A tough-sensitive singer-songwriter from northern Ontario, Ray Henderson combines the darkness of Johnny Cash, the storytelling of Kris Kristofferson with the gravitas of John Prine. Equal parts country, roots rock, blues and gospel, Henderson’s debut full-length album captures his lightning in a bottle.
Broke Down in Bala emerged from Toronto’s open mic scene where Henderson is a regular. Back in the ‘90s, he would drive down to the Free Times Cafe in Toronto every Monday from Muskoka. Returning in 2022, he met musician and producer Loren Davie who agreed to produce Broke Down in Bala, the first release on the Toronto-based epijam label. Now the world can hear Henderson’s music, poignant at times and raucous at others.
The focus track “Voice”came to Henderson in a dream. “I saw my lady across the water,” he explains. “She was looking for me and calling my name but couldn’t hear my reply. My voice was gone because…I guess I just didn’t fit in with the real musicians and naysayers… my own underconfidence. Then I met the positive lady in the song, so it was her belief in me that gave me strength and just kept me writing.”
Broke Down in Bala is the resurrection of 11 songs, inspired by lessons learned on the ride of life. Many were written up to 25 years ago, but Henderson had put them aside, not feeling confident in them. Then, in the summer of 2023, as he sat in the park with friends from the open mic scene, he dusted off some of his older material, and, encouraged by them, decided to give it another shot.
Introducing Hearsing, the brainchild of Avery Murphy and Jordan Taylor, a musical project deeply rooted in their shared journey from high school to professional stardom. Their musical odyssey began within the confines of high school corridors, where they co-founded the surf punk ensemble SUBPAR alongside Lukas Henderson and Austin Corona. Since then, these talented individuals have embarked on their own notable ventures in the music scene, spanning projects like LILACS, Jean Dawson, and Lizzy McAlpine. Their new single “Silicon Prairie,” the second release off of their upcoming album “Pastoral,” debuts a haunting and harmonious nostalgic indie sound from the group.
In March of 2021, Hearsing unveiled their inaugural offering—a self-titled collection of home-recorded tracks that served as a precursor to their burgeoning musical expedition. However, it is in the year 2024 that they truly come into their own, as they unleash their debut professional studio EP, aptly titled “Pastoral.” Recorded under the meticulous guidance of producer and singer-songwriter Henry Chadwick, whose impressive repertoire includes collaborations with esteemed acts like Jesse Daniel and Coffis Brothers, “Pastoral” encapsulates the essence of Hearsing‘s artistic evolution. Additionally, the EP features the deft drumming of Ellington Peet, known for his work with bands like Runnner and Babehoven, adding a layer of dynamism to the sonic landscape.What sets “Pastoral” apart is not just its impeccable production or the pedigree of its collaborators, but the sheer depth of emotion and creativity that permeates each track. From the wistful nostalgia of “Montauk” to the infectious energy of “Hearsing,” the EP traverses a diverse sonic terrain, seamlessly blending elements of surf punk, indie rock, and Americana to create a sound that is both timeless and refreshing.As Hearsing prepares to embark on the next phase of their musical journey, their sights set on conquering new horizons and captivating audiences around the globe, they invite listeners to join them on this exhilarating ride. With “Montauk” serving as the harbinger of their sonic expedition, Hearsing is poised to make an indelible mark on the musical landscape, one soul-stirring melody at a time.
CeCe Teneal hails from the small town of Osteen, just outside Orlando, and she has become a global musical sensation!
Her soulful, funky original songs have touched hearts worldwide, captivating audiences across six continents. She’s had the chance to share the stage with music legends and has built a devoted following that spans generations.
At first, CeCe never saw herself as a performer. But she embraced her natural talent and rich musical heritage, moving from local venues to performing arts centers and entertaining onboard luxury cruise ships around the world.
Her new single, “Try,” is filled with nostalgia and hope, reflecting on cherished moments and shared laughter, and reminding us of a love that once was:
“ ‘Try’ is a testament to my musical evolution, and I hope it touches the hearts of my audience, especially those in the LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities,” CeCe says. The song mixes vibes of 90’s R&B with the soul of the 70’s.
“Try” is the lead single from CeCe’s upcoming album, “Side B,” set to release on August 23, 2024.
Fans can expect a deeply personal and soulful exploration of love, and self-discovery, with CeCe’s signature blend of funk, R&B, and soul in every track. This album is especially significant to the LGBTQ+ and marginalized communities who see CeCe as both ally and an icon.
CeCe has performed with music greats like Buddy Guy, Joe Cocker, Johnny Lang, Betty Wright, Cameo, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Jazmine Sullivan, Fantasia, Maze & Frankie Beverly, and B.B. King. Her tribute to the great Aretha Franklin has achieved a devoted following with fans coming to see CeCe sing in her unique style.
