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Afrobeat Artist SONIA AIMY Delivers Optimistic Message In“Life Nah Jeje”

Eric Alper
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Afrobeat Artist SONIA AIMY Delivers Optimistic Message In“Life Nah Jeje”

With lots to say in so few words, artist Sonia Aimy does what she does best and ushers her listeners into the world of jazz infused Afrobeats with the release of her new single and video, “Life Nah Jeje”.

Nigerian-born and Toronto-based multi-talented artist Sonia Aimy has been touring for years now; when she isn’t spreading joy and life messages through her music Aimy spreads it through humanitarian projects. Her velvet, Sonia’s soulful, empathetic, and often joyous voice” inspires thousands around the world and has earned her the reputation as a quintessential embodiment of the Contemporary African World Musician.

After the global release of her newest album, Reconnect, Sonia Aimy sought to make a music video for the lead-off track, “Life Nah Jeje.” While the album’s title track “Reconnect” may have focused on Sonia Aimy’s journey to rediscover herself in a global time of uncertainty, “Life Nah Jeje” aims to find a deeper appreciation for the little things in life.

“Life Nah Jeje” uses smooth walking bass lines and sultry soprano saxophone riffs intertwined with Afrobeat drums to convey the message that we are to enjoy life and appreciate the beauty and spirit of our time on this Earth. “This song is inspired by my desire to take life as easy as possible after living such a frenetic life over several years. We all need that moment to reconcile with ourselves, to review ourselves including our life, what we have done, where we are now and where we wish to be next.”

For long-term listeners of Sonia Aimy, this light-hearted yet introspective meaning doesn’t come as a surprise. For new fans of the up-and-coming Nigerian vocalist, the message is well received with open arms.

The accompanying music video conveys this message quite remarkably as well. With an overarching theme of travel being cut-off completely and a transition to life in quarantine, Aimy delivers an inspiring visual performance with a warm and optimistic aura despite the seriousness of the consequences of the pandemic.

Sonia Aimy reflects on the overall theme of “Life Nah Jeje” and the message conveyed through her music video. “This processing moment about ourselves makes us realize so many things about us, about everything around us and to accept the fact that we really need to take it easy with life because life does not take it easy with us.”

It’s Aimy’s unparalleled optimism despite the dramatic shift in her life as well as music career that creates an atmosphere of inspiration around her. The infusion of feel-good Afro-jazz and Afrobeats double down on her charismatic aura and help deliver her powerful messages to her ever growing fanbase.

“It is not how far, not how much you do, but how well you understand and appreciate every bit and essence of what it takes to live a beautiful life until our call time!”

Alt.Rocker Meagan Aversa Sets the Scene Ablaze with Release of Her Fiery Debut, Matchbox

Eric Alper
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Alt.Rocker Meagan Aversa Sets the Scene Ablaze with Release of Her Fiery Debut, Matchbox

Canadian alt-rock sensation Meagan Aversa sets the scene ablaze with the release of her fiery debut EP, Matchbox, and its accompanying new single, “Torso” — both available now.

As track #1 on the four-song breakthrough, “Torso” trickles out of the speakers with Aversa’s acapella leading the melody. Landing as a near-whisper, imploring the listener to sit up and pay attention, pulsing percussion fades in, followed by instrumentation fleshed out with gorgeous harmonies. ‘Pick myself up just to watch them walk away,’ Aversa muses on the lyrics.

Each song on Matchbox artfully bleeds on top of the other, and offers a theme of exploration into the dark side of being alone, and the ultimate acceptance of being the only one capable of consoling your very self in the face of loneliness.

“While writing Matchbox, I was thinking a lot about codependency,” Aversa reveals. “I’ve always been fond of the sentiment ‘you are who you are when no one is watching,’ but I realized I didn’t really know who I was without someone there to remind me.”

Admittedly, “Torso” and its sister track, “Blush” spills the guts on breakups, but Aversa says “they’re more about the empty feeling that follows” than the relationships themselves.

