Sonic Reducers. One topic. Two music nerds. Five minutes.
Join us as we talk about the new Rolling Stones video for Living In The Heart of Love, ponder where they go from here.
Singer/Songwriter ANDREW ALLEN Savors That Fresh-Love Feeling with “Linger”
New love can be so intoxicating that we want to slow down every single moment, draw it out, and savor it, making the feeling last forever. And Vernon, BC singer-songwriter Andrew Allen’s new single “Linger” – available now – captures just that: the slowing down, to the point that a lover’s every breath and heartbeat takes on a profound meaning.
A pop earworm that alternates between love ballad and dance tune, “Linger” makes use of simple beats, hook-y harmonies, and well-placed breath and heartbeat effects. Lyrics like ‘go slow/I like to let it linger/you know my knees are getting weaker’ harness that universal feeling of infatuation; listeners experience the slowed-down beauty of noticing all the new things about a love interest, and then the joyful, dance-y exuberance of just knowing that that person exists in the world and our love is returned.
“’Linger’ dives into the intimate connection between two people and the desire you can’t help but see, feel, and want more of,” Andrew says.
The song teases the British Columbia-based artist’s upcoming new album, 12:34 — a release set to document the ‘turning upside down’ of his life.
Its title, 12:34, is an ‘angel number’ Andrew says he’s seen repeatedly over the last few years, and one many believe is the universe’s way of communicating with us. “12:34 can be seen as a number of progression and/or steps along a journey or life path,” he shares. “It indicates that you may have to put some hard work and effort towards a new project, venture or important life change.”
The album catalogues all the various ups and downs that come with major change — from gaining the awareness that you’ve been numb in “Don’t Feel Much,” to reflecting on a breakup in “Did I Ever,” to experiencing new love in “Wanted” and “Linger,” all the way to the importance of a good support system through it all found in “My Friends.”
12:34 and “Linger” are the latest in a string of release successes for Andrew Allen. He has scored five Top 10 hits in Canada — 2009′s “I Wanna Be Your Christmas,” 2010’s “Loving You Tonight” (which was lodged in the upper reaches of the charts for more than 22 weeks), 2011’s “I Want You,” 2015’s “What You Wanted,” and 2016’s “Favourite Christmas Song.”
His benchmark single “Loving You Tonight” got him signed to Epic Records, and helped put him on tour with acts like Bruno Mars, One Republic, Andy Grammer, The Script, Train, Joshua Radin and The Barenaked Ladies. As a songwriter, he’s written with the likes of Meghan Trainor, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Tyler Shaw, to name a few.
His new album 12:34 will be available in October, and his new single “Linger” is available now.
Canadian Pop-Rock Duo The Red Dirt Skinners Unveil “Wolf In The Woods”
Pop-rock group The Red Dirt Skinners may just be getting settled in Belleville, ON, but they’re far from settled when it comes to their music careers. With a discovery straight out of a storybook, and enumerated accolades from the UK, The Red Dirt Skinners have grown into their sonic skin and surroundings with recent world events, fleshing out new riffs and lyrics; their new single “Wolf In The Woods” among them, and available now.
Upon moving to Canada after receiving an invitation from Canadian Immigration to become permanent residents under the “Performers of a World Class Level” category, the Red Dirt Skinners were on their way to Edmonton to start their tour for the year. As the world was rolling into 2020, and winter storms battered the Alberta region, the Red Dirt Skinners received the news every touring indie group dreads — the show is cancelled and the venue is closed. Tack on a growing pandemic, and you’ve got a recipe for uncertainty.
However, that didn’t stop Rob and Sarah Skinner, the two sole members of Red Dirt Skinners. “We spent three days in a hotel just outside Edmonton airport in -37 weather,” they recall. “We ended up writing several riffs, lyrics and ideas which became the backbone of many of the songs on this album — Bear With Us.”
And bear with them their loyal audience has…
Through an interesting social media campaign, the Red Dirt Skinners continued to tour sites of interest, bringing along a special stuffed friend; a stuffed bear, to be clear. With that sort of wit, it’s no surprise that one of the songs off of this new album, “Wolf In The Woods,” carries a similar underscored symbolism.
“Wolf In The Woods” is a dark song about narcissistic abuse that is meant to serve as a cautionary tale. “It’s a reminder that if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Regardless of how charming these people may first appear, they are parasites who will take all they can from their victims until they’ve used everything up — and they discard them, and move on.
“We’re drawing attention to the red flags in the hope that we can help others spot the warning signs before they are sucked in.”
