News

“Toronto’s Music giants come forward to help record Ryan’s Song for the Nolan Fund drive”

Submitted by cashbox on Fri, 02/25/2011 - 10:35

The tragedy of January 12 as Toronto mourned a fallen officer spawned a song by Kimberly Dunn,”A Tribute for Ryan Russell”. Cashbox told a story about the music on that sad day and in turn contacted Ms. Dunn to tell her about the hopes of assisting the Nolan Russell Trust Fund with the story about the music that day and her song.

Kimberly was pleased and replied that she had hopes of recording the song as there had been many requests to see if it was available for I Tunes download. Cashbox reached out to the music community and there was no hesitation to help. Mark Nakamura of Blue Atlantis Records heard the call and made the dream come true. Last week Kimberley came into Toronto for a studio session at “Studio 92” where Juno Award winning engineer Norm Barker (Irish Descendants - Gypsies and Lovers, Julian Fauth - Ramblin' Son) graciously offered his services.

Kimberley DunnBen Winston provided the photography services and Kinetic Sight & Sound, another business owned and operated by Nakamura, will create and host the memorial website in honor of the fallen hero.

ONE SOUL THRUST UNVEILS NEW MANAGEMENT

Submitted by cashbox on Fri, 02/25/2011 - 10:34

EDMONTON, ALBERTA—Rock band One Soul Thrust has just signed a management deal with Cameron Tilbury Publicity in the United Kingdom.

One Soul Thrust is currently enjoying airplay around the world with their debut single, Go Home And Melt, which features guest vocals by Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Country Communion). The song is currently featuring on radio stations in the USA, Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, France and UK.

“We were introduced to Cameron through Nashville vocal coach Judy Rodman” says One Soul Thrust’s lead singer/songwriter Salem Jones. “he started getting our music out to international radio and doing our publicity. But he was also talking to booking agents, promoters and other people. We soon realized that he was doing a lot of what we wanted in a manager. Since our focus is international and our producer is based in Europe, we wanted an international manager. It just seemed like a good fit. We simply love C.”

CANADA’S HOTTEST NEW POP ROCKER’S NEVEREST RELEASE

Submitted by cashbox on Fri, 02/25/2011 - 10:33

DEBUT EP ABOUT US

Toronto, ON – Quickly becoming one of Canada’s most exciting new bands to watch, Neverest is set to release their debut EP About Us (Vic Park / Fontana North / Universal Music) on March 29, 2011. Infusing their melodic sound with heavy guitars, R&B beats and soulful harmonies, band mates Spyros “Spee” Chalkiotis (Lead Vocals / Guitar), Mike Klose (Lead Guitar / Keys / Backing Vocals), Paul Loduca (Bass / Backing Vocals) and Brendan Colameco (Drums / Percussion / Backing Vocals) create catchy, compelling pop-rock tunes on their highly anticipated debut.

CIMA Names New President

Submitted by cashbox on Fri, 02/25/2011 - 10:31

TORONTO, ON, February 24, 2011 – The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Stuart Johnston as its new President. He will assume this position on March 7, 2011.

Stuart Johnston arrives at CIMA with a vast array of experience in association management, policy and government relations issues. As Vice President of Policy and Government Relations with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Stuart was responsible for liaising with members of the provincial government and Ontario business leaders as well as responding to policy priorities in finance and taxation, intellectual property rights, transportation and infrastructure, borders and trade, education, and energy issues. In 2008 Stuart was honored with the James Gordon Carnegie Memorial Award for his leadership and mentorship within the Ontario chamber network.

“We're thrilled and excited to have found an exceptional talent like Stuart to lead CIMA. His extraordinary work in the business community and all levels of government will serve CIMA well as we move into an exciting but challenging future,” stated Grant Dexter, Chair of CIMA. “Welcome on board Stuart!”

CANADIAN POP-ROCKERS STEREOS ANNOUNCE TOUR IN SUPPORT OF SOPHOMORE RELEASE UNCONTROLLABLE

Submitted by cashbox on Fri, 02/25/2011 - 10:26

Juno Award –nominated band , Stereos announce their 2011 headlining Canadian tour to support of their recently released album, Uncontrollable (Universal Music Canada). Kicking off the tour in North Bay, ON this March 24, 2011 with stops in Edmonton, Victoria and Winnipeg, the band has prepared a thrilling live show that combines their pop-rock mentality and newly explored electro-club sound.

"Our favourite part of being in a band is to take our music on the road and play for people in as many places as possible,” says lead singer Pat Kordyback. “The club vibe on our new album will make for an upbeat show that we cannot wait to perform. We’re so excited to tour with the other bands and are confident it will be our best experience in Canada yet.”

With the release of their second studio album, band mates Pat Kordyback (Lead Vocals), Miles Holmwood (Lead Guitar / Vocals), Daniel Johnson (Bass Guitar), Robb Chalifoux (Rhythm Guitar) and Aaron Verdonk (Drums) show their growth and confidence as a group by continuing to make music that incorporates several genres - pop, electronic and rock. The first single, Uncontrollable and new single Body Move, maintain the band’s signature catchy lyrics and beats, while driving heavier bass lines and added synths for an overall pop-infused dance sound.

Bruce Cole – Rare Junos Photos.

Submitted by cashbox on Fri, 02/25/2011 - 10:19

What is now known as the Bruce Cole Collection, consisting of never before seen photos of some of Canada’s greatest stars in their early years, is now available to the public and media outlets for viewing and purchasing.

Hiltz Squared Media Group has established an online storefront for the sale of hard copy photos and fine art prints. Some 95 images have been digitized in high resolution formats, from original negatives (often 35mm, but many in a 2 ¼" format) Cole describes, but notes that sales will all be hard copy prints, numbered and signed as a collectors edition produced in association with a Toronto-based digital facility. Images will be added weekly and the site will eventually include the works of other photographers who also "lived and breathed the music industry" said Cole.

Cashbox is proud to present two of Bruce’s Collection weekly leading up to the Juno Awards celebration 2011. www.plumstudios.com

Blankfest Quebec III - It's About The Homeless; Nothing More, Nothing Less

Submitted by cashbox on Fri, 02/18/2011 - 23:33

Montreal's annual Blankfest Quebec returns for its 3rd year in support of one of Canada's oldest and largest homeless shelters, the Old Brewery Mission. Feb 25th

Over the last two years, Blankfest Quebec has been raising winter clothing for Montreal's homeless men and women and has collected over 1,000 clothing items to date.

This year's 3rd annual Blankfest Quebec will be hosted at Katacombes (1635 St-Laurent) on February 25th with a special guest performance from NYC's Blankfest founder Kenn Rowell and his band, The Baghdaddios. The night will also include performances from local repeat supporters Vinyl Hero, Emery Street, The In n Outs, and newcomers Kill Matilda from Vancouver.

Montreal’s winter months are known for having temperatures well below zero and those who are homeless run the risk of frostbite and possible death due to overexposure. Blankfest Quebec, in cooperation with the Old Brewery Mission, aims to aid those who are less fortunate and keep the homeless warm while living on the streets.

DAWSON REIGNS IN 2011

Submitted by cashbox on Fri, 02/18/2011 - 23:29

In 2010 country radio was introduced to a new Country artist and that artist was Dawson Reigns! The debut single – “If Crazy Wasn’t So Beautiful” became a Top Twenty hit on the Cancountry Chart – Country Music News. In October 2010, Dawson received his first #1 on the Hot Country Chart out of Queensland, Australia.

This was followed by “Empty Handed” which was included on the Country Music Year End Top 100 with his album Enjoy The Ride (produced by award winning producer – Jason Barry) receiving Special Mention in the Country Music New Year end wrap up.

In September 2010 radio received his third single – “Girl Next Door” just in time for him to take the stage as part of NEW ARTIST SHOWCASE in Edmonton at Canadian Country Music Week. No sooner had Dawson returned home to Cambridge, Ontario than he once again was off – this time to England to participate in the British Country Music Awards – what started out as just a performance at their “invite” only Open Mic turned into a performance at their award show.

This was parlayed into a mini radio tour of the UK. Certainly an impressive. debut into the Country Music world. Back in Canada, he inked a management deal with Kathryn Hummel of Hummel Entertainment (Hey Romeo).

Donny Parenteau signs with “360 Records/EMI

Submitted by cashbox on Fri, 02/18/2011 - 23:18

Donny Parenteau is a talented singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (fiddle, mandolin, acoustic and electric guitars and the unique mandocaster). After touring with Neal McCoy for twelve years, Donny launched his solo career in 2003.This seasoned entertainer has performed with numerous country artists and genuine music icons such as Charlie Daniels, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Shania Twain and Reba McIntyre. Since going solo, Parenteau has garnered numerous Provincial and National recognitions including a Juno Nomination in 2007 for Aboriginal Recording of the Year, wins for SCMA (Saskatchewan Country Music Association) Male Vocalist of the Year, Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year and Aboriginal Artist of the Year. Also Donny won two CAMA (Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards) in 2007 for Song of the Year (Father Time) and Producer / Engineer of the Year (What It Takes) which he shared with Steve Fox, Glenn Enns and Matt Anderson.

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan’s Donny Parenteau has signed a label deal with 306 Records/EMI to distribute his forthcoming album – TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. His second single from the album – MY GIRL is currently at Canadian radio, with the accompanying video in rotation on CMT Canada.

The new album TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN was produced by Harry Stinson with Donny as Associate Producer and it is expected to hit retail January 25^th, 2011.

ACCLAIMED Canadian Singer/songwriter Jill Barber SET TO RELEASE MUCH Anticipated new ALBUM mischievous moon

Submitted by cashbox on Fri, 02/18/2011 - 23:11

Toronto, ON – Canadian songstress Jill Barber’s career is evolving from her original acoustic, folk sound with the release of her fourth album Mischievous Moon set for release on April 5, 2011 (Outside Music). With this new offering, Barber collaborates once again with longtime producer, Les Cooper, as well as recording with her touring band for the first time. Additionally, the album was recorded in Toronto and strings were recorded at the famed Glenn Gould Studio by the Mischievous Moon Chamber Players. The result is an album with distinctive vocals and theatrical orchestration that truly showcases Barber’s ability to take audiences back in time.

“I aspire to write songs that evoke a feeling of another time and a space, a sensation that you've felt before but can't quite place,” says Barber. “Classic songwriting deals with the universal themes; love, loss... but great songwriting means that it always feels individual to the listener. My hope is to capture the imagination of my listeners the same way my favourite records have inspired me.”

Barber’s acclaimed 2008 album Chances features a classic, 1940’s-esque sound, inspired by artists including Ella Fitzgerald and Edith Piaf. In 2009, Chances was long-listed for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize, launching Barber into the spotlight and establishing her as Canada’s romantic, musical darling.