“I find the stickiness of relationships really interesting…” the Toronto-based artist muses. “The way memories will weave their way into things without you even noticing, and linger long after you’ve lost touch with the person.

“I think spending time alone is really important, but it can be laced with self-doubt and general uncertainty,” she continues. “Sometimes it’s easier to lean on someone else for support, and kind of slowly absorb facets of them vs. really get to know yourself.

“Once I started to come to terms with these tendencies, the songs turned up.”

A graduate of Metalworks Institute’s Audio Engineering and Mixing and Mastering programs, Aversa is wired to record, produce, and procure an album on her own terms. Additionally, she lends her talents as a freelance audio engineer and producer based out of Candle Recording Studio in the west end of her hometown of Toronto.

There’s a marked cross of ‘Mazzy Starr vocals’ with ‘Suzanne Vega songwriting’ that eeks through Aversa’s lo-fi alternative rock style — painted with the brush as only Aversa can. The songs are unassuming, yet poignant; a visceral soundscape with delicate lyrics, delivered in soothing, reserved tones.

A songwriter since high school, the young indie talent notes Fiona Apple, Elliott Smith and The Cure among her top inspirations; songs “Speed River” and “Some People Are Mountains” round out the release, with Aversa’s versatility in parlaying a message on full display in each passing track.

“One of my favourite things about songwriting is how you can take things that happen to you and turn them into something that belongs to you,” Aversa remarks. “I always encourage people to write music because everyone has such a unique amalgamation of life events and a different way to share them.

“That’s what makes it all the more special when you hear someone’s music, and feel like you’ve experienced the same thing because… What are the odds?”

Cellist Margaret Maria Creates a Soundscape of Healing with “Where Words Fail – Music Through Healing”

Eric Alper
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Cellist Margaret Maria Creates a Soundscape of Healing with “Where Words Fail – Music Through Healing”

Ebbing and flowing like an ocean’s waves, healing is a notoriously nonlinear process that is as unpredictable as an insect’s flight from one blossom to the next. Within such, Canadian composer Margaret Maria is guiding audiences on a journey through aspects of the arc with the release of her new album and single, Where Words Fail – Music Through Healing and “Blessing of Awakening” — both available now.

As the release’s opening song, “Blessing of Awakening” gives sound to a languid awakening, followed by the mounting busyness of getting to whatever it is that calls for attention; slow and meandering at the start, like rolling over with the first light shining through the window, the pace picks up, driving and percussive — rounding up the kids, spilling your coffee, looking for your keys.

While that sound can be applied to everyday matters, for the Toronto-based composer, producer, and cellist, the awakening was very personal, and very painful: the Covid-19 pandemic saw Margaret Maria experiencing health problems at the same time that her own sister fought for her very life after contracting a serious case of the coronavirus.

The acclaimed composer got through all of it by writing and playing music whenever she was able, pouring her emotions and struggles into her instrument.

“Feeling helpless limitation in my human form is a recurring theme throughout my life,” she shares. “This music is born of this helplessness in the hope that it can be helpful to others. That it can offer some healing, some understanding, some comfort, some strength when we feel weak or when words fail us.”

Anyone who has ever experienced the pain of loss or struggle, and the strange up-and-down journey of healing, will recognize each emotion in Where Words Fail – Music Through Healing. “From The Brink” begins dark and metallic, suddenly turns airy, winding, and light, and then hits a stride with a graceful march. “Healing Hearts” is a soulful waltz that morphs into an undulating heartbeat, and then the two become layered over an energetic walk-run through the streets. “Raindrops From Heaven” is exactly what you might expect from a song with such a title – gorgeous, rhythmic “drops” over sweeping, bowing, ballet-dancing strings.

With her masterful skills as an extraordinary cellist merging with the intuition of a gifted creator, Margaret Maria is a unique and exciting voice in the world of new music. Her compositional and production talents have been described by her colleagues as, ‘an unstoppable force of nature – seamless in its complete unification of technical and subconscious realms.’

