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The English Beat’s ‘I Just Can’t Stop It’ Is Being Reissued on 2LP Crystal Clear Vinyl

Eric Alper
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The English Beat’s ‘I Just Can’t Stop It’ Is Being Reissued on 2LP Crystal Clear Vinyl

Rhino recently acquired the worldwide rights to The English Beat’s catalog and is marking the beginning of this exciting partnership with the release of an expanded version of the influential ska group’s 1980 debut, I Just Can’t Stop It.

The acclaimed album will be reissued as a 2-LP set on Crystal-Clear vinyl exclusively for Record Store Day Black Friday on November 24. The album is limited to 8,000 copies worldwide at participating indie retailers while supplies last. In addition, the band’s catalog is now available digitally through Rhino, including I Just Can’t Stop It and Special Beat Service.

Rhino Entertainment President Mark Pinkus expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “I am thrilled to have the incredible opportunity to work with the English Beat catalog. For Rhino to collaborate with such a legendary band is an absolute privilege, as it allows us to immerse ourselves in the timeless magic of their music, share in their creative brilliance, and contribute to the legacy of a group that has inspired generations.”

I JUST CAN’T STOP IT (EXPANDED) includes the original album, a selection of rare mixes and live recordings. The original, which peaked at No.3 on the U.K. album chart, featured hit singles like “Hands Off…She’s Mine,” “Tist & Crawl,” and a fiery cover of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles’ “Tears Of A Clown.” The newly expanded version adds alternati
ve mixes for all three songs and a dub version of “Stand Down Margaret.” The double album also includes live recordings from 1982 for “Mirror In The Bathroom,” “Best Friend,” and more.
Known simply as The Beat in their nativ England, the band’s lineup comprised Saxa (saxophone), Andy Cox (guitar), David Steele (bass), Everett Moreton (drums), Ranking Roger (vocals), and Dave Wakeling (vocals/guitar). Since its debut on Sire Records in America in May 1980, I Just Can’t Stop It has earned widespread praise for its irresistibly danceable sound.

In the liner notes for I JUST CAN’T STO IT (EXPANDED), music journalist Neil Kulkarni writes: “Multiracial in an era seething with racial division, deeply class-conscious, gloriously diverse in influences, The Beat provide a dancefloor-directed escape from the grim realities of early-’80s British life but also confronted those realities with songs about paranoia (“Mirror In The Bathroom”), insecurity “Noise In This World”), and the new decade’s instability (“Stand Down Margaret”). Far beyond the revivalist constraints of the 2 Tone scene, The Beat’s imaginative hybrid sound was punchy, possessed with an infectious energy, and delivered with a unique sense of style on this absolute riot of a record.”

I JUST CAN’T STOP IT (EXPANDED)
2-LP Track Listing
LP One
Side One
1. “Mirror In The Bathroom”
2. “Hands Off…She’s Mine”
3. “Two Swords”
4. “Twist & Crawl”
5. “Tears Of A Clown”
6. “Rough Rider”
7. “Click Click”

Side Two
1. “Ranking Full Stop”
2. “Big Shot”
3. “Whine & Grine / Stand Down Margaret”
4. “Noise In This World”
5. “Can’t Get Used To Losing You”
6. “Best Friend”
7. “Jackpot”

LP Two
Side One
1. “Tears Of A Clown” – Original Single Version
2. “Hand’s Off…She’s Mine” – Extended
3. “Stand Down Margaret” – Dub
4. “Twist & Crawl” – Extended

Side Two
Live at Hammersmith Palais (October 1982)
1. “Mirror In The Bathroom”
Live at the Boston Opera House (November 19, 1982)
2. “Best Friend”
3. “Tears Of A Clown”
4. “Twist & Crawl”
5. “Get-A-Job / Stand Down Margaret”

King Launches ‘New Life’ Album And “We Are The Ones” Feat. Gucci Mane

Eric Alper
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King Launches ‘New Life’ Album And “We Are The Ones” Feat. Gucci Mane

India’s trailblazing star King has delivered what is sure to be one of 2023’s top albums in New Life – a riotous collection of twelve genre-bending songs from the artist, released with Warner Music India.

