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What happens when a 22 year old vocalist brings jazz, pop, big band and classic songwriting together to find his own voice? On this episode of Backstage Lowdown, we sit down with Canadian vocalist and songwriter Noah Kosta to talk about his rapidly developing career, musical influences and the journey behind his debut album. Noah's musical world stretches from jazz and pop to the influence of his grandfather and classic vocalists, giving him a remarkably diverse musical perspective at just 22. He shares what it's like performing with a 20 piece big band, working in smaller jazz quartets and developing his own sound as a solo artist. We also get into the reality of balancing a growing music career with university studies at the University of Toronto, the role mentors have played in his development, and what he's learned about songwriting, performing and finding his place in the Canadian music scene. Noah opens up about vocal development, songwriting, mentorship, performing live and what's next for his career, including his desire to continue exploring different sides of the music industry. If you're a fan of Canadian music, jazz, pop, emerging artists, vocalists, songwriting and behind-the-scenes musician interviews, this is a conversation you'll want to hear. Listen to Noah Kosta's story and hear where this young Canadian vocalist is headed next.

In this interview, legendary rock photographer Bob Gruen discusses his illustrious career and artistic philosophy. He shares insights into creating iconic album covers, such as John Lennon's "Walls and Bridges", emphasizing his preference for capturing spontaneous energy over sterile studio settings. Gruen reflects on his experiences with artists like The Clash and Tina Turner, noting how personal relationships enhance his work. He also address the impact of digital technology on photography and the music industry, observing how instant accessibility has changed professional landscapes. Finally, he promotes his autobiography, "Right Place, Right Time," and on upcoming gallery exhibition in Toronto at the Liss Gallery.

In this episode of Backstage Lowdown, we sit down with Alan Gerber, the Chicago-born singer-songwriter, blues musician, pianist, guitarist, painter, and Canadian roots music icon (is there anything this guy can’t do) whose career has spanned more than five decades. Known for blending Chicago blues, folk, jazz, roots, and storytelling, Alan shares the experiences that shaped his unique artistic voice, from his early musical influences in Chicago to his long and celebrated career in Canada’s folk and blues scene. This is not the usual musician interview. We explore the deeper side of creativity, performance, songwriting, and artistic survival in an ever-changing music industry. If you enjoy Chicago blues, Canadian folk music, roots rock, jazz influenced songwriting, and in depth artist interviews, this conversation with Alan Gerber is a must listen. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. This Episode is sponsored by Look Digital Marketing; find them at https://lookmarketing.ca/ #AlanGerber #ChicagoBlues #CanadianMusic #RootsMusic #BackstageLowdown Alan Gerber interview, Chicago blues musician, Canadian folk singer-songwriter, roots music podcast, blues podcast interview, folk music interview, Canadian blues artist, jazz folk roots music, songwriter podcast, Backstage Lowdown podcast, Alan Gerber Chicago, Canadian roots music legend, storytelling songwriter, blues and folk conversation.

In this special Strummerfest Waterloo 2026 episode of Backstage Lowdown, we sit down with Charlie Angus: musician, author, activist, and founding member of The Grievous Angels. Charlie shares the story behind the band, reflects on decades of creating music rooted in Northern Ontario, and discusses why Joe Strummer’s spirit of community, resistance, and honest songwriting still matters today. The conversation also explores touring memories, the evolution of Canadian roots and folk-rock, the connection between music and social change, and what fans can expect when The Grievous Angels take the stage for Strummerfest 2026 on August 14th at the Jazz Room, Uptown Waterloo. If you love Canadian music podcasts, roots rock, folk-rock storytelling, punk-inspired songwriting, and behind the scenes conversations with influential musicians, this episode is for you. The origins of The Grievous Angels Charlie Angus’ journey from Cobalt, Ontario to the Canadian music scene The influence of Joe Strummer and The Clash Why Strummerfest Waterloo is more than just a music festival Songwriting inspired by Northern Ontario history and working-class stories Balancing music, writing, and activism Thoughts on the current Canadian roots and folk-rock landscape Memorable touring and recording experiences Rapid fire music questions and backstage stories This episode is perfect for fans of: The Grievous Angels Charlie Angus Canadian roots rock Folk-rock podcasts Joe Strummer / The Clash Strummerfest Waterloo 2026 Canadian music interviews Independent music festivals Backstage stories from touring musicians Charlie Angus is widely known as a Canadian musician, author, broadcaster, and former Member of Parliament. As the driving force behind The Grievous Angels, he has spent decades blending roots rock, folk, country, and punk energy into songs that celebrate Northern Ontario, community, and social justice. The band has earned a devoted following for its authentic storytelling, powerful live performances, and distinctly Canadian voice. This episode highlights Strummerfest 2026, the free annual music festival in Uptown Waterloo, Ontario, inspired by the legacy of Joe Strummer. The festival brings together punk, alternative, ska, folk, and roots artists for a community-focused celebration of independent music and culture, August 15th, from 12 pm to 11 pm. 🎧 Backstage Lowdown is available on: YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Amazon Music iHeart Radio Other major podcast platforms If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow, rate, and review the podcast. Your support helps us continue bringing in-depth interviews with Canadian musicians and music industry storytellers. Listen & Subscribe Digital Marketing Solutions With Look Will Transform Your Brand #BackstageLowdown #CharlieAngus #TheGrievousAngels #Strummerfest #StrummerfestWaterloo #WaterlooOntario #CanadianMusic #CanadianMusicians #RootsRock #FolkRock #AltCountry #JoeStrummer #TheClash #MusicPodcast #PodcastInterview #CanadianPodcast #LiveMusic #IndependentMusic #OntarioMusic #NorthernOntario #CobaltOntario #Songwriting #BehindTheMusic #FestivalSeason #RootsMusic #FolkMusic #RockAndRoll #MusicLovers #PodcastLife #YouTubePodcast

