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.
London’s Unapologetic Rockers Nameless Friends Takes On Anti-2SLGBTQIA+ Discrimination With Blistering ‘Demons’
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 Unleashes ‘Fiji,’ Blending R&B, Pop, Hip-Pop, Alt.Rock and Soca
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.
Avalon Stone Takes Us Through The Stages of a Nasty Breakup on Grungy, Metallic “Forget You”
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.
Jules and F.Y.D.I Pay Tribute to the Beauty of Imperfection on Barbie-Inspired Pop Confection “I’mPerfect”
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 with New EP ‘Just Call Me Buwa’ and Captivating Single ‘It Don’t Matter’
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.”
XOCÔ Release ‘Constança’: A Vibrant Tribute to Afro Indigenous Brazilian Culture & Folklore
Mestre Sérgio Xocolate, known as XOCÔ, is on a mission to bridge the cultural and musical gaps, bringing the vibrant traditions of Afro Indigenous Brazilian rhythms into the contemporary music scene. With his latest album, aptly titled “XOCÔ,” he offers a powerful blend of traditional percussion, psychedelic rock, punk, reggae, metal and hard rock.
Born in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, Mestre Sérgio Xocolate initiated the XOCÔ project, an embodiment of explosive fusion music, on the shores of Turtle Island South. The project took root and flourished in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on Turtle Island North. XOCÔ is more than just music; it’s a cultural exchange, a musical journey, and an homage to Sérgio’s Afro Indigenous heritage.
The self-titled album, “XOCÔ,” is a celebration of heritages that unites ancestral rhythms with contemporary genres. XOCÔ is the nickname of Mestre Sérgio Xocolate, a master teacher and practitioner of Traditional Capoeira, an Afro Brazilian martial and cultural art. His music is a call to action to respect Indigenous peoples worldwide, cherish Black culture, protect Mother Earth, and uplift one another.
The album’s first single, “Constança,” is a celebration of Afro Indigenous Brazilian culture and folklore. The song captures the essence of Brazilian street parties, where rhythms like Frevo reign supreme, and the air is filled with an infectious sense of joy and nostalgia. “Constança” pays homage to folkloric heroes like Curupira, Saci Pererê, Comadre Florzinha, and Caboclo de Lança, while also expressing a deep longing for home and the wonder of childhood.
Mestre Sérgio Xocolate is a multi-talented artist recognized internationally for his contributions to music, culture and education. He is a master teacher of Capoeira, an award-winning composer, singer/songwriter and percussionist. Sérgio Xocolate embodies the spirit of preserving Afro Indigenous Brazilian heritage while forging new musical frontiers.
Experience the unique fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds with XOCÔ’s album, available on the following streaming platforms: Soundcloud, Spotify and Bandcamp.
Ritesh Das Unveils Debut Solo Album ‘To Begin With’ After 30 Years at the Helm of Acclaimed Toronto Tabla Ensemble
Calcutta-born, Toronto-based Tabla maestro Ritesh Das is all set to release his debut solo album, To Begin With, after three decades of heading the acclaimed Toronto Tabla Ensemble, a multi-cultural entity that has been on the map for a while for its cutting-edge contemporary fusion.
The 66-year-old percussion maestro — the younger brother of legendary Kathak exponent Guru Chitresh Das — has led a fairy-tale life in his shift of roots. As a metaphor for yet another new phase in his life, To Begin With is unlike anything in Das’s storied career — though its origin story is hardly unique. Forced to stay at home due to the pandemic and unable to travel, Das turned to technology and his home studio, teaching himself composing and recording software. In the process, he wrote songs that blended live instrumentation with programmed beats, samples and orchestral instruments. He also brought in tasty collaborations with a diverse range of world-class talents, including the Montreal klezmer outfit Oktopus (on ‘Ot Azoy’); Egyptian vocalist Maryem Tollar and sarod maestro Manik Khan (on ‘Ta Alu Nitabill’) and Canadian rock queen Bif Naked (on ‘Forgiveness of Trees’).
To Begin With stands out as an epic sequence of cinematic cuts that blend man and machine, balances spirituality and technology, and forms the soundtrack for a globe-trotting adventure film straight out of Das’s boundless imagination.
The metaphor for movement and dynamism is well-ensconced in the soundscape, the reflection of Das’s own story, a tale that is no less epic. Born in Calcutta to parents who owned the region’s first dance and music academy, he followed his brother Chitresh Das to San Francisco and Los Angeles, where he joined the Aman Folk Ensemble and toured the United States while broadening his musical horizons. After relocating to Toronto in 1987, he began teaching Tabla, and formed the TTE in 1991.
