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Music's Journey Show In-depth INTERVIEW #197 w/ Multi-Grammy Award Winning Rock Band Chicago's Lead Tenor Neil Donell Hit Songs and New Tour Dates For 2023!

Neil Donell

Life on Tour w/ Grammy Award Winning Band ''Chicago''

Music's Journey Show In-depth INTERVIEW #197 w/ Multi-Grammy Award Winning Rock Band Chicago's Lead Tenor Neil Donell Hit Songs and New Tour Dates For 2023!

Hailed as one of the "most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era,” the legendary rock and roll band with horns, Chicago. The highest-charting American band in Billboard Magazine's Top 125 Artists Of All Time, Chicago is the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in six consecutive decades.

Featuring the signature sounds Chicago fans have come to love, their latest album, BORN FOR THIS MOMENT, produced by Joe Thomas, captures the true heart of this legendary band. Over the entire course of 14 vibrant new songs, BORN FOR THIS MOMENT encapsulates the unique blend of award-winning and personal songwriting, multilayered harmonic vocalizations, and world-class arrangements that have been electrifying audiences across the globe for decades.

Chicago recently received The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award from the GRAMMYS. The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates performers who have made outstanding contributions of artistic significance to the field of recording. A special award ceremony and tribute concert celebrating the honorees was held in 2020.

Chicago’s lifetime achievements include 2 Grammy Awards, 2 American Music Awards, Founding Artists of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Chicago street dedicated in their honor, and keys to and proclamations from an impressive list of US cities. Record sales top the 100,000,000 mark, and include 21 Top 10 singles, 5 consecutive Number One albums, 11 Number One singles, and 5 Gold singles. An incredible 25 of their 38 albums have been certified platinum, and the band has a total of 48 gold and platinum awards.

Chicago has toured every year since the beginning - they’ve never missed a year. The original three band members are Robert Lamm on keyboards and vocals, Lee Loughnane on trumpet and vocals, and James Pankow on trombone. The band line-up also includes Wally Reyes, Jr. on drums, Tony Obrohta on guitar, Loren Gold on keyboards and vocals, Ray Herrmann on sax and flute, Neil Donell on vocals, Eric Baines on bass, and Ramon "Ray" Yslas on percussion.

From the signature sound of the Chicago horns, their iconic Vocalists, and a few dozen of ever-Classic Songs, this band’s concerts are celebrations. 2023 marks the band’s 56th consecutive year of touring!

Chicago continues to be true ambassadors for their beloved hometown, carrying the city's name with pride and dignity around the world. Don’t miss them at The Venetian Theatre in February 2023.

''Chicago is undeniably one of the best shows out on tour today with their musical style, suffocation, and technique, '' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, radio host, and host of the International Music's Journey Show. ''The band Chicago wanted to rewrite the way rock and roll was in 1967 and they did just that. They did it their way!''

I had the chance to sit down to chat with lead tenor, Neil Donell to talk about the extensive catalog that he will be singing with members of Chicago that they will be performing on the 2023 tour. Donell shares some great stories about joining the band 6 years ago and talks of the incredible brotherhood among the band members.

Neil Donell is a singer, songwriter, producer, musician, vocal coach, and the father of two wonderful sons. Originally from Montreal, he relocated to Toronto in the 80s to pursue his musical aspirations. Donell has had a lengthy and busy career in the recording studio and on stages all over North America and beyond ever since.

It was a lot of fun to talk with Donell about his career in the music industry. Donell is so incredibly talented as a powerhouse vocalist. This was an opportunity to talk in-depth and play some of the most iconic songs of one of the best rock and roll bands of all time.

Music's Journey Show In-depth INTERVIEW #197 w/ Multi-Grammy Award Winning Rock Band Chicago's Lead Tenor Neil Donell Hit Songs and New Tour Dates For 2023!

For Tickets, go HERE

NEW TOUR DATES HAVE JUST BEEN ADDED!

Chicago has 2 Canadian tour stops right now. The band will be performing at Caesars Windsor on April 7th and at Casino Rama on April 8th. To get your tickets, click HERE.

There will never be another band that has delivered hit after hit, album after album, never stopping to tour ever or stopping to record as Chicago has. Beginning its 56th year on tour, Chicago is one of the best band's there will ever be in rock and roll history delivering songs that bring back memories of a lifetime of music shared together with their fans all over the world.

To hear my 2-part interview with Neil Donell, an interview that is packed full of all your favorite Chicago hits, go to www.musicsjourney.com or click on the link below.

Music's Journey Show In-depth INTERVIEW #197 w/ Multi-Grammy Award Winning Rock Band Chicago's Lead Tenor Neil Donell Hit Songs and New Tour Dates For 2023!

If This Is Goodbye [Official Music Video]

Chicago - Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? - 7/21/1970 - Tanglewood (Official)

Chicago - Colour My World / Make Me Smile - 7/21/1970 - Tanglewood (Official)

Chicago - Feeling Stronger Every Day

Chicago - You're the Inspiration

Chicago - (1973) "Saturday in the Park" & "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?"

