Backstage Pass

M.D. Dunn is a poet, a journalist and an evocative, thoughtful songwriter. He has released nine original studio albums and published three books of poetry.

His latest project, ‘You Get Bigger As You Go’, a detailed book on the influence and evolution of the music and artistry of Bruce Cockburn, has garnered enthusiastic praise and reviews for its insightful breadth and depth into the master guitarist and lyricist work, including an exhaustive examination of Cockburn’s entire recorded catalogue.

Dunn, who resides in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, an enduring follower of Cockburn’s exhilaratingly productive career, realized after several interviews with Cockburn as a music journalist that he had begun to formulate the basis of a book. Over years of research and interviews with associates and fans, Dunn has published a definitive study that will delight admirers of one Canada’s most notable troubadours.

In a relaxed and spirited conversation, Mark Dunn outlines the path and challenges that lead to the publication of this outstanding achievement, ‘You Get Bigger As You Go,’ on a thriving body of recorded art spanning over 50 years which still continues.

After much success of their first album, Davis Hall & The Green Lanterns, 2021, which started with drummer Jim Casson writing original material with bassist Russ Boswell, during the pandemic lock downs. Adding guitarist, Bernie LaBarge and organist Brent Barkman, they completed their first song, “Marshville Station” but the project stalled and was put on the shelf.

Meanwhile, tuba player, Jay Burr was working on a singer songwriter album and had asked Jim to contribute drum parts. Jim decided to ask Jay if he would try to add a tuba part to the shelved project. Jay agreed and it was magic.

While the first album took time discovering what the sound of the Green Lanterns was, "Canboro Canborough" focuses on the core group of Casson on drums, Burr on tuba, DeAdder on guitar, Branton on slide, with a guest appearance by Mark Lalama on keyboards.

The new album sounds more like a band than some of the cinematic adventures of the first. The recording concept remained the same with most of it done remotely in the member's home studios.

Once again, the song titles pay tribute to the history of the Niagara Peninsula and some vintage radio clips are back along with some other notable audio samples.

Funky and uplifting, there is a lot of laughter on this album.

The Stephen Stanley Band releases “Before the Collapse of the Hive”, November 10th,2023.

“Before the Collapse of the Hive” is one of those astonishing, long-awaited set of songs that is startling, contemporary, and completely relevant for the unsettled times we live in, as well a moving personal statement from a gifted artist in full command of his craft. Certainly, one of the best for 2023 and one that reminds you, as Stanley perfectly ascribes in his song the Owl, “everything worth knowing is hidden in your record collection”.

Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist Stephen Stanley is best known from his many years as

Americana UK described the band’s 2018 album ‘Jimmy & The Moon’ and Stephen’s artistry this way: “The songs are big and bold, unafraid, unashamed to flaunt their heritage. Stanley’s voice being not a thing of beauty but a workman’s tool skillfully used to create just the right effect...”

Sage McBride joins Douglas McLean in conversation about recording Blurry Vision, touring and staying creative.

Shred Kelly is Tim Newton, Sage McBride, Ty West, Ryan Mildenberger. Their music is vast, infectious and beyond cheerfully uplifting.

Emerging from the majestic landscapes of the Canadian Rockies, Shred Kelly is a powerhouse band that seamlessly blends elements of alternative, folk, and rock music. With a captivating live act that leaves audiences in awe, they have become a mainstay in the Canadian music scene. But it's not just their energetic performances that set them apart—Shred Kelly's heartfelt songwriting strikes a chord with listeners, connecting deeply as each band member brings their eclectic musical influences to the table, shaping the group's unique musical direction. Shred Kelly's ascent shows no signs of slowing down as they prepare to release their highly anticipated sixth studio album, produced by the acclaimed Nygel Asselin.

Blurry Vision delves deep into the overwhelming world that surrounds us while searching for glimmers of hope. Recorded with Asselin, with whom they previously collaborated on their 2020 release Like A Rising Sun, the album reflects the band's ability to confront the complexities of existence with both vulnerability and resilience. Through their songs, Shred Kelly paints a picture of dark times illuminated by slivers of light.

With a fervent commitment to their craft, Shred Kelly has garnered praise from critics in Canada and beyond, earning Amazon playlisting, Spotify Playlisting, international radio play, and regular rotation on influential platforms such as SiriusXM, Radio Eins in Berlin and CBC Radio. The band was nominated for Rock Artist of the Year at the 2021 Western Canadian Music Awards.

Josh Finlayson and Andy Maize discuss ‘Bide Your Time’ & ‘Hide Your Light’.

Two amazing EP’s soon to be presented as a vinyl record experience

These songs are truly inspiring and touching in scope and in their depth of feeling.

To tell the story of Skydiggers is to tell the story of a thriving musical collaboration that was born in friendship and has abided with trust. Over the course of 15 studio albums and countless miles on the road, Skydiggers have grown from enthusiastic youngsters into husbands, fathers, and mentors. And while band members have changed over the decades, Josh Finlayson and Andy Maize remain its beating heart. With new collaborators bringing their unique musical histories into the circle, the sound of Skydiggers continues to evolve.

Their new music is a captivating collection showcasing Skydiggers' ability to weave rich narratives around complex characters navigating complicated times. The first EP, Hide Your Light, is a celebration of life, community, and connection. The second EP, Bide Your Time, features another stellar collection of six new songs including “One Song at a Time” - a heartfelt tribute to their dear friend Dallas Good of The Sadies.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Sonic Mojo is Foghat’s highly anticipated and long-awaited 17th studio album—their first in seven years--on the band’s label, Foghat Records, which is distributed by Select-O-Hits (part of the Sun Records family). It will be available as a single CD with 12-tracks and a six-page gatefold cover, as well as an 11-track, limited edition 180gram, purple neon vinyl. Digital pre-orders are now available here (including CDs available on Amazon), while CD and vinyl (including autographed copies) and merchandise bundles are available to pre-order here.

On Sonic Mojo founding member, drummer and leader of the pack Roger Earl is joined by stalwart guitarist, engineer, and co-producer Bryan Bassett (formerly with Wild Cherry and Molly Hatchet), fun-loving bassist Rodney O’Quinn (longtime member of the Pat Travers Band), and on lead vocals and guitar, Scott Holt (who toured and recorded with the legendary Buddy Guy for 10+ years).

“I will rock until I drop,” is Roger’s favorite saying when it comes to Foghat and his life in general. SONIC MOJO proves that without a doubt.

Foghat website: https://foghat.com

The Blackburn Brothers music is authentic and always about a message of history, freedom, legacy, family, black unity, and love

An obvious uniqueness that identifies and sets apart the band is that Blackburn Brothers is a band of brothers. Duane (lead vocals, organ, piano), Brooke (guitar, vocals), Cory (drums, harmony vocals), Robert (guitar, harmony vocals), and Nathan (bass guitar) all share the Blackburn name. This name has become truly connected to Toronto's music history.

Musically, the Blackburn name has been forever imprinted in Canadian Music by the patriarch of the family, Bobby Dean Blackburn, a veteran R&B artist who gained legendary status on the Toronto music scene, performing the city circuit for over 50 years.

On September 1, 2023, Blackburn Brothers release their long-awaited third recording, aptly titled ‘SoulFunkn'BLUES’.

In conversation with Cory, Brooke and Duane, we discuss their long legacy of making soul satisfying uplifting music, their family history, and how they make their music so soulful, funky and the bluest in modern music.

Alexis Normand’s music in French and English has been recognized across Canada to critical acclaim. Drawing inspiration from the infinite horizons of her Saskatchewan home, she explores the dualities of a francophone identity on anglophone soil with her velvety voice as the centerpiece of her candid approach to the contemporary folk world that suites her so well.

After her side project with Rosie & the Riveters, Alexis making her long-awaited return as a solo artist brimming with warmth and vulnerability.

“The album explores the dualities of a francophone identity on anglophone soil and features 9 original songs and 4 scored field recordings produced by James Bunton.”

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

This Hen released May 2023.

"This album is about how we view our past," shares Zoe. "I dedicated it to my grandmothers to pay homage to my own Southern roots. Every song has a story to tell - literally. "I Miss You (But My Aim is Getting Better)" started with a collection of horrible jokes my mother found in my grandfather's personal effects after he passed away. "Just a Trickle, Just a Nickel" is a reflection of my own experiences with homelessness and a recent experience with a mentally ill friend who disappeared into the streets. "What’s a Little Fire?" is about me burning down the cabin in the woods I lived in as a child. But just as they did in my grandmothers’ time, I talk about many heavy subjects with the tenderness and lightheartedness still expected of women."

BIO – Zoe Ackah

Known on the Toronto scene as a singing drummer and studio backup vocalist,