The U.S, Department Of State is proud to honor icon, philanthropist and 10-time GRAMMY winner Dolly Parton with the 2024 PEACE Through Music Award. Her timeless music and philanthropic efforts continue to bridge divides and promote peace worldwide, showcasing the positive power of music.
SiriusXM Kicks Off Holiday Season with New Jimmy Fallon Holiday Channel and the Return of Beloved Festive Channels
SiriusXM today announced the return of its extensive holiday music lineup with 26 festive channels, including a new channel, Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Radio. The holiday season officially kicks off on Friday, November 1 on SiriusXM with many of the channels live now and streaming on the SiriusXM app.
SiriusXM’s highly anticipated holiday lineup will ring in the season early with a wide variety of festive tunes including traditional holiday songs, classic Christmas carols and Hanukkah music as well as several genre-specific channels including holiday pop, country Christmas, seasonal soul and more.
This year’s newest addition, Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Radio, will feature a mix of holiday classics handpicked by the holiday connoisseur himself as well as funny stories, holiday dedications to fans and an inside look at the making of his new album Holiday Seasoning, that releases November 1. The channel will also air “Jimmy Fallon’s 12 Days of Christmas” special consisting of a dozen curated genre-specific playlists from yacht rock to country and more, as well as a Thanksgiving dinner special hosted by Fallon.
Also returning this holiday season are a myriad of channels exclusive to SiriusXM including Hallmark Radio, Trans-Siberian Orchestra Radio, Mannheim Steamroller Channel and more.
SiriusXM’s holiday channels are available to subscribers nationwide in their cars and on the SiriusXM app. Eligible customers can get their first three months of SiriusXM streaming for free. Click here to sign up and experience all that SiriusXM has to offer. See Offer Details.
For more information visit: https://www.siriusxm.com/music/holiday
SiriusXM’s Holiday Channel Line-Up
Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Radio: Celebrate the Holiday Season by listening to a mix of classic holiday songs personally picked by Jimmy Fallon as well as funny stories, exclusive holiday mixes and holiday dedications to fans around the world. This channel will also give listeners a rare and intimate look into the making of Jimmy Fallon’s new album, Holiday Seasoning, featuring the Jonas Brothers, the Roots, Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion, Meghan Trainor, Dolly Parton and more. Available on the SiriusXM app and on channel 17 from November 1 through December 27.
Acoustic Christmas: Unplug this Christmas with nothing but acoustic holiday tunes. Hear new and classic holiday songs from well-known singer songwriters and bands like Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves, Norah Jones, The Lumineers and more. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26 and on channel 3 from December 24 through December 25.
Christmas Spirit: Christmas music and family holiday favorites all from contemporary Christian artists heard on The Message. Here, the reason for the season is not just remembered, He’s celebrated in song, commercial free! Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26 and on channel 65 on December 6 through December 26.
Cool Jazz Christmas: Elevate the season with a jazzy holiday soundtrack that is everything you need for a cool yule! Pour the eggnog and let the festivities begin with Christmas classics from some of the greatest contemporary and smooth jazz instrumentalists including Dave Koz, David Benoit, Jonathan Butler and Boney James, plus a sprinkling of some of the smoothest vocals of the season from the likes of Diana Krall, Anita Baker, Take 6 and Natalie Cole. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26
Country Christmas: Country stars spanning many generations come together with both traditional and contemporary holiday songs. Hear music from artists including George Strait, Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Lainey Wilson and more. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26 and on channel 58 from December 4 through December 26.
Hallmark Radio: Hallmark Radio is back for the holidays featuring timeless Christmas music and carols that celebrate the joy of the season. Hear the songs you love including new music from this year’s holiday movies and special greetings from Hallmark’s fan favorite stars. Hallmark Radio is the perfect way to embrace the wonder of the season with loved ones near and far. Listen all season long! Available on the SiriusXM app and on channel 105 from November 1 through December 26.
Holiday Chill-Out: SiriusXM brings you a 24/7 Holiday Chill-Out channel featuring downtempo relaxing electronic holiday favorites. ’Tis the season to relax. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.
Holiday Instrumentals: String, piano and orchestral versions of seasonal favorites designed to set the holiday mood. No vocals…just instruments playing holiday hits so you can sing along! Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.