CeCe has been nominated for four Independent Music Awards, winning Best Gospel Song, Best R&B Album, and Best Soul/Funk/Fusion Song. She was named Orlando’s Best Live Band, received the Orlando Music Trailblazer Award, and headlined the halftime show at the Citrus Bowl. September 22, 2022, was even declared CeCe Teneal Day in Orlando and Orange County!
With her powerful vocals and ability to connect deeply with audiences, CeCe Teneal is a true force in soul and funk, leaving a lasting impact on listeners worldwide.
In a world fraught with division and conflict, Steven Chesne’s new album, ‘Descendants (in 79 Languages)’ offers a refreshing reminder of our shared humanity.
Set to release worldwide on July 19, 2024, “Descendants” (on Brahmasong Records) is an eclectic concept album.
Bringing together World-Beat, Electronica, New Age, and Neo-Classic styles, the core message of “Descendants” is encapsulated in the phrase “We are the descendants,” which is presented in 79 languages, including French, Portuguese, Igbo, Khmer, Xhosa, Korean and Ukrainian.
This ambitious project took Chesne four years to complete—a journey that involved meticulous translation work, unique musical compositions that interweave the 79 languages, and global collaboration with vocalists. The first year was spent obtaining accurate translations from native speakers and crafting melodies for each phrase. Another year was dedicated to recording sessions with vocalists from diverse locales such as Madagascar, Albania, Kenya, and the Netherlands. The remaining two years focused on composing additional tracks and refining the production aspects.
Chesne says, “While there are countless things that various people and cultures disagree about, even to the point of violence, one thing that all of us accept in common is the fact that we all descend from a common source, whatever that may be.”
The lyrics are simple: “We are the descendants,” which function as the unifying building blocks of the songs. The music has an otherworldly beauty, sometimes joyous, other times deep and profound, exploring an eclectic diversity of world beats and contemporary experimentation, without becoming fully ensconced in any style. It excites the soul and nourishes the spirit, honoring cultural heritage worldwide and presenting it in a modern context.
An impressive lineup of artists is featured, including Platinum recording artist rapper Fredo Bang, Uyanga Bold (vocalist in Disney’s “Mulan” and Marvel’s “Spiderman”), Christina Hals (vocalist in Disney’s “Frozen 1&2” and “League of Legends”), Chhom Nimol (lead singer of “Peter Gabriel presents Dengue Fever”), members of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and two-time Grammy award-winning vocalist Hila Plitmann. These fantastic collaborations bring a rich, authentic sound to the album.
It feels like Disney’s “It’s A Small World” but for the modern age. Descendants (in 79 languages) is a sophisticated, complex, contemporary work that takes the listener on a journey through sounds as unique as they are captivating.
Steven Chesne’s music career spans more than three decades. From scoring prime-time network shows to creating “Sapient: A Cantata of Peace,” Chesne has an extraordinary talent and dedication to fostering unity through music.
The upcoming album “Descendants (in 79 languages)” promises to fascinate listeners worldwide, starting July 19th, 2024.
Check out the album’s video tour here and discover more about Steven Chesne atwww.chezworks.com.
George Collins has recently released his latest single, “Saving the Best for Last”!
This is the last single written for his second EP “Songs for Grown Ups” which is scheduled to hit the airwaves this summer.
Radiating positivity and a lively vibe, “Saving the Best for Last” wraps up the album’s themes with a hopeful twist. It reflects on the passage of time and the shift into a new chapter of life, where past lessons pave the way for a fulfilling and joyful future.
“I knew I wanted to end this collection with a positive, upbeat, exuberant anthem. For this song, I was inspired by the works of George Harrison, Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison and Neil Diamond. The song summarises the themes explored in the previous tracks of the EP and reaches the hopeful conclusion that, As I continue getting older and enter into a new phase of existence, I can bring all the lessons I have learned to bear to create a fulfilling and joyful later stage of life.”
Collins shares, “I’ve always believed that, regardless of age, my best days and work are yet to come – and this song is my way of expressing that belief. It’s a counterbalance to “Stop the Sun”, urging listeners to leave regrets behind and embrace life to the fullest within the constraints of being human.“
What sets this track apart is its infectious energy, packed with catchy hooks and a nod to 70s-style modulation that adds a surprising twist to the lyrics – a rare find in today’s music scene.
Inspired by Edward Said’s reflections on “Late Style,” the album delves deep into the theme of creativity flourishing in later years. By drawing parallels between legends like Springsteen and Harrison and timeless figures such as Bach, Yeats, Matisse, and Picasso, Collins celebrates the richness of experience and wisdom that comes with age. It is the idea that these iconic artists have a message that can serve as model for us all.
The horn arrangements on the track were crafted by Canadian musician Lou Pomanti, known for his work with Michael Buble. Pomanti’s touch added a special dimension to the song.
Production, mixing, and mastering of “Saving the Best for Last” took place at Sundown Sessions Studio in Nashville, Tennessee with Collins recording his lead vocals at a studio in Prague, and engineering by Derek Saxenmeyer of ENEM Productions.
