Huawei Consumer Business Group (CBG) unveiled its first TWS earbuds under the HUAWEI SOUND brand, the HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4, at the HUAWEI Flagship Launch Event in Dubai on December 12.
Drawing inspiration from classical design and Huawei’s dedication to audio innovation, the HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4 aims to “Catch the Sound,” delivering lossless, pure, and immersive listening experiences. The earbuds feature powerful hardware including Dual-driver True Sound and proprietary algorithms to ensure stable and clear calls with effective background noise elimination.
HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4 incorporates Dual-driver True Sound working with Digital Cross-Over technology to deliver rich, authentic sound experiences. The Dual Independent Sound Output System precisely allocates audio signals to each driver, while the 11mm Quad-Magnet Dynamic Driver Unit ensures stable and accurate real-time audio reproduction. Featuring Polar Code technology and Huawei’s proprietary L2HC 4.0 codec[1], it achieves 2.3Mbps lossless[2] TWS audio transmission, supporting 48kHz/24-bit high-resolution audio. Users can select between professionally tuned EQ modes, including Classic and Balanced, to accurately recreate live music essence.
Equipped with Huawei’s AI noise cancellation algorithm, it eliminates up to 100 dB of external call noise. The quad-microphone system, combined with multi-channel deep neural network (DNN) algorithm, accurately distinguishes human voices from environmental sounds. Whether at concerts, sports events, or cafes, the system intelligently isolates your voice. Head Motion Controls allow call answering and rejection through nodding or head shaking.
Features Shape Memory Foam ear tips, offering 30%[3] improved noise reduction compared to the previous generation. Intelligent Dynamic ANC generates customized noise-cancellation parameters based on real-time environment for a pure immersive listening experience.
Adopts the Spectrum Silver Strings design, available in Black, White, and refreshing Green. Each earbud features a meticulous 6-layer protective lacquer coating, with the golden HUAWEI SOUND emblem emblazoned on its surface, signifying flagship quality.
Britain’s #1 model railway magazine, Railway Modeller, has announced an exclusive interview with British rock legend Sir Rod Stewart, showcasing his breath-taking HO scale model railway layout. The intricate “Grand Street & Three Rivers Railroad” is inspired by the bustling cityscapes and industrial grandeur of 1940s America, and has taken over three decades for the singer to craft.
Sir Rod’s passion for model railways is brought to life in this expansive, meticulously detailed layout that spans 27 feet by 62 feet. Boasting towering skyscrapers, a 900-foot mainline, bustling docks and intricate urban scenes, it is both a technical marvel and an artistic masterpiece. The January issue provides readers with unparalleled access to the layout’s new home in the UK and a candid interview with the rock icon himself.
Having relocated the layout from his Los Angeles residence to his English country estate, Sir Rod reveals the immense work involved in rebuilding and enhancing the setup: “I’m not happy with the lights – we’ve really got to work on that. “We’re going to add some uplights on some of the buildings and skyscrapers. Then we’re going to have thunder and lightning, everything but rain put in for effects!” he says with excitement. New features include advanced lighting for day-to-night transitions, sound effects, and a computer-controlled automation system for seamless train operations.
Railway Modeller Editor, Craig Tiley, reflects on the layout’s impact: “Sir Rod’s dedication and eye for detail elevate this project beyond a simple hobby. It’s a world-class exhibit, blending artistry and technology.”
Sir Rod’s passion for the craft clearly shines through in every detail. He emphasizes the joy of creating the scenery himself, stating, “Nearly all the buildings are either scratch-built or adapted from kits. Nothing is recognizable—everything is unique.” And the project isn’t complete: extensions to the layout include docks with large-scale ships, mountainous regions, and a dedicated homage to legendary model railway artist George Sellios, plus a significant extension of railway track from the world-leading British manufacturer, PECO.
Sir Rod has also just announced that we he will be performing at Glastonbury 2025 in the Legends slot, and whilst his life as a global music star is hectic, he finds great solace in model-making, spending up to five hours a day in his workshop. He states: “When I walk into my workshop, it’s like entering the gates of heaven.”
