Teenage Engineering hath unveiled their EP-133 KO II, now reborn as the EP-1320, a wondrous sampler laden with instruments of yore: bagpipes, bowed harp, and the clattering hooves of coconut horses. Moreover, it doth possess a trove of sound effects, including the clashing of swords, the chatter of peasants, the cackling of witches, and the roar of a fearsome dragon.
The Continental Drifters Chronicled in Biography ‘White Noise & Lightning’
What happens when a group of music business refugees decide to take a different route and play music for the love of it?
They form a band called the Continental Drifters, establish a dive-bar residency in Hollywood, and eventually are joined by more biz survivors who adapt their laissez faire approach to the art form that initially drew them into their professions – rock and roll.
From Los Angeles to New Orleans, White Noise & Lightning covers the trials, tribulations, joy, love, heartbreak, and surprising revival of an unlikely “super group” comprised of members of The Cowsills, The Bangles, R.E.M., The Dream Syndicate, Hootie & the Blowfish, The dB’s, and more as they navigate the difficult world of band life while juggling ambition, ambivalence, romance, addiction, and family.
Sean Kelly’s authorized biography of the Drifters tells the band’s story through extensive interviews with all ten of the musicians who were full-time members at various times, as well as a myriad of their colorful friends and cohorts, leaving no stone unturned in researching this rather extraordinary group of people and their quest for musical family during a journey one member likened to a “locomotive going down a hill.”
Sean Kelly is a musician, producer, and writer who spent nearly 20 years as the co-songwriter and singer of the band A Fragile Tomorrow. With his band, Sean toured internationally with the likes of Indigo Girls, Matthew Sweet, The Bangles, K’s Choice, and Toad the Wet Sprocket, and released seven albums. He currently serves as co-founding editor of The Savanahian, a nonprofit digital news publication in Savannah, Georgia, and composes music for independent films. He lives in Savannah with his wife, Kennedy, and their two children.
Pre-order White Noise & Lightning: The Continental Drifters Story (book) and We Are All Drifters: A Tribute to the Continental Drifters (album) here.
We’re All Drifters: A Tribute to the Continental Drifters
Double CD • 25 Songs
We’re All Drifters: A Tribute to the Continental Drifters
Proceeds from Tribute CD sales will go to benefit the Wild Honey Foundation.
Disc 1
Don Dixon – The Mississippi
Rob Laufer – The Rain Song
Marshall Crenshaw – Darlin Darlin
Rosie Flores & the Talismen – Christopher Columbus Transcontinental Highway
Annette Zilinskas – Dallas
The Iguanas – Side Steppin’ the Fire
Tara Austin & Lyn Bertles – Tomorrow’s Gonna Be
Jolene – Spring Day in Ohio
Robbie Rist – Invisible Boyfriend
Candace Maché – Heart, Home
Equation – Don’t Do What I Did
Debbi Peterson & The Minus 5 – Who We Are
Disc 2
Annie Clements & the Auxiliary Drifters – Drifters
Danny McGough, Alex McMurray, and Glenn Hartman – Mezzanine
George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners – Peaceful Waking
Martha Gehman – Here I Am
Caitlin Cary – I Want To Learn To Waltz With You
Derrick Anderson – No One Cares
John Cowsill – Watermark
Kim Richey + Kettle of Hawks Snow
Steve Wynn – Green
Danielle Howle & Mark Bryan – Meet Me In The Middle
Dayna Kurtz & Robert Mache – Long While
Garrison Starr – Mixed Messages
Bobby Houck – Anything
Chani Nattan, Inderpal Moga & AR Paisley Bring Punjabi-English Hip-Hop To Viral Hip Hop Platform On The Radar
Chani Nattan, Inderpal Moga, and AR Paisley blaze a trail as the first Canadian South Asian trio to showcase Punjabi hip-hop on the viral platform On The Radar.
Shot in New York City, the trio delivered a dynamic freestyle performance on the platform ahead of their upcoming joint EP available on all platforms Friday, August 9th. PRE-SAVE the upcoming album here.
On The Radar, which has boasted performances from the likes of Drake & Central Cee, Lil Baby, Lil Yachty and more amongst other notable rap talents marks AR Paisley’s second freestyle on the platform. Watch Paisley’s first On The Radar freestyle HERE.
