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TASH SULTANA Announces ‘RETURN TO THE ROOTS’ EP and U.S. Tour Featuring City and Colour

Eric Alper
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TASH SULTANA Announces ‘RETURN TO THE ROOTS’ EP and U.S. Tour Featuring City and Colour

A decade into their evolution, multi-instrumentalist, engineer, producer, and entrepreneur TASH SULTANA weaves nostalgia with newfound wisdom, as they reveal their forthcoming EP RETURN TO THE ROOTS out Friday, May 30.

Today TASH unveils the full tracklist for the EP, featuring a powerful collaboration with City and Colour. This standout track brings together two masterful storytellers, blending their distinct styles with deep mutual respect.

The original version of this song is one of the oldest TASH has written and inspired by artists like Jeff Buckley, Bon Iver, and City and Colour. It was only fitting that when reworking the track, City and Colour became part of the journey. When City and Colour announced an Australian tour, TASH reached out, the teams connected, and the song naturally fell into place.

“The song was meant for us,” TASH says. “We instantly understood each other and it was a completely natural fit.”

The EP also features the fan-favourite “Kiss The Sky,” a track that first set the internet buzzing when TASH teased it in 2023 via Instagram. Resurfacing on TikTok this year, the teaser videos have received over 3.5 million views, instantly cementing its status as a must-hear anthem.

First taste of the EP and opening track “Milk & Honey” marked a bold return to their roots as a looper, while the most recent release “Hold On” reaches deep emotional depths, dedicated to their wife after being diagnosed with cancer at the end of last year.

“My partner went through hell because of medical malpractice,” TASH explains. “A tumor left undetected. Surgery on the wrong thing. A second operation. Twice the recovery time. And we still don’t have answers. If you’ve ever been failed by the system—misdiagnosed, ignored, or left without answers—this song is for you.”

The brand-new EP is a raw, unfiltered dive back into the heart of their artistry. Stripping away the pressure of commercial success, this six-track collection rekindles the spirit of spontaneous creation—the very essence that first ignited their career.

Building on the success of the first single, “Milk & Honey”—which earned rotation on triple j, topped the AMRAP Metro Charts, received praise from Rolling Stone (Australia), and landed on key DSP playlists like Spotify’s The Local List and Apple’s Heaps Indie—latest release “Hold On” continues that momentum with support from triple j, DSP playlisting across Spotify’s Pop’N’Fresh and Apple’s New in Indie, and online love from The Music, Rolling Stone and AU Review.

Fresh from selling out Red Rocks in minutes. TASH SULTANA has recently announced a massive 2025 U.S. tour. Bringing their signature electrifying energy and genre-blurring sound to fans nationwide, this tour is set to be nothing short of unforgettable. Tickets are available now via tashsultana.com

With a career spanning over a decade, TASH SULTANA’s accomplishments speak volumes: selling out shows at global arenas and iconic venues, headlining major festivals, 15 ARIA nominations, and the 2023 Rolling Stone (Australia) Global Artist Award. Yet, for TASH, the journey is far from over. With their unwavering drive to push creative boundaries and a focus on building a broader legacy as an entrepreneur and mentor, TASH continues to shape the industry on their own terms.

RETURN TO THE ROOTS is a fearless declaration of resilience, reinvention, and the boundless power of self-expression.

TASH SULTANA ‘RETURN TO THE ROOTS’ US TOUR

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

TUEDAY JUNE 10 | THE RANDY SHELL AT JACOBS PARK, SAN DIEGO, CA

WEDNESDAY JUNE 11 | HARD ROCK LIVE – SACRAMENTO, WHEATLAND, CA

FRIDAY JUNE 13 | THE MASONIC, SAN FRANCISCO, CA

SATURDAY JUNE 14 | SHRINE EXPO HALL, LOS ANGELES, CA

SUNDAY JUNE 15 | THE VAN BUREN, PHOENIX, AZ

TUESDAY JUNE 17 | THE PAVILION AT TOYOTA MUSIC FACTORY, IRVING, TX

WEDNESDAY JUNE 18 | BAYOU MUSIC CENTRE, HOUSTON, TX

**FRIDAY JUNE 20 | RED ROCKS AMPHITHEATRE, MORRISON, CO

SATURDAY JUNE 21 | DILLON AMPHITHEATRE, DILLON, CO

SUNDAY JUNE 22 | TBA, SALT LAKE CITY, UT

TUESDAY JUNE 24 | KNITTING FACTORY CONCERT HOUSE, BOISE, ID

WEDNESDAY JUNE 25 | KNITTING FACTORY CONCERT HOUSE, SPOKANE, WA

FRIDAY JUNE 27 | EDGEFIELD CONCERTS ON THE LAWN, TROUTDALE, OR

SATURDAY JUNE 28 | CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE, WOODINVILLE, WA

