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Andrew Irving Releases New Single “If I’m Not Alright” to Support Mental Health Awareness

Eric Alper
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Andrew Irving Releases New Single “If I’m Not Alright” to Support Mental Health Awareness

Burlington, ON singer/songwriter Andrew Irving announces the release of his new single “If I’m Not Alright”. Produced by Carl Jennings, this track serves as an introspective and emotionally raw exploration of internal dialogue during a personal mental health struggle. The song speaks to the heart of these topics and addresses a sensitive issue that Irving believes requires open conversation to remove the stigma surrounding it.

The single originated during a late night on the road where Irving found himself alone in a hotel room riddled with anxiety and loneliness. He wrestled with the concept of what that means for people struggling with their mental health and opened his journal to pen the words “if I’m not alright, is that okay?”. Irving grabbed a guitar and sang the melody without censoring his words or thoughts.

This release represents the most personal piece of work Irving has composed to date. It functions as an anthem for those dealing with mental issues and aims to normalize the feelings many people deal with on a daily basis. The lyrics reflect this vulnerability with lines including “So take me out of this place / ‘Cause I’m drowning” and “From the outside / No one sees the pain”.

Longtime collaborator Mike McCormick provides melodic lead guitar parts that enhance the singer-songwriter stylings of the track. McCormick brings over 25 years of experience and a high level of energy to the performance. Drummer Dave Ellsworth contributes precision and a dynamic feel to the rhythm section. Ellsworth recently reunited with the band for live performances following reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation for a spinal injury.

The lineup features new bassist Nick Lawrence who joined Irving as a full-time band member in May 2025. Lawrence brings experience from the Halifax music scene and roots in R&B and Soul to the group. This collective share a history of performing on stages with acts including The Watchmen, Our Lady Peace, and I Mother Earth.

Andrew Irving and his bandmates will perform shows across Ontario through the fall and winter of 2025/2026 to support the release. These performances focus on supporting mental health initiatives and promoting normalizing conversations surrounding mental health issues. Irving is a prolific performer who captures the hearts of crowds across Europe, the USA, and Canada.

18-Year-Old Fiddler Irish Millie Earns Single of the Year Nomination and Folk Music Ontario Performing Artist of the Year Recognition + Announces Tour Dates

Eric Alper
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18-Year-Old Fiddler Irish Millie Earns Single of the Year Nomination and Folk Music Ontario Performing Artist of the Year Recognition + Announces Tour Dates

Irish Millie, the 18-year-old Canadian fiddler, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and composer who is taking the roots scene by storm, has released “You Were There,” the standout single from her acclaimed EP Between Then and Now. The track has earned the young artist her seventh Canadian Folk Music Award nomination, this time for Single of the Year. Simultaneously, she earned her fifth consecutive nomination for Young Performer of the Year, having been recognized in that category every year since the release of her debut album Thirteen in 2021.

The Peterborough native has also been recognized as a nominee for Folk Music Ontario’s 2025 Performing Artist of the Year, cementing her status as one of Canadian folk music’s most dynamic rising voices. Released on July 6, 2025, via LaunchPad Records, Between Then and Now showcases Irish Millie’s artistic evolution, blending East Coast drive, Bluegrass energy, and Contemporary Trad grit across four compelling tracks. “You Were There,” co-written with Matthew Cicciarella, features Millie on fiddle and vocals alongside Cicciarella on guitar, with Tyler Martin contributing electric guitar and additional string arrangements.

Produced by Martin at Electric Alchemy and mastered by Gregory Pastic, the song exemplifies Millie’s gift for crafting emotionally resonant material that honors tradition while pushing boundaries. The EP’s four tracks, including “Allison,” “Mystery to Me,” and “WASTED,” reveal different facets of Millie’s artistry. From the intimate fiddle and guitar interplay of “Allison” to the fuller arrangement of “WASTED” featuring piano and drums, the collection demonstrates her versatility as both performer and composer.

