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Discover Abøn’s Debut Album ‘Talon’: Where Gentle Vocals, Classical Elegance, and Pop Flourish in Perfect Harmony

Eric Alper
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Discover Abøn’s Debut Album ‘Talon’: Where Gentle Vocals, Classical Elegance, and Pop Flourish in Perfect Harmony

The multifaceted musical artist Abøn has released her debut album Talon.

At the forefront of the album are the Canadian-Danish’s gentle vocals. Her delicately mastered skill will captivate listeners from start to finish. More than just well-seasoned vocals, Abøn brings another edge to the pop-forward album. Her classical background is present throughout the tracks as well-orchestrated strings and expressive piano melodies flawlessly intertwine with catchy rhythms and well-thought-out electronic textures. Talon travels through beautiful harmonies bringing its listeners a sense of peace and allowing them to wander to a world of wonder and fantasy.

Born Lauren Pedersen, the all-round musician grew up Edmonton and studied classical piano and cello before learning a handful of other instruments and discovering her love of writing and composing. Before Abøn came to be, the musician lived out a successful career as part of The Willows, a Canadian vocal jazz trio. As the composer and arranger for the group, she showcased her talent in harmony arrangements. After some fruitful years of touring and creating music, she had a calling to explore a new world of sound, and from there, Abøn was born.

True to her nomadic and curious self, Abøn wrote “Trust This,” the album’s second track, during a time when she was jumping from country to country in hopes of finding “home.” During this challenging period, unusual doubts in the universe surfaced in regard to where, and who, she was supposed to be. But in true Lauren Peterson fashion, she surrendered to the greater powers, and “Trust This” was born.

“Every little synchronicity that pops up is something precious, reminding me gently, over and over, that I’m always exactly where I need to be, and everything, right now, is perfect,” says the musician. “To this day I am still on this journey, but I embrace and trust it at a much deeper level now rather than longing for something stable and secure. I owe part of that to this song!”

The single embraces more of a pop feel and shines a light on Abøn’s exquisitely soft and sweet voice, while simultaneously bringing thought-provoking lyrics that make way for inspiring storytelling. Abøn invites her listeners to connect to their own place of harmony within, and this is exactly what can be expected from her debut album, Talon.

Abøn combines her exceptional talents, extensive musical background and purposeful arrangements to blur the boundaries of genre and bring to life an album with a unique and inspiring sound.

Calvyn Cass Lights Up 2023 with Cinematic New Single ‘Hollywood Calls’

Eric Alper
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Calvyn Cass Lights Up 2023 with Cinematic New Single ‘Hollywood Calls’

Burgeoning pop singer-songwriter Calvyn Cass is back with a cinematic new single “Hollywood Calls,” his second release of 2023. The track is driven by dreamy production, romantic lyricism, and a certain star quality that Cass has become known for, with Wonderland Magazine recently lauding the artist as one to watch.

Inspired by artists like Mariah Carey and Aerosmith, Cass’ lyricism pays homage to his love of 90s pop music, while his production style adeptly blends 2000s nostalgia with the sounds of today. “I love pop music that sparks a flame inside you,” Cass explains. “I want the music I create to move people in a way that has them feel like that song was written just for them.”

Cass first burst onto the scene back in 2020 with his debut single “ME, Myself, and I” and has continued to build a strong following in the time since. In just three years, his songs have been streamed over 1 million times on Spotify, and he’s racked up a whopping 500,000 views on YouTube. Now, he’s channeling that momentum into an ambitious two-part album that boasts production from the likes of multi-platinum producers Adam H. (Ray J, Ne-Yo, Elise Estrada, Def Leppard, and Loverboy) and Dave Genn (54/40 and Matthew Good Band).

“Hollywood Calls” is the introduction to the first chapter of that album, titled “Every Kind Chapter One: Reigning Stars.” The song was inspired by Cass’ deep love of film and his fascination with the way love is portrayed on the silver screen.

“The inspiration for ‘Hollywood Calls’ comes from a deep-seated desire to explore the intricate tapestry of love experienced throughout one’s lifetime,” he says of the track. “Movies have an extraordinary way of portraying love. They often paint a picture of a love that’s all-consuming, passionate, and seemingly endless in its honeymoon phase. The silver screen showcases an idealized version of love, where every moment is exciting, life-changing, and passionate. However, the real experience of love is a far more intricate and diverse journey, encompassing a multitude of experiences throughout someone’s lifetime. It’s not just about those beautiful, cinematic moments; it’s also about the complex and often challenging stories that weave into the tapestry of our lives.”

