Backstage Pass

This week, CLELA ERRINGTON - ‘Walkin’ Each Other Home’ Comprised mainly of newly arranged blues and country material and two originals, this album stands out for its authentic, resonate connection, that singer- guitarist, Errington makes with the material. She embodies the essence of blues-soul singing with song choices, some of which date back to the earliest of recorded music. In a voice, filled commanding authority, Clela plumbs the depths and intricacies of blues songs written long before her own time, making them sound as vital and prescient as if they were composed this year. More importantly, she has chosen to present tunes that are synchronized with the mood and sorrow of our times in a poignant, clear vocal that makes you proud to be human, moreover proud to be a courageous, self-defined woman. Produced by Jimmy Bowskill of Blue Rodeo and Brooks and Bowskill, with a collection of meritorious studio musicians, Clela and band recorded straight to tape as it were, the mood and feeling she drew out of the songs. It more than amply demonstrates the power that music holds in our life and the emotional revelations that they bring. Thematically, the songs are about standing up, standing tall and standing firm in your faith and love and out stretching a helping hand to bring us all back home safe and out of harm’s way. Born in Montreal and raised on the St Lawrence River in Brockville, ON, in the 1000 Islands region, Errington followed the river to Prince Edward Island on Canada’s East coast. There, she was first introduced to blues, folk, country and Celtic music. She lived in PEI and performed throughout the Maritimes in a duo with Island vocalist Dawne Fraser. Eventually returning to Ontario and settling in Toronto, Errington is now part of the city’s rich music scene – as a featured performer and a backup vocalist, often collaborating with other artists, both onstage and in the studio. Most recently, Errington’s composition “White Dove” was arranged for choir by Toronto musicologist Mike Daley, and was performed in March 2025 by the University of Toronto Hart House Chorus under the direction of Daniel Norman. https://clelaerrington.com/ LISTEN TO THE MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2uIq5kxXDHDEk6D7OzZa6C?si=BCR-hEwAR1KEcqPHq7yJyw This podcast is hosted by Canoe FM. https://backstage-pass.zencast.website/

This week, LAYNE NEGRIN - Gurdjieff in Tibet In an extensively researched and detailed study into the background training and inspiration for the teachings of George Ivanovich Gurdjieff, Layne Negrin takes the reader on a profound journey of one man’s path to self-discovery, against seemingly impossible odds, to become one of the most influential thinkers and teachers of the twentieth century. Layne Negrin is a writer, publisher and musician. Layne began his spiritual path in 1988, practicing the Gurdjieff tradition exclusively for 19 years, then Mahayana Buddhism (primarily the Soto Zen of Shunryu Suzuki but also the Shambhalian Buddhism of Trungpa Rinpoche) exclusively for the next 13 years, and since 2020, after having realized that the two ideologies are the same in essence, practices both. Gurdjieff in Tibet is divided into three parts: Part One, looks at the evidence of Gurdjieff's presence in Tibet; Part Two, researches the direct students of Gurdjieff who explored Tibetan or other Buddhist sects to one degree or another; and Part Three is a collection of comparative studies showing the influence of Tibetan Buddhism upon Gurdjieff's teaching. Interspersed with the author's writing on the individuals discussed in Parts One and Two are relevant texts by them, many of which were previously unavailable in English. George Ivanovich Gurdjieff was a philosopher, mystic, spiritual teacher, composer, and movements teacher. He taught students throughout Europe and America from 1913 to 1949. His approach to inner development influenced many scholars and artists during his lifetime and continues to impact many seeking solutions to the conundrum of human existence today. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561963072520 https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/gurdjieff-in-tibet/9780974107905.html LISTEN TO THE MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2uIq5kxXDHDEk6D7OzZa6C?si=BCR-hEwAR1KEcqPHq7yJyw This podcast is hosted by Canoe FM. https://backstage-pass.zencast.website/

This week, DUKE & GOLDIE. Romance and Ramblin’ “Romance and ramblin’ There’s two hearts, one’s free the other bleeds Tumbling dice, paying the price, the winner who walks with it all Teardrops of diamonds will fall” Romanticized Cowboy Rarely do artists give us the type of lyrics that take the listener on deep inner journey that provoke wonder and pondering at the same time. In an easy going, refreshing conversation, Jena “Goldie” Gogo and Eric “The Duke” Duquette talk about their newest EP, Romance and Ramblin’- their second EP of powerful evocative songs. As they embark on a eastern tour, please welcome DUKE & GOLDIE to Backstage Pass. Duke & Goldie blend the soul of warm folk storytelling with an upbeat, mystical country twang to create a sound uniquely all their own. The Vancouver-based musical partnership of Eric “The Duke” Duquette and Jena “Goldie” Gogo (longtime members of roots rock band Blue Sky Miners) has forged a style that feels both timeless and refreshingly new. Described as a revival of the sun-kissed Laurel Canyon vibes of the ‘60s and ‘70s, their music invites listeners to journey through heartland stories and wide-open landscapes. The collection showcases Duke & Goldie’s range within Americana and country, from the free-spirited singalong “West End Queen (Abattoir)” to the gritty anthem “Outsider,” which celebrates individuality in defiance of conformity. On the dreamlike “Romanticized Cowboy,” Goldie’s ethereal vocals explore love, longing, and myth, while “Small Town Talk” delivers fire and humour in a sharp critique of small-town gossip. Closing with “The Low Desert,” a sweeping and poetic reverie, the EP demonstrates their ability to balance nostalgia, grit, and cosmic wonder—all while staying rooted in heartfelt storytelling. On stage, Duke & Goldie weave cascading harmonies over acoustic guitar-laden arrangements, bringing stories to life that travel from the towering Rocky Mountains to the quiet mystery of remote deserts. They explore the complexity of their roles as modern-day settlers, grappling with identity, place, and purpose in the beautiful land they call home. Yet it is their magnetic on-stage chemistry—playful, intimate, and deeply connected—that truly hooks audiences, making every performance feel like an invitation into their world. https://www.dukeandgoldie.com/ LISTEN TO THE MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2uIq5kxXDHDEk6D7OzZa6C?si=BCR-hEwAR1KEcqPHq7yJyw This podcast is hosted by Canoe FM. https://backstage-pass.zencast.website/