Her ability to play fiddle, vocals, piano, guitar, and foot percussion gives her music a distinctive sonic signature that has captivated audiences across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Her previous album GRACE earned praise from Celtic music royalty Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, who called it “Fresh, lively… cool tunes and great playing”. Alex Monaghan of FolkWorld Magazine wrote, “What most grabs me about Irish Millie’s music is the passion, full of fun, fire, and feeling for the music she loves”.

Irish Millie will embark on her second East Coast Holiday Tour with long-time music collaborator Luka Hall from December 27, 2025, to January 2, 2026, performing five intimate shows across Ontario. The mini-tour continues a growing holiday tradition for the pair, blending Millie’s lively Celtic folk fiddle tunes and Luka’s soulful acoustic songwriting. Each stop features stories, spontaneous collaborations, and plenty of audience sing-alongs, offering a cozy, communal way to close out the year and ring in the new one with music, laughter, and connection.

A past Peterborough Folk Festival Emerging Artist of the Year and recipient of the Peterborough Civic Award for Community Betterment for her “Fiddling for Fox” campaign, Millie is currently studying Music Industry & Technology at the University of Toronto while maintaining an active touring and recording schedule. She is supported on stage by her father, Murray Shadgett, on guitar. Planning for a July 2026 tour across Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes is currently underway.

East Coast Holiday Tour Dates:

December 27 – Torchbearer Taproom, Oshawa (9-11 PM)

December 28 – Brewer’s Pantry, Bowmanville (2 PM)

December 29 – Princess Gardens, Peterborough

December 31 – Dockside Bistro, Campbellford

January 1 – Royal Gardens, Peterborough

SH3 Releases ‘The Blue Album’ – The Songs That Helped Her Survive Losing the Love of Her Life

Eric Alper
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SH3 Releases ‘The Blue Album’ – The Songs That Helped Her Survive Losing the Love of Her Life

Toronto artist, producer, and music therapist SH3 unveils her most vulnerable and transcendent work to date with ‘The Blue Album,’ out now. Conceived in the wake of her partner’s passing, the record stands as both a tribute and an act of healing — a meditation on grief and the unbreakable thread of love that endures beyond death.

Written in the months following her loss, each song on ‘The Blue Album’ mirrors one of J. William Worden’s ‘Tasks of Mourning,’ a therapeutic framework that reimagines grief as an active, evolving process (a more updated approach compared to the 5 Stages of Grief). For example, Task 1 is: “Accepting the Reality of the Loss”, represented by the first track, “Love Again”. Through haunting ballads, ethereal folk textures, and choral harmonies rooted in her earliest musical experiences, SH3 transforms her pain into sound — crafting what she calls ‘a compassionate map through mourning.’

“When You’re Gone,” captures the stillness of absence with an almost sacred intimacy. Written just days after her partner’s birthday, the song arrived unexpectedly — a quiet revelation that music was becoming her medicine. “I realized I was using music therapy on myself,” she reflects, “and that I was processing my grief one lyric at a time.”

From the opening track ‘’Love Again”, a ballad exploring the pain of loss in lyrics such as “I’ve lost a treasure that’s now underground”, to the closing acapella prayer ‘Eternal Rest Grant Unto Them, O Lord/Amen,’ every note carries the pulse of remembrance. The songs unfold like chapters of a letter written between worlds — a dialogue of love that never truly ends.

In “Peace of Me,” SH3 captures the fragile disorientation of rebuilding a life without her person, layering soft synths and spectral glitches she describes as ‘spiritual interference’ — a sonic metaphor for presence beyond perception. “Love Doesn’t Die,” written in a single session after her own therapy session, marks a turning point: a realization that goodbye is not the end, but a continuation of connection. “Maybe it’s not about saying goodbye,” she sings, “it’s the love that continues, the love doesn’t die.”