A graduate of The Curtis Institute of Music, her performance career has seen her play on concert stages around the globe and as a member of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the National Arts Centre Orchestra. Her later in life transition into composition has seen her work performed on stage in her very first World Premiere. ’Between Worlds’ was premiered in 2019 by the Ottawa Chamber Orchestra, with the great Canadian soprano Donna Brown.

Margaret Maria’s single “Blessing of Awakening” and her album Where Words Fail – Music For Healing are available now.

Sonic Reducers: The Greatest Holiday Songs And Albums Of All Time

Eric Alper
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Sonic Reducers: The Greatest Holiday Songs And Albums Of All Time

Sonic Reducers. One topic. Two music nerds. Five minutes. Everything you know need to ho-ho-ho.

Listen up as we run down our favourite Christmas albums and songs of all time, from James Brown and Phil Spector to Band-Aid and Wham!

Yasuke Releases Hip Hop Love Letter to Basketball Idol in “Like Mike”

Eric Alper
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Yasuke Releases Hip Hop Love Letter to Basketball Idol in “Like Mike”

Telling the toll, toil, and tale it takes to achieve greatness, Canadian rapper Yasuke releases hip hop love letter to inimitable and iconic basketball player Michael Jordan in new single, “Like Mike”.

Going hard to seamlessly fuse lyrics in both English and Japanese to create something unique all his own, the bilingual track lands ahead of the artist’s forthcoming album, 上阪 (Jyousaka).

The song’s smooth sonic journey is a twist on the typical homage to Jordan, with Yasuke channelling his childhood idol while also reflecting on his rise as an artist. Yasuke’s refined cadence accompanies fellow rapper Rito on a chilled-out song filled with linguistic intricacies. Yasuke’s introspective vision and grasp of world culture allow him to artistically navigate eastern and western soundscapes with ease.

Yasuke’s lyrical breadth takes center stage with images of a globetrotting lifestyle that takes the listener on a journey from their headphones to the neon-drenched streets of Tokyo.

“4 am and stumbling　
Feel regret can’t feel my face　
Walking down these Tokyo streets　
Rack up, bam that make me Khun　

神のトラップ (God’s Trap)
黒い服、血もそう (Black clothes just like my blood)
ジョーダン１で歩いてる (Walking around in Jordan 1’s)
シカゴに飛んでいく (Take a flight to Chicago).”

The sophisticated flow of switching between languages on the fly elevates the track to become something that hasn’t been heard before. The aspirational message of “Like Mike” is comfortably seated alongside epic sound production and a melodic blend of international influences. The music is brought to life by producer Casket: Jones, whose mastery of hip-hop synergy is on full display. The versatility of sound is affirmed by its thoughtful composition, with “Like Mike” feeling as welcome at the club as it does in the gym.

Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Yasuke is the stage name of Tahir Grant Jr. He first gained notoriety online when he was first discovered rapping fluently in Japanese; a language he taught himself. The name Yasuke finds its origin in feudal Japan, where a warrior of African descent would become the first non-Japanese samurai. This merger of cultural aesthetics comes naturally as Yasuke channels artists like Andre 3000, Childish Gambino, and Prince to achieve his signature style. Yasuke represents a musical unification that defies convention and appeals to Japanese and North American music lovers just the same.

Jarvis Church Reimagines Bill Withers With Upcoming Tribute Album With A Modern Twist In “Just The Two Of Us”

Eric Alper
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Jarvis Church Reimagines Bill Withers With Upcoming Tribute Album With A Modern Twist In “Just The Two Of Us”

That only a handful of artists are able to do Bill Withers justice, especially when it comes to some of his most famous work, is what makes Jarvis Church’s newly minted cover of “Just The Two Of Us” — available now — so refreshing: It pays fitting homage to the late legend, while remaining unique all on its own.

The release is fresh from Jarvis Church’s forthcoming album, The Soul Station Vol 3: A Tribute to Bill Withers and Beyond — the latest in an ongoing series paying tribute to his favourite soul singers.

“This time, however, there’s a twist,” Jarvis hints of the new offering that features four inventive and contemporary reimaginings of Withers’ hits. “I decided to lose the retro sound, and interpret these classics with contemporary modern production.

