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My Next Read: “‘The Beach Boys” by The Beach Boys with Thom Yorke, Lindsey Buckingham, and more

Eric Alper
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My Next Read: “‘The Beach Boys” by The Beach Boys with Thom Yorke, Lindsey Buckingham, and more

The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys features new text drawn from extensive interviews with Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine and Bruce Johnston exclusively for this edition, and archive text from band members Carl Wilson and Dennis Wilson. You can get it here from Genesis Publications.

The band members describe their story from the beginning: signing their first recording contract with Capitol Records and creating some of the most flawless, sun-soaked singles of all time – ‘Surfer Girl’ / ‘Little Deuce Coupe’, ‘I Get Around’ / ‘Don’t Worry Baby’ and ‘California Girls’ / ‘Let Him Run Wild’, to name a few – as well as sharing their memories of making revered albums such as Pet Sounds, and fan-favourites Wild Honey, Friends, Sunflower and Holland. The story follows their journey around the world, from school fundraisers to global tours and landmark shows such as Prague when, in 1969, they were the first Western band to visit Czechoslovakia, and New York’s Carnegie Hall in 1972. Throughout, the band reflects on the making of the songs.

Joining them are a host of contributors who have been involved with or inspired by the band’s music, including Peter Blake, Lindsey Buckingham, Eric Clapton, Elvis Costello, Ray Davies, Bob Dylan, Def Leppard, the Flaming Lips, Bobby Gillespie, David Lee Roth, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Jim Kerr, Roger McGuinn, Graham Nash, Jimmy Page, Carly Simon, Pete Townshend, Rufus Wainwright, Thom Yorke, and many more yet to be announced.

With unlimited access to the Capitol Records archive, the Beach Boys band archive and their personal archives, The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys has been carefully curated from these unique sources to create an exciting visual journey, combining never-before-seen negatives with iconic images.

Outtakes from legendary album sessions are featured, such as Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) and Pet Sounds, as well as behind-the-scenes recording photographs from Smile, 20/20 and more. An abundance of live shots includes the band’s first European tour and rehearsals for the first live performance of ‘Good Vibrations’, which Brian Wilson travelled over 2,000 miles to oversee.

These photographs are accompanied by ephemera from across the years, including tape boxes, tour posters and programmes, handwritten notes and lyrics, newspaper clippings, album advertisements, chord sheets and studio documents – all of which assist in illustrating their remarkable story.

The Beach Boys manage to defy decade, genre and form. They cannot be limited to songs about surfing, girls, California, or hot rods. Everything strove to go beyond – perhaps key to the Beach Boys’ durability; their ability to go further, to keep going until they reached a place that had not previously been reached in rock and pop music. The band’s longevity, experimentation and continuation of influence are without equal.

One of the most critically acclaimed, commercially successful and influential bands of all time, the band are embedded within the cultural landscape of America and loved throughout the world. The Beach Boys spearheaded numerous genres, helped to legitimise popular music, and have had the most Billboard Top 40 hits from any US band (thirty-seven), and today their music continues to be revisited, reassessed, and reimagined.

A Folk Band Explains The New Zip Codes With This PSA From 1967

Eric Alper
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A Folk Band Explains The New Zip Codes With This PSA From 1967

Are you tired of living in a world where zip codes define us? Well, get ready to swing into a new era (well, back in 1967, so pretend with me) with The Swingin’ Six, a folk band that’s here to spread the message of unity and break down the barriers imposed by zip codes.

Jim Medley, Classic Drum Collector, Joins Toronto Band Redpath Traffic

Eric Alper
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Jim Medley, Classic Drum Collector, Joins Toronto Band Redpath Traffic

Toronto-based prog-rock trio Redpath Traffic’s new drummer, Jim Medley, is more than a veteran of Ontario’s blues-rock scene. He’s also a classic drum collector boasting 13 complete kits and 20 snare drums.

“I’ve been collecting drums since the ’70s,” he says. “I look for 70’s and 80’s kits and even orphan drums to mix and match depending on the music I’m playing. I rarely play a kit live where everything matches.”

Jim lists Tama and Pearl as his favourite brands, but his collection also includes drums from Yamaha, Sonor, and Peavy, as well as snares from all manufacturers, including Ludwig and Premier. Once a new prized piece is added to his collection, Jim meticulously repairs its wrap and polishes the chrome but ensures to preserve some of the drum’s “worn in” charm.

“Restoration is part of collecting for me,” he says. “But I never replace the original wrap with a new one. A little wear and tear add character to the drum.”

Jim started his drumming career touring with the hard rock band Warhorse in the ‘70s while working as a drum teacher. He also played with Blues Past Due, followed by blues-fusion group Worn Groove until covid-related lockdowns dissolved the group’s activities.

“I missed playing with others,” Jim says. “So, I started looking for a new band to play with once restrictions were lifted. As much as I enjoyed playing covers, I’d always wanted to be part of creating original material. When I came across Redpath Traffic, I really liked their music and called for an audition, which later led to me joining the band. We’re having a great time and look forward to doing some gigs soon.”

Redpath Traffic’s Rick Todd and Mark Fernley are excited to have Jim join the band to continue composing progressive, genre-agnostic rock that’s closing in on 50,000 streams on Spotify.

“Jim’s a great addition to Redpath Traffic,” Rick says. “We had a very heavy response to the call for auditions, but Jim’s talent, personality, and ability to commit stood head and shoulders above the rest.”

When not playing with Redpath Traffic, Jim continues to watch for new pieces for his collection. He’s currently looking for Classic Paiste cymbals, especially the ALPHA Series made in Switzerland.

“I can’t see a time when my collection will be complete, so I’m constantly on the hunt,” he says. “When it comes to drums, there’s always room for more!”

Matt Zaddy’s Blend of Folk-Rock and Modern Soul Is A Genre-Bending Journey With ‘What Comes Around'”

Eric Alper
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Matt Zaddy’s Blend of Folk-Rock and Modern Soul Is A Genre-Bending Journey With ‘What Comes Around'”

Mississauga, Ontario folk-rock artist, Matt Zaddy released his new single “What Comes Around” that blends folk-rock and modern soul, making it a journey through genres for any music fan.

Zaddy’s latest track was produced by Emmy award winner and Juno nominated Ross Citrullo from The Sheepdogs, Julian Taylor Band, Samantha Martin, and Delta Sugar. Together, they have crafted a high-energy song that encapsulates the listener with catchy guitar and organ hooks, raw and dynamic vocals, and an unforgettable groove.

“I have to take some time to remember why I do what I do, and to see past the adversity we all experience as part of life,” says Zaddy.

“What Comes Around” is a blend of Zaddy’s trademark folk rock and rhythm and blues. This song is about facing challenging questions and self-doubt. Zaddy’s introspective lyrics resonate with anyone who has had to struggle for their passion.

Zaddy’s reinvention as an artist has been with the intention to connect with as many listeners as possible, regardless of the genre. He adds, “I truly hope that this song inspires people to do that little bit extra to make a real impact on those around us, and ultimately the world itself.”

Zaddy is known for his passion of creating music and performing, having previously performed in venues across Canada. He also co-wrote “We Are The North,” Mississauga’s official anthem for its #Canada150 celebrations. He has shared the stage with various renowned artists like K’Naan, Francesco Yates, Tom Cochrane, Jim Cuddy, The Trews and many others.

“What Comes Around” is the song that will surely grab your attention with its catchy beats and profound lyrics.

Critically Acclaimed Australian Multi-Genre Multi-Instrumentalist Dan Webb Releases “A Good Song” Featuring Greg Saunier Of Deerhoof

Eric Alper
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Critically Acclaimed Australian Multi-Genre Multi-Instrumentalist Dan Webb Releases “A Good Song” Featuring Greg Saunier Of Deerhoof

When it comes to music, everyone has their own personal tastes. It is those personal tastes that influence whether we determine a song is “good” or “bad”. However, what is considered a good song to one person, might not be a good song to someone else. It is this nuance that acclaimed Melbourne multi-genre artist Dan Webb explores in his thoughtful new single, “A Good Song”, which features Greg Saunier of the band Deerhoof.

https://www.youtube.com/danwebbmusic

Against a jazzy instrumental with hints of electronica, Greg Saunier explains why he doesn’t believe in the concept of a good song. Between the instrumental and insightful commentary, “A Good Song” feels like the sonic personification of food for thought. He states, “What you want, is a good song to become undefined, so that everything that has been proscribed is now allowed, everything that has been unheard can now be heard.”