The album culminates in “Until We Meet Again,” a song of hope and reunion written in a rare 7/4 rhythm. The simplicity of its instrumentation — a single synth sound stretched and layered like brushstrokes of blue — evokes both longing and peace. “It’s a song of gratitude,” SH3 shares, “for love that transcends worlds.”

‘The Blue Album’ is not bound by genre. It moves freely through R&B, folk, lofi, and sacred choral traditions, mirroring the many selves that coexist within grief. It also marks a homecoming for SH3 — a return to her roots as a choir singer, arranger, and believer in music’s power to heal. Each harmony feels handwoven, each silence intentional, forming a portrait of mourning that is as universal as it is personal.

As a music therapist and grief counsellor, SH3 has spent years helping others turn loss into meaning. Now, with ‘The Blue Album,’ she offers that same compassion to the world. “I wanted to create something that could hold space for people in their own grief,” she says. “This album was born from heartbreak, but it’s also about faith, memory, and the love that keeps us alive.”

Following its release, a deluxe edition of the album is out now — a date chosen to honour her and her late partner’s favourite numbers, 11 and 23, symbols of connection that continue to appear in her life in uncanny ways. The deluxe version includes the original demo of ‘When You’re Gone’ and a new opening track entitled ‘The Loss’, closing the circle of loss and remembrance.

Through it all, SH3 remains a testament to music’s most sacred truth — that sound can heal, love can endure, and art can transform even the deepest sorrow into light. ‘The Blue Album’ is not simply a record about grief; it is a love story without an ending, a gentle reminder that even after loss, we continue to sing.

Grammy Winning Legendary R&B Group BLACKSTREET Signs With Label and Management Company XOXO ENTERTAINMENT

Eric Alper
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Grammy Winning Legendary R&B Group BLACKSTREET Signs With Label and Management Company XOXO ENTERTAINMENT

The latest artist to join the XOXO Entertainment Corp. roster is legendary GRAMMY® winning R&B group, Blackstreet. Their smash hit “No Diggity” reigned for four weeks on top of the pop charts and resulted in a GRAMMY Award for Best R&B Vocal by a Duo or Group. The song is also quickly approaching 1 Billion streams on Spotify. 

With a mantra of collaboration, innovation, and globalization, XOXO Entertainment Corp has grown from a boutique label into diverse ventures, all while staying true to its core values of kindness, family, and a deep love for music. XOXO Entertainment is more than just a record label, it’s a global innovator, creating new ways for artists and clients to monetize beyond music. XOXO builds synergistic partnerships and endorsements that extend far beyond the entertainment world, earning a reputation as a forward-thinking company.

Amid the signing of Blackstreet, President of XOXO Entertainment Adam H. Hurstfield shares “”We are beyond excited to partner with Blackstreet. As some of the greatest architects of that legendary 90’s RnB sound, their music shaped the soundtrack of our lives, defined an era, and left an unmistakable imprint on global culture. Around the world, fans have been yearning for that authentic feeling again, and at XOXO Entertainment, we are devoted to bringing it back, side by side with the very legends who created it. We are honored to help amplify Blackstreet’s iconic legacy into this exciting new chapter.”

Blackstreet adds “BLACKSTREET has always stood for timeless music, true artistry, excellence, and evolution. Partnering with XOXO Entertainment feels like the perfect alignment; where vision, passion, and creativity meet. As a group, we’re excited and honored to join forces with a team that shares our energy and commitment to taking BLACKSTREET into a new era. This partnership is powerful, and together we’re ready to create moments the world will remember. This next chapter will be iconic.”

The current Blackstreet lineup features original members Chauncey “Black” Hannibal and Levi Little, alongside Mark Middleton and Eric Williams, who were integral to the group’s Another Level era. This powerhouse configuration has been performing together since 2014, bringing their signature harmonies and electrifying stage presence to audiences around the globe.

Fans can look forward to upcoming announcements about new music and performances that will showcase why Blackstreet remains one of R&B’s most influential and beloved groups.

