Acoustic Architects

The woman beside the Man in Black: documentary gives June Carter Cash her due

New documentary ‘June’ celebrates country music matriarch who had a career apart from her famous husband, Johnny Cash. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star Over his career, country music legend Johnny Cash always had some interesting Canadian ties. Who can forget those Johnny Cash bank machines, ATM forerunners that the Man in Black was hired by Canada Trust to flog in a TV, radio and print advertising campaign? But there was…


‘I’m still a student of music’ — Sting reflects on his long career ahead of his Toronto show

The solo artist and former Police frontman on his history with Toronto, his “unlikely pairing” with Shaggy and his ongoing love of touring. By Nick Krewen Whether it was with The Police or on his own as a solo performer, Sting has always had a special relationship with Toronto. The man born Gordon Sumner in Wallsend, England – and who will be appearing at Budweiser Stage on September 5  – has…


Indigenous music is more visible in Canada — Digging Roots is part of the groundswell

The duo of ShoShona Kish and Raven Kanatakta Polson-Lahache are sharing their experiences and stirring things up through their music. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star Canadian contemporary Indigenous music is enjoying an all-time high in visibility and much of that has to do with the band Digging Roots. Formed in 2004 and led by the “life partner” duo of ShoShona Kish and Raven Kanatakta Polson-Lahache, the group is…


‘Our biggest accomplishment is that we’re good friends’: Looking back to look forward with the Tragically Hip

Paul Langlois, Gord Sinclair and the remaining members of the Hip get together to expand the catalogue, get creative By Nick Krewen Special to the Star In the six years since the passing of their lead singer Gord Downie, the members of The Tragically Hip, arguably Canada’s most popular band, have had a lot of time to reflect on their greatest accomplishment. Was it selling 10 million albums in Canada over…


‘I just thought it was time’ — Sylvia Tyson on ‘At the End of the Day,’ her (maybe) final album

If anyone thinks Sylvia Tyson at 83 is any less authoritative an artist, hearing “At the End of the Day” will quickly quell that notion. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star Her singing voice is a little more weathered, but no less formidable; her lyrics are incisively sharp. If anyone thinks the legendary Sylvia Tyson at 83 is any less authoritative an artist, hearing her newly released 12-song album At…