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10 Essential Albums for Classic Rock Newcomers

Eric Alper
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10 Essential Albums for Classic Rock Newcomers

Classic rock is a world of riffs, anthems, and timeless storytelling. Whether you’re brand new to the genre or just want to revisit the records that shaped it, these 10 essential albums are perfect gateways — and reminders that even longtime fans can always go back for another listen.

‘Back in Black’ – AC/DC

Packed with unstoppable riffs and Brian Johnson’s gritty vocals, this album is pure hard rock energy. It’s one of the best-selling records ever, and every track feels built for blasting.

‘Born to Run’ – Bruce Springsteen

An album that captures pure American restlessness and big dreams. With soaring saxophones and heartland poetry, it’s The Boss at his most cinematic.

‘Dark Side of the Moon’ – Pink Floyd

A psychedelic journey that’s as much an experience as it is an album. Its seamless flow and experimental sound still sound ahead of their time.

‘Exile on Main St.’ – The Rolling Stones

Raw, sweaty, and sprawling, this double album blends blues, rock, and soul. It’s the Stones at their most chaotic and brilliant.

‘Hotel California’ – Eagles

From haunting ballads to sun-soaked rockers, this album is California dreams and nightmares rolled into one. The title track alone is a rite of passage.

‘Led Zeppelin IV’ – Led Zeppelin

Featuring “Stairway to Heaven” alongside thunderous rockers, this record is an ultimate introduction to Zeppelin’s power. Mystical, heavy, and unforgettable.

‘Machine Head’ – Deep Purple

The blueprint for heavy rock riffs, including the immortal “Smoke on the Water.” It’s lean, loud, and endlessly influential.

‘Rumours’ – Fleetwood Mac

Filled with harmonies, heartbreak, and unforgettable hooks, this is a masterclass in songwriting. Every track feels like a greatest hit.

‘The Doors’ – The Doors

A dark, poetic, and electric debut that introduced Jim Morrison’s mystique to the world. Psychedelic and moody, it’s a perfect entry into the late ’60s sound.

‘Who’s Next’ – The Who

Epic anthems like “Baba O’Riley” and “Behind Blue Eyes” make this album a rock powerhouse. It mixes raw energy with ambitious, forward-thinking sound.

Ojibwa Alt-Rocker Digger Jonez Releases New Album ‘Shadows & Machines’ with Lead Single “Treemen”

Eric Alper
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Ojibwa Alt-Rocker Digger Jonez Releases New Album ‘Shadows & Machines’ with Lead Single “Treemen”

Some albums whisper. Others wail. ‘Shadows & Machines’, the new full-length from Canadian alt-rock artist Digger Jonez (a.k.a. Close Encounters), lives in the tension between both. Out now, with lead single “Treemen,”, the record marks a raw, unflinching statement from a Northern Ontario Ojibwa artist who has always seen music as survival.

Born Lynden Jonez, Digger grew up with his roots tied literally to the natural world: his given name comes from the Linden tree. It’s fitting, then, that his earliest song—and now ‘Shadows & Machines’ flagship single—was born under open sky, when he was homeless after high school and living in a Toronto forest. “I was amazed at the disrespect for nature by an overly materialist society,” he recalls. “Treemen came from my heart. Do not cut us, protection is a must, do not waste us, money cannot be eaten.”

The track feels like a manifesto. With its jagged guitars and cathartic rhythm section (Cory Aird on drums, Steven Jones on bass), “Treemen” works both as protest anthem and invitation to rage against complacency. “Treemen, Treemen, fighting for children, protection against corruption, with the roots in these lands,” Jonez sings, balancing urgency with defiance. It’s the kind of chorus that sounds both timeless and necessary, echoing through generations who have camped, marched, and prayed in Canada’s forests.

“I love playing this song as my concert opener,” he says. “It feels like an anthem and a call to arms for people to take environmental corruption seriously. Everyone loves to go camping, but who will confront billion-dollar companies when you can’t breathe or drink water anymore?” That tension—between escape and confrontation, nostalgia, and activism—runs like live current throughout ‘Shadows & Machines’.

