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Renowned Songwriter and Producer Chin Injeti Makes Triumphant Return With Captivating ‘Something Love Would Do’

Eric Alper
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Renowned Songwriter and Producer Chin Injeti Makes Triumphant Return With Captivating ‘Something Love Would Do’

After years of honing his skills as a songwriter and producer, Chin Injeti is thrilled re-ignite his solo career under his own name with the release of his latest single, “Something Love Would Do” – available now.

Chin’s newest release is featured on his latest EP – Vessels Volume 1, a labour of love, predominantly produced in his Vancouver-based studio. The record is a collection of Chin’s thoughts and lived experiences, collaborated on with some of his friends and musical heroes.

“Something Love Would Do pays homage to my favourite “driving” songs of summer, taking cues from Tears For Fears’ “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” “to Joe Jackson’s Steppin’ Out”, says the producer/singer associated with multiple JUNO Award winner.s “Something Love Would Do” was made to sound dreamy and wispy while rooted in emotion. Its unique sound was created by utilizing a variety of instruments such as drum machines, synthesizers, and guitars. Chin continues, “The 80s was significant for me as a creator, as it was the age of the MIDI revolution, so this track and the rest of VESSELS were created with this era in mind.”

The musically diverse, trendsetting artist’s career spans decades, putting his stamp on the entertainment industry as a songwriter and producer. In the 90s, Chin fronted the internationally acclaimed Bass is Base, which secured a deal with Universal Music and Island Records in the United States. The group’s success led to a Juno Award for Best R&B Record and a Much Music Video Award for their hit single, “Funkmobile.” Additionally, Chin was honoured with the Songwriter of the Year award from SOCAN, setting the stage for his future accomplishments.

Following the chapter with Bass is Base, Chin embarked on an extensive journey, sharing the stage and studio with legendary artists such as The Fugees, The Roots, A Tribe Called Quest, and De La Soul, among many others. These experiences provided him with invaluable knowledge in carving out frequencies, creating impactful lyrics, and crafting melodic scores.

Transitioning towards the role of producer, Chin began collaborating with the multi-platinum, Grammy award-winning producer DJ Khalil on projects for major, industry-leading artists such as Dr. Dre, Eminem, Drake, Pink, Aloe Blacc, The Clipse, Lecrae, and K’naan. His work with DJ Khalil has garnered multiple awards, including three Grammys and two Juno Awards, while his production contributions have resulted in millions of records sold worldwide, achieving Gold and Platinum record certification.

Sultans Of String And Crystal Shawanda Collaborate On New Single Close To Her Heart “The Rez”

Eric Alper
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Sultans Of String And Crystal Shawanda Collaborate On New Single Close To Her Heart “The Rez”

“The Rez” is a collaboration between 2x JUNO Award winning blues and country music artist Crystal Shawanda and 3x JUNO nominated, 6x CFMA winning Sultans of String. Crystal is an Ojibwe Potawatomi Indigenous singer, born in Wiikwemkoong First Nation on Manitoulin Island in Ontario, is also decorated with multiple Aboriginal People’s Choice Awards, Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards, a CCMA, a Canadian Radio Music Award, and too many JUNO nominations to list.

“I started singing as soon as I could make noise”, says Crystal. “I grew up in a house where everybody listened to all styles of music – and from an early age I could see that for my family, music was like therapy. So depending on what mood they were in, that’s the song they would listen to. My dad taught me to play guitar and after he taught me everything he knew, he suggested I take lessons. He always tried to let me know how important it was to be able to play an instrument for myself.”

Initially signed to RCA in 2007, she hit her stride as a country singer and songwriter when she scored a top 20 hit with her song “You Can Let Go” and subsequently tallied sales of over 50,000 copies of her debut album Dawn of a New Day and subsequently debuted in the Billboard Top 20.

Fast forward 16 years, and even though Crystal now lives in Nashville, with many albums and awards under her belt, she still keeps her ‘Rez’ roots close to her heart.

