In this video, Mouthfilm celebrates record stores in movies and how they’re so often tied to a strong sense of nostalgia, a powerful emotion that transcends time and heightens the cinematic experience.
Latin-Pop Artists MellyQueen & Skyzz Set the Night Ablaze with “Lento y Pegadito”
This simmering late-summer heat is no match when it comes to heating up the room like Latin-pop artists MellyQueen and Skyzz do on their fresh track, “Lento y Pegadito” — available now.
Driven with poppy composition, enticing vocalizations, and some undeniable musical magnetism, the two Toronto-based multi-talented artists soar beyond the stratosphere with their newest single — and first collaboration.
“When Skyzz and I met, we shared a great connection and an overall chemistry,” MellyQueen recalls. “We really wanted to create a song that captured that fun, heartfelt, and feel-good energy we share off-camera.”
“Lento y Pegadito” ignites these vibes ablaze; tied together with the track’s accompanying video, audiences are treated to witnessing the pair’s electric creative chemistry first-hand. “Unlike its title, the love for this single has been quick and expansive among the Latin community,” Skyzz says.
“Through this experience, we were able to work as creatives — learning from one another, and creating an amazing final project,” MellyQueen continues. “Knowing this was our first collaboration, we spent many days perfecting the lyrics, production, and video to showcase the beauty behind this project.
“We believe we have created something different and special for our audience.”
To that end, the two Toronto-based artists have grown increasingly known for creating musical magic for their audiences within their own respective careers for some time now.
Skyzz is an award-winning Latin-pop, Afrobeat, Hip Hop, and alt-rock singer/songwriter from Belize. From his first grasp of a pair of drumsticks at a young age, to being named CJ107’s Most Talented Performer in 2017, Skyzz is known for his scintillating blend of vigorous passion and infectious persistence — all wrapped within deeply healing and relatable lyrics derived from personal experiences.
Produced by Alix Veliz (“Dancing Kizomba”), Skyzz’s 2021 forthcoming debut EP is set to include a selection of his new and original singles, such as “Bésame,” “Let Go Let Love,” “What Do You Want,” “Congratulations,” and more.
Specializing in Latin music, MellyQueen fuses Spanish and English lyrics effortlessly — garnishing her productions with a dazzling dashes of pop and reggaeton.
While she released her first single, “Goodbye,” in February of 2020, this indie artist is no stranger to music and the creative process; MellyQueen has been making music since a young age — learning to write lyrics and create melodies. She prides herself on her ability to inspire her listeners while leaving them with a feeling of buoyancy and willingness to get on their feet and dance.
Skyzz and MellyQueen’s new single, “Lento y Pegadito,” is available now.
JourneyWoman Acquisition Creates World’s Largest Resource for Safe, Women-Friendly Travel
Continuing its mission as the world’s #1 original solo travel resource for women, Toronto-based JourneyWoman CEO Carolyn Ray has welcomed website Women Travel the World (womentravel.info) into its offering, creating a one-stop place for women to find safe, affordable travel experiences. Established in New Zealand by Rosemary Neave in 2009, Women Travel the World connects women travellers with hundreds of women-friendly tours, retreats, accommodations and guides in over 100 countries.
“For almost 30 years, JourneyWoman’s ethos has been to help women travel safely and well,” Ray says. “Whether women are travelling solo, with a partner or in a group, they have unique criteria when choosing a travel experience, including cost, safety and cleanliness — which have been heightened by the pandemic. Our most recent Safety Survey showed that over 88% of women feel somewhat threatened or unsafe while travelling and that 80% of women will choose a tour, accommodation or retreat if it has been verified as safe and women-friendly by JourneyWoman,” she continues.
Jennifer Haddow, CEO, BC-based Wild Women Expeditions, a global leader in adventure travel for women, says: “Now more than ever before, women need confidence that they are choosing a women-friendly company that is attuned to their needs, including safety and value. JourneyWoman’s new site will help them find the experience of their dreams and intentionally support women-owned businesses around the world.”
An expansion of JourneyWoman’s existing Women’s Travel Directory, the new website will provide women with access to the world’s largest listing of verified women-friendly businesses — with a focus on slow travel, adventure travel, wellness and luxury travel, inclusive of LGBTQ+ and Indigenous tourism. For more information and videos, read the announcement here.
