At the height of their fame the Beach Boys did this excellent concert, and filmed beautifully so you can see and hear their performance shine Shortly after this, Brian Wilson quit touring to focus on writing and producing.
The Seattle DJ Who Introduced Nirvana to the World
Marco Collins is a radio DJ credited with putting Seattle on the map in the 1990’s by breaking bands such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam during his time as Music Director at Seattle’s 107.7 ‘The End.’ Marco has been called the mad conductor behind the 90’s grunge explosion and his contributions to music history even landed him a spot in The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. In this episode of I Was There, Marco talks about how his passion for supporting Seattle’s underground music scene led to the international stardom of music’s biggest rock stars like Kurt Cobain and Eddie Vedder.
ALEXIS LYNN Captures Pain of Watching a Loved One Struggle With Addiction in “House On Fire”
Watching a loved one self-destruct through addiction sucks, plain and simple. It’s a powerless, helpless feeling, and one that Vancouver-based pop artist Alexis Lynn captures in all its complexity in her searing new single “House On Fire.”
“House On Fire” is a pop powerhouse, packed with infectious beats, cascading vocals, and gorgeous well-timed harmonies, while its lyrics deal with the cold, dank darkness of watching a loved one’s addiction progress.
You gon’ always do what you want to
No matter what anybody tells you
Chasing temporary fixes, you won’t call it quits
Just living to exist, yeah
And then, the metaphorical house starts burning as the narrator is forced to stand by helplessly — “I’ll just stand here 10 feet away/Watchin you, trapped in your house on fire.”
For Alexis Lynn, it was personal.
“This song is very close to my heart,” she shares. “I wrote it about watching someone I love struggle with addiction; I’ve seen some of the closest people in my life battle addiction, and this song represents what it’s like to be on the outside looking in.”
She wanted to capture the feeling of wanting to do everything in your power to help or save a person, even when they don’t want to be helped or saved. “Because sometimes what you may think is best for someone isn’t what they want nor what they’re ready for,” she says, “and that can be hard to accept in and of itself.”
“House On Fire” is the latest single in a series the Canadian urban pop dynamo has released since 2019’s breakthrough debut, Things Get Good. The seven-track release — and each single thereafter — radiates the First Nations artist’s inimitable, imaginative musical magnetism as her signature songwriting continues to delve deep into topics of love, lust, vulnerability, self-awareness, and everything in between.
Her singles run the gamut from the dance music-inflected “Ghosts” (a bare, anthemic contemplation of vulnerability and insecurity) to the club-friendly buoyancy of “Bubble” (a flirtatious trap-pop bop about emotional availability). She has written and recorded prolifically during the pandemic, and is looking forward to going deeper than ever on her next project — a multifaceted exploration of mental health and its effects on our lives and relationships that promises to be her most personal work yet.
Singer/Songwriter Bree Whitworth Searches for the “Real Thing” in Emotionally Charged New Single
Kelowna singer/songwriter Bree Whitworth bears her soul and beautifully articulates true romance with her emotionally charged new single, “Real Thing.”
Recorded live pre-pandemic at 12th Street Sound on Canada’s west coast, “Real Thing” resulted from music magic, and is the artist’s first release in what is set to be a massive year ahead. The song came together in collaboration with sound engineer Anthony Cenerini (Little Miss Higgins, Burnt-Project 1) and jazz bassist/producer William Chernoff. Rounding out the stellar musicianship on the track is guitarist Madeleine Elkins (Sister Jazz Orchestra, Porteau) and Ben Kelly (Early Spirit).
Capping off this talented group of artists are the ethereal sonics that flows effortlessly from Bree Whitworth’s enchanting vocals. “Real Thing” is a new take on the ‘80s/’90s pop sound with catchy guitar riffs dripping with reverb, thunderous percussion, hypnotizing synths and soaring vocal harmonies.
As Whitworth puts it, “It’s a song that takes you in a different direction.”
The subtleties embedded in the music are just as meaningful as those in the lyrics. The uplifting tone of the instrumentation seamlessly complements the raw approach Whitworth takes in telling a story about commitment. Notably, the struggles of committing to being the most genuine version of ourselves with our partner.
“What if I tell you I’m the real thing baby?
What if I show you I don’t mean maybe?
Now now now now
Why not take a chance on something different?
I promise that you’ve never had a love quite like my own
Like my own”
Bree Whitworth decided to take her creativity into her own hands as the world began changing with the pandemic; in particular, she would see the end of her relationship just as the world slipped into isolation. Today, Whitworth adds “Real Thing” to an already impressive catalogue of music that includes three albums and many other collaborative musical contributions.