“And, for each of the modern production styles of the four Bill Withers classics, I used contemporary hits as sonic references. See if you can identify them…”

In addition to “Just The Two Of Us,” The Soul Station Vol 3: will also include “Lovely Day,” “Use Me,” and “Ain’t No Sunshine.” Deliberately missing? “Lean On Me,” he reveals. “I did about five versions of it, but I couldn’t get a modern take I was happy with. Club Nouveau’s version was one of my favourite songs when I was a kid; there was just no way to top that.”

It’s this unbridled passion for soul music and modern production that fuse together to make both Jarvis Church’s cover of “Just The Two Of Us, as well as The Soul Station Vol 3: A Tribute To Bill Withers and Beyond, so special. Listening to the retro addition of high-pitched saxophone wailing, coupled with modern house synths and drum kits, invites new and old listeners alike to experience the song from a unique angle.

“The album also features five original songs that take my love of soul and house music ‘Beyond,’” he adds, with a nod to the title. “It is ‘Beyond’ part that was an invitation for me to make the kind of music that really excites me, especially since, like so many people around the world, I found solace in my craft during the isolation of the pandemic. The genesis of The Soul Station series was my love for performing live… What better way than combining my 20-year catalog of original songs with my favourite soul singer classics?”

Based in Los Angeles, with his roots in Toronto, Jarvis Church is the lead singer for the R&B-pop group The Philosopher Kings; it was during the group’s 10 year hiatus that he started his solo career with the release of his debut album, Shake It Off.

From there, Jarvis Church has actively been paying homage to the artists who inspired him as a young soul-singer. Following the release of his past Soul Station Volumes, including The Soul Station Vol. 1: The Songs of Sam Cooke, A Tribute, and The Soul Station Vol 2: The Songs of Curtis Mayfield: A Tribute, Church moves forward with his newest album release — set to arrive this Spring 2022.

Light Organ Records Presents Push Button Radio: Canadian AM Radio Hits from the 70s Covered By Label Artists

Eric Alper
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Light Organ Records Presents Push Button Radio: Canadian AM Radio Hits from the 70s Covered By Label Artists

Music’s finest moments are often in those unassuming blips of life where you’re in unassuming places, taking care of the mundane, and a song sends your heart soaring to the depths of nostalgia, forcing you to rewind to a memory. Light Organ Records has captured that very sentiment in a 14-song strong compilation album that seeks to recreate what you used to know and bring it back to the forefront of your consciousness.

The release is the reimagining of CanCon radio hits of the 70s — each delicately restructured and performed by new-age Light Organ recording artists, and their varieties of styles and eclecticisms. The first five tracks of Light Organ Records Presents Push Button Radio: CanCon AM Radio Hits From the 70’s as Covered by Light Organ Artists, featuring Hotel Mira, The Shilohs, Mounties, Tara Holloway, and The Fugitives are available now; the full LP is available December 10, 2021.

“When I agreed to write the liner notes to Push Button Radio, I visualized it as a simple, pleasurable, and easy trip down memory lane,” recalls Jonathan Simkin, President of 604/Light Organ Records in Vancouver. “I did not anticipate the intense mental journey that would ensue…

“I started by listening to the songs — both the covers, and the originals,” he continues, “just to refresh my memory.”

That’s what each of us are dared to do when we push play on the album; listeners are introduced to each new artist, and their take on classics that drudge up the feel-goods from years gone by. “I emailed the bands on our Light Organ imprint to see who wanted to cover AM CanCon hits from the 1970s, conscious that some of these artists were not even alive in the 1970s, let alone listening to music,” Simkin says about putting his dream in motion. “I set certain parameters: The song had to be released between January 1st, 1970, and December 31st, 1979; it had to have been a legit radio hit; and it had to satisfy CanCon requirements — meaning two of either the lyrics, production location, music, and performer had to be Canadian.

“We ended up breaking some of those rules, but that’s OK. In spirit, all of the songs satisfy the criteria. I sent around a few suggestions, but left it up to the artists to choose.”

