TikTok and SiriusXM today announced they are joining forces on the rollout of new and innovative content across each of their platforms. Creating listener experiences curated specifically for each platform’s loyal fans will allow TikTok and SiriusXM to deliver access to ground-breaking programming, exclusive performances, special events, and some of music’s top and emerging talent.
This summer, SiriusXM will launch TikTok Radio, a full-time music channel featuring the trending sounds that are redefining pop culture from TikTok. Presented by TikTok creators, tastemakers, and DJs, TikTok Radio will be available in vehicles and as a streaming channel on the SiriusXM App, desktop, and all connected devices.
Sonically synced to the TikTok experience, the channel will feel like a radio version of the platform’s “For You” page. The TikTok Radio channel will feature a diverse group of TikTok creators showcasing trending music and stories behind the songs throughout each day, as well as a weekly music countdown dedicated to TikTok’s top trending tracks. Listeners can expect to hear directly from music’s next generation of rising stars and whatever else the TikTok community is vibing to.
“We are excited to collaborate with TikTok to create new content that brings the vibrancy of the leading social networking service to life on live radio and our streaming platforms,” said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM. “The effect TikTok has on music, and pop culture in general, is undeniable. Our platforms will provide a unique opportunity for TikTok creators to engage with our listeners with content experiences that have never been done before in audio. The exclusive SiriusXM channel will bring a new take on radio by tapping into the latest music trends on TikTok.”
“TikTok is redefining the way that fans discover music and artists, while enabling a new form of musical engagement and creative expression, said Ole Obermann, Global Head of Music, TikTok. “We are excited to work with SiriusXM for TikTok Radio to make the trends, music, and creative influences that are playing such a defining role in modern culture even more accessible. We can’t wait to see this come to life and thank the SiriusXM team for being such an innovative and visionary collaborator.”
When the smoke clears, you’ll be left reveling in the ash, having been burned up by the latest smash single from Canadian four-piece, Ravenscode; “Fire” is available now.
The latest from their recent album, Fire and Storm, the Windsor-based band releases an inferno off the opening note: heavy electrics, pulsating percussion, pounding bass and an explosion of melodic vox. The listener is drawn into a fury of emotion, and explosion.
Following up their debut album, District of Broken Hope, “Fire” serves as the lead single from the group’s sophomore effort — a project they call a “vivid picture of who Ravenscode is as a band”.
The track, as they say, starts as many of them do – from a riff. “That main riff you hear at the start of a song that hits you like a punch to the face was written by Justin (aka Journey) one night before bed,” the band explains. “He knew right away that it was something special and recognized the full throttle emotion that seemed to come with it.
“This feeling brought out one word ‘Fire’.”
The song actually serves as a promise during a breakup, where our hero assures he’s going to be just fine in light of the recent heartbreak because he is, in fact, fire. “And I’m here to burn this place down,” sears the lyrics. “You better back away and hide your eyes,” it continues to threaten, “as I burn brighter. Let the flames embrace me now ‘cause I am fire tonight.”
It’s the essence of energy that Ravenscode produces on the track that melts you into submission of its force. The chant “we want the fire, we need the fire, we breathe the fire” establishes an almost guttural Vincent Price-like pledge to darkness, illuminated only by flames.
The song is a flash forward into the future of Ravenscode as songwriters and musicians; a testament to their grueling touring, and dedication to honing their craft on stages across Canada.
“The reaction of crowds while on tour was a true affirmation that this is what (we) were born to do,” they say, adding the multitude of fan videos, and cover tracks has been the most endearing to them of all their interactions with their audience. “Watching someone take the time to learn your song and have the confidence to perform it and put it out into the world is one for the best feelings there is.”
Now with the heat of experience burning through them, Ravenscode is more confident than ever in their ability to unite crowds with their signature melodic hard rock sound, chemistry on and off stage, and commitment to providing a trip to their show will become the “best night of your life.”
“Fire” is a steady warning that these guys promise no prisoners, no holds barred, and simply no way you’re leaving one of their concerts without them being burned into your consciousness.
