Vancouver DJs The Funk Hunters Wrap-Up 2015 With 2 Hometown Shows at The Commodore Ballroom on Dec 22 +23

LISTEN TO THE FUNK HUNTERS LATEST REMIX (Fort Knox Five - 'Whatcha Gonna Do'):

For Immediate Release:
December 4, 2015

(Vancouver, BC) - Get ready to Funk The Halls! Vancouver DJs The Funk Hunters are back in town from touring internationally to play 2 hometown shows at The Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville St.) on December 22nd and 23rd. The 22nd is already sold out, but tickets are still available for the 23rd at Ticketmaster.ca, see below for complete show details.

2015 has been a breakout year for The Funk Hunters. They've played 75 shows in 5 countries and brought the Funk to some world class festivals including Electric Forest, Sonic Bloom, What The Festival, Squamish, Shambhala & Envision. The Funk Hunters also opened up for The Roots, collaborated and toured extensively with Chali 2na of Jurassic 5, and produced remixes for Imagine Dragons & Selena Gomez. The hustle will continue in 2016 with tours planned in Europe, Australia and New Zealand with Chali 2na. 

Based in Vancouver, BC, The Funk Hunters (Nick Middleton and Duncan Smith) elevate their signature bass heavy sound with their own stunning custom-curated visuals and animated stage presence. Borrowing inspiration from classic funk and hip hop, The Funk Hunters are putting the soul back into electronic dance music. Having honed their craft at over 450 performances in 16 countries, the DJ duo's show is a brilliant technical display of creative collaboration between 4 turntables. But words can't do justice to two friends whose passion is dance floor mastery – breathless audiences at global festivals including Wakarusa, Burning Man, Rhythm & Vines, Shambhala, Ottawa Bluesfest, and Envision are the ultimate testament. Spend an evening with this charismatic duo and you'll see that their lifestyle is as relaxed as the west coast, but their sound is global and booming.

Don't miss out on your chance to get your funk on! Check out The Funk Hunters live at The Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver on December 22nd and 23rd. For more information, please visit: www.thefunkhunters.com.

The Funk Hunters // Funk The Halls // Vancouver Shows
When: Tuesday, December 22nd + Wednesday, December 23rd
Where: The Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville Street)
Openers: Moontricks, Exmag
Doors: 8:00 PM
Tickets: $28.50 + S/C at Ticketmaster.ca

FOR MORE INFO: www.thefunkhunters.com
Twitter: @thefunkhunters
Instagram: @thefunkhunters
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefunkhunters

MEDIA TOOLS
STREAM/POST Fort Knox Five - 'Whatcha Gonna Do' (The Funk Hunters Remix) 
CLICK HERE for High-Res Photos (Photo Credit: Mark Brennan)

Tasman Jude Release Brand New Single + Announce Australian Tour Dates!

Listen To Tasman Jude – ‘Gold’:

(Vancouver, BC) – It looks like Tasman Jude has added some ‘Gold’ to their collection! The Alberta reggae group is pleased to announce the release of their brand new single ‘Gold’ today! The track is available now for streaming or download via Reggaeville and will be included on their upcoming album ‘Gold’ set for release in 2016. The release of their brand new track comes just ahead the band’s 3-month tour of Australia starting on December 31st. Click here for a full listing of Tasman Jude‘s Australian Tour Dates. 

The town of Grande Prairie, Alberta, may seem like the last place you’d find a killer reggae band but that’s exactly where Tasman Jude was formed. The band’s latest album ‘Green’ debuted at #1 on iTunes Reggae Charts upon it’s release in October 2014 and is the first in a series of 3 concept albums. The 2nd album ‘Gold’, due out in 2016, will have a bit more of an island pop vibe than the rootsy, earthy sounds of ‘Green’. The 3rd album ‘Red’ will take on the more ska/aggresive side of reggae music. These 3 combined albums will provide Tasman Jude‘s full take on reggae – going back to roots of reggae music which teaches of God, peace, love, joy, truth, freedom, justice, unity and serenity. Their new single ‘Gold’ reflects this as well.

