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Tomorrow X Together Announces 3rd Japanese Single ‘Good Boy Gone Bad’ Available On September 30

Eric Alper
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Tomorrow X Together Announces 3rd Japanese Single ‘Good Boy Gone Bad’ Available On September 30

Achieving a new career high at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 with their 4th EP, minisode 2: Thursday’s Child, as well as No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart with the third-largest sales week of any album in 2022, Gen Z’s ‘it’ boys TOMORROW X TOGETHER (SOOBIN, YEONJUN, BEOMGYU, TAEHYUN and HUENINGKAI) will release their third single in Japanese, GOOD BOY GONE BAD on September 30, 2022 in the U.S.

The three-track single GOOD BOY GONE BAD features the Japanese version of the group’s lead single, “GOOD BOY GONE BAD” — the original Korean version is featured on their 4th EP, minisode 2: Thursday’s Child —plus two Japanese original songs.

GOOD BOY GONE BAD will be available in three formats: Limited Edition A, CD+DVD contains a special footage exclusively filmed for this edition; Limited Edition B, CD+DVD featuring a footage from cover photoshoot; and Standard Edition, CD only with the first pressing to include one of five randomly selected photo cards.

Their latest release, minisode 2: Thursday’s Child marks TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s sixth entry into the Billboard 200 and second consecutive entry into the chart’s Top 5. The band’s debut album, The Dream Chapter: STAR, charted at No. 140; the third EP, minisode1 : Blue Hour, charted at No. 25; the Japanese first studio album, STILL DREAMING, charted at No. 173; the second studio album, The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE, charted at No. 5; the Japanese first EP, Chaotic Wonderland, charted at No. 177; and the newest 4th EP, minisode 2: Thursday’s Child, charted at No. 4.

TOMORROW X TOGETHER are regarded as K-pop’s voice of Gen Z for their musical narratives which focus on the common experiences and emotions of youth across the globe. Consisting of five members — SOOBIN, YEONJUN, BEOMGYU, TAEHYUN, and HUENINGKAI — TOMORROW X TOGETHER took the K-pop industry by storm, racking up over 10 ‘Rookie of the Year’ awards and selling out their first U.S. showcase across 6 cities in 2019, the year of their debut. TOMORROW X TOGETHER have been listed at the top of Billboard’s “25 Best K-Pop Songs of 2021: Critics’ Picks” with their 2021 release, The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE, and the subsequent album The Chaos Chapter: FIGHT OR ESCAPE was featured on Rolling Stone’s “The 50 Best Albums of 2021” as the only album by a Korean act. The quintet further expanded their global presence when they were nominated for “New Artist of 2021” and elected “Hero of the Year” at the BandLab NME Awards 2022. TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s newest 2022 release, minisode 2: Thursday’s Child, made its debut at No.4 on the Billboard 200. The ‘it’ boys are set to embark on their first world tour this July.

Limited Edition A (CD+DVD)
DVD contains a special footage exclusively filmed for this edition
8-page Booklet
1 photo card (1 of 5 types, randomly enclosed)

Limited Edition B (CD+DVD)
DVD contains a making of the cover photo session
8-page Booklet
1 photo card (1 of 5 types, randomly enclosed)

Standard Edition (CD)
8-page Booklet
The first pressing to include 1 photo card (1 of 2 types, randomly enclosed)

My Next Read: “Conversations with Women in Music Production – The Interviews” by Kallie Marie

Eric Alper
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My Next Read: “Conversations with Women in Music Production – The Interviews” by Kallie Marie

As an acclaimed and sought-after record producer and recording engineer, Kallie Marie has witnessed first-hand the opportunities and challenges that women in her chosen field face every day. In this ground-breaking book, Marie interviews some of the most renowned women in audio and music production to reveal how they’ve navigated their careers. Ranging across both the personal and professional, the accounts collected here contain varied viewpoints as well as many shared experiences, encompassing such topics as diversity, childcare, healthcare, pay equity, and the ways technological change is reshaping the industry landscape. Full of candid perspectives and valuable insights, Conversations with Women in Music Production is a thought-provoking exploration of the field at a moment of significant historical change.