Bree Whitworth’s new anthemic single “Real Thing” is available now on all digital platforms.
Acclaimed Singer And Producer Niia’s Ambient Album Offair: Mouthful Of Salt Due Out April 8 On Offair Records
Critically-acclaimed singer and producer Niia unveils the details of her next album OFFAIR: Mouthful of Salt today. Due out April 8 on OFFAIR Records, the album is a new chapter in Niia’s already storied career. She took solace in an organic process of minimal instrumentation and jazz improvisation. Recorded mostly in her apartment in Silver Lake, the album is ambient in nature and emulates an underwater odyssey.
“A Mouthful of Salt follows my deep obsession with the ocean. I wanted to compose a project that follows an actual underwater dive experience,” explains Niia of the new project. “This album has an affinity for water, however sonically it uses no aquatic or actual ocean samples. My hope was to create an auditory illusion through music.”
Niia is also sharing today the first two singles from the album, “Wreck Dive” and “Forward” — listen/share HERE. As the opener to the album, “Wreck Dive” represents an initial descent into the wreckage of the past. On “Forward,” Niia is joined by Gabriel Garzón-Montano and Biako for additional production. “I like the idea of falling forward,” says Niia of the song. “I also added sound bowls midway in the song and tried to use them as bells vs. constant tones.”
The Los Angeles-based musician is also set to perform the album at a special run of shows that will take her to intimate venues in Brooklyn, Chicago, Toronto and more.
NIIA LIVE
April 12—Brooklyn— Public Records (OFFAIR Presents)
April 13—Chicago—Schubas
April 17—Toronto—The Drake
April 28—Los Angeles—Pico Union Project
May 1—San Francisco—The Chapel
NIIA — OFFAIR: MOUTHFUL OF SALT TRACKLIST
Wreck Dive
Undine
Forward
Separar
Dysbarism
Deeper Than Goodbye
Body Keeps Score
Mouthful of Salt
The Bends
I Left My Juul in Monterrey
Soundbath Suite I
Soundbath Suite II
Soundbath Suite III
The Weeknd To Embark On First Ever Global Stadium Tour
The After Hours Til Dawn stadium tour will kick off up north in The Weeknd’s hometown of Toronto on Friday, July 8th at the Rogers Centre, with stops at iconic U.S. stadiums including Metlife in New York City, Soldier Field in Chicago, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, and more, before wrapping Friday, September 2nd at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The tour is produced by Live Nation. This is the first leg of The Weeknd’s massive world tour, with additional dates in Mexico, South America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Africa & Middle East to be announced soon.
Tickets for the North American dates go on sale beginning Thursday, March 10th at 10am local time via TheWeeknd.com/tour.
Fans who previously had tickets for the After Hours arena tour in North America will have access to a special presale starting March 4th, and will receive an email prior to that date directly with more information.
Verizon will offer an exclusive presale for The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn Tour in the U.S through the customer loyalty program Verizon Up. Members will have first access to purchase presale tickets for select shows beginning Monday, March 7th at 10:00AM local time, through Wednesday, March 9th at 10:00PM local time. Verizon Up members will be prompted to connect their Verizon accounts with their Ticketmaster accounts on ticketmaster.com to complete their purchase. For more details and to sign up, visit Verizon Up.
There will also be a Spotify Fans First presale for the top streamers of The Weeknd starting March 8th, as well as Live Nation presales in all markets.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the world’s largest humanitarian organization fighting global hunger, has partnered with its Goodwill Ambassador Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye to launch the XO HUMANITARIAN FUND to which he is contributing $1 from each ticket sold in North America from this highly anticipated tour. The Weeknd will also make a donation of $500,000 and $1 million will be contributed by World Food Program USA to the fund. Fueled by his passion to help those in need, the multi-platinum and diamond certified global superstar established this fund to support the U.N. World Food Programme’s critical food assistance to communities on the brink of starvation, in countries like Ethiopia, Madagascar and Yemen. The Fund is administered by World Food Program USA.
This 2022 tour marks the first time The Weeknd will be touring his mammoth album After Hours (it’s hit single “Blinding Lights” was named the new No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 song of all time, surpassing Chubby Checker’s 1960 hit “The Twist”) as well as the recently released and highly critically acclaimed album DAWN FM.
The tour will see his most ambitious production to date reflecting the creative journey that continues to unfold for both these albums, creating worlds within worlds as we have all been watching unfold in various television performances, music videos and short films bringing these first two pieces of his trilogy to life.
