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Crybaby: A Melody Behind

Roots-rock outfit Crybaby made a splash with a sparkling debut record, Paintings, in 1996. Recently reunited after a long hiatus, they've released this cut from an imminent second album that pairs melancholia-tinged vocals and a resonant guitar twang. Gripping stuff.

Crybaby: A Melody Behind

By Kerry Doole

Crybaby - "A Melody Behind" (Independent): Back before the term Americana was coined, Toronto roots-rock outfit Crybaby made a splash in the mid-'90s with a sparkling 1996 debut record, Paintings, produced by Grammy-winner Peter J. Moore.


The band imploded shortly after, but recently reunited, with a slightly different lineup. A second album, Still, is complete, and the first track released, "A Melody Behind," shows the group hasn't missed a beat. The resonant twang of the guitars neatly complements the melancholia-tinged vocals of Rae Billing.

Crybaby is built around her songs, and she delivers them in a voice redolent of emotional authenticity (Lucinda Williams is a clear reference point). She is more than ably abetted by a band comprising A-list players from Hamilton and Toronto, including guitarists Steve Koch (Ron Sexsmith) and Andrew Aldridge (Sarah Slean), Greg Brisco (Junkhouse) on keys, and drummer Lucky Pete Lambert (Kensington Hillbillies).

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Young roots-based artists seem to get all the attention these days, but these seasoned veterans deserve the spotlight.

Crybaby will launch the album with CD release parties April 14 at Pearl Company in Hamilton and April 19 at Cadillac Lounge in Toronto. Edgar Breau and Colina Phillips from Simply Saucer will open the Toronto show.

CRYBABY A Melody Behind (from album STILL) from lumaRae Photography on Vimeo.

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Ms. Lauryn Hill
Courtesy Photo

Ms. Lauryn Hill

Rb Hip Hop

Ms. Lauryn Hill To Embark On Intimate Cross-Canada Tour

Presented by independent promoter F7, the eight-date Artist In Residence tour marks Hill’s return to the Canadian stage since 2023. She will come to Vancouver, Hamilton, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Ottawa starting on November 19, 2025.

Ms. Lauryn Hill is making her return to Canada.

Independent, female-led promoter F7 announced the news, sharing the details of Hill’s tour, which kicks off this fall. The legendary American R&B singer and Fugees member is set to perform eight cross-country shows in intimate venues as part of her Artist In Residence tour.

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