Browsing Tag

canada

May I have This First Dance: LST IN HLYWD wants that desire to come true on Howl at The Moon

Posted on 15 April 2023

Lusting for a special moment to occur despite the barriers holding back a probable romance, LST IN HLYWD performs with so much radiating fire on the splendidly enticing new single Howl at The Moon.

LST IN HLYWD is a Toronto, Canada-based indie vamp rock band who are determined to fuse a whole new sound into a ravenous music scene waiting for something to munch furiously into.

”Their first ever tour (Summer 2022) “Summer Valentine Tour” They played 14 shows across Ontario playing to thousands of people. including hosting + being ranked the number one band by judges in Youth Day Global Toronto 2022 (Yonge And Dundas Square).” ~ LST IN HLYWD

With a pop-punk vibe and a classic feel to proceedings, LST IN HLYWD sends our souls into a whirlwind of emotions with something action-packed and worth many listens. Vocally stimulating and laced with an atmosphere which will get feet stomping and hands raising, this is a quality single made for music festivals and sunny says.

Howl at The Moon from Toronto, Canada-based indie vamp rock band LST IN HLYWD is an ear-piercing track which will grab the attention of many. This is a flourishing anthem which is a cinematic-like experience, which will surely pulsate the minds and souls of those who needed to hear the truth about how romance works sometimes.

Listen up on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Marcosth3frog drops the heat for us to warm up inside on Tu Y Yo

Posted on 6 April 2023

Sizzling through the airwaves like a modern-day hero awaiting his claim for the top-tier echelon, Marcosth3frog gets the flow alive with ideas on the catchy new single to swim deeply into on Tu Y Yo.

Marcosth3frog is a Montreal, Canada-based indie Latino rapper who has recently evolved his sound and makes those soothing hits to be played on repeat.

Impressing from all angles and never letting us go for a second, Marcosth3frog is a majestic track with a party atmosphere and shall surge up our emotions, and get those sleepy feet tapping again.

With smooth vocals and a bustling beat to turn up a little or a lot, this is the kind of song which will cause beaming smiles to drift through the sunshine.

Tu Y Yo from Montreal, Canada-based indie Latino rapper Marcosth3frog is one of the catchiest singles available to our souls right now. There is so much to appreciate about a song with a real bounce and rhythm, which will alleviate all worries like a flick of a switch.

Listen up on SoundCloud.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Plain White Dress: Saskatchewan folk artist Jackie K sends us into a timeless dream on Sister Of Stone

Posted on 1 April 2023

Taken from her brand new 10-track album called She’s a Story, Jackie K guides us deeper into that Brandy Clark-like class and passion with the supreme new single Sister Of Stone.

Jackie K is a Saskatchewan, Canada-based indie folk singer-songwriter who makes those profound soundtracks which might invoke sentimental long-lost feelings.

“This album is more personal than anything else that I’ve recorded before,” says Jackie K, “but most of the stories aren’t mine.”

Dropping us into a meaningful story which has a carefully snow-bound feeling which will open up more love, Jackie K is brilliant form and sends us into a whole new universe to calm those weary eyes.

Sister Of Stone from Saskatchewan, Canada-based indie folk singer-songwriter Jackie K is a rather emotional single which is rather cinematic and vocally stunning. Pure all the way throughout and sizzling with so many calming melodies made from the heart, this is a supremely soul-healing effort for us all to calm our nerves for the better.

Turn this up on SoundCloud.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Maybe She Is Right: Jess Abran feels wrapped in her fingers on Molly (feat. Stephen Voyce)

Posted on 17 March 2023

Reminding us of her attractive release from 2017, Jess Abran sends us shivers from another world to treasure forever via the stunning experience that is Molly (feat. Stephen Voyce).

Jess Abran is a much-loved Montreal, Canada-based pirate, multi-skilled alternative musician and entertainment host who is always improving her skillset through her self-motived mentality.

