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  • Check out the latest episode of our podcast! 🎙️ Hosts Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji dive deep with special guest Rob Preuss, all the way from Queens, New York.


    Join us as we explore Rob's fascinating journey from joining The Spoons at 15 to coaching Rami Malek in Bohemian Rhapsody. We cover everything from musical influences to the impact of CFNY and Spirit Radio on the scene.


    Plus, we tackle the role of AI in pop music and the challenges of the industry while emphasizing the importance of passion over technicality.


    Tune in for an insightful and nostalgic conversation! 🎶 #Podcast #MusicIndustry #Creativity #AI #Passion


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  • Step into Welcome To The Music with hosts Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston featuring the talented musician Delyn Grey as the guest of honour. In this captivating discussion, Grey delves into her musical roots, influences, and the intricacies of her journey as a performer. From the delicate balance between public persona and private life to the profound influence of Canadian icon Bif Naked, Grey paints a vivid picture of her artistic evolution.


    Yet, the conversation extends beyond individual experiences to explore broader industry themes. Grey candidly reflects on the challenges musicians face today, including the relentless pressure to conform to mainstream trends and the looming presence of AI in music creation. She emphasizes the importance of artistic integrity and staying true to oneself amidst an ever-changing landscape.


    Grey also offers insights into her own creative process and the impact of the pandemic on her work.


    Throughout the discussion, the importance of mentorship and influential figures in the industry becomes evident, with nods to renowned music producer Steve Lillywhite.


    In essence, this episode sheds light on both the triumphs and tribulations encountered by modern-day musicians. From the quest for authenticity to navigating the evolving industry landscape, this discussion will resonate with aspiring artists and music enthusiasts alike, offering both inspiration and valuable insights.


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  • Welcome To The Music welcomes singer-songwriter and frontman of Lowest Of The Low, Ron Hawkins!


    Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston start the episode off by reflecting on the recent Juno Awards, expressing their enjoyment of the performances and the celebration of Scarborough.


    They also discussed their upcoming interview with Ron Hawkins, lead singer of Lowest of the Low, and planned to ask him about his quotes, political themes in his songs, and his thoughts on the Junos. The meeting progressed with a brief discussion about past encounters and the start of the conversation with Ron Hawkins.


    The conversation with Ron Hawkins covered a range of topics, including the impact of past successes on fan expectations, the changing dynamics of concert scheduling, and the evolving needs of the audience. Hawkins also shared his approach to balancing multiple projects and emphasized the importance of conveying a meaningful message through his music. The episode concluded with expressions of gratitude and anticipation for upcoming shows.


    Lowest Of The Low is touring this spring! Check out dates starting April 2024 in St. Catherines, Toronto and more: https://lowestofthelow.com/site/tour/


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  • The meeting began with Karim and Gregg discussing their love for vinyl records and sharing humorous anecdotes about their family Christmas draw. They then moved on to discuss the Super Bowl halftime show and the Grammys, with mixed opinions on Post Malone's performance and admiration for Tracy Chapman's performance. The conversation also touched on Jay-Z's behavior at an awards show and Dallas Green's album.


    Meredith joined the meeting and discussed her musical influences, past hitchhiking experiences, and unique venue performances. She also opened up about her songwriting process and performed a song from her album, "Constellations."


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  • http://WelcomeToTheMusic.com


    Karim Kanji in conversation with Adrian Sutherland from Attawapiskat.


    The meeting began with a discussion about recent travels and the new album "Precious Diamonds." The album features two fully Cree songs and was recorded with a live band in Nashville. Adrian emphasized the importance of including songs in his native language for his indigenous fan base and the positive feedback received for the song in Cree. The conversation also touched on the significance of music as a means of self-expression and communication for performers, particularly in allowing them to convey emotions and aspects of their identity that may be challenging to express verbally.


    The discussion then shifted to the difficulties faced by Adrian's community, including housing shortages, lack of clean water, and an opioid crisis.


    Adrian Sutherland provided insights into his upcoming album release and live performance plans, highlighting his intention to play shows in Toronto, northwestern Ontario, Manitoba, and Quebec, as well as engage with schools and youth. The conversation concluded with information on where to find Adrian's music online.


    http://AdrianSutherlandMusic.com


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  • During the first year of the pandemic (back in 2020 if you can remember that far back) Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji were introduced to Naughty By Nature’s Vin Rock. In this special episode Gregg and Karim covered a range of topics with Vin, including recent music events, the impact of COVID-19 on minority communities, and the success of Naughty by Nature's hit song "OPP." 


