Sonic Reducers. 1 topic. 2 music nerds. 5 minutes.
We discuss Peter Jackson’s Beatles documentary Get Back, talk about some of our favourite people from the 8-hour show, and speculate on what might be next in the world of Fab archival offerings.
Sonic Reducers: #SpotifyWrapped Is Here
Sonic Reducers. 1 topic. 2 music nerds. 5 minutes.
We discuss this year’s Spotify Wrapped charts, share our own results for 2021 — hello, Ellen Foley and Wet Leg! — and why a skateboarder drinking cranberry juice is more influential than the rest of us.
AXS TV Presents US Premiere of Music Doc “Noel Gallagher – Out of the Now” on December 8
– AXS TV proudly presents the premiere of the all-new 2021 music documentary Noel Gallagher – Out Of The Now—airing for the first time in the United States on Wednesday, December 8 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Distributed by London based media company White Light International, Out Of The Now captures rock superstar Noel Gallagher as he marks the 10TH Anniversary of his acclaimed solo project Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. The evening offers a blend of concert and conversation, as Gallagher takes the stage at the Duke Of York’s Theatre in London for a career-spanning set packed with classic favorites from the High Flying Birds’ catalog, and sits down to discuss his life, legacy, and creative process. Highlights include Gallagher opening up about the infamous end of Oasis; explaining what it was like to branch out on his own as a solo artist, experimenting with different instrumentation and vocal techniques that challenged himself and his fanbase; contrasting writing songs for himself versus writing songs tailored to Oasis’ stadium rock sound; delving into how the pandemic helped him grow as an artist; reflecting on his biggest musical influences; and revealing his only regret.
The setlist puts the spotlight on 10 of the High Flying Birds’ biggest hits, featuring favorites such as “Holy Mountain,” “It’s A Beautiful World,” “A Dream Is All I Need To Get By,” and “Black Star Dancing,” among others, as well as the Oasis signature “Don’t Look Back In Anger,” and the Bob Dylan classic “The Mighty Quinn.” Then, stay tuned through the credits for a pair of intimate acoustic performances filmed at Gallagher’s private studio, as he delivers stripped down renditions of “AKA… What A Life!” and “Dead In The Water.”
As a special digital exclusive available only on the AXS TV website, the Network will also present an all-new 30-minute interview that finds Gallagher reflecting on his recently released compilation album Back The Way We Came: Vol. 1, a selection of some of the most meaningful songs from his time with the High Flying Birds. During the sitdown, Gallagher shares personal insight into the creative process behind the tracks and why they earned a place on the album, breaking down 18 beloved hits such as “Back The Way We Came,” “Everybody’s On The Run,” “Riverman,” “We’re On Our Way Now,” “Holy Mountain,” “Dead In The Water” and more, interspersed with clips from music videos for each song.
The Top Artists, Songs, and Albums Globally on Spotify in 2021: Olivia Rodrigo, Bad Bunny and More
By Spotify
The top artists, songs, and albums globally
For the second year in a row, Puerto Rican Reggaeton star Bad Bunny takes the title of most-streamed artist in the world on Spotify. And what’s more: He’s received over 9.1 billion streams without releasing a new album this year. He is swiftly followed by singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, whose Red (Taylor’s Version) gave old and new fans alike a reason to relive the artist’s early groundbreaking work. Rounding up 2021’s top three is BTS. The globally beloved k-pop group had a standout year thanks to their single “Butter.” Canadian hip-hop artists Drake—who released Certified Lover Boy in September—and Justin Bieber—whose 2021 album Justice featured collaborations with artists from across the globe—take spots four and five, respectively.
The top song of 2021 globally is Olivia Rodrigo’s runaway “drivers license,” which garnered over 1.1 billion streams. Lil Nas X’s viral “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” dances its way to second place and heralded the artist’s first studio album. The Kid LAROI enters the ranks for the first time, with his Justin Bieber collaboration “STAY” taking third. The fourth spot sees Olivia Rodrigo once again, this time with “good 4 u,” which also earned the title of 2021 Spotify Song of the Summer. The fifth most streamed song to rise in the ranks is Dua Lipa’s “Levitating (feat. DaBaby).”
When it comes to top albums of 2021 globally, Olivia Rodrigo once again claims the crown—her debut album SOUR clearly held a bit of sweetness. Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia ranks second, with Justin Bieber’s Justice, Ed Sheeran’s =, and Doja Cat’s Planet Her coming in third, fourth, and fifth.
