Live Music Reigns

Hi friends,

Sometimes I have to pinch myself as to what I'm doing for a living. These past couple of months have afforded me some truly amazing musical experiences by way of live shows and music festivals.

March was crazy as I went from Canadian Music Week to South By South West, in Austin, and then The 40th Anniversary Juno Awards. Had this been a regular desk job I'm certain I'd have burnt out...but seeing new bands and some giants like The Strokes was nothing but fuel to the fire.

April began with a band I was introduced to at SXSW. It was a magical little Monday night as The Boxer Rebellion took stage at a sold out Horseshoe show. They really are worth keeping an eye on. This guy's voice is like a young and happier Morrissey - give this track a spin.

The next show was the mighty Biffy Clyro at The Mod Club Theatre. This band are on the brink to breaking out Worldwide. They're opening for Foo Fighters right now across the US and then in Europe this summer. Try out your new favourite song here. This is just the tip of the iceberg for this trio from Scotland.

The month of May stepped up to the occasion too. It began with a small club showcase for British rapper Tinie Tempah. This youngster's been blowing up in Europe for the past year and now sits comfortably inside the Top 20 on Billboard in North America. With a few more collaborations I'm certain that Tinie is going to be huge:) Top rhymes from this chap to including..."You'll find me on a table with some vodka and tequila, surrounded by some bunnies and it ain't fuckin' Easter" as heard on this track - Miami to Ibiza.

May continues to deliver as well - with a show this weekend from Glasvegas at Lee's Palace. The month began with a show from Mr. Neil Young at Massey Hall which was fantastic. The next show took me by surprise and opened my eyes to R&B shows in general. Saturday May 14th saw Akon open for entertainer extraordinaire Usher. I may have been 1 of 3 men in the building but I'm glad I got to see this guys perform. He puts on one of the most entertaining shows around. Hit after hit and chalk full of beautiful women and amazing choreography.

The latest show I went to was Adele at Air Canada Centre last week. She floats in on a cloud of perfection and sings her albums effortlessly with grace. She truly deserves the title and recognition she's getting around the World at this time. Check this track out if you've not had a chance 'Turning Tables' .

So what does June have in store? Sam Roberts Band at Massey Hall June 4th for starters. And oh yeah, the Much Music Video Awards on June 19th featuring Lady Gaga, The Black keys, Bruno Mars, Selena Gomez, Avril Lavigne, City and Colour and many more yet to be announced.

If I could be so bold as to give you one bit of advice - it would be for you to get out there and see more live music. It's not something that can be captured on camera. Music is meant to be an experience and cherished.

Thanks for reading/listening,

Gregg Stewart

5 Epic Long Songs for the Long Weekend

Hi Friends,

It's the long weekend in Canada and to celebrate I've thrown together a quick list of epic tracks. These long weekend's are meant to be savoured and drawn out - so hopefully these help you do just that.

Most songs these days clock in at the 3.5 minute mark and I think we can attribute that to the A.D.D. generation we now live in. It's not often you hear anything that goes past 5 but these tracks I've selected range from 7 - 16 minutes in length.

If the World was to end at 6pm today then these would have been on my outro play list anyway.

• The Verve - 'Appalachian Springs'
• Pink Floyd - 'Us and Them'
• Guns N' Roses - 'November Rain'
• Neil Young - 'Change Your Mind'
• Paul McCartney & Wings - 'Band on the Run' *this is like 3 songs in one
• Snow Patrol - 'The Lightening Strike' + Part II and Part III *this is actually 3 in one:)

Have a great long weekend!

Thanks for reading/listening.

Gregg

Fantastic Tracks and Their Videos

Hello Friends,

There are so many amazing music videos out there that you may never get the chance to see. I luckily have the chance to see them all as part of work - so I've taken the liberty of selecting a few for you. I've not picked the best videos of all time - but simply chosen some amazing tracks and the videos that support them. That being said - there are still a few amazing videos in this list so check them out when you have a second.

