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MUSIC WITH MANDY Releases “Vacation in the Stars”: Jazz-Infused Family Entertainment for All Ages

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Mandy Morris, renowned as Music With Mandy, leads a jazz-infused family entertainment quartet based in Calgary. Their mission? To captivate children and young families with the irresistible charm of children’s music, featuring playful, witty lyrics, all underscored by a delightful jazz twist that’s sure to entertain both the young and the young at heart.

Music With Mandy’s latest album From My Head To My Toes: Songbook with CD, was met with critical and consumer acclaim when released in 2021. Their latest single, released this August 12th is titled “Vacation in the Stars”. For the uninitiated, Mandy’s innocent sounding voice evokes Sesame Street meets Diana Kroll. Having the ability to connect children and families through music is a gift for the audience as much as it is for the performer. The result is pure magic for all, thanks to the crack band of Matt Morris (piano), Kodi Hutchinson (Bass), and Jim Johnston (drums).

Music with Mandy has been nominated for two YYC Music Awards and a WCMA. She has toured throughout Western Canada with performances at Fernie Culture Days, Hay Day Festival, JazzYYC, Calgary Pride and at the National Music Centre, just to name a few.

When Music With Mandy are not performing, or recording new music, Mandy Morris works as an educator at Stanley Jones School in Calgary.

Mandy’s undeniable passion for music is clearly evident as she is also the founder and artistic director at Create Kids Arts Society, an annual children’s art festival called Create. The focus of the festival incorporates messages of self-love and inclusion, a theme that also runs through her music and performances.

Mandy is passionate about nurturing an inclusive arts community in Calgary, Alberta, where she currently calls home.

Hip Hop Artist Dylan Joshua Takes A Break In New Single “toomanytimes”

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Sometimes, romantic relationships can be stifling if your partner is smothering you. When you need some space from your partner and you can’t get it, it can be frustrating to deal with. Mississauga, ON-based hip-hop artist Dylan Joshua vents this frustration in his new single, “toomanytimes”.

Against a laid-back beat and acoustic guitar and drums, Dylan Joshua laments about needing some space from his partner. Not only have they been fighting a lot, but he sees her so much that it feels too much.

“Too much on my mind I needed space, yeah
Too much of these fights I need a break, yeah
How much of my time you wanna waste?
Shordie in my mind or in my face”

Lyrically and production wise, the song is reminiscent of other hip-hop breakup songs such as J. Cole’s “Nothing Lasts Forever” and El-P’s “The Overly Dramatic Truth”. Its beat encourages the listener to relax, while the lyrics encourage sitting with your feelings.

With over 10 million streams across platforms, Dylan Joshua is creating a reputation as an elite level multi-faceted artist. The producer, songwriter, and designer is carving out a cult-like fanbase through his ability to connect with people through a unique blend of musicality, lyricism, and relatable topics.

Often compared to veteran acts such as Frank Ocean, Bryson Tiller, and Travis Scott, Dylan brings a rugged emotional feel blending R&B and Hip-Hop. He debuted with his 2020 EP Hologram, which received praise from outlets such as The Hype Magazine and Clash Magazine.

With a string of follow ups that included the 2021 EP Lost Travels and the early 2023 EP Loading, Dylan Joshua gained further accolades, including features on editorial music playlists such as Spotify’s Fresh Finds in Hip Hop Apple Music’s Breakin’ R&B. “twomanytimes” is the first single from Dylan Joshua’s new EP Leave You In The Ends.

Legendary GRANT AVENUE STUDIO is Now Under New Ownership of Industry Veterans Mike Bruce and Marco Mondano

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The legendary Hamilton, ON-based Grant Avenue Studio – established in 1976 and home to the likes of Gordon Lightfoot, Johnny Cash, U2, Sarah McLachlan and more – has officially changed ownership. It was sold to music and film industry pros Mike Bruce and Marco Mondano.

Nestled in the heart of the city, Grant Avenue Studio stands as a hallowed sanctuary of musical creativity and innovation. With a storied history dating back to the early 1970s, this iconic recording haven has witnessed the harmonious fusion of countless melodies and the birth of remarkable albums that have left an indelible mark on music, both in Canada and worldwide. The studio’s rustic charm, coupled with a diverse assembly of recording technology has attracted an equally diverse array of artists seeking to capture their sonic visions in an environment where inspiration flows freely. The countless amount of gold and platinum albums from around the world have proven time and time again artists trust the studio, lending their talents to its hallowed halls and creating a rich tapestry of musical heritage that reverberates through the walls. Grant Avenue Studio remains an emblem of artistic devotion, a haven where melodies are meticulously crafted, and the echoes of creative endeavors past continue to inspire those who pass through its doors.

