Gold & Shadow Release New EP on June 10th >> Western Canadian Tour Starts June 11th!

Listen To Exclusive Premiere of 'Dimension' on Winnie Cooper!

 (Vancouver, BC) - Nanaimo art-rock group Gold & Shadow are pleased to announce the release of their brand new EP entitled Birdhaus on Friday, June 10th, with the exclusive premiere of the first single 'Dimension' on Winnie Cooper. Gold & Shadow are also hitting the road for a string of Western Canadian dates in support of the EP, starting at Upstairs Cabaret in Victoria on June 11th. Full tour schedule is listed below. 

Gold & Shadow's new EP Birdhaus is the follow-up to their critically acclaimed debut album TORCH released in September 2015. The 6-track EP was recorded and mixed by Vancouver's Tom Dobrzanski (Said the Whale, We Are The City, The Zolas) at Monarch Studios. Birdhaus finds Gold & Shadow exploring new sonic territory, but in pursuit of the same lofty goals - to take the listener both inside and outside themselves, the lyrics exploring the anxiety and turmoil of modern life while the sonics pay tribute to the wide-open spaces of a Vancouver Island rainforest. 

Like Big Pink or more recently Gorilla Manor, Birdhaus is also a loving tribute to the place where the songs were brought to life with strings, skins, and a newly-added synthesizer. The cover and the accompanying illustrations by Matt Lineker (available as a digi-booklet) depict the various states of decay, chaos and all-around quirkiness in the infamous Nanaimo residence known as the Birdhaus.

Drawing influence from Radiohead, The National and Bon Iver, Gold & Shadow have been hard at work since the release of TORCH last year. They've been touring consistently and have shared the stage with Canadian talent such as We Are The City, Good for Grapes, and The Dudes. Visit goldandshadow.com for more info and the most up-to-date show schedules and tour listings.

Gold & Shadow - Birdhaus will be available on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers/streaming services on Friday, June 10th. 

GOLD & SHADOW // WESTERN CANADIAN TOUR DATES
June 11 - Victoria, BC - Upstairs Cabaret
June 12 - Ladysmith, BC - Oceanview Community Church
June 16 - Duncan, BC - Duncan Showroom
June 17 - Nanaimo, BC - The Queens
June 18 - Kelowna, BC - Streaming Cafe
June 19 - Calgary, AB - Broken City
June 21 - Saskatoon, SK - Capitol Music Club
June 23 - Edmonton, AB - Bohemia
June 24 - Lloydminster, AB - The Root
June 25 - Vancouver, BC - Studio Records
July 16 - Nanaimo, BC - The Vault Cafe 

GOLD & SHADOW - BIRDHAUS TRACKLISTING
RELEASE DATE: JUNE 10, 2016 (INDEPENDENT)
1.  Birdhaus I
2.  Dimension
3.  Judges
4.  Birdhaus II
5.  Little Death
6.  Lifegiver

Gold & Shadow is: Dane Letourneau • Vocals/Guitars/Keys // Jesse Janzen • Bass  // Wes Holmes • Drums // Jordan Lineker • Guitar 

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

“Gold & Shadow display a sense for scale and dynamism driven by keen songwriting and the ability to craft emotional weight in lyrics and instrumentation alike” - Grayowl Point

Regina Band Government Town Set To Release Their Third Album on May 20th

Watch Video For First Single 'Home':

(Regina, SK) -  With a total of 8 members, Regina band Government Town is definitely one of the biggest bands on the prairies, and today the entire band is excited to announce that their third album, simply titled III, will be released on Friday, May 20th. Today also marks the premiere of the video for their first single, 'Home' (watch the 'Home' video here). Government Town will celebrate the release of their new album with a hometown show coming up next month on Friday, June 3rd at The Artful Dodger. See below for full details. 

