VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3 Q’S WITH MAD AGNES

The trio, Mad Agnes, is well known for their captivating on-stage charisma and presence as well as their jaw-dropping musicianship. This unique blend has enchanted listeners worldwide for decades, and the group has built a reputation on their uniquely charming and intriguing sound. 

Mad Agnes, (Margo Hennebach, Adrienne Jones, and Mark Saunders), combines elements of folk, Americana, and acoustic styles with intricate harmonies that entice the ear with lyricism and wit, pointing the listener towards internal introspection.   

Their latest album release, “Likely Story” shows how each song carries a real intellectual depth, exploring universal themes like love, loss, change and reinvention in a very original way. The arrangements are rich with guitars, mandolin, ukulele, and piano alongside inventive three-part harmonies that infuse each track of this release. 

Mad Agnes’ sophisticated vocal harmonies and impeccable musical arrangements have long enraptured music critics, garnering them comparisons to esteemed folk groups such as Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention. 

We caught up with Mad Agnes to discuss the music video to accompany their new single release, “Beauty of this World,” written by Margo Hennebach. 

Tell us the story of this song. Why did you choose to visualize it specifically in this way?

Because I wrote the song while hiking on the trails around our house in rural CT, I wanted to focus on the beauty I see around me everyday—a beauty that needs no fanfare, flowering trees, sunsets, or dramatic waterfalls.  Mark filmed 95% of the video in our backyard on a misty day in early spring.  The only scene away from our home is of a group of singers gathered from around the world blessing a table of food, captured from our time in Italy last June.  It fit the song’s lyric too perfectly to ignore.

What inspired this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?

When I take a moment to slow down, I’m inspired by living in such an extraordinary world. 

I’m surrounded by beauty, wildlife and flora, and I hear music everywhere.  I’m especially grateful for the humans I can share this with including my larger community, dear friends, and my special someone. 

What was the process of making this video?

Originally I wanted the video to be artistically animated with watercolors or oils–colorful and lighthearted–but then we had a deadline!   Looking out the window and seeing the misty rain, we both knew how great the light would be, so we sprang into action.  I grabbed my red top, we went outside for some test videos and realized very quickly that we had what we wanted.  For good measure, we brought out the piano and filmed the beginning and end of the song.  

Mark moved the camera around me so I could interact with it more naturally and he could capture more of the setting.  We worked quickly because of the threat of heavier rain, and we both knew what we wanted.  The video was filmed and edited that day.

With grand piano, cello, double bass, acoustic guitar and unexpected background vocals, “Beauty of This World” is a wonderful introduction to spring and summer as nature blooms once again. 

Having enchanted audiences across the globe and graced the stages of prestigious venues such as The Bitter End (NYC) and festivals like The Kerrville Folk Festival (TX) and Fairport’s Cropredy Convention (UK), Mad Agnes’ performances are nothing short of spectacular and leave an unforgettable impression wherever they go. 

Catch up with their latest album “Likely Story” out now! 

Stay up to date with Mad Agnes on their Website. 

Check out all of Mad Agnes’  music on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube music. 

Wren Astra’s New Single ‘Concussed’: A Musical Journey of Resilience and Social Justice

Wren Astra embodies a unique blend of creativity and academia, seamlessly navigating her roles as an indie blues musician and a respected professor at USC. 

Her new single, “Concussed”, is a profound exploration of societal issues, drawing from a diverse range of musical influences to tell the story of experiencing concussion at the hands of an abuser.

It is a powerful and emotionally charged song that delves into the harrowing experience of living through physical assault and the complex dynamics of trauma bonds.

The decision to release it on leap year day adds an extra layer of symbolism, reflecting the disorienting and surreal nature of the events depicted in the song:

“This was a very difficult video for the crew and actors to make. I wanted it to be a graphic and realistic retelling of the very real events that survivors live through. I want viewers and listeners to live through and feel why many of us return over and over to our abuser with hope that things will turn out differently.“

The collaboration with guest vocalist Zero Surico of @for3sthills brings additional depth to the vocals, amplifying the intensity of the message. It’s evident that a lot of thought and emotion went into creating both the music and the accompanying video, making it a compelling and thought-provoking piece of art.

The song also explores the confusing thoughts, feelings, and physical disorientation that occurs in real time of an abuse event. It features Wren Astra reading the legal restraining order for her abuser as she whispers, with haunting melancholy vocals by Surico and the moody strings of guest celloist Christopher McCarthy.

In her dedication to inclusivity, Wren actively collaborates with artists from marginalized communities, diversifying the artistic landscape and fostering a sense of representation and belonging.

