It’s hard to get other people as excited about your happiness and motivation sometimes. You’re one of the lucky ones – your worst day as a musician is better than most people’s best day ever. But you keep going, because it’s #MondayMotivation!
Canadian-Led Rockers TROPE Unleash Groove Grinding Take on Tears For Fears’ “Shout”
Opting for a heavier guitar and groove-centric approach to Tears For Fears’ 80s New Wave classic “Shout,” alt rockers Trope explore new sonic territory for their cover — available now!
“We wanted to do something different with the song musically and instrument-wise, and balance the beautiful melody and message with the intensity of the guitars, bass and drums,” says Montreal-born, Los Angeles-based lead singer Diana Studenberg. “Due to the song’s pop sensibility and 4/4 beat, it didn’t fit into the Trope realm at the time.
“But as things progressed and electronic instrumentation was replaced with organic instruments — including bass, guitars and ebow — the tune took a darker turn and actually really worked for us.”
The band were inspired by the poignant lyrics, particularly the universal message in the lines ‘those one track minds, that took you for a working boy. Kiss them goodbye, you shouldn’t have to jump for joy.’
“How many of us have been in situations where we’re mistreated and looked down upon by people who just don’t recognize our value?” Studenberg confides. “I believe, in life, we shouldn’t have to placate or put on a clown face and do a fucking happy dance to appease people who behave toxically towards us, and lack the foresight to really see who’s in front of them.
“I see this whole song as a reaffirmation of value and strength and of our ability to move past these situations and people towards the things that help elevate us emotionally and spiritually.”
“Shout” is Trope’s follow-up release to their debut single “Lambs,” an epic 15/8 progressive/alternative rock song that garnered high praise and positive reviews.
The visuals for “Shout” were directed and filmed by Stewart Whelan, along with the help of an incredible film crew; Whelan’s credits include cinematography on The Flash TV Show and Metallica’s “Some Kind of Monster.”
Trope have performed shows internationally in Europe, Canada and the US — including legendary Los Angeles venues like Whisky A Go-Go and The Viper Room, and the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest, where they played the main stages in the past two consecutive years. They have shared stages with Switchfoot, Sevendust, and at the legendary Hollywood Improv with world-class comedians Iliza Shlesinger (Unveiled/Netflix), Steve-O (Jackass), David Koechner (Anchorman), Bryan Callen (Hangover), Harland Williams (Something About Mary), and more.
“Shout” is available now.
SiriusxXM Launches 9 New Limited-Run Channels With Iconic Artists
SiriusXM has collaborated with acclaimed and iconic artists and their representatives to create personally curated audio experiences for listeners everywhere. The collection of exclusive music channels launching on Friday, May 1 — and in conjunction with SiriusXM’s extended Stream Free period through May — are dedicated to megastars David Bowie, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, George Strait, Guns N’ Roses, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Prince, and The Rolling Stones.
To make sure as many people as possible can hear these special audio experiences, SiriusXM is extending its unprecedented Stream Free offer through May 31. Stream Free gives free and easy access to SiriusXM’s full lineup of Premier Streaming content to any listener in North America on the SiriusXM app.
The David Bowie Channel will feature music spanning Bowie’s career, from his earliest recordings to his final album, Blackstar. Listeners will hear rare tracks and demo versions of some of Bowie’s greatest songs as well as interpretations of his work from artists including Beck, Annie Lennox, Nirvana, Tears For Fears, Barbra Streisand, The Wallflowers, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Duran Duran, the late Scott Weiland, and more. The David Bowie Channel will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category.
Hotel California, SiriusXM’s Eagles channel, will feature music from the band’s extensive career, stories behind the making of their biggest hits as well as their solo records and influences. Listeners will hear a timely curated collection of songs during these uncertain times ‘The Eagles Pandemic Playlist,’ as well as encores of the Eagles’ exclusive SiriusXM concert from the Grand Ole Opry from October 2017. Additionally, famous rock journalist and SiriusXM host David Fricke shares narratives on Eagles lineage and more. The Hotel California channel will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category.
The Fleetwood Mac Channel will showcase music from the band’s extensive GRAMMY Award-winning, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame career, including their indelible hits, solo material, live songs, rare demo tracks and musical influences. The channel will also include exclusive stories and insights from the band, plus special shows hosted by Mick Fleetwood and Christine McVie. A special hour-long behind-the-scenes look at the band’s landmark album, Rumours, called “Rumours Revealed” will include commentary from Fleetwood and McVie, as well as Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. The Fleetwood Mac Channel will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category.
Ace in the Hole Radio, dedicated to the music of George Strait, will encompass personal insights and stories from the country music legend, about his life and music. The channel will also air Strait’s biggest songs including 60 No. 1 hits from throughout his career. Ace in the Hole Radio will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Country category.
