The Brother Bicker Band is country, Canadian style, and the seven-member group of roots rockers are bringing more of their signature sound with the release of their new single, ‘Another Kind of Train’, out now. The band’s self-described sound of ‘Maple Whiskey Rock n Roll’ is packed into the storytelling chorus and sliding notes of ‘Another Kind of Train’.
Based in Calgary, AB, The Brother Bicker Band has a rich and full sound, put together by seven friends; Jeremy Hrdlicka on acoustic guitar and vocals, Tom Mogan on guitar and vocals, Jennele Coulson and Clarie Wilkes on vocals, Ben Ellard on keys, and completing the lineup are Matt Dawe on drums and Jim Duncan on bass that earned them two YYC Music Award nominations this and last year.
The Brother Bicker Band’s last album, ‘Hospitality and Northern Charm’, which released in 2020, was a wide-open look into the group’s range, influences, and how the seven friends all see the world, and it feels like everything the group has been working toward comes to a head in their latest single, ‘Another Kind of Train.’
The Brother Bicker Band have told stories and brought people together, in ways that only music can, and ‘Another Kind of Train’ is a revealing and bright indication of just how far the seven friends have gone and how many trips they still plan on taking. Gravel roads, dirt roads, whatever path that lies ahead, the Brother Bicker Band will be there with ‘Another Kind of Train’ for everyone to take.
Hani Abadi steps out from his comfort zone with his new acoustic project Tiamat, out now.
With anything but a dull musical journey, Abadi has taken on his first solo project since being part of Bilocate, a dark metal band. Originally from what was formerly known as Yugoslavia, Abadi explains he is from a place that labels anyone a satanist for looking different or listening to music that is misunderstood. With Bilocate, he rebelled through music and even risked imprisonment with shows that were eventually shut down by authorities. Today, the musician calls California home, and he can’t recall the last time he performed the last time he played in his country, Jordan.
Now, after a history of musical rebellion, comes his first solo project: a collection of personal stories enveloped in a delicate and emotive album.
Tiamat is a deeply personal creation. Abadi does not shy away from the tough stuff as he wanders through the emotional heartache of losing family members while miles away, the darkness of disease, and how our lives have collectively changed since the pandemic. Emotion is felt in every track through moving melodies and powerful songwriting. Tiamat is truly an honest creation. The multi-talented composer explains the album has no restraints — it is just music that led the way.
The album knows no genre or style. With strong, moody vocals and solid guitar features, it’s clear Abadi’s rock influences are present alongside alternative and folk elements. With honesty and deep emotion, the album’s first single, “Oblivion,” is slated for release on Nov. 17. Just as he does for every track, Abadi has poured his heart into “Oblivion,” which follows themes of loss and reflection.
After years of writing, composing, and creating, Tiamat was finally recorded, many of the parts of which were recorded in Abadi’s home studio in the Bay Area. And while it is a solo project, Abadi feels fortunate to have connected with other international musicians, notably drummer Eduardo Sinatra and mixing engineer Tom Maclean, among other talented artists.
“Everyone who participated and contributed to this album has been patient with me, and I firmly believe this whole record wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for all those incredible souls,” says Abadi.
Hani Abadi is a name to watch out for. This is only the beginning of his expression and genre-defying creations. Tiamat, Abadi’s innermost emotions reflected in an impressive soundscape, will soon be yours to discover.
Arturo Rojas keeps the music vibes alive after the recent success of “Te Diré” (Song of the Week on Toronto’s Voces Latinas CHHA 1610 AM). Now, he introduces his latest single, “Entre Mi Fuego y Sangre” / “Between My Fire and Blood,” a harmonious fusion of artistry and emotion.
“Entre Mi Fuego y Sangre”, written by Rojas, is a personal artistic expression of positivity, after experiencing a near-death situation. “It made me wonder about life”, the singer shares. “What comes after we die? Where are we going after death? Is there a place waiting for us after we pass away? But in the end, we need to learn to give…”
Despite drawing inspiration from a challenging life moment, Rojas skillfully channels his emotions into a captivating ballad, effortlessly blending Latin, pop, and jazz influences.
