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Scissor Sisters Return to Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Their No.1 Album Scissor Sisters

Eric Alper
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Scissor Sisters Return to Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Their No.1 Album Scissor Sisters

The long-awaited reunion that fans have been clamouring for is here: Scissor Sisters are back and readying their first live shows in over 12 years.

2024 marks the 20 year anniversary of the band’s debut album ‘Scissor Sisters’, one of the UK’s 40 best-sellers of all time, and to celebrate this, the era-defining pop disruptors – lead singer Jake Shears plus multi-instrumentalist Babydaddy and guitarist Del Marquis – will fill the UK’s arenas next May with their signature mix of showmanship, songcraft and galvanising queer energy.

The album ‘Scissor Sisters’ was the best-selling album in the UK of 2004, selling over 3 million copies globally (a staggering 2 million of these were UK sales). Ranked as the 20th biggest-selling album of the 21st century in the UK and the 35th biggest-selling album of all time, the album went 9 x Platinum in the UK, and won three BRIT Awards in 2005, including Best International Album, Best International Group and Best International Breakthrough Act, making Scissor Sisters the first act ever to win all three international categories.

The band are already batting around setlist ideas but plan to perform every single track from the album on the tour. They will also cherry-pick highlights from their three subsequent albums, 2006’s Ta-Dah, 2010’s Night Work and 2012’s Magic Hour, which contain some of the band’s biggest hits and most cherished fan favourites.

Jake says: “It’s the 20th anniversary of our debut album, so it really feels like the right time to revisit all the intense excitement of that moment. I think the impetus for this reunion was really a YouTube screening of Scissor Sisters: Live at The O2 that happened during lockdown. I don’t think I’d seen that show since it was filmed in 2007, but we were all kind of surprised by how great it was.  And chatting with fans during the screening really brought back what a special moment it was for all of us.”

Babydaddy adds: “There’s something really special about us being a gay band, a queer band, who really pushed into the mainstream with that album. We want to revisit that because there weren’t as many queer acts breaking through in that way 20 years ago. We do acknowledge that we did something pretty unique back then just by putting ourselves out there as queer people. We put queer culture in the mainstream at a time when there wasn’t much of it there.”

Del says: ” There will always be a little bit of anarchy and chaos in our live shows. That’s the magic ingredient of the Scissor Sisters, and we’re definitely going to bring that ‘anything can happen’ energy back again. This time I want to be really present on stage and celebrate how lucky we are to have achieved what we achieved. I don’t think I was mature enough to deal with everything the first time around because it happened so fast.”

The Scissor Sisters 2025 live experience will have a different dynamic as singer Ana Matronic has decided not to join the tour as she has other projects she is focusing on right now. “The 20th anniversary only happens once and now has to be the time for us to celebrate that album”, says Babydaddy.

“We’ve spent a lot of time collectively thinking about what we can add to our show that isn’t a ‘replacement’ for Ana in any way,” Del says. “She’s part of the spirit of this band and we want to honour that.” For Jake, reconvening as a trio adds to the “fun challenge” of working out what their live show looks and feels like after 12 years away. “The way I see it is this,” he adds, “If it’s gonna be different, why not make it an interesting kind of different?”

Tickets will go on pre-sale on Wednesday 6th November at 10am, with the general on sale Friday 8th November at 10am, all via www.scissorsisters.com.

The arena tour dates announced today are:
FRI 16 MAY 2025 NOTTINGHAM, MOTORPOINT ARENA
SAT 17 MAY 2025 GLASGOW, OVO HYDRO
MON 19 MAY 2025 BOURNEMOUTH, INTERNATIONAL CENTRE
TUE 20 MAY 2025 CARDIFF, UTILITA ARENA
WED 21 MAY 2025 MANCHESTER, CO-OP LIVE
FRI 23 MAY 2025 LONDON, THE 02
SAT 24 MAY 2025 LEEDS, FIRST DIRECT ARENA
SUN 25 MAY 2025 BIRMINGHAM, UTILITA ARENA
TUE 27 MAY 2025 BELFAST, SSE ARENA
WED 28 MAY 2025 DUBLIN, 3ARENA
WITH SUPPORT FROM VERY SPECIAL GUEST ALISON GOLDFRAPP

The album, ‘Scissor Sisters’ will be reissued on vinyl on 22nd November with a deluxe expanded edition to follow next year. Fans can expect B-sides, remixes and unheard rarities alongside the original 11-track LP.