    Vin Rock is a founding member of the Grammy Award-winning American hip hop trio Naughty By Nature, which hails from East Orange, New Jersey. Born on September 17, 1970, he is known for his work with the group, which has produced iconic tracks like "O.P.P." and "Hip Hop Hooray".


    This conversation took place in the fall of 2020.


    Prior to Vin Rock joining the show’s hosts, Gregg and Karim delved into a detailed conversation about Post Malone's then recent collaboration with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, expressing varying opinions on his musical direction. They analyzed his potential shift from pop to rock music, speculating on his motivations and the impact on his fan base. The discussion also touched on the financial aspects of his choices and the surprise and curiosity surrounding his performance, with Grergg and Karim both  expressing skepticism and while also praising the unexpected move.


    When Vin Rock joined the episode the conversation started with a conversation about the disproportionate effect of COVID-19 on African American and Latino communities, citing underlying health conditions and limited access to healthcare as contributing factors. They also highlighted efforts to support local communities and businesses during the pandemic, including the distribution of PPE and support for local restaurants. The conversation underscored the need for adaptation and support for vulnerable communities in the face of the pandemic's challenges.


    The hosts then delved into a discussion about Vin’s  entrepreneurial endeavors, including the creation of an interactive e-book, the launch of a Google TV app, and the establishment of a new digitally driven record label. Vin underscored the importance of being independent and self-sufficient in the current market landscape, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the entertainment and music industry. Additionally, Vin touched on the potential opportunities arising from the changing business environment, such as direct-to-consumer engagement and the evolving financial transactions landscape.



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  • November 2017: a few years prior to the formal launch of the podcast "Welcome To The Music," co-host Karim Kanji organized an exclusive, invite-only recording of his 100th episode at the renowned studio formerly known as Pacific Junction Hotel. The distinguished guest for this special occasion was none other than the eminent figure in Canadian hip hop, Maestro Fresh Wes.


    In light of Wes Williams, also known as Maestro Fresh Wes, being named the recipient of the Governor General’s Award for Performing Arts, we revisit this noteworthy conversation. 


    The episode commenced with Wes Williams and Karim Kanji indulging in reflections on their early encounters with music and the hip-hop culture. Wes recounted anecdotes about his father's music collection, acknowledging the influence of his grade four teacher and a close friend on his musical inclinations. He further elaborated on the profound impact of Michie Mee and Stevie B on his artistic journey, highlighting the instrumental role played by Electric Circus in securing his inaugural record deal.


    The dialogue then transitioned into a discussion about the significance of utilizing music as a platform for social commentary. Wes underscored the imperative for artists to inspire and uplift through their musical endeavors. Both Wes and Karim fervently delved into topics surrounding the mistreatment of Indigenous peoples, racial injustice in Canada, systemic racism, and the lack of acknowledgment for black achievements. Their critique extended to the celebration of Thanksgiving and the disparities in media representation, emphasizing the pressing need for unity and empowerment within the black community.


    The conversation also delved into personal experiences, including individual audition anecdotes and Maestro Fresh Wes's reflections on fatherhood and political satire within rap music. The audience actively participated in discussions about music and influences, posing inquiries about Living Colour and exploring the fusion of rap with other musical styles. This segment concluded with audience members sharing personal stories and directing questions to Maestro Fresh Wes, covering a range of topics including his impact on the Toronto hip-hop scene, aspirations in music, film, and literature, and his approach to engaging and inspiring young audiences.


    This special live recording provided a comprehensive and captivating exploration of the evolution of hip-hop culture in Canada, the imperative of using music as a vehicle for social commentary, and the personal experiences and influences that have shaped Wes's artistic journey.


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  • Exploring the Sonic Legacy: A Virtual Tour of Grant Avenue Studio Control Room


    Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston welcome to the show, Mike Bruce and Andrew Lauzon from Grant Avennue Studio.