It's hard to come up with a simple description for Government Town's sound. It's something you can't quite put your finger on and it's hard to just use one word to describe it. Their sound has been referred to as alt-country, Celtic-tinged, country-flavoured, alt-rock, folk, pop and even Canadiana. All of these are accurate descriptions, and whatever you call it, it’s obviously working. When they released their self-titled debut album in July of 2013, it immediately received radio airplay, award nominations and critical praise, including being named '#2 Best Album of 2013' by Taron Cochrane, freelance writer for the Regina Leader Post. And with the release of their 2nd album II in late 2014, the accolades continued with a nomination for 'Best Album' in Prairie Dog's 'Best of Regina 2015' Awards and multiple mentions in the Regina Leader Post as one of the 'Best Albums of 2014'.

Government Town's new album III is another collection of stories from a story-telling band, but the music takes on a greater rock feel. There’s more edge now, and hints of vulnerability, in the distinctive voice of singer-songwriter, Mike Harmel. These are songs about life and its cage of longing. There's hurt and loneliness on this album, but also the radiance and redemption of love and hope. And since this is the band's third album in as many years, they've certainly learned a thing or two along the way. 

"When we made our first album in 2013, we had never been in a studio before," Harmel explains. "So, we were careful. We didn't take a lot of chances with the music. I think with this album we were all feeling more confident and you can hear it in the music. This album has a more polished, produced feel to it."

Eight talented musicians make up Government Town, giving the band its distinctive sound. There is a tightness and depth to the music on III, the result of the hard work and passion of a band that's been together for close to 5 years. The first single from III is the achingly beautiful track 'Home' and the video (produced by: Play Creative) reads like a love letter to the prairies. "Saskatchewan is our home," says Harmel. "There is an undeniable beauty to the prairies that can't be explained and that's what we're trying to express with this video." 

Don't miss Government Town's album release show in Regina on Friday, June 3rd at The Artful Dodger. Visit governmenttown.com for more info and the most up-to-date show schedules and tour listings. Government Town III will be available on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers/streaming services on Friday, May 20th. 

GOVERNMENT TOWN III ALBUM RELEASE SHOW
When: Friday, June 3rd, 2016
Where: The Artful Dodger (1611 - 11th Ave, Regina, SK)
With: Jerry Knoll
Show Time: 8PM
Tickets: $10 at the door

GOVERNMENT TOWN III TRACK LISTING
RELEASE DATE: MAY 20th, 2016 (INDEPENDENT)
1.  Home
2.  Lead On
3.  Godforsaken Town
4.  The Other Side
5.  Took a Train
6.  Nightingale
7.  Soldier in the Wind
8.  Diamonds

For More Info:  www.governmenttown.com
Twitter: @governmenttown

GOVERNMENT TOWN IS: 
Michael Harmel - Lead Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica
Chris Leier - Guitar
Brad Vance - Bass
Miles Hoste - Mandolin, Banjo, Guitar
Neil Kapoor - Violin
Alan Valente - Keyboard
Tashia Walters - Back-up Vocals
Jayson Brinkworth - Drums

Saskatoon's Minor Matter Set To Release Debut Full-Length Album on June 17th

Listen To Feature Track 'Barren Ground':

(Saskatoon, SK) - Saskatoon orchestral folk quintet Minor Matter are pleased to announce the independent release of their self-titled debut full-length album on June 17th with the premiere of their feature track 'Barren Ground' (CLICK HERE to listen). Minor Matter are playing 2 upcoming shows in Saskatoon in support of the album's release (full details below) and will embark on a Canadian Tour at the end of June. The full tour schedule will be announced next month. 

When it comes to musical experiences, Minor Matter prefer to take the listener down the path less travelled. With influences as diverse as the instruments they bring along for the ride, the group charts a course brimming with scenic detours and unsuspecting surprises.Hailing from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Minor Matter started as Jeffrey Popiel’s experimental solo project and has grown to include 5 multi-instrumentalists that help bring his carefully crafted originals to life. Drawing on a well-stocked musical tool-box that includes everything from the bassoon and clarinet to glockenspiel and ukulele, Stephanie Unverricht, Heather Lake, Skyler Cafferata and Jon Henderson work to seamlessly fuse classical, folk, country, jazz and psychedelic rock.

