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Mariah Carey Receives SoundExchange Hall Of Fame Award

SoundExchange, the premier music tech organization powering the future of music, announced today that Mariah Carey has been honored with the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award, recognizing her stature as one of the most streamed creators in the organization’s 20-year history.

“It should come as no surprise Mariah Carey is among SoundExchange’s most streamed creators – she is an accomplished artist who has reached cultural icon status and that is reflected in the data,” said Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange. “Mariah has created an enduring catalog of incredible music that delights across generations. We are honored to present Mariah Carey with the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award.”

Carey’s recently announced “The Celebration of Mimi Live” Las Vegas residency, which opens April 12 at Dolby Park Live at Park MGM and runs through April 27.

Mariah Carey is an author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, producer and multiple award-winning artist and songwriter. She is the best-selling female artist of all time with more than 200 million albums sold to-date and 19 Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles (18 of which are self-penned) – more than any solo artist in history. With her distinct five-octave vocal range, prolific songwriting, and producing talent, Carey is truly the template of the modern pop performance. Mariah is also an inductee to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has been recognized with multiple Grammy Awards, numerous American Music Awards, three Guinness World Record titles, both Billboard’s “Artist of the Decade” and “Icon” awards, the World Music Award for “World’s Best Selling Female Artist of the Millennium,” the Ivor Novello Award for “PRS for Music Special International Award,” and BMI’s “Icon Award” for her outstanding achievements in songwriting, to name a few.

Carey’s cultural impact has transcended the music industry to leave an indelible imprint upon the world at large. In 2009, Carey was recognized with the Breakthrough Performance Award at the Palm Spring International Film Festival for her critically acclaimed role in Lee Daniels’ “Precious.” A Congressional Award recipient, Carey has selflessly donated her time and energy to a range of philanthropic causes near to her heart including Save the Music, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, World Hunger Relief, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, among many others. A tremendous supporter of children’s charities, both domestic and international, Carey founded Camp Mariah in partnership with the Fresh Air Fund, a retreat for inner city children to explore career development. In 2020, Mariah’s riveting memoir The Meaning of Mariah Carey was recognized as a New York Times #1 bestseller upon release. In 2021 she announced the launch of her foray into the world of spirits with Black Irish – an Irish cream with a name that serves as a playful nod to her family heritage.

Universal Music Group and Spotify Expand Strategic Relationship

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world-leader in music-based entertainment and Spotify, the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service today announced an expansion of their strategic relationship that will further amplify music discovery and social interaction and enhance fan experiences across the platform for UMG’s family of artists and songwriters.

Under the agreement, Spotify will make available a series of new promotional and social features that will help artists drive interaction and generate excitement around new releases. To start, UMG artists will have the ability to share teasers of upcoming music on Spotify to increase fan engagement and pre-save activity before a new release.

Additionally, a new agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) will enable Spotify to distribute music videos in the US, enabling deeper experiences with the songs, the artists, and the songwriters.

The companies will continue to explore additional features that allow fans to discover artists and propel virality of new releases. They will share more details about these new tools and how artists, songwriters and fans can leverage them in the near future.

Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO UMG: “We’re excited to broaden our relationship with Spotify through the introduction of new content offerings and collaborations that will bring deeper ‘social music’ experiences to the platform. We’re always striving to expand opportunities for UMG artists and songwriters to elevate engagement with their fans, especially in the introduction of new music and artist-centric initiatives. Spotify has been a committed partner in creating tools that help maximize attribution and fair pay for artists and songwriters, and this demonstrates that win-win partnerships between music companies and platforms create an environment where innovation, artist compensation and next-generation fan experiences can coexist and move the industry forward.”

Daniel Ek, Founder & CEO, Spotify said: “UMG has consistently been a progressive partner on behalf of their artists and songwriters, contributing to our product development efforts of experimental tools and adopting them early to help artists stand out. The forthcoming features will put more power in the hands of artists and their teams to help them authentically express themselves, efficiently promote their work, and better monetize their art.”

