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Director X Shares His Toronto In You Gotta See What We See

Eric Alper
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Director X Shares His Toronto In You Gotta See What We See

Destination Toronto today shared its newest collaboration in the You Gotta See What We See series. The series engages passionate Toronto creators in sharing their takes on the city, through their unique creative lens. Toronto-born Julien Christian Lutz, an iconic music video director best known as Director X who has worked with Drake, Rihanna, Rosalia, and Kendrick Lamar, conceptualized and directed the video. Mustafa, a Juno Award-winning singer and songwriter from Toronto’s Regent Park neighbourhood, lent his distinctive voice and penned the prose in Director X’ split-screen POV of the city.

“To really get Toronto, you need to see it through the eyes of the people who make this city what it is,” said Paula Port, Vice President of Global Marketing at Destination Toronto. “Toronto is a reflection of its people. Their diverse perspectives and identities infuse the city’s culture, festivals, and food. It’s what makes Toronto unique and special and worthy of a visit. We’re excited to collaborate with our local creative community in sharing these stories with potential visitors through the You Gotta See What We See series.”

The campaign launched in late May, continuing with the docu-style series developed in 2022, featuring Simu Liu, Santee Siouxx, Sonia Mangat, Nick Liu and Mariah Amber.  Director X’ and Mustafa’s video perspective is in-market now with additional collaborations launching later this summer and into the fall.  The media plan is focused in New York City, San Francisco/San Jose, Chicago, and Washington DC. Viewers are directed to DestinationToronto.com to find other Toronto insiders and discover their Toronto stories.

In 2022, the You Gotta See What We See campaign resulted in 39 million video views and 1.2 million website visits. Before the pandemic in 2019, almost 2 million American travellers visited the city bringing $1.36 billion in spending to the visitor economy.

About Destination Toronto
Toronto’s visitor economy is a vital economic engine for the city, generating more than $10 billion in economic activity and supporting 70,000 jobs in 2019. Destination Toronto’s mandate is to reflect the breadth and diversity of Toronto’s people, places and culture to inspire residents and visitors to meet, visit and explore our city. Operating in partnership with the City of Toronto, the Greater Toronto Hotel Association and the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Destination Toronto markets and promotes the city to locals and visitors, attracts and supports major meetings and events, and supports local businesses to maximize the opportunities of visitor spending. For more information, please visit DestinationToronto.com.

Baseus launched Bowie MA10 — OSCAR Films Composers’ Favorite Earbuds

Eric Alper
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Baseus launched Bowie MA10 — OSCAR Films Composers’ Favorite Earbuds

Baseus has launched a new pair of wireless earbuds Baseus Bowie MA10, recommended by Oscar-winning film composers Chad Cannon, Joel Goodman, and Pedro Osuna.

“The Baseus Bowie Series in-ear headphones are a fabulous addition to my headphone collection. The first thing I listened to was Beethoven Piano Concerto No.5 on Apple Classical, And don’t think I’ve ever heard a grand piano sound quite as rich as it did through these headphones.”, said the Oscar Films’ Composers: Chad Cannon.

ANC + ENC Noise Cancelling

Noise cancelling depth goes up to -48dB to provide a listening experience as immersive as being in a recording studio with only pure music surrounding, while bass and audio quality are upscaled to greater level by the larger driver and the aerospace-grade titanium-plated double compound diaphragm. During phone calls, ENC mics filter out ambient noise to only deliver human voice but not the noises.

Music for 2 Weeks

Its battery is tested to provide up to 140 hours of playback with a full charge so that a daily charge would no longer be required, though playtime of earbuds is 8 hours in a single charge. In addition, as it supports BRC Baseus Rapid Charge, a 10-minute charge with the charging case gives users 2 hours of music playback, and a full charge takes 3 hours to get another 140 hours.

Seamless Fit & Waterproof

The Baseus Bowie MA10 is designed ergonomic to fit snug and secure into ears without causing irritation for extended time wear, and comes with 3 sizes (S, M, L) of ear tips to find the most comfortable one for each side of ear. Wingtips are included as well to enhance earbuds’ secureness during sports, and it is rated IPX6 waterproof to keep sweat and water from penetrating.

