FKB is a high-energy, four-piece, alternative rock band based in Edmonton, influenced by the mystique, glamour, and excess of the 1960s-1980s entertainment business.
Formed in Bonnyville, Alberta, the band is fronted by JUNO Award-nominated songwriter (2019), Drew Shalka, and featuresTravis Topylki (lead guitar), Derek Chalut (drums), and Alex Fedorouk (rhythm guitar).
''FKB has delivered another infectious song with 'Beautiful Fantasy' that begs you to put it on repeat to discover sounds and different frequencies that you just don't pick up on listening to it only once,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, host for the International Music's Journey Podcast, and radio host on 91.3 FM. ''I love the effects of the delays in the new track Beautiful Fantasy and how the delays were played in reverse and then played back and some other pretty sweet effects by Dan Davidson. FKB brings a very unique take on an alternative pop-rock sound right now. Their high-energy stage performance will be exciting fans for years to come. The is amazing to see the connection the band members have with one another and their own separate influences and musicianship they all bring to the table. FKB is a very electrifying and intoxicating band and they are constantly challenging themselves creatively and that's exciting. I look forward to seeing what they have in store for us all in 2022.''
FKB’s infectious, falsetto-driven single, “Beautiful Fantasy” (2021) is co-produced by Dan Davidson (Tupelo Honey) and Clayton Bellamy (Road Hammers). “’Beautiful Fantasy’ is us finding a way to connect our influences from the past, like The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and The Beach Boys, with the modern sounds of Foster The People, Portugal the Man, and The Weeknd,” says Shalka. “We wanted to draw from the excitement of our live shows and give people something they can dance to.”
The band appears as themselves in the feature film, Moments in Spacetime (Oct 2020), performing their single, “My Bedroom” (2018). “We reconnected with our high school media arts teacher at a local TEDx event where we were both speaking. He had returned from film school in Vancouver and his recent project, Sweet Oil (2017), was featured at the Phoenix Film Festival and the Holly Shorts Film Festival (Hollywood). He had also done some work on episodes of the AMC series, Hell on Wheels,” recalls Shalka. “He had a new project shooting in Cold Lake, Alberta, and asked if he could write us into the movie performing as ourselves. We even have a few lines of dialogue.” The film stars John Rhys-Davies (Indiana Jones, James Bond, Lord of the Rings), Patty Srisuwan (Misfortune), and Sam Gittins (EastEnders, Call The Midwife, Await Further Instructions).
Clayton Bellamy, a JUNO Award, multiple CCMA and SOCAN Songwriter of the Year has produced all of FKB’s music including, ”Glow” (2020), with producer Dan Davidson, “Backstreet Daydream” (2019); “My Bedroom” (2018); “Casual Love” (2018), released via KnightVision Records (Amsterdam), “Bright Lights” (2017), which was nominated for Adult Alternative Recording of the Year at the Edmonton Music Awards; and FKB’s debut EP, 123 FKB, which featured the Alternative and Active Rock single, “Crystal Ball”.
FKB has performed over 200 shows across North America since 2017. In 2019, they won the Edmonton edition of the Jim Beam National Talent Search, which culminated in a showcase performance at Canadian Music Week (Toronto).
What an exciting year 2021 has been for acclaimed, Calgary-based country artist ANNIKAboth professionally and personally. She has been engaging and entertaining audiences around the world since 2014 as the lead singer of the CCMA-nominated country-pop duo Leaving Thomas. ANNIKA has been taking a new musical direction as a solo artist and has already seen incredible success with hit singles released earlier this year.
ANNIKA has been named the iHeart Radio Future Star (July / August 2021). There is so much to celebrate this year including the release of her new single “Encore” released on September 17, a duet with chart-topping, Platinum-selling, JUNO, and CCMA award-winning Canadian country star Brett Kissel. The extraordinary tune showcases ANNIKA’s and Kissel’s breathtaking harmonies in this black and white production, creating the ideal mix of simple melodies and lyrics that make it timeless. I love the striped back instrumental in the tune allowing the listener to feel every emotionally driven note showcasing the powerhouse vocals of both ANNIKA and Brett Kissel. This isn't the normal type of song for Brett and I can honestly say that it brought out the range and depth to his voice that I haven't heard before. I love everything about this tune.