Terry Jacks endorses the record, which features two Poppy Family covers, performed by the Zolas and Lousie Burns respectively. From there, the songs range from the legendary Andy Kim’s “Baby I Love You” as performed by The Shilohs, to Hotel Mira taking on The Band’s “Out of the Blue” from The Last Waltz, and even Bruce Cockburn’s “Wonder Where The Lions Are” as selected by The Mounties.

“Their version is a weird and wonderful marvel,” Simkin laughs of the latter.

For the kids that spent their ears glued to the pop culture of the 70s, Push Button Radio delivers a steady flow of premade classics that will send you back to the days of station wagons with wood panel doors, bell bottoms and plastic wrapped floral living room decor.

And for those who entered the chat late into the 21st century, the album becomes a history lesson on the music that shaped your parents, your grandparents; leaving behind a lasting imprint into the psyche of music fans and lovers alike.

Says Jonathan Simkin, today’s professor on the glory and excitement of 70s vinyl: “To those of you for whom these songs are new, I sincerely hope you enjoy them and dig back into the originals! You won’t be sorry!

“And for those who were alive when the original songs were huge, I hope this music jogs your mind awake and takes you on a safe and comforting trip to your musical past and youth.”

Light Organ Records Presents Push Button Radio: Cancon AM Radio Hits From the 70’s as Covered by Light Organ Artists is partially available now, with the full album up December 10th.

That Nikki You Know Says “Give Me To The Season” with New Holiday Song

Eric Alper
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That Nikki You Know Says “Give Me To The Season” with New Holiday Song

Reflecting on yet another holiday season mid-COVID, Canadian artist That Nikki You Know says “Give Me To The Season” with the release of their new single.

An ethereal ballad from the Montreal-based multi-talented musician, writer, slam poet, and podcaster, “Give Me To The Season” is a dreamy mosaic full of lush, orchestral instrumentation, and rich vocals that draw on both longing and acceptance. The release lands ahead of the forthcoming full-length album, Thursday Colours — set for March 2022.

“When I was recording the bells at the opening of the song, someone walked past me — coughing,” Nikki recalls of making the track. “I didn’t intend to put the bells at the beginning until I heard how perfectly it set up this song; ‘Give Me To The Season’ was about our first pandemic holiday season, and it just fit so well!”

Initially sought to be a quiet, simple number, “Give Me To The Season” eventually became a full-bodied work thanks to the host of musicians Nikki gave space to on the track. “This song was meant to be very stripped down: just me on guitar, Freddy Poulin on drums, and Dan Beasy on bass.” they say. “Frisco Lee came early to the studio that day and sat down at the synth station we had set up. He really added the foundational synth flavour that coloured this whole track. Once we got our magic take, he overdubbed a piano track. I think it was his first take, and it was perfect.”

Other players featured on the tune include Nikki’s former bandmate, Nick Wagstaff, on saxophone (recorded from New York), and the choir featured on the back half of the track. “The choir was mostly members of Gay & Grey Montreal,” Nikki explains. “I was their outreach worker this past year supporting older adults in the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. One of the singers, Dyane, is 70-years-old, and said that singing back-up on a record was on her bucket list. It really was such a magical session.”

“Give To Me The Season” is magic at its tilt. The song bridges from gorgeous vocals, and lyricism that lends to the human condition we’re all feeling this time of year during a second trip around the pandemic, and passionately performed with a variety of eclectic soundscapes. “The extra sound on the last line of the song is a field recording that I got of me breaking a window,” Nikki shares. “I wanted to add some extra magic to help us break through this hard time and reach the other side.

“I actually had to break two windows.”

The song is an exciting build up to That Nikki You Know’s highly anticipated full length debut next spring and, with an arsenal of accolades at their disposal, and a sure-fire bet in long-term tenure in the music community, “Give Me To The Season” secures their spot among rising songwriters to watch for.

And when you’re feeling the pang of the holidays during this COVID Christmas, sip nog, and slip into That Nikki You Know’s sweetly-sung song about surviving the season once more.

