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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.

Canada’s Musical Treasure and JUNO Award Winning Vocalist Sammy Jackson Releases “Honey”

Eric Alper
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Canada’s Musical Treasure and JUNO Award Winning Vocalist Sammy Jackson Releases “Honey”

Toronto-born and St. Catharines-based Sammy Jackson, the acclaimed singer-songwriter and JUNO-Award winner, is swiftly ascending the ranks as one of Canada’s foremost vocalists. With a voice effortlessly weaving together captivating melodies, the singer’s music offers an auditory experience that feels as comfortable as an old friend’s embrace, leaving listeners with a warm, contented smile that lingers.

Three years after the release of her JUNO Award-winning album, “With You,” supported by the Ontario Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts and FACTOR, Sammy Jackson introduced the single “Honey.” This cheerful track was co-written with fellow singer-songwriter Jacqueline Teh, marking another chapter in Jackson’s musical evolution. The awarded album features Thomas Fleming on guitar, Chris Pruden on piano/synth, Mark Godfrey on bass, and Ian Wright on drums.

During the quarantine period, Sammy Jackson and Jacqueline Teh joined forces over Zoom to co-write “Honey”. Their creative venture aimed to capture the essence of the “modern woman” – someone driven and career-oriented, juggling a love interest alongside her professional ambitions. Their approach to this song is notably lighter and more playful compared to the personal themes found in Sammy Jackson’s previous album.

Collaboratively brought to life by Bartel and Sammy Jackson, with engineering expertise provided by Jon Bartel and Kevin Fallis, artfully mixed by Jon Bartel, and impeccably mastered by João Carvalho, the release of “Honey” seamlessly marries the realms of visual and auditory artistry, celebrating the diverse roles that women embody.

The visual representation of “Honey” draws inspiration from the captivating aesthetics of 1970s photobooths. The concept unfolds with Sammy Jackson gracefully transitioning across various backgrounds, outfits, and hairstyles. Each frame captures a distinct aesthetic that gracefully traverses the spectrum from fun and lighthearted to deeply serious, embracing emotions from anger to moody introspection. Throughout this artistic journey, Sammy Jackson’s signature soft and jazzy voice wraps listeners in a warm embrace, enhancing the experience.

Jackson’s journey includes remarkable collaborations with esteemed artists, including the likes of Barbra Lica, Rich Brown, Larnell Lewis, and D.D. Jackson. Her performances have graced the stages of Canada’s most revered venues, such as the Glenn Gould Studio, Koerner Hall, the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, the Jazz Room, and Westben, cementing her status as a captivating artist celebrated for her vocal prowess, composition mastery, and her unwavering spirit of artistic collaboration.

This marks a new chapter in Sammy Jackson’s musical voyage. Keep that curiosity alive because there’s so much more to come.

Toronto’s Wrené Unleashes Her Dark Wonderland with Electrifying Single ‘Venom’ from Album Metamorphosis

Eric Alper
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Toronto’s Wrené Unleashes Her Dark Wonderland with Electrifying Single ‘Venom’ from Album Metamorphosis

Toronto-based avant-garde pop singer-songwriter and producer Wrené stuns with new dark ambient trap single “Venom.” The hard-hitting track emerges from her atmospheric third album Metamorphosis, which was released in August. “Venom” is an electric trip into the throes of Wrené’s dark wonderland, exploring the relationship between reality’s dull knife and surrealism, the high highs and lower lows of addiction, and the state of the human condition amidst it all.

Born from the bleak hopelessness and isolation that defined the COVID-19 pandemic, Metamorphosis sees Wrené finding refuge in creativity, fantastical escapism, and the exploration of personal identity. She crafted dreamy sonic landscapes that allowed her to explore the unknown through music — even while the world was in lockdown. She reveled in self-transformation and remained mindful of the power of her art to help others in similar situations.

