Throwback Thursday: Melissa McClelland - Victoria Day

Original Post: April 14, 2009

Updated Post: May 29, 2025

Local Singer/Songwriter Melissa McClelland (now part of Whitehorse) released her newest album, Victoria Day on April 14, 2009.

According to her website: "The songs capture all of the beauty and charm of the girl next door while lacing the punch at the sock hop with home-made moonshine."

Information:

• Label: Six Shooter Records
• Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Six Shooter Records (also on Vinyl)

Personnel

• Melissa McClelland – vocals, backup vocals, acoustic guitar, piano on "Segovia"
• Luke Doucet – producer, electric and acoustic guitars, Rhodes piano, lap steel, banjo, piano on "Brake", background vocals
• Rich Levesque – upright bass, electric bass guitar, background vocals
• Al Cross – drums and percussion on multiple tracks 
• Glen Milchem – drums on multiple tracks 
• Barry Mirochnick – drums multiple tracks
• Horns – Jim Bish on saxophone, Bryden Baird on trumpet, William Carn on trombone
• Steve O'Connor – piano on "A Girl Can Dream" and B3 organ on "God Loves Me"
• Ron Sexsmith – vocals on "Seasoned Lovers"
• David Travers-Smith – horns and vibes on "Seasoned Lovers"
• Kevin Fox – string arrangements, cello
• Karen Graves – violin
• Kathryn Sugden – violin
• Johann Lotter – viola

You can stream the album below

Links: Whitehorse, More Whitehorse Stories, Album Above courtesy of Melissa McClelland - Topic,  More Releases

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Labour Day Videos by Lowdown Dirty Mojos, Whitehorse, Doug and the Slugs

Update of 2019 Post

Links: The Lowdown Dirty Mojos, More Mojos Stories, Video above courtesy of Entre2Blues

Links: Whitehorse, More Whitehorse Stories, Video above courtesy of Pilchadium



Links: Doug and the Slugs, Video above courtesy of Hans Sipma

More Labour Day Videos

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GOOD LUCK! Local Canadian Folk Music Awards Nominees + Complete Nominations

Soon, the Canadian Folk world will be showcasing their talent at the 2020 Canadian Folk Music Awards ceremony. A number of local artists recently received nomination and hopefully, they'll be bring home some hardware.

NOTE: The Awards will be streamed online on April 4

Hamilton-born singer/songwriter Ben Caplan is in the running in three categories: English Songwriter of the Year, World Solo Artist of the Year and Producer of the Year. 

Links: Ben Caplan, More Ben Caplan Stories, Video above courtesy of Ben Caplan

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Steeltown's own Luke Doucet (Whitehorse) is also up for Producer of the Year




Links: Whitehorse, More Whitehorse Stories, Video above courtesy of Whitehorse

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Vineland songstress Ariana Gillis is also up for Contemporary Album of the Year.

Links: Ariana Gillis, More Ariana Gillis Stories, Video above courtesy of Concerts in the Woods

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Waterloo's Danny Michel was nominated for Solo Artists of the Year  as well.



Links: Danny Michel, More Danny Michael Stories, Video above courtesy of Danny Michel

GOOD LUCK EVERYBODY!

Here's a complete list of nominees.

Contemporary Album

• Ariana Gillis: The Maze
• The Small Glories: Assiniboine and The Red
• Leaf Rapids: Citizen Alien
• Abigail Lapell: Getaway
• Jenn Grant: Love, Inevitable
• The Al Purdy Songbook
• Lennie Gallant: Time Travel
• Dave Gunning: Up Against The Sky

English Songwriter(s)

• Ben Caplan, Christian Barry: Old Stock (Ben Caplan)
• Lennie Gallant: Time Travel
• Dave Gunning: Up Against The Sky
• Kaia Kater: Grenades
• Abigail Lapell: Getaway
• Cara Luft, Jd Edwards, Neil Osborne, Catherine Maclellan: Assiniboine and The Red (The Small Glories)
• Madeleine Roger: Cottonwood
• Justin Rutledge: Passages

World Solo Artist

• Ben Caplan: Old Stock
• Cristian De La Luna: Sabes
• Quique Escamilla: Encomienda
• Roberto López: Kaleido Strópico
• Wesli: Rapadou Kreyol

Producer(s)

• Luke Doucet: The Northern South Vol. 2 (Whitehorse)
• Ben Caplan: Old Stock
• Erin Costelo: Grenades (Kaia Kater)
• Steve Dawson: Halfway Home By Morning (Matt Andersen)
• Daniel Ledwell: Time Travel (Lennie Gallant)
• Jory Nash, Chris Stringer: Wilderness Years (Jory Nash)
• Oliver Schroer Pushing The Boundaries Award / Prix Innovation Musicale  Oliver Schroer
• Elisapie: The Ballad Of The Runaway Girl
• Samson Wrote: Pigeon
• Tri-Continental: Dust Dance
• Vishtèn: Horizons