Scissor Sisters burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with a colourful, boundary-pushing style that blended glam rock, pop, and disco, breaking down barriers in LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream music. Released in February 2004, the group’s debut album achieved the biggest selling week one of any international artist in the last 20 years. It spawned five irresistible singles: the funky strut of Laura, Elton-esquecoming out anthem Take Your Mama, life-affirming ballad Mary, horny club banger Filthy/Gorgeous and an audacious disco cover of Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb. In a way, the album’s jubilant fusion of rollicking pop, gleaming glam rock, classic balladry and subtly subversive club tunes reflects the fact that Scissor Sisters started out as musical outsiders.

Though they emerged from New York’s hyper-creative queer underground, the band were embraced most vehemently of all in the UK. In 2004 Jake and Babydaddy collaborated with pop royalty when they co-wrote and produced Kylie Minogue’s shimmering disco gem I Believe in You, a UK No.2 hit that was nominated for a Grammy award. In January 2004, Scissor Sisters made their UK live debut at a sweaty Soho club night; by June, they were playing Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage. In 2005, they cemented their incredible rise by winning three BRIT Awards and performing Take Your Mama at the ceremony with eye-popping puppets created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.  Their unforgettable performances at Coachella, and V Festival truly cemented their status as one of the most exciting live acts of the early 2000s. In 2005, they performed at ‘Live 8 London in Hyde Park, supporting MAKEpovertyHISTORY. The band has also headlined iconic venues like Wembley Arena and the London O2, completing five international sell-out tours. In 2005 they were nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording for Comfortably Numb.

The Ta-Dah album stormed straight to the top of the charts in 2006 after spawning the No.1 single I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’, a dazzling disco bop co-written with the band’s idol Elton John. Ta-Dah also featured the deliciously off-kilter stomper I Can’t Decide, which has gone on to become one of the band’s most streamed songs despite never being released as a single. Ta-Dah was followed in time by Night Work, a harder dance-rock record spearheaded by the strident single Fire with Fire. Since its release, the album has become a cult queer classic thanks to its heady celebration of club culture’s potential for personal, political and sexual liberation. Magic Hour was a kaleidoscopic pop album that yielded the sleek house single Only the Horses, which was co-produced by Calvin Harris, and the drag-inspired banger Let’s Have a Kiki. The latter remains a staple at gay bars and Pride parties, and the band are especially excited to be returning in an era where more queer artists are breakout stars.

The Verve – This Is Music: The Singles 20th Anniversary 2 LP Out January 2024

Eric Alper
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The Verve – This Is Music: The Singles 20th Anniversary 2 LP Out January 2024

Released on vinyl for the very first time, This Is Music: The Singles, is a double LPcompilation album by The Verve: Richard Ashcroft (vocals), Pete Salisbury (drums), Simon Jones (bass), Nick McCabe (guitar).

It was originally released on CD only in November 2004 and, for its 20th anniversary, it has been updated to a more definitive track listing; the two tracks pulled from the sessions for their third album, Urban Hymns, ‘This Could Be My Moment’ and ‘Monte Carlo’ have been replaced by the powerful singles from the band’s 2008 reunion album, Forth – ‘Love is Noise’ and ‘Rather Be’. In addition, their second single ‘She’s A Superstar’ (1992) is included in its original, full- length, eight-and-a-half-minute glory (rather than the five-minute edit that featured on the first edition of this compilation). As such, the album now represents the complete story of The Verve’s singles. And what a compelling saga it is, comprehensively documenting the potency of The Verve’s epoch-making journey through the musical cosmos. On their emergence in the early 90s (when they were known simply as Verve), their output was expansive, cinematic and genuinely psychedelic. Their early 45s – ‘All In The Mind’, ‘She’s A Superstar’, ‘Gravity Grave’, ‘Blue’ and ‘Slide Away’ – all topped the UK independent chart and served notice that there something more than a little special going on up in Wigan, Lancashire.

