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Bluey Joins In With Kids Music Day 2024

Eric Alper
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Bluey Joins In With Kids Music Day 2024

Keep Music Alive is excited to be working alongside the animated series phenomenon, BLUEY, to help inspire more young music makers around the world for Kids Music Day on Friday October 4th.

Over 1,200 locations in all US, Canada, UK, Australia and a dozen other countries will this year participate in the 9th Annual Kids Music Day with special events and promotions that benefit and celebrate kids playing music.

As part of the celebration, Bluey digital channels on social media would like to hear fans across the world to create their very own video renditions of the iconic Bluey theme tune. The catchy title track, accompanied by a musical sheet note, will be available on www.Bluey.tv from 4th October, showing everyone how they can be part of Kids Music Day by uploading their musical talents to the official Bluey social channels by tagging in @officialblueytv (Instagram) or @bluey (TikTok) and using the hashtags #Bluey and #KidsMusicDay. The page will also feature alternative tracks including a brand new, “Bluey Theme Tune (Vocal Version)” produced by Bluey composer Joff Bush, which will be released as a single on October 4th ahead of the Bluey: Rug Island album launch.

Additionally, some of Bluey’s licensees will be tuning up for Kids Music Day by donating instruments to Keep Music Alive Instrument Petting Zoos taking place in the US and UK to help celebrate this musical activation. Kids Music Day events & promotions will be held between Friday September 27th and Sunday October 13th where families can join in activities in their community by entering their zip code on the www.KidsMusicDay.org locator page.

Kids Music Day celebrity Ambassadors music luminaries include Jack Black, Julie Andrews, Ann & Nancy Wilson of Heart, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Michael Feinstein, Kenny Loggins, Richie Sambora, Sarah McLachlan, Vanessa Williams, Victor Wooten, Todd Rundgren, Neil Nayyar, Philip Lawrence, Bernie Williams, Damien Escobar and Mandy Harvey.

Kids Music Day is also supported by a number of music industry brands including Guitar Center, Music & Arts, Alfred Music, CASIO, Conn-Selmer, Kala Brand Music, Les Paul Foundation, Music Nomad Equipment Care, Panyard and Remo Percussion. Keep Music Alive is honored to welcome these partners helping to share the Kids Music Day message, inspiring more kids to start their musical journey.

Digital Video Content Market to Grow by USD 691.3 Billion (2024-2028)

Eric Alper
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Digital Video Content Market to Grow by USD 691.3 Billion (2024-2028)

Report on how AI is redefining market landscape- The global digital video content market  size is estimated to grow by USD 691.3 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of  18.08%  during the forecast period.  Growing number of partnerships and acquisitions in vod market is driving market growth, with a trend towards growing number of cross-platform partnerships. However, availability of pirated video content on online platforms  poses a challenge. Key market players include Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., AT and T, Chicken Soup for the Soul LLC, Comcast Corp., Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Meta Platforms Inc., Netflix Inc., One Day Video Ltd., Roku Inc., Snap Inc., Sony Group Corp., Stir Fry Content Kitchen, The Walt Disney Co., Twitter Inc., Verizon, Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd., Walmart Inc., and Youku Tudou Inc..

The digital video content market is experiencing notable expansion, primarily fueled by Over-The-Top (OTT) service providers. To stay competitive, Pay-TV services are forming collaborations, providing Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) and Ad-Supported Video on Demand (AVOD) services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. These alliances benefit both parties, enabling Pay-TV providers to expand their offerings and retain customers. An example of such a partnership was announced by Verizon in April 2019, allowing their Fios TV clients to subscribe to YouTube TV as part of their IPTV service.

In today’s digital world, the consumption of video content is on the rise. TV shows, movies, music videos, advertisements, and more are increasingly being accessed on digital platforms through tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. The younger population prefers digital media for entertainment purposes, with the expansion of 4G making live streaming videos a reality. Digital video services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu are leading the charge, offering personalized content based on user preferences. Social media platforms are also jumping on the bandwagon, with live streaming and promotional videos becoming popular. Businesses use digital video content for B2B communication, e-newsletters, blog posts, and advertising. AI, IT, and cloud computing are essential tools for creating, storing, and distributing text, audio, video, graphics, and photographs. The hotel industry, healthcare and pharmaceutical, media and entertainment, pay TV, and OTT are some industries leveraging digital video content for various purposes. Online traffic is driving the growth of digital video content, with educational content, music, and internet proliferation fueling the demand. Mobile devices and personal computers are the primary devices for accessing digital video content. Voice search is the new trend, making content more accessible than ever before. On-premise and cloud-based solutions cater to different business needs.