Solo Artist

• Danny Michel: White and Gold
• Michael Jerome Browne: That's Where It's At
• Jenn Grant: Love, Inevitable
• Dave Gunning: Up Against The Sky
• Sarah Macdougall: All The Hours I Have Left To Tell You Anything
• Irish Mythen: Little Bones

Traditional Album

• Old Man Luedecke: Easy Money
• Vishtèn: Horizons
• The Slocan Ramblers: Queen City Jubilee
• Le Vent Du Nord: Territoires
• Shannon Quinn: Watchmaker

Children’s Album

• Ginalina: It Takes A Village
• The Kerplunks: Lullabies For Big Eyes
• Amos J + Jérôme Fortin: Magical Lullabies
• Will's Jams: Rocks And Roots
• Splash'n Boots: You, Me And The Sea

Traditional Singer

• Rachel Davis: Ashlar (Còig)
• Joshua Haulli: Aqqut
• Sophie Lavoie: Portraits
• Old Man Luedecke: Easy Money
• Allison Lupton: Words Of Love

Contemporary Singer

• Matt Andersen: Halfway Home By Morning
• Jenn Grant: Love, Inevitable
• Dave Gunning: Up Against The Sky
• Lydia Persaud: Let Me Show You
• Andrea Ramolo: Homage

Instrumental Solo Artist

• Itamar Erez: Mi Alegria
• Sabin Jacques: Grandes Rencontres (Sabin Jacques & Rachel Aucoin)
• Graham Lindsey: Tradhead
• Jon Pilatzke: Amongst Friends
• Richard Wood: Unbroken

Instrumental Group

• Emilyn Stam and Filippo Gambetta: Shorelines
• Mairi Rankin and Eric Wright: The Cabin Sessions
• Pierre Schryer and Adam Dobres: Mandorla
• The Fitzgeralds: The Fitzgeralds
• Toronto Tabla Ensemble: Bhumika

Vocal Group

• Fortunate Ones: Hold Fast
• Geneviève Et Alain: De La Rivière À La Mer
• Musique À Bouches: L'habit De Plumes
• The Small Glories: Assiniboine and The Red
• The Sweet Lowdown: Low Clouds In The Morning

Ensemble

• Haley Richardson and Quinn Bachand: When The Wind Blows High And Clear
• Oliver The Crow: Oliver The Crow
• The Slocan Ramblers: Queen City Jubilee
• The Small Glories: Assiniboine & The Red
• Vishtèn: Horizons

French Songwriter(s)

• Bernard Adamus: C'qui Nous Reste Du Texas
• Jordane Labrie, Clement Desjardins: 12 Jours (Jordane)
• Jean Leloup: L'étrange Pays
• Safia Nolin: Dans Le Noir
• Caroline Savoie: Pourchasser L'aube

Indigenous Songwriter(s)

• Sugar Plum Croxen, Shelley Hamilton, George Elliott Clarke: Constitution (The Afro-Métis Nation)
• Jenelle Duval, Danielle Benoit, Stacey Howse: Qama'si (Eastern Owl)
• Joshua Haulli: Aqqut
• Diyet Van Lieshout: Diyet & The Love Soldiers
• Mike Paul: Origine

World Group

• Al Qahwa: Cairo Moon
• Ayrad: Zoubida
• Emilyn Stam & Filippo Gambetta: Shorelines
• Pierre Schryer & Adam Dobres: Mandorla
• Toronto Tabla Ensemble: Bhumika

New/Emerging Artist(s)

• Birds Of Bellwoods: Victoria
• Geneviève Racette: No Water, No Flowers
• Gordie Mackeeman And His Rhythm Boys: Dreamland
• Hook and Nail: Ghosts Of Taylorton
• Lydia Persaud: Let Me Show You
• T. Buckley: Miles We Put Behind
• The Lumber Jills: The Lumber Jills
• The Unfaithful Servants: The Unfaithful Servants

Young Performer(s)

• Conway: Conway
• Nick Earle: Breaking New Ground
• Joshua Haulli: Aqqut
• Keltie: Expect Inhibition
• Jacques Surette: Marche, Marche, Marche

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Links: CFMA, More CFMA Stories

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GOOD LUCK! Hamilton's Whitehorse Earns a Canadian Radio Music Award Nomination!

Hamilton folk rock duo, Whitehorse keep racking up the awards and now they're up for a 2016 Canadian Music Radio Award for their amazing song, Downtown.  On Friday, May 5th in Toronto, they'll find out if there'll be another statue to their mantle.  GOOD LUCK!



Links: Whitehorse, More Whitehorse Stories,  Video above courtesy of Six Shooter Records

Here is a complete list of nominees.

