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Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds Announce North American Tour 2020

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Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds have announced a Fall 2020 North American tour.

Regarded as one of the world’s greatest live acts, the band will perform 15 shows across USA and 3 shows in Canada.

2020 North American Tour Dates:
Wednesday, September 16                   The Armory, Minneapolis, MN
Saturday, September 19                       UIC Pavilion, Chicago, IL *
Monday, September 21                        Masonic Temple Theatre, Detroit, MI *
Wednesday, September 23                   Skyline Stage at the Mann, Philadelphia, PA *
Friday, September 25                           Agganis Arena, Boston, MA *
Saturday, September 26                       Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
Monday, September 28                        Place Bell, Laval, QC
Tuesday, September 29                        Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Thursday, October 1                             The Anthem, Washington, D.C.
Saturday, October 3                              The Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA
Sunday, October 4                                Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, TN
Tuesday, October 6                               Frank Erwin Center, Austin, TX
Thursday, October 8                             The Mission Ballroom, Denver, CO
Saturday, October 10                            STAPLES Center , Los Angeles, CA *
Monday, October 12                             Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, CA *
Wednesday, October 14                        WaMu Theatre, Seattle, WA *
Thursday, October 15                           Theater of the Clouds, Portland, OR
Saturday, October 17                            Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver, BC

* With support from Weyes Blood

Toronto’s Alt Rocker LASZLO Conjures Up Contraband “Girls on MTV” After Growing Up in a Religious Cult

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Canadian indie alt rocker Laszlo is paying retrospective homage to MTV and its stars in his latest single, “Girls on MTV (80s Guy, The Way It Should Be)” — available now!

The song and its lyrical muse take on a whole new meaning when you learn Laszlo grew up in a fundamentalist religious cult, and his access to music — particularly rock music — was a journey all its own.

Quick backstory: despite not having much in the way of money, Laszlo’s mother had one requirement of her children — piano and violin lessons. While music of all genres would ultimately play throughout the house, his first CD (Rush’s Farewell to Kings) had to be hidden under his bed and listened to quietly, his ear pressed against the speaker.

Still young and not having the funds for his own guitar, Laszlo was eventually given one from his brother; it had four or five strings, he recalls, and in light of his relentless rock-centric practicing, the family started to come around to his sound.

“Music has been, and always will be, a major part of my life,” Laszlo reflects about his deeply personal connection to the artistic outlet that was there for him when seemingly no-one else was. “Growing up poor and in a religious cult, music was a lifeline for me.

“Particularly in the past few years, having left a cult and being shunned by my family and friends, songwriting has and continues to be cathartic and healing outlet,” he continues. “It gives me a lot of hope for a better life.”

“Girls on MTV” is but a snippet of what’s on deck for the Toronto-based music man. Part of his recent album release, All Those Junes Ago, the single lands as a rockin’, riveting throwback to the 80s and the music entertainment machine of yesteryear.

Also released on streaming platforms this year are additional albums, My Time Has Come and Still Rock N’ Roll. “These projects represent my desire to have the freedom to make the music I want, when I want,” he explains. “Being in a band and writing with other people was always the ‘dream’ but my life had a lot of twists and turns that made that scenario impractical. So I took the time to learn all of the instruments myself, record myself, write all the lyrics myself, etc.

“I would say my songs reflect my unique experiences of growing up in — and then leaving — that (religious) movement. Some songs are funny, some are serious. With my music, I hope the joy, sorrow, and healing will reflect in the listeners’ own life experiences…

“But of course, music should be fun, exciting and hopeful. Having journeyed this far, I feel I’ve only just begun to live.

“Rock n’ roll for life!”

“Girls on MTV” and All Those Junes Ago are available now.

Photo Gallery: The Lumineers with Mt. Joy and J.S. Ondara at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena

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All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her at minismemories@hotmail.com

The Lumineers
The Lumineers
The Lumineers
The Lumineers
The Lumineers
The Lumineers
The Lumineers
The Lumineers
The Lumineers
Mt. Joy
Mt. Joy
Mt. Joy
Mt. Joy
Mt. Joy
J.S. Ondara
J.S. Ondara
J.S. Ondara

True North Records Signs JUNO Award Nominee Singer-songwriter Craig Cardiff

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Waterdown, Ontario based True North Records, one of Canada’s leading independent labels, has announced the signing of Waterloo, Ontario based singer-songwriter Craig Cardiff. True North Records is part of the Linus Entertainment Group and  home to many of the country’s most beloved songwriters including Bruce Cockburn, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Randy Bachman,  Matt Andersen, Ian & Sylvia Tyson, Jimmy Rankin, and Colin James.

