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Carolyn Wonderland Unleashes Truth Is—A Fierce, Soulful Blues Statement Produced by Dave Alvin

Eric Alper
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Carolyn Wonderland Unleashes Truth Is—A Fierce, Soulful Blues Statement Produced by Dave Alvin

On Friday, May 16, Alligator Records will release Truth Is, the ear-opening new album from Texas’ award-winning, guitar-slinging, straight-from-the-soul singing Carolyn Wonderland. She’s known for her formidable songwriting as much as for her singing and playing, and with Truth Is, she delivers a timeless album for these times. Truth Is will be available on CD, maroon vinyl LP and at all major streaming services.

Truth Is was produced by legendary guitarist and songwriter Dave Alvin (producer of Wonderland’s Alligator debut, Tempting Fate), who also co-wrote four songs, three of which he plays on. Wonderland says of Alvin, “I’ve never had my ass handed to me so thoughtfully in the studio. I came in with songs and Dave took the arrangements I wasn’t married to and put on his “Mad Rearranger” hat to get to the heart of the songs, always looking for and finding something that tells the story better. Dave is amazing. He has an incredible literary mind and is one of the best guitar bashers I’ve ever met.”

The roof-raising first song from the album, Sooner Or Later, premieres today on all digital service providers. “Sometimes a melody just comes creeping out of the instrument,” Wonderland says of the song’s inception. “Maybe that’s why you gotta spend time listening to what your instrument wants to say instead of shoehorning your will on it, I suppose. The slight melancholy of the lonesome lap steel led me to the lyrics. Hard to say who’s the protagonist when you’re trying to walk in everyone’s shoes, but I felt a longing for connection with these neighbors and adversaries. Can we change when we find we are wrong? Can we make peace with the ghosts of our pasts? I guess we’ll find out sooner or later.”

On Truth Is, Wonderland, with her vividly detailed, instantly memorable songs, reflects on the world with honesty and righteous conviction. Wonderland’s bold and insightful songs tell common-sense truths that, in her words, “need to be told.” They are driven by her sometimes savage and other times gently melodic guitar fingerpicking, along with her full-throated yet still vulnerable vocals. As for the album’s brutally honest subject matter, Wonderland says, “There’s always hope and we’re still here for each other, but at some point, you have to sing about the elephant in the room.”

Along with bassist Naj Conklin and drummer Giovanni “Nooch” Carnuccio, Wonderland is joined on Truth Is by guests including Alligator labelmate Marcia Ball and friends Shelley King, Ruthie Foster, Cindy Cashdollar (“the Girl Gang,” says Wonderland), Red Young, Bukka Allen, Kevin Lance, Henri Herbert and Stuart Sullivan. The album was recorded and mixed by Sullivan at Wire Recording in Austin, Texas.

With her dynamic guitar playing, sublime songwriting, and pure Texas vocals, Wonderland has more than earned her reputation as a fiercely independent artist. She has been performing professionally since the age of 15 and has been on the road her entire career. She’s played with icons from Townes Van Zandt to Levon Helm, from Buddy Guy to Hubert Sumlin, from Bob Dylan to John Mayall (as the first female guitar in the iconic Blues Breakers), all while writing her own story.

In 2008 Wonderland recorded the first of four albums produced by her friend, famed musician Ray Benson, founder of the multiple Grammy-winning band Asleep At The Wheel. According to Benson, “Carolyn’s got that unbelievable, incredible voice, one of the great voices of our times.”

Wonderland’s 2021 Alligator Records debut, Tempting Fate, brought her to her largest audience yet. The response was immediate and glowing. Premier Guitar proclaimed, “Wonderland is a Texas legend…a rising global star. She has a ferocious fingerpicking style and a passion for bringing fire to the blues.” Living Blues said, “Every song showcases Wonderland’s never-waste-a-note guitar work and warm, soaring vocals. There may not be a better album this year.” For her efforts, she won the Austin Music Award for both Best Blues Artist and Best Guitarist and was inducted into the Austin Music Hall Of Fame. She’s been nominated for three Blues Music Awards.

With Truth Is, Carolyn Wonderland stakes her claim among the most influential roots music voices today, delivering the blues’ honest truth to all who will listen. Her courageously empowering music packs an emotional wallop, with every track on the album performed with a rare intensity that is welcoming and ultimately uplifting. “She’s something else,” Bob Dylan once said to Ray Benson. “She should be nationwide.”

