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Landmark Queensrÿche Albums ‘Operation: Mindcrime’ And ‘Empire’ Due June 25 As Definitive Box Set Collections

Eric Alper
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Landmark Queensrÿche Albums ‘Operation: Mindcrime’ And ‘Empire’ Due June 25 As Definitive Box Set Collections

On June 25, Capitol/UMe celebrates two landmark progressive metal albums by Queensrÿche. The breakthrough collection Operation: Mindcrime and its successful follow-up, Empire, will be released in multiple formats. In addition to the original versions remastered for CD and 180-gram vinyl 2LP, both titles will be available in expanded 2CD editions and in multi-disc CD+DVD box sets that stand as the final word on these albums, which carried the ambitious conceptual approach of such artists as The Who and Pink Floyd to a new decade and to a new hard rock audience.

Newly mastered at Abbey Road Studios, the deluxe versions of these remarkable albums bring together all the available recordings in 10′′ x 10′′ boxes that also contain DVDs of accompanying promotional videos and live performances of the albums. The live audio material revisits Queensrÿche’s worldwide headlining status during the Building Empires Tour, an 18-month trek that saw the band headline arenas after previous high-profile supporting slots on the Def Leppard Hysteria and Metallica And Justice For All tours. The Operation: Mindcrime deluxe features live audio concerts from London’s Hammersmith Odeon in 1990 and Wisconsin’s Target Center in 1991, plus a DVD that also includes the bonus track “The Making of Operation: Mindcrime” and an Operation: Mindcrime TV spot. The Empire deluxe version completes the Hammersmith Odeon 1990 concert with the live audio from the non-Mindcrime setlist. Geoff Tate, inducted into the 2020 Metal Hall of Fame, sheds new light on Operation: Mindcrime and Empire in extended interviews with noted journalist Alex Milas for the liner notes.

The deluxe versions of Operation: Mindcrime (originally released May 1988) and Empire (originally released August 1990) are available for preorder now. Ahead of — and leading up to — the releases, the celebration of these comprehensive box sets and releases includes a weekly premiere of remastered high-definition video on Queensrÿche’s official YouTube channel, HERE. With its sinister backdrops, a dramatic unfolding of characters and Queensrÿche’s high-octane stage performance, the “Operation: Mindcrime” HD remastered video, available now, provides a glimpse into the album’s intricate concept. The HD remastered video rollout for Operation: Mindcrime continues with “Eyes Of A Stranger” (May 14) and Grammy®-nominated single for Best Metal Performance “I Don’t Believe In Love” (May 21), all of which bring the plot to life. HD remastered video premieres from Empire are the title track, “Empire,” (May 28), “Best I Can” (June 4), “Anybody Listening?” (June 11), the Grammy®-nominated No. 1 rock hit “Silent Lucidity” (June 18) and, on release day, June 25, remastered HD videos will premiere for two more fan favorites “Another Rainy Night (Without You)” and “Jet City Woman.”

Queensrÿche’s third studio album, Operation: Mindcrime, took the quintet to an entirely new level. The concept, revealed through the songs, revolves around the character of Nikki, a recovering drug addict disillusioned with a corrupt society. Drawn into a cult-like revolutionary group headed by Dr. X (voiced by the late and beloved British actor Anthony Valentine), Nikki is manipulated to assassinate political leaders until his friendship with nun Sister Mary finally opens his eyes to the truth. Regarded as one of the greatest concept metal albums of all time, Operation: Mindcrime was certified platinum in 1991 in the U.S. and was ranked in the Top 100 Metal Albums Of All Time by both Kerrang! and Billboard magazines. Rolling Stone included it on a similar list, noting that “nearly 30 years after its initial release, Mindcrime feels eerily relevant.”