JAY SLAY Ensures A Very Vibin’ Christmas with Release of New Album

Eric Alper
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JAY SLAY Ensures A Very Vibin’ Christmas with Release of New Album

If there’s one thing award-winning Canadian electronic artist, producer and events/label Vibe Raiders co-founder Jay Slay is certain of this holiday season (and beyond), it’s that it’s going to be A Very Vibin’ Christmas all-around.

Landing as the first in an inventive annual series reimagining holiday classics by way of electro, dance, and EDM flavours, so goes the title of the multi-talented DJ and classically trained pianist’s newly minted seasonal offering — available now.

The six-track A Very Vibin’ Christmas includes modern takes on the likes of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “The First Noel,” “Silent Night,” and more, and welcomes guests such as Los Angeles-based Nevve, one of the world’s top electronic vocal crews with over 1+ Billion streams, and NYC-based American Idol finalist Robbie Rosen to the featured roster alongside Victoria, BC-based Scarlett Darling and Edmonton, AB-based Kelly Alaina.

Best known for his breakthrough original track “All Night Long,” Jay Slay’s extensive roster plays host to upwards of 17 releases to date — including more than 1+ Million streams, tastemaker playlist adds, extensive radio play, podcast and media features, and more. Speaking of, the video for “All Night Long” won Best Music Video at The Indie Gathering International Film Festival 2021, and was an Official Selection at ~20 festivals, including New York, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Moscow.

In addition to writing and producing, as well as co-fronting the recently launched events company and record label, Vibe Raiders, Jay Slay — né Jonathan Robert Hamill — is also a noted conference speaker, author, and highly involved and valued asset to the music industry. Within his role as a medical educator, he has provided insight in the topics of “Emergency Divergency: crisis de-escalation demonstration” at the University of Calgary School of Medicine’s Mass Gathering Medicine Conference 2021 / Abnormal Psychology guest lecturer University of Alberta 2018, been a musician mental health speaker as the Virtual Electronic Music Summit 2020’s “Pandemic Panic Panel” facilitator, and a contributing author for the Music Industry Therapists & Coaches’ touring artist mental health manual 2021 funded by Live Nation, and more.

Pop Singer/Songwriter Lora Ryan Flips the Narrative with New Anti-Holiday Anthem, “December”

Eric Alper
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Pop Singer/Songwriter Lora Ryan Flips the Narrative with New Anti-Holiday Anthem, “December”

In an anti-holiday anthem for the ages, Canadian pop-electronic artist Lora Ryan wallows in wishful thinking with the release of her new single, “December”.

“This song is for those finding it hard to get into the holiday spirit,” Lora shares of the simmering seasonal offering. “Playing off titles of popular songs, I flipped the narrative of cheery classics, and made ‘December’ for anyone missing someone they love, but can’t be with during the holidays.”

Following the release of her 2020 debut LP, Reckless, and upwards of 70,000+ streams across Spotify alone, Lora Ryan joined forces once again with longtime producer Adam Royce when it came to the new track. “With a couple of ideas for how the verse and chord progression would go, I knew I needed to take it straight to the studio so Adam could put his magical touch on it,” she recalls.

The song is part of a series of what the Toronto-based singer/songwriter calls #sadgirlsongs — her dynamic channelling personal triumphs and tragedies when it comes to life and love into therapeutic tracks.

“Get ready to shed a tear at this one,” she promises — adding that the rest in the ongoing grouping “tell universal stories” that move audiences emotionally, intellectually, and physically.

“There are definitely different sides to my music, just like there are different sides, facets, and stages of life,” Lora muses. “Life is messy… Sometimes it’s happy. Sometimes it’s sad. Sometimes it’s sexy. Sometimes it’s tragic. It’s a little bit of everything, and can even be more than one thing at once.”

Same with Lora Ryan, whose genre-expansive palette of pop and dance-electronic music boasts soulful R&B-tinged vocals and earworm-worthy melodies. “My music is either sassy, sexy, or sad… But it all adds up to a reflection of me, in a pink, glittered package!”

This season, Lora Ryan’s “December” lands no differently.

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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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