Sudbury, ON’s country artist J.C. Brae will have you wishin’ it was the weekend already with this, their honky-tonk lovin’ new single, “Savin’ It Up For Saturday Night” — available now.
A self-described “country boy,” this Canuck took his guitar and his dream to Tennessee where he laid the tracks for his first eponymous album. An experience he recalls he’ll “never forget,” Brae leaves it all on the dance floor with this jukebox swingin’ anthem that’s everything you want in a fresh country cut, and more.
An instant country classic, “Savin’ It Up For Saturday Night” is an ode to a familiar sentiment — getting out from under a week of work and using up all you’ve got left to give yourself a right good time out that you’ve earned.
True grit, hillbilly guitars, and an unmistakable country twang, this song dares you to line dance with your sweetheart until you’ve worn the souls down on your Justins before you stumble back to sleep it off till next weekend.
“From sundown to the morning light,” Brae promises on the track, “We’re gonna find us a hardwood floor and dance like we’ve never danced before!”
From the get-go, J.C. Brae has become synonymous with country crowds, mic in hand; compared to industry greats like John Conlee and Conway Twitty, the Sudbury-based musician is no stranger to lighting up the stages and throwing a party en masse. Now with his first EP in hand, Brae has also dropped the mic on an adjacent podcast he utilizes to stay close to audiences of his work. With both projects signifying his dedication to his artistry, and his down-home likeability, Brae is focussed on getting the music out to fans.
“Savin’ It Up For Saturday Night” is available now.
Renowned international bluesman Son Of Dave has written 11 golden songs on a hundred dollar piano for this, his upcoming album Call Me A Cab — available May 14th via Kartel Music Group.
His ninth album release, what first appears as fun loving, old-school, ‘New Orleans rhythm and blues’ turns out to be expertly crafted songs about doctors, death, refugees, gentrification, night-life depravity, hopelessness, and mean, mean women, of course.
Put Call Me A Cab proudly alongside Randy Newman, Tom Waits, and Dr John… Though fans who have been following the London, UK-based Winnipeg, MB-born for decades know there’s also unique blues harmonica, croon, and growl.
And the rhythm… It’s all about the rhythm.
First started before 2019, the worldwide shut-in gave Son Of Dave (Benjamin Darvill) time off from touring to perfect the album. Joined at home and in studio (Hoxa HQ, London) by expert musicians Jimmy Hogarth, ‘Budi’ Butenop, Martin Slattery, and ‘KC’ Zenker, this is an organic record… How they made ’em 1974.
With upwards of 50,000+ record sales to his credit, Son Of Dave has been making recordings since the early 90s, having crossed five continents with his famous one-man-band show. He’s appeared mainstage at festivals like The Big Chill, Bestival, Glastonbury, and more, and also supported huge names like Iggy & The Stooges, UB40, and Supergrass, to name a few.
With frequent radio play across England, France and Italy, his songs have also found their way into many soundtracks including Breaking Bad, True Blood, Preacher (AMC), and Licence To Wed (Robin Williams).
And before all this, he was a member of the rather famous Crash Test Dummies for 10 years.
Son of Dave started out in the blues and biker bars in Manitoba, Canada where he hopes one day to return. He has a program on Soho Radio in London where he’s been based for 25 years.
On today’s edition of Sonic Reducers: Join Darryl Sterdan of Tinnitist and I as we discuss Bob Dylan’s greatest moments, fondly reminisce about that old lady who gave him the finger and wonder when he’ll finally get around to that disco album.
Following their Latin-influenced critique of modern political hi-jinks, Saskatoon, SK singer/songwriter duo Cameron & Crawford are back to break your heart with their impassioned new single, “Sometimes in September” — available now.
With their unique, jazz-infused tunes and insightful, poetic lyrics, Cameron & Crawford pay no mind to the artificial boundaries of genre. The song is a nostalgic look back at lost love and about making peace with the past, even if it hurts to remember.
