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k.d. lang and Gilles Godard Celebrated in New Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Exhibition

The National Music Centre (NMC) is proud to announce the launch of a new temporary exhibition in partnership with the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®). Treasured Alberta singer-songwriter k.d. lang and renowned Ontario-born industry builder Gilles Godard will be featured in the updated Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame exhibition, set to open on September 11 in Calgary. Coinciding with the kick-off of Country Music Week in Edmonton from September 11-14, where both inductees will be celebrated, the exhibition will showcase a collection of memorabilia that reflects the remarkable careers and contributions of these two Canadian icons.

Artist inductee k.d. lang, known for her distinctive voice, playful attitude, and genre-defying music, has left an unforgettable mark on the world of country music and beyond. With many awards and accolades, including four GRAMMY awards, eight JUNO Awards, 10 CCMA Awards, a BRIT Award, an AMA, a VMA, four awards from GLAAD, and the Order of Canada, lang’s contributions have transcended borders and genres, making her a true Canadian original. The exhibition showcases memorabilia, instruments, and outfits that belonged to lang, highlighting her eclectic style and the evolution of her career. Featuring thrift-store finds, Nudie Suits, clothing designed for her hit songs, “Miss Chatelaine” and “Constant Craving,” and items that have never been displayed before, such as a hand-made diorama made for the cover of lang’s 1987 album with the Reclines, Angel With A Lariat, the display captures her journey from a rising star in the 1980s to a celebrated icon. 

“It’s such an honour to be inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, and I’m thrilled to have some of my favourite outfits on display at the National Music Centre,” said k.d. lang. “These items represent so many meaningful moments in my career, and I love having a place for my fans to see them showcased. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is a deeply humbling experience, and I’m grateful to be celebrated alongside so many incredible artists.”

Stan Klees Builder inductee Gilles Godard has been a driving force in the music industry for over five decades, and currently serves as President of Anthem Music Publishing Nashville. A publishing powerhouse, he played a key role in acquiring the Jody Williams Music catalog, which includes copyrights for several songs by Taylor Swift; the Better Angels Catalog, featuring Cody Johnson’s 2023 GRAMMY award-winning #1 hit single, “Til You Can’t,” and many more. As an accomplished musician, songwriter, record producer, record label founder and music publishing executive, with over 400 songs recorded by various artists, he has helped shape the careers of many prominent artists, earning him a well-deserved place in the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.

“To work in an industry that I absolutely love and that I am still passionate about is a true blessing,” said Gilles Godard. “To receive this honour is simply amazing considering everyone who opened the doors and helped me find my way here!”

Visitors will get to know Godard’s impact through photos, storytelling, and displays of some of his awards, including a 1986 RPM Big Country Award for Top Country Producer, bestowed to him while still in his 20s, and a 2017 RIAA Diamond Album Award for over 10 million sales of Taylor Swift’s Grammy-winning album, Fearless.

“National Music Centre is proud to highlight the remarkable careers of k.d. lang and Gilles Godard in this special exhibition, timed perfectly with the excitement surrounding the CCMA Awards presented by TD in Edmonton,” said Andrew Mosker, President and CEO, NMC. “One of NMC’s first major exhibitions at Studio Bell – and one of its most popular – featured many of k.d. lang’s stage outfits. We’re excited to dive into k.d.’s archive, and bring some of those outfits out once again, along with some items that have not been displayed before. Gilles Godard has also loaned us some extraordinary pieces for the exhibition that capture his pivotal role in discovering and nurturing talent and securing influential music catalogs. After the CCMA Awards presented by TD wrap in Edmonton, we hope country fans from across Alberta and Canada make the trip to Calgary to check out the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame that is permanently housed in our province.”

“k.d. lang’s groundbreaking artistry and Gilles Godard’s visionary contributions have both elevated and shaped country music, not just in Canada, but globally,” said Amy Jeninga, President, CCMA. “We’re thrilled to celebrate their legacies and their impact on our country music community with this new exhibition in partnership with the National Music Centre.”

As the official permanent home of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, National Music Centre is the custodian of more than 2,000 artifacts (textiles, instruments, and photos) within the CCMHF collection. Dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history and legacy of Canadian country music, the exhibition incorporates items from the 2024 inductees, as well as past honourees including Terri Clark, Paul Brandt, Anne Murray, Hank Snow, Michelle Wright, Ian Tyson, and many others. Also newly added to the exhibition this year is an interactive that encourages visitors to sit down and play along with a Hall of Fame artist. 

