Cheers to the “Lasso Way!” Celebrate the hit show Ted Lasso with a Barbie doll of everyone’s favorite coach, owner and PR maven.
Ted Lasso Barbie doll wears a sporty blue tracksuit with a working zipper and AFC Richmond logo details. His coaching look is complete with classic aviator sunglasses, a whistle, soccer ball and sneakers. Dressed for a rousing team practice, Ted looks “Fabu-Lasso” on and off the pitch!
Celebrate the hit show Ted Lasso with a collectible Rebecca Welton Barbie doll! A brilliant businesswoman with “action-figurey” arms, she is the owner of British soccer team AFC Richmond. Rebecca Welton Barbie doll wears a chic champagne blouse with black tailored pants and classic black pumps. Her sophisticated look is complete with statement accessories like golden earrings and a handbag. Standing tall and fierce, Rebecca Barbie doll is ready to lead her team with confidence and style.
Sorta famous for being almost famous, model turned PR consultant Keeley Jones is a powerful woman on the rise. Keeley Jones Barbie doll wears a bold pink satin midi dress with a mandarin collar, chic golden heels and black faux fur cape. Her fabulous night-out look is complete with her trademark high ponytail, signature golden hoops and darling pink clutch. Whether walking the red carpet or cheering on the Richmond blue, Keeley Barbie doll does it all with confidence and style.
Global rock superstars Green Day – Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool – have returned with a fiery call to action on “The American Dream Is Killing Me,” the first single and opening track from the group’s 14th studio album Saviors, releasing January 19th, 2024 via Reprise/Warner Records – pre-order HERE. The band debuted “The American Dream Is Killing Me” and “Look Ma, No Brains!” off the new album live last weekend during their triumphant and electrifying Las Vegas, NV, takeover, consisting of a sold-out surprise show at the 800 capacity Fremont and back-to-back headlining performances at When We Were Young Festival. Listen to “The American Dream is Killing Me” and watch the accompanying music video, directed by Brendan Walter and Ryan Baxley, HERE. There will also be several exclusive vinyl versions of Saviors available including neon pink with neon green splatter, and black ice with hot pink splatter, with most in very limited supply and pressed only once.
“The American Dream Is Killing Me” was one of the last tracks written and recorded by Green Day for Saviors. “As soon we cut it, we said, `Okay, that’s going first,’” says Billie Joe Armstrong who describes the new song as “a look at the way the traditional American Dream doesn’t work for a lot of people — in fact, it’s hurting a lot of people.”
Recorded in London and Los Angeles, Saviors is the latest powerful collaboration between Green Day and Grammy-winning producer Rob Cavallo, whose notable previous work with Green Day includes two of the band’s most iconic albums, 1994’s Dookie and 2004’s American Idiot. The record comes just ahead of Dookie’s 30th anniversary – celebrations have already begun with the release of a massive deluxe edition of the album and a surprise show in Las Vegas where the band performed Dookie from front to back to a sold-out crowd of superfans.
Alongside the track the band has unveiled a film noir inspired black and white music video featuring Green Day in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. The killer video was directed by Brendan Walter and Ryan Baxley and shot in Los Angeles.
Green Day will also be performing this Thursday, October 26 as part of Amazon Music Live’s concert series, and on November 19, the band is heading up north to headline the Twisted Tea Grey Cup Halftime Show for the 110th Grey Cup at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario.
Formed in 1986 in Berkeley, CA, Green Day is one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time, with more than 75 million records sold worldwide and 10 billion cumulative audio/visual streams. The five-time Grammy Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees released their breakout album Dookie in 1994, which sold over 10 million and achieved 10x Platinum Diamond status, is widely credited with popularizing and reviving mainstream interest in punk rock, catapulting a career-long run of #1 hit singles. Entertainment Weekly calls Green Day, “The most influential band of their generation,” while Rolling Stone attests, “Green Day have inspired more young bands to start than any act this side of Kiss, and that doesn’t seem to be changing.” In 2004, Green Day released the rock opera American Idiot which captured the nation’s attention, selling more than 8 million copies in the U.S. alone and taking home the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album. Mojo declared “It’s exhilarating stuff, the kind of record that sets new parameters as to what is possible from a punk rock’n’roll band in the 21st century.” In 2010, a stage adaptation of American Idiot debuted on Broadway to critical and commercial acclaim. Released in 2020, Green Day’s thirteenth studio album Father Of All… debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Album Sales Chart and #1 in both the U.K. and Australia. Pitchfork declared, “Green Day’s most fetching and youthful songs in ages. The trio sounds reinvigorated, more like hungry newcomers staking their claim.” In July 2021, Green Day embarked on The Hella Mega Tour (w/ Fall Out Boy & Weezer). The global tour included 29 sold-out stadium gigs – including renowned venues like London Stadium and Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium. Watch out for more exciting music news coming soon.