Guns N’ Roses Radio will feature music from their entire iconic career, including their monumental 1987 Appetite for Destruction album, live tracks and rarities. The limited-run music channel will also include music by artists who have influenced Guns N’ Roses as well as those that have toured with the band. Additionally, listeners will hear Guns N’ Roses’ exclusive SiriusXM concert from the Apollo Theater from July 2017. Guns N’ Roses Radio will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category.
Led Zeppelin Radio will feature every song from the iconic band’s music catalogue, which includes some of the most groundbreaking albums in rock history. The channel will provide fans exclusive access to the sounds and insights from Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones, as well as the songs that made Led Zeppelin rock legends. In addition to their epic songs, listeners will hear early rough mixes, alternate versions, remasters and momentous performances captured live. Led Zeppelin Radio will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category.
Mandatory Metallica will feature the band’s biggest songs, rarities and concert recordings from throughout the band’s iconic career as well as commentary from each band member. The channel will embark on a 30-date “virtual Metallica tour,” which will air a daily concert from the band on tour around the globe, including the band’s exclusive SiriusXM concert from 2013 at the Apollo Theater in New York City and their 2016 concert at New York City’s Webster Hall. An exclusive at-home DJ session, “Welcome Home,” from Lars Ulrich will also be featured. The band will take over SiriusXM’s Liquid Metal channel each Monday in May, for “Metallica Mondays.” Mandatory Metallica will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category.
The Prince Channel will feature music from the GRAMMY®, Golden Globe and Academy Award® winner’s iconic catalogue, from early recordings to his biggest hits, and will notably include an extraordinary audio performance: a never-before-heard demo of a conceptual radio show created by Prince for a Sirius Satellite Radio channel from 2005. Created by Prince around the release of his celebrated 3121 album, the show, running more than two hours, features songs from his unparalleled catalogue, personal favourite selections by other artists, mixes, interviews, and a peek into his legendary vault of unreleased studio and live recordings. Prince collaborated with DJ Rashida, who hosts the show, with Prince joining throughout. Comedian Katt Williams, who was a favourite of Prince’s, also pops in as “Ezekiel,” providing comedic relief through the full 2+ hours. The channel will also include a takeover from Sheila E., special playlists from Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and SiriusXM’s recent Let’s Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute To Prince Town Hall, featuring Jimmy Jam, Sheila E. and H.E.R. Music by artists that Prince was closely connected to, inspired by, and collaborated with will also be featured. The Prince Channel will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Hip-Hop/R&B category.
Rolling Stones Radio, which debuted on SiriusXM in 2008, has been updated and expanded, giving new and lifelong Stones fans a comprehensive journey through the band’s almost six-decade career, while also including their new song ‘Living In A Ghost Town’ which was completed during quarantine. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood share thoughts and memories about writing and recording their biggest songs, performing live, friendships, and the band’s legacy. Rolling Stones Radio will be available all month on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category.
These new limited-run dedicated artist channels are examples of SiriusXM music channels created with iconic and leading artists including The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Pearl Jam, Eminem, LL COOL J, Phish, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Diplo, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and more.
Anyone who is not already a SiriusXM subscriber can download the SiriusXM app or go to SiriusXM.ca/streamfree, and start listening free of charge, with no credit card or commitment required. The SiriusXM app is available on mobile phones, tablets and computers, as well as on a wide variety of connected devices in the home including smart TVs, devices with Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant, Apple TV, PlayStation, Roku, Sonos speakers and more. The SiriusXM app also offers additional features such as SiriusXM video, Personalized Stations Powered by Pandora that listeners can curate themselves, and an On Demand library with more than 10,000 hours of archived shows, exclusive music performances, interviews and audio documentaries.
Here’s The Police’s set from the 25th anniversary of Amnesty International in June of 1986.
Setlist:
0:00:00 – Message In A Bottle
0:04:58 – King Of Pain
0:11:24 – Driven to Tears
0:16:33 – Every Breath You Take
0:21:39 – Roxanne
0:26:12 – Invisible Sun
Future Green Day singer/guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, age 5, singling “Look for Love” in 1977.
Everybody has to start somewhere!
1-minute tip for artists: Post your press and media.
Yay! You got press or a Spotify playlist. Here’s your next step.
STRONGER TOGETHER, TOUS ENSEMBLE Raises Over $6 Million So Far for Food Banks Canada as Historic Broadcast Reaches 11.5 Million Canadians
Following Sunday night’s historic all-Canadian special, STRONGER TOGETHER, TOUS ENSEMBLE, it was announced today that more than $6 million has been raised to date to provide immediate support to Food Banks Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. With donations still being tallied, more than 140,000 individuals were inspired and reached out to support the good works by local food banks. Canadians can continue to donate to Food Banks Canada by texting COVID to 30333 or visiting FoodBanksCanada.ca/StrongerTogether.