His love for the hobby extends beyond personal enjoyment and Sir Rod hopes to inspire future generations of model railway enthusiasts with what he has done, and inspire others to follow in his footsteps: “It’s the greatest hobby in the world,” he declares.
In the January 2025 issue, Railway Modeller celebrates this extraordinary achievement, and its 75th anniversary year of publishing with exclusive photos, behind-the-scenes insights, and a deeper look into Sir Rod’s creative process. The feature offers inspiration for both railway enthusiasts and those who appreciate the power of passion-driven projects. The magazine’s sister publication, Continental Modeller will also feature Sir Rod and his layout, along with other imagery, in its forthcoming January issue on sale from December 17th.
LG Electronics (LG) has announced a partnership with creative artist, multi-platinum musician, and tech entrepreneur, will.i.am, to launch a new line of audio products under the brand “xboom by will.i.am.” The partnership aims to transform xboom into a culture-forward brand with an urban aesthetic, providing an all-new audio experience.
In this partnership, LG has appointed will.i.am as LG xboom’s “Experiential Architect.” He will play a pivotal role in carving out a new space for xboom in the audio industry. Drawing inspiration from his pop culture and technological know-how, will.i.am will provide strategic counsel for LG xboom’s product development, design, and brand marketing. By combining LG’s advanced technologies with will.i.am’s unique insights as a world-renowned music artist and tech entrepreneur, this partnership will infuse LG xboom products with fresh creative aspirations.
“Working with renowned tech and lifestyle innovator, LG, opens the door to groundbreaking and dynamic experiences that speak to a broader community of music enthusiasts,” said will.i.am. “By bringing our cutting-edge technology and distinctive creative visions together with LG xboom, we want to foster an iconic culture where people can explore their passion for music with others on a whole new level.”
The 2025 line of “xboom by will.i.am” products, including Bluetooth speakers and wireless earbuds will be unveiled at CES 2025. The xboom Buds will be the first product available in the market.
All “xboom by will.i.am” products bear the mark of will.i.am, who took part in creating LG xboom’s signature sound that boasts a rich bass with a balanced and warm tones. It comes in two distinct modes for listening: one mode provides stimulating sounds that gets you moving with powerful bass while a second mode offers a soothing sound with harmonious tones. The overarching design for LG xboom aims to elevate music enjoyment. Speakers incorporate clever embellishments such as easy-to-hold straps and colorfully interactive lighting that is in sync with the beat of the music being played. Earbuds are designed ergonomically with ear tips and ear hooks for a comfortable fit that also delivers the best sound experience.
“This launch marks the integration of our wireless earbuds and Bluetooth speakers into one audio brand, LG xboom,” said Lee Jeong-seok, head of LG Media Entertainment Solution Company’s audio business division. “We are thrilled to announce this partnership with will.i.am that will play a critical role in solidifying LG xboom’s new identity.”
All “xboom by will.i.am” products will be integrated with will.i.am’s RAiDiO.FYI, an AI-powered interactive audio experience, to introduce a new generation of listeners to infotainment. RAiDiO.FYI empowers listeners with unique abilities to immerse, personalize, and have a two-way real-time conversation with their favorite topic-based STAiTiONS. This conversational media platform transforms radio as we know it into a new dimension, connecting consumers deeper with the music, talk radio, and cultural content they love.
LG and will.i.am will celebrate this new partnership with product showcases and tech demonstrations at CES 2025 (January 6-10). To know more about “xboom by will.i.am”, please visit http://www.lg.com/global/xboom/xboombywilliam.
While suggestive song titles and lyrics aren’t new or novel, the songwriting quality sometimes can say a lot or leave lots to the imagination with an engaging economy of words. For Rothesay, New Brunswick-originating but now Quebec-based group Sussex, they have raised that bar with their latest single “Under Your Tongue,” a toe-tapping jewel from their album Shine, which should leave you with a smile or wry grin.
