Home Blog Page 245

The Chicks And Rascal Flatts Headline Powerful 2026 Boots And Hearts Music Festival Lineup

0

Republic Live has revealed the massive 2026 lineup for the Boots and Hearts Music Festival at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds in Oro-Medonte. The event returns from August 7 to 9 with a new three-day format designed to elevate Canada’s largest country music and camping experience. GRAMMY-winning icons The Chicks make their festival debut as the Saturday night headliner while Rascal Flatts close out the weekend on Sunday. This record sounds like the most electrifying edition of the festival to date with a mix of legendary stars and rising global voices.

The Friday schedule features Russell Dickerson on the Main Stage along with a heavy emphasis on Canadian talent. Multi-JUNO Award winner Brett Kissel headlines the Front Porch Stage while the James Barker Band makes a return to the Main Stage on Sunday. This weekend offers a well-rounded roster including first-time appearances from Tucker Wetmore, Jessie Murph, and Dasha. “There’s nothing like the road to Boots,” shares co-founder Eva Dunford. “Every aspect of our festival has been elevated to celebrate the spirit, community and connection that make Boots and Hearts the most unforgettable weekend.”

Fans can access new premium experiences for 2026 with the introduction of the Daisy Duke’s Deck VIP+ and the Front Porch VIP area. These upgrades provide elevated viewing and luxury services for those seeking a world-class festival environment. All ticket types including weekend passes and camping options are available now at the official festival website. As an eight-time CCMA Country Festival of the Year winner, Boots and Hearts continues to set the standard for live music in Canada. The August long weekend remains the definitive gathering for the loyal community known as the BootsLife.

Six-Time Grammy Winner Don Was Announces New Tour Dates With The Pan-Detroit Ensemble

0

Six-time GRAMMY-winning musician and producer Don Was announced new tour dates for his latest group, Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble. The ensemble is touring in support of their new album ‘Groove in the Face of Adversity’, which arrived recently via Mack Avenue Records. This project channels the soul of the Motor City through a blend of steamy jazz, juke-joint blues, and loose-limbed funk. Performances will feature material from the new record alongside a live rendition of The Grateful Dead’s ‘Blues for Allah’ to honor the fiftieth anniversary of that landmark album.

The Pan-Detroit Ensemble features a roster of top-tier jazz musicians from Don’s hometown, including longtime collaborator Dave McMurray and Oscar-winning keyboardist Luis Resto. Don Was describes the sound as a reflection of the people and culture of the entire city. “There’s a unique sound and feel to Detroit that permeates the music in a way that resonates all over the globe,” says Was. “There’s a rawness, a lack of pretension, and an unmistakable underlying groove.” This record sounds like a timeless and deeply personal exploration of Detroit’s musical heritage.

The tour continues through the spring with upcoming stops at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta and the Phillips Center PAC in Orlando. Was brings five decades of experience to the stage, having produced iconic albums for The Rolling Stones and Bonnie Raitt while serving as the longtime head of Blue Note Records. The ensemble creates a live experience that balances sophisticated jazz arrangements with an unpretentious, gritty groove. Fans can catch the group across the southeastern United States before they head to the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville this March.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

  • Feb 10 – Sarasota, FL @ The Venue at Harvest House
  • Feb 11 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Parker Playhouse
  • Feb 12 – Clearwater, FL @ The Capitol
  • Feb 13 – Orlando, FL @ Phillips Center PAC at Judson’s Hall
  • Feb 14 – St. Augustine, FL @ Fort Mose Historic State Park
  • Feb 15 – Stuart, FL @ Lyric Theatre
  • Mar 26 – Winston-Salem, NC @ The Ramkat
  • Mar 28 – Knoxville, TN @ Big Ears Festival

Singer-Songwriter Dena Monticone Channels Raw Emotion Into Powerful New Single “Beyond The Dawn”

0

Dena Monticone, the Fairfax-based multi-instrumentalist and songwriter known for her genre-defying approach to rock and pop, releases her compelling new single “Beyond the Dawn” today across all major streaming platforms. The track showcases Monticone’s evolution as a solo artist, handling all instruments and production duties to create an intimate yet powerful statement on the complexity of letting go.

“Beyond the Dawn” emerged from a place of profound personal reckoning. Monticone wrote the song following a conscious decision to step back from a complicated friendship and creative relationship. The single captures the dichotomous nature of moving forward while still feeling tethered to the past, a theme she explores through layered instrumentation including vocals, guitar, keyboard/synth, percussion, and a haunting train whistle that punctuates key moments. As she declares in the chorus: “He let me go / Now I am gone / He let me go / Beyond the dawn,” the repetition builds into a mantra of both acceptance and longing.

