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5 Surprising Facts About Tina Turner’s ‘Private Dancer’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Tina Turner’s ‘Private Dancer’

When Tina Turner released ‘Private Dancer,’ she lit up the world with confidence, style, and fire. It was more than a comeback. It was a full-blown transformation that shaped pop, rock, and R&B for decades to come. Here are five vibrant facts about the album that made her unstoppable.

1. A&R legend John Carter helped launch a new era
Capitol Records executive John Carter believed deeply in Tina Turner’s voice and signed her when others hesitated. He oversaw the album’s creative direction, bringing together a mix of British producers and musicians that helped define her powerful new sound.

2. Mark Knopfler wrote the title track and Jeff Beck played the solo
The song ‘Private Dancer’ was originally written by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits for his own band but was later given to Turner. Her version featured Dire Straits musicians and a fiery guitar solo by Jeff Beck, creating a track filled with both elegance and electricity.

3. Four different production teams built the album’s diverse sound
Each song on ‘Private Dancer’ carried a distinct mood, crafted by producers like Rupert Hine, Terry Britten, Martyn Ware, and John Carter. Their combined efforts gave Turner an album that moved seamlessly between pop, rock, soul, and smooth jazz energy.

4. “What’s Love Got to Do with It” became a global anthem
Written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, the song climbed to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won three Grammy Awards. It became one of the defining songs of the 1980s and turned Turner into a household name across the world.

5. The ‘Private Dancer’ Tour took her around the world
The 177-date tour covered Europe, North America, Australia, and Japan. With opening acts like Glenn Frey and Mr. Mister, Turner performed her new hits alongside favorites like “Proud Mary” and “Nutbush City Limits,” thrilling audiences everywhere.

5 Surprising Facts About Bob Dylan’s ‘Oh Mercy’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Bob Dylan’s ‘Oh Mercy’

When Bob Dylan released ‘Oh Mercy’, it marked a creative spark that had the music world buzzing. Recorded in New Orleans with producer Daniel Lanois, the album shimmered with nighttime mystique, poetic grit, and late-80s groove. Here are 5 fascinating facts behind this haunting classic.

1. Dylan and Ronnie Wood recorded a whole other version first
Before New Orleans, Dylan tried tracking the album with Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood. The sessions produced a complete version of ‘Oh Mercy’ that never saw daylight. Dylan later decided to start fresh, and that decision led to the version fans know today.

2. The album was born under the moonlight
Producer Daniel Lanois insisted that they record only at night. He believed the human body moved differently after dark, when “the pushing and pulling of the moon” shaped rhythm and mystery. The result was a sound designed to be heard at night, with every note drenched in atmosphere.

3. Bono helped connect Dylan and Lanois
The partnership between Dylan and Lanois began thanks to U2’s Bono, who introduced them in the late ’80s. Dylan admired Lanois’s work with the Neville Brothers on ‘Yellow Moon’, and the two clicked immediately. That meeting sparked one of Dylan’s most distinctive sonic collaborations.

4. Some of Dylan’s best songs didn’t make the final cut
“Series of Dreams,” “Dignity,” and “Born in Time” all came from the ‘Oh Mercy’ sessions but were left off the album. Each song later appeared on future releases, including The Bootleg Series and Greatest Hits Volume 3. Dylan’s cutting-room floor was filled with gold.

5. The cover art was discovered on a Manhattan street
The mural of two dancers on the cover wasn’t staged or commissioned. Dylan spotted it on a wall outside a Chinese restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen. The artist, known as Trotsky, lived nearby and gave permission. It became one of Dylan’s most striking and serendipitous album covers.

KC Armstrong’s Festive Anthem “I Hate That Sweater” Returns with Renewed Holiday Magic

Eric Alper
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KC Armstrong’s Festive Anthem “I Hate That Sweater” Returns with Renewed Holiday Magic

Brantford-based Americana artist KC Armstrong is celebrating the return of his festive anthem “I Hate That Sweater,” a song that has found new life and a growing audience thanks to his rising profile and a fresh new video release. Originally crafted in 2024 under the rush of holiday deadlines, the track has now become one of the most requested seasonal songs and is set to light up this year’s celebrations with renewed energy.

