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Nigerian-Born, Edmonton-Based Singer Osasioo Oozes Comfort In New Single “Home”

Eric Alper
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Nigerian-Born, Edmonton-Based Singer Osasioo Oozes Comfort In New Single “Home”

Sometimes, the grind of everyday life can be overwhelming. When that happens, almost everyone has a place, thing, or person they turn to for a sense of comfort and peace.

Nigerian-born, Edmonton-based pop singer Osasioo conveys this yearning for comfort in his new single, “Home”. Written alongside his friend and manager Femi Sobaki, “Home” expresses the weariness and stress of everyday working people and how they cope.

With R&B influenced pop vocals that are reminiscent of Miguel’s sultriness mixed with Owl City’s down-to-earth whimsiness, Osasioo croons about the difficulty of getting by when everything seems to be going wrong.

“When familiar friends turn into foes
And these memories they seem to get old
Cuz when we have time there’s no money
And then there’s money there’s no time”

Osasioo wanted to make a song that everyone going through “the business of life” can relate to. Of the song’s inspiration, he says, “Femi and I share very common stories-we were both born and raised in Nigeria and moved to Edmonton in 2010 to continue our education. We wrote this song at a point in our lives when we felt homesick, and exhausted from the craziness of life and the pressures we faced.”

Besides the vocals and lyrics, a remarkable thing about “Home” is how it doesn’t refer to a specific thing that people call home. Instead, it is applied in a universal sense so that almost anyone can relate to the song.

Osasioo explains this further: “In order to make the song more relatable for everyone, we constructed the lyrics to make the word “Home” feel more than just a place- Home could be a person, a thing, a glass of wine, or even a hobby.”

“Home” is Osasioo’s second single after 2022’s “Gravity”, a gorgeous ballad that he intended to be “his future wedding song”. As with “Home”, “Gravity” was a collaborative effort, originally written in 2021 with Femi Sobaki as well as Canadian producer Ryan Stewart. The track was recorded in 2022 at Vancour at the same studio used by his peers Carly Ray Jepsen and Owl City.

Osasioo, aka Osas Igbinosun, became enamored with music when he picked up his brother’s guitar and taught himself songs from YouTube. At sixteen, he joined his local church’s worship team as a guitarist and singer. His musical influences include Vianney, Usher, and Ne-Yo.

Sultans of String and Marc Meriläinen Explore The Light In “A Beautiful Darkness” Single

Eric Alper
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Sultans of String and Marc Meriläinen Explore The Light In “A Beautiful Darkness” Single

“A Beautiful Darkness” is a collaboration between 3x JUNO nominated, 4x CFMA winning Sultans of String and Marc Meriläinen, the creative force also known as Nadjiwan, who has been recognized in many corners, including Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards, the Native American Music Awards, the Indigenous Music Awards, along with invitations to perform at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and the 2015 Pan-Am Games in Toronto.

It is the second 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.

Referencing the title, Marc Meriläinen explains “We were just getting through COVID, and lockdowns, and of course, being in isolation… everyone had that feeling that this was an extra-long winter, because when we started COVID, it was still in the wintertime. And then, sure, we had spring and summer, but those seasons just blew right by, it seems. And we’re back in winter again, back into COVID.

“It seemed like everyone needed this refreshing break from the darkness that has engulfed our lives and forced us into this new way of living that we all had to adapt and adjust. But with each new night, or each night, there’s always a new day that comes. So the song is about breaking free from these barriers and these things that hold us down… or keep us maybe depressed or not feeling happy.”

Indeed, the chorus lifts the listener out of moody verses. “I always look into it as the chorus being the awakening of spring” Marc continues, “And then the light breaking through the darkness and reinvigorating our lives. And to steal Bruce Cockburn’s little quote from that song, “Gotta kick at the darkness ‘til it bleeds daylight.”

Sultans of String bandleader and violinist Chris McKhool, who was recently awarded the Dr. Duke Redbird Lifetime Achievement Award from the JAYU Festival For Human Rights, is trying to transform the darkness in his own way. “We are creating this recording in the spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, and Final Report that asks that Indigenous and non-Indigenous people work together as an opportunity to show a path forward. I am really excited about working with Marc because I am a super huge fan of his work, especially the incredible skills he learned during the pandemic, working with outer space screenscapes, that have made their way into the video for this song. He is one of many fantastic Indigenous artists on my playlist right now.”

