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Toronto Guitarist Dylan Forshner Debuts With ‘What Am I Doing?’ – Exploring Life’s Uncertainties Through Raw Music

Eric Alper
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Toronto Guitarist Dylan Forshner Debuts With ‘What Am I Doing?’ – Exploring Life’s Uncertainties Through Raw Music

Parsing through the uncertainty of life is core to the human experience. For Toronto-based guitarist and songwriter Dylan Forshner, it’s part of what brought him to music in the first place.

“What Am I Doing?” is Forshner’s debut as a songwriter, fit with the authentically raw trepidation of a musical caterpillar with the chops of a chrysalis ready to crack. Over a grungy riff with enough tempo to replicate the confusion of an occupied mind, Forshner repeatedly asks the most rhetorical of questions:

“What the f*** am I doing?
What the f*** am I doing?
Who told you I was okay
I’m ‘bout to drink until we parlay”

Forshner fashioned the song at 2 a.m., unable to sleep and working over lyrics and a chord progression he’d created. After three and a half years of playing guitar covers, the musician was finally branching out into original songwriting, and the quintessential existential thought crossed his mind: “What am I doing?”

“This phrase captured not only how I felt in relation to that moment but how I was feeling emotionally at the time with various struggles in my life having me feeling overwhelmed,” Forshner said. “It encompasses the thought of not knowing what you’re doing contrasted with a sense of optimism to let go of that feeling of helplessness and power on.”

It’s an appropriate, honest open from someone who’s admittedly green. For most of his youth and young adulthood, Forshner was not playing the guitar or writing songs – he was learning and working in the black-and-white world of finance. But that left him feeling unfulfilled, and he changed careers to find something less stressful and with a better work-life balance.

While on leave from work in December 2019, the then-27-year-old decided to pick up the guitar. Forshner fell in love with learning riffs and eventually playing full songs, and he was hooked.

In October 2022, he did his first open mic. Knees and voice shaking, he fought through the nerves and got his first taste of performing live. One month later in November, a friend in the music scene set Forshner up for his first gig. He admits he wasn’t ready for it, but he delivered anyway, doing his best to take the songs he knew and give the crowd something to enjoy.

“This felt like a turning point to push harder and harder to learn as much as I can and perform as much as I can,” Forshner said.

In May 2023, Forshner took his first stab at writing his own music, and everything took off from there. He’s since been steadily gigging, writing, and jamming with other musicians, his life completely alien to how it was just five years ago.

He’s now making and releasing his own music, with “What Am I Doing?” an early introduction for the world to the Ontario artist. Though the track was released under Forshner’s name, the final version was a group effort. Drummer Marcelo Maltez of The Howlin Gales and bassist Cas Lucchetta of The Kaspers agreed to practice and perform with Forshner as a favour for his first-ever full band performance. From there, it quickly evolved, and Mark Sinclair of The Howlin Gales got involved to help on lead guitar.

“Without the help of my fellow musician friends in the Toronto music scene, I do not know how this would have ever seen the light of day,” Forshner explained. “I am eternally grateful for everyone who has shown support to keep on trucking as I venture into the journey of a songwriter.”

Alex Nunes’ New Single ‘Fear Of Being Erased’ Invites Listeners on a Soulful Journey of Reflection and Self-Discovery

Eric Alper
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Alex Nunes’ New Single ‘Fear Of Being Erased’ Invites Listeners on a Soulful Journey of Reflection and Self-Discovery

Singer-songwriter Alex Nunes from Toronto, Ontario, renowned for his ability to craft gentle folk music that touches the soul, is proud to announce the release of his new single, “Fear Of Being Erased.” This reflective and melancholic track delves into life’s impermanence, inviting listeners on a journey of contemplation and self-discovery.

Thanks to Toronto’s vibrant musical landscape, Nunes has carved a niche for himself with his profound ability to resonate deeply with his audience. Blending heartfelt storytelling with rich folk stylings, he captures emotions that linger in the hearts of listeners long after the music ends. Guided by an artistic philosophy that emphasises the transformative power of emotions, Nunes uses his unique voice and a variety of instruments to weave intricate harmonies. His compositions are not merely songs, but gateways to emotional landscapes, where listeners can explore themes of grief, transience, and the captivating beauty of life.

