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The Tragically Hip Announce Deluxe Boxset To Commemorate 25th Anniversary Of ‘Phantom Power’ Out November 3

Music

Eric Alper

-

Aug 31, 2023

The Tragically Hip Announce Deluxe Boxset To Commemorate 25th Anniversary Of ‘Phantom Power’ Out November 3

Following the celebration of a Diamond Certification for their best-selling, greatest hits compilation, Yer Favourites, today The Tragically Hip announce an extensive deluxe boxset to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of their revered album, Phantom Power, due out November 3. 2023 and available now for pre-order here.

Phantom Power, The Tragically Hip’s sixth album, was originally released on July 14th, 1998, featuring three of the band’s biggest career hits including “Bobcaygeon” which is recognized as one of the band’s most enduring signature songs and won the Juno Award for Single of The Year in 2000 and “Poets” which spent 12 weeks at #1 on Canadian alternative radio plus “Fireworks” which is one of the band’s great hockey connected tracks used in many synchs over the years. You can list to “Bumblebee” now here.

The Phantom Power 25th Anniversary boxset is bound to be the centerpiece of any collection featuring two double LP sets on 180g vinyl, with five never before heard tracks from the original recording sessions as well as a 2LP live show recorded from The Metropol in Pittsburgh, PA on October 2, 1998, plus an additional seven alternative versions curated by the band. The boxset comes complete with a 24-page original Bobcaygeon illustrated video storyboard with behind-the-scenes photos, a 12 X 12, 64-page coffee table book documenting the history of Phantom Power by producer Steve Berlin that includes rare photos, concert posters and track by track descriptions from the band. For a full recap of this special release, watch the unboxing video HERE. The package will also be available as a three-disc CD format.

The Phantom Power 25th Anniversary release follows a series of special deluxe packages – Road Apples 30th Anniversary Deluxe Boxset (2021), Fully Completely Vinyl Release (2022) – as the band prepare to celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2024. Next year, to celebrate four decades of The Tragically Hip, the band will release a deluxe set of their breakthrough album Up to Here, a previously announced four-part Amazon documentary, and much more.

Phantom Power 25th Anniversary Boxset Track Listing:

LP 1—Side A
1. Poets
2. Something On
3. Save The Planet
4. Bobcaygeon

LP 1—Side B
1. Thompson Girl
2. Membership
3. Fireworks
4. Vapour Trails

LP 2—Side A
1. The Rules
2. Chagrin Falls
3. Escape Is At Hand For The Travellin’ Man
4. Emperor Penguin

LP 2—Side B—Bonus Tracks
1. Bumblebee
2. Insomniacs
3. Songwriters Cabal
4. Vegas Strip
5. Mystery

LP 3—Side A— Recorded live October 2, 1998 at the Metropol, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
1. Save The Planet
2. Twist My Arm
3. Poets
4. Gift Shop

LP 3—Side B
1. Bobcaygeon
2. Nautical Disaster
3. Ahead By A Century
4. The Luxury

LP 4 –Side A
1. Fireworks
2. Springtime In Vienna
3. Chagrin Falls
5. New Orleans Is Sinking

LP 4—Side B
1. Grace, Too
2. Escape Is At Hand for the Travellin’ Man
3. At the Hundredth Meridian

LP 5—Side A—Alternates
1. Super Farmer Nano Baby
2. Something On
3. Chagrin Falls
4. Fireworks

LP 5 –Side B
1. Thompson Girl
2. Escape Is At Hand For The Travelin’ Man
3. Bobcaygeon

CD/Digital

Disc One
1. Poets
2. Something On
3. Save The Planet
4. Bobcaygeon
5. Thompson Girl
6. Membership
7. Fireworks
8. Vapour Trails
9. The Rules
10. Chagrin Falls
11. Escape Is At Hand For The Travellin’ Man
12. Emperor Penguin

Bonus Tracks
13. Bumblebee
14. Insomniacs
15. Songwriters Cabal
16. Vegas Strip
17. Mystery

Disc Two—Recorded live October 2, 1998 at the Metropol, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

