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Toronto’s PROPTER HAWK gets rowdy with first single “Theatre Of The Whole World”

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Toronto rock and roll group Propter Hawk’s new single, “Theatre Of The Whole World,” buzzes with triumphant energy while telling a relatable story of yearning to escape from the mundane cycle of everyday life – even if you are not prepared to do so.

“People are fascinated by those who go out and explore the world, but they are a lot more fascinated when things go wrong and how they react to it,” songwriter and guitarist Andrew Blake says. “Seeing what people are capable of enduring, both physically and mentally – I wanted to write about someone who tries to have that experience but doesn’t quite have the spirit or knowledge that they need to endure it. Once I had that concept, the lyrics sort of wrote themselves. I had the entire world to take reference from.”

Established in 2020, Propter Hawk is a rock and roll outfit from the ambiguous corners of Toronto, Ontario. Commixing influences and sounds, Propter Hawk is Humble Pie, The Beatles, The Band and Otis Redding tossed in a burning barrel at the dark end of an unmarked street. Andrew Blake is joined by Malorie Blake (lead vocals), Alec McEachern (lead guitar), Brian Derro (bass, backup vocals), and Jimmy Ruddock (drums, backup vocals), forming Propter Hawk through the broken shards of former bands and shady, desperate classified ads.

Resurfacing from the pandemic with a deluge of material, the band laid down their finely tuned tracks at Pineship Sound in Toronto with Carlin Nicholson and Mike O’Brien of the staple Canadian rock band Zeus. Employing vintage gear and a live horn section, Propter Hawk established the foundation of their sound on their impending self-titled debut record.

To capture a combination of Memphis soul and London blues, lead guitarist Alec McEachern utilized an overdriven Les Paul and an old 15w practice amp to bring a grungy energy to the exciting track. Propter Hawk also uses boisterous horns to get your heart pumping during the chorus – and lead singer Malorie Blake’s vocals soar above it all.

Lifting themselves from tavern floors to the stage and now, with the release of their first single “Theatre Of The Whole World”, this fiercely dedicated and experienced group of musicians is ready to reveal their distorted vision of a new era of rock and roll.

Along with the release of “Theatre of the Whole World,” Propter Hawk has announced the following tour dates:
October 21st: The Cameron House – Toronto, ON
November 12th: Tail Of The Junction – Toronto, ON
November 19th: The Dakota Tavern – Toronto, ON

Canada’s First Lady of the Guitar Liona Boyd Celebrates Romance and Latin Music with L.O.V.E. Featuring New Single “Gracias”

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With a storied, 45-year-plus career filled with success and accolades to reflect on, Canada’s “First Lady of the Guitar” Liona Boyd has certainly earned that title and the international love she and her music have shown. There’s no resting on laurels going on here, just a lot of gratitude, love and new music to share with the world. Liona Boyd’s 29th album, L.O.V.E. has arrived, along with the new single “Gracias.”

When our global pandemic slowed the world down to an isolated crawl, the multi-honoured guitarist, composer, vocalist, and author was all about the forward momentum of creating new music.

“I was writing and recording extensively over the last three to four years,” the five-time JUNO winner recently told Canadian Musician.

The results of which are a mostly instrumental album called Once Upon a Time targeted for release next year and Boyd’s brand new album L.O.V.E. containing seven, exuberant, Latin dance-influenced tracks.

“The L.O.V.E. album songs are really about maintaining a sense of joy during this trying time,” explains Boyd, who once again partnered with longtime producer Peter Bond to record the album at Toronto’s Rose Room.

Certainly, the inherent joy, romance and irresistible grooves of Latin music go a long way to that end. It’s a genre that Boyd has long felt an affinity for. “Since living in Mexico as a teenager, and performing in South and Central America, I’ve always felt a strong attraction to the catchy, sensual rhythms of Latin music,” Boyd shares.