“I Hate That Sweater” was first written in the spirit of fun, as Armstrong recalls picturing the descending riff of an earlier song played on Christmas bells. “I heard my inner voice shouting ‘I Hate That Sweater,’ and the lyrics came together within an hour,” he explains. The playful tale of a last-minute shopping disaster unfolds with horns, bells, and Armstrong’s unmistakable wit. The chorus delivers a refrain that has become a fan favourite: “green rhinestones, red pleather – I hate that sweater.”

The re-release is accompanied by an updated lyric video that showcases the humour and Americana charm that runs through Armstrong’s work. “I wanted to highlight the theme in a playful way,” he says. “The video gave me the chance to add commentary I had been anticipating since the song first came out.” The combination of visuals and sound invites listeners into the heart of his storytelling, capturing the joy and silliness of the season.

Armstrong’s band brings the track to life with a stellar cast of players: MaryEllen Allen on vocals, guitarist Scott Utting, Sean O’Connor on saxophone, Steve O’Connor on keys, and Marty Hepburn on harmonica. Debbie Armstrong also adds her spirited dialogue as “Little Debbie,” making the recording feel like a lively family gathering.

Beyond its humour, the song’s momentum speaks to Armstrong’s broader achievements. His music has been featured on national and international radio, and singles from his acclaimed album “Finally Crafted” have reached the Canadian Independent Country Countdown. With a style often compared to Randy Newman and Nick Lowe, Armstrong’s Americana voice blends wit, storytelling, and bluesy authenticity. His work as a Hawk for the legendary Ronnie Hawkins and performances alongside artists like Jeff Healey anchor his reputation as a musician deeply rooted in North American music history.

The renewed attention around “I Hate That Sweater” reflects Armstrong’s growing connection with audiences worldwide. The single has been heard internationally in England, Italy, Bermuda, Australia, and the United States, while also earning recognition as the “most requested Christmas song” by Cashbox Radio. With the updated video now available, fans have even more ways to engage with the song’s festive charm.

As Armstrong explains, the inspiration came from everyday life: “It’s a playful story about how we react to receiving an ugly Christmas sweater. It’s lighthearted, but it also captures a moment that so many people can relate to.” That relatability, paired with his Americana sound, has turned the track into something timeless and ever relevant.

The re-release also signals Armstrong’s ongoing evolution as a songwriter and producer. A self-taught musician, he continues to craft songs and videos that resonate across genres and audiences. His YouTube channel has grown steadily, and his upcoming album promises to showcase more of the blend of humour, heart, and roots authenticity that defines his work.

With the holiday season approaching, “I Hate That Sweater” returns not just as a novelty tune but as a reminder of Armstrong’s enduring artistry. The song’s joyful energy and playful storytelling embody the very spirit of Americana music—honest, communal, and deeply human. This re-release stands as both a celebration of the season and a testament to KC Armstrong’s rising momentum.

Armstrong is currently at work on his next studio project, building on the success of his recent singles and the renewed attention around “I Hate That Sweater.” For fans, it’s the perfect time to rediscover a holiday gem and to look ahead to the music still to come from one of Canada’s most engaging Americana voices.

Singer-Songwriter Addi John Breaks Emotional Ground With New Single “These Walls”

Eric Alper
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Singer-Songwriter Addi John Breaks Emotional Ground With New Single “These Walls”

With a voice that feels both familiar and fresh, London, ON-born, Windsor, ON-based singer-songwriter Addi John steps confidently into a new chapter with his single “These Walls,” out now. The track glows with indie folk warmth and a heartfelt honesty that has quickly become Addi’s trademark—a sound built for open skies, long drives, and quiet moments of reflection.

Addi crafts songs for the hopeful and the wanderers. His music invites listeners to find stillness in the storm, and his storytelling carries a rare emotional transparency. After years of touring the world with his award-winning band Lost in Japan, Addi found new creative freedom in solitude—building his own studio in the countryside and rediscovering his voice as both artist and producer.

