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Canadian Country Crooner Laurie LeBlanc Releases Official Music Video For “All In”

Eric Alper
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Canadian Country Crooner Laurie LeBlanc Releases Official Music Video For “All In”

Risking it all for love over a game of chance has never sounded like it feels so good until East Coast Acadian country artist Laurie LeBlanc sings about it in his new single, “All In” — available now.

The fourth release from LeBlanc’s 2021 ECMA and Music NB Country Recording of the Year-nominated album, When It’s Right, It’s Right, “All In” goes all out for a rollicking good time over a high stake poker tournament for two.

With its steam train, chugging beat, and playful interchange of tasty guitar, pedal steel, fiddle and piano riffs, “All In” sounds like full-on Saturday night fun, and it’s no accident that it does. “The idea of the song came while playing a game of poker one Saturday Night,” recalls LeBlanc. “The story is about a guy and a girl at the final poker table. The hot babe is making a pretty cute poker face at her opponent, and he thinks they have something special going on.”

“All In” is the one song that LeBlanc co-wrote for his latest album with his wife and manager, Jeannette. So, who won the real poker game that inspired their collaboration? While we may not know that outcome, LeBlanc does place bets for us on how the cards will play out in the song with this semi-spoiler. “He’s getting more and more interested in the girl thus losing focus on the game.”

“All In” also signifies success in a new focus for LeBlanc. “I’ve written numerous French songs, and most of them are based on fun ideas that I hope make people smile,” he says. “So, I wanted to try to do that in English.”

The song has already made people smile, and dance, in Europe; through music agent Romuald Kosmidrowiez, 10 videos from European Country Dance Associations have been produced featuring choreography created specifically to “All In;” the dance was also presented at the European Championships, and finished 5th among 31.

LeBlanc didn’t have to look far from home to stack the deck for creating his first, all-original English album, When It’s Right, It’s Right, released in June 2020. The Bouctouche, New Brunswick-based artist partnered up with multi-Canadian Country Music Award winning producer and guitarist Jason Barry to record at his CCMA honoured Barrytone Studios also located in New Brunswick. The album features some of the crème de la crème of Nashville writers (Grammy winner Don Schlitz, Mike Reid, and Dallas Davidson, as well as Ireland’s Don Mescall) and the musical contributions of members of Dean Brody’s touring band.

This first, all-original foray into the English country music market is supported by a decade of well-earned success in francophone country music. Since 2011, LeBlanc has been honoured by the Canadian Francophone Country Awards, Music NB Awards, Josie Music Awards and more over 15 times including wins for CFCA Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year in 2018. Plus, with almost 4 million streams of his music and counting, LeBlanc has racked up a flourishing following across the digital realm in both official languages.

With all those francophone music accolades under his belt, it was a leap of faith for LeBlanc to record his new all-English project. “I needed to step out of my comfort zone, and it turned out to be a truly gratifying experience,” he notes. “I’ll always love singing in French and cherish the support I get from my francophone audience but hearing one of my songs on the radio alongside the Canadian and American country artists I admire gives me so much joy.”

While the music game is shaping up to be a win-win for LeBlanc, one big question remains: Will our romantically distracted poker player get played and end up with a losing hand, or will he hit the jackpot and win the girl?

Listen to “All In” to find out.

JUNO-Nominated Canadian Reggae Legend JAY DOUGLAS Goes Big-Band with Soulful New “Merry Christmas”

Eric Alper
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JUNO-Nominated Canadian Reggae Legend JAY DOUGLAS Goes Big-Band with Soulful New “Merry Christmas”

Jay Douglas revisits the classic Christmas tradition of big-band, soulful, crooner-esque Christmas songs that have swept the globe since radio started broadcasting holiday music with his new single, “Merry Christmas” — available now.

Characteristic of Jay Douglas, “Merry Christmas” does a great job of painting a clear picture for the listener — all while feeling warm and inviting. The award-winning reggae legend’s unparalleled energy and charm culminates into the production that is “Merry Christmas” to create that perfect “back home for the holidays” feeling, with a dash of cinematic production traits.

