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Dr. Martens Highlights LA’s Feminist Punk Scene And NYC’s DIY Music Scene

Eric Alper
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Dr. Martens Highlights LA’s Feminist Punk Scene And NYC’s DIY Music Scene

Today, Dr. Martens has unveiled two new films as a part of their 2021 curated “Dr. Martens Presents: Music & Film Series” exploring LA’s women in punk and NY’s DIY music scene.

Confirmed cast for the 2021 Dr. Martens Presents: Music & Film Series film “Redefining Feminism in Punk: Los Angeles” includes The Linda Lindas, Exene Cervenka, L.A. Witch, Patty Schemel and Marina Muhlfriedel and Genny Schorr of Backstage Pass.

Confirmed cast for the 2021 Dr. Martens Presents: Music & Film Series NYC DIY scene film includes Oliver Ackermann (A Place to Bury Strangers), Rebelmatic, THICK, Walter Wlodarczyk and Edwina Hay.

In partnership with COLLiDE Agency, filmmakers Ali Roberto (LA) and Jeanette D. Moses (NY) share their two short documentary-style films highlighting the artists, musicians and die-hard fans in the music scenes they’ve created; where decades of young talent continue to experiment, inspire and sharpen their sound.

ABOUT EPISODE #3

Punk is alive and well in filmmaker Ali Roberto’s new Dr. Martens Presents short film “Redefining Feminism in Punk: Los Angeles” where Roberto takes the genre’s pulse — checking in with groundbreaking punk icons (Exene, Hole’s Patty Schemel) along with genre newcomers, to chat punk’s past, present and future.

Alongside archival footage and unflinching interviews, highlights include early Whiskey a GoGo Shows, like the time Backstage Pass opened for Elvis Costello, the genesis of The Linda Lindas’ “Racist, Sexist Boy” and X and Hole’s early shows. Watch the full film here: https://www.drmartens.com/us/en/dm-presents-women-in-punk-la

Of the film filmmaker Ali Roberto says: “Last year, Dr. Martens asked me to produce and direct a 7-part docuseries over quarantine. It was an intimate look at how bands were surviving with canceled tours and plans and how they were being active within their communities and giving back. This year, Dr. Martens came to me and gave me the option to choose any scene in Los Angeles for the episode. I’ve always been fascinated with the Los Angeles punk scene and how punk resurges into the mainstream when we are in political and social upheaval. Punk has been coming up in the mainstream a lot in the past few years, unsurprisingly. From Olivia Rodrigo recreating all of Hole’s iconic imagery to the Linda Lindas going viral with ‘Racist Sexist Boy’ — Punk’s DIY and ‘fuck you’ attitude is becoming a rally cry for those yearning for societal change. The marriage of these two things is undeniable. Womxn in music have a lot up against them from sexist labels trying to control their image to handsy show bookers trying to cop a feel. This film showcases their strength and rebellion from the very first all female punk band in LA to the youngest and newest that are making the biggest waves. This story has something for everyone, even if you are unfamiliar with punk.”

“Interviewing Exene and Patty was an absolute dream come true. I have looked up to these women for a long time. They adorned my walls growing up as I yearned to move away from my hometown and immerse myself in music and art. My filmmaking partner Sébastien Paquet also had the same dreams growing up in France, and now we create films together. Seb has been the main cinematographer for Korn for the past 16 years. He is the one behind the camera at every show and every rock and metal festival in the US. Together, we create docufilms and music videos for many artists you know and love.”

 

ABOUT EPISODE #4

Jeanette D. Moses’ high-energy work is known best for capturing the intimacy of New York City’s creative communities and in her Dr. Martens Presents episode, Moses explores the sanctity of DIY spaces, the importance of all ages shows, and how the DIY scene has evolved amidst years of sociopolitical and economic change. At the foundation of these topics, lies the central pillar of New York’s DIY Punk Scene – community.

