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Alessia Cara Teams Up with Lenovo and Intel for “Made By” Campaign

Eric Alper
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Alessia Cara Teams Up with Lenovo and Intel for “Made By” Campaign

In their sixth year of collaborating with globally-renowned artists to bring their creative visions to life, Lenovo, Intel, and Universal Music Group For Brands (UMGB), announced a new partnership with singer/songwriter and GRAMMY Award-winning artist Alessia Cara. This collaboration is anchored in Lenovo’s “Made By” campaign, positioning Alessia as the inspiration for a multi-faceted experience that celebrates the intersection of music, creativity, and technology. The campaign is a testament to the anticipation of Alessia’s fourth studio album, Love & Hyperbole, set to release on February 14, 2025. The new record showcases her evolution as a powerhouse vocalist and empathetic songwriter.

At the core of this partnership is the creation of a visually stunning album trailer and accompanying miniseries designed through collaboration between Alessia, her creative team, and some of today’s most influential creatives across production, styling, design, and world building. Directors Dario Caracciolo and Gordy De St. Jeor are adapting the album into a visual trailer experience while celebrity stylist Christian Stroble delivers the wardrobe aesthetic. Visual Artists and Content Creators Maris Jones and Gaia Alari are lending their unique creative talents to build custom graphics and set design key scenes for the trailer. All creatives involved in the production will utilize the Lenovo Slim 7i Aura Edition and other Lenovo Yoga devices to bring their artistic visions to life. Beyond the influential creatives, all members of the creative and production teams, from storyboarding to creating captivating graphics, will utilize Lenovo’s laptops with Intel Core Ultra processors to empower and elevate each phase of the creative process.

“It’s been over a three year journey and I’m so happy that Love & Hyperbole will finally get to float around in the universe,” said Cara. “What we are creating with this trailer is a testament to Lenovo and Intel’s innovative technology and a talented creative team who worked so hard to bring the world I’ve been creating to life. We had a ton of fun making this. I hope my listeners love these visual stories as much as I do.”

Since catapulting to stardom with quintessential loner anthem “Here” in 2015, the singer/songwriter has matured alongside her audience, capturing the highs and lows of adolescence and young adulthood with camera-like clarity. In many ways, Cara’s new era is a snapshot of an artist finally processing her meteoric rise in the music industry. The Grammy winner’s debut single, “Here,” peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and went on to sell three million copies. Her platinum-selling debut album, Know-It-All, delivered another smash hit with “Scars to Your Beautiful” and she memorably contributed “How Far I’ll Go” to the Moana soundtrack. She then added further platinum plaques to her collection with “Stay,” a dizzying club collaboration with Zedd, and an unforgettable feature on Logic’s “1-800-273-8255.” The Brampton, Ontario, native returned in 2018 with The Pains of Growing, which won a Juno Award for Best Album and Songwriter of the Year cemented Cara as one of her generation’s foremost singer/songwriters. Her last album, In The Meantime, that featured hit singles “Best Days” and “Sweet Dream.” The album was met with critical acclaim from Pitchfork, Billboard, Rolling Stone, with The New York Times calling it “Incisive and introspective as ever. Cara continues to position herself as both pop star and therapist.”

The “Made By Alessia Cara” campaign will feature a three-part episodic series that documents the creative journey behind the development of the album trailer, capturing how Lenovo and Intel support and inspire Alessia’s vision. Throughout these episodes, fans will get an exclusive look into the creative process, how Lenovo’s laptops and Intel Core Ultra processors amplify collaboration and creativity for Alessia and her team and emphasize the integral roles of Maris Jones and Gaia Esther Maria in shaping the project’s artistic direction.

“At Lenovo, we are always seeking ways to showcase the interconnectedness of creativity and technology across our partners and products,” said Milo Speranzo, Chief Marketing Officer, Lenovo North America. “The ‘Made By Alessia Cara‘ partnership offers fans an exclusive look into her latest album while highlighting the creators and tech that brought it to life.”

“With technology as our canvas, Intel is pushing the boundaries of creativity and collaboration to enhance the human experience,” said Asma Aziz, America’s Marketing Director at Intel. “AI empowers us to amplify imagination and innovation, proving that when applied in amazing partnerships such as this one with Lenovo, technology has limitless potential to inspire and connect.”

“Universal Music Group for Brands, Lenovo, and Intel have continued to collaborate on campaigns that highlight the transformative role of technology in shaping the music industry,” said Richard Yaffa, EVP of Universal Music Group For Brands. “The ‘Made By Alessia Cara‘ campaign is another example of how we think beyond the conventional to provide artists with the tools to bring their creative visions to life. By partnering with Alessia on this campaign and utilizing Lenovo and Intel’s innovative technology, we’re all able to enhance the storytelling of her newest album and inspire audiences to see the possibilities when imagination is empowered by technology.”

