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”
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”
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
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
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
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”
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.
Franklin McKay Says “Christmas Ain’t the Same (Without You)”
Multi-Billboard charting Canadian artist Franklin McKay lends his soulful passion to those with the holiday blues, and says “Christmas Ain’t the Same (Without You)” with the release of his latest single — available now.
Celebrating the season with a freshly-minted tune has been top-of-mind for the singer/songwriter before, including a few varied versions of “The Best Day of the Year” and “This Christmas” — the latter of which hit #24 on the Billboard-charts.
This year, however, McKay switched gears when it came to “Christmas Ain’t the Same (Without You),” he says. Co-written with Harem Scarem’s Harry Hess, the release strays from McKay’s traditionally up-beat and happier-sounding holiday offerings, noting that “not everybody is jingle-bell happy.”
It’s “more of a reflective song, as opposed to a downer,” McKay shares. “Every Christmas isn’t happy for everybody; I think songs have places at different times in our lives and what we’re going through.”
While the languishing of the Covid-19 pandemic can be credited for at least some inspiration towards the track, McKay reveals he ultimately and most personally relates it to the passing of his mother, who passed in 2017 at age 85. “I think anybody who has lost a loved one can relate on that level. It’s applicable to anybody that has lost somebody in their lives that they’re used to having around.”
Originally hailing from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, McKay has worked with a multitude of notable musicians, performers, and writers over the course of his career; Harry Hess (Harem Scarem), Bill Champlin (Chicago), Marc Jordan (Rod Stewart), Heather Rankin (The Rankin Family), Greg Fitzgerald (Madonna, Hall & Oates), and more.
Currently at work on a forthcoming album, previous releases from the Los Angeles- and Toronto-based artist also see Billboard US Adult Contemporary-charting tracks such as “More Than A Memory,” “Someone,” and “Destiny” among them; the latter saw a reimagining that featured The Rankin Family’s Heather Rankin.
With more than 350,000+ collective streams across Spotify alone, his most recent release “Breath of Life” debuted at #50 on Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart this past February, 2021.
Watch The Story Of “The Ring” Deleted From The Beastie Boys Documentary
So good, but so little time. The Beastie Boyd had to cut this scene which was one of their favorites. The Beastie Boys Story is out now on the Apple TV app.
R&B Singer/Songwriter JENNA Nation Revels in The Childlike Joys of Christmas with “My Christmas Wish”
No matter how old we are, that sense of childlike wonder and hope, even if just a glimmer, is always sparked once the Christmas season comes around, and Toronto R&B artist JENNA Nation is igniting that very sentiment with her soaring new single “My Christmas Wish” — available now.
Written by JENNA Nation and Roger Ryan, and produced by Roger, “My Christmas Wish” has all the trimmings and trappings of a favorite Christmas ballad — the piano, the slow beats, the snaps, the strings that come in at just the right time for catharsis.
However, the true stars of this song are the full-range vocals and seamless harmonies sung with clear soulfulness and sincerity. When she asks you “Let’s not forget the child in us all/The magic we feel/On Christmas this year,” JENNA Nation isn’t trying to coax you into shedding a tear, she just wants you to get into the spirit, as simple – and as beautiful – as that.
“’My Christmas Wish’ has all of the warmth and comforting elements of a Christmas classic, while also bringing a new contemporary take on the Christmas music we all love,” JENNA says. “The song reminds us about the excitement and magic we feel on Christmas as a child, as we are never too old to dream and we’re never too old to believe.”
JENNA Nation is a Canadian R&B/Soul, jazz and pop singer/songwriter who has quickly gained momentum on the international music scene. Her album You Don’t Know received numerous accolades, including being named Canada’s Best R&B Album of 2017, No. 9 overall (Music Canada magazine), and one of the 10 Best Records of the Year (Village Voice).
She has performed for the Prime Minister of Canada and as part of the Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill, as well as at JUNOs official after-party, and as part of GRAMMY Week Showcase.
In addition, JENNA has performed internationally at various venues and famed music festivals including Live Nation HQ in Beverly Hills; RBC Bluesfest (Ottawa); MIDEM (France); New Skool Rules (Holland); the Toronto, Ottawa, and Beaches International Jazz Festivals; and has opened for Shawn Mendes, Lauv, Chromeo and Snarky Puppy. JENNA Nation has also been a finalist in several international songwriting competitions.