Gunner & Smith Hitting The Road For Solo Canadian Tour Dates

Tour Dates Starting on May 9th in Saskatoon

For Immediate Release:

(Saskatoon, SK) - Getting back to his roots, Geoff Smith, from Saskatoon band Gunner & Smith, is set to head out for a solo Canadian Tour this May. The tour is in support of the independently released Gunner & Smith album 'He Once Was a Good Man' (Release Date: February 25th) and will kick off with a full band show in Saskatoon on May 9th with a string of solo tour dates to follow in Ontario, Quebec & Manitoba. For a full listing of tour dates, see below.

Gunner & Smith began as a solo project in 2010 by folk artist Geoff Smith. The band eventually evolved into a multi-member indie country rock ensemble that traverses the rocky line between post-prairies balladeering and grit-covered rockers. Initially emerging from Smith’s one-man vision, Gunner & Smith released their first EP, 'Letter of Marque', in 2011. Featuring the lithe, lonely swaying sounds of Saskatchewan folk, country and rock, Smith quickly followed up his sparse debut release with his second EP entitled 'Compromise is a Loaded Gun' in August 2012.

When it came time to record their first full length album 'He Once Was a Good Man', Gunner & Smith headed to The Avenue Recording Studio, located above Saskatoon's legendary music venue Amigo's Cantina. Joining the band in the studio were recording engineers Jordan Smith and Scott Neufeld along with The Deep Dark Woods’ Ryan Boldt at them helm in the producer’s chair. In addition to producing the album, Boldt also makes several appearances playing on the album. Upon releasing the album in February of this year, Gunner & Smith played a showcase at Folk Alliance International in Kansas City, MO and then embarked on a successful Western Canadian Tour in February and March. The band also released the dark and gritty video for their song 'Towns' to coincide with the tour dates.

Watch the Gunner & Smith video for 'Towns'

Don't miss out on your chance to see Geoff Smith from Gunner & Smith on his solo tour in May!  Gunner & Smith (full band) will be performing in Toronto in June at the NXNE Festival & Conference. Full details, along with the most up-to-date tour schedule are available at: gunnerandsmith.com.

GUNNER & SMITH MARCH 2014 TOUR DATES May 9 – Saskatoon, SK - Vangelis (full band) May 15 – Barrie, ON - The Clarkson Pub May 16 – St. Catharines, ON - The Mahtay Café May 18 – Brantford, ON - The Station Coffee House and Gallery (afternoon show 2-4pm) May 20 – Waterloo, ON - Queen St. Commons May 21 – Windsor, ON -  Phog Lounge May 22 – Toronto, ON - Not My Dog May 23 – Ottawa, ON - The Daily Grind May 24 – Montreal, QC - Grumpy’s May 25 - Kemptville, ON - Dandelion Festival May 28 – Sudbury, ON - The Speakeasy May 29 – Sault St. Marie, ON - Café Natura May 30 – Thunder Bay, ON - The Apollo May 31 – Winnipeg, MB - Arlington Attic

“Gunner & Smith put forth honest roots rock with a compelling amount of grit, given a special sparkle” - Saskatoon Star Phoenix

 “Gunner & Smith carry a full, hard-hitting sound that is both expansive and lush” – Ominocity.com

MEDIA TOOLS CLICK here for high-res album art CLICK here and here for high-res press photos (Photo Credit: Matthew Smith) WATCH/POST Gunner & Smith 'Towns' video here STREAM/POST Gunner & Smith track 'Towns' here (includes posting/embedding info, just click on 'Share')

FOR MORE INFO: www.gunnerandsmith.com

Vancouver Band Real Ponchos To Release Debut Full Length Album on May 6th

Cross-Canada Tour Kicks Off in Vancouver on May 2nd!