A humble quest, indeed, and one that won’t be lost on those who have suffered this type of abuse before. In fact, the song almost serves as validation for anyone on the receiving end of such ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ perversion, while also acting as a call-to-action for those questioning someone’s behaviour.
The song is the latest in a line of releases that seamlessly blend male and female harmonies while featuring “Sarah’s trademark soprano saxophone solos” — creating a delightful listening experience. In the words of the Daily Mirror, “homebred male/female duos don’t come more impassioned or impressive.” Those words do a fantastic job at summing up this impressively talented indie pop-rock group. Canada has taken their fate into their hands, but it doesn’t seem like it will be long before the Red Dirt Skinners have their chance to impress the world.
“Wolf In The Woods” is available now.
Sonic Reducers: Ready or Not…Fugees Announce Reunion Tour
Sonic Reducers. One topic. Two music nerds. Five minutes. Join us as we talk about the Fugees’ new reunion tour, and debate why now?
Charlie Watts Talks Music History With Chad Smith
In this exclusive interview on The Drum Channel, get a first-hand look into Charlie Watts’ life experiences as he discusses everything with Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Charlie discusses what got him into drumming, his early influences and how important Jazz was to him.
Check Out An Early Demo Version Of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself”
Eminem says that Lose Yourself was written on set, during breaks while filming 8 Mile. This official demo version of this song, titled “Lose Yourself (Demo Version)” with two different verses and a slightly different hook, was released on the album Shady XV November 24, 2014
…and the full story behind the song, becoming his first Billboard Hot 100 number-one single and remaining there for twelve consecutive weeks. It reached atop of the charts in nineteen other countries.
Record Store Day Reveals Black Friday Releases From The Likes Of Lana Del Rey, Aerosmith & More
Record Store Day’s sister event, Black Friday, is set to return on Friday 26 November with a super special list of exclusive vinyl releases from the likes of Lana Del Rey, Aerosmith, Kali Uchis and many more!
Over one hundred artists have come together to create limited edition vinyl records that will only be available from independent record stores up and down the UK – a full list of which can be found here: https://
Since 2021, organisers of Record Store Day have worked to shift the culture of “Black Friday” by moving away from the mass-produced, low priced nature of the day to creating an array of unique and special vinyl records that will bring value and joy to collectors all over the world.
So without further ado, below is The List of special titles coming to a record shop near you. Full details on each title here: http://
Michael Bublé Christmas 2021 Super Deluxe 10th Anniversary Limited Edition Box Set Available Nov. 12
Michael Bublé’s Christmas is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the phenomenal success of his mega holiday album in grand style with the announcement today that Warner Records/Reprise Records will release an extraordinary updated package of music and holiday goodies that will be housed in a new Super Deluxe Limited Edition Box Set.
The 2021 boxed set, scheduled to be released on November 12th in the U.S. and Canada and November 19th internationally, is expected to become the dream gift to give and receive this holiday season bringing new joy and light to Bublé fans everywhere.
The boxed set will include a 7-track bonus CD with songs personally selected by the artist and featuring two newly recorded songs: the Bublé co-penned “The Christmas Sweater” and a new studio version of holiday favorite “Let It Snow!” recorded at the famed Abbey Road Studios in London with the BBC Big Band Orchestra. Other songs on the bonus CD include “The More You Give (The More You’ll Have)” and “Winter Wonderland” – a duet with Rod Stewart.
Additional elements in the boxed set along with the original CD include:
- 48-Page Hardbound Book including a personal new letter from the artist to his fans
- Individually numbered 12 x 12 lithograph
- An exclusive green vinyl version of the original album.
- DVD: The Making of Christmas – a full behind-the-scenes and in the studio compilation of special moments filmed during the recording of the album with frequent Bublé commentary
- Exclusive unique Christmas ornament, plus 6 sheets of wrapping paper and 6 Christmas cards
Michael Bublé’s Christmas has sold over 16 million albums these last ten years, has had 4 billion streams (equivalent to 60 million albums), and has annually retained a #5 position on musical charts around the world. For the last ten years, the songs from Bublé’s Christmas have been omnipresent in homes, households, stores and restaurants. His voice has literally become the soundtrack to the season.
Michael Bublé, a multi-platinum, multi-Grammy, multi-Juno award winning artist who has had four #1 albums, numerous hit singles and 8 sold out world tours, is currently concluding his concert tour in the U.S. and Mexico.
