Welcome To The Music

From August 3rd 2020: Kim Mitchell is a Canadian rock icon. This year he was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. He was the lead singer with the influential rock band Max Webster and has had an outstanding solo career which has seen him earn numerous awards and accolades. His newest single, Wishes, is the first release on his latest album The Big Fantasize.

Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcome to the show author Chris MacDonald!The hosts welcomed Chris MacDonald, who introduced his book "Days and Days," which combines personal travel narratives with the story of the punk band Leatherface. The discussion covered themes of nostalgia, friendship, and the significance of lost music venues, with a focus on the Duchess in Leeds. Chris concluded by mentioning he is working on a ghost story for his next book.

Karim Kanji and Saukrates engaged in a discussion that covered various aspects of Saukrates' career, including his album "Bad Addiction" and the significance of lost performance venues. Saukrates shared insights into his stage name, which he chose at 15, inspired by the Brazilian soccer player Sócrates. He acknowledged the philosophical undertones often associated with hip-hop artists, agreeing that they can serve as modern-day philosophers. The conversation also touched on his early work, including his Juno-nominated single "Still Caught Up," which helped establish his presence in the music industry.The journey of Saukrates' album was a focal point, detailing the recording process from 2004 to 2009 while signed to Def Jam. He explained the challenges he faced with delays due to label priorities and how he ultimately took control of the release to align with his artistic vision. Additionally, he recounted a recent collaboration with the Washington Capitals for Black History Month, which led to an Emmy nomination, emphasizing the importance of networking and being in the right place at the right time in the music industry.Saukrates shared anecdotes about performing at notable venues in Toronto, such as the Opera House, reflecting on their historical significance. He expressed excitement about returning to the El Mocambo after many years and discussed the importance of artistic freedom in music appreciation, advocating for listeners to enjoy a variety of artists without feeling pressured to choose sides. The conversation concluded with details about his upcoming album release strategy, including availability on digital platforms and physical formats, as well as the collaborative efforts behind the album's production and artwork.

Summary:Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston initiated a discussion centered around U2's "Unforgettable Fire" and its role in the band's evolution. They welcomed guests David Diamond and Zero from The Kings, who shared their experiences in the music industry. The conversation covered topics such as new music releases, touring experiences, and challenges faced in venues that have since closed.The dialogue shifted to the Heat Wave Festival, with Gregg discussing its legendary status and the performances, particularly by Teenage Head. The discussion highlighted Teenage Head's influence on other Canadian bands and the historical significance of the festival.Karim engaged the guests in a conversation about their iconic song "This Beat Goes On/Switching to Glide," discussing its creation, structure, success on radio, and performance on American Bandstand. The conversation also touched on the humorous anecdote involving a dog named Sadie and her image on their album cover.The episode concluded with discussions about the new single "There's nowhere to go but gone," the collaboration with producers for their new album "The Longest Story Ever Told," and plans for future projects. The conversation explored the evolving landscape of radio music formats, the blending of genres, and the challenges facing modern rock and alternative stations. The episode was marked by a spirit of collaboration, nostalgia, and enthusiasm for the future of music.

Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji bring you a conversation about music and... photography. We reflected on our visit to an art gallery that featured the iconic work of Bob Gruen, renowned for capturing legendary musicians through his lens. It was during this discussion that we introduced the esteemed historian and photographer, Margo Cooper, who was joining us for a special interview on our show, *Welcome to the Music*.Margo has built a career on her passion for both photography and blues music. She shared her personal journey, starting with her first blues concert and expanding to visiting clubs in Boston and Mississippi to fully immerse herself in the lives and stories of the musicians she admires. What began as a deep appreciation for the blues turned into a mission for Margo—to capture not just the performances but the personal histories of the musicians themselves. Her work has led her to encounter influential figures such as Luther "Guitar Jr." Johnson and members of the Muddy Waters Tribute Band.As the conversation progressed, we dove deeper into Margo’s work, including her upcoming book, which is a treasure trove for blues enthusiasts. She explained how her background as a public defender fueled her desire to document the voices and lives of these musicians, ensuring their stories are told in their own words. Her transition from law to photography has opened doors to meaningful encounters and collaborations with both veteran and emerging musicians.This episode was a whirlwind of topics—from rock concerts to photography exhibits to the rich history of blues music. With Margo Cooper’s stories and experiences as the centerpiece, it was a reminder of the power of storytelling through both music and photography, and how these mediums continue to shape our cultural understanding.

Gregg and Karim welcome to the show, Joel Plaskett!The episode begins with Joel Plaskett discussing his new record and the changing relationship with the songs once they are released. Joel explored the impact of audience interpretation and the challenges of articulating the original intent without unraveling it. Joel also shared his experience with using analog technology to record his music, emphasizing the nostalgic and human qualities that the limitations of this technology bring to the recordings. We also engaged in a deep exploration of the theme of shadows and the tension of opposites in the record.The conversation then shifted to Joel's cross Canada tour and his approach to presenting the new album. He expressed a preference for a relaxed atmosphere during the performances and discussed the potential impact of limiting phone use to enhance audience engagement. Additionally, Joel mentioned his intention to honor requests for older catalog songs while looking forward to showcasing the new material.The episode concluded with Joel Plaskett sharing his excitement for the release of his new album and discussing his current musical preferences. He also delved into the artwork for his album, created by his wife, Rebecca Kraatz, and explained how it played a significant role in the album's creation. Visit Joel Plaskett online at https://joelplaskett.com/