Tag: rock

Snaggle with the Ali Brothers at Storm Stayed Brewery.

by Richard Young

Reviewed by J. Bruce Parker

(Photo Credit: J. Bruce Parker.)

All hail the rise of craft beer brewing! The feared rival to the big guns of Labatt and Molson, which once ruled the Canadian brewing industry for over a century, has dug deep roots throughout the province, with a handful of fine breweries taking up residence in London.

My local is Storm Stayed on Wharncliffe Road, approaching its eighth year in 2026.

Like most craft breweries, Storm Stayed engages its community with a wide variety of events, ranging from a mom and kids time to the music of opera. And do I need I advise you that there is beer available for those of a certain age?

Snaggle, a six-piece jazz fusion band from Toronto, took up residence on November 25; their second engagement at Storm Stayed within the last twelve months.

They have been defined as a “cross between Miles Davis and Rage Against The Machine” with a nod to American jazz fusion band Snarky Puppy.

In the words of band leader, keyboardist Nick Maclean, “expect performances swinging between moments of quiet clarity to cataclysmic bursts of energy, worthy of a crumbling galactic empire.”

Adding to that attack of a ‘galactic empire’ is Jay Yoo on electric guitar, Matt Gruebner on bass, and Adam Mansfield on drums. Fronting the entire musical onslaught are the Ali brothers, Brownman on trumpet and Marcus on tenor saxophone.

So, what is it like for musical siblings to perform and record together? Marcus Ali tells me, “He’s five years older than me, so I was in high school when he was in university. We played tunes around the house, but by the time I got out of high school, we were starting to gig together and eventually began getting calls to play as a ‘horn section.’ We grew up listening to the same music, so we have an instant connection.”

Marcus adds, “We are anomalies in our family. Our parents were math and science teachers. They moved to Canada from Trinidad as my Dad saw the future and wanted to work with computers. We grew up in a house that was full of music. Dad listened to a lot of classical and calypso and loved Baroque music. My mother loved Sarah Vaughn, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams and Count Basie, so we had all of that music ringing in our ears.”

So, here’s to parents!

(Photo Credit: J. Bruce Parker.)

It was also the ether of the Canadian airwaves permeating the Ali household, specifically station CJRT FM, which offered the music of Moe Koffman and the Boss Brass. The brothers absorbed it all.

Band leader, Nick Maclean, began as a music student at Humber College. In his fourth year, he was required to create a recording project and the essence of ‘Snaggle’ was born in 2012. Over time, the band has evolved and expanded. Nick refers to the current lineup as his “dream team” wound up tight with a “ton of synergy.”  And it shows!

Nick tells me, “Inspiration was from my grandfather. He wasn’t a musician, but he introduced me to jazz. He introduced me to Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington and Count Basie. My high school years were filled by listening to all that. When I got to Humber, I discovered more modern jazz bands which directly affected the sound of Snaggle like Weather Report, Brecker Brothers, electric era Miles Davis, Return to Forever and the Mahavishnu Orchestra. One of my big touch stones is Herbie Hancock.”

(Photo Credit: J. Bruce Parker.)

Now there is a musical pedigree!

Describing them as an ‘up-tempo jazz fusion band’ does not do them justice. Tight? Like a Ludwig drumhead! They do not proceed with caution, but rather digging a groove and working it like a coal mine.

Composer, arranger, producer of Browntasauras Records and trumpet player, Brownman Ali embraces the work of the electric Miles Davis era. He is a protégé of the mighty Randy Brecker, who referred to him as “One of the next great voices in the new generation of  jazz improvisers.”  Adding to the natural sonics of the saxophone, Brownman often incorporates the Boss ME-50, a pedal unit designed for electric guitars. With the added effects of modulation, reverb, echo and delay, his sound becomes stratospheric.

Guitarist Jay Loo does not get lost in this brass onslaught. He cuts through cleanly, given ample opportunity to stretch out his skill and musical legs on his Fender.

In the rhythm section, Matt Gruebner on five-string bass initiated several songs, bringing his melodic sound to the forefront.

Rounding out the rhythm section, drummer Adam Mansfield holds it all together. No drum solos, just great timekeeping, locking it all in.