Smooth & Flawless Gaming

Featuring the latest Bluetooth 5.3 and Baseus’ self-developed DCLL Dual Channel Low-Latency technology, the 0.038s DCLL ensures that sound and image are fully in sync making sure that “what’s heard matches what’s seen” while the BT 5.3 guarantees a seamless connection free of stability issues or hassle of pairing.

The Baseus Bowie MA10 has no match in its tier with a competitive pricing at $29.99 since the passkey to access all those features on earbuds is way higher, roughly around $50. For more information, please visit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C89QQ5XK

Watch Lawrence Welk Imitate A Hippy On His Show In 1969

Eric Alper
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Watch Lawrence Welk Imitate A Hippy On His Show In 1969

In a 1969 episode of his show, the 66-year-old Lawrence Welk surprised his audience by adopting a hippie persona at the outset. Playfully dismissing polka-jazz as “strictly from squaresville,” he had the band perform his own interpretation of rock and roll. However, the backup singers boldly intervened, unmasking him and returning the show to its usual format.

SiriusXM and Radio Margaritaville Remember Jimmy Buffett

Eric Alper
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SiriusXM and Radio Margaritaville Remember Jimmy Buffett

SiriusXM announced today that it will pay tribute to the legendary artist Jimmy Buffett on his exclusive SiriusXM channel Radio Margaritaville.

SiriusXM’s Radio Margaritaville is currently celebrating Jimmy Buffett’s life and legacy by featuring all Jimmy Buffett music.

Radio Margaritaville hosts, Kirsten Winquist and JD Spardlin, are hosting a live call-in tribute show today from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm ET where fans and subscribers can call in and remember Buffett. In addition, Radio Margaritaville will encore some memorable Jimmy Buffett Key West Concerts on Radio Margaritaville throughout the weekend, including the ‘Second Wind Tour’ from Saturday February 4th at the Key West Theater in Florida Today at 5:00 pm ET.

Additionally, SiriusXM will be airing a previously unreleased Jimmy Buffett songs from his upcoming album including “Bubbles Up,” “My Gummie Just Kicked In” featuring Paul McCartney playing bass and “Like My Dog” which were a few of the last songs Jimmy worked on. Fans will hear this very special track throughout the weekend.

 Radio Margaritaville was created by Jimmy himself and launched on SiriusXM in 2005. It is one of SiriusXM’s longest running artist channels, having brought Jimmy’s music to fans nationwide for 18 years running. The channel is available to listeners nationwide in their cars (channel 24) and on the SiriusXM App.

“Jimmy Buffett was one of the most influential and beloved artists in music and his passing is a profound loss for fans around the world. We will honor his amazing legacy and celebrate his extraordinary body of work on SiriusXM and Radio Margaritaville by continuing to share his music and giving his legions of fans a place to share their memories of Jimmy,” said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM.

Born on December 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Jimmy Buffett was a singer-songwriter, author, and businessman who captured the hearts of millions with his unique blend of music, storytelling, and laid-back Caribbean vibes.

Buffett’s musical journey began in the late 1960s when he first picked up a guitar and started playing in local bars. His early folk and country-rock style eventually evolved into something entirely his own – a genre known as “Gulf and Western” or “Trop Rock.” This distinctive sound, often accompanied by steel drums, conveys the essence of island life, escapism, and the pursuit of a carefree lifestyle.

Jimmy Buffett’s breakthrough came with his 1977 album Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes featuring the iconic hit “Margaritaville.” This song would become an anthem for his devoted fanbase known as “Parrotheads,” who shared his love for the beach, margaritas, and a relaxed way of life. Buffett’s live performances, filled with beach balls, Hawaiian shirts, and an infectious party spirit, became an unforgettable part of his musical experience.

Buffett was also an accomplished writer, penning several best-selling books, including his autobiography A Pirate Looks at Fifty. He’s also dabbled in acting, with roles in films like Jurassic World and Cobb. Buffett’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to create the Margaritaville brand, encompassing restaurants, hotels, and merchandise, all inspired by his laid-back beach philosophy.

With his timeless music and indomitable spirit, Buffett’s legacy will continue to inspire a devoted following of fans who eagerly escape to his tropical paradise with every song and story.

