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Volbeat Confirm 18-Date “Servant Of The Road” North American Summer Tour

Eric Alper
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Volbeat Confirm 18-Date “Servant Of The Road” North American Summer Tour

Today, multi-platinum Danish band Volbeat confirm their 18-date North American summer tour in support of their eighth studio album Servant Of The Mind, which Revolver Magazine called “excellent… the darkest and heaviest Volbeat offering yet.” The tour will include the band’s first Canadian shows since 2019. “We are so excited to finally see our friends in Canada again and also get to play shows for some of our friends in the U.S. that we haven’t had a chance to see since Servant of the Mind was released,” said the band. “The incomparable Halestorm will be joining us for most of the shows, too. We hope to see you at the party!” Tickets and VIP packages for this tour will go on sale here on Friday, April 21 at 10am local.

Volbeat’s eighth studio album, Servant Of The Mind is now available in standard CD, deluxe 2LP vinyl (in various limited-edition variants) and a deluxe digital edition here.

Recently the band shares their new music video for “Becoming,” from their album Servant Of The Mind (Republic Records). The video captures the band on the road during the last three Volbeat tours, and was edited and directed by Brittany Bowman. Watch the music video for “Becoming” here.The band previously shared music videos for “Temple of Ekur,” “Shotgun Blues” and “Wait A Minute My Girl.”

Since forming in 2001, Volbeat has gone from the clubs of Copenhagen to headlining stages around the world, including the famed Telia Parken stadium in Denmark (becoming the only domestic artist to ever sell out the venue). Over the course of eight record-breaking albums the band has picked up number one songs (including ten #1s on the US Mainstream Rock chart and counting, the most of any band based outside of North America), multi-platinum certifications, awards and accolades all over the planet. Their latest album, Servant Of The Mind, was released on December 3rd, 2021. They also contributed a cover of “Don’t Tread on Me” to The Metallica Blacklist, with all proceeds from the track benefiting the All Within My Hands Foundation and the Børne Cancer Fonden of Denmark.

VOLBEAT SERVANT OF THE ROAD TOUR
July 12 – Toronto, ON at RBC Echo Beach ^
July 15 – Dubuque, IA at Q Casino *
July 17 – Winnipeg, MB at Canada Life Centre ^
July 18 – Saskatoon, SK at Sasktel Centre ^
July 19 – Edmonton, AB at Rogers Place ^
July 20 – Calgary, AB at Grey Eagle Event Centre *
July 22 – Abbotsford, BC at Abbotsford Centre ^
July 23 – Airway Heights, WA at BECU Live at Northern Quest^
July 25 – Missoula, MT at Big Sky Brewing Co. Amphitheater ^
July 26 – Idaho Falls, ID at Mountain America Center ^
July 28 – Milwaukee, WI at The Eagles Ballroom *
July 29 – Sioux City, IA at Hard Rock Casino ^
July 30 – Gary, IN at Hard Rock Casino ^
Aug 1 – Quebec City, QC at Centre Videotron ^
Aug 2 – Laval, QC at Place Bell ^
Aug 3 – Uncasville, CT at Mohegan Sun Arena ^
Aug 5 – Atlantic City, NJ at Ovation Hall ^
Aug 6 – Grantville, PA at Hollywood Casino (Outdoor Stage) ^

Special Guest: Halestorm ^
Special Guest: Bad Wolves *

SERVANT OF THE MIND Standard Edition Tracklisting:
1. Temple of Ekur
2. Wait A Minute My Girl
3. The Sacred Stones
4. Shotgun Blues
5. The Devil Rages On
6. Say No More
7. Heaven’s Descent
8. Dagen Før (feat. Stine Bramsen)
9. The Passenger
10. Step Into Light
11. Becoming
12. Mindlock
13. Lasse’s Birgitta

Lauren Spencer Smith Connects With Gayle & Em Beihold For Pop Anthem “Fantasy”

Eric Alper
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Lauren Spencer Smith Connects With Gayle & Em Beihold For Pop Anthem “Fantasy”

Today, multi-platinum singer-songwriter and generational talent Lauren Spencer Smith releases her latest single “Fantasy,” featuring GAYLE and Em Beihold. The energetic pop anthem showcases the Vancouver Island native’s booming vocals about overcoming a toxic relationship while GAYLE and Beihold echo the same sentiment. In the video, the three artists’ chemistry is undeniable as they embody the power of female friendship.