Taken from First Born Last, we find one of the most romantic songs in recent memory thanks to Jess Abran and Stephen Voyce. This is a rather superbly lit song which has candles written all over it from all corners, whilst our souls glow with hope.

Molly (feat. Stephen Voyce) from Montreal, Canada-based creative Jess Abran is a simmering gem of an experience which will make many faces blush with imagination. Gliding so wonderfully and taking us for a swim into the romantic waters of love, this is a rather stimulating soundtrack to surely heal all sad hearts.

Listen up on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Bugged Out: Trey Joshua feels so much better when the drinks are flowing on Drunk

Posted on 15 March 2023

After taking too many late-night temptation treats and maintaining that extra drink-packed fun which can cause weary bodies the next day, Trey Joshua is only here for the fun on the hard-hitting new single to sip cheekily with called Drunk.

Toronto, Canada-based and 21 years old, Trey Joshua is a tremendously talented indie alt-alternative rapper, artist and music producer.

”He has been at it since 2018 and takes major influence from XXXTENTACION, J.I.D, 6lack and various classic rock artists such as the tragically hip, Bob Dylan, and Billy Idol.” ~ Trey Joshua

Struggling after an incredible night out which has ravaged his soul and numbed most senses, Trey Joshua sends us into a whole new world on Drunk and shows many the feeling after a blurry evening.

Scintillating beyond all previously comprehended emotions, this is a really eye-opening track for those who have never felt rather drowsy after a wild evening of bladder-busting beverage debauchery.

Drunk from the multi-genre experimental artist Toronto, Canada-based artist and music producer Trey Joshua is a superb single which will wake up many and scare others. Steaming like a hot iron on sensitive skin, we are thrown into a mesmerizing waterfall which will flush many souls into a memorable moment which can cause hearts to flutter rather unexpectedly.

Turn this up on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Interview: Steve Nicosia hurdles us deep into the concept for Matter of Time

Posted on 8 March 2023

With quick wit, rare steaks and sharp answers, we managed to sit down with Steve Nicosia recently. Telling us more about the new album Matter of Time and how Italian physicist Carlo Rovelli changed everything, this is a must-read for any deep thinkers out there.

Hello there Steve. We appreciate your time. Where can we find you in the world today and what is your favourite meal ever?

Steve: Hi! Thank you so much for having me. I currently live in my hometown of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. A short drive to the much more well-known city of Toronto.

Ah, my favourite meal – that’s a tough one. For me, choosing a meal is kind of like choosing which music I want to listen to. It’s best suited towards a particular mood. However, if I had to pick I’d say a medium rare steak, a twice-baked potato and a warm spinach salad. 🙂

Please tell us more about your new album Matter of Time and what does it represent?

Steve: ‘Matter of Time’ is a concept album that I had been batting around for a while. It is meant to represent the evolution of our earth and the matter from which it (and everything on it) is made. A similar concept is one you have probably heard – everything that has a beginning has an end.

However, ‘Matter of Time’ goes one step deeper to say that even when something ends or completes its life cycle, its matter lives on and will eventually become part of a new entity. So while it is a matter of time before our earth runs its course, it is also the matter of time that keeps evolving and taking new shape.

The concept was inspired by a book I read from Italian physicist Carlo Rovelli called ‘The Order of Time’. In the book, Rovelli theorized that time can be measured by a sequence of events, and that every entity in the universe (including our Earth) is technically an event.

I found Rovelli’s theory so simple yet compelling that it prompted me to explore the variety of emotions it made me feel: sad and worried, too hopeful and reassured. The result of this emotional roller coaster is the music itself. There are 4 distinct songs with 4 different musical styles. And within each song is a journey of emotional highs and lows.

The last thing I’ll mention is that to help tie the distinct songs together, I wrote each of them in the same key (C Major). And if you listen really carefully, there’s also a similar melody which be heard throughout the album!

Who painted the beautiful artwork?

