Welcome To The Music

Michael Williams joined hosts Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston to talk about his career and Much Music.**Music Unleashed:**Michael's fervent dedication to the world of music unfolded as he shared tales from his journey in the industry. The conversation danced through his experiences, his love for Living Color, and exciting news of their upcoming tour and album.**Diversity and Independence in Music:**The trio delved into deeper waters, discussing the paramount importance of diversity and independence in the music and media realms. Michael reminisced about the rock and roll radio stations of Cleveland and the warm, welcoming ambiance of Montreal.**Future Ventures:**The horizon appears promising for Michael, as he unveiled upcoming projects, including a highly anticipated Living Color tour and the potential for an engaging radio show. His vision of an all-request concert series and residencies across Canada ignited the imaginations of all involved.**A Road Less Traveled:**The trio also took a fascinating detour into Michael's early music career in Vancouver, where he served as a road and tour manager for bands like Pointed Sticks and Payolas. His fervor for music and the desire to share it with fans shone brightly, through his innovative festival, the Slocan City International Music and Art Festival, and his passion for DJing.**An Engaging Symphony:**In the end, this meeting wasn't just a simple exchange of words. It was a vivacious symphony of thoughts, ideas, and anecdotes that brought the world of music and the experiences of those within it to life. Dive into this captivating conversation, and discover the soul of the music industry like never before. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the heels of 2021’s monolithic collection 52 SONGS, Canada’s best-known musical power couple Gina Kennedy and Devon Lougheed are releasing AHEM upon the world on June 30, 2023. Until then, you can enjoy the newest single “Waiting on a Sign That’s Already There”, debuting May 12. The song was inspired by “the utilitarian urge to joke about our own struggles with depression and anxiety as a survival technique”, according to Lougheed. The anxious joke was almost on them during filming for the music video, as one shot was interrupted by a road-rage-inspired shouting match between a driver and a pedestrian. “Maybe the sign they were waiting on was the ‘walk’ sign…” joked Kennedy.The upcoming release AHEM is a metaphorical throat clearing, a demand for attention, and a commanding of the floor. While 52 SONGS was a 52-course meal, the four tracks on AHEM are a power snack, like a banana with a Red Bull chaser, an amuse-bouche for the ears. Lead singles “Dive In”, “Everygirl” and now “Waiting on a Sign That’s Already There” are compelling fun and introspective songs about self-belief, pursuing love, and embracing the weird and wonderful in life.Image: Cassandra Popescu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When 22-year-old accountant Harvey Lisberg heard the Beatles’ ‘Please Please Me’, he had an epiphany: he could be Manchester’s answer to Brian Epstein. He had a musical ear, a knack for numbers and a gambler’s instinct for taking a punt. Within a year he had taken local group, Herman’s Hermits, to number one with ‘I’m Into Something Good’. Soon, Hermania was a global phenomenon. Harvey had found his vocation. In this uproarious, frank and moving autobiography, he reveals the excesses of life on the road with Herman’s Hermits; the frustration of championing unknowns Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber; the highs and lows of managing the brilliant 10cc; the utter madness of looking after snooker bad boys Alex ‘Hurricane’ Higgins and Jimmy ‘Whirlwind’ White and much, much more. Many other artists benefitted from Harvey’s guidance during this time, including Tony Christie, Barclay James Harvest, Sad Café and the Chameleons. “I’m Into Something Good “is his account of a life that started in Salford and ended up in Palm Springs; a life in which he travelled the world, met heroes and villains, fulfilled his dreams, spent a fortune on good living, family and friends, and never took himself or his achievements too seriously. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sean Kelly is the author of the new book, Don't Call it Hair Metal. There may be no more joyous iteration in all of music than 1980s hard rock. It was an era where the musical and cultural ideals of rebellion and freedom of the great rock ’n’ roll of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s were taken to dizzying heights of neon excess. Attention to songcraft, showmanship, and musical virtuosity (especially in the realm of the electric guitar) were at an all-time high, and radio and MTV were delivering the goods en masse to the corn-fed children of America and beyond.Time hasn’t always been kind to artists of that gold and platinum era, but Don’t Call It Hair Metal analyzes the sonic evolution, musical diversity, and artistic intention of ’80s commercial hard rock through interviews with members of such hard rock luminaries as Twisted Sister, Def Leppard, Poison, Whitesnake, Ratt, Skid Row, Quiet Riot, Guns N’ Roses, Dokken, Mr. Big, and others. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast home can also be found here: https://welcometothemusic.com/With unprecedented access to the MuchMusic archives, “299 Queen Street West” tells the story of a scrappy television upstart from the perspective of the VJ’s. At the time, they had no prior TV hosting experience, were given no scripts, no direction and went live to air across the country. The channels rise in popularity intersected with rap music entering the mainstream, the birth of grunge and alternative rock and pop stars caused teenage hysteria at the iconic street level studio.Directed by Sean Menard (The Carter Effect), the feature doc dives into the storied MuchMusic archives with interviews from ground-breaking VJs who helped shape the brand and inspire generations of music fans Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With nine original solo albums and three EPs to her credit, Toronto-based singer/songwriter Lily Frost is a beloved figure within the Canadian music scene. Over the course of those records, she has explored topics ranging from introspection and our connection to nature, to spirituality and psychology, all draped in poetic metaphor in genres including indie folk, pop, swing, western—all with a touch of sass. This, along with her sweet but dynamic voice and stage presence, has led to her loyal following, critical acclaim and songs being featured in high profile television shows such as Gray’s Anatomy and Workin’ Moms, as well as the 2001 Disney movie Crazy/Beautiful. In 2009, Lily earned a Gemini Award nomination as co-writer of the theme for CBC’s Being Erica.But, like many of us, the fallout from the pandemic left Lily seriously questioning her future as a creative entity. Was there any point in carrying on if there were no opportunities to play shows? Was this the time to throw in the towel and move in a different direction?As Lily searched for answers, loyal fans, promoters and her neighbour, producer Aaron Goldstein (Daniel Romano, Le Ren, Lee Harvey Osmond) convinced her she was a “lifer” and that there was so much music she still needed to share. Aarons’s drive convinced Lily to gather all the best songs from her overflowing arsenal and they set to work bringing together her raw and real piano-based material. The results are contained on Decompression, a Lily Frost album unlike anything else in her catalogue. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Judgement believes in the freedom of self-expression, and the acceptance of all. “Some are so quick to judge other people’s lives before their own. Ignore those people and do what the fuck you want to do”. The band's passion for change is shown throughout their live performance, social media, and music. Their style of music derives from the early 2000’s emo/post-hardcore era. They re-invent those nostalgic sounds and feelings from the genre’s history, while adding modern elements and a different energy. Judgement's music focuses on topics that are surrounded by societal issues that they feel are often judged or overlooked, including mental illness, domestic violence, personal growth, society's expectations, and equality to name a few. Judgement was 2018's recipient of the Best Emerging Artist Award at the first annual Oshawa Music Awards. In addition to this acknowledgment, the band was awarded a Certificate of Congratulations by The House Of Commons Canada for their efforts. Listen and Watch their latest single: FACELESS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IT7y7eu8LA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over 11 years and two separate managerial stints with the Toronto Blue Jays, John Gibbons endeared himself to fans with his folksy manner and his frequent battles with umpires: “Here comes Gibby!” Winning helped too. Under Gibbons’s management, the Jays made the American League Championship Series in 2015, ending a 22-year playoff drought; then they did it again in 2016. Along the way the team defied odds, won over a nation, and with one flip of a bat produced one of the most iconic moments in MLB history. Now, in his memoir, Gibby shares the story: an on-field career that didn’t pan out, but a managing career that did … eventually.Raised in a military family, he played his first competitive baseball in Newfoundland and Labrador, and, with the family now in San Antonio, Texas, Gibby, a catcher, developed into a first-round draft pick of the New York Mets. While Gibbons only played 18 major league games, he did earn a World Series ring as the 1986 Mets bullpen catcher and knew all the characters from that team, including Doc Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, Lenny Dykstra, and Gary Carter. In 1990, Gibby began his journey as a coach and manager. An old teammate, J.P. Ricciardi, hired him to work with the Jays, and he moved his way up the ranks and into the hearts of baseball fans.https://welcometothemusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Borra's new album, Cassettes In Common, is a collection of covers of some of Toronto's song writing cult heroes, from Handsome Ned and Bob Snider, to Sam Larkin and Kyp Harness. He also covers one of Ron Sexsmith's early songs from his first indie cassette, Grand Opera Lane. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Nadia Azar joins Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston on the show.Her current research has her combining her roots in occupational biomechanics and neurophysiology with her love of music to study drummers. The drum set is arguably the most physically intense instrument to play, which leads to lots of interesting questions about drummers' athleticism, performance, and injuries. Her overall goal is to do for drummers what sport science is doing for athletes: She wants to help them achieve their peak performance while reducing their risk of injuries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilson welcome to the show, Marc Jordan.Canadian musician Marc Jordan, known for writing the classic pop hit "Rhythm of My Heart" for Rod Stewart, has announced the release of his new solo album "Waiting for the Sun to Rise" on April 21, 2023. The album features jazz-tinged, original songs arranged for piano and orchestra by acclaimed producer Lou Pomanti, with trumpet solos from Grammy-winning artist Randy Brecker. Jordan's new album also includes cover versions of Tears For Fears' "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" and The Blue Nile's "The Downtown Lights." Jordan has worked with several renowned producers, recorded with Lunch at Allen's, and starred in the film Score: A Hockey Musical with Olivia Newton-John. He is married to singer-songwriter Amy Sky.Photo by Marc Lostracco Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robyn Stewart is the Executive Director of Women in Music Canada (WIMC). WIMC is a registered non-profit organization, who has the aim to fostering gender equality in the music industry through the support and advancement of female identifying professionals. Their goal is to strengthen the social-economic and creative balance of the music industry by providing resources FREE to our membership and the greater community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston welcome to the show, Skye Wallace.Skye Wallace is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has carved a niche for herself with her ability to blend rock, folk and pop into a unique and refreshing sound. Her guitar playing skills are also a notable feature, with the ability to create memorable moments on stage. Her live performances are electrifying and guaranteed to leave you feeling exhilarated.Her latest album, Terribly Good, is a candid self-exploration that invites listeners to join her on a journey of self-discovery. Wallace's ability to stare down the harder takes and own her mistakes is a testament to her authenticity and honesty. The album is bookended by songs that explore the turbulence of Wallace's inner voyage through spiraling galaxies. Opener "Tooth & Nail" sets the tone for the album, with its grungy, determined sound, while album closer "Tear A Piece (Bite Me)" is an acerbic double dog dare, a take-down of those who keep the gates shut.The album is not without its gentler moments, with songs like "Everything Is Fine," a sorcery of transforming uncertainty into confidence, and "Keeper," a song ironically about letting go. "The Doubt" is the song that most directly names and tames intrusive thoughts, and finds Skye at her darkest moment of feeling unworthy.Shaped by an upbringing of constant motion and a career that has seen her tour the country endlessly with respected acts such as Matt Mays and Crown Lands, Wallace is at home with the idea that change, especially in oneself, is a constant. This truism has shaped these new songs, finished during lockdown but dealing with a time when staying in one place was wishful thinking. For Wallace, there's both comfort and conflict in remembering and reconciling the versions of herself formed at the many stops along the way.Terribly Good is Wallace's Six Shooter Records debut, and showcases her skill at creating a visceral and honest sound that permeates equal parts Courtney Barnett, Patti Smith, and Neil Young's Marshall Stack era. The album is a testament to Skye's willingness to explore the messiness of life and the beauty of growing and moving through it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Karim Kanji takes on one of the most iconic figures in Canadian music lore: Ed The Sock. Ed The Sock is a Canadian television personality and puppet character created and performed by Steven Kerzner. Ed is a cigar-smoking, sock puppet who first rose to prominence in the 1990s as the host of the late-night talk show "Fromage," which aired on the Citytv network in Toronto, Canada.Ed quickly gained a following for his irreverent and often controversial commentary on popular culture, politics, and current events, which he delivered with a no-holds-barred attitude and a sharp wit. He also interviewed a variety of celebrity guests on the show, ranging from musicians to actors to politicians, and was known for his unapologetic style of questioning.After "Fromage" ended, Ed went on to host several other television shows, including "Ed's Nite In," "This Movie Sucks!," and "I Hate Hollywood," among others. He also appeared on several Canadian news programs as a commentator and has made appearances on various radio shows and podcasts.Ed is known for his