“When writing “Fantasy,” I wanted to capture how hard toxic relationships are and that coming out of those relationships can be so powerful. GAYLE and Em instantly connected with the topic and their verses helped take the song to another level,” says Lauren Spencer Smith

Lauren Spencer Smith, “the breakthrough act of 2022,” is set to have a landmark 2023. The 19-year-old singer-songwriter from Nanaimo in Vancouver Island, Canada, shares “Fantasy,” as she gears up to release her debut album, due this summer via Island Records/Republic Records.

To date, Lauren has surpassed 1 billion global artist streams. “Fingers Crossed” catapulted her onto the charts and has earned her RIAA Platinum Certification. She followed “Fingers Crossed,” with equally emotive pop ballads “Flowers,” and “Narcissist,” performances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the 2022 MTV VMAs, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, and more. “Flowers” also earned RIAA Platinum Certification. Lauren was nominated as a Best New Artist and performed at the People’s Choice Awards 2022 and Apple Music selected her as one of their “5 Breakthrough Artists Of 2022.” She has earned praise for her versatility, from both her powerhouse vocals to her detailed songwriting. When she steps up to the microphone, the Vancouver Island singer and songwriter shares the kinds of stories typically only traded by best friends long after the sun goes down. Her unfiltered feelings resonate just as loudly as her stunning vocals do, tracing life’s ups, downs, and everything in between with sharp lyrics and even sharper melodies.

GAYLE’s debut EP, a study of the human experience volume one, captures the now GRAMMY-nominated 18-year-old singer/songwriter’s most specific and vividly real emotions: the tension between longing for connection and fearing vulnerability, the risk and thrill of refusing to compromise your own needs. Released in early 2022, the project features her electrifying chart topping smash single “abcdefu”: a triple-Platinum anthem that propelled the Nashville-based artist to over 2 billion streams globally and such milestones as a recent GRAMMY nomination for “Song Of The Year,” being named as a Billboard Music Awards finalist, receiving American Music Award and People’s Choice Award nominations for Best New Artist, and receiving 2 MTV VMA nominations. In the midst of navigating that whirlwind success, GAYLE headed back into the studio to create a study of the human experience volume two—a powerful new EP that doubles down on its predecessor’s unapologetic truth-telling, highlighted by the playfully chaotic “fmk (with blackbear).” “If my music can be a space for people to make sense of themselves, to come to terms with who they are and what they’re feeling, then that means the world to me,” says GAYLE. American Songwriter perfectly summarizes: “GAYLE’s uncensored honesty as a lyrical storyteller is what makes her music so captivating.” Praised for her magnetic live performances, GAYLE is currently opening for Taylor Swift on 15 dates of the spring 2023 stadium Taylor Swift | The Eras tour, where GAYLE kicks off her set with latest release “everybody hates me.”

Via music, Em Beihold converses and connects much like your closest friend would. She isn’t afraid to be blunt, disclose her insecurities, or laugh inappropriately, yet she’s got nothing but love. It’s why she’s quietly emerged as an identifiable and inimitable platinum-certified pop songstress with north of 1 billion streams and widespread critical acclaim. She’s the girl on the red carpet with the $10 coat (who will proudly tell anyone who asks!) and who sends her hair stylist a picture of Jessica Rabbit as inspo for a late-night TV appearance (this particular instance went nuts on TikTok!). The Los Angeles native climbed into the pop culture conversation with the 2022 platinum smash “Numb Little Bug.” It has generated over 500 million global streams in addition to cracking the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 and lifting Em to #1 on the BillboardEmerging Artists Chart. She only accelerated her rise with the Egg In The Backseat EP, making her late-night television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. She incited the applause of The New York Times, Stereogum, Teen Vogue, V Magazine, and Variety who hailed, “Beihold is very much part of the new guard.” She lent her voice to a duet version of Stephen Sanchez’s “Until I Found You,” which exploded to the tune of over 230 million Spotify streams. Moreover, they lit up The Late Late Show with James Corden together during a smoldering performance. Jumping into the year with even more music, Em recently released “Rollercoasters Make Me Sad” to rave reviews and was asked to join Lewis Capaldi on tour. Look out for more music coming from Em out on Moon Projects/Republic Records/Universal Music Canada soon.