The updated Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame exhibition will be open to the public from September 11 to August 2025 at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. For more information on hours and admission, visit studiobell.ca/general-admission.

Wyatt Flores’ Highly Anticipated Full-Length Debut Welcome to the Plains Out October 18

Rising country artist Wyatt Flores will release his highly anticipated full-length debut album, Welcome To The Plains, October 18 on Island Records/Universal Music Canada (pre-order/pre-save here starting August 30). Ahead of the release, Flores’ new single, “Don’t Wanna Say Goodnight,” will debut tomorrow at 12:01am ET alongside an official music video.

Produced by Beau Bedford (Orville Peck, Shane Smith & The Saints) and recorded between Los Angeles and Asheville, Welcome To The Plains details Flores’ journey as he balances the struggle of leaving his hometown of Stillwater, OK with the highs and lows of life on the road. Across these 14 tracks, including songwriting collaborations with Old Crow Medicine Show’s Ketch Secor and Aaron Raitiere, Flores delivers the grounded and sincere storytelling he’s celebrated for, seamlessly blending traditional country and folk sounds.

Reflecting on the project, Flores shares, “It’s an album about home and a search for happiness. It’s an album about Stillwater, Oklahoma, and all the other little towns that have raised people like you and me. It’s an album about my family, and the people and places in my life who have defined who I am today. This album is happy on one side and heartbreak on the other, and whoever you are, I hope you find something you love in here.”

In celebration of the new music, Flores will embark on his “Welcome To The Plains Tour” this fall, which includes his largest headline shows to date. Upcoming stops include Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium (two nights), Brooklyn’s Brooklyn Paramount, Los Angeles’ Fonda Theatre (sold out), Tulsa’s Cain’s Ballroom (two nights), Boston’s House of Blues, Atlanta’s The Eastern, Chicago’s Vic Theatre, Pittsburgh’s Stage AE, Washington D.C.’s 9:30 Club and Fort Worth’s Billy Bob’s Texas among many others. See below for complete tour itinerary. Full details can be found here.

Born and raised in Oklahoma, the Mexican-American artist has established himself as one of country music’s most vital voices with his three previous EPs, including Half Life, which was released earlier this spring. Receiving widespread critical attention, The New York Times praised, “Wyatt Flores…Has a Superpower: Tapping Emotions,” while NPR Music declared, “a fantastic record…he is making a big splash out there” and Holler proclaimed, “Flores at his gloriously life affirming, existential best.”

Further adding to his breakout year, Flores is nominated for Emerging Act of the Year at the 2024 Americana Music Association Honors & Awards, was named one of Rolling Stone’s 25 “Future of Music” artists, selected as Amazon’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year, included in Spotify’s Hot Country Class of 2024 and CMT’s Listen Up class, and made his Grand Ole Opry debut earlier this year. Additionally, Flores has garnered over 325 million streams to date, saw his 2022 breakout single, “Please Don’t Go,” scale the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart and had his song “Before I Do” with Jake Kohn featured on the soundtrack for the new Twisters movie.

WELCOME TO THE PLAINS TRACK LIST
1. Welcome To The Plains
2. When I Die
3. Oh Susannah
4. Only Thing Missing Is You
5. Don’t Wanna Say Goodnight
6. Habits
7. Right Here with You
8. The Truth
9. Forget Your Voice
10. Angels Over You
11. Little Town
12. Stillwater
13. Falling Sideways
14. The Good Ones

