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It’s a Series of ‘Songs from Isolation’ for Canadian Singer/Songwriter Howard Lee Naylor

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It’s a Series of ‘Songs from Isolation’ for Canadian Singer/Songwriter Howard Lee Naylor

A few months following the release of his sophomore solo album, Canadian classic rocker Howard Lee Naylor has released his premiere music video, for this, his latest single: the romantic, upbeat and undeniably charming love ballad, “Sweet Jeanine” — available now.

It’s clear as a cloudless summer day that “Sweet Jeanine” is a love song written about someone close and dear to Naylor’s heart. You can hear it in his voice; there’s this happy aura about his vocal phrasing and piano playing which, without fail, instills joy in the listener.

Perhaps the veteran musician is just a romantic, but once you hear lines like ‘Now I’d do anything // To feel your skin against my cheek’ and ‘Now I believe that our love is for real,’ you know this song means a lot to him. Better yet, when a song gets you to feel warm and fuzzy and have you reflect fondly on your own love life, then you know it’s a good one … And one to remember.

The best part? This is just one of the many songs from Naylor’s new album, Songs from Isolation that bursts forth from the heart and a place of vulnerability.

On making the 10-track LP, the Penticton, BC-based artist says it was a simply a result of the global pandemic. It wasn’t long after the social distancing restrictions were put in place he reached out to his producer Ian Lopez in hopes to record some new tracks he had, he recalls. “The stay home (order) got really boring, but thank God I make music!”

Rather than record just one single, Lopez suggested Naylor do an entirely new album, to which the musician agreed.

“Here we are,” he offers. “Ten new songs, all recorded and created in the most stressful manner I’ve ever done.

“With that said I’m proud of the way it turned out.”

Songs from Isolation was officially released to the world on October 2, 2020, more than half a year after the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic left the word at a standstill. The labour of love serves as Naylor’s second solo studio album, and follows his 2017 debut, Possibilities.

Beyond “Sweet Jeanine,” the record features lead single “When They Stared,” the existential and thought-provoking “I Miss Love,” and the extremely beautiful and fitting closing track, “We’re All in This Together” — the latter of which was written as a tribute to all the frontline workers helping to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus across the globe.

The Best MATCHING SETS 2021

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By Michala Rice

The endless trend this summer is the same team. They come in all sorts of different colors, styles, and patterns but have the same high level of annoyance. The matching sets for 2021 can be anything from colorful pants to a top and a dress, to shorts and a blouse – the idea is that the color / pattern / design is the same as the top of the toe.

MATCHING SETS 2021

The matching sets 2021 speak volumes about the game’s vibe, simple and beautiful. As noted above, no one style is more important than the other. Pantsuits are very popular for some seasons now, especially when made in pastels. Paired pajama accessories are also very modern, as well as matching pants and crop tops. I think animal prints and floral arrangements are still modern, but woven bands, as well as satin, are also commonplace. The matching 2021 sets are perfect for anyone who wants to have plenty of clothes in their wardrobe and get ready in no time.

What are Cute Rompers?

In hot weather, wearing cute rompers is the best choice. They are comfortable without self-sacrifice. If you are looking for an option that you can always wear, we have compiled the options that we like the most. Simple silhouettes and light fabrics will make your favorite pieces in your closet.

All you have to do is throw on cute rompers, and you have a full costume. We found Nordstrom, Amazon Mazon, ASOS, Kohl and many more great options, so you can find something useful for you. Trust us: you never want to take it away once you’ve taken a sip.

Bodycon Jumpsuit

Bodycon jumpsuits have no doubt that it gives statement style.Goes beyond plain dress or pants and top combo and into more fashionable regions. So, so many women still avoid this trend-worthy style? Well, pulling out a piece of clothing isn’t always easy. Choose the wrong fit or add the wrong accessories and your jumpsuit can go from fashion hero to fashion zero. Fortunately, we are here to make sure that each of your gifts is seriously sticky. Here’s our guide on how to wear a street-style bodycon jumpsuit.

When attending formal occasions, women often think that dress is their only option. While a dress is a “safe” option for proper dressing, it will rarely have the same effect as a jumpsuit. Bodycon Jumpsuits can be as beautiful and polished as a dress when offered out-of-the-box which will give you some serious style points. So get out of your comfort zone and put on a jumpsuit for your next formal event. Add some simple but eye-catching accessories to your figure and choose a cute and appropriate style that you are ready to go.

