March 2024 Issue 23 Debbie Mcdonald
For the Love of Music 24/7 www.radiodowntown.ca
This Issue Copyright in letters and other materials submitted to the publisher and accepted for publication remains with the author, but the publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic or other forms. The contents of this magazine are protected by copyright and may be used only for personal non-commercial purposes. All other rights are reserved and commercial use is prohibited. To make any use of this material, first obtain permission from the owners of the copyright. For information contact the Publisher of Radiodowntown.ca Online Magazine. The advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in advertisements beyond the amount paid for the advertisement, and their shall be no liability for non-insertion of any advertisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. Debbie Walke Macdonald Cover Design & Presenter WendyK* Singer/ Songwriter/Presenter Tom Kernohan Radio Host/Pastor/Presenter Administration Published by Radiodowntown.ca • [email protected] Tom Kernohan ~ Presenter I spend the first part of my in the accounting profession and the later part in front of hundreds of people as an ordained Minister. Now I’m behind the mic again only this time, I’m online radio. I have my own radio station in Ontario called KWOL.CA where we play mostly 50, 60 & 70’s, Gospel and easy listening. I am also part of a new program called “The Time Tunnel”. If “you’re looking for a good place to turn around” check us out. Debbie Walke Macdonald ~ Photographer/Presenter I bought my first Nikon camera in 2017 with the encouragement of my High school friend who I met in the 1970’s. He came back into my life, opened my eyes and encouraged me to tap into my creative side. I will be so ever grateful for his kindness and patience through teaching me this beautiful art called photography. It is wonderful to see the world thorough a lens. In Addition I have been on Radiodowntown as a co-host for specialty shows. WendyK*~Singer/Songwriter/Presenter An American singer-songwriter rooted in Christian Gospel, blending patriotic, country, and easy-listening genres. She’s captivated audiences across the USA, Canada, and the UK with her heartfelt tunes and warm vocals. Also a life coach, owning Brighter Balanced Life Coaching, and a former journalist/photographer, Wendy aims to uplift through music and holistic coaching. Her upbeat, optimistic, and inspiring presence, coupled with a passion for 60’s-80’s music, aligns perfectly with radiodowntown. ca. Contact her for music or online coaching sessions. JohnK ~ CEO & Presenter Started my career in music as a drummer playing the local scene. Became a music instructor for many years and then did the next best thing with music, radio. Been behind the mic for over 13 years and have a love for the music of the 60s 70s & 80s, a sweet spot for country music, easy listening and big band. Proud supporter of independent artists all over the world. John K Publisher & Presenter [email protected] Julia Magazine Co-ordinator [email protected] Articles and submission may not reflect the views of Radiodowntown.ca Online Magazine Copyright ©2024 Radiodowntown.ca “Radiodowntown.ca the music hub you can carry in your pocket! Whether it’s your cell phone, tablet, laptop, or computer – we’re with you. Visit Radiodowntown.ca for the ultimate on-the-go musical experience!” “Every Beagle Knows this!
about the cover I bought my first Nikon camera in 2017 with the encouragement of my High school friend who I met in the 1970’s. He came back into my life, opened my eyes and encouraged me to tap into my creative side. I will be so ever grateful for his kindness and patience through teaching me this beautiful art called photography. It is wonderful to see the world thorough a lens. I love composing the picture in my mind which is always teeming with ideas. I will sometimes choose unusual viewpoints and I wait awhile for the right light or dramatic clouds to appear at the perfect moment to enrich the scene. I like how I can influence mood through contrast and colour during my editing process on the computer. I truly enjoy photography so much! I find it to be exciting and rewarding, and I am always learning something new. My friend and mentor died of cancer in 2021. Treat your friends as you treat your pictures, and place them in their best light. March 2024 Issue 23 Debbie Mcdonald Twistin’ the Night Away In a dimly lit room adorned with vibrant tapestries, there sits a peculiar piano, its keys twisted and contorted into seemingly random angles. Yet, no matter how one strikes these unconventional keys, a melodic resonance fills the air, transcending linguistic barriers and cultural divides. This funky, twisted piano serves as a testament to the universality of music, where the act of simply striking a key speaks volumes in the language that knows no borders, uniting people from all corners of the globe through its harmonious melodies. Thank you Debbie, JohnK More from Debbie Lake Spirits Sandy lake also known as “Lake Spirits” is located in Lakehurst Ontario, Canada. On a sunny day you can see a large beautiful heart shaped rock that lies on the bottom of the lake, known as “Giants Heart”. This rock glows with a peculiar purplish hue. First Nations claim that on days when the lake is perfectly calm, ripples form about the great stone. They claim that these ripples are pulsations from the heart-shaped stone. This lake is land-locked and has no feeder river. Water flows out of the lake and down Sandy Creek to Buckhorn lake. Swans These Swans have survived another winter living in Collingwood Ontario, on Georgian Bay. Swans are often a symbol of LOVE or fidelity because of their long-lasting, monogamous relationships. Swans mate for life. Though rare, divorce does occur, particularly following nesting failure. They will find a new partner if their mate dies. The male swan helps construct the nest on the ground near water, he will also take turns incubating the eggs. The incubation period is between 34-45 days, the number of eggs in each clutch ranges from three to eight. Swans are highly protective of their nests. They will viciously attack anything that they perceive as a threat to their chicks. -Debbie
Publisher’s Notes Welcome to March! As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring, with its promise of vibrant outdoor music venues coming to life, we’re thrilled to present another fantastic edition of our magazine. Once again, we’re delighted to feature a captivating article from Pamela Morgan, whose insightful writing continues to enrich our pages. Rob Matthews also graces us with his storytelling prowess, offering readers a narrative journey to remember. We’re excited to announce that WendyK has joined the team at Radiodowntown.ca, bringing her unique voice to the airwaves with her show, “Echoes of Sunday.” Additionally, she’ll be cohosting some specialty shows with JohnK, adding even more variety and depth to our programming lineup. A heartfelt shoutout to our indie artists – your talent and dedication inspire us every day. Let’s continue to show them our unwavering support. Julia and JohnK extend their sincerest gratitude for all the wonderful comments and feedback received on the last issue. Your engagement drives us to strive for excellence in every issue we deliver. Special recognition goes to Debbie McDonald for her outstanding cover designs and stunning photography featured within the magazine. Your artistic vision truly enhances the reader’s experience. As we gear up for the April issue, we encourage all our contributors and readers alike to share your stories, insights, and creations with us. Remember, we can’t feature what we don’t receive. Let’s make the upcoming issue another unforgettable one! Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. Warm regards, JohnK ~ Radiodowntown.ca John K CEO and Radio Presenter If your article is not featured in this issue, kindly inform us via email at [email protected]. This may be due to missing our deadline or oversight, and we can include it in our upcoming issue. While we dedicate time to magazine preparation, errors can occur, and we may not always proofread the content you submit.
WHAT’SINSIDE 3 ............. Administration 4 ............. About the Cover - Debbie Macdonald 5 ............. Publisher’s Notes 6 ............. What’s Inside & CJC Promotions 7 ............. Today’s Elder 8 ............. The 80s 10 ........... Indie University - Stage Fashion 12 ........... From The Kitchen - Debbie Mcdonald 13 ........... KARMA the Kat 14 ........... Trevor Gear 15 ........... Kerr Donnelly Band - Joel Brogon 16 ........... Rob Matthews 18 ........... Ridge Banks 20 ........... Brad Morgan 21 ........... Nathan Davis 22 ........... Sammie Soravia 24 ........... We Salute - Glenn Campbell 26 ........... Michael Botte Band 27 ........... Delphi Ravens 28 ........... Orchestral Music - Pamela Morgan 29 ........... Sonic X 30 ........... Sandra North 33 ........... Echoes of Sunday - WendyK* 34 ........... Harry Kappen 36 ........... The Lethargics - James Lynas 37 ........... Factory 38 ........... Tommy Rice 40 ........... Phil Hendriks - The Whythouse 41 ........... Braidwood 42 ........... The Pedal Falls 43 ........... Jewelz Riley 44 ........... The Legendaries 45 ........... Paper Lace 46 ........... Lynn Campbell - Jamie Donnelly 47 ........... Taynee Lord 48 ........... Lynne Nash 50 ........... Alex never gives up! 51 ........... Independent Artists 54 ........... Interviews CoHosts & Features Catherine says... “Teamwork is everything!” So that is what Catherine and Radiodowntown.ca have done, we got a little teamworking in play. Any indie artists that have not found a firm to promote their talents, simply contact Catherine. From what I have seen Catherine is one of the hardest working promoters I have come across in the past few years. Catherine said she would also help artists looking for advice or direction at no charge. So if you are an indie artist looking for the next step contact Catherine. We at Radiodowntown.ca are honoured to be part of some great teamwork with Catherine. You can also follow CJC promotions on facebook. https://www.facebook.com/cjcpromotions [email protected] Catherine J Campbell ~ Scotland
Introduction: The 1980s marked a transformative era in music, characterized by a fusion of various genres, technological advancements, and the rise of iconic artists. This decade not only defined a generation but continues to influence contemporary music to this day. From the emergence of MTV to the birth of synthesizers, the 80s laid the foundation for a musical landscape that remains unparalleled in its diversity and innovation. Rise of MTV and Music Videos: The launch of MTV in 1981 revolutionized the music industry, making visual presentation an integral aspect of music consumption. Artists seized this platform to create elaborate music videos that became synonymous with their songs. From Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking “Thriller” to Madonna’s provocative “Like a Virgin,” music videos became a powerful tool for artists to convey their creativity and establish their personas. Pop Dominance and New Wave: The 80s witnessed the ascendancy of pop music, with artists like Madonna, Prince, and Whitney Houston dominating the charts. Simultaneously, the New Wave genre emerged, characterized by its fusion of electronic music and punk rock influences. Bands like Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, and The Cure epitomized the sound of this era with synthesizers and catchy hooks, defining the alternative music scene of the decade. Rock Icons and Hair Metal: The 80s were also defined by larger-than-life rock bands and guitar-driven anthems. Bands like Guns N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, and Def Leppard became synonymous with the glamor and excess of the era, pioneering the genre known as hair metal. With their flamboyant stage personas and arena-rocking hits, these bands left an indelible mark on both the music and culture of the 80s. Hip-Hop’s Emergence: While hip-hop originated in the 1970s, it gained mainstream prominence in the 1980s, becoming a voice for urban youth culture. Artists like Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, and Public Enemy introduced rap to a wider audience, addressing social and political issues through their music. The 80s laid the groundwork for hip-hop’s future growth, setting the stage for its eventual global dominance in the following decades. Technological Innovation: The 1980s saw significant advancements in music technology, particularly with the widespread adoption of synthesizers and drum machines. Artists embraced these new tools, experimenting with electronic sounds and production techniques. Synthpop bands like New Order and Pet Shop Boys embraced this futuristic sound, while producers like Trevor Horn pushed the boundaries of studio production with artists like Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Conclusion: The music of the 1980s remains a testament to the creativity, innovation, and cultural significance of the era. From the rise of MTV and pop dominance to the emergence of hip-hop and technological innovation, the 80s produced a diverse array of musical styles that continue to resonate with audiences today. Whether it’s the infectious hooks of pop hits, the rebellious spirit of rock anthems, or the socially conscious lyrics of hip-hop, the music of the 80s continues to captivate listeners and inspire future generations of artists. Nostalgic Reverberations: Exploring the Timeless Music of the 80s