Tom Morello is renowned for his influential guitar work with bands like Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave. In Rage Against the Machine, he pioneered a unique and incendiary guitar style, characterized by his use of heavy riffs, innovative effects, and politically charged lyrics. His guitar wizardry was a vital component of the band’s ferocious sound, combining elements of rock, rap, and funk to create a sonic rebellion that resonated with countless fans. Later, with Audioslave, Morello continued to showcase his virtuosity, blending his distinctive guitar prowess with the powerful vocals of Chris Cornell, resulting in a more melodic yet still hard-hitting rock sound. Morello’s contributions to these bands have left an indelible mark on the world of rock music, earning him a place among the most iconic and innovative guitarists in the industry.
Donovan’s “A Gift From a Flower to a Garden” is a two-disc album released in 1967 that represents a significant departure from his earlier folk-oriented work. This double LP is a whimsical and experimental journey into the realm of flower power and psychedelia, reflecting the spirit of the 1960s counterculture. The first disc, “Wear Your Love Like Heaven,” is characterized by its upbeat, optimistic tunes, and the second disc, “For Little Ones,” delves into more introspective and contemplative themes. The album’s intricate arrangements and poetic lyrics, coupled with Donovan’s distinctive vocal style, make “A Gift From a Flower to a Garden” a captivating exploration of the era’s ideals and a testament to Donovan’s evolving musical artistry.
Nameless Friends pull no punches. The rock band from London, Ontario, leaves no altar un-scorched with their latest single “Demons”, a scathing critique of right-wing, religious discrimination toward 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
The closest thing the band’s debut album – Blasphemy – has to a title track, “Demons” is relentless in its assessment of queerphobic ‘Christianity’. It’s a six-minute, gospel prog epic satirizing gaslighting and toxic positivity in organized religion, that devolves into a wicked organ solo halfway through (think Deep Purple meets Dream Theatre meets Boston).
And just in case that didn’t make the band’s point clear enough, the accompanying music video features a “sexy gay baptism”; 12,000 rainbow rose petals; an “unhinged”, televangelist-esque sermon from ‘the Reverend Chad’; and a stunning performance from Toronto drag queen Jordana Myles, filmed on the altar of converted-church-recording-studio Catherine North in Hamilton, Ontario.
The band – who perform under the aliases of Number One, Number Two, Number Three, Number Four, Number Five, Number Six, and Number Seven – intends to make a statement with its debut album. Loudly.
“Blasphemy is a concept and protest album about the surge of right-wing, religious bigotry in politics and popular culture,” the band explained. “Nameless Friends has female, queer, and immigrant members, members of colour, and members with chronic illnesses and neurodivergence. We wrote this album in solidarity with the communities being targeted and oppressed in the name of capitalist, patriarchal, white supremacist ‘religious freedom.’”
And they are willing to put their platform where their mouth is. In the weeks preceding “Demons” release, the band has amassed hundreds of thousands of views on social media for speaking out against a new school naming policy championed by Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, which many civil rights organizations argue harms transgender children.
They are also donating all of the ad revenue from “Demons” music video to two “life-saving” queer support organizations, Rainbow Railroad and Trans Lifeline.
But that doesn’t mean Nameless Friends, or their music, is bleak. In fact, the band pushes back that calling out negatives doesn’t have to be gloomy. “Joy, hope, and love are also vital human experiences,” said Number One, the band’s frontwoman and Blasphemy’s producer. “We’re trying to present those truths with as much courage as the hard stuff…We’re trying to make music about the justice we want to see in the world, that’s also really bloody fun to listen to.”
This is the band’s first original album but not their first rodeo. Nameless Friends previously released a live LP of Queen covers that they recorded in front of a sold-out crowd at Toronto’s “legendary” Horseshoe Tavern. They have been spending 2023 touring around Canada, first hitting venues around Ontario and Quebec in May and June, and now heading to the prairies in October.
If you ask them, Blasphemy sounds like classic Queen, early Pup, and early Rage Against the Machine fronted by Heart or Janis Joplin. “The production is bright, bold, clean, and classic: less hyper-compressed than the big rock/pop records, and energized with unvarnished performances, including no tuning software or pitch correction on any of the lead vocals.”
The group had help from a talented team to round out the project. Andrew McLeod, also known as Sunnsetter, mixed it, while Darcy Proper, the first female engineer to win a Grammy, mastered the work.
The nine-track album delivers on the message it promises, with its latest single “Demons” serving as a key piece to the puzzle.
The band knows exactly who it wrote Blasphemy for: “If anyone has ever dared to tell you that their sky daddy doesn’t love you, this record is for you.”