Marco is well known in the industry for owning D.C. Music, Toronto’s premier rehearsal, recording and live production studio – a staple in the GTA for more than 20 years. Mike is a seasoned musician who owns and operates film studios, including Hamilton’s own Aeon Bayfront Studios. And head in-house Engineer Andrew Lauzon (aka the ‘Audio Geek’) is a well accomplished producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist.

Housed in a 108-year-old historic Edwardian home, the two-story building is the antithesis to the countless sleek and soulless studios found in larger cities. The oldest and longest running studio in Canada, it was originally established in 1976 by Daniel Lanois and his brother Bob. In 1985, the Lanois’ sold the studio to longtime friend and studio collaborator Bob Doidge, a Hamilton Music Awards Lifetime achievement recipient. Bob would then pair up with award-winning powerhouse Engineer Amy King and they both helmed the studio until spring of 2023.

Over the years, Grant Avenue Studio has adorned its walls with photos of all the talented and legendary musicians who have recorded there. “The problem is we don’t have enough wall space,” said Amy King in a 2016 Hamilton Spectator story. “We have an attic full of pictures we want to hang from back then to stuff that’s happening now.”

Grant Avenue Studio is known for having a large selection of hard-to-come-by and coveted equipment like our MCI JH500C console outfitted with API preamps (a one-of-a-kind customized version of the same console that adorns such iconic albums as Hotel California, Back in Black, Margaritaville, and Cowboys From Hell), a vintage WWII-era Neumann M49 tube mic, the RADAR S-NYQUIST V and an EMT 250 – the first ever commercially available digital reverb, of which only 250 were ever produced.

“While we honour and acknowledge the rich history of the studio, we also look towards the future,” said new owners Bruce and Mondano. “In addition to the usual recording, tracking, mixing, mastering and editing services, new offerings will include an artist lounge, a writer’s studio, film & photography location opportunities and artist development programs.”

Fresh Breath’s ‘Through My Window’: A Feel-Good, Lush Alt-Country Anthem of Growing Up and Embracing Life

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An electric riff breezes through your speakers. It’s accompanied by melodic, laid-back, charming vocals. It’s Fresh Breath, and their single, “Through My Window”; the title track off their full-length album. And it’s a feel-good, lush, alt-country, contemporary song about growing up, and being okay with it.

Josh & Katie Pascoe are the husband/wife, dynamic duo behind Fresh Breath. And the pair are exactly that. Their approach to songwriting and performing have garnished them praise and accolades over their decade-long career as a formidable staple in the music community in Canada. Through My Window (November 2023) serves as the follow-up to their “pandemic piece”, How Did I Get Here, the six-song strong EP that garnered several award nominations with The International Singer Songwriter Association, and with The Canadian Independent Music Video Awards..

Now armed with their “Through My Window” single, the pair have turned out another track prepped for the listener’s replay button.

“This song was inspired by artist Madison Cunningham,” says Fresh Breath. “After hearing one of her incredible guitar riffs, Josh started playing with a new spark. By the time the riff was created, Josh had already produced a rough demo for the song in our home studio. When he played it for Katie, she instantly started singing the lyrics out loud. The words just slipped out, as soon as she opened her mouth. As if the idea had been waiting in the wings for years. With a few tweaks and changes here and there, the whole song was recorded as a demo within an hour.” Later, the group re-recorded the track in studio with their full band and producer Brett Humber of Sound Foundry Studios.

The track serves as one of ten new songs from the Through My Window album due out this winter. It’s a head-swaying, groove-infused, campfire, open-road, late night cocktail jam – building to a rushing crescendo. “When I grow up, I won’t give up, if I grow up at all,” Katie croons over the melody. “Through My Window” sets the stage for an album devoid of filler, each song a continuation from the last, a journey to the next.

“This is a record you can truly listen to from beginning to end,” says Fresh Breath. “Each track brings to the table something unique and special. Carefully crafted with a real 70’s rock vibe like Van Morrison met with Fleetwood Mac & Tom Petty over coffee, while Madison Cunningham and Kacey Musgraves walk in the cafe door.”

Laid down in the studio with accompaniment of John Huff on drums and vocals, Ken Ross on bass and vocals, and Brett Humber on synth, midi, guitar and vocals, Fresh Breath say having each player’s own personality on Through My Window gives the entire record a “rock n roll edge”. “You can hear the sweat drip from Josh’s fingers as he slides on guitar,” they promise, adding: “The breath work in Katie’s shivering flute solos will make the hair stand on your arms. The pounce of the rhythm section drives steady like a well-oiled machine as John and Ken play off each other in real time. And the group vocals throughout the record thrive with originality and various timbres.”