“The song ‘Gold’ is meant to inspire persons of every generation to step into their true Royal identity,” explains lead vocalist Caleb Hart. “I believe that as we begin to see the Gold in ourselves that we will encourage others to also step into their true identity.”

Tasman Jude has spent most of 2015 earning their reputation as one of the hardest working bands in Canada. The band started the year with dates in the Caribbean, then headed to Australia and when they came back, they spent the remainder of the year touring across Canada. Amongst all the touring Tasman Jude has also released two singles (Every Breath, Palm Trees), three charity singles (New Revolution, Mario and HOPE), and their full length album ‘Green’. As they prepare for the release of ‘Gold’, Tasman Jude continues to tour and support many charities including The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, Tree Canada, Street Child World Cup, Big Brothers & Sisters, YMCA and more.

Tasman Jude‘s new single ‘Gold’ is available to stream and/or download now atiTunes, Spotify and Reggaeville. Look for Tasman Jude on their Australian Tour in early 2016, please visit tasmanjude.com for the most up-to-date tour listings. 

Tasman Jude is: Caleb Hart (Lead Vocals/Percussion) // Bethanie Earle (Guitar/Percussion) // Derek Wilder (Bass) 

FOR MORE INFO: www.tasmanjude.com
Twitter: @TasmanJude
Instagram: @TasmanJude
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TasmanJude

 “Tasman Jude is all about defying expectations.” – RideTheTempo.com

“As authentic as the sound is on Green, there’s also a pop/rock element that prevails among the very spiritual and positive foundation of each track.”  –Calgary Herald

MEDIA TOOLS
STREAM/DOWNLOAD Tasman Jude’s new single ‘Gold’ HERE
CLICK HERE for Tasman Jude bio, single artwork, high-res photo

Winnipeggers The Mariachi Ghost + Guy Maddin Collaborate On New Video For Day The Dead

WATCH THE EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE ON EXCLAIM!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 30, 2015

(Winnipeg, MB) – How does Winnipeg group The Mariachi Ghost celebrate the Day of the Dead? By releasing a music video, of course! The Mariachi Ghost and acclaimed Canadian filmmaker (and fellow Winnipegger) Guy Maddin have teamed up to create the band’s very first video – ‘Marigold’. You could say it’s the most Winnipeg thing to ever happen! The ‘Marigold’ video will be released worldwide this evening, as the band celebrates the Day of the Dead with a show at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto but can watch it NOW on Exclaim!

‘Marigold’ (aka Cempazuchitl) is a track off of The Mariachi Ghost’s latest album ‘The Mariachi Ghost’. The ‘Marigold’ music video is a re-cut of Maddin’s short film ‘Sombra Dolorosa’ created over 10 years ago. The film is a Mexican mystic extravaganza that creates a beautiful universe that mixes the old Mexico with modernity and uses many Mexican archetypes, much like the band does. 

“I think what is most exciting about the video is that it truly speaks of the great diversity of Canadian art – where a filmmaker and a band can see eye to eye in such a beautiful way, almost transcending time,” said The Mariachi Ghost’s Jorge Requena. “The video is perfect for our music and it dances along so beautifully. It’s like being at a seance in old Mexico, while listening to The Mariachi Ghost. I am elated to be able to show this to the world.” 

Formed in 2009, The Mariachi Ghost fuses traditional Mexican song, progressive rock, and a flair for the dramatic, to ignite the world of their namesake’s tenuous existence. Their live show has captivated audiences nationwide and is definitely something to behold. Seven musicians interweave diverse genres and rhythms to create a soundscape that is dramatic, haunting, and explosive. They’re joined on stage by dancer and bandmate Alexandra Garrido, who acts as a conduit of the music, expertly assuming its auras of sorrow, reflection, and rage. The result is a rich mixture somewhere between Pink Floyd and a traditional serenata, infused with contemporary dance; a ballet for the dead.