SUNDAY JUNE 29 | BRITT MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL – BRITT PAVILION, JACKSONVILLE, OR

10 of the Best Psychedelic Songs That’ll Melt Your Mind

Eric Alper
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10 of the Best Psychedelic Songs That’ll Melt Your Mind

Psychedelic music is a trip through swirling soundscapes, hypnotic rhythms, and lyrics that stretch the imagination. Whether fueled by acid-soaked creativity or just a desire to expand sonic possibilities, these songs broke barriers, altered minds, and still hit like a cosmic awakening today.

Here are 10 of the best psychedelic songs—each one a portal to a different dimension.

1. The Beatles – “Tomorrow Never Knows” (1966)

If there’s a song that changed everything, it’s this. The Beatles dove headfirst into Eastern mysticism, tape loops, and mind-expanding production, creating a track that sounds like it was beamed in from another planet. With John Lennon’s vocals floating like a mantra over Ringo’s hypnotic drumming, it was the moment rock music turned psychedelic—and never looked back.

2. Pink Floyd – “Echoes” (1971)

A sonic odyssey clocking in at over 23 minutes, “Echoes” is a slow burn into the great beyond. From the underwater sonar pings to the surreal midsection that sounds like a cosmic whale party, Pink Floyd crafted an entire universe inside a song. It’s space rock at its most expansive, hypnotic, and transcendental—best experienced in the dark with your eyes closed.

3. The Jimi Hendrix Experience – “Are You Experienced?” (1967)

Jimi didn’t just play the guitar—he made it speak, scream, and bend reality. This title track from his debut album is drenched in backward tapes, surreal lyrics, and a groove that feels like stepping into another dimension. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to float through a dream where the laws of physics don’t apply, this song is your guide.

4. The Doors – “The End” (1967)

Jim Morrison didn’t just write songs—he channeled visions. “The End” starts as a hypnotic, almost meditative tune before descending into Oedipal nightmares and existential chaos. Ray Manzarek’s eerie organ, Robby Krieger’s swirling guitar, and Morrison’s shamanic delivery make this a journey into the abyss—beautiful, terrifying, and unforgettable.

5. Jefferson Airplane – “White Rabbit” (1967)

Few songs capture the psychedelic counterculture like this one. Grace Slick takes us down the rabbit hole, weaving a trippy, Lewis Carroll-inspired fever dream over a swelling, dramatic crescendo. With its marching, hypnotic rhythm and surrealist storytelling, it’s a 2-minute dose of pure, uncut acid rock energy.

6. Grateful Dead – “Dark Star” (1968)

The Dead weren’t just a band—they were a living, breathing psychedelic organism. “Dark Star” is more than a song; it’s a cosmic improvisation, stretching and shifting like an ever-expanding galaxy. With liquid guitar lines, dreamy vocals, and endless possibilities, every live version becomes its own unique trip—one that never quite lands in the same place twice.

7. Tame Impala – “Let It Happen” (2015)

Psychedelic music never died—it just evolved. Tame Impala’s “Let It Happen” is a modern psych masterpiece, blending swirling synths, hypnotic beats, and Kevin Parker’s airy vocals into an eight-minute trip that feels like falling into a kaleidoscope. The glitching, looping midsection creates an out-of-body experience—a moment where time ceases to exist.

8. The 13th Floor Elevators – “You’re Gonna Miss Me” (1966)

Considered the first true psychedelic rock band, The 13th Floor Elevators invented the genre before anyone even knew what to call it. “You’re Gonna Miss Me” is raw, wild, and driven by electric jug sounds (yes, really), making it feel like garage rock being abducted by aliens. It’s the sound of psychedelia in its most unfiltered, manic, and electrifying form.

9. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – “Gamma Knife” (2016)

Modern psych rock doesn’t get much wilder than King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. “Gamma Knife” is a frenzied, spiraling whirlwind of guitars, flutes, and relentless grooves that pulls you in and refuses to let go. It’s ancient mysticism meets futuristic chaos, and it’ll make you feel like you’ve unlocked a portal to another dimension.

10. The Flaming Lips – “Do You Realize??” (2002)

Psychedelia isn’t just about melting your brain—it’s about expanding your perception. “Do You Realize??” is as much a philosophical revelation as it is a song, delivering one of the most mind-blowing truths ever put to music: everyone you know someday will die. And yet, it feels strangely uplifting, like staring into the vastness of existence and finally understanding it all.

Psychedelic music is about breaking boundaries, expanding consciousness, and diving into the unknown. Whether it’s the classic acid-drenched anthems of the ‘60s or modern-day sonic explorations, these songs all rearrange reality in their own unique way.

Pistol Whip The Devil Captures Small-Town Nostalgia in New Single “City With One Red Light”

Eric Alper
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Pistol Whip The Devil Captures Small-Town Nostalgia in New Single “City With One Red Light”

With their signature blend of outlaw country, rock, and grunge, Pistol Whip The Devil delivers a heartfelt tribute to small-town roots with their latest single, “City With One Red Light.” Built on sweeping guitars, anthemic drums, and raw, evocative vocals, the song captures the bittersweet feeling of returning home, where memories linger in the air like smoke from a fire that never quite burns out.

“City With One Red Light” was written about the nostalgic feeling you get when you go back and visit friends and family—it’s like stepping into a time machine,” the band shares. “The Okanagan lakes are as familiar as family and old friends. You wander the shores, remembering childhood days spent casting lines, skipping stones, bush parties, cliff jumping, mountain climbing, racing cars, and playing guitars.”

The track unfolds like a hazy recollection of youthful nights and first experiences. Shane’s lyrics paint vivid pictures of home, where “days by the lake and nights by the fire” define a place that never truly changes. The chorus swells with a mix of longing and pride:

“As I’m walking by / This city with one red light
I think about the times / The good, the bad, the wrong, the right.”

Pistol Whip The Devil’s edgy country-rock sound sits comfortably alongside Dallas Smith, The Sheepdogs, and Tyler Joe Miller, blending gritty storytelling with soaring melodies. Their ability to balance introspective nostalgia with high-energy instrumentation makes them one of the most exciting emerging acts in the Canadian music scene.

That potential has already been recognized—Pistol Whip The Devil was named a 2024 Emerging Artist Creative BC Grant Recipient, further cementing their place in the next wave of breakout country-rock acts.

Formed when longtime friends and musicians found themselves with unexpected time to create during the pandemic, Pistol Whip The Devil is made up of Shane Jolie (vocals, guitars), Geoff Way (guitars, songwriting), Ryan Trimble (bass), and Dan Wood (drums). Their music reflects their own upbringing—Northern Ontario, the Okanagan, and Vancouver—blending the untamed beauty of their surroundings into a sound that’s both familiar and electrifying.

“The fire pits out in the bush are in the exact same spots they were long before,” the band shares. “You can almost hear the crackle of logs and the stories that once filled the summer nights. All the old sights and sounds envelop you, and for a moment, you’re fifteen years younger, living those simple, precious days once more.”

Following “City With One Red Light,” Pistol Whip The Devil is gearing up for more releases, live performances, and a continued push to bring their roots-driven, hard-hitting sound to wider audiences. Fans can expect music that celebrates the highs and lows of small-town life, the resilience of friendships, and the stories that never fade.

With anthemic energy, a rugged authenticity, and a sound that bridges country, rock, and grunge, Pistol Whip The Devil is proving that sometimes, the places we come from are the ones that shape us the most.

Peterborough/Brantford Americana Artist KC Armstrong Rides a Wave of Momentum as “I Don’t Care” Climbs the Canadian Independent Country Charts

Eric Alper
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Peterborough/Brantford Americana Artist KC Armstrong Rides a Wave of Momentum as “I Don’t Care” Climbs the Canadian Independent Country Charts

For many artists, releasing an album is a dream deferred. For Peterborough-born, Brantford-based Americana artist KC Armstrong, that dream became reality with Finally Crafted—and now, that dream comes with a new thrill: watching his music climb the charts.

