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With the Windy City as its Backdrop, Indie Rockers bluefront Say It’s “High Time” for Love

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Indie rock band bluefront says it’s “High Time” to get things right in this, their new single and video — available now.

The Windy City-based four-piece is fronted by long-time musician, turned-lawyer, turned-professional musician, Alan Zreczny. Since being a child, Zreczny has had an enduring love for music, saying, “I always thought of being a musician and writing songs as the most fulfilling modes of self-expression.”

It would be several years, (and one bad relationship break-up later) that would find Zreczny in a new-found chance of possibility to see a childhood dream come true. From penning poetry that would eventually wind itself into guitar licks and melodies, Zreczny test drove his songwriting skills into finely composed tunes he debuted at a variety of coffee houses and open mics. Soon, after, he would fill out the bluefront band with long-time collaborator Jason Steele on guitar (who would aid in dropping Zreczny’s debut album, The Arbor Sessions), Nick Kabat (drums), and Mark Burns (bass).

“I know everyone says this, but it’s true — I really love the band. My favorite part of the whole thing is bringing in a new song and watching what happens, how it changes and how it feels all based on what Jason, Nick and Mark do,” Zreczny says.

After a variety of gigs and showcases, including The House Cafe, Uncommon Ground, and more, the band set to follow up Zreczny’s debut album, releasing Aftershocks in 2019. Recorded at Electrical Audio by Scott Steinman, mixed at GardenView Sound Studio by Scott Steinman for Studiomedia Recording and mastered by Matthew Barnhart at Chicago Mastering Services, this is definitely one for the headphones, too.

Aftershocks would produce a series of fan favourites, including “High Time”. And this year, the group opted to have a go at the beloved track’s visual counterpart.

“When thinking about a video for ‘High Time’, we wanted to feature our great hometown of Chicago while expressing the sentiments of the underlying story,” Zreczny explains.

The video follows Zreczny through a winding cat and mouse chase with a gorgeous brunette through-out the city’s urban landscape. As he continues to pursue her and her coy, teasing smile, Zreczny lovingly chants, “it’s high time we get this right,” in his signature, warbling, intimate vox that defines bluefront as a whole. And as our protagonist scans the city streets in an effort to woo the damsel ahead of him, his final clue to finding her results in him meeting up with his bluefront bandmates for a roof-top jam session.

“The director, Aleksei Borovikov, and I came up with a frantic but determined ‘journey’ through the city in search of whatever the narrator in the song is looking for,” Zreczny reveals, adding, “whether it be someone or something and then, ultimately, contentment and peace of mind.”

It’s high time you take a view through the “High Time” video. The throw and catch twist at the end of the video, mashed with the ever-beautiful love letter to Chicago’s concrete jungle, will make you wonder what took you so long to visit the city – and the band.

Aftershocks and “High Time” are available now.

Canadian Alt-Shoegaze Band Celia’s Dream Harness the Sonic Aesthetic of the ‘90s in this Heart-Pounding Ode to Intimacy

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Pulsing with vibrancy and gritty instrumentation — not to mention, coupled with a sense of melancholy to deliver a sonically nostalgic experience — Canadian alt-shoegazers Celia’s Dream comes out swinging with their debut single, “You” — available now.

“You” is an atypical love song with a minimalist lyrical approach that expresses the complexities of true romance in a way only Saskatchewan-based breakthrough band Celia’s Dream can.

“Known like the ocean,
You, you,
Breathing like we’ve come undone,
You, you”

Reverb-soaked guitars and thunderous drums represent the tumultuous nature of relationships, while the message is communicated like poetry written amongst long-lost lovers. From there, the track’s softer vocal range melds seamlessly with robust guitar work to form a musical juxtaposition seldomly heard, and the infectious energy is manifested through the versatility of the band’s sound and high-quality production values.

The band’s utilization of glide guitar techniques allowed for a unique synergy with evocative harmonies of the past and present, and the finished piece is a nod to the heavier love songs of bands like My Bloody Valentine, who inspire the track’s final line.

“You” came together over a year and a half ago, and was initially designated “The Summer Song” due to its uptempo qualities. Part of the delay in releasing “You” was due to the fact that the majority of the band’s equipment was stolen but, hurdles aside: with its musical synchronicity in seemingly opposed concepts of heavy instrumentation along with emotionally charged vocals fitting naturally, the song sets the tone ahead for Celia’s Dream and their forthcoming full-length.