In a heartfelt delivery, he poses reflective questions with the melodic “¿Quién sabe?” (Who knows?), weaving them into enchanting Spanish lyrics. This makes it a subtle yet captivating addition to your daily playlist.
The lyrics and recording process unfolded between Lima (Peru) and Toronto (Canada). Guided by the rhythmic beats of Alex Sarrín on drums and the captivating percussion of Lima-born, Toronto-based Hugo Bravo, the ensemble also features Enderson Herencia on bass, Jimmy Smallbach on guitars, Pepe Céspedes on keys, and the soulful vocals and guitars of Arturo Rojas.
The band recorded drums, bass, percussion, keys, and saxophone in Peru, and completed the recording of guitars, and voices in Toronto.
The song reflects on love, loneliness, and the challenge of being genuine.
‘Estamos como ignorándonos,
como jugando el juego del amor,
Sabes bien, estoy esperando…
Entre mi fuego y sangre…
Acércate a mí y así verás
Que poco a poco, amor
Yo te daré todo el calor
Acércate a mí y así verás
Que poco a poco, amor
Yo te daré todo mi amo’
(Translates in English to:
‘We are ignoring each other,
Like we are playing the game of love,
You know well,
I’m waiting… Between my fire and blood…
But you look so lonely, intensely lonely,
Burning mysterious, like the sun…
Killing your smile,
Burning in secret,
Escaping from life, for fear
I just want to love you,
I want to enter, I want to stay,
I have something to give you, and it is love…’)
The lyrics portray the cautious steps we take in matters of love, feigning indifference to protect against potential rejection—the delicate dance of maintaining a guarded stance, opting for solitude over fully embracing the warmth that love can bring.
Born in Lima, Peru, and currently living in Toronto, Canada, Arturo started the Music Industry, Arts & Performance program at Centennial College in Toronto, from which he graduated with honours. Roja’s original music is distinguished by Latin rhythms, pop/punk melodies, rock guitars, and jazz chords.
At 20, Rojas left Peru for the lively streets of New York City, where he called home for six years. Surrounded by the diverse influences of South America, he delved into in-depth studies of music theory and composition.
It was during these six years that he crafted the songs for his debut album, “Arturo Rojas,” a collection that was released on April 14th, 2023.
Singer/songwriter Gracie Jet draws in audiences quickly with her unique, soulful voice. Her piano-driven pop draws comparisons to big names like Adele and other strong female vocalists. Listen to her lyrics and you’ll be instantly drawn in, perhaps laughing and crying over the course of one song. Jet sings about conventional themes like love and relationships, but also includes heartbreaking scenes from what she witnessed during the pandemic, when she was a nurse.
Jet is UK born and now resides in Owen Sound, Ontario. She’s spent years making her rounds through the local bar scene, singing covers of Beatles songs, and Sheryl Crow and Tracy Chapman tunes.
Jet is now armed with an album of her own, ready to launch a career as a solo artist. Lead single “Sway” is what she calls an anthem of her youth. “It’s a love letter to the girl I used to be,” she adds. “I was in a time of my life where I was lacking purpose, always surrounded by people yet feeling profoundly alone.”
Jet hopes the song can be cathartic for people who feel similarly.
Jet calls her family her greatest supporters and inspiration in life, especially her sister Rosie, who is featured in her “Sway” music video as the wise bartender Jet confides in. “I was so thrilled that she agreed to be in this project with me.”
Jet’s emotional fearlessness in her lyrics, combined with a soaring voice, make her a true musical standout.
various independent projects, is poised to grip music enthusiasts with his groundbreaking debut album, “Instrumental Obscenity.” This release promises to be a unique sonic revelation that challenges the boundaries of instrumental music, even with getting a Parental Advisory sticker….on an album of instrumentals.