Officially arriving as King’s fourth studio album, the sonically diverse body of work blends a mix of Hindi and bilingual tracks with electronic, hip hop, and industrial influences; lyrically, New Life hears King touch on themes of introspection, fear, healing, happiness, ambition and triumph, while expanding his portfolio of international collaborations by teaming up for tracks with Gucci Mane and Julia Michaels.

New Life is fronted by the Gucci Mane assisted single “We Are the Ones” – a statement piece defined by menacing electronic sounds and racing drum rhythms helmed by David Arkwright (Bella Poarch, NCT Dream), “We Are the Ones” offers audiences a feast of boisterous bars about ambition, confidence and self-motivation delivered by King and Gucci Mane. These two heavyweights from their respective hip-hop genres join forces for the genre-fluid creation, transcending borders to showcase the vibrant diversity of the global music scene. As a definitive moment signalling the

growing international hype for King, Gucci Mane’s presence on the maximalist sonics of “We Are the Ones” marks the first time the rap legend has linked up with an Indian artist – the latest in a string of unpredictable moves from the trap music pioneer, who has inspired and mentored an entire generation of artists and producers including Migos, Young Thug, Nicki Minaj, Zaytoven, Mike WiLL Made-It, and Metro Boomin.

King made the following statement about “We Are the Ones”: On ‘We Are the Ones’, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with the legendary Gucci Mane, marking not only a significant moment for the global journey of the current Indian music scene but also a phenomenal moment for me personally. It’s a fusion of two different worlds – hip-hop meeting a new wave – and together, we’re creating a massive rage anthem that knows no borders. Gucci Mane’s legacy in trap music is undeniable and now, we’re here to redefine the game with this track.”

Gucci Mane made the following statement about “We Are the Ones”: “I’ve always been pushing boundaries and breaking new ground in hip-hop. Teaming up with KING for this track is huge because it marks my first big original global collaboration. I really liked the idea of us bridging cultures and taking our careers to a bigger worldwide level.”

Meanwhile, “We Are the Ones” is King’s second major international collaboration following on from his crossover hit, “Maan Meri Jaan (Afterlife)” with Nick Jonas earlier in 2023. Released as the international remake of King’s record-breaking, global viral hit “Maan Meri Jaan”, the “Afterlife” version with Nick Jonas has since racked up 50M views on YouTube alone and 35M Spotify streams, while earning international press attention from the likes of Rolling Stone, MTV, E!, Evening Standard, Entertainment Tonight, Wonderland and 1883 Magazine.

Elsewhere across the dynamic album, New Life reminds listeners of King’s fiery talents as one of the leading rap talents succeeding in the global music sphere. The stormy “Legends” candidly recounts King’s journey to the top as a stamp of authority on his success, paying homage to the Indian hip-hop greats who came before him in a move which proves King as the torchbearer of Indian hip-hop – something King furthers on the biting “No Loss”, where he intimately addresses his rise to fame while reflecting on his self-assuredness and resilience in the face of adversity.

On the other side of the spectrum, softer moments in New Life come via the sunset sounds of “Runaway”, a vulnerable crossover gem which deals with escapism and also features a verse from the renowned hitmaker Julia Michaels. The melancholic “Tu Jaana Na Piya” is sure to continue King’s string of romantic hits with its driving beat and hook-laden lyrics exploring a lovestruck state of mind; meanwhile, King taps into ‘90s nostalgia with a contemporary twist for the bouncy “High Hukku”.

King’s unprecedented yet ongoing success is a welcomed first. In a landscape where Indian charts are typically dominated by music from Bollywood artists with decades of experience, King’s previous album, Champagne Talk, grossed over 1 billion streams across all platforms, with the iconic track “Maan Meri Jaan” alone garnering over 891 million streams.