The trio will also appear on the infamous NYC based hip-hop platform From The Block, for an exclusive performance of ‘Block Boys,’ a track from their upcoming joint EP East to West. Their performance of “Block Boys” releasing Monday, August 12th, was shot outside the authentic Punjabi Deli and Grocery store, a location that speaks to both the cultural connection and relevance of the upcoming project and its theme of bridging the gap between Eastern and Western Culture.
The recorded live performances lead into the release of their highly anticipated joint EP East To West via 91 North Records. East to West, a timeless 7 track tape will give listeners an authentic fusion of authentic western hip hop sounds inspired by early 2000s rap and South Asian melodies.
Born and raised in Surrey, B.C., Chani Nattan is a lyrical alchemist transforming the music industry with his innovative approach. Nurtured by 2000s hip hop and Punjabi artists like Jazzy B, Chani’s unique storytelling ability seamlessly blends genres, fusing his cultural heritage with contemporary sounds. His partnership with singer/songwriter Inderpal Moga epitomizes his belief that “lyrics only go so far until you have a voice for them,” creating a symphony of talents that merges writing, lyricism, and composition. Their breakthrough came in 2021 with “Daku,” amassing 1 billion Spotify streams in India and 200 million YouTube views. This success catapulted Chani into collaborations with artists like Diljit Dosanjh and Sukha, showcasing his versatility in crafting hits across genres. Recently signed to 91 North Records, a joint venture between Warner Music Canada and India, Chani and Inderpal continue to make waves with viral hits like the debut release with 91 North Records,“FaceTime.” Chani’s music, a kaleidoscope of sounds appealing to a global audience, reflects his journey as an artist. Viewing 91 North as “the only bridge between North America and India,” Chani remains creatively motivated by like-minded individuals. His story of dedication, innovation, and collaboration motivates aspiring artists to stay true to their visions, solidifying Chani’s place as a pillar of the evolving genre.
Canada’s rising South Asian hip hop maverick, AR Paisley, conveys raw vulnerability through his explosive verses that has earned him 100+ million streams across all DSPs and 60+ million views on YouTube. As XXL Magazine observed in 2019, “the Mississauga rapper has already become a mainstay on Spotify’s curated playlist and it’s only a matter of time until the rest of the world catches up.” What followed was recognition as Hip Hop/Rap Artist of the Year at Canadian Music Week (2023) and his On The Radar freestyle, a testament to his lyrical prowess, further solidifying his position as a true luminary in the genre. AR Paisley’s influence extends far beyond Canadian borders, leaving an indelible mark on international markets through electrifying tours alongside AP Dhillon and Sidhu Moose Wala. His captivating stage presence and undeniable talent culminated in a sold-out Toronto date during his own headlining Canadian tour. In tandem with his musical conquests, AR Paisley’s ‘Paisley’ fashion line has cultivated a devoted and independent following, fueled by its limited-edition designs that transcend mere apparel, encapsulating a lifestyle and culture uniquely his own.
Shawn Mendes Announces New Self-Titled Album, Shawn, Out October 18
Today, multi-platinum, GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes announced that his new self-titled album, Shawn, will be released on October 18th via Island Records/Universal Music Canada. Pre-order it here. Shawn’s fifth studio release draws deeply from his travels and experiences over the last few years, following the cancellation of his 2022 tour. It represents his most musically intimate and lyrically honest work to date, guiding listeners through a profound self-dialogue with each song. Written and recorded over the course of two years, the project was crafted in diverse locations including Nosara, Costa Rica; Clubhouse Studio in Rhinebeck, NY; Bear Creek Studio in Washington State; Darkhorse Recordings in Nashville; and Electric Lady in New York City.
The album was written & co-produced by Mendes, alongside collaborators Scott Harris, Mike Sabath (Raye’s “My 21st Century Blues”), Nate Mercereau (Andre 3000 “New Blue Sun”), and Eddie Benjamin, with additional songs co-written by GRAMMY award winning writer Amy Allen and Ethan Gruska (Bon Iver and Phoebe Bridgers). The record also features instrumentation from the Punch Brothers’ Chris Thile.
