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Rustin Man Shares New Track “Judgement Train” From New Album, Drift Code, out February 1

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Rustin Man Shares New Track “Judgement Train” From New Album, Drift Code, out February 1

Having announced news of his long-awaited return at the end of last year, Rustin Man, a.k.a. Paul Webb of Talk Talk, is pleased to share a second track – “Judgement Train” – from his forthcoming album Drift Code, to be released on February 1st via Domino.

On “Judgement Train,” which Webb describes as “the Marx Brothers in a musical version of Apocalypse Now,” he casts himself as a man playing poker with God on a train. “He is a bit of a cheat and a chancer, confident he can outwit God to win his place in Heaven. As it develops, he realizes it’s not going so well and God has cunningly switched places with the devil. By the end, the guy has been out-played and realizes he actually has a lot in common with the devil. I like to think it has a happy ending!”

Webb, formerly the bass player in Talk Talk, has released one record under the moniker Rustin Man so far, the superb Out Of Season in 2002 – a collaboration with Beth Gibbons of Portishead. He has been working on the follow-up ever since – recording it in his home, a converted barn, in an Essex field three miles from the nearest village, an extraordinary building as much Old Curiosity Shop as modern living space. Creating that, and raising two daughters with his wife Sam, was happening alongside the making of Drift Code.

This is the first time Paul has written songs specifically for his own voice, and he turns out to be a gifted character actor, adopting various vocal roles across the songs, as heard on “Judgement Train” and the previously shared “Vanishing Heart”.

As you might expect from someone of Webb’s pedigree, Drift Code is a deep, detailed work. The passage of time, the living space full of art, treasured objects and junk, the years spent listening to film music and ’40s standards are all audible. But there’s a surprising spontaneity to it too. The album has a warm, wise kind of euphoria to it, coupled with an acute sense of storytelling and surreality.

SiriusXM’s search for the next big name in country music returns

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SiriusXM’s search for the next big name in country music returns

SiriusXM Canada, the country’s leading audio entertainment company (and where you can hear my show, @ThatEricAlper every weekend on Channel 167, Canada Talks), today announced the return of SiriusXM Top of the Country in partnership with the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA). This nationwide search for Canada’s next big country music star provides emerging artists with a national platform, performance opportunities at some of Canada’s biggest country music events, SOCAN songwriting camps, and valuable industry mentorship to help propel their careers to the next level – not to mention a chance to compete for one of the biggest music prizes in Canada – $25,000 cash.

Canadian country solo artists and groups can register for SiriusXM Top of the Country starting January 14 at 10 am ET until 12 pm ET on February 1 at topcountry.siriusxm.ca.

Following registration, eight semi-finalists will be chosen by a jury of industry experts to record professional, original tracks and in-studio videos for the Canada-wide online vote, taking place later this spring. Once voting is complete, the top three acts will emerge as Top Country finalists, receiving a stage spot at one of Canada’s largest country music festivals. Finalists will also attend a SOCAN songwriting camp in Nashville and an exclusive mentorship session in Toronto with major country artists and industry professionals.

The grand prize winner will be chosen live during the CCMA’s Country Music Week, being held this year in Calgary, AB from September 5-8. Finalists will battle it out on stage at the SiriusXM CCMA Top of the Country Finale, airing live on SiriusXM Canada, with industry professionals deciding the winner of the $25,000, plus attendance at an international SOCAN songwriting camp.

SiriusXM Top of the Country in partnership with the CCMA is part of SiriusXM’s ongoing tradition of promoting and elevating the best emerging Canadian music. SiriusXM continues to offer a leading platform for Canadian artists through its significant financial contributions and North American-wide reach of over 35 million subscribers.

Carlos Santana to Celebrate His Landmark “Supernatural” Album with North American Tour Featuring The Doobie Brothers

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Carlos Santana to Celebrate His Landmark “Supernatural” Album with North American Tour Featuring The Doobie Brothers

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Carlos Santana has announced he will hit the road with his band across North America this summer for the Supernatural Now tour. The three-month, 29-date celebration will commemorate two of the most important milestones in the iconic guitarist’s career: the 20th anniversary of his groundbreaking, multiple Grammy-winning album Supernatural and the 50th anniversary of his momentous performance at Woodstock.

