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Toronto’s Downtown Yonge BIA obtains iconic sign from legendary Jamaican store

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Another iconic sign from Toronto’s musical past will be part of the Toronto Neon Museum collection: the double-sided sign from the legendary Record Nook. The sign was found for sale at a west-end antiques store early this year and rescued by the Downtown Yonge BIA before it fell into the hands of a private collector.

“The discovery and preservation of the Record Nook sign is a big win for cultural heritage in the city,” says Downtown Yonge Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director Mark Garner. “Like the iconic Sam the Record Man sign, it is an important relic from our past and a priceless artifact – a reminder of the major role Toronto played in reggae music history and Jamaican culture.”

The Record Nook sign, which measures 5’ x 3’ x 1’, originally hung outside the store at 1400 Bathurst Street, just below Vaughan Road. The store was owned and operated by Jamaican-born reggae legends Jackie Mittoo and Lord Tanamo, who used it as an outlet for their friend Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd’s recordings.

Specializing in Studio One vinyl albums and singles, the Record Nook became a popular hub for Toronto’s sizeable Jamaican community.

“In the 1970s, Toronto had the world’s biggest reggae scene outside of Kingston, Jamaica, with stars like Jackie Mittoo, Lord Tanamo, Leroy Sibbles, Stranger Cole, Ernie Smith, Carlene Davis and others all making their home here,” says Garner. “The Record Nook was significant as both a retail store and a popular gathering place, almost like a kind of community centre for Jamaicans living here.”

The Record Nook sign joins the dazzling artifacts being collected and curated for the Neon Museum Toronto currently in development. Downtown Yonge has been working for five years to establish a permanent home for the neon signs that once lit up Toronto streets. A Neon Museum Toronto management board is now in place and is developing plans to install the collection in pop-up spaces, laneways and in a permanent location.

This Record Nook sign acquisition has been in partnership with the Neon Museum Toronto, the Toronto Music Museum and the existing Friar’s Music Museum (in the Yonge-Dundas Shoppers Drug Mart). It could be on display as part of the next exhibit, supporting the Downtown Yonge BIA’s Music Strategy.

Best Options for Soundproofing Your Space

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Have you ever listened to an artist you really loved and wondered where they recorded? It’s possible they never leave the house to record your favorite song, album, or podcast. The key is having a great soundproof set up with noise cancellation.

Maybe you’ve tried to create your own studio at home, yet still battle outside traffic and sounds from other rooms in the house. It’s impossible to get a decent recording with so much commotion right outside the walls.

So, how can you soundproof your studio?

First, do your research. There are plenty of options for soundproofing your studio, home, garage, or part of your home you want to make soundproof. A Quiet Refuge has the product knowledge to assist you with your own private, sound-proof oasis.

However, we’re going to help you get started with some easy ways to make your at-home studio set up soundproof:

Soundproofing Options 

There are quite a few ways to make an area of your home soundproof. We’re going to focus on two methods:

  • Open-cell Foam
  • Fiberglass Insulation

Both of these options have unique advantages. Since open-cell foam panels are the ones you probably see the most, let’s explore these first.

Open-cell Foam Panels

These panels increase air resistance so that soundwaves decrease.

What’s great about these panels is that you can purchase them in different sizes and place them strategically around the room you intent to soundproof. Additionally, these panels are easy to install so you can do it yourself or with the help of a friend.

Note that you can use these panels all over your house. It doesn’t have to be for your recording studio only. If you have a wall that needs soundproofing from your neighbors, this foam works wonders.

Thickness and Patterns 

One thing to remember with any type of foam panels: the thicker the foam, the better the soundproofing. Don’t worry so much about the patterns as the thickness of the material.

Noise Reduction Rating

When shopping for foam panels, look for the Noise Reduction Rating or NRC. The higher the rating, the better the soundproofing.

Fiberglass Insulation 

This is one of the best insulations you can get for noise reduction and soundproofing. It’s important to know that you can’t just do a fiberglass insulation at your home like you can sound panels. The reason is because fiberglass insulation works best when installed as construction is underway.

Sure, there are always ways around something you really want, but although you can argue that glass insulation is superior to foam insulation, the installation of foam panels outweighs the benefits.

If you’re building a new studio, talk about fiberglass insulation with your construction professional. Otherwise, sticking to foam panels is the easiest and least expensive way to soundproof your home or studio.

Other Options 

Perhaps you don’t like either of the two options given above and that’s fair. You can also look into foam spray. The main difference is that foam spray is a good option during construction or renovations. Foam panels are easier and cheaper.

