Toronto

The Drake Effect

Story by Nick Krewen | July 24, 2014 For SOCAN Words and Music.   “Started from the bottom, now the whole team here.” So says Drake in “Started From the Bottom,” and that’s exactly how his big-bang explosion on the worldwide hip-hop scene has affected the fortunes of his whole team – more than 60 Canadian, Toronto-based songwriters, beat-makers, producers and other collaborators. Drake has almost single-handedly created an entire…


Music promoter Richard Flohil reflects on a six-decade career

Music promoter Richard Flohil reflects on a six-decade career He’s helped launch the careers of Loreena McKennitt and k.d. lang. At 80, he’s finally agreed to slow down his famously tireless pace. Nick Krewen Music, Published on Fri Jun 27 2014 Now that he’s turned 80, Richard Flohil swears he’s going to slow the pace a bit. What that actually means is anybody’s guess, because those who know the publicist…


Meet Beck’s dad, David Campbell, who has helped sell nearly 1 billion records

Meet Beck’s dad, David Campbell, who has helped sell nearly 1 billion records After five decades assisting on top-selling albums, including his famous son’s, the Toronto-born arranger decided to produce an album of his own. Nick Krewen Music, Published on Sat Jun 14 2014 You may think an artist, such as Beck, who has sold more than 10 million records, is a big deal, but meet the man who has…


Liner notes: FM, Black Noise

FM – Black Noise   Oh, the endless possibilities that can be stoked by science fiction. It’s a realm where imaginations are stimulated, emancipated, and allowed to run wild; where boundaries are stretched and eliminated, and where the inconceivable can become an accomplished reality. It’s a topic that is so entrenched and valued in our society that sci-fi has gifted us with some of our most beloved cultural milestones, be…


Nash The Slash, Toronto rock violinist, dead at 66

Born Jeff Plewman, Nash the Slash’s stage wardrobe consisted of wrapping his face in bandages adorned by sunglasses and wearing a top hat. By: Nick Krewen Music, Published on Mon May 12 2014 Pioneering electronic musician, composer and performance artist Nash the Slash has died. The eccentric Toronto electric violinist, whose mummified stage wardrobe consisted of wrapping his face in bandages adorned by sunglasses and a top hat, was found…