“A hallmark of some of the great songs of the early 20th century is that they had all kinds of sex in them, but it was in expressions, images, and euphemisms…not blatantly in your face,” the band says regarding “Under Your Tongue.” “Love — and sex — is the best medicine. And you put it Under Your Tongue.” In short, it has all the makings of a racy song but isn’t nearly as overt or lewd as some hit singles tend to be in various genres these days.
“Under Your Tongue” is a nifty little ditty that opens with some excellent guitar picking before ambling along with some romantic, old-school innuendo. Fans of Mark Knopfler, Knopfler’s delightful ’90s side project The Notting Hillbillies, and John Hiatt’s honest if blunt deep cut “Little Head” would lap up, er, enjoy “Under Your Tongue” from start to finish. Aside from Lutes who provides vocals and acoustic guitar, the single is highlighted by Moncton, New Brunswick-born and Montreal-based pedal steel guitarist Joe Grass (who has worked with Polaris Music Prize-winner Patrick Watson), and Montreal-born and based bassist Morgan Moore (Martha Wainwright, The Barr Brothers).
“Under Your Tongue,” written by Rothesay, New Brunswick-born and Pointe-Claire, Quebec based singer and guitarist Rob Lutes, is the follow-up to their previous single “Shine Down Every Day.” A lyric video was also released for “Under Your Tongue” which simply shows an LP being played on a record player during the tune. The single is from Sussex’s latest album Shine, a 10-track record the tandem of Lutes and pianist and vibraphonist Michael Emenau (who like Lutes grew up in Rothesay, New Brunswick but is now based in Montreal) wrote most of the material for. Shine, recorded over four days at Montreal’s Alchemist Studios (formerly a chapel) and recorded and mixed by Michel Pepin (the McGarrigle Sisters) is the followup to 2019’s The Ocean Wide and 2015’s Parade Day. More recently the band has performed in Ottawa and Montreal in support of Shine while getting attention from the Toronto Blues Society and Roots Music Canada.
Both Lutes and Emaneau have come a long way from their days together in a high school folk-rock tribute band called the Hippopotamus Waterfall. While Lutes recorded eight solo albums prior to he and Emaneau reuniting in 2012, Emaneau was certainly no slouch, performing in Tokyo, New York City and Paris (where he made inroads as a composer and elite jazz vibraphonist). Now, thanks to “Under Your Tongue,” Sussex are guaranteeing fans another fantastic listening experience that has staying power. It’s a song that’s hard to pass up.
Traditionally, Christmas shopping has seen one half of a couple get all of their presents purchased, assorted, and gift-wrapped weeks if not months before the big day. The other half? Well, they leave things until the last minute, plead with the store clerks not to close on time, and take whatever item remains on the shelves, at the cash register, or in the backroom. Now Brantford, Ontario-based Americana artist KC Armstrong has crafted the perfect, toe-tapping, upbeat narrative with his latest single, “I Hate That Sweater.”
“I Hate That Sweater” originated from a song Armstrong, who grew up in Lakefield, Ontario, penned entitled “Don’t Keep Me Waiting,” the first song he wrote that made it to a studio setting. It later appeared on a charity album compiled by Peterborough AM radio station CKPT with local bands doing original tunes. “Don’t Keep Me Waiting” was then countrified for his Ranchsongs album, leaving Armstrong a bit happier with that version. He rewrote the song originally as a “male anthem (tongue-in-cheek) about the trials and tribulations of waiting while your better-half prepares herself for a night on the town.” That version appeared on his Finally Crafted album.
In October 2024, Armstrong heard about a Christmas song contest from Cashbox Radio. Thinking of crafting an entirely new song, he remembered Randy Bachman’s “Taking Care Of Christmas” song, slightly reimagined from the signature “Taking Care Of Business.” “The idea started developing when I pictured the descending motif riff from ‘Don’t Keep Me Waiting’ being played on bells,” he says. “Humming the chorus tag ‘Don’t Keep Me Waiting’ a few times to myself, I heard my inner voice shouting, ‘I Hate That Sweater.'”