Chicago - Will You Still Love Me? (Official Music Video)

Chicago - I Don't Wanna Live Without Your Love (Official Music Video)

Questions 67 and 68 (2002 Remaster)

Chicago Transit Authority (aka Chicago) - I'm A Man (1969)

Chicago - Beginnings (Live 2017)

The Last Band on Stage | Official Trailer | Chicago Band Documentary

Music's Journey Show In-depth INTERVIEW #197 w/ Multi-Grammy Award Winning Rock Band Chicago's Lead Tenor Neil Donell Hit Songs and New Tour Dates For 2023!

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #188 w/ Canadian Rock Band Taming Sari Blistering New Single ''No Shelter''

INTERVIEW #188

w/ Canadian Rock Band Taming Sari

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #188 w/ Canadian Rock Band Taming Sari Blistering New Single ''No Shelter''

TAMING SARI

NEW SINGLE

''NO SHELTER''

''Taming Sari is such an exciting Canadian Rock Band with their hard-hitting lyrics and insatiable energy in their live performances and music,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, radio host, and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast. ''I am thrilled every time they have a new release. This band delivers for every classic rock fan to new-age rock audiences. They are simply brilliant.''

To hear my interview with Taming Sari, go to www.musicsjourney.com or click on the link below.

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #188 w/ Canadian Rock Band Taming Sari Blistering New Single ''No Shelter''

A hard-hitting anthem speaks of vulnerability, feeling exposed in a world where it is harder and harder to fly under the radar and the raw energy of youth. “No Shelter” acts as a visceral reminder to cherish the people in your life — especially during an era filled with social trauma. It's also about forming strong relationships that make us feel connected. 'No Shelter' takes you on a journey and asks the question ''How long can it last?'' and ''Will you be with me to face what's next''?

Beyond its commentary, “No Shelter” is a blistering track that showcases the exceptional musicianship and vocal prowess of each member of Taming Sari. Listeners are treated to a sonically sophisticated song that is the culmination of Taming Sari’s pent-up creativity and energy during the pandemic; as the band says, “‘No Shelter’ is three minutes of pure mental and physical release that we all so desperately need in these times.”

Drummer Adam Ouellette and bassist Alex Pellerin-Auprix provide the tight backbone of the new single, while guitarist Miguel Kingsberry-Brunette rounds out the rhythm section. The earth-shattering vocals of Warren Meredith pave the way for Taming Sari’s new lead guitarist, Joe Fraser.

“No Shelter” effortlessly exudes youthful energy through its meticulous guitar riffs and thunderous drums. “It's also about forming strong relationships that make us feel connected.” Anyone with a penchant for raw, melodic craftsmanship can be assured that the harmonies embedded in the music are as potent as the message.

“Let's settle the score
know who to blame
how long can it last?
thing's will never be the same.”

Hailing from across Canada, Taming Sari is a collection of eclectic artists hell-bent on refining their distinct blend of classic rock and blues. This bilingual band has been on fire since the release of their debut album, Thirsty From The Drought, in 2019.

They have since performed during the intermission of an Ottawa Senators game, made it on the Canadian Active Rock charts, and racked up 200,000 streams and 70k listeners on Spotify with their last single alone. With a long list of recognitions and accolades, the release of their latest single ensures that Taming Sari is one of the most exciting Canadian acts today.

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #188 w/ Canadian Rock Band Taming Sari Blistering New Single ''No Shelter''

Taming Sari - No Shelter (Official music video)

Taming Sari - The Imposter (Live Off The Floor)

Taming Sari - Crazy (Official Video)

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #188 w/ Canadian Rock Band Taming Sari Blistering New Single ''No Shelter''

For more on Taming Sari check out these links:
tamingsariband.com/
tiktok.com/@_tamingsari_
instagram.com/tamingsariband/
facebook.com/tamingsariband
twitter.com/taming_sariband
open.spotify.com/artist/757QFqe22JPSn4KIxHHY3R?si=8CMolrC3QqavZtxyFNABiQ&dl_branch=1&nd=1

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #185 w/ East Coast Rock Band Andre Pettipas and The Giants New Double Live Album ''Andre Pettipas and the Giants Live at the ElMo''

Andre Pettipas and The Giants

INTERVIEW #185

w/ East Coast Rock Band

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #185 w/ East Coast Rock Band Andre Pettipas and the Giants New Double Live Album ''Andre Pettipas and the Giants Live at the ElMo''
Andre Pettipas and The Giants

''Andre Pettipas and The Giants Live at the ElMo''

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW # w/ East Coast Rock Band Andre Pettipas and the Giants New Double Live Album ''Andre Pettipas and the Giants Live at the ElMo''

East Coast Rock Band Andre Pettipas and The Giants recently released their new double live album Andre Pettipas and The Giants Live at The ElMo, was released on June 17th via all streaming platforms.

The 22-track album was recorded at the legendary El Mocambo in Toronto, ON last September and includes tracks from their sophomore album No Fools No Fun, and 5 brand new songs capturing the no holds barred, kick-ass ethic the band brings to everything they do.

The new album was put together with the help of live studio engineer Doug McClement (Blue Rodeo, Moxy Fruvous), live engineer Kirstan Moore, lead technician Jamie Howieson, and mastering engineer João Carvalho. Brian Moncar, the album’s mixing engineer (Alice Cooper, Our Lady Peace, The Tea Party) produced tracks 1-13 on the album, along with some other heavy hitters including Max Kerman of The Arkells (Saint John String Quartet) who arranged “Dark Times,” John-Angus MacDonald of The Trews (Glorious Sons, Dave Rave) producer of “Sympathy Card,” and Jason Jenkyns (The Stanfields, The Town Heroes) and Jon Landry (The Stanfields, The Town Heroes) who co-produced “The Swedish Motel”.