GA-20 Drops “Stranger Blues,” Showcasing New Lineup & Virtuoso Slide Guitar Ahead of VOLUME 2

Eric Alper
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GA-20 Drops “Stranger Blues,” Showcasing New Lineup & Virtuoso Slide Guitar Ahead of VOLUME 2

GA-20 is dropping the third single, “Stranger Blues”, from their upcoming EP, VOLUME 2. The new track is available NOW worldwide.

“Stranger Blues” is the first opportunity for GA-20 to showcase the virtuoso slide playing of new guitarist/vocalist Cody Nilsen. Slide guitar has been a mainstay of GA-20’s repertoire from the very first single, “Naggin’ On My Mind,” which featured guest Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars. On “Stranger Blues,” Cody and the band dig in with a hard driving, urgent sound that pays tribute to the originators.

VOLUME 2 features new members – vocalist and guitarist Cody Nilsen and Joshua Kiggans on drums – along with guitarist and founder Matthew Stubbs. This dynamic trio is poised to advance their artistic vision with a renewed focus on their interpretation of traditional song-based electric blues. The full EP will be released April 29th.

Since 2018, GA-20 has been at the forefront of a traditional Blues revival. The dynamic throwback trio have long been disciples of the place where traditional Blues, Country and Rock ‘n’ Roll intersect. “We make records that we would want to listen to,” says guitarist Matt Stubbs. “It’s our take on the song-based traditional electric Blues we love.” Stubbs, along with guitarist & vocalist Cody Nilsen and drummer Josh Kiggans, strive to bring traditional Blues to the front lines of the modern roots music scene. “The focus for us has always been on the story, the melody, and on creating a mood,” Stubbs continues. “Traditional Country and Soul have all had these massive recent revivals. We want to be part of doing that for traditional Blues music.”

GA-20 has drawn inspiration for their old-school sounds from the music they love by artists such as Otis Rush, J.B. Lenoir, Howlin’ Wolf, Junior Wells, Hound Dog Taylor, Earl Hooker, Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson and so many others. Performing with what feels like reckless abandon, GA-20 brings a timeless immediacy to every song they play with a sound that continues to grow and evolve. The band uses vintage instruments and amps to produce their authentic sound, and favors traditional recording techniques, like recording live off the floor together in one room, to help recreate that energy and sonic connection.

In their short history, GA-20 have been 3x #1 Billboard Blues chart toppers, 4x Boston Music Award winners for Best Blues Act, and have received multiple wins and nominations at the Blues Music Awards, Blues Blast Awards, New England Blues Awards, and have ascended streaming and radio charts at home and internationally. Medium.com has appropriately declared, “This is the kind of music that travels through time while taking from the era where it was born and turning it into something fresh. Dirty and raw…timeless and modern.”

Milena Casado Unveils “O.C.T (Oda to the Crazy Times),” a Bold, Genre-Bending Reflection on Modern Chaos

Eric Alper
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Milena Casado Unveils “O.C.T (Oda to the Crazy Times),” a Bold, Genre-Bending Reflection on Modern Chaos

Today, Milena Casado, trumpeter, composer, and producer, releases the second single from her forthcoming debut album Reflection of Another Self due out May 16 via Candid Records. “O.C.T  (Oda to the Crazy Times)” is a meditation on our maddening, infuriating sociopolitical age – LISTEN HERE

The rhythmic horns, punchy percussion, and experimental production paired with powerhouse bars by GRAMMY-nominated “rap hero” (Washington Post) KOKAYI mirror an overwhelming amount of thoughts, anxiety, confusion, anger, and frustration.

Says Milena, “The rhythmic motives in this song mirror an overwhelming amount of thoughts, anxiety, confusion, anger, and frustration. I wrote this while trying to process trauma: racism, sexism, meeting and building a relationship with my father… all of it. There’s also a layer of sarcasm in the music, out of frustration, out of exhaustion. This song is personal, yet universal.”

Casado has already generated incredible buzz in recent years through her work with Terri Lyne Carrington, Vijay Iyer, Aaron Parks, Kris Davis, and other guiding forces in the music world. Reviewing a set led by the pianist Zacchae’us Paul, The New York Times wrote, “Milena Casado, was a revelation.” She was recently featured in the New York Times’ “5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Brazilian Jazz.”

Reflection of Another Self is a stunning first statement that is sonically adventurous and a deeply personal exploration of her identity, overcoming personal traumas including experiencing racism growing up in Spain and grappling with her dual heritage, among other profound topics.  It is an adventurous and bold statement from a newcomer who has been honing her skill with luminaries and biding her time, constructing a debut album fit for someone destined to upend the jazz world.