1995’s A Northern Soul album saw the band develop their sound even further and spawned three truly memorable singles: ‘This Is Music’, ‘On Your Own’ and the much- loved, ‘History’, the group’s first collaboration with string arranger Wil Malone, which was issued as the band splintered for the first time. They reconvened (with the addition of guitarist and keyboard player Simon Tong) to reach their commercial peak in 1997 with the hugely successful Urban Hymns, which was centred around a brilliantly accomplished suite of anthemic songs written by Ashcroft, including the worldwide smash ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’, the UK number one ‘The Drugs Don’t Work’, the majestic ‘Lucky Man’ and fourth single ‘Sonnet’, recently introduced to a new generation by its use in the popular TV series One Day earlier this year.

After the success of Urban Hymns, the band split again before they came back together (with their original four-piece line-up) for 2008’s Forth LP, another international success and a campaign that culminated in a triumphant headline slot at Glastonbury in 2008.

Listening back to these singles, what’s immediately apparent is just how mighty a musical force The Verve were. Many of these songs are more than just great singles, they are anthems that resonate with millions of people, the soundtrack to a generation. This Is Music, folks. The black and light blue/red vinyl editions will be released on 24th January 2025 and can be purchased alongside a new range of band merchandise from the recently launched official The Verve online store HERE

This Is Music: The Singles 2LP

LP1
Side A Side B
1. This Is Music 5. She’s A Superstar
2. Slide Away 6. On Your Own
3. Lucky Man 7. Blue
4. History 8. Sonnet

LP2
Side C Side D
1. All In The Mind  2. Bitter Sweet Symphony
3. The Drugs Don’t Work 4. Love Is Noise
5. Gravity Grave 6. Rather Be

The Cure Releases New Album ‘Songs of a Lost World’ – The First New Album in Sixteen Years Out Now

Eric Alper
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The Cure Releases New Album ‘Songs of a Lost World’ – The First New Album in Sixteen Years Out Now

THE CURE’s long-awaited, critically acclaimed new album, ‘SONGS OF A LOST WORLD’, their first new release in 16 years, is out now.

The band will be performing their only scheduled show of the year tonight at Troxy in London, which will be live streamed on The Cure’s YouTube page Show Of A Lost World The Cure Live At Troxy

Initially formed in 1978, The Cure has sold over 30 million albums worldwide, headlined the Glastonbury festival four times and been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. They are considered to be one of the most influential bands to ever come out of the UK.

‘SONGS OF A LOST WORLD’ was written and arranged by Robert Smith, produced and mixed by Robert Smith & Paul Corkett and performed by The Cure – Robert Smith: Voice / guitar / 6string bass / keyboard, Simon Gallup: Bass, Jason Cooper: Drums / percussion, Roger O’Donnell: Keyboard, Reeves Gabrels: Guitar. The album was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales.

Robert Smith created the sleeve concept, and Andy Vella, a long-time Cure collaborator, handled the album’s art and design. The cover art features ‘Bagatelle’, a 1975 sculpture by Janez Pirnat.

The Rise of Music Streaming Freemiums and Subscriptions

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

The music streaming industry has all but replaced legacy radio stations and music TV shows. Even these traditional powerhouses have adapted to the new digital world, airing music and adverts across radio and online platforms accessible across a wide range of devices. The music streaming market was projected to reach over $29 billion in 2024 and grow to $34 billion by 2027 with an annual growth rate of 4.70%.

Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music dominate the streaming landscape. Artists have also been leveraging social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and X to share and distribute music. Developments, such as AI music, channel playlists, and DJ mixes have also made premium music accessible to people on demand. Here’s an overview of the rise of music-streaming freemiums and subscriptions:

Freemiums vs. Subscriptions

Music streaming platforms, in countries such as the UK, USA, and worldwide operate using both a freemium and subscription model.  Just as leading online casinos in UK offer free-to-play versions of popular games like slots, blackjack, and roulette, music streaming platforms allow users to enjoy free access to a vast library of songs—though, like casinos, the full experience often requires a paid upgrade.

Modern music streaming websites also feature a subscription model that removes the adverts and provides higher-quality audio and access to the full list of artists and music. Users can access various packages featuring monthly or annual subscriptions with added experiences and benefits. The subscription and freemium models run parallel, allowing millions of users and artists to join the streaming platforms and eventually convert to paid subscribers. Music streaming platforms also offer podcasts, exclusive artist content, and live-streamed performances for additional engagement and subscription incentives.