Sam Hunt Announces Summer Ampitheatre Tour

Country superstar Sam Hunt announces his North American summer headlining Locked Up Tour. The tour, named for Hunt’s Locked Up EP dropping this Friday, April 5, kicks off June 28. The 20-city tour includes Canadian dates in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Ottawa, and London, and features support artists Russell Dickerson, George Birge (U.S.), and Dalton Dover (Canada).

Sam Hunt is a five-time GRAMMY-nominated, multi-Platinum-selling, award-winning hitmaker. His sophomore album SOUTHSIDE debuted to critical acclaim and was one of the top country albums of 2020 landing at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. Named one of the Best Albums of the Year by The New York Times and US Weekly, the Platinum-selling project features 12 songs all written by Hunt including his No. 1 hits “Kinfolks,” “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s,” one of NPR’s Best Songs of 2020 “Hard To Forget,” and his three-week No. 1, Diamond-selling, GRAMMY-nominated smash, “Body Like A Back Road.” Hunt also wrote his most recent, eighth chart-topping hit “23,” his latest radio staple “Outskirts,” and recent releases, “Start Nowhere,” “Water Under the Bridge,” “Walmart,” and “Women In My Life.”

SOUTHSIDE follows Hunt’s GRAMMY-nominated, Triple-Platinum-selling debut album, MONTEVALLO, which also topped the Billboard Country Albums chart and produced four No. 1 singles. All ten tracks on MONTEVALLO are RIAA certified with seven achieving Platinum or Multi-Platinum status including “Leave the Night On,” “House Party,” “Take Your Time,” “Break Up In A Small Town,” “Speakers,” and “Make You Miss Me.”

Called “stylistically provocative” by The New York Times and “deceptively phenomenal” by The Washington Post, Hunt has received accolades from Associated Press, Billboard, Esquire, Entertainment Weekly, Los Angeles Times, NPR, Rolling Stone, SPIN Magazine, Village Voice, The New York Times, The Washington Post and more. Since MONTEVALLO’s 2014 release, Hunt has accumulated over 14.4 billion global streams and has earned 50 million RIAA certified units.

Locked Up Tour Dates:
June 28 – Bend, OR, Hayden Homes Amphitheater
June 29 – Auburn, WA, White River Amphitheater
June 30 – Nampa, ID, Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
July 11 – Camden, NJ, Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
July 12 – Bristow, VA, Jiffy Lube Live
July 13 – Virginia Beach, VA, Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
July 18 – Uncasville, CT, Mohegan Sun Arena
July 19 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH, Blossom Music Center
July 20 – Burgettstown, PA, The Pavilion at Star Lake
July 25 – Jacksonville, FL, Daily’s Place
July 26 – Charleston, SC, Credit One Stadium
July 27 – Raleigh, NC, Coastal Credit Union Music Park
Aug. 1 – Albuquerque, NM, Isleta Amphitheater
Aug. 3 – Salt Lake City, UT, Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater
Sept. 18 – Vancouver, BC, Rogers Arena
Sept. 20 – Calgary, AB, Scotiabank Saddledome
Sept. 21 – Edmonton, AB, Rogers Place
Sept. 23 – Saskatoon, SK, Sasktel Centre
Sept. 24 – Winnipeg, MB, Canada Life Center
Sept. 27 – Ottawa, ON, Canadian Tire Centre

Bryson Tiller Announces His 2024 North American Tour

Today marks a pivotal moment in the world of contemporary R&B and Hip-Hop as Grammy-nominated artist Bryson Tiller announces the upcoming release of his eagerly awaited album, aptly titled Bryson Tiller, along with his upcoming North America tour featuring 30 performances this spring and summer. Scheduled to drop on April 5 via Trapsoul/RCA Records, this album is set to define the next chapter of Tiller’s illustrious career. In a move that’s sure to excite fans across the globe, Tiller has also released the album’s first single, “Calypso,” and revealed the album’s cover art.

Bryson Tiller, the self-titled masterpiece, promises to be a personal narrative that weaves together Tiller’s signature blend of trap and soulful R&B with fresh rap and pop elements. This project not only encapsulates Tiller’s journey and evolution as an artist but also sets a new standard for authenticity and emotional depth in his work.

