Canada

Dan Mangan forges new frontiers with Blacksmith

The Juno-winning musician and songwriter rides a layered new album into Saturday’s Massey Hall show. Nick Krewen Music, Published on Wed Feb 25 2015 Dan Mangan is going deep. The 31-year-old eloquent, observant singer and songwriter has returned with a newly named band Blacksmith to introduce what’s arguably his finest album to date in Club Meds. The Smithers, B.C., native views the CD, his first since 2011’s Juno-winning Oh Fortune,…


Nickelback powers down the pyrotechnics: concert review

The band’s return to the ACC finds the usual frenetic energy somewhat lacking, owing to less anthem-y new songs and a very chatty Chad Kroeger, though the execution of the set was technically flawless. Nick Krewen Music, Published on Mon Feb 23 2015 Nickelback 2.5 stars At the Air Canada Centre, Feb. 22. Nickelback has changed its performance tactic. Once a combo that used all the bells and whistles available…


Julian Taylor revels in versatility

Toronto musician plays R&B at the Horseshoe one night, partakes in folk festival the next. Nick Krewen Music, Published on Thu Feb 12 2015 Julian Taylor is used to shaking it up. For example, those headed to the Horseshoe on Saturday night will experience the full electrifying and soulful R&B glory of the eight-piece Julian Taylor Band as they perform songs from their acclaimed album Tech Noir. On Friday and…


Music Publisher ole 10 Years Later

Story by Nick Krewen | December 16, 2014 For SOCAN’s Words & Music. Welcome to Entrepreneurs, a new series in Words + Music. As the music industry undergoes disruptive technological shifts and constant change, the role of the entrepreneur has become one of its main driving engines. Canadian music entrepreneurs invest in and nurture the careers of our music creators – a feat that, now more than ever, requires courage,…


Homegrown acts Moist, Tea Party return after long absences

New touring circuits, more cash and ego spark musical reunion craze. Nick Krewen Music, Published on Thu Nov 20 2014 With the imminent return to Toronto of acts like Moist and The Tea Party after lengthy hiatuses, reunion fever is running high. While it isn’t necessarily a new trend, many domestic and international acts are mending fences in 2014 and flaunting new leases on life. Whether it’s the recent return…