Be sure to catch David and an eclectic collection of guest DJs streaming 24/7 on NYTheSpirit.com. Experience music unique to David Marsden and his tenure at CFNY-FM–music that defines not only an era, but a lifetime.
Listen to David’s weekly live broadcasts from 8PM until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights; but, you just never know when he’ll pop in during the week.
Here’s the complete list, thanks to the ever-appreciated late shift efforts of JerusalemSlim: ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Alan Parsons Project – The Raven Alan Parsons Project feat. Orson Welles – A Dream WIthin A Dream Alice In Videoland – Going Down Benjamin Russell/Rob Stuart – Driving Hollow Brian Eno & David Byrne – The Jezebel Spirit City Boy – Dinner At The Ritz Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin – It’s My Party Dee Long – Good Night Universe Dev Makes Music – Band Aid Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show – Sylvia’s Mother Dr. John feat. Mavis Staples – When The Saints Go Marching In Elton John – Circle Of Life Eric Clapton – Autumn Leaves George Rondina & Imagination Machine – A Northern Evening Japan – Adolescent Sex Joe Jackson – Real Men July Talk – Guns + Ammunition Kate Bush – Breathing KLF – Last Train To Trancentral (The Iron Horse Mix) Lightning Seeds – Marvellous Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Red RIght Hand Paul Manchin – FIrst Paul Young – Every Time You Go Away Peter Gabriel & Kate Bush – Don’t Give Up Peter Murphy – I’ll Fall With Your Knife Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts VI-IX) Queen – These Are The Days Of Our Lives Rob Stuart – A Beautiful Thing Shawn Phillips – She Was Waitin’ For Her Mother At The Station In Torino And You Know I Love You Baby But It’s Getting Too Heavy To Laugh Silencers – Painted Moon (Blues Mix) Simply Red – Money’s Too Tight (To Mention) (The Cutback Mix) Slave To The Squarewave – Worlds Away Smiths – There Is A Light That Never Goes Out Sound Of Contact – Pale Blue Dot Soup Dragons – I’m Free Steve Hackett feat. Phil Collins – Star Of Sirius Stranglers – Skin Deep (extended) Tears For Fears – Everybody Wants To Rule The World Thunderclap Newman – Something In The Air Tubes – White Punks On Dope Turtles – Happy Together Ultravox – Dancing With Tears In My Eyes (remix) War On Drugs – Strangest Things ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Be sure to catch David and an eclectic collection of guest DJs streaming 24/7 on NYTheSpirit.com. Experience music unique to David Marsden and his tenure at CFNY-FM–music that defines not only an era, but a lifetime.
Listen to David’s weekly live broadcasts from 8PM until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights; but, you just never know when he’ll pop in during the week.
Here’s the complete list, thanks to the amazing post-10PM multi-tasking skills of TheBarron: ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ A-ha – The Sun Always Shines On TV (extended mix) Alan Parsons Project – (The System Of) Doctor Tarr And Professor Fether (1987 remix) Amanda Lear – Hollywood Flashback B.B. King – Lucille Be Bop Deluxe – Surreal Estate Benjamin Russell/Rob Stuar – Brighter Light Beth Hart/Joe Bonamassa – Strange Fruit (live) Blues Image – Ride Captain Ride Bob Geldof – This Is The World Calling Brian Eno – Baby’s On Fire Bruce Cockburn – Call It Democracy Bruce Springsteen – The River Charles Aznavour & Elton John – Yesterday When I Was Young Clash – Charlie Don’t Surf Clash – Should I Stay Or Should I go Dandy Warhols – We Used To Be Friends Daniel Lanois – Power Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin – It’s My Party David Bowie – Thursday’s Child David Gilmour – Smile David Gray – Say Hello, Wave Goodbye Dee Long – Good Night Universe Depeche Mode – Soothe My Soul Elliott Murphy – Thirty Was A Long Time Ago Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (live) Ferry Aid – Let It Be Fred Neil – Everybody’s Talkin’ Garfield – Mississippi Jimmie Genesis – The Cinema Show Grace Jones – Walking In The Rain New Order – Blue Monday Peter Murphy – All Night Long Propellerheads feat. Shirley Bassey – History Repeating (Knee Length Mix) Rammstein – Stripped (Heavy Mental Mix By Charlie Clouser) Rob Stuart – A Beautiful Thing Sal Solo – Heartbeat SLAVE To The SQUAREwave – Starrs Snowy White – In The Skies Steve Forbert – Romeo’s Tune Taj Mahal – Take A Giant Step Train – Drops Of Jupiter (Tell Me) Trans-Canada Highwaymen – Which Way You Goin’ Billy? Tremeloes – Silence Is Golden Underworld – Nylon Strung Zwol – Southern Part Of France ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Be sure to catch David and an eclectic collection of guest DJs streaming 24/7 on NYTheSpirit.com. Experience music unique to David Marsden and his tenure at CFNY-FM–music that defines not only an era, but a lifetime.