Rose Ranger Summons “Power” in Her Confessions with Release of New Single & Sixth Studio Album

Eric Alper
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Rose Ranger Summons “Power” in Her Confessions with Release of New Single & Sixth Studio Album

A sincerely raw tale of self-summoning and speaking truth to those who abuse their authority, Canadian singer/songwriter mainstay Rose Ranger’s new single summons all her pop “Power” and then some. And arriving fresh from her sixth studio album release, Confessions, they’re both available now.

“‘Power’ is about justice and finally standing up for oneself; to speak your own truth,” Rose shares. “It’s about how pain can be transformed into power and empowerment from the oppressive forces that want to keep us down and dim our light.”

The message is raw and clear-cut, as are some truths that cut people down off their high horses; “Power” conveys a sense of vulnerability, as Rose Ranger breaks free from a cruel tyrant. Lyrically, the track hits a lot of sore spots while gently soothing open wounds with words of reassurance and empowerment.

Rose’s vocals add to the symbolism of the lyrics: feeling powerful and ready to break the cycle — yet held back, almost anxious to confront such a tremendous task.

‘My pain is my power / My love is a tower / My truth is gunpowder / My strength is a flower.’

“As they say, power can be used for good over evil,” the Vancouver-based artist muses. “It can be used for positive change or misused and abused; this song illustrates both.

“I think almost everyone anywhere in the world can relate to being mistreated at some point in their life,” she continues. “With that, I think this song was living somewhere in my head and heart for about a decade, but I couldn’t speak about it.”

Hailing from Vancouver’s North Shore, Rose Ranger’s resume consists of multiple singles produced for television and single radio airplay — plus a plethora of songwriting awards. Multi-talented, she has studied dance, voice and choir, theatre and film acting, creative writing, psychology, philosophy, women’s studies, and neuroscience at The University of British Columbia, Cap U, American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and in private classes.

Within her music, Rose’s roster of releases continue to deliver lush odes to self-discovery alongside subtle yet profound observations around moments of life.

“I just try to write from an honest place, whether the song is autobiographical, about someone else, or entirely fictional…” she explains of her process. “Either way, it has to feel honest.”

It’s with this sense of transparent songwriting that “Power” arrives alongside Confessions — Rose’s sixth studio album, and 20 years since her breakthrough debut, 2022’s Replies. Weaving themes of resiliency, finding strength in vulnerability, love, and pain, all the way to self-empowerment, and hope, Confessions was produced by Rose Ranger and JUNO Award-winner Ryan Stewart.

“For me, I found inspiration in telling it like it is and not candy coating the truth after going through personal and family tragedies…” she reveals of the deeply personal lens through which she wrote. “Writing can be cathartic, with each word offering a glimmer of light at the end of some very dark tunnels.”

“Metaphorically speaking, the album starts in an alley and ends on the autobahn…”

“It’s about being compassionate with both yourself and others because everyone is going through something you probably have no clue about,” she continues. “It’s about finding your inner hero and holding onto that metaphor inside us all.”

“Hang out with your allies in life; don’t waste your life on the people, situations, or environments that try to take you down or drain your life force,” Rose Ranger insists. “Don’t let anyone make you feel like you don’t deserve to go for what you want in your life.”

“It’s worth it.”

And with that lands real, raw personal “Power.”

Canadian Reggae Icon Jay Douglas Gets The Blues With “I’m In Love With You”

Eric Alper
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Canadian Reggae Icon Jay Douglas Gets The Blues With “I’m In Love With You”

If you have a hankering for soulful blues and big band swing, then reggae icon Jay Douglas is the perfect choice of sweet, sweet symphony with his newest single, “I’m In Love With You.”

Following the release of a string of reggae singles, including “Stone In Love With You,” “Muschange,” and “Pattidemic,” Jay Douglas slows things down and takes a stroll down the bass line to deliver a smashing blues single – “I’m In Love With You.”