1. Save The Planet
2. Twist My Arm
3. Poets
4. Gift Shop
5. Bobcaygeon
6. Nautical Disaster
7. Ahead By A Century
8. The Luxury
9. Fireworks
10. Springtime In Vienna
11. Chagrin Falls
12. New Orleans Is Sinking
13. Grace, Too
14. Escape Is At Hand for the Travellin’ Man
15. At the Hundredth Meridian

Disc Three—Alternates
1. Super Farmer Nano Baby
2. Something On
3. Chagrin Falls
4. Fireworks
5. Thompson Girl
6. Escape Is At Hand For The Travelin’ Man
7. Bobcaygeon

Phantom Power Atmos Mix on Blu-ray and available on digital platforms:
1. Poets
2. Something On
3. Save The Planet
4. Bobcaygeon
5. Thompson Girl
6. Membership
7. Fireworks
8. Vapour Trails
9. The Rules
10. Chagrin Falls
11. Escape Is At Hand For The Travellin’ Man
12. Emperor Penguin

HYBE X Geffen Records Announce Contestants For Unprecedented Global Girl Group

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 31, 2023

0

HYBE X Geffen Records Announce Contestants For Unprecedented Global Girl Group

Today, music industry powerhouses HYBE and Geffen Records revealed the 20 contestants from around the world who will be competing for a spot in the first-ever HYBE x Geffen Records global girl group. The young women from diverse countries were selected after more than 120,000 submissions since HYBE and Geffen announced the joint venture, HYBE x Geffen Global Girl Group Audition, in November of 2021.

The one-of-a-kind joint venture marks the first time a major U.S. record label and a K-pop entertainment leader have combined their expertise in artist discovery, and music production to assemble, develop, and introduce an international girl group unlike any other. This also notably represents the first time a U.S.-based, truly global girl group will be created and modeled based on the world-renowned K-pop training and development system, under which the contestants have been quietly training over the last year in Los Angeles, CA.

The years-long process of creating this one-of-a-kind girl group will be the subject of an upcoming untitled Netflix documentary series. With unprecedented access, the series will be a compelling portrayal of the journey to global stardom, including insight into the unique training and development program from HYBE and Geffen Records. It will be directed by award-winning filmmaker, Nadia Hallgren, who was at the helm of the four-time Emmy® nominated Netflix documentary, Becoming. The series produced by HYBE, Interscope Films and Boardwalk Pictures is set to premiere in 2024.

Starting now, the 20 aspiring artists will participate in a world-class audition program titled “The Debut: Dream Academy”, and fans can follow the contestants as they embark on the audition program. The content will premiere on September 1^st at 8am U.S. PDT on YouTube (Global), and ABEMA (Japan). At the end of the audition program later this year, the final members of the group will be determined, and the name of the group will be revealed.

This groundbreaking global girl group will also be integrated into the Weverse fandom platform, allowing global fans to closely follow the transformative journey of the 20 exceptionally gifted contestants in the audition program.

At the press event, which took place at the IGA Studios in Santa Monica, CA, the leaders behind this unprecedented project, Bang Si-Hyuk (Chairman of HYBE) and John Janick (Chairman & CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M), shared the history and vision for the HYBE x Geffen Records partnership. They also offered insight into the upcoming girl group and how it will impact the music industry on a global scale.

Bang says, “I have wanted to form an international group based on K-pop methodology for a while. To do this I believed we needed a capable partner. When I met John (Janick), from the first moment, we both felt instantly that we had a connection, musically and creatively. I am very proud of the rich history we have made and the tremendous talent we have found. I am proud of the opportunities we have created within the K-Pop universe.”

Janick states, “Since we began our partnership two years ago, Bang and I have often spoken about our shared beliefs in artist development, music and creativity. To develop a global group with Bang, with the best of K-Pop methodology, and our Geffen team, is truly special and will bring to life a first-of-its kind experience in music. Each candidate is incredibly talented, dedicated, and driven, making this an exciting moment for music fans around the world.”

