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“The World According to Allee Willis” Documentary Official Trailer Is Now Out

Allee Willis was a visionary, a boundary-breaking artist whose vibrant personality and style were as bold as her songwriting. With her unforgettable look—think a riot of colors, mismatched prints, and her iconic asymmetrical haircut—Allee lived with a flair that was impossible to ignore. Her real-life Pee-wee’s Playhouse became famous for its eccentricity, and her parties were just as legendary, reflecting her zest for life. Yet, behind this exuberant exterior, Allee was navigating her own journey of self-acceptance in a world with rigid norms around gender and sexuality.

Allee poured herself into her work, finding refuge and purpose in creativity. Her talent and dedication yielded timeless hits that have become part of music history, from “September” and “Boogie Wonderland” by Earth, Wind & Fire to Pet Shop Boys’ “What Have I Done to Deserve This?” Her extraordinary career also earned her two Grammy Awards for Beverly Hills Cop and The Color Purple, an Emmy nomination for “I’ll Be There for You” (the iconic Friends theme song), and a place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018. Across decades, Allee’s compositions sold over 60 million records, and her impact on pop culture and music is undeniable.

Now, a new film captures Allee’s extraordinary life and career, fulfilling her desire for her “final art piece to be someone putting together the trail I have left behind.” The film includes insights from friends and collaborators who knew Allee best, with appearances by Mark Cuban, Cyndi Lauper, Lily Tomlin, Paul Reubens, Michael Patrick King, Patti LaBelle, Pet Shop Boys, Pamela Adlon, Paul Feig, and Mark Mothersbaugh. Directed by Alexis Spraic, this documentary offers a vivid exploration of Allee’s life, creativity, and the journey toward embracing her true self.

With Allee’s archives and countless hours of personal footage dating back to her beginnings in 1950s Detroit, this film not only celebrates her unforgettable music but also the legacy of a woman who lived by her own rules, transforming her struggles and passions into masterpieces of pop culture.

The film will premiere in theaters starting November 15, with a nationwide one-night-only screening on November 19, and will be available on digital platforms beginning November 22. For more information, visit alleewillisdoc.com.

LANDR Acquires Orb Plugins and Launches AI-Powered LANDR Composer

LANDR, the industry leader in AI-powered music creation and production tools, announced the acquisition of Orb Plugins, the acclaimed music composition software known for its innovative assistive capabilities. As part of this strategic acquisition, LANDR is proud to unveil an enhanced version of the Orb Producer Pro plugin under its new name: LANDR Composer. The acquisition of Orb Plugins also marks a significant milestone in LANDR’s commitment to empowering musicians and producers with cutting-edge technology. Under the LANDR Composer name, the plugin integrates the best of Orb’s powerful assistive intelligence algorithms into LANDR’s ecosystem, offering an intuitive, efficient, and refreshing experience for creators at every level. With advanced features that enable artists to generate chord progressions, basslines, melodies, and harmonies, LANDR Composer is designed to enrich the creative process and inspire musical innovation.
LANDR Composer brings new enhancements, including:
  • Assistive Chord Generation: Automatically create and tweak complex chord progressions and individual chords.
  • Assistive MIDI Generation: Generate unique chord, bassline, melody, and arpeggio performances.
  • Scenes and Song Mode: Organize and arrange multiple musical ideas into a full composition.
  • Chord Progression Guide: Edit, move, and refine chords to perfect your harmonic sequences.
  • Preset Sounds and MIDI Editing: Use the built-in synthesizer to generate sounds and edit MIDI with a piano roll for precise control.
  • Performance Modifiers: Using simple controls, you can easily modify musical elements of MIDI-generated patterns, such as polyphony and humanization.
  • Drag-and-Drop Integration: Easily drag MIDI patterns into your DAW.

“We are thrilled to welcome Orb Plugins products to LANDR and to introduce LANDR Composer as a key part of our suite of creative tools,” said Pascal Pilon, Founder and CEO of LANDR. “Our mission has always been to make music creation accessible to all by providing high-quality, cutting-edge tools. This recent acquisition has allowed us to enhance the unique technology developed and refined by the Orb team over the past decade and add new features that bring even more fun and excitement to the music creation process, all while maintaining complete creative control for artists,” says Pascal Pilon, Founder and CEO of LANDR.