Rebelmatic, A Place To Bury Strangers and THICK share their thoughts on the ever-adapting genre and the people who’ve shaped their lives. Catch the full episode here: https://www.drmartens.com/us/en/dm-presents-diy-ny 

Confirmed cast for the 2021 Dr. Martens Presents: Music & Film Series includes The Linda Lindas, MUNA, Oliver Ackermann (A Place to Bury Strangers), L’Rain, Neon Indian, Inner Wave, L.A. Witch, Patty Schemel, Avalon Lurks, Backstage Pass, Rebelmatic, DJ AQ, Danie, Doris Muñoz, Edwina Hay, Eli Fola, Exene Cervenka, Harmless, OVEOUS, Polartropica, Rahel, Joey Labeija, Rett Madison, Saturn Risin9, Selena Ruiz, THICK, Walter Wlodarczyk, Kimberly Drew, Cakes Da Killa, Khalif.

Later in the series, filmmakers Ambar Navarro, Fredgy Noël, Ali Roberto, will highlight a myriad of scenes across genres, generations and groundbreaking musicians who through a plethora of archival footage and unflinching interviews.

8 Hours Of Footage From ‘The 1980 Floor Show’ Featuring David Bowie

Eric Alper
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8 Hours Of Footage From ‘The 1980 Floor Show’ Featuring David Bowie

The 1980 Floor Show was a rock musical spectacle featuring David Bowie as the protagonist, held at the Marquee Club in Soho, London, on October 18–20, 1973. It was broadcast in the United States by NBC on November 16, 1973, as part of the series The Midnight Special, and presented the last performance of Bowie as his character Ziggy Stardust.

Now we get to see an amazing 8 hours of previously unseen footage. Settle in, kids.

Sonic Reducers: Brass Against and Other Rock n’ Roll Behaviours

Eric Alper
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Sonic Reducers: Brass Against and Other Rock n’ Roll Behaviours
Sonic Reducers. 1 topic. 2 music nerds. 5 minutes.
We talk about the now-infamous concert where Brass Against singer Sophia Uristra peed on a fan, debate whether it goes too far, and share some of our own urine-stained rock ’n’ roll experiences.

Toronto Synth-Pop Outfit MOVES AFTER MIDNIGHT Embraces “Savage Love”

Eric Alper
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Toronto Synth-Pop Outfit MOVES AFTER MIDNIGHT Embraces “Savage Love”

Canadian artist Christopher Mihas is the puppet master behind the new synth-pop nu-disco outfit Moves After Midnight, and nowhere does he pull more strings than on the pulsating fresh banger, “Savage Love,” and debut EP, Fluorescent Memoirs — available now.

“It’s a song that many people will relate to,” Mihas says. “It’s about a relationship — not necessarily with a person, but with a substance; an addiction.

“I think most people have had some type of chaotic relationship — whether it was with a lover or substance abuse, or even both,” he continues. “‘Savage Love’ touches on that: how something destructive can also be appealing.

“The lyric, ‘venom kisses, a tasty prison’ kinda sums that up.”

The track throws back the tumbler of 80s nostalgia, and washes it down with the futuristic Nu Disco vibe Mihas has perfected over his tenure as a DJ. Fusing low-fi riffs with dreamy melodies that summons you to the floor, coercing you to dance, “Savage Love” — and Moves After Midnight, at large — pack a retro punch on the rollercoaster that is electronic beats and synth-pop sounds.

This inventive fusion of genres allows the listener to embark on a newly revitalized soundscape and, akin to snagging a peek at the book jacket before reading the entire novel, “Savage Love” is an invitation to Mihas-as-Moves After Midnight’s passion project preliminarily unveiled throughout the six-song strong offering.

Recorded at Mihas’ home, Fluorescent Memoirs went on for mastering at Musicboxx in Oakville and, to flesh out its scope, Mihas would enlist a variety of collaborators, including longtime friend Bartek Milczarzyk on guitar. “‘Savage Love’ sprang from a guitar riff that had been left on an outtake by Bartek,” Mihas reveals.

The album came to Mihas during the early parts of the pandemic in 2020; a window of time presenting itself to the DJ, and percussionist, which he utilized to collaborate and create the EP. It features four different vocalists, including British songstress, Silke, who leant her gorgeous, seductive and soulful vox on “Savage Love.”