Nameless Friends Tour Dates:
October 12 – Sault Ste. Marie @ Reggie’s Place Tavern
October 13 – Thunder Bay @ Black Pirates Pub
October 14 – Winnipeg @ The Handsome Daughter
October 18 – Calgary @ Modern Love
October 19 – Edmonton @ The Aviary
October 20 – Regina @ O’Hanlon’s Pub
October 21 – Saskatoon @ Amigo’s Cantina
October 28 – London @ Palasad Socialbowl
November 16 – Toronto @ the Bovine Sex Club
Robbi Niles, known for his captivating sound and smooth voice, is set to mesmerize the world once again with his latest single, “Fiji.” This release marks another milestone in Nile’s impressive career, showcasing his versatility as a musician and his unique blend of musical influences.
Born on the tropical paradise island of Barbados, Robbi Niles embarked on his musical journey at a young age, playing the Tenor Steel Pan when he was just three years old. Over the years, he has explored various musical instruments, including the saxophone, piano, drums, and guitar.
A talented guitarist, composer, lyricist, and producer, Niles made his debut in the music scene at the age of sixteen with his first single, “Wonder.” This song quickly gained recognition in the Adult Contemporary world and charted on the ACQB Top 200. Since then, Niles has continued to hone his craft, building an impressive catalog that effortlessly fuses R&B, pop, hip-hop, alternative rock, reggae, and Soca – a testament to his Caribbean roots and diverse musical influences.
Robbi Niles has not gone unnoticed by the music industry, with notable features in publications like Notion, FLEX, Clout, Purple Melon, Volatile Weekly, and many others. To date, his music has garnered over 1,350,000 streams and views, thanks in part to his distinctive visuals and infectious hooks.
His journey to find his unique sound has taken Niles across the globe, from the vibrant music scenes of LA to the bustling metropolises of London and Toronto. Along the way, he has shared stories of life’s triumphs and disappointments, always delivering a message of hope through his music.
In his own words, Niles speaks of the deeply personal and emotional journey that led to his latest release, “Fiji.” The track is a testament to his resilience and ability to channel his emotions into music, allowing listeners to connect with his experiences on a profound level. As Niles continues to evolve as an artist, “Fiji” promises to be another stepping stone in his remarkable journey. With its fusion of genres and heartfelt storytelling, this single invites listeners to immerse themselves in the world of Robbi Niles, where music serves as both therapy and connection.
Robbi Niles invites fans, old and new, to embark on this musical journey with him as he continues to explore the depths of his artistry. “Fiji” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
Sometimes you just get that sickly, sinking feeling you’re about to be played, and that’s what Avalon Stone’s new hard-rocking debut single “Forget You” – available now – from her forthcoming Album Chained is all about, produced by JUNO Award-winning producer Kevin Dietz (Glorious Sons, JJ Wilde, Billy Talent).
Heavy, grungy, and metal-tinged, “Forget You” takes us on a journey from that initial niggling feeling all the way to aftermath of the breakup, where Stone experiences both regret and steely resolve:
Feel it burn
Want you to return
Now I’ll have to learn
To try to forget you
The song is a storm of sludgy guitars, pummeling drums, and Stone’s soaring and passionate vocals. Then, it suddenly turns quiet and introspective as Stone contemplates her sadness and the injustice of it all, only to be broken by her soulful, soul-shaking wail.
Avalon Stone isn’t just an artist; she’s a force of nature. Entering the performance scene at the young age of 10, she began fronting her own band by the time she was 12. Her sound is deeply rooted in the gritty embrace of ’90s grunge like Alice In Chains, Cranberries? and Nirvana, yet she manages to rejuvenate the classic genre with a contemporary, sharp edge.
Fans can look forward to frequent releases this Winter getting ready for her upcoming Album that blends a heady alchemy of nostalgia and innovation, weaving raw emotions into alt-rock anthems. Her soaring vocals resonate deep within, echoing long after the last note has played. This is an astonishing first single, and a new female Canadian rock artist on the scene that makes her one to watch.
Something you said on the call we really liked – If this first release is a sign of things to come, we’ve got a new female Canadian rock artist to watch out for.
In addition to making music, Avalon is passionate about mental health advocacy. As the founder of Music For Mental Health Canada, Avalon harnesses the power of her music while collaborating with other musicians to champion mental health causes.
With the overwhelming popularity of the Barbie movie right now, every woman is reflecting on her own experiences growing up with the doll – both positive and negative – and “I’mPerfect,” the new single by Toronto singer-songwriters Jules and F.Y.D.I, was born of these reflections.
Written by Maria Fidela-Dafnas, director of the TN Management modeling agency, the song came about when she was sitting in her office one day thinking about the exact doll she had tried to resemble in her teenage years. “As a result, I continued to fit the mold of being the perfect doll and pursued a career in the film and modeling industry, where like the lyrics say… we were encouraged to be 34-24-34,” she remembers. “The superficial unrealistic world of fitting into ‘the perfect body’ led to me noticing the problems stemming from these ideals, such as eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.”
