As a band, Wild Rivers have never been better. This goes double for the band as individuals, even as they settle in different cities and grow into themselves as adults. Together since college, Devan Glover [vocals], Khalid Yassein [guitar, vocals, keys], and Andrew Oliver [lead guitar] have put down roots in new places and tackled coming-of-age obstacles. After nine years together, they’ve always found their way back to each other, rather like a marriage. And that’s why their new, forthcoming album, the follow-up to 2022’s folk-rock triumph Sidelines, will be called Never Better.


An earnest, soul-baring look at where they’ve been and where they’re going, Never Better (co-produced with Gabe Wax, who has previously worked with The War On Drugs, Soccer Mommy, Adrianne Lenker, and Jeremy Zucker) showcases Wild Rivers’ joy around being together, particularly after they’ve faced burnout, mental health challenges, and extended periods away from home, among other things. “Being in music is like a deal with the devil,” Khalid says of band life. “You have to give up so much, but you have the opportunity to have the richest experiences of your life. You have to ride the wave and not put too much weight on the highs or the lows. It took us a long time to learn, but that’s a real mindset shift for us.”


Recording in Joshua Tree, Devan, Khalid, and Andrew initially set out to just unplug, reconnect, and rediscover the beauty in creating. Soon, they realized they potentially had a new record on their hands—the results of which appear on Never Better, an album that finds Wild Rivers letting go of their studio-perfectionist tendencies and capturing the energy of their uninhibited live shows. “We used to think it was important to be precious,” says Devan. “I used to take five hours to record a vocal and not be happy until it was perfect. Now I think we're more instinct-driven. I realize now that it’s  actually much more of a skill to be able to do four takes and be like, ‘that's the one,’ because the feeling is there, even if it isn't technically perfect.”


For Never Better, Wild Rivers reimagined their studio process, recording a number of elements live off the floor. “We actively wanted to have a lot more fun making this record,” Andrew adds of recording as a live band. “It's way more enjoyable to record songs all together and be able to see each other laughing and reacting to moments, rather than slowly building it up one little thing at a time where someone goes into a room by themselves. We wanted to maintain that connection the whole time.” 


As they look to the future, Wild Rivers are placing a new emphasis on finding balance and taking care of themselves on the road. Devan says. “We’ve gone through really difficult times, mentally, and the strain of being on tour can take a toll. Mental health has always been top of mind for us, and we want to find that balance for ourselves and help other people with the issues that we're struggling with."


Wild Rivers’ effortless synchronicity shines through on the gorgeously harmonized anthem “Everywhere I Go,” which builds from a piano-based jog to a full-fledged sprint with propulsive drums and shimmering keys. "I was thinking about my grandpa, who I was very close to. He passed away a few years ago,” Khalid says. “He was the only other musical person in my family. We used to sit at the piano and play together. He was one of the funniest people I've ever met. I was thinking about how something benign can remind you of someone who's gone and how it can elicit a powerful emotion. It’s the positive feeling of holding on to a memory of something that's inherently sad but beautiful and uplifting.”


Elsewhere, on the swaying “Cave”—pieced together in Nashville and London —Wild Rivers sing wanting something regardless of consequence. “It’s about caving to temptation,” Andrew says. “The temptation being something you know might not be the right thing, but you’re down to just give into it.”


Similarly, the bright and cheery title track gives itself over to the thrill—and risk—of romance. "We have so many breakup songs—so many heartache, pouring-our-souls-out songs," Khalid says. "We are in our 20s, we've had fun experiences and made mistakes in life. The concept of the song is when you're in a messed-up, secret hookup situation. And someone asks 'How's it going with this person?' And you say, 'Never better.' It's a tongue-in-cheek reference to romantic chaos and throwing caution to the wind."


Finally, of the earnest piano ballad “Backfire,” Devan says, “The demo I made was piano and vocals, and the band had the idea to make it more crunchy guitar, lean slightly more '90s, which I never imagined when writing it. It's more story-based. It's more of a build. It felt like what we have done best up until this point. It feels like a bridge from what we've been doing to the new era.”


Khalid adds, “As soon as I heard ‘Backfire,’ I was like, ‘Oh, this is completely Devan as a person. I just believed every moment of it. Vocally, you can hear that. We were all moved by that. It's one of our favorites of the record. It’s really emotional, really unabashed.”


Just as Wild Rivers move from one exciting stage of their career to the next, they are very much still figuring out what it means to grow together. Their journey, filled with peaks, valleys, and everything in between, has never been more beautiful to witness.

Tafari (pronounced Ta-far-eye) Anthony is a Toronto based artist whose music blends R&B, pop, and soul. He is a creator who embodies the spirit of the modern musician. Not just a musician, but a creator. Known for his sleek vocal tones, sultry melodies and music which oozes with personality, Tafari leaves listeners in awe – somewhat apt considering his name means “He who inspires awe”.

His influences range from artists like Prince and John Legend, to more contemporary artists like Lennon Stella and Charlie Puth, among others. Often described as a mix of Sam Smith and MNEK, Tafari creates deeply emotional songs that resonate across generations. “All of these artists are creating music that is pop in its own right, but also so different from each other”, shares the musician. 

Following the release of his two previous EP’s, both of which received considerable notoriety in Toronto, Tafari made a conscious decision to take a break in 2018 and focus on creating new material which explored his own personal soundscape. “I wanted to take a moment to feel uncomfortable and nervous again. That break was crucial for me”. Now Tafari is unveiling the confident new single “Centrefold”. The track sees the musician taking a different direction, to what he calls his own interpretation of pop music. Soaring with atmospheric synths and cascading pop melodies, Tafari showcases his impressive velvet vocals, with a hint of sass. “Centrefold” is the ultimate “go fuck yourself” send off to a self centred ex-lover. Tafari confides, “I’m a pretty calm guy, but when I get to my breaking point, it’s hard to hold my tongue. This song was written from sheer frustration of trying to let him down gently and realizing that he just refused to understand”. 

Working alongside Brandon Unis (Juno Nominated. Billboard Charted. 1X Gold Producer / Mixer), Kelly Alaina and OBLVYN, in Edmonton, Alberta, Tafari was able to illustrate his desire to create something out of his usual realm, pushing his boundaries. He explains, “I was in a new city, new space and with new people. I think all those factors combined allowed me to step out of my comfort zone to try new things, be open to new sounds and melodies, and be comfortable to be whoever I wanted to be that day”. 

Thematically, Tafari’s music often details love, relationships, life’s hardships and finding self identity and worth in a world where most people feel they need to blend in to be happy. “I’m not afraid to write about those dark moments and truths that may be hard to hear. I would hope that my music would inspire someone to be less afraid of being themselves. Be less afraid of offending people by expressing how you truly feel. And to be less afraid of wanting the things you desire and deserve”. 

Tafari’s music has been nominated for a Toronto Independent Music Award, receives regular airplay on CBC Radio, with one of his singles being named one of CBC’s Most Influential Songs of 2016. He’s also performed with Shangela (RuPaul’s Drag Race) and New York’s upcoming pop Star MAX, toured across North America and Asia as part of the award winning a capella band Eh440, as well as having performed at Toronto’s Dundas Square and Massey Hall and receiving praise from Michael Buble himself. “Centrefold” is set for release Jan 31st.

Based out of Mississauga, Es is an avid fan of hiphop as well as a student of hiphop. Inspired by influences from the golden era of hip hop and music in general, Es makes a conscious effort to take it back to the essence of hip hop...hard beats and raw rhymes. Since 1991, Es has been writing rhymes as a therapeutic release. Fast forward 30 years and he is still as passionate now as he was as a teenager.


As a now proud husband and father of three, he finds solace in sharing his perspectives on life through the lens of maturity and wisdom. His lyrics speak truth, with a level of honesty that makes his material relatable. 


Having released his first solo album in 2012, Es has continued to grow his catalogue to a total of 8 and counting. His 8th and most recent release dropped Sept 2024. Es’ music is hiphop’s breath of fresh air. 

http://esmuzik.bandcamp.com 

For bookings, features and serious inquiries: esemeelango@hotmail.com

Mississauga's Own Creative Engineer
97'
Email For Inquiries: newguyofficial@gmail.com

Contrary to what their name might imply to the inexperienced listener, The Lifts aren’t here for the elevation of your soul, or to sing lighthearted encouragements of self-confidence, or offer cosmetic surgery on your face. They’re here to be your new drug. Or, at the very least, tell you about a few bad trips
 
Drawing their influences from an eclectic mix of music ranging from traditional blues, grunge, psychedelic rock, and funk, The Lifts occupy a diverse sonic landscape that chills you as it warns.
 
If that buzzing feeling in the tips of your fingers hasn’t subsided by the time you have finished listening, you might need some time to recover.
 
That’s your body descending from this band-ecstasy in an airplane, head full of cost-effective mescaline, ready for another hit or a Mexican vacation. Whatever’s cheaper. Whatever lifts you up.

Hey guys!
I love to sing and play the guitar, so hope you enjoy this channel :)

Starfall is a four piece alternative band based out of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. The band formed in September of 2010, under the name "Blood of the Fallen".

After going through a number of try outs to find a vocalist, Jimere Bryan contacted them. They had found their front man. Soon after this, Colin Holman contacted the band and filled the position as their bassist. At this point Blood of the Fallen now had a complete lineup and felt that things were starting to fall into place. 

They began writing, and in January of 2012 they entered the studio to begin recording for their debut EP titled "Havoc On the Ocean Floor". About half way through recording it, they released their first single "Chasing Your Voice". The band received positive feedback from this song and with that they were confident in releasing their EP.

The band released a new single in 2013 called "Shards". In light of the new direction and after some lengthy discussions, the band decided that it was time for a name change. Thus "Starfall" was born.

In 2014 guitarist Chris Black departed from the band, and the search for a new guitarist began. After numerous months of searching, Ryan Morrison joined to round out the group. 

- Members -

Jimere Bryan  - Vocals/Keys

Ryan Morrison - Guitars

Stephen Miskie - Drums

Colin Holman - Bass

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Former:
Chris Black - Guitar (2010 - 2014)

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