Zainichi Funk’s 2011 song Bakudan Kowai (“Scary Bomb”) showcases what James Brown might sound like if James Brown came from Japan.
Eric Alper Public Relations and the artists and labels I work with earn 27 nominations at the Maple Blues Awards
Talented blues artists from coast-to-coast will gather in Toronto on February 3rd, 2019 to celebrate the 23rd annual Maple Blues Awards. Eric Alper Public Relations and the fab artists and labels I work with earned a total of 27 nominations.
Leading the way for nominations is Sue Foley who has been nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Electric Act of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Guitarist of the Year and Drummer of the Year for Tom Bona. A first-time nominee, Miss Emily has been nominated for Entertainer of the Year and New Artist of the Year.
Nominees for the 23rd Annual Maple Blues Awards
Entertainer of the Year
Downchild Blues Band
Miss Emily
Sue Foley
Electric Act of the Year
Colin James
Sue Foley
Acoustic Act of the Year
Manx Marriner Mainline
Matt Andersen
Michael Jerome Browne
Male Vocalist of the Year
Matt Andersen
Steve Marriner
Female Vocalist of the Year
Miss Emily
New Artist of the Year
Durham County Poets
Miss Emily
Recording/Producer of the Year
Colin Linden Luther Dickinson – Amour / Stony Plain (Colin Linden)
Matt Andersen – Halfway Home By Morning / True North (Steve Dawson)
Songwriter of the Year
Big Dave McLean
Colin Linden
Sue Foley
Blues with a Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement Award)
Michael Jerome Browne
Guitarist of the Year
Sue Foley
Harmonica Player of the Year
Steve Marriner
Piano/Keyboard of the Year
Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne
Drummer of the Year
Gary Craig (Colin Linden, Steve Dawson)
Tom Bona (Sue Foley)
Bassist of the Year
Gary Kendall
Registration and voting for the 23rd Annual Maple Blues Awards will be open to the Canadian public from November 1st, 2019 at 12:01 am Newfoundland Daylight Time, through December 1st, 2019 at 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time. Register at www.mapleblues.ca.
Photo Gallery: Fleetwood Mac at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena
All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her at minismemories@hotmail.com
The Sheepdogs Announce Movember Partnership
Canadian rockers The Sheepdogs are about to be a lot less shaggy. In the past year and a half, the band has been personally affected by cancer, with the group’s drummer Sam Corbett being diagnosed with testicular cancer and the loss of Ryan Gullen’s dad to cancer. With that on their mind, the band has chosen to partner with Movember to help raise money and raise awareness around early cancer detection and men’s health. Sam will kick things off with an interview tonight on ET Canada, where he will speak about his own battle with cancer. Meanwhile, Shamus Currie will be shaving down at Movember Canada’s official Toronto kick-off at stackt MARKET with several other high-profile participants. Sam and Shamus will be raising funds to grow their moustaches for the month of November, and if the band is able to raise $10,000 bassist Ryan Gullen will shave his beard into a moustache. Gullen has not shaved his face since 2006. Fans of the band can donate to the effort at http://bit.ly/SheepdogsMOVEMBER.
Of the importance of early detection, Sam says “I really like how Movember’s focus for testicular and prostate cancer is on early detection and prevention. I feel lucky to have caught my testicular cancer early, but if I had been doing regular checks, I probably would have got it even earlier, and maybe I could have caught it before it spread to my lymph nodes”
Gullen adds, “”In the past year, losing my dad to cancer and seeing my friend and bandmate successfully beat cancer really opened my eyes to how important it is for us to be conscious of our health and how important early detection is. As much as we learn, there still is a stigma that is associated with checking yourself or going and seeing the doctor. Because we were so closely impacted by that we really wanted to be part of such a great cause to do what we can with the band to help get the message out there and raise money for Movember”
Movember is the leading global men’s health charity working to change the face of men’s health. The charity raises funds to deliver innovative, breakthrough research and support programs that enable men to live happier, healthier and longer lives. Committed to disrupting the status quo, millions have joined the movement, helping fund over 1,250 projects focusing on prostate cancer, testicular cancer and suicide prevention. In addition to tackling key health issues faced by men, Movember is working to encourage men to stay healthy in all areas of their life, with a focus on men staying socially connected and becoming more open to discussing their health and significant moments in their lives. The charity’s vision is to have an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health. To donate or learn more, please visit Movember.com.