This week, JORY NASH – THE LIGHT STILL SHINES ON THE MAIN. October 24, 2025 - After stepping away from music in 2019, acclaimed folk singer-songwriter Jory Nash returns with his 10th album, The Light Still Shines On The Main, co-produced with longtime friend Chris Stringer (The Wooden Sky, Elliott Brood, Timber Timbre, Megan Bonnell, Holly McNarland). The road to this record has been anything but easy. In 2019, Nash experienced a breakdown that led him to quit music, facing depression and financial struggles. The pandemic compounded these struggles, and in early 2021, his partner, Brittany, was diagnosed with multiple cancers, beginning an intensive journey through chemotherapy and surgeries. That summer, a fire damaged their Toronto rental, prompting a move to Cobourg, ON, where Brittany could focus on recovery and their young son could start kindergarten. “This album is about coming through the darkness,” says Nash. “It’s about hope, resilience, loss, and finding beauty in new beginnings.” https://jorynash.com LISTEN TO THE MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2uIq5kxXDHDEk6D7OzZa6C?si=BCR-hEwAR1KEcqPHq7yJyw This podcast is hosted by Canoe FM. https://backstage-pass.zencast.website/

This week, THE EAST POINTERS. - Jake Charron joins Backstage Pass to discuss ‘Schoonertown’ JUNO Award-winning Canadian contemporary folk group The East Pointers are excited to announce their anticipated fourth full-length album, ‘Schoonertown’, which will be released on January 23, 2026, via Nettwerk. To celebrate the news, The East Pointers' have released a series of new singles which showcases the power and strength of what’s to come on the upcoming new record. Schoonertown, Tim Chaisson and Jake Charron share, “is rooted in our early years as a band, and depicts what it’s like growing up in a small East Coast seaside town. Through the eyes of a young fisherman, each song traces the highs and lows of life on and off the water—the struggles and triumphs, love, growth, and self-realization that come with finding your place in the world. It's also the first album we've written, produced, and recorded entirely on our own, and we're so excited for you to hear it!” The East Pointers have always been furiously energetic, musically complex, and technically brilliant. Their fusion of folk, pop, electronic, and dance sensibilities has generated strong fan bases worldwide. Representing the seventh generation of traditional Prince Edward Island and Ontario-based Celtic players, The East Pointers pay homage and advance the art form by parlaying folk music into the pop arena. https://theeastpointers.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgmweY4XKtvfpFLPukMP8Mw LISTEN TO THE MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2uIq5kxXDHDEk6D7OzZa6C?si=BCR-hEwAR1KEcqPHq7yJyw This podcast is hosted by Canoe FM. https://backstage-pass.zencast.website/

This week, JASON SCHNEIDER- the Strange Saga of rock’s most enduring song, ‘Hey Joe’. Music journalist, editor, publicist and musician, Jason Schneider has written extensively about Canadian Music legends such as Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, in his book ‘Whispering Pines’ (2009); Art Bergmann, in ‘The Longest Suicide: The Authorized Biography of Art Bergmann’ (2022). In his most recent book, ‘That Gun In Your Hand: the Strange Saga of ‘Hey Joe’ and Popular Music’s History of Violence’ (2025), Jason Schneider explores, in minute detail, the creation of one of the most enduring and re-recorded songs in rock history, “Hey Joe”. “This is the story of a song, a song that binds nearly every strand of 20th century American popular music. “Hey Joe” was written at the dawn of the 1960s by a man named Billy Roberts, an obscure singer and guitarist from South Carolina who moved to New York City, drawn by the burgeoning folk music scene in Greenwich Village. It was a time when new, original material was scarce, leading other singers to quickly adapt songs of quality in the spirit of folk music’s oral traditions. Thus began the long journey of “Hey Joe” from New York coffeehouses to the bars on L.A.’s Sunset Strip to the ears of a young guitarist named Jimi Hendrix who launched his career with his radical, electrified interpretation.” In exacting detail, with newly uncovered stories, Jason Schneider maps the intricate elements of a song that has provoked dramatic response from the multitude of musicians who have recorded the song, to audiences who still find the track irresistible. In its unusual construction, and mythical history, “Hey Joe”, remains a powerful reminder of what makes rock music such an exciting, complex and influential art form. Its history is, in many ways, a history of the foundations of modern pop and rock music. https://jasonschneidermedia.com/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560292990370 LISTEN TO THE MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2uIq5kxXDHDEk6D7OzZa6C?si=BCR-hEwAR1KEcqPHq7yJyw This podcast is hosted by Canoe FM. https://backstage-pass.zencast.website/