Mae Martin, Liberty Silver, and Birdsong Artists Deliver Joyful Holiday Concert Supporting Mental Health Through Music

Eric Alper
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Mae Martin, Liberty Silver, and Birdsong Artists Deliver Joyful Holiday Concert Supporting Mental Health Through Music

Renowned comedian and actor Mae Martin, Juno Award-winning vocalist Liberty Silver, and the artists of the Birdsong New Music Foundation are set to unite for an evening of original music and holiday cheer on Sunday, December 14, 2025. This annual fundraiser, taking place at Lula Lounge, supports the production of new music created by individuals living with mental illness.

The concert will be hosted by Mae Martin and Margaret Konopacki and features performances by Martin, Silver, Robert Priest, Dustin Harder (Prairie Soul), Ashley Bell, Allan Kinney, D.M. LaFortune, Armand Anthony, Nicole McCafferty (Broadtree), , Dr. Tansy Etro-Beko and Rachel Scully, accompanied by Bryant Didier and the Birdsong Village Band. Executive Producer and Founder Margaret Konopacki directs the event, with Dan Robinson serving as Stage Manager.

The Birdsong New Music Foundation was established in memory of David Martin (1987-2017), a talented Canadian musician and close friend of Mae Martin who lived with a mental illness diagnosis. The charity empowers individuals like David Martin who lived with bipolar disorder. The charity empowers individuals facing similar challenges to compose, record, and perform their own music, fostering personal healing and challenging the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Martin says,  “This incredible charity is very close to my heart, for many reasons. It was created in memory of my dear friend David Martin, who had bipolar and unfortunately died young. The charity is dedicated to helping others like him to compose, record and perform their original music.  For me personally, I have found that creativity has been an essential tool, like a life raft, during periods of my life where I’ve struggled with addiction or my mental health. I love the ethos of Birdsong and how they help people to express themselves.  I sang a year ago here in Toronto at the Birdsong Fundraiser and it was the best night of my year! It’s a small intimate venue so come and support this great cause and let’s meet up and celebrate together.” 

Founder Margaret Konopacki emphasizes the transformative power of the foundation’s work. “This fundraiser is a culmination of eight years of hard volunteer work within the organization to change the way people perceive individuals who live with mental health issues, “she states.

Konopacki highlights the contributions of industry professionals who volunteer their expertise, including Platinum award-winning producer Greg Kavanagh and Musical Director Bryant Didier, noting that “Birdsong is a space of love, healing and second chances for many. I am humbled by people who spend their precious time flying in on their own accord to support us and bring happiness and joy to continue the magic and healing that new music can bring to us all.”

The event showcases the remarkable development of Birdsong artists, with three performers currently completing full albums. It stands as a testament to the organization’s commitment to providing a platform for creative expression and building self-esteem through music.

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025

Venue: Lula Lounge, Toronto

Time: Doors 6:30 PM / Show 8:00 PM

Tickets: $59.64 (incl. tax) / $50 (all-inclusive for musicians)

Georgina Taylor Releases Spirited Rendition of “What Child Is This” Featuring Renowned Session Musicians

Eric Alper
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Georgina Taylor Releases Spirited Rendition of “What Child Is This” Featuring Renowned Session Musicians

Alternative-experimental pop artist Georgina Taylor announces the release of her new holiday single “What Child Is This,” out now. This fresh arrangement combines the beloved medieval Christmas carol with a driving disco beat to create a holiday track listeners can really dance to. Produced and arranged by Taylor at her In The Garden Productions studio the single breathes new life and energy into this Christmas classic while staying true to its traditional roots.

The production features contributions from distinguished industry heavyweights who elevate and enforce the rhythmic foundation of the track. Detroit bassist Alan Snoop Evans II known for his work with Fred Hammond, Take 6, and The Clark Sisters provides a electrifyingly riveting bass line that pushes and propels the song in the bottom end. Guitarist John Meyer from Macon Georgia known for his role in Jupiter Coyote contributes his distinct playing style to the recording. The project is also enhanced by the expertise of Production Advisor Preston Heyman a legendary drummer and producer from London, England recognized for his work with Kate Bush, Paul McCartney, Sting, and Massive Attack. The single was mixed by Simon Allen and mastered by Nigel Palmer at Lowlands Mastering.

Taylor’s creative process relies heavily on spontaneity, intuition and raw gut instinct which she describes her writing style as a form of Divine Inspiration where entire songs emerge rapidly with little conscious thought process. “My music comes through me…complete songs come out in minutes” Taylor explains regarding her workflow. In this recording in keeping with her usual love of BG vocals she layered down a multitude of background tracks all by ear to create a rich, lush vocal texture that serves as the centerpiece of the song. Born in Chelmsford Essex England and currently residing in Nanaimo British Columbia Taylor draws upon her diverse background as an artist of Anglo-Indian descent and a practicing Catholic to inform her musical expression, giving each of her tracks a flair of the exotic while heavily anchored in tradition and cool.

Taylor has always been fascinated by history and the melody for this track comes from the 1580 English folk song Greensleeves which was long rumored to have been written by King Henry VIII, with later updates stating it was written by Richard Jones with the London Stationer’s Company.  The lyrics were composed in 1865 by William Chatterton Dix remain a focal point of this new Christmas Classic. The single pays homage to the history of the original composition as Taylor delivers lines such as “What Child is this / Who laid to rest / On Mary’s lap is sleeping” and “Haste, haste, to bring Him laud / The Babe, the Son of Mary” with a dramatic intensity that characterizes her unique vocal style.

Mike White Presents describes the music of Georgina Taylor as “like being pursued by Peter Gabriel, Bat 4 Lashes and Kate Bush into a fairytale forest populated by characters from a Guillermo DelToro film”. This description captures the essence of her work which spans alternative-experimental pop. Beyond her musical endeavors Taylor is a passionate advocate for human animal and environmental rights and a philanthropist.

Toronto Vocalist Kim Kaskiw Transforms Focal Dystonia Diagnosis Into Triumphant Latin Jazz Fusion Album

Eric Alper
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Toronto Vocalist Kim Kaskiw Transforms Focal Dystonia Diagnosis Into Triumphant Latin Jazz Fusion Album

Toronto-born and Ottawa-based Vocalist, Composer/arranger, and Tuba player, Kim Kaskiw unveils her new album THE LATIN JAZZ FUSION PROJECT’. It’s a deeply personal and rich collection that bridges the worlds of Jazz, Latin Jazz, Funk and Fusion.  Drawing from her life’s most profound moments, Kaskiw transforms hardship into harmony, inviting listeners into a world of grace, rhythm, and emotional truth.

Music has always been at the center of Kim’s life. One of her earliest memories is of being in a playpen, watching her mother play the piano. Even before she had words, she remembered shaking the bars of her play pen in frustration, desperate to touch the keys herself. That moment marked the beginning of a lifelong journey — one defined by sound, emotion, and connection.

‘THE LATIN JAZZ FUSION PROJECT’ reflects that same raw passion. It’s an album that celebrates life’s beauty while confronting its pain, inspired by her own experiences of loss, recovery, and resilience. With influences ranging from the storytelling of Shirley Horn and Nancy Wilson to the rhythmic genius of Tower of Power, Kaskiw’s powerful sound is both grounded in tradition and yet soaringly original.

A gifted composer vocalist and trailblazing tuba player, Kaskiw has created a work that is at once intimate and expensive. In ‘COME TO ME’ she blends Latin Jazz, funk, full horns including her tuba to create a timeless love song brilliantly arranged by Joey Berkley. The lush harmonica solo in ‘HER’ adds unexpected poignancy on this beautiful Bossa Nova, while ‘HERE AND NOW’, finds the listener identifying with every word. Anyone who has lost a love to another or lost a love to Cancer will immediately identify.   