JUNO Award winner Errol Starr joins Backstage Lowdown! In this episode, hosts Lance Dawson and Andrew Stewart sit down with Errol Starr, the Jamaican-born, England-raised, Canada-based singer-songwriter, composer, and JUNO Award-winning recording artist, for an engaging conversation about his remarkable career in music. Errol shares the story behind his rise from high school Battle of the Bands competitions to international success in the 1980s, his transition from performing on stage to producing music in his home studio, and the creative journey that led to his current band, Tribz, and their latest single, "Memories." What blew our minds was that he is also a UN Peace Ambassador! The episode wraps up with our signature Backstage Lowdown Speed Round, where Errol answers a series of fun, fast-paced questions you won't want to miss. Whether you're a musician, songwriter, music fan, or simply love hearing the stories behind the songs, this interview offers inspiration, insight, and plenty of memorable moments. 🎧 Subscribe for more in-depth interviews with musicians, songwriters, producers, and music industry professionals from Canada and around the world. #ErrolStarr #Tribz #Memories #BackstageLowdown #JUNOAwards #CanadianMusic #MusicPodcast #Songwriter #MusicInterview #MusicProducer #BehindTheMusic #IndieMusic #RockMusic #MusicIndustry #HomeStudio #RecordingStudio #VintageGear #KitchenerWaterloo #CanadianArtists #PeaceAmbassador #UN #NewMusic #Podcast #YouTubeMusic #LanceDawson #AndrewStewart

Backstage Lowdown takes you beyond the stage and into the conversations that most people never get to hear. This is where the real stories live, not the polished performances, but the moments before the lights come up and after the applause long fades. The nerves, the laughs, the chaos, the triumphs, and the unexpected moments that make music come alive. Every episode features honest, unfiltered conversations with musicians, songwriters, and industry insiders. You never know who's about to walk through the door or where the conversation will lead and that's exactly what makes it special. If you love music and the stories behind it, you're in the right place. Subscribe, listen, and remember... You're officially backstage.

In this episode, Backstage Lowdown sit down with Canadian singer-songwriter Skye Wallace for an in-depth conversation about her music career, creative process, and life on the road. Skye shares the story of her musical journey, from releasing her first EP in 2009 to creating new music and preparing for her latest album release. She discusses collaborating with Matt Mays during the pandemic, recording songs in a unique barn studio setting, and how her sound has evolved from her punk-rock roots into the gritty, deeply personal style that defines her music today. The conversation also explores the realities of being an independent artist, balancing motherhood with a demanding music career, touring, songwriting, and making sustainable choices in today's music industry. If you're a fan of Canadian music, singer-songwriters, alternative rock, folk-rock, indie music, or behind-the-scenes stories from working musicians, this interview is for you. #SkyeWallace #CanadianMusic #SingerSongwriter #IndieMusic #AlternativeRock #MattMays #MusicInterview #CanadianArtist #Songwriting #IndependentMusic #PodcastInterview