Fresh Breath continue to swim upstream in their breakaway from conventional alt-rock records and produce an entirely new spin to the genre. Turning away from the mold and designing a free-flowing soundscape for the listener, they have truly embodied their name. For they are, indeed, a Fresh Breath.

Six Nations Music Luminary Jace Martin Unveils Heartfelt ‘My Last Breath’ from Upcoming Beautiful Broken Pieces Album

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Esteemed and celebrated Six Nations artist Jace Martin returns with the pop-rock ballad “My Last Breath” from his new album Beautiful Broken Pieces that blends acoustic driven melodies with Martin’s uplifting vocals that builds to an exhale of his own little piece of heaven.

Beautiful Broken Pieces, Martin’s fifth studio album, is a testament to his artistic evolution and resilience. The album is a collaborative effort with co-writer and co-producer Justin Abedin, who previously collaborated with Martin on the Billboard-charting hit “Free to Fly” in 2017.

This album, inspired by the late music icon Chris Cornell, delves deep into Martin’s emotions, and resulted in his most honest and vulnerable work to date. Beautiful Broken Pieces is built on a foundation of inspiration, hope, and vulnerability with Martin encouraging listeners to speak up, fostering healing and hope through his music.

Another standout track from the album, “Honour Song,” was written as a tribute to residential school children that tackles a somber subject with a message of unity, healing, and forgiveness. Incorporating deeply personal experiences, including his journey through divorce, the album’s track list resonates with themes of finding beauty amid life’s chaos. The lead single “My Last Breath” offers a glimpse into the album’s introspective exploration, captivating audiences with its soul-stirring melody and heartfelt lyrics.

Beyond his musical accomplishments, Martin is the President of The Darren Ross Agency, a prominent record label and artist booking agency located on Six Nations, ON. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Martin has garnered a reputation as an award-winning artist, songwriter, producer, and event manager. His agency represents several JUNO Award winners such as Crystal Shawanda and Derek Miller.

Martin’s extensive career is marked by milestones such as Billboard chart-topping radio hits, national TV appearances, and unforgettable performances for millions during the 2015 Pan Am Games. His influence extends beyond the stage, as he is the star of “The Harv N Jace Show” on Bell TV.

As the world eagerly awaits the release of Beautiful Broken Pieces, Martin continues to shape the music landscape with his unique artistry, genuine storytelling, and unwavering commitment to inspiring audiences worldwide.

Mexican Rock Legends Café Tacvba Announce Limited Run Of U.S. Tour Dates This Fall

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One of the most influential Mexican rock bands of all time, Café Tacvba are touring the U.S. this autumn. Produced by Live Nation, the six city limited run kicks off on Saturday, October 14th at Revolution in Fort Lauderdale making stops across the U.S. in Orlando, Atlanta, Nashville, and Charlotte before wrapping up in Porterville at Eagle Mountain Casino on December 1st.

One of the most iconic bands in Latin rock, Café Tacvba has been at the forefront of the alternative revolution, leading the Latin American vanguard for the past 30 years. By blending everything from punk to Panamerican folk to electronic and pop, they have amassed a following that spans the globe. Thanks to their critically-acclaimed, commercially successful albums such as Re, Avalancha de Éxitos, Revés/Yo Soy, Cuatro Caminos, and JeiBeibi, Café Tacvba have been recognized with multiple awards, including GRAMMYs, Latin GRAMMYs, MTV Video Music Awards, and Premio Lo Nuestro, among many others.

TOUR DATES:
Sat, Oct 14 — Miami, FL — Revolution
Tue, Oct 17 — Orlando, FL — House of Blues
Wed, Oct 18 — Atlanta, GA — Buckhead Theatre
Fri, Oct 20 — Nashville, TN — Marathon Music Works
Sun, Oct 22 — Charlotte, NC — The Fillmore Charlotte
Tue, Oct 24 — Raleigh, NC — The Ritz
Thu, Nov 30 — Wheatland, CA — Hard Rock Live
Fri, Dec 1 — Porterville, CA — Eagle Mountain Casino

Ticket Market to grow by USD 201.02 billion from 2022 to 2027

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The ticket market is estimated to grow by USD 201.02 billion from 2022 to 2027, declining at a CAGR of 19.82%. The ticket market is fragmented owing to the presence of many global and regional companies. A few prominent companies that offer ticket market are AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc., Anschutz Entertainment Group Inc., Cinemark Holdings Inc., Citizen Ticket Ltd., Coast To Coast Tickets LLC, Comcast Corp., CTS Eventim AG and Co. KGaA, Cvent Inc., Eventbee Inc., Eventbrite Inc., Ideabud LLC, ITKTS Interactive Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Live Nation Entertainment Inc., Lyte Inc., One97 Communications Ltd., Softjourn Corp., TickPick LLC, Viagogo Entertainment Inc., Big Tree Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., and eBay Inc. 