New Group Or Solo Artist: Modern Rock

• Whitehorse: Downtown
• Brave Shores: Never Come Down
• Coleman Hell: 2 Heads
• Elwins: So Down Lo

New Group Or Solo Artist: Adult Contemporary

• Coleman Hell: 2 Heads
• Francesco Yates: Better To Be Loved
• Jocelyn Alice: Jackpot
• Ria Mae: Clothes Off
• Scott Helman: Bungalow

New Group Or Solo Artist: Contemporary Hit Radio

• Alessia Cara: Here
• Coleman Hell: 2 Heads
• Dan Talevski: Guilty As Sin
• Francesco Yates: Better To Be Loved
• Jocelyn Alice: Jackpot

New Group Or Solo Artist: Mainstream Rock

• Saint Asonia: Better Place
• Standstills: Orleans
• The Wild!: Slow Burn

New Group Or Solo Artist: Country

• Cold Creek County: Our Town
  
  
  
  Video above courtesy of Cold Creek County
  
  
• David James: What We Weren’t Looking For
• Jojo Mason: It’s All Good
• Leah Daniels: Go Back
  
  
  
  Links: Leah Daniels, More Leah Daniels Stories , Video above courtesy of Leah Daniels
  
  
• Petric: Here Goes Everything

SOCAN Song Of The Year

• Can’t Feel My Face: The Weeknd
• Earned It: The Weeknd
• Something Big: Shawn Mendes
• Sound Of Your Heart: Shawn Hook
• Stitches: Shawn Mendes

Fans Choice 

• Justin Bieber
• Magic!
• Shawn Hook
• Shawn Mendes
• The Weeknd
• Trevor Guthrie

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Links: Canadian Music Radio Awards, More CMRA Stories

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Hamilton's Luke Doucet Rocks Out on Bachman's 'Heavy Blues'

Guess Who/BTO legend Randy Bachman has enlisted quite an impressive array of talent for his latest solo album, Heavy Blues (from Burlington's True North Records).  Guitar master Luke Doucet (of Whitehorse fame) lends his axe skills to the amazing track, Please Come to Paris.  The Hamilton musician more than hold his own with the other top shelf guests like Neil Young, Joe Bonamassa, Peter Frampton and the late, great Jeff Healey.

The majority of this wicked collection consists of hard driving, fast blues rock that'll get your juices pumping -   This is major riff heaven.  There are a few well-done mellower tracks as well.  Bachman's distinctive voice and world-class guitar work (from himself and his guests) make this a must have.

To help promote this incredible album, Randy held a guitar solo contest open to all musicians.  Hamilton's Troy Harmer was the lucky winner.  Click here for the story.

You can buy this CD at many physical and online shops.  It can also be downloaded though the True North Shop, eMusic and iTunes.







Videos above courtesy of Solid Gold Channel

Blast from the Past: Troy Harmer Wins Bachman Guitar Solo Contest

Links: Randy Bachman, More Randy Bachman Stories, More Releases

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Two Amazing Recordings From Hamilton's Whitehorse

Hamilton duo Whitehorse (Luke Doucet and Mellisa McClelland) have been very busy releasing some great material.  Two of those wonderful projects from last year (both from Six Shooter Records) escaped our radar - until now.

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Thanks to a recent Hamilton Music Award nomination, their EP, Éphémère sans repère is in the spotlight.  Containing french translations of four previous tunes, a new track (Le cadeau) and their cover of the classic Un Canadien errant, the recording offers an amazing, different take on their fabulous folk rock sound.

Physical CD's, LP's and downloads are available at the Six Shooter's Online Shop and iTunes.



Video above courtesy of BRBRTFO

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The iTunes Sessions album is a stripped down, tremendous, live recording of their greatest song as well as an excellent cover of Tom Waits' Gun Street Girl.

Of course, it's only available as a download through iTunes.

Video above courtesy of StellaBlu477

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Both these recordings are a welcome addition to any Whitehorse fan's collection (or any fan of quality folk rock, actually).

Links: Whitehorse, More Whitehorse Stories, More Releases

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Hamilton Duo Whitehorse Get Fiery with Leave No Bridge Unburned!

Hamilton duo, Whitehorse (Luke Doucet and Mellisa McClelland) have decided to amp things up with Leave No Bridge Unburned, their latest fiery album. This Six Shooter Records release transports them well into the rocker realm.

Luckily, the couple haven't given up their wonderful songwriting prowess.  Each song is well-crafted lyrically and falls within the Americana tradition of storytelling.

For the first time, Whitehorse are joined by other talent musicians. Gus Van Go (who produces) and Werner F, who add some great guitars and bass. Collectively, they catapult the music to new, amazing heights.

You can purchase the CD through the Six Shooter Records online store or you can download it via iTunes.