For Immediate Release:
April 3rd, 2014

(Vancouver, BC) - Vancouver's Real Ponchos are independently releasing their debut full-length album 'Since I Let You Go' on Tuesday, May 6th. The album, produced by Jesse Gander at The Hive Creative Lab before it closed in July 2013, is a follow up to their acclaimed 2013 self-titled EP. Upon the release of 'Since I Let You Go', Real Ponchos will embark on an epic Cross-Canada Tour starting with an Album Release Party in Vancouver on May 2nd at The Anza Club. Full tour details are listed below.

Real Ponchos blend country, roots rock and jam band influences to deliver tried and true tunes that won’t let you down. The tasteful beats of drummer Emlyn Scherk and the solid lines of acoustic bassist Michael Wagler ensure the band is locked in and ready to ride. Guitarist and singer Emile Scott propels the boys onward with his soulfully strummed acoustic guitar and clear, sailing vocals while guitarist and singer Ben Arsenault weaves through the landscape with striding, clean electric guitar lines and settles in with his scraggly vocals. Songwriting duties are shared between Arsenault and Scott, with Arsenault’s country hurtin’ tunes finely balanced by Scott’s bright and driving melodies. Add to the mix rustic harmonies and you’re in business with Real Ponchos.

Real Ponchos have firmly established their reputation as a real deal live band in their two and a half years of gigging in Vancouver, Victoria and throughout BC and Alberta. Vancouver natives Scherk, Arsenault and Scott have a long musical history that shows in their tight bond onstage. Arsenault and Scherk previously played together in Montreal based alt-country band, Martyr & Pistol, while Scott and Arsenault have been making music together off and on since their high school days. These three long time buddies have united with fellow Vancouverite Wagler to round out the crew. As Arsenault states, “Emile and I ran a radio show over the loudspeakers in the hallways of our high school, playing Grateful Dead and Tom Waits. Eventually we started jamming, hanging out in each other’s basements with bottles of Jim Beam. And now we’ve evolved into a committed band. I guess it’s a function of the creative fire burning and growing over time. Emlyn and Mike, who are both schooled jazz guys, have really elevated our laid back style and sealed the deal on the full band vibe.”

Laced with rustic harmonies and driving melodies, 'Since I Let You Go' was recorded live off the floor, showcasing the tight band sound and adventurous jams that the Real Ponchos have become known for in their live shows. With choice pedal steel and organ overdubs, the record provides a deep listening experience with stand-out country-tinged tracks like 'Outta This Place' and 'Just Like a Slow Burn'. The album also features a full band composition on the long, Grateful Dead inspired jam, 'Along The Way'. Real Ponchos are both country and psychedelic - a band that can command a roaring dance floor with high energy alt-country stompers AND throw down some sweet, transcendental jams!

 Listen To The Real Ponchos track - 'Outta This Place'

Real Ponchos’ debut album 'Since I Let You Go' will be available on iTunes and other fine digital retailers on Tuesday, May 6th. Look for the band on tour across Canada starting on May 2nd in Vancouver, BC. For the most up-to-date tour schedule, please visit: www.realponchos.com

REAL PONCHOS - 'SINCE I LET YOU GO'
RELEASE DATE: MAY 6, 2014 (Independent)
1.  Intro
2.  Aged in Oak
3.  Outta This Place
4.  It’s Gonna Happen
5.  Since I Let You Go
6.  A Fistful of Beans
7.  Just Like a Slow Burn
8.  Deep Dark Pool
9.  Along the Way
10. Buenas Vibras
11. Take Me Back Home

