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.” 

Mary Lou Fulton’s compelling anthem “Many More of Us” is not just a song; it’s a testament to resilience, resistance, and the power of unity. Produced, arranged, engineered, and mixed with finesse by Rob Seals of Sound Boutique Studios in Los Angeles, and mastered by the talented Reuben Cohen of Lurssen Mastering, the track exudes a professional polish that complements its raw emotion.

Fronted by Mary Lou Fulton on lead vocals, with Rob Seals on guitar, Sean Hurley on bass, Ryan Brown on drums and percussion, and Annette Adler and Karen Turner on harmony vocals, “Many More of Us” delivers a sonic punch that resonates with listeners. The synergy among these musicians is palpable, each contributing to the song’s dynamic texture.

The accompanying video, crafted by experimental digital and video artist Nancy Razk, is a visual feast that amplifies the song’s message. Featuring poignant imagery, including glimpses of Mary Lou Fulton herself, the video captures the essence of the protest anthem with striking visuals that linger in the mind.

From its opening lines, “You tell me we live in the land of the free, except when it comes to my body,” “Many More of Us” establishes itself as a potent protest song. With its infectious rhythm, spirited hand claps, and unapologetic lyrics, the track encapsulates the frustration and defiance felt by those fighting for their rights. The recent upheavals in reproductive rights, notably the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade, served as a catalyst for Fulton’s creative expression. However, it was the unexpected victories in traditionally conservative states like Kansas that fueled the song’s title and underlying message—that the power lies with the people.

“Many More of Us” transcends genre boundaries, offering a departure from Fulton’s folk-roots style while retaining its authenticity and urgency. As Fulton asserts, in an era marked by political turmoil, it’s imperative to stand up for freedom and assert our collective voice. We caught up with Mary Lou about the video below.

1.  The story of Many More of Us  

After the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade, I was devastated and scared. Right away, I wanted to write a song about it, but my early versions were too angry and lacked a clear message. I couldn’t figure out how to channel my feelings in a useful way until a few weeks later, when voters in deep red Kansas surprised everyone by upholding abortion rights. Then the same thing happened in six more states. That’s when the song title hit me — there are Many More of Us who believe that decisions about having children belong in our hands, not the government’s. We’re the majority, we have the power and we need to act like it.

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

I wanted the Many More of Us video to reflect the theme of people power and the rising tide of support for women’s freedom.   I also wanted the message of the song to come through loud and clear.   I collaborated with multimedia artist Nancy Razk to create the video approach that combines the song’s lyrics with video clips, pictures and news headlines.  Many of the visuals are from marches and rallies that I attended, including the opening scene of me chalking the street in Los Angeles.  I also appear at the end, holding a sign that says Not Going Back, which is the title of another one of my protest songs!  Nancy didn’t know about that song, so it was a wonderful surprise to find that she included it in the video.  I love the bold graphics, colors and energy of the video, and how it captures the urgency of our movement. 

3.  What was the process of making this video?After listening to the song, reading the lyrics and reviewing all the materials I put together, Nancy quickly came up with the look and feel of the video, including the typeface, colors and the graphical animation style.    “The visuals and colors were made and chosen to reflect the bold and powerful nature of the song. I wanted to make sure many faces were shown in the bold shades of orange to represent all of the different personalities and voices coming together to speak one message in unity,”  Nancy said  I especially liked how Nancy used animation to connect the lyrics and the images to life in a cool modern way. Nancy and I collaborated closely throughout the process, exchanging ideas about the most powerful visuals to deliver the message of Many More of Us. I love how the video captures the spirit of the song!

MANY MORE OF US 

You tell me, we live in the land of the free          

Except when it comes to my body

You scream and wave a rosary at me

As I walk into the lobby

You don’t know, I might be a mom of three    

Or just not ready for a family

Maybe I was raped last night                        

Who are you to take my rights?

I’m gonna fight!              

There are many more of us                     

(So many more)                                              

We’re not giving up                                        

(No, no, no)                                                   

Many more

Many more

Many more of us

My doctor was run out of town                 

Had to shut her clinic down

Drugstore, turned me away

Maybe there’s help in some other state 

Neighbor said, “I heard what you’re gonna do   

I might call the police on you.”

I’m not gonna hide                                            

Who are you to take my rights? 

I’m gonna fight!     

REPEAT CHORUS                                   

We’ll show you, puttin’ on our boots  

We’ll show you, in every town red and blue           

Brothers and sisters and grandmothers tooWe’ll show you, we’ll show you, we’ll show you                                                                                   

Embark on a journey into the curious inner world of singer-songwriter Maryen Cairns, where allegorical folk-pop narratives provide a form of virtual escapism through storytelling soundscapes. For over three decades, Maryen has captivated a global audience with her enchanting melodies and evocative lyrics, inviting listeners to momentarily step into a different reality and lose themselves in the curves of her stories.

Her new single and video for “Kids from the ‘Burbs,” the latter out today, promises to transport listeners to a bygone era with its upbeat, nostalgic folk sound. Recorded live, the song captures the essence of growing up in the suburbs and yearning for adventure in the city. With her lightly tripping vocals and simple guitar accompaniment, Maryen becomes the campfire narrator, weaving tales of teenage rebellion and youthful longing.

But “Kids from the ‘Burbs” is just the beginning of Maryen’s latest creative endeavor. This Guernsey-based artist’s musical journey spans seven critically acclaimed solo albums, mentorship under Rolling Stone’s producer Chris Kimsey, and a professional association with former Marillion lead singer Fish. Her singular musicality has taken her on a fantastical ride, and today, she shows no signs of slowing down.

In a new chapter of her creative evolution, Maryen is revisiting her classic recordings through a series of newly-recorded live albums. The journey begins with “One Woman Band, Live at Echotown Studios, Vol 1,” marking her inaugural venture into the vinyl realm. As a solo artist, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and masterful storyteller, Maryen’s work seamlessly blends delicate and powerful elements, creating a sonic experience that is both captivating and emotionally resonant.

This new era of creativity was sparked by a 10-date, one-woman-show tour of the UK in August 2023, where Maryen sought to connect with her audience during the pandemic. Initiatives such as “The Cairns Club” and a popular livestream series allowed fans to experience intimate, stripped-down renditions of her classic repertoire.

Following the final date of her one-woman tour, Maryen entered a nearby studio for two days with producer Chris Kimsey. In front of a small audience, she performed 30 songs from her back catalog, showcasing her impressive one-woman band feats. Nine carefully selected songs from these sessions now form “One Woman Band, Live at Echotown Studios, Vol 1.” This intimate music-making represents a self-growth evolution for Maryen, shaping her artistic continuum and deepening her connection with her audience.

As Maryen reflects on this journey, she finds renewed inspiration in the bond she shares with her listeners. “The connection I now have with my audience has breathed new life into my music,” she shares, underscoring the transformative power of storytelling through song. With “Kids from the ‘Burbs” and the forthcoming live albums, Maryen Cairns invites us to embark on a musical odyssey through time and emotion, where each note is a thread weaving together the fabric of our shared human experience.

The video for “Kids from the ‘Burbs” captivates with its stunning cinematography, immersing viewers in a hazy, vintage ambiance. Shot with artistic finesse, the camera gracefully navigates through a retro-inspired room, bathed in soft, nostalgic hues. Against this dreamy backdrop, Maryen performs with effortless grace on a cozy couch, her presence illuminated by gentle streams of light filtering through the room. Each frame is a visual symphony, perfectly capturing the essence of the song’s wistful longing and evoking a sense of timeless beauty. It’s a cinematic masterpiece that transports viewers to a bygone era while celebrating Maryen’s mesmerizing talent.

Catch the video out today, and check out the interview with Maryen below!

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

Kids from the ‘Burbs is such an intimate song, a story from my own life, that I decided to shoot it up close & personal in my own home, sitting on the sofa in my living room singing directly into the camera about friends whom I had when I was 15 years old and the life that we lived at that time.

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

I’m very inclined to have big budget ideas for videos, but for this song I always knew that for the story to be real it needed to be sung straight to camera in an intimate setting, so our living room – the scene of many a livestream over the past 3 years – felt like the perfect place!

It was really exciting to finally be making a music video again, and I was inspired to the setting here in my living room being authentically now. With a goddess mother/baby statue figurine behind me, I sit on the red leather sofa immersed in the music of my guitar, telling this story. 

3. What was the process of making this video?

Having mounted a camera onto a tripod in our living room I set the scene up in a way I felt represented me now, and then played my guitar and sang the story to camera. After a few different takes we uploaded the files to the computer and downloaded Davinci Resolve Studio. I spent the next week sitting on that very sofa editing the footage… and when I say a week I mean losing track of time and staying up until 3am most nights… I was a wreck, so tired, but it’s all been worth it because the result does show me now, a musician in my home focusing intensely on the story bubbling up through the years.

Mitchell Makoons (he/him) is a roots/rock musician from Brandon, Manitoba. Mitchell started playing guitar at the age of seven to accompany his grandfather and brother playing Metis fiddle tunes. Mitchell continues to be an active member of the Manitoba Metis community. The songs Mitchell writes incorporate traditional Ojibway music and culture with modern influences. 

Mitchell has toured several times across Western Canada and has begun to break into the Canadian festival scene. In 2023, Mitchell performed at Dauphin’s Countryfest, Ste. Madeline Metis Days, All Folk’d Up Music Festival and Winnipeg Fringe Festival, to name a few.

Mitchell has released 4 singles and 1 EP to date. He has received radio play across Canada, United States and on SiriusXM. Two of Mitchell’s singles have made it to the top 10 on the Indigenous Music countdown with “Still My Father’s Son” peaking at No. 5. In 2022, Mitchell was nominated for 3 Manitoba Country Music Awards. 

“Courage” is one of the 7 sacred teachings used in Ojibway culture. Mitchell in a new and turbulent state of life, harkened back to this teaching inspired by watching birds be carefree. All I really needed to achieve my upcoming goals was some courage, so I put down some tobacco, prayed to the Creator and wrote this song.