The past 12 months have really showcased Boyd’s Latin music influences and leanings as three singles and videos have advanced the release of the new L.O.V.E. album. The lead single, “Popcorn Remix”, a re-imagined and very dance-worthy version of the classic instrumental, arrived with a colourful and playful video filmed in both Toronto and Palm Beach, Florida peppered with visual call-backs to Boyd’s past. Following that, Boyd released the L.O.V.E.’s title track, with guest Latin vocalist, friend and fellow Torontonian Amanda Martinez, the video now has over 65,000 views on YouTube. The third single “Ayudame Papa”, which translates as ‘Help me, father’, is dedicated to the multi-platinum and gold selling artist’s late father John H. Boyd and features some of his original sculptures.

The latest single release “Gracias” is a smooth, smile-inducing Latin thank you letter graced by Boyd’s bright, signature guitar work and sweet, clear vocals repeating “Thank you. Thank you. Gracias.” No matter the language, the gratitude Boyd shares for a lifetime of living and creating the music she loves is palpable in this captivating track. The new music video for Gracias is available now on YouTube.

Recipient of both Officer of the Order of Canada and Order of Ontario, Liona Boyd is the winner of five JUNO Awards, five Guitar Player Magazine’s Classical Guitar Musician of the Year awards, Vanier Award, Women Who Make a Difference award, Prix ‘Esprit du Ciècle, and Artist of the Year and Honorary Mayor of San Antonio, Texas — plus four Honorary Doctorate of Law degrees and an Honorary Doctorate of Music degree. She has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the US National GUITAR Museum, joining the accolade’s ranks among fellow peers B.B. King, Glen Campbell, and Bonnie Raitt, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award from the JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Competition, and inducted into Guitar Player Magazine’s Gallery of Greats.

Since the beginning of her career in 1974, Boyd has released 28 albums. She has upwards of 16 million streams across platforms, and her live concert holiday special, A Winter Fantasy, continues to be televised nationally via PBS and CBC.

Liona Boyd has appeared in countless venues around the world, and collaborated with the likes of Sir Andrew Davis, Yo Yo Ma, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, Gordon Lightfoot, Tracy Chapman, Ronnie Hawkins, and Olivia Newton-John, to name a few. The author of two autobiographies, No Remedy for Love and In My Own Key, as well as a soon to be published rhyming children’s book, Boyd is also a dedicated philanthropist and activist for a lengthy selection of charities close to her heart.

Artists Announced for Global Music Match 2022

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Following the resounding success of the first two editions in 2020 and 2021, Global Music Match returns for a third edition

The groundbreaking initiative was recognised by the international music industry at WOMEX last October, receiving their prestigious Professional Excellence Award. The latest iteration of Global Music Match will feature 60 artists from 16 countries and four continents in an export academy for developing artists. Participants from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Catalonia, Chile, Denmark, England, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Scotland, Taiwan, USA and Wales are set to collaborate over the coming three months, in what is widely considered to be the world’s largest online musical collaboration programme.

Born out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and created by founding partners Sounds Australia, Showcase Scotland Expo, English Folk Expo and Canada’s East Coast Music Association (ECMA) as a unique and direct response to the sudden limitations imposed on t he worldwide music industry and, in particular, international showcasing, Global Music Match has become a valuable artist development programme.

The third iteration of Global Music Match has evolved to focus on emerging artists who are just starting to explore and embark on their international careers. The 60 selected artists will develop their social media skills, learn about new markets, interact and collaborate with fellow musicians online all while creating new and engaging content.

Participating artists are grouped into international teams of six, from different countries, and over the coming 14 weeks will collaborate with each other online. Each act has an assigned ten-day Spotlight period, during which time their five teammates will introduce them to five new international audiences – an invaluable opportunity, given that many of these artists haven’t yet had the opportunity to tour internationally.

Each team is led by an international coach – all of whom are leading festival directors, programmers and publicity managers within the folk/roots genres. Artists will be coached throughout the project by respected figureheads from events including Glastonbury Festival (England), New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (USA), Knockengorroch Festival (Scotland), Manchester Folk Festival (England), Montelago Celtic Festival (Italy), AmericanaFest UK (England), Vancouver Island Music Fest (Canada) and World Music Festival (Chile).

CIMA is very excited to return to Global Music Match during the third edition to increase the Canadian participation alongside founding partner the East Coast Music Association. CIMA will represent six fantastic Canadian acts from across the country:

– Brooklyn Doran (ON)

– Hollow Twin (BC)

– John Orpheus (ON)

– Tennyson King (ON)

– The Pairs (ON)

– Shumaila Hemani (AB)

Get to know the Canadian artists better by clicking here.

