - PITCHFORK
“One of today’s most unique creators…The album’s ethos is boldly presented on the latest single, “Never Forget,” an explosion of hip-hop, Zamrock, afrobeats, and traditional African drums.” - UPROXX
“Her poised demeanor emits the confidence of someone
who has done some effective soul-searching.” - W MAGAZINE
Toronto, ON – February 28, 2023 – Award-winning Zambian-born Botswana-raised poet and rapper, Sampa The Great,kicks off her As Above, So Below North American tour this spring with a slew of upcoming shows spread across 15 cities throughout the US and Canada - dates and cities listed below.
Sampa The Great’s North American tour is set to delight fans with an eclectic medley of her highly acclaimed 11-track 2022 album As Above, So Below—a career-eclipsing record spanning hip-hop, neo-soul, Zamrock, Amapiano, and Southern African rap, and anchored by Sampa The Great’s spoken word in the Zambian-rooted language of Bemba. Receiving praise in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, The FADER, Teen Vogue, W Magazine, and more, As Above, So Below traverses Sampa’s memories of Africa through a self-exposed lens of authenticity and womanhood, while looking to the future of Africa’s relationship to the world and its global communities. A reflection of Sampa’s transitory upbringing, the record’s sonic hybridity throws recognition to the music coming out of the African diaspora today, while honouring the stories of those who tread previously. The album’s final track and single, Let Me Be Great featuring Angélique Kidjo was notably highlighted in a Song Exploder episode and featured in an Okayplayer feature, while single, Never Forget, ushered respect to the golden era of Zambia’s socially prolific genre, Zamrock, and appeared in the trailer for the widely beloved Marvel blockbuster Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Sampa The Great makes her first tour stop in Seattle, WA with stops in Vancouver on May 19 and Toronto on June 9, rounding out the tour in Chicago, IL with additional dates at Lighting in a Bottle Festival as well as the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 3 at 10 a.m. local and are available for purchase here.
NORTH AMERICAN DATES
May 17 Seattle, WA - Neptune
May 18 - Portland, OR - Revolution Hall
May 19 - Vancouver, BC - Hollywood Theatre
May 22 - San Francisco, CA - Fillmore
May 23 - Santa Cruz, CA - Catalyst Club
May 25 - Los Angeles, CA - The Regent
May 31 Atlanta, GA Terminal West
June 2 - Richmond, VA Brown's Island
June 4 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
June 6 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza
June 7 - Boston, MA - Royale
June 9 - Toronto, ON - Axis Club
June 14 - Chicago, IL - Thalia Hall
US FESTIVAL DATES
May 24 - 29, 2023 Buena Vista Lake, CA @ Lightning In A Bottle
June 16, 2023 - Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo
DOWNLOAD - Press Photo by Imraan Christian
DOWNLOAD - As Above So Below Artwork
DOWNLOAD - Tour Poster
LISTEN HERE AND WATCH THE VISUALIZER HERE
NEW ALBUM ARRIVING LATER THIS YEAR
TORONTO, ON – February 24, 2023 – Today, Chilean born, Montreal based producer, Das Mörtal, returns to the scene with his new synthwave-techno single, WASTED, via Lisbon Lux Records. The track is the first release from Das Mörtal’s third and upcoming full-length, due out later this year. WASTED marks new territory for the producer, with more of an urban emo, dark and slow atmosphere and less of his signature dancefloor feel. Listen to WASTED here and watch its accompanying visualizer from artist Guillaume Vallée, here.
WASTED is a song that relates to the fear and mental block of Das Mörtal during the pandemic, when the impression of doing nothing was omnipresent. As heard in the track: "I've been wasting my time, doing nothing at all, I lost my day.”
Das Mörtal expands on the single: “WASTED is the first single taken form my forthcoming album, which unlike the two previously released ones, will be more personal thematically. This track came about when I was trying to produce more music during the pandemic but, mentally being unable to sit in front of my workstation, thus feeling remorse for wasting valuable time.”
Das Mörtal's previous music was based on imaginary narratives that acted as soundtracks to non-existent films whereas his new album is more personal and about the struggle of actually making it.
"That it just exists... I’ve never been the kind of person that constantly produces and ends up with 50 demos per year,” Das Mörtal says. “I’ve always worked at home because it’s the only environment I really enjoy. I’ve recorded more vocals than ever on this album though. Nothing too deep, because I like when vocals are more of a layer or an instrument rather than a narrative for the listener to pay attention to.”
Stay tuned as Das Mörtal’s sound expands this year and his new album unfolds.
DOWNLOAD - Single Art | DOWNLOAD - Press Photo
About Das Mörtal:
Das Mörtal began his career in Berlin, inspired by artists such as Steve Moore and Aphex Twin. The producer creates an obscure and nostalgic sound, mixing influences from German techno to horror and science fiction film soundtracks. 2014 was an exciting year for Das Mörtal. In addition to composing the music for the film Naissance d’un Zombie, he launched Hotline Miami II on Lisbon Lux Records. That year he also participated in Osheaga (CA), the MEG Festival (CA) and the FME (CA), Les Transmusicales (FR) all while taking part in two European tours supporting Perturbator. In June 2017, Das Mörtal released his first album, Always Loved, which sold vinyl in more than 20 countries. The album features a furious, passionate and melancholic story, with a nod to Depeche Mode, Jean-Michel Jarre and Boards of Canada. Always Loved is a contemporary romance with lots of intensity that is underscored by a panoply of synthesizers crisscrossing the paths of synthwave, new wave and techno. With performances that include duets with Canadians Ghost Twin and French Fox, the album received international acclaim that allowed Das Mörtal to headline his first US tour. In April 2019, he released a deluxe edition of his EP Hotline Miami II, which now has more than 8 million plays on streaming platforms. Released in October 2020, Miami Beach Witches (Das Mörtal’s second full length) showed the artist’s new vision, where the neon lights, beaches and uplifting beats of classic acts such as Miami Sound Machine met the sensibilities of the goth/emo music of Depeche Mode.
LISTEN TO flounder HERE
WATCH THE LIVE PERFORMANCE OF promised HERE
Toronto, ON – February 24, 2023 – Today, songwriter and indie artist, quinnie, shares her highly awaited debut album, flounder – listen here. Alongside the album comes a stunning live performance from quinnie of promised – watch here.
flounder consists of eleven tracks laced with quinnie’s unapologetic lyrical candor, expressive instrumentation, and dreamy beat-craft. Among many highlights, her breathy intonation echoes listlessly on security question as she confesses, “Wish I could make a friend today.” The vocals sink into distant guitar on the nostalgic popcorn and juice, while jake’s car caps off the LP with a weirdly wonderful send-off, “Cuz I borrow Jake’s car, cuz I’d drive but I can’t afford it, YET.” Plus, it boasts her breakout touch tank, the fan favourites, man and itch, and the previously shared title, track flounder.
quinnie will embark on her first-ever run of live shows in celebration of flounder. The run of three intimate shows sold out in less than one day and finds quinnie in Los Angeles, CA on March 6, New York, NY on March 13 and London, UK on March 17.
So far, quinnie has incited the applause of The New York Times, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, MTV, Ones To Watch, and more. Now, she jumps into the deep end with flounder…
As a self-described “very sensitive 21-year-old,” quinnie went from writing songs as a kid to releasing independent projects such as a gold star in 2019. She is bitingly funny, she is brutally honest, she loves the underwater world and sea creatures, and she will help you escape if you let her.
flounder Track List:
1. man
2. security question
3. itch
4. touch tank
5. popcorn and juice
6. get what u want
7. emblem
8. better
9. promised
10. flounder
11. jake’s car
quinnie 2023 Live Shows:
MONDAY, 3/6 – LOS ANGELES @ EL CID *SOLD OUT*
MONDAY, 3/13 – NEW YORK @ MERCURY LOUNGE *SOLD OUT*
FRIDAY, 3/17 – LONDON, UK @ FOLKLORE *SOLD OUT*
SET FOR RELEASE MARCH 17 VIA CONCORD JAZZ
STAY HIGH FEATURING CORY HENRY OUT TODAY
PRE-ORDER/PRE-SAVE BOOK OF QUEENS HERE
Recorded at the magical Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, New York, and mixed by Jim Scott (Tedeschi Trucks Band, Wilco), Krasno Moore Project: Book of Queens is a lively tribute to women in music. Across nine soulful covers, the longtime friends reimagine the work of female musical icons Amy Winehouse, Nina Simone, Billie Eilish, Sharon Jones, H.E.R, Kacey Musgraves, Brittany Howard, Peggy Lee, and Aretha Franklin. Krasno and Moore are joined by accomplished organist Eric Finland throughout the record and the album features special guest appearances by Branford Marsalis, Cory Henry, and Robert Randolph. Today the group shares their cover of Brittany Howard’s Stay High featuring Cory Henry.
“When Stanton and I got together and decided to make a record we knew we wanted to focus on a concept that we both believed in,” explains Eric Krasno. “With the help of our wives (Lauren and Lauren), we started discussing a few ideas and agreed that a tribute to our favorite female singers and songwriters would be perfect. There are so many amazing songs to choose from spanning every genre and every era. Stanton and I zoned in on songs that had the right melodies and moods for an organ trio format. As soon as we started adapting the songs, adding grooves, and making demos with Eric Finland (organ/keys) we knew we had something special.”
Stanton Moore continues, “With this record, we wanted to create an album that we would be proud to play for our wives…something that we could listen to while making dinner or hanging on the beach. Our goal was to assemble a collection of songs that created an instant vibe from beginning to end, and could be enjoyed with family and friends time and time again.”
Eric Krasno and Stanton Moore first met in the mid-90s, when Eric was attending college in Northampton, MA. Stanton frequently passed through the area on tour and Eric became a fan of his drumming. Eager to make an impression on Stanton, Eric would always give Stanton demos of his latest guitar work. Stanton listened to these CDs and soon realized that kid Krasno was on to something. Krasno went on to found Lettuce and Soulive, while Moore founded Galactic and Garage-a-Trois. Through their various projects, the pair have crossed paths and shared stages together countless times over the past 25 years, forging a friendship along the way.
During the 2022 New Orleans Jazz Fest, Krasno and Moore discussed the possibility of working together on a more regular basis with a consolidated project in mind. Together, they came up with the concept of making an organ trio record of covers that would focus on female artists and honour the endless amount of incredible music they have gifted the world. They brought on their friend Eric Finland to round out the sound. The result is a stunning collection of covers that sound vaguely familiar, yet quite unlike anything you’ve ever heard before.
Kicking off March 10 at Ardmore Music Hall in Philadelphia, the group will embark on a North American tour. The headline tour includes shows at New York City’s Blue Note, LA’s Knitting Factory, City Winery in DC, Boston and Chicago, Denver’s Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox, and more. Tickets are on sale now at linktr.ee/krasno.moore.
Krasno Moore Project: Book of Queens – Track Listing
KRASNO MOORE PROJECT – 2023 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
March 10 - Philadelphia, PA - Ardmore Music Hall
March 12 - Annapolis, MD - Rams Head On Stage
March 14 - Boston, MA - City Winery
March 15 - Ridgefield, CT - Ridgefield Playhouse
March 16-19 - New York, NY - Blue Note
March 21-22 - Portsmouth, NH - Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club
March 23 - Minneapolis, MN - Dakota
March 24 - Chicago, IL - City Winery
March 25 - Denver, CO - Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox
April 4-5 - Seattle, WA - Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley
April 6 - Portland, OR - Star Theatre
April 7 - San Francisco, CA - The Chapel
April 8 - Los Angeles, CA - Knitting Factory
Krasno has released twelve Soulive albums, four Lettuce albums, three solo albums, and has production and/or songwriting credit with Norah Jones, Robert Randolph, Pretty Lights, Talib Kweli, 50 Cent, Aaron Neville, Allen Stone, and Ledisi. As a dynamic performer, he’s shared stages with The Rolling Stones, The Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, and The Roots. Out of seven nominations, he picked up two GRAMMY® Awards for his role as a songwriter and guitarist on The Tedeschi Trucks Band’s Revelator and guitarist on The Derek Trucks Band’s Already Free. Krasno also recently accepted the Grammy for Best American Roots Performance on behalf of Aaron Neville who was not in attendance. Eric produced, wrote, and played on Stomping Ground, Aaron's recent song from the soundtrack to Take Me to the River New Orleans.
About Stanton Moore
Throughout his 30-year career, Moore has released eight records under his own name, eleven records with Galactic, and four records with Garage-a-Trois. He has performed or recorded with a diverse group of artists including Maceo Parker, Joss Stone, Macy Gray, Corey Glover (Living Colour), Cyril Neville, Irma Thomas, Leo Nocentelli, and George Porter (of the Meters), Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), Corrosion of Conformity, Donald Harrison Jr., Nicholas Payton, Trombone Shorty, Skerik, Charlie Hunter, Robert Walter, Will Bernard, Anders Osborne, Ivan Neville, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
NEW SINGLE BREAK MY HEART OUT TODAY
LISTEN HERE & WATCH HERE
ON TOUR NOW AND APPEARING AT SXSW, STAGECOACH, UNDER THE BIG SKY FESTIVAL, MERLEFEST AND MORE
UK, EU AND CANADIAN TOURS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
"Sometimes the minute you hear a voice, you know it's for the ages. That's how Canadian Bella White, the daughter of a Virginia bluegrasser, enters the picture. Making her second album now, at 22, White is poised for a major breakthrough. This is her origin story." – NPR
“At just 22, Bella White is a songwriting prodigy and emotional alchemist.” – Grammy.com
“Sublime Appalachian heartbreak.” – Rolling Stone
“We can feel White’s exquisite pain, her brimful sorrow, her tenacious joy in her lonesome, affecting vocals—White’s ingenious and playful lyrics fold into musical settings that capture the ragged ways we fall in and out of love.” – Folk Alley
TORONTO, ON – February 24, 2023 – Today, Calgary-born singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, Bella White, has announced her new album, Among Other Things, out on April 21 via Rounder Records. The album was produced by Jonathan Wilson and features Buck Meek of Big Thief on guitar. To mark the occasion, White has released a new single, Break My Heart, and its companion music video. Listen here and watch here. Among Other Things is available for pre-order here, digitally and on LP, with specialty vinyl in Garnet and Tiger’s Eye via www.bellawhitemusic.com.
“Out of all of the songs I’ve written, Break My Heart is probably the most explicitly about getting dumped,” says White. “I wrote it with no intention of ever sharing it. I didn’t even feel any particular emotional attachment to it like I do with my other songs, because it was such an isolated experience, zooming in on one specific moment in time. That said, bringing it to life by turning a valley into a peak felt deeply cathartic. It’s a heartbreaker that I hope will at least get you moving.”
Today’s single is the follow up to two additional album tracks released late last year – The Way I Oughta Go, and the gorgeous and reflective, Rhododendron. The three songs together give the listener a sense of White’s remarkable writing and life-long-honed skills as a bluegrass player. “Bella White stands out as the youngest in her class of breakthrough virtuoso’s defined by the likes of Billy Strings and Amythyst Kiah. Her poetic poignancy conjures up the palpable devastation from a novice lover whose heart —one brimming with naïve ideas of romance—has shattered into a seemingly irreparable form,” said American Songwriter.
White’s live performances are as captivating as her music – Rolling Stone recently took notice and included her in their Best Things We Saw roundup of AmericanaFest. White will appear at this year’s SXSW, including appearances at The Luck Reunion, the imogene + willie party, Yeti’s showcase and more to be announced soon. She will also make appearances at major U.S. festivals throughout the spring and summer including Stagecoach, Merlefest, Under The Big Sky and more.
White made her mark on the scene with the release of her debut album Just Like Leaving. The LP caught the attention of Rounder Records which signed her last year. While traditional bluegrass originated in Appalachia, the genre has surely found a safe and loving Canadian home via her songwriting. The 22-year-old singer/songwriter and instrumentalist shies away from modern and fussy arrangements, and instead brings a traditional style of music into the contemporary moment by personalizing it to her own experiences. White has shown herself to be a star student of the bluegrass genre, with something new to bring to the table. Her ability to translate modern experience to an old sound is seamless and compelling, and permeates the boundaries of a regional genre with authentic singing and songwriting. Read more about Bella White here.
DOWNLOAD – press photo | DOWNLOAD – album artwork
UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
SXSW
March 16 - Luck Reunion - Willie Nelson’s Ranch - Austin, TX
March 16 - Official SXSW Showcase - Coopers BBQ - Austin, TX
March 17 - Yeti Showcase - 220 S. Congress - Austin, TX
March 17 - The imogene + willie party - imogene + willie store - Austin, TX
April 28 - Stagecoach - Indio, CA
May 19 - Sleeping In The Woods Songwriter Festival - Monticello, KY
June 18 - Black Deer Festival, Tunbridge Wells, UK
June 20 - The Glad Cafe - Glasgow, SCOTLAND
June 24 - Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival - Rotterdam, ZH, NETHERLANDS
July 14 - Under the Big Sky Music & Arts Festival, White Fish, MT
bellawhitemusic.com
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NEW ALBUM THE WEAKNESS OUT APRIL 7
ON ROUNDER RECORDS
THE WEAKNESS TOUR ON SALE NOW
TORONTO, ON – February 23, 2023 – On the heels of announcing a North American spring tour in support of his highly-anticipated upcoming album, The Weakness, Ruston Kelly has unveiled the second preview from the project: Mending Song. The first track that Kelly completed for The Weakness, Mending Song helped to spark the free-flowing creativity that ultimately fueled all his songwriting for the album, which will be released on April 7 by Rounder Records. Buy/stream Mending Song here, and pre-order The Weakness here.
Although he penned most of the new LP at home in Portland, Tennessee, Mending Song took shape during a solo trip to California's Joshua Tree. “I rented this little cabin out on 22 acres, just me and the coyotes, and ended up checking out a shop nearby and buying a baritone ukulele,” Kelly says. “I remember thinking, ‘This is so stupid — I’m trying to be that guy, going out to some cabin and writing my opus. Why don’t I just have some fun?’” Once he’d loosened up, Kelly came up with a jangly ukulele riff and opening lyric that soon gave way to the autobiographical storytelling of Mending Song: “Something grew up twisted in me / Ripping all the seams / But I was mended by the love of my momma / To fight the devils down in me.”
Threaded with sweetly ethereal tones sculpted through producer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, Nate Mercereau’s, use of guitar-based synth, Mending Song was built from a voice-note demo recorded in Kelly’s L.A. hotel room, amplifying its unfettered emotion to sublime effect. “You can hear the dryer running in the background, but there’s something really special about the feel of that recording,” Kelly adds.
Mending Song is the follow-up to Kelly’s first single from the record, The Weakness, which was released last month. Writing in Rolling Stone, Jon Freeman proclaimed it a “massive rock anthem,” while WFUV’s Kara Manning praised the “shimmering, slow burn of a song,” with its “ghostly, lushly-conceived rock arrangements.”
Watch the Mending Song video here, which was directed, produced and edited by Bella Mazzola, and filmed by Andy Hawkes and Bella Mazzola.
The Weakness tour begins April 12 at Louisville’s Mercury Ballroom and will find Kelly playing NYC’s Webster Hall (April 21), Chicago’s House of Blues (April 29) and Los Angeles’s The Fonda Theater (May 14), and ending with a hometown show at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater (June 2) with Jenny Lewis opening. Kelly will later head to Toronto on September 17. Information about tickets and VIP packages, which include an intimate soundcheck performance and Q&A, can be found at https://www.rustonkelly.com.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
June 17 – Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park, Atlanta, GA – SOLD OUT
June 18 – Firefly Distillery, Charleston, SC – SOLD OUT
August 31 – Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY – SOLD OUT
September 12 – KEMBA Live!, Columbus, OH
September 13 – St. Louis Music Park – Maryland Heights, MO – SOLD OUT
September 15 – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park, Indianapolis, IN – SOLD OUT
September 16 – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, Sterling Heights, MI – SOLD OUT
September 17 – Budweiser Stage, Toronto, ON
LISTEN TO OPENING TRACK CAPITAL KARMA
VIA LOMA VISTA RECORDINGS
EARLY SCREENING EVENTS SOLD OUT IN LA AND NY
UPCOMING WATCH PARTY SCHEDULED FOR YOUTUBE ON MARCH 9
TORONTO, ON – February 23, 2023 – Today, Manchester Orchestra invite you to join them in The Valley of Vision. Accompanied by an awe-inspiring film that immerses viewers in 180 degrees of virtual reality, the brand new album finds the band reinvigorated once again, delivering a serene salvo of songs that defy the heavy weight of adulthood, faith and self-redemption through sounds unlike anything they have made before. Following their previous 2021 LP, The Million Masks of God - an acclaimed collection that cried for help as it explored a man’s encounter with the angel of death - The Valley of Vision puts forth a collective, cathartic expression of gratitude that is brought to life in both the songwriting of frontman, Andy Hull, and the cinematic story directed by Isaac Deitz.
On the heels of sold-out screening events in Los Angeles tonight and New York City on March 1, The Valley of Vision will debut in a worldwide watch party on Manchester Orchestra's YouTube channel on March 9, before the album’s digital release on March 10.
Listen to the album’s opening track, Capital Karma, out now via Loma Vista Recordings, and pre-order The Valley of Vision’s physical edition, arriving April 7.
From continuously appearing on Billboard charts and major festival lineups, to frequently collaborating with visionaries like the filmmaking duo, Daniels (Everything Everywhere All at Once, Swiss Army Man), Manchester Orchestra have further pushed themselves into fascinating realms with every new release. In the days leading up to today's announcement, the band’s website previewed The Valley of Vision's artwork through experimental 3D animation. Using state-of-the-art, real-time, physically-based rendering graphics technology, a high-fidelity digital human with photoreal facial animation came to life as it unveiled the record, and can now be viewed in its full form here.