On this tour, the music is inspired by the writings of American science fiction author, Issac Asimov. So, without hearing a note, I am a bit lost. Outside of ‘Star Trek’ and its many incarnations, I am not a huge science fiction fan. The only Asimov book that I own is his guide to the works of Shakespeare. Yes, he actually did write that.

Nick Maclean tells me he was introduced to the writings of Issac Asimov by Brownman. Being a science fiction fan, he connected immediately and eventually read all fifteen novels of Asimov’s ‘Foundation Universe.’ The huge anthology tells the future of humanity and the rise and fall of the human galactic empire.

Nick explains, “Things Asimov was writing about in the 1950s, we are starting to deal with now, especially the rise of AI. I find it all an incredible and fruitful source of inspiration for composition. So, all of the compositions that we are playing on this tour and that we will be recording are inspired by places, people, events, and ideas from those 15 novels”.

The song, ‘Twilight of Civilization,’ begins as a plaintive call from Brownman’s trumpet. It quickly grows into an aggressive pedestrian strut, backing down somewhat when brother Marcus brings in the voice of his tenor. It rumbles along, very tough, very urban, but surprisingly, very softly, reminiscent   of the theme of loneliness and marginalization of American composer Aaron Copland’s ‘Quiet City.’

‘Lonely Man Robot’ seems to summon the tenderness of Chet Baker’s trumpet with Nick carefully meandering on his Rhodes keyboard in quiet contemplation.

Science fiction, like jazz, can be considered a niche genre. Both have fans which are vast and loyal but tend to scamper into the sanctity of darkness when illuminated. So maybe it makes sense to blend the two. I mulled over this notion while studying and forgetting the sequence order of my beer flight.

Their two sets were made up of entirely original material: no covers.

Snaggle, at this stage in their musical evolution and on this tour, retains the essence of jazz fusion from the 1970s and, with the help of Issac Asimov, propels it into the next century. Their sound is big, bold, engaging, and tough as nails.

For more information about Snaggle, visit https://nicholasmaclean.com/snaggle

Follow Snaggle on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/snagglemusic/

For more information about Storm Stayed Brewery, visit https://stormstayed.com/

Reviewed by J. Bruce Parker

Stunning – Fukk you Rock n Roll, I love you.

by Richard Young

Reviewed by Ian Gifford.

Every single city around Canada has people/bands that you can consider “Canadian Rock Royalty”. Sarnia has MaxWebster/Kim Mitchell, Hamilton has Tom Wilson/Junkhouse and Teenage Head, Toronto has RUSH/Rheostatics/Triumph, Vancouver has Bryan Adams/54-40/Bif Naked, and London has Demics, Helix and 63 Monroe! As mentioned in previous reviews, I am a local sound engineer, so I have gotten to work with just about every local musician at some point, and the one artist that has always left me awestruck was Scott Bentley, aka “Steven R Stunning” of ’63 Monroe.

Mr. Bentley was the former manager and/or owner of three great London Venues, Key West, Big Bobs and the Electric Banana (the latter being where I got to see Seattle band “Hole” and meet Courtney Love et al) and he was also the creator of the “What’s the Poop Awards” which at best was a tongue in cheek look at the “best” London had to offer in entertainment. Every time I worked with ’63 Monroe, I was impressed by Steve Stunning’s towering presence, sometimes partially dressed in drag; they were the reigning kings (queens?) of Glam Punk, born of the 70s with one foot always firmly planted there.

(Pictured: Scott Bentley, aka “Steven R Stunning” of ’63 Monroe.)

So now in 2025, I was asked to review the LP by Scott Bentley’s latest project, “Stunning”. At first glance, it’s a supergroup of London area musicians including the aforementioned S.R.S., plus rock solid drummer Brad Lavard (Twin Fin, ’63 Monroe), the low-slingin bassist extraordinaire Oscar Macedo (Rizdales, Rumblebees, Burnt Reynolds) and on guitar duties there’s Tim Thompson (Ugly Stepsisters, ’63 Monroe, Aces Wild) and Paul Sguazzin (Freekshow, Before the Damned), with all joining in on vocals throughout.

