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Global Asian Music Festival 1MX Makes Its North American Debut in Toronto September 10

Eric Alper
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Global Asian Music Festival 1MX Makes Its North American Debut in Toronto September 10

TORONTO – After successful runs in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Manila and most recently London, renowned global Asian music celebration 1MX Music Festival will make its North American debut on Sunday, September 10, taking over the iconic Budweiser Stage in Toronto. The traveling showcase brings together the best in Asian food and music. International sensations UMI, Ben&Ben, thuy, Guapdad 4000, BGYO and Justin Park will all take the stage for the Toronto stop, along with JUNO-nominated headliner Dabin, and fellow Canadian DJs, DJ Jayemkayem, DJ Tilt and DJ Hedspin.

“We are excited to bring the first ever 1MX Music Festival in North America to the city of Toronto on September 10 at the Budweiser Stage,” said Jun del Rosario, Managing Director, ABS-CBN International – North and Latin America. “We want to host this family-friendly event as a way of bringing the community together for a day filled with world-class entertainment from Asian music artists mixed with other international performers. We eagerly look forward to this special celebration of music and culture.”

1MX features a tightly curated line-up of established and emerging Asian artists excelling in their genres and on track to becoming some of the next biggest acts in the world:

• Dabin is a JUNO-nominated music producer from Toronto that has made a lasting impact on the electronic music scene. Known for his signature blend of acoustic and electronic elements, Dabin captivates audiences with his dynamic live shows.
• UMI is a trailblazer in the R&B and neo-soul space, having captured audiences with her honest lyrics and healing sonics. The 23-year-old Seattle native embodies girl power, leading an all-female band and promoting uplifting personal connection in her music.
• Ben&Ben is a renowned Filipino folk-pop band that has been recognized as Spotify’s Most Streamed Artist in the Philippines. Their captivating music fuses electronic and acoustic instruments with poignant and truthful storytelling to create a truly mesmerizing musical experience.
• thuy is a rising independent recording artist and songwriter with over 150 million global streams to-date. The LA-based artist has made waves in the modern R&B scene with her angelic vocals and skillful songwriting that gives audiences music they can relate to.
• Guapdad 4000 is a Grammy-nominated artist hailing from West Oakland with an unstoppable momentum. His unique blend of charisma, lyricism and creativity, along with his electrifying live performances, have solidified his position as a rising star.
• BGYO have emerged as trailblazing forces in the Philippine music scene, rising to the top of the P-POP genre. Gelo, Akira, JL and Nate have uplifted their exceptional talent and Filipino pride to win over audiences globally and garner a collection of awards and recognition.
• Justin Park is a Korean-American R&B sensation that has seized hearts with his soulful voice. The LA-based artist has achieved critical acclaim and international attention from his addictive music and shoutouts from BTS’s Jungkook along with top publications.
• DJ Tilt is a genre-bending music connoisseur that continues to elevate the music scene with his unparalleled talent. From Toronto to New York, his infectious energy and versatile mixes have made him a favourite among private clients and prestigious brands and events, including the Google Inaugural Ball for President Barack Obama to name just one
• DJ Jayemkayem has solidified her reputation as one of Canada’s top open format selectors with the ability to energize diverse crowds. The Calgary-born and Toronto-based DJ has travelled the world and performed her undeniable talent alongside artists such as Majid Jordan and Skepta.
• DJ Hedspin is a Toronto-born artist and DJ that has proven himself as a true standout in the game. He is the World Champion of the Red Bull Thre3Style Competition and is renowned for his exceptional technical skills and energetically liberating live shows.
A truly immersive experience for all the senses, 1MX Toronto will also spotlight authentic Asian eats in partnership with food vendors from the GTA. Stay tuned for lineup and menu details later on this summer.

Carly Simon’s These Are The Good Old Days: The Carly Simon And Jac Holzman Story Gets CD And 2-LP Reissue September 15

Eric Alper
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Carly Simon’s These Are The Good Old Days: The Carly Simon And Jac Holzman Story Gets CD And 2-LP Reissue September 15

When Elektra Records’ founder Jac Holzman signed Carly Simon to his label in 1970, it was the beginning of an extraordinary friendship. Their story unfolds in a new collection of songs chosen and sequenced by Holzman. He follows the arc of Simon’s meteoric rise with a mix of hits and deep cuts selected from the singer-songwriter’s first three albums.

THESE ARE THE GOOD OLD DAYS: THE CARLY SIMON AND JAC HOLZMAN STORY will be released on September 15 on CD and 2 LPs. In addition, the music will be available from digital and streaming platforms. Simon’s rendition of John Prine’s “Angel From Montgomery” from the collection is available today digitally.

