Foo Fighters re-open Madison Square Garden with the return of rock and roll in New York City, NY.
That Time Neil Young Collaborated With Devo For “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)”
This scene was recorded at Different Fur Studios, San Francisco in 1978. It is the fourth part of “The Dream” sequence of Neil Young’s comedy film “Human Highway”, released in 1982, starring and co-directed by Neil under his pseudonym Bernard Shakey.
Guitarist, Songwriter & Producer Jeff Gunn Soars in New Video for “Spiritus Momentous (Never Give Up Opus 2)”
With decades of musical expertise and an unparalleled repertoire, JUNO Award-nominated Canadian master-guitarist and songwriter Jeff Gunn keeps your toes tapping with his new single and video, “Spiritus Momentus (Never Give Up Opus 2)”.
Firmly footed on Gunn’s signature percussive rhythms and harmonic melodies, the song shines as the debut single off his forthcoming new album, Momentum — slated to arrive in Spring 2022.
The spirited song is a dazzling composition featuring the rhythmic stylings of renowned drummer and percussionist Mike Sleath (Shawn Mendes), who brings his chops to the Peruvian box-shaped instrument called the Cajón, as well as the the stringed sorcery of Koi Anunta (Glass Tiger, Adam Lambert), who enraptures listeners with her sensational guitar and violin work.
Drawing on Jeff Gunn’s uplifting sonic instrumentation, “Spiritus Momentus (Never Give Up Opus 2)” is a song meant to take the listener on a musical journey that’s brimming with joy and positivity; its beautifully-shot music video communicates the song’s radiant energy, with Gunn and Anunta showcasing their talent across sun-soaked beaches and the rolling Hollywood Hills.
“‘Spiritus Momentous’ — and the album as a whole — are a journey that reveals the power, beauty, and versatility of the guitar,” Gunn shares. “At its heart is sonic storytelling, and finding inspiration in challenging times.”
An album rich with melodic spirit, Gunn’s highly-anticipated new release, Momentum, endeavours to help clear away dark clouds in people’s lives when it releases next year. Beyond such sentiment, every aspect of Gunn’s artistic vision has been meticulously formulated to defy genre conventions, and elevate what we think of as guitar-driven music.
The versatility of the project is the result of its all-star cast of accomplished musicians and distinct instrumental choices. Co-produced by award-winning guitar maestro Antoine Dufour, who assists Gunn in constructing a vibrant record that appeals to musicians and music fans alike, the harmonic range of Momentum is further explored through musical appearances by saxophonist Dennis Passley (Northern Soul Horns, Arkells), and flutist Rob Christian (Kush, Sugar Devils). This collection of immensely talented artists apply their skill sets to an already full-bodied album.
But it all centers back to Jeff Gunn, a multi-talented artist with a musical journey akin to a long and winding road — illustrated by his performances at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, and credits alongside some of the greatest recording artists of our time. He received accolades for his guitar and production work on Emmanuel Jal’s JUNO Award-nominated album, The Key, alongside co-writing credits with Nelly Furtado. On top of these career highlights, the long list of notable artists he’s had the pleasure of recording with includes Domanique Grant, Mark Pellizzer, Kae Sun, and more.
Jeff Gunn continues to contribute heavily to the guitar-playing community with countless hours of online guitar courses located through JamPlay.com, as well as several features in premier guitar magazines like Acoustic Guitar Magazine, Guitar World, Canadian Musician, and more.
Jeff Gunn’s new single and video “Spiritus Momentus (Never Give Up Opus 2)” is available now. Momentum is available Spring 2022.
Country Rocker Jeremy Macklin Raises a Glass to Gratitude with “Half Full Cup”
While it’s essential to happiness, taking time to focus on what we’re grateful for can be challenging — especially with the world overflowing with trials and tribulations. Thankfully, Cobourg, ON country singer-songwriter Jeremy Macklin shares that quintessential life wisdom with his new single and video, “Half Full Cup”.
The song not only pays homage to the blessings found in the everyday, but also lands alongside the Cobourg, Ontario artist’s EP, We Bring the Fire. The five-track debut features previously unveiled singles, “The Beer Drinking Song,” “Small Town Pride,” the album’s title track “We Bring the Fire,” and more — and adds to Macklin’s collective 1 Million streams across platforms.
