Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello "The Christmas Song" is out now,
from the Shawn Mendes Wonder (Deluxe) album!
https://www.feedingamerica.org/ways-t... For every ten million streams of “The Christmas Song” by Shawn and Camila, during the period commencing December 5, 2020 and ending on December 31, 2020, $10,000 USD will be donated to Feeding America through The Shawn Mendes Foundation, a project of the Social Impact Fund, a registered 501(c)(3) organization, subject to a minimum donation of $100,000 USD.
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R.I.P. Charley Pride, March 18, 1934 – December 12, 2020
After news broke Saturday that legendary country musician Charley Pride died of complications from COVID-19, musicians and industry professionals took to social media to honor his career and mourn his death. He was 86 years old.
Becoming a trailblazing Country Music superstar was an improbable destiny for Charley Pride considering his humble beginnings as a sharecropper’s son on a cotton farm in Sledge, Mississippi. His unique journey to the top of the music charts includes a detour through the world of Negro league, minor league, and semi-pro baseball as well as hard years of labor alongside the vulcanic fires of a smelter. But in the end, with boldness, perseverance, and undeniable musical talent, he managed to parlay a series of fortuitous encounters with Nashville insiders into an amazing legacy of hit singles and tens of millions in record sales.
Growing up, Charley was exposed primarily to Blues, Gospel, and Country music. His father inadvertently fostered Charley’s love of Country music by tuning the family’s Philco radio to Nashville’s WSM-AM in order to catch Grand Ole Opry broadcasts. At 14 years of age, Charley purchased his first guitar—a Silvertone from a Sears Roebuck catalog—and taught himself how to play it by listening to the songs that he heard on that radio.
By the age of 16, Charley began emerging as a talented baseball player. He first played organized games in the Iowa State League and then professional games in the Negro American League as a pitcher and outfielder for the Memphis Red Sox. In 1953, he signed a contract with the Boise Yankees, the Class C farm team of the New York Yankees. But during that season a shoulder injury hampered his pitching. He was first sent to the Yankees’ Class D team in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and then released. Over the next several years, Charley rejoined the Memphis Red Sox, moved to the Louisville Clippers, and then was sold, along with another player, to the Birmingham Black Barons in order to fund a replacement for the Clippers’ broken-down team bus. He also played for the El Paso Kings and the Yaquis in Nogales, Mexico. Upon rejoining the Memphis Red Sox in 1956 he won 14 games as a pitcher and earned himself a position on the Negro American League All-Star Team. It was during the 1956 season that Charley transitioned into a knuckleball pitcher—he had cracked a bone in his elbow early in the season but had managed to recover quickly enough to rejoin the team during the latter half of the season.
As an all-star player in 1956, Charley played against a group of major-league players (the Willie Mays All‑Stars) that included Willie Mays and Hank Aaron. At the end of the season, these teams barnstormed together all over the south playing exhibition games that the major-league all-stars almost always won. However, one October night in Victoria, TX, Charley sealed a rare victory for the negro-league all-stars by closing out a game with 4 innings of shutout ball.
In late 1956 Charley was drafted by Uncle Sam and ordered to report to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas for basic training. During Christmas leave from basic training, he married his wife Rozene, whom he had met earlier in the year while playing baseball in Memphis. After basic training, he was stationed at Fort Carson, near Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he was assigned to quartermaster duty and the baseball team. While serving at Ft. Carson, Charley was known to sing in the barracks and occasionally perform at the officer’s club (which was very unusual for a black man at the time).
The fort’s baseball squad was stacked with baseball talent in 1957 and won the “All Army” sports championship at a tournament at Ft. Knox. In addition to Pride, the team included several other players who had been playing or would go on to play professionally, including George Altman (Cubs, Cardinals, Mets), Willie Kirkland (Giants, Indians, Orioles, Senators), Eddie Kopacz, and J.C. Hartman.
Upon receiving his discharge from the US Army in early 1958, Charley rejoined the Memphis Red Sox and returned to doggedly pursuing his dream of becoming a major league baseball pitcher. As an all-star player again that year, Charley pitched against major league all-stars including Al Smith, Gene Baker, and Ernie Banks.
In 1958, he also made his first attempt to launch his singing career. Charley dropped by 706 Union Avenue in Memphis with his guitar and cut a professionally recorded demo at Sun Studio. Several takes were recorded on a song titled “There’s My Baby (Walkin’)”, a thinly disguised adaption of the 1957 pop hit “The Stroll” by the Diamonds. For better or worse, Charley was still trying to find his voice as a singer and the demo didn’t prove very helpful in furthering his aspirations as a music artist at the time.
In 1960, Charley moved to Montana to play for the Missoula Timberjacks in the Pioneer League but ended up working at a smelter operated by the Anaconda Mining Company and playing for its semi-pro baseball team, the East Helena Smelterites. In 1961, he was invited to try out for the Los Angeles Angels during spring training but found himself heading back home to Helena, Montana after just two weeks in camp.