THESE ARE THE GOOD OLD DAYS includes 20 songs remastered for the collection. Most are taken from the Grammy winner’s first three albums—Carly Simon (1971), Anticipation (1971), and No Secrets (1972). They’re joined by an outtake of Simon covering John Prine’s “Angel From Montgomery” and the previously unreleased demo for “Alone.”

The new set touches on some of Simon’s biggest songs with “That’s The Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be,” a Top 10 hit in 1970, and “Anticipation,” a #13 hit from 1971, whose refrain serves as the title to the new collection. Also included is the #1 smash “You’re So Vain,” which, in 1973, topped the singles chart for three weeks in the U.S., where it was certified gold. Years later, in 2004, the song was inducted into the GrammyÒ Hall of Fame. However, for most of the collection, Holzman focuses on deep tracks like “The Love’s Still Growing,” “Our First Day Together,” and “Embrace Me, You Child.”

The demo debuts here for “Alone,” a song that would appear later on Carly Simon. This early recording was part of the five-song demo Simon made in 1970 with a band fronted by session ace David Bromberg. She sent the tape to three record labels that year, Columbia, Atlantic, and Elektra. Holzman—who first saw Simon perform in Greenwich Village with her sister in the late ’60s—invited Simon to lunch, where they forged the lasting friendship celebrated in this collection.

In the booklet accompanying the set, music historian Ted Olson details Simon and Holzman’s short (three albums in three years) but successful partnership. It’s illustrated with rare photos from the period, and the commentary by Olson includes fresh insights from new interviews conducted with Simon and Holzman expressly for this set.

Simon says working wit Holzman was one of the peaks of her career, “There was never more care given to me. Never more respect, and I can surely say that I would never have become a performer had it not been for that first call from Jac after listening to my first little demo cassette.”

Holzman adds, “Carly ad I created a lifelong friendship born from our ’70s music collaboration. I think the good and positive effect we had on each other resulted in records that were gifts for Carly fans and music lovers the world over.”

THESE ARE THE GOOD OLD DAYS: THE CARLY SIMON AND JAC HOLZMAN STORY
2-LP Track Listing

LP One: Side One
1. “Anticipation”
2. “It Was So Easy”
3. “Alone” – Demo *
4. “The Best Thing”
5. “Dan, My Fling”

Side Two
1. “I’ve Got to Have You”
2. “The Love’s Still Growing”
3. “Summer’s Coming Around Again”
4. “Our First Day Together”
5. “Embrace Me, You Child”

LP Two: Side One
1. “Legend In Your Own Time”
2. “That’s The Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be”
3. “The Carter Family”
4. “Angel From Montgomery”
5. “Julie Through The Glass”

Side Two
1. “His Friends Are More Than Fond of Robin”
2. “Reunions”
3. “The Right Thing to Do”
4. “We Have No Secrets”
5. “You’re So Vain”
* previously unreleased

Iconic Artists from Canada and Sweden to Celebrate Legendary Artist Ted Gärdestad

Eric Alper
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Iconic Artists from Canada and Sweden to Celebrate Legendary Artist Ted Gärdestad

No stranger to success, and the challenges of mental health and wellness that come with being in the spotlight, Lisa Hartt was recently asked to perform in Rinkaby, Sweden for the Lilla By Festivalen, a small boutique festival nestled in a family friendly setting. As well, Lisa will appear on a panel as an Ambassador for the Drive Foundation Canada to discuss mental wellness in the music industry.

Lisa is of Viking heritage, her father Jan Eisenhardt was Danish, a sports pioneer and superstar. He was a tireless advocate for health having run the Brolebet “Bridge run” in 2000 from Denmark to Sweden on the newly completed bridge at 94 years of age. Posthumously inducted to the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 2015, Major Eisenhardt is also a member of the Order of Canada, one of Canada’s most prestigious Awards given to Canadians of Excellence.

Watch the promo reel below

“I have always been proud of being half Dane and have wanted to return to Scandinavia to sing and share my joy at being a Viking. I have some relatives still living in Denmark and Sweden and I would love to get to know them better. Sadly, I never learned to speak the language, as my Mother was an “English only kind of girl, however, it is never too late. I am so looking forward to singing in the land of my forebears.”

Lisa Hartt has worked with, recorded with and toured with some of the world’s most legendary artists, including Anne Murray, Ken Tobias, Gino Vannelli, April Wine, Rayburn Blake of Mashmakhan, The Lisa Hartt Band, Phil Ramone, David Foster, Maurice White and Natalie Cole, and recently resurfaced performances with Ted Gärdestad.

