Sonic Reducers. One topic. Two music nerds. Five minutes. Everything you need to know.
Want to get a head start on Friday’s album releases? Punch play to watch us zoom through new titles by Tears For Fears, Johnny Marr, Dashboard Confessional, Robert Glasper, Superchunk, Nobro and more.
Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’ was released in 1981 as the second single from the group’s seventh studio album, Escape, and is unusual in that its chorus does not arrive until the song is nearly finished; its structure consists of two pre-choruses and three verses before it arrives at its central hook.
One of Canada’s most treasured musicians, Alan Doyle, will release his first live album on March 11 titled Here, Tonight, a collection of songs recorded at shows over the past few years with his longtime tour support The Beautiful Beautiful Band (Cory Tetford, Kendel Carson, Kris MacFarlane, Shehab Illyas and Todd Lumley).
Here, Tonight includes songs from Doyle’s solo albums: Boy on Bridge (2012), So Let’s Go (2014), A Week at the Warehouse (2017), and his 2020 chart-topping release Rough Side Out; as well as classic Great Big Sea favourites including “Ordinary Day” and “When I’m Up.”
Says Doyle: “I replaced one of the guitarists in my Uncle Ronnie’s Band in 1985 for a matinee gig at the Squid Jigger Lounge in Calvert, Newfoundland, and I fell in love with playing for a live audience. Since then, I have been lucky enough to record in the best studios in the world, sing and play on soundtracks for film and television, and produce a few dozen albums, but none of these incredible experiences has ever replaced playing live as my one favourite. Touring with the Beautiful Beautiful Band is a dream come true for me and I wanted to capture a few of the performances we have been fortunate enough to play over the last few years. This album is just that. A recording of what we do when we get to do what we all love. This is the Beautiful Beautiful Band. And Me. Here. Tonight.”
After a few postponements, Doyle toured Canada last fall in support of Rough Side Out, which debuted at No. 1 on the Canadian country chart upon its release in February 2020. One dollar from each ticket sold for the shows supported the A Dollar A Day Foundation. Every dollar collected goes directly into the hands of proven Mental Health and Addictions programs across the country, to help with such issues as the opioid crisis in Vancouver and homelessness in St. John’s.
Doyle – the songwriter, producer, actor and author – is a 12-time JUNO Award nominee for his solo material and work with his iconic band Great Big Sea. In 2018, he was awarded the Order of Canada for his contributions to the musical traditions of Newfoundland and for his commitment to numerous charitable initiatives.
HERE, TONIGHT TRACK LIST:
1. COME OUT WITH ME
2. WE’RE GONNA LOVE TONIGHT
3. CAPTIAN KIDD
4. NOW OR NEVER
5. WHEN I’M UP
6. SOMEWHERE IN A SONG
7. SEA OF NO CARES
8. BEAUTIFUL TO ME
9. LUKEY
10. LAYING DOWN TO PERISH
11. OLD BLACK RUM
12. TAKE US HOME
13. TESTIFY
14. 1,2,3,4
15. WAVE OVER WAVE
16. SHINE ON
17. I’VE SEEN A LITTLE
18. ORDINARY DAY
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) today announced that Denise Jones, one of the most influential voices in Canada’s Black entertainment community, will be posthumously awarded the 2022 Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award as part of this year’s annual JUNO Awards festivities. Jones, who passed away in December 2020, spent a lifetime championing Afro-Caribbean culture in Canada and around the world through her company Jones & Jones Productions. She also established the internationally renowned JAMBANA™ One World Festival and was the founding Chair of the Reggae Category for the JUNO Awards.
The Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose work has significantly impacted the growth and development of the Canadian music industry. Named after legendary Canadian publisher and co-founder of the JUNO Awards, the award will be presented at the JUNO Opening Night Awards Presented by Ontario Creates on Saturday, May 14, streamed live on CBC Gem and globally at cbcmusic.ca/junos.