In a heartfelt message on Instagram about the album, Shawn shared, “Music really can be medicine. 2 years ago I felt like I had absolutely no idea who I was. A year ago I couldn’t step into a studio without falling into complete panic. So to be here right now with 12 beautiful finished songs feels like such a gift. Honestly thank god for my friends and family. Life can be brutal but having a small group of people you deeply trust to walk you through makes it so much better. I have no idea how I would have made it through the last couple years let alone make an album without you. Scott, Mike, Eddie, Andrew, Ziggy, Sylvie, Rachel, Brian, Prash, Sarah, Meghan, Connor, Tony, Aaliyah, mum, dad, Jocelyne, H.O.M, Matty. All of my Friends and Family, thank you for loving on me so hard. And to you guys who have been so unbelievably supportive and patient and loving thank you from the bottom of my heart. I really hope you love this album, I do. I really really do. I hope it makes you feel warm and close to the earth like it does for me.”
The album’s lead single, “Why Why Why,” alongside “Isn’t That Enough,” will both be released on August 8. Alongside the announcement today, Shawn released a video for “Isn’t That Enough” as an album trailer and can be seen here.
GRAMMY-nominated & multi-platinum singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes was born in Toronto, ON and has released 4 acclaimed studio albums, with his 5th studio album “Shawn” due out in the Fall of 2024. His most recent album Wonder debuted as #1 on the Billboard 200 Chart and in multiple worldwide markets, marking Shawn’s fourth straight #1 album. In 2019 Shawn was nominated for a GRAMMY for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” for “Señorita,” his hit single with Camila Cabello.
In 2018 he released his self-titled platinum album, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 Chart as well as multiple worldwide markets. The album became one of the top best-selling album debuts of 2018 and made Shawn the third youngest solo artist to ever have three consecutive #1 albums. Shawn was also nominated in two categories for the 61st annual GRAMMY® Awards for his tracks from the album, including “Song of the Year” for “In My Blood” and “Best Pop Vocal Album” for SHAWN MENDES. The same year Shawn debuted his 3x platinum single, “If I Can’t Have You,” at #1 on iTunes and #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. With “Señorita” at #1 and “If I Can’t Have You” at #2, Shawn is the first male solo artist ever to simultaneously hold the #1 and #2 place on the Top 40 chart. On his last world tour, he sold out his first ever stadium show in minutes at Rogers Centre in his hometown of Toronto.
In April 2017, Shawn released his 6x platinum hit “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back.” The track scored Shawn his second #1 single at Top 40 radio and on Billboard’s Pop Songs chart, joining his 8x platinum single “Stitches.” Shawn has over 62 billion global streams and 13 billion video views. He topped Billboard’s “21 Under 21” in 2017 and 2018 and has been featured on Forbes “30 Under 30,” Spotify’s “25 Under 25,” and Time Magazine’s “Time 100 Most Influential”. In 2018, ROI Influencer Media recognized Shawn as the #1 Most Influential Artist and #1 Most Influential Teen across all social media platforms.
In 2019 Shawn launched The Shawn Mendes Foundation, which seeks to inspire Shawn’s audience, the youth generation of today—to learn about those causes that they are passionate about and help empower them to use the voice they have to bring change to the world by taking action & giving back. As part of its ongoing mission, the Foundation provides resources and support to amplify the voices, messages, and platforms of young leaders driving positive change.
John Lennon’s “I’m the Greatest” Featuring George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and Klaus Voormann Available Now to Stream for First Time as Part of Mind Games (The Ultimate Mixes)
In 1973, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr reunited in the studio for the first time since the breakup of The Beatles in 1970 to record the song “I’m The Greatest” for Ringo’s eponymous solo album released that year. Recorded at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles in March 1973, John, George and Ringo were joined by long time Beatles’ associates Klaus Voormann on bass and Billy Preston on organ, with producer Richard Perry at the helm. This would be the only time the three former Beatles recorded together between the band’s breakup and John’s death in 1980.
“I’m The Greatest” was written by John in 1970 shortly after the world’s most famous band broke up and was inspired both by Muhammed Ali’s famous catchphrase and watching the first UK television broadcast of “A Hard Day’s Night.” John then tailored the wry lyrics for Ringo to sing several years later. “I couldn’t sing it,” John told Playboy in 1980. “But it was perfect for Ringo. He could say, ‘I’m the greatest’ and people wouldn’t get upset. Whereas if I said ‘I’m the greatest,’ they’d all take it so seriously.” Ringo commented, “It’s very tongue in cheek. Only [John] could have written it and only I could have sung it.”