The single’s release is accompanied by a dreamy new music video, which was shot during a live performance. The stunning visuals pay homage to Lana Del Rey’s ever-endearing sense of hazy California romanticism, adeptly blending nostalgia with strong sensuality.

“Hollywood Calls” was penned by Cass and award-winning Australian producer and songwriter Jess Edo, while production took place at Vancouver’s renown EastBLVD Studios. It’s sophisticated, catchy — and a sure sign that we’ll be hearing a lot more from Calvyn Cass soon.

Folk Rockers Eclectic Revival Celebrates the Introvert Life with ‘Boring With Me’

Eric Alper
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Folk Rockers Eclectic Revival Celebrates the Introvert Life with ‘Boring With Me’

Sometimes, you just want the simple things. This is especially true if you are introverted and face the daily toll of commuting to work, taking care of family, and attempting to socialize. Hamilton, Ontario-based folk-rock band Eclectic Revival understands this yearning and champions the introvert life in their new single “Boring With Me.”

Recorded and mixed at Lincoln County Social Club in Toronto by John Dinsmore, mastered by Phil Demetro, and featuring Miranda Mulholland on fiddle. It’s a bluegrass-inspired tune written by Nick Brodie for his wife Christine, about finding joy in the ‘boring’ little everyday things about sharing a life with the one you love.

“And although I sing of sailing those tall ships across the sea
Oh darling, would you be
Boring with me.”

The next verse chugs along to the fast-paced rhythm as Nick Brodie sings of how being at work and commuting to work keeps him away from the one he loves.

Consider it a marriage proposal for introverts. In a world where life is filled to the brim with urgency, “Boring with Me” is a celebration of finding joy in simple everyday moments with the one that you love.”

Eclectic Revival is a five-piece Celtic fusion band based jointly out of Brampton and Hamilton, Ontario. Founded in 2004, the band plays an eclectic mix of east coast traditional, original rock and blues, and popular bar covers. With backgrounds that include acting and standup comedy as well as music, an Eclectic Revival show is frequently an audience participation event. Their influences include Great Big Sea, Barenaked Ladies, Mumford & Sons, among others.

They debuted with their album Life & Love in 2017. In July 2023, they returned with the single, “Cry Havoc”, the first from their new album Weight of The World. The single is a bluesy, soulful lament that serves as a poignant reflection on the burdens of existence while evolving into a powerful call to action. Their follow up single, “Inspired” was released in September and contains a message of empowerment in a fusion of blues, rock, and ska.

The Grateful Dead Tie Record For Most Top 40 Albums on Billboard 200

Eric Alper
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The Grateful Dead Tie Record For Most Top 40 Albums on Billboard 200

The Grateful Dead have tied the record for most Billboard Top 40 albums by any act in history. Having previously broken the record as the group with the most Top 40 albums, the band has just earned their 58th album in the Top 40, with the debut of Dave’s Picks Vol. 48 at #33 on this week’s Billboard 200. The Grateful Dead are now tied with both Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, and are just one release away from breaking the all-time record.

Produced and curated by Grateful Dead Legacy Manager and Audio Archivist, David Lemieux, Dave’s Picks Vol. 48 is the 40th installment in the beloved series to enter the Top 40. Each edition delivers complete, top-grade Grateful Dead shows that sound better than ever, beautifully packaged and released four times a year. Dave’s Picks Vol. 48 is also the Grateful Dead’s 44th Top 40 title released by Rhino Entertainment, and as Lemieux says, “Dave’s Picks is a testament to Rhino never veering off the path of its vision to treat Dead Heads with respect and caring.”

“Working with the Grateful Dead is such a unique experience because they really are one of one,” adds Mark Pinkus, President of Rhino. “With over 2300 amazing shows in their illustrious 30-year career, Rhino has the wonderful responsibility to present those shows to new and old fans alike in a meaningful and magical way. Their continued chart success simply proves what we already know, there are still a lot of Dead Heads in the world and they dig what we do.”

“This is a testament to the enduring connection between the Grateful Dead and their audience – a bond that is as strong today as it ever was and now spans multiple generations with huge numbers of new followers discovering them every day,” said Bernie Cahill, Founding Partner, Activist Artists Management and manager of the Grateful Dead.