Produced by Live Nation, the Supernatural Now tour begins on June 22 at the Ak-Chin Pavilion in Phoenix, AZ, and will make stops in Dallas, Chicago, Toronto, and more before it concludes on August 25 at the Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY. Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning January 25 at LiveNation.com.

Critically-acclaimed rock band The Doobie Brothers, who have sold more than 48 million albums and won four GRAMMY Awards, will appear on all dates. The band is known for their roots-based, harmony-laden, guitar-driven rock and roll set.

Reflecting on the cosmic significance of both anniversaries occurring in the same year, Santana says, “Both were monumental moments in my life. Woodstock and Supernatural took me to places I never dreamed were possible. I embraced those incredible moments in my life with all my heart. Both were supreme lessons in maintaining focus, heart and integrity in every step every day and to strive to better oneself with a high standard on and off the stage. I cannot think of these two moments without thinking about Mr. Bill Graham and Mr. Clive Davis. They are two of many angels in my life that helped shape my career.”

The 1999 album Supernatural was an unparalleled success and a watershed event in Santana’s career. Containing the back-to-back No. 1 singles “Smooth” and “Maria Maria,” the album sold over 30 million copies worldwide, topped the charts in over a dozen countries and swept the 2000 Grammy Awards, winning a record-tying nine Grammys including Album of the Year, as well as three Latin Grammys including Record of the Year.

“With Supernatural, I felt I had a masterpiece of joy in my heart,” says Santana. “While we were creating the album, I knew we were touching upon something inspiring and that we were creating music that was timeless, like Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On or Bob Marley’s Exodus. But no one was prepared for the Supernatural spiritual virus that moved across the world. The album touched little kids and grandparents and all points in between. I am very grateful to Clive Davis for helping me craft this seminal album that is still as relevant and infectious as the day it was released.”

“We are honored and humbled to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of one of the most successful albums of all time,” says Michael Vrionis, President of Universal Tone Management. “Carlos’ music is as vibrant and as relevant as it was when Supernatural debuted. Our concerts will showcase the melodies, grooves and brilliance of one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Carlos Santana.”

Thirty years before Supernatural, Santana mesmerized the then record-breaking audience at Woodstock – the band’s performance of “Soul Sacrifice” is regarded as one of the high points of the classic concert documentary. “I’ll never forget the way the music sounded, bouncing up against a field of bodies,” says Santana. “It’s well documented that I was tripping during our performance. At one point the guitar turned into an electric snake, twisting and turning. I kept willing the snake not to move and praying that it stayed in tune. By the time we played ‘Soul Sacrifice,’ I was able to breathe and focus, and the band crystalized as one. The magic of Woodstock would not have been possible without Bill Graham. No one had heard of us yet, but he made sure we were on the bill. He is always in my heart.”

While Santana will highlight songs from both his Supernatural and Woodstock eras on the Supernatural Now tour, the guitarist says that the setlist won’t be a dedicated nostalgia trip. The band (which also features Santana’s wife, Cindy Blackman Santana, on drums) will perform new tracks from Santana’s soon-to-be released EP, In Search of Mona Lisa (due out January 25), as well as a much-anticipated, upcoming full-length produced by maverick hitmaker Rick Rubin. Carlos Santana recently signed with Concord Records, which will release both discs.

“We’re always moving forward, and we have incredible new songs and melodies that will inspire you,” says Santana “I feel like a 20 year old on stage playing with this band, and they deliver on every song. When we hit the stage, we know we will touch your heart and make you dance, sing, cry, laugh and leave your baggage behind. The shows will be well balanced between the hits of yesterday, today and tomorrow…with energy!”

“We look forward to sharing the stage with Santana and have an incredible set lined up for audiences. It’s going to be a great tour,” stated The Doobie Brothers.

The 2019 dates for the Supernatural Now tour will focus on North America, but Santana is looking to bring his dual-anniversary extravaganza to Europe, Asia, South America, Australia and New Zealand next year.

The original Woodstock festival took place between August 15-19, 1969. Santana reflects, “It is an honor to celebrate the anniversary of this historic event and return to that sacred ground once again in August. I have a lot of ideas about the anniversary and how to honor those who are no longer with us to celebrate. It is going to be an inspiring summer and we invite you to join us and celebrate life!”

