As the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) celebrates its milestone 50th edition, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is launching {RE}DEFINED—a new initiative inviting next-generation creators (aged 30 and under) to explore Canadian and Indigenous identity through innovative short documentary films.
With Canada at a pivotal time in its history, two of its leading film institutions are seeking bold, original perspectives that challenge assumptions and offer new ways of seeing who we are—and who we’re becoming. The NFB and TIFF are on the lookout for distinctive English and French-language projects that reflect Canada’s diverse identities and push the boundaries of non-fiction storytelling.
The initiative will select five filmmakers to make five short documentaries (10 minutes or less) to be produced by the NFB during a year-long process. Creators will benefit from a production team, a fully financed budget, marketing and publicity teams, and distribution and mentorship from the NFB.
The completed films will screen as part of TIFF 2026, followed by a worldwide release on NFB platforms. The deadline for applications is September 30th, 2025.
Music from The Body is the 1970 soundtrack to Roy Battersby’s documentary The Body, narrated by Vanessa Redgrave and Frank Finlay. The album was created by Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters and composer Ron Geesin, who also collaborated on Atom Heart Mother the same year. Known for its experimental edge, it uses “biomusic”—slaps, breathing, laughter, whispers, even flatulence—alongside traditional instruments like guitar, piano, and strings. The final track, “Give Birth to a Smile,” features all four members of Pink Floyd with Geesin on piano, though David Gilmour, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright went uncredited. The child heard on the opening track is Ron Geesin’s son, Joe. Uniquely, the LP was a complete re-recording with a different tracklist from the film’s soundtrack, and its cover featured a Transparent Anatomical Manikin. Waters wouldn’t release another album outside Pink Floyd until 1984’s The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking.
Band Shirt Day is Friday, September 19, 2025! On this day, artists and fans come together to celebrate the iconic band tee while raising money for important causes. You can shop your favorite artist’s featured tees directly from their stores, with proceeds going to a cause of their choice or to the Band Shirt Day Fund. The Band Shirt Day Fund, organized through GoFundMe, will be equally distributed across six key causes. Previous recipients have included the ACLU, The Ally Coalition, Animal Legal Defense Fund, MusiCares, Planned Parenthood, and Project Hope.
The Paul is Dead conspiracy remains one of rock’s strangest legends, claiming McCartney secretly died in 1966 and was replaced by a double. Vinyl Rewind breaks down the origins, “clues” in Beatles albums, and why fans believed it. With 3.6 million views, it shows how myths can outlive the music itself.
Sometimes the quietest moments carry the biggest weight. Across genres, countless albums have shown that rawness, minimal instrumentation, and stripped-down production can move mountains. Here are fifteen timeless works—spanning jazz, blues, folk, rock, and beyond—that prove less really can be more.
Cowboy Junkies – The Trinity Session Recorded live with a single microphone in Toronto’s Church of the Holy Trinity, this album drifts with hushed vocals and sparse instrumentation. Margo Timmins’ voice floats like a ghost, proving atmosphere thrives in simplicity.
Dr. John – Plays Mac Rebennack A collection of solo piano pieces that strips everything down to the bare essence. The intimacy of Dr. John’s playing makes this record feel like you’re sitting in his living room.
Herbie Hancock – Speak Like a Child Delicate arrangements and a gentle sense of space define this jazz classic. It’s subtle, soulful, and powerful in its restraint, proving that understatement can be deeply moving.
Miles Davis – Filles de Kilimanjaro This transitional Davis album is marked by its sparse instrumentation and understated production. It leaves wide open spaces for each note to matter, creating a mood that’s quietly explosive.
Muddy Waters – Folk Singer An acoustic blues album that highlights Waters’ voice and guitar with haunting clarity. Stripped down and intimate, it’s a powerful reminder of how less can often sound like more.
Nick Drake – Pink Moon A hushed, minimalist record of voice and guitar, this album became a cult classic. Its raw simplicity draws listeners closer, like a whispered secret.