Since releasing Finally Crafted in September 2024, Armstrong has been making waves internationally, earning radio play across multiple countries and securing the coveted #1 spot on two different stations—one in the U.S. and one in the U.K. But in Canada, the journey of “I Don’t Care” is proving to be the most exciting chapter yet.

A chance discovery of the Canadian Independent Country Countdown (CICC) led Armstrong down an unexpected path. Despite identifying as an Americana artist, he noticed that the chart welcomed the genre alongside country. A quick submission, a bit of good fortune, and a few weeks later, “I Don’t Care” entered the CICC chart at #150.

“I wasn’t expecting much from a country-based chart,” Armstrong admits. “I kept an eye on it, but I didn’t even promote it at first.” Yet the song had other plans. Climbing steadily, it cracked the Top 40 before Armstrong turned his promotional efforts toward it.

Then, a twist: without his knowledge, CICC also began playing his track “Someone Else Tonight.” That song entered at #148 and quickly gained traction—so much so that Armstrong split his focus, rallying support from family, friends, and even his local euchre league to help both tracks gain momentum.

What followed was an exhilarating race to the top. As “I Don’t Care” climbed to #26, Armstrong tapped into a community that had supported his career from the start: his hometown of Lakefield, ON. A single Facebook post mobilized an entire network, propelling the song into the Top 20 nationwide.

Currently, “I Don’t Care” sits at #18, while “Someone Else Tonight” continues to rise at #73—and Armstrong has his sights set on even higher ground.

With six Peterborough-area musicians contributing to Finally Crafted, Armstrong is calling on his home region to help push “I Don’t Care” into the Top 10 nationally.

“I’ve been writing and performing for years, but this is a whole new experience,” Armstrong says. “Seeing the support roll in, watching my songs find their audience—it’s been unreal.”
A testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of community, Finally Crafted is proving to be more than just an album title—it’s a rallying cry. And as Armstrong’s songs continue to rise, one thing is certain: he’s just getting started.

Odario, Mad Professor & Yolanda Sargeant Deliver a Hip-Hop Meets Dub Masterpiece With “The Situation”

Eric Alper
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Odario, Mad Professor & Yolanda Sargeant Deliver a Hip-Hop Meets Dub Masterpiece With “The Situation”

The worlds of hip-hop, dub, and soul collide in mesmerizing fashion on Odario’s latest single, The Situation—a deep, hypnotic groove that brings together UK dub pioneer Mad Professor and Canadian soul singer Yolanda Sargeant. This genre-blurring track, recorded at Mad Professor’s legendary Ariwa Studios in South London, is a lush blend of analog warmth, beat poetry, and sonic innovation.

Odario’s distinctive slow-flow lyricism, a signature of his work with Grand Analog and as a solo artist, finds a new home in the echo-drenched textures of Mad Professor’s signature dub production. “The Situation is a fresh rare groove that sounds like a manual no longer in use—three coats of dust mixed with the lush sound of the city at night,” says Odario. “It’s a reminder of where hip-hop and dub connect, two worlds of sound that have always belonged together.”

Odario’s journey with Mad Professor began in 2016 with their first collaboration on Grand Analog’s “Love Is A Battlefield.” Since then, the two have cultivated a brotherhood through sound and their shared heritage of being born in Guyana, leading to this latest single and an upcoming full-length project, tentatively titled Toaster Boys, set for release in late 2025.

A B-side dub version of The Situation, mixed by Mad Professor himself, strips the track down to its rawest elements, allowing the deep bass and haunting reverb to speak for itself. As the song fades, Mad Professor delivers a final mantra: “Dub music is a natural creation. Analog is our only sound. We don’t know nothing else.”

Joining Odario and Mad Professor on The Situation is the effortlessly soulful Yolanda Sargeant, whose smooth, ethereal vocals glide over the track’s deep, pulsating groove. Best known as one half of Sargeant X Comrade, Yolanda has been hailed as “Canada’s Queen of Lo-Fi Soul” and has built a career pushing the boundaries of jazz, hip-hop, and soul.

The track also features a powerful lineup of musicians, all masters in their craft. Warren Bray (bass, guitar) brings a deep, groove-heavy foundation to the track, while Alister Johnson (drums, keys) adds a rhythmic complexity that blends seamlessly with Mad Professor’s analog magic. Rounding out the sound is Aubrey McGhee (saxophone), whose subtle yet commanding horn arrangements elevate the track’s rich sonic landscape.

