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JUNKHOUSE Celebrates 30 Years of “Strays” with Vinyl Release and Four Ontario Shows

Eric Alper
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JUNKHOUSE Celebrates 30 Years of “Strays” with Vinyl Release and Four Ontario Shows

JUNKHOUSE, the iconic alternative rock band that took the 90s by storm, is thrilled to announce the 30thanniversary celebration of their seminal album, “Strays.” To mark this significant milestone, Sony Music Canada has released a limited-edition vinyl of “Strays” and JUNKHOUSE embarks on a special tour with four exclusive show dates.

“Strays” was a game-changer in the alternative rock scene when it was first released in 1993, catapulting JUNKHOUSE to the forefront of the music industry. The album quickly became a classic and has continued to influence generations of music lovers and artists. As vinyl had all but disappeared in the music marketplace in 1993, as a result, “Strays” was never released on vinyl until now.

This limited-edition release will feature the original album artwork, with additional mastered bonus tracks filling out Side 4, in this double disc deluxe package .It’s a special treat for long-time fans and collectors.

To celebrate this landmark anniversary, JUNKHOUSE will be hitting the road for a series of exclusive shows that promise to be unforgettable experiences for fans old and new. The band will perform the entire “Strays” album, as well as a selection of their other greatest hits, creating an immersive journey through their incredible catalogue.

Here are the tour dates:

““Strays” was the album that took Steel-Town around the world,” says Tom Wilson, leader of JUNKHOUSE. ” We are proud of those records and it feels great to share “Strays” on vinyl with our fans. It’s going to be a celebration of our music and the good memories we’ve created together.”

Stay tuned to https://junkhouse.net for updates on ticket sales, exclusive merchandise, and additional surprises in store for the anniversary celebration.

Join us in commemorating 30 years of “Strays” with Junkhouse. Get ready to experience the music that has left an indelible mark on the alternative rock landscape.

JUNKHOUSE Tour Dates
November 29 – London Music Hall – London
November 30 – Maxwell’s – Waterloo
December 1 – Bridgeworks – Hamilton
December 2 – Horseshoe Tavern – Toronto

Blues Guitarist Caroline Cotto Captures Aching For A Future Home on Bright, Colorful “Bayou Sun”

Eric Alper
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Blues Guitarist Caroline Cotto Captures Aching For A Future Home on Bright, Colorful “Bayou Sun”

Sometimes in life, we carry an ache for a future home that rivals our aching for homes past. Blues artist Caroline Cotto captures this unique pang in her raucous and triumphant single “Bayou Sun” – available now – from her forthcoming album of the same name.

The song starts out with galloping guitar, rock ‘n’ roll piano, and Cotto’s voice dripping with warm honey as she tells a lover all about making her way to New Orleans after practically holding her breath:

Drive Down to The Delta
Baby, won’t you come (won’t you come)
I know that you’ve been blue and lonesome
Grab your keys, follow the moss trees, my love
Hold my face in your mind
Till you see the Bayou Sun

“‘Bayou Sun’ is my odyssey,” Cotto declares. “It’s about a young girl leaving New York, living in Paris and London for artistic opportunities, and then finally finding a home in New Orleans. I have carried hundreds of songs within me throughout my travels and knew that once I arrived in New Orleans, I was ready to record material.”

That’s true of both the song and Cotto’s album Bayou Sun, which came about like kismet once she set foot in Louisiana. “When I first arrived in New Orleans, I met with a psychic and she told me to contact David Hyde for help in the music scene,” she recalls. “His name rolled through my mind for many years, and I reached out to him in 2021. We then started working on my full-length album. He co-produced, played bass and did horn arrangements.”

They recorded with Nelson Blanchard at his Techno Sound Studio in Baton Rouge, working with a number of talented musicians in the process, including drummer Chris Layton of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, Arc Angels, and Storyville. Country Music Hall of Famer Eddie Bayers (who’s recorded with Dolly Parton, the Beach Boys, and Elton John) also plays drums on six of the album’s songs. And Ronnie Eades, co-founder of the Muscle Shoals horn section, also lends his talents to the record.