In addition to releasing “Encore,” ANNIKA, released her single “Love Looks Like You” as a “twingle” on the same date, giving fans a double dose of new music. This song is a romantic ballad that showcases a softer side of ANNIKA’s voice and highlights heartfelt lyrics in a timeless love song.
Congratulations to you and your husband, Spencer Cheyne, on becoming a new mom and dad to Levi on July 12.
ANNIKAhas been busy working on her writing for some new music coming out in early 2022. She also celebrated the new single 'I'm In It' that she co-wrote with pop sensation 'Kaiya Gamble'.
I had a wonderful time catching up once again with one of my favorite artists on the radio today. To hear all the amazing news and exciting projects ANNIKA is working on and my Burning Questions portion of the show, click on the link below.
Jake Hoot teams up with The Tenors for “When Christmas Has Come and Gone,” a beautiful plea to remember what it’s all truly about. “It’s the joy of children’s faces, knowing they believe / It’s a gathering around the table with our family / Sharing all the memories of our loved ones who have gone / These are the gifts that still live on, when Christmas has come and gone,” Hoot sings, intertwining with Victor Micallef, Fraser Walters, and Clifton Murray.
“I think working with these guys and honestly meeting them, has been one of the highlights of my career,” Hoot tells NOW and THEN Magazine. “‘Cause they’re some of the nicest guys that you could ever meet, and some of the most professional — I don’t understand how they have the ears for music that they do, because they’re absolutely professionals. Great guys, and incredible people.”
''An emotional ballad, the 4-and-a-half minute-long song finds the trio and Hoot singing about what makes the holiday season so special,'' says Cyr. ''It gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. This is truly a special very Christmas song that is timeless. If this one doesn't pull on your heartstrings to remember what the true meaning of the holiday season is, I don't know what will. We have all lost so much this past year and a half and this season we have some form of normalcy back with our loved ones. This song makes you want to hold on tight to everyone you love just that little bit more.''
"I am so proud of this one. I have always wanted to write a Christmas song, and seeing it finally come to pass is something so special to me," Hoot, tells NOW and THEN Magazine.
"Christmas is my favorite time of year, for so many reasons. I love the magic that fills the crisp winter air. The smell of hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls, celebrating the birth of Jesus, having the family all home and the memories we get to make together," he adds. "... I love the tradition of it all, and I feel that this song encompasses so many of the important things of what makes Christmas, Christmas."
I always have a blast chatting with Jake Hoot and I dive a little more into the Burning Questions portions of the show that you don't want to miss and I play some great music. To hear my full interview with Jake Hoot, click on the link below.
Calgary singer-songwriter Kaiya Gamble is already making quite the name for herself in the Canadian music scene — and she's making it her mission to support charitable causes along the way.
Kaiya Gamble, who is an accomplished young singer-songwriter on track to become one of Canada’s emerging artists to watch. Kaiya released her sophomore single “I’m In It” on November 5th via all streaming platforms.
“I’m In It” is about falling in love for the very first time and showcases Kaiya’s vocal and emotional capability that is well beyond her years. It’s an upbeat track with a catchy melody, rich piano, and groovy percussion. The song was recorded at CCMA-nominated state-of-the-art recording facility, OCL Studios, and produced by JUNO award-winning producers, Spencer Cheyne (Mackenzie Porter, Leaving Thomas, Jocelyn Alice) and Justin Kudding (Brett Kissel). The song was co-written by award-winning country artist ANNIKA.
Following the single release, Kaiya brought to life KAIYA LIVE, a streaming concert conceptualized by Kaiya herself that works to raise awareness and donations for various organizations that are close to her heart including Wickfest, A Sound Life, and CINIM. The concert was filmed at Production World in Edmonton, AB, and will be available to view exclusively on Kaiya’s official YouTube channel.
Said Kaiya, “my parents are both frontline healthcare workers, so during the heat of the pandemic I had to watch them walk out the door each day to face the dangers ahead. It was quite stressful for me and my sister, and I can only imagine how it was for them! That’s when it hit me. I asked myself: How can I help, the best way I know how? That’s how KAIYA LIVE was created. This show has been almost a year in the making, and you wouldn’t believe how much work, joy, sweat, tears, laughter, and love have gone into this concert. I cannot wait for everyone to see it, and to raise awareness for three amazing organizations along the way - Wickfest, A Sound Life, and CINIM.”