“As the CEO of Hexachords, I’m excited about the synergy between Orb’s innovative technology and LANDR’s cutting-edge products. This integration combines our strengths, offering music makers a more seamless and enriched creative experience. With this acquisition, LANDR will be able to push the boundaries of what’s possible, bringing enhanced features and fresh inspiration to artists everywhere.” said Richard Portelli, CEO of Hexachords.

LANDR Composer is available now as part of selected LANDR Studio subscription plans. New and existing subscribers can access the software immediately. Users also have the option to buy the plugin directly from LANDR’s website at landr.com for $149.
For more information, visit landr.com/plugins/landr-composer/

National Music Centre Names Participants of 2024 OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator for Indigenous Artists

The National Music Centre (NMC) is excited to announce that Brettyn Rose, Darrian Gerard, Grace Clark, Jarrid Lee, Kaeley Jade, and Osani Balkaran have been selected as participants in the OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator program for Indigenous musicians. The program kicks off later this month and will culminate in a live showcase and reception on October 4 at Studio Bell.

Hailing from the Foothills of Alberta, Brettyn Rose is a Métis country-pop who weaves honest lyrics and powerful vocals with a hint of pop sparkle.

Métis pop-rock virtuoso Darrian Gerard, from Duncan, BC, crafts her anthemic sound drawing inspiration from luminaries like Avril Lavigne, blink-182, Halsey, and Taylor Swift.

Growing up in Yellowknife, on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Métis artist Grace Clark draws inspiration from nature and seasons in the North to concoct a dynamic indie-pop sound.

A rising country-rock sensation, Plains Cree musician Jarrid Lee, who is based in Saskatoon, has been hailed for his unique blend of authentic narratives and compelling melodies. Fans of Don Amero, Brett Kissel, and Chris Stapleton will find a kindred spirit in Lee’s artistry.

Kaeley Jade is a Métis singer-songwriter, actor, and multidisciplinary artist based in Edmonton. Able to move between ballads and bops with ease, her brand of pop-forward indie-folk music has earned her multiple awards and nominations.

Osani Balkaran (aka The O.B.) is a Guyanese/Cree abstract rapper and music producer from Winnipeg. Incorporating influences from both of his cultures, he paints pictures of everyday anxieties through his music.

“We are excited to welcome an extraordinary group of artists from across Canada for the OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator,” said David McLeod (member of the Pine Creek First Nation in Treaty 1), NMC Board Member and Chair of NMC’s National Indigenous Programming Advisory Committee. “What stands out about this year’s participants is not only their immense talent but also the rich diversity of their backgrounds and musical influences. From the Foothills of Alberta to the Arctic Circle, and from pop-rock to country and abstract rap, these artists bring a wide array of stories that represent the breadth of Indigenous expression today. We look forward to supporting their creative journeys and also showcasing their work at the upcoming live event.”

The six selected artists will converge at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre in Mohkinstsis (Calgary), for five days to learn new skills, connect with music industry experts from across the country, and hone their craft and professional chops. Artists for the music incubator were selected by NMC’s National Indigenous Programming Advisory Committee, which includes First Nation, Métis and Inuit representation, and acts as a guiding voice for NMC Indigenous programs and content.

Launched in early 2022, OHSOTO’KINO is an Indigenous programming initiative supported by TD that emphasizes three key pillars: creating new music in NMC’s recording studios, fostering artist development through a music incubator program, and amplifying Indigenous voices through storytelling in NMC’s exhibitions, including the annually updated Speak Up! gallery and NMC’s online platform, Amplify. The name OHSOTO’KINO, a Blackfoot phrase meaning ‘to recognize a voice of,’ honours the Blackfoot people and the land on which the National Music Centre stands.