“This is just another sad September song,” their lyrics begin, introducing a song that refuses to mince its message. “About summer ending, autumn leaves, and love gone wrong.”
The two Prairie sisters who have been co-writers and collaborators since 2010. “Our songwriting process usually starts with a chord progression that we respond to emotionally — one that conjures a feeling, an image, a sense of ‘something there’,” explains Trish Cameron. “‘Sometimes in September’ started with just such a progression: GMaj7 – A – F#m7 – Bm7.”
The chords played in her mind during many long fall walks — and hours on her guitar, as she felt her way into what the song wanted to be about. The track is unwavering in its honesty, and authentic in speaking to the heartache so many of us have experienced. The message of love that’s been lost and accepting its finality is where these songwriters succeed in drawing in a listener; “Sometimes in September” captivates the human spirit by expressing feelings we have all experienced some way, somehow.
“Our friend and bass player, Wayne Gustafson, laid down a solid foundation for this ‘walk’ down memory lane,” the sisters reveal, speaking of the songwriting process.
“The first bass notes really launch the emotional journey of the song. It has been such a joy to take this song from its inception to a fully realized recording, and while I wrote the song,” Trish adds. “Wendy helped shape it with her piano, her background vocals, her vision, and advice.”
“In fact,” Wendy continues, “Trish says she probably would not have recorded ‘Sometimes in September’ without my encouragement. It felt too personal.”
Both sisters agree that one of the best things about being sister/songwriters is that neither will let the other ‘chicken out.’ “We keep encouraging each other’s growth and creative courage,” says Wendy.
“Sometimes in September” is just one in a series of singles the duo are releasing throughout this year as lead up to their forthcoming full-length album.
In the meantime, this is one for those who have ever struggled to let go of the old polaroids from a former flame; ever have felt a stab of regret and thoughts of “what if” when remembering love past.
Professionally filmed and recorded before a sold-out crowd at New York City’s historic Beacon Theatre on November 6, 2019, the live concert extravaganza, SummerOf Sorcery Live! At The Beacon Theatre, expertly captures Little Steven, aka Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stevie Van Zandt, bringing the house down with his band the Disciples of Soul as they showcase their acclaimed 2019 album, Summer Of Sorcery, a 12-track record about the first rush of summer and the electric feeling of unlimited possibilities.
With summer just around the corner, Van Zandt is pleased to announce the full two-and-a-half-hour concert – the triumphant hometown culmination of the Summer of Sorcery’s European and U.S. tours – will be released July 9 via Wicked Cool Records/UMe in a variety of formats including Blu-ray video as well as audio-only versions on 3CD and as a limited edition 5LP 180-gram “Psychedelic Psorcery Pswirl” color vinyl box set, which will be exclusively available via uDiscoverMusicand LittleSteven.com. The Blu-ray features the entire concert in HD video with the audio offered in both stereo and 5.1 surround sound to provide the next best possible experience to being at the rock ‘n’ soul revue. The live album, which was mixed by Bob Clearmountain and mastered by Bob Ludwig, both career-long collaborators, includes thrilling performances of every song from Summer of Sorcery alongside tracks from throughout Van Zandt’s solo career, songs he wrote for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, and some souped-up covers.
Summer of Sorcery Live! At The Beacon Theatre is heralded by an electrifying live video of “Camouflage of Righteousness,” available to watch now at Little Steven’s Official YouTube channel.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul were joined throughout the Summer of Sorcery tour by an array of legendary friends and family. Summer of Sorcery Live! At The Beacon Theatre is highlighted by a surprise appearance by the one and only Peter Wolf, who lends his inimitable vocals to powerhouse versions of J Geils Band’s“Freeze Frame” and Artists United Against Apartheid’s landmark protest anthem, “Sun City.”