Holiday Pops: Classical Christmas carols and holiday favorites performed by the greatest classical artists of all-time including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Luciano Pavarotti, New York Philharmonic, King’s College Choir, Boston Pops and Thomas Hampson. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26 and on channel 78 from December 24 through December 25.
Holiday Traditions: Traditional holiday favorites from the ’40s through the ’60s by artists such as Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, Peggy Lee, Burl Ives and Nat ‘King’ Cole. Available on the SiriusXM app year-round and on channel 71 from November 1 through December 26.
Holidays with Jessi & Friends: Celebrate the holidays with Jessi Cruickshank and friends as they bring you a festive mix of comedy, stories, and music. Join them as they share heartwarming holiday traditions, favorite recipes and the ultimate holiday playlist with hits from Michael Bublé, Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson and more. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.
Holly: Modern holiday hits featuring songs by Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé, Dean Martin, Kelly Clarkson, Pentatonix, Josh Groban, John Legend, Brenda Lee, Train, Gwen Stefani, and more. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through January 8 and on channel 79 from November 1 through December 26.
Jingle Jamz: Jingle Jamz features a mix of R&B and Hip-Hop artists from the 90’s to now, singing and rapping about the holidays. ’Tis the season to be jammin’ with artists like Alicia Keys, Boyz II Men, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Chris Brown, John Legend and more. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.
Jolly Christmas: Upbeat, energetic holiday hits from The Chipmunks and Gene Autry to Mariah Carey and Jose Feliciano. Feel-good, singing along with the songs you know, bringing smiles to the season. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.
Kids Christmas: The soundtrack for the most magical time of year! Welcome the holiday season with songs the whole family will love. From holiday classics to today’s most jingle-jangling tunes: It’s all here on Kid’s Christmas! Rudolph, Santa Claus, and Frosty the Snowman take over the airwaves to delight both kids and kids-at-heart all season long. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.
Mannheim Steamroller Channel: Celebrate the holidays with Chip Davis of Mannheim Steamroller featuring their signature blend of symphonic, new age and rock inspired Christmas music. Explore more than three decades of their majestic sounds plus Chip’s groundbreaking Fresh Aire music. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.
Navidad: Latin holiday music and traditional sounds, including Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan, José Feliciano, Tito El Bambino, Marco Antonio Solís and Fania All-Stars. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through January 8.
New Year’s Nation: It’s a non-stop party with New Year’s Nation! Your ultimate upbeat multi-format collection featuring the year’s biggest hits to ring in the new year. Available on channel 79 from December 27 through January 3.
Noël Incontournable: Holiday music channel featuring Francophone Christmas classics and contemporary holiday hits from the ‘60s to today with music from Ginette Reno, Bruno Pelletier and Laurence Nerbonne. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.
Radio Hanukkah: Extensive collection of Hanukkah-themed music, including contemporary, traditional and children’s selections as well as daily reflections and prayers related to the holiday. Available on the SiriusXM app December 24 through January 4.
Real Jazz Holiday: Bop and swing under the mistletoe with some of the most memorable Christmas classics that make for a “real” jazz holiday! Hear jazz masters like Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and the Count Basie Orchestra to today’s stars like Wynton Marsalis, Samara Joy and Christian McBride. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.
Rockin’ Xmas: SiriusXM’s Rockin’ Xmas Channel brings you memorable Christmas songs that Rock including hits from AC/DC, Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi, U2, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Eagles, Blink-182 and more. Trim your tree and fill your stockings and ears with Classic Rock, Punk Rock, Hard Rock, Alternative Rock, Hair Metal and Blues Rock…All songs that will rock your holidays. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.
Sleep Christmas: Drift off to meditative versions of classic Christmas melodies and stay well-rested throughout the holidays with Sleep Christmas. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.
Smokey’s Holiday Soul Town: Celebrate the season with Smokey Robinson as he plays soulful holiday faves from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s! From standards by Etta James and Eartha Kitt, to classics from Stevie Wonder and The Temptations – you’ll hear them all in Smokey’s Holiday Soul Town. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26 and on channel 74 from December 4 through December 26.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Radio: ‘Tis the season for the multi-generational holiday tradition Trans-Siberian Orchestra! Dive into the realm where rock music pushes classical’s boundaries, where holiday classics fuse with powerful electric guitars, and where a diverse lineup of vocalists come together to create storytelling like no other. Hear the band’s iconic Christmas discography, exclusive concert recordings, original shows hosted by band members and much more. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.
