The Canadian Folk Music Awards celebrates its 18th edition, with a roster of nominations that celebrates the breadth and depth of Canadian folk music.
Established by Canada’s vibrant and internationally recognized folk music community, nominees are chosen for each category through a two-stage jury process. More than 100 jurors, located across Canada, representing all official provinces, territories, and languages, determine the official recipients in each category.
The CFMA 2023 Awards Weekend takes place March 31 – April 2, 2023 in Vancouver, BC, and Eric Alper Public Relations is proud to be working with the following amazing artists!
Contemporary Album of the Year
Sultans of String – Sanctuary
Contemporary Singer of the Year
Barney Bentall – Cosmic Dreamer
Angelique Francis – Long River
Oliver Schroer Pushing the Boundaries Award
Sultans of String – Sanctuary
Instrumental Solo Artist of the Year
Mike Stevens – Breathe In The World Breathe Out Music
Instrumental Group of the Year
RanchWriters – RanchWriters
Producer(s) of the Year
Chris McKhool & John ‘Beetle’ Bailey – Sanctuary (Sultans of String)
Solo Artist of the Year
Barney Bentall – Cosmic Dreamer
Global Roots Album of the Year
Sultans of String – Sanctuary
Stephen Colbert’s conversation with Hollywood icons Steven Spielberg and John Williams continues with a discussion of how Williams’ music plays an integral role in each of Spielberg’s films, in particular “Jaws” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”
San Francisco’s Firefighter and Marine Corps Combat Veteran John Preston announces new single “Be Real” off his upcoming album God Magik, both out now.
Since 2014, when John emerged into the music scene, he has been using his platform to advocate against suicide and open up the conversation surrounding mental health. He is also the founder of 22 and You, a movement to save the lives of first responders and veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress. His music focuses on making positive impacts in the world, and “Be Real” is another single making a difference.
“Be Real” is heartbreakingly beautiful but filled with endurance and perseverance. Although the lyrics tell the story of a hardship, it focuses on the strength that surrounds a difficult time and how to overcome it. The upbeat melody compliments the lyrics and emphasizes those feelings of hope. The song’s beginning tugs at your heartstrings as the lyrics, “Blind to the fact that day like this come/ When this hell rain down on our dreams,” discuss how no one is prepared or ready for hard times. But through the chorus’s lyrics, “With hope in your eyes/ I’ll be the gold,” that perseverance shines through. The song stresses that through love, support and hope anyone can overcome their toughest obstacles.
The song is a beautiful tribute to Ariana Roberts, a friend of Preston and the wife of producer 5ilas. In March 2022, Roberts was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. This news gave 5ilas the motivation to work hard to support his family. He started creating tracks and sent them to Preston to write to. After receiving the tracks, Preston decided he wanted to create an entire album dedicated to helping people who are suffering.
“Our families were devastated when we heard the news of Ariana’s cancer,” Preston says. “I felt useless and had no idea what I could do to help my best friend and his family. The album concept was created to find a way to make a difference and this song was my message to my friends to keep fighting. As it’s been with all of my work, I poured my heart into this song that is about endurance and perseverance. There is so much power in love and that is exactly what ‘Be Real’ is saying. People all over the world deal with this struggle, and with this song and entire album we want them to have a place to go, to feel, to love, to fight, and most importantly know they are not alone.”
Along with Preston and 5ilas, many artists on the album have also had personal or family struggles with cancer in the past. Patricia Passaretti, a producer on the album, had a battle with breast cancer and is now cancer free.
“Be Real” is a prime example of the positive and impactful music Preston has previously created. His music has received many recognitions. Recently, his 2020 single “Wasteland” made iTunes Top 150 Rock as well as the Independent and Top 150 overall.
Preston is the executive producer of the God Magik album, which is set to release on February 24, 2023 alongside “Be Real.” The album features several artists spanning across genres of music. “Be Real” is already succeeding as it rises on the Digital Radio Tracker and Cashbox Magazine’s Global Top 200. All the proceeds of the song will go to the Bay Area Cancer Connection and all other artists will have the option to make the same donation.
Nostalgic cityscapes and urban grit inform “Fictional Dreamer,” the single from Toronto electro-shoegazers Jo Ryder.
An audio-visual project that began when two friends were reminiscing about Toronto’s DIY music scene circa 2009, Jo Ryder is the duo of Lauralee Sheehan and Owen Norquay, two unique artists with interdisciplinary minds: Sheehan is an award-winning entrepreneur working in digital media who used to front the Lovely Killbots; Norquay is a music producer and photographer who plays bass in the Mooks and Simple Sailor. Together, they toy with analog and digital tools to create a mesmerizing soundscape that reflects on the isolation of modern life in a super-connected world. Fans of Beach House, Purity Ring and 1970s film soundtracks will find plenty to love here.