To reward Santana’s loyal fans for years of support and in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the award-winning album Supernatural, Carlos would like to share his latest masterpiece, a new full-length album of highly energetic and hypnotic songs, rhythms, melodies and grooves from Santana. Each pair of tickets purchased for this historic tour will receive this wonderful collection of new music as a special bonus.

Santana and the Doobie Brothers ‘Supernatural Now’ 2019 Tour
6/22 — Phoenix, AZ @ Ak-Chin Pavilion
6/23 — San Diego, CA @ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
6/24 — Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
6/26 — Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre
6/27 — Wheatland, CA @ Toyota Amphitheatre
6/29 — Seattle, WA @ White River Amphitheatre
6/30 — Portland, OR @ Sunlight Supply Amphitheater
7/2 — Salt Lake City, UT @ USANA Amphitheatre
7/3 — Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center
7/6 — Dallas, TX @ Dos Equis Pavilion
7/9 — Austin, TX @ Austin360 Amphitheater
7/11 — Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
7/12 — St. Louis, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
8/3 – St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
8/4 — Chicago, IL @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
8/6 — Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage
8/7 — Cleveland, OH @ Blossom Music Center
8/9 — Indianapolis, IN @ Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
8/10 — Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center
8/11 — Detroit, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre
8/13 — Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion
8/14 — Washington, DC @ Jiffy Lube Live
8/16 — Darien Center, NY @ Darien Lake Amphitheater
8/18 — Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
8/20 — Boston, MA @ Xfinity Center
8/21 — Hartford, CT @ XFINITY Theatre
8/23 — Saratoga, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center
8/24 — Camden, NJ @ BB&T Pavilion
8/25 — Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

Corey Hart to be inducted into Canadian Music Hall of Fame

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Corey Hart to be inducted into Canadian Music Hall of Fame

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and CBC are thrilled to announce legendary singer-songwriter Corey Hart as the 2019 inductee into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Hart, who has sold over 16 million albums worldwide, will be officially inducted into The Canadian Music Hall of Fame during The 2019 JUNO Awards on Sunday, March 17. To celebrate his induction, Hart will take the stage at Budweiser Gardens to perform on live television for the first time in over 20 years. Fans from across the world can tune-in to this special performance as part of The 2019 JUNO Awards broadcast live on CBC, CBC Radio, the free CBC Gem streaming service in Canada, and globally at cbcmusic.ca/junos.

The Canadian Music Hall of Fame was established by CARAS in 1978 to acknowledge artists that have made an outstanding contribution to the international recognition of Canadian music. Hart will join the ranks of Canadian music icons including Anne Murray, Joni Mitchell, k.d. lang, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Oscar Peterson, RUSH, The Guess Who, The Tragically Hip, and Shania Twain. A new exhibition honouring Hart, in partnership with CARAS, will launch at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre in Calgary.

Hailing from Montreal, Quebec, Hart started singing at the age of 11, performing alongside the likes of Tom Jones and Paul Anka. In 1981, at the age of 18, Hart sent tapes of his own songs to the Montreal Forum addressed to Billy Joel and his bandmates. What followed speedily set his career in motion: the band’s saxophone player called Hart, and he spent the following summer playing gigs with members of the Billy Joel Band and quickly began performing solo and writing songs.

In 1983, Hart released his debut album, First Offense, which took off in Canada, the U.S. and internationally, becoming a monumental success. The album gave the world the iconic song “Sunglasses at Night,” and the video for the song was both a staple on MTV and won the first-ever JUNO Award for Best Video in 1984. The following year, Hart released his sophomore album, Boy In The Box, which achieved Diamond status certification (1 million plus sales) faster than any other Canadian artist in history. The album had four hit singles, including “Never Surrender,” which was number one in Canada for nine weeks and won Single of the Year at the 1985 JUNO Awards.

The international sensation “Sunglasses at Night” combined with his handsome James Dean persona, propelled him to be adulated by frenzied fans throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s. Hart performed in arenas around the world, and in 1985, sold out the 25,000 capacity CNE Grandstand in Toronto. Hart has sold over 16 million records around the world, has had nine consecutive singles on the U.S. Billboard top 40 and has had 11 top 10s in Canada. Hart has been nominated for a Grammy, as well as ASCAP, ADISQ, SOCAN, and JUNO Awards.

In 1999, Hart took a hiatus from touring and recording to focus his energy and time on his children and wife, singer Julie Masse. Although out of the spotlight, Hart wrote and produced several songs for 20-time JUNO winner Céline Dion. In 2003, Hart started a record label partnership with Warner Music Canada called Siena Records, where he continues to act as president. In 2014, after 12 years off from live performing, Hart made a comeback in his hometown at the Montreal Bell Centre Arena with a marathon set called “One Night – Three Decades Of Music.” At the same time, he launched his autobiography, Chasing The Sun.

Today, Corey Hart releases “Dreaming Time Again,” the first official single from his forthcoming EP of the same name, produced by the legendary Bob Ezrin. The Dreaming Time Again EP, releasing on May 3, 2019 is Hart’s first new music in 20 years and comes ahead of his cross-Canada Never Surrender Tour set to begin May 31 (his birthday) in St. John’s, NFLD. Tickets for the Never Surrender Tour are available at www.coreyhart.com and all will include a free download of the Dreaming Time Again EP. Watch the official video for “Dreaming Time Again” here.

Milestones: Corey Hart, a new exhibition at Studio Bell – the physical home to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in Calgary, Alberta – opens on March 22, 2019 and will run until October 2019. It captures the stories behind some of Hart’s biggest career breakthroughs and features memorable artifacts from the singer-songwriter’s past, including handwritten lyric books and the signature Wayfarer sunglasses that he wore in his “Sunglasses at Night” video. Bonus fan messages provided by Hart will be sprinkled throughout the exhibition and can be viewed using interactive “sunglasses”.

The House Of Marley Unveils Sustainably Designed Smart Home Audio Speaker Optimized For The Google Assistant

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The House Of Marley Unveils Sustainably Designed Smart Home Audio Speaker Optimized For The Google Assistant

The House of Marley, the first FSC certified consumer electronics company in the United States, today announced the debut of seven upcoming releases and newly launched products at CES 2019, including the Get Together Mini with the Google Assistant.

AUDIO SYSTEMS

GET TOGETHER MINI WITH THE GOOGLE ASSISTANT: The Get Together Mini with the Google Assistant, a connected upgrade to the Get Together family of speakers, is making smart speaker technology more convenient and more eco-conscious. It is crafted using some of the highest percentage of sustainable materials of any Google Assistant smart speaker – natural bamboo, recyclable aluminum and Marley’s signature REWIND™ fabric composed of organic cotton, organic hemp and recycled plastics rPET. Hands-free voice control is now possible with the Google Assistant built in and Google Cast integration allows for multi-room playback across supported Chromecast speakers and functionality with compatible apps. Bluetooth and WiFi capable, with high performance sound and USB power bank to charge your phone. MAP: $199.99. On sale August 2019.

STIR IT UP WIRELESS: Designed and engineered to bring the natural in-home vinyl feel to multiple devices, the upgraded Stir It Up Wireless turntable is a Bluetooth version of its original. Crafted using bamboo, REWIND™ fabric and recyclable aluminum, the turntable is Bluetooth 5.0 capable with built in pre-amp and belt drive with auto start/stop for power conservation. MAP: $249.99. On sale September 2019.

NO BOUNDS XL: The CES 2019 Innovation Awards Honoree portable Bluetooth™ speaker is designed using naturally sustainable cork making it lightweight, durable, naturally antimicrobial and impermeable to water, allowing it to sustain wear and tear, offer vibration dampening, and even float. Released in October 2018, the latest navy colorway will be debuting at CES 2019. MAP: $149.99.

WIRELESS EARBUDS AND HEADPHONES

LIBERATE AIR: Embodying the Marley materialization around sustainability, the brand-first eco-conscious true wireless Bluetooth® earbuds are designed using bamboo, natural wood fiber composite and REWIND™ fabric composed of 100% recycled PET. Offering leading battery life with 7 hours on-board playtime, the earbuds are IPX4 rated for rain and sweat resistance. The compact case is designed with an auto on/off feature for seamless Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and tap controls on the earbuds allow for a simplified unchained listening experience. MAP: $149.99. On sale July 2019.