“These Walls” captures that rediscovery. Written, produced, and composed entirely by Addi himself, the song represents a deeply personal moment of vulnerability. “I wanted to write something that reflected how I was really feeling, not just what sounded upbeat,” Addi shares. “Being on tour can feel lonely even when you’re surrounded by people. This song came from confronting that feeling head-on.”

The track unfolds with gentle acoustic textures, layered harmonies, and subtle percussive warmth—a sonic palette that recalls the intimacy of artists like Gregory Alan Isakov and Ben Howard. Addi’s production carries his signature minimalist touch, letting space and silence speak as loudly as his words. Each note feels intentional, guiding the listener deeper into his world.

At its core, “These Walls” explores the distance we create to protect ourselves. Addi sings, “Maybe I’m lonely, maybe I’m alone because these walls…” —a lyric that turns inward, inviting empathy instead of isolation. The song reflects not despair, but acceptance—the understanding that healing comes through honesty and openness.


In speaking about the song’s inspiration, Addi reflects, “I think a lot of people will relate to putting up emotional walls without realizing it. For me, writing this song helped me take those walls down. It’s about letting people in, even when it feels hard.” That sentiment flows through his performances—where the connection between artist and audience feels unbreakable.

“These Walls” also carries a quiet resilience born from personal growth. Following the loss of his father, Addi found himself turning to music as both a refuge and renewal. Every melody feels like a step toward light—a way to share grief through beauty, and to remind others they’re not alone in their own process of healing.

Addi’s evolution from band frontman to solo storyteller has earned him growing recognition across Canada. His debut album ‘Another Way To Love’ introduced listeners to his blend of introspection and optimism, while his work as a self-taught producer led to a nomination for FCLMA Producer of the Year. With “These Walls,” he cements himself as a defining voice in the modern indie folk landscape.

As folk music continues its resurgence across streaming platforms and festival stages, Addi John stands poised to join a new generation of Canadian voices reshaping the sound of authenticity. “I just want people to feel seen in the music,” he says. “If someone listens and feels less alone, then I’ve done what I came to do.”

Addi John will bring his heartfelt songs to the stage this winter and spring with a series of intimate live shows across Ontario:


• December 4 – London, ON – London Music Hall with Virginia To Vegas
• February 5 – Waterloo, ON – Maxwell’s
• February 6 – London, ON – Wolf
• February 7 – St. Catharines, ON – Warehouse

Each performance promises to be a shared moment of connection—an invitation to step inside the songs, feel their pulse, and celebrate the stories that make us human.

William ‘Grit’ Laskin – Order of Canada Luthier – Releases ‘The Stradivari Formula,’ a Thrilling Novel Inspired by Craft and Creation

Eric Alper
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William ‘Grit’ Laskin – Order of Canada Luthier – Releases ‘The Stradivari Formula,’ a Thrilling Novel Inspired by Craft and Creation

Internationally celebrated Canadian luthier, musician, and author William “Grit” Laskin unveils his latest creative chapter with his thriller novel ‘The Stradivari Formula,’ published by Fitzhenry & Whiteside. A gripping mystery that bridges centuries of musical history and craftsmanship, the book draws on Laskin’s deep understanding of the artistry, precision, and passion that define the world of fine instrument making. Get it now on Amazon or Indigo.

For more than five decades, Laskin has shaped the sound and soul of acoustic music. His guitars are coveted worldwide by artists including k.d. lang, Ben Mink, Rik Emmett, Tom Cochrane, Jesse Cook, and Stan Rogers. His groundbreaking innovations—such as the body bevel and the sideport soundhole—have permanently influenced contemporary guitar design.

A member of the Order of Canada and recipient of the Saidye Bronfman Award for Excellence in the Crafts, Laskin is celebrated not only for his instruments but for transforming inlay art into a medium of storytelling. Each of his instruments is both a playable work of art and a narrative carved in wood, shell, and metal.