Co-produced by Casado with “one of her biggest mentors and friends,” the drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, and the wizardly multi-instrumentalist Morgan Guerin, Reflection of Another Self boasts a dream team of special guests: harpist Brandee Younger, flutist Nicole Mitchell, pianist Kris Davis, sound artist and turntablist Val Jeanty and the MC KOKAYI. Meshell Ndegeocello stops by to lay down a bassline on “Self Love,” the meditative closer of pure uplift. Alongside these artists is a core band including some of the finest improvising musicians in the game: pianist Lex Korten, bassist Kanoa Mendenhall, drummer Jongkuk Kim, and Morgan Guerin on EWI.

Of course, Casado, a fluidly virtuosic player who attacks a groove with the graceful power of a champion boxer, could have crushed a more conventional acoustic jazz debut. “But that wasn’t what I wanted to do,” she says. “I was really trying to find these sounds that I had in my head, that I hadn’t really heard yet, and see how I could mix them with an acoustic sound, drawing inspiration from Miles’ quintet with Wayne Shorter — especially the Miles Smiles LP.”

Reflection of Another Self is the most important achievement yet in Casado’s career, but it’s also the beginning of a bold new aesthetic. “When I began this album, I had all these expectations: It’s my first album; It needs to express exactly who I am” she says. “But now I see that it’s really just the starting point of a long exploration.”

Reflection Of Another Self Tracklist

THIS IS MY HAIR (!)
O.C.T (Oda to the Crazy Times) ft. KOKAYI
Yet I Can SeeIntrospection I – I
Lidia y los Libros ft. Brandee Younger & Nicole Mitchell
Unconditional Love
Introspection II – Preguntas
Circles
Let’s Paint the World
Introspection III – Courage ft. Terri Lyne Carrington
Resilience
Circles (Retrospection) ft. Kris Davis
SELF LOVE

10 of the Best Beatles Songs Covered by Other Artists

Eric Alper
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10 of the Best Beatles Songs Covered by Other Artists

The Beatles wrote some of the most covered songs in history, inspiring generations of artists to take their classics in wildly different directions. Some stayed faithful, others flipped them inside out, and a few made them their own entirely. Here are 10 of the greatest Beatles covers, each a testament to the band’s enduring genius.

1. Joe Cocker – “With a Little Help from My Friends” (1968)

If Ringo’s original was a friendly pint at the pub, Joe Cocker’s version was a full-blown gospel-tinged sermon, delivered with raw, aching passion. His bluesy, electrifying rendition was so powerful that even Paul McCartney admitted it brought new life to the track. Cocker’s version became an anthem, famously opening The Wonder Years and proving that a great song can be completely transformed without losing an ounce of its brilliance.

2. Jimi Hendrix – “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (1967)

Just three days after Sgt. Pepper was released, Jimi Hendrix opened his show with a mind-melting, fuzz-drenched take on the title track. McCartney and Harrison were in the audience, jaws on the floor. Hendrix didn’t just cover the song—he set it on fire, redefining it with wailing guitars and a swagger only he could pull off. It was a seismic moment in rock history and a perfect example of artists inspiring one another in real time.

3. Aretha Franklin – “Eleanor Rigby” (1970)

Leave it to the Queen of Soul to take one of The Beatles’ bleakest songs and infuse it with pure gospel fire. Aretha’s Eleanor Rigby was bigger, bolder, and bursting with emotion. Her vocal acrobatics turned the song’s lonely desperation into a defiant, powerful cry—one that sounded as if Eleanor wasn’t just a forgotten figure, but a force to be reckoned with.

4. Elton John – “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” (1974)

Elton didn’t just cover Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds—he took it on a full technicolor trip. Backed by none other than John Lennon himself on guitar and harmony vocals (under the alias “Dr. Winston O’Boogie”), Elton’s version was a dazzling, synth-heavy dreamscape that even topped the U.S. charts. If The Beatles’ original was a surreal painting, Elton’s was a full-blown psychedelic light show.

5. Stevie Wonder – “We Can Work It Out” (1970)

Stevie Wonder doesn’t do straight covers—he reinvents. His version of We Can Work It Out turned the Beatles’ folk-pop meditation into a full-on funk explosion. With blazing horns, a killer groove, and Wonder’s signature soul-infused delivery, he made the song dance in a way it never had before. It was both a tribute and a complete reimagining, proving just how adaptable The Beatles’ songwriting truly is.

6. The Rolling Stones – “I Wanna Be Your Man” (1963)

Technically, this one isn’t a cover—it was gifted to The Stones by Lennon and McCartney before The Beatles recorded their own version. But the difference is night and day. Where Ringo’s take was a cheerful bop, Mick Jagger snarled through the lyrics like he meant every word, while Keith Richards’ guitar licks added a level of danger. It was the first taste of the friendly rivalry between the two biggest bands in Britain, and it still packs a punch.

