I don’t believe it!
SiriusXM giving 2 week free preview of its world of content
SiriusXM Canada has made its wide array of content available for free for the first time on both its satellite and streaming platform as part of the introduction of a new SiriusXM app, which delivers a wholly new streaming experience that includes expanded programming, greater discovery, more intuitive recommendations and the introduction of SiriusXM Video.
SiriusXM content will be available for free for a limited time until May 29 for anyone with an inactive satellite radio in their car, or who has an internet connected mobile device and/or web access. Any non-subscriber in the United Statesand Canada can tune in to sample SiriusXM seamlessly, without any registration requirements.
That means access to The Beatles Channel, Eminem’s Shade 45, Kevin Hart’s new comedy channel, LL COOL J’s new classic hip-hop channel, Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Radio, Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Radio, Diplo’s Revolution, Mad Dog Sports Radio and Doctor Radio plus hundreds more channels, all easily available during this free listening period.
This is the first time Howard Stern’s two fulltime audio channels, which include his Howard Stern Show, are streamed free to anyone, with no subscription or login required.
Users of the app will also get access to more than 5,000 hours of live music performances and curated playlists, On Demand shows, comic routines, audio documentaries, exclusive interviews, and expertly curated content from an ever-expanding On Demand library.
The two-week free listening period coincides with the launch of SiriusXM’s all-new and totally re-designed app for iOS and Android devices. During the free tune-in period listeners can also sample SiriusXM by using the re-designed streaming web player at SiriusXM.ca, or by turning on any previously inactive satellite radio in their car.
Go to siriusxm.ca/streaming to start listening now
Features of the new SiriusXM app include:
A Totally New Look
The SiriusXM app features a brand-new look and capabilities that help users find more of what they like across SiriusXM’s 200+ channels. By making it easier to navigate through categories, find shows, and access On Demand programming, users will discover programming that they previously may not have known SiriusXM offered.
“ForYou” Recommendations
We have made it easier to learn about all of the amazing programs and channels available. Using personalized preferences and listening history, “ForYou” recommendations pull from SiriusXM’s huge catalogue of live and On Demand programming to make the next great piece of music, talk, news, entertainment or sports programming easier to learn about and access.
More On Demand Content
SiriusXM’s library of recorded On Demand content features more than 5,000 hours of programming, which grows every day. The new SiriusXM app makes it much easier to access shows, interviews, specials, and performances whenever it is most convenient for you.
SiriusXM Video
SiriusXM Video will be available on the new SiriusXM app with a “sneak peek” of video from Howard Stern, arranged and presented in an easy to view way, with more video coming soon.
SiriusXM offers the most extensive bundle of music, entertainment and sports programming available in the world of audio and streaming entertainment. To learn more about what SiriusXM offers, download the app now or go to SiriusXM.ca for more details.
Women dominate 2018 SOCAN Songwriting Prize finalists
SOCAN today announced the finalists for the 2018 SOCAN Songwriting Prize, presented by YouTube Music, the most prestigious competition that celebrates the extraordinary talent of emerging Canadian songwriters over the past year.
This year women from across the country make up the large majority of the writers of the 10 nominated songs in English. The SOCAN Songwriting Prize is the only major music creation award in Canada that allows music fans to decide the winners of $10,000, a Yamaha PSR-S970 keyboard, and a $500 gift card from Long & McQuade.
The 10 English finalists for the SOCAN Songwriting Prize presented by YouTube Music are:
- “Dreams Tonite” – written by Alec O’Hanley, Molly Rankin; performed by Alvvays; published by Rough Trade Publishing Canada.
- “Money” – written by Leandra Earl, Eliza Enman-McDaniel, Jordan Miller, Kylie Miller, Garrett Lee; performed by The Beaches; published by Done with Dolls Inc., Besme, administered by Kobalt Music Group Ltd.
- “Main Girl” – written by Charlotte Cardin; performed by Charlotte Cardin; published by Red Brick c/o Corico Arts.
- “Cotton Candy” – written by Jessie Reyez; performed by Jessie Reyez; published by BMG Rights Management Canada.
- “Chills” – written by James Barker, Gavin Slate, Travis Wood, Donovan Woods; performed by James Barker Band; published by Warner Chappell Music Canada, Ole Media Management LP II.
- “Play the Field” – written by Josée Caron, Lucy Niles; performed by Partner; published by Partner Mus.
- “Walkaway” – written by Jasmyn Burke, Morgan Waters; performed by Weaves.
- “Magic”– written by Eoin Killeen, Timothy Law, Patrisha Sanna Campbell; performed by Birthday Boy and Trish.
- “Healers” – written by Benjamin McCarthy, Iskwé, Ryan Somerville; performed by Iskwé.
- “Lingua Franca” – written by Neil Bednis, Christopher Laurignano, Fraser McClean, Melanie St. Pierre; performed by Casper Skulls.
From May 24 to June 7, 2018, music fans are encouraged to listen to and vote for their favourite song from the nominees by visiting www.socansongwritingprize.ca or through social media, on Twitter using the hashtag #mySSPvote and identifying the performer’s name in the tweet. Fans can vote once daily through each platform for each of the English and French prize competitions.
The winning songs are scheduled to be announced the week of June 11, 2018.
“The finalists for the 2018 SOCAN Songwriting Prize reflect the diversity of Canada and the unique perspectives of music creators,” said Mike McCarty, Chief Membership & Business Development Officer at SOCAN. “SOCAN is privileged to support and encourage Canadian songwriters and composers throughout the year, and the SOCAN Songwriting Prize is truly special because it allows music creators to receive recognition for their work directly from their fans. This is a great opportunity to showcase these emerging music creators and their remarkable talent.”
The French and English finalists are determined by respective independent panels of 15 music-industry influencers who nominate two songs that they feel were artistically superior by emerging Canadian songwriters and composers, within the eligibility period (see Rules for complete criteria). All long-listed songs are then compiled, reviewed and voted on by each panel to determine the final 10 short-listed finalists in each category.
“Boy Band”: a the ridiculous comedy about a wildly successful 90’s Boy Band who got old and fat
The wildly successful late 90s boy band Heartthrob Boyz head into the studio to make their sophomore album. Two decades later they are still there. Now older & fatter but still singing and acting like tweenage boys, they’ve run out of money and have just one night left to finish the album they hope will return them to glory.
Coming soon, “Boy Band”: a the ridiculous comedy about a wildly successful 90’s Boy Band who got old and fat and haven’t realized it yet written and directed by the Levinson Brothers.
Paul Bettany talks Dryden Vos in Solo: A Star Wars Story
By: W. Andrew Powell, The GATE
Paul Bettany had one word of direction from director Ron Howard when he took on the role of the villainous Dryden Vos in Solo: A Star Wars Story.
“He came up to me before my first take and he just whispered in my ear, ‘oligarch’ and that was the end of our pre-shoot discussion.”
Bettany has worked with Howard numerous times before, which obviously may help the two when working together, and despite what Howard may have said elsewhere, Bettany claims that he was the one who asked the director for a role in Solo: A Star Wars Story.
“He’s going to lie and tell you a story that makes me sound great,” Bettany said, “but the truth of it is I heard he was doing this and I texted him, ‘Hey, Ron, have you ever wondered like I have why I’m not in the Star Wars franchise?’ and two weeks later I was on set.”
Bettany also admitted that after playing Vision in the Avengers films, and now playing Dryden Vos, he’s managed to earn another benefit of starring in such big films: “I have double bobble-head status,” the actor said. “That’s a big thing in my household.”
For Bettany the role in Solo: A Star Wars Story was lot of fun to play too. “I found the character so delicious,” Bettany said. “I think he’s really delicious. He’s somebody who really knows who he is, and there’s power in that. He’s really okay with who he is, and there’s power in that. And he’s really talented at hurting people, and really good at getting his way, and he has no moral foibles at all. Then the whole world is open to you and it’s all enjoyable.”
Watch the interview above or watch it on The GATE’s YouTube channel.
Solo: A Star Wars Story is out in theatres now.
Jason Blaine Partners With Long & McQuade For Once-In-A-Lifetime Fly-Away Contest To The Iconic Muscle Shoals Sound Studio In Alabama
Today, CCMA award winning Canadian country artist, Jason Blaine, launched an exciting contest in partnership with Long & McQuade, Canada’s largest musical instrument retailer. In promotion of his latest single, “Boy With a Guitar”, Jason and Long & McQuade will be sending a winner and a guest to the iconic Shoals Sound Studio – where musical legends like Rolling Stones, Paul Simon, Bob Seger, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob Dylan and more have recorded some of their top hits. See below for contest details.
From June 4 to June 18, fans are encouraged to video record themselves playing the missing guitar solo from “Boy With a Guitar” and post on their own social channels using the hashtag #BoyWithAGuitar. The selected winner and a guest will be sent to Alabama, USA to partake in an exclusive full studio recording day with Jason Blaine at the iconic Muscle Shoals Sound Studio with accommodations and $200 worth of Muscle Shoals merchandise. A version of Jason Blaine’s charting single, “Boy With a Guitar” – without the final guitar solo – has been shared on Jason Blaine and Long & McQuade’s social channels.
Fun, family, friends and faith. They’re the cornerstones of life for Jason Blaine. “I like to cut up with friends and play a little too loud. My family’s really important to me. And in recent years, I’ve had a kind of spiritual awakening. Entering my 30s, I finally found balance in my life and got my priorities right. I learned you can have a little bit of fun on Saturday night and be at church on Sunday morning. That’s really where I’m at.” Blaine earned CCMA nominations for Male Artist, Single of the Year, Songwriter, & Producer in 2012. “Life So Far” turned out three Top 10 singles, including “On a Night Like This”, “Cool” and “They Don’t Make ’Em Like That Anymore”, which won Single of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Awards, and hit No. 1 on CMT Canada. Despite his success, Jason remains as down to earth as they come. “At the end of the day, when the stage lights come down and I get off the plane or the tour bus and I come home, I’m just a husband and a father”.
“I’m very excited to partner with Long & McQuade on this experience,” said Jason Blaine. “The Muscle Shoals Sound Studio is such an iconic place to fans and musicians and the home to some of music’s most legendary acts. Being able to share this experience with a fan will be a truly great experience and I can’t wait to see the submissions!”
The Killers Have Their Own Wine….
Ahead of their headlining performance at BottleRock 2018, The Killers announce an exclusive wine and pop-up experience May 25th – May 27th at RiverHouse by Bespoke Collection in Napa, CA. Produced in partnership with Bravado, the 3-day experience will feature a range of custom labeled wines inspired by the band as well as limited-edition merchandise and apparel.
Fans and wine aficionados can savor the four, limited-edition dedicated varietals and blends while shopping The Killers’ apparel collection and exclusive wine accessories including wine totes, wine glasses and corkscrews. The custom wines will be available for festival goers during the Napa Valley festival. The limited-edition merchandise will only be available to purchase at the pop-up this weekend.
This is the second year in a row RiverHouse by Bespoke Collection has partnered with a BottleRock Festival headlining artist to bring fans and wine aficionados limited-edition, dedicated varietals and blends while shopping exclusive, artist branded merchandise. Last year, RiverHouse created such a sensation amongst BottleRock fans, the lines wrapped around the block for three days straight.
2017 Bespoke Collection “The Killers” Rosé | San Francisco Bay, California ($24)
50% Carignan, 50% Mourvedre
The pale pink 2017 Bespoke Collection “The Killers” Rosé is aromatic and inviting, with notes of wild strawberry, ruby grapefruit, watermelon, and rose water. The palate is lively and mouthwatering with gorgeous fruit and a bright mineral finish.
2017 Bespoke Collection “The Killers” Sauvignon Blanc | Carneros, Napa Valley ($28)
85% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Sémillon
Crafted by winemaker Aaron Pott, this wine’s bright presence and intensity of acid on the palate are defined through cool climate Sauvignon Blanc vineyards in the Carneros region in Napa Valley.
2016 Bespoke Collection “The Killers” Cabernet Sauvignon | Red Hills, Lake County ($35)
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
The Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of blackberry, plum, cola, fig, cigar tobacco, vanilla, cherry, and cocoa. Smooth upon entry, this medium-bodied wine leads to a balanced mid-palate with pleasant acidity. Flavors of toasted brioche, toffee, cola, and clove come together for a lingering finish.
2012 Blackbird Vineyards “The Killers” Proprietary Red | Napa Valley ($60)
58% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2012 Blackbird Vineyards “The Killers” Proprietary Red exudes aromas of blackberry, black currant, cocoa powder, clove, forest floor, and cedar with a robust approach on the palate. With present tannins and good length, the wine exhibits flavors of strawberry and cherry in a lingering finish
Does Carl Sagan’s Wife Believe In The Afterlife? Let’s Ask Her…
“When my husband died, because he was so famous & known for not being a believer, many people would come up to me — it still sometimes happens — & ask me if Carl changed at the end & converted to a belief in an afterlife. They also frequently ask me if I think I will see him again. Carl faced his death with unflagging courage & never sought refuge in illusions. The tragedy was that we knew we would never see each other again. I don’t ever expect to be reunited with Carl. But, the great thing is that when we were together, for nearly twenty years, we lived with a vivid appreciation of how brief & precious life is. We never trivialized the meaning of death by pretending it was anything other than a final parting. Every single moment that we were alive & we were together was miraculous — not miraculous in the sense of inexplicable or supernatural. We knew we were beneficiaries of chance… That pure chance could be so generous & so kind… That we could find each other, as Carl wrote so beautifully in Cosmos, you know, in the vastness of space & the immensity of time… That we could be together for twenty years. That is something which sustains me & it’s much more meaningful…
“The way he treated me & the way I treated him, the way we took care of each other & our family, while he lived. That is so much more important than the idea I will see him someday. I don’t think I’ll ever see Carl again. But I saw him. We saw each other. We found each other in the cosmos, and that was wonderful.“
– Ann Druyan, talking about her husband, Carl Sagan
Rickey Henderson crushed souls with unprecedented efficiency
Rickey Henderson revolutionized baseball throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s. He got on base at will, and once there, played chess on the basepaths while everyone else was still learning how to play checkers.