In ‘The Stradivari Formula,’ Laskin turns his narrative gift toward fiction, crafting a mystery steeped in the language of luthiers, art history, and obsession. The story imagines the discovery of a hidden secret inside one of Antonio Stradivari’s rare guitars—a secret that sets off a chain of intrigue spanning continents and centuries.

As a luthier of more than fifty years, Laskin’s fascination with Stradivari’s enduring mystique served as the spark for the book. “There are five known Strad guitars, but only one is playable,” Laskin has said. “That anomaly stuck in my head and made me wonder why Strad made guitars. My next thought was to imagine why that happened.” From that single question, an intricate web of mystery took form.

The novel follows a circle of contemporary Canadian guitar makers who stumble upon a discovery that threatens to upend everything known about the great Italian master. Blending meticulous research with narrative tension, Laskin brings authenticity to every detail—from the smell of lacquer to the ethics of restoration and the community spirit among builders.

While readers are drawn into the suspense of the novel, they also find themselves immersed in a world few have glimpsed: the quiet, obsessive, creative life of the craftsperson. Laskin’s writing invites the same close attention and emotional resonance that characterize his instruments.

Beyond his life as a builder and author, Laskin is a respected musician and songwriter, with recordings on the legendary Fogarty’s Cove label and a performance history spanning Canada and beyond. He is also a co-founder of Borealis Records—Canada’s first national folk label—and a founder of the Canadian Folk Music Awards, institutions that continue to support artists across the country.

As with his acclaimed non-fiction books—’A Guitarmaker’s Canvas,’ ‘Grand Complications,’ and ‘The World of Musical Instrument Makers’—Laskin’s new work unites craft and imagination, bridging the tactile and the intellectual. His voice as an artist, whether through wood or words, remains distinctly Canadian: thoughtful, generous, and endlessly curious.

‘The Stradivari Formula’ invites readers to consider how artistry, legacy, and mystery intertwine. For Laskin, the making of a guitar and the crafting of a story both spring from the same impulse—to search for harmony between truth and beauty, between structure and soul.

With this novel, Laskin offers an artist’s meditation on creation itself—a tale that resonates not only with lovers of mystery and music but with anyone who believes in the enduring power of craft.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

William “Grit” Laskin is an internationally recognized Canadian luthier, musician, and author. His guitars are played by artists around the world, and his innovations have shaped modern guitar design. A recipient of the Saidye Bronfman Award, the Estelle Klein Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Order of Canada, Laskin is also a founder of Borealis Records and the Canadian Folk Music Awards. His books include ‘A Guitarmaker’s Canvas,’ ‘Grand Complications,’ and ‘The World of Musical Instrument Makers.’ ‘The Stradivari Formula’ marks his first work of fiction since his debut novel, ‘Angel Could Smell the Fire.’

Liona Boyd Celebrates Life, Love and Fifty Years of Crafting Classics with New Album “This Thing Called Love”

Eric Alper
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Liona Boyd Celebrates Life, Love and Fifty Years of Crafting Classics with New Album “This Thing Called Love”

For Internationally renowned, Canadian classical guitarist, singer and author, Liona Boyd, music is the greatest expression of emotions and experiences. Recognized around the globe as “The First Lady of the Guitar”, she has composed, interpreted, recorded and performed some of the most beautiful and beloved music in the world throughout a storied 50-year career. On Boyd’s latest album, “This Thing Called Love”, the five-time Juno Award winner and recent inductee to Canada’s Walk of Fame expertly blends folk, pop, and world influences, and her signature classical guitar sound, into her most personal and poignant collection of songs yet. Stream it here.

“These songs cover the full range of emotions I’ve personally experienced in life – the passion of love

and joy, balanced by the sadness of yearning and loss,” explains Boyd.