This latest achievement caps another milestone year for the Grateful Dead and Dead Heads everywhere. As detailed in last week’s 31st edition of the annual Grateful Dead Almanac, 2023 proved that the band’s ecosystem is as vibrant and voluminous as ever. From the release of the Here Comes Sunshine box set to the 50th Anniversary of Wake Of The Flood, new installments of The Angel’s Share outtakes and Playing In The Band’s interactive mixing board, and so much more, the Dead remains committed to serving their ever-expanding community and time-honored traditions, with a pioneering devotion to complete accessibility.

Rhino and the band continue to open their archives in unprecedented ways, and on today’s episode of the Good Ol’ Grateful Deadcast, the podcast uncovers an extraordinary lost session by Robert Hunter and the Grateful Dead – the only known time the band’s legendary lyricist led the group in an extended studio session. Captured during the mixing session for the “Eyes of the World” single in November 1973 and channeling the band’s most experimental side, “Prelude” (aka “Tuesday Night Jam”) is a 35-minute studio improvisation by the Dead (minus Jerry Garcia, working with Old & In The Way that night) with Hunter writing lyrics, overdubbing vocals with the group, and mixing the tape down over the course of a single evening, Tuesday, November 6th, 1973. According to musician Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, the intent was to play the tape over the PA before Grateful Dead concerts, which they did several days later at Winterland in San Francisco. Along with a handful of never-heard Hunter/Dead originals and improvisation on instruments not usually heard in the Dead’s music, “Prelude” contains a rare duet of Keith and Donna Godchaux singing “Sweet Inspiration,” the 1968 hit the couple sang together before joining the Dead.

Announced last week, Dave’s Picks Vol. 49 is due out in the first quarter of 2024 via Rhino, and will feature a 4-CD mega set of two complete Grateful Dead shows at Stanford University’s Frost Amphitheater on April 27 and 28, 1985. Before then, Rhino will also begin to reissue all eight albums from the Grateful Dead’s Arista years, 1977-1990. Dropping in pairs between now and July 2024, the series begins this Friday, November 10th, with the band’s final studio album, Built To Last, and the 3-LP collection of historic live performances from the late-Brent Mydland era, Without a Net. Available to worldwide retail on limited edition black vinyl and Barnes & Noble exclusive red vinyl, each title has been newly remastered by GRAMMY® Award-winning engineer David Glasser, and produced for release by David Lemieux.

Chris Stein of Blondie To Publish His Memoir ‘Under A Rock’

Eric Alper
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Chris Stein of Blondie To Publish His Memoir ‘Under A Rock’

Debbie Harry defined iconic band Blondie’s look. Chris Stein—her performing partner, lover, and lifelong friend—was its architect and defined its sound. “Parallel Lines”, their third album, catapulted to #1, sold 20 million copies, and launched singles like “Heart of Glass”, “Rapture,” and “One Way or Another”, providing the beat when Bianca Jagger and Halston danced at Studio 54 and the soundtrack to every 1970’s punk-soundtracked romance.

Chris Stein knows how to tell a story. Under A Rock is his nothing-spared autobiography and gets released on June 11, 2024. It’s about the founding of the band, ascending to the heights of pop success, and the hazards of fortune.

Famous names march through these pages—Warhol, Bowie, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and more–but you can get famous names anywhere. What you can’t get anywhere else is a plunge into the moments that made a giant 1980’s artistic sensation. Stein takes us there in this revelatory, propulsive, distinctive memoir.

Beastie Boys Perform “Ch-Check It Out” From The Subway To The Stage In 2004

Eric Alper
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Beastie Boys Perform “Ch-Check It Out” From The Subway To The Stage In 2004

Ad-Rock, MCA and Mike D. make a classic New York entrance to perform their hit from “To The 5 Boroughs on the Late Show with David Letterman in 2004.

Olivia Colman Reads A Hilarious Seventeenth Century Letter From A Wife To Her Husband

Eric Alper
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Olivia Colman Reads A Hilarious Seventeenth Century Letter From A Wife To Her Husband

On March 3rd, 1610, the one time Lord Mayor of London Sir John Spencer died, leaving behind a vast fortune to be inherited not by his daughter, Elizabeth, whom he had often treated terribly, but to her husband, Lord William Compton—an amount so large, in fact, that Compton was said to have “lost his way” for some time. It was in 1618, when Compton’s health was restored, that Elizabeth wrote him the following letter and listed the many ways in which was to spend some of her late father’s money.