The unveiling of “Calypso” gives fans a first taste of what to expect from the album. This track showcases Tiller’s unique ability to blend compelling lyrics with captivating rhythms, offering a glimpse into the innovative sound and heartfelt storytelling that will be fully explored in the upcoming album.

Accompanying the announcement, the album cover art has been released, signaling the start of a new era for Tiller. This visual component adds another layer of depth to the project, inviting fans to dive deeper into the world of Bryson Tiller. Fans can experience the album live this spring and summer when Bryson Tiller returns to North America with over 30 performances, spanning 29 cities for The Bryson Tiller Tour, produced by Live Nation. Full routing is available below.

THE BRYSON TILLER TOUR DATES:
Sat May 11 – Portland, OR – Alaska Airlines’ Theater of the Clouds
Sun May 12 – Vancouver, BC – UBC – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre
Tue May 14 – San Francisco, CA – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Wed May 15 – Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live Sacramento
Thu May 16 – San Diego, CA – Gallagher Square at Petco Park
Fri May 17 – Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theater
Mon May 20 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
Wed May 22 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom*
Fri May 24 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
Sun May 26 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
Tue May 28 – Laval, QC – Place Bell
Thu May 30 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Sat Jun 01 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
Mon Jun 03 – New York, NY – The Theater at MSG
Thu Jun 06 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
Fri Jun 07 – Philadelphia, PA – Skyline Stage at the Mann
Sun Jun 09 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater
Tue Jun 11 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Wed Jun 12 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy
Sat Jun 15 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live
Sun Jun 16 – Tampa, FL – Yuengling Center
Tue Jun 18 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
Wed Jun 19 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Sat Jun 22 – Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center
Sun Jun 23 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater
Tue Jun 25 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
Wed Jun 26 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
Fri Jun 28 – Minneapolis, MN – Armory
Fri Jul 5 – Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee Summerfest
Thu Jul 11 – Calgary, AB – Calgary Stampede
Sat Sep 21 – Puyallup, WA – Washington State Fair

Stone Temple Pilots And +LIVE+ Announce Co-Headline ‘Jubilee’ Tour

Today two of the most legendary bands in rock – +LIVE+ and Stone Temple Pilots – announced they are teaming up for the Jubilee Tour, a co-headline tour produced by Live Nation. The 19-city run kicks off August 16, 2024, in Concord, CA, with special guests Our Lady Peace on the first two dates, and the remainder of the tour with Soul Asylum.

The multi-platinum selling bands join forces to celebrate the 30th anniversary of two of the most beloved albums of the 90s, +LIVE+ “Throwing Copper,” and Stone Temple Pilots “Purple.” Fans of the iconic bands can expect a night of hit songs from those albums and much more, with a full set of music by each group spanning generations.

When Stone Temple Pilots returned to the studio in 1994 to record their second album, the band was facing high expectations set by its debut album, Core, which sold more than 8 million copies and won a Grammy Award. The release of Purple would cement their place as one of the most definitive bands of their generation, debuting #1 on the Billboard album chart, releasing the smash singles “Interstate Love Song,” “Vasoline,” and “Big Empty” on its way to selling more than six million copies.

Throwing Copper, the third studio album from +LIVE+ produced by Jerry Harrison of The Talking Heads, set alternative radio on fire with consecutive hit singles, including “Selling the Drama,” “I Alone,” “All Over You,” and the unforgettable radio mainstay, “Lightning Crashes,” which was #1 at Modern Rock Radio for 10 consecutive weeks. Throwing Copper reached #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and went on to sell over 10 million copies.

With over 70 million albums sold, Stone Temple Pilots roared on to the scene in 1992 with their raucous debut, Core. A breakout success, the album peaked #3 on the Billboard 200 chart, and dominated radio waves with hits like “Sex Type Thing,” “Wicked Garden,” and the Grammy-Award winning smash single, “Plush.” STP quickly distinguished themselves as a band beholden to no trend. Boasting the inimitable riffs of guitarist Dean DeLeo, the propulsive rhythm section of bassist Robert DeLeo and drummer Eric Kretz, and the charismatic baritone of frontman Scott Weiland, STP ruled airways, video playlists and charts alike over their legendary career. In 2020, the band released their eighth studio album, Perdida – their second album with new lead singer, Jeff Gutt. Paste magazine described Perdida as the most sonically rich experience that Stone Temple Pilots have offered fans to date.

