Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie takes you on a whimsical journey through the hilarious and sometimes tumultuous history of the iconic comedy duo. Directed by David Bushell, the film mixes animation and archival footage to chronicle their legendary road trip and beloved memories. Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie is coming exclusively to theaters on 4/25, with early access screenings on April 20 at 4:20pm local time. Nice.
Mickey Moone Channels 1950s Rock & Roll on New Single “Take It Easy” from Ride Alone
Skeleton Lake, Ontario multi-instrumentalist Mickey Moone has released his latest single from the project Ride Alone titled “Take is Easy”. Over two decades into the music game, Moone consistently reveals his influences, whether classic rock, first-wave punk…and this track: a hooky 50s vibe. Produced and mixed by the artist himself in his home studio, Mickey Moone provides all instrumentation and is the primary lyricist offering sentiments as You are the light in my day, you illuminate everything declaring his passion, hunger for love, and pleading for a match to loyalty with You’re a locomotive I’m the tracks you’re rolling on, I’ll bring you anywhere for free.
“Take It Easy” is the second release from Ride Alone, mastered by Steve Rizun, and has echoes of songs from yesteryear as well as Moone showcasing his accessible singing voice—not that there is anything wrong with his throatier style in former rock offerings like the gritty “Perspective”. “Take It Easy” highlights his range; the pace of the subtle strumming of retro guitar draws you in.
The music video for “Take It Easy” was shot entirely on a Samsung Galaxy 24 and directed by Marc Simmons over a Sunday afternoon before operating hours at a drive in theatre. Moone performs the song throughout the video, running around with his love, Julie ‘Ginger’ Moone. “Marc Simmons is a quick thinking, and naturally talented director! It was great working with him,” Moone said. Regarding the musical tones he offered, “I hope people will always find the work of Buddy Holly, and artists like Evelyn King. Maybe my music would lead them there.”
Known locally in southern Ontario as “that-folk-a-billy-country-rock-punk-guy”, Mickey Moone took all of the liberties he wanted in expressing his eclectic style. “The song is like a message within an analog bottle, sent from a simpler time across a digital ocean to bridge generations…regardless of mainstreams, or how much time goes by,” he said. “We all know the leap of faith an individual must take at the beginning of a relationship. I suppose “Take It Easy” is that moment in time. Sonically I was inspired to deliver a track that might have come from the 1950’s using todays accessible tech. I recorded it alone, one instrument at a time starting with the drums. It was one of those tunes where no words were scratched out or erased and each riff played was a riff laid.”
Mickey Moone loves what he does. Loves what he sings about. Loves what he plays. Passion abounds and this artist is ‘all in’. He mentions that “Take is Easy” comes from the first place he discovered rock and roll—hits of 50’s blasting through his dad’s boom box in the 80’s. Moone has played all over Canada and the United States over the years and will be performing and promoting “Take It Easy” from Ride Alone throughout 2025. Shows will include solo performances and full band arrangements with the Murder.
CEGIE, TrizO, and G Loc Deliver Smooth, Reggae-Tinged Perfection with “Touch Me”
Put three quality artists together, put any possible ego clashes aside, add a willingness to collaborate, and what you can be left with is magic. It’s that magic saturating “Touch Me,” a smooth, sensual reggae-tinged, radio-friendly single by the trio of singer CEGIE, musician G Loc, and musician TrizO. The song’s attraction is a case of the sum being far greater than its parts.
“What inspired me to write this song called ‘Touch Me’ was emotional and physical moments and vulnerable connections that I and other people go through, whether you’re in a relationship or trying to pursue one with somebody,” CEGIE says. She says “Touch Me” began to take shape after listening to beats her in car that TrizO crafted. TrizO was unaware CEGIE could sing. As well, CEGIE wasn’t confident in her voice to perform in public.
“The next day I realized he (TrizO) sent me one of his beats to listen to,” CEGIE says. “I called him and said, ‘That sounds really good!’ I began humming to it in a melody, and then it all happened so fast. He told me, ‘You’re going to the studio and start writing to that beat.’ He put me to work with a guy by the name of G Loc, and we recorded the song together.”
