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Canada’s Walk Of Fame Names Angel Baribeau The Grand Prize Recipient Of RBC Emerging Musician Program

Eric Alper
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Canada’s Walk Of Fame Names Angel Baribeau The Grand Prize Recipient Of RBC Emerging Musician Program

The 9th Annual Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program today adds five new recipients to its class of 2021. A sought-after program that supports aspiring Canadian musical artists, this year’s entries raise the bar with a stunning range of submissions that span the spectrum of diversity across Canada from every province and two territories. Chosen by a selection committee of music industry experts, the recipients will share the prize and the program benefits valued at more than $100,000. This year’s Grand Prize winner is Montreal-based singer-songwriter Angel Baribeau, whose messages and representation within their debut EP, For Those I Love(d), continue to resonate with 200,000+ streams across various platforms.

The 9th annual Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program recipients are:

Grand Prize Winner: Angel Baribeau of Mistissini, QC

Second Prize Winners: YASSiN & Sean Terrio of Oakville, ON

Finalist (Third Prize): Boogey the Beat of Winnipeg, MB

Finalist (Third Prize): GRAE of Toronto, ON

Finalist (Third Prize): Madison Olds of Vancouver, BC

Featuring breathtaking vocals paired with lyrics that traverse emotional terrains, Angel Baribeau’s single “Love Is Up The River” from their debut EP garnered more than 20,000+ streams on Spotify, while “Wish We Were Older” charted #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown and was featured on CBC North & APTN National News. The official music video also picked up a “Best Music Video” at the Toronto Indie Shorts Film Festival 2021 and Baribeau recently picked up the Young Canadian Songwriters Award 2021 presented by SOCAN Foundation. In total, Baribeau’s music has garnered over 200,000 streams across all platforms.

Originally from the Cree community of Mistissini, Quebec, Baribeau’s early foray was under the indie folk outfit Simple Human Tribe. As a solo artist in 2014, Baribeau was selected to be featured on the first-ever N’we Jinan compilation album, Eeyou Istchee Volume 1, which rocketed to #1 on the iTunes chart on the day of its release.

As a queer, non-binary Indigenous singer-songwriter, Baribeau’s goal is to be that of a changemaker, noting the responsibility to pursue their talent and create more representation within the industry for those who look and identify as they do.

“It’s important to see yourself in the world, otherwise, you might come to question whether your existence is valid. I felt this way for many years growing up, and it was only when I saw more folks like me I realized it’s okay for me to take up space. To see that positive imagery is fundamental to a child; at least, it was to me, and I want to do that for others,” said Angel.

They add, “In my own intersectionality, I want people to see me and know our representation is needed; and to feel that you’re not alone is a powerful thing. As the grand prize winner of the Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program, I look forward to the opportunities to invest in myself so that I can grow as an artist and continue to be a positive reflection for others through my music.”

As the Grand Prize winner, Angel Baribeau will receive a cash prize of $20,000, performance opportunities at Canada’s Walk of Fame events, and private studio recording time at the renowned Metalworks Studios. A cash prize of $6,000 goes to Oakville based performers YASSiN & Sean Terrio for Second Prize, and the three Finalists will receive cash prizes of $4,000 each.

All recipients will have opportunities to elevate their career, including:

  • New! Online group mentorship sessions with Canada’s Walk of Fame Inductee, Sarah McLachlan
  • New! Dedicated artist page on the newly launched EmergingMusician.ca, the official website for Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program
  • New! Financial support ($2000) for a live-off-the-floor performance video
  • Career development mentorship sessions with A&R executives, a music lawyer and an experienced music industry agent*
  • A showcase opportunity at Canadian Music Week 2022 along with a Festival Access Pass*
  • Participation in a creative workshop at Toronto’s ArtHaus*
  • A performance at Winnipeg, Manitoba’s Festival du Voyageur in February 2022*

*Subject to COVID restrictions.

 

Also announced today, Jamie Labrador of Thunder Bay, Ontario is the recipient of the 2021 Canada’s Walk of Fame / Metalworks Institute Scholarship. Jamie will receive $10,000 towards tuition of any full-time campus or online diploma program, or online certificate course bundle at Metalworks Institute. The Institute offers a range of programs specializing in music performance, audio engineering, electronic music, live event and concert production, stage lighting and video, music business, music mixing and mastering and more. Each year, Metalworks invites past and current applicants of the Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program to apply for this scholarship.

