2022 marks the 15th anniversary of our big party to celebrate record stores. They thought that for the Ambassador, they’d go big. Global, even. So they’re pleased to bestow the Ambassadorial sash on to one of the biggest artists in the world, Taylor Swift. She is the first global ambassador for Record Store Day in its 15-year history.
“I’m very proud to be this year’s Global Ambassador for Record Store Day. The places where we go to browse and explore and discover music new and old have always been sacred to me. Record stores are so important because they help to perpetuate and foster music-loving as a passion. They create settings for live events. They employ people who adore music thoroughly and purely. Those people and shops have had a rough few years and we need to support these small businesses more now than ever to make sure they can stay alive, stay eccentric, and stay individual. It’s been a true joy for me to watch vinyl sales grow in the past few years and we, the artists, have the fans to thank for this pleasant surprise. Happy Record Store Day, everyone! Stay safe out there.”
As we look ahead to 2022 and the tumultuous journey the world is embarking on for the nth time in history, it’s words of encouragement from activists, free thinkers, and musicians like Canadian singer/songwriter Kelly Besd, and her new single “Dreamin’,” that remind us to keep pushing forward.
Fresh from her newly released debut album, Back To Me, “Dreamin’” is a poignant and hard-hitting track shining the spotlight on racial injustice and discrimination. Harnessing the use of slow drums and her signature R&B vocal structures, Besd creates a warm, open, and ethereal listening experience for audiences while highlighting the need for change.
On the track, Besd teamed up with artists Jackie Art and K-Riz to offer their reflections and words of hope throughout the song: ‘Who standin for the cause? I’ll stand and give it my all’; ‘This love is seeking you, I hope it reaches you.’
While “Dreamin’” possesses a relatively optimistic overtone — ‘I’m dreamin of something I believe in, I’m dreamin’ that on each other we are leanin’ — the trio keeps their feet in the grass by reaching out as a call to action towards the listener.
‘No more lyin’, no more actin like we’re tryin’, we’re reachin’ out with open arms…’
A noteworthy line rings out from Besd as an ally to those facing discrimination, as opposed to creating a story for herself to narrate: ‘This ain’t my pain, I don’t feel it the same. But I know in my heart we need change…’
“Dreamin’” and its lyrics are in part a reflection of the album, Back To Me, as a whole. Intricately layered throughout, each song covers pressing subject matter — from inequality, to acceptance and inclusivity, to lessons Besd has learned through navigating life’s ups and downs.
Released in December 2021, the album features hard-hitting drum grooves and heartfelt slow jams, and has been streamed upwards of 75,000+ times. Its previously unveiled single, “Our Love,” was featured on CTV Calgary’s News at Noon, and saw a collaboration of over 20 Canadian artists and fostered a widespread community focus.
For its part, Back To Me’s “Tuff Times (ft. Jackie Art)” saw Besd work with producer Eddie Kramer (The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix); helping to reimagine Goddo’s 1978 iconic hit, the song was executive produced by Goddo’s Greg Godovitz himself, and mastered by multi-GRAMMY Award-winning engineer John Greenham (Billie Eillish).
Produced by ChefBeatz, Back To Me serves as an homage to music as a creative form of therapy. “This album airs out significant personal experiences in a vulnerable way,” she shares. “From navigating tumultuous family dynamics, to finding solace and community through music, to entertaining romance.”
Favoring moody bassy sounds influenced by R&B and rock, and blending pop into her signature sound wherever she sees fit, the multi-talented Kelly Besd creates international influence through catchy melodies, infectious hooks, and a diverse network of collaborators.
The results are a stunning contribution to the Canadian soundscape; “Dreamin’” and Back to Me are available now.