During the first half of the 1960s, Charley continued to work at the smelter and play baseball for its semi-pro team. But he also began making a name for himself as a local performer by singing the national anthem at baseball games and performing at honky-tonks, churches, and nightclubs in the Helena, Anaconda, and Great Falls areas. In 1962, with the help of Tiny Stokes, a local disc jockey, Charley was introduced to Country singers Red Sovine and Red Foley and invited to perform “Lovesick Blues” and “Heartaches By The Number” during one of their shows. This brief initial encounter with Red Sovine would turn out to be crucial in laying the groundwork for Charley’s future music career.
After a disastrous 1963 tryout with the New York Mets in Clearwater, Florida it became clear that a major league baseball career was not in the cards. Charley chose to return to Montana via Tennessee because Red Sovine had told him that if he ever became serious about a singing career and decided to visit Nashville, he should stop by Cedarwood Publishing, the company that booked Sovine’s shows.
From the Greyhound bus station in Nashville, Charley walked over to Cedarwood’s office and by sheer luck ended up meeting Jack Johnson, who had been actively searching for a promising black Country singer. Johnson made a simply produced recording of Charley performing a couple of songs and then drove him straight back to the bus station with the promise of a management contract. Johnson quickly made good on that promise and it was the beginning of a working relationship that would start off slow, but prove to be very fruitful over the next decade.
While Johnson attempted to stir up interest in Nashville, Charley continued to perform in and around the Montana area. Sometimes he performed as a solo artist and other times as a member of a combo or group. One of these groups, The Night Hawks, was an unusually progressive Country music ensemble for the 1960s. Founded by a young guitarist named Jimmy Owen, the group featured Charley on guitar and vocals, Jimmy’s father George on steel guitar, and a 14-year-old girl by the name of Monty Cowles on the drums!
In Nashville, Johnson ran into significantly more resistance than he had anticipated as he shopped around the crude demo recording that he had made of Charley to the record labels. It wasn’t until 1965 that forward progress was made. Charley returned to Nashville and Johnson introduced him to producer “Cowboy” Jack Clement. Clement gave Charley seven songs to learn and within a week they cut two of these songs – “The Snakes Crawl At Night” and “Atlantic Coastal Line” – during a split studio session with top-notch session players.
Even with the professionally produced sides, Johnson and Clement continued to have a difficult time as they shopped Charley around to the Nashville labels. But finally, in 1966, Chet Atkins, the legendary guitarist, and a rising executive at RCA Records, decided to trust his ears, and with his backing RCA signed Charley. Atkins took Charley under his wing, nurtured his talent, and spearheaded a shrewd promotional campaign that addressed the racial challenges of mid-1960s America.
Charley’s first two singles, “The Snakes Crawl At Night” and “Before I Met You”, set the groundwork for “Just Between You and Me”, which caught fire in 1967, breaking into the Top-10 Country chart and garnering Charley his first GRAMMY® nomination. What happened next is Country Music history. Charley Pride quickly became Country Music’s first black superstar. Between 1967 and 1987, he amassed no fewer than 52 Top-10 Country hits and went on to sell tens of millions of records worldwide. In 1971, Charley won two GRAMMY® Awards related to his Gospel album DID YOU THINK TO PRAY–“Best Sacred Performance, Musical (Non-Classical)” for the album, as well as “Best Gospel Performance Other Than Soul” for the single “Let Me Live.” Later that year, his #1 crossover hit “Kiss An Angel Good Morning” sold over a million singles and helped him to win the Country Music Association’s (CMA) “Entertainer of the Year” award and the “Top Male Vocalist” awards of 1971 and 1972. It also brought him a “Best Male Country Vocal Performance” GRAMMY® Award in 1972. Some of Charley’s unforgettable hits from the 1960s, 1970s, and early 1980s include “All I Have To Offer You Is Me,” “Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone,” “Amazing Love,” “Mississippi Cotton Pickin’ Delta Town,” “Burgers And Fries,” “Roll On Mississippi” and “Mountain Of Love.” After parting ways with RCA Records in 1986, Charley spent the remainder of the decade releasing albums on the 16th Avenue Records label.
Charley wrote an autobiography in the early 1990s, with the assistance of Jim Henderson, called PRIDE: THE CHARLEY PRIDE STORY. That book covers the events of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s in significantly more detail.
In 1993, Pride was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, 26 years after he had first played there as a guest. Charley is always quick to point out that he’d always had an open invitation to join the Opry from as early as his first appearance in 1967. “It was purely an economical decision for me. When I was first invited to join the Opry, they had a requirement at the time that you had to perform 26 Saturdays per year. Fridays and Saturdays were the best days for drawing people to shows and making money out on the road–and my career was starting to take off. So I had to politely decline.”