WYATT FLORES CONFIRMED TOUR DATES
August 29—London, U.K.—Islington Assembly Hall
September 5—Tucson, AZ—Rialto Theatre
September 6—Santa Fe, NM—The Bridge at Santa Fe Brewing
September 7—El Paso, TX—Lowbrow Palace
September 12—Stephenville, TX—Twisted J Live (SOLD OUT)
September 13—Nacogdoches, TX—Banita Creek Hall (SOLD OUT)
September 14—Anahuac, TX—Texas Gatorfest
September 20—Louisville, KY—Bourbon & Beyond 2024
September 23—Berkeley, CA—The Greek Theatre Berkeley (SOLD OUT)
September 24—Berkeley, CA—The Greek Theatre Berkeley (SOLD OUT)
September 25—Stanford, CA—Frost Amphitheater
September 27—Sacramento, CA—Ace of Spades‡
September 28—Sacramento, CA—Ace of Spades‡
September 30—Los Angeles, CA—The Fonda Theatre‡ (SOLD OUT)
October 4—Quincy, WA—Gorge Amphitheatre^
October 5—Quincy, WA—Gorge Amphitheatre^
October 10—Oklahoma City, OK—The Criterion†
October 11—Dallas, TX—State Fair of Texas
October 12—College Station, TX—Live at The Station
October 17—Atlanta, GA—The Eastern+
October 18—Raleigh, NC—The Ritz+
October 19—Charlotte, NC—The Fillmore+
October 20—Simpsonville, SC—Greenville Country Music Fest
October 24—Oxford, MS—The Lyric*
October 25—Birmingham, AL—Avondale Brewing Company*
October 26—Little Rock, AR—The Hall#
October 29—Minneapolis, MN—First Avenue#
October 31—Chicago, IL—The Vic Theatre#
November 1—Rosemont, IL—Joe’s Live#
November 2—Madison, WI—The Sylvee#
November 12—Cincinnati, OH—Bogart’s*
November 13—Royal Oak, MI—Royal Oak Music Theatre*
November 15—Pittsburgh, PA—Stage AE*
November 16—Cleveland, OH—Agora Theatre*
November 17—Toronto, Ontario—Danforth Music Hall~ (SOLD OUT)
November 20—London, Ontario—London Music Hall~
November 22—Montreal, Quebec—Theatre Beanfield~
November 23—Ottawa, Ontario—Bronson Centre Music Theatre~
December 2—Washington, D.C.—9:30 Club**
December 3—Richmond, VA—The National**
December 4—Philadelphia, PA—The Fillmore‡‡
December 6—Brooklyn, NY—Brooklyn Paramount‡‡
December 7—Boston, MA—House of Blues‡‡
December 13—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium††
December 14—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium++
December 27—Fort Worth, TX—Billy Bob’s Texas
December 30—Tulsa, OK—Cain’s Ballroom##
December 31—Tulsa, OK—Cain’s Ballroom~~
*with special guest Noeline Hofmann
‡with special guest Brendan Walter
^supporting Luke Combs
†with special guest Lance Roark
+with special guest Kaitlin Butts
#with special guest Bo Staloch
~with special guest Zandi Holup
**with special guest Jake Kohn
‡‡with special guest Evan Honer
††with special guests The Great Divide and Lance Roark
++with special guests Evan Honer and Bo Staloch
##with special guests JR Carroll and Wyatt Baker
~~with special guests The Damn Quails and Lance Roark

Celebrate 40 Years of The Pogues with the ‘Red Roses For Me’ Anniversary Edition on Recycled Red Vinyl & Double-CD

To celebrate its 40th anniversary on the 15th October, The Pogues debut album ‘Red Roses For Me’ is to be reissued on two brand new formats: recycled red vinyl containing the 2013 remix of the album and a double-CD set, including the album and B-sides and a bonus disc of the band’s BBC sessions from 1984.

These anniversary formats will be released on 18th October and are available to pre-order here.

After four decades, ‘Red Roses For Me’ is still celebrated as a groundbreaking debut album from an unlikely group of supposed ne’er-do-wells from London’s Kings Cross in the convulsive aftermath of the re-election of the Thatcher government. The album mashes traditional songs and instrumentals – about death and drink, love and London – with those of frontman Shane MacGowan’s – and all fuelled by the punk ethos.

Irreverent, powerful, unique and spirited, ‘Red Roses For Me’ was the beginning of an incredible and unflinching journey for a London-Irish band whose music not only lights up playlists in December by virtue of the band’s beloved ‘Fairytale of New York’, but which also sparkles with the genius of its songwriting.

