All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or Twitter
Photo Gallery: Luke Combs with Riley Green and Chayce Beckham at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena
Neon Bloom Perfectly Captures The Breakup In New Single ‘Novocaine’
Death, taxes, and heartbreak – these are the inevitability of life. There is no one among us who hasn’t felt the pain of a breakup, and Neon Bloom captures this feeling in its latest release, “Novocaine.”
The group’s first foray into hip hop, “Novocaine” touches on the stress of a failing relationship, when two people know deep down that they should walk away but can’t quite bring themselves to do it, and the difficult aftermath when all that’s left is to pick up the pieces.
“The title, ‘Novocaine,’ refers to the delusional desire after a breakup for some sort of quick-fix that will numb the sting of a lost love, leaving one blissfully ignorant and pain-free,” the group explained.
Underneath the lyrics is a slow, rhythmic beat that evokes feelings of pain and mystery, making listeners feel like they’re going through it themselves. Vocalist Jen Simpson provides the punch, detailing the fallout of a collapsed couple in the song:
“Novocaine
For love pains. Always falling
Do it again,
Like we knew what love was then.”
The verses dive deeper into the abyss of heartbreak and the internal torment it can bear – “Feeling so alive, but like a zombie though.”
The single is part of Neon Bloom’s “Still Life,” the EP that was created and recorded from each member’s individual homes during the height of the pandemic. The musicians sent clips and ideas back and forth to one another, eventually piecing together what would become the band’s fourth project.
The track was abnormal for Neon Bloom in more ways than one. The pandemic made things strange enough, but it was also the group’s entry into a new sound.
“Not only was our writing and recording process very different for this EP, but ‘Novocaine’ specifically was a major departure for us in terms of genre,” the band said. “It’s our first attempt at a hip-hop track and features bassist Fred Yurichuk’s high school friend, Mark Cruz, scratching in the bridge. Mark is an established scratcher who sent his contributions from Calgary, continuing the collaboration-by-distance trend.”
Also unconventional is the music video for “Novocaine,” which features professional dancers Marissa Ricci and Tyler Angell performing improvisational, interpretive dance around Simpson on a rooftop basketball court located close to the Lansdowne subway station in Toronto. The court’s open space juxtaposed to the dancer’s closeness to Simpson display the simultaneous feelings of the infinite unknown but finite room at the conclusion of a relationship.
Whether you’re fresh out of a relationship or haven’t felt the ache of heartbreak in years, we all know the feeling. Neon Bloom’s “Novocaine” will take you back to that time and offer a shoulder to cry on – you don’t have to face this alone.
Chance Brown Releases Alt.Country Folk-Blues “This World’s On Fire” Album
Chance Brown is a singer-songwriter with a troubled soul that applies gentle dulcet tones to his debut album ‘This World’s On Fire’, a perfect mix of alt-country, folk blues, and ultra-raw storytelling.
Originally hailing from Vancouver Island with his roots firmly set in Victoria B.C. Chance Brown has risen amongst the alt-country scene to be one of the most prolific artists in Canada. His drawling vocals have harmonic hints of Ray LaMontagne, James Morrison, and Paolo Nutini.
His sound draws on simple vocal runs layered with traditional alt county instruments offering that perfect combination of melodic acoustic guitar, mandolin, and close-knit harmonies. His main two influences are Gord Downie and Justin Townes Earle which clearly stand out in his compositions.
‘This World’s On Fire’ came about with the end of a heartbreaking relationship which Chance penned as one of his influences to write, compose, and record the album.
He says “About a week after it ended, I listened back to the last practice. What I found in that thrashy improv was “Helium”, It was all there, word for word. I knew I had something good. So, from there, I began to write fervently.”
The album was recorded at NBS Studios in Victoria BC with Josh Carlsen at the helm. As well as vocals and guitar, Chance takes up the mandolin, harmonica, Rhodes Piano, and Percussion duties. With Josh laying down some Bass and Chris Banks working the drums. Produced in collaboration with Chance and Josh the album features 10 strong alt-country-infused songs each telling a different story.
Chance explains song themes, “There’s a few breakup songs, there’s songs inspired by a family member’s apparent attempt at suicide, my own close calls in substance-induced-auto-wrecks as well as just plain global pyromania.”
There’s no filter with Chance, he doesn’t pull any punches and lays everything down bare on this album. It’s an ode to life, his life. It’s therapy.
Stand-out tracks include the single ‘Helium’. A melodic gentle passion plea to his failed relationship. It floats along with ease and although it has dark undertones, there is a line of hope that runs right through the song.
