Ontario JUNO Award-winning rock trio The Dirty Nil are sharing “Am I The Menace?,” a new cut taken from Free Rein to Passions Deluxe, set for digital release on April 4th, 2024 via Dine Alone Records.
When we cut this one and our producer, John Goodmanson, heard my lyrics, he laughed and called me a brat. A semi-sincere self examination, compiled from observing others.
– frontman Luke Bentham
On Free Rein to Passions (2023), The Dirty Nil followed their instincts down to the note to produce their most authentic work to date. They jammed away in their practice space for weeks, not overthinking anything or taking any external input. They didn’t sweat the small details or fret over transitions and arrangements. Less second guessing, more reckless abandon. It’s the same approach to rock they’ve taken since they were kids.
Sonic Unyon just announced Billy Talent, Tokyo Police Club, PUP as the headliners for this summer’s 3-day Because Beer Craft Beer Festival in Hamilton, ON.They’ll be supported byCancer Bats, Dizzy, NOBRO, Chastity, Cuff the Duke, Daniel Romano’s Outfit, Born in The Eighties, Status/Non-Status.
Nestled in the scenic west harbour waterfront of Pier 4 Park, just a short stroll from the West Harbour GO Station, Because Beer will take place on July 12, 13, 14, offering a unique opportunity to sample hundreds of craft beers and ciders from dozens of top craft beer and cider makers, chat with brewers, and enjoy hours of fun. Festival-goers can take in a great music stage as well as delicious fare served up by specialty food vendors.
Tickets info is available here and more details are in the press release here.
Born and raised in South-Central Trinidad, John Orpheus is a multicultural musician, author and performance artist. “Get Right!” is the title track introducing his new EP out on June 21st, which combines his playfulness, fluency and affection for the past. Lush with hip hop swagger and “whole school” vibes, he demonstrates an evolving set of tastes that maintains his vibe of welcoming in the whole diaspora: from dancehall to hip hop to funk to Afrobeats.
Funky, fun, and wavy, Orpheus excitedly shares that the lead single is about: finding your swag, securing the bag, and eating well. It’s a party vibe with an old school funk energy reminding you to get up, get down and get right. The goal is to dance and shake off whatever is holding you back from your best and baddest self. Sauce is what you put on food to give it flavour. This tune is the sauce.
“Get Right!” is accompanied by a music video directed by Agata Waclawska and Alex Exists, with Agata revealing that “the secret to John‘s coolness lies in his ability to not take himself too seriously yet simultaneously deliver a meaningful good time.”
Since releasing his album SAGA KING in 2021, he has been busy promoting his memoir SAGA BOY (Penquin Random House), writing two children’s books and a forthcoming debut novel titled BLACK CHEROKEE (Simon and Schuster). John Orpheus and his writing alter ego Antonio Michael Downing are co-creative forces on an artistic roll in 2024.
1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically?
Our sessions were spontaneous: myself, producer Mike Schlosser and drummer Adam Bowman went to the studio without any prep but with the intention to be as FUNKY as possible. On the first day of the first session when I walked into the studio, Adam was testing the drums and Mike was testing the mics by recording him just playing around. I heard what he was playing and immediately started writing lyrics because it felt so wavy. That is how GET RIGHT! was born. It was a no-brainer as the first single because it captures the world we wanted to create: The Whole School. A vibe that exists in all eras at the same time.
2.What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?
Moon Reel Media are known for their bold and fashion forward visuals and that is exactly why I worked with them on GET RIGHT! I wanted it to feel energized, engaging, with a lot of personality in the clothes, sets and dancing. This vision we evolved catches the danceable, fun, tongue-in-cheek vibe of the song.
3.What was the process of making this video?
The recipe was: 1. Invite 20 badass musicians and artists and performers in their own right. 2. Dress them to the 9s 3. Turn them up to 10 4. Have fun for 8 hours on a Sunday and capture it all.
Singer-songwriter Maryen Cairns’ latest single, “Give To The Chase” explores a profound connection to nature and her dual roles as both a mother and an artist.
The vivid imagery of her residing in an off-the-grid yurt while nurturing her children adds a layer of authenticity to her music.
Her choice to record the song in the solace of her home reflects the intimacy and personal nature of the track. This marked the start of a transformative journey which culminated in her 2002 album “Stories from the Red Tent” which explored women’s narrative and bonds within the sanctuary of The Red Tent.
The lyrics of “Give To The Chase” carry a poignant message about humanity’s relationship with the Earth, urging environmental consciousness and stewardship. Maryen’s solo performances amplify this message, transforming it into a rallying cry for a sustainable future.
Maryen’s adeptness at rhythm as well as owning a profound affinity with nature really shine through in her unique performance style. Her talent as both musician and storyteller is evident:
““Give to the Chase” is performed as a solo percussion & vocal piece… shamanic sound ringing in this song for our Mother Earth. Maryen is perched on a cajun with her feet utilising two pedals whilst wearing a rattle on one ankle, simultaneously playing a medicine drum & shaker whilst she sings.
