They Say It’s Our Birthday! Cashbox Radio Celebrates 3 Years on the air on March 31.

Fri Apr 01 2022
Cashbox Radio Birthday

For 16 years now I have had the pleasure of owning Cashbox Canada, which came at a time when I had already put in decades in the music industry and at the time, I was looking for a new challenge.

Sandy Graham
Sandy Graham

The one constant love I have always had was my career in radio. My home has antique radios I have collected over the years, and many of my best memories were when I was a young Music Director in Montreal, Quebec. Back then, a Music Director was given the privilege and the power to ’break’ a record. I relied on the promo guys who would bring product to the weekly music meeting every Wednesday without fail. When I realized that radio in its current stat was no longer experiencing what it was like to give a record a chance.

It’s Good If You Know Some Musicology

Fri Mar 25 2022
Peter Åstedt

Recently I have bumped into really enthusiastic people that want to work in the music industry. They claim to love music, and I think they really do. After getting to know them better you just feel that there is something wrong. They pick the wrong songs; a lot of the decisions are more in the vein that they like the artist and can’t hear that this song from this artist is not that much of a hit.

I know when I played football there is a word in Swedish called “bollkänsla” which translated means that you have a good ability to control a ball. Something I really don’t have. I loved to play football, but I was mainly just kicking the ball and was more like the average player in my age group. I got more and more of that feeling that it is the same in music, let’s take it under musicology.

Laszlo Jones and Special Guest Alex Skolnick (Testament) Bring Suicide Awareness to Gen-Z

Fri Mar 25, 2022

Rock sensation Laszlo Jones is bringing awareness to the masses with his hard-hitting latest single with Special Guest guitarist Alex Skolnick (Testament), on “Kill Myself” off his Beyond The Door EP Produced by Michael Buyens (Life of Agony, The Gathering) and Mixed by Kane Churko (5 Finger Death Punch, Ozzy Osbourne). In true Jones fashion, the song packs a variable punch - taking no prisoners in the process. Skolnick’s thunderous industrious metal axemanship shines throughout the track, as they deliver on their mission to tackle one of society’s most problematic issues - suicide.

Check out the video for “Kill Myself” on YouTube here:

Renowned Jazz Artist Jean-Michel Pilc Releases New Album in Alive - Live at Dièse Onze, Montréal

Fri Mar 25 2022
Jean-Michel Pilc -Alive – Live At Diese Onze Montreal

Spontaneity may well be the most important element of jazz expression — the immediacy of creativity in its purest and most adventurous manifestation. For extraordinary pianist Jean-Michel Pilc, the live performance represents the pinnacle of that level of spontaneity and, in his outstanding new release on Justin Time Records, Alive – Live at Dièse Onze, Montréal, Pilc and his bandmates Rémi-Jean LeBlanc and Jim Doxas on bass and drums respectively, splendidly offer proof of this concept.

Available now, the liner notes of Alive reveal Pilc describing this state as “improvising musicians in their natural habitat, the jazz club, playing music for the sake of music, never repeating themselves, and creating sounds that they will never replicate.”

“Improvisation is often associated with freedom, but beware of appearances,” Pilc expands. “When inspiration strikes, music has a way to lead you from one moment to the next that gives you no choice but to follow the flow. And when all the members of the band hear the same sound, all of it, and react not as individuals but as part of that sound, then it feels like home, or family.”

Spike – The Bulgarian Music Showcase to Launch in Bulgaria

Fri Mar 25 2022
Boyan Robert Pinter (Boiadjiev) Photo Credit Peter Astedt

Spike – The Bulgarian Music Showcase is scheduled to take place in the city of Plovdiv, Bulgaria between May 26-28, 2022. Bulgaria’s most historic town will welcome music business delegates from over twelve countries, including the USA and Canada. Their expertise will cover every part of the music industry, including artist booking and management; publishing, royalties, and sync licensing; digital technology workshops; and equality and diversity in the music industry. 

Formerly known as the Sofia International Music Conference (SIMC), Spike is Bulgaria’s first showcase and conference festival.  We manage to get a hold of founder Boyan Robert Pinter while he was visiting different venues for the festival.

“The festival’s primary goal is to create learning and networking opportunities for Bulgarian artists and professionals and to introduce international delegates to Bulgaria’s music scene. This will be done in a spirit of diversity and inclusivity. We also hope to be part of the big European showcase circuit and this will be an annual stop for people to visit and find new music ” Says Boyan.

Original Nickname Makes A Comeback With The Hogtown Allstars Downchild Members Chuck Jackson & Gary Kendall

Fri Mar 25 2022
Original Nickname Makes A Comeback With The Hogtown Allstars  Downchild Members Chuck Jackson & Gary Kendall

A new band of multi-award-winning not-so-new blues players are set to make their musical mark: The Hogtown Allstars will release their debut album, Hog Wild, this May 6th, 2022 via Stony Plain Records.

stonyplainrecords.com/hogtownallstars/

Featuring eight new all-original songs, and two covers, Hog Wild was recorded throughout 2021 once the group nailed their first challenge: coordinating everyone’s schedule to hit the studio. It’s the first release for the undeniable supergroup that first started in 2013 as a collaborative, creative outlet for Toronto-based musicians dedicated to the genre.

As for ‘Allstars,’ they come by the moniker honestly; built with some of the most dynamic and experienced players on the global blues scene, the 7-piece adds up to Downchild Blues Band alum Chuck Jackson, Pat Carey, Gary Kendall, Jim Casson, and Tyler Yarema alongside Maple Blues Band alums Teddy Leonard and Howard Moore.

Check out the link here on YouTube:

Inaugural Edition of Future Echoes in Sweden Huge Success

Fri Mar 18 2022
Panel on Future Echoes

Photo Credits: Peter Astedt and Future Echoes

It was the first full edition of Future Echoes in Norrköping, Sweden, 17 to 19 of February 2022. The Festival planning had begun in 2020 when participants from various showcase festivals in Sweden joined together to build a new International Showcase Festival in Norrköping, Sweden.

While the planning was discussed and the first actions were taken to start the Festival,

COVID hit the world, and everything was pushed. The first edition was first postponed from February 2021 to September and then from September to the original dates on February 17 to 19, 2022.

Then the variant Omicron hit and Sweden was put  in lockdown as of January  2022. The Festival then made a  decision to make it with the restrictions just to make it happen. Luckily the restrictions in Sweden were lifted on the 9th of February, just a week before the Festival.

Record Deal? I Want A Record Deal!

Fri Mar 18 2022
Peter Åstedt

“Sorry for bombarding you with demo emails.” This was the first line in an email I got in from an artist that kept on writing that he or she (the artist name really doesn’t give it away) had written fifteen songs in different styles, love songs, ballads, pop songs, and dance love pop songs. Strange styles to write songs in, but hey, who am I to judge?

Then it was a new link to a song on SoundCloud. The song sounds like you just bought a beat online somewhere and then you wrote a really bad poem to a dead mummy. Yes, the song is about a dead mummy, I shit you not. Clearly, the music wasn’t up to any standards. Nowadays it doesn’t need to be in any standards to be given out either. In one way if the Soundcloud link wasn’t private it had still been given out. That it was a bad song and not that interesting, it’s the rest of the letter. Directly after the link, they jump to this:
I wish to acquire a record deal. There are three types of deals that interest me:             

-          The 360 Deal     

-          The Single Deal Recording Contract; and         

-          The Major Label Deal        

Jesse Cook Reveals New Single & Video in “Solace” Alongside New 2022 Cross-Canada Tour Dates

Fri Mar 18 2022
Jesse Cook Reveals New Single & Video in “Solace” Alongside New 2022 Cross-Canada Tour Dates

Alongside today’s release of new single and video, “Solace,” multi-Platinum/Gold award-winning and internationally acclaimed producer, composer, and guitarist Jesse Cook announces newly updated Canadian dates for his highly-acclaimed “Tempest II” tour.

Check out “Solace” on YouTube here:

Originally marked for 2020 in celebration of the 25th anniversary of his acclaimed debut album, Tempest, the newly announced 18 homegrown shows will span from Quebec to B.C.; with 43+ cross-continent dates on the docket, Cook recently kicked off the tour in the U.S. alongside the release of his 11th studio album, Libre — to rave reviews.

Marc Jordan and Amy Sky Set To Release Debut Duet Album ‘He Sang She Sang’

Fri Mar 18, 2022

Multi-million selling Canadian singer/songwriters Marc Jordan and Amy Sky are set to release their first-ever album duet collaboration, He Sang She Sang May 6, 2022, via Linus Entertainment.

A collection of fresh takes on beloved classics alongside newly original compositions, the 13-song release marks the first time this prolific duo — married for 34 years — have recorded an entire album together.

Check out Marc Jordan & Amy Sky - Free Fallin' (Tom Petty Cover)

In addition to enjoying hits and accolades all their own, the highly acclaimed singer/songwriters and producers have also penned songs for a teeming roster of A-list artists, including Rod Stewart, Diana Ross, Chicago, Olivia Newton-John, Heart, Reba McEntire, Joe Cocker, Bette Midler, Bonnie Raitt, Cher, Cyndi Lauper, and more.

Wendy Irvine Urges Us to “Make Time” For Love, Connection & Community

Fri Mar 11 2022
Wendy Irvine

Canadian singer/songwriter and composer Wendy Irvine urges humanity to reach out to each other and “Make Time” with the release of her newly unveiled single – check it out on YouTube here:

The first to land from the song’s namesake album, Make Time, set for release this Spring 2022, the title reflects two words that hold deeply personal and perspective-shifting meaning in the Toronto-based artist’s day-to-day outlook.

“‘Make Time’ has become a mantra in my life,” the Toronto-based artist reveals. “I cannot control other people and their actions but, in order to make a difference in the world, I believe it starts with me.

“I need to put forth more light,” she continues. “I need to reach out and show love to other people, and I need to plant the seeds of acceptance, balance, love, and communication each and every day.”

Wavelength Winter Festival Presents Free Live-Streamed Speaker Series Every Wednesday this March

Fri Mar 11 2022
Wavelength Winter Festival Presents Free Live-Streamed Speaker Series Every Wednesday this March

In the wake of the pandemic’s ongoing disruption of the arts and events, the Wavelength Winter Festival is set to pivot online this March with a free weekly Speakers Series streamed live each Wednesday evening.

With a focus on ‘community care,’ Maylee Todd/Maloo, Casey Mecija, Radwan Ghazi Moumneh, and Beverly Glenn-Copeland will be featured in artist talks alongside an original film by Sook-Yin Lee and Dylan Gamble; Buffy Sainte-Marie will join March 23rd for a keynote event.

Covid-19 presented unique opportunities for arts organizations to get creative and try innovative new programming models — and the Wavelength Winter Festival is no different.

“While experiencing live arts can be difficult at this time, art is what breathes motivation, mobilization, and creative change,” Festival organizers share. “Join us in conversation with some of our most beloved creators as they share stories that inspire new corridors of possibility and, above all, hope.”

The Wavelength Winter Festival: Speaker Series 2022 will take place every Wednesday in March at 7:00pm EST. All events are free, all-ages, and stream live via YouTube.

Toronto Tabla Ensemble + Bif Naked Release New Single, “Prayer for the Mother”

Fri Mar 11 2022
Toronto Tabla Ensemble + Bif Naked Release New Single, “Prayer for the Mother”

Ground-breaking musical collective Toronto Tabla Ensemble (TTE) and legendary Indian-born Canadian artist Bif Naked mystify with cutting-edge sonics and sophisticated grooves on their latest jaw-dropping single, “Prayer for the Mother”.

Check out “Prayer for Mother” on YouTube here:

Celebrating their 30th anniversary, the song lands alongside Toronto Tabla Ensemble’s blistering new album, For the Love of Tabla — an 11-song LP that dazzles listeners start to finish with some of the best tabla playing in the world.

Victoria, BC's Folk Artist Kele Fleming Gives Social Media a Dressing Down in “Echo Chamber”

Fri Mar 11 2022
Kele Fleming Photo Credit Jen Barker

Echo Chamber - /ˈekō ˌCHāmbər / noun | An environment in which a person encounters only beliefs or opinions that coincide with their own, so that their existing views are reinforced, and alternative ideas are not considered.

We live in a time when finding ‘proof’ to support our ideas and beliefs is merely a scroll and a click away, and our social media news feeds provide a precision-tailored buffet hot and ready to serve our appetites for confirmation bias. With that, Canadian folk rock artist Kele Fleming is spotlighting social media’s divisiveness through the ‘thoughts’ of a futuristic AI character with her timely new single, “Echo Chamber” – watch and listen on YouTube here:

‘So long in an echo chamber, I’m getting into danger’

Don’t Make It More Work When You Present New Material!

Fri Mar 11 2022
Peter Åstedt

It seems like people left their brains at home after COVID. As all of the business starts to open up the crazy recordings are coming in like a full flood. Artists have been sitting and keeping recordings to release to be able to get live shows so right now you get a big bunch of them. I have written tips about it before how to send stuff. It’s time to do it again after having been through several emails that clearly show that the people behind them haven’t thought twice or done their homework.

The first one was from a band that hadn’t released their song yet. They had put it on Bandcamp on a secret link, put in the video that would have premiered three days later. The problem here is that I can listen to the song on Bandcamp only. Of course, the link to the video is not working yet and in three days I will certainly have forgotten this email. On Bandcamp, there is no download, just a listening button. My problem here is if I want to play the song on the radio station, I can’t really access it. Here comes the totally dumb part of this email. They write that if I want the song to use on the radio station, I can contact them so I can get downloadable files.

The 57th Academy of Country Music Awards and the Winners are….

Fri Mar 11, 2022

Dolly Parton, Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett hosted the show. Miranda Lambert was named Entertainer of the Year, as top artists including Kelly Clarkson, The Brothers Osborne, Ashley McBride and Carly Pearce took the stage to perform. Here is the full list of nominees with winners in bold.

Entertainer of the Year:
Eric Church
Luke Combs
MIRANDA LAMBERT *WINNER
Chris Stapleton
Carrie Underwood

Female Artist of the Year:
Gabby Barrett
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Maren Morris
CARLY PEARCE *WINNER

Male Artist of the Year:
Jimmie Allen
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
CHRIS STAPLETON *WINNER
Morgan Wallen

Stranger Than Kindness: The Nick Cave Exhibition North American Premiere in Montreal

Fri Mar 04 2022
Photo Credit Anders Sune Berg

Stranger Than Kindness: The Nick Cave Exhibition opens Friday, April 8 at the Galerie de la Maison du Festival in Montreal. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, March 4 at 10 a.m. via evenko.ca

This is the North American premiere of the exhibition, which was previously presented at The Black Diamond, Copenhagen, Denmark. There are currently no plans for the exhibition to travel to the USA.

The exhibition was met with acclaim from press and visitors alike when it opened in Copenhagen in March 2020.

The Legendary Barney Bentall is a “Cosmic Dreamer” with New Single & Album Release

Fri Mar 04 2022
The Legendary Barney Bentall

Soaring with sentiments of hope, love, longing, and loss, multi-Platinum selling, and JUNO award-winning artist Barney Bentall plots a sonic constellation of Americana to traditional Folk with the upcoming release of his new album, Cosmic Dreamer.

Set for release April 22, 2022 via True North Records, the album includes the title track, “Cosmic Dreamer” – check out an advance listen here:

With special guests Ruth Moody, Valentino Trapani, and Adrian Dolan joining on three songs, the 11-track LP features nine new all-originals from the prolific artist alongside two covers — Bob Dylan’s “You Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go” and Gordon Lightfoot’s “Shadows.”

You’re Gonna Need Courage

Fri Mar 04 2022
Peter Åstedt

I just read in a local newspaper about courage. The question they asked five random people in a midsize suburban city, what is the most courageous thing they have ever done. One younger kid said that making a parachute jump was the most courageous he had done. The rest answered that the most courageous thing they have done was move to another city.  And not one of these moves were claiming that it was courageous to move from the capital to this village that is just one and a half hours from the capital.

I was a little baffled. When I was younger than them, I just took a plane and went over from Sweden to NYC just to go on a date with a girl I had just met online. I had also moved around to several cities much further away. I don’t really feel that was courageous at all. Adventure, sure it was but it’s like making a parachute jump; it’s pretty safe. It’s actually much more dangerous driving on the highway to get to the airplane to make that jump.

Lasso Montreal Ready to Kick Off the 1st Edition with Country Music’s Best and Brightest!

Fri Mar 04, 2022

2022 is the year that Montreal goes completely country, with the very first edition of LASSO presented by Bell in collaboration with Coors Original hitting town August 12 and 13, along with LASSO in the City on August 11, 2022. The world class modern country music festival, taking place on beautiful Île Sainte-Hélène at Parc Jean-Drapeau (one of the top festival sites in North America) is sure to thrill country fans, old and new, with some of the most inspiring artists of the entire genre coming together for a multi-day high energy hoedown.

LASSO is an opportunity for fans to live an exceptional experience, watching their favourite country acts play on an island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River, overlooking the skyline of one of the greatest cities in the world, and the hotly anticipated lineup of artists booked for the festival's first edition is here!

The inaugural lineup of Montreal's newest country festival includes
Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Old Dominion, Kelsea Ballerini and more!
August 12-13, 2022 at Parc Jean-Drapeau
LASSO in the City - August 11, 2022