“Fear Of Being Erased” is the latest result of Nunes’s decade-long dedication to songwriting and performing. Inspired by the winter of 2017, the track began to take shape in the basement of his childhood home in Ajax, Ontario. Immersed in the study of music production and audio engineering, Nunes recorded the first versions of this piece, laying the foundation for an introspective musical journey. Collaboration has been critical to the song’s evolution. Producer Jonathan Sloan and horn player Bruce MacKinnon added their expertise, infusing the track with an ethereal and haunting quality. Alfio Anibalinni, a college professor and mix engineer, lent his skills to refine further the sonic tapestry of “Fear Of Being Erased.”

The song starts gently, with simple guitars and Nunes bell-like voice, with MacKinnon’s soundscaping horn section dancing around and complimenting Nune’s melodies. At the two-third mark, the song takes an unexpected turn, with electric guitars, bass, and drums coming in. This allows us to appreciate the fragile and sad nature of the song’s first section.

Nunes’s personal experiences underline the song’s depth, “The passing of my brother, Dominic magnified the urgency behind the release of “Fear Of Being Erased.” This personal tragedy intensified my connection to the themes of the fleeting yet beautiful nature of life.”

He goes on to say, “At its core, “Fear Of Being Erased” serves as a poignant reminder to myself and, hopefully, to all who lend their ears, of the importance of contemplating our mortality so that we may find a deeper connection to what our lives truly mean to us.”

In its thematic resonance and evocative melodies, “Fear Of Being Erased” has drawn comparisons to the works of revered artists like Phosphorescent, Bonnie’ Prince’ Billy, and Songs: Ohia. Nune’s folk-inspired soundscape and introspective lyricism evoke a similar emotive quality found in the Magnolia Electric Co. album.

Lyrically it’s retrospective and poignant, with Nunes able to easily create a sense of feeling around the track.

‘When everything you love disintegrates
When everything you want evaporates
When you’re a spec afloat in outer space
Is that the fear you have of being erased?’

Nunes’s musical journey is not just an artistic endeavour; it’s a form of therapy, a means of connecting with his own emotions, and a channel for communicating the ineffable. With “Fear Of Being Erased,” he aims to forge that connection with audiences, inviting them to contemplate their place in the universe and the beauty that can be found in life’s fleeting moments.

Guelph’s Soulful Sensation Dan McLean Jr To Release Debut Album Rhyme as Reason – ‘Kiss Me Once’ Available Now

Eric Alper
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Guelph’s Soulful Sensation Dan McLean Jr To Release Debut Album Rhyme as Reason – ‘Kiss Me Once’ Available Now

Guelph, Ontario’s own soulful crooner Dan McLean Jr is preparing to unveil his highly anticipated debut album, Rhyme as Reason, slated for release on October 11, 2023. Preceding the album, McLean will treat fans to a taste of his soul-infused artistry with the release of the single “Kiss Me Once” available now.

For over four decades, Dan McLean Jr has captivated audiences with his expressive vocals and enchanting performances. However, Rhyme as Reason marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career, featuring his first-ever collection of original adult-contemporary compositions.

McLean’s journey to his debut album was not without its challenges, as he battled and triumphed over cancer, emerging with a newfound perspective on life and love. Rhyme as Reason draws inspiration from affairs of the heart, exploring themes of breakups, denial, and the power of starting over. The album’s lead single, “Kiss Me Once,” encapsulates the excitement and euphoria of a new relationship, a sentiment that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Drawing inspiration from the iconic sounds of the ’70s, including influences like Hall & Oates, Todd Rundgren, and Meat Loaf, Dan McLean Jr’s music is celebrated for its emotional depth and intensity. Collaborating with Dave Dunlop, who has an extensive history working with artists like Rik Emmett of Triumph, McLean co-wrote the music for this remarkable album. Paired with the upbeat yet tender music, Mclean’s ability to convey feelings of intimacy and vulnerability sets him apart.

Rhyme as Reason boasts a stellar lineup of talent, including Grammy and Juno-winning executive producer Greg Wells, who has worked with chart-toppers such as Lin Manuel Miranda, John Legend, and Ariana Grande. Neil Donell, the current lead tenor singer for Chicago, lends his exceptional vocal prowess to the album, while Don Breithaupt, a 10-time Smooth Jazz Awards nominee, adds his keyboard magic. On drums is Paul DeLong, known for his years as Kim Mitchell’s drummer. The culmination of such immense talent converges to breathe life into McLean’s songwriting and lyrical vulnerability.

Renowned for his talent in crafting songs from unique character perspectives, McLean’s songs on Rhyme as Reason take on a cinematic quality, allowing listeners to delve into the emotions and experiences of his characters. Songs like “I Don’t Believe in Love” challenge audiences to confront the complexities of human emotion, while tracks like the album’s closing number, “Everything Out In The Darkness,” deliver powerful moral messages.

Prepare to be swept away by the soulful melodies and profound storytelling of Dan McLean Jr’s debut album, Rhyme as Reason, as it unveils a musical journey like no other.

Just Prince receives 2023 Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award

Eric Alper
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Just Prince receives 2023 Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award

Folk singer-songwriter Just Prince is this year’s recipient of the Ontario Arts Council (OAC)’s Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award for his song “Kamli.”

Just Prince will receive the award as part of the Ontario Folk Music Awards on Sunday, October 15th. The event is taking place at Folk Music Ontario’s annual conference, held this year in London, Ontario.

Just Prince is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter who blends Hindustani classical music with Western elements of folk, rock and blues. His musical influences include Ustad Bade Gulam Ali Khan Sahab, Ustad Puran Chand Wadali and Begum Akhtar, as well as Western performers such as Chris Cornell, Tool and D’Angelo. “Kamli” is one of seven songs featured on Just Prince’s first album, Nacheez, which was released in September 2022. He describes this album as being about “insignificance” and an expression of different perspectives through a stream-of-consciousness approach to composition. Just Prince also performs and writes with the band Running Rivers, whose forthcoming album is currently in production.

The Colleen Peterson Songwriting Fund was established at the Ontario Arts Council in 2003 by Peterson’s sister, Shirley Richardson, and her friend, singer-songwriter Laura Bird. The annual $1,000 award honours Peterson’s contribution to Canadian music by supporting and promoting the work of Ontario’s emerging singer-songwriters in the roots, traditional, folk and country genres. Nominations are received from Folk Music Ontario’s Songs From the Heart competition. FMO also assembles the jury of musicians and industry professionals that chooses the award winner. Previous winners include Camie (2022), Julie Title (2021) and Danielle Knibbe (2020).

Classic Rock Supergroup Studio D’Lux Ignite A ‘Slow Burn’ With Latest Single

Eric Alper
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Classic Rock Supergroup Studio D’Lux Ignite A ‘Slow Burn’ With Latest Single

Studio D’Lux, the Classic Rock/Yacht Rock musical powerhouse comprised of industry legends, led by singer-songwriter Doug Kistner is back with a newly released single, “Slow Burn.”

Distinguished, long-time musician Doug Kistner gathered a talented ensemble of world-class artists to create the supergroup Studio D’Lux. Joining the New Jersey singer and songwriter are legendary vocalist, Grammy Award-winning songwriter and former Chicago lead singer Bill Champlin, the iconic Billy Joel drummer Liberty DeVitto, Steely Dan guitarist Jon Herington, Elliott Randall, known for his classic ‘Reelin in the Years’ solo, Whitesnake guitarist – Joel Hoekstra and Glen Burtnik, formerly of Styx, The Orchestra, and The Weeklings.

Reminiscent of great rock bands like Chicago, The Doobie Brothers, and Steely Dan, Doug Kistner explains, “My writing style is influenced by the great music of the ’70s and ’80s, so you’re hearing that. I would say some of my approaches are getting a good sound, keeping the track exciting, and not forcing anything.”

“Slow Burn” showcases the musical prowess of Studio D’Lux, with Kistner’s nimble piano skills serving as the foundation for this captivating track. Liberty DeVitto’s authoritative drumming anchors the song, while Jon Herington’s mesmerizing guitar solo provides the perfect complement. Kistner’s warm and charismatic vocals, combined with Champlin’s soulful tone, create a harmonious and engaging listening experience that highlights the band’s unique sound.

Kistner, the Verona, New Jersey native describes the meaning behind Slow Burn – “The track resonates with anyone who has ever felt the rush of excitement in a new relationship, only to realize that true love takes time to grow.”

