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Bif Naked Unveils “Snowblinded” Music Video From ‘Champion’ Album + Announces More Doc Screenings

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Fresh off a triumphant run of sold-out documentary screenings across Canada in 2025, which kicked off with an Audience Choice Award at the Calgary International Film Festival and streaming debuted on Super Channel—iconic Canadian artist Bif Naked releases the new single and music video, “Snowblinded,” from her acclaimed 2025 studio album, Champion. The release marks a powerful next chapter, channelling the raw energy and connection of her recent documentary successes directly back to her fans.

Bif says “This song is different because it serves as an anthem from my feeling of emotional discontent, snowblinded ultimately is my observation of society numbing themselves. The chorus says you’re so snow blinded!! and I repeat that because I feel people need to wake up!”

Bif will be touring Canada with her award-winning documentary show as well as at summer festivals with her rock show throughout 2026. Check bifnaked.com for full show dates and ticket information.

Bif Naked Doc Screenings: Film, Q&A with Bif, Acoustic Performance:

February 26, 2026, Isabel Bader Centre, Kingston, ON

March 1, 2026, Yates Theatre, Lethbridge, AB

March 2, 2026, Bella Concert Hall, Calgary, AB

March 4, 2026, Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre , Medicine Hat, AB

March 5, 2026, Dekker Centre, North Battleford, SK

March 7, 2026, Dow Centennial Centre (Shell Theatre), Fort Saskatchewan, AB

March 9, 2026, Broadway Theatre, Saskatoon, SK

March 10, 2026, Towne Theatre, Vernon, BC

March 13, 2026, Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, Thunder Bay, ON

Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee 19-Year-Old Fiddler IRISH MILLIE Explores Growing Up in “Wasted”

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Following a string of prestigious accolades, 19-year-old fiddler, singer, and multi-instrumentalist Irish Millie continues her remarkable ascent in the Canadian roots scene with the release of her latest single, “WASTED”. This landmark track serves as a centerpiece of her acclaimed EP ‘Between Then and Now’, a project that captures the space between two chapters of life and the quiet realization of how much growth happens in the in-between.

Irish Millie enters this new release on a wave of significant professional success. She is currently a seven-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee, recently earning two 2026 nods for Young Performer of the Year and Single of the Year for her song “You Were There”. These honors follow 2025 nominations for Folk Music Ontario’s Performing Artist of the Year and two additional CFMA nods for her previous boundary-pushing album, ‘GRACE’.

Written during her first year away from home while moving from Peterborough to Toronto for university, “WASTED” is a tender reflection on the gratitude that comes with growing up and finally understanding the safety of one’s foundation. The song explores the universal emotional distance created by independence and the realization that the people who raised us remain our most constant supporters.

The track finds its power in moments of everyday reflection, using familiar images like laundry and packed boxes to ground the feeling of moving on. Millie sings of the restless desire to walk away and start a new story, only to discover that the voices of those back home are the very keys that help when we feel lost. As the song builds, it captures that heavy moment of being alone and “wasted” on the side of the road, anchored by the comforting, timeless promise that love stays steady even when we feel a world away.

Musically, the single moves into a broader sonic landscape by incorporating piano, synth, and drums, allowing the emotion to build slowly alongside the fiddle. Millie recorded and co-produced the track in Toronto with her professor, Aaron Tsang, who provided a formative studio experience centered on restraint and spatial honesty. This collaboration, which features her father, Murray Shadgett, on guitar, highlights a shift away from strictly traditional boundaries toward a more cinematic and experimental storytelling approach.

Currently studying Music Industry and Technology at the University of Toronto, Millie continues to balance a rigorous academic schedule with a bustling international performance career. She has performed for crowds of over 10,000 and has earned praise from Celtic music royalty Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, who celebrated her “fresh, lively” approach to the genre.

Upcoming Performance Dates:

  • January 23, 2026: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre — Peterborough, ON
  • February 6, 2026: Brewer’s Pantry — Bowmanville, ON
  • February 13, 2026: Hibernate Fundraiser, Port Hope United Church — Port Hope, ON
  • March 13, 2026: The Spire — Kingston, ON
  • April 9-12, 2026: Canadian Folk Music Awards — Calgary, AB

From a university assignment to a celebrated single, “WASTED” captures the exact moment a young artist recognizes the strength of the hands that held her up, showing that we only truly understand where we’re going once we acknowledge where we came from.

Dr. Ben Unleashes Raw Blues-Rock Fury With New Single “Cure Your Blues”

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Dr. Ben, the folk-blues recording artist whose music channels three decades of experience as a travelling physician across rural Canada, releases his explosive new single “Cure Your Blues” today across all major streaming platforms. The track marks a bold evolution in the artist’s sound, combining intricate fingerpicking guitar work with soulful blues licks and brutally honest lyrics that capture the raw emotion of heartbreak with surgical precision.

“Cure Your Blues” was born from a place of pure creative fire. Dr. Ben, whose real name is Ben Chan, crafted this searing breakup song to capture what he describes as “Alanis Morissette-level fury with medical irony and a gluttony for punishment.” The single showcases the Toronto-based singer-songwriter and lead guitarist at his most visceral, weaving together blues rock intensity with the poignant storytelling that has earned him recognition across the independent music landscape. As the lyrics cut deep: “You use me like a Band-Aid just to help you heal that wound inside / And when you’re feeling better you just peel me off and toss me aside.”

Working alongside producer Douglas Romanow, Dr. Ben brought this vision to life with meticulous attention to sonic detail. The recording sessions captured the essence of classic blues-rock while maintaining the intimate quality that defines his artistry. Lead guitar work drives the track’s emotional core, with Dr. Ben’s blues licks serving as a second voice to the narrative of a love turned toxic. “Baby you just wanna use me to cure your blues,” he declares in the chorus, a hook that marries clinical detachment with emotional devastation.

Dr. Ben’s unique background as a physician who has served 97 small communities across Canada infuses his music with uncommon depth. He writes songs of heartache, hope, and healing, drawing from decades of helping people navigate mental health challenges, addictions, and chronic illness. His performances extend beyond bars across Ontario to hospitals and nursing homes, where he brings his music directly to patients during his downtime. This dedication to serving communities through both medicine and music creates an authenticity that resonates through every note.

Since releasing his first single in 2024, Dr. Ben has captured the attention of the music industry with two awards for his music videos and five semi-finalist or finalist nominations in major songwriting contests. These accolades reflect the power of his songwriting and his ability to connect universal emotions, from devastating loss to resilient hope, with audiences hungry for genuine artistry. His dual careers as a university professor of healthcare management and global health advocate further demonstrate the breadth of his commitment to making a difference.

“Cure Your Blues” represents a dream realized. “It’s never too late in life to pursue your dreams,” Dr. Ben reflects, speaking to artists and dreamers everywhere who balance passion with responsibility. The pandemic provided time to reconnect with his musical roots, and that reconnection has blossomed into a body of work that honors both his artistic vision and his dedication to storytelling. This single stands as testament to the power of persistence and the timeless appeal of blues-rock done right.

The single is available now on all major streaming platforms, ready to deliver its cathartic punch to listeners seeking music with both grit and heart.

Legendary Singer-Songwriter Marc Jordan’s Authorized Biography ‘Rhythm of My Heart’ Out Now For Global Release

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There are some voices in the Canadian musical canon that paint entire cinematic landscapes. Marc Jordan is one of those rare, essential artists. Today, he is thrilled to announce the release of Rhythm of My Heart: The Authorized Biography of Marc Jordan, a deep-dive exploration of a career that has shaped the sound of popular music for over fifty years. Written by Don Breithaupt and available now, this book offers an unprecedented look at the Brooklyn-born, Toronto-raised legend whose songs have sold over 35 million units and defined the uncompromising quality that is the hallmark of a true visionary. It’s now available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Indigo.

To chronicle such a sophisticated journey, Jordan enlisted a fellow traveler who understands the DNA of a great melody. Don Breithaupt is an Emmy-winning composer and the creative force behind the Juno-nominated project Monkey House. In his own words, Breithaupt found it a profound honour to put into print the story of a born storyteller and a famous wordsmith. The author, an alumnus of Berklee College of Music, previously penned the definitive volume on Steely Dan’s Aja, and states that he took pains to keep myself out of the story to ensure Jordan’s unbending commitment to originality remains the focal point of this narrative.

The scope of the biography is nothing short of a guided tour through the high-water marks of pop culture. Readers are given exclusive access to Jordan’s cauldron of popular music over the last half-century, featuring a Foreword by Marc Jordan himself and an array of exclusive photos documenting his life from 1951 to the present. The book features secondary interviews with an army of famous collaborators, including industry titans like David Foster and Rob Dickins, providing a who’s-who perspective on the high-stakes L.A. and Toronto music scenes.

