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5 Surprising Facts About Miranda Lambert’s ‘Platinum’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Miranda Lambert’s ‘Platinum’

When Platinum arrived on June 3, 2014, it marked a defining moment in Miranda Lambert’s career. Not only did the album debut at #1 on the Billboard 200, it also captured the Grammy Award for Best Country Album and cemented Lambert as one of country music’s most fearless storytellers. Fifteen tracks deep, packed with bold collaborations and powerhouse songwriting, Platinum remains a snapshot of an artist at the height of her creative force. Here are five lesser known facts about the album that reveal just how layered and intentional this era truly was.

1. The album was recorded in studios across three cities
Most fans know Platinum was a Nashville-driven project, but fewer know Lambert recorded it in a sweeping list of studios. Sessions took place at Cyclops Sound in Los Angeles, Dave’s Room in Hollywood, and Ronnie’s Place, Ben’s Studio, Sound Stage Studios, St. Charles Studio, and The House in Nashville. The album’s sonic variety reflects the many rooms, producers, and musicians woven into its foundation.

2. Lambert wrote or co-wrote half the album during a creatively explosive period
Eight tracks on Platinum bear Lambert’s name as a songwriter, a notable jump from some earlier albums. She wrote across tours, writing retreats, and downtime between sessions, shaping songs that blended humor, heartbreak, nostalgia, and swagger. This dense writing streak helped define the album’s confident, personal voice.

3. Carrie Underwood wasn’t originally supposed to sing on “Somethin’ Bad”
The hit duet was originally written by Chris DeStefano, Brett James, and Priscilla Renea as a male–female collaboration. It was later rewritten as a women-driven anthem before Lambert ever heard it. When the song reached her, she immediately sent Underwood a direct email asking to collaborate, and the two fulfilled a long standing goal of recording together.

4. “Little Red Wagon” began as a gritty indie track by Audra Mae
Before the song became one of Lambert’s signature singles, it lived on Audra Mae’s album Audra Mae and the Almighty Sound. Lambert first heard Mae’s version through a recommendation from John Eddie while touring. Its camp song inspired hook and fiery delivery instantly grabbed her, and she personally asked Mae for permission to record it.

5. “All That’s Left” with The Time Jumpers was recorded in one joyful session
The collaboration with the legendary Western swing group isn’t just a feature — it captures Lambert stepping fully into a vintage country sound. The session’s live–in–studio energy created one of the album’s most playful tracks. It’s a reminder of Platinum’s core charm: celebrating country roots while rewriting the rules in real time.

5 Surprising Facts About LCD Soundsystem’s ‘Sound of Silver’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About LCD Soundsystem’s ‘Sound of Silver’

When LCD Soundsystem released Sound of Silver in 2007, it wasn’t just another dance-punk record. It became a touchstone. A rare album that captured aging, joy, grief, nightlife, loneliness, and hope in a single breath. Critics adored it, fans held it close, and nearly two decades later, it remains one of the most celebrated records of the 2000s.

But behind the acclaim and the year-end lists, the album hides strange stories, quiet dedications, and experimental decisions that shaped its sound. Here are five unknown facts about Sound of Silver and the unexpected life that shaped it.

1. James Murphy literally wrapped the studio in silver.
While recording at Long View Farm in Massachusetts, Murphy felt deeply uncomfortable hearing his own voice played back. As a kind of emotional shield, he covered the entire studio in silver fabric and tin foil while tracking the album. One piece of that original fabric even traveled with him to Los Angeles for the next record, This Is Happening, where he hung it inside Rick Rubin’s Mansion.

2. Several songs quietly grew out of LCD’s 46-minute Nike commission.
In 2006, the band released “45:33,” a six-part composition designed for running. Murphy repurposed melodic threads from that project across Sound of Silver. Most notably, “Someone Great” first appeared on “45:33” as an instrumental before becoming one of the album’s most emotionally important tracks.

3. A hidden dedication reveals the album’s emotional core.
Sound of Silver is dedicated to Dr. George Kamen, a Bulgarian-born pioneer in group therapy who practiced in New York City. Murphy had a deep personal connection to Kamen, and some have suggested that the loss described in “Someone Great” reflects his passing. It adds a quiet depth to a song often experienced as universal grief.