Doug Kistner has a storied career that includes playing keyboard with the Trans Siberian Orchestra, John Waite, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and Danny Seraphine’s CTA. Currently a member of The Lords of 52nd Street and Glen Burtnik’s Summer of Love, Kistner has forged a place for himself as a “Yacht Rock” contemporary artist.

PilGrims in ProGress: Bonn’s Musical Pioneers Embark on a Journey of Sonic Discovery and Artistry in Progressive Rock

Eric Alper
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PilGrims in ProGress: Bonn’s Musical Pioneers Embark on a Journey of Sonic Discovery and Artistry in Progressive Rock

Bonn, Germany-based PilGrims in ProGress, the progressive rock / art rock group is destined to discover new sounds and musical possibilities while searching for unique melodies to craft intricately designed songs.

The band’s latest single, “Telegraph Hill”, is an example of what can happen when a group of five guys from four different countries bring their guitars, drums, and minds together, with a common purpose of creating a richly detailed tapestry of melody and music. The tune has guitar tones that carry the listener through the song, like they’re going down a river, while the singer brings them to the very top of “Telegraph Hill”. The pulsing drums and keyboard hums ride tightly along with the drone of the bass guitar, creating a fog of wonder for the road ahead, while the vocals drive it all forward, like a bright lantern at night.

Founded in 2013 by guitarist/vocalist Henning Reyers and bassist/vocalist Dugald Sturges, PilGrims in ProGress is a prog rock group with an experimental, art rock edge, capable of finding the next sound. PilGrims in ProGress includes Guy Manderscheid on drums, who joined the band in 2015, and André Straschewski on keyboards, who has been a part of the band since April 2019. PilGrims in ProGress added another guitarist, Luís Pires, in December 2021, bringing more talent and tones to the strings of the band.

PilGrims in ProGress are five artists from four countries, spread across the world, on two different continents (Germany, Luxembourg, Portugal and America), and the group has successfully brought their sound to these places and more.

“Hold Her Like You Mean It” was celebrated in Mexico on El Rocanrosaurio’s INDIE GENTE radio show. “In Small Things Forgotten“ was highlighted by Finnish singer/songwriter Tommi Tikka, in his blog “Music to Celebrate Life”, as Track of the Month, calling it “…an incredible tune with a beautiful, haunting melody, [with] production [much like] Lou Reed and David Bowie.“

Detailed instrumentals sections and cryptic – yet descriptive – lyrics can only take you far away while listening to PilGrims in ProGress, and with “Telegraph Hill”, the newest single and release from PilGrims in ProGress, the second decade of the group’s journey across different rock music appears more clearly than ever before.

WAR’s “The World Is A Ghetto” Gets 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition

Eric Alper
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WAR’s “The World Is A Ghetto” Gets 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition

In 1973, the best-selling album in America was The World Is a Ghettoby WAR. This fall, the multi-ethnic SoCal band is giving fans a new way to experience its mega-million-selling classic with a new 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition available exclusively for Record Store Day Black Friday.

THE WORLD IS A GHETTO: 50TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTOR’S EDITION is a one-of-a-kind 5-LP boxed set available exclusively at participating independent music retailers on November 24 while supplies last. Limited to 4,000 copies, the deluxe collection was curated by WAR’s producer, Jerry Goldstein, founding member Lonnie Jordan, and Jeremy Levine. It includes the original album, newly remastered, as well as six unreleased bonus tracks and unreleased “the making of” recordings that trace the evolution of each of the six original album tracks from the first note to the master take. The original album and bonus tracks are pressed on two gold-vinyl LPs, while “the making of” tracks are pressed on three black-vinyl LPs.

The World Is A Ghetto: 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition introduces six unreleased bonus tracks recorded during the sessions for the album. These previously unreleased recordings include original jams that later developed into future WAR songs. For example, versions of “War Is Coming” and “L.A. Sunshine” would appear on Platinum Jazz in 1977.

In the 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition liner notes, Goldstein and Lonnie Jordan (lead singer and founding member) share insights into the “making of” recordings introduced in the set. Goldstein states these tracks show the songs taking shape in the studio. “The nice part about all these ‘making of’ tracks is that the final take of all of these tracks is the actual final master that we used in The World Is a Ghetto, without edits, without overdubs, just raw.” Jordan cleverly adds, “Then we turned it around… R-A-W to W-A-R.”