The inaugural Global Music Match programme culminated in a four-hour-long online broadcast at Folk Unlocked, the acclaimed digital edition of the Folk Alliance International conference in the USA in February 2021. Following on from the WOMEX award, the success and popularity of Global Music Match continues to grow and gain worldwide recognition. Discussions are now underway to hold a live showcase event at Showcase Scotland 2023 as part of Celtic Connections festival, where artists from previous editions of Global Music Match will feature.

Participating organisations for 2022 include the founding partners (Sounds Australia, Showcase Scotland Expo, English Folk Expo and Canada’s East Coast Music Association (ECMA), alongside returning export music offices (EMOs): the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA), Catalan Arts (Catalonia), Chile Música, Export Music Sweden, FOCUS Wales, Folk Alliance International (USA), Iceland Music, LUCfest (Taiwan), Music Finland, Music Norway and Tempi (Denmark). In addition two new EMOs have joined in 2022: Brasil Música & Artes (BM&A) and Why Portugal.

Canada’s Terra Spencer, who participated in Global Music Match 2021, said: “As a solo artist, any opportunity to collaborate is a welcome one, but what I didn’t expect when I applied for Global Music Match was to find genuine connections that transcended geography, genre, and language. I found great joy in making music and more with my teammates, and the friendships have extended beyond the GMM project as we continue to cheer each other on from afar. GMM has truly opened doors for me on a global scale as an emerging artist – it landed me a spot in my first Western Canada festival, gave me the courage to secure a booking agent, and I will have GMM friends waiting for me this summer when I play my first show in Glasgow. I am so grateful to the whole GMM team for the opportunity that keeps on giving!”

Showcase Scotland Expo Executive Producer, Lisa Whytock said: “We’re really excited to see Global Music Match kick off again. The idea came about on a Zoom call between myself and Millie Millgate of Sounds Australia early on in the pandemic and we have since seen it grow to include so many export organisations and artists – all of whom continue to amaze us with their positive outlook and enthusiasm for the opportunities it presents.

It truly has become a family and now that international events are open again it’s been fantastic to meet so many artists and organisations in person. At WOMEX last year Global Music Match was honoured to receive the Professional Excellence Award and it was made extra special by being able to celebrate with some of the artists, festivals and export organisations who participated in the first two editions.

Global Music Match really harnesses the power of collective markets, and ultimately the goodwill and supporting nature of the worldwide music community. We are really looking forward to seeing how all the artists work together this time round. With so many from around the world, most of the musicians won’t have met in person – let alone toured in their respective countries – so once again it really is going to establish new and lasting international connections.”

Seal Deluxe Edition Of Debut Album Available November 4

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Seal took the world by storm in 1991 when “Crazy” – the lead single from his self-titled debut album – cracked the Top 10 in the U.S., U.K., and across Europe. In the singer-songwriter’s native U.K., the album debuted at #1 and later won Best British Album at the Brit Awards. Three decades later, Seal’s songs continue to resonate across multiple generations of music fans. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) also recently announced that sales for Seal have reached five million copies, officially granting the album quintuple platinum status.

Seal’s landmark debut will arrive as a 4-CD/2-LP deluxe edition on November 4, packaged in a 12”x12” hardcover book that includes rare photos and liner notes by prominent music scribe Jim Farber. SEAL: DELUXE EDITION introduces a newly remastered version of the original album on CD and a double-LP with an etching on the final side. The set’s three remaining CDs provide some context around the studio album using an extensive selection of rare recordings from the era, including early mixes, remixes, and more, as well as a previously unreleased 13-track concert performance. All the music on the Deluxe Edition will be released the same day on digital and streaming services. On the same day, a Dolby Atmos mix of the album created by the original producer, Trevor Horn, will also be available.

SEAL: DELUXE EDITION boasts a disc of rarities featuring “premix” versions of six album tracks. These versions featured early mixes that were available briefly on early pressings before they were replaced by Horn’s final mixes. The collection also showcases many of the incredible dance remixes created for album singles, including standouts like William Orbit’s dub mix for “Killer” and the Giro E Giro Mix for “The Beginning.”

