Mixed-race musicians Brava Kilo & Annie Sumi are tracing their histories through Kintsugi, a new anti-racist, interactive, multi-disciplinary art installation which reflects on racial identity, healing ancestral trauma, and the fragmented history of the Japanese Canadian internment.

The duo are sharing “Chattels,” taken from the collaborative Kintsugi EP, inspired by archival documentation which listed their ancestors’ belongings that were confiscated and auctioned off during that period of time. This song acknowledges the impact of stolen heirlooms and the process of healing ancestral trauma. 

The experimental track combines spoken word over playful beats, melodies, and rhythms, juxtaposing the weight of the lyrical content, which lists items from the collection of Kilo and Sumi’s lost family heirlooms which were auctioned.

The Kinstugi installation can be experienced at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre in Toronto, Ontario, beginning October 14. Learn more about the installation here: https://kintsugi-installation.com/about

Get ready New York City!

The Americans stroll into town for a night of Americana Rock n’ Roll that you will not soon forget, this Sunday, November 6. Head out to the show for an incredible evening of music, storytelling and good vibes at The Bitter End.

Showcasing an undeniably fresh approach to a tried-and-true genre with unparalleled proficiency the group who hails from Los Angeles is one to watch.

Upon hearing their new album “Stand True” — the band’s latest 11-song, sophomore studio LP (via Loose Music) — it’s evident why revered producer T Bone Burnett raved, calling them, “genius twenty-first century musicians that are reinventing American heritage music for this century. And it sounds even better this century.”

The band’s distinctive, powerful works have captured the attention of a number of stars. They’ve backed Nick Cave, Lucinda Williams, Ashley Monroe, and Devendra Banhart, and twice joined Ryan Bingham on national tours. They worked closely with Jack White and T Bone Burnett, joining Nas, Elton John, and Alabama Shakes in the PBS primetime series American Epic. Their live show, honed over many hundreds of performances, is something to behold.


Show Details:

November 6, 2022 – 8:30 PM

The Bitter End NYC
Get Your Tickets here:
https://bitterend.com/#/events?event_id=63151

https://www.theamericansmusic.com/

Uplifting, reflective, and liberating: Across the span of Feel, a new five song EP, the Southern California-based rock band Happy to Be Here delivers potent perspectives on life, love, and the emancipation of casting off the chains of addiction. 

Showcasing the uplifting clarity of the band’s striking melodies, vocalist and songwriter Greyson Grimes and guitarist James Hamilton create an extraordinary alchemy underscored with a vital authenticity. Sensitivity and truth are keys to the artistry of Happy To Be Here, as the title track “Feel,” illustrates with these lines: “I could kill to feel what you feel/A piece of your serenity/A cure for my instability.”

The project was tracked at Revolver Recordings by multi-platinum producer Mikal Blue (OneRepublic, Five for Fighting,) and Dean Dinning, producer, composer, and bassist for Toad The Wet Sprocket. The arrangements highlight essential elements, framing Grimes’ poignant voice with evocative keyboards and layered guitars floating above the fire of a rock solid rhythm section.  

All of the instruments are stripped away on “Heroin,” with Grimes’ imploring narrative stark against deep piano chords as he recalls a romance destroyed by drugs. “It was crazy what the drugs did to you/Everything they say about heroin/I know it to be true.” Both Grimes and Hamilton exemplify a hard-won sobriety, and their songs pull no punches as they share. “Every song we’re recorded has deep elements of heartbreak, trauma, drums, alcohol, recovery, broken homes and abuse.”

As riveting live performers with a commanding onstage presence, Happy To Be Here is sharing their message in select live shows, highlighted by a recent headlining spot at the legendary Whisky a Go Go on the historic Sunset Strip.  The themes, the songs, and most of all the truth in their music are transcendent connecting points that now resonate with a post- pandemic audience. “The beauty of music is it boils down to emotion,” explains Greyson Grimes. “Even if you’re not an addict, you’ve had the lowest moments of your life. But if you kept going, you got through it. James and I found our sound, our rhythms, and our message.”

Hailing from Toronto, Augusta is a seven-piece alternative rock band formed in 2022. The group is led by Joe Dent (former band leader of A Fellow Ship), August Jones (Toronto session musician and touring member of The Reklaws, the Pick Brothers band and more), and Zach Stuckey (Toronto session musician and touring member of Anna Sofia, Dani Doucette, and more).

Debut single, “Little Birds,” was written in its entirety during Ontario’s last lockdown. August and Joe took their recording gear and went to the former’s cottage to write music for the week. After spending five days writing songs that will never be shared, the pair finally struck gold in the final 24 hours. Born from an idea that Joe was ready to throw away, they stayed up all night writing from start to finish the song that perfectly sums up Augusta’s musical identity.