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KISS Turns 50: Martin Popoff Celebrates Rock’s Most Outrageous Band in New Milestone Book

Eric Alper
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KISS Turns 50: Martin Popoff Celebrates Rock’s Most Outrageous Band in New Milestone Book

Fifty years of fire, facepaint, and fist-pumping anthems — KISS were a cultural juggernaut. And now, rock journalist Martin Popoff brings the band’s larger-than-life story to, well, larger-than-life pages with KISS at 50, a beautifully produced hardcover tribute to the most theatrical band in rock and roll.

From their birth in the gritty clubs of 1973 New York to their final flame-blazing farewell tours, Popoff chronicles 50 essential KISS moments. There’s everything from their legendary Casablanca signing to the infamous Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park, from the unmasking era of the ’80s to the diehard devotion of the Kiss Army. It’s a deep dive into one of music’s most passionately followed acts — and every fan will find something to scream “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” about.

What makes this book a standout isn’t only the writing — it’s the visuals. Unpublished photos, gig posters, ticket stubs, and a fold-out timeline bring the KISS experience to life. You can practically hear the pyro explode just flipping the pages. Popoff’s writing hits hard, like a Gene Simmons bassline, with detail, love, and insider knowledge only decades of rock journalism can bring.

If you ever air-guitared to “Detroit Rock City” or painted your face like the Starchild, this book was made for you. KISS at 50 is a monument to half a century of rock and roll history, and a reminder that there will never be another band quite like KISS.

Rik Emmett of Triumph Shares Candid, Creative Journey in New Memoir “Lay It On The Line”

Eric Alper
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Rik Emmett of Triumph Shares Candid, Creative Journey in New Memoir “Lay It On The Line”

From Triumph superstar Rik Emmett comes the thrilling, inspiring story of a life of rock and roll

While describing the impulse driving his life and work, Rik Emmett explains, “I was never in it for the sex and drugs — ah, but the rock and roll. Creativity was, and still is, my it — the truth I bet my life on. It was also, always, about play. The play’s the thing …”

Merging memoir, anecdotes, and masterclasses on guitar, songwriting, and the artist’s mindset, Lay It On The Line offers insight and perspective into the many roles Rik Emmett took on. “It” was always a parboiling, psychological gumbo: and this book attempts to finally share the recipe.

It also includes photos from Emmett’s own archives, plus the definitive, detailed reasons behind why he walked from Triumph — and came back two decades later.

Rock star, it seems, was a character for Rik Emmett to inhabit … a great gig, a catalytic door-opener … it was a role that led to other adventures — and these are the stories he’s chosen to tell.

Becky Buller Releases New Single “Ride On By” Ahead of Covers Album Celebrating Bluegrass Roots

Eric Alper
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Becky Buller Releases New Single “Ride On By” Ahead of Covers Album Celebrating Bluegrass Roots

Dark Shadow Recording is proud to announce the release of “Ride On By,” the new single from Becky Buller’s forthcoming album of cover songs that have shaped her celebrated career. This dynamic rendition, penned by songwriter and wildlife biologist Dick Kimmel, is a longtime staple of Buller’s live shows and now makes its official debut on record.

Originally written as a protest song when interstate construction carved through parts of West Virginia, “Ride On By” made its way to Minnesota when Kimmel accepted a job with the Department of Natural Resources in the early 1980s. There, fate intervened.

“His band most likely performed this song at the Butterfield Threshing Bee that fateful day when my folks were in attendance,” shares Buller. “Dad was mesmerized by the mandolin, eventually bartering carpentry work for lessons from Dick. He introduced my folks to Gordy and Roxy Schultz; together they formed Prairie Grass, the group I picked up fiddle to sing with… and bluegrass music has dominated my destiny ever since.”

Tracked by her current road band—guitarist Jacob Groopman, banjoist Ned Luberecki, mandolinist Wes Lee, bassist/harmony vocalist Daniel Hardin, and Buller herself on fiddle and lead vocals—this spirited track was produced, engineered, and mixed by Stephen Mougin. Fans of Buller’s live shows will recognize the epic “not-so-secret space jam,” a segment that has grown over time and is designed to showcase the ensemble’s collective prowess.

“The arrangement has morphed through the years, most recently to include an epic not-so-secret space jam which gives all of us a chance to show out instrumentally as the hippies dance,” Buller adds. “I’m thrilled it’s finally found a home on this upcoming covers album.”

A 10-time IBMA award-winning Bluegrass artist, Becky Buller made history as the first-ever artist to win in both instrumental and vocal categories in the same year at the IBMA Awards, and is also the first female to claim IBMA’s Fiddle Player of the Year. She moonlights as a member of the all-female supergroup The First Ladies of Bluegrass, recently honored at the Country Music Hall of Fame with their own exhibit. Buller fulfilled a dream in 2021 by making her Grand Ole Opry debut. Her songwriting achievements extend to Grammy Award-winning albums by Molly Tuttle (2023), The Infamous Stringdusters (2019), and The Travelin’ McCourys (2018). In 2023, she was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall Of Fame.

The Lil Smokies Release Final Album Break of the Tide and Embark on Farewell Colorado Shows

Eric Alper
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The Lil Smokies Release Final Album Break of the Tide and Embark on Farewell Colorado Shows

The Lil Smokies’ high-energy acoustic music has evolved into its own distinctive sound. Since their last album, Tornillo (2020), the band returns with two new members, bassist Jean Luc Davis and banjo player, Sam Armstrong-Zickefoose, adding to the core trio of dobro player Andy Dunnigan, lead guitarist the Reverend Matthew Rieger, and fiddler Jake Simpson. To showcase the new sound and augmented quintet lineup, the band has released a brand new album Break of the Tide, available now via Americana Vibes.  Break Of The Tide will also mark the final  album release of the band’s career with 11 new songs to close out their cherished discography.

Returning to Texas (where they recorded Tornillo), The Lil Smokies cut Break of the Tide at a Dallas-Fort Worth studio with local producer Robert Ellis, the album title representing, according to Andy, “a turning point, a pivot… the old world vs. the new world. It’s like a bug set in amber, an artifact from that period of time. We didn’t drown under the tide.”

“One of the biggest differences between this album and Tornillo is we hadn’t played these songs live before we recorded them,” added Jake. “These tracks really took shape in the studio. For the most part, we used whole takes, rather than overdubs and edits.  It’s a vibey record.”

The album finds the band expanding beyond the bluegrass genre with a spacious, airy, contemplative set of “more introspective, nuanced” songs which slow down to reflect the wide-open spaces and natural beauty of the state where they first took shape. The first single, “Montana Flower,” according to Simpson, is a love song to a local girl from Whitefish, comparing her beauty to the geographical marvels of the area, including Big Mountain.

“That’s the imagery that was going through my head when I wrote the song,” acknowledged Jake. “There’s a lot of mystery in Whitefish.  It’s an interesting mix of people there from all over the world alongside the locals who have been there forever. Lots of cosmic energy keeping an eye out for my love when I’m not there.”

Another Simpson-penned track, “Keep Me Down” offers the touring musician’s lament of choosing between what you left at home and the call of the road. “It’s a real love-hate relationship,” laughed Jake. “I’ve been doing a lot of therapy on this issue, and I think I’m improving in that area.”

Rev’s “Sycamore Dreams” is “a break-up song about sometimes love alone isn’t enough” to keep a relationship together (“It shines on paper/Torn from the start/Frayed at the seams”). “There are divine forces that are sometimes out of our control,” said Rev. “And sometimes you have to trust and surrender to them.”

“Fire in the Rain” is a Dunnigan-penned folk song that offers a vocal homage to one of his favorite singer/songwriters in James Taylor, evoking his similarly titled “Fire and Rain.”

“My father played his records for me when I was just three years old,” said Andy.

“This is a more pensive, delicate record than we’ve done in the past,” explained Rev. “It’s about being able to turn to art to deal with hardship, the encouragement to know we’re not alone in this. It’s about looking to the future, figuring out a way to move ahead.”

Added Andy, “We’re just more confident in ourselves as songwriters now. We don’t have anything to prove at this point. We’re comfortable where we are as a band.”

“We’re older, but maybe not wiser,” joked Rev. “This is who we are right now.”

Indigo Girls Announce Symphony Debut, Festival Dates, and Co-Headline Tour with Melissa Etheridge

Eric Alper
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Indigo Girls Announce Symphony Debut, Festival Dates, and Co-Headline Tour with Melissa Etheridge

Grammy Award-winning folk-rock duo Indigo Girls are one of the featured acts on the long-running PBS TV series Austin City Limits. The brightest stars in the show’s history return to the ACL stage for a celebration a half-century in the making, including the Indigo Girls, Chris Stapleton, Gary Clark Jr., Lyle Lovett, Billy Strings, Rufus Wainwright, Indigo Girls, Brandy Clark, Cam and The Mavericks. The 2-hour special features backstage artist interviews and rare gems pulled from the ACL archive and premieres Friday, April 4 at 9pm on PBS, PBS.org and the PBS App (check local listings).⁠ The link to the full episode will be streaming live at PBS.org that same evening at 9:00 pm ET and will be available to stream by anyone for 90 days.

