Tag Archives: Canada

Exclusive Artist Review: 21 And 9 – “So…” EP

Posted in Album, Alternative, Careers, EP, Grunge, Hard Rock, Indie, Music Review, Press Release, Rock by

You just don’t hear bands like this anymore. Emerging from the musical landscapes of Ontario in Canada, Alt-Rockers 21 And 9 blasted onto the market two years ago with their dynamic Alt/Rock style accompanied with nostalgic 90s elements of Grunge and Indie – and began hitting the ground running pretty much immediately. And with two years of writing and recording under their belts, the quartet have officially released their highly anticipated debut EP “So…”.

Comprised of six versatile and multifaceted tracks, 21 And 9 truly make an unforgettable impression with this record and any fan of the 90s will absolutely adore it. Combining a sound that is reminiscent to 90s nostalgic heavyweights like Oasis, Gin Blossoms, Weezer and Live, 21 And 9 serves up an EP that has intelligently crafted vocal melodies, powerful harmonies, a driving rhythm section and tastefully blended duel guitar leads. Opening track “All Figured Out” brings this manifestation of their sound right to the forefront with a buildup intro that diligently merges into a climactic chorus and a slamming breakdown that cruises all the way to the end of the song. This song beautifully demonstrates how all opening tracks should present themselves – powerful, wholesome and well executed. Title track “So” continues to showcase the band’s distinctive style but shines a light on more crucial musical angles that makes 21 And 9 the versatile unit that they are. This straightforward Alt-Rock number is well put together and focuses more on the strong vocal melody factors, as well as effective vocal harmonies throughout the song’s duration. It’s the EP’s anchor single and easily stands out as one.

Another notable track on this record is the anthemic “In This Song”, a powerful song with rhythmic drum rudiments and ambient guitar work. The blends of clean and gain-driven guitars mesh perfectly and brilliantly parallel the vocals from beginning to end. This track will likely become a favorite for anyone that listens for the first time, but overall, it’s very hard to pick a favorite since all six tracks are absolute standouts. But nevertheless, “So…” is a far-above-average debut record for a band that has only been together for two years. 21 And 9 definitely will be going places, and this record will definitely entice you to keep tabs on their career and subsequent releases. “So…” is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and several other digital music streaming platforms. You’ll be more than glad you gave it a listen. For this debut record, the band has partnered with apparel company Tenfed (www.tenfed.com) and will be donating ten meals for every record sold to those in need – so it helps a great cause too. All the more reason to grab a copy today!

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Exclusive Artist Interview: Winchester 7 & the Runners

Posted in Acoustic, Album, Alternative, Americana, Blues, Careers, Experimental, Folk, Funk, Hard Rock, Indie, Music Review, Partnership, Pop, Press Release, Rock by

When it comes to solid rockers like Winchester 7 & the Runners, a truly epic and international projectional form of musical magic would eventually manifest as the centerpiece to bring a brilliant entity together through both talent and dedication. Reminiscent of industry classic heavyweights like The Rolling Stones, The Black Keys and a slew of others with a similar calibre, each member of the band’s personal influences would eventually get each key player to find destiny to cross paths to begin a signature sound that is insatiably unique and versatile. Basically, W7 & the Runners would seek musical refuge, but there’s a long story involved. And today, we get the opportunity to ask them some relevant questions about all things band and member related, and are more than excited to do so. But first, let’s give some insight into the bands origins, in-betweens; past present and future by taking a glance into their respected bio.

When Phil Voorhees (bass) and Jack Kane (drums) decided to pull a runner, they didn’t expect that the one to come after them would be Winchester 7 (vocals, ukulele). None of them imagined that when their paths finally crossed, a few bass notes and halting drum beat would be met with a rocking ukulele reply, vocal harmony, and…music. Together, Winchester 7 & the Runners, have since found that a forgotten world, beyond the dome welcomes their music and films even as their friendship grows. Out of Atlanta, Georgia-based (home to Winchester 7), Sanctuary Studio; though runners, Voorhees now resides in Amsterdam and Kane is itinerant within the United Kingdom; the trio deliver their unique blend of indie garage rock with alternative, classic, and surf influences.

•How many years have you guys been active?

Well, despite purposeful appearances “we” are a one-man band and have been active since about 2017.

•Where are you guys currently based out of? And how is the scene out there?

Atlanta, GA though our bio includes bassist, Phil Voorhees being out of Amsterdam and drummer, Jack Kane, being itinerant to the United Kingdom. Overall, things are quarant-errific, though I’m hopeful for things to become more typically active in 2021.

•How’d you guys come up with your band name?

Well, I’m Winchester 7 and the story goes that Phil and Jack were pulling a runner; but, when I caught up with them, we decided to form a band instead of returning to our dome.

•You guys have a vast array of versatility, what are some of your guys personal musical influences?

Thank you! I’d say we’re heavily Beatles influenced, Paul McCartney, particularly. But, we most certainly draw upon other classic rock, post-punk, Brit pop, and alternative rock.

•What’s one of the best and worst shows you’ve played since your formation?

Well, due to apparent reasons we have moreseo focused on recording and music video production, to date. As such, most of our gigs are rather intimate affairs and have only suffered a few embarrassingly stray notes.

•What genre(s) would you consider your band? Shed a little light on that.

We call it “Indie ukulele rock”. It’s certainly rock, but we like to remind you of the ukulele as you’re unlikely to otherwise notice it by listening alone.

•How many releases have you guys put out this far? And what do you have set for the future?

Argos Holiday is our third EP release. After a short holiday break, we expect to head straight back into the studio to begin work on our follow-up.

•What would you consider your best release so far?

Well, it’s hard to pick favorites, but I’m rather proud of Dirty Laundry off our latest EP, Argos Holiday.

•What message do you have for your fans? What should inspire them to listen to your tunes?

Stay safe, enjoy a happy holidays; and let’s all hope for a still happier, healthier new year.

Regarding our tunes, if our usual seven tracks of Argos Holiday aren’t enough, I hope that its bonus tracks including a cover of David Bowie’s Modern Love and the Stuart Epps (George Harrison, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Oasis) mix of our Alfred Hitchcock inspired song, The Saint Simon Killer, will.

•What can we expect from you guys in 2021?

Hopefully, our next EP and continued releases of original, companion music videos for each track including previews of the later release.

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Exclusive Artist Interview: Mia Moisa

Posted in Alternative, Americana, Blues, Careers, Dance, EDM, Electronic, EP, Experimental, Funk, Fusion, Gospel, Hip Hop, Indie, Instrumental, Jazz, Music Review, Pop, Press Release, R&B, Reggae, Single, Soul by

Hailing from the beautiful landscapes of Brussels, young up-and-coming starlet Mia Moisa began hitting the ground running just two years ago when she was at 20. It was December 2019 when she realized that music was (and is) the true passion of her life. In Brussels, she also started practicing Yoga and Meditation which are incredibly amazing practices which she learned from Buddhism. Her strive of constantly researching is one of the same philosophies she utilizes for her music as well. There’s no time to stop learning. We’ve had the opportunity to talk with Mia about her aspiring career and where her future plans lead, both as a person and artist.

•What got you into music this past year? What are some of the main components that inspired it?

Since very little I knew I wanted to be on stage. I am quite a sensible person and my way of feeling empowered is by performing. I was sent to Brussels in September 2016, by my family, to study Business without really wanting to do it, but I wanted to feel accepted and please the ones I love. I forced myself during 3 years to study but my inner self didn’t want me to do it. Sometimes I would go to bars during the week ends to feel the music , to do some karaoke and to join some Jam Sessions. A bar I absolutely love here in Brussels is ‘La Tricoterie’ they have such a warm environment and the city in general would make me feel so good. So I would constantly fall depressed after a period of time if I wouldn’t give rhythm and colours to myself. In 2019, I’ve met love for the 1st time, and this person believed so much in me and he encouraged me to follow my dreams. So in January 2020, I dropped out of university and since then have dedicated all my time to art in general. It’s been a healing process since then.

•You’ve recorded a lot of material in such a short time. That’s amazing! How has the studio process been for you?

I remember the first song I registered was with my great friend Tidji, we met in 2017, here in Brussels. He came from Réunion to study Farmacy back then. In the end of 2019 we started making music together and we registered our first feat in January 2020. Sincerely, we was so stressed but at the same time I was feeling so happy. In my mind I remember saying constantly ‘ this is it Mia, you are doing it, finally we are doing it’. I was containing myself to do not jump and go crazy actually . I knew I needed more knowledge to sing on a studio. Its not that simple. With time while recording my singles I just felt I was doing better and better. 6 studio session is what I needed to feel like the studio was a home for me. I am buildind my little home studio now by the way

•Are you a solo artist or do you have a band lined up?

For now I am solo but I would absolutely love to create a band one day. I love old fashion concerts, that’s what I want to give to people, a stage full of energy, a union of individuals that share the same passion.

•What about some of your artist influences? Shed a little light on that.

As a child I loved so much Lady Gaga and Madonna (those 2 were an influence of my best friend João, from Portugal. I used to go over his place and we would pretend those were our songs and we would spend hours and hours making choreographies and singing. Maybe since we were 6 till nowadays we have a lot of fun doing it together. One song that I was crazy about was “Give It To Me” Madonna 2008). Miley Cyrus, I love her so much! I had Eminem, Maroon 5 and Amy Winehouse period. Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Shakira, Rihanna and Jennifer were my queens of women empowerment. Then I got crazy with Billie Eilish, this girl is amazing! I could not forget the Queen and Stromae.

•How many years have you been singing? Doesn’t necessarily have to be professional.

I started at the age of 6 in a Folkloric association back in Portugal and made some concerts with them for a few years.

•What are some of your long/short term goals as an artist? What do you hope to accomplish?

Surely to transform the European Stages. I think investors should focus more on our artists. We have one life in this earth and I want to remember that here in Europe we had a hell of a good time spent on concerts because for sure we have a lot of hidden talent. I might be wrong but since little I was expecting to see changes on European stages. That didn’t happen, unfortunately. We need better teams, we need not only managers, we need leaders also, both lovers of art not only money.

For long term I have two major goals. The first one, I will always seek to bring an equilibrium to the way the woman is taken in consideration. In the first place we are human beings, as human beings we are all the same. Period. This also stands for Racism or other types or disrespect. The Second one, that personally I think will take even more time is give all my support to LGBTQIA+ community. I would like to add a *, that goes for all those who feel different or misunderstood, or depressed or anything else that is making them feel bad about themselves. I have something to say to those ones “ You are a Star ” no one can take that away from you, no one should even have that intention, let’s start there. I believe in a better world, I believe in piece and love. There is a lot to work on.

•If you could compare yourself to a couple other vocalists (style-wise), who would they be and why?

I think my voice is a compilation of all those who figure in the 4th question mostly. I feel a strong empathy toward those artist and some many more, that somehow made me see the world differently in a given moment of the past. They made me who I am today.

How has the fan/community reception been towards your music since you started your career so recently?

I received some messages that warmed up my heart so much. It’s such a great feeling to wake up with a message from a stranger saying “wow I love your voice” “ I love what you do” “ I love your universe” etc.

It was a surprise for my friends from Portugal mostly, they didn’t knew what was going on, but they were happy, so was I.

It’s a small community, but a great one for sure! They mean a lot for me!

I am so grateful for everything. I know I don’t have a specific music genre and since I have quite a different style people might be skeptical, I just need time.

•Have you had the chance to perform live yet? (In spite of COVID)

Not with my own songs, I am so anxious about that actually. When things get back to normal, I will finally be able to show me! Can’t wait!

•What are your future plans? Where do you hope to see yourself in 1-2 years?

All depends on COVID. Actually I only could answer to this question if I would imagine that from March things would go back to normal and I could work like crazy to get in some few national stages. Maybe internationals, who knows! Till then I’ll be launching songs.

Mia’s Words & Message

My music talks mostly about philosophy of life: deep emotions, putted on a peaceful flow. I think it translates the bipolarity of our existence. Is everywhere, always, this pressure of showing everything is good even though we might really be suffering inside us. I think it was what I mostly leaded with in my life and there are many conclusions I made out of it. I am launching “Broken Heart ” as the first song of my EP for the simple fact that Covid-19 made us get distant , even more than we were before, it took away from us many things, between them were the kindness for the next one, which it really made me sad, because that’s a strong value I grew up in with my Orthodox Me as a Artist I am looking to encourage people to follow their dreams, to give empowerment, specially woman Empowerment. I love doing extravagant things to bring the weird to common, untill people are abble to accept it as a normality.Changing the normes of society, in my point of view, is necessary.We are a community on a daily evolution, we have to train ourselves to changement. This way more people will be able to free themselves. I believe this life is too preacious to be waisted on a routine. I believe that art is an escaping gate from depression, which is a big psycological issue nowadays. It helps me personaly to express my pain. I have a big background on teather, dance and posing, which are my other ways of freeing myself. In a visual way, is like, by practicing them I can go to a spiritual state where I feel myself levitating. As if we all had wings but routine would put heavy layers of great weight on top of them and the only way to free is letting your self express be free.

I am launching “Broken Heart ” as the first song of my EP for the simple fact that Covid-19 made us get distant , even more than we were before, it took away from us many things, between them were the kindness for the next one, which it really made me sad, because that’s a strong value I grew up in with my Orthodox Me as a Artist I am looking to encourage people to follow their dreams, to give empowerment, specially woman Empowerment. I love doing extravagant things to bring the weird to common, untill people are abble to accept it as a normality. Changing the normes of society, in my point of view, is necessary.We are a comunity on a daily evolution, we have to train ourselves to changement. This way more people will be able to free themselves. I believe this life is too precious to be waisted on a routine. I believe that art is an escaping gate from depression, which is a big psycological issue nowadays. It helps me personaly to express my pain. I have a big background on teather, dance and posing, which are my other ways of freeing myself. In a visual way, is like, by practicing them I can go to a spiritual state where I feel myself levitating. As if we all had wings but routine would put heavy layers of great weight on top of them and the only way to free is letting your self express be free.

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Exclusive Review: Adam Watson – “Goodbye Shouldn’t Hurt This Bad (The Nation’s Single)”

Posted in Acoustic, Alternative, Americana, Careers, Christian, EDM, Electronic, Emo, Hip Hop, Indie, Music Review, Pop, Press Release, R&B, Rap, Reggae, Rock, Single, Soul by

Cover Art of Adam Watson’s Single

Visceral artists like Adam Watson know how to truly convey a powerful message. One that is relevant, ambient and truly earth shatteringly real when it’s authentically delivered. Adam, who has been honing his musical craft for 20 years, breathes true life into his powerful anthem “Goodbye Shouldn’t Hurt This Bad: The Nation’s Single”. A song about the devastation of COVID19 and how it has affected us all both individually and wholesomely. The sickness, pain, and overall pandemic this tragedy has brought to the forefront.

Inspired by a few of Adam‘s favorite TV personalities like Rachel Maddow (MSNBC), one of many who had COVID scares, compelled the rising Hip Hop/R&B and Indie up-and-coming star to put his pen to paper and voice to mic. With a gold standard beat that is subtle with ambience and an essence that brings a vast array of emotions, this track’s mood is completely content but expressive as well; bringing beauty to subjects even like this. It’s a song that encompasses the beauty of a tragic truth; one that is avoidable and all too real.

Adam Watson‘s low-to-mid vocal tones are more story-telling than anything else and delivers the message in a way that resonates with your undivided attention. It’s no wonder this song has received the critical acclaim that it has – its content is hard hitting, relatable, undeniable and connects all of us in some way. If real hope for this pandemic comes from a true voice, then Adam Watson is that voice; togetherness, realness, and a true form of a nation’s re-introduction and strength. This song truly parallels the national anthem and brings a sense of equality to the idea altogether. All for one, one for all. Adam Watson wrote this song to stand with you…will you stand with him?

The song released just a few days ago, but will hold its strength for years to come. You can find it on Spotify, iTunes, Google Play and several other digital music streaming platforms. If the national anthem still holds that unconditional feeling in your heart, then I compel you to put “Goodbye…” on that same scale. This is 2020’s true anthem, and every measure expresses this direction no matter how heartsick you may be.

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Exclusive Review: Hyde Out – “Smoke And Mirrors” Album/LP

Posted in Album, Alternative, Experimental, Hard Rock, Indie, Music Review, Pop, Press Release, Punk, Rock by

Hailing from the landscapes of London, and led by Omar Merlo and Jaka Levstek, the dynamic duo have been creating musical fusion starting in 2014 and since then have been hitting the ground running in the musical realm with their indie, catchy and anthemic signature sound. With both members stemming from a vast array of artist influences and backgrounds, their passionate musicianship comes full circle with their most recent 12-track juggernaut, Smoke And Mirrors.

An album that is versatile, diverse and multifaceted in its execution, Smoke And Mirrors channels a viscerally clean, full sound that leaves no stone unturned that truly brings out some of the strongest, crucial elements that both musicians bring to the table with absolute precision and passion. While the more subtle few first tracks conjure the album’s highly produced aura as it continues to play out, it’s highlights like “Welcome” and title track “Smoke And Mirrors” that the LP’s fruition starts to really show itself with its anthem-worthy choruses, indie creative facets and all around distinguished centerpieces of the album’s heart and soul (even though it all ties together). The backup vocals are hypnotic, chorus-like and are appropriately placed. The dynamic carefulness and care-freeness of the rhythm section, especially in the title track, really give birth to the insatiable ability that this album clearly gives off, almost theatrically but never strayed far from the classic album concept.

Other gems on this dual collective is “Make My Day”, one that starts out like a day at the beach but end up entrenched in a hurricane by the time that relentlessly heavy chorus flows in. Better get out of the water or learn how to swim in a tsunami, basically. The high gain guitars once again trudge through unwavering heaviness and hold nothing back. The brilliance of the high range vocals that soar through this track are very effective and transition diligently between energy and dynamic guitar work — piecing it all together as a unit rather than just one highlighted component.

Each track has its own charm and powerful grace among its actual composition, but none quite like this one. The record ends with a more futuristic and hypnotic feel with a far different vocal that is more confrontational than contemporary. The catchiness on this record is contagious and one of the strongest, giving each chorus alone more than enough worthiness to its own liking. The closing guitar-oriented track “This Looks Like” is not only an instrumentally story-telling piece, but feels a lot shorter that it actually is; giving it that re-listenability that full length records rarely have. Overall, a duo pumping out a record like this is on entirely new levels, and you will unwaveringly adore every track “Smoke And Mirrors” has to offer.

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