Kelly Clarkson Unveils New Singles “mine” / “me” From New Album ‘Chemistry’ Out June 23

Eric Alper
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Kelly Clarkson Unveils New Singles “mine” / “me” From New Album ‘Chemistry’ Out June 23

GRAMMY-winning global superstar Kelly Clarkson has unveiled double singles “mine” / “me” – the first taste of her highly anticipated tenth studio album chemistry, arriving June 23rd and available for pre-order now via Atlantic Records.

“Having chemistry with someone is an incredible, and overwhelming, feeling. It’s like you have no choice in the matter. You are just drawn to each other. This can be good and bad. This album takes you down every path that chemistry could lead you down.” – KELLY CLARKSON

The pair of songs perfectly compliment and contrast, showcasing the lyrical complexity featured on the project three years in the making. Soaring vocals and a mounting instrumental find Clarkson lyrically honest-as-ever on “mine,” chanting “go ahead and break my heart, that’s fine” before craving karmic retribution. Meanwhile the focus shifts inward on “me,” a triumphant anthem of self-empowerment co-written with GRAMMY-nominated rising star GAYLE. Culminating with the lyric “don’t need to need somebody when I’ve got me,” the song’s message proves equally intimate and universal.

“We decided to release ‘mine’ and ‘me’ at the same time because I didn’t want to release just one song to represent an entire album, or relationship. There are many stages of grief and loss on this album. Each song is a different stage and emotional state.” – KELLY CLARKSON

chemistry was first announced last month alongside an exclusive Las Vegas engagement, chemistry…an intimate night with Kelly Clarkson, opening Friday, July 28, 2023 at Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Designed exclusively for the Bakkt Theater stage, Clarkson and her longtime band will immerse fans in an intimate music experience that spans her two-decade long catalog of award-winning hits. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit ticketmaster.com/KellyVegas.

One of the most popular artists of this era, Kelly Clarkson has sold more than 25 million albums and 40 million singles worldwide. The Texas-born singer-songwriter first came to fame in 2002 as the winner of the inaugural season of American Idol and quickly became one of pop’s top singles artists, in addition to the first artist to top each of Billboard’s pop, adult contemporary, country and dance charts. chemistry marks her tenth studio album and third full-length release with Atlantic Records, following 2017’s Meaning of Life and 2021’s When Christmas Comes Around…. Meanwhile on the small screen, her multi-Emmy Award-winning daytime talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, is currently filming its 4th season (while already picked up through 2025), and her tenure as multi-season champion coach on The Voice resumes for the show’s current 23rd season.

chemistry track list:
1. skip this part
2. mine
3. high road
4. me
5. down to you
6. chemistry
7. favorite kind of high
8. magic
9. lighthouse
10. rock hudson
11. my mistake
12. red flag collector
13. i hate love (feat. Steve Martin)
14. that’s right (feat. Sheila E.)

Gym Class Heroes’ 2005-11 Studio Albums Will Be Reissued On Vinyl

Eric Alper
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Gym Class Heroes’ 2005-11 Studio Albums Will Be Reissued On Vinyl

This Summer, Rhino will release vinyl versions of all four studio albums Gym Class Heroes, recorded between 2005 and 2011, plus McCoy’s solo debut, Lazarus. As Cruel as School Children (2006), Lazarus (2010), and The Papercut Chronicles II (2011) will be available as single LPs. The Papercut Chronicles (2005) and The Quilt (2008) will be released as double LPs.

Gym Class Heroes teamed with guest vocalists for two multi-platinum Top 10 hits – “Cupid’s Chokehold” with Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy and “Stereo Hearts” with Adam Levine of Maroon 5 – the latter of which recently surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify. The formula worked again when Gym Class Heroes’ frontman Travie McCoy scored a multi-platinum hit with “Billionaire,” a song from his solo debut featuring Bruno Mars.

In celebration of ATL 75 – Atlantic Record’s campaign for 75 years of innovative releases – a new Club Mix of “Cupid’s Chokehold” by DJ Sliink is out today. Newark native DJ Sliink pioneered the Jersey Club style of EDM. Notably, Skrillex called him “essential to the future of pop music.”

