East Coast DNA

20/11/2025

🎶 New Holiday Music Coming Soon!
We just got an early listen to Melina Coolen’s “Joy to the World/Wonder” from her upcoming album Love, Peace & Dance, arriving November 28th ❄️✨

Melina Coolen is a Canadian songwriter, producer, and audio engineer with a love for retropop — tastefully nodding to the Brill Building greats in both her writing and production. Her new track blends the classic Joy to the World with her own original piece Wonder, featuring beautiful vocal improvisation that gives this version something special.

Credits:
Melina Coolen — All vocals, arrangement, production & engineering
Isaac Watts — Composer of Joy to the World
Parachute Mastering — Mastering
🎄✨

20/11/2025

🎶 Help Keep CIOE 97.5FM Alive!

CIOE has been a cornerstone of the East Coast music scene since 2015, championing local voices, music, and culture. Their Top 30 Countdown of East Coast Music, hosted by Martin Hickey, is just one of many programs run by dedicated volunteers. This show is utilized by countless artists featured on East Coast DNA and loved by fans across the region — a weekly staple for both creators and listeners.

Right now, CIOE is facing serious financial challenges. Times are tight, but if you can, consider donating. Your contribution doesn’t just keep the airwaves alive — it supports the volunteers and staff who make it all possible, and helps the artists you love keep reaching audiences. Let’s not let this vital resource fade away.

📻 Support this East Coast institution: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-cioe-975fm-community-radio

About CIOE 97.5FM:
CIOE is a volunteer-driven community radio station serving Nova Scotia and the East Coast. Since 2015, it has provided a platform for local music, arts, and culture — giving voice to emerging artists, fostering community connection, and keeping East Coast music alive on the airwaves.

19/11/2025

This week on East Coast DNA, Darcy Walsh finally sat down with someone who’s been on the guest wish-list since the early days — Hugh Wilson of Big Name Actors.

After moving back to Pictou County in 2020, Hugh slowly rebuilt what was once a Toronto-based rock band. We talk about:
• Reassembling Big Name Actors with a brand-new local lineup
• Life in the Toronto music grind vs the East Coast scene
• The evolution from screaming in 45-min rock sets → three-hour solo gigs
• The '90s revival, authenticity, and why rock bands are cycling back
• Local venues, collaborations, and finding your musical footing again
• Plans for original releases, recording, and taking the band on the road
• AND the great debate: will he ever play Wagon Wheel? 👀

This is a deep, fun, thoughtful chat about music, momentum, and rebuilding a band from the ground up — right here in Pictou County.

🎧 Full episode available on YouTube.
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sADwpqcmQ-I

Catch Big Name Actors live this month! 🎸
📍 Candid Brewing, Antigonish – Nov 22
📍 Shoebox Cantina, New Glasgow – Nov 28

🎙️ Inside Big Name Actors: Hugh Wilson on Influences, Growth & Upcoming Projects Welcome back to East Coast DNA! In this episode, host Darcy Walsh sits down...

19/11/2025

🎸 Sam Roberts Band: Chemical City 20th Anniversary 🎸

Halifax, mark your calendars! On Saturday, April 4, 2026, the Sam Roberts Band returns to the Light House Arts Centre for the first night of their five-night, cross-country run celebrating 20 years of Chemical City. 🌆✨

Originally released in 2006, Chemical City remains one of the band’s defining albums, delivering fan-favourites like “The Gate,” “Bridge To Nowhere,” and “With a Bullet.” Two decades later, the band will perform the album in full, giving fans an unforgettable evening of music and memories.

Sam Roberts reflects:
“When we wrote Chemical City, we didn’t know how deeply it would resonate or how far it would take us. Twenty years later, revisiting the album from start to finish feels like the right way to recognize just how much it shaped the path we’re on.”

💿 Special Collector’s Release: Pre-order the Chemical City Redux 20th Anniversary 2LP—limited to 300 copies on pink vinyl—with bonus tracks including “Fall Before You Finish,” “Major Minor,” “The Cathedral,” and “Step Inside.”

🎟 Tickets go on sale Friday, Nov. 21 at 10 a.m.
🔗 Get yours: sonicconcerts.com

With 125M+ career streams, a legacy of radio hits, and a reputation for unforgettable live shows, Sam Roberts Band continues to define Canadian rock for old fans and new. Don’t miss this milestone celebration!

19/11/2025

😂 Jeremy Hotz is Back in NB!

Canadian comedy legend Jeremy Hotz is bringing his brand new tour One Night Only (with the dog) to Saint John and Fredericton this February!

