Home Blog Page 117

Unlock Your Music’s Potential: Eric Alper PR Revolutionizes Spotify Promotion For Sustainable Growth

Eric Alper PR is excited to offer Spotify promotion and playlisting approach that keeps long-term streaming growth and algorithmic cohesion as its primary focus. This means that he only uses real human manual pitching to worldwide playlisters curated by people who want to hear your genre of music, and to playlisters that would be programming your song in lists with similar independent artists and marketing those lists to audiences who would be looking for music like it.

He works to use the digital streaming service algorithms to help put your music in spaces where listeners would expect to hear it, resulting in a lower skip rate, using his almost-decade experience third party playlists as a way to teach discovery algorithms that your song should be suggested to more listeners who like similar artists, and a longer period of growth on your track and a higher chance of it reaching people who will become real fans.

It is his mission to make the data that independent artists have access to on their streaming platforms as usable as possible, reflecting real growth from reaching actual people as opposed to inflated fake numbers. While the digital marketing landscape is constantly shifting and changing, he is adapting to chase the same goal of bringing your music to the people who will love it.

Ready to take your music to new heights? Email me Eric@ThatEricAlper.com today for personalized details on how we can elevate your Spotify presence and connect you with your audience authentically.

Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” Performed In A Minor Key Will Blow Your Mind

Musician Frank Tedesco presents a captivating reinterpretation of Journey’s iconic anthem. Through a masterful musical arrangement, the familiar melody of “Don’t Stop Believin'” is transformed into a haunting rendition in a minor key. The shift in tonality imbues the song with a sense of melancholy and introspection, offering listeners a fresh perspective on the timeless classic.

Tommy Wiseau’s The Room, But Done As Prince

“The Room,” a cult classic infamous for its awkward dialogue and Tommy Wiseau’s melodramatic performance, has gained notoriety for its unintentional hilarity. However, musician Nick Lutsko took the film’s absurdity to a whole new level by transforming Wiseau’s memorable lines into a Prince-style musical rendition. In a stroke of comedic genius, Lutsko’s creation, showcased on Super Deluxe, seamlessly melds Wiseau’s idiosyncratic delivery with the funky beats reminiscent of the legendary musician, resulting in a side-splitting homage to both “The Room” and Prince’s musical legacy.

Top 10 Canadian Music Videos Shortlisted For The 2024 Prism Prize

Today, the finalists for the Grand Prize at the 2024 Prism Prize were revealed, showcasing the top 10 Canadian music videos of the year. Chosen by a distinguished jury of over 120 leading figures in Canadian music, film, and media arts, the winning artist and director will receive an unprecedented $20,000.00 CAD cash prize, marking the largest award in the realm of music videos worldwide.

The 2024 Prism Prize Top 10 (in alphabetical order):
Blame Brett – Artist: The Beaches | Director: Ievy Stamatov
Borrow Trouble – Artist: Feist | Directors: Mary Rozzi, Colby Richardson, Heather Goodchild & Leslie Feist
Demons – Artist: Allison Russell | Director: Ethan Tobman
feral canadian scaredy cat – Artist: young friend | Director: Sterling Larose & Zachary Vague
I’m Good – Artist: Snotty Nose Rez Kids | Director: Sterling Larose
I Wanna Be Your Right Hand – Artist: Nemahsis | Directors: Norman Wong & Amy Gardner
My Mind At Ease – Artist: Dominique Fils-Aimé | Director: Adrian Villagomez
Name of God – Artist & Director: Mustafa
Of Woods And Seas – Artist: Alaskan Tapes | Director: Andrew De Zen
Revenge of the Orchestra (feat. Magugu) – Artist: Apashe | Director: Adrian Villagomez

Each of these Top 10 finalists are also eligible for the fan-voted Audience Award, which comes with a $2,500.00 CAD prize for the winner. Music lovers and fans alike can now view all of the Top 10 videos and cast their vote for their favourite through Thursday, June 6, 2024 at prismprize.com.