Following the remarks by Bang and Janick, a panel of experts who were instrumental to the project held an in-depth Q&A. The experts included, Tom March (President, Geffen Records), Mitra Darab (President, HxG), Sungdeuk Son (Executive Creator, HxG), Humberto Leon (Creative Director), and Jay Ihn (Head of Creative Production, HxG).

The evening wrapped with the reveal of the 20 contestants from around the world competing for a spot at global stardom. An art film introducing the contestants and showcasing their talents was presented at the press event. Watch it HERE.

Separately, “The Debut: Dream Academy” audition program content will be available to watch online. It will premiere on September 1^st at 8am U.S. PDT on YouTube (Global) and ABEMA (Japan) and will span across 12 weeks leading up to the live finale on November 17^th where the top contestants will vie for a spot in the final group. Fans will play a crucial role throughout the entire competition via fan voting on Weverse and TikTok.

Alongside fan voting, a panel of experienced evaluators will offer valuable feedback and guidance to the contestants, playing an essential role in shaping the growth and development of these talented young women.

Peter Gabriel Releases Love Can Heal (Bright Side Mix) New Single Out Now

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 31, 2023

1

Peter Gabriel Releases Love Can Heal (Bright Side Mix) New Single Out Now

On the full moon, Thursday 31 August, the second full moon of August, Peter Gabriel releases the ninth track from the album i/o. This month the song is “Love Can Heal” and the first version to be heard is the Bright-Side Mix, by Mark ‘Spike’ Stent.

Written and produced by Peter Gabriel, “Love Can Heal” is ‘a dreamy, experiential piece with some abstract imagery,’ says Gabriel, ‘a carpet of sound, a tapestry where things are woven together, but not necessarily supposed to stick out, but just form part of a whole.’

Love Can Heal is a song that has been performed during the recent i/o tour, but actually had its live premiere during Peter Gabriel and Sting’s Rock, Paper, Scissors tour of the North America of 2016.

‘Love Can Heal was written around 2016 and I did start playing it midway through the tour and dedicated it to Jo Cox, who was the British MP brutally murdered by an extremist and someone that I had met at a leadership conference. I think the song fits right in to the themes of the album in the sense that i/o is about feeling and being connected to everything and in a way, the next evolution of being connected to things is a feeling of love for everything.’

Though not directly related to the song, there is this peripheral connection and inspiration that comes from Gabriel’s interest in the parallels between how people, over many centuries, have used psychedelic drugs for mystical experiences and the current clinical research of many Universities into their healing powers – ‘it sounds trite just to say ‘love can heal’, but I really believe that it is a key element and that when people feel interaction, warmth, giving, part of something alive and not isolated, that they’re much more likely to do well and be able to offer more themselves. The music began with this meditative, repeated sequence and the essence of all these sounds was trying to create a sensual palette. With the work that Hans-Martin Buff’s been doing on the immersive mix too, you’re getting this sense of being touched in many places and it should be a place just to drift off into. That was my aim.’

Love Can Heal was primarily recorded at Real World Studios, Bath and The Beehive, London but it also features live elements from Linnea Olsson (cello and vocal) and Jennie Abrahamson (vocal), ‘wonderful musicians’, recorded in Toronto during the Rock, Paper, Scissors tour. Their two voices are joined by those of Melanie Gabriel and also Ríoghnach Connolly on lead vocals creating ‘a warm, soft vocal blanket that surrounds you.’

This second August full moon release comes with artwork from the artist Antony Micallef and his work ‘a small painting of what I think love looks like’.

‘Antony Micallef is a stunning painter. I’d seen some of his portraits and they are with thick layers of paint, so there were references to Auerbach and Bacon for me, just very physical, very powerful and I just fell in love. Those paintings, in some ways, are more brutal, but this one is so tender and I think Antony manages to capture a lot of that intimate tenderness around love that is very hard to put into pictures. I was delighted when he was happy to be part of this.’

Antony Micallef adds:

‘I was listening to a few of the songs and it’s interesting because it’s like putting on clothes and going ‘oh, this suits me’ or ‘that doesn’t suit me.’ With Love Can Heal I could see my images coming up when I was hearing it so you begin to home-in and that’s how it starts. I love artists who take risks and Peter’s always chopped and changed and I like to do that too with my work and you know it doesn’t just rest on this one thing.’