The No Fools No Fun album released in 2021 received national recognition with the track “Sympathy Card” hitting #27 on Billboard’s Active Rock Chart and top 50 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart in Canada, and “Overtime” was used in a montage during game 4 of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Most recently, No Fools No Fun was nominated for the 2022 ECMAS for Rock Recording of The Year.

The Nova Scotia natives continue to grow in the industry with multiple singles on the nationally syndicated show, “East Coast Countdown” and they have been showcased internationally at Live at Heart (Orebro, Sweden), ASEAN Music Showcase festival, Bangkok Music City festival, and Canadian Music Week.

They were also named Arkells “Leather Jacket” cover contest winners, Casino NS Artist in Residence Finalists from 2016-2018, Q104 Homegrown Champions out of 120 bands in 2017, and Jim Beam National Talent Search Regional Winners (Halifax) in 2019.

In addition to releasing new music, Andre Pettipas and The Giants are currently on the road, making stops at Canadian stages in Montreal, Ontario, PEI, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. For more details on the tour, visit andrepettipasandthegiants.com/shows.

I had the chance to catch up with frontman Andre Pettipas to talk about the new album, play some great music and talk about life as a touring band. Andre also shares some news about recording at The Tragically Hip studio for their new music. The Burning Questions portion of the show is a lot of fun. To hear all the music and interview, click on the link below.

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #185 w/ East Coast Rock Band Andre Pettipas and the Giants New Double Live Album ''Andre Pettipas and the Giants Live at the ElMo''

Live At The El Mocambo - Andre Pettipas and The Giants // Promo

Overtime (Official Music Video) - Andre Pettipas and The Giants

Homesick (Lyric Video) - Andre Pettipas and The Giants ft. Christopher Thorn (Blind Melon)

Obstacles (Live At The DeCoste Centre) - Andre Pettipas and The Giants

Sympathy Card - Andre Pettipas and The Giants (Official Music Video)

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #185 w/ East Coast Rock Band Andre Pettipas and the Giants New Double Live Album ''Andre Pettipas and the Giants Live at the ElMo''

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Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #156 w/ Rock Legend and Music Hall of Famer Myles Goodwyn of The Rock Band April Wine Releases ''For Ukraine''

INTERVIEW #156

w/ Rock Legend and Music Hall of Famer Myles Goodwyn

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #156 w/ The Legendary Music Hall of Famer Myles Goodwyn of The Rock Band April Wine Releases ''For Ukraine''

Myles Goodwyn

New Single

''For Ukraine''

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #156 w/ The Legendary Music Hall of Famer Myles Goodwyn of The Rock Band April Wine Releases ''For Ukraine''

Multi-award-winning Canadian Music Hall of Famer singer, guitarist, writer, and producer Myles Goodwyn is raising awareness and support “For Ukraine” with the release of his poignant new single — available now.

The leader of the multi-Platinum-selling rock band April Wine was inspired to pen the track after seeing the country’s suffering amidst attacks from Russia.

“Like the rest of the world, I’m witness to the devastation and suffering caused by the needless war in Ukraine,” Goodwyn shares. “This painfully sad and tragic situation inspired me to write this song with the hope that it might encourage people to help the citizens of Ukraine who are so desperately in need of our help.”

As distinctive and immediately recognizable as his songwriting skills are prolific, Goodwyn’s vocals and guitar are joined by Bruce Dixon on bass guitar and Scott Ferguson on drum programming. “For Ukraine” arrives ahead of Goodwyn’s forthcoming collection of all-new original songs, Long Pants, set for release this summer.

In addition to Goodwyn and the other members of April Wine being inducted into the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame in 2010, he received the prestigious East Coast Music Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008 and the SOCAN National Achievement Award in 2002.

''Myles Goodwyn has been busy writing for his 3rd and 4th studio album. Goodwyn's 3rd album ''Long Pants'' is set to release on June 23rd right on Myles Goodwyn's birthday,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, radio host, and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast. ''There are some pretty special songs on the 3rd album, songs that were written by Goodwyn in hopes to create change and open up the dialog by building awareness on many important world topics. One of those songs Goodwyn wrote is ''For Ukraine'' which is available right now and that is on his upcoming new album ''Long Pants''. Goodwyn will be performing this special song along with a few others at a very special event this coming weekend on May 14th...Pictou Country Benefit For Ukraine.'' For more information, click HERE.

The ‘Myles Goodwyn and Friends Of The Blues’ album earned him a JUNO nomination for Blues Recording of the Year, and won the ECMA award for Blues Recording of the Year. The following year Myles released ‘Friends of The Blues 2, ‘on the way to the album being well-received and winning another ECMA award for Blues Album Of The Year.

In 2016, he released his memoir named, Just Between You and Me, which became an instant seller on the Globe and Mail’s Non-Fiction List. His second book, Elvis and Tiger — this time a work of fiction — was published in 2018.

Myles Goodwyn’s new album, Long Pants, is available on June 23rd, 2022.

To hear my interview with Rock legend Myles Goodwyn, click on the link below.

