Judas Priest Lead Singer and “Metal God” Rob Halford is the latest legend to sign on to front a single from the rock super-group “Bad Penny,” which features former Queen + Paul Rodgers bassist Danny Miranda, Blue Oyster Cult drummer Jules Radino and guitar virtuoso/songwriter Mike Holtzman. Bad Penny’s previous releases feature former Journey lead singer Steve Augeri and Queensryche vocalist Todd LaTorre.
Halford took time prior to rehearsals for Judas Priest’s upcoming tour to drop the vocals to the Pennies’ “Push Comes to Shove,” a metallic, Arabic-tinged track featuring a syncopated guitar-drum battery. “This song just grabbed me,” Halford said. “It’s mysterious, dark, and sexy.” New York-based metal singer Militia Vox, who has been dubbed one of the greatest female rock vocalists of her generation, rounds out a powerhouse duet.
“Danny (Miranda) and I came up with the music and melody for this one,” said Mike Holtzman. “We knew we had something special… these exotic world-music elements, the inner dialogue, the heavy groove…it just needed extraordinary voices to bring it home. We are thrilled Rob and Militia agreed to sing it. They absolutely killed it.”
After scoring radio hits with their debut singles, the bluesy rocker ‘Voices in My Head” (sung by LaTorre) and the power ballad “Lose Myself,” (sung by Augeri), Bad Penny took a turn towards classic metal with “The Mirror Lies,” again featuring LaTorre on vocals. “Push Comes to Shove” delves further into dark and heavy territory.
“The object of this band is to tap into sounds and genres we love, and not to pigeon-hole ourselves as this-or-that,” said Holtzman. “We want to keep ourselves and our listeners surprised and challenged. There are a few more cool twists and turns ahead.”
Celebrating the extraordinary life of Punk Funk singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist and pioneer Rick James, today Motown/UMe released the digital Deluxe Edition of James’ 1985 hit album Glow, featuring 11 bonus tracks. Previously available only within James’ Complete Motown Albums digital collection, this new Deluxe Edition of Glow is available digitally on its own for the first time, and can be streamed here.
Originally released in May 1985, Glow was James’ fifth solo album for Motown. Its fusion of rock, funk, and R&B, demonstrates James’ unique versatility and vision as an artist and showcases the tight and eclectic sounds of The Stone City Band. Upon its release, Glow hit Top 50 on the Billboard 200 and No. 7 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, and features the funky title track, “Glow,” a Top 5 Hot Black Singles chart hit that, combined with “Glow (Reprise)” on a 12″ single, also hit No. 1 on the Dance Club Songs chart. James and the band performed the song on an episode of the hit NBC-TV show, The A-Team , that year.
Another highlight is “Can’t Stop,” a Hot Black Singles and Dance Club chart top 10 that was featured in the blockbuster film Beverly Hills Cop starring Eddie Murphy. (That same year, James produced Murphy’s only major pop hit, “Party All the Time.”)
Glow: Deluxe Edition features 11 bonus tracks including the rare, original 12″ mixes of “Glow” and “Spend the Night With Me,” along with each song’s extended instrumental version; the 12″ instrumental version of “Can’t Stop;” plus the then-new songs included on James’ hits collection from the previous year, Reflections , among them “Oh What A Night (4 Luv)” and “You Turn Me On,” with the additional bonus of the long 12″ and instrumental versions of the latter.