Blast from the Past: Whitehorse Covers EP

Links: Whitehorse, More Whitehorse Stories, More Releases, Videos above courtesy of Six Shooter Records

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Canadian Folk Music Awards Nominate Many Local Artists

Musicians throughout our area were honoured with nominations from the 2014 Canadian Folk Music Awards.  Gathering, the latest CD from Hamilton's Poor Angus is up for Traditional Album of the Year.  Former Hamiltonian Matthew Barber is in the running for both Solo Artist and Contemporary Singer. Another former resident of Hammertown, Luke Doucet received a Producer nod for his work with his duo, Whitehorse.



Links: Poor Angus, More Poor Angus Stories, Video above courtesy of Larry Steeves



Links: Matthew Barber, More Matthew Barber Stories, Video above courtesy of Outside Music

Gathering Sparks, which features Guelphites Sam Turton and Jane Lewis along with Eve Goldberg from Toronto were nominated for Best Vocal Group.



Links: Gathering Sparks, More Gathering Sparks Stories, Video above courtesy of Gathering Sparks

To top things off, Matt Andersen's Weightless (an album featuring writing contributions from Hamilton's Tom Wilson and Niagara's Suzie Vinnick) is up for Best Contemporary Album.

The awards ceremony will take place November 27-29, 2014 in Ottawa.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Here is the complete list of nominees.

Traditional Album

• Poor Angus: Gathering 
• Moustafa Kouyaté and Romain Malagnoux: Les frontières imaginaires 
• The High Bar Gang: Lost and Undone: A Gospel Bluegrass Companion 
• Sarah Jane Scouten: The Cape

Solo Artist 

• Matthew Barber
• Shari Ulrich
• James Keelaghan
• Lennie Gallant
• Del Barber

Contemporary Singer

• Matthew Barber
• Jadea Kelly
• James Keelaghan
• Del Barber
• Matt Andersen

Producer

• Marc Maziade: Chasse-Galerie by MAZ
• Tom Terrell and Karl Falkenham: City Ghosts by The Modern Grass
• Luke Doucet: Éphémère sans repère by Whitehorse
• The Fretless with Joby Baker: The Fretless by The Fretless
• Steve Dawson: St. Louis Times by Jim Byrnes          

Vocal Group

• Gathering Sparks
• The Fugitives
• The High Bar Gang
• The Marrieds
• Sweet Alibi

Contemporary Album

• Matt Andersen: Weightless (featuring writing by Tom Wilson and Suzie Vinnick)
• The Bros. Landreth: Let it Lie
• Colleen Rennison: See The Sky About To Rain
• Jill Zmud: Small Matters of Life and Death
• The Strumbellas: We Still Move On Dance Floors

Children’s Album

• Helen Austin: Colour It
• Rattle and Strum: Rattle and Strum
• Alex Mahé: Réveillons les bonnes chansons
• Kathy Reid-Naiman: When It’s Autumn
• Fred Penner: Where In The World

Instrumental Group

• The Andrew Collins Trio
• MAZ
• Còig
• Brishen
• The Fretless

Instrumental Solo Artist

• Maxim Cormier
• Gillian Boucher
• Steve Dawson
• Jayme Stone
• Robert Michaels

Ensemble

• The High Bar Gang
• Brishen
• Notre Dame de Grass
• The Fretless
• Ventanas

The Oliver Schroer Pushing The Boundaries Award

• Tanya Tagaq
• MAZ
• Mark Berube
• The Fretless
• West My Friend

French Songwriter

• Klô Pelgag: L’Alchimie des monstres by Klô Pelgag
• Alexandre Poulin: Le mouvement des marées by Alexandre Poulin
• Antoine Corriveau: Les Ombres Longues by Antoine Corriveau
• Julie Aubé, Viviane Roy, Katrine Noël: Mon Homesick Heart by Les Hay
• Babies

Aboriginal Songwriter

• Tanya Tagaq: Animism by Tanya Tagaq
• Vince Fontaine: Colors by Indian City
• Amanda Rheaume: Keep a Fire by Amanda Rheaume
• Buffy MacNeil and Larry Boutilier: Surrounded by Buffy and Larry
• Jasmine Netsena: Take You With Me by Jasmine Netsena

World Solo Artist

• Quique Escamilla
• Jorge Martinez
• Susan Aglukark
• Amanda Martinez
• Robert Michaels

English Songwriter

• Shari Ulrich: Everywhere I Go by Shari Ulrich
• James Keelaghan: History by James Keelaghan
• Lennie Gallant: Live Acoustic at The Carleton by Lennie Gallant
• Del Barber: Prairieography by Del Barber
• Chris Ronald: Timeline by Chris Ronald

Young Performer

• Keiffer Mclean
• Rebecca Lappa
• Quinn Bachand (Brishen)
• Kacy and Clayton
• Benjamin Rogers