The digital video content market faces a significant challenge due to the increasing prevalence of video piracy, particularly through torrenting. Torrents, which are digital files containing metadata, enable users to download unauthorized copyrighted content using software like BitTorrent. This practice is illegal, and the availability of free TV shows, movies, documentaries, and videos through torrents eliminates the need for subscriptions to streaming services. Moreover, the content shared via torrents is typically ad-free, providing an advantage over ad-supported video on demand (AVOD) services. The affordability and convenience of torrenting hinder the growth of the global digital video content market.

In today’s digital world, creating engaging content is essential for businesses looking to connect with their audience. One popular format is digital video content, which includes live streaming videos for promotional purposes. However, creating high-quality video content involves various challenges. IT infrastructure like AI, cloud computing, and graphics are required for production. Text, audio, photographs, and graphics must be integrated to create an engaging video. For B2B communication, personalization marketing, and industries like hotel, healthcare, and media, video content is crucial. Platforms like Pay TV, OTT, and Advertising offer subscription-based services for businesses. Personal computers and mobiles are the primary devices for accessing this content. However, challenges persist, including internet proliferation, piracy of content, and the need for e-newsletters, blog posts, and voice search optimization. On-premise and cloud solutions are available to address these challenges, making digital video content a vital tool for businesses in various sectors.

The Pay-TV market encompasses digital video content delivery methods, primarily divided into subscription-based and on-demand models. The market’s expansion is fueled by the rising popularity of IPTV, an Internet Protocol (IP)-based content delivery system. IPTV offers several advantages, such as easy integration with IP-based services, compatibility with various display devices, and interactive features like electronic program guides (EPGs) and personal video recorders (PVRs). These advantages have led to its increasing adoption, particularly in emerging markets where satellite TV is replacing traditional cable connections. The shift is due to reduced network infrastructure costs and government regulations promoting satellite TV. IPTV’s growth is also driven by the expanding Internet penetration and digital literacy, making it an attractive alternative to cable TV. Overall, these factors contribute to the significant growth of the Pay-TV market, with IPTV subscriptions on the rise.

The Digital Video Content Market is a dynamic and ever-evolving industry that encompasses various forms of multimedia content, including TV shows, movies, music videos, advertisements, and more. This market thrives on digital platforms, making it accessible to consumers on tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and personal computers. The younger population is a significant demographic, with a strong preference for on-demand and personalized content. Content creation involves the use of Text, Audio, Video, Graphics, Photographs, and even AI, IT, and Cloud computing. Digital content includes TV shows and movies available on Pay TV and Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, educational content, music, and various forms of advertising. The market is vast and diverse, catering to various industries and niches, from entertainment to education and business. The Digital Video Content Market is a growing industry, with new technologies and trends emerging regularly. Subscription-based models, mobile devices, and the integration of AI and machine learning algorithms are some of the latest developments shaping the market. The future of digital video content is exciting, with endless possibilities for creativity, innovation, and engagement.

Digital video content market is experiencing exponential growth, fueled by the increasing popularity of TV shows, movies, music videos, advertisements, and digital platforms. Younger populations are leading the charge, consuming content on tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. The expansion of 4G and the rise of cable TV alternatives like digital video services have disrupted traditional entertainment industries. Social media platforms and live streaming videos have become essential tools for promotional purposes. Text, audio, video, graphics, photographs, AI, IT, and cloud computing are key components of digital video content creation. The healthcare and pharmaceutical, media and entertainment, pay TV, Over-The-Top (OTT), advertising, subscription, and educational content industries are major consumers. Personalization marketing, voice search, and B2B communication are emerging trends. Online traffic from personal computers and mobiles is driving demand for high-quality content. However, the challenge of internet proliferation and piracy of content remains a significant concern.

Childish Gambino Embarks on a Vision Quest While Tackling Spicy Wings

Eric Alper
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Childish Gambino Embarks on a Vision Quest While Tackling Spicy Wings

Donald Glover—a.k.a., Childish Gambino—is a five-time Grammy Award–winning artist, as well as an Emmy Award–winning actor and director. Earlier this year, he re-released his album 3.15.20 under the name Atavista, and soon he’ll be dropping his final studio album under the Childish Gambino name. It’s called Bando Stone & The New World, which will be accompanied by a short film and world tour. But how is he with spicy food? Find out as the multi-hyphenate auteur discusses the legacy of Childish Gambino, the influence of Atlanta’s lemon-pepper wings, and memorable moments on the set of Community.

