Who knew that Obama said “mhmm” so much in speeches and even used “Shake It Off” before?
Haters gonna hate. Watch Obama shake em off.
The best video résumé you’ll see all week
Video résumés aren’t so popular anymore, but this one will get them going again, I’m sure of it. This is a self promotion video of a copywriter who just moved to London and is looking for work. You’ll have to watch it until the end to get it…
JUNO-Nominated Singer-Songwriter Peter Katz Announces March 31st Release Date For “We Are The Reckoning” Album
“If you want to make something that’s like nothing you’ve made before, then you have to shake yourself up, go beyond what’s comfortable and known and let yourself feel disoriented, overwhelmed, even intimidated. Those moments, where you lose your bearings, where you’re forced to sink or swim, are the moments where you have an opportunity to rise to the occasion, to surprise yourself, to do the things you didn’t know you could do. That’s what making this album was for me, I’m so proud of the process, and I’m so proud of the result.” – Peter Katz
=JUNO nominated singer-songwriter Peter Katz, who recently signed a label deal with Maple Music Recordings/Fontana North, announced today the March 31st release of his brand new album “We Are The Reckoning”. Katz announced the release in addition to the premiere of the albums lead single and video “Brother”. Featuring long-time friend and multi-talented Canadian artist Royal Wood, the track is a heartfelt, uplifting tribute to relationships built and bonds forged. “We Are The Reckoning” is available now to pre-order on iTunes with an instant download of the single “Brother” (ft. Royal Wood).
Three years in the making “We Are The Reckoning” follows 2012’s “Still Mind Still” which paved the way for three successful national and international tours. The new album, documents the evolution of Katz’s artistic vision and the realization that he needed to make a change and progress creatively in order to be heard with fresh ears, for the ‘first time’ – again.
“With this record, I took my time; I shook myself up, threw myself into unfamiliar territory and took some big risks,” says Katz. I had to make better art and I had to stop being so good at answering emails and updating my website and get better at writing songs and push myself creatively. I kind of abandoned my email for months on end, slowed down my touring, and worked on music. I wrote songs like a maniac, I put myself in rooms to write with all kinds of people that intimidated me, I studied the masters, and I put the music first, with no deadline.”
Katz spent more than two years writing well over 50 new songs – some with an impressive list of co-writers – all the more remarkable since Katz typically writes alone. His profound determination paid off, attracting the attention of co-producers Royal Wood (Meesha Brueggergosman) and Bill Lefler (Ingrid Michaelson, Cary Brothers), who signed on to help Katz create his most sonically-rich album to date – unlike anything he’s produced before.
“I’m in a different place than I was when I started ten years ago,” says Katz. “Now I know what this thing is, I know the relentlessness that’s required, I know it’s not a race, and I know that the music has to come first. Now that I’m on the other side of it, I can see why it was the right thing to do and I’m more excited than ever to share what we made.”
“We Are The Reckoning is a striking 11-song collection that boasts an impressive guest list of collaborators including rising Scottish star Rachel Sermanni, legendary lap steel player Ben Peeler (Fleet Foxes, Jimmy Cliff, Wallflowers) and Felicity Williams (Bahamas) to name a few.
Katz is no stranger to the music business, a business he’s called home for the last decade. He’s celebrated #1 album debuts on the iTunes Singer-Songwriter Charts, toured all over the world, often playing to capacity crowds and has shared the stage and studio with notable artists including Academy Award winner Glen Hansard (Once, The Swell Season), The Good Lovelies, Melissa McCelland (Whitehorse), Joel Plaskett, Dan Mangan, Royal Wood and the legendary Garth Hudson (The Band).
Named “Best Male Vocalist” in the popular NOW Magazine “Best Of Toronto” 2014 reader’s poll, nominated for a 2012 JUNO Award for Music DVD of the Year and Emerging Artist of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, and the recipient of the CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award, Katz has built an impressive fan-base of loyal listeners and industry tastemakers alike. With the release of “We Are The Reckoning” and the promise of a full band national Canadian and international tour, 2015 is shaping up to be a big year for the artist whose work Chart Attack called “lyric and vocal virtuosity”.
