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Now playing: New Music from Nest Audio Sessions

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Now playing: New Music from Nest Audio Sessions

With hundreds of thousands of songs being released every week, I’m happy when a company I trust develops new technology to help me wade through the best music. Google has done exactly that, AND created a cool playlist, too. This is why I’m so excited about something new that’s coming to Google Nest Audio. They teamed up with nine female artists from all over the world and asked them to record tracks at home exclusively for an album we’re calling Nest Audio Sessions. Some of the artists are debuting entirely new tracks while others are giving existing songs a new spin.

Nest Audio Sessions features Ella Mai, Jessie Reyez, Mabel, Shizuku (Polkadot Stingray), BENEE, Tove Lo, Lola Indigo, Joy Denalane and Louane. All you have to do is say “Hey Google, play Nest Audio Sessions on YouTube Music” to hear the full compilation from all nine artists.

“It felt pretty awesome being a part of this collection of female artists featured on Nest Audio Sessions,” said BENEE. “The Nest Audio speaker will definitely be the way to listen to music this holiday season. Having a really good speaker just means getting great sound. You get great bass and it picks up everything you want to hear.”

You can access Nest Audio Sessions from any Google Assistant-enabled smart speaker or display, but the album is truly made for the new Nest Audio, which is 75 percent louder, has 50 percent stronger bass than the original Google Home. It is also powered by Google Assistant, so you can request specific songs, adjust the volume, and even move music from one device to another using just your voice. Nest Audio has full, clear, natural sound—it’s music how it is meant to be heard. Plus, Nest Audio comes with three months of YouTube Premium for free, and right now, you get $30 off when you buy two Nest Audio devices, so you can pair them for stereo sound. And when you think about it, enjoying high quality audio so you can listen to songs crafted in artists’ own homes is sort of perfect.

But however you listen, check out Nest Audio Sessions. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your new soundtrack.

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nawC45ZgVbWwoWWYpI5gsqdpKzUI9zYAA

*Fun disclaimer, I got a free one from the fine folks at Google, but if you know me, I would have bought one, anyway.

Black Sabbath Vol 4 Super Deluxe Edition Available On February 12, 2021

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Black Sabbath Vol 4 Super Deluxe Edition Available On February 12, 2021

Black Sabbath unleashed the group’s fourth album in two years in 1972 with Vol 4. Stacked with classic tracks like “Supernaut,” “Changes,” and “Snowblind,” the record harnessed the group’s surging popularity to reach the Top 10 on the Albums Chart in the U.K. and the Top 20 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S., on its path to being certified platinum by the RIAA.

The innovators of heavy metal revisit Vol 4 on a new collection that includes a newly remastered version of the original album along with a trove of 20 unreleased studio and live recordings. VOL 4: SUPER DELUXE EDITION will be available on February 12 as a 4-CD set ($59.98) and a 5-LP set pressed on 180-gram vinyl ($109.98), Both versions come with extensive booklets featuring liner notes with quotes from the era from all four band members, rare photos, and a poster with previously unpublished early artwork of the album using the working title Snowblind. Both the 4-CD and 5-LP versions are available for pre-order now at the Rhino.com store.

The newly remastered version of the original album will also be available on digital download and streaming services on the same day. Click HERE to listen to the newly remastered version of “Tomorrow’s Dream,” available today digitally.

Bolstered by a fresh remastering, Vol 4’s ambitious arrangements and complex grooves have never sounded more inspired and menacing. Originally released in September 1972, the album marked two major changes for the members of Sabbath: Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. While their previous albums – Black Sabbath, Paranoid, and Master of Reality – were produced by Rodger Bain and recorded in England, they instead chose to produce Vol 4 themselves and record it at the Record Plant in Los Angeles.

The generous addition of bonus material on VOL 4: SUPER DELUXE EDITION begins with six previously unreleased studio outtakes from the original sessions for the album. Each one has been newly mixed by Steven Wilson using the analog multi-tracks. Highlights include outtakes for “Supernaut” and “Changes,” as well an instrumental version of “Under The Sun.”

The set also features 11 additional studio recordings (also newly mixed by Wilson from the analog multi-tracks) that spotlight alternative takes, false starts and snippets of studio dialogue. These tracks transport listeners into the studio with the band and offer some insight into the making of the album. Along with several alternative takes for “Wheels Of Confusion,” these recordings also include outtakes for “The Straightener” and “Snowblind.”

The collection concludes with a searing collection of live performances that re-create a typical setlist from Black Sabbath’s tour for Vol 4. Recorded in March 1973 at various stops along the band’s U.K. tour. The recordings were originally slated for a live album that was ultimately shelved. Although some of these performances have been previously available in various states, the release marks the first time that a full 1973 live Sabbath show has been recreated. The live audio has been newly mixed by Richard Digby Smith using the original 16-track analog tapes to achieve a level of fidelity not heard on any previous incarnations. Included here are thrilling live versions of Vol 4 tracks (“Tomorrow’s Dream” and “Cornucopia”) and fan favorites (“Paranoid” and “War Pigs.”)