Arcade Fire - We Used to Wait
Even if you don't fancy yourself a sentimental person this video has the power to melt any cold heart. You'll need to download Google Chrome to see it - but trust me it's well worth it. I had goosebumps and it almost (almost) brought me to tears. This song was amazing on it's own - but this video is next level and so perfect in every way.

Temper Trap - Love Lost
My folks are from Scotland and this video simply reminds me of visiting the UK as a child. It's always raining - but the people are hard and honest. The song is made even better by this great video. The little story is wonderful and the little ginger kid, in the back, reminds me of someone. It also reminds me of cross country running as a kid.

The Chemical Brothers feat Noel Gallagher - Let Forever Be

I didn't just pick this one because Noel's on the track - the video is such an iconic 90s music video for this band.

Black Keys - Tighten Up
Kids on a playground fighting for the love of a girl. Need I say more?

Manic Street Preachers - If You Tolerate This Then Your Children Will Be Next

Epic tune from such an important politically charged band.

Stars - Changes

I love, love, love this album and 'Changes' is the lead single from it. This video is simple yet gorgeous.

Eminem feat. Dido - Stan

One of the best mini movies about the music game ever. What a tune - listen to the production by Dre on this - including the scratching of a pencil.

Adele - Chasing Pavement

For those new to Adele's music - it's well worth your while to check out her debut album that houses this track. The whole album is stunning.

The Verve - Bitter Sweet Symphony

This remains my favourite video of all times for the sheer attitude factor. It came out in a time when I was travelling Europe and you couldn't get away from this video. European travel + great music = win.

Depeche Mode - Wrong

Scariest video going - and a powerful comeback track at the same time. Hail, Hail Depeche Mode.

Glasvegas - Flowers and Football Tops

This band has a knack for creating some of the most amazing atmospheric music today. Each track sounds like it should be the bed track to the very intense part of a movie. The video is visually stunning.

Dr. Dre - Kush

We were not allowed to play this video as it promotes drug use - but it's such a great track from the forthcoming, much anticipated, release 'Detox'. Great video and tune - can't wait for the full album.

Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math

A friend and colleague of mine told me about this one and it's just awesome. I just want to know how long this video took to shoot.

The Buggles may have written a song called 'Video Killed The Radio Star' but that was way back in 1979. Music videos are alive and well in 2011.

Thanks for reading/listening.

Gregg

My Favourite Remixes

Hello Friends,

I'm not normally a fan of remixes at all. That being said I have managed to throw together a solid list of remixes that I think trump their original.

I used to think it was lazy for a DJ or artist to even attempt to do this and pass it off as their own work. I've grown to understand it more in recent years. I now look at it as an homage from one artist to another, or a piece of music, that they adore. Other times it's the band/artist themselves that wants to include a variation of their own work. It's actually pretty awesome when it's done correctly although often times it's not - so it's a fine line to walk.

Here's a list of some of my personal favourite remixes from my music collection.

• The Hours - 'See The Light (Calvin Harris Remix)' *this is awesome
• Bob Marley - 'Turn The Lights Down Low (featuring Lauryn Hill)'
• Yeah Yeah Yeahs - 'Heads Will Roll (A-Trak Remix)'
• Notorious B.I.G. - 'One More Chance (Remix feat Faith Evans)'
• Paul Weller - 'Wild Wood (Portishead Remix)' *Fly on the wall b-sides and rarities disc 1. AMAZING
• Tokyo Police Club - 'What's Your Favourite Colour (Punches Remix)'
• Robert Miles - 'Children (Dream Version)'
• OMD - 'History of Modern (Remix)'
• Oasis - 'I'm Out of Time (Remix)' *I had to throw an Oasis in - but it's legit as it showcases Liam's vocals
• Pearl Jam - 'Alive (Remix)' *I'm not sure if this counts as it was simply from a redux album. Regardless it's still an EPIC track:)

As you can see the word 'REMIX' doesn't always have to equate to that of a dance version of a track. It's simply a new take on the original and sometimes even better.