This week, GRANT LYLE - And Now Released September 12th, 2025 Toronto-based Grant Lyle is a powerhouse frontman known for his electrifying presence and dynamic guitar playing. Grant blends raw, punchy chops with smooth, fluid phrasing, crafting a sound that captivates audiences from start to finish. Lyle's guitar solos are sharp and emotive, effortlessly blending technical skill with soulful improvisation. His commanding stage presence keeps the audience on their toes, while the rhythm section locks in tight, creating a groove that's impossible to resist. Grant Lyle's performances transcend the setting - whether he's playing a small, intimate venue or a festival stage, his music connects with the audience no matter the distance. His ability to command attention with just an acoustic guitar and his voice is a testament to his skill as a musician and storyteller. With every note, Grant captures the essence of the blues, making even the most familiar classics feel fresh and raw. On September 12th, 2025 Lyle is set to release his eighth recording, aptly titled And Now. The new songs highlight Lyle's many talents both as a guitarist and a singer-songwriter, showcasing deep respect for the traditions of blues and roots music while putting his own spin on it. With eight original songs and one masterful cover of The Spencer Davis Group's "Gimme Some Lovin'" With And Now, Grant Lyle has created an experience that speaks directly to the soul. https://grantlyle.com/home LISTEN TO THE MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2uIq5kxXDHDEk6D7OzZa6C?si=BCR-hEwAR1KEcqPHq7yJyw This podcast is hosted by Canoe FM. https://backstage-pass.zencast.website/

This week, GORDIE TENTREES International touring award winning Canadian (Yukon) artist has arrived. This authentic road poet travels North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, UK/Ireland and Scandinavia with 9 records under his belt. From Celtic Connections (UK) to the National Folk Festival (AU) his ability to hold an audience, weave melody, while juggling the dark with the light is infectious. Gordie Tentrees & Jaxon Haldane 2023 International Acoustic Music Award (IAMA) winner Gordie Tentrees (Yukon) met Jaxon Haldane (Manitoba) in 2005 (Fred Eaglesmith Picnic, Ontario) and swapped records before hitting the road with disparate musical aspirations. Gordie performed over 3000 concerts around the world, often touring as Eaglesmith’s opening act, learning about the music business, and leveraging his previous experience in the boxing ring (3x Golden Glove champ). Tentrees also toured with James Cotten, Mary Gauthier, Kelly Joe Phelps, Steve Poltz, and Ray Wylie Hubbard, to name a few. Jaxon was meanwhile tearing up stages from Churchill to Belfast (D.Rangers bandleader/banjo player), producing records for his indie label (Dollartone), and touring with the likes of Petunia, The Sadies, Jon Spencer, and Romi Mayes. His close relationship with lifelong musical hero and mentor Willie P. Bennett led to Haldane recording Willie’s last record, Sharpen The Plow, just prior to Bennett’s passing in 2008. Haldane founded the Willie P. Bennett Legacy site to pay tribute to his deceased friend. Interestingly, Bennett and Eaglesmith spent 25 years performing and touring, setting an example of camaraderie and excellence that still guides the way for Tentrees and Haldane. Fast forward to 2014 in Beaumont, Texas. Gordie and Jaxon made their stage debut and quickly realized their friendship off the stage made for something special on it. Armed with an arsenal of instruments (Fiddle-Saw, Harmonica, Resonator, Cigar Box Guitars, Foot Percussion, Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, and Mandolin), they have performed over 1100 concerts in 11 countries, creating an unscripted, dynamic electric/acoustic show built on brotherly harmonies and masterful storytelling. In 2018, they released GRIT, their debut live album recorded over 5 nights in Western Canada by Scott Franchuk (Corb Lund, Old Reliable, Mariel Buckley, Del Barber), propelling appearances at major festivals such as Celtic Connections in Glasgow, UK, the National Folk Festival in Canberra, Australia, and the Woody Guthrie Festival in Okemah, USA. They recently recorded a studio record in Nashville TN titled Double Takes with acclaimed Australian Nash Chambers (Paul Kelly, Archie Roach) with special guests Charlie McCoy (Elvis Presley), Tania Elizabeth (Avett Brothers) and Lucky Oceans (Asleep at the Wheel). The music of Tentrees and Haldane draws from a century of North American music traditions and is rooted in truth, social justice, and the human condition. Their performances are heartfelt and honest, seldom shying away from challenging topics and tough subject matter. https://www.tentrees.ca/ LISTEN TO THE MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2uIq5kxXDHDEk6D7OzZa6C?si=BCR-hEwAR1KEcqPHq7yJyw This podcast is hosted by Canoe FM. https://backstage-pass.zencast.website/