Atlantic Records/Arthouse Records recording artist GAYLE has shared her eagerly anticipated new single, “ur just horny” available now. Produced by Daylight (gnash, Shawn Mendes) and Pete Nappi (Thirty Seconds To Mars, Madison Beer, Shinedown), and written by GAYLE, Daniel Kyriakides (Sylvan Esso, K. Flay), and Sara Davis, the track is joined by an official music video premiering today across a range of MTV platforms, airing at the top of every music hour on MTV LIVE, MTV Biggest Pop, and MTVU, and streaming now.
“‘ur just horny’ is about the time i crossed the line in a friendship that i thought was platonic for years,” says GAYLE. “after crossing the line i noticed that they started treating me differently – they weren’t as nice and outgoing and honestly i couldn’t recognize them anymore. i started catching them in little lies and my mind couldn’t help but wonder what else they’ve lied to me about before. writing ‘ur just horny’ for me was coming to that realization that they didn’t want to be my friend they just wanted to get into my pants – and that hurt. it’s hard to separate platonic, romantic, and sexual feelings and sometimes in friendships the lines can get blurry.”
“ur just horny” marks a spectacular follow-up to GAYLE’s breakthrough hit single, “abcdefu,” and precedes an upcoming EP due this spring. The gloriously irreverent “abcdefu” has fast proven a landmark debut for the 17-year-old, Nashville-based artist, now ascending the top 10 on Billboard’s “Hot 100” after reaching #1 on a range of charts, including currently sitting at #1 on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts for a second week. Worldwide streams exceed 615M and counting with over 1 million equivalents singles sold, driving the track to hit #1 on both iTunes’ “Top Pop Songs” and overall charts and reach #1 on the Spotify Global chart, with an official music video currently boasts over 62M individual views via YouTube HERE. “abcdefu” has proven a worldwide phenomenon, earning gold certification in countries such as Canada and Norway while hitting #1 on the UK’s Official Singles Chart.
Recent press highlights include a Billboard magazine Chartbreakers feature that highlights GAYLE’s chart-topping success with “abcdefu.” Hailed by FLAUNT for “her own sound blending the genres of pop, alternative, rock, and R&B into one,” GAYLE made her late night network TV debut earlier this month with a captivating interview and electrifying performance of “abcdefu” on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. “Joined by a live band, the 17-year-old singer gave an impassioned performance on vocals and electric guitar,” wrote Rolling Stone, while Billboard raved, “Though she politely put the f-bombs in the unedited original version on the shelf for the night to appease network censors. (GAYLE’s) amped-up performance provided further proof that the Plano, Texas native is a force to be reckoned with.”
GAYLE further marked the success of “abcdefu” with a compelling array of alternate versions showcasing different aspects to the strikingly versatile track. “abcdefu (demo),” “abcdefu (chill),” and “abcdefu (angrier)” are all streaming now via DSPs and streaming services.
Recently featured as YouTube’s “Artist On The Rise,” an Amazon “Artist to Watch 2022,” and one of Billboard’s “21 Under 21: The Ones To Watch,” GAYLE has announced her first-ever run of headline dates, with intimate shows set for Nashville (March 9), Los Angeles (March 14), and New York City (March 22). Additional dates were announced after the first set sold out immediately, with second Nashville (March 10) and New York City (March 21) being added. Tickets are extremely limited – for availability and more information, please visit www.gayleofficial.com.
Along with her own headline tour dates, GAYLE has just been announced as support for AJR’s upcoming tour. See a full list of dates below.
AJR US TOUR 2022
APRIL
28 – Dallas, TX – Toyota Music Factory
29 – Austin, TX – Germania Amphitheater
30 – Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Pavilion
MAY
3 – Orlando, FL – Addition Financial Arena
4 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
6 – Atlanta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
7 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater
8 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
10 – Cincinnati, OH – ICON Music Center
11 – Cleveland, OH – Wolstein Center @ CSU
13 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein
14 – Washington, DC – Merriweather Post Pavilion
15 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at the Mann
18 – Pittsburgh, PA – Peterson Events Center
20 – Boston, MA – Xfinity Center
21 – New York, NY – Forest Hills Stadium
GAYLE US TOUR 2022
MARCH
9 – Nashville, TN – Exit/In
10 – Nashville, TN – Exit/In
14 – West Hollywood, CA – The Roxy Theatre
21 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
22 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
Having won critical adoration for their emotionally transcendent current single ‘in the wake of your leave’, Gang of Youths give the song another moment in the spotlight by sharing its brand new video. The track is a highlight of their eagerly anticipated new album ‘angel in realtime.’, which follows on February 25th. ‘in the wake of your leave’ is currently Greg James’ Tune of the Week at Radio 1.
The video is the latest creative collaboration between the band’s frontman Dave Le’aupepe and director Joel Barney. In contrast to its lyrical concept of channelling grief into creativity, the video gleams with joyousness and escapism. With exuberant character, a Technicolour palette, and a hyperreal representation of London, it presents a new twist on the golden age of the musical.
The stars of the show, however, are Le’aupepe and the accompanying team of dancers. Consisting of just three extended takes, it culminates with a dazzling two-minute group routine.
Joel Barney says, “When I first heard the track, I knew the video had to be larger-than-life. Dave came to me with a ‘Singing in the Rain’ meets ‘Top Hat’ concept that paid homage to the great musicals of the ‘50s and ‘60s. We wanted to merge elements of old school Hollywood with a modern edge.
Using three long takes and the musical-like choreography gave the video a real theatrical feel. I knew Dave was a brilliant performer from working together previously, but we wanted to push him even further outside of his comfort zone. Of course, he nailed it.”
The ‘in the wake of your leave’ video extends the momentum that Gang of Youths have established in recent weeks. The band have also toured arenas as special guests to Sam Fender, played a selection of rapidly sold-out headline shows, and an unforgettable performance of ‘the angel of 8th ave.’ on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’.
‘angel in realtime.’ charts the waves of emotions that flooded over Dave Le’aupepe following the loss of his father. Those themes are amplified by Gang of Youths’ ever more ambitious musical approach, which draws upon the alternative and indie scenes of their new home in the UK, as well as indigenous sounds that reflect Le’aupepe’s Polynesian heritage.
Gang of Youths will commence a major UK and European tour in March. Tickets for the dates, listed below, are running low with several shows already sold-out. Their live plans in 2022 then continue with tours of North America and Australia, as well as a growing European festival schedule. Please see their website for a full list of dates.
MARCH
3rd – Ireland, Dublin, Button Factory (SOLD OUT)
5th – UK, Newcastle, Riverside (SOLD OUT)
6th – UK, Glasgow, Barrowland Ballroom
8th – UK, Leeds, Beckett University
9th – UK, Bristol, O2 Academy
12th – UK, Birmingham, O2 Institute 2 (SOLD OUT)
13th – UK, Manchester, Albert Hall
15th – UK, London, O2 Academy Brixton
17th – Belgium, Brussels, AB Club (SOLD OUT)
18th – France, Paris, Nouveau Casino
20th – Germany, Cologne, Club Volta
21st – Germany, Hamburg, Mojo
23rd – Germany, Berlin, Columbia Theater
25th – The Netherlands, Amsterdam, Paradiso Noord (SOLD OUT)
Fresh off his CCMA Award win to close out 2021, Corb Lund has announced a new album, Songs My Friends Wrote, scheduled for release on April 29. Lund puts his spin on 10 songs that were written by some of his closest pals and world-class songwriters such as Ian Tyson, Hayes Carll, Todd Snider and more.
“Songs My Friends Wrote is an album I’ve been threatening to make for years,” says Lund. “In most cases I’ve picked relatively obscure songs that have always spoken to me, even though many of them won’t be so familiar to people. The best part about recording all these tunes was that they reminded me of all the people who I haven’t been able to hang out with for the past two years because of the plague we’ve all been dealing with. All of these tunes bring a smile to my face and I hope they do the same for you.”
Lund has released the album’s first single today, “Highway 87,” written by Hayes Carll.
“I’ve known Hayes forever. We met at a card game in Dauphin, Manitoba, many moons ago and we both lost all our money to my ex, Debbie. Hayes and I have toured together, written together, drank together and he’s one of my best friends in music. This song is one of his that’s older and not as widely known, but my guys and I have been playing it for years. I love it.”
Songs My Friends Wrote follows June 2020’s release of Agricultural Tragic, Lund’s first studio album of original material in five years. The album earned Lund the 2021 CCMA Award for Alternative Country Album of the Year, his 13th career win. 2022 will see Lund’s debut at Grand Ole Opry, a career highlight.
Lund’s completely sold-out cross-country tour has been rescheduled to now begin in April. Lund will perform intimate shows at small clubs to help bring people back into venues that have been empty for nearly two years.
Corb Lund has received multiple CCMA, JUNO, and international award nominations and wins. A rural Albertan hailing from the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with a long family lineage of ranchers and rodeo people, Lund is about as authentic as they come. Embracing both his Western heritage and his indie rock past through his music, Lund has been known to filter a range of cowboy themes past and present through his unique lens – from rough-and-tumble tales of lawless frontier saloons to the somber realities of running a modern family ranch.
Most recently, Lund has been actively leading protests against the Alberta provincial government’s plan to allow open-pit coal mining on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Last fall, Lund re-released “This is My Prairie,” featuring some of Alberta’s biggest country artists, which some are calling an anthem for the fight against coal.
SONGS MY FRIENDS WROTE TRACK LISTING:
1. Highway 87 (Hayes Carll)
2. That’s What Keeps the Rent Down, Baby (Geoff Berner)
3. Montana Waltz (Ian Tysoon)
4. Blue Wing (Tom Russell)
5. Pasa-Get-Down-Dena (John Evans)
6. Spookin’ the Horses (Fred Eaglesmith)
7. Little Rock (Hayes Carll)
8. Road To Las Cruces (Ian Tyson)
9. Big American Headliner (Mike Plume)
10. Age Like Wine (Todd Snider)
Sonic Reducers. 1 topic. 2 music nerds. 5 minutes. We talk Bono’s self-deprecating claims about U2, compare them to statements he’s made in the past, and rehash that time Chuck Klosterman slagged Darryl for writing something that Bono later agreed with.
There’s a jiiiigsaaaaw, waiting in this box. It’d like for you to solve it, but it thinks it’ll blow your mind!
Not unlike the lyrical genius of David Bowie, jigsaw puzzles are at times mystifying yet always satisfying. Not only is the Kev Gahan-illustrated Where’s Bowie? Jigsaw Puzzle a fun 500-piece detail-focused puzzle, it’s also a find-Bowie interactive adventure. On the finished eight-by-eight-inch puzzle, hidden in multiple places across the detailed image, Bowie, in his various chameleonic guises, is patiently waiting to be spotted by a well-trained eye. It’s like Where’s Waldo? but, well, better, because it’s about Bowie! This jigsaw is jam-packed with Bowie references that might even teach the most hardened Bowie aficionado a thing or two.
In a world where truth changes its appearance more often than a supermodel, Canadian country-folk artist David McLachlan is delivering a powerful dressing down of fakery with his fiery new single, “Gimme the Truth.”
From misleading politicians to social media misinformation, McLachlan’s new roots-rock stomper issues an attention-grabbing call to clear the increasingly blurred lines between fact and fiction. Fresh from his ninth album, A Little Place I Call Home, “Gimme the Truth” lands as a demand that’s in high demand by humans everywhere.