‘Red Roses For Me (40th Anniversary Edition)’ Tracklisting:

2CD Set
CD1 – 2013 Remix
1. Transmetropolitan
2. The Battle Of Brisbane
3. The Auld Triangle
4. Waxie’s Dargle
5. Boys From The County Hell
6. Sea Shanty
7. Dark Streets Of London
8. Streams Of Whiskey
9. Poor Paddy
10. Dingle Regatta
11. Greenland Whale Fisheries
12. Down In The Ground Where The Dead Men Go
13. Kitty
14. The Leaving Of Liverpool – Single B-Sides
15. Muirshin Durkin – Single B-Sides
16. Repeal Of The Licensing Laws – Single B-Sides
17. And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda – Single B-Sides
18. Whiskey You’re The Devil – Single B-Sides
19. The Wild Rover – Single B-Sides

CD2

BBC Sessions 1984
1. Streams Of Whiskey – John Peel Session 10th April 1984
2. Greenland Whale Fisheries – John Peel Session 10th April 1984
3. Boys From The County Hell – John Peel Session 10th April 1984
4. The Auld Triangle – John Peel Session 10th April 1984
5. Dingle Regatta/Holly Johnsons – David ‘Kid’ Jensen Session 21st June 1984
6. Poor Paddy On The Railway – David ‘Kid’ Jensen Session 21st June 1984
7. Boys From The County Hell – David ‘Kid’ Jensen Session 21st June 1984
8. Connemara, Let’s Go! – David ‘Kid’ Jensen Session 21st June 1984
9. Whiskey You’re The Devil – John Peel Session 4th December 1984
10. The Navigator – John Peel Session 4th December 1984
11. Sally MacLennane – John Peel Session 4th December 1984
12. Danny Boy – John Peel Session 4th December 1984

Single LP – 2013 Remix
Side A
1. Transmetropolitan
2. The Battle Of Brisbane
3. The Auld Triangle
4. Waxie’s Dargle
5. Boys From The County Hell
6. Sea Shanty
7. Dark Streets Of London

Side B
1. Streams Of Whiskey
2. Poor Paddy
3. Dingle Regatta
4. Greenland Whale Fisheries
5. Down In The Ground Where The Dead Men Go
6. Kitty

Odds Of The Biggest Bands To Reform

Now that the Gallagher Brothers in Oasis have put their differences aside, it’s time to revamp some of the odds with other bands potentially reforming. Even if math wasn’t your best subject, I think you’ll find my updated figures to be easily understandable