When asked about the newfound popularity of Indigenous artists, Marc says: “Definitely we are seeing a Renaissance, if you will, with Indigenous culture, and artists, and entrepreneurs, and everything else. And it’s good to keep that ball rolling. And hopefully, this project keeps that ball rolling, which I’m sure it will. And that’s one of the big reasons why I signed on. And I love everything that you’re doing with the project, because this is a great way to build some of these bridges, as well as leaving the evening or a listener with a great selection of tunes.”

Marc likens a hesitancy for more collaborations to a high school dance. “Guys are on this side of the wall. And then on the other side, the girls are here. And everyone’s afraid to ask each other out to have a dance and then have a great time. I think it’s like that in the music community, like, ‘I’d like to work with this community, but I’m not sure what the protocol is. Or maybe they don’t want me there.’ But I’ll tell you, we love working, I mean, I can’t speak for all Indigenous people, but we love working with new music, and new artists, and people from all backgrounds and ethnicities and genres, because that’s what makes music exciting. And it’s all about promoting these cross collaborations that make it exciting for the audience as well.”

Studios were used throughout Ontario to record this track, including Marc recording his guitar and vocals at his own Meriläinen Music studio, Sultans co-founder Kevin Laliberté’s guitar tracks at his own studio, multiple fiddle overdubs with Grammy and JUNO Award winning John ‘Beetle’ Bailey in New Hamburg ON, and Sultans bed tracks recorded at Jukasa Studios, an Indigenous-owned world-class recording facility on the Six Nations reserve south of Hamilton Ontario.

But the spiritual roots of the song may come from Northern Ontario. “My grandparents are Andrew Patrick and Isabel Nadjiwan. Cape Croker Chippewas of Nawash is the community.” says Marc. “Although my mother was born and raised in Wikwemikong First Nation, which is on Manitoulin Island. And there’s actually a street named after the family. If you go to Wiki, there’s Nadjiwan Lane, which the old family house used to be on. The house is no longer there, but the street is still there. So I grew up mainly in Thunder Bay in my early years. And Thunder Bay, they have a classic rock station. And then there’s all these cultural things. So it’s a large Indigenous population and Finnish population. So I remember in the summers going to different ceremonies and powwows. And in one ear I’d hear the sound of the powwow drum, the singing. But in the other ear from a car radio, I’d hear the classic rock station.

“So those two influences kind of stuck with me from, I think, when I was four or five. I didn’t know how to play the guitar. I had a fake guitar with rubber bands for strings. But I think that’s where I started working on the sound. There’s still definitely an Indigenous element there, but there’s also this classic rock sound as well. And how those two came together, it’s like the Reese peanut butter and the chocolate story, we’ll say.”

Bruce Cockburn Reaches For The Heavens With New Album ‘O Sun O Moon’ Set For Release May 12, 2023

Eric Alper
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Bruce Cockburn Reaches For The Heavens With New Album ‘O Sun O Moon’ Set For Release May 12, 2023


“Time takes its toll,” sings the 77-year-old Bruce Cockburn on the opening song, “On A Roll,” his 35th album, O Sun O Moon, out on May 12 via True North Records. “But in my soul / I’m on a roll.”

Bruce Cockburn has enjoyed an illustrious career shaped by politics, spirituality, and musical diversity. His remarkable journey has seen him embrace folk, jazz, rock, and worldbeat styles while earning high praise as a prolific, inspired songwriter and accomplished guitarist. He remains deeply respected for his activism and humanist song lyrics that thread throughout his career. On all his albums Cockburn has deftly captured the joy, pain, fear, and faith of human experience in song.

O Sun O Moon is his first vocal album since 2017’s Bone on Bone. It’s also only the third album Cockburn has released since writing his memoirs (2013’s widely acclaimed Rumours of Glory), after which he felt creatively spent. He doesn’t feel that way now. A lot has happened in the zeitgeist in the last six years, and the renowned singer-songwriter has plenty to talk about. While he addresses political calamity on “Orders,” and climate change on “To Keep the World We Know” (featuring popular Indigenous Canadian artist Susan Aglukark singing in Inuktitut), Cockburn largely focuses on spiritual connections, forgiveness, and love — in ways that perhaps only a performer of his experience can do. Except that Cockburn has always done that, from his 1970 debut onwards.