Casual Occasions

If you are thinking of adding some serious style to a casual event, you cannot ignore a casual bodycon jumpsuit. Comfortable, extremely comfortable and oh-slim, casual bodycon jumpsuit is the perfect item to take you out of your jeans and t-shirt. Choose from a range of silhouettes from cotton and denim varieties to find one that suits your style. In particular, loose-fitting bodycon jumpsuits featuring an elastic or drawstring waist are universally perfect for flattering and bodycon jumpsuit virgins. If you plan to wear flats with your jumpsuit, you should make sure that you choose cropped style boots or lace-up sandals that end up to or below the knee. This will help create balance and make you look taller and thinner.

 

 

 

Canada Post Celebrates The JUNO Awards’ Golden Anniversary With Beautiful Stamp

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Canada Post Celebrates The JUNO Awards’ Golden Anniversary With Beautiful Stamp

The JUNO Awards turn 50 this year, and Canada Post is celebrating this golden anniversary with a new commemorative stamp.

The stamp pays tribute to the country’s premier music event, and its role in supporting and showcasing Canadian artists and creators over five decades. Since 1971, the JUNOS have recognized Canada’s immense range of talent, from rising stars to household names, including 25-time JUNO winner Anne Murray – the recipient of the most JUNO Awards to date – Buffy Sainte-Marie, Céline Dion, The Tragically Hip, The Weeknd and so many more.

To mark the importance of the 50th anniversary, the JUNOS have redesigned the prestigious award from the solid crystal tower into a new golden statuette, which is featured on the commemorative stamp.

What has become Canada’s biggest night in music started as a simple annual poll of the country’s favourite musicians in a former trade publication, RPM, founded by publisher Walt Grealis and record producer Stan Klees. Initially known as the RPM Gold Leaf Awards, they were renamed in 1971 to honour Pierre Juneau, first chair of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) who was also responsible for the implementation of Canadian content regulations in the early 1970s.

Since their beginnings, the JUNOS have evolved alongside Canada’s vibrant music scene, and they have added new categories to recognize the increasing diversity of the country’s most celebrated artists.

“We are thrilled to partner with Canada Post to celebrate the 50th Annual JUNO Awards,” says Allan Reid, President and CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards and MusiCounts. “Collaborating with this historical institution allows us to celebrate Canada and our nation’s renowned musical talent. Our new golden statuette will stand proud on the limited-edition stamp and we can’t wait for music lovers across the country to get their hands on one.”

The special 50th anniversary presentation of the JUNO Awards will be broadcast nationwide Sunday, May 16 at 8 pm, ET/5 pm, PT, on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music and globally on CBCMusic.ca/junos.

Designed by Paprika and illustrated by Amanda Arlotta, the stamp features the new golden statuette that JUNO Award winners will begin receiving this year.

Printed by Colour Innovations, this issue includes a booklet of five Permanent™ domestic rate stamps and the Official First Day Cover.

Stamps and collectibles are available at canadapost.ca/shop and postal outlets across Canada.

Watch ‘Save Ralph’ – A short film about cosmetic testing on animals featuring Taika Waititi, Ricky Gervais, Zac Efron and more

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Watch ‘Save Ralph’ – A short film about cosmetic testing on animals featuring Taika Waititi, Ricky Gervais, Zac Efron and more

Introducing Ralph, the new spokes-bunny of the global campaign to ban animal testing for cosmetics. #SaveRalph​​ is a powerful stop-motion animation short film produced by Humane Society International, featuring an all-star multinational cast including Taika Waititi, Ricky Gervais, Zac Efron, Olivia Munn, Pom Klementieff, Rodrigo Santoro, Tricia Helfer and more.

Kardinal Offishall Named Senior Vice President, A&R For Universal Music Canada

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Kardinal Offishall Named Senior Vice President, A&R For Universal Music Canada

Universal Music Canada , the country’s leading music company, today announced that multi-platinum, award-winning artist and producer and one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, Kardinal Offishall has been named Senior Vice President, A&R, a promotion that further solidifies his role curating current and future artistic legends.

Inking a joint-venture deal with British mega-producer Harmony Samuels (Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige, Usher, Maroon 5, Ella Mai) and a yet to-be-announced label imprint (launching later this spring) is just the latest in a series of significant UMC projects overseen by Kardinal. In 2020 alone, this roster of talent released a trio of shattering debuts: Emanuel, the first Canadian domestic act co-signed to the historic Motown label and a breakout star amid the pandemic; Savannah Ré, the prolific songwriter and performer championed by R&B heavyweights Babyface, Boi-1da, Jessie Reyez and Wondagurl; and Zach Zoya, a bilingual dynamo whose debut EP is a collection of energetic hip-hop, intricate rap and emotive R&B.

