Home Blog Page 1768

The Royal Mint sends a coin into space in honour of ‘Starman’ David Bowie

pssadm
-
0
The Royal Mint sends a coin into space in honour of ‘Starman’ David Bowie

The Royal Mint, the Original Maker of UK coins, has today launched a commemorative coin celebrating the career of one of Britain’s most enduring musical icons – David Bowie.

It is the first time that a UK coin has been sent into space, and celebrates the intergalactic legacy of David Bowie and his hits including Starman, Life on Mars? and Space Oddity. The coin reached 35,656m and orbited the Earth’s atmosphere for 45 minutes before safely descending back to Britain.

The David Bowie commemorative coin is the third in The Royal Mint’s ‘Music Legends’ collection, and follows coins in honour of Queen and Elton John. The latest coin celebrates rock’s definitive chameleon with a design inspired by an image of David Bowie from his time spent living and recording in Berlin. The coin’s design includes the iconic lightning bolt motif from Aladdin Sane, and captures Bowie’s career journey.

Using the latest innovative technology and manufacturing techniques, the lightning bolt that features on a number of the special edition coins appears laced with stardust to create a glitter effect – elevating the stunning detail of the coin.

Born in Brixton, South London in 1947, Bowie started life as David Robert Jones. By the time he was 19 he had taken on his iconic name and began pursuing a career in pop music. Five days ahead of the Apollo 11 launch in July 1969, ‘Space Oddity’ was released in the United Kingdom. The single reached number five in the charts, making it Bowie’s first success as a writer and performer. David Bowie’s influence can be seen and heard everywhere and he continues to inspire hundreds of millions of musicians worldwide.

Available as limited-edition precious metal Proof editions and a standard Brilliant Uncirculated edition, the Brilliant Uncirculated coin is also available in three different slipcase covers exclusive to The Royal Mint – a fitting tribute to the career of one of British music’s most enduring icons. View the full collection on The Royal Mint’s website www.royalmint.com/DavidBowie

Calgary’s K BESD Turns Rock, Pop & Hip Hop Genres on their Heads in Homage to Goddo’s 1978 Iconic Hit, “TUFF TIMES”

pssadm
-
0
Calgary’s K BESD Turns Rock, Pop & Hip Hop Genres on their Heads in Homage to Goddo’s 1978 Iconic Hit, “TUFF TIMES”

Canadian singer/songwriter dynamo K BESD has turned rock, pop, and hip hop genres on their heads as she pays homage to Goddo’s 1978 iconic hit in “TUFF TIMES” — available now.

Executive produced by Goddo’s Greg Godovitz himself — and co-produced by Trey Mills (KRS One, Canadian Brass, Forest Blakk) and Eddie Kramer (The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix) — the track was mastered by multi-GRAMMY Award-winning engineer John Greenham (Billie Eillish).

“I’ve known Greg since I was a kid, and ‘Tough Times’ has always been one of my favourite songs of Goddo’s,” K BESD (Kelly Abesdris) recalls. “My producer and I were sitting at the studio brainstorming ideas and played the beginnings of Post Malone’s ‘Take What You Want’ and Goddo’s ‘Tough Times’ — they both have a great guitar riff in the intro, and I love the idea of blending genres to create what Post Malone calls ‘shmusic.’ We realized it was time for me to make a call to Greg and luckily he said yes to allowing me to rework his song.

“A lot of magic happened right from the beginning,” she recalls. “Trey started working on the beat and soon enough, the lyrics simply flowed out of me. I knew I wanted the original hook, and to incorporate some of the other lyrics — but also make them my own.

The rap feature involves Calgary-based artist Jackie Art. “I felt the way he wrote and delivered his lyrics would fit perfectly so I reached out to him on Instagram and, within 24 hours, he had written and sent over his idea.

“It was perfect.”

The pieces had come together but, before releasing “TUFF TIMES” to the world, K BESD was keen to glean Godovitz’s thoughts on the reimagined track. “Once we had it somewhat put together, I sent it to Greg on my way home from the studio one night. He called shortly after and said, ‘ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!’

“I held my breath for a moment,” she reveals. “I was wondering if this was a good or bad reaction? It turns out it was good, and he immediately sent it over to his pals Paul Dean (Loverboy) and Eddie Kramer, both of whom shared his enthusiasm.”

So much so that Kramer would come aboard to co-produce the track. “He really had a hand in shaping the vision and the sound of the single.”

At 15,000+ streams across platforms, “TUFF TIMES” is K BESD’s sophomore single release; it follows this year’s hit “L.I.Y.E. (Lights in Your Eyes),” and lands ahead of the Toronto-based artist’s forthcoming EP.