Micallef also collaborated with Aardman on the video that accompanies the song, ‘working with Aardman was amazing,’ he says ‘I love processes, especially in other mediums and so I found the mechanics of how this stuff comes together really interesting.’

‘Obviously I worked quite a lot with Aardman in the past,’ says Gabriel, ‘and Antony loved their work, so we talked to them, not sure if this was something that they might want to do or not, and they did a beautiful job. Very simple, but very strong and I’m very pleased with it.’

Love Can Heal comes with differing mix approaches from Mark ‘Spike’ Stent (Bright-Side Mix), released on the full moon 31 August, and also from Tchad Blake (Dark-Side Mix) and Hans-Martin Buff’s Atmos mix (In-Side Mix), released in mid-September on the next new moon.

Further details on the release plans for the full album will follow.

The i/o tour continues in North America in September and October.

All dates are on sale now. livenation.com / petergabriel.com

i/o The Tour 2023

North America

Friday, 8 September               Quebec City, QC          Videotron Centre
Saturday, 9 September           Ottawa, ON                 Canadian Tire Centre
Monday, 11 September          Toronto, ON                Scotiabank Arena
Wednesday, 13 September    Montreal, QC              Bell Centre
Thursday, 14 September        Boston, MA                 TD Garden
Saturday, 16 September         Philadelphia, PA          Wells Fargo Center
Monday, 18 September          New York, NY              Madison Square Garden
Wednesday, 20 September    Washington, DC          Capital One Arena
Friday, 22 September             Buffalo, NY                  Keybank Center
Saturday, 23 September         Pittsburgh, PA             PPG Paints Arena
Monday, 25 September          Columbus, OH             Nationwide Arena
Wednesday, 27 September    Cleveland, OH             Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
Friday, 29 September             Detroit, MI                  Little Caesars Arena
Saturday, 30 September         Chicago, IL                   United Center
Monday, 2 October                Milwaukee, WI            Fiserv Forum
Tuesday, 3 October                St Paul, MN                 Xcel Energy Center
Saturday, 7 October               Vancouver, BC            Rogers Arena
Sunday, 8 October                  Seattle, WA                 Climate Pledge Arena
Wednesday, 11 October         San Francisco, CA        Chase Center
Friday, 13 October                  Los Angeles, CA           Kia Forum
Saturday 14 October              Palm Springs, CA         Acrisure Arena
Monday, 16 October              Denver, CO                  Ball Arena
Wednesday, 18 October         Austin, TX                    Moody Center
Thursday, 19 October             Dallas, TX                    American Airlines Center
Saturday, 21 October             Houston, TX                Toyota Center

Chic Guitarist Nile Rodgers Joins ‘Fresh Air’ To Celebrate 50 Years Of Hip-Hop

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 31, 2023

0

Chic Guitarist Nile Rodgers Joins ‘Fresh Air’ To Celebrate 50 Years Of Hip-Hop

Nile Rodgers’ “Good Times” guitar groove was later sampled in the Sugar Hill Gang’s 1979 hit “Rapper’s Delight,” widely considered the first crossover hip-hop song. Originally broadcast in 1996.

TAYLOR SWIFT | THE ERAS TOUR History-Making, Record-Breaking Concert Film Experience Comes to AMC Theatres

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 31, 2023

0

TAYLOR SWIFT | THE ERAS TOUR History-Making, Record-Breaking Concert Film Experience Comes to AMC Theatres

AMC Theatres, the largest theatrical exhibitor in the United States and the world, today announced that TAYLOR SWIFT | THE ERAS TOUR record-breaking concert is headed to thousands of movie theatre screens in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In a groundbreaking programming initiative for AMC and the domestic theatrical industry, beginning Friday, October 13, music lovers throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico will be able to enjoy TAYLOR SWIFT | THE ERAS TOUR concert film at movie theatres, with their huge screens and state-of-the art sound systems.