  • North America is estimated to contribute 36% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. The growth of the ticket market in the region is due to the growing popularity of sporting events, such as the Super Bowl, the Daytona 500 (Florida), and the NCAA National Basketball Championship, among many other events. In addition, rising box office receipts are also fueling the growth of the regional market. The US, Mexico, and Canada are the main markets in North America. The US will, by 2022, have the highest share of revenue in the ticketing market in North America. A key factor contributing to the growth of the US market is that there are many exhibition venues in this country. This market is also expected to be supported by increased growth in media, entertainment, and telecommunications; as well as education. Hence, these factors are expected to drive market growth in the region during the forecast period.
  • By Type, the market is classified into segments: sporting events, movies, concerts, and performing arts. The growth in market share of the sports events segment will be substantial over the forecast period. Factors such as the growing popularity of sporting events such as football, cricket, rugby, and tennis are driving the growth of this segment. In addition, the growing number of sports leagues at the national and regional levels as well as the growing audience, is another factor driving the growth of this segment. Furthermore, the city will have modern transport infrastructure, such as a light rail system and a water taxi service. Technological advances in music and lighting techniques at live events as well as improvements in infrastructure, increase demand. Hence, these factors are expected to drive segment growth during the forecast period.

The guitar market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.75% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 1,950.56 million. This guitar market report extensively covers market segmentation by type (acoustic and electric), distribution channel (offline and online), and geography (North AmericaEurope, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa). One of the key factors driving the global guitar market growth is the growing popularity of music-related leisure activities.

The audiobook market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 25.32% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 10,910.21 million. This audiobook market report extensively covers market segmentation by channel (one-time download and subscription-based), type (fiction and non-fiction), and geography (North AmericaEurope, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The proliferation of smart devices and applications is driving growth in the audiobook market

FENTY x PUMA is officially back: Rihanna launches The Avanti

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Global icon Rihanna and sports company PUMA have officially launched their newest product franchise together. Rihanna returns to the brand as the Creative Director of FENTY x PUMA with a multi-year partnership and several product launches in the pipeline. The return of FENTY x PUMA blends PUMA’s deep history and heritage in sport with Rihanna’s iconic stature as a leader in music, culture and fashion. The FENTY x PUMA Avanti, the first footwear franchise of the partnership, is an unconventional mix of two PUMA icons blending the high-quality leather design of the King football boot with the outsole of the heritage running shoe, Easy Rider.

Rihanna and PUMA have a history of launching disruptive fashion takes on sport styles over the course of their relationship together – starting in 2015 with the iconic Creeper. Rihanna and PUMA launched several footwear and apparel collections over the course of 2015 – 2018, including the FENTY x PUMA trainer, the FENTY x PUMA fur slide, and much more. With four fashion shows in both New York and Paris, FENTY x PUMA served as a catalyst for PUMA’s brand impact and relevance over the past decade.

Rihanna’s love of football coupled with the sports’ great influence off the pitch served as the starting point for this footwear franchise. Rihanna’s take of this classic style paves the way for a new era of sport fashion collaborations with PUMA.

In addition, it was important to both Rihanna and PUMA to ensure that this launch be offered to the entire family—delivering a collection that looks as arguably cool on kids as it will on their parents. Worn by legends and now remixed by Rihanna herself, the Avanti is also being offered as a unisex shoe for both adults and kids.

In 1968, the original PUMA king football boot was born, worn by icons like Eusebio, Pelé and Maradona. In 1978, the PUMA miele started a new jogging shoe franchise which would eventually evolve into the PUMA Easy Rider. In 1998, Jil Sander and PUMA launched the first ever fashion collaboration blending these two styles with the Jil Sander King. This shoe served as the design inspiration of the Avanti which was later established by PUMA in 2001. Now in 2023, Rihanna has added her personal design language and creative elements, from the details of the leather to the gum of the outsole, putting her very own spin on this classic PUMA style.

“I wanted to bring something iconic from the archives to the street, and the late great Pelé made the Avanti shoe so iconic,” said Rihanna.