 

VOL 4: SUPER DELUXE EDITION
CD Track Listing

Disc One: Original Album Remastered
1.         “Wheels Of Confusion / The Straightener”
2.         “Tomorrow’s Dream”
3.         “Changes”
4.         “FX”
5.         “Supernaut”
6.         “Snowblind”
7.         “Cornucopia”
8.         “Laguna Sunrise”
9.         “St. Vitus Dance”
10.     “Under The Sun / Every Day Comes And Goes”

Disc Two: Outtakes – New Mixes
1.         “Wheels Of Confusion / The Straightener” *
2.         “Changes” *
3.         “Supernaut” *
4.         “Snowblind” *
5.         “Laguna Sunrise” *
6.         “Under The Sun” (Instrumental) *

Disc Three: Alternative Takes, False Starts & Studio Dialogue
1.         “Wheels Of Confusion” (False Start with Studio Dialogue) *
2.         “Wheels Of Confusion” (Alternative Take 1) *
3.         “Wheels Of Confusion” (Alternative Take 2) *
4.         “Wheels Of Confusion” (Alternative Take 3) *
5.         “Wheels Of Confusion” (Alternative Take 4) *
6.         “The Straightener” (Outtake) *
7.         “Supernaut” (Outtake) *
8.         “Supernaut” (Alternative Takes with False Starts) *
9.         “Snowblind” (Alternative Take 1 – Incomplete) *
10.     “Under The Sun” (False Start with Studio Dialogue) *
11.     “Under The Sun” (Alternative Take with Guide Vocal) *

Disc Four: Live In The UK 1973
1.         “Tomorrow’s Dream” *
2.         “Sweet Leaf” *
3.         “War Pigs”
4.         “Snowblind” *
5.         “Killing Yourself To Live”
6.         “Cornucopia”
7.         “Wicked World” (Includes Excerpts of:)
i.       Guitar Solo
ii.     “Orchid”
iii.   “Into The Void”
iv.    “Sometimes I’m Happy”
8.         “Supernaut” / Drum Solo
9.         “Wicked World” (Reprise)
10.     “Embryo”
11.     “Children Of The Grave”
12.     “Paranoid”

LP Track Listing

LP One: Original Album Remastered
Side One
1.         “Wheels Of Confusion / The Straightener”
2.         “Tomorrow’s Dream”
3.         “Changes”
4.         “FX”
5.         “Supernaut”

Side Two
1.         “Snowblind”
2.         “Cornucopia”
3.         “Laguna Sunrise”
4.         “St. Vitus Dance”
5.         “Under The Sun / Every Day Comes And Goes”

LP Two: Outtakes – New Mixes
Side Three
1.         “Wheels Of Confusion / The Straightener” *
2.         “Changes” *
3.         “Supernaut” *
4.         “Snowblind” *

Side Four
1.         “Laguna Sunrise” *
2.         “Under The Sun” (Instrumental) *
Alternative Takes, False Starts & Studio Dialogue
3.         “Wheels Of Confusion” (False Start with Studio Dialogue) *
4.         “Wheels Of Confusion” (Alternative Take 1) *
5.         “Wheels Of Confusion” (Alternative Take 2) *
6.         “Wheels Of Confusion” (Alternative Take 3) *

LP Three: Alternative Takes, False Starts & Studio Dialogue
Side Five
1.         “Wheels Of Confusion” (Alternative Take 4) *
2.         “The Straightener” (Outtake) *
3.         “Snowblind” (Alternative Take 1 – Incomplete) *
4.         “Supernaut” (Outtake) *

Side Six
1.         “Supernaut” (Alternative Takes with False Starts) *
2.         “Under The Sun” (False Start with Studio Dialogue) *
3.         “Under The Sun” (Alternative Take with Guide Vocal) *

LP Four: Live in the UK 1973
Side Seven
1.         “Tomorrow’s Dream” *
2.         “Sweet Leaf” *
3.         “War Pigs”

Side Eight
1.         “Snowblind” *
2.         “Killing Yourself To Live”
3.         “Cornucopia”

LP Five: Live in the UK 1973
Side Nine
1.         “Wicked World” (Includes Excerpts of:)
i.       Guitar Solo
ii.     “Orchid”
iii.   “Into The Void”
iv.    “Sometimes I’m Happy”

Side Ten
1.         “Supernaut” / Drum Solo
2.         “Wicked World” (Reprise)
3.         “Embryo”
4.         “Children Of The Grave”
5.         “Paranoid”

* previously unreleased

MICAH BARNES Co-Hosts & Headlines LOFT Community Services’ 30th Annual Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert December 10

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MICAH BARNES Co-Hosts & Headlines LOFT Community Services’ 30th Annual Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert December 10

The COVID-19 pandemic is bringing new meaning to Ontario-based LOFT Community Services’ annual Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert. The long-standing charity is set to mark its 30th season with a virtually streamed offering this Thursday, December 10th at 7:30pm EST and tickets are available here.