Television was always a big part of Lisa’s career and participating in the 1979 show “Lyssna Till Musiken” or “Listen to the Music” with Ted Gärdestad and herself as co-hosts, was a never to be forgotten journey. A close friendship developed on the set in both Sweden and Canada that had the young singers sharing stories and their personal lives at length in the time between takes on the sets. While they talked about their lives, Lisa spoke about her brother Chris, who was suffering from a mental breakdown, been diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic, and was being treated in an institution in Montreal, Quebec. Ted shared his fears and dreams with Lisa about his time with Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and his own journey to the edge of darkness. He always said that writing was “a kind of therapy” for him and that is why he was so prolific. As with Lisa’s brother, neither Ted nor Chris were ever able to come to terms with their brain chemistry challenges, and both died far too young. Ted Gärdestad passed away in 1997 at the tender age of 42, Christopher Eisenhardt died in 2015 was 63 years of age.

While going through her files, Lisa found footage of both herself and Ted, and showed it to the Swedish/Canadian booking team and the folks at Lilla By Festivalen, never realizing she had in her possession cherished footage and heritage of a Swedish icon. As the story developed Lennart Ostlund, Ted’s Engineer and close friend at Polar Studios, Stockholm back in the day, was shown the footage, and the serendipitous journey began from there.
Watch the promo reel here: https://youtu.be/MTZ8FWBNH5M
“I have always cherished the time I spent in Sweden with Ted and the team and the close talks we had about our love lives, our spiritual leanings and our songwriting. I truly loved Ted as a brother, and to discover how his story is so important in the Swedish musical lexicon makes me so happy that I archived this footage and it has found its way into light once more to show his artistry and global reach. I am so glad to be celebrating this wonderful man and returning to my roots.”

Now Lisa Hartt, Lennart Ostlund and Janne Schaffer (another legendary guitarist in his own right) have made plans to perform and reunite at Lilla By Festivalen, August 25-26, 2023 in Rinkaby, Sweden.

In Sweden, Ted Gärdestad is an icon. A national treasure. His songs are sung at weddings, funerals, and parties. Some stanzas have become classic words used on Swedish coins, “Sun, Wind, and Water”. My Brother Ted – A Feature Movie Documentary is about to be released, is a touching declaration of love from a loving, big brother to a little brother. Parts of the film team, Anna Widerberg and Frederik Ydhag will participate in the Lilla By Festival to talk about the project to have the opportunity to meet and interview Canadian Lisa Hartt.

It is particularly serendipitous that two of the film’s participants, Janne Schaffer and Lennart Östlund, legends in their own right, also take part at Lilla By Festivalen.
Footage and videos of both Lisa Hartt and Ted Gärdestad, will be featured on the main stage, with his songs and Lisa’s being performed. Further details coming soon.

Lisa Hartt is also set to release her new EP August, 2023 called Arrival. The first single, “Don’t Tell Me How I Feel”, a song written and dedicated to her brother Christopher, was released in October 2023.

Francine Honey Invites You To ‘Come Sit In My Chair’ For An Intimate Folk Journey

Eric Alper
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Francine Honey Invites You To ‘Come Sit In My Chair’ For An Intimate Folk Journey

Ottawa-based Americana artist Francine Honey pays tribute to the charm of old-fashioned barbers while showing love to fathers everywhere in her heartwarming new single “Come Sit In My Chair.”

A personal anecdote on the profound connection found in getting your hair done, “Come Sit In My Chair” is a gentle reminder to appreciate the little moments in life.

Drawing inspiration from her family’s local salon in the small town of Tweed, Ontario, Francine Honey shares the intimate story of her father, a beloved barber in the community. Claude’s Hair Salon was a gathering place where locals would sit in his chair, share their stories, and receive a rejuvenating haircut that breathed new life into their spirits.

Produced and recorded live-off-the-floor in Nashville, “Come Sit In My Chair” brings together an extraordinary ensemble of musicians. Grammy-nominated Neilson Hubbard expertly produced and mixed the track while lending his exceptional drumming skills. The stellar lineup includes renowned musicians Pat Buchanan and Juan Solorzano on guitars, Dean Marold on bass, and Barry Walsh on piano. Dylan Alldredge engineered the recording at Skinny Elephant Recording Studios, and Jim Demain meticulously handled the mastering at YES Master Studios.