“Yeah, I’m sippin’ on a half full, feel good feeling,” Macklin declares in the latest display of his signature brand of high-octane, joyful jams. The perfect elixir to soothe troubled times, “Half Full Cup” inspires smiles, potent life perspectives, and all-important toe-taps by way of this multi-talented driving, energy-plus country rocker.
To create this positive party-vibe anthem, Macklin and co-writers Jesse Slack, Adam Newcomb, Daryl Scott, and Rob Morden honed in on the desire to provide an antidote to the pandemic blues. “We wrote ‘Half Full Cup’ during these difficult times to help us all stay positive,” he shares. “The sentiment was: Don’t give up, and don’t forget to enjoy yourself with a drink or two.”
Beyond that straightforward sentiment, “Half Full Cup” turns a spotlight on the negative and unhealthy aspects of the selfie generation.
“Yeah we all want what we ain’t got, the grass is greener ‘round the block
It’s just so easy to get caught up in the mirrors and smoke
It gets to you, it gets to me, sometimes it’s harder than it seems”
“I wanted to write a song that referenced social media, and how many of us compare ourselves and our own lives to those we see on our tiny, handheld screen,” Macklin reveals. “We shouldn’t allow all of the ‘filters’ to influence our lives in a negative fashion.
“Behind all those filters is just another normal human being with faults and problems — just like you. Real life doesn’t come with any filters.”
It’s a truism that consistently informs Macklin’s artistry, and he’s applied it since discovering his love for songwriting at the young age of 13. Fast forward, since taking a run at a solo country career in 2019, his latest single landed in the Top 5 most downloaded Can-Con country tracks in its first week of release.
“It’s been one hell of a ride since I stepped into the ring in the country music circles,” he reflects. ”I am very grateful to all of my fans, and the industry support I have received, as well.”
Produced and directed by Aj Astle and Jonny Diano of Roadhouse Productions, the video for “Half Full Cup” visually underscores the ‘grass is greener on the other side’ philosophy of those who aren’t content with what they have.
“We had a blast and tons of laughs shooting the video for ‘Half Full Cup’,” Macklin recalls. “The whole idea of making a video where you can ‘rent a life’ at a rental store is a powerful reminder that you create your own life…
“No one has a ‘life’ for you sitting on a shelf somewhere.”
Natalie Nicole Gilbert Explores Ups & Downs of Reaching Goals in Inspiring “Victory”
Any triumph worth trying for is often hard-won, and pop-soul artist Natalie Nicole Gilbert gives backstory to any achievement’s highlight reel in her inspiring new song and video, “Victory (Music Video Mix)”.
A fresh cut from her Fall, 2021 album, Recovery, and the release’s version, “Victory Is Never Free,” spare, elegant piano is punctuated by warm, sonorous strings across the song; with crystalline vocals, heartening lyrics tell the tale of reaching a long-term goal with rigorous candor.
Everything I did to get me here
To sing this song loud and clear
For my laughter I had to cry
I had to fall so I could fly
The video, shot by Ross Hillier, and produced by Gilbert and Miranda Sajdak, is a touching and visually stunning accompaniment to the song, and features enveloping, golden-hour lighting, stunning, saturated tones, and impressive action shots in close-up. Audiences are taken on a journey to witness the process and progress of a young athlete with prosthetic legs training for a race; we watch him run gracefully along the track, and yet we also see how his knees ache after he removes the prostheses. His coach offers encouragement, and he continues to push towards his goal, until eventually he achieves victory.
A mixture of original songs and covers, Recovery tells the winding, ups-and-downs story of healing — be it from a broken heart, trauma, or whatever the listener might be experiencing or can tap into from past experience. “Say Anything” is a slow and slightly folky guitar jam that asks ‘Can we just sit still for a while,’ and expresses a languid tiredness that’s more of a letting go than a giving up; “All We Do” features moody piano and sparse beats and evokes some of the best Tori Amos or Kate Bush creations; “Postcard,” with both guitar and ukulele, is fun and rollicking and vacation-y, affording an upbeat, carefree look back at a past relationship; “Faith” is a slow, soulful, acoustic-guitar cover of the popular George Michael hit. And “Vanishing” is a very worthy cover of the Mariah Carey ballad from her 1990 self-titled debut.