Having passed away in December 2020 after being diagnosed with brain cancer, Denise Jones leaves behind an incredible legacy of supporting Afro-Caribbean culture in Canada and worldwide. Throughout her career, Jones received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Urban Music Association of Canada, the Bob Marley Memorial Award for her work in entertainment, a Government of Ontario Community Service Award, a Ministry of Citizenship Ontario Government Award, an African Canadian Achievement Award, and a Harry Jerome Award for Excellence in Entertainment. She was also named one of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women in 2018.
“Growing up around my mother’s presence made me believe that things are possible. I saw her achieving and realizing, every single day. I am forever grateful for that, because I think that’s the most important thing you can give somebody, hope and belief in themselves. Mom did this for us at home and as she passed away, I also came to realize she was doing that for a lot of other people, too. She created a pathway for myself and many others in this country to follow and we’re committed to keeping that energy, that fire and legacy alive for generations to come,” said Jesse Jones.
“Denise Jones will forever be an important and respected figure in the Canadian entertainment industry,” said Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards. “She leaves behind an inspiring legacy and we are honoured to recognize her devotion to championing Black culture and artists throughout her career.”
Jones emigrated to Canada from Portland, Jamaica in the 1980s before earning her BA in Communications and Theatre from the University of Windsor. She went on to serve as a theatre critic/arts reporter for CBC Radio in Sudbury and then as an Executive Director for the Peel Multicultural Council, where she later resided. Jones’ roots in entertainment, along with her passion for championing underrepresented art-forms and artists, inspired her to create Jones & Jones Productions with her husband Allan Jones in 1987. Jones & Jones is widely known as one of Canada’s premiere marketing and entertainment companies, lifting and amplifying Afro-Caribbean communities nationally and abroad while helping organizations and institutions authentically connect with the ever-changing cultural landscapes around them.
Jones’ commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is unmatched. Throughout her career, she made great strides influencing politicians, business leaders and media to acknowledge and value Black creators, entertainment, and particularly Reggae music, in all forms. Among her many accomplishments, Jones established the second largest Afrocentric cultural event in Canada, JAMBANA™ One World Festival, which, at its height, drew over 45,000 attendees. It was named one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals in 2015.
Jones held the roles of Vice President, Marketing and Vice President, Education for the Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners, where she taught large scale event production. She also went on to teach Concert and Festival Management at Ryerson University, a course within the school’s Creative Industries program. Jones’ renowned accomplishments have been recognized far and wide, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calling her “an incredible advocate for Caribbean arts and culture [who] contributed so much to our country.”
The 51st Annual JUNO Awards and JUNO Week will be hosted in Toronto from Monday, May 9 through Sunday May 15, culminating in The JUNO Awards Broadcast, produced by Insight Productions, at Budweiser Stage, live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, CBC Listen, and globally on CBCMusic.ca/junos.
Sonic Reducers. 1 topic. 2 music nerds. 5 minutes.
Push play to watch us mourn the passing and celebrate their career highlights of Procol Harum’s Gary Brooker and singer-songwriter Mark Lanegan.
The 15th anniversary of the OSHEAGA Music and Arts Festival presented by Bell in collaboration with Coors Light is set to be one of the biggest parties of the decade. Montreal’s Parc Jean-Drapeau, one of the greatest festival sites in North America, will be host to a much-anticipated and unrivaled festival experience from July 29 to 31, 2022. In addition to headlining sets from Foo Fighters, A$AP Rocky and Dua Lipa, music fans can expect a stellar lineup featuring massive star power and the best of the new music vanguard from around the globe, in a state-of-the-art setting overlooking the gorgeous Montreal skyline.
”Our goal since year one of Osheaga has been to create a festival for music fans who truly love the live music experience, seeing their favorite acts and discovering new artists. This year’s lineup is almost three years in the making ; it has given us a lot of time to reflect on the last fifteen years. We wanted to stay true to our roots by putting forward a lineup that is diverse, eclectic, and multi-genre, as well as finding the balance between current and more established artists. We hope you have as much fun at the festival as we have had putting it together!” – Nick Farkas, Senior Vice-President, Booking, Concerts and Events at evenko and Founder of Osheaga.
