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14 Protest Songs That Still Hit Hard

Eric Alper
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14 Protest Songs That Still Hit Hard

Protest songs once carried the power to rattle governments, galvanize movements, and dominate the airwaves. Today, you rarely hear them on mainstream radio. Part of this absence comes down to three factors: first, the consolidation of radio ownership and its preference for safe, apolitical hits; second, the rise of algorithm-driven streaming that rewards mood playlists over message; and third, the fragmentation of popular culture, where no single song can so easily unify the public imagination. Still, many of the classics remain as potent and piercing as when they were first written.

“A Change Is Gonna Come” — Sam Cooke

Cooke’s 1964 anthem became a soundtrack for the Civil Rights Movement, blending gospel’s yearning with pop’s immediacy. Its hopeful yet mournful tone continues to resonate as a timeless call for justice.

“Blowin’ in the Wind” — Bob Dylan

Dylan’s deceptively simple 1962 ballad posed rhetorical questions about peace, war, and freedom. Its enduring power lies in its refusal to offer answers, instead forcing listeners to wrestle with them.

“Born in the U.S.A.” — Bruce Springsteen

Often misinterpreted as a patriotic anthem, Springsteen’s 1984 hit was a searing critique of America’s treatment of Vietnam veterans. Its pounding chorus still masks a sobering indictment of neglect.

“Eve of Destruction” — Barry McGuire

This 1965 chart-topper captured the paranoia of nuclear war and civil unrest. McGuire’s gravelly delivery made the song both a pop phenomenon and a polarizing lightning rod.

“Fight the Power” — Public Enemy

Commissioned for Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing, this 1989 track raged against systemic racism with unrelenting force. Its chorus remains an electrifying call to resistance.

“Fortunate Son” — Creedence Clearwater Revival

John Fogerty’s furious 1969 anthem blasted the inequities of Vietnam-era draft policies. Its raw energy and cutting lyrics keep it relevant whenever privilege shields the powerful from sacrifice.

“Get Up, Stand Up” — Bob Marley and the Wailers

Marley and Peter Tosh wrote this 1973 classic after witnessing poverty in Haiti. Its rallying cry against oppression carries the righteous fervor of a sermon set to reggae.

“Give Peace a Chance” — John Lennon

Recorded during Lennon and Yoko Ono’s 1969 “Bed-In” protest, this singalong chorus became a global anti-war chant. Its simplicity is precisely what gives it force.

“Killing in the Name” — Rage Against the Machine

Released in 1992, the song exploded with fury at police brutality and systemic racism. Its ferocious refrain remains an unflinching indictment of authority abused.

“Masters of War” — Bob Dylan

Dylan’s 1963 broadside remains one of the most lacerating antiwar songs ever written. Stripped of metaphor, it names and shames the profiteers of violence.

“Mississippi Goddam” — Nina Simone

Written in response to the murder of Medgar Evers and the 1963 Birmingham church bombing, Simone’s blistering track shattered the polite protest song mold. Its mix of cabaret rhythm and righteous rage is still shocking.

“Strange Fruit” — Billie Holiday

Holiday’s haunting 1939 recording about lynching is one of the earliest and most powerful protest songs in American music. Stark and unflinching, it remains devastating.

“Sunday Bloody Sunday” — U2

This 1983 anthem about the Troubles in Northern Ireland blends martial drums with anguished lyrics. U2 transforms tragedy into a communal act of mourning and defiance.

“What’s Going On” — Marvin Gaye

Released in 1971, Gaye’s soulful plea for peace and understanding responded to war, poverty, and injustice. Its blend of tenderness and urgency makes it one of the most enduring protest songs of all time.

Francophone Fandom to Global Reach – New Data Shows Québec Artists Spearheading a Vibrant New Chapter

Eric Alper
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Francophone Fandom to Global Reach – New Data Shows Québec Artists Spearheading a Vibrant New Chapter

Québec artists are establishing a vibrant new chapter for themselves, connecting a surge in local fandom with a new global spotlight. Following the season finale of The Summer I Turned Pretty, streams of Cœur de Pirate’s “Corbeau” surged nearly 290x worldwide on Spotify, while Patrick Watson’s “Je te laisserai des mots“ which also featured saw a 57% spike globally.

