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Why did pointy guitars become icons of hard rock and heavy metal? In this episode of Welcome to the Music, host Karim Kanji speaks with guitarist, author, music historian, and educator Sean Kelly about his book, Battle Axes: A Hard Rockin’ History of Pointy Guitars. Sean explores the evolution of radical electric-guitar designs such as the Gibson Flying V, Explorer, Ibanez Destroyer, Dean guitars, Charvels, and other futuristic instruments that helped define rock’s sound and image. Drawing on interviews with more than 50 musicians, guitar builders, collectors, and industry insiders, Sean shares stories involving Eddie Van Halen, Rick Emmett and Triumph, Phil Collen of Def Leppard, The Edge of U2, Mick Mars of Mötley Crüe, Brad Gillis, Michael Schenker, and K.K. Downing. He explains how Space Age design, arena rock, MTV, glam metal, and 1980s heavy metal transformed once-unusual guitars into enduring cultural symbols. The conversation also covers vintage-guitar collecting, Guitar Acquisition Syndrome, the instruments behind famous rock albums, and the relationship between a legendary guitar and the musician who plays it. It’s an essential listen for fans of guitar history, classic rock, heavy metal, vintage instruments, and behind-the-scenes music stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Welcome To The Music, Karim Kanji sits down with legendary Canadian musician Rik Emmett of Triumph for a wide-ranging and deeply thoughtful conversation. Emmett reflects on his return to the stage with Triumph, sharing how preparing for the upcoming tour has renewed his sense of purpose, discipline, and creativity. He opens up about aging, managing physical limitations, and what it means to keep moving forward—both as an artist and as a person. The conversation also explores his latest work as a poet, including the themes behind his new book and the idea of “leaning into it”—embracing challenge, uncertainty, and the creative process itself. Emmett offers candid insights on technology, the modern digital world, and the tension between innovation and humanity. Plus, he looks back on Toronto’s storied live music scene, sharing vivid memories of venues like the Gasworks and the early days of building Triumph into a band that aimed far beyond the bar stage. A reflective, honest, and inspiring discussion with one of Canada’s most iconic voices in music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marc Jordan discussed his biography, "Rhythm of My Heart," with Karim Kanji, highlighting the collaborative process with author Don Breithaupt and reflecting on his personal experiences, including challenges with dyslexia and substance use that shaped his artistic journey. He shared stories from his early performances at The Gasworks, emphasizing its significance in his career and expressing concerns about the current viability of music venues. Jordan reminisced about Toronto's vibrant music scene, particularly the role of Yonge Street in making live music accessible, while acknowledging the changes in artist support and promotion over the years. He underscored the importance of authenticity in his songwriting, a principle recognized by his publishers, and noted that the biography serves as a way to share his life stories with his children, with the book available for purchase online and in local bookstores. Insights on Biography and Music Industry Dynamics In a conversation with Karim Kanji, Marc Jordan shared insights about his biography, which was written by Don Breithaupt. He recounted how revisiting his past, including his struggles with dyslexia and substance use, provided him with a new understanding of his life. Marc emphasized the importance of authenticity in art and mentioned that he offers advice to his son only when asked, acknowledging the generational differences in the music industry. Memories of The Gasworks In a discussion about The Gasworks, Marc Jordan recounted his early performances there, describing the fear he felt as a new musician. He noted that it was one of the first significant venues he played, which contributed to his growth as an artist. Karim Kanji and Marc also discussed the changes that have occurred at other venues. The Evolution of Toronto's Music Scene Marc Jordan reflected on the historical importance of The Gasworks, noting it was a top venue where many great bands performed. He described the Yonge Street Strip as the heart of Toronto's music scene, where clubs thrived due to their central location. Jordan shared personal memories of discovering music as a teenager, emphasizing the excitement of hearing live performances from artists like Ronnie Hawkins and David Clayton Thomas. Insights on Biography and Music Career Marc Jordan reflected on the writing of his biography, "Rhythm of My Heart," emphasizing the joy of sharing his story with his family. He noted that his approach to songwriting has always been driven by personal meaning rather than commercial considerations, which his publishers recognized early on. Jordan appreciated the freedom he was given to create music authentically. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the podcast a returning guest, Rik Emmett. Rik recently wrote a book called, Ten Telecaster Tales (published by ECW Press). The discussion focused on Rik Emmett's creative journey, technical challenges, and insights into his latest projects. Emmett shared a humorous anecdote about a past miscommunication with a journalist. He elaborated on the artistic collaboration behind the cover of his book, highlighting the artist's steampunk design and his own contributions. The conversation also touched on Emmett's new Telecaster guitar, named "Babs," emphasizing its ergonomic features designed for aging musicians, and his plans to develop a prototype. Emmett discussed his recent live performances aimed at promoting his book, expressing enjoyment in the creative process despite the pressures of the music industry. He reflected on his decision to step away from teaching due to stress and the changing landscape of the music business. Emmett emphasized the importance of family in his life and shared his unconventional approach to music notation. For more information on Ten Telecaster Tales visit ECW Press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From August 3rd 2020: Kim Mitchell is a Canadian rock icon. This year he was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. He was the lead singer with the influential rock band Max Webster and has had an outstanding solo career which has seen him earn numerous awards and accolades. His newest single, Wishes, is the first release on his latest album The Big Fantasize. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcome to the show author Chris MacDonald! The hosts welcomed Chris MacDonald, who introduced his book "Days and Days," which combines personal travel narratives with the story of the punk band Leatherface. The discussion covered themes of nostalgia, friendship, and the significance of lost music venues, with a focus on the Duchess in Leeds. Chris concluded by mentioning he is working on a ghost story for his next book. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karim Kanji and Saukrates engaged in a discussion that covered various aspects of Saukrates' career, including his album "Bad Addiction" and the significance of lost performance venues. Saukrates shared insights into his stage name, which he chose at 15, inspired by the Brazilian soccer player Sócrates. He acknowledged the philosophical undertones often associated with hip-hop artists, agreeing that they can serve as modern-day philosophers. The conversation also touched on his early work, including his Juno-nominated single "Still Caught Up," which helped establish his presence in the music industry. The journey of Saukrates' album was a focal point, detailing the recording process from 2004 to 2009 while signed to Def Jam. He explained the challenges he faced with delays due to label priorities and how he ultimately took control of the release to align with his artistic vision. Additionally, he recounted a recent collaboration with the Washington Capitals for Black History Month, which led to an Emmy nomination, emphasizing the importance of networking and being in the right place at the right time in the music industry. Saukrates shared anecdotes about performing at notable venues in Toronto, such as the Opera House, reflecting on their historical significance. He expressed excitement about returning to the El Mocambo after many years and discussed the importance of artistic freedom in music appreciation, advocating for listeners to enjoy a variety of artists without feeling pressured to choose sides. The conversation concluded with details about his upcoming album release strategy, including availability on digital platforms and physical formats, as well as the collaborative efforts behind the album's production and artwork. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summary: Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston initiated a discussion centered around U2's "Unforgettable Fire" and its role in the band's evolution. They welcomed guests David Diamond and Zero from The Kings, who shared their experiences in the music industry. The conversation covered topics such as new music releases, touring experiences, and challenges faced in venues that have since closed. The dialogue shifted to the Heat Wave Festival, with Gregg discussing its legendary status and the performances, particularly by Teenage Head. The discussion highlighted Teenage Head's influence on other Canadian bands and the historical significance of the festival. Karim engaged the guests in a conversation about their iconic song "This Beat Goes On/Switching to Glide," discussing its creation, structure, success on radio, and performance on American Bandstand. The conversation also touched on the humorous anecdote involving a dog named Sadie and her image on their album cover. The episode concluded with discussions about the new single "There's nowhere to go but gone," the collaboration with producers for their new album "The Longest Story Ever Told," and plans for future projects. The conversation explored the evolving landscape of radio music formats, the blending of genres, and the challenges facing modern rock and alternative stations. The episode was marked by a spirit of collaboration, nostalgia, and enthusiasm for the future of music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji bring you a conversation about music and... photography. We reflected on our visit to an art gallery that featured the iconic work of Bob Gruen, renowned for capturing legendary musicians through his lens. It was during