After her 22nd birthday, Caroline Cotto was brave enough to leave her country to toil away in the NYC music scene for years before leaving again to live in Paris and explore Europe for artistic opportunities to enrich her writing and music. She dreamed by the Seine, wrote in cafes and wandered the Louvre for hours. Caroline then lived in London, playing blues and soaking up the history of her rock heroes before moving to New Orleans.

Caroline Cotto is an artist who has thought deeply about her experiences. Her poetic lyrics and soulful voice weave the story of a woman on a journey to her salvation, a woman who has sacrificed the familiar for her dreams, a woman with incessant curiosity and a desire to better herself and the world – and she never goes a day without writing by a burning candle.

Experience The Latin and Pop Fusion in Bryan Bravo’s ‘Cha Cha’ Featuring Mariah McKnight

Eric Alper
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Experience The Latin and Pop Fusion in Bryan Bravo’s ‘Cha Cha’ Featuring Mariah McKnight

“Cha Cha” by Bryan Bravo is a blending of Latin and Pop that is an ode to his culturally diverse upbringing. The latest single, from Toronto’s native featuring Pop singer Mariah McKnight is now available to stream.

Bryan Bravo’s quirky fusion of a slow altitude and Latin/Pop energy is more than just making an inevitable hit record; it’s about “creating a perfect balance for both chill vibes and getting your body moving,” the artist shares.

It’s the approach in each lyric that mirrors the song’s objective adeptly. Bryan uses untangled words that make the listener wish to hit the dance floor and let loose.

“I don’t even know where to begin–Celebrate together amongst friends,” he croons. “We all dance together in the end, Feel the love and energy we send–Till I lose all sleep, Till I go too extreme– Like wow wow my Queen, she move so sweet.”

In this lively track, Bryan Bravo’s staple formula of connecting Latin with other genres defines the whole production. It is noticeable how “Cha Cha” draws inspiration from some of his musical influences like Shakira, Mac Miller, and Daddy Yankee. “Cha Cha” is an undeniable force “ that brings together family and friends together in jollification.

Bryan Bravo’s inane command to express thoughts and raw feelings through music is the reason “Cha Cha” embraces “the fun and excitement of a summer night with your friends,” effortlessly.

With his passion to unify others and building connections throughout the years. Bryan Bravo has built a stellar reputation in the Canadian music environment of producing love ballads and insistent Latin tracks that defy conventional barriers

girly. Drops Electrifying New Single ‘Dime,’ Produced by Grammy Award-Contributor Chin Injeti

Eric Alper
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girly. Drops Electrifying New Single ‘Dime,’ Produced by Grammy Award-Contributor Chin Injeti

girly., a multiracial indie artist from Abbotsford, British Columbia, is out with a new single, “Dime,” produced by Chin Injeti, a three-time Grammy Award album contributor who has collaborated with the likes of DJ Khalil, Dr. Dre, and Eminem.

The easy, breezy listen builds on girly.’s success last year with “Boyish,” which the artist performed throughout 2022 in and around Van City, including during Black Music Month in June. girly. calls “Dime” one of the fastest songs he’s made. “It was like it wrote itself,” he said.

Sometimes the cut feels like a love letter to a specific person – “I had four dollars in my pocket, I had four dollars in my pocket/Spent my last dime on you, I spent my last dime on you” – so goes the addictive hook. Other times, it feels more like a love letter to being on the come up with your friends, at a specific time and in a specific place.

“Dime’s” music video, shot by Joe Salmon, Pamath Vinlaka, and Daniel Lin, brings Vancouver alive like only those who live there could. girly. twists open a Sunny D right in front of Riddim & spice, a popular haunt for Caribbean food in the Grandview-Woodland neighborhood – known for its multiethnic population that includes East Asians and First Nations populations. The Super 8 effect the music video brings an element of nostalgia to these images, too.

On working with Injeti, girly. is stoked. ““As soon as Chin played the first chords, I knew we had something amazing on our hands.” This is the first time the two have collaborated and girly. is excited for future collabs and adds that they connected at just the right time.

