Welcome To The Music

Who was Kurt Cobain beyond the Nirvana frontman and grunge icon? Author Kelly Catlin joins Karim Kanji to discuss her book, Kurt Cobain: Forever in Bloom: The Legacy Beyond the Tragedy, and the kindness, creativity and empathy behind his enduring legacy.

In this Welcome to the Music interview, Kelly shares what she learned through conversations with people who knew and worked with Cobain, including In Utero recording engineer Steve Albini, Tad bassist Kurt Danielson and Screaming Trees guitarist Gary Lee Conner.

Rather than revisiting the circumstances of Kurt Cobain’s death, this conversation celebrates his life, his values and the impact he continues to have on music fans.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Kurt Cobain’s personality beyond fame and celebrity mythology

• Stories from Kelly’s conversations with Steve Albini and members of the grunge community

• Nirvana, In Utero and the movement that helped reshape alternative rock

• Cobain’s empathy and opposition to racism, misogyny and homophobia

• How learning about Cobain changed the way Kelly hears Nirvana’s music, including “Smells Like Teen Spirit”

• The personal loss that inspired Forever in Bloom • Why Kelly donates the book’s proceeds to charity

WHAT IS KURT COBAIN: FOREVER IN BLOOM ABOUT?

Kelly Catlin describes the book as a celebration of Kurt Cobain’s life rather than a traditional biography. Through the memories of people who knew him, it explores the person behind the public image.

WHAT INSPIRED KELLY CATLIN TO WRITE THE BOOK?

Kelly began the project in memory of her family member Walter, a lifelong Nirvana fan. Exploring the music he loved became a way to honour his life while learning about Cobain’s humanity and generosity.

If you’re interested in Nirvana history, Kurt Cobain’s legacy, grunge music, alternative rock or music books, this interview offers a thoughtful look at the human being behind the icon.

📚 Look for Kurt Cobain: Forever in Bloom: The Legacy Beyond the Tragedy by Kelly Catlin at your favourite bookstore, or ask your local bookseller to order it.

Subscribe to Welcome to the Music for more conversations with musicians, authors and the people behind the music.

Content note: This conversation includes discussion of grief, suicide loss and mental health.

#KurtCobain #Nirvana #KellyCatlin

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did pointy guitars become icons of hard rock and heavy metal?

In this episode of Welcome to the Music, host Karim Kanji speaks with guitarist, author, music historian, and educator Sean Kelly about his book, Battle Axes: A Hard Rockin’ History of Pointy Guitars. Sean explores the evolution of radical electric-guitar designs such as the Gibson Flying V, Explorer, Ibanez Destroyer, Dean guitars, Charvels, and other futuristic instruments that helped define rock’s sound and image.

Drawing on interviews with more than 50 musicians, guitar builders, collectors, and industry insiders, Sean shares stories involving Eddie Van Halen, Rick Emmett and Triumph, Phil Collen of Def Leppard, The Edge of U2, Mick Mars of Mötley Crüe, Brad Gillis, Michael Schenker, and K.K. Downing. He explains how Space Age design, arena rock, MTV, glam metal, and 1980s heavy metal transformed once-unusual guitars into enduring cultural symbols.

The conversation also covers vintage-guitar collecting, Guitar Acquisition Syndrome, the instruments behind famous rock albums, and the relationship between a legendary guitar and the musician who plays it. It’s an essential listen for fans of guitar history, classic rock, heavy metal, vintage instruments, and behind-the-scenes music stories.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Welcome To The Music, Karim Kanji sits down with legendary Canadian musician Rik Emmett of Triumph for a wide-ranging and deeply thoughtful conversation.

Emmett reflects on his return to the stage with Triumph, sharing how preparing for the upcoming tour has renewed his sense of purpose, discipline, and creativity. He opens up about aging, managing physical limitations, and what it means to keep moving forward—both as an artist and as a person.

The conversation also explores his latest work as a poet, including the themes behind his new book and the idea of “leaning into it”—embracing challenge, uncertainty, and the creative process itself. Emmett offers candid insights on technology, the modern digital world, and the tension between innovation and humanity.

Plus, he looks back on Toronto’s storied live music scene, sharing vivid memories of venues like the Gasworks and the early days of building Triumph into a band that aimed far beyond the bar stage.

A reflective, honest, and inspiring discussion with one of Canada’s most iconic voices in music.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marc Jordan discussed his biography, "Rhythm of My Heart," with Karim Kanji, highlighting the collaborative process with author Don Breithaupt and reflecting on his personal experiences, including challenges with dyslexia and substance use that shaped his artistic journey.

He shared stories from his early performances at The Gasworks, emphasizing its significance in his career and expressing concerns about the current viability of music venues. Jordan reminisced about Toronto's vibrant music scene, particularly the role of Yonge Street in making live music accessible, while acknowledging the changes in artist support and promotion over the years.

He underscored the importance of authenticity in his songwriting, a principle recognized by his publishers, and noted that the biography serves as a way to share his life stories with his children, with the book available for purchase online and in local bookstores.

Insights on Biography and Music Industry Dynamics

In a conversation with Karim Kanji, Marc Jordan shared insights about his biography, which was written by Don Breithaupt. He recounted how revisiting his past, including his struggles with dyslexia and substance use, provided him with a new understanding of his life. Marc emphasized the importance of authenticity in art and mentioned that he offers advice to his son only when asked, acknowledging the generational differences in the music industry.

Memories of The Gasworks

In a discussion about The Gasworks, Marc Jordan recounted his early performances there, describing the fear he felt as a new musician. He noted that it was one of the first significant venues he played, which contributed to his growth as an artist. Karim Kanji and Marc also discussed the changes that have occurred at other venues.

The Evolution of Toronto's Music Scene

Marc Jordan reflected on the historical importance of The Gasworks, noting it was a top venue where many great bands performed. He described the Yonge Street Strip as the heart of Toronto's music scene, where clubs thrived due to their central location. Jordan shared personal memories of discovering music as a teenager, emphasizing the excitement of hearing live performances from artists like Ronnie Hawkins and David Clayton Thomas.

Insights on Biography and Music Career

Marc Jordan reflected on the writing of his biography, "Rhythm of My Heart," emphasizing the joy of sharing his story with his family. He noted that his approach to songwriting has always been driven by personal meaning rather than commercial considerations, which his publishers recognized early on. Jordan appreciated the freedom he was given to create music authentically.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the podcast a returning guest, Rik Emmett. Rik recently wrote a book called, Ten Telecaster Tales (published by ECW Press).

The discussion focused on Rik Emmett's creative journey, technical challenges, and insights into his latest projects. Emmett shared a humorous anecdote about a past miscommunication with a journalist. He elaborated on the artistic collaboration behind the cover of his book, highlighting the artist's steampunk design and his own contributions. The conversation also touched on Emmett's new Telecaster guitar, named "Babs," emphasizing its ergonomic features designed for aging musicians, and his plans to develop a prototype.

Emmett discussed his recent live performances aimed at promoting his book, expressing enjoyment in the creative process despite the pressures of the music industry. He reflected on his decision to step away from teaching due to stress and the changing landscape of the music business. Emmett emphasized the importance of family in his life and shared his unconventional approach to music notation.

For more information on Ten Telecaster Tales visit ECW Press.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From August 3rd 2020: Kim Mitchell is a Canadian rock icon. This year he was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. He was the lead singer with the influential rock band Max Webster and has had an outstanding solo career which has seen him earn numerous awards and accolades. His newest single, Wishes, is the first release on his latest album The Big Fantasize.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcome to the show author Chris MacDonald!

The hosts welcomed Chris MacDonald, who introduced his book "Days and Days," which combines personal travel narratives with the story of the punk band Leatherface. The discussion covered themes of nostalgia, friendship, and the significance of lost music venues, with a focus on the Duchess in Leeds. Chris concluded by mentioning he is working on a ghost story for his next book.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karim Kanji and Saukrates engaged in a discussion that covered various aspects of Saukrates' career, including his album "Bad Addiction" and the significance of lost performance venues. Saukrates shared insights into his stage name, which he chose at 15, inspired by the Brazilian soccer player Sócrates. He acknowledged the philosophical undertones often associated with hip-hop artists, agreeing that they can serve as modern-day philosophers. The conversation also touched on his early work, including his Juno-nominated single "Still Caught Up," which helped establish his presence in the music industry.

The journey of Saukrates' album was a focal point, detailing the recording process from 2004 to 2009 while signed to Def Jam. He explained the challenges he faced with delays due to label priorities and how he ultimately took control of the release to align with his artistic vision. Additionally, he recounted a recent collaboration with the Washington Capitals for Black History Month, which led to an Emmy nomination, emphasizing the importance of networking and being in the right place at the right time in the music industry.

Saukrates shared anecdotes about performing at notable venues in Toronto, such as the Opera House, reflecting on their historical significance. He expressed excitement about returning to the El Mocambo after many years and discussed the importance of artistic freedom in music appreciation, advocating for listeners to enjoy a variety of artists without feeling pressured to choose sides. The conversation concluded with details about his upcoming album release strategy, including availability on digital platforms and physical formats, as well as the collaborative efforts behind the album's production and artwork.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summary:

Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston initiated a discussion centered around U2's "Unforgettable Fire" and its role in the band's evolution. They welcomed guests David Diamond and Zero from The Kings, who shared their experiences in the music industry. The conversation covered topics such as new music releases, touring experiences, and challenges faced in venues that have since closed.

The dialogue shifted to the Heat Wave Festival, with Gregg discussing its legendary status and the performances, particularly by Teenage Head. The discussion highlighted Teenage Head's influence on other Canadian bands and the historical significance of the festival.

Karim engaged the guests in a conversation about their iconic song "This Beat Goes On/Switching to Glide," discussing its creation, structure, success on radio, and performance on American Bandstand. The conversation also touched on the humorous anecdote involving a dog named Sadie and her image on their album cover.

The episode concluded with discussions about the new single "There's nowhere to go but gone," the collaboration with producers for their new album "The Longest Story Ever Told," and plans for future projects. The conversation explored the evolving landscape of radio music formats, the blending of genres, and the challenges facing modern rock and alternative stations. The episode was marked by a spirit of collaboration, nostalgia, and enthusiasm for the future of music.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji bring you a conversation about music and... photography. We reflected on our visit to an art gallery that featured the iconic work of Bob Gruen, renowned for capturing legendary musicians through his lens. It was during this discussion that we introduced the esteemed historian and photographer, Margo Cooper, who was joining us for a special interview on our show, *Welcome to the Music*.

Margo has built a career on her passion for both photography and blues music. She shared her personal journey, starting with her first blues concert and expanding to visiting clubs in Boston and Mississippi to fully immerse herself in the lives and stories of the musicians she admires. What began as a deep appreciation for the blues turned into a mission for Margo—to capture not just the performances but the personal histories of the musicians themselves. Her work has led her to encounter influential figures such as Luther "Guitar Jr." Johnson and members of the Muddy Waters Tribute Band.

As the conversation progressed, we dove deeper into Margo’s work, including her upcoming book, which is a treasure trove for blues enthusiasts. She explained how her background as a public defender fueled her desire to document the voices and lives of these musicians, ensuring their stories are told in their own words. Her transition from law to photography has opened doors to meaningful encounters and collaborations with both veteran and emerging musicians.

This episode was a whirlwind of topics—from rock concerts to photography exhibits to the rich history of blues music. With Margo Cooper’s stories and experiences as the centerpiece, it was a reminder of the power of storytelling through both music and photography, and how these mediums continue to shape our cultural understanding.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.