Summer Of Sorcery Live! At The Beacon Theatre is rounded out with nearly an extra hour of live music featuring seven previously unreleased bonus performances recorded throughout 2017-2019, including with such superstar special guests as Australian music legends Jimmy Barnes and Peter Garrett, longtime friend and E Street Band bandmate Nils Lofgren, and the legendary Nick Gravenites, who joins Van Zandt for a spectacular rendition of the Electric Flag’s “Groovin’ Is Easy.” In addition, Peter Wolf returns for an explosive cover of The Showstoppers’ hit, “(Ain’t Nothin’ But A) Houseparty,” recorded during the Soulfire Tour but, according to Van Zandt, “too good to leave on the shelf.” The festivities come to a rousing conclusion with a star-studded version of “Sun City,” which edits together performances with Jimmy Barnes, Jake Clemons, Sam Fender, Peter Garrett, Courtney Hadwin, Garland Jeffreys and Bruce Springsteen.
“We were born freaks, misfits, and outcasts,” Van Zandt writes in the album’s liner notes, which also include personal comments about each performance. “We got into this business because no other would have us. While we were here we figured we might as well create a world of our own, because we didn’t fit in the one we were being offered. Being on the road with a band is the ultimate manifestation of that fantasy. Together you travel, you perform, you dispense joy, and you get to see the world while avoiding it at the same time.
“Such was the case with the troubadour missionaries and part-time exorcists known as the Disciples of Soul as they sprinkled enlightenment to a dark world from May 27, 2017 to November 6, 2019. First as the Soulfire was lit in the overture and finally as the Summer of Sorcery played out its magical denouement. Herein embodies the still sparkling evidence of the latter, that which began as stranger’s prayers imagined and ended as a family’s promise fulfilled. Enjoy it at as much as we did at whatever volume is required to force your neighbors to call the cops.”
Arranged and produced by Van Zandt, with production assistance by GRAMMY® Award-winner Geoff Sanoff (Bruce Springsteen, Stephen Colbert). Summer of Sorcery Live! At The Beacon Theatre kicks off with a very special introduction from counterculture icon Wavy Gravy and from there traverses across Little Steven’s genre-smashing body of work, from Summer of Sorcery and 2017’s acclaimed solo return, Soulfire through classic songs and fan favorites from the songwriter, guitarist and band leader’s illustrious career, including an incendiary three-song salvo celebrating his work with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes (“Little Girl So Fine,” “Trapped Again,” and “Love On The Wrong Side Of Town“). Further highlights include spectacular covers of The Youngbloods’ “On Sir Francis Drake,” The Dovells’ “Bristol Stomp,” The Animals’ “Club-A-Go-Go,” and Bruce Springsteen’s“Tucson Train.”
Summer of Sorcery arrived in May 2019 and was immediately greeted by worldwide critical applause with Rolling Stone exclaiming, “it largely dispenses with protest songs and revels in the rock, soul and R&B of his Sixties youth,” adding it’s “the most eclectic record he’s ever made.” Van Zandt and his collaborators “pull out all the stops to make this sonic smorgasbord explode out of the speakers with passion and clout,” wrote American Songwriter. “Few artists have the artistic vision to pull off a thunderous production like this which is impressive in its scope and sheer booming audio audacity.” “A happy return for the Jersey Shore prince,” declared MOJO, while Classic Rock raved, “(Van Zandt’s) tangible labour of love defiantly captures old-school New York’s cross-pollinating melting pot with rich infusions of Latin (‘Party Mambo!’), blues (‘I Visit The Blues’), blaxploitation (‘Vortex’), classic rock ‘n’ roll (‘Superfly Terraplane’), Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes (‘Soul Power Twistin”) and still making a social point on ‘Education,'” adding, “This unashamed celebration of endangered music and city life also makes a great party soundtrack.” “It’s all but impossible not to be impressed by the scope of Little Steven’s vision,” wrote All Music, “and the skill with which he and his collaborators bring it to fruition…Imagine Asbury Park, New Jersey encompassing an entire musical planet and you’ll have an idea of what Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul are doing on Summer of Sorcery, and if you dig rockin’ soul, this should be right up your alley.”