For more information on Peter Katz visit:
@peterkatzmusic
www.facebook.com/peterkatzmusic
WE ARE THE RECKONING Track Listing:
1. We Are The Reckoning (Katz/Glasco)
2. Lay It On Me (Katz/Kosowski/Delila)
3. Brother (ft. Royal Wood) (Katz/Wood)
4. When The Day Is Done (Katz/Orso)
5. Dark (ft. Rachel Sermanni) (Katz)
6. Follow The Way (Katz/Wood/Lefler)
7. Driving A Dream (Katz/Wood/Lefler)
8. We Won’t Mind (Katz/Ray)
9. No Natural (Katz/Rollo)
10. Beacon (Katz)
11. Story You Forgot (Katz/Bursk)
Patoranking Is First African Dancehall Artist To Sign Distribution Deal with VP Records/VPAL
Nigerian dancehall star Patoranking signs a deal with VP Records’ distribution arm VPAL Music to release his debut album. He is the first African dancehall artist to partner with the world’s largest reggae company. VP Records has been home to Jamaican dancehall superstars like Sean Paul, Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Lady Saw, Mavado, Busy Signal and many more.
Jay Jules, the territory manager at VP Records Music Group Africa, expressed his enthusiasm. “VP Records’ team and I are proud and excited about Patoranking joining our renowned home of internationally recognizable reggae and dancehall superstars. African dancehall is at an exciting place. This deal is simply the next step to break our first African dancehall artist in the global music arena. VP records is undoubtedly in the best position to facilitate this,” he states.
As of one of the younger, bolder new voices of this generation, Patoranking rose to prominence in Africa with his unique blend of dancehall and reggae music. In 2014 alone, the singer-songwriter received a total of 18 major nominations and 9 wins – including Nigeria’s most sought after title for Next Rated Act at the Headies Awards and Best New Act Of The Year at the City People Entertainment Awards.
His popular releases include “Alubarika” (which means God’s blessings) featuring Timaya, “Girlie O” and “Girlie O Remix” featuring Tiwa Savage. He has also collaborated with popular Nigerian artists, including MI Abaga on “Enemies” and Seyi Shay on “Murda.”
Patoranking’s music is a conscious version of dancehall that references social and political issues. His influences include Buju Banton, Bob Marley, Fela Kuti, Lucky Dube, Chaka Demus, Majek Fashek, Blackky, Blackface, Tuface and Marvelous Benjy.
More details about his upcoming debut album will be released at a later date.
Commander Chris Hadfield Gives an Astronaut’s View of Earth
Commander Chris Hadfield shares what it’s like to see the Earth from orbit, and gives some extraordinary stories from his life as an astronaut, and how to make the impossible a reality.
The Jack Daniel’s Supporting Act Contest Is Closing Soon
Music fans have always been Jack Daniel’s greatest supporters and now it’s time for Jack to give back. Jack Daniel’s Supporting Act fuels music fans’ passions by making musical dreams a reality. Whether you’re music fan looking to see your favourite Live Nation concert, a musician with lots of talent and in need of help, or an industry professional looking for your big break. No matter what your need, Jack Daniel’s Supporting Act could help you realize your musical dream.
What do you need to do?
Tell Jack Daniel’s who you are, where you’re from, what you need to keep music in your life, and why you need Jack’s help to make it happen.
Upload your video to www.JDSupportingAct.com ENSURE YOUR VIDEO MEETS THE CRITERIA:
1. An original 60 second video – make sure it’s your own, and that you are of legal drinking age in your province of residence (VERY important)
2. Clearly state what you are applying for
3. Make sure the value of your request has a maximum possible value of $7,000, In the spirit of Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7!
What kinds of things can I ask for?
Whatever you need to keep music in your life – replacement equipment for the stuff that got stolen at your last gig, some studio time to record, even if you aren’t a musician, tuition towards your education in the music industry!
What will my video be judged on?
STORY (40%)
Priority will be given to videos that tell compelling, personal stories. They’re looking for stories that thrill, entertain or pull at the heart strings For example, If you need concert tickets, tell us about the time you missed seeing your favourite Live Nation concert. Try creating videos that resonate with music lovers anywhere.
CREATIVITY (30%)
Videos that get their message across in creative ways will also be given priority. Don’t be satisfied by taking a video in your living room. Get out into the world and show us how creative you can be. You could write a song with your request, perform a dance or express your love of music in a hundred different ways.