Crafting the Wren Astra brand as an outlet for pain and trauma through music reflects a courageous and inspired endeavor. Music’s capacity to convey profound emotions serves as a perfect medium for sharing her story and fostering healing, not only for herself but also for others who have encountered similar challenges.

Through her interdisciplinary approach, informed by her background in social justice medicine and medical writing, she brings depth to her music, offering insights into the systemic issues she addresses.

Wren ensures that her commitment to inclusivity extends to her live performances, creating spaces where individuals of all backgrounds and identities feel welcomed and celebrated.

Her work serves as a powerful catalyst for social change, inspiring others to join the fight for justice and equality through artistic expression.

Keep up to date with Wren Astra on Instagram and Facebook

Stream music on Spotify and YouTube

Lady Charles’ New Single “Bedroom Pop” ft. Zoe Towne is a Captivating Tribute to Indie Spirit

Lady Charles’ latest release, “Bedroom Pop,” featuring Zoe Towne, is a mesmerizing journey into the evocative ambiance of the early 2010s indie music scene.

Channeling the spirit of DIY creativity and the raw intimacy of lo-fi sounds, the song serves as a poignant tribute to an era where artists carved out their own spaces within the musical landscape, often from the comfort of their own bedrooms.

At its core, “Bedroom Pop” weaves a narrative rich in themes of self-discovery, collaboration, and the shadows that lurk beneath the surface of the music industry. Through a lyrical exploration of the protagonist’s journey, Lady Charles confronts the spectre of exploitation and the quest for autonomy in a world where artistic integrity can often be compromised.

The song unfolds like a conversation between friends, each verse and chorus revealing layers of emotional depth and introspection. Zoe Towne’s ethereal vocals provide a captivating counterpoint to Lady Charles’ introspective lyrics, adding an additional dimension to the song.

“I have seen a lot of predatory behaviour aimed at young, talented artists, and I wanted to affirm that if you’re finding yourself disrespected or worse you do not owe anything to these types” says Charles of the lyric.

“I’ve always felt very protective of my artistic friends’ output, and there is little more disheartening than seeing someone’s energy sucked away by the promise of success with a hidden cost. The song isn’t inspired by a particular experience, and that’s partially just because of how unfortunately widespread this is. I have helped bands re-record their demos after producers began to demand dates in return for what was supposed to be free help, I have been kicked out of a band only to find out that a remaining member isolated and verbally abused the other once it was just the two of them. I have seen incredibly talented people absolutely burned out by the ludicrous parasatism of these types.”

Musically, “Bedroom Pop” represents a departure from Lady Charles’ usual style, incorporating a blend of major and minor 7th chords that evoke a sense of harmonic richness and complexity.

The inclusion of saxophone refrains and a soulful guitar solo further enhances the song’s atmospheric allure, transporting listeners to a realm where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur.

“The song differs a bit from my usual writing. I used a lot of major and minor 7th chords and arranged the progression such that adjacent chords share harmonic content but the entire progression doesn’t stay in one key. It’s effectively like how a lot of jazz is composed, and I did it because it has a certain airy, open sound that I associate with dreaminess – a major tendency with bedroom pop music is a certain hazy dreamlike quality and because the track isn’t actually that lo-fi I think it helps evoke that atmosphere well. The chorus is a bit more like a traditional pop chorus, and I think it anchors the flow of the verses well – here the lyric is far more direct and less stream of consciousness. The guitar solo is completely opposite my playing on Manic Pixie Dream World – a clean, gentle melodic line drenched in reverb not unlike what you might find in bedroom and dream pop of the era.”

Drawing from personal experiences and influences ranging from David Bowie to the glam-rock era, Lady Charles infuses “Bedroom Pop” with a sense of authenticity and vulnerability.

With its thought provoking lyrics and captivating dreamy sound, the song leaves a lasting impression and invites listeners to embrace their own unique voice and creative vision.

Listen to “Bedroom Pop” on Spotify now! 

Stay current with Lady Charles: 

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Soundcloud / YouTube Music 

Experience the Raw Power of Maryen Cairns’ Latest Single “Give To The Chase”

Singer-songwriter Maryen Cairns’ latest single, “Give To The Chase” explores a profound connection to nature and her dual roles as both a mother and an artist. 

The vivid imagery of her residing in an off-the-grid yurt while nurturing her children adds a layer of authenticity to her music.

Her choice to record the song in the solace of her home reflects the intimacy and personal nature of the track. This marked the start of a transformative journey which culminated in her 2002 album “Stories from the Red Tent” which explored women’s narrative and bonds within the sanctuary of The Red Tent.