Many of Pride’s other honors clearly underscore his impact on American Music. In 1994, he was honored by the Academy Of Country Music (ACM) with its prestigious Pioneer Award. In 2000, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. And in 2017, The Recording Academy®, renowned for its GRAMMY® awards, honored Charley with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
As an international superstar, Charley has performed all over the world and continues to tour regularly in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, The United Kingdom, and Ireland.
Interestingly, Charley’s popularity with many of his Irish and UK fans can be traced back to the insurgent territorial conflict known as “The Troubles.” Characterized by bouts of intense political violence, The Troubles were primarily centered in Northern Ireland. And because of the risks, international music acts were routinely skipping Belfast. In 1975, at the height of The Troubles, legendary Irish concert promoter Jim Aiken flew out to a rural Ohio concert and persuaded Charley not to bypass Belfast during his upcoming European tour. In November 1976, Charley’s appearance at Belfast’s Ritz Cinema brought the community together and he subsequently became a hero to both sides of the conflict for helping to break the informal touring ban of Northern Ireland after several other international music acts such as Rod Stewart and The Rolling Stones followed suit. Shortly thereafter, “Crystal Chandeliers” became considered a ‘unity song’ in Ireland and the UK when it was subsequently released as a single.
Although he no longer dominates the Country radio airplay charts, Charley has never stopped recording new music. Since 1990, Pride has released many new studio albums, including MUSIC IN MY HEART in July 2017.
One of the more surprising aspects of Pride’s rise to fame is how easily he was accepted by the Country music audience once they heard him sing. “People often say to me, ‘You must have had it hard,’ and when I say, ‘No, I didn’t,’ they give me that you-gotta-be-lying look. But there was never one iota hoot-call at any of my shows. The big problem early on was that [concert] promoters were reluctant or scared to book me,” says Pride. “But they finally came around.”
Remembering #CharleyPride. (March 18, 1938 - December 12, 2020)
Going into its 16th year, the Andy Kim Christmas Special Presented by AIR MILES has been gathering friends and fans together to celebrate the spirit and generosity of the musical community with all proceeds going to charity. Instead of a live audience in a venue, this year’s show will bring people together from coast to coast on Citytv, Citytv.com, and LiveNation.com. The program is the brainchild of music legend, and one of the evening's performers, Andy Kim.
“I was on the verge of having to postpone the 16th year of my Christmas show and was truly bummed out. I kept thinking of all the people who are having a difficult time economically, spiritually, and emotionally. I did not want to abandon the purpose of my yearly show - giving to those in need at this time of year. With the support of Live Nation Canada, Rogers, andAir Miles, I am excited to bring the Andy Kim Christmas Special from coast to coast for the first time and hopefully raise an incredible amount of money to very worthy causes through the power of music,” said Andy Kim.
“Andy Kim’s Christmas is an expression of Love. From the beginning of his career, he spoke to what love and giving meaning in our lives. Now we need love and giving more than ever,” said Riley O’Connor, Chairman,Live Nation Canada.
"Leveraging our Program to support those who need us most is part of who we are at AIR MILES, and we are thrilled to be presenting the Andy Kim Christmas Special in support of Crew Nation, Food Banks Canada, and CAMH,” said Blair Cameron, President,AIR MILESReward Program. “While the holidays will undoubtedly look very different for many of us this year, we are proud to help create an experience that brings Canadians together through a rewarding holiday experience they can enjoy from the comfort of their homes.”
Live music inspires millions around the world, but the concerts we all enjoy wouldn’t be possible without the countless crew members working behind the scenes. Crew Nation is a charitable fund, created to support independent workers who are the backbone of the live music industry, who have been left without work. So far, the fund has raised $15 million, helping 15,000 live music crew members across 48 countries who were impacted by the rescheduled or canceled shows scheduled to take place through 2020.
CAMH Gifts of Light is a 100 percent donation-funded program that meets the unique needs of its patients. Items provided by Gifts of Light, like emergency kits and pajamas, make a difference year-round, but particularly during the holidays. By supporting Gifts of Light, you can help more than 14,000 patients each year find the hope, strength, and courage they need to get through their hardest days and find a better tomorrow.
Food banks across Canada have been severely impacted by COVID-19. The operational capacity is strained due to the loss of volunteers and changes due to public health requirements while in some areas, they're also facing increased public demand for support. The funds from Andy Kim’s Christmas Show will help Food Banks Canada with the immediate, emergency needs, and to prepare for what’s to come.
WATCH ON: Saturday, December 19 – 8 p.m. (local) Citytv Simultaneous Live Stream on Citytv.com Global Live Stream on LiveNation.com
The Weeknd, joined by Kenny G, Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, Katy Perry, and more performed at the ceremony.
Honoring the best in music! The 2020 American Music Awards went off without a hitch amid the coronavirus pandemic from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 22.