The top podcasts globally
Coming out of its first full year as a Spotify exclusive, The Joe Rogan Experience remains the number-one podcast on Spotify globally. It is followed by the fearless Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy, which also became exclusive to Spotify in 2021. True crime and news continue to be popular genres within the medium, with Crime Junkie, TED Talks Daily, and The Daily rounding out the list.
Notable trends of 2021
When we looked at trends on Spotify in 2021, the top songs, artists, albums, and podcasts weren’t the only things we found. We learned about the moments that united listeners—and the ones that were notable for their uniqueness.
Nostalgia played a role in people’s listening in 2021 as fans rediscovered old favorites—and new generations adopted them as well. Let’s face it: There are certain songs and albums that just sound like home (in a good way).
All-New Canadian Tour An Evening Of “Exceptional Silliness” With John Cleese
Unique Lives & Experiences presents the legendary and hilarious John Cleese in “An Evening of Exceptional Silliness”. Spend an evening of humour with the “One and Only¨ John Cleese as he shares hilarious and silly highlights from his life and career.
At 82 years of age-John Cleese is still the “World’s Funniest Man”. He made his first mark as a member of the legendary Monty Python Troupe in the 1960’S and has gone on to write, produce, direct and star in some of the greatest comedic hits of the last 50 years-even receiving an Oscar nomination for the best screenplay for A Fish Called Wanda.
If you’re in the mood for a good laugh (and who isn’t these days) -this is the show for you.
Tickets for the 12 City Canadian wide tour are on sale now by visiting www.uniquelives.com.
|
|
Sunshine Coast, BC’s Ron Kalmakoff Pays Ode & Urgency to the Planet in “Mother Nature”
Whether you believe it or not, climate change is real, global warming is real, and our planet is in crisis. Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Kalmakoff addresses the urgent need for action in the face of this emergency with the release of his new single and video, “Mother Nature” — available now.
Landing ahead of his forthcoming album, Nature — arriving November 15th — the song features soaring instrumentation and a bold tapestry of male and female vocal harmonies, complete with the sound of late-‘60s light-rock ballads and conjuring a slowed-down 5th Dimension’s “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In.”
With lyrics like ‘You’re not the only one/In this place, in this space/It’s not your universe,’ the message of “Mother Nature” is not one of the dawning of a bright new future — but rather an admonishment to those who don’t care, as well as a kind of prayer to Mother Earth for help, and possibly forgiveness.
Mother, Mother, Mother Nature
Mother, Mother, Mother Nature
We need you more, than we ever did before
We need you more
When writing the song, Kalmakoff shares he felt the weight of responsibility to future generations. “Global warming, climate change, pollution, fires, floods, the need for clean water, creatures big and small disappearing from our planet: how to wrap some of these overwhelming issues in just a few words and only minutes of music?” he says. “As do many others, I feel the urgency — and I now worry for generations to come.”
Though the theme of nature and the planet is lush in this song, the new album Nature is a collage of Kalmakoff’s life experiences, from his childhood in Saskatchewan to now, living on the West Coast of Canada. It’s about the people he has known along the way, the artists he’s admired, and the beauty of Canada — all woven through the songs and the music.
The forthcoming release opens with one of his new original pieces, “Fly With The Wind” — written about his younger self, and the struggle to leave home and family on the prairies to start a new and unknown life in British Columbia. One of his favorite lines in the song is, ‘Like a prairie seed, you felt the need, to fly with the wind,’ he shares.
Included in the selection of twelve songs are five covers written by other Canadian singer/songwriters – Leonard Cohen, Loreena McKennitt, Jim Cuddy, Jimmy Rankin and Michelle Creber. “These are a few of the many Canadian artists I have admired for not only their voices, but their writing styles as well,” Kalmakoff shares. “It was so hard to choose whose work to cover, but I wanted to pick songs where I felt I could add a different artistic layer to, as if to paint the words my own way.”
“As A Child,” which closes the album, is a ballad Kalmakoff wrote about his childhood — the wondrous beauty of childlike imagination, and how nature can spark that. “Through the elements of my surroundings — the prairie skies, the stars, to the northern lights,” he reveals, “I remember my imagination as a child would run wild with ideas.”
Hear them, and more on his forthcoming release, Nature — out November 15th.
In the meantime, pay homage to the planet alongside Kalmakoff in “Mother Nature” — available now.
