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Meta: It’s about that time – get groovy with Lizzo in VR!

Eric Alper
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Meta: It’s about that time – get groovy with Lizzo in VR!

Meta has launched of a new Beat Saber music pack with none other than pop superstar… Lizzo!

In the midst of her new world tour, the Music Pack will feature 9 of Lizzo’s iconic hits that span her dynamic and louder-than-life career. This pack includes selections from her recently released album Special, and is headlined by the hit single “2 Be Loved”. Available for $13.99, the Lizzo Music Pack offers fans an exciting and new way to experience the star’s biggest hits in virtual reality.

Beat Saber is a unique VR rhythm game where your goal is to slash the beats (represented by small cubes) as they are coming at you. Beat Saber music packs like this give music fans new, immersive ways to interact with their favorite artists’ music – this time with Lizzo!

Users can access the new pack by using their Meta Quest account.

National Music Centre Announces the Power of the Playlist Program with Award-Winning Music Therapist, Jennifer Buchanan

Eric Alper
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National Music Centre Announces the Power of the Playlist Program with Award-Winning Music Therapist, Jennifer Buchanan

The National Music Centre (NMC) is pleased to announce the launch of the Power of the Playlist, a new playlist creation drop-in program in collaboration with Jennifer Buchanan, Founder of JB Music Therapy, and supported by Bell. Sign up for the full “seven track” series or drop in every Saturday from October 29 to December 10 at Studio Bell. Each session is included with pay-what-you-can admission to Studio Bell and participants are encouraged to register in advance at studiobell.ca/whats-on.

The announcement of the Power of the Playlist program comes ahead of World Mental Health Day (October 10), a day intended to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

The Power of the Playlist program is derived from the book Wellness, Wellplayed: The Power of the Playlist written by Jennifer Buchanan. In the book, the Certified Music Therapist reveals how to create playlists with purpose to improve mental health, and address our human need to feel, create, and connect.

“Just like our physical health, our mental health requires attention, perhaps now more than ever,” said Jennifer Buchanan, President of JB Music Therapy. “In theory, putting together a playlist is incredibly simple—but that does not make it easy. This seven-track series will help you dive deep into all the ways playlists can have an impact on your memory, mood, and motivation—the Wellness, Wellplayed way.”

Program Schedule:

  • October 29 – Track 1: The Meaning of the Mixtape
  • November 5 – Track 2: The Art and Science of Music
  • November 12 – Track 3: Set Yourself (and Others) Up for Success
  • November 19 – Track 4: Your Personal Soundtrack
  • November 26 – Track 5: Power Playlists to Activate Your Memories
  • December 3 – Track 6: Power Playlists to Regulate Your Mood
  • December 10 – Track 7: Power Playlists to Boost Your Motivation

“After reading Wellness, Wellplayed, I was personally inspired to create a playlist that was unique to me,” said Andrew Mosker, President and CEO of NMC. “It took me on journey to the past that I found therapeutic at a time when I really needed it, and I’m really excited for others to experience the power of creating a purposeful playlist through this new program.”

The Power of the Playlist will be led over seven in-person sessions at Studio Bell, from October 29 to December 10, from 11:00 am to 11:45 am. Each in-person, interactive session will cover one of the seven tracks each week. Each person who enrolls in the program will also be encouraged to download the Power of the Playlist workbook, available at studiobell.ca/poweroftheplaylist, which will complement each session and provide a resource for further reflection. For each seven-week program, costs are generously covered by Bell, and are available on a first come, first served basis. Please visit studiobell.ca/whats-on to register now.

Music lovers outside of Calgary will be able to access a condensed version of the program online for free at studiobell.ca/poweroftheplaylist.

As part of NMC’s ongoing commitment to initiatives that promote the healing power of music, two weekday music therapy sessions, FunDrum and HealthSong, are also running every Thursday afternoon until November 24 at Studio Bell. Each session costs $15 per person or $10 for NMC Members, seniors, and students. Learn more at studiobell.ca/whats-on. NMC’s Music & Wellness exhibition, which taps into the power of music on mental and physical health, is also open. Those who have yet to see the exhibition are encouraged to check it out during Studio Bell’s regular operating hours, Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Admission to Studio Bell is currently being offered at a pay-what-you-can rate until the end of 2022. Suggested rate is $15. Any amount, big or small, supports NMC’s charitable efforts. Leave an amount that is equal to your experience and help us bring you more programs and offerings that amplify the power of music.