70s/80s Holidays: Sing along to the biggest holiday songs from the 1970s & ‘80s. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.
Unlock the Internet with IP2World Proxy: Exceptional Value with Tailored Proxy Plans
By Mitch Rice
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UnitedMasters and TikTok Celebrate Independent Music Together Through Direct Deal
UnitedMasters, the industry’s premium music distribution platform for independent artists, today announced it is entering into a direct partnership with TikTok. The multi-year agreement will provide TikTok with UnitedMasters’ full, expansive catalog of music, and provide additional commercial opportunities to UnitedMasters’ artists via TikTok’s Commercial Music Library.
“Our partnership with TikTok provides UnitedMasters’ artists unparalleled access to a vast global audience, while TikTok creators and users gain early exposure to some of the most impactful independent music today,” stated Steve Stoute, Founder and CEO of UnitedMasters. “TikTok recognizes the power of music and creativity, which is why we are excited to formalize this partnership.”
Through the newly forged partnership, UnitedMasters and TikTok are reinforcing their commitment to independence – reiterating their shared mission of providing fair opportunities for artists at every stage of their careers.
“We want to make the world’s best music available to our global community of over a billion music fans,” said Ole Obermann, Head of Music Business Development at TikTok. “That’s why we are so excited to be entering into a direct deal with a prominent independent label like UnitedMasters, with its deep, diverse roster of independent artists. Together, we’re ready to amplify these voices and bring their music to a global stage, unlocking new opportunities for discovery.”
UnitedMasters has already helped launch the careers of emerging artists like BigXThaPlug, Anycia, Tobe Nwigwe, and FloyyMenor, whose top hit song, ‘Gata Only,’ has been streamed over a billion times, was announced as TikTok’s #1 Song of the Summer globally, and won the Billboard Global 200 Latin Song Music Award. With the success of ‘Gata Only,’ millions of users across continents created TikTok videos to the song – leading to billions of views and further expanding his global reach as he enjoyed a multi-week run atop the charts.
“TikTok has proven that it’s a launchpad for artists, turning viral moments into chart-topping hits,” Stoute emphasized. “With this partnership, I look forward to seeing our artists thrive on TikTok and extend their reach and influence across the music industry. We’re building a future where they can own their success and grow their careers on their own terms.”
TikTok and UnitedMasters share the vision and understanding that commercial use of music on platforms offers significant revenue and promotional opportunities for artists. TikTok’s commercial music library gives artists unparalleled access to the 70+ million brands on the platform, creating net new revenue and promotional streams for artists.
Beyond TikTok, UnitedMasters creates thousands of sync opportunities for the artists on their platform, securing placements and partnerships across major brands and media companies like Diageo, Bose, Walmart, ESPN, Coca-Cola, IKEA, Dove, and many more. UnitedMasters helps brands and media companies navigate the complexities of staying culturally relevant while also being legally compliant.
UnitedMasters is the leading software and services platform for independent artists. Through our unique mix of music distribution services, innovative technology, and first-of-its-kind artist marketing solutions, UnitedMasters acts as the operating system that enables artists to own their futures. We fuel the careers of artists like Floyy Menor, Brent Faiyaz, BigXthaPlug, Tobe Nwigwe, and Anycia — and unlike traditional record labels, UnitedMasters’ artists retain full ownership of their careers and the master recording rights to their music. We connect over 2M+ independent artists on our platform with global brands like ESPN, Diageo, and Coca-Cola. These connections are powered by our world-class creative talent to propel the commercial success of artists and brands in today’s world.
TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok’s global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and its offices include New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.
Toronto Transforms into the Ultimate Swiftie Getaway this November
Excitement is building for this year’s most anticipated concert experience, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Known as one of the world’s top destinations for global music tours, Toronto is rolling out the “Red” carpet as Swift takes over Canada’s largest city with six unforgettable shows on November 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23 – the most shows in North America, outside of Los Angeles.
With an expected 240,000 concert-goers attending Swift’s shows, Toronto will have no shortage of Swift-inspired events and packages for those visiting the city, whether for one night or six. From where to stay, where to eat or where to shop your best looks for the concerts, Destination Toronto has fans covered with the dedicated website, Taylor Swift in Toronto.
Visitors can stay at one of the city’s many hotels within walking distance of the Rogers Centre offering special packages or activities during the concerts such as the Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel, Bisha Hotel, Omni King Edward Hotel or 1Hotel. While in the area, fans can walk on ‘Taylor Swift Way’- Queen Street West and John Street, between Nathan Phillips Square and the Rogers Centre, which will be renamed for the month of November.
