Soaring effortlessly through the shared airspace of rock and pop, Houston’s The Metal Byrds reach new heights on their just-released single, “Stop Motion.” Culled from their most recent EP album, Moments Before Sunrise, the track sees the hard-working band furthering their commitment to irresistible songcraft that doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of power in its quest for the ultimate singalong.
Guitarist Sly Rye peels off some Hendrixian pyrotechnics while bassist Mac Jacob and drummer Charlie “Breeze” Janto hammer out a relentless, propulsive rhythm. Over the top of it all, vocalist Suzanne Birdie applies her dual classic-rock and grunge influences to an aggressive earworm melody as infectious as the urgent lyric that accompanies it:
Stop Motion, non-stop commotion
The world’s spinning without emotion
Stop Motion, non-stop commotion
You move me
Strangely, the song was inspired by a colorful character guitarist Rye once knew who made his home in a self-storage container. One of his misadventures entitled driving to Texas at 90 miles an hour “loaded up on gold liquid” and, once he reached his destination, jumping out of the still-moving car.
“You meet a lot of interesting people when you’re in a band,” the group notes, slyly.
The video for the song is just as frenzied, with epilepsy-defying flashes of light illuminating Birdie and company as they literally leap for the sky.
“Jumping and twirling and throwing instruments around was the best time we ever could’ve had shooting a video,” they report.
Moments Before Sunrise is the sixth EP album the group has released since Birdie and Rye formed a musical partnership and personal friendship in 2018. (Jacob and Janto completed the lineup four years later.) Each new product drop has seen them continuing to pioneer a genre several DJs have termed “hard pop rock.” Listener response has been wildly positive: Of the three songs from the new EP album that have been picked up by indie radio, at least one has been in a top 10 chart at any given time.
“We’re not the typical cookie-cutter-sounding rock band, and if you listen closely, you’ll hear a sound like none other,” the group promises.
Fusing mood, anthemic, and pop elements, multitalented singer Natalie Exora presents her fresh single “Perfect” out now. Originally from Trinidad, and presently based in Toronto, the singer’s periodic inspiration draws from what she sees daily in society. In “Perfect” Natalie quite artistically crafts “today’s fascination for material things, but the most enduring of all things… is love,” in under 4 minutes.
Natalie Exora taps into a rich register in “Perfect” which easily exposes her raw emotions throughout the song. To top it off, the singer’s storytelling in her songwriting seals the deal.
“Two hearts together, we’re perfect (perfect) /One life, one love, one day you’ll come back home to stay/ Why, is it a crime?”
Natalie shares her provocation in writing this beautiful ballad, stating, “Like many kids with a dream, I was told no by my parents when I asked to pursue music. It wasn’t a safe or secure path. Upon moving away from home and losing two loved ones in a short space of time at a young age, this gave me a deep sense of time passing and inspired me to make the most of the time we have.
If there’s music or creative energy churning in you, it’s a shame to let it sleep or fall to the wayside and there’s no time like the present (no matter the age) to chase a lifelong dream.”
The singer’s musical inspiration derives from the storytelling era of the 80s, so it’s no wonder her distinct sound is composed of work “capturing the sweet nostalgia and fleeting moments of youth.”
“Perfect” was thought of and penned down all in the comfort of her home in Burlington. Natalie explains that it is easier to record in her comfort zone when Technology is a swipe away. She adds, “I can have a song idea and drop a voice note on my phone in the morning…record in the evening and mix online and edit on my phone by the weekend. The whole process is possible “between the cracks” of a day – through work, life, the day to day. It’s always possible to create and make music. How perfect.”
The release of her second single “Perfect” since her debut is another milestone added to her already boundless list. Natalie Exora’s musical journey dates to her teenage years, she became a part of a local band and opened for major acts at that time. Further grabbing opportunities to write and collaborate with Juno-nominated Canadian artists.
Her career-defining moment though, came during SongStudio, where she performed with a Canadian musical giant, Rik Emmett of Triumph. Who in return gave simple, yet life-changing advice, “You need to sing.”
Emerging singer-songwriter Victoria Houser, a talented, Toronto-based country/roots artist hailing from the tranquil coastal town of Hubbards, Nova Scotia, unveils her latest single, ‘When You’re Sober.’ This upbeat, unusually melancholic, and infectious track is the first single from her upcoming 4-song EP, titled ‘Somewhere Close to Home’, out now.
Accompanying the single launch is a music video, which was recorded with live audio from The Root Down in Toronto.
Victoria Houser’s musical journey began organically, influenced by her East Coast upbringing. She seamlessly combines country and folk elements with an East Coast flair, drawing inspiration from musical luminaries such as Gillian Welch, Neko Case, Lucinda Williams, and Anne Murray.
“Victoria Houser’s music is a rich blend of traditional country, modern folk, deep roots, and singer-songwriter influences, delivering authentic and heartfelt storytelling at its core.” ‘When You’re Sober’ perfectly reflects this blend, delivering a catchy country song everyone can relate to.
Victoria shares her inspiration behind ‘When You’re Sober’: ” I love to write songs that tell a story, and for ‘When You’re Sober, I aimed to tell a tale that would make listeners feel a little sad and a little amused, juxtaposed with a catchy melody, to showcase the complexities of relationships (and couples who drink) in a light-hearted way.”
This heartfelt single was born out of a challenging relationship. Still, it captures the resilience of the human spirit and the power of music to heal. ‘When You’re Sober’ is a testament to music’s magic in expressing those emotions and experiences that words alone cannot capture.
Victoria adds, “The song touches on something many of us can relate to–staying blind to problems in a relationship… at all costs.”
Victoria’s musical talent shines through in ‘When You’re Sober,’ with each instrument acting as a character in her story, including Victoria’s delicate, warm vocals. The single and soon-to-be-released EP features an entirely Canadian team, with key collaborators like Toronto-based musician Chris Staig who co-produced the EP. The song, a snapshot of a couple’s night out at the bar, is a candid exploration of the complexities of human emotions and relationships.
Musically, ‘When You’re Sober’ delivers a warm palette of sounds. Acoustic guitars are accompanied by walking bass, bell-like electrics, train track drums, Calexico-style trumpets, and dancing fiddles.
Layered at the top of the track are Victoria’s lyrics, which, in her own words, “explore the idea that a drink at the bar can feel like the comfort of old friends, and will leave you wondering if you should laugh or cry.”
Her songs offer a unique blend of storytelling and musical artistry. Victoria’s favourite lines of the track appear in verse two.
“The comfort of some old friends who’ve seen us through time and again.
I’ll take a Bulleit to the heart, Jack and Jamie do your part.
Don’t you leave us all alone,
’cause if we go home, it’ll all fall apart.”
‘When You’re Sober’ is set against an addictive melody that will stay with you long after the song ends. Its humour and honesty make it a captivating addition to Victoria Houser’s growing repertoire.
Key members and musicians on this sonic adventure include Victoria on lead/background vocals and acoustic guitar, Chris Staig on electric and acoustic guitars, Dennis Mohammed on bass, David MacDougall on drums, Shelley Coopersmith on fiddle, and Tim Hamel on trumpet. The recording took place at the Lincoln County Social Club in Toronto, Ontario, with sound engineering and mixing duties taken up by John Dinsmore with mastering expertise from Andrew Seok. The music video was shot and directed by Joy Webster and Nick Tiringer, with sound engineering by Michael Legere.
“Beneath the whiskey and wine-soaked facade of ‘When You’re Sober’ lies a poignant narrative of a relationship held together by a fun night out, even as it teeters on the brink of collapse,” says Victoria.
The song cleverly disguises a tale of love’s demise with the cheerful clinking of glasses and lively tunes, offering a humorous glimpse into the fragile veneer of a failing romance.
Victoria Houser’s ”When You’re Sober.’ is a refreshing and authentic take on the complexities of love and relationships, wrapped in an unforgettable americana melody. Be prepared to embark on a musical journey that will make you laugh and tug at your heartstrings This is an artist to watch in roots and country music.
The amazing graphic design company Dorothy has just released their next masterpiece – a brief history of disco mapped out on the circuit diagram of a Klipschorn speaker (which was part of New York club The Loft’s legendary sound system).
Their NEW Disco Love Blueprint celebrates over 600 musicians, DJs, producers, clubs and record labels from all corners of the world who have been pivotal in the evolution of disco music. From disco’s roots in the sounds of Afro-American funk, soul and Motown of the late 1960s, its emergence in New York’s black, Latino and gay underground club scene in the early 1970s, its explosion into the mainstream in the late 1970s when at the height of its popularity discomania dominated the world’s dance floors, and its influence on the development of dance music and dance culture through to the present day.
The print pays homage to the musicians that laid the foundations for disco including Philadelphia’s MFSB and Teddy Pendergrass, Motown’s Eddie Kendricks and Marvin Gaye, funk and soul’s James Brown and Cameroonian jazz innovator Manu Dibango.
It weaves its way through the New York club scene of the early 70s including David Mancuso’s The Loft and Nick Siano’s The Gallery to the disco super clubs that followed in their footsteps including Studio 54, Larry Levan’s Paradise Garage and The Saint.
The print celebrates the greats from the classic era of disco in the 70s including Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder, Gloria Gaynor, Diana Ross, Nile Rodgers and Chic, Cerrone, Sylvester and the Bee Gees and influential producers including Tom Moulton, Patrick Cowley and François Kevorkian. And recognises disco’s influence on the emergence of house music via the likes of Frankie Knuckles, Masters at Work and Danny Krivit.
The print takes a voyage (yes ABBA are on too) through the distinct sounds from the late 70s early 80s of eurodisco, Italo disco, cosmic disco, boogie, Hi-NRG and post-disco and celebrates regional scenes in Canada, Brazil, India, Japan and Nigeria that took the disco sound and made it their own.
Moving through the decades to the present day the print maps disco’s enduring influence on electronic and dance music and the individuals keeping the spirit of disco alive including DJs and producers like Greg Wilson, DJ Harvey and Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy, pop musicians like Madonna, Kylie Minogue and the Pet Shop Boys and Nu-Disco’s Daft Punk, Dimitri from Paris and Todd Terje.
Along the way the print celebrates key moments in popular culture including the Stonewall Riots in 1969 and the release of Saturday Night Fever in 1977 and the many record labels who shared their love of disco with the world including Salsoul, Casablanca, Prelude, P&P, ZYX and T.K. Records.
Several years ago, a treasure trove containing some 6,000 original Bob Dylan manuscripts was revealed to exist. Their destination? Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The documents, as essential as they are intriguing—draft lyrics, notebooks, and diverse ephemera— comprise one of the most important cultural archives in the modern world. Along with countless still and moving images and thousands of hours of riveting studio and live recordings, this priceless collection now resides at The Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, just steps away from the archival home of Dylan’s early hero, Woody Guthrie.
Nearly all the materials preserved at The Bob Dylan Center are unique, previously unavailable, and, in many cases, even previously unknown. As the official publication of The Bob Dylan Center, BOB DYLAN: MIXING UP THE MEDICINE is the first wide-angle look at the Dylan archive, a book that promises to be of vast interest to both the Nobel Laureate’s many musical fans and to a broader national and international audience as well.
Edited by Mark Davidson and Parker Fishel, BOB DYLAN: MIXING UP THE MEDICINE focuses a close look at the full scope of Dylan’s working life, particularly from the dynamic perspective of his ongoing and shifting creative processes—his earliest home recordings in the mid-1950s right up through Rough and Rowdy Ways (2020), his most recent studio recording, and into the present day.
This 608-page magnum opus is the most comprehensive book yet published on the work of Nobel Prize–winning singer-songwriter-poet and cultural icon Bob Dylan. It features more than 1100 images by 135 photographers, artists and filmmakers, many never before or published, that span the full arc of Bob Dylan’s career. The book also includes 30 original essays focusing on unseen treasures from the Bob Dylan Archive by leading artists and writers, with an introduction by Sean Wilentz and an epilogue by Douglas Brinkley.
With an introductory essay by Sean Wilentz and epilogue by Douglas Brinkley, the book features a surprising range of distinguished writers, artists and musicians, including Joy Harjo, Greil Marcus, Michael Ondaatje, Gregory Pardlo, Amanda Petrusich, Tom Piazza, Lee Ranaldo, Alex Ross, Ed Ruscha, Lucy Sante, Greg Tate and many others. After experiencing the collection firsthand in Tulsa, each of the authors was asked to select a single item that beguiled or inspired them. The resulting essays, written specifically for this volume, shed new light on not only Dylan’s creative process, but also their own.
BOB DYLAN: MIXING UP THE MEDICINE is an unprecedented glimpse into the creative life of one of America’s most groundbreaking, influential and enduring artists.
Los Angeles Alternative Rock outfit, Porno For Pyros, announced they will embark on their farewell tour in 2024. After a 26 year touring hiatus, Perry Farrell, Stephen Perkins, and Peter DiStefano kick off the 15-city tour, produced by Live Nation, on February 13 at the Observatory in Santa Ana, CA making stops across North America in Los Angeles, CA; Denver, CO; Chicago, IL; Toronto, ON; Boston, MA; New York, NY and more before wrapping up in Montclair, NJ at The Wellmont Theater on March 10.
30 years since their self-titled album, the band has also begun to debut new music including a new ocean conscious single “Agua” releasing on November 16th – presave HERE. Perry Farrell shared his excitement for the launch stating, “Now we’re here, and that same heart, that same desire to make music together, has returned. Getting together with these guys has been some of the most fun, the happiest times in my life”. Originally inspired by the band members’ close encounters with dolphins on their globe-trotting surfing trips of the ‘90s, “Agua” reflects their contemporary environmental concerns. The single is part of a forthcoming self-released EP set to drop in 2024 ahead of the band’s touring run.