What will go wrong will go wrong
What will go right will go right
Push come to shove
It’s all about love
– From Push Comes To Shove, Words & Music by Bruce Cockburn

O Sun O Moon finds Cockburn again working with his close friend Colin Linden as producer, who doubles on guitar, along with Janice Powers on keyboards and Gary Craig on drums, the album features bassist Viktor Krauss, drummer Chris Brown, accordionist Jeff Taylor, violinist Jenny Scheinman and multi-instrumentalist Jim Hoke. Cockburn’s guest vocalists include Shawn Colvin, Buddy Miller as well as mellifluous singers Allison Russell, Sarah Jarosz and Ann and Regina McCrary, daughters of gospel great Rev. Samuel McCrary, one of the founders of the Fairfield Four.

Bruce Cockburn has won 13 JUNO Awards, an induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, and has been made an Officer of the Order of Canada, among many other accolades. He has 22 gold and platinum records including a six-times platinum record for his Christmas album. Cockburn continues to tour internationally.

He’s on a roll.

Tracklisting
1. On a Roll 3:31
2. Orders 4:44
3. Push Come to Shove 4:12
4. Colin Went Down to the Water 4:41
5. Into the Now 4:15
6. Us All 4:40
7. To Keep the World We Know 3:30
8. King of the Bolero 5:24
9. When the Spirit Walks in the Room 4:15
10. Haiku 4:01
11. O Sun by Day O Moon by Night 3:50
12. When You Arrive 4:33

Sonia Aimy Celebrates Diversity, Beauty & Dynamism of Black Canadians with Joyful “TRACE”

Eric Alper
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Sonia Aimy Celebrates Diversity, Beauty & Dynamism of Black Canadians with Joyful “TRACE”

Sonia Aimy’s new single “TRACE” features mellow grooves, bright horns, smooth singalong vocals, and an overall vibe of joy and positivity. Its corresponding music video celebrates the beauty, diversity and history of Black Canadians with a montage of historical photos, as well as a celebration of the food, dress, and traditions that strengthen Black Canadians’ roots.

“TRACE,” an acronym for Tracing Rare African Canadian Extraordinaire, is the theme song Aimy wrote for a documentary of the same name, which she also directed and produced.
Called “The Velvety Voice of Africa,” beloved Nigerian vocalist Sonia Aimy is also an entrepreneur, actress, and activist with many humanitarian passion projects. Sonia’s life and work almost reads like an ongoing serendipitous conversation with the universe, with every song, album, and project steeped in altruistic purpose and the result of a refreshingly unpretentious self-reflexivity.

The documentary, out now, recognizes the work and efforts of seven Black Canadians in diverse sectors including business, entrepreneurial, academic, arts and culture, history and philanthropy, as well as front-line workers and more, all of whom have impacted the community with their great accomplishments.

The inspiration for the song comes from the TRACE project itself – the desire to discover true role models who do a lot for their community, but do not boast about their actions. The Afrobeat genre at its core follows a similar principle: allow the instrumentals to speak to the narrative, while the vocals are simply an added flourish.

“It inspired me to focus on the musical arrangement that will balance the TRACE beautiful narratives”, says Aimy.

Prior to filming TRACE and recording its theme song, Sonia released her post-pandemic album Reconnect, which exudes her signature dynamic sound – a blend of Afro-Jazz, Afrobeat, highlife, and elements of the African griot call-and-response tradition “in a string of easy flowing, yet virtuosic performances.”

The ‘Baltic’, A Rare 292-Year-Old Guarneri Violin, Sold For $9.44 Million At Tarisio New York

Eric Alper
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The ‘Baltic’, A Rare 292-Year-Old Guarneri Violin, Sold For $9.44 Million At Tarisio New York

A rare 292-year-old Guarneri violin known as the ‘Baltic’ sold for US$9.44 million at Tarisio, the global auction leader for rare stringed instruments and bows. The final sale price smashed the previous auction record of $3.6 million for any Guarneri instrument and marked the third-highest price ever achieved for a musical instrument at auction. With the sale of the ‘Baltic’, Tarisio has now sold the three most expensive stringed instruments at auction: the ‘Lady Blunt’ Stradivari for $15.9 million in 2011, the ‘da Vinci’ Stradivari for $15.34 million in 2022, and the ‘Baltic’ Guarneri del Gesù for $9.44 million in 2023.