Jay Douglas has always had a strong connection with blues and jazz, which shows throughout this icon’s catalog. What makes “I’m In Love With You” special is its ability to transport the listener to a time when big bands were the norm and warmly embraced. Warm brass swells and slick guitar riffs draw the listener in, reminiscent of the appeal of jazz bars back in the 60s.

“I’m In Love With You” is brimming with rich layers of instrumentation – even on multiple listens it’s hard to narrow a definitive list. That’s always been the appeal of Jay Douglas, and he doubles down on this musical prowess here in his newest single.

With guest features from Hammond organs and Leslie cabinets, they are appropriately accompanied by jazz piano movements by walking bass lines; the whole track feels cinematic in its magnitude.

“Many years ago, a promoter allowed me to put a band together for a famous blues singer from the USA whose name is Rosco Gordon. His music is one of the main reasons we’re enjoying Reggae music today. Working with Roscoe gave me so much inspiration for my blues recordings. “I’m in Love With You” was produced by the Maestro Eddie Bullen – lending to that blues style.”

Jay Douglas’ ability to connect with listeners and paint a picture with his lyrics is truly something special and always humbling. Growing up in Jamaica, Douglas was drawn to blues, jazz, gospel, country, mento, and calypso styles of music early on. He draws much of his inspiration from this love affair he has with these genres and writes music he loves that he believes will love him back.

“Writing my music gives me a platform to share the truth and experience of my musical journey with others. The idea behind my music is all about the truth, and good vibrations for our souls. Just moving and grooving. The connections between me, my instruments, bandmasters, and collaborators – it’s a love affair under one foundation to share with the younger generations who are the gems of the future.”

Jay Douglas found his introduction to the limelight in Montego Bay, Jamaica. From there, his natural charisma and irresistible charm have led to a successful and continuing 45+ year career in entertainment, through which he has developed a passion for American Blues, West Indian Rhythms, and Jazz Standards.

Douglas’ tactile and impactful performances are the reason he was announced the winner of NOW Magazine’s “Toronto’s Best R&B Act” in 2006 and Toronto Reggae Awards “Male Reggae Vocalist Of The Year” in 2007. These accolades drew the attention of Seattle-based Light In The Attic, choosing Douglas as the Headliner of the “From Jamaica to Toronto” tour.

More recently, Douglas was nominated for “Reggae Recording of the Year” at the 2012 JUNO Awards and was the recipient of “G98.7 FM Entertainment Award” at the Harry Jarome Awards. His most recent nomination was for his collaboration with General Trees on “Jah Children,” receiving his second JUNO nomination during 2020.

Jay Douglas’ connection to his homeland has been the foundation of his career, which has led Douglas’ to form lifelong friendships and musical collaborations with many of the founding musicians of ska, rock steady, and reggae. His upcoming single teasing his new album is set to feature a collaboration with one of his old friends, the legendary guitarist Ernest Ranglin.

Roots/Folk Artist JUSTYN THYME Navigates A Contemplative Soundscape Of Letting Go On “It’s Been Awhile”

Eric Alper
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Roots/Folk Artist JUSTYN THYME Navigates A Contemplative Soundscape Of Letting Go On “It’s Been Awhile”

While the music itself lulls us into an even deeper state of meditation, or contemplation, “life could be so simple” is the thought-provoking refrain of award-winning Canadian Americana artist Justyn Thyme’s philosophical new single, “It’s Been Awhile.”

With deft acoustic fingerpicking and gorgeous, well-timed harmonies, “It’s Been Awhile” is a journey through letting go. It’s a message that’s much-needed throughout the world after several difficult years of a pandemic and so much unrest:

The world has cast a heavy shadow
Well, the light will always win
Yeah, life could be so simple

Justyn sings of the shedding off of heavy layers, those things that protected us but that are now just a burden — “They may have kept you comfortable / But you won’t need them anymore” — and the relief is palpable. His voice is rich and honeyed and melodic, and when the song ends with the simple yet soulful “Welcome home/ Child of God,” it evokes the feeling of having completed a spiritual journey, or at the very least an emotional catharsis.