Reaching No. 7 on the Billboard album chart, the follow-up, Empire, built upon the success of Operation: Mindcrime. Produced, like its predecessor, by Peter Collins (Bon Jovi, Rush, Alice Cooper), the collection features brilliant and intelligent lyrics and songwriting complemented by incredible musicianship, with songs ranging from beautiful ballads to strong melodic rockers and classic heavy fist-pumpers. A rarity at the time, Empire spawned six singles that lit up Billboard‘s rock tracks chart with the Top 10 hits “Silent Lucidity” (#1), “Jet City Woman” (#6), “Another Rainy Night (Without You) (#7) and Top 30 hits “Anybody Listening? (#16), “Empire” (#22) and “Best I Can” (#28). The power ballad “Silent Lucidity” was the band’s first crossover hit, topping the Billboard rock singles chart and reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Silent Lucidity” also earned a Grammy® nomination for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group and received an MTV “Viewer’s Choice” award. RIAA-certified triple-platinum, Empire is the band’s most commercially successful album to date.

Progressive metal greats Queensrÿche emerged from Bellevue, Washington, in 1982 and have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide.

Preorder Operation: Mindcrime here: https://Queensryche.lnk.to/Operation_Mindcrime

Preorder Empire here: https://Queensryche.lnk.to/Empire

Queensrÿche OPERATION: MINDCRIME [4CD/1DVD DELUXE VERSION]

CD1
1. I Remember Now
2. Anarchy-X
3. Revolution Calling
4. Operation: Mindcrime
5. Speak
6. Spreading The Disease
7. The Mission
8. Suite Sister Mary
9. The Needle Lies
10. Electric Requiem
11. Breaking The Silence
12. I Don’t Believe In Love
13. Waiting For 22
14. My Empty Room
15. Eyes Of A Stranger

CD2
1. I Don’t Believe In Love – Extended Version
2. The Mission – Live At The Hammersmith Odeon, London, 1990
3. My Empty Room – Live At The Astoria Theatre, London, 1994
4. Interview With Queensrÿche
5. Overseeing The Operation
6. The Lady Wore Black – Live From Wisconsin, 1991
7. Roads To Madness – Live From Wisconsin, 1991

CD3 Operation: Mindcrime Live At Hammersmith Odeon, London, England, 1990
1. I Remember Now
2. Anarchy-X
3. Revolution Calling
4. Operation: Mindcrime
5. Speak
6. Spreading The Disease
7. The Mission
8. Suite Sister Mary
9. The Needle Lies
10. Electric Requiem
11. Breaking The Silence
12. I Don’t Believe In Love
13. Waiting For 22
14. My Empty Room
15. Eyes Of A Stranger

CD4 Operation: Mindcrime Live From Wisconsin, 1991
1. I Remember Now
2. Anarchy-X
3. Revolution Calling
4. Operation: Mindcrime
5. Speak
6. Spreading The Disease
7. The Mission
8. Suite Sister Mary
9. The Needle Lies
10. Electric Requiem
11. Breaking The Silence
12. I Don’t Believe In Love
13. Waiting For 22
14. My Empty Room
15. Eyes Of A Stranger

DVD Operation: Mindcrime Live / Promo Videos
1. I Remember Now [Concert Film] – Live On Location In Wisconsin, 1991
2. Anarchy-X [Music Video] – Live On Location In Wisconsin, 1988
3. Revolution Calling [Concert Film] – Live On Location In Wisconsin, 1991
4. Operation: Mindcrime [Concert Film] – Live On Location In Wisconsin, 1991
5. Speak [Concert Film] – Live On Location In Wisconsin, 1991
6. Spreading The Disease [Concert Film] – Live On Location In Wisconsin, 1991
7. The Mission [Music Video] – Live On Location In Wisconsin, 1988
8. Suite Sister Mary [Concert Film] – Live On Location In Wisconsin, 1991
9. The Needle Lies [Concert Film] – Live On Location in Wisconsin, 1991
10. Electric Requiem [Music Video] – Live On Location In Wisconsin, 1988
11. Breaking The Silence [Music Video] – Live On Location In Wisconsin, 1988
12. I Don’t Believe In Love [Concert Film] – Live On Location In Wisconsin, 1991
13. Waiting For 22 [Concert Film] – Live On Location In Wisconsin, 1991
14. My Empty Room [Music Video] – Live On Location In Wisconsin, 1988
15. Eyes Of A Stranger [Concert Film] – Live On Location In Wisconsin, 1991
16. Operation Livecrime End Credits [Concert Film]
17. I Remember Now [Concert Film]
18. Anarchy-X [Concert Film]
19. Revolution Calling [Music Video]
20. Operation: Mindcrime [Music Video]
21. Speak [Music Video]
22. Breaking The Silence [Music Video]
23. I Don’t Believe In Love [Music Video]
24. Waiting For 22 [Concert Film]
25. Eyes Of A Stranger [Concert Film]
26. Operation: Mindcrime End Credits [Concert Film]
27. I Don’t Believe In Love [Concert Film] 2019 Remaster
28. The Making of Operation: Mindcrime [Behind the Scenes] – Bonus Track
29. I Don’t Believe In Love
30. Eyes Of A Stranger
31. Revolution Calling
32. Operation: Mindcrime [Trailers/Teasers] – Bonus Track
33. Revolution Calling
34. Eyes Of A Stranger
35. I Don’t Believe In Love
36. Menu / Queensrÿche / Operation: Mindcrime [Concert Film]