EXODUS: The all-new Exodus over-ear wireless headphones feature a 30-hour battery life and 50mm hi-definition drivers, offering the acoustic performance you expect with the natural style you know to love. The new flagship headphones are crafted from sustainable FSC® certified wood, stainless steel, recyclable aluminum and natural leather. Memory Foam ear cushions provide premium comfort while the foldable hinge design, on-board mic and remote functionality offer portability and convenience. MAP: $199.99. On sale March 2019.

EXODUS ANC: Expanding the flagship wireless headphone line, the true over-ear style of Exodus ANC focuses on superior active noise cancellation, acoustic performance and premium comfort. With familiar features and materials of the Exodus, the Exodus ANC’s 24+ hour battery life (with ANC and BT, 40-hour with BT only), foldable design and protective carrying case make them a durable travel companion. MAP: $249.99. On sale September 2019.

REDEMPTION: Enhancing the wireless headphone line-up, the Redemption provide Marley signature sound and premium comfort for a day’s worth of listening with a 24-hour battery life. Similar foldable design, Memory Foam ear cushions and 50 hi-definition drivers make up the sustainably crafted construction along with FSC® certified wood, stainless steel REWIND™ Fabric and recyclable aluminum. MAP: $99.99. On sale July 2019.

Looking forward in 2019, The House of Marley is continuing to bring awareness to their Project Marley platform, a charitable initiative contributing to the planting of trees through non-profit organization One Tree Planted to support global reforestation. The House of Marley recognizes the responsibility to reduce their corporate footprint by contributing to positive environmental, social and economic impact through carbon offsets, cleaner air, water filtration and greater biodiversity within the world’s forests. Since 2017, The House of Marley has contributed to the planting of 146,000 trees in areas including Indonesia, the Amazon rainforest, British Columbia, Florida and California.

Mattel Announces Global Licensing Agreement With Global Boy Band BTS

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Mattel Announces Global Licensing Agreement With Global Boy Band BTS

Mattel announced today at the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair a comprehensive, worldwide licensing agreement with BTS (acronym for Bangtan Sonyeondan or “Beyond the Scene”), the seven-member South Korean boy band taking the world by storm.

Under this multi-category license with BTS under its label, Big Hit Entertainment, Mattel will create dolls, collectible figures, games, and more. In the wake of sold out tours across the globe, the collaboration launches this summer with a first-ever BTS-inspired toy line created around the likenesses of the band’s seven members: RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook. The dolls will be fashioned in the looks from the BTS’ iconic and YouTube record-breaking “IDOL” music video.

Follow @Mattel for more information and track the conversation with #BTSxMattel and #BTSDollsOfficial.

Nine Canadian recipients selected for new Music Video Production (MVP) Project

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Nine Canadian recipients selected for new Music Video Production (MVP) Project

Today, RBC and the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (The Canadian Academy) announced the nine grant recipients of a new initiative called the MVP Project, which provides funding and networking support to musicians and filmmakers for music video creation and production.

The MVP Project was established in 2018, in a partnership between RBCxMusic and the Prism Prize. Administered by The Canadian Academy, the MVP Project was created to enable Canadians in creative industries to explore their musicianship, hone their filmmaking skills, and further their career growth.

Beginning in October 2018, Canadians who identified themselves as “Emerging Artists” were encouraged to submit their music and video treatments to a peer-based jury of music and media professionals. As recipients in the first round of the MVP Project, the artists and directors will receive mentorship and networking opportunities, as well as funding support through music video production grants.

Recipients include:

  • Recording artist, Beatchild and the Slakadeliqs, Producer, Rinku DasGupta and Director, Dan LeMoyne (Toronto, ON)
  • Recording artist, GOVI, Producer, Imad Elsheikh and Director, Jorden Lee (Ajax, ON)
  • Recording artist, Jeremy Dutcher, Producer, Julie Baldassi and Director, Chandler Levack (Toronto, ON)
  • Recording artist, Jordan Klassen, Producer, Shelby Manton and Director, Farhad Ghaderi (Vancouver, BC)
  • Recording artists, Milk & Bone, Producer, Sébastien Hotte and Director, Soleil Denault (Montreal, QC)
  • Recording artist and Director, Sean Leon, Producer Noor Khan (Scarborough, ON)
  • Recording artist, Tim Baker and Director/Producer, Jordan Canning (St. John’s, NL)
  • Recording artist, Wild Black (Saskatoon, SK), Producer, Lindsay Goeldner, and Directors, Lulu Wei and Lindsay Goeldner (Toronto, ON)

In addition to these recipients, a portion of funds from each MVP Project funding round will be allotted to a Curated Music Video Production, commissioning a piece from one recording artist/producer/director team who have successfully collaborated in the past.

