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My Next Read: “Conform To Deform: The Weird & Wonderful World Of Some Bizzare” by Wesley Doyle

Eric Alper
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My Next Read: “Conform To Deform: The Weird & Wonderful World Of Some Bizzare” by Wesley Doyle

The rise and fall of Some Bizzare — the label that introduced the world to Soft Cell, Depeche Mode, and The The — is the great untold story of alternative music.

Along with Factory, Mute, and Creation, Some Bizzare was the vanguard of outsider music in the 1980s. The label’s debut release reads like a who’s who of electronic music, featuring early tracks from Soft Cell, Depeche Mode, Blancmange, and The The, while over the next decade its roster would include artists such as Marc Almond, Cabaret Voltaire, Einstürzende Neubauten, Foetus, Swans, Coil, and Psychic TV.

For a time, Some Bizzare was the most exciting independent record label in the world, but the music is only half of the story. Self-styled label boss Stevo Pearce’s unconventional dealings with the industry are legendary. Sometimes they were playful (sending teddy bears to meetings in his place), other times less so (he and Marc Almond destroyed offices at Phonogram and terrorised staff). Despite this, he was a force to be reckoned with. His preternatural ability to spot talent meant his label was responsible for releasing some of the decade’s most forward-thinking, transgressive, and influential music.

The Some Bizzare story spans the globe: from ecstasy parties in early 80s New York to video shoots in the Peruvian jungle, from events in disused tube stations to seedy sex shows in Soho. There were million-selling singles, run-ins with the Vice Squad, destruction at the ICA, death threats, meltdowns, and, of course, sex dwarves. For a time, Stevo had the music industry in the palm of his hands, only for it all to slip through his fingers. But he and Some Bizzare left a legacy of incredible music that still has an influence and impact today.

Def Leppard With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra New Album ‘Drastic Symphonies’ Set For Release On May 19th, 2023

Eric Alper
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Def Leppard With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra New Album ‘Drastic Symphonies’ Set For Release On May 19th, 2023

On May 16th, the world will see Rock and Classical royalty unite on Drastic Symphonies – a brand-new euphoric album featuring Def Leppard’s greatest produced tracks dramatically reimagined, and sounding more exhilarating than ever before, via the band teaming with London’s iconic The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

This album represents a bold new approach to Def Leppard’s most loved songs. Def Leppard have deconstructed and rebuilt not only some of their most well-known tracks, but also some of their hidden gems as well. By and large, they have intertwined the audio from the original tapes and performed them alongside The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, consistently ranked as one of the world’s leading orchestras. The album additionally includes new vocals and guitars that culminate in stunningly beautiful symphonic arrangements, which at different points you can hear Joe Elliott duetting with his younger self

Vocalist Joe Elliott says, “Def Leppard has always enjoyed veering off the expected path – working with the likes of Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift & Alison Krauss for example. So, when the offer to revisit some of our back catalogue with the Royal Philharmonic was presented to us, we all jumped at it. Although we’re far from the first band to ever do this, working directly with an orchestra at Abbey Road on some of our more orchestrated songs seemed too good of an opportunity to pass up.”

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was recorded at Abbey Road in March 2022 and is produced by Def Leppard, Ronan McHugh & Nick Patrick (producer of the following RPO/Orchestral albums – xElvis, Roy Orbison, Beach Boys and Buddy Holly), with arrangements by Eric Gorfain (Neil Diamond, Ryan Adams, Christina Aguilera).

Guitarist Phil Collen says, “When the offer of doing an orchestral album with the RPO was suggested, we were honoured. But we didn’t just want an orchestra plonked over our previous recordings. We decided to create something special where we would have something classic but present it in a brand new way that would involve making everything work in the context of Drastic Symphonies. Recording new parts, remixing previous sounds, taking some of our instruments out so the orchestra could breathe, and literally making a new album. It was an amazingly inspirational process culminating in the live recording of the RPO at Abbey Road studios in London. An absolute team effort that took a good part of a year. It’s a new Def Leppard album, it’s a greatest hits plus album with some songs rarely heard before, it’s a live RPO album and we think it’s perfect. We’re so proud of how Drastic Symphonies turned out and can’t wait to share it to the world.”