Listen to David’s weekly live broadcasts from 8PM until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights; but, you just never know when he’ll pop in during the week.
Here’s the complete list, thanks wholly to the efforts of JerusalemSlim who covered the entire show as I continue to recuperate: ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 54-40 – Love You All Annie Lennox – A Whiter Shade Of Pale Barclay James Harvest – Child Of The Universe Be-Bop Deluxe – Electrical Language Benjamin Russell – Poke The Dragon Benjamin Russell & Rob Stuart – Brighter Light Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa – Strange Fruit Brandon Child – Time Bruce Springsteen – Youngstown Bryan Ferry – Don’t Stop The Dance (12″ mix) China Crisis – Christian (God Emoji Remix) Chris DeBurgh – The Lady In Red City Boy – The Violin David Gilmour – Faces Of Stone David Gray – Say Hello Wave Goodbye Dee Long – Good Night Universe Dr. Draw – Danny Boy Eddie ‘Cleanhead’ Vinson – Cleanhead Blues Gazebo – I Like Chopin Genesis – The Musical Box George Rondina/Imagination Machine – Awakening Gerry & The Pacemakers – You’ll Never Walk Alone Gordon Lightfoot – The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald Gregorian – Tears In Heaven Hooverphonic – Anger Never Dies Jam – The Eton Rifles Japan – Life In Tokyo Lighthouse – 1849 (opening notes only!) Long John Baldry & Kathi MacDonald – You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling Lorne Greene – Ringo Manfred Mann’s Earth Band – Spirit In The Night Marian Dacal – Strawberry Fields Forever Martin Luther King/David Bowie – Heroes/I Have A Dream/Under Pressure (mash-up) Nash The Slash – Dance After Curfew New Order – True Faith Nina Simone – I Shall Be Released Peter Gabriel/Kate Bush – Don’t Give Up Peter Murphy – Our Secret Garden Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here (alt. mix feat. Stephane Grappelli) Pop Will Eat Itself – Def.Con.One (Doomsday Mix) Rob Stuart – A Beautiful Thing Rough Trade – High School Confidential (Fame Whore Mix) 10cc – The Things We Do For Love Thermodynamics – Sputnik In Space Tony Joe White – Polk Salad Annie Zombies – Time Of The Season ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Be sure to catch David and an eclectic collection of guest DJs streaming 24/7 on NYTheSpirit.com. Experience music unique to David Marsden and his tenure at CFNY-FM–music that defines not only an era, but a lifetime.
Listen to David’s weekly live broadcasts from 8PM until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights; but, you just never know when he’ll pop in during the week.