“This song to me is speaking of leaving behind the world that we know and that we’ve created for ourselves and getting back to what’s been there for us the entire time,” Justyn explains. “It’s about recognizing the folly of our ways, accepting it, coming to terms with it, and letting it be a thing of the past.”

Justyn Thyme is the artistic emancipation of ECMA-nominated and Music PEI award-winning Justyn Young, multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, and child of Charlottetown, PEI.

Having developed as a creator out of a collage of influences ranging from East Coast Roots and Americana to Mongolian Throat Singing and modern Soul fusion, Justyn delivers a freshness of insight and musicality which reflects his deep relationship with self and the world. His rhythmic blend of Neo-Folk, Bluegrass, Acoustic, World, and Funk, rivets bare-bones symposium against undeniable smoothness and flow, both sharp and mellow in its attempt to create something powerfully authentic.

Justyn often performs in-studio collaboration with some of the island’s most talented musicians whom he calls friends, and on this song that’s Jonathan Gallant on drums, Logan Richard on bass, Ben Aitken on keys, Josh Langille on electric guitar, and Connor Nabuurs on trombone.

Chinese Man’s Matteo Unveils New Trip-Hop Jazz-World Project in Matteo & Bro

Eric Alper
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Chinese Man’s Matteo Unveils New Trip-Hop Jazz-World Project in Matteo & Bro

Built around chance artistic encounters, and confronting electronic music and jazz head-on, new project reveals Matteo’s new trip-hop jazz project, Matteo & Bro.

The brainchild of DJ, producer, and co-founding member of the group, Chinese Man, and label, Chinese Man Records, Matteo’s Matteo & Bro orbits the universe of soul, funk, trip-hop, and world music — all with musicians at the heart of the process.

The eight-song release’s latest single, “Path,” features Franck Lebon; its official video — available now — is directed by Fred and Annabelle.

For its part, the single “Prumirim” features the sublime groove of General Elektriks within the atmospheric afrobeat, Brazilian rhythms, and baile funk. Named after a Brazilian beach in Ubatuba Matteo knows well, this song lands as an official invitation to dance.

Soft and suave, just like featured artist Isadora’s voice, “Sweet Shadows” evokes movement and the transitions of life within melody, rhythm, and tinges of R&B and soul. “I wanted a track that speaks of love and memories,” Matteo shares. “One that speaks of what resonates after spending time with someone — within the body, the emotions, the mind…

“Ultimately,” he adds, “a song that speaks of the soft imprint we choose to keep from a past relationship.”

The project Matteo & Bro dates back to 2019 when Matteo first met the project’s contributing musicians: guitarist Karim Addadi, bassist Christophe Lincontang, drummer Hugo Pollon, and saxophonist, flutist, and Duduk player Lamine Diagne.

The album also features the voices of Isadora and Tania Saleh, keyboards from General Elektriks, as well as collaborations from film music composer Franck Lebon to add a cinematographic dimension to a pairing of tracks.

Since the release of his album, Scaglia (2018), all the way to his latest solo EP project, Home (2022), Matteo’s genre-bending range extends further into compositions for film, television, and more — including Vincent Cappello’s Nouveau Monde and Dernier appel, as well as Lamine Diagne’s Le livre Muet.

With an international tour — including India, Thailand, Italy, France, and more — afoot for the summer, Matteo & Bro will take the stage at Quebec City’s L’ANTI Bar & Spectacles this October 20th, 2022.

// Matteo & Bro Tracklisting
“Bron”
“Prumirim (feat. General Elektriks)”
“Sweet Shadows (feat. Isadora)”
“With S”
“Path (feat. Franck Lebon)”
“Sakakeen (feat. Tania Saleh)”
“Bina (feat. General Elektriks)”
“Playa”

Jack White Performs ‘Seven Nation Army’ At Glastonbury 2022

Eric Alper
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Jack White Performs ‘Seven Nation Army’ At Glastonbury 2022

Glastonbury’s audience for Jack White was so loud, so happy to be there, they performed the song louder than his band.