Friday, July 29 marks the long-awaited return of the Foo Fighters to Montreal. The 3-day event kicks off with unforgettable performances from artists such as 18 year-old wunderkind, The Kid Laroi, who has generated over a billion streams on Spotify for his Bieber collaboration, Stay; Norwegian DJ and global superstar Kygo will have fans feeling a higher love; rap legend, Big Sean, a major architect of the modern hip hop sound, who will surely have heads bobbing in the crowd. Friday will also herald the Osheaga debut of hyperpop artist PinkPantheress, whose bedroom pop ditties have made her a bonafide social media star; Dominic Fike, the indie rapper / pop star and Euphoria cast member whose recent hit, 3 Nights, was an international chart topper, will be making an appearance; Osheaga alumni and UK pop star, Charli XCX, who’s upcoming new album, Crash, is one of the most anticipated of the year; as well as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, a festival favourite who headlined Osheaga in 2009 and many more.
Saturday is set to be an unforgettable day, packed with big beats, including a headlining set from rap superstar A$AP Rocky. The afro-fusion sound is also front and center this year with a much anticipated set from the African giant, Burna Boy, a motherland megastar who has influenced an entire generation of musicians and artists to embrace and celebrate the music of his Nigerian homeland. Japanese-American artist Mitski is one to watch – her unique approach to songwriting has made her one of the most exciting new artists to hit the international scene, the former prog-metal vocalist brings her visceral take on intimate songs to the Osheaga stage. Also on hand; Porter Robinson, the Grammy-winning electro house DJ who is on everyone’s must-see list; Bleachers, Jack Antonoff’s solo project, making a triumphant return to Montreal with a new album on the horizon, as well as some of the best artists this province has to offer, like local indie band Men I Trust.
Sunday’s lineup is an eclectic bunch with some major star power, including headliner Dua Lipa, as well as Machine Gun Kelly, who’s got a brand new album slated for release in March – the wild boy, who gained notoriety as an actor and A-list celebrity, is a huge draw for fans of rap, rock, and pop punk. The lineup also features some of the best young hip hop acts, like Damso, the massively successful Belgian-Congolese MC who raps in French. Sam Fender will return to Osheaga after a very successful performance at the 2019 edition, and with a critically-acclaimed new album under his belt, he’ll prove why he is deserving of the Brit Awards nomination for Best Solo Act in the World. girl in red will be making her Osheaga debut – the indie pop singer has very quickly become a queer icon with over 150 million streams of her hit, Wanna Be Your Girlfriend. Sunday also features an explosive set by UK’s IDLES, one of the most exciting live bands in the world with a ferocious post-punk sound, plus many more.
For Canadian alt. pop-punk artist Victoria Alex, the unleashing of her debut new single “Screaming” lands very much as an anthem — both personally, and professionally.
Available now, the unapologetic and piercingly magnetic release comes out swinging, setting a new stage for the Toronto-based singer/songwriter and former Mini Pop Kid who also appeared as an inaugural contestant on the premiere season of CTV’s The Launch.
Now 19, clear markers along the way of Victoria Alex’s lyrical landscape are the teachable toils and bountiful spoils of transitioning into adulthood. The multi-talented dynamo has channelled her unique sound and perspective into a forthcoming EP, blasting the lid off topics such as not being seen or heard, and the highs and lows of being a strong female in today’s society, all the way to falling in love for the first time, finding your place in the world, and more.
“The music is a lot about the stupid things we do as teens, and all the people you meet along the way,” she muses. “It’s music about falling in love, and making mistakes, but also about trying to find your purpose in this world.
“I’m a very sensitive, loving person, and helping people is part of me. I’ve always been that way — that person who ‘feels too hard.’ My mom says it’s in our family’s genes…
“While it can sometimes get me into trouble,” she continues, “it actually helps with my music. I work with my producer and share stories of my most meaningful experiences, and how I feel, and the music unfolds from there.”