  1. Oasis: Odds: 2/1 – O̶a̶s̶i̶s̶, o̶n̶e̶ o̶f̶ t̶h̶e̶ m̶o̶s̶t̶ i̶c̶o̶n̶i̶c̶ b̶a̶n̶d̶s̶ o̶f̶ t̶h̶e̶ ‘9̶0̶s̶ B̶r̶i̶t̶p̶o̶p̶ e̶r̶a̶, i̶s̶ k̶n̶o̶w̶n̶ f̶o̶r̶ h̶i̶t̶s̶ l̶i̶k̶e̶ “W̶o̶n̶d̶e̶r̶w̶a̶l̶l̶” a̶n̶d̶ “D̶o̶n̶’t̶ L̶o̶o̶k̶ B̶a̶c̶k̶ i̶n̶ A̶n̶g̶e̶r̶.” D̶e̶s̶p̶i̶t̶e̶ t̶h̶e̶ G̶a̶l̶l̶a̶g̶h̶e̶r̶ b̶r̶o̶t̶h̶e̶r̶s̶’ f̶a̶m̶o̶u̶s̶l̶y̶ r̶o̶c̶k̶y̶ r̶e̶l̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶s̶h̶i̶p̶, r̶u̶m̶o̶r̶s̶ o̶f̶ a̶ r̶e̶u̶n̶i̶o̶n̶ h̶a̶v̶e̶ p̶e̶r̶s̶i̶s̶t̶e̶d̶ f̶o̶r̶ y̶e̶a̶r̶s̶, e̶s̶p̶e̶c̶i̶a̶l̶l̶y̶ w̶i̶t̶h̶ f̶a̶n̶s̶ a̶n̶d̶ m̶u̶s̶i̶c̶ i̶n̶s̶i̶d̶e̶r̶s̶ b̶e̶l̶i̶e̶v̶i̶n̶g̶ t̶h̶a̶t̶ t̶h̶e̶ l̶u̶r̶e̶ o̶f̶ a̶ m̶a̶s̶s̶i̶v̶e̶ r̶e̶u̶n̶i̶o̶n̶ t̶o̶u̶r̶ c̶o̶u̶l̶d̶ b̶r̶i̶n̶g̶ t̶h̶e̶m̶ b̶a̶c̶k̶ t̶o̶g̶e̶t̶h̶e̶r̶.
  2. Talking Heads: Odds: 10/1 – Talking Heads, led by David Byrne, were pioneers of the new wave movement with hits like “Psycho Killer” and “Once in a Lifetime.” The band has been inactive since the early ’90s, with Byrne focusing on solo projects. Despite Byrne’s repeated disinterest in a reunion, the band’s influential legacy keeps hopes alive for fans.
  3. The White Stripes: Odds: 12/1 – The White Stripes, consisting of Jack and Meg White, were a pivotal force in the garage rock revival of the early 2000s. Known for hits like “Seven Nation Army,” the duo disbanded in 2011. While Jack White has enjoyed a successful solo career, fans still speculate about a potential White Stripes reunion, though the odds are longer compared to other newer bands.
  4. ABBA: Odds: 300,000/1 -ABBA, the Swedish pop sensation behind classics like “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia,” shocked the world with their decision to return to the studio and create new music in recent years. The band’s reunion sparked hope among fans for a full-fledged tour, and although they have released new material, the odds of seeing them perform live together again are still high.
  5. Led Zeppelin: Odds: 50 Million/1 – As one of the greatest rock bands of all time, Led Zeppelin’s legacy looms large over the music industry. The band has only reunited a handful of times since their breakup in 1980, most notably for the 2007 Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert. Despite Robert Plant’s reluctance, the demand for a reunion remains immense, and fans continue to hope for one last tour.
  6. The Smiths: Odds: 6 trillion/1 – The Smiths, led by Morrissey and Johnny Marr, were one of the most influential indie bands of the ’80s. Their jangly guitars and poignant lyrics garnered a devoted following. Despite a bitter split, there have been occasional rumors of a reunion, though Marr and Morrissey have consistently dismissed the idea. However, the allure of a Smiths reunion is ever-present.
  7. R.E.M.: Odds: 7 gazillion/1 – R.E.M., the alternative rock band that brought us hits like “Losing My Religion” and “Everybody Hurts,” disbanded amicably in 2011. However, fans continue to speculate about a potential reunion. While the band members have shown little interest in reforming, the odds suggest that a reunion is not entirely out of the question, especially for a special event or cause.
  8. The Police: Odds: 80 Google/1 – The Police, fronted by Sting, were one of the most successful rock bands of the late ’70s and early ’80s, with hits like “Every Breath You Take” and “Roxanne.” The band reunited for a world tour in 2007, which was a massive success. Despite Sting’s focus on his solo career, the possibility of another reunion remains intriguing to both fans and the music industry.
  9. Genesis: Odds: 900 earths/1 – Genesis, the progressive rock band that later transitioned to a more pop-oriented sound, had a hugely successful career with hits like “Invisible Touch” and “Land of Confusion.” They reunited for a tour in 2021, leading to speculation that they might continue performing together. The odds of another reunion are bolstered by the success of their recent comeback but Phil Collins has even said he’s done.
  10.  Pink Floyd: Odds: pi to the power of 10 pi’s /1 – Pink Floyd, the legendary progressive rock band behind “The Dark Side of the Moon” and “Wish You Were Here,” reunited for Live 8 in 2005. Despite the death of founding member Richard Wright and the ongoing tensions between Roger Waters and David Gilmour, fans continue to hope for one final reunion of the surviving members, even if the odds are relatively long. Like, really long.

Oasis Reunion Tour: Everything You Need to Know About Tickets and Dates

he much-anticipated Oasis reunion is finally here, and the rush for tickets is about to kick off. With overwhelming demand already evident, the band has not only announced ticket prices but also added three new tour dates to their schedule.

Ticket Prices and New Tour Dates

Fans will need to budget between £73 for the most affordable seats and £506 for the premium packages, which come with exclusive perks. The new dates added to the tour are:

  • 16 July in Manchester
  • 30 July in London
  • 12 August in Edinburgh

As the excitement builds, even more dates may be announced when the pre-sale opens on Friday, with general sales following on Saturday.

Where and When Will Oasis Perform?

