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

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

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

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

2022 Special Achievement Winners:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taylor Simpson is an indie folk-rock singer songwriter from Toronto, Canada. Unafraid to wear his heart on his sleeve, his unabashed and vulnerable lyrics create deep connections with his listeners. His songs bristle with acoustic and electric guitar, steady drums and potent lyrics which leave his audience members in a state of nostalgia whilst dancing, singing, and clapping along.

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

Chris Caulfield Turns Pain Into Alleviative Art In New Single “Walls Come Down”

Eric Alper
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Chris Caulfield Turns Pain Into Alleviative Art In New Single “Walls Come Down”

Probing intensely poignant themes of self-destruction and relationship turmoil, Chris Caulfield turns pain into alleviative art in “Walls Come Down,” a new single out now. The track melds unblemished trap beats with impassioned, 2000s emo-rock sensibilities, akin to the genre-bending amalgam of artists like Machine Gun Kelly and iann dior.

The single chronicles a harrowing conversation between Caulfield and his wife, who sings alongside him on the song. In the Fall and Winter of 2021, the couple experienced a trying strife that tested their 12 years of marriage, but they came out stronger on the other side, creating a contemplative, conversational song that pulls at the heartstrings with the umbra of achingly familiar pain.

“I can remember my wife repeatedly commenting how this wasn’t real, this wasn’t me, nothing was making sense, and in retrospect I of course agree, and it’s part of what made this such an awful stretch, that feeling of not being able to really connect with where you were mentally, emotionally in a moment,” Caulfield reflects.

Caulfield cites 2021 as being the most challenging year of his life. Traversing the sticky web of mental health struggles, chronic pain, and work stress, among other clashes, he was at a record low. “Walls Come Down”, however, marks a turning point for the just-outside-Toronto-based artist, who worked for a year with various production and engineering teams to bring his artistic vision of the song creating a “pensive, dark environment” to fruition.

“I think anyone who has been through something similar, be it an episode with their mental health, or a serious relationship issue/period, can connect with the feelings, emotions, perspectives, etc.,” Caulfield shares.

After a decade-long hiatus, in late 2020, Caulfield dove headfirst back into a craft that proven to be a powerful outlet for him: music. He played in bands around Toronto in his teens and early 20s, but veered away to manage his own businesses and start a family. Struggling with the enduring hardship of the Covid-19 pandemic and numerous conflicts of his own, he found solace in making music, and in March of 2021, released his first projects in over 10 years.

His first three singles, “The Other Way,” “Gripped,” and “Wolves” were followed promptlyby his next release, “Letdown”, which fans were clearly receptive to, garnering 10,000 streams in its first month on Spotify. Caulfield’s perseverance through adversity reflects in his musical tenacity, embarking on numerous projects from working on singles with two European independent record labels to scoring the opportunity to write music for TV and film, and finally, an artist development project on the home front with a Canadian indie label.

With so many projects in the works, Caulfield is one to watch. His unrelenting candor is refreshing in this day and age – Chris Caulfield has a story to tell, and he’s on a mission to share it.

Lady Charles Imagines A Healing, Gender-Fluid Deity on Synthy, ’80s-Heavy “Godx”

Eric Alper
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Lady Charles Imagines A Healing, Gender-Fluid Deity on Synthy, ’80s-Heavy “Godx”

Gender is a construct cobbled together by a multitude of influences over the millennia, but our concept of a deity, or deities, has certainly had a significant impact. Ottawa-based pop artist Lady Charles tackles religion’s influence on gender and the LGBTQ+ community in the lighthearted, dance-heavy banger “Godx.”

Synth-y and steeped in the ’80s in the best possible way, “Godx” boasts a bubbly groove and a fierce-but-whimsical bassline. “I wanted to write a song about gender that touches on issues like how colonialism enforced the gender binary and how LGBTQ+ people have historically been excluded from religious life,” Lady Charles said. “I did not, however, want to create something too serious or overt, and instead wanted to create a silly pop song you could dance to that would still feature those themes beneath the surface.”

With the use of the term “Godx,” Lady Charles imagines a genderless or multi-gendered deity who wears a fabulous bodice of gold and onyx, and has the backs of all people without any trace of the usual judgement:

Get down, the Godx has a plan
And if you don’t know, you’ll find out in the end
The Godx is with you when you sing this song
So worship by dancing and singing along

“Godx,” and the rest of their forthcoming album Manic Pixie Dream World, came about as the result of the pandemic. “The beginning of the pandemic was a reckoning for me, unsure of whether I wanted to continue in music,” they said. “It became clear to me however, that I would need to stop trying to fit in with the masculine rock image that was big in Canada and be unapologetically myself – genderfluid, genre-fluid, and exploring every wild musical and aesthetic tangent that I wanted rather than chasing what I felt others would want.”

A big part of this reckoning came about when Lady Charles posted their song “Manic Pixie Dream Boy” on a discord channel dedicated to ‘90s band of Montreal, and frontperson Kevin Barnes themself responded with enthusiasm. “My idols didn’t hold back, and neither do I now,” Lady Charles said, “and Godx is partly a celebration of that new freedom.”

Lady Charles was even able to recruit producer/engineer/mixer Erin Tonkon, who had worked on David Bowie’s Blackstar, for the project. “Erin told me her musical point of reference for the mix was ‘Of Montreal covering Prince’s ‘Let’s Go Crazy,’ Lady Charles said. “Her mix made the song come alive, making the ’80’s musical references become explicit and sound authentic.”

Lady Charles is a shape-shifting art rock enchanter from Ottawa, Canada. They released their self-titled debut EP in 2020, blending elements of folk, indie rock, and electronica with themes of gender, apocalypse, and loss. Their 2020 single “Manic Pixie Dream Boy” brought their sound and image to a wider audience, racking up thousands of listens and views and setting the stage for a string of unique singles including the cyberpunk prog freakout “Apocalypse Girls” and the kaleidoscopic, pandemic-era love song “Noella.” Buoyed by a vibrant aesthetic, Lady Charles’ blend of art rock sensibilities, glam visuals, and punk rock abandon chart a new course into musical parts unknown.

Jacob Okatsiak – The “Drake of Nunavut” – Announces New single, Album, and Tour

Eric Alper
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Jacob Okatsiak – The “Drake of Nunavut” – Announces New single, Album, and Tour

In September 2022, Jacob Okatsiak released “Fly High”, his first single leading up to the release of Inuugapta his 15-song debut album which is slated for release in early 2023.

“Fly High” is an homage to Okatsiak’s late friend who died in a tragic camping accident. The single’s artwork features a photo of his friend during a happy moment described in the song.

Much of the album was self-recorded in Okatsiak’s home studio, with virtual artistic and technical support from legendary Inuk rapper and producer, Hyper-T, as well as Sarah Elaine McLay and Thor Simonsen from the Iqaluit-based record label, Hitmakerz. The album was created with financial support from the Government of Nunavut.

Jacob Okatsiak is sometimes referred to as the “Drake of Nunavut” due to his ability to rap, sing, and perform just about any musical instrument. Jacob is authentic in his music, inviting listeners to share in his journey through the highs and lows of life.

Originally from Arviat, Nunavut – one of the creative centers of the Arctic territory – Okatsiak has been honing his musical skills since his late father first began teaching him piano at the age of 7. His love of music began with the gospel music that his father would play with him.

Since then, Okatsiak has continued improving his talents. In addition to playing piano, guitar, bass, harmonica, violin, drums, and accordion, he also sings, raps, makes beats, and even records and produces music for other Inuit artists.

Okatsiak has also been improving his knowledge of the music industry. In 2021, he traveled to Ottawa to begin working on his album alongside Hyper-T, as well as a host of other accomplished music industry veterans.

In addition to being a prolific songwriter and performing artist, Okatsiak is also deeply involved in his community. He is a Recreation Director, a devout Christian, and a promising athlete, having often represented his territory at national sporting events.

Inuugapta will include a variety of songs that explore life in the remote communities of Canada’s Arctic region. Okatsiak’s music covers the spectrum of human emotions, including love, loss, ambition, and joy.

In October 2022, Okatsiak will be performing at the new NUPOP showcase festival in Iqaluit. In November 2022, he will tour in communities across Nunavut with the Atii Angutiit men’s program

“Fly High” is now available on all streaming platforms. The full album, Inuugapta, is scheduled for release in early 2023.

Wintersong Music Festival Announces 2023 Headliners: Stars, Dan Mangan & Men Without Hats

Eric Alper
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Wintersong Music Festival Announces 2023 Headliners: Stars, Dan Mangan & Men Without Hats

Wintersong Music Festival has officially announced the headliners for their 4th edition, taking place January 20th – 21st, 2023 in Stouffville, ON. The annual festival draws thousands to the local area in the shoulder-season of Winter, giving a much-needed boost to the local economy.

Wintersong will be headlined by Montreal indie-pop band Stars; two-time JUNO award winning musician Dan Mangan; and 80’s new wave/synth-pop band Men Without Hats.

They will be joined by 2022 Polaris shortlisted OMBIIGIZI – a collaboration between Zoon’s Daniel Monkman and Status/Non Status’ Adam Sturgeon; and local indie-folk band Man Made Forest.

Also announced were indie buzz acts Hollowsage, Jerome Tucker Band, Junestone and Stouffville’s own Evan Farrell. They will be joined by 100+ acts, performing across 15+ venues over the two-day event including local restaurants, bars, theatres, cafés and retail spaces.

“Wintersong was the last festival to occur in Stouffville in 2020 and the first to return in 2022 and we’re proud to be back in 2023,” Kevin Ker, from Epidemic Music Group said. “We are incredibly excited to be expanding even more this year. The enthusiasm and excitement from the local and musical communities is encouraging and we’re looking forward to the long-overdue opportunity to gather in celebration of live music and support local businesses after a long, quiet two years.”

Artist submissions are open until October 12th.

The 7th Annual Kensington Market Jazz Festival Is Back This Weekend With Over 60 Artists

Eric Alper
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The 7th Annual Kensington Market Jazz Festival Is Back This Weekend With Over 60 Artists

The highly anticipated Kensington Market Jazz Festival (KMJF) returns this year for the 7th year of performances, boasting an incredible lineup. Since its inception, the can’t-miss festival has brought the biggest names in jazz music and up-and-coming superstars to Toronto in a series of ticketed and curated busking shows.

The KMJF will return to in-person entertainment Oct. 1-2 in Toronto’s vibrant neighbourhood of art, vintage shops and multicultural cuisine, a designated National Historic Site of Canada.

Created and helmed by award-winning jazz vocalist Molly Johnson, KMJF will kick off at Tom’s Place (190 Baldwin St), the hub of the festival’s solo piano series, hosted by Holly Nimmons. The other participating venues include Tapestry (formerly Poetry Jazz Café), Handlebar, Supermarket and Pamenar with seven shows each per day. There are also Pay-What-You-Can shows in Bellevue Square Park on Saturday and Sunday from 1-2:30pm and 4-5:30pm.

The weekend concerts run from 1 p.m. until 11 p.m. The media invite and details to the festival’s kickoff is below.

There are no advance tickets. All shows will operate in the traditional KMJF format of ‘Audience Pays Artist,’ – Cash Only – where the trusted KMJF volunteers collect a cover charge at the door. For full transparency, KMJF takes a 10% service charge to go towards festival production and the remaining 90% is given to the band leader. This format works for all as KMJF has a track record of filling venues through word-of-mouth, and extensive promotion through the festival themselves and artists working together. 100% of the proceeds from CD sales during KMJF go directly to the artist.

This year confirmed artists include Kevin Barrett & Julie Michels, Sammy Jackson, Billy Newton-Davis, Micah Barnes, Diane Leah, Heavyweights Brass Band, Amanda Martinez, Jay Douglas, Laura Fernandez, Allison Au, Elizabeth Shepherd, Michael Occhipinti, Eddie Bullen, Barbra Lica and more. The complete list of artist and venues can be found here.

KMJF will once again after two years of virtual programming, return to in-person programming the city’s beloved Kensington Market clubs Tapestry, Handlebar, Supermarket, Pamenar and El Gordo’s (Big Band Stage).

The Kensington Market Jazz Festival is a Charitable organization, committed to presenting live music in the heart of Toronto’s heritage market neighbourhoood throughout the year and with a festival in early fall.

My Next Read: “Some New Kind of Kick – A Memoir” by Kid Congo Powers with Chris Campion

Eric Alper
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My Next Read: “Some New Kind of Kick – A Memoir” by Kid Congo Powers with Chris Campion

An intimate, coming-of-age memoir by legendary guitarist Kid Congo Powers, detailing his experiences as a young, queer Mexican-American in 1970s Los Angeles through his rise in the glam rock and punk rock scenes.

Kid Congo Powers has been described as a “legendary guitarist and paragon of cool” with “the greatest resume ever of anyone in rock music.” That unique imprint on rock history stems from being a member of not one but three beloved, groundbreaking, and influential groups — Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, the Cramps, and last but not least, The Gun Club, the wildly inventive punk-blues band he co-founded.

Some New Kind of Kick begins as an intimate coming of age tale, of a young, queer, Chicano kid, growing up in a suburb east of East LA, in the mid-‘70s, exploring his sexual identity through glam rock. When a devastating personal tragedy crushes his teenage dreams, he finds solace and community through fandom, as founder (‘The Prez’) of the Ramones West Coast fan club, and immerses himself in the delinquent chaos of the early LA punk scene.

A chance encounter with another superfan, in the line outside the Whiskey-A-Go-Go to get into a Pere Ubu concert, changes the course of his life entirely. Jeffrey Lee Pierce, a misfit Chicano punk who runs the Blondie fan club, proposes they form a band. The Gun Club is born. So begins an unlikely transition from adoring fan to lauded performer. In Pierce, he finds brotherhood, a creative voice, and a common cause, but also a shared appetite for self-destruction that threatens to overwhelm them both.

Quirky, droll, and heartfelt, with a pitch-perfect evocation of time and place, and a wealth of richly-drawn supporting characters, Some New Kind of Kick is a memoir of personal transformation, addiction and recovery, friendship and belonging, set against the relentless creativity and excess of the ’70s and ’80s underground music scenes.

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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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