The Rise of Music Streaming

Music streaming is one of the phenomena that rose from the shift to a more digital world with Web 2.0. The internet, advancements in mobile technologies, and broadband access made it possible for people to enjoy music online. This new access immediately reduced the reliance on physical music assets and downloads. People no longer needed to download their favorite songs and purchase extra storage devices for their playlists. The combination resulted in declining physical and digital sales, prompting the emergence of platforms like Spotify back in 2008. Apple Music launched seven years later and streaming has since grown to account for nearly two-thirds of global music industry revenue.

Hundreds of millions of users have subscribed to streaming platforms where they can access extensive music libraries whenever they want. The platforms are online, giving users access to music on the go. Music streaming generated over $17 billion in 2022 and new markets are emerging throughout the world. As smartphones become accessible to nearly everyone and the population becomes more tech-savvy, streaming will fully replace legacy music distribution media. Streaming platforms have also opened the market to new creators, including podcasters and at-home performances. The services also provide ad-support and new revenue streams for independent artists, record labels, and other entities in the space.

Impact and Future Trends

Modern technologies, such as the decentralized web, artificial intelligence, and blockchain are all poised to impact the music streaming industry. Streaming has already made a significant impact on music discovery and user behavior. Users find music through algorithm-driven recommendations, playlists, and curated content, resulting in more personalized experiences. Technologies like AI and machine learning also help the platforms learn user behavior and deliver more personalized experiences. They can recommend new artists and genres that align with user preferences and industry trends. Platforms, such as Spotify’s Discover Weekly playlist, also introduce listeners to music they would otherwise not encounter.

Record labels work closely with streaming platforms to secure spots in popular high-traffic playlists and promote their artists. Independent creators can also generate a buzz and organic placements from viral content. The integration of AI continues to improve algorithms and predict preferences and trends. Users can also leverage voice assistants and other interactive experiences. Technologies like Blockchain and Web 3.0 continue to push for decentralization, which gives artists more control over their music and revenue. Some streaming platforms already allow artists to interact directly with their listeners. Virtual reality is also intersecting with music streaming, allowing listeners to enjoy virtual concerts in massive digital spaces.

Key Takeaways

Streaming is the dominant way to enjoy music in 2024 and this trend is expected for the foreseeable future. Modern technologies are also evolving the streaming experience from simple browsing, searching, and playing, to immersive VR and AR interactions. Listeners are thrust into 3D worlds and concerts and can interact with artists and fans through chats, video calls, and other live communication platforms. Social media platforms are also evolving into major sources of entertainment, including videos, movies, and music. Users can find music, playlists, and other content from dedicated streaming websites, social media, and more.

We require payment before making the post public, like every business on the planet. Receiving payment for a product before posting provides peace of mind for both the seller and the buyer, ensuring a secure and trustworthy transaction process.

SiriusXM Tips Off College Basketball Coverage with 74 Games on Opening Night, November 4

Eric Alper
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SiriusXM Tips Off College Basketball Coverage with 74 Games on Opening Night, November 4

SiriusXM will deliver college basketball fans an extensive schedule of live games throughout the 2023-24 college basketball season, starting with a slate of 74 women’s and men’s matchups to choose from when the season tips off this Monday, November 4.

The men’s schedule includes all 19 teams from the Associated Press Top 25 that are in action on Monday night, including the season’s first matchup of Top 25 ranked teams – #8 Baylor @ #6 Gonzaga (11:30 pm ET).

The opening day schedule of women’s games on SiriusXM includes 12 teams from the Associated Press Top 25 and features a couple of Top 25 matchups – #20 Ole Miss @ #3 USC (noon ET) and #5 UCLA @ #17 Louisville (2:30 pm ET).

Throughout the season SiriusXM listeners will get access to dozens of game broadcasts each week involving teams from the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, Pac-12, Big East and more.

For a schedule of men’s games on SiriusXM, and their channel assignments, visit: www.siriusxm.com/sports/mens-college-basketball

For a schedule of women’s games on SiriusXM, and their channel assignments, visit: www.siriusxm.com/sports/womens-college-basketball

SiriusXM also offers fans the most in-depth radio coverage of the college game with daily talk, up-to-the-moment news and expert analysis on its dedicated 24/7 college sports channel –  SiriusXM College Sports Radio (channel 84) – as well as conference-focused channels SiriusXM ACC Radio (channel 371), SiriusXM Big Ten Radio (channel 372) and SiriusXM SEC Radio (channel 374).

