Above The Covers

15/04/2022

This is not a cover, this is "above the cover".....this kid just blew me away. Sheer talent and a fresh approach.....

09/03/2022

Our very own Crystal Ann is a voiceover artist! Who knew?

21/02/2022

Hey folks, our producer/host Peter just went through back and shoulder surgery 12 days apart and it has slowed production. Good news is that he's back working and we'll have new episodes, artists and info ready soon. Thank you for your patience.

21/01/2022

So a random thought for today. When I talk about venues for live music, a lot of people (especially around my age - 62) roll their eyes and have no interest in it. I was talking to a friend about how I can still feel the "wow" and excitement I felt when, at the age of 8, I first heard the Byrds. Those harmonies and that unique guitar sound. I can still recall the punch in the gut I felt when I first heard my brother play "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin in his room on his stereo, turned up to 7 (not 11, cause Mom had already yelled at him). I remember as a young musician the feeling I had the first time I heard "More Than A Feeling" by Boston. Songs like "Beat It" by Michael Jackson, before I learned that it was Eddie Van Halen energizing the tune. All those cover tunes played in bars are songs that we - all of us - heard for the first time at some point in our lives. I just wonder, what happens to our curiosity, our sense of exploration and wonder, as we age? I've heard (and played) Mustang Sally, Brown Eyed Girl, Margaritaville, and so many other songs literally thousands of times. I'm ok with a cover band, especially some of the talented ones here but I still like to hear something for the first time and have a genuine reaction, rather than recognition. I still like to discover something new, rather than accept what is being played as a foregone conclusion. That's me, and not everybody feels that way. I understand that. However, one thing I am confident of....when you stop discovering new things in life (music, food, books, art, decorum, travel) then you have definitely grown old. I'm ok with aging, but I never want to find myself as "old". I want to keep discovering and experiencing....as my dad said, many times, I want to live until I die.
Cheers

15/01/2022

This Sunday we'll be presenting our second episode with a little jaunt over to my hometown of Toronto. An artist I've had the pleasure of opening for, doing sound for, recording, cheering for, and generally respecting as a "true original" for over 32 years. His fashion style is part of his stage presence and he lives and breathes the music he writes. Looking forward to introducing you to Michael Stanfield of Blackdog Ballroom. Sunday at 5pm.

14/01/2022

Just remember, we are big proponents of live music - no matter what the source or genre. Cover bands are cool, and give a soundtrack to a great night out or a festival. At the same time, broaden your horizons. Don't let your musical life be contained in the same 30-year span. Find things that expand your horizons and speak to you with today's voice. The only way modern original artists will grow and thrive to become our choice of entertainment is when people listen and share their honest opincion - yea or nay. Help our original artists - and these are musical artists, not emulators - to develop their craft and create songs we'll be proud to share with later generations.

14/01/2022

10/01/2022

10/01/2022

National Recording Artist JB Aaron joins us for our first foray into the world of origina music in WNY and Southern Ontario.

16/12/2021

A lot of topics related to original music will be covered - recording, home studio vs standalone, plug-ins vs hardware....and one important issue will be the legalities of registering and protecting your copyrights. Many aspiring writers and artists would be surprised at the things some people believe that would not hold up in Court. We'll explore publishing, performing rights, mechanical rights and much more - including film and theatrical release. We'll even aim a segment at our Canadian artists on the "Can-Con" issue and the workings of SOCAN. Lots to learn folks, but we hope each nugget of info plays some small part in you maximizing your income and audience reach. And yes, our Podcast/Broadcast/Radio studio in the LaSalle area of Niagara Falls does have a copy of the US Copyright Law on file.

16/12/2021

We're come across a truly original lyricist and songwriter in the country vein - Matt Woods. We've got his tunes on rotation on our Live365 Station Vox Niagara VNNF......check out this talent and we're looking forward to catching up with him from the road or his home in Nashville during our first few shows.

16/12/2021

A lot of our programs will feature original musicians who write, perform and share their own stories. At the same time, we're going to bring in a few pros who can help teach about copyrighting, publishing, and protecting your intellectual property. The business of music has changed hugely since I started back in the 70's, and a sound business approach is crucial to building a career. Watch for our 3-month lineup that we'll be announcing after Christmas. Time to discover something new.....

16/12/2021

We're looking forward to a lot of great guests, including one of my oldest and most respected fellow players from Toronto. We'll have Mike Stanfield, leader of Blackdog Ballroom, coming up in the next month or so. And this boy can dress the part....the whole package!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj_srH-4jmA&ab_channel=MusicSceneToronto

13/12/2021

Thomas Tedesco will be joining us on January 23rd. Besides a family history that iincludes a musical legend, Thomas has emerged as a truly original and unique voice in our Region and we hope he takes it further with each step. Join Thomas Tedesco for "Above the Covers" at 9pm on January 23rd here on Niagara's Vox.

13/12/2021

If you are a writer, musician, producer, engineer or play a role in any aspect of original music - no matter what genre - then reach out to us. We want to build a network of original musicians and music creators throughout Western New York. If you are a club or venue owner who wants to host an evening of original music, then count on us to help promote your plans. We are not opposed to cover tunes, but we are anxious to see the true creative potential of our artistic population come to light and be recognized as part of our multi-media expression. Join us in rising above the covers and hearing something fresh, exciting and engaging.