Minor Matter released their 5-track EP, Concept of a Knife, in 2013. And the band has been hard at work since then, performing at prominent cultural events throughout Saskatchewan including LUGO, the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, MoSo Fest, the Ness Creek Festival main stage, and the Saskatchewan Art’s Board Lieutenant Governor General Awards, gaining new fans along the way. With the release of their new album on June 17th, the band will undoubtedly continue to grow their fan base with incredible tracks like 'Barren Ground' which is one of the few tracks on the album to feature vocals. Adding vocal elements to the songs certainly makes the music more accessible to a broader audience but the band didn't feel any pressure to include them. 

"We really try to be sensitive to and aware of what each piece requires musically and we don’t want to force things for the sake of conforming or meeting external expectations," explains percussionist Jon Henderson. "Each of us is drawn to certain songs from Jeffrey’s repertoire and we pick those that we feel work best both for our individual and collective personalities. The songs also evolve as we play them and in some cases, we’ve removed vocal parts because they didn’t fit quite right. So, no, we don’t feel any pressure in terms of ensuring there is a vocal element." 

When it comes to their craft, Minor Matter is passionate about continuously challenging themselves to push boundaries to create something new for audiences of all ages and musical preferences. Don't miss Minor Matter's upcoming shows in Saskatoon on May 28th and June 17th with more dates to be announced soon. Visit minormatter.ca for more info and the most up-to-date show schedules and tour listings. Minor Matter - Minor Matter will be available on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers/streaming services on Friday, June 17th.

MINOR MATTER // SINGLE RELEASE SHOW
When: Saturday, May 28th
Where: Saskatoon, SK - Village Guitar & Amp for Ritornello Festival
Info: www.ritornello.ca

MINOR MATTER // ALBUM RELEASE SHOW
When: Friday, June 17th
Where: Saskatoon, SK - The Refinery for MoSo Fest
Info: www.moso2016.com

MINOR MATTER - MINOR MATTER TRACKLISTING
RELEASE DATE: JUNE 17, 2016 (INDEPENDENT)
1.  Hypnotisant
2.  Those Stars
3.  Barren Ground
4.  Program 1
5.  Zusammen
6.  Sacred Harmless
7.  Stuck in Serenity
8.  Tight Beach Sandals
9.  Royal Tour
10. What Indeed

FOR MORE INFO:  www.minormatter.ca
Twitter: @mnrmttr
Instagram: @mnrmttr
Facebook:  Facebook/MinorMatter

Alexandria Maillot Announces Release of New Single + Video 'Sunday Sara' // New Album Time Out on June 10th

Watch Exclusive Premiere of 'Sunday Sara' on Exclaim!

(Vancouver, BC) - Vancouver-based swoon-y bedroom pop artist Alexandria Maillot is pleased to announce the release of her new single and video 'Sunday Sara', and Exclaim.ca has the Exclusive Video Premiere. ‘Sunday Sara’ is the first single off of Alexandria Maillot's upcoming debut full-length album,Time, set to be independently released on June 10th, 2016.  With a Western-Canadian tour and a string of house concerts through Dan Mangan's Madic Records already accomplished this year, Maillot is setting her sights on a yet-to-be announced Cross-Canada tour this summer. Follow Alexandria Maillot on Facebook for the most up-to-date news and tour listings.

Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Alexandria Maillot has been busy crafting the sound of her upcoming full-length album, Time, for the past two years. The album is a follow-up to her debut EP Just Another Girl released in 2012, the same year that she was a Top 20 Finalist in the Peak Performance Project in Vancouver. The recording of Maillot's debut EP was a project spanning several years with the production for the EP taking place during the critical years of adolescence; thus, her new album Time is an apt illustration of her personal evolution - the sonic entity born from undiluted chaos. She wrote the first single 'Sunday Sara' during the budding of a new relationship and the song explores that feeling of being too vulnerable too quickly; being so honest with someone only to feel exposed. But the video (created by: cmyk Productions) takes the song in a somewhat different direction and is a tableau of substance addiction. 

"It follows the narrative of a virtuous young girl who has always lived within contained and unmarked, clean walls," explains Maillot.  "Within the comfort that surrounds her, an obscured object appears (the conflict), and her naivety leads her down a protracted path that engulfs all that was once familiar. The black lights and neon paint represent the minuscule and often impossible glimpses of hope.  An addiction is never finite; there is no algorithm for overcoming a battle once you are completely consumed. All that can be put to bet is the strength of one's remaining character and their determined mind."

Following the release of ‘Sunday Sara’, Alexandria Maillot will be playing select shows throughout British Columbia. With the release of Time on June 10th, Alexandria will be hitting the road to cover more of Canada to share her new sounds and make new friends. Please visit alexandriamaillot.com for the most up-to-date show schedules and tour listings. Alexandria Maillot - Time will be available on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and all other digital retailers/streaming services on Friday, June 10th. 

ALEXANDRIA MAILLOT - TIME TRACKLISTING
RELEASE DATE: JUNE 10, 2016 (INDEPENDENT)
1.  Sunday Sara
2.  Other Line
3.  Smitten
4.  Did You Want To Tell Me Something
5.  Time (On Your Own)
6.  The Floor  
7.  Lonely Soul
8.  Sans
9.  Never Stop 

FOR MORE INFO:  AlexandriaMaillot.com 
Twitter: @alexandriasing 
Instagram: @alexandriamaillot
Facebook: Facebook/alexandriamaillot

Lovecoast Release Brand New Single 'The Floor' // Exclusive Video Premiere on Exclaim!

WATCH THE 'FLOOR’ ON EXCLAIM.CA!

(Victoria, BC) – Victoria indie soul-pop group Lovecoast are releasing their newest single ‘The Floor’ along with a brand new music video TODAY via Exclaim.ca! After a successful 2015 playing alongside Canadian acts such as Jocelyn Alice and The Fast Romantics, and gracing stages like Pemberton Music Festival 2015, Lovecoast hasn’t let 2016 slow them down. Along with their newly released single ‘The Floor’, Lovecoast recently played JUNOfest in Calgary and were just named Band of the Month for April 2016 at The Zone 91.3 in Victoria. 

Just like their 2014 debut EP “Chasing Tides”, Lovecoast’s newest single ‘The Floor’ was produced and engineered by JUNO nominated producer/engineer Tom Dobrzanski (Hey Ocean, Said the Whale, We Are The City) at Monarch Studios in Vancouver. Once again, Tom brought out the best in the band as ‘The Floor’ truly speaks to their dance driven nature and tight musicality. The band also had the pleasure of working closely on their new music and industry approach with CIRAA mentor Eon Sinclair of Bedouin Soundclash. “The members of this band continue to be very impressive in their approach to music and life at large,” said Sinclair. 

A lot has changed for Lovecoast over the past year as members Danielle Sweeney, Andrew Fraser and Jesse McNeill have welcomed a new guitar player, Mike Clement, and have added a fifth member, keyboardist/trumpet player Phil Hamelin. Though they’re new members, Clement and Hamelin are no strangers to the group as all five members graduated from Vancouver Island University’s music program. 

“It took us four years after our graduation to realize we should have never stopped playing together,” explains lead vocalist Sweeney. “And today it feels like we never did.” 

Now a strong five-piece Lovecoast are ready to share their new sound, starting with a show at Guilt & Company in Vancouver tomorrow! And they’re keeping up momentum this summer and have just announced their first festival of the season: Victoria’s Ska & Reggae Festival June 25th opening for The Black Seeds. 

For more information and the most up to date touring listings, please visit: www.lovecoastmusic.com

LOVECOAST // UPCOMING TOUR DATES
April 16 – Vancouver, BC @ Guilt & Company
June 25 – Victoria, BC @ Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival (Main Stage)

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

Lovecoast is: 
Danielle Sweeney – Lead Vocals
Mike Clement – Guitar
Andrew Fraser – Bass
Phil Hamelin – Keyboard/Trumpet
Jesse McNeill – Drums

“Lovecoast brings together modern day indie pop and blue-eyed ’70s R&B. It’s bouncy and infectious.” - Ride The Tempo

“Demonstrating a wide array of genre influences, Lovecoast kicked off the night with a jam packed set that had the crowd engaged and singing along by the final song, 'The Floor'.” – VIES Magazine