While being a new addition to the database of merry music, Douglas roots his composition in compositions of the likes of Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin. “Merry Christmas” features the smooth jazz rhythms accompanied by deep baritone sax and walking bass lines to lead the listener to the hyperbolic Christmas party. As “Merry Christmas” brings itself to an end, it sends the listener off with a proper bright, screaming swell of high-energy brass.

Jay Douglas is one of Toronto’s many hidden treasures, especially when it comes to the constant growth that is the Canadian music industry. Originally born in Jamaica, the first stage Douglas performed on was in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Uncovering a natural charisma when it comes to performing, Jay Douglas has been active in the entertainment industry for the past 45 years. Developing a passion for American Blues, West Indian Rhythms, and Jazz Standards, Douglas tackles a vast repertoire all while providing an unmatched energy on stage.

Douglas’ powerful performances are the reason that he was announced the winner of NOW Magazine’s Toronto’s Best R&B Ac” in 2006 and Toronto Reggae Awards’ Male Reggae Vocalist of the Year in 2007. These accolades drew the attention of Seattle based Light In The Attic, choosing Douglas as the Headliner of the From Jamaica to Toronto concert, which broke attendance and sales records. More recently, Douglas was nominated for Reggae Recording of the Year at the 2012 JUNO Awards and was the recipient of the G98.7 FM Entertainment Award at the Harry Jarome awards. His most recent nomination was for his collaboration with General Trees on “Jah Children,” receiving his second JUNO nomination during 2020.

Following the successful release of his most recent single, “Stone In Love With You,” a homage and cover of the classic Stylistics song, Jay Douglas shifted gears and got into the spirit of the holidays. Fusing his love for American Blues and Jazz Standards, and a long history of R&B training debuted “Merry Christmas” for his growing fanbase.

The Honeyrunners Release Their New Music Video For “Ghosts”

Eric Alper
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The Honeyrunners Release Their New Music Video For “Ghosts”

Canadian pop-rockers, The Honeyrunners, release the worldwide debut of their new music video for the single, “Ghosts”. The track is a mashup of New Orleans second line and Neo-Pop. The music is rooted in a bouncy rhythm, stitched together by Southern slide guitar, stride piano, and horn blasts teasing listenersʼ sanity in a quilt of production that only grows more chaotic as the track rolls on. It is an apt taste of the rollercoaster-of-a-record: Everything Is On Fire (Oct 22 – Gypsy Soul Records // Warner Music Canada // FUGA // Proper Music Group), The Honeyrunnersʼ first full-length album.

“We gathered friends from some of the hardest hit industries of the pandemic – nurses, musicians, small business owners, filmmakers – and asked them to scream point blank into a camera. It was the perfect allegory for Ghosts, a song built around anxiety. It was a catharsis for them, and I hope it will be for the viewer as well.”

“We write songs for the times we need them”, notes pianist and lead singer Dan Dwoskin, when asked about the insomnia-fueled lyrics of the track. “Ghosts is a song born out of stay-at-home anxiety, calling out the whispers in our head that keep us up at night.” Oh, you have those too? Itʼs common these days.

Dwoskin elaborates, “This album evolved from a self-conscious look at our own fears and challenges, to an encompassing question of ʻwhat really matters in our lives right now?ʼ Our hope is that this record will help people recover from this challenging moment in time, accepting the heartache and growth that has washed over us all collectively in the last two years.”

Recording Ghosts at bassist Guillermo Subausteʼs Pacha Sound (Toronto) was a blessing for the band, taking the time to hone the mix the way they wanted it. Self-produced by Guillermo Subauste and Dan Dwoskin, the band was joined by a slew of local talent, including Canadian Soul-singer, Samantha Martin, who popped by the studio lending beauty and smoke to the dynamic chaos of the song.

Written and produced by Dan Dwoskin and Guillermo Subauste (aka, The Honeyrunners), Ghosts is a response to a public outpouring of anxiety and depression. After a year and a half of challenges in a broken music industry, the two musicians are well-acquainted with these feelings (as are most artists, to some extent), yet they are also acquainted with self-reinvention (as are most artists). The process was cathartic – writing and recording a song for people who need to feel they are not alone in this heaviness, surrounded by a world full of apathy. “We anchored the track to a heartbeat stomp & clap, underscored by NOLA-esque shuffle drums.” It feels like home. Once the rhythm fell into place, the rest of the song came to life. It is no coincidence that the band toured to New Orleans in January 2020, showcasing at Folk Alliance International, with the entire industry coming to a standstill shortly after.