Available now to stream for the first time ever is “I’m The Greatest” (Ultimate Mix) with John’s guide vocal from the original session as the lead vocal. The song has been newly mixed from the original tapes by triple Grammy Award-winning mixer Paul Hicks and engineer Sam Gannon and overseen by producer Sean Ono Lennon.
“I’m The Greatest” is one of two bonus tracks, alongside “Rock ‘N’ Roll People,” included on the digital-only release of the new Mind Games (Ultimate Mixes). Both songs are included as hidden tracks on the acclaimed new box, Mind Games – The Ultimate Collection, the definitive deep dive into John’s oft-overlooked and underappreciated 1973 album. Also available today digitally is Mind Games (The Elemental Mixes) with the addition of the unreleased track, “You Are Here” (Out-take, take 4). The Elemental Mixes present the songs as stripped back simpler, lean-back arrangements with John’s voice to the fore, and without drums.
Stream Mind Games (Ultimate Mixes), featuring “I’m The Greatest” and “Rock ‘N’ Roll People,” here: https://johnlennon.lnk.to/TumPR
Stream Mind Games (The Elemental Mixes), featuring “You Are Here” (Out-take, take 4) here: https://johnlennon.lnk.to/TEM
Mind Games – The Ultimate Collection offers six different unique listening experiences that are at once immersive and intimate, ranging from the brand new Ultimate Mixes of the timeless album, which put John’s vocals front and center and sonically upgrade the sound, to the Elements Mixes, which isolate and bring forth certain instruments from the multitrack recordings to highlight playing previously buried in the original mix, and the Raw Studio Mixes, which allows listeners to hear the recording that John and The Plastic U.F.Ono Band laid to tape, mixed raw and live without vocals effects, tape delays or reverbs.
Additional bonus tracks hidden throughout the Mind Games – The Ultimate Collection box set will be released digitally every two weeks leading up to what would have been John Lennon’s 84th birthday on October 9.
MIND GAMES (THE ULTIMATE MIXES)
1. Mind Games
2. Tight A$
3. Aisumasen (I’m Sorry)
4. One Day (At A Time)
5. Bring On The Lucie (Freeda Peeple)
6. Nutopian International Anthem
7. Intuition
8. Out The Blue
9. Only People
10. I Know (I Know)
11. You Are Here
12. Meat City
13. I’m The Greatest
14. Rock ‘N’ Roll People
Billie Eilish Joins Charli XCX for “Guess”
Billie Eilish teams up with long-time friend Charli xcx for “Guess featuring Billie Eilish.” Listen HERE.
The iconic duo both appear in the official music video, also out today, directed by Aidan Zamiri.
All bras and underwear used in the music video have been donated to “I Support The Girls.” ISTG collects and distributes essential items, including bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products, allowing people experiencing homelessness, impoverishment, or distress to stand tall with dignity. isupportthegirls.org
“Guess featuring Billie Eilish” follows the release of two of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2024; Billie EIlish’s third studio album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT and Charli xcx’s sixth studio album BRAT.
On September 29, Billie Eilish will embark on her North American HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR. Her U.K., European, and Australian leg of the tour starts in 2025. For more information go to: www.billieeilish.com
HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR – NORTH AMERICAN DATES
Sun Sep 29 – Québec, QC – Centre Videotron
Tue Oct 01 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Wed Oct 02 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Fri Oct 04 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
Sat Oct 05 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Mon Oct 07 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Wed Oct 09 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
Fri Oct 11 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Sun Oct 13 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
Wed Oct 16 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Thu Oct 17 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Fri Oct 18 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Sat Nov 02 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Sun Nov 03 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Wed Nov 06 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Fri Nov 08 – Cincinnati, OH – Heritage Bank Center
Sun Nov 10 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
Mon Nov 11 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
Wed Nov 13 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Thu Nov 14 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Sat Nov 16 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
Sun Nov 17 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center Omaha
Tue Nov 19 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Wed Nov 20 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Tue Dec 03 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
Thu Dec 05 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Fri Dec 06 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Sun Dec 08 – Portland, OR – Moda Center
Tue Dec 10 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center at San Jose
Wed Dec 11 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center at San Jose
Fri Dec 13 – Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena
Sun Dec 15 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum
Mon Dec 16 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum
Tue Dec 17 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum
Shawn Mendes Announces Intimate Theater Shows Performing Upcoming Album “Shawn”
Today, multi-platinum, GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes announced a limited run of intimate shows in cities where he recorded his new album. The announcement follows Shawn’s exciting news from yesterday that his new self-titled album, Shawn, will be released on October 18. Pre-order it here. During these shows, Shawn will perform the forthcoming album live in its entirety for fans in an intimate theater setting in locations including Woodstock, NY., London, Nashville, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Watch a trailer for the shows here.