this discussion that we introduced the esteemed historian and photographer, Margo Cooper, who was joining us for a special interview on our show, *Welcome to the Music*. Margo has built a career on her passion for both photography and blues music. She shared her personal journey, starting with her first blues concert and expanding to visiting clubs in Boston and Mississippi to fully immerse herself in the lives and stories of the musicians she admires. What began as a deep appreciation for the blues turned into a mission for Margo—to capture not just the performances but the personal histories of the musicians themselves. Her work has led her to encounter influential figures such as Luther "Guitar Jr." Johnson and members of the Muddy Waters Tribute Band. As the conversation progressed, we dove deeper into Margo’s work, including her upcoming book, which is a treasure trove for blues enthusiasts. She explained how her background as a public defender fueled her desire to document the voices and lives of these musicians, ensuring their stories are told in their own words. Her transition from law to photography has opened doors to meaningful encounters and collaborations with both veteran and emerging musicians. This episode was a whirlwind of topics—from rock concerts to photography exhibits to the rich history of blues music. With Margo Cooper’s stories and experiences as the centerpiece, it was a reminder of the power of storytelling through both music and photography, and how these mediums continue to shape our cultural understanding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gregg and Karim welcome to the show, Joel Plaskett! The episode begins with Joel Plaskett discussing his new record and the changing relationship with the songs once they are released. Joel explored the impact of audience interpretation and the challenges of articulating the original intent without unraveling it. Joel also shared his experience with using analog technology to record his music, emphasizing the nostalgic and human qualities that the limitations of this technology bring to the recordings. We also engaged in a deep exploration of the theme of shadows and the tension of opposites in the record. The conversation then shifted to Joel's cross Canada tour and his approach to presenting the new album. He expressed a preference for a relaxed atmosphere during the performances and discussed the potential impact of limiting phone use to enhance audience engagement. Additionally, Joel mentioned his intention to honor requests for older catalog songs while looking forward to showcasing the new material. The episode concluded with Joel Plaskett sharing his excitement for the release of his new album and discussing his current musical preferences. He also delved into the artwork for his album, created by his wife, Rebecca Kraatz, and explained how it played a significant role in the album's creation. Visit Joel Plaskett online at https://joelplaskett.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the kickoff show of our new season! Here's a recap of today's episode! Hosts Gregg and Karim discussed their recent experiences at various shows. Karim shared his experience at the Storry concert, where he and his wife, Minaz, enjoyed the performance despite initial confusion about the event. They both expressed their enjoyment of the shows and Storry's performance. Karim and Gregg discussed their recent experiences at music shows. Karim attended a Shaggy concert and a Trews concert, while Gregg planned to attend a Milky Chance and K-Flay concert. Karim also mentioned seeing the re-release of the Oasis documentary and his brother's upcoming trip to Wembley Stadium to see Oasis perform. They speculated about Oasis potentially opening with "Rock and Roll Star" and Kendrick Lamar possibly bringing Oasis to the Super Bowl halftime show. Gregg mentioned a 20% probability of Oasis splitting up before completing their tour, and they discussed how betting money would impact the probability. Karim and Gregg discussed the dynamic pricing issue with Ticketmaster, comparing it to Uber's surge pricing during mass shootings. Karim suggested that bands and musicians are making as much money as they can due to the decline in music streaming revenue, and the high ticket prices are a result of this. Gregg mentioned that fans are willing to pay high prices for special events like an Oasis concert. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging episode, Karim Kanji sits down with the iconic Bif Naked to explore the deep and personal inspiration behind her song "Jim," which delves into themes of heartbreak and personal betrayal. Bif opens up about her recent live performances, upcoming tour plans, and the journey of releasing her latest album. Bif also shares her passion for animal welfare and health-related charities, including her personal experiences with breast cancer. She offers insightful advice for those interested in social justice and activism. Bif reflects on her honorary doctorates, the influence of her father on her educational pursuits, and her thoughts on maintaining a positive outlook. This episode is a must-listen for fans of Bif Naked and anyone interested in music, social activism, and the challenges of navigating the digital age. Tune in for a mix of personal anecdotes, professional insights, and Bif's vibrant energy as she talks about her love for dance music, her eclectic musical influences, and where to catch her upcoming gigs. Key Topics: - Casual Conversation and Birthday Wishes - Bif Naked's Journey to Releasing Her Album - Discussion on the Song "Jim" - Makeup and Hair Talk, Touring Experience - Reflections on Education and Titles - Maintaining Positivity - Bif Naked's Digital Dilemma and Musical Projects - Charity Work and Social Justice - Bif Naked's Music Preferences and Where to Find Her Music Join us for an insightful and entertaining conversation with Bif Naked, packed with stories, advice, and laughter. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! 🎧🎤 https://herroyalmajestys.com/bif-naked/music/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The interview with John Orpheus covered a range of topics, including his new album "Get Right," his literary and musical journey, and his thoughts on journalism. They also discussed the influence of different decades on music, with Orpheus emphasizing the importance of living in the present moment rather than being constrained by notions of the past or future. The conversation extended to their favorite music artists and bands from the 90s, personal anecdotes, and their admiration for influential figures such as Harry Belafonte, James Baldwin, and Miles Davis. Orpheus shared his love for the 60s era and the depth of artists from that time, contrasting it with the current music scene. He emphasized the importance of artists having something meaningful to say and shared his musical influences, including Prince, Rick James, Thames, Emily King, and Miles Davis. Orpheus also provided details on where people can find his music and follow his journey, highlighting his presence on various social media platforms and his upcoming book "Black Cherokee" for Simon & Schuster in New York. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this ecent episode of "Welcome To The Music," host Karim Kanji engaged with the talented Orin Isaacs, delving into his career, the power of musical communities, and the link between music and math. The episode began with Orin sharing his experiences working on the CBC's Olympic coverage, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the project and the diverse musical approaches required. This insight set the stage for a broader discussion about his career. Orin recounted his early days playing in bands, leading to his transition into music production and television music direction. His work on shows like Canadian Idol and the Juno Awards showcased his adaptability and breadth of talent, illustrating the diverse opportunities within the music industry. Orin argued that the sense of community built through shared musical experiences can be more impactful than formal education. This idea sparked a discussion about how personal and communal interactions in music foster growth and learning. They emphasized the significant role musical communities play in nurturing talent and passion. The conversation touched on the connection between music and math, with Orin sharing how his musical background enhanced his math skills in practical situations. This discussion highlighted the cognitive benefits of musical training, suggesting that music can improve mathematical thinking. Karim Kanji's conversation with Orin Isaacs offered a comprehensive look at his diverse career, the importance of musical communities, and the cognitive benefits of music. This episode stands out as a testament to the power of music in shaping careers, communities, and minds. Stay tuned for more episodes of "Welcome To The Music," where we explore the stories behind the music with industry insiders and creative talents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

**Celeigh Cardinal: From Boundless Possibilities to Juno Triumph** Join hosts Karim Kanji and Jahaan Kanji on "Welcome to the Music" as they explore the remarkable journey of Celeigh Cardinal, a Canadian folk singer-songwriter from Alberta. Celeigh blends blues, folk, and R&B/Soul, achieving chart-topping success on platforms like the Indigenous Music Countdown and CBC Music Top 20 Countdown. Her debut album, "Everything and Nothing at All," received critical acclaim, solidifying her presence in the Canadian music scene. In this episode, Celeigh shares her story, from the creation of her album "Boundless Possibilities" to winning the prestigious Juno Award in 2020. She discusses the deep passion and purpose behind each track, stating, "This is truly like the thing that I'm supposed to do. I had to pursue it because I'm miserable doing anything else." Celeigh's music is a powerful conduit for Indigenous voices, paying homage to those often unheard. Rooted in her heritage, her artistry serves as a vessel for storytelling and healing, echoing the resilience of generations past while igniting hope for the future. Beyond her musical achievements, Celeigh is committed to using her platform for positive change, advocating for social justice issues close to her heart. Her authenticity and passion inspire fans worldwide to embrace their unique journeys and make a difference in their communities. Tune in to this captivating episode to discover more about Celeigh Cardinal's inspiring journey and the power of her music. For more about Celeigh, visit her official website at celeighcardinal.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.