    In a captivating virtual tour on Welcome To The Music, the Grant Avenue Studio control room unfolded its rich history, hosting a discussion on notable visitors, the essence of maintaining a "house sound," and personal anecdotes that breathed life into the studio's narrative.


    Located in the heart of Hamilton, Mike and Andrew shared their journey of moving to the studio, offering a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes experiences that shaped their connection with the space. The discussion delved into the intricacies of the studio, featuring a comprehensive showcase of the mixing and editing suite, boasting both high-end gear and an affordable environment tailored for independent producers.


    Mike Bruce and Andrew Lauzon not only shared personal stories connecting them to music but also unfolded their visionary plans for the studio's future. Their expansion includes services ranging from live streaming and podcasting to potential documentary production, marking a significant evolution for Grant Avenue Studio.


    The discussion pivoted to the enduring charm of vintage gear in music production, with a keen focus on the unique sonic qualities of equipment like the Neumann M49B mic and an aged console. Unpacking the concept of "house sound," the Andrew passionately emphasized the irreplaceable value of vintage gear in crafting a distinct sonic signature that stands unparalleled.


    The conversation resonated with the idea that a studio's historical legacy serves as a wellspring of inspiration for artists, underscoring the importance of continuing to craft new musical stories. The virtual journey concluded with a promising note about upcoming talent in Hamilton, hinting at the exciting prospects that lie ahead for the local music scene. The Grant Avenue Studio tour not only unveiled the technical marvels within its walls but also celebrated the essence of musical storytelling and its potential to shape the future of sound.


    For more information visit: https://www.grantavenuestudio.com/


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  • Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcome to the show Steven Page!


    The episode begins with a discussion on the creation of the Trans Cañada Highwaymen album Explosive Hits Vol 1, a K-Tel tribute album, sharing anecdotes about the song selection process, remote recording during the pandemic, and the creation of the infomercial for the album. They also explored the profound impact of growing up in Scarborough on Steven's musical influences and personal identity, discussing how the multicultural environment and music programs in Scarborough played a pivotal role in shaping his perspectives and ultimately contributed to the formation of the band the Barenaked Ladies. 


    Steven Page shared personal anecdotes about his enduring friendship with fellow musicians, past collaborations, and current work on a new record. He also emotionally recounted the experience of singing Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" at Jack Layton's memorial service, expressing the pressure and honor of fulfilling Layton's request. Additionally, he performed a song from his recent album and discussed his regular live streams during the pandemic, where he plays his own songs and covers. 


    The meeting also involved discussions about lost venues, Steven's music preferences, and the details of the upcoming show on Easter weekend.


    For more information check out https://transcanadahighwaymen.ca/


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  • Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji are back for their first 2024 episode. In this edition they welcome founding member and first drummer for Canadian classic rock icons, April Wine, Ritchie Henman.


    Henman recently wrote his memoir, High Adventure: Tales of Canadian Rock & Roll Survival. Get is book here: https://www.ritchiehenman.com/high-adventure


    They congratulated Henman on his recent achievements in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and Juno Hall of Fame. Henman reflected on his long-standing friendship with Myles Goodwyn, emphasizing their admiration for each other's musical abilities and stage presence. He also delved into his musical journey with his brother, David, and his decision to write the book, citing his concern about preserving his memories due to a family history of Alzheimer's.


    The conversation then shifted to Henman's wife, Claire, and her profound impact on his musical career, with a hint at the potential for her to write a book about her remarkable adventures in the entertainment industry. They also discussed Henman's memories of playing in Sudbury and Ontario Place, as well as his diverse music preferences, ranging from classical composers to contemporary artists.


    Topics discussed:

    Remembering Myles GoodwynRitchie's musical journey and evolution Motivation for writing the bookRitchie's wife's influence on his careerMemories of Sudbury and Ontario PlaceRitchie reads a paragraph from his bookThe music Ritchie listens to today

    Image: https://www.ritchiehenman.com/


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  • Hosts Karim Kanji Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston welcome to the show author Ray Robertson. Ray recently wrote the book, "All The Years Combine: The Grateful Dead In Fifty Shows".


    The episode began with a discussion on the influence of drugs on the Grateful Dead and the philosophy of life that the band embodied. Ray explained why he chose to write a book about 50 shows and how he came up with the number. He also talked about the challenge of weaving short stories around each show around the band's timeline to tell the story. Ray discussed the aesthetic philosophy of the Grateful Dead and how they were beatniks rather than hippies.