The Honeyrunners are a Northern take on Southern Americana – hot-blooded and rife with the poetry of heartache. Their energy is contagious on stage and on record; as are their stories. Their music suits fans of bands like The Lumineers, Bahamas, Alabama Shakes, Brandi Carlile, Elle King, Arkells, Nathaniel Rateliff, and Leon Bridges to name a few. They are a melting pot of folk, blues, soul, pop, rock, punk, alternative, and jazz – which makes sense, because they are a cultural melting pot of personality.

The four-piece Toronto group (toting eleven members for larger shows) is fronted by Ottawa-born songwriter Dan Dwoskin (keys, lead vocals) and Canadian-Peruvian engineer/producer, Guillermo Subauste (bass, vocals). Newer additions to the lineup include the ever-soulful Conor Gains (electric guitar, vocals) and Toronto-born drummer and filmmaker, Lewis Spring (drums, percussion, vocals).

The Honeyrunners have toured North America coast-to-coast, fueled by song placements on commercials for Coca-Cola and Bacardi. Singles from the bandʼs earlier releases, EP I (2013) and EP II (2014) garnered heavy play on Canadian and US college radio stations, paving the road for live appearances on national television, Canadian music festivals, breweries, club circuits, and
Nashville-style backyard BBQʼs (a band favourite). They have been lucky to share stages with many friends and mentors, including The Sadies, The Trews, The Beaches, Jim Cuddy, Philip Sayce, Nick Waterhouse, King Khan, U.S.S., Grapes of Wrath, Skye Wallace and many more.

Stratford, ON’s Hannah Thomas Says ‘Christmas Don’t Be Late’ with New Holiday Album

Eric Alper
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Stratford, ON’s Hannah Thomas Says ‘Christmas Don’t Be Late’ with New Holiday Album

All ready to go and tied up with a bow, award-nominated Canadian artist Hannah Thomas celebrates the season with the release of her stunning holiday album, Christmas Don’t Be Late — available now.

Recently nominated for Young Performer of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, the 18-year-old songstress from Stratford, Ontario harnesses the magic of Christmas by delivering 11 reimagined Christmas tracks that feature her gorgeous vocals and ethereal delivery.

Thomas began prepping the album alongside Dayna Manning and Lori Thomas in the early months of 2020. “I love Christmas music,” Thomas says, adding she’d been considering a Christmas album for more than a few years.

The title track of the album, “Christmas Don’t Be Late”, was one of the first songs the trio considered for the project. “I love the song and thought that I could do a really unique version of it,” Thomas explains, adding, “Ben Bolt-Martin was the arranger on this album and he did an outstanding job making all of the songs unique but this arrangement was one of my favourites. It boasts a slow melodic start, then breaks into an up-tempo, fast paced, catchy Christmas tune.”

The album works flawlessly as the soundtrack of the season with 11 exquisitely recorded takes on seasonal favourites, such as Meghan Trainor’s “I’ll Be Home,” Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” the release’s title track, “Christmas Don’t Be Late,” and more. The release concludes with a heartfelt and inspiring father/daughter duet of “The Prayer,” featuring Hannah’s dad, Dale Thomas.

“We recorded this album in the middle of Covid-19 when rental space and in person contact was limited,” Thomas describes of the studio process. “We were fortunate to find a space in a friend’s former chicken barn just outside of Stratford where we had the proper acoustics and availability to safely distance from one another. It was here that we recorded some of the instruments and really got a feel for what the album would sound like.

“The addition of the odd cricket, which we had to remove from the room, added some humour to our days of recording!” she continues. “We finished recording the album in late Fall of 2020 at The Drive Shed Recording Studio, with John ‘Beetle’ Bailey, in New Hamburg, Ontario.”

Hannah Thomas shines track to track, with an unbelievable talent conveying the message in sweeping runs, powerful belts, and calming reservations in the moments that count the most. Her record provides equally the magic of Christmas, with the mesmerizing showcase of an up and coming starlet.