On deeper exploration of their debut album “Fukk you Rock n Roll, I love you”, this album is a total love letter to the late 70s groups that revolutionized music at the time. All over this record are little nods to power pop, punk rock, glam rock, and then some straight garage rock, paying tribute indirectly to bands like Iggy and The Stooges (who actually gets a mention in one song), Sex Pistols, Ramones, Cheap Trick, MC5, The Cars and New York Dolls with an added tribute to the King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis A Presley (“Elvis” on side 3)!

This album is super fun. It’s something I could hear the cast from “That 70’s Show” spinning in the basement after getting colossally stoned and ordering too much pizza! A bunch of kids sitting on the floor, records scattered about and the scrapes and scratches on one cover from where the last hash joint was twisted up, with everybody looking and feeling cool. But this is not the 70s, and the musicians on this album are far from being kids, most of them having raised kids now, though it doesn’t slow down their ability or willingness to ROCK THE F*** OUT!

The musicianship is phenomenal, and Steven R Stunning himself, the band’s namesake, has not lost a bit in his voice over the years. As I mentioned earlier, he towers as a “6’3” mean ole rocknroll (sic) machine” and carries a larger than life presence on the stage. I’ve seen all of these guys somewhere at some time in the past, and I know them to be monster players in whatever units they were in. As Stunning, they bring together all of the best parts of their time in the other bands and add it to what may be akin to a big old rock and roll melting pot.

I like all of these songs; they are mostly fun romps to party to, though some with serious themes of revolution and making change in the world. A standout for me is Loaded and Lonely, which features the voice of Tara (aka Mrs Stunning) dropping the line “Whatever!” which oozes with sarcastic sass! It’s essentially a pop-punk version of Billie Eilish’s now-iconic “DUH!”. Because I know Tara and knew her voice, I accidentally spit out my drink laughing when I first heard it. It’s a fun song overall.

Two cover songs also made their way onto this album in the form of the Ginger Wildheart & Courtney Love collab called “Honour” and UK’s “The Subways” banger “Rock n Roll Queen”.

The other big highlight for me is the excellent album closer and title track “Fukk You Rock n Roll, I love you”. The song is pretty much about kids with a dream to make rock and roll an integral part of their lives, doing whatever is necessary to be around it. It’s a tribute to all of the shows thrown together with several bands to share the wealth of an audience, the little venues that dared to welcome punk rock onto their stages for the first time, the vans that took them from city to city breaking down constantly, the fans that showed up and made it all worthwhile and even a little shot at the classic grumpy sound guy character. That’s all neatly packed into this one little song.

Listen to “Fukk You Rock n Roll, I love you” here: https://youtu.be/u2TxpKzkXN8?si=G1H8rNZSPIyk0q4U

This album is a solid offering at 18 tracks over 2 LPs, one of which is a picture disc of a Pepperoni pizza! Just over an hour of total play time, which is best listened to very loud!

This Rock and Roll adventure gets 5 out of 5 on the pizza slice scale. To quote Steven R. from “Night Eater”: “Live fast, Rock Hard and don’t let those bastards grind you down!”

Follow Steven R Stunning on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/steven.r.stunning

Follow Steven R Stunning on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stunningsrb/

NOTE: On Sunday, December 7th, the Palasad Socialbowl will come alive with the 13th Annual 63 Monroe Toys for Tots extravaganza. This benefit concert will feature 13 of London’s premier Punk and Rock n Roll acts.

Reviewed by Ian Gifford

London Rocker Rose Cora Perry returns home October 24th at the Palasad Socialbowl

by Richard Young

by Richard Young

London rocker Rose Cora Perry returns home for a gig at the Palasad Socialbowl on October 24. The Beat Magazine 2025 spoke with Rose in between gigs during her international tour about her developmental years in London and her life as a musician on the road.

The Beat Magazine featured a cover story, Driven to Succeed, about Rose Cora Perry in its Fall 2012 issue.

At that time, author Bob Klanac described Rose as a “snarky punk-popper” who also modeled, wrote, acted,  and hosted her own Rogers TV show entitled London Driven, a program that profiled the city’s young entrepreneurs. She was also working on an album.

A lot of water has run under the bridge since that story was published. These days, Rose fronts and tours internationally with her band, The Truth Untold.

The Beat Magazine 2025 caught up with Rose before her homecoming gig at London’s Palasad Socialbowl on Friday, October 24.

