CHSR-FM 97.9

Episode 28.

New music this week from The Sheepdogs, Chris Ballew, Cut Worms, Wednesday all surrounded by some classic alt tracks!

Mountain Goats – This Year

It can be difficult to truly know what’s going on inside of restrictive regimes, so a personal account helps.

My guest today is Melika, an Iranian-born student who is trying to raise awareness about the size of protests against the religious government in Iran, and the degree of terrible response to them. We talk about growing up in the area, the hardship of living there now, and what changes are hoped for.

Local Iranian people and allies held a rally and protest on Friday, January 23 to try to further increase awareness and support for the peoples of Iran.

It is always good when art, culture and queerness is able to celebrate in full effect.

My guests today are Alex Rioux (organizer) and Keri Fulton (host, performer), part of the upcoming event, The Big Gay Cabaret. We chat about what variety of acts can be expected, the origin and growth of the event, and how important it is to have strong visibility for LGBTQ+ people in the community.

The Big Gay Cabaret is set to happen on February 21st at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre. While the tickets have already (!) been sold out, there is a waiting list available on their website.

Tonya and co-host Jeff Richardson showcase artists who are part of Shivering Songs 2026.

Playlist:

Dad Patrol – Worms, Larva, Insects, Creepy Crawly ::

Coyote – Hope You Feel It ::

Mo Kenney – Evening Dream ::

Logan Richard – Up From Here ::

Qwinn – Love Like Before ::

Wolf Castle – Gravity/Levity ::

Absolute Losers – By Fright ::

Travis J Flynn – One & Only ::

Orchidae – Mouth Breathing Fire ::

Marc McLaughlin – Effervescence ::

The Montgomery Street Band – You’re Up All Night

I’m here again to help you ice up your warm heart, and then thaw your icy heart. I’m a real problem solver/creator.

Starting out with some post punk that sounds like a cigarette being stubbed out on an empty warehouse floor, this episode moves through a few whiplash moments. The common thread running through a lot of these songs? Saxophone, I guess? I don’t know. There’s a fair amount of saxophone in retrospect, and I’ll pretend that was on purpose.

Here’s hoping you find a new obsession. If not, I’ll getcha next week! Don’t think I won’t getcha (in the friendliest way possible)!

Your friend,

If you came of age in Canada in the 1990s, MuchMusic wasn’t just something you watched — it was something you belonged to. It was a front door to Canadian culture, a crash course in music discovery, and for bands lucky enough to break through, a launchpad that could change everything.

On this episode of Once On Much, Safwan Javed of Wide Mouth Mason reflects on that era as a true golden age for Canadian music, shaped by strong label investment, a national touring circuit, campus shows, radio, and MuchMusic’s role as a cultural gatekeeper. For a blues-rooted band that emerged from Western Canada’s bar circuit, Much wasn’t just exposure — it was one of the pillars that made longevity possible.

Safwan also looks back on festivals like Edgefest, the camaraderie of life on the road, and the lasting impact of Big Shiny Tunes 2, where Wide Mouth Mason’s “My Old Self” continues to be their most-streamed song decades later. While the industry has since fractured — trading gatekeepers for algorithms — the band’s core values haven’t changed. Gratitude, integrity, and musicianship remain central, whether playing to massive festival crowds in the ’90s or reconnecting with audiences in 2026. The full conversation is a thoughtful reminder of what was lost, what endured, and why that era still matters.

Tracklist:

Did this conversation resonate with you? Let us know your favorite part! Follow Once On Much on Instagram, and share this episode with a friend!

Episode 27.

The juxtaposition of matter and thought produces art with impact.

My guest today is photographer and artist Gary Weekes, whose new exhibit, Trayces, is featured at the UNB Art Centre Galleries as part of the Black History Month exhibition. He joins me to talk about the unusual form of this art, what inspired him to work in this way, and what this art means to him.

NOTE: this interview contains frank details about some of the disturbing elements of historical abuse which impacted the artist’s process. Some discretion should be exercised.

Trayces, along with the return of the Rediscovering the Roots of Black New Brunswickers exhibit, are opening on January 23 at 5pm, and will be on display in the UNB Arts Centre Gallery until March 27.

You know what makes for a perfect Grey Temples? One that has something for everyone to love and hate. And hopefully for everyone its a different set of songs. This episode starts with a song that I think is one of the best of last year, and GT legend/frequent guest Nuggetman64 says sounds like our elderly cat dry heaving. We are off to the races people!! (Note: this makes it sound like Nuggetman was in the studio with me this week. Sorry to disappoint. He wasn’t.)

Need a jazz fusion track mixed with classical Japanese music? We’ve got it!

Come on a journey to the center of your soul-oul-oul-ul-ul-ll (imagine that as a sweet echo effect).

Your friend,