This musical endeavour is inspired by the dedication, commitment, unwavering moral code and work ethic exhibited by those in the hairdressing profession, like Honey’s father, Claude. Through his work, he became a confidant to many and helped shape the small town of Tweed, not uncommon with local barbers in many towns worldwide, furthering the song’s universal appeal.

Vibrant energy and family pride shine through with “Come Sit In My Chair,” particularly when Honey describes the enthusiastic work environment and beaming positivity radiating from Claude’s Hair Salon whenever a happy customer came into the salon.

“The hair fell down,
and He danced around the Chair as he crafted a style
The Swish of the scissors, the Buzz of the clippers,
‘fore you knew it, a brand new profile.”

Along with the new single, a music video for “Come Sit In My Chair” is set to be released on June 30th featuring Claude the Barber himself in Tweed, Ontario, where it all started. Scenes from Honey’s childhood are recreated, including a shot from when Honey was a little girl standing on a stool to cut Claude’s hair!

In 2018, Francine embarked on a collaboration with Grammy-nominated producer Neilson Hubbard in Nashville, TN. She recorded her 4th full-length album, “to be continued…,” live off the floor in just six days and found the sound that she had been hearing in her head for her music. That combined with a 5-minute life-changing vocal lesson with Beth Neilson Chapman in 2015, Francine finally had a project she was proud of, so she released this internationally. The album garnered critical acclaim worldwide, with her song “Stay” reaching the top 10 finalist position in the 2018 International Songwriting Competition in the Americana and Blues categories. among thousands of entries globally. The song “Snowflakes on my Eyelashes” reached millions of people and to this day continues to help people through loss with the music video and CBC Country radio airplay for the song “Open Road”
As a bilingual artist, Francine Honey has released several French singles, including “Chez mon oncle Lucien” and “Floçons de neiges sur mes cils,” which received regular airplay on various radio stations. Her French version of the song “I Soldier On,” titled “Je vis sans limites,” continues to be sought out for Remembrance Day ceremonies in schools.

Honey released the album “Take Me to the North Pole” in 2019, featuring two original songs and re-imagined Christmas classics infused with a Country-Americana southern swagger. Rolling Stone Magazine recognized the album as one of the Top 40 Christmas Albums of the Year.

Throughout her career, Francine has consistently released new music and connected with her fans through live performances. When the pandemic hit in 2020, she embraced the virtual world, hosting a weekly livestream series called “Honey In Your Coffee.” Her single “I Carry On,” dedicated to essential workers, reached over 1.8 million people and received recognition in songwriting competitions worldwide. This was followed by many single releases and the album “I Carry On” in 2021. “I Carry On” has also received critical acclaim with the songs and videos reaching millions of people around the world, 2 #1s, 1 in Canada and 1 in London England. Many songwriting award placements including the Blues and Roots Radio songwriting contest, the International Songwriting Competition and the UK Songwriting Competition.

Along with a growing list of accolades, Honey was most recently awarded the 2023 Songwriter of the Year Award by the Austin Songwriter Group International with ten song placements, winning in the Blues, Folk/Americana, Love Songs and Inspirational categories.

Honey is finding success on her own terms and is inspiring others to do the same, helping others reach for their dreams and healing themselves along the way. “I just want to keep going, writing and producing remarkable songs. I am a songwriter and storyteller. I know I’ll do this for the rest of my life. This is my legacy, one song at a time,” says Honey.

Fiddle-Singer and Songwriter Aleksi Campagne Stuns On Debut Bilingual Single “Won’t Be Scared” From Upcoming ‘For The Giving’ Album

Eric Alper
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Fiddle-Singer and Songwriter Aleksi Campagne Stuns On Debut Bilingual Single “Won’t Be Scared” From Upcoming ‘For The Giving’ Album

Aleksi Campagne, Montreal’s bilingual indie-folk fiddle-singer, is ready to captivate and comfort listeners with his debut single “Won’t Be Scared,” available in English and French on June 10th, with the full-length album, For The Giving released on July 13, 2023.

The lead single “Won’t Be Scared” from his highly anticipated debut album, For The Giving, was selected was selected as a finalist at Kerrville Folk Festival’s prestigious songwriting competition, where Aleksi was the only Canadian to compete. The song explores the courage required when leaving home and venturing to new places for the first time, echoing Campagne’s personal journey as an artist. Campagne began performing alongside his mother, Canadian folk icon Connie Kaldor, at the age of five, and at nineteen moved to Paris to study under jazz violin legend Didier Lockwood. By twenty-five, Campagne’s musical odyssey has led him to grace the stages of Canada’s renowned folk festivals, including the Mariposa Folk Festival, the Regina Folk Festival, Canmore Folk festival, and the Northern Lights Festival, among others.