“Savage Love” and Fluorescent Memoirs are available now.

Contemporary Classical Artist JAYE MARSH Awakens Inner WildFlute & A Vastly Canadian Experience in “Calling”

Eric Alper
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Contemporary Classical Artist JAYE MARSH Awakens Inner WildFlute & A Vastly Canadian Experience in “Calling”

Contemporary classical artist Jaye Marsh awakens her inner WildFlute, and welcomes audiences to experience Canada’s vast wilderness and beauty along the way with the release of her new single, “Calling” for flute and loon calls — available now.

Written by Diane Berry, and featuring loon calls by recordist John Neville, “Calling” is the first track from Marsh’s stunning forthcoming 13-song album, Flute In The Wild, which is set to arrive this November.

“I first performed this piece with John’s recording of loons on a small stage in Toronto, but thought it would be so fun to record on location at our cottage in Georgian Bay; it’s a regular haunt for loons,” Marsh shares. “My producer had me up at 6:00 am to get the quietest time and, during the recording, we had some neighbours paddle up and declare, ‘See, I knew it was a flute! My husband swore it was just loons!’

“I guess Diane’s piece is really effective in recreating a conversation between the flutist and her loon friends!”

As one element in the delectable ensemble that is Marsh’s Flute In The Wild project, “Calling” lands as one of the collection’s most fitting.

“This track is the closest to a direct nature and flute duet, and is most evocative of the Canadian experience in the wild,” she says. “The impetus for Diane writing this piece was her trying to explain to someone from Europe why the loon — being so ubiquitous in our country — appears on our money; they had never heard a loon call but now, with ‘Calling,’ she can share her piece with everyone who needs to hear a lonely, haunting call on a peaceful lake.”

In addition to Berry’s composition for “Calling,” Marsh commissioned three other esteemed composers to create an album dedicated to celebrating some of Canada’s wild and beautiful spaces; Elizabeth Raum, Richard Mascall, and Richard Herriott contribute to the album’s soundscape, immersing audiences in sonic experiences inspired by the Northern Lights, Bridal Veil Falls, Trinity Bay (in Newfoundland), and more. This is music that invites you to experience Canada through a flute lens.

The connection to the Canadian hinterland speaks to Marsh on a deeply personal and creatively intimate level; though physically based in Toronto, she reveals that her spiritual self soars in the Maritimes and Georgian Bay, where her inner WildFlute shines most vibrantly.

“Who is the WildFlute?” she offers. “The WildFlute is a water sprite… A trickster… A siren… A WildFlute is the haunt of a loon, a cooling waterfall mist, rain drops, butterfly wings… WildFlutes enjoy the sound of the flute in any place they find it: hip hop, jazz, symphonies, Indigenous song, jigs and reels…

“Whether you play the flute, or listen to the flute,” she adds, “you are a WildFlute!”

A beloved recitalist throughout Ontario, Flute In The Wild isn’t Marsh’s first foray into harmonizing the talents of her peers; having curated numerous Flute and Friends concerts, she is currently the principal flutist with the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra, and plays regularly with other regional orchestras across the province. A celebrated soloist on both the flute and piccolo, Jaye Marsh has also performed as principal flute in the orchestra opening for Evanessence, as well as the Cirque Musica tour orchestra.

As her debut album, Flute In The Wild features Darren Hicks on bassoon, Heidi Elise Bearcroft on harp, Andrew Morris on percussion, Christina Marie Faye and Richard Herriott on piano, and Wasauksing First Nation elder and storyteller John Rice.

“The germ of this project began with the death of my father in 2017,” Marsh shares. “It doesn’t matter how old you are, this is still a major shift in a person’s life… Not only did half of my history disappear, but I also felt a strong urge to collect and touch all the things he created as a graphic designer.

“I realized I wanted to leave something for my own children to be proud of, and to hold on to.

“I also wanted to contribute to my musical community,” she continues. “So, in addition to the dedication to my family and friends, this project is ultimately an offering of new music to all the flutists around the world; parts are available and I welcome everyone to make these fine compositions their own in hopes that they will take the opportunity to play a little piece of Canada themselves.”