From one-night only events to ongoing offerings, visitors have many options to celebrate their love for Taylor in Toronto. They can get a lay of the land with a Toronto aERAs City Tour, stop by a Swift-themed pop-up such as the One Of A Kind Winter Show (Taylor’s Version) or test their knowledge at a Taylor Swift Trivia & Drag. They could also “Shake it Off” at In Our Era Dance Party, sing their heart out at a Taylor Swift Sing-A-Long, Eras! Eras! Eras!, or visit the pre-concert event, Taylgate ’24 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Or simply be “Fearless” and take on the Edgewalk at the CN Tower and capture the breathtaking views of downtown Toronto from 356 metres (1,168 feet) up in the air.
With a food scene worth travelling for, fans can feast on a diverse array of Taylor-themed bites – from venturing on their own Toronto Eras Tour food crawl and sampling some of Taylor’s favourite eats across the city, or fuelling up before or after the concerts at one of many spots at The Well ,a new mall concept just steps from the concert venue.
“Toronto is renowned as a vibrant music city. If there’s a major International concert tour happening, you can be sure it will stop in Toronto,” said Andrew Weir, CEO & President at Destination Toronto. “Our city’s passionate, open and inviting energy, combined with Swift’s dedicated global fans, will create an unforgettable atmosphere. We invite everyone to come experience Toronto before, during or after this tour.”
For visitors looking for even more ways to explore the city through a Swift lens, Destination Toronto has launched a custom-curated scavenger hunt, with each clue tied to a track from her discography. Every check-in will give participants a chance to win Taylor-inspired gift boxes or a grand prize of a weekend stay at the Fairmont Royal York, dinner at 360 Restaurant, and a gift card to CF Toronto Eaton Centre, as well as raise money to support the Community Music Schools of Toronto – a charity that provides free music lessons to kids in Toronto.
Toronto’s visitor economy is a vital economic engine for the city, generating $8.4 billion in visitor spending in 2023. Destination Toronto’s mandate is to reflect the breadth and diversity of Toronto’s people, places and culture to inspire residents and visitors to meet, visit and explore our city. Operating in partnership with the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Hotel Association, Destination Toronto markets and promotes the city to attract visitors and major meetings and events and supports local businesses to maximize the opportunities of the visitor economy. For more information, please visit DestinationToronto.com.
Qobuz, the Leader in High-Quality Music Streaming, Expands Into Japan
Qobuz, the French pioneer of high-quality music streaming since 2007, takes a major step with its launch in Japan, the world’s second-largest music market. This strategic expansion marks a decisive turning point in the international development of the platform, reinforcing its trajectory towards profitability and its commitment to a musical experience that combines quality and discovery.
After establishing a presence in 25 countries, Qobuz now enters the Japanese market, its twenty-sixth territory. This step forward is part of the French platform’s accelerated international expansion. Since its launch in the United States in 2019, Qobuz has opened in 15 new markets in just four years.
Qobuz’s move into Japan, following the acquisition of e-onkyo music in 2021, marks its commitment to a high-potential market. While streaming dominates the global music market with over 67% of revenue, Japan presents a unique landscape where the physical market still accounts for over 50% of sales. Paid streaming, while lagging behind with less than 30% market share (compared with over 50% in other major markets), is showing remarkable growth in a country where the offering remains limited and dominated by a few major players. With an expansion rate of almost 13%, compared with less than 7% in the US, Japan appears to be a promising market for Qobuz. Japanese music lovers, known for their high standards when it comes to sound quality, are an ideal audience for Qobuz’s high-quality offering.
Georges Fornay, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Qobuz, comments: “Our move into Japan marks a major turning point, bringing us closer to our goal of profitability. We are proud to offer Japanese music lovers a valuable musical experience combining exceptional sound quality, editorial richness, and musical discovery. This expansion into the world’s second-largest music market, where streaming is booming, comes at an ideal time and strengthens our position as the undisputed benchmark for high-quality streaming and downloading.”