Earlier this month, Hall of Fame basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski began the 20th season of his exclusive weekly SiriusXM show, “Basketball and Beyond with Coach K.” Krzyzewski and co-host Chris Spatola discuss the latest news from college basketball and Coach K leads compelling interviews with guests from different walks of life, from champion coaches and players to leaders of government and business. “Basketball and Beyond with Coach K” airs every Thursday at 6 pm ET on SiriusXM College Sports Radio and SiriusXM ACC Radio, and episodes can be heard anytime on the SiriusXM app: https://sxm.app.link/CoachKonSXM

“The World According to Allee Willis” Documentary Official Trailer Is Now Out

Eric Alper
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“The World According to Allee Willis” Documentary Official Trailer Is Now Out

Allee Willis was a visionary, a boundary-breaking artist whose vibrant personality and style were as bold as her songwriting. With her unforgettable look—think a riot of colors, mismatched prints, and her iconic asymmetrical haircut—Allee lived with a flair that was impossible to ignore. Her real-life Pee-wee’s Playhouse became famous for its eccentricity, and her parties were just as legendary, reflecting her zest for life. Yet, behind this exuberant exterior, Allee was navigating her own journey of self-acceptance in a world with rigid norms around gender and sexuality.

Allee poured herself into her work, finding refuge and purpose in creativity. Her talent and dedication yielded timeless hits that have become part of music history, from “September” and “Boogie Wonderland” by Earth, Wind & Fire to Pet Shop Boys’ “What Have I Done to Deserve This?” Her extraordinary career also earned her two Grammy Awards for Beverly Hills Cop and The Color Purple, an Emmy nomination for “I’ll Be There for You” (the iconic Friends theme song), and a place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018. Across decades, Allee’s compositions sold over 60 million records, and her impact on pop culture and music is undeniable.

Now, a new film captures Allee’s extraordinary life and career, fulfilling her desire for her “final art piece to be someone putting together the trail I have left behind.” The film includes insights from friends and collaborators who knew Allee best, with appearances by Mark Cuban, Cyndi Lauper, Lily Tomlin, Paul Reubens, Michael Patrick King, Patti LaBelle, Pet Shop Boys, Pamela Adlon, Paul Feig, and Mark Mothersbaugh. Directed by Alexis Spraic, this documentary offers a vivid exploration of Allee’s life, creativity, and the journey toward embracing her true self.

With Allee’s archives and countless hours of personal footage dating back to her beginnings in 1950s Detroit, this film not only celebrates her unforgettable music but also the legacy of a woman who lived by her own rules, transforming her struggles and passions into masterpieces of pop culture.

The film will premiere in theaters starting November 15, with a nationwide one-night-only screening on November 19, and will be available on digital platforms beginning November 22. For more information, visit alleewillisdoc.com.

LANDR Acquires Orb Plugins and Launches AI-Powered LANDR Composer

Eric Alper
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LANDR Acquires Orb Plugins and Launches AI-Powered LANDR Composer
LANDR, the industry leader in AI-powered music creation and production tools, announced the acquisition of Orb Plugins, the acclaimed music composition software known for its innovative assistive capabilities. As part of this strategic acquisition, LANDR is proud to unveil an enhanced version of the Orb Producer Pro plugin under its new name: LANDR Composer. The acquisition of Orb Plugins also marks a significant milestone in LANDR’s commitment to empowering musicians and producers with cutting-edge technology. Under the LANDR Composer name, the plugin integrates the best of Orb’s powerful assistive intelligence algorithms into LANDR’s ecosystem, offering an intuitive, efficient, and refreshing experience for creators at every level. With advanced features that enable artists to generate chord progressions, basslines, melodies, and harmonies, LANDR Composer is designed to enrich the creative process and inspire musical innovation.
LANDR Composer brings new enhancements, including:
  • Assistive Chord Generation: Automatically create and tweak complex chord progressions and individual chords.
  • Assistive MIDI Generation: Generate unique chord, bassline, melody, and arpeggio performances.
  • Scenes and Song Mode: Organize and arrange multiple musical ideas into a full composition.
  • Chord Progression Guide: Edit, move, and refine chords to perfect your harmonic sequences.
  • Preset Sounds and MIDI Editing: Use the built-in synthesizer to generate sounds and edit MIDI with a piano roll for precise control.
  • Performance Modifiers: Using simple controls, you can easily modify musical elements of MIDI-generated patterns, such as polyphony and humanization.
  • Drag-and-Drop Integration: Easily drag MIDI patterns into your DAW.