This comes off the back of French-language music seeing a 15% increase year on year on Spotify in the past year, and in that same time Patrick Watson having the first Francophone track to enter Spotify’s illustrious Billions Club.

These breakout moments underscore the power of streaming in driving discovery and helping artists to reach new fans, and highlight how Québec’s artists are increasingly resonating far beyond the borders of the province and the country.

And Québec’s moment is both global and local. New Spotify data interrogates how Québec listeners’ habits and behaviours are shaping Canada’s audio landscape – demonstrating the province’s role as both a cultural hub for French-language voices and a launchpad for global discovery.

“Québec and global Francophone listeners bring incredible energy and curiosity to Spotify. Their fandom reflects not just loyalty to Francophone voices, but also an openness to discovery that travels far beyond borders,” said Elizabeth Phipps, Artist and Label Partnerships Lead, Spotify Canada. “This is why cultural moments—from sync placements to national holidays—have such a powerful impact both at home and abroad.”

Québecers are Shaping a Distinct National Listening Identity on Spotify

Québec audiences are strongly leaning into French-language content on Spotify:

  • 16% growth in Francophone music streams in Québec in the past year – surpassing the 15% growth that Francophone music has seen globally;
  • Over 49,000% increase in monthly streams of French-Canadian content in Canada, as well as over 4,500% increase of streams of French-Canadian content worldwide;
  • 77% growth in audiobook listening in between July 2024-July 2025, with Patrick Senécal titles Aliss and Hell.com ranking as the most popular French-language audiobooks nationwide.

Podcasts are thriving too: Comedy, Health & Fitness, and Society & Culture genres are the most streamed in Québec, showing both appetite for entertainment and curiosity for learning.

Local Passion is Fuelling Québec Music Culture

Montrealers have emerged as the biggest fans of Québec’s Francophone music scene, leading the province with 266 million local streams of Francophone music, followed by fans in Québec City (28 million streams) and Laval (13 million streams).

Streaming is also channeling Québec’s unique cultural moments: for this year’s Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, streams of Francophone artists surged by 116% across the province.

Québec Talent is Succeeding on the Global Stage

Beloved Québecois artists continue to define and export the province’s cultural identity. Patrick Watson, Céline Dion, Cœur de Pirate, Garou and Enima have emerged as the top-streamed French-Canadian artists of the last decade.

At the same time, Québec’s new generation of musicians, podcasters, and authors are finding fans both at home and abroad.

And Québec Fans Are Driving Homegrown Acts to Succeed

As highlighted at Spotify Sessions 2025, fandom—not just following—defines how listeners engage today. Québec’s audiences are active participants in shaping their province’s distinct music culture:

  • On average, Spotify users spend two hours per day on the platform, with 76% saying it makes daily moments more enjoyable.
  • 68% of users agree their time on Spotify feels more positive than on social media.

This fandom is what allows Québec moments—from The Summer I Turned Pretty sync spikes to Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day surges—to ripple across Canada and into global markets.

Scorpions Release “You & I” to DSPs and Announce Career-Spanning Collection From ‘The First Sting’

Eric Alper
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Scorpions Release “You & I” to DSPs and Announce Career-Spanning Collection From ‘The First Sting’

SCORPIONS – “You & I” now available on all DSPs for the first time! The emotional power ballad from the 1996 album Pure Instinct is one of Scorpions’ fan favorites, captivating listeners with its blend of heartfelt vocals, catchy melodies, and the band’s unmistakable sound.

In celebration of their sixth decade as a band, on October 17, 2025, pioneering German hard rock group Scorpions will be releasing From The First Sting, a thrilling collection the raw energy, unforgettable anthems, and iconic moments from their illustrious career. From The First Sting is the band’s only career-spanning collection and will be available on a deluxe 2LP & 2CD bookpack and 2CD format for European and Rest of the World fans, as well as 2LP vinyl and 1CD format for fans in the Americas.