Traditional Singer

• Kim Beggs
• Joël Fafard
• Mélisande
• Sarah Jane Scouten
• Tamar Ilana (Ventanas)

New/Emerging Artist

• The Bros. Landreth
• Robyn Dell’Unto
• Scott Cook
• Quinn Bachand (Brishen)
• Kacy and Clayton

World Group Artist

• MAZ
• Shtreiml
• TANGA
• Moustafa Kouyaté and Romain Malagnoux
• Brishen

Unsung Hero Award (Not announced)

Blast from the Past: The 2013 Winners

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2013: Year in Review

2013 was another incredible year for local music.  Area musicians made headlines, Hamilton got a Blues Fest to call its own and the Hamilton Blues Lovers turned 5 years old.  This was also the first year that HBL started giving away free tickets to some fabulous shows.  There should be more amazing contests in 2014.

Much like last year,  Harrison Kennedy was very busy.  The blues legend beat cancer in 2013 and released his best album to date, Soulscape.  The disc earned him a Hamilton Music Award as well as nominations for the Maple Blues Awards and Blues Music Awards.  He also guest starred on an album by Pete Tigchelaar.

Steve Strongman was also a big news maker as he took home a Juno, three Maple Blues Awards, a View Magazine Readers' Choice Award and was a finalist in the International Songwriter competition.  Steve was also instrumental in organizing the successful 1st Annual Hamilton Blues and Roots Festival.

2013 was also wonderful for Kathleen Edwards.  She found herself nominated for two Junos and on two CBC top lists (Canadian Singers, Canadian Albums). One of her songs was also used for a great John Denver Tribute

Hamilton music duo Whitehorse had a noteworthy year as well.  There was an album, a live covers EP, and they were on the shortlist for the Polaris Music Prize.  On top of all that, Whitehorse member Luke Doucet appeared on a CD by Lindy Vopnfjord.

Unfortunately, we lost a number of talented artists this year.  They include Al Carter, Jason Lees (The Plain Steel), Alex MacDougall (Groove Corporation), John Willet (Powerhouse), Stompin' Tom,  Tam Kearney,  Rita MacNeil, Ray Manzerak  (Doors), Lou Reed, JJ Cale, Ray Price, Slim Whitman, Precious Bryant, and more.

Most popular blog posts of 2013:

• Kathleen Edwards on John Denver Tribute
• View Magazine Readers' Choice Awards
• Alex MacDougall (Groove Corporation) Passes
• Jason Lees (The Plain Steel) Passes
• News Roundup (Barbershop Podcasts, Videos and More)

Other 2013 Highlights

• Hamilton-Born Ben Caplan Wins East Coast Music Award
• Rita Chiarelli Receives Italian Heritage Award
• Daniel Lanois Earns Govenor General Lifetime Achievement Award
• Hamilton Blues Lovers Blog Reaches Over 1,000 Posts
• Our Exclusive Interview with Sugar Blue
• John Ellison Receieves West Virginia Award

Top 3 YouTube Videos

Links: Fred Eaglesmith, More Fred Eaglesmith Stories, More From This Show





Links: Darrell Webb Band, More From This Show

Here's to an ever better 2014!!!!

Blast from the Past: 2012 in Review

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Kathleen Edwards and Stan Rogers in Last Half of CBC's Top Canadian Albums List

The area was well represtented in the first half of CBC's top Canadian albums list. Now that the final half of the tally is complete, two more talented local musicians have been added.

21. Kathleen Edwards: Failer



Links: Kathleen Edwards, More Kathleen Edwards Stories, Video courtesy of baer157

31. Stan Rogers: Fogarty's Cove



Links: Stan Rogers, More Stan Rogers Stories, Video courtesy of NovaScotian1992

On top of this, a number of musicians from our region made comments on other albums from the list.

Ben Caplan on Stan Rogers: Fogerty's Cove (21)
Luke Doucet (Whitehorse) on  Sarah McLachlan: Fumbling Towards Ecstacy (20)
Kathleen Edwards on Blue Rodeo: Five Days in July (15)
Sarah Harmer on Tragically Hip: Fully Completely (13)

Links: Numbers 40-21 on the list, Numbers 20-1 on the List, The Complete List, More CBC Lists

Blast from the Past: Kathleen Edwards and Stan Rogers on Top Canadian Singers List

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Whitehorse on 2013 Polaris Music Prize Short List

On July 16, 2013, the Polaris Music Prize Shortlist was unveiled. Talented local duo, Whitehorse (Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland) were recognized for their work on their incredible latest CD, The Fate of the World Depends on This Kiss. Congratulations and good luck!.



Blast From the Past: Whitehorse up for Canadian Folk Music Award

Links: Whitehorse, More Whitehorse Stories, Video courtesy of NDOMA.

The illustrious, eclectic list also includes: Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Zaki Ibrahim, Metric, METZ, Purity Ring, Colin Stetson, Tegan And Sara, A Tribe Called Red, and Young Galaxy.

A $30,000 prize for the artists comes with the award.

The winner will be revealed at a Gala  held on September 23, 2013 at the Carlu in Toronto.  Another area singer/songwriter (and former nominee) Kathleen Edwards will co-host the event with rapper, Shad.

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New Lindy Vopnfjord CD: Young Waverer

Young Waverer, the latest CD from local singer/songwriter Lindy Vopnfjord (aka "Lindy") has many beautiful layers.

Underneath it all is an unmistakable folk and singer/songwriter vibe.  Lindy has crafted some impressive tunes with a stunning storytelling touch.

Built on top of that sonic foundation is a modern, quasi-alternative pop sound that meshes well with his expressive vocals.  Most of the songs are wonderfully infectious (especially Warsaw's Blinking Lights and On My Way Back Home). There are some remarkable slower numbers as well (Lover Sister and May Not be Right).

Lindy enlisted a few of his bandmates from Major Maker and Luke Doucet (Whitehorse) to help create his unique vision.

The CD can be downloaded through his web site or iTunes.

Below are a few videos from the recordign courtesy of  Stellablu477.





Links: Lindy Vopnfjord, More CD Releases

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New Whitehorse Covers EP: The Road to Massey Hall

Local Singer/Songwriter duo Whitehorse (Luke Doucet and Mellisa McClelland) wanted to do something special to celebrate their current tour.  Since their travels would take them to Massey Hall for the first time, celebrating the legendary venue seemed appropriate.

As a result, Whitehorse's fans are being treated to The Road to Massey Hall EP.   Luke and Mellisa put their own unique stamp on classic songs from performers that have played the fabled Toronto landmark.

Songs include Neil Young's Winterlong, Gordon Lightfoot's If You Could Read My Mind, Dark Angel by Blue Rodeo, Bob Dylan's It Ain't Me Babe, Strawberry Blonde by Ron Sexsmith and Un Canadien Errant, a french-language song written in the mid 1800s.

The amazing EP is availble as a download on iTunes or Six Shooter Records.

Below are videos courtesy of Six Shooter Records





Blast From The Past: Our Review of Whitehorse's The Fate of the World Depends on This Kiss

Links: Whitehorse, More Whitehorse Stories, More CD Releases

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New Whitehorse CD: The Fate of the World Depends on This Kiss

The sophomore album from the talented local duo Whitehorse (Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet) has been getting rave reviews and even
won a Hamilton Music Award last year.

All those accolades are well deserved as the disc picks up where their incredible self-titled debut left off and then proceeds to expand their musical repertoire.

Yes, you can still hear some really catchy alt-folk-pop tunes (Peterbilt Coalmine, Devil's Got a Gun) but they have also added more texture this time around.  There's the slow artistry of Mexico Texaco; the funkiness of No Glamour in the Hammer and Jane, the emotional bluesy power of Achilles Desire, and much more.


The album is available through Six Shooter Records (as a CD, LP and download) or can be purchased  at iTunes.

Below are tracks from the CD, courtesy of Six Shooter Records.






Blast From the Past: Our Review of their Debut CD

Links: Whitehorse, More Whitehorse Stories, More CD Releases

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Hamilton Music Award Winners

 
Congratulations to all the winners from the 2012 Hamilton Music Awards.  It was an amazing showcase of  all the wonderful talent we have in the city.

The big winner was Terra Lightfoot, who received three well-deserved awards (Female Artist, Female Vocalist, Alt-Country Album).  Blues veteran Harrison Kennedy walked away with two (Male Vocalist, Blues Album) as did Tomi Swick (Pop Recording, Video) and Luke Doucet (Adult Alternative Recording w Whitehorse, Best Guitarist)

The ceremonies were held November 15-18, 2012 at the McIntyre Theatre in Mohawk College.

Click here for the article from the Spectator, which includes the complete winner list.

Click here for video coverage from CHCH.

Here's Tomi Swick's video of the year, December Sky, courtesy of Tomi's YouTube Page



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Below are highlights of the winners list.

• Female Artist of the Year -Terra Lightfoot
• Male Artist of the Year -Lee Reed
• Local Group of the Year by the Peoples Choice -Hey Brother
• New Artist/Group of the Year - Missy Bauman
• Roots Recording of the Year - Ben Caplan and  the Casual Smokers – In The Time Of The Great Remembering
• Alternative/Indie Rock Recording of the Year - CA Smith – Someone You Love
• Folk/Traditional Recording of the Year - S.G Sinnicks – The Last Irishman In Corktown
• Rock Recording of the Year - Arkells – Michigan Left
• Adult Alternative Recording of the Year -  Whitehorse – The Fate Of The World Depends On This Kiss
• Blues Recording of the Year -  Harrison Kennedy – Shame The Devil
• Alt/Country Recording of the Year - Terra Lightfoot – Terra Lightfoot
• Pop Recording of the Year -  Tomi Swick – Tomi Swick
• ArcelorMittal Dofasco Artist Lifetime Achievement Award - Crowbar and Gordie Tapp (Hee Haw)
• Songwriter of the Year - Arkells
• Female Vocalist of the Year - Terra Lightfoot
• Male Vocalist of the Year -  Harrison Kennedy
• Canadian Recording of the Year by Peoples Choice (Sales over 10,000 units) - Monster Truck, The Brown EP
• Record of the Year -  The Rest – Seesaw

From the Industry Awards

• Producer — Dan Griffin
• Video — Tomi Swick, December Sky
• Live Club — This Ain’t Hollywood
• Musical Event by People’s Choice — Burlington Sound of Music Festival
• Keyboard Player — Jesse O’Brien
• Guitarist — Luke Doucet
• Drummer — Zander Lamothe
• Bassist — Kevin Christoff

More from the Hamilton Music Awards

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

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Daniel Lanois and Luke Doucet on CBC's Top 25 Canadian Guitarists List

To celebrate guitar month (November) over at CBC Music, they selected the top 25 Canadian guitarists of all time.  Two deserving, talented, local musicians made the cut: Daniel Lanois (13) and Luke Doucet (10). They are certainly in good company as the list boasts Neil Young, Randy Bachman, David Wilcox, Bruce Cockburn, Colin James and many other legends.  Alex Lifeson of Rush took the top spot.

Below is the complete list:

25 & 24. Dallas & Travis Good (Sadies)
23. Kevin Breit (Sisters Euclid)
22. Ian Blurton (ex-Change of Heart, C'mon)
21. David Wilcox
20. Liona Boyd
19. Rob Baker (Tragically Hip)
18. Don Ross
17. Keith Scott (Bryan Adams)
16. Brian Connelly (Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet)
15. Patrick Pentland (Sloan)
14. Kim Mitchell
13. Daniel Lanois
12. Ed Bickert
11. Colin James
10. Luke Doucet (Whitehorse)
9. Randy Bachman  (Guess Who, BTO)
8. Lenny Breau
7. Joni Mitchell
6. Rik Emmett (Triumph)
5. Neil Young
4. Bruce Cockburn
3. Robbie Robertson (The Band)
2. Jeff Healey
1. Alex Lifeson  (Rush)

Click here for full story

Check out these videos:



Links: Luke Doucet, More Luke Doucet Stories, Video courtesy of Six Shooter Records



Links: Daniel Lanois, More Daniel Lanois Stories


Blast From the Past: Daniel Lanois & Others@Harvest Picnic

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Local Musicians Up for Canadian Folk Music Awards

Local performers keep on racking up the nominations - this time at the 2012 Canadian Folk Music Awards.

Hamilton's First Family of Folk, Whitehorse is nominated for 3 awards (Contemporary Album, Ensemble, Vocal Group).

Local boy Ben Caplan is up for New Emerging Artist and Rob Szabo received a nod for best producer, for Steve Strongman's A Natural Fact.

The awards will be handed out November 17 in St. John's NB.  GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Here is the complete list of nominees:

Traditional Album of the Year

• Nicolas Pellerin- Petit grain d'or
• Le Vent du Nord - Tromper le temps
• Sheesham and Lotus & 'Son - 1929
• Metis Fiddler Quartet - Northwest Voyage Nord Ouest
• Lenka Lichtenberg - Songs for the Breathing Walls

Contemporary Album of the Year

• Linda McRae - Rough Edges and Ragged Hearts
• Whitehorse - Whitehorse
• The Deep Dark Woods - The Place I Left Behind
• Old Man Luedecke & Lake of Stew - Sing All About It
• Rose Cousins - We Have Made A Spark

Children’s Album of the Year

• Kathy Reid-Naiman and Hannah Naiman - Here We Go Zodeo
• Andrew Queen - GROW
• Will Stroet - Ensemble, en cadence
• Henri Godon - Chansons pour toutes sortes d'enfants
• Shelley Bean & The Duckety Muds - Shelley Bean & The Duckety Muds

Traditional Singer of the Year

• Peter Wynne (The Wynnes)
• Kim Beggs (The Blue Warblers)
• Fred Jorgensen (The Navigators)
• Sneezy Waters
• Lenka Lichtenberg

Contemporary Singer of the Year

• Keri Latimer
• Geraldine Hollett (The Once)
• Catherine MacLellan
• Craig Cardiff
• Rose Cousins

Instrumental Solo Artist of the Year

• Rik Barron
• Trent Freeman
• Darren McMullen
• Andrew Collins
• Shaun Ferguson

Instrumental Group of the Year

• Sultans of String
• Oliver Schroer & Nuala Kennedy
• The Fretless
• Metis Fiddler Quartet
• Gypsophilia