Kaiya was joined by the band members of CCMA & JUNO award-winning country superstar, Brett Kissel (JustinKudding, Brendan Waters, Greg Williamson, and Brennan Wall). Viewers got the chance to see her perform “I’m In It,” her international award-winning single “Speak Out,” as well as many other uplifting songs. Kaiya hopes to deliver joy and sunshine to everyone who tunes in.
''Kaiya is an artist that doesn't come along very often and she continues to show us all why she is so well respected by her peers and her fans alike,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, host of the International Music's Journey Podcast, and radio host on91.3 FM. ''Kaiya is an emerging pop artist to watch. She is an undeniably talented artist that is full of emotion and heart. I am really excited for Kaiya and her future in the music industry. She continues to grow leaps and bounds constantly absorbing every bit of mentoring she has received. She gets right to work honing her craft and showcasing an evolving artist whose eyes are set on the next project. Kaiya has a very bright future and we are all very fortunate to watch this young artist's musical journey unfold for years to come.''
To hear my full interview with Pop Artist Kaiya, click on the link below.
''Although Taming Sari is fairly new as a band, they show the confidence as one of the top rock bands here in Canada and ones to watch,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, host of the International Music's Journey Podcast, and radio host on 91.3 FM. ''Taming Sarihas swept onto the scene and left a poignant and lasting impression.''
With their debut album Thirsty From The Drought to their killer new single 'Crazy', this could be a mission complete for them with the catchy openings in every track they release. The frontmanWarren Meredith has that grit, and range of bringing the tones of Steven Tyler and bands like Thin Lizzy, and the with shredding guitar riffs, Taming Sari has found their sound. The band is complete with individual excellence, influences, and explosive performances by every band member. This is one band to watch. We have got some killer Canadian Rock Bands right now and Taming Sariis one of the bands that are climbing towards the top 10 acts.
After making numerous media appearances and safely playing for socially distanced crowds, Taming Sari is ready to hit the ground running. When live music makes its triumphant return, there is no doubt that these talented performers will grace stages with the same intensity found in their recordings.
Taming Sari’s signature splashy guitar work and thunderous drums guide the listener through a supercharged anthem to inspire hope in the post-pandemic. Bringing us back to when life seemed more straightforward, “Crazy” is about the inherent connection we all feel towards one another, and how surreal it can feel to lose touch with our need to just enjoy life.
One listen to “Crazy” tells you everything you need to know about Taming Sari’s musical influences, and Toronto’s iconic Polson Pier set the backdrop for the band to channel the rock gods on a beautiful summer day and lay down a couple of blazing new tracks.
The sun-kissed harbourfront wasn’t the only inspiration leading into the recording studio: it would be the first time they would record with a new member, accomplished lead guitarist Joe Fraser, to create the perfect balance of grit and melody while paying homage to past rock n’ roll legends.
Following the momentum of their debut album, Thirsty From The Draught, Taming Sari was positioned to take full advantage of the burgeoning concert scene across Canada shortly before the world was thrown into chaos with Covid. “Crazy” is the third single to capture the group’s artistic perspective on this tumultuous period in history; the first, “Loving Way,” dealt with the initial response to the virus along with the call for racial justice that was to come, and the second, the emotionally-charged “Gone and Run Away,” highlighted the sense of loss that our communities collectively feel.
Check out the video for “Crazy” below, and stay up to date with the band via their socials.
Rising artist Kira Lynn isn’t afraid to step outside the box and deliver the raw emotional lyrics that tell the stories of real life that fans can relate to the most.
This Canadian singer-songwriter from Edmonton, Alberta grew up on the stage dancing competitively, studying musical theatre, vocal training, piano, guitar, and even had the opportunity to have studied the Meisner technique in acting in Santa Monica, CA.
Kira Lynn completed her University studies in Canada and then moved to Nashville to pursue her passion after being referred by Irving Azoff’s office which has provided incredible opportunities for her in the music business. Lynn’s singles “I Won’t Let You Go,” written with the late great songwriter, Ralph Murphy, and “Falling For You,” caught fire at country radio while heralding a vibrant and fast-rising performer on the contemporary scene. “Hey Love” was released shortly after which was described as a hit by music director at CISN Country in her hometown.
After a successful release of her last single, “Colorado,” Kira Lynn is releasing her newest single “Love You No More” both digitally and to Country Radio in Canada on November 12th. Kira wrote her song “Love You No More” about that moment when you realize the person you thought you loved, isn’t treating you the way you deserve. It’s that life-changing decision to accept your worth and close the door.
