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Grunge Trap / Alt Hip Hop Rocker KROSST OUT Offers “Intro” & Sophomore Release, Phone Calls With Ghosts

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Grunge trap and alt hip hop rocker Krosst Out is leaving it all on the line with the release of his sophomore album, Phone Calls With Ghosts, and single “Intro (Preface)” — both available now.

The track lands alongside the project-at-large that had the Toronto-based artist squaring away with his small-town upbringing. “Some kids treat piano lessons like a chore, but I treated them like a lifeline,” Krosst Out — nee Aaron Siebenga — offers. “They were my way out.”

The sentiment and its translation into Phone Calls With Ghosts are in reference to his upbringing in the small Northumberland County town of Campbellford, Ontario — population 3,500.

“This album came out of a place of me trying to come to terms with who I am now. There’s so much emphasis on people changing and moving up and out of wherever they started in life. For me, I’m still that small-town kid, but things are different now; I’m not that kid you used to know, for better or worse.

“But I’d like to say better.

“The album chronicles youthful mistakes, broken relationships, and the reality that nothing is what it ever will be again,” he continues. “I spent my time explaining to listeners that ghosts aren’t just your ‘run of the mill spooks’ — they’re thoughts and actions of your past that torture you, the people you leave behind, and the moments you never get back.

“They’re the baggage you never seem to shrug off.”

Phone Calls With Ghosts follows 2017’s debut EP Lifeoftheparty, and a series of singles — including 2019’s “Too Much on My Mind” with Spark Houston and “End of My Rope” with Statik.

The release is an emotive sonic journey chronicling reckless youth and the coming of age. “Intro (Preface)” is preceded by earlier singles “Funerals,” “Drive” — both of which laid out early signals of Krosst Out’s use of the medium to lay it all bare. “I tried to come through with realness and heartache,” he shares. “I tried to show off my true colours, even if they may largely be black and white.

“‘Drive’ was the song that solidified where I wanted to go sonically overall for Phone Calls With Ghosts. ‘Drive’ is my anthem. It’s the song I’ve wanted to make for years, and it’s the song that, if someone were to ask me who I was, I would point to it and tell them: I’m that.

“It’s grunge, it’s metal, rap, and rock, all in the span of 2:44,” he adds. “It — and Phone Calls With Ghosts — are why I’ve spent the last 14 years of my life in a notebook.”

Shawn Mendes Announces Wonder: The Experience, Livestream Benefit Concert Event On December 6

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Today, GRAMMY nominated multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes announced that on December 6th he will perform a livestream benefit concert, Wonder: The Experience, to celebrate the release of his highly-anticipated fourth studio album Wonder, which will be released on December 4th via Island Records/Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company. The livestream will feature music from the upcoming album, including the lead single “Wonder” and other yet to be released songs.

You can pre-order the new album, and enter for a chance to win a Wonder Golden Ticket Package (including signed items and virtual group Meet & Greet with Shawn) here.

Wonder: The Experience is the 2020 finale of the American Express UNSTAGED series, and is the final of Shawn’s Wonder Residencies, which also included performances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge.

Fans can RSVP to attend the livestream free here, with an option to donate to the Shawn Mendes Foundation, a sponsored program of the Social Impact Fund (a 501(c)(3) charitable organization). American Express Card Members can purchase exclusive ticket packages with behind-the-scenes content, virtual group meet & greets, exclusive merchandise, and more. A portion of each American Express ticket package sold will be donated to the Shawn Mendes Foundation to help support and amplify the voices of young leaders driving positive change.

Wonder follows three consecutive #1 album debuts, 3 platinum albums, and 11+ consecutive platinum and multi-platinum singles.

Additionally, Shawn Mendes and longtime manager Andrew Gertler partnered with Netflix to release “IN WONDER” globally on November 23. The debut feature length documentary, a TIFF special event selection, from acclaimed music video director Grant Singer (The Weeknd, Lorde, Sam Smith), is a portrait of Mendes’ life, chronicling the past few years of his rise and journey. Executive produced by Andrew Gertler, Shawn Mendes, & Ben Winston; produced by Saul Germaine, p.g.a and James Haygood. Mendes and Gertler produced the film under their newly announced film and television production company Permanent Content, which will develop scripted and documentary projects “focused on issues that impact or are important to today’s youth.”

GRAMMY nominated Toronto born multi-platinum singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes released his highly anticipated self-titled third album in May 2018. The certified platinum album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 Chart as well as multiple additional worldwide markets. It shot to #1 on iTunes in more than 80 countries immediately upon release. The album became one of the top best-selling album debuts of 2018 and made Shawn the third youngest solo artist to ever have three consecutive #1 albums. Shawn was nominated in two categories for the 61st annual GRAMMY® Awards, including “Song of the Year” for “In My Blood” and “Best Pop Vocal Album” for SHAWN MENDES. Most recently, Shawn was nominated for a GRAMMY for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” for his single with Camila Cabello, “Señorita.” The song debuted at #1 on iTunes worldwide and broke Spotify’s record for the biggest debut from a male/female duet in its history, going on to become the most streamed song on Spotify in 2019. The hit nabbed the #1 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart as well as #1 at Top 40 & Hot AC Radio. Last summer Shawn debuted his certified platinum single, “If I Can’t Have You,” at #1 on iTunes and #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. With “Señorita” at #1 and “If I Can’t Have You” at #2, Shawn is the first male solo artist ever to simultaneously hold the #1 and #2 place on the Top 40 chart. In April 2017, Shawn released his 3x platinum hit “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back.” The track scored Shawn his second #1 single at Top 40 radio and on Billboard’s Pop Songs chart, joining his 7x platinum single “Stitches.” Throughout his career, Shawn has achieved 3 consecutive #1 album debuts, 3 platinum albums, and 11+ consecutive platinum and multi-platinum singles. Worldwide, he has sold over 20 million albums, 175 million singles, and has amassed over 31 billion strong streams and over 8 billion YouTube views. Shawn has completed two sold-out world tours with over one million tickets sold, selling out legendary stadiums and arenas including NYC’s Madison Square Garden and London’s O2 Arena in minutes. On his most recent tour, he sold out his first ever stadium show in minutes at Rogers Centre in his hometown of Toronto. The tour began in March 2019, with over 100 dates across the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and Australia/New Zealand. Shawn has nearly 50 Billion global streams and 8.6 billion video views. He topped Billboard’s “21 Under 21” in 2017 and 2018 and has been featured on Forbes “30 Under 30,” Spotify’s “25 Under 25,” and Time Magazine’s “Time 100 Most Influential”. In 2018, ROI Influencer Media recognized Shawn as the #1 Most Influential Artist and #1 Most Influential Teen across all social media platforms.

In 2019 Shawn launched The Shawn Mendes Foundation, which seeks to inspire Shawn’s audience, the youth generation of today—to learn about those causes that they are passionate about, and help empower them to use the voice they have to bring change to the world by taking action & giving back. As part of its ongoing mission, the Foundation provides resources and support to amplify the voices, messages, and platforms of young leaders driving positive change.

His fourth album, Wonder, will be released on December 4, 2020.

The Guess Who’s Leonard Shaw with Sandy Chochinov Release Self-Titled Album as Displaced Pieces

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“Be Strong” is the newest single by Displaced Pieces — Leonard Shaw and Sandy Chochinov — from their album, Displaced Pieces. Available now on streaming services Spotify, Amazon Music, and available as a music video on YouTube, this new rock/jazz single was written to remind everyone to not give up in the face of adversity.

“The music has been developed over the past few years, but not without its challenges. Sandy and I thought it appropriate – even in this difficult time of social distancing – to celebrate what we have accomplished, and some of our shared history,” says Shaw about the new single.

Shaw and Chochinov have been playing and writing music together since they were teenagers in Winnipeg, MB. In their history, both saw moves to Edmonton and Toronto. Together, they have played and recorded with Ian Thomas, Dianne Heatherington, Terri Crawford, and Bo Diddley. Shaw joined Canadian rockers The Guess Who in 1990 playing keyboard, flute, and saxophone. Chochinov has toured with Wally Landreth, Brent Parkin, and Ellen McIlwaine, and recorded with Shawnee, Kate Todd, and Nell Balaban.

Alexandria, ON’s Contemporary Jazz Singer KATIE DITSCHUN Sends Peace & Warmth with “Be Still”

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Canadian contemporary jazz pop singer/songwriter Katie Ditschun offers a moment of calm and cause for pause this holiday season with the release of her new single, “Be Still.”

“For me, this is a winter song to sing during Christmastime,” Ditschun says, “but the lyrics don’t mention a specific holiday, so it’s really for anyone who enjoys the warm glow of light on a winter’s night.

“My hope is that people will listen to it, maybe all cozied up by the fire, and feel the calm and peacefulness I wanted to bring them. I consider ‘Be Still’ to be a kind of ‘Silent Night.’

“In January of 2020, I found myself inspired to write this song,” she reflects. “Christmas 2019 had been a quiet, peaceful holiday for me, so the lyrics are simply about taking the time during the holiday season to slow down and fully appreciate the beauty, joy, and peace that we can see, feel, and share.

“At this time, leading into Christmas 2020, our society is struggling. It’s my hope we will soon remember how love brings us hope and joy.”

“Be Still” is the newest single to arrive from Katie Ditschun following the release of her debut album, Spare Skirt (2019).

In addition to writing throughout the year, Ditschun offered audiences around the world a virtual respite from the goings-on through an extensive and pioneering series of virtual performances and complimentary introductory vocal lessons via Facebook.

Born and raised in Brantford, Ontario, Ditschun spent time in Montreal, Quebec following her studies at Berklee College of Music for jazz and contemporary vocals before returning to her home province; she is also a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and the Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association. Though she was diagnosed at 18 months old with juvenile arthritis, beginning piano lessons at age four to keep her fingers moving, it was the onset of her mother’s terminal illness that gave Ditschun the push to pursue music full-time.

Canadian Jazz Chanteuse MICHELE MELE Harnesses The Spirit Of Christmas On Yuletide EP

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Despite her having graced most prestigious stages, it’s all about home for Schomberg, ON’s Michele Mele: her YouTube “Michele in the Kitchen,” where she reveals the secrets of home cooking — and sings, and her series “Concerts at Michele’s,” where she meets famous musicians in a comfortable domestic atmosphere of her Schomberg home — and, again, sings.

So it’s a little wonder that Ms. Mele’s latest release, out on November 16th, is titled “Cozy Christmas” — but then, it has to be a little wonder, because it’s an EP, a mini-album comprising four pieces.

Preceded by a scintillating single “Christmas Time In Canada” — Michele’s original song — this record, a small collection of seasonal favourites, oozes class the listeners associate with the Ontarian and is more than likely to multiply the number of her fans.

Indeed, one will find it difficult to resist the minimal setting in which Mele intimately intones the Yuletide classics — “The Christmas Song,” “Let It Snow,” “Merry Little Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland” — as they go way beyond familiarity, and not only because of a personal twist that Michele added to the perennials, making them her own, but also because of the strong emotions underlying, and contrasting, the singer’s deceptively calm delivery.

This approach might be the reason why it took the Canadian so long to mold the album, whose history runs back to 2012 when Mele had an idea of making a Xmas album in a bossa nova style and, both surprisingly and understandably, could not wait until winter to lay down the record’s first tune.

“We recorded ‘Winter Wonderland’ on a hot summer day,” says Mele. “And I remember sitting on the deck at our cottage on Lake Wah Wash Kesh that weekend, listening to the first mix and just loved it! I was so happy that [producer] Greg [Kavanagh] found a way to include that beautiful harp glissando!”

Still, “Cozy Christmas” wasn’t destined to join the line of her full-length offerings – Mele’s issued six of these to the date – and “Winter Wonderland” is returning now alongside other seasonal cuts on the EP which will complement Michele’s previous, sultry albums such as “Cha Cha” and “Naked On The Rocks” — the latter a companion piece to the artist’s one-woman show of the same title.

Yet her efforts aren’t limited by writing and performing — be it solo, with her own ensemble or as part of the trio called ROBERM, where her voice joins the pianos of Bernie Senensky and Robi Botos. The Ontarian’s musical “Universe in a Kiss” combines music with circus and science, while Sunburst Festival that she created and curates is set to “honour and promote young professional musicians and visual artists who are carrying the legacy of art and culture into the future.”

Add to the list the aforementioned video endeavors, and pursuits in scuba diving, slalom water-skiing and the trapeze, and you’ll have an all-round character who cares about kindred spirits as if they were her family.

It’s all about home for Michele Mele, remember?

And what can be more home-like than Christmas that’s bound to be much cozier with this little record!

Hamilton, ON’s ALEX WHORMS Sings the Bittersweet Sentiment on Holiday Classic “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”

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With a voice CBC calls “incredibly earnest” with an “honest purity,” award-winning Canadian singer/songwriter Alex Whorms delivers a stunning and timely rendition of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” in time for an unprecedented season.

“The idea for this project came about last year,” Whorms recalls. “I was on tour to promote my EP, Burgundy, and I met producer Micah Doern at a radio interview at Ryerson University’s CJRU. We became friends after that, and decided to try recording together.”

Whorms’ rendition of the holiday classic first recorded by Bing Crosby in 1943 was recorded and mixed by Doern, and mastered by JUNO Award-winning and GRAMMY Award-nominee Dan Brodbeck.

“I was looking for a change in my sound this year,” she continues. “Most of my past recordings have used many instruments and very detailed arrangements, so we thought a solo piece would be refreshing. When I perform with my band, we always have a moment in the set where they walk off and I play solo; it creates an intimate moment, and we wanted to capture that kind of feeling in this project.

“‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’ is one of my favourite holiday songs, but it holds even more significance this year because the pandemic will prevent many people from gathering for the holidays,” she considers. “The final line, ‘I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams’ is especially emotional given this year’s health concerns and stay-at-home regulations.”

The song was recorded at Noble Street’s Studio A, which gave Whorms the opportunity to play a Fazioli. “I was stunned by how beautiful their piano sounded! It was a dream-come-true to record on that instrument.

“It was also my first recording session since COVID-19 hit Ontario,” she continues. “Wearing a mask while playing made me very aware of my breathing, which was an interesting feeling; at one point, I noticed myself breathing in time with the musical phrases as I was playing piano.”

The artwork was created by Whorms’ longtime friend, Madeline Czukar. “She also designed the artwork for my EP, Our Lives, in 2017. For this, she drew me playing the piano in Studio A with some imagined Christmas decorations.”

Alex Whorms’ sophomore EP, Burgundy, — and its premiere single “Sunset” — was featured on CBC Radio One’s ‘In The Key of C.’ Previously, her debut Our Lives landed space on CFMU 93.3’s Top 20, I Heart Hamilton’s Top 5, and WRUW 93.1.

Whorms has received the 2019 Hamilton Arts Award for Emerging Artist in Music, and performed at Canadian Music Week, Hamilton’s Festival of Friends, and completed Canada’s Music Incubator’s Artist Entrepreneur Program.

Toronto Indie Wonder DELYN GREY Taps Into Bloodied Heart Of Heavy Blues On Latest Single

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To some people the sound of thunder may seem to be a portent, yet to young Toronto artist Delyn Grey it signals empowerment. Her rise has been a striking contrast to the dreary air of 2020, and though Delyn’s forthcoming EP is titled Disappointment Girl — and singles “Battle” and “Ghost Town” addressed the dark issues of depression and quarantine — Grey’s songs strike a chord with too many a listener to dub her a disappointment.

The Canadian’s new cut “Listen To The Thunder” will surely multiply the number of her fans because it’s a testament to Grey’s maturity as a musician — a writer and a performer.

Surprisingly, this track was born not in today’s gloomy atmosphere but a few years ago, when Delyn hit emotional rock bottom and began to fight back. This is why “Listen To The Thunder” feels so disturbing and its video alternates between black-and-white — whose mix is, of course, grey — and sanguine red, which should hint at hope.

And while anger and frustration seep out of this riff-laden, heavy blues — a totally unexpected sonic turn for the Torontonian — the circumstances of its genesis were auspicious to the youngster’s emotional healing and her artistic success.

“Some magical things happened in the studio when I was 17, and ’Listen To The Thunder’ was one of them,” says Delyn. “I cracked into a bunch of insecurities, fears and pressures that were keeping me from writing what I needed to, and when I did, it was one of the first songs to come out.”

It sounds easy, like happenstance, yet Grey has a method to her approach. “That same day I had been writing another song, which is soon to come, and I wrote ’Listen To The Thunder’ while I was eating lunch,” she explains. “The first voice memo I have of it is 20 minutes long, and it was a really cool 20 minutes: it’s me slamming my kitchen counter and making weird sounds, until the song took shape.”

But it was a long way from being released.

In the meantime, Delyn molded a sound of her own, letting her skills as the trained piano player, self-taught guitarist and vocalist blend with her varied musical influences and produce a quite eclectic but unmistakably personal style. That’s what caught the ear of another Canadian, Bif Naked, who signed Grey to her artist and talent management division, Her Royal Majesty’s.

And this is the time the Toronto denizen came of age and finally presented her old piece to the public.

But Delyn is still puzzled by “Listen To The Thunder”: “I’m still trying to figure out why I wrote this song. One thing’s for sure, performing it makes me feel badass, and maybe I needed to write it for an ego boost! I don’t want to speak too much about that because I hope for people to make their own connections, but it’s a song I’ve been looking for.”

And it’s the song that a lot of listeners will be looking forward to hearing again and again — it can become as timeless as classic blues can be.

Poker Hand Rankings – Deciding The Winner

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You can become a complete Texas Holdem poker player as long as you continue to investigate and learn Texas Holdem Poker as well as a trick. When learning information like this you instantly increase your ability to play Holdem nicer. After a while, you start to get ok at Holdem that specialists. make profits. If you aren’t at this level yet that is fine, just keep learning and practicing and you’ll have them there shortly.

TV. Is actually because a given, if you’re watching TV no only can you miss hands being dealt with you, but all of the time the distracted from poker game you are not picking through to vital particulars about other players, such as; are they tight, aggressive, loose, passive, etc. They factor likewise let increase the amount of money you make in online poker, so missing them is not acceptable.

The next step on how to calculate Hold’em odds would calculate your chances of improving your lot. A couple of pairs of pairs is not so bad, but the hand is not exactly great either. A flush is better, and a royal flush is the. So, you need to take into consideration the associated with outs that you just already have versus the unseen cards still on deck. Say, that spending budget 4 outs plus your 2 hole cards. That’s 6 cards to your clientele and 46 unseen cards (standard deck contains 52 cards, remember?) Of the remaining 46 cards, only 9 will no doubt give that you just royal flat. You can improve your chances if your hole cards and outs already possess a few cards that show a flush potential.

Moreover, also, you need to be an enthusiastic soul who may play even when the cards and luck aren’t in your favor. Also, you need to end up being a very disciplined and winning poker player while choosing online poker play as your option for your living.

For those that are new to Short Hand Texas Holdem Poker, it may look like a good intimidating game that is frenzied and hard to check out. However, once you get the hang of it, there is no doubt of winning more frequently and also encasing more amounts of cash than you’d be able to in a conventional poker texas Holdem or dominoqq gaming.

What puts the design so special is that 10 different colors are weaved in the look of this set. As well as the production associated with particular chips deals with usage in the composite resin that adds a weighted feel to the chips. Is probably one particular touch because of this most evocative of professional casino quality design. The 100 11-5g Texas Holdem Poker Set is not something that ended up being cranked out in an assembly line fashion industry. A great deal of work went into creating these chips and such work is most definitely appreciated.

In Texas Holdem Poker, the raise move is a menace to the opponents and it’s the beginning of bluffing or perhaps, hitting. In raising, opponents may fold or call, however, as you may imagine of this poker game, the opening bet is recognized as raise. Many Dallas tactics to extend the probability of winning when raising – good ploys.

If you want to get to the level of skill required to take action you will want to take it upon you to ultimately read and learn a lot about online poker. If you want to become an effective poker player I urge you to continually take up opportunities to more Playfish poker rivals tips. Because every time you turn down the possibility to learn more you finish up a worse poker individual.

 

PUBG Mobile Update: Top 5 Features of Winter Season 2020

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Winter Season is on the way to its release, and players are expecting lots of freebies and many new items. Apart from the Winter Season, Probably you’re familiar of all PUBG Mobile Seasons and Special Events. Without a doubt, PUBG Mobile lives within the heart of hardcore gamers who love playing Battle Royale games. Following the footsteps of the original release, PUBG Mobile brings up to 100 players on a tropical island via an airplane. Players are supposed to select the place for their landing where they can efficiently scavenge weapons, items, and gears before anyone to kill others. Upon landing, the player must find items and weapons, instead of start confronting other players.

Note: If you want to enjoy the game with premium weapons, cosmetics, skins and characters, then you should Buy PUBG Mobile Account.

Christmas in on the way

Moreover, PUBG Mobile is considering the 2nd most downloaded Battle Royale game on Google Play. It has all three game modes such as Solo, Duo, and Squad. Whether you love to play alone or with other three teammates, the game has covered all features beautifully for you. Everyone knows Christmas is coming; therefore, the majority of the massive organization has started to plan something special. Therefore, Tencent Games is planning to introduce Winter Season to celebrate Christmas. We have compiled a list of Top 5 Features expected to release with Winter Season for a limited time, for those players who want to know what they will experience after the release.

  1. New Drop Skins and Christmas Trees

The developer has introduced a new shining skin for the airdrop according to the upcoming event, Christmas. The airdrop will come with beautiful lights around it and will be seen from the far. You would be happy to know that the range of sparkle gun has been increased, and it will emit more light than your expectation. Upon exploring the land, you will discover different Christmas trees all over the land.

  1. Snowboarding

The 2nd best feature the developer has added to the Winter Season is snowboarding. Now, you can move on the snow easier than ever by merely riding on the snowboard. If you started to play PUBG Mobile from last year, then indeed you had experienced the same thing in last year Winter Season. Snowboard won’t work in the areas and will disappear automatically. During the game, players can earn chicken medals by merely riding on the snowboard and earn rewards accordingly.

  1. Unusual and Unique Throw-able Items

PUBG Mobile has introduced two new items in Winter Season like miniature Snowman and Frozen Eggs. Players can use these unique items to battle against each other and can build a concrete statue to defend themselves from enemy attacks.

  1. Erangel-Frost Festival Mode

PUBG Mobile will unlock a new mode under the Erangel Map for a limited time. The newly introduced mode will bring snowy weather and a massive castle with some decorations in it. You may discover the floating snow across the lam, and the sparkling castle may spawn on any of the three different locations.

  1. Christmas Theme Lobby

Eventually, the game has decorated the lobby using the Christmas-themed decorations. After the release of Winter Season, the lobby will be filled with Christmas items and decorations to share the delightful movements of the Christmas event.

“Love At Christmastime” Single by Heather Christine and Featuring Donovan Locke Is Out Now

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“Love at Christmastime,” a new jazz composition by Mississauga’s award-winning vocalist Heather Christine, flawlessly mixes the joy of the holiday season with the romance and sexiness of jazz. Heather Christine is accompanied by some of Canada’s top jazz musicians: Mark Kelso on percussion, Pat Collins on bass, Anthony Panacci on piano, Brian O’Kane on trumpet, and Donovan Locke on guest vocals.

“Love at Christmastime” is written by Heather Christine and Eddy Ruyter, produced by Anthony Panacci, mastered by Reuben Ghose, and vocal arrangement by Justin Bacchus.

Heather Christine is no stranger to Canada’s music scene. Both a soulful and captivating entertainer and songwriter, she has won a number of awards and has performed for audiences of over 25,000. Heather Christine connects with audiences with her vivacious stage presence, expressive voice and engaging personality. Heather Christine’s 2019 debut release, “Love in Colour” garnered international recognition for its soulful blend of R&B, Jazz, and Pop. Within the first month of its release, “Love in Colour” topped the charts as #1 on the Spanish Radio show Smooth Jazz Sitges (Radio 99.2FM Barcelona).