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Billboard Chart-Toppers Sultans of String and Mississauga Symphony Orchestra Celebrate World Premiere February 8, 2025

3x JUNO nominees and Billboard chart-toppers Sultans of String and the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Denis Mastromonaco are kicking off the New Year with a World Premiere of REFUGE.  This powerful production is unlike any other and brings the magic of collaboration to the stage with award-winning artists who are new immigrants, refugees, and global talents who are ambassadors for peace.

This live concert will showcase the incredible music and storytelling of many of their collaborators featured in their Cannes World Film Festival award–winning The Refuge Project. Tickets are available now here.

“We are so excited to be able to present our collaborations that showcase and amplify essential voices” says bandleader/producer and Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient Chris McKhool.

“We feel so fortunate to be able to grow as human beings and as artists through these collaborations. We keep exploring and learning our whole lives, and sharing these songs with the MSO is really exciting!”

In addition to winning Best Music Film at Cannes World Film Festival, the film version of Refuge has also won at the Vancouver Independent Film Festival and Boston Independent Film Awards, with the CD of the music winning the Canadian Folk Music Awards for Global Roots Album of the Year, and Producer of the Year.

This ambitious, diverse, inclusive, and passionately political concert puts this global grooves supergroup face-to-face with a VIP roster of global ‘ambassadors,’ many of whom are recent immigrants and refugees to Canada. All bring their unique brand of musical synergy and collaboration to bear on discussion and songs that speak to the challenges facing the world’s displaced peoples—their stories, their songs, their persistence and their humanity. The international cast of special guests and ambassadors for peace feature stellar performances from Leen Hamo and Majd Sukar from Syria, Donné Roberts from Madagascar, Romani Nyckelharpa player Saskia Tomkins, Persian tar player Padideh Ahrarnejad, flamenco artist Tamar Ilana and more.

Bandleader Chris McKhool (Makhoul in Lebanon) has an Egyptian-born mother who happened to play piano, teach classical theory, and feed her young son as much Middle Eastern cuisine as she did music lessons. From there, the powerful violinist developed a taste for multi-genre string sounds and found a like-minded crew of all-world enthusiasts. When McKhool first heard founding guitarist Kevin Laliberté’s rumba rhythm, their musical synergy created Sultans of String’s signature sound – the intimate and playful relationship between violin and guitar. From this rich foundation, the dynamic duo grew, featuring such amazing musical friends as in-the-pocket bass master Drew Birston, and the jaw-dropping beats of percussionist Chendy Leon.

Their live resume is similarly stellar. Equally at home in a concert hall, folk and jazz club or festival setting, the Sultans have gigged at JUNOfest, the legendary club Birdland in New York, Celtic Connections Festival (Glasgow) and London’s Trafalgar Square. They have sold out Koerner Hall three times (Toronto’s Carnegie Hall), and performed with the Annapolis, Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton Symphony Orchestras. They have played live on CBC’s Canada Live, BBC Radio, BBC TV, Irish National Radio, and the syndicated World Café, Woodsongs, and SiriusXM in Washington. Sultans of String’s musicianship and versatility are also showcased in collaborations with such diverse luminaries as Paddy Moloney & The Chieftains, Sweet Honey in The Rock, Richard Bona (Paul Simon), Alex Cuba, Ruben Blades, Yasmin Levy, Benoit Bourque, Béla Fleck, Crystal Shawanda & Ken Whiteley.

How To Use Spotify for Artists To Pitch An Upcoming, Unreleased Song To Their Playlist Editors

Musicians, maximize your release’s impact by using Spotify for Artists to pitch unreleased songs to playlist editors and ensure they’re added to your followers’ Release Radar playlists.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Log in to Spotify for Artists.
  2. Find unreleased music to pitch:
    1. At the top of  Home, select PITCH FROM NEXT RELEASE.
    2. On web, you can also pitch from the  Music tab under Upcoming.
  3. Choose a song and fill out the info. The more info they get, the better chance it has.