“At the end of the day, I really hope people get a chance to hear these songs and relate to them.” Kira Lynn says “I am not afraid to be vulnerable with my writing and I hope that touches people.”
''Rising artist Kira Lynn stands out in the enormous Canadian talent pool by staying true to herself writing exactly what she feels and her vocal capability that has such power yet delivered with brilliance,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, host of the International Music's Journey Podcast, and radio host/on-air personality on 91.3 FM. Every time, Kira has shown the world that she isn’t afraid to step outside the box to follow her dreams. Her artistry and mixing of catchy pop melodies with elements of country and soul make a unique and powerful sound all her own. I can't wait till Kira lets lose on her vocals just once for me because I just want to hear her power under all those gorgeous vocal deliveries we have heard so far. This is purely for my selfish want and needs to hear her sore. Kira is a very talented vocalist and she lets the lyrics breathe holding back on what we all know she can do in her range. That is a true artist.''
''This melody-driven heartfelt singer-songwriter Kira Lynn is a star in the making.'' To hear my interview and Kira's answers to all my burning questions, click on the link below
''Cory Marks' has every element needed for the perfect storm to shake things up in this music industry like some of the best outlaws before him,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, host of the International Music's Journey Podcast, and on-air radio host on91.3 FM. ''Cory has a powerhouse voice and is an undeniable high-energy entertainer giving fans a show they won't soon forget. His music is just the same. Whether he is opening for the top Canadian country artists or opening for some of the best rock bands on the planet, Cory has fans downloading his music around the globe. Cory is just getting starting and we are all along for the ride...I can't wait to see what he has in store for us in 2022. Sometimes it takes a little noise to shake things up on the radio and get away from that cookie-cutter mold. Cory Marks is just that artist to do it. Cory has that perfect mix of rasp and range with an edge that is so powerful and full of soul. He has really established himself as a gifted songwriter and he is not afraid to challenge himself at whatever he does. It is that heart and grit that will get him far in this business. He is definitely an artist to watch on both sides of the border in both rock and country genres.''
In 2019, Billboard deemed Cory Marks’ top 10 Rock Radio single “Outlaws and Outsiders” the “hit that couldn’t be confined.” “Outlaws and Outsiders,” which features country music icons Travis Tritt, Ivan Moody of Five Finger Death Punch, and Mick Mars of Motley Crue, was a global hit, receiving more than 100 million streams & video views worldwide, trending near the top of Shazam’s all-genre discovery charts alongside some of the biggest names in music. 2020 saw the release of his critically acclaimed debut album WHO I AM – spawning fan favorites like “Devil’s Grin” and “Blame It on the Double.” Upon the album’s release, Cory "shape-shifted" styles on the record, blending both country and rock seamlessly. The album debuted in the top 10 Country charts on iTunes globally, with #2 positions in his home country of Canada, as well as in the United States and Australia. In 2021, Cory unleashed a reimagined, high-energy, rock-heavy single “Blame It on the Double,” a collaboration with Tyler Connolly of Theory of a Deadman and Jason Hook. Mixing the storytelling tradition of country music and the loud, unapologetic sounds of heavy rock, Cory’s music blasts with an aggressive, soulful edge. With new music in the works and the horror-thriller film THE RETALIATORS in which he had an onscreen cameo and a song featured on the original soundtrack, Cory has just begun to make his mark(s) on the music industry.
Cory Marks' debut album ‘’Who I Am’’ has garnered tremendous attention here in Canada and it was nominated for 2021 CCMA Alternative Country Album of the Year. Marks can now say CCMA's are a part of his career forever. Pretty sweet when you think about it that there are only two ways that the CCMA's will be a part of your career, as a nominee and as a winner. Cory is on his way to that winner podium.
To hear my interview with Cory Marks and his answers to the Burning Questions portion of the interview, click on the link below.
In just a few short years, award-winning David Boyd Janes has been bringing the heat with his truly authentic and distinctive sound that delivers a punch with that hard rock edge to country radio here in Canada. He has reached and surpassed over 4 million digital streams worldwide, he is a 4 x CMA Ontario country music awards nominee, an iheart Future Star Award winner, and he has just released his debut album Drove Me Country that has already garnered attention worldwide.
The incredible award-winning producer Jeff Dalziel produced several of David's latest singles and he has created another masterpiece with his midas touch with the debut album Drove Me Country.