The album will be available on CD, 2LP black vinyl, limited 2LP coloUred vinyl, limited 2LP picture disc, CD/Blu-Ray (Atmos) and digitally. Building upon elements from the album artwork, a collection of exclusive merch is now available for pre-order in the band’s official store.

Album tracklisting as follows:
Turn To Dust
Paper Sun
Animal
Pour Some Sugar on Me (Stripped version)
Hysteria
Love Bites
Goodbye For Good This Time
Love
Gods Of War
Angels (Can’t Help You Now)
Bringin’ On the Heartbreak
Switch 625
Too Late for Love
When Love & Hate Collide
Kings Of the World

2022 saw Def Leppard release their critically and commercially acclaimed 12th studio album Diamond Star Halos which charted all over the world including a top 5 and top 10 in both North America and the U.K.. Early 2023, saw the band score a U.K. No 1 Netflix film with their cameo in acclaimed movie Bank Of Dave. Joe Elliott is also currently riding high in chartsacross the world with his guest vocal on the Ghost track “Spillways.”

The band also embarked on a SOLD-OUT stadium tour across North America with Motley Crue in 2022 – selling over 1.3 million tickets. February and March 2023 saw the tour wow audiencesthroughout Central and South America. In May, June and July the must-see tour of 2023 comes to Europe, including a stop at the iconic Wembley Stadium on July 1st. Full European tour dates below:

THE WORLD TOUR DATES:
Mon, May 22, 2023 Sheffield, UK Bramall Lane
Wed, May 25, 2022 Mönchengladbach, Germany SparkassenPark
Sat, May 27, 2023 Munich, Germany Koenigsplatz
Mon, May 29, 2023 Budapest, Hungary MVM Dome
Wed, May 31, 2023 Krakow, Poland TAURON Arena Kraków
Fri, Jun 2, 2023 Prague, Czech Republic Prague Rocks *
Sat, Jun 3, 2023 Hannover, Germany Expo Plaza
Tue, Jun 7, 2022 Solvesborg, Sweden Sweden Rock Festival *
Fri, Jun 9, 2023 Helsinki, Finland RockFest *
Sun, Jun 11, 2023 Trondheim, Norway Trondheim Rocks *
Wed, Jun 14, 2023 Copenhagen, Denmark COPENHELL *
Sun, Jun 18, 2023 Dessel, Belgium Graspop Metal Meeting *
Tue, Jun 20, 2023 Milan, Italy Ippodromo SNAI San Siro
Fri, Jun 23, 2023 Lisbon, Portugal Passeio Maritimo de Alges
Sat, Jun 24, 2023 Rivas-Vaciamadrid, Spain Auditorio Miguel Ríos
Tue, Jun 27, 2023 Thun, Switzerland Stockhorn Arena
Sat, Jul 1, 2023 London, UK Wembley Stadium
Sun, Jul 2, 2023 Lytham, UK Lytham Festival *
Tue, Jul 4, 2023 Dublin, Ireland Marlay Park
Thu, Jul 6, 2023 Glasgow, UK Hampden Park
*Festival Date

The Talking Heads Film ‘Stop Making Sense’ Is Coming Back In Theaters In 4K

Eric Alper
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The Talking Heads Film ‘Stop Making Sense’ Is Coming Back In Theaters In 4K

If the suit still fits… This year, we’re bringing Jonathan Demme’s groundbreaking 1984 Talking Heads concert film STOP MAKING SENSE (newly remastered in 4K!) back to theaters worldwide. In addition to the theatrical re-release, a deluxe edition of the Stop Making Sense soundtrack will be out on vinyl and digitally on August 18 and include the complete Stop Making Sense concert.

Music Therapy Awareness Month Shines A Spotlight on the Transformative, Healing Power of Music in Canada

Eric Alper
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Music Therapy Awareness Month Shines A Spotlight on the Transformative, Healing Power of Music in Canada

March is Music Therapy Awareness Month – the perfect time to shine a spotlight on the transformative, healing power of music therapy, as well as on how and when to access the services of a Certified Music Therapist (MTA).