Nina Simone – Nina Simone and Piano! With only her voice and piano, Simone delivers one of her most vulnerable and affecting performances. The sparse setup allows every note of pain and beauty to ring true.
PJ Harvey – Dry Her debut album captures raw guitar, unfiltered vocals, and primal energy. With minimal production, Harvey’s power comes through unadorned and fierce, setting the stage for her legendary career.
Robert Johnson – King of the Delta Blues Singers A cornerstone of American music, this collection preserves Johnson’s haunting guitar and vocals with raw authenticity. No polish, just the timeless power of blues storytelling.
Sonny Rollins – Way Out West Recorded with just saxophone, bass, and drums, this trio setting gave Rollins room to stretch out. The space between the instruments becomes part of the music’s magic.
Talk Talk – Spirit of Eden An atmospheric masterpiece where silence and subtlety are as important as sound. Its sparse textures show how restraint can create an immersive, emotional world.
Townes Van Zandt – Townes Van Zandt Minimal instrumentation and poetic lyrics define this folk classic. Its quiet honesty has made it a touchstone for songwriters across generations.
Vashti Bunyan – Just Another Diamond Day A fragile folk gem with gentle arrangements that let Bunyan’s voice float effortlessly. The simplicity is its strength, creating a timeless, pastoral atmosphere.
The Velvet Underground – The Velvet Underground (1969) The band’s third album stripped away noise and distortion for a softer, more intimate sound. Songs like “Pale Blue Eyes” glow in their understated beauty.
Woody Guthrie – Dust Bowl Ballads With nothing more than Guthrie’s voice and guitar, these songs chronicled the struggles of the Depression era. The raw, unadorned style gave the stories more gravity.
In today’s music world, it can feel like there’s a new platform every morning, each one promising discovery, growth, and connection. From TikTok and Instagram to Discord servers and Substack newsletters, the buffet is endless. The question many artists face: do you need to be everywhere at once? The truth is, spreading yourself thin can often lead to burnout before you ever hit your stride. There’s beauty in choosing carefully, in curating your online presence like you’d curate your setlist—thoughtfully, with intention, and with joy.
Think of your favorite indie record store. It doesn’t carry every album in existence; instead, it carries the ones that mean something to its community. Your social platforms can work the same way. Maybe Instagram feels like home, or maybe Bandcamp is where your audience connects with you most deeply. By nurturing one or two spaces, you create a cozy living room instead of a crowded mall. You give fans a place to really know you, and you give yourself room to breathe.
The best musicians on social media often remind us that music is about connection, not algorithms. Fans remember the stories, the quirky behind-the-scenes posts, the whimsical day-in-the-life clips that feel authentic. Social media marketing, at its core, is less about volume and more about heart. A single tweet filled with your personality can resonate more than a week’s worth of scattered posts across every platform. (I know, I know, I post a LOT more, but I have my reasons…)
There’s also the matter of energy. For independent artists, mental health is as vital as the music itself. Managing too many platforms can feel like running a marathon with no finish line. By scaling back, you allow creativity to flow without exhaustion. A healthy balance creates space for songwriting, performing, and those quiet moments where inspiration often arrives unannounced.
Fans can tell when you’re having fun, and fun is contagious. Sharing your world on the platforms that feel good creates a ripple of authenticity that no marketing strategy can manufacture. Whether it’s a goofy TikTok dance you enjoy or a thoughtful Substack essay that speaks to your artistry, your genuine enthusiasm is the magnet that draws people closer.
So, do you really need to be on every platform? Maybe not. Instead, think of your online presence as your favorite jam session—pick the instruments you love, play them well, and let the rest fall away. Doing less with more joy means showing up as your best self, and that’s what people will remember.
In the end, music thrives on connection, not checklists. Choosing fewer platforms doesn’t mean choosing less success—it means choosing more balance, more creativity, and more you. And that is the sweetest sound of all.
“Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)” is a dreamy ballad by The Temptations, released in 1971 on Sky’s the Limit. Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, it topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts, showcasing the group’s lush harmonies and soulful storytelling.