Michelle Rasky Debuts Genre-Bending Breakout in Groovy “Dancing on My Own”
With expertly tracked instrumentals fusing with precisely programmed synthesizers to meet in the dark, award-winning Canadian artist Michelle Rasky’s new single creates a substantial electro dance-pop single in “Dancing on My Own” — available now.
The Folk Music Ontario Songwriter of the Year award-winner’s newest genre-bending release explores how Rasky finds solace in her musical compositions the same way she’s found solace in dancing — especially throughout the recent string of unforeseen worldly events.
“One of the things that’s helped me feel positive and grounded over the past year has been throwing on music, and just dancing by myself,” the Ontario-based multi-talented artist shares. “Losing ourselves in song and movement can be so uplifting… It’s this beautiful form of self-expression and a way to be present –– to enjoy the feeling of being alive and connected.
“I really wanted to bring that kind of energy into this song.”
Listening to “Dancing on My Own” encapsulates that very feeling in a genuinely profound way reflective of her dazzling skills as a singer/songwriter.
With an array of talent at her disposal — from multi-instrumental abilities to her production experience — Michelle Rasky has been on a lifelong journey with music; “I grew up in a musical household and started playing piano when I was three years old,” Rasky recalls. “I was always passionate about a wide variety of music, and I think my love and respect for so many different artists continue to shape my approach to writing and producing.”
Along the way, the Toronto-born artist has found a knack for blending genres to create her unique organic-hybrid-pop sound that fans have come to know and love.
While her earlier works are inspired by Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, and other artists of the like, she reveals she has been on a journey recently…
While Rasky has long been developing her sound since first stepping onto the scene, her newest venture into the electro-pop dance scene feels fine-tuned and proficient. Focused on expanding her musical exploration, the dynamic artist has gravitated towards incorporating ambient textures, synthesizers, and programmed beats, ultimately finding a way to merge her deep love of electronic music into her expansive scope of work.
Rasky recorded “Dancing on My Own” in her home, giving the unique production another level of heart and soul. Handling vocals, instrumentation, and production, this adept guitar, and piano performer put together a profound electronic-leaning single for the masses to dance to.
Emanating a feeling of tenured practice, Rasky aimed for this release to speak to the joy and connection humans are able to find through dance.
“Basically, I wanted to make something that made me feel like dancing and hopefully would inspire others to dance too!”
Whether they decide to loop in a partner or stay true to the track’s title is up to them; it’s fair to say, t either way, the good times are there for all to enjoy.
“Dancing on My Own” is available now.
Indie-Pop Artist JP Maurice Prevails With Impossible Optimism In “Unstoppable”
After years of an uphill battle with today’s music industry and its perception of pop music, Canadian artist JP Maurice is finally behind the wheel of this indie-pop train, and there is no stopping it; especially not after JP Maurice’s newest single, “Unstoppable” — available now.
In a world of cookie cutter copy-paste formulas, JP Maurice breaks that mold with his riveting and fluid compositions that redefine bubblegum-pop: “Unstoppable” features poppy synths, emotional background cello, and, most importantly, catchy and captivating lyrics. JP Maurice paints a picture that is unmistakably deeply rooted in personal trials and tribulations that hide behind the mask of pop lyricism.
“Big change is coming” was what JP Maurice promised when he broke free and embarked on a self-directed path. Defining himself as an independent pop musician meant he was behind the wheel of his own destiny — as well as his creative entity. Listening to JP Maurice’s previous album, Boys, as well as his newest single, “Unstoppable”, makes this painfully obvious.
Following the release of his 2018 album Boys, the Vancouver-based multi-talented artist found himself immersed in his current album, Pressure Makes Diamonds — available now. Working alongside music industry veteran Ted Gowans, the newly minted 10-track LP is one of JP Maurice’s most personal endeavors to date.
“Its sounds like a premonition, but no one could have imagined what was coming in the year 2020…” he reflects. “But through it all, I have forged ahead with an album that is impossibly optimistic.”
With the situation we all face globally, shifting from day to day, it’s the rosy and bright moments that “Unstoppable” and JP Maurice provide that push people through their day to day. This impossible optimism is what has pushed so many through hardship, and it doesn’t seem like it will stop anytime soon, especially not for JP Maurice.
“Unstoppable” and Pressure Make Diamonds are available now.