Queensrÿche EMPIRE [3CD/1DVD DELUXE VERSION]

CD1
1. Best I Can
2. The Thin Line
3. Jet City Woman
4. Della Brown
5. Another Rainy Night (Without You)
6. Empire
7. Resistance
8. Silent Lucidity
9. Hand On Heart
10. One And Only
11. Anybody Listening?

CD2
1. Last Time In Paris – (Bonus Track)
2. Scarborough Fair – (Bonus Track)
3. Dirty Lil Secret – (Bonus Track)
4. Silent Lucidity – Edit
5. Empire – Edit
6. I Dream In Infrared – Acoustic Version
7. Prophecy – Live In Tokyo
8. Best I Can – Radio Edit
9. Anybody Listening? -Radio Edit

CD3 Empire Live At Hammersmith Odeon, London, England 1990
1. Resistance
2. Walk in The Shadows
3. Best I Can
4. Empire
5. The Thin Line
6. Jet City Woman
7. Roads To Madness
8. Silent Lucidity
9. Hand On Heart
10. Take Hold Of The Flame

DVD 
 1. Building Empires Opening [Concert Film]
 2. Nightrider [Music Video]
 3. Prophecy [Concert Film] – Live In Tokyo, 1983
 4. Gonna Get Close To You [Concert Film]
 5. Eyes of A Stranger [Music Video] – Alternate Version 
 6. Empire [Concert Film]
 7. Best I Can [Music Video]
 8. Silent Lucidity [Music Video]
 9. Jet City Woman [Music Video]
10. Another Rainy Night (Without You) [Concert Film]
11. Another Rainy Night (Without You) [Music Video] – Alternate Version
12. Anybody Listening? [Concert Film]
13. Resistance [Concert Film] – Live
14. Walk In The Shadows [Music Video] – Live
15. The Thin Line [Music Video] – Live
16. Take Hold Of The Flame [Music Video] – Live
17. The Lady Wore Black [Music Video] – Live
18. Silent Lucidity [Music Video] – Live
19. Building Empires End Credits [Concert Film]
20. Menu / Queensrÿche / Building Empires [Concert Film]

Rod Stewart Celebrates 10TH Anniversary of “Rod Stewart: The Hits.” by Announcing 2021 Las Vegas Residency Dates

Eric Alper
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Rod Stewart Celebrates 10TH Anniversary of “Rod Stewart: The Hits.” by Announcing 2021 Las Vegas Residency Dates

Legendary Rockstar Rod Stewart will celebrate the 10th anniversary of his acclaimed residency “Rod Stewart: The Hits.” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace when he returns to Las Vegas for nine shows this fall. Presented in partnership by Caesars Entertainment and Live Nation Las Vegas, “Rod Stewart: The Hits.” will perform select dates October 6 through 23, 2021.

Over the past ten years, the two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has packed an arena-sized concert into an intimate concert experience that’s exclusive to Las Vegas audiences – with no seat more than 145 feet from his majestic stage. Featuring chart-topping hits spanning Stewart’s unparalleled over five-decade career including “You Wear It Well,” “Maggie May,” “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy,” “The First Cut is the Deepest,” “Tonight’s the Night” and “Forever Young,” the high-energy show treats audiences to an intimate, concert celebration.