Before the age of 20, Thomas was already a decorated performer, having earned accolades and accomplishments in her hometown of Stratford, and across the country. Her talent has seen her open for Alan Doyle (Great Big Sea) at Aurora’s Magna Hoedown Showdown in 2019, and granted her opportunities with The Shot Canada, the Stratford Festival of Canada, Stratford Summer Music, working with renowned folk artist Dayna Manning (whom she’d later enlist to produce Christmas Don’t Be Late), and more. One of Thomas’ mega highlights was 2020 and 2021’s “Dock Music” — a Sunday summer concert series at her family’s dock along the Avon River in Stratford where the teen would perform for the community.

And this holiday season, Hannah Thomas has seen yet another dream come true: her incomparable, raw talent is now fully on display within an album of her favourite music.

Christmas Don’t Be Late will be all you want to press play on this year, and it’s available now.

Alexis Lynn Holds onto the Joy of Christmas Year-Round in “December Dreaming”

Eric Alper
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Alexis Lynn Holds onto the Joy of Christmas Year-Round in “December Dreaming”

Capturing the magic of Christmas, and how sometimes in life, holding the holiday in your heart year-round can keep you going, Canadian pop artist Alexis Lynn explores that joyous, hope-inducing feeling through her new single “December Dreaming” — available now.

Ethereal and lullaby-like, “December Dreaming” features soft, honeyed vocals over the familiar, comforting sound of Christmas-choir handbells. Like many of the best Christmas songs, it’s beautiful specifically because of its simplicity, and the lyrics take the listener through all the other seasons – the green of Spring in May, the golden glow of summer days, kicking up autumn leaves – with the Christmas spirit burning like a tiny ember.

Because even on the brightest of summer days
No matter the season
I’ll be December dreaming away

In “December Dreaming,” Alexis Lynn wanted to spotlight how sometimes the anticipation of Christmas can be more magical than the day itself. “It begs the thought if the longing is better than the actuality of the holiday,” she says. “I hope when you listen, it brings you all those magical Christmas feelings we feel near the holidays.”

The song is part of a larger meditation on Christmas, and a follow-up to the singer’s previous Christmas song “Christmas Cards” — which is a bit more critical of the winter holiday that can be so fraught for many of us. “With ‘December Dreaming,’ I knew I wanted a soft, dreamy track that juxtaposed my last Christmas song, which points out the flaws of the holiday season and is a call-to-action type song,” Alexis Lynn shares. “I’m very much a person who wants to be aware of social and global issues and do what I can to help, but I also love Christmas and wanted a song to reflect that as well.”

A Top 100 2020 CBC Searchlight finalist, Alexis Lynn broke through in 2019 with her album debut Things Get Good. The First Nations artist from Surrey, British Columbia, has an ambitious year ahead of her: an impressive streak of recent singles has shown off her vocal chops and aesthetic range, running the gamut from the dance music-inflected “Ghosts” (a bare, anthemic contemplation of vulnerability and insecurity) to the club-friendly buoyancy of “Bubble” (a flirtatious trap-pop bop about emotional availability). She wrote and recorded prolifically during the pandemic, and is looking forward to going deeper than ever on her next project — a multifaceted exploration of mental health and its effects on our lives and relationships that promises to be her most personal work yet.

“December Dreaming” is available now.

WAVES THAT STRAY Exposes the Vulnerability of Self-Reflection with Single “Inside My Head”

Eric Alper
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WAVES THAT STRAY Exposes the Vulnerability of Self-Reflection with Single “Inside My Head”

Rocker Waves That Stray (aka Sean MacLean) shares the vulnerability of being locked in the creative process’ cage that is procrastination and self-doubt in a new single and video, “Inside My Head” — available now.

Fusing the best parts of electronica and rock ‘n’ roll, “Inside My Head” gives nod to the distinct sound of early-aughts Brooklyn groups like TV On The Radio, LCD Soundsystem, and The Dirty Projectors. The loops are ethereal, the beats hypnotic, and yet the guitar still rocks, while the lyrics haunt.