As far as foam panels, if you find yourself shopping around and not finding what you need, you can also make your own. With this option, educate yourself on what you’ll need before making any purchases. But if you’re the type of person who enjoys DYI projects, this would be a fun alternative.

Which Set Up is Best For You? 

Soundproofing your space doesn’t seem as monumental when you have the right information. Research your preference according to budget, in no time, you’ll have a soundproof setup that truly cancels all noise around you .

Toronto Songstress Tasha Angela Releases Her First EP, Hidden Gems

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Recording artist and composer Tasha Angela releases her first official EP titled Hidden Gems. Released via Public Records/Universal Music, the Hidden Gems EP is a five song project masterfully crafted to reflect the honest and soulful music Tasha Angela aims to create. This first project offers listeners a glimpse into Tasha’s creative sphere, as music serves as an outlet for healing, self- improvement and expression that she hopes will resonate with fans.

Speaking on her project Tasha Angela says,“Hidden Gems is extremely important to me as it is my first body of work that I am putting out in the world. I named it Hidden Gems because I’m finally gaining the confidence to share my music with the world. Each song was written and composed by me as I usually write from observations and personal experiences.”

The project is produced and arranged by Sam “Avenue” Willows (Carousel, Dragonette, Tokyo Police Club) and mixed by Howie Beck (Feist, Dragonette, Charlotte Day Wilson) with one single on the EP “Up To You” – produced by Juno Award winner, Rich Kidd.

Toronto based recording artist, Tasha Angela, is a singer/songwriter/pianist/composer. Blessed with a gift for melody – Tasha’s writing has an innocence that belies a maturity beyond her years. Her passion for making music began at the early age of 11, performing at school recitals, writing poems and singing along to her favourite songs on her way to school. It was in these moments that Tasha Angela discovered her passion for singing and began to develop her sound. Drawing inspiration from Alicia Keys, India Arie, Will I Am and Lady Gaga she was drawn to R&B and soul because in her words: “that’s the way that it translates into with the words and melodies that I hear in my head.” Tasha Angela dedicates the majority of her time to developing and perfecting her song writing craft – she actively studies those who have come before her and is constantly refining her practice to determine what a great song is. Tasha treats her ability to create music as a form of healing, “I feel as though it’s the one thing that truly excites me when I wake up. When I hear a melody in my head and put the keys behind it and words to follow, it’s as if I can capture certain moments and make them last forever,” she tells us.

In early 2019, Tasha Angela connected with Toronto based music industry and community leader Gavin Sheppard at Jessie Reyez’ song writing camp. Taken by her sound and talent, Gavin introduced Tasha to Dan Kurtz (Dragonette & The New Deal) and his studio, The Asylum, in the spring of 2019. It was at The Asylum that Tasha finally found a collaborative musical home. It was also at The Asylum that Tasha began working and recording the majority of her “Hidden Gems EP.” Tasha Angela is a Honey Jam 2017 alumni and has performed on a few other stages in Toronto including showcases with Talent Nation and with Second Nature Group. Confident, youthful and driven Tasha is a special and rare talent at the dawn of her creative journey with so much more to come.

Justin Bieber Becomes the First Artist to Reach 50 Million Subscribers on YouTube

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Justin Bieber is now officially the first artist to reach 50 million subscribers on his YouTube artist channel. This new milestone solidifies Bieber as the most subscribed artist on YouTube. With over 20 billion views across the platform to date, this is the latest of many record breaking moments Bieber has accomplished as a YouTube Creator over the course of his career. This announcement also comes with news that Bieber’s highly-anticipated YouTube Original series, “Justin Bieber: Seasons,” now ranks as YouTube Originals’ most-watch debut episode in its first week to date, reaching over 97 countries worldwide.

Bieber has earned over 3 billion views on YouTube in the past 12 months, with significant viewership across the United States, India, Brazil, Indonesia, and the Philippines. His most recent music video for latest single, “Yummy,” debuted in the #1 slot on the YouTube Global Top Videos chart and has reached the Top Songs charts in over 50 countries and territories. The video, which premiered on YouTube, has over 150 million views to date and adds to his legacy of monumental music videos.

Episode one of “Justin Bieber: Seasons” secured the highest opening week of any YouTube Originals project ever, reaching viewers in over 97 countries. The series brings Bieber home to YouTube to give fans a full circle look at his life and chronicles the making of Bieber’s first album in four years with a raw, powerful and intimate look at Bieber’s process of creating new music and the motivation for this new album told through the lens of his closest confidants, friends, collaborators and Bieber himself. With brand new music scoring the episodes, Bieber reflects on the highs and lows of growing up in the public eye as he invites his fans on the journey leading up to the release of the highly-anticipated and most personal album of his career – CHANGES – due February 14th via RBMG/Def Jam Recordings.