During their career, Scorpions viewed their music as a bridge between cultures. They performed in the former Soviet Union, China, and Southeast Asia, thereby fostering international understanding.

Commercially, the band are also one of the best-selling hard rock and heavy metal bands of all time – with over 120 million album sales to their name. From The First Sting is a sonic journey through the band’s timeless hits, from “Rock You Like a Hurricane” to “Wind of Change”, showcasing Scorpions’ evolution while honoring the spirit of their classic sound.

From The First Sting features two previously unreleased tracks, “This Is My Song” and “Still Loving You”, the latter of which features British violinist Vanessa Mae. The physical for fans in the Americas comes housed in a carefully crafted 2LP gatefold vinyl pressed on 180g and 1CD digisleeve, comprehensively illustrating the enduring influence of the pioneering masters of their genre.

Perfect for die-hard fans and newcomers alike, From The First Sting delivers the ultimate Scorpions experience – a blistering ride through 60 years of hard-hitting, heart-pounding rock that continues to leave its mark on the world.

TRACKLISTINGS

2LP and 1CD tracklisting

1                In Search Of The Peace Of Mind

2                This Is My Song*

3                Speedy’s Coming

4                In Trance

5                Pictured Life

6                The Sails Of Charon

7                Top Of The Bill (Live)

8                Always Somewhere

9                The Zoo

10             No One Like You

11             Rock You Like A Hurricane

12             Big City Nights

13             Wind Of Change

14             Still Loving You feat. Vanessa Mae*

15             Humanity

16             Rock Believer

*Bonus tracks

2CD tracklisting

CD1
1                In Search Of The Peace Of Mind

2                This Is My Song

3                Speedy’s Coming

4                In Trance

5                Pictured Life

6                The Sails Of Charon

7                Top Of The Bill (Live)

8                Holiday

9                Always Somewhere

10             Lady Starlight

11             The Zoo

12             No One Like You

13             When The Smoke Is Going Down

14             Still Loving You

15             Rock You Like A Hurricane

16             Big City Nights


CD2          

1                Rock You Like A Hurricane (Live)

2                Believe In Love

3                Send Me An Angel

4                Wind Of Change

5                Under The Same Sun

6                Still Loving You feat. Vanessa Mae

7                Mind Like A Tree

8                You & I

9                Wind Of Change (Moment Of Glory)

10             Always Somewhere

11             Maybe I Maybe You

12             Humanity

13             The Best Is Yet To Come

14             House Of Cards

15             Rock Believer

‘We Will Rock You’ Returns to Toronto With Brand-New Production at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre

Eric Alper
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‘We Will Rock You’ Returns to Toronto With Brand-New Production at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre

WE WILL ROCK YOU, the international hit musical that features and celebrates the iconic music of Queen and has been seen by over 20 million people in 28 countries, is returning to Toronto for a limited engagement this November in a brand new production from the Québec-based cultural producing company Gestev.

The French-language production has been touring Quebec since June of this year and will play Toronto in an English-language version. WE WILL ROCK YOU begins performances November 28, 2025 and will play through January 4, 2026 at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, the same venue of the musical’s original Canadian premiere production in 2007 to 2008.

Tickets are available now at mirvish.com and by calling 1.800.461.3333.

In translating the production into English, adaptor and director Steve Bolton has assembled a cast of Quebecoise and Ontarian artists.

THE CAST
The cast includes Callum Lurie (Galileo), Paige Foskett (Scaramouche), Maggie Lacasse (Killer Queen), Patrick Olafson (Khashoggi), Peter Deiwick (Ozzy), Laurence Champagne (AXL), and Caleb Ajao (Brit).