Front and back views of Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù’s the ‘Baltic’ of c. 1731, which sold for US$9.44 million at Tarisio New York on March 16, 2023.
Front and back views of Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù’s the ‘Baltic’ of c. 1731, which sold for US$9.44 million at Tarisio New York on March 16, 2023.
The ‘Baltic’ was hand-made circa 1731 by master luthier Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù, the scion of one of the three great violin-making families in Cremona, Italy whose stringed instruments are among the world’s most rare and prized musical instruments. Only about 150 Guarneri violins are known to exist, as compared to about 600 by Stradivari. Guarneri violins are prized by musicians for their deep and sonorous tone. Isaac Stern, Jascha Heifetz, and Itzhak Perlman are among the great artists who have performed on the world’s stages with Guarneri violins.

The ‘Baltic’ was crafted from beautifully-flamed, high-quality maple wood that is among the finest ever used by violin-makers of the era. As a singular example of the luthier’s innovative craftsmanship, the ‘Baltic’ has been exhibited twice at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was offered for sale at Tarisio after nearly 50 years in the family collection of the late Asian-American businessman Sau-Wing Lam (1923-1988), a musician and noted collector of rare musical instruments who generously supported young musicians throughout his lifetime.

My Next Read: “Conform To Deform: The Weird & Wonderful World Of Some Bizzare” by Wesley Doyle

Eric Alper
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My Next Read: “Conform To Deform: The Weird & Wonderful World Of Some Bizzare” by Wesley Doyle

The rise and fall of Some Bizzare — the label that introduced the world to Soft Cell, Depeche Mode, and The The — is the great untold story of alternative music.

Along with Factory, Mute, and Creation, Some Bizzare was the vanguard of outsider music in the 1980s. The label’s debut release reads like a who’s who of electronic music, featuring early tracks from Soft Cell, Depeche Mode, Blancmange, and The The, while over the next decade its roster would include artists such as Marc Almond, Cabaret Voltaire, Einstürzende Neubauten, Foetus, Swans, Coil, and Psychic TV.

For a time, Some Bizzare was the most exciting independent record label in the world, but the music is only half of the story. Self-styled label boss Stevo Pearce’s unconventional dealings with the industry are legendary. Sometimes they were playful (sending teddy bears to meetings in his place), other times less so (he and Marc Almond destroyed offices at Phonogram and terrorised staff). Despite this, he was a force to be reckoned with. His preternatural ability to spot talent meant his label was responsible for releasing some of the decade’s most forward-thinking, transgressive, and influential music.

The Some Bizzare story spans the globe: from ecstasy parties in early 80s New York to video shoots in the Peruvian jungle, from events in disused tube stations to seedy sex shows in Soho. There were million-selling singles, run-ins with the Vice Squad, destruction at the ICA, death threats, meltdowns, and, of course, sex dwarves. For a time, Stevo had the music industry in the palm of his hands, only for it all to slip through his fingers. But he and Some Bizzare left a legacy of incredible music that still has an influence and impact today.

Def Leppard With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra New Album ‘Drastic Symphonies’ Set For Release On May 19th, 2023

Eric Alper
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Def Leppard With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra New Album ‘Drastic Symphonies’ Set For Release On May 19th, 2023

On May 16th, the world will see Rock and Classical royalty unite on Drastic Symphonies – a brand-new euphoric album featuring Def Leppard’s greatest produced tracks dramatically reimagined, and sounding more exhilarating than ever before, via the band teaming with London’s iconic The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

This album represents a bold new approach to Def Leppard’s most loved songs. Def Leppard have deconstructed and rebuilt not only some of their most well-known tracks, but also some of their hidden gems as well. By and large, they have intertwined the audio from the original tapes and performed them alongside The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, consistently ranked as one of the world’s leading orchestras. The album additionally includes new vocals and guitars that culminate in stunningly beautiful symphonic arrangements, which at different points you can hear Joe Elliott duetting with his younger self

Vocalist Joe Elliott says, “Def Leppard has always enjoyed veering off the expected path – working with the likes of Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift & Alison Krauss for example. So, when the offer to revisit some of our back catalogue with the Royal Philharmonic was presented to us, we all jumped at it. Although we’re far from the first band to ever do this, working directly with an orchestra at Abbey Road on some of our more orchestrated songs seemed too good of an opportunity to pass up.”