Helping to fly the flag across the world for Indian pop culture, the melody-driven storyteller’s work has been captivating audiences with his audio-visual experiences and narrative concepts in his lyrics, exploring topics like self-doubt, confidence and the ups and downs of relationships – and with his international headline tour soon to hit the UK, US, Canada and Australia, King undeniably proves his star is on the rise internationally.

Fortifying his position as a unique storyteller and melody-king, New Life is set to keep King’s name in the mix as part of his natural progression into a globally recognized pop force – stay tuned for even more surprises in store from King later this year.

KING – NEW LIFE Tracklist:
1. “Aafat” (Trouble Maker)
2. “Runaway (feat. Julia Michaels)”
3. “Tu Jaana Na Piya” (Don’t Go My Love)
4. “Good Trip”
5. “Sarkaare” (My Love)
6. “Tum Saath Rehnaa” (Stay With Me)
7. “Legends”
8. “We Are the Ones (feat. Gucci Mane)” (Focus single)
9. “High Hukku (feat. Nikhita Gandhi)”
10. “No Loss”
11. “CROWN”
12. “Legends (B Side)”

Blake Shelton Is Heading Back To The Honky Tonk For Round Two On His 2024 Headlining Tour

Eric Alper
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Blake Shelton Is Heading Back To The Honky Tonk For Round Two On His 2024 Headlining Tour

This year on his headlining arena tour, country music superstar Blake Shelton brought out the bar stools and the big hits… and the party is just getting started! Shelton announced today that the second leg of his Back To The Honky Tonk Tour presented by Kubota will launch in February 2024. Joining him on the 17-date run are Multi-Platinum, 8x chart-topping country star Dustin Lynch and rising country artist Emily Ann Roberts, who fans may recognize from her successful run on NBC’s The Voice.

The 2024 Back To The Honky Tonk Tour presented by Kubota will span the United States and Canada, kicking off on February 22 in Hershey, PA (full list of dates below). Tickets for all markets excepting Glendale will be available via an exclusive fan presale beginning next Tuesday, October 24 at 10:00 AM local time through Thursday, October 26 at 10:00 PM local time. The general on-sale will start on Friday, October 27 at 10am local time. Tickets for Glendale will be available via an exclusive fan presale beginning Tuesday, October 31 at 10:00 AM local time through Thursday, November 2 at 10:00 PM local time. The general on-sale for Glendale will start on Friday, November 3 at 10am local time.

Shelton’s initial Back To The Honky Tonk run earned widespread praise: “For two hours, Shelton made [the] arena feel like a wild country bar, where just about anything could happen and he was the bartender, slinging out music instead of shots” (Louisville Courier Journal). Meanwhile, the Minneapolis Star Tribune declared, “This throwback-themed concert tour… served as a reminder that the fun, wisecracking-but-tender coach we see on television is the same fella country music audiences still love seeing onstage.”

As the genre’s chief ambassador, Blake Shelton has been delivering country music to a diverse audience for more than 20 years. In that time, he has accumulated an astonishing 28 No. 1 singles, sold nearly 15 million album equivalents and earned upwards of 11.5 billion global streams. Shelton has received myriad awards, including six ACMs, three AMAs, 10 CMAs, 11 CMTs and six People’s Choice. He most recently earned the fan-voted “Social Star” title at the inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards. A celebrated entertainer, Shelton headlined his “Back to the Honky Tonk” this year. The run earned rave reviews and boasted sold-out crowds, landing him on Billboard’s mid-year Top Tours list.

As an original coach on the Emmy Award-winning television show The Voice, Shelton brought a steady diet of current and classic country music to the NBC primetime audience. After 23 seasons and nine championships, he stepped away from the show in May. He and Carson Daly have teamed up to executive produce and star in the high-spirited, celebrity game show, Barmageddon. Hosted by Nikki Garcia, the show airs on USA Network and premiered as the network’s highest rated debut episode in more than three years. Season Two will premiere November 13.