The resulting song is a chill, electronic, lounge-y pop confection that’s guaranteed to get your head bopping, and your fist pumping – in empowerment!
Don’t have to be a perfect girl
To live in this imperfect world
Learned to love my scars
Accept them for what they are
Girls we are beautiful
For who we are
Don’t need to be no Hollywood superstar
Two sensational talents in the industry, Canadian singer-songwriter Jules, and well-rounded Australian-born Toronto-based musician F.Y.D.I converged to create a pop-absorbed collaboration in “I’mPerfect,” turning Marie’s vision into a vibrant, colorful reality. They recently performed the single at TD Music Hall, to amazing feedback and wonderful audience participation.
“I felt the need to share my message with two amazing artists, Jules and F.Y.D.I, who are both true to the lyrics and want to help make my unspoken words of yesterday, their spoken words today,” said Marie. “‘I’mPerfect’ is a tribute to all the women who inspire me every day. I felt compelled to remind the world that true beauty is in authenticity and that imperfections are what make us perfectly human. Through this song, I hope to encourage ALL women to embrace their true selves, walk confidently in their own narratives, and revel in the beauty of being in a world that often demands.”
Jules, a Canadian singer-songwriter, stands as a testament to the power of musical exploration and evolution. With influences ranging from pop, alternative, EDM, and rock, Jules’ artistic journey is a symphony of creativity that knows no bounds. Born and raised in Vaughan, Ontario, Jules is an artist with a very energetic, pop vibe! As a young girl, her voice was discovered through singing competitions and talent showcases, capturing the attention of those who witnessed her raw talent and innate ability to convey emotions through her voice.
Ernestine Perkins (F.Y.D.I), the oldest of four kids, was born in The Ivory Coast. Her family migrated to South Australia when she was seven years old. She is West African raised and educated in Australia. She attended an all-girls performing arts high school, where she started singing and developing her passion for music. Growing up in Adelaide, South Australia, Ernestine was part of the school choir, rock band, ukulele ensemble and drama club.
She started writing music after she graduated high school and went to college to study for a double degree in the Bachelor of International Studies and Bachelor of Media. She moved to Toronto, Ontario just over a year ago. She wanted to learn music production, so she began to teach herself. All of her current music is fully self- written and self-produced. She plays guitar, ukulele, a bit of piano and the drums.
Buwa returns 4 years later after his last triumph with his debut EP OLU, which offered pop-soul styles and a blend of compelling melodies. The British Columbia-based Nigerian singer has now unleashed his new single “It Don’t Matter”, to introduce his latest EP Just Call Me Buwa.
“It Don’t Matter” tells a story of Buwa learning to accept life as it is in the present. And instead of focusing on what the future holds for him, he should live in the moment and bask in the goodness of the present.
“I learned the hard lesson of accepting where I was in life and living in the present instead of some future I had dreamed of for myself,” said Buwa. “As soon as I started coming to terms with it, I began to hear melodies in my head,” he further explains, “and It Don’t Matter was born.”
Prior to the making of “It Don’t Matter” and the EP “Just Call Me Buwa” just before the pandemic arose. Buwa admits to being in a fog of writer’s block at the time. He said the state he was in was an unpleasant one and threatened to disrupt both his personal and professional life.
“I was very unhappy with where I felt I was in life and in my career and with the lockdowns, my feelings multiplied.”
Once Buwa broke through the writer’s block barrier, penning down “It Don’t Matter” flowed out of him easily. The Nigerian singer then reached out to revered producer SizzlePRO, who has collaborated with some of the biggest names hailing from Africa including Waje, Aramide, and the amazing Yemi Alade. With endless ideas pouring out from him, the singer enlisted stylist friend StudioAzom, and Raymond Knight of Knight Studios to breathe new life into his creative visual ideas for “It Don’t Matter.”
Inspired by soul music giants the late Whitney Houston, Jill Scott, India Arie, and South Africa’s fallen musical heroine Brenda Fassie. It’s no wonder “It Don’t Matter” combines nostalgic pop elements in the musical production, and highlights Buwa’s staple old-school vocals that don’t come by often these days. Fans will revel in “Jump”, “Let It Go” and “Changes” for the uniform “taking back what’s mine” theme these songs evoke.
Buwa, ever the storyteller wanted “the listener to be able to see the image of what I was creating, being able to mirror that to their own life, and with this EP, I believe I have been able to do that.”
He continued, “Everyone knows how it feels to be in transition from one life stage to another, how it feels to not know what the next day or next period of your life will be, how it feels to not know if your sacrifices will pay off, how it feels to almost taste your next step, how it feels to just accept yourself or life stage, and the growing pains that come with it.”