Celia’s Dream is the vision of enigmatic frontman Justice Ausum, formerly of Sunny Day Encore. Accompanying him is bassist Cullen Angus and co-collaborator Chris Dimas, who helped define the sound of Celia’s Dream. Hailing from Regina, Saskatchewan, the band wears their influences proudly — ranging from stage legends like The Cure and Sonic Youth to Nirvana. Ausum’s love of the 90’s alternative rock scene continues to inform the lens with which he views music, while adding his signature style to conjure something fresh and exciting.

The splashy debut single from Celia’s Dream, “You,” is now available on all digital platforms.

Sonic Reducers: What Greatest Hits Albums Mean In The Age Of Spotify

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Sonic Reducers. 1 topic. 2 music nerds. 5 minutes.

Listen in as we debate Greatest Hits albums, delve into the murky waters that separate hits sets from best-ofs, and share some brilliant ideas that the music business should adopt instantly.

SiriusXM Spreads Holiday Cheer with Launch of Most Holiday Music Channels Ever

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SiriusXM announced today its extensive holiday music lineup featuring 19 ad-free channels including two new channels, Holiday Instrumentals and Noël Incontournable, as well as the much-anticipated Holly and Holiday Traditions channels. The festive music channels are kicking off the holiday season and are available on the SXM App now, Your Home For The Holidays.

SiriusXM’s holiday music channels, its biggest lineup ever, will spread the holiday cheer, offering listeners a variety of traditional holiday songs, classic Christmas carols, contemporary holiday tunes, seasonal soul music, holiday pop songs, country Christmas classics, Hanukkah music, and classical Christmas favorites.

SiriusXM will again launch a collection of holiday music online channels, including 70s/80s Christmas, Jolly Christmas, Rockin’ Xmas, Holiday Chill-Out and Jazz Holidays.

SiriusXM is available to subscribers in their car and on their phone and connected devices at home with the SXM App. Streaming access is included for most subscribers. Go to www.siriusxm.com/ways-to-listen to learn more.

For more information visit: www.siriusxm.com/holiday-music

SiriusXM’s holiday channel lineup features:

Holly (available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 105) 
Contemporary holiday hits featuring songs by Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé, Kelly Clarkson, Pentatonix, Norah Jones, John Legend, Train, Lady A, Ariana Grande and more. 
Available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 105 now through Sunday, December 26

Holiday Traditions (available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 71)
Traditional holiday recordings from the ’40s through the ’60s by artists such as Bing Crosby, Andy WilliamsRay Conniff and Nat King Cole.
Available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 71 now through Sunday, December 26

Hallmark Channel Radio (available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 104)
Hallmark Channel Radio is back for the holidays, featuring timeless Christmas music and carols that celebrate the joy of the season. Hear the songs you love brought to you by beloved Hallmark stars like Candace Cameron BureLacey ChabertJonathan Bennett, and more, who will share their favorite holiday songs and traditions. The channel will also take listeners behind the scenes of their all-new Countdown to Christmas movies. Hallmark Channel Radio is the perfect destination to embrace the wonder of the season with loved ones.
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26
Monday, November 23 – Sunday, December 26 via satellite on channel 104

Holiday Soul (available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 49)
Classic soul and Motown holiday music from the 60’s and 70’s, along with R&B holiday music from the 80’s, 90’s and today, including Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Lou RawlsSmokey Robinson, The Jackson 5, The Supremes, John Legend, Boyz II Men, Mariah CareyToni Braxton and many more.
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26
Tuesday, December 7 – Sunday, December 26 via satellite on channel 49

Country Christmas (available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 58)
Spanning the generations of country Christmas music, including Garth BrooksCarrie Underwood and George Strait
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26
Tuesday, December 7 – Sunday, December 26 via satellite on channel 58

Christmas Spirit (available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 63)
Christmas music and holiday favorites exclusively from contemporary Christian artists including Amy GrantChris Tomlin, MercyMe, Lauren Daigle, for KING & COUNTRY, Michael W. Smith Matthew WestFrancesca Battistelli and more.
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26
Tuesday, December 7 – Sunday, December 26 via satellite on channel 63

Holiday Pops (available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 76)
Classical Christmas carols and holiday favorites performed by some of the greatest classical artists of all-time, including Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Luciano Pavarotti, New York Philharmonic, King’s College Choir, Boston Pops and Thomas Hampson.
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26
Friday, December 24 – Saturday, December 25 via satellite on channel 76

Acoustic Christmas (available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 6)
The tree may be lit, but SiriusXM wants to help you unplug this Christmas with nothing but acoustic holiday tunes. Hear new and classic holiday songs from well-known singer songwriters and bands like Jack Johnson, Sia, George Ezra, Train, Norah Jones, Maroon 5, Jason Mraz, The Lumineers and many more.
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26
Friday, December 24 – Saturday, December 25 via satellite on channel 6