“Venom,” a genre-bending, imaginative journey into Wrené’s mind, is a culmination of those ideas and experiences. With lyrics like “Labyrinths you make me run through, entangled in your web/My body pulsates, whatever rhythm you desire,” the pop crooner details her experience with a toxic relationship and her desire to break free — whatever the cost. This leads her to use drugs to cope with the suffocating trauma of past abuses, as they offer relief (however temporary) from her own bleak reality.

“I’d like to call upon themes of addiction, societal pressures, and highlight how the allure of such self-destructive behaviors are prevalent amongst the youth,” she says of the track. “‘Venom’ could resonate with many young adults who feel trapped, seeking an escape from their current reality out of fear, hopelessness, and a lack of inner guidance and direction. It might speak to those, like myself, who feel unprepared and unequipped to cope in our ever-changing society and who find solace in their own creative world.”

The single is accompanied by the release of a music video that explores many of those same themes. In it, we are introduced to our protagonist: a hero attempting to make their way through a dark, sinister alley. The character does their best to move forward amidst their battle with their inner demons, despite the fact that they are repeatedly being lured into false senses of security, with each unique scene representing a different substance.

“Venom” is a powerful track that speaks to the difficulty of internal struggle and the undeniable courage one exhibits by facing it head on each day. Its intimate lyrics, booming electronic trap production, and accompanying visuals make it an undeniable, addicting listen — and an enduring symbol of Wrené’s ever forward-thinking artistry.

Judas Priest Announces The Invincible Shield Tour

Eric Alper
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Judas Priest Announces The Invincible Shield Tour

Today, heavy metal titans Judas Priest have announced their Invincible Shield Tour with special guest Sabaton. The all-time greats will take over the U.S.A. this spring with 14 shows. Produced by Live Nation, the tour kicks off on April 18 at Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, CT making stops in Reading, PA; Boston, MA; Rosemont, IL; Washington, DC and more before wrapping up in Syracuse, NY at Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview on May 22. Full ticketing and tour dates are available below. Metalheads are in for the show of a lifetime as few rock or metal acts remain as much of a must-see live attraction as Judas Priest!

Judas Priest, a powerhouse in the world of heavy metal has spent over 50 years crafting a legendary career. Emerging from Birmingham in 1969, their impact and influence in the genre remain unparalleled. The band originally solidified their place in music history with iconic albums like ‘Sad Wings of Destiny’ and ‘Sin After Sin’ known for metal anthems like ‘Sinner’ and ‘Hell Bent for Leather’ while pioneering the leather-and-studs image now synonymous with the metal culture.

The ’80s marked their pinnacle with classic albums ‘British Steel’, ‘Screaming for Vengeance’, and ‘Defenders of the Faith’, generating timeless hits like ‘Breaking the Law’. Despite lineup changes and various challenges, the band’s resilience remained unwavering. In 2018 Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Richie Faulkner, Ian Hill and Scott Travis released ‘Firepower’ which soared as one of their most successful albums, backed by an extensive global tour.

Amid health setbacks and the pandemic, they persevered with a 50th-anniversary tour and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Preparing for the release of their 19th studio album ‘Invincible Shield’ and a headlining performance at the 2023 PowerTrip Music Festival, Judas Priest’s unwavering dedication to spreading their heavy metal legacy continues, promising to rock on into 2024 and beyond.

JUDAS PRIEST: INVINCIBLE SHIELD TOUR DATES:
Thu Apr 18 – Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale Theatre
Fri Apr 19 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
Sun Apr 21 – Reading, PA – Santander Arena
Wed Apr 24 – Bangor, ME – Cross Insurance Center
Thu Apr 25 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Sat Apr 27 – Youngstown, OH – Covelli Center
Sun Apr 28 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River
Wed May 01 – Rosemont, IL – Rosemont Theatre
Thu May 02 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory
Sat May 4 – Kalamazoo, MI – Wings Event Center
Sun May 05 – Maryland Heights, MO – St Louis Music Park
Tue May 07 – Huntsville, AL – VBC Propst Arena
Thu May 09 – Daytona, FL – Welcome to Rockville
Sat May 11 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Sun May 12 – Mobile, AL – Mobile Civic Center Arena
Tue May 14 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
Fri May 17 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center*
Sun May 19 – Washington, DC –The Theater at MGM National Harbor
Tue May 21 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena
Wed May 22 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview

Steve Hackett Celebrates Over 50 Years Of Music With His New Conceptual Studio Album ‘The Circus And The Nightwhale’

Eric Alper
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Steve Hackett Celebrates Over 50 Years Of Music With His New Conceptual Studio Album ‘The Circus And The Nightwhale’

Legendary rock guitarist Steve Hackett will release his new studio album ‘The Circus And The Nightwhale’ on February 16th 2024, via InsideOut Music. A rite-of-passage concept album with a young character called Travla at the centre of it, ‘The Circus And The Nightwhale’s’ 13 tracks have an autobiographical angle for the musician who says about his 30th solo release: “I love this album. It says the things I’ve been wanting to say for a very long time.”

‘The Circus And The Nightwhale’ is Steve’s first new music in over two years. It follows the beautiful acoustic LP ‘Under A Mediterranean Sky’ from January 2021 – which rose to No 2 in the UK Classical chart – and, in September of that year, his metallic masterpiece Surrender Of Silence, which hit the UK Top 40. His 2023 live album, ‘Foxtrot At Fifty + Hackett Highlights: Live in Brighton’, reached No 2 in the Rock & Metal Chart. Steve’s new LP promises ballads, blues, blistering progressive rock… and healthy measures of theatre and fantasia.

Recorded between tours in 2022 and 2023 at Siren studio in the UK – with guest parts beamed in from Sweden, Austria, the US, Azerbaijan and Denmark, the line-up for ‘The Circus And The Nightwhale’ includes some familiar faces alongside Steve on electric and acoustic guitars, 12-string, mandolin, harmonica, percussion, bass and vocals. Roger King (keyboards, programming and orchestral arrangements), Rob Townsend (sax), Jonas Reingold (bass), Nad Sylvan (vocals), Craig Blundell (drums) and Amanda Lehmann on vocals. Nick D’Virgilio and Hugo Degenhardt return as guests on the drumstool, engineer extraordinaire Benedict Fenner appears on keyboards and Malik Mansurov is back with the tar. Finally, Steve’s brother John Hackett is present once more on flute.

The new album will be available to pre-order from the December 1st, 2023 on several different formats, including a Limited CD+Blu-ray mediabook (including 5.1 Surround Sound & 24bit high resolution stereo mixes), Standard CD Jewelcase, Gatefold 180g Vinyl LP & as Digital Album. All feature the stunning cover painting by Denise Marsh.

The full tracklisting is as follows:
1. People Of The Smoke
2. These Passing Clouds
3. Taking You Down
4. Found And Lost
5. Enter The Ring
6. Get Me Out!
7. Ghost Moon and Living Love
8. Circo Inferno
9. Breakout
10. All At Sea
11. Into The Nightwhale
12. Wherever You Are
13. White Dove

Summing up ‘The Circus And The Nightwhale’, Steve says: “It’s a lovely journey that starts dirty, scratchy and smoky and becomes heavenly and divine. How can you resist it?”

Steve is currently on tour in North America, continuing his ‘Foxtrot At Fifty + Hackett Highlights’ run. Next year he will tour the world extensively, including a brand new UK tour under the name ‘Genesis Greats, Lamb Highlights & Solo’ (that will see him return to the legendary Royal Albert Hall), as well as a return to the US for additional ‘Foxtrot At Fifty’ shows from March 1st through April 13th. For the full list of dates, head to: http://hackettsongs.com/tour.html

Gordon Lightfoot Tribute Concert Set For 2024 At Massey Hall

Eric Alper
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Gordon Lightfoot Tribute Concert Set For 2024 At Massey Hall

Today marks what would have been the 85th birthday of Canadian music icon Gordon Lightfoot. To honour his music and legacy, Massey Hall, in collaboration with the Lightfoot Estate, proudly announces Celebrating Gordon Lightfoot on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Massey Hall.