Winner Highlights of the “2020 American Music Awards:”
Taylor Swift led the pack winning the most coveted honor of the night, Artist of the Year, as well as honors for Favorite Music Video for her pop hit, “Cardigan” and Favorite Female Pop/Rock Artist. In her remote acceptance speech from the studio, Swift revealed she is now re-recording her previous albums.
Justin Bieber earned three AMA wins for Favorite Male Pop/Rock Artist, Collaboration of the Year, and Favorite Country Song, the latter two for his team up with Dan+Shay for their song “10,000 Hours.”
The Weeknd took home three honors for Favorite Male Soul/R&B Artist, Favorite Soul/R&B Album, and Favorite Soul/R&B Song.
BTS won two trophies for Favorite Social Artist and Favorite Pop Group.
Nicki Minaj won two AMAs for Favorite Female Rap Artist and Favorite Latin Song for her hit collaboration, “Tusa,” with Colombian reggaeton artist KAROL G.
Doja Cat walked away with two wins for Favorite New Artist and Favorite Female Soul/R&B Artist.
Winning in two of the four newly expanded Latin categories, reggaeton superstar Bad Bunny took AMAs for Favorite Male Latin Artist and Favorite Latin Album.
Becky G. gave an inspiring acceptance speech for her Favorite Female Latin Artist win, honoring Latin artists and others who inspired her to follow her dreams.
Presenters throughout the evening included: Anthony Anderson, Cara Delevingne, Christian Serratos, Ciara, David Dobrik, Derek Hough, G-Eazy, Kristen Cavallari, Laverne Cox, Megan Fox, Paris Hilton, and Tayshia Adams.
See the full list of winners below:
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Justin Bieber Post Malone Roddy Ricch Taylor Swift -- WINNER The Weeknd
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Lewis Capaldi Doja Cat -- WINNER DaBaby Lil Baby Roddy Ricch Megan Thee Stallion
COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR
Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion, “WAP” DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch, “Rockstar” Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber, “10,000 Hours” -- WINNER Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande, “Rain On Me” Megan Thee Stallion ft. Beyoncé, “Savage Remix”
FAVORITE SOCIAL ARTIST
BTS -- WINNER Billie Eilish EXO Ariana Grande NCT 127
FAVORITE MUSIC VIDEO
Doja Cat, “Say So” Future ft. Drake, “Life Is Good” Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande, “Rain On Me” Taylor Swift, “cardigan” -- WINNER The Weeknd, “Blinding Lights”
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – POP/ROCK
Justin Bieber -- WINNER Post Malone The Weeknd
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – POP/ROCK
Dua Lipa Lady Gaga Taylor Swift -- WINNER
FAVORITE DUO OR GROUP – POP/ROCK
BTS -- WINNER Jonas Brothers Maroon 5
FAVORITE ALBUM – POP/ROCK
Harry Styles, Fine Line -- WINNER
Taylor Swift, folklore The Weeknd, After Hours
FAVORITE SONG – POP/ROCK
Lewis Capaldi, “Someone You Loved” Dua Lipa, “Don’t Start Now” -- WINNER Post Malone, “Circles” Roddy Ricch, “The Box” The Weeknd, “Blinding Lights”
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – COUNTRY
Kane Brown -- WINNER
Luke Combs Morgan Wallen
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – COUNTRY
Gabby Barrett Miranda Lambert Maren Morris -- WINNER
FAVORITE DUO OR GROUP – COUNTRY
Dan + Shay -- WINNER Florida Georgia Line Old Dominion
FAVORITE ALBUM – COUNTRY
Luke Combs, What You See Is What You Get Blake Shelton, Fully Loaded: God’s Country -- WINNER Morgan Wallen, If I Know Me
FAVORITE SONG – COUNTRY
Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber, “10,000 Hours” -- WINNER Maren Morris, “The Bones” Blake Shelton (Duet with Gwen Stefani), “Nobody But You”
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – RAP/HIP-HOP
DaBaby Juice WRLD -- WINNER Roddy Ricch
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – RAP/HIP-HOP
Cardi B Nicki Minaj -- WINNER Megan Thee Stallion
FAVORITE ALBUM – RAP/HIP-HOP
Lil Baby, My Turn Lil Uzi Vert, Eternal Atake Roddy Ricch, Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial -- WINNER
FAVORITE SONG – RAP/HIP-HOP
Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion, “WAP” -- WINNER DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch, “Rockstar” Roddy Ricch, “The Box”
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – SOUL/R&B
Chris Brown John Legend The Weeknd -- WINNER
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – SOUL/R&B
Jhene Aiko Doja Cat -- WINNER Summer Walker
FAVORITE ALBUM – SOUL/R&B
Doja Cat, Hot Pink Summer Walker, Over It The Weeknd, After Hours -- WINNER
FAVORITE SONG – SOUL/R&B
Chris Brown ft. Drake, "No Guidance" Summer Walker, "Playing Games" The Weeknd, "Heartless" -- WINNER