Webb was especially moved by what Saunier had to say. “The original question I asked Greg was “What makes a good song in your opinion?”. I’d asked that question to many other artists, but Greg’s response to that question was unlike anything else I’d heard previously. It really stuck with me, and it reshaped the way I thought about music.”

After becoming an underground favorite with two well received EPs in 2009 and 2010, Dan Webb began to garner mass acclaim with his 2014 full-length debut ‘Sandstorm’. Praised by X-Press Magazine as “a thrilling, funky journey,” it received international airplay, most notably from BBC Radio 6 Music, Triple J and Double J.

“A Good Song” is the first single from his new album Sunshine/Dialogue, which has been acclaimed by outlets such as Bandcamp, Earmilk and Happy Mag. B-Side Guys called it, “a genre defying, convention challenging, and utterly unique musical journey.”

Halifax’s Rock Band CHESTER DOOM Gives Depression A Voice With “Pull The Trigger”

Eric Alper
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Halifax’s Rock Band CHESTER DOOM Gives Depression A Voice With “Pull The Trigger”

One of the most painful things about depression or any other mental health issue is how it makes your brain lie to you. Depression tries to convince the person dealing with it that there is no reason for them to keep living. In their newest single, “Pull The Trigger”, Halifax Nova Scotia-based rock band Chester Doom gives those with depression a voice.

The song opens with a heavy metal riff from Patrick Blackie that barrels towards the listener and encourages the most devoted metalhead to headbang. These riffs are accompanied by a steady drumbeat from Peter Arseneau. Then singer Josh Best comes in with gruff, angry vocals that make the song’s first verse and chorus hit the listener hard.

To an outsider, the song might seem to encourage self-destructive thoughts, but this isn’t the case at all. The song not only confronts the darkness of depression head on, but also discusses suicidal ideation in a way that is honest. The next verse after the first chorus demonstrates that a person doesn’t necessarily want to die, they just desperately want their pain to go away.

“Need a rest
The system failure has begun
Hazard to guess
And it’s so damn scary

In distress
A body full of foreign fun
Pound on your chest
screaming
Can you hear me!?”

In fact, the band confirms that the song is about mental health, with Best stating, “When we were working on ‘Crows Go Home,’ we wanted to delve into the core struggles that so many people face in their daily lives. Each song on the EP represents a different battle, whether it’s anxiety, depression, hopelessness, or addiction.”

Originally starting in 2009 with members college friends Patrick Blackie and Glenn Arseneau writing songs together, the band Chester Doom would fully form in 2020 when Glenn’s longtime friend Josh Best jammed with them.

In the fall of 2022, Best wrote what would become the band’s first single, “Not Far Behind’. The song takes inspiration from Best’s recovery from COVID and the resiliency of the Ukrainian people.

Upon its release in May 2023, “Not Far Behind” would earn them comparisons to Led Zeppelin and Soundgarden. Rock Cabeca states, “Just like Page and Plant on “The Immigrant Song”, you guys kicked the f***ing door right in. The riffs are powerful and the vocalist sings like Plant in the good old days.”

“Pull The Trigger” is a new addition to the upcoming album “Crows Go Home”, which also includes the tracks “Not Far Behind”, “Anxiety”, and a cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Everybody Knows”.

Watch R.E.M. Perform ‘Losing My Religion’ At The Height Of Their Fame On Dutch TV In 1991

Eric Alper
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Watch R.E.M. Perform ‘Losing My Religion’ At The Height Of Their Fame On Dutch TV In 1991

R.E.M. performs Losing My Religion’ on a 1991 episode of Countdown, one of the biggest music shows in the world, right when this song became one of the biggest on the planet.

This 1980 Grammys Performance Of The Doobie Brothers’ ‘What A Fool Believes’ Is Still Wonderfully Funky

Eric Alper
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This 1980 Grammys Performance Of The Doobie Brothers’ ‘What A Fool Believes’ Is Still Wonderfully Funky

When bands used to wear tuxes for the Grammys.

Canada House Returns To Americanafest 2023 In Nashville This September

Eric Alper
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Canada House Returns To Americanafest 2023 In Nashville This September

CIMA is heading back to Nashville this September for the 2023 edition of AMERICANAFEST held from September 19-23. We’ll be partnering with Alberta Music, Manitoba Music, MusicOntario and SaskMusic to present a showcasing & business mission for Canadian companies and their artists. We’re excited to finally announce the 8 incredible acts that will be performing at Canada House this year!

