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SiriusXM Decks The Halls With Biggest Lineup Of Holiday Music Channels Ever

Eric Alper
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SiriusXM Decks The Halls With Biggest Lineup Of Holiday Music Channels Ever

SiriusXM unveiled its extensive holiday music lineup with 22 holiday-themed channels, including new to 2022 channels: Jingle Jamz, Cool Jazz Christmas, and Kids Christmas. The holiday season officially kicks off today on SiriusXM with many of the popular channels live now and streaming on the SXM App.

SiriusXM brings listeners the most extensive collection of holiday channels to-date with a soundtrack to celebrate every holiday occasion. Hear beloved holiday tunes, traditional Christmas carols, and Hanukkah music, or put a twist on the classics with contemporary favorites or our genre-specific channels like holiday pop, seasonal soul, or country Christmas.

SiriusXM’s holiday channels are available to subscribers nationwide in their car and on the SXM App. The SXM App is available to subscribers on mobile devices and a wide variety of connected platforms in the home including smart speakers, smart TVs and streaming media players. Streaming access is included with all of SiriusXM’s audio trials and most popular plans.

SiriusXM’s Holiday Channel Line-Up

70s/80s Holidays: Sing-along to the biggest and most familiar Christmas and holiday songs from the 1970s & 80s. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Acoustic Christmas: Unplug this holiday season with nothing but acoustic Christmas tunes. Hear new and classic holiday songs stripped down for a relaxing seasonal vibe. Available on the SXM App now through December 27 and on channel 6 beginning December 24 through December 25.

Christmas Spirit: Christmas music and holiday favorites exclusively from contemporary Christian artists. Here, the reason for the season is not just remembered, He’s celebrated in song, commercial free! Available on the SXM App now through December 27 and on channel 63 beginning December 7 through December 27.

Cool Jazz Christmas: A jazzy holiday soundtrack that is everything you need for a cool yule! Pour the eggnog and let the festivities begin with Christmas classics from some of the greatest contemporary jazz instrumentalists including Dave Koz, David Benoit, Jonathan Butler and Kenny G, plus a sprinkling of some of the smoothest vocals of the season from the likes of Anita Baker, Diana Krall, Take 6, and Natalie Cole. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Country Christmas: Spanning the generations of country Christmas music, including Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood and George Strait. Available on the SXM App and on channel 55 now through December 27.

Hallmark Channel Radio: Hallmark Channel Radio is back for the holidays featuring timeless Christmas music and carols that celebrate the joy of the season hosted by Lacey Chabert. Hear the songs you love brought to you by beloved Hallmark Channel stars like Jonathan Bennett, Brooke D’Orsay and Tyler Hynes who will share their favorite holiday songs, traditions and more. They’ll also take you behind the scenes of their new Countdown to Christmas movies. Hallmark Channel Radio is the perfect way to embrace the wonder of the season with loved ones near and far. Listen all season long. Available on the SXM App and on channel 105 now through December 27.

Holiday Chill-Out: SiriusXM brings you the first ever 24/7 Holiday Chill-Out channel featuring downtempo, chilled-out holiday favorites. Tis the season to relax. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Holiday Instrumentals: Holiday favorites but the vocals are replaced with instruments. String, piano, orchestra versions and more of your favorite holiday hits. Feel free to sing along with holiday hits instrumental style. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Holiday Pops: Classical Christmas carols and holiday favorites performed by the greatest classical artists of all-time, including Andrea Bocelli, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Luciano Pavarotti, New York Philharmonic, The Choir of King’s College, Boston Pops Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Available on the SXM App now through December 27 and on channel 76 beginning December 24 through December 25.

Holiday Soul: Classic soul and Motown holiday music from the 60s and 70s, along with R&B holiday favorites from the 80’s including Aretha Franklin, Temptations, James Brown, Lou Rawls, Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick, The Jackson 5, the Four Tops, The Supremes and many more. Available on the SXM App now through December 27 and on channel 49 beginning December 7 through December 28.

Holiday Traditions: Traditional holiday recordings that you can sing along with by well-known vocalists from the ‘40s through the ‘60s such as Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, Peggy Lee, The Carpenters and Nat King Cole. Available now on the SXM App and on channel 71 through December 27.

Holly: Contemporary holiday hits featuring songs by Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé, Kelly Clarkson, Pentatonix, Rod Stewart, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Josh Groban, Madonna, John Legend and more. Available on the SXM App and on channel 104 now through December 27.

Jingle Jamz: Jingle Jamz is a mix of R&B and Hip Hop artists from 1990 to now, singing and rapping about the holidays.  There will be artist takeovers and specials. You’ll hear Alicia Keys, Boyz II Men, Mary J. Blige, TLC, Brian McKnight, Mariah Carey, Ashanti, Babyface, Ludacris, El DeBarge, Run-D.M.C., Musiq Soulchild, Jodeci, Gucci Mane, John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, DMX and Kurtis Blow. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Jolly Christmas: Upbeat, energetic holiday tunes from Alvin and the Chipmunks and Gene Autry to Mariah Carey and José Feliciano. Feel-good and sing-along with songs that bring smiles to the season! Always a holiday hit…on Jolly Christmas. Available on the SXM App now through December 27 and on channel 14 beginning November 11 through December 27.