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was recorded at Abbey Road in March 2022 and is produced by Def Leppard, Ronan McHugh & Nick Patrick (producer of the following RPO/Orchestral albums – xElvis, Roy Orbison, Beach Boys and Buddy Holly), with arrangements by Eric Gorfain (Neil Diamond, Ryan Adams, Christina Aguilera).

Guitarist Phil Collen says, “When the offer of doing an orchestral album with the RPO was suggested, we were honoured. But we didn’t just want an orchestra plonked over our previous recordings. We decided to create something special where we would have something classic but present it in a brand new way that would involve making everything work in the context of Drastic Symphonies. Recording new parts, remixing previous sounds, taking some of our instruments out so the orchestra could breathe, and literally making a new album. It was an amazingly inspirational process culminating in the live recording of the RPO at Abbey Road studios in London. An absolute team effort that took a good part of a year. It’s a new Def Leppard album, it’s a greatest hits plus album with some songs rarely heard before, it’s a live RPO album and we think it’s perfect. We’re so proud of how Drastic Symphonies turned out and can’t wait to share it to the world.”

The album will be available on CD, 2LP black vinyl, limited 2LP coloUred vinyl, limited 2LP picture disc, CD/Blu-Ray (Atmos) and digitally. Building upon elements from the album artwork, a collection of exclusive merch is now available for pre-order in the band’s official store.

Album tracklisting as follows:
Turn To Dust
Paper Sun
Animal
Pour Some Sugar on Me (Stripped version)
Hysteria
Love Bites
Goodbye For Good This Time
Love
Gods Of War
Angels (Can’t Help You Now)
Bringin’ On the Heartbreak
Switch 625
Too Late for Love
When Love & Hate Collide
Kings Of the World

2022 saw Def Leppard release their critically and commercially acclaimed 12th studio album Diamond Star Halos which charted all over the world including a top 5 and top 10 in both North America and the U.K.. Early 2023, saw the band score a U.K. No 1 Netflix film with their cameo in acclaimed movie Bank Of Dave. Joe Elliott is also currently riding high in chartsacross the world with his guest vocal on the Ghost track “Spillways.”

The band also embarked on a SOLD-OUT stadium tour across North America with Motley Crue in 2022 – selling over 1.3 million tickets. February and March 2023 saw the tour wow audiencesthroughout Central and South America. In May, June and July the must-see tour of 2023 comes to Europe, including a stop at the iconic Wembley Stadium on July 1st. Full European tour dates below:

THE WORLD TOUR DATES:
Mon, May 22, 2023 Sheffield, UK Bramall Lane
Wed, May 25, 2022 Mönchengladbach, Germany SparkassenPark
Sat, May 27, 2023 Munich, Germany Koenigsplatz
Mon, May 29, 2023 Budapest, Hungary MVM Dome
Wed, May 31, 2023 Krakow, Poland TAURON Arena Kraków
Fri, Jun 2, 2023 Prague, Czech Republic Prague Rocks *
Sat, Jun 3, 2023 Hannover, Germany Expo Plaza
Tue, Jun 7, 2022 Solvesborg, Sweden Sweden Rock Festival *
Fri, Jun 9, 2023 Helsinki, Finland RockFest *
Sun, Jun 11, 2023 Trondheim, Norway Trondheim Rocks *
Wed, Jun 14, 2023 Copenhagen, Denmark COPENHELL *
Sun, Jun 18, 2023 Dessel, Belgium Graspop Metal Meeting *
Tue, Jun 20, 2023 Milan, Italy Ippodromo SNAI San Siro
Fri, Jun 23, 2023 Lisbon, Portugal Passeio Maritimo de Alges
Sat, Jun 24, 2023 Rivas-Vaciamadrid, Spain Auditorio Miguel Ríos
Tue, Jun 27, 2023 Thun, Switzerland Stockhorn Arena
Sat, Jul 1, 2023 London, UK Wembley Stadium
Sun, Jul 2, 2023 Lytham, UK Lytham Festival *
Tue, Jul 4, 2023 Dublin, Ireland Marlay Park
Thu, Jul 6, 2023 Glasgow, UK Hampden Park
*Festival Date