For this first round, the recipients are recording artist, Jessie Reyez, Producer, Mad Ruk and director, Peter Huang.

Music from all genres was represented within the submissions. The top four most-popular categories were Pop (22.2%), Rock (12%), R&B (10.5%) and Hip Hop (10.2%). Regionally, Ontario had the largest representation, with Quebec and Western provinces following.

The MVP project is part of the RBC Emerging Artists Project, which helps Canadian artists bridge the gap from emerging to established, and supports organizations that provide opportunities to advance their career.

The next round of submissions will open on January 15, 2019. For more information, visit www.mvpproject.ca.

Network Entertainment Announces Production of Punk, a Four-Part Series to Premiere on Epix, March 2019, with Executive Producers John Varvatos and Iggy Pop

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Network Entertainment Announces Production of Punk, a Four-Part Series to Premiere on Epix, March 2019, with Executive Producers John Varvatos and Iggy Pop

Network Media Group just announced its partnership with John Varvatos, Iggy Pop and EPIX for a four-part docu-series on the quintessential story of punk, premiering on EPIX in the U.S., March 11, 2019 (10:00 pm ET/PT).

Iggy Pop joins the Punk series as an executive producer, and adds his voice alongside exclusive interviews with America’s punk pioneers and the U.K.’s most notorious bands, including musical luminaries Johnny Rotten (Sex Pistols/Public Image Ltd./PiL), Marky Ramone (Ramones), Debbie Harry and Chris Stein (Blondie), Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses), Wayne Kramer (MC5), Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys/Alternative Tentacles), Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Dave Grohl (Nirvana/Foo Fighters), as well as industry legends Danny Fields (Elektra Records), Legs McNeil (Please Kill Me/Punk Magazine), and filmmaker Penelope Spheeris (The Decline of Western Civilization; Wayne’s World).

Featuring a seamless blend of rare and unseen photos, gritty archival film and video, and a crackling soundtrack of punk hits and misses, Punk explores the music, the fashion, the art and the DIY attitude of a subculture of self-described misfits and outcasts.

Punk is produced by Derik Murray and directed by Jesse James Miller.

A&W unveils new public installation saying goodbye to the last of its plastic straws

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A&W unveils new public installation saying goodbye to the last of its plastic straws

Check out A&W’s public art installation in Toronto commissioned by the burger chain. Reading “Change is Good,” the typography is made from the last of the company’s plastic straws. A&W switched from plastic to compostable straws last year – helping to keep out about 82 million pieces of single-use plastics from landfills each year.

CTV Reveals the 30 Aspiring Artists Featured on Season 2 of Hit Music Series, THE LAUNCH

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CTV Reveals the 30 Aspiring Artists Featured on Season 2 of Hit Music Series, THE LAUNCH

CTV officially unveils today the 30 artists vying for their chance to record an original song on the upcoming second season of CTV’s smash-hit music series, THE LAUNCH, premiering January 30. Handpicked from thousands of applicants, these widely gifted artists represent some of the best talent that Canada has to offer across a variety of musical genres, including pop, rock, country, soul, folk, and more.

The six-episode second season of THE LAUNCH kicks off Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 8 p.m. ET/PT in super simulcast on CTV, VRAK, and the CTV app. Weekly episodes of THE LAUNCH will also air day-and-date with CTV on VRAK, subtitled in French. Encore presentations of THE LAUNCH air Saturdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and Sundays at 11 a.m. ET on Much (visit CTV.ca and Much.com to confirm local listings).

Guiding artists through the audition, performing, and recording process are Scott Borchetta, world renowned music executive and CEO/Founder of Big Machine Label Group, and new permanent mentor Marie-Mai (STAR ACADÉMIE, LA VOIX), who join a weekly rotating panel of music industry powerhouse celebrity mentors and producers. Fan favourite entertainment reporter Liz Trinnear (ETALK) also joins Season 2 in a new hosting role.