Stream and share “Boots of Spanish Leather”

Stream and share “Dirty Old Town” 

Songwriter, troubadour and JUNO Award nominee Cardiff developed an impressive and loyal following throughout North America and into Europe with guitar in hand.  He can turn any setting into an intimate affair, iInfusing his music and lyrics with an uncompromising humanism rarely seen in today’s production-heavy climate.  His music has found a broad audience on streaming platforms including Spotify where he has over half a million listeners, and his most popular song ‘Dirty Old Town’ has an impressive 82 million streams and has been certified as a Gold single in Canada.

Cardiff, who is booked in Canada by APA Agency and managed by Tom Sarig and his Esther Creative Group in New York City, will be touring Canada, the US and Europe in 2020. His first single on True North Records is a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Boots of Spanish Leather”, out February 12, 2020, and a full album is expected later in the year. 

Craig Cardiff On Tour:     

March 7, 2020 Full Circle Theatre, Perth, ON       

April 3, 2020 Ahimsa, Huntsville, ON       

April 4, 2020 Garage Series Concerts, East Gwillimbury, ON          

April 18, 2020 Marble Arts Centre, Hastings County, ON

April 23, 2020 The Square 150, Victoriaville, QC 

April 24, 2020 Emmanuel United Church , Cowansville, ON            

May 29, 2020 Ahimsa Yoga, Huntsville, ON

Lineup announced for qLive at the JUNOS in Saskatoon with host Tom Power

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qLive at the JUNOS with Tom Power is coming to the Broadway Theatre in Saskatoon for a live audience taping in celebration of the 49th JUNO Awards. Joining host Tom Power will be The Sheepdogs, Alexandra Stréliski, Celeigh Cardinal, Sophie Buddle, Jim Cuddy, and The Dead South, with more guests to be announced. q is CBC’s national weekday arts and entertainment radio show heard across the country on CBC Radio One.

When: Thursday March 12, 2020
Doors at 6:30 p.m.
Show at 7:00 p.m.

Where: The Broadway Theatre (715 Broadway Ave., Saskatoon)
Purchase tickets here.

Canada’s Best Selling Kid’s Music Group MINI POP KIDS Launches Exclusive Clothing & Accessories Line Partnership with Walmart Canada

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Thanks to Canada’s best-selling, chart-topping children’s music group MINI POP KIDS, fans nationwide can now dress just like the pop stars themselves with an exclusive clothing line launching with Walmart Canada this Spring!

Set is shipping now online at Walmart.ca — and in 117 select stores across the country as of today — the MINI POP KIDS Spring 2020 apparel and accessories collection will feature sizing for boys and girls sizes 4 XS – 16 XL.

First up is the ‘Rock Star’ collection, featuring a light, bright pastel palette paired with iridescent sequins and light blue denim for girls, and vibrant pops of colourful graphics with black denim for boys. Just in time for summer, the ‘Pop Star’ collection will follow soon after, using a base of blue and black denim shorts to highlight an electric neon palette of pinks and lemon and for girls and lime and turquoise for boys. A ‘Back to School’ collection is set for Fall 2020.

The move to create age-appropriate, on-trend clothing and accessories both kids — and their parents — can’t wait to get their hands on is a natural extension for the ubiquitous, legacy pop act long known for producing family-friendly versions of the world’s most popular songs. Fans across the country will now have the opportunity to dress up like the stars they see on TV, YouTube, and on-stage at packed MINI POP KIDS Live concerts.

From the 80s to now, the MINI POP KIDS have been entertaining global audiences with millions of albums sold; K-Tel stationed a Canadian re-launch for the group in 2004 and, for the past 16 years, the MINI POP KIDS have been the country’s #1 children’s music group with record-setting sales, extensive national touring, topping the iTunes and Billboard charts, and even the release of an original single, “Who You Are” — available now!

“The mission of the MINI POP KIDS has always been to provide family-friendly music all can enjoy,” says K-Tel’s Samantha Kives. “Working with a great family brand like Walmart is a no brainer.  We are working together to offer affordable looks that kids will love and parents will approve!”

“Walmart is excited to partner with MINI POP KIDS to launch this exclusive, on-trend and stylish collection,” says Marlise Wilson, Senior Director, Merchandising Kids & Baby, at Walmart Canada. “In Canada, we have been a destination for affordable apparel for 25 years and continue to expand our offering for our customers. We think MINI POP KIDS fans will be excited about these new looks.”