On The Valley of Vision - which he co-produced alongside Manchester Orchestra guitarist, Robert McDowell, with contributions from Catherine Marks, Dan Hannon, Jamie Martens, Kyle Metcalfe and Ethan Gruska, who also plays piano on Capital Karma - Andy Hull says, “Making The Valley of Vision was an exciting idea of what the future could be for us in terms of how we create. None of these songs were written with the band being in the same room in a live setting. They were really like science experiments that started from the bottom and were added to gradually over time. We’re intrigued by doing things the wrong way, or attempting things we haven’t done before and getting inspired by them.”
Writing for the record began with a chance occurrence in the summer of 2021. Hull was looking through his suitcase for his lyric notebook, but instead found a 1975 book of Puritan prayers called The Valley of Vision, which his mom had gifted to him the previous Christmas. The title became a mantra that helped inspire the idyllic yet otherworldly energy that permeates throughout the album and film. An evolution from its predominantly guitar-driven past, the band almost completely abandons the instruments it is used to, and instead plays with primitive yet powerful piano leads and shimmering atmospheres, backed by sub-synth frequencies of bassist Andy Prince and shapeshifting sounds of drummer Tim Very.
Through cutting edge, 3D-computed radiography technology, Isaac Deitz envelops listeners in a visual experience of The Valley of Vision, and he adds: “Andy and I had talked about doing a film and album collaboration since 2021, after I directed the video for their song Telepath. A year later he sent me The Valley of Vision, and I realized we had the potential to really do something special. Experiencing the film in its intended 180-degree, 3D VR format feels like downloading a dream into your head, and listening to the album feels like receiving an abstract map of different lessons regarding the human experience - forgiving yourself, listening to yourself, letting go, and saying goodbye to the old. Trees seemed to me the perfect symbol to convey a lot of those themes of life, death, rebirth and growth, but I wanted the 3DVR film to be a way for people to listen to the music in a variety of compelling environments, while also having those stories woven in for anyone paying attention. Each symbol represents a different experience nested in our internal worlds; it’s up to you whether you want to just enjoy them, or try to interpret what the dream means.”
Later this spring, Manchester Orchestra will bring music from The Valley of Vision to a hometown set at the 10th Anniversary of Atlanta’s Shaky Knees festival. Find tickets here, and stay tuned for more tour dates coming soon.
THE VALLEY OF VISION TRACKLIST:
- Capital Karma
- The Way
- Quietly
- Letting Go
- Lose You Again
- Rear View
DOWNLOAD - hi-res photo | DOWNLOAD - album cover artwork
Follow Manchester Orchestra
Official Site | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
ARRIVES ALONGSIDE HEARTWARMING
ANIMATED MUSIC VIDEO – WATCH HERE
SINGLE APPEARS ON LONDON’S FIRST FULL-LENGTH
CHILDREN’S ALBUM PRIMARY SET FOR RELEASE ON MARCH 24
TORONTO, ON – February 22, 2023 – This past Saturday (February 18) the stars and planets aligned and Toronto singer-songwriter, Darrelle London, launched her new single, Pluto. Arriving in conjunction with the anniversary of the 1930 discovery of Pluto, the sweet and plucky indie-pop tune centres around themes of resilience and self-acceptance, written from the perspective of our favourite dwarf planet. Today (which is aptly Anti-Bullying Day), London releases the song’s heartwarming animated music video. Watch here and listen to Pluto here.
"I wrote Pluto to convey the power of acceptance, anti-bullying, and self-love,” says London. “But it's just as much for us millennial parents who grew up learning that Pluto was a planet, and can't quite accept its demoted status. It's one of those many examples of how human knowledge can evolve and change, and our kids are learning something different than we did. It was a really fun topic to explore, and I've since learned that scientists and astronomers still debate Pluto's status to this day!"
Pluto marks the second release from London’s forthcoming new children’s album, Primary, which is set for release on March 24, and follows the record’s lead single, Chugga Choo Choo. With a back-catalogue of albums that have been described as “quirky” and “whimsical” – though not necessarily aimed towards kids – it was a natural progression for London to take her musical style and turn it into her first full-length children’s album. Primary perfectly treads the line between music for kids and music for grown-ups, with enchanting lyrical storytelling set to infectious indie-pop instrumentation.
A mother of two young’uns herself, Primary marks the first time that London made an album since her children were babies. While playing the role of teacher (among many other things!) during the initial COVID lockdowns, London’s children would ask questions and she felt compelled to answer them in the form of songs. The songs on Primary explore the small wonders of life, such a seeing the moon out during the day (Day Moon); simple pleasures, like going for ice cream with a friend on a hot summer day (Ice Cream); they joy found in creating art just for the sake of it (Primary and Let’s Make Something New); and even important lessons like why we should respect even the tiniest of creatures (Bugs).
Stay tuned for more to come from Darrelle London as she gears up to release Primary!
DOWNLOAD – Pluto single artwork | DOWNLOAD – press photo
DOWNLOAD – album cover artwork
MORE ABOUT DARRELLE LONDON:
Darrelle is no stranger to following her heart to unexpected places. After turning down law school to pursue a music career, she has spent the last decade making her mark on the college and festival circuit across North America. Some highlights include performing at iconic venues such as Hollywood’s Troubadour Club and Nashville’s Bluebird Café, collaborating with her favourite artists such as Chantal Kreviazuk, being chosen by Sarah McLachlan to perform at Lilith Fair, and placing her music on TV shows and ad campaigns in the US and South Korea.
SUPPORTING WHITE REAPER ON NORTH AMERICAN TOUR NEXT MONTH AND PERFORMING AT SXSW
SHOW IN TORONTO ON MARCH 14
Toronto, ON – February 21, 2023 – Los Angeles' Militarie Gun share new single, Do It Faster, which serves as the first taste of the band's as-yet-unannounced forthcoming debut album. Packed with punchy guitars and catchy vocal melodies from vocalist Ian Shelton, Do It Faster is accompanied by a video directed by Shelton and edited by band member Will Acuña. In the video, the band dons matching sweatsuits and performs on a spinning stage as their coach, played by Acuña, fittingly yells at the band to do it faster.
Speaking about the song, Shelton states: "It is about my overall impatience with life. The agonizing wait for things to materialize... so before resigning to do it myself, I’m imploring the world to just move faster.”
Next month, Militarie Gun will bring their live show across North America as they support White Reaper on tour for 14 shows beginning in Denver on March 2 and wrapping up in Louisville on March 25th. During that run, Militarie Gun will hit SXSW from March 15 to 18, as well as an assortment of recently announced headline dates, with a show in Toronto on March 14. Tickets are available here.
Do It Faster follows last year's All Roads Lead to the Gun (Deluxe), which Pitchfork described as "melodic post-hardcore done right" while Stereogum calledtheir debut EP My Life Is Over “ferocious, hugely impressive." Formed in 2020, Militarie Gun is defined by the musical restlessness of vocalist Shelton. The band–whose lineup includes guitarists Nick Cogan and Acuña, drummer Vince Nguyen, and Waylon Trim –drawon a wide range of influences to make something that sounds combative yet accessible, and undeniably their own. Militarie Gun’s songs are instantly memorable and uncategorizable. With echoes of the unhinged guitarwork of Born Against, the propulsive cadences of hip hop, the up-front bass of Fugazi – and most importantly, the hooks, Militarie Gun employs a melodic sensibility that is just as informed by the work of Robert Pollard and Paul McCartney as it is by Black Flag. Check out Do It Faster above, see full Militarie Gun tour routing below, and stay tuned for more music from Militarie Gun coming very soon.
Upcoming Live Dates
* = supporting White Reaper and Mamalarky
^ = headline shows
+ = w/ Dazy
3/2 - Denver, CO @ Summit Theater*
3/3 - Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room*
3/4 - Kansas City, MO @ Madrid Theater*
3/6 - Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s*
3/7 - Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre*
3/8 - Detroit, MI @ St. Andrew’s Hall*
3/10 - Chicago, IL @ Metro*
3/11 - Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom*
3/12 - Millvale, PA @ Mr. Small’s Theatre*
3/13 - Buffalo, NY @ Rec Room^
3/14 - Toronto, ON @ The Opera House*
3/15 - Austin, TX @ SXSW
3/16 - Austin, TX @ SXSW
3/17- Austin, TX @ SXSW
3/18- Austin, TX @ SXSW
3/20 - Washington, DC @ Runaway^+
3/21 - Richmond, VA @ Bandito’s^+
3/22 - Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle+
3/23 - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade - Hell*
3/24 - Nashville, TN @ The Basement East*
3/25 - Louisville, KY @ Headliner’s Music Hall*
3/26 - Birmingham, AL @ LCY Media^
3/28 - Oklahoma City, OK @ 89st - OKC^
3/29 - Albuquerque, NM @ Moonlight Lounge^
3/30 - Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress^
3/31 - Tempe, AZ @ The Beast^
DOWNLOAD - Press Photo | DOWNLOAD - Single Art
TikTok: @militariegun
SOARING NEW SINGLE ARRIVES AHEAD OF UK, AUSTRALIAN AND NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES THIS WINTER/SPRING WITH SUPPORT FROM CHARLES WATSON, TIFT MERRITT, TED POOR, JOAN SHELLEY & MADISON CUNNINGHAM
TORONTO CONCERT ON APRIL 9
TORONTO, ON – February 17, 2023 – Today, Andrew Bird begins another abounding year of music and touring with the release of his new single and music video, Never Fall Apart. Written, directed, edited and animated by the song’s co-writer Jeremy Ylvisaker, the moving visual stars prominent Anishinaabe musician, Keith Secola, and Geezis Humphrey, connected to each other by a seemingly endless string of yarn. As they sit alone in their own dark abyss, the track erupts into soaring, shouting harmonies – Bird reaching out for love and connection with lyrics that illustrate the attempt to piece yourself back together again. Available now via Loma Vista Recordings, the resounding closer to his latest album, Inside Problems, is accompanied by an extended, alternate arrangement called Never Fall Apart: Epilogue. Listen to Never Fall Apart b/w, Never Fall Apart: Epilogue, and watch the music video here.
“Back from the brink we may have pulled ourselves back together (though tenuously) for the moment,” says Bird. “I recorded Epilogue outside in Ojai, CA in January of 2021 for a documentary about news deserts in rural America. I felt I captured something that’s hard to nail because I was playing only for myself. I just happened to be recording. So I sang the lyrics to never fall apart over it, giving the song a different dimension.”
On the heels of a headline tour that brought him to sold-out shows at the Greek Theatre, Red Rocks, NYC's Pier 17, eight different Chicago performances and beyond in 2022, Bird has returned to the road for both international and North American runs this winter and spring. Following a trek through the UK and Australia, he and his band will return to the U.S. and Toronto (April 9) for a dozen dates including Big Ears Festival and other stops across the East Coast and Midwest, with support from Joan Shelley, Madison Cunningham and Ted Poor. In support of Inside Problems, the shows will continue to "transport listeners to a lush musical world" (NPR Music), as the batch of songs bring the GRAMMY-nominated musician, songwriter and composer into "previously uncharted territory" (Pitchfork). Watch Bird perform Never Fall Apart in his debut appearance on CBS Saturday Morning, find the list of upcoming dates below and tickets at andrewbird.net/#tour.
In recent months, Andrew Bird has also collaborated with Phoebe Bridgers on a reimagining of Emily Dickinson’s, I felt a Funeral, in my Brain, in addition to appearing on NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me, Guy Raz’s Great Creators, NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concerts, the cover of Strings magazine and more. Pre-order I felt a Funeral, in my Brain featuring Phoebe Bridgers on limited edition 7" vinyl, available at retail on March 31 here.
Andrew Bird Tour Dates
2/19 - London, UK - O2 Shepherd's Bush #
3/9 - Melbourne, AU - Forum Theatre &
3/10 - Sydney, AU - Enmore Theatre &
3/11 - Brisbane, AU - The Tivoli &
3/30 - Asheville, NC - The Orange Peel*
3/31 - Knoxville, TN - Big Ears Festival
4/1 - Charleston, SC - Charleston Music Hall*
4/3 - Richmond, VA - The National*
4/4 - Louisville, KY - Paristown Hall* %
4/5 - Madison, WI - The Sylvee*
4/7 - Ann Arbor, MI - Michigan Theater*
4/8 - Cleveland, OH - Agora Theatre*
4/9 - Toronto, CA - History* !
4/11 - Portland, ME - State Theatre* !
4/12 - Newark, NJ - Prudential Hall* !
4/13 - Boston, MA - MGM Music Hall* !
# w/ Charles Watson
& w/ Tift Merritt
*w/ Ted Poor
% w/ Joan Shelley
! w/ Madison Cunningham
Follow Andrew Bird
Official Site | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
LISTEN HERE
TORONTO, ON – February 17, 2023 – Following a run of hit singles last year, singer-songwriter, Christian French, shares thank god, his first new track of 2023 out now via Disruptor Records/RCA Records. The up-tempo, guitar-driven indie pop track finds Christian reflecting on his past and how things could have been – whether it be toxic relationships or significant life changes – expressing gratitude for the lessons he learned along the way. Listen to thank god here.
“‘thank god’ is the full circle moment after a relationship where you finally make it to the other side and realize that not staying with them was the best thing to ever happen to you,” says Christian French of the inspiration behind the song. “You finally have the perspective to see that they weren’t good for you, and when they eventually come back, you don’t even want them back anymore because life is much sweeter without them.”
Late last year, Christian returned to the road with his sold-out golden years fall tour, where he made stops across Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, and more, including a performance in his home state of Indiana at the Hoosier Dome.
About Christian French
With over 400 million global streams and praise from TIME Magazine, Billboard, UPROXX, Ones To Watch, American Songwriter, and more under his belt, 25-year-old Christian French is one of today’s fastest-rising indie-pop stars. The Indiana native learned to play piano by watching YouTube and posting covers online, eventually going on to write music in college before chasing his dreams to Los Angeles. It was there in 2017, while sleeping on friends’ couches, that he penned his first single, love ride, which amassed over 33 million streams worldwide and set the tone for his bright future.
Touring nationwide with Chelsea Cutler and Quinn XCII, followed by his own headlining tour, Christian released a series of EPs including natural colors, bright side of the moon, and good things take time, followed by the singles avalanche and OH WELL in 2021, embodying a more confident sound that straddled pop and rock without losing the clarity of its predecessor. Over the past year, Christian has continued to further hone his sound and identity, learning how to play guitar and produce, in addition to expanding his fanbase through social media. With more music set for release this year, Christian French is poised to usher in a bright new sound and sense of self.
EXPANDED DIGITAL LP INCLUDES COMPLETE LIVE PERFORMANCE OF CRITICALLY LAUDED ALBUM CAPTURED AT EASTWEST STUDIOS
AN EVENING WITH DAWES US HEADLINE TOUR
KICKS OFF MARCH 2, 2023
“Dawes have never sounded more musically sophisticated.” – Uncut
“Also not kidding around, as a whole, is Dawes, on the album where all the members finally get to let their freak-flag fly a little more, or as much on record as they have live. And an album that’s kinda about dystopianism kinda becomes a nice 46-minute tonic for it.” – Variety
“…Dawes are at their most accomplished yet; Taylor Goldsmith’s vocals are the most nuanced they have ever sounded…” – Louder Than War
"It's a whole new Dawes - listeners had better brace for impact." – Paste
“This is easily Dawes’ most musically adventurous album to date.” – Glide
"Dawes expand their horizons and deliver a complex and brilliant album for our times...repeated listens will reward you handsomely." – Americana UK
"The tracks on the new album are muscular, strong, and supported by their own artistry." - American Songwriter
TORONTO, ON – February 17, 2023 – Today, acclaimed LA-based rockers, Dawes, have released a deluxe edition of their critically heralded eighth studio album, Misadventures of Doomscroller. The expanded edition of the album, available now via all digital service providers, includes a complete live performance of the album, captured at EastWest Studios by producer Jonathan Wilson (Billy Strings, Angel Olsen, Father John Misty). Listen here.
“We spent a day in EastWest Studios in LA playing our record Misadventures Of Doomscroller in its entirety in front of a bunch of cameras,” recalls Taylor Goldsmith. “You might’ve seen the film on YouTube. Now we’re proud to announce that we’re finally releasing it as an album on DSPs. It was a marathon to get through all this material and committing to completely live takes all in one day.” He notes, with a laugh, “But it lent the performances a sense of urgency bordering on desperation. These live recordings feel like how these songs were meant to live. I hope you enjoy!”
The Misadventures of Doomscroller Tour will launch on March 2 at Birmingham, AL’s Iron City. From there, the tour will make its way across the country, including stops at storied venues such as Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, New York City’s Beacon Theatre, Chicago’s Thalia Hall, and San Francisco’s The Fillmore before wrapping up with a hometown show at Los Angeles’ The Theatre at Ace Hotel on May 5. A full list of shows is below.
As the band explains, each show comprises “2 sets. Just us. Long nights. Full hearts. Come early. We’ll all have to break out the catalogue master lists and bingo cards as we try to get to every song we’ve got.” For complete details and ticket availability, please visit www.dawestheband.com/tour.
AN EVENING WITH DAWES US TOUR 2023
MARCH 2023
2 - Birmingham, AL - Iron City
3 - Atlanta, GA - The Eastern
4 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium
5 - Louisville, KY - Headliners Music Hall
7 - Bloomington, IN - Bluebird
8 - Cincinnati, OH - Taft Theatre
10 - Chicago, IL - Thalia Hall
11 - Harrisburg, PA - XL Live
12 - Washington, DC - Warner Theatre
14 - Ridgefield, CT - Ridgefield Playhouse
16 - Philadelphia, PA - The Fillmore Philadelphia
17 - Boston, MA - Roadrunner
18 - New York, NY - Beacon Theatre
APRIL 2023
6 - Dallas, TX - The Factory in Deep Ellum
7 - Houston, TX - The Heights
8 - Austin, TX - Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater
10 - Little Rock, AR – Revolution Music Room
11 - Fayetteville, AR - JJ’s Live
12 - St Louis, MO - The Pageant
14 - Madison, WI - Majestic Theatre-WI
15 - St. Paul, MN - Palace Theatre
16 - Lawrence, KS - Liberty Hall
18 - Wichita, KS - Wave
19 - Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre
20 - South Salt Lake, UT - The Commonwealth Room
22 - Seattle, WA - Neptune Theatre
23 - Portland, OR - Revolution Hall
26 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
27 - Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up Tavern
28 - Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up Tavern
MAY 2023
5 - Los Angeles, CA - The Theatre at Ace Hotel
AUGUST 2023
26 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap w/Mary Chapin Carpenter
EVENT TAKING PLACE MARCH 8 IN TORONTO AS PART OF WIMC’S SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY PROGRAMMING
LAST DAY FOR EARLY BIRD TICKET PRICING
AVAILABLE HERE
TORONTO, ON – February 16, 2023 – As International Women’s Day 2023 draws closer, Women In Music Canada excitedly shares the long list of nominees for the Women In Music Canada Honours. The Honours event will take place on March 8 at the Opera House in Toronto, where the recipients will be recognized and celebrated, alongside a reception style dinner and showcase of incredible performances. Tickets are available here, with discounted early bird pricing ending today. See below for the full long list of nominees.
“I have been told often over that last few months that this recognition program has been needed for a long time,” says WIMC Executive Director, Robyn Stewart. “On behalf of the WIM Canada board, we couldn’t be more excited to recognize the long list today, and to bring the Canadian music community together to celebrate March 8th, on International Women’s Day. Thank you to all jury, all applicants, sponsors and funders for helping us bring this dream to reality. And above all, congratulations today to all of our long list.”
After receiving an overwhelming number of submissions for the inaugural program, the long list was selected by a jury of 22 professional Canadian music industry leaders and creators, appointed by Women in Music Canada, and represents the top submissions (not separated by category). The final honourees will be curated from the long list by a finalist jury.
Remarks one of the jury members who helped define the long list: “It was amazing to read about the incredible work of such a wide range of women — we rarely get opportunities to hand the women in our industry their flowers. This truly was an honour.”
The WIMC Honours program was designed to celebrate and support Canadian innovators and creators who have had outstanding success in their field in the eligibility year (December 2021 through December 2022 for annual based categories). Categories include: Artist of the Year (presented by Amazon Music), Distinguished Leader (presented by TuneCore), Entrepreneur of the Year (presented by Bandzoogle), Excellence in Live Music, International Leader of the Year, Organization of the Year, the Trailblazer Award, and the Women in Music Canada Honour Roll (presented by Spotify), which will honour up to 10 women and gender diverse industry members or artists who are on the rise. 2023 honourees will receive wonderful packages from gifting partners and woman-owned Canadian companies, Tiber River Naturals, Paris Jewellers, and Fielding Wines.
“WIM Canada thanks everyone who submitted themselves, their colleagues and their inspirations,” adds Stewart. “Our intention is to celebrate as many leaders as possible each year and we encourage all to watch for submissions for the 2024 edition coming this summer.”
The Honours reception dinner and awards presentation will be hosted by CBC’s Saroja Coelho, and will showcase an incredible group of artists performing throughout the evening. Supported by SiriusXM, performances will include rising country star, Sacha, producer, DJ and performer, Liliane Chlela; JUNO-nominated recording artist, songwriter and producer, Desiree Dawson; Cree and Salish singer and TikTok creator, Tia Wood; breakthrough singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Sofia Camara; and decorated, multi-platinum recording artist, Fefe Dobson.
A special induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame will also be presented to multi-award winning, GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Loreena McKennitt, during the event.
2023 WOMEN IN MUSIC CANADA HONOURS:
Date: Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Venue: The Opera House (735 Queen St E, Toronto)
Time: 6:00pm doors | 7:00pm Honours presentation begins
Tickets: $60 (early bird rate, until February 16) | $75 (after February 16)
Purchase here
LONG LIST NOMINEES:
Amanda Power – The Unison Fund
Amber Moyle – Polaris Music Prize
Anna Ruddick – The Unison Fund
Anne Stirk – Spotify Canada
Ashley Bieniarz – Songsmiths
Béatrice Martin – Bravo musique and Coeur de pirate
Carey Riley – Sony Music Canada
Charlotte Cardin
DeeDee Austin
Domanique Grant
Elise Roller – Misfit Music MGMT
Faryal Khan-Thompson – TuneCore
Fefe Dobson – 21 Entertainment Group Inc.