Olivia Colman read this letter at Letters Live at the Union Chapel in 2019.

Singer-Songwriter Doug MacNaughton Releases Soaring “I Believe in Love”

Eric Alper
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Singer-Songwriter Doug MacNaughton Releases Soaring “I Believe in Love”

Toronto-based indie singer-songwriter Doug MacNaughton’s newest single “I Believe in Love,” out now. The track serves as the sixth single off his eagerly anticipated debut album Old Enough To Know Better.

Written back in 2018, the new single is a heartfelt testament to how love can get us through anything. As it stands on the album, “I Believe In Love” showcases MacNaughton’s big heart and ability to compose with cinematic flair, featuring an expansive melody and a soaring electric guitar.

“Somehow,” MacNaughton recalls, “It turned into an ‘80s power ballad, and Jessica Stuart contributed a killer solo!”

On “Old Enough To Know Better,” MacNaughton ties together eight tracks with one message– Human connection and the matters of the heart are our best compass to navigate through the hardships of loneliness, loss and a divisive political climate. With “I Believe In Love,” he doubles down on defending the power of love to any naysayers, with lyrics such as:

Love is stronger than distance;
Stronger than time
Not bound by this red tape,
Or these forms we’ve got to sign

Born and raised in Brandon, Manitoba, Doug MacNaughton approaches his debut release as a seasoned musician. His musical journey began in school bands and choirs, but it was the discovery of Mike Oldfield’s groundbreaking 1973 album, Tubular Bells, that ignited his deep interest in music.

“I loved it that the same person played all the instruments!” he remembers. “I still have that same admiration for people like Joni Mitchell, Cassandra Wilson, Garth Hudson, John Paul Jones, and the list could go on.”

Driven by a desire to become a distinguished jazz-rock guitarist in the vein of Frank Zappa, Steve Howe, or Mahavishnu John McLaughlin, MacNaughton embarked on a path to higher education at Brandon University, where he faced a pivotal choice between classical guitar and vocal studies. Ultimately, he chose the latter, but continues to pursue his musical aspirations with an unwavering commitment to artistic versatility.

“Old Enough To Know Better” expertly demonstrates MacNaughton’s evolution as an artist with multi-eclectic influences. MacNaughton’s songwriting is a product of his wide range of professional experiences, including his involvement in a Frank Zappa tribute concert alongside a Montreal-based electronic music ensemble, his time in Les Misérables, and his creative contributions to numerous stage productions.

With Doug MacNaughton’s rich blend of experience, inspiration, and long-cultivated talents, “Old Enough To Know Better” is poised to be a debut release with a lasting impression.

MELODNA Takes a Soulful Journey into Her African Roots with Sophomore EP ‘She’

Eric Alper
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MELODNA Takes a Soulful Journey into Her African Roots with Sophomore EP ‘She’

Saskatchewan-based emerging artist MELODNA (pronounced Mel-oh-dee-na) digs deep on sophomore EP, She, out now. She sees the singer-songwriter tracing the roots of her African heritage into the present-day, as she adeptly blends elements of R&B, Afrofusion, and South African sounds.

That ready embrace of cultural fusion is a driving force behind MELODNA’s artistry. “My name, MELODNA, came from my love of Zambian harmonies,” she explains. “I’m Zambian, South African, and Malawian born in Canada.”

MELODNA recently released energetic Afrobeats-centric single “OMD” in advance of the project, which serves as a follow-up to 2021’s Keepsake. Levitational chord progressions, stunning vocals, and a relentless beat define the song, a victorious track with infectious zeal that sees MELODNA celebrating how far she’s come and embracing the person that she’s grown into along the way.

But that journey to self-love and acceptance hasn’t come without a struggle, a fact that MELODNA readily acknowledges. In fact, a desire to uplift and encourage others who may be facing similar difficulties was one of the artist’s primary motivations behind making She in the first place. Like many people, MELODNA is no stranger to difficulties stemming from battles with mental health. But she also acknowledges the strength that can be found in knowing that you’re not alone. MELODNA’s music is characterized by ever-present grooves, endless good vibes, and a whole lot of energy. They’re songs that make her want to get up and dance, and, she says, she wants others to feel that same mental relief when they press play.