Earlier this year, country singer-songwriter Chelsie Young and the powwow and round dance group Warscout were awarded OHSOTO’KINO Recording Bursaries, granting them the opportunity to record a commercial album at Studio Bell. In June, the Speak Up! exhibition was also updated to feature a new lineup of Indigenous trailblazers, including Willie Thrasher, Leela Gilday, Edmund Bull, and The Bearhead Sisters. The current exhibition will be on display until June 2025.

The OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator Showcase and Reception takes place on October 4 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $10 or $5 for NMC Members. Visit studiobell.ca/whats-on to get your tickets or to become an NMC Member and save on events, visit studiobell.ca/members.

National Music Centre Launch Limited-Edition Non-Alcoholic Beer with Acclaimed Musician Tess Roby

Partake Brewing, a leader in low-calorie non-alcoholic craft beer, introduces Sonic Intuition, a limited-edition blonde lager created in collaboration with the National Music Centre (NMC). This release celebrates emerging Canadian artists, with the beer’s name and design inspired by Tess Roby, the first NMC Artist in Residence presented by Partake. The can features flowing synth soundwaves against a sky-blue backdrop, capturing Tess’s artistic journey.

“At Partake, we’re all about amplifying those who are making it happen.” said Ted Fleming, Founder of Partake Brewing. “Our partnership with the National Music Centre is a perfect fit because it’s all about fostering talent and giving a platform to emerging artists like Tess Roby. Sonic Intuition is more than just a beer; it’s a celebration of Tess’s innovative spirit and a testament to the power of creativity and determination in pursuing one’s passion.”

Combining Partake Brewing’s expertise in non-alcoholic beverages with Roby’s artistic vision, Sonic Intuition is a flavourful 15-calorie blonde lager that celebrates the Montreal-based artist’s explorative style of electronic music that combines pop, ambient, and alternative folk. The design elements capture Roby’s creative process, where voice and synths intertwine to channel her life experiences into her music. Both the name, Sonic Intuition, and the synth keyboard element featured nods to Roby’s label, SSURROUNDSS, a space for women and non-binary electronic artists in Canada.

“I’m grateful to Partake Brewing and the National Music Centre for this opportunity and for their support of independent artists like me,” said Roby. “This collaboration allows me to share my music in a new, creative way and reach new audiences.”

Earlier this year, Roby was named the first NMC Artist in Residence presented by Partake Brewing, selected from over 100 submissions across the nation. During her five-day residency at NMC’s world-class recording facilities at Studio Bell in Calgary, she wrote and recorded her third studio album with access to NMC’s one-of-a-kind historic instrument collection. She joins a distinguished roster of Canadian artists, including singer-songwriter Shawnee Kish, R&B/soul singer Tanika Charles, and DJ-producer duo A Tribe Called Red, who have also participated in different streams of National Music Centre’s residency program.

“NMC is thrilled to partner with Partake Brewing on this innovative project,” said Stephanie Hutchinson, NMC’s Director of Programs. “This collaboration not only highlights the vibrant talent of Canadian artists like Tess Roby, but also supports our mission to nurture the growth of emerging musicians across the country.”

Proceeds from the sales of Sonic Intuition will be donated to the National Music Centre, supporting initiatives that give emerging artists the opportunity to develop their craft and make their dreams a reality.

Get your hands on Sonic Intuition while supplies last. Orders can be placed online here.

Light in the Attic Releases ‘Even The Forest Hums: Ukrainian Sonic Archives 1971-1996’

Today, Light in the Attic Records (LITA) proudly releases Even the Forest Hums: Ukrainian Sonic Archives 1971-1996—the first comprehensive collection of Ukrainian music recorded prior to, and immediately following, the USSR’s collapse. From subtly dissenting Soviet-era singles to DIY recordings from Kyiv’s vibrant underground scene, Even the Forest Hums chronicles the development of Ukraine’s rich musical landscape through rare folk, rock, jazz, and electronic recordings. Such rarities include “Vinegar” by Uksusnik, the first band from Gogol Bordello’s Eugene Hütz.