Fredericka Petit-Homme
Heather Gibson – National Arts Centre
Irish Mythen – Irish Mythen
Janna Sailor – Janna Sailor (Allegra Chamber Orchestra)
Jenn Ivanovs – Jives Management
Jessica Holtby – Seeka Sings
Jessica Lemmon – Lemmon Entertainment
Jessika Harling – JESSIA
Karen Kosowski
Katrina Kernaghan – TikTok
Lana Winterhalt – Good + Plenty Producer's Club
Marilyne Lacombe – Mothland
Mary Beth Waldram – Laughing Heart Music
Monika Ouellet – Lazermortis
Nico Paulo
Nicole Auger – Indigenous Music Alliance
Nicole Alosinac – Nicole Alosinac Luthiery
Ryhna Thompson – Envision Management & Production
Samantha Pickard – Strut Entertainment
Sandy Graham – EMG
Shantel Noel – Spotify
Sharine Taylor – Independent / Bashy
Shauna de Cartier – Six Shooter Records
ShoShona Kish – Ishkode Records / Indigenous Music Alliance
Shumaila Hemani – Shumaila Hemani
Stacey Bedford – Bandzoogle
STONE AGE UG – STONE AGE ENTERTAINMENT
STORRY
Sunny Chen – Sad China
Tanika Charles
Tyler Tasson – Endemic Marketing
Yolanda Sargeant – Sargeant X Comrade
Thank you to the generous support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Canada’s private radio broadcasters, Ontario Creates, and the City of Toronto for their support of all WIM Canada International Women’s Day events. We also want to recognize our incredible Honours partners – Amazon Music, TuneCore, Bandzoogle, Spotify, Tiber River Naturals, Paris Jewellers, Fielding Winery, and Bacardi – all of whom are making it possible for us to launch this inaugural program recognizing and celebrating women identified artists and innovators across Canada.
As well as our federal, provincial and municipal partners, we want to thank workshop partners Universal Music Canada, Bandzoogle, CMRRA, ACTRA:RACS and the Canadian Independent Music Association for their support of the workshop series. You are leaders in developing talent in Canada and we thank you for your important role in the pathway to an equitable industry that we are committed to building.
If you are interested in supporting Women In Music Canada and the inaugural WIMC event, please contact Robyn Stewart at robyn@womeninmusic.ca.
About Women in Music Canada
Women in Music Canada (WIMC) is a registered non-profit organization and one of the largest music industry associations in Canada. The organization is dedicated to fostering gender equality in the music industry through the support and advancement of professionals and creatives at every stage of their career. The goal is to strengthen the social-economic balance of the music industry by providing professional development, support and resources for our community. Women in Music Canada hosts educational, career development and networking events alongside broader programming initiatives, industry engagement, research and advocacy to serve the needs of our diverse community. Our panels, seminars, webinars, workshops and performance serve to educate, empower, and celebrate women contributions to the music world, and strengthen community ties.
Women in Music Canada acknowledges that we are on the traditional territory of many nations throughout Canada, specifically our headquarters in the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands. We respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past, and we dedicate ourselves to move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration. www.womeninmusic.ca
DOWNLOAD – WIMC Logo
LISTEN HERE
OUT NOW ON LOMA VISTA RECORDINGS
Toronto, ON – February 16, 2023 – Today, Local Natives share a Danny L Harle remix of their recent single, Just Before The Morning, out now via Loma Vista Recordings. The single, which reached the B-list at BBC 6Music as well as being #1 most added at AAA radio in the US, marked a striking return from the cherished LA quintet. They've since celebrated its release with three sold-out nights at the Masonic Lodge in LA in Dec 2022 accompanied by special guests including Best Coast, Darkside, Miya Folick and Raul Campos.
In its original guise a swaggering and psychedelic track, hyperpop pioneer Harle - who's worked with everyone from Caroline Polachek to Hudson Mohawke, Carly Rae Jepsen to Charli XCX - stretches Just Before The Morning out into a bonafide floorfiller, creating futurepop gold from an ostensibly unlikely source. Listen to Just Before The Morning(Danny L Harle remix) here.
Just Before The Morning was recorded across Valentine Recording Studio, 64Sound and Sargent Recorders, a strong sense of Los Angeles pervades the track. It sees Local Natives venture into exciting new sonic territory, and is a dialogue between LA’s most iconic studios and their most emblematic band. As well as the strong support at BBC 6Music, the track has seen support at press from the likes of Stereogum, Clash, Dork, Consequence, The Line of Best Fit, The New Cue, Our Culture and more.
The band says of the song: “Just Before The Morning came from a burst of creativity after we finally reconnected in the studio. The song explores the cyclical nature of life and the many ways in which we begin again.”
Revisit the video for Just Before The Morning here.
Last year, the band released double A-side singles, Desert Snow and Hourglass and embarked on a sold-out North American tour that included stops at Osheaga, Lollapalooza, Outsidelands, Ogden Twilight and Outlandia festival this past summer. Stay tuned for more tour dates to be announced soon.
In the span of one year, the band performed twice on Jimmy Kimmel Live! For their first performance, they were accompanied by Sharon Van Etten playing Lemon off the Sour Lemon EP. They closed out the year with a performance of Roxy Music’s More Than This from the Music From The Pen Gala 1983, an EP coinciding with their appearance in the Apple Original Series The Shrink Next Door starring Paul Rudd and Will Ferrell.
Based in Los Angeles, the group progressed their sound over the course of four full-length albums, Gorilla Manor [2009], Hummingbird [2013], Sunlit Youth [2016] and Violet Street [2019].
Local Natives have received praise from Pitchfork, Consequence of Sound, The Guardian and many more. In between countless sold-out shows and festival appearances - including a standout Coachella 2017 set - they’ve graced the stages of Austin City Limits, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Late Late Show With James Corden, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and more.
SONG INTRODUCES NEW ALBUM IN SEARCH OF GOLD
OUT MAY 5 VIA BIRTHDAY CAKE RECORDS
PERFORMING HOMETOWN SHOW IN EDMONTON
AT JUNOFEST ON MARCH 12
Toronto, ON – February 15, 2023 – Canadian hip-hop trailblazer, Mouraine, prepares to shine in 2023 with his first single of the year, Gold. The song evokes the inner and outer glow of realizing self-worth and pursuing potential to the highest degree. Gold gleams with the announcement of Mouraine's forthcoming album, In Search of Gold, set for release May 5 via Birthday Cake Records, setting the foundation of what's ahead for the innovative Sudan-born, Edmonton-raised artist. Listen to Goldhere.
Produced by Western Canadian Music Award (WCMA) winning producer-engineer duo, deadmen (Begonia, Ashleigh Ball, Royal Canoe), Gold moves with a melodious beat and Mouraine's clever rhyme and verse. Sharp, metaphorical and resonant with uplifting messages, Gold is a soundtrack for recognizing your value and using your gifts to personify your dreams.
"Gold is the perfect post-reaction once you discover your true worth as an artist and a human being," Mouraine says. "Once you know your capabilities and have reached an unexplainable state of belief in yourself, there is no such thing as settling for anything less than gold."
The video for Gold was filmed in Joshua Tree National Park, California and directed by Mat Dunlap and assisted by Kevin Manning. Mouraine traverses the desert terrain to claim his throne - and spin gold records - beneath a warm west coast sun. This is a reminder to never settle, no matter the time or the setting. Watch Gold here.
Gold marks a grand entrance into a new era of Mouraine, and drives the energy for In Search of Gold. For the album, Mouraine worked with deadmen (Matt Peters & Matt Schellenberg) to craft new sounds, showcase Mouraine's growth as an artist, and create a sonic representation of Mouraine's life journey.
"I’ve always thought that chasing possessions were going to fulfill me. But I realized that to find gold is to find your purpose, peace, and happiness, and that’s what this album means to me," he adds.
Audiences both familiar, or newly introduced, to Mouraine's catalogue and unparalleled stage presence will witness In Search of Gold as a byproduct of years of hard work, determination and talent, failure and loss. This album comes with as much triumph and accomplishment as it does challenge and vulnerability.
Mouraine will be rocking JUNOFest in his hometown of Edmonton next month on March 12 at 99Ten, followed by a debut at FOCUS Wales Festival in Wrexham, UK in May. Find all details below. Learn more about Mouraine's career below, connect with him online and stay tuned for more music as he blazes his path.
TOUR DATES
May 4-6: FOCUS Wales Festival - Wrexham, UK
March 12: JUNOFest @ 99Ten - Edmonton, AB - Tickets
As a young, first-generation immigrant to Canada, Mouraine first learned to speak English through his insatiable appetite for music. Hip Hop, Rap and R&B lyrics became his teacher, his solace, and his inspiration to use this language as a tool for self expression and survival. By the age of 11 he began writing, recording and performing original music that would lead to sharing stages with the likes of Mac Miller, J.Cole, T-Pain, Big Sean, Pusha T, Classified, and Shad. Mouraine’s music has been placed in Footlocker ads, played live at Toronto Raptors NBA games, awarded him accolades from his community and peers, and continues to infect audiences around the world. A seemingly endless source of energy, there’s no denying that Mouraine has a magnetic ability to pull people in and make them feel a part of his music and message.
SHARES TEASER FOR LET GO OUT MARCH 3
CATCH THEM ON THE FIRST SHOW OF 2023
HEARTSUPPORT FESTIVAL ON FEBRUARY 18 IN ORLANDO
PLUS THE BLIND OBEDIENCE TOUR BEGINS IN MARCH
WITH PERIPHERY AND LOATHE
TORONTO, ON – February 15, 2023 – Underoath announces label signing to MNRK Heavy for a worldwide deal and shares teaser for new single, Let Go, today - listen here.
In discussing the excitement of the label signing, Scott Givens, SVP of MNRK Music Group, said: “Rarely does the opportunity present itself to partner with a band as amazing as Underoath. When that opportunity was presented, we seized it immediately, and speaking for the entire company; we are truly honored they gave us a chance to work with them on their upcoming recordings. The band has had a remarkable career, and all of us at the MRNK Music Group can’t wait to accompany them on their next phase of it.”
Underoath added, “Choosing who we partner with in releasing our music is always a huge decision. The team at MNRK simply rules, understands our vision, and is passionate about the music. We couldn’t be more excited and ready to work with the MNRK team to release some of our favorite work to date.”
The band will perform the first show of 2023 on February 18 in Orlando at the Heartsupport Festivial following the Blind Obedience Tour starting on March 3 in Silver Spring with Periphery and Loathe concluding April 2 in Nashville plus festivals at the Slam Dunk Festival and Inkcarceration Festival.
Tour Dates:
02/18/23 - Orlando, FL @ Heartsupport Fest
03/03/23 - Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore*
03/04/23 - Stroudsburg, PA @ The Sherman Theater*
03/05/23 - Huntington, NY @ The Paramount*
03/07/23 - Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room*
03/08/23 - Pittsburgh, PA @ The Roxian*
03/10/23 - East Moline, IL @ The Rust Belt*
03/11/23 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Eagles Club*
03/13/23 - Grand Rapids, MI @ 20 Monroe*
03/14/23 - St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant*
03/15/23 - Kansas City, MO @ The Uptown Theater*
03/17/23 - Wichita, KS @ The Cotilion*
03/18/23 - Denver, CO @ The Ogden Theater*
03/20/23 - Boise, ID @ Revolution*
03/21/23 - Portland, OR @ The Roseland Ballroom*
03/23/23 - Wheatland, CA @ The Hard Rock Casino*
03/24/23 - Anaheim, CA @ The House of Blues*
03/25/23 - Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl*
03/26/23 - San Diego, CA @ Soma*
03/27/23 - Tucson, AZ @ The Rialto Theater*
03/29/23 - Albuquerque, NM @ The El Rey Theatre*
03/31/23 - Oklahoma City, OK @ The Diamond Ballroom*
04/01/23 - Little Rock, AR @ The Hall*
04/02/23 - Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works*
05/27/23 - Hatfield, EN @ Slam Dunk Festival
05/28/23 - Leeds, UK @ Slam Dunk Festival
07/15/23 - Mansfield, OH @ Inkcarceration Festival
*Blind Obedience Tour with Periphery and Loathe
DOWNLOAD - Press Photo | DOWNLOAD - Tour Poster
About Underoath:
UNDEROATH reinvents the balance between chaos and harmony with each successive release. Their compositions, conjured from creative tension, become iconoclastic anthems. Even when the band almost combusts, the crackling energy coalesces into something deeply resonant for millions.
Their pair of gold albums and three GRAMMY nominations stand in stark defiance of the idea of commercial compromise. The Underoath catalog weaponizes noise, aggression, and ambiance as skillfully as melody. The combination of heaviness and headiness found on Define the Great Line makes it the only record of its kind to debut at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.
The heart of their sound, which delivers naked vulnerability with thrilling force and cinematic lushness, can be heard in generations of bands who’ve pursued their trail.
Walking an artistic tightrope between immersive access and isolationist otherness, Underoath owns the space between huge choruses and forward-thinking heaviness, both on record and onstage.
FROM UPCOMING EP MOONSTONE ON MONSTERCAT
LISTEN TO TOURMALINE
Aether shares, “Originally built around an ambient foundation, Tourmaline was given its name through its prismatic nature and how its ambient roots glimmer through in new light.”
With over 22 million streams across all platforms, the Scottish-born artist continues to defy all odds being visually impaired with Retinitis Pigmentosa. He strives to challenge himself by stepping into new production techniques, producing video game soundtracks, and being multi-dimensional with his genres, all while using his specialized keyboard and audible tools. Aether will celebrate ten years of making music this year with ‘Moonstone,’ introducing a newfound ambient soundscape to his discography.
Aether Bio
My name is Jason Taylor, I’m a visually impaired music producer and composer hailing from Scotland. I’ve been writing music under the moniker Aether since 2013. After graduating college with a higher national diploma in sound engineering, I started pursuing my career as a freelancer in the music industry.
Since then, I’ve worked on various successful musical projects ranging from popular electronic music to video game scores.
NEW STUDIO ALBUM POUR IT OUT INTO THE NIGHT
OUT JUNE 2 ON CONCORD RECORDS
LISTEN TO KID HERE
WATCH THE VIDEO
WHICH HAD ITS BROADCAST PREMIERE VIA MTV
“The Revivalists' sound covers a lot of ground and harkens back to many of their diverse influences…but they are constantly moving forward.” – Grammy.com
“A high energy, seamless blend of soulful, horn-abetted rock and roll…inching closer to pop superstardom…” - Relix
"... a creative, compelling blend of musical ingenuity and heart..." – Billboard
TORONTO, ON – February 15, 2023 – Chart-topping rock band, The Revivalists, have released their new lead single, Kid, with an accompanying music video, and have announced their fifth studio album, Pour It Out Into The Night, set for release on June 2 via Concord Records. Kid is a hopeful anthem invoking the zest for life, self-belief, catharsis and “living for the spirit now” as the song’s post-chorus declares. Listen to Kid here and pre-save/pre-order Pour It Out Into The Night. Each pre-order includes an instant download of Kid.
Directed by Johnny Chew, the music video features artful, eye-popping stop-motion animation of the band against a backdrop that pays homage to the architectural and artistic aesthetics that define the band’s home of New Orleans. Watch the video here, which made its broadcast premiere on MTV Live, MTVU, and MTV Biggest Pop.
With an infectious melody and piano peeking through bright acoustic guitar, intricate layers of the band's distinctive instrumentation power a euphoric chantable chorus: “Hey kid / Just sing the songs that wake the dead then / You keep them ringing in your head, yeah / You gotta get it off your chest / Don’t worry about the mess.”
"Kid is about capturing the essence of life," says vocalist/guitarist David Shaw. "We all go through ups and downs. Sometimes, we don't believe in ourselves. We've got skeletons in the closet trying to drag us down. But you've got to believe in yourself. You've just got to live for the spirit. Nothing good ever comes easy. If you don't have hope, what do you have?"
"David and I wrote the bulk of Kid on January 6, 2021. My wife was one month pregnant with our twins and also we were getting real-time updates on the insurrection at the Capitol,” shares guitarist Zack Feinberg. "There was a lot of intense energy swirling around us that day as we were trying to stay focused on this exciting, beautiful thing we were channeling.”
Kid introduces Pour It Out Into The Night, a life-affirming album about living in the moment that offers both an unburdening and an appreciation for the here and now, fueled by lessons in gratitude and life realizations. As the world came to a standstill in the years since their last album, Take Good Care, personal experiences and life challenges abounded, with band members having their first children, getting married, and navigating the mental hurdles of lockdown.
Throughout 2020, the band wrote, recorded, and shared ideas with each other while David created many of the demos that would begin to lay the foundation for the album. The band’s process for this record was the most self-guided one yet. David and Zack began writing together at David’s home studio as well, resulting in the lead single, Kid, as the band spent countless hours crafting the music between themselves before bringing it to a producer. They laid down demos in their practice space in New Orleans at Fountainbleau and at Marigny Studios. After this period of creative explosion, The Revivalists stole away to the magical backdrop of Vermont in 2022 to record for two weeks in the dead of winter with GRAMMY Award-winning producer, Rich Costey (Muse, Foster the People, Death Cab for Cutie), who produced Pour It Out Into The Night with co-production from David, Zack, and the rest of the band. Full tracklist below.
The Revivalists are renowned for their live prowess, soulful alt-rock anthems, and distinct mix of many of the classic styles of American music, led by the incredible voice of front man David Shaw. The band will bring their epic live show to several upcoming festivals including a big hometown set at New Orleans JazzFest in April and Bonnaroo in June. They will play their Jazz Fest headline show at The Fillmore in New Orleans on April 28, and will return to Red Rocks in Colorado on September 14. With three consecutive sell-outs at the storied venue, it’s sure to be another epic night under the stars. For tickets, please visit www.therevivalists.com.
DOWNLOAD - album artwork | DOWNLOAD - hi-res photo
POUR IT OUT INTO THE NIGHT TRACKLIST:
1. Kid
2. Don't Look Back
3. Good Old Days
4. Down In The Dirt
5. The Long Con
6. Only You
7. Alive
8. Wait For The Sun
9. When I Got You
10. How We Move
11. Say Goodbye
12. Pour It Out Into The Night
THE REVIVALISTS 2023 TOUR DATES:
February 26 - Tempe, AZ @ Innings Festival
March 19 - Tampa, FL @ Innings Festival
March 31 - Jackson, WY @ Rendezvous Festival
April 28 – 30 - New Orleans, LA @ New Orleans Jazz & Heritage
Festival
April 28 - New Orleans LA @ The Fillmore
June 18 - Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo
September 14 - Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
ABOUT THE REVIVALISTS
Eight-piece rock 'n' roll collective, The Revivalists – David Shaw [lead vocals, guitar], Zack Feinberg [guitar], Andrew Campanelli [drums], George Gekas [bass], Ed Williams [pedal steel guitar], Rob Ingraham [saxophone], Michael Girardot [keyboard, trumpet], and PJ Howard [drums, percussion] – have made the journey from hole-in-the-wall gigs to sold-out shows at hallowed venues such as Radio City Music Hall, The Ryman and Red Rocks, multiplatinum success, more than 800 million streams, major media praise, and numerous national television performances including Austin City Limits, Colbert, Kimmel, Ellen, and TODAY. In addition to multiple back-to-back sold-out tours, they have opened for The Rolling Stones, and graced the bills of Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Governor’s Ball, and New Orleans Jazz Fest, among others.
The Revivalists broke through with 2015's Men Amongst Mountains, which featured the double-platinum smash single and Billboard Hot 100 hit Wish I Knew You. Following 2018’s Take Good Care, which featured two #1 Adult Alternative hits, Change and All My Friends (also a Top 5 Alternative hit), they unveiled Made In Muscle Shoals Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, accompanied by a mini-doc (recorded and filmed at the iconic FAME Studios in Alabama).
The Revivalists also recently established their philanthropic umbrella fund, Rev Causes, that supports a variety of organizations dedicated to reviving and investing in our communities, our health, and our environment. By donating a portion of ticket sales, through fan donations, and a variety of other fundraising efforts, the band assists multiple national and local organizations in building a better future.
Follow The Revivalists:
Instagram * Facebook * Twitter * TikTok * Web Site
NEW LP PRODUCED BY BRAD COOK AND BAILEN
SET FOR RELEASE MAY 5 VIA FANTASY
WATCH THE CINEMATIC VIDEO FOR FIRST SINGLE
CALL IT LIKE IT IS
25-DATE TIRED HEARTS TOUR BEGINS MARCH 2
WITH TORONTO STOP MAY 16
TORONTO, ON – February 14, 2023 – Today, rising indie-pop trio, BAILEN, have announced the release of their second full-length album, Tired Hearts, due May 5, via Fantasy Records. The New York City based siblings have also shared the album’s first single – the alt-pop anthem Call It Like It Is, along with its cult classic thriller style video – listen and watch here. Pre-order Tired Hearts here.
The sparkling Call It Like It Is, co-written by BAILEN and X Ambassadors’ Adam Levin and Sam Harris, is “an anthem for anyone who refuses to be taken advantage of,” the band stated. “It unmasks the ugly truth behind shiny veneers.”
The track’s beautifully rendered, cinematic video, directed and edited by David Bailen, is a fictionalized account of a scary ‘catfishing’ episode BAILEN recently experienced while on tour. “To save money on the road, we often stay with friends, family and fans instead of staying in hotels,” the group explained. “It goes to show what it takes to be in a touring band these days just to break even.”
On Tired Hearts, Daniel, David, and Julia BAILEN deliver a dazzling set of songs that navigates the space between the heart’s expectation and the head’s sober reality. At times both intricate and playful, measured and elaborate, the album’s 12 original songs wrestle with an uncertain future where ethics and morality—both communal and personal—are constantly shifting.