“As the Prism Prize continues to illuminate the dynamic landscape of Canadian music videos, it serves as a testament to the boundless creativity flourishing within our nation’s music community,” said Louis Calabro, Vice-President, Programming & Awards, at the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and the Founder of Prism Prize. “As we unveil this year’s Top 10 videos, we invite you to embark on a journey of discovery, celebrating the diverse voices and groundbreaking visions that define the essence of Canadian musical artistry.”

This year, the Prism Prize jury evaluated over 300 eligible Canadian music videos, carefully considering elements such as originality, style, creativity, innovation, and execution to curate the final Top 10.

Along with the Grand Prize and Audience Awards, the Prism Prize annually recognizes a group of Special Award recipients who are honoured for their achievements and contributions to the music industry, both in Canada and abroad.

  • The Hi-Fidelity Award (supported by FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters) established to recognize recording artists who utilize music video in innovative ways;
  • The Lipsett Award,  established to celebrate a unique approach to music video art;
  • The Special Achievement Award (supported by The Slaight Family Foundation) established to recognize an exceptional contribution to music video art on the world stage;
  • The Willie Dunn Award (supported by Telefilm Canada) presented to a Canadian trailblazer who has demonstrated excellence within the music, music video and/or film production communities.

These Special Award recipients will be unveiled alongside the Grand Prize and Audience Award winners when the Prism Prize Class of 2024 is announced on Thursday, June 25. A celebration of the Class of 2024 will take place in July, featuring a screening of the Top 10 videos and the work of our Special Award Recipients.

View the Top 10 Canadian music videos of the year eligible for the 2024 Prism Prize and the Audience Award at prismprize.com.

Since its introduction in 2013, the Prism Prize has been celebrating outstanding work in Canadian music video production. Through the years, the Grand Prize has been awarded to an eclectic group of homegrown artists and directors who have created captivating and moving visual accompaniments to their music, including Rich Aucoin and director Noah Pink for Brian Wilson Is A.L.I.V.E., Charlotte Day Wilson and director Fantavious Fritz for Work, Jessie Reyez and director Peter Huang for Far Away and Snotty Nose Rez Kids and director Sterling Larose for Damn Right.

Previous winners of the Special Awards include July Talk (2017 Hi-Fidelity Award recipient), Grimes (2018 Hi-Fidelity Award recipient), Karena Evans (2018 Lipsett Award recipient), Mustafa (2022 Willie Dunn Award recipient), and Nemahsis (2023 Hi-Fidelity Award recipient), just to name a few.

Learn more about previous Prism Prize recipients here.

Where To Buy CBD Oil: The Ultimate Guide to Buying CBD Oil in Canada

By Mitch Rice

Shopping for CBD oil in Canada can be confusing, especially with many available options. 

This guide aims to simplify your search for the best CBD oil tailored to your needs for pain relief, anxiety reduction, or overall health improvement. In Canada, the market for CBD oil is expanding rapidly, reflecting its increasing legality and acceptance. 

As of 2021, the Canadian cannabis market, including CBD, was valued at over $2.6 billion, showcasing a growing interest and trust in its benefits. With numerous reputable vendors offering CBD oil online and in physical stores, it’s crucial to distinguish a high-quality product. 

However, this guide will help you understand the regulations, what to look for regarding quality and purity, and where to buy. We’ll provide all the essential tips to ensure you make a well-informed purchase. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced user, this guide is your go-to resource for buying CBD oil in Canada.

Is CBD Oil Available Over The Counter In Canada?

Yes, CBD oil is available over the counter in Canada. The country legalized cannabis for recreational and medicinal use under the Cannabis Act, which came into effect on October 17, 2018. This law allows adults to buy, use, possess, and grow cannabis, including CBD products. CBD oil must be purchased from licensed retailers and is subject to regulations regarding its production, distribution, and sale to meet safety and quality standards. 