Produced by her longtime collaborator, Peter Boyd, “This Thing Called Love” features a special lineup of guest artists and fresh takes on some of Boyd’s best loved past collaborations. Leading off the album is a warm and delightful duet with Mark Masri (of The Tenors) on the Everly Brothers’ nostalgic classic “Bye Bye Love”. Liona also breathes new life into two fan favourites – a reimagined version of “Summer Dreams”, her enchanting duet with the legendary Olivia Newton-John, and “Gordon Lightfoot”, a heartfelt tribute recorded with Ronnie Hawkins in honour of their dear friend.

Other highlights include the tender, romantic ballad “Sweet Dreams” and “The Wedding Song”, celebrating the realization of wanting to spend the rest of your life with someone.

“My playful fantasy piece, ‘Tamarinda’, was inspired by my time living in Mexico, while songs like ‘Living On Borrowed Time’ and ‘My Life Alone’ are more introspective, reflecting on how brief and fragile our time here truly is”, adds Boyd.

Over fifty years, Boyd has built an admirable, diverse career showcasing her talent and artistry, resulting in over 100 million streams of her thirty plus albums, eight of them gold or platinum. In addition to her five Juno Awards, Boyd has been recognized for her cultural contributions with five Honorary Doctorates, The Order of Ontario and the Diamond Jubilee Medal, and is an Officer of the Order of Canada. She is also a five-time winner of the Guitar Player Magazine poll for best classical guitarist and was inducted into their “Gallery of Greats”. In 2019 she was given a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Guitar Museum in the USA.

Millions of fans around the world who have been treated to Boyd’s captivating live performances including world leaders such as the British Royal Family, Spain’s Royal Family, the U.S. President, and Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. She has recorded with Sir Andrew Davis and the English Chamber Orchestra, Yo Yo Ma and Georges Zamfir, and journeying outside of the classical tradition, has toured with Gordon Lightfoot and Tracy Chapman as well as recorded with Chet Atkins, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, Olivia Newton-John, Ronnie Hawkins and Roger Whittaker.

Boyd has many television appearances to her credit including “The Tonight Show” “Today Show”, “Boston Pops” and “Entertainment Tonight”. Her holiday special “A Winter Fantasy” has aired on PBS stations throughout the US for the past six years and will air again this holiday season.

In addition to composing and arranging hundreds of pieces for the guitar, Boyd is also an author of multiple books including her best-selling autobiography, “In My Own Key… My Life in Love and Music”. Her second autobiography, “No Remedy for Love”, was released in 2017 by Dundurn Press. Liona’s first children’s book “The Cat Who Played Guitar”was released in 2022.

Going back to her first love with her new musical release, Liona Boyd has pulled back the curtain on her emotional life and has invited listeners into a diverse, lush and lyrical world of delights. “This Thing Called Love” is available now! 

Tara Leavey & Amanda Jean Release “Line of Fire” – A Song of Memory, Healing, and Family Legacy

Eric Alper
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Tara Leavey & Amanda Jean Release “Line of Fire” – A Song of Memory, Healing, and Family Legacy

Trenton, ON singer-songwriters Tara Leavey and Amanda Jean have released their deeply personal single ‘Line of Fire,’ now streaming on all major platforms. The song stands as a powerful collaboration between mother and daughter — a tribute to family resilience and the enduring strength of music to carry stories that words alone cannot hold.

Rooted in the true story of Tara’s father, Albert Edward Leavey, a World War II veteran who carried the invisible wounds of Normandy long after returning home, “Line of Fire” reflects the generational echo of trauma and the healing power of remembrance. Through music, the Leavey family has transformed a history of hardship into art that resonates across time, speaking to PTSD survivors and understanding the lasting effects of WWII and dedicated to all those who fought a war after the war.

Tara wrote the song while walking laps around the Trenton High School track, capturing fragments of memory and melody on a handheld recorder. Each line came from lived experience — moments of tenderness and fear, strength and sorrow — that shaped her childhood in a household shadowed by post-war pain. The writing process became a form of release, a long-awaited conversation with the past.

She brought the song to producer and arranger Ben Vandergaast, whose sensitivity and understanding helped shape the track’s emotional core. Together, they wove atmosphere and texture around Tara’s lyrics, using subtle drones to mirror the anxiety that lingers in the aftermath of battle. The result is a composition that feels both cinematic and intimate, a song that listens as much as it speaks.