So far, the band has confirmed dates in the UK and Ireland for their world tour. Here’s the schedule as it stands:

  • Cardiff, Principality Stadium: 4, 5 July
  • Manchester, Heaton Park: 11, 12, 16, 19, 20 July
  • London, Wembley Stadium: 25, 26, 30 July; 2, 3 August
  • Edinburgh, Murrayfield Stadium: 8, 9, 12 August
  • Dublin, Croke Park: 16, 17 August

The extra dates announced this morning include shows in Manchester’s Heaton Park on 16 July, London’s Wembley Stadium on 30 July and Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on 12 August.

These are expected to be the only European dates for Oasis next year, but with the tour described as a “world tour,” international dates are likely on the horizon.

How to Access the Pre-Sale

To give as many fans as possible a fair shot at tickets, Oasis held a ballot for pre-sale access. Registration for the ballot closed on Wednesday, and those who entered were required to provide their contact details and answer a general knowledge question about the band.

Due to a last-minute surge in entries, many fans experienced delays in receiving confirmation emails. The band has extended the deadline to confirm ballot entries until 10:00 on Friday, and successful applicants will be notified by 17:00 on the same day with pre-sale access information. However, pre-sale does not guarantee tickets, as they will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

General Sale Information

If you miss out on the pre-sale, don’t worry. Tickets for the UK shows will go on general sale at 09:00 BST on Saturday, while Dublin tickets will be available an hour earlier.

Ticket Costs and Where to Buy

Here’s what you can expect in terms of pricing:

  • Standard standing tickets: Approximately £150
  • Standard seated tickets: Ranging from £73 to £205 (with Manchester being all-standing)
  • Premium packages: Between £216 and £506.25, including exclusive merchandise, access to a pre-show party, and a private Oasis exhibition, depending on the package and venue.

These prices reflect the face value, but be prepared for resale prices to soar due to high demand. Official ticket outlets include Ticketmaster, Gigsandtours, and SeeTickets. If you need to resell a ticket, you can only do so at face value through Twickets or Ticketmaster’s Fan-to-Fan service. Selling through other platforms could violate the terms and conditions, potentially resulting in ticket cancellations.

Beware of Scams

High demand for tickets also means a higher risk of scams. Consumer group Which? advises against buying tickets from unknown sellers on social media, especially from newly created profiles with little to no followers. Stick to official outlets to avoid getting scammed.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Oasis reunion tour unfolds!

Why More And More Artists Are Canceling Their Tours, And How Others Are Exceeding Expectations

Older artists canceling tours often face a combination of health concerns, logistical challenges, and personal reasons, while those who continue to tour successfully manage these factors differently.

Reasons for Canceling Tours:

  1. Health Issues: As artists age, health complications become more common. These might include physical ailments, mental health struggles, or general fatigue, making the demands of touring too strenuous.
  2. Pandemic Aftereffects: The COVID-19 pandemic has left lasting impacts on the live music industry. Some older artists may have heightened concerns about exposure to illness, especially in large crowds or extensive travel.
  3. Logistical Challenges: Touring requires significant physical and mental stamina. The rigorous schedule, constant travel, and lack of rest can be overwhelming, leading some artists to step back.
  4. Personal Priorities: Older artists might prioritize spending time with family, focusing on other interests, or simply enjoying retirement rather than enduring the grueling demands of touring.

Reasons Some Artists Continue to Tour:

  1. Good Health: Some older artists remain in good health and are able to maintain the physical stamina needed for touring.
  2. Passion and Drive: Many artists have a deep love for performing live, which can outweigh the challenges. This passion often drives them to continue touring despite their age.
  3. Support Systems: Successful touring artists often have strong support systems, including management, medical teams, and tour staff who help mitigate the physical and logistical challenges.
  4. Adapted Touring Styles: Some artists adjust their touring schedules, opting for fewer dates, shorter tours, or more comfortable travel arrangements, making it feasible to continue performing.
  5. Financial Motivation: For some, financial considerations play a role. Touring remains a significant source of income, especially in an era where record sales have declined.

In summary, the decision to cancel or continue touring is highly personal and depends on an artist’s health, passion, support systems, and ability to adapt to the demands of life on the road.

