Filmed by Joe Strummer, using friends and family during a break between tours with The Clash, this short film was included as a special feature on The Essential Clash.
Blazing Canadian Alt-Grunge Trio SUNLUST are Forces to Reckon With in New Single, “Action Figure”
Ever feel stuck in the same place, wanting nothing more than to break free from inhibiting surroundings? Canadian alt-grunge trio Sunlust are here to pull even the most sedentary listeners out of such funks with this, their zesty new single “Action Figure.”
From front to back, “Action Figure” has more than enough oomph to shake even the most rigid of beings from their resolute poses with its frisky riffs and upbeat rhythm. As if that weren’t enough to get heads boppin’, the single kicks it up a few more notches during the bridge and chorus with its crunchy chords and guitarist-frontwoman, Stephanie Woulfe’s fun and raspy vocals.
Melded together with influences of grunge, garage, punk and alternative rock, the single itself is more radiant than the sum of its parts — and just as animated.
“It was written about small bedroom daydreams of robot action figures in the grass, blowing in the summer breeze, and dreaming of floating away to easier days,” Woulfe shares of inspirations that stemmed from dreams and ambitions too big for her previous small town to contain; the founder of Sunlust hails from a remote locale in Ontario, where she was left to her imagination to stave off loneliness, boredom, and frustration. From there, the vision for Sunlust and its single were eventually actualized in the big city of Toronto, Ontario.
“Action Figure” is part of a collection of songs written from her adolescent experiences growing up in said small town. Initially intended to be a five-song EP, Woulfe and fellow bandmates Dan Wiktor (on drums) and Stefano Signorile (on bass) decided to incorporate those songs into a 10-song soon-to-be-released debut LP, Geek Confessions due to the pandemic.
Earlier previews of what’s to come include singles “Magnum Opus” and “Orange” — the latter of which was credited by Mystic Sons to be a “powerful introduction to the trio, filled with killer riffs, pounding production, and a truly catchy chorus” that channelled the “retro grunge sound of acts like Nirvana and Hole.” The Indie Machine says to “trust” them when they say “this is a band you don’t want to sleep on.”
“If these singles are any indication of the raw power and energy the band is about to bring with their debut album, we’re all in for a real treat,” Havoc Underground adds.
The sunny visual world of this particular single was conceived by Wiktor, and made in partnership with cinematographer and editor Mark Boucher. Boucher is known for his work with groups such as Cleopatrick, Ready the Prince, and Nothing Serious, and the video was filmed in downtown Toronto at 276 Sterling Studio.
The initial five songs on the LP (Geek Confessions; Side A) were engineered, mixed and produced by Lorne Hounsell, known for his work with Bedouin Soundclash and other notable Canadian indie artists. The five additional songs on the LP (Geek Confessions; Side B) were recorded by Jack Wiktor at Cadence House in Toronto, Ontario.
From humble beginnings, Sunlust have made a bright and shiny name for themselves in the Toronto indie music scene, having received widespread acclaim for their extensive live performances, and stage sharing with notable indie acts such as Ready the Prince, Zig Mentality, Frankie the Pig, Joe Cool, and Barry Lyndon.
Songwriter, Artist & Producer David Bray Releases New Single, “Nothing Left” Featuring Lorraine Reid
Toronto artist, songwriter and producer David Bray adds another powerful R&B / Neo-Soul track to his repertoire with the release of this, his newest single, “Nothing Left” — available now.
Featuring the outstanding vocals of his long-time collaborative partner Lorraine Reid, “Nothing Left” is the second single from his forthcoming album, Land of Extremes.
A follow-up to his critically acclaimed, internationally heralded and widely played previous single — and premiere preview to the new album — 2020’s “Overdue,” “Nothing Left” wastes no time to spotlight Bray’s compelling lyrical flair and ear for musical hooks once again. The song is a devastatingly sensitive take on divorce, and Reid delivers one of the finest R&B performances likely to be heard this year; she stunningly captures the heart and soul of Bray’s striking and poignant lyrics resulting in dramatic, noir imagery.