Produced by Brad Cook (Bon Iver, Waxahatchee) and BAILEN, and mixed by Lars Stalfors (Soccer Mommy, St. Vincent, Local Natives) Tired Hearts’ taut, synth-driven tracks are centered around BAILEN’s radiant harmonies and adventurous arrangements furthering the group’s exhilarating avant-pop evolution. Cook was instrumental in expanding the band’s ambition beyond what they initially envisioned. “We played the last record live a hundred times before recording it, so we tracked a lot of it live,” Daniel explains. “With Brad, we took a collagist’s approach. It freed us up to explore and be sonically adventurous.”
The album’s numerous high points include the iridescent pop of Nothing Left to Give, the tender hushed intimacy of These Bones, and the piercing, lilting title track. Tired Hearts. The moving BRCA (Nothing Takes Me Down), a title derived from the breast cancer gene Julia shares with her mother (a breast cancer survivor) is indicative of the band’s incredible range. Over a slow building rhythmic pulse, Julia sings of hospital gowns and uncertainty, untying a complex knot of familial anxiety, guilt, and acceptance, while embracing the determination to move forward: I’ll still live like I’m dying/But I won’t let it take me down. “It’s about finding ways to not be defined by these circumstances, and to move past them with resilience,” she affirms.
Known for their stunning vocals and sharp, literate songwriting, BAILEN have cultivated a passionate following and emerged in indie circles via word of mouth, robust playlisting and a stream of steady touring with artists such as Hozier, Amos Lee, The Lone Bellow, and Joseph, to name a few. The group’s acclaimed 2019 debut, Thrilled To Be Here, produced by John Congleton, has amassed over 25 million streams since its release.
BAILEN recently announced a nation-wide, 25-date tour beginning March 2 at The Southern Café & Music Hall in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Tired Hearts Tour will visit major cities across North America before finishing with a hometown performance at New York’s venerable Le Poisson Rouge on May 20. BAILEN is also set for high profile appearances at Austin’s famed SXSW Music Festival, March 14 -16. Showcase details will be announced soon.
Find the full tour itinerary below. For tickets and more information, please visit: bailentheband.com
BAILEN – Tired Hearts Tour - Spring 2023:
March 2 - Charlottesville, VA – The Southern Café & Music Hall
March 3 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle Back Room
March 4 – Asheville, NC – Grey Eagle
March 5 – Charleston, WV – Mountain Stage
March 7 – Nashville, TN – 3rd & Lindsley
March 8 – Atlanta, GA – Smith’s Olde Bar
March 10 – Bentonville, AR – City Sessions
March 11 – Dallas, TX – Club Dada
March 12 – Houston, TX – White Oak Upstairs
March 14–16 – Austin, TX - SXSW
March 19 – San Diego, CA – The Casbah
March 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Echo
March 22 – San Francisco, CA – Café Du Nord
March 24 – Portland, OR – Polaris Hall
March 26 – Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern
March 30 – Minneapolis, MN – Parkway Theatre
March 31 – Milwaukee, WI – The Back Room at Colectivo
April 1 – Chicago, IL – Old Town School of Folk
April 2 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark
May 12 – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brendas
May 13 – Washington, D.C. – Miracle Theatre
May 14 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Café
May 16 – Toronto, ON – The Drake Hotel
May 18 – Fairfield, CT – Stageone
May 19 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
May 20 – New York, NY – Le Poisson Rouge
DOWNLOAD - album art | DOWNLOAD - press photo
WATCH THE ACCOMPANYING VIDEO HERE
TTORONTO, ON – February 10, 2023 – Today, singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, Jack Kays, has shared his new track, The Voice In My Head – listen here. The song comes alongside a live performance video shot by Jack’s frequent creative collaborator Cagla Akcadag – watch here. Originally teased a few weeks ago on TikTok to a positive reaction, The Voice In My Head is a treat to fans from Jack as he finishes up more music to come this year.
Speaking about the new track, Kays says: "The Voice In My Head is a song that is exactly how the title describes it. I have this little voice in my head that tries to tell me all this stuff. It's so loud sometimes that I can't tell if it's true or not."
The Voice In My Head is the follow up to Jack Kays’ latest acoustic EP, CESSATION. Released at the end of last year, the 5-track project is an extremely vulnerable collection of songs that chronicle the lifespan of a man and his journey to sobriety starting at ages 10-17 with Wish You Well and concluding with a reflection of an entire life with The Walk.
In support of the CESSATION EP, Jack hit the road on on his first-ever headline tour titled The Man with a Guitar. Kays brought his captivating live show to cities across North America with sold out shows in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta and more.
Stay tuned for much more music to come this year from Jack Kays!
DOWNLOAD - Jack Kays Press Photo | DOWNLOAD - CESSATION Album Artwork
Subscribe to Jack Kays' Newsletter
Follow Jack Kays on TikTok
LISTEN HERE
THE ANTICIPATED destination heartbreak LP ARRIVES THIS SPRING
TORONTO, ON – February 10, 2023 – Today, Vancouver-based record producer and multi-instrumentalist, zensei ゼンセー (ZEN-say), releases his beautiful, lo-fi-leaning EP, destination heartbreak pt. 2, out today via Monstercat. A follow up to destination heartbreak pt. 1 EP, which was shared in November, this new three-song collection is an instrumental trip down memory lane that explores the artist’s past memories of heartbreak, as well as being put back together. Putting his multifaceted talents on full display, he fuses old and personal audio and video clips throughout the package. Listen to destination heartbreak pt. 2 EP here.
zensei ゼンセー shares, “destination heartbreak pt.2 is the ‘heartbreak’ part of the series. It slowly morphs into a sad tone, which really describes a moment in my life. It is inspired by when I was going into my younger years, going into relationships prematurely, knowing those decisions would tear me apart.”
The full-length destination heartbreak LP is due this spring. For the recording, zensei ゼンセー buried himself in old files and hunted passionately for samples to use, finding himself going through old computer files and photos to draw inspiration. “I did this all in my own home while sulking in my old memories,” zensei ゼンセー adds. “Every track has a meaning to me that warps me back in time to an exact moment. The memories feel so real to me, that I can still see it vividly in my head and smell the air around me.”
Stay tuned as the destination heartbreak adventure unfolds this spring.
destination heartbreak pt. 2 Tracklist:
1. dreaming of you too
2. just friends
3. destination heartbreak
About zensei ゼンセー:
zensei (better known as Vancouver-based artist, Dillon Wong, a.k.a. Eminence) is a talented Asian Canadian music producer who specializes in creating lo-fi hip hop beats. He is a multi-instrumentalist, proficient in playing the piano, bass, and guitar. He began his musical journey at a young age, taking guitar lessons from his father and developing a love for music production. As he grew older, zensei began experimenting with different music genres, eventually finding his passion in lo-fi hip hop. He began creating beats in his home studio, using samples and live instrumentation to create a unique sound. His music quickly gained popularity online, with many praising his ability to blend traditional Asian influences with modern hip hop beats.
LISTEN TO NEW SINGLE ROOM SERVICE
LISTEN TO 2022 JUNO AWARD-WINNING
STOCK EXCHANGE MIXTAPE
TORONTO, ON – February 10, 2023 – Haviah Mighty is kicking off the New Year with two sweet surprises. On January 27, the multi award-winning Toronto-born, Brampton-based artist, DJ and producer, released a new song, Room Service. The track evokes tenderness in its R&B-infused keys, tropical ambiance, Afrobeat elements and a sultry groove in contrast to Haviah's signature bars for which she is known, as highlighted on her previous single, Honey Bun. Today, Room Service arrives as double-feature visual that blends both of the tunes with cinematic zeal, capturing sonic chapters of a relationship, with reflections that range from self-worth to proclamations of desire. Listen to Room Service here and watch the video for Honey Bun/Room Service here.
Haviah expands on another aspect of the love story within Room Service, written from a position of bargaining in a relationship:
"This song reflects on the many phases of denial that I experienced going through a recent breakup. My self-worth was shattered, I convinced myself that things weren’t as bad as they seemed, and that it wasn’t my fault. I was fully aware that this person had already let me go, by their mannerisms, the shifts in attitude, and the conversations we had. I knew their heart wasn't in it anymore.
But it wasn't official. Because of that, I had this glimmer of hope - as if the energy wasn't loud enough, and as if I didn't know what the outcome would be. For me, this song grew into an anthem of lust, wonderment, desire and delusion. The
sultry lead melodies pull you in as I plead for my lover to wait for me. Just hold on. The bouncy synths playfully suck you into a vortex of heavy-hitting 808s and afro-style grooves that remind you that I’m not just a rapper - but also a singer, Jamaican, and Toronto-born."
For the Honey Bun/Room Service video, Haviah re-connected with Directors Kit Weyman and Chrris Lowe of acclaimed production company, Fela (Drake, Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, Rosalia), who worked on her Prism Prize-nominated video, Protest (featuring Yizzy). Haviah's fervent creative approach shows representation of herself, both culturally and personally, within the piece as it intersects her Caribbean roots with her journey as a queer woman. Commencing with Honey Bun, Haviah begins to tell the story of the relationship at a stage where she has not quite hit the level of negotiation in Room Service. The narrative unfolds into something fresh and unique; an authentic portrait of the pure energy exchange that evolves in a classic jam set in an inclusive, queer-friendly space that you'll want to party in, too.
"In Honey Bun, we see me disassociating with a past love, let down, and looking for distractions as a form of medicine. I began to rely heavily on having multiple beautiful partners, money, designer clothes, drugs and any other way to escape the hurt. Still, this person from the past plagues my mind, as we start to sonically and visually shift into Room Service. We see reflections of the past love spliced with moments of us together, before we’re sucked into a new setting, with a new energy. It’s gritty and grungy. It’s sweaty and sultry," Haviah expands.
"You see Mighty Gang in the cut, representing - and you see me spotting a new love interest, while caught between the two as the old love interest enters the frame. We see a love triangle that manifested between an old and new love – and while it was a good time, it ultimately wasn’t real, and didn’t last. Together, these two videos/songs depict the difficult stages in a breakup that we all inevitably go through -and the reality that, if it’s not to be, no matter what occurs - it will not be."
Haviah's latest are a sample of what will be featured on her forthcoming project. Last year, Haviah's music resonated with global audiences as the sole Canadian artist nominated for a 2022 BET Award in the category of Best International Flow. History was made as Haviah's 2021 mixtape, Stock Exchange, won a 2022 Juno Award for Rap Album/EP of the Year. She rocked an extensive schedule of headline shows across Canada, The United States and Europe, with festival spots at SXSW, Dinah Music Festival and Toronto's inaugural Rolling Loud, to massive stadium shows supporting The Arkells, and more.
In addition, Haviah launched her successful initiative, Black Entrepreneur Giveaway. Haviah awarded 10 rising business owners $1,000 each to help them further expand and thrive. The initiative arrives in alignment with Stock Exchange and its messaging to value systems of both economic and creative forms. Following Haviah's 2019 Polaris Music Prize-winning album, 13th Floor, Stock Exchange features an array of highly acclaimed singles and guests. This year, Haviah celebrated her ever-evolving and progressive career with numerous accolades and a monumental return to live shows - defying all odds around a time of change worldwide. Listen to Stock Exchange everywhere you enjoy music.
Stay tuned for more from Haviah Mighty this year.
DOWNLOAD - Room Service Art
DOWNLOAD - Honey Bun Art
DOWNLOAD – Hi Res Press Photo by Yung Yemi (@yung.yemi)
Haviah Mighty on TikTok: @haviahmighty
Haviah Mighty didn’t need to change her birth name when she decided to dedicate her career to music. Mighty could not better describe Haviah’s craft of provocative challenges and uncompromising truths.
Based out of Brampton via Toronto, Haviah has spent a lifetime developing her skills as a songwriter, vocalist, producer, and performer, culminating in a style of profound introspection and incisive socio-political critique. Her dynamic combinations of rap, song, and instrumental transition seamlessly from hip-hop to soul to afrobeats with a meticulous flow and cadence that transcends any traditional expectation of genre.
2019 saw Haviah earn break-out success with her album, 13th Floor, making her the first hip-hop artist and the first Black woman to win the Polaris Music Prize, celebrating the “Best Canadian Album of the Year” - but Mighty didn’t stop there.
With her JUNO Award-winning mixtape, Stock Exchange (Nov. 2021), Haviah made history once again as the first woman to ever win within the Rap Album of the Year category. Recognition has spread internationally, garnering praise from the likes of Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, GRM Daily, FADER, Hot New Hip Hop, and many more.
From performance invitations by massive European tastemaker, COLORSxSTUDIOS, to BBC 1’s Jack Saunders proclaiming “I just cannot find anything as good as Haviah Mighty," to crushing the 5 Fingers of Death on the legendary show, Sway in the Morning - Haviah Mighty is unstoppable. Mighty pushes forward continuing to carve out spaces that boldly defy gendered expectations for women in hip- hop. Unyielding and irresistible – Haviah Mighty will be heard
LISTEN TO FIRST SINGLE ALL I REALLY WANNA DO HERE
WATCH THE TRACK’S SPACE-TRIPPING ANIMATED
MUSIC VIDEO HERE
TORONTO, ON – February 10, 2023 – Today, rising singer-songwriter and multi- instrumentalist, Devon Gilfillian, announced his second full-length studio album, Love You Anyway, available on April 7, 2023, via Fantasy Records. An intoxicating, genre-crossing game changer, Love You Anyway spans soul, hip-hop, R&B, and rock, all under the banner of Black joy. The Philadelphia-born, Nashville-based soul artist also debuted a sinuous and seductive new single, All I Really Wanna Do, along with the track’s accompanying interstellar-inspired animated video that finds Devon traveling through a love-induced galaxy of his own making. Pre-order Love You Anyway and listen to All I Really Wanna Do here. Watch the All I Really Wanna Do official video here.
Produced by Jeremy Lutito (Joy Oladokun, NEEDTOBREATHE), Love You Anyway, confronts as well as comforts. Chronicling Gilfillian’s journey as a Black artist living in 21st century America, the album’s 10 original tracks, (all co-written by Gilfillian) are as much about fighting for what you believe in: equity and representation, as it is about love, finding it, making it, and channeling it into every facet of our lives.
Devon Gilfillian on the new album and single: “I wanted to share my story on this album and pour a whole lot of love into the gap that’s grown between people in our country. All I Really Wanna Do is an anthem for living in the moment. It’s a song about taking a chance on love, on life, and on exploring yourself. It’s about being weird with the one you love and knowing that being yourself is enough. I want people to listen to this song and forget - even for a second - the sad things going on around the world. I want them to be reminded of the beauty and joy we have around us, as long as we’re looking and open to receive."
The recording of Love You Anyway began during the pandemic, as the nation’s political chasm widened, leading Gilfillian to rely on a few simple resources: the music of Marvin Gaye, new love, therapy, and his beloved cats, Barry White and Felicia.
Summoning an array of musical touchstones amid a rush of unexpected ear-catching twists and turns, Love You Anyway is as listenable as it is thought-provoking. The elegant, All I Really Wanna Do, is the LP’s alluring Temps-infused opening invitation. In quick succession, soulful provocateurs, The Recipe, and Right Kind of Crazy, wrap around Brown Sugar Queen, a Prince x Anderson Paak super-sized jam that features rising Swedish pop star Janice. Elsewhere, Better Broken evokes Bill Withers’ slinky gift for melody, the spiritual Let The Water Flow, reaffirms Georgia’s political awakening, and Righteous, (featuring new labelmate Nathaniel Rateliff) takes an unblinking look at racial injustice in America. Lastly, on Love You Anyway, the open-hearted and transcendent end-title track, Gilfillian captures the raw power and beauty of acceptance.
Growing up in Philadelphia, Gilfillian discovered that the towering icons of his musician father’s era—Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, The Temptations—were just as formative and exciting as discovering the new sounds of his own generation: Wu-Tang Clan, Notorious B.I.G., and Jay-Z, who all inspired him in different ways. Bursting on the scene in 2020 with his highly regarded debut album Black Hole Rainbow, he received glowing acclaim from NPR, the New York Times, PASTE and The Tennessean, among many others. Then later that year, Gilfillian re-recorded and released Marvin Gaye’s iconic album, What’s Going On, which raised funds for low-income communities of colour, and provided resources and education around the democratic process.
Now, with Love You Anyway, Devon Gilfillian pays it forward. Conjuring the raw, sexy emotions of his predecessors and the next-level production grooves of his R&B and hip-hop contemporaries, Gilfillian is taking soul music into an exciting and restorative new future.
Devon Gilfillian - Love You Anyway TRACK LIST:
1. All I Really Wanna Do
2. The Recipe
3. Brown Sugar Queen (feat. Janice)
4. Right Kind Of Crazy
5. Let The Water Flow
6. Imma Let My Body Move
7. Better Broken
8. Follow The Leader
9. Righteous (feat. Nathaniel Rateliff)
10. Piano (Interlude)
11. Love You Anyway
Devon Gilfillian On Tour:
February 10 -17 - Miami, FL - Cayamo Cruise
March 13 -19 - Austin, TX - SXSW
April 17 - New York, NY - Mercury Lounge (album release show)
June 17 - Manchester, TN - Bonnaroo
More dates to be announced soon!
FORTHCOMING ALBUM DUE THIS SPRING VIA LAST GANG RECORDS/MNRK
The singles are paired with incredible visualizers by illustrator Elijah Anderson - check out Float here and A View From The Sky here. To complement Harrison's artistic vision, he enlisted Elijah, and the design and animation of Jeremy White to craft single artwork that recalls classic Blue Note covers and iconic Saturday morning cartoons like Schoolhouse Rock!.
Float is a smooth downtempo tune with a grooving R&B bassline perfect for a reflective drive. As Kadhja sings of struggling to find oneself in another's absent love through metaphors, her graceful vocals weave throughout this buoyant collaboration: "Do you wanna fill me up/ Like a cheap balloon/ That deflates when you leave the room/ I don’t wanna force it but/ When it gets a haze/ I might float myself away."
A View From The Sky highlights Harrison’s deep study of jazz and dedication to the piano, written during a moment of personal reclamation after a dark time. "This piece means a lot to me," Harrison affirms. "I just started taking Zoloft after a pretty bad stint of depression and it just started to kick in that day. I wanted to convey that feeling of carefreeness even if it was just for a moment. I’ll be proud of this joint forever."
Float and A View From The Sky follow a string of standout songs Harrison released between 2021 and 2022. Last year, Outta This World, marked another collaborative effort with JUNO Award-winning and fellow Toronto artist, TOBi. Listen to Outta This World here, and watch the video here. In addition, Harrison released captivating instrumental singles, Around You and Like When We Were Kids, which saw over 3 million combined global streams.
At only 27, Harrison has accomplished more than many artists twice his age, all while not being afraid to take himself too seriously. He got his start making beat tapes and putting sample-heavy songs on SoundCloud, where he quickly found a following, and a global community of likeminded producers and collaborators including Ryan Hemsworth, Star Slinger, and more. With two critically acclaimed albums to his name, 2016’s JUNO Award-nominated Checkpoint Titanium and 2018’s Apricity, his versatility has lead to him producing for some of Canada’s most boundary-pushing artists including al l i e, Daniela Andrade, DijahSB, Sean Leon, and TOBi. On top of this, he’s also composed music for video games (LOUD on Planet X) and more recently, commercials for NERF, Play-Doh, and more.
Stay tuned for more from Harrison as he continues to share his craft this year.
Last Gang is a music company founded in 2003 and credited with launching the careers of Metric, Death From Above 1979, Mother Mother and MSTRKRFT. The company is also well known for its work with Arkells, Stars, Keys N Krates, Lights, and Chromeo. Last Gang is a MNRK Music Group company. www.lastgang.com
LISTEN TO BLACK RADIO III FEATURING KILLER MIKE,
TY DOLLA $IGN, H.E.R., Q-TIP, ESPERANZA SPALDING,
JENNIFER HUDSON, COMMON AND MORE
TORONTO, ON – February 6, 2023 – Multi-Grammy-winning pianist and producer, Robert Glapser, has received his 5th Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for Black Radio III. Glasper’s contribution to music and culture spans over two decades with Grammy nominations and wins for a multitude of his projects including the history changing 2013 win for Best R&B Album for Black Radio, 2015 win for Best Traditional R&B Performance for Jesus Children, 2017 win for Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media for Miles Ahead, and 2021 taking home a win for his hit-single, Better Than I Imagined, in the Best R&B Song category. Glasper has formed an exceptional legacy that permeates throughout contemporary art and advocacy.
Black Radio III features both new and old Black Radio family such as H.E.R, Ty Dolla $ign, Common, Yebba, Meshell Ndgeocello, Killer Mike, BJ The Chicago Kid, Big K.R.I.T., and more. Glasper’s body of work is a masterclass in hip-hop, R&B and jazz fusion that sonically has influenced the next decade to come. This further proves Glasper to be one of the most respected collaborators of his generation, now with 12 nominations in total and five wins.
The Grammy Award winning Black Radio III celebrates Black joy, love and resilience and features the Grammy-winning single, Better Than I Imagined, with H.E.R and Meshell Ndgeocello. Killer Mike, BJ The Chicago Kid and Big K.R.I.T. unify in Black Superhero, a track that lifts up real-life Black heroes, while Lalah Hathaway and Common put a fresh spin on Everybody Wants To Rule The World, a nod to the Tears For Fears classic. Glasper also creates space on this album for songs like Q-Tip and Esperanza Spalding’s versatile and driving While We Speak, and Over, Yebba’s sweet-winded plea to a fleeting love. Black Radio III’s guests also include Jennifer Hudson, Ty Dolla $ign, Ant Clemons, India.Arie, Musiq Soulchild, PJ Morton and more. Since announcing the album in early 2022, Glasper has joined Trevor Noah for an interview and performance of Heaven’s Here with Ant Clemons on The Daily Show and was backed by The Roots on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon for a special MLK Day performance of In Tune and Black Superhero featuring Rapsody, DJ Jazzy Jeff, BJ The Chicago Kid, and Amir Sulaiman.