About the shows, Shawn wrote on Instagram, “For my friends and family 🤍 wanted the first shows back to be special & to play this album for you live in the places we recorded it. I’ve never played an album top to bottom before but it’s already one of my favourite shows i’ve ever rehearsed. I love you guys, the band and I can’t wait to see you!”
A limited number of randomly selected fans will be given the chance to purchase tickets by signing up during the designated registration window for each show. UK fans can receive a code by pre-ordering the new album on the Shawn’s UK webstore by Monday, August 5th at 10am BST. To sign up and see full registration information for all shows, click here. The Bearsville show will go on sale Friday, August 2nd for fans that register via the ticket request system powered by Seated. For all other shows, fans who receive presale codes can purchase tickets on Tuesday, August 6th at 10am local time during the “Friends & Family Fan Onsale.” For London only, there will be a small public on sale allotment that will go on sale to fans on Tuesday, August 6th at 2pm local time.
The new album is Shawn’s fifth studio release and draws deeply from his travels and experiences over the last few years, following the cancellation of his 2022 tour. It represents his most musically intimate and lyrically honest work to date, guiding listeners through a profound self-dialogue with each song. Written and recorded over the course of two years, the project was crafted in diverse locations including Nosara, Costa Rica; Clubhouse Studio in Rhinebeck, NY; Bear Creek Studio in Washington State; Darkhorse Recordings in Nashville; and Electric Lady in New York City.
The album was written & co-produced by Mendes, alongside collaborators Scott Harris, Mike Sabath (Raye’s “My 21st Century Blues”), Nate Mercereau (Andre 3000 “New Blue Sun”), and Eddie Benjamin, with additional songs co-written by GRAMMY award winning writer Amy Allen and Ethan Gruska (Bon Iver and Phoebe Bridgers). The record also features instrumentation from the Punch Brothers’ Chris Thile.
The album’s lead single, “Why Why Why,” alongside “Isn’t That Enough,” will both be released on August 8. Alongside the album announcement, Shawn released a video for “Isn’t That Enough” as an album trailer and can be seen here.
GRAMMY-nominated & multi-platinum singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes was born in Toronto, ON and has released 4 acclaimed studio albums, with his 5th studio album Shawn due out in the Fall of 2024. His most recent album Wonder debuted as #1 on the Billboard 200 Chart and in multiple worldwide markets, marking Shawn’s fourth straight #1 album. In 2019 Shawn was nominated for a GRAMMY for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” for “Señorita,” his hit single with Camila Cabello.
In 2018 he released his self-titled platinum album, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 Chart as well as multiple worldwide markets. The album became one of the top best-selling album debuts of 2018 and made Shawn the third youngest solo artist to ever have three consecutive #1 albums. Shawn was also nominated in two categories for the 61st annual GRAMMY® Awards for his tracks from the album, including “Song of the Year” for “In My Blood” and “Best Pop Vocal Album” for SHAWN MENDES. The same year Shawn debuted his 3x platinum single, “If I Can’t Have You,” at #1 on iTunes and #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. With “Señorita” at #1 and “If I Can’t Have You” at #2, Shawn is the first male solo artist ever to simultaneously hold the #1 and #2 place on the Top 40 chart. On his last world tour, he sold out his first ever stadium show in minutes at Rogers Centre in his hometown of Toronto.
In April 2017, Shawn released his 6x platinum hit “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back.” The track scored Shawn his second #1 single at Top 40 radio and on Billboard’s Pop Songs chart, joining his 8x platinum single “Stitches.” Shawn has over 62 billion global streams and 13 billion video views. He topped Billboard’s “21 Under 21” in 2017 and 2018 and has been featured on Forbes “30 Under 30,” Spotify’s “25 Under 25,” and Time Magazine’s “Time 100 Most Influential”. In 2018, ROI Influencer Media recognized Shawn as the #1 Most Influential Artist and #1 Most Influential Teen across all social media platforms.
