Tyler MacGregor's Long-Awaited Debut Album Speaks to All Our "Foolish" Heart Songs | Album Review by Xristopher Bland

Where the following of one’s heart can occasionally feel foolish before the bumper-car headlights of pragmatists asleep at the wheel, the results of allowing passion to strengthen and form as gifts comes through clearly in Foolish Heart Songs, the long-awaited debut album by Tyler MacGregor. 

As a collection of new and re-mastered songs from previous release on SoundCloud, the album adds an electric edge to MacGregor’s trademark acoustic style, and while electric guitar may not become an addition to his live performances, its addition to the album felt natural for the Toronto singer-songwriter. “I’m mostly an acoustic guy,” says MacGregor, “and wanted the whole record to have an unplugged feel. As time went on, I started fooling around with the electric guitar and realized that, for leads, solos and atmosphere, it really lent itself well to the songs,” as did amending elements and removing others. 

In a re-worked version of “Til the Day I Die,” MacGregor added electric swells throughout the song and removed the brush drums from the bridge. He also brought up the lead vocals, “because in the original mix, you couldn’t really decipher the lyrics.” For “Grouchy,” MacGregor infused the formerly all-acoustic song with a dynamic interplay of electric leads and rhythms, augmented by amplified background vocals in the chorus. In “Don’t Ever Wake Me,” he employed (and admittedly fell in love with) an “echo-drenched wah-wah” guitar effect that made its way into many album tracks, and for “Asleep at the Wheel,” he added more background vocals in addition to amending a few lyrics that had been bothering him. 

The results is an album that comes across as a collection of brand new work—even for fans who’ve listened to the few previously released SoundCloud tracks. Yet more than that, the album stands as encouragement to anyone who feels the pull and passion of their own “foolish” heart songs but feels they don’t have the resources to make them happen. Says MacGeregor, “Some of the record was paid for using the old barter system.” In MacGregor’s case, he intrepidly exchanged studio time for helping the studio owner paint his living room and renovate his kitchen, to which MacGregor happily says, “Great system when you have no money left for recording. I got about four songs out of it.” 

'Foolish Heart Songs' will be available for digital download on Bandcamp on November 26th. If you’re in Toronto that night, head over to the Paddock Tavern at 9 p.m. for the CD release party. Joining MacGregor on stage: Alexander Quail and Sarah Hiltz.

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To really stay in the loop, visit Tyler MacGregor on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Tyler-MacGregor-1030916063625969/

MARIANAS TRENCH TO EMBARK ON CANADIAN TOUR IN 2016 | With Very Special Guests 'Walk Off The Earth'

Toronto, ON - Announced November 9th, Multi-Platinum selling Canadian pop-rockers Marianas Trench will head out on their Never Say Die tour across Canada in the spring of 2016. Tickets for the tour will go on sale November 13 via www.livenation.com, with a VIP presale on November 10. The tour is in support of their newly released fourth studio album Astoria (604 Records / Interscope), which debuted at #2 on the Canadian SoundScan charts and roared onto the American Top Current Albums Chart at #33. The  

release echoes one part 1980's fantasy adventure film and one part classic Marianas Trench and American fans are currently enjoying this experience first hand as the band embarked on their U.S tour last week.

Kicking off on March 9 in Kingston, ON, the 18-date tour will showcase the hard work and passion put into their latest offering, and promises to be one of their most exciting tours to date. Joining the band on tour is Platinum selling Canadian quintet Walk Off The Earth. Touring in support of their latest single "Hold On," WOTE has garnered close to half a billion total YouTube views and more than 2 million YouTube subscribers. This year, WOTE released Sing It All Away, their second album with Columbia Records, which also includes the anthemic platinum-plus single "Rule The World."  In 2013 the band released the album R.E.V.O, featuring their hits "Red Hands" and "Gang Of Rhythm."

