Inside the Music with StereoRuss

Joe McLeod (October 5, 2023)

A gifted songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Joe McLeod brings his stories to life in vivid detail, using his evocative voice to explore everything from love and loss to the natural beauty of his native Canada. Since emerging with his beloved debut single ‘Walk Me Home’ in 2019, he has become a main stay on the country’s indie folk scene, endearing himself to an ever-growing legion of fans with his passionate, high-energy performances. The Dancer And The Bear is McLeod’s latest effort to fully embrace vulnerability and accept a deeper level of honesty within himself. Born in the small town of Keswick, Ontario, Joe spent his early days building an audience in Kingston Ontario, before settling in Toronto to pursue a music career.
He quickly built up an impressive discography, proving himself a worthy torchbearer for Canada’s rich songwriting legacy. Within a few short years, he was opening for global acts while earning a reputation as a must-see performer.
Joe’s first album ‘Cloud Berries In Alaska’ is a moving meditation on hope, loss, and survival in the time of COVID. Written in the months following his father’s passing, it addresses the stark realities of our time while retaining the grace, humor, and optimism that have come to define Joe’s career. ‘Cloud Berries In Alaska’ was a major artistic leap forward for a truly unique artist with a vital story to tell.
 
Songs edited from episode:
What a Pity - Joe McLeod
Horizon - Joe McLeod
Passing Through - Joe McLeod
Beneath the Trees - Joe McLeod
1950s Chair - Joe McLeod
Bluebird - Paul McCartney and Wings
 
Follow and Listen to Joe McLeod:
https://www.instagram.com/joemcleodmusic
https://lnk.bio/joemcleodmusic
 
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Will Henderson (September 21, 2023)

William Henderson is a singer-songwriter/musician originating from Europe (specifically Scotland & Sweden) that has been living in Hamilton, Ontario for over a decade. His current projects are: The Pseudo Beat (multi genre solo project I have), Stuck In Nostalgia (punk/metal band), The Checkerboards (ska/reggae band) and LVHF (post hardcore/alt rock band).
 
Songs edited from episode:
Walk Out to Winter - Aztec Camera
I Don't Owe You Anything - The Smiths
Pulled Up - Talking Heads
Why Are You Being So Reasonable Now? - The Wedding Present
 
Follow and Listen to Will Henderson:
https://www.instagram.com/reapers_music_club/
https://linktr.ee/willthethrillmusic
 
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https://www.tiktok.com/@stereoruss
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Michael Keire (September 7, 2023)

Owner, producer, engineer mixer @ Threshold Studios in Hamilton, Ontario
 
Songs edited from episode:
I Am Drugs - Vicious Beast
Don't Feel Bad - Sundried Whales
Somnia - The Crowleys
Bucket List - Lost Faculty
 
Follow and Listen to Michael Keire:
https://www.instagram.com/thresholdrecordingstudio/
https://www.instagram.com/michael_keire_music/
 
Follow Inside the Music:
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https://www.tiktok.com/@stereoruss
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Mister Rabbit (August 31, 2023)

Mister Rabbit, from Hamilton, Ontario, formed right before the pandemic (Jan. 2020) as friends from work with shared musical interests. Over the course of a year and a half of launching the band, they've released a full length record End Of History Illusion, and played shows across Ontario.
 
Songs edited from episode:
Subtle Tribute - Mister Rabbit
On Again - Mister Rabbit
A Fool's Errand - Mister Rabbit
Anyone - Mister Rabbit
 
Follow and Listen to Mister Rabbit:
https://www.instagram.com/himisterrabbit/
https://linktr.ee/himisterrabbit
 
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FFCS (August 17, 2023)

FFCS is a music collective from Hamilton, Ontario.
Songs edited from episode:
Anything Like You - Janet D'Eon
Like a Stone - Audioslave
Lady in Red - Chris de Burgh
Ice V - King Gizzard and the Wizard Lizard
 
Follow FFCS:
https://www.instagram.com/ffcs_4_life/
 
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Bernadette Connors RETURNS (August 10, 2023)

Growing up in a musical family in Georgina, Ontario, Bernadette worked in the family owned music store and taught voice lessons since she was 13. She moved too Hamilton around the same time of releasing "Monarch" (Nov 2021) and has been performing for most of her life.
Songs edited from episode:
Believe In You - Bernadette Connors (Amanda Marshall cover)
You and Me On The Rock - Bernadette Connors (Brandy Carlile cover)
Cards - Bernadette Connors
 
Follow and Listen to Bernadette:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0amdwmduZDnkuGlGb9bQIp
https://www.instagram.com/bernadetteconnors/
https://www.tiktok.com/@bernadetteconnors_
 
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Boxcar Ben & Leo Dragtoe (July 13, 2023)

Boxcar Ben and Leo Dragtoe are a rock and folk duo hailing from Hamilton, Ontario with dynamic elements of classic rock, heavy blues, and soulful folk influences.
Songs edited from episode:
Railroad Blues - Boxcar Ben
Orchids - Leo Dragtoe
Get Together - Boxcar Ben & Leo Dragtoe (performed live)
Open Heart Surgery - Leo Dragtoe
Tighter and Tighter - Soundgarden
 
Follow and Listen to Boxcar Ben:
https://www.instagram.com/boxcar_ben/
https://linktr.ee/Boxcarben
 
Follow and Listen to Leo Dragtoe:
https://www.instagram.com/leodragtoe/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/76H2QFkax3SeBJSEjW56Y9?si=TuvaEwiDQa6EO6Ics2gfEw&nd=1&dlsi=5048f115f57e40cf
 
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Andrew Bentham-Riley (July 6, 2023)

Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, singer-songwriter and guitarist Andrew Bentham-Riley draws inspiration from a variety of genres, including Indie, Alternative Rock and Americana Roots. Currently splitting his time between Hamilton and the Niagara region, Andrew has been engaging local audiences with his latest musical pursuits, breaking away from his roots as a cover band artist, and releasing two original singles in 2022.
His lyrical style can be described as anecdotal - telling a narrative of his own life experiences in a soulful, passionate and expressive way. Through his involvement in the music community, Andrew continues to hone his skills as a songwriter and vocalist.
Songs from Episode:
Try - Andrew Bentham-Riley
Voyageur - Andrew Bentham-Riley
Truman - Andrew Bentham-Riley
 
Follow and Listen to Andrew:
https://www.instagram.com/andrewbentriley/
https://hyperfollow.com/andrewbentriley
 
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Hayley Verrall (June 29, 2023)

Hayley Verrall is a pop country artist from Burlington, Ontario with a clear, inspiring voice. She's performed at notable events, including Burlington Sound of Music Festival and Burlington's Largest Ribfest. She was also inducted into the Burlington Performing Arts Centre Hall of Fame. Her recent single, I Guess That's Love showcases her ability to create catchy and meaningful music, reflecting on life and love. With over 200k streams, Hayley is a rising star in the Canadian music scene.
 
Songs edited from episode:
I Guess That's Love - Hayley Verrall
Side of Small Town - Hayley Verrall
Stir Crazy - Hayley Verrall
Dance Around It - Hayley Verrall
Like You Mean It - Hayley Verrall
Nobody's Perfect - The Recklaws
Life is Worth Living - Justin Bieber
Jolene - Dolly Parton
 
Follow and Listen to Hayley Verrall:
https://www.instagram.com/hayleyverrallmusic/
https://li.sten.to/peachicedtea
https://www.hayleyverrallmusic.com/
 
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Ronson of Golden Feather (June 22, 2023)

Golden Feather is a project that was started by Steve Kiely and Brad Germain, inspired by their love of bands that like to jam and take their listeners on a musical journey. The two have been close friends for years, but had just finally gotten to writing music together in the early part of 2019. What started out as a weekly hang for the two in Brad’s basement recording demos, quickly turned into them having to find more like minded musicians to help them bring their musical ideas to life.
The group was set to play its first show in March 2020 when the global pandemic hit, suddenly ending all hopes of live performance. Brad and Steve, along with bassist Ronson and guitarist Chris Wheeler worked on the songs remotely and ended up recording their debut album entitled Light On Water, which was released in November 2020.
Not long after the release of Light On Water, Gareth Inkster joined the group on keys to complete the original, definitive lineup. Golden Feather has since released a follow up album “In Air”, releasing each of the four songs as singles, once monthly for four consecutive months, in early 2022, followed by the EP “Now & Then” released on Sonic Unyon Records in September of 2022. Chris Wheeler and the band amicably parted ways in January of 2023, and not long after, part-time guest saxophonist Murray Heaton joined the band as a full-time member.
Seeing the band live is where you get to really see what they’re all about. It’s very much a two way transfer of energy between the crowd and the stage. They’re not afraid to explore their music and try new things out, especially in front of a live audience. Golden Feather shows are full of dancing, sing alongs, and good vibes, something that has to be experienced for yourself to believe. Come watch the Feather Fly!
Songs edited from episode:
Forgiveness - Golden Feather
La Conchita - Golden Feather
Just For Now - Golden Feather
Mountain Man - Golden Feather
 
Follow and Listen to Golden Feather:
https://www.instagram.com/goldenfeatherband/
https://linktr.ee/GoldenFeatherBand
 
Follow Ronson:
https://www.instagram.com/ronsonrocks/
https://www.ronsonrocks.com/
 
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