REAL PONCHOS CROSS-CANADA TOUR DATES:
May 2 – Vancouver, BC - Anza Club (Album Release Show)
May 7 – Lloydminster, AB - The Root
May 8 – Regina, SK - McNally's Tavern w/ The Slim City Pickers
May 9 -  Sasktoon, SK w/ Gunner & Smith
May 10 – Gimli, MB - Ship and Plough Pub w/ Adam Young
May 15 – Oshawa, ON - Moustache Club
May 16 –  Toronto, ON Tranzac Club w/ Emily Jill West and Snoqualmie
May 17 – Ottawa, ON -  Pressed Café w/ Wooden Horseman
May 20 – Toronto, ON - 3030 Bar
May 21 – Sackville, NB - Ducky's
May 22 – Fredericton, NB - Roxstone Café
May 23 – Halifax, NS - Carleton w/ The Band Before Time
May 24 – St Andrew’s, NB - Red Herring
May 27 – Charlottetown, PEI - Baba’s
May 28 – Moncton, NB - Plan B w/ Alex Madsen of The Divorcees
May 29 – Montreal, QC - Barfly w/ The Johnny Cash Machine
May 30 – Montreal, QC - Cagibi w/ Ghost Lights
June 4 – Winnipeg, MB - Garrick Hotel
June 5 – Brandon, MB - Lady of the Lake Pub
June 6 – Lethbridge, AB - Owl Acoustic Lounge,
June 7 – Regina, SK, The Lancaster Pub
June 9 – Calgary, AB - The Ironwood
June 12 – Kelowna, BC - Fernando’s
June 13 – Victoria, BC - Logan’s w/ As The Crow Flies
July 11 and 12 – Horsefly, BC - Arts on the Fly Festival

FOR MORE INFORMATION: WWW.REALPONCHOS.COM

 “…introspective, irony-free roots music, with twangy, distinctive vocals and Jerry Garcia–like leads from Ben Arsenault, and vintage Asylum Records-style vocal sincerity from rhythm guitarist Emile Scott” - Georgia Straight

 # # #

MEDIA TOOLS
CLICK here for high-res - 'Since I Let You Go' album art.
CLICK  here and here for a high-res press photos. (Photo Credit: Tayu Hayward)
STREAM/POST Real Ponchos track - 'Outta This Place' here (includes posting/embedding info, just click on 'Share')
WATCH/POST Real Ponchos acoustic performance of 'Just Like a Slow Burn' here

For additional information, product or to request an interview:
Jen Fritz | Fritz Media
Phone: 604-626-7045
Email: jen@fritzmedia.ca
Twitter: @jen_fritz | @fritz_media

Country Rockers Darkhorse Release Debut Album Let It Ride on April 29th!

ALBUM RELEASE SHOW IN VANCOUVER AT THE IMPERIAL ON APRIL 27th

For Immediate Release:
March 31st,  2014

(Vancouver, BC) - Riding high on the success of their explosive first single 'In The Country', Canadian rebel rock country band Darkhorse are set to release their debut full-length album 'Let It Ride' on April 29th through Fuel The Jet Records. Darkhorse will celebrate the release of their debut album with an Album Release Show in Vancouver on Sunday, April 27th at The Imperial (319 Main Street). Full details on the album release show are listed below.

Anthemic, stadium-sized coming of age songs make up the unique sound of the Vancouver-based band, Darkhorse. Country music has never heard anything like this before, with choruses that can rival any arena rock band and musicianship from Nashville music’s elite performers, Darkhorse are about to set the world ablaze with their debut album, 'Let It Ride'. Lead singer and frontman Paul Laine (solo artist, producer, songwriter, ex-vocalist for New York’s own Danger Danger) alongside Steve Ohe (guitars), Jason Bonnell (bass), John Stoltz (drums) and friends from Nashville (members of Keith Urban, Rascall Flatts, and Brad Paisley’s bands), has created an instant classic for the country masses and it wasn't something he had planned on.

"As a songwriter, I never really head out on a path when I am writing for myself rather I let the song take me down the path that it wants to go," said Laine. "It's always been that way for me. Darkhorse was born out of songs I felt were so personal that they didn't really seem to be for anyone else. When Steve Ohe and I started writing together, it was for other people but it seemed like every second song that I worked on would pull me in a new direction of self discovery and a new sound was developing in my head. My best times as a writer always happen when I don't try, when I just let it flow out of me. I realized when I had about four or five of these songs that I better listen to the quiet voice in my heart telling me to forge ahead. I am so glad I listened, it's changed my life. I feel like for the first time, in a long time, I have finally come home." 

 The lead single from 'Let It Ride', 'In The Country', shines a light on co-writers Laine and Ohe's formative years growing up in a small town. It's a feel-good track that perfectly captures the energy of the band and the album. 'In The Country' is currently at Canadian Country Radio and Darkhorse have just finished a Cross-Canada Radio Promo Tour visiting radio stations all across the country, from Vancouver to Halifax! During the promo tour the band not only played acoustic versions of their songs for radio listeners nationwide, they also performed on CTV Morning Live in Halifax and were interviewed on Global TV's Morning Show in Toronto. 'In The Country' is currently available worldwide as a digital download via iTunes, Amazon, & Google Play, as well as streaming services Spotify, Deezer and Simfy. The performance-based music video was directed by Stephan Berrill of Brass Tacks Films.

Watch the Darkhorse - 'In The Country' Video

'Let It Ride', produced by Paul Laine & Steve Lezetc and mixed by Bruno Ravel, ranges from feel-good songs (The One I Waited For, Heaven Tonight), emotional ballads (Goodbye, Strong, What She Meant to Me), coming of age tracks (I Wouldn’t Have Missed It For The World, In The Country) and much more! It's a barn burner of an album with something for everyone. Paul Laine explains: "I got my start in the music industry writing arena rock anthems when I was quite young. I remember the first time I heard Springsteen's 'Born To Run', I knew what I wanted to do right then and there. You never lose that first feeling, that first love that connects your young heart to your emerging musical mind, it stays with you forever. All of my life I have thought about music as a live experience first and I write music that moves me at its most basic level. When you listen to the 'Let It Ride' album, you are going to be able to draw a line from rock to country, to the anthems you like to scream at the top of your lungs when you think nobody is listening. To me it's everything I want out of a record, something that takes me on a journey from the first opening chord to the last musical refrain fading out into oblivion. I've lived every word of the songs I write and have always loved artists who have."

Darkhorse appeals to a cross-genre demographic unlike any other band or artist in country music. Rock, country, and pop music fans will all enjoy Darkhorse's debut album 'Let It Ride' - available on iTunes & other fine digital retailers on April 29th, 2014. CDs and vinyl copies will also be available directly through the Darkhorse online store. Tickets for the Darkhorse Album Release Party in Vancouver on April 27th are available now through Northern Tickets. Look for Darkhorse on the road across Canada this summer. For the most up-to-date tour schedule, please visit: www.darkhorseofficial.com

DARKHORSE 'LET IT RIDE ALBUM RELEASE SHOW
w/ Special Guests
WHEN: Sunday, April 27th
WHERE: The Imperial (319 Main Street)
DOORS AT: 7:00 PM
TICKETS: $10 in advance & $12 at the door. http://northerntickets.com/events/darkhorse , 19+ Show

DARKHORSE - 'LET IT RIDE'
RELEASE DATE: APRIL 29th, 2014 (Fuel The Jet Records)
1.  The One I Waited For
2.  Wouldn't Have Missed It For The World
3.  In The Country
4.  Goodbye
5.  Heaven Tonight
6.  Nowhere Fast
7.  Strong
8.  Better Days
9.  What She Meant To Me
10.  Let It Ride

 # # #

FOR MORE INFO: www.darkhorseofficial.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/darkhorseofficial
YouTube www.youtube.com/darkhorsemusicvids
Twitter @darkhorse_music
Instagram @darkhorse_music

The PEAK Performance Project is Crossing The Rockies!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 25, 2014

 April 1, 2014, Application Launch for The PEAK Performance Project in BC and Alberta!

(Vancouver, B.C) – After 5 years, 100 Artists, and over $3.7 million spent to date in artist development funding in British Columbia, 102.7 The PEAK’s award-winning program The PEAK Performance Project is Crossing the Rockies and planting a second set of roots in Alberta. Set to launch applications April 1, 2014, The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group, 102.7 The PEAK (Vancouver), 95.3 The PEAK (Calgary), Music BC Industry Association and Music Alberta Industry Association are proud to announce the expansion of the project.

Thanks to the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group, the Alberta PEAK Performance Project will inject $4.9 million into the Alberta music industry in addition to the $5.2 million commitment already made to British Columbia. With the launch of Alberta’s PEAK Performance Program, the total of grand prize awards between the two provinces is doubling to close to $500,000 per year.

In August 2014, the Alberta Top 12 Artists will join the BC Top 12 Artists at the highly anticipated PEAK Performance Project Bootcamp in Rockridge Canyon, Princeton BC. The Artists will have the opportunity to co-write, record, perform and share in a wealth of knowledge with an “A” list music business faculty.

“The broadcast group is extremely excited about The PEAK Performance Project launch in Alberta. We have seen the impact that this amazing program has had on the BC music scene and we know that the Alberta music community is in for a big boost,” says Gerry Siemens, General Manager of 102.7 The PEAK.

Bob D’Eith, Executive Director of Music BC Industry Association states, “I am particularly enthusiastic about the cross-provincial benefits of the shared Bootcamp experience. We hope that bringing artists together from BC and Alberta will build bridges between the creative communities that will last for a life-time.”

“We have been chomping at the bit to get this program launched in Alberta. We expect a huge in-take of applications this upcoming year. Seeing what The PEAK Performance Project has done in BC has our music community buzzing with energy,” says Chris Wynters, Executive Director of Alberta Music Industry Association.

Online applications for both provinces are available April 1, 2014 at:
www.peakperformanceproject.com.

The BC PEAK Performance Project, sponsored by Cariboo Brewing, is in year six of a seven-year, $5.29 million program designed to kick-start the international music careers of 3 emerging B.C. artists annually. The project is administered by the Music BC Industry Association and funded by 102.7 The PEAK through CRTC approved Canadian Content Development Funding.  Winners have included We Are the City, Kyprios, Current Swell, Dear Rouge and Rykka. The Alberta PEAK Performance Project is in year one of a seven-year $4.8 million program administered by the Alberta Music Industry Association with the same goals and aspirations as the BC project.

BC Peak Performance Project
Grand Prizes:
First $102.7 thousand
Second $75,000
Third $50,000
(all Top 12 Artists will each initially receive $5000 in development funding)

 Alberta Peak Performance Project
Grand Prizes:
First $100.953 thousand
Second $75,000
Third $50,000
(all Top 12 Artists will each initially receive $5000 in development funding)

 -30-

For more information on The PEAK Performance Project, visit:  www.peakperformanceproject.com

 For more information on 102.7 The PEAK (Vancouver) and 95.3 The PEAK (Calgary), visit:  www.thepeak.fm

 For more information on Music BC, visit:  www.musicbc.org

 For more information on Music Alberta, visit: www.albertamusic.org

For interviews and other media enquiries, please contact:
Jen Fritz - Fritz Media
Phone: 604-626-7045
Email: jen at fritzmedia dot ca

Trevor Alguire To Release His 5th Album 'Miles Away' on April 22nd

For Immediate Release:
March 11, 2014

Ottawa, ON - Singer/songwriter Trevor Alguire's 5th studio album release, 'Miles Away',  is about as organic as they come. Produced by Jason Jakunas at Metropolitan Studios in Ottawa, the album was recorded live off the floor with minimal additional instrumentation in order to try to capture the initimacy of Alguire's live performance. 'Miles Away' will be released independently on April 22nd and to celebrate, Alguire will kick-off a string of Canadian Tour dates with an Album Release Show at The Avalon Studio in Ottawa on April 26th. 

Hailing from small town Ontario in the Ottawa Valley, Trevor Alguire first drew attention in 2006 with the release of the album 'As of Yesterday'. The album was critically acclaimed with frequent comparisons to artists such as Steve Earle, Tom Petty and Blue Rodeo. Alguire's reputation grew with the release of 3 more albums and an international tour schedule that keeps him on the road much of the time. His already strong national & European presence continues to grow and he is beginning to find strong support in the U.S. His previous release ‘Now Before Us’, found itself comfortably at home among the Top 40 on the Americana Charts throughout the U.S. and top 10 on the Euro-Americana charts. He also held a top 10 spot on several campus radio stations across Canada and was Top 10 on the Canadian Roots Radio Airplay Chart.

The recording of  'Miles Away' was an ambitious one with Trevor Alguire entering into the recording process much differently than his last 4 albums. "We had the preset intention of capturing the feel and flow of each song more naturally," said Alguire. "I opted to not use a click track and let each live performance take each song in its own natural direction. With several practice sessions as a band we would hammer out 8 of the eleven songs to then hit the studio and record each song live off the floor. I  feel that it really has set this album in it's own space and captured the feel and flow of each song more naturally."

Listen To The Title Track 'Miles Away'

 Trevor Alguire is no stranger to the road and spends much of his time playing tour dates in Canada and beyond, winning over fans one live show at a time. He's shared stages with Jimmy Rankin, Danny Michel, Romi Mayes, Martha Wainwright, Old Man Luedecke, Leeroy Stagger and many other great Canadian acts.  Before kicking off the Canadian Tour dates in Ottawa on April 26th, Alguire will be heading to Europe for dates in Germany and the Netherlands. For a full list of tour dates see below. Trevor Alguire's 5th album 'Miles Away' will be available on iTunes & other fine digital retailers on April 22nd. The album will also be available for purchase on vinyl and CD at all Trevor Alguire live shows and online. For the most up-to-date tour listings, please visit: www.trevoralguire.com

TREVOR ALGUIRE - 'MILES AWAY' 
RELEASE DATE: APRIL 22nd, 2014 (Independent)
1.  Miles Away 
2.  Wounded Soul
3.  How Do You Know
4.  Cold Words
5.  The Long Shot
6.  Long Gone Away
7.  Rusty Old Springs 
8.  In The Palm Of My Hand
9.  So Sad Lately
10.  By My Side
11.  What Will Be Will Be

TREVOR ALGUIRE UPCOMING TOUR DATES
March 28 - Berlin, Germany - Casino am Zwickauer Damm
March 29, Kunsthoff, Germany - Kunstoff
March 30 - Hameln, Germany - Sumpfblume
March 31 - Braunsheig, Germany - Radio Okerwelle
March 31 - Celle, Germany - Care Wichtig
April 4 - Utrecht, NL - Kargadoor
April 5 - Westerwijtwerd, NL - Huiskamercafe
April 8 - Nijmegen, NL - Cafe Trianon
April 26 - Ottawa, ON - The Avalon Studio (Album Release Show w/ full band)
May 1 - Calgary, AB - Wine-Ohs
May 2 - Calgary, AB - The Palamino
May 3 - Edmonton, AB - Black Dog
May 6 - Banff, AB - Elk and Oarsman
May 7 - Coleman, AB - Blackbird Cafe
May 9 - Lethbridge, AB - The Slice
May 10- Calgary, AB - Mikey's Juke Joint
May 24 - Kemptville, ON - The Branch

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.trevoralguire.com

 “Alguire has found just the right voice for his tales of world weary travelers and lonely wanderers. A sure-handed country rock album in the vein of Steve Earle and Tom Petty…” - The Ottawa Sun

 “Alguire has depth and breadth found in few artists on today’s music scene.” – Music News Nashville

 # # #

MEDIA TOOLS
CLICK here for high-res - ‘Miles Away' - album art. 
CLICK here and here for high-res press photos. 
WATCH/POST The Making Of 'Miles Away' EPK here
STREAM/POST the Trevor Alguire track 'Miles Away' here  (includes posting/embedding info, just click on 'Share')