The History of Cashbox Magazine

Fri Jan 10, 2020

During my radio days as a Music Director, we had magazines that we considered the ‘station bibles.' In Canada, we had RPM and it was a trailblazer for the Canadian artists and had charts to boot, then Record Week,

We also watched other stations, if 1050 Chum added a song or if Rosalie Trombley at CKLW played it, then it was a surefire hit. Then there were the magazines: Billboard, Radio and Records, Record World and of course, Cashbox Magazine. Little did I know I would end up decades later actually owning the current Canadian version, Cashbox Canada.

Recently, a very established pr person told me I should let people know more about the history of Cashbox Magazine. He said the legacy artists know the name, but the new indie artists have no idea the background of this iconic magazine. So that brings me to this part of the story.

Season’s Greetings and Merry Christmas from Cashbox

Fri Dec 20, 2019

Sandy Graham: Christmas is a time to be grateful for all we have and I need to say how grateful I am for the Cashbox Team and my extended friends and colleagues in the industry who made 2019 so memorable for me.

The Cashbox Team is made up of Lenny Stoute, Don Graham, Chris Wardman, Jain MacMillan, Peter Astedt and Michael Williams and honestly, we could not publish week after week without these incredible people and their dedication to our magazine.

We have listed a few of their favourite ‘Top Ten’ things that happened for them this year:
 

Jain MacMillan
Jain MacMillan

Jain MacMillan - Cashbox Cover Design/Graphic Artist

My Top Ten favourite music-related things in 2019!

Royal Prospect – Lights Out!

Fri Dec 06, 2019

Royal Prospect is an international rock band formed in Sweden by brothers Oscar and Gustav and their childhood friends Hannes and Hannes. As songwriters as well as performers their music and stage performance has soared them into the global spotlight by winning the Swedish competition of Emergenza, the world’s leading festival for unsigned bands. The success at Emergenza led them to obtain bookings at top Swedish events and Croatia’s biggest international festival INmusic where they played a set between the bands Of Monsters and Men and Placebo. 

Royal Prospect was officially discovered at Scandinavia's biggest showcase festival, Live at Heart Sweden, which has quickly been gaining a reputation for breaking indie bands on a global level. They were immediately signed and are now co-managed by Peter Åstedt (MusicHelp) and Tommy Rehn (Rehn Music Group).

Johnny Reid Shares 'My Kind Of Christmas'

Fri Nov 29, 2019

Award-winning Scottish/Canadian artist Johnny Reid shares details of his new Christmas EP, My Kind Of Christmasand just in time for the holiday season. This new EP also marks his first vinyl release and for this occasion and is available in a single jacket with sleeve, pressed on limited marble vinyl and available now.

Widely known for his energetic stage performances, Johnny will embark on a national cross-Canada My Kind Of Christmas Tour that will cover 23 dates and will run from November 16 – December 14, with only dates that are sold out in Ontario.

Listen to “My Kind of Christmas” here:
youtu.be/arBPggx8b-o

Joey Clarkson Shares “The Year That Never Happened”

Fri Nov 22, 2019

For country/Americana artist Joey Clarkson, the title of her currently released album, The Year That Never Happened — and its second single of the same name, represents so much more than a blip in time.

“We got the idea for the title from a friend of ours,” Clarkson recalls of the single and album’s early foundation. “They had taken me for coffee and referenced the year we were living as ‘the year that never happened’ for us.

“I wrote down the title straight away; I knew in that moment it was going to be my album. That was the only way to make this struggle and depression worth it.”

Clarkson is referring to the time she spent navigating the lengthy bureaucratic labyrinth to secure a spousal visa to remain in the UK with her husband.

“‘These Days’ was the first song I wrote after my visa was declined,” says the Canadian singer/songwriter about the album’s first single. “It quite literally fell out of me the day after an absolutely soul crushing moment where immigration officials explained I would not be walking out of the office with one in-hand. And it was due to a technicality!”

Andy Kim Christmas Celebrates the 15th Year of Giving the Gifts of Light

Fri Nov 15, 2019

Canada’s own Andy Kim celebrates Christmas every year by producing a star-studded event both in Toronto and his hometown of Montreal.  Now in its 15th year, this event has become a tradition for fans and music industry folks,who by supporting with ticket purchases provide much needed funds for the Gift Of Light through CAMH.

David Clayton-Thomas Say Somethin’!

Fri Nov 08, 2019

The day when music was a driving force for social change is not over… the outspoken young songwriter who gave us “Brainwashed” and “Spinning wheel” in the sixties has struck again.

Now a master songwriter at the peak of his powers, he trains his eye on life in the 21st century. say somethin’ is a searing look at the times we live in and a fervent prayer for the future. songs that confront the most important issues of the day…  climate change, immigration, gun control, politics, the justice system.

David Clayton-ThomasFearless and confrontational, the clayton-thomas lyrics are sharp and to the point. written with disarming honesty and a wicked sense of humour… a satirical musical portrait of the crazy, upside down, politically charged world of 2020.

Indie Week Toronto November 13-17, 2019

Fri Nov 01, 2019

Now about to launch the 17th edition of Indie Week in Toronto, the stages and talent are more abundant and vibrant this year more than ever.

Darryl Hurs
Darryl Hurs

Cashbox Canada caught up with Darryl Hurs, founder of Indie Week Toronto, while he was on the road promoting Indie music and more. “ I started Indie Week in Canada 17 years ago because I didn’t think Indie bands were getting a decent platform to perform and there was a lot of good music it was getting ignored. The response and growth has been more than expected, and we look forward to many more Indie Week events in the years to come.”

In 2003 there were 8 venues and approximately 60 artists and there was no conference at that point.

Gene Cornish – My Life As a Rascal

Fri Oct 25, 2019

One of the amazing things about Cashbox Magazine is that it still has 'real estate' in the name, so when we request an interview with a legendary artist, it is always an honour when they say yes, and Gene Cornish was one of those personal honours for me not just as a journalist but as a true fan.

Catching up with Gene at his home in New Jersey, you can feel the love, memories and angst when he talks about the days of being one of The Rascals.  There is no bitterness in this talented man, and he has a philosophical and heartwarming way of telling the history of truly one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll bands from the 1960s & ’70s.

Hey Major Meet Them at “The Station”

Fri Oct 18, 2019

HEY MAJOR is formed by the two multi-instrumentalist brothers, Mickaël and Raphaël Fortin. Built on strong brit rock influences, the chemistry and history between these boys is audible from the first note, writing what they’ve coined to be “elegant rock.”

Inspired by the best of Brit rock and pop, their debut album “The Station” highlights Hey Major’s distinctive rock sound. The songs burst to life with Mickaël’s pristine and emotional vocals, dynamic piano parts and Raphaël’s restrained and consoling drumming. Released on October 11, 2019, this a band that is the one to watch.

Watch “The Station” here: https://youtu.be/XyNVvEE2T5k

Ventresca Releases 'Craving'

Fri Oct 11, 2019

At only 17 years old and with a future as bright as the California sun, Canadian pop singer Ventresca is poised and ready to take make her mark. The Toronto, Ontario born songstress has been involved in the arts for most of her young life. She started off as a dancer at the age of 5, performing and dancing at the prestigious school of Canadian Dance Unit, earning herself experience and an array of awards. There was always music around the house and listening to her brother and watching the talented Miley Cyrus on TV during her Hannah Montana run, was a big influence on young Ventresca.

“I guess that’s when I got the music bug. I watched that and thought I would love to do be a singer and performer.” This led to the enrollment in the world famous Royal Conservatory of Music in her hometown of Toronto for vocal lessons. Next came songwriting which is an integral part of the Ventresca package.

“I wanted to write my own songs because I believe I have something to say and share that is uniquely me and will speak to the audience I’m trying to reach. It’s very important to me.”

Bobby Curtola, Andy Kim, Chilliwack and Cowboy Junkies to be inducted to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame

Fri Sep 27, 2019

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) today announced four legendary Canadian artists will join The Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Inductees include Bobby Curtola,(posthumously), Andy Kim, Chilliwack and Cowboy Junkies.

The newest inductees will be celebrated at an industry event on Sunday, October 27 at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre in Calgary, AB.

Established in 1978, The Canadian Music Hall of Fame recognizes Canadian artists who have made outstanding contributions to spotlighting Canadian music here at home and/or on the international stage. Andy Kim, Bobby Curtola, Chilliwack and Cowboy Junkies will join the ranks of Canadian music icons including Anne Murray, Joni Mitchell, k.d. lang, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Oscar Peterson, RUSH, The Guess Who, The Tragically Hip, Shania Twain, and more.

Jack De Keyzer Check Mate

Fri Sep 20, 2019

For 46 years or roughly a couple million miles, bluesman, guitarist, singer, songwriter,  Jack de Keyzer has been hitting the road, rail and air to bring his brand of guitar driven blues across Canada and around the globe.  With 11 records, 1 DVD, 2 Junos and 7 Maple Blues Awards under his belt, de Keyzer delivers the goods wherever, whenever he performs.

Playing  over 100 shows a year, de Keyzer’s music is steeped in the Chicago blues,  with a broad range of influences ranging from Detroit’s Motown, Muscle Shoals deep soul ,  Memphis’  rock and roll,  Philadelphia’s funky soul jazz and London, England’s (where de Keyzer hails from) blues rock.  De Keyzer knows first hand as he has played with many first generation pioneers of these sounds and styles. (Bo Diddley, Otis Rush, Etta James, King Biscuit Boy and Ronnie Hawkins to name a few)   His latest recording  (Juno Nominated  -Blues Album of the Year 2019)  Checkmate is a 13 song tribute to the greats of Chess Records- Willie Dixon, Howlin’ Wolf, Albert King, Otis Rush and more.

Julian Taylor Band – Avalanche

Fri Sep 13, 2019

The voice drifting into the lobby from the soundcheck sounds so timeless it might be emerging from some ancient well of souls at the end of the world, but it’s also fresh and vulnerable.

Sometimes he sings in riddles celebrating sexuality, courting, pleading, lonesome and profound.  Other times, lost in the dreads, the voice comes up out of the shadow summoning ancestral tones of Maroon resistance or slipping into a high Mohawk register.

So…not a monotone experience at all. And well beyond stereo. In fact not of any one genre. Not limited that way. You get doors opening on doors. There’s no dissonance. In fact it’s a harmonic whole.

Not a revivalist, but a musical revisionist, Julian Taylor masterfully re-combines and updates the vintage sounds that inspired him, to create bold, innovative songs.

Live at Heart Sweden 2019

Fri Aug 30, 2019

Live at Heart Sweden the festival is celebrating Year 10 of bringing music and media from around the world together.

The site of this gathering is the magical hamlet of Örebro, Sweden, a beautiful and picturesque setting replete with a castle, river and cobblestone roads balanced with hip, modern night clubs, restaurants and bars. Live at Heart Sweden is one of Scandinavia’s biggest showcase festivals and industry conferences.

The festival shines a light on the stars of tomorrow and brings creative professionals together to inspire, learn and create. During Live at Heart, hundreds of artists, filmmakers, industry delegates and thousands of Live at Heart fans come together in the heart of Örebro. They come from different backgrounds, cultures and industries. But they do have one thing in common. They come to discover “sensation”. What is a sensation?

Jimmy Capps The Man in Back

Fri Aug 23, 2019

Say the name Jimmy Capps anywhere in the Nashville music circle and you’ll get a wide smile and an approving nod of the head. Jimmy has been an integral part of the Music City scene since Moby Dick was a guppy and in fact, just celebrated the 60th Anniversary on the Grand Ole Opry stage.

He’s such a fixture at the Opry, where he still is a member of the Opry band every weekend, that they named the band rehearsal room backstage at the Jimmy Capps Room. “But they put my nameplate up in Velcro so things could change,” Jimmy jokes. As a musician, Jimmy has done it all from live stage performance, the session musician to T.V. work. He is in fact a regular on Larry’s Country Diner in Nashville. “ They told me when they offered me the job I could be the Sherriff or the Mayor. I figure I make a better Sherriff than a Mayor. The cool thing is after 60 years of being the man in back on the Opry where hardly anyone recognized me I now get stopped on the street with ‘ Hey you’re the Sherriff on Larry’s Country Diner!”

Kate Gillespie - From Toronto to Nashville to New York

Fri Aug 02, 2019

A thirteen-year-old Kate Gillespie would have had no idea that when a mutual love of country music led her Dad to take her on a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, that she was glimpsing at her future.

As a young girl, Kate attended an arts school in her native town of Toronto, Ontario and began collaborating with other young singers and songwriters. Her journalist father and lawyer mother were very supportive of Kate and encouraged her to follow her dreams. So it was with their blessing that when young Kate decided she wanted to attend the well respected Belmont University in Nashville to study songwriting and learn about the music business her family was behind her 100%.

Swedish Group The Magnettes Got the ‘Shakes’ (Falling in Love)

Fri Jul 26, 2019

Falling in love is universal, and no matter how many decades of love songs there are out there, the feeling and angst is the same. With social media, ‘instant’ ways of communicating, and disposable relationships in this fast-paced world, the heart and emotions remain the same.

The latest offering from Sweden’s supergroup, The Magnettes ‘Shakes' (Falling in Love) combines the throwback feeling that we all recognize with a current twist that is well-crafted, capturing the timeless feeling we all so easily recognize. 

 Rebecka Digervall, Sanna Kalla and producer Tomas Bäcklund Tuneström make up the musical backdrop of The Magnettes, and have been steadily gaining momentum on a global level, sharing their unique style of music and videos, which quite frankly is refreshing with what is currently being played on radio, YouTube and all other sharing platforms.

The Musicians Hall of Fame Class of 2019

Fri Jul 19, 2019

The sign at the entrance of the Musician’s Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee says it all, “Come see what you’ve heard”. Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum is the only museum in the world to honour the lesser known folks who provide the music for the superstars and the recording artists we know and love. The Hall is housed in the historic Nashville Municipal Auditorium where some of the biggest acts on the planet have graced the stage. Elvis, George Jones, The Rolling Stones, Beach Boys and Michael Jackson. The Hall pays homage o some of the greatest recording musicians to ever play a note a gives you a llok at behind the scenes activity.

The members of the Hall is an impressive list of some of the finest musicians to ever live and this year 2019, the elite membership will be increased by thirty. And what a fine a varied group they are.They will be honored with a concert slated for Oct. 22 at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center.