Kids Christmas: The soundtrack for the most magical time of year! Welcome the holiday season with songs the whole family will love. From holiday classics to today’s most jingle-jangling tunes: It’s all here on Kid’s Christmas! Rudolph, Santa Claus, and Frosty the Snowman take over the airwaves to delight both kids and kids-at-heart all season long. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Navidad: Traditional Latin Holiday classics and popular treats of today!  Featuring songs by Ricky Martin, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Gloria Estefan, José Feliciano, Tito El Bambino, Marco Antonio Solís and Fania All-Stars.  Celebrate “Navidad” with this annual soundtrack leading to Three Kings Day. Available on the SXM App now through January 6.

New Year’s Nation: New Year’s Nation is custom curated to serve as your ultimate New Year’s celebration playlist powering your party with the best pop, rhythm, dance and hip-hop hits from across the nation to ring in 2023. Featuring songs from Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Lizzo, Sam Smith, Doja Cat, Post Malone, Dua Lipa, Lil Nas X, Rihanna and more. Available on the SXM App and on channel 104 beginning December 27 through January 3.

Noël Incontournable: Holiday music channel featuring Francophone Christmas classics and contemporary holiday hits from the ‘60s to today with music from Ginette Reno, Bruno Pelletier and Laurence Nerbonne. Available year-round on the SXM App.

Mannheim Steamroller Channel: Celebrate the holidays with Mannheim Steamroller featuring their signature blend of symphonic, new age and rock inspired Christmas music. Hosted by founder Chip Davis; explore more than three decades of their majestic sounds plus Chip’s groundbreaking Fresh Aire music. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Radio Hanukkah: Extensive collection of Hanukkah-themed music, including contemporary, traditional and children’s selections as well as daily reflections and prayers related to the holiday. Available on the SXM App beginning December 16 through December 27.

Real Jazz Holiday: Bop and swing under the mistletoe with some of the most memorable Christmas classics that make for a “real” jazz holiday!  Hear jazz masters like Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and the Count Basie Orchestra to today’s stars like Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Norah Jones and Christian McBride. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Rockin’ Xmas: SiriusXM’s Rockin’ Xmas Channel features classic Christmas songs that rock including hits from AC/DC, Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi, U2, Tom Petty, REO Speedwagon, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Eagles and more.  Plus, some humorous tunes from Cheech & Chong, Adam Sandler and others. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Andy Cohen’s Radio Andy Expands to Serve as the Definitive Home for Pop Culture on SiriusXM as Part of Multi-Year Contract Extension

Eric Alper
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Andy Cohen’s Radio Andy Expands to Serve as the Definitive Home for Pop Culture on SiriusXM as Part of Multi-Year Contract Extension

SiriusXM (that’s home to my show @ThatEricAlper on Channel 167!) announced today that Andy Cohen, producer, television and radio host has signed a three-year contract extension with SiriusXM. Andy Cohen’s exclusive SiriusXM channel Radio Andy, will now serve as the audio subscription service’s definitive home for pop culture with Andy Cohen Live and Smith Sisters Live expanding to daily shows.

Cohen, the creator and content curator of SiriusXM’s Radio Andy (channel 102), will continue to host his show Andy Cohen Live, which will now air Mondays through Fridays from 10:00 am – 11:00 am ET.

“SiriusXM allows me to dig deeply into two of my passions – pop culture on Radio Andy and music on the Kiki Lounge. I’m so proud of what we’ve developed over the last seven years on Radio Andy; I’ve loved programming the channel, and my longform interviews with celebrities and authors feed my soul. Programming the Kiki Lounge brought me incredible joy during the pandemic and listening to it is a romp through my expansive music vocabulary,” said Andy Cohen.

“We are thrilled to have Andy Cohen staying in the SiriusXM family. Seven years ago, Andy Cohen created Radio Andy, and it instantly became a spot for pop culture and news-breaking conversations,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “Andy continues to deliver a full lineup of talent on Radio Andy that excites our subscribers nationwide, while also curating Andy Cohen’s Kiki Lounge with a non-stop eclectic mix of music for all music lovers.”

Additionally, Smith Sisters Live, hosted by Lauren, Rachel and Mariah Smith will air Mondays through Fridays at 9:00 am ET leading into Andy Cohen Live. Smith Sisters Live features entertainment experts and pop culture super fans, Lauren, Rachel, and Mariah Smith taking a daily, detail-obsessed deep dive into the biggest pop culture moments happening right now. The wildly entertaining morning show brings the sister’s encyclopedic knowledge of pop culture to discussions on the day’s trending pop culture stories and the greatest (and worst) moments from reality TV and beyond.