London, ON-Based Blu Bones Signs Deal With S!NG INC. NFT Market Place

Eric Alper
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London, ON-Based Blu Bones Signs Deal With S!NG INC. NFT Market Place

The stage is set for more Canadian artists releasing NFTs in Web 3, and classic rockers Blu Bones remain front and centre with their recent partnerships with both S!NG Market and Lemmon Entertainment! The new single and video, “Summertime in Europe (LIVE at Canadian Music Week),” is available now as an NFT here.

The crypto-cred is longstanding for the London, Ontario-based band that just marked their 26-year anniversary; they were the first Canadian artists to release a single and video via NFT in Spring 2021.

With Our Lady Peace’s Raine Maida as CPO and EVP, S!NG Market is the music-only NFT marketplace for fans to buy, collect, and listen to exclusive music and add-ons from their favourite artists — before it’s available anywhere else.

“Artists can’t afford to not pay attention to Web 3,” Maida says of the burgeoning digital frontier — and Blu Bones agree.

“We are elated to be part of such a brand new, exciting, and cutting-edge platform,” Blu Bones lead singer Gord Prior shares. “I have no doubt that the S!NG platform is the future of music delivery, and is going to be a massive game-changer for artists across Canada and all over the world.

“Blu Bones are very grateful to Raine and the entire S!NG team for bringing us into the family,” he adds.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Blu Bones as one of our new artists,” S!NG Inc. co-founder and CEO Geoff Osler says.

Lemmon Entertainment are also on-hand to expand artist opportunities into new digital realms, thanks to their recent partnership with S!NG Inc. “Both S!NG Inc. and Lemmon Entertainment embody an artist-first approach,” says Lemmon Entertainment CEO Jessica Lemmon. “We have come together to void the gap between traditional industry practices and new avenues of providing entertainment — including Lemmon Stage, an International emerging artist discovery platform.”

The Internet has played a distinct role in Blu Bones’ resurgence on the scene as of late, Prior recently revealed. “It became time to address the endless emails and social media tags we received from fans ‘begging’ us to either get back together, or record something new… Most of us never thought of reuniting or doing anything new musically after all these years, but the Internet reconnected us with fans and friends from all over the world; the timing is perfect for everyone.”

Blu Bones’ “Summertime in Europe (LIVE at Canadian Music Week)” is available now — exclusively as an NFT via S!NG Market. Offered for only $1.00 USD, the NFT bundle includes the full video of the song, MP3, and WAV file. The song and video can only be found on S!NG Market and will not be available on any other platforms for three months.

Alt-Rocker HARKNESS Say “Ciao To The Beauty” with New Single

Eric Alper
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Alt-Rocker HARKNESS Say “Ciao To The Beauty” with New Single

With Canadian alt-rocker Harkness saying “Ciao To The Beauty,” their new track — available now — will have you saying “hello” to your new favourites on the scene.

The solo artist from Toronto, Canada delivers a full-bodied soundscape full of rich instrumentation, yesteryear nods, and forward-motion music of the future. The title track from Harkness’ forthcoming album, “Ciao To The Beauty” dips and ducks around 60s flair while incorporating modern alternative rock and exciting musical experimentation.

“Many years ago, I went on a solo trip to Brazil on holiday,” says Harkness. “The gorgeous environment and the open, joyful character of the people had a profound effect on me — as did the fantastic local music that seemed to always be playing in the open air.

“I would stroll aimlessly for hours finding cool percussion instruments to buy while soaking up what felt like so much explosive energy all around me,” Harkness continues. “One of the peak moments was my visit to Falls de Iguazu where hundreds of waterfalls can be seen, heard, and felt to your very core.

“It was there that ‘Ciao To The Beauty’ was born.”

A musical childhood would grow and develop a young Harkness’ insatiable thirst for artistry; his father fronted The Al Harkness Orchestra a band consisting of horns and winds along with a traditional rhythm section and his mother played French horn and piano beautifully.

