Wednesday March 3rd, 2021

(This Interview is also on YouTube  https://tinyurl.com/5m8jhbcb  )

(This Interview is also on Soundcloud  https://tinyurl.com/587uaf2d  )

Country-folk artist Spencer Burton  https://www.spencerburtonmusic.com  has released his 5th album, “Coyote” , that is about life’s journey, self discovery  and as he describes as “every song I’ve ever written is a place to keep a memory”.  Rudy Blair Entertainment Media  rudyblairmedia.com  speaks with the singer/songwriter about how he has dealt with the Covid-19 pandemic professionally and personally , how his new album was recorded, the personal story on why his LP is called “Coyote”, how his album is giving back to the environment, what his plans are   for performances in 2021 and the inspiration behind his latest single “Hard Times”  https://tinyurl.com/ynf6e5ny  .

Tuesday March 2nd, 2021

This Toronto recording artist (influenced by Amy Winehouse and Sia) is the winner of the prestigious InterContinental Music Award for “Best of North America-Pop” for her latest release and nominated for “Best New Artist” at the Niagara Music Awards. Some of her live appearances include YOUTH DAY Global at Yonge-Dundas Square, headlining  at the 2020 Toronto Music Expo, and a featured panelist at the 2020 Canadian Music Expo.  She’s just released a new single that she says she hopes “people are able to see a deeper and more melancholic tone from me, that maybe they aren’t used to”. In this Q&A interview, Rudy Blair Entertainment Media  rudyblairmedia.com speaks with Pop singer/songwriter “Mauve”  https://mauve-music.com  about her career, how Covid-19 has effected her career and personal life, her accolades and work ethics, plans for 2021 including new music and live(virtual)performances and the inspiration behind her new award winning single  “Starting Over”  https://tinyurl.com/2udw3vz7 .

Q&A with Toronto’s Songwriter/Singer “Mauve”

Q: Hello Mauve.  Thank you very much for doing this interview with me.  First, I’d like to ask how you are doing during the Covid-19 pandemic where you’re living? Has the shutdown affected you personally and professionally (and what have you done for your mental wellness)?

A: Thanks for having me! Here in Toronto, there is still a “Stay-at-Home” order in place. There have been waves where in some regions certain places are open, but currently right now we still have a few more weeks to go before more shops and spaces open up again.  Even though it’s been really strange not being able to perform any live music or to rehearse for shows with my band, I’ve been finding this as a very beneficial creation period. I have been busy working with my producers on completing new songs.  I don’t allow myself to get bored because there are so many opportunities now to move forward and grow as an artist. This can be by spending more time playing guitar, trying different vocal techniques, or forming new melodies on the piano. To keep my mental health in check, I found that running has helped a lot. I usually throw on a concert documentary on Netflix and the cardio, mixed with the music, really helps boost me into a positive mindset!

Q: You have an incredible voice.  When did you begin singing? (sounds like you grew up listening to some of Disney’s most famous songs like “Let It Go”, “A Whole New World” and “Beauty and The Beast”).

A: Thank you so much! Those are definitely some of my favourite Disney songs. Musicals have actually been a big influence on my singing style today. I remember going to musicals in downtown Toronto when I was younger and just being in awe of the strong passion and feeling that the actors put into their work. Seeing the vibrant combination of dancing and singing just hit me, and I grew this deep appreciation for the ability to express those emotions on stage.

Q: Who were your biggest influences growing up, personally and in music? 

A: For over a decade I have been a big fan of 90s R&B music, especially the positive messages and smooth vocal harmonies brought from TLC. I love those girls! The deep and emotional vocals of Amy Winehouse and Sia have also played a huge influence in how I sing music. I think it is so inspiring when artists don’t hold back when sharing their music. Those artists really put so much heart and vulnerability into their lyrics. 

Q: You combine a touch of EDM, Pop, R&B and Alternative. How did you come up with your sound and how did you make it work so well?

A: I really enjoy blending different electro-pop styles to create uplifting EDM anthems. I feel like you are able to make the music accessible to a lot of people that way, while also delivering a good amount of depth and intensity. I listen to a variety of genres so that’s why I felt so comfortable being able to combine them together. 

Q: You’ve won some incredible awards like the InterContinental Music Award for “Best of North America-Pop” for your song ‘Come Around’ &  nominated for “Best New Artist” at the Niagara Music Awards. What was it like receive these honours and what has it done for your career?

A: It means a lot to get that kind of recognition from these awards. Writing music is a very personal journey for me, so to have my songs be received so well amongst other talented musicians is a great motivator for me to keep creating. 