“We recognize the MINI POP KIDS are about more than just the music when we see all the fans dressing up for our concerts; it’s one of the most rewarding parts of why we keep the brand growing for over 30 years,” Kives expands. “The MINI POP KIDS are role models that embody everything around self-expression and we want kids across Canada to fulfill their dreams — not just at our shows, but every day while singing at home in the mirror, in their favourite outfit to their favourite song.

“We could not be more excited about partnering with Walmart on this new clothing release.”

Canada’s best-selling kid’s music group MINI POP KIDS are ready, set, and on the road, bringing their dazzling feel-good family entertainment legacy live on stage with The Bright Lights Concert Tour!

March 7 @ Georgian Theatre, Barrie ON
March 8 @ Capitol Centre, North Bay ON
March 14 @ Sagebrush Theatre, Kamloops BC
March 15 @ Kelowna Community Theatre, Kelowna BC
March 17 @ The Port Theatre, Nanaimo BC
March 19 @ The Royal Theatre, Victoria BC
March 21 @ Abbotsford Entertainment Centre, Abbotsford BC
March 22 @ Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver BC
March 23 @ Northern Jubilee Auditorium, Edmonton AB
March 27 @ Keyano Theatre, Ft. McMurray AB
March 28 @ Southern Jubilee Auditorium, Calgary AB
April 11 @ CentrePointe Theatre, Ottawa ON
April 16 @ E.A. Rawlinson Centre, Prince Albert SK
April 18 @ Vic Juba Theatre, Lloydminster AB
April 19 @ Conexus Arts Centre, Regina SK
May 2 @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Toronto ON
May 16 @ Mile One Arena, St. John’s NL
May 17 @ Gander Arts & Cultural Centre, Gander NL
May 24 @ Centennial Concert Hall, MB
July 4 @ Scotiabank Centre (Fallsview Theatre), Niagara Falls ON

Those immortal words — “But Wait, There’s More!” — anyone who grew up in the 60s, 70s and 80s can recall with nostalgia and a smile those universally identifiable commercials from Winnipeg-based K-Tel, the original “As Seen On TV” ads. ‘Hooked on Classics’, K- Tel’s best-selling album sold over 10 million copies and is still selling today. Who can forget the classic, Veg-O-Matic and the Miracle Brush? Both products sold millions — these campy fun classics have become part of pop culture history. ‘But Wait, There’s More!…If you act now!’ The iconic K-Tel was founded by Philip Kives, an innovator and legend in direct marketing and creator of the first infomercial. The K-tel licenses in vast catalog for TV and Film like Stranger Things, Baby Driver, and American Made. In 50 years of business, K-Tel has sold over half a billion albums worldwide. Today, K-Tel continues to license their music catalog of over 6000 tracks and has moved forward with technology and popular culture, with a worldwide distribution network with companies like iTunes, and licenses in vast catalog for TV and Film like Stranger Things, Baby Driver, and American Made. In addition to classic compilations, K-Tel is still turning out new releases as with their new album, ‘MINI POP KIDS 17,’ featuring kid friendly ‘covers’ of top pop tunes.

Walmart Canada operates a chain of more than 400 stores nationwide serving 1.5 million customers each day. Walmart Canada’s flagship online store, Walmart.ca is visited by 900,000 customers daily. With more than 90,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada’s largest employers and is ranked one of the country’s top 10 most influential brands. Walmart Canada’s extensive philanthropy program is focused on supporting Canadian families in need, and since 1994 Walmart Canada has raised and donated more than $400 million to Canadian charities. Additional information can be found at walmartcanada.ca, facebook.com/walmartcanada and at twitter.com/walmartcanada.

Finding New Relationships Through the Psychology of Musical Preference

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Music preference is a psychological phenomenon that almost every person has. Each music genre has numerous fans because their mind has already accepted it. After listening to music that a person prefers, their mood is positively charged.

The love for certain music is random and can be triggered by so many things such as the beats, rhythm, and the message in the song. Others fall in love with certain music because they love the musician already.

But how does your music preference affect your social life, particularly finding relationships? According to experts, there are many ways in which music affects the decisions you make when choosing a relationship.

Music Affects Inner Feelings and Moods

A strong preference for certain music affects the inner feelings. It is a psychological effect that has been there since the time in immemorial when the royal families would be entertained with music. Furthermore, men would also lure women by playing music and dancing for them.