7. Richie Havens – “Here Comes the Sun” (1971)

George Harrison’s Here Comes the Sun was already a masterpiece of warmth and optimism, but Richie Havens’ stripped-down, acoustic cover gave it a whole new level of raw sincerity. With his deep, soulful voice and rhythmic strumming, Havens made the song sound less like a dreamy sunrise and more like a hard-earned moment of hope. A true folk classic in its own right.

8. Bananarama – “Help!” (1989)

The Beatles’ Help! was an urgent cry disguised as a pop song, but Bananarama gave it a slick ‘80s dance-pop makeover that somehow worked. Their version kept the melody intact but added synthesizers, harmonies, and a completely different kind of energy. If Lennon’s original was a distress signal, Bananarama’s was a neon-lit anthem for the club floor.

9. Siouxsie and the Banshees – “Dear Prudence” (1983)

Siouxsie Sioux took Dear Prudence—John Lennon’s delicate, hypnotic ode to meditation—and turned it into a gothic post-punk masterpiece. With eerie synths, swirling guitars, and her unmistakable vocals, she reimagined the song with an almost otherworldly beauty. So much so that it became one of the band’s biggest hits, introducing The Beatles to an entirely new wave of fans.

10. Johnny Cash – “In My Life” (2002)

Near the end of his career, Johnny Cash recorded In My Life as part of his American IV: The Man Comes Around album, and it’s nothing short of heartbreaking. His weathered voice, stripped-down acoustic arrangement, and slow, deliberate phrasing turned the song into a deeply personal reflection. It was no longer just a nostalgic look back—it was a lifetime’s worth of memories, sung by a man who knew he was running out of time.

The beauty of The Beatles’ music is that it continues to evolve, taking on new shapes with each artist who dares to put their own stamp on it. Whether it’s a soul reinvention, a hard rock transformation, or a synth-pop surprise, their songs remain timeless—ready for every generation to reinterpret and make their own.

Car Accident Injury Claims: Beyond Medical Bills—What You Can Recover in the USA

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

The screech of tires, a jarring thud—then silence as your world tilts sideways. A car accident doesn’t just bruise your body; it unravels your life in ways you don’t expect. You might tally doctor bills first, but in the USA, recovery reaches deeper—lost paychecks, sleepless nights, a future quietly altered. This isn’t about settling a tab; it’s about piecing together what’s been torn apart. 

Most stop at the obvious, missing the full scope of what’s owed. Knowing your rights transforms chaos into a chance to reclaim everything the crash took. Here’s how to claim more than just medical costs and rebuild stronger.

The Immediate Costs: Medical Expenses

Medical bills launch every claim, and their scope surprises many. Ambulance rides sweep you from the wreckage, while emergency room teams stitch cuts or brace fractures. Surgeries tackle severe harm—a shattered knee or torn ligament—demanding days in recovery. Prescriptions soothe pain, and tests like MRIs or X-rays reveal concussions or internal bruising masked by adrenaline. 

Hospital stays add up quickly, especially for intensive care or long-term monitoring, while follow-up visits ensure recovery stays on track. Each procedure or test brings its own cost, which compounds over time, often turning an initial injury into an ongoing financial burden.

Physical therapy restores mobility, critical for strained backs or shoulders. Future care looms if injuries persist, like injections for a chronic disc issue. Every receipt is a personal account of the crash’s physical toll, forming your claim’s bedrock. Keep them safe; they’re your starting point to justice. Even seemingly minor injuries can add up, with ongoing treatments and regular doctor visits that escalate costs. 

Emergency room visits might be just the beginning of the process, with follow-up care, consultations with specialists, and ongoing prescriptions. When the pain lingers, the financial burden stretches even further. Over time, these medical costs compound, intensifying the challenge of recovery both physically and financially.

The Income Gap: Recovering Lost Wages

Injuries halt more than your car—they freeze your income. Lost wages reclaim every missed dollar, whether you’re hourly and lose shifts or salaried and miss quotas. Part-time work counts too; a weekend gig sidelined by a sprain matters. A cracked rib might mean days off, while a broken arm could stretch to months. Self-employed drivers or freelancers use tax returns or client records to prove the dip.

This isn’t a favor—it’s restitution for the crash’s theft of your livelihood. Employers can confirm your absence, bolstering your case. It keeps bills paid as you stitch your routine back together. 