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #156 w/ The Legendary Music Hall of Famer Myles Goodwyn of The Rock Band April Wine Releases ''For Ukraine''

For Ukraine

Myles Goodwyn - Will The Last Voice I Hear Be An Angel?

Some Of These Children (They Never Grew Up)

April Wine - Roller (Official Music Video)

April Wine - I Like to Rock (Official Music Video)

April Wine - Sign Of The Gypsy Queen

April Wine - Just Between You and Me

April Wine - Oowatanite

April Wine - Say Hello

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #156 w/ The Legendary Music Hall of Famer Myles Goodwyn of The Rock Band April Wine Releases ''For Ukraine''

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Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #154 w/ Rock Heavyweights The Trews Gearing Up For The I Wanna Play Tour And Their New Music Video Single ''Enemy''

INTERVIEW #154

w/ Rock N' Roll Heavyweights The Trews Lead Vocalist Colin MacDonald

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #154 w/ Rock Heavyweights The Trews Gearing Up For The We Wanna Play Tour And Their New Music Video Single ''Enemy''

Photo Credit Matthew Perry

The Trews

New Music Video

Latest Single ''Enemy''

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #154 w/ Rock Heavyweights The Trews Gearing Up For The We Wanna Play Tour And Their New Music Video Single ''Enemy''

The Trews are getting back to what they do best – hitting the road and playing live. The band have lined up several headlining dates across Canada this spring and summer, alongside support slots in Toronto for Black Crowes, and St. John’s, NL for the unrivaled Stone Temple Pilots. Excited about hitting the road, guitarist John-Angus MacDonald says, “We can’t wait to bring the songs from Wanderer to stages across Canada this spring & summer. The album is full of great live material that we haven’t had a chance to fully air out yet and it all fits in great with the rest of our catalogue. We said it before and we’ll say it again – we wanna play! “ For tickets visit HERE.

After hitting their previously announced dates in Estevan, SK, and in between festival appearances and supporting slots for the Black Crowes, the band will play new headlining slots in Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, BC, Ontario, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The trek begins next month with a show in Winnipeg on the 24th and ends in Antigonish on August 19.

The Trews are keeping their live show going with plans for a bunch of new Canadian concerts this summer. To celebrate their expanded tour schedule, they've also shared a video for "Enemy."

The single changes things up for the band with lead-guitarist John-Angus writing and singing lead vocals for this one. An interesting story of how this one came to be, John-Angus explains, “My then 5 year old son Elliott had a hand in inspiring this track. Alone time to work on new material when you’re raising two small children is almost non-existent so I find myself playing music with them, or at least with them in the room, often. One day Elliott suggested that I write a song called “I know what it’s like to be the Enemy”. The melody he came up with was more akin to an Iron Maiden song, or some other heavy metal band, then a Trews song. When I asked him why that lyric he said he wanted to hear a song from the perspective of one of the bad guys in a Marvel movie. Anyway, the lyric brought that chord progression and melody out of me almost instantaneously – they seemed married to each other from the very start. A day or two later I penned the verse and kept with that theme of it being from the perspective of the enemy but more the universal enemy, the one within. “

Plenty of grand boasts can be made about Wanderer, the blazing seventh studio album from rock ‘n’ roll heavyweights The Trews and easily their fiercest and most accomplished, garlanded as it is with enough marquee credits and potential smash-hits to spin even jaded heads.

But the Wanderer’s most striking claim may be this: it could not have achieved its acrobatic feats of sonic power had it not been for the lamentable, awful but also weirdly inspiring and motivational global pandemic which made touring impossible and writing and recording the only games in town.

Talk about a silver lining. At least in retrospect.

“This is a really strong rock record from start to finish. Every song was mulled over extensively,” guitarist John-Angus MacDonald says. “The pandemic bought us more time which you always need with songwriting. There are songs that would not be on this record had it happened another way.”

Adds singer/guitarist Colin MacDonald, “We accidentally honed our recording skills because there was no live show to get to.”

Really, who could have predicted that electrifying recording sessions begun in Nashville in December 2019 with Black Crowes guitarist and long-time Trews friend Rich Robinson would be curtailed by an unprecedented Canada/U.S. border closure, resulting in just three songs being completed?

Or predicted that that maddening roadblock and an ensuing lockdown would fortuitously lead, nine months later, to sessions at Jukasa Studios in Caledonia, Ontario opposite Derek Hoffman, yielding three more songs with the fast-rising producer who brilliantly helmed Civilianaires, The Trews’ widely acclaimed forerunner to The Wanderer. And the story didn’t end there.

With the Robinson/Hoffman sessions banked, six additional songs — including blistering COVID-themed corker and lead single “I Wanna Play” and the barn-burning title track — demanded additional studio time in Toronto in late 2020 with producer Eric Ratz. Yes, he of the Gargantuan Rock Sound as evidenced by his much-lauded work with Monster Truck, Arkells, Big Wreck… and now The Trews, whose playing throughout The Wanderer sounds positively atomic.

“This is very much a guitar record. I mean, all our records have had guitars, but we really put the focus on, forgive the cliché, getting back to our roots with stand-out riffs and solos,” John-Angus MacDonald confirms. “Rich is a walking riff, and Eric is a big guitar guy, so that’s just the way it happened.”