“Instrumental Obscenity” is far from your typical instrumental album; it’s a transformative auditory experience in both the exploration of sound and form. It will take you on an unprecedented journey. Known for his emotive soundscapes featured on platforms like HBO, Showtime, and independent projects. Jamie Ruben has pushed the envelope of traditional instrumentals, crafting what one reviewer aptly described as “easily the sassiest instrumentals ever.”
This project began as a bold extension of Ruben’s film-inspired compositional work but soon evolved into a fusion of coarse vocal hooks, conceptual filmic layers and pulsating jazzy hip-hop beats, as he collaborated with musicians and vocalists from around the globe to create a tapestry of sound and culture, woven together to create a genre-defying soundscape.
The album features a minimalist vocal concept, focusing on hooks that express universal themes in a fluid musical form. It’s an artistic journey that spans the spectrum of human experience and emotions. To add a personal touch, Jamie Ruben enlisted the artistic talents of his 11-year-old son, Jaden Ruben, for the cover art. Jaden’s abstract creation, a reflection of his experience during the album’s creation, adds an extra layer of creativity to the project.
Set to revolutionize the way we perceive instrumental music “Instrumental Obscenity” is a bold step into uncharted territory, where music transcends boundaries, defies convention, and challenges the status quo.
Prepare to embark on a sonic adventure like no other.
P.P. Arnold’s story is that of a rich and varied life. From her early musical origins in powerhouse church gospel, the talented singer’s career began when she joined the Ike & Tina Turner Revue at the age of just seventeen. But little did the young Ikette know how much her world was about to be turned upside-down… Now, for the first time, she is telling her remarkable story.
Upon arriving in London in 1966 to support the Rolling Stones, the shy but vivacious nineteen-year-old caught the eye of frontman Mick Jagger. He would persuade her to stay in the city and record as a solo artist, ultimately leading to a five-decade career working with everyone from Rod Stewart, the Small Faces, Eric Clapton, Nick Drake, and Barry Gibb to Peter Gabriel, Roger Waters, the KLF, Paul Weller, and Primal Scream.
However, it has been far from a gilded life for the musical star, who, after being forced into marriage at the age of fifteen upon becoming pregnant, went on to endure a string of personal traumas. Yet the legendary musician survived it all and has continued to reinvent herself throughout the years, be that as a West End actress, a much-sought-after backing singer or a renowned pop and soul star in her own right.
This very timely memoir tells the still-pertinent story of bigotry and abuse experienced by a young Black woman growing up in the music industry on both sides of the Atlantic. It also covers the temptations and trappings of fame and success—themes that continue to resonate with readers.
The Community Radio Fund of Canada (CRFC), with support and funding from SiriusXM Canada, proudly announces the launch of Words and Culture, an innovative project poised to support revitalizing and preserving Indigenous languages from coast to coast to coast. Scheduled to debut in early 2024, this groundbreaking project will amplify the voices of Indigenous language speakers, artists, and culture keepers through the power of radio.
Led by award-winning producer and SiriusXM host, Kim Wheeler (Anishinaabe, Mohawk) the project will include the production of five series of six episodes each and will weave together conversations with Indigenous language keepers, community stories, and feature music by Indigenous artists. The team creating this original content will be made up exclusively of Indigenous producers, hosts, and knowledge keepers.
The heart of Words and Culture lies in its commitment to learn, celebrate, and connect. Each of the five series will delve into distinct Indigenous language families – Iroquoian, Athabaskan, Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway), Inuktitut, and Cree. Hosted by learners and speakers of the language, the series will bring together conversations and culture aimed at setting new standards in radio broadcasting.
“The hosts I have chosen almost all come from a broadcasting background and from the nation of the language they will be presenting. I’m thrilled to be working with powerful women like January Rogers (Six Nations of the Grand River), and Christine Genier (Táän Kwách’än Council),” said Wheeler about the influential team who will be building this project together.