The 5x Grammy and Emmy winning artist, composer and producer made history over a decade ago with the release of Black Radio as the first album to debut in the top 10 of four different genre charts simultaneously: Hip Hop, R&B, Urban Contemporary, Jazz and Contemporary Jazz, as did the follow-up album Black Radio 2. The ongoing Black Radio brand has become synonymous with Black music culture and has placed Glasper alongside some of music’s most legendary- from early days with J Dilla, Bilal and Yasiin Bey to playing alongside Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Herbie Hancock, Erykah Badu, Snoop Dogg, Jill Scott, Brandy and more.
Commended as one of the most respected and talented artists of his time, everything leading up to this win has cemented Glasper’s lasting legacy in music history and beyond. Congratulations to Robert Glasper on his Grammy win!
LISTEN TO GRAMMY-WINNING ALBUM, BLACK RADIO III here.
BLACK RADIO lll TRACKLIST
1. In Tune ft. Amir Sulaiman
2. Black Superhero ft. Killer Mike + BJ The Chicago Kid + Big K.R.I.T.
3. Shine ft. D Smoke + Tiffany Gouché
4. Why We Speak ft. Q-Tip + Esperanza Spalding
5. Over ft. Yebba
6. Better Than I Imagined ft. H.E.R. + Meshell Ndegeocello
7. Everybody Wants To Rule the World ft. Lalah Hathaway + Common
8. Everybody Love ft. Musiq Soulchild + Posdnuos
9. It Don't Matter ft. Gregory Porter + Ledisi
10. Heaven's Here ft. Ant Clemons
11. Out of My Hands ft Jennifer Hudson
12. Forever ft. PJ Morton + India.Arie
13. Bright Lights (with Ty Dolla $ign)
DOWNLOAD - Hi Res Press Photo by Mancy Gant
DOWNLOAD - Black Radio III Artwork
TORONTO, ON – February 2, 2023 – Global superstars, Maluma and Marc Anthony, have teamed up once again, this time to release a brand-new song, La Fórmula, which is available now, along with its music video. La Fórmula is an exquisite salsa with extraordinary vocals, bittersweet lyrics, and an irresistible rhythm. To stream and/or download La Fórmula, click here.
La Fórmula is Maluma's first new track of 2023 and will be part of his highly anticipated upcoming album due out later this year and kicks off a new era for the Latin icon. The song was written by Juan Luis Londoño Arias (Maluma), Marco Antonio Muñiz (Marc Anthony), Édgar Barrera, Kevin Mauricio Jiménez, Bryan Snaider Lezcano, Justin Quiles, Rene David Cano and Sergio George.
With their successful collaboration on the salsa version of Maluma's smash hit Felices los 4, a close friendship was born between the two. Maluma who has been a huge fan of salsa music since childhood, wanted to work with Marc once again, this time on an original salsa track. While sharing music, Marc fell in love with a pop/urban song that Maluma had recorded and they decided join forces to make it their new collab. They got their creative teams together, resulting in this phenomenal song produced by Sergio George, Marc Anthony, Maluma, The Rude Boys and Édgar Barrera.
The official video for La Fórmula was shot at The Hit Factory recording studio in Miami and produced by Royalty Films. It captures what happened in the studio while recording the song: the artists, producers, songwriters and musicians involved and their wonderful rapport as they worked together. The video made its broadcast premiere on MTV Live, MTVU, MTV Biggest Pop and on the Paramount Times Square billboards. Watch the La Fórmula video here.
Last week, on the heels of a highly successful brand refresh, the Spring/Summer 2023 campaign from BOSS announced Maluma as one of their new brand ambassadors. Their new campaign, Be your own BOSS,” provides a celebrity-filled exploration of what it takes to become a BOSS, while inspiring others to embrace their full potential and live life on their own terms – with confidence, style and a forward-looking vision. Like Maluma, each of the celebrated and globally recognized talents overcame obstacles and personal struggles to become their own BOSS. These BOSS personalities always knew what they wanted, and their breakthroughs were achieved through a series of personal choices. While destined for greatness, they neatly personify the fact that BOSSes aren’t born – they’re made.
The Colombian superstar recently received eight Premio Lo Nuestro nominations that range from urban to regional Mexican, highlighting his versatility as an artist. His nominations include: Pop - Male Artist Of The Year; Song Of The Year for Cada Quien with Grupo Firme; The Perfect Mix Of The Year for Cada Quien with Grupo Firme; Tour Of The Year; Pop - Song Of The Year for Sobrio; Pop-Urban - Song Of The Year for Mama Tetema ft. Rayvanny; Urban - Album Of The Year for The Love & Sex Tape; Regional Mexican - Banda Song Of The Year for Cada Quien with Grupo Firme.
Voting is now open at www.premiolonuestro.com/vota and you can vote until February 5. Winners will be announced on Thursday, February 23 at the awards show that will take place at the Miami-Dade Arena and will be broadcast live on the Univision network starting at 7P/6C.
With his album, The Love & Sex Tape, Maluma is nominated for a 2023 GRAMMY in the Best Album Urbano category. The prestigious awards will take place on February 5 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and broadcast live on the CBS network.
DOWNLOAD - La Fórmula Artwork | DOWNLOAD - Press Photos
TikTok: @papijuancho
ABOUT MALUMA
Maluma is one of the leading voices in Latin music and a bona fide global youth idol. Born Juan Luis Londoño in Medellin, Colombia, he formulated his artistic moniker Maluma from the first two letters of the names of his mother, father and sister.
The 2018 Latin GRAMMY award winner for Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album (for F.A.M.E.) is one of social media’s most popular artists with over 25 million Facebook fans, 8 million Twitter followers, and a whopping 63 million Instagram followers, making him the leading Latin male artist on Instagram and the first and only one to surpass 50 million followers. His official YouTube/VEVO channel has more than 28.1 million subscribers, having earned him a YouTube Diamond Play Button Award.
With his Maluma World Tour he has achieved unparalleled success, having sold over one million tickets in 105 worldwide concerts in 2017 alone and becoming the top concert-selling Latin artist in the world. In 2018 and 2019, he broke records achieving full houses in all of his shows throughout the United States and Europe selling out Madison Square Garden (New York), the American Airlines Arena (Miami) and two The Forums (Los Angeles), among others. With his 11:11 World Tour he also sold out Israel's largest venue, Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv (60,000+ audience); made history at the 18th annual Mawazine Festival in Rabat, Morocco, setting an all-time attendance record with his headlining concert in front of 200,000 people; and performed for the first time ever in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in front of 25,000. He continued to take over throughout 2021 and 2022 with sold-outs in the United States, Europe, Latin American and the Middle East.
Since joining Sony Music Latin in 2015, Maluma has released seven albums Pretty Boy Dirty Boy (2015), F.A.M.E. (2018), 11:11 (2019), Papi Juancho (2020), 7DJ (2021), The Love & Sex Tape and The Love & Sex Tape Deluxe (2022). Maluma is the youngest artist to simultaneously hold both the #1 and #2 spots on Billboard's Latin Airplay chart and only the sixth act to ever achieve the feat he has now repeated three times. To date Maluma has had twenty-two #1 singles on Billboard's Latin Airplay chart.
Maluma's altruistic spirit is outstanding for the community work he leads with his foundation El Arte de Los Sueños based in Medellín, Colombia. Founded in 2016, the Foundation's mission is to transform at-risk youth through art and music education. In 2021, Maluma acted in his first Disney animation movie, Encanto, 2022 Oscar winner for Best Animation Feature. Earlier this year, Maluma debuted in Hollywood with his starring role as Bastian in the movie Marry Me alongside Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson.
ABOUT MARC ANTHONY
Marc Anthony is one of the most influential artists of his time and a true ambassador of Latin music and culture. He has received countless gold and platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and has been credited with over 50 Billboard chart #1’s hits and over 7.1 Billion views on YouTube. On May 10, 2019 Marc Anthony released OPUS, his first new studio album in six years on Magnus Media / Sony Latin Music. OPUS is his eighth salsa album in the 26 years since Otra Nota (1993) established him. In addition to winning the 2020 Grammy Best Tropical Album, OPUS has earned Marc Anthony a #1 at Billboard’s Tropical Airplay list with Parecen Viernes, 4 nominations to Latin American Music Awards for: Favorite Album (OPUS), Favorite Artist Tropical, Favorite Song (Parecen Viernes), and Favorite Tour. He was a finalist in 4 categories for the 2020 Billboard Latin Music Awards (Tropical Album of the Year – OPUS, Tropical Song of the Year – Parecen Viernes Tropical Artist of the Year – Solo, and Tour of the Year – OPUS TOUR).
His previous album, Marc Anthony 3.0, released July 23, 2013, received an American Music Award; a GRAMMY® Award nomination; five Premios Lo Nuestro; two Premios Juventud; ten Billboard Latin Music Awards; three Billboard Awards; and special recognitions from the Univision and Telemundo networks.
Anthony has also established a highly credible acting résumé. Besides his music and acting accomplishments, in 2012, the six – time GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® Award winner launched the Maestro Cares Foundation, hosting a series of fundraisers throughout the year to benefit the non-profit organization and build orphanages in Latin America. He also has his own clothing and accessories line for Kohl’s, and he is a minority owner of The Miami Dolphins. His entertainment and sports venture Magnus Media, is the leading Latin artist and athlete representation company in the nation, and focuses on developing new ventures that bridge content creation and commerce.
On November 16, 2016, Anthony received the prestigious Person of the Year honours from the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. In September of 2017, Marc Anthony and Magnus created the alliance of artists and athletes Somos Una Voz, to help provide humanitarian relief to areas affected by natural disasters throughout the southern United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico and other affected areas in the Caribbean. His tours Vivir Mi Vida, Cambio de Piel, Full Circle, Legacy and The OPUS Tour, have been included in the Global Top Grossing Concert Tours Lists. His OPUS Tour kicked-off in the United States and other international markets in 2019. Recently, Marc became the first artist of his genre to receive a 6-time Diamond RIIA Certification for his album 3.0 and was recognized with his third Guinness Records. In March 2022, Marc Anthony released his new album Pa’lla Voy. His Pa’lla Tour played to sold out audiences all over the United States, Europe and he recently embarked on a new tour titled Viviendo. In June 2022 Marc Anthony was selected for the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2023. He recently announced an exclusive partnership with Bulova and won 2 Latin GRAMMYs in November for his most recent album Pa’llá Voy.
Maluma on TikTok: @maluma
SINGLE ARRIVES WITH INNOVATIVE MUSIC VIDEO
AND VR EXPERIENCE PRODUCED BY DEPARTURE LOUNGE SELECTED TO WORLD PREMIER AT SXSW 2023 XR SHOWCASE
THE DARK TO FEATURE ON WHIPPED CREAM’S
ANTICIPATED EP SOMEONE YOU CAN COUNT ON
OUT MARCH 8
TORONTO, ON – February 1, 2023 – Kicking off the year with her most ambitious project to date, producer and singer-songwriter, WHIPPED CREAM, teamed up with rapper and songwriter, Jasiah, and producer, Crimson Child, to release their genre-bending masterpiece, The Dark – out now on Monstercat. Today, the trio share the innovative music video for the track, produced by Departure Lounge and directed by Will Selviz. Listen to The Dark here and watch the video here.
Unraveling a story about toxic love and loss, the single puts Jasiah’s operatic talents on full display, heightening the drama in the haunting keys and textured synthwork. The Dark ushers in the announcement of WHIPPED CREAM’S forthcoming EP, Someone You Can Count On, due out on March 8. Accumulating over 6 million streams across featured tracks like CRY and Angels, the package sees WHIPPED CREAM step out of her comfort zone and into her higher power to unleash a boundless and raw representation of her artistry.
WHIPPED CREAM shares, “There is love in holding on and there is love in letting go. The Dark is inspired by the concept of picking up a rose - it looks incredibly inviting and beautiful to hold, but it can puncture the skin. It’s about a relationship where one person hasn’t cut out their toxic behaviours and although beautiful underneath, they still damage the one they love most. It’s learning to finally let go of what might be so beautiful yet painful and unhealthy, and head into the unknown, ‘the dark’.”
Crimson Child adds, “In my eyes, The Dark is a song about love and loss. The feeling of a toxic relationship and its corruption of the soul. Being pulled in and out of love, confused as to your true feelings and being overcome by emotion when trying to make sense of it. I hope this record brings you the peace it brought me.”
Produced by the Vancouver-based studio, Departure Lounge, and directed by Will Selviz, The Dark music video is a novel mixed-reality project developed in Canada’s first volumetric capture facility. Equipped with tech that can transfer humans and objects in and out of the Metaverse, WHIPPED CREAM, Jasiah, and Crimson Child were shot by over 100 cameras at Metastage Canada, capturing them in real-time and transporting their holograms into a virtual reality environment. As a result, they created the world's highest-resolution volumetric VR music experience to date, revolutionizing the future of audiovisual content. A clip of the immersive video premiered to acclaim at Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) in October and will next hit the road in a full-scale presentation at SXSW in Austin this March, inviting attendees to explore The Dark through an XR headset.
Adam Rogers, the Co-Founder, VP of Creative, and Head of Studio at Departure Lounge, shares, “Working with WHIPPED CREAM on The Dark has been an incredible experience. The vision and artistry that she has brought to this project has been amazing. It’s truly been a pleasure for me and my team to work with her, and the resulting 2D music video and VR Experience showcase the latest and greatest in creativity using cutting edge capture and real time technologies.”
Boasting a portfolio of work with a diversity of greats such as Latto, UNIIQU3, Moore Kismet, and Lil Keed, there is no limit to WHIPPED CREAM’s creative ingenuity. Originally debuting The Dark at her mind-blowing Coachella set in 2022, WHIPPED CREAM has since been on a streak of major festival plays and headline dates in preparation for her EP tour this spring. Taking the stage at renowned events like Lollapalooza, Tomorrowland, ADE, and multiple Diesel shows, she’s given fans a taste of her dynamic live performances soon to travel around the world. Sharing art that feels true to herself and this next evolution of her project, 2023 is indisputably the year of WHIPPED CREAM.
DOWNLOAD – single artwork | DOWNLOAD – artist press photos
ABOUT WHIPPED CREAM:
Whether on the ice or on the decks, WHIPPED CREAM’s talents for expressing herself through music are undeniable. Born in Toronto as Caroline Cecil, she spent her formative years as a competitive figure skater before a fateful accident brought a new passion for production into focus. Now, WHIPPED CREAM is living proof that everything happens for a reason.
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify
ABOUT JASIAH:
Malachi-Phree Jasiah Pate known professionally as Jasiah, is an American rapper, songwriter and record producer from Dayton, Ohio. He is known for his usage of screaming in vocals and sinister lyrics.
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify
ABOUT CRIMSON CHILD:
Yashar Tafazoli, better known as Crimson Child, is an artist/producer based out of Vancouver, Canada with a unique flare for blending stories, unorthodox melodies, and dark electronic undertones all into one brilliant package that is sure to make you move, as well as feel.
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify
ABOUT DEPARTURE LOUNGE:
Founded in June 2021, Departure Lounge Inc. provides the tools, technologies, and creative services required by businesses to thrive in the next generation of the internet – referred to interchangeably by industry as Web 3.0, the Spatial Web, or the Metaverse. Our 6000 sq ft studio, located at the Center for Digital Media on Great Northern Way in Vancouver B.C., boasts one of the world’s largest, highest resolution Volumetric Capture stages, advanced marker-less motion capture technology, and virtual production capabilities including one of the most advanced, highest resolution LED walls in the region. On behalf of our clients, our creative services team delivers best-in-class 3D spaces, worlds, and experiences to host, provide access to, and monetize the 3D assets created in our studio.
LISTEN TO EVERY LITTLE THING HERE
TORONTO, ON – January 31, 2023 – Ushering in 2023 hot, BC-based singer, songwriter and producer, Conro, is kicking of the new year with his electro-pop single, Every Little Thing; out today via Monstercat. A melodic earworm, Every Little Thing shines with lyrics steeped in vulnerability, while Conro keeps the energy high with his electrifying production fused with bright chords and his weightless vocals on full display. Listen here.
“I’ve been living through other’s eyes with a lot of the writing I’ve been doing lately, and Every Little Thing is the first to come,” Conro exclaims. “I was bouncing in my studio writing this one, I hope you enjoy and dance with me on this one!”
Continuing his momentous rise in the scene, Conro remains a Monstercat community favourite with singles like just wanna luv and find u. being voted as #23 and #30 by fans on the label's Best of 2022 album. Marking the first release from his forthcoming EP Every Little Thing, fans can look forward to more music to come as Conro dives into a fresh wave of inspiration, venturing into a more emotional, synth-pop sound, compared to the more uplifting style he has displayed in the past.
DOWNLOAD – press photo | DOWNLOAD – Every Little Thing single art
ABOUT CONRO:
Saskatchewan-born, BC-based Conor Patton, better known as Conro, developed a passion for music being surrounded by a loving and supportive family with a deep-rooted love for music. Adopting elements from his early childhood music education, Conro shaped a catchy signature sound in dance music with his upbeat, electro house tracks.
Conro received a wave of praise from his electro house and future bass production style. With his 2017 Connecting The Dots EP, Conro unveiled the first of many chart-toppers in his future with Close, which hit Billboard’s Dance Airplay Chart at #17. Though this style of music has brought him plenty of success, Conro chose to follow a style that aligned with the core ethos he wanted to convey to a wider audience – a vibrant, funky, and instrumentation-driven soundscape – while implementing his own impressive vocals.
From his newly forged sound, Conro has amassed a collection of hit tracks that display his musical versatility. With the 2018 release of Me, Conro saw firsthand the impact of his music worldwide. His success only grew with Take Me There, breaking way and rising to #12 on Billboard’s Dance Airplay Chart, shortly followed by Trippin, which rose to #7.
SHARES LEAD SINGLE CHUGGA CHOO CHOO
LISTEN HERE AND WATCH THE ANIMATED VIDEO HERE
TORONTO, ON – January 30, 2023 – Toronto singer-songwriter, Darrelle London, is diving into the world of “Kindie” music (Kid-Indie), and she feels right at home! On March 24, London will release her new children’s album, Primary – a dazzling collection of songs that celebrate the awe and wonder that kids experience in daily life. To kick things off, London excitedly shares the album’s first single, Chugga Choo Choo, as well as an animated music video that is perfect for singing and dancing along! Listen to Chugga Choo Choo here and watch the video here.
With a back-catalogue of albums that have been described as “quirky” and “whimsical” – though not necessarily aimed towards kids – it was a natural progression for London to take her musical style and turn it into her first full-length children’s album. Primary perfectly treads the line between music for kids and music for grown-ups, with enchanting lyrical storytelling set to infectious indie-pop instrumentation. Produced by Dean Drouillard, and featuring some of Canada’s best session players bringing London’s imaginative tunes to life with jubilant horns and lush strings, the album carries listeners on a journey through a colourful world of curiosity, creativity, and laughter.
A mother of two young’uns herself, Primary marks the first time that London made an album since her children were babies. While playing the role of teacher (among many other things!) during the initial COVID lockdowns, London’s children would ask questions and she felt compelled to answer them in the form of songs. “There was also just a lot of messing around because we had time on our hands,” reflects London, with the album’s lead single, Chugga Choo Choo, being a perfect example of this writing method.
“This song came about organically while I was playing with my kids,” she says. “I was messing around on the piano and started singing the chorus about going on a train. My kids lined up chairs across the living room floor to make a ‘train’, and I was struck by how quickly children can be transported through music.”
The songs on Primary continue to explore those similar small wonders of life, such as seeing the moon out during the day (Day Moon); simple pleasures, like going for ice cream with a friend on a hot summer day (Ice Cream); they joy found in creating art just for the sake of it (Primary and Let’s Make Something New); and even important lessons like why we should respect even the tiniest of creatures (Bugs).
“My goal with this album was to capture the sense of wonder and awe that all children have,” London explains. “Somewhere along the way, us adults have forgotten to marvel at the morning moon, or how to make art just for the sake of creating. This album gave me the space to ponder questions like, how did Pluto feel after being demoted from planet status, or what would happen if wild animals crashed a birthday party? The fun in making this record has been non-stop, and I think that comes across!”
DOWNLOAD – press photo
DOWNLOAD – album cover artwork
DOWNLOAD – Chugga Choo Choo single art
MORE ABOUT DARRELLE LONDON:
Darrelle is no stranger to following her heart to unexpected places. After turning down law school to pursue a music career, she has spent the last decade making her mark on the college and festival circuit across North America. Some highlights include performing at iconic venues such as Hollywood’s Troubadour Club and Nashville’s Bluebird Café, collaborating with her favourite artists such as Chantal Kreviazuk, being chosen by Sarah McLachlan to perform at Lilith Fair, and placing her music on TV shows and ad campaigns in the US and South Korea.
FIRST ALBUM IN EIGHT YEARS OUT NOW ON EASY EYE SOUND
RECORD RELEASE PARTIES PLANNED IN NEW YORK
AND LOS ANGELES FEATURING DJ SETS FROM
DAN AUERBACH AND LEON MICHELS
LISTEN HERE
TORONTO, ON – January 27, 2023 – The Arcs just released their first full length album since 2015, Electrophonic Chronic, featuring the band’s full line-up of Dan Auerbach, Leon Michels, Nick Movshon and Homer Steinweiss, alongside the late Richard Swift. Also featuring artwork from their collaborator, El Oms, and animated videos from Robert "Roboshobo" Schober, the album has been met with advance praise from NPR Music, Pitchfork, Billboard, Rolling Stone, and more. Esquire notes the album is "…a woozy mix of synth pop, celestial guitar riffs and plodding rhythm sections that feels like driving a Ford Bronco through the cosmos." Listen to Electrophonic Chronic here.