In the end, those three disparate, COVID-dictated sessions forced the chart-topping, globe-trotting crew, which includes bassist Jack Syperek, drummer Chris Gormley, and keyboardist Jeff Heisholt, to cohere as a band as never before. The results speak for themselves.

Indeed, even veteran fans of The Trews will be flattened by the gale force of the before-mentioned single and storming album opener “Where Do You Go,” both cut with Ratz and featuring unabashedly dweedly (but oh-so-cool and air guitar–worthy) guitar solos.

“I love ‘Where Do You Go,’ which is so out-there for us with its weird time changes. And ‘I Wanna Play’ is perfectly indicative of the times: funny, sad, passionate, and it rocks,” says Colin MacDonald, who test- drove the single with fans during Friday night Instagram Live sessions while in lockdown at home.

No new way of working was off the table during sessions for The Wanderer. For example, the three songs recorded with Robinson in Nashville (“Faith and Fumes,” “Permission,” “Hidden Gem”) were cut without a click track, standard studio procedure and the easiest way of tracking changes but also something of a production safety net.

“The songs with Rich were all about committing to the moment,” John-Angus MacDonald says, “and they sound freer as a result.”

“Our paths had been crossing with Rich’s for years,” Colin MacDonald explains of the genesis of the collaboration. “We opened for his side project, the Magpie Salute in the States in 2017, and he opened for us solo acoustic in Canada in 2016. Plus, the Black Crowes are one of our favourite bands.”

Further underscoring their cohesion, The Trews cut the songs on Wanderer together as a band rather than piecemeal which, like the click track, is de rigueur — and very much the way Civilianaires was constructed. But that method did not reflect the band’s headspace in 2020 even if trading audio files from home-studio safe havens would have been much easier.

“We toured for two years with Civilianaires and we wanted to capture that well-oiled band in studio,” John-Angus MacDonald says. “The older I get, the more I realize strengths like that are not a dime a dozen. We wanted to leverage that chemistry.”

Attentive listeners might also notice that the buoyant, pealing “Enemy” features not Colin MacDonald on lead vocals but John-Angus, a Trews first. “Plus, that song is technically a co-write with my then-five- year-old son Elliott because he’s a killer drummer,” he laughs. “He just bashes away with glee, and he came up with some of the lyrics.”

At the other end of the sonic spectrum is the downcast, mournful “Another Year Zero,” a song Colin MacDonald delivers with such furrowed resignation you can practically smell the bourbon on his breath.

“That song is about things taken for granted because something else seems just around the corner,” the singer says. “Other shows to do, other people to meet… but we didn’t factor in a global pandemic.

“It’s a reminder that you can’t take anything for granted, and it’s a reflection of what happens when you’re forced to sit at home alone with yourself.

“This is a transitional album,” Colin MacDonald continues, “and it encapsulates these twin realms of possibility and impossibility. It’s trying to find light during these massively dark times through music. This record was our safe place. We hope it helps others, too.”

“And we cannot wait to tour in May 2022,” John-Angus MacDonald says. “We just want to play again.”

''There is nothing sweeter than when you hear that Rock icons The Trews are heading out on tour,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, radio host, and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast. ''The Trews have been rocking stages around the world for over 20 years now they are finally heading out on the I Wanna Play Tour in May with rock band W3APONS. I had a fantastic time talking with lead singer Colin MacDonald. This interview has loads of behind the lyrics and the music chat and lots of music from their new album Wanderer that you don't want to miss.''

To hear my interview with Colin MacDonald, click on the link below.

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #154 w/ Rock Heavyweights The Trews Gearing Up For The We Wanna Play Tour And Their New Music Video Single ''Enemy''

The Trews - Enemy (Official Music Video)

TOUR DATES

05/24 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre
05/25 – Regina, SK – Casina Regina
05/27 – Saskatoon, SK – The Roxy
05/29 – Red Deer, AB – Bo’s
05/30 – Edmonton AB – Midway Music
05/31 – Calgary, AB – The Palace Theatre
06/02 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore
06/05 – Medicine Hat, AB – Esplanade
06/08 – Thunder Bay, ON – NV Music Hall
06/10 – Sarnia, ON – Black Party
06/16 – Sudbury, ON – Caruso Club
06/17 – Burlington, ON – Spencer Smith Park
06/20 – St. John’s, NL – Iceberg Alley
07/05 – Windsor, ON – The Colosseum at Caesars
07/06 – Toronto, ON – The Budweiser Stage *Black Crowes
07/14 – London, ON – Harris Park
07/16 – Bala, ON – Kee to Bala
07/23 – Mattawa, ON – Mattawa Voyageur Days
07/30 – Saint John, NB – Area 506 Concert Series
08/06 – Youngstown, NY – Youngstown Village Music Festival
08/14 – Grand Prairie, AB – Bear Creek Folk Festival
08/19 – Antigonish, NS – Nova Scotia Summerfest

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #154 w/ Rock Heavyweights The Trews Gearing Up For The We Wanna Play Tour And Their New Music Video Single ''Enemy''

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Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #138 w/ Alt. Rock Band FKB New Single 'Beautiful Fantasy'

INTERVIEW #138

w/ Alternative Rock Band 'FKB'

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #138 w/ Alt. Rock Band FKB New Single 'Beautiful Fantasy'

Alternative Rock Band FKB

New Single

''Beautiful Fantasy''

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #138 w/ Alt. Rock Band FKB New Single 'Beautiful Fantasy'

FKB is a high-energy, four-piece, alternative rock band based in Edmonton, influenced by the mystique, glamour, and excess of the 1960s-1980s entertainment business.