Every time I try to argue,
Nothing ever works out right.
Maybe if I learned to listen
I’d be beside you tonight.
In a complete flip of pace, we have ‘Colour’ which shows the versatility of Chance’s songwriting. This alt-country rock beats like a train that’ll have your foot-stomping and hand-tapping with its urgency. Influences of blues rock and long-drawn single electric guitars notes this track. Destructive themed lyrics
Where will you go now that you’re so cold and alone, your fear has overcome you babe it’s soaked you through the bone.
You don’t have to speak, though there’s nothing you could say and there’s no one left to listen to your bullshit anyway.
Oh you gave it all away, now you’ve got nothing left on your dying day
Chance isn’t self-deprecating through this album; he just tells it like it is at the time.
“All of the songs are tragic as my worldview at the time of writing, they spark from friction born of their inherent calamity and together they form a distinct image. ‘This World’s On Fire’. So, let’s sit back enjoy some sweet music and watch it burn.”
Chance Brown’s new album ‘This World’s on Fire’ is available now.
1. Track Listing
2. Burn (explicit)
3. Colour (explicit)
4. Helium
5. Sweet Time
6. Ice Cold (explicit)
7. Evil
8. Dawson
9. Medication Blues
10. Divine
11. The Next Time
Harley Olivia’s New Single “Diggin’” Opens a Reflective Lens on Toxic Relationships
Before Ontario-based artist, Harley Olivia embarked on a solo career, her efforts intertwined with several heavy-metal and punk bands. Harley performed in crowd-pleasing acts filled with clowns, confetti, and anything else commonly found in a pop-up circus tent. But while she was leading audiences in balloon sword battles, she leaned into her fascination for a solo project, one that dug straight into what she wished her music could convey. And “Diggin’” is that result.
When Harley toured with the band Anthems In Ashes, the group was awarded first place in the Jack Daniels Supporting Act Competition. This was no small feat for the title, but this award also paved a clear path to work and companionship with JUNO Award-Winning Producer Siegfried Meier (Face to Face, Kittie, Sectorseven, Woods of Ypres).
Harley followed this friendship and soon found herself back in the studio with Siegfried to work on her new single “Diggin’,” who co-wrote and produced the tune, out now.
“I wrote Diggin’ in response to a toxic ex who refused to listen to reason or reach any kind of settlement on the grounds that I broke their heart. As the battle raged on and the mess got bigger, I tortured myself until I discovered what was truly going on. They were playing the victim to make me suffer,” Harley said.
The three-minute track begins with a quiet keyboard opening up and culminates with a drum beat before Harley sings, “It’s crazy when the life you had suddenly changed.”
From the get-go, Harley dread-filled and anger-tinged voice bleeds through the record, conveying a story of anxiety and regret to the listener.
“Diggin’ was a way for me to take my power back without causing more drama in my personal life. Singing this song is a release but in the best way! It’s dynamic and messy – just like a breakup, but its strong beat and punchy rhythm was what got me back on my feet and excited about writing and performing again.”
Siegfried and Harley collaborated on the break-up anthem during the early days of the COVID lockdown. The pair co-wrote the track at Beach Road Studios. The time spent reminiscing and reflecting on the toxic relationship shines through the song’s production.
Harley’s solid, deep rock voice transports us to this specific relationship, and we almost feel as if we are intruding on a personal moment. The emotions conjured while she “digs” through the past echo through the “I keep pushing harder and what I found would shock you all, I keep getting quicker, but I won’t stop it now” lyrics.
“Breakups are complicated. In my past, anytime I’ve broken up with someone, I’ve been judged or demonized for breaking their heart when staying in the relationship would have been much worse.”
This anger powers the tune found while Harley dug and dug to get to the root of the relationship’s problems. “They say oh they say I am making a mistake,” she sings in a slow, teasing voice while the background electric guitar, drums, and keyboard knock on a metaphorical door. A door just out of reach exemplifies the inaccessibility of a toxic relationship.
Heady stuff for sure, but one you’ll be “Diggin’” with each listen.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Announces The “Me Vs Myself” Tour
Multi-platinum, chart-topping global superstar A Boogie wit da Hoodie will hit road for the “Me Vs Myself” tour. Kicking off in Denver on February 2nd, the headlining trek will run through March 2023 with stops in Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago and more. The “Me Vs Myself” tour announcement is on the heels of A Boogie’s “One Night Only at the Apollo” show at New York City’s famed Apollo Theater selling out in less than 10 minutes.