Q: You’ve performed at some great performances like YOUTH DAY Global at Yonge-Dundas Square & headlining performance at the 2020 Toronto Music Expo. What was your favourite live performance and where would your dream concert be at?

A: A highlight for me was performing at a popular venue in Toronto called Sneaky Dee’s. It has such a cultural significance to the city, so it was a great experience performing there after going there so many times with my friends. Being able to perform at the Grammys is a dream of mine — it would be so incredible to share my music on such a renowned stage. I watch the show every year and imagine what it would be like to have the honour to share the room with so many amazing artists. 

Q: You have a new single(congratulations) called ‘Starting Over’. This song sounds more “earthy” than your past songs. Where did the inspiration of the new song come from and why the change? (less beats and more vocal)

A: It’s important for artists to challenge themselves and not be afraid to show their listeners a different aspect of themselves. In this song, people are able to see a deeper and more melancholic tone from me, that maybe they aren’t used to, but it’s important for them to see this side of me. The acoustic and choir-like vocals in this song really helped me express the sorrow that I was feeling when this song was originally written. 

Q: Will there be an EP or album following this release and also any plans for virtual performances in 2021?

A: Yes, I do have more songs in the works that I can’t wait to share. I am going to release a new EP/album in Summer 2021, so keep your eyes out for that! You can keep track of my upcoming performances on my website!

Q: Tell me something about yourself that no one knows (could be a fun skill, quirky habit or hobby or something you have overcome).

A: I wish I did have some kind of cool stunt that I pulled off to share with you, but unfortunately, I’m not that much of a daredevil! Another hobby that I like to do when I am not making music is painting. It’s really therapeutic and helps to refresh my mind when I feel like I have been working on music for a long time. 

Mauve Social Media Accounts

Website: https://mauve-music.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musicbymauve/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MusicbyMauve

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauve.music/

Monday March 1st, 2021

(This Interview is also on YouTube  https://tinyurl.com/4rwd7bak   )

(This Interview is also on Soundcloud   https://tinyurl.com/j5cfcv94  )

This Canadian Country recording artist is a Country Music Association of Ontario Rising Star nominee, a Jim Beam National Talent Search Finalist and co-wrote/produced “Together We’re Strong,”https://tinyurl.com/hsxn5b7k  a charity single in support of the Unison Benevolent Fund https://www.unisonfund.ca featuring artists Jason McCoy, Alee, Aaron Pritchett and Cory Marks. He’s just released his debut album under his new record label “Open Road Recordings“ https://openroadrecordings.com .    Rudy Blair Entertainment Media rudyblairmedia.com  speaks with “Dustin Bird”  https://www.dustinbirdmusic.com  about his career, dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, becoming a finalist with the CMAO’s and the Jim Beam Nationals, who-writing “Together We’re Strong”, signing with Open Road Recordings and his new album Unscripted” featuring the single “Broke and Lonely”  https://tinyurl.com/vez77nc  .

Wednesday February 24th, 2021

(This Interview is also on YouTube  https://tinyurl.com/ej3dqez2  )

(This Interview is also on Soundcloud  https://tinyurl.com/4amchnnx )

This young singer/songwriter went from living in a small town to moving to the big city of Los Angeles , working with a Grammy award nominated producer and creating music including his latest single about heartbreak and new beginnings.  Rudy Blair Entertainment Media  rudyblairmedia.com  speaks with “John Robert”  https://www.johnrobert.com  about his life growing up in Virginia, his love of music. how moving to Los Angeles to work with  Grammy award nominated producer “Ricky Reed” has changed his life, if there are plans for more music releases in 2021 and the story behind his new single “You Should Move On (USMO)”  https://tinyurl.com/3tx8756q .

Tuesday February 23rd, 2021

(This Interview is also on YouTube   https://tinyurl.com/47dgxsnj   )

(This Interview is also on Soundcloud  https://tinyurl.com/2jyhoqke   )

This Thursday February 25th, 2021 at noon, four of Canada’s leading  musicians that includes Jazz composer Ron Westray https://tinyurl.com/55k3b7zp , Juno award winners, Molly Johnson  https://www.mollyjohnson.com  & Jully Black  https://jullyblack.ca  and Grammy winner Dan Hill   https://danhill.com will be together for a panel discussion on the history of black music and the way it helped to shape North American music generally and the way it impacted their own work.  It will be moderated by Music Reporter/Broadcaster Rudy Blair of Rudy Blair Entertainment Media  rudyblairmedia.com  .  Rudy Blair Entertainment Media speaks with American Jazz, trombonist, composer, and educator Ron Westray on his career and taking part in “Hugh’s Room Live, Empire Club of Canada Black History Month” .

