To end off 2020, Manitoba’s own Elder Abuse released a three-track teaser EP, Take It Easy, via Little Rocket Records. I had the fortunate pleasure of asking the band’s frontman Alex a handful of questions about the band’s collaboration with The Flatliners and Hot Water Music’s Chris Cresswell, the differences of their past releases to their new EP, and much more!
Continue reading Interview With Elder Abuse Frontman Alex Guidry
By Samuel Stevens
Release Date: September 25, 2020
Genre: Hip-Hop
Label: Lost Poet Records
Rapper/Songwriter Raz from Toronto, Ontario, is continuing to make his presence known within the Canadian music and Canadian rap scenes with his brand new aspiring single, “Be Okay.” His brand new single is an infectious blend of hip-hop and pop rock music that’s soaked in the warmth of the summer sun. Raz wrote the track as an ode to the summer while intertwining the hopefulness and some positivity out of the darkness of this wildly turbulent year into song. “Be Okay” was co-produced by music producers Taabu and Andrew Falcao after Raz heard the original production in an Instagram post from Falcao. Raz and Falcao had one sitting in the studio with Taabu to finalize the instrumental on the single and recorded the vocals as well in one recording session.
By Samuel Stevens
Release Date: October 30, 2020
Genre: Indie Pop, Rock
Label: Arista Records
The 21-year-old indie-pop artist Taylor Upsahl, or better known by her stage name UPSAHL is back in the spotlight with her second EP, Young Life Crisis. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, music has always been around Taylor since quite a very young age. Both her grandmother and grandfather were music teachers. She’s also the daughter of rocker Mike Upsahl, who is currently part of the rock band Surf Through Death. Her father was formerly in the rock band High Horse and the post-hardcore band Stereotyperider. This guided Taylor on a path in music following the family trade and eventually beginning to write original music at a young age as well. Young Life Crisis was written by accident in the middle of the COVID-19 quarantine, then shortly later recorded in UPSAHL’s childhood bedroom in Arizona.
Indie rock band My Kid Brother had the unfortunate luck of releasing their killer self-titled debut EP during a pandemic. Their touring plans -supporting Angels & Airwaves- were put on hold, and they had to pivot into finding a way that was best to engage their audience during the downtime, celebrating the EP they had been working hard on, and introducing themselves and their music to new fans without the traditional support of touring. It was no doubt a challenge, but you’d never guess that when talking to the five cheerful and fun people who form My Kid Brother. I spoke to the whole band over Zoom while they ride out the pandemic at guitarist Dylan Savopoulos’ house in Leesburg, Virginia. It was a great and informative chat with a fantastic new band.
Continue reading A Conversation With Indie Rock Band My Kid Brother
By Samuel Stevens
Release Date: September 25, 2020
Genre: Pop Rock, Indie Rock, Folk Rock
Label: Fearless Records
Leesburg, Virginia’s own My Kid Brother has been leaving their mark in the industry the past four years, which saw the band earlier this year sign to Fearless Records for the release of the newest collection of music. Fast forward six months and the rock band is ready to release their self-titled follow up to their 2017 debut album, Baltimore Street Rat. My Kid Brother is made up of members Christian Neonakis, who handles lead vocals, guitar, and bass, Piano Whitman tackling the piano, synths, and backing vocals, Dylan Savopoulos on guitar and backing vocals, Richard Smith on both bass and guitar, and finally Sam Athanas behind the drum kit. The band’s brand new effort was produced by Noah Gersh and Jamie Schefman of the alternative rock band Partybaby.