Tame Impala Announces Highly Anticipated 4th Studio Album, The Slow Rush, Out February 14
Tame Impala (Kevin Parker) has officially announced his fourth studio album, The Slow Rush out February 14th. Today, Parker also releases an additional album track, “It Might Be Time”, which follows the previously released album track, “Borderline”. Parker also released a single, “Patience,” earlier this year. The Slow Rush was recorded between Los Angeles and Parker’s studio in his hometown of Fremantle, Australia. The twelve tracks were recorded, produced and mixed by Parker. Fans can pre-order The Slow Rush here and all major retailers, or with a ticket purchase for 2020 North American tour dates. Sign up to the mailing list for touring news. Digital pre-orders will receive the two album tracks instantly. The Slow Rush will also be printed in 4 heavyweight double disc formats – standard black, forest green (Limited Edition – all retailers), red/blue (indie retail exclusive) and swirl (Tame Impala webstore exclusive).
“It Might Be Time” is your paranoid shadow snapping at your Achilles heel. It’s the horrifying idea that your mojo’s gone out for a walk and it may not be coming back. It’s second guessing yourself, wondering “have I still got it? Did I ever??” Your paranoid inner observer taunting you in your own denial, telling you to wake up and accept your salad days are over. A dynamic, bombastic burst of pungent prog-pop, It Might Be Time pulses on an insistent keyboard groove, punctuated by collisions of overblown drums flaying at the edges, the outward expression of a restless internal funk. A heady psych bomb threatening to implode, “It Might Be Time” is potent Tame Impala 2020.
The Slow Rush is Parker’s deep dive into the oceans of time, conjuring the feeling of a lifetime in a lightning bolt, of major milestones whizzing by while you’re looking at your phone, it’s a paean to creation and destruction and the unending cycle of life. Parker told the New York Times earlier this year, “A lot of the songs carry this idea of time passing, of seeing your life flash before your eyes, being able to see clearly your life from this point onwards. I’m being swept by this notion of time passing. There’s something really intoxicating about it.” The album cover was created in collaboration with photographer Neil Krug and features a symbol of humanity all but swallowed whole by the surrounding environment, as though in the blink of an eye.
In the last six months Tame Impala have headlined multiple major festivals including Coachella, Primavera, Lollapalooza, ACL and more. He performed two songs on Saturday Night Live, including the debut performance of The Slow Rush track, “Borderline”, and sold out arenas around the world including two nights at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
Tame Impala is Kevin Parker. His last album Currents was released in 2015 earning him a BRIT Award for Best International Group, a second GRAMMY nomination and went platinum in Australia, Gold in the USA, Canada, UK, France, Netherlands and Belgium, and enjoyed word-wide critical acclaim. The New York Times labeled it a “a tour de force” and Pitchfork said, “nearly every proper song on ‘Currents’ is a revelatory statement of Parker’s range and increasing expertise as a producer, arranger, songwriter, and vocalist while maintaining the essence of Tame Impala.” NPR noted, “[Parker] advocates for constant reinvention… That commitment to evolution helps make Tame Impala an unlikely but worthy candidate for major stardom.”
He first toured the U.S. in 2010, playing small clubs for crowds of 200. A handful of trips to the U.S. later and thanks to the ravenous demand of fans for a transcendent live performance, Tame Impala has gone on to headline festivals and theaters around the world and released three full length albums – Innerspeaker, Lonerism and Currents. As a writer and producer Parker has collaborated with Travis Scott, SZA, Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Kanye West, Kali Uchis, Theophilus London, Miguel, A$AP Rocky and more.
