Ottawa-based band, Amos The Transparent, are back with their third album, ‘Good Night My Dear…I’m Falling Apart’. A project that began as two EPs morphed into one album that aligns their light, pop side with their dark, dramatic, folk side, and recreates a live orchestra feel. With new song “You Were So Right” set to be featured in an upcoming episode of Degrassi – The Next Generation, this might be the breakaway wave they’ve been waiting to ride. Grounded, thankful, open and ready to rock and work, the band is excited to start playing for audiences across Canada. For tour dates and more, visit amosthetransparent.com.
JUSTIN HINES
From singing the national anthem at a Toronto Raptors game at the young age of 15 to releasing his fourth album, ‘Days to Recall’, Justin Hines certainly has unique stories to share. Justin’s latest album builds on his previous work and journey through life, with rich, emotional and positive lyrics framed with catchy bridges and layered rhythms. A strong supporter of various charities and exploring all life has to offer, Justin has taken his music across North America and as far as China and the Middle East. Learn more about Justin and check out tour dates at justinhines.com.
Jim Cuddy
Canadian icon Jim Cuddy speaks with us on the heels of the release of his third solo album, ‘Skyscraper Soul’. What began as Jim writing music to accompany his wife’s short film, Jim cultivated very personal songs that also drew on the city of Toronto as inspiration. The result is an album woven together with a beautiful storytelling sequence, which includes prominent strings, horn arrangements and an overall soundtrack-esque pace to the record. Jim’s first single, ‘Everyone Watched the Wedding’, drew attention with his unusual focus on the royals, which he attributes to a broader interest in romance and preparing for life’s journey on the strength of true love. For more information on upcoming shows and additional projects, visit jimcuddy.com.
Kuba Oms
Hailing from Victoria, BC, long time musical director of the electro project Velvet, Kuba Oms is getting ready to launch his follow up to debut album ‘How Much Time’. His 2011 project builds on the strong songwriting from his first foray into solo work, with an emphasis on upbeat dance vibes. Planning to release the record later this year, Kuba’s taking a new approach by releasing one single at a time. Recent songs have been featured in films ‘Powder Blue’ and ‘Let It Ride’, and new track, “Electrolove”, is a catchy, fun tune with a disco throwback style sure to keep you hooked. For more, visit www.kubaoms.com.
Socalled
The Montreal based Socalled is everything at once: a rapper/pianist/producer/composer/arranger/journalist/photographer/filmmaker/magician/cartoonist/puppet maker (whew!). His new album, ‘Sleepover’ is full of catchy tunes that blend an eclectic mix of genres, including R&B, soul, hip-hop and pop; this is an artist not interest in boundaries, and enjoys combining sounds and technology both old and new. His numerous collaborators are friends from every social sphere, including Fred Wesley, an amazing funk trombonist who worked with James Brown. Currently touring Canada and overseas and promoting his documentary, ‘The Socalled Movie’, you can find more information at www.socalledmusic.com
Simple Plan
Rockers Simple Plan are back with their highly anticipated fourth album, ‘Get Your Heart On’. Due in stores June 21st, the guys are looking forward to bringing the album to life and doing what they love to do – getting back on stage, touring and having fun. After a lot of hard work, and some great collaborations including K’NAAN, Rivers Cuomo, Natasha Bedingfield and a first ever song in French with Quebec’s pop singer Marie-Mai, the band is ready to share the new tunes with their fans across the world. They’ve also really gotten into social media, enjoying interacting with fans through their official Facebook page and Twitter accounts. For more information, visit www.simpleplan.com.
Matt Epp
After realizing in his twenties that music was the next step in his life, Matt Epp took the plunge and became a singer/songwriter despite never having sung or played an instrument in his past. The superb storyteller from Manitoba is now sharing his fifth album, ‘At Dawn’, an inspired and authentic record that features a new band, Amorian Assembly. Catch Matt as he tours across Canada. For more information, visit mattepp.com.
RON SEXSMITH
Acclaimed singer and songwriter Ron Sexsmith has just released a new album, ‘Long Player Late Bloomer’, and discusses how he came to release a record despite feeling illusioned with the industry, along with his take on being the subject of a documentary, ‘Love Shines’. As one of Canada’s most recognized and praised songwriters, Ron’s work has been extolled by everyone from Bob Dylan to Elton John to Chris Martin, with his songs recorded by a wide spectrum of artists including Rod Stewart, Michael Bublé, k.d. lang, Nick Lowe, Feist and Curtis Stigers. Bridging new ground on this album, Ron worked with famed (and Canadian!) producer Bob Rock. Though it might sound like an unlikely pairing initially, the partnership has produced a beautiful record that Ron is now thrilled to be sharing with audiences across Canada. For more information and tour dates, please visit ronsexsmith.com.
Interview with The Sadies at CMW 2011
The Sadies have been everywhere lately! They rocked The Junos last night, hot on the heels of their amazing performance during Canadian Music Week. We caught up with them just before their CMW show in Toronto. Hear about their plans for more touring, a band member’s unlucky break and more.