w/ Canadian Roots Blues Rock Band
Hosted by Kim Cyr
Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine
https://www.nowandthenmagazine.com
New Album
Canadian classic roots and blues rock band “The Commoners” released “More Than Mistakes,” the fourth single from the critically acclaimed sophomore album “Find A Better Way.” The single was released by Gypsy Soul Records on Tuesday, March 7th.
A rock anthem to its core, the title track, “Find A Better Way,” carries a message that encapsulates the entirety of the record. With growing uncertainties, society faces challenges previously unseen, leaving the collective in a perpetual state of questioning, with doubt directed towards governments, public leaders, and our neighbours. From the aftermath of COVID-19, the increasing mental health crisis in North America, war crimes in Ukraine, and the explosion of social movements and protests, one thought unites us all—we need to find a better way to co-exist on this planet. “Find A Better Way” takes an inward look at confronting our tumultuous past and accepting personal accountabilities to uncover the strength needed to seek a solution.
“Find a Better Way” is the only track on the record to be mixed in Australia. The band worked with legend Producer/Mixer Kevin Shirley (the Black Crowes, Joe Bonamassa, Led Zeppelin) at Caveman Studios in Sydney. Kevin’s mix helped set the perfect tone for the album, which Ross Hayes Citrullo was then able to follow for the rest of the record. Kevin’s contribution set The Commoners on the right path with this epic title track.
Mastering was also an important consideration for the band and their label. For this stage, the team sent their record all the way to Nashville, Tennessee to Pete Lyman (Tedeschi Trucks, Blackberry Smoke, Chris Stapleton, Rival Sons) at Infrasonic Sound. Pete’s specialty for mastering southern rock made the mixes come alive, making them sonically competitive to the band’s influences.
The Commoners is a Canadian rock band that is comprised of Chris Medhurst on lead vocals & guitar, Ross Hayes Citrullo on lead guitar, Ben Spiller on bass & piano, and Adam Cannon on drums. The new studio album, “Find a Better Way”, features guest appearances from Michael Ekhart (pedal steel), Jeff Heisholt (keys), Michael Evans-Branagh (organ, piano, and Rhodes), and multi-instrumentalist Ben Healey.
‘’I had the chance to catch up with the overnight sensation The Commoners fresh off their April 2023 co-headline UK tour with Troy Redfern, ‘’ says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, radio host, and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast. ‘’The fans are taken on a wild ride from the first note of this album ‘’Find A Better Way''. I wanted to play this album in its entirety so the fans can hear the album the way it was intended.''
‘’You can hear the influences of classic rock and blues in the very first note. This project with 9 tracks is simply brilliant. You go on a wild ride from the first song to the last taking you through lives full of challenges, doubts, fears, and desires. The lessons learned along the way shape the band into the musicians they are today.''
‘’I dig deeper into each song off the new album unveiling the stories behind the raw and authentic emotions of the lyrics that are driven home with the shredding of Chris's vocals. This album is worth taking notice of and then some. The Commoners have a sound that listeners want to hear. They take you on a real journey that you get lost in cutting you like a knife and then bringing you back home feeling completely satisfied knowing you just had the bitchin time ever!''
A killer album from start to finish, The Commoners have delivered a real beauty dripping in quality, rich in its roots/rock heritage in a visceral form they have absolutely nailed it.
To hear my interview where I play the entire album with my special guest lead singer Chris Medhurst, go to www.musicsjourney.com or click on the link below.
The Commoners - More Than Mistakes (Official Lyrical Video)
The Commoners - Fill My Cup (Official Video)
The Commoners - Too Much (Official Music Video)
The Commoners - Find A Better Way (Official Music Video)
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