TAYLOR SWIFT | THE ERAS TOUR concert was attended by more than three million Taylor Swift fans during the first leg of its U.S. run. Not only did it shatter all concert sales records, it also left tens of millions of adoring fans wanting more, either because they attended the concert and wanted to see it again, or after being unable to obtain tickets for sold out performance after sold out performance after sold out performance.

TAYLOR SWIFT | THE ERAS TOUR concert film will play at least four showtimes per day on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, at every AMC theatre location in the United States. Tickets are on sale now at AMCTheatres.com and Fandango.com.

To ensure the theatrical event is accessible and affordable for all who want to attend, AMC has worked on minimizing the ticket price and maximizing ticket availability.

All adult tickets at AMC’s U.S. theatres to TAYLOR SWIFT | THE ERAS TOUR concert film will be priced at only $19.89 plus tax, and children’s/senior tickets will be $13.13 plus tax, for all showtimes except branded premium large format screens. TAYLOR SWIFT | THE ERAS TOUR concert film also will be available in IMAX at AMC, Dolby Cinema at AMC, and other premium large formats for their standard up-charge fee which varies by format and theatre.

In anticipation of this announcement, AMC has upgraded its website and ticketing engines to handle more than five times the largest influx of ticket-buying traffic the Company has ever experienced before. But AMC is also aware that no ticketing system in history seems to have been able to accommodate the soaring demand from Taylor Swift fans when tickets are first placed on sale. Guests wanting to be the first to buy their tickets online may experience delays, longer-than-usual ticket-purchase waiting-room times and possible outages. AMC is committed to ensuring any delays or outages are addressed as quickly as possible.

This marks the inaugural step of a new line of business for AMC Entertainment. In addition to exhibiting TAYLOR SWIFT | THE ERAS TOUR concert film at its own theatres, AMC is also acting as the theatrical distributor, securing locations and screens with numerous other movie theatre operators throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. AMC already has secured deals with major theatrical exhibitors Cinemark in the U.S., Cineplex in Canada, and Cinepolis in Mexico, to show TAYLOR SWIFT | THE ERAS TOUR concert film. AMC expects that numerous other movie theatre operators will show this concert film experience in their theatres beginning October 13. AMC has engaged Variance Films to coordinate this booking with interested exhibitors in the United States.

Due to the unique nature of this incredible special event: No free movie passes will be accepted, and AMC Stubs A-List members may not use their membership to reserve tickets. For our IT systems to be able to accommodate anticipated huge initial demand, AMC will temporarily be restricting the usage of AMC Stubs rewards toward online ticket purchases. AMC also will temporarily scale back its website ticketing availability for most other movie titles. The full allotment of this weekend’s showtimes will be available for purchase at the box office at all AMC locations. To discourage speculation on secondary-ticketing sites, there will be no refunds offered on ticket purchases.

Doug MacNaughton Unveils Captivating “Follow Your Silence” as Anticipation Grows for Upcoming Album Release

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 30, 2023

0

Doug MacNaughton Unveils Captivating “Follow Your Silence” as Anticipation Grows for Upcoming Album Release

Toronto-based indie singer-songwriter Doug MacNaughton has released his latest single “Follow Your Silence,” the fourth single from his forthcoming album Old Enough To Know Better, set to be released in the Fall of 2023.

Through his lyrical talent, we see MacNaughton highlight the synergy and perfect unity in what can often be described as a noisy world.

“And as the wave is welcomed by the shore
The river welcomed by the sea
We have each other, evermore
Follow your silence, come to me”

Although the daily demands of life can often be hard and pressing, in his latest single, the singer-songwriter shares a hopeful message of finding peace in a busy world. Through groovy melodies and MacNaughton’s distinct jazzy folk sound, “Follow Your Silence” invites listeners to connect with love by following their peace, whatever that may be.

