Sonic Reducers. One topic. Two music nerds. 5 minutes.
Come along as we talk about the Grateful Dead T-shirt that just sold for $17,640 at auction, discuss our personal concert shirt collections, and debate whether it’s cool or not to wear your favourite band’s shirt to their show.
How exciting and enduringly accessible can roots music be? Highly prolific Canadian roots and jazz duo Q&A have a very tasty, home-cooked answer for you with the veritable buffet of songs they’re serving with their new album, Demo Listen Derby — available now via Sonic Peach Music.
The playful play on words of Demo Listen Derby headlines a joyful, 15-track ride that shifts gears thrillingly and effortlessly from jazz to blues to country to bossa nova to Cajun and back again. Packed from front to back with original songs written by the duo, this is a collection rich and diverse in theme and flavour.
So, who is the “Q” and who is the “A”? They are the dynamic duo of jazz guitarist, composer and JUNO-winning producer Tony Quarrington and accomplished vocalist, actress and comedienne Zoey Adams. Q&A wrote and recorded the new album as just one of their songwriting projects in 2021 — and there are still three months left in the year! It just goes to show that it takes more than a global pandemic to shut down this energetic, hard working pair who’ve co-written over 100+ songs since 2017!
Along with the release of the new album, Q & A are highlighting a featured single “You Never Let Me Down.” An upbeat, smile-worthy swing opus paying sweet tribute to a steadfast loved one, “You Never Let Me Down” is propelled by Quarrington’s stellar Django-style guitar, Adams’ perky vocal and swinging violin lines from highly regarded Toronto player Shelley Coopersmith. The song underlines the importance of dependability in a great relationship, much like Quarrington and Adams’ 15-year successful and fruitful musical partnership.
The two artists were first brought together by the late broadcaster, humorist, author and CBC Radio host of The Vinyl Cafe Stuart McLean. In 2005, McLean asked Quarrington to compose a cycle of songs that became Vinyl Cafe: The Musical. Then, Quarrington and Adams were hired to sing the characters’ songs in the musical. Working together on that project opened the door to creating and performing together as a duo long term. Quarrington’s award winning musicianship on more than 20 original albums and Adams’ extensive, international theatre, comedy improv and vocal performance experience have made for an unusual blending of backgrounds and interests that somehow just works. Of course, they’ve written a song about that too!
The duo’s songwriting project that has become Demo Listen Derby was originally conceived as a showcase to present these songs to other artists. However, the performances were too good and the songs too luscious to be stuck waiting on the shelf.
Other highlights from the new album include “Sweet Destruction”, a funky Nashville duet depicting a relationship that you know is bad for you but is too sweet to pass up. “The Old House”, a gentle meditative ballad about a common recurring dream of revisiting one’s childhood home. The cajun waltz “Blue Bayou Lullaby” features Quarrington on lead vocals backed by Adams and assorted percussion “implements” from the kitchen drawers and tool box…oh, and an iphone. There is also a ballad featuring a string trio, a humorous tribute to legendary singer-songwriter John Prine and a song co-written by Tony and the late, great Mose Scarlett.
Like the inspired pairings of Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, Dean Martin and Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra and Pearl Bailey and more recently, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga…Tony “Q” Quarrington and Zoey “A” Adams are a musical marriage made in high-toned heaven.
Demo Listen Derby including the featured single “You Never Let Me Down” are available now!
Shortly ahead of their long-awaited, self-titled third studio album, Forth have released a brand-new single called “1993” — available now.
Doing its job in successfully taking listeners back to the glory days of the 1990s — objectively, one of the finest decades in music history — the — the up-and-coming Finnish hard rock band pay ode to fallen musicians of the era with this gorgeous new ballad.
This emotional, four-minute spanning song serves as the third and final single from the Forth album, and was written by frontman Brian Forth. “This song is about the loss of those voices, and the fading away of a kind of music that was real, powerful and driven by raw emotion,” the lead vocalist/acoustic guitarist says.
Though there’s twinges of Bryan Adams and early 1990s Axl Rose in Forth’s seemingly familiar voice, “1993” is a clear product of the massively short-lived grunge era. It’s constant, and addictive bass groove is carried by not just a glorious acoustic guitar melody, but a rock-solid rhythm backing and admiringly emotional vocal delivery from the band’s leader.
In fact, his delivery is similar to something you might hear out of Scorpions — the veteran German rock titans. To top it all off, guitar virtuoso and lead Tim Norrgrann treats fans with an incredibly succinct guitar solo at around the three-minute mark.
Speaking further on “1993”, Forth gave a nod to four of his most beloved heroes in particular. The late Grunge icons: Kurt Cobain (Nirvana), Layne Staley (Alice in Chains), Chris Cornell (Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave) and Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots, Velvet Revolver).