satirical and often provocative sense of humor, and has been involved in several controversies over the years. However, he has continued to maintain a strong presence in Canadian media, and is beloved by many for his unique brand of humor and commentary.Overall, Ed The Sock is a beloved and iconic figure in Canadian pop culture, known for his irreverent humor, sharp commentary, and willingness to tackle controversial topics. He continues to be a major influence in the Canadian entertainment industry and remains a fixture in the hearts and minds of many Canadians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CHIII: The Come Up  is STORRY’s debut album and was released three weeks before the pandemic hit. CHIII: The Come Up  is based on a chapter of STORRY's life; a woman exiting the sex industry to enter the music industry, only to discover that both are equally misogynistic and problematic. The Deluxe edition marks her first time in a truly collaborative process with different artists/producers. Remixes include an old school R&B take on I Don’t Wanna Get High from Toronto’s Polaris Music Prize-nominated Junia-T, Toronto producer Jeia created a dancehall inspired remix of House & A Range, Roy Davis Jr. shares a drum and bass club-ready spin on Bow Down and London, UK’s Dustin Dooley produced the epic pop ballad anthem, Intimate Abuse Other side notes and interesting facts!Studied opera at University of TorontoSpent time growing up and studying in between Toronto and Montreal, and now divides time between Canada and London, UKMultidisciplinary artist that creates oil paintings (primarily portraits), animation films Loves cooking plant-based foodsHas directed her own music videos including animating a Claymation called Up, which has been featured in numerous film festivals – read on here.Certified yoga instructor. Loves animals and chocolate - dark chocolate (72-85% to be precise!)This episode also includes a special Performance of You Don’t Know Me.STORRY also shared a glimpse of her new album, Chapter 2: Run.Find STORRY online at https://www.storrymusic.com/. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before writing a No. 1 Billboard hit (“Black Velvet”), becoming a MuchMusic original veejay, and an author and podcaster, JUNO-winning songwriter Christopher Ward recorded a 1978 solo debut album titled, Spark of Desire.Until now, Spark of Desire has never been available on streaming services. However, on a lucky trip to his well-organized storage space during the pandemic, Ward found the master tapes, and Warner Music Canada was able to bake them back into existence and remaster this delightful debut.The single, “Once In A Longtime” was written when Ward was just your average, ambitious kid trying to make it in the biz. “In 1975 I was scuffling,” Ward remembers. “Writing songs late at night and by day chasing whatever gigs I could find on the Toronto singer-songwriter circuit. I regularly pestered record companies with my latest demo tapes, which were created in dingy basements, taking my dog with me to appointments.” Like fans of classic singer-songwriters of the 1970s, Ward is aware that Spark of Desire has continued through the decades as a beloved album, even if it hasn’t been readily available. “To this day, the songs get played on the radio and, I know from the reaction that I see online, hold a special place in many people’s hearts,” Ward says. “For this, I’m grateful.”As far as resumes go, Ward’s is among the nation’s most prolific: He was a recording artist throughout the ’70s, a television icon and founding VJ through the ’80s, and a hit songwriter in the ’90s. He’s written songs for many – including Diana Ross, Amanda Marshall, Colin James, and the Backstreet Boys – as well as for CTV’s Instant Star, the Degrassi franchise, Cirque du Soleil, and more. His songs have been performed on Idol shows around the world, and he’s won a JUNO Award for Songwriter of the Year. Ward has also authored three novels and an oral history of MuchMusic titled Is This Live?. He also co-hosts a podcast called Famous Lost Words. His album Spark of Desire, featuring the single “Once In A Longtime,” is available now.Image: Susan Willemsen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcome to the show musician, Dan Mangan.Daniel Mangan (born April 28, 1983) is a Canadian musician. He has won two Juno Awards and has toured extensively throughout North America, Europe and Australia, having released 5 studio LPs and numerous EPs and singles. He has scored for feature film, as well as television for Netflix and AMC. He is also a co-founder of Side Door, a marketplace platform connecting artists with alternative venue spaces for in-person & online shows. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcome to the show, Harkness!Born in Toronto, Canada, Harkness is the 2nd in a brood of 5. Both his parents were talented musicians. His father fronted The Al Harkness Orchestra a band consisting of horns and winds along with a traditional rhythm section. His mother was a top French horn player at North Toronto Collegiate, a high school known for their music curriculum, as well as a beautiful piano player, who taught the local kids, including her own while they were growing up.As a child, in order to listen to his Dad's vast record collection, Harkness would often fake sick and spend full days at home hanging out listening to John Lennon, Stevie Wonder, Chicago, The Carpenters, Billie Holiday and Miles Davis. Playing piano since the age of four, it wasn't until Harkness was shown his first guitar chords by a friend at age 12 that the fire to pursue music was lit. Recalling that moment he says, "It was almost eerie how easily it came to me, hearing the music come straight out of my hands felt so powerful, it was an immediate high that I knew I couldn't live without. Right away I started writing my own songs." He dropped out of school at age 17 to go on tour, and never looked back. He played all over Canada, U.S., U.K. and Europe, with a number of musicians and bands including Paul Humphrey, Sara Craig, Nicolette, Chunk o’ Funk, The Stars, The Suns, Creature, Kong, Snipejoint."I was shown what appeared to be the blissful advantages of leading an imageless life," says Harkness when asked why he wears the gown and visor. “In the age of ‘look-at-me selfies’, I choose to go in quite a different direction.”To facilitate the expense of maintaining his studio and paying other musicians to play on his songs, Harkness has spent many years in the restaurant industry serving tables, during which time his love of cooking flourished alongside passionate discussions with Chefs encountered along the way. Don't be surprised if one day you see the Harkness Psychedelic Rock and Roll Cooking Show. He’s already packaged and is selling his famous Harkness Hot Sauce.Harkness doesn’t rely on machines or music samples, he works with real people playing real instruments to create lush evocative, deeply human sonic-scapes, all with a fresh, modern Pop aesthetic. "I really do believe that deep down we are all the same and feel compelled to share what we've created,” notes Harkness. “Hopefully as others experience these songs I’ve created, they'll recognize miraculous things about themselves, just as I have about myself."Despite all of the warm 3 to 5 part vocal harmony and sophisticated hooks, there is a dark undercurrent brewing underneath the surface of much of this music. A reflection of the chaotic division expressed throughout the world around us. "Ultimately though,” adds Harkness, "I hope that while listening to these songs, people at once feel the urgency and desperation of our time but are inspired and emotionally moved enough to take steps in their own life to help improve our collective world." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji speak with bassist and founding member of legendary rock band, 54-40, Brad Merritt in between performances at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto. Established 42 years ago at Vancouver’s famed Smilin’ Buddha Cabaret, 54-40 have penned countless iconic, enduring, chart-topping gems, rightfully catapulting them to worship-worthy status among millions at home and around the globe.“When I started playing, I was an angry young man with a big mission,” chuckles Neil Osborne of their New Year’s Eve start in 1980. “I used to say, ‘If I’m still doing this when I’m 30, I’m going to shoot myself.’ And then I said, ‘If I’m still doing this when I am 40, someone please shoot me.’“Now it’s like, ‘If I am still doing this at age 50 and over... Wow, eh?!’”The group’s longevity is a testament to the potent mix of talent and tenacity. Keep On Walking is 54-40’s most eclectic, propulsive, and flat-out excellent album in a career already teeming with them. “This record already feels like a success to me,” says Osborne. “The fact that we created it while really enjoying playing together is an accomplishment, and why Brad Merritt and I started the band in the first place.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcome superstar Crystal Shawanda to the studio.Born in Wikwemikong First Nation, on Manitoulin Island, in Northern Ontario, Crystal was introduced to the blues by her eldest brother and to old-time country by her parents. “I was also into other styles of music that led me to the blues,” she says, citing everything from Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog,” written by Big Mama Thornton, to R&B-pop star Monica’s “Misty Blue,” by Dorothy Moore. “I was one of those kids who read the liner notes,” Crystal says. “I wanted to know everything, who are the songwriters, the musicians, the producers, the engineers. I'm always wanting to know who are the originators, who are the mothers of invention, who inspired all of us? I’m a purist at heart, so I was always diving back to learn from the masters, like Etta James, as far as vocalists; Muddy Waters, as far as feeling; and Buddy Guy, as far as stylists who have a lot of swagger.”And yet Crystal’s first foray as a professional singer was in country music, not blues. She was in her early 20s and had immediate success after signing a U.S. record deal with RCA Nashville. 2008’s Dawn of a New Day, featuring the single “You Can Let Go,” reached No. 1 on the Canadian Country Album chart and No. 16 on the Billboard Top Country Albums, the highest charting album by a full-blooded Canadian Indigenous country artist (in the SoundScan-era). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.