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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.

Barry Stagg Releases New Single ‘Shine A Little Light’ – Canada’s Quiet Legend In Songwriting Returns

Eric Alper
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Barry Stagg Releases New Single ‘Shine A Little Light’ – Canada’s Quiet Legend In Songwriting Returns

There are legends, and then there are those whose stories deserve to be told louder. Barry Stagg falls into the latter category—a hidden gem of Canada’s singer-songwriter legacy, a songwriter whose work has spanned decades, continents, and artistic disciplines. And now, he’s ready to Shine A Little Light on the journey that got him here.

With Shine A Little Light, Stagg is opening a time capsule. A look back at a young musician dreaming big, carving his name into the walls of clubs and honkytonks, hoping that someone would take notice. The track, taken from his forthcoming album The Pilgrim (due Spring 2025), is part nostalgia, part confession, and wholly a tribute to the never-ending pursuit of music.

The Montreal-born troubadour has lived a career that reads like a lost chapter of Canadian music history. From the instant success of To Love Means to Be Free in 1970 to his years composing operas, film scores, and full-length musicals, Stagg has been a quiet force of creativity. He has recorded for Gamma Records, RCA, and London Records, and spent nearly three decades as a playwright-in-residence at NOSCO Academy of Theatre Arts, writing over 90 musicals. But through it all, songwriting has remained his heartbeat.

“I draw from my own journey,” Stagg says. “Looking back at a time when I was just starting, trying to navigate this crazy world as a musician. Shine A Little Light is a reflection of that—of the dreams, the doubts, and the unwavering belief in the music itself.”

The song resonates like a conversation between past and present:

“Every day he’d pray, show this child the way.
Give him some direction, please.
Am I doing right? Because the songs that I write,
I’m laying bare my soul for all to see.”

The vulnerability of a songwriter is all over this track, the push and pull of youthful ambition and hard-earned wisdom. It’s about those nights spent writing lyrics on hotel walls, about the unseen genius of the dreamer, about the resilience it takes to stay in the game long after the first hit fades.

Now based in North Carolina, where he co-owns The Dispensary music club and continues to perform, Stagg remains as vibrant and prolific as ever. He has played MIDEM (France), Live at Heart (Sweden), and Indie Week (Canada), proving that while his name may not always be in the headlines, his music continues to travel the world.

Barry Stagg’s Shine A Little Light is a reminder that the fire never goes out, that every artist’s journey is worth telling, and that sometimes, all you need is a little light to guide the way.

gRaHaM mUrRaY sEaRs Blazes a Trail with Title Single “Snow Machine” Ahead of Upcoming Album, SHARE

Eric Alper
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gRaHaM mUrRaY sEaRs Blazes a Trail with Title Single “Snow Machine” Ahead of Upcoming Album, SHARE

From the heart of the snow-covered landscapes of Hawk Junction, ON comes a song that captures the exhilarating freedom of winter adventure. Singer-songwriter gRaHaM mUrRaY sEaRs is back with his latest single, “Snow Machine”, a high-energy folk-rock anthem celebrating the thrill of snowmobiling, the beauty of the North, and the simple joys of embracing the season. The track is the first taste of his highly anticipated upcoming album SHARE, set for release on June 27, 2025.

A true storyteller at heart, gRaHaM mUrRaY sEaRs has spent 25 years crafting songs that blend raw emotion with keen observation. While music has always been his passion, his life took an unexpected turn when he left his career in commercial trucking to pursue songwriting full-time, moving to Northern Ontario with his wife Allison and their rescue dog, Allegra. Inspired by his first winter in the North, “Snow Machine” was born from the experience of discovering snowmobiling for the first time, an adventure that quickly became a beloved part of his life.

“Snow Machine” is a rollicking, feel-good track with foot-stomping energy, driven by acoustic guitar, rich harmonies, and a hook that’s impossible to shake. The lyrics vividly transport listeners to the snowy trails of Wawa and Dubreuilville, painting a picture of camaraderie, adventure, and the joy of embracing the moment. The song’s upbeat, organic, and cinematic sound evokes influences from indie-folk greats while remaining uniquely his own.

The full album, SHARE, is an intimate and deeply personal collection of 10 original songs that reflect his journey of transformation. Produced, mixed and mastered by Mark Zubek of Zedd Records (Grammy-winner Betty Carter), With gRaHaM leading on vocals and rhythm guitar and Zubek driving the stand-up bass, drums, lead guitar, piano, and organ, the duo collaborated seamlessly on the arrangements of harmonica, glockenspiel, and percussion, crafting a richly textured sound. SHARE promises to be a musical reflection of his new life—one that is freer, more connected to nature, and full of love, so get ready to experience the ride of a lifetime.

Danny Marks Returns With Soul-Stirring New Single ‘I’m Ready’

Eric Alper
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Danny Marks Returns With Soul-Stirring New Single ‘I’m Ready’

Few names carry the weight of Danny Marks in the Canadian blues and roots scene. From his early days as a founding member of Edward Bear, opening for the likes of Led Zeppelin and Humble Pie, to his decades as a torchbearer of the blues with BLUZ FM and beyond, Marks has remained a perennial force—a man whose time comes, again and again. Now, with the release of his latest single “I’m Ready,” Marks steps forward with a classic soul ballad—one that simmers with slow-burning intensity and speaks to the restless waiting, the longing, and ultimately, the readiness to seize the moment.

