J.R. Wilbur J.R. Wilbur was born in Lowell Massachusetts, the home of Jack Kerouac and Bette Davis, in 1949. His childhood and early life were challenging due to a disabling work-related injury, sustained by his dad at the factory where he was employed, when J.R. was seven years of age. This resulted in a severe shortage of financial assets, which were needed by the family. J.R.’s family lived on insurance checks for the next seven years until his parents divorced when he was fourteen. It was around this time that J.R. first saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show. Like many his age, he said to himself “I want to do that”! He and his best friend bought guitars and started a band shortly afterwards. The band played high-school dances and battles-of-bands etc., but never achieved any real prominence. After a stint in the army, J.R. again tried to form bands but found that the music scene, at that time, had changed considerably since his entrance into the army. He had also become a married man by this time. He had begun writing songs in his early twenties, but did not have the funds necessary to record them as it was necessary to go to a professional recording studio at the time. He was thirty-one before he was ever able to pay for professional demos at a professional recording studio. He entered song contests, and mailed out demos to record companies, as many or most did at that time, but has had no recognition to date. He eventually recorded two CDs which did not sell due to lack of promotion, which was never J.R.’s area of expertise. J.R. settled into a job as a recreational therapist at a local hospital, playing his guitar for patients of all ages and backgrounds. He also enlisted his best friend, from the first early band, to work in a volunteer status, and they continued to give free shows to the patients for the next fifteen years. This was perhaps the most rewarding work of his musical career. J.R. retired from the hospital in 2010. After surviving cancer in 2003, and again in 2016, he decided to record a vinyl album, titled Mood Swings, this time enlisting the vocal talents of four female lead singers named Sharon DiFronzo, Mara Bettencourt, Robin Hardy-Groce, and Karen Ranieri. The songs vary widely genre-wise and are reminiscent of female singers of the 60s, 70s and 80’s. The genres include Country Novelty, Country and Jazzy ballads, Rock, Pop, R&B, and Blues. The album is currently only available in vinyl format but a CD and or digital downloads will be considered if there is enough interest generated to justify this. You can hear the songs at https://www.reverbnation.com/jrwilbur J.R. Wilbur
Jamie Mc Donald With music in his blood, Jamie began playing at an early age entertaining people on the streets of his hometown Carlow, in Ireland. With a hunger to learn, grow and follow in the footsteps of the great musical tradition, he paid his dues across Ireland, on streets, in bars, pubs, clubs and theatres. Playing daily on the streets, he learned to engage an audience and grab their attention while also making enough money to move on to the next town. With all day busking followed by night-time gigs, his stamina, experience, and repertoire grew exponentially, making him a true old school troubadour. Exploring songwriting, he found his true voice and over the course of 11 solo and band albums he has grown in his expression and feel. His songs make people dance and sing while also having the ability to turn a phrase that will linger in the mind long after the concert has ended. With his 8th and boldest studio album Magistrala, Jamie is stepping up to bring the music to an even bigger audience. Using Bulgaria’s legendary National Radio Studio (BNR), Jamie has surrounded himself with the finest musicians, including industry veteran Jeff Groves (Fastball, The Small Stars) and session drummer Borcheto Boyadzhiev. Drawing on influences ranging from Van Morrison, the Smiths, Paul Simon, U2, Maya Angelou, Tom Waits, Van Gogh, Pollock and many many more, Magistrala is not only a meditation on life’s journey, but also a rocking and rolling exploration of popular music through the lens of an Irish rambling musical soul. The new album will be released in March 2024 and is going to be a leap forward in his endless musical journey. Solo or backed by the band, Jamie engages the audience and makes music a celebration of life not to be missed! Finally, the ‘powers that be’ have declared my new album - “Window Shopping” - fit for human consumption. The album is now available to purchase as a digital download from Bandcamp, by hitting the link below. Also available on all major digital platforms. DOWNLOAD TODAY ON BAND CAMP - PHIL HENDRIKS