This Mad Desire is Mackenzie Kristjon’s rock and roll brand, specializing in indie rock that has been described as “like Neil Young on David Bowie drugs.” Kristjon is Icelandic-Canadian songwriter and author who operates in the Greater Toronto-Hamilton area.
“Ready For The Weekend” is a collaboration between Kristjon and Marcus Manderson a.k.a. Da Fingaz. The two met at an online music industry event and discussed a collaboration. Manderson provided instrumentals for a real swinging R&B/disco vibe so Kristjon wanted to accentuate that party atmosphere. To get there, he added a dreamlike, almost psychedelic bridge where we could hear our various participants musing about their future weekend plans before we launch into the final choruses. He also added some really upfront, funky bass to increase the “Shake Your Booty” quotient.
The collaboration goes further, connecting musicians all over North America. Dan Konopka from OK Go played drums for this track in Hollywood, Kristen Prince played sax in Toronto, and the background singers come from the following cities: Calgary, Guelph, Hamilton, and Toronto in Canada; Detroit, Oakland, Philadelphia, and more in the USA. Their voices are featured in the bridge; Kristjon encouraged everyone to say a line describing what they were going to do for their dream weekend whether that be “going to the beach” or “holding a seance.” The goal was to make it seem like the listener was dropped into a party of dreamers, eavesdropping on their conversations.
1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically?
I wrote Ready For The Weekend here in Toronto in collaboration with my friend Marcus Manderson aka Da Fingaz in Washington, DC. He had sent me an instrumental titled Ready For The Weekend. I thought, “Hey! Great title!” and ran with it. The lyrics are about having fun and enjoying new experiences. Let your mind go and let the body groove!
By the time, I added my own instrumental parts and had Dan Konopka from OK Go play drums and my friend Kristen Prince play sax and all sorts of other cool people across Canada and the USA contribute backing vocals and spoken bits, I knew we had something fun that would lend itself to an exciting visual treatment.
2.What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?
First of all, I make videos for most of my releases and this current cycle of songs has all been animations. Second, I work with Dan Konopka whose mothership band OK Go is (cough cough, ahem) pretty well-known for their videos so there’s a certain level of Quality Control in my brain from the outset!
There are several scenes and each uses a real image from my home (or the single cover for the first scene) as a starting point.
Verse one shows workers at an amusement park beyond happy it’s the weekend. Prechorus one starts with a painting by Canadian artist Arthur Horsfall and takes us into a fantasy in the mountains. The first chorus then starts with a collage I made during the pandemic but with a movement towards Fellini and Italy.
In verse two, we go back to work and this is represented by finance people in New York (nose to the grindstone but with a glass of wine thinking about the weekend). The second prechorus starts with another painting by Arthur Horsfall depicting a lady on the beach and takes us into a surreal beach scene.
One thing I have always liked about Arthur Horsfall’s work is that every painting has one element that is philosophically or perspectively jarring. In this case, the ship in the distance overlaps part of the lady’s leg. When I was little, I used to sit in my Afi’s study and stare at this painting for long periods trying to make sense of it!
That leads us into a chorus starting image of me, my brother, and my dad all dressed up for an epic party on the lake (that also included dozens of women dressed in pink flooding the dock to the sound of the Pink Panther theme over loudspeakers), but I digress…
The breakdown section where we hear all the secret dreams of what people want to do for their weekend starts with a painting of a shoe amidst pebbles painted by my mother Kristin Olafson-Jenkyns (author of The Cuinary Saga of New Iceland and the Mermaids …For Real!! books) and quickly takes us to 1920s Paris (which also ties in with my twin songs Paris of Love and Paris Amoureux). Dreamy and elegant!
And then we bring it back to a real party in New York. Wild! Abstract! Picasso meets Andy Warhol on acid. This final section starts with Club Barella, an image by my father Mark Jenkyns, which includes a diverse crew of characters who are definitely Ready For The Weekend!
3.What was the process of making this video?
As mentioned, I’ve been making animations for this cycle of songs from forthcoming full-length Passing Lanes of Fate. The main AI tool I use I actually learned about from my friend Jessica Magoch in Philly. She’s a frequent collaborator and actually won the PHL Live! Music Award for Jazz just pre-pandemic. Definitely check her out!
The general process is I divide the song into its various musical sections and then find imagery that fits or takes the viewer/listener somewhere new and interesting.
Afterwards, I make various AI animations using personally curated images as starting points for the AI, and then I edit and sequence everything.
Using AI in some ways is like how I work with the musicians. I give them some direction (just like the AI tools via “prompts”) but ultimately what comes back is always surprising and additive (and occasionally addictive)!
That’s part of the magic. I do a lot of work in the film industry in various capacities but one thing that’s true about film and music is you’re looking for that special unexpected something that happens in the work. Could be a casual glance, a lighting effect that’s slightly unexpected, or almost anything.
It’s the pursuit of going somewhere you’ve never been and seeing something you’ve never seen, as we sing in the song, that drives us all to get Ready For The Weekend!
Modern Mystery 
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