Welcome To The Music

Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji speak with bassist and founding member of legendary rock band, 54-40, Brad Merritt in between performances at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto. Established 42 years ago at Vancouver's famed Smilin' Buddha Cabaret, 54-40 have penned countless iconic, enduring, chart-topping gems, rightfully catapulting them to worship-worthy status among millions at home and around the globe. “When I started playing, I was an angry young man with a big mission,” chuckles Neil Osborne of their New Year's Eve start in 1980. “I used to say, ‘If I'm still doing this when I'm 30, I'm going to shoot myself.' And then I said, ‘If I'm still doing this when I am 40, someone please shoot me.' “Now it's like, ‘If I am still doing this at age 50 and over... Wow, eh?!'” The group's longevity is a testament to the potent mix of talent and tenacity. Keep On Walking is 54-40's most eclectic, propulsive, and flat-out excellent album in a career already teeming with them. “This record already feels like a success to me,” says Osborne. “The fact that we created it while really enjoying playing together is an accomplishment, and why Brad Merritt and I started the band in the first place.”

Hosts Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcome superstar Crystal Shawanda to the studio. Born in Wikwemikong First Nation, on Manitoulin Island, in Northern Ontario, Crystal was introduced to the blues by her eldest brother and to old-time country by her parents. “I was also into other styles of music that led me to the blues,” she says, citing everything from Elvis Presley's “Hound Dog,” written by Big Mama Thornton, to R&B-pop star Monica's “Misty Blue,” by Dorothy Moore. “I was one of those kids who read the liner notes,” Crystal says. “I wanted to know everything, who are the songwriters, the musicians, the producers, the engineers. I'm always wanting to know who are the originators, who are the mothers of invention, who inspired all of us? I'm a purist at heart, so I was always diving back to learn from the masters, like Etta James, as far as vocalists; Muddy Waters, as far as feeling; and Buddy Guy, as far as stylists who have a lot of swagger.” And yet Crystal's first foray as a professional singer was in country music, not blues. She was in her early 20s and had immediate success after signing a U.S. record deal with RCA Nashville. 2008's Dawn of a New Day, featuring the single “You Can Let Go,” reached No. 1 on the Canadian Country Album chart and No. 16 on the Billboard Top Country Albums, the highest charting album by a full-blooded Canadian Indigenous country artist (in the SoundScan-era).

In this podcast exclusive, movie director Ron Chapman and concert promoter John Brower sat down with hosts Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji to talk about what Rolling Stone magazine called “the second most important event in rock & roll history”. REVIVAL69: The Concert that Rocked the World, tells the incredible behind-the-scenes, story of how, against all odds, a life-changing concert came together. A story of passion and perseverance, this never-before documented story reveals a series of colourful characters, murky deals and broken promises, culminating in John Brower, a young renegade promoter, putting his life on the line (literally) in order to achieve his goal. With dismal ticket sales, the concert was almost cancelled. But Brower took a one-in-a-million chance and invited John Lennon, who said yes, propelling the concert into a massively successful event. Included in the stellar lineup were Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bo Diddley, Gene Vincent, The Doors, Alice Cooper, and John Lennon with the Plastic Ono Band - his first appearance without the Beatles, that included Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton, Klaus Voormann and Alan White. Watch the official trailer forREVIVAL69: The Concert that Rocked the World Official Trailer here: https://vimeo.com/773931079/379d2f31d8

Ahead of their appearance at Toronto's HISTORY opening for Three Days Grace, co-host Gregg Tilston met with The Standstills to talk about their music, recent collaborations, touring with Three Days Grace, and what they have in store for the future. Check out The Standstills: https://www.thestandstills.com/

Featuring a live acoustic performance of their unreleased song, Say When, Neon Bloom join Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji in studio on this latest edition of Welcome To The Music! Toronto-based garage rock/synth-pop quartet Neon Bloom is a unique blending of musical styles, creative influences and wonderfully diverse personalities. Combining the talents of veteran musicians/recording artists Jen Simpson (lead vocals), bassist/guitarist Fred Yurichuk, guitarist/keyboardist Simon Chow and drummer/keyboardist Chris Romano, Neon Bloom has already staked a claim as one of the most innovative and energetic live bands on the Toronto scene, by invoking their collective experience as live performers, and a dedicated sense of professionalism and passion for their craft. Formed three years ago, the story behind their origin may not seem to be out of the ordinary on first examination. But dig a little deeper and you realize that the back story gives great meaning to so many aspects of the band, from their energetic stage shows, to their overall look and creative aesthetic, their dedication to their craft, and especially Simpson's powerful lyrical creations. More importantly, the story behind the story is why each band member is so committed to one another, and to their collective musical enterprise, and why they approach life and music with such joyful abandon. Photo: Miz Monday