Last year saw the reunion of the original members (Perry Farrell, Stephen Perkins, Peter DiStefano, and Martyn LeNoble) for a sold out show at the Belasco in DTLA. Since then, they have performed at Rockville, the Chicago Metro followed by a live performance at Lollapalooza.
Porno for Pyros is an American alternative rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, United States in 1992, following the break-up of Jane’s Addiction. The band comprised former Jane’s Addiction members Perry Farrell (vocals) and Stephen Perkins (drums), as well as Peter DiStefano (guitar) and Martyn LeNoble (bass), until LeNoble was replaced by Mike Watt during the recording of 1996’s Good God’s Urge. The band released two studio albums, Porno for Pyros (1993) and Good God’s Urge (1996), before going on hiatus in 1998. Porno for Pyros has since reunited occasionally, and they are working on new material as of 2021.
Following the demise of the critically and commercially successful Jane’s Addiction, frontman Perry Farrell and drummer Stephen Perkins formed Porno for Pyros after acquiring guitarist Peter DiStefano and bass player Martyn LeNoble. Farrell named the band after seeing an ad for fireworks in a pornographic magazine. The name has also been connected through song lyrics to the LA riots which occurred in the band’s hometown around the time of Porno for Pyros’ inception. Prior to releasing their eponymous first album, Porno for Pyros embarked on a nationwide tour to support the new band. By the time the band’s debut album was released in 1993, anticipation surrounding the project was enough to briefly drive the album to the No. 3 position on the Billboard top 200 list. The video for the album’s second single, “Pets”, received heavy airplay on MTV. Following the album’s release, Porno for Pyros continued a heavy touring schedule, including an appearance at Woodstock ’94 along with a cameo on HBO’s The Larry Sanders Show. Unlike the relatively straight-ahead rock shows that were the hallmark of live Jane’s Addiction, Porno for Pyros live shows relied heavily on props, extras and special effects (including pyrotechnics).
Tickets will be available for presale as early as 12pm local time today, with the general on-sale taking place on Friday, November 17 at 10 AM local time at LiveNation.com.
PORNO FOR PYROS – HORNS, THORNS EN HALOS FAREWELL TOUR DATES:
Tue Feb 13 – Santa Ana, CA – Observatory Orange County
Thu Feb 15 – San Diego, CA – Observatory San Diego
Sat Feb 17 – Ventura, CA – Ventura Theater
Sun Feb 18 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco
Wed Feb 21 – Aspen, CO * – Belly Up Aspen*
Thu Feb 22 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium
Sat Feb 24 –- Omaha, NE – Astro Theatre*
Mon Feb 26 – Chicago, IL – Salt Shed*
Tue Feb 27 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit
Thu Feb 29 – Toronto, ON – HISTORY
Sat Mar 02 – Philadelphia, PA – Parx Casino
Sun Mar 03 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
Tue Mar 05 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Thu Mar 07 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
Fri Mar 08 – New York, NY – Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom
Sun Mar 10 – Montclair, NJ – The Wellmont Theater
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Amy Winehouse’s highly influential debut album, Frank, UMR/Island/Universal Music are releasing this seminal record as a picture disc for the very first time. Recorded when Amy was still in her teens, Frank introduced a truly remarkable, supremely talented songwriter and singer who would become one of the greatest artists of our time.
This double vinyl set features the singles: “Take The Box”, “Stronger Than Me”, “F**k Me Pumps” and “In My Bed”, and is housed in a gatefold sleeve. The picture disc artwork uses the original classic sleeve imagery on LP 1, while LP 2 features two beautiful images, taken by renowned photographer Valerie Phillips, from the original artwork photo session, shot in 2003.
The thirteen songs on “Frank”, announced the arrival of a peerless artist, a phenomenal writer and performer, and a true once in a generation talent and the images on this release show the young Amy at the beginning of her incredible musical journey.
The Government of Canada has reached an important milestone in this new law that supports Canadian and Indigenous stories and music. The Online Streaming Act will make sure Canadians can see themselves in the stories and music available in the new online reality and will reinvest in future generations of artists in Canada. Online streamers are being asked to contribute to Canada’s cultural sector’s sustained success and to support our talented creative and media sectors to ensue they have a real and fair chance to succeed now and in the future.
Today, the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage, released the final policy direction to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) for the Online Streaming Act.
These final directions instruct the CRTC to make rules that are fair and adaptable as it implements the Online Streaming Act. The CRTC has been asked to:
support Canadian artists and creative industries;
advance Indigenous storytelling;
increase representation of equity-seeking groups;
ensure regulations are equitable, fair and flexible;
redefine Canadian programs; and
exclude the content of social media and digital creators, including podcasts, from regulation.
The government provides directions to the CRTC on high-level policy questions. Proposed directions were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, for public consultation from June 10 to July 25. More than 500 comments were received. The policy directions have been finalized and are now binding.
The CRTC has started consultations on the implementation of the Online Streaming Act. Information about how to take part is available on the CRTC website.
Iconic singer and veteran songwriter Marc Jordan, whose remarkable career has spanned over four decades, has dropped a captivating new single, “Best Day of My Life,” from his critically acclaimed album “Waiting for the Sun To Rise,” released in April 2023. This soulful and mesmerising track is a testament to Marc Jordan’s exceptional talent and ability to evolve as an artist.
In a significant milestone of his illustrious career, Jordan has been honoured with induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place on November 1, 2023, in Toronto, Ontario, recognizing Jordan as an acclaimed producer, jazz vocalist, and revered songwriter known as a “songwriter’s songwriter” by his peers and industry icons. Alongside fellow inductee John Capek, with whom he co-wrote the hit “Rhythm of My Heart” for Rod Stewart, Jordan was celebrated for his immense contributions to the world of music.
Jordan expressed his gratitude, saying, “It’s very gratifying to be recognized with and by your peers anywhere in the world, but it makes it all the more gratifying to be recognized at home here in Canada – and at the same time as my first and most successful writing partner John Capek with whom I have worked on and off for almost 50 years.”
“Best Day of My Life,” the latest single from Jordan’s album Waiting for the Sun To Rise, is a beautifully poignant and contemplative track that delves into the theme of longing for something or someone that seems just out of reach. The song captures the essence of yearning for connection and recognition from someone unaware of your existence. The delicate balance of sentimentality and resignation is perfectly reflected in a heartfelt trumpet solo by Grammy-winning trumpeter Randy Brecker.
Marc Jordan, a native of Brooklyn, New York, and son of singer Charles Jordan, spent his formative years in Toronto, Canada. His music career began in 1978 when he signed with Warner Music in Los Angeles. Since then, Jordan has penned songs for and collaborated with a plethora of music legends, including Diana Ross, Chicago, Kansas, Manhattan Transfer, Kenny Loggins, Bette Midler, Natalie Cole, Olivia Newton-John, Joe Cocker, Bonnie Raitt, Josh Groban, Cher, and Rod Stewart. Notably, his song “Rhythm of My Heart” became a worldwide #1 hit for Rod Stewart. Jordan has been honoured with numerous prestigious awards, including ASCAP, JUNO, SOCAN, and Smooth Jazz awards, and his songs have appeared on over 35 million CDs. He has released 16 albums of his own material. He has enjoyed a diverse career as a solo artist, songwriter, and visual artist.
The song features a warm piano intro enveloped by strings, creating an intimate and inviting atmosphere. Jordan’s soulful vocals infuse the track with raw emotion, and the gentle progression of the piano and the subtle percussion create a soothing backdrop that complements the song’s reflective lyrics.
With the release of “Best Day of My Life” and his induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, Jordan continues to make an indelible mark on the music industry. His rich and varied career has been punctuated by exceptional songwriting, moving performances, and a deep connection with his audience. As “Best Day of My Life” graces the airwaves, fans and music enthusiasts can revel in the depth of emotion and musical prowess Jordan brings to his craft.
Country-Pop sensation Jackie Putnam from Debert, Nova Scotia, is set to release a brand new single “No One Will Ever Know” from her debut album The Phoenix.
“No One Will Ever Know” was written during the COVID pandemic lock-down, suffering from anxiety of not being allowed to be with our loved ones and not knowing when we would see them again.
Jackie wrote this song in her kitchen, staring out her kitchen window with tears in her eyes. The pandemic felt like the world had stopped…everything was in limbo, and we were all just trying to survive.
“No One Will Ever Know” is the latest addition to Jackie’s impressive musical portfolio. The emotional and captivating single delves into themes of heartache and resilience, showcasing Jackie’s talent for songwriting. Fans can expect an unforgettable and deeply personal experience when they listen to this powerful track.
The Phoenix album was released in June 2023 and features a diverse range of genres, including pop, country, and rock ‘n roll.
When it came to the production of her album, Jackie collaborated with esteemed Canadian musicians, including John Campbelljohn, Bruce Dixon, Kim Dunn, Scott Ferguson, and Ray Legere. These award-winning artists provided their expertise to beautifully complement Jackie’s heartfelt lyrics and melodies.