Following the release of their latest album The Father of Make Believe earlier this year, New York’s own Coheed and Cambria shares the Endless Summer version of album track “Goodbye, Sunshine” featuring Nick Hexum of 311.
The new version is not a remix of The Father of Make Believe favorite, but was written from scratch with a tropical vibe. The song was co-produced by King Tubby protege and Dub legend himself, The Scientist, who brought in the horns, percussion and keys and helped bring a new zeal to the track. Zakk Cervini and Julian Gargiulo came with additional production, as well as mixed and mastered the track.
The band also shares a Dub Mix version of the track that was produced and mixed by The Scientist. Singer Claudio Sanchez explains, “The arrangement was born out of a Chicago Q101 Pop-Up stripped down radio performance. We enjoyed the version so much, we chose to explore it further by enlisting the help of 311’s Nick Hexum and dub producer The Scientist.”
Alongside “Goodbye, Sunshine (Endless Summer)” Coheed and Cambria shares the new music video directed by Josh Forbes, who also directed the band’s 2010 “Here We Are Juggernaut” video, portraying a slapstick goof on 80’s tropical party life. Speaking about the music video, Sanchez notes, “It plays within the concept of the alternate realities we explored in our previous videos for our new album ‘The Father of Make Believe,’ while paying homage to one of our earliest videos, “A Favor House Atlantic” with some inspiration from the 1986 Harold Ramis comedy film, ‘Club Paradise.'”
Coheed and Cambria also just kicked off their summer co-headline tour alongside Taking Back Sunday with support from Foxing following their co-headline arena tour with Mastodon that took place this May and June. This November, Coheed will embark on their S.S. Neverender 2025 cruise with Thursday, L.S. Dunes, The Dear Hunter, Illuminati Hotties and more.
Midnight Til Morning premieres the stunning music video for their debut single “Bye” alongside the announcement of additional dates in New York City, Los Angeles, and Toronto following instant sell-outs in each market.
Formed on the current Top 10 Global Netflix series Building the Band, the four-piece – Conor Smith (22, Central Coast, NSW), Mason Watts (25, Toowoomba, QLD), Shane Appell (22, Upstate New York), and Zach Newbould (22, Boston, MA) – has quickly emerged as one of 2025’s most exciting new acts.
Blending powerful vocals, emotional vulnerability, and undeniable charisma, the band has already captured international attention with their debut single “Bye” and surprise follow-up “Ghost of Us,” available now across all major streaming platforms.
The music video for “Bye” dropped today- a cinematic, emotionally charged visual that captures the raw vulnerability and quiet power of saying goodbye. While the guys each appear in their own evocative scene, filmed one at a time, the rest of the band stayed on set to support each other throughout the process.
Directed by acclaimed visual storyteller Josh Harris (Peach PRC, Go-Jo, and Sheppard), the “Bye” video leans into moody lighting, emotional intimacy, and a haunting sense of isolation and stillness. Shot by Director of Photography, Jesse Gohier-Fleet, the contrasting locations, a remote farmhouse in country Victoria for Mason and Conor’s scenes, and inner-city Melbourne for Zach and Shane’s, underscore the emotional journey of the track.
“‘Bye’ was the first music video we ever shot as a band. We knew it would be special. The song is obviously quite bittersweet, so we wanted that to be portrayed in the music video as well. In the video, all four of us are seen to be struggling with the situation we’re in. Struggling with letting go of someone we love. We hope you enjoy this music video x – Midnight Til Morning “Bye” was co-written by hitmakers Benson Boone, Amy Allen (Harry Styles, Sabrina Carpenter), and the band members themselves. The track was produced by Rizk and Grammy-nominated JT Daly (K. Flay, PVRIS), whose atmospheric, cinematic touch set the tone for the visual interpretation.
In addition to this music video release, the band has announced 3 additional US tour dates following sell-out markets and high demand in New York City, Los Angeles, and Toronto. New York and Toronto have additional dates while there has been an early show added to the Los Angeles date. Tickets are available today, August 20th, at 10AM local time.