“You say hold on
What’s it all about
You askin me
All I got is doubt
Ain’t got no answer
Find it on your own
Know when you do
You’ll call me at home
Gimme the truth”
A prolific songwriter and avid performer with eight full length albums released since his 2003 debut, Can’t Close a Blind Eye — not to mention, seven of them rolling out since 2015 — McLachlan’s ninth, A Little Place I Call Home, was released in November 2021 via Hi5 Music. The 14-item release was recorded in Nashville at Beaird Music Group studios with a packed roster of Music City A-list session players and singers — including 13-time CCMA nominated vocalist Lisa Brokop, Evan Hutchings, Eli Beaird, Pat McGrath, Rob McNelley, Luke Mosely, David Dorn, Scotty Sanders, Tammy King and Tim Buppert.
While we’re talking numbers, A Little Place I Call Home is McLachlan’s sixth album recorded in Music City; he finished recording his fifth, Heartache Motel, in 2019 just prior to COVID-19’s arrival on the world stage. “It’s incredible to think of how much has changed since then,” he recalls. “For example, I played the last show at The Bluebird before it was closed for the pandemic.”
Nashville has become a creative home-away-from-home for the Toronto-based singer-songwriter and that’s reflected in the title of McLachlan’s new album. “I have looked at property there, and am toying with the idea of a place to call mine,” he notes. “I have made so many wonderful contacts in Nashville, and there are just songs floating around in the air. I find it a very creative environment, and the talent pool is beyond belief.”
Collaborating with that deep Music City talent pool has helped McLachlan bring his music to international audiences and recognition with five of his singles reaching Top 10 status or higher on European radio airplay charts since 2017 — with three songs reaching Top 5.
And now, “Gimme the Truth” is poised to be McLachlan’s next cut to cut through to the upper reaches of airplay charts.
“Gimme the Truth” and A Little Place I Call Home are both available now.
Carrying a thought-provoking and universal message of self-acceptance that crosses all ideological barriers, award-winning Canadian singer/songwriter Julia Shuren has joined WAMI for a new single, “Lost Sometimes.”
The Belle River, Ontario-born Songwriting Hall of Fame’s 2021 NYU Steinhardt Songwriting Scholar Award winner collaborated with the Italian music duo to craft a song navigating the societal pressures that complicate our lives. As the world becomes increasingly unpredictable, “Lost Sometimes” lands as a positive statement embracing the resilience of the human spirit.
“It’s a reminder to those struggling that it’s okay to feel this way,” Shuren shares.
The lyrics genuinely emphasize a humanistic approach to living instead of comparing the significance of our achievements to others; its liberating lyrics mesh with the warmth of its musicality.
A slight departure from the EDM style typically associated with WAMI, the track’s robust audio production gives the listener a sense of something new and simultaneously familiar. Layered pianos and saxophone embellishments construct a more acoustic song execution to the typical R&B ballad.
“I don’t know what I’m doing
As the seasons bloom
Will I come around and soon be
found like they always do
And the fire still burns
When it’s cold outside
So I guess it’s all
Gonna be alright”
The beautifully shot music video accompanies the comforting harmonies of “Lost Sometimes” with potent optimism in every frame. Visual narrative themes of finding happiness and overcoming adversity are embedded throughout the entire video — a testament to the judgment-free nature of the message.
While this isn’t the first time WAMI and Julia Shuren have collaborated, “Lost Sometimes” is another indication of the creative alignment between these artists, regardless of genre.
WAMI is the brainchild of Italian artists Lorenzo Ghelli and Federico Naso, who began collaborating professionally with their music four years ago. After achieving success with their previous releases through various record labels, WAMI made their jump to full independence, gaining notoriety with features on a few of the most prominent Spotify playlists.
Julia Shuren is an artist who has worked with some of the biggest musical acts in the business. From composing music for popular podcasts to gaining the attention of legendary Motown arranger/songwriter Paul Riser (Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder), Shuren is an in-demand talent who continues to thrive. She’s currently working on her first EP which is slated for spring.
Recorded at the ABC Studios, Burbank, California on November 7th 1967, this newly re-colorized video shows Pink Floyd performing Apples and Oranges, presumably in pre-taped rehearsal with Syd Barrett fronting the show.