The Grand Ole Opry member also remains focused on his Ole Red partnership with Ryman Hospitality, with locations currently in Tishomingo, Nashville, Gatlinburg, Orlando and a forthcoming venue in Las Vegas. A noted humanitarian, Shelton has helped raise millions of dollars for children’s hospitals, disaster relief organizations, food banks, the OK POP Museum and more in his home state of Oklahoma and beyond.

Dustin Lynch has “built one of the most consistent recording careers in modern country music” (Billboard), achieving eight No. 1s, four Top 5 albums, 10 Gold and Platinum certified singles, and tallying over 5.4 BILLION cumulative global streams. His sixth studio album, Killed The Cowboy (Broken Bow Records), is boldly making a statement. The follow-up to Blue In The Sky, which delivered the history-making Platinum, six-week No. 1 “Thinking ‘Bout You (feat. MacKenzie Porter)” – the most-played song at Country radio in 2022 landing at No. 1 on the Country Aircheck and No. 2 on the Billboard Year-End Country Airplay charts – also featured nearing Top 5 single “Stars Like Confetti” and hit “Party Mode.” Launching the KILLED THE COWBOY TOUR in 2024, Lynch has headlined packed venues and toured with country’s biggest names like Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Brad Paisley and Kane Brown. Since his Platinum breakout “Cowboys and Angels” in 2012, the Tennessee native has earned industry recognition as a Grand Ole Opry member, as well as high-profile nominations for the Academy of Country Music Awards, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, iHeartRadio Music Awards, and CMT Music Awards.

They say the way to the biggest stage is practice, practice, practice. And that’s exactly what Emily Ann Roberts has done, paying her dues from tiny stages in Knoxville to the biggest stage of all, the Grand Ole Opry. Since launching her career, Roberts has now played the coveted Opry stage 17 times. Before that, she made a name for herself on Blake Shelton’s team on The Voice before she’d even graduated from high school. In a way, being named as a runner-up was the biggest win of all. Because now, with all of that performing, songwriting and recording experience, Roberts has already racked up more than 35 million streams and was recently named one of Rolling Stone magazine’s Best Acts of CMA Fest. Growing up in East Tennessee, Roberts was raised on Smoky Mountain music, bluegrass players and country artists from every era: from Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton to Miranda Lambert and Cody Johnson. And all of that has prepared her to bring the country back to country music and that’s exactly what she’s doing on her debut full-length record, Can’t Hide Country, which is out now. Recorded at Starstruck Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, and produced by GRAMMY-winning producer, Trent Willmon, Emily Ann’s honest and captivating lyrics, along with her exceptional vocal talents, have already received widespread acclaim from both the media and her dedicated fanbase. It’s abundantly clear that country music is in capable hands with Roberts at the helm.

BACK TO THE HONKY TONK TOUR DATES
February 22 // Hershey, PA // GIANT Center
February 23 // Detroit, MI // Little Caesars Arena
February 24 // Milwaukee, WI // Fiserv Forum
February 29 // Lafayette, LA / CAJUNDOME
March 1 // Austin, TX // Moody Center
March 2 // Bossier City, LA // Brookshire Grocery Arena
March 7 // Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CAN // SaskTel Centre
March 8 // Edmonton, Alberta, CAN // Rogers Place
March 9 // Calgary, Alberta, CAN // Scotiabank Saddledome
March 14 // Spokane, WA // Spokane Arena
March 15 // Tacoma, WA // Tacoma Dome
March 16 // Portland, OR // Moda Center
March 21 // Fresno, CA // Save Mart Center
March 22 // Palm Springs, CA // Acrisure Arena
March 23 // Glendale, AZ // Desert Diamond Arena
March 27 // Moline, IL // Vibrant Arena at The MARK
March 29 // Wichita, KS // INTRUST Bank Arena