New episodes of “Justin Bieber: Seasons” premiere free with ads each Monday and Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 a.m. PT beginning January 27. Fans can sign up for YouTube Premium to get early access to new episodes and watch the series ad-free.

Justin Bieber became a creator on YouTube over 13 years ago in January 2007. YouTube was home to a variety of homemade videos Bieber created showcasing his spin on songs from artists like Usher, Ne-Yo and Stevie Wonder, accumulating thousands of views. Fast forward to 2015, Bieber’s clip for smash hit “Sorry” was one of the ten fastest videos to reach 1 billion views, reaching the milestone in just 137 days. “Sorry” has amassed 3.2 billion views to date. Bieber continues to create unique, one of a kind content that connects him with his fans across the globe.

Looking for more stats on the success of Justin Bieber on YouTube? We’ve got you covered. Below are some interesting stats about Bieber’s video views to date.

Justin Bieber is credited on six videos in the Billion Views Club:

• Justin Bieber – Sorry (PURPOSE : The Movement)
• Justin Bieber – Baby ft. Ludacris (Official Music Video)
• Justin Bieber – What Do You Mean? (Official Music Video)
• Justin Bieber – Love Yourself (Official Music Video)
• DJ Khaled – I’m The One ft. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper & Lil Wayne (Official Video)
• Skrillex and Diplo – “Where Are Ü Now” with Justin Bieber (Official Video)

Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond: Ozzy & Sharon Osbourne

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Just before the release of his first solo album in over a decade, Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon sat with Rick Rubin to talk about his tumultuous career that’s spanned five decades. Friends since the early ’80s, they discuss the early days of Black Sabbath, Ozzy’s first encounter with his late guitarist Randy Rhoads, and how blown away Rick is by the power of Ozzy’s voice at 71 years old.

My New TikTok Video: The Beatles’ Abbey Road!

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The second installment of albums you need to hear right now.

@thatericalper

It’s George Harrison’s birthday. Here’s why you need to listen to Abbey Road. #thebeatles #fyp #xyzbca #foryou #foryoupage

♬ original sound – thatericalper

…and follow the playlist here!

How to Find The Perfect Headphones to Suit Your Lifestyle

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Music is one of the motivating factors behind our lives. Whether we use our favorite playlist to get out of bed in the morning or turn our experiences into songs, music is essential to humanity.

Nowadays, we can pull up our preferred streaming series, pop on the headphones, and escape into our own world. But, modern technology has given us a plethora of options when it comes to listening to music. How do you find out what type of headphone works best for you when there are so many to choose from?

Keep reading to get some advice on the best headphones before you impulse buy.

1. Consult the Experts

Fortunately, the Age of the Information means that you aren’t alone in your search for pristine listening devices. Looking at expert reviews will help make your decision a bit easier. Authority figures in the headphone industry tend to run reliable sites that provide unbiased opinions.

Make sure you are reading trustworthy sites like Muse Mini instead of random bloggers.

2. Frequently of Use

How much are you going to use these headphones? Are they helping you survive your daily commute, or are they reserved for special occasions? Depending on your answer, your search criteria will differ.

If you want to be able to use the headphones every day, you’ll want a pair that can withstand a bit of rough-housing. You’ll always want something portable unless you are alright with keeping bigger headphones around your neck. Wireless devices will give you more freedom to move.

For special occasions, bulkier devices might be better. You’ll want a pair that keeps the sound as pristine as possible. Closed-back headphones will let you lose yourself to the music. In this case, getting a wired version wouldn’t be the end of the world.

3. When You’ll Be Using Them

Are you taking these headphones to the gym? Maybe you’ll be using them while you play video games?

Gym headphones need to be wireless and as subtle as possible. You’ll need a pair that you can quickly take out. If you do a lot of floor work like pilates or yoga, wireless pods won’t feel uncomfortable to lay down with.

Video game headsets are unique in that they require a functioning speaker. Some simple devices, like Apple’s wired headphones, come with a voice box. But, these cheaper machines won’t be enough to sustain your gaming. You’ll want to look for something that is tailored towards you as a player by a brand that specializes in video game equipment design.

4. Personal Preferences

No matter how frequently you’ll be using the headphones, or what activity you need them for, your taste comes above all. Of course, functionality plays a part as well. If you buy something just for the looks, you might regret it later.

Sit down and ask yourself what you hope to get out of your headphones:

  • Do you want to be able to escape from the world? In this case, you should look at closed-back personal speakers.
  • Maybe you want a device that you can take on the bus with you? Try wireless earbuds.