Also joining the SiriusXM Radio Andy lineup includes Gayle King in the House, The Jess Cagle Show with Julia Cunningham and It’s Me, Tinx. 

Radio Andy will continue to broadcast the channel’s suite of programs including Jeff Lewis Live, Reality Checked with Amy Phillips, Bevelations with Bevy Smith, Make It Nice with Dorinda Medley, Sandyland with Sandra Bernhard and others.

Over the past seven years Andy Cohen has sat down with special guests for many exclusive news-making interviews on his SiriusXM channel. Past star-studded guests have included Nicole Kidman, Lil Nas X, Lizzo, Sarah Jessica Parker, John Mayer, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Dolly Parton, Mark Wahlberg, Jennifer Lopez, Keanu Reeves, Will Ferrell, Kelly Ripa, Jane Fonda, Jon Bon Jovi, Mick Fleetwood, Jennifer Coolidge and many more.

Andy Cohen also continues to curate his exclusive SiriusXM music channel, Andy Cohen’s Kiki Lounge. The channel features a personally crafted eclectic mix of music, reflecting Andy’s musical palette across a variety of moods and occasions enjoyable for his loyal fans and worthy of music lovers. Subscribers will hear music from Madonna, John Mayer, Cher, U2, Diana Ross, B-52s, Aretha Franklin and many more.

SiriusXM’s Radio Andy features 24/7 content produced and curated by Andy Cohen, and features the latest in pop culture, celebrities, lifestyle, news and more.

SiriusXM’s Radio Andy is available to subscribers nationwide in their car and on the SXM App. The SXM App is available to subscribers on mobile devices and a wide variety of connected platforms in the home including smart speakers, smart TVs and streaming media players. Streaming access is included with all of SiriusXM’s audio trials and most popular plans.

Taylor Simpson Moves Forward With “Lies Beneath ft. Eden Sterling”

Eric Alper
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Taylor Simpson Moves Forward With “Lies Beneath ft. Eden Sterling”

Indie folk-rock singer Taylor Simpson is on a roll. Shortly after releasing the well-received full-length debut, Learning to Live with Precious Time, he returned to the studio to record the six new tracks for New Sights in A Familiar Place.

https://youtu.be/GvMcgl643xU

While the Toronto native’s debut encompassed his earlier life experience, his latest work, recorded at Stone Roof Studios in Woodbridge, has a more immediate focus, finding him negotiating the pandemic, new relationships and fresh losses. While candid about his growing pains, a resolute optimism pervades the tracks on New Sights in A Familiar Place, which were produced by Simpson’s friend and fellow musician Adriano Loparco.

“I want to create a safe space/community for my listeners, who may be dealing with similar issues in their lives. Whether it’s mental health related, relationships, alcoholism, losses (loved ones or love itself) or anything in that realm.” Simpson, no stranger to loss, says of the collection. “I want them to know they’re not alone and there are so many others that are willing to listen and help.”

Simpson makes good on that wish, demonstrating through his words and music, how to move gracefully through life’s contradictions and challenges. He asks for nothing on ‘Bitter Apology,’ though his heart is clearly sore. “Maybe one day I’ll see a better side of you/Maybe one day, you’ll see a better side of me,” he sings, sounding a bit like John Mayer. ‘Holding On’, a driving rocker,’ is a bit edgier, haunted by the dissolution of a relationship. “I’ll keep holding on,” his vocals soar as electric guitars swirl against a brisk drumbeat, “Until the pain is gone.”

The first single from the collection ‘Long Time Coming,’ is likewise redemptive, the music moving him forward as Simpson contends with feeling stuck at crossroads. ‘Wishful Feeling’ is a jangly ode to learning to find silver linings in experience and putting the past in the rear-view. Even as he wrestles with the long shadow of grief on the ‘Lies Beneath,’ Simpson doesn’t stay down for long.

“Focused on moving forward/Pushing past this blurry state/ Open up all the doors, setting out to a different shore/ Realizing it’s never too late,” he sings, joined by guest vocalist Eden Sterling, the music a balm for his, and his listeners’ souls.

Taylor Simpson is an indie folk-rock singer songwriter from Toronto, Canada. He released his debut full-length album ‘Learning to Live with Precious Time’ in early 2022, with the single ‘Pretending’ garnering over 40,000 streams within the first 3 months of the release. His songs bristle with acoustic and electric guitar, steady drums and potent lyrics which leave his audience members in a state of nostalgia whilst dancing, singing, and clapping along.

Track Listing
1 Bitter Apology
2 Holding On
3 North From Here
4 Lies Beneath ft. Eden Sterling
5 Long Time Coming
6 Wishful Feeling

Midnight Sparrows, The New Solo Project From Métis, Cree, and Dene Musician Blair Bellerose Releases ‘Born In The City’ Album

Eric Alper
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Midnight Sparrows, The New Solo Project From Métis, Cree, and Dene Musician Blair Bellerose Releases ‘Born In The City’ Album

Hot on the heels of the Native American Music Award nominated Rock & Roll City, Midnight Sparrows – the brainchild of Métis, Cree, and Dene musician Blair Bellerose – is releasing its much-anticipated follow-up, Born in the City.