“I wanted people to feel my lyrics, know the meaning, and instead of crying, relate to my darkness,” she says of the project. “I wanted them to dance.”

Listeners will certainly find catharsis in this set of tracks — both for MELODNA’s ready willingness and ability to give voice to struggle, as well as for her determination to place one foot in front of the other and embrace joy despite.

‘WAYTIN’ summarizes this message perfectly. The upbeat track is a perfect blend of MELODNA’s sonic heritage and is accompanied by lyrics that see her being open and vulnerable about her struggles with depression.

Meanwhile, she reunites with Bjaylee (who featured on her 2022 single ‘ROTATION’) for ‘ALT,’ and features a tender, encouraging outro courtesy of MELODNA’s young son, which highlights the track’s message to keep fighting no matter what life throws at you.

MELODNA has a sound that sticks with you, as much for its unique, genre-defying production as for its intimate lyricism that doesn’t shy away from difficult issues. If She is any indication, we’re sure to hear a lot more from this artist soon.

Prepare to Be Enchanted by Liona Boyd’s ‘Once Upon A Time’ Album and Win a Guitar in Her Remarkable Giveaway

Eric Alper
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Prepare to Be Enchanted by Liona Boyd’s ‘Once Upon A Time’ Album and Win a Guitar in Her Remarkable Giveaway

Liona Boyd, affectionately known as “The First Lady of the Guitar,” is set to captivate music lovers worldwide with her upcoming album, “Once Upon A Time.” This enchanting musical journey results from a five-year creative voyage, offering listeners a realm of nostalgia, beauty, and timeless imagination. What makes this release even more remarkable is the simultaneous launch of a generous guitar giveaway initiative sponsored by Liona Boyd in collaboration with Yamaha and Long & McQuade music stores.

Boyd’s latest album, “Once Upon A Time,” is a captivating fusion of influences and experiences that have shaped her musical world. Inspired by a Schubert nocturne heard in a European château and influenced by the iconic Enya, her compositions are born from contemplative moments during solo walks in Palm Beach, Florida. Notably, the legendary Maestro Vangelis played a pivotal role in inspiring this album, offering praise for Boyd’s melodies and production during a visit to his Paris home in 2019.

The album includes reimagined works from Boyd’s earlier compositions, showcasing her artistic evolution and Peter Bond’s beautiful production. “Once Upon A Time” is Liona Boyd’s first release in Dolby Atmos, providing a unique auditory experience. The Atmos mixes will be available on Apple Music, enhancing the album’s immersive qualities.

To celebrate the album’s release, Liona Boyd is sponsoring a classical guitar giveaway in partnership with Long & McQuade music stores and Yamaha. Thirty high-quality classical guitars, each retailing at $700, will be gifted to aspiring students across Canada from November 6 through December 2023. Boyd’s initiative aims to encourage parents to introduce the gift of music to their children, providing them with a treasured instrument capable of changing lives and offering solace during difficult times.

Liona Boyd shared her motivation behind this initiative: “A classical guitar can be a great friend and provide therapy to alleviate mental stress during challenging times. It is one of the best investments parents can make for their children.”

Five-time Juno Award winner, Liona Boyd has enthralled millions with her romantic and unique brand of classical, folk and world music. She has performed solo and orchestral concerts around the world, had her own television specials, performed for many heads of state, and recorded thirty albums, many of which have gone Gold and Platinum. Liona has been given five Honorary Doctorates, made an Officer of The Order of Canada and awarded The Order of Ontario and Diamond Jubilee Medal. She is a five-time winner of the Guitar Player Magazine poll for best classical guitarist, is a member of the Gallery of Greats, and was recently given a Lifetime Achievement award in the USA by the National Guitar Museum. Liona has composed and arranged hundreds of pieces for the guitar and has written two best-selling autobiographies and a children’s book. Since 2008 Liona has been touring and recording as a singer and songwriter bringing a new dimension to her art and career of over forty-five years.

Despite the challenge of Musician’s Focal Dystonia in 2002, a condition resulting from musical instrument overplaying, Boyd’s unwavering spirit led her to overcome adversity. Her career is a continuous source of inspiration for generations of guitarists, a testament to her determination and passion for music.

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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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