Van Zandt recently announced the publication of his first ever memoir, Unrequited Infatuations, due September 28 from Hachette Books; pre-orders are available now HERE. An epic tale of self-discovery, Unrequited Infatuations chronicles the twists and turns of Van Zandt’s always surprising life, from a bedroom in suburban New Jersey in the early ’60s to the world’s largest stages in not only entertainment but activism as well. More than just the testimony of a globe-trotting nomad, more than the story of a groundbreaking activist, more than the odyssey of a spiritual seeker, and more than a master class in rock ‘n’ roll (not to mention a dozen other crafts), Van Zandt’s extraordinary odyssey shows how rock and soul has the power to change the world.
2021 has already seen the release of another live collection, Macca To Mecca!, a spectacular tribute to the Beatles available now via Wicked Cool/UMe on CD/DVD. The 14-track album/concert film – which includes a riveting performance of “I Saw Her Standing There,” recorded at London’s famed Roundhouse and featuring a special appearance by Paul McCartney – captures Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul’s extraordinary surprise set at Liverpool’s legendary Cavern Club during the band’s sold out 2017 European tour. The intimate lunchtime gig was a salute to the kind of shows the Beatles used to play in their early days when they would perform for local secretaries, clerks and shopkeepers during their half hour lunch break. Van Zandt decided to bring that unique idea back 50 plus years later for a rollicking, jam-packed daytime set filled that honored the band with rocking renditions of “Magical Mystery Tour,” “Good Morning, Good Morning,” “Got To Get You Into My Life,” and “All You Need Is Love,” alongside iconic songs famously performed by the nascent Fab Four, including “Boys” (originally by The Shirelles), “Slow Down” (by Larry Williams) and “Soldier Of Love” (first recorded by Arthur Alexander).
SUMMER OF SORCERY LIVE! AT THE BEACON THEATRE TRACKLISTINGS
BLU-RAY 1. Intro: Wavy Gravy 2. Communion 3. Camouflage of Righteousness 4. Party Mambo! 5. Love Again 6. Education 7. On Sir Francis Drake 8. I Visit The Blues 9. Gravity 10. Los Desaparecidos 11. Little Girl So Fine 12. Trapped Again 13. Love On The Wrong Side Of Town 14. A World Of Our Own 15. Suddenly You 16. Vortex 17. I Am A Patriot 18. Superfly Terraplane 19. Bitter Fruit 20. Forever 21. Summer of Sorcery 22. Tucson Train 23. Freeze Frame (with Peter Wolf) 24. Sun City (with Peter Wolf) 25. Soul Power Twist 26. Out Of The Darkness
BONUS CONTENT 1. Bristol Stomp 2. Club A-Go-Go 3. Groovin’ Is Easy (with Nick Gravenites) 4. (Ain’t Nothin’ But A) Houseparty (with Peter Wolf) 5. Ride The Night Away (with Jimmy Barnes) 6. Moon Tears (with Nils Lofgren) 7. Sun City (with Jimmy Barnes, Peter Garrett, Sam Fender, Courtney Hadwin, Jake Clemons, Garland Jeffreys, and Bruce Springsteen)
3CD CD1 1. Intro: Wavy Gravy 2. Communion 3. Camouflage of Righteousness 4. Party Mambo! 5. Love Again 6. Education 7. On Sir Francis Drake 8. I Visit The Blues 9. Gravity 10. Los Desaparecidos 11. Little Girl So Fine 12. Trapped Again 13. Love On The Wrong Side Of Town 14. A World Of Our Own
CD2 1. Suddenly You 2. Vortex 3. I Am A Patriot 4. Superfly Terraplane 5. Bitter Fruit 6. Forever 7. Summer of Sorcery 8. Tucson Train 9. Freeze Frame (with Peter Wolf) 10. Sun City (with Peter Wolf) 11. Soul Power Twist 12. Out Of The Darkness