Founded in 1994, JourneyWoman is the world’s original solo female travel resource and one of the most beloved and respected women’s travel brands in the world, helping women travel safely for almost 30 years. Based in Toronto, Canada, with a subscriber list of over 55,000 women, JourneyWoman Publisher Carolyn Ray is a board member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC). JourneyWoman is a registered trademark of Journeywoman Enterprises Inc. To learn more visit journeywoman.com.
COLIN JAMES To Release 20th Album OPEN ROAD on November 5 – “Down On The Bottom” Out Now
From the rolling prairies of Saskatchewan to the Open Road of a storied career, multi-award winning, chart-topping, and multi-Platinum selling guitarist Colin James releases his 20th studio album November 5, 2021 via Stony Plain Records.
Following this summer’s track, “Down On The Bottom,” the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Famer has revealed the release’s video — available now here.
Having set a soaring bar for inimitable talent in Canadian music, Colin James remains at the top of his game, continuously challenging himself creatively.
Open Road lands no differently, and follows James’ JUNO-winning and most recent full-length, 2018’s Miles To Go — an album that garnered worldwide attention as it debuted on the Billboard Blues Charts, the iTunes Blues Chart, and added six new Maple Blues Awards to his running total of 27.
In delivering 20+ albums across 30+ years, a look back over Colin James’ career reveals a timeline rich in highlights, kicking off when he subbed in for a no-show opening act at a Stevie Ray Vaughan concert in his hometown of Regina.
His 1988 self-titled debut, featuring two self-penned hits “Voodoo Thing” and “Five Long Years,” was the fastest-selling album in Canadian history, winning him his first of now-seven JUNOs, and an opening spot on tour with Keith Richards.
In addition to his own studio offerings, Colin James has worked with some of the world’s most revered artists across his multi-decade career — including Bonnie Raitt, Albert Collins, Pops Staples, Robert Cray, Albert King, Keith Richards, Lenny Kravitz, ZZ Top, Mavis Staples, Luther Allison, Roomful of Blues, Bobby King and Terry Evans, John Hammond Jr., The Chieftains, Carlos Santana, Little Feat, Johnny Hallyday, Jeff Healey, and Buddy Guy.
And beyond his own recording and touring to massive sold-out crowds, he is a prolific songwriter with his music recorded by the likes of Maria Muldaur, Johnny Hallyday, and Lucinda Williams. He is also credited with launching the swing revival, thanks to his wildly popular Little Big Band.
Colin James’ new album, Open Road, is available this November 5, 2021 via Stony Plain Records.
His new single, “Down On The Bottom” is available now!
Colin James Tour Dates
November 8, 2021 Qualicom Civic Centre Qualicom Beach BC
November 9, 2021 Tidemark Theatre Campbell River BC
November 10, 2021 Evergreen Theatre Powell River BC
November 13, 2021 Cleland Theatre Penticton BC
November 14, 2021 Performing Arts Centre Vernon BC
November 15, 2021 Key City Theatre Cranbrook BC
November 17, 2021 Festival Place Sherwood Park AB
November 18, 2021 Festival Place Sherwood Park AB
November 20, 2021 Vic Juba Theatre Lloydminster AB
November 21, 2021 Lougheed PAC – Cargill Theatre Camrose AB
November 23, 2021 Blues At The Bow Bow Island AB
November 24, 2021 Blues At The Bow Bow Island AB
BECOMING LED ZEPPELIN: Official Teaser Clip Is Here
Get ready for the resurgence of rock’s best bands. Watch the first clip from the Venice documentary, “‘BECOMING LED ZEPPELIN.”
Calgary’s DOWNTOWN EXIT Leaps from Page to Stage with Cover Of Neil Young’s “After The Gold Rush”
From the page to the stage, fantasy has become reality for Canadian roots-rock band Downtown Exit, and this, their intimate, acoustic cover of Neil Young’s “After The Gold Rush” — available now.
Until now, Downtown Exit has solely existed as the fictional 1970s-era band, Levi Jaxon and The Downtown Exit; it’s the moniker #1 best-selling author Glenn Dixon created for his new book, Bootleg Stardust.
Also a musician and songwriter, Dixon and his real-life band of top notch, Calgary-based musicians and songwriters, usually known as the Barrel Dogs, wrote and recorded seven songs as a soundtrack for the book — including this era-faithful cover of Young’s classic, and its timeless message.