English Songwriter of the Year

• Dala
• The Deep Dark Woods
• Jon Brooks
• Catherine MacLellan
• Annie Lou
• PEAR

French Songwriter of the Year

• Anique Granger
• Mes Aïeux
• Caracol
• André Dédé Vander
• Lisa LeBlanc

Vocal Group of the Year

• Scarlett Jane
• Dala
• Whitehorse
• The Once
• Sweet Alibi

Ensemble of the Year

• Whitehorse
• Oliver Schroer & Nuala Kennedy
• Le Vent du Nord
• La Bottine Souriante
• The Fretless

Solo Artist of the Year

• Matt Andersen
• Del Barber
• Michael Jerome Browne
• Anne Louise Genest (Annie Lou)
• Rose Cousin

World Group of the Year

• Sultans of String - MOVE
• Roberto Lopez Afro-Colombian Jazz Orchestra - Azul
• Zhambai Trio - Tambanavo
• Sagapool - Sagapool
• Surkalén - Essence de lumière

New/Emerging Artist of the Year

• Scarlett Jane
• Pharis & Jason Romero
• Lisa LeBlanc
• Ben Caplan & The Casual Smokers
• Three Little Birds

Producer of the Year

• Chris McKhool - MOVE (Sultans of String)
• Mike Roth - Best Day (Dala)
• Rob Szabo - A Natural Fact (Steve Strongman)
• Glen Simmons - Soldiers & Sailors (The Navigators)
• Francois Couture - YAHNDAWA' (YAHNDAWA')

Pushing the Boundaries

• Sultans of String
• Briga
• Gadji-Gadjo
• The Fretless
• Sagapool

Young Performer of the Year

• Emily Madronich
• The Archers
• Rebecca Lappa
• Cassie and Maggie MacDonald
• Lucas Chaisson

Blast from the Past: The 2011 CFMA Winners

Click here for the results

More of our CFMA Stories

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View Magazine Readers' Choice Awards 2012

The readers of View Magazine have spoken and they've chosen the best Hamilton and the area have to offer.

Here are the music-related highlights below
The order goes:
Gold
Silver
Bronze (if applicable)



FREE EVENT
Festival of Friends
Supercrawl
Locke Street Festival

FESTIVAL
Festival of Friends
Greenbelt Harvest Picnic
Winona Peach Festival

RADIO STATION
102.9 K-LITE
Y108

RADIO PERSONALITY
Sunni Genesco (K-LITE)
Ric Taylor (CFMU)

INDEPENDENT RECORD LABEL
Hidden Pony
Sonic Unyon

BAND
Arkells
Walk Off the Earth
Monster Truck

BAND WEBSITE
Monster Truck
Brian Melo
Jeremy Fischer

ALBUM ARTWORK
Walk Off the Earth

COOLEST INSTRUMENT TO PLAY
Guitar
Drum

RECORDING PRODUCER
Nick Bladona
Daniel Lanois

RECORDING STUDIO
Jukasa
Catherine North

REHEARSAL SPACE
Rock Parlour
Lou's Music

FEMALE ARTIST
Rita Chiarelli
Sharon Musgrave
Terra Lightfoot

MALE ARTIST
Jeremy Fischer
Matt Paxton
Luke Doucet

COVER BAND
Crimps
Practically Hip
Eggmen

BAND MOST LIKELY TO MAKE IT BIG
Skynet
Harlan Pepper

LIVE VENUE
Stonewalls
This Ain't Hollywood
Casbah

OPEN STAGE
Lazy Flamingo
Carrigan Arms

COUNTRY BAR
Wellington
Dirty Dogs
Galley Pump

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT STORE
Long & McQuade
Mountain Music
Pongetti

NEW MUSIC STORE
HMV
Cheapies

USED MUSIC STORE
Dr. Disc
Beat Goes On

Click here for the full list.

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Mark McIntyre and Luke Doucet on new Emma-Lee CD: Backseat Heroine

Toronto singer/songwriter Emma-Lee has spiced up her latest CD, Backseat Heroine (from eOne Entertainment), with the inclusion of two local musicians.

Local bassist Mark McIntyre plays on the disc and so does Whitehorse member and solo artist Luke Doucet. The latter contributes co-lead vocals to the song Today's Another Yesterday (he also co-write it).

This album has a great folk/rock/sometimes jazzy sound. Emma-Lee's vocals run the full gamut from softer ballads to ballsy rockers. It's a must for all modern roots fans.

Also helping her in making these wonderful songs are Denis Keldie, Devrim Eldelekli, Kevin Mendes, and many others.

The CD is available through her web site and as a download through iTunes and eMusic (both have a bonus track)

Below are a few videos from the album courtesy of Emma's YouTube page.





Click here for Emma-Lee's site