Co-produced by Michels and Auerbach, Electrophonic Chronic was largely recorded with Swift before his untimely passing in 2018. After a period where, as Michels puts it, "I think all of us couldn’t really listen to the music, couldn’t really face it and try to finish it," The Arcs revisited their old recordings, picking up the pieces and finding meaning in times that felt most difficult. “This new record is all about honoring Swift," Auerbach adds. "It’s a way for us to say goodbye to him, by revisiting him playing and laughing, singing. It was heavy at times, but I think it was really helpful to do it.”
The Arcs recently premiered the final video in a series of animated tributes to Swift with the advance single, Sunshine. Balancing vignettes of feeling down on your luck with the chorus' unwavering plea for better days ahead, the new video from Roboshobo is a poignant homage to Swift, and to hope through the darkest days. Watch here.
Born of the band's mutual obsession with recording and crate-digging, Electrophonic Chronic pulls inspiration from vast sonic archives: vintage soul (featured on the album is a gender-flipped cover of the would-be South Florida star Helene Smith's, A Woman Will Do Wrong), to old school garage rock (including the album’s namesake "Electrophonic Tonic," the once-lost gem from Fred "Sonic" Smith and Sonic's Rendezvous Band), and the space age pop made famous by producer Joe Meek in the pre-Beatles 1960s. The record is a tribute to the shared passion that originally brought the three bandmates together.
Auerbach and Michels have also been spinning selects from those sonic archives in a series of intimate DJ sets across London and Paris, plus upcoming shows in New York and Los Angeles this week. Check out the dates below and read more about the announcement over at Rolling Stone.
The pair also recently sat down with Vulture for a dive further into the multifaceted inspirations of Electrophonic Chronic, in a piece that breaks down newly-released, Only One For Me, co-written by two indie rock greats gone-too-soon in David Berman and Richard Swift, alongside Auerbach and Michels. Check it out here.
The Arcs DJ Sets
January 28 - Sultan Room - Brooklyn, New York
February 3 - Gold Diggers - Los Angeles, California (with DJ Breezy)
DOWNLOAD - The Arcs Press Photo
DOWNLOAD - Electrophonic Chronic Album Art
LISTEN & WATCH HERE
ANNOUNCES DEBUT ALBUM flounder
ARRIVING ON FEBRUARY 24
PRE-ORDER/PRE-SAVE HERE
Toronto, ON – January 27, 2023 – Songwriter and indie artist, quinnie, shares a brand-new single entitled flounder today. Stream flounder here and watch the music video here. It also heralds the arrival of her highly awaited debut album, flounder, on February 24. Pre-order/pre-save flounder here.
About the song and the record, quinnie said, "flounder is a song that contrasts the beauty and mystery of nature and history with the modern world. This song expresses a want to devolve back into a fish, a flounder to be exact, and enjoy life from a simpler perspective - the bottom of the ocean. flounder is the title track off of my debut album, encapsulating the album’s peaks and valleys of trying to be a trusting person in a world that often feels heavy."
On the track, lithely picked guitar wraps around a glitchy almost-threadbare beat punctuated by swells of strings and gleaming toy piano. Her ethereal delivery wades through this hazy aquatic soundscape as she declares, “I’m a flounder.” The track builds towards an eye-opening and empowering realization, “And I’m happy I can be myself instead of somebody else. I’d never trade the beauty that I’ve seen.” The visual continues a tradition of captivatingly quirky clips as it brings her words to life in the most gleefully unusual of ways.
Flounder consists of 11 tracks laced with her unapologetic lyrical candor, expressive instrumentation, and dreamy beat-craft. Among many highlights, her breathy intonation echoes listlessly on security question as she confesses, “Wish I could make a friend today.” The vocals sink into distant guitar on the nostalgic popcorn and juice, while jake’s car caps off the LP with a weirdly wonderful send-off, “Cuz I borrow Jake’s car, cuz I’d drive but I can’t afford it, YET.” Plus, it boasts her breakout touch tank and the fan favourites, man and itch, which have cumulatively tallied 30 million-plus streams.
So far, quinnie has incited the applause of The New York Times, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, MTV, Ones To Watch, and more. Now, she jumps into the deep end with flounder…
As a self-described “very sensitive 21-year-old,” quinnie went from writing songs as a kid to releasing independent projects such as a gold star in 2019. She is bitingly funny, she is brutally honest, she loves the underwater world and sea creatures, and she will help you escape if you let her.
flounder Track List:
1. man
2. security question
3. itch
4. touch tank
5. popcorn and juice
6. get what u want
7. emblem
8. better
9. promised
10. flounder
11. jake’s car
DOWNLOAD - Artwork | DOWNLOAD - Press Photo
TORONTO, ON – January 27, 2023 - Progressive deathcore summoners, ENTERPRISE EARTH, today unveil their latest single, The World Without Us. The staggering hymn follows the band’s Death Magick single, released earlier this month.
Elaborates ENTERPRISE EARTH guitarist Gabe Mangold, “‘The World Without Us’ is intended to follow directly after the ending of ‘Death Magick.’ There’s also an obvious juxtaposition between the two songs, which is also intended. When it comes to our music, we have always enjoyed being a multidimensional band and don’t like to limit ourselves to one sound. With “The World Without Us” being more melodic, uplifting yet energetic, and progressive compared to the sheer intensity and aggression found in ‘Death Magick,’ we feel that together these two songs capture a broad range of what we offer musically. Enjoy!”
View the video for The World Without Us here and stream the track here. View the band’s previously released video for Death Magick here.
The release of The World Without Us and its companion track, Death Magick, comes in advance of ENTERPRISE EARTH’s upcoming European tour supporting Shadow Of Intent. The Elegy Tour kicked off January 6 in Wiesbaden, Germany and runs through February 1 in Karlsruhe, Germany. Additional support will be provided by AngelMaker and To The Grave. See all remaining dates below.
ENTERPRISE EARTH w/ Shadow Of Intent, AngelMaker, To The Grave:
1/27/2023 Bahnhof Pauli – Hamburg, DE
1/28/2023 High 5ive Winter Fest – Johanneshov, SE
1/29/2023 Hotel Cecil – Indre By, DK
1/30/2023 Hole44 – Berlin, DE
1/31/2023 Z-Bau – House of Contemporary Culture – Nürnberg, DE
2/01/2023 Die Stadtmitte – Karlsruhe, DE
ENTERPRISE EARTH’s most recent full-length, The Chosen, was released last January via MNRK Heavy. Adored by fans and critics alike, Blabbermouth championed a record that’s “huge and definitive,” MetalSucks lauded “the most vicious, the most technical, and… the catchiest offering in the band’s already-impressive repertoire,” while New Transcendence commended, “the most memorable ENTERPRISE EARTH release to date.” The Chosen continues to astound listeners both Stateside and abroad.
The Chosen is available on CD, LP, cassette, and digitally. Find ordering options here, where the record can be streamed in full. Stream the instrumental version of The Chosen, here.
View the band’s video for Psalm Of Agony, the first track to feature new singer Travis Worland (Aethere, Bite//Down, The Willow), as well as videos for You Couldn’t Save Me, Where Dreams Are Broken, Reanimate // Disintegrate, Legends Never Die, and a variety of visualizers and playthroughs from The Chosen and beyond at the ENTERPRISE EARTH YouTube channel here.
DOWNLOAD - Press Photo
DOWNLOAD - The World Without Us Single Art | DOWNLOAD - The Chosen Album Art
FROM UPCOMING DEBUT ALBUM SOUL, PRESENT COMING SOON
LISTEN TO THE SELF-WRITTEN AND PRODUCED SONG HERE
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Q NAMED 2023 SPOTIFY ARTIST TO WATCH
TORONTO, ON - January 27, 2023 - Q is returning with his first single of the year, LUV (I KNOW I WANT THIS FOR REAL), from Soul, PRESENT. Listen here. After releasing Today - which saw support from peers such as 6LACK, James Blake & more - and Stereo Driver, also from the upcoming project, the singer/songwriter and producer puts his versatility on display with the release of the up-tempo and funk-inspired LUV (I KNOW I WANT THIS FOR REAL).
Says Q on today's release, "you don't need to figure out love yourself." After making his performance debut at the 2022 Soul Train Awards, Q is gearing up for the release of his debut album, Soul, PRESENT, coming this year
DOWNLOAD - LUV Single Art
SINGLE FEATURED IN NEW WEBISODE CHAPTER 15: MEANWHILE IN DUBLIN
SEVEN INCHES OF SATANIC PANIC PURPLE VINYL 7” IN STORES FEBRUARY 10
CALL ME LITTLE SUNSHINE NOMINATED FOR BEST METAL PERFORMANCE GRAMMY
"IMPERA was my favorite rock album of 2022… I found out along the way that Tobias is a bit of a fan of DL, so I guess it was inevitable we’d both find out about each other! Once we’d been introduced to the idea of working together it just snowballed organically and I’m thrilled that I got to sing on what is my favorite song from that album!”—Joe Elliott
TORONTO, ON – January 26, 2023 - Look what you’ve done to this rock n roll clown… Ghost's Spillways has undergone a transfiguration to include guest vocals from rock legend and avowed Ghost fan Joe Elliott of Def Leppard. To hear this new facet of this “sweetly constructed rock tune” (The New York Times) from Ghost’s American Music Award-winning IMPERA, visit here.
To witness Joe Elliott's phantasmagorical journey into the world of Ghost, open Chapter 15: Meanwhile in Dublin. The newest installment in Ghost’s long running series of webisodes documents a karaoke session that goes awry in spectacular and supernatural fashion, and if you’re feeling like singing along, check out the Spillways (ft. Joe Elliott) lyric video here.
The original version of Spillways, currently Top 5 at Active Rock Radio and having generated some 50 million streams globally, can be found on Ghost's IMPERA. Released March 11, 2022, IMPERA has moved nearly 500,000 albums worldwide, won the American Music Award for Favorite Rock Album 2022, and received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Metal Performance (Call Me Little Sunshine). Best of 2022 accolades included Ghost landing at #1 on Spotify’s Best of Kickass Metal 2022, while cover stories in Revolver and Metal Hammer proclaimed IMPERA #1 Album of 2022 and Loudwire has named Ghost 2022 Artist of the Year. As Consequence noted in its Top Metal & Hard Rock Albums of 2022 roundup, “Few rock bands are as grand and ambitious-sounding as Ghost nowadays.” With all of the above plus the 70 date IMPERATOUR that saw the Wall Street Journal anoint Ghost “the next generation of arena stars” and an iHeartRadio Awards 2023 nomination for Rock Artist of the Year, that ambition is primed to take the band to further and unforeseen heights in 2023.
SHORT FILM DIVES IN TO THE CREATION AND INSPIRATION
BEHIND HIS LATEST ALBUM JOY
INSPIRED BY THE NY TIMES BEST-SELLING DETECTIVE NOVELS BY LOUISE PENNY
"...a compositional tour-de-force, with strong melodies scored for diverse instrumentations." - Downbeat Magazine
TORONTO, ON – January 24, 2023 – In October, JUNO Award-winning drummer and composer, Ernesto Cervini, released his stunning new record, Joy - a collection of compositions inspired by Louise Penny's NY Times Best-Selling Armand Gamache Investigates series of detective novels. Today, Cervini unveils a visual companion piece to the album, in the form of a documentary that sees Cervini visiting and exploring the Canadian town that inspired Penny's world of Three Pines , while discussing the creation and inspiration behind Joy. Watch the short film, aptly titled Finding Joy, here.
“About five years ago, I discovered the universe of Three Pines,” reflects Cervini. “I was literally captivated by Louise Penny's incredible stories and characters, by her storytelling talent, by the kindness and joy that emanates from her books. I immediately wanted to compose music inspired by the series.”
Finding Joy follows Cervini and his sister, Amy - who first introduced him to the novels, and also acts as co-producer and vocalist on the album - as they visit Knowlton, QC, the Canadian city that inspired Louise Penny's world of Three Pines. As they explore the iconic locales that appear throughout Gamache series, the siblings discuss their love of and connection to the books, while diving in to how the imagery, themes, and characters would go on to inspire Cervini's new music - which perfectly soundtracks the film's visuals.
"With this documentary, we wanted to further explore the world of Louise Penny and Three Pines," Cervini continues. "It seemed like a wonderful opportunity to travel to Knowlton (the town that inspired Three Pines) to check out all of the landmarks and explore the area. It was also a lovely chance to chat with my sister, and co-producer, Amy Cervini, about our childhood, growing into performing musicians and how we've been moved and inspired by Penny's books."
About Joy:
Featuring Cervini's Turboprop, Tune Town, Tetrahedron groups as well as other sonic surprises, Joy (out now via his own TPR Records) showcases Canada’s finest musicians and is the first of Cervini’s albums to include vocalists; two songs showcase Alex Samaras (Queer Songbook Orchestra), and an additional track features Felicity Williams (Bahamas, Bernice), Emilie-Claire Barlow (two time JUNO Award winner, six time nominee) and Amy Cervini (Duchess), who co-produced the album. Listen to the album here.
DOWNLOAD – album cover artwork | DOWNLOAD – press photos
ABOUT ERNESTO CERVINI:
JUNO Award winner Ernesto Cervini is a sought-after drummer, composer and bandleader and an influential presence on Canada’s modern jazz scene and beyond. He has documented his vision with the Ernesto Cervini Quartet (featuring Joel Frahm), the innovative sextet Turboprop, numerous co- led trio projects including MEM3, Myriad3 and TuneTown, and also the quartet Tetrahedron, featuring acclaimed guitarist Nir Felder, electric bassist Rich Brown and alto saxophonist Luis Deniz. Cervini’s album Abundance won the 2020 JUNO Award for Jazz Album of the Year: Group. In addition to his performing career, he founded Orange Grove Publicity in 2014 and has quickly become one of the most sought-after jazz publicists in Canada. He is also co-founder of TPR. Cervini is on faculty at the University of Toronto.
TAKING PLACE MARCH 7 AND 8 IN TORONTO
TICKETS TO WIMC HONOURS AVAILABLE HERE
REGISTER FOR WORKSHOP SESSIONS HERE
"2023 is going to be a big year!” exclaims WIMC Executive Director, Robyn Stewart. “I could not be prouder of the creatives who have been put forward for Women in Music Canada Honours and I am inspired their incredible accomplishments. This program has been an exciting vision and I am humbled by the support of our funders and partners who are helping us make this inaugural year happen. The Women in Music Canada Honours and International Women’s Day programming will from here on be a highlight of our year and I look forward to bringing our music community together this March.”
WIMC’s International Women’s Day programming kicks off on Tuesday, March 7, with workshops taking place throughout the day at Universal Music Canada’s new campus, 80A The Academy (80 Atlantic Ave, Toronto, ON). Workshops include creative asset reviews, panels on export readiness, equity, music and technology, a keynote and discussion about creating more diverse company cultures, and more. Workshop sessions will be complimentary but sign up here to reserve your spot.
On Wednesday, March 8 (International Women’s Day), WIMC will celebrate the recipients of the inaugural Women In Music Canada Honours, with a reception style dinner and showcase at The Opera House. A special induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame will also be presented at the event – more details to come. The Honours program was designed to celebrate and support female identifying Canadian innovators and creators who have had outstanding success in their field in the eligibility year (December 2021 through December 2022 for annual based categories).
The Honours program includes eight categories: Artist of the Year (presented by Amazon Music), Distinguished Leader, Entrepreneur of the Year (presented by Bandzoogle), Excellence in Live Music, International Leader of the Year, Organization of the Year, the Trailblazer Award, and the Women in Music Canada Honour Roll, which will honour up to 10 women and female identifying industry members or artists who are on the rise. 379 were submitted for consideration in the eight categories by prospective honourees or another Canadian colleague. A long list of top submissions for the Honours will be announced on February 16.
Hosted by CBC’s Saroja Coelho, the Honours reception dinner and awards presentation will also showcase an incredible group of artists performing throughout the evening, including rising country star, Sacha, producer, DJ and performer, Liliane Chlela; JUNO-nominated recording artist, songwriter and producer, Desiree Dawson; Cree and Salish singer and TikTok creator, Tia Wood; and more to come.
2023 WOMEN IN MUSIC CANADA HONOURS
Date: Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Venue: The Opera House (735 Queen St E, Toronto)
Time: 6:00pm doors | 7:00pm Honours presentation begins
Tickets: $60 (early bird rate, until February 16) | $75 (after February 16)
Purchase here
Thank you to the generous support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Canada’s private radio broadcasters, Ontario Creates, and the City of Toronto for their support of all WIM Canada International Women’s Day events. We also want to recognize our incredible Honours partners – Amazon Music, Fielding Winery, and our special gifting partners, Canadian-Vietnamese sister-owned, Paris Jewellers – all of whom are making it possible for us to launch this inaugural program recognizing and celebrating women identified artists and innovators across Canada.
In addition to our federal, provincial and municipal partners, we want to thank workshop partners Universal Music Canada, Bandzoogle, CMRRA, ACTRA:RACS and the Canadian Independent Music Association for their support of the workshop series. You are leaders in developing talent in Canada and we thank you for your important role in the pathway to an equitable industry that we are committed to building.
If you are interested in supporting Women In Music Canada and the inaugural WIMC event, please contact Robyn Stewart at robyn@womeninmusic.ca.
About Women in Music Canada
Women in Music Canada (WIMC) is a registered non-profit organization and one of the largest music industry associations in Canada. The organization is dedicated to fostering gender equality in the music industry through the support and advancement of female identifying professionals and creatives at every stage of their career. The goal is to strengthen the social-economic balance of the music industry by providing professional development, support and resources for our community. Women in Music hosts educational, career development and networking events alongside broader programming initiatives, industry engagement, research and advocacy to serve the needs of our diverse community. Our panels, seminars, webinars, workshops and performance serve to educate, empower, and celebrate female contributions to the music world, and strengthen community ties.
Women in Music Canada acknowledges that we are on the traditional territory of many nations throughout Canada, specifically our headquarters in the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands. We respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past, and we dedicate ourselves to move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration. www.womeninmusic.ca
STREAM ON ALL PLATFORMS HERE
SIGALA’S SECOND ALBUM EVERY CLOUD
TO BE RELEASED MARCH 3
PRE-ORDER EVERY CLOUD HERE
8 UK Top 10 Singles
7 global Platinum Singles
9 global Gold Singles
7 Million UK sales
22 Million worldwide sales
4 Billion streams
Over 1 Billion video views
Toronto, ON – January 20, 2023 – British artist, producer and DJ, Sigala, shares part one of the official video for Radio – the brand-new single, which is out now and features powerhouse, MNEK.
A vivid storyteller through visuals as well as music, Sigala enlisted Director, Elliot Simpson, to help craft the narrative of the video, which centres around the joyful Radio Man, who channels his positive energy and fine tuning wherever he roams. Like all good tales, the video depicts a burgeoning love story when Radio Man meets his romantic match, but will it be a fairytale ending, or is Radio Man getting his signals mixed up? Part one of the visual drops today with an alternative ending being released on January 27.
After eight UK Top 10 singles, a BRIT Nomination for Best Single for Lullaby, seven global Platinum singles, nine global Gold singles, seven million UK sales, 22 million worldwide sales, 4 billion audio streams and over one billion video views, Sigala is readying for the release of his second full-length album, Every Cloud.
After being released two weeks ago, Radio has already racked up over 3 million streams and serves as the latest taster of the forthcoming record. It was co-created and sung by, one of Sigala’s all-time heroes.
“MNEK, what a legend!” he beams. “I've followed his career since day one, when I was at uni. He's somebody that I've always dreamed of working with.”
And in the writing, he didn’t disappoint, even for a man well-used to using the studio as a creative playground.
“I spent about two hours making a beat, getting some nice chords, whilst he was just chilling. And then he was like, 'OK, just play it through.' He's on his phone, typing down lyrics, then he jumps on the microphone. And literally 20 minutes later, he had written pretty much the whole song – and the vocal is the one that he sang in two takes!” Sigala marvels. “Just incredible. I was honestly blown away. It was like being in the presence of true genius.”
There is, accordingly, a freshness to the French disco feel of the track. “That's something that I really wanted to keep true to; not overproduce it. It's such a simple production, but it's unique as well, with that offbeat bass going all the way through. It throws back to early 2000s and late 90s stuff, and even disco.”
Culturally, MNEK is considered a musical icon amongst the LGBTQIA+ community and has previously performed at New York World Pride 2019, UK Black Pride and featured on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK as both a coach and guest judge. After setting up a writing camp dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ singer/songwriters in 2019, MNEK has continued efforts to strive for more inclusivity within the industry as a contributor to the Guardian UK diversity panel and hosting his own YouTube panel ‘MNEKs Inter-Section’ in conversation with five Black Queer artists/content creators.
He has clocked up an astonishing thirteen years in the music business. With over 4 billion streams on MNEK written, featured and produced tracks, he has grown to become a true powerhouse within the British pop world. He has worked alongside some of the biggest names in the industry, collaborating with the likes of Zara Larsson, Stormzy, Years & Years and Craig David. He’s written with international stars such as Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Christina Aguilera, BTS, Mabel, Madonna, Kelly Rowland and Selena Gomez. His back catalogue includes a number of worldwide hits including Ready For Your Love, Never Forget You, and Blinded By Your Grace. His hit with Joel Corry, Head & Heart, became a global success, topping the charts in several countries and taking the reign as the longest standing UK #1 single in 2020. 2022 saw his continued success both on and off stage with Where Did You Go?, his collaboration with Jax Jones, going platinum and spending an incredible 32 weeks on the charts, plus the launch of Island UK & Republic US’s hotly tipped female R&B trio FLO, and their debut EP, The Lead, which he executively produced.
On Radio, MNEK adds “Bruce & I wrote this song a few years ago. It was such a fun and easy session and it’s really cool how he evolved the song into the record you’re hearing today!”
Every Cloud is the album Sigala has been working on from pretty much the minute he finished making his first, September 2018’s blockbuster, Brighter Days. The impressive debut album featured a stellar line-up of collaborators that included Kylie Minogue, Paloma Faith, French Montana, Ella Eyre, Becky Hill and more!