“I have known CEGIE over 15 plus years now and I had no idea over the many years that she could actually sing all this time,” TrizO says. “This is her first recording and first professional release. I’ve known G Loc for many years now as well. I had her hooked up with G Loc in Toronto so he could take her to a studio to record a song. They got together, G Loc ended up recording the song himself, and the rest is history.”
“It was a great vibe working with CEGIE for the first time,” G Loc adds. “We had great chemistry in the studio. She had the idea, and we put it together, trying to give it an international feel but still with our Jamaican roots instilled in it. It’s a fresh sound that sounds joyful. We try to bring that out in the video, making it fun, joyful, and a little sexy in bringing the lyrics to life.”
“Touch Me” is a warm, summery and breezy song that has reggae hues, stylish urban pop sensibilities and the perfect pinch of dim-the-lights R&B. CEGIE sounds confident and cool throughout. Meanwhile, G Loc adds his lines fluently in the vein of Akon or Sean Paul, complementing the track and keeping the flow. Fans of Jennifer Lopez, Jorja Smith, or Rihanna would love “Touch Me” for its substance and musical smarts.
“Touch Me” is the first recording for CEGIE (born Cegie Bennett). Although spending a portion of her childhood in Clarendon, Jamaica, CEGIE was born and raised in Winnipeg. Growing up in a home teeming with music ranging from gospel to soul to reggae, CEGIE began singing in church and writing songs early on. Her musical tastes have expanded to include R&B and dancehall.
TrizO (born Tristmar Peart, aka Konsequence, aka Triz) was born in Jamaica but immigrated to Canada with his mother, relocating to Calgary. In 2008, years after doing various events and creating beats and “riddims,” the artist created the Konsequence International Sound System which helps develop and guide artists. In 2014, he released Kurfew Riddim, his first official project. TrizO continues to create, produce, and craft quality beats for various artists Andre “G Loc” Williams was born in Jamaica and decided to pursue music professionally while attending a Kingston high school. Originally a member of Frass Squad, G Loc and band mate Tarique won a local DJ competition. After Frass Squad stopped performing, G Loc gained a local following and gained comparisons to Vybz Kartel and Aidonia among others. The musician appeared on some of Jamaica’s biggest shows and worked with the country’s biggest producers. He’s also released singles including “A Wi Every Gyal Want” with Beenie Man, “6ixteen” with Chronic Law and TrizO, “Without You” featuring HDKyle, “Buss It Hard,” and “Suffer (My Mother).”
Now with CEGIE, TrizO, and G Loc set for chart success with the polished and perfect “Touch Me,” look for the trio to make more reggae-infused, R&B stylish ear candy that soars on so many levels.
David Gogo Earns 2025 JUNO Award Nomination for YEAH! in Blues Album of the Year Category
Celebrated blues-rock guitarist David Gogo has once again been recognized by the JUNO Awards, receiving a 2025 nomination for Blues Album of the Year for his electrifying new release, YEAH!, released on Victoria-based indie label Cordova Bay Records. This marks Gogo’s seventh JUNO nomination, further cementing his status as one of Canada’s most enduring and acclaimed blues artists.
Gogo’s 2025 nomination joins an impressive list of previous nods, reflecting a career spent pushing the boundaries of blues-rock:
• 2025 Nominee – YEAH! (Blues Album of the Year)
• 2016 Nominee – Vicksburg Call (Blues Album of the Year)
• 2014 Nominee – Come On Down (Blues Album of the Year)
• 2012 Nominee – Soul Bender (Blues Album of the Year)
• 2007 Nominee – Acoustic (Blues Album of the Year)
• 1995 Nominee – Best New Solo Artist
Beyond the JUNOs, Gogo is a three-time Maple Blues Award Guitarist of the Year winner, a West Coast Music Award Musician of the Year recipient, and has taken home Blues Recording of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards. In 2021, he was honored with the Great Canadian Blues Award, recognizing his lifetime contributions to the genre.