Multiple award-winning Acadian country music star Laurie LeBlanc joins hosts Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji on the show! 2019 was a banner year for LeBlanc. Recipient of the Male Country Artist of the Year 2019 at the Josie Music Awards in Tennessee, Laurie LeBlanc also participated in a dance and country music congress organized by the Francophone Federation of Country Dance and Line Dance FFCLD in Issoudun, France. This experience proved to be important in his career when he met Irish singer-songwriter Don Mescall, who later offered him several songs. From there was born his first English-language album of original compositions, When It's Right It's Right , which was released in 2020. Produced by emeritus Jason Barry (Dean Brody, Charlie Major, Terri Clark, Jason Blaine), this album undoubtedly marked a turning point in his career. In 2022, Laurie launches his 8th solo recording "Long Weekend", a double EP of original songs in French and English, a real turning point in his career. Over the years, Laurie LeBlanc has performed on stage across Canada and shared the stage with many established artists, including Zachary Richard, Michel Pagliaro, Renée Martel, Patrick Norman, Guylaine Tanguay, Laurence Jalbert, Paul Piché , Marc Hervieux, etc. These beautiful musical and personal encounters have greatly contributed to him: they have shaped the artist and the human being that he is today.

Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcome back to the show, producer and recording engineer, Mark Howard. He's worked with countless multi-million-selling-record artists, including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, the Tragically Hip, U2, and the Neville Brothers. Producer Mark Howard has always made unique records. For Howard, it's not just about the recording process — making great music is also about creating unique, comfortable environments designed to bring out the best in the artist. To this end, he's spent a career seeking out architecturally remarkable spaces in which to make albums. In his latest book, Recording Icons / Creative Spaces, you're invited behind the curtain to watch these music industry legends create, and observe the visual portraits of the iconic spaces where your favorite records were recorded. We hope you enjoy the conversation!

Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcome to the show for the second time, Paul Chin! In the wake of Beyoncé and fellow Toronto artist Drake releasing their own dance projects, heralding a reclamation of electronic music for Black artists at the highest heights of the industry, Paul Chin begins the rollout of his own complementary offering in his full-length debut And Under Heaven We Are All Made Of Water, which exhibits the forward-thinking sonic ambition of the underground as he explores themes of Afrofuturism, equity, and renewal; reflecting on what it means to be a co-habitant of the planet we all live on. Brand New Moon, the first single from the album sees Chin and Madison McFerrin connect for an otherworldly, and community-minded rebuke of the intergalactic ambitions of billionaires Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Sir Richard Branson, resisting false “prospects of prosperity”. McFerrin – daughter of vocal jazz icon Bobby McFerrin – flexes her birthright as an architect of luscious layered R&B vocals, gliding effortlessly over glassy production that eventually transforms into a bold trunk-rattler for an Earthbound resistance. Brand New Moon will be available on all marketplaces and DSPs October 26th, 2022. Released via The Nautilus Foundation, distributed by Alpha Pup.

On her 6th birthday, Lulu Simon blew out her candles and wished that she wrote “Lucky” by Britney Spears. While the universe couldn't make that happen, it was clear to Lulu as she grew up that she was destined to write songs and make music. Influenced by modern artists such as Carly Rae Jepsen and Kim Petras, Lulu is able to fill a space in the current pop scene by bringing a singer-songwriter mentality to big pop productions. With Rolling Stone acclaiming her music as “the type of synth-heavy anthems that are needed for a perfect summer soundtrack,” Lulu is poised for success with the release of her sophomore EP this year. Follow Lulu Simon: Website: https://lulusimon.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LuluSimon.Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamluuuluuu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lulusimonofficial/

Arcade Fire, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Feist, Tegan and Sara, Alexisonfire: those were just the tip of the iceberg. This is also the story of hippie chicks, turntablists, poetic punks, absurdist pranksters, queer orchestras, obtuse wordsmiths, electronic psychedelic jazz, power-pop supergroups, sexually bold electro queens, cowboys who used to play speed metal, garage rock evangelists, classically trained solo violinists, and the hip-hop scene that preceded Drake. This is Canada like it had never sounded before. This is the Canada that soundtracked the dawn of a new century. Published by ECW Press

Alan Cross is a Canadian radio broadcaster and a writer on music. Based in Toronto, Ontario, he is best known nationally and internationally as host of the syndicated radio series The Ongoing History of New Music. In this episode, hosts Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji discuss the following topics with Alan Cross: - the 1969 Toronto Rock Revival (also known as the Forgotten Festival) - the Win Butler/Sexual Misconduct story - Nickelback and music snobs - why Radio will never go away and why it continues to be strong - Alan's favourite Lost Venues - How Alan even got started in this whole music historian business Watch this episode on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ58xE2k1NJQ_mDfTzCPm4A