Amanda Jean, Tara’s daughter and long-time musical partner, contributed the bridge and additional production ideas. Having written and performed across Canada and abroad, Amanda brought her own emotional depth to the recording, adding the sound of marching soldiers — a sonic symbol of inherited memory and empathy. Her voice and presence help bridge generations, turning family history into shared healing.

“Line of Fire” is as much about what is unsaid as what is sung. It reflects the quiet endurance of Tara’s mother, who raised eight children while carrying the weight of her husband’s suffering. It honors the siblings who grew strong in that same fire, and the unspoken understanding that survival itself is an act of grace. Every measure of the song bears the tenderness of that truth.

The recording features Ben Vandergaast on arrangement and production, with Brunette (Sammy Balfour) on percussion, and mastering by Jef Vandertogt. Each collaborator helped shape the song’s emotional pulse, allowing its story to unfold with honesty and restraint — the hallmarks of a seasoned songwriter’s touch.

For Tara Leavey, “Line of Fire” marks not just another chapter in a long career that began with RCA/BMG and Top 10 Canadian Country singles, but a homecoming to her truest voice — the storyteller’s voice that finds beauty in vulnerability. For Amanda Jean, it deepens a creative lineage built on trust, compassion, and the courage to face the past through song.

Together, their collaboration reminds us that music’s most powerful gift lies in its ability to connect hearts across generations. “Line of Fire” is more than a song; it’s a testament to the ways art can transform pain into remembrance, and remembrance into peace.

New Reggae Anthem “Show Us the Way” Unites Toronto’s Eddie Bullen, Tasha T, Mel Dubé, and Kandice KAS*H to Inspire Love and Positivity

Eric Alper
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New Reggae Anthem “Show Us the Way” Unites Toronto’s Eddie Bullen, Tasha T, Mel Dubé, and Kandice KAS*H to Inspire Love and Positivity

The radiant new single “Show Us the Way” (ThunderDome Sounds via Slammin Media, distributed worldwide by Believe) is officially out now — a soul-stirring reggae anthem produced by Grammy Award nominee and JUNO Award winner Eddie Bullen. This powerful collaboration features Tasha T, Mel Dubé, and Kandice K*A*S*H, blending uplifting harmonies, inspiring lyrics, and reggae grooves straight from the heart.

This project is an integral part of the Session In Progress series, conceived by Belinda Brady, wife of Eddie Bullen. Her vision was to foster collaboration among women in the music industry, building a collective that empowers and uplifts female artists. To date, the series has produced six recordings featuring 16 remarkable artists.

The song was produced by Eddie Bullen, whose career spans over four decades as a pianist, composer, arranger, and producer. Known for fusing Caribbean rhythms with jazz and pop influences, Bullen has produced over 200 albums and worked with icons such as Liberty Silver, Maestro, Byron Lee, Melba Moore, and David Rudder. His music has been heard on major TV networks and international stages.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the track, Bullen says, “The core idea for ‘Show Us The Way’ was born out of a profound need for spiritual grounding and a desire to see unity in a world that often feels fractured. The song is our collective prayer for guidance — a conscious call to rise above the noise and remember the power of compassion.”

Recorded at Thunder Dome Sounds, the track features an all-star lineup of musicians including drummer Larnell Lewis, bassist Andrew Stewart, guitarist Jeremy Sean Hector, and background vocalist Renée Rowe. Each player adds depth, texture, and authenticity to the production, creating a sound that resonates from Kingston to Toronto and beyond.

“From a production standpoint, the magic was in the collaboration,” says Bullen. “We wanted a sound that was at once classic and urgent. This track fuses elements of soulful reggae with a contemporary smoothness.”

Tasha T, a two-time JUNO Award nominee and long-time advocate for positive reggae culture, brings power and purpose to the track with her signature conscious delivery. Mel Dubé contributes a smooth, R&B-inspired tone that grounds the song’s soulful center, while Kandice K*A*S*H adds vibrant energy and strength, channeling her Caribbean-Canadian roots into every line.