“Globalization certainly has had an impact on Indigenous cultures around the world and there is a wide-ranging desire for access to Indigenous languages, with the biggest challenge being access to those who hold the knowledge,” said CRFC Executive Director, Alex Freedman. “Through our partnership with SiriusXM Canada, this programming will be available to anyone who wants to listen to and learn about Indigenous languages in Canada.”
Michelle Mearns, VP, Programming and Operations, expresses pride in the collaboration stating, “We are proud to partner with the CRFC to bring this incredibly important initiative to life and shine a spotlight on preserving and celebrating Indigenous languages,” said Michelle Mearns, VP, Programming & Operations, SiriusXM Canada. “It is essential to us to provide a platform and support for Indigenous content through our many partnerships, sponsorships and North American-wide channel The Indigiverse.”
The Words and Culture program will be offered for broadcast (at no cost) to all Indigenous, community, and campus-licensed radio stations in Canada. It will also air on SiriusXM’s The Indigiverse (ch.165 and on the SiriusXM app) and be made available to schools, Indigenous language immersion programs, and other educational services across the country. The content will also be adapted for distribution in podcast form.
Alex Lifeson has announced the launch of LERXST, a new family of amplifiers inspired by the Rush guitarist’s five decades of musical exploration on the guitar while also offering modern players a versatile tonal platform upon which to build their own sonic identity.
LERXST amplifiers offer a diverse palette of sounds that range from crystal-clear cleans to raging arena rock sounds and everything in between, supplemented with key features like power-scaling and serial effects loops to suit the needs of the next generation of sonic explorers, all designed to Lifeson’s exacting specifications and hand crafted in the USA by Mojotone. The initial launch includes the OMEGA amplifier head, CHI amplifier head and combo, and an accompanying range of matching guitar cabinets. For more information and to purchase LERXST amplifiers, please click here.
OMEGA is Alex Lifeson’s signature amplifier and the flagship of the LERXST line. This British-voiced amplifier head features footswitchable clean and lead channels with a shared 3-band EQ, meaning a consistent tonal foundation between sounds while still offering shimmering cleans, gutsy rhythm crunch, and soaring lead tones. The amplifier has a switchable 50/25 watt power section to give it an equally usable powerband on large stages as well as in small clubs and the studio as well as a high-quality serial effects loop perfect for utilizing modulation and time-based effects. Lifeson’s signature sounds are easily within reach with OMEGA, but its versatile, characterful sounds are equally useful for players looking to chase their own creative muses and sonic landscapes. In addition to its standard version, OMEGA will also be offered in a Limited Edition Hand Wired version for a short time.
LERXST OMEGA Amplifier Head
Lifeson stated, “I’m very excited about the new, updated OMEGA amp. It sounds incredible and it’s very handsome – you’ll want to get one even if you don’t play guitar!”
CHI takes the growl and tone of the OMEGA and places it within a more compact form factor. The 30-watt amplifier is built around 6L6 tubes for excellent headroom and a clear, articulate sound and is available as both a smallbox head and a 1×12 combo amplifier. In keeping with its lineage, CHI also includes footswitchable clean and lead channels and a serial effects loop, making it equally versatile on stage or in the studio.
LERXST CHI Combo Amplifier
“I’ve used more amps than Dr. Frankenstein did when breathing life into his creature, but the LERXST CHI is an awesome monster in its own right and one of the sweetest sounding amps I’ve ever heard,” said Lifeson. “All the great character of the OMEGA in a cool, compact package that you don’t have to be a seven-foot monster to carry around.”
Both amplifiers are also accompanied by a range of guitar cabinets in multiple speaker configurations, including 1×12, 2×12, and 4×12, ideal for any stage configuration or studio application. All amplifiers and cabinets are handcrafted to the highest standards with top quality components in Mojotone’s Burgaw, NC-based factory. The cabinets, head shells, and combo speaker cabinets are made of voidless baltic birch and finished with a striking race gray and red garnet levant Tolex finish for a lifetime of gigging and playing.