Super-charged, yet soothing all the same, “Screaming” reflects this intersection of talent and triumph with a deft ease as it blasts through speakers; it’s the balm for what ails.
“I’m unafraid to speak the truth for my generation in a way that everyone can hear,” Victoria Alex says. “The hope is that the music helps people get through their own stories, as well.”
Horns up for the six-piece Mad Symphony, raucously rumbling from the coast of British Columbia, armed with their eponymous debut EP and earth-shaking lead anthem, “Do It All Over Again.”
Orchestrated from a variety of professional rock artists from all walks of life and career, Mad Symphony plucks together Kevin Wright (lead vox, percussion), Dave Groves (lead guitar, background vox), Ted Tosoff (rhythm guitar, background vox), Mike Russell (keys, background vox), Amrit Prasad (bass), and Wes Hallam (drums). Together, this band of rock and roll brothers have created a modern soundscape born out of the metric set by the classic rockers who influenced them all to become musicians.
One blast from the speakers and Mad Symphony transports the listener into a nostalgic vortex of classic rock; “Do It All Again” is an anthem of the ages, with pounding percussion, amplified electric guitar and powerhouse vox leading the charge. As they describe, it’s rock for the rebels; the fist-pumping hullabaloo your parents tried to keep you away from as teenagers.
The track was “written and recorded in rhythm guitarist and chief lyricist Ted Tosoffs’ basement studio, ‘Dungeon’,” explains Mad Symphony. The collective leaned into heavy-weight classic idols for inspiration on the track; from Deep Purple to Black Sabbath, Van Halen and the Scorpions. “Do It All Again” is emblematic of a sound still as prevalent, beloved and revered as it was the day it was consuming radio airwaves, boomboxes and arcades in the 70s and 80s. “We encourage the listener to embrace resilience, while never giving up on their dreams,” says the band. “With a giant middle-finger held up to the haters and trolls of the world this song will make you want to pump your fist and sing along.”
The tracks on the forthcoming EP were both produced by the group, and mastered by Bud Bremner (Coastal Mastering) and released on MR Records. The visual component of “Do It All Again” is available now to view on YouTube.
The magic and the mystery of Mad Symphony’s instant chemistry, and penchant for epic anthem writing is sourced from years as professional musicians in individual projects, groups, and rock outfits. Together, their decades of rock and roll know-how results in an erudite shakeup that will seduce you from the first note.
So much so, that when the track fades out and the music comes to a pause, Mad Symphony will cause you to want to “Do It All Again.”
Music lovers of yesterday and today recognize that distinctive voice and that iconic intro in an instant: One, two, three! Sharing his stories—from his first classical piano lessons in his childhood home of Pelham, New York, through his years topping the charts, and to his inductions into the Rock & Roll, Songwriter, Vocal Group, Grammy and Musicians Halls of Fame—celebrated songwriter and singer Felix Cavaliere is pleased to announce his autobiography, “Memoir of a Rascal,” releasing March 22 via Ingram Spark. Cavaliere’s career, which spans over a half-century, is a testament to rock ‘n’ roll: he writes about being galvanized by the new sound legendary disc jockey Alan Freed bought to WINS radio in New York, the pain of losing his mother when he was only 13, his wild ride with Joey Dee and The Starlighters, taking the stage at the famed Hamptons, New York club The Barge and becoming the King of Blue-Eyed Soul© with one of America’s early rock bands. Few artists can claim they defined a generation; Cavaliere’s message of peace, love and happiness endures in his music and is likewise threaded through his autobiography, a reminder to never stop listening for the world’s beauty.