    Ray and Gregg also discussed the Grateful Dead's unique approach to music-making and how they attracted fans with their un-corporate, outsider image. They explored the tension between flirting with the mainstream and maintaining their misfit power, and the band's legacy in inspiring a sense of community and ceremony among fans. They also touched on the band's influence on other musicians, such as Pearl Jam and Chris Robinson, and the importance of encouraging bootleg culture in the current music industry.


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  • Summary:


    The meeting began with Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston discussing the George Michael documentary (The Real George Michael) before introducing Simon Napier-Bell, who shared insights into George Michael's unique writing process and the making of the "Freedom" video. They also discussed George Michael's legal battle with Sony and his multilayered personality. Simon Napier-Bell explained his decision to let people who knew George Michael speak without any commentary in the documentary, and the group discussed the differences between American and British documentaries.


    The conversation then shifted to the music industry's monetization methods and the importance of understanding contracts and fair deals. Simon Napier-Bell shared his experience of guiding Wham! to become the biggest group in the world in just one year, including the challenges he faced in making the band the first Western group to play in China. The group also discussed the complex personalities of George Michael and Sinead O'Connor and how they would like to be remembered.


    In the final section of the meeting, Simon Napier-Bell shared his thoughts on the music industry and how it operates to sell music and monetize it. The participants wrapped up the conversation by discussing upcoming episodes and confirming email addresses, with a light-hearted and friendly tone throughout.


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  • Craig Northey, lead singer of Odds, joined Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji on the show earlier this year.


    Canadian rock band Odds released their seventh studio album, "Crash the Time Machine," co-produced by Steven Page earlier this year. The album explores themes of struggle and community, showcasing the band's evolution into new musical directions while maintaining their dark ironic signature.


    The first track, "Staring at a Blank Page," is described as defiantly joyful, offering a perspective on overcoming immovable obstacles by altering one's own outlook.


    Singer and guitarist Craig Northey emphasizes the significance of friendship as a form of immortality, acknowledging the collaborative influence of friends, including the late John Mann of Spirit of the West, on the album. The band, consisting of Northey, bassist Doug Elliott, drummer Pat Steward, and guitarist Murray Atkinson, reflects on their musical journey, rooted in the present but informed by a rich past dating back to their founding in 1987.


    Odds gained recognition with their 1991 debut, "Neopolitan," and continued to achieve success with Gold-selling releases like "Bedbugs" in 1993 and Platinum-selling "Good Weird Feeling" in 1995. After a hiatus in 1999, they regrouped in 2007 to embark on the second chapter of their recording career with the release of "Cheerleader" in 2008.


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  • Host Karim Kanji joined Neil on his recent visit to Toronto to chat about 54-40, playing with his daughter Kandle, and making music with his band since the late 1970s. Neil Osborne and 54-40 will be playing the legendary Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto this December 7, 8, 9.

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  • Host Karim Kanji interviewed Tom Wilson for the show, Welcome to the Music. They discussed the re-release of Junkhouse's Strays album for its 30th anniversary and the upcoming ticketed shows in London, Kitchener, Hamilton, and Toronto. They also talked about the importance of creating a comfortable environment for creativity and celebrating indigenous culture and art. Wilson emphasized the need for people to listen and open their hearts to one another, and to move away from the colonial way of being an authority over others.


    Topics:

    Tom Wilson's journey as a modern Mohawk artistJunkhouse's 30th Anniversary Re-release and TourTom Wilson talks about the upcoming ticketed shows for Junkhouse's 30th anniversary and the sentimental value of the band and Sony Music.He also discusses the loss of Dan Achen and the guitarists who have filled in for him.Karim Kanji and Tom Wilson discuss the importance of creating a comfortable environment for creativity. Wilson shares how his living room hosts writers and musicians, and how this environment breeds great ideas. He also talks about the renovation of Massey Hall and how it has affected the backstage and dressing rooms.Karim Kanji and Tom Wilson discuss the importance of celebrating indigenous culture and art, including Steve Salas' documentary "Rumble" and Wilson's upcoming play based on his book "Beautiful Scars." They also touch on the significance of telling indigenous stories and the impact of colonialism, with Wilson emphasizing the need to put Mohawk culture into the light and celebrate it. They also briefly mention Patrick Hunter, an artist who paints feathers.The influence of indigenous music on rock and rollThe development of a play based on the book "Beautiful Scars"Karim Kanji asks Tom Wilson about his journey of creating art and educating people about truth and reconciliation. Wilson talks about how he is inspired 24/7 as a Mohawk, and how he has messages to get out. He emphasizes the need for people to open their hearts to one another and to stop being an authority over others, and to move away from sources like Twitter and Fox News.

