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Toronto Alt Garage Rockers THE VANIERS Ask ‘Who Are You To Say?’ In Debut EP

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Toronto alt rockers The Vaniers are out with their debut EP, Who Are You To Say? — and sophomore single, “On The Regular” — available now!

The five-track breakout EP hits with inspo from band beacons like The Strokes or Arctic Monkeys alongside original, intuitive and tightly-knit musicality from the three former high school classmates — Diego Paz on bass guitar and vox, Alex Iacobellis on guitar, and Nick Donato on drums.

“It’s got a carefree, toe-tapping rhythm that’s perfect for a day drink in the summer,” Paz offers of “On The Regular”s warm weather vibes and retro-inspired video. “It was written over a weekend at a cottage in Tiny, Ontario… We hauled all the equipment up after a late-night gig at Junction City Music Hall, set up after getting there around 3:00 am, and jammed the entire weekend.

“We were just focused on having a good time when we wrote ‘On The Regular’ and I think you can feel that in the music.”

The Vaniers (pronounced ‘van-ee-ays’) have taken the stage at The Horseshoe Tavern, Lee’s Palace, Taste of the Danforth, and more since their 2016 inception. Who Are You To Stay? is the Toronto-based band’s official premiere release.

“The EP speaks to finding your footing through the ups and downs of an experience, and not being afraid of who or what’s out there to judge you,” says Paz on the album’s overall theme. “They’re a diverse collection of tunes — some to party to, make love to, sing along to, and even cry to.

“Tracking the recording finished relatively quickly,” he continues, adding about early days converting the Iacobellis family’s living room into a rehearsal space. Who Are You To Stay? was ultimately laid at Inception Sound Studios with producer Brandon Pero. “The mix, however, took months as we were extremely particular about how we wanted the EP to sound.

“We learned to appreciate the subtleties in our music and taste, and were determined to have that come out in the record.

“We hope people dig it.”

“On The Regular” and Who Are You To Say? are available now.

You Need To Watch This Now: Poppin John Staying Indoors Just For You

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Here’s a stunning 4-minute dance clip of Poppin John staying indoors and groovin’ along. You’d be a fool not to watch the whole thing and bust your own move.

The Black Crowes: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

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The Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson and his brother Rich stopped by the NPR offices to perform three tunes from their platinum album, Shake Your Money Maker: She Talks to Angels and Jealous Again, Wiser Time.

1-minute tip for artists: User and product reviews.

User reviews are proven to be one of the best methods of sales, and building trust with your brand, and this is where you come in – talk about your instruments – what guitar you play, the pedal, the mic, the drum kit, the sticks – even if you don’t have a sponsorship deal, this just might get you one.

Canadian Idol Winner THEO TAMS releases “The Last Song” with a video like you’ve never seen him before

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Canadian singer/songwriter and pianist Theo Tams’ new video “The Last Song” shows the Canadian Idol winner as a character chameleon of sorts, all in the name of self-love and care.

“The song represents the moment you realize your own self worth,” Tams says. “It’s about recognizing you are enough, and letting go of the past.

“Finally.”

“The Last Song” is also the ‘last song’ on Tams’ third and most recent album release, 2018’s Call The Doctor. Reflective in both the single and album at large is Tams’ musical evolution — a genuine and mature identity mindfully created from a place of honesty, courage, and vulnerability.

“I grew up in a small town,” he says of his childhood in Coaldale, Alberta. There, Tams sang in church, and had access to a library of mostly sacred music thanks to his family’s strict Reformed Christian Dutch roots. He took his first pass at songwriting in his mid-teenage years, where “many of the songs were about knowing I was not necessarily the guy my family thought they were raising,” he shares. “Obviously, I was the same person, but I was definitely starting to question a lot of things… Not just about myself, but about my faith as well.”