Also on September 3, the critically acclaimed documentary BITCHIN’: THE SOUND AND FURY OF RICK JAMES, directed by Emmy®-nominee Sacha Jenkins (WU-TANG CLAN: OF MICS AND MEN; BURN, MOTHERF*CKER, BURN!) will premiere on SHOWTIME®. The documentary is an intimate yet propulsive look at James, one of rock, funk and R&B’s most legendary and often underappreciated figures and features a wealth of rare footage of James’ incredible live shows and never-before-seen home video. Through original interviews with artists, including Bootsy Collins, Ice Cube and members of The Stone City Band, collaborators and friends, BITCHIN’ focuses on the groundbreaking “punk-funk” music James left behind while illuminating his fearless attitude, social justice advocacy and bold musical aspirations. The highly anticipated documentary premiered at the Tribeca Festival in June to rave reviews and has Rolling Stone saying James “gave funk music a pop edge … [and] outfunks his rivals.” In Review Online wrote that the film “reclaims the memory of both the great musician and the troubled human at the artist’s core from being simply a source of cheap punchlines and glib catchphrases,” while Tilt said, “James was a talented musician who lived a much more interesting life than you probably thought.” BITCHIN’: THE SOUND AND FURY OF RICK JAMES will premiere on SHOWTIME on Friday, September 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
In addition, twelve of James’ videos have now been remastered in HD, eight are new to digital platforms, and will be available on his official Rick James YouTube channel. The HD videos for “Super Freak” and “Give It To Me Baby,” celebrating the 40th anniversary of James’ iconic album, Street Songs, along with his 1982 hit “Hard To Get,” have recently been added, with “Throwdown,” “Ebony Eyes,” featuring Smokey Robinson (long and edited versions), and “In My House,” which James wrote and produced for the Mary Jane Girls, available in September. Both the original long version and edited version of the video “Glow” will premiere on September 17.
Brilliant hitmaker, soulful singer, riveting performer, influential producer/impresario, pioneer in the fusion of funk groove and rock attitude — James was all of these and more. Flamboyant, provocative, charismatic, volatile, and always outrageous, he was a consummate artist and a bona fide star. Constantly reaching, growing, and exploring new aspects of his talent were all part of the genius of Rick James. Since James made the scene in the 1960s with The Mynah Birds, featuring the then unknown Neil Young, and into the late ’70s forward, with his own unique brand of Punk Funk music, he has been an inspiration to his peers and won the acclaim of audiences and critics alike. His songs have been covered and sampled by artists across different eras of music and genres, and the popularity of James’ music continues to garner new fans with digital Deluxe Editions of his entire Motown catalog, including Come Get It!, Bustin’ Out Of L Seven, Fire It Up, Garden Of Love, Street Songs, Throwin’ Down, Cold Blooded and The Flag. Also available are digital releases from James’ productions including three albums from the Stone City Band – In ‘n’ Out, The Boys Are Back and Out of the Shadow – as well as singer Val Young’s Seduction and Rick James Presents Bobby M: Blow.
Rick James left us far too soon, but his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists to get their super freak on.
Glow Tracklisting
Original Album (released 1985)
1 Can’t Stop
2 Spend The Night With Me
3 Melody Make Me Dance
4 Somebody (The Girl’s Got)
5 Glow
6 Moon Child
7 Sha La La La La (Come Back Home)
8 Rock And Roll Control
9 Glow (Reprise)
Bonus Tracks
10 Glow / Glow (Reprise) – 12″ Version
11 Glow – 12″ Instrumental
12 Spend the Night With Me – 12″ Extended Version
13 Spend the Night With Me – 12″ Instrumental
14 Can’t Stop – Instrumental
15 17
16 17 – 12″ Instrumental
17 Oh What A Night (For Luv)
18 You Turn Me On
19 You Turn Me On – 12″ Long Version
20 You Turn Me On – 12″ Long Version Instrumental
Great highs can be accompanied by great lows, and Edmonton, AB-based artist JusJrdn — an impassioned creator who wears his life’s trials and tribulations unabashedly on his sleeve — is here to talk about them, flexing his magnetic zest for life alongside some equally infectious rhythms in this, his newest single, “Ur Luv” — available now.
“Ur Luv” is part and parcel of JusJrdn’s newest project, the Olympus album. Bringing his now-trademark “insane high-energy” to the recording studio, JusJrdn reflects on new love after a rough trip to rock bottom. “In May of 2018, as I was preparing to tour Europe, it all fell apart,” he recalls. “Some business deals went chaotic… My girlfriend left… And I faced the challenge of running my personal training company, F.R.E.E. Fitness.”