“We are thrilled to welcome Orb Plugins products to LANDR and to introduce LANDR Composer as a key part of our suite of creative tools,” said Pascal Pilon, Founder and CEO of LANDR. “Our mission has always been to make music creation accessible to all by providing high-quality, cutting-edge tools. This recent acquisition has allowed us to enhance the unique technology developed and refined by the Orb team over the past decade and add new features that bring even more fun and excitement to the music creation process, all while maintaining complete creative control for artists,” says Pascal Pilon, Founder and CEO of LANDR.

“As the CEO of Hexachords, I’m excited about the synergy between Orb’s innovative technology and LANDR’s cutting-edge products. This integration combines our strengths, offering music makers a more seamless and enriched creative experience. With this acquisition, LANDR will be able to push the boundaries of what’s possible, bringing enhanced features and fresh inspiration to artists everywhere.” said Richard Portelli, CEO of Hexachords.

LANDR Composer is available now as part of selected LANDR Studio subscription plans. New and existing subscribers can access the software immediately. Users also have the option to buy the plugin directly from LANDR’s website at landr.com for $149.
For more information, visit landr.com/plugins/landr-composer/

National Music Centre Names Participants of 2024 OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator for Indigenous Artists

Eric Alper
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National Music Centre Names Participants of 2024 OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator for Indigenous Artists

The National Music Centre (NMC) is excited to announce that Brettyn Rose, Darrian Gerard, Grace Clark, Jarrid Lee, Kaeley Jade, and Osani Balkaran have been selected as participants in the OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator program for Indigenous musicians. The program kicks off later this month and will culminate in a live showcase and reception on October 4 at Studio Bell.

Hailing from the Foothills of Alberta, Brettyn Rose is a Métis country-pop who weaves honest lyrics and powerful vocals with a hint of pop sparkle.

Métis pop-rock virtuoso Darrian Gerard, from Duncan, BC, crafts her anthemic sound drawing inspiration from luminaries like Avril Lavigne, blink-182, Halsey, and Taylor Swift.

Growing up in Yellowknife, on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Métis artist Grace Clark draws inspiration from nature and seasons in the North to concoct a dynamic indie-pop sound.

A rising country-rock sensation, Plains Cree musician Jarrid Lee, who is based in Saskatoon, has been hailed for his unique blend of authentic narratives and compelling melodies. Fans of Don Amero, Brett Kissel, and Chris Stapleton will find a kindred spirit in Lee’s artistry.

Kaeley Jade is a Métis singer-songwriter, actor, and multidisciplinary artist based in Edmonton. Able to move between ballads and bops with ease, her brand of pop-forward indie-folk music has earned her multiple awards and nominations.

Osani Balkaran (aka The O.B.) is a Guyanese/Cree abstract rapper and music producer from Winnipeg. Incorporating influences from both of his cultures, he paints pictures of everyday anxieties through his music.

“We are excited to welcome an extraordinary group of artists from across Canada for the OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator,” said David McLeod (member of the Pine Creek First Nation in Treaty 1), NMC Board Member and Chair of NMC’s National Indigenous Programming Advisory Committee. “What stands out about this year’s participants is not only their immense talent but also the rich diversity of their backgrounds and musical influences. From the Foothills of Alberta to the Arctic Circle, and from pop-rock to country and abstract rap, these artists bring a wide array of stories that represent the breadth of Indigenous expression today. We look forward to supporting their creative journeys and also showcasing their work at the upcoming live event.”

The six selected artists will converge at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre in Mohkinstsis (Calgary), for five days to learn new skills, connect with music industry experts from across the country, and hone their craft and professional chops. Artists for the music incubator were selected by NMC’s National Indigenous Programming Advisory Committee, which includes First Nation, Métis and Inuit representation, and acts as a guiding voice for NMC Indigenous programs and content.

Launched in early 2022, OHSOTO’KINO is an Indigenous programming initiative supported by TD that emphasizes three key pillars: creating new music in NMC’s recording studios, fostering artist development through a music incubator program, and amplifying Indigenous voices through storytelling in NMC’s exhibitions, including the annually updated Speak Up! gallery and NMC’s online platform, Amplify. The name OHSOTO’KINO, a Blackfoot phrase meaning ‘to recognize a voice of,’ honours the Blackfoot people and the land on which the National Music Centre stands.

Earlier this year, country singer-songwriter Chelsie Young and the powwow and round dance group Warscout were awarded OHSOTO’KINO Recording Bursaries, granting them the opportunity to record a commercial album at Studio Bell. In June, the Speak Up! exhibition was also updated to feature a new lineup of Indigenous trailblazers, including Willie Thrasher, Leela Gilday, Edmund Bull, and The Bearhead Sisters. The current exhibition will be on display until June 2025.

The OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator Showcase and Reception takes place on October 4 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $10 or $5 for NMC Members. Visit studiobell.ca/whats-on to get your tickets or to become an NMC Member and save on events, visit studiobell.ca/members.

National Music Centre Launch Limited-Edition Non-Alcoholic Beer with Acclaimed Musician Tess Roby

Eric Alper
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National Music Centre Launch Limited-Edition Non-Alcoholic Beer with Acclaimed Musician Tess Roby

Partake Brewing, a leader in low-calorie non-alcoholic craft beer, introduces Sonic Intuition, a limited-edition blonde lager created in collaboration with the National Music Centre (NMC). This release celebrates emerging Canadian artists, with the beer’s name and design inspired by Tess Roby, the first NMC Artist in Residence presented by Partake. The can features flowing synth soundwaves against a sky-blue backdrop, capturing Tess’s artistic journey.

“At Partake, we’re all about amplifying those who are making it happen.” said Ted Fleming, Founder of Partake Brewing. “Our partnership with the National Music Centre is a perfect fit because it’s all about fostering talent and giving a platform to emerging artists like Tess Roby. Sonic Intuition is more than just a beer; it’s a celebration of Tess’s innovative spirit and a testament to the power of creativity and determination in pursuing one’s passion.”

Combining Partake Brewing’s expertise in non-alcoholic beverages with Roby’s artistic vision, Sonic Intuition is a flavourful 15-calorie blonde lager that celebrates the Montreal-based artist’s explorative style of electronic music that combines pop, ambient, and alternative folk. The design elements capture Roby’s creative process, where voice and synths intertwine to channel her life experiences into her music. Both the name, Sonic Intuition, and the synth keyboard element featured nods to Roby’s label, SSURROUNDSS, a space for women and non-binary electronic artists in Canada.

“I’m grateful to Partake Brewing and the National Music Centre for this opportunity and for their support of independent artists like me,” said Roby. “This collaboration allows me to share my music in a new, creative way and reach new audiences.”

Earlier this year, Roby was named the first NMC Artist in Residence presented by Partake Brewing, selected from over 100 submissions across the nation. During her five-day residency at NMC’s world-class recording facilities at Studio Bell in Calgary, she wrote and recorded her third studio album with access to NMC’s one-of-a-kind historic instrument collection. She joins a distinguished roster of Canadian artists, including singer-songwriter Shawnee Kish, R&B/soul singer Tanika Charles, and DJ-producer duo A Tribe Called Red, who have also participated in different streams of National Music Centre’s residency program.

“NMC is thrilled to partner with Partake Brewing on this innovative project,” said Stephanie Hutchinson, NMC’s Director of Programs. “This collaboration not only highlights the vibrant talent of Canadian artists like Tess Roby, but also supports our mission to nurture the growth of emerging musicians across the country.”

Proceeds from the sales of Sonic Intuition will be donated to the National Music Centre, supporting initiatives that give emerging artists the opportunity to develop their craft and make their dreams a reality.

Get your hands on Sonic Intuition while supplies last. Orders can be placed online here.

Light in the Attic Releases ‘Even The Forest Hums: Ukrainian Sonic Archives 1971-1996’

Eric Alper
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Light in the Attic Releases ‘Even The Forest Hums: Ukrainian Sonic Archives 1971-1996’

Today, Light in the Attic Records (LITA) proudly releases Even the Forest Hums: Ukrainian Sonic Archives 1971-1996—the first comprehensive collection of Ukrainian music recorded prior to, and immediately following, the USSR’s collapse. From subtly dissenting Soviet-era singles to DIY recordings from Kyiv’s vibrant underground scene, Even the Forest Hums chronicles the development of Ukraine’s rich musical landscape through rare folk, rock, jazz, and electronic recordings. Such rarities include “Vinegar” by Uksusnik, the first band from Gogol Bordello’s Eugene Hütz.