My Next Read: “Maybe We’ll Make It: A Memoir by Margo Price

Eric Alper
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My Next Read: “Maybe We’ll Make It: A Memoir by Margo Price

When Margo Price was nineteen years old, she dropped out of college and moved to Nashville to become a musician. She busked on the street, played open mics, and even threw out her TV so that she would do nothing but write songs. She met Jeremy Ivey, a fellow musician who would become her closest collaborator and her husband. But after working on their craft for more than a decade, Price and Ivey had no label, no band, and plenty of heartache.

Maybe We’ll Make It is a memoir of loss, motherhood, and the search for artistic freedom in the midst of the agony experienced by so many aspiring musicians: bad gigs and long tours, rejection and sexual harassment, too much drinking and barely enough money to live on. Price, though, refused to break, and turned her lowest moments into the classic country songs that eventually comprised the debut album that launched her career. In the authentic voice hailed by Pitchfork for tackling “Steinbeck-sized issues with no-bullshit humility,” Price shares the stories that became songs, and the small acts of love and camaraderie it takes to survive in a music industry that is often unkind to women. Now a Grammy-nominated “Best New Artist,” Price tells a love story of music, collaboration, and the struggle to build a career while trying to maintain her singular voice and style.

Elton John Rocks On At Live Aid In 1985 Despite Technical Hurdles

Eric Alper
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Elton John Rocks On At Live Aid In 1985 Despite Technical Hurdles

While performing ‘I’m Still Standing’ at Live Aid on July 13, 1985, Elton John’s evident microphone feedback didn’t deter the 72,000-strong crowd at Wembley Stadium, who continued to sing along enthusiastically.

CMRRA Distributes Over $70 Million In Royalties To Music Publishers And Self-Published Songwriters

Eric Alper
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CMRRA Distributes Over $70 Million In Royalties To Music Publishers And Self-Published Songwriters

The Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency (CMRRA), innovators in licensing and royalty collection for over 48 years, announced today their 2022 year-end fiscal results including distributing more than $70 million dollars to music publishers and self-published songwriters that the organization represents.

Overall distribution increased by 14% from 2021, primarily driven by a substantial growth in online streaming and audiovisual distributions, with an increase of over 15% for online distributions and a 16% rise in audiovisual distributions compared to 2021.  Distribution for International collections for 2022 saw a remarkable surge of over 570% compared to the previous year.

Highlights from CMRRA’s 2022 distribution include:

  • Total distributions: $70 million (14% increase in total distributions over 2021)
    • Over 93% of distributions from digital music services
    • 75% of distributions from online services (streaming and downloads)
      • A 15% increase in online distributions over 2021
      • A 129% increase in online historical/back-claims over 2021
    • 18% of distributions from audiovisual services
      • A 16% increase over 2021
    • 570% increase in international collections over 2021

“We’re thrilled to have processed and distributed over $70 million dollars of mechanical royalties to our music publisher and self-published songwriter clients last year,” said Paul Shaver, President of CMRRA. “This outcome is a direct result of higher music consumption and improved rates in the marketplace as CMRRA, with the guidance of the Canadian Publishers Committee (CPC), continues to negotiate and push for fair compensation for the music publishing and songwriter communities. CMRRA is continuously innovating and making enhancements to better serve our clients.  Our clients are at the heart of everything we do, and their trust in CMRRA is truly humbling. Their invaluable support serves as the driving force behind CMRRA’s ability to execute its core functions and deliver exceptional results. The accomplishments and progress we’ve made is a direct result of the expertise and passion exhibited by the team who go above and beyond to ensure that the needs of partners and the music community are met with professionalism and care.”

CMRRA is focused on delivering continuous improvements for their clients, and just one of many initiatives tied to this goal is the introduction of an enhanced Electronic Song Registration Form. This alternative to CWR has been designed to improve customer service levels for clients and deliver quicker processing of song information.  With the introduction of this enhanced format, clients will benefit from the following features:

  • Numerous system enhancements to matching algorithms and related repertoire processing to improve the automated ingestion of song registrations
  • Increased client service and transparency of data, as registered works will be processed more quickly, and more of the catalogue will be visible to clients via CMRRA Direct
  • Extended set of fields to enable a broader range of data, including optional fields for performing right shares and US territory claims

Cleer Audio Announces Arc II Sport, Smart Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds For Active Lifestyles

Eric Alper
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Cleer Audio Announces Arc II Sport, Smart Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds For Active Lifestyles

Cleer Audio, an industry-leading headphone and smart speaker manufacturer, is pleased to announce its new Arc II Sport Smart Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds with a flexible earhook hinge design.