SiriusXM and Pandora Celebrate Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month with New Initiatives to Highlight Latinx and Hispanic Artists
This Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month, SiriusXM and Pandora celebrate the Latinx and Hispanic stars making an impact on music today with new programming and events focused on uplifting the sounds of their culture. Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month runs through October 15 and commemorates how those communities have influenced and contributed to American society at large.
Pandora’s new Satélites station highlights the discovery of the next generation of musical innovators who are influencing the direction of contemporary Latin urban and popular music. Satélites will feature music from the ‘satellite’ regions of Latin America, the US and Caribbean. Artists that can be heard on Satélites include Álvaro Díaz, María Becerra, Dímelo Flow & La Gabi.
In addition to launching the Satélites station, Pandora will host an exclusive Pandora LIVE El Pulso event featuring a performance from 5 time Latin GRAMMY-winning artist J Balvin, also known as “the global ambassador of Reggaeton.” Balvin, a favorite on Pandora’s popular El Pulso station, will perform his massive global hits as well as music from his recent album Jose. Fans will have the opportunity to witness the exclusive show taping live and those unable to attend will be able to enjoy the event virtually on October 13 at live.pandora.com. The performance will also air on SiriusXM’s Caliente and Pitbull’s Globalization channels.
Balvin’s Pandora LIVE El Pulso event lands after the launch of his Artist Takeover Mode on El Pulso, out now. Listen to J. Balvin’s Artist Takeover Mode on EL Pulso here.
SiriusXM is celebrating Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month with a broad array of exclusive special programming honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of artists and celebrities of Latinx and Hispanic descent.
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day a day early with Los Dos Carnales on SiriusXM’s Aguila channel, who will provide an exclusive performance airing today at 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET and throughout the week.
Becky G will kick off a new monthly series, “Las Poderosas,” which is dedicated to the Latina artists leading the Latin music movement. As host of the series’ first episode, Becky G will also share music from those artists that have influenced her. This show will air on September 21 at 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET, with a replay on September 25 at 11 a.m. ET on SiriusXM’s Viva channel.
In a historic two-part series, Irakere Reunion: Chucho Valdés & Paquito D’Rivera, Chucho Valdés will talk to founding members of the legendary Cuban band, Irakere! on his SiriusXM channel, Chucho’s Cuba and Beyond. Parts one and two will include his conversation with Grammy award-winning clarinetist and saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera, airing October 4 at 4 p.m. and October 13 at 4 p.m. ET.
Listeners can also expect exclusive specials with world-famous artists Andrés Calamaro, Diego Torres, and many more all on the SiriusXM App. For a full SiriusXM programming schedule through October 15, please visit HERE
Also in celebration of Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month, SiriusXM, Pandora, and Stitcher are proud to announce their new sales and distribution relationship with Pitaya Entertainment, the podcasting company dedicated to producing shows by and for Latinos in the US. Pitaya’s podcasts, hosted by some of the biggest Latinx influencers in the U.S., include Ana Patricia Sin Filtro con Ana Patricia Gámez, Muy Fuera De Lugar con Werevertumorro, Sin Rodeo con Jomari Goyso, Entre Hermanas con Alejandra Espinoza y Damaris Jimenez, El Pedcast con José Eduardo Derbez and Hyphenated with Joanna Hausmann and Jenny Lorenzo.
Special programming will continue across SiriusXM’s Talk and Comedy channels. Some of the highlights include Comedy Greats channel 94, which will air full stand-up albums every Wednesday and Friday from some of the biggest Latinx comedians, including Cheech and Chong, George Lopez, Gabriel Iglesias, John Leguizamo, and more.
Raw Dog Comedy (channel 99) will also air full albums from Latinx comedians every Wednesday and Friday throughout the month, including releases from some of the biggest names in comedy. More specials are also planned for Netflix Radio (channel 93), Comedy Central Radio (channel 95), and Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Radio (channel 96).
SiriusXM Progress (channel 127) will honor the history and culture of Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month by shining a spotlight on the issues that are at the forefront of the Latinx Community. The channel will continue its “Pass The Mic” special series throughout the weekend of October 2, as the channel highlights Latinx voices and celebrates a community that has influenced so many of our traditions.
Peruvian-American children’s musician Flor Bromley will guest DJ SiriusXM’s Kids Place Live Hispanic Heritage Fiesta bringing listeners family-friendly songs from a wealth of Hispanic and Latin American acts. The lineup includes children’s artists from Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, and more. The special can be heard on September 19 at 9 a.m. ET on Kids Place Live channel 78, and is also available on the SXM App here.