“Meet Me in the Bathroom” NYC Music Doc Has A Trailer

Eric Alper
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“Meet Me in the Bathroom” NYC Music Doc Has A Trailer

An immersive archival journey through the explosive New York music scene of the early 2000s. Set against the backdrop of 9/11 and a world unaware of the seismic political, technological and cultural shifts about to occur, Meet Me in the Bathroom, tells the story of the last great romantic age of Rock’n’Roll through the prism of a handful of era defining bands; THE STROKES, LCD SOUNDSYSTEM, YEAH YEAH YEAH’s, and INTERPOL.

Inspired by Lizzy Goodman’s bestselling book, directors Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace (Shut Up and Play the Hits) is an exploration of myth and music, time and place that
Tells the story of how a new generation kickstarted a musical rebirth for New York City that reverberated around the world.

The documentary immerses you in the pre-social media, pre-gentrification world of New York, as it examines the lives of key figures from each band, the transformation of the city, and the cultural forces that shaped it.

Combining never before seen footage, intimate audio interviews and a visceral sense of time and place, Meet Me in The Bathroom is a raw and authentic evocation of a time The Guardian described as “a flashbulb moment, before everything changed”.

The confessional stories of key figures from each band intersect with the transformation of New York as a city and the cultural forces that shaped it.

DR. MARTENS X THE CLASH Are The Coolest Shoes Of The Year

Eric Alper
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DR. MARTENS X THE CLASH Are The Coolest Shoes Of The Year

During The Clash’s 7 years of recording and touring they burned bright and recorded 5 albums that changed the face of rock’n’roll. They were known for their exciting music, unforgettable performances and sharp individual style and at the crucial moments of their extraordinary history, they each stood in a trusty pair of Docs.

Now two icons of the UK music scene are officially together again. Presented in two parts and two designs for maximum inclusivity. A Made In England collection built using the same handcraft techniques from the same factory as the pairs The Clash first strapped on over 40 years ago. The timeless 1460 8-eye boot and 1461 3-eyeshoe are constructed from Smooth, DM’s legacy leather inspired by the original leather used on the first Dr. Martens produced. The heels are marked with The Clash’s instantly recognisable logo. Each pair comes equipped with a set of dog tags based on those worn by the band and 7 sets of laces inspired by the colours of their most iconic albums. Exclusively available at DrMartens.com and Dover Street Market.

Also available from DM’s main line are the 1460 boot and 1461 shoe constructed from Arcadia, a high-shine leather with a base dye and contrast top-coat. Over time the top-coat rubs off to reveal the underlying colour. The 1460boot has a military green base and the 1461 shoe a cherry red, chosen by the band from the colours from their albums Sandinista! and The Clash artwork. Each pair is embossed with The Clash logo on the heel and comes equipped with dog tags.

To celebrate the Dr. Martens x Clash collection, legendary film director, DJ and musician Don Letts has collated a playlist of songs to tell the story of the iconic band from his perspective as their long-time friend and collaborator. ‘The Story of The Clash in 100 Tracks’ is a mix of cuts from the band’s albums and solo careers, as well as music that inspired them and artists inspired by them. The playlist will drop on Spotify and through DM’s channels. About the playlist, Don said the following:

”A continuous clash of sounds provided the blueprint for my selection. I’ve often wondered what it is about The Clash that still resonates with so many. I think it’s something to do with the fact that they were a product of the vinyl generation, raised on music that could be a tool for social and personal change. They understood and believed in the power of music to actually make a difference. They also understood it was all for nothing if you didn’t have a groove and looked like shit. In the 21st century, these ingredients remain a crucial currency for the young. As for their musical legacy in the new millennium? Well, I’ll leave that one to you, my friend.”

A collaboration for fans new and old. Designed for maximum volume wearers.

Rockers THE DISCARDED Send “Thoughts and Prayers” In Provocative New Single

Eric Alper
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Rockers THE DISCARDED Send “Thoughts and Prayers” In Provocative New Single

The human cost of political inaction on gun violence and the meaningless “Thoughts and Prayers” from leaders that follow inevitable tragedy is the subject of Orangeville, Ontario-based rock band The Discarded and their provocative new single.

Inspired by the heavy toll and senselessness of gun violence across North America and the family unit within the band, The Discarded’s latest song, “Thoughts and Prayers,” accompanies a collection of exquisitely constructed tracks on the highly anticipated new album and soundtrack to the upcoming animated feature film, “The Getgoes.” The new record was produced, engineered, and mixed by JUNO award-winner and founder/owner of Green Door Studios, John Critchley (Elliott BROOD, Dan Mangan).