“I wrote The Rez with Ed Hill and Shay Smith, and it came out of the stories I had shared with them, when they asked me what it was like growing up on a reservation”, Crystal explains, “After which they said ‘that sounds like a song’, and from there it came together pretty quick!”

“I’m very proud of my roots, proud to be a ‘Rez kid’, she continues. “I grew up around intergenerational trauma, but that’s not all I remember. I can’t speak for everyone’s experience, but in mine I remember my beautiful family that surrounded me with love and showed me that laughter, like music can be medicine. I remember my community, so resilient and strong. We have all been through so much, but we’re still here. My roots, ‘The Rez’ is very much a part of who I am as an artist and person.”

“The Rez” is the fourth single off the upcoming Sultans of String album entitled Walking Through the Fire (Sept 22, 2023 release), the most ambitious and important project of their career, a CD and concert of collaborations with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists across Turtle Island.

Studios were used throughout Ontario to record this track. Crystals vocals were recorded with Grammy and JUNO Award winning John ‘Beetle’ Bailey at Orange Lounge Recording Studio in Toronto. Sultans of String bed tracks were recorded at Jukasa Studios, an Indigenous-owned world-class recording facility on another reservation, Six Nations of the Grand River, south of Hamilton Ontario.

Recently asked in an interview if she goes back to Manitoulin, she answered “Definitely for inspiration. I go to Manitoulin Island to rejuvenate my soul. When I’m there, it’s being around my family, my community and even just the land. It’s the island, the water, the land. When I’m there, I feel inspired.”

Like the song says:

It’s my blood, it’s my tears,
Everyone I love is here,
Yeah I know in my heart I was blessed,
To grow up on the Rez.

Alt. Rockers SHALE Captures Raw Anxiety In “Shake” And Announce B.C. Tour

Eric Alper
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Alt. Rockers SHALE Captures Raw Anxiety In “Shake” And Announce B.C. Tour

Anxiety is a mental health issue that can make you feel very vulnerable. When you feel this fragile, it can be hard to talk about to your loved ones or anyone who hasn’t experienced it. Victoria, BC-based alt.rockers Shale captures the rawness of anxiety in their new single “Shake”, along with new British Columbia dates below.

The song opens with strong riffs from guitarist Adam Baines before vocalist Kiarra O’Connor comes in with haunting vocals that are reminiscent of ‘90s female vocalists such as Tori Amos and Alanis Morrisette. The first verse demonstrates how sensitive people with anxiety feel, physically and emotionally.

“Shake
I’m shaky babe
Don’t touch me there
Don’t feel my pain
Tilting ache
Rather waste my day
Blinking bare
Stern stare”

The vulnerability in the first verse is heightened by the chorus, which implies that they don’t want to admit that they are hurting. They feel stuck, because they want to give up the facade of being okay but they also don’t want to hurt more.

Yet the next two verses seem to show an internal battle of being torn between staying stuck, giving up, and hoping for something better. The contrast is demonstrated by O’ Connor’s soft bleak sounding vocals in the second verse that grow braver by the third verse. These verses are given an even greater emotional impact with a brief guitar solo that follows.

In fact, the band confirms the song is about anxiety, specifically O’ Connor’s experiences. “The song tackles emotional overload and anxiety from my first year at university. The song digs deep into the emotional tapestry of overwhelm vs commitment, giving up vs pushing through.”

Without firsthand experience with anxiety or knowing the story behind this song, one might think it was about a break up. Given that first year university stress is a subject rarely explored in songs, this particular track shines especially bright.

Finally, a notable feature about this track is that it was mixed by Darrell Thorp and mastered by Brian Lucey. Thorp is known for his work on The Foo Fighters recent album, while Lucey is known for his work with the bands The Black Keys and Cage The Elephant.

Shale formed in 2019 when drummer Michael Voytash and keyboardist Rowan Hensley served as theater technicians at Edward Milne Community School for a production of Grease and saw O’Connor’s leading lady performance of Sandy.