“Fictional Dreamer” first took shape in 2021, after the passing of Sheehan’s uncle, who was a big influence on her musical career; his was only one of several funerals that season. The writing took a non-linear form: more of a journey than a traditional verse-chorus structure, anchored on arpeggiating synths, icy drum machines and reverb-drenched vocals.
The song was recorded at a now-defunct rehearsal space in Toronto that was home to dozens if not hundreds of acts; its loss to the city’s inflated real estate market only underscores the sense of melancholy and loss that haunts the song, a song that itself aims to conjure memories of a vibrant scene from 15 years ago.
“Fictional Dreamer” was produced and mixed by Evan Sutton, whose credits include Shawn Mendes, Imagine Dragons, Chromeo, Oneohtrix Point Never, Robert Glasper and more.
True love can be a very powerful thing. It can make you feel complete and give you purpose and strength. You can’t let go of it when you have it, and Harry Hannah certainly shows why in his latest single, “Orion and Alya.”
Even before the words come out of lead singer, Harry Hannah’s mouth, you can feel the love through the piano keys as it gently sways your mind into a sense of calm and then you hear the lyrics begin: “Darling I got a lot of feelings on my mind. Thinking you’re the one that I might never ever leave behind. And I think I can admit that even if you doubt that.”
“Orion and Alya” is a true, love song as it opens with Hannah expressing deep feelings and thoughts about someone he cares about. As the folk singer/songwriter from the north end of Ontario’s, Northumberland Hills, continues to the chorus, he mentions the stars in the sky and how they would be nothing compared to having the person they love.
“All the stars in the sky.
Oh they’re yours but if I had you.
I’d be Orion.
We could dance we could fly.
Out in the night sky.
I’d be.
Your Orion.
My Alya.”
When describing the beautifully constructed chorus, Hannah explains, “Orion is one of my favourite winter constellations, so I figured I’d take a page from his book. Some say he’s a huntsman and some have called him the Archer of Hearts, so I kind of took that concept and ran with it in my own direction.”
The lyrics on this newly released single express a desire to dance and fly with this person’s true love under the stars, signifying their deep love and connection. Alya represents that connection as Hannah continues to describe his meaning of her by saying “Alya, in this case, represents Artemis – the goddess of Chastity, Hunting, and the Moon. Some tales say she’s Orion’s only true love, just like my love for the province of Alberta.”
Known as “The Cobourg Folkster” by some, Hannah wears his heart on his sleeve on this latest track and leaves all his emotions out for everyone to hear. This romantic, yet optimistic classic hits with a catchy beat expressed by the singer’s deep love for someone he truly cares about.
Hannah sums it all up by saying “I think finding true love can make you feel larger than life in some cases. I’ve felt that before. After you lose it, or even just without it, you don’t feel whole – existentially lost among stars if I’m getting dramatic.”
Wrené Nova’s latest “Deflect, Dissolve” is an anti-pop single weaving experimental electronica, ambient, and avant-garde elements through a haunting four-minute ballad that explores the pain of heartache and disconnection. The single also reinforces the concept of her forthcoming album Metamorphosis which will be a sonic exploration through the process of change and the perspective that comes with passing time.
“Deflect, Dissolve” may have been written during the recovery process of an emotionally wounding relationship but for the Toronto-based talent, Wrené hopes it “offers more than it being my own self-serving ‘breakup song,’” and that it can bring its own meaning to the listener.
In Wrené’s discography, her lyrics have always served as a testament to her poetic imagery, and on “Deflect, Dissolve” it’s no different. We are forced to examine if the love we give in a relationship is enough, “All I give, you can’t absorb,” sings Wrené over chilling pianos and spatial drum machines. “I stare in a two-way mirror nothing behind there, nothing between us,” follows, and invites listeners on a journey of introspection.
Whether she’s delivering healing frequencies and subliminal messages like on the Transmuting Darkness EP or experimenting with foley sounds like on the Live Wire LP, Wrené’s body of work is meant for the outsiders; those who abandon the mundane superficialities of life, “My music is a playground for escapists, rebels, and those who are interested in the abstract.”
In doing so, she has been able to create otherworldly, serene, and ethereal soundscapes that encapsulate dark and light, “I’m interested in hosting my mind as a wonderland for others to visit; to get away from the pain, monotony, and meaninglessness of life.”
