Search This Blog

Showing posts with label canada. Show all posts
Showing posts with label canada. Show all posts

Saturday, March 23, 2013

2013 Sirius XM Indies Award Winners!


Last nights SiriusXM Indies took over the Kool Haus for a sold-out presentation of awards and performances by some of Canadas breakthrough artists. From Metric to Marianas Trench, and Matt Mays to Cold Specks, indie stars came out to celebrate the year in independent music. Artists Canailles and Poor Young Things came out the biggest winners taking the titles of SiriusXM Emerging Artist of the Year in the French and English categories, respectively, and taking home a $5,000 bursary each from SiriusXM Canada.

And the winners are:

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Japandroids - Celebration Rock (Polyvinyl Recording Co.)

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Carly Rae Jepsen Call Me Maybe (604 Records)

GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR
Metric (Metric Music International Inc.)

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Carly Rae Jepsen (604 Records)

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Cold Specks (Arts & Crafts)

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Matt Mays (Sonic Records)

LIVE ARTIST/GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR
deadmau5 (Ultra Music)

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Josh Ramsay (604 Records)

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Marianas Trench Fallout (604 Records)

MUST FOLLOW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Said The Whale (Hidden Pony Records)

COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR
Artists Against Bullying - True Colors (Wax)

MOST PLAYED INDEPENDENT ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Carly Rae Jepsen (604 Records)

BEST-SELLING INDEPENDENT RELEASE OF THE YEAR
Metric Synthetica (Metric Music International Inc.)

ALTERNATIVE ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Yukon Blonde (Dine Alone Records)

BLUES ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer (Independent)

CHILDRENíS ARTIST/GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR
Jennifer Gasoi (Sparkling Productions)

COUNTRY ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Dallas Smith (604 Records)

DANCE ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Massari (CP Records)

ELECTRONIC ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Grimes (4AD/Arbutus Records)

FOLK/ROOTS ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
The Wooden Sky (Black Box Recordings Inc)

FRANCOPHONE ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Lisa LeBlanc (Bonsound)

JAZZ ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Emilie-Claire Barlow (Empress Music Group Inc.)

METAL ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Devin Townsend Project (eOne Music Canada)

POP ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Marianas Trench (604 Records)

PUNK/HARDCORE ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
METZ (Sub Pop Records)

RAP/HIP-HOP ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Cadence Weapon (Upper Class Recordings)

ROCK ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Big Wreck (SRO Anthem)

SOUL/R&B ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
The Weeknd (XO&co.)

WORLD ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
The Souljazz Orchestra (Solidarity)

INTERNATIONAL GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR
The Black Keys (Nonesuch)

INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Taylor Swift (Big Machine Records)

INTERNATIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Mumford & Sons Babel (Glassnote)

INTERNATIONAL SINGLE OF THE YEAR
fun. - We Are Young (Fueled By Ramen)

INTERNATIONAL BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
The Lumineers (Dine Alone Records)

INTERNATIONAL VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Thrift Shop (Macklemore)

SIRIUSXM EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR
 (English)
Poor Young Things

SIRIUSXM EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR
 (French)
Canailles

About Canadian Music Week
Canadian Music Week is Canadaís leading annual entertainment event dedicated to the expression and growth of the countryís music, media and entertainment industries. Combining three information-intensive conferences; a trade exposition; a film festival; a comedy festival; four awards shows and the nationís largest New Music Festival Canadian Music Fest CMW spans a six-day period from March 19 to March 24, 2013 at the Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel and over 60 downtown Toronto venues, attracting participants from across the globe. For more information, visit www.cmw.net.

About SiriusXM Canada
Sirius XM Canada Holdings Inc. (TSX: XSR) operates as SiriusXM Canada. SiriusXM Canada, with over 2.2 million subscribers, is the country's leading audio entertainment company and broadcasts more than 120 satellite radio channels featuring premier sports, news, talk, entertainment and commercial-free music. SiriusXM Canada offers an array of content from the most recognized news and entertainment brands as well as every major sport including the NHL, NFL, MLB and CFL.

SiriusXM programming is available on a variety of devices including pre-installed and after-market radios in cars, trucks and boats, smartphones and mobile devices, and consumer electronics products for homes and offices. SiriusXM programming is also available online at www.siriusxm.ca and on Apple, BlackBerry and Android-powered mobile devices.

SiriusXM Canada has partnerships with every major automaker and its radio products are available at more than 3,000 retail locations nationwide. To find out more about SiriusXM Canada (TSX: XSR), visit our website at www.siriusxm.ca.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Why Does Emerge Have Us Excited?!