Marianas Trench front man Josh Ramsay enthuses, "mousse up that hair, throw on your best ripped acid wash, and get ready to join the fight to make dancing legal once again. When this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you're gonna see some serious shit. Can you survive Astoria? The only other thing capable of generating that much energy is a bolt of lightning."

 

Known for their infectious sound and energetic performances, Marianas Trench have secured a spot as one of Canada's most successful bands of the past decade, building their name on relentless touring and engagement with their fans. Since their 2006 debut album Fix Me, Marianas Trench have had two certified Platinum albums (Masterpiece Theatre and Ever After) and many chart topping hits including "Fallout," "Haven't Had Enough" and "Stutter." In 2013, the band earned a JUNO Award forGroup of the Year, adding that accomplishment to their multiple Much Music Video Awards. Ramsay also received a Grammy nomination in 2013 for co-writing and producing Carly Rae Jepsen's breakthrough smash "Call Me Maybe."

For more information on Marianas Trench visit www.marianastrench.net.

   

  

Marianas Trench Tour Dates (with very special guest Walk Off The Earth)

March 9, 2016	Rogers K-Rock Centre	Kingston, ON
March 11, 2016	FirstOntario Centre	Hamilton, ON
March 12, 2016	Kitchener Memorial Auditorium	Kitchener, ON
March 14, 2016	Sudbury Arena	Sudbury, ON
March 16, 2016	Budweiser Gardens	London, ON
March 18, 2016	Barrie Molson Centre	Barrie, ON
March 19, 2016	General Motors Centre	Oshawa, ON
March 21, 2016	Peterborough Memorial Centre	Peterborough, ON
March 22, 2016	Air Canada Centre	Toronto, ON
March 25, 2016	MTS Centre	Winnipeg, MB
March 26, 2016	Brandt Centre	Regina, SK
March 29, 2016	ENMAX Centre	Lethbridge, AB
March 30, 2016	ENMAX Centrium	Red Deer, AB
April 1, 2016	Rexall Place	Edmonton, AB
April 2, 2016	Stampede Corral	Calgary, AB
April 5, 2016	Prospera Place	Kelowna, BC
April 7, 2016	Sandman Centre	Kamloops, BC
April 8, 2016	Pacific Coliseum	Vancouver, BC

BETTE MIDLER SHARES THE LOVE | 'A Gift Of Love' Highlights Love Songs From the Grammy-Winning Singer’s Studio Albums And Soundtrack Recordings

*Press Release* Warner Canada

A Gift Of Love Highlights Love Songs From the

Grammy-Winning Singer’s Studio Albums And Soundtrack Recordings

18-Track Collection Will Be Available On December 4

Bette Midler has been singing her way into people’s hearts since her debut album, The Divine Miss M (1972), became a platinum-seller and helped the singer win her first Grammy® Award. Since then, she has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and earned the distinction as only the second female singer to score a Top 10 album in five consecutive decades.

Throughout her career, Midler has demonstrated a remarkable musical range, but many of her signature hits have focused on matters of the heart. That’s why Rhino will bring together 18 of her best love songs for a new collection A GIFT OF LOVE, available on December 4 on CD and digitally.

After Atlantic Records president Ahmet Ertugun discovered Midler in 1972, the irrepressible singer with the unmistakable voice went on to enjoy an amazing career that continues to this day. This new collection includes highlights from albums she recorded for both Atlantic Records and Warner Bros. between 1976 and 2014.

The earliest recording on the new album is “Let Me Just Follow Behind,” which Midler recorded for her third album, Songs for the New Depression (1976). The most recent tracks — “(Talk To Me Of) Mendocino” and “The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game” — come from the sessions for Midler’s smash tribute to female trios It’s the Girls and are previously unreleased outside of the U.S.

This new collection spotlights a number of incredibly poignant tracks, like her cover of Marshall Crenshaw’s “My Favorite Waste Of Time” from No Frills (1983); “Every Road Leads Back To You” from the soundtrack to her film For the Boys (1991); “Shining Star” from Bette (2000); plus five tracks from her platinum release Bette of Roses (1995), including “It’s Too Late” and “As Dreams Go By.”

A GIFT OF LOVE would not be complete without three of Midler’s biggest hits: “The Rose” from the 1979 film of the same name in which Midler starred; the #1 Grammy-winning smash “Wind Beneath My Wings” from another Midler film, Beaches; and “From A Distance,” from her double-platinum album Some People’s Lives (1990).

A GIFT OF LOVE

Track Listing

1.    “Favorite Waste Of Time”

2.    “In This Life”

3.    “The Gift Of Love”

4.    “Bed Of Roses”

5.    “From A Distance”

6.    “Wind Beneath My Wings”

7.    “Come Rain Or Come Shine”

8.    “The Rose”

9.    “As Dreams Go By”

10.    “It’s Too Late”

11.    “All I Need To Know”

12.    “Every Road Leads Back To You”

13.    “Shining Star”

14.    “To Deserve You”

15.    “Night And Day”

16.    “(Talk To Me Of) Mendocino”

17.    “The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game”

18.    “Let Me Just Follow Behind”

WARNER MUSIC SIGNS AARON GOODVIN releases debut single, “Knock On Wood,” | Confirmed as opening act on 2016 Johnny Reid tour

Friday, November 6, 2015 - For Immediate release

Warner Music Canada is proud to welcome Country singer / songwriter Aaron Goodvin to the label’s roster.  Goodvin makes his label debut with the release today of the single “Knock On Wood,” available at all retailers and streaming services.  In 2016, Aaron will get a chance to meet audiences right across the country as the opening act on Johnny Reid’s  cross-Canada What Love Is All About 2016 tour.

“This song is the past 10 years of my life wrapped into three and half minutes,” says Aaron of “Knock On Wood.” “It’s also a great reminder to myself of all the hard times I got through just to get a song like this on the radio.”

“The first time I heard Aaron perform his songs, I knew he had something special,” says Steve Kane, President, Warner Music Canada. “He brings to life wonderful human stories and sings in a voice that resonates with passion and truth.  The Warner Music Canada team is proud to work with such an incredibly talented artist.”

Raised in a music loving family, Aaron Goodvin had his first taste of stage life when he entered a singing contest at a local mall at 12 years-old.  Once he heard the applause from the crowd, he knew what he wanted to do and no one was going to get in his way.  But singing other people’s songs wasn’t what he had in mind, so he as soon as he could play guitar, he started writing his own material.

Over the years, Aaron built a local reputation as a dynamic performer with a rock solid portfolio of songs.  With that success buoying his confidence, he started to make trips down to Nashville to test the waters in country music’s Mecca.  After signing with publishing powerhouse Warner Chappell Music, Aaron scored his first major league contribution with the track “Out Like That” on Luke Bryan’s multi-platinum Crash My Party. 

The opportunity to continue to develop as a performer ended up coming from fellow artist Johnny Reid.  Reid was working with a Nashville recording engineer who mentioned that he had also been working with a young singer named Aaron Goodvin.  Impressed by his ability to sing and perform Johnny reached out to Aaron to get together. The two talked about what Aaron’s future could hold. 

“Aaron Goodvin is living proof that hard work, passion, perseverance and pure God given ability will eventually get you where you were born to be,” says Johnny Reid. “I look forward to introducing my audience to this exceptional talent on my 2016 tour” 

On tour with Johnny Reid / What Love Is All About 2016 Tour Dates:

February 1 – Vancouver, BC – QE Theatre

February 2 – Abbotsford, BC – Abbotsford Centre

February 3 – Kamloops, BC – Interior Savings Centre

February 5 – Prince George, BC – CN Centre

February 6 – Grande Prairie, AB – Canada Games Arena

February 8 – Saskatoon, SK – TCU Place

February 9 – Saskatoon, SK – TCU Place

February 12 – Medicine Hat, AB – Medicine Hat Regional Centre

February 13 – Lethbridge, AB – Enmax Centre

February 16 – Regina, SK – Conexus COA

February 17 – Regina, SK – Conexus COA

February 20 – Winnipeg, MB – Club Regent

February 21 – Winnipeg, MB – Club Regent

February 26 – Calgary, AB – Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium

February 27 – Calgary, AB – Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium

March 2 – Edmonton, AB – Northern Alberta Jubliee Auditorium

March 3 – Edmonton, AB – Northern Alberta Jubliee Auditorium

March 5 – Red Deer, AB – Enmax Centrium

March 7 – Brandon, AB – Westman Place

March 8 – Thunder Bay, ON – Thunder Bay Auditorium

March 9 – Sault Ste Marie, ON – Essar Centre

March 10 – Sudbury, ON – Sudbury Arena

March 12 – Oshawa, ON – GM Centre

March 14 – Kitchener, ON – Centre in the Square

March 17 – Hamilton, ON – Hamilton Place Theatre

March 20 – London, ON – Budweiser Gardens

March 21 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall

March 22 – Peterborough, ON – Memorial Centre

March 24 – Kingston, ON – K-Rock Centre

March 28 – Moncton, NB – Moncton Arena

March 29 – Saint John, NB – Harbour Station

March 30 – Sydney, NS – Centre 200

March 31 – Halifax, NS – Scotiabank Metro Centre

April 3 – St. Johns, NL – Mile One Centre

April 4 – Cornerbrook, NL – Pepsi Centre 

Never Mind the Magic Bus, Here’s the Paper Mâché Dream Balloon | King Gizzard Review by Xristopher Bland

by Xristopher Bland

If progressive rock can be likened to a planet long thought to have spun beyond the outer orbits of the musical solar system, nobody told King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. Like some fresh satellite transmission from that world, King Gizzard not only proves that prog is alive and vibrant but orbiting back around in the form of their new album, “Paper Mâché Dream Balloon.”

Scheduled for general release on Nov. 13th through the band’s own label, Flightless, the acoustic album unplugs from the band’s more traditional, heavier electric instrumentation. As well, where previous albums by King Gizzard have involved music intertwining around conceptual themes (yup, the concept album—a term the band isn’t afraid to use), “Paper Mâché Dream Balloon” features tracks crafted as stand-alone songs. Yet such slicing shouldn’t be misconstrued as a move by the band toward mainstream song composition and album production. Where progressive rock found its original foothold as a richly embroidered alternative to popular music of the day, King Gizzard has re-opened and held that door open since the band’s formation in 2010 in Melbourne, Australia, and they’ve done it prolifically.

Just as bands once released more than one album per year for fans, King Gizzard has astonishingly released two EPs and six albums on Flightless in five years, and not as digital downloads alone. As evidence of the growing market in vinyl and retro technology amongst baby boomers and young music fans discovering prog for the first time, King Gizzard currently offers “Paper Mâché Dream Balloon” pre-orders on vinyl, CD and digital. The band has also just offered a cassette package—a definite wanna-have for retro-media collectors in that the yellow packaging lends the album artwork a distinct Sgt. Pepper-ishness.

Musically, the band fuses much and echoes many of prog’s greatest pioneers, yet stands contemporarily. As a young seven-piece band that includes two drummers, King Gizzard embodies an eclectic, jazz-influenced intricacy. At times, the sound of Carlos Santana comes through. Other times, the music sounds like Klaatu (the incredible Canadian prog band that was once thought to be the Beatles). Then Yes seems to drift in and out. In their experimental approach to music, King Gizzard plays freely and ignores the three-minute formula of typical pop songs. Because of this, the music often finds itself under the categories of alternative or psychedelic, with the latter having more to do with associated artwork and graphics than any real psychedelic edging. While the band doesn’t definitively claim prog as its label, King Gizzard moves music in the same manner that gave progressive rock its name. In embracing the notion of concept art, they’ve joined other young bands helping to re-open the door to the world where Peter Gabriel found the Lamb lying on Broadway. If they’re a keyhole, they’re a glimpse into the place where Pink Floyd explored “The Dark Side of the Moon” and the Who found “Tommy” and drove the “Magic Bus,” and if such grand potentials are easily dismissed by those who’ve bought into prog as caricature or leftover oddments from the living museum of classic-rock artifacts, the title of King Gizzard’s new album may be more than the sum of its parts. Intended or not, the words are a reminder that all lastingness—from songs to albums to the trust and courage to hang onto any dream—began in fragility, like a paper mâché balloon.

______________________________

To pre-order “Paper Mâché Dream Balloon” or anything from the band’s slammin’ swag bag,

visit the King Gizzard website:

kinggizzardandthelizardwizard.com

To preview and purchase back-releases, visit Bandcamp:

kinggizzard.bandcamp.com

Extended Play: Watch King Gizzard perform 21 minutes of incredible live music from their

album “Quarters!” in the studios of KEXP 90.3 FM in Seattle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4W19twyYD2Q

Naomi Psalm | 'Now You See Me' single review from 'Ghostumentary'

Photo Credit: Urban Gal Photography

by Randy Wayne Belt

You may remember awhile back I did a review of the music of recording artist Naomi Psalm called "The Musical Art of Naomi Psalm". (http://bit.ly/1KLUp3T )

And remember that section that talked about looking for a song by Naomi Psalm in October that was to be in a movie titled Ghostumentary? 

Well, it's here! The title of the song, "Now You See Me", and the atmosphere created in the song were made to fit perfectly for the film with the line "Now you see me - now you don't". 

And as always, with Naomi's consistently good songwriting, it is not only a good fit for the film but is also a very catchy song that will definitely be stuck in your head! 

Produced by Scot Alexander (from the Band 'Dishwalla'), the big thumpy beat that comes in and the thick bass sounds drive the song home accenting, pulsating and drawing you into all those little nuances, such as the effects on the vocals, which in spots will leave a haunting impression as you hear it in stereo. (Yes, stereo is still the best way to listen to music) The mixing job and effects on the vocals

are perfect and helped lend to the song the haunting effect that make the lyrics come alive.

The depth of Psalm's songwriting will always intrigue as you wonder what some of the deeper meanings of the lyrics are when she sings "I'm not only in your dreams, but that's the way it seems". If you are a fan of the song “Ink” from the Stare album, you’ll also be a fan of “Now You See Me”, whcih is in the same creative vein.

Naomi Psalm has proved once again that she is a consistently good songwriter and

vocalist.

____________

Interview

Randy: How did you get started in music?

Naomi: I began writing poetry when I was 8. When I was 13, I inherited my grandfather's guitar and started playing. I am self taught, and would glean inspiration from friends of my parents that would come over and jam all the time.

Randy: Explain your passion for music:

Naomi: I am deeply passionate about music. It is what makes me feel alive. The world seems right when I am performing music, writing songs, and creating art.

Randy: What other creative arts are you into if any?

Naomi: I'm also a visual artist using the medium of water acrylics. I got into that in 2003 when I didn't want to pay someone else to design my album cover.

Randy: I also paint (oil paint), so I have to ask, was there any artists (visual) that have inspired you or that you look up to?

Naomi: No one in particular. I just really like artists that paint abstract and colorful.

(Click here to view Naomi’s art on her homepage)

Randy: Do you have a “pet” instrument? (your favorite guitar, a ukulele, etc.)

Naomi: My takamine is my favorite guitar and has been with me since my dad bought me it in 1993. It gets better with age.

Randy: Yeah, the older the instruments the better they sound. So, who are your biggest influences and musical role models?

Naomi: Brandi Carlile is one of my biggest influences. She's is an incredible singer/songwriter who really moves me.

Randy: What are you working on and what’s in the future for Naomi Psalm?

Naomi: I am finishing up an EP right now, as well as 2 music videos. I also just released a song that is in a movie 'Ghostumentary'

Randy: Does the EP you're working on have a title yet? And can you divulge any of the song titles from the EP?

Naomi: I have a title rolling around in my head, but it's top secret at this point.“Hole in the Carpet” and “The Postman” are 2 song titles I'll give away.

Randy: How did you get hooked up with doing the song for Ghostumentary? Did you write the song specifically for the movie? Or did you have something you were already working on that you tailored to the movie? How did it come together creatively?

Naomi: I am friends with one of the movie directors and he needed a theme song. I watched some rough footage for inspiration, and wrote the song specifically for the movie. That song came together really fast for me. The lyrics and music happened simultaneously.  

Randy: Do you have any collaborations going on or planned?

Naomi: There are 2 newly released songs out on YouTube that I have written with a local musician Ryan Bayne.

Randy: Cool! Link us up.

Naomi: 'Not My Kind' at http://youtu.be/929nhRF_cW4
and 'I Don't Know Why You Love Me' at https://youtu.be/uf2-53R51Sc

Randy: Oh yes! Know and love those songs! Thanks for taking the time to interview!

Naomi: Sure! Thank YOU

_________________

Photo Credit: Jennifer Baker

You can preview and purchase "Now You See Me" on iTunes here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/now-you-see-me-single/id1046929061

Connect with Naomi Psalm here:
Website: http://www.naomipsalm.com
YouTube: http://www.YouTube.com/naomipsalm
Twitter: https://twitter.com/naomipsalm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naomipsalmmusic

ED SHEERAN UNVEILS “x – WEMBLEY EDITION” on Deluxe CD/DVD

TWO-DISC DELUXE VERSION OF GRAMMY® NOMINATED ALBUM

ADDS ARRAY OF BONUS TRACKS AND FULL LENGTH CONCERT FEATURE

ED SHEERAN: JUMPERS FOR GOALPOSTS FILMED THIS SUMMER

OVER THREE SOLD OUT DATES AT LONDON’S WEMBLEY STADIUM

BONUS TRACKS INCLUDE THREE PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED SONGS,

AS WELL AS ACCLAIMED NEW COLLABORATION WITH RUDIMENTAL,

“LAY IT ALL ON ME (FEAT. ED SHEERAN)”

BRITISH SUPERSTAR TO PERFORM AT A+E NETWORKS AND iHEARTRADIO’S

“SHINING A LIGHT: A CONCERT FOR PROGRESS ON RACE IN AMERICA,”

TO BE FILMED LIVE AT LOS ANGELES’ SHRINE AUDITORIUM ON NOVEMBER 18^TH

AND THEN BROADCAST ACROSS ALL A+E PLATFORMS ON NOVEMBER 20^TH

“x – WEMBLEY EDITION” AVAILABLE NOW FOR PRE-ORDER

TWO-DISC CD/DVD SET AND INDIVIDUAL DIGITAL ALBUM AND FILM

RELEASED ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13^TH

*Photos Courtesy of Atlantic Records for the purpose of this Press Release*

Atlantic recording artist Ed Sheeran has announced the release of “x – WEMBLEY EDITION,” a deluxe two-disc CD/DVD set of his RIAA platinum certified “x” paired with previously unreleased bonus tracks and the new full-length concert feature, Ed Sheeran: Jumpers for Goalposts. “x – WEMBLEY EDITION” arrives in stores as a two-disc CD/DVD on Friday, November 13^th, with the expanded album and long form video each available individually via all leading digital retailers.

“x – WEMBLEY EDITION” is available for pre-order beginning today at Ed Sheeran’s official website – www.edsheeran.com - and all leading digital retailers. The new edition features a number of bonus tracks, with both physical and digital versions highlighted by three previous unreleased tracks that see Sheeran collaborating with such top studio hands as Emile Haynie (Eminem, Kanye West, Lana Del Rey), Jeff Bhasker (fun., Jay-Z), Johnny McDaid (Snow Patrol, Paul Van Dyk), and the legendary Rick Rubin (see attached tracklisting). As if that weren’t enough, “x – WEMBLEY EDITION” also features Sheeran’s new collaboration with Rudimental, “Lay It All On Me (Feat. Ed Sheeran),” currently ascending Billboard’s “Hot 100” after being unveiled last month with a tweet from Sheeran announcing it as “the final thing I’m releasing for a while.”

Sheeran’s second full length album, “x” (pronounced “multiply”), proved a global sensation upon its initial release, reaching #1 on album charts in 14 countries around the world before achieving platinum sales in 18 countries including the United States and his native United Kingdom, where it was the biggest selling album of 2014. With worldwide sales now exceeding 10 million, “x” is highlighted by its four consecutive, platinum singles: “Sing,” “Don’t,” “Photograph”, and,  of course, the 5x RIAA platinum certified “Thinking Out Loud,” Sheeran’s first #1 single in the U.S. and his biggest overall hit to date.

Filmed earlier this year before almost a quarter million fans over three sold out nights at London’s Wembley Stadium, Ed Sheeran: Jumpers for Goalposts includes 90 minutes of never-before-seen concert footage, showcasing such classic hits as “Sing,” “The A Team,” and “Thinking Out Loud” (see attached credits). Directed by multiple GRAMMY® Award nominee Paul Dugdale (One Direction: Where We Are, Coldplay: Ghost Stories), the Warner Music/Screenlive Entertainment film is appended here with a number of exclusive extras, including Sheeran’s inimitable mash-up of his own “Take It Back” with Steve Wonder’s immortal “Superstition.”  Ed Sheeran:  Jumpers for Goalposts recently enjoyed a special, worldwide theatrical run, following an exclusive London premiere that featured “green” carpet arrivals and a live performance from Sheeran himself.

One of the planet’s most popular live performers, Sheeran has spent much of the past year on tour, including sold out headline shows, charity concerts, stadium dates – including Dallas’s Toyota Stadium and three sold out nights at London’s Wembley Stadium – and top-billed festival appearances. Sheeran recently culminated the North American “x tour” with a mega-finale at Foxboro, MA’s Gillette Stadium. Performing before a rapturous sold out crowd over 50,000 strong – Sheeran’s biggest US audience thus far – the British troubadour performed solo renditions of his numerous greatest hits, with special guest Chris Martin joining him for very special renditions of “Thinking Out Loud” and Coldplay’s “Yellow.” An additional series of stadium concerts are slated for Australia and New Zealand beginning in late November. For regular updates, please visit www.edsheeran.com/live.htm.

In other news, Sheeran will be among the superstars performing on A+E Networks and iHeartRadio’s “Shining a Light: A Concert for Progress on Race in America,” slated to be filmed live at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium on Wednesday, November 18^th and then broadcast on Friday, November 20^th at 8PM ET/PT (check local listings). Produced by Ken Ehrlich Productions in conjunction with A+E Networks and iHeartRadio, the two-hour special event – which will also feature such iconic artists as Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Pink, Pharrell Williams, Zac Brown Band, Sia, Eric Church, Jamie Foxx, John Legend, and Miguel, with more to be announced – will air across the entire A+E Networks portfolio, including A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime, H2, LMN, and FYI, as well as the top 150 iHeartRadio music stations nationwide. “Shining a Light: A Concert for Progress on Race in America” will kick off A+E Networks’ campaign to promote unity and progress on racial equity, inspired by the response of the Mother Emanuel family members in Charleston and others working for reconciliation and change around the country.

Tickets for “Shining a Light: A Concert for Progress on Race in America” are available now through AEG Live at AXS.com and http://shrineauditorium.com. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Fund for Progress on Race in America powered by United Way Worldwide, providing grant funding to individuals and organizations fostering understanding, eliminating bias, as well as provide support to Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church and the broader A.M.E. denomination. The fund will also support efforts to address racism and bias through public policy change, individual innovation, and community mobilization. 

Named “Songwriter of the Year” at the 2015 Ivor Novello Awards, Sheeran was also among the superstars appearing at the 2015 Global Citizen Fest in New York City’s Central Park, performing both with Martin as well as the one and only Beyoncé, with whom he teamed up on an acoustic cover of “Drunk In Love.” Sheeran’s complete performance – including renditions of “Lego House,” “Sing,” and “Photograph” – can be viewed now at the official Global Citizen YouTube channel.

Sheeran is also among the top nominated artists for the 2015 American Music Awards.  Earning 5 nominations in total, Sheeran is up for Song of the Year (“Thinking Out Loud”), Favorite Male Artist-Pop/Rock, Favorite Album-Pop/Rock, Favorite Artist-Adult Contemporary, and the night’s top prize, Artist of the Year. 

* * * * *

British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is a genuine global phenomenon. The 24-year-old artist has earned a truly stunning assortment of awards and nominations, including three nods – among them, the prestigious “Album of the Year” for “x” – at the 57^th Annual GRAMMY Awards, an event that saw his performance of “Thinking Out Loud” receive one of the biggest ovations of the night. In addition to his six total GRAMMY® nominations, Sheeran has accrued an array of other honors, among them four BRIT Awards (including 2015’s “Best British Album” and “Best British Male”), the 2012 Ivor Novello Award for “Best Song Musically and Lyrically” (for “The A Team”), as well as trophies for “Best Male Video” at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards and both “Favorite Album” and “Favorite Artist” at the 2015 People’s Choice Awards. As if all of that weren’t enough, Sheeran was also named Spotify’s most streamed artist in the world in 2014.

An extraordinarily gifted live performer, Sheeran has played countless sold-out shows across the globe, including an acclaimed three-night stand at New York City’s Madison Square Garden and four extraordinary nights at London’s O2 Arena.

Sheeran’s 2012 breakthrough debut album, “+,” entered the UK Albums Chart at #1 with the highest opening sales figures for a debut male solo artist ever and is now certified 6x platinum. Fueled by international hit singles like “The A Team” and “Lego House,” “+” has enjoyed multi-platinum, platinum, and gold sales in nine countries around the world. 

____________________________

For additional news and information, please see www.edsheeran.com, www.twitter.com/EdSheeran (@EdSheeran), www.facebook.com/EdSheeranMusic and www.atlanticrecords.com. 

ED SHEERAN

“x – WEMBLEY EDITION”

(Atlantic Records)

Release Date: Friday, November 13^th

PHYSICAL VERSION: DISC ONE

1.  One

2.  I¹m A Mess

3.  Sing

4. Don¹t

5. Nina

6. Photograph

7. Bloodstream

8. Tenerife Sea

9. Runaway

10. The Man

11. Thinking Out Loud

12. Afire Love

13. I See Fire *

14. All Of The Stars *

15. English Rose * †

16. Touch And Go * †

17. New York * †

18. Lay It All On Me (Rudimental Feat. Ed Sheeran) *

DIGITAL ALBUM

1. One

2.  I¹m A Mess

3.  Sing

4. Don¹t

5. Nina

6. Photograph

7. Bloodstream

8. Tenerife Sea

9. Runaway

10. The Man

11. Thinking Out Loud

12. Afire Love

13. Take It Back *

14. Shirtsleeves *

15. Even My Dad Sometimes *

16. I See Fire *

17. All of The Stars *

18. English Rose * †

19. Touch and Go * †

20. New York * †

21. Make It Rain *

22. Lay It All On Me (Rudimental Feat. Ed Sheeran) *     

* BONUS TRACK

† PREVIOUS UNRELEASED

ED SHEERAN – JUMPERS FOR GOALPOSTS TRACKLISTING

1.  I¹m A Mess
2.  Lego House
3.  Photograph
4. Bloodstream
5. Don¹t
6. I See Fire
7. Don¹t Go Breaking My Heart
8. Thinking Out Loud
9. The A Team
10. You Need Me, I Don¹t Need You
11. Sing

DVD & DIGITAL EXTRAS
12. Afire Love
13. Drunk
14. Tenerife Sea
15. Take It Back/Superstition