[Waterloo, Canada] - The Whythouse, a Waterloo based multi-genre collective renowned for their genre-defying sound, is thrilled to announce the release of their latest single, “Coffee.” Penned by award winning artist Chris Hale and masterfully produced by Juno Award winning musician Dave Murray, “Coffee” offers listeners a poignant narrative woven into a tapestry of urban, country, and pop influences. Set against the backdrop of a bustling local diner, “Coffee” narrates the serendipitous encounters of a man and a woman whose paths intertwine each day. As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee permeates the air, the man finds himself irresistibly drawn to the enigmatic allure of the woman seated across the room. However, paralyzed by the fear of rejection, he remains a silent observer, longing for a connection he is too hesitant to pursue. Chris Hale, lead vocalist of The Whythouse, shares insights into the inspiration behind the song: “At its core, ‘Coffee’ is a reflection of the universal human experience of longing and desire. We wanted to capture the essence of those fleeting moments of connection that have the power to leave a lasting impression, even amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.” Producer Dave Murray, celebrated for his innovative approach to music production, comments on the creative process behind “Coffee”: “From the outset, we aimed to craft a track that not only showcases The Whythouse’s exceptional talent but also resonates with listeners on a deeply emotional level. With its infectious hook and emotive lyrics, ‘Coffee’ embodies the essence of our collaborative vision.” “Coffee” marks yet another milestone in The Whythouse’s musical journey, showcasing their trademark crossover appeal and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary music. With its irresistible melody and relatable storyline, “Coffee” is poised to captivate audiences and cement its place as a timeless classic in the annals of modern music. Experience the magic of “Coffee” Official Release April 1st, 2024 on all major streaming platforms https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/the-whythouse/296681352 https://www.thewhythouse.com/ The Whythouse Releases High A Contagious Blend of U
hly Anticipated Single “Coffee” Urban, Pop and Country.
Billy O (Bill Oliver) is a Vancouver singer songwriter with three plus decades of recording in his resume. He first got a taste of making records in 1984 with British producer John Schroeder( Status Quo,Helen Shapiro) recording Daddy’s Got A Bungalow and You Left Me Crying with a popular video at the time showed across Canada on Much Music, He was also half of The Ormidales,a duet with Mark Branscombe that recorded a sizeable catalogue of material over the years.Their material waswell received receiving accolades from all over the world from radio presenters.His love for variousmusical styles stemmed fromhis passion of many genres of music and his love for popular music and radio hits.One of the pleasant surprises for him was to have his song Waiting For Catherine To Call and his upcoming release “From The Hit Parade” played at two Liverpool soccer games with audiences of 53,0000 each game! He also has created 25 videos for his music releases.He is excited to take a new step down a new road with his latest project, joining forces with longtime pal p.d. wohl a Vancouver producer/musician who polished his newest release “From The Hit Parade” a nostalgic romp and look at Billy’s first band at 15 with a nod to bandmates ,pals and heartthrobs along the way “ Biographical writing can be self serving. Not this. It is a tribute to the memory of friends and bandmates. They are fortunate as this is as sweet a retelling that anyone cold hope for.. The vocals are compelling. The Tele twangs. The keyboards are ever present but never intrusive. They lay a foundation for all to soar. It is an elegant mix that this story deserves. I for one am looking forward to a sequel. Friends and bandmates down the road. I’ve always felt tributes such as this bestow a sense of immortality. We each choose who is deserving and the characters here are that and more. ” - Quinn Reviews Billy O billyodistromusic.com Bandcamp. . https://buterecords.bandcamp.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bill.oliver.775/ Contact [email protected] Billy O
Sam is the host of a new podcast called Things I Never Thought I’d Say where she interviews inspiring women within music. They look at where they are now, reflect on the mindset it took to get there and look at upcoming challenges and how they can apply that mindset to overcome them in the future. So far the episodes have been Episode 1 - Anita Abram, musician and CEO of Every Bird Records (sponsor of the podcast) Episode 2 - Isobel Anderson, Musician and owner of Girls twiddling Knobs and Home Recording Academy Episode 3 - Rosie Bans, Musician and CEO of Be radical Make Music Episode 4 - Camilla Ernen, Musician and Artist Still to come Episode 5 - will be with singer songwriter from the 90s who sang and toured with one of the most influential bands of that time who pioneered trip hop. Episode 6 - will be with singer songwriter who has had international success and won Ivor Novello Award and Brit Award for songwriting. Bonus episode - will be with the host of the podcast. https://open.spotify.com/show/4aYQRaAVvP6hKw1ypSxwbT?si=9af91522294a41e8 If you want to join the Facebook podcast group and get exclusive information about the podcast guests and episodes then join here... https://www.facebook.com/groups/951813073060184 Sam also wrote and produced the theme song for the podcast with the same title and this is released on May 3rd. It is a upbeat, catchy pop tune that will have you dancing and singing along and get you in a great mood to listen to inspiring women talking about their experiences, challenges and strategies to excel with their music. https://soundcloud.com/samcrane/things-i-never-thought-id-say/s-rNHqVEHO2sJ?si=1533c818b0af41dabd5336f10bb6b885&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Before the podcast, in 2022 Sam wrote and produced a 10-track album multi-genre album titled Me Being Me Doing What I Love Doing Is Enough about her experience of returning to busking again after a challenging time during the pandemic. There are songs there for most people to relate to. https://open.spotify.com/album/6pGH7WUwsgGP3iXtGS4hVe?si=l6l5_bxdSnWXEY2GhSj59g In 2021 Sam completed an online course to learn to produce her music at home which led to her getting funding to self-produce the album. Over lockdown when all gigs were cancelled, Sam regularly performed free concerts online doing Facebook live gigs. Before lockdown, Sam had spent 20 years entertaining thousands of people around the world including at a ski resort in France, a summer residency in an acoustic bar in Ayia Napa (Cyprus) and on cruise ships around Australia. After a long time performing other people’s songs, Sam is now focusing on being an original artist. She is available to write and produce commissioned songs for individuals and companies. Sam is also an extra/supporting artist on British soap Emmerdale. And Sam loves sewing and making clothes! Links to Sam’s website https://samcrane.com And Sam is also on most social media platforms Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samcranemusic TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@samcranemusic Facebook https://www.facebook.com/samcranesoul YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@samcranemusic Sam Crane Singer, Songwriter, Performer, Producer and now podcaster
Embark on a journey of passion, perseverance, and the power of music in this captivating tale of one man’s quest to chase his dreams down the road less traveled. Follow Ethan, a talented guitarist with a fire burning in his soul, as he navigates the highs and lows of the music industry, facing rejection, doubt, and heartache along the way. But through it all, Ethan’s unwavering determination and the unwavering support of his loved ones propel him forward, leading to a crescendo of courage and a harmony of hope that will leave readers spellbound. Join Ethan as he discovers that the true melody of life lies not in the destination, but in the journey itself, where every note played and every chord struck leads to a symphony of redemption, resilience, and ultimately, a duet of destiny that will resonate in the hearts of readers long after the final page is turned. The morning sun peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow across Ethan’s cluttered bedroom. He sat on the edge of his rumpled bed, his guitar resting against his knee as he stared out the window, lost in thought. Echoes of doubt reverberated through his mind, whispers of uncertainty that threatened to drown out the melodies of his dreams. The weight of responsibility pressed down on his shoulders like a heavy burden, reminding him of the practicalities he couldn’t afford to ignore. As Ethan’s fingers absentmindedly traced the familiar contours of his guitar, his gaze fell upon the framed photograph on his nightstand. It captured a moment frozen in time – a younger version of himself, grinning from ear to ear as he strummed his guitar beneath the shade of an old oak tree. Beside him stood Sarah, his childhood sweetheart, her laughter ringing out like a melody in the breeze. Sarah. Just the thought of her brought a bittersweet ache to Ethan’s heart. She was the steady rhythm to his wandering melody, the grounding force that kept him tethered to reality even as his dreams soared to new heights. But lately, Ethan couldn’t shake the feeling that his dreams were slipping through his fingers like grains of sand. The harsh realities of life – bills to pay, mouths to feed – loomed large, casting long shadows over the vibrant tapestry of his aspirations. He glanced at the clock on the wall, its hands ticking away the precious moments of his day. Another shift at the factory awaited him, another day spent toiling away in pursuit of a paycheck that barely covered the essentials. The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth, a reminder of the sacrifices he had made in the name of stability. Yet, amid the echoes of doubt that threatened to consume him, Ethan found a flicker of defiance burning bright within his soul. He refused to let go of his dreams without a fight, refused to succumb to the suffocating grip of doubt that threatened to snuff out his passion. With a determined sigh, Ethan rose from the bed and slung his guitar over his shoulder. As he made his way downstairs, the scent of freshly brewed coffee greeted him like an old friend, offering a comforting embrace