“It’s a haunting and beautiful song with a message that, even across the years, still rings true today,” Dixon says. “‘Look at Mother Nature on the run,’ goes the chorus, an urgent call to take care of our burning planet.”
In his real-life band, Dixon is a guitarist and vocalist. The other members of Downtown Exit/Barrel Dogs are bassist-vocalist Richard Maruk, drummer Darren Stinson, keyboard player Michael Dangelmaier and lead vocalist Jim Sarantis. With three different vocalists and songwriters in the group, Dixon was confident they would have the versatility to create a wide range of music for the fictional band found within the pages of Bootleg Stardust.
Released in April via Simon and Schuster, the novel Bootleg Stardust tells the story of young guitarist Levi Jaxon’s pitfall-laden rise to fame in 1974 as a member of the Downtown Exit while the band is on a wild, chaotic European tour.
In an interview with the Calgary Herald, Dixon shared his idea behind making the band in his book a reality: “I wanted to make it as if Downtown Exit are almost like a real band,” he explained. “It’s like, ‘Do you remember Downtown Exit from 1974? They had this song.’
“I’d love it if people would say, ‘Yeah … I think I remember them.’
“But, really, it’s entirely fictional.”
Consequently, when it came time to record and mix the songs Dixon and his band had written for the soundtrack, they chose a very authentic 1970s-era studio to do so. The songs were tracked and mixed in the Rolling Stones’ Mobile Recording Studio, where Exile on Main Street and Sticky Fingers were recorded — along with iconic albums by Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. The mobile studio is now housed at Studio Bell’s National Music Centre in Calgary, and Dixon and his band mates worked with the NMC’s Audio Manager Jason Tawkin to engineer their recordings; the songs were then mastered at none other than the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London.
“I remember Jason coming to us when we were already set up and he said, ‘Do you want to use Neil Young’s microphone?’” Dixon told the Calgary Herald. “Yes, yes we do. They had gotten that from Neil Young’s ranch in California. They had all kinds of amazing equipment that we got to use and get this sound. It’s the sound of 1974.”
To record an iconic Neil Young song with a microphone that Neil Young actually used? Now, that’s keeping it very authentic for a fictional band becoming real.
“After The Gold Rush” and the full EP Levi Jaxon and The Downtown Exit are available now!
London, UK-Based Soul Artist + Netflix’s “Top Boy” Actor THEO OGUNDIPE Releases “Y” Single
There is something about Theo Ogundipe that is worth getting to know… And with one listen to this multifaceted indie-soul musician’s new single, “Y” — available now — that notion is easily confirmed.
It’s easy to tell that “Y” is rich with emotional vulnerability, easily explained in that Theo Ogundipe has always “been a lover of music and a musician at heart.” Even though he’s known throughout the world as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company in the productions of Hamlet (2016), Julius Caesar (2012) and Stud Life (2012). He’s also seen in the Netflix “Top Boy” series as Ruben, a series literally saved when it was canceled on Channel 4 when Drake, who loved the show so much, he fronted a pitch to Netflix in LA and an hour later they had a deal.
Ogundipe’s fusion of several genres including soul, hip hop, indie, and RnB is inspired “by his life growing up in the diaspora” — referring to his home Nigeria in West Africa, and his transition to the United Kingdom as a child. Citing influences like Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Motown, it becomes clear where Theo Ogundipe’s mind is when writing music.
And listening to the project that “Y” comes off of, Reworks, helps solidify this as each one carries a “smooth lyrical blend of in the box production with 70’s soul.”
After starting his music writing career, Theo Ogundipe realized early in college that he would need a way to record his work. Realizing it was difficult to find people who saw his vision, Ogundipe taught himself music production via online resources. Ogundipe holds this to a pedestal, as it has enabled him to give free rein to his original style.
Theo Ogundipe looked back on his mindset while putting the Reworks project together, including “Y”, saying “Whilst I have many finished works, Reworks was my first opportunity to introduce myself to the world.
“I created the project Reworks by choosing three of my favourite pieces of music,” he continues, citing “Waves” by Freddie Joachim, “Flowers” by J Dilla, and “Come through and chill” by Miguel produced by Salaam Remi. “Y” is a rework of the song “Flowers” with Theo Ogundipe’s unique and stylish twist.