During COVID restrictions, online music therapy was able to help isolated patients reduce loneliness and feel connected, like Natasha Scoria, who was recovering from the removal of a brain tumor. “The music made me feel good, made me comfortable. Sometimes you forget where you are and that you don’t have your family close,” she said.

Music Therapists in Canada are working in a variety of settings including medical centres, long-term care settings and schools all across the country, helping people improve skills, decrease stress, or feel strengthened through during a transition or crisis. Music therapy can alleviate physical symptoms, support coping and wellbeing, and enable people to process their spiritual and existential concerns. Music Therapy often involves counselling coupled with intentional listening to live and/or recorded music while discussing the personal relevance of song lyrics, as well as more active engagement in music experiences such as writing songs, singing, or playing instruments.

In a recent review of research studies evaluating music therapy in cancer care, Friederike Köhler and colleagues found that even a single session of music therapy had positive effects on psychological well-being. Patients receiving curative treatment reported reductions in depression and anxiety as a result of music therapy; whereas those receiving palliative care reported improved quality of life and reduced pain.

And just last year, Canadian pop star Shawn Mendes acknowledged the power of music therapy by donating $1 million to the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, launching the “Wonder of Music” music therapy program at the hospital. The program will include songwriting, customized lullabies, and the creation of original songs set to the recorded rhythm of a patient’s heartbeat. “Music has made such a profound impact in my life and is no doubt a form of therapy to me. I can only hope the Wonder of Music Program will help SickKids patients, families, and staff benefit from its power as well,” Mendes told Billboard.

Anyone who appreciated or engaged in music when they were growing up can intuitively understand why music therapy is playing an increasingly important role in fostering social, emotional, and academic skills among school children. The potential impact on student mental health if teachers and music therapists came together to create and facilitate a program is also being studied, and the mental health impact of a well-developed program is an exciting prospect.

Music therapy can help in wide variety of situations, to promote health, wellbeing and quality of life. Harnessing the healing power of music therapy is now mostly about gaining a greater public understanding of when and how to access this impactful therapy. Several music therapists are available to speak on the topic of music therapy, explaining various approaches and methods supported by research as well as by anecdotes from their own areas of practice and expertise.

Toronto Musician & Producer Chris Birkett Receives Community Recognition Award

Eric Alper
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Toronto Musician & Producer Chris Birkett Receives Community Recognition Award

Earlier this month, Chris Birkett received MPP Chris Glover’s Community Recognition Award. Birkett is a multiple award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer who has worked with such A- list artists as Sinead O’Connor, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Talking Heads, Quincy Jones, and Steve Earle.

He was nominated in recognition of his song “Everyone Deserves a Home”, which shines a light on the growing homelessness crisis in Toronto.

“As someone who experienced homelessness in my youth,” says Mr. Birkett. “I believe that the millions of dollars certain billionaires spend on frivolities such as vacations in space could go a long way to supporting social programs that provide safe and secure housing. Giving a homeless person a place to live helps them to become an active, contributing member of society.”

“It breaks my heart to see so many people suffering without a home,” says Birkett. “We hope the song and the awards ceremony inspire people to encourage politicians to solve this crisis and help create more thriving communities.”

Canadian Folk Music Awards Nominees for Eric Alper Public Relations: Sultans Of String, Barney Bentall, Angelique Francis, Mike Stevens and RanchWriters

Eric Alper
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Canadian Folk Music Awards Nominees for Eric Alper Public Relations: Sultans Of String, Barney Bentall, Angelique Francis, Mike Stevens and RanchWriters

The Canadian Folk Music Awards celebrates its 18th edition, with a roster of nominations that celebrates the breadth and depth of Canadian folk music.

Established by Canada’s vibrant and internationally recognized folk music community, nominees are chosen for each category through a two-stage jury process. More than 100 jurors, located across Canada, representing all official provinces, territories, and languages, determine the official recipients in each category.