amidst the uncertainty that clouded his mind. Sarah was already in the kitchen, humming a familiar tune as she prepared breakfast. Her smile was a ray of sunshine in the dimly lit room, a beacon of warmth that chased away the lingering shadows of doubt that clung to Ethan’s heart. “Morning,” she said, her voice soft and melodic. “You seem lost in thought. Everything okay?” Ethan hesitated for a moment, the weight of his worries threatening to spill forth like a dam bursting at the seams. But as he met Sarah’s gaze, he found solace in the depths of her eyes, a silent promise of unwavering support that eased the turmoil within his soul. “Yeah, just thinking about... stuff,” he replied with a forced smile. “But don’t worry about me. I’ll figure it out.” Sarah nodded, her expression filled with understanding. She knew him better than anyone, knew the fire that burned within him even when doubt threatened to extinguish it. Chapter Two: Echoes of Doubt
Attention independent artists and music promoters! Before sending in your newest tracks, be sure to visit https://radiodowntownca.broadcast.radio/submit-your-music to get acquainted with the submission procedure. This webpage contains essential details that can simplify the process of submitting your music, guaranteeing compliance with the required guidelines and criteria. Familiarizing yourself with this process will not only improve the effectiveness of your submission but also boost the chances of your music being considered for airplay. Therefore, before you hit the send button, equip yourself with the insights available on this page to maximize the potential for exposure. Independent Artists & Promoters A MUST READ! At Radiodowntown.ca, we wholeheartedly support independent artists and professional artists with labels alike. No matter where you are in your performing career, rest assured, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU. With an average of over 200 song entries per week, our station is committed to giving each submission the attention it deserves. We understand the challenges of getting your talents noticed to advance your career, and while it may take us some time to review all entries due to the volume, we promise to listen to each one. Given the format of our station, we carefully select songs that align with the mood of our various shows and daily rotation. While we welcome all genres except for “Rap” or “Heavy Metal,” not every song will make it onto our playlist. However, please don’t be discouraged, as you’re encouraged to continue submitting. If your songs are suitable and accepted, we may contact you to let you know they’ll be included in our daily playlist. Alternatively, you can stay updated through our Facebook page (visit JohnK Radiodowntown). We aim to keep our Tuesdays open for reviewing submissions. Some artists may be invited to be featured on one of our shows, where we’ll include their songs in a Skype audio interview broadcasted LIVE ON AIR. If you’re eligible or interested, we’ll reach out to you or feel free to contact us to express your interest. Furthermore, you’re invited to share photos, stories, and upcoming events with us for inclusion in our monthly online magazine, reaching a wider audience. Together, they sat down to breakfast, the echoes of doubt fading into the background as they shared a quiet moment of companionship amidst the chaos of life. And as Ethan took a sip of his coffee, he made a silent vow to himself – no matter the obstacles that lay ahead, he would not let doubt dictate the melody of his dreams. For the music that pulsed within his veins was stronger than any echo of doubt could ever hope to silence. And with Sarah by his side, he knew that together, they could weather any storm that came their way. The journey ahead might be uncertain, but one thing was for certain – Ethan was ready to face it headon, one chord at a time. ~ Continued next issue
Interviews, Co-Hosts
s or Features - Oh My!
Interviews, Co-Hosts
or Features - Oh My! Now it’s your chance!!!!!! It’s easy and it’s fun. This is open to anyone that wants to give it a shot, also open to any of the artists now being played on our station. Go to our schedule on our website pick out a day and time of one of our live shows with John K and we’ll look after the rest. You must be able to go on skype on a desktop or laptop computer, have either a built in mic or standalone mic, and a pair of headphones connected to you computer. And thats it! Contact us. Now you can join John K and be a Guest co-host on radiodowntown.ca
Smooth Sunday Sounds Easy Listening Sundays Echoes of Sunday WendyK* Sundays 11am Heavenly Sounds Tom Kernohan Sundays 1pm Those Old Radio Shows Various Sundays 6pm Love & Passions John K Sunday & Mondday Nights at 7pm Toast & Jam with John K John K Weekdays 8am DJs Choice John K Tuesday & Wednesday 7pm Center Stage Mavericks John K Thursdays at 7pm Country Music John K Weekdays 11am Only Indie Artists Various Weekdays 2pm Super 70s John K Fridays 7pm Only Indie Artists Various Saturdays 8am to 3pm JukeBox Hwy 1 JohnK Saturdays 3 & 8pm Check out our shows ~ To listen go to Radiodowntown.ca