 

Recording Academy Announces Partnership With GLAAD To Foster LGBTQ+ Inclusion In The Music Community

Eric Alper
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Recording Academy Announces Partnership With GLAAD To Foster LGBTQ+ Inclusion In The Music Community

GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) media advocacy organization, today announced that the Recording Academy has donated $150,000 to the organization to support its work to diversify the music industry.

In addition to the donation, GLAAD and the Recording Academy announced a partnership for 2022 to further promote inclusion in this space through various initiatives, including:

  • Articles and profiles on LGBTQ+ music artists on GLAAD.org and GRAMMY.com, as well as each organization’s social media channels.
  • Support from the Recording Academy for the 33rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, April 2, 2022 and New York City, NY on Friday, May 6, 2022.
  • LGBTQ+-focused DEI training sessions hosted by the GLAAD Media Institute for Recording Academy elected leaders and staff to learn more about LGBTQ+ people and issues.
  • Participation from key GLAAD executives in the Recording Academy’s DEI speakers series throughout the upcoming year.

“The music industry is one of the most powerful avenues for bringing cultural conversations around diversity and inclusion to the forefront,” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “Our new partnership with the Recording Academy will shape the future of LGBTQ+ inclusion in music and uplift underrepresented voices within the industry who have been overlooked for far too long.”

“We’re thrilled to double-down on our commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion in partnership with GLAAD to inspire a culture of belonging and respect within the music industry,” said Recording Academy Board of Trustees Chair Tammy Hurt. “This partnership embodies our joint commitment to accelerate progress for LGBTQ+ voices and ensure that the music community is representative of the many diverse artists who contribute to and call this industry home.”

In November 2021, GLAAD applauded LGBTQ+ artists nominated for the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards including Lil Nas X, Brandi Carlile, and Lady Gaga, as well as new artists Japanese Breakfast and Arlo Parks, who received nominations in the Best New Artist category. A full list of out LGBTQ+ GRAMMY Award nominees can be found here.

As an organization, GLAAD works through media – including film, television, music, advertising and more – to advance LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance. Through the GLAAD Media Institute, GLAAD consults on LGBTQ+ storylines and projects in media and Hollywood, conducts research into LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance, and offers LGBTQ+ media trainings to some of the world’s largest studios, networks, music groups, brands, and other key entertainment companies.

In addition to its work behind-the-scenes, GLAAD annually hosts the GLAAD Media Awards, which honor media for fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of LGBTQ+ people and issues. Since its inception in 1990, the GLAAD Media Awards have grown to be the most visible annual LGBTQ+ awards show in the world, sending powerful messages of acceptance to audiences globally. At the 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards in 2021, GLAAD introduced the Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist category, recognizing LGBTQ+ artists who have achieved a breakthrough in the music industry and who are shaping the future of the industry and clearing a path for up-and-coming LGBTQ+ artists. In 2021, CHIKA received the inaugural award in the Breakthrough Music Artist category and Sam Smith received the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Music Artist.

Ottawa-Based Nigerian Rapper BANGGZ Stands Out From The Crowd With Bombastic “Who’s Gassing Who?”

Eric Alper
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Ottawa-Based Nigerian Rapper BANGGZ Stands Out From The Crowd With Bombastic “Who’s Gassing Who?”

With the release of his newest song, “Who’s Gassing Who?,” Ottawa-based Nigerian rapper Banggz commands the spotlight in a constantly expanding catalog full of pop rappers echoing mainstream tropes.

Banggz sounds like a seasoned vocalist in his newest single, hinting at this musician’s expertise when it comes to producing. Banggz often approaches his music endeavors singlehandedly; responsible for writing, performances, and production, Banggz uses his ever-growing catalog to showcase his prowess when it comes to executing a project.

Drawing inspiration from multiple genres of music — including hip-hop, afrobeat, jazz, and funk to name a few — Banggz uses this inspiration to further his connection to his childhood roots. The intimate connection resulted in the creation of a handful of passion projects which have received excellent public reception, such as “Jostice,” a story about Banggz birthplace Jos, Nigeria, and “Yawa” which is a banger laced with Afrobeat influences.