After learning about some of life’s ups and downs the hard way, he shares, rapper decided it was time to come back ‘better and stronger than ever.’ There and then, committing to a dedicated health regimen and considerable soul-searching, he got ‘back to work,’ he says.
“I had hit a wall, and what followed was a period of isolation, depression and crippling anxiety. But then, after some time in isolation to heal and rejuvenate, reading and meditating daily, along with an intense workout and fasting schedule, I found my way back to the light — better, faster, stronger.”
Once you settle in and give “Ur Luv” a good listen, it becomes increasingly obvious JusJrdn most definitely found his light once again — whether it’s whoever the lucky girl in “Ur Luv” is, or the result of manifesting his own passions into reality. Either way, JusJrdn is back, and better than ever.
“The concept of this album originated once I started to take a deep dive into ancient Greek philosophy, exploring the idea that you are a God,” he shares around the concept of the Olympus. “There is this power inside yourself that is intangible, unexplainable, and that being human is being Godly.
“A lot of the growth I experienced as an artist came from growing as a human, and as a man,” he continues. “I learned a lot about myself while I created this art: a lot I liked, and a lot I didn’t like…. In fact, a lot I hate — and I am still working on that.”
When you get a chance to know JusJrdn, it’s clear listening to his music is almost a double-entendre. On one hand, its poppy, up-beat, feel-good hip-hop is easy to get behind and throw into any daily listening playlist. And on the other hand, when you give it a critical listen, that is when you find the soul and deep-rooted growth buried in the rhythms and lyrics. It almost becomes a learning experience for the listener; an opportunity to reflect internally.
“I listen to a lot of podcasts, from a lot of people,” he shares, “and I found a lot of really cool, almost like ‘modern stoic’ quotes that fit into the whole Olympus vibe. I think they are small nuggets of wisdom, and this album we can learn something from.”
One such lesson is perseverance and resilience, and — through the fire and flames of life — JusJrdn has emerged the other side a victor of his own shortcomings. From here, he bestows the power of self-worth and manifestation on his listeners through fantastically produced hip-hop. JusJrdn has an excellent team behind him on this Olympus project, and it shows through the infectious energy contained in “Ur Luv.” It is obvious this energy is passed from the music to his fans, and it’s hard to imagine they are any less excited about the new Olympus album than we are.
Ripping guitar riffs, hot-as-hell horns, plus a torqued, musclebound rhythm section with firestarter vocals and the swagger of rhythm and blues masters delivering the goods with confidence and precision… These key ingredients combine and react for the Izzo Blues Coalition’s explosive new single, “Take It or Leave It” — available now.
The song serves as the title-track for the Montreal-based band’s forthcoming sophomore release; Take It or Leave It is set to land this Fall.
Conceived and recorded during the heart of our global pandemic, Take It or Leave It was chosen as the new album title for not one, but two life and art-affirming reasons. “Thematically, the title track deals with the notion that we have no choice but to get up every morning and make the best of it,” band co-lead Tino Izzo says. “It’s a theme that resonates throughout the album and speaks to our pandemic experiences.
“Secondly, this collection of songs was conceived for the sheer pleasure of it.”
Izzo Blues Coalition is award-winning guitarist, hit songwriter, and producer Tino Izzo (Celine Dion/Roch Voisine/Bobby Bazini), and his longtime creative partner, drummer/percussionist Bob Telaro.
As contemporary blues artists, Izzo and Telaro say the new album truly represents who they are and where they come from. It also builds on the ‘Coalition’ aspect, with Izzo and Talero inviting two other lead vocalists, Annie Major-Matte and Mimmo Oliveri, to sing songs. Working with a rotating cast of singers, musicians, engineers and arrangers, Izzo and Talero created a celebratory atmosphere of music making for their second opus that deftly navigates the side-by-side, sonic neighborhoods of contemporary blues, blues rock and traditional blues.
An energetic, driving shuffle, “Take It or Leave It” features an off-the-charts vocal performance by Oliveri, and a huge brass arrangement by Saby Buccella. Buccella is a frequent IBC collaborator who arranges the horns throughout the new album, as well as the symphonic arrangement on the album’s final track, the soaring and emotional instrumental, “2020.” Izzo and Talero call Buccella “a true musical force to be reckoned with.”
Take It or Leave It is composed of eleven original songs written by Izzo, and punctuated by a breathtaking cover of the Carole King/Gerry Goffin/Jerry Wexler classic, “A Natural Woman” — arranged by Buccella and showcasing stunning vocalist Annie Major-Matte’s unbelievable range, tone and precision. “The girl can sing!” notes Izzo.
Izzo’s characteristic fingerpicking technique and immaculate playing are front and center throughout the new album and, along with the production, arrangements and overall vision, provide for a slick and expansive listen that highlights the Billboard Choice Award winner’s distinct intensity and passion.
Take It or Leave It brings a fresh perspective to the contemporary Canadian blues landscape, spotlighting Izzo’s producer chops and the extensive experience the band has accumulated in studio and over numerous live concerts, and most recently, a string of pandemic-necessitated live videos. Izzo Blues Coalition has reached a new plateau of creativity captured in a stellar new album to discover.
“Take It or Leave It” is available now. Take It or Leave, the album, is available this Fall from TAB Records.
Sonic Reducers. 1 topic. 2 music nerds. 5 minutes. And more than you really needed to see.
We focus on Kacey Musgraves’ nude appearance on Saturday Night Live, and if other singers are going to have to do something even more shocking next time.
Toronto, ON – JUNO Award-winning and multi-platinum selling vocal group The Tenors are returning to the stage this holiday season with their Santa’s Wish tour presented by Live Nation and sponsored by WestJet. The Tenors will perform holiday hits in the spirit of the season starting on November 23rd in Kelowna, BC at the Prospera Place and will wrap on December 23rd in Toronto, ON at the newly renovated Massey Hall.
Joining them on the tour is multi-platinum selling, JUNO Award nominated recording artist Tyler Shaw. Tyler Shaw and The Tenors are also releasing a holiday single together, “O Holy Night,” which will be released via Sony Music Entertainment Canada on October 22, 2021. The single will be part of Tyler’s upcoming holiday album, A Tyler Shaw Christmas, out November 5, 2021.
“We’re so grateful and excited to safely reconnect with all of our fans on our Santa’s Wish Tour,” said The Tenors. “We’re also thrilled to collaborate with Tyler Shaw on a new holiday song and to have him join us on the road. We can’t wait to hit the stage and reconnect with our fans across Canada while we celebrate the holiday season.”
Additionally, The Tenors will also be taping their fifth PBS TV special entitled “Best of Our Lives” on October 11th in Las Vegas. The special will take viewers on a musical journey with incredible harmonies and stunning arrangements of some of the most loved songs of all time, as well as inspired self-penned originals.
Clifton, Fraser, and Victor of The Tenors have been thrilling audiences around the world with their powerful songs, outstanding harmonies, and undeniable charm. Reimagining iconic hits and blending classical music, contemporary pop, classic rock, and folk, the award-winning and multi-Platinum selling group have achieved international success, performing thousands of live shows and hundreds of national and international TV appearances on five continents.
The Tenors have graced the stages of many prominent theatres, symphony halls, festivals, and arenas worldwide. They have performed for the last four Presidents of the United States, at the White House Christmas Tree Lighting, for the world leaders at the G20 Summit, and for Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at Windsor Castle. The group have also had the honour of sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in music including Celine Dion, Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Sarah McLachlan, Sting, Justin Bieber, Andrea Bocelli, Christina Aguilera, Smokey Robinson, and David Foster.
The Tenors Santa’s Wish tour tickets and VIP packages are on sale this Friday October 8th at 10am – local time. The Tenors have partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 per ticket (where available) supports MusiCounts and their work to make music education inclusive, sustainable, and accessible for youth across Canada. Fans can get access to pre-sale tickets through The Tenors Community on Patreon starting October 5th.
For additional information about the tour, and to purchase tickets visit here.
Santa’s Wish Tour VIP Package Includes:
• One Premium Reserved Ticket
• Access To The Tenor’s VIP Meet & Greet*
• One Photo Opportunity With The Tenors*
• One Signed 8×10 Photo of The Tenors
• One Tenors Branded Keychain
• One Commemorative VIP Laminate
*Meet & greet + photo opportunity may be socially distanced, masked or converted to a fully virtual model depending on COVID-19 guidelines at the time of the show
The Tenors – Santa’s Wish Tour Dates
With Special Guest Tyler Shaw
November 23, 2021 – Kelowna, BC – Prospera Place
November 25, 2021 – Calgary, AB – S. Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
November 26, 2021 – Edmonton, AB – N. Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
November 28, 2021 – Saskatoon, SK – TCU Place
November 29, 2021 – Regina, SK – Conexus Arts Centre
December 1, 2021 – Winnipeg, MB – Centennial Concert Hall
December 13, 2021 – Vancouver, BC – Orpheum
December 14, 2021 – Victoria, BC – Royal Theatre
December 16, 2021 – Kitchener, ON – Centre in the Square
December 17, 2021 – Ottawa, ON – N.A.C. (Ntl Arts Centre)
December 20, 2021 – Hamilton, ON – FirstOntario Concert Hall
December 22, 2021 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall
December 23, 2021 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall
Sonic Reducers. 1 topic. 2 music nerds. 5 minutes.
We discuss David Lee Roth’s claim that his upcoming live shows will be his last, marvel again at the magnificence of Van Halen, and wonder whether DLR is *really* doing to retire.
What does it mean to be a “Shantyman”? Much less know what he may do with his time? His life? Leave it to Canadian Celtic folk-rocker Séan McCann to spin the yarn that’ll provide all the answers in this, his new single — available now.
Depending upon which side of the Atlantic your ancestors come from, a “Shantyman” is either a simple sailor, or a lumberjack, who leads his fellow labourers in song. Listen to Newfoundland’s McCann, and his new acoustic fable of the same name, and find yourself as both lost in the woods or at sea with an album chock full of anecdotes, and spirited arrangements.
A musician by birth, a professional songwriter since the 80s, McCann has become a tour de force in Canada’s rich musical landscape and history — not only as a solo artist, but also as a former bandmate of world-renowned and beloved folk rock band Great Big Sea, a group he co-founded and performed with until his exit in 2013.
Over his incredible career, McCann has dropped five successful solo albums, each touching on subjects ranging from life in his home-country to tackling cultural moments like the infamous Fort McMurray, Alberta, wildfires (2016) in which he partnered with the Canadian Red Cross. In conjunction with his philanthropy work, McCann also went on to organize a songwriters benefit in 2017 in support of veterans suffering with PTSD and addiction, enlisting his fellow musician friends, Joel Plaskett, Sarah Harmer and Jeremy Fisher. McCann’s good deeds would not go unnoticed – the musician earned the Order of Canada for his advocacy in 2020.
Coming to terms with the hauntings of his past, which ultimately resulted in a spiralling battle with alcohol addiction, coming clean and owning his truth has been paramount to who he’s become as a husband, a father, a musician, and a human. Armed with the strength and support of his wife, Andrea Aragon, McCann co-penned his first book One Good Reason (April, 2020). “It’s the story of how love saved their marriage, and music saved his life. It is the story of a man freed from the weight of a lie; a man who is changing his narrative and never forgetting… that he is not alone.”
Moving forward through the pandemic has inspired and encouraged McCann to do what he loves best: write music, tell stories, and do it all with the accompaniment of his best friend “Old Brown” — the first guitar he purchased back in 1989.
What isolation encouraged was a record of sea shanties and tales of life on the East Coast — meant to be sung loud, and with others. “I spent the last six months making Shantyman to keep myself from going slowly insane in the absence of any live in-person concert interaction,” McCann says.
Inspired by the necessity of humanity working together to conquer COVID and overcome the pandemic, McCann focused on our dependence upon each other as the foundation for the album. He reached out to his friends Hawksley Workman, Gordie (Big Sugarman) Johnson, Jeremy Fisher and fiddler J.P. Cormier to record themselves remotely to bring his passion project to fruition. “The shanty is the ultimate work song designed specifically to help people overcome difficult challenges by working together in harmony to get the job done,” he says.
Of its lead single, “Shantyman’s Life,” McCann writes the wonderment of the human spirit — a testament to the brotherhood of acting as one. Plunging out of your speakers, “Shantyman’s Life” incorporates the very best of McCann: rock, interspersed with the sounds and Maritime harmonies that incorporate Gaelic instruments blended with electric guitar riffs, exquisite harmonies and pulsating percussion that dares you to dance a proper sea jig on the dance floor. Mash McCann’s masterful song writing with his distinguished vox, layered in lush harmonies, and you’ve churned yourself an authentic sea shanty.
“Music is medicine, and I believe it is no accident the shanty has resurfaced now when we so desperately need songs that bind us,” Séan McCann remarks.
You’ll whole-heartedly agree. When it’s time to swallow the desperate pill of today’s reality, Shantyman works as the antidote, ready to sing us all back to health.
“Shantyman’s Life” is available now via YouTube, and Shantyman is available for purchase exclusively here.
While the calendar may say 2021, Canadian band Bad Skin haul hints of being a 90s punk parcel, drawing from their 70s forefathers, and giving The Runaways an actual run for their money. What Shirley Manson and Brody Dalle invoked, what Courtney Love concocted, and even the gauntlet Hayley Williams threw down, Bad Skin surmises on their sophomore EP release, Live Fast Die Punk — available now.
The banger “Grey Day” was a fitting lead off to the new year, delivered in epic punk fashion: bursting out of speakers and chaining you to a flippant nod to the past — all with a promise that punk is fast forward moving inside the guitar licks of Gen Z.
“Grey Day” is menacing. It’s loud. It’s charging. Its cascading “oh – oh – oh” chorus coerces you to chant along, and its heavy bass, pounding electric, and pulsating punk percussion is everything diehards of the genre have come to love.
These are anarchists of music, pushing boundaries, and refusing to slow down.
“The EP was written and recorded back in 2019,” the band reveals. “Our main goal was to take a step further than our previous album. We’ve all grown and matured in our writing, and it shows!”
Fun fact, they confess, is that “Grey Day’s” slick solo was written a mere four hours prior to its recording. “We had another solo before, but Caro wasn’t satisfied,” they shared. “The morning of the recording, she woke up with this melody and recorded it!”
The four-piece from Quebec came together after lead singer/rhythm guitarist, Dope, put a call out for an all-girl punk-rock outfit back in 2016. It didn’t take much time for the cohorts to flesh themselves out as Bad Skin, adding to the roster Caro (lead guitarist), Aurèly (bass), Christine (drums).
With shared passion and conviction, the group became a voice for their voiceless; connecting with fans through relatability, commonality, and going on to raise awareness for daily injustices through their songs. Bad Skin were soon signed to Dance Plant Records, a label they say are mentoring and helping the band become “the best version of themselves and take off on that unbelievable journey.”
In addition to slaying on “Grey Day,” Bad Skin followed-up the track with a visual love letter — a high-voltage music video showcasing the personalities of each individual member, and spotlighting their megawatt energy stage show, revealing how they manage to captivate their audiences night after night and set after set. “We gathered our ideas with Nickolas Markas, our video director, and everything we wanted, we got: a colourful, fun video, and to bring the 90’s nostalgia back at his best!”
The band are no stranger to the festival circuit, having already added an illustrious catalogue of major shows in their newly minted career including Music 4 Cancer, Pop Montreal, Pouzza Fest, 77 Festival, Rockfest pour la santè mentale, and Le Phoque Off. They’ve shook hands with their main inspo, L7, and scored an invitation to the Cannes for MIDEM in the summer of 2019.
They’ve recently announced a slew of 2022 dates, too; presented by IndigoBravo Promotions, Bad Skin will take the stage overseas on a UK blitz this coming July.
Much like their souped-up, amplified, punk-driven tracks and stage shows, Bad Skin shows no signs of slowing. Their intricate song writing, and commitment to the genre in all its ginormous excitement and paramount energy puts the band front and centre to introducing the new generation of music lovers to a timeless genre. The all-female kickass group is taking the world by storm, one “Grey Day” at a time.
“Grey Day” and Live Fast Die Punk are available now.
Just like candy or cake, that feeling of everything being ‘just right’ when you’re with that special someone is simple and sweet, and Toronto-based rapper and singer-songwriter same as me celebrates that pure and uncomplicated joy with her aptly-titled new single “Just Right” — available now.
An easy-flow pop jam replete with beats, snaps, gorgeous vocal harmonies, and a little bit of rap, “Just Right” turns the female gaze on someone spotted on the street.
I was walking down the street And I was like ooh child You the one I really gotta meet Cuz my eyes can’t get enough Of what I’m seeing Looking like a sweet treat Bubble gum candy
But instead of turning into a leering catcall, the song turns sincere and sweet: “But I won’t chew you up and spit you out/I’ll blow bubbles and you pop them out.” It’s an uplifting song, for a time when the world needs a break from the pain.
“I wrote and produced the track during the pandemic because I knew an uplifting fun song is what the world needed,” same as me said, adding that one of the lyrics of the song is “We need loving more than ever now.” In fact, it’s a message so important to her that she repeated that line in her other recently released post-pandemic single “Stand Up.”
The video for “Just Right,” shot in same as me’s hometown of Edmonton, Alberta, features the rapper in various brightly colored outfits accessorized by lollipops, cupcakes, and sugar lipstick. There’s even a fun dance sequence during the bridge that same as me originally created while playing around on TikTok.
“I love TikTok,” same as me shares. “I recently got into it as I find the platform so funny and uplifting, so it totally made sense to make a dance breakdown for a TikTok dance challenge.”
same as me has also designed a clothing line around “Just Right” that includes everything cupcake printed, from bikinis to dresses, and even underwear.
same as me is a rapper, producer, singer and songwriter originally hailing from Edmonton, Alberta but who relocated to Toronto, Ontario, to pursue her musical aspirations. Immediately after arriving in Toronto, she landed opportunities such as becoming a Honey Jam Alumni, which is an artist concert program with alumni such as Nelly Furtado, Jully Black and Melanie Fiona. She also won a spot in Canada’s Music Incubator artist entrepreneur program worth 10K, and won the Canada’s Walk of Fame Emerging Artist Metalworks 10K scholarship. She then caught the attention of Roy Hamilton III (Grammy Nominated #1 Hit Producer), who joined her team and hired her to work for his artist development company.
She has opened for international acts from Karl Wolf to Jadakiss, and has also played major festivals such as Canadian Music Week. She has worked with JUNO award winner Rich Kidd (Drake, SonReal), hit producer/songwriter Fingazz (Snoop Dogg, Karl Wolf), and award-winning producer/songwriter Lisa Patterson.
Having parents that both escaped war-torn countries to make a better life in Canada, advocacy of equal rights and freedom is crucial to same as me’s message.