It was the start of a pivotal chapter for the now-Toronto-based artist; he came out to his parents, won what would ultimately be the final season of Canadian Idol, released the album Give It All Away, and follow-up EP Back Pocket. In and amongst this, he collaborated with artist Ali Slaight to sing the holiday classics, a now-annual tradition that culminated in the special seasonal album release of Holiday Collection.

But it was Call the Doctor that became Tams’ line in the sand to both plant and grow on a deeply personal and artistic level. “I was told, ‘let’s write what you want to write,’” he recalls of a conversation with co-writer Rob Wells. “That was a career changer for me.

“There’s been so many times where I’ve been in the studio, whether writing for another artist or writing for me, where I’ve had this voice in my head saying ‘no, that’s not radio friendly,’ or ‘no, that’s not hooky,’” he continues. “Then, I’m like, ‘why am I censoring my own artistry?’

“I had to tell myself, ‘just do it. Go with it. Trust yourself and trust your voice. There really has been so much freedom in learning that.”

From there, the creative gates burst open and modern day Theo Tams became present and accounted for.

He morphed questioning his place in the industry into a love song gone wrong in “Good for You,” touched on his partner’s story of being once married and having a daughter in “Weeds,” and tackled the age-old ache of keeping gay love a secret in “Romeo & James” — all while breaking industry barriers of neutral pronoun placement.

For “The Last Song,” he dove deeply inward on a self-reflective journey to break a painful cycle, and visually tells the tale by being a man of many faces.

“I think we’ve all had that one relationship…” Tams considers. “The one that haunts us even years after it ends.

“It was important for me to try and depict all the different ways I tried to measure up, while showing the toll it takes,” he continues. “I spent years trying to prove I was worth sticking around for, much to my detriment in the end. Slowly losing yourself, and your own identity, because you’re trying so hard to be everything and everyone for someone else…

“I hope this song inspires anyone who may be feeling the same way.”

“The Last Song” is available now.

1-minute tip for artists: Email and text newsletters.

If they’re good enough for a Beatle, they’re good enough for you.

Multiple JUNO Award Winning / Platinum Producer / Songwriter CHRIS BIRKETT Releases “Everyday People” Cover

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With 100+ million albums sold worldwide, multi-JUNO Award-winning, Platinum-status producer, composer, singer/songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Chris Birkett and his new band The Free Spirits have released a new production — this time in single and video “Everyday People,” available now!

Birkett, who has worked with Buffy Sainte-Marie, Mel Brooks, Steve Earle, Bob Geldof, Alison Moyet, Dexys Midnight Runners, Talking Heads, The Pogues, and The Proclaimers — not to mention, just celebrated the 30th anniversary of producing Sinead O’Connor’s seismic release I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got — joined with Shari Tallon, to create The Free Spirits.

Together, the duo — Birkett on vocals, guitar, drums, bass, and keys, and Tallon on flute, keyboards and backing vocals — are unlocking sonic synchronicity with their debut album, 11:11 (Birkett’s fourth overall).

“The cover of this Sly and the Family Stone hit is included on 11:11,” Birkett says of the track and video. “The song’s message of world peace is as important today as when it was first recorded in the 1970s.”

While the song has long been a magnet for a multitude of musicians since its 1968 release, including versions by Aretha Franklin, Joan Jett, and Pearl Jam, Birkett’s take is not only well received by fans, but the original band itself.

“I sent the video to Andy Newmark,” he explains. “He was Sly and the Family Stone’s drummer and someone who I’d worked with in the past.

“He wrote back to me on November 11th — so, 11:11 — and said ‘sounds and looks great, Chris. Good work!’

“It’s great to have his thumbs up!”

The track features Birkett on lead vocals, and is backed by the Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts Student Choir. Not to be missed, there are additional vocals from 2019 Maple Blues Award winner Ann Vriend.

The video for Birkett and The Free Spirits’ take on “Everyday People” bittersweetly stands as a tribute of sorts to an important person connected to the project. “The video was directed by Tom Omorean, who passed away suddenly and sadly in December 2019, soon after finishing what would be his last video.”