In 1972, The World Is a Ghetto soared to the top of the Billboard album and R&B charts, becoming Billboard’s No. 1 Album of the Year for 1973, generating two gold singles, including the title track and “The Cisco Kid,” which shipped gold and remains WAR’s highest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100. This album also marked the beginning of an extended period of creative and commercial triumph for WAR, which boasts 17 gold, platinum, or multi-platinum albums in the band’s remarkable career.

Today, WAR’s music provides an inexhaustible source of inspiration for R&B and hip-hop artists. Samples from four of the six songs on The World Is a Ghetto have appeared on tracks by artists like A$AP Mob, Geto Boys, Janet Jackson, and a hip-hop supergroup featuring Method Man, Redman, and Cypress Hill.

WAR continues to tour steadily, with live shows scheduled for the fall. (See the band’s itinerary below.)

THE WORLD IS A GHETTO: 50TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTOR’S EDITION
5-LP Track Listing
LP One: Original Album
Side One
1. “The Cisco Kid”
2. “City, Country, City”
3. “Four-Cornered Room”

Side Two
1. “Where Was You At?”
2. “Beetles In The Bog”
3. “The World Is A Ghetto”

LP Two: Bonus Tracks
Side One
1. “L.A. Sunshine” – Original Jam*
2. “War Is Coming” – Original Jam*

Side Two
1. “Lonnie’s Wednesday Night Jam”*
2. “Lee’s Latin Jam”*
3. “Blues For Papa Dee”*
4. “This Is My Song Milton James”*

LP Three: Making of the Tracks
Side One
The Making Of “The Cisco Kid”

Side Two
The Making Of “Where Was You At?”*

LP Four: Making of the Tracks
Side One
The Making Of “City, Country City”*

Side Two
The Making Of “Four-Cornered Room”*

LP Five: Making of the Tracks
Side One
The Making Of “The World Is A Ghetto”*

Side Two
The Making Of “Beetles In The Bog”*
*previously unreleased

WAR 2023 Tour Dates
Oct 4 – The Big Fresno Fair – Fresno, CA
Oct 5-8 – Jazz Alley – Seattle, WA
Oct 14 – Music Hall Center – Detroit, MI
Oct 20 – Chumash Casino Resort – Santa Ynez, CA
Oct 21 – Palace of Fine Arts Theatre – San Francisco, CA
Oct 25 – The GRAMMY Museum – Los Angeles, CA
Nov 4 – Hutchinson Fox Theatre – Hutchinson, KS
Nov 11 – Primm Valley Casino Resorts – Primm, NV
Nov 16 – The Plaza Theater Performing Arts Center – El Paso, TX
Nov 17 – Arlington Music Hall – Arlington, TX
Nov 18 – Freeman Coliseum – San Antonio, TX
Dec 1 – Paramount Theatre – Denver, CO
Dec 2 – The Magnolia – El Cajon, CA

Rhiannon Giddens Partners With Pennsylvania Innocence Project to Support Wrongfully Convicted Individuals and Their Families

Eric Alper
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Rhiannon Giddens Partners With Pennsylvania Innocence Project to Support Wrongfully Convicted Individuals and Their Families

Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens is collaborating with the Pennsylvania Innocence Project on a fundraising initiative and a powerful music video for her song “Another Wasted Life.” The music video was released today, on the 10th annual Wrongful Conviction Day. The “Another Wasted Life” video features 22 wrongfully convicted people, clients of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project. It aims to raise awareness for the stories and voices of those who have experienced the injustices of the criminal legal system.

Watch “Another Wasted Life”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ2_2A4vP4I.

Giddens recently filmed the video in Philadelphia with the 22 formerly incarcerated people, who collectively spent more than 500 years in prison for crimes they did not commit. It features their names and the number of years that each spent wrongly incarcerated. The video was directed by Daniel Madoff.

Inspired by the tragic story of Kalief Browder, a young man wrongfully incarcerated at New York City’s Rikers Island for three years, where he was subjected to nearly two years of solitary confinement, Giddens wrote “Another Wasted Life” as a reminder of the human toll exacted by wrongful convictions and the importance of prison reform.