After finishing the lyrics an hour later, Armstrong added a glockenspiel, tubular bells, and sleigh bells which open the song with a snippet of the melody to “Silent Night.” The end result is a uptempo, toe-tapping beauty that speaks of Armstrong receiving a “green rhinestone, red pleather” sweater from his other half who got it at a good price at the absolute last minute. Toss in some great horns and amusing dialogue between the lyrics, and you have a nifty and newfangled Noel nugget.
“I Hate That Sweater” features Armstrong on vocals and bass, MaryEllen Allen on vocals, guitarists Barry Haggarty and Scott Utting, saxophonist Sean O’Connor, keyboardist Steve O’Connor, and drummer Jake Adams. Marty Hepburn, who worked on the original “Don’t Keep Me Waiting” song with Armstrong, fleshes the song out on harmonica. And Armstrong’s wife Debbie adds her dialogue part as “Little Debbie” in “I Hate That Sweater” for the narration snippets.
A video for “I Hate That Sweater” was also made but the single has already taken off quicker than Santa’s sleigh and Rudolph, making it to rotation on Cashbox Radio while being heard internationally in Italy, England, Bermuda, Australia and the United States. It also recently entered the Canadian Indie Country Countdown for Christmas songs.
“I Hate That Sweater” is the latest offering from the accomplished musician who has seen his material heard all over. Armstrong’s witty, whimsical style brings to mind musicians like Randy Newman, Nick Lowe, and the late Ronnie Hawkins. In fact, Armstrong’s band subbed as the Hawks for the iconic rocker back in 2003. Armstrong’s then band Cadillac Ranch were slated to back Hawkins at the legendary SARS-Stock concert at Toronto’s Downsview Park before hundreds of thousands featuring the Rolling Stones and AC/DC. Sadly, Hawkins’ health resulted in the appearance never being realized. Armstrong has also worked with and shared the stage with countless others, including the late Jeff Healey, while playing festivals across Canada and throughout North America.
With the political climate and divisiveness rampant across many areas in North America and beyond, gathering family and friends around the table for a big feast might come with discussions or fervent arguments. But for Tillsonburg, Ontario singer Justine Chantale, she wanted to remove any baggage that could cause emotional or mental strain. With help from Toronto pop tandem Broadtree (Nicole McCafferty and Armand Antony), Chantale has created the roots-y, revealing pop rock single “Bye Felicia.”
Chantale, who co-wrote the song with McCafferty and Antony, says “Bye Felicia” (produced by Angel Gomez) isn’t about turning the other cheek so much as standing up for yourself when required. “In writing ‘Bye Felicia’ with Armand and Nicole, the song was taken in the direction to give yourself permission to rid yourself of the toxicity in your life – in this case, a person,” she says. “At the time, I was going through a really tough period in my life, dealing heavily with grief, and I didn’t know how to set boundaries. I was surrounded by hurtful situations and toxic people who I thought I had to be around, which was making me miserable. Writing this song was the anthem I needed to be brave enough to set boundaries and put myself first.
“I’ve met a lot of people in my life who willingly put themselves in situations or be around people that hurt them because they think they need to or that they need to ‘save face.’ It never amounts to anything good. I hope that in hearing this song, more people put themselves first, say ‘f-ck that’ and ‘Bye Felicia’ to whatever or whoever is keeping them from living their best life.”
“Bye Felicia” is a roots-based pop rock single that brings to mind artists such as Meredith Brooks, Kathleen Edwards, Sheryl Crow, and The Chicks circa “Goodbye Earl.” Starting off with a series of “na na na na nas,” the track has a strong message and strong melody that takes off in the chorus thanks to the combined harmonies of Chantale, McCafferty and Antony while bassist Tim Hance fleshes out the track. Not letting people “rain on my parade” nor getting the best of you is what comes through the infectious, sing-along chorus. And while offering an olive branch of sorts if the person or people change their ways, there’s no looking back or regretting what you did to distance yourself from the poisonous swamp of hurtful barbs or internet trolls.
“I think that it’s so important to recognize that some behavior is just unacceptable,” McCafferty says regarding the message in “Bye Felicia.” “Right now, the world is teaching us that you can treat others however you want without consequence. And that shouldn’t be true because it enables the loudest, most thoughtless people to be the ones who persevere.
“As women in particular, we’re taught to smooth things over and keep the peace when people have bad behavior. But if we don’t learn to stand up for ourselves, speak up, and set those boundaries, it can actually put us in very dangerous situations. The song is an anthem to stick it to people trying to control your life, but it’s also an anthem to the joy of how freeing it can be to just refuse to engage.”
“Bye Felicia” is the latest single from Chantale who has had a string of singles in recent years to go alongside her 2015 debut EP Stepping Stones and 2021 EP Starting Today. Previous singles include “Highway 59,” “What’s The Point,” “Wondering,” and “If I Know You.” She also lent her voice to Operation Smile in 2023, a group helping children internationally who have cleft lip or cleft palate and require surgery to address the issue.
As for Broadtree, the 2023 Arts Acclaim Award-winning duo includes Cape Breton native McCafferty and Antony who started performing on the theatre stage before music took hold. They’ve had three number one singles in Canada on the Indie Country Countdown and, to date, over two million streams. Broadtree have performed at Canadian Music Week, Toronto’s Canadian National Exhibition and Stomp N Stampede among many other festivals. And they are advocates for mental health issues, racial equality, First Nations rights and issues affecting LGBTQ+.
Now with “Bye Felicia,” look for Justine Chantale and Broadtree to make new fans and grow their audience with this empowering anthem. “One of our favorite writes turned into this killer bop!” Chantale wrote on her Instagram page regarding the track. It’s so good it might even persuade a few Felicias to change their proverbial tune.
There’s an adage that says home is where you hang your hat. But for North Carolina blues rock musician Alex Blum, the adage stating you have to leave in order to come back might be more apt. The musician’s travels resulted in his latest single “Hometown,” a groove-riddled homage off his Good Weather album regarding where he grew up and the good-natured attitude of its inhabitants.
“‘Hometown’ is a song I wrote while far from home, and it had truly been too long since I had been in my hometown,” Blum, raised growing up in Chapel Hill but now based in Charlotte, says. “I had taken a trip full of idealism, hitch-hiking between off-grid communes and eco-villages and other various alternative living communities across the country and working very hard trying to contribute to what I thought was a positive mission. But the communities were beset by bickering, gossip, and slander, which I would have thought was part of ordinary life, but people would really kick each other out of a living situation over the most petty grievances.”
Blum felt betrayed by people who were “completely dishonest and openly manipulative” yet who professed to “trying to make the world a better place.” After ending up in California, he pined for the days of being in his hometown, a place “where people truly knew each other” and held each other to a higher standard. Left with either dealing with the proverbial backstabbing or speaking out in the hopes that clearing the air would result in progress, Blum picked the latter.
“The point here is not to settle old disputes, but to reflect on life and glean lessons that we all can learn,” he says of “Hometown,” which was also inspired by a Biblical reference (Luke 4:24: “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown.”) “It’s a song about venturing out into the world and discovering people are way less trustworthy than you had thought or hopes, and finding out about yourself in the process — all the while missing your hometown.”
“Hometown” is a groove-based track bringing to mind the likes of Everlast and Beck, melding a slight hip-hop back beat against a delivery resembling Lou Reed in some respects. A mid-tempo arrangement allows Blum’s narrative to come to the fore, leaving an infectious, intelligent, and intriguing track that works wonderfully for well over five minutes.
“Hometown” is the latest single from Blum’s latest album Good Weather, released in October. The artist is no stranger to being as prolific as he is eclectic, with a myriad of albums and EPs dating back to 2016’s Sunday Morning EP. In 2022, Blum released Speak Dreams To Me, a record he describes as his “fullest rock album” that featured the musician playing every instrument (including drums) while also diving deeply into songwriting for the first time. In 2018, he released Tourmaline (Guitar Instrumentals Vol. 1) and Amethyst (Guitar Instrumentals Vol. 2) five years later. Blum also released Acetone-Electro Tape in 2020 and 2023’s Blues Master Does Another Electro Tape. Other albums include 2020’s Rap Beats Vol. 1, while 2022 saw three more album releases: Alex Blum Does Rap Music and Noise Music. Earlier in 2024, Blum released Abstract Sample-Based Music.