PRESENTATION (30%)
In the world of videos, looks matter! Use the tricks and tools of directors to make your video look like a winner. Play around with sound, editing, titles and lighting to give your video a professional presentation. They want to see that love and care has gone into the making of your video.
When can I apply?
The contest is open now! Every two weeks we’ll be selecting four finalist videos to be up for public voting. The votes, in combination with the judges score will determine the winner. We’re giving away 8 prizes from December to March – winners every two weeks!
Go to www.JDSupportingAct.com now and submit your entry!
Trey Parker’s Cannibal The Musical is coming to Toronto
Before South Park and The Book of Mormon, there was Trey Parker’s fan-favourite film, Cannibal! The Musical. This winter Trey Parker’s Cannibal the Musical makes its world premiere as a re-vamped stage show with new jokes and new songs, bearing all the hallmarks of a Parker-Stone collaboration – it’s the Canadian theatre event of the season, and runs from February 10 until March 8 at the Panasonic Theatre.
The musical follows five miners from Utah who embark on a treacherous journey to stake their claim on land in the Colorado Territory. Led by their reluctant guide, Alferd Packer, the group encounters trappers, natives and a whole lot of tom-foolery before losing their way in the Rocky Mountains. When they’re found days later Alferd is the only one left standing, and the Sheriff arrests him for cannibalism – but what really happened out on them there mountains? Intrepid reporter Polly Pry is determined to tell the REAL story… that is, if she doesn’t fall in love with the unsuspecting Packer first.
Starring Elicia MacKenzie (from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Sound of Music”) and Triple Sensation’s Liam Tobin, and Second City stars Mike “Nug” Nahrgang, Marc Andrada, Marty Adams and Trevor Martin, “Cannibal The Musical!” promises to be a hilarious evening of Trey Parker zaniness. Additional book, lyrics and music were created by Christopher Bond, Aaron Eyre and Trevor Martin.
Toronto run:
February 10 – March 8, 2015
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Tue Feb 10 at 7pm
Wed Feb 11 at 7pm
Thu Feb 12 at 7pm
Fri Feb 13 at 7pm
Saturday Feb 14 at 2pm, 7pm and 10:30pm
Sunday Feb 15 at 2:30pm and 7pm
Tue Feb 17 at 7pm
Wed Feb 18 at 7pm
Thu Feb 19 at 7pm
Fri Feb 20 at 7pm
Sat Feb 21 at 2pm and 7pm
Sun Feb 22 at 2:30pm and 7pm
Tue Feb 24 at 7pm
Wed Feb 25 at 7pm
Thu Feb 26 at 7pm
Fri Feb 27 at 7pm
Sat Feb 28 at 2pm and 7pm
Sun Mar 1 at 2:30pm and 7pm
Fri Mar 6 at 7pm
Sat Mar 7 at 2pm and 7pm
Sun Mar 8 at 2:30pm and 7pm
The Prism Prize Top Ten: Short-List For Best Canadian Music Video of 2014
The Prism Prize is thrilled to announce the Top Ten Best Canadian Music Videos of 2014, as voted by a jury of more than 120 industry professionals from the worlds of music, film, broadcast and web media. After viewing hundreds of music videos released in 2014, jurors selected the Prism Prize Top Ten based on originality, creativity, style, innovation and effective execution. The jury will vote once more to determine the Prism Prize winner, who will receive a $5,000 Grand Prize at the Awards Presentation on March 29, 2015 at TIFF Bell Lightbox. For the first time ever the Prism Prize Awards Presentation will be open to the public. Tickets are available at www.prismprize.com/tickets
In addition to the Grand Prize announcement, the Prism Prize Awards Presentation will include a screening of the Top Ten videos, sponsored by MuchFACT; and presentation of the Audience Choice Award, Presented by Noisey Canada; the Prism Prize Special Achievement Award for artistic achievements and exceptional contribution to music video art on a world stage; and the Arthur Lipsett Award, Presented by Art Works Art School, for innovative and unique approaches to music video art.
THE 2015 PRISM PRIZE TOP TEN (in alphabetical order, by director name):
The New Pornographers – Dancehall Domine (Directors: Scott Cudmore and Michael LeBlanc)
PUP – Guilt Trip (Directors: Chandler Levack and Jeremy Schaulin-Rioux)
Fur Trade – Same Temptation (Director: Kheaven Lewandowski)
Rich Aucoin – Yelling in Sleep (Director: Joel Mackenzie)
Ryan Hemsworth – Snow in Newark (Director: Martin C. Pariseau)
Kandle – Not Up to Me (Director: Natalie Rae Robison)
Kevin Drew – You in Your Were (Director: Samir Rehem)
Odonis Odonis – Order in the Court (Director: Lee Stringle)
Chad VanGaalen – Monster (Director: Chad VanGaalen)
Timber Timbre – Beat the Drum Slowly (Director: Chad VanGaalen)
The Prism Prize Top Ten videos are live at www.prismprize.com, where fans can watch and vote on who will take home this year’s Audience Award.
Past Prism Prize winners for Best Canadian Music Video of the Year include Noah Pink for Rich Aucoin’s Brian Wilson is A.L.i.V.E (2012) and Emily Kai Bock for Arcade Fire’s Afterlife (2013).
Prism Prize is proud to host a comprehensive resource for music fans to watch the best Canadian music videos all in one place. Videos and news from Canada’s music video community are available throughout the year at www.prismprize.com.
Barenaked Ladies Last Summer on Earth Tour Launches June 5th
BARENAKED LADIES will be heading back out on the road this summer for their 2015 Last Summer on Earth Tour. Joined by special guests Violent Femmes and Colin Hay of Men At Work, the Ladies are once again recreating their winning formula with performances in 30+ amphitheaters across the country. Tour kicks off on June 5th in Columbus, OH and wraps on July 26th in Seattle, WA. Tickets go on sale as early as Friday, February 13th at 10am local time in select markets and every tour date will have VIP upgrade packages available. See full list of tour dates below. For updates and more information visit www.barenakedladies.com.
Ed Robertson states, “It’s the Last Summer On Earth… Again! It’s not a doomsday prediction; it’s a call to action. We sincerely hope this won’t be the Last Summer on Earth, but just in case, we’re going to ROCK like it is!!”
The 2015 Last Summer on Earth Tour coincides with the release of the band’s, as yet untitled, new album due out on Vanguard Records later this summer. Fans that purchase tickets to the 2015 Last Summer on Earth Tour will instantly receive one track from the new album and a digital download of the full album upon release.
BARENAKED LADIES featuring (guitarist/vocalist Ed Robertson, bassist/vocalist Jim Creeggan, keyboardist/vocalist Kevin Hearn and drummer/vocalist Tyler Stewart) have sold over 14 million albums worldwide and have won eight Juno awards and earned multiple Grammy nominations. Known for such hits as “One Week,” “Pinch Me, “Brian Wilson,” “If I Had $1,000,000” and many more, the band also penned the theme song for the hit CBS series, “The Big Bang Theory.” Their latest album, Grinning Streak, debuted at #10 on the Billboard Top 200. The album’s breakout success showcased the single “Odds Are,” which shot to No. 2 on the iTunes Rock Songs Chart. The Barenaked Ladies live shows have become legendary with their hilarious on-stage banter and impromptu raps.
THE BARENAKED LADIES – 2015 LAST SUMMER ON EARTH TOUR
5-Jun-15 – Columbus, OH @ The LC Pavilion
6-Jun-15 – Cleveland, OH @ Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
7-Jun-15 – Toledo, OH @ Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre
8-Jun-15 – Cedar Rapids, IA @ McGrath Amphitheatre
10-Jun-15 – Denver, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
12-Jun-15 – Red Wing, MN @ Treasure Island Resort & Casino Island Events Center
13-Jun-15 – Milwaukee, WI @ BMO Harris Pavilion
14-Jun-15 – Council Bluffs, IA @ Stir Cove at Harrah’s Council Bluffs
16-Jun-15 – Chicago, IL @ FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
17-Jun-15 – Indianapolis, IN @ Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park
19-Jun-15 – Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion
20-Jun-15 – Detroit, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre
21-Jun-15 – Salamanca, NY @ Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino
23-Jun-15 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
26-Jun-15 – Portland, ME @ Maine State Pier
27-Jun-15 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
28-Jun-15 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Mann Center for the Performing Arts
29-Jun-15 – Boston, MA @ Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
1-Jul-15 – New York, NY @ JBL Live at Pier 97
2-Jul-15 – West Windsor, NJ @ Mercer County Park Festival Grounds
3-Jul-15 – Solomons, MD @ PNC Waterside Pavilion
4-Jul-15 – Raleigh, NC @ The Red Hat Amphitheatre
8-Jul-15 – Charlotte, NC @ Uptown Amphitheatre at the Music Factory
10-Jul-15 – Boca Raton, FL @ Sunset Cove Amphitheatre
11-Jul-15 – St. Augustine, FL @ St Augustine Amphitheatre
12-Jul-15 – Atlanta, GA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park
13-Jul-15 – Nashville, TN @ Woods at Fontanel
15-Jul-15 – Dallas, TX @ Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie
17-Jul-15 – Albuquerque, NM @ Venue TBD
18-Jul-15 – Las Vegas, NV @ Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
19-Jul-15 – San Diego, CA @ Cal Coast Credit Union OAT
21-Jul-15 – Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theatre
22-Jul-15 – Saratoga, CA @ Mountain Winery
24-Jul-15 – Boise, ID @ Idaho Botanical Garden
25-Jul-15 – Portland, OR @ Edgefield
26-Jul-15 – Seattle, WA @ Marymoor Amphitheatre
Alanis Morissette to be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) is pleased to announce Alanis Morissette as the 2015 inductee into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Spanning nearly three decades, Morissette’s extraordinary career has produced a string of chart-topping albums and garnered her numerous awards and accolades, including 13 JUNO Awards, seven Grammy Awards and two Golden Globe Award nominations. The singer-songwriter will add yet another achievement when she is honoured during the 44th annual JUNO Awards Broadcast live on CTV and CTV Go, Sunday, March 15 at 7 p.m. ET/8 p.m. AT and at 7 p.m. in all other markets, from the FirstOntario Centre in Hamilton, Ontario.
“It is an honour to be honoured by my home country that I adore so much,” says Alanis Morissette.
“Alanis forged a new path for women in music when she released Jagged Little Pill in 1995 and became one of the most influential singer-songwriter-musicians in contemporary music,” said Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards. “Her induction to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame is more than deserving. We are incredibly proud to be honouring her long history of accomplishments and celebrating her one of a kind voice at the 2015 JUNO Awards.”
Having recorded her first song at the age of 10 and winning her first JUNO Award at 17, Alanis Morissette has already accomplished more than many musicians do in a lifetime. Her first studio album self-titled Alanis was released in Canada in 1991, and the dance-pop album went to platinum with its first single, “Too Hot” reaching the top twenty on the singles chart. Morissette went on to release Now Is The Time in 1992 – a ballad-driven record which produced three top 40 singles: “An Emotion Away,” the minor contemporary hit “No Apologies,” and “(Change Is) Never a Waste of Time.”
After moving to Los Angeles in 1995, Morissette took the music scene by storm with the release of Jagged Little Pill – a mature, compellingly personal collection of original modern-rock compositions that sold an astonishing 30 million copies worldwide. Morissette’s popularity grew significantly in Canada, where the album was certified twelve-times platinum and produced four chart-toppers: “Hand in My Pocket”, “Ironic”, “You Learn”, and “Head Over Feet.” Morissette and the album won five JUNO Awards in 1996 in Hamilton: Album of the Year, Single of the Year (“You Oughta Know”), Female Vocalist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Best Rock Album. At the 1996 Grammy Awards, she won Best Female Rock Vocal Performance, Best Rock Song (both for “You Oughta Know”), Best Rock Album and Album of the Year.
With a steadily growing fan base and rising success, Morissette quickly became renowned for her skillful songwriting, mesmerizing vocals and undeniable talent. Her passion for music remained unwavering over the years and produced a streak of critically acclaimed albums, including Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie (1998), Under Rug Swept (2002), So-Called Chaos (2004), Flavors of Entanglement (2008) and Havoc and Bright Lights (2012).
To date, Morissette’s albums have sold 60 million copies worldwide and won her over 25 awards, including 13 JUNO Awards, seven Grammy Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, two American Music Awards and the UN Global Tolerance Award.
Outside of entertainment, Morissette is an avid supporter of female empowerment, as well as spiritual, psychological and physical wellness. She has contributed her writing and music to a variety of outlets, forums and causes, including movie soundtrack contributions, running a marathon for NEDA and working with Equality Now. Morissette also leads workshops, special speaking/music engagements and keynote speaking worldwide.