Welcome To The 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/

Welcome to the kickoff show of our new season!Here's a recap of today's episode!Hosts Gregg and Karim discussed their recent experiences at various shows. Karim shared his experience at the Storry concert, where he and his wife, Minaz, enjoyed the performance despite initial confusion about the event. They both expressed their enjoyment of the shows and Storry's performance. Karim and Gregg discussed their recent experiences at music shows. Karim attended a Shaggy concert and a Trews concert, while Gregg planned to attend a Milky Chance and K-Flay concert. Karim also mentioned seeing the re-release of the Oasis documentary and his brother's upcoming trip to Wembley Stadium to see Oasis perform. They speculated about Oasis potentially opening with "Rock and Roll Star" and Kendrick Lamar possibly bringing Oasis to the Super Bowl halftime show. Gregg mentioned a 20% probability of Oasis splitting up before completing their tour, and they discussed how betting money would impact the probability.Karim and Gregg discussed the dynamic pricing issue with Ticketmaster, comparing it to Uber's surge pricing during mass shootings. Karim suggested that bands and musicians are making as much money as they can due to the decline in music streaming revenue, and the high ticket prices are a result of this. Gregg mentioned that fans are willing to pay high prices for special events like an Oasis concert.

The interview with John Orpheus covered a range of topics, including his new album "Get Right," his literary and musical journey, and his thoughts on journalism. They also discussed the influence of different decades on music, with Orpheus emphasizing the importance of living in the present moment rather than being constrained by notions of the past or future. The conversation extended to their favorite music artists and bands from the 90s, personal anecdotes, and their admiration for influential figures such as Harry Belafonte, James Baldwin, and Miles Davis.Orpheus shared his love for the 60s era and the depth of artists from that time, contrasting it with the current music scene. He emphasized the importance of artists having something meaningful to say and shared his musical influences, including Prince, Rick James, Thames, Emily King, and Miles Davis. Orpheus also provided details on where people can find his music and follow his journey, highlighting his presence on various social media platforms and his upcoming book "Black Cherokee" for Simon & Schuster in New York.

In this ecent episode of "Welcome To The Music," host Karim Kanji engaged with the talented Orin Isaacs, delving into his career, the power of musical communities, and the link between music and math.The episode began with Orin sharing his experiences working on the CBC's Olympic coverage, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the project and the diverse musical approaches required. This insight set the stage for a broader discussion about his career.Orin recounted his early days playing in bands, leading to his transition into music production and television music direction. His work on shows like Canadian Idol and the Juno Awards showcased his adaptability and breadth of talent, illustrating the diverse opportunities within the music industry.Orin argued that the sense of community built through shared musical experiences can be more impactful than formal education. This idea sparked a discussion about how personal and communal interactions in music foster growth and learning. They emphasized the significant role musical communities play in nurturing talent and passion.The conversation touched on the connection between music and math, with Orin sharing how his musical background enhanced his math skills in practical situations. This discussion highlighted the cognitive benefits of musical training, suggesting that music can improve mathematical thinking.Karim Kanji's conversation with Orin Isaacs offered a comprehensive look at his diverse career, the importance of musical communities, and the cognitive benefits of music. This episode stands out as a testament to the power of music in shaping careers, communities, and minds.Stay tuned for more episodes of "Welcome To The Music," where we explore the stories behind the music with industry insiders and creative talents.