There will be both familiar and new faces lighting up screens to delight audiences at home in the name of an outstanding cause: JUNO Award-nominated and chart-topping jazz master Micah Barnes is set to both co-host, headline, and serve as Artistic Director for the hour-long event.

He will also perform with The Gospel Quartet — and former Nylons alum — Billy Newton-Davis, Jeremiah Sparks, and Mark Cassius.

“Serving as artistic director for the annual LOFT Community Services concert is my way of supporting the incredible work LOFT does for housing Ontario citizens who are at risk,” Barnes shares. “The need during this pandemic has never been greater.

“I’m excited to be hosting, and it’s especially sweet to be performing with some of my fellow former Nylons.”

Streamed live from Koerner Hall, the event will feature performances from Jackie Richardson, Hogtown Brass, Vanessa Sears, Thom Allison, Curtis Sullivan, and Ma-Anne Dionisio. Tabby Johnson will return to co-host with Barnes, and Diane Leah will serve as Musical Director.

“This year, we’ll be celebrating 30 years of a benefit that helps make LOFT’s work possible,” the organization shares of the event and extensive work in the community to promote recovery and independence for those coping with complex mental health difficulties, dementia, substance use issues, physical health challenges, homelessness, and more.

“Our Home for the Holidays Concert is our signature fundraising event, and an important opportunity to showcase the incredible impact of our community and the urgent need for ongoing support.

“This year, audiences will have the opportunity to make a special holiday donation alongside their ticket purchase, which will go to work straight away helping LOFT offer compassion and unwavering support to the most vulnerable people.”

Tickets are $50 and the event is Thursday, December 10th from 7:30 – 8:30pm EST.

Since 1953, LOFT Community Services has offered dignity and hope to people facing mental and physical health challenges, addiction issues, and homelessness.

The LOFT name stands for Leap of Faith Together. As one of the largest specialized mental health service, personal care, and dementia providers in Ontario, LOFT is a substantial supportive housing provider in central Ontario currently helping more than 5,300 people every year find safety and stability.

Known for their diverse and all-inclusive services, LOFT proudly welcomes youth, adults, and seniors of all gender identities, races, religions, cultures, and sexual orientations.

Born in Vienna and raised in Canada, Micah Barnes cut his teeth in the cabarets and jazz clubs of the city while still a teenager, before touring the world as a member of the A Cappella vocal group The Nylons.

A JUNO Award-nominee, the years since have seen Barnes developing as an International solo artist with top-charting hits including the Billboard #1 “Welcome To My Head,” & #1 Jazz albums New York Stories and most recently, Vegas Breeze.

Most recently, Barnes completed a 14-date creative and inventive digital cross-country tour, and is also an internationally respected vocal, performance and career strategy coach.

Edmonton’s WALLISH Releases Biting & Candid New Single, “Give It To Me Straight”

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Edmonton’s WALLISH Releases Biting & Candid New Single, “Give It To Me Straight”

Edmonton, AB-based alt-pop singer/songwriter Wallish is three for three this year as she weaves her incredible artistry around her next set of emotionally biting lyrics. The new result? “Give It To Me Straight” — available now.

“This song was something that was not anticipated or planned,” Amy Wallish shares. “Like much of my life…

“I had been frustrated with my current circumstances in love, life, and music, and could sense things coming to an end in my new relationship and in my musical partnerships,” she continues. “In each case, the individuals seemed to be more distant and not communicating as clearly or as often until, one day, the only response I received was radio silence.

“The silence left me with a multitude of unanswered questions, and left my mind to wander and come up with only the worst conclusions. I realized that, even if the reasons for these relationships ending were because of my worst conclusions, I would rather have somebody tell me straight up than leave me suspended in a place of uncertainty.”

Wallish had other experiences to draw on as she penned the track, which follows her previous and equally compelling singles, “The Last Time” and “Cry” — released earlier this year. “I kept returning to a conversation I had with a friend when she was trying to tell a man she was not interested in a relationship with him,” Wallish recalls. “The conclusion was drawn from that discussion that ‘clearness is kind.’

“There’s no way to let someone down easy, but if you are clear and firm in your approach, it leaves the individual to grieve and move on.”

With all this in mind, the lyrics came bursting out for the Edmonton, Alberta-based artist. “I headed to my computer, opened GarageBand, and started singing to a loop of the gamelan. I’m not a producer by any means, but I am a musician, and I have a strong drive to create — especially when full of emotions.

“Although the gamelan was the initial inspiration for the start of the song, it quickly took on a life of its own. I was full of frustrations, energy, and attitude, and what better way is there to express that then with some soulful, unfiltered funk?!

“There’s nothing like letting the music lead you.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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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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