This week, The New York Times published an extensive feature on the release by Grayson Haver Currin, who called the release “an 18-track compendium of wildly diverse Ukrainian sounds that pulls back the curtain on a quarter-century of pop, post-punk, disco and experimental music largely made under Soviet control.” The collection has received acclaim from Pitchfork and Rolling Stone, who called it “one of the most eclectic albums you’ll ever hear.”

“This record is a labor of love and a long time coming,” says label owner Matt Sullivan. Over the course of the last five years, Sullivan, alongside producers David Mas (“DBGO”), Mark “Frosty” McNeill, and Ukrainian label Shukai Records worked tirelessly to compile a carefully curated, chronological playlist. But behind the scenes, ongoing war & politics would shape the evolution of the tracklist, which originally featured both Ukrainian and Russian artists. “We found ourselves in the midst of a larger political issue; what began as a broader overview of a sonically underrepresented region suddenly became quite the controversial project,” Sullivan continues, “so we decided to pivot and focus only on Ukrainian music. There were times when it felt impossible to bring this project to fruition, so to be sharing it with the world today is truly humbling and long overdue.”

Even the Forest Hums is now available on vinyl, CD, and digital. Guiding listeners through the physical editions of the album are insightful liner notes and track-by-track details by Vitalii “Bard” Bardetskyi—a Kyiv-based filmmaker, DJ and writer. The 2xLP is housed in a beautiful gatefold package showcasing Ukrainian artist Maria Prymachenko’s beloved and iconic folk paintings. The vinyl edition features a 20-page booklet with artist photos & liner notes in both English and Ukrainian, pressed on Clear Blue Sky & Sunflower Yellow wax; the CD edition features bonus content housed in a deluxe, 64-page hardbound book.

“In recent times,” reflects Bardetskyi, “Ukrainians have begun to look back and marvel at the depth, creativity, and advancement of musicians of previous generations.” Now, the rest of the world can enjoy these artists and their music as well. While some of the recordings featured here have become sought-after rarities in Ukraine, many of them have simply been lost to time and limited distribution. Finally, they can all have the spotlight they deserve. “This assemblage of sounds provides a view of Ukrainian music in a specific period of our history which we are finally turning over,” adds Bardetskyi. “I am personally happy that our sound archives are becoming part of the world. Hopefully, they will find their rightful place.”
Light in the Attic will donate a portion of proceeds directly to Livyj Bereh, a Kyiv-based volunteer group working to rebuild in the regions affected by ongoing war in Ukraine.

Even the Forest Hums 2-LP Vinyl Tracklist:

Side A
Kobza – Bunny
Shapoval Sextet – Oh, Get Ready, Cossack, There Will Be a March
Vodohrai – Remembrance
Kyrylo Stetsenko (feat. Tetiana Kocherhina) – Play, the Violin, Play

Side B
Vadym Khrapachov – Dance
Krok – Breath of Night Kyiv
Kyrylo Stetsenko (feat. Natalia Gura) – Oh, how, how?
Valentina Goncharova – Silence
Radiodelo – 90
Cukor Bila Smert’ – The Great Hen-Yuan’ River

Side C
Er. Jazz – Tea Ceremony
Iury Lech – Barreras
Yarn – Viella

Side D
The Hostilnia – Sick Song
Svitlana Nianio – Episode III
Omi – Transference
Ihor Tsymbrovsky – Beatrice

Even the Forest Hums: Ukrainian Sonic Archives 1971-1996 CD/Digital Tracklist:
1. Kobza – Bunny
2. Vodohrai – Remembrance
3. Kyrylo Stetsenko (feat. Tetiana Kocherhina) – Play, the Violin, Play
4. Vadym Khrapachov – Dance
5. Krok – Breath of Night Kyiv
6. Kyrylo Stetsenko (feat. Natalia Gura) – Oh, how, how?
7. Valentina Goncharova – Silence
8. Radiodelo – 90
9. Cukor Bila Smert’ – The Great Hen-Yuan’ River
10. Er. Jazz – Tea Ceremony
11. Uksusnik – North Wind
12. Iury Lech – Barreras
13. Yarn – Viella
14. The Hostilnia – Sick Song
15. Svitlana Nianio – Episode III
16. Omi – Transference
17. Ihor Tsymbrovsky – Beatrice

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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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