This week, The New York Times published an extensive feature on the release by Grayson Haver Currin, who called the release “an 18-track compendium of wildly diverse Ukrainian sounds that pulls back the curtain on a quarter-century of pop, post-punk, disco and experimental music largely made under Soviet control.” The collection has received acclaim from Pitchfork and Rolling Stone, who called it “one of the most eclectic albums you’ll ever hear.”

“This record is a labor of love and a long time coming,” says label owner Matt Sullivan. Over the course of the last five years, Sullivan, alongside producers David Mas (“DBGO”), Mark “Frosty” McNeill, and Ukrainian label Shukai Records worked tirelessly to compile a carefully curated, chronological playlist. But behind the scenes, ongoing war & politics would shape the evolution of the tracklist, which originally featured both Ukrainian and Russian artists. “We found ourselves in the midst of a larger political issue; what began as a broader overview of a sonically underrepresented region suddenly became quite the controversial project,” Sullivan continues, “so we decided to pivot and focus only on Ukrainian music. There were times when it felt impossible to bring this project to fruition, so to be sharing it with the world today is truly humbling and long overdue.”

Even the Forest Hums is now available on vinyl, CD, and digital. Guiding listeners through the physical editions of the album are insightful liner notes and track-by-track details by Vitalii “Bard” Bardetskyi—a Kyiv-based filmmaker, DJ and writer. The 2xLP is housed in a beautiful gatefold package showcasing Ukrainian artist Maria Prymachenko’s beloved and iconic folk paintings. The vinyl edition features a 20-page booklet with artist photos & liner notes in both English and Ukrainian, pressed on Clear Blue Sky & Sunflower Yellow wax; the CD edition features bonus content housed in a deluxe, 64-page hardbound book.

“In recent times,” reflects Bardetskyi, “Ukrainians have begun to look back and marvel at the depth, creativity, and advancement of musicians of previous generations.” Now, the rest of the world can enjoy these artists and their music as well. While some of the recordings featured here have become sought-after rarities in Ukraine, many of them have simply been lost to time and limited distribution. Finally, they can all have the spotlight they deserve. “This assemblage of sounds provides a view of Ukrainian music in a specific period of our history which we are finally turning over,” adds Bardetskyi. “I am personally happy that our sound archives are becoming part of the world. Hopefully, they will find their rightful place.”
Light in the Attic will donate a portion of proceeds directly to Livyj Bereh, a Kyiv-based volunteer group working to rebuild in the regions affected by ongoing war in Ukraine.

Even the Forest Hums 2-LP Vinyl Tracklist:

Side A
Kobza – Bunny
Shapoval Sextet – Oh, Get Ready, Cossack, There Will Be a March
Vodohrai – Remembrance
Kyrylo Stetsenko (feat. Tetiana Kocherhina) – Play, the Violin, Play

Side B
Vadym Khrapachov – Dance
Krok – Breath of Night Kyiv
Kyrylo Stetsenko (feat. Natalia Gura) – Oh, how, how?
Valentina Goncharova – Silence
Radiodelo – 90
Cukor Bila Smert’ – The Great Hen-Yuan’ River

Side C
Er. Jazz – Tea Ceremony
Iury Lech – Barreras
Yarn – Viella

Side D
The Hostilnia – Sick Song
Svitlana Nianio – Episode III
Omi – Transference
Ihor Tsymbrovsky – Beatrice

Even the Forest Hums: Ukrainian Sonic Archives 1971-1996 CD/Digital Tracklist:
1. Kobza – Bunny
2. Vodohrai – Remembrance
3. Kyrylo Stetsenko (feat. Tetiana Kocherhina) – Play, the Violin, Play
4. Vadym Khrapachov – Dance
5. Krok – Breath of Night Kyiv
6. Kyrylo Stetsenko (feat. Natalia Gura) – Oh, how, how?
7. Valentina Goncharova – Silence
8. Radiodelo – 90
9. Cukor Bila Smert’ – The Great Hen-Yuan’ River
10. Er. Jazz – Tea Ceremony
11. Uksusnik – North Wind
12. Iury Lech – Barreras
13. Yarn – Viella
14. The Hostilnia – Sick Song
15. Svitlana Nianio – Episode III
16. Omi – Transference
17. Ihor Tsymbrovsky – Beatrice

Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan to Embark on a North American Tour

Credit: Mark Seliger

JS Touring announced today that comedians Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan will be working together once again on a 10-arena tour in 2025 following the success of their first tour in 2023. The upcoming dates and cities are listed below. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for all performances will go on sale to the general public on Friday, September 27, at 10:00 a.m. local time.