See below for a list of artists, airdates, and corresponding celebrity mentors and song producers. To learn more about each artist and to watch a Season 2 preview, visit @CTV_PR and click here. Viewers can catch up on Season 1 of THE LAUNCH on CTV.ca, the CTV app, and the all-new Crave.

Episode 1 – Airing Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Celebrity Mentor/Producer: Ryan Tedder

Amber J, Trail, B.C. – Pop, R&B

Cassiøpeia, Burnaby, B.C. – Alt-Pop

Dey, Toronto – Soul

NOA, Richmond Hill, Ont. – Pop

Vi, Ottawa – Alternative, Dark-Pop

 

 

Episode 2 – Airing Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Celebrity Mentor: Sarah McLachlan

Song Producer: Alex Hope

Alexandra Porat, Mississauga, Ont. – Pop, R&B

Avery Florence, Montréal – Soft-Soul, Low-Key R&B

T. Thomason, Halifax – Indie, Pop-Rock

Trevor LaRose, Mississauga, Ont. – Alt-Pop

Phé, Vancouver – R&B

 

Episode 3 – Airing Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Celebrity Mentor: Max Kerman (Arkells)

Song Producer: Jon Levine

Charlie The Kid, Toronto – Confetti-Folk

James Clayton, Montréal – Singer-songwriter, Alternative Folk-Rock

Old.Soul.Rebel, Vancouver – Soul, Rock-n-Roll

Polina Grace, Montréal – Power-Pop

Saveria, London, Ont. – R&B, Neo-Soul

 

Episode 4 – Airing Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Celebrity Mentor: Jann Arden

Song Producer: Shaun Frank

Clancy Coulter, Princeton, B.C. – R&B, Alternative-Pop

Jayde, Peterborough, Ont. – Alternative-Pop

Julia Gartha, Markham, Ont. – Singer-Songwriter, Pop

Nick Babcock, Kingston, Ont. – Pop

Olivia Lunny, Winnipeg – Alternative-Pop

 

Episode 5 – Airing Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Celebrity Mentor/Song Producer: Bryan Adams

Ben Cottrill, Vancouver – Acoustic-Rock, Soul

Jordane Labrie, Québec City – Folk Americana

Maddie Storvold, Edmonton – Country-Folk

Nate Daviau, Toronto – Country, Americana

The Faceplants, Vancouver – Pop-Rock

 

Episode 6 – Airing Wednesday, Mar. 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Celebrity Mentor: Bebe Rexha

Song Producer: Nile Rodgers

Adrian Chalifour, Victoria – Indie-Rock, Folk-Rock

Del Hartley, Toronto – R&B/Soul

Michelle Treacy, Ottawa – Pop

Sarah Carmosino, Aurora, Ont. – Indie-Pop

WILL, Toronto – R&B, Pop

As announced last fall, the exciting second season of THE LAUNCH features A-List mentors and producers, including Grammy® Award-winning singer/songwriter Sarah McLachlan; Grammy® Award-winning music legend Bryan Adams; frontman for four-time JUNO-Award winning rock band Arkells, Max Kerman; celebrated multi-platinum award-winning singer-songwriter Jann Arden; chart-topping singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha; and recording/producing superstar Ryan Tedder, who produced the Season 1 certified platinum hit single “Ain’t Easy” by Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine, returns.

Additionally, some of the most successful producers working in music today join Season 2 to produce fresh hit songs including Nile Rodgers (Madonna, David Bowie, Diana Ross); Jon Levine (Avril Lavigne, Drake, Bebe Rexha); Alex Hope (Carly Rae Jepsen, Troye Sivan, Tove Lo); and Shaun Frank (The Chainsmokers, Steve Aoki, Dragonette).

Based on the success of the first season, THE LAUNCH secured an exclusive worldwide distribution deal with Sony Pictures Television (SPT). In addition, the inaugural season delivered a series of consecutive #1 hit songs amassing more than 30 million streams internationally to date, including “Ain’t Easy” by Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine, which also has accumulated more than 342 million radio audience impressions to date. The pop/hip-hop duo won the iHeartRadio MMVA for Best New Canadian Artist in August, and recently dropped their latest single “Better Off.”

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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