Photo Gallery: Kim Petras with Alex Chapman at Toronto’s Coca-Cola Coliseum

Eric Alper
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Photo Gallery: Kim Petras with Alex Chapman at Toronto’s Coca-Cola Coliseum

All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or Twitter

Kim Petras
Kim Petras
Kim Petras
Kim Petras
Kim Petras
Kim Petras
Kim Petras
Kim Petras
Kim Petras
Kim Petras
Alex Chapman
Alex Chapman
Alex Chapman
Kim Petras

 

Tyler James Johnson Releases Haunting New Duet “Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire”

Eric Alper
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Tyler James Johnson Releases Haunting New Duet “Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire”

Vancouver-born, Victoria-based guitarist and singer-songwriter Tyler James Johnson’s new single “Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire” is out now. Recorded alongside friend and collaborator Jennifer Croden, the searing duet continues the rollout of Johnson’s new EP Songs For Everyone, which dropped on August 31st.

“I was driving in my car one day and … Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around came on the radio,” Johnson recalls, “For some reason I was inspired and thought I really want to write a similar style duet song to this. Turns out not long after a close friend of mine was having relationship challenges, and it inspired the story behind this.”

On the track, Johnson & Croden spin a yarn about a woman who longed for adventure begging a second chance from the man she left behind. Evocative of the great Americana male/female duet tradition, “Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire” is all at once heartfelt, bitter, and red hot.

“[My friend] had fallen for this seemingly wonderful girl,” explains Johnson, “Turns out she would up and leave one day with no notice to travel the world. He was incredibly heart broken and struggled for months because of this. Time passes and he moves on and she returns and wants a relationship again … I was really frustrated for him.”

Johnson was first inspired to pick up the guitar after hearing his father’s record collection at the age of 12. Today, his repertoire spans many genres, including Folk, Rock, Blues, Country, Celtic, Traditional, and Pop. Over the years he has lent his talents to numerous artists and bands, assuming roles as both a front man and a sideman. In 2022, he held the position of resident lounge musician at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Alberta. Presently, Johnson can be found performing throughout Victoria BC, both as part of the duo “Second Fiddle” and as a solo artist.

“I’ve been a cover musician for the past many years 4-5 years,” says Johnson. “I was playing in a lot of bands before I moved to Vancouver Island, mostly Classic Rock & Blues… I have never really considered myself a songwriter or really a true musician. More of a guy who just likes to play guitar.”

Despite his humility, his new EP Songs For Everyone is really just that. With his cool personal style and seasoned musical chops, Tyler James Johnson is sure to be one to watch.

Award-Winning Guitarist/Singer/Songwriter Sue Foley Set to Release ‘Live in Austin Vol 1’ on October 27

Eric Alper
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Award-Winning Guitarist/Singer/Songwriter Sue Foley Set to Release ‘Live in Austin Vol 1’ on October 27

Texas based, Canadian bred guitarist, singer and songwriter Sue Foley releases Sue Foley Live in Austin Vol 1 CD on October 27 via her Guitar Woman Records, with vinyl LP release to follow on December 8. Recorded on May 19, 2023, at Austin’s legendary Continental Club, this electrifying album captures Sue Foley and her unique Texas blues sound. The album features 11 tracks of grit, sweat and devastating guitar playing that has propelled Sue Foley to the top of the Blues world. It’s a retrospective collection of songs from her recording career, with a few surprise covers thrown in.

First arriving in Austin in 1991 at the urging of nightclub impresario Clifford Antone, it’s in that era of Austin where she cut her teeth amongst infamous Texas guitar slingers like Albert Collins and The Vaughan Brothers. It’s all come down to this one hot Friday night in Austin, playing to a packed club. It’s real. And it’s tough as nails. That’s Sue at the top of her game. You can pre-order it here.

This past May, Foley was awarded the Blues Music Award for Traditional Blues Female Artist (Koko Taylor Award) in Memphis TN — an award she also won in 2022 and 2020. She was also recently honored with Guitarist of the Year and Blues Act of the Year at the at the 2023 Austin Music Awards, and Guitarist of the Year at the 2023 Maple Blues Awards. Her last album Pinky’s Blues took home Best Traditional Blues Album at the 2022 Blues Music Awards.

