Sue Decker will release her second album, Keeping Time, on March 22nd. She collaborated with sought-after roots producer Steve Dawson to record at The Henhouse Studio in Nashville. On stage, Sue’s wit and compassion draw the audience in while traveling through territory that is earthy and beautiful, sometimes dark and gritty, and always life-giving. Sue is guided by authenticity, a belief that everyone’s story matters, and faith in the eternal power of a song.

Her new single “The Lost Ones” was inspired by the opioid/unhoused crises: “I increasingly witness people in crisis on the streets near where I live. Each time, fear and compassion mix with a feeling of powerlessness and lately I started to ask myself, ‘when did it become okay to just walk on by someone in distress?’ And then I think ‘what if it was my friend or family member?’ I have been impacted by mental health and addiction issues in those close to me so the song is infused with personal experiences as well.”

On Keeping Time, Sue’s unique capacity for pairing meaningful and topical lyrics with ear-catching melodies shines through. True to her aim as a songwriter, she uses ordinary language to fuse everyday moments with the unspeakable and the extraordinary. The album title comes from a line in one of the songs, but it felt right to describe the whole album. The recording process was mostly live-off-the-floor playing music together in real time. The songs hold a lifetime of experiences within small moments—looking back on the past and what was not meant to be, current challenges we’re all facing, and preparing for what the future may hold.
“Sue Decker has one of the most remarkable voices I have heard for many a day. She has a warm voice, deep and strong and there is a haunting quality to it that gave me chills.” – Andy Snipper, Blues Matters UK

Formed in 2018, comprising members Emma Armstrong (lead vocals), Max Kaiser (lead guitar, keys, synths), Danny Moriana (bass guitar, backing vocals, synths), and Jake Biggs (drums and percussion), A Short Walk to Pluto has developed a tremendous social media presence through TikTok and Instagram, where they regularly debut original music and covers of well-known classics. It was through that online presence that the band was discovered and recently endorsed by Howard Stern on his SiriusXM radio show. Though much of their success is owed to their social media engagement, it is their genre-defying original music and energetic live performances that have generated a loyal, consistent, and far reaching following. This young and professional foursome is prepared to deliver a show that concert goers will remember for a lifetime. 

A Short Walk to Pluto have reimagined Tears For Fears’ classic “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” in their own style while highlighting the musical elements that make the sound special; powerful female pop vocals, rich guitars, dynamic bass, and driving drums. The original song continues to demand respect for its perennially relevant lyrics that encapsulate Gen Z’s attention-seeking mindset. A Short Walk to Pluto’s arrangement is inspired by the original’s ability to propel synth-pop to the forefront of pop culture in the mid 1980’s, and they hope the same can be true of rock in the modern era. 

Bracebridge, Ontario-based collaboration Chorus of Courage is many things. It is a space created to hold and honour the voices and stories of survivors of violence (their storytellers). 

“We came together as a group and became friends and allies – a supportive family. We created a home to explore some of the most difficult experiences one can imagine – a retreat – and we did it with love, music, silence, acceptance, guidance, connection, and movement, hand in hand. This project explores the entire spectrum of emotions that are felt through the unique experiences of the ones we are here to honour – our storytellers.”

Artist and therapist Cindy Doire leads Chorus of Courage, connecting the project’s storytellers and their allies, professional musicians who have developed dialogues with the survivors and reflected on their experiences, crafting songs that seek to transmit complex lived experiences.

Torontonian singer-songwriter Julian Taylor penned Chorus of Courage’s melodic and caring debut single, “Sweet Little Hummingbird,” as a response to survivor Denyse and her story. Its delicate piano melodies and acoustic guitar strumming compliment Taylor’s kind and open vocal delivery. 

Reflecting on the song’s writing, Taylor explains:

“It is a story of abuse and a struggle through pain that was shared with me through a letter she wrote to me and then through conversations we had with one another where she would go into more detail about the trauma that she faced as a young person and how she’s worked through it. The horrible and horrific things that happened to her scared me to the core and I vowed to keep her story close to my chest and use music and poetry as a way to heal, communicate and reveal the pure strength and pure resonance she illuminates.”

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