The collection ends on a high note with a previously unreleased concert recorded at the Point Theatre in Dublin, Ireland, on December 16, 1991. Recorded as his fame was exploding, the show captures Seal channeling the audience’s energy while working through every song from his debut, plus the B-side “A Minor Groove,” a cover of “Hey Joe,” and more.

Newly upgraded 4K/HD versions of the album’s iconic music videos will also be revealed over the coming weeks, with the video for “Future Love Paradise,” the second single from the album, available today.

SEAL: DELUXE EDITION
4-CD/2-LP Track Listing

Disc One: Original Remastered
1. “The Beginning”
2. “Deep Water”
3. “Crazy”
4. “Killer”
5. “Whirlpool”
6. “Future Love Paradise”
7. “Wild”
8. “Show Me”
9. “Violet”

Disc Two: Rare
1. “Crazy” – Acoustic/Instrumental
2. “Crazy” – Premix Version
3. “Killer” – Premix Version
4. “Violet” – Premix Version
5. “Wild” – Premix Version
6. “Deep Water” – Premix Version
7. “Whirlpool” – Premix Version
8. “Future Love Paradise” – Reprise
9. “A Minor Groove”
10. “Sparkle” – Extended Version
11. “Deep Water” – Acoustic

Disc Three: Remixes
1. “Killer” – Single Edit
2. “Killer” – William Orbit Remix
3. “Killer” – William Orbit Dub
4. “The Beginning” – Single Remix
5. “The Beginning” – Giro E Giro Mix
6. “The Beginning” – Round the Underground Dub
7. “The Beginning” – Round the Underground Mix
8. “The Beginning” – Roundabout Mix
9. “Crazy” – Single Mix
10. “Crazy” – Acapella
11. “Crazy” – Do You Know the Way to L.A. Mix
12. “Crazy” – Chick On My Tip Mix
13. “Krazy”

Disc Four: Live at The Point, Dublin (December 16, 1991)
1. “Deep Water” *
2. “The Beginning” *
3. “Future Love” *
4. “Paradise” *
5. “Violet” *
6. “Show Me” *
7. “Hey Joe” *
8. “Killer” *
9. “Whirlpool” *
10. “A Minor Groove” *
11. “Crazy” *
12. “Wild” *
13. “Hide” *
* previously unreleased

LP Track Listing
Side One
1. “The Beginning”
2. “Deep Water”
3. “Crazy”
Side Two
1. “Killer”
2. “Whirlpool”
3. “Future Love Paradise”
Side Three
1. “Wild”
2. “Show Me”
3. “Violet”
Side Four
Etching

Queens Of The Stone Age To Reissue Three Classic Albums

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More than a quarter century since its primal emergence from the Desert, Queens Of The Stone Age has elected to give three of its landmark albums the upscale re-release treatment, including limited edition color vinyl pressings, exclusive new and restored artwork, and more.

First up is the one that started it all: Back in print after a long, long decade, Queens Of The Stone Age’s self-titled 1998 debut album will be resurrected digitally September 22, with a vinyl release date of October 21. Restored to its original track listing and adorned by the long out-of-print original Frank Kozik artwork, the soon to be definitive version of QOTSA’s self-titled ground zero will feature an obi-strip designed by longtime collaborator Boneface and will be available on standard black and limited edition opaque orange vinyl — both available direct from Queens Of The Stone Age, Matador Records, and at discerning independent retailers.

Following on December 9 will be a double shot of Queens Of The Stone Age’s most recent efforts: 2013’s multiple-GRAMMY-nominated, Billboard 200 #1 charting magnum opus …Like Clockwork and 2017’s redefining Villains will both be reincarnated: …Like Clockwork returns newly recut from its original master tapes with alternate artwork and obi-strip from Boneface with a limited opaque aqua vinyl pressing available direct from Queens Of The Stone Age, Matador Records, and at finer independent retailers. Villains is reissued in a special 5th Anniversary package featuring etching, obi-strip, and a brand new poster by Boneface, and as on limited edition leaf-green transparent vinyl available exclusively via Queens Of The Stone Age and/or Matador Records.