While the record roars with heavy riffs and industrial grit, it never loses sight of its human center. Jonez is as comfortable weaving hip-hop cadences into his guitar-driven rock as he is pulling lines straight from his lived experience. His shows, often described as full of “comedy, dance, and inspiring music for all ages,” translate that genre-bending approach into an almost theatrical urgency. It’s part of why he was named RBC’s Emerging Artist of 2022 and why fans across Canada are eager to follow wherever this project goes next.

At the heart of ‘Shadows & Machines’ is Jonez’s ability to turn biography into allegory. His liner notes read less like backstory and more like survival guide: trauma spun into resilience, disillusionment reframed as anthemic catharsis. It’s a continuation of what he calls the “diary of what went wrong and what went right that year,” each record a timestamp in his evolving relationship with community, music, and land.

In many ways, “Treemen” is the album distilled. Biblical imagery collides with environmental crisis: “A vine hangs down from a tree / Looks like the cross of Jesus.” Religious symbolism, ecological urgency, and political fury all converge into a hymn for those who still believe roots matter, both literal and ancestral.

For Jonez, who carries Ojibwa heritage from Northern Ontario, this is more than metaphor. “With the roots in these lands” is a declaration of cultural belonging and responsibility. By collapsing personal history into collective memory, he gives voice to what too often goes unheard: Indigenous environmental knowledge as rock and roll testimony.

If ‘Shadows & Machines’ is the storm, “Treemen” is the lightning strike. Loud, unrelenting, and impossible to ignore, it demands that listeners not only hear but act. Jonez has built an album where hope and anger are not opposites but coconspirators, where survival sounds like distortion and joyride blues. The call will be clear: rage, protect, remember, endure.

Stratford’s Rising Country Star Janna Leduc Unveils “That’s How” Off Upcoming Debut Album

Eric Alper
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Stratford’s Rising Country Star Janna Leduc Unveils “That’s How” Off Upcoming Debut Album

Country music has a new voice that’s as real and grounded as the gravel roads she grew up on. Rising artist Janna Leduc, from Milverton and now based in Stratford, Ontario, is gearing up to release her debut album ‘Long Time Comin’’ this fall, with the single “That’s How,” out now.

Janna’s music is unapologetically country. It blends the storytelling heart of the genre with a rock edge that keeps her sound bold and fresh. Her shows aren’t just concerts—they’re rowdy, line-dancing, crowd-singing parties where authenticity and energy are front and centre.

Her new single “That’s How” was recorded in Nashville with an all-star team of musicians, including Andy Leftwich on fiddle and Doug Frasure on drums. It’s a no-nonsense anthem about living life on your own terms, wrapped in a high-energy sound that’s destined to get fans singing along.

In her own words, Janna says: “That’s How is my no-nonsense country girl anthem. It’s about rolling through life on your own terms. The song is fearless, independent, and unapologetic… just like the people I grew up around.”

The lyrics capture that spirit perfectly: “BBQ eats, shootin skeet / Cut off jeans and cowboy boots / Square body truck lifted up / Push bar in the front / Jim Beam in a Dixie cup / Waylon on the stereo… That’s how this country girl rolls.”

The accompanying music video, filmed during one of the hottest days of summer, turned into a celebration with friends, family, and fans. “It wasn’t staged,” Janna recalls. “It was real people, real dancing, real fun. That’s the energy I wanted to capture.”

Janna’s career began with her breakout single “Drive,” which introduced her fearless approach and unapologetic style. With “That’s How,” she doubles down on her roots, delivering a track that embodies her authenticity and charisma.

The debut album ‘Long Time Comin’’ will arrive this fall, showcasing Janna’s blend of grit, truth-telling, and heart. Each song is a reflection of her journey from small-town Ontario to recording in Nashville, carrying with it the sounds of both her roots and her future.

From flared jeans and cowboy boots to late-night writing sessions and festival stages, Janna Leduc is doing country music her own way. She’s not chasing trends—she’s building something real, and with “That’s How” leading the charge, she’s ready to make her mark.