After listening to your favorite music, the beats, rhythm, and message help you to realize who you are as well as understand the meaning of love.

Music Improves Task Performance

As someone listens to music, they tend to get better at performing certain tasks. This can attract someone to you and you will end up finding your true partner. Well, people love partners who are smart and perfect in what they do. With this, many other aspects of life also get a positive boost. If you love a certain type of music, let it be your companion most of the time, especially when you are working.

Music Stimulates Curiosity

As a person analyses the music they love, this triggers curiosity in many other things, including relationships. People who love music are bold and can face a potential partner and tell them how they feel about them. It does not matter whether it is platonic relationships or any other.

Music lovers are always curious about different types of relationships to find out which one will work out well best. And the good thing is that you will also find others who are curious about relationships as well so that you can explore together.

Music Lovers Are Fun

Musical preference is a good thing. People who love music are outgoing and fun to be around. As you go through online dating profiles, you will find many people who are looking for outgoing people, and if you check well, this has something to do with music. It’s no wonder why clubs and many other entertainment joints play a lot of music so that people can have fun.

Final Word

Ultimately, music will positively boost your moods and how you view things. These two are crucial factors in getting your desired relationship. Most importantly, you should find someone with the same music preference as yours.

According to experts, music lovers have a higher chance of falling in love than people who do not love music at all. In some cases, music can cool you down or hype your mood up when things are not working well in your relationship.

BC Country Music Female Artist of the Year Ajaye Jardine Releases NEW Video for “Fill It Up Again”

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Award-winning BC Country Music Female Artist of the Year Ajaye Jardine has released a new video for her good vibe track, “Fill It Up Again” — available now!

With over 100,000 streams and counting, the song is the latest to shine off the Richmond, BC-based country/roots/pop artist’s award-nominated debut album, Midnight & Bourbon.

A finalist for the 2016 Ole on The Spot via Anthem Entertainment (previously Ole Publishing), Jardine was nominated for both Record of the Year at the Tennessee Songwriter Association International Awards and multiple BC Country Music Award nominations — in addition to her 2019 win for Female Artist of the Year.

She has performed alongside Steve Earle (Cayamo 2017), Today in Nashville, CTV Morning Live Vancouver, BC Country Music Award Show, Tennessee Songwriter Association International Awards Show, SunFest, the Calgary Stampede, Canadian Music Week, The Roxy, The Railway Club, The Listening Room, and The Bluebird Cafe, among others. She has collaborated with Aaron Grain (The Washboard Union), and is endorsed by AMI Guitars and Lanikai Ukuleles.

The career credits stack with sound reason; as striking as her vibrant and powerful vox are, Jardine’s unmistakable mettle as a relatable, charismatic and endearing lyricist proves she was born for the path she’s walking.

“I create music because it’s who I am,” she says of “Fill It Up Again” and Midnight & Bourbon. “I’m a storyteller.

“When I was writing this album, my intention was to be really honest with myself and share both the highs and lows I’ve experienced to that point in my life. From loss to love, heartbreak to self-improvement, I’ve learned to always find the silver lining in life, or the blessing in disguise, no matter how obvious or hidden it is.

“We all experience heartbreak, we all crave the feeling of joy and success, we all face disappointment, and we all want to be loved,” she continues, candidly. “As an artist, it’s my responsibility to be vulnerable enough through the stories I write and to create a space where others can come to the realization that no one is alone… We’re all in this together.

“Just like everyone, I’m figuring it all out one day at a time. I view my career not as ‘me’ but as ‘we’ — how can we be better versions of ourselves? How can we love ourselves more, so we can love others and the planet just as much? How can we make this world a better place?

“I’m committed to a lifelong process of creating music and stories that leave an impact for the better. The work can’t be wrong and it can never be done. I’m loving every second.”

“Fill It Up Again” and Midnight & Bourbon are available now.

Canadian Jazz Artist Irene Atman Dedicates New Video “Because I’m A Woman” to International Women’s Day March 8

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— Irene Atman’s newest release “Because I’m A Woman” is more than just a single and album for the Canadian jazz-pop singer/songwriter… The song — and its uplifting video featuring a diverse montage of women from around the world — are the multi-talented artist’s passionate and celebratory anthem for empowerment and movement towards equality.