OMEGA Specifications
3x JJ 12AX7 Preamp Tubes
Selectable Impedances: 4, 8 or 16 ohms
Switchable Power Output between 50 and 25 Watts
Two Channels (Switchable)
Shared three-band EQ
2x JJ EL34 Power Tubes
Footswitchable clean and lead channels (Can also use pull knob on Master volume)
Speaker Outputs: 2x J¼” Jacks (16Ω/ 8Ω/ 4Ω)
Included LERXST Footswitch
Inputs: 1x Instrument Jack, Footswitch
Controls: Presence, Bass, Middle, Treble, Output Master, Channel Select, Lead Master, Input Gain
Dimensions: (H) 10 ¾” x (W) 29″ x (D) 8 ¼”
Serial effects loop
Weight: 44lbs
MAP $3,495 (Limited Edition Hand Wired AmplifierHead) or $2,495 (Standard Edition Amplifier Head)
CHI Specifications
Custom CTS Potentiometers
Finger-jointed Baltic Birch Cabinet
Custom built in Burgaw, NC USA
Carbon Comp Resistors
Starman Power Indicator Light
LERXST CHI One Button Footswitch Included
Footswitchable clean and lead channels (Can also use pull knob on Master volume)
Race Grey and Red Garnet Levant Tolex Finish
Shared three-band EQ
Power Output: 30 Watts
Hand-loaded PC Board construction
Serial Effects Loop
USA Made Heyboer Transformers
Mojotone Dijon Coupling Capacitors
Selectable Impedances: 4, 8 or 16 ohms
Three JJ 12AX7 preamp tubes and two JJ 6L6 power tubes
MAP $1,995 (CHI Combo Amplifier) or $1695 (CHI Amplifier Head)
“There has been an explosion of guitar music within the past five years that has been incredible to witness in its diversity of sounds and players. LERXST amplifiers provide a platform for these players that offers the power and quality of tone of the best amplifiers of the past, while also providing key features like power scaling and high-quality effects loops that reflect the needs of players today.”
Alex Lifeson and the LERXST Family of Amplifiers
“Please join us for lunch to celebrate… oh sorry, the LAUNCH of the LERXST amp line by Mojotone. Way better than a clubhouse sandwich and a salad… and sounds better too!” – Alex Lifeson
SiriusXM and Major League Baseball announced today a five-year extension of their broadcasting agreement. SiriusXM has teamed up with MLB to deliver games to fans around the country since 2005, and will continue to air live play-by-play of every regular season and postseason MLB game, as well as select spring training and Spanish-language game broadcasts, through the 2028 season. SiriusXM will also continue to produce the exclusive MLB Network Radio channel, which delivers live, in-depth MLB talk and analysis 365 days a year.
All MLB games are available to SiriusXM listeners in their cars and on the SiriusXM app. Those listening on the SiriusXM app and in vehicles equipped with SiriusXM’s latest generation 360L platform get access to play-by-play channels dedicated to each of MLB’s 30 clubs. This ensures the listener can hear their favorite team’s announcers for every game, whether they are playing at home or on the road.
The new SiriusXM app, which will begin rolling out on December 14, will offer listeners a more personalized, easy-to-use, lean-back streaming experience that puts discovery at the forefront. A new centralized sports hub ensures fans never have to miss a game, with all the latest live broadcasts, dedicated league and team pages, start of game notifications and more.
“We’re very proud to continue Baseball’s rich history of reaching fans through their radios. Today, we’re delivering those fans the sounds of the game through SiriusXM’s state-of-the-art platforms in the car and on the SiriusXM app,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “Being able to hear their team’s announcers is important to fans, and no matter where you are listening from across North America, you’ll get access to every team’s broadcast for every game on SiriusXM. Couple this with the best daily talk and analysis of the game on the MLB Network Radio channel and SiriusXM is a must-have for baseball fans, and will be for years to come.”