Enjoy the Headphones That Work for You

The headphone market is flush with products for you to choose from. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath, and get excited. You have so many options available that are designed specifically for your lifestyle.

The beauty of the modern headphone is in its variety and accessibility. You can find a pair that works for you, no matter if you’re a bodybuilder or daily gamer.

 

Toronto-based Country Music Star Kelsi Mayne’s New Video ‘ As I Go’ Goes Viral on TikTok

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Canadian country sensation Kelsi Mayne says she made decisions on the fly when it comes to this, her newest single “As I Go” — and the results could not be better.

“The hook states, ‘I’m gonna make it up As I Go…’ which is precisely what we did when we wrote this song!” Mayne says, recalling the process. “My two brilliant Nashville co-writers, Brett Sheroky and Drew Powell, met with me at the end of my long-winded, five month writing trip in the ‘Music City,’ but we were all drained of ideas.

“We started vibing out on chords and an ‘Eric Church’ feel. Once we came up with the hook. we had a lot of fun coming up with different ways to get revenge. We even managed to pay homage to Carrie Underwood in the chorus” she continues. “But what also makes this song different than most ‘cheatin’ hearts’ country songs is she admittedly doesn’t know what she’s going to do and — much like myself — has a hard time deciding!”

“The music video was also much of the same,” she says of the video for which a quick preview of quickly hurtled Mayne into viral fame on TikTok, with more than 1.5 million views in 24 hours. “We decided to go with a ‘Mad Max’ inspired look and whatever resources we knew we had together between all of our friends — gasoline, trucks, dirt bikes, ATVs, a drone, monster truck, smoke bombs, fireworks, and two scrap cars.”

As one of three top finalists in SiriusXM’s national ‘Top of the Country’ contest, Mayne continues to stack the stats in her favour. Her previous single “Takin’ U Home” currently has more than 440,000 spins on Spotify alone, and was the #1 independent download on DMDS. The track captured the attention of national audiences on Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour, and the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame ceremony on CTV. Dearest to Mayne’s heart, “Takin’ U Home” was also used to promote the Humane Society’s adoption programs.

Originally from Windsor, Ontario — and fun fact: ranked third in Canada for varsity women’s 60m hurdles — Mayne has taken the stage at some of the country’s most celebrated festivals, including Havelock Jamboree, Boots & Hearts, and the Big Valley Jamboree. Last year, she took to the silver screen as the lead in Willa, a Stephen King adaptation which is still making its rounds on the International film festival circuit.

The official, full-length music video for “As I Go” is set for release February 21st, with her debut FACTOR-funded album following March 27th.

Until then, the “As I Go” song and lyric video are available now.

Video: How an American country music pioneer entered African mythology

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In 1933, the US country music pioneer Jimmie Rodgers died of tuberculosis. Just 35 years old and at the peak of his career, his demise left a legacy of a life and career unfinished. This installment from the US animator Drew Christie’s Drawn & Recorded series, which tells little-known stories from the annals of modern music history, recounts the improbable story of how, in death, Rodgers would go on to inspire not just luminaries of American music, but also the Kipsigis peoples of the Rift Valley in Kenya – whose folk music found its way back to the US decades later.

Via

Coheed And Cambria Set Dates For Neverender NWFT Tour 2020

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Modern progressive rock band Coheed and Cambria will return to the road for the 40-plus date Neverender NWFT Tour in 2020. Continuing the popular Neverender Tour series, the group will perform their 2007 fourth studio album, Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV, Volume II: No World For Tomorrow, in its entirety. Additionally, fans can expect performances of Coheed and Cambria classics as well other essential material from the band’s expansive catalogue.

Thirteen years ago, No World for Tomorrow closed out the band’s original sci-fi narrative, The Amory Wars, in epic fashion. Upon release, it bowed at #6 on the Billboard Top 200 as the band’s second consecutive Top 10 debut on the respective chart. Meanwhile, album single “Running Free” soared to the Top 20 on the Alternative Rock Chart, while “Feathers” and “Mother Superior” stand out as fan favorites. Iconic Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins notably recorded drums for the album.

In 2008, Coheed and Cambria hosted the original Neverender as a historic four-night stand in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and London which saw them play their first four albums in full, one per evening. This gave birth to the Neverender Tour. Since then the band has brought these records to life in intimate venues and delivered an immersive audio-visual experience befitting of each respective narrative. Neverender: NWFT marks the fourth and potentially final Neverender Tour, giving gravity to the proceedings.