“Now more than ever, I thought it was time for a women’s anthem,” Atman reflects on the bluesy, gospel-inspired song and its newly minted video, available in time for International Women’s Day. “In writing ‘Because I’m A Woman’ I was able to personally tap into some of the emotional challenges that face many other women in their various careers, from pay equity to ageism, and beyond.

“I wanted to do something as a global salute to women around the world this March 8th — International Women’s Day,” she continues of the day’s importance. “This is for women everywhere. This is my tribute.”

The track serves double duty as the title for her upcoming studio album, Because I’m A Woman — available spring 2020.

The 14-track LP features six original songs amongst Atman’s take on material by songwriters and artists she adores, each packed with the same sonically savoury panache she has long been Internationally and critically lauded for.

The release is set to be a welcome addition to Atman’s growing library; Because I’m A Woman follows 2015’s Long Distance, 2009’s New York Rendezvous, and 2007’s eponymous debut, Irene Atman.

“Because I’m A Woman” single is streaming now and the video tribute to International Women’s Day is available on YouTube starting today.

Irene Atman is an Internationally, critically acclaimed Canadian singer who learned her remarkable craft performing with some of the top jazz musicians in New York, Toronto and Tokyo, as well as touring international jazz festivals. Gifted with a world-class voice, dynamic range and impeccable phrasing — along with an enticing melodic and sultry style — Atman seamlessly blends the essence of jazz with pop influences, breaking down musical genre barriers and resonating with jazz enthusiasts and adult contemporary music fans alike.

While attending the University of Toronto, Atman began her career as the lead vocalist with the Stan Hiltz Orchestra. “One of the greatest things about singing with this big band was working with some of the best musicians in the world — greats like Moe Koffman and Sam Noto,” she says of the experience. “I learned a lot from just listening to these guys.”

From there, one of her first jobs was singing on cruise ships where she was exposed to local music at various ports-of-call, from the Bossa Nova sounds of Brazil to the Soca rhythm of the Caribbean Islands. Soon after, Atman was invited to perform with jazz luminaries like the Boss Brass, Guido Basso and Oscar Peterson alumni, Dave Young, and Terry Clarke; additional early career highlights include an appearance on the same bill as Tony Bennett and Luciano Pavarotti.

In 2007, Atman connected with her friend and pianist Danny McErlain and produced her self-titled, independent debut CD; the ‘live-off-the-floor’ studio session consisted of her interpretation of eleven time-honoured classics from the ‘great American songbook.’ Inspired by the city that never sleeps, Atman then relocated to New York and, backed by some of the finest jazz musicians on the scene, recorded a session one afternoon — a collection of her interpretations of the softer side of jazz — that became her second independent CD, 2009’s New York Rendezvous.

Most recently, an introduction to the production team of record/executive producer Bruce Barrow and musical director, arranger and composer Glenn Morley has seen Atman encouraged to write more of her own songs and weave in other musical influences outside of traditional jazz background. The newly minted body of work shines bright with themes women can relate to, most specifically 2020’s forthcoming release Because I’m A Woman’s title track, Atman’s tribute to female empowerment and equality.

Rounding out the selection of original compositions the LP features “Fast Lane,” a song about online dating and fantasy romances, “I Luv Shoes,” Atman’s tongue-in-cheek jazz boogie about women who are head over heels for the perfect pair, and “Dancing With You,” a Brazil circa-’66 inspired Bossa Nova. Atman penned the ballad homage to 18th century poetry of Elizabeth Barret Browning that is a romantic duet with Canadian Tenor, Marc Masri, “Do I Love You,” and co-wrote with producer Barrow, the retro-sounding big band arrangement “Fling,” celebrating the history of jazz as an art form.

Because I’m A Woman album features a jazz interpretation of pop songs including Blondie’s “Call Me” and Spiral Staircase’s “More Today, Than Yesterday,” inspired by hearing Bruno Mars do a fun take of it during a radio interview. Plus, 1940’s jazz blues classics like “Since I Fell for You” and the sultry “Black Coffee. ”The swingin’ 60s get a revisit with songs made popular by Dusty Springfield (“You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me”), Petula Clark (“I Know a Place”) and Cilla Black (John Lennon/Paul McCartney’s “It’s for You”). Speaking of McCartney, there’s an intimate, orchestral version of “This Never Happened Before” from The Lakehouse soundtrack.

Dave Grohl on Foo Fighters, Documentaries, and Modern Music

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HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons talks with Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters to discuss his inspirations, timeless music, the concept of a band, touring in vans, kids’ relationship with music today, and much more.