Identifying as Métis his entire life, the Vancouver-based musician is now also a proud member of Fort McKay First Nation thanks to a successful, women-led challenge to the Indian Act, which allows for more significant gender equity in passing on Indian status through the maternal family line. However, Blair also proudly retains his Métis identity.

Midnight Sparrows play guitar-driven hard rock that combines elements of classic rock, power pop and old-school heavy metal. Engineered and mixed by Juno and Western Canadian Music Award winner Sheldon Zaharko, Born in the City is a six-song guitar rocker that proves the magic and power of rock & roll is alive, well, and stronger than ever.

Thanks to a generous funding contribution from Fort McKay First Nation, Bellerose was able to make Midnight Sparrows’ first-ever music video for the song “Butterfly Wings.”

Bellerose wrote the track as a tribute honor to his mother, an Indigenous elder and residential school survivor, who passed away last year at 87.

“Spread your butterfly wings,” sings Bellerose, “I want to see you be divine / you are divine.”

Writing “Butterfly Wings” allowed Bellerose to hold on to the lessons his mother taught him about living life to its fullest as he processed letting go of the one he held so dear, allowing her to peacefully transition into the spirit world while his life continued to move forward here on earth.

The title track is one of Bellerose’s most personal songs as he reflects on his lived experience of urban Indigeneity.

“I grew up in the city / and it’s probably where I’ll die / but don’t forget that my people came / from the land under the Red River Sky.”

Having lived, worked, and studied in the urban Aboriginal community his entire life, this is a subject that Bellerose is very passionate about, even writing his recent master’s thesis on how government policies impact urban Indigenous non-profit organizations.

“I was born in the city / do you think that I’d be better off dead / like all them Hollywood Indians / with bullets in their chests.”

“Born in the City” defiantly challenges the notion that living in a city renders one’s Indigeneity inauthentic.

Lorraine Klaasen and Mongezi Ntaka Collaborate On New Album “Ukubonga [Gratitude]” Out Now

Eric Alper
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Lorraine Klaasen and Mongezi Ntaka Collaborate On New Album “Ukubonga [Gratitude]” Out Now

Ukubonga [Gratitude], the new recording from South African singer Lorraine Klaasen and South African guitarist, composer, arranger, musical director and producer Mongezi Ntaka is a collection of songs from the Southern Africa’s Township music songbook and features songs written by some of Southern Africa’s celebrated singers and composers. Lorraine & Mongezi decided to show gratitude to the dedicated artists who endured and survived some of the most brutal and humiliating experiences a human can experience while pursuing their musical careers to support their families.

Township music is the soundtrack of South Africa and much of the Southern African region. This sound comes from a people who have endured and triumphed over very difficult times. Township music has preserved a lot of indigenous cultures of Africa through its flexibility in adapting to new technologies and has also influenced political and social change. Lorraine & Mongezi had professional association, personal friendships and family ties with some of the artists and composers whose songs are performed on Ukubonga [Gratitude], .

At the heart of this album are messages of African romantic courtships, wedding songs, social & political commentary, consciousness and cultural pride that is full of the elder’s wisdom. The inspiration for this album came through Lorraine & Mongezi’s desire to increase awareness of a musical culture that is as good as any other in the world. Sadly, almost all the artists whose songs are included on this project have passed on and have left this incredible body of work that should still remind the children of African the importance Ukubonga [Gratitude].

Lorraine tells the story behind the creation of “Ukubonga [Gratitude]”:

“As an artist I never realized how important music is in my life and how my music has impacted my fans until the Coronavirus pandemic arrived in the beginning of 2020. During this period, I reflected on the direction I should take in my music career and suddenly an idea to collaborate with my dear friend Mongezi Ntaka came along. Over the past decade or so, I have been performing a duo live show of just an acoustic guitar and voice with Mongezi Ntaka and my record company suggested that we record that show in the studio in order to share that experience with more listeners.

Mongezi suggested that we go into the South African songbook and select some of the most memorable songs in the Township music genre. Mongezi and I decided on ‘Ukubonga’ [Gratitude] as the title of the album in appreciation of the work that all the artists who created the music genre we now call South African Township music. This album also includes works by some of the women I dearly respect and adore. My musical influences range from groups like the Mahotella Queens, Dark City Sisters to artists like Dorothy Masuka, Margaret M’cingana (Singana), my mom Thandi Klaasen and Miriam Makeba. On this album, I am using several Township music vocal styles including those by Busi Mhlongo who is one of the greatest influences in my vocal style.

Thanks to my recording company Justin Time for their support and having an open mind when listening to my ideas. I am also very grateful to my entire family for their unconditional love and support. Most of all I thank my God, Jehovah for the wonderful gift of music. I hope my music brings joy in your life.”