The pre-sale for the “Me Vs Myself” tour will start Wednesday, November 16th at 10am local time and public on-sale will begin Friday, November 18th at 10am local time.
The upcoming tour will follow the release of A Boogie’s highly anticipated album, Me Vs Myself, out everywhere December 9th via Highbridge The Label/Atlantic Records.
“ME VS MYSELF” TOUR:
(additional dates to be announced)
2/7 – Denver, CO – The Mission Ballroom
2/9 – Coralville, IA – Xtreme Arena
2/10 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater
2/11 – Los Angeles, CA – The Novo
2/14- Dallas, TX – Southside Ballroom
2/15 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
2/17 – Atlanta, GA – The Eastern
2/19 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
2/21 – Toronto, ON – Coca-Cola Coliseum
2/23 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
2/25 – Washington, DC – Echostage
3/3 – Philadelphia, PA – Liacouras Center
3/22 – Manchester, UK – Manchester Academy
3/23 – Birmingham, UK – Birmingham Academy
3/24 – London, UK – Alexandra Palace
‘One’ by Metallica Mashed Up With Men at Work’s ‘Down Under’ Is Astonishingly Brilliant
Bill McClintock has put together a mashup that combines the Metallica’s One with Down Under by Men at Work, and threw in Judas Priest’s Painkiller for good measure.
The Beatles Release Offical Music Video For “I’m Only Sleeping”
Beautiful harmonies, experimental recording methods and avant-garde composition combine to create the dreamlike I’m Only Sleeping, evocative of The Beatles’ pioneering approach to the music of Revolver.
Artist and director Em Cooper explored the space between dreaming and wakefulness, working on an animation rostrum on sheets of celluloid. She painted every frame individually in oil-paint, a labourious process which took many months.
Get The Beatles’ Revolver into your life with the new mixes and expanded Special Editions. Available everywhere October 28, 2022 across 5CD/4LP Super Deluxe, 2CD Deluxe, Picture Disk, 1LP, 1CD, Download and Streaming. Dolby Atmos Mixes + original mono mix accompany never-before-released session recordings and demos, plus the “Paperback Writer” and “Rain” EP.
The Beatles’ 1966 album Revolver changed everything. Spinning popular music off its axis and ushering in a vibrant new era of experimental, avant-garde sonic psychedelia, Revolver brought about a cultural sea change and marked an important turn in The Beatles’ own creative evolution. With Revolver, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr set sail together across a new musical sea.
Showcasing GRAMMY-winning original album artwork created by Klaus Voormann, the Super Deluxe CD and vinyl house a beautiful book featuring Paul McCartney’s foreword, an introduction by Giles Martin, an enlightening essay by Questlove, and insightful chapters by Kevin Howlett.
Eric Alper Public Relations’ Artists Receive 41 Maple Blues Awards Nominations
There’s no stopping the blues – not even a third year of a global pandemic. In a year like no other, 2022 has proven that Canadian blues artists are tenacious, forward-thinking, and incredibly creative in the face of adversity. Despite ongoing challenges and changes, Toronto Blues Society continues to support and promote Canadian Blues artists by announcing the nominees for the upcoming 26th annual Maple Blues Awards. The winners will be announced on Monday, January 30, 2023 at the LIVE Maple Blues Award Show to be held at Koerner Hall in Toronto.
Eric Alper Public Relations’ musicians and clients receive a whopping 41 nominations!
Indigenous blues artists are well represented among the nominees, including BC-based duo Blue Moon Marquee, who are nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Acoustic Act of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Recording/Producer of the Year. Crystal Shawanda, of Wiikwemkoong First Nation received nominations in three categories including Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Recording/Producer of the Year. BC-based Afro-Canadian Cherokee blues matriarch Dalannah Gail Bowen is nominated for the Blues With A Feeling Award,
Under the guidance of Toronto Blues Society Board of Director Elaine Bomberry, a new Indigenous Blues Artist category will be launched at the event. A committee of Indigenous advisors are overseeing the criteria and outreach to a burgeoning community of Turtle Island blues creators.
Women and women-led groups were celebrated this year, including Angelique Francis, who has been nominated for four Maple Blues Awards in the categories of Female Vocalist of the Year, New Artist/Group of the Year, Recording/Producer of the Year, and Bassist of the Year, Sue Foley has been nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Electric Act of the Year and Guitarist of the Year.