You can find it in various retail locations, including specialty CBD shops, cannabis dispensaries, and some pharmacies. Buyers must ensure that they purchase from reputable sources that comply with Canadian cannabis regulations to guarantee the quality and legality of the product.

Can You Get Pure CBD In Canada?

You can purchase pure CBD products online and in physical stores from licensed retailers. These products must meet strict regulatory standards, ensuring their safety and purity. It’s essential to buy from reputable sources to ensure the quality and legality of the CBD product.

Here are the key points about obtaining pure and organic CBD oil Canada:

Legal Sources: CBD products must be purchased through legally authorized retailers. In each Canadian province or territory, specific regulations govern the sale of cannabis products, including CBD. These products can typically be bought through government-operated stores, licensed private retailers, or regulated websites.

Quality and Purity Standards: Legal CBD products in Canada must meet strict standards regarding their content and purity. They are subject to rigorous testing to ensure they are free of harmful contaminants and that the CBD content listed on the packaging is accurate. This ensures that consumers receive a product that is safe and of high quality.

Prescription CBD: For medicinal purposes, CBD can also be accessed through a prescription from a healthcare provider. Medicinal CBD products might be covered by health insurance and are available through medical cannabis programs that require registration.

Importance of Buying Legally: Purchasing CBD legally is crucial to ensure Canadian laws and regulations compliance. Illegal products may not meet safety standards and could contain harmful substances or incorrect levels of CBD and THC.

Product Types: Pure CBD is available in various forms in Canada, including oils, capsules, edibles, and topical creams. This variety allows consumers to choose the method of consumption that best suits their needs and preferences.

Where To Buy CBD Oil In Canada?

To buy CBD oil in Canada, you have several legal and reliable options, ensuring compliance with regulations and product safety. Here’s where you can purchase CBD oil:

Government-Operated Stores: Many provinces and territories operate retail outlets for cannabis products, including CBD oil. These stores can be physical locations or online platforms, depending on the province. Examples include the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) in Ontario, the Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) in Quebec, and BC Cannabis Stores in British Columbia.

Licensed Private Retailers: Some provinces allow private retail stores to sell cannabis and CBD products. The province licenses these stores and must adhere to strict regulatory standards. You can visit these stores in person or check if they offer online shopping and delivery.

Online Retailers: Licensed online retailers are also a convenient option for purchasing CBD oil. These platforms are either run by the government or are private but licensed entities. They offer many products and brands; you can shop from home.

Medical Cannabis Providers: If you have a prescription for medical cannabis, you can purchase CBD oil through medical cannabis producers. These are accessed online, and you typically must register as a patient. This route is particularly relevant if you require specific CBD formulations for health conditions, as medical providers offer products that are not available in recreational stores.

Can You Buy CBD Oil At Walmart?

Walmart in Canada does not sell CBD oil in its physical stores or online. Canadian regulations regarding the sale of CBD products are strict. Currently, CBD oil and other cannabis-derived products are primarily available through licensed dispensaries and specific provincial or territorial government-operated retailers.

Suppose you’re looking to purchase CBD oil in Canada. In that case, it’s best to visit or order from authorized cannabis retail outlets, either government-run or private, depending on the regulations in your province or territory. These sources ensure the products comply with Canadian laws and meet safety and quality standards.

Conclusion: Is Hemp Oil The Same As CBD Oil?

Buying CBD oil in Canada has become straightforward thanks to the clear rules set by the government. Since cannabis, including CBD oil, became legal in 2018, Canadians can buy it from various legal and safe places. These include government-run stores, approved private shops, and specialized online platforms. Buying CBD oil from these trusted sources is essential to ensure the products are legal, high-quality, and safe. They must be free from harmful stuff and clearly show the amount of CBD they contain.