For those whose jobs require physical labor, the road to recovery may involve missing significant time, leaving them vulnerable to long-term financial gaps. In many cases, long-term disability claims may come into play, requiring additional documentation and validation of the injury’s long-lasting effects.

Legal Leverage: The Lawyer’s Role in Maximizing Your Claim

Car accident claims twist into mazes, and a personal injury lawyer lights the way. They scour police reports, medical files, and witness testimonies, pinning down fault when it’s murky. Insurance adjusters dangle quick, skimpy settlements, betting you’ll sign before tallying all losses. A lawyer pushes back, adding up every dime—hospital stays, paychecks, distress—and negotiating fiercely or taking it to trial. 

Call one if injuries derail your life or the other driver ducks responsibility; free consultations sketch your roadmap. Their expertise snags what you deserve, turning a stressful tangle into a steady victory you can lean on. A car accident lawyer’s advice can help ensure that nothing is overlooked in your compensation, from immediate hospital costs to long-term psychological trauma, and work tirelessly to secure the full settlement you deserve.

The Silent Toll: Pain and Suffering Explained

Pain and suffering reach past the physical, tracing the crash’s hidden scars. Chronic aches—like neck stiffness from a rear-end hit—qualify, but so does the emotional fallout. Nightmares jolt you awake, or highways spark dread, eroding calm. Missing soccer games or hikes with family cuts deep. 

Courts listen to your account: how pain lingers at night, how anxiety grips every drive. Major injuries, like a permanent tremor, hike the value. Journal entries or counselor visits document this burden, proving it’s real. This isn’t embellishment; it’s honoring the life you had, now reshaped by someone’s error.

The Future Impact: Long-Term Losses in Focus

Some crashes cast long shadows, and fighting for insurance claims can catch that cost. If injuries sap your trade—say, a mechanic can’t grip tools after a wrist break—future earnings fade. Medical needs to extend, too, like therapy for nerve pain or braces for a weakened knee. Dependents miss your care, from bedtime stories to school runs, a loss courts weigh. 

Doctors detail the prognosis, while economists project income drops, grounding your claim in facts. This isn’t wishful thinking; it’s locking in support for years ahead. Every limitation noted builds a shield against the wreck’s lasting reach. Vocational experts might assess how skills erode, like a teacher struggling with focus after a head injury. 

Lifelong medication or adaptive equipment—like a wheelchair for paralysis—add layers to the claim. Courts also consider diminished life expectancy in severe cases, valuing years lost. These projections ensure you’re not left vulnerable, securing stability for a life reshaped by the crash.

Conclusion: Claiming the Full Picture of Recovery

A car accident claim in the USA is more than just a bill. The process undoubtedly can be bothersome, but fight for yourself. Medical costs spark it, but lost wages, legal muscle, pain, and future shifts flesh it out. Many grab the first offer, blind to the bigger prize. You can do better—hoard receipts, log struggles, and let a lawyer chase every dollar. 

The crash stole plenty; don’t let it rob your future too. Move now: get treated, collect evidence, and demand your due. Recovery’s more than patching wounds—it’s seizing your worth and riding forward with confidence.

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

Canada’s Economic Future Starts at Hudson Bay: A New Port Nelson Hub to Drive Northern Security and Sovereignty

Eric Alper
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Canada’s Economic Future Starts at Hudson Bay: A New Port Nelson Hub to Drive Northern Security and Sovereignty

From Tom Jackson, Companion of the Order of Canada and Senior Vice President of NeeStaNan:

Canada stands at a crossroads in global trade, Arctic sovereignty, and economic resilience. With the development of a deep-water port, railway, and airport at Hudson Bay’s Port Nelson (NeeStaNan), Canada has the opportunity to redefine its economic independence, secure vital supply chains, and strengthen its role on the world stage. This game-changing infrastructure project would connect Canada’s landlocked resources to global markets, offering an alternative to U.S. trade dependence and mitigating the effects of tariffs, while fostering sustainability and Indigenous economic partnerships.

More than just a port, this initiative is Canada’s Declaration of Independence—a strategic move to diversify exports, bolster Arctic security, and position the nation as a critical player in international logistics. With a direct impact on industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to natural resources like nickel, potash, and uranium, the Hudson Bay corridor would attract new markets, reinforce Canada’s presence in the Arctic, and contribute to global peace and stability. Now is the time to act—this is not about legacy, it’s about the future.

A deep-water port, airport, and railway at Hudson Bay would transform northern Canada into a global logistics and trade hub, fostering economic growth, strengthening Arctic sovereignty, and driving innovation. This infrastructure would not only connect Canada to global markets but also support environmental sustainability, local communities, and national resilience.

The development of transportation and port infrastructure at Port Nelson would help Canada mitigate the effects of U.S. tariffs by providing alternative trade routes. While this wouldn’t directly eliminate the 25% tariff, it could make Canadian industries less vulnerable to U.S. trade policies and potentially pressure the U.S. to revise tariffs in response to shifting trade patterns, protecting Canada from similar actions in the future. Canada needs to have other options … 

Pass on the hype and get to it. Take the cap out of your hand and put it on your head!!! Let’s get to work! 

This will diversify our market for pharmaceuticals and forest products.  Our natural resources are landlocked and need to get to tidewater. NSN would attract other markets for nickel, potash, uranium, aluminum for Ontario’s “Ring of Fire” 

This is Canada’s Declaration of Independence! 

Here are eleven reasons why our country needs a Port Nelson  (NeeStaNan) transportation hub:

  1. We are directly impacted by the U.S. 25% tariff, with alternative export routes possibly reducing reliance on U.S. buyers.
  2. We will provide new shipping options for Canadian LNG, and refined products to Europe and Asia. 
  3. Grain, beef, and other exports could find shorter, cost-effective routes to international markets.
  4. Northern Canada is rich in minerals; a Port Nelson port could open global markets more efficiently.
  5. Impact on supply chains for vehicles, machinery, and parts.
  6. A Hudson Bay port would allow Canada to compete with other nations by offering quicker and cost-effective routes to Europe and Asia.
  7. The railway and airport would link isolated northern communities to vital services, including healthcare, education, and commerce.
  8. Indigenous communities would benefit from partnerships, employment, and investment in local businesses. The infrastructure would be designed to integrate sustainable practices, such as renewable energy-powered facilities and electric rail systems. The port could serve as a hub for managing climate challenges, such as monitoring Arctic ice and supporting global climate research. 
  9. Arctic sovereignty: Enhanced infrastructure solidifies Canada’s presence in the Arctic, reinforcing territorial claims and enabling better monitoring of northern regions. An area of increasing global interest and competition 

10.Security and defense: A port and airport would strengthen Canada’s ability to respond to emergencies, monitor activity and defense of Canada’s northern borders, including maritime and airspace activities. 

  1. By nature of the presence of an alternative supply chain in Europe, NSN would promote peace and influence the war between Russia and Ukraine. 

To those who lead 41 Million people. Let us help you do what you want to do. This will rescue families and will help people on all shores.

And remember; this is our home and native land. 

This is not about a legacy, it’s about a future.

Have Canada leverage this pivotal moment to make the world better. 

Calgary’s Ollee Owens Wins First Place in the Women’s Freedom Song Contest for Lyrics/Poetry with ‘Still in Pieces’

Eric Alper
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Calgary’s Ollee Owens Wins First Place in the Women’s Freedom Song Contest for Lyrics/Poetry with ‘Still in Pieces’

The results are in, and Ollee Owens has taken home First Place in the Lyrics/Poetry category at the Women’s Freedom Song Contest for her powerful piece, “Still in Pieces.”

The Women’s Freedom Song Contest is an annual celebration of music and poetry that amplifies female voices and stories. With a mission to find the next great “female anthem,” the contest seeks works that inspire, empower, and speak to the heart of the female experience. Open to songwriters, poets, and video creators worldwide, the competition attracts artists from diverse backgrounds who have something meaningful to say.

Ollee Owens’ “Still in Pieces” stood out among the competition for its raw emotion, poignant storytelling, and evocative lyrical depth. Her winning piece resonated with the esteemed panel of judges, which includes industry veterans such as Brent Backhus (engineer for John Lee Hooker, Solomon Burke), Ruth McCartney (media entrepreneur), Karen Bliss (freelance journalist), David Eaton (Polyphonic Spree producer), and Diana Williamson (Billboard-charting songwriter).

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.

With this latest recognition, Owens continues to cement her reputation as a formidable artist whose work transcends genres and touches hearts. “Still in Pieces” is a testament to resilience, personal struggle, and the strength that emerges from vulnerability—making it a deserving winner in a competition designed to highlight impactful storytelling.

Big Dave McLean Receives 2025 JUNO Award Nomination for ‘This Old Life’

Eric Alper
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Big Dave McLean Receives 2025 JUNO Award Nomination for ‘This Old Life’

Legendary Canadian bluesman Big Dave McLean has been honored with a 2025 JUNO Award nomination for Blues Album of the Year for his latest album, This Old Life released on Victoria-based indie label Cordova Bay Records. This marks McLean’s sixth JUNO nomination, further cementing his legacy as one of the most influential figures in Canadian blues.