Sue Foley Live in Austin Vol 1 Track Listing and Credits

1: Introduction by Steve Wertheimer (00:29)
2: New Used Car (3:47)
(Sue Foley, Mechanicsville Music SOCAN/ASCAP)
3: Walkin’ Home (3:22)
(Sue Foley, Robert Grant, Mechanicsville Music SOCAN/ASCAP)
4: Highwayside (4:03)
(Sue Foley, Mechanicsville Music SOCAN/ASCAP)
5: Howlin For My Darlin (4:59)
(Willie Dixon, Chester Burnett, Hoochie Coochie Music, Arc Music BMI)
6: Queen Bee (4:19)
(James Moore, Embassy Music Corp, BMI)
7: Hooked On Love (aka Lucky Lou) (4:07)
(Jodi Williams, ARC Music, BMI)
8: Positively 4th Street (5:25)
(Bob Dylan, Sony Music Entertainment)
9: Me and My Chauffeur Blues (4:27)
(Ernest Lawler, Songs of Universal Inc., Wabash Music Company, BMI)
10: Better (4:52)
(Sue Foley, Mechanicsville Music, SOCAN/ASCAP)
11: High Roller (5:01)
(Richard Alan Nielsen, Tom Petersson, Robin W Zander, Adult Music, Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc., BMI, SESAC)

Montreal’s Musical Maverick YA NO Makes a Sensational Comeback with Mesearch: A Genre-Defying Debut Album

Eric Alper
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0
Montreal’s Musical Maverick YA NO Makes a Sensational Comeback with Mesearch: A Genre-Defying Debut Album

Montreal-based YA NO is turning heads with his debut album Mesearch, out now. After over a decade-long hiatus, Edmund Lam has redefined his musical artistry and sound and has come back to the Montreal music scene as genre-defying artist YA NO.

Formerly a member of electro pop duo Hexes & Ohs, Lam’s musical comeback consists of a melting pot of genres, with indie pop at the core, fused with alternative R&B and rap influences. YA NO pulls influence from artists like Mac Miller, Toro y Moi, and Frank Ocean. Mesearch embraces musical diversity with its tracks making leaps from electro grooves to smooth soulful R&B to syncopated rap rhythms.

Before its release, the 9-track record was a project of nearly two years in the making. The creation of Mesearch began during the pandemic as a venture to cure boredom and explore what new sound could come of making music again. The album was produced, written, and recorded entirely by the multi-instrumentalist himself. “[I’m] very happy I found a new voice with the best music I’ve ever made,” he says. Lam made his musical debut as YA NO at the end of 2021. The name originates from Canadian lingo where “yeah no” means no and “no yeah” means yes.

Alongside the album, the bedroom electro artist released a music video for his single “Too Much.” Inspired by 90s magazines and fashion ads, the video pairs the synth-pop single with complimenting visuals. Lam teamed up with video director Fedya Vinkovetsky to produce the ingenious video which features an all-Asian cast in celebration of Montreal’s vibrant Asian creative community.

The debut full-length album has come as a success, leading YA NO to sign with an independent music publisher. The artist presented his pandemic-inspired album to a few contacts in the industry and ultimately started a bidding-war between publishers. YA NO signed with Third Side Music in 2023, undoubtedly with a plentiful electro-filled future ahead.

David Foster Wallace Gets Animated For His “Your Mind is an Excellent Servant, but a Terrible Master” Commencement Speech

Eric Alper
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David Foster Wallace Gets Animated For His “Your Mind is an Excellent Servant, but a Terrible Master” Commencement Speech

David Foster Wallace was brilliant American writer and university professor in the disciplines of English and creative writing. This speech is from his graduation address at Kenyon College in 2005.