“Kardi is a force. He’s a ground-breaking, internationally respected artist, a smart and insightful label exec, a compassionate and bold thought leader, and a tireless philanthropist. He’s always been at the forefront of Canada’s music scene and UMC’s artists and team have long benefitted from his thoughtful collaboration, unmatched energy, and drive,” said Jeffrey Remedios, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Canada. “This promotion underscores our big aspirations – Canada is bursting with talent and we’re committed to building the best team we can to put that talent front and centre on a global stage. I’m honoured to continue to lead alongside Kardi.”

A globally respected leader in all he does, Kardinal is uniquely placed as a creative within the label system, sharing his lived experience as an artist to inform his work in artist relations and artist development.

“Whether it was intentional or the by-product of hard work and excellence, I was able to stand on the shoulders of giants who came before me. I’ve seen the world several times over and am able to dream with my eyes wide open, because the bar kept being raised by those brave enough to lift it to unseen heights. This new Senior Vice President, A&R, position at Universal Music Canada is about me continuing to prepare my shoulders, so that many others can stand taller than I did and have the opportunity to showcase their gifts on a global stage. Where I’m from, the phrase ‘dare to dream’ is a real warning, because without endurance and an uncanny ability to navigate through many storms – you can end up eternally picking up the pieces of broken promises and regret. I am proud to be taking steps forward with Jeffrey Remedios, who as CEO, has placed great responsibility in my hands. Today, I walk so that the next generation can run. Forward movements forever, until we all fly,” said Kardinal Offishall.

Reporting to Remedios, Kardinal will continue to discover, sign, and develop artists, forge new creative partnerships, and provide strategic direction to drive the international success and cultural prominence of UMC’s artist roster. He works closely with the company’s newly created Urban Marketing team, led by industry veteran Craig ‘Big C’ Mannix, while continuing his roles as chair of UMC’s B.L.A.C.K. Label Coalition (BLC) and Canada’s representative on Universal Music Group’s Task Force for Meaningful Change.

Kardinal Offishall became a staple in the international music scene in the late 2000s with features on hit records such as Akon’s “Beautiful”, Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance” and his own single “Dangerous” which scorched the Billboard Hot 100 charts and peaked in the Top 5, making him the first rapper from Canada to do so. He participated early on in the careers of Rihanna, Alex Da Kid, T-Pain, Vybz Kartel, Estelle, and Sean Paul, to name a few. He is a cultural and musical ambassador for a new wave of Canadian superstars, working with Drake, K’naan, Daniel Caesar, Boi-1da, and Glenn Lewis.

Diversifying his portfolio by adding Executive to the already proven titles of Rapper, Producer and Philanthropist, was done without hesitation. Kardinal continues to lead and inspire by releasing his own creative projects, as well as the work of the artists he signs and mentors. He proudly serves as SVP, A&R for Universal Music Canada.

My Next Read: “Beeswing: Losing My Way and Finding My Voice 1967-1975” by Richard Thompson

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My Next Read: “Beeswing: Losing My Way and Finding My Voice 1967-1975” by Richard Thompson

In this moving and immersive memoir, Richard Thompson, international and longtime beloved music legend, recreates the spirit of the 1960s, where he found, and then lost, and then found his way again in My Next Beeswing: Losing My Way and Finding My Voice 1967-1975.

Known for his brilliant songwriting, his extraordinary guitar playing, and his haunting voice, Thompson is considered one of the top twenty guitarists of all time, in the songwriting pantheon alongside Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, and Randy Newman. Now, in his long-awaited memoir, the British folk musician takes us back to the late 1960s, a period of great change and creativity—both for him and for the world at large.

Thompson packed more than a lifetime of experiences into his late teens and twenties. During the pivotal years of 1967 to 1975, just as he was discovering his passion for music, he formed the band Fairport Convention with some schoolmates and helped establish the genre of British folk rock. That led to a heady period of songwriting and massive tours, where Thompson was on the road both in the UK and the US, and where he crossed paths with the likes of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Jimi Hendrix. But those eight years were also marked by change, upheaval, and tragedy. Then, at the height of the band’s popularity, Thompson left to form a duo act with his wife Linda. And as he writes revealingly here, his discovery and ultimate embrace of Sufism dramatically reshaped his approach to music—and of course everything else.