The Rolling Stones – Bridges To Buenos Aires Previously Unreleased Concert Film Released On November 8
Bridges To Buenos Aires was today announced by The Rolling Stones for release on November 8th. The previously unreleased concert film from their Bridges to Babylon Tour has been completely restored, remixed and remastered. This latest release from the acclaimed Rolling Stones archive series will be available on DVD, Blu-ray, digital, DVD + 2CD, Blu-ray + 2CD, limited edition blue translucent 180gm triple vinyl, black 180gm triple vinyl and digital audio.
Bridges to Buenos Aires captures the complete show from April 5th 1998, the last date of the band’s five-night sell-out residency at the River Plate Stadium in Argentina’s capital city. The legendary Bob Dylan joins the band onstage for a unique performance of “Like A Rolling Stone”.
From the explosive opening salvo of “Satisfaction”, it’s evident that both the band and the crowd mean business. The latter are packed in like sardines at the River Plate Stadium, all of them moving as one. They welcome The Stones back with the warmth of long-lost brothers.
The band then unzipped over two hours of pure, animalistic rock ‘n’ roll exhilaration. Then-new songs from Bridges To Babylon found their natural place in a setlist that included some of the most recognizable anthems of the rock era. “Flip The Switch”, “Saint Of Me” and “Thief In The Night” rub shoulders with a brooding “Gimme Shelter”, Jagger’s acoustic and Ronnie’s slide guitar on “Sister Morphine”, and a whole host of singalong crowd-pleasers.
Then, suddenly, and without introduction, Dylan. The bard had played his own set to the adoring River Plate crowd before ambling on stage to double-date with Jagger on “Like A Rolling Stone”, which the Stones had admirably inhabited on 1995’s Stripped. Bob’s customarily approximate vocal style certainly kept Mick on his toes, but the bonhomie of the moment gave further warmth to a set that was growing evermore fierce.
The Rolling Stones have always preferred to cross bridges rather than to burn them. By the time they said buenas noches to Buenos Aires that night in ’98, they had left Latin America a love letter to be treasured
This concert film has been meticulously restored from the original master tapes, and the audio remixed and remastered from the live multitrack recordings.
Mark Hollis Vinyl Announced For Release On November 8
November 8th sees the vinyl repress of the only solo album by former Talk Talk frontman Mark Hollis. First issued in January 1998 and despite being released as a solo album by Hollis, the original intention was that it be credited to Talk Talk under the name Mountains of the Moon. This genuine ‘lost classic’ is now available again on heavyweight vinyl, complete with original artwork and printed inner sleeve with lyrics and credits.
A beautiful and haunting work, this album picks up where Hollis left off with Talk Talk’s’ Laughing Stock’ seven years before, re-emerging with a suite of music that encompasses jazz, ambient, and folk.
Hollis’ inspiration came not from ‘pop’ but 20th-century classical music and jazz of the late fifties and sixties (there is a distinct flavour of Miles Davis – ‘In A Silent Way). It must rank amongst one of the quietest and most intimate records ever made, suffused with an exceptional and immersive atmosphere.
A Life (1895 – 1915), which has been referred to as “the album’s epic centrepiece” refers to Roland Leighton (1895–1915), a British soldier and poet who was the fiancé of Vera Brittain at the time of his death in World War I. Hollis has stated about the song…
“That was someone born before the turn of the century…and dying within one year of the First World War at a young age. It was based on Vera Brittain’s boyfriend. It’s the expectation that must have been in existence at the turn of the century, the patriotism that must’ve existed at the start of the war and the disillusionment that must’ve come immediately afterwards. It’s the very severe mood swings that fascinated me”.
The understated artistry and minimalist beauty of tracks like The Colour of Spring and Watershed makes Mark Hollis’a truly unique and indelible listening experience.
Track-listing
Side one
The Colour Of Spring
Watershed
Inside Looking Out
The Gift
Side two
A Life (1895-1915)
Westward Bound
The Daily Planet
A New Jerusalem
Toronto’s R&B Newcomer Malachi Releases “Son Of A Gun”, New Single And Music Video Out Now
Toronto-based artist, MALACHI today releases his new single and official music video, “Son of a Gun” via 21 Entertainment/Universal Music Canada/Republic Records. Penned by MALACHI with production by KidThePro [Locals Only Sound], the track is the first official release off his forthcoming mixtape, Bread Winner, slated for release later this year.