The 2021 concerts going on-sale are:

October: 6, 8, 9, 13, 15, 16, 20, 22, 23

Fan club presale tickets will be available starting Wednesday, June 16 at 10 a.m. PT through Friday, June 18 at 10 p.m. PT. Citi is the official presale credit card of “Rod Stewart: The Hits.” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. As such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets beginning Wednesday, June 16 at 12 p.m. PT through Friday, June 18 at 10 p.m. PT through Citi Entertainment. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

In addition, Caesars Rewards members, Caesars Entertainment’s loyalty program, as well as Live Nation customers will have access to a presale running Thursday, June 17 from 10 a.m. PT through Friday, June 18 at 10 p.m. PT.

Tickets go on sale to the general public starting Saturday, June 19 at 10 a.m. PT. Ticket prices for “Rod Stewart: The Hits.” start at $49, plus tax and fees, and may be purchased online at ticketmaster.com/rodstewartvegas. Shows are scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Sir Rod Stewart CBE is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with more than 250 million records sold worldwide during a stellar career that includes hits in all genres of popular music from Rock, Folk, R&B and even the American Standards.

This versatility has made him one of the few stars to enjoy chart-topping albums throughout every decade of his career, now spanning over fifty years. In 2016, he was also knighted for services to music and charity, adding to his countless accolades, which include two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the ASCAP Founders Award for songwriting, New York Times bestselling author, and Grammy™ Living Legend.

Born in North London with Scottish Celtic roots, Sir Rod Stewart has one of the most distinctive voices in music. That voice was first heard in the early 60’s with Long John Baldry, Steampacket and Shotgun Express, as well as in his seminal work with Jeff Beck and the legendary rock band The Faces.

He went on to have a stellar solo career recording a string of some of the biggest hits in music including “Maggie May,” “Forever Young,” “Rhythm of My Heart,” “Tonight’s the Night,” “I Don’t Want To Talk About It” and “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy.”

The 2000’s saw Sir Rod record five acclaimed volumes of his “Great American Songbook” series pushing his career into unchartered territory and is the biggest selling on-going series of new music recordings in history.

Sir Rod also recently revisited some of his greatest hits with “You’re in My Heart: Rod Stewart with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.” The album is a timeless record that retains the power, soul and passion and spent three weeks at the top of the charts making it Sir Rod’s tenth Number One album; a milestone achievement in an already impressive career.

One of the most loved entertainers worldwide, Sir Rod recently completed his biggest UK tour ever as well as a Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace. His sell out UK tour received rave reviews with the Telegraph commenting, “while so many of his contemporaries have announced retirements, Sir Rod keeps rocking on.”

Since its premiere in August of 2011, “Rod Stewart: The Hits.” has remained one of the best-reviewed and must-see shows on the Las Vegas Strip.

The Worst Music Festival of All Time Is….

Eric Alper
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The Worst Music Festival of All Time Is….

Fyre Fest, Woodstock ’99, Altamont… there have been many great festival disasters over the years. But none of these come even close to 1972’s Erie Canal & Soda Pop Festival (Also known as “Bull Island.”) The lack of preparedness, the lawlessness, the desperation of the crowd; it’s like the bad-acid trip version of Woodstock where everything burns down.

Amazon Has Launched Their Vinyl of the Month Club

Eric Alper
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Amazon Has Launched Their Vinyl of the Month Club

GET AN ESSENTIAL ALBUM, EVERY MONTH – Join the club and receive one must-own record from the Golden Era of Vinyl (1960s-1970s) each month, handpicked by the experts at Amazon Music.

BUILD THE ULTIMATE VINYL COLLECTION – Start or grow an enviable collection with some of the greatest albums ever — Iconic classics from artists like Pink Floyd, Aretha Franklin, ABBA, and more. A great gift for anyone who’s just fallen in love with vinyl.

SUBSCRIBE WITH CONFIDENCE – You can skip a month or cancel any time.

BE AMONG THE FIRST – Subscribe now and help us evolve our service by providing feedback on your experience.

It appears they are focused on classic rock. 1st album was Pink Floyd – The Wall and 2nd is The Clash – London Calling.

You can get it here for $24.99 a month.

