March 1: Radiostar Contest + House Concerts + What Up Yo

I just finished judging the 2010 Radiostar songwriting competition. Always a fun task! Such diversity in our country from coast to coast. Hard to believe it's been 14 years since I won the contest, grabbed the cash, and made The Original Leap Year - slaving away, recording to 2-inch tape after hours at a studio in Toronto with Stuart Brawley!

Sounds like prehistoric times!

The EP is getting close to being sold out. thank you so much to everyone for pre-ordering it. If all goes to plan, you should get your copy in the next few weeks. Know that I'm working around the clock to get your special package out to you. Can't wait to do the draw for the house concert too - I'm hoping to video that, so stay tuned!

Speaking of which, I'm planning a house concert tour this summer and fall. To host one is a little more work than just winning one, but if you're at all interested, we can give you some more info. Some house concerts I've done have been downright remarkable and super-memorable for me, from playing last year at actor Andrew Shaver's loft in Stratford to playing at Nicky's place in Rhode Island all those years ago. I even played one in Cork, Ireland 10 years ago before I started to tour the great country. Anyway, we can fill you in if you'd like...just drop a note to deaddaisyrecords@yahoo.com with the subject line "Emm House Concert". We are planning house concerts in both Canada and the US. You can ask as many questions as you like about hosting a house concert (if you never have), and then we'll screen you to make sure you're not crazy. Or that you're crazy enough.

I finally got TV. It's been a great time watching the Olympics. What a hockey game that was yesterday. Whew! SWO's brother is friends with both Tessa Virtue's brother AND the guy who rocked the net cam for many of the hockey games. So every time we'd get a good shot of the net, RMO made it clear that his friend was working the cam. Sweet.

Speaking of sweet, Joel Plaskett added vocals recently to my duets album. Creamtastic! Now there's one stray chap in Ireland who has to find the time to do his vocals and the album is donezo. It's so thrilling to hear all these rad vocalists pipe in on my tunes. It's like the value of the rock n roll property has increased immensely.

In my other production work, Kalan Porter sang on Dylan's EP recently and damn that mofo can sing. I'm always blown away by naturally gifted singers. I had to work on it. With lessons. And Scotch. And blind faith.

A new show has been added on May 8 at London Music Club. Tickets are 17 bucks in advance and 22 at the door. Support act TBA.

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