Claudio Sanchez elaborated on the tour, stating, “Neverender is a special chance for us to celebrate the milestones that have made us Coheed and Cambria. And while the title of this chapter may suggest the end, I would like to think this and past Neverenders will help inform how we approach this ritual in the future.”

In other Coheed and Cambria news, the No World for Tomorrow comic series is slated to arrive in late 2020 via Boom! Studios.

Comprised of Claudio Sanchez (Vocals / Guitar), Travis Stever (Guitar), Josh Eppard (Drums) and Zach Cooper (Bass), Coheed and Cambria have gripped listeners and press around the globe with their visionary compositions and conceptual mastery. This past October Coheed and Cambria made a stunning return with their new album THE UNHEAVENLY CREATURES, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s “Hard Rock Albums” chart, #6 current sales and Top 15 on the “Billboard 200” chart. Boasting 15 songs over 78 minutes, THE UNHEAVENLY CREATURES marked Coheed and Cambria’s furious return to concept albums, the ‘First Act’ in a brand-new story arc set within the backdrop of The Amory Wars universe. The acclaimed record is highlighted by standout tracks “The Guker,” “Unheavenly Creatures,” “The Dark Sentencer” (premiered by Marvel Studios) and “Old Flames,” the latter of which features an official music video directed by Charles “Chas” Todd. The cinematic clip features striking choreography masterminded by Broadway luminary Jon Rua who is known for his roles in the 12-time Tony nominated Spongebob Squarepants and the Tony & Grammy Award Winning hit musical Hamilton. Sanchez also just announced in an interview with Kerrang! that he had just inked a collaboration with Neca Toys for a line of action figures featuring characters from The Amory Wars universe.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA NEVERENDER NWFT Tour
ALL DATES WITH CHON EXCEPT*

May 05 2020 – ACL Live at the Moody Theater – Austin, TX
May 06 2020 – The Aztec Theatre – San Antonio, TX
May 08 2020 – Revention Music Center – Houston, TX
May 09 2020 – Bomb Factory – Dallas, TX
May 10 2020 – Diamond Ballroom – Oklahoma City, OK
May 12 2020 – The Van Buren – Phoenix, AZ
May 13 2020 – Riverside Municipal Auditorium – Riverside, CA
May 15 2020 – The Wiltern – Los Angeles, CA
May 16 2020 – Fox Theater – Oakland, CA
May 17 2020 – Redding Civic Auditorium – Redding, CA
May 19 2020 – Showbox SoDo – Seattle, WA
May 20 2020 – Roseland Theater – Portland, OR
May 21 2020 – The Commodore Ballroom – Vancouver, BC, Canada
May 23 2020 – The Palace Theatre – Calgary, AB, Canada
May 24 2020 – Knitting Factory Concert House – Spokane, WA
May 25 2020 – The Wilma – Missoula, MT
May 27 2020 – Knitting Factory Concert House – Boise, ID
May 28 2020 – The Union Event Center – Salt Lake City, UT
May 29 2020 – The Mission Ballroom – Denver, CO
MAY 31 2020 – Brooklyn Bowl – Las Vegas, NV
Aug 30 2020 – Royal Oak Theatre – Royal Oak, MI
Sep 01 2020 – The Pageant – Saint Louis, MO
Sep 02 2020 – Uptown Theater – Kansas City, MO
Sep 04 2020 – Harrah’s Council Bluffs – Stir Concert Cove – Council Bluffs, IA
Sep 05 2020 – Palace Theatre – Saint Paul, MN
Sep 06 2020 – The Sylvee – Madison, WI
Sep 08 2020 – Agora Theatre – Cleveland, OH
Sep 09 2020 – Sweetwater Performance Pavilion – Fort Wayne, IN
Sep 15 2020 – The Anthem – Washington, DC
Sep 16 2020 – The Rooftop at Pier 17 – New York, NY
Sep 19 2020 – The Palladium Outdoors – Worcester, MA
Sep 20 2020 – The Metropolitan Opera House – Philadelphia, PA
Sep 22 2020 – The Norva – Norfolk, VA
Sep 23 2020 – The Orange Peel – Outdoor Stage – Asheville, NC
Sep 25 2020 – Coca-Cola Roxy – Atlanta, GA
Sep 26 2020 – The Fillmore at Harrah’s New Orleans – New Orleans, LA
Sep 27 2020 – Marathon Music Works – Nashville, TN
Sep 29 2020 – Florida Theatre – Jacksonville, FL
Sep 30 2020 – Hard Rock Live Orlando – Orlando, FL
Oct 02 2020 – The Fillmore Miami Beach at The Jackie Gleason Center – Miami Beach, FL
Oct 03 2020 – Jannus Live – Saint Petersburg, FL