Thurles, Ireland’s Bright Falls Share “Dusk” From His Upcoming Kanye/Springsteen-Inspired Debut Out October 28

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Bright Falls has released the new single “Dusk”, the title track of its forthcoming debut LP which will be released on Oct. 28th, 2022.

Thurles, Ireland recording artist Eddie McCormack is the force behind Bright Falls, whose storytelling style features a blend of heartland and alternative rock, combined with early 2000s indie rock.

Musically, the sound elicits The Killers and The War On Drugs, while McCormack’s storytelling and songwriting inspiration comes from the likes of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, John Prine, Neil Young, Jason Isbell, Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West.

Bright Falls opened for Sinead O’Connor & The Stunning at Féile ’19 at Semple Stadium in their hometown of Thurles. This came shortly after the release of their debut EP ‘Logging’ in July of 2019.

The band followed with the release of the singles “The Widows’ Homes” in 2020 and “Cassie (My One & Only)” in 2021.

The new single “Dusk” is a story of heartbreak, longing, and trying to recapture a lost love. It’s a song of great anxiety of what the future holds.

“I wanted to tell a larger story which began from a place of great nostalgia,” said McCormack. This is captured right off the top, with the opening lyrics, “I remember, the scent you wore upon your neck, and how I felt the first time we met.”

The spirited track features anthemic moments in the chorus and bridge, while an arpeggiated bass synth runs throughout, joined by glistening and dreamy synths. Layered guitars and an intricate drum pattern add to the dynamic feel.

Bright Falls’ music is largely driven by nostalgia, and the forthcoming LP “Dusk” expands on that, with a ‘break-up’ theme to which McCormack credits two legendary albums, Kanye West’s “808’s & Heartbreaks” and Bruce Springsteen’s “Tunnel Of Love” as his inspiration.

The single “Dusk” was produced by Martin Quinn & Eddie McCormack and was mixed, mastered and recorded by Martin Quinn at JAM Studios (Aine Cahill, The Strypes) in Kells, Ireland.

Roots Band RUSTY CREEK Are Your Guides On ‘The Road of Life’ With Latest Album

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Rusty Creek is a four-piece band that lives and works in the Vancouver area but seem to hail from everywhere. They describe their music as “a mixture of bluegrass, country blues, western swing, Cajun, and anything else we can think of.” Using these elements, they carve out an eclectic original sound they refer to as roots remastered. They are currently celebrating their second album, The Road of Life, released in June of 2022.

Rusty Creek draws from a deep well of influences that, in their hands, sound completely original and yet warmly familiar. Their songs range from the fiddle-driven kitchen party stomp (the aptly named Kitchen Party) to reflective storytelling (Emma). They draw the listener in at every melodic and rhythmic turn.

The group was founded by old friends Alex Deeth and Peter Callaway. Before long they were joined by bassist Lee Stephens and drummer Leonard Saidman, playing a long list of fretted and slide instruments that Deeth and Callaway have mastered over the years.

Alex Deeth is credited with writing the songs. He sings with an unvarnished charm reminiscent of famed sideman/producer and music legend Jim Dickinson. The sound is familiar, friendly, and a little rowdy. For a band that loves a good time, their professionalism as life-long musicians is also evident everywhere on this record. Each track is well-thought out and provides a solid platform for the song, the instruments, and the vocals.

Somewhere soon, there’ll be a pub where all your dear friends are present and having a great time, while Rusty Creek is on the stage, holding the audience all together, something the whole album strives for, and succeeds.

A SHORT WALK TO PLUTO Embraces The Right To Happiness In “You Are Not The Only One”

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Toronto-based four-piece rock band, A Short Walk To Pluto, dissatisfies social norms with a high-energy track about the inability to be emotionally satisfied in a relationship on the electrifying new single “You Are Not The Only One.”

Kicking off with thunderous percussion and a catchy guitar riff, “You Are Not The Only One” is a shot of adrenaline to the ears while being a cerebral commentary on the importance of emotional fulfillment between partners.

“You Are Not The Only One” is told from a first-person perspective to capture the hardship and vulnerability of starting difficult but necessary conversations in a relationship that isn’t fulfilling for all parties. The storyteller in the song is begging their partner to show passion, determination, and commitment to the relationship.