After recording their first EP Wither, they released their first single “To The Ground” in 2022. It would be streamed more than 4,000 times in five days. They would soon follow that with three more singles, “Get Lost”, “Held Up’, and “Wither”. The single “Get Lost” would be accompanied by a black and red music video that serves to heighten the somber and bittersweet mood.

Only one year after the release of their debut EP “Wither”, they have made a global impression, streaming to fans in over 60 countries and racking up over 40,000 streams. Now, the cathartic moodiness from Wither has carried over to their most recent single “Shake”, which signals the band’s newfound hope.

Shale Canadian Dates:
July 2: Laketown Shakedown, Lake Cowichan, BC
July 13: Upstairs Cabaret, Victoria BC, with Base Collective & Sarah Osborne
July 15: 39 Days of July Festival in Duncan, BC
July 16: FiLoMi Days Festival in Port Hardy, BC
July 21: Capital Ballroom, Victoria BC, with Quadra Sound
July 22: Sookapalooza Festival, Sooke BC
August 5: Harmony Arts Festival, Vancouver BC
August 24 – Sept 2: BC tour with Cold Fame:
● August 24 – Fox Cabaret, Vancouver BC
● August 25 – TBD, Kelowna or Kamloops BC
● August 26 – Riot on the Roof Festival, Vernon BC
● August 27 – Mountainview Brewing, Hope BC
● August 29 – The Maq Pub, Tofino BC
● August 30 – The Terminal, Nanaimo BC
● August 31 – Rainbow Room, Port Alberni BC
● September 1 – Lucky Bar, Victoria BC
● September 2 – Sooke Music Festival, Sooke BC

Montreal-Based Alt. Rock Band THE NOLAS Capture The Latin Spirit In “Mexico”

Eric Alper
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Montreal-Based Alt. Rock Band THE NOLAS Capture The Latin Spirit In “Mexico”

Inspiration can come from anywhere, and this is especially true with rock music. Rock music originally came from genres such as gospel, blues, and country. For Montreal-based alternative rock band The Nolas, their new single “Mexico” captures a Latin spirit.

The song opens with an upbeat surf rock riff reminiscent of The Beach Boys before settling down to a relaxed Latin rock vibe that leads into the first verse. With two exceptional lead singers, blending melodies and styles to create an unforgettable musical experience, Manny Agostino sings of relaxing with senoritas and margaritas. This leads into the chorus, elevated by the surf rock riff that comes afterwards.

“Come on take a ride with me
Sail across the deep blue sea
We’ll walk the shore
Where ladies they dance”

In fact, the song was inspired by a vacation. The band says, “A transformative trip immersed in the vibrant energy of Mexico sparked The Nolas’ creativity for the song “While strumming his classical nylon string guitar, Manny came up with a captivating chord progression. The lyrics that ensued effortlessly flowed into the music, drawing from the impressions left by that voyage.”

Originally formed in 2013, The Nolas are an alternative rock band founded by Joey Tiano (Drums & Vox) and Immanuel (Manny) Agostino (Guitar & Vox). They were later joined by Fil (Bass, Back-Up Vox), Mark (Guitar, Back-Up Vox) and Peter aka The Magic Man before releasing their first EP in 2015.

Their first single, “So Fine” was featured on ReverbNation’s Crowd Picks in addition to receiving airplay on radio stations such as HOT 97.7 MTL ROCKS, 94.7 Hits FM Future Hits, and CMR Spotlight Song of the Week.

Meanwhile, their second single “Dance The Night Away” debuted on CBC Radio3’s Top 30 of Dec 2015 and hit the Top 25 in Jan 2016.

In 2021, they released their most popular song to date, “Johnny”. It received airplay on satellite and FM radio stations in Canada and internationally on stations such as CBC Radio 2 and Planet Rock Radio UK.