Here’s the complete list thanks entirely to TheBarron, who covered the whole show while I recuperated from a medical procedure: ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 999 – Hollywood 999 – Homicide Ad Libs – The Boy From New York City After The Fire – Der Kommissar Art Of Noise feat. Duane Eddy – Peter Gunn (The Twang Mix) Beth Hart – Caught Out In The Rain David Bowie – Starman Dee Long – Good Night Universe Depeche Mode – Enjoy The Silence (Don’t You Understand? Oh, My Little Girl) Elliott Murphy – Thirty Was A Long Time Ago Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Live from Crossroads 2) Eurythmics – Here Comes The Rain Again Faith No More – Easy Fine Young Cannibals – She Drives Me Crazy (David Z 12”) Freddie Mercury – Time Jeff Lynne/Tom Petty/Prince/Dhani Harrison & Steve Winwood – While My Guitar Gently Weeps Jefferson Airplane – Today Jimi Hendrix Experience – Rainy Day, Dream Away Julian Cope – Sunspots Laid Back – Sunshine Reggae (Mix ’82) Peter Murphy – All Night Long Pink Floyd – Any Colour You Like Pink Floyd – Brain Damage Pink Floyd – Eclipse Pink Floyd – Us And Them Public Service Broadcasting – Everest Rob Stuart – A Beautiful Thing Snow Patrol – Life On Earth Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel – Sebastian Supertramp feat. David Gilmour – Brother Where You Bound The The – This Is The Day Tom Robinson – War Baby (12”) UB40 – Kingston Town Van Morrison – Autumn Song Villains – Wendy’s Melody War – Low Rider War On Drugs – Thinking Of A Place Water Walk -Never Leaving Eden Again Waterboys – Peace of Iona Willie Deville – Needles And Pins Yello – Desire (12”) ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Be sure to catch David and an eclectic collection of guest DJs streaming 24/7 on NYTheSpirit.com. Experience music unique to David Marsden and his tenure at CFNY-FM–music that defines not only an era, but a lifetime.
Listen to David’s weekly live broadcasts from 8PM until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights; but, you just never know when he’ll pop in during the week.
David gave us a heartfelt set honoring military veterans from Canada, the US, and beyond. The songs from that set are not listed, per David’s request.
Here is the complete list, thanks to the late night efforts of our very own resident music detective, JerusalemSlim: ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 54-40 – One Day In Your Life A-ha – Crying In The Rain Alison Moyet – All Cried Out Barclay James Harvest – She Said (live) Be Bop Deluxe – Panic In The World Benjamin Russell/Rob Stuart – Elegant Mirage Benjamin Russell/Rob Stuart – Street With No Name Buffalo Springfield – For What It’s Worth China Crisis – Christian (God Emoji Remix) Church Of Trees – High Above (KeX/1 Remix) City Boy – 5000 Years/Don’t Know Can’t Tell Clash – The Magnificent Seven David Marsden – Remembrance Day set … you had to be there! Depeche Mode – Never Let Me Down Again (Split Mix) Dire Straits – Calling Elvis Eric Clapton & Luciano Pavarotti – Holy Mother (live) Frank Zappa & The Mothers – Happy Together (live) Gaudi – E=MC2 George Harrison – Dark Sweet Lady Grace Jones – Nightclubbing Grapes Of Wrath – You May Be Right Jools Holland/David Gilmour/Mica Paris – I Put A Spell On You Kate Bush – Running Up That Hill (12″ mix) KLF feat. Tammy Wynette – Justified & Ancient (12″ version) Leonard Cohen – Closing Time Nazareth – Love Hurts Pete Wylie & The Mighty WAH – The Story Of The Blues (Parts One & Two) Raine Maida – Montreal Rob Stuart – A Beautiful Thing Sharpe & Numan – Change Your Mind (Razormaid Mix) Simply Red – Positively 4th Street Tubes – Slipped My Disco ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Be sure to catch David and an eclectic collection of guest DJs streaming 24/7 on NYTheSpirit.com. Experience music unique to David Marsden and his tenure at CFNY-FM–music that defines not only an era, but a lifetime.