Banggz has gained an impressive amount of performance experience in Ottawa after playing a variety of shows and participating in the CRUIZE CNTRL tour. This experience, as well as innate ability to tell a story, creates the overwhelming confidence that “Who’s Gassing Who?” exudes. The up-and-coming rapper looks to bring light to his unique music background while grabbing the attention of listeners. Fusing heavy-hitting drum samples with synthesizers and vocal performances, Banggz uses bombastic lyrics to uplift and inspire listeners while driving home his critical message: “I’m cut from a different cloth.”

“I was drawn to the hook ‘If I am fly and you are fly then who’s the pilot?’. It refers to the plethora of rappers making music and separates me from them.” The atmosphere that Banggz generates in his production style, coupled with his ever-growing level of professional experience, indicates that this rapper can walk the walk.

However, it’s not all hard-talk for Banggz. In fact, he reflects a little on his own life in “Who’s Gassing Who?” while expressing a bit of vulnerability. “In the second verse, I tried opening up more about my life outside of music and what I struggle with. The verse, ‘I am not afraid of anything or anyone but college’ shows that I believe my aspirations are likely to come to fruition beyond the four walls of a learning institution.”

It’s this blend of swagger and introspection that create such a unique listening experience. The splash of Banggz personality into the music production itself is a refreshing touch; “Who’s Gassing Who?” creates enough noise to let listeners know that Banggz is here to stay for good.

“Who’s Gassing Who?” is available now.

Singer-Songwriter SARAH TOLLE Voices Empathy to Those with Mental Illness in Piano-Driven “Fight For You”

Eric Alper
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0
Singer-Songwriter SARAH TOLLE Voices Empathy to Those with Mental Illness in Piano-Driven “Fight For You”

Fighting for one’s mental health can be a lonely endeavor; one made much easier when you have at least one person in your corner. Vancouver-based singer-songwriter Sarah Tolle gives voice to that fight through the perspective of a loved one or a friend in her cascading new single, “Fight For You.”

A piano-driven electronic pop ballad, the song’s standout feature is its deeply heartfelt vocals. “For me, the song is sung by a caregiver — someone in a support role,” Tolle says.

“Fight For You” begins with one rolling, harmonious word: You. It’s the word that provided an entry point to the song Tolle wanted to write, but that she then got stuck on. So, she asked her mom for help.

“In order to write this song, I actually ended up asking my mom to write down what came to mind when she listened to the instrumental track,” says Tolle. “She’s not a songwriter by trade or anything, but there’s a richness of experience in working with my mom, who has dealt with more life than I have. Being able to paint some pictures with her words gave the lyrics more depth.”

As someone with lots of life experience usually knows, life is rarely tidy. “The caregiver in the song is supporting a loved one who’s living with mental illness — and they’re not perfect by any means,” Tolle said. “They express unconditional love and encouragement, but also signs of confusion, disbelief, and exasperation.

“I wanted this portrayal to feel real, and real is not always neat and pretty.”

So far, the song has been streamed more than 200,000 times since hitting digital streaming platforms in November. “Looking at the numbers so far, “Fight For You” is my most popular song,” Tolle said.

Sarah Tolle is a singer-songwriter based in Vancouver, BC, and her warm, energetic music is an exploration in radiant self-expression and a loving invitation to sing and dance. Her music is marked by a trusting openness, delivering pieces that are simple and accessible, yet empowering and fiercely catchy. You’ll hear themes of encouragement, acceptance, tolerance, and peace in her eclectic pop compositions that blend house beats, sweeping orchestral sounds, old time banjo folk, and more.

Tolle grew up on a beautiful old farm in Wisconsin in a family that practiced music for fun and supported artists. In this space where the lines blurred between work and play, creativity wasn’t so much taught as it was simply practiced. Her mission with music is to revitalize and heal; to help people love themselves and the beings around them.

“Fight For You” is available now.