“It’s been a long time, and I want you to know that I’m ready…”

The opening line of I’m Ready” says it all. Marks delivers this song with the wisdom of a road-worn storyteller, channeling a lifetime of experiences into a track that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. The song’s lyrics capture the passage of time, the frustration of waiting, and the unwavering belief that no matter how long it takes, your moment will come—as long as you’re ready to take it.

“Then you’re ready, you can come go with me / We can make it, oh yes we can…”

The slow groove and soulful delivery recall the greats—Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Bobby “Blue” Bland—while Marks’ signature guitar work glows like embers in a midnight fire, warm, rich, and full of lived-in soul.

Danny Marks is no stranger to reinvention. Signed to Capitol Records at just 18 with Edward Bear, he quickly made his mark before stepping into a career that saw him work with legends like Bo Diddley, Rita Coolidge, and The Drifters. He built his reputation on the Toronto club scene, became a familiar voice on CBC Radio, and spent the past 25 years hosting BLUZ FM on JAZZ FM91—educating, entertaining, and keeping the blues flame alive.

Marks has seen the music industry change, but the soul of the blues remains the same. In “I’m Ready,” he adds another timeless entry to his catalog—one that nods to the past but walks boldly into the future.

With “I’m Ready,” Danny Marks extends an invitation. It’s not just about his own journey—it’s about all of us. Whether you’ve been waiting on a dream, a breakthrough, or just a sign that it’s time to move forward, Marks offers a musical hand to hold.

“Are you with me now? Do you feel like I do? Then you’re ready… you’re ready too.”

 

10 Ways & Places Musicians Can Find Collaborators (Without Awkward Cold DMs)

Eric Alper
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10 Ways & Places Musicians Can Find Collaborators (Without Awkward Cold DMs)

So you’re looking for a collaborator—a producer, a songwriter, a session musician, or just someone who gets your vibe and can take your music to the next level. But here’s the thing: finding the right person is about chemistry. The good news? Your future bandmate, co-writer, or producer could be closer than you think.

Here are 10 places and ways to find your perfect music partner—no cringey networking events required.

1. Instagram & TikTok (But Make It Organic)

Instead of sending random “Yo, let’s collab” DMs (which rarely work), start engaging with artists you admire. Comment on their posts, remix their videos, duet their covers—build a connection first. Then, when you slide into their DMs, it won’t feel out of the blue.

2. SoundCloud & Bandcamp (The Underrated Goldmine)

Want to find underground artists and producers who are hungry to collaborate? SoundCloud and Bandcamp are packed with talent, and artists there are usually more open to working with new people. Find someone whose style you love and hit them up with a thoughtful message (not just “Yo, collab?”).

3. Reddit (Yes, Really)

Subreddits like r/WeAreTheMusicMakers, r/BedroomBands, and r/MusicInTheMaking are FILLED with musicians looking for collaborators. Post a short introduction with links to your music, and you might just find your next co-writer.

4. Online Collaboration Platforms (Where Magic Happens)

There are entire platforms built JUST for connecting musicians. Try Kompoz – Collab with artists worldwide on unfinished songs, SoundBetter – Find producers, songwriters, and session musicians, Vocalizr – Singers and producers connect to create tracks or Melboss – A networking hub for musicians & industry pros.

5. Discord Servers & Facebook Groups (Yep, They’re Still Alive)

There are Discord communities and Facebook groups for every genre, from hip-hop to metal to bedroom pop. Join a few, be active in discussions, and when you’re ready, post about what you’re looking for. Some solid places to start include Music Networking on Discord, Indie Music Feedback (Facebook), Bedroom Producers (Facebook)

6. Local Open Mics & Jam Sessions

If you’re more of an in-person type, hit up local open mics, jam nights at dive bars, or music networking events. You’ll meet people who are actually playing and making music in real life—which means no ghosting, just real vibes.

7. Music Schools & Colleges (Even If You’re Not a Student)

You don’t need to be a student to collaborate with students. Many music schools have community bulletin boards (both physical and online) where people post about looking for bandmates, producers, and co-writers. Check out places like Berklee Online forums, local university Facebook pages, or community college music programs

8. LinkedIn (For The Business-Minded Musician)

Okay, it might sound weird, but LinkedIn for musicians is a thing. If you’re looking for serious session musicians, producers, or sync licensing opportunities, this is a great place to connect with professionals who mean business. Bonus tip: Look up “music producers” and filter by location to find people near you.

9. Twitter (X) & Hashtags (Surprisingly Effective)

Many musicians connect on Twitter through hashtags like:
🔥 #MusicCollab
🎧 #ProducerLife
🎼 #IndieArtist
Just tweet about what you’re looking for, use the right hashtags, and engage with others who are doing the same.

10. Your Own Audience (They Might Be Musicians Too!)

If you’re already putting music out, you probably have fans who are musicians too. Post a story or TikTok saying, “I’m looking for a producer/singer/guitarist to collab with! Drop your music below.” You’d be surprised at how many talented people are following you already.

Finding the right collaborator isn’t about casting a wide net—it’s about finding the RIGHT people. Start genuine conversations, put yourself in the right places, and be clear about what you bring to the table.

And when you DO find that perfect collaborator? Magic happens.

If you’re still looking for help, or have any questions, or looking for more information, email me, I’ll be happy to chat – Eric@ThatEricAlper.com and talk soon!

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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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