A Winnipeg-raised artist now based in Toronto, Odario has spent his career blending storytelling, hip-hop, and jazz-infused grooves. As a solo artist and former frontman of Grand Analog, he has worked with legends like Posdnuos (De La Soul), Shad, Maylee Todd, Cadence Weapon, and Saukrates. His music reflects his lifelong immersion in sound, from tagging along with his DJ father at late-night reggae and funk gigs to discovering the revolutionary work of King Tubby, Sister Nancy, and Scientist.

Available now, The Situation is a sonic meeting of minds, a tribute to the deep roots of dub and hip-hop, and a bold step toward Odario’s highly anticipated 2025 album.

Tour Dates:

Erika Kulnys Unveils Double A-Side Single “Montreal” / “Streets of Montreal” – A Cross-Border, Cross-Genre Masterpiece

Eric Alper
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Erika Kulnys Unveils Double A-Side Single “Montreal” / “Streets of Montreal” – A Cross-Border, Cross-Genre Masterpiece

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Erika Kulnys is back with a powerful new double A-side single, “Montreal” / “Streets of Montreal,” an evocative exploration of longing, loss, and the memories that tether us to places and people. With deep lyrical storytelling and lush instrumentation spanning three countries—Canada, Cuba, and the U.S.—this release cements Kulnys’ place as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary folk.

From Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Havana, Cuba, Kulnys has spent her career blending the personal with the political, the intimate with the universal. Compared to Leonard Cohen, Bonnie Raitt, Norah Jones, and Joni Mitchell, her music has resonated on a global scale, with past accolades including a Top Ten placement on the Canada/US Folk Charts, a Canadian Voice of Women for Peace Award, and multiple songwriting honours.

Her latest work continues that trajectory. Recorded with the renowned Cuban pianist Alejandro Falcón, “Montreal” was born in a fleeting moment at Folk Alliance International in Montreal, written spontaneously on a hallway piano alongside Lilli Lewis. Later, the song—and its companion piece, “Streets of Montreal”—came to life in Havana, Cuba, at Estudio Ojala, an iconic space founded by Kulnys’ songwriting idol Silvio Rodríguez. These tracks are a sonic and emotional journey through nostalgia, belonging, and heartbreak.

Adding further depth to the project, cello and vocal harmonies were layered in at Signature Sounds in Connecticut, thanks to Catherine Bent and Kala Farnham. The result is a mesmerizing three-country collaboration that underscores the unifying power of music.

Both “Montreal” and “Streets of Montreal” paint vivid pictures of a city wrapped in memory.

“Montreal” is a sweeping, cinematic ballad infused with longing. The lyrics capture the transient nature of time and relationships:
“I know you’re coming for me, my snow angel on Rue Saint-Denis… Montréal, when will you fall?”

Kulnys’ voice soars over delicate piano and strings, evoking the cold beauty of winter and the warmth of a past love.

“Streets of Montreal,” in contrast, is a bittersweet breakup song that reminisces on youthful love and missed chances. With lines like “Riding swings in the park, laughing in the car, holding hands in the dark, wishing on a star,” the song taps into the universal experience of looking back at a love that could have been.

Together, these tracks are a love letter to Montreal, to the relationships that define us, and to the resilience of the heart.

Working with Alejandro Falcón in Cuba brought a new dimension to Kulnys’ compositions, as his sensitive piano playing weaves seamlessly into the emotional fabric of the songs. The project was also engineered by Olimpia Calderón Arias, marking a meaningful collaboration with a fellow female artist in a traditionally male-dominated space.

Kulnys, who has performed at major festivals like Canadian Music Week, Indie Week, Kingsville Folk Festival, and Copenhagen Pride, is known for her fearless storytelling and social activism through music. This release further establishes her as a boundary-pushing artist whose work is as poetic as it is powerful.