Says Giddens: “I wrote ‘Another Wasted Life’ after reading about the tragic suicide of Kalief Browder – another soul caught up in the incarceration system for a crime he didn’t commit. He was put into solitary for almost 2 years, a torture no one deserves, no matter what they did or did not do. The whole for-profit prison industrial complex – an outgrowth of slavery – is a stain on the American story; the people and families caught up in it, and in the numerous gaping holes in the social safety net, need incredible amounts of support.

If you know anything about my work, you know my music tends to have a mission – one that amplifies underrepresented voices and stories. My new album is a little bit different, and this track is stand-alone in its mission due to the weight of its place in our world.

These ongoing societal struggles are so far beyond any one of us, and have been long at play; but, I will use my platform to take things just one step further in the conversation.”

Giddens and the Pennsylvania Innocence Project have also launched a fundraising initiative to support the legal and reentry services provided by innocence organizations. In addition to placing a fundraising link on the video, Giddens has fundraised for local innocence organizations throughout her tour. She partnered with a wrongfully incarcerated artist named Spel to create limited-edition merchandise items, with all proceeds going to support each local organization. Spel’s case was one of the first to be picked up by Pennsylvania Innocence Project at its inception in 2009 and is still open almost 15 years later. She has also invited innocence organizations across the country to set up information tables at shows, is highlighting their work on stage, and has dedicated all tips at the merchandise table to them.

“We are proud to have Rhiannon Giddens standing with us this Wrongful Conviction Day in support of innocence work. We are grateful for her efforts to lift up the voices of our clients – those who have been exonerated and those who are still fighting for freedom – and to raise support to keep our work going,” says Meredith Rapkin, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project.

Go here to learn more about this collaboration and the merchandise with Spel’s design. Visit http://PAinnocence.info to see more about the innocent people featured in the video and to donate.

“Another Wasted Life” is featured on Giddens’ You’re the One, released in August on Nonesuch Records. Giddens’ first album of all original songs has recently been featured on Today Show, CBS Saturday, CBS Mornings, the New York Times, Vulture’s “A Long Talk,” NPR’s Morning Edition, the Associated Press, GRAMMY.com and Garden & Gun, with additional coverage and reviews from Variety, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Pitchfork, NPR Music and much more. Giddens’ touring continues into next year with headlining shows at the Beacon Theatre in New York City and the Ace Theater in Los Angeles. She was also recently awarded the Pulitzer Prize in Music for her collaborative opera, Omar, along with Michael Abels. Giddens is also a host on Arts Talk, a new PBS program on which she, Elvis Costello and Brian Stokes Mitchell discuss their careers. She was also recently featured on Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Businesslist. Giddens is also the Artistic Director of Silkroad, an organization and Ensemble, with a project dedicated to performing in prisons (Project MUSIC).

The Pennsylvania Innocence Project works to exonerate those convicted of crimes they did not commit, to prevent innocent people from being prosecuted and convicted, and to help those wrongfully convicted transition to freedom. /

UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
October 2: Paramount Theatre, Charlottesville, VA*
November 5: George Mason University Center for the Arts Concert Hall, Fairfax, VA@
November 9: The Granada Theatre, Santa Barbara, CA@
November 10: Balboa Theater, San Diego, CA@
November 11: Soka Performing Arts Center, Aliso Viejo, CA@
November 12: The Soraya at CSUN, Northridge, CA@
November 15: Bing Concert Hall, Stanford, CA@
November 16: Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts at UC Davis, Davis, CA@
November 17: Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley, CA@
November 18: Green Music Center, Sonoma, CA@
February 10, 2024: Maison de la culture de Creteil, Creteil, France
February 11, 2024: Doornroosje Main Hall, Nijmegen, Netherlands
February 13, 2024: Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands
February 14, 2024: Ancienne Belgique, Brussels, Belgium
February 17, 2024: Elb Philharmonie, Hamburg, Germany
February 18, 2024: Lido, Berlin, Germany
February 19, 2024: Kulturkirche Ost, Köln, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
February 21, 2024: Barbican Centre, London, UK
February 23, 2024: Pavillion Theatre, Glasgow, UK
February 25, 2024: Vicar St., Dublin, Ireland
March 14, 2024: Worcester, MA, Holy Cross University
March 16, 2024: Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
March 19, 2024: State College, PA, Penn State
March 20, 2024: Cincinnati, OH, Memorial Hall
April 15, 2024: Vancouver, BC, Chan Centre
April 17, 2024: Beaverton, OR, The Reser
April 18, 2024: Beaverton, OR, The Reser
April 19, 2024: Seattle, WA, Meany Center
April 21, 2024: San Francisco, CA, The Fillmore
April 22, 2024: Monterey, CA, Golden State Theater
April 23, 2024: Santa Barbara, CA, Granada Theater
April 25, 2024: Ace Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
April 27, 2024: Tucson, AZ, The Rialto
April 28, 2024: Mesa, AZ, Ikeda Theater
April 30, 2024: Dallas, TX, Longhorn Ballroom
May 2, 2024: Austin, TX, Paramount Theatre
^with Adia Victoria
*with Charly Lowry
+with The Legendary Ingramettes
@Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens

Brittney Spencer Announces Debut Album ‘My Stupid Life’ Due Friday, January 19

Eric Alper
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Brittney Spencer Announces Debut Album ‘My Stupid Life’ Due Friday, January 19

“Nashville’s new star” (CBS This Morning) Brittney Spencer announces her highly-anticipated debut album, My Stupid Life, out January 19th via Elektra. The first track, “Bigger Than The Song,” showcases Spencer’s ability to excel on the fringe of genre periphery with her honest and free-spirited songwriting, and it’ll be performed on NBC’s TODAY Show this morning in the 9 AM ET hour.

The album’s 13 tracks are a culmination of her experience during her time trying to “make it” in Music City, discovering herself in the process. The Baltimore native moved to Nashville ten years ago, and this album is Spencer’s commitment to be unapologetically herself. Recorded at Sound Emporium Studios and Blackbird Studio in Nashville, the album is produced by GRAMMY award-winning Daniel Tashian (Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town, Brett Eldredge), with the exception of two tracks, Marcus “MarcLo” Lomax (Monsters & Strangerz, Maren Morris, Justin Bieber, Kelsea Ballerini), who produced the lead single — “Bigger Than The Song” — and Romil Hemnani(BROCKHAMPTON), who produced “New To This Town.”

“This feels like a long time coming,” says Spencer. “It took me three years from the time I released my first EP Compassion to now to release my first album. These songs serve as my introduction to country music and I wanted to give them all the time and care that they (and my fans) deserve. I wrote a lot of songs from the back corners of my mind because I wanted to take a good, deeper look at myself and create something true to who and where I am at this time in my life. The more I put the pen to my feelings and thoughts, the more I realize I’ve heard similar sentiments throughout my life. Through making this album, I’ve learned we’re not alone in our heads, and I hope this album hugs the tiny, loud parts of our overthinking brains that sometimes need it most.”

The project features award-winning collaborators including Grace Potter, Maren Morris, Abbey Cone & Sarah Buxton, plus guitar contributions by Jason Isbell.

Today, Spencer shares the album’s first preview, “Bigger Than The Song.” Produced by Lomax, the track is Spencer’s tribute to artists who curated the soundtrack to her life – Reba McEntire, Aretha Franklin, Alanis Morissette, Janet Jackson, Dolly Parton, Beyonce, Britney Spears, and more. Written by Spencer, Jennifer Anne Wayne (Runaway June) and Tofer Brown (Little Big Town, Elle King, Jason Mraz), the song is a celebration of the simple joys of good music and the impact a great song can have on someone’s life.

Spencer’s debut album announcement follows her 2022 EP if i ever get there: a day at blackbird studio, which landed her on NPR’s “Best of 2022” and Paper Magazine’s “Best Country Songs of 2022.” Next month, Spencer will make her Austin City Limits TVdebut, plus her debut at ACL Fest. She’s set to play Stagecoach in 2024 and was the only country artist featured in Rolling Stone’s “Music’s Future 25” – read her full feature here.