SOL SISTA is a tribute to commemorate her sister’s 50th birthday. This piece combines two, time signatures that add up to five and are based on the 5th degree of the scale to commemorate her 50th.  ‘RISE UP’ is a funky anthem for anyone in recovery from substance abuse and a nod to her favourite band, Tower of Power. Waltz for JP is a gift to her musical mentor, J.P. Allain. Meanwhile Black Rooster is a composition Kim wrote while in Brazil; being kept awake by a black rooster cawing (in minor seconds) all night and all day. This is another fantastic arrangement by Joey Berkley.

Diagnosed with focal dystonia in 2020, Kaskiw found her musical future uncertain.  The neurological condition causes involuntary painful muscle contractions, making it nearly impossible for many musicians to perform. Instead of retreating, she used her diagnosis as a creative catalyst — composing and recording music that reflects both her vulnerability and her strength.

Collaborating with tenor saxophonist and arranger Joey Berkley, who also lives with musicians’ focal dystonia, Kaskiw approached this recording as both an artistic statement and a triumph of will. Together, they crafted an album that not only celebrates Kim’s music but also raises awareness for a condition that affects millions of musicians worldwide.

“My motto has always been: If not now, when?” says Kaskiw. “I wanted to find a way to express myself fully in the studio and cheat dystonia in the process. I think I succeeded!” That perseverance radiates through every note of ‘THE LATIN JAZZ FUSION PROJECT’ a project that feels both deeply personal and universally inspiring.

Musically, the album is a masterclass in emotional storytelling and superb musicianship. Along with stellar musicians from Toronto, Ottawa and New York City, Kim’s voice, tuba and compositions, creates an incredible album that heals, uplifts, and reminds listeners of the beauty of the present moment.

With ‘THE LATIN JAZZ FUSION PROJECT’ Kim Kaskiw delivers more than an album — she offers a testament to the creative human spirit. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, that very creativity drives our human identity and expression.

“Radio” – A Collaborative Single by N2O, Alan Parsons and Robert Frances Supporting the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada

Eric Alper
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“Radio” – A Collaborative Single by N2O, Alan Parsons and Robert Frances Supporting the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada

First introduced live last spring at Place des Arts during The Alan Parsons Live Project concert, Music is Medicine—the movement founded by Robert Frances, CEO of PEAK Financial Group and member of the band N2O—continues to grow with the release of Radio, a song by N2O produced and mixed by the legendary Alan Parsons.

Net proceeds from the project will be donated to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada to advance research, education and patient support programs.

Produced and mixed by Alan Parsons, Radio is an emotional song inspired by connection, memory and hope. It captures the spirit of Music is Medicine, transforming music into a force for unity and courage.

“Losing a friend and bandmate to brain cancer had a profound impact on me,” said Robert Frances. “I wanted to turn that experience into something meaningful. Working with Alan on Radio brought that vision to life.”

The release of Radio follows the sold-out benefit concert by The Alan Parsons Live Project held on May 14 at Place des Arts, which raised more than $600,000 for brain cancer research and marked the official launch of Music is Medicine.

“It was a privilege to collaborate with N2O,” said Alan Parsons. “Knowing the story behind David’s lyrics makes Radio even more powerful. It is an honest and timeless song that proves music connects generations.”

Written by David Tondino (lyrics) and composed by N2O (music), Radio was inspired by the Beatles whose songs David listened to growing up. He later revisited the piece as a dialogue with the music that shaped him, reflecting on time, creativity and the comfort that music brings.

The recording features the musicians of The Alan Parsons Live Project under Parsons’ direction, who also produced and mixed the track.

Distributed by LANDR, Radio is available now on all major streaming platforms. Net proceeds will be directed to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada to support research, awareness and assistance for patients and their families.

