By Divine Right asks: What is the formula to make a great rock record?

“What is the formula to make a great rock record? Cover a synth-pop record from 1981!” (laughter)
José Contreras, guitarist composer vocalist etc. for By Divine Right, is very clear about the latest release they’re bringing to this year’s (2016) Sled Island Music & Arts Festival, Speak & Spell US … Continue Reading >By Divine Right asks: What is the formula to make a great rock record?

Thunder and lightning: Rock & roll’s climatologists

In the middle of July 2026, before the wildfires & heat domes had taken over the news forums, the intrepid MUSICAlive contributor Polina Tognonmegni, photographer painter & graphics diva, travelled with another enthusiast to the northern wilderness to experience . . . Rockin’ Thunder Music Festival. Which claimed “a high-voltage festival experience where the guitars are louder, the energy is wilder, and the rock never stops! We’ll be rocking out with you at the Exhibition Lands Racetrack in Edmonton AB July 11-12, 2026.” 

The results are below. … Continue Reading >Thunder and lightning: Rock & roll’s climatologists

Dancing with a piano Pt. 2: Trios, quartets & quintets of the Fire & Water exploration

The Women From Space Festival, happening in Toronto 3400 km away from our envious ears, has got a tiger by the tail with Myra Melford! We’re ostensibly talking with her before that adventurous musical event to highlight her most recent efforts with a group of colleagues who have become the Fire & Water quintet, on the Hear the Light Singing album, released in … Continue Reading >Dancing with a piano Pt. 2: Trios, quartets & quintets of the Fire & Water exploration