Steve: I’m glad you like it! The artwork is painted by none other than my father, Dino Nicosia. He is a retired real estate agent, but has always had a passion for painting. Since retiring, he produces nearly a painting a week… of all different forms and styles. I figured there would be no one else better to bring my artistic vision to life than him. In the end, I think it’s really cool that there’s a father-son artistic duo at play with this project.

The artwork itself is the visual representation of the concept I outlined earlier. I knew I wanted to write 4 different songs for the EP so I had this idea of matching one of the evolutionary phases of the earth to a song. The earth is exhibited in 4 different stages: (1) its rocky formation, (2) beautiful and life as we know it, (3) dried up and desolate, (4) its matter being ripped apart.

By the way, if you like the artwork, you can buy the poster on my website: https://snmusic.ca

Also, more of my father’s art can be found here: https://nicosiaart.com

Sorry – shameless promotions!

Who is the rock in your life who keeps you grounded?

Steve: There’s no doubt that it would be my fiancé Lindsay. The pandemic brought on a lot of highs and lows, but I quickly realized I could turn to Lindsay for everything. Whether I need someone to bounce a creative idea off of, someone to make me laugh, or a shoulder to cry on… she is my go-to.

She is also one of my biggest fans! (Although she might be biased haha)

Are there any good spots in your local area to watch good underground music?

Steve: Hamilton had a really good music scene but that was disrupted a bit with the pandemic. However, it’s been bouncing back as of late. One of the more popular spots is The Casbah. The venue is on the smaller side so feels really intimate.

It’s also been really cool to see a number of historical sites such as an old home or factory being renovated into music venues. This has helped reinvigorate key pockets of the city.

Which other musicians inspire you?

Steve: Over the last year, I’ve really started to dig my heels into instrumental music. It’s easy to listen to when working, and there’s such a wide variety of styles/moods to choose from.

There are three artists that I have found myself coming back to over and over.

Trent Reznor – Nine Inch Nails frontman has proven that his talent goes way deeper than hard rock or industrial music. His recent movie/TV scores have taken on many different styles, but all are so moving.
Ludovico Einaudi – such a beautiful pianist. He has inspired me to improve my piano playing skills.
Ólafur Arnalds – I really appreciate how he blends classical music with experimental sounds.

Do you think the local live music community has recovered after covid or what needs to happen to ensure its survival?

Steve: Yes. It will be a slow process I’m sure as people become more comfortable with big crowds again.

I think many people are eager for live experiences and frankly, we need it. There’s nothing like a concert to bring crowds of like-minded people together. And I believe that’s what venues, marketers, and artists need to promote; music brings people together and satiates a deep-seated human need for community and to belong. Your fellow fans are your tribe.

Final question. What is the vision for your career?

Steve: Hmm good question! Creating music is not a full-time gig for me, but it’s a very necessary creative outlet. So I intend to always have a project on the go, but the music itself may come out somewhat sporadically. My partner and I have a baby on the way so the music will inevitably take a back seat for a little bit as I’m sure I’ll be running on less sleep! Haha

For now, my focus is on promoting ‘Matter of Time’ and preparing for the album’s release on vinyl! I’m very excited to announce that it will be available in physical form in a few months.

Listen up on Spotify.

–

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

There’s No Place To Hide: Anni fearlessly escapes from the suffocating cage on The Revealing

Posted on 22 February 2023
https://soundcloud.com/johnlistermusic/the-revealing?in=johnlistermusic/sets/anni&si=a0f4c94ca4a54e0ca8ffd22989f7ff67&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Produced by her friend and encouraging role model to the next step in her life named John Lister, Anni is that honest shy hero the world needed on the astonishing release, The Revealing.

Anni (pronounced Ann-Eye) is an Ontario, Canada-based indie rock singer-songwriter and music producer who has emerged from the shadows to sing away her fears forever.

”After doing work for a few bands, and a lot of voice work in jingles and other commercial work, she decided it was time to finally get noticed. She figured that edgy pop music would be her best choice, so she contacted some local studios to begin work on a demo song.” ~ Anni

Urging her shaken heart to break free from worrying about things she can’t control, Anni opens up her vulnerability to the world and shows such courageousness. Working with the well-respected John Lister, we find out what a truly brave single sounds like.