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Ron Hawkins of Lowest of the Low as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the legendary album Shakespeare My Butt. In this interview, Ron reflects on the band’s early days, the lasting impact of one of Canada’s most beloved independent rock albums, stories from the road, songwriting, fandom, and what it means to revisit these songs decades later on the anniversary tour. If you love Canadian music, indie rock history, and behind-the-scenes stories from iconic artists, this conversation is for you. Here is the Playlist: • The making of Shakespeare My Butt • Touring after 35 years • Songwriting and creative process • Canadian indie rock history • Memories from the early 90s music scene • Fans, legacy, and the future of Lowest of the Low Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more interviews with legendary musicians, artists, and storytellers. #RonHawkins #LowestOfTheLow #ShakespeareMyButt #BackstageLowdown #CanadianRock #IndieRock #MusicInterview #CanadianMusic #AltRock #RockMusic #90sMusic #Songwriting #LiveMusic #MusicPodcast #RockAndRoll #TorontoMusic

In this episode of Backstage Lowdown, we sit down with legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Marc Jordan to dive deep into his incredible career in music. Marc shares behind-the-scenes stories of writing iconic songs for global superstars like Rod Stewart, Cher, and Sawyer Brown, including the story behind the hit “Rhythm of My Heart.” We also explore Marc’s powerful new biography Rhythm of My Heart, written by Don Breithaupt, and how his journey with dyslexia shaped both his storytelling and songwriting process. MARC’S UPCOMING SHOWS: SHOWS | Marc Jordan In this episode, we cover: Marc Jordan’s songwriting process (melody & lyrics evolving together) Writing hits for major artists in the music industry The shift from analog to digital music Concerns about technology and its impact on human connection & live music Upcoming book launch concerts in Toronto featuring live performances and Q&A sessions Whether you're a songwriter, music fan, or love behind-the-scenes stories from the industry, this conversation offers rare insight into the craft and evolution of music. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth interviews with Canadian musicians and industry insiders.

Step into the golden era of alternative radio with Ivor Hamilton, co-producer of the documentary CFNY: The Spirit of Radio, as he takes us behind the scenes of one of Canada’s most influential radio stations, CFNY-FM. In this episode, Hamilton reveals how the film evolved from its original TVO version into a deeper, more powerful 90-minute cut, shaped by passionate audience feedback and packed with new interviews and untold stories. He shares firsthand memories from his early days at CFNY in 1977, when he helped pioneer the rise of punk and new wave on Canadian airwaves, forever changing the sound of radio. We also dive into his transition from radio to the music industry at Polygram  (now Universal Music Group), where he played a role in working with iconic Canadian artists like The Tragically Hip and Matthew Good. This conversation is a must-listen for music lovers, radio historians, and anyone fascinated by the cultural impact of alternative broadcasting. Discover how CFNY became more than just a station, it became a movement. #CFNY #SpiritOfRadio #IvorHamilton #CanadianMusic #AlternativeRadio #PunkRock #NewWave #MusicDocumentary #TheTragicallyHip #MatthewGood #RadioHistory #BehindTheMusic #PodcastInterview

Blues powerhouse Crystal Shawanda joins Backstage Lowdown for a soulful conversation about her JUNO-nominated album Sing Pretty Blues and the musical roots that shaped her sound. In this in-depth interview, Crystal opens up about blending blues, southern country soul, and classic R&B influences while paying tribute to legendary labels like Stax Records, Chess Records, and Motown. Fresh off a nomination at the Juno Awards, Crystal talks about the inspiration behind Sing Pretty Blues, her lifelong connection to music, and how the album captures the timeless spirit of classic soul while bringing her own modern voice to the blues. In this episode we discuss: 🎤 The story behind Sing Pretty Blues 🎸 How classic blues and soul shaped her songwriting 🏆 What a JUNO nomination means for the record 🎶 Recording music that channels the spirit of Stax, Chess, and Motown 🔥 Crystal’s journey from country roots to powerful blues artist Crystal Shawanda’s voice carries the grit of the blues and the heart of soul music—and this conversation gives a behind-the-scenes look at the passion and storytelling behind her latest work. If you love blues, soul, roots music, and powerful vocalists, this interview is for you. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more artist interviews on Backstage Lowdown. Listen / Watch More Episodes: 🎙 Backstage Lowdown features conversations with musicians, authors, and creatives from around the world. #CrystalShawanda #BluesMusic #BackstageLowdown #BluesInterview #SingPrettyBlues