CBD oil is available in different forms, such as oils, capsules, and edibles, allowing people to choose what best suits their health needs. Whether buying CBD oil for the first time or you’ve bought it before, always make sure to buy from legal and dependable places. This guide helps you understand where and how to buy CBD oil safely and legally in Canada, ensuring you get the best quality and most effective products for your health and wellness.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

 

My Next Read: “Down with the System: A Memoir (of Sorts)” by Serj Tankian

Serj Tankian will be the first to admit that his band, System Of A Down, was “unlikely a chart-topper as had ever existed in modern music history: a band of Armenian-Americans playing a practically unclassifiable clash of wildly aggressive metal riffs, unconventional tempo-twisting rhythms, and Armenian folk melodies, with me alternately growling, screaming, and crooning lyrics that could pivot from avant-garde silliness to raging socio-political rants in the space of a single line.” After all, as Serj concedes, “it’s not easy listening.”

Even so, there’s no doubt that System’s music had struck a chord with millions of listeners across the globe ever since they burst on the scene in the mid-1990s. With nearly 40 million album sales, three albums topping the Billboard charts, and a devoted legion of fans, the band dominated the alt-rock and metal scenes just as the world hurtled into a new millennium, redefining the very idea of what rockstars could and couldn’t talk about, could and couldn’t do, could and couldn’t represent.

In DOWN WITH THE SYSTEM, Serj presents readers with a memoir that is far more than just a rock ‘n’ roll fable. It’s an immigrant’s tale, it’s an activist’s awakening, and it’s a spiritual journey from darkness toward light. And all of this comes down to the fact that Serj himself has had the chance to live an extraordinary life—thanks to a combination of luck, circumstance, struggle, talent, and spiritual awakening. Born to Armenian parents in Beirut, Serj grows up hearing bombs drop outside his childhood home during the country’s civil war, before moving to Los Angeles at the age of seven. As a young man, he is immersed in the SoCal community of “Little Armenia,” learning more and more about the brutal genocide faced by his ancestors while helping his parents adapt to the constraints and contradictions of the American Dream. Then, during a pivotal drive home from an LSAT class, Serj decides to turn away from a promising future in business and law to make music instead—a decision that leads him to touring five continents as the lead singer of a hugely popular rock band, hitting number #1 on the Billboard album charts the morning of 9/11, and then having the hit single from the same album banned from radio two days later. In the years that follow, his uniquely singular story continues, as he evades glass bottles hurled at a cancelled show by angry Slayer fans, teams up with Tom Morello to push social justice causes on unsuspecting metalheads, argues with LAPD officers over the best way to quell rioting fans, and defines new sounds and singing tactics with Rick Rubin.

Braiding together Serj’s thought-provoking insight with heartfelt and poetic prose, DOWN WITH THE SYSTEM retraces Serj’s remarkable and unlikely journey, and explores what it’s taught him—about music, about art, about activism, and about himself. It’s an unforgettable ride that will leave you breathless—and an absolute delight for new fans and old ones alike.

The 2024/25 Off-Mirvish Season Features Two New Productions of Recent Local Hits

The return of two local critical and popular hits from previous seasons in major new productions – Britta Johnson’s musical LIFE AFTER and Crow’s Theatre’s Fifteen Dogs; the Canadian premiere of Indigenous playwright Larissa FastHorse’s satirical comedy The Thanksgiving Play; and the homecoming of sorts of the hilarious new comedy featuring the songs of Canadian icon Céline Dion, Titanique, make up the 2024/25 Off-Mirvish Season.

Subscriptions to the Off-Mirvish season are now available for sale at mirvish.com.

“In each Off-Mirvish season we like to include both local and international shows,” said David Mirvish. “This coming season we are delighted to welcome back two past local successes and present two local productions of successes from both Broadway and Off-Broadway.

“LIFE AFTER dazzled several seasons ago at the Berkeley Street Theatre. After having productions in two prestigious regional theatres in the United States, Yonge Street Theatricals is mounting a major new production of Britta Johnson’s moving and unforgettable musical. It’s an honour to be hosting it at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre.

“We are equally excited about the Canadian premiere of The Thanksgiving Play, which has played Broadway and is one of the most produced plays across the continent.

“Fifteen Dogs will be our third presentation of a Crow’s Theatre production. Two seasons ago we presented Cliff Cardinal’s The Land Acknowledgement (or As You Like It) and this past season we staged a revival of Uncle Vanya. Both were major hits at the CAA Theatre. Fifteen Dogs is a different breed altogether, an adaptation of the Giller Prize-winning novel that is daring, playful and full of creative energy. Originally staged in the round, it will be adapted to a proscenium production at the CAA Theatre.

“Canada has given the world some truly brilliant artists. Céline Dion is perhaps this country’s most prolific and well-known export. When we heard about a spunky Off-Broadway musical that paid homage to Céline while having fun with one of the world’s most popular films, Titanic – which, by the way, was made by another Canadian artist, director and producer James Cameron – we knew we had to bring it home to Canada. “Our co-production of Titanique (with the Segal Centre for Performing Arts) will rightly begin in Céline’s hometown, Montreal, before making the journey down the 401 to the CAA Theatre.

Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born In The U.S.A.’ Gets Special 40th Anniversary Vinyl Release Coming June 14

Sony Music will commemorate the 40th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s history-making Born In The U.S.A. on June 14, with a special-edition release featuring new colored vinyl and expanded packaging. Arriving via translucent red LP, this anniversary edition of Born In The U.S.A. will feature a gatefold sleeve and exclusive booklet with archival material from the era, new liner notes penned by Erik Flannigan and a four-color lithograph. Released on June 4, 1984 – Born In The U.S.A. had an unprecedented seven Top Ten singles on its tracklist, has sold approximately 25 million copies to date and captured the pop culture zeitgeist with once-in-a-generation impact. Springsteen and The E Street Band’s accompanying Born In The U.S.A. tour included 156 sold-out performances across the globe, while tracks like “Dancing In The Dark,” “No Surrender” and “Glory Days” remain staples of their live show to this day.

Pre-order the 40th anniversary edition of Born In The U.S.A. here.

Forty years after the Born In The U.S.A. tour kicked off in Summer 1984, Springsteen and The E Street Band started the European leg of their 2024 run this past weekend; with an opening show that was praised for “reminding us…no one does it better” (The Times) and as “a spectacle of unadulterated joy and human connectedness” (The Telegraph). The 2024 European tour follows a triumphant run across the continent last year, which sold 1.6 million tickets and was praised as among the best of the band’s career. The 40th anniversary release for Born In The U.S.A. also follows Sony Music’s career-spanning Best Of Bruce Springsteen collection – which is out now in physical formats as an 18-track set across 2 LPs or 1 CD – and digitally as an expanded 31-song package.

Quadraphonic Albums Available For The First Time In 50 Years With Donny Hathaway, Hot Tuna And More

Rhino returns with the next installment of high-quality quadraphonic releases. Unavailable in quadraphonic audio for nearly 50 years, four iconic titles have been digitized from the original analog four-track Quad mixes – Donny Hathaway’s Extension Of A Man, Hot Tuna’s Burgers, Roberta Flack’s Killing Me Softly, and Seals & Croft’s Summer Breeze.

Quadraphonic sound, or 4.0 surround sound, utilizes four audio channels connected to four speakers positioned at the corners of a listening space. The multi-tracked audio is mixed dimensional, immersing the listener in an expansive soundscape.

The collection is available today as a Blu-ray disc with a quadraphonic and 192/24 stereo mix. Currently exclusive to Rhino.com and select Warner Music Group stores worldwide, each title retails for $24.98, with a bundle of all four available for $79.98. Order HERE.

Donny Hathaway’s final studio album, Extension of a Man, released in 1973, was a collaborative effort with renowned musicians Stanley Clarke (Return to Forever), Fred White, Al Kooper, Billy Preston, and many more. The album featured the transcendent track “Someday We’ll All Be Free,” which featured lyrics from Hathaway’s close friend and manager, Edward Howard.