Mannheim Steamroller Channel (available on the SXM App)
Mannheim Steamroller takes holiday classics in a refreshing new direction with their signature blend of symphonic, new age and rock music. Explore more than three decades of their majestic sounds of the season with Mannheim Steamroller founder Chip Davis.
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26

Navidad (available on the SXM App)
Latin holiday music and traditional sounds, including Ricky MartinGloria Estefan, José Feliciano, Tito El Bambino, Marco Antonio Solís and Fania All-Stars.
Available on the SXM App now through Thursday, January 6

Radio Hanukkah (available on the SXM App)
Extensive collection of Hanukkah-themed music, including contemporary, traditional and children’s selections as well as daily reflections and prayers related to the holiday.
Available on the SXM App Tuesday, November 23 through Monday, December 6

Jolly Christmas (available on the SXM App)
Upbeat, energetic holiday hits from The Chipmunks and Gene Autry to Mariah Carey and Jose Feliciano. Feel-good, singing along with the songs you know, bringing smiles to the season! Always a holiday hit…on Jolly Christmas.
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26

Holiday Instrumentals (available on the SXM App)
An all new holiday music channel featuring holiday favorites, but the vocals are replaced with instruments. String, piano, orchestra versions and more of your favorite holiday hits. Feel free to sing along with holiday hits instrumental style.
Available via streaming on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26

Noël Incontournable (available on the SXM App)
An all new holiday music channel featuring Francophone Christmas classics and contemporary holiday hits from the ’60s to today with music from Ginette RenoBruno Pelletier and Laurence Nerbonne.
Available year-round on the SXM App.

Jazz Holidays (available on the SXM App)
Fire up the chestnuts and be prepared to bop along under the mistletoe with Christmas favorites from classic legends and contemporary jazz stars alike. Featuring songs from Ella FitzgeraldDavid BenoitWynton Marsalis, Kenny G, Dianne ReevesDave Koz, and Vince Guaraldi.
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26

70s/80s Holidays (available on the SXM App)
Sing-a-long to the biggest and most familiar Christmas and holiday songs from the ’70s and ’80s. Featuring songs from The Carpenters, Elton JohnPaul McCartney, Madonna, Bruce SpringsteenBryan Adams, Hall & Oates, The Jackson 5 and more.  
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26

Rockin’ Xmas (available on the SXM App)
SiriusXM’s Rockin’ Xmas Channel features classic Christmas songs that rock including hits, from AC/DC, Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi, U2, Tom Petty, REO Speedwagon, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Eagles and more.  Plus hear songs that might make you laugh from Cheech & Chong, Adam Sandler and others. 
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26

Holiday Chill-Out (available on the SXM App)
SiriusXM brings you a 24/7 Holiday Chill-Out channel featuring downtempo & deep house versions of classic holiday music.
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26

New Year’s Nation (available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 105)
New Year’s Nation is custom curated to serve as your ultimate New Year’s celebration playlist powering your party with the best pop, rhythm, dance and hip-hop hits from across the nation to ring in 2022. Featuring songs from Dua LipaJustin BieberOlivia Rodrigo, Lil Nas X, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Ed Sheeran, Doja Cat, Jonas Brothers and more.
Available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 105 on Monday, December 27 through Monday, January 3

Alt.Rocker MDMP Channels Cosmic Forces of Sound and Silence into Emotionally-Charged “Strength”

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Cosmic forces of sound and silence are channelled effortlessly through the artistic perception of multi-disciplined renaissance musician MDMP on the emotionally charged single “Strength” — available now.

The new single off MDMP’s ambitious 27-part debut album, Day One, “Strength” is a harrowing tale surrounding the internal struggle that invites itself in when all hope seems lost.

Featuring the ultra-talented metal band Dayshell out of Southern California, MDMP fearlessly captures the haunting realities of those who deal with trauma in harmful ways; particularly those with substance abuse issues. Meticulous listeners are rewarded with a vocal performance that takes no lyric for granted with the depth and raw energy that does this pain-staking subject justice.

Look no further than the official music video for “Strength” to watch the emotional story of a young man who keeps slipping further into darkness with an array of gut-wrenching imagery that hits home. MDMP’s goal with this song is to focus on an issue that affects people worldwide. Every detail was considered when addressing the somber tone of the video with high-quality acting and artful cinematography lending itself to the authenticity of the lyrics.