An honest, moving, and compelling memoir, Beeswing vividly captures the life of a remarkable artist during a period of creative intensity in a world on the cusp of change.

The Best Music Book Of The Year Is The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton

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The Best Music Book Of The Year Is The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton

An electrifying novel, The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton, is about the meteoric rise of an iconic interracial rock duo in the 1970s, their sensational breakup, and the dark secrets unearthed when they try to reunite decades later for one last tour. It’s so good, you’ll wish they were real people to catch on tour.

Opal is a fiercely independent young woman pushing against the grain in her style and attitude, Afro-punk before that term existed. Coming of age in Detroit, she can’t imagine settling for a 9-to-5 job—despite her unusual looks, Opal believes she can be a star. So when the aspiring British singer/songwriter Neville Charles discovers her at a bar’s amateur night, she takes him up on his offer to make rock music together for the fledgling Rivington Records.

In early seventies New York City, just as she’s finding her niche as part of a flamboyant and funky creative scene, a rival band signed to her label brandishes a Confederate flag at a promotional concert. Opal’s bold protest and the violence that ensues set off a chain of events that will not only change the lives of those she loves, but also be a deadly reminder that repercussions are always harsher for women, especially black women, who dare to speak their truth.

Decades later, as Opal considers a 2016 reunion with Nev, music journalist S. Sunny Shelton seizes the chance to curate an oral history about her idols. Sunny thought she knew most of the stories leading up to the cult duo’s most politicized chapter. But as her interviews dig deeper, a nasty new allegation from an unexpected source threatens to blow up everything.

Provocative and chilling, The Final Revival of Opal & Nev features a backup chorus of unforgettable voices, a heroine the likes of which we’ve not seen in storytelling, and a daring structure, and introduces a bold new voice in contemporary fiction.

Boston’s Alt-Rock Quintet SATURNIIDS Pluck at Your Heartstrings with 90s-Era New Single “Springtime”

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Boston’s Alt-Rock Quintet SATURNIIDS Pluck at Your Heartstrings with 90s-Era New Single “Springtime”

What is here today can be gone tomorrow: alt-rock quintet SATURNIIDS beautifully capture the poetic pain of mortality with this, their new single, “Springtime.”

In it, the Boston-based rockers display their understanding of life’s fragility with unyielding conviction; the three-minute-thirty-two-second ode to loved ones now-lost comes beautifully packaged in an enrapturing blend of alternative rock and string sections, which tug gently on the listener’s emotions.

To quote the lyrics: “Springtime, I keep losing my friends and family, too. It’s so strange. Beauty mixed with such pain I can’t reconcile,” is an all-too-real depiction of feelings we inevitably face when the connection between two individuals — whether it be friendship, family or love is cut short.

“To grow old is to live with ever-increasing sorrow and all of the things you should have said to the ones who’ve left too soon,” furthers the lyrical depth of this emotionally-driven single.

In that light, “Springtime” can be seen as a symbolic representation of a new chapter in life, which is indicative to a previous chapter coming to an end — a chapter that represents a special bond. It can also be viewed as carrying on as the pain of tremendous loss blooms from within.

However you see it, “Springtime” is just as potent with its metaphor as it is with its instrumental arrangements.

As the lead single from SATURNIIDS’s debut album, Duplicate Tapes, the single a concentrated effort executed with precision by the five-piece — which consists of Adam Cissell (vocals, guitar), Mary Lee Desmond (vocals, synths, piano, organ), Marc Valois (guitar), Mike Blasi (bass), and Corey Dobson (drums, percussion). Additional performances on the single include: Nate Karahalis (trombone), Chris Arnold (trumpet), Rick White (alto sax), Marco Lawrence (harp), Jeremy Harman (cello) and Mei Ohara (violin).

The single, while being unquestionably unique in its own right, derives inspiration prominently from 90s alternative rock, at large. SATURNIIDS credits notable groups of the era, such as Smashing Pumpkins, Pavement, Dinosaur Jr., The Dandy Warhols and Autolux as their influential sources.

“Springtime” is featured on their debut album, Duplicate Tapes. All of which were recorded by Adam Cissell and Marc Valois at the bands’ own studio, Dead Moon Audio, in Somerville, Massachusetts. Mixing for “Springtime”, and the album, were handled by Marc Valois, at the same location. Bob Weston handled mastering, at Chicago Mastering Service, in Chicago, Illinois.