In 2019 Shawn launched The Shawn Mendes Foundation, which seeks to inspire Shawn’s audience, the youth generation of today—to learn about those causes that they are passionate about and help empower them to use the voice they have to bring change to the world by taking action & giving back. As part of its ongoing mission, the Foundation provides resources and support to amplify the voices, messages, and platforms of young leaders driving positive change.
Shawn Mendes Performing “Shawn” the Album Live
August 8th – Woodstock, NY – Bearsville Theater
August 13th – London, UK – Theatre Royal Drury Lane
October 14th – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
October 18th – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount
October 22nd – Los Angeles, CA – The Ford
October 24 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre
Singer-Songwriter Sheena Legrand Releases Anthemic New Single “Heroes in the Making”
After devoting her musical journey to process and express her own personal life and revelations, Canadian contemporary songstress Sheena Legrand proves on her newest release that she can flawlessly push the boundaries of her own artistry. Her latest single, “Heroes in the Making,” is an inspiring pop anthem that explores the innocence and resilience of becoming the hero in your own story.
Along with producer Bryan Livaudais, Legrand wanted to write a hero-themed song. After overcoming her own initial hesitation, the singer-songwriter decided she wanted to write a song about a hero inspired by classic contemporary artists like Mariah Carey and Enrique Iglesias – despite how cheesy she thought they could often be.
“I hear these songs differently now since my dad passed away last year,” she says of the single. “‘Heroes in the Making’ is dedicated to him and all the souls out there who leave big shoes for their children to fill. Not because they were perfect or invincible, but because they set an example worth striving for.”
Serving as a heartfelt soundtrack to the relationship with her late father, Legrand says “Hero in the Making” is ultimately inspired by her father rising up to the role of being a great dad and supporting both his wife and children over the years.
She adds, “And just as children play and use their imaginations, I think of a world where everyone seeking to grow into their highest calling can see themselves as the hero in their own story. That this wild possibility brings out the best in each of us no matter the hardships we’ve lived through, and maybe even because of those hardships. That we somehow see the best in others, even when we’re lost or hurting. The more I live to hear the stories of others around me, the more my belief is strengthened. That’s what ‘Heroes in the Making’ is all about.”
The track initially began to come to life after Legrand enrolled herself in a songwriting course with Catch the Moon Music. As songwriters received monthly assignments and were instructed to collaborate with as many artists as possible, Legrand soon became curious of what might come out of her artistry if she collaborated with many different people. Soon, her collaboration with Livaudais was born, and the songwriting that followed was nearly effortless.
“It’s interesting that Bryan and I were never in the same room!” Legrand says. “We just emailed ideas and tracks back and forth and met over Zoom a couple times. I found it was a really easy co-write because he just seemed to get the concept right from the beginning. It was like he could read my mind, and everything just flowed. I think you can hear that in this track.”
Within the track, listeners will find a deeply emotional message supported by a reassuring contemporary pop musicality. As she balances delicacy and playfulness, strength and vulnerability, excitement and peace, Legrand’s musicality will undoubtedly move both the body and the mind.
Formerly known as Sheena Grobb until the release of her previous single “Green Light,” Sheena Legrand is a Winnipeg-based, Manitoba-born multi-instrumentalist, indie-folk/pop songwriter, and West Canadian Music Awards nominee. As she tackles her music career head on, Legrand also balances this with her side work as a public speaker who uses music, storytelling, and mindfulness to help schoolchildren who deal with mental health struggles, bullying, or low self-esteem. Additionally, she is also a part-time health coach who specializes in helping patients to survive autoimmune disease – something she has struggled with herself.
With the release of her two recent singles, Legrand is returning from a 10-year recording hiatus to serve as an empowering feminist icon within the Canadian music world. Within this new era of her artistry, Legrand is setting out to release Back To Life, her first full-length studio album since her three albums under the moniker Sheena Grobb. As she looks within and takes on an advocating role within her work, Legrand says this will be reflected on the upcoming album.
“I’m excited to share the full concept of Back To Life, and how it relates to the classic hero’s journey. More to come!”