With YEAH!, Gogo leans into the raw power of blues-rock, delivering a high-octane, guitar-driven album filled with blistering solos, anthemic choruses, and no-holds-barred energy.
Opening track “Diamond In The Rough” sets the tone with a Bad Company-meets-T. Rex swagger, featuring Gogo’s signature grit:
She’s my sugar, she’s my spice
I still love her when she’s not playing nice
She’s my diamond in the rough
And I can’t get enough of that stuff…
“I wanted a solid rock and roll song to kick this album off, and I believe this one delivers,” says Gogo. “I love the fantastic ‘70s rock bands like Bad Company and T-Rex, and we had a gas laying this track down!”
The album is packed with ten electrifying tracks, including “One More Day,” “Moose Hall Brawl,” and a dynamic cover of Shuggie Otis’ “Hurricane.” Recorded at The Ganaraska Recording Co. in Ontario, YEAH! was produced by fellow blues heavyweight Steve Marriner and features an all-star lineup, including Jimmy Bowskill and Gary Craig.
“I have recorded many albums, worked with many talented people, and had a lot of fun, but this album is my favorite to date,” Gogo enthuses. “This group was a pleasure to create with—top-notch performers and super cool to hang with. The energy in the studio was incredible, and we kept things spontaneous with a lot of first and second takes to capture that live feel.”
With over three decades in the industry, Gogo has built a reputation as a fiery performer and masterful guitarist. He has shared the stage with B.B. King, Johnny Winter, Albert Collins, Bo Diddley, and Otis Rush, and has opened for icons like ZZ Top, George Thorogood, The Tragically Hip, Jimmie Vaughan, Robert Cray, and Robin Trower.
Gogo’s music has been featured in films and TV shows, and his songs have been covered by legendary blues artists, including Buddy Guy.
With his latest JUNO nomination, an electrifying new album, and a tour packed with must-see performances, David Gogo proves once again why he’s a force to be reckoned with in the blues world.
David Gogo Tour Dates
March 6, 2025 – Somewhere Else Pub (with band), Saskatoon, SK
March 8, 2025 – Mid-Winter Blues Festival (with band), Regina, SK
April 5, 2025 – Dream Café (with band), Penticton, BC
Christophe Elie Attends International Folk Conference And Confirms Peace Train to UN for Nuclear Treaty Talks
Headed to Montreal for Folk Alliance International (FAI) in Montreal, acclaimed folk artist Christophe Elie also has his sights set on another profound journey of music and activism. On March 2, Elie will board the Peace Train, traveling from Montreal to New York City alongside Green Party Leader Elizabeth May and other peace advocates to take part in the United Nations Meetings on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (March 3-7, 2025).
Elie is honoured to be performing two showcases at this year’s Folk Alliance International, where he will be sharing the stage with fellow artists and will introduce audiences to new material from his upcoming album.
FAI brings together industry professionals, songwriters, and DJs from over 50 countries, making it an unparalleled opportunity for Elie to connect with folk music’s global community. His sets will feature songs from his forthcoming album, his latest release Columbia, and a re-release of Trump’s Tweets.
As a DJ for CKCU with his own show Songs for the Revolution, Elie plans to soak in the event from another perspective, capturing moments to share with his listeners back home.
Carrying the energy of FAI, Elie will soon embark on another meaningful endeavor—joining the Peace Train on March 2, traveling from Montreal to NYC for the Third Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons at the United Nations.
The Peace Train movement, which previously made an impact in Canada with events in Ottawa, aims to bring together artists, activists, and political leaders to advocate for nuclear disarmament through music and dialogue. Inspired by the legendary “Peace Train” song by Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), Elie is working to organize a performance in New York City—Peace Train: A Night of Music and Words for World Peace.
“When I received the invite for this trip, my only thought was—how am I going to make this happen? Peace has always colored my art and found its way into my songs. From Firekeeper, the fictitious story of a soldier from Whitby, to Mirrors, set in the now-destroyed Gaza city, and my latest release Columbia, the question for peace is always the same: ‘Where do you hide?’” – Christophe Elie
In addition to his performances and activism, Elie is currently working on his next album, produced by Juno-nominated Gareth Auden Hole (Jack Pine and The Fire). The album explores themes of peace, immigration, protest, and the fragile state of our world today. With six songs already recorded, Elie is shaping a collection that reflects both the urgency of the present and the timelessness of folk storytelling.
Alt-Rocker Tim Steinruck Confronts His Past Self in Soulful New Single “Letting You Go” Featuring Sarah Smith
There often comes a time in a relationship when you realize that what used to sustain you no longer works for you, and that you need to move on. But what if the relationship is with yourself?
On his new single, “Letting You Go,” Coquitlam B.C. alt-rocker Tim Steinruck confronts the man he used to be, and hands him a breakup letter that’s as eloquent in its execution as its message is heartfelt.
Comparing his former self to a “darkness” and a “virus,” Steinruck takes a hard look in the mirror and announces that he’s cutting ties. “I want you to know/ I see who you are /And I’m letting go,” he declares. “I don’t need you now.”
Musically, the song has everything it takes to make that kiss-off land with all the force it deserves. It’s an instantly indelible latter-day muscle ballad, with a hint of country to widen its appeal. Joining Steinruck on the second verse is fellow BC singer-songwriter Sarah smith, who in the accompanying music video literally meets him at a crossroads to lend her vocal and moral support.
Arriving at that crossroads is the culmination of a five- decade journey for Steinruck, who’s finally been able to divest himself of the self-flagellation he learned from his harsh Mennonite upbringing. The casualties of that mindset were copious: a failed marriage, dead-end forays into the film and cleaning businesses, and an ill-fated management and recording deal with Paul Stanley of KISS (one of Steinruck’s childhood idols) were among the casualties before he finally learned to get out of his own way.
The catalyst was a transformative life-coaching session on New Year’s Eve 2020, which showed Steinruck how deeply rooted his self-defeating tendencies were, and how he could live a different life free of shame and ego. So it’s only appropriate that he now works in the self-empowerment field himself, as an Accelerated Evolution (TM) Success Coach who helps lead others on journeys of personal emancipation like the one he’s traveled.
At the same time, his creative life continues to flourish. Triumphs like “Letting You Go” exemplify his success as both a solo artist (where he’s billed simply as Steinruck) and the leader of the project The Mighty One, which he calls a cross between band and an alter ego. Both undertakings allow him to express a new kind of spirituality, one more nurturing and forward-facing than the shame-based theology he was raised with that took so long to shake off.
But the fruits of his self-improvement don’t stop there. Today, Steinruck runs a record company, a reality TV show, and an independent multimedia network. He’s the proprietor of Begin Street Studios in Coquitlam, which provides recording, mixing, mastering, and production facilities for musicians and others who are looking to polish their presentation. Clients can also avail themselves of his songwriting smarts. Double up with his life coaching, and they might find themselves just as successful and enlightened as he’s become.
“I am passionate about songwriting, performing, and supporting and guiding independent artists’ careers,” he says. “I am also committed to the study of human psycho-spirituality and the power of discipline and purpose. My journey to becoming a certified Accelerated Evolution (TM) Success Coach not only transformed my life but also continues to transform the lives of those I serve. Armed with these priceless life lessons and gifts, I stand here now, committed to supporting others to create their legacy, as I continue to expand my own.”
OSHEAGA 2025: THE KILLERS + TYLER, THE CREATOR + OLIVIA RODRIGO + The FULL Lneup Is HERE
OSHEAGA Music and Arts Festival presented by Bell in collaboration with Coors Light, is back for its 18th edition! Music lovers will once again gather at Montréal’s breathtaking Parc Jean-Drapeau from August 1-3, 2025 to experience a weekend of exhilarating performances, unforgettable moments, and the unmatched atmosphere at one of the most picturesque festival venues there is. This year, for the first time in a long time, OSHEAGA is unveiling its full lineup at once, including a trio of powerhouse headliners that promise to deliver unforgettable performances. The OSHEAGA booking team has curated a festival lineup to include fans of every genre and generation in mind – and to give festivalgoers the opportunity to see the next rising stars before anyone else. It’s time to discover your new favourite artist among 87 performers on this year’s lineup!
The Killers will set the tone for the weekend, closing out the first day of the festival on Friday, August 1. The iconic indie rock band is known for their anthemic hits like “Mr. Brightside”, “Somebody Told Me”, and “When You Were Young”. With a career spanning over two decades, they have captivated audiences around the world with their live shows and timeless sound. Their Friday night set is sure to have the whole park singing along deep into the summer night. Tyler, The Creator will take the stage as Saturday’s closing act. With his unique blend of bold production, introspective lyricism, and high-energy performances, he has revolutionized hip-hop and continues to shape the future of music with a critically acclaimed discography that includes award-winning albums IGOR and CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST. More recently, Tyler released his latest opus, CHROMAKOPIA, which recieved rave reviews across the board. Pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo will close out the festival on Sunday, bringing her deeply emotional and relatable songwriting to the OSHEAGA stage. Her hits “drivers license”, “good 4 u”, and “vampire” have solidified her place among a handful of female singers who have an iron grip on the top of the charts. As one of the most influential artists of her generation at only 21 years old, Rodrigo has already earned herself 3 GRAMMY wins and high praise from her peers. Her OSHEAGA debut is a must-see moment of the festival.
Beyond the headliners, OSHEAGA 2025 boasts a stacked lineup filled with some of the biggest names in music today, offering a mix of emerging talent and established powerhouses that promise unforgettable performances. Fans can expect exhilarating sets from Gracie Abrams, the singer-songwriter who recently opened up for Taylor Swift on The Eras Tour and has captivated audiences with her relatable and emotional storytelling ever since and Doechii, whose newest album Alligator Bites Never Heal has garnered the attention of both the critics and the critically online alike (winning “Best Rap Album” at this year’s GRAMMYs). On the indie-rock front, fans can look forward to seeing British group Glass Animals perform their smash hit “Heat Waves” which dominated the charts worldwide; and Cage The Elephant, the GRAMMY Award-winning rock band famed for their energetic stage presence and hits like “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” and “Cigarette Daydreams”. Also part of the lineup: FINNEAS (award-winning producer known for his solo work and collaborations with sister Billie Eilish), Dominic Fike, Shaboozey (first-ever artist to play LASSO Montreal and OSHEAGA!), Alex Warren, Lucy Dacus (of boygenius), The Chainsmokers, Jorja Smith, Amaarae, Jamie xx, and Gigi Perez, among others. From indie darlings to pop superstars, hip-hop, electronic dance music and everything in between, this year’s lineup is a perfect mix of established legends and rising stars, ensuring that every music lover finds something to rave about.
As always, OSHEAGA is committed to showcasing and supporting our own incredible Canadian talent, and this year is no exception. The 2025 lineup features 21 Canadian artists, including 12 homegrown talents from Québec, who will get to shine on the festival’s stages. Expect to see The Beaches, bbno$, EKKSTACY, Aqyila, Rau_Ze, Hologramme, Ruby Waters, and more! These artists represent the vibrant and diverse music scene of Canada, proving that OSHEAGA isn’t just about global superstars—it’s also a celebration of the incredible talent coming from our own backyard.
Over the years, OSHEAGA has become a global reference for great music and top-notch festival experiences. Fans now come to the festival to live something they cannot find anywhere else: good music, delicious high-quality food, unique activities and new friends. It’s an indescribable feeling when arriving on-site, surrounded by nature with the city skyline in the background, a wide variety of top-tier artists, the new talent on multiple stages, all over a perfect island setting.
TICKET PRICES FOR OSHEAGA 2025 AVAILABLE HERE
(Taxes and service fees included. Prices are subject to change without notice.)
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET / 3-DAYS: starting at $415 CAD
CASINO DE MONTRÉAL GOLD TICKET / 3 DAYS: starting at $785 CAD
DEFENDER PLATINUM TICKET / 3 DAYS: starting at $1,670 CAD
American Express Cardmembers can get Front Of The Line® presale ticket* access starting today at 10 a.m. until February 20 at 9:59 p.m. ET. *Subject to availability. Ticket limits and terms apply.
Click HERE to take advantage of the offer.
Klarna offers to secure your tickets now and pay in 4 interest-free payments.
Info: osheaga.com
The official source for your tickets.
3-day tickets on sale this Friday, February 21 at 10 a.m.
NARUTO: The Symphonic Experience Coming To Kitchener’s Centre In The Square May 8
NARUTO: The Symphonic Experience is a live concert that brings the beloved anime to life on a grand scale. This two-hour event features a film montage of iconic scenes from over 220 episodes, synchronized to a live orchestra performing Toshio Masuda’s original score. Fans will relive Naruto Uzumaki’s journey to become Hokage, facing rivalries, challenges, and growth along the way. It comes to Kitchener’s Centre In The Square on May 8, and tickets are available here.
The orchestra performs not only Masuda’s unforgettable soundtrack but also the series’ most famous openings and endings, inviting the audience to sing along with the music they love. This interactive element draws fans closer to Naruto, celebrating the powerful, shared bond the music creates.
This event is truly exclusive: the film and musical montage created for NARUTO: The Symphonic Experience can only be seen at these shows. Audiences will have a unique opportunity to sing, laugh, cheer, and feel the excitement of seeing their favourite characters on screen, experiencing the full range of emotions that Naruto inspires.
With Masuda’s dynamic soundtrack, blending rock, pop, and traditional Japanese instruments like the Shakuhachi and Shamisen, the live music elevates each scene’s impact, immersing the audience in Naruto’s story.
Whether you’re a devoted fan or new to the series, NARUTO: The Symphonic Experience offers an exclusive, unforgettable way to celebrate Naruto’s epic journey and music in a truly one-of-a-kind setting.
Sue Foley Receives 2025 JUNO Award Nomination for Blues Album of the Year
Topping off an amazing year since the Stony Plain release of her ONE GUITAR WOMAN album, Sue Foley is honoured with a JUNO Award nomination for Blues Album of the Year, her 6th nomination with 1 win for 2001’s LOVE COMIN’ DOWN. In a year that has seen her fourth consecutive Blues Music Award for Female Blues Artist, three Blues Blast Music Awards and a GRAMMY Award nomination, this distinction is particularly meaningful for Sue, who enthuses:
“I’m beyond thrilled that ONE GUITAR WOMAN has been honored with a Juno Award nomination for Blues Album of the Year. This project has been a true labor of love, and seeing it resonate with so many people since its release has been amazing.
After an unforgettable experience at the Grammys this year — a milestone in my career – I’m especially moved to receive this recognition in my home country of Canada. There’s something truly special about standing alongside my fellow Canadian artists and representing our incredible music scene on the world stage.”
ONE GUITAR WOMAN has been celebrated by ecstatic press, radio and fans alike, gracing magazine covers, topping radio charts, and selling out shows and tours across the US, Canada and beyond. In this moving solo acoustic tribute to the female pioneers of guitar (Elizabeth Cotten, Memphis Minnie, Maybelle Carter, Lydia Mendoza, Elvie Thomas and Geeshie Wiley, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Ida Presti, and Charo), Sue not only shows her total mastery of their styles and techniques, she seems to summon the spirits of her long gone teachers, letting them speak through her voice and guitar.
The 54th Annual JUNO Awards will take place March 30, 2025 in Rogers Arena, Vancouver, Canada.
Montreal Folk Singer Brian Campbell Ignites a Blues Rock Protest Anthem with “Planet on Fire”
With the climate crisis reaching a crucial crossroads, Montreal-based folk singer Brian Campbell has penned a passionate call to do whatever one can to save the planet. From devastating fires internationally to Earth’s unnerving rise in temperature, Campbell’s latest single “Planet on Fire” is a proverbial eye-opening anthem on what needs to be done from big business on down the line. Yet the natural feeling of the terrific single is a bit outside the folk musician’s wheelhouse.
“It’s quite clear that ‘Planet on Fire,’ a blues rock protest song, is an outlier: most of what I do is acoustic folk,” Campbell says of the single. “Extreme circumstances bring on extreme measures, one could say. As a protest song, I also admit that the song feels more partisan than I am. Its broad-stroke distinctions of rich and poor, it’s pointing at “the enemy” in their corner offices who ‘refuse to see,’ may lack nuance, but unfortunately far too many corner office denizens really do live up to the stereotype, and far too many of the rich and powerful really ‘don’t give a damn.'”
Campbell says “Planet on Fire” originally started as a simple riff back in 2018, but nothing came to him immediately. At that time, cataclysmic fires in Fort McMurray, Alberta, were fresh memories as fires in Greece and California were out of control.
The following year, fires in Australia and Brazil raged, leaving scorched swaths of land in their wake. News of ice caps melting also made headlines. In short, it was a stark reminder of the climate crisis.
The emergence of Swedish then-teenager Greta Thunberg on the environmental scene struck a chord with the musician, particularly her damning speech at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit towards world leaders with their heads in the sand. Campbell later attended a Climate Strike march in Montreal, where Thunberg spoke. Inspired by the event, Campbell the next day found the lyrics for “Planet on Fire” pouring out of him. He recorded the song in 2019 at Montreal’s Studio Loco and released a video for it.
Fast forward to 2025. Campbell, witnessing the fires that wiped out portions of Los Angeles, felt it was time to release the song on his upcoming album Let’s Talk. “Not a day goes by, it seems, when there isn’t another alarming headline,” Campbell says.
“Planet on Fire,” is a stark, sobering account of what has transpired with global warming. Recalling the works of Fred Eaglesmith, and the iconic Bruce Cockburn, Campbell is accompanied by Chard Chénier on harmonica, giving the song a bluesy feel. Campbell’s arranger and collaborator Martin Bennett provides some fine lead guitar playing to flesh out the already weighty, beefy single. Bennett, who also engineered “Planet on Fire,” plays piano, a sampled bass and percussion, while Campbell sings and plays acoustic and electric guitar.
“Planet on Fire” is from the upcoming studio album Let’s Talk, slated for release in late April. Campbell described the album as an effort that “references communication and miscommunication in love, politics, and war.” The single and album follow two full-length albums and two EPs Campbell’s released over his career.
A published poet with several collections, Campbell’s musical journey began in Antigua, Guatemala. Taking a Spanish immersion course there, Campbell learned fingerstyle picking from a fellow student. Influenced by musicians like Dave Van Ronk and John Renbourn as well as Latin American singer-songwriters like Victor Jara and Violeta Parra, Campbell moved to Montreal in 1990 and composed over two dozen original songs in one summer. He released The Imaginary Album in 1996 and The Courtier’s Manuscript in 2002, the latter featuring “To My Whimsical Love” which was lauded by the International Unisong Competition.
Campbell has routinely performed at Montreal’s Mariposa Café and in several folk venues around Quebec including Acoustic Village and the NDG (Notre-Dame-de-Grâce) and Hudson Porchfests. He has also performed on various campus and community radio programs. Additional EPs include On This Shore and 2024’s A Crystal Rim. Meanwhile, Campbell, featured by Tinnitist and Record World International, released his previous full-length album, By The River’s Blue, in 2022.
Campbell will celebrate the release of Let’s Talk with an album launch party at Montreal’s Mariposa Cafe on April 26. But for now, fans will be delighted to hear “Planet on Fire,” a song that is incredibly easy on the ears despite its message being hefty and heart-wrenching.