CD3 1. Bristol Stomp 2. Club A-Go-Go 3. Groovin’ Is Easy (with Nick Gravenites) 4. (Ain’t Nothin’ But A) Houseparty (with Peter Wolf) 5. Ride The Night Away (with Jimmy Barnes) 6. Moon Tears (with Nils Lofgren) 7. Sun City (with Jimmy Barnes, Peter Garrett, Sam Fender, Courtney Hadwin, Jake Clemons, Garland Jeffreys, and Bruce Springsteen)
5LP LP1 1. Intro: Wavy Gravy (Side A) 2. Communion (Side A) 3. Camouflage of Righteousness (Side A) 4. Party Mambo! (Side A) 5. Love Again (Side B) 6. Education (Side B)
LP2 1. On Sir Francis Drake (Side A) 2. I Visit The Blues (Side A) 3. Gravity (Side A) 4. Los Desaparecidos (Side A) 5. Little Girl So Fine (Side B) 6. Trapped Again (Side B) 7. Love On The Wrong Side Of Town (Side B)
LP3 1. A World Of Our Own (Side A) 2. Suddenly You (Side A) 3. Vortex (Side A) 4. I Am A Patriot (Side A) 5. Superfly Terraplane (Side B) 6. Bitter Fruit (Side B) 7. Forever (Side B)
LP4 1. Summer of Sorcery (Side A) 2. Tucson Train (Side A) 3. Freeze Frame (with Peter Wolf) (Side A) 4. Sun City (with Peter Wolf) (Side B) 5. Soul Power Twist (Side B) 6. Out Of The Darkness (Side B)
LP5 1. Bristol Stomp (Side A) 2. Club A-Go-Go (Side A) 3. Groovin’ Is Easy (with Nick Gravenites) (Side A) 4. (Ain’t Nothin’ But A) Houseparty (with Peter Wolf) (Side A) 5. Ride The Night Away (with Jimmy Barnes) (Side B) 6. Moon Tears (with Nils Lofgren) (Side B) 7. Sun City (with Jimmy Barnes, Peter Garrett, Sam Fender, Courtney Hadwin, Jake Clemons, Garland Jeffreys, and Bruce Springsteen) (Side B)
Marvel Entertainment and SiriusXM announced today the launch of their first original scripted podcast series, Marvel’s Wastelanders: Old Man Star-Lord. The first two episodes will be available starting Tuesday, June 1, on the SiriusXM App, Pandora, Stitcher, and all major podcast platforms. The 10-episode series will be released weekly, kicking off season one of Marvel and SiriusXM’s multi-part Marvel’s Wastelanders podcast series, which will feature other Marvel heroes, including Old Man Wolverine, Old Man Hawkeye, and Grey Widow.
Marvel’s Wastelanders: Old Man Star-Lord stars Timothy Busfield (The West Wing, For Life) as Star-Lord, Chris Elliott (Schitt’s Creek, Eagleheart) as Rocket, and Nadine Malouf (High Fidelity, The Looming Tower) as Cora. The series will also feature Patrick Page (Hadestown, upcoming The Gilded Age) as Kraven the Hunter, with Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives) as Emma Frost and Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon, The Color Purple) as Red.
In a shadowy alternate future of the Marvel Universe, the Villains have finally won, and Heroes are nothing but a bad memory. Marvel’s Wastelanders: Old Man Star-Lord finds Peter Quill and Rocket a little paunchier, a little slower, and a lot saltier than they were during the glory days of the Guardians of the Galaxy. They quickly discover that the Earth isn’t what it used to be, either, when they crash land 30 years after Doctor Doom took over a barren, desolate wasteland and all the world’s super-villains seized control, including outlaw Ghost Riders and the bloodthirsty Kraven the Hunter. Check out the series trailer here.
“Marvel’s Wastelanders: Old Man Star-Lord is a story that throws you right into the action, antics – and danger – that fans of Star-Lord and Rocket know to expect, and the writers, cast, and crew did not hold back. We couldn’t be prouder of how this story came together,” said Stephen Wacker, Vice President and Head of Content, Marvel New Media. “This series is just the first chapter of our larger Marvel’s Wastelanders plans with SiriusXM, and Peter Quill’s story is only the tip of the iceberg for our new Marvel Audio Universe. We can’t wait to share what’s next with you all.”