+LIVE+ has sold over 22 million albums worldwide and earned two number one albums: Throwing Copper and Secret Samadhi. Their catalog is filled with such gems as “Lightning Crashes,” “I Alone,” “All Over You” and “Lakini’s Juice,” which live on today as classics on rock radio. Throwing Copper—which the band celebrated in 2019 with a new deluxe 25th anniversary edition via Radioactive/Geffen/Ume along with a global tour across major festivals, amphitheaters and arenas–produced the band’s biggest single, “Lightning Crashes” which was #1 at Modern Rock radio for ten consecutive weeks. Throwing Copper reached #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and eventually surpassed sales of 10 million albums sold, with Rolling Stone honoring the album with placement on their list, “1994: The 40 Best Records From Mainstream Alternative’s Greatest Year.” Secret Samadhi (1997) immediately shot to #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and eventually went double platinum. The release of the platinum-selling The Distance to Here (1999) turned +LIVE+ into an international powerhouse and moved the band from arenas into stadiums. +LIVE+ has been and remains today a global concert juggernaut.

JUBILEE 2024 TOUR DATES:
Fri Aug 16 Concord, CA @ Toyota Pavilion at Concord # ^
Sat Aug 17 Inglewood, CA @ YouTube Theater # ^
Mon Aug 19 Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Financial Theatre #
Thu Aug 22 Houston, TX @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman #
Fri Aug 23 Dallas, TX @ Dos Equis Pavilion #
Sat Aug 24 Rogers, AR @ Walmart Amp +
Tue Aug 27 Pelham, AL @ Oak Mountain Amphitheatre +
Wed Aug 28 Tampa, FL @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre #
Fri Aug 30 Jacksonville, FL @ Dally’s Place +
Sat Aug 31 Alpharetta, GA @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre +
Sun Sep 1 Raleigh, NC @ The Red Hat Amphitheater #
Sun Sep 4 Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live +
Thu Sep 5 Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center +
Fri Sep 6 Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center +
Sun Sep 8 Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage #
Tue Sep 10 Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center #
Wed Sep 11 Chicago, IL @ Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island +
Sat Sep 14 Milwaukee, WI @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater +
Sun Sep 15 Indianapolis, IN @ Ruoff Music Center #
# Stone Temple Pilots closes show
+ +LIVE+ closes show
^ with Our Lady Peace

Toronto DJ/Singer/Songwriter Flavia Abadía Trades Florals For Fun On “YNQF”

Let Miley Cyrus buy herself flowers: Toronto-based DJ, MC, singer and songwriter Flavia Abadía has something a little less sentimental on her mind. On her piquante, percolating new single, “YNQF,” the beguiling crossover artist and her crew issue a call to abandon romantic gestures in favor of living in the moment.

It’s a multicultural party anthem with a musical message that transcends language and nationality. The title is short for “Yo No Quiero Flores”—en inglés, “I don’t want flowers”—the perfect slogan for what the Colombian-French Canadian Flavia calls “an energetic, vibrant song about wanting to go out, forget all your problems and have fun!”

The infectious chorus makes that agenda clear (especially if you know just enough Spanish that you don’t need to worry about accessing Google Translate from the dance floor):

Ya no quiero flores
Yo quiero beber
Salir pa la calle hasta el amanecer
(I don’t want flowers
I want to drink
Go out until dawn)
Ahogar mis penas y pasarla la bien
Que se pare el tiempo ya vamos al 100
(Drown my sorrows and have a good time
Let time stop, we’re going to 100)

Meanwhile, even the most monolingual among us will respond to the English-language exhortations of Argentinian-Canadian MC Itz Nico P and American-Caribbean rapper Miginomics, who welcome us to “the night of our life” and invite us to get “three shots in” with our “feet locked in.”