“On ‘Son Of A Gun’ I’m just more in tune with my frustrations,” says MALACHI. “We had fun with that in the video, playing off the western theme and the juxtaposition of a serene, deserted ranch for the setting of a hip hop video.”
Filmed in the relaxed, sandy plain backdrop of rural California, the picturesque video follows MALACHI and KidThePro through the desert as they encounter a secluded ranch. Directed by Tyler Macey, the video perfectly captures the raw energy of MALACHI’s performance.
“Son of a Gun” arrives as a follow up to MALACHI’s earlier 2019 releases, “We Don’t Mind” and “San Fernando Wine”, as well as his debut single, “Right Now”.
Growing up on the outskirts of Toronto, 21-year-old rising artist MALACHI, spent his childhood surrounded by music of all kinds. From his Trinidadian-born father’s reggae career to his mother’s favourite R&B singers like Mary J. Blige, Aaliyah and Destiny’s Child, music was always part of his environment. MALACHI began actively participating in music when his grandmother had him join her church’s gospel choir at the age of 4. Over the last three years the emerging artist has been in the studio bringing his songwriting to life. Now, he’s ready to release the outpouring of creativity and share it with the world.
African-Canadian Artist Lavi$h Releases Vibrant Visuals For Debut Single “Sunset Blvd”
Today, African-Canadian artist Lavi$h releases the music video for “Sunset Blvd”. “Sunset Blvd” is the debut single off Lavi$h’s upcoming EP and was released in September via Public Records Inc and Universal Music Canada.
Taking inspiration from the track’s title, the video was shot in Los Angeles and features all the aspirational hallmarks of a Californian lifestyle. From the sunset strip to the ocean, the ease of sunny LA provides the perfect backdrop for an upbeat track about a mental release.
Directed by Elliot Clancy Osberg (Anders, Roy Woods, Langston Francis) the video showcases Lavi$h’s infectious positive energy, he tells us “the song had a certain energy that was important to capture.”
In Lavi$h’s words: “Sunset Blvd starts energetically and continues to build. We wanted to capture the pace of the track visually and filming in California was the only way that made sense. The scenes are spliced together rapidly, day/night, beach/canyon, it’s all part dream part reality. Capturing the feeling of being in a place where the possibilities are endless.”
Produced by Milano, Sunset Blvd is an upbeat track with bounce that effortlessly blends staples of hip-hop, rnb and pop. An introduction to his range of talent, Lavi$h is an artist on the verge of global success. Lavi$h is currently working on his second single due out later this year. Additional details to be announced at a later date.
Lavi$h’s sound blurs the lines between hip-hop, r&b & pop music, creating a unique rhythmic fusion which he’s become known for. A young rapper/singer/songwriter, Lavi$h, is one of the most exciting talents to emerge from his class.
Recently relocating to Toronto, Lavi$h was born in Lusaka, Zambia and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He began recording & songwriting throughout his school years and after gaining some initial traction within local circles, Lavi$h began to really hone in on his sound & developing his craft. After a few singles and a joint album with Kingsley (Sweeter Life), Lavi$h had begun building a loyal fanbase locally in earnest.
In 2017, Lavi$h brought on a team of producers & management to further accelerate his career. With the release of his Sweeter Life mixtape, a slew of live shows & festival performances, Lavi$h emerged as one of Winnipeg’s most promising talents. Continuing to release music – Lavi$h’s growing popularity allowed him to share stages with artists like Bhad Bhabie and 88 Glam. In Oct. of 2018, Lavi$h partnered with RIFF for a headline show in Winnipeg which amassed an audience of 400+, leaving fans with an unforgettable experience. This show was the last major local performance for Lavi$h prior to relocating to a bigger market, in Toronto.
Independently releasing a number of singles this year, including “Savage” and “G.O.M.F.” – Lavi$h has been working hard to create new opportunities for himself. A young man whose career is on the rise, Lavi$h recently signed to Public Records Inc/Universal Music Canada to release his next singles. With his first Public Records powered single coming out in September 2019, the excitement is growing for this truly global talent.