David Bray has been working for over a decade on a musical trilogy of three separate releases, of which 2016’s Night Rains was its first installment, and 2018’s Crowded Isolation its second.
Having drawn rave reviews from over 100+ radio stations around the world, one reviewer added: “The goal is to create the emotional impact of Motown/Soul with thought provoking lyrics that you wouldn’t have expected. David achieves all of this and more with Crowded Isolation, a musical feast for your ears, your heart and your soul.”
As the artistic project’s final installment, Land of Extremes picks up where Crowded Isolation’s musical range from R&B to Soul and Blues — and focus on a soul searching examination of “crowded isolation” and the challenges of urban life — leaves off. His collective discography at large has garnered extensive international airplay, as well as upwards of 200,000+ streams across platforms.
In addition, Land of Extremes continues Bray’s knack for assembling an assortment of legendary musical friends, as well as the best and brightest of today’s talent across all three albums, including Motown legend Bob Babbitt (Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder), Garth Hudson of The Band, Colin Linden (Bob Dylan, Bruce Cockburn), Gary Craig (Bruce Cockburn, Jann Arden, Tom Cochrane), Justin Abedin (Nelly Furtado, Jack Soul), and more.
The album has multi-JUNO Award winning and Platinum-selling producer and composer Chris Birkett (Steve Earle, Sinead O’Connor) on board as associate producer, and will be available via The Pangaea Music House and Under Duress Music this year.
Canadian Rocker ETHAN FLYNN Explores Human Connection with “Reflection”
Canadian rock singer/songwriter Ethan Flynn steps to a mirrored surface to examine the varying depths of human connection in relation to oneself in this, his new single “Reflection” — available now.
A fitting preview into the Maple, Ontario-based artist’s forthcoming album, The Pumpkin Club, this contemplative and captivating new single steadily carries listeners through a robust stream of sound.
On “Reflection,” oscillating guitar effects create an affable ripple, which is then harnessed by the undulating distortion of Flynn’s flowy voice and accompanying harmonies. When bound with the single’s lyrical themes of transitory relationships — romantic or otherwise — the music feels rich in texture. It’s like a river in song-form due to how effectively these conjoined elements illustrate the transience of our connections with other people, as the current of life carries us from them and them from us.
When absorbing lyrics like ‘it’s like they all slipped away, but I want you to stay, and you want me to go, so I’ll go now,’ one may be able to discern such allegory based on how the components of “Reflection” intersect, and speaks to Flynn’s innate ability to write songs that are open to interpretation of how the music and the lyrics come together.
Known for his fusion of alternative, rock and indie — the influences that drive his musical direction — Flynn admits he’s compelled to write music that is “true to myself, and actively inspires me as an artist.”
Ethan Flynn is as DIY as they come, and as determined as they get, with each stacking release a further testament to his momentum and growth. Previous credits as a songwriter, singer, and producer include his debut, Happy Valley (2019), and sophomore EP, Fly Away (2020) — all ahead of this Spring’s The Pumpkin Club.
Prince’s Unreleased Album ‘Welcome 2 America’ Arriving July 30
April 8, 2021 – Toronto, ON – The Prince Estate and Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, are honored to announce the July 30th release of the enigmatic 2010 Prince album Welcome 2 America – a powerful creative statement that documents Prince’s concerns, hopes, and visions for a shifting society, presciently foreshadowing an era of political division, disinformation, and a renewed fight for racial justice.
The title track “Welcome 2 America” is available now on streaming platforms here. Throughout the powerful song, Prince delivers a searing, spoken-word soliloquy set to music about golden parachutes, the superficial nature of social media, reality TV-fueled celebrity culture, and corporate monopolies in the music industry, ultimately concluding that America is the “Land of the free / home of the slave.”