”A symphonic rock song by Anni singing about stage fright and being front and center on a stage. The instruments feature a full string ensemble and choir, along with the band instruments.” ~ Anni

The Revealing from Ontario, Canada-based indie rock singer-songwriter Anni is a rather brilliant effort from a soul who wants to fly free from her own mind. Sung with purpose and passion, featuring a stunning melody and production to savour, we find a sure-fire classic to turn up loud.

Hear more on SoundCloud. See more on FB.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Interview: Deadbeat Superheroes drives us through those roads headed to Edmonton

Posted on 24 January 2023

With one of the most fantastically creative names in the game, Deadbeat Superheroes took time out of their busy day to chat with us all about new music, the excitement after adding an incredible violinist to the group and much more.

Thank you for speaking with us Deadbeat Superheroes. How are you all doing and where in the world can we find you currently?

Vik: It’s our pleasure! We’re all doing very well- happy, healthy, and loving the response to our new Edmonton EP.

We are currently scattered 4500 kms across Canada.

· Julie Sun Lee (vocals and violins) – Toronto, Ontario

· MT (guitars) – St. Catharines, Ontario

· Marek David (Production and Keyboards), Taylor Charles (Drums), Charlotte Germaine (backup vocals) and Stephen J. Horak (Guitars) – Victoria, British Columbia

· Darren Vanstone (bass) – Edmonton, Alberta

· Vikas Sharma (guitars) – North Vancouver, British Columbia

Julie: Doing well – I’m in the process of writing a piece for two violins and electronics and working on a couple of ambient electro-acoustic instrumental tracks.

You have one of the best band names imaginable. Please open the door and let us into the vision around this creation.

Vik: Yes! Thanks for the compliment … we love the name, too.

It was a very quick decision. At the time, we were just a trio … Ayesha (vocals), MT (guitars), and me … and we were thinking of a name back in 2011 … MT and I were useless in thinking of something, but Ayesha immediately spit out Deadbeat Superheroes – and the conversation ended.

Even when Julie assumed the lead singer spot, and we were figuring out our next steps, we all agreed that the name was strong, our reputation in Toronto was good, so let’s keep the name.

Julie: I just love the name Deadbeat Superheroes and the name just spoke to me.

Please tell us more about adding the incredible artist Julie Sun Lee to the band. How did this connection start?

Vik: I’ve known Julie for 16 years … we met through an old bandmate of mine who was working on a post-rock project called At The Funeral – two guitars – lots of effects – violins – that’s it. So, the three of us played together and recorded a little EP.

It was a ton of fun, so Julie and I stayed connected as friends over the years.

In 2016, I couldn’t find a lap steel player to play on a Deadbeat Superheroes track, so I decided to go a different route and ask Julie to play the violin on the tracks. It worked and she continued to work with us over the years, both on stage and in the studio. We even performed one of her songs “Chasing Ghosts” at our last show with our old singer.

We would frequently ask Julie to perform her solo stuff as an opening act, and it was evident that she was a serious songwriter and vocalist. So, when Ayesha left, everyone asked me the same question … “Why don’t you ask Julie if she wants to take over as singer?”

Julie: It was creatively interesting and loads of fun working with Vik for At The Funeral. When Vik and the members of DBS asked me to assume the front-person role (and co-songwriter), it was a no-brainer.

Your 4th EP is called Edmonton. How was the process during your new release and what should fans expect?

Vik: The process was different – I’ve never worked remotely to this extent before.

I moved from Toronto in 2021 out to North Vancouver.

Before I moved, it was easy.

I emailed everyone who played in the band – asked about show or recording availability – and we just did it, live and in person.

Now, I’m emailing people all over the country asking them if they want to email in their tracks?

Aside from preliminary rehearsals with Julie and MT at my Toronto apartment, while I was getting the demos set up, we never performed these songs as a band.