Chantal Kreviazuk Announces Christmas Album And Holiday Tour
Chantal Kreviazuk – one of Canada’s most recognizable voices – has announced the release of her first Christmas album, the 10-track “Christmas Is A Way Of Life, My Dear,” due out November 15. The title track as well as a jubilant cover of the classic “Walking In A Winter Wonderland” are available at all digital retailers and streaming services today. The album features five brand new original songs, plus Chantal’s spin on classics such as “Silent Night,” “Blue Christmas” (a duet with husband Raine Maida, AKA MOON VS SUN) and “Wonderful Christmas Time” (featuring the debut of son Sal Maida).
“The world could use the Christmas spirit all year long,” says Chantal Kreviazuk. “The kindness, gentleness and thoughtfulness that goes with the season is so healthy. The world could benefit from living by the values that radiate during Christmas.”
Along with the album, Chantal will be touring across the country for holiday shows, beginning November 23 in Edmonton. A full list of dates can be found below.
Chantal has spent the last year touring in support of her collaborative project with husband Raine Maida, MOON VS SUN. Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas” has always been a favourite for the family during the holidays so choosing a song to perform together was easy. “We both grew up in households that listened to a lot of Elvis,” says Chantal. “We are inspired by his ever-present vocal harmonies.”
Sal Maida, Raine and Chantal’s 11-year-old son, joins his mother on Paul McCartney’s iconic “Wonderful Christmas Time” and a brand new song, “The Christmas Train.” “Sal joining me for ‘Wonderful Christmas Time’ was so natural. The kids are in and out of the studio all the time so he was in one day singing along with his high harmonies and I said, ‘oh you must record that!’ Sal loves Christmas so much, he wishes for Christmas in the summer, so this year his wish came true! We decorated the studio with Christmas trees and snow shakers.”
The experience of recording with Sal was so gratifying, Chantal wrote him an entire song, “The Christmas Train.” “Now Sal has a full solo on the album all to himself. He was quite a natural in the vocal booth, it was adorable.”
Chantal Kreviazuk is a platinum-selling, three-time Juno Award-winning artist from Winnipeg. In 2016, she returned with her sixth album “Hard Sail” after a nearly seven-year break from recorded music. During that time, she was focused on raising her three sons with husband Raine Maida, as well as her other musical passion, crafting songs. Chantal has written for Drake, Pitbull, Kendrick Lamar, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Josh Groban and countless others.
In 2014, Chantal and Raine became members of the Order of Canada, recognizing their efforts to raise awareness and support for numerous causes including human and animal rights, mental health, education and the environment. Chantal has been an ambassador to War Child for nearly two decades and one of the organization’s founding artists. Raine and Chantal released their first collaborative album together as MOON VS SUN, “I’m Going to Break Your Heart,” as well as an accompanying documentary, earlier this year.
TRACK LIST:
1. Shine*
2. Christmas is a Way of Life, My Dear*
3. Walking in a Winter Wonderland
4. Blue Christmas (featuring Raine Maida/MOON VS SUN)
5. Wonderful Christmas Time (featuring Sal Maida)
6. What Child Is This
7. I Wanna Be an Angel*
8. Over Thinking*
9. Silent Night
10. The Christmas Train (featuring Sal Maida)*
*=original song
TOUR DATES:
November 23 / Edmonton, AB / Century Casino
December 4 / Mission, BC / Clark Theatre
December 5 / North Vancouver, BC / Centennial Theatre
December 8 / Winnipeg, MB / Club Regent Events Centre
December 9 / Kenora, ON / Knox United Church
December 11 / Regina, SK / Casino Regina
December 14 / Belleville, ON / Empire Theatre
December 15 / Sarnia, ON / Imperial Theatre
December 16 / Hamilton, ON / FirstOntario Concert Hall
December 17 / London, ON / The Aeolian
December 18 / London, ON / The Aeolian
December 19 / Midland, ON / Midland Cultural Centre
