Toronto alt rock duo, USS, is back with their thank-you album for the fans, The Science and Artfunkel Victory Lap, a compilation of unreleased b-sides and rarities released in conjunction with the band’s final tour.
After winning 8 awards (4x CASBY, 2x COCA, 2x INDIE), being nominated for a JUNO Award for Best New Group, and earning a Certified Gold record (Yin Yang), USS is leading the release of their new compilation with “Follow (Trans Lunar Ejector Maneuver),” an anthem of warts-and-all self acceptance.
Written with Travis Wood and Gavin Slate, “Follow” features a singalong chorus paired with earnest acoustic guitar and direct rhythms. The song channels the mood of that moment when you decide you’ve had enough and need to break old habits, catching your own eye and seeing through your own twisted rationalizations.
Fleur Electra is a Toronto based singer-songwriter, producer, and performer. Since first writing music as an impressionable pre-teen, she has developed an ever-evolving sense of musicality that has shaped her sound into what it is now: punchy alternative pop, paired with dreamy ambience.
Her debut single, “Lucky Penny,” is the first single off of her new record coming in 2022, entitled In Technicolor.
“Lucky Penny” is built around the idea of taking the time to challenge what you already know and understand what matters to you. A bright, synth based pop track, this track follows a story of self-realization where the song’s protagonist really comes into their own identity.
A year of isolation, and soul crushing anxiety has sent Forester’s DIY approach spiraling down the rabbit hole. “Can’t Sleep” fights back, lashing out lyrically with a vengeance. Written by the band, but blasting a brighter mix packed full of vivid ‘ear art’ thanks to Sam Guaiana (Silverstein, We Were Sharks), their new single marks the first time the band has brought outside ears into the studio.
E-Prime is the self-produced electro-pop project of siblings Jaclyn & Trevor Blumas. Emerging out of the pandemic with a hopeful longing for fresher air and greener pastures, the duo made a conscious commitment to make unabashedly feel-good music against the emotional backdrop of all the grief, loss, hate and conflict that presented itself over the past year.
With this in mind, E-Prime deploys nostalgia as a glossy lens through which to find beauty in the present moment, rather than look backwards with a romantic idealism. Smooth new single, “Lens of Love,” captures the simple and universally familiar notion that love will prevail.
The track is Mixed by Patrick Holland (Project Pablo) and Jeremy Greenspan (Jessy Lanza/Junior Boys.
Catherine MacLellan is a folk music troubadour, representing Canada at home and internationally. Awarded Songwriter of the Year at the 2021 East Coast Music Awards, Catherine continues to receive accolades for her latest album, COYOTE which received a 2020 JUNO nomination for Contemporary Folk Album, three nominations for 2021 Canadian Folk Awards and was awarded Contemporary Roots and Solo Recording of the Year at the Music PEI Awards.
Catherine’s self-produced holiday single, “Calling You Home (for the Holidays),” captures the mood of those old Christmas songs that are about being together. Even when we can’t be there in person, we can be there in spirit. Catherine also engineered the project and played all the instruments herself.
(London, England) November 25, 2021 – Pharaoh’s Dream, the mystical smooth Jazz entity has recently released the ‘regroove’ rendition of The Stylistics’ “Children of the Night.” This magical and mystical song is about being gay in the 1970’s, which Pharaoh’s Dream lead vocalist, David Nathan, has some experience in. David, who’s 73 years young, dedicates this song to those who still walk the shadows of the night, to those who still feel alone, and those who still feel the pain of the AIDS crisis.
He shares what “Children of the Night” means to him. Watch his testimonial here:
This ‘regroove’ came just in time for World AIDS Day on December 1st, an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic which began in the early 1980’s as well as mourning those who we lost. “The acceptance and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community that is much more present today is a far cry from what we experienced back in the ‘70s and ‘80s and beyond. So many of my dear friends died in the first few years of the AIDS pandemic. It was devastating. I cried so many times over the death of people in my life who were persecuted, disowned by their families and work colleagues and who were my own age. I worked actively in the ‘80s and ‘90s with The Minority AIDS Project in Los Angeles to help break the stigma associated with the virus. I am well aware that AIDS is still a reality in many parts of the world so our work is far from done in bringing compassion, love and support to those affected by AIDS ” shares David. As an openly Gay man, and one who experienced the persecutions of gay men in the 1970’s and 1980’s, David hopes to send a message of love and acceptance of everyone, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community.
David’s deep and raspy voice is what carries this smooth jazz/soul version of “Children of the Night.” We get an entrancing flute, courtesy of award-winning musician Najee, and magical chimes that beautifully intertwine with the background vocals from special guest Will Downing.
Listen to “Children of the Night (The 2021 Late at Night Regroove)” here:
David’s aim is to appeal to the generation that loves the music of Sade, Norah Jones, Mose Allison and of course, the iconic Nina Simone. He has created an exciting and soulful jazz/blues show that includes his own recent recordings as well as a personal musical salute to Nina Simone that includes sharing some of his memories of spending time with her. This show started in London initially when David started the first UK fan club for her as a teenager in 1965 and then through the years until her passing in 2003.
Currently, David has been hard at work with some important projects. This past week, he released “Say It Like You Mean It”, by Takim Brown, co-written with Preston Glass and others, on the Philly Soul Select, Compilation. Listen here:
On November 23, 2021, he did an interview project as a video on YouTube called, David Nathan (The British Ambassador Of Soul) with Aretha’s Angels, six publicists who worked with Aretha Franklin between 1985-2018, sharing personal reminiscences with David who first connected with ‘The Queen Of Soul’ as a London teenager in 1966 and celebrating the 2021 release of the career-spanning 4CD Rhino box set, ARETHA. Watch here:
His track, “I’m In My Prime,” co-written with Preston Glass, is on his latest album by the legendary soul group, The Spinners. Listen here:
And Finally, he is completing work on his 1st book of soulful poetry, ‘Like…The First Time You Heard Chaka Khan!’ due out February 2022
About Pharaoh’s Dream
Pharaoh’s Dream, mystical, mysterious…. “Created as an expression for evocative music that soothes the soul, calms the spirit,” says David Nathan, who initially began recording under this banner in 2006 with the album Wistful Elegance, which he produced in Los Angeles with award-winning music man Preston Glass, with tracks featuring special guests such as Kenny Lattimore, Will Downing, Lynne Fiddmont and on the now-rare CD release, liner notes by Roberta Flack. In more recent years, Pharaoh’s Dream recordings have included FEELING GOOD – A PERSONAL TRIBUTE TO NINA SIMONE reflecting David’s early years as the founder of the music legend’s first UK appreciation society.
The name ‘Pharaoh’s Dream’ is a reflection of David Nathan’s deep interest in the 18th Dynasty of Egypt, with such historical figures as Akhenaten, Nefertiti and Tutankhamen, an interest inspired by a conversation on a 1975 flight with Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire fame… Pharaoh’s Dream, ancient yet timeless…
David Nathan’s smokey mocha-flavoured vocal style evokes memories of a bygone era, of intimate dimly-lit ’40s and ’50s jazz clubs and yet has the kind of timeless quality associated with the likes of Nina Simone, his primary personal and musical mentor. Born in London, David has loved music for as long as he can remember, Dionne Warwick, Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin as a teenager.
Known initially for his work behind the scenes as a soul music journalist, author and historian, David began recording in 2003 in Los Angeles, his home for 24 years with direct encouragement of such illustrious artists as Roberta Flack and Bonnie Raitt, His 2003 CD debut, “Reinvention” includes a number of pop and jazz classics such as The Beatles’ “Blackbird,” Billie Holiday’s “You Don’t Know What Love Is” and a Brazilian-styled version of “Cry Me A River” (featuring The Sweet Inspirations).
In recent years, David completed sessions in the UK for the album, “I Used To Rule The World” and has worked with Indian violinist/composer/producer Aritra B on original music included on the EP, “A Long Way From Blue” due for re-release in 2022.
Modern Mystery 
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