“Thoughts and Prayers” was initially conceived by veteran rocker and guitarist/vocalist for The Discarded, J.P Wasson, after the shooting at the Parkland high school rocked the community. The song calls out politicians who have chosen not to use their power to keep communities safe and instead offer thoughts and prayers in the wake of catastrophe.

As Wasson says, “Sadly, the relevance of the song has not diminished since that time nor the use of the platitude.” Emotions run high on “Thoughts and Prayers” as Wasson plays alongside his two sons, who began playing and honing their craft at the ages of 13-and 17-years-old.

“There is a unique family bond between us that transcends into the unspoken communication and creation of our music.”

Wasson explains that they intuitively pick up on one another’s playing to form a sound that is more than the sum of its parts. Caden Jax Wasson provides the earth-shattering percussion for The Discarded, and his brother Jared Dean Wasson nourishes the band’s grooviness on bass.

While the song came together over a couple of weeks, the band’s family dynamic is what drove home the messaging in the lyrics. The vocals on the track are further enhanced with an appearance by singer/songwriter Carmen Toth. “Thoughts and Prayers” is a complex symmetry of intricate rock melodies and a visceral social commentary that pulls no punches.

“The mentally ill with killing tools
You could stop that you spineless fool
You have the means to protect the lambs
Instead you choose the blood on your hands.”

Chaperoning the forthcoming album is the official music video for “Thoughts and Prayers.” The animated video introduces audiences to Peter Guindon’s psychedelic art style and The Discarded’s sound. The unique audio/visual fusion forms the basis for the upcoming full-length feature film, “The Getgoes,” which will be released later this year.

J.P. (Joel) Wasson, Caden Jax Wasson, and Jared Dean Wasson have entertained fans across southern Ontario since their formation in 2016. The Discarded builds off J.P’s formidable years drumming and singing for bands such as Fifth Column and Snowdogs throughout the ‘90s. Spending countless hours tightening their act as a family, The Discarded released four albums and one EP on top of nearly 100 live shows under their belt. Notable performances include opening for The Sonics at Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall and Teenage Head at Hamilton’s This Ain’t Hollywood.

Singer-Songwriter (and TV/Movie Director) Peter Foldy Looks Back On A Long-Lost Love In “Fun, Fun, Fun”

Eric Alper
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Singer-Songwriter (and TV/Movie Director) Peter Foldy Looks Back On A Long-Lost Love In “Fun, Fun, Fun”

Sometimes the worst – and best – part of a breakup can be that golden, sun-kissed “highlight reel” playing over and over in your mind as you remember the good times. Singer-songwriter Peter Foldy understands this deeply, and his new single “Fun, Fun, Fun” – available now – gives us easy, breezy, mellow beats over the sunny sadness.

Summery and island-y with smooth vocals and an infectious singalong chorus, “Fun, Fun, Fun” tells the story of spontaneous getaways, exotic vacations, and languid meals with lots of wine and laughter:

We used to have fun, fun, fun
Doing the things we do
Used to be all for one
Baby, just me and you

And yet because it’s in the past tense, we know where this is going to go, no? Sadly, yes. Soon, the protagonist is picking up the pieces, and trying to find a way to begin again. And so he tries bargaining: “Get us back together/ Girl, come on let’s start again.” But that doesn’t work – and it rarely ever does – and so in the end, the narrator is alone, whispering his lover’s name. And yet, ultimately, “Fun, Fun, Fun” is a happy tune, finding contentment in having loved, rather than never having loved at all.

The corresponding lyric video reflects this, depicting two lovers at the height of their romance, frolicking on beaches, in quaint hotel rooms, and at a carnival. “With all that’s going on in the world I wanted to put out something happy,” Foldy said. “A track to make people tap their feet and smile.”

Known for his catchy pop melodies, singer-songwriter Peter Foldy has enjoyed musical success on major labels such as Capitol/EMI Canada as well as Polydor and RCA in the United States. After a successful 10-year run in the music business, which included two Juno Award nominations, Foldy found himself in Los Angeles, where he soon began writing and eventually directing films and working with stars such as Paul Rudd, Beverly D’Angelo and Eugene Levy. But music is a tough mistress to leave behind. Realizing that there was still a fan base out there requesting his songs on Canadian radio, Foldy returned to the studio and recorded a 10-track album titled Nine Lives. Released in 2015, it received favorable reviews from a number of outlets, including the Toronto Star.
Foldy followed up with a couple highly commercial singles, among them the appropriately titled “Toxic World” in 2019 and “Friend-Zone” in 2021, both co-produced with Miklos Malek, who has worked with artists such as Ariana Grande and Jennifer Lopez.

Canadian Music Creators and Publishers Travel Life’s Highway All the Way Back to the 33rd Annual SOCAN Awards

Eric Alper
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Canadian Music Creators and Publishers Travel Life’s Highway All the Way Back to the 33rd Annual SOCAN Awards

On October 17, 2022, the 33rd annual SOCAN Awards will honour the outstanding achievements of Canada’s most prestigious songwriters, composers and music publishers. The theme of this year’s event is “Life is a Highway” inspired by Tom Cochrane’s iconic hit, which continues to inspire, uplift and impact Canadians and the music industry.

This year also marks the inaugural Vince Fontaine Indigenous Song Award, named in honour of the late Indigenous singer-songwriter, SOCAN member, and co-founder of the JUNO Award-winning duo Eagle & Hawk. The first-ever award will be received by hip-hop duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids and rapper, Drezus, who, through their music continue to shed light on the tough issues impacting the Indigenous community in Canada. Vince’s last work – “Code Red” by Indian City – was released Sept 30 to coincide with the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation.

2022 Special Achievement Winners:

  • Tom Cochrane – With more than one-billion streams and counting, two JUNOs, a Billboard top 10 in three countries, and dozens of licensing deals with companies and causes eager to leverage the power of his message, Tom Cochrane’s “Life is a Highway” is a timeless classic. For the song that has for three decades served as a soundtrack for the open road and the wonderful experience of living, Cochrane will be presented with the SOCAN Cultural Impact Award.
  • OZ – Ozan Yildirim, known professionally as OZ, is a Grammy-nominated record producer and songwriter who has produced hits for many high-profile artists including Drake (“Toosie Slide”), and Travis Scott (“Sicko Mode”). For his contributions to hits in 2021 that have taken the world by storm, OZ will be receiving the SOCAN International Achievement Award.
  • Drake – Beyond music, Drake has impacted culture and continues to lead the way in the industry. Continuing to break streaming, sales and chart records, Drake is the recipient of this year’s SOCAN Songwriter of The Year – Performer Award.
  • Koz– Stephen Kozmeniuk, known professionally as Koz, is a Grammy nominated producer from Whitehorse, Yukon, whose credits include major hits from artists like Nicki Minaj, Dua Lipa, Lights, and Meek Mill. For his contributions to many of 2021’s biggest hits, Koz will be presented with the SOCAN Songwriter of The Year – Producer Award.
  • Keith Power – The multifaceted Newfoundland-born composer has created the scores for more than 700 episodes on network television. For his continued contributions to the world of film and TV, Power will be honoured for a record fifth SOCAN Screen Composer of the Year Award.
  • bbno$ – The Canadian rapper and singer from Vancouver has released several successful singles, including the TikTok viral “edamame” with Rich Brian and “Lalala” with Y2K. The hitmaker is slated to go on a headlining tour later this year with one of North America’s hottest rising rappers, Yung Gravy, continuing the momentum of a phenomenal year. As a nod to his success, bbno$ will be honoured with the SOCAN Breakout Songwriter Award.
  • La Zarra – La Zarra may be a later bloomer with no formal vocal training, but there is no question that her songwriting chops and vocal prowess stand up among the greats. A star on the rise, La Zarra will be celebrated with the SOCAN Breakout Songwriter Award – Francophone.
  • Evan MacDonald – In February 2022, MacDonald was named by SOCAN as a “Composer to Watch For.” MacDonald has lived up to accolades, and for his exceptional work in 2021 has earned this year’s SOCAN Breakout Composer Award.

The 2022 SOCAN Awards are sure to be an unforgettable night with live performances by Nonso Amadi, Alicia Creti, Drezus, High Valley, La Zarra, Lifehouse, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, a tribute to OZ by DJ TLO and special performance of Tom Cochrane’s “Life is a Highway” by Bill Bell, Dala, Davide Direnzo, Molly Johnson, Jeff Jones, Alex Lifeson, Sam Roberts, and Julian Taylor.

The full list of this year’s SOCAN Award winners will be released on the evening of October 17, 2022.