The CFMA 2023 Awards Weekend takes place March 31 – April 2, 2023 in Vancouver, BC, and Eric Alper Public Relations is proud to be working with the following amazing artists!

Contemporary Album of the Year
Sultans of String – Sanctuary

Contemporary Singer of the Year
Barney Bentall – Cosmic Dreamer
Angelique Francis – Long River

Oliver Schroer Pushing the Boundaries Award
Sultans of String – Sanctuary

Instrumental Solo Artist of the Year
Mike Stevens – Breathe In The World Breathe Out Music

Instrumental Group of the Year
RanchWriters – RanchWriters

Producer(s) of the Year
Chris McKhool & John ‘Beetle’ Bailey – Sanctuary (Sultans of String)

Solo Artist of the Year
Barney Bentall – Cosmic Dreamer

Global Roots Album of the Year
Sultans of String – Sanctuary

How Music Becomes an Actor in the Films of John Williams & Steven Spielberg

Eric Alper
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How Music Becomes an Actor in the Films of John Williams & Steven Spielberg

Stephen Colbert’s conversation with Hollywood icons Steven Spielberg and John Williams continues with a discussion of how Williams’ music plays an integral role in each of Spielberg’s films, in particular “Jaws” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”

John Preston Captures Endurance and Perseverance in New Single “Be Real”

Eric Alper
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John Preston Captures Endurance and Perseverance in New Single “Be Real”

San Francisco’s Firefighter and Marine Corps Combat Veteran John Preston announces new single “Be Real” off his upcoming album God Magik, both out now.

Since 2014, when John emerged into the music scene, he has been using his platform to advocate against suicide and open up the conversation surrounding mental health. He is also the founder of 22 and You, a movement to save the lives of first responders and veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress. His music focuses on making positive impacts in the world, and “Be Real” is another single making a difference.

“Be Real” is heartbreakingly beautiful but filled with endurance and perseverance. Although the lyrics tell the story of a hardship, it focuses on the strength that surrounds a difficult time and how to overcome it. The upbeat melody compliments the lyrics and emphasizes those feelings of hope. The song’s beginning tugs at your heartstrings as the lyrics, “Blind to the fact that day like this come/ When this hell rain down on our dreams,” discuss how no one is prepared or ready for hard times. But through the chorus’s lyrics, “With hope in your eyes/ I’ll be the gold,” that perseverance shines through. The song stresses that through love, support and hope anyone can overcome their toughest obstacles.

The song is a beautiful tribute to Ariana Roberts, a friend of Preston and the wife of producer 5ilas. In March 2022, Roberts was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. This news gave 5ilas the motivation to work hard to support his family. He started creating tracks and sent them to Preston to write to. After receiving the tracks, Preston decided he wanted to create an entire album dedicated to helping people who are suffering.

“Our families were devastated when we heard the news of Ariana’s cancer,” Preston says. “I felt useless and had no idea what I could do to help my best friend and his family. The album concept was created to find a way to make a difference and this song was my message to my friends to keep fighting. As it’s been with all of my work, I poured my heart into this song that is about endurance and perseverance. There is so much power in love and that is exactly what ‘Be Real’ is saying. People all over the world deal with this struggle, and with this song and entire album we want them to have a place to go, to feel, to love, to fight, and most importantly know they are not alone.”

Along with Preston and 5ilas, many artists on the album have also had personal or family struggles with cancer in the past. Patricia Passaretti, a producer on the album, had a battle with breast cancer and is now cancer free.

“Be Real” is a prime example of the positive and impactful music Preston has previously created. His music has received many recognitions. Recently, his 2020 single “Wasteland” made iTunes Top 150 Rock as well as the Independent and Top 150 overall.

Preston is the executive producer of the God Magik album, which is set to release on February 24, 2023 alongside “Be Real.” The album features several artists spanning across genres of music. “Be Real” is already succeeding as it rises on the Digital Radio Tracker and Cashbox Magazine’s Global Top 200. All the proceeds of the song will go to the Bay Area Cancer Connection and all other artists will have the option to make the same donation.