The most profound ideas are the most difficult to articulate because they express thoughts that transcend words. Many of us struggle through life because we are stuck in our “default setting”, where we unconsciously see ourselves as the absolute center of the universe. David Foster Wallace presents an alternative way to see the world in this timeless speech.

I really wish he was around today.

Depeche Mode’s ‘Enjoy the Silence’ As Performed By Postmodern Jukebox

Eric Alper
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Depeche Mode’s ‘Enjoy the Silence’ As Performed By Postmodern Jukebox

“Enjoy the Silence” by Depeche Mode if it was released in the 1920s performed by a jazz group – in this case, Postmodern Jukebox featuring Chloe Feoranzo.

Critically Acclaimed Toronto-Based World Music Artist Vandana Vishwas Releases “Kabeera – The Thinker..” Album

Eric Alper
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Critically Acclaimed Toronto-Based World Music Artist Vandana Vishwas Releases “Kabeera – The Thinker..” Album

Vandana Vishwas, the critically acclaimed World Music artist from Mississauga, Ontario, is set to unveil her latest musical masterpiece, “Kundaliyaan – 1,” from her upcoming album, “Kabeera – The Thinker….” – releasing 11 October 2023.

“Kundaliyaan – 1” is a significant milestone in Vandana’s illustrious career, showcasing her unique fusion of Indian poetry and contemporary musical arrangements. Her new single is a compelling exploration of the poetic genre known as ‘Kundali,’ rooted in Hindi poetry, characterized by its complex metering. Vandana delves into this elaborate form, inspired by the timeless verses of the great Indian thinker and poet, Kabeer Das. In “Kundaliyaan – 1,” Vandana creatively weaves Kabeer’s profound insights with the enchanting Raag ‘Ahir Bhairav,’ creating a musical tapestry that unravels deep truths in an expressive and captivating manner.

Vandana’s forth album “Kabeera – The Thinker…” which is set to be released on October 11, 2023, pays homage to Kabeer Das’s wisdom, encapsulating his penchant for minimalism combined with universal love and compassion, which are the essentials of Indian culture. The making of this album was a labour of love for Vandana, who meticulously selected eight of Kabeer’s most powerful poems, including the iconic ‘Kundaliyaan,’ to create two distinct compositions—’Kundaliyaan – 1′ and ‘Kundaliyaan – 2.’ Each track capturing the essence of Kabeer’s profound philosophy.

Throughout the creative process, Vandana collaborated with her musical and life partner Vishwas Thoke, who contributed with his guitar skills and musical flare.

“My creative process in making this incredibly fulfilling album led me to some outstanding poetry by Kabeer Das which I had to narrow down to eight,” said the 2017 Best World Music Video award winner. “It took me months to select these eight tracks including carrying ‘The Complete Works of Kabeer Das’ everywhere I went – coffee breaks, long drives, vacations… even river cruises.”

The making of this album began with the release of ‘Mann Lago’ as a single in 2021. However, the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the production of the full album. Vandana was determined to complete the remaining tracks but faced a shortage of funds. Fortunately, Vandana secured partial funding from the Ontario Arts Council, which enabled her to complete the record.

Vandana is a celebrated World Music artist who transitioned from a successful career in architecture to pursue her lifelong passion for music. Despite facing a challenging medical condition from early childhood, Vandana displayed remarkable musical talent, earning a degree in North Indian Classical Vocal music, and becoming an All-India Radio artist during her teenage years.

When Vandana and her husband Vishwas moved to Toronto, it rekindled her love for music. She released her debut album, “Meera – The Lover…” in 2009, which marked her entry into the North American World Music scene, earning critical acclaim and several awards. Subsequent releases like “Monologues” in 2013 and “Parallels” in 2016 continued to garner recognition and accolades, with the latter album achieving significant chart success and earning her awards, including the Marty Award by Mississauga Arts Council, Toronto Independent Music Award for World Music, US Independent Music Award as well as nominations in Canadian Indies, KM Hunter Award for music by Ontario Arts Council and more.

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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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