This week, DAVID FRANCEY - MAPS (A Collection of Fan Favourites, Personal Picks, and a Brand-New Track) "I have been writing songs for over 50 years. Each song is a map that helped me navigate through the ups and downs life put in my way. I'd have been lost without them." - David Francey One of Canada’s most beloved folk voices, David Francey, is set to release MAPS, a new album that looks back on a songwriting journey spanning more than five decades. This poignant and powerful collection draws from both fan favourites and the songs most meaningful to Francey himself, and includes one brand-new track, "Corpus Christi." David Francey, born in Ayrshire, Scotland, is a Canadian folk singer-songwriter. He is the recipient of four Juno Awards and three Canadian Folk Music Awards. He has no formal training in music. Francey worked as a rail yard worker and a carpenter for 20 years. At age 45, he began a career in folk music, finding success on the folk festival circuit Francey's experiences in working-class life strongly influenced his 1999 debut album, ‘Torn Screen Door’. Maps is David Francey’s fourteenth album. It is a breath-taking compilation of a master songwriter’s work to date, deeply moving and inspiring. For any artist for knows what it means to follow the muse, this is a conversation about the grace and humility that one needs to pursue a life in art and music. https://www.davidfrancey.com/ LISTEN TO THE MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2uIq5kxXDHDEk6D7OzZa6C?si=BCR-hEwAR1KEcqPHq7yJyw This podcast is hosted by Canoe FM. https://backstage-pass.zencast.website/

This week, BREE TAYLOR – ‘Wake Up!’ Bree Taylor has quietly but steadily built a reputation as one of country music’s most compelling new voices—an artist whose work cuts through the genre’s conventions with a blend of grit, honesty, and rock-infused energy. This summer, Bree made her landmark Nashville debut at the CMA Fest Spotlight Stage earlier this month, marking a major career moment and expanding her growing audience south of the border. Her latest single, “Wake Up!,” out now, further solidifies her place as a force to be reckoned with, and with over 2 million streams across digital platforms, the momentum behind her career is gathering real steam. “Wake Up!” is a high-octane punk-rock country blends country storytelling with lyrics, including the evocative line “Saw you kiss her on a Tuesday / But you call me on the daily,” confront the rawness of unreciprocated love with a frankness that feels both personal and universal. Bree’s commanding vocal delivery cuts through the song’s driving instrumentation, making it clear this is your new breakup anthem and a call to recognize what’s right in front of you before it slips away. Co-written with Alex Seier and Kelly McKay, the song emerged quickly, capturing a real-time emotional urgency. Bree has said she wanted to craft a song with an edge reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me,” but infused with her own unmistakable bite. The result is a vibrant, energetic anthem perfectly timed for the summer season and for Bree’s ongoing rise. The single builds on the foundation laid by her breakthrough track, “Standing Still,” which garnered significant recognition including a spot in CBC Searchlight’s Elite Top 50 and finalist placements in the Unsigned Only and International Songwriting competitions. Her raw vocal power and candid songwriting also earned her the Established Vocalist MARTY Award from the Mississauga Arts Council—a nod to both her artistry and her growing influence. Bree’s music reflects a lineage that spans from the storytelling traditions of Carrie Underwood to the rebellious spirit of Joan Jett. Her sound embodies a genre-defying spirit, pairing country’s emotional directness with the raw power of rock ’n’ roll. Her journey, marked by overcoming a hearing impairment, informs the authenticity and resilience that resonate throughout her work. Her debut full-length album is set for release on October 10, 2025. https://www.breetaylor.com/ LISTEN TO THE MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2uIq5kxXDHDEk6D7OzZa6C?si=BCR-hEwAR1KEcqPHq7yJyw This podcast is hosted by Canoe FM. https://backstage-pass.zencast.website/

This week, STEVE MARRINER – Hear My Heart With over twenty years of relentless touring and recording, Steve Marriner now enjoys his hard-earned reputation as one of the most hard-working and talented musicians in Canada and beyond. In addition to being one of the world’s foremost blues harmonica players, ‘The Swiss Army Knife’ is also known to be a wildly skilled multi-instrumentalist, soulful singer and creative record producer. Since 2008, Marriner has been a celebrated co-founder, baritone guitarist and lead singer of the acclaimed blues outfit MonkeyJunk, with whom he has won two Juno Awards (2012, 2018) for Blues Album of the Year. Another career milestone was achieved with MonkeyJunk in 2010 when they became the first-ever Canadian band to be recognized with a win at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis, Tennessee. For the past decade, Marriner has been touring and recording with the legendary Canadian blues-rock staple, Colin James, lending his skills on both harmonica and bass guitar. While touring with James, Steve realized several long-time dreams by performing in such hallowed halls as The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, The Moody Theatre in Austin, and Massey Hall in Toronto. As a songwriter, Marriner has earned critical praise for the depth and vulnerability of his works. “Everybody has a story to tell, and I try to write songs that let people know they aren’t alone in this world. That somebody has been through the same trials they face, and come out the other side.” As a dynamic performer, Marriner has shared the stage with many legends across the blues, rock, and folk genres. In the world of blues, he’s accompanied bonafide legends like Buddy Guy, Pinetop Perkins, Sam Myers Jimmie Vaughan, Kim Wilson as well as contemporary masters such as Jimmie Vaughan, Kim Wilson, Sue Foley and Mike Zito. His rock collaborations include Colin James, Big Sugar, Sass Jordan, JJ Grey & Mofro and Randy Bachman while his folk connections have put him on stage with Harry Manx, Foy Vance, Sue Foley, Blue Rodeo and Xavier Rudd. Today, Marriner continues to explore his ever-expanding musical boundaries, blending a wide range of influences to forge his own, unique musical identity. He is currently set to release his latest album, Hear My Heart, in 2025 via Cordova Bay Records. https://www.stevemarriner.com/ https://www.facebook.com/stevemarrinermusic/ LISTEN TO THE MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2uIq5kxXDHDEk6D7OzZa6C?si=BCR-hEwAR1KEcqPHq7yJyw This podcast is hosted by Canoe FM. https://backstage-pass.zencast.website/