The biggest multi-platform broadcast ever is now the most-watched (non-sports) Canadian broadcast on record. Nearly one in three Canadians watched some part of the broadcast on 44 television networks, reaching 11.5 million viewers overall. Audiences peaked at more than 6.1 million viewers during the world premiere of ArtistsCAN’s multi-artist “Lean on Me” charity single. Overall, the 90-minute special has a preliminary overnight audience of 5.6 million viewers on multiple television networks. The special also reached hundreds of thousands of others on radio and digital platforms.
STRONGER TOGETHER, TOUS ENSEMBLE is now available on demand on CBC Gem, Crave, CTV.ca, CTV app, GlobalTV.com, Global TV App, ICI TOU.TV, iHeartRadio.ca, iHeartRadio Canada app, Stingray Qello, and Super Channel On Demand.
“Although we have always known that Canadians are amongst the kindest people on earth and we hoped and planned for our neighbours’ generosity, we were brought to our knees with gratitude by the overwhelming caring of our communities across Canada,” said Chris Hatch, Chief Executive Officer, Food Banks Canada. “Our staff team voluntarily jumped on the phones as we were working through technical challenges. Nobody could have anticipated the numbers of generous souls inspired to give last night. That giving continues today, on our website, and will remain open. In partnership with Bell Media, CBC/Radio-Canada, Corus Entertainment, Group V Média, Rogers Sports & Media and all other media partners, we are grateful for the bright light that shone on the need to support our most vulnerable neighbours.”
The unprecedented event was the biggest multi-platform broadcast in Canadian history, with 15 broadcasting groups led by Bell Media, CBC/Radio-Canada, Corus Entertainment, Groupe V Média, and Rogers Sports & Media presenting the star-studded show on hundreds of TV, radio, streaming, and on demand platforms. Nearly one hundred Canadian artists, activists, actors, and athletes shared their stories of hope and inspiration in a national salute to frontline workers combatting COVID-19, including the 3,000 local food bank organization Food Banks Canada supports across Canada (see full participant list below).
The complete list of participants in STRONGER TOGETHER, TOUS ENSEMBLE are Alessia Cara, Amy Poehler, Andre De Grasse, Anne Murray, Arkells, Avril Lavigne, Bad Child, Barenaked Ladies, Bianca Andreescu, Bryan Adams, Burton Cummings, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Céline Dion, Charlotte Cardin, Chris Hadfield, Christine Sinclair, Cirque du Soleil, Command Sisters, Connor McDavid, Dallas Green, Dan Kanter, David Foster, David Suzuki, Desiire, Donovan Woods, Drake, Eric McCormack, Fefe Dobson, Geddy Lee, Georges St-Pierre, Hamza Haq, Hayley Wickenheiser, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Howie Mandel, Jann Arden, Jason Priestley, Johnny Orlando, Josh Ramsay, Justin and Hailey Bieber, Katharine McPhee Foster, Kiefer Sutherland, Lilly Singh, Margaret Atwood, Marie-Mai, Measha Brueggergosman, Michael Bublé, Mike Myers, Morgan Rielly, National Chief Perry Bellegarde, Olivia Lunny, Pascal Siakam, Penny Oleksiak, Rick Hansen, Randy Bachman, Rick Mercer, Robbie Robertson, Russell Peters, Ryan Reynolds, Ryland James, Sam Roberts, Sarah McLachlan, Scott Helman, Serena Ryder, Serge Ibaka, Shania Twain, Shawn Hook, Sofia Reyes, TIKA, The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, The Tenors, Tessa Virtue, Tom Cochrane, Tyler Shaw, Walk off the Earth, Will Arnett, William Prince, and the cast of SCHITT’S CREEK including Annie Murphy, Catherine O’Hara, Chris Elliott, Dan Levy, Dustin Milligan, Emily Hampshire, Eugene Levy, Jenn Robertson, John Hemphill, Karen Robinson, Noah Reid, Rizwan Manji, and Sarah Levy.
The broadcast featured the world premiere of a new rendition of the treasured Bill Withers classic “Lean On Me”, performed virtually by more than two dozen of Canada’s biggest international stars, homegrown favourites, and brightest newcomers. The charitable endeavor, conceptualized by JUNO-award nominated musicians Tyler Shaw and Fefe Dobson of ArtistsCAN, aims to support the Canadian Red Cross and their COVID-19 efforts. The single and video are now available on all digital retail platforms, and can be streamed here.
TORONTO POOR BOY Pauses in a Moment of Appreciation for his Rise From the Straits to the Stage on New Single, “Low Key”
Canadian hip hop artist Toronto Poor Boy takes a moment to appreciate a hard-earned life and all its triumphs in this, his newest single, “Low Key” — available now!
“It’s easy to be so focused on the future,” he offers. “We can all use a little reminder to celebrate the hard work, the time, and the effort we’ve put towards our goals, and our life.”