Friday January 10, 2025 | Scotiabank Arena | Toronto, ON
Saturday, January 11, 2025 | Canadian Tire Centre | Ottawa, ON
Sunday, January 12, 2025 | Bell Centre | Montreal, QC
Friday, January 17, 2025 | CHI Health Center | Omaha, NE
Saturday, January 18, 2025 |T-Mobile Center | Kansas City, MO
Thursday, March 20, 2025 | Huntington Center | Toledo, OH
Friday, March 21, 2025 | Nationwide Arena | Columbus, OH
Saturday, March 22, 2025 | Spectrum Center | Charlotte, NC
Thursday March 27, 2025 | Pechanga Arena | San Diego, CA
Friday, March 28, 2025, | Footprint Center | Phoenix, AZ

Jerry Seinfeld says, “Jim is one of the best comedians I know. Especially if all you want is to do shows and eat. Can’t wait to hit the road together.“

“I will never rest in helping this struggling comedian Jerry Stein-Seinfeld until he is a household name!” said Jim Gaffigan.

Jerry Seinfeld’s comedy career took off after his first appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1981. Eight years later, he teamed up with fellow comedian Larry David to create what was to become the most successful comedy series in the history of television: Seinfeld. The show ran on NBC for nine seasons, winning numerous Emmy, Golden Globe and People’s Choice awards, was named the greatest television show of all time in 2009 by TV Guide, and in 2012 was identified as the best sitcom ever in a 60 Minutes/Vanity Fair poll.

His latest Emmy nominated Netflix projects include Jerry Before Seinfeld and 23 Hours to Kill along with the highly acclaimed web series, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. Seinfeld has also starred in, written, and produced movies (Comedian, Bee Movie), directed and produced a Broadway hit (Colin Quinn: Long Story Short), and wrote three best-selling books (Is this Anything?, The Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee Book, and Seinlanguage) and a children’s book (Halloween). He stars in the Emmy-nominated comedy film, Unfrosted, which he directed, co-wrote, and produced. Seinfeld continues to perform both nationally and internationally.

Jim Gaffigan is a seven-time Grammy nominated comedian, actor, writer, producer, two-time New York Times best-selling author, three-time Emmy winning top touring performer, and multi-platinum-selling recording artist. He is known around the world for his unique brand of humor, which largely revolves around his observations on life. His 11th special, The Skinny, will premiere on Hulu November 22nd as the streamer’s first ever original stand up special for their new comedy vertical.

Gaffigan is a top ten comedian according to Forbes’ most recent comedy list and top ten earning comedian in Pollstar. He released his 10th comedy special, Dark Pale, last year on Amazon Prime Video, an unprecedented achievement for the comedian/actor.  Dark Pale was met with critical fanfare with The New York Times calling it, ‘his best yet.” Last fall, Gaffigan co-headlined with Jerry Seinfeld for a sold-out multi-city arena tour and in May of 2024, sold out two shows at The Hollywood Bowl during the Netflix Is Joke Festival.

In 2021 Gaffigan released his 9th special, Comedy Monster, on Netflix which was nominated for a Grammy Award.  He was also recently awarded for being the first comedian to reach one billion streams on Pandora.

Gaffigan can currently be seen opposite co-stars Jerry Seinfeld, Melissa McCarthy, James Marsden, and Hugh Grant in Netflix’s Unfrosted, which debuted as the #1 movie in the world on Netflix this May. He can also currently be seen as the lead in the well-reviewed and certified fresh Sci-Fi drama, Linoleum, which was named one of Vulture.com’s best movies of 2023 and is currently streaming on Hulu after a theatrical release.