(To register go to: https://www.empireclubofcanada.com/blackmusic )

(Ron Westray QT at The Pilot, Toronto “All the things you are”  https://tinyurl.com/uzcvc2mp )

Friday February 26th, 2021

Country Music Association of Ontario Rising Star winner “Andrew Hyatt” https://www.andrewhyattmusic.com has released a new 3-pack acoustic EP with corresponding music videos, based on songs from a previous recording.  The new acoustic collection is called “The Wanderspace Sessions” . Rudy Blair Entertainment Media rudyblairmedia.com speaks with the award winning Canadian Country artist on how he dealt with 2020 including almost loosing his voice(needed an operation) that almost ended his career, the hard work he had to do to make a comeback, the inspiration and difficulties to record new music and videos  during the Covid-19 pandemic, if there are plans for virtual performances in 2021, is there a wedding in the future  and the story behind one of his most inspiring single “Neverland”  https://tinyurl.com/yqjzha2v  ,

Monday February 22nd, 2021

(This Interview is also on YouTube  https://tinyurl.com/8d7ctjxw   )

(This Interview is also on Soundcloud  https://tinyurl.com/1wfpvfl7  )

This Niagara based musician is a combination “John Mayer and James Bay”,  which is why Canadian music publication Pulse Music Magazine called him “old soul coloured with musical genius“.   He’s recorded a new single he describes as “a song about balance – an acknowledgement of becoming so wrapped up in something that a person may neglect other aspects of life, like personal relationships with family and friends”.  Rudy Blair Entertainment Media rudyblairmedia.com speaks with recording artist “Riley Michaels” https://www.rileymichaels.com    about how playing a popular video game helped spur him into becoming a performer, discovering his style of music , how the Covid-19 pandemic effected his career in 2020, his plans on virtual performances and other new music in 2021 and the story behind his new singled “Turn off The Lights”  https://tinyurl.com/y9xs2asw .

Friday February 19th, 2021

(This Interview is also on YouTube  https://tinyurl.com/1hfv3zhf   )

(This Interview is also on Soundcloud  https://tinyurl.com/81xvgquv  )

This Country music newcomer has made the “ones to watch” lists including MusicRow’s “Next Big Thing 2021,” CMT’s Next Women of Country, CMT’s Listen Up programs and inclusion on ones to watch lists from Pandora, The Boot and Sounds Like Nashville.Her music has earned over 40 million career streams to date and because she blends traditional country music with todays modern beats she calls her sound “Bell Bottom Country”. She’s just released her new album ‘Sayin’ What I’m Thinking’ .  Rudy Blair Entertainment Media  rudyblairmedia.com  speaks with singer/songwriter Lainey Wilson https://laineywilson.com  about how Covid-19 has effected her career, where her love of music began, what Bell Bottom Country means, plans for 2021 when it comes to virtual or live performances and the stories behind her new album including her latest single “Things A Man Oughta Know”  https://tinyurl.com/1c9xfpb0 

Thursday February 18th, 2021

(This Interview is also on YouTube   https://tinyurl.com/4pdgds44   )

(This Interview is also on Soundcloud  https://tinyurl.com/58v4vxwm   )

Toronto Synth-Pop Artist “Cory Stewart”  http://coryjstewart.com  has just released his debut album that the art and cultural website Rock The Pigeon describes as music that “will make you dance, sing, and cry from the beginning to the end.’.  Rudy Blair Entertainment Media  rudyblairmedia.com speaks with the Royal Conservatory of Music vocal program graduate about his new album “TOV” and the meaning behind the songs including the dance track  “End of Me”   https://tinyurl.com/575vl7sk  featuring Michelle Mondesir and the heartbreaking very personal single “little One”  https://tinyurl.com/1wp1iset .

Wednesday February 17th, 2021

(This Interview is also on YouTube    https://tinyurl.com/55hghrwu )

(This Interview is also on Soundcloud   https://tinyurl.com/28fmzesv  )

The multi Manitoba Country Music Association award winning band, “Petric”   https://www.petricmusic.com  has released their new album they call “a new beginning” & “the most rewarding chapter in the history of Petric”.  Rudy Blair Entertainment Media  rudyblairmedia.com  speaks with band member “Jordan Day” about how the group has dealt  with the  Covid-19 pandemic, the trials and tribulations on recording their latest release, will there be any virtual performances for 2021 and the inspiration behind their new LP “Flashbacks” featuring the single “Kids”  https://tinyurl.com/udqd0j1r  .