Soul And Blues Dynamo Ollee Owens Unveils Powerful New Music Video for “Nowhere to Hide”

Eric Alper
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Soul And Blues Dynamo Ollee Owens Unveils Powerful New Music Video for “Nowhere to Hide”

Ollee Owens isn’t just singing the blues—she’s living and breathing them with a conviction that cuts deep. The Calgary-based blues and Americana artist unveils a stunning new music video for her latest single, “Nowhere to Hide”, an anthem of resilience that perfectly encapsulates the raw emotion and defiant hope that define her sound. With the album, Nowhere to Hide, spending 13 consecutive weeks in the Roots Music Report’s Canadian Top 10 and her previous video, “Shivers and Butterflies,” racking up nearly 800,000 views in just one month, Owens is proving that blues still has a powerful story to tell.

A fearless performer with a voice that commands attention, Owens brings her signature blend of blues, soul, and folk into sharp cinematic focus with “Nowhere to Hide.” Shot in a cavernous warehouse with a massive projection screen behind her, the video juxtaposes historic and contemporary struggles, reminding us that the battles of the past still echo loudly today. “I wanted to create a visual bridge between history and the challenges we face now,” Owens explains. “The troubles we sense, see, and experience may change shape, but the fight remains.”

Draped in bold red to symbolize courage, with white at her core to represent unwavering integrity, Owens stands defiant in the face of fear, delivering a searing performance with the urgency of a woman who has walked through fire and come out stronger. “You can make it through—we will make it through. There is hope—there is always hope because there ‘ain’t no trouble gonna bring us down!’” she proclaims.

“Nowhere to Hide” was recorded at Nashville’s Sweetbriar Studio with producer Bobby Blazier bringing together an all-star lineup featuring guitarist Chris Rodriguez, bassist Tommy Sims and keyboardist De Marco Johnson. The album has been turning heads across the blues world, climbing the charts and earning praise from outlets like Blues Matters, Blues Music Magazine, and Americana Highways, which hailed it as “one of the strongest surprises of 2024.”

Owens’ journey from a small farming community in Manitoba to the world stage is nothing short of extraordinary. Inspired by blues legends and gospel greats, she started writing songs at eight, picked up the guitar at 12, and then put it all on pause to raise her three daughters. But the music never left her soul, and in 2022, she roared back with Cannot Be Unheard, proving that her voice was not just meant to be heard, but felt. Since then, she’s shared festival stages with blues heavyweights like Dawn Tyler Watson and Matt Andersen and made her mark at the iconic B.B. King’s Blues Club in Memphis.

With “Nowhere to Hide”, Ollee Owens issued a rallying cry. The blues has always been about finding strength in the struggle, and Owens embodies that spirit in every note she sings. As this powerful new video makes its way into the world, one thing is clear—there’s no stopping her now.

Don Ross & Julie Malia Announce Spring 2025 Tour and Release New Single

Eric Alper
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Don Ross & Julie Malia Announce Spring 2025 Tour and Release New Single

Don Ross and Julie Malia are hitting the road this spring, bringing their masterful blend of intricate fingerstyle guitar, dynamic vocal interplay, and deep musical storytelling to audiences across Canada’s East Coast. Fresh off the release of their latest single, “Wave From Your Window,” the duo is set to deliver an unforgettable tour that showcases their unique chemistry and unparalleled musicianship.

“Wave From Your Window” is a piece that dates back to 1997, composed by Ross during a stop in Berlin. The inspiration came from a fleeting moment—watching a woman across the green space from his apartment clean her home, unknowingly becoming a muse. When she waved at him, the song found its title. It’s an optimistic, reflective tune, now reimagined through the duo’s collaboration. Malia, known for her remarkable guitar prowess and seamless vocal harmonies, learned Ross’s original part quickly, freeing him to create an intricate counterpoint. The result is a composition that feels like a conversation between two musicians completely in sync, one where wordless vocals become instruments in their own right.

Don Ross is a name synonymous with groundbreaking acoustic guitar work. As a two-time winner of the U.S. National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship and a veteran of the global music scene, Ross has spent decades redefining what’s possible on six strings. With 21 albums to his name, collaborations with legends like Bruce Cockburn and Michael Manring, and a mastery of orchestration that extends to film and video game scoring, Ross is a musician’s musician—one who never stops evolving.

Julie Malia (aka Jule Malischke) is a force in her own right. Hailing from Germany, she’s one of Europe’s most sought-after acoustic guitarists, blending classical precision, modern fingerstyle, and soaring vocals into a signature sound that has earned her a nomination for the prestigious German Record Critics’ Prize in 2024. A lecturer at the Carl Maria von Weber Music University in Dresden, she balances her academic expertise with a vibrant performance career that has seen her captivate audiences at major festivals across Europe.