My Next Read: “Life in the Key of G” by Kenny G and Philip Lerman

Eric Alper
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My Next Read: “Life in the Key of G” by Kenny G and Philip Lerman

Kenny G—the incomparable musician with the straight sax, the flowing hair, and some of the most memorable melodies in history—reveals the man behind the music in this indelible, fascinating, and funny memoir.

He’s world renowned as the best-selling instrumentalist of all time, but there’s a lot about Kenny G that even his legions of devoted fans have never known—until now.

In honest and heartfelt prose, Kenny G shares how skinny Kenneth Gorelick, the kid who got hassled for his lunch money in a Seattle high school, became one of the most celebrated and revered virtuosos in the music industry. He uncovers how he’s managed to rise above the fray, tune out the critics, and live a life filled with happiness and humor.

Few people know of Kenny G’s musical roots as the sole white guy in one of the coolest funk bands of the seventies, or as the teenage backup musician for everyone from Barry White to Liberace. As an artist he’s dedicated to turning the next generation on to jazz heroes like Grover Washington, John Coltrane, and Stan Getz. A man who takes his music seriously but himself not so seriously, Kenny G lets readers behind the scenes to see how he creates his unique sound and unforgettable songs. Along the way, he offers life lessons in discipline, determination, and dedication.

Life in the Key of G leads readers on a tour of one of the great musical careers of the twentieth century, from the time he pulled a fast one on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show—a bold gamble that launched his stardom—to famed duets with legends like Whitney Houston, Frank Sinatra, and more.

As Kenny G likes to say, “Try it. You’ll have the best sax you ever had.”

Celebrating 80 Years of Peter Tosh: Iconic Solo Albums Reissued on Coloured Vinyl

Eric Alper
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Celebrating 80 Years of Peter Tosh: Iconic Solo Albums Reissued on Coloured Vinyl

In celebration of Peter Tosh’s 80th Earthstrong (Birthday), the Peter Tosh Foundation proudly announces the re-release of his iconic album Mama Africa on October 11th during the month of the inaugural Tosh Fest in Belmont-Bluefields, Jamaica on October 19th. This limited edition recycled red vinyl pays tribute to Peter’s legacy, featuring a special commemorative label to mark the occasion.

Following Mama Africa, more of Tosh’s classic albums, including Bush Doctor, Mystic Man, and No Nuclear War, will also be re-released. Pre-order now.

Tosh’s daughter comments “Revisiting Peter Tosh’s music on vinyl is a celebration of his revolutionary voice and timeless impact. As we release these records, we invite fans to connect once more with the spirit of a true pioneer.” — Niambe Tosh

Peter Tosh was a pioneering Jamaican reggae musician and founding member of The Wailers, alongside Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer. Known for his powerful voice and rebellious spirit, Tosh was a passionate advocate for social justice, Rastafari and the legalisation of marijuana.

His solo career produced iconic songs such as ‘Jonny B. Goode’ and ‘Wanted Dread & Alive’ which highlighted his commitment to fighting oppression and inequality. Tosh’s fearlessness in his activism is still living through his musical legacy.

‘Mama Africa’

Format: 1LP Red Recycled – Release Date: 11 Oct 2024

‘Mama Africa’ released in 1983, is a celebration of African heritage and a call for unity and liberation. This album features a mix of upbeat tracks and heartfelt tributes to the African continent. The title track, ‘Mama Africa’, is a poignant ode to the motherland, while songs like ‘Glass House’ and ‘Not Gonna Give It Up’ convey messages of resilience and determination. ‘Mama Africa’ highlights Peter Tosh’s ability to blend social consciousness with melodic reggae rhythms, reaffirming his role as a powerful voice for the African diaspora and global justice.

 

‘Bush Doctor’

Format: 1LP Red Recycled – Release Date: 15 November 2024

‘Bush Doctor’, released in 1978, is Peter Tosh’s third solo album and his first under the Rolling Stones’ record label. The album features collaborations with notable artists, including Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Known for its fusion of reggae and rock elements, ‘Bush Doctor’ includes tracks like the titular ‘Bush Doctor’ and ‘(You Gotta Walk) Don’t Look Bacl’. which gained significant attention. This album continues Tosh’s tradition of addressing social issues while also exploring themes of personal and collective healing through music, establishing him as a versatile and influential artist in the reggae genre.