This week, EDDIE SCHWARTZ - Film School. Film School is one of those impressive albums filled with songs that simply stay with you like a call for a forgotten friend of long ago. For decades, Eddie Schwartz has remained one of the most respected figures in the music world—an iconic Canadian songwriter, producer, performer, and rights advocate whose songs have echoed across generations. With his new single “We Win,” Eddie marks a bold and inspiring return to his roots as a solo artist, leading into the release of his new EP Film School, both out now. The project showcases the full spectrum of his brilliance: lyrical poignancy, musical craftsmanship, and the indomitable spirit that has defined his legacy. “I wrote ‘We Win’ as a song of hope,” he says. “I hope people hear it and feel the power of standing up again. Because there’s always a reason to try again, to keep moving forward.” With Film School, Eddie Schwartz continues to do just that—creating music that uplifts, empowers, and endures. A Member of the Order of Canada and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, Eddie Schwartz is the architect behind enduring hits like “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” popularized by Pat Benatar, and “All Our Tomorrows,” later covered by Joe Cocker. His catalog spans more than 200 recorded songs and over 65 million physical sales worldwide—long before streaming platforms entered the conversation. With Film School, Eddie adds a powerful new chapter to his discography and creative journey. The lead single “We Win” pulses with optimism and resolve, themes that mirror the artist’s own return to songwriting after a prolonged pause. “We’ll break down the walls, we’ll tear up the rules / Come out swinging, fighting, not afraid to lose,” Eddie sings in the chorus—his words now layered with personal and cultural meaning. “We get up off our knees / We stand up and believe / No matter how the story ends, we win.” Delivered with trademark sincerity, “We Win” feels as timely as it is timeless. “These songs didn’t come easily,” Eddie writes in his artist notes. “After stepping away from writing, I wasn’t sure I’d ever return. But with encouragement from my wife Joanne and friends in Nashville and beyond, I found my way back.” His creative rebirth is deeply felt throughout Film School, a collection of mostly new songs that channel reflection, purpose, and an undiminished creative spark. Born in Toronto in 1949, Eddie Schwartz holds a degree in music and English literature from York University. He first made his mark in the band Icarus alongside industry titans Bob Ezrin and Ben Mink, before launching a solo career that led to multiple hit singles and an enduring role as one of Canada’s great musical exports. “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” may have been dismissed by a publisher early on, but Benatar’s iconic recording turned it into a cultural lightning rod. Eddie, ever gracious, always let the music speak for itself. His songs have been recorded by an astonishing roster: Paul Carrack, The Doobie Brothers, Carly Simon, America, Donna Summer, Rita Coolidge, Rascal Flatts, and Mountain, among many others. As a producer, his credits include the Doobie Brothers’ Cycles, Carrack’s Groove Approved, and his own albums, all resonating with an unmistakable blend of craftsmanship and soul. https://www.eddieschwartzmusic.com/ LISTEN TO THE MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2uIq5kxXDHDEk6D7OzZa6C?si=BCR-hEwAR1KEcqPHq7yJyw This podcast is hosted by Canoe FM. https://backstage-pass.zencast.website/

This week, THE PLANET SMASHERS - On the Dancefloor After more than three decades of two-tone swagger, punk attitude, and brass-blasted joy, Montreal’s beloved ska lifers The Planet Smashers return with “Meet Me On The Dancefloor,” the first single from their forthcoming tenth studio album, On the Dancefloor lands August 22,2025 on Stomp Records. It’s a summery, anthemic invitation back into the band’s world of groove-driven rebellion, self-deprecating humour, and dancefloor catharsis. Formed in 1994 and still going strong, The Planet Smashers have carved out an impressive and enduring legacy in the global ska-punk movement. With over 30 million streams on Spotify, countless sold-out shows, and a catalogue that soundtracked everything from MTV’s Undergrads to Japan’s cult animation series Catman, the band has remained a fixture through every wave and reinvention of the genre. They've toured extensively across North America, Europe, and Japan, and shared stages with icons while remaining staunchly DIY and true to their fans. Founding frontman Matt Collyer also co-founded Stomp Records, a label that helped launch some of Canada's most celebrated alternative acts. “Meet Me On The Dancefloor” is pure Planet Smashers—hooky, high-energy, and deeply fun. It channels their signature up(off)beat sound with a sharp rhythm section, cheeky lyrics, and that unmistakable horn section that still hits like a confetti cannon. The track also teases the range and spirit of the full-length album: On the Dancefloor features 13 tracks spanning love songs, breakup anthems, protest tunes, and party bangers, all threaded with the band’s infectious optimism and biting wit. And they’ve brought reinforcements: ska legends Neville Staple (The Specials), Charley “Aitch” Bembridge (The Selecter), and Sara Johnston (Bran Van 3000) all contribute to the record, bringing extra depth and pedigree to the chaos. The band’s live show is still a thing of sweaty, horn-laced legend—equal parts punk rock and carnival—and the new material was crafted with that experience in mind. “On the Dancefloor was the funnest of our 10 albums to record,” says Collyer. “I can’t wait to play these songs live! The process was rad from start to finish. All of my bandmates got their hands in there. Plus we had the pleasure of teaming up with ska legends and longtime friends. Fun times!” That spirit of collective joy and resistance runs throughout the record, offering a little light in a world that sorely needs it. Whether you’re a lifelong skanker or just discovering the band through a playlist rabbit hole, The Planet Smashers deliver exactly what the name promises: fun, energy, and total sonic uplift. With new music, new videos, and new tour dates on the horizon, “Meet Me On The Dancefloor” isn’t just a single—it’s a reminder that no matter how weird or bleak things get, there’s always room to move your feet and turn up the volume. https://youtu.be/iaYiFSefQ6A?si=mrZciEm7fKdXrkbg https://planetsmashers.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/ThePlanetSmashers/ LISTEN TO THE MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2uIq5kxXDHDEk6D7OzZa6C?si=BCR-hEwAR1KEcqPHq7yJyw This podcast is hosted by Canoe FM. https://backstage-pass.zencast.website/

This week, ELLEN BRAUN – The Doldrums Indie-folk singer-songwriter Ellen Braun shares her debut solo album, The Doldrums, on August 22,2025 (Independent). Ellen’s musical journey has taken many turns — from growing up in Ottawa to studying Biology at the University of Guelph, earning a Master’s in Environmental Science at the University of Calgary, and eventually settling in Canmore, AB. Produced by Grammy-nominated Howard Bilerman at Montreal’s Hotel2Tango, the 10-track LP is a deeply personal collection written over five years - a time marked by co-parenting, creative delays, and Ellen’s journey back to herself. Inspired by the likes of Brandi Carlile, Sarah Harmer, Indigo Girls, and Kim Richey, Ellen’s songwriting is rich with emotional clarity and poetic honesty. From the slow burn of recent single “You Had My Love” to the powerful title track and the soaring album focus single “Nashville” - a triumphant anthem of artistic reclamation - The Doldrums reflects on love, loss, identity, and the courage to be authentic. With contributions from a trusted circle of collaborators, the album is as much about healing as it is about craft. “I only wanted to work with people I loved and who loved me back,” says Ellen. The result is a stunning, full-band debut that’s both intimate and expansive. https://www.ellenbraunmusic.com/ https://youtu.be/CLIIxE_hP-A?si=fiFbBpTMF55xg7ZR LISTEN TO THE MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2uIq5kxXDHDEk6D7OzZa6C?si=BCR-hEwAR1KEcqPHq7yJyw This podcast is hosted by Canoe FM. https://backstage-pass.zencast.website/

This week, THE HEAVYWEIGHTS BRASS BAND - Knockout Trombonist, RJ Satchithananthan, joins Backstage Pass in an informative conversation. After 15 years of bringing the party wherever they play, The Heavyweights Brass Band are ready to make you dance, strut, and testify with their fifth full-length album, Knockout, dropping June 27, 2025. With a sound steeped in New Orleans brass traditions, Toronto’s reigning brass band champions fuse jazz, funk, and soul into a heady, horn-heavy celebration of everything that makes music joyful and alive. Knockout was recorded over two days at Taurus Studios, with the entire band playing together in one room. That energy — that sweat-on-the-walls, live-off-the-floor magic — is the soul of the album. With 11 songs and contributions from a new generation of jazz trailblazers like Kae Murphy (trumpet) and Nolan Murphy (tuba), the album is both a celebration and a passing of the torch. “The Toronto brass scene has grown so much,” the band says. “Including younger musicians who are pushing boundaries was vital for this project.” In their own words, “The Heavyweights Brass Band is a flag planted in the middle of the dancefloor. We hit hard with groove, energy, and originality. We’ve always believed in putting our personalities in the music, from gritty funk to bold soul to pure brass band joy. This record shows where we’ve been — and where we’re going.” Formed in 2010, HWBB has carved out a unique place in Canadian music. From sweaty club gigs to festival stages, they've opened for The Roots, jammed with Trombone Shorty, and recorded with everyone from Giovanni Hidalgo to Joe Lastie of Preservation Hall. https://heavyweightsbrassband.com/ https://youtu.be/2fXQmfpoCV8?si=DNoBJywkz9HRHQNY LISTEN TO THE MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2uIq5kxXDHDEk6D7OzZa6C?si=BCR-hEwAR1KEcqPHq7yJyw This podcast is hosted by Canoe FM. https://backstage-pass.zencast.website/