While “Y” is Theo Ogundipe’s newest release, this London based indie-soul artist is far from unvetted. In fact, prior to his most recent project, Reworks, he wrote numerous songs and featured on other collaborators projects, including Brian Rays. The two went on to be featured on BBC Radio Southwest with the track “Neon Stained,” showcasing a bit of Theo Ogundipe’s seductive RnB/Soul vocalization style.
However, the trail doesn’t stop at music for Theo Ogundipe. Remember, this is a multifaceted artist we are talking about. Theo Ogundipe studied musical theater at the Brit School and acting at Mountview Academy of Performing Arts.
Theo Ogundipe’s newest project, Reworks, with his newest single release, “Y,” has once again showcased this indie-soul musician’s ability to tap himself into his creative prowess. While “Y” is his newest release, there’s no telling what will come next from this rising star; however it is sure to be greatness.
“Y” is available now.
Rhythmic & Celebratory, Canada’s Award-Winning ViVA Trio Release First-Ever Folk-Inspired Song “Solstice Jig”
Set to inspire a magical dance of nature spirits celebrating the change of seasons, award-winning Canadian group ViVA Trio have released their stunning first foray into folk music with new single, “Solstice Jig” — available now.
As the latest preview of their forthcoming concept album, “Solstice Jig” offers a light hearted, upbeat tune featuring star violinist Vasil Popadiuk alongside Trio members Anna Bateman, Erin Fisher, and Katya Tchoubar. Inspired by Irish jigs, Enya, as well as a series of Canadian and Celtic folk artists, the song lilts with pagan, Celtic magic and nature-inspired lyrics.
“We’re dipping our toes into the deep traditions of folk music, and loving it!” Anna shares.
“‘Solstice Jig’ is a more let-your-hair-loose kind of track for us,” Erin adds.
“This song is truly written as a celebration of the new season, and it’s time to dance baby!” Katya continues.
With multiple standing ovations every show, the international-touring, all-female group ViVA Trio has performed throughout Canada, the USA ,and Europe. Their latest single releases, “Siren Song” and “Lorien,” were featured on numerous top music blogs both at home and around the world, including CASHBOX Magazine Canada, Record World Magazine, and more. ViVA Trio has also been heard on the airwaves, having been featured by over 25 radio stations throughout Canada and Europe.
ViVA Trio’s three powerful sopranos — Anna, Erin and Katya — each have extensive solo performance backgrounds that take audience’s breaths away. Put them together, and their combined forces soar as pure thrill and magic!
ViVA’s debut album, Nothing Else Matters, delivered this indisputable wow-factor, and their new sophomore follow-up promises even more. Creating a full storyline spun out of fantasy and folklore, with mythical characters from Danish and Russian folk tales, to boot, all the music is being written by the Trio, fusing styles and defying categorization. They will take this album through a kaleidoscope of genres from cinematic, theatrical, classical to electronic and folk, with their incredible team of musicians, sound engineers, and producers in Toronto and Europe.
ViVA Trio also likes to entice their fans, who may notice that there are hints in “Solstice Jig.” Future song titles, and even the album title, have been revealed in this song, but you have to watch their videos to find all the ‘Easter eggs.’ The trio plans to continue leaving clues in every release building up to their album release this Winter.
Begin the journey of the story unfolding of ViVA Trio’s second album; with ethereal vocals, upbeat instrumentals, and an overall feel-good, uplifting vibe, “Solstice Jig” is a great addition to any folk playlist.
“Solstice Jig” is available now.
Orchestral Pop-Rockers DANIEL MONTE Release Music Video for “S.O.S. and Send”
Classically influenced and a compelling listen, Canadian orchestral pop-rock band Daniel Monte have unveiled their newest video and single from their debut LP, Familiar; “S.O.S. and Send” is available now.
Mostly inspired by Beethoven and Brahms, the Toronto-area group are known for taking special care incorporating classical music elements into their songs — and hard-rock style “S.O.S. and Send” lands no differently.
“There’s a little nod to Bach in the violin solo section,” lead singer Daniel Monte reveals. “I played a G minor arpeggio figure going down the range of the violin, which was also famously used by Bach at the beginning of the Presto in G minor.”