In order to maintain the integrity of the music, Lorraine & Mongezi performed the music live in the studio and kept most of the imperfections in the performance. Every song recorded on this album was recording in one take and then vocal and acoustic guitar overdubs were done immediately after every song was recorded. This was done to keep the tradition in which the original recordings were captured. It is a great pleasure, honor and appreciation for Lorraine Klaasen and Mongezi Ntaka to share this timeless music with the rest of the world.

The Biggest Artists, Songs, And Podcasts On Spotify Are…

Eric Alper
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Toronto’s very own Drake locks in the top spot for most streamed artist in Canada.  Since claiming the top spot in our Songs of Summer list, Harry Styles’ “As It Was” continues to dominate the charts, claiming the top spot for most streamed song globally with over 1.5 billion streams and the most streamed song here in Canada.   Harry Styles’ album “Harry’s House” was also the top most streamed album in Canada.

  • Top Canadian Artists: Drake holds #3 spot globally as the most streamed artist globally, behind Bad Bunny and Taylor Swift respectively.
  • Top Song by a Canadian Artist: It’s a “Beautiful Love” between Justin Bieber and his fans, with, “STAY” coming in as the third most streamed song globally.
  • Top album by a Canadian Artist: Toronto’s very own The Weeknd took our breath away this year with his album “Dawn FM”, holding the fourth spot as the most streamed album globally.

 

MUSIC (GLOBAL)

 

  • Most-Streamed Global Artists: Becoming the first artist to top Spotify’s most-streamed artist list three years in a row, Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny took the number one spot for most-streamed artist globally, generating more than 18.5 billion streams this year. The second most-streamed artist – and most-streamed female artist of the year – is Taylor Swift (#2), followed by Drake (#3), The Weeknd (#4) and BTS (#5).
    • We’re celebrating Bad Bunny’s accomplishment through a number of ways, including:
      • Platform Easter Egg: rolling out over the next week,, when users like or tap the heart on a Bad Bunny track, it may transform from our classic green “heart” to Bad Bunny’s iconic red heart.
      • Brand Campaign Videos: our brand campaign video features Bad Bunny being quizzed on his streaming milestones on Spotify throughout the year.
      • Creative Out of Home (OOH) Ads: we’ve turned the accomplishment into a game for fans to experience in real life, including murals where fans are encouraged to find the top-streamed artist – Bad Bunny – in the creative.
  • Most-Streamed Global Songs: The most-streamed song of 2022 is Harry Styles’ international hit “As It Was” with more than 1.6 billion streams globally this year. In the second and third spots respectively, are “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals (#2)  and for the second year running, “STAY (with Justin Bieber)” by The Kid LAROI (#3). The fourth and fifth spots both come from Bad Bunny with “Me Porto Bonito” (#4) and “Tití Me Preguntó” (#5) rounding out the list.
  • Most-Streamed Global Albums: Most-streamed artist Bad Bunny also tops the most-streamed album list with Un Verano Sin Ti (#1), followed by Harry Styles’ third studio album, Harry’s House (#2). In a repeat of last year’s global front-runners, Olivia Rodrigo’s SOUR (#3), Ed Sheeran’s = (#4), and Doja Cat’s Planet Her (#5) each return in the third, fourth and fifth spots respectively.
  • Most Viral Artists: When it comes to sharing, Taylor Swift takes the top spot as the artist whose music is most frequently shared from Spotify to social platforms. The Weeknd comes in at number 2, followed by Bad Bunny (#3). The 4th most viral artist is BTS and Lana Del Rey rounds out the top 5.
  • Most Shared Lyrics: “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals comes in at number 1 for the song with the most shared lyrics globally, followed by “Heather” by Conan Gray (#2). “I Love You So” by The Walters takes the 3rd spot. “Summertime Sadness” by Lana Del Rey (#4) and “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane (#5) round out the top 5.

 

PODCASTS

For even more on the top lists of 2022, check out Spotify’s For the Record blog along with our Spotify: Discover This podcast episode featuring an interview with Alex Cooper as well as Bad Bunny’s producer and collaborator Tainy.

Starting today, eligible users can also access their personalized 2022 Wrapped experience exclusively in the Spotify mobile app (iOS and Android) on the 2022 Wrapped hub. Please make sure your Spotify app is updated to the latest version (8.7.78) to access. The experience will begin rolling out to users globally at 8AM EST and will be fully rolled out to users around 9AM EST.