Gaffigan starred as Mr. Smee in Disney’s Peter Pan and Wendy, opposite Jude Law and Yara Shahidi. Also premiering recently, Gaffigan joined the cast of HBO Max’s Full Circle, a limited series from Steven Soderbergh and Ed Solomon which follows an investigation into a botched kidnapping, connecting multiple characters and cultures in present day NY.

On the silver screen, his many credits include Three Kings, Super Troopers 1 & 2, and Chappaquiddick. 2019 was Gaffigan’s biggest year in film to date with an astonishing eight films releasing, three which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival including Troop Zero with Viola Davis and Alison Janney, Them That Follow and Light From Light – with many festival goers and press calling Gaffigan the “King of Sundance.”   Gaffigan was also recently heard in Disney/Pixar’s highly anticipated animated film, Luca, opposite Jacob Tremblay and Maya Rudolph.

Gaffigan had two films recently in which he debuted as the lead. The comedic film Being Frank, and American Dreamer, a dark thriller which features him as a ride share app worker who moonlights as a private driver for a drug dealer. Gaffigan can also currently be seen opposite Ethan Hawke in IFC Films Tesla, as well as opposite Josh Hartnett in Saban Films’ Most Wanted.

In addition to two seasons of the critically acclaimed semi-autobiographical The Jim Gaffigan Show, which he wrote and produced with his wife Jeannie, Gaffigan has guest starred on many television comedies and dramas, ranging from Portlandia and Bob’s Burgers to the HBO cult hits Flight of the Concords to dramatic roles in Law & Order.

Gaffigan regularly does humorous commentaries on CBS Sunday Morning for which he has won 3 Emmys.  In 2018 Jim served as master of ceremony at The Al Smith Memorial dinner.  In 2015, Gaffigan had the great honor of performing for Pope Francis and over 1 million festival attendees at the Festival of Families in Philadelphia.

Gaffigan and his wife currently live in Manhattan with their five loud and expensive children.

For more info on his Barely Alive tour, go to: jimgaffigan.com/tour-dates.

My Next Read: “The Lost Music of the Holocaust” by Francesco Lotoro

Scores sewn into coat linings, instruments hidden in suitcases, sheet music stashed among dirty laundry, concertos written on discarded food wrappers – these are just some of the ingenious ways prisoners in civilian, political and military captivity from 1933 to 1953 protected their music in the darkest of times.

Italian pianist and composer Francesco Lotoro has been on a lifelong quest to find this remarkable music in his new book “The Lost Music of the Holocaust.” He has painstakingly salvaged and performed symphonies, operas and songs written by the incarcerated musicians, many of whom died in the camps. He has travelled the globe to meet with families and survivors whose harrowing testimonies bear witness to the most devastating experiences in twentieth-century history.

Movingly piecing together the human stories of those who wrote and performed whilst imprisoned, this compelling book takes readers on a journey into their extraordinary lives and music, shining a light on a unique beauty that somehow prevailed against all odds.

J Balvin to Perform Live for SiriusXM and Pandora from Las Vegas in celebration of the Las Vegas Grand Prix

Today, SiriusXM announced that Latin superstar J Balvin will perform an exclusive concert for SiriusXM and Pandora on Saturday, November 23 at Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas during Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend.

The special concert will feature J Balvin performing songs from his latest album, “Rayo,” along with other hits and fan favorites. SiriusXM and Pandora Present J Balvin will be open to SiriusXM subscribers and Pandora listeners. Fans can RSVP to attend the in-person show HERE.

The performance will air in its entirety on SiriusXM’s Hits Uno (ch. 151) on Friday, December 6 at 5:00 pm ET as well as SiriusXM’s Caliente (ch. 152) on Friday, December 6 at 7:00 pm ET with replays all weekend on both channels. It will also be available to stream on the SiriusXM app.

Taking place during one of the most highly anticipated motorsports events of the year, this unique performance is presented in collaboration with Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas and will be sponsored by Celebrity Cruises, High 5 Casino, Jameson Irish Whiskey, National University, Paramount+, Progressive Insurance, and Tire Rack.

Listen to J Balvin on Pandora HERE.

Eligible customers can get their first three months of SiriusXM streaming for free. Click here to sign up and experience all that SiriusXM has to offer. See Offer Details.