A pioneer and global benchmark in high-quality sound, Qobuz stands out for its singular approach. Dedicated exclusively to music, the platform offers a unique experience combining three fundamental pillars: high-resolution streaming, high-resolution downloads, and cutting-edge editorial content. The platform offers an incomparable listening experience thanks to its uncompromised, uncompressed audio quality, ranging from 16-bit CD quality to 24-bit/up to 192 kHz, and now DXD and DSD, faithfully reproducing artists’ and engineers’ original intent in the studio, and setting new standards for the streaming industry.
Beyond streaming, Qobuz is a true cultural medium, offering a dedicated community of music enthusiasts an environment conducive to rich and varied music discovery. Qobuz Magazine features a plethora of editorial content, including artist interviews, in-depth articles diving deep into genres, labels and music history, and of course a section dedicated to Hi-Fi gear reviews. The editorial team, made up of passionate music experts, puts together eclectic musical selections and hand-crafted playlists every week, covering all genres, from rock and jazz to classical, pop, R&B, electronic, and metal.
Qobuz enriches its catalog of over 100 million titles by integrating high-resolution tracks from e-onkyo music and a repertoire of Japanese music, including specialized genres such as J-Pop for its launch in Japan. Subscribers in Japan will benefit from the complete Qobuz offer, combining streaming and downloading.
PulseJet Studios Launches VR App to Deliver Immersive Music Experiences
PulseJet Studios, San Francisco’s leading VR studio, announces today its app is now available for download on the Apple App Store. Through a VR headset, the app, titled PulseJet, will transport users to a musical experience they may not have otherwise thought possible. There are currently 17 experiences available from major artist partners and venues.
“VR and music have both been lifelong passions for me,” said John Gearty, president and founder of PulseJet Studios. “I’m grateful to be alive at a time when VR is becoming a reality for everyone. We’re on a mission to find out what music looks like and I think we have just the special sauce to make it happen.”
PulseJet Studios is on a mission to bring artists and their fans closer than ever before, through VR technology. The creators combine stereoscopic 360° video with visualizations and computer graphics made with tools like Maya, Houdini and Unreal Engine for indescribable, immersive experiences.
One of the first experiences now available will be an intimate performance from San Francisco music legend Pamela Parker, inside Hyde Street Studios. The studio has produced records for iconic artists such as Green Day, Tupac and Earth, Wind & Fire.
“I had a blast making our video with John and the team! It was so easy to do our thing while they captured the moment in the studio,” said musician Pamela Parker. “The band and I also really loved coming to the immersive studio with the full surround green screen and having some fun in there together. Once the final product was done, we immersed ourselves in the experience and got to see all the cool scenes they put behind us. It was next level fun for the viewer and for us!”
Another available immersive concert will take users through the desert to a front and center spot at last year’s Joshua Tree Music Festival. Performances from artists like Father Taj and Nicky Genesis are featured.
“Being able to watch and relive my set again in VR was pretty mind-blowing,” said Nicky Genesis. “It takes it from being a memory to a fully immersive experience and that is not only really cool but a step towards the future of entertainment.”
Father Taj shared that he was thrilled to collaborate with the PulseJet Studios team. “They are sitting at the cutting edge of what is possible. My DJ sets take people on a journey and the VR space is a welcome addition to my visions for the future,” he said. “This team is talented and fun to work with. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can create together.”
The PulseJet Studios team has more than a decade of combined experience in the virtual reality industry. Before founding PulseJet Studios, John Gearty spent 10 years discovering the capabilities of augmented reality at Apple. Co-founder, Brian Addison, is also an industry expert. Brian worked on augmented reality features at Apple and on the Augmented Reality Developer Kit at Niantic before joining John on the PulseJet journey. Both followed their passion for music and technology to create what PulseJet has become.
“I’ve spent years working with VR and AR, both professionally and for fun, and it’s only recently that I’ve truly realized just how fascinating these mediums can be,” said Addison. “My passion for technology, combined with a deep love for music, led me to join PulseJet Studios. With advancements in immersive technologies we’re just beginning to see the potential to revolutionize how we experience music, performance, and shows. It’s exciting.”
The app is free to download, and comes loaded with a selection of free content and additional content available via in-app purchase. The app is currently available on Vision Pro in the Apple App Store. You can download the app at the link here.
Canada’s Walk of Fame Announces Winners of the 2024 RBC Emerging Musician Program
Canada’s music scene continues to shine, with emerging talent making waves across the country. Today, five outstanding musicians have been named as the winners of the 12th annual Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program. Designed to elevate aspiring Canadian artists through industry connections, mentorship, and performance opportunities, 1000 submissions poured in from every province and territory, showcasing the range and strength of Canada’s musical landscape.