“Low Key” is the second to land this month from the Toronto-based rapper, and the latest in his inspiring set of lyrics that often draw from his complex past.
“These are messages that are very personal to me,” the Toronto-based rap master says. “They bring the new decade’s energy into focus, and talk about the struggles to become the best version of yourself.
“It’s about being proud in the present as we look towards building the future.”
With almost 350,000+ total views across YouTube, and radio airplay throughout Toronto, Australia and the UK, Toronto Poor Boy’s “Low Key” continues to set the stage ahead of his forthcoming debut studio album — available this Spring via Canyon Entertainment Group.
Hot on the heels of his late 2019’s single release, “Karma,” and 2020’s kick-off with “Big Dreams,” “Stronger Now” and “Low Key” continue to amplify the Jamaican-born entertainer’s dynamic blend of hip hop, rock and reggae, while drawing audiences to his magnetic online presence.
Together, they’ve all become something of a mantra when it comes to Toronto Poor Boy’s own story. His music has its own unique sound of hip hop mixed with reggae, rock and even pop, based on being born in Jamaica and immigrating to Canada as a young teen.
Making his way on his own in Toronto, he tells stories through his lyrics that listeners can relate to based on their own, individual struggles and triumphs. A ‘put your head down’ and make it happen kind of guy, his hard work and dedication to making a living, and making music at the same time, has produced interesting, powerful and meaningful songs, with a unique sound unlike most other artists.
It’s this come up — from straits to the stage — that magnifies Toronto Poor Boy’s achievements in working hard to pursue his dream of writing and performing. It’s his personal story that creates such a rich and dynamic storytelling within the rapper’s music.
Toronto Poor Boy’s music is very much a reflection of his complex identity; “I’m very much two people,” he says. “Not innocent or bad, but both parts exist simultaneously.”
“Ultimately, it’s my goal to inspire those in my community. My message to everyone is to never give up, and keep working on those ‘Big Dreams.’”
“Low Key” is available now.
Orillia’s Folk Rock Singer/Songwriter Shane Cloutier Releases New Video for “Red Wagon”
Orillia’s folk rock singer/songwriter Shane Cloutier takes a break from penning new material to saunter the memory lane of childhood simplicity in this, his new video for “Red Wagon” — available now.
The title track from his sophomore album of the same name, the single and album as a whole embodies Cloutier’s emotive voice and unique folk approach, complete with his own heavy metal influence and collaborations with multi-award winning blues drummer Tom Bona, and legendary guitarist Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush.
“The album Red Wagon is very much a prequel and sequel to In Light,” Cloutier shares, referring to his debut release. “When I wrote In Light, it was very much a cathartic response to some traumatic events in my life, facing the death of my wife and mother of my children. It is very much an album of perseverance and strength, as well as surrendering to vulnerability.
“When I wrote Red Wagon, I was in a much happier place, and I feel I had a much more enlightened perspective,” he continues. “Both albums helped me emotionally, physically, and spiritually move forward. They tethered me to real life, sort of, and didn’t allow me to sink — which was exactly where I felt like I was heading.”
Sinking has never ultimately been an option for Cloutier, who was once told he’d never ‘make it.’ “My grade 12 music teacher was a narrow-minded, mediocre teacher who only listened to classical music,” Cloutier recalls. “He told me at the end of grade 12 that I’m a great student, but I’d never make it as a musician for a living.
“Every day being a full-time, professional musician is me giving him the proverbial finger… Especially being asked to join Mahogany Rush and playing for Frank Marino, who is my guitar idol. It still doesn’t feel real, and might never feel completely real to me.
“This is important to me to hold onto because, in life, we are continuously met by individuals who doubt us.
“I believe everybody has an outlet that they have found — or need to find — and this is mine.”
“Red Wagon” and Red Wagon are available now.
Meet Britain’s First Female Rock Band
It’s hard to say what, exactly, was in the water in Liverpool in the early 1960s that wound up producing the Merseybeat sound and hundreds of groups of varying success. Four teenagers caught the scene by surprise and found screaming fans at every turn. Their names were Mary, Sylvia, Pam and Val.
It wasn’t only their sound that turned heads. They were The Liverbirds, Britain’s first all-female rock ’n’ roll band. Sitting down with surviving members Mary McGlory and Sylvia Saunders, you’d never know these two exceedingly charming Scouse (that means they come from Liverpool) matriarchs rocked a tour with The Rolling Stones. Lent their instruments to The Kinks. Rolled joints for Jimi Hendrix.
John Lennon himself told them that girls don’t play guitar. Well, John, they did. Imagine that.
“Almost Famous” is a special Op-Docs series of short films directed by Ben Proudfoot featuring people who nearly made history — only to fall short. These are tales of overcoming disappointment at its most epic, from an astronaut who never flew to a superstar who never was.