The Talking Heads Film ‘Stop Making Sense’ Is Coming Back In Theaters In 4K

Eric Alper
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The Talking Heads Film ‘Stop Making Sense’ Is Coming Back In Theaters In 4K

If the suit still fits… This year, we’re bringing Jonathan Demme’s groundbreaking 1984 Talking Heads concert film STOP MAKING SENSE (newly remastered in 4K!) back to theaters worldwide. In addition to the theatrical re-release, a deluxe edition of the Stop Making Sense soundtrack will be out on vinyl and digitally on August 18 and include the complete Stop Making Sense concert.

Music Therapy Awareness Month Shines A Spotlight on the Transformative, Healing Power of Music in Canada

Eric Alper
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Music Therapy Awareness Month Shines A Spotlight on the Transformative, Healing Power of Music in Canada

March is Music Therapy Awareness Month – the perfect time to shine a spotlight on the transformative, healing power of music therapy, as well as on how and when to access the services of a Certified Music Therapist (MTA).

During COVID restrictions, online music therapy was able to help isolated patients reduce loneliness and feel connected, like Natasha Scoria, who was recovering from the removal of a brain tumor. “The music made me feel good, made me comfortable. Sometimes you forget where you are and that you don’t have your family close,” she said.

Music Therapists in Canada are working in a variety of settings including medical centres, long-term care settings and schools all across the country, helping people improve skills, decrease stress, or feel strengthened through during a transition or crisis. Music therapy can alleviate physical symptoms, support coping and wellbeing, and enable people to process their spiritual and existential concerns. Music Therapy often involves counselling coupled with intentional listening to live and/or recorded music while discussing the personal relevance of song lyrics, as well as more active engagement in music experiences such as writing songs, singing, or playing instruments.

In a recent review of research studies evaluating music therapy in cancer care, Friederike Köhler and colleagues found that even a single session of music therapy had positive effects on psychological well-being. Patients receiving curative treatment reported reductions in depression and anxiety as a result of music therapy; whereas those receiving palliative care reported improved quality of life and reduced pain.

And just last year, Canadian pop star Shawn Mendes acknowledged the power of music therapy by donating $1 million to the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, launching the “Wonder of Music” music therapy program at the hospital. The program will include songwriting, customized lullabies, and the creation of original songs set to the recorded rhythm of a patient’s heartbeat. “Music has made such a profound impact in my life and is no doubt a form of therapy to me. I can only hope the Wonder of Music Program will help SickKids patients, families, and staff benefit from its power as well,” Mendes told Billboard.

Anyone who appreciated or engaged in music when they were growing up can intuitively understand why music therapy is playing an increasingly important role in fostering social, emotional, and academic skills among school children. The potential impact on student mental health if teachers and music therapists came together to create and facilitate a program is also being studied, and the mental health impact of a well-developed program is an exciting prospect.

Music therapy can help in wide variety of situations, to promote health, wellbeing and quality of life. Harnessing the healing power of music therapy is now mostly about gaining a greater public understanding of when and how to access this impactful therapy. Several music therapists are available to speak on the topic of music therapy, explaining various approaches and methods supported by research as well as by anecdotes from their own areas of practice and expertise.

Toronto Musician & Producer Chris Birkett Receives Community Recognition Award

Eric Alper
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Toronto Musician & Producer Chris Birkett Receives Community Recognition Award

Earlier this month, Chris Birkett received MPP Chris Glover’s Community Recognition Award. Birkett is a multiple award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer who has worked with such A- list artists as Sinead O’Connor, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Talking Heads, Quincy Jones, and Steve Earle.

He was nominated in recognition of his song “Everyone Deserves a Home”, which shines a light on the growing homelessness crisis in Toronto.

“As someone who experienced homelessness in my youth,” says Mr. Birkett. “I believe that the millions of dollars certain billionaires spend on frivolities such as vacations in space could go a long way to supporting social programs that provide safe and secure housing. Giving a homeless person a place to live helps them to become an active, contributing member of society.”

“It breaks my heart to see so many people suffering without a home,” says Birkett. “We hope the song and the awards ceremony inspire people to encourage politicians to solve this crisis and help create more thriving communities.”

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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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