This latest single is a vocal and guitar-forward tune with a mellow melody that allows listeners to take three minutes out of their busy day and find a slice of silence. Pulling from the influences of Joni Mitchell and Frank Zappa, “Follow Your Silence” embraces MacNaughton’s airy and experienced vocals and his technical guitar skills. The indie single is masterfully backed with complimentary keyboard support from John Sheard and the rhythmic blend of drums and percussion by Jessica Stuart and Ryan Granville-Martin. Midway through the cohesive, well-rounded work of art, the musical ensemble is broken up by a harmonious guitar solo emphasizing the sweet sound of “Follow Your Silence.”

The speed at which MacNaughton completed the first version of this song speaks volumes about how relevant and accurate the lyrics are. The writing of “Follow Your Silence” was achieved in a single day back in 2018, yet the message rings as true as ever today. The indie artist touches on difficult issues that are prevalent in today’s age in lines like “Rent and food sure cost a lot. The stress and noise are too much for me.” Despite this, optimism remains at the forefront of the single—a theme MacNaughton is no stranger to.

In the forthcoming 8-track album, MacNaughton navigates through the hardships of loss and other hard-pressing issues. However, love and human connection conquers all, especially when it comes to Old Enough To Know Better. The multi-instrumentalist tackles the ebb and flow of life, all while asserting that love can get us through anything.

With large-scale experience ranging from musicals, operas, orchestra work, tribute concerts, and much more, MacNaughton’s extensive musical career has led him to the release of Old Enough To Know Better. Having written his first songs in 2017, the singer-songwriter is now ready to release the album that is nearly here. His songs have always existed in one-person versions, but soon, they will be ready to be liberated for many more to enjoy. Until then, “Follow Your Silence,” the fourth single from the album, has already been set free, and it’s yours to listen to now.

Jamie McRoberts’ “Having One Of Those Days” Highlights the Power of Patience in Relationships Amidst Anxiety

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 30, 2023

1

Jamie McRoberts’ “Having One Of Those Days” Highlights the Power of Patience in Relationships Amidst Anxiety

Anxiety can take a real toll on relationships. When either partner is feeling down or hurting, it’s important to be patient and remember that better days are ahead. Your relationships will be that much better for it. The belief that bad days won’t last forever is what Oakville, ON-based pop singer Jamie McRoberts espouses, in her new single “Having One Of Those Days”.

This is the third song released from her debut album, Bring Me Your ‘A’ Game, under the COA Productions banner. McRoberts crafted this single, in partnership with legendary songwriter, producer, and music executive Ross Vannelli, to offer a very contemporary take on love.

Her powerful and deeply personal ballad speaks the hard truth that people cannot always act or look their best. And, in her experience, you have “one of those days”, when life doesn’t go as per plan. She also unpacks the need to build relationship resilience to get through tough times together.

Having “One Of Those Days” is described by McRoberts as a tune that she holds “closest to her heart”, as it offers a glimpse into the world of anxiety she struggled with for most of her adult life.

McRoberts shared that she wasn’t ever interested in writing love songs. After initial discussions with Vannelli, she decided on creating music that speaks to those dealing with anxiety in relationships.

“Maybe it’s the times we are living
It seems like we are just existing
Tell me it’s gonna get better
It’s just a phase we’ll get through this together”

McRoberts believes that this tune is as close as they could get to a love song. “It’s the promise to a partner who is watching someone they love struggle, that it’s possible to put all of this stress behind them if they just hold on,” she added.

The song opens with gentle piano and vocals, where the vocalist speaks about how some days just don’t feel great and communicating with the partner feels like hard labor. The acoustic guitar and drums arrive right after the chorus, adding an element of hope and vulnerability, as McRoberts sings about holding on to each other and letting the storm pass.

This tune has all the classic country and pop appeal you could want for a message about anxiety and patience.

“I had already fallen in love with the instrumentals Ross had put together. And when he suggested the lyrical hook “having one of those days”, I knew immediately how to connect with that,” said McRoberts.

This song also helped her fall back in love with playing the piano.

Growing up as a classically trained pianist, she used to often associate the instrument with perfection, stress, and exhaustion. And the singer typically used it to play other people’s songs and stories. But when watching the video playback for “Having One Of Those Days” for the first time, she felt a surge of emotion.

