🎙️ East Coast DNA Podcast: Apollo Sessions Vol. 1 with Al MacGillivray In this episode, host Darcy Walsh sits down with Al MacGillivray to discuss the highly anticipated launch of the Apollo Sessions at the deCoste Performing Arts Centre in Pictou, Nova Scotia. The inaugural event, happening this Saturday, December 21, promises an unforgettable evening celebrating homegrown Nova Scotia talent. Apollo Sessions Vol. 1 will feature a headlining performance by Halifax rock legends Contrived, supported by Pictou County’s own StoneHouse, and live painting by visual artist Taylor MacLean. With roots in renowned acts like Wintersleep, Holy F*ck, Billy Talent, and Matt Mays, Contrived has been a fixture in the Canadian music scene for over two decades. Their latest album, Addicted to Sadness, blends sharp, topical lyrics with intricate melodies, offering fans a perfect balance of nostalgia and evolution. StoneHouse, a rock and roll trio cut from Pictou County’s cloth, brings an authentic, soulful vibe to the stage, channeling their small-town roots into music that blends rock, country, and soul. During the conversation, Al shares insights into the vision behind the Apollo Sessions and the importance of spotlighting Nova Scotia's vibrant music and arts scene. Whether you're a long-time fan of these artists or discovering them for the first time, this episode sets the stage for a night you won’t want to miss! 🎟 Tickets: Available Now at decostecentre.ca 📍 Event Details: Saturday, December 21, deCoste Performing Arts Centre, Pictou, NS. Plan to stay in Pictou a little later with Andre Pettipas and K-Os celebrating with an after show at Fat Tony's. Tickets on sale now: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/k-os-presents-jingle-bell-rock-at-fat-tonys-tickets-1091157293839 📢 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to East Coast DNA for more stories from Atlantic Canada’s thriving music scene!

🎙️ Jon Cornwall - Grinchy Me | Song Spotlight & Interview 🎄

Get ready for an inside look at Grinchy Me, the latest Christmas single by Halifax-based folk and Canadiana artist Jon Cornwall. Featured on his sophomore album, Great Villagers, this heartfelt holiday track explores the stress and emotional overwhelm of the season—balanced with joy, support, and finding comfort in loved ones.

🌟 About the Song:
Grinchy Me is a touching and relatable Christmas song about seasonal sadness, obligations, and the importance of asking for help. Inspired by Jon's personal struggles, this soon-to-be holiday classic is a blend of folk and roots with a warm, nostalgic vibe.

🎥 Behind the Video:
Discover the unique making of the Grinchy Me music video, directed by Andrew Buckles (Brojects). With quirky upside-down chin puppets and clever cinematography, this innovative film perfectly captures the emotions of Jon's song.

🌟 About Jon Cornwall:
With a career spanning decades, Jon Cornwall has shared stages with iconic artists like Ron Sexsmith, Great Big Sea, and Lennie Gallant. After a 27-year hiatus, he’s back with Great Villagers, showcasing his lyrical storytelling, heartfelt melodies, and love for folk and Canadiana music.

✨ Watch, listen, and celebrate the season:
🎶 Stream Grinchy Me and the album: joncornwall.com
📺 Watch the music video: [Link to video]

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more artist interviews, new music spotlights, and holiday inspiration!

#GrinchyMe #JonCornwall #ChristmasMusic2024 #GreatVillagers #FolkMusic #Canadiana #ChristmasSongs #HolidayMusic #MusicVideo #BehindTheScenes #Brojects

🎤 East Coast DNA Chats with Rising Star Evan Cooper 🎶 In this episode of East Coast DNA, host Darcy Walsh sits down with 14-year-old singer-songwriter Evan Cooper at the Marigold Cultural Arts Centre in Truro, NS. Hailing from Fredericton, NB, Evan shares insights into his creative journey, what inspires his heartfelt lyrics, and his ambitions as a young artist breaking into the music scene. From his debut single "Don't Come Crying Back to Me" to his performances at events like the Harvest Music Festival and the NB Talent Competition, Evan's story is one of passion, perseverance, and undeniable talent. Whether you're a fan of Shawn Mendes, Noah Kahan, or Ed Sheeran, you’ll love hearing how Evan combines pop and alternative folk influences to create his unique sound. 📺 Watch the full interview on YouTube to discover Evan's thoughts on songwriting, live performances, and his goals for the future. 🚨 Subscribe to East Coast DNA on YouTube, your favorite podcast platforms, and your preferred social media channels. The more followers we have, the more amazing artists like Evan Cooper we can feature. Bringing these talented musicians extra exposure is just as important as making compelling content for you, the viewer!

📍 Follow Evan's journey and explore the vibrant East Coast music scene.

Join us as we sit down with Justin McGrath, the creative mind behind Truro’s Shadow Folk, a band renowned for their psychedelic soundscapes and unforgettable live performances. 🌌✨ Recorded at the Marigold Cultural Centre, this episode dives into their artistry and what fuels their vibrant presence on stage.

🔥 Catch Shadow Folk LIVE tonight at The Commune in Truro, NS! Don’t miss the electric energy they’ll bring to the stage—it’s going to be a show to remember!

🌟 Follow Shadow Folk and East Coast DNA for the latest updates, music, and more. 🎧

🔗 Stream the episode now on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and all major podcast platforms!

#ShadowFolk #EastCoastDNA #MarigoldCulturalCentre #TruroNS #PsychedelicMusic #LiveMusic #NovaScotiaMusic #Podcast #SupportLocalMusic

East Coast DNA welcomes back Brigid, the Truro-based musical trio of Emma Smit-Geraghty, Beth Terry, and Sarah Glinz. Known for their stunning three-part vocal harmonies and heartfelt storytelling, Brigid has been making waves in the East Coast music scene since releasing their debut album, Someone Like Her, in September 2022.

Last year, they joined us to celebrate the holidays and share stories behind their sophomore album, Mid-December. Now, they’re back to promote their new single, a beautiful cover of Stan Rogers’ “At Last, I’m Ready for Christmas”, plus exciting updates about their upcoming live performances and exclusive hints about new material and their plans for International Women’s Day.

Their music explores the many facets of being a woman, touching on the joys, struggles, and stories that unite us all. Beyond music, they are deeply committed to their community, raising awareness and funds for charitable organizations.

🎵 In this episode:
➡️ Hear all about their new single
➡️ Learn about their upcoming live performances
➡️ Get exclusive hints about new material and plans for International Women’s Day

Join us as we celebrate the holidays with Brigid, reflect on their inspiring journey, and look ahead to the exciting future of this talented trio!

📍 Where to Listen:
➡️ On your favorite podcast platform
➡️ Watch on YouTube

Catch Brigid live this season:

WOLFVILLE - FRI NOV 29

PICTOU - SAT DEC 7

MAHONE - BAY SAT DEC 14

TRURO - FRI DEC 20 ✨ For more information on Brigid, visit brigidtrio.com.
✨ What’s your favorite way to get into the holiday spirit? Send us a voice mail and it may be featured on an upcoming holiday post!

East Coast DNA is thrilled to present an exclusive interview with 11th & Duke, a band rooted in the heart of Trenton, Nova Scotia. Named after the corner of 11th & Duke Street, where their journey began, the band embodies the spirit of community and togetherness. This special place was once the hub of the neighborhood, where their family not only raised them but also supported every kid from Hillside to Smelt Brook and beyond. As a 'Fam Jam Band,' 11th & Duke bring together friends, family, and artists from across Trenton and Pictou County, creating music that welcomes everyone. Their story is one of resilience, gratitude, and celebration of hometown values. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that dives into their musical journey, community connections, and what it means to grow up surrounded by love and music. East Coast DNA is excited to host a heartwarming conversation featuring Meghan Watters and Nathan Gerrior, joined by their newest family member, baby Bohden. In this special episode, host Darcy Walsh dives into their experiences, from their musical journeys to the joy and challenges of parenthood. This episode explores their ties to Trenton, Nova Scotia, and how their shared love for music and community enriches their lives. SUBSCRIBE to East Coast DNA for more music + arts news and interviews 105 Reasons Why by 11th & Duke AVAILABLE NOW on all streaming platforms, CD, and vinyl 🎧 Listen to the full episode for heartfelt stories and a sampling from 105 Reasons Why, Just For You.

In this special episode of East Coast DNA, we sit down with Con O'Brien, the legendary frontman of The Irish Descendants, to discuss the band’s 2024 Christmas tour and their highly anticipated 35th Anniversary Box Set. The box set, a limited edition collection celebrating 35 years of musical excellence, features 35 remastered tracks across 3 LPs and 3 CDs—a perfect addition for any fan. Con talks about the rich history behind the band’s success, including brushes with royalty, international tours, gold records, and their epic journey that’s now captured in a 100+ page commemorative book. We also chat about the upcoming The Irish Descendants Christmas 2024 tour, which will bring festive cheer to audiences across Atlantic Canada and Ontario, featuring their beloved Christmas albums—The Gift (2001) and An Irish Descendants Christmas (2023). Join us as Con shares the spirit and stories behind the tour and gives us a glimpse into the vibrant Newfoundland Christmas traditions the band brings to life in every show. 🎶 Catch The Irish Descendants live at the following dates: November 22: Liverpool, NS - Astor Theatre November 23: Halifax, NS - Rebecca Cohn Auditorium November 24: Amherst, NS - Wandlyn Convention Centre November 26: Wolfville, NS - Old Orchard Inn November 27: Pictou, NS - deCoste Entertainment Centre ...and many more! Pre-order the 35th Anniversary Box Set and get an exclusive online playlist of all 35 remastered tracks at The Irish Descendants Store. Tune in to hear about:

• The behind-the-scenes stories of The Irish Descendants’ 35 years in music
• Insights on the 35th Anniversary Box Set, including exclusive photos and memorabilia
• Details about the Christmas 2024 tour, live shows, and festive traditions
• Don't miss this festive and reflective episode celebrating the legacy of The Irish Descendants!

🎧 Listen to The Irish Descendants' Christmas albums and discover more: theirishdescendants.com

In this episode of East Coast DNA, we’re thrilled to welcome folk-pop singer-songwriter SHEAL (Sheilagh McNab) to discuss her heartfelt new album, Golden Hours. From her roots in Nova Scotia to her life in Toronto, SHEAL’s music reflects a journey of self-discovery, presence, and gratitude. We dive into her collaboration with producer duo Gavin Gardiner (The Wooden Sky) and James Robertson (Dwayne Gretzky) of MOONRIIVR, and get the scoop on her upcoming shows: Thursday, November 7th at Burdock in Toronto and her homecoming show on November 24th at the Sanctuary Arts Centre in Dartmouth. 🎶 Episode Highlights: - The creative process and themes behind Golden Hours - How SHEAL's East Coast roots influence her music - Details on her Toronto (Nov 7) and Dartmouth (Nov 24) shows - Don’t miss this chance to hear SHEAL's story and get inspired by her music’s journey of self-trust and connection! 🔔 Subscribe to East Coast DNA for more artist interviews and music insights! 🎧 Listen to Golden Hours on Bandcamp: https://sheal.bandcamp.com/album/golden-hours 🎫 Get tickets for SHEAL’s Nova Scotia show on Nov 24: https://aboutnovascotia.ca/hrmevent/sheal-live-at-the-sanctuary-arts-centre-homecoming-show/