When Ross and Malia play together, it’s more than just a duet—it’s two musicians completely in sync, pushing and pulling at each other’s ideas, shaping something greater than the sum of its parts.

“Julie is such a fine guitar player that she learned my original part of the piece very quickly, which allowed me the freedom of coming up with the second part to complement what she was doing. It really nicely sums up the nature of our collaboration. It’s based on mutual respect as musicians, as well as what has become a very deep friendship.” – Don Ross

The duo’s latest single is a testament to their chemistry. It’s a piece that weaves melody and countermelody, utilizing vocalese—wordless vocal harmonies that blend seamlessly into the guitar work—to create an ethereal, almost meditative atmosphere. It’s the sound of two master musicians listening to each other in real time, responding in kind, and creating something deeply human in the process.

The road awaits, and Ross and Malia are ready to bring their intricate, immersive sound to audiences across Canada’s East Coast. Each show promises an intimate yet electrifying experience—whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering them for the first time, this is a must-see tour for lovers of acoustic mastery.

March 29, 2025 – Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville, NS
April 2, 2025 – La Sala Rossa, Montreal, QC
April 5, 2025 – Broadway Microbrasserie, Shawinigan, QC
April 10, 2025 – Harmony House, Hunter River, PEI
April 11, 2025 – Marigold Cultural Centre, Truro, NS
April 12, 2025 – Lunenburg Opera House, Lunenburg, NS
April 13, 2025 – The Carleton, Halifax, NS
April 19, 2025 – St. Andrews (venue TBA), St. Andrews, NB

This is more than just a series of concerts. It’s a meeting of minds, a merging of worlds, and a masterclass in the art of the guitar. With a fresh single out and a run of intimate, high-energy performances on the horizon, Don Ross and Julie Malia are proving that music—when played with this level of passion and precision—is a universal language.

Get your tickets, find a seat, and get ready to be transported.

Winnipeg Rockers Empaths in Retrograde Unveil Debut Album The Great and Infectious Single “She Comes to the City”

Eric Alper
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Winnipeg Rockers Empaths in Retrograde Unveil Debut Album The Great and Infectious Single “She Comes to the City”

Life as an artist can be desolate and dire, but it can also come with ample moments of joy and happiness in simple things and making connections. Those thoughts about the highs and lows and rolling with the punches are perfectly captured in Winnipeg indie rock group Empaths In Retrograde’s debut album The Great. It’s an honest collection of genre-defying material speaking to vices and virtues using infectious, intriguing melodies and hooks, and incredibly accurate but gritty lyrical vignettes highlighted by the single “She Comes to the City.”

“‘She Comes to the City” is about the sacrifices one must make for the things we love,” the band says of the single which brings to mind some eclectic collage of The Strokes and critically acclaimed Canadian group Constantines. “Written about a tumultuous long-distance relationship from January 2024, it was saved by guitarist Ryan Whiskey’s (Ryan Purdy’s) insistence on its survival. His buzzy guitars compliment the catchy singalong hook of the chorus to create our best attempt at a song of the summer (as no one likes driving in a Winnipeg winter).”

Empaths in Retrograde consist of singer and acoustic guitarist Chris Kilrea, singer and electric guitarist Ryan Purdy, singer and bassist Andrew Kehler, and drummer Curtis Ullman. The quartet is fantastic on “She Comes to the City,” which also featured some help from fellow Manitoba musician Kola Kola Pop. The energy and verve exemplify The Great from start to finish, an album that didn’t take the group long to start once they formed. “Recorded in our basement over the course of our first eight months as a band, The Great is a tale of the artist’s journey in 10 divinely connected tracks,” they write.

As solid as “She Comes to the City” is, The Great contains several other gems, including the opening “Drugs Are Fun,” resembling a spacey, trippy, free form jazz-tinged gem that gets the ball rolling. Composed “over a bonfire” during the summer of 2024, the tune could be compared to Frank Zappa putting his stamp on the Queens of the Stone Age nugget “Feel Good Hit of the Summer.” Meanwhile, the funky “Don’t F-ck With The System” is a swampy tune the band recorded “fast and dirty” with dynamic results thanks to guest horn players Jordie Ouellet and Benny Mountain.