British Singer-Songwriter Suzanne Cook Tells the Stormy, Cinematic Story of a Relationship Wearing Thin on “Waking Dream”

Eric Alper
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British Singer-Songwriter Suzanne Cook Tells the Stormy, Cinematic Story of a Relationship Wearing Thin on “Waking Dream”

British singer-songwriter Suzanne Cook revives her folk-rock roots on her exploratory, moody new single “Waking Dream” – available now. Narrating the story of an ageing relationship that’s worn to threadbare, the song combines an ambiguous melody with R.E.M. influences and soulful, wailing guitar for a song that’s an entire cinematic experience.

I’m silent running, away from you
And the way we’re parting, it hurts me, too
And the best of reasons, lie with you
We lost our way, as lovers do

“It’s a love song about relationship that has worn thin,” Cook explains. “Perhaps this relationship was begun when the girl was still young, and she’s simply grown up and apart from her lover, who is too self-involved to notice the distance which is opening between them.”

Sonically, “Waking Dream,” the title song from Cook’s forthcoming album of the same name, evokes gray skies with occasional light poking through, thunder in its gorgeous guitar accents, and an internal twisting turmoil amid an outwardly cozy home.

“The key to the melody is somewhat ambiguous, never confirmed as major, or minor – a mode that reflects the mood of the lyrics,” Cook describes. “It finishes with an unusual cadence where the rhythm section stops, unexpectedly, on the fourth-degree chord. This creates a sense of incompleteness – there are questions yet to be answered.”

Recorded by producer Mark Plati (Prince, David Bowie) at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, Cook and her band captured the event on video, which will be released in tandem with the song. “The level of support and professionalism of the Abbey Road staff was second to none,” she said. “The very history of the place is an inspiration.”
“Mark’s arrangement is dynamic,” she continued. “He finds oceans of space which allows the song to breathe. I love the fact that he uses live string players; before this album we had always used string pads or samples played on a keyboard.”

Mike Bern’s Thunderous ‘Reverberation’ Showcases The Healing Journey of the Sweat Lodge

Eric Alper
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Mike Bern’s Thunderous ‘Reverberation’ Showcases The Healing Journey of the Sweat Lodge

New Brunswick-based Indigenous singer/songwriter Mike Bern rides a thunderous wave of chart-topping hits with his latest groovy song about the healing journey of the sweat lodge, “Reverberation,” — available now.

Already transcending artistic barriers with acclaimed international success and four singles charting on the Indigenous Music Countdown (including his most recent ‘no words for goodbye’ hitting #1), Mike Bern latest hit transports listeners on a musical journey filled with catchy synths, melodic folk riffs, and infectious percussion.

Among the many qualities that have garnered streams worldwide, Bern’s ability to connect his culture to his art is the reason he has so many people talking. “The drum and chanting to bring the spirits into the ceremony,” explains Bern. “The drum is the heartbeat of mother earth & creation of all living things.”

In his new single “Reverberation,” Bern merges his traditional folk acoustic melodies with an ethereal soundscape to bring the meditative experience of the sweat lodge to life.

“In the lodge, you are sitting at the center of four directions,” says Bern. “In the ceremony, you pray to all directions in which they all represent. Songs and prayers are offered during the ceremony. And the beat and the beat will roll on.”

A sentiment reflected in the lyrical composition of “Reverberation,” a song that somehow rides the razors-edge between a radio-ready hit and deeply emotional folk tune.

“Face the east where the suns born
Awake these bones my father
And the beat
And the beat
Will roll on.”

Hailing from Tobique First Nation, NB-based Indigenous singer/songwriter Mike Bern has been carving his own path in music after departing as the singer of award-winning bands like Kickin Krotch and District Avenue.

Bern’s artistry has also been showcased at the 2018 Olympic Games, along with multiple Native American Music Awards nominations. During his stint as a raspy rock vocalist before going solo, Bern also had the charting single “Mother First,” which rose on the Indigenous Music Countdown list. He has also played more prominent stages, opening up for bands like Seaway, The Trews, One Bad Son, and The Motorleague.

Mike Bern’s latest ode to Indigenous culture and Canadian music history, “Reverberation,” is available now.

