Canada

West Coast Bhangra on the Brink

Story by Nick Krewen | June 8, 2017 For SOCAN Words and Music Vancouver-area bhangra is on the brink of something big. The first indicator that the West Coast/British Columbia bhangra and desi music scene is on the verge of wider recognition came with 2016’s “Suit,” a massive hit throughout India that was recorded and released by Indian singing sensation Guru Randhawa and Canada’s own Aneil Kainth, a.k.a. DJ Intense….


Ron Sexsmith’s lean machine of music is on the move

Acclaimed singer-songwriter settles into new home and new duties in studio for latest album Nick Krewen Music, Thurs. April 27, 2017 There’s a first for everything. In Ron Sexsmith’s case, his 13th album, The Last Rider, marks several debuts, including the first time he’s recorded an album with his touring band and the first time he’s assigned himself the producer’s chair, although he’s co-helmed this one with his longtime drummer…


Fred Penner grabs Basia Bulat, Bahamas, Ron Sexsmith for new album

Celebrated kids’ entertainer recruited a lot of well-known grown-up musicians for the easygoing creation of his new album. Nick Krewen Music, Thu., April 20, 2017 The cat is back — and he’s brought along some cool friends. At 70, beloved children’s entertainer Fred Penner, best known perhaps for his 1979 gem “The Cat Came Back” and his memorable Fred Penner’s Place TV series, has returned with album No. 13, Hear…


Jenson Vaughan: Just Getting Started

Story by Nick Krewen | March 16, 2017 Decades before Jenson Vaughan became known as a hit maker for Madonna, Britney Spears and currently, High Valley, the Dartmouth, NS, native was in the dark about the artistry it took to write a song. So he plucked one out of the air. “I formed a little a capella group,” says Vaughan, recalling his high-school years. “And because of my jazz background,…


Blackie & The Rodeo Kings see TV ties pay off on album and in concert

Long-running roots supergroup gets royal reward of guest stars, on new album and at Massey Hall on Saturday. Nick Krewen Music, Thu. Feb 23, 2017 Those Nashville connections continue to pay sweet dividends for Toronto-born Colin Linden and Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, who kick off a 14-date cross-Canada tour at Massey Hall Saturday. Linden, 56, who also resides in the town that the country-music business TV soap opera is…