Based in Los Angeles, Natalie Nicole Gilbert is a multi-award-winning recording artist who’s acclaimed for her thrilling vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and extensive knowledge of the music industry. She has 13 solo albums, and an additional 17 singles to her credit. In addition to her tenure in music, she has more than 10 years in broadcast radio as a radio host and voiceover talent, and has done national commercials for McDonald’s, Cadillac, Quiznos, and other international brands.
She built her home recording studio in 2005 when it was still a relatively new practice, and continues to produce and co-produce her own music. She’s also a session vocalist for the Dublin Studio Hub and film and TV composer with Music + Pictures, whose credits include Law and Order, The Office, and many others worldwide. She brings her extensive knowledge of what is radio ready and what is easiest to license for TV and film to her own acoustic and electric songs. She has called Los Angeles home since 2006.
Delaware Rockers DUTCHMAN Are Back with Nostalgic Yet Modern “Hey Now”
Harrington, Delaware Rock four-piece Dutchman are back with a nostalgically welcoming yet exploratively modern new release in their new single, “Hey Now”.
The track lands as a precursor to Dutchman’s forthcoming album, Vol. 3 out December 22, 2021, and a chronological follow-up to 2020’s Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.
The band pulls all the stops on “Hey Now” to develop a fully-rounded rock and roll record; the pace is contemporary and danceable, and the lyrics are catchy and memorable. From the top, the band unleashes an electric guitar riff strung together with a pounding piano melody. It’s nostalgic and modern; a testament to back then, with a nod to the here and now.
The track delights as it foreshadows an exciting new chapter in the life and tenure of Dutchman; the earworm it forms inside your brain promises to nestle deep inside and not wander off. A self-proclaimed American rock band, the group intermingles their love of classic outfits like Skynyrd, with their modern heroes such as Greta Van Fleet and The Black Keys, and the new song is reminiscent of early Who, effervescent Doors, and tangled in a web of Ben Folds Five.
It was a simple stroke of fate that brought Connor Johnson to Jake Dutcher’s call for similar musicians back in 2017. Soon, the sound was fleshed out and the band was completed by the addition of Fez (Drums) and Garrett Gravatt (Guitar). By 2020, the newly minted four-piece was signed to Bless Up Records, and well on their way to releasing Dutchman Vol. 1 and 2 and later the addition of pianist Franco Solorzano in late 2020 brings you the sound you hear on Vol. 3 today.
As such, “Hey Now” is an exciting lead start to the follow-up, Vol. 3, and comes with a highly deliberate approach.
“After Vol. 2, we really wanted to make a more hands-on project — which included stripping back and starting over on ‘These Days,’ and completing a more presentable version of ‘Find A Way Out,’” Johnson shares. “We wanted ‘Hey Now’ to be our first engagement back for our listeners so they’d get the full scope of our laid back live attitude for this EP.
“Between my slide lead, and Franco’s thundering piano on the intro of the song, it brings us back to a simpler vibe like in the early days of the band,” he continues. “Most of these tracks started with us recording our parts together while also leaving room for small overdubs; ‘Landslide’ is a great example of the crisp belting vocals and the prolific guitar work that Jake Dutcher and Garrett Gravatt do so well. With a melodic rhythm track recorded, Gravatt also adds a blistering solo at the song’s sonic peak. When it came time to strip back ‘These Days,’ you can really hear the simple but filling drums Fez is known for. Always being adamant about serving the song before his ego, Fez really is a delight to have back in the fold full time after our unplugged gigs during quarantine.”
“Recording with the band has always been fun and there’s always something new with every record and their songs,” Gravatt remarks.
“For Vol. 3, it was a lot easier and I personally had more fun working,” Fez adds. “We’ve become better musicians than ever, and that made recording my drums and getting everybody in sync simple and easy, helping to make the recording process as smooth as possible. These new songs are another step of music making. We’re happy with how they came out and can’t wait for the world to hear them.”
Toronto Tabla Ensemble Revs Up for a Rhythm-tastic 2022 with New Song, “Encore 21”
Can the burst of fresh energy and the promise of possibility a new year brings be embodied in a song? Canada’s JUNO-nominated Toronto Tabla Ensemble have their fingers on the right rhythm to get you up on your feet and dancing into 2022 with their new single and video, “Encore 21”.
Featuring high velocity tabla and other percussion, along with rapid fire recitation of tabla bols (language) by TTE founder and composer Ritesh Das, “Encore 21” has the power to propel anyone into a joyous state of reverie. However, playing this composition requires a sobering amount of skill and practice.