**Celeigh Cardinal: From Boundless Possibilities to Juno Triumph**Join hosts Karim Kanji and Jahaan Kanji on "Welcome to the Music" as they explore the remarkable journey of Celeigh Cardinal, a Canadian folk singer-songwriter from Alberta. Celeigh blends blues, folk, and R&B/Soul, achieving chart-topping success on platforms like the Indigenous Music Countdown and CBC Music Top 20 Countdown. Her debut album, "Everything and Nothing at All," received critical acclaim, solidifying her presence in the Canadian music scene.In this episode, Celeigh shares her story, from the creation of her album "Boundless Possibilities" to winning the prestigious Juno Award in 2020. She discusses the deep passion and purpose behind each track, stating, "This is truly like the thing that I'm supposed to do. I had to pursue it because I'm miserable doing anything else."Celeigh's music is a powerful conduit for Indigenous voices, paying homage to those often unheard. Rooted in her heritage, her artistry serves as a vessel for storytelling and healing, echoing the resilience of generations past while igniting hope for the future.Beyond her musical achievements, Celeigh is committed to using her platform for positive change, advocating for social justice issues close to her heart. Her authenticity and passion inspire fans worldwide to embrace their unique journeys and make a difference in their communities.Tune in to this captivating episode to discover more about Celeigh Cardinal's inspiring journey and the power of her music. For more about Celeigh, visit her official website at celeighcardinal.com.

Grammy-winning producer Val Garay, and singer-songwriter Katrina Woolverton discussed their collaboration and the hit song "Bette Davis Eyes." They explored their vision for a new project and the challenges associated with adapting classic songs to an EDM style.Val's technical expertise in vocal tracking and Katrina's creative input and communication skills were highlighted. They discussed strategies for reimagining classic songs and teased upcoming singles and albums. They also reflected on the nostalgia associated with music venues in Toronto and Los Angeles and the effects of urban development on these cultural spaces.Check out the song here: https://tmapr.com/kwbde/Katrina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KatrinaMusicVal on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valltd/

Welcome back to the show, Toronto rapper and songwriter, Keysha Freshh!Catching Up and Album DiscussionKeysha and Karim reminisce about the changes since the pandemic and express their surprise at the return to normalcy. They also discuss Keysha's upcoming album, "Pretty Boys Break My Heart,". Keysha shares that the album is personal and expresses her excitement for its release on August 16th.Keysha's Album and Music PlansKeysha shares details about her upcoming album, including the artists she worked with and the diverse themes explored in the music. She expresses her enthusiasm for performing the new music at local shows and emphasizes the significance of creating a cohesive album rather than just releasing singles. Additionally, she discusses her plans to release one or two songs before the album launch.Collaboration on Children's AlbumKeysha reflects on her confidence and connection to the character of Julia the Great, expressing her enthusiasm for the project. She highlights the challenges and joys of collaborating with Maestro Fresh Wes, emphasizing his creativity and their successful nomination for a Juno award.Recognition of Hip Hop and Rap at the JunosKeysha and Karim reflect on the recognition of hip hop and rap at the Junos, specifically mentioning the induction of a legend into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the celebration of 50 years of hip hop. They also discuss the team's efforts in highlighting the contributions of hip hop and rap, expressing appreciation for the hard work put in despite time constraints.Impact of Bishop Brigante on Canadian Hip-Hop CultureKarim Kanji inquires about Bishop Brigante's influence on Canadian rap and hip-hop culture. Keysha discusses Bishop's extensive history in the industry, his role as an entrepreneur, and his impact as a battle rapper, emphasizing his contributions to the scene and his ability to collaborate with prominent artists.* Bishop Brigante and his impact on the rap and hip-hop culture in CanadaImportance of Women in the Music IndustryKeysha passionately emphasizes the pivotal role of women in hip hop, citing examples of female artists who have been instrumental in shaping the genre's history. She underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women in the music industry, urging for their stories to be told and preserved for future generations.* The evolution of hip hop and the contributions of various artists* The importance of storytelling in hip hop historyKarim Kanji and Keysha Discuss Music and Future Album ReleaseKarim Kanji and Keysha engage in a lively conversation about their music preferences, with Keysha expressing her love for Afrobeats and promoting her upcoming album release, providing details on where to find her music and stay updated. Karim expresses enthusiasm and interest in staying connected with Keysha and looks forward to her new album release.* Keysha's new album "Pretty Boys, Break My Heart"https://keyshaonline.com/