Canadian comedy legend Jeremy Hotz joins Backstage Lowdown for a hilarious and insightful conversation about life, stand-up, and the beautifully awkward observations that have made him one of the most unique voices in comedy. Hotz is back on the road in 2026 with his latest national tour, “Très Misérables,” bringing his unmistakable style of anxious, brilliantly awkward storytelling to audiences across the country. In this episode, Jeremy talks about how everyday frustrations turn into comedy gold, the evolution of his stand-up over the years, and why audiences still connect so strongly with his signature brand of observational humour. We also dive into the realities of touring, the craft of writing stand-up, and the strange little moments in life that only Jeremy Hotz can turn into unforgettable punchlines. Whether you’ve followed him since his early television appearances or discovered him more recently through his live shows, this conversation offers a fun behind-the-scenes look at one of Canada’s most distinctive comedians. 🎙️ In this episode we discuss: Jeremy’s 2026 Très Misérables comedy tour His unique approach to observational comedy How anxiety and everyday life fuel his stand-up material Life on the road as a touring comedian The evolution of his comedy career If you enjoy stand-up comedy, behind-the-scenes stories from the comedy world, and conversations with artists who see life from a slightly different angle, you’ll love this episode. Listen to the audio podcast on your favourite podcast platform, and watch the full interview on YouTube. #JeremyHotz #StandUpComedy #CanadianComedy #ComedyPodcast #BackstageLowdown #PodcastInterview #ObservationalComedy #ComedyTour #ComedianInterview

In this episode of Backstage Lowdown, we sit down with Canadian luthier, novelist and if that wasn’t enough, a Member of the Order of Canada, Grit Laskin. Laskin talks about his novel, “The Stradivari Formula”, which delves into the enduring mystery of Antonio Stradivari’s legendary violin-making methods which he occasionally transferred to guitar builds and how Laskin builds a world of intrigue around it. He explains that the first draft of the book came together in just five months, driven by deep research and careful character development. The discussion explores the balance between creative expression in both literature and luthiery, while also touching on his experiences working with musicians and navigating the world of publishers.  Here we go! #GritLaskin #BackstageLowdown #AuthorInterview #TheStradivariFormula #HistoricalFiction #MusicAndMystery#BookTalk #MusicPodcast #MustReadBooks#BookLovers

Join hosts Andrew Stewart and Lance Dawson for a deep dive into music history with legendary broadcaster and music historian Alan Cross, as they discuss the hot new documentary, CFNY: The Spirit of Radio, directed by Matt Schichter, and co-producer by Alan himself, and why its story continues to resonate with music fans everywhere.  If you love alternative rock, radio history, and the evolution of music culture, this episode is a must listen. In this episode, Alan revisits his arrival at that yellow house in Brampton, the iconic CFNY in 1986, a radio station that helped spark a cultural and musical revolution across Canada. From the days of rare vinyl and powerful industry gatekeepers to today’s unlimited, on-demand streaming, Alan explores how music discovery has transformed over the decades. He shares behind-the-scenes stories of how CFNY championed emerging artists, shaped alternative radio, and influenced generations of listeners. The conversation also tackles the modern challenges of algorithm-driven playlists, the fight to preserve musical curation and quality, and the lasting legacy of CFNY 102.1 The Edge, in Canadian music history. Here we go! #AlanCross #CFNY #SpiritOfRadio #CFNYSpiritOfRadio #BackstageLowdown #MusicDocumentary #RadioHistory #AlternativeRadio #AlternativeRock #CanadianMusic #TorontoMusic #MusicPodcast #PodcastInterview #BehindTheMusic #NewMusicDiscovery #RadioLegend #MusicCulture #IndieRock #80sAlternative #MusicHistory #Podcast #MusicInterview #RockMusic #StreamingMusic #MusicFans

On this episode of Backstage Lowdown, hosts Lance Dawson and Andrew Stewart sit down with Dave Genn of Canadian rock icons 54-40 to talk about the band’s brand new album, PORTO, out January 23. Recorded in Portugal over an intense 12 day session, PORTO was made with minimal gear, a live off the floor approach, and a mindset influenced by Jungian philosophy, giving the record a raw, focused energy that still sounds richly produced. Dave breaks down the creative process behind the album’s 11 tracks, shares stories about recording with vintage instruments, including a 1952 Gibson J-45 and a 1966 Fender Stratocaster, and reflects on how place, limitation, and instinct shaped the final result. The conversation also touches on 54-40’s upcoming June tour, where fans can expect a mix of new material and classic songs. The episode wraps with a fun, fast paced lightning round that reveals a more personal side of Dave Genn. #BackstageLowdown #5440#MusicPodcast #PORTO#AlbumRelease#AltRock#Songwriting#BehindTheMusic