The Free Spirit’s debut LP together features thought-provoking lyrics, dynamic instrumental arrangements, and spans across multiple genres, and they pride themselves on being more than just what meets the ear. Under this musical moniker, Birkett and Tallon are a musical collaboration shedding light on life, the world, and how artists can help be a positive force for truth and change, they say.

Birkett — whose song “Where Do We Go From Here” was featured alongside Dire Straits, Bob Marley, U2, Peter Gabriel, and Queen, among others, on 1993’s One Voice, One Love compilation album in support of CARE International — says he believes “in the universal language of music to make a change in humanity’s attitude to climate, culture, and race.”

The Free Spirits’ “Everyday People” and 11:11 are available now.

The 5 Main Ways Music Can Impact Your Life

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Music affects all people differently.

One thing that is consistent is that no matter who you are or where you are from – music changes lives and can improve your day to day living.

There’s nothing better than pairing one of your favorite activities, for example driving or jogging, with an awesome tune. Music is transformative in many ways, but it is especially impactful on both our physical and emotional wellbeing.

So what are the most common ways music can impact people’s lives?

That’s exactly what we’ll explain below. Some may surprise you while others won’t. Either way, we’re certain when you’re done reading, you’ll be ready to throw on one of your favorite jams.

1. Therapeutic – Music is a Way To Relax

Music affects the body both mentally and physically, and it can create relaxing state of being. This can come in the form of slowing down blood pressure or slowing down a heart rate.

Additionally, different styles of songs can reduce the production of stress inducing hormones. Whether you’re passively listening or actively using music during prayer or meditation, music’s ability to help someone relax is undeniable.

2. Emotive – Improves Expression and Communication

By listening or creating music, people can express emotions and feelings beyond words. Researchers claim that listening to music may be able to change how the brain functions to the same extent as medication.

Music is an outlet for defining our existence in our reality. And this is a universal truth that spans time and culture. Because of this, music serves as a primary mode for human expression and allows people to communicate feelings or experiences better.

3. Physical Enhancement – Improves Performance Activity

Going for a run or embarking on your daily workout routine is practically impossible without your music. And there’s a good reason for that. Music can improve performance in multiple ways.

Music is a good type of distraction that keeps the mind occupied, with reported physical improvement of 15% during a workout. Music also helps ‘put you in the zone,’ contribute to helping you keep pace and time your workouts, and make you want to exercise in the first place.

4. Intelligence Boosting – Increases Memory

There has been decades and decades of research that has gone into understanding how music can improve one’s intelligence and brain. Whether you’re listening to music or playing an instrument, there are many brain benefits in music.

Some research suggests that playing an instrument regularly alters the shape and power of the brain. There are even indications that music helps enhance memory, meaning learning music online via a site like allstringed.com has many added benefits.

5. Fosters Self-Perception – Gives Perspective

Music is an opportunity for storytelling. Whether it’s through the lyrics or the rhythm and harmony created by notes and sounds, music is the composer’s way to tell their story, and the audience’s job is to listen.

And it’s because of this reciprocal relationship humans can connect with both their heart and mind to the experience. Whether it’s Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts” or Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” or Debussy’s “Clair De Lune” music’s ability to impact a person’s self-perception is undeniable.

Final Thoughts

Was there anything that surprised you from our list? With so many different benefits and ways music can affect your life, don’t you think we could all do with a bit more tunes and a lot less television?

It’s undeniable that music can elevate people in many ways that will benefit them throughout their entire lives. All we have to do is create and listen.

 

Believed to be the only surviving footage of The Beatles Abbey Road TV special from BBC 2 in 1969

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The special is notable for the first airing of the “Day in the Life” music video and also contained other things such as a animation sequence of Maxwell’s Silver Hammer.

1-minute tip for artists: Your Merch

👕 by Kelsi Mayne, by the way? Why, because not only do I love her music, I love a great pun, and that’s a great enough reason to re-think your merch for sale.