“I originally wrote this piece for the Youth Ensemble,” explains Das. “A fast-paced and high energy composition to keep their chops up as we slowly emerge from the pandemic and prepare for in person shows again.”
“Encore 21” is the second single advancing the ensemble’s 8th album For the Love of Tabla, due for release in March 2022. It’s a joyfully collaborative, multi-disciplinary effort between teachers, students of all levels, and artistic colleagues.
“I worked with my tabla student Kolston Gogan who is a professional drummer to work out the kit drum parts and also for him to work with Jishnu Parekh, a youth member who had just started learning drum kit,” notes Das.
If “Encore 21” lives up to its name and sounds like it could be a jubilant finalé to a TTE live show, it shouldn’t be surprising. It certainly isn’t to Melissa Das-Arp, TTE manager and film director.
“When I heard this piece, the speed and energy reminded me of a typical encore that the Toronto Tabla Ensemble would perform at the end of a show,” notes Das-Arp. “This usually involves the entire cast of the TTE including dancers up on stage led by Ritesh Das himself on the mic driving the performers and hyping up the audience so they would literally rise to their feet.”
The memory of her husband vocally leading the end of show celebrations prompted Das-Arp to request that he record and add the tabla bols recitation that’s become a key part of “Encore 21”.
“Ritesh obliged to my request and recorded his ‘recitation’, which is basically the language of the tabla,” she says. “However, the way he weaves melody and feeling into it is one of a kind.”
Das-Arp also reached a century back for the inspiration to create the unique and artfully retro video for “Encore 21”, which features Ritesh Das performing the tabla bols, TTE members on tabla and drum kit and Kathak dancers from both Ontario and California.
“While listening to the song, the visuals of the performers started showing up for me in a black and white, vintage look and I thought, ‘I wonder what this type of show would look like 100 years ago’? Back then there were no smartphones and we really only saw what was curated from a mainly western perspective. Who knows what really happened and perhaps shows like this did actually happen.”
Of course, producing and directing a music video during our pandemic presented unique challenges for Das-Arp and the performers.
“All the artists filmed themselves from home under the guidance of Assistant Director and Ensemble member Shamir Panchal,” explains Das-Arp. “Directing virtually is never easy but with mood boards, rehearsals and the guidance of a stage plot we were able to create a music video that feels like we’re all together on stage.”
“Kathak dancer Labonee Mohanta was joined by her young student Anusha Kapoor and during their shoot they lost power for 5 hours,” she continues. “Luckily they had some backup batteries to keep going, but instead of being able to take multiple shots they were only able to take a few which felt more like an actual show where you really only get one chance.”
Beyond performing in it, Ritesh Das also had a hand in the creation of the video utilizing his skills as photographer to help set the stage into a 1920s film set. “If I didn’t love music and teaching tabla as much as I do, I would have been a photographer,” he says. “I love playing with lighting and shadows, especially black and whites.”
Sending out 2021 with an exciting new single and video and revving up into 2022 with a new album on the way shows that the beat goes onward and upward for the Toronto Tabla Ensemble.
The Flakes Acknowledge The “Elephant In The Room” When it Comes To Their New Album
Canadian rockers The Flakes acknowledge the Elephant In The Room when it comes to the release of their freshly pressed debut album, and anthemic new single “When I Get It”.
A freight train of sound that builds momentum throughout, “When I Get It” showcases the Halifax, Nova Scotia-based band’s exceptional musicianship start to finish. While the instrumentation emanates warmth and hope, the lyrical approach is juxtaposed to tell a different type of story; the song speaks to the very human nature around obstructing our own self-growth, and how we sometimes cause emotional strain on our loved ones in the process.
As far as Elephant In The Room goes, the nine-track LP came together after a long and extensive process — including multiple re-recordings of the album. As the band’s technical know-how of producing and mixing music exponentially grew, so too did the refinements on the project; when it came time for the album’s recording after three separate attempts, it was all business.
Meticulous attention to sonic detail is employed across Elephant In The Room to ensure everything is up to the band’s professional quality standard, and the resulting release is a fun and catchy synthesis of genres with broad appeal that captivates guitar aficionados and dancers alike.