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – LATIN
Bad Bunny -- WINNER J Balvin Ozuna
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – LATIN
Becky G -- WINNER KAROL G Rosalía
FAVORITE ALBUM – LATIN
Anuel AA, Emmanuel Bad Bunny, Las que no iban a salir Bad Bunny, YHLQMDLG -- WINNER
FAVORITE SONG – LATIN
Bad Bunny “Vete” Black Eyed Peas X J Balvin “RITMO (Bad Boys For Life)” KAROL G & Nicki Minaj “Tusa” -- WINNER
FAVORITE ARTIST – ALTERNATIVE ROCK
Billie Eilish Tame Impala twenty one pilots -- WINNER
FAVORITE ARTIST – ADULT CONTEMPORARY
Lewis Capaldi Jonas Brothers -- WINNER Maroon 5
FAVORITE ARTIST – CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL
Lauren Daigle -- WINNER for KING & COUNTRY Kanye West
FAVORITE ARTIST – ELECTRONIC DANCE MUSIC (EDM)
Kygo Lady Gaga -- WINNER Marshmello
FAVORITE SOUNDTRACK
Birds of Prey: The Album -- WINNER Frozen II Trolls: World Tour
November 19, 2020 (Toronto, ON) — Although 2020 has been a year filled with unknowns, one thing Canada can be sure of is the skyrocketing trajectory of its very own Manny Blu. Over the course of the past year Blu has earned international recognition for his signature sound and, today he releases his sophomore album New Ink — a 5-track collection that delivers an edgier, matured sound from the Montreal-native.
"New Ink, sonically, was made with the intention to go back to the reason I picked up a guitar in the first place -- loud melodic guitars and big drums, with purposeful lyrics and storytelling,” said Blu of the new album. “I wanted it to be what you’re looking to play whether you are in a good or bad mood; something to blast through the speakers!”
With an amplified mix of country twang and a heavy rock & roll attitude, New Ink brings Blu’s rebellious vibe to the forefront, creating an original sound that highlights his blues and rock upbringing. Influenced by the likes of Brantley Gilbert, The Cadillac Three, and Jason Aldean, each of the 5 tracks heard on New Ink find a home in the “Outlaw Country” genre and are heavy with rock-based instrumentals. Recorded at OmniSound Studios in Nashville and produced by Aaron Eshuis, New Inkspeaks directly to what Blu himself calls the “true heart” of the band’s live shows: “There’s more rock, more soul, and more volume this time around. It’s bigger and louder, but it’s still me. And more importantly, it’s still fun.”
In the lead-up to today’s debut, Blu has released three tracks from New Ink including “Born to Ride,” “Old Money” and “Sink.” The most recent of the trio, “Sink,” dropped in September and is an infectious song written by Josh Osbourne, Ryan Tyndell (Eric Church, Jon Pardi) and Matt Jenkins (Kenny Chesney, Florida Georgia Line, Old Dominion), about hitting the bottom of a bottle of Jack while "watching it all go down the sink" after a difficult breakup. Despite the context of the song, “Sink” delivers a catchy country/rock sound fueled by a dynamic bass line that brings a steady groove throughout as Blu’s gritty vocals cut through with the storyline.
“Old Money,” one of Blu’s favorite tracks on the EP, came just before “Sink”. Co-written by fellow rising star Brandon Lay, with Neil Medley (Luke Bryan, Brent Cobb, Lindsay Ell) and New Inkproducer Aaron Eshuis, the song perfectly suits Blu’s distinctive, gravelly voice, building on his rock-inspired sound through a storming, anthemic hook. The acoustic-led verses show he’s unafraid to embrace an early influence from blues artists like B.B. King and John Mayer, before Kristen Rogers joins him in the final chorus to drive the track home with their unique blend of vocals.
After months of remaining off the road and refraining from in-person appearances and performances, Blu celebrated the launch of New Ink with a live, in-person show at 6th & Peabody in Nashville, on November 17.
With the help of the popular music venue, Blu is excited to experience live show energy that New Ink was inspired by, saying, "I'm what some may call a 'road dog,' and I'm proud of that. I can't wait to get out on that stage and share this new music with everyone. 6th & Peabody has been amazing to work with to make sure everything goes smoothly, and everyone is safe."
When it comes to streaming, 2020 has already been a landmark year for the up-and-coming artist, with nearly 1 Million global streams to date. This year also saw Blu's breakthrough borders by building an international team (US, Canada, and the UK), leading to global recognition. He was named UK's Country Radio Hit's Champion of the Week with the release of "Old Money" and TIDAL's Rising Country Star with the release of "Sink." The pre-released tracks from the upcoming album have also landed coveted playlist spots across Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Spotify.
Blu continues to carve his own path in country music with a sound he introduced through Leave It Like It Is, his debut record (2019) that earned him thousands of new fans and presented him with the opportunity to hit the road. Last spring, Blu spent two months crossing Canada while opening for George Canyon’s “Hit After Hit Tour” and then headlined his own Canadian tour to close out the year. Earlier this spring, Blu crossed the US and Canada on another headlining tour.
''Manny Blu's new EP 'New Ink'' has 5 tracks, each bringing that vulnerable place in life about love and loss that we all can relate to. Blu brings that rebellious, edgy blues vibe with his gravelly voice and that rock & roll influence that is really hard-hitting that I love, '' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine.
Fans can stay up to date on news and announcements from Manny Blu and join the Blu Cru by visiting his website or following along on Instagram and Facebook.
ABOUT MANNY BLU
Manny Blu has always been a fighter. Years before he crisscrossed North America as an acclaimed country singer and a true road warrior—playing nightly shows in support of his 2019 debut album Leave It Like It Is, while also sharpening the larger-than-life sound that would fill his 2020 follow-up EP New Ink—Manny spent his days in the gym, training for a career as an MMA fighter.
Traveling often to Nashville from his hometown of Montreal, he began piecing together a new record—one that showcased the lessons he learned on the road. Working with producer Aaron Eshuis and hit songwriters like Josh Osborne, Rhett Atkins, and Ross Copperman, Manny Blu emerged from Nashville's OmniSound Studios with New Ink. From “Born To Ride” to "Sink," these new songs tell relatable stories about love, loss, breakups, and everything in between, rooted in an amplified mix of country twang and heavy rock & roll attitude.
Raised as a versatile athlete who played hockey, soccer, and football before kickstarting his MMA training at 16-years-old, Manny Blu hasn't lost that fighting spirit. If anything, he's gotten stronger, learning to roll with the punches and knock down any obstacles in his path.New Ink, with its hard-hitting hooks and country-rock edge, is the soundtrack to a career on the rise--and Manny Blu is ready to deliver a knockout blow. New Ink is available now.
20 NOVEMBER, 2020 TORONTO, ON) – After releasing their highly anticipated album Sophomore SlumpCCMA winners and JUNO nominees, The Reklaws announce their digital tour. Presented by SCENE Music, the duo are set to embark on the “Sophomore Slump” virtual tour kicking off on November 23 in Vancouver, Canada. Tickets are available HERE and a full list of tour dates is below.
The digital tour will have shows in seven cities across the country, including a stop in the platinum-selling country duo’s hometown of Kitchener, ON. Virtual concert-goers will have the chance to hear The Reklaws perform tracks from their brand new album live for the first time ever including their latest single, “Not Gonna Not.” Viewers will also have the opportunity to take part in a Q&A and can expect special guests along the way.
With the purchase of a ticket, fans have access to special bundles including merchandise, autographed posters, CDs, and exclusively for SCENE members, a free buddy pass, and a chance to compete for prizes before the show. Tickets are available HERE and more information on SCENE Music can be found at scene.ca.
''The Reklaws have just released their best work yet with their new EP Sophomore Slump,'' says Kim Cyr, NOW and THEN Magazine. ''Sophomore Slump is full of heart with vulnerable lyrics of life's journeys and experiences told in unique ways that really draw you in. The fun side of Jenna and Stuart really plays itself out in each one of the songs that really show the growth of these two singer/songwriters. It's infectious. You can't help but feel you are having fun with your toes tapping and singing right along with them.''
''This is the 2nd full-length album to be released by The Reklaws with real-life stories and lyrics that you can feel that really showcase just how much these two both have grown and honed in the craft of real storytelling. They have tapped into that real emotion you need to connect with your audience. They both feel so strongly about representing real-life experiences that they have lived through their music. It is what I loved when I first met these two who had just come off the stage as the Emerging Artists of the Year at the Boots and Hearts Music Festival years ago. The Reklaws are one of the hottest country acts in Canadian country music today and this EP shows us why.''
''Jenna has a beautiful voice that lends itself beautifully to storytelling. She knows how to be vulnerable and allow the lyrics to carry her that delivers the heart of the song. It is really nice to listen to. Stuart, well what can I say? From the shy young guy who played guitar at the festival to the frontman singing the words he lives and breaths, I would say he has found his voice,'' says Cyr.
''This EP is really going to be a lot of fun to hear live and is very radio-friendly. On Sophomore Slump the CCMA-winning duo mix that playful side and the sweet, toe-tapping vibes of ''You Problem'' to go with a smooth cool little song like ''So Crazy It Just Might Work'' that just might give the magic back to what love is all about. Perfect for what is happening in the world today. Here’s hoping you give these ones a spin.''
Listen to the INTERVIEW to hear about The Reklaws 'Sophomore Slump Digital Tour' starting November 23rd, in Vancouver, Canada. This is a seven-city tour that lands Stuart and Jenna in their hometown Kitchener and Toronto, ON. There will be special guests on this tour so you don't want to miss this one!!! Grab your best frat party attire and your red solo’s n raise em’ up for SOPHOMORE SLUMP!
Raised on their family farm in rural Ontario, The Reklaws, made up of sibling duo Jenna and Stuart Walker, signed their first major record deal with Universal Music in 2017. They found success with their second single “Long Live the Night” when it quickly became platinum-certified. The single went on to win the 2019 CCMA for top-selling Canadian single of the year and was selected as the theme song for the Canadian Football League’s (“CFL”) Thursday Night Football for the 2018 & 2019 seasons. The momentum continued to build with the release of their debut EP, “Feels Like That”, which was awarded the 2019 CCMA for Album of the year. The title single, “Feels Like That” was also the Reklaw's first #1 at Canadian Country Radio and is certified Gold in Canada. In 2019 the duo completed their first national tour with Dean Brody and Dallas Smith, earned their first JUNO nomination for “Country Album of The Year”, released their first full-length album, and received their 3rd Gold Single for “I Do Too.” This year the duo released the single "Can't Help Myself” with their long-time country music hero, Dean Brody, and the now gold-certified single “Where I’m From”. To add to their growing list of accolades The Reklaws were nominated for Group of the Year at the 2020 JUNO Awards marking the first time in over 20-years that a Country group was included in the category. The duo reached another career milestone when their debut album Freshman Year was certified GOLD on the one-year anniversary of its release. Most recently The Reklaws were nominated for four Canadian Country Music Awards including the prestigious Entertainer of The Year award. Sophomore Slump is the duo’s latest full-length album. There’s no doubt that The Reklaws, who have garnered over 125 million streams to date, is poised to be the Country’s next superstars.
Each and every ornament hanging on your Christmas tree comes with a story. “Decorating that Tree” is a downhome feel-good song written by Jessie T, Carrie DeMaeyer & John Cirillo. Though these tales may differ from home to home, reliving these memories is just as special every year. Decorate your season with Jessie T!
“Moonlight & Mistletoe” -Jessie T’s brand-new Christmas release- is sure to keep you warm this holiday season! A cheeky and sultry song, written by Jessie and David Madras, suggests you snuggle up to someone special on a cold winter night- There’s nothing a little moonlight and mistletoe can’t fix. Turn up the season with this new Christmas classic!
''I love their sound,'' says Cyr. ''Cory has the instinct to navigate a song with his unique voice and his songwriting skills that can tap into that vulnerable side of himself that delivers everything a great song needs to connect with the fans. He is a true storyteller. Jeff brings his own artistry to the table with his creativity, his ability to bring words to life in the music, the harmonies, and vision that brings the unique sound for Lemon Cash. I am really excited for them both and for country music. If this is just the start of 'Lemon Cash', we are in for one hell of a ride.''
''Lemon Cash has some cool music that they are releasing in January that I can't wait for the fans of country music to hear. These two have their finger on what is going to work for the new country music genre. I had so much fun talking with them and getting to know Jeff and Cory. They are so talented. They have such a great opportunity with their new single ''Wine Tonight'' that is set to release in January 2021. They are going to really shake things up on the airwaves for country radio with this one. I got to hear it and just love it. They are kicking off 2021 with such a great song. The award-winning producer, Jeff Dalziel really worked his magic bringing out the best in Jeff and Cory for this song. He just has that amazing gift to connect and read the artists he works with and hon in on exactly what they need to make a hit record. There are some really great stories and lots of laughs talking about their experience working with Jeff. You can hear all of that and so much more. I am giving you all a sneak peek of their new single ''Wine Tonight'' at my interview with them HERE so check it out.''
''Cory and Jeff have been working hard during this difficult year writing with many different songwriters bringing more and more to their writing style. Coming from the rock alternative genre, Cory delivers with his tone and range. I love his voice. I think he has something really special. Cory takes his writing very seriously. He has just started to learn what he is capable of and I am really excited to see his own journey writing music. Jeff has been writing for the first time giving his creativity and ability to put music into his own words with the duo's new music that they are releasing very soon.''
''What an exciting journey to take with your sibling. To share this dream together is pretty special and such a gift in life. They both have so much to bring to the music industry and this is just the start. Hell, I can't wait for you all to hear and see what this duo has in store for us all.
''Lemon Cash gave me another gift during our interview together and that was the chance to hear their second single ''Locked Up'' that they are releasing next year. It is such a great way to look at this time that the world is going through right now and adding a positive spin to it. 'Locked Up' is such a great song. You are all going to love it. I am going to share another sneak peek with a teaser for 'Locked Up' in my interview right HERE!
''Stay tuned for all the latest news with Lemon Cash right HERE. ''Wine Tonight'' and ''Locked Up'' will be out in 2021!!!'
''Don't forget to check out Lemon Cash's latest EP ''Scary Sometimes'' on iTunes and Spotify, purchase it, share it and add it to your playlist now. All four songs on this EP are fantastic songs.''
About Lemon Cash
This home-grown band consists of two brothers: Jeff and Cory Papineau. The band's name earned inspiration from their time as kids running a lemonade stand. The two would come home each day celebrating their hard-earned “lemon cash”. As they grew older, so did their interests (thankfully!) and they developed a passion for making music together.
Lemon Cash formed in 2014 as a cover band playing in front of family and friends in their hometown of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Once they gained experience from playing as a band in front of crowds, they decided to create their own original material and play as an alternative indie-rock band. They played numerous gigs and received lots of radio traction all over the province. After three solid years of playing as a five-piece band, they decided to split up on good terms.
Despite the disappointing turn of events, it did not prevent the brothers from continuing to carry the Lemon Cash brand name. Looking to evolve their music, they would transition to the country genre.
The inspiration to switch to the country genre is thanks to their parents: Jeff Sr. and Sandra. They introduced Cory and Jeff to country music when the brothers were young. Listening to a wide range of artists such as Garth Brooks, Brooks & Dunn, Tim McGraw, Joe Diffie, George Jones, and George Strait, the warmth and comforting sound of the country music sound resonated with them growing up and inspired them to create music of their own.
Cory, the vocalist and guitar player of the duo, admires singers like Kenny Chesney, Bryan Adams, and John Mayer. On the drums, Jeff always had an ear for harmonies and beautiful melodies. He appreciates groups such as Bee Gees, Beach Boys, and Eagles, all-encompassing that easy listening sound. Although the two brothers seem to have their ears set on older music, there is no question that they are still keeping up with the times and remain in the loop for new music and new sounds to support their creativity.
Lemon Cash recently signed a single-song deal with multi-platinum producer Jeff Dalziel, whose accolades include 2018 CCMA, 2018 CMAO, 2019 CCMA, and 2019 CMAO Producer of the Year. They are currently working together to form their sound, and they will select the most effective song for production, and connect with singers/songwriters in Nashville to help them expand their musical horizons.
Lemon Cash released their latest EP on October 31, 2019, titled Scary Sometimes. to compile the album, they met with their long-time friend and producer James Robertson to record a handful of original songs. Jumping into the world of country music, Lemon Cash is off to a heck of a start. With landing a deal with Jeff Dalziel, releasing an EP, and making connections in the country world, it’s safe to say that these Ottawa natives are on the right path to what seems to be a promising career.
''The charts keep climbing for Canadian Country Artist ''Owen Barney,'' releasing one hit after the next this year. His brand new single ''Pour Me'' is killing it, the follow-up single after releasing ''Thank Her For That'' that smashed the charts.''
''Owen is on fire...and this is one artist you need to hear and the one to watch,'' says Cyr. ''Owen has big dreams for his career in country music and he has the industry's attention. The fans really connect and resonate with Owen's music and he is off to one hell of a start. With his first Top 20, 'Thank Her For That', his new single 'Pour Me', and the toe-tap-inducing Make Your Night, (plus a live-off-the-floor recording of Pour Me) Owen Barney has shown incredible growth as an artist, maturity as a writer, and reinforced exactly why he is one to watch. We are all watching. I love to see a young artist with sheer raw talent like Owen. He has what it takes to take him all the way in country music,'' saysKim Cyr,NOW and THEN Magazine.
''I am really excited for Owen and I can't wait to see what he has in store for us. I look forward to watching him grow and become the artist he dreams of becoming. There is no doubt in my mind he will do exactly that. It is a real gift to witness and watch his long musical career ahead of him.''
''You can check out all the stories and hear the songs we talked about in my interview with rising star ''Owen Barney'' right HERE!
Born and raised in Toronto, country artist Owen Barney has been strumming the guitar since he was just 7 years old, influenced by country heavy-hitters Eric Church, Steve Earle, and Jason Aldean. He has played shows around Toronto from the age of 14 and has spent the last few years honing his skills as a performer. “Barney’s maturity and natural talent as a performer allow him to be a storyteller so young in his career,” says Front Porch Music, while Canadian Beats commends Owen’s ability to “fuse soulful songwriting and easy breezy vocals.”
2020 has been a landmark year for this rising star, with over 7.5 million global streams and a chart-topping summer smash “Thank Her For That”. The timing couldn’t be better for the release of his brand new EP No Road Too Long featuring his latest single “Pour Me," a lighthearted song that reflects on dealing with hard times. This release follows a big month for Owen; being named the Amazon Breakthrough Artist of the Month, hitting over 320K views on his most recent music video for "Thank Her For That", topping the Shazam charts, and a partnership with iconic Canadian brand Roots. Check out the first ever Roots Muskoka Cottage Country Concert (socially distanced) here. The momentum is happening and will be followed by some exciting surprises in the new year!