Sigala has had another incredible year, playing to fans across the globe and consistently releasing smash singles from the forthcoming collection. Every Cloud will also include Lasting Lover, with James Arthur, Melody, Stay The Night featuring Talia Mar, Rely On Me, and the David Guetta and Sam Ryder collaboration, Living Without You. Collectively these releases have amassed a staggering half a billion streams and counting.
Available on various formats that include, digital release, vinyl, CD and cassette, Every Cloud is set to include another mammoth line-up of guest artists, which are soon to be revealed.
As well as new music. Sigala also announced a UK headline tour which kicks off in Dublin on March 5. The announcement of the album and tour continues on from a busy 2022, which saw his triumphant return to the live scene and play to thousands of fans across his sold-out North American tour. This year is set to be another standout for Sigala, who is looking forward to reengaging with his fans and bringing the Sigala experience to more live electrifying shows.
Sigala UK Tour 2023:
Sunday, March 5 – 3Olympia, Dublin
Tuesday, March 7 – NX, Newcastle
Wednesday, March 8 – O2 Academy, Glasgow – SOLD OUT
Thursday, March 9 – O2 Academy, Glasgow (*Extra Show Added)
Friday, March 10 – The Engine Shed, Lincoln
Saturday, March 11 – HMV Empire Coventry, Coventry
Wednesday, March 15 – Albert Hall, Manchester
Friday, March 17 – Electric Brixton, London
Saturday, March 18 – Tramshed, Cardiff
Order tickets for Sigala's 2023 UK tour here.
DOWNLOAD - Radio Artwork
DOWNLOAD - Sigala Press Photo
DOWNLOAD - MNEK Press Photos
ABOUT SIGALA
Sigala is the musical nom de plume of Bruce Fielder, a London-based house DJ, producer, and remixer. Launching his career with Easy Love, a Jackson 5-sampling track which topped the charts in the U.K. in 2015, he continued releasing bright, sunny dance-pop tunes featuring a variety of guest vocalists and producers. His 2018 full-length Brighter Days included collaborations with Kylie Minogue, Craig David, Sean Paul, and Nile Rodgers, among many others. Subsequent tracks featuring Becky Hill (Wish You Well) and James Arthur (Lasting Lover) continued his run of U.K. Top Ten hits. Stay the Night (with Talia Mar) appeared in 2022. Born and raised in Norfolk, England, Fielder started piano lessons as a child, and played in various bands after graduating university. He found work as a producer, and co-wrote Ella Eyre and Sigma's 2015 U.K. hit single, Good Times. His first solo single as Sigala was Easy Love, an energetic house tune built around a sample of the Jackson 5's iconic hit ABC. Released by Ministry of Sound, it entered the U.K. singles chart and shot up to number one in its second week. Fielder's second single, Sweet Lovin' (featuring singer/songwriter Bryn Christopher), hit number three and was certified gold or platinum in several countries. Several more hits followed in 2016, including Say You Do (featuring Imani and DJ Fresh), Give Me Your Love (featuring John Newman and Chic's Nile Rodgers), and Ain't Giving Up, a collaboration with Craig David that appeared on his sixth album, Following My Intuition. In 2017, Sigala co-produced the single, Show You Love, with Danish DJ Kato, sung by Hailee Steinfeld. He then paired with singer Paloma Faith for the 2018 single, Lullaby. Later that year, Sigala compiled ten of his previously released singles, as well as a handful of album tracks, to make up his debut studio album Brighter Days. Issued by Ministry of Sound, the LP reached number one on the U.K. Dance Albums chart. In 2019, he released the singles Wish You Well, with Becky Hill, and We Got Love, featuring Ella Henderson. Another song with Hill, Heaven on My Mind, appeared in 2020, and Lasting Lover (with James Arthur) became Sigala's eighth single to chart in the U.K. Top Ten. In 2021, Sigala released You for Me (with Rita Ora) and Runaway (with R3hab and JP Cooper). Solo single, Melody, and Talia Mar collaboration, Stay the Night appeared in 2022.
AVAILABLE ON ALL DIGITAL PLATFORMS
TORONTO, ON – January 20, 2023 – With his new single and music video, Toy a Mil, global idol, singer, songwriter, businessman, and actor, Nicky Jam, begins 2023 at the top of his career. Listen to the song on all digital platforms here.
After a spectacular year in 2022 in which Nicky Jam was nominated for another Latin Grammy, completed a massive world tour, received the Billboard Hall of Fame Award, and became the first urban artist to "sponsor" a tour scholarship with the Latin Recording Academy, the singer continues to surprise his audience, this time with a rhythmic dembow called Toy a Mil.
Toy a Mil is a rhythmic dembow produced by Jorge Milliano under La Industria INC record label.
"This song calls for a party to kick off the year with positive energy and a desire to have a good time. "I hope you enjoy it," Nicky Jam said.
Toy a Mil premieres with its music video, which features sensual and daring lyrics. Recorded in Miami under the direction of Daniel Granada, with cartoony special effects that complement the song's positive vibes.
LISTEN TO MARY OLIVER (ACOUSTIC) HERE
An acoustic rendition of fan favourite, Mary Oliver, is available today. Listen to it here. The wistful sigh that opens the track sets the tone for Spence’s introspective musings, which are accompanied by gently strummed guitars and backing vocals by the album’s producer, multi-instrumentalist and composer, Jordan Lehning.
Wrap it up and sell it to you at the record store
I know we all feel the same, I’m just a little louder
Same lemons in my bloody hands, turning me sour
So, I’ve been playing at the church of Mary Oliver
Yeah, I’m trying on myself and love all of her
I’m finding wonder in the highest sense
And owning up to lies and sins
And when I think I’m done
I do it again
When I think I’m done
I do it again and again and again
Spence spent much of the past year on the road, both as a headliner and as support for artists including American Aquarium, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Madi Diaz, Emmylou Harris, John Moreland, and David Ramirez. She will announce live appearances for 2023 in the coming weeks.
"Releasing this new version of ‘Mary Oliver’ at the beginning of the new year feels right because it was my resolution or mission statement for this album and the next season of my career,” notes Spence. She reflects, “To be ‘a heart on a sleeve,’ as I sing in the song, is as good a new year’s resolution as any. This song is a plea for gentleness and self-acceptance; it’s a case for humility and vulnerability. Every time I sing this song I think ‘yes, I still feel that way. I still want those things’ — it feels like a code of ethics that I recommit to every time I stand on the stage and sing it.
This past year, I’ve had to play solo as an opening act a lot and singing this song with just a voice and guitar, I was reminded each night about how vulnerable this song really is. Without the full production, the song reads more as an intimate excavation of deep desires than a musical exaltation of publicized principles. On the album, I wanted it to feel massive and expansive sonically, for the message to reach the treetops. But in this acoustic version, which is much closer to how I first wrote it and how I’ve been performing it when solo, we brought it back down to the earth."
Critical praise for True North:
“On her latest collection of wise, lucid songwriting, the Nashville artist brings a sense of depth and directness to her songs…On True North, she sings about embracing the present (‘The Gift’), surrendering to love (‘Scale These Walls’), and taking big risks (‘Icarus’) with a sageness that shows the influence of her literary heroes – Oliver, Walt Whitman, and Buddhist nun Pem Chödrön. She sounds like someone you can trust.” – Brad Sanders, Pitchfork
“Caroline Spence’s songs are often cinematic, traversing the jagged landscape of human emotion, navigating the razor-thin lines between longing, loss, and love. Her intimate lyrics evoke the ways the human heart pulses with anxiety, uncertainty, and strength. True North illustrates how even a single note of music can carry us deeper into the recesses of our longings and yearnings—and transport us beyond them.” – Henry Carrigan, Folk Alley
“Song for song, Truth North provides some of Spence’s best compositions to date. In an era where we are collectively reassessing meanings of life and death, the singer-songwriter’s latest will stand as a lasting memento 一 an apt discernment of time and aging.” – Bee Scott, Holler
“…a gorgeous collection of songs that blur the lines between folk and country, and this one has even more of an atmospheric, ethereal feel than its predecessor.” - Andrew Sacher, Brooklyn Vegan
“Throughout True North, Spence makes it clear that her songs exist to communicate the tiny revelations of her lived experience... Spence shows us that grief is ultimately the last expression of love, but it is love nonetheless.” – Matt Ruppert, No Depression
“True North is an elegant and beautiful reminder to find the poetry, and the melody, in this wild and precious life.” - Michelle Lindsey, Highway Queens
LISTEN HERE AND WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO HERE
TORONTO, ON – January 20, 2023 - Making a momentous return, LaGrange, GA singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and vocal dynamo, Philmon Lee, is back with a brand-new single entitled, Baby Don’t Cry [feat. Young Thug]. Get it here via Epic Records and watch the official music video here.
The track illustrates the buzzing artist’s progression and spotlights his immediately arresting vocals front-and-centre. Sonically, it merges a head-nodding guitar riff, piano, and irresistible beat-craft boosted by finger-snaps. Philmon’s vocals alternate between a falsetto-spiked pre-chorus and a chantable refrain, “If you were mine, I would never hurt you. I’d love you all day forever and always.” Then, there’s Thug’s otherworldly and off-kilter flow, adding another dimension altogether. The song came to life in the wake of Thug professing his fandom for Philmon over the past few years and even theorizing on social media he might headline the Super Bowl halftime show one day.
In the accompanying video, Philmon strolls into a bar only to partake in the exact scene he sings about as he uplifts the spirit of a tearful young lady. Simultaneously, Thug cruises in a classic car and raps into the rearview mirror.
About the track, Philmon commented, “It was really a blessing. Thug heard a couple of my tracks and wanted to meet me. I went to the studio, and I played him a bunch of records. A couple of weeks later, we got together again, and he hopped on ‘Baby Don’t Cry.’ Honestly, he’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. He’s really humble, and he gave me a lot of gems about the industry. Lyrically, it’s about a girl whose feelings are hurt by another dude, and you’re trying to relate to her and let her know you’re the better option.”
Philmon dropped his 706 EP to critical acclaim in 2021 after a string of buzzy singles that showcase his raw, one-in-a-generation talent. Along the way, he received critical praise from publications as diverse as Paste Magazine, American Songwriter, Flaunt Magazine, and more. Right now, he’s prepping more music for release in 2023. Stay tuned!
About Philmon Lee:
No instrument matches the natural power of the voice. It rises up directly from the gut and through the heart, carrying every bit of emotion and truth with it. Philmon Lee wields his voice with no shortage of passion, poise, and poetry. He can belt to the heavens and back, but he can also lean into the groove with an innate sense of soul. Make no mistake, he can rock out with primal gusto too. From the moment he sings, the Georgia singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist instantly leaves an imprint. Surrounded by musicians in his family, he picked up multiple instruments as a kid in the small town of LaGrange, GA, developing his skills on piano, guitar, and drums. He cut his teeth on tour with his dad and cultivated his vocals through constant practice. Under the influence of everyone from Elvis Presley, Elton John, and Steven Tyler to Lynyrd Skynyrd and Post Malone, he grinded locally with countless gigs before signing to Epic Records in 2020. Following his buzzing debut single Memories, he gained traction with No Saving Me [feat. Lindsey Stirling], paving the way for his acclaimed 2021, 706 EP. Generating millions of streams and inciting the applause of Paste Magazine, American Songwriter, Flaunt, and many more, his voice continues to captivate on a series of 2023 singles and much more to come led by Baby Don’t Cry [feat. Young Thug].
DOWNLOAD - Baby Don't Cry Single Art
FEATURING BENJI B, THEON CROSS, NUBYA GARCIA, SHABAKA HUTCHINGS, DAVE OKUMU,
TOM SKINNER, MARTIN TEREFE & MORE
LISTEN TO MILES CHASES NEW VOODOO
IN THE CHURCH (SINGLE EDIT) HERE
WATCH A TRAILER HERE
Comprised of a veritable who's who of some of the most important and innovative musicians of the 21st century, London Brew features contributions from Benji B, Theon Cross, Nubya Garcia, Shabaka Hutchings, Dave Okumu, Tom Skinner and more, brought together by Producer and guitarist, Martin Terefe, and Executive Producer, Bruce Lampcov. The record reflects an emotional journey through the period in which it was conceived, having been recorded during the pandemic and after many months of isolation and the inability to collaborate in person. Recorded in December 2020 at Paul Epworth's Church Studios in London, Terefe explains how the resulting music is "sometimes uncomfortable, other times it's familiar and joyous and other times it's like deep meditation."
The album is previewed today by the release of its first single, Miles Chases New Voodoo in the Church, of which Nubya Garcia explains, “this single is our interpretation of Miles Davis’ ode to Jimi Hendrix (Miles Runs the Voodoo Down). I’ve always been very inspired by the creative minds of both Miles and Jimi…. Both were innovators who carved their own lanes, which is something I’ve aspired to in my own career. For a while now I’ve been experimenting and using pedals and effects with my instrument, so to be able to do that on this track, while paying tribute to their legacies, was a joy both creatively and personally.”
Listen to Miles Chases New Voodoo in the Church (single edit) here.
What began as a plan for a live performance at the Barbican in honour of the 50th anniversary of Bitches Brew in early 2020 - an event that was sadly to be scuppered by the pandemic - would eventually blossom into so much more. London Brew is a collection of original recordings rooted in inspiration and celebration - not just a rapturous, moving tribute to one of the most totemic figures in modern music but equally a one-off moment in London's musical history captured forever on four sides of vinyl. As Lampcov writes in the album's liner notes, "London Brew is also inspired by... London. The city, the people, her creativity and her struggles. London Brew is primordial, born out of a year of trying to get to grips with what being human is about. The sounds and melodies cover the gamut of human emotion from delicate and caring to coarse and angry. Nothing is left unsaid."
An intelligent, dexterous assault on the senses from a group of artists united in their freewheeling vision, London Brew's eight tracks are unified by an experimental, improvisatory fire. "In all my years of recording, I'd never been involved in an improvisatory process on this scale," offers The Invisible's Dave Okumu. "It's ease and sense of endlessness is surely a testament to the calibre of each musician and the unique manner in which they've taken on the lessons Miles set before us through his recording and performances."
Theon Cross highlights how "the possibility of playing with a larger group of people [at the end of a year marked by the pandemic] with such an open and free approach was an incredibly powerful and moving experience," while Shabaka Hutchings comments: "For me, that's what Bitches Brew is. It's a bunch of musicians making music because of the love of making music, as a social force and as a social construct. They are creating something that expresses unity and motion. That's what it is to be alive… you know, you have unity, you have motion, and you have vibration. You don't get any more alive than that. That's Bitches Brew." That's London Brew, too, and you won't have ever heard anything quite like it.
London Brew is:
Benji B: Decks, Sonic Re-cycling
Raven Bush: Violin, Electronics
Theon Cross: Tuba
Nubya Garcia: Saxophone, Flute
Tom Herbert: Electric Bass, Double Bass
Shabaka Hutchings: Saxophone, Woodwinds
Nikolaj Torp Larsen: Synthesizers, Melodica
Dave Okumu: Guitar
Nick Ramm: Piano, Synthesizers
Dan See: Drums, Percussion
Tom Skinner: Drums, Percussion
Martin Terefe: Guitar, Electronics
London Brew is available from March 31, 2023, on 2 LP, 2 CD and digitally via Concord Jazz. Pre-order London Brew here: found.ee/LondonBrew.
London Brew Tracklisting
1. London Brew (23:34)
2. London Brew Pt.2 - Trainlines (15:49)
3. Miles Chases New Voodoo in the Church (7:27)
4. Nu Sha Ni Sha Nu Oss Ra (8:55)
5. It's One of These (6:53)
6. Bassics (2:51)
7. Mor Ning Prayers (9:52)
8. Raven Flies Low (12:53)
Samplism artwork by Toby Laurent Belson
DOWNLOAD - Press Photo | DOWNLOAD - London Brew Album Artwork
PERFORMING ON THE LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT MONDAY, JANUARY 16
BEST NEW ARTIST NOMINEE AT THE 2023 BRIT AWARDS
DEBUT ALBUM AMELIA ARRIVING MARCH 3
TORONTO, ON – January 13, 2023 – Breakout singer and songwriter, Mimi Webb, has released her latest pop anthem, Red Flags, today. Listen here. The high-energy track gives fans another taste of what to expect from her forthcoming debut album, Amelia, out March 3 via EPIC Records.
Mimi’s powerful vocals and lyrics are brought to life in the music video, directed by Drew Kirsch, as she takes viewers on a journey of hindsight, revenge, and reclaiming power that every scorned lover dreams about. The video premiered today on MTV Live, MTVU, and MTV Biggest Pop - check it out here. Red Flags was written by Mimi Webb, Connor McDonough, Toby McDonough, Ryan Daly, Castle, Cirkut, and produced by Connor McDonough, Ryan Daly, and Cirkut.
Mimi will stop by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Monday (January 16) for the TV performance debut of the new single. Additionally, she continues her ascent as one of the biggest artists to watch as she garnered a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2023 BRIT Awards.
Mimi’s highly anticipated debut album, Amelia, will feature 12 tracks including her smash hit, House On Fire, and latest single, Ghost of You. The album is titled after her full first name, Amelia, which will give fans insight into both sides of the budding star - Amelia, the girl from the UK countryside who loves to be at home with her family, friends, and dogs; and Mimi, the pop artist who loves to be up on stage traveling the world. Amelia is available for pre-order now.
Following the album’s release, Mimi will hit the road for her 2023 headline tour, The Amelia Tour. The 31-date tour will make stops across Europe and the UK, kicking off on March 11 in Madrid, Spain at Shoko continuing with stops in Berlin, Oslo, Paris, Manchester and more before concluding on April 24 in London, UK at O2 Academy Brixton. Multiple shows have already sold-out including Dublin and all UK dates. Full tour routing can be found below, and tickets are available now at mimiwebb.com.
In just two years, the breakout artist has racked up over 852 million global streams to date, and multiple hit tracks including House on Fire and Good Without. Mimi’s performed at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in London, numerous festivals such as Capital FM’s Summertime Ball, Isle of Wight Festival, and Montreux Jazz Festival, and on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and ELLEN. She has garnered praise from the likes of British Vogue, Rolling Stone, Harper’s BAZAAR, GRAMMY.com, and Billboard. Mimi shows no signs of slowing down as she gears up for the release of her debut album.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
March 11- Shoko - Madrid, Spain
March 12 - Razmatazz 2 - Barcelona, Spain
March 14 - Plaza - Zurich, Switzerland
March 15 - Technikum - Munich, Germany
March 16 - Flex - Vienna, Austria
March 18 - Niebo - Warsaw, Poland
March 19 - Hole44 - Berlin, Germany
March 20 - Mojo Club - Hamburg, Germany
March 22 - Klubben - Stockholm, Sweden
March 23 - Vulkan Arena - Oslo, Norway
March 24 - Pumpehuset - Copenhagen, Denmark
March 26 - Melkweg - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
March 27 - La Madeleine - Brussels, Belgium
March 29 - Kantine - Cologne, Germany
March 30 - La Maroquinerie - Paris, France
April 1 - UEA - Norwich, UK *sold-out
April 3 - O2 City Hall - Newcastle, UK *sold-out
April 4 - O2 Academy - Glasgow, UK *sold-out
April 6 - Ulster Hall - Belfast, UK *sold-out
April 7 - 3Olympia Theatre - Dublin, Ireland *sold-out
April 8 - 3Olympia Theatre - Dublin, Ireland *sold-out
April 10 - Guild of Students - Liverpool, UK *sold-out
April 11 - O2 Victoria Warehouse - Manchester, UK *sold-out
April 14 - O2 Academy - Sheffield, UK *sold-out
April 15 - O2 Academy - Leeds, UK *sold-out
April 17 - Rock City - Nottingham, UK *sold-out
April 18 - O2 Academy - Birmingham, UK *sold-out
April 20 - O2 Academy - Bristol, UK *sold-out
April 21 - Pavilions - Plymouth, UK *sold-out
April 22 - O2 Academy - Bournemouth, UK *sold-out
April 24 - O2 Academy Brixton - London, UK *sold-out
June 9 - Bryggeribyen EC Dahls Arena - Trondheim, Norway
June 16 - Live At The Marquee - Cork, Ireland
ABOUT MIMI WEBB
Mimi Webb projects a voice as magnetic, massive, and magical as her personality. As “the girl next door” with a hell of vocal range, she’s quick to laugh, will let you know precisely what’s on her mind, and isn’t afraid to be heard. Originally hailing from the UK town of Canterbury, the pop singer and songwriter turns up the volume on every emotion with skyscraping runs and open-heart honesty.
Inspired by the likes of Amy Winehouse, Emelie Sandé, and Sam Smith, she started writing songs of her own at 13-years-old in diaries before eventually learning guitar. Around the same time, she enrolled in The BRIT School – known for alumni such as Adele, Amy Winehouse, Jessie J, and more. Three years later, she left home, moved in with a host family, and attended the prestigious BIMM [British Institute of Modern Music]. In 2019, she landed management, and inked a deal with Epic Records, followed by the release of her debut single, Before I Go, in 2020.
In a whirlwind two years, Mimi released her debut EP, Seven Shades of Heartbreak (October 2021), amassed an international following with multiple hit tracks such as House on Fire and Good Without, and became the first British female artist, since Dua Lipa in 2017, to land two singles in the UK Top 15 before her debut album. She has surpassed 852 million global streams to date and toured across the world- performing at festivals such as Capital FM’s Summertime Ball, Isle of Wight Festival, and Montreux Jazz Festival, as well as her own headline tours. Mimi has garnered critical acclaim from the likes of British Vogue, Rolling Stone, Harper’s BAZAAR, Billboard, and CLASH, and performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and ELLEN. Mimi’s highly anticipated debut album, Amelia, will be released on March 3.