54-40 Announce New Album ‘PORTO’ And Drop Latest Single “Virgil” Ahead Of January Release

Eric Alper
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54-40 Announce New Album ‘PORTO’ And Drop Latest Single “Virgil” Ahead Of January Release

Legendary Canadian rock band 54-40 return with their highly anticipated new album ‘PORTO’, set for release on January 23, 2026. The announcement follows the debut of four powerful new singles, “Running for the Fence,” “Die To Heaven,” “Time Will Tell,” and “Virgil,” released today, marking the beginning of a bold new chapter for one of Canada’s most celebrated bands.

Frontman Neil Osborne describes the project as “an album about renewal and resilience — it’s about the work it takes to keep creating, to stay connected, and to keep loving what you do.” Bassist Brad Merritt adds, “We’ve always tried to write songs that feel honest and grounded in real life. These new tracks capture that — they sound like where we’ve been, but also where we’re going.”

Formed in 1981 in Tsawwassen, British Columbia, 54-40 quickly became a cornerstone of Canada’s alternative rock movement. The band’s name — drawn from the 54°40′ northern boundary line once disputed between the United States and British North America — reflects both their West Coast origins and their independent spirit. Founders Neil Osborne and Brad Merritt, joined by guitarist Dave Genn and drummer Matt Johnson, forged a sound defined by melodic songwriting, poetic lyrics, and a steadfast work ethic.

Across five decades, 54-40 have produced a deep catalogue of era-defining hits, from “I Go Blind,” “Ocean Pearl,” “Since When,” and “One Day in Your Life” to “She-La,” “Nice to Luv You,” and “Love You All.” With multiple Platinum-certified albums, sold-out tours, and an enduring presence on Canadian radio, their music continues to resonate with generations of fans.

“ ‘PORTO was recorded with longtime producer Warne Livesey in Portugal and reaffirmed the band’s creative vitality. Osborne recalls, “It felt like the songs were writing themselves — we just had to get out of the way and let them happen.” That spirit of immediacy carries into ‘It Takes A Lot’, a record that explores endurance, artistry, and the balance between reflection and momentum.

Few bands have left as deep an imprint on Canadian music as 54-40. Emerging from the post-punk wave of the early ’80s, they helped define a distinctly Canadian alt-rock sound — one rooted in grit, melody, and introspection. Alongside peers like The Tragically Hip and Blue Rodeo, 54-40 helped shape a national identity in rock music, blending thoughtful lyricism with accessible, anthemic hooks.

Their influence extends across generations. Dozens of artists — from Our Lady Peace to Arkells — cite 54-40 as a foundational inspiration. Their timeless songwriting and commitment to authenticity have earned them numerous Juno Award nominations, as well as induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame’s Starwalk of Fame and a permanent place in the country’s cultural fabric.

As the band approaches its 45th year, 54-40 continue to command stages with the same energy and purpose that defined their beginnings. Their live performances remain electric — a mix of grit, musicianship, and camaraderie honed over thousands of shows. Osborne says, “When we play live, it’s not nostalgia. It’s about connection — with the crowd, with the songs, and with each other.”

With ‘PORTO’, 54-40 reaffirm their place as one of Canada’s most important rock institutions. The band will announce North American tour dates later this fall in support of the new record, bringing both their classics and latest material to fans across the country. As Osborne sums it up, “After all these years, we still feel lucky — we still love doing this. And that’s what it takes a lot of.”

PORTO Track Listing:
Die to Heaven
Running For the Fence  
It’s a Rough Life  
Time Will Tell  
Virgil  
Thank You Mother  
Beautiful All Of It  
It Takes a Lot  
Go Get’Em  
Wail (Numinous)  
Work Not Worry  

Blaine Sharp’s “The First Snowfall” Goes Viral With 100,000 Streams

Eric Alper
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Blaine Sharp’s “The First Snowfall” Goes Viral With 100,000 Streams

As the first snowflakes of the season begin to fall across North America, independent artist Blaine Sharp’s beloved holiday song “The First Snowfall” is experiencing a viral surge, amassing over 100,000 streams on Spotify. The swingin’ vocal version, which captures the magical transformation that happens when winter’s first snow blankets the world, has achieved a remarkable 66% listener engagement rate (Saves + Adds) on Spotify, proving that audiences are hungry for new holiday music infused with timeless sophistication and genuine emotion.