📍 Imperial Theatre, Saint John – Fri, Feb 20
📍 The Playhouse, Fredericton – Sun, Feb 22
🕗 Doors 7:30 PM | Show 8 PM
🎟 Tickets & VIP packages go on sale Friday, Nov 21 at 10 AM → sonicconcerts.com

Hotz is known for his unique, observational comedy that’s equal parts confused and astute, making audiences laugh through the chaos of everyday life. And yes, there’s a special appearance by Shackleton the Wonder Dog (sorry, no cats 🐾).

A true Canadian treasure, Hotz has sold out shows across Canada, the U.S., Europe, and Australia—and now it’s New Brunswick’s turn. Come for an hour of laughs, leave ready to face the world again.

19/11/2025

🎄🎶 Out Now: “Santa is a Super Dude” by Mr Super Dude! 🎶🎄

This holiday season, Ottawa-based Mr Super Dude (originally from Fredericton, NB) brings a fresh, family-friendly twist to festive music with his latest single, “Santa is a Super Dude”.

A fun, light-hearted ode to the ultimate super dude – Mr. Kris Kringle – this track is perfect for kids, parents, and anyone ready to celebrate the holidays with a smile. Backed by DJ Loc Dog Junior, the song blends spirited vocals with trap-style rolling bass, crisp hi-hats, and infectious energy that will get everyone dancing.

🎧 Whether you’re making a playlist for family holiday gatherings, decorating the tree, or just looking for something fresh and fun, “Santa is a Super Dude” is the perfect soundtrack for the season.

Mr Super Dude is a 2025 ECMA award-winning musician, known for energetic live performances, crowd participation, storytelling, and music that entertains all generations. DJ Loc Dog Junior brings 20 years of experience as a producer and DJ, creating the perfect beat to match Mr Super Dude’s playful style.

For more info and to stream the track, visit: mrsuperdude.com

Bring some holiday cheer to your speakers this season – because when it comes to festive fun, Santa really is a super dude! 🎅✨

19/11/2025

🎶 Youngtree & The Blooms: 10-Year Anniversary Show 🎶

He’s returning to the stage where it all began, and to the music that started it all, to celebrate ten years of making music!

📍 The Ship Pub
🗓 November 29, 2025

Ten years ago, a younger tree named Peter Willie released his first collection of songs, Country Hymns. Produced on a shoestring budget and recorded live at Lab of Chaos Studios with a patchwork of local musicians, its release was celebrated with a Thursday-night show at The Ship Pub. The musicians onstage that night had never played together—but a shared creative pulse soon emerged, and they became The Blooms.

That debut solo album went on to win MusicNL’s Country Recording of the Year, charted on college radio across Canada, and even received international airplay.

A decade later, Youngtree & The Blooms have recorded two more albums, received numerous awards, and played for audiences of thousands at festivals like Mariposa and Ottawa Blues Fest, most recently at the ArtsNL 45th Anniversary Gala and the CODCO reunion.

On November 29th, he returns to The Ship to play Country Hymns in full, revisit other favourites from the past ten years, and feature special guest appearances. The evening kicks off with an opening set by The Sooky Couch Girls—tickets are selling fast!

🎟 Advanced Tickets Available Here: Eventbrite.ca

18/11/2025

New Music from Greg Carroll!

Western Newfoundland’s own Greg Carroll — now based in Truro, NS, and a proud member of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation — has just released his brand new single: “This Side of the Mountain.” 🎸✨

A multifaceted musician, storyteller, and songwriter, Greg started playing guitar at age nine and was performing in bands by sixteen. His studies in jazz and upright bass at St. Francis Xavier University helped shape his deeply musical approach, blending heartfelt lyrics with rich, intricate instrumentation.

“This Side of the Mountain” is just the first taste of his upcoming full-length album, Writing On The Wall, dropping digitally on Dec. 1, 2025, with physical copies available in spring 2026. The album features a stellar lineup of players including Amos Garrett, Ariel Posen, Corbett Frasz, Bruce Hoffman, and Morgan Klaiber. Highlights include a reflective Remembrance Day tribute, “Never Coming Back From Vietnam,” and a cozy holiday song, “Lullaby For Christmas.”

🎧 Listen to the single now: gregcarrollmusic.com
💿 Full album arriving Dec. 1, 2025
🌐 More info & updates: gregcarrollmusic.com

Whether you’re a fan of authentic Canadian country, Newfoundland music, or the stories of Indigenous artists, Greg’s latest work is an absolute must-listen. Let his music take you to this side of the mountain, where heart and heritage meet.

18/11/2025

“Hey buuuuddy!” Halifax, get ready — the laughs are coming! 😂🌞

The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival is expanding its 2026 lineup, and Garrison Grounds is bringing a Sunday afternoon show big enough to make even Dr. Phil ask, “Now how’s that makin’ you feel?” 😏

On Sunday, August 9, join:
🌟 Adam Ray is Dr. Phil Live
🌟 Pauly Shore
🌟 Dusty Slay

Plus, the weekend already brings Matt Rife & Friends (Aug 6 & 7) and closes out Sunday night with:
🌟 Nikki Glaser
🌟 Fortune Feimster
🌟 Steph Tolev

Afternoon show tickets go on sale Friday, Nov 21 at 10 a.m. local, and weekend passes are already available if you want the full GOCF Halifax experience.