I can’t hear it
The music doesn’t play anymore
I can see it
Washed up along the shore
It’s just a letter in a bottle
From the wreck it breaks your neck
And leaves you hanging
on the hard line

The listener gets the sense that the desire to break free from one’s own head is a fight for life itself, and the corresponding video depicts an alternating desperation and ennui. It begins with MacLean in stop-motion ‘trying on’ different identities — a businessman, a homeless person, a rapper, a construction worker — and then shifts to a scene where he’s having his face painted, his eyes closed. The artist gives him fake, painted eyes over his closed eyelids, and he walks the streets like this for a while, eyes still closed, deep inside his own head.

“My hope with the video and lyrics to ‘Inside My Head’ is to strike a chord with artists who are trying to come to terms with their ever-evolving creative process and insecurities,” MacLean says. The song is a collaboration between MacLean, songwriter Gabriel Maciel, guitarist Ezra Perlman, and Belgian producer Dorian Voos (aka Awaike).

Waves That Stray made its debut with a self-titled album in 2017. The music video for the single “Brick By Brick” went viral two days after its release, and the album was featured on Earshot’s Top 10 electronic chart. From there, the Toronto-based artist’s distinctively haunting vocals were featured on U.S. Girls’ track “Rosebud,” which was featured as one of Pitchfork’s best new tracks. Maclean recently shared a stage with U.S. Girls at the established Polaris Prize Awards.

“Inside My Head” is available now.

Kindie-Rocker Russell Sprout Delivers Family Songs with Much-Needed Positive Messaging

Eric Alper
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Kindie-Rocker Russell Sprout Delivers Family Songs with Much-Needed Positive Messaging

Delivering messages of kindness, caring, community and more, Canadian singer/songwriter Russell Sprout’s new single “We Rise Above” is one for the ages — young and young-at-heart alike.

Produced by GRAMMY Award-nominated and JUNO Award recipient Ken Whiteley (Raffi, Fred Penner), the song is freshly picked from Sprout’s new sophomore album; the youth-friendly release stitched with lessons of tolerance and kindness is called Together, and it’s available now.

Beginning as a plucking melody with simply beautiful lyrics, and speaking to rising above through the verses, the lovely new kindie ballad sees Sprout churning out a gentle chorus along with a children’s choir of “we rise above!” while asking elsewhere: “Are you kind? Are you fair? Do you help, do you care?”

Rounding out the instrumentation on the track, calming strings, violin and a crescendo-esque percussion builds as the message grows stronger. “Like a bird that flies above the sea, open your wings, be all you can be!” Sprout rolls out the anthem in fantastical fashion, giving promise to another day, month, year of positivity and smiling in the face in whatever obstacles may be presented in front of us. His appeal to keeping the lyrics in line with his audience of youngsters is an endearing representation of the artist.

Sprout (Russell Leon) is a long time teacher of music, a multi-instrumentalist, and accomplished performer in Toronto and has been for more than two decades. A faculty member of University of Toronto’s Jackman Institute of Child Study (OISE) and Humberside Montessori School, Sprout has involved himself in children’s music during the tenure of his career, including having received the “Best Children’s Song” award from Folk Music Ontario.

Sprout is as entertaining in his music as he is in his on-stage persona; an oversized cap, a bee adorning his blue suit jacket. In wide sunglasses and sneakers, he is silly and funny — and capable of getting onto the level of his audience through song and rapport.

“I knew the underlying theme of the record was going to be about kindness, mental and physical health, and events that would have a positive outcome,” Sprout recalls of creating Together. “Even if a cat was chasing a mouse, or there was a barn fire, or if you are in a bad mood, everything was going to work out.”

“We Rise Above” was chosen as the single because “the message is so important,” says Sprout on the notions of kindness, caring, educating, and community. “It was also the song that selected schools that I work with have already adopted as their own. Kids love to sing along, they especially like the actions that go along with it. The music video was shot in a local Toronto music studio and elementary school.”

The album is currently available to be sung along with, note by note, having been posted online at Sprout’s website with the option of reading the professionally notated sheet music. In addition to physical CDs, Sprout has also packaged a vinyl recording of Together featuring a 12-page fully illustrated sheet music booklet included.

“We Rise Above” and Together are available now!

Glen Foster Gets in ‘The Spirit Of Christmas’ with Delightful New Holiday Album

Eric Alper
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Glen Foster Gets in ‘The Spirit Of Christmas’ with Delightful New Holiday Album

Renaissance musician and veteran Canadian folk-rocker Glen Foster embraces the holidays with a collection of songs sure to warm your home and hearts this season; The Spirit Of Christmas is available now.