Though he wrote the lyrics on his own, Norrgrann — another insanely talented multi-instrumentalist — helped him compose the instant classic, which landed itself at the No. 1 spot on Finland’s “Suomi Soi Top 20” chart upon release.
Of the writing of “1993”, Norrgrann said “it pretty much wrote itself,” after jamming over a few guitar ideas with Brian. As is clear throughout the song, he described it as an amalgamation of different musical eras, naming “late ‘70s stadium rock” as one of the key themes.
While Forth’s back-catalogue incorporates clear inspiration from the classic rock, alternative, hard rock and grunge genres, the four-piece band has pro-actively dubbed themselves a style called “newstalgia” — a sound the Espoo natives have become well-known for. The idea for this so-called newstalgia spawned from not just their own, but society’s repeated desire to look to the past and resurrect fads and/or trends from a bygone era. Its roots? An undeniable craving for nostalgia. Who doesn’t love that?
“1993” was recorded, mixed and produced by Forth and Valtteri Kallio at Soundwell Studio and mastered by Janne Hakanen. An accompanying music video was created by director Lassi Hurskainen. Hurskainen’s captivating short captures the aspiring band performing the song in-studio, with some intertwined flashbacks of the lead singer’s childhood — particularly when he was gifted his first guitar by his girlfriend at the time.
“That guitar was the gateway to a lifelong affair with music for the singer,” reminisces Forth, alluding to the dust-covered guitar which, in the video, is rediscovered in an attic. “The memories come flooding back (to me),” the frontman concluded.
Forth is: Brian Forth, Tim Norrgrann, drummer Kari Storckovius and bass guitarist Mikael Söderbäck.
Ahead of the release of their forthcoming album, Forth’s elusive, 11-track debut Road Stories (2014) is available to fans worldwide, as well as 2019’s immersive Captivity record.
“1993”, the brand-new, stirring single by Forth, is available now.
Sonic Reducers. 1 topic. 2 music nerds. 5 minutes.
We discuss Peter Hook’s upcoming tour Joy Division: A Celebration, delve into the joys and pitfalls of watching bands play classic albums in their entirety.
2021 has been a busy year for up-and-coming pop-trap artist Mattmac so far. After tucking an Album Of The Year Award into his belt from the Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards, he’s also received an Indigenous Artist of the Year nomination at this year’s BreakOut West Festival’s Western Canadian Music Awards.
Among it all, Mattmac has debuted this, his latest single, “Status” to his dedicated and expanding cluster of listeners.
Something that makes Mattmac’s music so unique is his ability to incorporate other genres into his pop music productions. While Mattmac has a tendency to focus on pop-trap music, it hasn’t kept him from incorporating elements of the rock and metal genres into his productions, with “Status” being no exception.
Truth be told, that is one element that makes Mattmac’s story so inspiring. However, if you dive a little deeper, you find this self-taught producer and instrumentalist is exceptionally skilled at slapping together a outstanding compositions release after release. And a quick Google search of Mattmac will very quickly inform you that Mattmac is blind; in fact he was born blind.
Mattmac’s blindness took a toll on him in his early years. However, it seems he’s taken his hardships and turned them into a platform to bolster himself. “I began to struggle with depression at a young age, and I credit music for helping me cope; I grew up surrounded by music both on the radio and singing in my community’s gospel choir.”
It’s always humbling to see an artist who can turn tragedy into triumph. For a lot of artists, one successful single would be enough to call it a day. For Mattmac, this is not the case; since 2017 Mattmac has been releasing music, starting with his debut single “Help You See,” a clever play on words that reflects on his condition while also being an uplifting collaboration between students of Garden Hill, Manitoba.
“Help You See” as a production came was conceptualized in 2016 when N’we Jinan, a travelling music studio program. N’we Jinan invited Mattmac to collaborate on a project. Drawing inspiration from his personal story, they worked on producing “Help You See” which was streamed more than 250,000 times on YouTube and Facebook. Through this experience, he connected with International artist Nelly Furtado, and performed alongside her at Indigenous Day Live and We Day Canada Day in 2017; they continue to work together.
From there, it has been nothing but up for Mattmac. In fact, one of his more recent 2020 singles, “Paradise,” has swept the Canadian airwaves, surmounting over 260,000 streams since its release on Spotify. From there, it went on to be featured on the NCI FM Indigenous Music Countdown hosted by SiriusXM while also receiving local support from Virgin Radio Winnipeg.
All of this hard work and perseverance has led us to this point, Mattmac’s release of his newest single, “Status,” which features more inspirational messaging coupled with some exhilarating trap influenced lyrics. While Mattmac carries on, he leaves something special for everyone to pick up on: “I hope to continue to use my platform to inspire others to know that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to.”
“Status” is available now.