Chosen by a panel of industry judges, who reviewed the originality, creativity, and talent of each submission, this year’s winners represent a dynamic blend of talent that highlights the richness of Canada’s cultural diversity. The Grand Prize winner made program history as the first musician to win with a French-language song.
The 2024 Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program recipients are:
Grand Prize Winner
Gabriel Fredette (Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec)
Gabriel Fredette made program history as the first musician to win with a French-language song. The 22-year-old bilingual folk pop artist from the suburbs of Montreal, rose to fame on the 2024 season of “La Voix” in Quebec. Known for his warm, raspy voice, he quickly gained popularity among Quebec audiences. His song, Encore une fois, is a French-language ballad that delves into themes of hope, love, and perseverance. Fredette has been releasing singles since July 2024, with his tracks gaining traction on streaming platforms across Quebec. He is set to release his first EP, Forêt Noire, in November 2024.
Second Prize Winner
Dallas (Toronto, Ontario)
An alumna of the American Musical Dramatic Academy in NYC, singer-songwriter Dallas has made waves in the pop scene with over 37 million streams and 200,000+ monthly listeners. In 2023, she became a fixture on Spotify’s editorial playlists like New Music Friday, The Scene, and It’s a Bop.
Third Prize Winners
Jackie Art (Calgary, Alberta)
Jackie Art is a black British-Canadian artist who started his journey in London before moving to Calgary. Since his debut mixtape Depth in 2020, he’s garnered nearly 200,000 YouTube views, captivating audiences with his blend of R&B, grime, and dance. Jackie’s music is an authentic expression of his identity, aiming to connect globally and make a lasting impact.
Mint Simon (Montreal, Quebec)
Mint Simon blends 80s and 90s pop with themes of love, desire, and self-acceptance. Unapologetically queer, Mint’s music has earned support from Spotify, Apple Music, MTV, and more, and has featured on TV shows like Orange Is the New Black. In 2024, they played events like POP Montreal and joined the RBC Music ‘First Up’ program.
Tiger Balme (Toronto, Ontario)
Toronto-based alt-indie band, Tiger Balme brings together the grounding forces of drums, guitar, and bass with shimmering vibraphone, harp, and soaring harmonies to create sonic spaces of tender resilience. The band, comprised of Asian-identifying women and non-binary musicians, released their debut album, the self-titled Tiger Balme, in November 2022.
5 Surprising Facts About ‘The Velvet Underground & Nico’
The Velvet Underground & Nico might have initially been a commercial flop, but today it’s widely revered as one of rock’s most influential albums. Released in 1967 and produced under the creative vision of Andy Warhol, the album introduced an unprecedented sound and aesthetic to the music scene. Despite the extensive analysis and praise this album has received, here are five intriguing, lesser-known facts that deepen its mystique and cultural impact:
1. Nico Was a Late Addition
German model and singer Nico was not part of the Velvet Underground’s original lineup. She was brought on at the suggestion of Warhol, who envisioned her icy, ethereal vocals as an additional layer to the band’s gritty sound. Nico’s haunting voice can be heard on three tracks: “Femme Fatale,” “All Tomorrow’s Parties,” and “I’ll Be Your Mirror.” This collaboration wasn’t without tension, as some band members had mixed feelings about her inclusion, but her contributions became iconic.
2. The Album Cover Had a Hidden Surprise
The album’s famous banana cover art, designed by Warhol, originally had an interactive element: early pressings featured a peelable banana sticker that revealed a “flesh-colored” banana underneath. This unique design was costly and required a specialized machine for manufacturing, which contributed to production delays. Today, finding an original peelable banana album cover is rare, and copies in good condition are valuable collector’s items.
3. Multiple Producers and the “Invisible” Hand of Warhol
Although Warhol is credited as the album’s producer, his involvement was more as an artistic guide and financier than a hands-on producer. Other figures, including Norman Dolph and Tom Wilson, were crucial in recording and arranging the album’s distinct sound. Warhol’s main role was providing a safe space for the band to experiment and protecting them from commercial pressures, something Reed later described as Warhol’s most important contribution.