Listen to David’s weekly live broadcasts from 8PM until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights; but, you just never know when he’ll pop in during the week.
Here’s the complete list, thanks to ever-cheerful late night assistance from TheBarron: ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ??? – (instrumental) A Man Called Adam feat. Eddie Parker – Easter Song (Café Del Mar) Al Stewart – Lord Grenville Art Of Noise feat. Tom Jones – Kiss (extended) Badfinger – Carry On Till Tomorrow Benjamin Russell/Rob Stewart – Don’t Leave Me Behind Benjamin Russell/Rob Stewart – Yell (Extended) Benjamin Russell/Rob Stuart – Driving Hollow Bruce Springsteen – The River Chicago – Colour My World Chip Taylor & John Prine – Sixteen Angels Dancing ‘Cross The Moon Conjure One feat. Sinéad O’Connor – Tears From The Moon Dee Long – Good Night Universe Gregorian feat. Sarah Brightman – Don’t Give Up Heart – Stairway To Heaven (Live From The Kennedy Centre) July Talk – Guns + Ammunition Leon Russell – Stranger In A Strange Land Lou Reed – Walk On The Wild Side Marianne Faithfull – Broken English Marillion – The Last Straw/Happy Ending Mike Batt – The Ride To Agadir Pet Shop Boys – Love Comes Quickly (Dance) Peter Murphy – I’ll Fall With Your Knife Phil Collins – In The Air Tonight (Panski & John Skyfield Remix) Pink Floyd – Bring The Boys Back Home Pink Floyd – Comfortably Numb Pink Floyd – Nobody Home Pink Floyd – Vera Pretty Lights – Finally Moving Propellerheads – Velvet Pants Rammstein – Stripped (Heavy Mental Mix By Charlie Clouser) Rob Stuart – A Beautiful Thing Romeo Void – Never Say Never Roy Orbison/k.d. lang – Crying Sammy Davis, Jr. – Mr. Bojangles Strawbs – Autumn: Heroine’s Theme/Deep Summer Sleep/The Winter Long Sugarloaf – Green-Eyed Lady Take 6 feat. Aaron Moses – Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans Talking Heads – Take Me To The River Terence Trent D’Arby – Wonderful World Thomas Dolby – Europa & The Pirate Twins (extended) Timber Timbre – Magic Arrow Trans-Canada Highwaymen Which Way You Goin’ Billy? Way Of The West – Don’t Say That’s Just For White Boys (12″) Willie Nelson/Leon Russell – Stormy Weather ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Bruce Springsteen – The River July Talk – Guns + Ammunition Marianne Faithfull – Broken English Marillion – The Last Straw/Happy Ending Mike Batt – The Ride To Agadir Pet Shop Boys – Love Comes Quickly (Dance) Peter Murphy – I’ll Fall With Your Knife Phil Collins – In The Air Tonight (Panski & John Skyfield Remix) Pretty Lights – Finally Moving Propellerheads – Velvet Pants Rammstein – Stripped (Heavy Mental Mix By Charlie Clouser) Rob Stuart – A Beautiful Thing Romeo Void – Never Say Never Roy Orbison/k.d. lang – Crying Sugarloaf – Green-Eyed Lady Take 6 feat. Aaron Moses – Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans Talking Heads – Take Me To The River Thomas Dolby – Europa & The Pirate Twins (extended) Trans-Canada Highwaymen – Which Way You Goin’ Billy? Way Of The West – Don’t Say That’s Just For White Boys (12″) ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Several months ago, I was honored to review a song from Church of Trees’ then upcoming album, “Courage.” The track was “Progression,” and it was a wonderful teaser leaving us all in great anticipation for more spellbinding songs. They did not disappoint.
More recently, CoT announced the release of a new single “Pet Sematary” on October 13, just in time for Halloween. I was treated to a preview of this Ramones cover and was instantly taken by it, prompting another music review. I can honestly say I actually like it far better than the original—it’s that good.