Tip: Need access to Spotify for Artists? Learn how to get access

Info about pitching music:

  • Deliver your music to them at least 7 days before its release date so their editors have time to listen
  • You can’t pitch compilations or songs you’re a featured artist on
  • You can only pitch one song at a time. Once your pitched song goes live, you can pitch another
  • Anyone with Admin or Editor access can see and edit the pitch
  • You can edit your pitch up to release day, but there’s no guarantee their editors will see the changes
  • Once a song has gone live, it’s no longer eligible for pitching

Pinning a pitched song to your This Is playlist:

  • You can pin the song that you pitched to your This Is playlist if you’re eligible for one
  • Once your new song is available to listeners on Spotify, pinning takes around 3 days
  • You can only submit one pin request at a time. Once your pinned song goes live, you can submit another request
  • Songs are pinned to your This Is playlist for up to 28 days post-release in the order they were requested, with the earliest pinned song appearing first

How to know if your song gets picked

They’ll email you if your song gets picked. You can also check the Playlists tab in Spotify for Artists when your release goes live and explore detailed stats about it. Spotify’s editors might pick a different song for their playlists to the one you pitched.

Pitching doesn’t guarantee playlist placement. If your song doesn’t get picked, it may still get discovered later. Stay on their editors’ radar by building your fanbase and engaging with your audience on Spotify and beyond.

However, submitting a pitch at least 7 days before release day will get your song on your followers’ Release Radar playlists. You can also pin your song to your This Is playlist if you’re eligible for one.

Label-only pitches

Licensors and labels can make a pitch label-only.

Artists and managers can see the song and who pitched it, but can’t edit or view some pitch details (e.g. genre, mood, and culture tags).

You can reach out to your licensor or label if you need help with a label-only pitch.

For all your publicity needs, feel free to email Eric@ThatEricAlper.com or call me at 647-971-3742. With 25+ years of experience and a deep passion for connecting artists to audiences, I’m here to help you make an impact.

Photo Gallery: Sum 41 with PUP and Gob at St. Catharines’ Meridian Centre

Sum 41

All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram.

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Supergroup The Syncopation Rebels (Martha Johnson, Mark Gane, Chloe Kay, Alex Exists, John Orpheus) Reimagine Goldfrapp’s ‘Number 1’

Choosing a song to put your own signature or stamp on can be daunting. One often has to walk the line between not being a mirror image of the original but not going overboard and completely renovating the arrangement. For the highbrow pop super group known as The Syncopation Rebels, they’ve walked that line perfectly with a stunning cover of Goldfrapp’s “Number 1.” It’s guaranteed to leave you putting the song in rotation if not on a loop.

The group, consisting of Toronto-based Martha and the Muffins’ members Martha Johnson and Mark Gane, British-born and British-based vocalist Chloe Kay (formerly of electronic duo This Sound Will Save You), Toronto-based musician Alex Exists (The Nursery, The Ruby Spirit) and Trinidad-born, Kitchener, Ontario-based hip-hop/Afrobeat artist and author John Orpheus, have outdone themselves here. While Goldfrapp’s version released in 2005 is fueled by its synth groove, The Syncopation Rebels’ “Number 1” ups the ante by upping the tempo.

“My initial reaction after hearing the original version by Goldfrapp was that we should speed up the tempo and vary the underlying chord structure a bit, which helped with the dynamics and arrangement,” Gane says. “The unique tonalities and personalities of the singers really helped to add different colours to the song as well.”

“This track radiates that unmistakable Bolan-esque cool, capturing the carefree energy of summer nights when you and your partner feel on top of the world,” Exists adds. “It’s a bold, unapologetic love anthem about showing someone they’re your number one and you’d do anything to prove it. It’s a song made for those moments when love feels invincible.”

“Number 1” shines thanks to the shimmering, summery feel and cavity-inducing structure. The female/male dual vocals throughout bring to mind bands like Stars, Roxette, and The Human League as Johnson, Gane, Orpheus, Exists and Kay all provide vocals to the jewel with a chorus that’s pure synth pop heaven. As Johnson says, Exists added “his cool crooner voice,” Orpheus “sang his verse with warmth and richness” while she “added a layer of temptation to my delivery” of the suggestive lyrics. “We all circled around the mic for the choruses, putting a cherry on top of this sundae song. When Chloe sang her haunting contribution in her home studio in the UK, it lifted the song into another plane.”

Gane also provides electric guitar, while Exists adds piano and acoustic guitar. Mike Schlosser (who produced, recorded, and mixed “Number 1”) played keyboards, bass, electric guitars, percussion, and added programming while Joel Jeschke played drums. “Number 1,” written by Alison Goldfrapp and William Owen Gregory and from Goldfrapp’s Supernature album, was recorded this past summer at Edmonton’s Little Noise and Toronto’s Revolution Recording. Reuben Ghose mastered the track at Toronto’s Mojito Mastering.