Toronto Electro-Shoegazers Jo Ryder Release Single “Fictional Dreamer”

Eric Alper
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Toronto Electro-Shoegazers Jo Ryder Release Single “Fictional Dreamer”

Nostalgic cityscapes and urban grit inform “Fictional Dreamer,” the single from Toronto electro-shoegazers Jo Ryder.

An audio-visual project that began when two friends were reminiscing about Toronto’s DIY music scene circa 2009, Jo Ryder is the duo of Lauralee Sheehan and Owen Norquay, two unique artists with interdisciplinary minds: Sheehan is an award-winning entrepreneur working in digital media who used to front the Lovely Killbots; Norquay is a music producer and photographer who plays bass in the Mooks and Simple Sailor. Together, they toy with analog and digital tools to create a mesmerizing soundscape that reflects on the isolation of modern life in a super-connected world. Fans of Beach House, Purity Ring and 1970s film soundtracks will find plenty to love here.

“Fictional Dreamer” first took shape in 2021, after the passing of Sheehan’s uncle, who was a big influence on her musical career; his was only one of several funerals that season. The writing took a non-linear form: more of a journey than a traditional verse-chorus structure, anchored on arpeggiating synths, icy drum machines and reverb-drenched vocals.

The song was recorded at a now-defunct rehearsal space in Toronto that was home to dozens if not hundreds of acts; its loss to the city’s inflated real estate market only underscores the sense of melancholy and loss that haunts the song, a song that itself aims to conjure memories of a vibrant scene from 15 years ago.

“Fictional Dreamer” was produced and mixed by Evan Sutton, whose credits include Shawn Mendes, Imagine Dragons, Chromeo, Oneohtrix Point Never, Robert Glasper and more.

Singer-Songwriter Harry Hannah Tells The Story Of True Love On “Orion and Alya”

Eric Alper
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Singer-Songwriter Harry Hannah Tells The Story Of True Love On “Orion and Alya”

True love can be a very powerful thing. It can make you feel complete and give you purpose and strength. You can’t let go of it when you have it, and Harry Hannah certainly shows why in his latest single, “Orion and Alya.”

Even before the words come out of lead singer, Harry Hannah’s mouth, you can feel the love through the piano keys as it gently sways your mind into a sense of calm and then you hear the lyrics begin: “Darling I got a lot of feelings on my mind. Thinking you’re the one that I might never ever leave behind. And I think I can admit that even if you doubt that.”

“Orion and Alya” is a true, love song as it opens with Hannah expressing deep feelings and thoughts about someone he cares about. As the folk singer/songwriter from the north end of Ontario’s, Northumberland Hills, continues to the chorus, he mentions the stars in the sky and how they would be nothing compared to having the person they love.

“All the stars in the sky.
Oh they’re yours but if I had you.
I’d be Orion.
We could dance we could fly.
Out in the night sky.
I’d be.
Your Orion.
My Alya.”

When describing the beautifully constructed chorus, Hannah explains, “Orion is one of my favourite winter constellations, so I figured I’d take a page from his book. Some say he’s a huntsman and some have called him the Archer of Hearts, so I kind of took that concept and ran with it in my own direction.”

The lyrics on this newly released single express a desire to dance and fly with this person’s true love under the stars, signifying their deep love and connection. Alya represents that connection as Hannah continues to describe his meaning of her by saying “Alya, in this case, represents Artemis – the goddess of Chastity, Hunting, and the Moon. Some tales say she’s Orion’s only true love, just like my love for the province of Alberta.”

Known as “The Cobourg Folkster” by some, Hannah wears his heart on his sleeve on this latest track and leaves all his emotions out for everyone to hear. This romantic, yet optimistic classic hits with a catchy beat expressed by the singer’s deep love for someone he truly cares about.

Hannah sums it all up by saying “I think finding true love can make you feel larger than life in some cases. I’ve felt that before. After you lose it, or even just without it, you don’t feel whole – existentially lost among stars if I’m getting dramatic.”

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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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