In addition, Lenovo, Intel, and Alessia will host an exclusive album underplay event for fans in early February 2025. This event will feature a live performance by Alessia accompanied by interactive projection mapping and other immersive elements, all designed to highlight the synergy between music, art, and Lenovo and Intel’s cutting-edge technology.

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition and additional Lenovo Yoga products used in the campaign exemplify Lenovo’s ongoing commitment to empowering creativity through technology. Enabled by Intel Core Ultra processors, Lenovo Aura Edition devices were imagined and co-engineered with Intel to deploy premium experiences like Smart Modes, Smart Share, and Smart Care to provide creators like Alessia with the tools they need to fully immerse themselves in the creative process. Paired together, Lenovo’s laptops and Intel’s processors seamlessly combine productivity with an intuitive user experience that supports and elevates creative output.

Fans can anticipate the release of Alessia Cara’s official album trailer and the episodic series in January 2025, followed by the highly anticipated album Love & Hyperbole on February 14, 2025. Head to lenovo.com/yoga soon for more information on the partnership.

 

Cirque du Soleil Debuts ‘Auana, Its First-Ever Resident Show in Hawai’i

Eric Alper
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Cirque du Soleil Debuts ‘Auana, Its First-Ever Resident Show in Hawai’i

Cirque du Soleil premiered ‘Auana, its groundbreaking first resident production in Hawai’i, to a sold-out audience at the OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel on Tuesday, December 17. A dazzling homage to Hawai’i’s heritage and Cirque’s iconic artistry, the show combines breathtaking acrobatics, multimedia projections, and mo’olelo (stories) inspired by the islands’ rich culture. Performances run Wednesday through Sunday at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., exclusively at the OUTRIGGER Theater.

This monumental occasion was marked by a star-studded red-carpet event, where celebrities, cultural icons, and community leaders including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, James Beard Award-winning Chef Roy Yamaguchi, and Olympic gold medalist surfer Carissa Moore gathered to honor this innovative fusion of art and storytelling from the internationally renowned entertainment brand. The evening underscored the seamless synergy between Cirque du Soleil’s creative vision and OUTRIGGER’s deep-rooted commitment to preserving and sharing the aloha spirit.

“I thought the show was brilliant, the performers were amazing, but what I really loved is that our Polynesian culture is at the forefront of something that pierces cultures like Cirque du Soleil,” said Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson. “I think it’s rare when you have something that can span from beautiful storytelling, culture, song, comedy, humor – I loved it.”

Rooted in Hawaiian history and mythology, ‘Auana takes audiences through eight visually stunning chapters with vivid, dreamlike scenes and daring acrobatic portrayals. The world premiere performance provided a transcendent experience for all in attendance, fusing traditional Hawaiian language, song and hula with rousing theatrics and acrobatic ability.

“We’re bringing together a generation that is no longer apologetic about who we are. We stand in our ‘ōlelo, we stand in our culture and we allow that culture to be in the firmament,” said Dr. Aaron J. Salā, cultural creative producer. “We’re not seeking opportunities to find culture. It is in us. If we find opportunities to tell our stories using platforms like Cirque du Soleil that catapult our work to the mainstream, I feel very simply but very firmly that Hawai’i can change the world.”

Tickets for ‘Auana are available at www.cirquedusoleil.com/hawaii for performances starting at $85 inclusive of taxes and fees. Also available is the ‘Auana VIP Experience—a premium add-on for ticket holders. This exclusive package includes a 90-minute reception in a private open-air lounge at Maui Brewing Company Waikīkī, featuring a curated menu of Pacific Rim-inspired cuisine, ‘Auana-inspired cocktails and Maui Brewing’s locally-crafted beverages. VIP guests will also enjoy the unique opportunity to meet ‘Auana cast members, take photos and view exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

JUNO Award Winner Sammy Jackson Shines with New Single “Home Sweet Home” from Captivating Album ‘In The Meantime’

Eric Alper
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JUNO Award Winner Sammy Jackson Shines with New Single “Home Sweet Home” from Captivating Album ‘In The Meantime’

Some music is meant for certain times and occasions, but others can transport you to those lazy Sunday mornings, reflective afternoons, or cozy evenings with a loved one. For St. Catharines, Ontario-based jazz singer Sammy Jackson, those feelings and emotions are pieced together in her complex but incredibly captivating new album In The Meantime, the follow-up to her 2021 Juno Award-winning album With You. It’s a seven-song collection led by the stunning “Home Sweet Home,” a song epitomizing the album’s style: extremely rewarding and innovative while almost effortlessly pushing the boundaries of jazz with subtle but succulent pop hues.

“In The Meantime is a collection of songs written between 2020 and 2022 focusing on personal experiences and feelings,” Jackson says. “The music on this album is a continuation of my last album With You, touching on topics about love and relationships but now exploring the complexities of marriage, family life, and motherhood.”