While darker aspects of the human experience are explored comfortably on Day One, a myriad of universal themes are embedded within the vast sonic spectrum of MDMP’s unique instrumentation. There is no limit to the scope of musical ideas on the epic 27 song album that ranges from arena rock to more introspective synth compositions to the fantastical hair metal bands of yesteryear while also incorporating reggae and disco elements.

Unfettered by genre conventions, MDMP is an anomalous songwriter who has long since thrown out the rule book to craft something singular in its vision. “Some artists are determined to be the same and never change, and they’re going to go down with that ship,” he says. “I don’t want to do that.

MDMP is the brainchild of Hawaii-based singer/songwriter and eclectic multi-instrumentalist Jeremey Meyer. Nebraska in the 90s was a pivotal period for the impressionable young artist who would absorb influence from the greatest rock bands at the time—going as far as to recite legendary macabre poet Edgar Allan Poe in song during his school’s English class. Meyer’s love for multi-faceted art would accompany him to the sands of Iraq as a military service member before returning home and finding success on stage as bassist for hard rock band Sherry Drive. Meyer would relocate to Nanakuli, Hawaii, where he continues to push himself creatively under the enigmatic alt-rock outfit MDMP.

MDMP’s debut album, Day One, and the melancholy new single, “Strength,” are available now on all digital platforms, CD and Vinyl.

Nunavut-Based Pop-Rap Artist Aocelyn Unveils New Single & Video in “I Wish I Was a King”

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Inuk pop-rap artist Aocelyn ascends to her rightful throne with the unveiling of her new single and video, “I Wish I Was a King” — available now.

The song lands ahead of the 22-year-old Nunavut-based songwriter, vocalist and freestyler’s forthcoming debut album, Lovely, set to arrive this November 5th via Iqaluit-based record label, Hitmakerz.

An extremely unique artist who has overcome many challenges, including housing insecurity and extensive bullying throughout her life, Jocelyn Arreak — and nom de plume, Aocelyn (pronounced “aw-slin) — hope to help others avoid the bullying that she experienced.

Having written her first song “Live To Love Life” in an attempt to deal with the harassment she faced, she says her music focuses on themes of believing in yourself, rooting for those who’ve been outcasted, spreading hope, and breaking the stigma around mental illness.

Discovered by the late Kelly Fraser, Aocelyn released her first music video “Adventure Awaits” in 2019, and was also featured in the music collective Ajungi album that same year. In September of 2021, Aocelyn attended the Hitmakerz Compound in Ottawa, where she recorded the video for “I Wish I Was a King” with filmmaker, Rachel J. Vrecic.

“I Wish I Was a King” — as well as the rest of the Lovely album — was produced by Thor Simonsen (Kelly Fraser, Aasiva, Joey Nowyuk, Shauna Seeteenak, etc.) and Bardur Haberg (Girls’ Generation, Namie Amuro, Kumi Koda, The Disney Channel, etc.). The single artwork was created by Bjorn Ulvedal Simonsen.

Financial support for the album and music video was provided by the Government of Nunavut and the Nunavut Film Development Corporation, respectively.

Lovely is available November 5, 2021.

“I Wish I Was a King” is available now.

Folk-Rock Songstress ERIKA LAMON Moves Forward to “Catch the Light”

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Love affairs, personal epiphanies, floods of memories, messy situations… Every life story can become inspiration for a song, and Canadian folk-rock artist Erika Lamon is distilling such moments into her forthcoming album, and new single “Catch the Light” — available now.

Confronting the world at a pandemic standstill gave Lamon and her co-writer, producer, and husband, Max Nolet, the desire to set creativity in motion and record an album. The result is the Kingston-based singer-songwriter’s first full length, and FACTOR funded effort, Hues — set to arrive May 27, 2022.

Fittingly, the album recording process began in 2020 with Lamon sitting in the middle of her home studio with “lyrics from the last few years strewn about me on the floor,” she recalls.

“I asked myself: ‘what songs am I really excited about? Cutting it down to fifteen songs was tough.”

Then, as inspiration would strike, Lamon and Nolet would write new songs, cutting that initial list even more.

“But throughout the process, we let excitement be our compass for the album,” explains Lamon. “By the end of the winter, we had narrowed it down to a single pile, and ‘Catch the Light’ was at the top of it.”

Even though “Catch the Light” was written in 2015 prior to the release of Lamon’s debut, self-titled EP, Lamon knew the song’s time had now come to be recorded and released.

“I remember sitting with a guitar at my in-law’s kitchen counter and playing it for the first time for Max, my now-husband and producer, and everything was there.”