“Now my instrument plays a big part in the telling of my own personal stories. My piano and I have come full circle, and there is something so wonderfully freeing about using it as part of telling my truths,” she said.

The tastefully directed and shot music video features McRoberts belting out powerful tunes on an elegant grand piano.

Since the age of 5, she has been training as an actor/performer and has not only performed Canada-wide but also performed Internationally.

She has been featured in Rock of Ages at Stage West Calgary and All Shook Up at Stage West Mississauga. Currently, she is in Maggie, a new Canadian Musical created and co-written by Johnny Reid and Matt Murray. “Just Like I Remember” is the first single off of Jamie McRoberts’ album, Bring Me Your ‘A’ Game.

Montreal’s Multi-Instrumentalist Dom Hemalas Finds Musical Solace With Creation Of Fab Band ‘Elegance On a Nudist Beach’

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 30, 2023

0

Montreal’s Multi-Instrumentalist Dom Hemalas Finds Musical Solace With Creation Of Fab Band ‘Elegance On a Nudist Beach’

All you need are ears.

Like for all of us, the pandemic presented Montreal-based multi-instrumentalist Dom Hemalas aka Elegance On a Nudist Beach, with more questions than answers. Locked in his basement and isolated from the outside, he chose a path of positivity rather than wallow; Hemalas threw himself into his music, recorded songs written past and present, and relished the burden of playing all parts.

Three years later, his self-titled and fully self-created LP “Elegance On a Nudist Beach” is a reality.

Hemalas is responsible for the entirety of the album’s songwriting, vocals, instrumentals, mixing, and mastering. That includes the lead single from the Lebanese Canadian musician’s project, “Without a Shadow of a Doubt.”

On the fifth song of the 10-track album, Hemalas delivers a cryptic tale of time, anguish, and fear over a psychedelic instrumental rife with flavor.

“And why don’t you take a pause?
From all those strings in your heart
And I know it’s me, yeah I’ve noticed too
From the start… Ooohhhh…”

It took Hemalas three years to produce the project – which was released online on Aug. 14 – since the start of recording, but that’s not when the concept began. Undertaking such a task had been on his mind since adolescence – a combined urgency from a Crohn’s disease diagnosis seven years ago, an invasive surgery four years ago, and a COVID infection while at his most vulnerable in 2020 pushed him to fulfill his long-lost goal of a solo album.

In fact, Hemalas had planned this for so long that the album’s name was decided years before while he was touring with his previous band, Heroes & Villains.

“The title was an inside joke that came up on the nudist beach in Toronto,” Hemalas explained. “I was standing there wearing my blazer when everyone around wasn’t wearing anything. I declared right then and there, ‘If one day I get to record my solo album, it’ll be called Elegance On a Nudist Beach.’”

His friends agreed, and they snapped some pictures of him displaying his elegance on the nudist beach. The album cover comes from a photo taken of Hemalas on that day.

Doing it all by himself was a big deal to Hemalas, but there was a time when he thought about looking for outside help to finish the album.

“After stumbling on the title from George Martin’s book, ‘All You Need Is Ears,’ I felt fuelled with the faith I could pull it off,” the artist said.

It wasn’t an easy process, but Hemalas worked with what he had. His basement was his main studio, though later in the pandemic, he utilized his jam space in the east end of Montreal to record late at night, when necessary.

“The learning curve was huge – from production to songwriting to becoming more proficient on the bass and piano,” Hemalas explained. “Most of the songs were about 70 percent there early on, but once they were up for recording, occasional riffs or a whole new section had to be come up with on the spot.”

Earlier this year, Hemalas had the idea of forming a band to perform his project in front of a live audience. That meant putting together a band – he could record it all himself, but a live performance is another beast.

“After many hours putting this LP together with a lot of attention to detail, the idea of only releasing it online wasn’t fathomable,” Hemalas said.

The multi-instrumentalist has been active in the Montreal music scene for close to 20 years. If you stay in any local music scene for that long, you’re bound to know a great musician or two. Fortunately for Hemalas’s sake, he knows more than two.