Give to the Chase personifies Mother Earth herself, moving between singing as Mother Earth & singing as a member of the human race. A story of generations working to save the environment and live within nature, knowing that human’s race to survive, with only the fittest/strongest/smartest making it for the human race itself to survive.”
Maryen Cairns’ has received widespread acclaim over the past three decades, and is well known for her allegorical themes. She has most famously been guided under the mentorship of Rolling Stones producer, Chris Kimsey.
With her brand new album “One Woman Band, Live at Echotown Studios Vol. 1” due to be released on May 3rd, fans will be delighted to listen to a collection of songs that truly encapsulate her unique sound as well as offer a glimpse into her captivating solo performances.
Maryen Cairns’ music continues to captivate and inspire audiences, offering a reflection on life, nature, and our interconnectedness with the world around us which is often forgotten in the fast paced world today.
Peter Calandra’s latest album, “Spirit,” offers a captivating blend of emotive piano compositions and ambient soundscapes, providing a sanctuary for listeners amidst the chaos of the modern world.
This brand new album consists of 10 original tracks as well as 3 re-imagined classics, reflecting Calandra’s journey from his teenage years to the present day.
The original compositions were curated from material improvised during the pandemic, recorded during Calandra’s Saturday Night Live Sets on YouTube. From these sessions, favorite pieces were selected to be included on the album, all of which are improvised. “Spirit” also features cover songs from Calandra’s earlier days performing in bar bands.
Each track on “Spirit” is meticulously crafted with attention to detail, with the album unfolding like a series of paintings. Layers of sound are carefully blended together.
Tracks such as “Joyful Light,” “Fading Memories,” and “Night Sky” show Calandra’s ability to convey deep emotions through delicate piano solos and ethereal textures.
A standout track on the album is “Layla,” where Calandra reinterprets this classic Eric Clapton song with serene notes and touches of gospel that bring a fresh perspective on the familiar melody.
Overall, “Spirit” offers a reprieve from the noise of the world, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its beauty and solace. Calandra’s musical expertise shines through in every composition, reflecting his diverse career spanning Broadway productions, film scoring, and composing for prestigious events.
Peter Calandra, based in New York City, is a versatile composer, keyboardist, and guitarist renowned for his contributions to various realms of the music industry. With a remarkable career spanning decades, Calandra has left an indelible mark through his prolific output and diverse musical endeavors.
Notably, Calandra’s expertise in composing extends to the realm of film, where he has scored over 100 films, bringing his distinctive musical touch to a wide array of cinematic productions.
Additionally, his compositions have graced television screens globally, with over 2500 pieces created for TV broadcast.
Calandra’s talent for crafting memorable theme songs has garnered widespread acclaim, with his compositions for network television, including the FIFA World Cup Theme for Fox Sports, The Special Olympics World Games Theme for ESPN, and the Invictus Games Theme for ESPN, standing out as for his versatility as a composer.
In addition to his work in film and television, Calandra has established himself as a prolific recording artist, having released 15 albums of original music.
Calandra has also graced stages around the world, serving as a keyboardist for iconic productions such as the original Little Shop Of Horrors, Phantom Of The Opera, Les Miserables, and The Lion King. His performances, both in theater orchestras as well as alongside esteemed artists such as NY Pops, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Aretha Franklin, further exemplify an ability to be versatile in genre.
Calandra shares his expertise as a teacher at the Aaron Copland School Of Music at Queens College, CUNY in New York City. Through his teaching, he continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of musicians.
Incorporating traditional Ojibway music and culture with modern influences, roots/rock musician Mitchell Makoons has received radio play across Canada, United States and on SiriusXM with three of his singles reaching top 10 on the Indigenous Music Countdown.
Formerly known as Mitchell Mozdzen, he released five EPs under his legal name accompanied by their own Western Canadian tour. In early 2021, Makoons decided to change his stage name to something that nodded to his Ojibway heritage. Makoons is an Anishinaabemowin word that means “Little Bear or Bear Cub.” Since Mitchell Mozdzen’s spirit name is “Standing Strong Black Bear” and he is only 5’5, this name is perfectly fitting.
Makoons suffered over two dozen concussions throughout his adolescent years as a result of sports. By the age of 18, he was battling alcoholism as a means of coping with the concussions’ impact on his mental/physical health. During the pandemic, Makoons realized that he needed to make a positive change and sought help from his doctor. Over the course of a couple years, he saw tremendous improvements. In 2021, his head injury was finally healed enough to be cleared for sports for the first time in a decade.
“I’m in a new chapter of my life now,” Makoons says. “I’m no longer scared of my own fatality, every second of the day. I focus on fostering great relationships with people and writing music that the world can connect with. I am a changing man.”
Modern Mystery 
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