The lyrics of “Give To The Chase” carry a poignant message about humanity’s relationship with the Earth, urging environmental consciousness and stewardship. Maryen’s solo performances amplify this message, transforming it into a rallying cry for a sustainable future.

Maryen’s adeptness at rhythm as well as owning a profound affinity with nature really shine through in her unique performance style. Her talent as both musician and storyteller is evident:

““Give to the Chase” is performed as a solo percussion & vocal piece… shamanic sound ringing in this song for our Mother Earth. Maryen is perched on a cajun with her feet utilising two pedals whilst wearing a rattle on one ankle, simultaneously playing a medicine drum & shaker whilst she sings.

Give to the Chase personifies Mother Earth herself, moving between singing as Mother Earth & singing as a member of the human race. A story of generations working to save the environment and live within nature, knowing that human’s race to survive, with only the fittest/strongest/smartest making it for the human race itself to survive.”

Maryen Cairns’ has received widespread acclaim over the past three decades, and is well known for her allegorical themes. She has most famously been guided under the mentorship of Rolling Stones producer, Chris Kimsey.

With her brand new album “One Woman Band, Live at Echotown Studios Vol. 1” due to be released on May 3rd, fans will be delighted to listen to a collection of songs that truly encapsulate her unique sound as well as offer a glimpse into her captivating solo performances.

Maryen Cairns’ music continues to captivate and inspire audiences, offering a reflection on life, nature, and our interconnectedness with the world around us which is often forgotten in the fast paced world today.

Keep up to date with Maryen Cairns:

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube Music

Listen to Maryen’s New Single “Give To The Chase” on Spotify!

Faint Halos Drops New Single “Something To Lose” Ahead of Album Release – A Must-Listen for Indie Rock Fans!

Faint Halos, the brainchild of singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Paul Hashemi, has released their latest single, “Something To Lose,” from the eagerly awaited album “I can see a million lights.”

With a captivating blend of raw emotion and undeniable charm, “Something To Lose” delves into the introspective territory of questioning life choices, especially those that pertain to love and lost love.

Originally conceived with a modern rock sound upon its initial release in 2022, Paul Hashemi has taken the song in a fresh direction opting for a more intimate acoustic setup.

Reflecting on this fresh new take, Hashemi shares:

“After the original release, I felt drawn to explore a different dimension of the song. Stripping away the layers revealed a tender, almost folky quality that I wanted to bring to the forefront.”

The track narrates a poignant tale of lost love with intricate emotional lyrics and instrumentation.

“Something To Lose” exudes a lighthearted charm, seamlessly blending old-school indie rock sounds with a contemporary edge. With unconventional instrumentation, including a sofa repurposed as a kick drum, and the melodic richness of the accordion, Hashemi has an innovative approach within the indie rock genre.

The result is a refreshing departure in a sometimes-stagnant music scene of indie rock music today.

“Something To Lose” was recorded, mixed, and mastered in Paul’s home studio in Berwyn, Pennsylvania;. Vocals were also tracked at home in North Carolina. The instrumentation is two acoustic guitars, an accordion, and some couch slaps/floor stomps. (Although truth be told, the accordion and percussion were both MIDI and not real).

Paul’s daughter Cate joins in too, with vocal harmonies, lending a really bright sound.

Based in Philadelphia, Paul Hashemi is a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He is influenced by his formal training in classical piano, viola, and violin, and has taken much from the vibrant music scene of the 1990s, touring extensively with various rock bands along the East Coast.  

Paul says: “I play a half-dozen instruments and could never just focus on being a “singer” or “guitarist”, which is a really intriguing quality.

Despite a hiatus from music to prioritize familial responsibilities, Hashemi rediscovered his passion during the pandemic lockdown of 2020.

Under the moniker Faint Halos, he embarked on a new chapter in his musical career, crafting deeply introspective songs that explore themes of adulthood, fatherhood, and societal progress.

Connect with Faint Halos:
Website / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Soundcloud / YouTube Music

Listen to “Something To Lose” on Spotify and YouTube Music.

Animals In Denial Drop Exciting New Single “Chariot Ride”

Animals In Denial, guided by the highly versatile Christian Imes, represent a remarkable venture into the realm of alternative music. 

Imes’ journey, from receiving his first guitar at 14 to then establishing his own band, shows a strong commitment to artistic innovation and creativity. As a self-taught guitarist, Imes has had continuous musical growth and expanded his skills to encompass synthesisers, drums, and bass guitar. His relentless pursuit of creating innovative sound has resulted in a very diverse and captivating repertoire. 

The new single, “Chariot Ride” is a mesmerizing exploration of introspection and inner peace. Rooted in lush melodies and evocative instrumentation, the song demonstrates Imes’ growth as a songwriter and musician.

Inspired by moments of self-reflection and resilience, “Chariot Ride” invites listeners to embark on a transcendent journey of self-discovery. 

Musically, “Chariot Ride” shows Imes’ eclectic sensibilities, and seamlessly brings together alternative rock elements and electronica elements, to create a captivating overall sound. 

With anticipation mounting for his forthcoming album “ Beyond The Horizon”, set to release in the spring of 2024, this new single release solidifies his position as a visionary force in the alternative music landscape. 

Christian, a devoted family man with Asperger’s, treasures his roles as a husband and father of two boys. Their shared passion for jam sessions infuses their days with joy, serving as a guiding light through life’s ups and downs. And its his unique Neuro-divergent perspective that celebrates diversity, empowering those who feel like outsiders to embrace their differences proudly.

A true aficionado of old-school Rock ‘n’ Roll, Christian holds a deep reverence for the 80s and 90s rock era. Influenced by legendary bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, and Depeche Mode, he infuses his music with nostalgia while embracing futuristic sounds and AI technology to stay relevant in today’s music scene. Christian’s blend of past influences and modern innovation creates a captivating musical journey that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Working meticulously in his personal studio, Imes often with assistance from his wife Jeanine, imbues every aspect of his compositions with true artistic vision. This DIY ethos empowers Imes to create a diverse catalogue of music that is immersive and captivating. 

In 2006, Imes made a significant impact on the music scene with the release of numerous singles and four full-length albums across major streaming platforms. These releases garnered critical acclaim and highlighted Imes’ ability to challenge genre boundaries while maintaining a cohesive sound. 

Listen to “Chariot Ride” on Spotify.

Stay up to date with Animals In Denial on their Website and follow on Facebook and Instagram.

Stream music on Spotify , Soundcloud and YouTube Music

Video Voyageur: Perfect Strangers Video Voyageur

Loud, fast, and catchy, Perfect Strangers deliver modern hard rock with classic implementations. Their live shows are energetic and packed with roaring sounds, just like their brand new album, Social Decay. Focus track, “Tear Me Apart,” offers an adrenaline rush, spotlighting the band at their very best.

As a bystander, lead vocalist and guitarist Anthony Vitanza saw alcohol being abused and observed that “it’s all fun and games from their perspective but to everyone else it’s a real drag.” The ever-growing drinking problem of the song’s protagonist starts to tear them apart.

1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically? 

This song came about after a really long stint of writers block and lack of inspiration. I had been writing a lot of riffs and pretty much had a lot of the instrumentation for Tear Me Apart finished. I really loved how the instrumentation was coming along but the song was lacking in the lyrical department. After a night out with some friends I had noticed a lot of drinking going on and as the one person who wasn’t doing any drinking that night I had to deal with a lot of drunken antics that were just getting annoying as the night progressed and that inspired the lyrical premise of the song. The choice to visualize this song was mainly due to it being one of the main singles and one of the stronger songs on the new record but we wanted to keep the visuals somewhat away from the main concept of the song. 

2.What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)? 

The main inspiration for the video of this song was just using a bunch of footage we captured of ourselves recording this song as well as the rest of the record. We wanted to keep it fun and fresh!

3.What was the process of making this video?

The process of making this video was really simple but honestly a lot of fun. We were recording the record at Catherine North studios in Hamilton, ON and we wanted to record ourselves on video while making the record. At the end of the weeklong recording sessions we had about 25 minutes of video and we picked the best parts for the music video for Tear me apart!
Perfect Strangers released their first EP, self-titled, in 2022, followed by their second EP, Running From A Nightmare, in 2023. Social Decay was inspired by hard rock music of the ’70s and ’80s, and indie rock music of the early 2000s. Produced and arranged by Anthony Vitanza, it was mixed at Catherine North Studios by Will Crann.

Pop/Rock Trio, Royal Castles, Introduce the Groovin’ and Cheeky “I Don’t Think I Like You”

Energetic, hard hitting and hooks for days, Royal Castles make nostalgic but contemporary garage-power-pop. Hailing from Guelph, Ontario, the three-piece blend riffy guitar licks, wooly bass and ear-candified harmonies. They have partnered again with Zane Whitfield (The Glorious Sons, The Blue Stones, Luella) who produced their sophomore album, Just The Hits (2021), on five new songs for their EP called Singles Night.

“I Don’t Think I Like You” is their summer vibe song. It’s the focus track from Singles Night. Put it on and go for a long drive!

“There was a friend who had been around for years; someone we all thought we liked, because we were supposed to like him,” songwriter Jordan Gabriel explains. “He was a part of the crew. But as time went on, that little nagging feeling became clearer and clearer. We just didn’t like him.”

In the era of streaming where every song is its own piece of content, the idea was to release each of the five tracks as singles. So why not call it out in the name? Lyrically, these songs mark a shift towards storytelling and allegory. Royal Castles have also upped the production level to craft poppier, catchier tunes.

“Our fascination with pop has continued to influence us lyrically, thematically and from a crafted production standpoint,” says Jordan Gabriel. “We are chasing the elusive earworm. And we simply want to bring our audiences a little bit of head-bobbing happiness.”

ECMA ‘Songwriter of the Year’ Kellie Loder Shares Romantic Track “Honey I’m Scared” from New LP ‘Transitions’

Described as, “a multi-genre marvel,” Kellie Loder (they/them) is a JUNO Award nominated singer-songwriter who began their musical journey on the shores of Newfoundland & Labrador, lending to their unmatched songwriting prowess, and distinctive blend of folk, Americana and indie pop influences.

Loder’s highly anticipated fourth studio album, Transitions, offers a stunningly crafted masterpiece of stories of love, heartbreak and life. Produced by Cory Tetford in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, the focus track “Honey I’m Scared” came about in a writing session, where co-writer Keith Mullins shared an anecdote. “His girlfriend, Tracey, was in the next room and he proceeded to tell me that they were at Toronto’s 360 Restaurant the night before and she was really afraid of heights,” Loder shares, which inspired the song title.

“Transitions: we’re always changing, evolving, growing, learning, and becoming, where pain is always necessary and pleasure is always nice, but we must embrace both. May you stop chasing what isn’t yours and accept the love you can give yourself.” – Kellie Loder

Loder’s signature sound coupled with their magnetic stage presence has earned them notable accolades including, “Songwriter of the Year,” and “Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year” at the 2023 East Coast Music Awards, and placed as first-runner-up on Canada’s Got Talent (2022).

Folk Singer Tennyson King Collaborates with Country Singer Lindi Ortega on Sentimental Song, “Where I Make My Home”

Tennyson King is an award-winning, nomadic, folk musician from Hong Kong and Canada with a charismatic stage personality and magnetic energy. Pairing songs written in English, Mandarin and Cantonese with kick drum, Zhongruan, electric and acoustic guitar, he captivates audiences with positivity, interactive songs, and playful stories of life on the road. He’s appeared solo from great halls to intimate theatres and brings his band to festival stages with a restorative sound that brings crowds to their feet; folk-rock infused with earthy roots, pop, and subtle psychedelic ear candy.

The first of three upcoming collaborations with notable fellow Canadian songwriters, “Where I Make My Home” is a song that highlights the recognition that home can be found within ourselves, the people we love, the strangers we meet, and in magical places we never knew we’d find. 

Written in a small Canadian mountain town by JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter Lindi Ortega and Tennyson King, the song was inspired by their experiences of life on the road – traveling from city to city, venue to venue, arriving and leaving in the dark, feeling the loneliness of a nomadic lifestyle, and battling homesickness amidst the constant unknown. Ultimately, the song reflects on finding comfort in the realization that happiness can be created wherever we choose to make our home.

“Lindi and I became friends after many hiking and snowshoeing adventures,” says Tennyson King. “We eventually wrote this song and recorded it in the house I was renting, surrounded by mountains, between our hiking adventures. We had long talks about life on the road as a touring artist, and the idea of finding home in our own happiness. I was happily calling Creston, BC, my home and ending up there, meeting Lindi was all a happy accident during my travels.”

Julian Taylor Shares Self-Compassionate Americana Single, “Weighing Down”

4x JUNO Award nominated, Toronto based singer-songwriter Julian Taylor is sharing the first glimpse of his upcoming new album, Pathways, the downtempo yet empathetic “Weighing Down.” Pathways will be released on September 27th.

Following his recent critically acclaimed albums, 2020’s The Ridge and 2022’s Beyond The Reservoir, Taylor considers Pathways to be centered around finding one’s happiness. “It’s about trying to find a way to simplify our lives and look for what really matters and makes us feel at home within our own hearts, soul and mind,” he explains.

Taylor wrote “Weighing Down” during a time of overwhelm over the constant pressures we face in this world, as he also grappled with navigating the heaviness of some of his own life decisions and where they had led him.

Pedal steel guitar cries against the warmth of Taylor’s vocals, coupled with acoustic guitar and drums that are intentionally barely there. The song’s backing vocals are intended to make the recording sound “warm and connected to a haunting but optimistic place in the human psyche,” Taylor details.