The chemistry among the three vocalists is undeniable. During the recording sessions, their voices blended in what Bullen described as a “spiritual experience.” When they sang the chorus together — ‘Oh Jah, come deliver us, come rescue us, please show us the way’ — the atmosphere shifted, transforming the studio into a space of reflection and light.

The official video, directed by Tré Michael Bullen, amplifies that energy through simple yet powerful visuals. Focused on authenticity and emotion, the video captures the artists’ connection and the universal message of hope. Bullen notes, “It was important that the visuals let the sincerity of the message shine through.”

“Show Us the Way” stands as a testament to the unifying power of reggae. It brings together generations, genres, and voices in one harmonious prayer for guidance — a reminder that through love and community, humanity can always find its rhythm again.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Eddie Bullen is a Grammy Award nominee and JUNO Award winner whose genre-blending productions have shaped Canadian and Caribbean music for over four decades. He has produced more than 200 albums and serves as founder of Thunder Dome Sounds and QDB Music, continuing to elevate new talent across genres.

Tasha T, a two-time JUNO Award nominee, is celebrated for her socially conscious reggae and commanding stage presence. A global ambassador for unity and empowerment, her voice has inspired audiences across continents.

Mel Dubé is a soulful vocalist whose work fuses reggae and R&B with grace and depth. Her artistry brings a warm, introspective dimension to every project she joins.

Kandice K*A*S*H, a dynamic Caribbean-Canadian artist, channels strength and positivity through her distinctive voice and radiant energy, representing the new generation of reggae storytellers.

Ethan Askey & The Elevators Ride Down Highway 61 on Soulful New Single ‘Clarksdale’

Eric Alper
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Ethan Askey & The Elevators Ride Down Highway 61 on Soulful New Single ‘Clarksdale’

Ethan Askey & the Elevators have released their newest single “Clarksdale,” a road-ready slice of upbeat blues that fuses slide guitar, harmonica, heartfelt storytelling, and deep groove. Written by frontman Ethan Askey and guitarist Keith Larsen, the track pays homage to spiritual birthplaces of blues, soul, and rock and roll.

“Purveyors of fine Rocky Mountain roots & boogie blues,” Ethan Askey & the Elevators are building a reputation for inventive songwriting and electrifying live shows mostly in Western Canada, where they are based. The band’s sound is driven by Askey’s baritone vocals and blues harp stylings, Larsen’s expressive guitar, and a locomotive rhythm section with drummer Ben Dunn and bassist Mike Honeyman. They make modern blues that move dance floors and radio dials alike.

The band was formed to follow up the success of Askey’s impressive solo debut album ‘Walk When You Wanna Run,’ an independent release in 2022 that he created with the studio contributions of musical associates in the Calgary and Toronto music scenes, and with co-producer credits going to Canadian heavyweight blues rock artist Steve Marriner. The album got steady international radio play and charted weekly for over 160 weeks, earning a place on the year-end “Best Of” (Top 200) Contemporary Blues charts, worldwide, for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024.

The story behind “Clarksdale” is part postcard and part emotional turmoil: “It ended up being the trip of a lifetime, but I almost didn’t go since I felt so many things piled up on me”, Askey recalls. The timing was tail end of the global pandemic, and it was the renewed annual gathering of the blues music community in Memphis, Tennessee, for the International Blues Challenge event. With a hot new album out on the airwaves he wanted to be there too. The prospect of warmer winter weather there compared to the 30-below temperatures at home was an added pull. “It was the encouragement of Blues Power radio program host Gil Anthony that got me off the fence to travel down south”.

Larsen adds, “The road trip we made down Highway 61 connected so many dots for us, from legendary blues crossroads to Nashville guitars to Elvis’s cars”. The song references Johnny Cash too, paraphrasing his famous line, “get rhythm when you get the blues” as a subtext for “Clarksdale”. Lyrically, the song moves through scenes of winter fatigue and soulful escape, tracing a route from the frozen Canadian prairie to the beating heart of American roots music. The song’s chorus – “Gonna head down to Clarksdale, and Memphis, Tennessee / Gonna make some noise in Nashville and let sweet music wash all over me” – encapsulates its spirit: a yearning to reconnect with the source and let music cleanse the noise of everyday life.