Long-time friends Travie McCoy (Gym Class Heroes) and DJ Sliink have been waiting to collaborate and recently teamed up to re-release the classic “Cupids Chokehold” fresh for 2023. Pop meets club, music meets dance – two eras combining for a powerful performance. Tapping into the nostalgia wave, it’s a re-release of the classic anthem. Sliink flipped “Cupids Chokehold” and added his signature Jersey Club production to the classic that is ready to hit a new generation.

Gym Class Heroes paid its dues in the 90s, playing college parties and clubs across the East Coast. The band was already self-releasing its music in 2003 when it was invited to join the Vans Warped Tour for the first time. It was a good fit, and the band would eventually play the popular music festival four times throughout its career.

Gym Class Heroes released the band’s second studio album, The Papercut Chronicles, in 2005. It contains the original version of “Cupid’s Chokehold,” a song with samples from Supertramp’s “Breakfast In America” and guest vocals by Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy. (The Papercut Chronicles will make its vinyl debut with the upcoming release.)

Gym Class Heroes re-recorded “Cupid’s Chokehold” for its next album, 2006’s As Cruel as School Children. That version became the band’s first Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 2007. It was on the charts for months, certified triple platinum, and was one of the most-played songs on the radio in 2007.

Following that success, Gym Class Heroes returned in 2008 with The Quilt. The record is packed with great tracks and guest artists, including Estelle, The-Dream, and Daryl Hall of Hall & Oates. Legendary rapper Busta Rhymes appeared on the album’s first single, “Peace Sign/Index Down.”

McCoy briefly stepped away from the band to release his 2010 solo debut, Lazarus. The album was a hit, peaking at #25 and earning gold certification. It includes the hit single “Billionaire” with guest vocalist Bruno Mars. The track peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified quadruple platinum. (Lazarus will make its vinyl debut with the upcoming release.)

Gym Class Heroes regrouped in 2011 for The Papercut Chronicles II, the band’s fifth and most recent studio album. It features their biggest hit, “Stereo Hearts,” with vocals by Maroon 5’s Adam Levine. The song peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified quintuple platinum in the U.S. and platinum or better in Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. The Papercut Chronicles II will make its vinyl debut with the upcoming release.

Color variants of each release will be available this summer as retail exclusives. The Papercut Chronicles (emerald), As Cruel As School Children (silver), The Quilt (grape), The Papercut Chronicles II (cobalt), and Lazarus (tangerine).

Something is brewing this year for Gym Class Heroes. The band will back on stage for the first time since 2018 on When We Were Young Fest.

“I couldn’t be more ecstatic for this next chapter in the book of Gym Class Heroes. If you’ve missed us as much as we’ve missed you, you’re in for a good read, quiet in the library but wild the fuck out in Gym Class” – Travie McCoy.

Dj Sliink took the reins as Jersey Club’s fist global star by leading a musical movement. Named by his peers as “The Jersey Club King”, he has spread the genre from humble beginnings in Newark, New Jersey’s DIY party spaces to intrnational culture hotspots like London, Paris, Milan, and Japan, with mainstream attention from Pitchfork, Billboard, SPIN, Fader ——After shooting to post-EDM stardom with a collaborative EP n Fool’s Gold with Flosstradamus, soundtracking Paris runways for Alexander Wang and Rick Owens, playing festivals around the globe, Skrillex sought out Sliink’s diverse club sound and sgned him to his OWSLA imprint and worked with him to highlight the culture of Jersey Club and to help bridge the sound into the mainstream. Skrillex is quoted as saying,” Dj Sliink soud is essential to the future of pop music.”… Named Billboard 2020 Change Agents for Acts Of Change. Sliink continues to push for equality and diversity in Dance Music and beyond. In 202, Sliink released collaborations with Doja Cat & Marshmello and launched his weekly radio show #GlobalCultureRadio on SiriusXM/Diplo’s Revolution. Dj Sliink continues to lace the internet anddancefloors (when open) with his ever-evolving definitive sound blending Club Music, House, and emerging Global Sounds. Newly signed to Warner Records, Dj Sliink is slotted to release an EP in May 2023.

THE PAPERCUT CHRONICLES
2-LP Track Listing

Side A
1. “Za Intro”
2. “Papercuts”
3. “Petrified Life And The Twice Told Joke (Decrepit Bricks)”
4. “Make Out Club”
5. “Taxi Driver”

Side B
1. “So Long Friend”
2. “Everyday’s Forecast”
3. “Pillmatic”
4. “Simple Livin’”

Side C
1. “Cupid’s Chokehold” – featuring Patrick Stump
2. “Faces In The Hall”
3. “Graduation Day”
4. “Apollo 3-1-5”
5. “Wejusfreestylin’ Pt. 2”

Side D
1. “To Bob Ross With Love”
2. “Papercuts (The Reason for the Lesions Remix by Mr. Dibbs)”
3. “Kid Nothing vs. The Echo Factor”
4. “Band Aids”

AS CRUEL AS SCHOOL CHILDREN
Track Listing

Side A
1. “The Queen and I”
2. “Shoot Down The Stars”
3. “New Friend Request”
4. “Clothes Off!!” – featuring Patrick Stump
5. “Sloppy Love Jingle, Pt. 1”
6. “Viva la White Girl”
7. “7 Weeks” – featuring William Beckett

Side B
1. “It’s Ok, But Just This Once!”
2. “Sloppy Love Jingle, Pt. 2”
3. “Biters Block”
4. “Boys In Bands Interlude”
5. “Scandalous Scholastics”
6. “On My Own Time (Write On!)”
7. “Cupid’s Chokehold / Breakfast In America” – featuring Patrick Stump
8. “Sloppy Love Jingle, Pt. 3”

THE QUILT
2-LP Track Listing

Side A
1. “Guilty As Charged” – featuring Estelle
2. “Drnk Txt Rmeo”
3. “Peace Sign/Index Down” – featuring Busta Rhymes
4. “Like Father, Like Son (Papa’s Song)”

Side B
1. “Blinded By The Sun”
2. “Catch Me If You Can”
3. “Cookie Jar” – featuring The-Dream
4. “Live A Little”

Side C
1. “Don’t Tell Me It’s Over”
2. “Live Forever (Fly With Me)” – featuring feat. Daryl Hall
3. “Kissin’ Ears” – featuring The-Dream

Side D
1. “Home”
2. “No Place To Run”
3. “Coming Clean”

LAZARUS – Travie McCoy
Track Listing

Side A
1. “Dr. Feel Good” – featuring CeeLo Green
2. “Superbad”
3. “Billionaire” – featuring Bruno Mars
4. “Need You”
5. “Critical” – featuring Tim William

Side B
1. “Akidagain”
2. “We’ll Be Alright”
3. “The Manual” – featuring T-Pain and Young Cash
4. “After Midnight”
5. “Don’t Pretend” – featuring Colin Munroe

THE PAPERCUT CHRONICLES II
Track Listing

Side A
1. “Za Intro”
2. “Martyrial Girl$”
3. “Life Goes On” – featuring Oh Land
4. “Stereo Hearts” – featuring Adam Levine
5. “Solo Discotheque (Whiskey Bitness)”
6. “Holy Horseshit, Batman!”

Side B
1. “Ass Back Home” – featuring Neon Hitch
2. “Nil-Nil-Draw”
3. “Lazarus, Ze Gitan”
4. “The Fighter” – featuring Ryan Tedder
5. “Kid Nothing And The Never-Ending Naked Nightmare”

Ontario Country Artists Organize Benefit Concert For CAMH On May 24 In Oakville

Eric Alper
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Ontario Country Artists Organize Benefit Concert For CAMH On May 24 In Oakville

Ontario country artists are coming together to share untold stories about mental illness and mental health in a benefit concert for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

Country Talks: Mental Health, taking place on Wednesday, May 24 at the famous Moonshine Cafe in Oakville, will feature a lineup of top Canadian independent country artists, all with a history of living with mental illness, addiction, and mental health challenges, sharing stories about their struggles, obstacles, and using music to overcome them. All proceeds from the benefit will be donated to the CAMH Foundation. Tickets are available here.

The lineup features Maddie Corinne, Taylor Wilson, Broadtree, Caves, Jessica Towler, and Katy Topham performing in a writers’ round format. The event will be hosted by Nicole McCafferty and Armand Antony, who will also be performing in the show as Broadtree.

“When we put a call out for artists who might be interested in sharing stories about mental illness, we thought it was a shot in the dark and didn’t know what to expect,” said Armand Antony, one of the co-founders of Part Of That Music, who are presenting the event. “To our surprise, our inbox was flooded with messages from artists across Canada who shared their stories with us personally and were thrilled about a safe space where they could share their experiences with others.”

Antony’s counterpart at Part Of That Music, Nicole McCafferty said “We were truly astonished by the response, how open everyone was about their experiences. It was amazing how so many people landed on similar messages as to what it means to them and why it is so important to share stories like this. I think anyone in attendance will be surprised; it might not be quite what you expect, in a good way. I think it’s going to open some eyes, start some meaningful conversations, and hopefully foster understanding.”

A benefit concert focusing on mental illness is a first for the Ontario country community and promises to be an evening of celebrating artists and audience members who live with mental illness in a safe space where conversations are normalized and welcomed. Resources to learn about mental illness and improving mental health will also be available on site.

“CAMH Foundation is grateful to Country Talks for their support and to all of the Canadian artists for courageously sharing their stories of lived experience with mental illness and mental health challenges. This event is not only raising critical funds to support the work of Canada’s leading mental health hospital, it is driving forward new, open conversations about mental health and reminding people there is always hope and help,” said Deborah Gillis, President & CEO of CAMH Foundation.“CAMH Foundation is grateful to Country Talks for their support and to all of the Canadian artists for courageously sharing their stories of lived experience with mental illness and mental health challenges. This event is not only raising critical funds to support the work of Canada’s leading mental health hospital, it is driving forward new, open conversations about mental health and reminding people there is always hope and help,” said Deborah Gillis, President & CEO of CAMH Foundation.

Tickets for Country Talks: Mental Health are by donation with additional donation tiers offered that include exclusive thank you gifts such as event posters, merch, and song requests. Raffle tickets will be available in person and online for prizes donated by all artists performing, Gibson Guitars, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the Toronto Blue Jays, Brooks Farms, Live Nation, and music festivals including Harmonia, Live Love Laugh, Dave Woods’ Heart of Country, and Feeling 22: A Tribute to Taylor Swift.

JazzInToronto To Showcase Diverse Lineup with A Focus on Women Artists at April’s College Street Jazz Festival

Eric Alper
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JazzInToronto To Showcase Diverse Lineup with A Focus on Women Artists at April’s College Street Jazz Festival

With a lineup focusing on gender representation, LGBTQ+ representation, cultural diversity, and emerging artists, JazzInToronto’s College Street Jazz Festival will showcase some of the best and most exciting talent Toronto has to offer.

The three-day event runs April 21–23, and the lineup this year is comprised of 95% women artists, and includes a wonderful mixture of seasoned performers and emerging artists. Performers include Laila Biali (JUNO-winning musician and CBC Radio host) and Alison Young (JUNO nominee and 2-time Winner for Horn Player of Year at the Maple Blues Awards). Other artists include Carlie Howell & La-Nai Gabriel, Chloe Watkinson, Queen Pepper, DIJLAH, Trash Panda Brass, Racha Moukalled, Grapevine and Jennifer Lo trio.

“Our goal with the triple bill at Revival is to introduce audiences to new musical genres,” artistic director Ori Dagan notes. “Trash Panda Brass is Toronto’s only all-queer brass band specializing in classic tunes of the 1980’s and 90’s; the Middle-Eastern sextet DIJLAH is led by Iraq’s Tara Moneka and features some of the finest musicians on Toronto’s world music scene; and the crowd-pleasing Queen Pepper combines the classic sounds of Soul and R&B with groovy originals.”

“The live music scene in our city bursts with talent and diversity, making ours a unique meeting place unlike any other,” said Dagan. “We really wanted to celebrate that this year, and to be honest, even within the focus on women’s talent, it was extremely difficult to decide who to highlight.”

All concerts will take place in College Street venues, and the goal is to bring together musicians, venues, and fans in celebration of having survived the challenging times we’ve all faced over the course of the pandemic.

Performances will be held at the following six venues: Revival Bar, The Emmet Ray, Free Times Cafe, Bar Pompette, College St. United Church, and Sellers & Newel.

The festival’s opening-night party will take place at Free Times Cafe (320 College Street), which has presented more than 10,000 nights of live music since opening in 1980. Rising-star pianist Jennifer Lo will kick things off before the festival launches into a fun and lively jam session that will showcase a wide variety of the Toronto jazz community’s members.

The headlining program is as follows:

(And the complete, more jam-packed program of all performances is available here.)