LIONA BOYD and AMANDA MARTINEZ Want to Wish You a “Happy New Year” With New Single

pssadm
-
0
LIONA BOYD and AMANDA MARTINEZ Want to Wish You a “Happy New Year” With New Single

Multi-award winning and Gold- and Platinum-selling Canadian ‘First Lady of the Guitar’ Liona Boyd — and her multi-talented friend, singer/songwriter Amanda Martinez — want to wish you a very special “Happy New Year” with this, their newest single.

“It occurred to me many years ago that, apart from ‘Auld Lang Syne,’ there was no well-known celebratory song that welcomes in the new year while bidding farewell to the previous one,” Boyd recalls. “Even then, ‘Auld Lang Syne’ is, in itself, a slow and nostalgic song that mostly looks backwards, so I decided to write an upbeat pop song with joyful lyrics that people could enjoy dancing to…

“Play this happy song, be sure to sing along and dance around, even if you’re on your own,” she continues. “I guarantee it will lift your spirits!

“My hope, especially during these challenging days of the 2020 pandemic, is that people will share ‘Happy New Year’ with their families and friends, and look forward to a brighter future — whether it’s on New Year’s Eve, or any day of the year.”

Working with her long-time producer Peter Bond, Boyd invited her friend — a fellow multi-talented and inimitable artist, singer/songwriter Amanda Martinez — to join on the timely and multilingual track.

The release also features Boyd’s beloved classical guitar, her radiant talents with which recently garnered her a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National GUITAR Museum.

Previous honourees of the top nod via the National GUITAR Museum include B.B. King, Glen Campbell, and Bonnie Raitt; the Museum added Boyd to the esteemed list in appreciation of her tenured career enthralling millions with her romantic take on classical, folk and world music.

With this adding to Boyd’s growing collection of accolades, Boyd has also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Competition, and inducted into Guitar Player Magazine’s Gallery of Greats.

Recipient of both the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario, she’s the winner of five JUNO Awards, five Guitar Player Magazine’s Classical Guitar Musician of the Year awards, Vanier Award, Women Who Make a Difference award, Prix ‘Esprit du Ciècle, and Artist of the Year and Honorary Mayor of San Antonio, Texas — plus four Honorary Doctorate of Law degrees and an Honorary Doctorate of Music degree.

Since the beginning of her career in 1974, Boyd has released 28 albums — many of which have been Gold- and Platinum-selling. She has upwards of 16 Million streams across platforms, and rising, and her Holiday special, A Winter Fantasy, continues to be televised nationally via PBS and CBC across the United States and Canada, respectively — including this December 14th at 10:00pm on WNED and streaming on-demand via CBC’s Gem.

Liona Boyd has appeared in countless outlets around the world, and collaborated with the likes of Sir Andrew Davis, Yo Yo Ma, Eric Clapton, Gordon Lightfoot, Tracy Chapman, Ronny Hawkins, and Olivia Newton-John, to name a few. The author of two books, No Remedy for Love and In My Own Key, Boyd is also a dedicated philanthropist and activist for a lengthy selection of charities close to her heart.

Toronto’s JAY GORDON WRIGHT Wants More Cowbell In New Single, “Take Your Time”

pssadm
-
0
Toronto’s JAY GORDON WRIGHT Wants More Cowbell In New Single, “Take Your Time”

Toronto singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Jay Gordon Wright wishes there was more cowbell on his newest single, “Take Your Time,” and sophomore EP, Fall For Anyone — both available now.

But, let’s back up a moment…

“The EP represents a journey of sorts,” Wright fittingly offers, noting it’s from the idyllic to the dystopian. “It begins with the purest of love and intentions, handicapped by self-doubt, impatience, and frustration, and ultimately it ends in disillusionment and fury.

“This song is more carefree in a way that others on the EP aren’t; it’s a bit of a release,” he continues. “It’s meant to be reassuring, kind of like the inverse of the impatience I can feel throughout the artistic process.

“I think the message is that love triumphs in the end, whatever trials you might face along the way. Maybe it’s passive, as in ‘sit back, relax, it all works out,’ or maybe it’s active, as in ‘this is your time, take it!’

“Actually… When I think about it like that, it calls attention to the urgency of it — ‘hurry up and relax!’

“My only regret is that there isn’t more cowbell… My fever continues to spike.”

Fall For Anyone follows Jay Gordon Wright’s 2019 debut, Solar-Powered Love. Classically trained in the violin, Wright has expanded his musical tool shed to include just about every instrument he can get his hands on. He’s performed alongside Ian Thomas, Bill Dillon (Robbie Robertson, Sarah McLachlan, Joni Mitchell), Mike Boguski (Blue Rodeo), Steve Strongman, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, and more.