“It’s been such an exciting start to our partnership,” said Maria Valdes, Chief Product Officer at PUMA. “We spent time together opening up the PUMA archive and identifying the right product that spoke to Rihanna. The Avanti is a PUMA classic with a unique and iconic point of view on terrace. I’m very happy to see this project come to life and even more excited for what the coming years have in store for us together.”

The FENTY x PUMA Avanti is a fashion take on the football trend with buttery soft vintage leather, a fold over tongue with a debossed and printed gold-foil FENTY and PUMA CAT logo. With a gum outsole and leather footbed, the details of the Avanti nod to PUMA’s deep history and heritage in the sport of football. The black and white version is complimented by a chrome execution with laser etched logos and leather chrome details.

As Creative Director, Rihanna’s first FENTY x PUMA campaign – shot by Dennis Leupold with a set design inspired by the pentagon shape and stitching on a football – features notable names including Rihanna, A$AP Nast, Pure, Felix Mallard as well as two young kids.

The FENTY x PUMA Avanti is available worldwide on puma.com and select retailers beginning 15 September 2023 at 10am EST. A second Avanti drop will follow this fall. More details to come.

Wu-Tang Clan And King Ice Drop “36 Chambers” Inspired Jewelry Collection

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Legendary hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan has teamed up with streetwear jewelry brand King Ice to launch an exclusive collection inspired by their iconic album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).” This historic collaboration blends music and fashion, paying tribute to Wu-Tang Clan’s enduring influence.

The Wu-Tang Clan x King Ice collection comprises meticulously crafted 14k gold-plated necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings. Each piece features intricate hand-set stones on the front, side, and back, making them true works of art.

With 16 unique pieces, fans and jewelry enthusiasts can mix and match necklaces with earrings and rings to create their signature Wu-Tang look. The standout “Ice Pick” necklace, inspired by Method Man’s custom pendant, opens to reveal a stash compartment, making it a collector’s must-have.

King Ice, based in Los Angeles, is renowned for crafting culturally relevant jewelry. They’ve previously collaborated with industry heavyweights like Snoop Dogg, Death Row Records, NLE Choppa, and more.

The Wu-Tang Clan x King Ice collection embodies Wu-Tang’s spirit and legacy in the world of music and culture. Priced from $60 to $500, this historic collection is exclusively available on KingIce.com.

“Happy Birthday Beautiful,” A New Single Featuring Pentatonix And Ringo Starr On Drums, Written By Award-winning Songwriter Diane Warren Is Now Out

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Today, a new birthday song has been released – “Happy Birthday Beautiful,” written by Grammy and Emmy Award winning, 14-time Oscar nominee and Honorary Oscar recipient Diane Warren and performed by three-time Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum selling group Pentatonix and multi-Grammy/ Emmy and Oscar Award-winning Ringo StarrYou can download and share the song by clicking HERE.

“Happy Birthday Beautiful,” will also debut on AmericanGreetings.com on Saturday, September 9, 2023 via a collection of birthday ecards including the song specially designed by American Greetings.

If September 9 is your birthday, you’re not alone. According to real birth data compiled from 20 years of American births, more people are born on September 9th than any day of the year.  Whenever your birthday, now you can celebrate with a new birthday song written by Diane Warren and performed by Pentatonix with the legendary Ringo Starr on drums.

The eloquent lyrics of “Happy Birthday Beautiful” call out the birthday person as a “natural wonder” that “broke the mold” and promises to “raise a glass” and “shout it loud” in celebration of them on their big day. The timing of the song and ecard release could not be more appropriate as mid-September is the most birthday-packed time of the year. Even Warren herself celebrates her birthday on September 7th.

“I wanted to write a song that breathed new life into the classic birthday songs we know and love,” said Warren. “Collaborating with such talented artists as Ringo Starr and Pentatonix, as well as the designers at American Greetings, allowed us to blend musical and design elements together to add new excitement to birthday celebrations.”

“I was happy to play drums on this song when my friend Diane asked, and I think it’s great it is coming out around the time of her birthday –  Happy Birthday beautiful! Peace and love, Ringo.”

To match the upbeat and celebratory theme, the “Happy Birthday Beautiful” ecard collection features vibrant colors and contemporary birthday imagery along with messages that acknowledge the song’s lyrics. It is available now on www.americangreetings.com, www.bluemountain.com and the American Greetings and Blue Mountain ecard apps. American Greetings ecards can be shared via email, text or on social media. Digital subscribers have the ability to send an unlimited number of digital greetings from the many brands over the course of their membership period.