It would appear she’s still Driven to Succeed!

Q. It’s been a while since we last talked, years even. What have you been up to in the intervening years since then?

Only over a decade, but who’s counting?! Allow me to summarize. I hosted a couple of TV shows, acted in some short films, released a second solo album and toured as a singer/songwriter, wrote some columns that got published in multiple media outlets and achieved acclaim, emceed some amazing mental health awareness-raising events…and most recently I’m back where I belong: on stage fronting a rock’n’roll band called The Truth Untold.

Q. You certainly have been busy! Let our readers know a little bit about Rose Cora Perry, the musician and person. Where were you born? How old are you? How long have you lived in London?

I’m a born and raised Londoner – specifically a proud Byronite. And you should know it’s impolite to ever ask a woman her age.

Q. Was yours a musical home? Did you have any professional training, or are you self-taught? Could you tell me about your early musical endeavours as a child and teenager?

I love ‘em, but my parents have zero musical ability. They are both phenoms in their own right, however, as incredibly successful athletes and entrepreneurs.

My father is an insurance broker/financial advisor, and former World Powerlifting Champion, and my mother is a fitness trainer/guru and former Bodybuilder. I probably should’ve grown up to become an Olympian with their genetics, but alas became a depressed teenager and turned to rock to deal with my angst.

My late brother, however, was a tremendously talented natural musician who could pick up just about anything by ear – his presence growing up definitely influenced my musicality. This was supplemented by the fact that my parents, early on, recognized I liked being the centre of attention and on stage, and promptly enrolled me in classical vocal training, which I studied diligently for over a decade. When I was 15, I founded my first rock band.

Although I studied voice and theory through the Royal Conservatory, achieving my grade seven and grade two, respectively, I am an entirely self-taught guitarist, so much so that I actually invented my own tablature for the purposes of writing songs.

Q. Do you remember the moment when you decided that music was going to be a big part of your life? How long have you been playing music professionally? Do you consider yourself a full-time or part-time musician?

I don’t think I “decided” to “make” music a part of my life so much as I was “given” a gift that I don’t take for granted. There have been many times throughout my music career when I’ve felt defeated and beaten down, but then the muse once again strikes.

Any musician will tell you, you cannot simply “turn off” being a musician; it is a part of who you are intrinsically, a part of your identity.

Even if I wanted to give up touring, for example, songs just come to me – I have no control over that ability. Most of the time, I consider it a blessing…unless it’s 2:00 am and I’m really fucking tired. LOL. In those cases, it’s a bit of a curse.

However, I believe each of us is given very special gifts to share with the world, and the universe blessed me with the gift of music.

I consider myself a professional musician and gig in accordance with having a work/life balance. I have been fronting bands in a professional capacity since I was a teenager.

Q. Other than vocals, do you play any other instruments?

I do! I am well-known for my rhythm guitar prowess as a down-stroking queen. I also rock the lower clef on bass and have written/recorded bass on several albums.

Q. What have your musical influences been over the years?
Songwriting-wise, I adore Alanis and Chris Cornell. My biggest influence as far as style is irrefutably Veruca Salt.

However, I have diverse tastes, and on any given day, you might catch me listening to big band/swing, metal, or pop – it just depends on my mood.

Q. Tell me about the various groups and musicians you have played with since you started playing professionally. Who are you currently playing with?

High school years: HER. Cofounded with the late Trish Doan on lead guitar. She later went on to rock bass as a beloved member of Kittie. I was the frontwoman, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist. To write and release an album with this band, I practiced six hours a day for six months on guitar, until my fingers bled, and I could competently sing and play at the same time. True story!

College years: Anti-Hero. We got signed to a major label, played some notable festivals in Canada and the US. Got to perform at Warped Tour the year that Joan Jett headlined and hang with her backstage. Swoon!

Again, I was the frontwoman, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist. Fun fact. While in the studio recording our hit single, “Unpretty”, I learned on the spot how to palm-mute; a technique which has become integral to my playing style.

Post-college: Released two solo albums in the singer/songwriter vein. Toured briefly, armed only with an acoustic guitar. HATED it. I decided to form a band again because I missed distortion and being obnoxious.