U.K.-Based Jazz Sensation KIM CYPHER Reflects on COVID-19 Pandemic in New Single, “Crazy Times”

pssadm
-
0
U.K.-Based Jazz Sensation KIM CYPHER Reflects on COVID-19 Pandemic in New Single, “Crazy Times”

Though the COVID-19 pandemic has, and continues to make a negative impact on billions of peoples’ lives all across the globe, Kim Cypher, the U.K.-based jazz performer, is spreading a bit of positivity with her latest, lockdown-inspired single, “Crazy Times.” As one of the most exciting saxophonists, vocalists and composers in the modern age of music, Kim is using her platform to remind us to treasure the things that we can still enjoy despite social distancing regulations — in this case, it’s music.

“Crazy crazy times, these are crazy crazy times,” Kim repeats in the upbeat, saxophone-driven chorus, before the listener is met with a thought-provoking spoken word passage about how “compassion” and “kindness” are the key elements to effectively surviving “the new normal.”

Not only does the four minute-spanning jazz track emanate an undeniable sense of positivity and hope, but it even offers the listener a brief moment of mental escapism from the overall headache that has been 2020. This sentiment is reflected, as well, in the Latin-inspired tune’s accompanying music video, which sees Kim, her longtime husband — drummer Mike Cypher — and a number of happy-go-lucky locals dancing together in a colourful, graffiti-decorated underpass found in the world-renowned saxophonist’s hometown of Cheltenham, England.

The smile-inducing video for “Crazy Times” inevitably displays the power of music and how it can bring people together, even during the worst of times.

Though she’s been an avid jazz musician since the age of 9, Kim made her debut as a solo artist at the end of 2016, after releasing her debut album ‘Make Believe.’ She received astounding reviews and became a nationwide success, which resulted in sell-out shows all across the U.K. between 2017 and 2018. The following May, her sophomore effort, ‘Love Kim x’ was released for the world to hear. It featured a large collection of original music as well as her own tasteful takes on some well-known classics. ‘Love Kim x’ received critical acclaim and was even listed as one of the Top 10 jazz albums of 2019 by Bebop Spoken Here, the popular online jazz magazine.

Last year, Kim was highlighted as “one of the U.K’s most popular players,” in Sammy Stein’s award-winning book, ‘Women In Jazz’. Come 2020 and the author featured Kim in a follow-up release entitled ‘Gender Disparity in U.K. Jazz’. The much-beloved book gives readers an inside look at the U.K. jazz scene, its history of gender disparity issues and how these problems can be made different for the future of the scene to come.

Though live shows seem like nothing but a speck of dust in the far reaches of our memories, Kim has continued to perform live sessions via her own Facebook page. On top of that, she’s been working hard on a weekly collaborative music project called ‘The Twilight Jazz Sessions’ along with a number of fellow jazz musicians — including American guitarist B.D. Lenz — from the U.K. and U.S.. ‘The Twilight Jazz Sessions’ can be found on Kim’s YouTube channel.

At 200,000+ Streams, Songwriter, Artist & Producer DAVID BRAY debuts “Overdue” His New Single

pssadm
-
0
At 200,000+ Streams, Songwriter, Artist & Producer DAVID BRAY debuts “Overdue” His New Single

Adding to his 200,000+ streams, Canadian artist, songwriter and producer David Bray debuts “Overdue,” his latest Neo-soul single.

With vocals described as “stunning” by the likes of Bristol Funk, EARMILK, Alfitude, and more, the single also features the knock-out vox of Bray’s long-time musical partner, Lorraine Reid.

Produced alongside multi-JUNO Award winning and Platinum-selling producer and composer Chris Birkett (Steve Earle, Sinead O’Connor), “Overdue” lands as the premiere preview to Bray’s forthcoming album, Land of Extremes.

His third full-length release — and the final installment in a specialized trilogy — Land of Extremes follows Night Rains (2016), and Crowded Isolation (2018) — the latter of which received international critical acclaim following features across 100+ stations worldwide.

In fitting within his long-standing repertoire of striking lyrics and powerful vocals, the new album’s roster includes an impressive assortment of features from Bray’s esteemed industry friends — including Motown legend Bob Babbitt (Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder), Garth Hudson (The Band), Colin Linden (Bob Dylan, Bruce Cockburn), Bill King (the Pointer Sisters, Martha Reeves, Janis Joplin), Gary Craig (Bruce Cockburn, Jann Arden, Tom Cochrane), Justin Abedin (Nelly Furtado, Jacksoul), David Bradstreet, and more.

Indie Pop Singer/Songwriter Astrid Tanton is “Better Off” with the Release of Her Latest Single

pssadm
-
0
Indie Pop Singer/Songwriter Astrid Tanton is “Better Off” with the Release of Her Latest Single

When it comes to following her own intuition — and her latest track — Canadian indie pop singer/songwriter Astrid Tanton is decidedly “Better Off.”

The sophomore single from her forthcoming debut album, From My Eyes, “Better Off” continues to pair the fast-rising 18-year-old artist’s insights with her unique sound; the album’s premiere song, “Comfort,” was released earlier this Fall.

“‘Better Off’ follows me trying to navigate what I think is best for me vs what the people who I care about think is best for me,” Tanton says, sharing the song’s meaning. “It’s about the battle between what you feel in your heart going against what those who know you and care for you think.

“In life, people you look to might have different opinions of what you should do in certain situations,” she continues. “Sometimes you’re going to take risks that your loved ones won’t always understand, but you need to feel grounded and secure in your decisions.”

Drawn to the craft from the age of three, and an honours grad of Rosedale Heights School of the Arts, the Verona-area multi-instrumentalist with a penchant for piano, drums, and guitar has long-embraced music as a powerful gateway to express her feelings and worldview in a relatable, connective way.

“I really wanted to let people into what has shaped me into the singer/songwriter and young woman I am today,” Tanton considers, detailing the ethos behind the upcoming EP. “Each song recalls and explores a pivotal event in my self-growth.

“From My Eyes means a lot to me,” she adds. “Not just as a singer, but as a woman being vulnerable and open about experiences that weren’t always easy, but made me stronger.”

Toronto Chef and Popstar Luke Hayes / SEKSI Sparks Holiday Spirit with “Be My Christmas Dream Tonight”

pssadm
-
0
Toronto Chef and Popstar Luke Hayes / SEKSI Sparks Holiday Spirit with “Be My Christmas Dream Tonight”

With the holiday season fast-approaching and the COVID-19 pandemic still looming over our heads, it’s uncertain what Christmas is going to look like in 2020. Despite the second lockdown and a concerning lack of good news around the world, Toronto-based chef Luke Hayes has returned with his popstar alter-ego — SEKSI — to make a difference and spread a little joy this holiday season, by releasing an all-new single entitled “Be My Christmas Dream Tonight.”

Inspired by the likes of Max Martin, this instant pop classic takes its listeners on a journey, complete with a surprise gospel ending. The two-minute, 45 second-spanning dance track is chock full of enough jingling bells and heartfelt, romantic verses to leave anyone with a wide-eyed grin on their faces.

While it’s an undeniably fun and wholesome song that reminds the listener of many of the traditional joys that, pre-pandemic, come along with the holiday season — including caroling and partying with friends — when you listen closely, it actually becomes clear that there’s a deeper message embedded within this bass-driven Christmas single.

SEKSI’s lyricism makes it clear that he’s yearning to celebrate the festivities with a special someone… And truthfully, can’t we all relate to that right now? The fact is, many of us will be spending the holidays this year without the presence of those nearest and dearest to us — possibly for the first time ever — all because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Be My Christmas Dream Tonight” is a song that speaks to the feeling of wanting to spend the holidays with someone special during the holiday season. It was produced with the intent to bring people together, especially during a time when we can’t physically be together. Luke wanted this happy-go-lucky tune to “uplift” and “inspire” during such a difficult time and the surprise gospel ending in the song certainly uplifts.

The Toronto chef said it best in the first line of the song: “it’s been such a long year,” so shouldn’t we be making the most of it? But how can we do that, some might ask? Music. It brings us all together, which is exactly what Luke wanted to do with “Be My Christmas Dream Tonight.”

Aside from his music career, Luke Hayes has run Toronto’s top underground supper club, L.U.S.T, for six years. His latest singles include “Solo Disco” and “Be My Christmas Dream Tonight” — melody-driven tunes featuring honest and direct lyrics, all inspired by the likes of old and beloved pop music, but with modern twists.

Here’s 10 Hours Of Nick Offerman Drinking Single Malt Scotch By The Fire

pssadm
-
0
Here’s 10 Hours Of Nick Offerman Drinking Single Malt Scotch By The Fire

This might be the greatest video on YouTube.

Hey kids! It’s time to grab a bowl of Quisp and watch some cartoon opening segments from the ’70s!

pssadm
-
0
Hey kids! It’s time to grab a bowl of Quisp and watch some cartoon opening segments from the ’70s!

From Fat Albert to Jonny Quest to the “hanker for a hunk of cheese” guy, these really takes me back to Saturday mornings.

1...1,7671,7681,769...3,016Page 1,768 of 3,016

Follow us on Instagram @thatericalper

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

Popular posts

Popular category

© Copyright - That Eric Alper