Jackson Welchner is an up-and-coming vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and arranger/producer based out of Toronto. Singer of jazz, classical, folk, and improvised genres, Jackson always strives to “serve the music.”
“When UR” is an ode to all the friendships that drift apart for months, sometimes years, but when you eventually reconnect it’s as if things had never changed. That joy is what Jackson aims to share in this song.
The original song was written in 2016 as a piece for Jazz Choir, and it was his first attempt at writing something pop-y and catchy. His goal with this song was to write a pop song that wove together three equidistant key centres as seamlessly as possible. The song ended up being in A♭ major, with the verse starting in C and then halfway pivoting to E major.
The saxophone solo was improvised by the masterful Patrick Smith, one of Toronto’s best young sax players. The solo you hear on the track was done in one take!
“Writing this song taught me that I can infuse nerdy jazz ideas into a fun, accessible pop-like song,” says Jackson. “Sometimes that’s hard to do, but it’s a reminder that it CAN be done. Melody is key to all of it!”
Our most fundamental questions—about how to exist in this world we share, and how best to love the people we love—so often keep us awake at the end of the day, at a loss for answers. From the plaintive opening notes of David Myles’ new album, It’s Only a Little Loneliness, the New Brunswick-based songwriter testifies that he’s no exception.
Myles puts together a mesmerizing take on one of country music’s greatest songs—Jimmy Work’s 1955 heartbreaker “Making Believe”—which addresses those feelings that bubble up when you just can’t get over a lover leaving, even though you know it’s the end.
Myles drifts straight into a daydream with the help of Joshua Van Tassel’s intricate rhythms and Asa Brosius’ sweeping pedal steel. Halifax-based songwriter Rose Cousins’ harmonies envelop Myles’ vocals as both singers descend deeper into the reverie, confessing: “I’ll spend my lifetime loving you and making believe.”
Watch and share the video for the song here:
The collaboration of dear friends are featured all over the album—driving home that important sentiment: we need each other to get through, even if it’s just a little loneliness. In a way, It’s Only a Little Loneliness is a follow-up to the instrumental album That Tall Distance (2021). He asks questions about religion, the mystery of relationships, love and confusion and loneliness.
“It’s the kind of thing you say to yourself when you’re feeling a bit down: ‘It’s only a little loneliness,’” says Myles. “But then at the same time, you know—it’s actually quite a big thing. It’s overwhelming. You try to tell yourself it’s not a big deal but it feels quite fundamental. And you realize, ‘I need people. I need a community. I need my friends. I need my family.”
Golden Feather is a project started by Steve Kiely and Brad Germain, inspired by their love of the Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers Band, and other bands that like to jam and take the listeners on a musical journey. The group was set to play its first show in March 2020 when the global pandemic hit, suddenly ending all hopes of live performance. Brad and Steve, along with bassist Ronson and guitarist Chris Wheeler, worked on songs remotely and recorded their debut album Light On Water. Not long after that album’s November 2020 release, Gareth Inkster joined the group on keys to complete the definitive lineup that makes up the band today.
The band’s followup Now & ThenEP was self-produced and recorded live off-the-floor at a barn turned studio dubbed Heaven. Title track, “You’ve Been On My Mind,” was written by Brad for his childhood best friend. While their lives diverged in their 20’s, this song is a way to continue to send peace and love to him. If you miss someone, let them know.
Singer/songwriter Ariel Arbisser’s music and performances make her audiences feel seen, heard, and offers a unique glimpse into how she experiences the highs and lows of the world. Her music is raw and passionate, a brand of pop that you won’t find in other artists.
She just released her new electro-pop single, with a hint of funk, “Rabbit Hole,” the follow up single to her last release “Bloodshed.” “The core of this song came to me last year and it’s had a chokehold on me since,” shares Ariel. “Thematically there’s some crossover, but ‘Rabbit Hole’ comes down from the rage-filled fever pitch of ‘Bloodshed’ to this which is a more restrained, sexy, slow-burn. Things haven’t settled yet. The ‘dark side’ is still enticing, maybe even more comfortable than it was before. The full song sonically is true, addictive journey downward.”
“Rabbit Hole” has a contemporary meets retro electro-pop sound, almost like a Sara Bareilles meets Harry Styles. Her voice carries such strength, similar to an Alice Russell or Brandi Carlile, or even an Adele.
Through her lens as a white, Jewish, queer woman, she is transparent when learning out loud and participates in ongoing conversations about mental health, body neutrality, sex positivity, social and racial justice, LGBTQ rights, and more. In a world that’s dangerous for far too many and uncomfortable for almost everyone, she creates a touchstone by creating art, appreciating simple pleasures, and taking dedicated and intentional risks for love.
“With love comes inevitable pain– miscommunication, betrayal, heartache, loss… Allowing yourself to be vulnerable enough to experience love, however briefly, is brave. And it’s worth it in the end.”
The Portland, OR-based band, Happy For No Reason, celebrate every single one of life’s precious moments as two of their members are literally happy to be alive. Comprising of Jo Alexis on vocals and percussion, Neil Goldstein on guitar, and Mark Pritchard on flute, the founding members of Happy For No Reason navigate the rich waters of jazzy folk with a pinch of rock, a dash of soul, and even a touch of Bossa Nova.
They just released their album, Take It Higher, a collection of 12 songs that ooze love and life. Each song makes you smile, gets you dancing with the beat, and swaying with their infectious melodies.
Their song “Hummingbird Heartbeat” was actually written by Jo Alexis about a major accident she had. While her vocals soar in every song, something about the delicacy and strength in her voice for “Hummingbird Heartbeat” puts the song on a higher plain. It’s about forced changed and the ability to adapt to the obstacles of life.
With a variety of inspirations that include Hubert Laws, Jean-Pierre Rampal, Ian Andersen, Eva Cassidy, Esperanza Spalding, Camille, Joe Strummer, Bonnie Raitt, Nancy King, Kurt Elling, Milton Nascimento, The Band, Pentangle and Neil’s aforementioned love of 60’s Brit pop and West Coast bands, Happy For No Reason are the very definition of cool intelligent music that fulfils dreams. Embrace their happiness and let them Take It Higher.
Brazil’s biggest artist and internationally acclaimed DJ Alok, known for colossal collaborations with John Legend, Jason Derulo, Tove Lo, and most recently Ella Eyre for the #1 sound of the Summer “Deep Down,” has joined forces with multiplatinum singer/songwriter Ellie Goulding and British DJ/ProducerSigala to release their irresistible new track, “All by Myself.” The dance pop anthem brings the timeless sample of Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy The Silence,” who were notably impressed with the final result of the song and gave it the honor of its first clearance to be released; available on all digital streaming platforms HERE.
A rarity and an honor, Depeche Mode gave Alok, Sigala, and Ellie Goulding the first green light ever to use their “Enjoy The Silence” sample. The sample is used in the drop of “All by Myself,” which concentrates all the elements, including Goulding’s glossy vocals and Alok and Sigala’s flawless production, into a smash hit for the Fall season. The holy grail of samples, Alok wanted to use it with the respect the song deserves, and all artists are very pleased with the outcome, turning this release into a top priority for all.
Brazilian superstar, voted #4 DJ in the world by DJ Mag with a remarkable 70 million social media followers, music producer and philanthropist Alok is best known for global hit singles like “Hear Me Now” and his chart topping remix of MEDUZA’s “Piece of Your Heart,” for which he won “Best Remix” at the 2020 International Dance Music Awards. Alok was recently in New York city to launch his remarkable climate change partnership with the United Nations’ Global Compact and the Alok Institute. “The Future Is Ancestral” project helped kickoff New York’s Climate Change Week with a series of informative, international panels and a historic first-ever performance on the rooftop of the United Nations headquarters. Alok’s newest track “Deep Down” simultaneously hit #1 on Billboard’s Dance chart and is still climbing the streaming charts.
“It was a pleasure to work with Ellie and Sigala on this track and such a huge honor that the electronic music pioneers Depeche Mode liked it enough to give us the legendary “Enjoy The Silence” sample and let us officially release it. We are all so thrilled with how it came out!” – Alok
Ellie Goulding’s empowering vocals have made her a world-renowned artist and have led her to win such accolades as “Best British Female Solo Artist.” Goulding has become one of UK’s best-selling female artists with over twenty-three Top 40 singles, including three number ones. Her biggest single “Love Me Like You Do” quickly climbed the U.K. charts to number one and has over 2.2 billion views on YouTube. Her fearless and ethereal vocals have made her the go-to artist for top charting collaborations with artists such as Calvin Harris, Diplo and Big Sean. The pop superstar also sang at the Royal Wedding Reception for Princess Kate Middleton and Prince William. Her latest album Brightest Blue became her fourth RIAA certified Platinum album. Recently, Ellie performed at The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon with her new single Easy Lover feat Big Sean.
“It was such an incredible experience to work with Alok and Sigala on this new track – they’re both such unique and amazing artists and coming together was a delight. I hope this song gives people the self-love and power that I felt when writing it. We need to make sure we’re loving and taking care of ourselves so we can receive the same from those around us.” – Ellie Goulding
Uniquely renowned for his cheerful dance-pop sound, UK-based DJ and producer Sigala has made a name for himself as one of the most played British DJs on UK radio. Sigala burst onto the scene with his single Easy Love, a Jackson 5 sampled track that has over 150 million views on YouTube, which quickly topped the U.K. singles chart at number one. Sigala continued to release blazing bright tunes with artists such as Hailee Steinfeld, Craig David and Paloma Faith earning him over seven platinum singles, nine gold singles and ten million worldwide sales. In 2018, Sigala released his highly anticipated debut album Brighter Days, featuring collaborations with Kylie Minogue, Sean Paul, and Meghan Trainor among others. Sigala’s album became the highest charting dance album of 2018 and received the honor of a BRIT certified Silver certification.
“Such a pleasure to work with such talented individuals, I’ve been wanting to work with Ellie for a while so it’s great to finally collaborate” – Sigala
Modern Mystery 
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