But more importantly, she wants her music to embody universal truths that are rarely heard in mainstream music, “I aim to challenge the conventions of popular music,” she says. “By offering an unorthodox perspective as well as a deeper level of authenticity and vulnerability than what is offered in music being pumped out to the masses.”
Many see water as the element with healing powers and this belief is reflected in the music video for “Deflect, Dissolve.” Like a siren signing you to a shipwreck, Wrené’s chilling aquatic movements in the video joined with her poetic lyrics really bring the meaning of “Deflect, Dissolve” to a new level.
Shot by Kenzie Yango in a repurposed intex pool in the garage of Wrené’s parents’ house in Newmarket, the soulful vocalist “couldn’t be happier with the result” – even though the water was absolutely freezing and she was “quite miserable and cranky during the shooting.” But with a very high level of creativity on a low budget with limited resources, she says it shows how “you really can create so much out of seemingly so little.”
American folk singer-songwriter Tatiana Moroz announces new album Love Songs For Idiots set to release on March 23, 2023. The album focuses on all the emotions someone may feel when playing the game of love. Whether it be heartache, forgiving or happiness, Moroz explores it all in this forthcoming album.
Filled with life lessons, detailed storytelling and captivating melodies, Love Songs For Idiots was recorded within the course of just three days. It was produced by GRAMMY® Award-winning mixer and producer, Will Hensley (Coldplay, Regina Spektor, Dream Theater, Mat Kearney). While Moroz is on vocals and guitar, Jeremy McDonald plays bass, Todd Caldwell is on keys and Jordan Rose plays the drums.
Moroz’ first single off Love Songs For Idiots, “Keep Your Chin Up,” was released on August 12, 2022. As she sings, “When you wait for something/ And it never seems to come along/ It’s a little bit hard to keep your chin up,” the song is about how easy it can be to get discouraged during heartbreak. But as the chorus and the beat pick up she sings, “Then you realize it could be worse/ You should turn off the waterworks/ Cause it’s gonna be OK either way/ It’s gonna be OK either way,” and the song highlights the strength someone can find within themselves during a painful time.
Her second single, “Through The Night,” which was released on September 16, 2022, is a slower melody with silky vocals. It has blues elements as the song tells the story of overcoming hard times. “Stop running, there’s nowhere left to go/ The dark times won’t kill you,” she sings.
Now, days before the release of Love Songs For Idiots, Moroz is releasing her third single, “Whatcha Gonna Do,” on February 10, 2023. Through this upbeat track, her folk and country flares shine. Powerful guitar riffs drive the song and compliment Moroz’ vocals as she sings, “What is the limit, and are we still in it?/ Can we go and change the tide?/ Tell me what to do when they come for you.” The message of the good always winning over the bad bursting.
Moroz has given a great preview of what to expect from her upcoming album. She truly captures the many different aspects of love. Songs like “Love Myself,” will touch upon self-empowerment and moving on, while songs such as “Tiny Little Walls,” will tell the story of overcoming fear and trying.
Love Songs For Idiots has something for everyone. Its storytelling is relatable and captivating as it goes through the many ups and downs as well as stages of love. You can listen to the 12-track album on March 23, 2023.
Today, four time Grammy-award winning and multi-platinum selling artist Drake announced his long awaited return to the stage with the 2023 ‘It’s All A Blur’ Tour. Produced by Live Nation, Drake and 21 Savage will be going on a 29-date arena run with stops including Chicago, Boston, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and more before wrapping up in Glendale, AZ at Desert Diamond Arena on Tuesday, September 5.
‘It’s All A Blur’ marks Drake’s return to touring since headlining Aubrey & the Three Migos Tour in 2018. The title, a celebration of the last decade, sums up Drake’s sentiment of the unprecedented run as he gets ready to hit the road. In the last five years, Drake has released four albums, including his most recent studio album Her Loss in collaboration with 21 Savage, which reached number one on the Billboard’s 200 chart and had all 16 songs debuted on Billboard’s Hot 100 list.
TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with presales (details below) beginning Wednesday, March 15. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Friday, March 17 starting at 12pm local time on drakerelated.com. On sale start times vary by market, check your local listings for more information.
DRAKE: ‘IT’S ALL A BLUR’ 2023 TOUR DATES:
Fri Jun 16 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center
Mon Jun 19 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Wed Jun 21 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
Sat Jun 24 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
Wed Jun 28 – Miami, FL – Miami-Dade Arena
Sat Jul 01 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Sun Jul 02 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Wed Jul 05 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Thu Jul 06 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Sat Jul 08 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Tue Jul 11 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Wed Jul 12 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Fri Jul 14 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
Mon Jul 17 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Tue Jul 18 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Tue Jul 25 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Wed Jul 26 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Fri Jul 28 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
Mon Jul 31 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Sat Aug 12 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum
Sun Aug 13 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum
Fri Aug 18 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
Mon Aug 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena
Tue Aug 22 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena
Fri Aug 25 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Mon Aug 28 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
Fri Sep 01 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena
Tue Sep 05 – Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena
You’ll never know what’s out there unless you go and see for yourself. One thing is for certain…you do not want to miss out on James Blonde’s newly released single “FOMO” and the first batch of tour dates announced for 2023, including stops in Toronto, Kingston, Montreal, New York City, Cleveland, Nashville, and a hometown concert in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
This track starts off with a high energy guitar riff which immediately gives off wild and frantic vibes. The band captures their emotional state of frustration of what’s going on in their minds and releases it with the purpose of getting you to feel their same energy.
“FOMO was an important song for us to make.” James Blonde explains, “It fully encapsulates this popular feeling among the band members where we miss out on a lot of life from having such a different schedule to others, and sometimes feeling too drained to muster the energy to go out and do things that could otherwise be fun.”
The high-octane band from Niagara Falls express their feelings through their electric chorus:
Fear of missing out.
You don’t want to doubt.
That when you go.
You’ll be better off.
You got the fear of missing out.
Don’t know what about.
How could you know.
That you’d be better off on your own.
“FOMO” was a collaborative effort among the talented threesome as they share their confessions about the anxieties and fears of missing out and always being left with the question, what if?
“We wrote this song with a big and busy chorus with high-energy guitar riffs trying to match the energy of the song with the expectations we build in our minds of ‘what could be’ that we might miss out on.” James Blonde goes on to explain further by saying, “In contrast, we wrote a more somber and slightly chaotic crescendoing verse to match the building anxiety that comes along with the Fear of Missing Out.”
This message clearly gets across when the alt-rock trio sing their 2nd verse, “Your best friends’ invitation has waged a battle on your soul. You have to pick your poison. There might be stories you missed out. Sometime down the road wished you were there.”
James Blonde arrived on the music scene in their hometown of Niagara Falls on New Year’s Eve 2017, opening for Sam Roberts and Serena Ryder. Following their full length self-titled release in 2017, the lead single “Heartbreak” was picked up by major Spotify playlists and Starbucks, who added the song to its in-store radio across the globe.
James Blonde 2023 Tour Dates:
March 12 – Cleveland – Mercury Music Lounge
March 14 – Nashville – The 5 Spot
March 23 – London – Palasad Social Bowl
March 30 – Ottawa – Live on Elgin
April 13 -St Catharines – Warehouse – Album Release Show
Finding true love can be hard. You can date one person after the other to search for it, and you can get discouraged with each unsuccessful match. Montreal-based, Armenian-born singer Opya croons her romantic desires in her new single, “Good Love”. The song was written by Opya, Hasmik Grigoryan, and smooth singer NAATE NK.
“All day, I’ve been thinking about you
All night, I’ve been awake but don’t want to
You’re the one and only that can
Make me feel this way you’re my man”
NAATE NK’s is also notable for deftly switching between English and French as he raps, showcasing charm by playing the role of the guy that could give Opya the “good love” she yearns for. Buoying both Opya and NAATE NK is a sensual R&B and Afrobeat rhythm that is romantic as well as arousing.
Of the song’s inspiration, Opya states, “The lyrics of the song were inspired by my past relationship. I had been in the relationship for a year and a half. Needless to say, the relationship ended. Many would say that our relationship seemed perfect. However, there was that lack of spark and love.”
Opya’s tender, vulnerable vocals and lyrics combine with a smoky rhythm and NAATE NK’s flirtatious braggadocio to make a standout love song. It expresses the desire for love that is true and passionate.
“No matter what hardships the individuals in the relationship are going through, if they have true love, they will be able to look past them.”
Born and raised in Yerevan, Armenia as Hasmik Grigoryan, Opya got her start as a singer by performing on Broadway from ages 4 to 6, led by Naira Gyurjinyan. From there, Opya’s love of singing and performing grew even as she moved to Montreal, Canada.
At the age of sixteen, Opya started to write her own music when the pandemic hit in 2020. She took on the moniker of Opya after seeing a “Word of The Day” social media post, which featured the word’”opia,’ meaning “the ambiguous intensity of looking. someone in the eye, which can feel simultaneously invasive and vulnerable.”
Soon after, Opya collaborated with a close friend, beat maker Robert Tuta to write and release the song, “3 Shots.”
In 2021, Opya released her EP Cloud Nine, which allowed her to establish her sound as an R&B and soul singer.