Maggie Andrew Wins Coveted Artist in Residence at National Music Centre

The National Music Centre (NMC) and Partake Brewing, a low-calorie leader of non-alcoholic craft beer, are pleased to announce that Halifax alt-pop singer-songwriter Maggie Andrew has been named the next NMC Artist in Residence presented by Partake Brewing.

 

Today, Andrew was named the grand prize winner of the CBC Music Searchlight 2024 competition. Her song, ”About Us,” was chosen by a jury of Canadian music industry leaders, out of hundreds of submissions from across Canada and awarded a five-day residency to explore and record inside NMC’s world-class facilities at Studio Bell in Calgary.

 

Maggie Andrew is a rising star, blending a rich mix of influences in her innovative (s)alt-pop, fusing the likes of irreverent punk, melodic rap, and edgy indie rock. With over 6 million global streams, she’s earned widespread recognition, winning the 2024 ECMA African Canadian Artist of the Year, placing as a finalist in the 2023 CBC Searchlight Top 10, and winning the SOCAN x Sirius XM Young Canadian Songwriters Award in 2021.

 

“Winning Searchlight is a pretty incredible feeling. I feel very proud of this accomplishment and so grateful to all of the people around me who have supported me,” said Andrew. “I’m so insanely excited to have the opportunity to create at the National Music Centre and record new music. The collection of instruments is pretty astounding and I’m really looking forward to exploring and experimenting with new vibes and sounds. Believe it or not, I’ve never visited Calgary before and winning Searchlight is giving me the chance to do everything I love, in a new environment.”

 

Andrew joins a list of esteemed artists who have also participated in NMC’s residency program including Tess Roby, who was announced as the first NMC Artist in Residence presented by Partake Brewing earlier this year, along with past CBC Music Searchlight winners Shawnee Kish, Mattmac, Chad Price, Jhyve, Shopé, and Aquakultre.

How Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies Power the Future of Gambling

By Mitch Rice

Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies have been occupying a lot of people’s time lately. Especially after bitcoin has become highly valued and people have made a huge profit from cryptocurrencies, people have started to pay more attention to cryptocurrencies. As such, blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies have changed and strengthened the future of many different sectors. Among them, of course, is the gambling industry. Since it is possible to pay with cryptocurrencies, betting people can use this to their advantage and have certain privileges by paying with cryptocurrencies in online casinos.

Fast and Low Cost Transactions

When users pay in fiat currencies, these payment methods usually charge quite a lot. The reason for this is that there are many different parties involved. When depositing or withdrawing money online, there is usually a third party, the bank, which will also charge a commission. But this will not be the case when paying with cryptocurrencies because, as mentioned earlier, blockchain technology has no center, which means that it will not be possible for any party to intervene. This means that international transactions can be done quickly, and the fees for these transactions will be very low. When we compare traditional bank transfers with cryptocurrencies, these transactions will be to the advantage of users. This means that players can access their winnings in a very short period of time. Crypto casinos can usually deposit your winnings in a day. Because of the security and speed that blockchain brings, players will be able to enjoy instant payout in crypto casinos. This will allow them to see their winnings in their bank accounts in a very short period of time, and they won’t have to wait for days compared to traditional payment methods.

Security and Transparency

When you get to the heart of blockchain technology, we see that this technology has a decentralized structure. The fact that this technology does not have a center means that users can make more secure and transparent transactions. Thanks to blockchain technology, there can be no manipulation in the results of the games and no problems in the payment processes. With blockchain technology, players know that the games they play are fair and that the money they win will be properly credited to their accounts. 

Anonymity and Privacy

For some players, anonymity is very important, and they don’t want to reveal their identity in online casinos. Or they may not want to give out personal information. In such a case, cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology are in their favor. Cryptocurrencies give users a great advantage in terms of anonymity and prevent them from sharing their identity, credit card, or account information with gambling platforms. When users share their sensitive information with an external site, it is much easier for them to be stolen or scammed. This is actually quite advantageous for online casinos as well because they can’t store their users’ information, which reduces the burden on them. When withdrawing money to the account with cryptocurrencies, the personal information of individuals is never shared, and the money earned is withdrawn directly to the account. We can say that cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology are the fast-rising artists of the modern era. 