That was a first for me – and not easy to wrangle everyone together.

Running a band is much easier when you can engage people in real life.

Once we got it all done (we started in June 2022- finished recording and mixing in October) – it was a breeze. I used Distrokid to get the music out to all channels.

I’ll pass it over to Julie to tell you what fans can expect.

Julie: I think there will definitely be more of a blend of each of our musical styles along with genre-bending and blending.

If you could perform live on the same stage with any band in the world, who would it be and why?

Vik: For me, it would be Future Islands as I think we’d have some synergies. Jules? How about you?

Julie: Beirut, I love the instrumentation and blend of genres from this band. I think strings are a great fit.

How would you describe your sound to a complete stranger?

Vik: Pop/Rock that is synth and guitar driven with effusive strings. Julie?

Julie: Alternative Indie Folk Pop

Last, what are the goals for the rest of 2023?

Vik: I’d love to perform a couple of times this year in Toronto. Our band has a great relationship with Supermarket in Kensington Market (Toronto, ON), and we usually play in the spring and the autumn.

I’m also going to start demoing again and send song ideas to Julie for her consideration. And whatever she likes, we’ll record in late 2023 or early 2024!

Julie: More songs with DBS, and as much more collaborating, writing, recording, and performing that I can humanly fit into the new year!

–

Listen up on Spotify. See more on Facebook.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Fighting Desires: Canadian-Pakistani RnB creative Sameer Amir fights those reckless desires on Autopilot

Posted on 4 January 2023

Wondering if it was true love or something that was destined to fail, Sameer Amir searches for closure on the excellent new single to reminisce with on Autopilot.

Sameer Amir is an innovative Canadian-Pakistani RnB artist who is based in thriving Toronto, Canada and has the kind of refreshed mind who inspires all listeners.

”is about the fact that we don’t have control over our lives no matter how much we try to resist our desires. It’s written as the dance floor at the club being someone’s heart and how we dance alone a lot to be comfortable, pushing away the people that try to enter our space as a reaction to being constantly hurt before.” ~ Sameer Amir

Performed with so much intensity and soul-healing vigour, Sameer Amir unlocks the moment which shall change romantic notions forever. Doused into a dynamic vocal performance to turn up loud, we find a contemplative single to reflect on while the pain stings slightly longer than first expected.

Autopilot from Canadian-Pakistani RnB artist Sameer Amir is a truly striking song to swim deeply into when that period of self-reflection kicks in. Packed with a splendidly illuminating passion and desire, this is a striking single for anyone who has dealt with the cruel twist of love.

Finding inner peace to love again, is the only way to live after dealing with heartbreak.

Hear this top new single on Spotify. See more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

There’s absolutely “No Reason” to Skip VSN

Posted on 27 December 2022

With a beat that sounds like it comes fresh off an old MPC, VSN’s new track “No Reason” bangs – like it would yesterday just as much as it does today (and probably tomorrow for that matter). With liquid-sounding vocal samples it has a dreamscape quality – then we get to hear the vocals – a bouncy stream-of-consciousness type melodic rap beautifully nested in the mix. I love how restrained the drums are in this track, it’s like when the bass hits there’s a treat for us and they don’t ditch the synths either. “No Reason” is for sure minimalist but at the same time very elegant in its execution.

I was looking through VSN’s (pronounced “vision” because God-help us if we use vowels these days) bio, and it seems he’s a native of Ghana who immigrated to Canada – from the wording, he has primarily been a producer for the majority of his career (which explains the first-rate MPC vibe in his track). His featured artists list reads like a “who’s-who” of current stars and Grammy-nominated veterans of the hip-hop/RnB world.

On VSN’s Facebook we get to see many sides of the artist. From stylish shots of him in fashion-wear with perfectly colour/theme coordinated backgrounds to candid “on the street” looks – he seems like an imposing figure, which is something somewhat mandatory for a life on stage and in charge of musicians. I would be curious to see what he’s like as an individual – hopefully an interview is forthcoming in the future.