“Memoir of a Rascal…From Pelham, NY To The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame” features a forward by famed rock ‘n’ roll deejay Cousin Brucie. The cover is an original photograph by Linda McCartney taken during The Rascals’ New York City’s The Phone Booth concert. Cavaliere’s gregarious writing is enhanced by heartfelt memories of the magic of the Rascals, his spiritual journey and guru Swami Satchidananda’s lifechanging influence, and professional accomplishments like being named to the Musicians Hall of Fame. A bold memoir that touches laughter, loss, lawsuits and love, “Memoir of a Rascal” is a firsthand account of rock ‘n’ roll history from a man recognized as one if its most celebrated artists—but who also sees himself as one of the genre’s biggest fans.
Fans can also expect Cavaliere’s new album, “Then & Now,” to arrive the end of summer 2022.
“I know fans have been asking me for years to finish my autobiography,” Cavaliere said. “This is for the fans. It’s a blessing to revisit memories and hopefully my story can inspire the next generation of singers and songwriters.”
With No. 1 songs like “Good Lovin’”, “Groovin’”, “A Beautiful Morning”, “I’ve Been Lonely Too Long”, “People Got To Be Free” and “How Can I Be Sure”, The Rascals are considered the best ‘blue-eyed soul’ group to come out of the 1960s. For Cavaliere, making people feel good is fundamental to his illustrious career that includes the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Songwriter Hall of Fame, Vocal Group Hall of Fame, Grammy Hall of Fame and Musicians Hall of Fame. As a solo artist, Cavaliere connected with a new generation of fans with his hit “Only A Heart Sees” in 1979, and in 2008 Cavaliere worked with Steve Cropper on the Grammy-nominated “Nudge It Up A Notch.” In 2019, Cavaliere was inducted into the Musicians Hall Of Fame. Cavaliere is a 2022 recipient of the Free Speech in Music Award presented by Middle Tennessee University and in April embarks on a Legends Live Tour with Micky Dolenz of The Monkees in select markets.
Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals 2022 Tour
February 26 | The Casino @ Dania Beach | Dania Beach, Fla.
March 28-31 | Flower Power Cruise
April 1 | Southwest Florida Events Center | Bonita Springs, Fla.
April 2 | Center @ Anna Maria Island | Anna Maria Island, Fla.
April 8 | Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino | Niagara Falls, N.Y.
April 9 | Rams Head On Stage | Annapolis, Md.
April 23 | American Music Theatre | Lancaster, Pa.*
April 24 | Keswick Theatre | Glenside, Pa.*
May 12 | Count Basie Center | Red Bank, N.J.*
May 14 | Patchogue Theatre | Patchogue, N.Y.*
June 3 | Palladium Times Square | New York, N.Y.*
June 4 | Lynn Auditorium | Lynn, Mass.*
June 10-12 | Blue Note Hawaii | Honolulu, Hawaii
July 16 | Meadow Brooke Theatre | Rochester, Mich.
*Legends Live Featuring Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals and Micky Dolenz of The Monkees
British singer-songwriter Sam Ryder has just released “SPACE MAN,” his first release of 2022. The track is available now on all streaming platforms via Elektra Records/Parlophone Records. Sam has quickly become a reliable name when it comes to releasing songs of depth, honesty and quality and the new single is an exciting taste of what’s to come this year.
“SPACE MAN” is richly raw, as Sam weaves a dreamy tale of what the world would be like if he was an astronaut. His authentic lyrics paired perfectly with his signature gravelly voice, Sam Ryder’s bold music is storytelling refracted through a universal lens, reminiscent of Elton John’s work, a bouncy pop anthem full of both fun and deeply personal lyrics.
The Essex-based singer-songwriter has been making sure he remains true to his art since the industry spotlight fell on him. The meteoric rise was caused by the viral hit “Whirlwind” that was uploaded online without any expectations and any anticipation of what was to follow.
During the stellar two-years in which his much-loved The Sun’s Gonna Rise EP became a worldwide hit, Sam has gathered over 100 million global streams, 18 million followers on social media, and become a household music name, with his videos appearing on Ellen Show, BBC Newsbeat and more.
In a time where the world was plunged into darkness in 2020, Sam Ryder found his light through music. Sam has spent the last few months writing and recording original songs with some of the finest writers and producers from around the world which are set to continue his rise.
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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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