 

‘Mystic Man’

Format: 1LP Red Recycled – Release Date: 6 December 2024

‘Mystic Man’, released in 1979, is an introspective and spiritually charged album by Peter Tosh. The album reflects his deep Rastafarian beliefs and features a mix of soulful and political tracks. Songs like ‘Mystic Man’ and ‘Jah Seh No’ highlight Tosh’s commitment to his faith and his disdain for societal corruption. The album’s production is marked by a refined sound that balances roots reggae with subtle experimentation.

 

‘Wanted Dread & Alive’

Format: 1LP Red Recycled – Release Date: 10 January 2025

Released in 1981, ‘Wanted Dread & Alive’ is an album that underscores Peter Tosh’s status as a reggae icon and a vocal critic of social injustices. The album’s title reflects Tosh’s rebellious spirit and his fight against systemic oppression. Tracks like ‘Coming in Hot’ and ‘Rastafari Is’ showcase his fiery lyricism and commitment to Rastafarian principles.

 

‘No Nuclear War’

Format: 1LP Red Recycled – Release Date: 6 February 2025

Peter Tosh’s final studio album, ‘No Nuclear War’, released in 1987, is a profound anti-war statement that underscores his lifelong commitment to peace and justice. The album won a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album, posthumously honouring Tosh’s enduring influence. With tracks like ‘No Nuclear War’ and ‘Nah Goa Jail’, Tosh addresses the perils of nuclear conflict and the struggles of the oppressed. The album’s passionate plea for a nuclear-free world and its call for global harmony encapsulate Tosh’s legacy as a fearless advocate for peace and a visionary artist whose message remains relevant.

David Bowie Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of ‘hours…’ with Unreleased Live Tracks, Remixes, and Rare TV Performances

Eric Alper
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David Bowie Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of ‘hours…’ with Unreleased Live Tracks, Remixes, and Rare TV Performances

Parlophone Records is proud to announce a series of digital & video releases to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the David Bowie gold certified album ‘hours…’.

Initially released on 21st September 1999, ‘hours…’ was Bowie’s 22nd studio album. He once more proved himself to be a trailblazer as it was the first by a major artist to be made available as a download.

The decision was incredibly controversial at the time, with some established retailers calling for a boycott and a withdrawal of all his albums from their shelves, which, of course, never happened. Speaking at the time, Bowie said, “I am hopeful that this small step will lead to greater steps by myself and others, ultimately giving consumers greater choices and easier access to the music they enjoy.” As with so much of his work and expression, this quote envisioned the future with uncanny accuracy.

The album itself saw Bowie harken back to his early career with the 12-stringe acoustic guitar being at the forefront of key songs on the album, including ‘Survive’ and ‘Seven’, two of three singles released in the U.K. While David didn’t undertake a tour for the album, he played a handful of intimate shows and several live TV performances.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of ‘hours…’, Parlophone will release two digital EPs featuring four previously unreleased tracks. You can pre-save here.

‘LIVE FROM MANHATTAN CENTER ‘99’ is out on 20th September, one day before the 25th anniversary, and features three previously unreleased live tracks recorded for the U.K. TV show Top Of The Pops but not broadcast at the time. The recording was made on the same day and at the same venue as David’s VH1 Storytellers performance.

The six-track ‘hours…’ REMIX EP’ follows on 11th October and features two Beck remixes and an unheard ‘hip hop’ mix of the album’s lead single ‘Thursday’s Child’.

On the 23rd and 30th of September, four tracks from the 4th December 1999 performance on the BBC’s ‘Later…With Jools Holland’ including the classics’ Ashes To Ashes’ and ‘Cracked Actor’ will be released on the David Bowie YouTube account along with the footage of the three tracks from the ‘LIVE FROM MANHATTAN CENTER ‘99’ EP.

