"In a world of so much racial division, surely, we can all agree that music - and blues & soul music in particular - brings a diverse community of people together. I find that fact undeniable and incredibly powerful."

Miss Emily: Defined By Love...and Soul!

Multiple Maple Blues Award winner, and 2022 JUNO Nominee for Blues Album of the Year,…

"Blues is unique in that it can address every aspect of human existence: love, money, death, taxes, you name it. I think a successful performance is one in which your audience forgets about their troubles for a little while, and maybe they go home a little happier and a little frisky."

The Dig 3: Historical Blues Music in Mind

Unfettered by…

"I would say just be you. You play what you are. Music is the mirror of your soul. And that's so true!"

Breezy Rodio: Underground Blues Odyssey

By any standard, Breezy Rodio’s blues odyssey has encompassed quite a few more miles than that of most up and coming musicians now working the competitive Chicago circuit. In 2007 Rodio joined the band of…

"The Blues have saturated our culture and become very mainstream, being played in commercials and such. I wouldn’t go so far as to say contemporary blues is watered down from the blues of say the 50’s and 60’s during the civil rights movement. But I think it’s more in the background as far as representing the black voice in our society."

Patty Tuite: Hard Case Of The…

"The thing I like about the music of the past, and especially the blues, is the honesty of the music. There was not days upon months of mixing, and overdubbing, and digital trickery. Four or five guys, or however many, would all go into a room big enough to facilitate the numbers, and set up and play, and the music was mixed and recorded on the spot “live off the floor”."

South Island Rhythm…

"I honestly don’t listen to much new music. Most of the music I listen to is timeless. Maybe a young person wouldn’t feel that way when they hear an old Elmore James or Snooky Pryor album, but I sure do. I don’t have any fears in terms of music. My hope is that people continue to make great blues music."

B. Christopher: Snapshots From The Blues…

"Music is important to me. It’s part of the language and expression of being alive - being human!"

Suzy Starlite & Simon Campbell:

A Fresh Taste of British Rock!

British award-winners Starlite Campbell Band Starlite release exciting third album 'Starlite Campbell Band -…

"The music industry is squeezing the last drops out of its old business model. It operates on a profit motive and doesn't feel obligated to promote music as music; it's content to promote it in the same way it promotes laundry detergent. It won't adapt until it sees that a grassroots movement coming from a music-starved audience can be profitable."

Al Basile: Through…

"Without music there is no love, without love there is no world. Music is the foundation of survival, music is the foundation of youth development, without it as I said there is no progress and survival. Every dollar invested in music returns tenfold, not only as a material value, but as a cultural, sociological, philosophical one, and in the end we spread only positive energy and emotions through music."…

"Firstly, I hope it makes them feel good, take them away from any troubles they have and immerse themselves in the music, perhaps driving in the car with the music cranked up. Secondly, I hope to inspire people to pick up a guitar, pick up an instrument, as it can be a great creative outlet, and a way to build impressively strong discipline – if you want to take it that far. And it’s fun!"

Matty T…

"I feel that the Blues is a very misunderstood genre outside of the actual community. But even there, traditionalists tend to thumb their noses at artists who are trying to expand the genre. I think it’s ok to have a preference for a style or period of Blues, but to also be open minded about the future of the music. Even my own music is often hard to put into just one category…even on the same record!"…

"The Blues might be a lament but it makes you happy. All music at it's best heals."

Matt Lomeo: When You Call The Blues

Uttica, NY native Matt Lomeo received his first harmonica at 9. He soon began singing and playing in bands with his older brother Adam on guitar, and in 1999 became the youngest artist ever invited to perform at a…

"Blues music, in its essence, is the art of expression and audience connection. Simple, yet complex, emotional, and accessible. If you’re trying to learn music for the purpose or reaching people emotionally, understanding the blues is the ultimate building block. Lots of great bands were blues bands before the progressed into their eventual sound. I believe there are elements of the blues in all forms of American popular music."…

"I believe that for people who love Blues Rock, life has a more pleasant and real flavor. Since this particular genre is created by analog instruments like guitars, drums, harmonicas, keyboards, etc, therefore it remains something real and authentic. I always want people to have a beautiful moment during and after my show so that they can leave the daily routine for a moment to feed on music and really enjoy themselves."…

"I’ve learned the hard way not to self-righteously fight against every small thing I don’t like. More “go with the flow” if I can. And sometimes it’s better to be kind than to be honest. I try to choose my battles more now than I did 30 years ago."

Bob Margolin: Blessings and Blues

Bob Margolin is a Steady Rollin’ Blues guitar player…

"I believe that kindness and respect are so important no matter what field you are in. The music business is cutthroat for sure and I've seen it turn very kind, loving folks into bitter and angry people. On the flip side of that there is so much joy to be able to do what I love for a living and to hopefully be able make people forget their problems for at least just a moment. I've learned to remind myself of that when I get frustrated with the…

"I always strive for peace and love and all living as one. Also, empowerment. I try to write music that has the ability to take you out of the funk (the bad kind of funk!) and regain your power. One of the songs I released last year is called "Free," it's about women’s freedom, in a sense. It's the freedom from being done raising their kids, and now it's their time to shine and maybe take their journey!!"…

​"I think this music is timeless, and people will always love it, however, I think the reason blues has been able to generate renewed interest in recent years, is because newer artists are mixing blues with other genres, like rock, soul, pop, even hip hop."

Chris Antonik: Morningstar Blues

Since his nomination for Best New Artist at…

"Blues Music is all around us and has been for a very long time. Blues has been and still is the foundation for many art forms, not just music. Whether it be: Music, Film, Literature, Social Media, Story Telling, etc... People expressing their views and experiences with blues is a powerful way to reach an audience."

Spencer Mackenzie: Preach To My Soul…

"I find that in my case, the key to a life well lived is knowing what brings me joy and allowing that for myself. It's living according to what I KNOW my purpose is. It's loving out loud. It's understanding that every breath I take is a blessing… every moment, a gift. The ultimate key to a “life well lived" is to be grateful for it ALL!"

Kat Riggins: The Sound of Spiritual…