This week, KATE MAKI – Returns with Impossible Knot Recorded on tape at Little Bullhorn in Ottawa and co-produced by Maki and Dave Draves, the acclaimed Sudbury songwriter has created a powerful, emotional chapter in her musical saga. In an open and long ranging conversation, Kate shares the inspirations and process that produced this extraordinary set of songs and their deep felt meaning. Impossible Knot is an album that sneaks up on you and then stays in rivetted in your thoughts for a good long while. Take the time to listen for yourself. https://katemaki.bandcamp.com/album/impossible-knot Born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, Kate Maki’s voice and musical style are as wide and expansive as her hometown’s moon-like terrain. She began writing songs during her first-year of teaching as a way to deal with the sudden death of a friend, and recorded her first record, Confusion Unlimited, in 2003 with Dave Draves. Originally intended to be a Christmas gift for her family, the record received international attention and quickly sold out of its initial pressing. Finding it impossible to maintain the teacher-by-day, musician-by-night lifestyle, Maki quit her day job and began crisscrossing the country on self-booked, self- promoted tours. Fast forward to today, six records, two kids, and countless tours and collaborations later, Maki returns with Impossible Knot. “I suppose I have come full circle, teaching high school and writing songs to help deal with life-changing circumstances. After a long period of grief, it was a relief to be reunited with the songwriting process, and of course, reunited with Draves and his trusty tape machine.” During the summer and fall of 2024, Maki travelled back and forth from Sudbury to Ottawa to work with Draves in his backyard, analogue studio where she recorded her first three records in the early 2000s. Little Bullhorn’s familiar, creative environment combined with her longtime friendship with Draves and his family, provided Maki with the comfortable space needed to share her first new material since 2016’s Head In The Sand. With Maki on guitars and Draves on keys, they formed a core band with Peter Von Althen on drums, Jon Hynes on bass, Dale Murray on pedal steel, guitars, and background vocals, Dan Levecque on guitars, and Anne Boulton on background vocals. Celebrated songwriters, Jim Bryson, Ruth Minnikin (The Guthries), and Ryan Levecque (Ox), also make guest appearances. The result is a warm, eclectic collection of “beautiful hurt” as described by Draves, and Maki sounds confident and hopeful despite the heavy subject matter. https://www.killbeatmusic.com/media-releases/2025/3/5/kate-maki-returns-with-first-new-music-in-nine-years-announces-upcoming-album?rq=Kate%20Maki "All I Get" by Kate Maki https://youtu.be/8pNcaW8ZsAQ?si=ScjQBLU48ICfeH7R LISTEN TO THE MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2uIq5kxXDHDEk6D7OzZa6C?si=BCR-hEwAR1KEcqPHq7yJyw This podcast is hosted by Canoe FM. https://backstage-pass.zencast.website/

This week, RUSHFEST CANADA – IN CONVERSATION with Steve Brown and Paul Beaulieu Taking place Friday, August 1 at Massey Hall and Saturday, August 2 at TD Music Hall, this two-day event marks 10 years to the day since Rush played their final concert in Los Angeles on August 1, 2015—and brings together fans, friends, collaborators, and tribute artists. Curated by RUSHfest Scotland founder Steve Brown and Canadian superfan and music journalist Paul Beaulieu, RUSHfest Canada is more than a fan convention—it’s a legacy event with heart, history, and an extraordinary mission: all profits will be donated to Brain Cancer Research at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto in honour of Neil Peart. Steve Brown is a lifelong musician from Scotland who launched RUSHfest Scotland in 2014, inspired by his late songwriting partner Angie Townsend, who passed away from cancer in 2016. To date, the events and albums have raised over $265,000 CAD for cancer charities. His tribute band, Moving Pictures, will perform. https://www.movingpicturesuk.com/ Paul Beaulieu is the founder of The Canadian Music Scene and a longtime Rush historian. He has interviewed band members, road crew, and chronicled Rush’s rise through Canadian and international media. https://thecanadianmusicscene.com/ Limited tickets remain and can be purchased here: Friday, August 1 at Massey Hall – masseyhall.mhrth.com/tickets/rushfest Saturday, August 2 at TD Music Hall – tdmusichall.mhrth.com/tickets/rushfest VIP packages are available via www.RUSHfestCanada.ca. To learn more visit - RUSHfestCanada.ca Facebook.com/groups/RUSHfestCanada LISTEN TO THE MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2uIq5kxXDHDEk6D7OzZa6C?si=BCR-hEwAR1KEcqPHq7yJyw This podcast is hosted by Canoe FM. https://backstage-pass.zencast.website/