Hot Tuna’s Burgers, released in February of 1972, marked the distinction between Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady’s work with Jefferson Airplane. The band’s debut studio album is filled with acoustic folk rock and electric acid rock gems like “Water Song” and “Highway Song” featuring David Crosby. “By this time, we had worked in the studio with Jefferson Airplane for more than half a decade, but this was Jack’s and my first chance to give studio substance to the music that had been growing acoustically in hotel rooms and onstage with Hot Tuna.” – Jorma Kaukonen

Roberta Flack’s 1973 Killing Me Softly was dedicated to jazz multi-instrumentalist Rahsaan Roland Kirk. The double platinum album featured the popular title track, which won the Grammy® Award for Song of the Year in 1974, and a cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne.”

Seals & Croft’s 1972 commercial breakthrough, Summer Breeze, included chart-topping folk-rock hits “Hummingbird” and the title track, peaking at No. 20 and No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album went on to place No. 7 on the Billboard Top LPs chart, their highest charting album since.

Rhino introduced the Quadio Series in June 2023, with Alice Cooper’s Billion Dollar Babies, Black Sabbath’s Paranoid, The J. Geils Band’s Nightmares…, and Jefferson Starship’s Red Octopus. This series follows the success of the sold-out Chicago and Doobie Brothers’ Quadio sets. Quadraphonic sound, also known as 4.0 surround sound, uses four audio channels connected to four speakers placed at the corners of a listening area. This type of audio provides an immersive listening experience by mixing multi-tracked audio in a dimensional way, creating an expansive soundscape for the listener. Rhino’s recordings are transferred from the original half-inch four-channel masters at a high resolution of 192/24 for a pristine sound.

Steve Aoki Announces 9th Studio Album Out June 28

2x-Grammy-nominated artist and producer Steve Aoki announces the forthcoming release of his 9th studio album, set to drop June 28. Aoki disclosed details in an interview with Billboard Magazine for their AAPI Issue cover story. Aoki shared that the album includes collaborations with artists such as Lil Jon, Ne-Yo, among others. Marking a return to Steve’s musical origins, this forthcoming release is a dancefloor-focused record. It will also further expand upon the HiROQUEST world that Aoki has recently introduced through his music, trading cards, and a newly released graphic novel. From the studio to the stage, Aoki’s passion for pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic landscapes shines through in every track. This is the first part of a two-part project, and more details will be provided soon.

To coincide with the album announcement, today, Aoki reveals his dynamic collaboration “3 Days” with rising star Kalan.FrFr. The track, which is produced by Steve Aoki and The Stereotypes, the Grammy-winning producers who have crafted hits including Justin Bieber’s “Somebody to Love (feat. Usher)”, Bruno Mars’ “That’s What I Like,” and “24K Magic,” starts with a lively Afrobeats rhythm, transitioning smoothly into a relaxed hip-hop groove in the latter half for Kalan to glide over with his charming rap. With its infectious energy and innovative sound, “3 Days” previews what listeners can expect from Aoki’s upcoming album. Filmed while on the road, the official music video features live footage of Aoki and Kalan performing “3 Days” live during multiple shows including Aoki’s March Ultra Music Festival headline performance. Additionally, the single includes a festival-season remix by Aoki, which you can listen to HERE.

Since March, Aoki has been on his Heavenly Hell Tour, teasing new material for audiences in each city he visits. The tour wraps with four big shows at San Francisco’s Midway, The Criterion in Oklahoma City, The Armory in Minneapolis, and a record-release party at Brooklyn Mirage. Dim Mak artists, including Callie Reiff, Deorro, Nostalgix, Pickle, Cheyenne Giles, Yetep, Ookay, Henry Fong, and Wolfgang Gartner, are set to appear on select stops.

Steve Aoki – Heavenly Hell Tour Dates
May 25 – San Francisco, CA – Midway
May 31 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion
June 7 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory
June 28 – Brooklyn, NY – The Brooklyn Mirage