The series is produced in association with Wave Runner Studios and written by Benjamin Percy (Wolverine: The Long Night, Wolverine: The Lost Trail), directed by Kimberly Senior (Disgraced), and sound designed with original scoring by Mark Henry Phillips (Homecoming, Passenger List). The series is produced by Jenny Radelet Mast from Wave Runner Studios and executive produced by Dan Buckley, Joe Quesada, Daniel Fink, Sarah Amos, Stephen Wacker, Ellie Pyle, and Jill DuBoff from Marvel.
The cast for the series also includes actors Eric T. Miller, Elizabeth Francis, Quincy Tyler Bernstine, Marylouise Burke, Blake Stadnik, Dylan Baker, and Aasif Mandvi.
Fans will also have a chance to hear from and interact with cast members and special guests in the forthcoming exclusive VIRTUAL Marvel’s Wastelanders: Old Man Star-Lord Cast Town Hall this Thursday, May 20, at 4:00 pm ET/1:00 pm PT via Zoom. Register early for your chance to ask a question during the broadcast, and tune in for some exciting behind-the-scenes details, previews, and reveals about Marvel’s Wastelanders: Old Man Star-Lord – and what comes next!
Canadian folk-country songstress Claire Whitehead whisks listeners on a journey with her latest project, Thelma: A Country Opera.
And if the name sounds familiar, it should… Built through interpretation of the character Thelma of Thelma & Louise, Whitehead has churned a fable into a nine-track release about the fearlessness of the human spirit — including album closer, “No Right Way, Louise.”
“Thelma: A Country Opera is a ‘coming-of-agency’ story,” Whitehead explains. “It’s about the transformation of self and relationships when someone becomes disillusioned with the rules of our world.”
As a storyteller, Whitehead commiserates with the protagonist through a series of emotion-driven songs that speak to Thelma’s internal journey, and the album’s live performance features video clips from the film to cue songs.
For its part, “No Right Way, Louise” chronicles Thelma’s ongoing dedication to her best friend. Whitehead’s delicate but piercing vocals churn out a near-plea to Louise as our heroine succumbs to the inevitability of failure to live a life of restraints, and rules. “And they’ll chase us down,” Whitehead coos, “And they’ll spit from a truck. So hand me that gun, cuz i’m I’m all out of luck.”
To tie the song together, Whitehead has self-produced a subsequent music video — a first in her lengthy career. “To make this video, I tried to celebrate the song’s theme of prioritizing female relationships, while working under the constraints of the pandemic,” Whitehead reveals. “This was the first official music video I’ve made, or released, and I did it completely DIY on camera phones and editing on my laptop.
“I was lucky enough to have my sister, Anne, to film the footage and a friend and vocalist from London Ontario, Imogen Wasse, who sings live with me and fosters a lot of positive energy in our performances.
“The result has me feeling comfortable being silly on camera, while capturing the power of women working creatively together to make great things.”
For this track and album, Whitehead’s transfixing vocals, well-established melodic harmonies, authentic country twang with the truth bleeding in between the lines transports the listener into an entirely different place and time. “No Right Way, Louise” has Thelma declaring the final lessons of her journey, celebrating friendship, love, and resistance to the wrongs of our world.
A multi-instrumentalist and veteran songwriter, where the album shines is Whitehead’s power to transcend you into the character’s story. Whitehead urges you to let go of reality for just a moment, while you walk Thelma’s path with her.
And as her journey unravels track by track, Whitehead grants the listener permission to read the finest print of detail on the most sacred part of a woman’s heart — her spirit. Whitehead’s ability to fully immerse herself into the arms of Thelma’s character and expose her layers far beyond what the silver screen wanted us to watch, is a testimony to this songstress’ uncanny ability to transform into whomever she needs to be to get the song right.
“No Right Way, Louise” and Thelma: A Country Opera are available now.