Sony Music Country Heat 2022 has released their hand-picked best current country songs on the Country Heat 2022 compilation and David Boyd Janes debut single with Warner Music Canada, Couldn’t Hurt made the cut to join country stars such as Luke Combs, Blake Shelton, and Tenille Townes just to name a few.
''David Boyd Janes is one of the hardest working country artists in Canada,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, host of the International Music's Journey Podcast, and radio/host on 91.3 FM.'' Through tough life lessons, David has turned his dream into a reality. It takes a big leap of faith and grit to make it in the music industry and David has earned every win in his career. There is no stopping what he can do. I always have to check in on his socials every day because there is always something new and exciting being announced.''
It has been both a pleasure and an honour to be here to witness what David has accomplished. We all need to buckle up because he is just getting started.
David is hard at work writing and recording new music so we all have a lot to look forward to in 2022! It is always such an interesting interview when I chat with David and this interview is no exception. We have an in-depth talk about many interesting topics about life and music. You will hear a lot of the music from the new album 'Drove Me Country' in this interview. You are going to love it.
In the first week of the album's release, the single Behind Bars hit #1 on SiriusXM. David isn't slowing down one bit.
Spotify has now added David Boyd Janes to the Best Country Songs Of 2021 very grateful to make this playlist back to back years 2020 / 2021!
To hear my interview with David Boyd Janes, click on the link below.
Sometimes, clichés prove weirdly true. Take that one about dark clouds having silver linings. Turns out, that stuff can happen for real. Just ask David Boyd Janes.
Were it not for a brutal breakup in 2017, which tore up the floorboards of his life, the fast-rising country music singer/songwriter might still be living the contemporary urban dream, successfully selling heating and air conditioning units and living in a nice condo with a girlfriend beside him and a bunch of suits hanging in his closet.
Yet that breakup — precipitated in part by Janes’ rekindled romance with music via, of all things, singing karaoke in bars — yanked the Toronto-based performer out of his comfort zone and into a suddenly dreary world where the only thing worth doing was making music.
All of which sounds like something you might hear in a country song. Enter Janes’ dazzling debut, Drove Me Country, so named for his experience (as in, she drove him out of the condo and into country music) and delivered in a distinctive voice alternately conjuring honey and sandpaper.
Yet despite Janes’ back story, the album’s eight original compositions are decidedly not sad-sack ballads steeped in gloom and swimming in whisky. Rather, Drove Me Country is an affirmation of what can happen when somebody who has been kicked to the curb gets up, dusts himself off, says… well… screw it. Then follows his dream.
“My main objective as an artist is to inspire people to follow their own dreams,” Janes says. “Four years ago, I was a broken man sitting alone in my condo thinking, ‘Why did this happen to me?’ Now I have this mindset where I can push past things and live my life. Turning my thoughts into reality is not schtick. It’s how I live my life now.”
Evidence of that transformation is scribbled all over the vivid and diverse Drove Me Country, often in surprising ways. Take lead single “Behind Bars,” a gargantuan roadhouse corker propelled by wailing pedal steel, B3 organ, and Janes’ breathtakingly candid (and frankly amusing) lyrics about the aftermath of his split as surveyed from a barstool.
At the other end of the spectrum but no less compelling is the super-melodic, soaring, and anthemic ballad “Fools Gold,” in which our man takes stock of what really matters in this life as an ace group of players garland the background with gleaming steel and guitars.
“The song ‘Fools Gold’ is who I am,” Janes says, adding it’s one of his favourites on the album. “If you want to get to know me in three minutes, listen to that song. As for ‘Behind Bars,’ I’m not a big drinker and this song isn’t about blowing off steam in a bar; it’s about playing in bars, getting back into music and brushing off the bad news. Sometimes you just have to move on.”
He continues: “I went through a lot when that girl up and left. I don’t mean to sound overly dramatic, but it took me four years to rebuild my confidence. I finally realized I couldn’t hold myself down any longer.”
Ironically, had it not been for the abovementioned girlfriend, Janes might still be wearing neckties and slinging HVACs. Though Janes “had been doing music his whole life” and grew up immersed in country music courtesy his mom and dad — smalltown Newfoundland transplants to Toronto — he started out playing rock and roll. When that experience soured, “I turned my back on music for, like 10 years.
“Years later, my girlfriend and I, just for kicks, went to a karaoke bar. I sang a few songs and the reaction I got was amazing. People asked if I was in a band. This happened a bunch of times, and soon enough I was entering karaoke competitions. This was around 2016.
“One night, I said to my girlfriend, ‘I think I should get back into music.’ She looked at me and said, ‘That is not what I signed up for.’ I agreed it sounded ludicrous, but I sensed it was what I should be doing. I just wasn’t happy as this suit-and-tie guy. And for the record, we had a happy relationship; we just lost the spark. She made a plan to move out and left.”
If proof were needed that Janes’ instincts were spot-on, it came two years later in 2019 when, in short order, he won the Next Country Music Star contest hosted by the Havelock Country Jamboree, was named Artist of the Year at the Mississauga Music Awards, won the Country Wild Music Festival in Cobourg, earning a trip to Nashville to record with Grammy-winning producer Jamie Tate and — the crowning achievement — won the Boots & Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase.
In the course of all that, Janes met renowned producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Dalziel (see Washboard Union, Jim Cuddy, Thornley) at the CMA Ontario Awards in London; the two hit it off. “I had no idea how decorated he was,” Janes recalls. “Fast-forward eight months, and I sent him some songs. He ended up producing ‘On Tonight’ and that started the relationship. Next, we cut ‘Couldn’t Hurt’ (from 2020 and included on the new album) and that song racked up over three million streams.”
When time came to produce Drove Me Country, Dalziel was the obvious choice as key collaborator. The pair worked alongside a crack team of musicians at Dalziel’s home recording studio in Oshawa, ON. “Everyone on this album is just incredible, and the experience with Jeff was great.
“This record is a perfect reflection of where I am in my life and I’m just so excited to release it,” Janes says. “And I will know it’s a success when someone says they decided to take a swing at something they had been sitting on the fence about, and it brought them to a better place in their life.
“I want everyone to know that nothing is impossible. If some random dude who sold furnaces for a living can chase his dream,” he laughs, “anyone can. That to me is the most important message.”
There’s a saying when life hands you lemons, make lemonade. Ottawa-born brothers, Cory and Jeff Papineau live by this saying. So much so, that they named their band Lemon Cash. The band’s name was inspired by the brother's childhood when they ran a neighborhood lemonade stand. The two brothers would come home each day celebrating their hard-earned lemon cash.
To this day they share similar interests in music and continue to write and record music together. They grew up in a very musical family along with a little sister, Taylor, who would often sing and help write songs in their music room at home. When the 3 siblings were very young, they wrote and recorded a jingle for their answering machine on their home phone line: We can’t take your phone call, we’re busy through and through, but leave your name and number and we’ll get right back to you in acapella with three-piece harmonies.
Lemon Cash started out as a cover band, forming an alternative rock band with some local friends from their hometown of Ottawa, Ontario. The band had success playing lots of gigs, receiving radio traction, and formed quite a substantial following for only a couple of years of playing together.
After 3 years of playing as a five-piece band, the members of Lemon Cash decided to part on good terms and ended their days as a rock band. Looking to evolve their music, Cory and Jeff found their sweet spot and transitioned into the country world where they would come to realize this is where their tastes and personalities fit best. The inspiration to switch to the country genre came from their parents: Jeff Sr. and Sandra. They introduced Jeff and Cory to country music at a very young age.
Listening to a wide range of artists such as Patsy Cline, George Jones, George Strait, Dolly Parton, Tim McGraw, and Garth Brooks. These country legends became the inspiration for the brothers beginning to write and perform their own songs with their signature blend of harmonies and a tinge of their love of rock music thrown into the lemonade of Lemon Cash.
“Wildside” is the new single. Written by Jeffand Cory Papineau, it is an homage to your inner child. Every so often we just need to forget about the world’s problems, and grab your “Bonnie or Clyde”, step out of your comfort zone, and just let go. Lemon Cash is busy writing, writing, performing at shows (drive-in’s these days), and getting ready to head into the studio with Dan Swinimer (JoJo Mason, Sacha, Tyler Joe Miller, Madelaine Merlot ) to continue their artist development and turn those lemons into sweet lemonade.
''Lemon Cash has something really special and the Canadian country music industry and fans are taking notice,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, host of the International Music's Journey Podcast, and on-air personality on 91.3 FM. ''We are going to be hearing a lot more from these two and we can't wait.''
To hear my interview with Cory and Jeff Papineau, click on the link below. You will hear my burning questions portion of the show that is always so much fun.