“The collection of MLB game presentations and content that has developed through our extended relationship with SiriusXM has been a powerful asset in making our game more accessible to fans wherever they are,” said Kenny Gersh, Executive Vice President of Media & Business Development, Major League Baseball. “The sounds of Baseball are an important part of our story and we’re proud to continue to work with SiriusXM as they advance and grow the MLB streaming experience for fans on their platforms.”
SiriusXM’s exclusive 24/7 MLB Network Radio channel features live daily talk programming covering MLB 365 days a year with a roster of hosts that includes former players, executives, managers and other baseball insiders.
The channel will broadcast live from the Baseball Winter Meetings happening next week (Dec. 3-6) in Nashville, TN. MLB Network Radio hosts on site will include former general managers Jim Bowden, Jim Duquette and Steve Phillips, former player Eduardo Perez, and baseball experts Jenny Cavnar and Mike Ferrin. Listeners will hear interviews with many of the executives and managers who are in town, and get up-to-the-moment news and analysis on free agents, trades and other offseason topics from Major League Baseball.
Additionally, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman, hosts of SiriusXM’s popular Baseball Bar-B-Cast podcast, will be in Nashville capturing content and publishing daily podcasts.
IMAX and Pathé Live in partnership with Mercury Studios and Queen Films announced today that, for the very first time, one of the world’s biggest bands will perform on cinema’s biggest screens with the global release of “QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL,” exclusively in IMAX beginning January 18, 2024. This exhilarating live concert from 1981 is a window into Queen in their most unalloyed form, giving audiences a larger-than-life, front-row immersive experience. The film was digitally re-mastered for the first time into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience, including 12-channel surround sound, crystal-clear images, and IMAX’s customized theatre geometry. Rock & roll royalty Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon take to the stage in a historic and exhilarating performance of their greatest hits including “We Will Rock You,” “Somebody To Love,” “Under Pressure,” Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” “We Are The Champions,” and additional songs from popular album The Game including “Dragon Attack,” “Play the Game,” and more. Executive producers include Geoff Kempin and Alice Webb for Mercury Studios and Jim Beach and Matilda Beach for Queen Films.
“I don’t think we quite realized it at the time, but this film has preserved one of the highest peaks in Queen’s touring life, on stage in the old glory days. The director was very much focused on Freddie, and this now stands as probably the most precious intimate capture ever of Mr. Mercury at his full awesome power,” said Brian May. Added Roger Taylor, “Enjoy. We were young!”
“QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL” will be released in over 450 IMAX locations globally for four days beginning January 18. Participating territories include the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, South Africa, Australia, Brazil, and Mexico, to name a few. For a list of theatres and to purchase tickets please visit IMAX.COM/QUEEN.
“QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL” captures a pivotal moment in the band’s history. When Queen returned for the fourth time to Montreal’s 18,000-seat Forum in November 1981, where this concert was recorded, it was after a 15-month absence during which they became the biggest band in the world. Fueled by the release of The Game album, their smash single “Under Pressure,” and extensive touring, Queen now dominated the charts in every major territory across the globe.
The two shows that took place in Montreal – November 24 and 25, 1981 – were arranged specifically to set Queen up for another first: shooting a full-length concert film to properly document their live show, highlighting the state-of-the art sound recording. Having spent almost two years on the road, the group was ready for such a challenge and hit Montreal in top form for what would end up being two consecutives sold out, legendary nights.
“QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL” not only delivers Queen in their rawest form but captures the unparalleled musicianship and vocal talents of Freddie, Brian, Roger and John performing together. Showcasing the group in their pre-Hot Space album era, before keyboards would find a place in the band’s touring line up, this classic concert film shows these talented musicians in total cohesion while finding space to demonstrate their individual strengths. Directed by Saul Swimmer, “QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL” marks the first concert captured on film of this legendary and groundbreaking band.
