contents
January / February 2023 , Vol . XLV , No . 1
INDIE INSIDER
A Primer on Applying for Artist Grants
ROAD TEST
Donner ’ s HUSH-I silent guitar , ASI Audio ’ s 3DME active ambient IEM system & Adam Audio ’ s A7V & A4V studio monitors
DEPARTMENTS
9 First Take 12 Association Update 14 Changes 20 Canadian Musician Podcast 21 Events 64 Hot Gear 71 Advertisers ’ Index 74 Tech Tools 76 Classifieds 78 Showcase
COLUMNS
27 Breaking the Stigma on Musician Injuries
28 The Broken Showcase Model
30 A Touring Musician ’ s Journey into Growing Food
31 The Best Way to Learn Challenging Music
32 5 Dos ( And Don ’ ts ) Of Vocal Health & Success
58 How to Practice When You Have No Time
59 Top Things I ’ ve Learned After 25 Amazing Years in the Music Biz !
60 How to Attract Fans , Media , & Industry , Pt . 3
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62 WMIC ’ s Mission to Foster a Fair Industry for Women
Tips from The Blue Stones ’ Justin Tessier & other drummers , pg . 49
FEATURES
Alvvays
BREAK-INS , FLOODS & REVELATIONS : THE BUMPY ROAD TO MAKING THEIR LATEST MASTERPIECE
By Kevin Young
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Alvvays has become one of Canada ’ s most criticallyacclaimed and promising exports , and for good reason . In part , that ’ s because they ’ ve done something that can be difficult when popularity and fame come knocking – they ’ ve stuck to their guns , creatively and collectively – weathering lineup changes and the noise and commotion of the music industry ( which , at times , can be distracting and disruptive ) and ultimately , upping their game yet again with Blue Rev .
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Artificial Intelligence
ITS OPPORTUNITIES & THREATS IN CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
By Charlie Wall-Andrews , Lorena Escandon , Norah Lorway & Salman Rana
Every time a new technology is introduced into society , there is concern that it will eventually replace human labour . However , technology has proven time and again to provide its users with increased capabilities , productivity , and better working conditions . There are already examples of illustrators using artificial intelligence ( AI ) to improve their work , as well as musicians and composers using technology as collaborators to find creative prompts .
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Tour Crew Mental Health
THERE ’ S A BIG PROBLEM SO LET ’ S ADDRESS IT !
By Catherine Harrison
Working in the music industry can be fulfilling , and unforgettable . It can also be debilitating , heartbreaking , stressful , and lonely . Neuroscience has proven the link between music and its positive impact on mental health . And numerous research studies have demonstrated the connection between a stressful job and adverse mental health . For the massive population of behind-the-scenes crews ensuring the show always goes on , one of the most important things we can do is reconcile both sides and see that the good and the bad can be true simultaneously .
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Start your Own Label !
BUT WHAT DOES THAT ACTUALLY MEAN ?
By Michael Raine
Is starting your own label costly , or a lot of work ? Why would an indie artist even want to , aside from the cool factor that comes with saying , “ we started our own label ”? CM reached out to a few folks with experience in this area and find out : What does it actually mean to start your own label , and for whom is it a good idea ?
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CM ’ s 2023 Focus on Drums
FEATURING NICKELBACK , THE BEACHES , THE BLUE STONES , THE GLORIOUS SONS , LUIS TOVAR & NICE HORSE
By Michael Raine
Nickelback ’ s Daniel Adair , The Beaches ’ Eliza Enman- McDaniel , Nice Horse ’ s Krista Wodelet , Latin percussionist and jazz drummer Luis Tovar , The Blue Stones ’ Justin Tessier , and The Glorious Sons ’ Adam Paquette reveal their top tips and insights for new drummers and dish on their favourite gear .
PHOTO : JAVI PEREZ
COVER PHOTO : ALVVAYS BY NORMAN WONG