4. The Album Was Initially Rejected by Multiple Labels
Before The Velvet Underground & Nico found a home with Verve Records, it was rejected by Columbia, Atlantic, and Elektra due to the dark themes and avant-garde style. Each label had reservations: Columbia cited drug references, and Elektra objected to John Cale’s unconventional viola use. Verve ultimately took a chance on the album, which came to embody the “underground” ethos that would later inspire generations of musicians.
5. It Was Banned and Censored in Many Places
The album’s explicit themes—including references to drug use, prostitution, and BDSM—led to bans in various record stores, radio stations, and media outlets. This controversy limited its exposure and distribution at the time. Though its sales lagged, the album’s raw content eventually gained traction within counterculture movements, setting the stage for its legendary status in alternative and punk rock scenes.
From its infamous banana cover to its daring soundscapes, The Velvet Underground & Nico remains a fascinating blend of art, rebellion, and innovation that continues to influence musicians and artists today. If you’ve ever wondered how a commercially failed album could still start a cultural revolution, look no further.
Calgary Soul And Blues Powerhouse OLLEE OWENS New Album ‘Nowhere to Hide’ Is Out Now
Canadian soul/blues powerhouse singer Ollee Owens releases her new album, Nowhere to Hide, today through her Ollee Owens Music label imprint.
Produced by Bobby Blazier, the music on Nowhere to Hide is also graced by the presence of Muscle Shoals all-star guitarist Will McFarlane on eight of the album’s eleven tracks.
“The writing of ‘Some Days’ came out of a desire to acknowledge the ups and downs of our day-to-day experiences and at the same time call out the resilience of the human spirit no matter what we come up against,” Owens says. “Sonically, we imagined it as a blues-infused song that leaves the listener feeling happy. It was recorded in Nashville with some of the best session musicians in Music City: Chris Rodriguez, Craig Young, Bobby Blazier, and DeMarco Johnson. The energy in the room that day was palpable as the song began to take shape, capturing exactly what I heard in my head when we wrote the song, resulting in a soulful and hope-filled anthem.”
After returning to music a decade ago and releasing 2022’s Cannot Be Unheard, the Calgary-based blues/rock singer is better than ever with her latest dazzling, down-to-earth studio album Nowhere to Hide. It’s one teeming with stylish, sophisticated jewels mined from blues, rock, and soul.
Nowhere to Hide features eight co-writing credits by Owens and a few covers, including Bob Dylan’s “Lord Protect My Child.” Whether it’s Owens’ confident delivery fueling the driving title track, the infectious “Some Days,” or the deliciously well-crafted “Shivers and Butterflies,” Owens is as dynamic as the eleven-track album is flawless.
“I learned so much,” Owens says of the creative process, “especially, vocally, as there was real opportunity to dig deeper and embody the lyrics.”
Nowhere to Hide, recorded at Nashville’s Sweetbriar Studio and Gnome Studios, shines with help from a who’s who of acclaimed Nashville session musicians Blazier brought to the album. “Bobby has an incredible ability to bring people together,” Owens says of Blazier. “We all got in the studio together, gave it everything we got, and made some great music.”
That great music derives from Owens’ backstory in the farming community of New Bothwell, Manitoba. As a teen, she gravitated toward Dylan, Delta Blues, The Staple Singers, and Etta James. “When I came back to creating music, I really realized the depth and influence that particular style of music had on me,” Owens says of her early listening habits.
Owens and her husband started their family early and had three daughters, one of whom has a cognitive disability. After some soul-searching, and realizing her daughter had exceptional needs, she took a hiatus from music. “I focused on being present and engaged for my daughters,” she says.
As a result, “Lord Protect My Child” strikes an emotional chord as Owens pours her soul into it. “That song has really become close to my heart,” she says. “My daughter is twenty-three now, but there’s still a lot of vulnerability there. The desire for protecting and taking care of her will never go away.”
Owens will be playing a Canadian concert in October celebrating the release of Nowhere to Hide and has plans for further touring in the spring. She’s also performed at the Roots Blues and BBQ Festival in Drumheller, Alberta, and Calgary’s National Music Centre, among several other venues.
Now with Nowhere to Hide, Owens will have a larger fan base thanks to an amazing album you would be wise to experience wherever you get your music.
Nowhere to Hide Track Listing
1. Nowhere To Hide
2. Solid Ground
3. Some Days
4. Roots
5. Love You Better
6. Still in Pieces
7. Shivers and Butterflies
8. My Man
9. Love Hung Around
10. The Neighborhood
11. Lord Protect My Child