Step into the golden era of alternative radio with Ivor Hamilton, co-producer of the documentary CFNY: The Spirit of Radio, as he takes us behind the scenes of one of Canada’s most influential radio stations, CFNY-FM.

In this episode, Hamilton reveals how the film evolved from its original TVO version into a deeper, more powerful 90-minute cut, shaped by passionate audience feedback and packed with new interviews and untold stories. He shares firsthand memories from his early days at CFNY in 1977, when he helped pioneer the rise of punk and new wave on Canadian airwaves, forever changing the sound of radio.

We also dive into his transition from radio to the music industry at Polygram  (now Universal Music Group), where he played a role in working with iconic Canadian artists like The Tragically Hip and Matthew Good.

This conversation is a must-listen for music lovers, radio historians, and anyone fascinated by the cultural impact of alternative broadcasting. Discover how CFNY became more than just a station, it became a movement.

#CFNY #SpiritOfRadio #IvorHamilton #CanadianMusic #AlternativeRadio #PunkRock #NewWave #MusicDocumentary #TheTragicallyHip #MatthewGood #RadioHistory #BehindTheMusic #PodcastInterview

Blues powerhouse Crystal Shawanda joins Backstage Lowdown for a soulful conversation about her JUNO-nominated album Sing Pretty Blues and the musical roots that shaped her sound. In this in-depth interview, Crystal opens up about blending blues, southern country soul, and classic R&B influences while paying tribute to legendary labels like Stax Records, Chess Records, and Motown.

Fresh off a nomination at the Juno Awards, Crystal talks about the inspiration behind Sing Pretty Blues, her lifelong connection to music, and how the album captures the timeless spirit of classic soul while bringing her own modern voice to the blues.

In this episode we discuss: 🎤 The story behind Sing Pretty Blues 🎸 How classic blues and soul shaped her songwriting 🏆 What a JUNO nomination means for the record 🎶 Recording music that channels the spirit of Stax, Chess, and Motown 🔥 Crystal’s journey from country roots to powerful blues artist

Crystal Shawanda’s voice carries the grit of the blues and the heart of soul music—and this conversation gives a behind-the-scenes look at the passion and storytelling behind her latest work.

If you love blues, soul, roots music, and powerful vocalists, this interview is for you.

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more artist interviews on Backstage Lowdown.

Listen / Watch More Episodes: 🎙 Backstage Lowdown features conversations with musicians, authors, and creatives from around the world.

#CrystalShawanda

#BluesMusic

#BackstageLowdown

#BluesInterview

#SingPrettyBlues

Canadian comedy legend Jeremy Hotz joins Backstage Lowdown for a hilarious and insightful conversation about life, stand-up, and the beautifully awkward observations that have made him one of the most unique voices in comedy.

Hotz is back on the road in 2026 with his latest national tour, “Très Misérables,” bringing his unmistakable style of anxious, brilliantly awkward storytelling to audiences across the country. In this episode, Jeremy talks about how everyday frustrations turn into comedy gold, the evolution of his stand-up over the years, and why audiences still connect so strongly with his signature brand of observational humour.

We also dive into the realities of touring, the craft of writing stand-up, and the strange little moments in life that only Jeremy Hotz can turn into unforgettable punchlines. Whether you’ve followed him since his early television appearances or discovered him more recently through his live shows, this conversation offers a fun behind-the-scenes look at one of Canada’s most distinctive comedians.

🎙️ In this episode we discuss:

• Jeremy’s 2026 Très Misérables comedy tour

• His unique approach to observational comedy

• How anxiety and everyday life fuel his stand-up material

• Life on the road as a touring comedian

• The evolution of his comedy career

If you enjoy stand-up comedy, behind-the-scenes stories from the comedy world, and conversations with artists who see life from a slightly different angle, you’ll love this episode.

Listen to the audio podcast on your favourite podcast platform, and watch the full interview on YouTube.

#JeremyHotz #StandUpComedy #CanadianComedy #ComedyPodcast #BackstageLowdown #PodcastInterview #ObservationalComedy #ComedyTour #ComedianInterview

In this episode of Backstage Lowdown, we sit down with Canadian luthier, novelist and if that wasn’t enough, a Member of the Order of Canada, Grit Laskin. Laskin talks about his novel, “The Stradivari Formula”, which delves into the enduring mystery of Antonio Stradivari’s legendary violin-making methods which he occasionally transferred to guitar builds and how Laskin builds a world of intrigue around it. He explains that the first draft of the book came together in just five months, driven by deep research and careful character development.

The discussion explores the balance between creative expression in both literature and luthiery, while also touching on his experiences working with musicians and navigating the world of publishers.  Here we go!

#GritLaskin #BackstageLowdown #AuthorInterview #TheStradivariFormula #HistoricalFiction #MusicAndMystery#BookTalk #MusicPodcast #MustReadBooks#BookLovers

Join hosts Andrew Stewart and Lance Dawson for a deep dive into music history with legendary broadcaster and music historian Alan Cross, as they discuss the hot new documentary, CFNY: The Spirit of Radio, directed by Matt Schichter, and co-producer by Alan himself, and why its story continues to resonate with music fans everywhere.  If you love alternative rock, radio history, and the evolution of music culture, this episode is a must listen.

In this episode, Alan revisits his arrival at that yellow house in Brampton, the iconic CFNY in 1986, a radio station that helped spark a cultural and musical revolution across Canada.

From the days of rare vinyl and powerful industry gatekeepers to today’s unlimited, on-demand streaming, Alan explores how music discovery has transformed over the decades. He shares behind-the-scenes stories of how CFNY championed emerging artists, shaped alternative radio, and influenced generations of listeners.

The conversation also tackles the modern challenges of algorithm-driven playlists, the fight to preserve musical curation and quality, and the lasting legacy of CFNY 102.1 The Edge, in Canadian music history. Here we go!

#AlanCross #CFNY #SpiritOfRadio #CFNYSpiritOfRadio #BackstageLowdown #MusicDocumentary #RadioHistory #AlternativeRadio #AlternativeRock #CanadianMusic #TorontoMusic #MusicPodcast #PodcastInterview #BehindTheMusic #NewMusicDiscovery #RadioLegend #MusicCulture #IndieRock #80sAlternative #MusicHistory

#Podcast #MusicInterview #RockMusic #StreamingMusic #MusicFans

On this episode of Backstage Lowdown, hosts Lance Dawson and Andrew Stewart sit down with Dave Genn of Canadian rock icons 54-40 to talk about the band’s brand new album, PORTO, out January 23. Recorded in Portugal over an intense 12 day session, PORTO was made with minimal gear, a live off the floor approach, and a mindset influenced by Jungian philosophy, giving the record a raw, focused energy that still sounds richly produced. Dave breaks down the creative process behind the album’s 11 tracks, shares stories about recording with vintage instruments, including a 1952 Gibson J-45 and a 1966 Fender Stratocaster, and reflects on how place, limitation, and instinct shaped the final result. The conversation also touches on 54-40’s upcoming June tour, where fans can expect a mix of new material and classic songs. The episode wraps with a fun, fast paced lightning round that reveals a more personal side of Dave Genn.

#BackstageLowdown #5440#MusicPodcast #PORTO#AlbumRelease#AltRock#Songwriting#BehindTheMusic

Dive into an electrifying episode of Backstage Lowdown as hosts Lance Dawson and Andrew Stewart sit down with rising country-rock powerhouse Samantha Ava. Hailing from the Hamilton–Niagara region, Samantha brings her blues-infused Southern grit to the mic as she teases her upcoming Nashville-produced album with legendary producer Charles Austin. She shares the story behind her explosive first single “Afterburn,” co-written with Texas songwriter Jackson Randolph, and reflects on her standout performance on Cogeco TV’s Holiday Special. Samantha opens up about balancing solo and full-band shows, navigating 

the evolving role of AI in music, overcoming writer’s block, and supporting family through recovery. Packed with raw honesty, creative insight, and behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is a must-listen for country, rock, and indie music fans. Tune in for the ultimate lowdown on one of Canada’s most compelling new artists.

Stream Samantha wherever you get your music 

And follow her on instagram @samanthaavamusic

Richard Todd’s “Forgotten Homeless Project” Shines a Light on Toronto’s Growing Crisis

Toronto musician and social activist Richard Todd is using the power of music to fight one of the city’s most urgent challenges — homelessness. Through his new initiative, The Forgotten Homeless Project, Todd brings together 12 powerful voices in a moving new anthem, “The Forgotten Homeless.” Every stream and download supports WoodGreen Community Services’ Unmet Needs Campaign, providing vital aid to those living on Toronto’s streets.

This isn’t Todd’s first act of compassion. His earlier project, Warm It Up, reached over 3,000 people by distributing coffee cards and warm socks to individuals experiencing homelessness. Now, he’s taking that grassroots mission to the next level — raising awareness, funds, and hope through music.

With homelessness in Toronto doubling from 7,000 to more than 15,000 people in just five years, Todd says the city needs long-term, community-driven solutions — not temporary fixes. “We can’t look away anymore,” he insists. “It’s time to remember the forgotten.”

Need Help?  Know someone that does?

https://www.woodgreen.org/

(416) 645-6000

Instagram @RedpathTrafficOfficial 

Stream Now:

https://open.spotify.com/album/48ktVhh5uc0yjlZ9MzbVGL?si=e_mnEWy9Q_mlQ77ooy2Z5w

Canadian Afrobeat Sensation ZOCHI on Music, Faith & Finding Her Voice

Hosts Lance Dawson and Andrew Stewart dive deep with rising Canadian Afrobeat artist ZOCHI, exploring her soulful new single “Beside Me,” released during Pride Month, and her creative journey through CAEMA House, one of Canada’s top artist development programs.

In this inspiring and candid conversation, ZOCHI opens up about her songwriting process, how her faith and life experiences shape her sound, and what it’s like transitioning from Saskatchewan to Toronto while carrying the rhythms of her Nigerian roots. She also reflects on the power of authenticity, and discusses how music genres are constantly evolving.

If you love Afrobeat, Canadian music, or artist stories that move the soul, this episode will have you feeling inspired, energized, and ready to hit repeat.

🎧 Listen now — and discover why ZOCHI is one of Canada’s most exciting voices in modern Afrobeat.

Instagram: @officalzochimusic

#Zochi

#CanadianAfrobeat #Afrobeatartist #NigeriatoCanada #PrideMonthMusic #musicjourney

#globalmusic #musicandfaith #behindthemusic #artistdevelopment #newmusicalert

#musicpodcast

🎙 Canadian Country Artist Bree Taylor Talks Authenticity, Songwriting & Life on Tour

In this episode of Backstage Lowdown, hosts Lance Dawson and Andrew Stewart sit down with rising Canadian country star Bree Taylor, fresh off performances at the Winona Peach Festival and the CNE Country Stage. Since launching her career in 2016, Bree has been carving her own path as an independent artist, proving that hard work and heart can make dreams a reality.

Bree shares the story behind her most cherished track, “Standing Still”, written and recorded in just 48 hours, and opens up about her creative process, songwriting inspiration, and the importance of authenticity in country music. She also gets candid about the challenges of breaking into the industry, connecting with fans, and why diversity matters in the country genre.

From hitting the road and building band chemistry to achieving a major milestone performing at CMA Fest in Nashville, this conversation gives you an exclusive look at Bree Taylor’s world, her passion for music, and what’s next on her journey.

www.youtube.com/@BreeTaylor

Instagram:

@breetaylorofficial