The ensemble features Stephanie Paquet (Ensemble, Understudy Killer Queen), Mathieu-Philippe Perras (Ensemble, Understudy Galileo), Emily Masurkevitch (Ensemble, Understudy Scaramouche), Alexandre Iannuzzi (Ensemble, Understudy Brit, Understudy Khashoggi), Elizabeth Lauzon (Ensemble, Understudy AXL), Sayer Roberts (Ensemble, Understudy Ozzy, Understudy Cricket), Chloé McNeil (Ensemble, Céline), Seth Zosky (Ensemble, Cricket), Eric Dahlingner (Ensemble), Sophie McLeod (Ensemble), and Alexandra Grant (Ensemble).

Callum Lurie (Galileo).
Select theatre: Drew in Rock of Ages (STF and Rogue Productions); Grease, Cinderella: The Panto (Drayton Entertainment); Legally Blonde, Next To Normal (STF); The Beast in Beauty and the Beast (Capitol Theatre Moncton); Brad in The Rocky Horror Show (LOT). Film/TV: Dare Me (Netflix); Robyn Hood (Global); Cross (Prime Video). Callum Lurie (He/Him) is a proud graduate of the Dan School of Drama and Music at Queen’s University. As an actor and arts educator, Callum has worked across Canada, and even the globe with Norwegian Cruise Lines. Thank you to Cassie and my family for their support, and Gestev and the Ed Mirvish Theatre for having me. @callum_lurie

Paige Foskett (Scaramouche)
Paige is thrilled to step into a dream role in We Will Rock You. Some favourite credits include Ariel in Footloose (Stage West); Groundhog Day (YES Theatre); Anne in Anne of Green Gables (Tweed & Co.); Wizard of Oz: The Panto (Drayton Entertainment); Rock of Ages (More Entertainment); Bittergirl and American Idiot (Stephenville); Legally Blonde and Heathers (Hart House). Endless thanks to friends, family, and this powerhouse team for the love and support. Enjoy the show! @paigefosk

Maggie Lacasse (Killer Queen)
Maggie Lacasse is a proud bilingual Montréal-born performer and graduate of the Randolph College for the Performing Arts in Toronto. She is thrilled to return to a Mirvish stage, having previously played Jane Seymour in Six The Musical at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. This time she trades her historical crown for an edgier one as the audacious Killer Queen. Mags’ career has taken her around the world, from starring as Shalica in Step Up: Dubai All In! to headlining productions with Celebrity Entertainment, Playlist Productions and Royal Caribbean. She was a featured vocalist on Alan Menken’s single “Wonders of the Universe”. A lifelong rock fan, she currently fronts Flashback to the 80s Rock, a revue celebrating the music that shaped her. Beyond performing, Maggie produces and directs original work, including her headliner act Let’s Duet! touring internationally, and HEARTBEAT: The Sound of the 70s, soon rocking venues nationwide. She is deeply grateful to her friends and family for their continuous love and support, and dedicates this performance to all theatregoers and communities whose voices deserve to be heard and celebrated. @maggielacasse_ @lets.duet.music

Patrick Olafson (Khashoggi)
A graduate of the National Theatre School 32 years ago, Patrick appeared in several Montréal major musicals such as Grease, Jeanne La Pucelle, Le Petit Prince, and Jerusalem the Musical. He landed his singing voice to a few cartoons, including the French version of Trolls I – II and III, Smallfoot, Hoodwinked, The Lion King II and Lady and the Tramp II. In 2007, he recorded a tribute album to Michel Legrand and toured across Québec. In 2008, he cofounded TOCADÉO, a male vocal quartet that recorded eight albums and toured eight different shows. Patrick is thrilled to make his Mirvish debut in the role of Khashoggi which he created in the Québec production of We Will Rock You. www.patrickolafson.com @patrickolafson

Peter Deiwick (Ozzy)
An actor and singer in Canada for over 30 years, Peter started his career as a rock singer backing up Lee Aaron on a cross-country tour when he was 18. His career has grown with opportunities in theatre, film and television. Selected theatre: Mamma Mia!, Rock Of Ages and the original Canadian cast of We Will Rock You (all for Mirvish); Toxic Avenger (Dancap) and Once (Neptune Theatre). He was also the original Gilbert in Anne and Gilbert, the sequel to Anne of Green Gables at the Confederation Centre for the Arts. Selected film and TV credits: The Handmaids Tale (Hul), Reacher (Amazon), Fellow Travellers (Showtime), Frankie Drake and Murdoch Mysteries (CBC), Taken (NBC), Reign (CW), Private Eyes (Global), and the Stephen King adaptation, IT: Welcome to Derry (HBO). His performance is dedicated to his nephews, Gabriel and Michael. “Never stop dreaming my little men.” And to the memory of his agent Penny Noble.

Laurence Champagne (AXL)
Originally from Quebec City, Laurence graduated from the Conservatoire d’art dramatique de Montréal in 2018 and quickly began building an impressive career. After appearing in several short films, she caught attention in Alec Pronovost’s web series Le Killing and booked her first commercial. In 2019, she took on the role of Lisa in the hit musical Mamma Mia! in Montreal and Quebec City, followed by Juliet in Romeo and Juliet at Théâtre du Trident in 2020, a performance that earned her the Nicky-Roy Award (Award of Excellence in Arts and Culture). Though the pandemic interrupted Romeo and Juliet and cancelled Kinky Boots, in which she was cast as Pat at the Just for Laughs Festival 2020, Laurence bounced back in 2021 with the web series Entrelacés. Her role earned her a 2022 Gémeaux Award nomination for Best Actress in a Dramatic Web Series. She then went on to perform in the acclaimed play Shear Madness (Dernier Coup de Ciseau) and portray Charlène Dufour in Jean-Philippe Duval’s series À cœur battant. In 2024, she returned to Théâtre du Trident with Pride and Prejudice (Orgueuil et Préjugés), and in 2025, she lit up the stage as the rebel Axl in the French-language production of We Will Rock You, performed in Montreal, Quebec City, Trois-Rivières, and Gatineau.

Caleb Ajao (Brit)
Caleb was most recently seen in the Mirvish production of Disney’s The Lion King at the Princess of Wales Theatre. He holds a Master of Music from NYU and now calls Toronto home, working professionally as a vocal coach, choreographer, and stylist. Deepest thanks to my incredible support team, my loving family, and my agents at Talent House for believing in me every step of the way. And above all, endless gratitude to God—through whom all things are not only possible, but beautiful.

THE CREATIVE TEAM
The creative team includes Steve Bolton (Executive Producer, Director, Choreographer), Jean-Marc Saumier (Scenographer), David Lavallée-Gagné (Light Designer), Yohan Gingras (Video Designer), Vanessa Borris (Costume Designer), Felix Plante (Props Designer), Louis Bond (Hair and Wigs Designer), Thomas Allard Rousseau (Makeup Designer), Megan Brydon (Choreographer), Yannick Moisan (Choreographer), Domenic Pandolfo (Musical Arrangements), and Gabriel Bertrand-Gagnon (Musical Director).

WE WILL ROCK YOU
CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre
November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Performance Schedule:
Tuesday-Saturday: 7:30PM
Wednesday: 1:30PM
Saturday-Sunday: 2PM

Holiday Performance Schedule:
Tuesday December 23: 1:30PM & 7:30PM
Wednesday December 24: 1:30PM
Thursday December 25: No performance
Friday December 26: 1:30PM & 7:30PM
Saturday December 27: 2PM & 7:30PM
Sunday December 28: 2PM

Tuesday December 30: 1:30PM & 7:30PM
Wednesday December 31: 1:30PM
Thursday January 1: No performance
Friday January 2: 1:30PM & 7:30PM

The Highest-Grossing Concert Tours of All Time (Updated October 1, 2025)

Eric Alper
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The Highest-Grossing Concert Tours of All Time (Updated October 1, 2025)

With live shows now the heartbeat of the music industry, concert tours have soared into the billions. Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Elton John, Ed Sheeran, U2, Bruce Springsteen, The Weeknd, Harry Styles, and Pink headline the list of all-time giants. And with Coldplay rumored to add new Music of the Spheres tour dates in 2026 and 2027, the numbers could climb even higher.

