Bif Naked Commemorates 25th Anniversary Of I, Bificus With Deluxe Edition

Thu Feb 01 2024
Bif Naked

Just twenty-five years ago, Bill Clinton had a scandalous affair, Teletubbies invaded American TV, and Viagra got the green light. Surprise, surprise – Bif Naked also dropped her second album, "I, Bificus," right in the midst of this wild ride! Let’s not forget Buffy lost her virginity to the Bif song “Lucky” as she performed on Buffy The Vampire Slayer. 

An infectious, eclectic blend of raucous power-pop hooks, emotive and raw lyricism, with old-school punk attitude-like Bif herself. It’s unrelenting charisma with hits like “Spaceman” “Moment of Weakness” and “Lucky” The album catapulted Bif to superstardom internationally, multiple gold records, followed by multiple platinum records, and set her on a course of global touring that still finds her doing year round concerts to this day. 

Through it all Bif remains true to her loyal fans and always gives them all of herself with every performance. What better way to celebrate the lasting power of this record it’s and, of course Bif herself, than to finally release a 25th anniversary edition I, BIFICUS XXV a completely remastered album including bonus tracks and a new version of Lucky (Orchestral)

Why Video Game Music is a Serious Art Form Now

Mon Jan 29 2024
Video Game Music

Meta: Video game music is now such a serious art form that it has its own category at the Grammys. Find out why this might be right here.

Music in video games is extremely important and has helped shape the video game industry over the past few decades. It enhances the players' experience and takes gaming to the next level. It even has its own category at the Grammys.

Let's dive into discover why video game music (VGM) is now a serious art form and look at some of the most memorable video game soundtracks in recent years. 

Joy Bullen Launches The Black History Month Classical Music Series

Thu Jan 25 2024
Black History Month Celebration

The Black History Month Classical Music Series, was created by Joy Bullen, Culturepreneur, to introduce Canadians to young, Black, Canadian, musicians who shatter stereotypes and are themselves in the process of making history.

We hear so little about Canadian Black Classical artist, composers and musician, like William Leather Nashville Symphony trumpet, Measha Brueggergosman Diva and Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser Conductor/Composer.

Since 2015, they present performances featuring musicians who excel in areas where Black voices and presence have often been silenced or ignored. Each year they partner with cultural and not-for-profit organizations across Canada to entertain and educate diverse audiences.

This year’s Black History Month Concert Series features:

Micah Barnes Sings 60s Pop Songs Including Former Band The Nylons’ Classic Hits For 2 Dates

Thu Jan 25 2024
Micah Barnes

By Popular Demand:
Feb 14: Hugh’s Room, Toronto
March 30: Brampton Onstage -Cyril Clark Theatre

Tickets Available Here:
showpass.com/micahbarnes/
tickets.brampton.ca/Online/mapSelect.asp

Acclaimed singer Micah Barnes, renowned for his soulful voice and captivating stage presence, is set to enchant audiences with a series of performances celebrating the timeless melodies of the 60s with two shows in Toronto, ON and Brampton, ON.

The eagerly awaited shows will feature Barnes showcasing his vocal prowess through a repertoire that includes iconic hits from the golden era of pop music, including classic songs from his legendary a cappella group The Nylons, along with a few teasers focusing on his upcoming "2nd Great American Songbook” ( Alma / Universal Music Canada, out in Spring, 2024), with tunes by Carole King, Burt Bacharach, Smokey Robinson featuring a top-notch band of Michael Shand on piano, bassist Russ Boswell and Amhed Mitchel on drums.

Folk Pop Icon MELANIE Releases (posthumously) A Timeless Live Album!

Thu Jan 25 2024
Melanie

Editor's Note: We received this press release just days before the passing of Melanie, on January 23, 2024, at the age of 76. We felt it was still deserving to announce the upcoming release as it truly is now a timeless album.

Melanie, the acclaimed folk-pop icon whose performance at the historic Woodstock Festival in 1969 launched her career, continued to captivate audiences long after the counterculture revolution came and went. She’s released 25+ studio albums throughout her multi-decade career alongside multiple compilations. But it’s always been her live performances that resonated the most with her audience. Now those fans have cause to celebrate as one of her best live recordings is set for release on both CD and, for the first time ever, vinyl!

Del Shannon – The Legendary Rock ‘n’ Roll Falsetto Singing Star

Fri Jan 05 2024
Del Shannon

He was rock and roll music's first falsetto singing star, with Frankie Valli and Lou Christie soon to follow in his musical footsteps.

Del Shannon had a "Runaway" hit with his first hit in 1961, Charting #1 on the Cashbox Charts. Two years later in 1963, he had the first USA hit single written by the Beatles, before we would know who the Beatles would become.

Check out “From Me to You” here:

His first hit that put him in Rock ‘n’ Roll history books was definitely “Runaway”:

Neil Leyton Announces The Release Of His Newest Single “Singerman” an Ode to Industry Icon Robert Singerman

Fri Dec 15 2023
Neil Leyton Photo Credit Katja Ruge

Neil Leyton SingermanNeil Leyton has just announced the release of his newest single “Singerman” out NOW on Shame Destroyer Records. The new single follows Leyton’s tradition of crafting sing-along pop anthems with garage-rock-grit. Following the release of the “Michael Maker” and “Praia Verde Eldorado” singles recorded at Canoa Studios in Portugal, Portuguese-Canadian rock n roll singer-songwriter Neil Leyton brings us “Singerman”: an ode to his good friend from NYC Robert Singerman.

Listen on Spotify here: Singerman - song and lyrics by Neil Leyton | Spotify

Time Passages To Launch Journey: Worlds Apart, Definitive Bio Of World-Famous Rock Band

Fri Dec 08 2023
Journey

Time Passages will publish JOURNEY: WORLDS APART, the definitive accounting of the multiplatinum “Don’t Stop Believin’” Rock and Roll Hall of Fame hitmakers written by award-winning journalist Nick DeRiso, on December5, 2023.

A multiple “Columnist of the Year” award-winner for the USA Today network, DeRiso conducted dozens of interviews to compile a book that’s much more than just a detailed band biography – it’s an all-access backstage pass for casual and devoted Journey fans alike.

The Second Round of Cashbox Radio Christmas Indie Pick Hits Added to Rotation

Fri Dec 01 2023
Cashbox Radio

As the season is upon us, Cashbox Radio, like most stations at this time, is busy putting the rotation list together of the old standards as well as the 2023 Indie Releases that we feel deserve airplay and attention.

The Second Cashbox Radio Christmas Pick Hits are:

(in alphabetical order)

Don Graham –Make Every Day Like it Was Christmas Day

Don Graham –Make Every Day Like it Was Christmas Day

Len Mizzino – It’s Christmas

Len Mizzino – It’s Christmas

101 True Stories to Surprise And Delight Canadian Music Fans

Fri Dec 01 2023
101 True Stories to Surprise And Delight Canadian Music Fans

David McPherson is a Waterloo, Ontario-based author, freelance writer, and communications consultant. Ever since attending his first rock concert in 1989 (The Who) and buying his first LP (Freeze Frame by The J. Geils Band), music has become “the elixir of his life.” With more than 18,000 songs on my iPod, and an ever-growing vintage vinyl collection, it’s a joy to discover new music; he loves sharing these discoveries with his wife and two children. After watching his first show [The Old 97s] at the Horseshoe Tavern more than twenty years ago, he was in love with this iconic venue. David’s first book: The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern: A Complete History chronicled the history of this Toronto institution; it was published in 2017. Since, he has published two more books: Massey Hall (2021) and 101 Fascinating Canadian Music Facts (2023).

Eric Alper PR Announces New Services with a Spotify Playlist Promotion

Fri Nov 24 2023
Eric Alper

Eric Alper PR is excited to offer a Spotify promotion and playlisting approach that keeps long-term streaming growth and algorithmic cohesion as its primary focus. This means that he only uses real human manual pitching to outlets curated by people who want to hear your genre of music, and to outlets that would be programming your song in lists with similar independent artists and marketing those lists to audiences who would be looking for music like it.

“What once seemed like the future is now, and the beat of innovation never stops. As we step into the now, I’m thrilled to announce that Spotify promotion has joined our repertoire of services.”

He works to use the digital streaming service algorithms to help put your music in spaces where listeners would expect to hear it, resulting in a lower skip rate. He uses his almost-decade experience third party playlists as a way to teach discovery algorithms that your song should be suggested to more listeners who like similar artists. It is our experience that as a result of this, there will be a longer period of growth on your track and a higher chance of it reaching people who will become real fans.

Buffy Sainte-Marie Issues Statement after Emmy Win

Fri Nov 24 2023
Buffy Sainte-Marie

Buffy Sainte-Marie statement:

I want to begin by thanking the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the honour. As one of the most prestigious awards in the global entertainment industry, it is a true recognition of the outstanding team who worked on my story – the true story of my life.

I’ve always believed it takes rain and sunshine to bring a rainbow. This great honour does indeed come after the rain – as I continue to absorb and process the recent attack on my character, life and legacy. It’s a deep wound to my inner child, but as an 82-year-old now, I’m strong – and these allegations do not shake me.

Now it is time for me to shine a light on the truth, my truth.

I have never lied about my identity. The more I’ve known, the more I’ve pieced together a sense of self from what information has been available to me.

What I know about my Indigenous ancestry I learned from my growing up mother, who was of Mi’kmaq heritage, and my own research later in life. My mother told me that I was adopted and that I was Native, but there was no documentation as was common for Indigenous children at the time.

Canada Welcome's DICE – What Does That Mean for the Music Industry?

Fri Nov 24 2023
DICE

Music fans across Canada are excited about the launch of DICE, but what does it mean for the music industry? Click here to find out: Casinos.com game library is large

Founded in London in 2014, DICE has steadily become the leading independent music ticketing company in the world.

For those unaware, this is a software platform that enables users to search and buy tickets to many different live music events, including concerts and festivals.

While its significance has been felt in the UK for the last nine years, in October 2023, it finally crossed the Atlantic into Canada, furthering its work to expand across North America and beyond.

Along with the launch in Toronto, exclusive deals have been announced with Collective Concerts, The Garrison, Baby G, SouthPaw, Transmit Presents, and many more renowned partners.

According to the president of DICE, Russ Tannen, Toronto is the “perfect stage to bring in new fans” and attain a tech-forward approach, bringing the shows that Canadians love straight to their smartphones with a fast and “transparent ticket experience designed for them”.

The First Round of Cashbox Radio Christmas Indie Pick Hits Announced

Fri Nov 24 2023
Cashbox Radio Christmas Indie Pick Hits

As the season is upon us, Cashbox Radio, like most stations at this time, is busy putting the rotation list together of the old standards as well as the 2023 Indie Releases that we feel deserve airplay and attention.

The first Cashbox Radio Christmas Pick Hits are:

(in alphabetical order)

Bara Jonson and Free

Bara Jonson and Free – Say Merry Christmas

Collette Cooper – Dark Side of Christmas

Collette Cooper – Dark Side of Christmas

Prepare to Be Enchanted by Liona Boyd's 'Once Upon A Time' Album and Win a Guitar in Her Remarkable Giveaway

Fri Nov 10 2023
Liona Boyd

Liona Boyd, affectionately known as "The First Lady of the Guitar," is set to captivate music lovers worldwide with her upcoming album, "Once Upon A Time." This enchanting musical journey results from a five-year creative voyage, offering listeners a realm of nostalgia, beauty, and timeless imagination. What makes this release even more remarkable is the simultaneous launch of a generous guitar giveaway initiative sponsored by Liona Boyd in collaboration with Yamaha and Long & McQuade music stores.

Experience Nocturn here:

Newest Inductee Into Canada’s Songwriters Hall Of Fame Singer-Songwriter Marc Jordan Releases New Single 'Best Day of My Life'

Fri Nov 10 2023
Marc Jordan

Iconic singer and veteran songwriter Marc Jordan, whose remarkable career has spanned over four decades, has dropped a captivating new single, "Best Day of My Life," from his critically acclaimed album "Waiting for the Sun To Rise," released in April 2023. This soulful and mesmerizing track is a testament to Marc Jordan's exceptional talent and ability to evolve as an artist.

Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/album/5E0CarVimmc8TWcIgcqZ4f

 In a significant milestone of his illustrious career, Jordan has been honoured with induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place on November 1, 2023, in Toronto, Ontario, recognizing Jordan as an acclaimed producer, jazz vocalist, and revered songwriter known as a "songwriter's songwriter" by his peers and industry icons. Alongside fellow inductee John Capek, with whom he co-wrote the hit "Rhythm of My Heart" for Rod Stewart, Jordan was celebrated for his immense contributions to the world of music.

Music in Motion Canada Extends Submission Deadline for the MiMc Awards

Fri Nov 03 2023
Music in Motion Canada

Barb Keck of Music in Motion Canada has now extended the deadline for submissions for the MiMc Awards which will now close at midnight EST on November 15, 2023.

What inspired this music adjudication initiative?

Barb Keck has this to say of the new initiative, ”Singer-Songwriters Musicians are looking for opportunities to be heard by top-notch music professionals.
We’ve received requests from music creators to help get their music heard. This inspired us to create a break for undiscovered INDIE talent to gain connections, opportunities, and exposure to award-winning music industry professionals.

This event was initiated and designed to help musicians gain valuable feedback that will help them improve their music careers and be the catalyst for progress and success.

You may be asking ‘why is this so much more than the average fee of $25? Our event offers so much more. Personalized feedback to EVERY participant, from 3 music industry experts that specialize in music, artist management & publicity. Just for entering with $100, there is already a value of $400.

Crystal Head Vodka Presents The Legendary Downchild Blues Band Happy Trails Tour With Special Guest Jeff Rogers El Mocambo

Fri Nov 03 2023
Downchild Blues Band

(It’s been over 40 years since The Legendary Downchild Blues Band have played the iconic El Mocambo in Toronto, so the band thought it would be fun to play the club one more time on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 8:00 pm with special guest Jeff Rogers.

Tickets for The Legendary Downchild Blues Band's show go ON SALE Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at 10:00 am at elmocambo.com Tickets and Seating are very LIMITED, so get them while you can for this NOT TO BE MISSED performance!

Downchild has a long history with the “El Mo”, as it was known back then, as the house band for the club in the early ‘70’s and they recorded their live album But I’m On The Guest List there to a packed house in 1982.

In the early days, the El Mocambo was a lowdown joint on Spadina Avenue that hosted the likes of Downchild, Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy. In later years bands like Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble, Joan Jett and U2 graced the stage and of course The Rolling Stones surprise performance at the club with Margaret Trudeau in tow, is a thing of mystical legend.

The African-Canadian Fusion: A Cross-Cultural Celebration Saturday, October 28

Fri Oct 20 2023
African Women Acting

African Women Acting (AWA), celebrating their 10th anniversary this fall, is set to host The African-Canadian Fusion: a Cross-Cultural Celebration of Art, Music, and Poetry this fall. On Saturday, October 28 Daniel’s Spectrum, a cultural center on Dundas Street in Regent Park, Toronto, will be transformed into a home of music and other performing arts that celebrate the African diaspora in Canada.

Founded in 2011, AWA is a nonprofit focused on empowering, preserving and promoting women issues and the heritage of African culture through African art. And it’s known for its rocking events, including its long running annual Niagara Festival, which in the waning days of summer this year took over RiverBrink Art Museum in Queenston. One donor paid for 300 tickets, too, so that fans could enjoy the full day, family-friendly program.

The Fall event, meanwhile, will feature Cameroonian Afropop singer Jbwai, spoken word artist and singer J Nichole Noel, Susan Heaten, and Nigerian vocalist Sonia Aimy, who founded AWA back in 2011.