Kele Fleming Calls Out Society’s Addiction to Tech with Thought-Provoking New Single, “Compassion Machine”

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Kele Fleming Calls Out Society’s Addiction to Tech with Thought-Provoking New Single, “Compassion Machine”

Is the world getting to you? Are you longing for more connection? Do you relate more to social media vs social interface? If the answer was “yes,” grab your preferred device, cut through the chaos, and tune into Canadian singer/songwriter Kele Fleming’s new single, “Compassion Machine” — available now.

Spanning a runtime of four-minutes-ten-seconds, “Compassion Machine” is an exposing commentary on our technological dependency, and its role as a mechanism of coping with reality.

The allaying melody of the single’s instrumentation is an entendre to Kele (pronounced “Kelly”) Fleming’s subversive lyrics; her vocals are both congenial and alluring while, at the same time, furthering the single’s cautionary parable in a cleverly ironic way.

These sentiments resonate with truth in the lyrics, “I bow to a new god, all shiny, bright, and oh so sleek.”

When considering the underlying message of “Compassion Machine”, the Vancouver-born, Victoria-based artist says this anthemic song is “meant to bring the listener a sense of release from the modern alienation of our dependency on technology as a replacement for connection with life.”

Having been recorded prior to the social restrictions brought about by COVID-19, she elaborates by adding, “this song took on an entirely new meaning for me in the pandemic, as technology has also been a salve for me and has given me the gift of human connection despite distance.”

The foundation for “Compassion Machine” was built around metaphors from recognizing her own dependency, she admits. When commenting on the musical composition, she makes apparent the guitar’s celtic tone, as well as the bass, which soothingly answers the call to the chorus’s vocal melody. The clapping, heard towards the middle, strips the song to its core, effectively drawing the listener’s focus towards the vocals before its big crescendo.

“Compassion Machine” is the second single (following “Vanishing of Bees”) from her fourth album, The Song I’ll Write For My Whole Life. Written and sung by Fleming, she provides the guitar heard on the single. She is accompanied by Ron Yamauchi on piano, Aaron Troy on bass and Tony Lee on drums.

The single, as well as the album, was recorded live off the floor at Vancouver’s Warehouse Studio with Juno-recognized engineer and producer, Sheldon Zaharko of Zed Productions. The recording was assisted by Nick Civero and Annie Kennedy. Mastering was handled by Andrew Spindor at Railtown Mastering.

Saskatoon Folk Singer/Songwriter PAUL KUZBIK Gets Introspective & Reflective in “Diamonds”

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It’s been a year since folk singer/songwriter Paul Kuzbik released his breakthrough debut, Still Love, and now… He’s back with a taste of his next one with the release of his single and video, “Diamonds” — available now.

Soft, warm, and emotional, “Diamonds” is an acoustic track that serves as the last song and lead single from the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan-based musician’s forthcoming sophomore record, The Miracle of Being — coming this September 2021.

The nostalgic-feeling and introspective folk number was written solely by Kuzbik, and features Erik Sample on drums, Nevin Buehler on bass, and Steph Cameron on backup vocals. As the head honcho, Kuzbik not only lays down all vocal and guitar work on the release, but he produced it too.

On writing “Diamonds,” the renowned musician, father, and husband said it came to him during a rainy Father’s Day weekend in a tiny cabin somewhere “up north.”

With a little help from his family, “Diamonds” was inspired by the idea of sending a message to his son, Nico, for him to rediscover in the future. The lyrics are a gentle reminder to choose love and see the diamonds within ourselves, rather than chasing a life of meaningless material things.

Kuzbik describes “Diamonds” as “a warm, nostalgic folk-rock track that reflects on the simpler times of youth from the grown-up reality of young fatherhood.”

It also marks the beginning of a new era for the veteran musician — one which will be heard clearly in The Miracle of Being, upon its release. Throughout the record lives a familiar and authentic acoustic guitar sound which drives the unexplainable magic of Kuzbik’s songwriting, wondrous lyricism, and unapologetic dedication to his craft. These are all ingredients which have displayed Kuzbik’s sonic potential magnificently over the last few years.

Kuzbik’s intention with the album was to pay homage to many of the great songwriters of the bygone era, and give his listeners a modern look at the classic and undying tales of: love, loss, heartbreak and triumph.

Though Kuzbik produced the entire project, he enlisted Saskatoon-based Mike LaFrench to engineer it, Vancouver’s own Jesse Gander to mix it, and the acclaimed Stu McKillop (Vancouver) to master the album.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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