Tour Dates:

Sept 4, 2025                   Farm To Table, Stratford, ON

Sept 13, 2025                Dragon Boat Festival, Stratford, ON

Sept 25, 2025                Rivoli, Toronto, ON

Sept 27, 2025                Tavistock Royals Presents, Tavistock, ON

November 8, 2025      Golden Ticket Draw, St Clements, ON

Country Artist Jeff Michaels Releases ‘Sittin’ Here On This Dock’ Celebrating Simple Joys

Eric Alper
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Country Artist Jeff Michaels Releases ‘Sittin’ Here On This Dock’ Celebrating Simple Joys

Jeff Michaels has released his brand-new single ‘Sittin’ Here On This Dock,’ offering listeners a warm escape into moments of ease, reflection, and celebration, blending Michaels’ country roots with vivid storytelling.

Born in Mississauga, Ontario, and now based in Cambridge, Ontario, Michaels has grown his career as both a bandleader and a solo artist. His years with The Southdowns gave him a foundation in performance and songwriting, while his solo work reflects his personal vision—country music rooted in sincerity and connection.

Following the release of his EP  ‘Down Here In Mexico’, Michaels has continued to shape a sound that draws on his Ontario upbringing and his love of country traditions. His music thrives on the balance of good times with friends and the grounding presence of home.

‘Sittin’ Here On This Dock’ paints a vivid picture of simple pleasures: casting a fishing line, sharing a drink with friends, and watching the sun set over the water. Its lyrics highlight the joy of stepping away from the rush of everyday life and leaning into time with the people and places that matter most.

The verses build images of laughter, music, and lake life, while the chorus captures a state of contentment with lines like, “Now I’m sittin’ here on this dock, poppin’ that bottle top. Slow and easy, that’s the life for me.” The song brings to life a familiar Canadian summer scene that resonates with listeners everywhere.

In his own words, Jeff Michaels explains: “This song came from my love for the outdoors and the times I’ve spent at the lake. It’s about slowing down, being present, and enjoying the company of friends. It’s the soundtrack to the kind of summer nights I want to hold onto.”

Michaels continues: “When I write, I want to share something real. With ‘Sittin’ Here On This Dock,’ I wanted to capture a feeling that so many of us know—the peace of sitting still and appreciating where you are.”

With his growing catalog, Michaels is building a reputation as an artist who crafts music that feels both timeless and personal. ‘Sittin’ Here On This Dock’ affirms his place as one of country music’s rising voices from Ontario.

From Nova Scotia to Ottawa: Glenn A Johnson Shares Decades of Songwriting in ‘Love and Loss: The Songs I Kept’

Eric Alper
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From Nova Scotia to Ottawa: Glenn A Johnson Shares Decades of Songwriting in ‘Love and Loss: The Songs I Kept’

Glenn A. Johnson releases his songwriter’s anthology ‘Love and Loss: The Songs I Kept’, a collection that draws deeply on his Nova Scotia roots and a lifetime of storytelling. Born in Halifax and raised in Liverpool, Glenn carries the spirit of the East Coast in every note—anchored by the pull of the ocean and the resilience of memory.

Though now based in Ottawa, Glenn’s heart remains tied to Nova Scotia’s South Shore. His music blends pop and light rock with folk traditions, carried by themes of longing, healing, and the enduring connection to home.

Produced and released under his label BalzaSteel Music, the songs are built not for spectacle but for connection with other artists and possibly for film and television. Glenn’s compositions are offerings to all listeners from the heart, crafted with honesty and care. Beyond listeners, he hopes to connect with performers who may need tailored pieces lyrically and musically.

The anthology features songs spanning decades of writing, including ‘Back To Nova Scotia,’ a heartfelt ode to his birthplace. With lines like “Nova Scotia skies of tartan blue / No matter where I roam, I’ll come back to you,” the song captures the ache of distance and the comfort of return.

Other tracks highlight different shades of love and struggle. ‘A Beautiful Tragedy’ reflects on relationships fractured by time and memory. ‘Can’t Hang It Up’ is an anthem for perseverance in music itself, acknowledging the hardships of the road while celebrating its healing power. ‘Silence Ain’t Peace’ speaks to justice, trauma, and truth with striking urgency.

Glenn’s journey to this release has been anything but ordinary. A drummer at heart, he composes melodies one-handed due to spinal nerve damage, relying on technology and AI tools to help bring his songs to life. “I’ve had many of the songs complete inside my head,” Glenn shares, “but only recently have I been able to record them in a way that others can hear and, hopefully, carry forward.”

Despite challenges, Glenn’s work reflects the grit and generosity of Maritime culture. His songs mirror coastal landscapes—at once rough and beautiful, intimate, and expansive. They echo lighthouses, salt air, and the resilience of communities shaped by both hardship and joy.

The anthology continues the thread of his earlier release ‘Ocean Wave’, blending folk and country flavours with themes of love, memory, and belonging.

With ‘Love and Loss: The Songs I Kept,’ Glenn A. Johnson invites listeners into stories both deeply personal and universally resonant. From tender ballads to unflinching truths, his music carries the salt and soul of the East Coast wherever it travels.

Indie Pop Newcomer Alice Moore Releases Debut Single “Cigarettes” Ahead of Forthcoming EP ‘The Waiting’

Eric Alper
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Indie Pop Newcomer Alice Moore Releases Debut Single “Cigarettes” Ahead of Forthcoming EP ‘The Waiting’

Alice Moore has released her debut single “Cigarettes,” a track that unfolds like a hazy late-night confession. It marks the first glimpse of her forthcoming EP ‘The Waiting’, scheduled for October 3, 2025.

Moore grew up between Trois-Rivières and Drummondville, Quebec, places that shaped both her musical curiosity and her lyrical honesty. Her voice, drenched in intimacy, moves with ease through the moods of alternative indie pop, while her band gives the songs texture and atmosphere.

Her group includes Samuel Lessard on guitar, Léandre Bourgeois on keys, Ismaël Chagnon on drums, and James Forest on bass. Together, they form a constellation of sound that feels lived-in, pulling from the richness of Quebec’s indie traditions while carving something new.

“Cigarettes” begins with a stark admission—“Yesterday, I bought myself a pack of cigarettes, but I don’t smoke.” The line sets the tone for a track about love, contradiction, and the quiet moments of unraveling. The song balances restraint and release, drifting between vulnerability and resolve.

The lyrics echo discomfort, longing, and the fear of being alone. Lines like “Here I am today chain-smoking cigarettes while it’s spinning in my head” make the private feel universal, bringing listeners into a space both fragile and fearless.

In her own words, Alice Moore explains the creative process: “The first single ‘Cigarettes’ was almost left off the EP. My producer, Sam Mallais, convinced me it had something worth sharing, and I’m grateful. It grew into one of the most personal songs I’ve ever written.”

Recorded at Studio 345 in Sainte-Hélène-de-Bagot, Quebec, ‘The Waiting’ EP came together with friends, late nights, and a sense of collective energy. The band’s decision to track most instruments live gave the record a raw immediacy, making it feel more like a captured moment than a polished artifact.

Moore’s songwriting, rooted in the indie pop universe, explores themes of love, mental health, and the quiet edges of human experience. Her voice lingers on words the way memories linger on places—refusing to fade quickly.

With ‘The Waiting’ on the horizon, “Cigarettes” acts as the doorway into Moore’s world: sharp, soft, and unafraid to hold tension. It introduces an artist whose work lives in the spaces between solitude and connection, nostalgia and presence.

Alt-Country Folk Trio Diyet & The Love Soldiers Announce New Album ‘Seeds of Dreaming’ and 2025 Tour

Eric Alper
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Alt-Country Folk Trio Diyet & The Love Soldiers Announce New Album ‘Seeds of Dreaming’ and 2025 Tour

She was born in a tent and raised on the ancestral lands of the Kluane First Nation, surrounded by the wild beauty of the Yukon’s mountains and stories older than the map itself. Now, with her fourth album ‘Seeds of Dreaming’ on the horizon (dropping September 19, 2025), Diyet & The Love Soldiers are packing up the bass, the pedal steel, and a thousand ancestral harmonies for their biggest tour yet.

But let’s rewind. Before the festivals, before the awards, before she sang on national television and performed at Expo Osaka, Diyet van Lieshout was just a shy kid with a mind full of melodies. “I found music before I found my voice,” Diyet recalls. “And when I found the words, they came out singing.” Raised on ancestor stories and fed by Southern Tutchone, Tlingit, Japanese, and Scottish roots, she wandered through cities and back again — graduating from UVic with a degree in music performance before heading home to Kluane, where her real songs began.

It was in Burwash Landing, Yukon, that Diyet found her creative compass. Teaming up with her husband and drummer Robert van Lieshout and Juno-winning producer Bob Hamilton, Diyet formed The Love Soldiers. Their sound? A genre-fluid mix of alt-country, folk-rock, and roots with a traditional Tutchone soul. Think Emmylou Harris jamming with Norah Jones on a mountaintop.

Her new album ‘Seeds of Dreaming’ is the kind of record that could only be written by someone who’s walked in many worlds — modern and ancestral, loud and quiet, hopeful and haunted. The single “Give Me A Reason” sets the tone with a call for compassion in chaotic times. “There is a tension and a giddy rage that is barely contained,” Diyet shares. “How can we help each other to stand up, speak with good intentions, show compassion and build a wave so strong that we turn the tides?”

On ‘Old Mother,’ Diyet sings with awe and intimacy: ‘It was as if earth and sky were having an intimate conversation and I was its quiet observer.’ Her songs are diaries, declarations, and dreamscapes — like if Joni Mitchell wrote under the northern lights.

The song ‘Grandfather’s Country’ honors her Kluane heritage with the phrase Ásì Keyi — ‘My Grandfather’s Country.’ “This land is our family,” Diyet explains. “The story is etched into the trails, in the water that feeds the forest, and in the blood of the animals that feed us.” The track is a sonic pilgrimage, blending pedal steel and organ with ancestral memory.

The title track, ‘Seeds of Dreaming,’ plants a vision for Indigenous healing and global balance. ‘I’ve been told by Elders that we will play a key role in finding balance in the world again,’ Diyet shares. ‘But first, we must heal and balance ourselves.’ It’s not just a song. It’s a roadmap.

Recent years have seen the trio travel extensively across Canada, Alaska, the UK, Europe and most recently, Japan for Expo Osaka. From main stage festival slots to intimate folk clubs, Diyet & The Love Soldiers have proven they can fill a field or hush a room. Their performances shimmer with sincerity, grit, and heart.

In celebration of ‘Seeds of Dreaming’, Diyet & The Love Soldiers are hitting the road in fall 2025 with tour dates across Canada and the UK, including appearances at the Manchester Folk Festival and more to be announced.

Diyet isn’t chasing trends — she’s channeling truths. ‘I’ve always believed that music is medicine,’ she says. ‘And right now, we all need a little healing.’ From a tent in the Yukon to the world stage, Diyet’s story is still being written. But one thing’s for sure: she’s dreaming big, and she’s inviting us all to dream with her.

2025 Tour Dates:

September 10, 2025 – Skagway Arts Council, Skagway, AK, United States
September 12, 2025 – Chilkat Center, Haines, AK, United States
September 16, 2025 – Wright Auditorium, Petersburg, AK, United States
September 18, 2025 – The Nolan Center, Wrangell, AK, United States
October 16-17, 2025 – Folk Music Ontario, Ottawa, ON
November 18 – 21, 2025 – Mundial Montreal, Montreal, QC
November 25-26, 2025 – Come Together, Toronto, ON

New Jersey Artist-Producer MOJA Drops Euphoric New Single “I Feel Different”

Eric Alper
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New Jersey Artist-Producer MOJA Drops Euphoric New Single “I Feel Different”

New Jersey-based artist and producer MOJA returns with a lively and genre-blurring single titled “I Feel Different,” available now. Serving as a taste of his forthcoming project What’s Up With Him?, the track immerses listeners in the euphoric headspace MOJA describes as “that moment when you get that euphoric adrenaline rush.”