From the ashes of a band called Glass Atlas would rise the jet-fueled sound of The Flakes; founded in 2017 by guitarist Adam Sweeney and drummer Kyle Merson, they’ve been on a rampage since they hit the scene. In 2018, the band would be accompanied by the electrifying vocals of Tynan Moors, prompting several blazing singles that summer. Bigger shows like the Mount Funky music festival raised their notoriety and culminated in an appearance by The Flakes at Toronto’s legendary Horseshoe Tavern.
The Flakes have since been on cross-country tours and played other festivals before the pandemic decimated the live music business. They are now focusing on making their debut album as authentic as possible for music lovers looking for music that moves the mind and body.
If Mick Jagger Ran A Moving Company
A funny parody sketch about Mick Jagger and his Jagger Moving Company. This is how Jagger moves baby!
Stu Weinberg Gets Groovy with Out-Of-This-World New Releases: “Donnie Green” & Disco Stu Likes Disco Music
Canadian guitar maestro Stu Weinberg steps front and center, showcasing his inimitable expertise alongside an all-star team of musicians with the release of his debut album, Disco Stu Likes Disco Music, and its groovy lead single, “Donnie Green”.
An ethereal guitar-driven track invoking the cadence of jam-band music, “Donnie Green” and the rest of the seven-track LP features skillfully crafted arrangements throughout every moment of this monumental sonic effort. With Stu revealing that each track takes on a life of its own — ”Some are funky, some are real funky, some are groovy…” — the breadth of instrumentation is only matched by the assembled musical forces that helped realize Weinberg’s vision.
The album features sensational drumming provided by John Morgan Kimock (Phish’s Mike Gordon, Dead & Company’s Oteil Burbridge), while smooth-as-silk Andy Hess (Gov’t Mule, The Black Crowes, John Scofield) brings the bass. Todd Caldwell (Crosby, Stills & Nash, Joe Walsh), Robert Walter (Phish’s Mike Gordon, The Greyboy Allstars), and Marco Benevento (Joe Russo’s Almost Dead) are a trio of accomplished keyboard players that supply another critical layer to the album’s sound, and Weinberg is accompanied on guitar by legendary jazz player Oz Noy.
While no stranger to the board, Weinberg’s meticulous attention to detail isn’t limited to the studio: the decision to have Disco Stu Likes Disco Music mixed by JUNO Award-winning engineer Kevin Dietz (Glorious Sons, JJ Wilde, Portugal The Man), mastered by Noah Mintz (Arkells, The National, Broken Social Scene), and feature otherworldly, psychedelic artwork by artist Leesa Westwood meant the crisp sound and visual accompaniment of every melodic effort orbits cleanly in this fervent labour of love.
Stu Weinberg started his professional recording career while in university, finding ample opportunity in a Manhattan recording studio during the summer break. He has since performed with countless Billboard-charting and JUNO-nominated artists, with credits on hundreds of songs and playing legendary venues like Massey Hall, Boots & Hearts, and more.
Disco Stu Likes Disco Music began as Weinberg’s personal answer to the pandemic blues, and the massive shift in pace from what the active artist — and the veritable who’s who of the jam-band scene joining him — were used to pre-COVID.
“As a session musician, that seemingly never-ending schedule of tracking on records, traveling for tours, and learning material for gigs leaves little time to focus on your own musical projects,” he shares. “When I found myself stuck in my apartment with nothing but guitars and time, I looked at the blank calendar and knew: there would never be a situation like this again and, if I wanted to create music of my own, I’d have to jump at the opportunity.
“At the onset, the goal was to make music that I dug. When I first started out playing guitar, I was drawn to the classic instrumental guitar records but, as I evolved as a player, the songs take their inspiration from the jam-band scene.
“I love the freedom of jam-band music,” he continues. “It’s very much a guitar-based record, but it steers away from the technical playing with more of an emphasis on the melody and emotion of the song. It combines all the styles of playing that I’ve grown to love, and basically hits all the notes I’m not allowed to play on other artists’ records.”
Hear just what that is on the sonic sojourn that is Disco Stu Likes Disco Music.
// Disco Stu Likes Disco Music Track List
“Brendy’s Run”
“Donnie Green”
“A Picture For You (feat. Marco Benevento)”
“Purple Pants (feat. Robert Walter)”
“Sunrise, Sunset (feat. Oz Noy)”
“Tsundoku”
“Zhivago”