When one half of a relationship seems to be slipping away, the detachment and isolation can cause the unsatisfied party to seek comfort elsewhere, usually from an individual already known in the situation. A concept succinctly conveyed in the lyrics of “You Are Not The Only One,” which takes no prisoners with its relentless honesty.

“Hold me back if you want it
I won’t leave if you’re gonna give me something new
(But you gotta give me something new)
And you know you’re not the only one I see
You are not the only one.”

A Short Walk To Pluto is a Canadian rock band founded in 2018. Their distinct musical style can be described as a sophisticated take on the stadium-filling rock legends of the past. Rhythmically progressive instrumentation and a robust voice presence set A Short Walk From Pluto apart from the rest of the pack.

The band’s soaring vocals are provided by the immensely talented Emma Armstrong. Alongside her is guitar sensation, Max Kaiser, and providing the backbone for A Short Walk To Pluto is musician Danny Moriana, who slaps-da-bass alongside kinetically pleasing drummer Jake Biggs. A Short Walk To Pluto harnesses all of its sonic attributes and uncompromising songwriting ability to create a musical force to be reckoned with. The band should be on the radar of any music fan looking for more than just a catchy tune.

The riveting new single “You Are Not The Only One,” from the eclectic band A Short Walk To Pluto, is available now.

And Now, A Parrot Singing Radiohead’s ‘Creep’

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Gallagher the parrot sings with his human Chloe Alexander as they performed an acoustic ukulele cover of Radiohead’s Creep.

Chloe says, “Not like you asked for another quirky bohemian girl singing a cover of Creep on her ukulele, but you got it anyways ladies and gents! And this time my parrot is singing with me, so we’re actually making things interesting.”

Rockers THE NORTHWEST Are Looking To The “Shoreline’ For New Single Inspiration

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Sault Ste. Marie, ON’s The Northwest have released their introspective, alt-rock single, “Shoreline” – streaming now.

The Northwest – made up of Wayne Watkins (Vocals/Guitar), Greg Callaghan (Guitar/Vocals), Mike Yak (Guitar/Vocals), Mike Smykacz (Bass) and Marc Santos (Drums) – have been a band for nearly a decade – writing and performing together while inspired by life, the world around them, and the human existence. “Shoreline” acts as the first single of their June 2022 EP release, All In.

“‘All In’ was a challenge for us to take things to the next level,” they say, adding: “In 2019, we received an Ontario Arts Council grant for a recording project, and we knew we had to step up to bat.”

While geographically located in a rural part of Ontario’s province, the band found themselves at a disadvantage in terms of trying to kick start their music career. However, through playing local shows, and the music grant they received, The Northwest managed to utilize the time afforded to them through the pandemic to write an album.

“We utilized the down time to really focus on how to become better songwriters,” says Watkins, adding: “I spent every morning writing something – melody, lyric ideas, chord progression, I would utilize voice memos and later that day listen back while I went for a walk with my dog. Since I also challenged myself to write about real life experience. I think that shows all the way through the album. These life moments were needed to write this album.”

Unable to practice as a group, the band made use of cloud-based software to begin piecing together All In, and its single “Shoreline”. “The song was inspired by an episode of the show ‘Band Of Brothers’,” explains Watkins. “It’s a song about commitment to a cause and banding together to make it through a difficult time and place – It may end but we are going all in to fight another day.”

All In would go on to be produced by Dustin Goodall/Bill Priddle (Treble Charger, Broken Social Scene) at Unsalted Audio in Sault Ste. Marie. Singles, including ‘Shoreline’, were released weeks prior to build anticipation and were subsequently featured on Hockey Night in Canada as well as the Exclaim Eh-List Playlist. “Shoreline” – the band’s first release to radio – charted at #2 for most streams and #3 for most downloads on Play MPE’s Canadian Charts.

And it’s no wonder. The melodic juxtaposition of real-world events, interspersed by the need to fight and survive is a resounding commonality among us all. In the subsequent music video for “Shoreline”, The Northwest cleverly captures these global events through the lens of a polaroid, while promising they are All In. So are we. And one spin in, and you will be, too.