Music

VANCOUVER JAZZ MUSICIAN ANITA ECCLESTON VISITED BY GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST ON NEW HOLIDAY SINGLE “LONG NIGHTS”

Vancouver musician Anita Eccleston is excited to announce the release of her new holiday single ‘Long Nights’ out today on all digital streaming platforms. A cozy holiday song with a laid-back jazzy vibe, ‘Long Nights’ is brimming with nostalgia for family Christmases. Like many musicians last year, Anita took solace in music and writing songs to escape the pandemic, fighting through the noise and turmoil and trying to stay sane. Weeks and months passed and then suddenly, yet slowly it was Christmastime.

“I turned my thoughts inward, to my family and the many Christmases at the home where I grew up,” says Anita. “I saw in my mind’s eye the view of the Christmas lights out above my bedroom window as a child. I remembered gazing into the night sky at the stars, wondering if the bright one was the Christmas Star, the longest nights of the year, especially Christmas Eve, waiting for morning, excited and filled with wonder.”

Nostalgia inspired an idyllic remembrance, and the song poured out of her in a couple of days. And although she was unable to be home in Kamloops for Christmas after such a hard year, she was able to share the song with her family via a Christmas Day Zoom call. Anita then banded together with cellist Doug Gorkoff (Black Dog String Quartet, The Living, Plastic Acid Orchestra) to produce the recording at her home studio.

“When this thing started, everyone had to figure out how to record at home,” says Anita. “We made this recording in my basement, in a cozy room packed with books and musical instruments.”

Kris Ruston (Death Mountain Sound) mixed the track and Chris Gestrin (Public Alley 421) mastered it. And Anita partnered up with Patrick Collins (Alwaysfurther Films, This End Up, Peaches) to produce the music video to accompany the song. This year Anita is glad to give her song to the world, a present she hopes will warm hearts and stir up the enduring nostalgia the season brings, like a winter oasis, every year. And she is also finally planning a trip home.

‘Long Nights’ is available now on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers and streaming services worldwide. For more info, please visit anitaeccleston.com

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Album Review

Dian Sheng explores identity, life and love with “Sid” album

Dian Sheng releases his long-awaited first English-language album, “Sid,” a genre-defying collection of songs that includes pop, rock, electronic, and jazz. “Sid” is a deep, meditative exploration of identity, relationships, and self-growth, spanning 29 minutes and 12 seconds across eight tracks. This album is a personal exploration of the complex emotions of mankind and the vitality and jubilation of life.

From the opening track, “Right Now,” Dian Sheng establishes a sense of urgency and reflection. The upbeat song “I Come From Far” examines the connection between the self and one’s environment. It has joyful beats and layers that make you think and feel like part of the narrative.

The jazz ballad “Undecided Love” delves into the complexities of modern romance, featuring tender vocals and instrumentation that showcase Sheng’s delicate touch as a songwriter. “It Will Be Alright” is an empowering anthem about overcoming life’s biggest obstacles, combining electronic beats with a rock influence.

“Seventeen” is bursting with youthful energy, and its production captures the restlessness and emotionality of adolescent life. Two introspective songs with similar atmospheres, “The Way Before” and “This Life,” match chilling melodies with moving lyrics that touch on bygone relationships, self-awareness, and the quest for meaning we all experience.

The album concludes with “Shining As Your Name,” and the final few minutes of this piece alone evoke a strong sense of hope. Dian Sheng demonstrates his ability to join emotional depth with new styles. “Sid” is an invitation into the rich musical universe of Dian Sheng, where you can both consider yourself and feel influenced.

Written by:

Faith Koch

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Artist Spotlight

Feel the vibe with Sporty-O’s new EP “The P.L.U.R. Project,” a blend of emotions and sound

“The P.L.U.R. Project” begins like a rush of light across a crowded dance floor as jubilant, purposeful, and very human. This seven-song, 29-minute journey from the EDM pioneer Sporty-O is a cultural reset built around peace, love, unity, and respect.

Sporty-O establishes the emotional timbre for the entire project from the first track of its lead single, “Spirit Higher.” The song is anthemic, its purposes well outlined despite a high-gloss production. It’s a centerpiece that establishes the mood of an intensive exploration of sound and self-awareness.

“The P.L.U.R. Project” is just as much about managing your feelings as it is about moving. Sporty-O creates each record with intention, writing things that make people think on the dance floor. Another high-energy song is “Happy Together,” with Lorme and Chris Willis, pulsing warmth and togetherness. “SOLD!” has a clean, feel-good sound that embodies the community spirit of EDM culture.

Sporty-O embraces a multi-genre EDM palette on the EP, fusing forward-thinking sounds with uptempo beats. Tracks like “Revolution” with Specimen A and “Geek’d Up” with Baby Sweet provide lots of energy and edge. “Piece Of My Mind” is more introspective, while “Cheveyo” features a diverse array of collaborators and culminates in a rich, layered sound, all while maintaining a global welcoming spirit.

What makes this project unique is that it serves both and reminds people of the origins of dance culture. Sporty-O aims to help people rediscover the heartbeat of the community. “The P.L.U.R. Project” is an EDM experience that reaches beyond the speakers, colorful and thoughtful about meaning in music-based culture.