Roots Musician John Dawson Speaks To Life’s Big Picture With “Things That I Meant To Say” From ‘Outlier’ Album
One of life’s bigger events is the birth of a child and the dichotomy that comes for parents. On one hand there’s the joy of seeing a little bundle of joy while on the other there is the fear and stress of how to look after and care for that same little bundle of joy. For John Dawson, his latest single “Things That I Meant To Say” serves as a credo to tell his child of the wholehearted love and support they’ll have regardless of what unexpected twists, turns or hurdles life has in store.
“The song essentially serves as a list of things I wanted to make sure my child knew no matter what challenges life presented to our relationship,” Dawson says. “It is also the picture of the ideal parent I hope to be as I moved into this new adventure: an example of unconditional and unwavering love ‘until my days are done.’ Above all, I believe it’s a song that serves as a reminder to me during those inevitably challenging times of that one thing which truly matters above all else: love.”
“Things That I Meant To Say” is lyrically economical as Dawson says so much in so few words, getting to the heart of the matter with an approach that recalls the late JJ Cale, Mark Knopfler or the underappreciated singer-songwriter Tim Easton. Dawson’s guitar work is accompanied by Anthony D’Angela on drums and percussion while bassist Manny DeGrandis rounds out the pristine piece of words melded with music. And the thoughtful middle instrumental section is just the icing on this enjoyable sonic cake.
Rest assured, for all it gives you,
The world can take as much.
But rest assured that it can’t take from you
What’s given you in love.
Though my love for you is yours, and yours alone
Remember: love freely shown is freely grown.
The single easily falls alongside such parent-child narratives such as Harry Chapin’s “Cat’s In The Cradle” and John Lennon’s “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy),” intent on making each moment count, not waiting for the right or perfect time for a parent to express their love to their child.
“Things That I Meant To Say” is the latest single from Dawson’s new studio album Outlier. The nine-track effort, produced by Adam Brunner, features Dawson with D’Angela and DeGrandis on songs including the reflective, folksy “Life Just Came To Me” that brings to mind Ron Sexsmith at his finest. Meanwhile “Mend In My Ways” shows a simplicity few singer-songwriters can lay claim while the jazzy, roots instrumental “Merry and Pippin” shows another side of Dawson’s musical depth.
Dawson, who besides his music also co-hosts a weekly professional wrestling radio program called Ringside Heat, cites inspirations such as Eric Clapton, the late George Harrison, Paul Simon and Knopfler for crafting and shaping his musical career. He’s also a graduate of the Humber College Music program and graduated from York University with degrees in both Education and Music.
Now with his tender, straightforward new single “Things That I Meant To Say” and a studio album it’s clear John Dawson’s music is an outlier in the best way possible.
Folk Singer-Songwriter Erika Kulnys Courageously Speaks Out Against Domestic Violence On “Black Swan”
Singer-songwriter Erika Kulnys’ new single “Black Swan” is aching and melancholy, with introspective guitar and deeply heartfelt vocals that go beyond typical grief or sadness.
The song was written after an abusive relationship, one in which Kulnys suffered physical and emotional abuse. “It’s about reckoning with despair and finding the dawn after the long night,” she says.
The song was written and recorded over the course of not only a metaphorical journey, but an actual one. Kulnys began writing “Black Swan” at the Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival, and then finished it after finally leaving the relationship while traveling in the north of Ireland. She then recorded it in Habana Cuba at EGREM studios and Silvio Rodriguez’s Ojalá studio. The second guitar part is by Manuel Alejandro Vaillant, who she met while living in Cuba.
The song touches on the larger theme of her album Stand Together. Stand Together is about empowerment and solidarity, and Erika hopes this song raises awareness about same sex abuse, a subject that’s still taboo and remains largely untouched by the media. There are still significant barriers to lesbians seeking help. Lesbians often do not report abuse to police for fear of prejudice, and in many places, the law fails to protect same sex partners. Police often assume the abuse is mutual and are more likely to arrest both members of the couple. Women’s shelters and organisations may not be open to serving lesbians.
“Black Swan” captures a very harrowing point in Erika’s life, and the healing continues. “The abuse, and leaving, was incredibly hard,” she says. “I haven’t been the same since, but I have learned a lot about discernment, boundaries, and I am more prudent in giving my trust and my heart.” She adds, “May all people be respected and may women and trans people find the strength to leave abusive situations and develop good self-esteem and self-respect.”