Blending a dynamic production style with vibrant lyricism, “I Feel Different” brings to life the whimsical, carefree feelings often sparked by youth, spontaneity, and self-discovery. MOJA explains the track was born after waking up following a night of edible-induced dreaming. “I sat in my studio and after playing around with chords on my keyboard I came up with the melody. Once I had the production, everything else came with it.”

The result is a track that feels immediate, adventurous, and emotionally honest—qualities that have come to define MOJA’s work. With a musical background shaped by playing trumpet in band, singing in church, and growing up in a Jamaican/Caribbean household, MOJA brings a multidimensional sound rooted in his personal experience.

“My name is MOJA. I am an independent recording artist & producer from New Jersey. My life is what I call ‘trapped in a world of sound,’” he shares. “I think my full-length project, I Was Curious, is a good starting point for new listeners.”

“I Feel Different” represents a bold step forward, building anticipation for what’s next as MOJA continues to craft a musical journey all his own.

London Artist J Keys Releases New Single “Struggle No More” Ahead of Forthcoming Multi-Genre Album

Eric Alper
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London Artist J Keys Releases New Single “Struggle No More” Ahead of Forthcoming Multi-Genre Album

London-based artist J Keys is back and making waves with his brand-new single, “Struggle No More.” Known for his lyrical storytelling and multi-genre versatility, J Keys once again delivers a standout track that speaks to perseverance, growth, and creative evolution. The release comes as he continues to build a reputation not just as a performer, but also as a seasoned songwriter for both himself and other notable names across the music industry.

Having spent over a decade honing his craft, J Keys has been writing music for himself and for other artists, contributing to a variety of genres and collaborating with influential figures along the way. His journey through different sounds and musical partnerships has only refined his artistry further. His ability to cross genres with ease is now culminating in a larger body of work—a multi-genre album currently in the works.

Over the years, J Keys has released a number of fan favorites, including “Addicted to You,” “Mad Money,” and “Reminisce.” Each release showcases a new layer of his artistic identity, solidifying his standing as a dynamic and forward-thinking artist.

With more than 40,000 followers on Instagram, he has built a loyal and growing fanbase that continues to rally around each new drop.

With “Struggle No More,” J Keys turns the page to a new chapter in his career—one that reflects his resilience, experience, and relentless drive to evolve. The track serves as a statement not only of musical creativity, but of personal strength.

As anticipation grows for his upcoming full-length project, J Keys remains focused on pushing boundaries and reaching new heights—both in his own music and in the hits he continues to write for others.

Queer Pop Artist Samsara Returns with Bold New Single “PUT ’EM UP!” and UK School Tour

Eric Alper
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Queer Pop Artist Samsara Returns with Bold New Single “PUT ’EM UP!” and UK School Tour

Queer pop artist Samsara returns with an explosive new single, “PUT ‘EM UP!”— available everywhere on Friday, May 30. This high-powered track doubles as a rallying cry for self-expression and is set to soundtrack a bold new chapter in the rising star’s career.

Known for her fearless lyrics and genre-defying sound, Samsara continues to blur boundaries with this release. “‘PUT ‘EM UP!’ is about standing your ground and celebrating who you are—loudly, ” she says. Following the energy of her previous single “Strike III, ” this latest offering blends anthemic vocals with a defiant beat, creating a sonic punch meant to uplift and inspire.

The single coincides with the launch of Samsara’s groundbreaking UK-wide school tour. At just 21, she becomes the first openly trans artist to bring original pop performances and real talk to students across the country. These appearances aim to foster conversations around LGBTQ+ identity, anti-bullying, and mental health—infusing every show with purpose beyond the music.

“I’m not just here to perform—I’m here to make sure the next generation doesn’t feel invisible, ” she explains.

Raised between Hong Kong, Singapore, Brisbane, and now based in London, Samsara’s global experience enriches her work. From performing and styling to social media for Vogue Hong Kong, she brings her multifaceted voice into every track and moment on stage.

With festival appearances and more releases to come, 2025 is shaping up to be Samsara’s biggest year yet.

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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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