    JUNKHOUSE Tour Dates

    November 29 - London Music Hall - London

    November 30 - Maxwell’s - Waterloo

    December 1 - Bridgeworks - Hamilton

    December 2 - Horseshoe Tavern - Toronto


    PHOTO: Marta-Hewson-Hamilton-City-Magazine


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  • Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston welcome to the show, Classified!


    We discuss Classified's music career spanning over 25 years, the creative process behind music production, Lost Venues, and Classified's recent music preferences.


    We end off the conversation introducing Classified's latest single, "People," which is described as a song that brings people together over banging hip-hop beats and a unifying message.



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  • Trevor Hurst, frontman for Econoline Crush, joins the show to discuss grief, the new album “When The Devil Drives”, their west coast tour, and upcoming Ontario dates.



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  • Hosts Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston start the episode off by discussing the Much Music documentary and tour, sharing details about the special guests and expressing their enthusiasm for the brand's continued impact on Canadian culture. They also reflected on recent interviews with celebrities, highlighting their admiration for their work and personal qualities.


    David McPherson joined the conversation to discuss his book on Canadian music facts, sharing interesting stories about musicians and their experiences in the industry. The group also talked about guitars and musicians, highlighting the importance of chance encounters and the role they can play in success.


    The episode continued with David McPherson sharing an interesting story about the Maple Leaf Forever guitar, which was made using wood from a tree that inspired Canada's unofficial national anthem. He also discussed his upcoming book tour. The group discussed the Much Comes Out initiative and its significance in Canadian music history, as well as various topics related to music, including Neil Young's recording process and The Kings' performance at the Heatwave Festival. David McPherson shared the inspiring story of Adrian Sutherland, an artist who created his debut solo record during Covid using an old shipping container as a studio.


    The episode concluded with David McPherson discussing his music preferences and promoting his book, "101 Fascinating Canadian Music Facts."


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  • Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston discuss their experience attending Canada's Rock of Fame event which was, in part, sponsored by Forty Creek Whisky. The hosts share their thoughts on the performances of various bands and artists, highlighting the talents of some lesser-known musicians. They also discussed the relevance of songs from decades ago and the importance of strong female voices in the music industry.


    Karim and Gregg also mention the performances of Trooper and Crown Lands, who nailed their respective songs. They also raved about the performances by Lee Aaron, Platinum Blonde, Rough Trade, Parachute Club, Chilliwack, Lighthouse and others.


    The hosts also discuss their differing opinions on approaching famous musicians and rock stars. They discuss the Canadian culture of not bothering famous people and how it can be different in other countries. They also talk about the importance of being introduced to famous people through mutual friends rather than approaching them directly. 


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  • The Canadian premiere of the Much Music documentary, "299 Queen Street West" occurred on Friday September 22nd. Hosts Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston had the opportunity to attend and meet some of the Much Music VJ's and musical guests. We spoke with:

    Ed The Sock whose favourite memory was his time covering Woodstock 99Steve Anthony who reminisced about his annual Christmas tree tossesMonica Deol who spoke to us about meeting Tupac Shakur, doing Electric Circus live and sharing her success with her kidsSook-Yin Lee remembered going bonkers with former Much Music VJ, Bradford HowMusician Andy Kim, also stopped to speak with us on the red carpet . He's responsible for hit songs such as Rock Me Gently and Baby I Love You. Don't miss his yearly Christmas Show fundraiser at Massey HallDenise Donlon proudest moment was helping Much Music be the first mainstream broadcaster to have a float at Pride Day! She also clarified that a Eubie Blake video was first video shown on Much Music

    Thanks to Laurie Januska for the photos!



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