Given the emphasis on the violin in his music, it may surprise audiences that, “I sometimes wished that I had studied a harmonic instrument, like the guitar or piano, instead of the violin when I was younger because it would have made singing and playing–my two passions–much easier,” says Campagne regarding the difficult skill of fiddle-singing, “But having grown up at folk festivals, I got to see legends like April Verch or André Brunet sing while accompanying themselves on the fiddle, so I knew it was possible. It’s really thanks to their example that I now also fiddle-sing–but in my own indie-folk way.”

“Won’t Be Scared” is structured to be as comforting to the listener as possible, evident in its heartfelt lyrics, rich acoustic guitar, and the powerful unison of voices at the song’s peak. The choir of voices singing together at the halfway mark is made up of members of Aleksi’s musical family, reinforcing the importance of togetherness and community during difficult times. As a nod to his bilingual roots, Campagne is proud to release the single in both English and French.

For The Giving was made possible through grants from the Canada Council for the Arts and FACTOR, enabling Campagne to record the album in his childhood home during the COVID pandemic. Despite the challenges posed by the health restrictions, Campagne collaborated with his band remotely, creating intricate arrangements and incorporating elements such as vocal harmonies, strings, and a whistle solo. The final recording process took place with the producer and the band living together in Aleksi’s childhood home for a month, ensuring a safe and cohesive production.

Hey, Here’s A New Song With Nothing But 4 Non Blondes, Queen, Led Zeppelin And Others Singing “Hey”

Eric Alper
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Hey, Here’s A New Song With Nothing But 4 Non Blondes, Queen, Led Zeppelin And Others Singing “Hey”

Hey, do you like this song created by Dustin Ballard of There I Ruined It entirely of 4 Non Blondes, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, The Ramones, Jimi Hendrix, and James Brown and others singing “Hey”?

Here’s Rick Astley Performing AC/DC’s ‘Highway to Hell’ at Glastonbury 2023

Eric Alper
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Here’s Rick Astley Performing AC/DC’s ‘Highway to Hell’ at Glastonbury 2023

No Rick-Rolling here, as Rick Astley performs a wicked cover of AC/DC’s ‘Highway to Hell’ at Glastonbury 2023

Britney Spears To Release Memoir “The Woman in Me” On October 24

Eric Alper
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Britney Spears To Release Memoir “The Woman in Me” On October 24

Britney Spears’ memoir The Woman in Me is a brave and astonishingly moving story about freedom, fame, motherhood, survival, faith, and hope, and gets released on October 24 through Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.

In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice—her truth—was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey—and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history.

Written with remarkable candor and humor, Spears’s groundbreaking book illuminates the enduring power of music and love—and the importance of a woman telling her own story, on her own terms, at last.

April Wine, Chilliwack, Glass Tiger, Lee Aaron, Lighthouse, Loverboy, Max Webster, Platinum Blonde, PRISM, Rough Trade, The Parachute Club, Trooper Added To Canada’s Walk Of Fame

Eric Alper
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April Wine, Chilliwack, Glass Tiger, Lee Aaron, Lighthouse, Loverboy, Max Webster, Platinum Blonde, PRISM, Rough Trade, The Parachute Club, Trooper Added To Canada’s Walk Of Fame

When it comes to music, Canada has plenty to celebrate! Today, Canada’s Walk of Fame announces that 13 of the country’s rock royalty from the ‘70s and ‘80s will be added to its distinguished ranks: April Wine, Chilliwack, Glass Tiger, Lee Aaron, Lighthouse, Loverboy, Max Webster, Michel Pagliaro, Platinum Blonde, PRISM, Rough Trade, The Parachute Club, and Trooper.

To commemorate this first-of-its-kind mega induction, Canada’s Walk of Fame presents Canada’s Rock of Fame at Massey Hall on September 28, alongside official partners Anthem Entertainment and Live Nation. This is the first of two induction ceremonies in 2023 as part of the organization’s 25th anniversary events, followed by the annual induction ceremony and broadcast in December.

All 13 rock legends will be in attendance during this unforgettable night featuring live performances of the hits that music lovers have enjoyed for decades, special guests, a reunion of Canadian DJ legends, and more. Led by award-winning musical director Lou Pomanti, a who’s who of presenters, performers and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets for Canada’s Rock of Fame go on sale Friday, July 14 at 10 a.m. ET at Ticketmaster.com.