April 22, 7:30pm: Carlie Howell & La-Nai Gabriel at The Emmet Ray:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/college-st-jazz-festival-carlie-howell-la-nai-gabriel-at-the-emmet-ray-tickets-577956863537

April 22, 9:30pm: Alison Young at The Emmet Ray:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/college-st-jazz-festival-alison-young-trio-at-the-emmet-ray-tickets-577997535187

 

April 22, 11:30pm: Chloe Watkinson at The Emmet Ray:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/college-st-jazz-festival-chloe-watkinson-at-the-emmet-ray-tickets-578001697637

April 23, 4pm: Meridian Credit Union presents Laila Biali at College Street United Church:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/college-st-jazz-festival-laila-biali-presented-by-meridian-credit-union-tickets-577683606217

April 23, 7pm: Grand Finale Triple Bill at Revival: Trash Panda Brass, DIJLAH, Queen Pepper:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/college-st-jazz-festival-queen-pepper-dijlah-sextet-and-trash-panda-brass-tickets-578010373587

 

 

Toronto Rocker Emily Mac Raises The Stakes With “Kills Me To Love You”

Eric Alper
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Toronto Rocker Emily Mac Raises The Stakes With “Kills Me To Love You”

Relationships are supposed to be a two-way street and when you feel like you are drowning in that partnership, then it’s time to get out and move on. Classic rock sensation Emily Mac exposes those truths on her newly released single, “Kills Me To Love You.”

“Kills Me To Love You” begins with a thunderous blast of drums bringing electric shock through the listener’s ears, combining Emily’s powerful, yet husky vocal prowess and rebellious energy. You can hear the conviction of sheer vulnerability in her vocals when the song opens as she shouts, “F–K your games. All I do is lose. Your love is fake. And your lips are loose. All you do is take. I gave it all to you. Now I’m done playing. The Devils muse.”

“Kills Me To Love You was written in the studio with my producer Dajaun Martineau. We were throwing ideas around and nothing was sticking,” Mac says. “Then the line ‘Kills Me To Love You’ popped out of my mouth and we were both like – Ooo yah! There’s something there!”

The gritty and fierce rock star from Toronto, Ontario conveys the pain and struggle of being in love with someone who is no good for her, as she expresses this message in the chorus:

“Your blood runs black.
You can take all your darkness back.
It kills me to love you.
It kills me to love you.”

“The lyrics are honest and raw and points out the conflicting emotions that come with trying to let go of someone you know you shouldn’t be with,” Mac explains. “I wasn’t just thinking about romantic relationships gone wrong. I’ve had those in my life, but I’ve also had friendships that were toxic where I had to break up a friendship which can sometimes be harder than ending a romantic relationship.”

Co-written and produced by gold certified producer Dajaun Martineau, Emily had a solid supporting cast in the production for her new hit single which is evident when the song erupts into a climatic electric guitar solo from Ben Healey, bringing the listener back to the glory days of ‘80s hard rock; that compliments her empowering delivery and allows for the vocals to shine and take centre stage.

“I love classic rock and wanted to have an epic guitar solo in this song like they used to back in the old days,” Mac says. “My guitarist Ben Healey channeled all of his emotions and frustrations into his guitar playing, giving a performance full of angst and fire which fit in perfectly with the edgy mood of “Kills Me To Love You.”

This marks Emily’s first release since her debut single, “Whiskey Like Me”, that has amassed over 27,000 streams from listeners throughout 94 countries. Over the course of her career, she has performed at numerous festivals, such as: Canadian Music Week, Indie Week, TD Toronto Jazz Festival, Beaches International Jazz Festival and internationally with performances at New York City’s The Bitter End and The Rockwood Music Hall.

The Tragically Hip To Publish Alphabet Book For Young Readers

Eric Alper
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The Tragically Hip To Publish Alphabet Book For Young Readers

The Tragically Hip, the legendary, bestselling Canadian band, will release a picture book, THE TRAGICALLY HIP ABC, this October. The Tragically Hip ABC is a love letter to The Hip: an ABC picture book for young music fans that features illustrations from four renowned Canadian illustrators. The book will be available at retailers across North America starting October 24, 2023.

Decades of the band’s hit singles, iconography, and touchstones can be appreciated in a brand-new way: an ABC picture book! From “A is for Ahead by a Century” to “N is for New Orleans is Sinking,” all the way to “Z is for Frozen in My Tracks,” this illustrated ode to the band can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Featuring art from acclaimed Canadian illustrators Clayton Hanmer, Julia Breckenreid, Bridget George, and Monika Melnychuk, this book will be the perfect gift for fans of The Hip both old and new.