Built on an insistent, stomping beat, “YNQF” is a celebration of unity, forging tight connections through the universal language of music. Dominican-French Canadian producer Medylandia corrals an entire hemisphere of diverse sounds, including live trumpet and trombone by Cuban musician Alexis Baro, and background vocals by Dominican artist Altur Santos and Cuba’s AB2.
Given the global success of Farruko’s “Pepas”—not to mention the Latin flag flown by artists like Daddy Yankee, Bad Bunny and Karol G, the time for this sort of boundary-breaking bustout is clearly now. Flavia reinforces the ability of the music to leap proudly across borders while showcasing the richness of Canada’s amalgamation of cultures.

And really, that’s been part of her plan from Day One. Born in France but based in Toronto, she’s a master at seamlessly welding musical genres from around the globe, from Latin and Moombahton to hip-hop, house and vogue. Her creativity, taste and positive spirit (not to mention her own fluency in English, French and Spanish) have made her an international sensation both live and on record.

All of those qualities were in full display on Flavia’s 2021 debut album, the aptly named Crossover. Two years later, she upped the ante with her first all-Spanish collection, Hacia La Luz, which was accompanied by several genre-bending singles. In 2024, she’ll be dropping her eagerly awaited third album, SALVAJE. Expect her to once again navigate multiple genres with the greatest of skill, transcending boundaries and welcoming even more converts into a world where unity through diversity reigns supreme.

The reaction so far has been nothing short of ecstatic. Flavia’s music has garnered over 2 million cumulative streams and placed her on numerous Spotify playlists. As a live act, she’s owned the stage in locations as far-flung as Barcelona, Paris, Canada, the USA, Mexico and Portugal. Events at which she’s performed—some multiple times—include the Toronto International Film Festival, Fiesta Del Fuego, the Canada Day Celebration at Celebration Square, Celebrate Toronto, the Barrio Latin Music Festival, Latin Sparks and the PanAm Festival. She’s also opened for the show for Latin-Grammy-Award-Winner iLe … and become the first and only woman to DJ at a Toronto Raptors Game!

With “YNQF” out and SALVAJE right around the corner, look for Flavia to have a big 2024 indeed, as she ventures into new sonic territories while captivating even bigger audiences with her unwavering commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. Just leave the flowers at home: It’s hard to dance with a bouquet in your hand.

Montreal Poet and Songwriter Brian Campbell Keeps The Flow On His ‘A Crystal Rim’ EP

Montreal songwriter Brian Campbell digs deep to find inspiration from his topsy-turvy life as a poet, and his practices as a Buddhist, to spread joy and hope on his EP release A Crystal Rim, out now.

The EP features adaptations of poems by renowned poets such as Hafiz and Rumi as well as an original composition inspired by their work. With the work rooted in allegory of famous poems, A Crystal Rim leaves listeners wanting to sit with the work for a while due to its richness that’s rooted in sounds of folk.

“All my adult life, ever since I encountered them, I have also been enthralled by the ecstatic visions of the Sufi poets Rumi and Hafiz. After voluminous reading, certain fingerstyle riffs on a nylon stringed guitar evoked memory of the three poems I set to music here,” says Campbell.

While recording the set of five songs, Campbell called on some prominent guest artists, arranger, and engineer into his creative process to build on his roots sound he started putting together over 30 years ago. The release reflects Campbell’s passion for making music and poetry and his desire to offer joy and hope in these troubled times.

A Crystal Rim is a collection of heartfelt songs that showcase Campbell’s dexterous fingerstyle guitar playing and impassioned vocals. The EP has a warmth and joyfulness in and along with its sorrow, while his performances are known for captivating audiences with his storytelling and beautifully crafted songs.

Fans of Campbell’s work can expect a mix of poetic lyrics, melodic guitar playing, and soulful singing on A Crystal Rim. The EP is a testament to Campbell’s dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences through his music.

Campbell’s latest release A Crystal Rim will have listeners experience the beauty and richness of some of his best musical offerings to date.

Classic Rock Legends Honeymoon Suite Keep Their Promises On New Studio Release “Alive”

They’ve been racking up the sales and accolades since 1983, HONEYMOON SUITE has moved over 1 million records worldwide and won the JUNO Award for Group of the Year in 1986. The band has many songs placed in major motion pictures and TV over the years such as the hugely successful Miami Vice TV series of the mid 80’s. In 2015, they were honored by Canadian radio for passing 100,000 plays of “New Girl Now” along with three of their other hits: “Burning In Love,” “Wave Babies” and “What Does It Take.”