DAVID BOWIE
‘hours…’ 25th ANNIVERSARY

20TH SEPTEMBER
LIVE FROM THE MANHATTAN CENTER ‘99DIGITAL EP
Thursday’s Child (Previously Unreleased)
Survive (Previously Unreleased)
The Pretty Things Are Going To Hell (Previously Unreleased)

23RD SEPTEMBER
LATER…WITH JOOLS HOLLAND 04/12/1999 VIDEOS
Ashes To Ashes
Cracked Actor
Something In The Air
Survive

30TH SEPTEMBER
TOP OF THE POPS 03/11/1999 VIDEOS
Survive
Thursday’s Child
The Pretty Things Are Going to Hell

11TH OCTOBER
‘hours…’ REMIX EP
Seven (Beck mix #1)
Seven (Beck mix #2)
Seven (Marius de Vries mix – Original Speed)
The Pretty Things are Going to Hell (150 bpm Stigmata Film Mix)
Thursday’s Child (Hip Hop Mix) (Previously Unreleased)
Thursday’s Child (Rock Mix)

Lenny Stoute Has Passed Away

Eric Alper
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Lenny Stoute Has Passed Away
Lennt Stoute has passed away. He was a passionate music writer whose love for the the scenes showed his deep appreciation for artists, whether they were at the beginning of their journey or well-established, always came through his insightful stories and thoughtful interviews. His passion for music was infectious, and he was a vital voice in Toronto celebrating and supporting musicians, often advocating for those who needed it the most – the indie bands and artists.
I was so fortunate to be one of the many music industry people Lenny championed from the start of my career. His encouragement, especially in the beginning back in the mid-90s, provided a foundation of confidence that stayed with me ever since. Lenny remained a constant source of support, attending shows, writing about new releases in the Toronto Star, Music Express, Globe & Mail, eye, Metro, and Cashbox Canada, and always offering his words of advice. His genuine love for music and the artists behind the songs will never be forgotten, and I will forever be grateful for the role he played in my life.

Photo Gallery: Rainbow Kitten Surprise with Medium Build at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage

Eric Alper
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Photo Gallery: Rainbow Kitten Surprise with Medium Build at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage

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

Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Medium Build
Medium Build
Medium Build
Medium Build
Medium Build
Rainbow Kitten Surprise

Folk Group Sussex Offers Up Gentle, Comforting Jewel With “Shine Down Every Day” From Shine Album

Eric Alper
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Folk Group Sussex Offers Up Gentle, Comforting Jewel With “Shine Down Every Day” From Shine Album

There are tranquil pieces of music that bring back memories of a gentler time with simple, solid musicianship and pristine laid-back vocals. Quebec-based folk duo Sussex have gone to that time-honoured well wonderfully with the precious, peaceful “Shine Down Every Day” from their latest album Shine. It’s a song vocalist and guitarist Rob Lutes says resembles a “modern day Tin Pan Alley song” inspired by a tune dating back to 1908.

Lutes, who gives workshops on American popular music at festivals in addition to groups and students, says the 1908 song “Shine On Harvest Moon” was the catalyst for “Shine Down Every Day.” The vaudeville tandem of Nora Bayes and Jack Norworth, the latter who also penned “Take Me Out To The Ballgame,” had their song often covered throughout the decades. Leon Redbone covered “Shine On Harvest Moon” on his 1977 Double Time album. Both Redbone and Lutes (although at different times) learned fingerstyle guitar from Mose Scarlett in Toronto.

While playing the 1908 tune almost obsessively at his home in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Lutes reflected on his younger children “out playing there under the big willow tree when they were small.” That nostalgic feeling of what once was combined with the vaudeville song melded into “this new (but sounding kind of old) melody,” resulting in “Shine Down Every Day” written in roughly 20 minutes. “I love exploring the arc of American (and Canadian) music history, and sometimes it bleeds into my own songs,” Lutes says.

Although structurally and melodically different than the 1908 song, “Shine Down Every Day” contains “the spirit of the tune and a hint of that glorious time in American music, the early 20th century, with some naivete and simple wisdom,” according to Lutes. The single brings to mind Neck and Neck, the charming 1990 album by Chet Atkins and Mark Knopfler as well as Knopfler’s short but terribly sweet side project The Notting Hillbillies. Lutes’ words paint a memory of yesteryear as pianist/vibraphonist (and Sussex member) Michael Emenau adds delicious accents. Guests on the single include pedal steel guitarist Joe Grass and upright bass player Morgan Moore, who both give it a serene, cozy, campfire-esque vibe.

I was looking through the window at a bird perched high on a warm summer day
Sitting in the maple by the garden’s edge where the kids used to play
How they used to run around singing songs, how they moved unaware
Those days are gone but that melody still lingers in the air

The single is from Sussex’s latest album Shine, the 10-track record the tandem of Lutes and Emenau (who both grew up in Rothesay, New Brunswick) wrote most of the material for. Shine is the followup to 2019’s The Ocean Wide and 2015’s Parade Day. “Shine Down Every Day” was also the basis of a music video created by videographer Derek Olive. The video features Olive’s two daughters as it looks back at life’s simple pleasures and how quickly those moments elapse, permanently etched on one’s memory.