“Number 1” is the second release by The Syncopation Rebels who formed for Popguru Sound & Vision’s silver anniversary. With the members having worked together in various combinations over the years, Schlosser, a JUNO-nominated producer, had previously worked with Orpheus, Exists, and Kay. From there Johnson and Gane, who also worked with the other members over the years, were invited to participate in the group (which originally included Sam Casey, who Kay replaced). The Syncopation Rebels’ cover of Bowie’s “Sound And Vision,” released in October 2023, garnered over half a million YouTube views.

A video for “Number 1” was produced by Moon Real Media and directed by Agata Waclawska and features three riders on Vespas and the group members in different locales. But for now, The Syncopation Rebels will have to resign themselves to the fact they’ve enhanced an already brilliant song whose title will mirror its chart placement.

Timeless Child Care Wisdom from a 1992 Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Special on WGTE Toledo

This nostalgic 1992 instructional video hosting Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood from WGTE Toledo Public Broadcasting Channel offers valuable insights for child care providers, showcasing timeless tips and techniques for fostering a nurturing environment.

Lost Blair Witch Project Deleted Scene Resurfaces After Two Decades

In September 1999, Artisan and Amazon collaborated to create a dedicated page for The Blair Witch Project, featuring an exclusive deleted scene on Amazon’s streaming platform. Removed in 2002 and thought lost, this rare piece of cinematic history has finally resurfaced online.

Before the Swinging Sixties: Where Young Londoners Gathered for Coffee and Connection

Before Starbucks and Caffe Nero and all that cafeterias looking all the same, young Londoners of late 50’s and early 60’s met in places like these. Not swingin’ yet.

Celebrate the Season with Sonny & Cher’s Rare 1972 Christmas Special

Step into the festive nostalgia with Sonny & Cher’s rare 1972 Christmas show, featuring Cher’s heartfelt performances of “Gift of Song” and “O Holy Night,” and a stunning guest appearance by William Conrad delivering a powerful rendition of “The First Noel.”

Aloe Blacc Announces Special Fundraising Performance During Forthcoming Blue Note NYC Residency to Support Families Affected by Recent LA Fires

Grammy-nominated artist Aloe Blacc is adding a special philanthropic touch to his forthcoming three-night residency at the iconic Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City from January 24-26, 2025, with two performances each night at 8PM and 10:30PM local time.

On Sunday, January 26, Aloe will dedicate the final performance of his residency (10:30PM) to raising funds and support for families affected by the recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, which have also impacted his own home and community. The evening will include Aloe’s signature mix of soulful classics like “Wake Me Up” and “I Need a Dollar,” along with songs from his forthcoming album, Stand Together (out February 28).

Proceeds from ticket sales, merchandise, and on-site donations collected during the Sunday show will go directly to families in need within the Altadena community, with a focus on vulnerable Black and Latino families identified by Aloe and his wife, Maya Jupiter. The couple has long been committed to using their platform to uplift underrepresented communities and felt a personal responsibility to extend support during this time of recovery.

Audience members will also have the option to contribute additional donations on-site during the event, and merchandise sales will further benefit the cause. This fundraising performance highlights Aloe’s ongoing commitment to blending his artistry with activism, using music as a force for good.

A limited number of tickets remain for Aloe’s performances for Sunday’s fundraiser, plus Saturday’s 10:30 PM performances. All other performances are SOLD OUT. Ticket information can be found HERE.

Aloe recently performed his inspiring single “Shine” on Good Morning America as part of the #SoCalStrong special, which raised over $8.5 million for wildfire recovery efforts in Southern California. Speaking passionately about the resilience of the LA community, Aloe’s performance highlighted his deep connection to his hometown and his commitment to supporting those in need. Experience the performance here

flipturn Kick Off A Transformative 2025 With New Album ‘Burnout Days’ + National TV Debut On Jimmy Kimmel Live

Photo credit: Amanda Laferriere

flipturn, “one of the most innovative bands out now” (Ones To Watch), have unveiled their new album Burnout Days via Dualtone Records. The 12 song collection finds the indie-rock powerhouse returning as sonic architects, harnessing their impressive knack for hooks, shimmering soundscapes and “nostalgia-inducing lyrical delivery” (Uproxx). Born from years on the road together, flipturn arrives with more grit, craft and vulnerability than ever before – a clear evolution in the band’s sound, and one that reflects their growth as musicians and individuals. The album has been lauded for its “rays of optimism” (SPIN), “irresistible hooks” (Consequence) and “infectious energy” (Luna Collective) via advance tracks and videos “Rodeo Clown,” “Juno” and “Sunlight.”