2024. Even after 41 years, it isn’t enough for a band to merely remind you they’re still doing what they do. They need to reassure you they mean it. And that’s just what melodic-rock titans HONEYMOON SUITE are up to on the impassioned title track from their latest album, Alive.

Not just a declaration of survival but a vow of undimmed commitment, the song is an insistent, throbbingly sincere loyalty oath that could be coming from a faithful partner to the object of his eternal affections … or maybe from a grateful, hard-working band to the fans they value above all.

Nothin’ that you say can talk me outta you
I don’t need a reason not to try
‘Cause you make me feel … Alive!

Dave Betts’ galloping drums lead the charge for vocalist Johnnie Dee to issue his earnest proclamations in a voice that remains as clear as the proverbial bell. In between the achingly sincere choruses, guitarist Derry Grehan gets off a short-but-sweet burst of two-hands-on-the-fretboard mastery that reminds us why we fell for this immensely talented outfit in the first place. Rounded out by bassist Gary Lalonde and keyboardist Peter Nunn, even the accompanying music video is a not-so-subtle pledge of allegiance, putting the band in the thick of their home turf of Niagara Falls (the honeymoon capital of the Americas).

Watch for the physical Canadian release date of April 5, 2024 through Canadian label BCMG via distributor Music in Motion Ent, with BCMG distributed by Sony Orchard for digital. This follows the international release through Frontiers Music distributed worldwide by Sony/ Orchard. Alive is the eighth full-length record the band has released since bursting onto the scene in 1984. Following up on the 2022 deluxe reissue of their classic Clifton Hill album, and 2017’s Hands Up EP, Alive is their first full length in 16 years. Their last single, 2020’s “Find What You’re Looking For,” hurtled the group back into the Billboard Top 30 in their native Canada for the first time in nearly two decades and the material on Alive seems destined to follow suit. Produced by Canadian hit machine Mike (K) Krompass (whose résumé includes songwriting and production work for Meghan Trainor, Steven Tyler, Theory of a Deadman and Smash Mouth), the album is 10 new tracks of sonic heaven. Both CD and colored vinyl are rounded out by fresh reproductions and modernized remixes of two big hits from the group’s thick catalog: 1988’s “Love Changes Everything” and 1983’s “New Girl Now,” which became their first radio and MTV smash after winning a homegrown-music competition sponsored by Toronto rock station Q107. The Canadian CD release also includes two exclusive acoustic versions of “Alive” and “Doesn’t Feel Like That” as bonus tracks. Signed copies of Alive are available exclusively through their webstore.

The Honeymoon Suite lineup has been set in stone for nearly a quarter century. Not just maestros of the studio, they remain insatiable road hogs, with on-stage skills honed from years of international touring with the likes of ZZ Top, Heart, Billy Idol, Journey, Bryan Adams, Saga, Loverboy, Jethro Tull and 38 Special. Look for these seasoned yet still hungry pros to once again be treading the boards near you. They’re out to prove they’re not just Alive but kicking.

Edmonton-Based Singer-Songwriter Dahlia Wakefield Releases Soft Rock Single “Still Waters”

Following the release of “Now’s The Time” last November, Edmonton-based singer-songwriter Dahlia Wakefield strikes a delicate balance between a sweet ethereal sound and profound lyrics in “Still Waters.” In her latest track, the artist embodies discernment while examining the deeper meanings in life. Wakefield doesn’t shy away from being earnest as she begins the single with gripping lyrics.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink
You can give people knowledge, but you can’t make them think
You know the truth by the way that it feels
You gotta look beyond potential and see what is real

“Still Waters” begins with a soft tune, inviting listeners to relax. By the bridge, Wakefield’s vocal control and command are evident, as the song slowly builds up to a powerful melody.

Overall, the single showcases softer vocals than she had planned. Wakefield was at the tail end of a cold when she recorded the final vocals for the track back in December. However, her light airy vocals only add a layer of an ethereal quality as listeners enter the softness of “Still Waters.” It’s described as a “bit of a happy accident.”