An eclectic assortment of classic holiday numbers paired exquisitely alongside original compositions, Foster’s extensive guitar experience lends itself to a unique twist on the Christmas standards endured for generations. Notable on the 12-song album is the remaster of Glen Foster’s 1986 single “The Spirit Of Christmas” — which was initially released on red vinyl, and inspired the new record’s title.

Inspiration for the release materialized gradually over years of Foster’s guitar teaching sessions, finally coming to fruition for this upcoming holiday season. Foster began the creative process by discussing the single and album opener, “Christmas In Vancouver,” with premier jazz keyboardist Marty Steele, and decided to expand the project into a full-blown album shortly after. He then gathered a team of all-star musicians under the guidance of seasoned producer Rick Salt to create a record that’s jazzy and festive.

The pandemic allowed for the time to record many of the solo guitar pieces at Foster’s home studio, giving the album an artisanal handcrafted quality. The glistening sounds of the season especially come alive on the uptempo “Jingle Bells Jig.” 100-year-old sleigh bells can be heard on the song along with a century-old cigar box refashioned into a ukulele; these rustic touches accentuate and embellish the rendition of the Christmas classic. Musical themes of togetherness are made more moving by the harmonies performed alongside Foster’s wife and a cute little part for his young son.

The depth of Glen Foster’s musical expertise stems from over 40 years of performing professionally with many bands and studying across multiple sonic disciplines. He runs his record label and publishing companies out of Vancouver Island, B.C, where he has written and produced nine albums with some of Canada’s top musical talents. Foster has enjoyed an accomplished career, including a performance for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and distinctly winning two silver medals from the Royal Conservatory of Music.

The holiday season is sure to be more harmonious, with the thoughtful musical stylings of Glen Foster uplifting your spirits all season long.

“The Spirit Of Christmas” is available on all digital platforms and retail outlets. Audiophiles can contact Glen on his website to obtain a rare collectable red vinyl version of the single on Rescue Records.

JUNO Award Reggae Artist LAZO Brings Island Vibes In “Love Is On Ur Side”

Eric Alper
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JUNO Award Reggae Artist LAZO Brings Island Vibes In “Love Is On Ur Side”

Set and ready to be a timely classic all at once, JUNO Award-winning reggae artist Lazo brings listeners together with the power only love and music combined can have in difficult times with the release of his new single, “Love Is On Ur Side”.

It’s a timeless story of classic Reggae music: a story of hardship that makes the end seem so far away. However, with some love, compassion, and the inner strength to overcome obstacles we can and will make it happen. It’s human nature, and you can’t suppress love. “Love Is On Ur Side” echoes this story for generations who grew up with Reggae music while also creating a welcoming experience for newer generations learning to embrace music that loves them back.

Featuring classic Reggae chord progressions and wah-guitar, Lazo creates the perfect blend of island chillin’ and advocacy in “Love Is On Ur Side” — the latest to be featured off his recent 14-track LP, I Have a Dream. “The album is unique in the sense that the choice of songs — including “Love Is On Ur Side” — is very unusual,” the critically acclaimed artist shares. “It brings all these different genres into one melting pot, which has never been attempted before.”

While the song itself seems like a seamless effort of Reggae guitar, walking bass lines, and well-structured background vocals, the process was everything other than easy given the current global situation; I Have a Dream was recorded in the height of lockdowns — a new challenge for the tenured artist who first stepped on the scene at age 15, receiving extensive airplay and accolades since.

“Having to social distance with the other musicians in the studios was tough, to say the least,” he recalls. “We all know music is all about vibing with each other, and feeding off of each other’s energy.

“In the end, the power and love of the music trumped all the distractions and difficulties, and made it all come together beautifully.”

A world class performer by every definition, it’s Lazo’s deep passion for Reggae music, the people’s music, that has given him such a bolstering advantage in his music career. Honoured with awards from industry peers, Lazo was chosen as the Top Reggae Performer of the Year by the internationally recognized Canadian Reggae Music Awards, and has received multiple JUNO Award nominations, as well as a JUNO Award win for Best Reggae Recording for Heart and Soul in 2000.

A global name in the Reggae genre, Lazo is a frequent member at the Sunfest Festival in West Palm Beach, Florida – garnering the nickname “Mr. Sunfest” – and has stood on stage with the Wailers, Alpha Blondie, and more.

“Love Is On Your Side” and I Have a Dream are available now.

Canadian Actor, Performer & Singer-Songwriter Paul Saunders Channels ‘70s-Era Musical Sunshine with “Afternoon Café”

Eric Alper
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Canadian Actor, Performer & Singer-Songwriter Paul Saunders Channels ‘70s-Era Musical Sunshine with “Afternoon Café”

Picture it: a sunny, warm SoCal afternoon, with a soft breeze gently floating across your face as you people-watch while relaxing under a brightly coloured umbrella at a beachside café, wondering what their stories are as they wander along… This is the sublime scene that long-time Canadian entertainer Paul Saunders sets in his new single, “Afternoon Café” — available now, no travel required.

Reminiscent of the sunshine-infused, forever-memorable anthems that ‘70s supergroups like Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears brought us, “Afternoon Café” blends Latin piano rhythms and percussion with sultry sax that open up into a guitar driven, tempo-shifted chorus like we’ve just jumped in our Mustang convertible to race up the PCH.

‘The day was shining on the water
The waves kept rhythm to the music
And the sounds
They fit right into the picture
Have I been here before or am I dreaming?’

“This is a song I wrote a while ago in Venice Beach, California,” explains Saunders. ”When I revisited it, I felt the need to redo the vocals, then tweak and remix it.”

It’s not surprising that Saunders’ writing was influenced by time spent in the famous west coast beach community with its laid back, boho vibe. “I wanted to capture the mood and whimsy of what it feels like to sit alone in a beautiful café in the sunshine, thinking of love’s past, and what the future could hold.”

“Afternoon Café” follows the release of Saunders’ debut album, It’s About Time! Mostly comprised of songs Saunders has written over the years while carving out a successful acting career in TV, film and theatre, the 12-track album boast a stellar line up of some of Canada’s finest stage and studio musicians — including the late Michael Fonfara, Danny Weis, Danny McBride, Glen Morrow, Stacey Heydon, Igor Romanyk, Demo Cates, Gary Taylor, and Michael St Clair.

The album was produced by Saunders and Gord Paton, and recorded at Toronto’s Sky Blue Studios, Eastern Sound, and The Rhythm Ranch; Saunders wrote or co-wrote 10 of the 12 songs on the album.

The life pause that COVID caused for so many of us is actually what encouraged Saunders to reassess and refocus on his first love — music. He says it afforded him the time and opportunity to look at his career and future in a different light.

“Oddly enough, I looked to the past to look at the future,” notes Sauders. “I started going over some songs I’d written or half-written, and decided there was some good stuff there. I used the downtime to tweak and in some cases rewrite some of the songs I had rediscovered. At the end of the day I had enough new material to record a solo album — my first actual offering of my own material.”

The release is a full-circle moment for the multi-talented artists: of all the hats that Saunders wears very well as an actor, writer, producer, entertainer, and songwriter, it’s the latter that he is most comfortable and happy wearing. After all, that’s where he started out, playing in the Yorkville Village clubs in Toronto, eventually making his way to L.A. to try his hand at the U.S. market.

“That’s really how I started in the business was as a songwriter with Epic Records in Los Angeles,” he recalls. “It was the kind of gig that paid me to sit in a room and write with a monthly quota of songs required.”

Writing songs in a room led to enough outside connections though to land some stage performance and acting roles, with leads in productions of both Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair.

However, the allure of recording and releasing an album as a solo artist never left Saunders and with It’s About Time!, he’s made good on that dream.

“I am so happy to actually release my first solo CD in my long and diversified career,” Saunders says. “After all these years, this is something I have dreamed of doing for decades — and now it’s released to the global community on the EMG label.”

This is truly a monumental milestone by a veteran entertainer who has excelled in many areas of the biz.

“The business for me right now is nothing ventured, nothing gained, and I have the time and the tenacity to want to continue to write, record and perform.”

“Afternoon Café” is available now.

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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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