1. Taylor Swift — The Eras Tour — $2.077B
2. Coldplay — Music of the Spheres World Tour — $1.386B
3. Elton John — Farewell Yellow Brick Road — $939.1M
4. Ed Sheeran — +−=÷× Tour — $875.7M
5. Ed Sheeran — ÷ Tour — $776.2M
6. U2 — 360° Tour — $736.4M
7. Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band — 2023–2025 Tour — $729.7M
8. The Weeknd — After Hours til Dawn Tour — $635.5M
9. Harry Styles — Love On Tour — $617.3M
10. Pink — Summer Carnival — $584.7M

redveil Drops New Single and Video “brown sugar” Featuring Smino

Eric Alper
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redveil Drops New Single and Video “brown sugar” Featuring Smino

Rising star redveil has shared his new single and music video “brown sugar” featuring St. Louis rapper Smino. The single follows redveil’s surprise release of “square one” from earlier this year and introduces elements of his next creative phase with intricate arrangements and instrumentation.

The song’s accompanying music video, directed by Tyler Shuler, brings this new era’s visual palette to life with its styling, ornate setting, and colour scheme, and closes with the introduction of a shadowy, mysterious figure. “brown sugar” was self-produced by redveil, with additional keys, strings, and synths by Johnny May, choir vocals led by Faith Carey, guitar by Keelan Walters, and additional vocals by Allayna O’Quinn.

Pitchfork deemed redveil “a new rap star to watch” following his 2022 breakout debut, learn 2 swim, which was widely praised by the likes of Vulture, NPR, The FADER and more. In 2023, he released the subsequent playing w/ fire EP on the eve of his 19th birthday, which he followed with his sold-out first headline North American tour and an ascendant performance at 2023’s Camp Flog Gnaw Festival. Now, at 21, redveil is entering the next phase of his career, with more music coming soon.

SAJAA. Unveils Bold New EP ‘Vivid Dreams & Intuitions.’ Blending Soul, Theater, and Empowerment

Eric Alper
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SAJAA. Unveils Bold New EP ‘Vivid Dreams & Intuitions.’ Blending Soul, Theater, and Empowerment

Montreal-based Neo-Soul/R&B artist SAJAA. returns with her most daring and theatrical body of work yet, Vivid Dreams & Intuitions., an eight-track EP that expands on the emotional and artistic journey she began with her 2023 debut project Blurred Minds & Perspectives. If her first release introduced listeners to her world of layered moods and perspectives, this new chapter delves deeper — embracing the vulnerability of introspection while amplifying her love for visual and performance art.

At its core, Vivid Dreams & Intuitions. is a staged production of the heart. Each track unfolds like an act in a play, charting the emotional spectrum of a fading connection—the ache of recognizing the inevitable ending long before the words are spoken. Yet rather than linger in sorrow, SAJAA. transforms heartbreak into empowerment, weaving boldness, confidence, and self-worth into every note.

In October 2024, SAJAA. dropped “Confused.,” the first single from Vivid Dreams & Intuitions. The sassy, self-aware track calls out mixed signals and the frustration of believing words over actions. As the only song on the EP co-produced with Paul Charles, it bridges the raw storytelling of Blurred Minds & Perspectives. with the bold, cinematic flair of her new era.

Earlier in 2025, listeners were given another glimpse into the EP with “Martini.,” a soulful slow jam that captured the bittersweet spark of reconnecting with a past love. Flirtatious yet fragile, the song evokes both nostalgia and finality, drawing inspiration from legends like Aretha Franklin, The Dramatics, Earth, Wind & Fire, Aaron Neville, and The Temptations. It showcased SAJAA.’s ability to balance tenderness with groove, further highlighting the depth and versatility of the sound

Another standout, “Lovergirl.,” drips with fierce and unapologetic confidence. Inspired by the fierce spirit of Janis Joplin and the powerhouse vocals of Joss Stone, the song embodies the strength that comes from moving on to protect your peace and finally letting go on your own terms. Equal parts freeing and defiant, the track dives into the contradictions of loving love itself, while ultimately choosing truth over illusion. It also marks a bold moment of experimentation for SAJAA., pushing her sound into new, uncharted territory.