The Eric Alper Public Relations and its family of labels and artists nominees listed below were selected by the Maple Blues Awards Nomination Panel for their outstanding achievements in blues music in Canada over the past year.
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Blue Moon Marquee
Crystal Shawanda
Steve Marriner
Sue Foley
ELECTRIC ACT OF THE YEAR
Colin James
HOROJO Trio
Steve Strongman
Sue Foley
ACOUSTIC ACT OF THE YEAR
Blue Moon Marquee
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Jeff Rogers
Kevin Harvey
Steve Marriner
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Angelique Francis
Crystal Shawanda
NEW ARTIST / GROUP OF THE YEAR
Angelique Francis
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Blue Moon Marquee
Colin James
Colin Linden
RECORDING/PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Long River
ARTIST: Angelique Francis
PRODUCER: Angelique Francis / Kiran Francis
Midnight Blues
ARTIST: Crystal Shawanda
PRODUCER: Dewayne Strobel
Open Road
ARTIST: Colin James
PRODUCER: Colin James / Dave Mezaros
Scream, Holler & Howl
ARTIST: Blue Moon Marquee
PRODUCER: Blue Moon Marquee, Duke Robillard & Erik Nielsen
BLUES WITH A FEELING AWARD
(Lifetime Achievement Award)
Dalannah Gail Bowen
GUITARIST
Colin James
Sue Foley
Tony D
HARMONICA PLAYER
Paul Reddick
Steve Marriner
PIANO/KEYBOARD PLAYER
David Vest
Jesse O’Brien
Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne
HORN PLAYER
Loretta Hale
Pat Carey
Richard Thornton
DRUMMER
Chris Nordquist
Matt Sobb
Tom Bona
BASSIST
Angelique Francis
Gary Kendall
John Dymond
Russell Jackson
John Lennon’s Isolated Vocals For “Jealous Guy”
John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy” wasn’t released as a single during his lifetime, it became an international hit in a version by Roxy Music issued in early 1981; this version reached #1 in the UK and Australia, and was a top 10 hit in several European countries. Lennon’s own version was subsequently issued as a single, and charted in the US and UK.
Jackie K Releases Creepy Folk Ballad “Nurse Jane” Based On True Story
North Battleford, SK’s Jackie K has released her latest single, “Nurse Jane,” a creepy alt-folk ballad inspired by a tuberculosis sanatorium in Saskatchewan and a troubled nurse who worked there.
“On the shores of Echo Lake as the Great War was done / She dressed in white and went to work in the sanatorium / Nurse Jane doled out tablets and help to those in need / She cleaned and fed, they coughed and bled / The valley of TB,” she sings.
“Saskatchewan opened three TB sanatoriums at the beginning of the twentieth century and one of them was located in the Qu’Appelle Valley at Fort San,” Jackie recounts. “It was a completely independent space, except for coal delivery, and an early model for what we now know as Medicare.” Built in 1917, it functioned as a TB clinic till 1971.
“The building was taken over by the Saskatchewan government and was used in the summer months for the Saskatchewan School of the Arts, which is how I came to know it. I spent three summers there. I had a blast playing both concert band and jazz music. However, it definitely had a haunted vibe. It was known as one of the most haunted places in Canada.”
Jackie K was engaging in her usual free-write morning exercise, writing a lyric about the banana popsicles she’d eaten while attending the School of the Arts, when she decided to do some more research into the sanatorium. “I read about Nurse Jane and her time in the building when it first opened. I can’t speak to the accuracy of the story, but it intrigued me nonetheless,” she says.
She recorded “Nurse Jane” at home, playing everything herself, including the trumpet. “I dragged my fingernails across a set of bongos to get the scratchy sounds in the last verse. It reminded me of the noises we used to hear while we tried to fall asleep,” she says.
The song was co-produced by Sean Davis Newton, with whom she worked on her 2021 EP, Look for The Little Things, which contained “Night at The Opry,” a No. 4 single on the Top 100 Country Countdown Top 100. Newton added a variety of ghostly effects to enhance Jackie’s retelling of a tragic tale.
Jackie K is happy to name gifted songwriters like Brandy Clark, Elvis Costello, Ron Sexsmith, and Nancy Griffith as influences on her work, and she notes that her love of jazz, by artists such as Diana Krall and Nina Simone, continues to percolate through her songwriting, her recordings, and her performances. When she isn’t writing or performing, Jackie conducts the bands and teaches guitar to high school students at North Battleford Comprehensive High School. Jackie is a member of SaskMusic, SOCAN, BMI, SAC, AFM#553 and the Americana Music Association.