Today’s announcement of iconic Canadian rock bands and musicians join previously announced 2023 Inductees, including a champion of Human Rights and Social Justice, Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella (Humanitarianism), the Canadian youth culture phenomenon,  Degrassi (Arts and Entertainment), Canada’s record-breaking NHL Sensation, Connor McDavid (Sports and Athletics), beloved television superstar and influential commentator, Rick Mercer (Arts and Entertainment), and the oldest living Inductee at 104 years young, Canada’s preeminent neuropsychologist, Dr. Brenda Milner (Science, Technology and Innovation). More Inductees will be announced in the coming months, along with this year’s Allan Slaight Music Impact and National Hero Honourees.

About Canada’s Rock of Fame Inductees:

April Wine

Hometown: Halifax, NS

Years Active: 1969-1986, 1992 – present

April Wine is a legendary Canadian rock band known for their infectious melodies and timeless hits. With over 10 million albums sold worldwide, their extensive discography includes over 20 studio albums, with classic hits like Bad Side of the Moon, Roller, I Like to Rock, and Just Between You and Me, which was the first video by a Canadian artist to be played on MTV. Their fifth album, “Stand Back,” has gone double platinum in Canada, cementing their status as a national treasure. In 2009, April Wine was inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame and received the JUNO Lifetime Achievement Award. The following year, they were also inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

Chilliwack

Hometown: Vancouver, B.C.

Years Active: 1970-1988, 1997 – present

Award-winning, gold and platinum-selling supergroup Chilliwack produced some of the most enduring Canadian rock songs of the 1970s and ‘80s. Among the band’s Canadian and international hits are Lonesome Mary, Fly at Night, California Girl, My Girl (Gone Gone Gone) and Whatcha Gonna Do. Releasing 12 albums over a 14-year period, Chilliwack’s catchy, easygoing hooks and bright, melodic style were distinguished by the falsetto vocals and tasteful guitar playing of lead singer and songwriter Bill Henderson. In 2019, Chilliwack was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

Glass Tiger

Hometown: Newmarket, ON

Years Active: 1983 – present (hiatus 1993-2003)

Grammy Award nominees and five-time JUNO Award winners (13 times nominated), Glass Tiger formed in the early ‘80s out of Newmarket, Ontario and has become one of the most successful bands in Canadian music history with over 5 million albums sold. Their 1986 debut album, “The Thin Red Line’ went multi-platinum in Canada, gold in the U.S. and led to the hit singles Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone) and Someday. Throughout their illustrious career, Glass Tiger has shared stages and performances with some of the world’s leading acts, such as Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Bryan Adams, Journey, Julian Lennon and Cheap Trick, to name a few.

Lee Aaron

Hometown: Brampton, ON

Years Active: 1980 – present

Lee Aaron is one of Canada’s most iconic vocalists, songwriters, producers, and fearless re-inventors. With an impressive 40+ year career spanning 18 albums and multiple hit singles, she has undertaken successful forays into rock, pop, jazz and even opera.

A pioneer of female-fronted rock in Canada, Aaron released her debut album, “The Lee Aaron Project,” in 1982. Her sophomore release, 1984’s “Metal Queen,” established Aaron as a trailblazer for women in the genre, elevating her to icon status with legions of rock fans worldwide. The title track is a genderless anthem of empowerment for all fans. A 10-time JUNO Award nominee, Aaron’s 1989’s “BodyRock” and 1991’s “Some Girls Do,” achieved multi-platinum status and included hit singles like Whatcha Do to My Body, Hands On, and Some Girls Do.

Lighthouse

Hometown: Toronto, ON

Years Active: 1969 – present

Lighthouse’s brand of free-wheeling, jazz-rock-classical fusion took Canada by storm following their debut in May 1969 at Toronto’s Rock Pile. Touring up to 300 days a year across Canada, the US, Europe and Asia, Lighthouse was recognized as one of the best-performing acts of their time. Fifty-five years later, they’re still touring and creating that same high-spirited excitement for fans old and new. Lighthouse has received multiple awards and honours, and their impressive catalogue of 23 albums, several reaching Diamond, Platinum and Gold status, have produced hits such as Sunny Days, One Fine Morning, Pretty Lady, Take it Slow (Out in the Country) and Hats Off (To The Stranger), all of which continue to receive daily radio play and covers.

