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Pop-Soul Artist Natalie Nicole Gilbert Passionately Reimagines Adele’s “Easy on Me”

Eric Alper
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Pop-Soul Artist Natalie Nicole Gilbert Passionately Reimagines Adele’s “Easy on Me”

In a riveting reassessment of Adele’s record-breaking single, Natalie Nicole Gilbert transforms her rendition of “Easy on Me” into a desperate plea for vulnerability between two aching lovers in the heat of an argument.

The multi-award-winning pop-soul artist’s soaring vocals are countered by Chris Sloan in a harmonious amalgamation that is poignant, to say the least. With each building to the emotional swell that synthesizes into a moment of clarity for our protagonists, Gilbert’s prowess is put on a pedestal as she delivers a captivating performance once again.

“I really wanted it to feel more conversational,” Gilbert shares. “I saw room for it to take a turn like The Civil Wars’ ‘Poison & Wine’ – where this argument doesn’t have to end in finality, but could maybe open a door of vulnerability and understanding, whatever the eventual outcome.”

One of the most impactful elements of this riveting production is the seemingly simple choice to accompany Natalie Nicole Gilbert and Chris Sloan’s vocals with different instrumentations; Gilbert’s vocals are intertwined with swelling piano while Sloan’s vocals are fused into crescendoing guitar. As the two voices meet in the middle, they are met with compelling string swells and an interwoven piano/guitar duet.

“Production-wise, I chose to have the piano under my segments and the guitar under Chris’s portions, with the strings tying us both together and all the instruments in when we harmonize on the verses,” Gilbert shares. “The instruments are framing and executing the duet themselves.

“It was Robert Eibach’s idea to drop the beats out on the bridge to let that section stand on its own,” she continues. “Chris’s voice has such strength but is also so delicate in some phrases… I felt like the piano was too buttoned up for that sound on his solo lines; it needed to feel more ‘small venue’… More stripped back and unplugged.

“At the same time, we still wanted to pay homage to Adele’s original in a way her fans could enjoy — to feel like we built on the foundation she’d already put in place.”

Based in Los Angeles, Natalie Nicole Gilbert is an exalted multi-award-winning recording artist notorious for her impassioned vocals, fervent lyrics, and extensive knowledge of the music industry. Gilbert has released 13 solo albums, and 17 singles to add under her belt. Paving the way for home producing, she built her own home studio in 2005 and continues to produce and co-produce her own music.

In addition to her tenure in music, Gilbert has more than 10 years in broadcast radio as a radio host and voiceover talent and has done national commercials for McDonald’s, Cadillac, Quiznos, and other international brands.

Natalie Nicole Gilbert’s talents know no bounds. In addition to her award-winning pop-soul music, she performed as a session vocalist for the Dublin Studio Hub, and film and TV composer with Music + Pictures, whose credits include Smallville, Law and Order, The Office, and many others worldwide.

Natalie Nicole Gilbert recently won the LIT Talent Award for songwriting and was nominated for a Hollywood Music in Media Award.

Blues Rockers BLAZE PROJECT Crystallize the Conundrum of Passion With New Single, “Sweet Little Misery”

Eric Alper
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Blues Rockers BLAZE PROJECT Crystallize the Conundrum of Passion With New Single, “Sweet Little Misery”

Sometimes having a passion can be both a blessing and a curse. Canadian rockers Blaze Project capture this very conundrum with their blues-infused single, “Sweet Little Misery,” from their brand new album, Enjoy This Moment – both available now.

“Sweet Little Misery” is a thumping, bluesy, head-bopping rock ‘n’ roll song with a wailing guitar solo that brings to mind the energy of an arena. Its message is somewhat meta: “It’s about an artist and his great passion for music, as well as his vision of a performance on stage,” the Baie-Comeau, Québec-based band shares. “A musician who was born with this talent and passion, and despite all the paths taken, he will always end up finding the stage and music on his way.”

It fits nicely with the overarching theme of Enjoy This Moment, which is to grasp a positive mood with an open heart and open arms. Composed in the band’s home studio and practice space during the pandemic, the album was fueled by Blaze Project’s need to create even amid the unfortunate medical diagnoses, family deaths, and even a car accident that various band members experienced throughout the writing and recording process.

“The songs deal with the beauties of the world and nature, interpersonal relationships, passion, determination, the happiness of living and enjoying the good things in life,” the band says of the 10 songs, adding that though the members come from different musical tastes and disciplines they were able to achieve a cohesive sound, albeit one that spans traditional rock, blues, funk, and even indie rock at times.

“Each musician brings his color,” they say. “This is what gives it the Blaze Project touch.”

Though each song deals with a different message and narrative, the thread that runs throughout Enjoy This Moment is the desire to create positive, emotional, and catchy music.