Following where excitement led also influenced the recording of “Catch the Light,” she continues. “A lot of things appeared at the last minute in the song as people got creative: the bass swells, the backup vocals…. Even the guitar solo wasn’t part of the original plan.

“That’s the beauty of art: Those unscripted moments make a recording what it is.”

Writing and recording Hues and releasing “Catch the Light” mark Lamon’s reemergence from two years of performing and touring from Toronto to Charlottetown following the 2017 release of her debut EP. In 2020, the much anticipated, one-off single and video “Omen” garnered attention from FACTOR, and earned Lamon financial support for recording her first album and releasing “Catch the Light” this year.

“Music, for me, is about connecting to ourselves and the world around us through story,” explains Lamon. “And when we made the demo for ‘Catch the Light,’ all I could think was: this is the start of that story.”

“Catch the Light” is available now. Hues is available May 27, 2022.

Sonic Reducers: TikTokers Are Blaming The Devil For Astroworld Disaster

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Sonic Reducers. 1 topic. 2 music nerds. 5 minutes.

We try to comprehend claims that Satan was behind the Astroworld tragedy, dig deeper into the connection between the devil + music, and wonder why rappers + hip-hoppers aren’t as preoccupied with Lucifer.

U.S. Postal Service Reveals New Pete Seeger Stamp for 2022

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The U.S. Postal Service has announced a new Pete Seeger stamp to be issued in 2022.

“The new 2022 stamps are miniature works of art, designed to be educational and appeal to collectors and pen pals around the world,” said USPS Stamp Services Director William Gicker. “As always, the program offers a variety of subjects celebrating American culture and history. The vivid colors and unique designs of this year’s selections will add a special touch of beauty on your envelopes.”

The 10th stamp in the Music Icons series honors Pete Seeger (1919-2014), a champion of traditional music and its power to inspire activism. Seeger’s clear tenor voice, iconic banjo and enormous charisma transformed concerts into singalongs. The stamp art features a color-tinted black-and-white photograph of Seeger singing and playing his banjo in the early 1960s, by Dan Seeger, the performer’s son. One side of the pane includes 16 stamps and the image of a sliver of a record seeming to peek out the top of the sleeve. A larger version of the stamp art photograph appears on the reverse side. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp and pane.

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide.

Pandora Honors First-Ever Hip Hop History Month This November With New Hip Hop Forever Station

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November has officially been recognized by the United States Senate as Hip Hop History Month, and to commemorate the very first iteration of this annual celebration of hip hop music, Pandora will launch a brand new station to take fans on a journey through the decades of the genre. The new station, entitled Hip Hop Forever, will feature four artist-curated modes highlighting hip hop music from the 80s through today.

From coast to coast, subgenre to subgenre, Pandora will honor the iconic musical artists who made hip hop one of the most popular art forms in the entire world. Each decade of hip hop history will have its own featured Mode on the “Hip Hop Forever” station, hosted by trailblazing artists who will walk listeners through their favorite songs and stories from that time. The Modes feature commentary from Kid n Play, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Naughty By Nature, Ghostface Killah, Lil Jon, Soulja Boy, Drumma Boy, BIA, Wale, Latto, Don Toliver, Lakeyah, Rich the Kid, and Hitmaka.

“Hip Hop has become bigger than just a genre of music, it’s pop culture and a lifestyle,” states J1, Pandora’s Senior Director of Hip Hop. “Working directly with artists to present their music and hear them tell their stories was fun, enlightening and an honor. We’ve been able to create something that hip hop fans will not find anywhere else.”

Earlier this year, the Senate unanimously voted to officially recognize November as Hip Hop History Month. The legislation notes that hip-hop is a genre that “transcends many different ages, ethnicities, religions, locations, political affiliations, and socioeconomic statuses, which demonstrates the melting-pot quality of Hip Hop art and culture.”

“God used Hip Hop to save my life,” says Play of the trailblazing hip hop duo Kid n Play about Pandora’s recognition of Hip Hop History Month. “Hip Hop culture inspired me to start paying attention to gifts I didn’t know I had. I appreciate, support and salute Pandora’s Hip Hop Forever Radio to hopefully inspire & point others in a positive direction!”

Pandora Artist Takeover Modes live on the platform’s top stations and feature the biggest names in music across Pandora’s most popular genres. Artist Takeovers feature music handpicked by the artist including a mix of their own songs and personal favorites from other artists, with special audio commentary describing their selections and what they mean to them.

Listen to Hip Hop Forever on Pandora here.