Working as her own producer under her Sun Rock Records label, Monticone crafted every element of “Beyond the Dawn” with meticulous attention to emotional authenticity. The production process allowed her complete creative control, resulting in a sound that blends alt-rock grit with pop sensibility. Her lyrics cut to the heart of feeling diminished yet unable to completely sever emotional ties: “Now I am poor / Now I am broken / Now I feel stupid / And I still want more.” The song’s structure mirrors this internal conflict, building tension through verses before releasing into the hypnotic chorus refrain.

Monticone’s journey to this moment has been marked by unwavering dedication to her craft. Born in Fairfax County, Virginia to a Greek mother and Italian father, she began accordion lessons at age six with renowned player Dale E. Wise. Despite her classical training, rock music always called to her loudest. After seeing The Dandy Warhols perform on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, she knew songwriting was her destiny. Though accepted to Berklee College of Music, she instead took a full ride to George Mason University as a University Scholar, graduating with a 3.82 GPA in mathematics with a philosophy minor before pursuing her master’s in philosophy.

Throughout her academic career, music remained her true north. After graduation, Monticone committed fully to songwriting, ultimately creating over 300 original compositions. Her creative process often begins with accordion, though she composes on guitar and keys as well, incorporating her accordion expertise into many tracks. She cites an eclectic range of influences spanning The Dandy Warhols, System of a Down, Fastball, Roxy Music, and the Grateful Dead, among others. This diverse palette informs her distinctive sound, one that refuses to be confined to a single genre designation.

“Beyond the Dawn” also represents Monticone’s response to feeling misunderstood. The lyrics reference a relationship where connection seemed real: “It was nothing / Or so he’d say / But how many times did he say / ‘Hey, you made my day’?” This tension between perceived intimacy and dismissal drives the emotional core of the track. The phrase “beyond the dawn” itself carries dual meaning, suggesting both permanent departure and the romantic notion of eternal devotion waiting in the distance, capturing the push and pull of complicated feelings.

The single arrives as Monticone continues to build her artistic community across the United States, collaborating with fellow musicians including Conor Batts in New York on The Cathedral of Maybe project and Conor Batts, Carlos C-los Jimenez (from Colorado Springs, Colorado), and Alex Naupari (stationed in Fairfax currently) on their “Same New Behavior” project. Alex Naupari and her continue to jam as a duo, as well. And C-los and her have collaborated separately, too. Her ability to transform personal experience into universally resonant rock anthems speaks to both her technical skill and emotional courage. “Beyond the Dawn” stands as her most direct and unflinching work yet, an invitation for listeners to sit with discomfort and find strength in moving forward.

The single is available now on all major streaming platforms, ready to connect with anyone who has ever struggled to reconcile heart and mind.

Country Outlaw Taylor Jo Debuts ‘4394JO’ EP For The Underestimated And Heartbroken

0

Taylor Jo, the genre-bending country artist from Neffs, Ohio, officially announces the release of her debut EP, “4394JO,” out now. A raw fusion of Americana, outlaw, folk, and bluegrass, the project is anchored by the lead single “What Do You Want From Me,” a defiant confrontation of deceit and romantic games. Blending her identity as a frontline nurse by day and a neurodivergent voice in country by night, Taylor Jo crafts a sound that is as relatable as it is gritty, capturing the true spirit of small-town Ohio.

The title “4394JO” is a deeply personal nod to her roots, combining the zip code of her hometown, Neffs (43940), with her middle name. The album serves as a sonic map of her life, with artwork featuring the street she grew up on, the bar where she played her first gig, and even the location of a past DUI. “Nothing on this album was invented,” Taylor Jo shares. “It is all real life, even the parts I didn’t think I wanted anyone to know”. From the opening track “Livin’ Out Of A Change Jar”—designed to introduce listeners to her personal history—to songs written on her bedroom floor, the record is an unfiltered look at poverty, grief, and healing.

For Taylor Jo, music has always been a survival mechanism. “I make music for the version of me who didn’t think she’d survive,” she says, noting that these songs were her therapy long before she spoke her truths out loud. The project also serves as a powerful platform for mental health and neurodivergent advocacy, reflecting her lived experience with Autism and ADHD. This authenticity has fostered a thriving online community of over 40,000 TikTok followers who tune in to witness her use “music as medicine”. Whether she is writing about the frustration of a job she hated in “Sick of This Shift” or paying tribute to her late best friend in “Ally’s Song,” her goal remains to help others feel less alone.

The recording process at Tony’s Treasures studio in Cadiz, Ohio, saw this intimate voice memos transformed into high-quality productions under the guidance of producers Mark Puskarich and Cody Romshak. Taylor Jo is backed Roger Hoard on guitar, Jan Roll on drums, bassist John “Buck” Allemond, and Jonathan H. Warren on fiddle and Anna Blanton on fiddle and mandolin, who together bring over 150 years of collective performing experience to her live shows. Having already shared stages with country stalwarts like Joe Nichols and Whey Jennings, Taylor Jo is ready to bring her “messy truth” to audiences across the region.

Fans can experience the raw energy of Taylor Jo and The Copper Creek Band live during their upcoming 2026 tour dates:

  • February 14, 2026: Elm Grove Eagles Steak Fry – Elm Grove, WV (8:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
  • June 13, 2026: Elm Grove Eagles – Elm Grove, WV (8:00 PM – 11:00 PM)

Indigenous Powerhouse Donita Large Announces Visionary New Album ‘The Ancestors’

0

Renowned singer-songwriter Donita Large is set to redefine the contemporary musical landscape with the release of her highly anticipated full-length album, The Ancestors, out now. A lifelong performer who has graced prestigious stages like Carnegie Hall, Donita’s solo journey has been nothing short of meteoric.  As a Cree artist, her artistry is rooted in tradition and the stories of the land, and is ignited by a modern signature style, which she describes as “folk with Indigenous sizzle”.

The creation of The Ancestors is a masterclass in collaboration, bringing together industry legends to craft a sound that is both timeless and urgent. Donita partnered with Grammy winning producer Chris Birkett and the versatile musical artistry of Anthony King to produce a record that seamlessly blends a landscape of folk, blues, rock, country, and Cree traditional sounds. Recorded across studios in Toronto, Los Angeles, and ending at Riverdale Recorders in Edmonton, the album features a band of world-class musicians whose collective artistry creates an unforgettable auditory experience. This record represents a defining moment in Donita’s evolution, merging her powerful low range and spine-chilling high notes with compelling narratives that resonate in your body and soul.

Listeners are taken on an auditory journey throughout this evocative track list starting with “Sweetgrass”, a gentle acoustic invitation on balance, gratitude, and ancestral guidance. Layered with warm guitar, deep upright bass tones, hand drum heartbeats, Donita’s heartfelt vocals of “Mind, body, and spirit / All connected as one” are not just words; they are a bridge to her Cree traditions, communicating a path to healing and spirit.

The album’s depth is further showcased through technical and creative milestones: the production expertise of Chris Birkett (known for his work with Sinéad O’Connor), the masterful guitar work and co-production of Anthony King, and a powerful, rearranged cover of rock anthem “Run to the Hills” features L.A. based Derek Frank on bass and Matt Hankle on drums. Every note on this record is intentional, designed to celebrate the strength and memory of the Indigenous experience.

Thematically, The Ancestors is a profound exploration of truth, reconciliation, and guise of reconciliation and “After The Battle” is a song that questions all leaders who choose attack, as there are no real winners in the human cost of conflict. This song pulls you in with a haunting chant with the storytelling power of a post battle film scene. Donita’s lyrical writing calling for humility, unity, and a deeper understanding that we are all interconnected, is both poignant and embedded with ancestral wisdom. In the moving track “Kokom” (Grandmother), she explores the enduring love we feel when loved ones pass on and wish we had listened more, and if only we could “rewind our song”.

This album stands as a vital cultural statement and is the sonic manifestation of her commitment to her community and her craft. By honoring her ancestors and the stories of Treaty Six Territory, Donita creates a musical space where heritage is celebrated as a living, breathing force. The Ancestors is a powerful celebration of Indigenous strength that promises to leave a legacy in the Canadian musical canon.

To celebrate this milestone, Donita Large & The Small Band will embark on a series of live performances, beginning with a special one-night-only Album Release Concert on February 8, 2026, at the Backstage Theatre (Fringe Arts Barns) in Edmonton, AB. Fans can also look forward to a major summer performance at the RavenWood Music Festival in Sherwood Park, AB, on July 12, 2026. These shows will feature the full brilliance of the band, including Anthony King, Alan Tymofichuk, Mira Angela, Harry Gregg, and Jamie Cooper, as they bring the spirit of The Ancestors to life on stage.

Canadian Blues Rock Veterans ERROL STARR AND TRIBZ Release New Single “True Love”

0

Hamilton, Ontario-based Errol Starr and Tribz unveil their new single “True Love,” a deeply felt blues-rock track shaped by decades of musicianship and shared creative instinct. The song highlights the collective strength of artists whose careers helped define Canadian rock, R&B, and blues radio from the 1970s through the 1990s.

Frontman Errol Starr, a JUNO Award winner widely recognized for his enduring vocal presence and crossover appeal, leads the project alongside guitarist Earl Johnson, founder of the influential rock band Moxy. Johnson’s blues-rooted guitar work and Starr’s expressive vocal delivery anchor the band’s sound, bringing together two Canadian music mainstays whose work has long resonated with rock, blues, and soul audiences.

Drummer Dave Davidson played a central role in the formation of the band, bringing Johnson and bassist Donny Hill together at his home to form the nucleus of Tribz. Davidson was also instrumental in completing the band’s earliest studio recordings, including “True Love,” the first song the group developed together. A longtime member of the American Rogues for over a decade, Davidson brings with him a dedicated fanbase across Canada and the United States that continues to connect strongly with the band’s direction.

“True Love” reflects a songwriting approach rooted in patience, feel, and emotional clarity. Written by Johnson and completed collaboratively by the band, the track allows space for each performance to breathe, guided by a production philosophy centered on authenticity and groove. The band self-produced the single, ensuring the recording captures the chemistry that defines their live performances.

Lyrically, the song speaks with understated honesty and reflection, carried by lines like “Too many times I never realized just what I had” and “I was blind to the love standing right in front of me.” The message unfolds naturally through restrained instrumentation and expressive phrasing, reinforcing the song’s timeless blues foundation.

Released under the name Errol Starr and Tribz, the project reflects a clear and focused artist identity, aligning with current trends while honoring the collective strength behind the music. With growing interest from blues radio and festival programmers in both Canada and the U.S., “True Love” positions the band for continued momentum throughout the year.

Addi John’s New Single “Busan” Explores Connection Across Continents

0

Building on the momentum of a breakout debut year, London, ON-born, Windsor, ON-based artist and producer Addi John officially ushers in 2026 with the release of his latest single, ‘Busan’. Available now, the track serves as a soaring exploration of the threads that bind us across oceans and time zones. Following the success of his 10-track record ‘Another Way To Love’ and two internationally recognized singles, ‘Busan’ highlights Addi’s signature ability to craft music for the hopeful and the adventurous.

Addi’s artistic journey is defined by a spirit of independence and creative evolution. After years of touring with the award-winning project “Lost in Japan,” Addi has stepped into the spotlight as a formidable solo force, earning a nomination for FCLMA “Producer of the Year”. His music, often described as an inviting blend of sad songs and sing-alongs all the way to indie pop, captures the essence of human connection, ensuring every listener feels like part of a larger story.

The inspiration for “Busan” grew from a profound period of change within Addi’s own family, as his mother relocated to France and his brother moved to the South Korean city of the song’s title. Rather than focusing on the distance, Addi chose to celebrate the enduring nature of their bond, writing from a perspective of shared experience. The track mirrors the feeling of an adventure, capturing the wonder of discovering unique, hidden gems in an unfolding city. As Addi poignantly sings: “Find your way soon / We’re under the same moon / I’ll always be with you”.

A master of his craft, Addi served as the sole songwriter, composer, and producer for “Busan,” performing every instrument heard on the track. This minimalist and meticulous approach to production was honed in his home-built studio in Windsor, where he continues to produce for a diverse range of musicians. The result is a familiar yet fresh sound that allows his strong songwriting and authentic voice to resonate deeply with a global audience.

The accompanying music video for “Busan” further emphasizes Addi’s commitment to community and his identity as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Shot in a single day, the video features a diverse cast of fans from various backgrounds and cultures, all invited via social media to sing along in a display of unity. This collaborative spirit reflects Addi’s overarching goal: to create a space where listeners can forget everything else and simply live in the moment.

As Addi prepares for the release of his upcoming album, ‘Love & Misfortunes,’ he is set to bring his captivating live show to stages across the globe. After a series of Ontario dates supporting John Muirhead in February, Addi will embark on an extensive European tour this April, with stops in Germany and France. With “Busan” setting the stage, Addi is firmly positioned as one of Canada’s most promising artists to watch in the coming year.

ADDI JOHN ON TOUR:

  • March 14 – London, ON – London Brewing Co. (Melanoma Fundraiser)
  • April 24 – Hamburg, Germany – Harbour
  • April 30 – Nice, France – Waynes Pub

Former Ronnie Hawkins’ The Hawks Bassist KC ARMSTRONG Scales Global Charts with Powerful New Single “Mountain Man”

0

Brantford-based singer, songwriter, and producer KC Armstrong is celebrating a monumental global surge as his latest single, “Mountain Man,” captures the top spot on international airwaves.

Originally a hidden gem from his acclaimed 2024 album ‘Finally Crafted’, the track has exploded in popularity, entering the UK’s ITISNOW Radio charts and skyrocketing to #1 in just three weeks with over 125,000 votes cast.

This unexpected international momentum has propelled “Mountain Man” onto the Canadian Independent Country Countdown, marking a high-velocity new chapter for an artist whose roots run deep in the fabric of Canadian music history.

“Mountain Man” is a masterclass in Americana storytelling, woven from a personal narrative of friendship and changing paths. Written years ago, after Armstrong’s longtime musical “wingman” left the road to start a family, the song captures the tension between the calling of the stage and the pull of domestic life.

The track features a stellar lineup of veteran musicians, including legendary guitarist Barry Haggarty, whose unique instrumentation brings the lyrics to life with sounds of a howling coyote and a clucking hen. As Armstrong sings in the final verse: “Sure am glad that you ain’t me / ‘cause I’m half the man that you try to be / you work your heart out – I’ll sing my songs”.

Armstrong’s current chart success is the culmination of a career spent alongside industry titans. A former bass player for the legendary Ronnie Hawkins as a member of “The Hawks,” Armstrong follows in the footsteps of icons like Robbie Robertson and Levon Helm. His journey has seen him share stages and studios with the likes of Jeff Healey and Grammy-winning producer Greg Wells (Disney’s Wicked, Celine Dion, Taylor Swift, Aerosmith.)

This wealth of experience is evident in ‘Finally Crafted’, which has already seen Armstrong named a finalist for International Male Album of the Year and International Male Single of the Year by the International Singer Songwriter Association.

The “Mountain Man” release highlights Armstrong’s sophisticated evolution as a self-taught producer and mixing engineer. By blending rock, blues, and folk into a “Finally Crafted” signature sound, he has created a project that resonates across borders, from the UK to France and beyond.

His previous singles have already made deep inroads on the Canadian Independent Country Countdown, peaking as high as #8 and #9, setting a formidable foundation for his current trajectory.

Beyond the studio, Armstrong’s digital presence continues to grow, with his YouTube channel surpassing 12,000 views and his Christmas single, “I Hate That Sweater,” recently winning the Cashbox Radio most requested song contest. This diverse success across holiday tracks, Americana ballads, and high-energy rock-a-billy showcases an artist who is as versatile as he is authentic.

With “Mountain Man” now officially released worldwide, KC Armstrong is proving that timeless storytelling and seasoned musicianship always find their audience. Armed with a supporting band of gold and platinum-selling collaborators and a #1 international hit, Armstrong is poised to further redefine the Americana landscape in 2026 and beyond.

Justin Faulknor Crafts a DIY Puppet Masterpiece Amidst Muppets’ 50th Anniversary Fever

0

As the world anticipates the star-studded return of The Muppet Show this February on ABC and Disney+, rock singer-songwriter Justin Faulknor is proving that the spirit of Jim Henson’s artistry is alive and well in the indie music scene. This month, Faulknor unveils the music video for his new single “Girl Like You,” a production that redefines the term labor of love. While the upcoming Seth Rogen-produced Muppet special brings the icons back to the big screen, Faulknor has spent the last year independently designing, sewing, and building an entire cast of original puppets to bring his sixties-inspired rock track to life.

A lifelong admirer of Henson’s legacy, Faulknor transformed his creative space into a puppet workshop. Drawing on his background in film and television production from Sheridan College, he took on the monumental task of storyboarding the narrative, designing characters, and hand-crafting ten unique puppets from scratch. From the initial doodles to the final hand-stitched costumes and tiny, puppet-sized musical instruments, the project serves as a masterclass in DIY creative independence. To ensure the authenticity of the movement, Faulknor even sought guidance from seasoned puppeteers, including Jogchem Jalink of Sesamstraat, to capture that specific “Henson-esque” soul.

The song itself, “Girl Like You,” is a vibrant, tongue-in-cheek ode to classic rock storytelling. Steeped in the timeless grooves of The Beatles and Bob Dylan, the track features tight musicianship from session players Federico Cremoli and Sammy Dumanauw, balancing a vintage sixties sound with Faulknor’s modern wit. It is the lead single from his full-length album, ‘Far From Home,’ a collection of songs written during the isolation of the pandemic. The album explores the duality of feeling adrift while clinging to a sense of hope – a sentiment that mirrors the resilient, joyful spirit of the Muppet characters Faulknor grew up idolizing.

By acting as director, set builder, lead puppeteer, and editor, Faulknor has created a visual love letter to the era of practical effects and whimsical storytelling. At a time when digital effects dominate the landscape, his “Girl Like You” video is a refreshing reminder of the power of handmade artistry.

Both the single and the album ‘Far From Home’ are available now on all streaming platforms, offering a warm, nostalgic, and deeply sincere experience for fans of classic rock and the enduring magic of puppetry alike.

Crystal Shawanda Lands 2026 JUNO Award Nomination with ‘Sing Pretty Blues’ in Best Blues Album of the Year

0

JUNO Award-winning powerhouse Crystal Shawanda returns with Sing Pretty Blues, the album that just earned her a 2026 JUNO Award nomination for Blues Album of the Year. The record takes listeners on a soulful journey through blues and southern country soul, paying homage to the classic sounds of Stax, Chess, and Motown. United by themes of resilience, self-worth, and independence, the songs reflect Shawanda’s refusal to settle in love, life, or business, delivering a powerful statement of strength and self-discovery.

“It’s been three years since my last album, and so much has happened, so there’s a lot of life in this music,” says Crystal. “The good, the bad, the redemption and healing can be messy, and life is not always pretty. That’s the Sing Pretty Blues.”

The album is the follow-up to 2022’s Midnight Blues, which earned Crystal a JUNO Award nomination in the Blues Album of the Year category, the 8th of her career. She became the first Indigenous woman to appear in the Top 10 of the American Billboard Blues chart upon the album’s release when it debuted at #8.

Produced by her husband and long-time collaborator Dewayne Strobel, Sing Pretty Blues is a thrilling mix of original songs – like the sassy standout “Stop Funking Me Around” and the sultry “Waiting For My Lover to Call” – alongside genre and era-spanning covers of Tom Petty’s “Honey Bee,” Son House’s “Preaching Blues” and Black Sabbath’s “Changes,” the latter recorded in tribute to a late fan and devoted friend.

“She grew up just down the road, back home on the Rez,” says Crystal. “She had a beautiful heart and just wanted to be loved, and people took advantage of that. Addiction is killing our communities, and her death triggered a lot of emotions about old friends who have passed and loved ones currently in active addiction. I needed to sing this song, to mourn, to grieve, because she mattered, and she was loved.”

Sing Pretty Blues is preceded by the album’s heartfelt first single, “Would You Know Love,” which was released in January and blends Crystal’s signature raspy vocals with the raw emotion of blues and the storytelling soul of country.

“It sounds like it’s from somewhere in between, where old meets new, and the blues meets country, kind of like me,” she says. “It’s honest, vulnerable and soulful. When I sing it, I think about who wouldn’t be in my life, if I had let love slip on by. I think sometimes people walk away from love too easily when it gets tough, but that’s what makes it love. It endures.”

Born and raised in Wikwemikong First Nation, on Manitoulin Island, in Northern Ontario, Crystal was introduced to the blues by her eldest brother and to old-time country by her parents. “I was also into other styles of music that led me to the blues,” she says, citing everything from Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog,” written by Big Mama Thornton, to R&B-pop star Monica’s “Misty Blue,” by Dorothy Moore.

And yet Crystal’s first foray as a professional singer was in country music, not blues. She was in her early 20s and had immediate success after signing a U.S. record deal with RCA Nashville. 2008’s Dawn of a New Day, featuring the single “You Can Let Go,” reached No. 1 on the Canadian Country Album chart and No. 16 on the Billboard Top Country Albums, the highest charting album by a full-blooded Canadian Indigenous country artist (in the SoundScan-era).

The following year she left the label and created her own, New Sun Records. Her first release was the holiday album I’ll Be Home For Christmas. Her next country album was 2010’s Just Like You, which won a 2013 JUNO Award for Best Aboriginal Album, before she made the change to the blues with 2014’s The Whole World’s Got The Blues. Two years later, in quick succession, came 2016’s Fish Out of Water and 2017’s Voodoo Woman, then recognition as a bonafide blues talent with 2020’s Church House Blues, which won the 2021 JUNO Award for Best Blues album.