The focus track and third official single, “Broadway.,” captures this theatrical approach in full force. Inspired by the cinematic soundscapes of Burlesque, James Bond, and Chicago, the track is as bold as it is vulnerable, unpacking the facade of someone who performs for admiration without substance to back it up. With its dramatic flair, sharp lyricism, and soulful textures, “Broadway.” embodies both the disorientation of illusion and the quiet liberation of walking away from it.

With Vivid Dreams & Intuitions., SAJAA. cements her place as one of the most compelling new voices in Canada’s Neo-Soul and R&B scene. The EP stages each song like an act in a play, exploring the emotional spectrum of a fading connection—acknowledging sorrow, but ultimately transforming it into a statement of strength, sass, and self-worth.

The EP is not just a collection of songs, but a carefully crafted experience with every track building on her reputation for fearless storytelling, unfiltered emotion, and a sound that draws equally from vintage soul and contemporary R&B innovation.

Poised at the intersection of vulnerability and power, SAJAA. continues to prove that her artistry thrives in dualities. Vivid Dreams & Intuitions. is both a personal statement and a universal story—about endings that become beginnings, illusions that unravel into truth, and growth that comes from daring to step into the spotlight exactly as you are.

Ger Carriere Struts Into the Spotlight With Bold New Single “Blessed in My Heels”

Eric Alper
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Ger Carriere Struts Into the Spotlight With Bold New Single “Blessed in My Heels”

Some songs beg to be background noise. Others demand attention. “Blessed in My Heels,” the latest single from Canadian artist Ger Carriere, is firmly in the second category: an anthem that struts in, makes eye contact, and dares you to look away.

The song, which is equal parts edge and sparkle, is built on the framework of glossy ’80s pop rock with just enough bite to evoke Prince at his most mischievous. Before the chorus opens up into something lighter and somewhat effortless, the verses thrust with a steely assurance. The song’s power comes from this harmony between grit and brightness. It is pulsating, lively, and completely confident.

Here, Carriere is more concerned with forging her own path than following trends. The song “Blessed In My Heels” is presented as an anthem of empowerment. What makes it work is that it doesn’t posture. It’s fierce, yes, but also playful. You hear it most in the delivery: vocals that cut with conviction while still leaving room for joy, freedom, and a sly grin.

This music was created with movement in mind. Launching alongside the song is the TikTok Strut Challenge that fits nicely with the DNA of the song. Carriere gives the impression that empowerment is dynamic, like something you can practice step by step. Its edges are further sharpened by micro-influencer collaborations arranged around the release, which propel the song into a larger cultural dialogue about confidence as both style and expression.

“Blessed In My Heels” is one of those songs you bookmark before the playlists catch up if you’re a listener who is eager to be ahead of the curve. It’s bold, unrepentant, and maybe the most obvious indication yet that Carriere’s next EP isn’t meant for background listening but rather to take center stage.

Drake Breaks Records at SOCAN Awards as Joni Mitchell, Boi-1da, and More Honoured in Historic Centennial Celebration

Eric Alper
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Drake Breaks Records at SOCAN Awards as Joni Mitchell, Boi-1da, and More Honoured in Historic Centennial Celebration

It was a night of milestones at the SOCAN Awards in Toronto, where Drake made history as the most-awarded songwriter in SOCAN’s century-long legacy and the most awarded in a single evening.

Fellow international powerhouse Boi-1da was celebrated with the Global Impact Award for his influence as a songwriter and producer in helping shape the sound of a generation, while the songwriting team of Lowell, bülow and Nathan Ferraro won the SOCAN International Achievement Award for their songwriting success and work on Beyoncé’s “TEXAS HOLD ’EM.” 

The night’s historic moments were rounded out by a moving tribute by Allison Russell, to icon Joni Mitchell, honoured with the SOCAN Cultural Impact Award for her classic “Both Sides, Now,“ marking a fitting centrepiece in a celebration of one hundred years of Canadian songwriting, composing and music publishing excellence.  

Drake received his fourth SOCAN Songwriter of the Year – Performer Award and also took home three Rap Music Awards, one R&B Music Award, andone Dance Music Award, achieving a single-night record of six SOCAN awards.

Chart-topping producer OZ took home the SOCAN Producer of the Year Award for his work with Drake, J.Cole, Travis Scott, Jack Harlow, among other music heavyweights.

Evan Blair was celebrated with the SOCAN Songwriter of the Year – Non-Performer Award, the SOCAN International Song Award and a Pop Music Award for the success of the global smash, “Beautiful Things,” while SHUBH took home the Breakout Songwriter Award.

Jordan Gagne took home his first SOCAN Screen Composer of the Year Award while the Breakout Screen Composer Award went to Erica Procunier, and Most Streamed Production Awards went to:

  • Jeff Toyne for Palm Royale
  • Andrew Lockington for Special Ops: Lioness, Mayor of Kingstown and Landman
  • Graeme Cornies, James Chapple, Brian Pickett and David Kelly for Paw Patrol

Hosted by actor and comedian  Andrew Phung and TV host Arisa Cox, the awards also featured unforgettable performances by Alexander Stewart, Baby Nova, Frank Walker, Kalisway, Tia Wood, Wild Rivers, a celebration of OZ’s incredible hits with live beat re-creation by DATSUNN and Rae onpiano, and a salute to SOCAN screen composers opened the show with an orchestral medley of ten winning songs and cues being honoured during the evening, including music from Heartland, Paw Patrol, Dino Ranch, A Big Fat Family Christmas, Ghostwriter, Island of Bryan, Sportsnet, Atlas, Murdoch Mysteries, Night Swim and Palm Royale. 

“As we mark 100 years, we celebrate the incredible community of songwriters, composers and music publishers who remind us all why music matters,” said Jennifer Brown, CEO of SOCAN. “From every stage, studio, and screen, Canadian music creators carry our stories across Canada and around the world, and SOCAN’s role has always been to stand with them, support their journeys, and ensure their music continues to thrive for generations to come.” 

Viral Song Awards were awarded to:

  • Alexander Stewart – i wish you cheated
  • Chris Grey – LET THE WORLD BURN
  • bbno$ – it boy
  • yung kai – blue
  • Cameron Whitcomb – Quitter

Special Awards were handed out in the following categories:

  • Vince Fontaine Indigenous Song Award – Wyatt C. Louis for “In Emerald” 
  • Folk/Roots Music Award – Wild Rivers
  • Hagood Hardy Award – Stephan Moccio 
  • Jan V. Matejcek New Classical Music Award – Dinuk Wijeratne
  • Global Music Award – Ikky
  • Licensed To Play Award – Peterborough Musicfest Inc.
  • Herbert Ruff Audiovisual Post-Synchronization Award – Red Brick Songs Inc.

SOCAN Achievement Award winners receive “The SOCAN” – the world’s first and only music industry trophy that is also a musical instrument, incorporating five custom bronze crotales, tuned this year with notes from “Both Sides, Now” by Joni Mitchell. 

SOCAN proudly acknowledges its legal counsel of 75 years, Gowling WLG, and Long & McQuade as the official sponsors of the 2025 SOCAN Awards, with the SOCAN Foundation and the Unison Fund serving as official charity partners. 

Bill McClintock’s “Whip My Lonely, Dark Heart” Mashes Up Yes, Dazz Band, Dio, and DEVO Into One Disco Fever Dream

Eric Alper
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Bill McClintock’s “Whip My Lonely, Dark Heart” Mashes Up Yes, Dazz Band, Dio, and DEVO Into One Disco Fever Dream

What happens when prog-rock giants and disco grooves collide under a glitter ball? Bill McClintock answers with “Whip My Lonely, Dark Heart,” a mashup that swings from Yes to the Dazz Band. Just when you think it can’t get wilder, Dio belts in with a Rainbow in the Dark, and DEVO pops by to Whip It good.

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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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