In September, I was so excited to finally meet Bernard Frazer and Co. at a Church of Trees/SLAVE to the SQUAREwave show at the iconic El Mocambo in Toronto, Ontario Canada. It was an amazing night. Both groups put on fantastic performances, hosted by David Marsden of NYTheSpirit.com. That night I asked Bernard if he would like to do an interview for Rave and Roll, and he graciously agreed. After much delay (I had a few ongoing health issues), we’ve finally connected.
Missparker: Thanks again so much for your time. First question—where did the name “Church of Trees” come from?
Bernard: Well, I’m not a religious person, but I do have a strong sense of spirituality, which is rooted in nature. So, it’s no surprise that I live in a very rural area (on 10 acres of woods, which back onto thousands of acres of forest). So, when I work in my little makeshift recording studio, I look out of the window at my “church of trees.”
Missparker: What inspired you to recently cover the Ramones’ “Pet Sematary” over any other possibilities?
Bernard: Well, first, I love the Ramones, always have. In fact, back in the early 80s I was at my local dance club (Nuts and Bolts in Toronto) and spotted 2 guys in leather jackets walk in. One of them looked very familiar, and it turned out to be Joey Ramone. I walked up to him, bought him a beer, and chatted him up for about 15 minutes (they were in town promoting the Pleasant Dreams album). It was exhilarating! BTW, the other guy was Marky Ramone (who replaced Tommy on drums).
But the idea for a remake of Pet Sematary came from my singer Heather Brazeau, who is also a Ramones fan. She sent me this demo, just voice and piano…a kind of ballad-version of this high energy punk song. I instantly thought the song would be ultra cool if I produced it in kind of a Jim Steinman style (think Total Eclipse of the Heart). So, that’s what we did!
Missparker: Who were the artists involved with recording “Pet Sematary?”
Bernard: After receiving Heather’s piano demo, I laid down a drum track, bass, strings, synths, piano, and synth guitar. Then I sent the session to Blinker the Star’s Jordon Zadorozny (we always record at his studio “Skylark Park”). Jordon is an incredible multi-instrumentalist. So, I asked him to replace my drum track with live drums, and to add guitar. A few days later, we went into his studio to record Heather’s lead and harmony vocals. I also added some harmonies, and then Jordon mixed it. It was all done very quickly, maybe within a week or so.
Missparker: I love the promo pictures of Heather that were released along with the track. She looks so perfectly in tune with her make-up and backdrop. Who created the creepy Halloween vibe?
Bernard: Oh, that’s mostly Heather. She is so talented. She devised the look of the studio space, her wardrobe, and the fantastic makeup. Then she sent me the photos she took, and I worked with my incredibly talented wife Karen (who has a background in graphic design) to add the other elements (raven, etc.) in the collage.
Missparker: It was wonderful to see you all perform live back in September, and equally wonderful to reconnect with David Marsden, who I haven’t seen since 2019. He’s quite the champion of Canadian music talent. How did you first connect with him?
Bernard: Well, first, when I was a kid, I used to listen to David on Toronto’s CHUM FM (in the 70s). So, he was responsible for filling my young ears with some of the most exciting music I’d ever heard, including David Bowie, The New York Dolls, and Iggy Pop. Then, in the 80s, I exclusively listened to David’s other Toronto station, CFNY. Back then, my band (News From The Roof) was a finalist in CFNY’s “Great Ontario Talent Search” contest, and we were nominated for a CFNY “CASBY” award for our music video “Modern Age.” Then, starting around 2017 or so, David started playing Church of Trees on NYtheSpirit.com. Ever since then, he seems to have been keeping an eye on us!
Speaking of the El Mocambo gig in September, David and I had a wonderful chat that night, and he offered quite a bit of sage advice on moving our project forward. Marsbar is a true legend, and we’re forever in his debt for all his wonderful support.
Missparker: I agree with everything you’ve said about David—he’s an absolute guardian angel to independent musicians.
You released the album “Courage” earlier in the year. Do you have any plans to release another album any time soon?
Bernard: YES, and I’m so excited!! We’re in the middle of recording songs for our next album “Transience,” which will be out in early 2024. We are a little over halfway through and it is sounding great! As usual, Heather, Stella and I have been recording with our dear friend Jordon Zadorozny at his studio Skylark Park. The album will also include performances by Kellii Scott, the drummer for Failure (how cool is that!). We also have collaborations with my old friend Larry Bethune, who used to play guitar with Alannah Myles (of Black Velvet fame). Jordon also provides drums and guitar, and our dear pal Bob Prendergast also contributes guitar on several tracks.
Missparker: You’ve collaborated with other musicians to make remixes of some of your tracks—Rob Stuart and Rob Preuss, just to name a couple—do you think you may do more of that in the future?
Bernard: Yes, absolutely! Rob Preuss is already hard at work on a remix for a new song called “It’s Over.” And I definitely want to work with Rob Stuart again. He is all kinds of magic! I just love the remix process. When you connect with people whose work you hold in such high regard, it is incredibly exciting to hear what kind of spin they put on your songs. I’m looking forward to working with others, as well.
Missparker: You’ve recently experienced the loss of your lead guitarist Bob Prendergast, who decided to move back to the US. Will this affect CoT’s music style in any way?
Bernard: Losing Bob was a huge blow, I can’t lie. We love him so much. Thankfully, as we’ve been recording, we involve him remotely. He has a great little studio set up and is actively recording guitar for the new album. So, he is still helping us steer this ship. The big challenge is finding someone to replace him for live performance. We can’t expect him to travel up from New Hampshire whenever we play!
But, in answer to your question, Bob certainly influenced our sound. Having another guitar player is bound to change the soundscape. That said, our sound is always evolving, and much of that is borne out of constant experimentation, not to mention the influences that Heather and Stella provide.
Missparker: I’m curious about adapting music made in a studio to live stage performances. What are the challenges?
Bernard: Oh gosh, there are many! We’re in a constant battle deciding which technologies to use (or not to use), who the members of the live act should be, which instrumentation we want…all of it affects how the songs are interpreted in a live scenario. We’ve been looking for someone to replace Bob on guitar, and we’ve been searching for a drummer (which is NOT easy!). I’ve also wanted to add another keyboard player, which will modify the sound even more. The biggest challenge is finding members (and technologies) that sound great and work well together. Anytime you add or replace a member, it alters the live sound.
Missparker: Speaking of live performances—any shows scheduled for the future? And, selfishly, I’m wondering if you plan any more shows in the Toronto area, as I’m more apt to wind up there when I travel to Canada.
Bernard: We don’t have any immediate plans to play live, but we have been trying to hook up with 80s legacy acts as an opening band. We’d love to open for the Spoons, Men Without Hats, Images in Vogue, Howard Jones, and others like that to do a short tour or one-off gigs in Canada or the States. We’ve also talked a bit about playing the UK, France, and Germany. But, for now, it’s just talk, nothing concrete.
Missparker: How exciting! I hope it pans out.
What advice do you have for any other up-and-coming independent musicians for getting their music played?
Bernard: Wow, that is, perhaps, the most important question for any new band to think about. In this age of DIY music, it takes a massive amount of hard work. You have to be prepared to devote every waking hour to finding internet-, university-, and community-based radio stations that play your type of music. Then, the streaming world is a whole other kettle of fish. There is a real art in finding and wooing curators whose playlists would benefit from your songs. The best advice I can give is to be tenacious and passionate. Never give up!
Missparker: Before we end, is Bandcamp the best bet for curious folks to check you out and purchase your music?
Bernard: Bandcamp (churchoftrees.bandcamp.com) is an excellent portal to hear and purchase our music, at least for now. It was recently sold to Songtradr. So, who knows if the Bandcamp model will change or even continue to exist in the near future. People can also buy our music right from our website http://www.churchoftrees.com
Missparker: I appreciate the time you’ve taken to share some Church of Trees insider stuff with me and all who read this. And, more importantly, I look forward to upcoming releases and live performances.
Bernard: Thank you so much for all your support, both past and present. You are a wonderful ally to independent artists like Church of Trees! I can’t thank you enough for all your help and encouragement!
From CoT’s promo media: Church of Trees is a Canadian synthpop band whose debut “Primitive Creatures” (2017) charted in Japan, the UK, & across Canada. 2018’s The Dark & The Light featured the #1 single “Like Gary Numan.” 2021’s PAUSE spawned the hit “World’s a Bitch” with rock legend Carole Pope. The new album “Courage” (May 2023) features remixes by Rob Stuart, Rob Preuss, and Paragon Cause.
FaceBook: @churchoftreesmusic Instagram: @church_of_trees X (formerly known as Twitter): @churchoftrees 613-620-2934
Paul Manchin graciously sent me another song/video to review. I was privileged to write about “Gratification” back in April of this year. This time, the tune is called “First.”
“First” is a very low-key and unassuming ballad. It opens with beautifully sung piano-accompanied lyrics. The second verse brings us more complex instrumentation, still haunting and soothing. This is one of the most sublimely sung and orchestrated songs I’ve heard in a while.
I have to admit, I was a bit baffled when viewing the video for the first time. I asked Paul about the symbolism he was conveying, and he responded, “The song ‘First’ is about first experiences and how it influences a person’s life in the past, present and future. The music video ‘First’ is about the gestation of a child inside the womb vocalizing to the mother.”
I’ve included the lyrics below the video to help get a feeling for the overall experience. Enjoy…
Verse: First life He came into this world Was born nine in the morning There was nothing expected First God A symbol he would bow too Proud to worship Everywhere
Chorus: This is my life This is my life My life
Verse: First love Would tease him Show skin Liked attention First passion His fingers felt the piano Sang and wrote songs Great joy
Chorus: This is my life This is my life My life
Verse: First drink Forbidden Flavor was sweet He barely stood First sin Unexpected Shame and guilt subsides Holding onto soul
Chorus: This is my life This is my life My life
Song Written/Produced by Paul Manchin & Black Jack Video Produced by Hill’s Video Productions Director/Director of Photography by Gerry Milinkovic Editing by Andy Walker Amber/Carolyn’s Model & Talent Agency
Be sure to catch David and an eclectic collection of guest DJs streaming 24/7 on NYTheSpirit.com. Experience music unique to David Marsden and his tenure at CFNY-FM–music that defines not only an era, but a lifetime.
Listen to David’s weekly live broadcasts from 8PM until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights; but, you just never know when he’ll pop in during the week.
Here’s the complete list, thanks to the late night efforts (and attention to detail) of JerusalemSlim: ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 69 Eyes – Feel Berlin Alice In Videoland – Going Down Art Of Noise feat. Max Headroom – Paranoimia (extended version) Be-Bop Deluxe – Panic In The World Blancmange – Blind Vision (12″ mix) Blodwyn Pig – Dear Jill Box – Closer Together (54th Street Mix) China Crisis – Christian (Single Edit) Church Of Trees – Progression Climax Blues Band – Couldn’t Get It RIght Daniel Lanois – The Maker David Bowie – Cat People (Putting Out Fire) Dee Long – Good Night Universe Depeche Mode – Enjoy The Silence Echo and the Bunnymen – Bring On The Dancing Horses (Extended Mix) Elliott Murphy & Bruce Springsteen – Everything I Do (Leads Me Back To You) Gary Moore – Midnight Blues (live) Gil Scott-Heron – The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (incomplete) Golden Earring – The Vanilla Queen Goldfrapp/Norman Greenbaum/ZZ Top – Ooh La Grange In The Sky (mash-up) Hooverphonic – Anger Never Dies Jake Bugg – Broken King Crimson – I Talk To The Wind Ladysmith Black Mambazo feat. Des’ree – Ain’t No Sunshine Lighthouse – 1849 Lionel Richie et al – We Are The World (live) Peter Gabriel – Big Time (remix) Porcupine Tree – Collapse The Light Into Earth Rob Stuart – A Beautiful Thing Roxy Music – Avalon Simply Red – Positively 4th Street SLAVE To The SQUAREwave – Starrs (Ambient Vocal Mix) Smiths – How Soon Is Now Specials – Ghost Town (extended) Spencer Mackenzie – Two Doves Stranglers – Peaches Talking Heads – Take Me To The River (live) Tanita Takiram – Twist In My Sobriety The The – Heartland Thomas Dolby – She Blinded Me With Science (extended) Thompson Twins – Don’t Mess With Doctor Dream (Smackattack!) Trans-Canada Highwaymen – Undun Underworld – 8 Ball Waterboys – Blues For My Baby Willie Nelson – Crazy Yello – The Race ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Be sure to catch David and an eclectic collection of guest DJs streaming 24/7 on NYTheSpirit.com. Experience music unique to David Marsden and his tenure at CFNY-FM–music that defines not only an era, but a lifetime.
Listen to David’s weekly live broadcasts from 8PM until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights; but, you just never know when he’ll pop in during the week.
David is back with us after an extended illness, and we are so very thankful!
Here’s the complete list, thanks to the much-appreciated (and missed!) multi-tasking skills of TheBarron: ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Alabama 3 – Hotel California Band feat. The Staple Singers – The Weight (The Last Waltz) Beth Hart – Caught Out In The Rain Blue Peter – Radio Silence Captain Sensible – Wot (extended) Cars – Drive (extended) Church Of Trees – Lost My Job (Rob Stuart Stick It To The Man Mix) Cure – Lullaby (extended) Daft Punk – The Game Of Love Damned – Eloise David Gilmour – Where We Start Dee Long – Good Night Universe Depeche Mode – Never Let Me Down Again (Split Mix) Dev Makes Music – Band Aid Echo & The Bunnymen – The Killing Moon Electric Prunes – I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night Farm – All Together Now (Indie Rock Dance Mix) Fine Young Cannibals – Suspicious Minds (Suspicious) Flying Burrito Brothers – Hippie Boy Gene Loves Jezebel – Desire (Come And Get It) [Extended] Gilbert O’Sullivan – Alone Again (Naturally) Harry Nilsson – Without You Hooters – 500 Miles John Madill – Movin’ On Julian Cope – Sunspots Leonard Cohen feat. Sharon Robinson – In My Secret Life Marianne Faithful/Warren Ellis – She Walks In Beauty Mike Oldfield feat. Maggie Reilly – Five Miles Out Moody Blues – Isn’t Life Strange Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds feat. Kylie Minogue – Where The Wild Roses Grow Paul Weller – You Do Something To Me Peter Gabriel feat. Kate Bush – Don’t Give Up Pink Floyd – High Hopes Porcupine Tree – Collapse The Light Into Earth Public Service Broadcasting – Everest Re-Flex – The Politics Of Dancing (remix) Richard Wright – Night Of A Thousand Furry Toys Rob Stuart – A Beautiful Thing Rod Stewart – Only A Hobo Samuel E. Wright & The Lion King Ensemble – They Live In You Sigue Sigue Sputnik – Atari Baby (extended remix) Simply Red – The Air That I Breathe Trans-Canada Highwaymen – Which Way You Goin’ Billy? Ultravox – White China (Special Mix) ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
David Marsden streaming live via the Internet. Join the fun and get some interesting (and always entertaining) information at the forum on Marsden Global.
Rave and Roll Blog 