JUNO-Nominated Girl Pow-R Soar with Supercharged Remix of “This Is Us”
Volumes up and dance floors cleared: JUNO Award-nominated and chart-topping Markham/Richmond Hill/Hamilton, ON’s all-girl starlets Girl Pow-R soar with supercharged new remix of their hit single, “This Is Us” — available now.
The pop vets pumping out of your speakers are none other than a vibrant group of talented teens boasting a variety of ages, a diverse host of backgrounds, and storied life experiences — and therein lies their strength. These multi-talented dynamos ranging in age from 11 to 17 are a freight train of feel good, do good, be good vibes, setting a precedent for the fans who look up to them in every way.
Now their smash album This Is Us is back with a fresh take, and an even fresher electronica sound! This Is Us (Remix & Remix Instrumentals) features six songs — including its titular track, “This Is Us,” plus fan-favourites like “Never Let Go,” “Fun All Day,” and more — all reimagined into an exciting new pop production and instrumental versions.
“We love the energy the songs provide to us and our fans, and how these songs give everyone a way to get up and celebrate life!” Girl Pow-R says. “We also enjoyed mixing things up a bit by creating new vocal recordings with new solo opportunities and small groups within Girl Pow-R, such as GPR, The Squad, and The Club — each focusing on two songs in the Remix album.
“The universal things that join us together are dynamic skill sets, and a shared mission of empowerment for young women in the world today,” the group — featuring Carina Bianchini (Markham), Cindy Kofman (Richmond Hill), Emma Bown (Hamilton), and Aashika Reddy (Markham) — adds.
Lyrics like “passionate for some change,” “take our message, shout it out,” and “we won’t be pushed around, we are strong, we are proud” underscore how this all-girl supergroup continues to make their core mission banding together, and inspiring others around them with songs that carry optimistic, positive, upbeat, and inspiring messages of self-confidence and conviction.
Not simply vocalists, Girl Pow-R are a trifecta of talent including performing as a band with instruments, and dancing. Their ability to relate to their audience through both their songs, and their visuals gives way to legions of fans who eagerly linger on every word.
And it isn’t simply their listeners who are looking up and taking notice; Girl Pow-R are recognized for their work in their home country and around the world. In 2020, Girl Pow-R has had a number of headliner performances at a variety of important festivals, and they have been turning up on Canadian outlets including Breakfast Television, eTalk Canada, CP24, Sirius XM, and in Tiger Beat, as well as a host of other high-profile media platforms.
Most recently, the group scored a major victory in claiming a nod at the coveted JUNO Awards in 2020 for Children’s Album of the Year. This Is Us debuted at #2 on iTunes Canada streaming charts, only mere spins behind the cultural phenomenon of Baby Shark. This recognition renders Girl Pow-R the youngest outfit to receive a nomination for their debut album.
And, in the last month, the group has had a phenomenal response in the US radio market, rising to #49 on the Mediabase Top 40 radio chart, just above Alessia Cara’s song “Sweet Dream” which ranked at #53 in the same week.
As Girl Pow-R continues their journey, they continue to change, reinvent themselves and reimagine their place in the music world. Their songs reflect their dedication to evolution in their sound, while remaining pure in their mission to raise up others and spread positivity — all directly reflected in their album This Is Us, and its Remix & Remix Instrumentals release.
“To help inspire some positive vibes after this difficult time of the pandemic, we decided to create some remixes of our songs that are dance tunes, with strong influences from trap and high hats,” they say. “We’re excited to share this new album of both the six remix original songs, and the six instrumental versions of the remix songs!”
“This Is Us (Melshi Remix)” and This Is Us (Remix & Remix Instrumentals) are another exciting chapter in the lives and careers of Girl Pow-R, as they seek to solidify their place in Canada’s ever-growing culture of popular music that is written, produced, and performed by talented musicians who aren’t afraid to take chances, look forward, and give the world something to both believe in and dance to.
“This Is Us (Melshi Remix)” and This Is Us (Remix & Remix Instrumentals) are available now!
Dave Grohl and Greg Kurstin Celebrate Night 2 Of Hanukkah With The Ramones’ “Blitzkreig Bop”
Dave Grohl and Greg Kurstin have revived their now-looking-like annual Hanukkah Sessions project, covering songs by Jewish artists. Once upon a time, two nice Jewish boys from Queens named Jeffery Hyman and Thomas Erdelyi changed the world forever with their music….. as Joey and Tommy Ramone!