A vocalist, songwriter, and composer from Burlington, Ontario now based in Los Angeles, Sharp creates music that stops time, blending vintage charm with modern elegance. “The First Snowfall” lives at the crossroads of jazz, Broadway, and traditional popular song, evoking the warmth and sophistication of the great hit parade artists of the 1950s and 60s including Sinatra, Crosby, and Nat King Cole. Arranged by Teryn Ré, one of the rare female bandleaders in jazz today, and co-written with pianist Carey Frank, who currently tours with Kate Hudson, the track features big band instrumentation with a timeless swingin’ feel that brings freshness to vintage sound.

“I wrote The First Snowfall while feeling homesick in Los Angeles during the pandemic, when the border was closed and I couldn’t get home to Canada or see my family for over two years,” Sharp reveals. “The most Canadian thing I could think of while stuck in LA for the holidays was snow. In my heart, I kept returning to the imagery of snow and that childhood feeling when the first snow of the season would fall. This was the song I had to write.”

Sharp crafted the song as a quiet tribute to Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” keeping the language simple, honest, and relatable while letting the melody do the emotional heavy lifting. “One of the most vivid memories I wanted to capture in the song is that transformation that happens in November, when everything feels grey and lifeless until that first snowflake falls, and suddenly the world feels new again, full of sparkle and the promise of the holidays,” he explains. The track was engineered by Grammy winner Harriet Tam and mastered by Grammy/Emmy winner Clark Germain.

The song carries profound personal meaning for Sharp. “My mother passed away from ALS the September before the song was released, and I made sure she was able to hear the finished version. It’s deeply emotional for me because the song’s journey into the world coincided with the end of hers. She loved family and the holidays, and her love lives on in this song and the sentiment that no obstacle, no amount of snow, will stop you from getting home to your loved ones for Christmas. When listeners share with me how this song is meaningful to them, in their own way and for their own personal reasons, it touches me deeply.”

The viral success of “The First Snowfall” has opened doors for Sharp’s entire catalog, with listeners discovering other songs including “Le Vent d’été (Summer Wind)” and “Violette.” “As an independent artist, I’m blown away by how audiences are connecting,” Sharp says. “Every time it snows now, my inbox fills with video clips and messages from people playing the song and filming the falling snow. I love that so many tag the song and share their videos on YouTube too. It’s amazing to see them experience, in real time, the very emotions that inspired the song.”

A new instrumental version of “The First Snowfall” is out now, offering fans another way to experience the beauty of the melody. “Knowing that my song is now part of so many lives for Christmas does my heart good, people decorating their tree, carving their turkey, living important moments as my song plays. Finding this connection in people’s lives is what it’s all about as an artist,” Sharp reflects. “The fact that The First Snowfall keeps resurfacing and growing bigger every year tells me it has an enduring message. I like to think of it as a snowball, gathering momentum as it rolls forward.”

Critics have embraced Sharp’s artistry with enthusiasm. “Blaine Sharp is a charismatic singer who knows what it takes to charm the audience and get them to experience something heartfelt and real, track after track,” wrote Jim Olin of All About Jazz. Jazz Corner News praised his work, noting “Wanderlust is among the year’s prettiest albums… Blaine Sharp has a voice that is both timeless and classic, it shines like the brightest suns.”

Following the remarkable viral success of “The First Snowfall” this season, Sharp is planning a tour and a new album for 2026, continuing his mission to create music that connects deeply with listeners who appreciate new songs infused with the timeless spirit of the greats.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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