“Calling” is available now. Flute In The Wild is available November 19th, 2021.

AfroSwing Producer Chefbeatz and Pop Singer/Songwriter Kelly Besd Release “Love”

Eric Alper
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AfroSwing Producer Chefbeatz and Pop Singer/Songwriter Kelly Besd Release “Love”

Garnishing the latest track to land from the Find Move Love EP with a feature from Jey Oh and Slim Tyme, Calgary producer Chefbeatz and singer/songwriter Kelly Besd’s new song “Love” is available now.

Deliciously savoury and sonically crave-worthy, “Love,” and Find Move Love in its entirety, give listeners a heartfelt story of triumph over the complications that arise when trying to swoon a partner — and, inevitably, fall in love.

Based in Calgary, Chefbeatz is a West-African born producer who has found a niche in both diverse production style and the Canadian music scene. His incorporation of his African roots is coupled with his experiences working with western music — specifically, hip-hop, R&B, and pop music. Throughout the Find Move Love EP — and most certainly, “Love” — it’s clear Chefbeatz is more than willing to push the boundaries of music production as a storyteller who explores depth and movement.

However, Chefbeatz’s “musical soup” is not complete without a little bit of spice; joining forces with a handful of Calgary’s finest, Chefbeatz set his sights on fusing his unique AfroSwing style of composition with Kelly Besd’s inherent knack for fusing pop music into unexpected genres.

A breakthrough artist since splashing onto the scene, Besd has worked alongside legendary producers such as Eddie Kramer, and previous releases since her debut have been met with a rapid amassing of adoring fans. The two met in Chefbeatz’s studio one day while he was working on instrumental compositions, giving these two a classic, yet traditionally inspiring story of success. Some call it being in the right place at the right time, however these two artists call it destiny, and the passionate musical pairing has led to the discovery of a mutual appreciation for diligence and genre bending — a characteristic present in both of their production styles.

From there, and as many great culinary masters do, Chefbeatz sought the perfect garnish to complete his concoction; with a certain style and grace at the top of his mind, Chefbeatz on-boarded Jey Oh to perform the alluring male R&B vocals that really drive the overall theme of finally finding love.

Not quite finished, Chefbeatz continued seeking to finesse the final details, ultimately summoning Slim Tyme to weave sultry saxophone riffs throughout “Love,” adding the extra flair this production was after.

The result of Chefbeatz and Kelly Besd’s search for the perfect talents ends in an alluring combination of afrobeats mixed into hip-hop and jazz tropes, highlighting the challenges and rewards of seeking love. The third, and fittingly titled, track from the Find Move Love EP, “Love” deftly displays elements of each performer’s distinctive talents, and puts them on an appropriate pedestal.

“Love” and Find Move Love are available now.

Sonic Recducers: Taylor Swift and Songs Over 10 Minutes Long

Eric Alper
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1
Sonic Recducers: Taylor Swift and Songs Over 10 Minutes Long

Sonic Reducers. One topic. Two music nerds. Five minutes.

We discuss Taylor Swift’s 10-minute version of All Too Well, talk about her evolution as an artist, and list some of our favourite long songs.

Here’s Why You Don’t Know The Liverbirds, The UK’s First All-Female Rock Band

Eric Alper
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Here’s Why You Don’t Know The Liverbirds, The UK’s First All-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.

Edmonton’s Alt-Electronic Artist RICK CHRISTIAN Asks “Will You Dance With Death?” In New Single

Eric Alper
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Edmonton’s Alt-Electronic Artist RICK CHRISTIAN Asks “Will You Dance With Death?” In New Single

There’s a good chance you’ve been asked to dance, or asked someone else to. But if that dance was with Death, would you square up or bow out?

That’s what Edmonton alt-electronica artist Rick Christian is asking in his new single and music video-turned-horror flick, “Will You Dance With Death?” — available now. The electronica, low-fi, banger wastes no time mashing a dance bop with dark, chilling lyrics. And it’s just as Rick Christian likes it.

“I wanted something dark that people could dance to,” Christian says, simply; his music is heavily entrenched in bass and synth, layering his lyrics inside the production. “I attempted ideas and techniques when recording and producing this song that I had never done before. The production and blending of the synth in the mix was the next level for me. The hours of post production really paid off.”

A true fan of horror, Christian says he grew up a fan of the genre. Likewise drawing on his own life experiences, he developed “Will You Dance With Death” as a reflection of what he saw going on around him. “I saw the pandemic landscape affecting people’s mental states and actions, I couldn’t help myself and had to reflect on it,” Christian explains, “When you witness several attempted public suicides, it changes you forever. The best material is your own reality and experiences.”

Unapologetic in the depth of his darkness, or where the curtain drops on his sometimes controversial lyrics, Christian says he found his way to this particular breed of song over something as uncomplicated as an everyday task. “I was alone drinking coffee one morning,” he recalls. “I played and recorded a couple bars of the song; I knew this was something big.”

Translating this track into its visual counterpart has been a big step forward for Christian’s musical career. Mingling his love for thrillers with the dark undertones of the song, Christian came together with Daniel Gadowski to direct and produce the video. A committed exceptional talent with an eye for the shot, Christian refers to Gadowski as someone who has a “perception for the big picture that is taking him places.” The pair enlisted several models as actors for the project. “They did an amazing job and it will always stand out in my mind,” Christian says from behind the scenes of the video production. “They were so dedicated and committed to the performance. I know we will see big things from them in the near future.”

Routinely vlogging updates, and candid about production, Rick Christian is inviting fans to travel with him on this journey to answering life’s most perilous questions, and facing each trepidation in the one way we can unilaterally know how — through dance.

“Will You Dance With Death?” is available now.

Toronto Hard Rockers LIVE ANIMALS Are In the Midst of an (ep)iphany with New Release

Eric Alper
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Toronto Hard Rockers LIVE ANIMALS Are In the Midst of an (ep)iphany with New Release

Personifying sonic grit and technical musicianship, Canadian hard rock band Live Animals bring the authenticity back to rock n’ roll with their soaring new single, “Uplifting” –– available now.

With it, the Toronto-based rockers have unleashed their raw creative energy with their epic new EP, (ep)iphany; electricity pulses right out the gates through the expertly crafted guitar riffs of Spencer Bailey and the exceptionally developed vocal stylings of Andrew Healy, both founders of the band — their musical chemistry on full display with the follow-up to their debut release.

“Uplifting” is a song about the power of music and its ability to unite the world despite the ongoing global health crisis. The positivity that radiates from every musical note blends effortlessly with Live Animals’ message of hope and is delivered as sincerely and potently as only they could.

Dramatic changes to the writing and recording process were made during the pandemic that enabled Live Animals to continue delivering their signature sound without compromise. Songwriting and instrumentation were put together remotely over time until vocal parts were conjured and executed. The natural adjustment to their new format of music creation would inspire the single to evolve into an entire full-length project.

(ep)iphany is a four-song EP that delivers all of the depth and charisma found in the most successful rock productions while simultaneously capitalizing on their unique approach to music. Another critical aspect of Live Animals’ ability to hone their EP and cross the finish line is engineer/producer and founder of Acrylic Records, Harley Butt. Drawing on more modern hard rock and grunge influences for (ep)iphany, Live Animals elevate their classic sound while continuing to explore the darker side of rock through their skillfully composed melodies. The cover art for the EP was also created and stylized in-house, only further reinforcing the renaissance approach the band takes with their art.

Live Animals was formed in 2017 by multi-instrumentalist Spencer Bailey and vocalist Andrew Healy, appropriately dubbed “The Pterodactyl” for his rip-roaring pipes. The band’s distinctive sound results from the overarching duo-philosophy of respecting the legacy of rock while being fearless in leading it into the future. Live Animals is Toronto-based, but has been active in the hard rock music scene across Ontario since its inception. Missing the chance to play more shows in the pre-pandemic world leaves no doubt that Live Animals will be blazing onto the live music circuit with the intensity that the music fans everywhere crave.

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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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