Present Day: The proud frontwoman, singer, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist for award-winning rock quartet, The Truth Untold.

(Pictured: The Truth Untold L-R, John-William Kostecki, Steven Skrtich, Rose Cora Perry, and Jessie Taynton)

Q. Tell me a little bit about any recordings you have made in your career.

HER: Straight from the Loft (album)

Anti-Hero: Unpretty (album)

Rose Cora Perry: Feisty (demo), Off Of the Pages (album), and Onto the Floor (album)

The Truth Untold: Other Side of the Story (EP) and One Thing Left to Say (EP)

The Truth Untold is currently in the studio recording a brand new EP entitled Phoenix Rising. We’re super stoked about the new music we’ve been working on and excited to have collaborated as a band on this project.

Listen to The Truth Untold’s new single, Excuses:

Q. What projects are you currently pursuing? Do you have any gigs coming up in the next month or two you would like our readers to know about?

We are winding down our summer tour, which started in May of this year, and among its highlights were Hills & Hollers Music Festival (Pennsylvania), Fun Fourth (North Carolina), Skatepark Fest (Ohio), headlining Strummerfest (Waterloo), and opening for Big Sugar at this year’s Taste of Edmonton (Alberta).

We’re super excited to be having a homecoming of sorts on Friday, October 24, at the Palasad Socialbowl. This will be the first London gig we’ve had in two years! The last time we played locally, we opened for The Killjoys at the same killer venue.

This time around, we’re sharing the bill with Howlin’ Circle and Baby’s First Pistol. All ages are welcome. It’s a $5 cover and doors open at 8:00 pm.

Q. In addition to your musical endeavours, are you involved with any other arts organizations or activities in the London community?

I’m part of several fun meetup groups that take part in everything from hiking to board games. You’ll also see me, of course, attending concerts supporting my fellow locals.

Q. What do you do for fun/leisure when you’re not performing and/or recording?

Apparently, attempt to be witty while answering interview questions. Just kidding! I love action movies, rollerblading, and drag racing my Camaro – not necessarily in that order.

Q. Is there anything else you think our readers should know about RCP the musician and RCP the individual?

If there is, it’s probably well-documented on my website www.rosecoraperry.com, but if anyone has a burning question for me, they are absolutely always welcome to reach out.

I love connecting with fellow musicians and fans, and I appreciate all of you wonderful people for reading this fun interview.

Q. Just one last question. Do you ever smile in your promo pics?

Why would I do something silly like that when I have such a glorious, sultry pout?

For more information about Rose Cora Perry, visit https://www.rosecoraperry.com/

Follow Rose on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rosecoraperry

Follow Rose on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rosecoraperry/

For more information about The Truth Untold, visit https://www.thetruthuntold.ca/

Follow The Truth Untold on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rosecoraperryofficial

Photo Credits: Mystery Man Photography.

Taking Care Of Business — Canadian Concert Promoter & London Music Hall of Fame Honoree Takes a Final Backstage Pass: Says “See You After the Show!”

by Richard Young

Come Celebrate the 6 Degrees of Nick Panaseiko

The family of Nick Panaseiko Sr., widely known as PROMOMAN and celebrated as one of Canada’s most passionate concert promoters, invites friends, family, and fans to a Celebration of Life on Sunday, September 28th at Eastside Bar & Grill.

This special afternoon will honour Nick’s remarkable legacy in music and entertainment, reflect on the connections he created, and celebrate the countless lives he touched. Nick’s career and charisma made him a true icon — and whether you knew him personally or through his stories, you were never more than a few degrees away from his influence.

Event Details:

  • Location: Eastside Bar & Grill
  • Date & Time: Sunday, September 28th, 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Schedule:
    • 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Social & Snacks
    • 1:00 PM: Eulogy and Speeches
    • Live Music to Follow (Running on Rock N’ Roll Time) featuring Shelly Rastin and Laura Gagnon Music

(Pictured: Shelley Rastin. Rock Solid Images)

(Pictured: Laura Gagnon)

Nick Panaseiko Sr. leaves behind a legacy of passion, music, and community spirit that will continue to inspire for generations. This event will bring together all those who felt the power of his connection — the true “6 Degrees of Nick.”