4. The album’s release included a secret charity remix project.
On March 12 2007, the same day the album dropped in the UK, an underground remix version surfaced online in support of a charitable cause. It was never commercially released, barely promoted, and has since become a piece of LCD lore, known mostly by collectors who stumbled across it in real time.

5. Sound of Silver shaped the decade far more than most fans realize.
The album dominated critics’ lists across 2007 and the 2000s, but its individual songs carried their own cultural weight. “All My Friends” was named the second best song of the decade by Pitchfork, while “North American Scum” found unexpected life in movies, video games, and satellite radio. The album’s reach far exceeded dance-punk, embedding itself in film, media, and alt-culture for years after.

Toronto’s Brandyn Leo Drops Vulnerable New Single “Beats 4 U,” Blending Dancehall Grooves with RnB Heart

Eric Alper
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Toronto’s Brandyn Leo Drops Vulnerable New Single “Beats 4 U,” Blending Dancehall Grooves with RnB Heart

Rising artist Brandyn Leo returns with his most heartfelt and vulnerable release to date, “Beats 4 U,” available now on all major streaming platforms. Fusing the energy of dancehall with smooth RnB melodies and polished pop sensibilities, the Toronto-born, Jamaican-raised singer-songwriter is carving out his own lane—one that’s fierce, fearless, and full of soul.

After earning accolades in professional theatre and leading the hip-hop group Iambic, Brandyn Leo has found his voice as a solo artist with a message. He brings together pop, gospel, RnB, and reggae/dancehall influences, inspiring his listeners—particularly Queer and P.O.C. voices—to live with courage and heart. His motto, ‘Stay Fierce & Fearless,’ is more than a mantra—it’s the pulse of his sound.

“Beats 4 U” dives deep into the emotions of falling in love, told through the lens of someone rediscovering what it means to be vulnerable. “I never thought that it would work… I try to keep it together, but I wear my heart on my sleeve,” Brandyn sings, layering confessional lyricism over a bouncing beat. The chorus—“Are you feeling what I’m feeling? ’Cause my heart beats for you”—has already started resonating as a potential couple’s anthem.

The track was written in Gatineau, Quebec, during a moment of unexpected creative breakthrough. “It came out like a stubborn knot,” Leo says. “The melody was flowing, but the words weren’t.” Despite early hesitations, it quickly became a crowd favorite during live performances, pushing Brandyn to embrace its message of emotional openness.

Produced with glossy polish and a sense of emotional urgency, ‘Beats 4 U’ is reminiscent of early Sean Paul’s infectious rhythm, Khalid’s vulnerability, Burna Boy’s global bounce, and modern Drake’s melodic flow. The upcoming music video, set for a November release, follows a young woman navigating an unpredictable romance, mirroring the song’s tender tension.

With ‘Beats 4 U,’ Brandyn Leo proves he’s not just making music—he’s making moments. And with each new release, his message gets louder: Love bravely. Live boldly. Let your heart beat out loud.

The Celtic Tenors Release “The Holy City” Ahead of Canadian Tour And Live Album

Eric Alper
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The Celtic Tenors Release “The Holy City” Ahead of Canadian Tour And Live Album

Internationally acclaimed trio The Celtic Tenors—Matthew Gilsenan, Daryl Simpson, and George Hutton—return with a breathtaking rendition of “The Holy City,” marking the first glimpse of their upcoming live project, recorded during an exceptional performance at Belleville, Ontario’s historic Empire Theatre this August. Released through Slammin Media and distributed by Believe Distribution, the single is out now, inviting audiences into a new chapter of the group’s celebrated journey.

Originally written by Frederic E. Weatherly and composed by Stephen Adams in 1892, “The Holy City” has endured for more than a century. Its sweeping melody and evocative storytelling have made it a staple in music history, resonating with generations of listeners who are drawn to its emotional depth and sense of hope.

The Celtic Tenors’ interpretation brings a renewed vitality to the beloved classic, infused with the warmth, clarity, and soaring harmonies that define their global reputation. Their performance captures both the intimacy and grandeur of the piece, reflecting the trio’s rare ability to bridge the worlds of classical, Celtic, and contemporary crossover with effortless grace.

Founding member Matthew Gilsenan, from Kells, County Meath, Ireland, delivers with his trademark emotive power and stage presence. “For me, every concert is about connection—sharing a song, a story, and leaving the world a little brighter,” says Matthew. Daryl Simpson BEM, from Omagh, Northern Ireland, complements that energy with precision and passion, his artistry shaped by years of operatic experience and community work. “Music has the power to heal, unite, and inspire—on stage and far beyond,” he shares. Newest member George Hutton, from Derry, brings vibrant personality and contemporary flair, having previously toured with Anúna and performed with Hozier and Phil Coulter. “If there’s one thing I can’t do without on tour, it’s a good cup of tea!” he laughs.

Together, their voices form a seamless blend—three distinct tones converging into one unmistakable sound. “The Holy City” captures the heart of their musical philosophy: songs that elevate emotion and connection above all else. Their live recording showcases the spontaneity and soul that define their performances, transforming a timeless composition into something immediate, dynamic, and deeply human.

With over a million albums sold worldwide and a two-decade career that spans six continents, The Celtic Tenors have become Ireland’s most successful classical crossover act. From neighbourhood stages to world-renowned venues in New York, Amsterdam, and Shanghai, the trio’s blend of charm, professionalism, and warmth continues to captivate audiences across generations.

The release of “The Holy City” coincides with The Celtic Tenors’ highly anticipated Canadian Christmas Tour. Launching November 27 at the Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey, BC, and concluding December 17 at the Orillia Opera House, the tour promises a festive celebration of Celtic charm, timeless favourites, and heartfelt storytelling. Each performance delivers a balance of technical brilliance and spontaneous joy, ensuring every audience leaves uplifted and inspired.

Tour Dates:
November 27 – Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey, BC
November 29 – Port Theatre, Nanaimo, BC
December 1 – Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney, BC
December 2 – BC Community Theatre, Kelowna, BC
December 4 – Knox United Church, Calgary, AB
December 5 – Burton Cummings Theatre, Winnipeg, MB
December 7 – Théâtre Beanfield, Montreal, QC
December 9 – Shenkman Arts Centre, Ottawa, ON
December 10 – Empire Theatre, Belleville, ON
December 11 – Sanderson Centre, Brantford, ON
December 12 – Meaford Hall, Meaford, ON
December 14 – JAG Soundhouse, St. John’s, NF
December 16 – Regent Theatre UOIT, Oshawa, ON
December 17 – Orillia Opera House, Orillia, ON

Their shows are known for blending centuries-old ballads with inventive takes on contemporary favourites, all wrapped in the good humour and camaraderie that make their performances feel like an evening among friends. Audiences can expect moments of breathtaking a cappella harmony, cinematic arrangements, and a heartfelt celebration of music’s power to connect across boundaries.

As they prepare for their 2025 tour and live project release, The Celtic Tenors continue to reaffirm why they remain one of Ireland’s greatest musical exports. Their artistry, authenticity, and shared joy in performance have built a legacy defined not only by accolades but by the countless hearts they’ve touched along the way.

Alex Bird & The Jazz Mavericks with the Holiday Album That Keeps on Giving ‘Another Christmas Day’

Eric Alper
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Alex Bird & The Jazz Mavericks with the Holiday Album That Keeps on Giving ‘Another Christmas Day’

Acclaimed Canadian vocalist and songwriter Alex Bird, together with his band The Jazz Mavericks, is proud to announce the release of their new holiday album ‘Another Christmas Day’. Recorded live off the floor in Toronto at Canterbury Music Company, the album brings ten original songs into the rich tradition of holiday jazz with warmth, artistry, and timeless appeal.

The album, originally released on November 1, 2024, marks the fourth full-length project from Bird and longtime collaborator, musical director, and arranger Ewen Farncombe. Joining them are Jacob Gorzhaltsan (sax & clarinet), Julian Anderson-Bowes (bass), and Norbert Botos (drums & jingle bells). The collection showcases the group’s seamless chemistry, capturing the intimacy and joy of live performance.

‘Another Christmas Day’ highlights Bird’s ability to craft new standards for the season, songs that balance festive cheer with heartfelt emotion. Tracks like “Ho Ho Hold Me Close” and “Christmas in the City” invite listeners to share in the joy of togetherness, while “Every Time This Year” and the title track reflect on those who are alone during the holiday season. The result is an album that feels both classic and fresh.

“We wanted to create a holiday record that honors tradition but also brings something new to the table,” says Bird. “Recording live, without headphones, allowed us to truly listen to one another in the room. It brought out the honesty and magic that the music and audience deserves.”

The lyrics carry a distinctly personal touch, with vivid imagery that evokes all aspects of the season. In “Prelude to Christmas,” Bird sings: *“The snow is falling, the fire is calling / The faces you love are by your side.”* In the introspective “Everytime This Year” Christmas past is reflected in the fragments of a snowglobe, ”Fallen from the fireplace, shattered memories in the glass.” And in “It’s December,” the refrain rings out: “It’s December, and it’s Christmas everywhere.”

Throughout his career, Bird has become one of the most exciting voices in Canadian jazz. His sophomore album ‘You Are the Light and the Way’ was nominated for Best Vocal Jazz Album at the 2022 JUNO Awards, a recognition that placed him firmly among the country’s leading vocalists. His surprise 2023 release ‘Songwriter’ was again nominated for a JUNO in 2024, cementing his reputation as a versatile and visionary artist. And in 2025 Bird and Farncombe released an original bossa nova EP in collaboration with Latin Grammy Award winner, Cheo, ‘Casanova, Bossa Nova, Lover Man’.

Beyond the accolades, Bird has become a fixture on stages across the country, headlining the Sudbury Jazz Festival and appearing at The Markham Jazz Festival, The Kensington Market Jazz Festival, and The Niagara Jazz Festival, alongside performances at The Jazz Bistro, Upstairs Jazz, and The Old Mill.

Industry peers and press have hailed ‘Another Christmas Day’ as an inventive and enduring addition to the holiday canon. Metronome Magazine praised the album as “a modern-day holiday jazz masterpiece,” while Jazz Weekly called Bird “the freshest singer around” whose songs “swing the jingle bells.”

bird  Farncombe reflected on the project: “Holiday music has always been about connection. We wanted to write songs that could bring people together now and for years to come. There’s joy, but also space for reflection—because that’s what the season is really about.”

As the holiday season approaches, Alex Bird & The Jazz Mavericks invite audiences everywhere to discover ‘Another Christmas Day’. With its blend of swing, sentiment, and originality, the album promises to become a beloved companion for many winters ahead.

Upcoming Tour Dates

November 28 – Upstairs Jazz, Montreal, QC

December 5 – The Classic Theatre, Cobalt, ON

Cree/Halfbreed and Métis Artist Cheryl L’Hirondelle Releases Transformative New Album ‘Why the Caged Bird Sings’

Eric Alper
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Cree/Halfbreed and Métis Artist Cheryl L’Hirondelle Releases Transformative New Album ‘Why the Caged Bird Sings’

Edmonton, AB-based Indigenous singer, songwriter, and interdisciplinary artist Cheryl L’Hirondelle announces the release of her powerful new project, ‘Why the Caged Bird Sings,’ out now via Miyoh Music. The collection is a deeply human, participatory collaboration that brings together the voices of incarcerated women, men, and detained youth from across the land now known as Canada.

A recipient of the 2021 Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts and an honorary doctorate from Queen’s University in 2025, Edmonton-based L’Hirondelle continues her life’s work at the intersection of art, healing, and community. Rooted in her Cree/Halfbreed and Métis heritage, her music merges Indigenous and contemporary sounds into an artform of profound empathy and self-determination.

“Why the Caged Bird Sings” originated as a five-day songwriting and recording workshop engaging small groups of incarcerated individuals and their educators. Each song emerged through a collaborative process where participants contributed lines and melodies shaped by consensus, ensuring every voice was equally heard. The resulting works affirm freedom as both creative expression and self-ownership.

The first single, “Here I Am (Bless My Mouth),” co-composed with Gregory Hoskins and featuring the voices of twelve Indigenous female artists, is an anthem of resilience and reclamation. The song was originally written at the Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge at Nekaneet First Nation and later recorded in studios across Canada, reflecting both the project’s breadth and its unifying vision.

Following in December, the second single, “Can’t Break Us,” co-produced by Mark Schmidt and Cheryl L’Hirondelle, was created with youth at the Paul Dojack Youth Detention Centre in Regina. With lyrics by young writers using aliases to protect their privacy, the song radiates hope and empowerment—asserting that voice and creativity remain unbreakable, even within confinement.

L’Hirondelle describes the collection as ‘freedom songs’—not in the traditional civil rights sense, but through the Cree understanding of tipēyimisowin, meaning self-determination and self-expression. Each song serves as a lyrical declaration of sovereignty, resilience, and the power of collective storytelling.

Among the project’s remarkable works are “The Beauty Within,” “Come My Sisters, Come,” and “Live the Life That Is Meant for Me,” each recorded live within correctional institutions in Saskatchewan. These songs blend hand drums, harmonies, and Indigenous chant traditions with contemporary arrangements by long-time collaborators Gregory Hoskins, Mark Schmidt, Glenn Ens, and David Travers-Smith.

The album’s accompanying videos expand its vision. Three performance films—”Here I Am, ” “The Journey Home, ” and “Live the Life That Is Meant for Me”—were filmed in Saskatoon, while experimental immersive videos for “Can’t Break Us, ” “The Beauty Within, ” and “To All Our Nations” tour as part of a multi-sensory exhibition amplifying the voices of participants through technology and art.

‘Why the Caged Bird Sings’ stands as a testament to the restorative power of music. Through this project, Cheryl L’Hirondelle transforms creative collaboration into a space of healing and reclamation, extending the reach of song beyond walls and borders.  

The Andy Kim Christmas Comes to River Rock Casino December 13 Featuring Tom Cochrane, 54-40, The Washboard Union, Men Without Hats, and More

Eric Alper
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The Andy Kim Christmas Comes to River Rock Casino December 13 Featuring Tom Cochrane, 54-40, The Washboard Union, Men Without Hats, and More

Live Nation, in partnership with The Legacy Loog Foundation and Shocore Music, will present the inaugural West Coast edition of The Andy Kim Christmas concert on Dec. 13, 2025, at the River Rock Casino in Richmond, B.C. with confirmed artists Tom Cochrane, Neil Osborne & Dave Genn (54-40), The Washboard Union, Men Without Hats, Joe Keithley (D.O.A.), Steve Bays (Hot Hot Heat / Mounties), Lee Aaron, Dan Hill, Jo Jo Mason, and more to come.

This milestone event will unite an all-star roster of Canadian music icons for an evening of unforgettable performances, with proceeds benefiting Variety – the Children’s Charity of B.C., supporting children with disabilities and complex health needs across the province.

For 21 years, The Andy Kim Christmas has been a marquee fixture of the Canadian music calendar, raising more than $2.25 million for charity and featuring collaborations between some of the country’s most celebrated artists. Past performers have included Barenaked Ladies, Broken Social Scene, Alex Lifeson, Men Without Hats, Dan Hill, William Prince, Molly Johnson, Billy Talent, Kim Mitchell, Serena Ryder, Tom Cochrane, Burton Cummings, Cowboy Junkies, Nelly Furtado, and Dallas Green.

Tickets to The Andy Kim Christmas are on sale now at ticketmaster.ca. Additional performers will be announced in the coming weeks.

“We’re honoured to be the beneficiary of the first-ever Andy Kim Christmas event in Vancouver in an inspiring evening of music and generosity,” said Andrea Tang, CEO of Variety – the Children’s Charity of B.C. “This support helps us change the lives of children and youth with disabilities and complex health needs across B.C., ensuring they have the opportunities they need to thrive.”

Zoie Starks, CEO of The Legacy Loog Foundation, added: “We are thrilled to bring this treasured event to the West Coast, and with Andrew Loog Oldham and his vast network of friends, audiences can expect some special surprise guests. It’s a celebration of music, generosity, and community that investors, media, and fans will be proud to be part of.”

Cory White, CEO of Shocore Music, said: “We are incredibly honoured to work alongside Andy Kim, The Legacy Loog Foundation, and Variety – the Children’s Charity, to help facilitate the first-ever Andy Kim Christmas on the West Coast. It is truly a privilege to help bring together musicians and our community, to share their time and generosity, as they put the needs of children first.”

To maximize donations this year, Andy has enlisted long-time friend, Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Andrew Loog Oldham, and The Legacy Loog Foundation, to help him acquire some incredible one-of-a-kind music memorabilia and online auction items.

Fans will be able to bid on items donated by:

  • Paul Rodgers – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Bad Company
  • Peter Frampton – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
  • Gered Mankowitz FRPS – Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society (the highest distinction awarded by the UK-based organization)
  • Mike Reno – Canada’s Walk of Fame, Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Loverboy
  • Peter Noone – Herman’s Hermits
  • 54/40, The Washboard Union, and Steve Bays

Additional sponsors include WestJet Airlines, MNP financial and Miller Thompson, with special thanks to Music Royalties Inc. for allowing the use of the recently recovered Rod Stewart film Rod the Mod. More donors and sponsors will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Andy Kim Christmas online auction details can be found here:  https://www.variety.bc.ca/events/andy-kim-christmas-concert/

Andy Kim, a Montreal-born Canadian, has sold over 30 million records worldwide and has a string of timeless hits including Sugar, Sugar and Rock Me Gently. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada, a member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, an inductee to both the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame, as well as the recipient of the SOCAN Cultural Impact Award. His career includes multiple Juno Awards and the Key to the City of Toronto. Kim’s philosophy — “It’s up to anyone who really believes in a dream to fight for it” — continues to guide a career spanning more than five decades.

Justin Faulknor Channels Classic Rock Spirit in Playful New Single and Video “Girl Like You” From Album ‘Far From Home’

Eric Alper
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Justin Faulknor Channels Classic Rock Spirit in Playful New Single and Video “Girl Like You” From Album ‘Far From Home’

Canadian rock singer-songwriter Justin Faulknor unveils his latest single and video, ‘Girl Like You’ — a vibrant, tongue-in-cheek ode to classic rock storytelling and creative independence. The track serves as the lead single from his full-length album, ‘Far From Home,’ both out now.

A lifelong student of melody and lyricism, Faulknor wrote, produced, and performed ‘Girl Like You’ with a sound steeped in sixties and seventies influences — nodding to the timeless grooves of The Beatles and Bob Dylan while infusing his own modern-day wit and warmth.

“’Girl Like You’ started as a little bass riff I always kicked around,” says Faulknor. “One day, I decided to see how far the riff could take me, and it quickly morphed into a playful ditty with a soulful sixties kind of groove.” That spontaneous spark became the heartbeat of a song that feels both vintage and vividly alive.

Recorded with session players Federico Cremoli on bass and lead guitar and Sammy Dumanauw on drums, the single balances tight musicianship with a laid-back charm. The result is a track that captures Faulknor’s ability to blend introspection and humor, hallmarks of his evolving songwriting voice.

The creative energy extended to the video — a full-scale puppet production conceived, directed, and built by Faulknor himself. Inspired by his lifelong admiration for Jim Henson, the video follows two handmade characters through a whimsical, romantic storyline that could have played on The Muppet Show in its golden era.

“I doodled this Muppety female character one day and thought, what if she was the girl in ‘Girl Like You’?” he recalls. “I ended up storyboarding the whole thing, designing puppets, building sets, sewing costumes, and even learning some puppeteering. It became a huge labor of love.”

Drawing on his background in film and television production from Sheridan College, Faulknor edited and produced the video independently — a true one-man show in both vision and execution. “It was a lot of pressure and a whole lot of work,” he admits. “But my love and admiration for Jim Henson and his team helped me see it through.”

The result is a warm, nostalgic visual love letter to the artistry and joy that defined Henson’s creations. Both the song and video radiate the sincerity of a musician who believes deeply in craft, humor, and heart — the very pillars of great rock songwriting.

“Girl Like You” fits seamlessly within the broader tapestry of ‘Far From Home,’ an album written during the isolation of the pandemic. “There’s a playfulness, tongue-in-cheek feel to many of these songs, but also a touch of darkness at times,” Faulknor says. “It’s about feeling adrift, but still hearing that soft, distant voice of hope.”

Through its melodic guitar hooks, evocative lyrics, and imaginative storytelling, ‘Girl Like You’ captures Justin Faulknor as his most free and inventive rock craftsman reimagining nostalgia with contemporary heart.

Henry Lees Fires Off a Funky Kiss Off with Blazing New Single “Smoke”

Eric Alper
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Henry Lees Fires Off a Funky Kiss Off with Blazing New Single “Smoke”

It’s a commonly held belief that the dating pool is infested with hungry sharks looking for easy prey. Put your trust in the wrong person and you could swipe right into a load of heartache. We’ve all been there and so has award-winning Toronto singer-songwriter Henry Lees.

Lees knows the perils of romantic pursuit all too well and some of those experiences provided the kindling for his fired up, funky new single, “Smoke”, out now and adding some spice to the start of another super sweet, Hallmark-drenched holiday season.

“I like to call ‘Smoke’ the bad dream date song,” offers Lees. “The reality is that it’s tough out there in the modern digital dating world, Connections are made so conveniently on a screen but, you can often discover how tenuous and superficial that connection is in real life.”

“It’s a good thing though that bitter disappointment can be great fuel for a song,”

You made promises you knew you’d never keep

You lit the fire then, left me smouldering in the street

Now, I want all the charming words you spoke to disappear like smoke

Co-written with and produced by Vancouver-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer-on-the-rise Sean Thomas (Debbie Gibson, Joey McIntyre, NKOTB, New Edition), “Smoke” was ignited and almost completely finished during a single, laugh out loud cross-country writing session between Lees and Thomas.

“There’s always an incredible energy co-writing with Henry,” notes Thomas. “He has such a natural talent for translating his passions into powerful, heartfelt songwriting. It was an honour to produce this track and bring it to life!”

This new collaboration already garnered pre-release industry honours when Lees was chosen as a Semi-Finalist in the Best AC Artist category for the 2025 Unsigned Only Music Awards based on the strength of “Smoke” as a submission to the annual, international contest.

“It was a real gift to have “Smoke” rise up and almost magically appear for Sean and me,” notes Lees. “Then, recognition by a major international music competition confirmed our feeling that we created something very special with this song.”

This is not the first time Lees and Thomas have won accolades for their collaborations. “Free This Love”, a 2023 single by Lees, co-written with Heather Pirie and Matt Gerber and produced by Thomas, became a Top 10 Finalist in the Pop category for the 27th USA Songwriting Awards and a Semi-Finalist for both the 2023 International Songwriting Competition and Unsigned Only. An earlier Lees/Thomas song, “Nothing Left to Lose” won second place honours in the 2021 Indie International Song Contest and was named a Top 10 Finalist for the 17th annual International Acoustic Music Awards. Since 2021, Lees’ songs have been honoured 10 times by major music competitions.

“Sean and I met and started writing together during the annual SongStudio Workshop in Toronto in 2018,” notes Lees. “I’m thrilled to see his career bloom as a sought-after writer, musician and producer doing amazing work with legendary pop icons like Debbie Gibson and Joey McIntyre and still finding time to produce and release his own brilliant music. I’m grateful for what we get to create together.”

Prior to this, Lees’ varied musical life included writing, recording and performing everything from radio jingles to musical theatre and has taken him from the national airwaves to stages across Canada, including singing on two cross-Canada Huron Carole benefit tours with singer-songwriter, actor, philanthropist and Officer of the Order of Canada Tom Jackson. Shannon Gaye, a dear friend Lees’ sang with on those Huron Carole tours and an accomplished Canadian singer-songwriter with several releases to her credit, provides the soulful harmony vocals on “Smoke”.

In 2022, Lees celebrated his first number ones as a songwriter when triple Maple Blues Award nominee Chris Antonik and his album “Morningstar” hit #1 for 2 weeks on Roots Music Report’s all-genre, Top 50 Canada Albums Chart and “Back to the Good”, one of six songs Lees’ co-wrote with Antonik for the album, also hit #1 on the RMR.

Also in 2022, Lees released the single “Walking With Fear”, a very personal song of support for those dealing with anxiety disorders co-written with multi award-winning singer-songwriter David Leask and produced by Leask with JUNO winner Steve Dawson and The Henhouse Express. “Walking With Fear” was released in partnership with Anxiety Canada in support of Action Anxiety Day.

And more music is on the way from Lees, with three more singles and a full EP in the works for 2026.

So, has creating “Smoke” cleared away at least some of Henry Lees’ own bad-dream-date memories?

“I’m very happily past those dangerous dating pool days,” he says, “but long may those life experiences keep the songwriting fires burning.”

Singer-Songwriter Ryan McMahon Unveils Emotional Folk Rock Single “There She Is”, Produced by Steve Dawson at Bryan Adams’ Warehouse Studio

Eric Alper
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Singer-Songwriter Ryan McMahon Unveils Emotional Folk Rock Single “There She Is”, Produced by Steve Dawson at Bryan Adams’ Warehouse Studio

Canadian singer-songwriter Ryan McMahon unveils his powerful new single “There She Is,” produced by Steve Dawson and recorded at Bryan Adams’ Warehouse Studio in Vancouver. The track stands as one of McMahon’s most personal and moving compositions—a song about rediscovering beauty, forgiving oneself, and finding sanctuary in the simplest moments of life.

With seven solo albums, two acclaimed records with his folk-rock trio Lion Bear Fox, and nearly two decades of touring across Canada, the U.S., and Europe, McMahon has carved a reputation as one of Canada’s most authentic musical voices. His work bridges folk, Americana, and rock, rooted in sincerity and emotional storytelling.

Born in Ladysmith, British Columbia, McMahon’s rise from small club stages to national tours alongside Burton Cummings, Tom Cochrane, and Lisa Loeb speaks to his craft, resilience, and connection to audiences nationwide.

A multiple Vancouver Island Music Award winner and SOCAN-affiliated songwriter, McMahon’s songs have been featured in Californication, Chesapeake Shores, and global campaigns, expanding his reach beyond the stage. His latest chapter builds on the success of Live Now (2023), an album that showcased his ability to channel life’s challenges into raw, redemptive art.

Lyrically, “There She Is” captures a moment of rebirth. Lines like ‘A sun that rises up over my town / A promise I believe this time around’ embody gratitude, serenity, and rediscovery. The song moves from heartbreak toward clarity, embracing the idea that peace comes not from control, but from acceptance. McMahon paints vivid images of sunrise, ocean waves, and forgiveness—symbols of beauty returning to a life once clouded by loss.

“It’s about recognizing beauty in all its forms,” McMahon explains. “A sunrise, a sunset, a slow smile of approval from someone you love. This life is beautiful, and I forgot that for a while. I wanted to write a song that people could exhale to—to find peace in what is, and to honor the beauty all around us.”

McMahon adds, “When I started working with Steve Dawson and his Henhouse PopUp Gang, the inspiration came fast. The song wrote itself in under half an hour. It’s about forgiveness, letting go of what doesn’t serve us, and holding tight to what does.” The result is a cathartic musical journey—one that invites listeners to feel both grounded and uplifted.

Produced by Steve Dawson (a multiple JUNO Award-winning producer), “There She Is” features an ensemble of exceptional players: Ryan McMahon (vocals, acoustic guitar), Steve Dawson (electric guitar, pedal steel), Jeremy Holmes (bass), Liam MacDonald (drums, percussion), Darryl Havers (organ), Jordan Pritchett (percussion, backing vocals), and Danielle Marie King (backing vocals). The track was engineered by Sheldon Zaharko, mixed by Jordan Pritchett, and mastered by Railtown Mastering Co. in Vancouver.

The song’s sonic palette blends folk introspection with Americana grit and soulful optimism. Dawson’s production brings warmth and texture, while McMahon’s vocal—equal parts weathered and reassuring—anchors the emotional core. It’s a sound that feels both timeless and unmistakably personal, embodying the best of Canada’s singer-songwriter tradition.

“There She Is” arrives as a statement of endurance and gratitude in an age that needs both. It’s a testament to McMahon’s gift for turning vulnerability into strength, and solitude into shared experience. For fans and newcomers alike, the single reaffirms why McMahon’s voice continues to resonate across the country’s stages and airwaves.

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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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