Heavy Metal and Funk Mashup With James Brown’s ‘Sex Machine’ And Judas Priest’s ‘Electric Eye’ Is What You Need Today

Eric Alper
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Heavy Metal and Funk Mashup With James Brown’s ‘Sex Machine’ And Judas Priest’s ‘Electric Eye’ Is What You Need Today

Video editor Bill McClintock does it again, mashing up Judas Priest’s Electric Eye, James Brown’s Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine, Metallica’s Creeping Death and why not, Megadeth’s Tornado of Souls for a giant tune you need for your day.

Oproiu Releases “Need Your Love” To Make A 40-Year Musical Journey A Reality

Eric Alper
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Oproiu Releases “Need Your Love” To Make A 40-Year Musical Journey A Reality

Singer/songwriter Mark Oproiu and his mononymous named band – featuring Chris Tondreau (lead/rhythm guitars, production); Calvin Beale (bass guitar); Michael Farina (drums/percussion); and Joel Joseph (keyboards) have released their debut single “Need Your Love.” The incessant, groove-oriented rock pastiche finds Mark Oproiu snarling over a tribal beat while guitars are ablaze. The band perfectly emulates the raw emotion and drive that Mark dreamed of as a child.

He discovered his calling when he received Queen’s ‘The Works’ and KISS’ ‘Creatures Of The Night’ albums for his eighth birthday. Recalls Oproiu, “I couldn’t stop listening to ‘Creatures Of The Night.’ (KISS) were not just any rock band, but one that would ultimately become mentors as I began my journey as a singer/songwriter and entertainer…I was transfixed on how music made me feel, and I wanted to make others feel the same.”

Oproiu continues, “I started teaching myself how to play the guitar with instructional videos and a lot of practice. At 17 I started taking private vocal lessons, and continued until I was 21.” It was then that he started playing in bands and playing in clubs. Then Grunge exploded and nearly wiped-out Hard Rock as a genre. Oproiu’s band members at the time soon started to get married, and have children. “In 1997, upon the completion of our 2nd LP – a hard rock album – I too made the decision to walk away and have a family. And so that’s what I did.”

But it wouldn’t be the end of Mark Oproiu’s vision, “It was in my 2nd year of university that I met Orlando Cicchello. He had graduated from the Music Institute of Guitar in Los Angeles at the top of his class. (I told him) my experiences with music, and my passion for songwriting. We built a 16-bit home studio, and started recording together. Orlando would lay down riffs and progressions, while I arranged them and wrote lyrics and melodies, and off we went. We worked like this for the better part of 18 years.”

That brings us to the present where OPROIU, the band, has realized Mark Oproiu’s musical vision on the new ‘Rock Lives’ 4-song EP, and its dynamic new single “Need Your Love.”

Folk Rocker Taylor Simpson Releases New Single “Long Time Coming” Ahead of Second Studio Album

Eric Alper
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Folk Rocker Taylor Simpson Releases New Single “Long Time Coming” Ahead of Second Studio Album

Folk-rocker Taylor Simpson is proud to announce the upcoming release of his sophomore album, “New Sights in a Familiar Place” on November 18, 2022.

Ahead of “New Sights in a Familiar Place,” Simpson has released the album’s first single, “Long Time Coming,” a nostalgia-riddled hymn to youth and indecision written and composed by Simpson and produced by Adriano Loparco of Stone Roof Studios.

Simpson’s new album will continue the concept and storyline introduced earlier this year in his full-length debut “Learning to Live with Precious Time,” diving deeper into his struggles with mental health issues, the complications of modern romance and the death of his parents.

Accompanying the release of “Long Time Coming” is a brand-new music video, shot on a beach near Simpson’s adopted hometown of Toronto and featuring that same sense of nostalgia with beach toys, laughs and friendly hijinks galore.

The video’s bright coloration and playful atmosphere serve to underscore the sense of loss felt for a time when we felt surer of ourselves and our place in the world — a time before life became so complicated.

Taylor Simpson is an indie folk-rock singer songwriter from Toronto, Canada. Unafraid to wear his heart on his sleeve, his unabashed and vulnerable lyrics create deep connections with his listeners. 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.

Taylor released his debut full-length album ‘Learning to Live with Precious Time’ earlier this year, with the single ‘Pretending’ garnering over 40,000 streams within the first 3 months of the release. His next release ‘New Sights in a Familiar Place’ is set to come out November 18th and will serve as a continuation of the concept and storyline from his debut release.

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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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