DOWNLOAD – press photo | DOWNLOAD – single artwork
NEW ALBUM STRAYS OUT TODAY
FEATURING SHARON VAN ETTEN, LUCIUS, MIKE CAMPBELL
AND PRODUCER JONATHAN WILSON – LISTEN HERE
HEADLINE TOUR INCLUDES CANADIAN DATES
IN VANCOUVER AND TORONTO NEXT MONTH
Listen to Strays, out everywhere via Loma Vista Recordings, and tune into CBS Mornings on Monday for a deeper look into the inspiring path that Price took to get here.
While much of Strays was written in a South Carolina cottage – during six days that the Nashville-based Margo Price spent eating psychedelic mushrooms with her husband and musical partner, Jeremy Ivey - the album was primarily recorded in California’s Topanga Canyon. There at Jonathan Wilson’s studio in the summer of 2021, Price and her long-time band of Pricetags channeled their telepathic abilities into their best recording sessions and most ambitious array of sounds, styles and arrangements to date. As previewed on singles such as Been To The Mountain, the chart-topping Change of Heart, and the prescient Lydia, which The New York Times and PAPER both called one of the Best Songs of 2022, Price sings unabashedly about self-worth, bodily autonomy and a woman’s right to choose. Across the rest of the LP, she writes about losing herself in sex, overcoming marital conflict, tuning out haters, the aftermath of quitting drinking and more, as “Strays bursts with easy confidence and kind, stoic pearls of wisdom” (Pitchfork).
Strays was named one of the most anticipated albums of 2023 by TIME, New York Magazine and others, and Price’s memoir, Maybe We’ll Make It was hailed as one of the best music books of 2022 by Variety, Rolling Stone, Forbes, Rough Trade and SPIN. Read about the creation of each in a career-spanning profile written by Melena Ryzik for The New York Times: The Unstoppable, Unsinkable, Uninhibited Margo Price.
On January 30, Margo Price will return to the road for the continuation of ‘Til The Wheels Fall Off, a headline tour that Pitchfork just listed as one of the most anticipated of the year. The lengthy run will bring her and her band to LA’s Fonda Theatre, NYC’s Webster Hall, Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, as well as Canadian stops in Vancouver and Toronto in February, and dozens other shows and counting. Tickets are available at margoprice.net/#tour, and full details can be found below.
Praise For Strays
"The Unstoppable, Unsinkable, Uninhibited Margo Price…Strays struts through big-hearted indie country, honky-tonk stomp and '70s guitar-explosion psychedelia"
- The New York Times
"Another impressive showcase for Price's skills as author and troubadour, featuring volcanic vocal performances and sharp character studies" - Vulture
"Price has never quite sounded more in command of detail and scene setting"
- Rolling Stone
"...an early contender for one of 2023's best albums and a bonafide country classic in the making." - Exclaim!
"Strays bursts with easy confidence and kind, stoic pearls of wisdom" - Pitchfork
"A potent, genre-spanning opus that's rooted in Americana, but stretches into glittery pop, squelching rock and psychedelia" - NPR Music
"Strays brilliantly rattles through country, psych and Patti Smith-style poetic rock'n'roll...powerful lyrical gut-punches" - The Guardian, ★★★★
"Excellent...her strongest and most collaborative album yet" - The Daily Beast
"A 10-song wallop of an LP that tackles everything from Price's sobriety journey to abortion rights to the female orgasm to her own self-acceptance and self-destructive tendencies" - Stereogum
"Sonically brave and lyrically obstinate, a rare delight that stands out from its counterparts" - NME, ★★★★
"Some of the most focused, pointed lyrics of her career" - Consequence
"Price remains one of the best chroniclers of our fraught political moment, as
'Lydia' is a testament" - PAPER
"There's proof of Price's growth - as an artist and observer - on every track" - Jezebel
"Further proof of Price's gift for not only telling her own powerful stories, but also those of the downtrodden en masse" - Paste
"A thrilling step forward in a career that's already made Price one of the most intriguing
voices in music" - BUST
"Her weirdest and wildest record yet, but also her wisest" - Uncut
"Further spotlights her melodic gifts and deeply soulful singing" - MOJO, ★★★★
"This is an album to cherish" - CLASH
UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
1/30 - Asheville, NC - Orange Peel%
1/31 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse%
2/2 - Houston, TX - White Oak Music Hall&
2/3 - Austin, TX - Scoot Inn&
2/4 - Dallas, TX - Granada Theater&
2/6 - Phoenix, AZ - Crescent Ballroom$
2/7 - San Diego, CA - The Observatory North Park$
2/9 - Los Angeles, CA - Fonda Theatre$
2/10 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore$
2/11 - Arcata, CA - Van Duzer Theatre$
2/13 - Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom$
2/14 - Vancouver, BC - Commodore Ballroom$
2/15 - Seattle, WA - The Showbox$
2/17 - Bozeman, MT - The Elm$
2/19 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue$
2/20 - Madison, WI - Majestic Theatre$
2/21 - Chicago, IL - Vic Theatre$
2/22 - Indianapolis, IN - The Vogue$
2/24 - Toronto, ON - The Phoenix Concert Theatre#
2/25 - Detroit, MI - Majestic Theatre#
2/27 - Burlington, VT - Higher Ground Ballroom#
2/28 - Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club#
3/2 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club#
3/3 - Philadelphia, PA - Theatre of Living Arts#
3/4 - New York, NY - Webster Hall#
3/9 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium!
3/22 - Boise, ID - Treefort Music Festival
6/22 - Pendleton, OR - Jackalope Jamboree
8/5 - Boston, MA - Leader Bank Pavilion*
8/6 - Portland, ME - Thompson's Point*
8/10 - Philadelphia, PA - The Met*
%w/ The Deslondes
&w/ Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country
$w/ Lola Kirke
#w/ Tre Burt
!w/ Jessi Colter
*w/ Tyler Childers
TONIGHT’S FAST FWD TO FRIDAY CLUB NIGHT SOLD-OUT
DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND, NOISY ANNOUNCED NEXT FAST FWD TO FRIDAY CLUB NIGHT ON FEBRUARY 24 AT BRIGHTON'S PRINCE ALBERT
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
LISTEN BACK TO FAST FWD TO FRIDAY MIX SERIES HERE
Toronto, ON – January 13, 2023 – Electronic trio, NOISY, kickstart the year with brand new single, RUDEBOY, out now via Concord Records. Listen to the single here and watch the music video here.
Rude by name, rude by nature, the new offering is an attitude-driven anthem, sonically flirting between the likes of Justice, Basement Jaxx and Fat Boy Slim. RUDEBOY will get even the laziest of listeners moving and cements the collective amongst the most exciting acts spearheading 2023. Along with the new offering, NOISY are set to host their celebrated and sold-out club night Fast FWD To Friday tonight at Brighton’s Prince Albert, with support coming from rising singer, Charlotte Plank.
On the new single and Fast FWD to Friday club night singer Cody said: “RUDEBOY is about feeling completely locked into music, whether you’re in a club, or in a packed tent at a festival or on a night bus with your headphones on. When it hits the music takes you and you can't think about anything else. It started with the lyric, 'I put my shades on.' I was just thinking about being at a festival, with the sun shining and feeling euphoric. We were listening to a lot of Chemical Brothers and Justice at the time and so we wanted a heavy bass beat driven song and it all flowed from there. That feeling of euphoria is exactly why we are buzzing for the return of Fast FWD to Friday too, everyone in a room with the music taking you away, we can’t wait for it.”
The past few years have been all gas no breaks for NOISY. Collaborations have been bountiful, from High Contrast remixing 24/7, to releases with the likes of The Prototypes, 1991 and Zero. The music truly comes to life on stage, and the group enjoyed knock out festival slots at the likes of Reading & Leeds (Radio 1s Dance Stage), Mad Cool, Kendal Calling, Neighbourhood Weekend. The group also opened for Mike Skinner ahead of embarking on their UK headline tour which came to London for a sold-out XOYO show last year.
NOISY’s touring schedule has been eventful in more ways than one. In 2021 the group made the headlines between shows when their tour van was stolen outside their tour manager’s flat one night, along with synthesizers, FX pedals, guitars, amps; the lot. With a never say die attitude though, the trio came across some of their equipment on eBay and planned a sting operation to reclaimed all of the equipment.
This self-sufficient, DIY mindset is one of the driving forces of NOISY (comprised of singer Cody, guitarist Connor and producer Spencer), who pride themselves on owning creative control, writing, recording and producing all of their music, designing their own merch and often shooting their own music videos.
So with that in mind, allow us to reintroduce NOISY. Your new favourite band, that sound nothing like a band.
DOWNLOAD - RUDEBOY Artwork | DOWNLOAD - Press Photo
NOISY on TikTok
WATCH VIA YOUTUBE + LISTEN ON DSPS
SKELETONS ALBUM DUE MARCH 17 VIA MNRK HEAVY
TICKETS ON SALE FOR THE SKELETONS U.S. HEADLINING SPRING TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUESTS THE WORD ALIVE AND AVOID
Toronto, ON - January 13, 2023 - Today, the hard rock group, Pop Evil, released the third single,Dead Reckoning (featuring Fit For A King) from their upcoming album, Skeletons, due March 17 via MNRK Heavy. Pre-save and pre-order here. Watch the video for Dead Reckoning (featuring Fit For A King) here.
The concept and instrumentals for Dead Reckoning were brought to the table by bassist, Joey “Chicago” Walser and co-written with singer, Leigh Kakaty. The producer of Skeletons, Drew Fulk (WZRD BLD), heard the demo and immediately suggested that Ryan Kirby from Fit for a King would be the perfect fit for a vocal collaboration. In describing the song, the band said, “'Dead Reckoning' is about..a clear and unwavering decision a person makes within themselves.”
The 11 tracks include the already released single, Eye of the Storm, which landed at the #5 Most Played Song in 2022 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Chart, and the most recent single, Paranoid (Crash & Burn). The album also includes guest performers such as Blake Allison from Devour the Day providing guest vocals on Wrong Direction.
In discussing the album, frontman Leigh Kakaty said, “This is about us as a band stripping everything down to the bones. It’s more uptempo, it’s got bigger riffs, and we’re trying to capture the energy of our live show.”
“But it’s also a positive message,” he adds. “I know it’s a morbid visual, but behind every skeleton, there’s a story and something worth talking about. Overall, it’s about looking at something in a positive way. And I’m excited for everyone to hear that.”
Skeletons see the band once again working with producer WZRD BLD (Disturbed, Papa Roach, Motionless in White), a friend and collaborator on a few previous albums that generated four #1 hits. “With Versatile, we had a bunch of producers, but for this album, we just wanted to work with one person and get back to our roots,” says Kakaty. “There’s an energy he and I have, and he’s been great at helping us build these songs and work around some collective themes.”
Pop Evil will head out on their Skeletons Tour headlining U.S. dates starting on March 17, 2023, in Sault St. Marie at Kewadin Casino and concluding on April 23, 2023, in Milwaukee at The Rave. Special guests, The Word Alive and Avoid will join. Tickets are on sale now at www.popevil.com.
Pop Evil has massive anthems and built a new rock’n’roll institution on a foundation of showmanship, raw relatability, and hard rock hooks, both forward-thinking and timeless from frontman, Leigh Kakaty, lead guitarist Nick Fuelling, rhythm guitarist Dave Grahs, bassist Joey "Chicago" Walser and drummer Hayley Cramer. No matter the headline-grabbing declarations from legendary icons, lamenting the changing of the guard, the slow-burning success of Pop Evil demonstrates the hunger for hard-hitting honest music persisting worldwide.
Their 2011 album, War of Angels debuted at #8 on Billboard Top Rock Albums with three singles landing on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Top 10 including Last Man Standing, Monster You Made and Boss’s Daughter. The momentum continued with their 2013 album Onyx, landing them on the Top 40 of the Billboard 200 for the first time, plus it was #9 on the Billboard Independent Albums in America and #25 on the Billboard 200. The album included three #1 Billboard Mainstream Rock singles, Trenches, Deal with the Devil and Torn to Pieces. In 2015, the band released their album, UP, which would make its way to #1 on Billboard Independent Albums, with four Top 5 Billboard Singles such as Ways to Get High, Take It All, and If Only for Now. The hit single, Footsteps, is still one of the biggest songs to date and returned Pop Evil to Billboard’s #1 spot for four weeks. Their 2018 self-titled album landed three singles on Billboard Mainstream Rock, Waking Lions, at #1 with Be Legendary, peaking at #2, and A Crime to Remember, peaking at #7.
Pop Evil’s last #1 single include Survivor, which also topped Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart in late 2021, joining previous Top 10 single, Work, and #1 single, Breathe Again, from their album, VERSATILE, out now via MNRK Heavy. Over the course of their career, the band has achieved four gold singles with Torn to Pieces, and Trenches from Onyx, Footsteps from UP, and, 100 in a 55 from their debut studio album, Lipstick on the Mirror.
Skeletons Tracklist:
1. Arrival
2. Paranoid (Crash & Burn)
3. Circles
4. Eye of The Storm
5. Sound of Glory
6. Skeletons
7. Worth It
8. Who Will We Become
9. Wrong Direction (Feat Devour the Day)
10. Dead Reckoning (Feat Fit For A King)
11. Raging Bull (Feat Zillion)
Skeletons U.S. Headlining Tour:
March 17 – Sault St. Marie, MI @ Kewadin Casino
March 18 – Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
March 19 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Jergel's
March 21 – Lititz, PA @ Mickey's Black Box
March 23 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
March 24 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun - Wolf Den +
March 25 – Waterloo, NY @ Del Lago Casino *
March 26 – Jersey City, NJ @ White Eagle Hall
March 28 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation27
March 30 – Tampa, FL @ Hard Rock Event Center
March 31 – Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
April 1 – Charlotte, NC @ The Underground
April 2 – Nashville, TN @ Basement East
April 4 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Tower Theatre
April 5 – Dallas, TX @ Echo Lounge & Music Hall
April 7 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
April 8 – Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee Theater
April 10 – Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory OC
April 11 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
April 12 – San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
April 14 – Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
April 15 – Grand Junction, CO @ Mesa Theatre
April 16 – Denver, CO @ Gothic Theatre
April 18 – Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre
April 19 – Kansas City, MO @ The Truman
April 21 – Pittsburg, KS @ Kansas Crossing Casino
April 22 – Chicago, IL @ Concord Music Hall
April 23 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
* The Word Alive will not be performing
+ No Support
Rescheduled UK + EU 2023 Tour:
May 4 – Glasgow, UK @ SWG3 Warehouse
May 5 – Manchester, UK @ Rebellion
May 6 – Birmingham, UK @ Institute 2
May 7 – London, UK @ The Dome
May 9 – Paris, FR @ Le Trabendo
May 10 – Cologne, DE @ Luxor
May 12 – Munich, DE @ Backstage Halle
May 13 – Frankfurt, DE @ Nachtleben
May 14 – Hamburg, DE @ Logo
May 15 – Amsterdam, NL @ Melkweg
with Call Me Amour as support, plus Zillion
DOWNLOAD – Hi Res Press Photo | DOWNLOAD – Hi Res Artwork | DOWNLOAD - Tour Posters
About MNRK Music Group:
MNRK Music Group is one of the largest independent music companies in the world, with recording, music publishing, and management divisions operating in every major music market. MNRK is committed to discovering and guiding top music creators and artists and works with some of the greatest musical talent including The Lumineers and Pitbull, the music publishing catalog of Chuck Berry, plus premier music companies Dualtone Music Group and Last Gang. The company’s music department services Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning producers. Its catalog across divisions consists of 54,000 music tracks, including multiple GRAMMY winners and platinum-selling hits.
MILITARIE GUN EMBARK ON HEADLINE WEST COAST TOUR JANUARY 31 WITH SHOW IN VANCOUVER ON FEBRUARY 4
SUPPORTING WHITE REAPER ON NORTH AMERICAN TOUR THIS MARCH WITH STOP IN TORONTO ON MARCH 14
Toronto, ON – January 12, 2023 – Los Angeles' Militarie Gun and Richmond's Dazy share the remix of their acclaimed collaborative track, Pressure Cooker, featuring additional vocals from Mannequin Pussy vocalist, Missy. Hailed as a "feel-good blast of 1990s-style alt-rock" with an "undeniable" hook by Pitchfork upon the original's release, the reimagined version of the track – courtesy of Dazy’s James Goodson - dials up the original's Madchester influence in addition to Missy's newly-added vocals. Listen to the song here and watch the visual here.
Formed in 2020, Militarie Gun is defined by the musical restlessness of vocalist Shelton. The band–whose lineup has expanded to include guitarists Nick Cogan and Acuña, drummer Vince Nguyen, and bassist Max Epstein–draw on a wide range of influences to make something that sounds combative yet accessible, and undeniably their own. Co-produced, engineered and mixed by Taylor Young, there are echos of the unhinged guitarwork of Born Against, the propulsive cadences of hip hop, the up-front bass of Fugazi–and most importantly, the hooks. Militarie Gun’s songs are instantly memorable, employing a melodic sensibility that’s just as informed by the work of Robert Pollard and Paul McCartney as it is by Black Flag. Most recently, the band released All Roads Lead To The Gun (Deluxe) in October of 2022 through their new label Loma Vista Recordings.
Goodson started Dazy as a one-man band from his Richmond, VA, home in 2020. His debut album, OUTOFBODY, was released on October 28, 2022, via Lame-O Records (with a cassette version available via Convulse Records) to high praise from outlets including Stereogum (Best New Bands of 2022 and Band To Watch), Pitchfork, Bandcamp Daily, Paste (Best of What’s Next, 25 Best Debut Albums of 2022), Brooklyn Vegan, FLOOD Magazine, GRAMMY.com, Uproxx, and Exclaim!.
Militarie Gun embarks on their West Coast tour at the end of this month and throughout February with support from Supercrush, Spiritual Cramp and Death Lens on select dates. Starting March 2, Militarie Gun will begin their tour supporting White Reaper across North America with stops in Denver, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Toronto and Nashville. Tickets available here.
Listen to Pressure Cooker (Remix) above, see full Militarie Gun tour routing below, and stay tuned for more music from Militarie Gun coming very soon.
Upcoming Live Dates
Militarie Gun
* = w/ Spiritual Cramp, Supercrush
^ = w/ Death Lens, Supercrush
+ = supporting White Reaper
January 31 - San Jose, CA @ Playback Studios*
February 1 - Redding, CA @ The Dip*
February 2 - Portland, OR @ Mano Oculta*
February 3- Seattle, WA @ Barboza*
February 4 - Vancouver, BC @ The Black Lab*
February 8 - Sacramento, CA @ Cafe Colonial^
February 9 - Fresno, CA @ Strummer's^
February 10 - Riverside, CA @ The Hideaway Cafe^
February 11 - Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction^
March 2 - Denver, CO @ Summit Theater+
March 3 - Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room+
March 4 - Kansas City, MO @ Madrid Theater+
March 6 - Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s+
March 7 - Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre+
March 8 - Detroit, MI @ St. Andrew’s Hall+
March 10 - Chicago, IL @ Metro+
March 11 - Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom & Tavern+
March 12 - Millvale, PA @ Mr. Small’s Theatre+
March 14 - Toronto, ON @ The Opera House+
March 22 - Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle+
March 23 - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade - Hell Stage+
March 24 - Nashville, TN @ The Basement East+
March 25 - Louisville, KY @ Headliners Music Hall+
Dazy
* = w/ Footballhead, Graham Hunt
^ = w/ Alien Boy
# = w/ Alien Boy, TV Star
~ = w/ Alien Boy, Object of Affection
January 18 - Chicago, IL @ Sleeping Village (Tomorrow Never Knows)*
January 19 - Milwaukee, WI @ Cactus Club*
January 20 - Seattle, WA @ Vera Project#
January 21 - Olympia, WA @ Le Voyeur#
January 22 - Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios#
January 23 - Sacramento, CA @ The Starlet Room^
January 24 - San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop^
January 25 - Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst Atrium^
January 26 - Hesperia, CA @ Collective 47^
January 27 - Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation Room^
January 28 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo~
January 29 - San Diego, CA @ Whistle Stop~
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DAN AUERBACH AND LEON MICHELS ANNOUNCE INTIMATE SERIES OF DJ SETS IN PAIRS, NEW YORK AND LOS ANGELES
ELECTROPHONIC CHRONIC, THE FIRST ALBUM FROM THE ARCS SINCE 2015, ARRIVES JANUARY 27 VIA EASY EYE SOUND
TORONTO, ON – January 12, 2023 – The Arcs have unveiled Sunshine today, the final advance look at their first album in eight years, Electrophonic Chronic, before its January 27 release on Easy Eye Sound. Kicking off with an instantly-captivating piano melody from Leon Michels - who also provides horns on the track - lead vocalist, Dan Auerbach, balances vignettes of feeling down on your luck with the chorus' unwavering plea for better days ahead: "won’t you help me see the light." On a track that was originally co-written with their late bandmate, Richard Swift (who can also be heard on background vocals and percussion), before his passing in 2018, it's a poignant statement on picking up the pieces and finding meaning in times that feel most difficult.
Listen to Sunshine and pre-order Electrophonic Chronic here.
Auerbach and Michels, who co-produced Electrophonic Chronic, have also announced a series of DJ sets that will bring them to small rooms across Paris (which will include a DJ set from The Black Keys featuring both Auerbach and Patrick Carney), New York and Los Angeles in the weeks to come. A celebration of the band's mutual obsession with crate-digging and spinning rare finds for each other on the road, the sets double as a reminder of these shared passions with Swift, which built the roots of the new record before his passing. Among their many inspirations are vintage soul (featured on the album is a gender-flipped cover of the would-be South Florida star Helene Smith's A Woman Will Do Wrong), old school garage rock (including Electrophonic Tonic, the once-lost gem from Fred "Sonic" Smith and Sonic's Rendevous Band), and the space age pop made famous by producer Joe Meek in the pre-Beatles 1960s.
Featuring the full original line-up of The Arcs - Auerbach, Michels, Swift, Nick Movshon and Homer Steinweiss - Electrophonic Chronic has been met with early praise from NPR Music, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Billboard and more. The album was recorded over the course of years, revisited by Auerbach and Michels during the pandemic after a period where, as Michels puts it, &q