There is most definitely a thread connecting the early country and blues artists along the mighty Mississippi, through time and space, to the contemporary blues and rock music made today by Ethan Askey & the Elevators in the Canadian Rockies. With “Clarksdale,” they stake out solid ground as modern storytellers with an authentic voice and some vintage voltage. The single bridges north and south, tradition and innovation, memory and motion. It’s a song about chasing warmth – in spirit, perhaps even more than in temperature.

The still-new band is already preparing their next single release, “Big Bad Boss Man,” and a full-length album slated for mid-2026, accompanied by further touring within Canada. 

Pop-Soul Artist Jennarie Releases Debut EP ‘Never Been Small’ After Canada’s Walk of Fame Runner-Up Win

Eric Alper
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Pop-Soul Artist Jennarie Releases Debut EP ‘Never Been Small’ After Canada’s Walk of Fame Runner-Up Win

Toronto-based artist Jennarie is redefining what pop, R&B, and soul sound like in 2025 with her bold debut EP, Never Been Small — a fearless, body-positive celebration of self-love, growth, and unapologetic authenticity. The project arrives after a whirlwind year that saw her viral anthem “Never Been Small” soar past 2.3 million Spotify streams and ignite a movement that stretched far beyond music.

With 157k Instagram followers, 16k on YouTube, and over 230k on TikTok, Jennarie has quickly become one of Canada’s most exciting new voices. Her radiant confidence and genre-defying sound have earned her a spot in the RBCxMusic First Up 2025 Cohort and the Canada’s Walk of Fame / RBC / Stingray Emerging Musician Program, where she claimed second place for her boundary-pushing artistry.

Born in Montreal and based in Toronto, Jennarie (she/her) blends pop, R&B, and jazz into a sound that’s as rich and layered as her story. Proudly queer, body-positive, and neurodivergent, she crafts songs that speak directly to the soul—songs that lift, move, and remind listeners of their own power.

The EP’s title track, Never Been Small, transformed pain into purpose after online comments about Jennarie’s body went viral. Instead of retreating, she responded with the lyric heard around the world: “I have never been small, I have never been thin, I’m almost six feet tall, so tall I stretched my skin.” That line, and the song’s message, resonated globally, catching the attention of SZA and Meghan Trainor, and landing a spot in Rosebud Baker’s Netflix special The Mother Lode.

Across six tracks, Never Been Small is a genre-blending masterclass in vulnerability and resilience. From the soulful empowerment of “Stop (You Can Let It Go)” to the sultry, introspective “Minding and Business,” Jennarie builds a soundscape rooted in radical honesty. “I’d Rather Be Ugly” flips beauty standards on their head with the powerful lyric, “The closer I am to beauty, the further I get from myself,” while “Melodies” and “Summer With You” bring light, warmth, and community into focus.

“Music has always been how I make sense of the world,” Jennarie shares. “Every lyric, every note, is written with intention and is a mirror of how I’m feeling, processing and what I’m thinking about. This record is about growth, reclaiming joy and standing tall in a world that asks you to shrink.”

She adds, “Never Been Small is more than a title—it’s a declaration and a promise. It’s for every person who’s ever been told they take up too much space. You deserve to exist fully, loudly, and with love.”

Produced by Nick Tateishi, the EP features lush strings, horns, and group vocals from a circle of Toronto collaborators who share Jennarie’s vision for inclusive, soul-centered pop. Supported by the Ontario Arts Council and powered by a growing community of fans, Never Been Small is just the beginning of Jennarie’s world-building journey.

As she prepares for new music, live performances, and future collaborations, Jennarie continues to prove that being big—in sound, in heart, in presence—is something to celebrate. With every lyric, she reminds us: we were never meant to be small.

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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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