Produced by Jackson and Jon Bartel (who also recorded and mixed the album with assistance by Kevin Fallis), In The Meantime is a brilliant blend of Jackson’s delicate but deeply soothing vocals and a group of musicians playing to her strengths perfectly. This is exemplified on “Home Sweet Home,” which begins with the chirping of birds and wind chimes before Jackson builds the song with earnest lyrics and an arrangement that mirrors life with its elegant ebbs and flows. Think of Joni Mitchell or Carole King with a jazz-oriented motif, and Jackson’s lovable, listenable approach emerges.

“‘Home Sweet Home’ is about the intimate moments of everyday life as a family that grounds me in the midst of chaos,” Jackson says of the song she co-wrote with
Barbra Lica and Danielle Knibbe. “This song sincerely captures this season of life that I’m currently in. I’m a mother of two boys – a three-and-a-half-year-old named Chuck and a three-month-old named Cruz. I sometimes find it difficult navigating marriage, motherhood, and a career as a musician. But at the end of the day, my family is what matters the most to me.”

Her family would approve of both “Home Sweet Home” and the other six gems included on In The Meantime. “Through To You,” one of four co-written by Jackson and Jacqueline Teh (“Turn Away,” “Honey” and “Sunday In The Park”), showcases her subtle but stylish pop sensibilities, bringing to mind the likes of Alicia Keys or Natalie Merchant. Backed by guitarist Thomas Fleming, pianist and synthesizer guru Chris Pruden, bassist Mark Godfrey, and drummer Ian Wright, the track is anything but cookie-cutter but sinfully sweet. The ensemble set the tone with the opening “Turn Away,” which has a dreamy quality as the music builds and then simmers throughout.

Aside from the closing “Chucky” (featuring James Hill on synthesizer and, along with “See You,” co-written by Jackson and James Bryan McCollum), another great track is “Sunday In The Park.” Here Jackson allows the music to set the tone before her light, airy delivery brings the song’s grace and elegance to the forefront. It’s a gorgeous, urbane jewel that saunters along, going on a sonic journey that is as serene as any lovely, carefree Sunday should be.

Recorded at Toronto’s Revolution Recording and mastered by Joao Carvalho, In The Meantime is the latest offering from Jackson, who honed her skills at talent competitions, concerts, and appearing in musicals in her teen years. A Jamaican-Canadian, Jackson studied under Sienna Dahlen and classical soprano Patricia O’Callaghan and earned two degrees from the University of Toronto, including a Bachelor of Music in Performance in Jazz Voice. In 2016, while completing her Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Spanish, Jackson released her debut EP entitled Take Me Back. Subsequent releases include the Juno Award-winning EP With You while 2023 and 2024 saw the release of singles “Honey” and “Sunday In The Park,” respectively.

Jackson has worked with a wide array of artists including Rich Brown, James Bryan, Barbra Lica, and Larnell Lewis. She has also performed at the TD Toronto Jazz Festival and the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal, among others. And she’s performed at a myriad of venues including Toronto’s Koerner Hall, the Glenn Gould Studio, Hamilton’s Rock Garden and the Flato Markham Theatre.

Now with In The Meantime ready for eager national and international audiences, Sammy Jackson is on the cusp of even greater achievements thanks to her music, which is sensual and substantive.

Blues Powerhouse Sarah Sokal Debuts Bold Single “Man Made” from New Album ‘Twisted Games’

Eric Alper
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Blues Powerhouse Sarah Sokal Debuts Bold Single “Man Made” from New Album ‘Twisted Games’

After veering from the adult contemporary and pop worlds, Montreal blues singer Sarah Sokal is bringing a sensational and powerful new album Twisted Games to listeners led by a delectable, brawny single “Man Made.” It’s a beefy, bluesy, party-starting track that showcases Sokal’s alluring and alarmingly strong pipes, keeping the blues alive by bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, drawing in a younger audience who appreciate both timeless blues and the appeal of mainstream music.

“Man Made,” co-written by Sokal and Stewart McKie and produced by DUBë (who also mixed, recorded, and engineered the song), brings to mind the likes of classic Amy Winehouse and the late Sharon Jones with its feel-good, uplifting tempo and confident, self-assured arrangement. Keyboardist Dave Lines complements Sokal’s introductory verse before guitarist Andy Dacoulis, bassist Dray Woods, and drummer Jean Nadeau flesh the “Man Made” to perfection. It’s a track that almost out-Dap-Kings Jones’ iconic backing group.

“I feel like being a woman in the industry calls for having a male sherpa to climb up!” Sokal says. “I have always been accompanied by a chosen male advisor/protector. I would love to experience being more surrounded by women creatives in the future, but it wasn’t in my cards that much so far.”

Sokal, who cites Beth Hart and Susan Tedeschi as influences along with icons such as Peggy Lee, Etta James and Dinah Washington, grew up listening to rock and rhythm and blues in her teens. That blues passion resurfaced and solidified after meeting producer Marc Dube for a coffee in Montreal a few years ago. “I had two songs written, and I had a strong desire to record a full blues album destined to be a vengeance album, turning the ugly I’ve experienced through my journey in the industry into something beautiful and empowering,” she says.

“Man Made” is from Sokal’s Twisted Games album, a 13-track release whose origins began during the pandemic and faced challenges with social distancing during the recording process. Wanting to put her own stamp on the record, Sokal found the freedom to “express myself better” with this record and developing her artistic identity and sound. She also says the creative process is what fuels her passion. “It is never fully conscious decisions; I just go along with my instincts,” Sokal says. “I like to paint and write songs without a plan or a proper canvas. That’s where the pure and true energy feeds my imagination.”

Sokal has had an illustrious career thus far. Writing her first song at age five (entitled “Pourquoi”), the musician professionally recorded her first song “I’m Lost” when she was just 15. From there she performed as a teenager in various hotels around Montreal and Quebec before forming The Sarah Sokal Band. Her group performed at various private functions, corporate events, and fundraisers, showcasing a musical mix of pop, adult contemporary, and blues. She is also a vocal coach and has worked with a variety of Juno Award-nominated and Juno Award-winning artists.

Sokal’s previous releases include EPs entitled Ink and Paper, the five-song effort Your Song and Broken Promises. The singer, who recently performed at Montreal’s Sutton en Blues Festival, was also a runner-up in the International Songwriting Contest’s Song of the Year category.

Now with “Man Made” sure to make airwaves internationally, Sarah Sokal will be performing at Montreal’s La Marche A Cote on Dec. 28. It’s the first single in a new chapter of her career that should see her rise to new heights. “They said I look like Adele, I have the accent of Celine and the face of Stevie Nicks,” Sokal quips. “I think I can live with that for a while.” Using “Man Made” as a yardstick, we can certainly live with Sarah Sokal for years to come.

Curbside Concerts Add Tracy Posadowski And Tom Yeates As Business Continues To Expand Across Canada And Beyond

Eric Alper
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Curbside Concerts Add Tracy Posadowski And Tom Yeates As Business Continues To Expand Across Canada And Beyond

Curbside Concerts, the Canadian-based business who’ve grown successfully in its first four years of operations, are proud to announce Tracy Posadowski and Tom Yeates have joined their team as managing directors of sales and marketing. The company looks to both experienced and highly successful entrepreneurs to deepen Canadian expansion, enter the American marketplace, and explore new and innovative business verticals to bring music to.

“We started, scaled and sold our own Fintech business in 2021 after successfully entering the market in over 15 countries,” Posadowksi says. “Since then, we work exclusively with startups and scaling companies to set their go-to-market strategy and help them execute against their business goals. We are delighted to be part of the Curbside team.”

Posadowski co-founded ATTCo Global Services, a leading UK-based business to business, software-as-a-service company which was later acquired by TD Synnex. She was later hired as the first marketing hire in two startups, positioning them to secure over $120 million USD in secure funding. Meanwhile Yeates founded ATTCo Global Services and has held revenue responsibilities ranging from $250,000 USD to over $3 billion USD annually, leading teams from as few as five to over 300 to achieve both company and employee success.

The additions are the exclamation point on what has been an excellent 2024 for Curbside Concerts, who work with hundreds of musicians nationally to produce thousands of events whether in person or through virtual concerts. Earlier in the summer, the company paid its millionth dollar to artists who performed Curbside gigs. Artists can rest assured they’ll be paid their full invoice amount on the Friday after the concert was performed. As well, Curbside Concerts carries insurance so artists, regardless of where or what venue they perform in, are insured.

In July 2024, Curbside Concerts established operations in Atlantic Canada by establishing operations in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. The Nova Scotia operations is at the Halifax Shopping Centre while Newfoundland’s operations are situated at the Avalon Mall in St. John’s. The new locations gives Curbside Concerts operations in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland. Meanwhile, they work with artists and bands in various regions of the country to provide opportunities for performing.

The following month, Curbside Concerts celebrated its first international performance in Busan, South Korea. Champion Blackfoot Fancy dancer Craig First Rider performed at the International Geological Congress held in the bustling South Korean city after being invited by the University of Calgary to perform over three days.

Curbside Concerts was founded by Matt and Amanda Burgener as a way, at the time, for struggling musicians to earn a living during the devastating global pandemic by playing outside in people’s yards or on their curbs in front of their homes. Since then, Curbside Concerts has been featured in media outlets such as CBC News, Forbes and the Calgary Herald among others. And they’ve collaborated with a host of groups ranging from the City of Calgary to Manitoba’s Harvest Moon Festival and Harvest Sun Festival.

Punch the Camel Delivers Bittersweet Truths on Catchy Alt-Pop Anthem “Lie to Me”

Eric Alper
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Punch the Camel Delivers Bittersweet Truths on Catchy Alt-Pop Anthem “Lie to Me”

We’d all like to live in a pleasant self-deception from time to time. And it’s even better when we can get someone else to do the heavy lifting. That’s the philosophy behind “Lie to Me,” on which Ontario alt-popper Punch the Camel revisits a relationship he now knows was just a mirage—but one that still beckons him just the same.

“What if I called you and said that I wanted you again?” he wonders. “Is it hopeless, or would you just try to break my heart again?” Hmmm … sounds like a bit of a no-win scenario either way the coin falls. But only if one insists on living in reality, which may not be an absolute deal-breaker here:

“I liked it better when you lie to me,” he admits.

Emotional ambivalence is no foreign concept to Dylan Tykolis, the gifted singer-songwriter-instrumentalist who is Punch the Camel. His music thrives on lyrical and stylistic friction, following an overarching goal to craft melodic sing-alongs from sentiments with darker undertones. There’s no better example than “Lie to Me,” which weds propulsive and upbeat (almost rollicking) music to fatalistic romantic lyrics in way that hasn’t been done this effectively since the ’90s heyday of anthemic defeatism. (Think Sponge and Duncan Sheik in a blender, with a bit of Puddle of Mudd to the vocal.)

And it’s road-tested, too. “Lie to Me” is the spotlight track from the debut Punch the Camel album, all seven songs of which were honed carefully at open mics over the course of five years. Tykolis had a repertoire of about 40 originals to choose from when he began recording, ensuring that only the absolute cream of the crop would get laid down before being sent off to Montreal for Glenn Robinson to mix (and finally to Los Angeles to be mastered by the great Howie Weinberg).

And if that sounds like a painstaking process, well, Tykolis has had to learn a thing or two about perseverance. His personal history includes a crippling opioid addiction, a lengthy stay in rehab and the concurrent collapse of supposedly loving relationship. In the process, he’s relocated from his hometown of Fort Erie to Montreal to Niagara Falls to Toronto and now back home again. Through it all, he’s kept learning and growing, refining his unique take on the world and the musical skills that enable him to share it with such a … well, punch.

Expect plenty more in 2025, as he continues to write, record and release world-class material that uses the sweetest pop to carry the bitter sting of truth. No lies detected.

Folk Artist Svavar Knútur Shines with “While The World Burns” and “November” From ‘Ahoy! Side B’ Album

Eric Alper
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Folk Artist Svavar Knútur Shines with “While The World Burns” and “November” From ‘Ahoy! Side B’ Album

Amid sadness and despair, there can be light and happiness. But managing to capture both of those moods in the span of a few minutes of a song is challenging to say the least. Icelandic indie folk singer Svavar Knútur has managed to create a beautiful dichotomy of range and emotions with a Double-A side release: the hauntingly aching “While The World Burns (Repainted)” and the gear-changing, adventurous “November,” both from Ahoy! Side B and also found on his double-album Ahoy!

Knútur creates a truly stunning cinematic masterpiece during “While The World Burns (Repainted).” Its cinematic feel musically is only outdone by the duet Knútur has with Norwegian vocalist (and actor) Helene Bøksle. The track instantly brings to mind The Swell Season, the tandem of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová who earned an Academy Award for Best Song for “Falling Slowly” from the motion picture Once. Ironically, the original version of “While The World Burns” was issued back in 2012 on his album Ölduslóð (Way of Waves) with Knútur and Irglová performing a duet on the song.

As stunning as “While The World Burns (Repainted)” is, Knútur is at his creative best on “November.” The song, written by Knútur, initially recalls the iconic Nick Drake for its sparseness, relying on Knútur’s voice and acoustic guitar work as strings emerge off in the distance. About two minutes in, things take a musical detour with the pace picking up and an urgency beginning to surface. Here, the song blooms into a gorgeous, head-bobbing, pop-driven effort, bringing to mind groups such as The War On Drugs or Frightened Rabbit.

“A love song to a month much maligned, ‘November’ conjures a portrait of a dark and melancholic but also stormy and transformative month,” the artist says of the song. “The longing for summers past, but also the inescapable trajectory into the strange beauty of midwinter, ending with the embracing of the turning wheel of time.”

A lyric video for “November” was also released in October, showing a majestic landscape that moves through the seasons, from snowy roads in the winter months to the golden sunsets in the summer. Knútur’s face is transposed on the images of snow on branches and Iceland’s rugged but mesmerizing terrain also displayed.

“While The World Burns (Repainted),” written, composed, and produced by Knútur, features him on vocals, piano and guitar alongside Bøksle on vocals. Fleshing out the rich arrangement is Örn Ýmir Arason on bass and synthesizers, Bassi Olafsson on percussion, cellist Unnur Helgadóttir, Karl James Pestka on viola and Sigrún Kristín Jónasdóttir on violin. Arason, Helgadóttir, Pestka and Jónasdóttir play the same instruments on “November,” also written by Knútur but produced by Olafsson (who plays drums and percussion on the track). For “November” Knútur is on vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar and synthesizers while pianist and keyboardist Stefán Örn Gunnlaugsson also appears.

Both double-A singles are from Ahoy! Side B, “the final chapter of a fifteen year-long project exploring the world of grief” which follows the release of Ahoy! Side A back in 2018, the latter earning him two Icelandic Music Awards for Best Album and Singer of the Year. The two offerings were thus combined earlier in 2024 into Ahoy!, providing closure to the project while “serving as an independent story.”

Knútur says the album, which features five songs reworked or “repainted” from earlier releases, isn’t quite as gloomy as some might anticipate. “Contrary to common expectations, the story is not as dark as some people might think, as the journey through grief is also a journey of discovery of light, love, beauty, gratitude, and purpose.”

Knútur recorded the album in Iceland with help from a bevy of national and international musicians (including singer Irish Mythen) who sent their pieces via files for him to piece together. Although using various locations to record in Iceland, Knútur used his friend’s studios and his own living room for most of the recording sessions featuring songs ranging from minimal instrumentation to lush, orchestral flavorings.

“While The World Burns (Repainted)” and “November” are the latest offerings in a fine career for Knútur who calls the northern city of Akureyri, Iceland home (a roughly five-hour drive northeast of Reykjavik). Full-length albums include 2009’s Kvöldvaka (Songs by the Fire), 2010’s Amma (Songs for my Grandmother), 2012’s Ölduslóð (Way of Waves) and 2015’s Brot (The Breaking). Meanwhile EP releases include 2015’s Songs of Weltschmerz, Waldeinsamkeit and Wanderlust and 2020’s Bil/Between. His influences range from Nick Drake, Will Oldham, and the late Kris Kristofferson to the late Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, and Nick Cave, among others.

Although primarily performing in Europe as he prefers to travel almost exclusively by train, Knútur will play Montreal in February 2025 as part of Folk Alliance International. It’s proof his music is reaching both sides of the Atlantic and beyond. Now with the delicate but divine “While The World Burns (Repainted)” and the pop-friendly and thrilling “November” on everyone’s radar, look for Svavar Knútur to continue making timeless, thoughtful, and terrific music.

Evan Rotella Channels The Great Folk Rockers With ‘Last Train Home’ Album

Eric Alper
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Evan Rotella Channels The Great Folk Rockers With ‘Last Train Home’ Album

The train song is one of the most time-tested traditions in North American music. Yet when it’s done right, it feels just as fresh and affecting as the very first time an itinerant bluesman rode the rails. The proud tradition continues in “Last Train Home,” the exquisitely mournful title track to Niagara Falls singer-songwriter Evan Rotella’s sophomore album.

Late-hour introspection of the kind only a vagabond lifestyle can induce, the song finds our hero heading back from another night on the eternal road, pondering what he’s learned and what’s been lost to him. Rotella’s voice crackles with self-recognition as he surveys the “thieves and cheats” that are sharing the ride with him, the “heroes and saints” who are his fellow passengers on a trip whose rituals are as routine as it is outcome is unknown.

“All ride together to find whatever awaits,” he observes, taking his place in the annals of great spokesmen for the anonymous and the disaffected.

Like the album that bears its name, “Last Train Home” relies on an appropriately spare arrangement: just one man’s voice, his acoustic guitar and a harmonica. Springsteen’s Nebraska period leaps immediately to mind—which is none too surprising, given that Rotella’s first public appearance had him singing “Born in the U.S.A.” at a school talent show when he was only six. But you can hear more than a hint of the great Bob Dylan himself in the way Rotella’s unadorned vocals echo across these new tracks, spinning tales of reckoning and contemplation that mark him as a true poet in his own right.

The seven-song album sets a new standard in Rotella’s decade-long evolution as a performer and writer. His vast creative talents were previously captured on the 2020 single “(If I Was a) Rockstar” (featuring Pittsburgh scene stalwarts guitarist Danny Gochnour on guitar and Joe Munroe on keyboards); on 2021’s “The Demo Tapes,” which brought together a bunch of acoustic numbers he had written between the ages of 12 and 14; and on his first full-length album, “Happy To Be Here” (2023), a collection of 10 original songs performed by an all-star lineup and produced by Mark Rogers (LMT Connection) and Myles Rogers (Jin The Band).

His bracingly mature output has earned Rotella a host of tributes from the public and the tastemakers alike. He’s been called “one to watch” by Billboard Canada and hailed for providing Niagara’s best entertainment in multiple years by the readers of Niagara Falls Review and Niagara This Week. A good deal of that acclaim stems from his well-earned reputation as a live performer who’s spent the past four years baring his musical soul at festivals, theatres, patios, bars and parties across the Niagara region. In that time, Rotella has opened shows for Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies), The Wilderness, Miss Emily, Honeymoon Suite, Wheatus, Stephen Stanley, Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky, Bobby Mahoney & The Seventh Son, Joe D’Urso, Southside Johnny and the legendary Steve Earle. He’s played alongside the likes of Rick Rose, Bobby Mahoney, Teenage Head’s Dave Rave and the House rockers’ Danny Gochnour. And cementing the Springsteen connection, he’s likewise graced the stage at the iconic Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey.

Rotella’s 2024 began with back-to-back residencies at Hamilton’s Casbah Lounge and The Cameron House in Toronto; the cusp of the new year sees him just active, performing solo gigs across Ontario and making another trip south of the border to his spiritual Mecca in Jersey.

Evan Rotella Tour Dates:
December 21 – Take 2 Restaurant & Bar, Fort Erie, Ontario
December 26 – Garden City Manor, St. Catharines, Ontario
December 28 –Utopia Lounge and Vintage Shoppe, Crystal Beach, Ontario
December 31 – Private house party
January 3, 2025 – StradaWest, Niagara Falls, Ontario
January 10, 2025 – Taps Brewhouse, Niagara Falls, Ontario
January 16, 2025 – Teddy’s Sports Bar, Grimsby, Ontario
January 17, 2025 – Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ, USA
January 19, 2025 – Watermark, Asbury Park, NJ, USA
January 24, 2025 – Strada West, Niagara Falls, Ontario
March 28, 2025 – Teddy’s Sports Bar, Grimsby, Ontario

Looks like we can expect plenty more pearls of musical wisdom from Rotella in the future. Because every visit to an adoring out-of-town crowd means another long and lonely train ride back.

Winterfolk XXIII: Celebrating 23 Years of Folk, Blues, and Roots Music in Toronto – Feb 14-16, 2025

Eric Alper
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Winterfolk XXIII: Celebrating 23 Years of Folk, Blues, and Roots Music in Toronto – Feb 14-16, 2025

Winterfolk, Toronto’s beloved annual celebration of folk, blues, and roots music, returns for its 23rd year from February 14–16, 2025, at the iconic Tranzac Club. This year’s festival promises an extraordinary mix of established artists, including Michael Jerome Browne, Dala, Donné Roberts, Russell deCarle, Amanda Rheaume, and Tannis Slimmon, alongside emerging talent and community-driven performances, all set to reignite the spirit of live music and inspire audiences of all ages.

Since its inception, Winterfolk has championed the rich traditions of folk, blues, and roots music while offering a platform for emerging voices in the industry. Over the years, the festival has grown from a grassroots effort to a highly respected event that draws over 150 performers and a diverse audience annually. Beyond showcasing exceptional talent, Winterfolk creates opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and connection within the music community.

This year’s festival focuses on rebuilding and revitalization, presenting a lineup that combines iconic performers with fresh, youthful energy to ensure the continued evolution of roots music. According to Winterfolk founder Brian Gladstone, “Amid declining resources and shrinking audiences, Winterfolk is focused on rebuilding for a sustainable and vibrant future by presenting young emerging talent—a voice from the future that ensures the evolution and vitality of roots music.”

Highlights of Winterfolk XXIII

  • Opening Night – Friday, February 14, 2025: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with “Valentine Voices: A Night of Female Power,” featuring performances by Lynn Miles, Melanie Peterson, and more artists to be announced.
  • Saturday, February 15, 2025: A full day of music, including fan-favorite artists DALA, Robert Priest, Tannis Slimmon, Noah Zacharin, Lynn Harrison, Brian Gladstone, and Laura Fernandez, as well as “The Blues of Winterfolk” showcase starring Toronto Blues Society rising star Jesse Greene and friends. Additional workshops and guitar sessions will round out the day.
  • Sunday, February 16, 2025: The festival shines a spotlight on community music organizations and talent like Ken Whiteley, Michael Jerome Browne, Amanda Rheaume, providing a glimpse into the past and future of folk, blues, and roots music.
  • Winterfolk XXIII’s lineup features a mix of celebrated names and rising stars, including Michael Jerome Browne, Donné Roberts, Russell deCarle, Dala, Amanda Rheaume, Tannis Slimmon & Lewis Melville, Harpin’ Norm Lucien, Jesse Greene, and many more.
    In addition to its artist showcases, Winterfolk is partnering with local organizations such as the Toronto Folk Festival, Brampton Folk Festival, and Seneca College Music Program to amplify their work and foster greater collaboration within the music community.

Beyond performances, Winterfolk XXIII offers workshops, seminars, and discussions designed to engage audiences on a deeper level. These activities provide opportunities to learn about the rich history of roots music and connect with the vibrant Toronto music scene.

Like many festivals, Winterfolk faces challenges as it continues to recover from the pandemic. Despite a low-budget year, all signs point to success as audiences, sponsors, and grants steadily return. Gladstone remains optimistic: “It takes a community to build a festival, and Winterfolk’s success has been a true partnership with our fans, audiences, artists, and supporters. Together, we’ve grown the festival, enriched the roots music scene, and strengthened the Toronto music community.”

Event Details

  • Dates: February 14–16, 2025
  • Location: Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Avenue, Toronto, ON
  • Times:
    • Friday, February 14: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    • Saturday, February 15: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    • Sunday, February 16: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Winterfolk XXIII invites music lovers, families, and friends to experience three unforgettable days of live music, community connection, and cultural celebration. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the festival for the first time, Winterfolk offers something truly special for everyone.

For tickets and more information, visit Winterfolk’s Official Website.

Winterfolk XXIII is proudly presented with the support of local partners, artists, and volunteers who share a passion for keeping the spirit of folk, blues, and roots music alive.

Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest Unveils Details of 2025 Festival

Eric Alper
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Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest Unveils Details of 2025 Festival

Destination Markham proudly announces the return of the wildly popular Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest for its third year. Building on the success of the sold-out 2023 and 2024 editions, this year’s series promises even more memorable evenings celebrating the vibrant culinary and musical culture of the City of Markham. With six events planned from late January to March 2025, Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest continues to grow as a must-attend cultural experience in the Greater Toronto Area.

2025 Event Schedule:

  • Series 1: January 21–25 | 2x-time JUNO Award nominee Alex Bird & The Jazz Mavericks at SMASH Kitchen & Bar
  • Series 2: January 28–February 1 | 3x-time JUNO Award nominee Jill Barber at Essence of Unionville, Hilton Toronto/Markham
  • Series 3: February 4–8 | 2x-time JUNO Award nominee Tanika Charles at Laz Authentic Cuisine
  • Series 4, 5 & 6: Details coming soon!

“Jazzlicious WinterFest has really become one of Markham’s most talked-about events,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “What started as a way to support Markham’s local dining scene during the quiet season has turned into a can’t-miss experience, highlighting our world-class chefs and some of the best jazz musicians in Canada. We’re excited to welcome both residents and visitors for another unforgettable season.”

“We’re thrilled to see Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest continue to grow,” says Andrew Baldwin, Executive Director, Destination Markham Corporation. “This festival represents everything that makes Markham unique – the intersection of culinary excellence and cultural richness. We are proud to create a platform that draws visitors and spotlights Markham as a premier destination for unforgettable experiences.”

Culinary Highlights:

  • Hosted at SMASH Kitchen & Bar, guests will enjoy an exceptional menu crafted by Executive Chef Isaac Co, perfectly complementing the evening’s performances.
  • Essence of Unionville, located in the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites, will feature a menu by Executive Chef Jitin Gaba, enhancing the soulful sounds of the evening.
  • At Laz Authentic Cuisine, guests will be treated to a spectacular meal prepared by Executive Chef and Owner Diakhia Lezama, paired with outstanding jazz performances.

Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast or simply love good food and great company, Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest is your perfect escape from the ordinary. Venture just north of Toronto’s downtown core to discover why Markham is rapidly becoming one of the GTA’s premier culinary and cultural destinations.

Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest is produced by Destination Markham Corporation in collaboration with the Markham Jazz Festival, and in partnership with Cosmo Music, Flato Markham Theatre, JAZZ.FM91 radio and, with funding provided by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Experience Ontario and Central Counties Tourism.

The perfect holiday gift, the 2025 edition of the Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest will now feature six musical and culinary pairings at signature venues across the city. Guests will be treated to a night of delicious meals prepared by some of Markham’s top chefs and live jazz performances by some of Canada’s brightest stars.

Tickets for the 2025 Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest are now on sale. For further information and to pre-register for series tickets, visit jazzlicious.ca.

About Destination Markham: Destination Markham Corporation (DMC) is an arm’s length municipal corporation launched in April 2020 as the destination management organization (DMO) for the City of Markham. Its purpose is to promote Markham as a remarkable destination for visitors, including tourists, sport and festival attendees, meeting and conference delegates, and business travellers. The key tourism objectives are to research, develop, market, and grow Markham’s tourism/visitor economy. This initiative will collaborate with Markham’s hotel industry, festival-event conference-travel planners, attraction operators, cultural institutions, sports tourism promoters, entertainment and recreation providers, food service businesses and the City of Markham. Learn more at visitmarkham.ca.

About FedDev Ontario: For 15 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our investment profiles, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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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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