“My dad wasn’t just a promoter, he was a storyteller, a connector, and a friend to so many,” said his son, Jay Panaseiko. “This celebration is not just about remembering his life, but about honouring the joy, laughter, and music he shared with all of us.”

During his career in the music business, Nick Panaseiko rubbed shoulders with the titans of the music industry. Here are just some of them.

(Nick with Canadian guitar great, Domenic Troiano)

(Pictured: Nick with The Who’s drummer, Keith Moon)

(Nick with Canadian rock legend, Ronnie Hawkins)

(Pictured: Nick with members of Kiss. Nick was instrumental in promoting the band.)

(Nick with Alice Cooper)

(Nick with the members of Canadian rock band Rush)

(Nick with Liberace)

Celebration of Life on Sunday, September 28th at Eastside Bar & Grill

750 Hamilton Road London, Ontario

Meet Anne Moniz, London Vocalist Extraordinaire.

by Richard Young

Vocalist and guitarist, Anne Moniz, is one of London’s most prolific musicians. Chosen by London music fans to be a member of the Forest City London Music Awards Fantasy Band twice (2021 and 2022), Anne continues to be one of the city’s busiest and in-demand musicians. These days, she is making music as the lead vocalist for the nine-piece Tell It To Sweeney, and as a duo with her companion and accompanist Daniel Oniszeczko.

The Beat Magazine 2025 caught up with Anne in between gigs. What follows is an edited Q&A profile.

Q. Where were you born? How old are you? How long have you lived in London?

I was born right here in London, Ontario, at St. Joseph’s Hospital. I am old enough to know better. I have lived in London for most of my life, other than some stints in Woodstock and Toronto, Ontario.

(Pictured: Anne Moniz, Age 5)

Q. Was yours a musical home? Did you have any professional training, or are you self-taught? A bit of both? Could you tell me about your early musical endeavours as a child and teenager?

My parents’ record collection was impressive. Classical, Latin, and flamenco, prog rock, and disco. My love for music is well-earned. My mother played piano and sang, and my father played a bit of guitar. They both drew, painted, and wrote poetry. They are both very creative people and were always hugely supportive of my interests as I grew up. I was very lucky. I took guitar lessons from Greigg Fraser for a few years out of the downstairs of Matt’s Music on Wellington Road. I sang in the choir all through school. I have a working knowledge of musical theory. It can open up a lot of doors both compositionally and professionally, but I didn’t like learning it. I naturally possess an excellent ear, and I have had some good teachers who encouraged and facilitated that.

When I was about eleven or twelve, my parents brought me to folk open stages where I met the late and great Dennis Humble, as well as Steve Brown. I performed at Harrington Music Fest when I was about twelve, which was a very big honour. The folk community around here is exceptionally welcoming and kind. As a teen, I very much got into a lot of terrible trouble. When I was eighteen or nineteen, I was in a horror punk band with Toronto-based artist Nyssa Komorowski called The Cha Chas, and we performed around town. We had a room at The ‘Wick and spent a lot of time there. 

Q. Do you remember the moment when you decided that music was going to be a big part of your life? How long have you been playing music professionally? Do you consider yourself a full-time or part-time musician?

It was sitting a little too close to the TV one night, absolutely glued to watching Bonnie Raitt perform live on some show when I was six. One of my parents asked if I wanted to do that and I said Yes. I have been playing music ever since. I have always made some money doing it, so it depends on your definition of professionally. At the rate I am playing music nowadays, I would not be able to sustain myself whatsoever in terms of income. Though I do consider myself a full-time musician, in that I am always being a musician, I definitely prefer doing things at my own pace and am really picky about the things I put out and participate in. It’s too personal for me to flog staunchly as a business, as some others are capable of doing. It just feels disingenuous for some reason when I try to do it. 

Q. Other than vocals, do you play any other instruments?

I play guitar and some bass. I have a working ability on piano, and actually also Celtic harp. I took some lessons with Roger Muma when I was young as well. He taught Jennifer White, who is a touring Canadian harpist. In school band, I played clarinet, and I am actually taking it up again now in my spare time.

Q. What have your musical influences been over the years?

I have a penchant for old punk rock, Misfits, and The Stooges. Eighties goth rock like Bauhaus, and Sisters of Mercy. Of course, all the famous songwriters, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and John Fogerty, to name but a few. I’ll listen to anything. Lately, I have been really into Turkish psychedelic bands like Şatellites and Altin Gün. My favourite album and guilty pleasure is the 1997 club hits compilation Pure Energy Vol. 4, featuring the track “Let Me Clear My Throat” by DJ Kool. If anybody is reading this and has a physical copy they want to part with, please let me know!

Q. Tell me about the various groups and musicians you have played with since you started playing professionally. Who are you currently playing with?

I’ve played in many bands over the years. Of course, there is The Cha Chas, which I mentioned earlier. We had songs like “Zombie Mambo”, “My Boyfriend’s Dead” (parodying of course “My Boyfriend’s Back”, sung originally by The Angels in 1963), and “Vampire Man”. All love songs. We were rather cheeky. I had a brief career as the lead vocalist for The Carnies many years ago while Jaime Short was living elsewhere (RIP). I got told way too often that I have too nice a voice for punk rock, and at the time, I did not take that as a compliment.

After that, I was in a rock band called Wonderjunk. We were very LOUD. We got to open for Spookey Ruben at Bovine Sex Club back in like 2009, which is a bit of a blurry memory. After that, I was in an indie band called High School Sweetheart with Jessica Vanden Boomen. We won a contest through FM96 to record a couple of songs at EMAC Recording Studios, and we were guests on air. She was my best friend. We broke up because we got into a heated argument about me prioritizing school over the band (I could definitely not do both at once).

After I graduated, I played bass for Leanne Mayer’s band Hollow Romance for a bit. I tried to make a go at a full-band rock version of some of my original music, which was Nimway. It had a lot of promise and was gaining traction. We were asked to play at the Demics anniversary showcase at Call The Office, which was my personal favourite highlight. My marriage completely dissolved in 2020, and sadly so did the band.

Nick Elie and I were also the rhythm section for the live, psychedelic, improvisational band Prism Tape Philosophy, led by Howie Kittelson. That man can tell a story and is the finest radio show host I have ever heard. I played rhythm guitar and sang backup for Mad Moxxis for a few years, and we did some really good songs and music videos together. I left after we had a hiatus. I was doing too much stuff and had to reprioritize. Nicole is still a good friend. I sing backups now for Thames Rivieras, which is Pete Dekokker’s baby. Everybody sings. I call it a “punk rock opera” act, which Pete gets a kick out of, but you have to hear it. We actually have a new album coming out soon.

I am the lead vocalist for nu-swing band Tell It To Sweeney, which is a nine-piece funk, disco, jazz-infused wild child. That band saved my life after Nimway fell apart. I get to be a red-hot mama and sashay around the stage, shaking my butt and yelling at people. It’s a lot of fun, and people love it, which is the best part. We have played Northern Lights Festival in Sudbury, Elora Riverfest, and lots of other cool gigs.

And I am playing folk music again with my companion and accompanist, Daniel Oniszeczko, as Anne Moniz. I am on my signature twelve-string acoustic, and he has written some excellent basslines to my songs. I write sad music, but there is definitely a place for it. I have had people walk out of my shows in tears, and many people come up and thank me for the catharsis my music has brought them. I am hoping to finally record it soon, but I am being very picky about things.

Daniel and I also have an instrumental project we call Photoplay. It is a mix of classical- almost klezmer-sounding- assorted film soundtrack music. That is the best way I can describe it. It is so involved technically that we haven’t done much with it, but we would love to get it recorded as well. Many of the bands I discussed have music out for distribution, so please check them out online if you are curious.

Q. Tell me a little bit about any recordings you have made in your career.

I have made it onto a lot of local DIY and indie recordings over the years, as well as studio recordings. High School Sweetheart has a debut self-titled EP from 2012, and a subsequent full-length called There I Was. Nimway has a 2017 self-titled EP still in distribution. I am sitting on a full-length, but I can’t bring myself to release it. I was not in a great place when it was recorded. In 2019, Hyper Squirrel Productions released a nu-metal concept album called DreamWake that features different musicians and vocalists from around the world, including me.

I am featured on Westminster Park’s 2020 album Dark Night, Nearly Dawn on guitar and vocals. They are one of my favourite London bands. Mad Moxxis has music still in distribution. We only ever released singles, most notably “Bad Karma” in 2022. That is a good song. Thames Rivieras released a full-length debut in 2022 called Whatnot Jive, and we have another one on the way.

Tell It To Sweeney released two singles earlier this year: “Hurts My Neck”, which has an accompanying, very DIY music video on YouTube, which was a lot of fun to make. Also, “Behind The Veil” features a voice clip from Boris Karloff. I wrote to his daughter, Sara, and negotiated permissions, and it was a really wonderful experience. I don’t know what compelled me to reach out like that, as I am usually quite shy, but I had to have it. We played a show recently, and people knew the words to our 2020 single “The Countess”. That was the coolest thing I’ve ever experienced.

(Listen and watch Hurts My Neck https://youtu.be/49_fDZ4uxiU?si=z4ZzGeeeLVM-N7qP)

Q. What projects are you currently pursuing? Do you have any gigs coming up in the next month or two you would like our readers to know about?

Right now, I am the most serious about Tell It To Sweeney, as well as my original acoustic music. Lots of writing, solidifying, and pre-production. Getting our feet wet again, playing live. Refining the live show. Getting my groove back. Daniel and I are playing at The Richmond Tavern on October 16th as guest musicians for The Inside Outside, a cultural showcase hosted by Tami Kegley. October 24th is Great Balls of Fire, a fundraising show benefiting Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) that runs from 4pm to 1am. Both Photoplay and Tell It To Sweeney are playing at this event.

Sweeney is also playing a Hallowe’en party on November 1st at Frontier Ghost Town, an old western movie set-turned-campground in Durham County. We’ve been invited to play Come Together, their annual Labour Day weekend music festival, for the past several years, and it is always a great time. On November 28th, Daniel and I are hosting our last full night of acoustic music at Dawghouse Pub, and my friend Nyssa Komorowski from The Cha Chas is coming to open for us. You can find her stuff on Bandcamp! Other than playing a couple of private events, that is it for me in 2025.

Q. In addition to your musical endeavours, are you involved with any other arts organizations or activities in the London community?

I am not! Truthfully, at this point in my life, I am spending a lot of my time cultivating solitude and personal reflection. The last few years have brought many changes that I am still negotiating. I am rewiring my brain, rewriting my story, creating some peace. It is at the same time relaxing and hugely uncomfortable. I always answer my messages, though, so please say hello sometime. I love to share a laugh.

Q. Is there anything else you think our readers should know about Anne Moniz the musician and Anne Moniz the individual?

I graduated from the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology (OIART) in 2015 and have a few production credits (one of those is Leanne Mayer’s debut EP, 2018’s “Bittersweet Remedy”, coproduced with Michael Marucci). I am really into yoga, cats, cartoons, food, plants and flowers, cemeteries, tin toy robots, espresso, and I speak French.

For more information about Anne Moniz and Tell It To Sweeney, visit https://www.remproductionscanada.com/

Follow Tell It Sweeney on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tellittosweeneyband

Follow Tell It Sweeney on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tellittosweeney/

Follow Tell It To Sweeney on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@tellittosweeney

Photo Credits:

Anne Moniz. Photo by Billy Sastard.

Prism Tape Philosophy performing at The Richmond Tavern, 2021. Left to right: Howie Kittelson, Kevan Carmen, Nicholas Elie, Anne Moniz, Shane Wilcox, Brent Jones. Photo by Vera Kittelson.

Thames Rivieras performing at Palasad Socialbowl, London, ON, 2024. Left to right: Pete Dekokker, Anne Moniz. Photo by What Wave Dave.

Tell It To Sweeney performing at Polish Hall, Brantford, ON, 2024. Left to right: Me, Kyle Gagné, Matthew Greeson, Mitch Brolese, Ryan McNevin. Photographer Unknown.

Anne Moniz and Daniel Oniszeczko performing at The Richmond Tavern, 2025. Photo by Billy Sastard.

Nimway performing at Rum Runners, London, ON, 2019. Anne Moniz. Photo by Jason Roorda.

Tell It To Sweeney performing at Rib Fest, 2025. As you look left to right: Mitch Brolese, Matthew Greeson, Anne Moniz, Kyle Gagné. Photo taken by Bob Klein.