Featuring some of their most intimate and cathartic songs to date, Burnout Days recounts hours spent in vans, green rooms, and onstage, all while navigating life in their mid-20s and the constant twists and turns of an industry that can be far from compassionate. As SPIN Magazine puts it, the album is “shining a light on a personal subject.” Lead singer Dillon Basse’s story – from growing up immersed in Celtic folk, by way of his mother, to supporting her through a sobriety journey – is one theme at the heart of the collection. Read Dillon’s conversation with SPIN here:

“‘Burnout Days’ feels like a further push into what our sound can be, whilst also staying familiar to our roots.” says Basse. “Some themes that are explored that I find new for flipturn are toxic positivity, burnout, and acceptance of constant change…It’s the most honest we’ve been to our audience about what life has looked like for us the last few years.”

Watch flipturn make their national TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, performing “Rodeo Clown” here:

The band have also released a new music video for title track “Burnout Days” – a montage capturing the livewire, cathartic energy present throughout the album – here:

Formed in the small coastal town of Fernandina Beach, FL, flipturn first came together in high school, where they worked passionately to turn garage meet-ups into playing college house shows into headlining sold-out dates for thousands, performing across continents to their rapidly-expanding and deeply-dedicated fanbase. This year, flipturn will bring Burnout Days across the US, headlining their largest rooms yet, with stops including Terminal 5 in NYC, The Novo in LA, The Anthem in D.C., The Salt Shed in Chicago and more. They’ve also announced their return to Bonnaroo in 2025 on one of the festival’s main stages, after playing one of the earliest sets of the day in 2022. Just last week, the band curated and hosted Gainesville’s Playground Music Festival to a sold-out crowd, uplifting the local Florida music scene where they themselves got their start. A full list of dates below and at https://flipturn.komi.io.

Burnout Days Tracklist:
1. Juno
2. Rodeo Clown
3. Inner Wave
4. Sunlight
5. Moon Rocks
6. Right?
7. Window
8. Swim Between Trees
9. Tides
10. Reason to Pretend
11. If It Is
12. Burnout Days

flipturn Tour Dates:
February 26 – White Oak Music Hall – Houston, TX
February 27 – The Factory in Deep Ellum – Dallas, TX
February 28 – Stubbs Amphitheater – Austin, TX
March 1 – Tower Theatre – Oklahoma City, OK
March 5 – The Van Buren – Phoenix, AZ
March 6 – The Sound – Del Mar, CA
March 7 – The Novo – Los Angeles, CA
March 8 – The Fox – Oakland, CA
March 9 – Crystal Ballroom – Portland, OR
March 11 – Showbox SoDo – Seattle, WA
March 13 – The Complex – Salt Lake City, UT
March 15 – Mission Ballroom – Denver, CO
March 18 – The Truman – Kansas City, MO
March 19 – The Hawthorn – St. Louis, MO
March 21 – The Salt Shed – Chicago, IL
March 22 – The Palace Theatre – Minneapolis, MN
March 23 – Val Air – Des Moines, IA
March 26 – Egyptian Room – Indianapolis, IN
March 27 – KEMBA live! – Columbus, OH
March 28 – Royal Oak Music Theatre – Detroit, MI
March 29 – Danforth Music Hall – Toronto, ON
March 30 – Beanfield Theatre – Montreal, QB
April 2 – Higher Ground – Burlington, VT
April 4 – Terminal 5 – New York, NY
April 5 – Roadrunner – Boston, MA
April 9 – MEGACORP – Newport, KY
April 10 – Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA
April 11 – Franklin Music Hall – Philadelphia, PA
April 12 – The Anthem – Washington, D.C.
April 16 – Avondale Brewing – Birmingham, AL
April 17 – Georgia Theatre – Athens, GA
April 18 – HOB Orlando – Orlando, FL
April 27 – High Water Festival – North Charleston, SC
June 13 – Bonnaroo – Manchester, TN
November 14 – O2 Forum Kentish Town – London, England

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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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