“When Chin Injeti and I met he (Chin) said that he wants us to make happy music, and me (girly.), just coming out of a dark place in my life, was very excited to hear this because I spent the past year writing very dark music. Dime was very refreshing for me mentally!,” girly. said.

Joining girly. on stage are his trusted bandmates who were thrilled to hear the song and start playing it live. girly. himself also pushed his musical bounds. “Dime is the first song I learnt on the guitar and what started my guitar journey!,” he explains.

Rising Star JAXXEE Makes a Stunning Debut with ‘GONE’ – A Perfect Fusion of Trip-Hop and Soul

Eric Alper
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Rising Star JAXXEE Makes a Stunning Debut with ‘GONE’ – A Perfect Fusion of Trip-Hop and Soul

Blending elements of trip-hop and soul in just the right proportions, the new independent face on the Canadian music scene, JAXXEE, makes an impactful entrance with her debut single, “GONE.”

Paying homage to the obscure Bristol scene of the 90s, while also emanating a fresh and present-day aura, the track serves as a cathartic passage, navigating the intricate emotions of frustration, love, and sorrow.

With a voice as deep as the emotions evoked, JAXXEE poses a poignant question: “Have you ever felt so fragile?” The lyrics unfold a tale of vulnerability, of being depleted by others who take relentlessly.

“This musical journey is about finding my voice. Having an opinion and not just being a people pleaser. Pushing myself to be out of my comfort zone and vulnerable,” explains the artist.

“GONE was the first song I ever shared with anyone,” continues JAXXEE. As a biracial individual from a family of Chinese migrants, her musical path provides a canvas to articulate the intricate shades of her ordeals and growth.

Amidst the turmoil woven by deceit, JAXXEE’s vocals channel the essence of blues and soul—a nod to the classics. Yet, this is no mere imitation. Classic intertwines with contemporary electronic elements and innovative production techniques infuse the old-world charm with a modern heartbeat.

“GONE” serves as a potent embodiment of multifaceted sentiments—frustration, grief, and the profound act of release. Mixed and mastered in San Francisco by Grammy-nominated Count (aka Mikael Eldridge) and engineered and produced by award winner Neil James Cooke-Dallin, “GONE” conveys an empowering message, urging individuals to release relationships that have completed their chapters and no longer contribute positively to their journey.

Face to face 20 years later
Girl he’s the one who made you small
I won’t excuse your indiscretions
Won’t give you any piece of me
Hey diddler, lock your door

The launch of “GONE” is accompanied by dual visual narratives, both shedding light on the song’s duality. The official video unveils a mesmerizing contemporary dance performance, showcasing the artistry of her 14-year-old daughter. This representation is JAXXEE’s ode to her inner child, offering a glimpse into the shadows of her early years. Contrasting this, the bonus video adopts a different perspective, portraying her current self as a resilient, alluring, and vulnerable adult. This portrayal encapsulates her journey of discovering her voice and embracing self-expression, all while exulting in the ongoing celebration of music and art.

Beyond its lyrical content, “GONE” stands as a testament to JAXXEE’s newfound strength in vocalizing her thoughts while still cherishing profound bonds. Her ongoing celebration of music and art remains an ever-present thread in her narrative.

Drawing inspiration from iconic figures like Carole King, Aretha Franklin, and Erykah Badu, as well as the resonances of Portishead, En Vogue, and the Black Pumas, her vocals exude an entrancing blend of moodiness and sensuality. We can expect a whole lot more on this newly released journey.

Her voice, drenched in mood and sensuality, creates an evocative experience that feels timeless. With each note, she channels the essence of raw authentic soul, bridging eras and connecting emotions.

Grant Avenue Studio in Hamilton Continues To Be Canada’s Abbey Road

Eric Alper
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Grant Avenue Studio, located in Hamilton, Ontario, holds such a significant place in the history of Canadian music. Founded in 1971 by renowned musician and producer Daniel Lanois, the studio quickly became a hub for artists seeking a unique and creative space to record their music. Over the years, Grant Avenue Studio has played a pivotal role in shaping the Canadian music scene and has been the birthplace of countless iconic albums from U2, Gordon Lightfoot and Sarah McLachlan to Johnny Cash, Loreena McKennitt, Cowboy Junkies and The Trews.

Today, it continues to be THE place to record in the music industry, attracting both up and coming and Gold and Platinum artists who are looking to tap into the studio’s rich musical heritage. Grant Avenue Studio stands as a testament to the enduring power of creativity and collaboration in the world of music. With new owners at the helm, this studio will continue to be a home where the next timeless record will be recorded.

 

 

Watch ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic ‘Interview’ Madonna In 1985

Eric Alper
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Watch ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic ‘Interview’ Madonna In 1985

Soak up the delightful quirkiness of this ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic “interview” with the one and only Madonna.

Tenacious D Performed A Medley Of The Who’s Hits

Eric Alper
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Tenacious D Performed A Medley Of The Who’s Hits

Tenacious D’s Jack Black and Kyle Gass delivered a rocking medley of The Who’s greatest hits, including “Pinball Wizard,” “There’s a Doctor,” and “Smash the Mirror,” during their appearance on Howard Stern’s show.

My Next Read: “Some New Kind of Kick: A Memoir” by Kid Congo Powers and Chris Campion

Eric Alper
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My Next Read: “Some New Kind of Kick: A Memoir” by Kid Congo Powers and Chris Campion

An intimate, coming-of-age memoir by legendary guitarist Kid Congo Powers, detailing his experiences as a young, queer Mexican-American in 1970s Los Angeles through his rise in the glam rock and punk rock scenes.

Kid Congo Powers has been described as a “legendary guitarist and paragon of cool” with “the greatest resume ever of anyone in rock music.” That unique imprint on rock history stems from being a member of not one but three beloved, groundbreaking, and influential groups — Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, the Cramps, and last but not least, The Gun Club, the wildly inventive punk-blues band he co-founded.

Some New Kind of Kick begins as an intimate coming of age tale, of a young, queer, Chicano kid, growing up in a suburb east of East LA, in the mid-‘70s, exploring his sexual identity through glam rock. When a devastating personal tragedy crushes his teenage dreams, he finds solace and community through fandom, as founder (‘The Prez’) of the Ramones West Coast fan club, and immerses himself in the delinquent chaos of the early LA punk scene.

A chance encounter with another superfan, in the line outside the Whiskey-A-Go-Go to get into a Pere Ubu concert, changes the course of his life entirely. Jeffrey Lee Pierce, a misfit Chicano punk who runs the Blondie fan club, proposes they form a band. The Gun Club is born. So begins an unlikely transition from adoring fan to lauded performer. In Pierce, he finds brotherhood, a creative voice, and a common cause, but also a shared appetite for self-destruction that threatens to overwhelm them both.

Quirky, droll, and heartfelt, with a pitch-perfect evocation of time and place, and a wealth of richly-drawn supporting characters, Some New Kind of Kick is a memoir of personal transformation, addiction and recovery, friendship and belonging, set against the relentless creativity and excess of the ’70s and ’80s underground music scenes.

Jackson Browne and Global Musicians Unite for Moving Rendition of ‘Doctor, My Eyes’

Eric Alper
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Jackson Browne and Global Musicians Unite for Moving Rendition of ‘Doctor, My Eyes’

Experience the magic of collaboration as Playing For Change brings together the legendary Jackson Browne, with some of the greatest musicians from around the world for a stunning rendition of his classic, “Doctor My Eyes.” This Song Around The World reunites members of “The Section”— Leland Sklar and Russ Kunkel, who played on the original 1972 song. This reimagining blends the amazing musical stylings of Zakir Hussain, Giovanni Hidalgo, Char and 11 amazing musicians from around the globe, along with a special introduction of the extraordinarily talented Chavonne Stewart, who all collectively create an evocative piece that speaks to the unifying power of 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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