Sia Shells is a Toronto based singer-songwriter that rhymes about the everyday magic we find through relationships, self love, reflection and dreams. Her emotive contralto vocals juxtaposed against upbeat dream pop sounds instantly transport you to another world. She invented a new genre called mermaid pop for ocean lovers. Her new album is diving into the mermaid world, with enchanting lyrics and tropical sounds that are worthy of your next beach day.
Having always felt an affinity for “The Ocean,” Sia Shells’ soothing new track serves as a reminder to send love its way. “The ocean is everything to me,” she elaborates. “She is truly my happy place and sanctuary.” Embodying “mermaid core,” Sia Shells wants her music to unite landlocked sirens.
I wanted this song to be a mantra you can play everyday when you’re not near the ocean or the beach but wish you were. That’s why we added ocean sounds in the song itself, along with the rhythmic flow that reminds you of them. – Sia Shells
George Collins’s EP “Songs for Grown-ups“ is a wonderful exploration of adulthood all wrapped up in the comforting embrace of Americana rock.
This EP, which includes six previously released singles along with a new and exclusive bonus track, offers a profound reflection on the themes of family, love, aging, and gratitude, all delivered through Collins’s signature warm and inviting sound.
The EP opens with the vibrant “I Got What I Got,” a feel-good anthem that encourages listeners to appreciate life’s blessings.
This song has an upbeat tempo and a melody that creates an instant connection, setting a positive tone for the journey ahead.
Following this, “Where Have I Been All Your Life” displays Collins’s introspective songwriting at its finest, balancing the competing demands of personal passions and family obligations – a relatable sentiment for many especially in the busy world of today.
One of the standout moments in the collection is “My Wish For You.” This song is a touching tribute to Collins’s daughter that took almost a decade to craft. This song encapsulates the hopes and dreams every parent holds for their child, that each parent wants the absolute best for their child and this shows true sincerity and love.
“Stop the Sun” is a more contemplative reminder of life’s fleeting nature, skilfully bringing together themes of time and existence into its storyline. This is a track that invites the listener to pause and reflect, and it really adds a lot of depth to the overall message of the EP.
As the journey comes to a close with “Saving the Best for Last,” listeners are treated to a saxophone-infused melody that has a contemporary flair.
What makes “Songs for Grown-ups” particularly remarkable is Collins’s ability to tackle complex themes without becoming overly serious. Instead, he creates an experience that is both introspective and celebratory and invites the listener to revel in the joy and wisdom that comes with maturity.
Overall, George Collins’s Songs for Grown-ups is a delightful addition to the Americana rock landscape.
It shows an artist who has embraced life’s myriad of experiences, as well as looking back at all of the crossroads and paths that took one to where they are, today. Through catchy hooks and thoughtful storytelling, Collins delivers a collection that will relate for anyone navigating the ups and downs of adulthood.
Originally from Washington D.C. and currently based in Prague, George Collins blends elements of Americana rock with the introspection of blues and soul. His music nods to iconic artists such as The Beatles, Elvis Costello, Dire Straits, Tom Petty, Otis Redding, as well as James Brown.
Collins is also an experienced writer, having penned two novels, a screenplay, as well as numerous short stories and poems. His artistic journey reflects a deep commitment to authenticity, making him a unique voice in today’s music scene.
Emerging from New Orleans’ vibrant jazz scene, Blessing Tangban debuted an introspective, vulnerable and folky sound with 2014’s debut EP Nowhere Girl that opened us up to the world of a lost a 15-year-old Nigerian immigrant in America, starting college, falling in love, getting heartbroken and finding her faith.
Over the course of the last decade, Blessing‘s musical career continues to bloom. Her soulful musical spirit has led her to tours around the world, working with renowned African musicians (Johnny Drille, M.I. Abaga) and having her music synced in multiple films. She now resides in Canada where the country has welcomed her with multiple prestigious shows and Canadian artist collaborations. Blessing also won the Galaxy Music Award for best vocal performance for her song “Tebe Tebe.” She’s currently nominated for five African Nova Scotian Music Awards (ANSMA) at their 26th annual ceremony for Rising Star of the Year, Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Emerging Artist of the Year and Music Video of the Year for her song “Teach Me.”
Blessing‘s latest single, “Prayer,” is a transcendent and hopeful piece written as a prayer to God that she would get through a valley of uncertainty and false promise in her music career and life. The beautiful single is quite literally a written down prayer to God by Blessing which she also hopes restores faith in her listener to continue to be bold and trust in God during times of low light.
1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically? I figured having visuals will give my listeners a more immersive song listening process. Most people are also visual learners so I didn’t want to deprive them of that; the same reason goes for some of my fans who listen to music exclusively on YouTube. I just wanted to include everyone and make sure they could get access to the song.
2.What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)? I wanted to keep it simple and focused on the lyrics of the song. There are so many ways I could have gone with the video but I wanted the lyrics to be the focus of the video.
3.What was the process of making this video? It was quite easy, I had a small team and we found a really nice house to capture the essence of our vision. We shot it in less than 4 hours.
We all need to protect ourselves – from nature’s wild elements, from our own turbulent hearts. This is the central theme to “Why We Build Houses,” taken from Orillia, Ontario songwriter Ian North‘s recent album, Everything is Incomplete.
The introspective and harmonic ‘fallen angel folk rock’ tune was sparked by a conversation with a friend where the song’s title struck North as a universal truth. “It’s a poem about fragility and the reference to a physical house is a metaphor for emotional and spiritual protection or self-preservation as well,” North explains.
The video was filmed on and around his forest property in Muskoka, featuring a concept that echoes the delicacy at the song’s core. “The waterfalls symbolize the turbulence of life and our own hearts,” North details. “The song starts with the image of ‘When the wind blows, it blows everywhere, through the town, takes the leaves and the lawn chairs.’ We wanted to shoot the film in the outdoors and highlight the beauty that comes from understanding ‘how small is life.'”
1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically?
The video was shot in and around our property in Muskoka and along the Black River in Vankoughnet, near Bracebridge Ontario. It was shot on an iPhone and edited by my wife, Jennifer Claveau, with additional editing and treatment by Chris Gartner, the producer. Jennifer is a visual artist and musician who has collaborated musically with me in the past. She was inspired by the music and decided to take this project on as an interpretation of the song.
2.What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?
Jennifer Claveau, who shot the video, says:
The video direction was led by the poetry, the music and the lyrics of the song. We chose this song for visual representation because I had a strong vision for the shooting of the video after listening to it. I also have to acknowledge that we had the privilege of access to such beautiful land and surroundings. I wanted to honour our place and time through this video. We made it while I was in the final phase my art history degree at York University, and I’m now working on a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies. I am an environmental artist and I love to bring my creative interests together to combine visual art, music and science. Observation, documentation and analysis of hidden angles and patterns in nature is a large part of my artistic practice. This video represents a snapshot in time for Ian musically and for me artistically. It marks a turning point of artistic synthesis for me in applying my music and visual art experience while using technology and learning new video-making skills. I’m quite happy with the end result and grateful to have had the chance to capture such a beautiful and personal moment in time.
3.What was the process of making this video?
Jennifer Claveau:
“I wanted to capture the expansive wilderness as a backdrop to the music. Living in the forest, we experienced firsthand a juxtaposition between the beauty and the danger of the wilderness. In certain frames around the waterfall, I played with the focus to give a sense of emotion through attention to those things in focus, in line with the lyrics and the mood of the music. I interpret the song as an ode to the environment and paying our respect to the natural order of things through poetry. The song is ultimately about human experience but it’s actually bringing the non-human and wild aspect into conversation with how humans live on the planet. I wanted to break down the barriers visually between humans and non-humans, taking a less human-centric view of the landscape. At times, I positioned Ian as a tiny part of the landscape, or blurred planes of vision between the viewer, the singer and nature, bringing the empty stool into focus, symbolizing the emptiness and presence of an in indoor object out of place sitting in the outdoors. It’s a bit strange and out of place to come across an empty stool in the woods, out in nature. It is a message that lands differently on different species. It could be a place of shelter for insects, it could be used as a barrier, it could be a place to sit after a long walk, it’s a symbol or sign that we are not alone and there is comfort or disturbance in that, depending on your view. Taking the indoors outside is a way of understanding how all living creatures are grappling with protection from the elements. In many ways, we are similar to the wild creatures and I hoped to break down the barriers between humans and nonhumans through visual vignettes.
Behind the Scenes with Bud E. Luv’s Re-imagining of “Music to Watch Girls By”
For over 35 years, Bud E. Luv has been a captivating presence in San Francisco’s music and nightlife scene.
The charismatic alter ego of singer and showman Bobby Vickers, Bud E. Luv is known for blending humor, nostalgia, and sophistication in his performances. And with a career spanning prestigious venues like The Fillmore, Bimbo’s, and Paradise Lounge, and appearances across the U.S., he has become a fixture of timeless entertainment. His versatility allows him to effortlessly explore various musical genres, from jazz to pop, while maintaining an engaging, larger-than-life persona.
Recently, Bud E. Luv has turned his attention to reimagining the 1960s classic “Music to Watch Girls By.”
Known for its catchy melody and lighthearted vibe, the song has been revisited by various artists over the years but Bud’s new rendition brings a fresh and thoughtful perspective. In collaboration with director Tom Donald of hiTrecords, Bud E. Luv has produced a visually stunning black-and-white music video that reflects the complexities of modern society while paying homage to the song’s timeless appeal.
We got the chance to sit down with Bud E. Luv as he shares the story behind his decision to re-imagine the song, the inspirations behind the video, and the thoughtful message he hopes to convey.
1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically in this way?
“Music To Watch Girls By” was written some 60 years ago, and today it’s regarded in some circles as inflammatory. We disagree.
To us, it’s a beautifully-written ode to the joys of humanity, in all its forms. Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder.
2. What was the inspiration behind this new video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?
We chose Mr. Tipple’s, perhaps the classiest nightclub in San Francisco, for its noir lighting and background. It’s the kind of place where Bud E. Luv performs, but also where the young woman might venture for a night out.
As we stage the meeting between the two characters, this iconic location was perfect. In like manner, black and white photography seemed the right choice.
3. What was the process of making the video?
Our message is one of inclusion; we want to suggest that all of humanity, regardless of age or gender, is beautiful.
And as such, the simple act of beholding one another is as natural an act as we can undertake.
Speaking about the music video, Bud E. Luv shares, “Our goal was to send a message of inclusion and shared humanity. It’s not about objectifying – it’s about appreciating people for who they are, in all their forms.”
The combination of Luv’s timeless persona with Tom Donald’s thoughtful direction elevates this project into a reflection on human interaction, perception, and the beauty of fleeting moments.
Through thoughtful storytelling and elegant visuals, this new version invites audiences to appreciate the beauty and complexity of human connection. This project shows an enduring creativity and charm and that Bud E. Luv’s legacy will continue to captivate audiences for many years to come.
Shealagh Rose is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Hamilton, Ontario. Developing her voice and songwriting in Toronto at Humber College’s Bachelor of Music program, she worked with mentors like Rik Emmett (Triumph), and had the opportunity to record backup vocals with legendary producer Ken Scott. She was a regional finalist in CBC’s 2017 Searchlight competition with the song, “Dream,” off of her debut Island EP. Lush with soulful vocals, addicting progressions, and beautiful string sections, the record boasts the aesthetic of indie folk anthems.
Shealagh’s sophomore release teases of her earlier works while introducing grittier sounds and blending the lines between folk music and contemporary pop. On “Radio Silence,” the first single from her upcoming sophomore EP, Shealagh’s motivation to write the single came from a fallout with a friend where neither was speaking to each other. Sonically, the track was purposefully written with gritty guitar, synth, pads and a more emotional vocal performance to encapture the feeling of an argument in the composition.
Now more than ever I’m sure we’ve all experienced that feeling of isolation, or feeling cut off from people; when efforts to reach out are met with an indifferent or brief response. Or even when it becomes too much that making the effort to reach out to people just becomes bothersome, leading to a vicious cycle. – Shealagh Rose
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