Comedy, Dr. Phil-level life advice, and East Coast summer vibes… Weeze the juice!

📅 HALIFAX, NS | GARRISON GROUNDS | AUGUST 6–9

Thu, Aug 6 – Matt Rife & Friends

Fri, Aug 7 – Matt Rife & Friends

Sat, Aug 8 (Afternoon) – TBA ⚡ Stay tuned!

Sat, Aug 8 (Evening) – TBA ⚡ Stay tuned!

Sun, Aug 9 (Afternoon) – Adam Ray is Dr. Phil Live, Pauly Shore, Dusty Slay

Sun, Aug 9 (Evening) – Nikki Glaser, Fortune Feimster, Steph Tolev

18/11/2025

🎟️ ADVANCE TICKETS LIVE — HALIFAX, DON’T MISS THIS! 🎟️

Friend of the podcast — and our buddy — Dillon Ryan is stepping into full Brit-rock mode as Atlantic Canada’s premiere Oasis tribute, SEQUIN STARS, take over The Carleton on Thursday, November 27.

😎 Bring your parkas, your sunglasses, and your attitude — this night is all about celebrating the music and swagger of Oasis. Sequin Stars have been packing rooms across the region, and this Halifax date is shaping up to be another big one.

If you’ve been seeing the buzz online, you already know:
This is the Oasis experience you don’t want to miss.
Big energy, big crowd moments, and a faithful tribute to one of rock’s most iconic eras.

Get your tickets now while they are still available at:
👉 thecarleton.ca

Round up the crew and secure those seats — this one’s built for the true Oasis faithful and Halifax live-music diehards alike.

📸 Photo Credit: Jacob Sedore Photography

15/11/2025

A COAST-TO-COAST COWBOY CHRISTMAS 🎄🤠
George Canyon & Aaron Pritchett x East Coast DNA

This week we sat down with George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett ahead of their Coast-to-Coast Cowboy Christmas Tour, and their chemistry in the room was exactly what fans love about them on stage — two friends with decades of hits, a ton of stories, and a genuine passion for giving back.

The pair opened up about their trip to Ghana with Children Believe, how the experience shaped their new holiday single “Children Believe,” and why this tour feels different from anything they’ve done before. From songwriting moments to emotional reflections on meeting kids overseas, the interview brings out the heart behind the project.

Fans attending the tour can pick up the exclusive Cowboy Christmas EP, available only at the shows and created in support of Children Believe. If last night’s stop at the deCoste Performing Arts Centre in Pictou is any indication, this tour is going to be one of the season’s highlights — packed with classics, their biggest hits, and a powerful message of hope.

Watch the full interview now on YouTube.com/, and stream “Children Believe” everywhere.

📸🎥 Darcy Walsh // East Coast DNA

09/11/2025

🎥 Premiere Today at 5PM!

We’re thrilled to share a new East Coast DNA episode featuring Halifax guitarist, composer, and film music producer Asif Illyas. Recorded just days before his Nov 7 release shows at The Dome Planetarium at the Discovery Centre, the episode starts and ends with segments of Autonomy. For the full experience, we highly recommend checking out the official music video.

🎸 About Asif:
With over 30 years of experience, Asif has performed with artists including Cutting Crew (UK), Lennie Gallant, Colin Hay, and Paula Cole, and worked behind the scenes with legends like Natalie Cole, Babyface, and Lionel Richie. He is a founding member of award-winning bands MIR (Canada/Germany) and Big Picture (Canada), and has composed award-winning scores for film and television showcased at TIFF, AIFF, Cannes, and Berlin. Now he returns to his acoustic guitar roots with Autonomy.

The album was recorded live in single, unedited takes on his custom Greenfield “Galadriel” guitar, blending melody, harmony, rhythm, and percussion simultaneously. Tracks like “Stellar Cartography” explore cosmic themes, while “Strong Enough” features his children in a personal, heartfelt performance.

🔥 Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn directly from Asif!
📅 Dec 2 – 7 PM | 4D Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitar Workshop
Presented by Long & McQuade & D’Addario Canada
Learn his signature technique of combining melody, harmony, rhythm, and percussion on one guitar — a hands-on, immersive experience you won’t want to miss!

📅 Dec 4 – 7:30 PM | Vinyl Release Party @ The Carleton, Halifax

Tune in today at 5PM on YouTube → YouTube.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-JzxyMfmhI
💬 Comment below if you caught one of the Nov 7 release shows at the Halifax Planetarium!