Thanks to Emerge Artists Showcase, Toronto has reason to get excited about the pool of talent waiting to be enjoyed by thirsty ears!

Featuring a line up that ranges from Jazz (Susie McClean) to Soul (Shi Wizdom) to sleek Reggae and Alternative vibes (Ammoye), there is not one part of the event fans won't enjoy.  This event is worth every one of your $15! 

Check out the line up and make sure you connect with organizers and artists to show your support!



Lincoln Blache
Lincoln Blache is Canadian alternative/ soul/Pop-rock/& hip-hop genre bending artist who has garnered international & critical acclaim with a scene stealing guest verse on the hit single “Runnin”, teaming up with successful Dj’s (Doman & Gooding).

The song went number one in the UK and also gained heavy rotation on MTV Europe& Much Music beating out moguls Beyonce, Lady Gaga and new comer Kid Cudi for the top spot on the dance charts earning Lincoln Blache nominations for the
JUNO (2010)-Best Dance recording and Canadian Radio music awards (2010) – Best Rhythmic/ Hot AC recording
Listen to Lincoln Blache’s music here: http://lincolnblache.tumblr.com/


Shi Wisdom 

From a young age, Renee ‘Shi’ Wisdom’s talent was evident. Raised by an ambitious and driven mother, Shi was immersed in many programs for the arts, which enabled her to discover her musical talent of singing and passion for music. Influenced by unique musical legends such as Prince, Smokie Norful, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley and Billie Holiday, has helped develop Shi’s creative musical presence. She has also been compared to relatively new artists, like Chrisette Michelle, Peggy Sue, Bilal, Muhsinah and the late Amy Winehouse.

Being a level 8 Classically trained Pianist, at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Shi exemplifies everything but the rigid constrictions of classical music.Experimenting with her influences of Jazz, Soul, R&B and Alternative music has given life to a new style of soul.  Visit Shi Wisdom's website here: http://www.shiwisdommusic.com


Haley Small

Haley’s talent was first widely recognized when she sang the national anthems for a Blue Jay’s game at the Sky Dome at 10 years old. Haley has been working with Grammy Award winning Producers such as Harvey Mason Jr, Boi 1da as well as writing team The Senate from LA. Haley's distinctive Pop Sound with a hint of R & B makes Haley one of the best up and coming young artists out of Toronto. Haley opened for Bobby V and Ginuwine at The Sound Academy in January 2013 and is ready to hit the stage again.  Check out Haleys music here: http://www.youtube.com/user/haleysmall

Brett Kingswell
With the grit of a 90's grunge front man and the charm of a southern gentleman, Brett Kingswell's unique brand of northern roots country rock is turning heads, perking ears and stomping feet in its wake. The life of this razor sharp rock and roll vagabond began in small town Port Elgin, Ontario. After picking up a guitar for the first time at the age of 23, the path of music became natural for this unsuspecting artist, prolific singer/songwriter, and magnetic performer.
A firefighter, actor and artist, this Canadian super talent has rocked stages across the continent, having shared the spotlight with such revered acts as Everclear, I Mother Earth, and David Wilcox. Brett is currently working on his Debut album and Canadian Tour.  Check out Brett Kingswell's music here: http://www.reverbnation.com/brettkingswell


Ammoye
Ammoye’s name is inspired by the Italian word for love. That’s what goes into her music, and it’s how audiences respond to her wherever she goes. Rooted in the reggae music of her native Jamaica . The 2013 Canadian Juno Awards Has Nominated “Radio” her Debut Single for “Best Reggae Recording” .Ammoye effortlessly glides from reggae to dancehall and dub, to gospel and soul, to hiphop and R&B, with breathtaking ease and presence. Her phenomenal new single and video, “Radio”, are currently taking over the airwaves and social media, having already charted in the U.K. on Galaxy Gold Radio.  Listen to Ammoye's music here: http://www.reverbnation.com/ammoyesmusic


Karina Es
Noted for her passionate lyrics up-and-coming Canadian star Karina Es was put on this Earth for one reason -- to create, sing, and entertain. Karina can now add Bell Media's coveted Emerging Artist Initiative to the list for her song "Little Mercy". The initiative secured the song airplay across the country for the month of March where she cracked the Top 50 chart.

Now having been formally scouted by Canadian superstars, and Grammy/Juno nominated producers Kuya Productions (JRDN, Nelly, Jesse McCartney) Karina's future looks brighter than ever. Be on the lookout for her latest single Dancing In The Stars, a summer anthem, which has been released to ITUNES and to Canadian radio!  Listen to Karina Es here: http://www.youtube.com/user/KarinaESvideos


Susie McLean

Susie hails from Mississauga, Ontario, with an extensive musical background and unique style described as jazz/soul with folk undertones. Many industry professionals have described her style to resemble the legendary Norah Jones and Corinne Bailey Rae.

For her album , Susie worked with Juno Award winning producer, Roy Oommen, Grammy Nominee musician Pat Kilbride, and the notable drummer Mark Kelso The album includes three original songs: “Sing Your Song”, “Till the Morning Comes” and “Falling Down”, along with seven cover songs. "I never choose a song that I can’t relate to in some way. My music will always reflect a piece of me”.
Visit Susie McLean's website here: http://www.susiemclean.com


Drew Lieth and The Foundation

Drew Leith and The Foundation is a folk-rock band from Cambridge, ON. Drew Leith and The Foundation had a great start to 2012 with a serious presence at Canadian Music week (including a showcase at The Hard Rock Cafe and Q107) as well as a Top 5 nomination for Best Country Music Act at the 2012 Toronto Independent Music Awards.  Visit Drew Leith and the Foundation's website here: http://www.drewleith.com/

Rufus

Rufus is a fresh face who brings a new sound to R&B Music. He is a musician with a genuine desire to bridge the gap between the youth and the elders of today with his music being the catalyst for change and the voice of positivity. Set to drop fall 2012, his self-written debut album “Growing Pains” which follows an autobiographical journey of Rufus’ growth as an individual, a role model, a songwriter and as an artist.
As Rufus says “his ultimate goal for his music is to become the bridge between the youth and elders of today, the kid next door that people can relate to and the catalyst for growth and change in our communities.” Look out, he is coming!
Check out Rufus' music here: http://www.rufusmusic.ca/


Jay Evans
Jay Evans was born in Toronto Ontario, Canada. At the age of 3, his mother decided to move the family to Los Angeles California, where she sang as a backup to the legendary media mogul, producer and musician Quincy Jones. From the age of 10 Jay was privileged to have been able to witness and perform with his mother. Jay Evans uniqueness to stay with and evolve in the ever changing times of music was no denying that his talent would be noticed. His artistry has been compared to the likes of such artists as R.Kelly, Usher and the belated Luther Vandross. There is no doubt that he was destined to be in the music industry.
Listen to jay Evans music here: http://www.reverbnation.com/jayevansofficial


Elephant 12 

Elephant 12's music is unapologetic punk rock laced with a magnetic punchy electro bass line. Originated in the depth of East London, the three piece band consist of Jerome (vocals), Robbie (guitar) and Manlio (programming) bringing a sonic sound that's captivating. Elephant 12 is known for their stage performances generating buzz as they are renowned for [their] sing along anthems [Diet Coke, Holiday, Shut Up and many more]. Such impressive performances and songs have amassed huge a cult following for the band. In turn these boys have captured a new sound which is encouraging crowds onto the dance floor in droves plus winning over most skeptics [Hardcore Mental Audience] .YouTube(TM) is another testament of their growing popularity where live performances are regularly posted by fans. You can expect catchy arrangements, entertaining lyrics dealing with love, daily realities and heartfelt emotions.  Visit Elephant 12 website here: http://elephant12.com/


U.G.O. Crew
Nominated for a Canadian Radio Music Award for their 2010 hit single ‘Change’ ft. Sean Kingston, U.G.O.Crew (Under Ground Officials) bring together a unique blend of Pop, Urban and Rock with an original style. The signature U.G.O. Crew sound breaks down through Stevano’s consummate MC skills and conscious stinging rhymes, DJ Karina’s emotive voice and adhesive pop melodies plus Arturo’ Rock inspired Latin-flavored flourishes of blazing guitar.

Following U.G.O. Crew’s 2009 Juno nominated ‘Still Fly” collaboration renowned artists Drake and Page, U.G.O. Crew split time that year and 2010 on the road touring with high profile artists and in studio producing new singles.
Listen to U.G.O. Crews Music here: http://www.myspace.com/ugocrew

Doors open at 7PM Showtime 8PM Sharp!
For More Info contact emergeartists(@)live.com
Twitter @emergeartists
Facebook: www.facebook.com/emergeartistshowcase

Monday, January 7, 2013

COLIN JAMES JOINS 2013 CANADIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES





 The Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame welcomes Canadian guitarist, singer-songwriter and producer Colin James as the latest 2013 inductee. The six-time Juno Award winner and multi-platinum musician will be celebrated on Thursday, March 21, 2013 during the Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry Awards gala dinner at the Kool Haus in Toronto, as part of Canadian Music Week activities.

Prior to the induction, Colin James will be making a special concert appearance on Wednesday, March 20th at Lee’s Palace in Toronto. Tickets for the performance will be on sale to the public this Friday, January 11th at 10:00am via Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.ca - or  1.855.985.5000   to charge by phone. 

You know an artist has a true gift when they can redefine an entire music genre and revolutionize a movement. Colin James has that, said Neill Dixon, President of Canadian Music Week. He injected what we commonly knew in the 80’s as pop rock with his incredible zeal for blues and immediately gained commercial adoration. He also single-handedly piloted the revival of swing in the 90’s with his uncanny adeptness for jazz standards. There are few artists who can do that and yet continue to be actively current today. He is an incredible musician whose talents deserve this Hall of Fame recognition and admiration from the industry.

It’s a real honour to be inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame, remarked Colin James. “Receiving recognition for the work I love to do is always great but to be acknowledged by the industry here in Canada is very special.

In a career spanning 25 years, Colin James has topped the charts as a pop vocalist, recorded an acclaimed blues album and led the swing revival with his Little Big Band, which he both fronted and produced. He’s written memorable hit songs and recorded distinctive covers of timeless classics, all the while continuing to sell out shows from coast to coast. A Stevie Ray Vaughan protégé when he first broke onto the scene, James instantly gained prominence for his guitar prowess. He has since followed his own muse, traversing the genres of blues, rock, pop, swing and even gospel, becoming one of the most accomplished and well-rounded artists around. The release of his fifteenth album, Fifteen, earlier this year a return to James’ full-blooded rock roots - is yet one more testament to his longevity and impressive career.

James’ 1988 self-titled debut, featuring his two self-penned hits Voodoo Thing and Five Long Years, was the fastest-selling album in Canadian history. It won him his first Juno and an opening spot on tour with Keith Richards. His second album, Sudden Stop, featured his hit Just Came Back, which reached #3 on the U.S. radio charts and earned him the Juno Award for Single of the Year. Colin was next credited with launching the swing revival, thanks to his wildly popular Little Big Band, which has released four successful albums to date.

A skilled performer, he has shared the stage with influential and guitar greats Bonnie Raitt, Lenny Kravitz, Albert King, Mavis Staples, Carlos Santana, Buddy Guy, Mick Fleetwood and The Chieftains; had his songs recorded by artists such as: Lucinda Williams, Johnny Halliday and Maria Muldaur; and won a staggering 16 Maple Blues Awards.

Tickets for the Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Awards gala dinner are available for purchase through the Canadian Music Week website at www.cmw.net.

ABOUT CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK:
Canadian Music Week is Canada’s leading annual entertainment event dedicated to the expression and growth of the country’s music, media and entertainment industries.  Combining three information-intensive conferences; a trade exposition; a film festival; a comedy festival; four awards shows and the nation’s largest New Music Festival Canadian Music Fest CMW spans a six-day period from March 19 to March 24, 2013 at the Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel and over 60 downtown Toronto venues, attracting participants from across the globe. For more information, visit www.cmw.net.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

New Artist Alert! Tha Vor – Reggae and Hip Hop Combined!




It is a well known fact that Hip Hop is the child of Reggae.  Founded in the 1970’s, the genre celebrated MC’s toasting over the breaks of funk and R&B records.  Toronto’s upcoming artist, Tha Vor, is the epitome of Reggae and Hip Hop combined.

Using his voice to share knowledge about life, the teachings of our ancestors and modern day issues, Tha Vor is not shy when addressing these matters through music.  The artists re-released single “King of Glory” is a perfect example of the artists convictions expressed through song.  Performing to deep bass riddim, the artist chants:  In the beginning was the WORD / and the WORD was GOD / and the WORD was made flesh / Once him come conquer death now again pon earth / truth manifest / This time every knee a fi bow every tongue confess / Behold in 1780 the sun was darkened and the moon gave not her light….”

Born in Kingston Jamaica, Tha Vor considers his music to be a mission. It is a mission to make sure voices such as Haile Selassie, Marcus Garvey, Public Enemy and other positive influences never fade in the background.  Taking a conscious yet militant stance, the artist steadfastly speaks on the realities of life, his experiences and all that his studies have taught him. It is from these various sources that enable him to stand out in a class of his own.  His music can be recommended to any music lover as it stands the test of time!


Connect on Twitter >>> @THAVOR
  

Sample Tha Vor’s re-released single “King of Glory” via YouTube by clicking the 
image below: