🎙 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

Backstage Lowdown with Alex Kasznel & The Board of Directors | Strummerfest 2025 Special

Get ready for a high-energy deep dive with Alex Kasznel, lead singer of the indie powerhouse Alex Kasznel & The Board of Directors, as hosts Lance Dawson and Andrew Stewart catch up ahead of their electrifying set at Strummerfest on August 16.

Formed in May 2022, this band has been on a meteoric rise — releasing their debut album Everything’s Important, following it up with the acclaimed Flightless, and playing 200+ shows across North America. Now in the middle of a 26-27 show tour, they’re bringing their unstoppable energy to Waterloo, Toronto, and Detroit.

In this episode, Alex and bassist Heather open up about the band’s origin story, the creative spark behind their songwriting, and what it’s like living life on the road. From behind-the-scenes tour tales to the joy (and chaos) of indie music, this conversation is packed with personality. We even wrap it all up with a fast-paced, laugh-filled lightning round you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Whether you’re a fan of raw, heartfelt indie rock or you just love a great band-on-the-rise story, this episode is your all-access pass.

In this electrifying episode of Backstage Lowdown, hosts Lance Dawson and Andrew Stewart sit down with acclaimed Canadian music journalist and photographer Paul Beaulieu to talk all things RUSH.

Paul has been a pillar in the Rush fan community since 2001, attending an incredible 114 Rush concerts and interviewing the band’s members and crew. Now, he’s helping lead RUSHfest Canada 2025, an unforgettable tribute to Neil Peart marking five years since the legendary drummer’s passing.

🎤 In this episode:

• Inside stories from backstage at 100+ Rush shows

• How Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are supporting RUSHfest

• Upcoming events at Massey Hall and TD Music Hall

• The powerful charity mission supporting the Brain Cancer Research Fund at Sunnybrook Hospital

• What makes RUSH fandom unlike any other

🎟️ RUSHfest Tickets:

Visit https://thecanadianmusicscene.com for full event details and to buy your tickets.

💸 Use promo code TCMS20 to save $20 off your RUSHfest ticket!

Whether you’re a lifelong Rush fan or just discovering their legacy, this conversation will give you a new appreciation for their music, their fans, and their impact.

📺 Watch now and subscribe for more deep dives into Canada’s iconic music scene.

🔗 Important Links:

• 🎟 Tickets & event info: https://thecanadianmusicscene.com

• 📷 Follow Paul Beaulieu: @beaulieu2078

• 🎧 Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts

  
  

  #RUSHfest #RushBand #NeilPeart #PaulBeaulieu #CanadianMusicScene #TCMSPodcast #RushFans #GeddyLee #AlexLifeson #RushTribute #MasseyHall #TDMusicHall #RushCanada #MusicJournalism #RockLegends #RushEvent #RushCommunity #BrainCancerResearch #SunnybrookHospital #RushPodcast #BackstageLowdown #TCMS20 #CanadaRocks #CanadianMusicHistory

🎸 Inside the Mind of Strange Advance’s Drew Arnott!

Strange Advance is BACK — and they’re on a SOLD-OUT cross-country tour! 🛣️ We sat down with Drew Arnott, one half of the iconic duo behind the band’s legendary sound, for a deep dive into their 42-year journey.

From their humble beginnings with just Drew and Darryl crafting songs in the early days… to the massive success of “Worlds Away” — Drew opens up about the band’s evolution, the wild influence of a Scottish band called Slick, and how music production has changed in the age of streaming.

He shares stories about passionate fans, the thrill of being back on stage, and teases potential collaborations with the next generation of artists. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering their music — this is one you don’t want to miss! 🎶🔥

👉 Hit play and go worlds away with us.

#StrangeAdvance #DrewArnott #WorldsAway #SynthPop #CanadianMusic #MusicLegends #80sRevival #SoldOutTour #BehindTheMusic #BackstageLowdown #MusicInterview #RetroWave #NewMusicComing #CanadianIcons #MusicPodcast #ClassicHits #MusicDocumentary

🎶 DJ Vibe Brings R&B Back to Kitchener-Waterloo! | Montell Jordan Live at Centre In The Square 🎶

Daryl Pooran, better known as DJ Vibe, is on a mission to revive real R&B in the KW region — and he’s starting big! On August 16, join DJ Vibe and R&B legend Montell Jordan live at Centre In The Square for a night of smooth vibes, throwback hits, and unforgettable energy. 🎤🔥

With tickets ranging from $85 to $115, this premiere event is the launchpad for DJ Vibe’s R&B Chronicles — a growing series aiming to build a top-tier R&B scene right here in Kitchener-Waterloo.

Known for his work at high-end corporate and casino events, DJ Vibe is now focused on bringing live, soulful experiences back to the community — especially for Generation X fans who crave the golden era of R&B. Backed by strong community support and a shared passion for live music, this is just the beginning.

🎟️ Don’t miss your chance to be part of KW’s R&B revival.

🔔 Subscribe for more artist interviews, live music previews, and behind-the-scenes content.

Follow DJ Vibe on Instagram to see everything that is to come @iamdjvibeor contact DJ Vibe by email at [email protected]

Buy your tickets now if you want to see more R&B in the city, as this ticket is your vote to see more urban music happen in KW!

#LiveRNB #DJVibe #MontellJordan #KWEvents #CentreInTheSquare #RNBChronicles #KitchenerWaterloo #RNBConcert #GenXMusic #90sRNB #SupportLiveMusic #AugustConcerts #OntarioMusicScene #CanadianDJs #BackstageLowdown

Join us as Steve Strongman, a Grammy-nominated Canadian blues guitarist, shares his journey in the music industry. He talks about attending the Grammys for his album with the Thunderbirds, the challenges of being a touring musician, and how house concerts & live performances have evolved. Strongman also reveals his pre-show rituals, passion for Gibson 335 guitars, and how musicians can adapt to industry changes.