Authored by Derek Emerson and Shawn Chirrey with contributing writer Simon Harvey, it is packed 320 pages with first-hand accounts, historical perspective, and a wealth of original photography and artwork of the era, capturing the immediacy and grit of a scene well ahead of its time in terms of advancing social ideas (gender, animal rights) and pioneering cultural trends (music, fashion) that would only later enter the mainstream. https://youtu.be/RZY2T9DPQj8 Hardcore was the product of kids working to realise the promise of first-wave punk, transforming earlier rhetoric into some of the most powerful, political, and fiercely independent music ever to emerge from Canada. There was a cost to this uncompromising ethos, however. With its radically uncommercial music and consequent focus on affordable cassettes and 7” records, self-released in tiny runs and distributed through small shops, much of this scene, and the ideas that it often promoted, remains unknown to all but the most committed record collectors and cultural historians. Overwhelmingly ignored by radio, television and print media, shunned even by the alternative press of its day, hardcore was documented by its own participants, via xeroxed fanzines and flyers pasted on downtown walls, underground bulletins that survive now only in private collections shared generously with the authors. Conscious of such material's cultural value and ever-increasing obscurity, a group of people who had been active during this era set out, several years ago, to capture the disappearing memories and artifacts of the original Toronto Hardcore (TOHC) scene. For more information about the book visit: https://www.facebook.com/TOHardcore80s

Fresh off of her collaboration with the Grammy Awards and RBCxMusic, Domanique Grant is a Pop/Soul, Singer-Songwriter from Toronto, named one of Buzzfeed's Top 20 Artists to Watch from Canada. With a live show that's been praised by Ted Talk, recent collaborations with Grammy Award-winning producer Jarrel ‘The' Young (Drake 2021, The Weeknd 2020, Fall out Boyz 2019) and a Pandemic-song that went viral worldwide, 2022 is set to be a big year for the teal haired powerhouse. The release of Domanique's upcoming EP album QueenDom, exploring self-love and authenticity in a digital age; does that and more. With a milky vocal tone, paired with a praised, rap-singing versatility, echoing influences as diverse as Lauren Hill, Lisa Left-Eye Lopes, Rihanna, Sza and Chance the Rapper, combined, Domanique's music straddles the lines of modern Pop and R&B, with elements of Electronic and Hip Hop that can't be ignored. https://www.domaniquegrant.com/

Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcome The Pursuit of Happiness lead singer and songwriter Moe Berg to the show.

In early 2021, hosts Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji started a segment called Lost Venues. We ask our guests to tell stories of their time playing at music venues that no longer exist. Retired Toronto carpenter started his own similar series not too long ago. According to a CBC article: The name of his show: Toronto, Lost Music City, is a tribute to bars that are now silent and a poke in the eye of the city's claim that it is still a live music hub. So, of course, we had to get him on the show. To check out Andrew's work please visit: https://www.instagram.com/asmith.yyz/

Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcome to the show, William Irwin, the author of The Meaning Of Metallica: Ride The Lyrics. More than 40 years since their formation, and 125 million album sales later, Metallica is as relevant as ever. Much has been written about the band, but The Meaning of Metallica is the first book to focus exclusively on their lyrics. Their mighty guitar riffs and pounding drums are legendary, but Metallica's words match the intensity of their tunes. Lead singer James Hetfield writes rock poetry dealing with death, war, addiction, alienation, corruption, freedom, religion, and other weighty topics. Painting a rainbow of emotions with a deft palette, subtle but not obscure, Hetfield's lyrics deserve careful attention. A master of narrative, Metallica makes listeners care about a vast array of characters, from a vengeful God, to a suicidal teenager, to a man in mid-life crisis. Published by ECW Press: https://ecwpress.com/products/the-meaning-of-metallica Purchase the book here: https://www.amazon.ca/Meaning-Metallica-Ride-Lyrics/dp/1770416188/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LF0TMKJVC854&keywords=meaning+of+metallica&qid=1650229903&sprefix=meaning+of+metallica%2Caps%2C72&sr=8-1

Hosts Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcome to the show award-winning singer-songwriter Julian Taylor. We spoke to Julian about his latest release, The Ridge, which has been nominated numerous time in various categories. Julian and The Ridge also recently captured the award for 2021 Solo Artist of the Year at the 16th Canadian Folk Music Awards. During our conversation we chatted about his music, radio show, playing live again, his favourite music, and some of the Lost Venues from his life. You can order Julian's music at https://juliantaylormusic.ca/store. Image from https://juliantaylormusic.ca/

We've all been mourning since March 25th after learning about the untimely death of Taylor Hawkins. In memory of Taylor Hawkins here are our conversations with Stevie Salas and Sass Jordan. They both talked about Taylor Hawkins with fondness and love. To Stevie, Taylor was his younger brother that he always loved. Through all the highs and all the lows. Sass was the same way. Sass even had the chance on many occasions to sing with Taylor and the rest of the boys in Foo Fighters. We're all going to miss seeing Taylor Hawkins play live at a Foo Fighters show. Gregg and I are also going to miss dreaming about Taylor Hawkins coming on our show one day. We miss you Taylor. May you rest in peace. Photo: Wikimedia Commons https://welcometothemusic.com/sass-jordan/ https://welcometothemusic.com/stevie-salas-rumble-the-indians-who-rocked-the-world/

Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcome to the show, Juno award-winning singer-songwriter, Barney Bentall. Prior to the release of his new album, "Cosmic Dreamer", Barney joined Gregg and Karim to discuss: - the inspiration for the album and the title single, Cosmic Dreamer - his two favourite Lost Venues - working with Adventure Canada - his BC ranch - what advice he'd give to his younger self - and so much more! He also sang a Gordon Lightfoot cover off of his new album! You can pre-order his new album at https://truenorthrecords.com/barneybentall/ Photo by Mark Maryanovich

Vin Rock from legendary hip hop group Naughty By Nature and business partner Greg Carron join hosts Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston this week on the show. In this episode, Greg and Vin discuss their venture into the metaverse and their NFTs. Check out more information on their Slugga Originals NFT at https://thesluggastore.com/ and The Vault at https://mgate.io/go/As17u7uDNKCG.

Ray Chelstowski joins Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji on the show this week. Ray is the former publisher for both Rolling Stone and Entertainment Weekly. Ray can be found giving his thoughts on music at http://disciplesofsound.blogspot.com/.

Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcome to the program Martha Johnson and Mark Gane, founding members of Martha and the Muffins, Martha and the Muffins emerged from the early punk/new wave/art pop scene in 1977 which was centered around various clubs along Toronto's Queen Street West and the Ontario College of Art. After “Echo Beach” became a top ten single around the world in 1980 and earned them a Juno for Single of the Year, Martha and the Muffins toured extensively in Britain, Europe and North America. Since then, the band has released seven studio albums, three of which they co-produced with Daniel Lanois. The songs they worked on together included the ground breaking singles “Women Around The World At Work”, “Danseparc”, “Black Stations/White Stations”, “Come Out And Dance” and “Cooling The Medium”. Martha Johnson and Mark Gane spent much of the '90's scoring music for various television and film projects. Over the past few years, Universal Music Canada has reissued several Martha and the Muffins albums on CD, including Metro Music, Trance And Dance, This Is The Ice Age and the CD compilation Icon. "Marthology: In And Outtakes", the album, spans 35 years of recordings, including the 30th anniversary version of ‘Echo Beach', previously limited releases of 'Summer Of Song', ‘Big Day' and ‘Do you Ever Wonder?' as well as never heard before songs and alternative versions of album cuts. Website: http://marthaandthemuffins.com/ Stream: https://smarturl.it/marthology Buy the CD here: https://marthaandthemuffins.bandcamp.com/

Hosts Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcome to the show hip hop and spoken word artist, KTheChosen. KTheChosen believes in the power of storytelling and uses his voice to share the experiences of those around him. Inspired by artists such as King Los and Kendrick Lamar, KTheChosen challenges himself to write lyrics that are both entertaining and enlightening. The video for his single "Amazon" features Zimbabwe's infamous bearer cheques and united the Calgary community by involving several local artists from varying disciplines. 2021 was a big year for KTheChosen, with a nomination for the Zim Achievers Canada Awards in the Young Achievers category in February and the opportunity to perform and speak at a TEDx event in July. His talk focused on the importance of authentic leadership in a time when social media campaigns have been the driving force behind global movements such as #MeToo and Black Lives Matter. Photo by Floyd Gonzales

Certified Music Therapist Jennifer Buchanan joins hosts Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston to discuss her newest book, WELLNESS WELLPAYED: THE POWER OF A PLAYLIST. In this episode we discuss: - how Jennifer realized music had a role to play in health - our experiences with making and receiving mixtapes - our relationships with vinyl - and so much more! To learn how to make a purposeful playlist for yourself visit: https://www.jenniferbuchanan.ca/3-steps-to-creating-a-purposeful-playlist-for-2022/ Photo: Jodi O Photography

Richard Crouse joins Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji on the Welcome To The Music podcast to talk all about music documentaries, and soundtracks from television shows and movies. We also discuss: - Neil Young's beef with Spotify and Joe Rogan - Richard's fandom of Meat Loaf - Why no one is skipping the introduction of Peacemaker - and so much more! Image from https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/tv/ctv-news-channel/pop-life/

Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcome to the show, Roger Mooking. Mooking first burst onto the music scene as MC Mystic for the Edmonton-based hip hop outfit The Maximum Definitive. After performing at Much Music he stayed in Toronto and joined Bass is Base. In addition to the early single "Funk-mobile", which garnered the band a deal with A&M Records their debut album, First Impressions for the Bottom Jigglers, won a Juno Award in the Best R&B/Soul Recording category in 1995. A year later, the second consequential album, Memories of the Soul Shack Survivors, gave the band its first Top 20 hit, “I Cry.” Today, Mooking is best known as a celebrity chef, restaurateur, television host, and author. His latest musical project is an EP called Edibles. Find it here: https://rogermooking.com/music/edibles/

Formed in 1980, an intrepid young band from Burlington Ontario would soon make "Spoons" a different kind of household word... Together with Derrick Ross and Rob Preuss, Gord Deppe and Sandy Horne would help define the sound of pop and New Wave in the 80's, with hits including "Nova Heart", "Romantic Traffic", "Old Emotions" and "Tell No Lies". ​Their album "Arias & Symphonies" would go on to be named one of the 20 Most Influential Albums of The 80's by "the Chart" Magazine, and their song "Nova Heart" was recently included in Bob Mersereau's book "the Top 100 Canadian Singles of All Time"... The retro 80s movement, now almost a decade old, shows no signs of slowing down. Not one bit. And as far as Sandy, Gord, and a lot of fans are concerned, that is a very good thing indeed. Visit https://www.spoonsmusic.com/merchandise to buy their classic and latest releases!

Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston welcome to the podcast, Bad Skin! 4 girls not afraid to kick ass and deliver a phenomenal performance each time they set foot on stage! They love to take every opportunity to show the world what they are capable of! They played a lot of shows and festivals in Quebec: Music 4 Cancer, Pop Montreal, Pouzza Fest, 77 Festival, Rockfest pour la santé mentale, Le Phoque Off and many more! Throughout the festivals they met and spend time with their main inspiration, the members of L7 and last summer they went on an adventure, the biggest convention in the world at Cannes for MIDEM. It all started with Dope, (signer/ rhythm guitarist) from Laval. Since birth she knew she would leave her mark on the world. Everywhere she goes people always remember her phenomenal energy, no one even knows when she sleeps! In late 2016 she wanted to start a crazy all girl Punk/Rock Band and quickly found her accomplices! With some flyers and posters, she eventually met Caro (lead guitarist) and automatically knew it was a match in heaven… hell they have the same brain! Afterwards, thanks to Facebook she found the sweet, adorable and very smart Aurély (bassist) and the final missing piece, that pop red cherry on a Sunday, the beast, Christine (drums). With passion and dedication, they had one mission in mind, speak for the voiceless! They connect with their fans in the most incredible way and they help them raise awareness on daily injustices through their songs. Soon enough they were signed by Dance Plant Records who is helping and mentoring them along the way to be the best version of themselves and take off on that unbelievable journey…. which is just starting!

Adrian Sutherland joins Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji on this episode of Welcome To The Music! Adrian Sutherland is a roots-rock recording artist with heart from Attawapiskat First Nation on the James Bay. He's a singer, songwriter, musician, writer, speaker, and advocate. He's a father of four, grandfather to four, a traditional knowledge keeper, and respected cultural leader, fluent in Mushkegowuk Cree. The fascinating frontman and founder of all-Cree rockers Midnight Shine, Adrian released four albums with the band before shifting his attention to solo projects in 2019. After building his own recording studio in a sea-can out of necessity during the pandemic, Adrian completed tracking for When The Magic Hits, and scored his first television series (Unsettled by Jennifer Podemski for APTN and TVO). He is presently writing his first book for Penguin Random House Canada about growing up in Attawapiskat – a remote and sometimes-harsh place he still chooses to call home. Adrian cares deeply about many causes, and is using his music and voice to share first-hand perspective on issues facing First Nations like contaminated water, housing shortages, food insecurity, addiction, and mental health. At a time of growing awareness about Reconciliation, Adrian is hopeful for Canadians to better understand one another, and take further steps together. Photo: Judy Sutherland

Hosts Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji chat with authors Jason Schneider and Michael Barclay on the 20th anniversary of their book, Have Not Been The Same. Published in autumn 2001, Have Not Been the Same became the first book to comprehensively document the rise of Canadian underground rock between the years 1985 and 1995. It was a tumultuous decade that saw the arrival of Blue Rodeo, The Tragically Hip, Sarah McLachlan, Sloan, Barenaked Ladies, Daniel Lanois, and many others who made an indelible mark not only on Canadian culture, but on the global stage as well. Have Not Been the Same tells all of their stories in rich detail through extensive first–person interviews, while at the same time capturing the spirit of Canada's homegrown music industry on the cusp of the digital age. Ten years on, the 780–page book is still regarded by critics and musicians as the definitive history of the era. To mark this milestone, the authors have updated many key areas of the book through new interviews, further illuminating the ongoing influence of this generation of artists. And with its treasure trove of rare photos intact, this revised edition of Have Not Been the Same is sure to maintain the book's status as one of the seminal works in the field of Canadian music writing, and a must–read for any Canadian music fan. Published by ECW Press

Eight years ago, three six-graders ignored all the other trappings of ascendant teenagers and dedicated themselves fully and feverishly to making music. Growing up in the serene town of Vernon, BC, daysormay not only mastered their song writing and playing skills, but they also became production wunderkinds. Now in Vancouver, with a full album and EP release already in their arsenal, the members of daysormay (the English phonetic of the French "désormais" meaning "from now on") have the wind at their backs with no intentions of slowing down. With influences like Phoenix, Glass Animals and Portugal. The Man., singer Aidan Andrews and twin brothers / rhythm section Carson and Nolan Bassett are carving out a unique space in modern alternative music and they have the online fan ship to show it. The band has continued to challenge their craft by incorporating pulsing drums, enchanting synths & guitars, unforgettable melodies and sharp-witted lyrics. daysormay attack each new live show with a relentless energy of a band on the verge. Their history of stunning audiences is extensive, from at home in Canada, to headline shows in Europe, The Reeperbahn Festival in Germany, The Great Escape in England, Bumbershoot in Seattle and support slots on stages with Cold War Kids, Tessa Violet, Peach Pit, Walk Off The Earth and Arkells. daysormay is: Aidan Andrews (Lead Vocals/Guitar/Keys/Ukulele) Nolan Bassett (Bass/Vocals/Trumpet) Carson Bassett (Drums/Percussion) Image: Zuleyma Prado

Hosts Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston welcome to the studio, award-winning rapper Shad. It seems like everything Shad touches turns to gold. His albums have been short-listed for the Polaris Music Prize, he's won the Juno for Rap Recording of the year, and he recently hosted the Emmy and Peabody award-winning documentary, Hip-Hop Evolution. His latest album, TAO, is out now. Buy or listen to his album here: https://found.ee/Shad-TAO

David McPherson joins Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston to discuss his latest book Massey Hall. https://welcometothemusic.com/ "The fascinating story of Canada's most revered concert hall and the myriad artists who have graced its stage. Known for its intimacy and sense of occasion, a night at Toronto's Massey Hall is magical for both audiences and performers. For many musicians, playing the hall is the surest sign that they have made it. Looking out over the crowd, performers often comment that they feel they have joined history as they stand on the stage where Sarah Vaughan, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, and so many other legends have stood. Based on scores of interviews and meticulous research, Massey Hall chronicles not only the historical and musical moments of the past 127 years, but also the community of artists and supporters that has built up around the hall. Covering both emerging artists such as Shakura S'Aida and William Prince and musical giants from Herbie Hancock to the Tragically Hip, this full-colour book is a celebration of music, community, and our shared cultural heritage." - https://www.dundurn.com/books_/t22117/a9781459744998-massey-hall

Hosts Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji recently sat down with Beloved Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith. Ron Sexsmith is known in the music industry as your favourite songwriter's favourite songwriter. Elton John, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, and Chris Martin are among the artist's biggest fans. Elvis Costello once said this of Ron Sexsmith: “(Ron)has got one of the purest senses of melody since Paul McCartney." Ron Sexsmith says that he believed his record label was getting ready to drop him because of his debut album's poor sales when Elvis Costello appeared on the cover of Mojo magazine holding up the album. The rest, as they say, is history.

Stevie Salas is one of the most respected guitarists in the world today. He has played with the who's who of music royalty including: George Clinton Justin Timberlake Buddy Miles T.I. Mick Jagger Rod Stewart and so many others. Stevie has sold well over 2 million solo records while contributing to well over 70 different albums. Stevie also brought to the screen the documentary, RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked The World. This profound documentary tells the story of the essential, and, until now, missing chapter in the history of American music: the Indigenous influence. Featuring music icons CHARLEY PATTON, MILDRED BAILEY, LINK WRAY, BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE, JIMI HENDRIX, JESSE ED DAVIS, ROBBIE ROBERTSON, REDBONE, RANDY CASTILLO, TABOO and others. RUMBLE shows how these talented Native musicians helped shape the soundtracks of our lives. Image from Billboard

Hosts Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston recently sat down with former Triumph frontman, lead singer, guitarist and song writer, Rik Emmett. After five decades in the biz, Rik Emmett earned the adjectives ‘prolific' and ‘eclectic'. Following over a dozen platinum albums from his Triumph years, he's produced 20 more as a non-platinum indie, ranging from rock and blues to jazz, folk & classical. He's in three Canadian Halls of Fame and has a star on two Walks of Fame, including the Canadian Walk of Fame. He's also picked up a few ‘Best Guitarist' awards from different organizations, in various style categories, along the way. Rik was the author of a GUITAR PLAYER magazine column for over a dozen years, and was also a music educator for a few decades on the heavily-respected Humber College faculty, where he taught Songwriting, Music Business, Creative Development and Directed Studies, and shared in a college Innovation Award for curriculum committee work. He's also the Artistic Director Emeritus of the Songstudio Songwriting Workshop, which he launched with his pal Blair Packham 15 summers ago. His latest creative undertaking is as a poet. Reinvention: Poems was published by ECW Press in 2021.

Born and raised in South-Central Trinidad, John Orpheus is a multi-cultural musical artist and published author. Earlier this year Penguin Random House published his memoir called SAGA BOY which was published by Penguin Random House Canada. Later, Milkweed Press in the US released his book Stateside. With the book done, John decided to return to music and release a companion album also entitled SAGA KING. Both the book and the album are based on the same themes: searching for home, family, love and a fly coat to wear when you get there. In this episode we chatted about: - touring with Liam Gallagher and Beady Eye - why he tried his hand at stand up comedy and how he learned to master it - why he's able to appreciate different musical genres - the meaning of his different personas - and so much more including a musical segment and the always popular Lost Venues! Image by Danielle LeSage

Former country music executive John Alexander is telling the story of his careers in music, baseball and professional wrestling in a new memoir called, Mat Memories: My Wild Life in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and With The Mets, out April 6. Alexander, born John Arezzi, details his 20-year career in music working at GAC, Black River Entertainment, and Bandtwango. Alexander managed country singer Sarah Darling, was instrumental in jumpstarting the career of Patty Loveless, and discovered country music star Kelsea Ballerini. “My life has been a roller coaster ride involving high profile jobs in the high profile industries of country music, professional wrestling, and baseball,” says Alexander. “There are twists and turns, financial peaks and valleys, and many amazing relationships which shaped who I am today. My story features a who's who in the industries I have spent time in, and even interactions with billionaires, and a former U.S. President whom I ‘fire' on national TV. It is a good read!” Published through ECW Press and co-authored by Greg Oliver, Mat Memories is Alexander's chance to tell the untold behind-the-scenes stories: from the ring, the stage, and the diamond.

Memphis Mayhem weaves the tale of the racial collision that led to a cultural, sociological, and musical revolution. David Less constructs a fascinating narrative of the city that has produced a startling array of talent, including Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Al Green, Otis Redding, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Justin Timberlake, and so many more. Beginning with the 1870s yellow fever epidemics that created racial imbalance as wealthy whites fled the city, David Less moves from W.C. Handy's codification of blues in 1909 to the mid-century advent of interracial musical acts like Booker T. & the M.G.'s, the birth of punk, and finally to the growth of a music tourism industry. Memphis Mayhem explores the city's entire musical ecosystem, which includes studios, high school band instructors, clubs, record companies, family bands, pressing plants, instrument factories, and retail record outlets. Lively and comprehensive, this is a provocative story of finding common ground through music and creating a sound that would change the world. - Published by ECW Press

Welcome to the music, Amai Kuda! Born and raised in the Oakwood Village area of Toronto, and connected to her Afro-Caribbean roots, Amai Kuda has traveled throughout Southern Ontario, in the Caribbean and Europe to perform and deliver workshops on music, decolonization, African cultural knowledge and percussion at public schools, universities, libraries and community spaces. In 2015, her band was selected as one of the 101 Standout Artists during the nationwide CBC Searchlight competition, won the Best Folk/Roots award and also placed second for the Best Song across all categories at the Toronto Independent Music Awards. Amai Kuda has opened for the likes of Joel Plaskett, Kellylee Evans and Sarah Slean, and collaborated with M1 of the legendary Hip-Hop duo, Dead Prez on a call-to-action song called We Can Do It. Image: Amai Kuda et Les Bois - by Samuel Engelking

With time on his hands during the pandemic lockdown, roots music troubadour Ken Tizzard decided to create a new album comprising the fresh versions of cover songs he had worked up on his solo shows over the past decade. Tizzard explains that “initially I told my fans that I was going to record all these cover tunes I've been playing at Whiskey Wednesday [his popular weekly residency at a pub in Campbellford, Ontario for 10 years. It was to be just me and my acoustic guitar, a way to give them some new music.” “When I let the news out, people started responding – ‘hey, if there's anything I can do to help?,'” Ken recalls. “Then the idea just hit me. Make it an open call to everybody. That was my next Facebook post, inviting anybody who wanted to be involved. ‘If you have any way to record and if you like any of these songs, email me and we'll talk about what you can do.' The response just snowballed!” Tizzard posted a list of the 13 songs he had in mind for the record, and then, he explains, “I started putting the puzzle together. I got a big sheet of paper, listing the songs, the guests, what instruments they played, and started assembling it.” The novel creative process involved Ken recording a rough demo of each tune, vocal and acoustic guitar only, and sending that out to the volunteering musical guests, giving them complete freedom for the parts they would send in. “There were only a couple of instances where I went back and asked the player for a change,” he notes. “That is remarkable given that everybody played without hearing what the other guests played.” The resulting collection of songs that is All Together Now is both varied and fresh. Many of the chosen tunes date back to the ‘80s, the decade in which Ken came of age, with classic songs by Tears For Fears, The Boomtown Rats, The Clash, The Cure, Billy Bragg, and R.E.M. making the cut. He goes further back for gems by Neil Young, George Jones, Tom Petty, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, and John Lennon, while “Green Mountains Ann Me” by Americana fave Slaid Cleaves is the most contemporary tune. Tackling Dylan's “Don't Think Twice” was a no-brainer, as Ken explains “Dylan has been with me since I started listening to music. He has been a high influence on myself and so many people it only seemed right.” The formidable cast list of collaborators on All Together Now includes some leading lights of Canadian rock and roots music. As the propulsive bassist in Canrock favourites the Watchmen and Thornley over the past three decades, Ken Tizzard has earned major peer respect in that world, while the prolific roots-based solo career he has pursued over the past 15 years has brought similar esteem in the folk community. Danny Greaves (The Watchmen), Donald Williams (Big Wreck), Dave Gunning, Sandy Morris (The Wonderful Grand Band), Creighton Doane, and Sean Panting. Also contributing were Tizzard fans in Canada and the US that he has yet to meet in person. Adding invaluable assistance on the mixing side was Mike Turner (Our Lady Peace), with the renowned Noah Mintz mastering. “Mike and I had a massive task assembling everything,” says Ken. “It'd be like ‘we've got a flute, a fiddle, a harmonica, guitar, slide guitar and piano playing on the one song. How do we make it work?' Mike did an amazing job.” Ken acknowledges that the presence of his musical friends on All Together Now means this doesn't sound like a regular Ken Tizzard solo album. “The essence of these songs, the way they are, comes from everybody else, not from me,” he observes. He remains justifiably proud of both the musical results and the imaginative creative process. “For this record, I had to put professional expectations away and accept it as a fantastic social experiment that produced some really good music in a time when people needed a chance to do that.” (Press Release)

Mike Boguski has been playing keyboards for Canadian Music Hall of Famers Blue Rodeo since 2008, but when he's had the chance to explore different musical avenues in recent years, the results have consistently revealed his naturally restless creative spirit. (via Mike's website!) photo credit: Heather Pollock

Hosts Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcome author, artist and podcaster Martin Popoff onto the show to talk about Canada's favourite hard rock band, RUSH. Popoff has written multiple books about RUSH. His most recent being the ECW published "trilogy" which include the books Anthem, Limelight and Driven.

Brad Bradford is a City Councillor of the Beaches - East York ward in Toronto. Among his many duties he is currently the chair of the Toronto Music Advisory Council. In this episode Brad discusses with hosts Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji the initiatives the city of Toronto is taking to bring back live music to the city in a post-pandemic scenario.

Jason Wilson is a two-time Juno-Awards nominee, Canadian Reggae Music Award winner, four-time Reggae Music Achievements Award nominee and Best-Selling Canadian historian from Downsview, Ontario. In 2007, Wilson became the first recipient of the Karl Mullings Memorial Award for commitment to reggae in Canada. The protégé of Studio One keyboardist Jackie Mittoo, Jason has performed and recorded with UB40, Alanis Morissette, Sly & Robbie, Ron Sexsmith, Ernest Ranglin, Brinsley Forde, Pee Wee Ellis, Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick. Wilson is a multi-instrumentalist though is perhaps best known for piano and voice. An Adjunct-Professor of history at the University of Guelph, Dr. Wilson has six books to his name, including the Toronto Maple Leafs' official centenary book. - https://jasonwilsonmusic.com/

Welcome To The Music hosts Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji take a look back at the 50th JUNO Awards. Gregg and Karim also celebrate past guests of the podcast who were nominated and even some who won! In other words, WTTM is a path to either a nomination or a statue! Congrats to all the nominees, winners and Canadian music! Photos: Ryan Bolton

Art Bergmann is Canada's Prince of Punk. Just don't call him that. In pure punk fashion, Art recently received the Order Of Canada but has yet to give an acceptance speech or even wear the "coveted" OoC pin. In this timely interview, Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji talk to Art about music and the role of being a shit disturber by holding those in power to account. We end of the interview with a powerful performace of his song The Legend Of Bobby Bird. Bobby was a 10 year old boy who ran away from residential school in Saskatchewan never to be seen again. Years later his remains were found. For more information please visit https://www.irsss.ca/ (Indian Residential School Survivors Society) Photo: Lisa McIntosh

Zaki Ibrahim recently released her album, The Secret Life Of Planets and joined both Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji on the show to talk about it. We also explore Zaki's musical inspirations and how growing up in South Africa, Nanaimo and Toronto shaped her identity and music. Stay until the end for a wonderful performance of her song, Gemini Moon. Photo by: Josh Rille

The Cabana Room, the upstairs venue of The Spadina Hotel, was the centre of the Queen West music scene back in the 60s and 70s and flourished as a place to watch indie acts before being turned into a youth hostel in 1997. In this episode, hosts Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji debate which Canadian act should join The Band, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Rush and Leonard Cohen in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Then we get around to reminisce about The Cabana Room which Gregg played in many times. Photo Credit: SimonP

Prior to the release of her new album, SET THE FIRE, Kandle joined Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji from her home in BC to chat about music, her career, videos, her new music and her love of dogs and the comedy, Curb Your Enthusiasm. Kandle’s mastery of music comes as no surprise, having collaborated with some of Canada’s finest songwriters, including Sam Roberts, Coeur de pirate, Peter Dremanis (July Talk) and Devon Portielje (Half Moon Run), in her impressive career to date — which also includes a Video of the Year JUNO nomination, a Prism Prize award for her Not Up To Me music video, and a Canadian Independent Video Award nomination for 2020 single, Lock and Load. Kandle also starred in Jack White’s 2018 video for Corporation, and her music was recently featured in Netflix's, Tiny Pretty Things. Growing up in the music industry as the daughter of Canadian rock royalty Neil Osborne of 54-40 has provided Kandle’s artistry with a unique insight. She brings a seasoned performance to every line and every word, channeling over a decade of touring the globe into music that’s familiar yet undeniably her own. Photo: Kandle by Jeffrey Mitchell

If Wikipedia is to be believed... the El Mocambo is a live music and entertainment venue in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Located on Spadina Avenue, just south of College Street, the bar has played an important role in the development of popular music in Toronto since the 1940s.