Since their formation, the group has seen explosive growth across TikTok, Instagram, and streaming platforms – with fans worldwide drawn to their sound, story, and brotherhood. With “Bye,” they prove they’re not just a viral sensation – they’re true artists.
Backing them is none other than Chugg Music, which has signed the band for both global management and label services. Andrew Stone, Chugg Music’s CEO, is taking the reins on strategy and development, while Michael Chugg AM – a legendary force in the Australian and international music industries – brings his decades of experience to the team. They now join a roster that includes breakout acts like Lime Cordiale, Sheppard, and Australia’s 2025 Eurovision star Go-Jo.
As a surprise addition to their debut single, the band also dropped a special release for fans titled “Ghost of Us” – a soaring, pleading anthem that chases the promise of lost love. Co-written with Benny Morrell and Robby De Sa, and produced by De Sa (The Veronicas, Vera Blue, MAY-A), the track offers a powerful counterpoint to “Bye” and deepens the emotional resonance of their first release.
Midnight Til Morning isn’t just a band formed on a show – they’re a movement powered by heart, harmony, and hope. The world stage is theirs.
Midnight Til Morning North American Tour Dates: * = Added Shows Oct 9 @ The Plaza Live in Orlando, FL Oct 12 @ Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, GA Oct 14 @ Union Transfer in Philadelphia, PA Oct 15 @ Racket in New York, NY* Oct 16 @ Racket in New York, NY Oct 17 @ Royale in Boston, MA Oct 19 @ Le National in Montreal, QC Oct 23 @ Annabel’s in Toronto, ON* Oct 24 @ Annabel’s in Toronto, ON Oct 26 @ El Club in Detroit, MI Oct 27 @ Thalia Hall in Chicago, IL Oct 31 @ Mohawk Outside in Austin, TX Nov 1 @ The Factory in Dallas, TX Nov 3 @ Bluebird Theatre in Denver, CO Nov 6 @ The Showbox in Seattle, WA Nov 9 @ Wonder Ballroom in Portland, OR Nov 10 @ Vogue Theatre in Vancouver, BC Nov 15 (Early Show) @ El Rey in Los Angeles, CA* Nov 15 @ El Rey in Los Angeles, CA Nov 16 @ The Regency in San Francisco, CA
Midnight Til Morning Australia Tour Dates: Nov 20 @ Liberty Hall in Sydney, NSW Nov 22 @ Princess Theatre in Brisbane, QLD November 23 @ 170 Russell in Melbourne, VIC
As it celebrates over 130 years of music history, Gibson, the iconic global instrument brand, is proud to announce the new, limited edition Gibson Les Paul™ Standard 50s and 60s Double Trouble guitars have all the highly-coveted features from our Les Paul Standard 50s and 60s models, but with two notable differences: Their gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finishes are slightly faded when compared to the standard versions, and the uncovered Burstbucker™ pickups feature Double Classic White bobbins. Production of the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s and 60s Double Trouble models is highly limited and now available worldwide in two new finishes, Vintage Honey Burst and Vintage Bourbon Burst, joining the previously announced Vintage Cherry Sunburst and Vintage Tobacco Burst. Each Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s and 60s Double Trouble color is limited to only 500 guitars; find them at authorized Gibson dealers, at the Gibson Garage stores in Nashville and London, and online.
There’s something about a Gibson Les Paul Standard with uncovered pickups that means business. The gloves are off, and it’s time to rock ’n’ roll. Now, the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s and 60s Double Trouble models bring the rarely offered uncovered Burstbucker pickups with Double Classic White bobbins, handcrafted in the Gibson Pickup Shop, to the table alongside stunning full-gloss Vintage Cherry Sunburst and Vintage Tobacco Burst, and the newly announced Vintage Honey Burst and Vintage Bourbon Burst nitrocellulose lacquer finishes that simulate several years of subtle fading.