''Alex Hughes is a special kind of storyteller as a pop-country artist,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, host of the International Music's Journey Podcast, and radio host on 91.3 FM. ''I love Alex's pop-based R&B runs she delivers in her songs. She is such a gifted singer-songwriter with her unique perspective on her craft. Alex personifies girl power. Alex is an incredible role model for all young girls out there who want to follow their dreams. The girl power theme is so important in so many ways today.''
''To hear all about Alex's musical journey, the sacrifices made and all the hard work that has brought her to the success and place she is now both personally and professionally, check out the link below. We talk about her life, her love of music and songwriting and I ask some burning questions to help to get to know this incredible artist a little better. Check it my interview with Alex Hughes by clicking on the link below.''
Canadian pop-country artist Alex Hughes is back with her beautiful new music video for “After 31”, which you can watch below.
After 31- Official Music Video- Alex Hughes
Shot by Aaron Reimer in Fish Creek Provincial Park, mere steps from where Hughes grew up, the “After 31” video is simple and reflective. With the intention of connecting with the viewer, Hughes locks eyes with the camera, singing lyrics that are both raw and true to her story while still relatable to anyone at any stage of life. Shots of Hughes sitting in solitude and reminiscing over old photos from throughout her life and journey as a musician are meant to be a visual representation of the overall sentiment of this coming of age and contemplative song.
“It meant a lot to me to sing these lyrics and share the story of “After 31”. We kept the imagery simple to let the lyrics and message of the song do the talking. It was such a pleasure to work with videographer Aaron Reimer who came up with the visual concept using a backdrop to add interest to an otherwise modest scene of contemplation,” said Hughes.
Fueled by an equal love for Shania Twain and Snoop Dogg, Alex Hughes take on pop country has a bit more soul and grit than her petite 5’2” frame might suggest. With a voice described as a combination of Linda Ronstadt and LeAnn Rimes, Alex has practically been singing since before she could talk. Her distinct sound weaves R&B runs into classic country melodies with pop-driven beats that leave audiences in awe. With multiple sold-out shows in 2021, a Country Music Alberta “Horizon Female Artist of the Year” nomination, and a selection as a Project WILD - Country Artist Development Program Top 12 Finalist, Alex is making her presence undeniable in Canadian Country Music.
After the release of her current project’s debut single, “Strong As You”, in 2019, Alex has been making waves in the Alberta music scene; collaborating with artists within her Country music community and beyond. Notable collaborations include a feature vocal performance on Canadian Pop artist, Fayence Dream’s album, “Hang up on Me” and The Blue Jay Sessions group collaborative song, “Sitting on Top of The World”. Alex is also highly commended as a songwriter with credits on Leaving Thomas’ acclaimed album, “Nothing Comes for Free” as a writer on the song, “Lie to Me”, as well as Ryan Lindsay’s CCMA nominated album, “The Ride” as a writer on fan favourite, “Darlin’ You’re Classic”.
When some might’ve been discouraged by the cancellation of shows in 2020, Alex saw an opportunity to develop and continue to hone her craft. She kept herself busy, co-writing over 50 songs with writers from Calgary, Nashville, Chicago, and even the UK. She released her follow-up single, “Gentleman”, a female-empowering song with nods to 90’s girl-power country, and grew her fan base by almost double, utilizing social media and participating in multiple live streams and virtual appearances. Alex is a driven learner and used the pandemic as a chance to study vocal production, a skill she used to self-record all the vocals for her next single, “After 31”, released in November of 2021. Produced by Nashville-based producer, Shannon McArthur, this special song are a true coming-of-age moment and the most honest and raw of Alex’s releases to date. After finding what she believes to be her truly authentic and distinctive sound, Alex is making the music she was born to give the world.
With plans to record and release her debut full-length album in 2022 and tour it across Canada, Alex has never been clearer in her vision and is focused and driven to see it through. With a desire to honor the classic country songs she loved to sing in her youth and inspired by the bass-heavy songs she’d playback when she learned to drive, Alex promises to deliver something that is as sincere and fun as she is. This is Country music for the modern ear that still loves to play their grandparent’s records.
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Music's Journey Podcast 
Music's Journey Podcast 
Music's Journey Podcast 
Music's Journey Podcast 
Music's Journey Podcast 
MUSIC'S JOURNEY PODCAST 
Music's Journey Podcast