The evening, led by two extraordinary house bands, Blue Rodeo and the members of Gordon Lightfoot’s longtime band, The  Lightfoot Band (Rick Haynes, Barry Keane, Mike Heffernan and Carter Lancaster), will feature performances by Allison Russell, Aysanabee, Burton Cummings, Caroline Wiles & Bob Doidge, Meredith Moon, Sylvia Tyson, The Good Brothers, Tom Cochrane, William Prince with more to be announced.

Proceeds from Celebrating Gordon Lightfoot, as requested by the Gordon Lightfoot Estate, will support Massey Hall, a charitable not-for-profit, including the Revitalization of the Hall, its music appreciation, education, community outreach and artist development initiatives.

Fittingly, Celebrating Gordon Lightfoot takes place in what Mr. Lightfoot often referred to as his second home—having sung on its stage more than 170 times – more than any other artist in the Hall’s 130-year history. Gordon Lightfoot was the last artist to perform before Massey Hall closed for renovations in 2018 and the first to appear after the re-opening in 2021. Following his death on May 1, 2023, Massey Hall opened its doors to allow fans to offer condolences and lovingly remember the legendary artist. This event will enable fans, family, and friends to recognize and pay tribute to the incredible music he gifted the world.

The Canadian Folk Music Awards Announces 2024 Nominees

Eric Alper
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The Canadian Folk Music Awards Announces 2024 Nominees

The Canadian Folk Music Awards celebrates its 19th edition, with a roster of nominations that celebrates the breadth and depth of Canadian folk music in all its forms. This year’s nominees span the country from coast to coast to coast. A new record of submissions, we are happy to announce a total of 110 nominees spanning over 20 categories — celebrating the diversity and talent of artists and musicians across Canada.

Created in 2005, the Canadian Folk Music Awards celebrate the breadth and depth of folk music in Canada. Established as a non-profit, the mission of the CFMAs is to celebrate and promote Canadian folk music in all its forms. Join our mailing list, follow the CFMAs on X @folkawards, Instagram @CandianFolkMusicAwards and on Facebook @prixfolkawards.

Julian Taylor, Kaeley Jade, Steve Dawson, The East Pointers, and William Prince lead the CFMAs, each honoured with 3 nominations; while Barbra Lica, Big Little Lions, The Bombadils, Dave Gunning, Don Ross, Jill Barber, Jackson Hollow, Kyle McKearney, La Déferlance, Mary Beth Carty, Mia Kelly, Moonfruits, Queen Kong, So Long Seven, Terra Spencer, Vinta, and Whitehorse are all honoured with two nominations each.

Established by Canada’s vibrant and internationally-recognized folk music community, CFMA nominees are chosen for each category through a two-stage jury process. More than 100 jurors, located across Canada, representing all provinces, territories and in both official languages, help determine the official recipients in each category. “Every year, the CFMA Nominee Announcement is an important moment for Canada’s folk music community to take note of the outstanding work done over the past year and celebrate the outstanding talent our country has to offer” explains CFMA president Graham Lindsey. “We are proud of the diversity of the nominated recordings, and it is a true testament to what our country’s musicians have to offer”.

The CFMA 2024 Awards Weekend takes place April 4th to the 7th, 2024, in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The weekend will capture the true heart of our folk community, while celebrating the nominees and the category recipients.

The 2024 Canadian Folk Music Award Nominees are :

Young Performer(s) of the Year / Jeune artiste(s) de l’année:
• Abigale (Different Roads)
• Fiddelium (Lit Up)
• Mélodie LeBlanc, Charlotte LeBlanc & Rosalie LeBlanc (Perdrais-je mon temps…(Would I be losing my time…) – La famille LeBlanc)
• Mia Kelly (Garden Through the War)
• Paige Penney (Game Changer)
• The Trilogy (Irish Millie)
New/Emerging Artist(s) of the Year / Artiste(s) de la relève de l’année:
• La Déferlance (Le feu aux poudres)
• Kaeley Jade (Turpentine)
• Mia Kelly (Garden Through the War)
• Moonfruits (Salt)
• Steven Taetz (Late Bloom)
• Youngtree & The Blooms (Youngtree and The Blooms)
Contemporary Album of the Year / Album contemporain de l’année:
• Colder Streams (The Sadies)
• Homemaker (Jill Barber)
• House of Dreams (The East Pointers)
• Kingmaker (Tami Neilson)
• Love Songs For the Long Game (NQ Arbuckle)
• Old News (Terra Spencer & Ben Caplan)
• Stand in the Joy (William Prince)
• TumbleWeedyWorld (Lynn Miles)
Contemporary Singer of the Year / Chanteur contemporain de l’année:
• Joe Nolan (Lost Verses – Joe Nolan)
• Julian Taylor (Beyond The Reservoir – Julian Taylor)
• Kaeley Jade (Turpentine – Kaeley Jade)
• Suzie Vinnick (Fall Back Home – Suzie Vinnick)
• Terra Spencer (Old News – Terra Spencer & Ben Caplan)
Global Roots Album of the Year / Album traditions du monde de l’année:
• Bamako (Sophie Lukacs)
• Refugee in the Sea (Tarek Ghriri)
• Ritual (Roberto López)
• Taraf Syriana (Taraf Syriana)
• Ubuntu (Empress Nyiringango)
Traditional Singer of the Year / Chanteur traditionnel de l’année:
• François-Félix Roy (Peines perdues – François-Félix Roy)
• Hannah Shira Naiman (The Wheels Won’t Go – Hannah Shira Naiman)
• La Yeni (Yarrow Under the Moon – La Yeni)
• Mary Beth Carty (Crossing the Causeway – Mary Beth Carty)
• Tianna Lefebvre (Roses – Jackson Hollow)
Traditional Album of the Year/ Album traditionnel de l’année:
• A Celtic Celebration (The Bookends with the Stratford Symphony Orchestra)
• All It Brings (Jocelyn Pettit & Ellen Gira)
• Constellations (Meredith Moon)
• Crossing the Causeway (Mary Beth Carty)
• Le feu aux poudres (La Déferlance)
French Songwriter(s) of the Year / Auteur-compositeur(s) francophone de l’année:
• Aleksi Campagne, Michelle Campagne (For The Giving / Sans rien donner – Aleksi Campagne)
• Catherine-Audrey Lachapelle, Léandre Joly-Pelletier (Là-bas – Veranda)
• Catherine Durand (La maison orpheline – Catherine Durand)
• Éric Dion, André Lavergne (La nouvelle saison – Dans l’Shed)
• Marie-Ève Laure (Reviens – Marie-Ève Laure)
English Songwriter(s) of the Year / Auteur compositeur(s) anglophone de l’année:
• Jacob Brodovsky (I Love You and I’m Sorry – Jacob Brodovsky)
• Luke Doucet, Melissa McClelland (I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying – Whitehorse)
• Tim Chaisson, Koady Chaisson, Jake Charron, Colin MacDonald, Carleton Stone (House of Dreams – The East Pointers)
• Dave Gunning (The Same Storm – Dave Gunning)
• Noah Derksen (Sanctity of Silence – Noah Derksen)
• Noah Zacharin (Points of Light – Noah Zacharin)
Indigenous Songwriter(s) of the Year / Auteur compositeur(s) autochtone de l’année:
• Cynthia Hamar (Joint & Marrow – Cynthia Hamar)
• Kaeley Jade Wiebe (Turpentine – Kaeley Jade)
• Geneviève Toupin (Maison vent – Willows)
• Kyle McKearney (A Traveler’s Lament – Kyle McKearney)
• Qattuu (Midnight Sun – Qattuu)
Instrumental Composer of the Year / Compositeur(s) ou compositrice(s) de l’année:
• Dario Montanino (Rio Lyon – Dario Montanino)
• Don Ross (Water – Don Ross)
• Lorie Wolf (Fray – Queen Kong)
• Nathan Smith, Emilyn Stam, John David Williams, Alan Mackie (Beacons – Vinta)
• Steve Dawson (Phantom Threshold – Steve Dawson & The Telescope 3)
Children’s Album of the Year / Album jeunesse de l’année
• Going Back: Remembered and Remixed Family Folk Songs (Ginalina)
• Here Comes the Train (Mr Ben)
• Minor Third (The Relative Minors)
• Primary (Darrelle London)
• Welcome to the Flea Circus (The Swinging Belles)
Instrumental Group of the Year / Groupe instrumental de l’année:
• Archetype Trad (Explorer)
• Medusa (Medusa)
• Queen Kong (Fray)
• So Long Seven (only elephants know her name)
• Vinta (Beacons)
Ensemble of the Year / Groupe de l’année:
• The Bombadils (Dear Friend)
• The East Pointers (House of Dreams)
• Genticorum (Au coeur de l’aube)
• Jackson Hollow (Roses)
• Whitehorse (I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying)
Vocal Group of the Year / Groupe vocal de l’année:
• Basset (In the Clay)
• Big Little Lions (AMPM)
• Musique à bouches (Il est grand temps)
• The Bombadils (Dear Friend)
• Twin Flames (Twin Flames Unplugged Live)
Oliver Schroer Pushing the Boundaries Award / Prix Innovation musicale Oliver Schroer:
• A Traveler’s Lament (Kyle McKearney)
• Codex XXI (De Lònga)
• only elephants know her name (So Long Seven)
• Universal Echoes (Kuné)
• Weyn Allah (Al Qahwa)
Producer(s) of the Year / Réalisateur(s) de l’année:
• Drew Jurecka, Dan Rosenberg (Silent Tears: The Last Yiddish Tango – Payadora Tango Ensemble)
• Jeremy Ledbetter (Seré Libre – Eliana Cuevas with the Angel Falls Orchestra)
• Jill Barber, Erik P. H. Nielsen (Homemaker – Jill Barber)
• Kaitlin Milroy, Alex Millaire, Charles Fairfield, Olivier Fairfield (Salt – Moonfruits)
• Steve Dawson (Eyes Closed, Dreaming – Steve Dawson)
Instrumental Solo Artist of the Year / Instrumentiste solo de l’année:
• Aaron Collis (Before Daylight in the Morning – Aaron Collis)
• Don Ross (Water – Don Ross)
• Joy Lapps (Girl In The Yard – Joy Lapps)
• Paul Pike (Echoes Of Our Ancestors – Paul Pike)
• Steve Dawson (Phantom Threshold – Steve Dawson & The Telescope 3)
• Troy McLaggan (Wood, Steel & Bones – Troy McLaggan)
Solo Artist of the Year / Artiste solo de l’année:
• Barbra Lica (Imposter Syndrome)
• Dave Gunning (The Same Storm)
• Julian Taylor (Beyond The Reservoir)
• Julie Title (After the Sun)
• William Prince (Stand in the Joy)
Single of the Year / Monoplage de l’année:
• Delaney’s Dad (Moira & Claire)
• Have You Seen My Sister? (Aruna and the Sirens + guests)
• In 40 Years (Barbra Lica)
• Light Under The Door (Zaac Pick)
• Seeds (Julian Taylor)
• Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming (The Bombadils)
• When You Miss Someone (William Prince)
• Worth The Time (Big Little Lions)

STYX To Return To The Venetian Resort Las Vegas January 26 – February 3, 2024

Eric Alper
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STYX To Return To The Venetian Resort Las Vegas January 26 – February 3, 2024

Legendary and multi-Platinum rockers Styx will be taking the Las Vegas stage once again for an unforgettable five-night engagement at The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. The shows will be held on January 26, 27 and 31 and February 2 and 3, 2024. All shows are scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $45, plus applicable fees, and will go on sale to the general public Friday, Oct. 6, at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets will be available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com, VenetianLasVegas.com, any box office at The Venetian Resort, or by calling 702.414.9000 or 866.641.7469.

Styx fan club members will have access to a pre-sale beginning Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 10 a.m. PT. The Venetian Resort Grazie® Rewards members, as well as Live Nation and Ticketmaster customers, will receive access to a pre-sale beginning Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m. PT. All pre-sales will end Thursday, Oct. 5, at 10 p.m. PT. 

The six men comprising Styx have committed to rocking the Paradise together with audiences far and wide by entering their second decade of averaging over 100 shows a year, and each one of them is committed to making the next show better than the last. Styx draws from over four decades of barnburning chart hits, joyous singalongs, and hard-driving deep cuts. Like a symphony that builds to a satisfying crescendo, a Styx set covers a wide range of stylistic cornerstones. From the progressively sweeping splendor that is “The Grand Illusion” to the hunker-down fortitude of all that is the “Blue Collar Man,” from the majestic spiritual love for a special “Lady” to the seething indictment of preening, primping pageantry for pageantry’s sake of “Miss America,” from an individual yearning for true connection as a “Man in the Wilderness” to a soul-deep quest to achieve what’s at the heart of one’s personal vision in “Crystal Ball,” from the regal reach-for-the-stars bravado of “Come Sail Away” to the grainy all-in gallop of that rugged “Renegade” who had it made, the band draws on an unlimited cache of ways to immerse one’s mind and body in their signature sound.

A new era of hope, survival, and prosperity comes calling with the release of CRASH OF THE CROWN, STYX’s new studio album, which was written pre-pandemic and recorded during the trying times of the pandemic. The legendary and multi-Platinum rockers–James “JY” Young (lead vocals, guitars), Tommy Shaw (lead vocals, guitars), Chuck Panozzo (bass, vocals), Todd Sucherman (drums, percussion), Lawrence Gowan (lead vocals, keyboards), Ricky Phillips (bass, guitar, vocals), and Will Evankovich (guitars/mandolin) — released their 17th album June 18, 2021 on the band’s label, Alpha Dog 2T/UMe, which is available as clear vinyl, black vinyl, CD, and on digital platforms.

STYX’s holy mission for cutting CRASH OF THE CROWN was crystal-clear to its co-creator from the get-go. “Absolutely no obstacles were going to get in the way of how we approached creating this album,” singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw concludes about the herculean recording efforts of his fellow COTC makers. “And everything came out exactly the way we wanted to hear it.”

CRASH OF THE CROWN is the follow-up to STYX’s 16th studio album, THE MISSION (their first in 14 years at the time, which critics called “a masterpiece”) which was released June 16, 2017 on the band’s label, Alpha Dog 2T/UMe. The highly anticipated two-disc reissue of THE MISSION was released on July 27, 2018 via Alpha Dog 2T/UMe, which includes a CD of the original album, as well as a Blu-ray of the album mixed in 5.1 surround sound accompanied by stunning visualizations for each of the album’s 14 songs based on the album artwork. It originally debuted on various Billboard charts, including: #6 Top Rock Albums, #11 Physical Albums, #11 Vinyl Albums, #13 Current Albums, #14 Billboard Top Albums, #16 Retail, #17 Mass Merch/Non-Traditional, #29 Digital Albums, and #45 Billboard 200 (includes catalog and streaming).

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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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