Since then, Das and the TTE have crossed Canada multiple times, and mesmerized audiences in India and Australia with their intricate grooves and modern, high-energy approach. They have released eight original studio albums that have garnered Global Music Awards, Independent Music Awards and Ethnic Media Awards. Their 2020 album Bhumika earned the group a nomination for Best World and Best Instrumental Group at the Canadian Folk Music Awards. Their compositions have been licensed for commercials, films, and as the theme music for CBC Radio’s daily Metro Morning.
But Das has never rested on those laurels. A restless artist, he is already looking ahead to his next solo release — a radio-station theme is already in the air— along with new orchestral compositions, film scoring opportunities, and a return to the performing world with the Ensemble. Stay tuned for the sequel.
Delaware-Based Rock Band Dutchman Set to Blaze a Trail With Double Single Release “On The Run” and “Springfield 79”
In the dynamic world of music, where talents emerge from unexpected corners, Dutchman’s story is one of discovery, evolution, and dedication. Formed in 2017, this Delaware-based rock band emerged from a serendipitous chain of events, igniting a creative journey that would lead to their distinct place in modern music.
The band’s foundation was laid when Jake Dutcher, driven by his musical aspirations, posted an ad seeking fellow musicians. Responding to his call was Connor Johnson, together they embarked on a trek that would forever shape their destiny. This journey achieved its first milestone in February 2019, with the release of their debut EP, “A Broken Man’s Life.” This marked the initial spark of Dutchman’s presence in the music world, showcasing their ability to craft emotive and authentic rock music.
However, the progress doesn’t stop there. Dutchman’s lineup expanded in 2020, with the addition of Drummer Fez (Yamir Alica-Rivera), Guitarist Garrett Gravatt, and Keyboardist/Bassist Franco Solorzano. This expansion heralded a new era for the band, as they united their talents and influences to cultivate the distinctive sound that defines them today.
The year 2020 proved to be a significant turning point, as Dutchman released not one, but two EPs: “Dutchman Vol. 1” in March and “Dutchman Vol. 2” in July. These releases exemplified the band’s unwavering work ethic and dedication to their craft. Drawing inspiration from classic and modern rock influences, Dutchman seamlessly blends nostalgic elements with fresh, youthful energy, resulting in a sound that resonates across generations.
Rooted in the small town of Frederica, Delaware, Dutchman’s music reflects their working-class background and their joint passion for creating music that speaks to everyone. The challenges of the pandemic were no match for their determination. They used this time to refine their sound even further. This effort bore fruit with their release of “Hey Now” in November 2021. This well received single stands as a testament to their ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.
5 years into the trip, 2022 saw Dutchman’s journey reach new heights with the release of “Going Nowhere,” a single that offered a tantalizing taste of their upcoming full-length album, aptly titled “Roll This in Your Pipe and Smoke It.” With a growing portfolio of over 55 publications nationwide, and streams in 79 countries around the world, Dutchman’s commitment to their craft and musical prowess continue to capture the attention of music enthusiasts worldwide.
Dutchman’s trajectory is far from slowing down, evident in their forthcoming double single release. “On The Run” (A-side) and “Springfield 79” (B-side) are slated for release October 5th across all streaming platforms. 2023 will be showcasing a definitive Dutchman, with the first ever Dutchman composition to be written on a ukulele & the addition of Drummer/Percussionist Wesley Vinton joining the fold. “On The Run” delivers the magic that vital keyboardist Franco Solorzano can create with just two chords and an attitude. Moreover, “Springfield ‘79” is set to be a sonic punch in the face of an action-packed electric guitar driven instrumental. These singles promise to present the band at the peak of their artistic expression thus far, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in their musical journey.
Their accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. In July 2022, Dutchman’s 2021 release, “Dutchman Vol. 3,” earned them two nominations for hometown hero awards: ‘Best EP’ and ‘Best Hard Rock Song’ for their track “Landslide.” These nominations confirm the testament of impact Dutchman’s music has made on their community and beyond.
Dutchman’s music is a powerful blend of passion, talent, and unyielding determination. Their voyage from a chance online ad to the global stage serves as inspiring evidence of the limitless possibilities that await those who pursue their dreams with unwavering commitment. As they continue to craft music that resonates with fans far and wide, Dutchman’s story is a reminder that even from the humblest of beginnings, greatness can emerge.
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