Fans of B.A. Johnston, The Hold Steady (or The Hold Steady lead singer Craig Finn’s solo work) would lap up Empaths in Retrograde’s music. The pandemic-inspired “Alright, Alt-Right” oozes power pop flavor while lyrically revisiting a time where “it seemed that everyone lost the plot” regarding objective reality. The southern-laced “Meltdown” concerns Kilrea’s mental health issues in 2015 and searching for enlightenment. “This is definitely one of my more expansive songs and a personal favorite,” Kilrea says.

Other highlights include “The Great (I Chased A Dream)” with its ramshackle Replacements-esque approach. Here, Empaths in Retrograde sing of dreams buskers possess. Those lofty ambitions often end up relegated to discovering hard truths. “This song captures the ego, but with the ability to stare failure in the face and say at least I tried,” Kilrea says. Elsewhere, the jangled effort “Reality” reveals some orgiastic activities following an open mic night. “It was a dream, and when I finally had it in my grasp, it was nothing like I imagined it to be,” Kilrea says of the song’s night in question. “That is how most dreams are.”

Empaths in Retrograde formed following Kilrea’s two-decade quest to achieve success in the music industry. After meeting Purdy, Ullman, and Kehler, the group discovered how they could create art mirroring “the hopelessness, boredom, and disappointment inherent in the human condition.” The group has performed at various Winnipeg venues including The Park Alleys, The Sidestage, The Royal Albert Arms, and The Osborne Taphouse. In 2024 the group released a Yuletide single “Holiday Hullaballoo.” Empaths in Retrograde describe their style as “roots/punk/soul psychedelica” and it’s hard to argue with that.

Empaths in Retrograde’s The Great is an album that’s great thanks to excellent musicianship, finely-crafted lyrics, and tracks like “She Comes to the City,” which would melt the coldest of hearts in Winterpeg, er, Winnipeg and beyond.

Gerry Jack Macks Reimagines a Neil Diamond Classic with Genre-Blending ‘Beautiful Noise’

Eric Alper
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Gerry Jack Macks Reimagines a Neil Diamond Classic with Genre-Blending ‘Beautiful Noise’

If there’s one thing Gerry Jack Macks refuses to do, it’s follow the rules. The blues-roots-swing-folk-country-rocker has long defied genre conventions, and his latest release, Beautiful Noise, is no exception.

A fresh and vibrant reimagining of the Neil Diamond classic, the track breathes new life into the song with a roots/Americana feel and a Latin beat, featuring the powerhouse drumming of Sara Varro.

Macks, who also runs the Beautiful Noise – a Canadian Music Showcase radio show, took inspiration from the original Robbie Robertson-produced hit but made it his own. Unable to find a Canadian cover version that met his standards, he decided to craft one himself—a version that both pays homage to the song’s timeless energy and injects it with his signature, multi-genre stylings.

“Recording such an iconic hit offers only two choices: imitate or create something new. I chose the latter,” says Macks. “I wanted to take ownership of the song, give it a new dimension, and still stay true to its essence.”

A ‘Beautiful’ Collaboration Recorded at Dusty Cottonwood Studios in Kamloops, BC, Beautiful Noise is a testament to Macks’ independent spirit and musical vision. The track showcases Gerry Jack Macks on vocals, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, and electric bass, Sara Varro delivering dynamic Latin-infused drumming, and a production style that bridges folk, soft rock, country, and roots music.

With Macks producing, arranging, recording, mixing, and mastering the track himself, Beautiful Noise is a true indie effort, proving once again that great music doesn’t need industry gatekeepers—it just needs passion and talent.

Macks has spent decades carving his own path, earning a reputation as an outlaw musician whose sound is as unpredictable as it is authentic. From blues and country to rock and folk, his music defies easy categorization. He’s drawn comparisons to the likes of Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and John Fogerty, while maintaining a voice and style all his own.

“I never really know what genre my music falls into, and I think that’s the beauty of it,” says Macks. “The industry loves to put music in boxes, but my job is to tear those boxes open.”

His independent ethos extends beyond his music. Macks’ radio show and online Beautiful Noise community have become spaces where Canadian musicians can share their work, unfiltered by mainstream industry expectations.

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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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