Hemalas assigned the role of lead singer and guitarist to himself, then enlisted the help of Dave Lines (keyboard/piano), John Gurnsey (bass), Chuck Doucet (lead guitar), and Yoann Gasniere (drums) to solidify the crew.

Peter Frampton Confirms New Dates On ‘Never Say Never’ Tour

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 30, 2023

0

Peter Frampton Confirms New Dates On ‘Never Say Never’ Tour

Following his nationwide run of summer tour dates, Grammy Award-winning guitarist Peter Frampton will continue the Never Say Never Tour with a string of November shows. The tour kicks off in Louisville, Kentucky at The Louisville Palace and includes stops at Austin, Texas’s Moody Theater, Birmingham, Alabama’s BJCC Concert Hall, Nashville, Tennessee’s Ryman Auditorium and more.

“I wanted to thank all who came to the Never Say Never tour this summer. I can’t thank you enough for your love and encouragement at every show!” says Frampton. “*Breaking news* I am going to be continuing the tour in November. I’m just a glutton for enjoyment and hope you can come see us.”

Tickets will be available at 10 A.M. local time on Friday, September 1 at peterframpton.com. See below for full tour routing.

The upcoming performances add to yet another landmark year for Frampton, whose spring tour announcement was unexpected by fans. The legendary musician announced a farewell tour four years ago after a diagnosis of the degenerative disease inclusion-body myositis, but with the aptly named Never Say Never Tour, Frampton is back, appearing on stages across America.

“At the end of every Finale Tour show I did say, ‘Never Say Never’ and I am always full of hope for the impossible. I’m very pleased to let you know that I am feeling strong and my fingers are still roaming the fretboard. Every note I play now has more meaning and soul. I love playing live and this fighter wants to stay in the ring for as long as he can. Much love, Peter.”

Citi is the official card of the Peter Frampton: Never Say Never Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets in select markets beginning August 30 at 10 A.M. local time until August 31 at 10 P.M. local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

Additionally, Frampton’s historic performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall will be released as a live album on September 1 via UMe/Universal Music Canada—pre-order/pre-save here. The record features nine live performances with Frampton’s long-standing band of Rob Arthur, Adam Lester, Dan Wojciechowski and Steve Mackey, and includes tracks “Show Me the Way,” “Baby, I Love Your Way,” “Do You Feel Like We Do?” and more. The legendary performance is currently streaming on PBS as part of their Pledge Drive.

Peter Frampton is one of the most celebrated artists and guitarists in rock history. In 2007, Frampton won a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album for Fingerprints and in 2014 was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. He received the prestigious Les Paul Innovation Award from NAMM’s TEC Awards in 2019 and his album All Blues was #1 for fifteen weeks on Billboard’s Blues Chart. In 2020 Frampton was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, his autobiography Do You Feel Like I Do?: A Memoir debuted on The New York Times Bestsellers list, and his 2021 album Frampton Forgets The Words was released to widespread critical acclaim.

Most recently, Frampton announced that on July 28 Intervention Records will release Frampton@50, a numbered limited-edition vinyl box set featuring Frampton’s essential 1972-1975 studio releases Wind of Change, Frampton’s Camel and Frampton.

Frampton is also set to receive The Myositis Association’s Heroes in the Fight 2023 Patient Ambassador Award on September 9th during their annual ceremony in conjunction with TMA’s Annual Patient Conference in San Diego, CA between September 7-10.

Later this year, Frampton will appear on Dolly Parton’s forthcoming album, Rockstar (out November 17), as the only artist featured on two tracks.

After 47 years, Frampton Comes Alive! remains one of the top-selling live records of all time selling over 17 million worldwide.

Peter Frampton tour dates:

Nov. 09 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace
Nov. 11 – Biloxi, MS – Hard Rock
Nov. 13 – Austin, TX – ACL Live, Moody Theater
Nov. 15 – Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre
Nov. 17 – Thackerville, OK – Lucas Oil Live
Nov. 18 – Tulsa, OK – River Spirit Casino
Nov. 20 – Birmingham, AL – BJCC Concert Hall
Nov. 22 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium