Artists of the world can officially rejoice. CD Baby, the largest online distributor of independent music, has just released its new app. The Music Store on Facebook App allows existing CD Baby artists to sell, share, and stream their music directly from a Fan Page.

There was a time, not so long ago, when the Internet, CDs and DVDs did not exist yet. LPs, singles and cassette tapes were all the rage. It was a time when rock ’n’ roll — garage rock, in particular — was simply raw, fun and intoxicating, and seemed unstoppable.

Do you miss that era? If so, I have great news for you! Danny Echo is bringing that good old sound back. The members of the band know their classics. They sound like a mixture of AC/DC, Mötley Crüe, Alice Cooper, and Pink Floyd, with some personal uniqueness thrown in the mix. And there is even an unmissable Irish flavor at times.  

WINNIPEG ― Aboriginal artists from across Canada and North America had until June 30, 2011 to send in their submissions for the Sixth Annual Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards (APCMAs). These submission have officially been uploaded to the APCMA website. And now, it is time to vote.

Classical New Age music has been enjoying a peak in interest since the turn of the millennium. Its heavy reliance on one of the purest instruments of all — the piano — gives the genre a magical appeal of which artists like Jon Schmidt and Jed Distler have been able to take advantage in a way that is very close to perfection.

Originally from Horseshoe Bay, B.C., Adrienne Pierce now resides in California. She has performed all over the world and shared the stage with prominent artists (Damien Rice and The Stereophonics, in particular). Some of her songs have been featured on shows like "Grey’s Anatomy," "Veronica Mars" and "The L Word." In this interview, she will tell us about her music and her current projects.

OTTAWA – Do you know that over 3,000 people commit suicide daily? Every September 10, one event promotes understanding about this major issue and highlights effective prevention activities: World Suicide Prevention Day.

This year, Susan Aglukark, one of Canada’s most unique artists, has partnered with Irish rock band extraordinaire Friends of Emmet for a night of music and celebration of World Suicide Prevention Day.

To read part 1, click here.

Cendrine Marrouat: If you had to choose one song from your repertoire, which one would it be and why?

Mark Klausmayer: “One Of A Million” is a stand-out track for me. Ian came to me with the song and I helped him out with the nasty lyrics about the world's favorite talk show host... and Danny put on his best pirate voice to create a template for the perfect modern-day Pub sing-along.

It was in 2005 that I heard the American group Shivaree for the first time. One of their most well-known singles, “New Casablanca,” became the song to which I listened the most that year. Well, actually, it was not really the song in itself that haunted me for months, but rather the voice of Ambrosia Parsley. A voice boasting a rare sensuality and smoothness.

We are now in 2011 and members of Shivaree disbanded four years ago. But the voice is still alive and well, and has been embodied in a Canadian singer and songwriter called Adrienne Pierce for a while.

“The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” — Johann Sebastian Bach

Classical music uplifts the soul and brings the mind and heart to rest. Its universal language is understood by all. One great example is the “Warsaw Concerto.”

Cendrine Marrouat: In a few months you will be touring Canada. Where will you be performing and what do you expect to achieve?

Brian Lynam: We hope to play as many cities as possible and let people hear our sound. 

Paul Dempsey: So far, we will be playing in Ottawa and Toronto, and we're looking at a few more cities. We hope that people come to our shows for a start! And we hope they like our music and the live shows.

"I am dedicated to providing music that touches your mind, body and spirit. A commitment to music as an art form is my one and only rule." – Stephen Jerome Ferguson

When Stephen Jerome Ferguson contacted me for a potential review of his album, titled "We Are One," I felt instantly drawn towards his unassuming approach. And upon hearing the first song on his Reverbnation profile, I knew there was something definitely worth paying attention to. And I am glad that I took on the assignment.

WINNIPEG – Once again, excellence in Aboriginal music will take centre-stage in the capital of Manitoba. This year, the sixth Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards (APCMAs) will occur on November 3-4, 2011, and welcome many new artists. 

The APCMAs are currently open to submissions. To be eligible, North American Aboriginal artists and global Indigenous artists must have released singles or albums within the last two years — between June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2011. CDs must be original and available for purchase to the general public. Deadline for submissions is June 30, 2011, at 5 p.m. (Central Standard Time).  

TORONTO – CBC Television, the major Canadian channel, wants to find the greatest emerging musicians in the country for its new series. "Cover Me Canada"  will air this fall.

Unsigned individuals and bands interested in participating in the show are invited to submit two-to-five-minute videos where they are seen performing their own renditions of any of the following Canadian classics: Gordon Lightfoot's "Sundown," Bryan Adams' "Run To You," Tom Cochrane's "Life is a Highway" and Alannah Myles' "Black Velvet". The limit is one uploaded video per song.

June 1 marks the beginning of 14 weeks of musical revelry.  

WINNIPEG – For the 19th year in a row, Downtown Winnipeg is ready to be bustling with artistic life. The Downtown BIZ’s free Out to Lunch summer concert series kicks off today at noon with Caribbean performers Paradise Band. From rock to country to jazz, there will be something for everyone.