Definitely I'm behind on these playlist liner notes but in my own defence, my work in the film industry has really picked up so my "Music Time" has been really focused om recording and promotion and less straight up appreciation. This playlist is focused on artists I came across at Indie 101 including the first few who, along with me, were part of a live Demo Listening Seminar in conjunction with Seneca College. Thanks again to both Indie 101 and Seneca College for including us in the proceedings!
Listen to playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/
THIS MAD DESIRE –IRON MAN
While not what I presented for the Demo Listening, this is my tribute to Black Sabbath and my most recent Secret Cover -full EP coming soon!! I am Iron Mack!
GLASS CACTUS –FOOD OR RENT
Melodic alt-rock from Toronto. They write punchy pop-punk songs. Their demo was also really fun. Lo-fi recording but I could hear the potential.
QUEENS & KINGS –EARTHQUAKE
I've been following Alissa and Brendan since Indie Week a few years ago. They have a true rock and roll spirit and remind me of The Kills. This was the actual song they presented. I think Brendan is playing drums AND guitar at the same time.... Wow!
KEN TIZZARD AND MUSIC FOR GOATS –DRUNK, STONED AND BROKE
I think this is what Ken submitted for the Demo Listening. Ken plays bass in the Watchmen and has played in some pretty loud bands but his solo stuff especially lately has been folky and earthy roots-style, which I also love. Ken guests on a track I have coming out (release date TBA). Great guy and great player!
REBECCA HENNESSY –LAY DOWN YOUR BURDEN
Rebecca was one of the people from Seneca College critiquing our tunes. She's a trumpeter and songwriter who has worked with many great artists including something current based on the writing of Thomas King, which I find interesting because I was invited one time to observe at a Native drum circle he was a part of (and maybe still is!).
NEON BLOOM –ONE LAST TIME
Neon Bloom were playing a gig with Queens & Kings the week I made this playlist and this is their new track. Plus I met Jen through Indie Week so it all fits. And I dig the tune!
LL COOL J –MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT
Nothing to do with Indie 101 but why not? Originally he was playing in Toronto on my birthday, June 29, but that has since changed.
The rest of these people posted these tracks in a thread at the conference and I threw them in to remember to check them out...
AUXV –TOO SOON
I don't know anything about this but it's a groovy, urban track.
DANA RICE –SAVE ME AGAIN
Piano-driven balladry from Atlanta. This track makes me think of Tori Amos.
JANIAH HINES BROWN –IN THE DARK
Melodic radio-friendly music from Toronto.
DAVE FILCHAK –ONLY A HEARTBREAK AWAY
Classic country-tinged rock from Lethbridge.
SHARP EDGES –ON THE EDGE
Also Dave Filchak but a much harder rocking band!
ALICIATHESONGWRITER –BAD GIRL (DIVA HOP MIX)
Groovy dance music from Texas, I believe.
LESEL –VERSIONES DE MI
Pop/EDM. Catchy stuff!
EVERWALDEN –HUMMINGBIRD
Upbeat indie folk rock.
MIDNITE GOSSIP –STREETLIGHTS
This is my second time sharing this one. They are from Calgary and I like the guitar solo.
JANIYA / GHOSTZED –RUN IT UP
I can't find much about this but it is a cool track. Very modern Drake-ish pop music.
TONYA CATTAN -j9i
Tonya is Egyptian-Canadian and I am assuming this song is in Arabic. I always find it interesting to hear songs in languages I don't understand at all because you really rely more on the straight emotive power of the melody and delivery. It's almost more musical that way.
DISSONANCE A CAPELLA –MAKE ME FEEL
Cool track from an act Jennifer Williamson from Peoria Heights was an involved with.
RED ROSE DIVINE –KALEIDOSCOPE
Olivia is a trans indie pop artist in San Jose. I really like this track!
GHOST IN THE MACHINE –HEARTBREAKER (CRUSHED)
American rocktronica!
CHRISTIN WENZEL –BUT MY BRAIN
German indie pop!
RITA RICHARDSON –PROMISE
Indie folk pop from Idaho!
And with that, this wraps up this playlist. Hope you enjoyed it!!
If you like this playlist, please share it and follow these artists. Music is the fuel that fills our soul.
If you are an artist that would like to be included in the future, reach out anywhere and I’d love to check out your tunes!
Yours in music,
Mac