It’s amazing to think such a profound song like “S.O.S. and Send” can have a darker meaning like this one does… Monte has “always been fascinated with the division between good and evil,” leading to the exploration of a gangster’s mindset. Overtaken by the suspicious violence happening around Monte’s current residence in Woodbridge, Ontario, there was a burning curiosity in his stomach. This led to Monte pounding out lyrics for “S.O.S. and Send,” which he believed “…was always supposed to be a song about the mob.”
“S.O.S. and Send” was “a long process of back-and-forth melody shaping and arrangement,” Monte shares of the track’s ultimate progression. “I must have gone through three or four different chorus ideas before finally landing on this rhythm and melody that seemed to work.
“I was genuinely considering giving up on this tune at some point,” he continues. “It was just sitting for months — with chords and a crap melody scratched out with no words — until I finally found the inspiration to write the lyrics.
“From there, everything just found its place.”
Daniel Monte isn’t the only seasoned musician in this eponymous group; in fact, it’s fair to say that each of these musicians have earned their stripes through their extensive careers…
For starters, lead guitarist Antonio Cocuzzo’s experience as a composer and session musician, coupled with his wide range of musical styles, allows him to contribute dynamic guitar parts to songs; Cocuzzo’s classy, yet edgy guitar style helps Daniel Monte establish their new and exciting orchestral pop-rock sound.
One could make a good argument that a pop-rock orchestral composition of this sort would be incomplete without an ample amount of excellent percussion, and drummer Jordan “Jojo Boom Boom” Mason is fit for the task, driving the rhythm section for Daniel Monte by incorporating orchestral percussion instruments into his hard-hitting playing style.
As always, the keyboardist is left to put a bow on the whole thing, and Flavio Silva doesn’t disappoint; ranging from ethereal soundscapes to rich orchestral elements, Silva uses his keyboards, synthesizers and musical abilities to bring the band’s orchestral elements to life, soaring the piece to new sonic heights.
Contributing to their 50,000+ streams across Spotify alone, “S.O.S. and Send” is from Daniel Monte’s 14-track full-length, Familiar — released in 2020.
Hear for yourself… “S.O.S. and Send” and Familiar are available now.
My Next Read: “A Life in Focus The Photography of Graham Nash”
Music legend, photographer, and artist Graham Nash reflects on more than fifty years of an extraordinary life in this extensive collection of personal photographs, paintings, and mixed-media artwork. A Life in Focus The Photography of Graham Nash gets released on November 16, 2021.
In this curated collection of art and photography from his personal archive, Graham Nash’s life as a musician and artist unfolds in vivid detail. Best known as a founding member of the Hollies and supergroup Crosby, Stills & Nash, Graham developed a love of photography from the time he was a child. Inspired by his father, Nash began taking pictures at 10 years old and would go on to take his camera with him ever since—on tour with the Hollies and later CSN and CSNY, among friends at Laurel Canyon and abroad. Many of his photographs depict intimate moments with family and friends, among them Joni Mitchell, Stephen Stills, and Neil Young. This volume presents these images alongside Nash’s own reflections, telling the story behind the pictures and giving insight into the life of one of the greatest musicians of all time.
Legendary artist Graham Nash is a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee—with Crosby, Stills & Nash and with the Hollies. He was inducted twice into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, as a solo artist and with CSN, and he is also a Grammy Award winner. Towering above virtually everything that Graham Nash has accomplished in his multifaceted career stands the litany of songs that he has written and introduced to the soundtrack of the past half century. His remarkable body of work, beginning with his contributions to the Hollies opus continues all the way to This Path Tonight (2016), his most recent solo album. The original classic union of Crosby, Stills & Nash (& Young) lasted but twenty months, yet their songs are lightning rods embedded in our DNA. In addition to his string of solo albums, he has performed and recorded with David Crosby as Crosby/Nash. His passionate voice continues to be heard in support of peace and social and environmental justice. The No Nukes/Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE) concerts he organized with Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt in 1979 remain seminal benefit events. In September 2013, Nash released his long-awaited autobiography Wild Tales, which landed him on the New York Times Best Sellers list. In recognition for his contributions as a musician and philanthropist, Nash was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II. While continually building his musical legacy, Nash is also an internationally renowned photographer and visual artist whose work has been shown in galleries and museums worldwide, and his photography has drawn honors including the New York Institute of Technology’s Arts & Technology Medal, an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, and the Hollywood Film Festival’s inaugural Hollywood Visionary Cyber Award.