Blum also spent time busking on the streets of Nashville and Asheville and has performed throughout North Carolina as well as in New York City. Now with his new single “Hometown,” Alex Blum’s career is sure to impress people far beyond his own hometown.
Immerse yourself in the magic of The Huron Carole, a musical journey curated on the ancestral lands of the Mi’kmaq people. Following its premiere on APTN, APTN Lumi and Eastlink in 2023, these same broadcasters, along with CTV2, proudly present encore presentations beginning December 20, 2024. This iconic variety concert, recorded at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium in Halifax, promises unique interpretations of seasonal classics from country to operatic, to innovative blends of traditional with contemporary.
Founder Tom Jackson, C.C., LL.D., takes the stage with an extraordinary 6 piece-band, featuring guest performances from Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, Shannon Gaye, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, Beverley Mahood, Loreena McKennitt, Andrea Menard, and PIQSIQ. Sing along with this exuberant audience vocally led by the Halifax Camerata Singers.
CTV/CW Network stars from Sullivan’s Crossing – Morgan Kohan, Chad Michael Murray and Scott Patterson – bring greetings and direct viewers on how to donate to the Canadian Red Cross.
“Producing The Huron Carole – Angels Without Wings – live at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium with broadcasters alongside, comes full circle from our first 1997 CBC-TV production at the same location. Along with the posterity, the show demonstrates our love for community, music, and action raising money for the Canadian Red Cross and their emergency management fund. The perfect storm of love!” says Jackson.
The ‘Angels Without Wings’ are bringing an evening of joy—and now, audiences and viewers can help make a life-saving difference. By supporting Emergency Management at the Canadian Red Cross, Canadians can play a critical role in protecting the country’s most vulnerable during times of crisis.
Between April 2023 and March 2024, the Canadian Red Cross supported over 81,000 people across Canada in the aftermath of emergencies.
During the same period, 50,500 essential relief items—including cots, blankets, teddy bears, hygiene kits, and more—were distributed to those in need post-disaster.
The Government of Canada estimates that every dollar invested in pre-disaster preparedness and risk reduction saves up to $15 in post-disaster response and recovery costs.
By contributing to the Red Cross, audiences enable proactive measures before the next disaster occurs, increasing the organization’s ability to respond effectively. Donations help train emergency management volunteers and pre-position vital supplies—such as clean-up kits, comfort kits, baby supplies, blankets, clothing, food, and water—across the country, ensuring faster and more efficient responses.
When disaster strikes, specially trained Red Cross Disaster Teams are on the ground immediately, providing critical relief and ongoing support to those affected. This includes not only meeting immediate needs but also assisting with long-term recovery from emotional and financial stress caused by evacuation and loss.
CRC is recognized, trusted, and for decades, has been at the forefront of Canada’s largest and most important emergency operations – from the evacuation of entire communities due to floods and wildfires, to major industrial disasters.
Most Canadians never expect a disaster to happen to them.
On CTV Ottawa
Saturday, Dec. 28 at 9:30am EST
Sunday, Dec. 29 at 9:00am EST
On CTV2 Ottawa
Saturday, Dec. 28 at 10:00am EST
On CTV Northern Ontario
Sunday, Dec. 29 at 9:00am EST
On CTV Toronto
Sunday, Dec. 29 at 9:00am EST
On CTV2 Toronto
Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 8:30am EST
Watch The Huron Carole on ATPN
Friday, Dec. 20 at 11:00am EST/8:00am PST
Saturday, Dec. 21 at 3:00am EST/12:00am PST
Saturday, Dec. 21 at 7:00pm EST/4:00pm PST
Monday, Dec. 23 at 11:30am EST/8:30am PST
Monday, Dec. 23 at 3:00am EST/12:00am PST
Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 9:30pm EST/6:30pm PST
Wednesday, Dec. 25 at 2:00pm EST/11:00am PST
Thursday, Dec. 26 at 1:00amEST/10:00pm PST* (Dec. 25)
Watch on Eastlink Community TV, Channel 10/610
Monday, Dec. 23 at 8:00pm AST
Tuesday, Dec. 24 at TBA AST (NS region only)
Wednesday, Dec. 25 at TBA AST (NS region only)
On APTN Lumi
Stream on your own time. Go to watchaptnlumi.ca and start your free trial today! Unlimited access to all programming is $4.99/month.
2024 marks 37 years of Tom’s storied steps into humanitarian efforts that have resulted in coordinating more than $250 million in funds and in-kind services to an abundance of charities and relief organizations including food banks, women’s shelters, mental health programs and other initiatives in the communities he visits coast to coast.
It’s hard to put your stamp on the holidays as a singer. Christmas albums are the norm for nearly every artist, and trying to get airplay for new Christmas songs can be challenging. Then you have a trove of standards that rarely are removed from rotation. But if you have a song as tender and soulful as “Anytime Of Year” released by Toronto-born pop singer Joèe you shouldn’t have that issue. The single, which creates mental pictures of ’50s era doo-wop bands singing around an open flame in the dead of winter, is a pristine and polished song that hits all the right notes while tugging at all the right heartstrings.
Joèe (born Joseph DeSimone) is marking a new chapter in his career with “Anytime Of Year” being his first single after a hiatus from music. The song is a hopeful, romantic track inspired by the universal challenges people faced, endured, and coped with during the global pandemic. “‘Anytime Of Year’ was written during a time when I needed to find strength and joy amidst difficulties,” Joèe, who produced the song, says. “I hope it resonates with listeners and becomes a part of their Christmas playlists for years to come.”
“Anytime Of Year” begins with the sound of sleigh bells before a classic, slow-dance, doo-wop-tinged nugget begins. Joèe sings about wanting a love to stay around beyond the Christmas holidays and dreading the fact that special person might not be sticking around after Dec. 25. With a tasteful arrangement that isn’t busy but accents the singer’s passionate delivery, “Anytime Of Year” brings to mind a deliberate but down-tempo “Last Christmas” by Wham! or soulful groups like Boyz II Men performing gorgeous tracks from their 1993 Christmas Interpretations album. It’s a tremendously earnest and stellar track!
The single (which also saw Joèe assisted by Luca Caracciolo) is the latest from Joèe who has had a lengthy and colorful career. Born in Toronto in 1972, the performer got his start with local bands before appearing on the American talent show Star Search. From there, he took top prize in a songwriting competition sponsored by Toronto radio station CHIN. In 1995, a cover of Cutting Crew’s classic “I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight” topped the Canadian radio station charts while cracking Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles Charts. He also toured through North America and became the first Canadian dance artist to enter the American charts. In 2001, he received a SOCAN Award for Best Dance Music.
Joèe’s discography includes 1995’s Just A Taste (under the name Intonation featuring Joèe), 1999’s Truth, 2002’s self-titled album and a 2004 compilation entitled A Decade Of Dance. The artist, who has garnered Juno Award and MuchMusic Video Award nominations, had hit singles on the Canadian charts including “If I Could,” “Do You Right,” and “Angel” among others. Meanwhile, “Feel It In The Air” (from Just A Taste) became a hit in Europe.
Now with a fresh, festive-leaning single “Anytime Of Year,” Joèe is once again set to return to the charts with a song that is perfect for the Christmas season. And, well, any time of year.
Delaware-based music collective ‘Dutchman’ is excited to announce the release of their highly anticipated double single, featuring the captivating tracks “I Need You Now” and “In Your Heart,” both out now.
With a fresh yet evocative sound, the band continues to solidify their place in the music scene, building on their previous successes, including being featured in The Washington Post and having acquired thousands of international streams.