Wakefield co-wrote the track with Kevin Frey. While it is the first co-write between the duo, it is not the last. “There’s lots more to come,” says Frey. The single was recorded at Dominelli Studios and showcases guitar features by Alan Tymofichuk, supporting keyboard melodies by Jann Arden’s touring keyboardist Darcy Phillips, a steady layer of bass by Mike Hill and drums by JUNO Award nominated Sandro Dominelli.

The song begins with guitar picking, showcasing Wakefield’s light country influence. The artist’s soft vocals enter, along with steady light drums, bringing the track back to the soft rock styles Wakefield is accustomed to. Throughout the latest single, her songwriting skills are at the forefront, inviting listeners to enter a world beyond their everyday passing experiences.

Wakefield is no stranger to the music scene, and she doesn’t stick to one lane — she wears many hats within the industry. From songwriting and performing to teaching and managing, there’s no doubt she’s a multifaceted artist. Her many roles and accolades in the scene shouldn’t come as a surprise, she’s been performing since the young of five and still today, you won’t have trouble finding her on stage solo or joined by one of her bands.

Wakefield has a large discography to discover and her command of the stage is not to be missed. But, as for leisure listening, “Still Waters” is a must-listen. Be transported to a place of stillness and inquisitiveness with “Still Waters,” out now.

Nigerian-Born via Italy now Toronto Singer-Songwriter Sonia Aimy To Launch New Album Light-Imole at Toronto’s El Mocambo on June 14th

Istituto Italiano di Cultura is thrilled to present Sonia Aimy’s album launch party for at the El Mocambo on June 14. The album is a fusion of storytelling inspired by Sonia’s birthplace, Nigeria, and her global experiences and perspectives on life, events, and aspirations.

El Mocambo

464 Spadina Ave, Toronto

June 14th

8:00 pm to 10:30 pm

Ticket price: General Admission $30; VIP $40. Tickets Available Here

With her inimitable, velvety voice, Nigerian-born via Italy singer, songwriter, actress, and activist Sonia is the quintessential embodiment of contemporary African world music. Her sound blends Afro-jazz, Afrobeat, highlife, and spiritual in easy flowing, yet virtuosic performances. Her irresistible rhythms and melody and infectious joie de vivre unite audiences of diverse backgrounds.

Fluent in English, Italian, French, and several African dialects, Sonia has been singing in public since age 11 in her native Nigeria, where she absorbed the influences of her mother’s native Bini people and the Muslim and Christian cultures around her.

She took music and theatre training in Italy and performed throughout the country and in much of Europe. She has performed concerts with African musical legends such as Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela, and appeared on many theatre stages, including in a 14-year run with the National Theatre of Turin as the first Black Cinderella. Among her numerous film and TV credits was a key role in Louis Nero’s short film, Il Mistero di Dante. She has also scored music for theatre and film.

“No Sneaking” is the first single from the 10-track Light-Imole. The song is a reminder to every one of us that no matter what we do and the situation that we find ourselves in, we must always do our best to be truthful, fair, and respectful of others. It is a reminder that whatever goes around, comes around – it boomerangs. A behaviour of sincerity and truth is your rock for trust and credibility that will sell you beyond your expectations.

The song was inspired by Sonia’s memories of a childhood favorite called “the circle game.” “It was the perfect inspiration I needed to create, arrange, and sing this song,” Sonia explains. “The sound, melody, and groove all came to my head effortlessly. My cultural identity undoubtedly continues to be one of my sources of creation in my artistic work”.

Light-Imole was produced by Sonia Aimy, Jerry Harrison-Uke, Peter Lasisi, Piero De Prete and Eddie Bullen, and it features Esther Jane Willow, a MI’Kmaq singer songwriter on a track titled “Sel Senapa”.

Sonia will be accompanied by her band members, some of the best African musicians in the GTA. Please join us for this musical journey as we celebrate the release of Light-Imole.

This event is sponsored by Istituto Italiano di Cultura with the generous help of community partners ICFF, AWA and Saimy’s Art.

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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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