Earlier this week, Prime Video debuted The Weeknd x The Dawn FM Experience. The immersive music special expands the multi platinum, two-time Grammy-winning artists critically acclaimed album Dawn FM into a mesmerizing visual, creating a theatrical performance event that has enveloped audiences in its unnerving and moody world. Available exclusively on Prime Video, The Weeknd x The Dawn FM Experience is available now only to Prime members in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide HERE
THE WEEKND AFTER HOURS TIL DAWN TOUR 2022 NORTH AMERICAN DATES:
FRI 8-Jul Toronto, ON Rogers Centre
THU 14-Jul Philadelphia, PA Lincoln Financial Field
SAT 16-Jul New York, NY MetLife Stadium
THU 21-Jul Boston, MA Gillette Stadium
SUN 24-Jul Chicago, IL Soldier Field
WED 27-Jul Detroit, MI Ford Field
SAT 30-Jul Washington, DC FedEx Field
THU 4-Aug Tampa, FL Raymond James Stadium
SAT 6-Aug Miami, FL Hard Rock Stadium
THU 11-Aug Atlanta, GA Mercedes-Benz Stadium
SUN 14-Aug Arlington, TX AT&T Stadium
THU 18-Aug Denver, CO Empower Field at Mile High
SAT 20-Aug Las Vegas, NV Allegiant Stadium
TUE 23-Aug Vancouver, BC BC Place
THU 25-Aug Seattle, WA Lumen Field
SAT 27-Aug San Francisco, CA Levi’s Stadium
TUE 30-Aug Phoenix, AZ State Farm Stadium
FRI 2-Sep Los Angeles, CA SoFi Stadium
Halifax Country Rockers HOT MONDY Raise the Roof on Self-Reflection with “Tell Me I’m Good”
The journey from childhood to adulthood is rife with external influences that shape us and leave lasting impressions; the adults in every child’s life leave indelible imprints as kids grow up. Exploring this shared human experience, inventive country rock band Hot Mondy turns the spotlight on self-worth with their soul searching, yet jubilant new single, “Tell Me I’m Good.”
“‘Tell Me I’m Good’ is a self-examination of how our upbringing impacts how we see ourselves as adults,” explains the band. “The idea that how we see ourselves reflects the messaging we receive from parents, teachers, coaches as adolescents, for better or worse.”
If you told me I’m good
Maybe I would
Find a way to feel ease in my own skin
Like a kid mastering walking before he can run, “Tell Me I’m Good” transforms from a touching acoustic ballad with sweet fiddle fills to a rollicking two-four shuffle that breaks down to a revival-style, clap-along. It’s an attention-grabbing ride that begins with a grown up’s reflection on what’s missing to the discovery that it’s all gonna be alright, ending with the joyful exclamation of “My time’s here! Let’s dance right through the fear!”
A thread of hope weaves its way through “Tell Me I’m Good,” assuring us that being a little broken can ultimately give way to beauty.
Front to back, I’ve got hairline crack
Holding back the light
But if you knew what could shine through
You’d see I’ll be alright
Troy Arsenault, Matthew Brannon, Matt Budreski, Travis Flint, and Matt Rhind are Hot Mondy’s core five but, supporting this song’s ambitious effort to travel from self-exploration to full-on celebration are three featured artists — Kendel Carson on fiddle, Rob Preuss on keys and Loel Campbell on drums.
“Tell Me I’m Good” is the fourth single to be released in just six months marking another milestone in the momentum-building reveal of Hot Mondy’s upcoming 6-song debut EP, Pale Embers; a new single and video have dropped every six to eight weeks since July 2021.
The song showcases yet another set of colours in this highly creative band’s palette: “Pale Ember”, their dramatic, epic debut single, laments a burned-out romance, preceded their second release, “Desert Moonlight”, a roadhouse rockin’ tale of an all-night bagman.
Then, for their third release, the quintet takes a left turn to Transylvania with the spine-tingling outlaw country of “Vampire”. Now, the one-two velvet punch of sensitive introspection followed by a revved-up kitchen party in their latest release.
The video for “Tell Me I’m Good” was released on New Year’s Day and has already garnered over 55,000 views. Add that to the viewing tallies for Hot Mondy’s first three singles since July 2021 and they’ve now racked up a very impressive 550,000+ views. The latest video takes a flashback, family home video approach, which the band says goes hand in hand with the feeling of the song.
“The song evokes a strong nostalgic feeling. So, using vintage footage to capture the innocence of youth and how, over time, kids are still just kids with the world in front of them seems to tie together very nicely.”
Multi-JUNO winning producer Michael Philip Wojewoda (Barenaked Ladies, Rheostatics, Great Big Sea, The Jerry Cans); partnered up with the quintet to produce the group’s 6-song debut. The band and Wojewoda came together at Toronto’s Revolution Recording in early 2020 to track songs, but that was all they could get done for a while as COVID had other plans. Initial tracking of the songs was completed together but the band and Wojewoda had to work remotely to finish the rest of the process.
“It was both fun and challenging figuring out how to finish the EP during COVID, but it informed many of our choices in a really interesting way.”
Toronto-Based Power-Rocker jsin Unleashes High-Voltage “You Can’t Stop Me”
Landing alongside his raucous new release, Surrender, Canadian powerhouse rocker jsin unleashes his inner-dialogue meets high-voltage sound with new single, “You Can’t Stop Me.”
Coming from a place of self-reflection, and accepting life at face-value after years of ponderance and questioning, the song reveals a journey jsin hopes will inspire his listeners to participate in as well.
“We all have insecurities,” he shares. “We all have struggles. We all question things. But we can’t let those things drive what we do. The things that hold us back.
“This song speaks to the process of surrendering to what is, instead of trying to control things. Every song is me expressing that I have to let myself be, let myself exist — not just let my thought processes or my ego drive my actions.”
Beyond lyrics that are meant to subtly self-empower, jsin’s newest release is ground-stomping hard rock at its best. Featuring guitar riffs and a pounding drum cadence that feels like it fell off a deep-cuts Guns N’ Roses album, “You Can’t Stop Me” calls back to the singer/songwriter’s childhood influence while addressing some very relatable and adult themes, all the same.
Embodying that same energy the Toronto-based multi-talented artist effortlessly puts together for himself, the song is accompanied by an intimately-shot music video showcasing multiple stages of inner confrontation.
Having discovered a passion for performance art early on in his life, and while growing up in a house without music, jsin eventually found himself exposed to the music video for Guns N’ Roses’ “Paradise City.” With the introduction of music and, more importantly, self-expression, to the young man’s life, he started a seemingly never-ending journey of self-discovery. Spending his college years learning guitar and playing covers led to the creation of his 2009 debut album, Born. After the creation of a music video for the debut, he unlocked a new passion: acting.
Diving into these crafts showed jsin the power he had inside himself to change the way he looked at the world, and the way the world looked at him. It also gave him a platform to explore more personal roles through TV casting as well — featuring in shows such as CLAIREvoyant, The Strain, and Designated Survivor. These roles led jsin to find a more grounded sense of self, and to pursue his main goal: telling stories and encouraging others — with music.
“What works for me in music, and what works for me as an actor, is largely the same thing,” he muses. “I’m just a dude who has really looked within; I’ve gone through a lot, and faced my demons.
“Now, I’m putting that process in song form.”
“OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film)” to debut exclusively on Disney+ March 25, 2022
multiple GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo announced on social media that her new upcoming original film, “OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film),” will debut exclusively on Disney+ on March 25, 2022.
For the first time, Olivia takes audiences on a familiar road trip from Salt Lake City, where she began writing her triple-platinum Geffen Records debut album “SOUR,” to Los Angeles. Along the way, Rodrigo recounts the memories of writing and creating her record-breaking debut album and shares her feelings as a young woman navigating a specific time in her life. Through new live arrangements of her songs, intimate interviews and never-before-seen footage from the making of the album, audiences will follow her along on a cinematic journey exploring the story of “SOUR.”
“OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u” features 11 songs from “SOUR” performed with brand new arrangements in unique locations, including Mojave Airplane Boneyard, Roy’s Motel & Café, Arcosanti and the Red Rock Canyon State Park. It also includes special guest performances and appearances by GRAMMY®-nominated artist Jacob Collier, Blu DeTiger and Towa Bird. The film explores how “SOUR” came to be through Olivia’s personal stories and behind-the-scenes footage featuring intimate moments showcasing Olivia’s artistry in and out of the studio.
“OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u” is a Disney+ original film from Disney Branded Television, directed by Stacey Lee and produced by Interscope Films and Supper Club.
Nancy Wilson of Heart Shows How to Play THAT Intro To ‘Crazy On You’
Crazy on You by Heart reached the top 25 in Canada and the top 35 in the US, and it has an extremely difficult intro on the acoustic guitar, but Nancy Wilson of the group performs it with ease.