Join them on Friday, September 22 from 11:00AM-5:00PM for a full afternoon of Canada House showcases at InDo (632 Fogg St). The day will kick off with a networking reception from 11:00AM-11:30AM and will lead straight into the showcases. Attendees will also be treated to free food & drinks. The event is open to conference delegates as well as the general public.

11:00AM: Networking Reception

11:30AM: Gordie Tentrees & Jaxon Haldane

12:10PM: Basset

12:50PM: The North Sound

1:30PM: Field Guide

2:10PM: Colleen Brown

2:50PM: JJ Shiplett

3:30PM: Cat Clyde

4:10PM: Jake Vaadeland & The Sturgeon River Boys

Canadian companies representing the showcasing artists will also get the opportunity to participate in a business in partnership with Sounds Australia, British Underground and AMERICANAFEST. Canadian companies who will be in Nashville in September and who are interested in taking part in the business events can contact Jenia Schukov (jenia@cimamusic.ca) for more information.

Billie Eilish Releases “What Was I Made For?” With Self-Directed Video From Barbie Soundtrack

Eric Alper
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Billie Eilish Releases “What Was I Made For?” With Self-Directed Video From Barbie Soundtrack

Today, Oscar, Golden Globe and multiple GRAMMY Award winning Billie Eilish released “What Was I Made For?” [From The Motion Picture Barbie], taken from the highly anticipated feature-length film, Barbie, written and directed by Greta Gerwig, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

“Think I forgot / How to be happy / Something I’m not / But something I can be / Something I wait for / Something I’m made for / Something I’m made for.”

“What Was I Made For?” [From The Motion Picture Barbie] was composed especially for Barbie by Billie Eilish alongside her brother FINNEAS who produced the track at his home-studio in Los Angeles. The intimate and heart-rending track exists as the sonic background for pivotal scenes through-out the film, while beautifully and poignantly highlighting the film’s important message and sentiment. The track also comes with an official music video, directed by Eilish. The video made its broadcast premiere on MTV Live, MTVU, MTV Biggest Pop and on the Paramount Times Square billboards. On making the song and music video, Eilish shared to her fans “to be real with you this all seemed to happen in a time when i really needed it. i’m so so thankful for that.”

“What Was I Made For?” [From The Motion Picture “Barbie”] will also be released as part of BARBIE THE ALBUM, the groundbreaking and star-studded musical companion to Barbie. The soundtrack was executive produced by Academy®, Golden Globe and 7X Grammy® Award winning artist and producer Mark Ronson and Barbie writer/director/executive producer Greta Gerwig. BARBIE THE ALBUM is now available for pre-order HERE and arrives in stores and at all online retailers on Friday, July 21 in conjunction with the theatrical release of the feature film. For more information, visit barbiethealbum.com

With the release of her sophomore album Happier Than Ever’ debuting at #1 in the Billboard 200 in the U.S. and in 19 countries across the globe, the 21-year-old Los Angeles native remains one of the biggest stars to emerge in the 21st century. Since the release of her debut single “ocean eyes” in 2015, Eilish continues to shatter the ceiling of music with her genre-defying sound. Fast forward from her humble breakout, her album WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S as well as 17 additional countries around the world upon release in 2019 and was the most streamed album of that year. Both albums were critically acclaimed worldwide and were written, produced and recorded entirely by Billie Eilish and brother FINNEAS. Billie Eilish has made history as the youngest artist to receive nominations and win in all the major categories at the 62nd GRAMMY® Awards, receiving an award for Best New Artist, Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Vocal Album, and is also the youngest artist to write and record an official James Bond theme song, ‘No Time To Die,’ which won an Academy Award for Best Song that year.

To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken. Warner Bros. Pictures Presents a Heyday Films Production, a LuckyChap Entertainment Production, an NB/GG Pictures Production, a Mattel Production, Barbie. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and released in theaters only nationwide on July 21, 2023 and internationally beginning July 19, 2023. Directed by Greta Gerwig, Barbie stars Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, and Will Ferrell. The film is written by Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach, based on “Barbie” by Mattel, and produced by David Heyman, Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Robbie Brenner. The executive producers are Gerwig, Baumbach, Ynon Kreiz, Richard Dickson, Michael Sharp, Josey McNamara, Courtenay Valenti, Toby Emmerich and Cate Adams. The film’s music supervisor is George Drakoulias, with music by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt.

 

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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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