Shortly after completing the Welcome 2 America album, Prince embarked on a unique tour of the same name that included multiple performances in several U.S. cities, capped off by the historic “21 Nite Stand” at The Forum in Inglewood, California. The Deluxe Edition of Welcome 2 America includes the complete studio vault album on both CD and black vinyl (accompanied with a hi-res digital download) plus a never-before-released full concert video of Prince’s April 28, 2011 show at The Forum, presented in 1080p HD with stereo, 5.1 surround and Dolby Atmos audio. Pre-order digital, vinyl, CD, and Deluxe editions here. All vinyl editions will have music on three sides with a collectible etching on the fourth side. In addition, there will be two special color variant vinyl editions of the album – gold vinyl available exclusively from the official Prince store and clear vinyl from Target.
As a companion collector single, fans have the opportunity to pre-order a numbered limited-edition gold-colored 7” vinyl exclusively from the official Prince Store. The 7” includes the studio version of “Welcome 2 America,” accompanied by a previously unreleased live version of the song recorded on May 14, 2011 at The Forum. The live version of “Welcome 2 America” is performed in a medley with the Prince composition “Dreamer,” first released on 2009’s Lotusflow3r, and demonstrates how the new material was an extension of his lifelong commitment to social justice.
Welcome 2 America features some of Prince’s only studio collaborations with bassist Tal Wilkenfeld, drummer Chris Coleman, and GRAMMY-nominated engineer Jason Agel, with additional contributions from New Power Generation singers Shelby J., Liv Warfield, and Elisa Fiorillo and keyboardist Morris Hayes, who Prince also recruited to co-produce several tracks on the album.
The live concert video features Prince performing with his 2011-era lineup of the New Power Generation, including Shelby J., Liv Warfield, Elisa Fiorillo, and Morris Hayes, additional keyboardists Renato Neto and Cassandra O’Neal, bassist Ida Nielsen, drummer John Blackwell, and dancers Maya and Nandy McClean (The Twinz). Captured midway through his marathon “21 Nite Stand” at The Forum in Inglewood, California, this performance documents the spontaneity and incendiary energy of that historic portion of the Welcome 2 America Tour – an audiovisual testament to the proclamation he made at the launch of the tour in October, 2010, stating “Bring friends, bring Ur children, and bring foot spray, because… it’s gonna B funky.” The performance features a cameo by recent GRAMMY-winner Ledisi and covers of Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” and Roxy Music’s “More Than This” alongside Prince favorites including “17 Days,” “Controversy,” “1999,” and “Purple Rain.”
The Deluxe Edition of Welcome 2 America will be presented as a luxe gold-foil package designed by GRAMMY-nominated artist Mathieu Bitton and GRAMMY-nominated creative director and Prince associate Trevor Guy, complete with a 12”x12” 32-page companion book and embossed vellum envelope containing exclusive Welcome 2 America era ephemera (photographic art print, 23”x36” poster, replica setlist, ticket, VIP invitation and backstage passes). Experienced as a complete package, the Deluxe Edition provides a multidimensional and immersive view of Prince’s creative genius during his spontaneous, energetic, and thought-provoking Welcome 2 America era.
The release of Welcome 2 America builds upon the partnership between The Prince Estate and Sony Music Entertainment that started in August of 2018. At that time, Sony began globally distributing the works of Prince released from 1995-2010, broadening its scope in January 2021 when the deal was expanded to include U.S. distribution on twelve non-soundtrack catalog albums featuring iconic music recorded by the Artist between 1978-1996.
Prince – Welcome 2 America
Studio Album (CD/LP/Digital)
1. Welcome 2 America
2. Running Game (Son of a Slave Master)
3. Born 2 Die
4. 1000 Light Years From Here
5. Hot Summer
6. Stand Up and B Strong *
7. Check The Record
8. Same Page, Different Book
9. When She Comes
10. 1010 (Rin Tin Tin)
11. Yes
12. One Day We Will All B Free
* Soul Asylum cover
Prince – Welcome 2 America (Live at The Forum, April 28, 2011)
Concert Performance (Blu-Ray):
1. Joy In Repetition
2. Brown Skin (India.Arie cover)
3. 17 Days
4. Shhh
5. Controversy
6. Theme From “Which Way Is Up” (Stargard cover)
7. What Have You Done For Me Lately (Janet Jackson cover)
8. Partyman
9. Make You Feel My Love (Bob Dylan cover)
10. Misty Blue (Eddy Arnold cover)
11. Let’s Go Crazy
12. Delirious
13. 1999
14. Little Red Corvette
15. Purple Rain
16. The Bird (The Time cover – Prince composition)
17. Jungle Love (The Time cover – Prince composition)
18. A Love Bizarre (Sheila E. cover – Prince composition)
19. Kiss
20. Play That Funky Music (Wild Cherry cover)
21. Inglewood Swinging (cover of Kool & the Gang’s “Hollywood Swinging”)
22. Fantastic Voyage (Lakeside cover)
23. More Than This (Roxy Music cover)
Mick Jagger Unveils Surprise New Song “Eazy Sleazy” With Dave Grohl
Mick Jagger today unveils an exciting surprise for his fans worldwide in the form of the instant release of a track titled ‘Eazy Sleazy.’ The hard-rocking tune written by Mick in lockdown features Jagger on vocals & guitar in collaboration with Foo Fighters main man Dave Grohl providing his signature powerhouse drums, guitar and bass too.
The infectious ‘Eazy Sleazy’ is every inch a song of our times, full of caged energy, a rock ‘n’ roll attitude and tongue in cheek, satirical messaging. MJ muses about the life we’ve all been living with deliciously dark sardonic humour. He reflects on a world of ‘zoom calls’, ‘home in these prison walls’, poncey books, fake applause and too much TV. With optimism and change in sight he looks forward to the world beyond lockdown and the “garden of earthly delights” that lies beyond.
A performance video clip for ‘Eazy Sleazy’ will be unveiled simultaneously on April 13 featuring Jagger at home & Grohl in the Foo Fighters studio.
Mick commented – “It’s a song that I wrote about coming out of lockdown, with some much needed optimism. Thanks to Dave Grohl for jumping on drums, bass and guitar, it was a lot of fun working with him. – hope you all enjoy Eazy Sleazy”
Dave commented – “It’s hard to put into words what recording this song with Sir Mick means to me. It’s beyond a dream come true. Just when I thought life couldn’t get any crazier……and it’s the song of the summer, without a doubt!!”
How Sesame Street Came to Be Explored In New Documentary ‘Street Gang’
Take a stroll down Sesame Street and witness the birth of the most impactful children’s series in TV history. From the iconic furry characters to the classic songs you know by heart, learn how a gang of visionary creators changed our world. In theaters April 23rd and available On Demand May 7th.
AC/DC’s Brian Johnson releasing new memoir, ‘The Lives of Brian,’ in October
Brian Johnson’s memoir The Lives of Brian: AC/DC, Me, and the Making of Back in Black, that will be published on October 26. It’ll reveal his story from growing up in a small town to starting his own band to ultimately replacing Bon Scott, the lead singer of one of the world biggest rock acts, AC/DC. They would record their first album together, the iconic Back in Black, which would become the biggest selling rock album of all time.
Brian Johnson was born to a steelworker and WWII veteran father and an Italian mother, growing up in New Castle Upon Tyne, England, a working-class town. He was musically inclined and sang with the church choir. By the early ’70s he performed with the glam rock band Geordie, and they had a couple hits, but it was tough going. So tough that by 1976, they disbanded and Brian turned to a blue-collar life.
Then 1980 changed everything. Bon Scott, the lead singer and lyricist of the Australian rock band AC/DC died at 33. The band auditioned singers, among them Johnson, whom Scott himself had seen perform and raved about. Within days, Johnson was in a studio with the band, working with founding members Angus and Malcolm Young, Cliff Williams, and Phil Rudd, along with producer Mutt Lange.
When the album, Back in Black, was released in July—a mere three months after Johnson had joined the band—it exploded, going on to sell 50 million copies worldwide, and triggering a years-long worldwide tour. It has been declared “the biggest selling hard rock album ever made” and “the best-selling heavy-metal album in history.”
The band toured the world for a full year to support the album, changing the face of rock music—and Brian Johnson’s life—forever.