Arc II Sport open-ear earbuds fit passively, without blocking out the sounds around you. They feature a unique earhook and hinge design with an improved shape and added flexibility to improve its fit and comfort.

With today’s fast-paced society, it is beneficial to hear your surroundings. This is particularly true when it comes to activities such as running, cycling, long walks, or an intense gym session. The team at Cleer realized the benefits of hearing your surroundings during these activities, as it not only keeps you connected to the world around you, but also is safer.

Cleer focuses its attention on active lifestyles with its new open-ear Arc II Sport wireless earbuds: opening us to the world and bringing high-quality audio to enjoy while on the move.

Arc II Sport features include:

  • Open-ear design with flexible hinge for an all-day comfortable listening experience
  • Lossless audio for truly unrivalled immersive listening with aptX™ Lossless technology, Snapdragon Sound™ certification and LE Audio compatibility
  • Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity. Seamlessly switch the audio input from two simultaneously connected devices
  • Powerful sound with its 16.2mm neodymium drivers with aptX™ Adaptive
  • 6-Axis motion sensor for immersive hands free, head gesture controls
  • Crystal-Clear voice calls with aptX™ Voice technology and wind noise reduction design
  • Charging case with built-in UV-C light to reduce bacteria during the powered charging cycle
  • Intensity-Proof, IPX5 Water-Resistant and Sweatproof
  • 35 hours of total battery life (8 hours, plus 27 hours with the smart charging case)
  • Anti-loss Detection. If you drop an earbud, it will beep to make it easier to locate
  • Cleer+ app for customizable sound performance, battery monitor and a step counter

Improved bold and powerful sound with Bluetooth 5.3, aptX™ Adaptive, Snapdragon Sound™ and LE Audio compatibility, and native voice assistant control. Enjoy your music with dynamic and rich audio quality without sacrificing volume and bass thanks to the 16.2mm graphene neodymium drivers that beam audio towards your ear canal. Multipoint connectivity is becoming increasingly desired, and now with this technology, the Arc II Sport allows you to seamlessly switch the audio input from two simultaneously connected devices.

Cleer has also made updates to the fit and functionality from the previous version of Arc. The new Sport has an even more secure fit, with its flexible earhook design tailored for listening on the move. The addition of Cleer’s head motion control technology brings in a new way of taking calls, with an easy way of answering without getting in the way of your activities. The touch sensitive controls on the Sport allow for smooth operation and can be customized using the Cleer+ app.

The Cleer Arc II Sport is leading the way in true wireless technology in open style, with features previously unavailable. Users can enjoy 8 hours of playtime from a single charge, and then use the supplied charging case for an additional 27 hours (35 hours total).

Another change to the case is the addition of UV-C light that sanitizes the earbuds while not in use. Here, Cleer not only listened to user feedback, but also always strives to innovate to deliver the best products and user experience possible.

The Arc II Sport also benefits from its IPX5 waterproof rating, which is a major step up from the more common IPX4 and provides protection against low pressure water contact and a significantly lower risk of damage caused by water exposure.

Another useful feature is its Anti-loss Detection. If you drop an earbud, it will beep to make it easier to locate.

The Cleer+ app adds customizable performance by adjusting the EQ and customizing music playback, as well as easily downloading future firmware updates. New to the app is a battery monitor (Left/Right/Case) and a handy step counter.

Patrick Huang, President, and CEO of Cleer, says: “The new Arc II Sport is an exceptional addition to the Cleer line up. Its improved earhook design, immersive sound performance, and hands-free controls are spot on for today’s active consumer.”

Arc II Sport Color options: Available in Black and Red finishes.
MSRP: $189.99 U.S.

Joy Division’s Poignant First – And Last – Nationwide TV Performance: ‘She’s Lost Control’ Marks a Singular Moment in 1979

Eric Alper
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Joy Division’s Poignant First – And Last – Nationwide TV Performance: ‘She’s Lost Control’ Marks a Singular Moment in 1979

Joy Division’s sole nationwide TV appearance occurred during their performance on BBC 2’s “Something Else” show. Tragically, singer Ian Curtis passed away in 1980, marking a poignant moment in the band’s history.

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

Eric Alper
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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

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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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