Welcome to Indie University, the ultimate hub for indie artists seeking a clear path on their creative journey. Discover a roadmap tailored specifically for independent musicians, providing invaluable insights and guidance to navigate the diverse landscape of the music industry. Our dynamic platform, accessible at https://radiodowntownca.broadcast.radio/indieuniversity, ensures that the content is ever-evolving, with articles changing regularly to keep you informed and inspired. Stay connected, stay informed, and fuel your artistic growth with Indie University—an evolving resource designed to empower and guide indie artists every step of the way. Enjoy! Brought to you by:
Dressing the Part: A Guide to Stage Fashion for Musical Artists Introduction: Stepping onto the stage as a musical artist is not just about delivering stellar performances; it’s also an opportunity to express your unique identity through fashion. Your on-stage attire can contribute to the overall visual experience for your audience and help establish a memorable persona. In this guide, we’ll explore key considerations and tips for knowing what to wear as a musical artist on stage. Reflect Your Music and Persona: Your on-stage attire should align with the genre of music you create and the persona you wish to convey. Whether you’re a rock guitarist, a pop sensation, or a jazz vocalist, your outfit should complement the mood and style of your music. Consider how legendary artists in your genre have presented themselves on stage for inspiration. Consider Comfort and Practicality: While fashion is a crucial aspect of stage presence, comfort and practicality should not be overlooked. Performing involves movement, and restrictive or uncomfortable clothing can hinder your ability to deliver a dynamic performance. Opt for fabrics that breathe, allow flexibility, and ensure you feel at ease on stage. Create a Signature Look: Establishing a signature look can make you instantly recognizable and leave a lasting impression on your audience. This could be a specific color palette, a distinctive accessory, or a recurring style element. Consider how iconic artists like Prince, David Bowie, or Lady Gaga created memorable looks that became synonymous with their musical personas. Understand the Venue and Audience: The choice of outfit can also be influenced by the venue and the audience you’ll be performing for. A more intimate setting may call for a different level of formality compared to a large outdoor festival. Understand the demographics of your audience and tailor your outfit to resonate with them while staying true to your personal style. Experiment with Trends and Vintage Pieces: Fashion trends come and go, but incorporating elements of current styles can give your on-stage look a contemporary edge. Similarly, exploring vintage pieces can add a timeless and unique flair to your ensemble. Mixing and matching modern trends with classic pieces can result in a visually compelling and eclectic stage presence. Coordinate with Your Bandmates: If you perform with a band, coordinating outfits can enhance the overall visual impact. This doesn’t mean matching perfectly, but rather ensuring a cohesive and harmonious look that complements the musical synergy on stage. Consistency in style can contribute to a polished and professional image. Consider the Visual Aesthetics: Stage lighting and visual effects can significantly impact how your outfit is perceived by the audience. Bright colors may pop under vibrant lights, while intricate details may be lost in the shadows. Keep these factors in mind when selecting your stage attire to ensure that your outfit enhances, rather than detracts from, the visual aesthetics of your performance. Balance Individuality and Accessibility: While expressing your individuality through fashion is important, it’s also crucial to consider how relatable your style is to your audience. Striking a balance between uniqueness and accessibility can make you stand out while remaining relatable and approachable to a diverse audience. Conclusion: Dressing as a musical artist on stage is an art form in itself. It’s an opportunity to visually communicate your music, persona, and unique style to your audience. By considering your music genre, prioritizing comfort, creating a signature look, and adapting to the venue and audience, you can curate an on-stage wardrobe that enhances your performance and leaves a lasting impression on your fans. Remember, the key is to be authentic and true to your artistic vision while embracing the visual aspect of the musical journey you share with your audience. JohnK - Radiodowntown.ca
Moms Date Squares Happiness is homemade Ingredients: Filling: 2 1/2 cups (425 g) Medjool dates, pitted and chopped 1 cup (250 ml) water 2 tbsp brown sugar 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice 1/2 tsp baking soda Crisp 1 3/4 cups (175 g) quick-cooking oats 1 cup (150 g) unbleached all-purpose flour 3/4 cup (160 g) brown sugar 1/4 tsp baking powder 3/4 cup (170 g) semi-salted butter, softened. ( I use 6 tablespoons of butter & 6 tablespoons of shortening, because that is the way my mom made hers.) but you can use all 3/4 cup butter if you prefer) Preparation: 1. With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 350 degree F (180 C.) Line a 20-cm (8-inch) square pan with a strip of parchment paper. Butter the sides. Filling 2. In a pot, bring the dates, water, brown sugar and lemon juice to a boil. Add the baking soda and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Let cool. Crisp 3. In a bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and baking powder. Add the butter and mix with hands to combine. 4. Spread half the crisp in the baking pan and press firmly. Layer with the cooled date mixture. Cover with the remaining crisp and press lightly. Bake for 55 minutes or until the crisp is golden brown. Let cool for 4 hours, cut into squares. Enjoy
The idea for this comic series started years ago as part of a drawing spate. Stoneheart, the artist, has been a lifelong trained fine artist. KARMA the Kat appeared as a fanciful creature... just appeared, like all great art does. Inspired. And became several sketches over the years. The decision to turn KARMA the Kat into a comic was a collaborative one with a professional art director, Stoneheart was persuaded to explore some comic themes. All the panels are digitally hand drawn - every little bit of them! This is critical as it is, first and foremost, ART! We have over one hundred in the catalogue and are presently working on reels, short videos, and books. There are hundreds of online apps for making comics similarly there are thousands of stock photo libraries, clip art and musical loops for example. Creativity and originality are the most important driving factors in KARMA the Kat! Well, and making you chuckle of course! Happy St. Patrick’s Day D Stoneheart The website: https://karmathekat.com/ And our newsletter sign up page: https://mailchi.mp/ebbe4d96c569/ktk-newsletter-sign-up-landing-page And SM accounts: https://www.instagram.com/karmathekatcartoon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karmathekatcomic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Karmathekat1001 About KARMA the Kat
I was privileged to be interviewed live by JohnK on Radio Downtown on 22nd January. It was an excellent experience as JohnK immediately had me feeling relaxed and dare I say talkative! The scheduled 60 minute chat, which included playing 7 of my songs, actually lasted for 90 minutes which I think can only mean that I talked rather too much! It was a really great experience and one that I recommend to any artist who has a similar opportunity to be interviewed live on air by JohnK. And BONUS....I am now a featured artist on Radio Downtown’s Indie Artists shows, as evidenced by the adjacent photo. During January, I linked up with Catherine at CJC Promotions who are also sponsors of Radio Downtown. The first track of mine that Catherine promoted has received numerous airplays around the world at various radio stations. She is now promoting a second song for me: “Embedded (She Makes My Soul Sing)” which has enjoyed a good number of airplays during its first week of promotion. I managed to catch it on Rural Radio last evening with the presenter, Brian James, making some very complimentary comments about the song, including that his wife also very much liked the track! I cannot recommend CJC Promotions highly enough to anyone who would like a serious uplift in the profile of their music around the world. Catherine not only uses her myriad contacts to have her clients’ songs played on many and various Radio stations, she also takes a warm and friendly interest in her clients. In a still further attempt to have my songs heard by as wide a listening audience as possible, my very own Kimberley Ellis has been making some “stills” lyric videos for me. These can be found on my YouTube channel and as examples of Kimberley’s work, do have a listen to the following 3 songs when you have a moment: Annalise - Trevor Gear (youtube.com) I Tried To Call - Trevor Gear (youtube.com) Smart HEAD - Trevor Gear (youtube.com) FYI there are around 100 of my songs on Spotify: Trevor Gear | Spotify They are also available on Amazon Music, iTunes and Apple Music. In conclusion, I want to say how chuffed I am to have been accepted into the Radio Downtown and CJC Promotions families. These great people can only help with my efforts to achieve my music ambitions of having my songs heard by as wide a listening audience as possible, and performing those songs in the process....the O2 in London hear I come...! A Message from Trevor Gear https://www.facebook.com/greatrovermusic Spotify - search Trevor Gear YouTube - search Trevor Gear Soundcloud - search Trevor Gear or Trevor e Twitter - @trevorgear
“ONE HUNDRED LOVERS ONE LONELY HEART (K.Donnelly)(C) K.D.M.L Digital Records 2024 The Single is another Song Taken from our Forthcoming 39th Album “SIXTY “ Released Worldwide 1st May to all Digital Music Platforms Again we hope you like the Song and thank you for all of your Support Look out for New Songs coming your way throughout the Year Kerr Donnelly Band K.D.M.L Records K.D.M.L Music Keep it Original Productions B.C.M.A Member I.S.S.A Member Americana Music Association Member UK https://www.facebook.com/kerr.donnelly https://www.facebook.com/kerr.donnelly.band https://soundclick.com/kerrdonnellyband https://open.spotify.com/artist/1CtrFn6hxfrv9DB6w77iuj?si=DAD8y2ITQ-q9t4YWm19_PA Check out Kerr Donnelly Band on Amazon Music https://music.amazon.co.uk/artists/B0060GHSQ2?ref=dm_sh_0ZAWxOkL0U2eFWd51p1Ysh31t https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/kerr-donnelly-band/476483930 Best wishes Kerr Donnelly Joel Brogon is a Folk/Americana Singer/Songwriter from South Texas, near the US/Mexico Border and Rio Grande River. His musical journey is deeply influenced by a rich tapestry of genres, drawing inspiration from classic Singer/ Songwriters, folk sounds of the 70s, and traditional 90s Country music. At the heart of Brogon’s artistry lies a profound commitment to narrative storytelling, weaving tales inspired by his own life experiences and those of the community around him. Through his songs, he sheds light on a wide range of topics, from the beauty of nature to social justice issues like LGBTQ+ rights and environmental stewardship. Brogon’s preference for small-scale performances speaks to his desire for intimacy and connection with his audience. Whether performing in a coffeehouse, farmers market, listening room, or front porch gathering, he values the shared experience of music in close quarters, where the audience can truly engage with the stories he shares. Beyond his musical endeavors, Joel Brogon is deeply entrenched in local activism and serves as a spiritual leader within his community. He shares his life with his husband Christopher and their fur-children, embodying the values of love, inclusivity, and compassion both on and off the stage.https://www.joelbrogon.com/ https://linktr.ee/joelbrogon https://joelbrogon.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/joelbrogon https://twitter.com/JoelBrogon https://www.instagram.com/joelbrogon/ https://www.threads.net/@joelbrogon https://youtube.com/@joelbrogon Joel Brogon “Flowers on the Road” serves as a gentle reminder to cherish the small moments along our journey of self-discovery. In our quest to find our place in the world, we may come to realize that we belong exactly where we are. “Flowers on the Road” will also be included on my upcoming project, “Trust the Trees” slated for release later this year. Here is a pre-save link for “Flowers on the Road.” Pre-save “Flowers on the Road” Thanks for listening, Joel Brogon