SiriusXM Canada is bringing fans closer to their favourite Canadian artists with Far & Wide performance series

Eric Alper
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SiriusXM Canada is bringing fans closer to their favourite Canadian artists with Far & Wide performance series

SiriusXM Canada, the country’s leading audio entertainment company is excited to announce, Far & Wide Presented by SiriusXM, a virtual Canadian artist series providing Canadian music fans with intimate virtual experiences featuring some of the best and brightest Canadian music stars. The six-part series, kicking off today and running through to September will feature musical performances by a group of genre-spanning artists from across the country including, Ali Gatie (JUNO Award Nominee), Elisapie (JUNO Award Winner), Charlotte Cardin (JUNO Award Nominee), Roxane Bruneau, JP Saxe (JUNO Award Winner), and Émile Bilodeau.

SiriusXM Canada has long recognized the importance of the Canadian music industry and continues to prioritize the support of homegrown talent. “We know that Canadian music fans want to get closer to the artists they love,” said Paul Cunningham, SVP Marketing, SiriusXM Canada. “I’m proud to work with a great team who continues to bring moments that matter to music fans whether in person or in our new virtual world.” Through unique moments like Far & Wide SiriusXM Canada continues to celebrate Canadian talent, and to harnesses the spirit and energy of live music.

As a leading supporter of Canadian artists – both new and established, SiriusXM Canada is committed to facilitating opportunities which provide a platform for artists to connect and engage with their fans and continue to pursue their passions in music.

Streaming access to the Far & Wide performances will be automatically granted to fans who engage with Far & Wide Racer – an 8-bit arcade-style game created by MLSE Digital Labs. The more fans play, the more chances they have to win a virtual meet and greet – for themselves and five of their friends – with the Far & Wide artist of their choice. Fans can test their skills and gain access to the virtual performances series by playing Far & Wide Racer here.

SiriusXM proudly produces 19 channels in Canada in both French and English. Within those channels, more than 160,000 hours of Canadian programming airs annually for all North American subscribers. To learn how you can start listening to your favourite artists on SiriusXM Canada today visit, Siriusxm.ca/ways-to-listen.

Nas Announces ‘It Was Written’ 25th Anniversary Expanded Reissue

Eric Alper
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Nas Announces ‘It Was Written’ 25th Anniversary Expanded Reissue

Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, will release an expanded digital edition of Nas’ It Was Written, in celebration of the groundbreaking hip-hop classic’s 25th anniversary, on July 2, 2021.

The expanded digital edition of It Was Written presents Nas’ original album (in its entirety and classic running order) with the addition of bonus tracks “Silent Murder” and “Street Dreams” (Bonus Verse), previously unreleased through digital service providers.

Get On Down will release limited edition collectible 25th anniversary physical versions of It Was Written including a 2LP Silver & Clear Galaxy Effect colored vinyl edition housed in a gatefold jacket and an old-school cassette with an original 8 panel J-Card featuring full lyrics housed in a custom slip case. Get On Down will offer a colored 7″ vinyl single (A-Side/B-Side Effect with Silver & Black) of “The Message” b/w “Street Dreams” (extended version) housed in a custom picture jacket. The 2LP vinyl, 7″ vinyl single and the special cassette will be offered in a special 25th anniversary bundle, projected to ship in September. Pre-order available here.

One of the spotlight albums in Sony Music/Certified’s Black Music Month ’96 Again campaign, It Was Written is explored in a two-minute mini-documentary premiering June 24. The video celebrates the 1996 tour de force album that catapulted Nas from the New York hip-hop underground into the American cultural mainstream. Throughout June 2021, Certified’s Black Music Month ’96 Again revisits the artists, albums and tracks that defined that iconic era with an immersive campaign featuring newly-curated playlists, video content, contests and rarities from 1996 available for the first time on all DSPs.

Originally released July 2, 1996 on Columbia Records, It Was Written, Nas’ second studio album, signaled a paradigm shift in the world of hip-hop, redefining the game for generations to come. Adding radical new narrative and musical dimensions to the raw underground hardcore ethos Nas had established with Illmatic, his 1994 studio debut (recorded June 1992 – February 1993 in NYC), It Was Written was both a landmark album and a flashpoint event in East Coast hip-hop history. An immediate commercial success, It Was Written debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, selling more than a quarter million copies its first week in stores. The album’s hit singles included “If I Ruled The World (Imagine That)” and “Street Dreams,” each becoming an enduring hip-hop anthem. Newly certified RIAA triple platinum, It Was Written is the top-selling album of Nas’ career.

Both the “If I Ruled The World (Imagine That)” and “Street Dreams” music videos have been up-graded to high resolution HD video for the It Was Written 25th anniversary and will premiere Friday, July 2.

Executive produced by Nas, Steve Stoute, and Trackmasters, It Was Written marked the first appearance of hip-hop supergroup The Firm featuring Nas, Foxy Brown, AZ, and Cormega. The album’s cinematic soundscape showcased a hip-hop who’s who of guest artists and producers including Dave Atkinson, Delight, DJ Kid Capri, DJ Premier, Dr. Dre, Kirk Goddy, Havoc, Joel “JoJo” Hailey (of K-Ci & JoJo). L.E.S., Live Squad, J. Parker, Poke & Tone, Rashad Smith, Richard Travali, Kurt Walker and others.

While Nas’ epic narratives were bringing the reality of East Coast rap mafiosa street life into the pop music mainstream, his musical collaboration with Compton rap icon Dr. Dre (who cowrote and produced the album’s “Nas Is Coming” track) added an historic new twist to hip-hop’s ongoing East Coast/West Coast rap feud.

Nas – It Was Written (Expanded Edition) track listing

1. Album Intro
2. The Message
3. Street Dreams
4. I Gave You Power
5. Watch Dem Niggas (featuring Foxy Brown)
6. Take It In Blood
7. Nas Is Coming (featuring Dr. Dre)
8. Affirmative Action (featuring AZ, Cormega and Foxy Brown)
9. The Set Up (featuring Havoc)
10. Black Girl Lost (featuring Joel “JoJo” Hailey)
11. Suspect
12. Shootouts
13. Live Nigga Rap (featuring Mobb Deep)
14. If I Ruled the World (Imagine That) (featuring Lauryn Hill)
Bonus Tracks
15. Silent Murder
16. Street Dreams (Bonus Verse)

2021 CMAOntario New Faces Showcase & Legacy Revival: Performers Announced

Eric Alper
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2021 CMAOntario New Faces Showcase & Legacy Revival: Performers Announced

The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is excited to announce The Road Hammers, Robyn Ottolini, The Good Brothers and more will perform as part of the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend, taking place September 3 – 5, 2021 at Ancaster Fairgrounds in Hamilton. The CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend will host three drive in concerts in Hamilton including the New Faces Showcase & Concert, the Legacy Revival, and the 9th Annual CMAOntario Awards, presented by Slaight Music.

On Friday September 3 the New Faces Showcase and drive-in concert will give fans a chance to take in some of Ontario’s hottest new music, and up-and-coming talent with performances by: Aaron Allen, 2020 CMAOntario Rising Star Award winner; Charissa, Americana singer-songwriter; Kansas Stone, 2019 CMAOntario nominees, who will release new music in 2021; Owen Barney, who landed in the Top 20 of Canadian country radio with his 2020 summer hit Thank Her For That; Robyn Ottolini, whose single F-150 is certified Gold by Music Canada; Ryan Langdon, 2019 CMAOntario nominee who is hot off his EP debut Lit in the Sticks; Genevieve Fisher, 2020 Female Artist of the Year nominee; and The Road Hammers, country rock trio who recently released their new single “The Boys Are Back At It”.

On Saturday September 4 the Legacy Revival drive-in concert will feature Ontario’s treasured pioneers in a celebration of the music that paved the way for so many of today’s country artists. Hosted by Wendell Ferguson, The Legacy Revival will feature: multi-award winning country vocal group The Good Brothers; Canadian Country Music Hall of Famer Marie Bottrell; lead singer and founding member of the award winning country-roots group Prairie Oyster Russell deCarle; French songwriter, and founding member of progressive-folk band Garolou, Michel Lalonde; and Canada’s folk-country matriarch Sylvia Tyson.

Hosted by Jason McCoy and Beverley Mahood, the CMAOntario Award Show, will close out the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend on Sunday, September 5 with performances and 18 award presentations at this drive-in finale. Presented by Slaight Music, the 9th Annual CMAOntario Awards will include performances by Tim Hicks, nominated for five awards at the 2021 CMAOntario Awards; Buck Twenty, nominated for four awards; Aaron Allen, nominated for two awards; Owen Barney, nominated for two awards; Sacha, nominated for the Rising Star of the Year Award; David Boyd Janes, nominated for Male Artist of the Year; Reney Ray, nominated for the Francophone Artist or Group of the Year Award; The Redhill Valleys, nominated for the Roots Artist or Group of the Year Award; and the CMAOntario Awards house band The Western Swing Authority, who are nominated for two awards.

CMAOntario is committed to presenting and promoting the work of Ontario’s country music industry, and will continue to work closely with partners in Hamilton to ensure the safe presentation of the drive-in concert events. The CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend is presented by Slaight Music, with support from Ontario Creates.

Headstones, Moist, Sloan & The Tea Party Announce New ‘Saints and Sinners’ Tour Dates

Eric Alper
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Headstones, Moist, Sloan & The Tea Party Announce New ‘Saints and Sinners’ Tour Dates

Today, Headstones, Moist , Sloan and The Tea Party announce new and rescheduled dates for the Saints And Sinners Tour. The tour is scheduled to kick off in Victoria, BC on November 3, 2021, with the last stop in Rama, ON, on November 27, 2021. The tour promises many much-needed nights of incredible rock music for fans across the country.

With over a dozen Gold and Platinum certified albums, hundreds of thousands of concert tickets sold and some of the most incredible hits among the line-up, the tour will be a once in a lifetime rock music spectacle. Every night will be a new experience for fans with a rotating, surprise line-up for each show and each band could not be more excited about hitting the road on this amazing tour.

The Saints and Sinners Tour is proud to be partnering with the Unison Benevolent Fund and the PLUS1 campaign – with $1 from each ticket sold from the tour going towards relief programs, financial assistance, and mental health counselling to the Canadian music community.

Saints & Sinners Tour Dates 2021:
November 3 Victoria, BC Save On Foods Memorial Centre
November 5 Abbotsford, BC Abbotsford Centre
November 6 Penticton, BC South Okanagan Events Centre
November 7 Prince George, BC CN Centre
November 10 Calgary, AB Grey Eagle Event Centre
November 12 Lethbridge, AB ENMAX Centre
November 13 Edmonton, AB Edmonton Convention Centre
November 14 Regina, SK Brandt Centre
November 15 Winnipeg, MB Bell MTS Place
November 18 London, ON Budweiser Gardens
November 19 Hamilton, ON FirstOntario Centre
November 21 Peterborough, ON Peterborough Memorial Centre
November 23 Quebec City, QC Théâtre Le Capitole
November 25 Montreal, QC M Telus
November 26 Rama, ON Casino Rama Resort (tickets not yet available)
November 27 Rama, ON Casino Rama Resort (tickets not yet available)

Singer/Songwriter Paul Saunders Lets Music Take the Lead with “Courage”

Eric Alper
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Singer/Songwriter Paul Saunders Lets Music Take the Lead with “Courage”

Nothing ventured, nothing gained… With those words to live by, long-time Canadian singer/songwriter, actor, writer, and producer Paul Saunders has ventured back to his creative musical roots for his new single “Courage” — available now.

The proverb of “nothing ventured, nothing gained” dates back to the late 14th century and the time of Chaucer; in the spirit of the revered English author’s timeless works, Saunders has always aimed to write songs that connect, inspire and will also stand the test of time. Taking on the venture of recording those songs as a solo artist closes the circle from where he started in his artistic career to where he has arrived today.

“Courage” is from Saunders’ recently released debut album, It’s About Time! An emotional, soulful ballad featuring his expressive tenor, “Courage,” and all the tracks on the 12-track LP, boast a stellar line up of some of Canada’s finest stage and studio musicians — including the late Michael Fonfara, Danny Weis, Danny McBride, Glen Morrow, Stacey Heydon, Igor Romanyk, Demo Cates, Gary Taylor, and Michael St Clair. The album was produced by Saunders and Gord Paton and recorded at Toronto’s Sky Blue Studios, Eastern Sound, and The Rhythm Ranch; Saunders wrote or co-wrote 10 of the songs on the album.

While the character in “Courage” laments not having the “courage to find the way,” Saunders himself has had the fortitude and drive to pursue multiple creative passions throughout his career — the first being music. His grandfather owned The Bermuda Tavern on Yonge Street, fostering an early love for music and performing in Saunders that started on stage at Toronto’s Yorkville clubs, and carried him to L.A. to a songwriting contract with Epic.

Over the ensuing years, Saunders’ career path took him in more diverse directions; a versatile and sought after performer with multiple skills, he has appeared in over 60 film, television and stage productions — including lead roles in both Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair.

Recording and releasing an album as a solo artist, however, is an accomplishment Saunders always dreamed of while carving out a successful career on stage and screen. “I am so happy to actually release my first solo CD in my long and diversified career,” Saunders says. “After all these years, this is something I have dreamed of doing for decades — and now it’s released to the global community on the EMG label.

“I am humbled and excited to see how the future unfolds for me and my music.”

In honour of Earth Day 2021, Saunders contributed “Courage” to the Heal the Earth project, which brought together legendary Canadian artists such as Murray McLauchlan, Gowan, Tommy James, and Andy Kim with independent artists for a virtual music celebration on Earth Day, April 22. The online event raised funds for Earth Day Canada and was headed up by Sandy Graham, owner of Cashbox Magazine Canada, and actor, musician and Order of Canada honouree Tom Jackson.

After all of the diverse artistic journeys he’s travelled, Saunders knows it’s about time to return to music and reach the milestone of releasing his first solo recording. “The business for me right now is nothing ventured, nothing gained, and I have the time and the tenacity to want to continue to write, record and perform.”

“Courage”and It’s About Time! are available now.

Steve Marriner Releases “How High” Video from ‘Hope Dies Last’ Solo Debut Album

Eric Alper
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Steve Marriner Releases “How High” Video from ‘Hope Dies Last’ Solo Debut Album

Ottawa, ON-based bluesman Steve Marriner is ushering a decidedly more roots-rock Americana sound to the forefront with the release of his new solo album, Hope Dies Last.

Crafted through COVID — and inspired by years on the road, and back — the 10-track full-length is available this July 2 via Stony Plain Records. It explores not only an evolving sound for the ever-busy artist, but an ever-expanding skill set as well.

“I like to be on the move,” Marriner shares, who took on engineering the project. “To me, standing still feels the same as walking backwards; not only is it a survival mechanism, but it truly is my passion to have my hands in so many different projects. There’s just so much to learn, and it’s that learning that sustains me as an artist.

“I had decided a couple of weeks into the pandemic that I would use my new-found downtime to learn how to engineer and mix recordings,” he continues. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to know how to do; I’d been producing records and doing session work for a bunch of artists, and I’ve sat beside some incredible engineers in my career… Turns out, I absorbed a ton of what I was witnessing.”

A multi-award winning and esteemed solo artist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer in his own right, Hope Dies Last is Marriner’s second solo release; Going Up was released in 2007.

In addition, he has performed extensively with the likes of Colin James, Paul Reddick, Samantha Martin, Delta Sugar, Lee Holmes, and more, is one-half of Manx Marriner Mainline with Harry Manx, and one-third of the JUNO and Maple Blues Award-winning trio MonkeyJunk.

“Hope Dies Last is different from a MonkeyJunk record in a multitude of ways,” Marriner reveals. “On MonkeyJunk records, the sounds are created largely by Matt Sobb, Tony D., and myself. On Hope Dies Last, there are 15 other musicians who have lent their extraordinary talents to the creation of this project.

“Throughout the summer, Jimmy Bowskill and I did a ton of sonic experimenting; tinkering; listening,” he continues, noting the multi-awarded blues-rocker, lead guitarist for The Sheepdogs, and recording engineer at Ganaraska Recording Company. “Stylistically, I’m exploring some territory closer to Americana that I haven’t visited yet.

“There’s lots of rocking on this release, but there are some pretty tender moments as well; it felt good to get low.”

Hope Dies Last is available July 2nd, 2021.

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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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