Now with “Shine Down Every Day,” Sussex should see fans lured by a sound that is new and old at the same time, evoking images Lutes says of “when the great writers were writing with prominent melodies to capture ears….I hope this song does that too.”

Mission accomplished.

On His Stunning Debut, Toronto’s Rising Pop Star Tushar Shroff Teaches Us to “Heal”

Eric Alper
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On His Stunning Debut, Toronto’s Rising Pop Star Tushar Shroff Teaches Us to “Heal”

Tushar Shroff is a genuine citizen of the world, so it’s no big surprise that he’s always had trouble feeling as if he fully fit in anywhere. It’s to all of our edification that he’s not only learned the lessons of that protracted wrestling match with alienation but captured them perfectly on his debut single, “Heal,” which implores us to take the long view and count on our true destiny to shake itself out in due time.

“‘Heal’ is a gentle reminder that after every winter, spring inevitably arrives,” says the Dubai-born Shroff, who’s now living and plying his trade in Toronto after stints in two other countries entirely. “My journey has taught me that the key is to seek clarity on what you truly want, focus on what you can control, and trust that everything else will fall into place.”

The song makes that case beautifully, setting up a scenario of aimlessness and confusion that rings true no matter how many places you have or haven’t called home:

They say things always happen for a reason
Is that why life is always open season
And things just don’t seem to go the way you’d planned

But rather than wallow in the feeling, Shroff quickly submits his own strategy for staying one step ahead of it.

Every day I find another meaning
Take some time to do internal cleaning
Trying to be ready for whatever comes my way

The coda brings stirring reassurance that while forethought is always admirable, in the end, nothing succeeds like patience:

And when you feel like nothing you’ve ever wanted is coming your way
And it gets hard to tell the difference between night and day
And it’s so hard to break down how you feel
With time it’ll heal
Time will heal

Musically speaking, “Heal” conveys that message with a gentle sophistication that would never out it as a first effort. Shroff’s resonant vocals and layered Fender Stratocasters are so effective that you almost don’t notice as the track blossoms into a more fully orchestrated balladic tour de force. The single portends good things indeed for his forthcoming EP, Gold, which will be the culmination of a years-long struggle to cement his true identity amidst numerous changes of environment—and an ongoing attempt to balance expectations both societal and personal with the yearnings of his artistic soul.

Nineteen years ago in Dubai, he discovered a neglected family guitar and quickly realized he had both a talent and a passion for music. That wasn’t entirely cause for celebration among his family, who were hoping he would devote his life to something a little more practical. So when the time came to get serious about his future, he found himself halfway across the world at Mississippi State University, studying economics. And, not surprisingly, feeling almost totally adrift—a sensation that would dog him for years thereafter.

“At every stage, I‘ve felt pressured to mold myself into something I wasn’t, just to fit in, while social media only amplified that internal battle,” he reveals.

He wrote “Heal” during his time at Mississippi State, not fully knowing he was sending himself a musical message in a bottle that would one day amount to sweet vindication. In the meantime, he relocated to Mumbai to pursue a career in investment banking, which seemed to offer a more stable and remunerative life path than hashing out his innermost thoughts on a six-string. Yet the gnawing feeling that he wasn’t taking advantage of his true gifts persisted.

“Over time, I’ve realized that I’m not alone in these struggles,” he says. “We all face this tug-of-war between our deepest desires and the limits of what seems attainable. It doesn’t mean life is falling apart or that we’re failing—it’s simply a part of the human experience.”

Now making his home in Toronto, Shroff is sharing that wisdom with us by finally releasing “Heal” to the public, sharing the prescient worldview of his undergrad days while making a more personal statement that yes, a musician is what he really is and was always meant to be. As he sees it, those twin missions—to contribute to listeners’ well-being and to pursue personal fulfillment—run in tight parallel. His stated goal going forward is to create “work that reflects my true self and resonates deeply with as many people as possible.”

Not that he’s thrown all caution to the wind, mind you: While he’s in Toronto, he completed his MBA and now is working in finance, to maximize his chances of making a legitimate living from what he really loves to do. Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too? All you have to do is have faith and be willing to put in the hours.

“No matter who you are or where you find yourself, remember that tomorrow brings a fresh start, a chance to heal, and the promise of brighter days ahead,” he advises. “You’re never as lost as you feel—there’s always hope on the horizon. With time, it’ll Heal.”

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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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