Indigo Girls will make their first appearances ever with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra this spring with three shows at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center Thursday – Saturday, May 29 – 31. The NSO will be conducted by Enrico Lopez-Yañez. They’ve added select shows in June as a trio with Katie Pruitt supporting. They’ll also headline the River Roads Festival on July 5 in Prussia, PA alongside festival founder Dar Williams, Milk Carton Kids, Sunny War, and more.

The Indigo Girls will be touring as a 7-piece band for their extended fall ‘Yes We Are’ co-headline tour reuniting them with Melissa Etheridge. The two will join forces starting this summer to hit over 30 stops across the North America, kicking off on July 25th at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO, down the West Coast and across the Midwest throughout the month of August. September and October will then see the two hit states along the East Coast and South, all before wrapping on October 12th at the Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix, AZ (followed by three Indigo Girls’ dates that needed to be rescheduled). This extensive joint run will add to both Etheridge’s and Indigo Girls’ growing roster of exciting dates for 2024 and 2025, giving fans even more opportunities to catch these legendary artists on the road. The pairing of Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge offers music lovers an exceptional opportunity to spend a night immersed in world-class singing and songwriting.

For tickets and additional information, please visit IndigoGirls.com and MelissaEtheridge.com. Scroll down for all announced dates.

Indigo Girls Tour Dates

# Katie Pruitt opens

Thu, May 29 Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center w/NSO

Fri, May 30 Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center w/NSO

Sat, May 31 Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center w/NSO

Sat, Jun 21 Johnstown, PA – First Summit Arena #

Mon, Jun 23 Cleveland, OH – Temple Live (Cleveland Masonic) #

Tue, Jun 24 Wheeling, WV – The Capitol Theatre #

Wed, June 25 Richmond, VA – Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (SOLD OUT) #

Thu & Fri, Jun 27 & 28 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall (TWO NIGHTS) #

Sat, Jul 5 King of Prussia, PA – Heuser Park Indigo Girls headline River Roads Festival alongside festival founder Dar Williams, Milk Carton Kids, Sunny War, and more

Indigo Girls + Melissa Etheridge 2025 Co-billed Tour Dates

Fri, Jul 25 Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Sat, Jul 26 Sandy, UT – Sandy Amphitheater

Mon, Jul 28 Troutdale, OR – Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn

Tue, Jul 29 Redmond, WA – Marymoor Live Wed, Jul 30 Remond, WAW – Marymoor Live

Fri, Aug 1 Eugene, OR – Cuthbert Amphitheater

Sat, Aug 2 Berkeley, CA – Greek Theatre at U.C. Berkeley

Sun, Aug 3 Murphys, CA – Ironstone Amphitheatre

Tue, Aug 5 Berkeley, CA – Greek Theatre at U.C. Berkeley Thu, Aug 7 Paso Robles, CA – Viña Robles Amphitheatre

Fri, Aug 8 Lincoln, CA – The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino

Sat, Aug 9 Costa Mesa, CA – OC Fair – Pacific Amphitheatre Concert Series

Sat, Aug 16 Fort Wayne, IN – The Embassy Theatre

Sun, Aug 17 Chicago, IL – Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park

Tue, Aug 19 Milwaukee, WI – BMO Pavilion

Wed, Aug 20 Des Moines, IA – Des Moines Civic Center

Thu, Aug 21 Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre

Sat, Aug 23 Lincoln, NE – Pinewood Bowl Theater

Sun, Aug 24 St. Paul, MN – Minnesota State Fair

Tue, Aug 26 Detroit, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill

Wed, Aug 27 Canandaigua, NY – Constellation Brands – Marvin Sands PAC: CMAC

Sat, Aug 30 Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater

Sat, Sep 13 Fredericton, NB – Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival

Thu, Sep 18 Buffalo, NY – Outer Harbor Live at Terminal B

Fri, Sep 19 Cincinnati, OH – PNC Pavilion

Sat, Sep 20 Huntsville, AL – Orion Amphitheater

Mon, Sep 22 Columbus, OH – Mershon Auditorium

Tue, Sep 23 Louisville, KY – Iroquois Amphitheater

Thu, Sep 25 Greensboro, NC – White Oak Amphitheatre

Fri, Sep 26 Atlanta, GA – Chastain Park Amphitheatre

Tue, Oct 7 Manhattan, KS – McCain Auditorium at Kansas State University

Wed, Oct 8 Grand Prairie, TX – Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie

Thu, Oct 9 San Antonio, TX – The Espee

Sat, Oct 11 Albuquerque, NM – Route 66 Casino

Sun, Oct 12 Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre

Derek Cooper Introduced the Moog Synthesizer to UK Audiences on BBC’s Tomorrow’s World in 1969

Eric Alper
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Derek Cooper Introduced the Moog Synthesizer to UK Audiences on BBC’s Tomorrow’s World in 1969

Before Daft Punk, before synthpop, before EDM – there was this. In 1969, BBC’s Tomorrow’s World aired Derek Cooper introducing the Moog synthesizer to the UK, with Michael Vickers of Manfred Mann making it sing. The future had arrived, and it was wired for sound.

Goldrainer Finds Purpose—and a New Mission—Through Singing in Nursing Homes

Eric Alper
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Goldrainer Finds Purpose—and a New Mission—Through Singing in Nursing Homes

“I said, ‘I’m gonna go a hundred miles an hour with this. I’m gonna go big.’” Inspired by visits to his mother’s nursing home, Goldrainer found a deeper calling—bringing music, joy, and dignity to those who need it most.

Enjoy Online Freedom and Privacy with Planet VPN – The Best Free VPN Solution

Eric Alper
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0

By Mitch Rice

In today’s fast-paced digital world, online privacy and freedom are more than just luxuries—they’re necessities. Whether you’re browsing from home, accessing public Wi-Fi, or traveling abroad, staying safe online has become crucial. And that’s where Planet VPN comes into play—a powerful, reliable, and completely free VPN that ensures your data remains secure and your internet access remains unrestricted.

Many internet users assume that quality VPN services must come with a price tag, but Planet VPN breaks that myth. This service offers a robust set of features without asking for a single cent, making it the perfect choice for anyone seeking top-notch protection without draining their wallet.

Why Choose Planet VPN?

There are plenty of reasons why more and more users are turning to Planet VPN for their everyday browsing and security needs. Here’s a look at some of the top benefits:

1. Truly Free with No Hidden Costs

Unlike many so-called “free” VPNs that limit bandwidth, time, or servers unless you upgrade, Planet VPN offers a completely free service with no trial periods, no credit card requirements, and no hidden fees. You get instant access to fast servers in multiple countries, ensuring smooth browsing, streaming, and downloading.

2. Strong Encryption and Full Privacy

Planet VPN takes your privacy seriously. It uses advanced encryption protocols to ensure your internet traffic is unreadable to hackers, ISPs, or even government surveillance. With no logs recorded, your browsing history and online activities are kept private and secure.

3. Bypass Geo-Restrictions with Ease

Ever tried accessing a website or streaming service only to find it blocked in your country? With Planet VPN, you can unlock geo-restricted content from around the world. Whether it’s international news, streaming platforms, or websites censored in your region, this VPN lets you break those digital borders effortlessly.

4. Public Wi-Fi Protection

Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but also a hotspot for cyber threats. Hackers often target unsecured networks to steal data. Planet VPN safeguards your connection when you’re using coffee shop Wi-Fi or airport hotspots, keeping your information safe from prying eyes.

5. User-Friendly Interface

One of the best things about Planet VPN is how easy it is to use. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to get started. Just visit the official Planet VPN website, download the app, and connect to a server in seconds. It’s that simple.

Planet VPN for Streaming and Gaming

Streaming lovers and gamers will particularly enjoy Planet VPN. It helps reduce lag, maintain fast speeds, and unblock restricted content, giving you access to a global library of games, movies, and shows. You can connect to a different country’s server and enjoy localized content no matter where you are.

Whether you’re watching HD content or engaging in online multiplayer gaming, Planet VPN ensures a stable and secure connection for a seamless experience.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Planet VPN supports all major operating systems including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and even browser extensions. This means you can stay protected on all your devices, whether you’re on your smartphone during a commute or working from your laptop at a café.

No Registration Required

One of the most attractive features of Planet VPN is that it requires no sign-up or registration. Your identity stays protected from the get-go, and you don’t have to worry about handing over personal information just to get started.

Perfect for Beginners and Experts Alike

Whether you’re a casual internet user or someone who deeply values cybersecurity, Planet VPN is tailored to your needs. Beginners will love the simplicity, while tech-savvy users will appreciate the reliability and performance of the service.

Final Thoughts

With increasing cyber threats, censorship, and data tracking, having a reliable VPN is no longer optional—it’s essential. Planet VPN is the perfect solution for anyone who wants to protect their privacy, access blocked content, and enjoy complete internet freedom—without paying a dime.

So why wait? Head over to the official Planet VPN website today and experience a new level of online safety and accessibility. Whether you’re looking to secure your connection, unlock content, or simply browse without restrictions, Planet VPN has got you covered—for free, forever.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Watch Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” Played INSIDE A Guitar

Eric Alper
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Watch Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” Played INSIDE A Guitar

You’ve heard “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica a hundred times. But have you seen it from inside a guitar? Thanks to a phone camera, physics, and a bit of magic, the vibrating strings come to life — and it’s one of the coolest things you’ll see today.

From Mixtapes to Market Tips: Why Telegram Might Be the Hottest Channel You’re Not Using Yet

Eric Alper
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0

By Mitch Rice

If you’re the kind of person who still remembers Napster, had a MySpace playlist, or once declared your Top 8 friends with the intensity of a record deal announcement—congrats, you’ve survived the evolution of digital culture. We’ve gone from sharing burned CDs to broadcasting Spotify Wrapped like it’s a personality test. And now? The latest digital space making noise isn’t TikTok or Threads—it’s Telegram.

While Telegram might sound like something your grandma used to send across town in the 1950s, it’s become the go-to hangout for a new breed of users: the socially savvy, financially curious, and a bit tired of mainstream noise. It’s not just for meme groups or indie fan clubs anymore. Turns out, Telegram is now where you go to actually get smarter—while still vibing with your favorite niche communities.

Trading Signals or Pop Singles?

Here’s the deal: not everyone on Telegram is discussing conspiracy theories or posting cryptic “new album soon” messages (although there’s definitely plenty of that, too). These days, it’s also where aspiring traders, market junkies, and casual observers are getting real-time financial tips—wrapped in notifications that feel a lot cooler than your bank’s app alerts.

That’s where Learn2Trade Telegram services come in. Imagine this: instead of trying to decode charts that look like your heartbeat after a Beyoncé drop, you get a ping with clear, simple signals telling you where the forex winds are blowing. No suit required. No Wall Street jargon. Just quick, actionable info you can use, whether you’re trading like a pro or just testing the waters between album drops.

Wait, Why Is Telegram the New Backstage Pass?

Great question. Much like an exclusive vinyl release or secret afterparty, Telegram channels offer an unfiltered, direct line to the stuff you actually want—without ads, distractions, or algorithm voodoo.

Here’s why Telegram is having its moment:

  • Privacy is the headliner: End-to-end encryption keeps convos secure, just like that secret Spotify playlist you won’t admit you love.

  • Real-time updates: No refresh button needed. Get pings as soon as something drops—whether it’s tour news or trading tips.

  • Custom bots & community vibes: From managing chats to automating alerts, Telegram bots are like your personal tour manager.

  • Cross-platform cool: It works on any device, so you never miss a beat (or a trade).

Telegram vs. The Usual Suspects

Platform Best For Vibe Notification Fatigue
Telegram Niche content & signals Fan club meets finance Low
Instagram Influencer culture Highly curated High
Discord Gaming & fandom Chaotic good Medium
Facebook Your aunt’s vacation photos Nostalgia (mostly) Very high

Telegram’s not trying to be the coolest app at the party—it just ends up being the one where all the interesting people hang out.

When Culture Meets Currency

It might seem odd to talk finance on a pop culture blog, but honestly? The lines are blurrier than ever. Artists are releasing NFT albums, musicians are investing in crypto, and influencers are launching side hustles on Telegram. The same way you once followed a fan page for leaked singles, you’re now joining channels that drop trading signals like surprise EPs.

And really, isn’t it all connected? Being ahead of the curve. Knowing what’s about to pop off. Getting that inside scoop—whether it’s a secret show or a market shift. Telegram’s role in today’s cultural landscape isn’t just functional, it’s actually kind of iconic.

How to Not Get Scammed (Because That’s Still a Thing)

Before you dive headfirst into the world of signal groups, it’s good to keep a few sanity checks in mind:

  • Avoid the too-good-to-be-true ones. If it sounds like they’re offering magic beans, they probably are.

  • Look for transparency. Solid providers show performance history or at least walk you through their approach.

  • Free trials or public groups are a smart way to test before committing. Like checking a band’s demo before buying concert tickets.

  • Read the room. Active communities with engaged members are usually more legit than ghost towns with 10,000 bots.

Telegram’s Plot Twist in the Pop Culture Story

Who would’ve thought that between binge-watching documentaries and stalking concert setlists, Telegram would quietly evolve into a cultural and financial tool? Yet here we are—turning pings into profits, channels into cheat codes, and signals into soundtracks.

In a world that’s always refreshing, reposting, and reacting, sometimes the best move is joining the low-key spot where real insight still exists. Telegram might not be the flashiest app in your folder, but it’s definitely one of the smartest.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

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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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