Formed in Bonnyville, Alberta, the band is fronted by JUNO Award-nominated songwriter (2019), Drew Shalka, and features Travis Topylki (lead guitar), Derek Chalut (drums), and Alex Fedorouk (rhythm guitar).

''FKB has delivered another infectious song with 'Beautiful Fantasy' that begs you to put it on repeat to discover sounds and different frequencies that you just don't pick up on listening to it only once,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, host for the International Music's Journey Podcast, and radio host on 91.3 FM. ''I love the effects of the delays in the new track Beautiful Fantasy and how the delays were played in reverse and then played back and some other pretty sweet effects by Dan Davidson. FKB brings a very unique take on an alternative pop-rock sound right now. Their high-energy stage performance will be exciting fans for years to come. The is amazing to see the connection the band members have with one another and their own separate influences and musicianship they all bring to the table. FKB is a very electrifying and intoxicating band and they are constantly challenging themselves creatively and that's exciting. I look forward to seeing what they have in store for us all in 2022.''

FKB’s infectious, falsetto-driven single, “Beautiful Fantasy” (2021) is co-produced by Dan Davidson (Tupelo Honey) and Clayton Bellamy (Road Hammers). “’Beautiful Fantasy’ is us finding a way to connect our influences from the past, like The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and The Beach Boys, with the modern sounds of Foster The People, Portugal the Man, and The Weeknd,” says Shalka. “We wanted to draw from the excitement of our live shows and give people something they can dance to.”

The band appears as themselves in the feature film, Moments in Spacetime (Oct 2020), performing their single, “My Bedroom” (2018). “We reconnected with our high school media arts teacher at a local TEDx event where we were both speaking. He had returned from film school in Vancouver and his recent project, Sweet Oil (2017), was featured at the Phoenix Film Festival and the Holly Shorts Film Festival (Hollywood). He had also done some work on episodes of the AMC series, Hell on Wheels,” recalls Shalka. “He had a new project shooting in Cold Lake, Alberta, and asked if he could write us into the movie performing as ourselves. We even have a few lines of dialogue.” The film stars John Rhys-Davies (Indiana Jones, James Bond, Lord of the Rings), Patty Srisuwan (Misfortune), and Sam Gittins (EastEnders, Call The Midwife, Await Further Instructions).

Clayton Bellamy, a JUNO Award, multiple CCMA and SOCAN Songwriter of the Year has produced all of FKB’s music including, ”Glow” (2020), with Dan Davidson, “Backstreet Daydream” (2019); “My Bedroom” (2018); “Casual Love” (2018), released via KnightVision Records (Amsterdam), “Bright Lights” (2017), which was nominated for Adult Alternative Recording of the Year at the Edmonton Music Awards; and FKB’s debut EP, 123 FKB, which featured the Alternative and Active Rock single, “Crystal Ball”.

FKB has performed over 200 shows across North America since 2017. In 2019, they won the Edmonton edition of the Jim Beam National Talent Search, which culminated in a showcase performance at Canadian Music Week (Toronto).

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #138 w/ Alt. Rock Band FKB New Single 'Beautiful Fantasy'

FKB - Beautiful Fantasy (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

FKB - Glow (Official Visualizer)

FKB - Casual Love

FKB - My Bedroom (Official Music Video)

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #138 w/ Alt. Rock Band FKB New Single 'Beautiful Fantasy'

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Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #134 w/ Canadian Rock Band 'Taming Sari' Released New Single and Video 'Crazy'

INTERVIEW #134

w/ Ottawa Rock Band 'Taming Sari'

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #134 w/ Canadian Rock Band 'Taming Sari' Released New Single and Video 'Crazy'

Taming Sari

New Single

''Crazy''

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #134 w/ Canadian Rock Band 'Taming Sari' Released New Single and Video 'Crazy'

''Although Taming Sari is fairly new as a band, they show the confidence as one of the top rock bands here in Canada and ones to watch,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, host of the International Music's Journey Podcast, and radio host on 91.3 FM. ''Taming Sari has swept onto the scene and left a poignant and lasting impression.

''With their debut album Thirsty From The Drought to their killer new single 'Crazy', this could be a mission complete for them with the catchy openings in every track they release. The frontman Warren Meredith has that grit, and range of bringing the tones of Steven Tyler and bands like Thin Lizzy, and the with shredding guitar riffs, Taming Sari has found their sound. The band is complete with individual excellence, influences, and explosive performances by every band member. This is one band to watch. We have got some killer Canadian Rock bands right now and Taming Sari is one of the bands that are climbing towards the top 10 acts.''

After making numerous media appearances and safely playing for socially distanced crowds, Taming Sari is ready to hit the ground running. When live music makes its triumphant return, there is no doubt that these talented performers will grace stages with the same intensity found in their recordings.

Taming Sari’s signature splashy guitar work and thunderous drums guide the listener through a supercharged anthem to inspire hope in the post-pandemic. Bringing us back to when life seemed more straightforward, “Crazy” is about the inherent connection we all feel towards one another, and how surreal it can feel to lose touch with our need to just enjoy life.