My Next Read: “Faith, Hope and Carnage” By Nick Cave & Seán O’Hagan

Eric Alper
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My Next Read: “Faith, Hope and Carnage” By Nick Cave & Seán O’Hagan

Faith, Hope and Carnage is a book about Nick Cave’s inner life.

Created from more than forty hours of intimate conversations with the journalist Seán O’Hagan, this is a profoundly thoughtful exploration, in Cave’s own words, of what really drives his life and creativity.

The book examines questions of belief, art, music, freedom, grief and love. It draws candidly on Cave’s life, from his early childhood to the present day, his loves, his work ethic and his dramatic transformation in recent years.

Faith, Hope and Carnage offers ladders of hope and inspiration from a true visionary.

Vangoa Karaoke Machine with 2 Wireless Microphones Is Your Next Party-Starter

Eric Alper
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Vangoa Karaoke Machine with 2 Wireless Microphones Is Your Next Party-Starter

Karaoke is an absolute blast that brings joy and laughter to any gathering, and now you and your party can to unleash their inner performers and enjoy the spotlight, regardless of their singing abilities. From belting out power ballads to dancing along with catchy tunes, karaoke creates a vibrant atmosphere filled with infectious enthusiasm. . So grab the Vangoa Karaoke Machine, choose your go-to song, and get ready for a night of pure fun and entertainment that will leave you smiling and wanting more.

  • [Multifunctional Karaoke Machine] The speaker ensures stable signal transmission within 10m/32.8ft. It supports U disk, LINE playback and has high compatibility with phones, tablets, computers
  • [Multi-color Party Lights] Speaker for singing songs will display bright and colorful LED lights. You can switch the lighting effect by pressing the relevant button to create a party atmosphere.
  • [2 Wireless Microphones] The mini microphones for solo/duet work with durable materials. Their design is simple. You can press the buttons to experience the presence of applause/cheer.
  • [Powerful Stereo Sound] The compact karaoke machine for adults has high-fidelity, 10W high-power and super low frequency speaker. It provides you with explosive and high-quality sound.
  • [Home & Outdoor Portable Bluetooth Speaker] Weighing only 979g/2.2lb, this wireless speaker is lightweight enough for unrivaled portability. It comes with a carrying handle for you to carry and two mic holders to store mics.

You can get it here.

Muppet Movie 1979 Camera Test Between Kermit The Frog And Fozzy Bear

Eric Alper
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Muppet Movie 1979 Camera Test Between Kermit The Frog And Fozzy Bear

The banter between Kermit The Frog and Fozzie Bear…errr…Jim Henson and Frank Oz is so hilariously improvised.

My Next Read: “New Highway: Selected Lyrics, Poems, Prose, Essays, Eulogies and Blues” By Dave Alvin

Eric Alper
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My Next Read: “New Highway: Selected Lyrics, Poems, Prose, Essays, Eulogies and Blues” By Dave Alvin

Celebrated singer-songwriter and guitarist Dave Alvin is, first and foremost, a storyteller. The Grammy winning artist’s disarmingly well-crafted lyrics represent just one of the many expressions of his unique ability to capture the gritty and beautiful moments of life with the written word. This anthology of his writing is a companion piece to Dave’s considerable musical output, and presents a staggering cross section of his work. New Highway includes a generous selection of his celebrated poetry; excerpts of his moving prose; newspaper articles and essays on artists including Frank Zappa, Bo Diddley, and Ray Charles (which earned Dave a Grammy nomination); tributes to influences such as Merle Haggard; a long-lost interview with Buck Owens; and, of course, a carefully curated representation of his inimitable lyrics. Packed with rich imagery and poignant observations, New Highway follows Dave’s previous collections Nana, Big Joe & the Fourth of July, and Any Rough Times Are Now Behind You: Selected Poems & Writings: 1979-1995. If you know Dave Alvin for his music, this collection will give you deeper insight into the heart of an artist whose pen knows no boundaries.

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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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