A harrowing tale of a love so potent, it becomes dangerous, charismatic rocker Laszlo Jones roams the darker side of romance with provocative new single, “Out Of My Head” — available now.
Openly exploring the turbulent nature of losing love — all within moments of poignant reflection, principally communicated through the lyrics — the latest single off Jones’ hallucinatory new EP, Beyond The Door, demonstrates the unshackled approach to music that flourishes within the well-travelled artist.
“When I ride through stormy weather, I remember how it used to be
How you used to hold my temper, how you made it all right for me
There’s no way I could forget the way you kept away my regrets
When you held me
When you touched me
When you gave me the world I wanted”
The complexities of destructive relationships are as viscerally communicated in the sound as they are in words. This concept is expressed further within the music video for “Out Of My Head,” where interpretive dance and striking visuals take center stage to deliver the emotional imagery manifested in the super-charged single.
A composer in his own right, Jones’ meticulous attention to musical detail shapes the new EP with the collaborative effort of his friend, multi-instrumentalist and producer Michael Buyens (The Gathering, Life Of Agony). Jones assembles an all-star cast of accomplished musicians in Paris, France, to record the five tracks that would comprise his latest project.
Argentinian arranger Marcos Barilari guides the eclectic sounds of the new EP to life through the expert musicianship of drummer Ralph Sammins (ABBA, Quincy Jones), Pianist Michael Arrom (Steve Vai), and Canadian producer/songwriter Kane Churko (5 Finger Death Punch, Ozzy Osbourne) who mixed at renowned Las Vegas recording studio The Hideout.
Laszlo Jones’ artistic fearlessness originates from his native Beirut, Lebanon, where the expatriation of his parents led him on a path that prioritizes personal discovery and adventure. This freedom of expression encouraged Jones to pursue varied opportunities to play in bands across multiple genres in practically every country he’s called home. Jones’ avant-garde approach to his craft allows the listener to experience a uniquely international influence unbound by the conventions of rock music.
“Out Of My Head” is available now.
Sonic Reducers. 1 topic. 2 music nerds. 5 minutes.
We discuss both versions of Jack White’s new Call Of Duty-soundtrack single Taking Me Back, express our love for anything and everything he does, and admit we have no idea what Call Of Duty is all about.
Massey Hall has announced the dedication of the new recording studio in Allied Music Centre – the Deane Cameron Recording Studio. Named honouring the late Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall President and CEO, Deane Cameron. The Canadian music industry icon and recipient of the Order of Canada, also served as President of EMI Music Canada over the course of his esteemed career.
“Deane dedicated his life to discovering and sharing exceptional music. We could think of no better way to honour his memory than to attach his name to the room where future concerts and studio sessions will be recorded for the world to hear,” said Jesse Kumagai, President and CEO, The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall.
Every performance space, from Massey Hall’s Allan Slaight Stage to each of the three new venues in Allied Music Centre will be wired to the Deane Cameron Recording Studio and will immortalize historic musical moments.
On May 16, 2019, the world lost one of its greatest music champions. Deane Cameron started in the warehouse at EMI Music Canada in 1972, working his way to the top, becoming President in 1988 where he remained at the helm until 2012, leaving an indelible mark on Canadian culture. In 2015, Deane took over as President & CEO of the Corporation of Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall to drive the most significant revitalization in Massey Hall’s history. When the iconic red doors on Shuter Street reopen to the public, Massey Hall will be intrinsically linked to a seven-storey addition featuring new live music venues and dedicated spaces for music creation and education, collectively known as Allied Music Centre. It is here where Deane’s memory and legacy will be honoured with the creation of the Deane Cameron Recording Studio.
Emerging artists and participants in Artist Development programs will benefit from access to world-class equipment and the inspiration drawn from the most storied address in Canadian music. Education and Outreach programming will have profound impact as students and music lovers of all ages connect with music and with each other in life-changing ways made possible by the Deane Cameron Recording Studio.
Deane’s legacy will be honoured in the most fitting way possible and empower future generations to create and share their music.
“Deane would be thrilled to know that today’s artist community will be able to further their musical aspirations through the Deane Cameron Recording studio. His commitment to the development of Canadian music culture was the hallmark of his career. This honours his legacy while providing an outlet for creativity, collaboration and musical education to flourish,” said David Munns & Tim Trombley, close friends and former colleagues of Deane Cameron and Campaign Co-Chairs, The Deane Cameron Recording Studio.
Friends and the Canadian music community are encouraged to share their favourite memory of Deane and honour his legacy with a donation to the Deane Cameron Recording Studio at DeaneCameronRecordingStudio.com. To kick things off, a generous friend of Deane’s has committed to match the first $150,000 in donations, doubling the impact.
When it comes to being an international delight, Rupert (Ojiji) Harvey is no stranger to being recognized. Which is why it’s no surprise you and me are here gushing over this multi-award winning reggae staple’s newest release, “Blazing Iron” — available now.
Rupert (Ojiji) Harvey wears many hats: as a solo recording artist, as well as the founder of legendary Canadian Funk Band, Crack of Dawn, and also world-renowned reggae outfit, Messenjah. Harvey ran so that Canadian reggae could walk; for more than four decades, and counting, he has been a pillar for the reggae music scene in Canada.
During the trailblazing process, Harvey has become quite the decorated musician, picking up awards such as a JUNO, CASBY, and the Q107 Music Award. Recently, Rupert Harvey has also been inducted into the Canadian Reggae Music Hall of Fame while watching his music continue to be featured in several television and movie soundtracks. Harvey even accepted a cameo appearance in the movie, Cocktail.
In fact, it’s this “Blazing Iron” inside of Harvey’s heart that keeps the hunger strong…
“Blazing Iron” is the latest song written and produced by Ojiji, which features glowing contributions from Rupert Harvey’s brother, Carl Harvey — who is, in fact, a foundational member of the Grammy Award winning Reggae band, Toots and the Maytals. The “Blazing Iron” project also features Rupert Harvey’s son, Meshach Harvey, as part of the production team, bringing strong engineering and production skills with him.
While “Blazing Iron” is the newest release from Rupert Harvey, it doesn’t mean this accredited musician hasn’t been busy. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
Busy with his current solo career, and also focused on the Ojiji project, after Crack of Dawn disbanded in 1978, Harvey made his transition over to Ojiji and focused on solo projects. Debuting with the single, “Ojiji – The Shadow,” he then released “Ojiji – Halfway Home,” and recently, “Once A Lion” — the latter of which was recorded on the Hawaiian Islands.
It doesn’t seem like the apple falls too far from the tree when it comes to this musically inclined family. Both Rupert Harvey and Carl Harvey are world-renowned musicians who receive much praise wherever listener’s are blessed with the sonic tranquility that is their voices and rhythmic stylization.
In fact, “Blazing Iron” incorporates much of the experience that the Harvey brothers have picked up along the way. “Blazing Iron” features a poppy timbre to fit well into the radio ready reggae that finds its way to radio, while also still carrying traditional Reggae homages along with it.
It seems like Ojiji is here to continue blazing the trail as Rupert Harvey’s alter ego, or solo career name. “Blazing Iron” is the newest single debuted by Ojiji, however the production value is still very much in tune with the projects that would come from Messenjah or Crack of Dawn. When it comes to greatness, that is hard to leave behind. Rupert (Ojiji) Harvey seems to carry this greatness everywhere he goes and pass it along to everything he touches.
“Blazing Iron” is available now
Described as “one of the most innovative of their era,” iconic Canadian artists Martha and the Muffins have announced the release of their new album, Marthology: In and Outtakes — available November 5th.
Groundbreaking from the start, Martha and the Muffins formed during the early days of Toronto’s punk / new wave / art pop scene in 1977. They were the first Canadian band to sign to a UK label, recording their debut, Metro Music, at England’s The Manor Studio, and would go on to tour and receive more than three decades worth of critical acclaim worldwide.
Since then, the band has released seven studio albums, three of which they co-produced with Daniel Lanois (U2/Peter Gabriel). The songs they worked on together included the groundbreaking singles “Women Around The World At Work”, “Danseparc”, “Black Stations White Stations”, “Come Out And Dance” and “Cooling The Medium”. Martha Johnson and Mark Gane, founding members of Martha and the Muffins, have gone into their extensive archives to select 12 rare singles, B-sides and unreleased tracks for ‘Marthology: In And Outtakes’.
‘Marthology: In And Outtakes’ spans 35 years of recordings including previously limited releases of “Summer Of Song,” “Big Day,” and “Do You Ever Wonder,” as well as the 30th anniversary version of JUNO-winning single, “Echo Beach,” as well as never heard before songs and alternative versions of album cuts.
For the band’s global audience as well as the uninitiated, ‘Marthology: In And Outtakes’, offers a behind the scenes glimpse of the original and diverse avenues of Martha and Mark’s songwriting which has defined Martha and the Muffins as a groundbreaking band since it’s formation.
Marthology: In and Outtakes is available November 5th, 2021.
Marthology: The In and Outtakes Track Listing
“On A Silent Summer Evening”
“Summer Of Song”
“Do You Ever Wonder?”
“Act Like A Woman”
“Don’t Monkey With My Love”
“Talking Through My Hat”
“Big Day”
“There Comes A Day”
“Fighting The Monster (Alt. Version)”
“Resurrection”
“Delicate”
“Echo Beach (30th Anniversary Version)”
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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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