Among the many milestones celebrated in the book, Rhythm of My Heart highlights Jordan’s meteoric rise following his 1978 signing to Warner Brothers, which was the biggest deal any Canadian had ever had in America at the time. The narrative details the creation of his global #1 hit, “Rhythm of My Heart,” and his scribe relationship with Rod Stewart, who has recorded five of Jordan’s compositions. The book also illuminates Jordan’s inspiring journey of overcoming profound dyslexia through creativity, transforming a childhood challenge into a savant-like ability to visualize music in three dimensions.

Beyond the solo hits like “Marina Del Rey” and “Survival,” the biography explores Jordan’s profound impact as a songwriter for iconic stars across multiple genres, including Diana Ross, Chicago, Cher, Bonnie Raitt, Bette Midler, The Manhattan Transfer and more than a half-dozen for Rod Stewart. It tracks his artistic evolution from the slick, slippery West Coast sound of the late seventies to his recent, critically acclaimed orchestral and jazz albums like Both Sides. This creative resurgence has solidified his legacy as a recent inductee into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Rhythm of My Heart: The Authorized Biography of Marc Jordan is a celebration of redemption through art and the unwavering dedication to the craft of songwriting. Whether you are a devotee of the Yacht Rock era or a lover of intimate, jazzy solo works, this book is the definitive account of a songwriter’s songwriter.

Around About Dusk Weave Folklore And Latin Groove On “The Swarm”

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Bristol-based group Around About Dusk blend New Orleans jazz, European folk, roots, and blues into a sound shaped by rich harmonies, macabre humor, and folkloric storytelling. Their music has been featured on BBC Radio 6 Music, with performances spanning festivals such as Glastonbury, Cambridge Folk Festival, Bristol Folk Festival, and Secret Garden Party, alongside extensive European touring. Fresh On the Net’s Tom Robinson described their sound as “idiosyncratic” and “playful,” noting the effortless delivery at its core.

Their track “The Swarm” is a folkloric witch-tale set to a Latin groove, combining dark folk harmonies with cumbia rhythms, horns, and dance-floor energy. Inspired by myths of witches and Baba Yaga, as well as the poetry of Robbie Burns’ “Address to the Deil,” the song centers on a powerful, misunderstood female figure. The result is a narrative-driven piece that balances shadow and celebration through rhythm, melody, and story.

Seán Feeny Traces Family History On Folk Pop Single “Western Roads”

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Seán Feeny has released his new single “Western Roads”, out now, continuing his rise as a folk-pop songwriter rooted in personal history. Inspired by the journey of his great-grandfather John McGrath to Butte, Montana, the song was produced by Donegal musician Orri McBrearty and follows Feeny’s debut single “1969”, which earned support from Hot Press, RTÉ Entertainment, Irish News, Belfast Telegraph, and RTÉ Radio 1. The track reflects Feeny’s ongoing focus on family stories shaped by emigration and return.

“I was always fascinated that my great-grandfather went to Butte, Montana,” Feeny says, adding, “But what I appreciate even more is that he came back.” He notes that the song honors both his family and the wider Irish diaspora who emigrated while keeping ties to home. The accompanying video, directed by Donegal filmmaker Charlie Joe Doherty, was filmed on the Fintown Railway and evokes an earlier era of travel and departure. Feeny says the setting “really paints the picture and helps tell the story.”

Colter Wall Revisits Classic Country Roots On New Single “The Longer You Hold On”

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With his latest single “The Longer You Hold On”, Canadian songwriter Colter Wall leans fully into classic country themes shaped by fading love and quiet inevitability. Recorded at RCA Studio A with longtime collaborator and touring guitarist Pat Lyons, the track draws on a sound rooted in dancehalls, honky tonks, and AM radio tradition. Wall says, “‘The Longer You Hold On’ is about waiting for the other shoe to drop,” describing it as an old country story of knowing when love is nearing its end. The song reflects the direction of his ten-song collection, out now, where Wall notes the presence of cowboy vernacular and country-focused songwriting throughout.

Bowling For Soup Drop Video For Catchy New Single “Holding On To That Hate”

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Bowling For Soup have shared the official music video for “Holding On To That Hate”, their first new original song in over three years. The track marks the band’s first new material since their 2022 album ‘Pop Drunk Snot Bread’ and arrives during a new chapter as a pop punk power trio following guitarist Chris Burney’s retirement. The video features behind-the-scenes footage from the studio sessions where the song was recorded, giving fans a closer look at the process behind the release.

On the writing of the song, frontman Jaret Reddick says, “Sometimes a song just comes out of nowhere. This is certainly one of them.” He explains that Rob Felicetti sent over the music and melody idea, which aligned perfectly with lyrics Reddick had written earlier that night. “Took me 5 minutes to piece it together and I cut a demo and sent it to Rob,” he adds. “I love when stuff just happens like that.” The single is out now and continues the band’s blend of melody, hooks, and self-deprecating charm.

Iron Maiden Brings “Run For Your Lives World Tour” To North America For 50th Anniversary

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IRON MAIDEN today announces the highly anticipated North American dates of their critically acclaimed RUN FOR YOUR LIVES WORLD TOUR. In celebration of their 50th Anniversary, the band will be performing at stadiums and major amphitheaters across the United States and Canada, allowing fans the chance to witness the brand new, state-of-the-art production, on the scale it is intended for – huge stages in outdoor venues, to accompany the once-in-a-lifetime setlist of songs from the band’s groundbreaking first nine albums. They will also headline America’s biggest rock festival, Louder Than Life at the Highland Festival Grounds in Kentucky on 17th September 2026.

Steve Harris says, “We are greatly looking forward to bringing this RUN FOR YOUR LIVES TOUR to North America and hope the fans enjoy seeing the show and hearing the set list as much as we do playing it. It’s an added bonus to have a few of our good friends on the tour with us. MEGADETH are playing all the shows and it’s an honour to have them join us on their last ever tour. We also have Anthrax with us on the bigger shows, we had a great time with them when they came out with us on Ed Force One around the world in 2016. We’re delighted to have both bands with us for this tour and know our fans will enjoy seeing them.”

Bruce Dickinson adds, “This whole tour has been such great fun. I really enjoy belting out all these great old songs, and the whole band are loving playing them too! We’ve got all the big ones from that early period including Hallowed, Run To The Hills, Trooper, Number Of The Beast, Killers, Powerslave, 2 Minutes… and some of them we haven’t played in the US for over 20 years!! Plus there’s some real epics including my particular favourite ‘Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ and Seventh Son… We are doing them all and more. I mean, who wouldn’t for a 50th birthday party!”

“For a tour celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Iron Maiden,” notes Manager Rod Smallwood, “the scale and incredible visual aspects of this tour deserve larger venues than the arenas we have generally played in the past. We particularly chose this time of year to go bigger outdoors but to give us darkness when we go on stage so you will see the best of the production. Fans certainly won’t be disappointed in the show or the 50th anniversary set list that is for sure!”

“We particularly look forward to playing the huge shows in Montréal and the Alamodome in San Antonio, two of the biggest shows we have ever played in North America plus, of course, Louder Than Life – America’s biggest Rock Festival! Along with the stadium shows in Los Angeles, New Jersey and Hershey we have also chosen to play a few of the biggest amphitheaters as they always have a fantastic atmosphere and great visual sight lines. We’re also going to be doing everything we can to bring the hugely popular Eddie’s Pop-up Dive Bar experience across the Atlantic for the very first time. Our European fans just loved these and we’re convinced that the mix of Maiden fans, Trooper Beer & exclusive Tour merch makes for a winning combination.

“Likewise we will continue to offer the well-loved Trooper VIP Experience at all venues.”

“Finally it was really special on our European dates this year to see that the vast majority of our fans appreciated and respected our request to severely limit their use of phones at our concerts, ideally just keeping it in their pockets the whole time, especially in those standing areas in front of the stage. Our fans’ understanding and cooperation made a colossal difference to the atmosphere of every show and increased the enjoyment enormously for the band and fans alike.”

So for all our North American shows we are once again requesting that fans keep their phones in their pockets and enjoy the show ‘in the moment’, rather than raise their phone in the air trying to film sections and thus inconveniencing those around them and annoying the band. So if a so-called fan near you thinks they are special and filming what they selfishly want please just ask them, very politely of course, to put their phone somewhere the sun doesn’t shine!”

These upcoming tour dates will mark 45 years since IRON MAIDEN first visited Canada and the USA on the 1981 Killer World Tour, and feature some of the biggest shows the band has ever played there. The return to BMO Stadium concert in Los Angeles on September 25th will be the 25th time the band has played in the City of Angels. A history-making tour for sure!

RUN FOR YOUR LIVES NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES

AUGUST 2026

29 Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena *

SEPTEMBER 2026

03 Montréal, QC – Parc Jean-Drapeau *^
05 Harrison, NJ – Sports Illustrated Stadium *^
09 Boston, MA – TD Garden *
11 Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live *
12 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion *
15 Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium *
17 Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life Festival
19 Shakopee, MN – Mystic Lake Amphitheater *
22 Chicago, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre *
25 Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium *^
29 San Antonio, TX – Alamodome *^

* Megadeth
^ Anthrax