Jarvis Church Reimagines Bill Withers Classics With A Modern Twist with Release of New Album

Eric Alper
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Jarvis Church Reimagines Bill Withers Classics With A Modern Twist with Release of New Album

Tuning into The Soul Station, Jarvis Church’s inimitable ear for inventive tributes to his favourite soul singers continues to soar, this time with Vol 3: A Tribute to Bill Withers and Beyond.

Paying fitting homage to the late legend, while remaining unique all on its own, the new release is the latest in Church’s ongoing series, The Soul Station.

“This time, however, there’s a twist,” Jarvis reveals of the new offering that features four inventive and contemporary reimaginings of Withers’ hits. “I decided to lose the retro sound, and interpret these classics with contemporary modern production.

“And, for each of the modern production styles of the four Bill Withers classics, I used contemporary hits as sonic references.

“See if you can identify them…”

The Soul Station Vol 3 includes “Just The Two Of Us,” “Lovely Day,” “Use Me,” and “Ain’t No Sunshine.”

Deliberately missing? “Lean On Me,” Church affirms. “I did about five versions of it, but couldn’t get a modern take I was happy with. Club Nouveau’s version was one of my favourite songs when I was a kid; there was just no way to top that.”

It’s this unbridled passion for soul music and modern production that fuse together to make Church’s The Soul Station Vol 3: A Tribute To Bill Withers and Beyond so special. Listening to the retro addition of high-pitched saxophone wailing, coupled with modern house synths and drum kits, invites new and old listeners alike to experience the song from a unique angle.

“The album also features five original songs that take my love of soul and house music ‘Beyond,’” he adds, with a nod to the title. “It is the ‘Beyond’ part that was an invitation for me to make the kind of music that really excites me, especially since, like so many people around the world, I found solace in my craft during the isolation of the pandemic. The genesis of The Soul Station series was my love for performing live… What better way than combining my 20-year catalog of original songs with my favourite soul singer classics?”

Based in Los Angeles, with his roots in Toronto, Jarvis Church is the lead singer for the R&B-pop group The Philosopher Kings; it was during the group’s 10-year hiatus that he started his solo career with the release of his debut album, Shake It Off.

From there, Jarvis Church has actively been paying homage to the artists who inspired him as a young soul singer. Following the release of his past Soul Station Volumes, including The Soul Station Vol. 1: The Songs of Sam Cooke, A Tribute, and The Soul Station Vol 2: The Songs of Curtis Mayfield: A Tribute, Church moves forward with his newest album release.

Alt-Rapper SHADES LAWRENCE Fights Colonization With Powerful New Anthem, “No Return”

Eric Alper
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Alt-Rapper SHADES LAWRENCE Fights Colonization With Powerful New Anthem, “No Return”

When it comes to pride, there are few more empowered and emboldened by their homeland than Shades Lawrence, and these badges of humility and coat of pride are worn boisterously in the Quebec-based artist’s new single, “No Return.”

Shades Lawrence is a queer, Montreal-born hip-hop artist of mixed British, Jamaican, Irish, and Scottish descent. As she’s progressed through the journey of finding her sound, Shades Lawrence has performed over 40+ shows as a spoken word poet and hip-hop artist and shared the stage with a variety of artists — including Princess Nokia, Big Freedia, Cakes da Killa, and more.

Since stepping onto the scene, Shades Lawrence has released three full-length albums — Trust Takes Time (2022), 4th Quarter (2021), and East West Road (2020 — in addition to three EPs — Formidable Time EP (2017), Mind Right EP (2019), and Second Life EP (2019); the latter of which was also featured on Bandcamp’s homepage in their New & Notable section.

Looking through her own history, as well as that of those around her, Shades Lawrence stepped forward into her new project. A journey inspired by the story of refugees and immigrants who have found their way to Canada, in one way or another, Shades Lawrence’s lyricism drives this uplifting single while keeping environmental justice at the forefront.

“This song is inspired by my story — coming from a background where three of my four grandparents were immigrants to Canada,” she shares.

“No Return” is Lawrence’s hopeful take on the Afrofuturistic movement; to push the culture forward, she instills a feeling of healing and recovery to stand in solidarity with the Indigenous peoples of Canada as they face ongoing colonization — although the global colonization is not lost on Lawrence.

“This shared, or similar, way of perceiving the history of Afro-descended peoples, and people of color, is something that we as a global community must move through if we are going to confront the very real presence of ongoing colonization, racism, anti-Black racism, colorism, fascism, and war, as well as every other form of modern-day oppression.”

It’s easy to sit and talk about how the well-produced beat drives the overall production through its collection of swells and thick kick builds; it would be even easier to talk about the well-tuned and effectively used 808’s that act as the foundation for a lot of the piano harmonies and vocal African choir ad-libs you hear in the background…

What it isn’t easy to talk about, however, is the global issue of racism and colonization that threatens populations who have spent generations building culture and tradition; it isn’t easy to talk about the systemic racism that is built into entire governments to suppress a silent majority out of fear of being perceived negatively by potential voters.

Yet here, Shades Lawrence is — doing exactly that.

“Take heart — for the people who are refugees, immigrants, and are part of historically under-represented, and colonized peoples — there is courage and hope still; not only in numbers but in a hopeful afrofuture that will endure indefinitely.”

‘The Beatles: Get Back’ Docu-Series Blu-ray and DVD Get July 12, 2022 Release Date

Eric Alper
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‘The Beatles: Get Back’ Docu-Series Blu-ray and DVD Get July 12, 2022 Release Date

The DVD and Blu-ray editions of the docu-series, The Beatles: Get Back will be released on July 12.

Directed by Peter Jackson, The Beatles: Get Back is a three-part documentary series that takes audiences back in time to the band’s intimate recording sessions. The documentary showcases the warmth, camaraderie and creative genius that defined the legacy of the iconic foursome, and is compiled from 60 hours of unseen footage shot in January 1969 (under the supervision of Michael Lindsay-Hogg and his director of photography Tony Richmond), and more than 150 hours of unheard audio, all of which has been brilliantly restored. Also featured — for the first time in its entirety — is The Beatles’ last live performance as a group — the unforgettable rooftop concert on London’s Savile Row — as well as other songs and classic compositions featured on the band’s final two albums, Abbey Road and Let It Be.

Video: The Smashing Pumpkins Performing On Public Access TV Show Back In 1988

Eric Alper
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Video: The Smashing Pumpkins Performing On Public Access TV Show Back In 1988

On November 19, 1988, the Smashing Pumpkins performed on the Chicago public access cable TV show The Pulse. Put them in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame already.

1. There lt Goes 1:54
2. She-7:37
3. Under Your Spell -11:47
4. My Eternity -17:06
5. Bleed 26:44
6. Nothing And Everything – 32:10
7. Jennifer Ever 42:14
8. Death Of A Mind (Sun) – 49:03
9. Spiteface – 55:44

It’s Not Unusual To Mash-Up Tom Jones And Blink-182. Well, It IS, But…

Eric Alper
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It’s Not Unusual To Mash-Up Tom Jones And Blink-182. Well, It IS, But…

DJ Cummerbund is at it again, this time mashing up Tom Jones, Blink-182, Randy “Macho Man” Savage, Michael McDonald and Danny Devito. As you do.

Participants announced for 2022 edition of CBC New Indigenous Voices

Eric Alper
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Participants announced for 2022 edition of CBC New Indigenous Voices

Nine emerging Indigenous creators embark on their first day of training through the CBC New Indigenous Voices program, presented by the National Screen Institute.

CBC New Indigenous Voices is a full-time, 14-week online training program for emerging Indigenous creators to learn the essential elements of working in the film, TV and digital media industries.

The National Screen Institute is proud to introduce this year’s participants:

  • Alyssa Isaac, Lachine, QC
  • Broden Halcrow-Ducharme, Brandon, MB
  • Clay Mykietowich, Winnipeg, MB
  • Dwayne Noon, Saskatoon, SK
  • Farrah Murdock, Winnipeg, MB
  • Jesse Nobess, Winnipeg, MB
  • Julianna Maggrah, Prince Albert, SK
  • Katherine Haynes, Winnipeg, MB
  • Kesha Tipewan, Saskatoon, SK

Read more about this year’s participants.

“I’m thrilled to kick off this edition of CBC New Indigenous Voices with this talented group,” says program manager Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill. “I love the different levels of experience everyone brings to the table. It’s always an honour to watch participants grow as storytellers through this program.”

CBC New Indigenous Voices begins with a series of online training sessions featuring interactive group discussions, presentations and workshops. The program culminates in a final podcast project and a six-week internship placement. The curriculum is designed with traditional and spiritual elements, and participants are paid minimum wage throughout.

Previous internship hosts include Eagle Vision, CBC Manitoba, Kejic Productions, Winnipeg Film Group, Native Communications Society of the Northwest Territories and various film sets.

Faculty includes program advisor and alumna Erica Daniels (CBC New Indigenous Voices, NSI IndigiDocs and Manitoba Content Creators Development Accelerator), Indigenous training programs advisor Lisa Meeches (NSI Storytellers) and program manager Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill.

The Zolas Cover Poppy Family’s “Where Evil Grows” for Push Button Radio Album

Eric Alper
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The Zolas Cover Poppy Family’s “Where Evil Grows” for Push Button Radio Album

Light Organ artists The Zolas have been commissioned to cover 70s Canadian musicians the Poppy Family’s CanCon classic “Where Evil Grows” as part of Light Organ Records Presents Push Button Radio: CanCon AM Radio Hits from the 70s — available now.

Their electrifying interpretation of the yesteryear hit will resonate with generations of music fans. The Zolas stay true to form of the Poppy Family’s recognizable shangrila of 70s fanfare while updating the vibe to match the current mainstream of today’s alternative pop.

Released in late 2021, Push Button Radio is the reimagining of CanCon radio hits — each delicately restructured and performed by new-age Light Organ recording artists, and their varieties of styles and eclecticism. “When I agreed to write the liner notes to Push Button Radio, I visualized it as a simple, pleasurable, and easy trip down memory lane,” recalls Jonathan Simkin, President of 604/Light Organ Records in Vancouver. “I did not anticipate the intense mental journey that would ensue. I started by listening to the songs — both the covers, and the originals just to refresh my memory.”

The Zolas, the JUNO Award-nominated four-piece from British Columbia, are a Canadian rock outfit with a handful of distinctive and accolade-earning records to their credit. When approached to perform on Push Button Radio, they turned to the psychedelic pop group of their home province to join the album — the Poppy Family. The Zolas’ reimagining of “Where Evil Grows” earned them praise from musician, producer, and publisher of the track Terry Jacks himself — noting, in particular, Zach’s vocals on the final cut.

“Terry signed off, and I feel great about having two Poppy Family covers on the album,” says Simkin. “The Poppy Family was an international success story, and I remember hearing these songs on the radio in the 70s. Even at the time, I remember thinking they were kind of like a scarier, more menacing version of the Carpenters. Beautiful melodies and gorgeous harmonies presented in full glorious angst. Songs about the dark underbelly of interpersonal relationships wrapped in such lovely music. The Zolas do justice for this song.”

The Zolas also provide a visual component to the track, bringing the song to life in a music video: “I thought of the concept for the ‘Where Evil Grows’ music video while waiting for an elevator in my apartment building. COVID restrictions were pretty tight at that time so you were only allowed a few people into each elevator so I had to wait and watch three ‘full’ elevators stop at my floor. Each elevator that passed, I saw a little scene play out in front of me and I thought it was an interesting glimpse into some people’s lives. By the time an empty elevator finally came for me, I was already walking back to my apartment to write up the concept for the video.”

“Where Evil Grows” (Poppy Family cover) is featured on Push Button Radio, recreated by The Zolas. DIscover this track, and other nostalgia-inducing 70s masterpieces by Light Organ Records.

Barrie’s Troubadour Festival is Back Featuring Dwayne Gretzky, Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy and More!

Eric Alper
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Barrie’s Troubadour Festival is Back Featuring Dwayne Gretzky, Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy and More!

With Kempenfelt Bay serving as a beautiful backdrop like none other, residents of Barrie and beyond are set to gather outdoors to enjoy live music again this June 24th and 25th for the Troubadour Festival!

Rounding the event out with Canada’s reigning couple of Celtic fiddle, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, the two-day Festival will span genres to feature something for everyone — including Canada’s greatest party band Dwayne Gretzky, R&B swooner Dylan Sinclair, tribute extraordinaire The Sh**ty Beatles, soul songstress Lydia Persaud, power-popsters PONY, and breakthrough pop talent Josh Bogert.

Taking place at the Meridian Place Amphitheatre, the relaxed, family-friendly, and open-air concert marks its return to playing host for folks from all over Ontario to enjoy world-class live music and entertainment. With a previously featured artist roster that includes Cowboy Junkies, Basia Bulat, Joel Plaskett Emergency, Matt Andersen, Martha Wainwright, Born Ruffians, The Weather Station, Whitehorse, and more, the tenured festival has played host to thousands of music lovers from across the province since its inaugural year in 2018.

The 2022 Troubadour Festival is proudly presented by Pratt Homes, Muskoka Brewery, Barrie BIA, Tourism Barrie, Plumbtech Plumbing, Kempenfelt Imaging Systems, City of Barrie, and My Ontario Film Locations.

The 2022 Troubadour Festival will take place Friday, June 24th, and Saturday, 25th. Early bird tickets ($27.50 per night or two-day passes for $44.50 — plus HST and fees) are available as of Thursday, May 5th at 10:00am EST.

Troubadour Festival

June 24th & 25th

Meridian Place Amphitheatre

30 Simcoe Street, Barrie ON

Tickets

 

Friday, June 24th

Doors to General Public Open at 5:00pm

6:00 – 6:30pm — Josh Bogert

7:00 – 8:00pm — The Sh**ty Beatles

8:30 – 10:00pm — Dwayne Gretzky

 

Saturday, June 25th

Doors to General Public Open at 4:00pm

4:45 – 5:30pm — PONY

6:00 – 6:45pm — Lydia Persaud

7:15 – 8:00pm — Dylan Sinclair

8:30 – 9:45pm — Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy

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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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