The Mariachi Ghost released their self-titled debut in November 2013. The album has reached radio stations in France, the Netherlands, Australia, and Mexico, while also making its way through the college charts in Canada. Most recently, The Mariachi Ghost won the award for “Best World Music Album” at the 2014 Western Canadian Music Awards. The Mariachi Ghost are currently working on a new album to be released in 2016. For more info: www.themariachighost.com

THE MARIACHI GHOST // UPCOMING 2015 TOUR DATES
October 30 – Toronto, ON – Royal Ontario Museum
October 31 – Hamilton, ON – Mills Hardware
November 20 – Winnipeg, MB – Folk Fest In The City

 FOR MORE INFO: www.themariachighost.com
Twitter: @MariachiGhost
Instagram: @MariachiGhost
Facebook: facebook.com/TheMariachiGhost

MEDIA TOOLS
WATCH/POST The Mariachi Ghost’s ‘Marigold’ video HERE
LISTEN TO The Mariachi Ghost’s – ‘The Mariachi Ghost’ album HERE
CLICK HERE for high-res press photo

Rococode's New EP 'Panic Attack' Out This Friday, October 9th

LISTEN TO 'PANIC ATTACK' (HUMANS REMIX) ON EXCLAIM!:

For Immediate Release:

(Vancouver, BC) - Vancouver-based indie pop duo Rococode are releasing their highly anticipated EP 'Panic Attack' this Friday, October 9th ahead of their performances in NYC next week for the CMJ Music Marathon. Rococode will also be playing the #ImagineOct20th NYC Edition on October 15th, along with a string of Canadian dates next month starting in Regina on November 17th. See below for full tour schedule.

The first single from Rococode's new EP is the catchy, electro-pop tinged title track, 'Panic Attack' and the song has just been serviced to Alternative and College Radio in Canada alongside College and Non-Comm/Triple A Radio in the US. A remix of 'Panic Attack' by online darlings HUMANS is also included on the EP along with the band’s engaging take on INXS’s 'Never Tear Us Apart'.  The official launch of the radio single follows the release of the haunting and cinematic track 'Banks' which was released online late last year. The song, and it’s beautifully shot video, picked up considerable buzz and exposed Rococode to a whole new fanbase. 

Rococode is Laura Smith and Andrew Braun. They released their debut album 'Guns, Sex & Glory' to much critical acclaim in early 2012. The record was produced by Ryan Guldemond (Mother Mother, Hannah Georgas) and mixed by John Congleton (St.Vincent, Polyphonic Spree). Upon the release of their debut, the band took to the road and spent the better part of the next 18 months touring Canada and the US in various capacities.

When it came time to work on their follow-up, Rococode coaxed producers Caleb Shreve (Phantogram, Bear Hands) from New York and Ted Gowans (Tegan and Sara, Fences) from Los Angeles to set up a studio in a cabin, off the grid, in the isolated coastal forest of British Columbia. Between building fires, checking the solar panels, and failed fishing trips, the foursome set to work on music that shared none of the characteristics of their rustic surroundings. They arranged an army of synthesizers, guitar pedals and drum machines into tight, crisp Alternative gems that sparkle, shuffle and shake at every turn. The result of this incredible collaboration is the 'Panic Attack' EP (Release Date: October 9th).  It will be followed by the full length album due out in February 2016.

Rococode are performing at CMJ in New York on October 15th + 16th and will have Canadian dates in support of 'Panic Attack' in November. More tour dates will be added soon, please visit rococode.com for the most up-to-date tour listings. Look for the 'Panic Attack' EP on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and all other digital retailers/streaming services this Friday, October 9th. 

ROCOCODE // UPCOMING 2015 TOUR DATES
OCTOBER 14 – 17 – NEW YORK, NY – CMJ MUSIC MARATHON
OCTOBER 15 – NEW YORK, NY – FONTANA’S (7PM)
OCTOBER 15 - BROOKLYN, NY - WILLIAMSBURG HAND & DETAIL (10 PM, #ImagineOct20th NYC Show)
OCTOBER 16 – NEW YORK, NY – ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL STAGE 2
NOVEMBER 17 – REGINA, SK – SASKATCHEWAN CULTURAL EXCHANGE (w/ Dear Rouge, Rah Rah)
NOVEMBER 18 – EDMONTON, AB – STARLITE ROOM (w/ Dear Rouge, Rah Rah)
NOVEMBER 19 - CALGARY, AB - BROKEN CITY
NOVEMBER 20 - LETHBRIDGE, AB - THE SLICE
NOVEMBER 21 - NELSON, BC - SPIRIT BAR

ROCOCODE 'PANIC ATTACK' TRACKLISTING
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 9, 2015 (Marquis Label Services)
1.  Panic Attack
2.  Banks
3.  The Escape
4.  Never Tear Us Apart
5.  Panic Attack (HUMANS Remix)

FOR MORE INFO: www.rococode.com
Twitter: @ROCOCODE
Instagram: @ROCOCODE
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Rococode

MEDIA TOOLS
STREAM Rococode - 'Panic Attack' EP here
STREAM/POST Rococode - 'Panic Attack' (HUMANS Remix) here
WATCH/POST Rococode - 'Banks' here
CLICK here for bio, album art (Artwork: Fivethousand Fingers) + high-res press photo (Photo Credit: Lynol Lui)

The 14th Annual Music Therapy Ride Raises Over $83,000!

Riders Braved The Wind & Rain To Raise
Money For Music Therapy In BC!

For Immediate Release:
September 8th, 2015

(Vancouver, BC) - TheMusic Therapy RideCommittee is pleased to announce that the 14th annual Music Therapy Ride raised over $83,000! The 2015 Music Therapy Ride took place on Saturday, August 29th despite riding head-on into the biggest rain and wind storm of the year. Many of the registered riders switched to cars for the police escorted ride from Vancouver to Whistler and the ride was still able to maintain 80% of the registrants. 

The success of the 2015 Music Therapy Ride comes as a result of fourteen years of dedication, support and generosity.  Since the first ride back in 2001, the Music Therapy Ride has raised close to $900,000 for the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund. 

"We are extremely grateful to all the wonderful participants and supporters of the Music Therapy Ride who braved the weather to step up and contribute to the success of this years ride. Stay tuned for details about our 15th anniversary in 2016 and help us achieve our goal of surpassing $1,000,000 for music therapy services."   - Shaw Saltzberg & Patrick Zulinov, Co-chairmen Music Therapy Ride

The money raised from the Music Therapy Ride is used to help create new music therapy programs and expand and bring well deserved attention to existing programs. It is also used to support the building, maintenance and continued use of mobile recording studios designed specifically for music therapists called Bandwagons. These mobile studios contain recording software, sound processing equipment and a variety of musical instruments. To date, the Music Therapy Ride has funded the creation of 3 Bandwagons and assisted music therapy programs all across BC. 

The Music Therapy RideCommittee would like to thank The Vancouver Police Motorcycle Drill Team for fourteen years of incredible support. The committee would also like to thank High Valley, Shaun Verreault,  Edgewater Casino, Chances Squamish, Garibaldi Lift Co., the local music industry, extensive media partners and the motorcycle community.

For more information on the Music Therapy Ride or to make a donation to the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund: http://www.musictherapyride.org.

Click here for 2015 Music Therapy Ride photos (Photo Credit: Ron Sombilon)

FOR MORE INFO: musictherapyride.org
Twitter: @mtrbc
Instagram: @musictherapyride
Facebook: www.facebook.com/musictherapyride