This week, LENNIE GALLANT - Shelter From the Storms Episode 65. Sit down to a relaxed conversation with legendary songwriter and performer Lennie Gallant, speaking about his newest album and some of his adventures such as a working with Jimmy Buffet and others, and particularly his inspirations for this powerful new set of songs. “In the song, ‘Shelter From the Storms’, I kind of took the voice of one of a particular character and his partner and, you know, she's a bit drawn by conspiracy theories, and they're off on a journey. They feel, like many people, very disenfranchised, very outside of what is happening in the world that seems to have passed them by and they're looking for some answers to their questions and so they're taking off to a journey made perhaps to some mountain what they see they expect to find some answers there that they heard about perhaps online and so it's a bit vague fill in the dots you know in a way but at the same time as you say it is kind of specific to some things that are happening in the world right now. And I think the way so many people are, you know, just searching and trying to reach out for something to latch on to and believe in, whether it's real or imagined.” Lennie Gallant, from Rustico, PEI, an acclaimed East Coast singer-songwriter with 16 albums and numerous awards, returns this June with Shelter From the Storms, his first English album in seven years. The album reflects on the turbulent times we live in, while celebrating the human ability to navigate through hardship with community, love, and laughter. "One of my favourite Canadian songwriters" Jimmy Buffett East Coast musical icon and masterful storyteller Lennie Gallant releases his first English-language album in seven years. Shelter From the Storms released was June 6th. The accompanying lyric video of his acclaimed first single, “Counting on Angels” is available on YouTube. https://youtu.be/UHDgJZ30fn8?si=yzPyQDlP-dcOyxkc https://lenniegallant.com LISTEN TO THE MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2uIq5kxXDHDEk6D7OzZa6C?si=BCR-hEwAR1KEcqPHq7yJyw This podcast is hosted by Canoe FM. https://backstage-pass.zencast.website/

This week, MATTHEW HOLTBY Matthew Holtby, Canadian singer-songwriter, is a delightful conversationalist. Affable, immediately likeable, with a trademark smile and an easy-going, relaxed charm, Matthew shares some of the inspiration and approach he takes to writing and producing his growing collection of heartfelt and quietly hopeful songs. On Episode 64 of Backstage Pass, Matthew discusses the geneses of ‘This Old Heart’, ‘A Certain Place in Time’, and his newest single, ‘This is Bliss’. “Matthew Holtby has been slowly adding to his collection of singles, one song at a time for the past two years. Working with Peterborough Producer, Michael Phillips, the pair have been digging out the sounds Holtby creates on his acoustic guitar with the help of his bandmates, best friends and even his father. Last year saw the release of two independent singles which caught the ear of the CBC, and also helped to land him a few festival spots. He also had the pleasure of opening for legendary blues rocker David Wilcox to a sold-out crowd in his hometown of Oshawa. He's just released a brand-new EP, and is looking forward to a very busy and exciting year ahead. https://www.matthewholtbymusic.com/ https://www.facebook.com/officialmatthewholtbymusic This podcast is hosted by CANOE FM https://backstage-pass.zencast.website/

This week, SUZIE UNGERLEIDER, SHARES SOME INSIGHTS INTO AMONG THE EVERGREENS. "I love origin stories,” says Vancouver musician Suzie Ungerleider. “I love finding out where people are and how they got there, so I'm constantly thinking about that. Everybody's carrying around their own narrative.” Among the Evergreens is the latest chapter in the revered Americana singer-songwriter's own story. The thrice JUNO nominated artist continues her tradition of storytelling on her eleventh release, due out on June 6, 2025, via MVKA. “At the beginning of my musical journey, I was afraid to show myself, so I took on a persona, and I wrote songs in a fictionalised way," Suzie reflects of her lifelong journey towards becoming more comfortable with the vulnerability of revealing herself. “It is this idea of trying to merge the musical person and the human being that I am, and get closer to what is important to me. And it's interesting, because the more specific I get, the more universal it is.” Indeed, Suzie’s beautifully evocative and atmospheric songs may draw the listener into her world but they are universally relatable, traversing the typical chapters of a person’s life. These are tales about teenagehood, the loss of innocence, the breakdown of relationships, young love, marriage, motherhood, survival and second chances, fights and forgiveness. And they are utterly captivating. Among The Evergreens is divided into two parts: “Then” and “Now” – songs inspired by the past and by the present. Suzie reflects on what it means to be in the middle of life, seeking answers to who she was and who she is now. “It’s about being like a tree with all those rings around you, the layers of your life telling you who you were and where you've been,” she says. Imagery of the outdoors, of green valleys and trees shedding their leaves, infuses this new collection. It was written in America-born, Canada-raised Suzie’s hometown of Vancouver, a city among the evergreens – the cherished place to which she returned after being lured by the thrill and promise of Toronto. Her long-time collaborator Jim Bryson produced the record, augmenting the atmospheric intimacy of Suzie's evocative songs. Suzie credits him with pushing her out of her sonic box when he stepped in to produce her 2014 album Namedropper. He was also the one who encouraged her to tell her own stories instead of hiding behind a character. What makes this album so compelling, and ultimately one to long treasure, is the delicate poetic lyrics that Suzie spills into these alluring melodies. Sung and played with an intuitive simplicity that lays the foundation for the sorcery, the alchemy, that producer Bryson wands through each. Moreover, Suzie creates the space and depth for these fine musicians to explore and propel these memories and the heart-rending questions that Ungerleider poses to herself and the listener. https://suzieungerleider.com This podcast is hosted by CANOE FM : https://backstage-pass.zencast.website/