Rob Matthews-Indie Artist from Brantford, Ontario, Canada. Chasing The Musical Dream, Can Be A Struggle, But still An Achievable Dream.. Never Give Up! Musicians, and songwriters, are some of the most driven, courageous, people on the face of the earth. They deal with more day-to-day rejection in one year. than most people do in a lifetime. Also, and every day, they face the financial challenges of living a freelance lifestyle. With many disheartening moments. of feeling disrespected, by people who, in fact, love what they experience. at the time. and often share how they were affected, and yet also think, that being a musician isn’t a “real job” and that musicians do not contribute, and should, in addition to investing there entire being, and life, must also have a “real job”. Sadly, they are half right. And at the same time, live with the constant fear, that they will never work again. Every day, they have to ignore the possibility, that the vision they have dedicated their lives to, is a pipe dream. With every note, they stretch, or lyrics they write. themselves, With every passing year, many of them watch, as the other people their age achieve, the predictable milestones, of normal life – the car, the family, the house, the nest egg. Why? Because musicians are willing to give their entire lives to a moment – to share that melody, that lyric, that chord, or that interpretation, that will stir the audience’s soul. And maybe to make a small difference in their lives. emotionally, and physically, risking criticism, and judgment. With every passing year, many of them watch, as the other people their age achieve, the predictable milestones, of normal life – the car, the family, the house, the nest egg. Why? Because musicians are willing to give their entire lives to a moment – to share that melody, that lyric, that chord, or that interpretation, that will stir the audience’s soul. And maybe to make a small difference in their lives. It’s within the musician’s song, that tells stories, in order to heal, to laugh, to dance, to cry, to vent, to challenge, to take pride, to celebrate, to grieve. to question, to learn, and yes to mate and, most of all, to share. A song is of no use if no one can hear it, or feel it. Musicians are beings, who have tasted life’s nectar, and poison. And within that crystal moment, when they pour out their creative spirit, and the whole band, is alive within that moment, and to feel they have touched, another’s heart. It is within that instant, they were as close to magic, God, and perfection as anyone could ever be. And in their own hearts, they know that to dedicate oneself to that moment, is worth a thousand lifetimes. ”To be a musician or a songwriter, is truly a labor of love.. This is so true. The fans, and supporters don’t always see the struggle faced by those, chasing a musical path.” I started writing my 1st song at the age of 16… at the age of 57, I am still trying to make a go of it, in some way, shape, or form, with 357 songs, written to date, but not all recorded. I’m constantly pouring more money into it, than I may ever get in return. Writing songs is my passion. and also calms an over thinking MUSICIANS, SONGWRITERS GIVE THEIR ENTIRE LIVES TO A MOMENT. Fans And Supporters Don’t Always See The Struggle Faced By Those Chasing a Musical Path.
mind full of anxieties, and depression. so it’s like a medicine that keeps me, somewhat sane, 1 song at a time. I may never, ever be an Elvis Presley, and Ozzy Osborne, or a Johnny Cash… but I am a Rob Matthews, and my music will always allow me to be, me it allows me to express myself, and my thoughts, and believe in myself, when not everyone does, or has. and lets me chase my musical dreams, down this path, to who knows where? Perhaps the only thing, I will ever find with my music, is just peace of mind. and in today’s world. that is worth more than money itself. I have 3, 12 song albums released online, created my friend and producer Randy Solski and myself.. The 1st 12 song album titled “O.N.E- One Nation Earth” with a cover concept of a world that gets all and compromises. My 2nd, 12 song album is a harder rock style, titled “Final Warning” with an album cover design of what a world that doesn’t get along and compromise could look like. and my 3rd 12 song album is a country/rock mix like the 1st album. this album is titled “I Wouldn’t Be Me With out you”. with a cover of me steering a 31-foot sailboat. As a singer/song writer that picture is just me in control of my direction, and moving forward. I love music so much that I share the excitement of other indie artists, chasing the same musical dreams as me. And if I can help the get there quicker I will. that is my way of paying it back, by paying it forward... and if I wasn’t writing and creating music, I would love to be a D.J or radio host.. hearing all the new indie tunes, and sharing them. Music is a gift to be shared by many. and being a part of the excitement of musical growth, on a musical path.. no matter how much I’ve spent already... is awesome! I have many singles out there, but I’m working on album number 4 which will be a 12-song faith album, that I feel strongly compelled to write, and release. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h506_ MkPJg&list=OLAK5uy_kPaLI0GOKJjttqKmktmLjuZrLXI7TtpIc The Rebel in Me Provided to YouTube by DistroKidThe Rebel in Me · Rob MatthewsO.N.E℗ 1971042 Records DKReleased on: 2022-05-07Auto-generated by YouTube. www.youtube.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXg1d74O-9M&list=OLAK5uy_novK_ Dll1JYJUSb26lv8QXr-Xo2BwXfSo Final Warning Provided to YouTube by DistroKidFinal Warning · Rob MatthewsFinal Warning℗ 1971042 Records DKReleased on: 2022-04-29Auto-generated by YouTube. www.youtube.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCCkvzD8wkc&list=OLAK5uy_ liOKXNrHvk7L57m5WEgfTkDsbdYotyX4Q Our Kin Folk Provided to YouTube by DistroKidOur Kin Folk · Rob MatthewsI Wouldn’t Be Me (Without You)℗ 1971042 Records DKReleased on: 2023-11-21Autogenerated by YouTube. www.youtube.com
Ridge Banks, the fingerpicking singer-songwriter from Nashville, is set to make waves across the Atlantic with his latest release “One Note at a Time,” extending his ‘Wall of Sound’ family to the UK. This uplifting track explores the transformative and healing power of music, recounting Ridge’s personal triumph over fear. The project is a collaborative effort with highly acclaimed, multi-genre bassist Nick Plews, celebrated for his performance on five number one iTunes chart songs as well as the UK Country Band & Single of the Year for two years running. Nick’s extensive vision and four decades of industry relationships served as the glue to bring together this impressive ensemble of talent. Starting with the unforgettable Niki Colwell Evans, a powerhouse vocalist and 2007 ‘The X Factor’ semifinalist, recognized for her remarkable range and versatility. From backing Black Sabbath at the age of 14 to performing at Windsor Castle for the Queen’s birthday, Niki’s illustrious career spans sold-out arenas, major label sessions, TV ads, and acclaimed roles in musical theatre, including standout performances in ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘Kinky Boots’. She currently takes the stage in the lead role of Mrs. Johnstone in the touring production of ‘Blood Brothers’. Setting the rhythmic foundation is Mark Haynes, a seasoned drummer who has toured and recorded for 40 years with dozens of artists all over the world including members of the Beautiful South, Fun Loving Criminals, The Blockheads, and Squeeze. Signed to and working with renowned labels such as Burning Shed, Hacienda Records, Rage Records, Pink Box Records and Monkey Basket, Mark’s extensive experience includes collaborating on critically acclaimed film soundtracks, TV, radio broadcasts, ads as well as numerous albums and singles. Adding another layer to the collective is harmonica extraordinaire Sean Clutterham whose versatile harp skills have spanned genres worldwide including blues, Irish folk, country rock, and ska punk rock. “An atmospheric harmonica paired with exquisite male and female voices intertwined with catchy hooks adds to the rich cacophony of sound.” In the words of Mike Bennett author, producer, and front man for The Blockheads, “’One Note at a Time’ seeks and finds shelter from convenient categorization, and yet bears a resemblance to the hallmark sound of early Donovan from the fairytale period and other RIDGE BANKS
retrospective luminaries such as Woodie Guthrie with a post-modern twist.” Co-created by Ridge Banks and prolific author, inspirational speaker, and singer songwriter Bill O’Hanlon, “One Note at a Time” was recorded at both Hidden Creek Studios in Nashville under the expertise of Kevin Grenier and across the pond with Adam Ellis at Deadline Studio in Leicester. This musical endeavor finds its home under the indie label GreenScotch Productions. “One Note at a Time” is available on all major music platforms. https://open.spotify.com/album/4iVnYPYLmwrDfxe4DbGUfn?si=fhKMCzHFRcOCPfSTBOiRVA One Note at a Time - Single by Ridge Banks on Apple Music https://www.ridgebanksmusic.com/
It’s a song about perseverance and taking that first step to reach your goals. Available on all streaming services on 2/20/24. Brad Morgan is a Country Music Artist and Songwriter who was born and raised on a farm near Manning, IA. While currently residing in Nashville, TN, he continues to build on the success he has had in Iowa and the Midwest Region. Brad has an easy going sound while presenting a fun and energetic performance. His Midwest Country roots are found in his original music. His influences spread across all eras of Country Music but are not limited to country music. Brad grew up listening to many genres of music, but Country remained one of his favorites. Since 2011, Brad has released a full length album and two EP’s, including his 2015 self-titled EP, “Brad Morgan.” In 2019 Brad released, “Grain of Salt,” a fun, story telling, summertime single which charted 11 in the nation on the New Music Weekly Chart. The Music Video for, “Grain of Salt” accumulated over 110,000 organic views in its first week. Since then he’s released; “You Don’t Know” Single, 2021 “Sticks and Stones” Single, 2022 “Two of Us” Single, 2023 “Beer Disappears” Single, 2023 “Day One” Single, 2024 Brad Morgan Brad has many career achievements including; Winner of the Josie Music Award(JMA) for “Male Rising Star” at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN (2023) Nominee for JMA’s, “Modern Male Vocalist of the Year.” (2023) Nominee for Iowa Music Award’s “Iowa Country Artist of the Year” (2022) Winner of the Midwest Country Music Organization’s (Midwest CMO) “Male Vocalist of the Year” (2022) Nominee for Midwest CMO’s “Entertainer of the Year” (2021) Nominee for Midwest CMO’s “Male Vocalist of the Year” (2019) Nominee for Midwest CMO’s “Song of the Year” with “Grain of Salt.” (2019) Winner of KBOE 104.9 FM’s “Iowa Country Artist of the Year” (2018) Winner of “The Ruckus Rumble” (2013) Brad has many live shows booked and is making noise in the Country Music world by working hard to build a personable fan base, writing and recording great music, and performing!
From city cafes and pubs to small town bars and private functions, Nathan Davis entertains audiences with songs of his own and revisiting carefully selected covers. The Regina-born singer-songwriter started playing guitar at the age of nine and composed his first song at the age of eleven. Living on an acreage near Fort Qu’Appelle, he spent countless hours beside the radio his father always had on. Nathan made his first public appearance in 2006 at the CKRM Big Country Talent Show. Returning in 2007, 2008 and again in 2010. In 2009, Davis placed as a finalist in Moose Jaw Idol, granting him a spot to perform at the city’s carnival-fair. Continuing his studies after high-school, Nathan took a break from the music scene to obtain his red-seal journeyman electrician certificate, prioritize his relationship and start parenthood, becoming a proud father in 2015. After a seven year hiatus nearing the end of 2017, he returned, performing over 30 solo shows in and around his hometown. Davis became a member of SaskMusic and The Saskatchewan Country Music Association in 2018 and The Canadian Country Music Association in 2022 to further his career within the industry. Discover his 6 track self-titled EP wherever you get your music. NEWS: Releasing his self-titled EP to listeners, Nathan Davis delivers 6 tracks in the style of country. Influenced by hit makers such as Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney and Eric Church to name a few, Davis hears his accomplished pieces as a mix of sounds lyrically and musically, ranging from the mid 1990’s to the late 2010’s. Working with producer/audio engineer Walter Jeworski, also a mentor with SaskMusic, the two of them decided to connect the project with some local talents as well as others in Jeworski’s circle of musical beings. Offering a very wide spectrum of flexibility and transparency throughout the entirety of the project. From the foundation of the EP starting with the acoustic and vocals, performed by Davis. The two of them decided that it would broaden out the tunes by incorporating some other interesting instrumental aspects into the mix giving folks a better listening experience. Drums: Kenneth Wong, Jerome Morales Bass: Arthur Sadtler Pedal Steel: Dave Bushko Guitars: Kristopher Craig, Bryn Besse (Track 2) Keyboard: Walter Jeworski Background Vocals: Darcie Keith (Track 3) LINKS: https://linktr.ee/nathandavis https://instagram.com/neightdavismusic https://facebook.com/neightdavismusic NATHANDAVIS
Raised in the rugged Welsh county of Pembrokeshire, surrounded by a family of musicians and stage performers, Sammie started singing around when she started talking. Her father an Italian professional drummer/ singer songwriter, and her mother a professional ballet dancer, Sammie always felt the gravitational pull of music and it provided her with a ‘home’, wherever in the world she was. Thanks to her parents, Sammie’s earliest influences were The Eagles, Don McLean, Cat Stevens, Fleetwood Mac, Simon & Garfunkel and James Taylor, all of whom she still reveres. Sammie Soravia
my debut single It’s Going To Be A Long Night, which was released on 25 August 2023 and peaked at number 11 on the UK iTunes singer songwriter chart. The song was originally written by US singer songwriter Gary Portnoy (who also wrote the theme tune to the sitcom “Cheers”), and was included in the 80’s Kids From Fame Soundtrack which was one of my favourite tv shows at that time. I was 9 years old when the song was first released and had just lost my grannie, so the lyrics of the song really resonated with me even as a child. The melody was also incredibly beautiful so I just knew I had to record and release a cover of this song as an adult. My second single Take Care Of You is a song I wrote after a particularly painful break up. We had been together for a very long time and both genuinely still liked and cared for each another, but for some reason, the relationship just wasn’t working anymore. Half of me wondered whether or not I should stay and fight harder to make it work, and the other half of me just felt it was time to call it quits. We inevitably broke up and once I had gotten over the initial heartbreak, I was able to get to a point where I could look back at the happier times we had spent together and smile rather than cry as I wished him well. This song peaked at number 6 on the UK iTunes country music chart. My third single I’ll See You Soon Then was released on 12 January 2024 and I wrote this about missing my life in Australia where I lived for 15 glorious years. It’s about reminiscing about life spent at the beach, the beautiful sunshine and all the lovely people I met there. I relocated back to the UK in 2017 to be closer to my family, but I left a piece of my heart down under. I heard the title line of my song in a movie based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks called “Dear John”. In the movie the main characters Savannah and John don’t like to say goodbye as it’s too ‘final’ so instead, they say “I’ll see you soon then”. I thought it was such a beautiful sentiment that I wrote my song around that particular line. The song peaked at number 5 on the UK iTunes country music chart. My fourth single The One Who Deserves Me was released on 9th February 2024 and peaked at number 10 on the UK iTunes country music chart. I wrote this song about the relationships I’ve experienced with narcissistic guys. The kind of guys who would ultimately make me feel I wasn’t deserving of their love, so much so that over time, my self esteem completely vanished. I started to believe that I had to change who I was to fit in with their idea of love. The song is about wondering if I’ll ever meet a guy who will love me exactly as I am, and I think we have all gone through these thoughts and feelings at some point or another. I was in the recording studio with my incredible producer Lewis Folkner (one half of Country Americana duo Two Ways Home) and was singing a guide track vocal for my song, when Lewis suddenly started singing along with the harmonies. They were so incredible that I begged him to duet with me on this track and the rest is history. I was invited in November 2023 to perform at a wonderful Live in the living room gives back charity event in support of Meningitis, at the Bedford in London which is an iconic venue where performers such as Ed Sheeran and James Morrison played before they achieved worldwide success. This was a songwriters round style event with 3 acts on stage per round, singing 3 songs each and explaining the story behind the songs before performing each one. Here is the official press photo from that event. In December 2023, I was invited to perform at an open mic night at an art gallery in Wales. It was a small, intimate gig with around 50 attendees, and such a beautiful evening showcasing local artists. There is such a magical feeling performing for an audience in such close quarters like this and my lovely mum was able to watch me perform. Here is a photo from that evening. CONTACT INFORMATION EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.sammiesoravia.co.uk SOCIAL MEDIA FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/sammie.soravia/ INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com.sammiesoravia/?hl=en SPOTIFY: https://artists.spotify.com/c/artist/4HuRrcZE9fKmUooZO6P1VI/profile/overview YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7ZHStQSa5oZ12wMcXdz6_Q TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@sammiesoravia BIO.SITE:https://bio.site/sammiesoravia
We Salute...GLENNCAMPBELL Remembering the Great Glenn Campbell: A Musical Legend In the realm of country music, few names shine as brightly as Glenn Campbell’s. With his velvety voice, masterful guitar skills, and heartfelt lyrics, Campbell left an indelible mark on the music industry. As we reflect on his life and legacy, it’s clear that he was more than just a singer; he was a musical virtuoso whose influence continues to resonate with fans worldwide. Born on April 22, 1936, in Billstown, Arkansas, Campbell’s journey to stardom was anything but ordinary. Raised in a humble household, he discovered his passion for music at an early age, learning to play the guitar by the age of four. His talent was undeniable, and by his late teens, he was already making a name for himself in the local music scene. Campbell’s big break came when he joined the Wrecking Crew, a group of Los Angeles-based session musicians known for their versatility and skill. As a session guitarist, he quickly earned a reputation as one of the best in the business, lending his talents to countless recordings for artists across various genres. However, it was his solo career that catapulted Campbell to superstardom. With hits like “Gentle on My Mind,” “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” and “Rhinestone Cowboy,” he captured the hearts of millions and solidified his status as a country music icon. His smooth voice and heartfelt delivery resonated with audiences, earning him numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and Country Music Association Awards. Beyond his musical talents, Campbell was also a skilled actor, appearing in films such as “True Grit” alongside John Wayne and “Norwood,” where he showcased his acting chops alongside country legend Roy Clark. His charisma and charm endeared him to audiences both on and off the stage, further cementing his status as a beloved entertainer. However, Campbell’s life was not without its struggles. In 2011, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Despite this heartbreaking news, he continued to perform and record music, using his platform to raise awareness about the disease and advocate for research funding. Campbell’s battle with Alzheimer’s inspired the critically acclaimed documentary “Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me,” which chronicled his farewell tour and the challenges he faced as he grappled with the effects of the disease. The film not only shed light on Campbell’s incredible talent but also highlighted the importance of Alzheimer’s awareness and research. On August 8, 2017, Glenn Campbell passed away at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike. His impact on country music and the entertainment industry as a whole is immeasurable, and his music will undoubtedly stand the test of time. As we remember the great Glenn Campbell, let us celebrate his life, his music, and the enduring legacy of a true musical legend. Though he may be gone, his songs will forever echo in our hearts, reminding us of the power of music to touch our souls and transcend generations.
Michael Botte is a Sony/Orchard and Big Records recording artist and singer/songwriter born and raised in a small steel town along the Ohio river outside of Pittsburgh, PA. Currently, Michael Botte resides near Philadelphia, PA. His music is currently in rotation on about 2000 worldwide radio stations. After a few early attempts of getting a band together in Oakland, CA in the mid-2000’s, the Michael Botte Band was born in Philadelphia in 2020 during the Covid-19 quarantine. In a time of confusion and chaos, Michael Botte wanted to create something positive evoking the music that had been growing inside him for years. So, Michael Botte finally started recording demos of the songs he had written either 20 years or 20 days ago. “Michael Botte blends alt country and rock into a sound that takes you on a journey with catchy hooks and toe tapping beats. Michael Botte is making waves in the Indie music scene with his charmingly crafted sonic masterpieces. With production and mixing from Bob Beals at Sound Foundation Studios, you won’t want to miss what this melodic maestro has cooked up!” – Keltstache Music Michael Botte’s music (produced by Bob Beals of Sound Foundation Studios http://soundfoundationstudios.com/ ) has enjoyed some fanfare success: Currently #42 on Cashbox Magazines Pop/Rock Top 100 chart: https://www.cashbox-magazine.com/poprock Charted at #1 on the World Indie Music Chart Charted at #3 on the Euro Indie Music Chart Charted at #1 (3 times) on the “Radio Indie Alliance” top 10 music chart Charted at #2 and #4 on the “Banks Music Promotion” top 10 music chart. Placed on Philadelphia’s “WDNF-Philly.com’s HOT 50 songs.” #13 on Hypeddit’s “Top 100 Country Charts” Recent Press Release Featured artist in Rock News Magazine Featured artist on 102.3 WOW Radio publication Featured Artist on Hived Music Featured Artist in the UK’s Write Away Magazine Divine Magazine Michael Botte and producer Bob Beals have tracks “in the pipeline” for 2024 and beyond so it’s safe to say it’s an exciting time for the Pittsburgh native Michael Botte! Michael Botte Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelbotteband/ Website: https://www.michaelbotteband.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3JijbhtGufcq0qLHCRJBgc?si=uXnWTUjLRi6IdPgpErBZ8w Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/michael-botte-band/1603992175 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSZc-fj9gg5eZ8AMCW4i4WQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mbotteband EPK: https://drive.google.com/file/d/196RuDNcgsByezNj_wjtoYRq4IDSY_r5l/view?usp=sharing MICHAEL BOTTE BAND
DELPHI RAVENS The Delphi Ravens are an indie/alternative rock band founded in late 2019 by bassist and ASCAP songwriter Papa B.™ The band comes from the Pacific Northwest with its rich history of breakthrough music. Vocalist Kira delivers her dynamic vocals and cowrites many of the songs. The band’s sound has been compared to many artists including Deftones, Evanescence, Fleetwood Mac, Heart, Foo Fighters, etc. The band says, “We aren’t vanilla or chocolate, but a blend of unique musical flavors!” The band has been nominated for Entertainer of the Year and Band of the Year (also 2023 nominee) for 2024 by the Int’l Singer Songwriter Association (ISSA). In 2023, their song Take My Hand was a finalist for Song of the Year. The band has won 6 songwriting awards in 2022-23 and expects more in 2024. The band just recorded their next 4 songs @ Flabbey Road Studios, owned by Sandy Ficca, long-time drummer for the big 70s-80s band Firefall. The next release dates will be announced starting sometime in March. Papa B. was recently interviewed live on The Perfect Note Show by John K. on https://radiodowntownca. broadcast.radio/ RadioDowntown is listened to in 181 countries! Patreon’s online magazine recently did an article on alternative rock featuring Delphi Ravens. Excerpts from the article below: “In 2022, “Take My Hand” spent an incredible 34 weeks on the Museboat Top 25 Chart and finished #19 for the year (for all music genres). “Delphi Raven” was on the Top 10 Chart at Broadjam and #7 on MTV’s Top 100. “Phobia” was a major hit in 2022 (#3 on the charts) and runner-up for Song of the Month at Broadjam, and the band has been Artist of the Month at Mixposure. By 2023, Delphi Ravens’ music was played on over 3,600 radio stations. The band’s performance has been compared with many noteworthy artists, including Deftones, Evanescence, Fleetwood Mac, and Foo Fighters. By late 2023, the band was successful in gaining a reputation among thirty thousand followers and recorded and released fifteen songs. Apart from this, Delphi Ravens was named Artist of the Month twice by MTV Rocks and have over 100,000 streams on Spotify. The band has won 6 songwriting awards as well as other accolades.” contact info Delphi Ravens – [email protected] Social media Facebook – https://facebook.com/delphiravens Instagram – https://instagram.com/delphiravens Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/ artist/61pL53CSy0TRbmnPqZ3fXr Website - https://DelphiRavens.com
Big appreciation to Pamela Morgan for her submission of this article. Pamela and JohnK have been friends for a long time, and her expertise in music is unparalleled. Orchestrated Music of the 60s Submitted by Pamela Morgan The sounds of classical music was introduced to us in the mid-1960s. It provided a grand, yet mellow flow that could give you a goosebump syndrome that you could never forget. It was a small stepping stone that led the way for many other tremendous productions. Violins, cellos, French horns dominated such artists as the Left Banke, Moody Blues and of course, The Beatles. The Mellotron, which was a keyboard that provided tape replay provided such tones. The ARP and many other synthesized methods became a household word to many of our rock groups of that era. The Beatles song, “All You Need Is Love” starts with a horn ensemble and is riveted with a plethora of violins, cellos and many other forms of orchestrated ingenuity throughout the whole recording. Thank you, Sir George Martin, for that. The Monkees used the Moog synthesizer in their song, “Daily Nightly” as well as using orchestration in the haunting tune “Porpoise Song” (theme from the movie “Head). The most memorable song I recall that brought me to the wow factor for orchestration was from the beautiful Dusty Springfield with, “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me”. The overall strength combined with the touch of her beautiful vocals sent chills from one end of my body to the other. The introduction bellows of horns and strings and in comes this sweet angelic voice. Oh, to have been a fly on the wall when that was in recording and production. If you listen at the very end of “Wildflower” by Skylark, you will hear just a hint of the ARP ensemble, right at the end. Orchestration followed suit for many years and once in a while, you can find it peeping through some of today’s music. It had a flair that caught our attention and made us stand up and take notice. However, nothing can replace how it all started, nothing.
Sonic X is a modern rock band based in Toronto, Canada. The band consists of members, Joey Greco, Joseph Cumbo, Adam Troy and new member Sil Simone. The band formed in 2004 from a collection of accomplished musicians that had a common interest in writing and producing great memorable music that rocks! Sonic X music has evolved from a hard rock band to a more diverse modern sounding rock band. The writing, musicianship and production are worldclass and the songs are written from each band members personal experiences. This combination has allowed Sonic X to craft a unique sound that’s become their signature. Sonic X released their debut self-titled album 2004 on Z Records. The album featured the popular song “News for You” which to this day remains one of Sonic X’s most downloaded and streamed songs. In 2007 Sonic X released “THIRTEEN” on Chavis Records. THIRTEEN featured the single “Seeds of Thunder” which received airplay on Sirius XM’s Breaking Bone program. THIRTEEN also included 4 bonus tracks from the Debut CD. In 2015 Sonic X released a 4 song EP titled “Fall from Grace”. The EP featured the singles “Save Yourself” and “PRAY”. Both received significant airplay on radio and opened the band up to a whole new audience and popularity. In 2019, The band had a dramatic change of direction with Joey Greco taking over lead vocals from original vocalist Adam Troy, who took a break from the band for personal reasons. On November 8th, 2019, Sonic X released a 5 song EP titled “Fly Around the World”. The EP featured the single “Fly Around the World”. A radio friendly song with a haunting catchy chorus that will resonate with you long after listening. 2022 was an eventful year for Sonic X as former vocalist Adam Troy returned to the band to share the vocal duties with Joey Greco. Adam’s return was seamless and gave long time Sonic X fans a feeling of familiarity. In January 2022 the band released their 3rd full album titled “All Been Said and Done” a mesmerizing, personal album where every song comes from deep within their soul. The title track and first single off the album “All Been Said and Done” is a modern rock song with a memorable chorus. In July 2023, Sonic X released their 4th full album “XIV Shades of X”. The album contains 14 songs that are deeply personal to the band and were written from personal experiences. The listener will no doubt relate to various songs on the album. The title is meant to describe how the album has 14 diverse sounding songs, 14 Shades of Sonic X! Each song has its own personality and feel. The first single from the album is the mesmerizing “Anxiety”. This song has the arena rock vibe and is full of angst and captures the feeling most people are experiencing in these turbulent times. The band also released an intense video for Anxiety which could be viewed on their YouTube channel. ***Note*** The extremely talented Sil Simone has now joined Sonic X as a full-time member. Sil is an experienced guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. Sil has played in theatre productions Rock of Ages, We Will Rock You and Bat out of Hell. Sil has toured with Canadian legends Tom Cochrane, Rik Emmett, Triumph, and Lee Aaron, etc. Band Line-Up: Joey Greco - drums, vocals, additional instruments Joseph Cumbo – bass Guitar Adam Troy – vocals, guitar Sil Simone – electric & acoustic guitars, vocals
Sandra North The fast growing, pioneertown inspired, rooftop bar by the name of Desert 5 Spot has quickly established its reputation as one of the most popular country venues in LA. With a perfect location in the heart of Hollywood, live performances are offered almost every night of the week. Tuesday nights are reserved for the “Soft Spot Songwriters Night”, hosted by Rainee Blake and Chloe Kat, and January 30th it was time for Sandra North to make her debut! The country/rock artist performed four of her latest songs accompanied by Juan Abella on guitar and backing vocals and Abelardo Bolaño on percussion/cajon. Pictures by William Von Hofsten of Dark Reflexions. Next up, you can catch Sandra North at the Redwood Bar in downtown LA on April 4th. Make sure to follow on social media or subscribe to www.sandranorthofficial.com for updates and full tour plan for 2024!
Sandra North makes her debut at Hollywood’s epic new country scene, Desert 5 Spot!
Sweden’s up and coming country artist Sandra North follows on previous critical acclaim with the release of the brand new single ‘Shore Thing’ with fellow country artist Jimmy Marcus. This is the first time the two have joined forces and together they deliver a crossover country/pop duet with the potential to spark global interest. Having spent much of her musical career in the States, Sandra North is a country artist with a story and a voice. She first made major inroads onto the scene back in 2019 with debut single ‘Try Again’ and the 6 song EP titled ‘Long Time Coming’. Last year’s ‘Gone’ also further enhanced her growing reputation, earning her several spots in festival lineups across the home country of Sweden. Jimmy Marcus the self-proclaimed “pop guy from Gothenburg” adds a brilliant crossover mainstream vibe, pairing nicely with Sandra North’s rock-country soundscape. Originally a part of the Youngblood group, Jimmy Marcus later delved into the heart of the country genre through his solo career and delivered the standout ‘New Beginning’, whilst his latest release ‘Stars’ is putting him on the map further. “Shore Thing” captures that sweet summer love feeling and takes us on a hopeful and heartfelt journey, exploring all the emotions of a summer crush that fades at the break of fall. We are so thrilled to finally be doing a project together seeing as our artistic styles are very similar. This song was just the perfect fit”. Together, Marcus and North deliver a heartfelt country anthem that is brilliantly influenced by the pop and country world. Intertwined with organic lyricism and a guitar-driven backdrop ‘Shore Thing’ is that song that will hit you right in the feels and have you daydreaming about that summer love you once held on to. https://www.sandranorthofficial.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandranorth_official/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandranorthmusic/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/ artist/2SECA2fAvjoC4oFQzE9GAE Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCYqpnYQsl0J36UiNiPC4F2A?view_as=subscriber Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-902974436 Twitter: https://twitter.com/SandraN26815009 SANDRA NORTH & JIMMY MARCUS Present The New Single “Shore Thing”
Mar 3rd- Divine Abundance w interview Jara Geipel ~ Wendy K* Mar 10th- The worth of the Soul and Jesus Role interview with world renowned artist John Zamudio painter of the Savior March 17- Faith to Move Mountains story sent in by listener Scott Mar 24- Joy in the Journey ~ Wendy K* Mar 31- The Spirit makes Everyone Good Looking ~ Wendy K* Future shows coming up
The new single by Harry Kappen ‘One Life’ is from the expected new full-length album ONE LIFE, the album. After a very successful year 2023 with more than 140,000 hits for ‘Not all of us agreed’ and even more 220,000 hits for ‘The Freedom Inside’ on Spotify, it will be a new eclectic album with 12 songs; from ballad to rock, from funk to pop. Harry Kappen (H.K.) is an independant Dutch musician and music therapist. He is an experienced musician, a multi-instrumentalist, who played in many bands in the Netherlands and as a producer he worked with a lot of Dutch popbands. Since he was young he composed hundreds of songs, for his own bands or just for fun and sometimes for shows for Dutch radio and television. For more info visit his website: www.harrykappen.com Radiodowntown: Your new single ‘One Life’ has a powerful message about love, light,and connection. What inspired you to write this song? H.K.: After the previous three singles, which focused on current events and the disturbing trends in the world, I felt the need to return to the human scale. Putting love back at the center of our short earthly existence. After all, I have more influence on the quality of my relationships with my loved ones than on the war in Ukraine (‘Wargames’) or the disturbing technological developments such as A.I. (‘Not all of us agreed’). Radiodowntown: When did you start making music and since when have you been working as a music therapist? H.K.: I started playing guitar when I was 8; My sister had an acoustic guitar and I ‘borrowed’ that guitar from time to time, because I just got curious about it. I think the Stones’ ‘Satisfaction’ was the first song I learned. Then in my teens I played in bands and really learned the intricacies of playing together, making a sound, rehearsing and performing. Later it turned out that one of my band members had studied music therapy and he makes me enthusiastic about doing the same. I’ve never regretted it. Radiodowntown: Can you tell us about your experience as a multiinstrumentalist and how it has helped you in your work as a music therapist? H.K.: As a music therapist, I must be able to connect with my client’s story. I have to be able to support him and because every client is different I have a wide range of musical options at my disposal. I can’t play every instrument super well, but I can play it well enough to serve my clients. In addition to my guitar and bass skills, I learned to play the piano, drums and some other instruments and became a better vocalist. Radiodowntown: Tell us about your new album: ‘ONE LIFE, the album’. Will it be as eclectic as the previous one? H.K.: Every song, just like every client, needs a unique approach. That happens to me in a very natural way. I don’t like to limit myself to just one style of music. Life as such is not clear-cut and people’s experience of that life is certainly not. Yet over the years I have developed my own recognizable ‘Harry Kappen’ style, I think. It comes as it comes and I like to surprise myself with it. My previous album ‘ESCAPE’ (’22) also became quite eclectic, with an extremely sensitive personal ballad (Mysterious life’) on the one side to a fierce and rough Viking song (‘When evil comes’) on the other. ‘ONE LIFE, the album’ will be no different in that regard. Radiodowntown: What sets you apart from other musicians in the industry? H.K.: I don’t compare myself to other musicians, others can do that if they feel like it. I like many types of music and that is why my own music is also eclectic in nature. Every subject, every atmosphere needs its own approach and I translate that into a musical form that suits it. Moreover, I don’t want to be labeled with a genre, I make ‘HarryKappen-music’ and that’s it. Interview: Radiodowntown with Harry Kappen
Radiodowntown: As a music therapist, you work with youth and families struggling with various issues. How has music therapy been effective in helping these individuals? H.K.: By making music, especially in improvisations, unhealthy and dysfunctional patterns in relationships, such as in a family, become audible almost immediately. Clients are often surprised when they are confronted with what they hear. Music as a metaphor of real everyday life. The nice thing about this is that the clients can make changes in the music, so that the improvisations are better attuned to each other, that there is more space in the music for the other person, that people listen better to each other in order to make the shared music sound better. Somewhere during that process, the client(s) themselves make the connection with actual behavior in daily life. Music is a translation of emotion, music provides structure and you can adjust parameters in music, such as volume, dynamics, speed, etc. Music allows you to express relationships and emotions in a non-verbal way, making it acceptable and safe for clients to work with. Radiodowntown: Who are your biggest musical influences? H.K.: There are so many influences. That started with the Beatles of course, Paul McCartney in particular is a musical hero for me, but also people like David Bowie, John McLaughlin, Jeff Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Radiohead, Prince, Motorpsycho, Joni Mitchell, some classical composers, Bjork, etc. They are artists who are are able to re-invent themselves time after time, I think that’s very inspiring. Nowadays I’m a big fan of Knower with singer Genevieve Artadi and drummer Louis Cole; so good and it gives me a lot of inspiration. Besides that I love to listen and watch Rick Beato’s facebookpages (1 and 2), an inspiring and skillful musician who is able to make good and interesting interviews with artists and explain their music in a transparant way. Radiodowntown: What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far? H.K.: Those are many small moments that are rewarding for me. It is a recognition that many people listen to my music via Spotify and I am grateful for that. But I don’t get real rewards from 1 moment, but rather from the process that leads to that one moment. For me, reward was realizing the ‘Kapsonic’ album with my sister Hanneke, and then making my previous solo album ‘Escape’. Rewarding for me is a moment when my late friend’s wife comes to me and says she finds comfort in a song I wrote for him (“Friend”). For me, reward is in the little things, more than in the large number of Spotify hits. Radiodowntown: In addition to your career as a musician and music therapist, you are also a lecturer. What do you enjoy most about teaching? H.K.: I teach at a master’s program for music therapy called ‘Codarts’ in Rotterdam. There I work with very talented people, usually; young musicians from all over the world. In terms of level, they are often much better musicians than me, being graduated conservatory students, but in terms of experience with therapy and clients I ofcourse have a big advantage. It is a challenge to bring the best of both worlds together and to contribute to their development into good music therapists. Sometimes I have to unlearn more things than teach them. Improvisation and reflection play a major role in the training and are experienced and interpreted differently by each individual. I think it’s a very interesting and exciting process. Radiodowntown: What can we expect from you in the future, both in terms of music and music therapy? H.K.: ’ONE LIFE, the album’ will be released this spring, an album with several singles that have not yet been heard on a joint album, supplemented with 9 new tracks. I’m looking forward to the release because I feel the album is the best I’ve made so far. As far as music therapy is concerned, I continue with my daily work. In addition to therapies, I also teach at a master’s program in music therapy in Rotterdam called Codarts. I also find that very fun and useful to do. In addition to making music myself and teaching at the master’s program, I will focus more on my role as a producer in the future. I can be hired for that. You can follow developments in both areas of music and therapy on my site : www.harrykappen.com. This article created, composed and supplied by Harry Kappen for insertion.
After the stylistic deviations of the track Align and the reimagining of Gordon Lightfoot’s Sundown, the lethargics return on message with Habitat For Insanity. The single will be released on all digital platforms March 1, 2024. Visit the lethargics at The Holler https://thelethargics.com/ Or The Tree https://linktr.ee/thelethargics NEW RELEASE!!! 1000’s of Hits for James Lynas, he says... “I recorded this song six years ago, but now they’re rocking all over the world” James Lynas from Belfast Northern Ireland, recorded the song called “Love Sunrise” over 6 years ago and found out he was getting a lot of hits. It turns out David Sinfield and Darren Tubridy, line dance Champions loved this tune and it became a global interest to line dancers. It’s a really up-tempo track with a Latino vibe. When we say global we mean that. This tune is a favourite for line dancing in Indonesia,Thailand, Taiwan, Norway, Germany and where James didn’t even know there was any interest in line dancing. All of us at radiodowntown.ca congratulate James Lynas for his success. We continue to play all the hits on our station of James Lynas of Belfast Northern Ireland. James Lynas Love Sunrise is on the country music charts in. Tasmania / Australia. It’s at position 12 now but looks like it’s gonna go into top 10.
Factory is a rock band originally formed in Hastings, UK, in the ‘70s, and reformed in 2015. The band members have been friends since teenagers, and after much success after going their separate ways, (with Icehouse, Hazel O’Connor, Edgar Winter etc, plus co-writing You’re The Voice, a worldwide hit for John Farnham, Heart & others), they decided to reunite many years later. In their early days they were a busy touring band, supporting Fleetwood Mac, Status Quo, The Scorpions, Suzi Quatro, 10cc etc, and were the test band for Roger Daltrey’s home studio, but they never made an album until their reunion. All the original members are still there - TONY QUNTA - lead guitar, electric violin & vocals ANDY QUNTA - keyboards, electric 12-string guitar, vocals LAURIE COOKSEY - drums & vocals GEOFF “JAFFA” PECKHAM - bass & vocals plus guest appearances by Jaffa’s replacement from ‘74-‘76, STEVE KINCH (now a member of Manfred Mann’s Earth Band). Factory signed with Los Angeles-based label Rock Avenue Records USA in mid-2020, and their album “Aiming High” was released worldwide in September 2020, gaining great reviews. Their latest album “Back In The Time Machine” was released in 2023, is going big on radio stations around the world, and reaction has been excellent! They completed a UK Mini Tour in August ‘23, their first live gigs since the pandemic. More UK shows booked for March 2024. facebook.com/factory1970 www.factory1970.com https://www.youtube.com/c/OfficialFactory instagram.com/official_factory_1970
Tommy Rice of Raymond, Mississippi, discovered his passion as a songwriter and author after losing his wife, Deborah, to an aggressive form of brain cancer. Throughout her battle, they kept God at the forefront, as they always did together. Three years later, God called her home. To cope, Tommy began attending grief classes. He was told to write a short story on his experience to share. His classmates suggested he make it into a song – so he headed to Nashville. Shocked after hearing the song, he knew this was God encouraging him to continue. In 4 short weeks, he wrote a book, Miss Her More Today Than Yesterday. Now just over 3 years later, with no experience in writing, Tommy Rice has written over 215 songs with 117 of those recorded and 12 number ONE songs. In 2021, Tommy was nominated for Crossover Artist of the Year. In 2022, he won Country New Group of the Year. In 2023, he was nominated for Country Breakthrough Artist of the Year and he won IMN Inspirational Song of the Year. He has had 5 number ONE songs with IMN Network. He is a featured artist on Museboat Live Radio, with his song “Eternal Promise of Love,“ charting at number 7 for 2022 out of over 30,000 entries, and his song “There is No Love Like Our Love,” charting number TWO in 2023 out of over 50,000 entries. His song “Can I Ever Love Again” landed in the Top 10 of the World Songwriting Awards for the Best Modern Country Song category, which spans over 129 countries. His songs are being played WORLDWIDE in England, Norway, Finland, Germany, Russia, China, and many other countries! In 2023, he had nearly 10 MILLION views on his music on YouTube alone. He has been nominated in 5 categories for ISSA awards for 2024 and 3 categories for IMN Awards for 2023/24. He was honored in 2023 to become a CMA (Country Music Association) member and a member of the ISSA (International Singer Songwriter Association). YouTube.com/@TommyRice Facebook.com/TommyRiceMusic Instagram.com/TommyRiceMusic Twitter.com/TommyRiceMusic1 TommyRiceMusic.net Tommy Rice
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 The Whythouse is a Canadian urban artist that blends elements of Country, Hip Hop, and Reggae music. This Urban Collective is led by Chris Hale, also known as Plex, an award-winning artist and producer from Waterloo, Ontario. along with coproducer and musician Khenne Mazze, They have crafted a unique sound that appeals to a wide range of listeners and showcases their versatility and creativity. The Whythouse has released several singles and EPs, such as Breathe, Urban Country, and Fly Away, which have amassed well over 3 million streams on the platforms. The Whythouse is more than just a musical project; it is a lifestyle and a community that invites everyone to join their journey of making feel-good music with heart and soul. https://www.thewhythouse.com/ https://www.facebook.com/whytehouse5/ THE WHYTHOUSE New Release!
BRAIDWOOD — “Lead Me Back To My Fair One” new single release from Braidwood’s third album, Obstacle Illusion Based in the Greater Vancouver area of beautiful British Columbia, Braidwood crafts songs in the classic pop rock idiom. With this newest offering, Braidwood targets died-in-the-wool pop power. “The new mixes are pure London power pop … to the likes of The Faces .. BadÞnger É.Graham Parker É.. Braidwood bg vocal prowess is that of legends with true vocal capabilities, when producers worked hard on the embellishment of true power pop vocal arrangements. Brought out loud and proud!!! If you like Power Pop, the Braidwood ride is the journey for you.” — Rob Begg, mixing engineer, Vancouver, BC “In the year of the 50th anniversary of the release of The Beatles’ “White Album” comes Braidwood’s Second Cacophony. Obviously, Braidwood is not The Beatles but the diversity of Braidwood’s second album has a similar effect, and a Beatles influence runs throughout.” — Tom Harrison | The Province, Vancouver, BC, Nov 23, 2018 All songs written, recorded, and produced by Brent Braidwood All songs SOCAN Contact: www.braidwoodsongs.com
Band/artist: The Petal Falls Single Title: Give A Little Love Album Title: The Rhythm Train Release Date: All regions 23rd February Genre: Rock - ISRC - UKSEB1900026 ‘Give A Little Love’ is The Petal Falls brand new single from their hugely successful fourth album titled 'The Rhythm Train' released in October 2023 on CD only. “I’m not asking for much just a little of your lovin’ touch” A dark, troubling song about life on the streets for one young girl. A blend of sharp verses and catchy choruses all mixed with that brilliant signature production of The Petal Falls music. You must have a listen to the irresistible blend of rock and pop that is The Petal Falls. Band Line-Up: Keith Leahy - lead vocals/guitar/keyboards Robert Harpum – guitar Barry Kitchin - guitar Robin Tucker - drums Martin Corder - bass With the help of – Backing Vocals – Avril Davis and Duncan Lowe – Sax Mastered by John King Website - https://thepetalfalls.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ThePetalFalls Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thepetalfalls Twitter - https://twitter.com/FallsPetal Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@thepetalfalls
JewelzRiley has been diligently crafting and recording fresh music lately. In February, the band dropped their latest single, “2 Drinks,” a narrative set in a bar where two familiar faces finally connect and share a meaningful conversation, finding solace in each other’s company. Keep an ear out for more tunes coming your way from JewelzRiley soon! “Unwind” promises a nostalgic ride, weaving in nods to past hits, while “Newintown” sees the Walker brothers revisiting their musical roots with a reggae-infused rock track produced by Dave Murray. “Newintown” follows the journey of a man embarking on a new chapter in a new town, seeking a friendly guide to show him around. Additionally, anticipate tracks like “Waltz in the Dark,” “Elevate,” and “Days Like This” in the pipeline. The band is enjoying the creative process, so stay tuned for more! A heartfelt shoutout goes to John and Julia at Radiodowntown for their unwavering support. Check out their latest release here:https://youtu.be/ jo2q43n8POs?si=2P5nspgKwt-kxGo8
Lynn Campbell “Stupid & Crazy” Following on from the massive success with “Romance Is Dead” earlier this year, which gave Lynn her 4th No.1 on I-Tunes, “Stupid And Crazy” is Lynn’s fifth original release. Described as a ballad with an Irish country feel to it, “Stupid And Crazy” was co-written with Irish singer/songwriter Eamon Walsh who Lynn admits she has been a huge fan of for the past few years. It also features Terry McGinty from Ballybofey in Co. Donegal on piano and guitars and Terry Byrne from Wexford on accordion. Lynn can be contacted via Email: [email protected] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LynnCrawfordCampbell Instagram : https://instagram.com/lynncrawfordcampbell Twitter : https://twitter.com/lynncampbell Affectionately known at Radiodowntown as “Our Jamie” has a new CD We were honoured to receive a CD of “Our Jamie’s” new tunes. Thank sooo much Jamie.... oh and thanks for the Jaffa Cakes...lol To download her new CD: https://jamiedonnellymusic.com/?post_ type=product Visit: https://jamiedonnellymusic.com/ Also check out Jamie’s other CDs> 2
ABOUT THE SONG Taynee wrote the lyrically brutal, upbeat song “You Think You’re All That” when she was a teenager about a friendship turned sideways. It’s filled with the reasons behind the blissfully unaware toxic friendship ending as the trust couldn’t be rebuilt. Writing this song was Taynee’s way of getting out her emotions. The song directly addresses the ex-friend giving them a reality check, hitting some home truths. It’s all the words she could never express to the person’s face. The single was recorded with Rockfield Studio engineer Tim Lewis and Tom Meighan’s (Kasabian) producer Ross Rothero- Bourge. BIOGRAPHY Among the clang of electric guitars Taynee Lord sits upon her vocal throne of country twang, giving you music from sunsets and highways from Bristol to Nashville. Since releasing her debut EP in 2019, her single ‘No God Of Mine’ charted at #1 in the iTunes U.K. Country Music Charts. Resulting in the honour to perform for Glastonbury Festival’s Michael Eavis at The Pilton Stage. Taynee’s music has captured the attention of radio stations in the UK, USA and around the world and has been admired by BBC Introducing, even featuring as BBC Upload's Live Band of the Week. In 2022 Taynee’s music was successful at The Simply Country Radio awards, winning Best Song of the Year with her single “Love Moves like a Train’ and was also honoured to take home The People’s Choice Award. Last year included Taynee and her band supporting Scouting for Girls at multiple festivals around the UK. They headlined the 2022’s Glastonbury Calling Festival amongst many other festival appearances. 2023 performances included multiple festivals, Glastonbury Abbey, supporting boy band Blue along with her new single ‘Love Hard’ being played on over a hundred radio stations worldwide. Taynee Lord continues to be a rising force amidst the burgeoning British Country Music Scene with her transmitting connection to the roots of Americana. “You Think You’re All That” NEW SINGLE RELEASE DATE 1st NOVEMBER 2023 Listen Here / PRE SAVE HERE Contact Website Music Socials Spotify Download MP3 & Artwork
Picked up my first guitar at 10 and taught myself with a little inspiration and help from an after school club. I also started to teach myself to yodel at 10 too after hearing Frank Ifield. For more on my yodelling journey please visit www.yodellynne.co.uk or facebook.com/yodellynne I was quite shy and didn’t have many friends so spent most of my time either drawing or playing guitar or listening to music and even trying to write some songs but most of them just got pushed back to the back of a file somewhere. Music didn’t really play a big part in my life until my late teens when I joined a musical theatre company called Generation Theatre based in Reading, Berkshire. I had the greatest of pleasure to be treading the boards with the then very young Christian Bale, Anna Winslet - Kate’s sister, and Matthew Savage all who have gone on to make either professional music or acting careers. It was whilst at this musical theatre that I got my love of performing and singing. It was only after being cast as a supporting role of the house keeper in Pinocchio however that I decided to get singing lessons due to the fact that after week of singing to a Theatre Audience without training resulted in losing my voice. Learning how to use my voice properly gave me more confidence and I started looking for bands to be part of. Initially I started in bands just as a vocalist but then as a rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist. I then went on to form my own bands and we did all the usual circuits - working mens clubs, weddings etc. It was a lot of fun and that’s where I learnt the craft of being able to work with an audience. I love nothing better than performing live, hecklers and all. I wrap the audience around me and just have fun. I was asked to join various bands in various capacities. ‘Lynne, can you join us as our vocalist and oh, we need a Double Bass Player - can you learn it and sing too”! So then started my journey as a lead vocalist and bass player for a buegrass band. Moving on a little further “Oh lynne, you have the right personality for our band, you can sing PLUS we need a drummer - can you learn it and join us?” I then had fun for a couple of years as a drummer for a 9 piece all Girl Jazz/blues band called the Average Wife Band I put my music on hold for a while after all that to concentrate on other interests such as being a radio presenter and just generally living a little bit of life,catching up with friends and just be Lynne the person and not the performer because I had been a single mum all this time, Then in 2014 I met my lovely husband number two (having previously lost my first husband to cancer) . Of course I wrapped myself up in this relationship, having fun and just concentrating on being a radio presenter for Ukcountryradio. com and then setting up my own podcasts and then teaching the ukulele and guitar. In 2023 I decided I wanted to go back out performing again. I miss the buzz of a live audience and hubby is very supportive and it just felt right, so I’m now putting together a One Woman Show, writing a book of which the show is a synopsis and hoping to record a brand new album in 2024. Throughout all these years I secretly practiced yodelling. I was a closet yodeller until 2007 when I came out and since then my yodelling journey has been a fun one. Also throughout this time, I’ve been writing many songs - hence wanting to record a new album.
... Yodelling!!!! Lynne started yodelling at the age of 10 after listening to Frank Ifield singing “She Taught me to Yodel” however for 33 of those years she was a ‘closet’ yodeller only coming out in 2007 at a local gig. Since then Lynne’s yodelling has taken some wonderful twists and turns. New Zealand Games company Pik Pok commissioned some yodelling on one of their games called Giant Boulder of Death which was released by Universal. After performing at The Cornbury Festival with the International Ukuele Club of Sonning Common, the song “Taught me to Yodel” was chosen to be on that years’ CD and she has had the great honour and pleasure of twice accompanying Mr Joe Brown MBE on the song “In The Jailhouse Now” at two of the International Ukulele Club of Sonning Common’s concerts. Christmas 2012 saw the release of her “A Yodelling Christmas Song” which caught the ear of Tom Robinson from BBC Radio 6 who played it on his show and here’s what he had to say about it in his blog: “For this mixtape, I had to listen - with gritted teeth - to every single track uploaded to BBC Introducing in the last three months that had “Christmas” in the title. Imagine! And yet buried in that vast sugary snowdrift of clichéd sleighbells and schlock sentimentality, there were nineteen gems that I actually liked very much. Some of them funny, some cynical, some genuinely affecting… and some so silly and strange they were simply irresistible. Yes, Lynne Butler with your “Yodelling Christmas Song”, I’m talking about you.” In 2014 she was invited onto Room 101 (presented by Frank Skinner), BBC Radio Five Live, BBC Radio Wales and appearing live on Breakfast TV teaching Naga and Charlie to yodel! Fun times indeed. In November that year Lynne was flown out to Barcelona to yodel at an Oktoberfest themed trade fair and then in December a very fun filled appearance on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch teaching Simon Rimmer and Tim Lovejoy to yodel along with their guests Paloma Faith, Jon Richardson, Sarah Hadland and Frank Skinner. Since then there have been two appearances on Come Dine with Me as after dinner entertainment and many more live Radio Interviews including many of the BBC local stations up and down the country, BBC Radio 2 teaching Simon Mayo and the team to yodel on Drive Time and teaching Geoff Lloyd and Annabel Port to yodel on Absolute Radio. 2017 had it’s fair share of yodelling gigs for celebrity, public and corporate sector alike. A lovely private gig for Mel Geidroyc, also booked as standby performer for the Generation Game pilot in 2017 and more recently in December 2018 teaching Faye Tozer and Giovanni Pernice to yodel for Strictly Come Dancing. Since then she’s taught Ant and Dec, Big Zuu, been live on CBBC Saturday mash up, Zoe Ball and Richie Anderson and in fact she made Zoe Ball’s Top 12 Christmas days in 2021. Yodellynne and her brother also did some fancy duo yodelling on 8 out of 10 cats does countdown and that clip made it in to the all time top 30 in 2021 too. Christmas 2022 Lynne was invited on to Wynne Evans show on BBC radio wales to chat about, and to demonstrate yodelling after which she was invited to perform at Wynne’s Christmas Show Recorded Live from the BBC Studios in Cardiff. A fabulous end to a busy year. A couple of exciting projects that can be revealed at present are firstly Lynne’s first Yodelling album “Yodelling with Yodellynne” is in the making due to be released in the summer of 2023. It has yodelling from the traditional to the bizarre. Secondly, she is writing her autobiography - The Closet Yodeller which is a humorous look at her musical journey thus far and she’s hoping to get it published in 2024, not only that, her one woman show entitled “An evening with Lynne nash aka The Closet Yodeller - a synopsis of her forthcoming book is due to be taken on the road in 2024 - so look out for dates - to be added in the new year. Her yodelling workshops know no bounds having also recently provided one for two Stag Dos! Yes, you read correctly. I’m also writing my musical biography entitled ‘The Closet Yodeller’ because I also yodel and seem to be the go to yodeller for TV and radio over here in the United kingdom. My book details my musical journey from the age of 10 when I picked up my first guitar to the present day where i’m a professional musican, yodeller, singer/songwriter and vocalist. It is laced with lot of humour. My one woman show which I’m intending to put on the road in the near future is a synopsis of my book and throughout the evening the audience are treated to songs/tunes from the relevant time in my musical journey , funny stories and some fun oktoberfest interaction at the end. Voice Actor, Teacher, Speaker, Radio Presenter, Musician, Singer/Songwriter The Power of Music and Voice podcast Bands in the Boudoir podcast www.lynnenashmusic.co.uk www.facebook.com/lynnenashmusicandvoice www.facebook.com/yodellynne UKCountryRradio.com
In a small suburban neighborhood nestled among the trees, there lived a young boy named Alex. At twelve years old, he possessed a passion that burned brighter than the midday sun – a passion for music. Each day, as soon as he returned from school, Alex would dart up the stairs to his room, eager to immerse himself in the world of sound and rhythm. His acoustic guitar, a gift from his grandfather, waited patiently in the corner, its strings whispering secrets of melodies yet to be discovered. With unwavering determination, Alex would spend hours on end practicing his craft. His fingers danced across the fretboard, coaxing out notes that echoed through the room like a symphony of dreams. From soft ballads to energetic riffs, Alex poured his heart and soul into every chord, every strum, every pluck. His room became his sanctuary, a haven where he could lose himself in the music and forget about the world outside. The walls reverberated with the echoes of his passion, a testament to his relentless pursuit of perfection. But Alex’s dreams stretched far beyond the confines of his bedroom walls. He harbored a secret ambition – to become an indie artist, to share his music with the world and leave a mark that would echo through the ages. With each passing day, Alex’s resolve grew stronger. He devoured books on music theory, watched countless tutorials online, and sought out every opportunity to hone his skills. He played at local coffee shops, open mic nights, and even busked on the streets, determined to gain experience and exposure. Yet, despite his tireless efforts, Alex faced setbacks and challenges along the way. There were moments of frustration and doubt, moments when it seemed easier to give up than to keep pushing forward. But deep down, he knew that giving up was not an option – not when his heart beat to the rhythm of his dreams. And so, with unwavering determination and a spirit that refused to be quenched, Alex continued to chase his melodies. He wrote songs that spoke of hope and resilience, of love and loss, pouring his soul into every lyric and every note. As the years passed, Alex’s talent blossomed like a flower in bloom. His music touched the hearts of those who listened, weaving stories that resonated with the human experience. And though the road to success was long and winding, Alex knew that with each strum of his guitar, he was one step closer to achieving his dreams. For in the heart of a young boy who dared to dream, there existed a power that could move mountains and defy the odds. And as Alex stood on the cusp of his journey, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew that he would never give up – for his music was his voice, his passion, his purpose. And with that unwavering resolve burning bright within him, Alex set forth into the world, ready to conquer the stage and make his mark as an indie artist, striving never to give up on the melodies that danced in his soul. ~ JohnK Radiodowntown Alex Never Gives up, Keep the Dream Alive!