In the experience, we’re providing fans with some of their favorite Wrapped features like their top artists, songs, albums, podcasts, and genres, plus a slate of new ways to discover and celebrate their year in listening. Here’s what to look out for:

  • New Data Stories to Express Your Year in Audio: In addition to your top artists, genres, songs, podcasts and minutes listened, Your Listening Personality is a new, playful feature that not only tells you about the music you listen to but what that says about your music taste. Fans will learn which of 16 different Spotify-created Listening Personality types they are, based on their 2022 listening trends. Additionally, Audio Day is an interactive story that gives you a peek into how your music taste evolves throughout the day. Check out Spotify’s For the Record to learn more.
  • Connecting artists and creators even further: In addition to personalized and editorial playlists, the Wrapped hub on platform will also feature merch from your top artists, along with upcoming events to help fans experience their top artists live.
  • Your Artist Messages: This was a hit feature in 2021 with messages from more than 100 artists and this year we’ve expanded to include messages from more than 40,000 artists like Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, J Balvin, Måneskin and more. With Your Artist Messages, eligible fans will get a personalized video feed with thank you messages from some of their top artists in 2022, with each video followed up by your most listened song from that artist this year. See HERE for a video compilation of some of the artist messages.
  • Share More: We know that Spotify fans love to share their Wrapped cards, so new this year, we’re adding the ability to share Wrapped cards on WhatsApp and Line. Fans can also unlock a personalized Snapchat lens that reflects their Listening Personality and enjoy special Wrapped-themed apparel for Bitmojis anywhere they are available, as well as custom Wrapped-themed GIFs across all GIPHY partners.
  • Taking Wrapped into Roblox: To celebrate Wrapped and the artists that soundtracked the year, we’ll be taking over the Spotify Island mainland with Wrapped-inspired quests, games, virtual merch, and photo booth opportunities with 12 different artists including: Bizarrap, Black Sherif, CRO, Doechii, Eslabon Armado, Miranda Lambert, NIKI, Stray Kids, SUNMI and Tove Lo. 
  • Getting FC Barcelona Players In On the Fun: As a part of the first-of-its-kind partnership between Spotify and FC Barcelona, fans can also find 2022 Wrapped videos on social from some of their favorite players, including Robert Lewandowski, Alexia Putellas, Pedri, and Ansu Fati. See HERE for the videos.

Additionally, Spotify has also launched its Wrapped creator experience for podcasters and artists.  With access to their own individualized Wrapped microsite experience, creators can dive into all the ways in which their fans listened this year. Check out Spotify for Artists and Spotify for Podcasters to learn more. Artist Wrapped assets are available HERE including sharecards from exciting artists like LUDMILLA, Cat Burns, Megan Moroney, grentperez, Sara James and more.

TOP GLOBAL 

Most listened to artists globally

  1. Bad Bunny
  2. Taylor Swift
  3. Drake
  4. The Weeknd
  5. BTS

Most listened to songs globally

  1. “As It Was” by Harry Styles
  2. “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals
  3. “STAY (with Justin Bieber)” by The Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber
  4. “Me Porto Bonito” by Bad Bunny
  5. “Tití Me Preguntó” by Bad Bunny

Most listened to albums globally

  1. Un Verano Sin Ti by  by Bad Bunny
  2. Harry’s House by Harry Styles
  3. SOUR by Olivia Rodrigo 
  4. = by Ed Sheeran
  5. Planet Her by Doja Cat

Most Popular Podcasts Globally 

  1. The Joe Rogan Experience
  2. Call Her Daddy
  3. Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain
  4. Caso 63 (All Languages)
  5. Crime Junkie 

TOP IN CANADA 

Most listened to artists in Canada

  1. Drake
  2. Taylor Swift
  3. The Weeknd
  4. Kanye West
  5. Eminem

Most listened to songs in Canada

  1. “As It Was” by Harry Styles
  2. “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals
  3. “Cold Heart – PNAU Remix” by Elton John
  4. “STAY (with Justin Bieber)” by The Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber
  5. “First Class” by Jack Harlow

Most listened to albums in Canada

  1. Harry’s House by Harry Styles
  2. = by Ed Sheeran
  3. Midnights by Taylor Swift
  4. Dawn FM by The Weeknd
  5. SOUR by Olivia Rodrigo 

Most listened to podcasts in Canada

  1. The Joe Rogan Experience
  2. Call Her Daddy
  3. Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
  4. On Purpose with Jay Shetty
  5. SmartLess

Artists Selected for the Eighth Annual Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class

Eric Alper
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Artists Selected for the Eighth Annual Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and Slaight Music announced today the roster of emerging artists selected for the 2022/2023 Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class program. Anna Sofia, Aysanabee and Katie Tupper join grand prize winner of the 2022 CBC Music Toyota Searchlight award, Chad Price, for the mentorship program, which is customized to meet each of the artist’s unique needs and help them become “JUNO ready.”

Voted in by a Super Jury of music industry notables, the four finalists will take part in a workshop running from October 24 to 28 in Toronto, which includes vocal and stage performance coaching, as well as sessions with industry leaders. The artists will also attend JUNO Week 2023 in Edmonton, AB and one finalist will be selected to perform at the 2023 JUNO Opening Night Awards Presented by Ontario Creates.

2022/2023 Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class artists:
• Anna Sofia – Toronto, ON
• Aysanabee – Sandy Lake First Nation, ON
• Chad Price – London, ON
• Katie Tupper – Saskatoon, SK

“It’s moving to see the lasting effects of my father’s impact on the Canadian music industry,” said Gary Slaight, President & CEO, Slaight Communications. “His contributions have enabled us to provide budding artists like these ones with the skills they need to succeed in their careers. We’re thrilled to be a part of their paths to achievement.”

