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Alanna Cherote New Single Featuring Ron Sexsmith

Today marks the release of Australian singer/songwriter Alanna Cherote's new single, All In Good Time, a divine cover of the Ron Sexsmith song. You can purchase this single on iTunes or directly from our store.

The story of how this recording came about....In the latter part of 2010 during the final stages of recording her debut album "Paper Flower" Alanna decided to do her own interpretation of one of her favourite Ron compositions. As fate would have it when Alanna visited Canada in 2011 she met Ron at one of her shows! Upon returning home to Australia she and Ron kept in touch. A few months passed and Alanna decided to go back into the studio and do a brand new version of the track. After sending it off to Ron he agreed to add some vocal parts and we present to you the final version of that collaboration!

Morgan Cameron Ross Too Sexy For Quebec

Viewer complaints at Quebec's music video channel Musimax were responsible for "My Brother Went to Prison" a music video by Morgan Cameron Ross, being pulled from the airwaves just before Christmas. The sexually explicit nature of the video has resulted in very little on- screen time at Canadian television outlets. Online viewership has increased of course and the early part of 2012 will see MTV.com adding the video into rotation. Seven edits to the 'uncensored' version were requested by the U.S. network where the video has now been approved.

Morgan and his friend Remi Rybicki created the video for a mere $800 without help from any government assisted grants or loans. Alan Cross famed Canadian broadcaster and blogger wrote "too sexual for Quebec?...have these people never been to Club Supersexe?" Video director Rybicki summed up his feelings about the reaction to the video by saying "I find this all a bit humourous!"

After successful shows right across Canada in 2011, Morgan justl began 2012 with a series of shows at The Supermarket in Toronto. Morgan will perform every other Wednesday at the club concluding on February 22nd.

The video is available now as both 'censored' and 'uncensored' versions - you can decide for yourself if it's just too hot....

Complicate Things - The Brand New Papermaps Video

"Complicate Things" is the follow-up to Papermap's first single and band-made video "Reunion" from their 2011 self- titled debut album.

This video was directed by Sammy Ray Welch and filmed in Toronto. Papermaps are fronted by singer/songwriter/engineer/producer Dean Marino who has worked with such acts as Tokyo Police Club, C'Mon, and the Black Keys. Papermaps recently played at CMJ and Halifax Pop Explosion. Watch for new dates in Southern Ontario soon!

Sparks Music and Universal Music Canada Strike Distribution Deal

Sparks Music and Universal Music Canada, the country's leading music company have recently struck a deal that will see the Sparks Music catalogue plus their new releases distributed exclusively through Universal as of January 2, 2012.

"We are very happy about our new arrangement with Randy Lennox and his team," says Larry Macrae, President of Sparks, "our initial meetings withe the Universal staff show us that Randy has put together an exciting team of young and aggressive marketers and A+R music people!"

The Sparks Music roster includes CHIN (Chin Injeti), Papermaps, Morgan Cameron Ross (Birds of Wales), Australian singer/songwriter Alanna Cherote, Bill Priddle and Irish hitmakers FRED. Sparks Music also distributes Ready Records which includes the Spoons catalogue and the very first recording of Colin Linden at the legendary Horseshoe Tavern.

In the fall of 2012, Sparks/Ready will be releasing a special 30th Anniversary version of the Spoons "Arias and Symphonies".

Vote for Morgan Cameron Ross and Papermaps for the Top 50 New Canadian Songs of 2011

Morgan Cameron Ross's "Hey There Darlin'" and Papermaps "Reunion" and "Angela" have made it into the Top 50 New Canadian Songs on The Verge XM/Sirius Radio but we need your help. The Verge / SiriusXM want you to vote for your favourite 5 songs so they can figure out the top 50 songs of 2011 therefore we encourage you to vote for Morgan Cameron Ross and Papermaps ! 

VOTE HERE (and as often as you like)

Just choose your top five favourites (the first three being Morgan and Papermaps) and submit your votes for the Top 50 New Canadian Songs. Then tune in New Year's Eve and New Year's Day to hear the results on The Verge XM 151 and Iceberg on SIRIUS 151, hosted by Leake.

Morgan Cameron Ross Returns To Montreal Plays Il Motore December 8th

It has only been three weeks since Morgan Cameron Ross opened for Nick Carter at Club Metropolis! With one band member sick that evening back in Toronto Morgan decided to play solo and drove to Montreal with his guitar in hand. Turning on his usual charm and having some fun with the on stage interpreter and his broken French, he won over a mostly female crowd of 1700 Carter fans and even had a chance to meet Nick back stage where they discussed future gigs they might play together! 'Back by Popular Demand' may be a bit of an exaggeration but the truth is that by the time Morgan returned home to Toronto that weekend he had well over 300 new friends on Facebook and Twitter asking him when he was going to return!

The wait is over, Morgan will be returning to Montreal, performing at Il Motore (179 Rue Jean-Talon West) on Thursday December 8th @ 9pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance for this show as well as his upcoming Ottawa and Vancouver dates - just follow the links below.

December 06 - Elmdale House Tavern - OTTAWA - BUY TICKETS
December 08 - Il Motore - MONTREAL - BUY TICKETS
December 21 - The Railway Club - VANCOUVER - BUY TICKETS

Morgan Cameron Ross Montreal and Vancouver Shows Now On Sale

Morgan Cameron Ross will be performing a headlining show in Montreal on December 8th at Il Motore. He had so much fun at Le Metropolis show last week handling opening act duties for Nick Carter that he's been asked to come back! Then on December 21st, he'll be in hometown of Vancouver playing his annual Christmas show at The Railway Club.  You can purchase advance tickets for both shows. Show info and buy links are below or check the Tour section of the website.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 8th
Il Motore
MONTREAL
$12 Advance (Buy Your Tickets Now)
Doors 7:30pm


WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 21st
Railway Club
VANCOUVER
$10 Advance (Buy Your Tickets Now)
Doors 9pm

Lonesome Heroes Launches At Lula Lounge

Lonesome Heroes Launches At Lula Lounge: Songwriter Circle Series Begins November 8, 2011.

Six Shooter Records presents Lonesome Heroes, a new Tuesday night series highlighting the sheer force of emerging talent in Canada's singer-songwriter community. Lonesome Heroes will feature artists, including our very own Morgan Cameron Ross in workshop-style performances, showcasing songcraft and fostering artistic development, held at Toronto's Lula Lounge.
 
The 6-week songwriter circle series runs from November 8 to December 13, 2011. Tickets are $10 advance, available at www.sixshooterrecords.com and at Lula Lounge. All shows start at 9pm. Doors at 8pm.  Lula Lounge is located at 1585 Dundas St. W., Toronto.

Lonesome Heroes Lineup:
 
November 8:  Graydon James, Josh Cockerill, Kayla Howran, Pigott Brothers 
November 15: Andrea Ramolo, Devin Cuddy, Lee And Billie Strange, Morgan Cameron Ross
November 22: Charles Tilden, Erin Costelo, Jadea Kelly, Terra Lightfoot
November 29: Bryce Jardine, Emma-Lee, Joel Sweet, Samantha Martin
December 6: Danielle Duval, Don Brownrigg, Kendel Carson, Sam Cash
December 13: Ariana Gillis, David Baxter, Julie Fader, Whitney Rose



Check out Lonesome Heroes on Facebook

New Single from Morgan Cameron Ross

Discover "Johnny", the brand new single Morgan Cameron Ross. You can download it on iTunes or get it directly from our store.

Papermaps Heading To CMJ

Papermaps will perform in New York city next week as part of the annual Canadian Blast! Showcase at the CMJ Music Marathon. This showcase is sponsored by SOCAN, CIMA and Heritage Canada. If visiting New York or attending CMJ, just make your way over to Arlene's Grocery on Oct 19th at 9pm sharp.

FRED To Perform At CMJ

The highly anticipated new album from Ireland's FRED will be released in Canada on Sparks Music in the early part of 2012. The album was produced by ex-Arcade Fire drummer Howard Bilerman in his Montreal studio. Howard's credits now include the likes of The Dears, Basia Bulat and Handsome Furs.

The band's new album is entitled Leaving My Empire and has received rave reviews in their homeland! If you are attending CMJ or in New York city next week, make sure to go see FRED who will be performing on three different occasions during this year's CMJ Convention.

Papermaps Announce New Band Member & New Tour Dates

Alanna Cherote's New Music Video

New single and video taken from Alanna Cherote' s full length debut album, Paper Flower. Alanna covers a song originally written and performed by Toronto singer/songwriter Michael Zee. Digital single now available now on iTunes and Sparks Music. This music video was directed by Darrin Klimek.

Alanna Cherote Returns To Canada

Sparks Music recording artist Alanna Cherote (sher-oh-tee) will be returning to Canada this fall from her native Australia. Alanna will be performing several tour dates across the country, supporting her spring 2011 CD release, PAPER FLOWER.

Upcoming Tour Dates:
October 15            Vancouver, BC            Railway Club
October 19            Calgary, AB                 Ironwood [tbc]
October 20            Edmonton, AB            Haven Social Club
October 22            Winnipeg, MN            Garage Cafe [tbc]
October 26            Toronto, ON               Hugh's Room
October 27            Ottawa, ON                Elmdale Tavern
November 1           Kingston, ON            The Mansion
November 3           London, ON               London Music Club

Papermaps Brand New Official "Fan-Made" Video

Reunion is the "official" first video from Papermaps. It's totally homemade (or rather fan-made) except for the stuff the band did in their rehearsal space. The concept - they asked fans to send video clips of themselves answering the question: "If you could send a message back in time to yourself at age 16, what would you say?"

Enjoy!

Chin To Join The 10th Annual Music Therapy Ride

The Music Therapy Ride Committee is pleased to announce Chin Injeti and Colin James as celebrity guests for the 2011 Music Therapy Ride on Saturday, September 17, 2011.

Chin is an award-winning producer, artist and writer for his work on Eminem's Recovery (2011 Grammy for Best Rap Album) and the Young Artists for Haiti single "Wavin' Flag" (2011 Juno for Single of the Year). He is no stranger to music therapy, having spent six of his childhood years in hospital after being diagnosed with polio. Confined to a wheelchair for many years, Chin spent that time listening to everything from Motown to hard rock and discovered hip-hop to be his true love.

Chin says, "Music therapy saved my life – physically and spiritually. It all started for me when I was in kindergarten. I went from a wheelchair to a walker to crutches and learned how to walk because of it. I would not be who I am without it."

For more information on how to join this year's ride or to make a donation, please visit www.musictherapyride.org

Tin Star Orphans Featured in Call of Juarez Online Trailer

If you're watching the new internet trailer for Ubisoft's game, "Call of Juarez", you might recognize the sounds of those post apocalyptic surf guitars...yes indeed that's an instrumental version of Tins Star Orphans' "Men With Guns" cranking out in the background.

Makes sense in a way! You can hear the music in the opening sequence of this video.
NOTE: Contains some strong language which may be inappropriate for a young audience.

New Papermaps Single & Toronto Show This Week

The good news this week is that the remix of "Complicate Things", the latest single from Papermaps is now available on iTunes. The better news is that Sparks Music is also offering this new single but as an added bonus, we are including the album version and the remixed version by producer Harry Hess (known for his work with bands like Die Mannequin) for the low low price of 89 cents!!!

Order It Here or visit our store page. For more information, visit the Official Papermaps website at www.papermaps.net

And do not forget to make your way to The Horseshoe Tavern this Thursday September 8th. Doors are at 8pm, Papermaps are on at 11pm. Cover charge is $6. This is a 19+ event.  Hope to see you there!

Canada Can't Get Enough Of Alanna Cherote

Canada loves Alanna and Alanna loves Canada just as much! The Australian singer/songwriter Alanna Cherote just found out that a song of hers, "Don't You Think That We Should Be Together" was selected for an upcoming German feature film entitled "Festung", which just happens to be premiering this week at the Montreal Film Festival!!!

Seems that Alanna and Canada have a growing love affair that just keeps heating up. This is why Alanna will be heading back this way to for a national tour this Fall.

Details to follow.

Morgan Cameron Ross Heads Out East

Vancouver native and frontman of Birds of Wales, Morgan Cameron Ross, will be venturing to the Maritimes for three live performances in Halifax (he's performing at the Halifax Folk Festival), one in Sydney and one in Moncton later this month. For complete details visit our Tour page

Morgan's East Coast shows are:

August 30 - Moncton, NB – Plan B Lounge
August 31 - Halifax, NS - The Carlton **
September 1 - Halifax, NS - The Seahorse **
September 2 - Sydney, NS – The Govenor
September 3 - Halifax, NS - The Foggy Goggle **
** Halifax Folk Festival

The "Uncensored" version of My Brother Went To Prison Video Now Online

You can now watch the UNCENSORED version of  "My Brother Went to Prison", the new (and very sexy) new music video from Morgan Cameron Ross RIGHT HERE. This new video and single (available now on iTunes) is a departure from the upbeat track like the first single "Let It Go" and shows the darker side of Morgan's storytelling.

The video for 'My Brother Went to Prison' was conceptualized by Morgan and and his long-time friend, Remi Rybicki, who also directed the video. This is a story of a man who is not living up to his potential...a wanderer.

MORGAN CAMERON ROSS - My Brother Went To Prison (Uncensored Version)

You can watch the "CENSORED" version on the Sparks Music YouTube Channel or the Morgan Cameron Ross YouTube Channel.

New Morgan Cameron Ross Single & Exclusive Bundles Now Available

The new Morgan Cameron Ross single "My Brother Went To Prison" is now available on iTunes and on the Sparks Music store. In fact, we are offering this new single as part of a really cool bundle which includes a high quality MP3 of the new single, two alternate covers and iPad & iPhone/iPod ready versions of the "uncensored" or "censored" video. This yet-to-be-released video comes in two flavours - "uncensored" and "censored" - you can purchase the bundle you feel is right for you.

CLICK HERE - My Brother Went To Prison UNCENSORED BUNDLE - Only $1.29


CLICK HERE - My Brother Went To Prison CENSORED BUNDLE - Only $1.29


Or purchase the song on iTunes

Papermaps and Morgan Cameron Ross on the Charts!

Two new releases on Sparks Music are showing signs of early success!

Papermaps recently hit the Top 20 simultaneously on both of the national campus radio charts [Earshot and chartattack]. The first single "Reunion" has also jumped onto the Mediabase Alternative Rock chart at #46 being driven by early airplay on XM and Sirius satellite radio plus CBC Radio 1 and 3.

Morgan Cameron Ross's debut solo album has seen good initial radio support at XM The Verge where it went Top 10 on their 'Grocery List' plus the video for the first single/video "Let It Go" landed at #8 on the MuchmoreMusic fan based countdown.

A new video for his song "My Brother Went to Prison" will be ready for release shortly.

Morgan Cameron Ross Vancouver CD Release Show

Morgan Cameron Ross' Vancouver CD Release show is taking place on Friday August 12th at the Media Club!

The Birds of Wales' frontman, just released his first solo album and will be playing tunes off the new, self titled disc. The first single off the album, "Let It Go" features Daniel Welsey and is available as a FREE download at morgancameronross.com.

Tickets can be purchased at Zulu, Scratch, Red Cat or online at www.imuproductions.com. Other acts on the bill include The RACKET, QUICKNESS & The POST WAR. Tickets are only $10. Doors at 8pm. Hope to see you there.

Morgan Cameron Ross CD Release Party Today!!

For all of you living in the GTA, make sure to come on out this evening. Show your support and come encourage Morgan Cameron Ross as he celebrates the release of this brand new self-titled solo album. The festivities take place this evening at The Rivoli (334 Queen St. W). Doors at 8pm and tickets are only $10 advance and $15 at the door.  You must be 19+ to attend.

Here's a video invite from Morgan himself explaining the release party!
 

Be In The Papermaps Reunion Video!

Papermaps are putting together a video for their song "Reunion," and they need your help. The idea for this music video will be comprised of a series of short clips of people holding up signs that answer the following question:

If you could send a message back in time to yourself at age 16, what would you say?

The answer could be anything. It can be funny/serious/deadpan/crazy/sexy/goofy/cute — anything! Just make sure it's something you're comfortable sharing publicly.

So break out your iPhones/Androids/Webcams, etc and get shooting. All the band needs is a good 20 to 30 seconds. All the details and guidelines are listed below.

- Please make the videos 20 to 30 seconds long — the clips will display in the final product for about a quarter of that time, but 20 second clips will give us more flexibility during the editing process.
- Make sure there's enough light that we can see your beautiful faces!
- Landscape orientation only, please (not portrait).
- Record in HD if you can, but it's not necessary. work fine — just use the highest res and show your best side!
- Try to choose an interesting background. Maybe on the streetcar, or at a show or a party. Or anywhere. You can get another friend involved too, as long as we can see your smiling faces and your messages.
- Write your message in thick black marker on an 8.5?x11? sheet of paper. Make sure the writing is nice and big, so people can read it.
- When you're done, you can send the clip (10 meg or smaller) to me as an attachment ex.po.dean (at sign) gmail (dot com).   Or you can send it to me via yousendit.com

You can also upload the video to the following FTP site:
ftp://ftp.filmhouserecordings.com/incoming
user name: anonymous
(no password)

Please rename the file with something useful (like your name) so that it's not MVI_65764.avi or some junk like that.

Deadline is May 27th, 2011.

If you know someone who likes the music and might be interested, please pass this along! Questions? Write the band at ex.po.dean@gmail.com

We hope you'll take part! — Follow this link to view a sample video of what the band is looking for.

Today Marks The Start Of A New Canadian Era!

Today marks the start of a new Canadian era!!!

That's because Sparks Music is please to release the new solo record from Morgan Cameron Ross! You can listen to the entire new album right on our home page and to celebrate let's all take a moment to vote for his current video, "Let It Go", which is making its way up the Top 20 MuchMore charts- VOTE HERE. Every vote counts...

You can download his new album directly from our website for only $8.00 or order an autographed CD for only $10.00 (and download the album while we ship the CD). Of course, you can also get his new record from iTunes, MapleMusic or wherever you shop for music.

Morgan Cameron Ross Returns With Eagerly Anticipated Self-Titled Solo Album

Morgan Cameron Ross has taken a break from recording with his critically-acclaimed band, Birds of Wales, to release his self-titled debut solo album on the Sparks Music/ EMI imprint on May 3, 2011.

Following the release of Birds of Wales 2010 album, Belgravia Hotel, the band felt it time to go on hiatus, and Morgan decided to take the opportunity to write and record an album that was completely his. "This album is everything I wanted it to be. For me, it was therapeutic. I just needed to get away from the con- trol of everyone else," Morgan explains. "I chose all the songs. It was produced the way I wanted it to sound. "

Working in Vancouver with hand-picked producer Jon Anderson, the result is a collection of tracks from the poppy, fun "Let it Go" (Daniel Wesley guests on vocals), with a video starring the most adorable puppy in the world (you can check out the video on his YouTube page or catch it on MuchMusic where it's in Heavy rotation), to "I'll Hold On To Your Heart" (featuring Holly McNarland), about loving someone long after the break up; to the Sexsmith co-write " We've All Had Broken Hearts". Two other uptempo songs (Hey There Darlin and Johnny) were added to the collection when Morgan hooked up with songwriter/producer Ian Smith in Waterloo Ontario to write and record at his studio The Whitehouse.

Morgan's self-titled album will be released on May 3, 2011.

The track listing is as follows:

Hey There Darlin
Let It Go
Johnny
I'll Hold On To Your Heart
My Brother Went To Prison
A Few More Days
13C
Every Mile and Passing Year
We've All Had Broken Hearts
Storybook Romance

Tour dates will be announced soon starting Spring 2011.

Papermaps Out Today - Get A Free Download

Today marks the release of Papermaps' self-titled debut album. You can listen to the entire new album right here on the Sparks Music website and download a free MP3 of the track entitled "Reunion" from our good friends at Explore Music who picked it as "The Indie Track of the Day". Head on over to Explore Music to get your free download. After you've done downloading the track and checking out the tunes, you can purchase the new album via our store or on iTunes, if so inclined.

Also check the upcoming Papermaps tour dates and official CD release party coming at the end of this month in Toronto.

Papermaps Eponymous Debut Due On April 19

Sparks Music is pleased to announce that the self-titled album from PAPERMAPS will be released on April 19, 2011. The four members of Toronto band Papermaps: Dean Marino, Wendy Leung, Todd Harrison and Bobby Lee, share a love for making "picture-perfect indie power pop," influenced by bands such as Spoon, Big Star, Television, the Beatles and MGMT.

Dean Marino, the band's founder and leader, has worked behind the scenes in Toronto since 2003, manning the console at Chemical Sound Recording Studio as Assistant Engineer, then Head Engineer and eventually co-owner. He has worked with acts including Tokyo Police Club, The Black Keys, Born Ruffians and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. However, Dean had always been a songwriter and performer at heart. Working off-hours, while climbing the ranks at Chemical, he pieced together his debut album and in 2008 released Central Meaner Street (under the band name EX~PO ).

Beginning in mid- April, Papermaps will play in Ottawa, Guelph, Windsor, Waterloo, St. Catharines and London [see dates below] before returning home for their official CD release party at Sneaky Dee's on Friday, April 29.

Check out what the critics are saying about Papermaps:

"A distinctly pop-driven sound...fleshed out by experimental flourishes and satistyingly fuzzy shoe-gazey bits," – NoDepression.com

"Upbeat, structured indie-pop,"- InYourSpeakers.com

"Traverses borders, bringing music that is fresh, brave and insightful,"- AWMusic.com

Papermaps Tour Dates:

April 15    Ottawa, ON - Zaphod's
April 20     Waterloo, ON - Maxwell's
April 22     Guelph, ON - Jimmy Jazz
April 23     Windsor, ON - Phog Lounge
April 26     St Catharines, ON - Mansion House
April 29     Toronto, ON - Sneaky Dee's
April 30    London, ON - Alex B. Keaton

Paper Flower In Stores Today

Paper Flower, Alanna Cherote's debut full-length album is out today. You can get it on iTunes or pick up a high quality 320MP3 version directly from Sparks Music. Visit our Store page or Alanna's Artist page to listen to the entire new album.

Paper Flower features 14 beautiful songs influenced by contemporary artists such as Sheryl Crow, Bon Iver, Ron Sexsmith, Feist and Brandi Carlisle. The album was co-produced with Australian producer Chris Vallejo (Empire of the Sun/Katie Noonan).  Three Canadian songs appear on this project including "All in Good Time" by Ron Sexsmith and "(Make Me Do) Anything You Want" by A Foot in Cold Water.  The album will be released in her native homeland of Australia/New Zealand on the independent label Other Tongues on April 1, 2011.

Sparks CMW Showcases

It's that time of year again when Canadian Music Week is upon us. This year Sparks Music is proud to showcase Alanna Cherote and Morgan Cameron Ross, two new label signings who are just about to release new records. Paper Flower, Alanna's upcoming new album will be instores as of Tuesday March 15th and Morgan Cameron Ross's new album is scheduled for a May 3rd release.

Both artists are performing this weekend, you can catch them as follows:
ALANNA CHEROTE
Thursday, March 10 - Library Bar (inside Royal York Hotel), onstage @ 11:30 PM
Friday, March 11 - Free Times Cafe, onstage @ 11:00 PM

MORGAN CAMERON ROSS
Saturday, March 12 - Supermarket, onstage @ 9:00 PM

For more complete details, see the Tour listings and enjoy Morgan's video on why you should attend his upcoming show.

Two For Tuesday - CHIN and Morgan Cameron Ross Have New Releases Today.

CHIN's Re'tach EP is now available on iTunes. This 5-track digital only release features 4 reworked tracks plus a previously unreleased track called "Stay f. Moneca Delain". Listen to the new tracks at CHIN's artist page and check out the stunning video for the Re'tach Radio Version of "Fiya Fiya".

Morgan Cameron Ross also have a new single available on iTunes today.. In fact, this remixed version of "Let It Go" features Daniel Wesley on backing vocals. You can get a copy on iTunes, purchase a high quality MP3 from us directly or download it for FREE from www.morgancameronross.com.  Also check out the video for the single featuring his new puppy. Make sure to head on over to his Facebook page afterwards to enter the "Name The Puppy" contest.

Chin Celebrates Grammy Nomination Alongside Eminem

Eminem's  multi-platinum album Recovery received a nomination in the coveted  ALBUM of THE YEAR  category at last night's 53rd Grammy Awards. Eminem led the nomination pack this year, with a total of 10 nods.
 
The nomination announcement marked a big day for Sparks Music's Chin Injeti as he contributed to two songs which appear on Recovery: he has writing and performance credits on "Almost Famous" and "Talkin' 2 Myself". These songs are 2 of 4 that were produced by DJ Khalil, CHIN's production partner.
 
CHIN and DJ Khalil have worked together for the past 4 years and have produced and worked with some of hip-hop's biggest stars including 50 Cent (with R. Kelly) and Clipse (with Kanye West).

In addition to lending their production talents to some of today's top Rap superstars, the two just recently re-recorded CHIN's current single "Fiya Fiya" from his 2010 CD D'tach. CHIN has also remixed several other tracks and recorded one new song all of which will be included on a 5 track digital EP, entitled Re'tach. Re'tach will be released on iTunes via Sparks/EMI on February 15.
 
A new video for "Fiya Fiya" was serviced to television outlets across Canada on January 31. You can watch it right here.

Alanna Cherote's New Single Now Available

PAPER FLOWER, the debut full-length album from Australian born Alanna Cherote features 14 beautiful songs influenced by contemporary artists such as Sheryl Crow, Bon Iver, Ron Sexsmith, Feist and Brandy Carlisle.

This album was co-produced with Australian producer Chris Vallejo (Empire of the Sun/Katie Noonan) and features a reworked rendition of the Canadian classic, "(Make Me Do) Anything You Want" by A Foot in Cold Water as well as two other Canadian songs. This song is now available on iTunes and while you're at it, check out the music video.

The album will be released through Sparks/EMI in Canada on March 15, 2011 and in Australia/New Zealand on the independent label Other Tongues.

Vancouver Comes Together For Shaun G Celebration Concert

CHIN and a cast of Vancouver's best local musicians and Djs have come together  for a special concert & fundraiser. The "100G For Shaun G Celebration Concert" is a tribute to Shaun G, and to raise funds and awareness for cancer.

About the 100G For Shaun G Celebration Concert:

Shaun G was one of Vancouver's most genuine and positive people. The proceeds from this party are going directly to the newly created Shaun G Foundation. The goal for the night is to break $100,000. The Shaun G Foundation will distribute funds to all types of cancer research in Canada, including much needed research for Angiosarcoma, the rare type of cancer Shaun had.

For more information, visit the Facebook Event page and if you live in the Vancouver area, show your support tonight and tomorrow by attending the show at The Commodore Ballroom.

Sparks Signs Australian Singer Songwriter Alanna Cherote

Sparks Music/Gutenberg Songs are proud to announce the signing of Australian singer/songwriter Alanna Cherote to an international deal outside of Australia and New Zealand. Initially Alanna's debut album "Paper Flower" will be released in Canada, New Zealand and Australia in the early part of 2011. Alanna comes from a large musical family. She was the eldest of five children and it was her mother a singer and guitarist who encouraged the children to seekout their musical aspirations.

But it was Alanna who decided to chase her dream and at an early age won Best Song of the Year at the Music OZ Awards!

Her confidence boosted she released a four track EP entitled "Universal Need" and independently booked and promoted her own tour throughout Europe.

She later hooked up with Australian producer Chris Vallejo and began working on the creation of her debut album "Paper Flower".

Most recently Alanna spent time in both Montreal and Toronto working on two videos and doing a photo shoot for Sparks Music as they prepare to launch her first single "[Make Me Do] Anything You Want" a track that originally hit the top of the Canadian charts by 70's rockers A Foot in Cold Water!

Sparks Music Presents -Morgan Cameron Ross & Alanna Cherote

Morgan Cameron Ross, singer and songwriter from the Toronto band, Birds of Wales, is playing a solo show at The Rivoli on Thursday November 11th. This is your chance to hear some great new music from Morgan Cameron Ross as well as a young lady from Sydney, Australia named Alanna Cherote, whose first full length album entitled Paper Flower will be released in Canada via Sparks Music in the Spring of 2011.

For this special evening, Alanna will be performing alongside Morgan (he will also be playing his own set later that evening). Sparks Music also has plans to release his solo record in March 2011. But you do not need to wait to get a taste - download a FREE MP3 of "Let It Go", the first single at www.morgancameronross.com

You can purchase tickets to this special show RIGHT HERE. Tickets are only $8.00. You must be 19 & Over to attend. Hope to see you all there.

Brand New Single From CHIN Now Available

Brand new single from CHIN has just been released from CHIN's new album entitled, "D'Tach". This song was re-recorded and re-arranged by CHIN and his production partner DJ Khalil in CHIN's Vancouver studio and mixed in Atlanta by Phil Tan, who has worked with Rihanna, Fergie and Usher!!!

CHIN who co-founded Toronto's ground-breaking group Bass is Base has been busy over the last few years with his L.A. based production partner DJ Khalil working with such acts as Dr. Dre, Clipse, Zaki Ibrahim plus such Canadian artists as Bedouin Soundclash, Drake, K'naan and Hot Hot Heat!

Check out the new version of 'Fiya Fiya'. This uplifting and anthemic song is sure to pleas and is now available on iTunes - follow this link to check it out.

The Days Of Blinding Fear Is Here

We've been busy gearing up for the "official" release of the new Tin Star Orphans disc, entitled, The Days of Blinding Fear,. It's available digitally today on iTunes and of course on the Sparks Music store! If you purchase from the band's website or from our store, we'll throw in an exclusive bonus track and a deluxe digital booklet - both of which cannot be found anywhere else! Not a bad deal for $8.00.

You'll be able to pick up the physical version in all it's glory starting Tuesday, September 21st. If you're in the Toronto area, look for a series of shows coming this September and October. The band will be celebrating with a CD Release show on September 17th at The Rivoli.



You can always stream the album free at: http://thedaysofblindingfear.com and come join us at the following TSO shows:

September 17 @ The Rivoli, Toronto, ON
September 22 @ Supermarket, Toronto, ON
October 5 @ The Horseshoe Tavern, Toronto, ON
October 14 @ The Rivoli, Toronto, ON - Indie Music Week

Chin Plays A Role in Eminem’s Road to Recovery

In 2009 singer/songwriter/producer Chin Injeti found himself amongst some impressive company having worked on and co-produced tracks for the Clipse, 50 Cent, and Drake.

Lots To See At NXNE

Sparks Music will be busy this weekend as both Birds Of Wales and Chin will be performing at this year's NXNE Music Festival. You can catch Birds Of Wales at The Supermarket on Friday, June 18 @ 10pm. Then on Sunday June 20, make your way over to Yonge-Dundas Square to see Chin and De La Soul. show starts at 5pm and it's free.