Dave Grohl announces new documentary “What Drives Us”
WHAT DRIVES US is a testament to the musician’s life. WHAT DRIVES US will be released Friday, April 30th exclusively on The Coda Collection via Amazon Prime Video Channels in the U.S. and outside of the U.S. via Amazon Prime Video.
“This film is my love letter to every musician that has ever jumped in an old van with their friends and left it all behind for the simple reward of playing music. What started as a project to pull back the curtain on the DIY logistics of stuffing all of your friends and equipment into a small space for months on end eventually turned into an exploration of “why?” What drives us?” – Dave Grohl
Directed by Dave Grohl, this feature documentary film is a love letter to the rare club of rock and roll, as well as an inspiration to every young kid who dreams of a life playing music. Dave was that kid. And so was Ringo, Annie Clark, The Edge, Steven Tyler, and everyone in between. The list goes on forever. While they all have stories— outrageous, unbelievable, insane, as well as poignant stories— they all share a common bond. At some point, before anyone knew their name, they had an unstoppable drive to share their music with the world. Their passion led them to leave everything behind, throw caution to the wind, and chase their dream. Nobody was promised anything, but they all had a plan.
Featuring: Jennifer Finch of L7, Tony Kanal of No Doubt, Flea of The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lars Ulrich of Metallica, Charlie Gabriel of Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Brian Johnson of AC/DC, St. Vincent, Dave Lombardo of Slayer, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, The Edge of U2, Ben Harper, Kira Roessler of Black Flag, Ringo Starr of The Beatles, Slash & Duff McKagan of Guns N’Roses, D.H. Peligro of Dead Kennedys, Exene Cervenka of X, Starcrawler, Mike Watt of Minutemen, Pete Stahl of Scream, Radkey, and Ian MacKaye of Fugazi / Minor Threat.
It’s “Your Move…” Say Chicago-Based Rockers bluefront in New Single, “High Time”
On a quest for emotional peace and grappling with the question “could anything more have been done,” indie rocker Alan Zreczny and his Chicago-based band bluefront deliver this, their newest single and video “High Time” — available now.
“I think the song is about me reaching for an emotional space I have rarely, if ever, achieved,” Zreczny reveals of the song and its inspiration. “Although it was written with a relationship in mind, for me, it could apply whenever there comes a time — sometimes far too long in the making — where a certain kind of peace is achieved.
“It’s definitely not a comfortable kind of peace,” he continues. “But there is resolve, there is determination, and that feels ‘good’ in that there is a certain understanding that, although the emotional repercussions could be dreadful, it’s okay. And now things are clear.
“It’s the thinking that: I have exhausted all avenues that could possibly have been travelled in order to make something work, and we are at the end of whatever it is. It’s really ‘it’ — it’s ‘High Time’ because I have nothing left.
“Your move…”
That said, Zreczny is the first to admit the concept may be a mountain climb of his own making. “The truth is,” he shares, “I’m not sure if ‘High Time’ is a testament to the fact that I actually got there at that time, or if it was just me projecting where I wanted to be.
“Maybe I wrote the song as a way to say I was there, and hopefully I would catch up with the song? That remains unclear…
“But what is clear is the ideal of being comfortable in the discomfort of whatever happens next.”
The latest to land from bluefront’s sophomore album offering, Aftershocks, “High Time” follows previous singles “It’s Not Over Yet,” and the release’s title track, “Aftershocks.”
Released in 2019, the seven-track LP registers on its own Richter scale with shimmering melodies and intricate instrumentation deftly demonstrated by Zreczny, alongside bandmates Jason Steele, Nick Kabat, and Mark Burns.
Zreczny and bluefront have performed at Uncommon Ground, The Elbo Room, The Gallery Cabaret, The Red Line Tap, Old Town Art Fair, Subterranean, The House Cafe, and The Cubby Bear, among others, and appeared on WGN Radio and the Chicago Acoustic Underground podcast.
Aftershocks was recorded at Electrical Audio by Scott Steinman, mixed at GardenView Sound Studio by Scott Steinman for Studiomedia Recording, and mastered by Matthew Barnhart at Chicago Mastering Services; it follows Zreczny’s debut, The Arbor Sessions.