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This acclaimed Toronto singer says she’s getting a raw deal from the Junos

A technicality that prevented Lori Yates from submitting her album Matador for consideration exposes the conflict between what an indie artist needs and an industry behemoth requires. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star In a move that illustrates the conflict between what a musician feels may be best for her career and standard music-industry practices, a veteran Toronto recording artist’s album has been denied entry for Juno Award consideration…

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Welcome to Octopus Media Ink: Home of writer-for-hire Nick Krewen, his archives and professional services…

Hi there! My name is Nick Krewen (octopus@rogers.com.) I’m a Toronto-based writer, editor, content-and-solution provider and voice artist who has been working as a professional since God wore short pants. If you have a project you need some worry-free assistance with and that needs clear, concise messaging, I’m here to help. For a no-obligation conversation, you can reach me at the number below or at the e-mail listed just above…


Taylor Swift may be the hottest ticket in town, but our city has always loved a good gig. Here are Toronto’s 10 biggest concerts of all time

The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and U2 are a few of the artists who drew the largest crowds. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star A rolling stone may gather no moss, but the Rolling Stones certainly gather the masses, especially in or near Toronto. With Taylor Swift and her six-date run at Rogers Centre swiftly approaching, what better time to take a look at Toronto’s all-time biggest concerts. Swift’s…


Iconic singers Alanis Morissette and Joan Jett rock Budweiser Stage with nostalgia-filled sets

Although there’s no doubt that Morissette gave it her all, there was a problem that dampened proceedings: a bad sound mix, writes Nick Krewen By Nick Krewen Special to the Star Alanis Morissette and Joan Jett Three stars (out of four)  Budweiser Stage on Saturday, July 13, 2024  Isn’t she iconic? True that the term “iconic” has been employed to the point of nausea by every well-meaning publicist grasping for…


Steven Lee Olsen’s Miraculous Trek To the Grand Ole Opry

The songwriter behind Keith Urban’s hit ‘Blue Ain’t Your Color’ was working at an Audi dealership in Newmarket when he got his first big break. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star This Sunday night, Scarborough-born country singer and songwriter Steven Lee Olsen will realize another lifelong dream. Olsen, 37 — and currently on Canadian country radio airwaves with his Top 10 hit “Outta Yours,” — will be making his…