Fair Play and Smart Contracts

With the help of blockchain technology, online casinos are now guaranteed fair gaming experiences, and this is actually taking the online fabric industry to the next level. To explain what these smart contracts are, they are essentially digital agreements that are coded on the blockchain, and within these agreements, the rules of the game, the payment terms, and their outcomes are automatically processed. With these agreements, the rules are followed at every stage of the game, which reduces the possibility of any manipulation or cheating to almost zero. For example, some smart contracts ensure that the player’s winnings are calculated and paid out instantly, making the process transparent and fair. This not only makes players feel safe but also takes a huge burden off the operators.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Photo Gallery: Deep Purple with Yes and Hannah Wicklund at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage

Deep Purple

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

Deep Purple
Deep Purple
Deep Purple
Deep Purple
Deep Purple
Deep Purple
Deep Purple
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Hannah Wicklund
Hannah Wicklund
Hannah Wicklund
Hannah Wicklund
Deep Purple

Why Versatile Exhibits Are Revolutionizing the Trade Show Industry

By Mitch Rice

Trade shows are among the best ways for businesses to showcase their products and gain access to various client bases. We live in a digital era, and there are possibilities of one being tempted to think that they can conduct all their marketing events online. Well, the truth is that exhibitions play a vital role in every business.

In trade shows, versatile exhibits play a vital role as they offer potential leads to the clients you encounter in person and make it easy for the customers to access your solutions. Below are reasons why versatile exhibits revolutionize the trade show industry; read on to find out more interesting facts.

Easy to modify

Businesses offering various products and services must have custom modular exhibition stands. These versatile exhibits can showcase a wide range of your business solutions. Suppose your business attends various events in a year and inhabits different spaces. In that case, you need something you can easily modify, which is why you need a versatile exhibit. It is easy to modify the display regularly, giving the clients much important information.

 

Versatile exhibits have features like lightweight table and shelf materials, making them easy to modify. The skin of the walls can be used to showcase the tagline, brand logo, images and graphics to attract essential leads.

Portability

Versatile exhibits are made up of lightweight materials like SEG fabric and aluminum. This makes it easy to transport them, unlike the traditional booths, which are heavy and require a lot of money and effort. An individual can carry and set up the versatile stands single-handedly within a few minutes.

Durability

Versatile exhibits are more durable because they can be packed and shipped efficiently. These trade show displays are durable and break free when shipped with care; this makes them last longer for multiple installations and dismantling. Versatile exhibits comprise aluminum, fiberglass, and materials like polyester and nylon, meaning the general spending on modular display exhibits is a long-term investment.

Versatility

Businesses that require frequent traveling are embracing modular trade show displays. Simple changes make it easy to customize them into required sizes and footprints. This saves the business from spending a lot of cash, time and effort.

Cost efficiency

Creating trade show booths takes work, as the process tends to be more expensive. Things have changed today thanks to the versatile exhibits since they can be reused and repurposed for various events. This saves on costs associated with designing and transporting them to various destinations. Additionally, setting the versatile exhibits is simple and easy, saving labor costs and making these versatile booths economical.

Direct sales opportunity

Versatile exhibits are not only there to aid you in marketing and exposure as they are also critical elements that offer the perfect opportunity for direct sales to hyper-invested individuals. You need attentive staff and an engaging product display to convert the casual individual at your booth to a customer within a few minutes.

Immediate feedback

The current business environment highly depends on data and informed decisions. Versatile exhibits offer businesses a chance to interact directly with the clients, making it easy for the business to get an authentic understanding of their solution’s strengths and sections that require attention for improvements.

Saves on space

Unlike traditional displays, versatile exhibits can greatly save you on the reserved space. Businesses no longer have to overcrowd their booth with a clunky traditional display. Versatile exhibit walls are sleek and modern, allowing clients to come into the booth to enquire about your products or services.

Good return on investment

Considering all the above benefits, the versatile exhibits can be a good source of ROI. They are reusable, require less funds and labor to transport and install them, and are suitable for large and small spaces. All this guarantees that all the funds spent on this versatile exhibit will be a good one-time investment.

Final Word

Customized modular exhibition stands are gaining popularity in the current trade show environment. These versatile displays benefit exhibitors in many ways. Therefore, consider having versatile exhibits if you plan to participate in any upcoming big trade show. With these displays, your trade show will be a success and memorable. To conclude, versatile exhibits offer businesses a great way to showcase products and link up with the attendees.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.