Dutchman is fronted by singer/songwriter Connor Johnson, who has been present since the band’s inception in 2017, and has benefitted from the dedicated efforts of Guitarist, Garrett Gravatt, who initially joined in 2020 and has notably served as a pivotal role in helping Johnson to engineer and produce their sound.
Dutchman embodies a vintage-revivalist spirit, while of course forging their own unique identity. Their latest creations emerged from a transformative trek that the duo, Johnson & Gravatt, started from Delaware, leading up to the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ in Cleveland, Ohio, then onto Nashville and Knoxville, Tennessee, before finally returning home to Delaware. This journey immersed them in the musical heritage that has influenced their artistic stride.
“Ever since our trip, we’ve been inspired to explore a more laid-back sound that feels like home,” says Gravatt. “These songs reflect the music we grew up listening to, stuff as old as our parents, and we hope to carry forward the spirit of history’s most cherished songs.”
“It’s hard to believe it’s been as long as it has, starting this band as 18-year-old kids to now being fully established adults almost in our 30s. Our growth is evident in the music. ‘I Need You Now’ and ‘In Your Heart’ are a testament to our newfound age and our journey here. It’s truly been a long, strange trip,” shares Connor Johnson.
The A-side single, “I Need You Now,” is an acoustic-driven ballad that Connor wrote for his wife. The song features choir and string arrangements, with Franco Solarzano recording a beautifully crafted piano solo for all to appreciate. “I Need You Now,” for me, required the most creative effort of the two songs because I had to create a heartfelt piano solo with a memorable orchestral accompaniment. It took a significant amount of time. In fact, I remember being half asleep when the final take of “I Need You Now” was captured, but in the end, I take much pride in how the song turned out. Moreover, It was genuinely a privilege to be a co-songwriter with Connor Johnson. His lyrics and musical structure, combined with my instrumental arrangements, are something I can’t wait to share with the world. I believe these songs will capture hearts and resonate with many.”
Gravatt, who engineered the final product, states, “From my shoes, it wasn’t that hard to do given the musicians’ performances caught on record. I give much respect to my bandmates for how well we can craft something from nothing.”
The B-side single, “In Your Heart,” showcases Johnson on a 1962 Gretsch electric guitar, with Gravatt playing the foundational acoustic. The band brought in studio musician Connor O’Malley for slide guitar, reminiscent to the sounds of Joe Walsh, and The Allman Brothers Band. O’Malley goes on to state “Connor (Johnson) and I go way back to Middle School, we even had a band together back in the day and I gotta say, working together again, it was like we never skipped a beat. It was truly inspirational coming in to lay down my recordings given that there were so many tools at our disposal. Also having the concepts of a song and developing it as we went along enabled for a creative flow I hadn’t really felt before.”
Additionally, they hired lap steel guitarist Hayden Chance to overlay a lap steel part, with Johnson directing Chance to refer to the works done on Graham Nash’s solo records.
Chance expressed his excitement, saying, “Being a songwriter/producer from Delaware, When I was asked by Connor and the guys in Dutchman to play some steel guitar on a track, I was excited and honored. Dutchman does a great job highlighting the sounds of 60s/70s rock as well as adding their own unique approach to the genre. I’m all about it. Connor sent over the track, and I went straight to work in my home studio in Wilmington, DE. I really wanted to add that classic country steel ‘crying’ sound as well as some swells to add to the emotions of the piece. I’m looking forward to hearing the final number.”
To which Solarzano added, “As for “In Your Heart,” I would say this song underwent the most revisions of the two. I remember recording the piano part at ‘Electric Fossil Studio’ and going through several different arrangements for the song over the course of about a year before landing on the final version. It was a long process, but I think the extra effort really paid off in capturing the emotion we wanted.”
“In Your Heart” is said to be aimed at the traditional country music audience, which remains vibrant and engaged. However, it also addresses the listeners who feel as if they have been searching for elements in the genre that have been lacking in recent years.
These two singles serve as a prelude to Dutchman’s upcoming full-length LP, set to be released in 2025, further establishing their commitment to crafting timeless music that resonates with their audience for years to come.