Loverboy

Hometown: Calgary, AB

Years Active: 1979-1988, 1989, 1991 – present

For more than 40 years, Loverboy has been delighting audiences worldwide with their trademark red leather pants, bandannas, big rock sound and high-energy live shows. Loverboy has sold more than 10 million albums, earning four multi-platinum plaques, a trio of double-platinum releases and a string of rock staples, including Working for the Weekend, Lovin’ Every Minute of It, and Turn Me Loose, still heard on many classic rock radio stations around the world. The multiple JUNO Award winners and Canadian Music Hall of Famers were the first Canadian group to earn Columbia Records’ exclusive Crystal Globe Award, celebrating the sale of over five million albums. Loverboy’s reputation as an incredible live act has always been its calling card as the group continues entertaining fans of all ages.

Max Webster

Hometown: Toronto, ON

Years Active: 1972–1981, 1990, 1995–1996, 2007

Canadian rock band Max Webster was formed in Toronto in 1972. With frontman Kim Mitchell at the helm, the band released seven albums from 1976-1981 — six of which received Gold status certification and one Platinum certification in Canada. Max Webster cranked out a string of Canadian hits that include Hangover, High Class in Borrowed Shoes, Diamonds, Diamonds, Let Go The Line, A Million Vacations and Paradise Skies. From the mid-1970s to the early ‘80s, the band toured heavily, playing up to 250 dates a year and opening for rock music heavyweights such as Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Blondie, The Cars, Cheap Trick, Peter Gabriel, Genesis, The Guess Who, Kansas, Ted Nugent, Rainbow, Rush, REO Speedwagon and Styx.

Michel Pagliaro

Hometown: Montreal, QC

Years Active: 1966 – present

Singer-songwriter, producer and guitarist Michel Pagliaro rose to fame in the 1970s with his English and French language rock albums, and bridged the gap between anglophone and francophone Canada. His classics include the French hits Fou de toi, Si tu voulais, Louise, L’espion and J’Entends Frapper, which was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010 and became the bestselling single in Quebec history, and English favourites Lovin’ You Ain’t Easy, Rainshowers, Some Sing, Some Dance and What The Hell I Got. Among his many accolades, Pagliaro received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award in 2008 and was the first artist in Canada to have hit singles and gold records in both English and French. Pagliaro still performs today to crowds of loving fans.

Platinum Blonde

Hometown: Toronto, ON

Years Active: 1980-1990, 2010 – present

Known for meticulously arranged coifs and sturdy new-wave hooks, Platinum Blonde was founded in 1980 by British-born musician, composer and producer Mark Holmes. The band quickly rose up the charts in 1983 with their self-titled EP before releasing their debut album “Standing In The Dark” while on tour with Bryan Adams and Billy Idol. In 1985, they released their sophomore album “Alien Shores,” which received multi-platinum status and delivered generation-transcending hits Situation Critical, Somebody Somewhere and Crying Over You. Their third studio album, “Contact,” exceeded the ten times platinum sales mark and garnered the band a Gemini Award for Best Music Video. Platinum Blonde’s new wave sound defined a decade in Canadian music. In 2010, the band was Inducted into the Music, and Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame, and in 2012 released the critically acclaimed album Now & Never. Holmes continues to record and tour, with a new record set for 2024.

PRISM

Hometown: Vancouver, B.C.

Years Active: 1977-1982, 1988 – 2011

PRISM was formed in 1977 by producer Bruce Fairbairn, songwriter Jim Vallance, guitarist Lindsay Mitchell and singer Ron Tabak. The founders very quickly recruited John Hall (keyboards) and Rocket Norton (drums), followed by Al Harlow (bass) who joined in 1978. On the strength of eight albums and 21 singles, including “Spaceship Superstar,” “Armageddon,” and “Night to Remember,” PRISM’s live concerts sold out the country’s arenas, holding attendance records at many venues. PRISM won GROUP OF THE YEAR at the JUNO AWARDS in 1981.

Rough Trade

Hometown: Toronto, ON

Years Active: 1974-1988

Rough Trade was formed in Toronto in 1974 by multi-instrumentalist Kevan Staples and vocalist Carole Pope. Notorious for the openly sexual nature of their songs and the burlesque theatricality of their live performances — which often included bondage and sexual satire — the band was one of the first mainstream musical acts to include explicitly gay and lesbian references. Four-time JUNO Award winners Rough Trade are best known for the risqué, controversial hit single High School Confidential, which was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020. Rough Trade The Musical, written by Pope and Kate Rigg and starring Chilina Kennedy, is being workshopped in New York. A documentary on Carole’s life based on her autobiography Anti Diva is in development with the CBC, produced by Michelle Mama and Gay Agenda.

The Parachute Club

Hometown: Toronto, ON

Years Active: 1982-1989

Toronto-based music collective, The Parachute Club was active from 1982-1989. Formed by lead vocalist/guitarist Lorraine Segato and drummer Billy Bryans, the four-time JUNO Award-winning group emerged from the artistic fertile breeding ground of the Queen Street West neighbourhood that exploded throughout the ‘80s. Known for lyrics that embraced feminism, anti-racism and LGBTQ2S+ causes, they were one of the first mainstream acts in Canada to integrate world music influences into their sound, such as reggae and soca. Having performed throughout Canada, the U.S. and Germany, The Parachute Club released several top 40 hits, including At the Feet of the Moon, Love Is Fire, Love & Compassion and Rise Up, which is celebrating 40 years of being an anthem for social justice causes.

Trooper

Hometown: Vancouver, B.C.

Years Active: 1975 – present

Vancouver-based Trooper has churned out platinum albums and crowd-pleasing hits since 1975 with classic radio staples Raise a Little Hell, Boys in the Bright White Sports Car, and We’re Here for a Good Time (Not a Long Time). With its blend of upbeat pop and energetic rock, the JUNO Award-winning group has sold millions of records, recorded a couple of dozen hits, and is recognized as one of Canada’s top five-selling bands of all time. Trooper’s ten studio albums have earned multiple gold and platinum awards, and their multi-platinum greatest hits, Hot Shots, continues to be one of the country’s most enduring party soundtracks.

TICKETS: Tickets for Canada’s Rock of Fame go on sale through Ticketmaster.com on Friday, July 14, at 10 a.m. ET. A limited number of tickets will be sold during a general on-sale on Thursday, July 13, between 10 a.m.-10 p.m. ET, while supplies last. AMEX cardholders qualify for Front of the Line ticket access from Wednesday, July 12 at 10 a.m. ET to Thursday, July 13 at 10 p.m. ET.

Rockers HIGHWIND’s Latest Single “At What Cost” Reveals Love’s Price Tag: Nothing Comes Free

Eric Alper
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Rockers HIGHWIND’s Latest Single “At What Cost” Reveals Love’s Price Tag: Nothing Comes Free

Nothing comes free in life, and love is no exception. Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan rockers Highwind’s newest single, “At What Cost,” explains the price of humankind’s most precious emotion.

Rich with the apathy at punk’s core, vocalist Chase Rysavy unleashes his own tribulations onto the track.

“‘At What Cost’ is a song about being with someone that makes you feel alone,” the band explained. “No matter how hard you try to grasp onto them and fix things, it always seems to be wrong.”

The single fits neatly into the larger theme of Highwind’s latest EP, “Final Words.” Rysavy’s original idea for the project was to infuse the concept of grief being the cost of love. That displays itself openly in “At What Cost,” particularly in the track’s bridge, performed intensely by drummer and unclean vocalist Troy Waggoner:

“You’re breaking my heart
My meaning is lost
If love is the prize
Then grief is the cost”

Those who put themselves out there will be crushed. It is an inevitability that grief will follow after attaching oneself to someone or something, because it will one day be taken from you. This is the cost of love.

These are the harsh realities that Highwind explores in “Final Words.” In the band’s previous single from earlier this year, “Weighing You Down,” which describes the story of a hospitalized person who feels guilty for what their health is doing to their beloved partner.

“Final Words” is not Highwind’s first project – the band self-released “Cellar Door” in 2016, a full-length that was recorded live off the floor at Regina’s Blue Door Studios and went on to be chosen as one of Sask Music’s “Best Albums of 2016” – but it was its first with lead guitarist Ehren Pfeifer. Working entirely remote from Rysavy, Waggoner, and bassist and vocalist Eric Taylor, Pfeifer recorded all his parts in Toronto having never played with the band before.

But the chemistry shines through. “Weighing You Down” has become a regular on rock stations in Regina and Saskatoon, and “Finals Words” is gaining support from the Vancouver arts community.

It’s been a long time coming for the band whichbegan with Rysavy, Taylor, and Waggoner in 2014. The trio first collaborated long distance with some time together while on university breaks in their hometown of Moose Jaw. Their initial self-release, “We’re All Alone,” came in that year. It garnered praise from Vancouver-based magazine, Permanent Rain Press, which said that “Highwind might be the best thing by far to come out of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan … the band is capable of being more than just your average punk band.”

Now nine years later, the band is ready to break out onto the next level and make a national splash in Canada’s music scene. Check out Highwind’s latest piece of art, “At What Cost” – available now.

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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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