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Donna Grantis
FYI
Music News Digest: Donna Grantis and Triumph Enter the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame
Also this week: Altered By Mom join Midnight agency, the Blue Ridge Band signs with The Feldman Agency, Nova Scotia week announces lineup and more.
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Last week, Toronto alt-rock band Altered by Mom, released their debut LP BETTER, and they have now announced their signing with noted agency Midnight (Cadence Weapon, Dwayne Gretzky, Miesha and the Spanks) and their upcoming West Coast tour. They play Western Canada shows from Oct. 2-11, followed by a Toronto show at Lee's Palace on Oct. 19. Details here. The group features Juno-winning songwriters Gina Kennedy (bass/vocals) and former -ex-Hey Ocean! member Devon Lougheed (guitar/vocals), with Max Trefler on drums. Advance single/video "OK OK" has generated over 450K views.
Awards News
Music Nova Scotia has announced another batch of artists joining the full lineup performing at Nova Scotia Music Week, taking place in Yarmouth/Kespukwitk from October 23-26. They are: Andrea Cormier, Baby Nova, Beauts, BETHANY, DJ Trill Jill, HARMZ, Hegatsbe, Jordan Peck, L'Nu Joker, Luna Red, Million Vibes, Pat LePoidevin, Quentin Augustine, Quoia States, Sam Wilson, Steel Cut Oats, Talon the Rez Kid Wonder, Terra Spencer, The Dusty Halos, The Public Service and Tide & Timbre. The full festival schedule is now live here and delegate passes, festival wristbands and day passes are on sale now here.
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– This past weekend, at Southside Shuffle Blues and Jazz Festival in Port Credit, Ontario, the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame inducted internationally acclaimed artist, musician, and Prince guitarist Donna Grantis and legendary hard-rock power trio Triumph, who received a first-ever Icon Award, celebrating their 50th anniversary.
Festivals News
The VenueXVenue music festival and conference in London, Ontario, runs Nov. 6-8 and has just announced its first round of showcasing artists. It features bands from Brazil and South Africa alongside such notable Canadian names as Chris Birkett, Altered By Mom, Ammoye, Chris Koster, The Greenhouse Collective and Lex Leosis. In all, over 50 artists play seven venues, and more names will be announced soon. Super Earlybird Wristbands are already on sale here. The associated two day music conference, held Nov. 7-8 at TAP Centre for Creativity, features panels, demo listening, mentorships, songwriting sessions and mixers. More info here.
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–The Convergence Music + Art Festival 2025 in Oshawa, Ontario takes place on Sept. 19 and 20. Noted performers on the bill include Valley, Aysanabee, Avery Raquel, B.A. Johnston, Charlie Houston, Frank Mighty, Blamethrower and Rory Taillon.
– Cultivate Festival returns to Haute Goat Farm, Port Hope, Ontario , from September 26-28. A just-announced musical lineup features music from Danny Michel, Nicolette and the Nobodies, Wyatt C.Louis, Elliott BROOD, Okavango African Orchestra, Shania Twink and more, alongside plenty of farm-themed family activities. Tickets are on sale now
Industry News
Considered one of Quebec’s hottest rising country acts, the Blue Ridge Band has signed with The Feldman Agency for all Canadian bookings. A sophomore album, High On You, is being released on September 26 via Symphonic and a Country Music Week debut show happens Sept. 13 at CCMA House in Kelowna, B.C..
– The National Arts Centre Orchestra has named John Storgards as its next music director. The Finnish conductor and violinist has served as its principal guest conductor since 2015 and he will become the NACO’s eighth music director beginning in the 2026–2027 season, working with a four-year contract.
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Artists News
Bassist, producer, and engineer Justin Gray is known for adventurous work that draws on diverse musical influences that include jazz, Indian classical, and global styles. His new album, Immersed, is being released this week, accompanied by a film of the same name, and, for the album launch, it’s being screened in immersive audio at the Paradise Theatre on Bloor on September 14 as part of the Toronto Independent Film Festival.
Mixed and produced in Dolby Atmos, the album was composed, recorded, and produced from the ground up for immersive audio, and it features 38 artists from around the world, the project places the listener at the centre of a 360-degree orchestra.
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– Country singer-songwriter Jessica Sevier is clearly an artist on the rise. She recently signed with Paquin Artists Agency and has shared the stage with Dean Brody, Tenille Townes and Tyler Joe Miller. She was named Blackburn Radio’s Emerging Artist of the Month for August) and her current single, "Good To Drive,” is gaining momentum. It will be spotlighted on Hot Country Halifax 103.5, where Sevier has been named breakout artist of the month.
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