The Canadian Folk Music Awards Announces 2025 Nominees – Eric Alper PR Celebrates 8 Nominations Among Its Talented Roster

The Canadian Folk Music Awards are thrilled to announce the nominees for the 2025 edition, marking a milestone 20th anniversary of celebrating the outstanding talent within Canada’s rich folk music landscape. Eric Alper Public Relations is proud to have 8 nominations among its artists and extended musical family, honoring a remarkable roster of musicians whose work continues to shape and inspire the folk music community.

In 2025, the CFMA will return to Ottawa/Gatineau, the birthplace of the Canadian Folk Music Awards. The 20th Anniversary of the CFMA will take place from April 3–6, 2025, with a grand gala and a series of bilingual concerts that highlight the diversity, creativity, and cultural significance of the Canadian folk music scene today. Each concert will also include several awards presentations.

VIP Wristbands are now on sale via folkawards.ca at the early bird price of $125 (tax inclusive). The wristbands grant access to all four concerts as well as afterparty networking events, offering significant savings (Tickets to all four shows are valued at $148 + tax and ticket fees if purchased separately). Single tickets for each concert will be available for purchase in February 2025.

English Songwriter(s) of the Year
Ruth Moody (Ruth Moody) – Wanderer

Ensemble of the Year
Sultans of String – Walking Through the Fire

Single of the Year
Train Coming (ft. Eric Gales) – Angelique Francis

Solo Artist of the Year
Sue Foley (Sue Foley) – One Guitar Woman

Traditional Album of the Year
Brandon Isaak – One Step Closer

Traditional Singer of the Year
Ken Whiteley (Ken Whiteley) – So Glad I’m Here

Young Performer(s) of the Year
Mary Frances Leahy – First Light

Oliver Schroer Pushing the Boundaries
James Hill – Uke Heads

5 Surprising Facts About INXS’ ‘Kick’

When INXS released Kick in 1987, they were already on an upward climb—but this album rocketed them into the stratosphere. Full of bold, danceable rock songs and unforgettable hooks, Kick became a defining moment in the ’80s music scene, turning INXS into global icons. However, beyond its chart-topping singles and MTV domination, Kick holds several untold stories that reveal the creative energy and risks that went into making it.

1. The “Need You Tonight” Riff Almost Didn’t Make It

The iconic riff for “Need You Tonight” was born out of a rush for a cab. As Andrew Farriss waited for a taxi to the airport to write more material, the riff came to him. He asked the driver to wait, went back to his room, and spent 45 minutes recording the riff—leaving a very angry cab driver outside. That riff became the backbone of INXS’s biggest hit.

2. A Rejected Album Concept Led to a Defining Masterpiece

Atlantic Records initially rejected Kick, arguing it didn’t have any hit singles. However, the band believed in the album’s potential and convinced the label to release it as-is. The result? Four top 10 U.S. singles, including “New Sensation” and “Devil Inside.”

3. “Never Tear Us Apart” Was a Last-Minute Transformation

Originally a simple piano ballad, “Never Tear Us Apart” was given a dramatic overhaul by producer Chris Thomas. He substituted strings for piano, creating a cinematic anthem that became one of the band’s most beloved tracks.

4. The Hong Kong Writing Retreat

When producer Chris Thomas wanted more material, he sent Hutchence and Farriss to Hong Kong. This led to the creation of essential tracks, including “Need You Tonight” and “Calling All Nations.” The trip not only produced music but cemented Michael Hutchence and Farriss’s writing partnership.

5. The Visuals Were as Groundbreaking as the Music

The music video for “Need You Tonight/Mediate” pioneered visual effects that paired INXS’s funk-rock sound with edgy graphics. The video won five MTV Video Music Awards, helping to boost the album’s U.S. success and showing how closely Kick was tied to the MTV era.

Kick remains an absolutely scorcher of a record. From chance inspirations to career-defining decisions, the album’s story is as captivating as its music.

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That Eric Alper
6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week, a 16-time JUNO Award winner overseeing PR campaigns, and have also been truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

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