UNEDITED>>

Drummer Cody Ash came to Niagara to speak with the students at Notre Dame High School. Following that I sat down and chatted with him at STK at the Embassy Suites in Niagara Falls about his drumming career and tour like playing drums with Country Star Jelly Roll.

Cody Ash is the energetic touring drummer for country-rap artist Jelly Roll, known for his powerful style, originating from Mount Washington, Kentucky, and transitioning from a metalcore background with bands like Sylar and O'Kingdom to country music, earning endorsements from drum brands like DW Drums and Remo, and showcasing his skills in viral videos playing heavy metal tracks.

Canadian-born Rick Hughes is the lead singer of the legendary heavy-metal band Sword and of the hard-rock band Saints & Sinners, during his career he has played hundreds of headline shows and has opened for Metallica, Motorhead, Metal Church, Alice Cooper, Bon Jovi, Warlock, Anthrax, Black Label Society, Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, WASP, Helix, Styx, and Lee Aaron.

Blessed with a great range and a powerful voice, Rick Hughes has performed in the USA, Canada, Europe, and Japan, and is a highly respected rock and metal vocalist internationally. His main influences are Robert Plant, Ronnie James Dio, Rob Halford and French-Legend Johnny Hallyday.

His new solo album "Redemption" was produced by John Webster (Aerosmith, Tom Cochrane, Motley Crue, etc.) in Vancouver and Los Angeles and features some of the top metal and hard-rock musicians in the world, including an incredible reunion for its first single and video.

"After over four decades of touring and recording, it’s truly special to see this anniversary release come to life," Curran says. "The artwork, rare photos, and the discovery of the Cleveland Agora live audio from our very first show in the USA add a perfect finishing touch for the band and our dedicated fans.”

Dixon adds, "Our show at the Redwood Theatre will be the first time presenting the mighty Hatch sound in an Unplugged & Acoustic format. Still intense, with the same tightness and power that all these years together have built, but with more nuance and emphasis on the songs and vocals. We have some surprises planned and we can't wait to show off our skills in a new setting!”

I sat down on ZOOM to Chat with founding member and bass player ANDY CURRAN to talk about the re-issue of the bands debut album, touched on some Andy Curran Solo material and a shout out to local band SUICIDE STAR for the remake of MONKEY BARS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cihnyk5LyLE&list=RDCihnyk5LyLE&start_radio=1

Suicide Star Live at OLG Fallsview Casino

Formed in late 2020 and comprised of veteran musicians Rob Barton, Dakota Prince, Aki Maris, Gary Borden and Brian Hamilton, Suicide Star has a dynamic and cutting-edge hard rock sound, mixing the familiar with the new while delivering a heavy bite with catchy ear-splitting melodies.

Having played in multiple bands and recording acts as well as touring through Canada and parts of the U.S. Suicide Star are no strangers to success. Aki and Brian are ex members of long-time recording act, Step Echo, who's two studio albums gained considerable popularity in their native Canada and overseas. Gary Borden has had prolific success playing as a member of such bands as Sass Jordan, Helix and Gowan.

Dakota Prince, also familiar with the spotlight has shared the stage with such bands as George Canyon, Big Sugar and Headley while having his music played country wide on such stations as 97.7 HTZ FM and 91.3 FM.

When Step Echo split in late 2018 Brian and Aki felt they still had some music left in them to write and after a brief hiatus, decided the time was right for something new.

In early 2020, excited about the prospect of a fresh start, the band needed a new lead vocalist. Founding member and drummer of Step Echo, Brian Hamilton, reached out to high school friend, Rob Barton--himself a veteran of the Ontario music scene who played alongside bands such as Collective Soul, Lee Aaron and Killer Dwarfs--asking if he would be interested in providing lead vocals for a new project. Realizing he was enthusiastic to write and record again, Rob readily agreed. After a successful meeting with the guys over a few drinks on a local patio, Suicide Star was formed.

A year in the making and recorded individually in their own homes, Suicide Star's debut album—aptly named Isolation—is a labor of love. It defies conventional categorization, while delivering a bombastic thrill ride most listeners would find pleasingly recognizable.

With the recent release of their new single ‘Auntie Anxiety’ as a precursor to their second album entitled ‘Generation Doom’, Suicide Star will continue to bring their hard-hitting sound to stages throughout Ontario and beyond.

February 28th Robin McAuley releases his 3rd solo album. I am privileged to call Robin a friend! from McAuley-Schenker to Survivor, Raiding the Rock Vault in Las Vegas and Black Swan Band! follow him and enjoy this new album.

I had the privilege of sitting down tonight and chatting with Robin about this brand new album. The album is called SOULBOUND and is his third on Frontiers Records. Robin worked with a brand new producer ALDO LONOBILE. Robin shares the latest as well on a new Black Swan record and what his plans are for 2025!

This week’s offering comes from Danny Drouin, the East Coast Country Music Association Star Search Winner from Wellington, Prince Edward Island. Danny’s song “Friday Nights” evokes a simpler time in a small town. I think we can all relate to that.

Danny joined me to chat about his new single! a song this is currently on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown chart! portions of the interview air on HOT TRAX Radio Show that features some of the best of the CICC.

https://dannydrouin.com/

Glass Tiger fans are in for an unforgettable experience as Canadian rock icons are joined by opening act Erica Ehm for select dates on their cross-country tour. Known for her pioneering role as one of the early hosts on MuchMusic. Ehm brings her talent, energy, and legendary insights to the stage, engaging fans with retro video clips, behind the scenes stories and surprise opportunities for audience participation. Each show promises a blend of Glass Tiger's anthemic hits and Ehm's captivating personality, bringing nostalgic music memories back to life.

They’ll be at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre on December 4

Bio (Drive focused):

Janna Leduc, a dynamic and powerhouse vocalist from Milverton, Ontario, is ready to make her mark with the release of "Drive," the first single from her highly anticipated album Long Time Coming. Known for her high-energy performances and commanding stage presence, Janna has spent years honing her craft, becoming a standout talent in the Canadian country music scene. Over the years, she’s been the supporting act to some of the industry's biggest names, including Jade Eagleson, Billy Currington, and Steven Lee Olson, to name a few. "Drive" is an anthem of determination and resilience, and it marks a bold new chapter in Janna's musical journey. The music video for the song captures the same energy and passion that fans have come to expect from her live shows, setting the tone for what’s to come. With Long Time Coming on the horizon, Janna Leduc is poised for a major breakthrough in country music.