“We feel so energized by this year’s roster of artists, who each bring their own unique sound and identity to the table,” said Allan Reid, President and CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards. “We can’t wait to see them flourish on the national scale, while learning from some of the best in the business.”

The Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class program is run in collaboration with Canada’s Music Incubator (CMI).

Marvin Gaye ‘Greatest Hits Live in ‘76’ Available on Vinyl and CD January 27, 2023

Eric Alper
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Marvin Gaye ‘Greatest Hits Live in ‘76’ Available on Vinyl and CD January 27, 2023

The music of Marvin Gaye transcends time in ways that can’t be described. From relatable songs about romance and heartbreak like “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to socially conscious meditations “What’s Going On” and “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)”, his music continues to resonate across generations.

One of the most soulful, celebrated voices and songwriters in music history, Marvin Gaye cemented a legacy as a trailblazer in R&B and beyond. His lush arrangements, irresistible grooves, and silky smooth yet emotive vocal delivery earned him 12 Grammy nominations, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame. However, the true magic of Gaye’s music was his ability to weave emotion or deep socio-political commentary into melodies and harmonics that, sonically, left the listener feeling good, no matter what the sentiment behind the lyrics – a rare feat that is truly difficult to achieve.

Captured on Marvin Gaye: Greatest Hits Live In ‘76, these songs, which were originally released on DVD in 2007, are now available as a standalone audio release for the first time. The set will be released on vinyl and CD on January 27, 2023 by Mercury Studios.

Marvin Gaye: Greatest Hits Live In ‘76 was recorded in the midst of his 1976 European tour, during a live performance at the Edenhalle Concert Hall in Amsterdam. The 20+ song set features an abundance of Marvin Gaye’s beloved hit songs, spanning his entire career up until that point.

These powerful songs are a wonder to experience live and are beautifully presented on Marvin Gaye: Greatest Hits Live In ‘76.

Track Listing
Vinyl
Side A:
1. All The Way Around
2. Come Get To This
3. Let’s Get It On
4. Ain’t That Peculiar
5. You’re A Wonderful One
6. Stubborn Kind Of Fellow
7. Pride And Joy
8. Little Darling (I Need You)
9. I Heard It Through The Grapevine
10. Hitch Hike
11. You
12. Too Busy Thinking About My Baby
13. How Sweet ItIs (To Be Loved By You)
Side B:
1. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
2. What’s Going On
3. Save The Children
4. You’re All I Need To Get By
5. Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing
6. Heaven Must Have Sent You
7. It Takes Two
8. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
9. Distant Love
CD:
1. All The Way Around
2. Since I Had You
3. Come Get To This
4. Let’s Get It On
5. Ain’t That Peculiar
6. You’re A Wonderful One
7. Stubborn Kind of Fellow
8. Pride And Joy
9. Little Darling (I Need You)
10. I Heard It Through The Grapevine
11. Hitch Hike
12. You
13. Too Busy Thinking About My Baby
14. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
15. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
16. What’s Going On
17. Save The Children
18. You’re All I Need To Get By
19. Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing
20. Heaven Must Have Sent You
21. It Takes Two
22. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
23. Distant Lover

Nickelback and Tate McRae to appear at the 2023 JUNO Awards

Eric Alper
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Nickelback and Tate McRae to appear at the 2023 JUNO Awards

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) revealed during a press conference at Rogers Place in Edmonton, future home of the 2023 JUNO Awards, that Nickelback and Tate McRae will take the stage in their home province of Alberta when the show comes to town on Monday, March 13.

For the first time in 19 years, The JUNO Awards will return to the province’s capital city for the 52nd iteration of the annual ceremony. The show produced by Insight Productions, will broadcast and stream live across Canada at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, CBC Listen, and globally at CBCMusic.ca/junos and CBC Music’s Facebook, YouTube and Twitter pages.

Fan favourite JUNO Week events including JUNO Fan Fare, JUNO Cup Presented by CBC Sports and JUNO Songwriters’ Circle Presented by SOCAN, in association with Music Publishers Canada, will also make a return in 2023.

TD Bank Group (TD) presale for The 2023 JUNO Awards Broadcast runs today until November 16 at 11:59 p.m. MT. Tickets to The 2023 JUNO Awards go on sale to the general public on November 18. They start at $49.00 (including tax plus fees) and are available at ticketmaster.ca/junos.

“We are ecstatic for the JUNOS to be returning to Edmonton after nearly two decades,” said Councillor Tim Cartmell. “The festivities are a chance to celebrate the city’s vibrant music scene and the exceptional talent that calls the region home.”

“Year-after-year, it brings us great pride to see Canadian talent come together for JUNO Week and this year’s festivities in Edmonton will be no exception,” said Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards. “We can’t wait to show you what else we have brewing in the weeks and months to come.”

“Albertans are proud Canadians and we want to showcase our beautiful province and culture to Canada and the rest of the world,” said Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation, and MLA for Strathcona – Sherwood Park. “That is why Alberta’s government is supporting our music industry and economy by helping bring the 2023 JUNO Awards to Edmonton. Hosting the JUNO Awards in Edmonton will highlight Alberta’s vibrant culture and thriving music industry to the world by celebrating the arts and the artists who dedicate their skills and talent to making world-class music.”

Globally renowned rock act Nickelback were unveiled today as the recipient of this year’s prestigious Canadian Music Hall of Fame honour, presented by the JUNOS’ Premier Sponsor, TD. A true testament to the music, talent and culture coming out of Alberta, the Hanna-raised, 12-time JUNO Award winners will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame live on the Broadcast at Rogers Place during a special performance reflecting on their 20+ year career in music. One of the top-selling acts of all time, the band’s continuously growing list of achievements includes more than 10 billion streams, 50 million albums sold worldwide, 12 consecutive sold out tours and countless chart-topping hits including “How You Remind Me,” “Photograph” and “Rockstar.” They were also the second best-selling foreign act of the 2000’s in the U.S., behind only The Beatles. Nickelback will debut their long-awaited tenth studio album, titled Get Rollin’ on November 18, 2022.

Nickelback’s performance on the Broadcast will be their sixth time playing on the show, having previously taken the stage in Newfoundland (2002), Edmonton (2004), Halifax (2006), Vancouver (2009) and Ottawa (2012). More information on Nickelback’s involvement at this year’s show can be found here.

Also performing on the Rogers Place stage will be Calgary native and four-time JUNO nominee, Tate McRae. With over 4.7 billion streams, 765 million video views, a #1 Top 40 hit and multiple #1 Dance hits, McRae has amassed major commercial success globally in only a few short years, with top-tier talent like Charlie Puth, Finneas and Greg Kurstin on her list of collaborators. She was heralded as the youngest musical artist to ever be included in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2021 at the young age of 18 and was previously nominated for a People’s Choice Award, three 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards, and a 2022 Billboard Music Award.

Also announced was the recipient of next year’s Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award, renowned country music manager and promoter, Ron Sakamoto. With more than five decades of industry experience under his belt, Ron is being recognized for his significant contributions to music and the artists who create it, both nationally and globally. Born and raised in Coaldale, Alberta, his lasting career has earned him close to 50 national and international accolades, including Talent Buyer or Promoter of the Year’ Award from the Canadian Country Music Awards for 17 consecutive years. A longtime collaborator of Canadian superstar Shania Twain, having brought to life her first world tour, “The Come on Over Tour” in 1998, Ron has represented some of the biggest names in music, including The Guess Who, Bryan Adams, Bee Gees, KISS, Keith Urban and more. Most recently, Ron and his company the Sakamoto Agency launched Sakamoto Music – a country music-focused label distributed by Warner Music that is designed to help foster the next generation of Canadian talent.

Ron will receive the prestigious Walt Grealis Special Achievement honour at the 2023 JUNO Opening Night Awards Presented by Music Canada on Saturday, March 11. For the full announcement on this year’s award recipient, click here.

Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award recipient Ron Sakamoto

From Thursday, March 9 through Monday, March 13, 2023, the city of Edmonton will come alive with JUNO Week programming, marked by the return of signature events such as:
• JUNO Fan Fare
• The JUNO Comedy Show Presented by SiriusXM Canada
• JUNO Songwriters’ Circle Presented by SOCAN and FACTOR in association with Music Publishers Canada
• JUNO Cup Presented by CBC Sports
JUNOfest Presented by CBC Music is also taking to the streets during JUNO Weekend. The three-day music festival will fill more than 10 venues across the city with local musical talent and 2023 JUNO Award nominees.

Tickets for The 2023 JUNO Awards start at $49.00 (including tax plus fees) and are available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.ca/junos.

My Next Read: “Record Store Day: Ushering in the Most Improbable Comeback of the 21st Century” By Larry Jaffee

Eric Alper
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My Next Read: “Record Store Day: Ushering in the Most Improbable Comeback of the 21st Century” By Larry Jaffee

Record Store Day: the Most Improbable Comeback of the 21st Century provides the official inside story on how Record Store Day managed to revive the vinyl format from oblivion over the past fifteen years with some of the biggest artists jumping at the chance to sup-port independent record stores. This alliance and renewed camaraderie between artists and record stores set in motion the world’s largest annual music event: Record Store Day.

The voices of numerous artists, record store owners, and the creators of Record Store Day take the reader from this phenomenon’s shaky beginnings through the crisis of 2020, illustrating how record stores went from irrelevance to irrevocably changing the music industry forever.

Record Store Day is sure to appeal to record collectors who line up the night before in a quest to snare limited-edition collectibles on vinyl, while capturing the important role that independ-ent record stores play in their communities.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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