My Stupid Life Tracklist:
1. “New To This Town” (Brittney Spencer)+
2. “I Got Time” (Spencer, Jessica Cayne, Nate Campany, Emily Reid)
3. “Night In (Phone Call)”
4. “Night In” (Spencer, Cayne, Summer Overstreet)
5. “Bigger Than The Song” (Spencer, Jennifer Anne Wayne, Tofer Brown)*
6. “My First Rodeo” (Spencer, Cayne, Sean Douglas, Zach Skelton)
7. “The Last Time” (Spencer, Sean McConnell, Sarah Buxton)
8. “Deeper” (Spencer, Tayla Parx, Gustav Landell)
9. “First Car Feeling” (Spencer, Cayne, Kat Higgins)
10. “Desperate” (Spencer, Emily Falvey, Mikey Reeves)
11. “If You Say So” (Spencer)
12. “My Stupid Life” (Spencer, James Brock Human, McConnell)
13. “Reaching Out” (Spencer, Joe Kirkland)

Dan Auerbach Reissues Long-Out-Of-Print Solo Debut Keep It Hid Via Easy Eye Sound

Eric Alper
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Dan Auerbach Reissues Long-Out-Of-Print Solo Debut Keep It Hid Via Easy Eye Sound

Dan Auerbach’s debut solo album, Keep It Hid, returns to print, with the seminal 2009 collection being reissued on vinyl, cassette and CD via Easy Eye Sound — the label that Keep It Hid inspired Auerbach to create.

As Dan Auerbach’s first major work outside The Black Keys, Keep It Hid was the true impetus for Auerbach’s now multifaceted career as a GRAMMY®-winning producer, mentor to emerging talent, and founder of Easy Eye Sound, Billboard’s reigning Blues Label Of The Year.

The Keep It Hid reissue is equipped with new album art, a limited-edition cassette release for the first time, and six updated vinyl variants: including exclusive variants for US Indie Record Stores (Orange + Black Marble), Tennessee Indie Record Stores (signed copies on Peach + Black Marble), Easy Eye Sound’s online store (limited signed copies on Orange + Yellow Splatter), Vinyl Me, Please (Maroon Marble, limited to 750 copies) and Newbury Comics (signed copies on Orange + Black two-sided vinyl).

Watch the all new video for “Whispered Words (Pretty Lies),” directed by Robert Schober — better known as Roboshobo, the artist who has directed for Metallica, Green Day, The Killers, and more.

Originally recorded by Auerbach as he was building his first home studio in Akron, Ohio — a precursor to his Easy Eye Sound Studio in Nashville, where Auerbach now records and produces most of the label’s current releases — Keep It Hid tapped into the now-veteran crate-digger’s penchant for rare finds. Inspired by forgotten 60s psych rock, obscure British power-pop, bluegrass family bands, the collection spans from echo-laden garage rock (“Heartbroken, In Disrepair”) and fuzz-scarred blues (“The Prowl”) to haunted Southern soul (“Real Desire”) and bittersweet-country comfort (“When The Night Comes”).

The album was hailed as “intimate and thrilling” by NPR’s Fresh Air upon its original release, with reviewer Ken Tucker adding it “sounds like a clearing of the throat and mind.” Dan Auerbach recently appeared on MSNBC’s Morning Joe to discuss Easy Eye Sound, his early career in music, his blues heroes, and more: https://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/watch/new-blues-compilation-tell-everybody-a-saturday-night-party-record-191109189602

The re-issue comes during a banner year for Auerbach and Easy Eye Sound, who just threw their second annual East Nashville Community Fish Fry in partnership with Luck Reunion last week during AmericanaFest. 2023 highlights for the label include releasing The Arcs’ first album in eight years, topping the Billboard Blues charts for multiple weeks with the juke joint compilation Tell Everybody!, the emergence of Nat Myers (the first Korean-American musician to play the Grand Ole Opry and one of NPR Music’s “Favorite New Artists” of the year), an AmericanaFest “Album Of The Year” nomination for Hermanos Gutiérrez and now Auerbach’s Keep It Hid re-issue. Performers at this year’s Fish Fry also included Hermanos Gutiérrez, as well as Shannon & The Clams, Robert Finley, and many more. Watch the magic below.

DAN AUERBACH – KEEP IT HID TRACKLIST
Trouble Weighs A Ton
I Want Some More
Heartbroken, In Disrepair
Because I Should
Whispered Words (Pretty Lies)
Real Desire
When The Night Comes
Mean Monsoon
The Prowl
Keep It Hid
My Last Mistake
When I Left The Room
Street Walkin’
Goin’ Home

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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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