One listen to “Crazy” tells you everything you need to know about Taming Sari’s musical influences, and Toronto’s iconic Polson Pier set the backdrop for the band to channel the rock gods on a beautiful summer day and lay down a couple of blazing new tracks.

The sun-kissed harbourfront wasn’t the only inspiration leading into the recording studio: it would be the first time they would record with a new member, accomplished lead guitarist Joe Fraser, to create the perfect balance of grit and melody while paying homage to past rock n’ roll legends.

Following the momentum of their debut album, Thirsty From The Draught, Taming Sari was positioned to take full advantage of the burgeoning concert scene across Canada shortly before the world was thrown into chaos with Covid. “Crazy” is the third single to capture the group’s artistic perspective on this tumultuous period in history; the first, “Loving Way,” dealt with the initial response to the virus along with the call for racial justice that was to come, and the second, the emotionally-charged “Gone and Run Away,” highlighted the sense of loss that our communities collectively feel.

Check out the video for “Crazy” below, and stay up to date with the band via their socials.

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #134 w/ Canadian Rock Band 'Taming Sari' Released New Single and Video 'Crazy'

Taming Sari - Crazy (Official Video)

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #134 w/ Canadian Rock Band 'Taming Sari' Released New Single and Video 'Crazy'

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Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #128 w/ Award-Winning Rock Trio W3APONS Latest Single ''I AM THE HORIZON''

Photography by Jr. Walker

INTERVIEW #128

w/ Award-Winning Rock Trio ''W3APONS''

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #128 w/ Canadian Rock Trio W3APONS ''I Am The Horizon''

Award-Winning Rock Trio

Photography by Jr. Walker

W3APONS

Latest Single

''I Am The Horizon''

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #128 w/ Canadian Rock Trio W3APONS ''I AM THE HORIZON''

''Canadian Rock trio W3APONS are one of the best rock acts on Canadian radio today,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, host of the International Music's Journey Podcast, and radio host/on-air personality on 91.3 FM.

l Am The Horizon is the latest single from this rock trio from Saskatoon! The track is off their recent six-song EP, "Adios Radio", which dropped this past summer. I Am the Horizon has reached a new peak of #17 on the Canadian Active Rock Chart this past week! The band recently released their much-anticipated video for the new single which was produced by Prehistoric Productions.

There are only great things on the horizon for this rock trio. The guys are going out on tour with rock icons The Trews. W3APONS has been working under the mentorship of John-Angus MacDonald from The Trews. John-Angus, in addition to collaborating with the band as a producer and songwriter, has also continually offered career and professional advice which has been invaluable to W3APONS success to date.

W3APONS is currently working with booking agent Adam Kreeft of Good Company, whose clients have included The Glorious Sons, Protest the Hero, and Cleopatrick.

The band has an incredible team working with them including Sharp 9 music for the promotion of their last three singles. The trio has been working on recent writing projects for some great new music with Clayton Bellamy of The Road Hammers, John-Angus MacDonald, Colin MacDonald, and Dan Davidson. I can't wait to hear what is coming next.

To hear my interview with Myk Ulan-Hohol (bassist/vocalist), click on the link below.

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #128 w/ Canadian Rock Trio W3APONS ''I AM THE HORIZON''

W3APONS - I Am the Horizon (Official Video)

W3APONS is a Canadian Rock trio from Saskatoon, SK. The band’s debut single “Off the Top of My Heart” reached #11 on the Canadian Active Rock Charts completely independently in 2019 and has received over 700,000 streams on Spotify. This pattern would continue for the band’s next three releases, all of which independently went Top 30 in Canada, including their first Top 10 “Bye Baby Gone”.

W3APONS independent charting successes and relentless touring in 2019 resulted in them being handpicked by Theory of a Deadman to accompany Theory for all 21 Canadian dates of their Say Nothing 2020 World Tour.

Drummer/vocalist Tallus Scott, bassist/vocalist Myk Ulan-Hohol, and guitarist/vocalist Jordan Welbourne are the elements in the perfect storm that is W3APONS - Energetic, Hard-hitting, and unmistakably Rock & Roll.

W3APONS has shared the stage with Theory of a Deadman, The Trews, Monster Truck, Sweeney Todd, The Lazys, and The Wild.

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #128 w/ Canadian Rock Trio W3APONS ''I AM THE HORIZON''

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Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #121 w/ Canada's Hall of Famer Blues Rocker 'Colin James' New 20th Studio Album ''Open Road'' Available Now!

INTERVIEW #121

w/ Canada's Hall of Famer Blues Rocker

''Colin James''

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW w/ Canada's Multi Juno Award Winning Blues Rocker ''Colin James'' New 20th Studio Album Open Road Listen HERE

Open Road, Via Stony Plain Records Available Now

Colin James

New Single

'Down On The Bottom'

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW w/ Canada's Multi Juno Award Winning Blues Rocker ''Colin James'' New 20th Studio Album Open Road Listen HERE

Multiple Juno award-winner Colin James is one of the best blues rockers in the music industry and he is at the top of his game with his brand new album Open Road.

Colin James’ music career spans over 30 years and includes 19 studio albums, 7 Juno Awards, 27 Maple Blues Awards, and multi-platinum record sales. Inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame in 2014, Colin James is a beloved guitarist, singer, songwriter, consistently selling out shows internationally.