Thanks for reading/listening.

Gregg

3 Perfect Pop Songs

Hello Friends,

Just a quick post today to point out 3 perfect pop songs you should give a spin if you've not already heard them. They're as follows...

Tokyo Police Club - 'Favourite Colour (Punches Remix)'

This band have been Canadian Indie darlings for many years now. I've like some some songs but never really called myself a fan. This remix is changing that and it's a must hear tune. I will dive deeper into their catalogue now.

Foster The People - 'Houdini'

This band's career is reminding me very much of MGMT a few years back but unlike MGMT they are killer live. I've seen them twice now and they're the real deal. This is the second single from the forthcoming album and gives you a feel for their sound. I love em.

Chris Brown feat Benny Benassi - 'Beautiful People'

Last year was clearly not Chris Brown's year for reasons not pertaining to music at all. Well his music is back and this stand-out track from his latest album is amazing. A colleague of mine talked it up so much that I was excited to hear it - but this has surpassed my expectations.

Good music is good music.

Thanks for reading/listening.

Gregg

The North is on Fire

Hello Friends,

Damn this country creates some amazing musicians. This past week's been filled with some great new music and I'm super excited to see what comes next.

In the past week I've been able to hear advanced music for 2 of Canada's finest songwriters as well as fell in love with a single from an album I can't wait to hear now.

Last Tuesday started with a listening session of the forthcoming album 'Collider' by the Sam Roberts Band. It's so different at first listen - but as you give it a few spins the music and lyrics bring you back. They bring me back to a place when I first discovered Sam Roberts and his band. They're rock stars and should be way bigger than they already are. That's not a bad thing - all I mean is that if the likes of Kings of Leon saw them live they would surely take them around the World on tour. That may be wishful thinking from a fan - but I recommend you spend some time with this album once it comes out in May. In the meantime here's a link to the current single 'I Feel you' . My favourite track is a song called 'Without A Map' and I know it's going to be a hit based on lyrics like 'I surrender to - the very mention of you - I hope I get to see you again'.

Wednesday didn't disappoint either as I found myself listening to the forthcoming City and Colour album entitled 'Little Hell'. I only had one listen - but that was enough to leave me wanting more. The single 'Fragile Bird' is fantastic and already climbing charts around the World. This track took me by surprise and after spinning it 10 times from this site I had to have it on my iPod for the morning commute. This band are playing Coachella this weekend and have a sold-out show at The Royal Albert Hall later this month. It feels like it's their time and I for one can't wait to see it happen.

The third act that's killing it right now is The Midway State. I saw them perform their latest single 'Atlantic' at a Juno party a few week's back. It stood out at first listen - but wow does it sound great now on my headphones and stereo. I've enjoyed this band's music in the past - but if this single is any indication of what's to come - then this could be a massive year for these guys.

It's an exciting time in Canadian music indeed. For every Foo Fighters, Glasvegas and TV On The Radio album released it's vital that you check out what we are doing here on our own soil. You will not be let down as the Great White North is on fire right now.

Thanks for reading/listening.

Gregg

5 tunes for the weekend

Hello Friends,

It's Friday, the sun is still out and it feels like spring. For that you're going to need a few good tunes as you ease into the weekend.

This one's a quick post - so here's a list of 5 tunes I recommend for your weekend...

• Glasvegas - 'Whatever Hurts You Through The Night' *I couldn't find the link to 'Whatever Hurts You Through the Night' but it's bloody epic
• Mumford and Sons - 'White Blank Page'
• Sam Roberts - 'No Sleep' *I had the pleasure of hearing new Sam Roberts Band this week - I can't wait to be able to share that:)
• Brother - 'Darling Buds of May'
• Noah and the Whale - 'LIFEGOESON'

Have a great weekend!

Gregg