John Legend Announces Headlining Las Vegas Residency, “Love In Las Vegas” At Zappos Theater

Eric Alper
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0
John Legend Announces Headlining Las Vegas Residency, “Love In Las Vegas” At Zappos Theater

12-time GRAMMY Award-winner, multiplatinum artist, activist, and EGOT (Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony) winner John Legend will headline a Las Vegas residency, “Love In Las Vegas,” at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, opening Friday, April 22, 2022.

Designed exclusively for Zappos Theater and promoted by Live Nation and Caesars Entertainment, “Love In Las Vegas” will be a beautiful, soulful concert experience, showcasing Legend’s greatest hits, “soaring vocals [and] silky-smooth piano playing skills” (Billboard). The performance will feature Legend’s incredible full band and will be a vibrant, colorful celebration of love and coming together, sentiments echoed on Legend’s GRAMMY Award-winning seventh studio album, Bigger Love, and companion 2021 headline tour – which resulted in multiple sold out shows and garnered rave reviews in the press.

Tickets go on sale to the public starting Monday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. PT. Fan club members will have access to a presale starting Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. PT. Citi is the official presale credit card for John Legend’s residency at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. As such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets beginning Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. PT through Citi Entertainment. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com. Caesars Rewards members, Caesars Entertainment’s loyalty program, and Live Nation and Ticketmaster customers will have access to a presale starting Friday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. PT. All presales will end Sunday, Dec. 12 at 10 p.m. PT.

The 24 highly anticipated performances going on sale are:

April 2022: 22, 23, 27, 29, 30
May 2022: 4, 6, 7
August 2022: 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20
October 2022: 14, 15, 19, 21, 22, 26, 28, 29

VIP packages will also be available. Tickets and packages may be purchased online at ticketmaster.com/JohnLegendVegas. All shows are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

SiriusXM and Pandora Launch ‘Chapter and Verse’ Series with Audible

Eric Alper
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0
SiriusXM and Pandora Launch ‘Chapter and Verse’ Series with Audible

SiriusXM and Pandora have teamed up with Audible, the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, to create Chapter and Verse, a new programming series that will blend conversations with some of the world’s top authors and the music and artists that inspire them.

Chapter and Verse will come to life as a monthly feature where a rotation of notable authors whose titles are available on Audible discuss music as an inspiring creative tool, while playing the songs that intersect with their work. This all-new series kicks off today, December 9, on Pandora, the SXM App and on SiriusXM’s Volume channel beginning at Noon ET.

At launch, listeners will hear directly from authors Nicholas Sparks, Wendy Walker, and Jonathan Maberry as they talk about their latest literary project and the unique, essential role that music plays in their work.  In the coming months, listeners will hear from authors such as James Patterson, Daymond John and more, as they gain insight into the author’s literary world and writing process through sound, featuring a hand-selected soundtrack of music that sparks their creativity.

On Pandora, the series will be featured as hosted playlists, where new authors’ playlists are expected to be added each month. On SiriusXM’s Volume, Chapter and Verse will join the channel’s line-up of talk programming dedicated to conversations about music.  Listeners can expect to sit back and hear great songs and storytelling about the integral role music can play in an author’s world.SiriusXM

Chapter and Verse will launch with several episodes available including Nicholas Sparks discussing music and his new book, The Wish, Wendy Walker talking about her new Audible Original, American Girl, and Jonathan Maberry providing the soundtrack to his Audible Original, The Werewolf’s 15 Minutes.  In the coming months, listeners can hear James Patterson giving insights into his Audible Original, The Guilty, and Daymond John will be diving into his Audible Original, Founding Fubu. Listeners can catch Chapter and Verse  on Pandora, SiriusXM’s Volume channel 106, and anytime on the SXM App.

It’s Warren Zevon’s 75th Birthday Today, So Enjoy Every Sandwich

Eric Alper
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It’s Warren Zevon’s 75th Birthday Today, So Enjoy Every Sandwich

Sonic Reducers. One topic. Two music nerds. Five minutes.

Punch play to watch us celebrate Warren Zevon’s 75th birthday, review the late great singer-songwriter’s life and career, point you toward his best albums and explain why he was one of the greatest troubadours of his generation.