While his mother gave him his first piano lessons, Harkness learned his essential life lessons from his father’s vast record collections. By age 12, he’d learned his first guitar chords, and by 17, Harkness quit school in favor of a professional musical career that took him around the world.

Harkeness’ debut LP, The Occasion, officially arrived in August of 2021 and his newest project is slated for March of 2023; two four-song strong EPs are expected in the lead-up to next year’s full-length project.

“The song celebrates beauty and hints at the question ‘Why do we feel the need for an abundance of possessions and assets in order to find happiness.’?” explains Harkness: “It suggests that all we could ever want is ours if we just stop to embrace what is already right in front of us. ‘Ciao to the Beauty’ encourages the listener to recognize the destructive tendencies of a self-centered existence. The lyrics go as far as to say, ‘Look up at the sky, kiss yourself goodbye’ to encourage a whole new perspective to live by.”

Harkness levies his love of multi-instrumentation on the track; unique melodies, and eclectic percussion. “Ciao To The Beauty” doesn’t shy away from tuba, marimba, flute, bassoon, glockenspiel, and plenty of layered harmonies. Harkness’ artistry relies on performing with real musicians, in real tones created by humans versus machines. His flair for creating detail-oriented tracks that take the listener on a sonic journey is unparalleled into today’s musical landscape.

Harkness plucks together every note, seamlessly weaving them into one fluid body of work. And when the song ends, you’ll find yourself thanking Harkness for providing a sonic think-piece: you saying “hello” to the newest love of your life, while he croons: “Ciao To The Beauty”.

Symphonic Metal Rockers OPHELIA FALLING Are “Destroyed in Delight” with New Single

Eric Alper
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Symphonic Metal Rockers OPHELIA FALLING Are “Destroyed in Delight” with New Single

Canadian symphonic metal rockers Ophelia Falling are “Destroyed in Delight” with the release of their haunting new single and symbolic cinematic video.

The title song from the Vancouver-based festival-favourite band’s recent full-length album, the track trades in themes of addiction, broken promises, and domestic disputes and violence, vocalist Chelsea Rose reveals.

“So many have witnessed or experienced the destruction addiction causes,” she continues. “This song is about the pain experienced by those surrounding and who love the afflicted, and written from my personal experience with partners whose alcoholism, drug abuse, and gambling addictions destroyed the relationship.”

The creation of Mark Anthony Richardson (Diesel Candy, The Lumps, Drive By Poets) with collaborators Chelsea Rose (5minutewait), James Meyer (Strapping Young Lad, Devin Townsend Project), Sylvain Maltais (Omega Crom, Anarcheon), and Chris Pallot (Carousel Scene), Ophelia Falling emerged from the rainy streets of Vancouver in 2013.

Beyond their Savage Love EP and Destroyed in Delight LP releases, their single “Anybody’s Daughter” was featured in Kevin Schultz’s indie film, Guiltless, and award-winning filmmaker Karen Lam’s feature film, The Curse of Willow Song.

Lam directed the video for “Anybody’s Daughter,” and returns to co-direct alongside animator Bonni Reid for “Destroyed in Delight” as well. “The video is about the internal journey to confront the self,” Lam shares. “The fear of that unknown is paralyzing to the point where dancing with the devils — the devils you know, even though you know they’re damaging for you — is still preferable over facing yourself.

“The Minotaur is your shadow self; symbolic of strength and fertility in the old bull cults but, within the labyrinth, it’s more like a void. We’re attracted and repelled by it, the way we both want to dive inside — and yet are terrorized by it…

“We’re not using overt bull symbols in the video, but even Chelsea’s heels in the grass remind us more of hooves than feet,” she adds.

With previous festival appearances at Hyperspace Metal Festival III, Decimate 2.5 Metal Festival, Metalocalypstick Metal Fest, and more, Ophelia Falling will take center stage this Summer during a multi-date Western Canada tour.

The video and tour are supported by Music BC, Creative BC, and the Province of British Columbia.

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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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