From the rolling prairies of Saskatchewan to the Open Road of a storied career, multi-award-winning, chart-topping, and multi-platinum-selling guitarist Colin James released his 20th studio album on November 5th via Stony Plain Records. Open Road was mixed at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London. Colin supports the new album, which is being released on both CD and vinyl LP formats, with substantial touring in Canada and the US, including a spot on the Big Blues Bender multi-day music extravaganza in Las Vegas that took place in September.

That's abundantly clear on the album’s title track, a song co-written by James and Northey that sets the tone for the album for traveling the highways and byways that are part and parcel of a touring musician’s life. But while the track seems custom-crafted to reflect the road life of traveling musicians, it’s a song anyone can find their own lives and experiences reflected in; all summed up in the lyrics, “every life is an open road.” “It’s definitely got a sense of movement,” James says, “which, I think, is compounded by our lack of ability to travel over the last year and a half.”

For James, Open Road is the third in a trilogy of records, a natural follow up to the 2018 JUNO Award-winning Miles To Go, an album that garnered worldwide attention as it debuted on the Billboard Blues Chart, the iTunes Blues Chart, and added six new Maple Blues Awards to Colin’s running total of 27.

“Those two records, in a way they’re almost straight blues, and through them, we found a new audience, especially in America. They also had a fair number of covers; some of them reimagined versions of songs I’ve known since I was 12 or 13 years old. So, on Open Road I wanted to try and stay true to that kind of blues, but also to show some growth.”

Open Road mines the past and present for inspiration in equal measure. It’s also a record that finds James looking forward with determination. After 19 months and a change of Covid, everyone feels more than a bit down and done. But while James isn’t immune to that feeling, the variety of blues he presents on Open Road – rather than dwelling on struggle – is meant to lift people’s spirits, encourage them to shake off the shadows, and move forward in a way that’s fiercely hopeful.

Directed by Cole Northey, “Down On The Bottom” video opens with Colin James driving a Classic Black ’66 Mustang convertible down a dirt country road as the crack of drums and searing guitar roll in. With soaring vocals, James rocks this cover (Bob Dylan, Jim James) with a sweet, sanctified feel that preaches a loner’s gospel and an arrangement that keeps James’ vocal talent front and center. His guitar tones are crisp and beautiful, embellishing the spaces around his voice creating magic. James displays a master’s touch here and has created one of the finest roots music videos of 2021. The song was produced by Colin James and Dave Meszaros.

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW w/ Canada's Multi Juno Award Winning Blues Rocker ''Colin James'' New 20th Studio Album Open Road Listen HERE

Colin James - Down On The Bottom (Official Video)

Colin James - Open Road (Official Lyric Video)

Following this summer’s first track release, “Down On The Bottom,” the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Famer has revealed the release’s latest single in the title track “Open Road” — available now.

In delivering 20-plus albums across 30-plus years, a look back over Colin James’ career reveals a timeline rich in highlights, kicking off when he subbed in for a no-show opening act at a Stevie Ray Vaughan concert in his hometown of Regina. He’s been following the path Vaughan set out for him that night when Stevie Ray told him, “I’m opening doors for you –walk through them.”

His 1988 self-titled debut, featuring two self-penned hits, “Voodoo Thing” and “Five Long Years,” was the fastest-selling album in Canadian history, winning him his first of now-seven JUNOs, and an opening spot on tour with Keith Richards.

In addition to his own studio offerings, Colin James has worked with some of the world's most revered artists across his multi-decade career — including Bonnie Raitt, Albert Collins, Pops Staples, Robert Cray, Albert King, Keith Richards, Lenny Kravitz, ZZ Top, Mavis Staples, Luther Allison, Roomful of Blues, Bobby King and Terry Evans, John Hammond Jr., The Chieftains, Carlos Santana, Little Feat, Johnny Hallyday, Jeff Healey, and Buddy Guy.

And beyond his own recording and touring to massive sold-out crowds, he is a prolific songwriter, with his music recorded by the likes of Maria Muldaur, Lucinda Williams, and Johnny Hallyday. He is also credited with launching the swing revival in Canada, thanks to his wildly popular Little Big Band.

Colin James Tour Dates
November 8, 2021 – Qualicom Civic Centre – Qualicom Beach, BC
November 9, 2021 – Tidemark Theatre – Campbell River, BC
November 10, 2021 – Evergreen Theatre – Powell River, BC
November 13, 2021 – Cleland Theatre – Penticton, BC
November 14, 2021 – Performing Arts Centre – Vernon, BC
November 15, 2021 – Key City Theatre – Cranbrook, BC
November 17, 2021 – Festival Place – Sherwood Park, AB
November 18, 2021 – Festival Place – Sherwood Park, AB
November 20, 2021 – Vic Juba Theatre – Lloydminster, AB
November 21, 2021 – Lougheed PAC – Cargill Theatre Camrose, AB
November 23, 2021 – Blues At The Bow – Bow Island, AB
November 24, 2021 – Blues At The Bow – Bow Island, AB

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW w/ Canada's Multi Juno Award Winning Blues Rocker ''Colin James'' New 20th Studio Album Open Road Listen HERE

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Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #117 w/ Rock Artist Shane Connery Volk First Solo Single 'Shiver' and Video with His New Comic Illustration 'Shiver'

INTERVIEW #117

w/ Rock Artist 'Shane Connery Volk'

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine