JupiterReign, also known as Thaydra Gray, has been surrounded by music since the beginning of her life. She began singing in her father’s church choir in Montreal, Quebec, where she grew up, directed by her mother, even before she could put together full sentences. The youngest of four daughters, it was through her sisters that she found her deep love for R&B music. 

Rooted in the rich traditions of R&B, JupiterReign’s music aims to evoke emotions, tell stories, and forge connections with a diverse and passionate audience. With every note, lyric, and performance, she strives to craft a unique, sonic experience that leaves a lasting impact on the souls of those who listen. She has a profound belief in the power of music to heal, uplift, unite and tell a story. 

Her single, “In a Rush,” captures the excitement and spontaneity that often accompanies romantic connections. This song not only explores the magnetic pull between individuals but also embraces the carefree spirit that defines the thrill of being swept away in the heat of the moment. It’s a vivid picture of the thrill and passion that come with the fast-paced nature of love, making it a perfect anthem for those who savor the playful and sensual aspects of their relationships.

This song is the standalone single to her debut album, Jupiter’s Dreams, which will be released in Fall 2024. This project is a sonic fusion, where soft R&B melodies, rhythmic hip-hop beats, and infectious Afrobeat rhythms converge to create an immersive musical experience. It will also feature some talented artists from Halifax, and Montreal.

Erik Lankin is a composer and producer of new classical music based in Montreal (Tiohtià:ke). Erik combines classical orchestration with contemporary sound design. He channels the full spectrum of emotion into instrumental soundscapes, which are compellingly narrative and evocative.

From 2020 to 2023, he assembled a team of some of Canada’s most accomplished classical soloists and neoclassical producers to realize his vision for his highly anticipated debut release: The Icarus Album. Using music, Erik reinterprets the myth of Icarus and Daedalus as a metaphor for losing his father to mental illness. His music flows between grief and torment to find places of hope, triumph and healing, reflecting his personal journey of coping with loss and finding meaning in music.

On the single, “Daedalus Requiem,” Erik has this to divulge on the inspiration of this track of deep meaning to the composer:

I reimagined the myth of Daedalus so that it was him and not Icarus who fell into the sea. Leaving Icarus alone, grieving and aloft on the broken wings he inherited. This song sings the passing of Daedalus into the underworld.

1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically? 

This song is the debut single from my project The Icarus Album. It is an instrumental reinterpretation of the myth of Icarus and Daedalus, reimagined so that Daedalus falls to his death and Icarus must fly onward on the broken wings inherited from his father. Told this way the myth becomes a metaphor for losing my own father to suicide. This track specifically opens with the final breaths of Daedalus and sings his passing into the underworld. Visualizing the track gave the opportunity to add another axis to the emotional expression.

2. What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)? 

For this video I worked with creator Franklin López who edited and directed the project. I mostly gave Frank free reign as I trust his creative vision and wanted an alternative visual context from the reimagined myth which I had been leaning on heavily for my other visuals. The only notes he had from me for inspiration besides the music was my description of the story and which part was being told by this track. His focus on underwater choreography of synchronized swimming was such a profound and beautiful surprise for me.

3. What was the process of making this video?

I sent Frank the music and he worked from scratch. We passed drafts back and forth a few times but most of the feedback I had was on the level of post-production nitpicking like which cut goes where and which color filter to use. I had anticipated the most difficult part would be dealing with the intense subject matter but I felt like all of Frank’s choices were both tasteful while still fitting with the difficult emotions. He has also prepared videos for a bunch of the other tracks which I am excited to share when the time comes.

RJ Mitte’s Uplifting Film “Triumph” Premieres on Streaming Platforms Today, Inspiring Viewers with Messages of Perseverance, Inclusion, and Support for United Cerebral Palsy

RJ Mitte’s (Breaking Bad) uplifting film “Triumph” is making a triumphant run on multiple digital platforms, including a debut on Vudu. Inspired by screenwriter Michael Coffey’s personal life, “Triumph” is a compelling story set in the ’80s about a young man with cerebral palsy who overcame every obstacle thrown his way.

“Triumph” is an inspirational sports film that teaches viewers about character, determination, humility, kindness, and perseverance. The film delivers powerful messages that resonate with audiences of all ages.

The heartwarming tale follows the journey of Mike, portrayed by Mitte, as he navigates the challenges of high school and pursues his dreams against all odds. Determined to prove himself, Mike sets his sights on joining the wrestling team as a senior, despite doubts and cynicism from others.

Amidst the trials and tribulations, Mike finds support in a new coach who champions the underdog, a loyal best friend, and an unwaveringly supportive father. Together, they challenge Mike to push beyond his limitations and embrace his inner strength.

“He (Coffey) wrote this story about being with the times and the restrictions of people with disabilities in the 80s. There was discouragement to wrestle, and this movie is about going for his dream,” Mitte said.

Mitte’s character is in his last year of high school and about to go to college. His dream is to wrestle, but everyone in his life is against it. The overall message of the movie, according to Mitte, is to go against the odds and fight for one’s life dream.

“Through meeting people and stepping out of his comfort zone, he was able to find his courage and persevere through a time where people were not supportive. I don’t think people realize how unsupportive supportive people can be sometimes,” Mitte says.

“We will go through phases where there’s 100 percent support, but really no one believes in you. Finding self-belief and self-worth and putting yourself forward, that is where you achieve greatness,” he said.

Digital Ignition Entertainment and MAP Groups production “Triumph” has been honored by being awarded with the Seal of Authentic Representation from The Ruderman Family Foundation for its’ diversity in film which portrayed a dedication and authenticity in the representation of people with disabilities in the entertainment industry. 

Watch the film via:

https://amzn.to/49rz2cb – AMAZON

https://apple.co/3wGROxu – Apple

https://bit.ly/3SX5bS1 – VUDU

Introducing Animals in Denial, spearheaded by the visionary Christian Imes, whose musical journey is intricately woven with personal narratives and a fervent drive for artistic expression.

“No Enemy” emerges as a poignant reflection of Imes’ encounters with negativity, both within his industrial community and the vast expanse of internet culture:

“Stepping away from the industrial scene, I found myself grappling with the pervasive negativity of online discourse. It seemed every corner of the internet was rife with contention. Initially defensive, I soon realized the profound generational gap in understanding. This realization fueled a desire to challenge these divisive narratives.”

Imes’ innovative spirit shines through in his musical approach, utilizing an array of instruments and technology to craft his distinctive soundscapes.

For “No Enemy,” Imes experimented with a Billy Corgan Signature Strat and an Ibanez AX120 guitar, complemented by an RP50 for effects. Incorporating his wife Jeanine’s bass and Abelton for rhythmic foundations, Imes captured the essence of the track swiftly and efficiently, completing the recording process in a mere three hours.

The theme of cyberbullying explored in “No Enemy” strikes a chord with Imes, who delves into his own experiences to convey a powerful message:

“Reflecting on my journey, I’ve realized the futility of harboring animosity towards others. Despite facing adversities, including surviving a racially motivated attack, I’ve chosen to embrace resilience over bitterness. Overcoming personal struggles has reinforced the importance of fostering empathy and understanding.”

As an artist navigating the spectrum of autism, Imes’ musical odyssey began in his formative years, drawing inspiration from the likes of Nine Inch Nails and Depeche Mode.

Imes’ proficiency extends beyond guitar mastery, encompassing self-taught expertise in synthesizer programming, drumming, and bass guitar. Collaborating closely with his wife Jeanine in their intimate studio enclave, Imes merges talent and innovation, occasionally integrating AI technology into his sonic explorations.

Through “No Enemy,” Imes continues to carve a path of musical enlightenment, harnessing his boundless creativity to confront societal issues head-on, illuminating the transformative power of art in navigating the complexities of contemporary existence.

Vancouver’s Slightest Clue is like the secret after-school project of four kids who would have passed each other without a glance in the hallway at school, but once they’re plugged in and ready to play their distinct blend of post-punk, alternative rock, and dark pop, all bets are off. 

Produced by Matt Di Pomponio, their new EP, Carousel, is inspired by the beginning, middle and end of a formative romantic relationship, spanning the trajectory from love to this loss of connection.

The closing track “Carousel” marks the ultimate bittersweet reflection with unique harmonic layers to portray those contrasting emotions, shifting between grand and quiet tones.

Each member—Malcolm McLaren, Hannah Kruse, Sean Ries, Nick Sciarretta—brings distinct influences and experiences: a stage actor whose playlists go from Talking Heads to Sonic Youth to Björk, a hook-obsessed recovering choir girl, an electrical engineer whose personal idol is John Bonham, and a guitarist who played for (and left) 10 other bands before deciding this was the one for him.

After more than a decade long retreat from recording and performing, singer/songwriter Allen Dobb has returned with a new album. Alone Together is a collection of ten original songs drawn from characters, stories, and landscapes that are part of Dobb’s experience working as a range management specialist in the interior of British Columbia. It’s also a reflection of traveling the globe, following his dreams, and connecting with his roots.

For the album’s title track, “Alone Together,” Allen wanted to write about the romance of a fictitious couple who are really tuned in to each other and ready to leave the quiet and lonely town behind.

“I was playing outside in the evening a lot because it was early summer,” says Allen. Part of the lyrical inspiration for the song came from this incredible scene… “just up the hill from where I live, the male nighthawks were creating their fluttering boom sounds with their wings as they were swooping to the ground. This is part of their mating ritual, and for me the nighthawks just added to the romance for this couple in the song.”