“Stomping Ground”, All-New Dion Album, Coming November 5
Dion is following up his critically acclaimed and commercially successful 2020 album release Blues With Friends with Stomping Ground, a new album that finds him collaborating yet again with music greats with whom he shares mutual admiration. Set for release November 5, Stomping Ground was produced by Wayne Hood with Dion and will be released through Joe Bonamassa and Roy Weisman’s KTBA Records. The album will be available digitally as well as on CD and as a two LP set.
Most of the album’s songs were written by Dion and his songwriting partner Mike Aquilina. Guest artists appearing on tracks with Dion include Boz Scaggs, Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton, Patti Scialfa, Bruce Springsteen, Billy F Gibbons, Keb’ Mo’, Sonny Landreth, Joe Menza, Mike Menza, Marcia Ball, Jimmy Vivino, Rickie Lee Jones, Wayne Hood, Joe Bonamassa and G.E. Smith with Pete Townshend’s liner notes which Dion characterizes as “amazing.”
The album’s voluminous notes include an intro by Dion that succinctly summarizes the philosophy behind the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s latest recorded endeavor:
“When I was young, I was always striving for accolades and admiration. Those were my goals. But when I reached them, they didn’t satisfy. I discovered joy when I leaned to stop caring about all that – when I learned to relax and make music with friends… music that would make more friends for us through its joy. To make music with friends, and to make friends through music: I can’t imagine a better life than this. I am grateful to my friends who made Stomping Ground with me – and my new friends who are listening.”
The album was preceded last month with the release of “I’ve Got To Get To You,” a track featuring Boz Scaggs along with the father and son guitar team of Joe and Mike Menza. This week marks the release of “Take It Back,” on which Dion is joined by Joe Bonamassa. Next month (10/13) will see the release of “Angel In The Alleyway” that features Patti Scialfa (vocals) and Bruce Springsteen (guitar and harmonica).
The album’s notes include a foreword by Pete Townshend, which reads, in part:
“Dion, like a circling star that never fades, generates the energy and fire we need to pull ourselves up and start again. Dion is a star who knows well how to start again, how to keep shining. He looks at his watch every few years. Damn! Let’s make a record. Take care. This one will blow those little white things in our ears right into your brain.”
Beyond Townshend’s literary contribution, Dion provides a track-by-track description of all the album’s 14 selections, the sole non-original being “Red House,” the Jimi Hendrix song that has become a blues standard. On Stomping Ground, Dion is joined by Keb’ Mo’ on that song. Dion notes, “We had a blast grooving on ‘Red House.’ I’m honored to have him join me on this Jimi Hendrix cover/tribute. We did it as only we could. I think Jimi would approve!” It’s worth mentioning that the follow-up single release to Dion’s 1968 smash hit “Abraham, Martin and John” was “Purple Haze,” serving to underscore the connection that Dion has long had with the legacy of Jimi Hendrix.
There’s more Dion news. The Wanderer, a musical based on the life and music of Dion will stage its world pre-Broadway premiere at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ on March 24, 2022. Michael Wartella (Wicked) stars as Dion, alongside Christy Altomare (Anastasia) as Susan, Dion’s wife. Original New Kids on the Block member Joey McIntyre (Waitress) plays Johnny, Dion’s best friend. The Wanderer was written by Charles Messina (A Room of My Own) and directed by Kenneth Ferrone (Cruel Intentions) and choreographed by Sarah O’Gleby. Tony Award-winner Beowulf Boritt is the scenic designer. The Wanderer is produced by Paper Mill Playhouse in association with Jill Menza and Charles Messina.
Visit DionDimucci.com or KTBArecords.com for more information.
Stomping Ground track listing (LP version — CD version follows the same order)
Side A
- Take It Back with Joe Bonamassa
- Hey Diddle Diddle with G.E. Smith
- Dancing Girl with Mark Knopfler
- If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll with Eric Clapton
Side B
- There Was A Time with Peter Frampton
- Cryin’ Shame with Sonny Landreth
- The Night Is Young with Joe Menza and Wayne Hood
Side C
- That’s What The Doctor Said with Steve Conn
- My Stomping Ground with Billy F Gibbons
- Angel In the Alleyways with Patti Scialfa and Bruce Springsteen
Side D
- I’ve Got To Get To You with Boz Scaggs, Joe Menza and Mike Menza
- Red House with Keb’ Mo’
- I Got My Eyes On You Baby with Marcia Ball and Jimmy Vivino
- I’ve Been Watching with Rickie Lee Jones and Wayne Hood