Month: April 2014

  • RHR ARTIST SONG OF THE WEEK – APRIL 24

    This song is a real gem. Meaghan Blanchard’s “Watchin’ The Dandelions Grow” is a testament to her most excellent songwriting. Bringing home Country Recording of the Year this year at ECMW 2014 should only be the start of her award wins and a very long career. She is super special, and I implore you to keep your eyes out for her and GO SEE A SHOW if she’s near you.

    I caught her live for her CD release show late last year and it was simply stunning. Her stage presence, her stories, her grace and charm (and wit!), how she handles a huge full band standing front and centre, a short (sorry, Meaghan!) red haired cutie with a pretty dress, a big guitar and cowboy boots. Let’s not forget the voice.  A little bit Dolly Parton and a little bit PEI tradition.

    I’ve posted a live / somewhat solo clip below, but do head on over to her website to listen to the recorded version (and maybe the rest of the record while you’re there). Our country sweetheart, that Miss Blanchard.

    Watching the Dandelions Grow from Anne Janelle on Vimeo.

    OK – Me again. I HAD to also post this from 2010. Gives a good sense of her live act. Also – I love this song 🙂

     

  • RHR ARTIST SONG OF THE WEEK – APRIL 17

     

    KIM HARRIS – THE WEIGHT OF IT ALL

    April 17th, 2014 – Also known in some circles around here as “Kim Harris CD Release Show Day”. This may be one of the most anticipated CD release shows around here in some years. Taking place at Spatz Theatre tonight, I am pretty damn sure that Kim will more than rise to the occasion. Her show at East Coast Music Week brought the house (or, rather, the ballroom) down. Her honest delivery, that voice, her charm, her band… she really did have it ALL, including a glowing chandelier hanging above the stage. And that was just a 20 minute set. Tonight is poised to be SUPER special.

    In honour of KHCRSD, and the release of Kim’s new album, Only The Mighty, I am making this week’s Thursday Track a video. Recorded live in the street, with (SPOILER ALERT) a surprise cast of background singers at the end, this shows off Kim’s vulnerability in her songwriting, as well as her strength, having risen above tragedy. Listen to the lyrics, feel the vibe. Then get your ass to a show.

     

  • RHR ARTIST SONG OF THE WEEK – APRIL 10

    You might have noticed the lack of song last week. I apologize. I was in Charlottetown for East Coast Music Week. A gathering of the east coast’s musicians, industry pros, fans and international delegates – OR, in other words… a big east coast party. I think we wore out some of the international delegates, but that’s the fun part.

    Anyway, I struggled with which song to post as the Thursday Track, as I got to see many of my clients, and have a renewed joy for their offerings. There are new albums on the way from Gabrielle Papillon, Ria Mae, The Fortunate Ones, and more (yay!), but you can’t hear that yet.  So, after careful consideration, I decided to present for you, my girl Kim Wempe.

    With a raspy voice, she delivers her bluesy songs with an effortless passion. Reminiscent of Joan Osborne and sometimes Sheryl Crow, this album had my attention from the day it landed in my inbox. Ladies and gents – Kim Wempe’s “Never Promised You Nothing”.  “You never gave me no lovin’, so don’t you give me no lip. I never promised you nothin’. Don’t you say I did.”.  Take that, jerk! 🙂

    “Kim Wempe has one of those strong, raspy voices that’s only made better by whisky and more emotive by a sad song. She embodies the storytelling nature of the country genre, that slow burning hurt we know to be true of the blues, and these soulful gospel melodies that recall something almost spiritual.” 
    -Alan Cross-Rock and Roll Journalist

    “Kim Wempe sings directly from the soul, and the result is incredibly powerful. She instantly draws you in with her voice, and holds you there with the strength of her performance and her songs.” 
    – Jill Barber

  • Favourite Mix, Rediscovered

    On the way home from Charlottetown / East Coast Music Week, I decided to plug in my old ‘iPod classic’ and rediscovered a favourite mix I made years back.  Simply titled “feb mar 2009”, it still holds up for me. I remember listening to it a lot at my past job when I was in accounting and tour settlement mode.

    What are some of your best mixes? Or some that someone else may have made for you (I have a few of those as well!). Come over to Facebook and join the conversation. Share your gems!

    feb mar 2009

    The Magnetic Fields – California Girls
    Matt Mays & El Torpedo – Stand and Deliver
    The Replacements – Buck Hill
    Liars – Plaster Casts of Everything
    Beastie Boys – Sabotage
    Bruce Peninsula – Crabapples
    Chad Van Gaalen – Bare Feet On Wet Griptape
    Constantines – Easy Money
    Nirvana – Aneurysm
    Husker Du – New Day Rising
    Fugazi – Life and Limb
    Smothered in Hugs – Money Came Through
    Sebadoh – Gimme Indie Rock
    Sonic Youth – Androgynous Mind
    Mudhoney – Overblown
    Guided By Voices – Buzzards and Dreadful Crows

  • RHR Artists Bring Home the Trophy at ECMW 2014

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    Another East Coast Music Week has come and gone. Caught some great sets by our artists and met some great new delegates. Please join me in congratulating our roster winners!

    Children’s Recording of the Year – THE LITTLE DITTIES (!!)
    Blues Recording of the Year – THOM SWIFT – THE FORTUNATE FEW
    Country Recording of the Year – MEAGHAN BLANCHARD – SHE’S GONNA FLY
    Producer of the Year – DANIEL LEDWELL
    Roots / Trad Solo Recording of the Year – ALAN JEFFRIES – COFFEE ‘TIL MIDNIGHT

    And I’d also like to give a shout out to our friends and colleagues at FORWARD MUSIC GROUP for taking home Management / Manager of the Year and HALIFAX POP EXPLOSION for Event of the Year!