McLean’s latest recognition adds to an already impressive history of JUNO nods, including a 2020 nomination for Pocket Full of Nothin’, a 2018 nomination for Better the Devil You Know, and a 2016 nod for Faded But Not Gone. His first nomination came in 2009, and he won a JUNO Award for Saturday Night Blues in 1992.

Over five decades, McLean has been a cornerstone of the Canadian blues scene, earning accolades that include a Western Canadian Music Award, a Prairie Music Award, a Great Canadian Blues Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Toronto Blues Society. In 2019, he was inducted into the Order of Canada, a rare honor for a blues musician, recognizing his contributions to the genre and his mentorship of younger artists such as Colin James, Shaun Verreault, and Luke Doucet.

On This Old Life, McLean delivers an unfiltered, deeply personal take on the blues, seamlessly blending classic blues covers from Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, and Little Walter with his own masterful originals.

The album’s lead track, “Well, I Done Got Over It”, originally recorded by Guitar Slim in 1953, showcases McLean’s signature gravelly vocals and impeccable slide guitar work, setting the tone for a record steeped in authenticity.

Recorded in just four days at The Ganaraska Recording Company in Cobourg, Ontario, This Old Life was captured live off the floor with no overdubs or studio tricks—just raw, timeless blues. Co-produced by Steve Marriner and Jimmy Bowskill, both JUNO-winning musicians, the album embraces classic blues traditions while showcasing McLean’s unwavering musical integrity.

“He is as genuine a bluesman as it gets, and I’ve been dying to capture Dave and present him to the rest of the world in the way I’ve always heard him: raw and real,” says Marriner.

Born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, and based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, McLean’s career was shaped by a chance encounter with blues icon John Hammond, who gave him his first guitar lesson in 1969. This set McLean on a path that led him to friendships with legends like Muddy Waters, inspiring his debut album, Muddy Waters for President.

Despite his profound influence on Canadian blues, McLean has often remained a hidden gem, a reality he addresses in This Old Life, a record that may finally bring him the mainstream recognition he deserves.

“I would like to send out my deepest gratitude, respect, and admiration to all of the many people who have shared their incredible talents and have helped me present my interpretation of blues over the past fifty years or so,” McLean reflects.

With his sixth JUNO nomination, a career-defining album, and a tour lined up for 2025, Big Dave McLean is proving that the blues isn’t just music—it’s a way of life.

The JUNO Awards will take place on March 30, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia, where music fans and industry members will celebrate the best in Canadian music.

Celtic Icon Lucy MacNeil Announces Long-Awaited Solo Album and 2025 Tour Dates

Eric Alper
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Celtic Icon Lucy MacNeil Announces Long-Awaited Solo Album and 2025 Tour Dates

After 37 years of enchanting audiences worldwide as a member of the legendary Barra MacNeils, Lucy MacNeil is stepping into the spotlight with her highly anticipated solo album and a string of tour dates that will bring her rich, soul-stirring voice and deep-rooted Cape Breton traditions to audiences across Canada.

For more than three decades, Lucy has been a cornerstone of the Barra MacNeils, one of the most celebrated and enduring acts in Celtic music. With a career spanning continents—from the remote shores of Fogo Island, Newfoundland, to the historic halls of Europe—her music has been the soundtrack of generations. Alongside her brothers, she has shared the stage with icons like Celine Dion, Kenny Rogers, and Rita MacNeil, appearing on multiple national television specials and headlining premier festivals and concert halls across the globe.

Now, Lucy is carving a new path with a solo project that has been years in the making. Inspired by a lifetime immersed in the beauty and resilience of traditional music, her debut solo album is a heartfelt reflection of her deep connection to the Celtic heritage. It’s a collection of songs that honor the past while embracing the present—a musical legacy that will stand the test of time.

“During the quiet of the pandemic, I finally found the time to create something truly personal,” says Lucy. “This album is my love letter to the music that shaped me, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.”

To celebrate this milestone, Lucy MacNeil will embark on a national tour in March 2025, bringing her signature blend of evocative vocals, bodhrán, Celtic harp, fiddle, and step dancing to fans from Toronto to Vancouver. Audiences can expect an intimate, mesmerizing experience that showcases Lucy’s breathtaking artistry, honed over decades of live performances.

Lucy MacNeil 2025 Solo Tour Dates:
• March 7 – Hugh’s Room, Toronto, ON
• March 8 – Registry Theatre, Kitchener, ON
• March 9 – Aeolian Hall, London, ON
• March 10 – The Bassment, Saskatoon, SK
• March 12 – ArtsPlace Canmore, Canmore, AB
• March 13 – Festival Place, Sherwood Park, AB
• March 14 – Calgary Folk Club, Calgary, AB
• March 15 – Bailey Theatre, Camrose, AB
• March 16 – Grande Prairie Live Theatre, Grande Prairie, AB
• March 18 – Golden Civic Centre, Golden, BC
• March 19 – Langham Theatre, Kaslo, BC
• March 21 – Dream Café, Penticton, BC
• March 23 – Rogue Folk Club, Vancouver, BC
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With an astonishing career that includes collaborations with symphony orchestras, headlining major international festivals, and leading artist-in-residence programs, Lucy MacNeil’s influence on Celtic music is undeniable. Her work with the Barra MacNeils has earned multiple awards, gold-certified albums, and international acclaim, making her one of Canada’s most cherished musical treasures.

This solo endeavor is more than just an album—it’s the next chapter in an extraordinary musical journey. And for those lucky enough to attend her upcoming tour, it’s an opportunity to witness a master at work, sharing the songs that have shaped her soul.

Sylvia Tyson Earns JUNO Nomination for Traditional Roots Album of the Year with ‘At The End of The Day’

Eric Alper
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Sylvia Tyson Earns JUNO Nomination for Traditional Roots Album of the Year with ‘At The End of The Day’

Canadian folk legend Sylvia Tyson has once again been recognized for her unparalleled contributions to music, earning a JUNO Award nomination for Traditional Roots Album of the Year for her latest and final studio album, At The End of The Day. A masterful collection of songs that reflect on a life well-lived, the album is a poignant swan song from one of Canada’s most revered songwriters.

Throughout her career, Tyson has shaped the folk and country landscape, influencing generations of musicians with her artistry and storytelling. Her song “You Were On My Mind” became an international hit, while her work with Ian Tyson as part of the seminal duo Ian & Sylvia helped define the folk era of the 1960s. With At The End of The Day, she continues this legacy, blending introspection with universal truths in a way that only a seasoned artist can.

The album’s standout track, “Sweet Agony,” showcases Tyson’s signature ability to weave bittersweet themes into timeless melodies. The song’s lyrics capture the delicate balance between love and loss:

Come to me, sweet agony
I am ready to fall in love again
If I can have that ecstasy
I’ll take my chances with the pain

Produced by longtime collaborator Danny Greenspoon and featuring an all-star lineup of musicians, At The End of The Day is a testament to Tyson’s enduring artistry. The album was recorded at Canterbury Music Company Studios in Toronto and features contributions from Davide DiRenzo (drums), Charles James (bass), Jason Fowler (guitar), John Sheard (piano), Drew Jurecka (violin, mandolin), and Denis Keldie & Mark Lalama (accordion, B3 organ).

Tyson’s nomination adds to an already storied career that includes inductions into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame (2003), the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (2019), and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame (1992, alongside Ian Tyson). She is also a recipient of the Order of Canada (1994).
Tyson has been recognized multiple times at the JUNO Awards throughout her career, including nominations for:

  • 1993: Country Female Vocalist of the Year
  • 1991: Country Group or Duo of the Year (with Tom Russell)
  • 1990: Best Roots & Traditional Album (You Were On My Mind)
  • 1987: Country Female Vocalist of the Year
  • 1976: Country Female Vocalist of the Year
  • 1976: Female Vocalist of the Year
  • 1976: Most Promising Female Vocalist of the Year

Legendary artists and peers have shared their admiration for Tyson’s latest work:

Judy Collins: “There is the sunlight, there is the heartbreak, there is the voice that I’ve known since the beginning… Thank God for Sylvia Tyson.”

Linda Ronstadt: “Ian & Sylvia were a big influence on me in the early days of my career. Sylvia is still making meaningful music. I was knocked out by ‘I Never Got Over You,’ ‘Leaves in the Storm,’ and ‘Not Quite Rain.’”

Daniel Lanois: “Sylvia Tyson’s At The End of The Day is a fine collection of some of the most truthful and touching songs I’ve heard.”

Margaret Atwood: “She was gorgeous and had a beautiful voice… She has always maintained her high musical standards. Long may she sing!”

With At The End of The Day, Tyson cements her legacy as one of Canada’s most treasured songwriters. As she reflects on a lifetime of music, her latest nomination serves as a fitting tribute to a career that has shaped the very fabric of folk and roots music.

The JUNO Awards will take place on March 30, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia, where music fans and industry members will celebrate the best in Canadian music.

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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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