My Next Read: PJ Harvey’s ‘Orlam’

Eric Alper
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My Next Read: PJ Harvey’s ‘Orlam’

PJ Harvey will publish a new narrative poem, Orlam, via Picador Poetry on April 28, 2022. Nine-year-old Ira-Abel Rawles lives on Hook Farm in the village of UNDERWHELEM. Next to the farm is Gore Woods, Ira’s sanctuary, overseen by Orlam, the all-seeing lamb’s eyeball who is Ira-Abel’s guardian and protector. Here, drawing on the rituals, children’s songs, chants and superstitions of the rural West Country of England, Ira-Abel creates the twin realm through which she can make sense of an increasingly confusing and frightening world.

Orlam reveals PJ Harvey as not only one of the most talented songwriters of the age, but a gifted poet – whose formal skill, transforming eye and ear for the lyric line has produced a strange and moving poem like no other.

Orlam follows Ira and the inhabitants of UNDERWHELEM month by month through the last year of her childhood innocence. The result is a poemsequence of light and shadow – suffused with hints of violence, sexual confusion and perversion, the oppression of family, but also ecstatic moments in sunlit clearings, song and bawdy humour. The broad theme is ultimately one of love – carried by Ira’s personal Christ, the constantly bleeding soldier-ghost Wyman-Elvis, who bears ‘The Word’: Love Me Tender.

Orlam is not only a remarkable coming-of-age tale, but the first full-length book written in the Dorset dialect for many decades. Orlam comes with a facing-page English translation, so readers can follow the richness and subtlety of the original poem with ease.

Toronto Mayor John Tory presents Gordon Lightfoot with a Key to the City

Eric Alper
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Toronto Mayor John Tory presents Gordon Lightfoot with a Key to the City

Mayor John Tory presented Gordon Lightfoot – a long time Toronto resident – with a Key to the City, on the occasion of the reopening of Massey Hall, prior to Mr. Lightfoot’s concert this evening.

A Canadian treasure and Toronto icon, Mr. Lightfoot was awarded the Key to the City at his 170th milestone performance at Massey Hall at its official reopening. Mr. Lightfoot was the last to perform on its stage, prior to the Hall closing for renovations in 2018.

Mr. Lightfoot is one of Canada’s greatest songwriters. As a folk-rock legend, he has won 17 Juno Awards, five Grammy nominations and has been recognized by his peers by being inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and the U.S. Songwriters Hall of Fame.  Over a 50-year career, his many national, provincial and academic honours and awards recognize his numerous and longstanding contributions to performance and song writing. His work continues to inspire and influence folk, folk-rock and country artists from his home in Toronto and around the world.

The Mayor awards the Key to the City to inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds who embody the spirit and potential of Toronto and who have contributed significantly to civic life. The Key to the City is the highest honour that the City grants to an individual or a group.

November 25 was also proclaimed as Gordon Lightfoot Day in Toronto by Mayor Tory.

“Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area” Is A Go At Netflix

Eric Alper
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0
“Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area” Is A Go At Netflix

Netflix has confirmed to release the Korean adaptation of global hit La Casa de Papel – Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area. A special teaser was together released with the exciting announcement, bringing new hype and sneak peeks to the final visuals.

Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area narrates a genius strategist and his talented crew – composed of top-class thieves – attempting to pull off an unprecedented heist in the Korean Peninsula. The story portrays unexpected twists and turns as the crew stage a hostage while facing inexplicable challenges. All eyes are focused on the background and definition behind the title Joint Economic Area.

The special teaser illustrates the Professor – performed by Yoo Ji-tae – in front of a wall filled with unique masks, including traditional Korean and the iconic Salvador Dali mask from the original Spanish series. As he reaches out to choose the symbolic mask for the heist, the scene transits, unrevealing the Professor’s final choice to the viewers. Furthermore, along with Seon Woojin – Team leader of the Crisis Negotiation team performed by Kim Yunjin – the attractive visuals of each eight heist members along with their city-name alias are introduced: Berlin (Park Hae-soo); Tokyo (Jun Jong-seo); Moscow (Lee Won-jong); Denver (Kim Ji-hun); Nairobi (Jang Yoon-ju); Rio (Lee Hyun-woo); Helsinki (Kim Ji-hoon); and Oslo (Lee Kyu-ho).

The special teaser ignites curiosity and hype about how the global hit series La Casa de Papel will translate into the Korean context. Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area will be released in 2022, only on Netflix.

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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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