“The promotion of childhood literacy and development are causes close to our collective hearts,” says The Tragically Hip’s guitarist Rob Baker. “This book is a sweet surprise full of gorgeous illustrations. If it can excite some kids about reading, art, nature, or music, then we are delighted and proud.”

“I am so excited to see this idea come to fruition with these four incredible illustrators,” enthuses Drew Macklin, who worked with the band to develop the book’s text. “The joy of reading books to my children along with the love for their music and variety of song titles – what better way to introduce and share one of Canada’s most well-loved bands with future generations?”

“As lifelong fans of The Tragically Hip, we were so excited for the opportunity to celebrate their incredible body of work with this picture book. It was thrilling to work alongside the band and these four talented Canadian illustrators in order to visually bring The Hip’s song titles to life,” say editors Peter Phillips and Samantha Swenson. Tundra Book Group publisher Tara Walker adds, “We hope fellow fans of The Tragically Hip will love this book as much as we do, and we hope it brings young new fans into the fold.”

“Having grown up in rural Ontario, where fifty mission caps and rusty breezes were the norm, The Hip was the soundtrack of my youth. Whenever I hear their music, so many memories come flooding back,” recalls illustrator Clayton Hanmer. “It’s been an honour and a privilege to be part of this project, helping to introduce their work to a new generation.”

Illustrator Julia Breckenreid agrees. “I jumped at the chance to collaborate on a picture book using The Tragically Hip’s song titles. I loved Gord Downie, and the group’s songs are inextricably woven into so many chapters of my life.” She adds, “It also gave me the opportunity to work with my cousin, Monika Melnychuk. How could I say no?”

“The Hip are one of my favourite bands, so I was elated to be asked to contribute illustrations to the book,” says illustrator Bridget George. “It was such a fun process and I can’t wait to add the book to the bedtime rotation for my little one at home. The Hip are so loved across generations and the art inside the book is all so fun, it’s going to be really neat to see families connecting over the book!”


Illustrator Monika Melnychuk agrees: “I never would have imagined, while following The Hip from concert to concert, singing along with Gord at every opportunity, that I would get to work on a children’s book with the band! What a dream project!”

Hi Records & Fat Possum Records Celebrate The 50th Anniversary Of Al Green’s R&B Classic ‘Call Me’ With Limited Edition Vinyl Pressings

Eric Alper
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Hi Records & Fat Possum Records Celebrate The 50th Anniversary Of Al Green’s R&B Classic ‘Call Me’ With Limited Edition Vinyl Pressings

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Al Green’s Call Me, and to celebrate, Hi Records/Fat Possum will reissue the 1973 R&B classic on vinyl on May 26. With lacquers from the original master tapes by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound, Call Me will be available on standard black vinyl as well as limited edition pressings on both Tigers Eye colored vinyl for independent record stores, and Red and Green colored vinyl via Fat Possum’s website. All versions are available to be pre-ordered, HERE.

Al Green’s Call Me was originally released in 1973 and debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts and remained on the charts for 11 weeks. The album features timeless Gold certified classics such as “Here I Am (Come & Take Me),” which reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts; “Call Me (Come Back Home),” which went to No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts; and “You Ought To Be With Me,” which hit No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts.

With a highly successful recording and touring career that spans over five decades, Al Green has made an undeniable and lasting impact on music and musicians around the world from R&B, Soul, and Pop to Blues and Gospel. Considered one of Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, with Pitchfork proclaiming Al Green as “The Greatest Living Soul Singer,” The Reverend Al Green is a national treasure and once again hits the road to spread his message of love.

Side A
Call Me (Come Back Home)
Have You Been Making Out O.K.
Stand Up
I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry
Your Love Is Like The Morning Sun

Side B
Here I Am (Come And Take Me)
Funny How Time Slips Away
You Ought To Be With Me
Jesus Is Waiting

‘The Muppets Mayhem’ Trailer Is Here With A Billion Cool Cameos

Eric Alper
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‘The Muppets Mayhem’ Trailer Is Here With A Billion Cool Cameos

Get in the groove with The Muppets Mayhem and the trailer with about a billion cameos, streaming May 10 on Disney Plus.

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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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