current news

"Wrapped Up" In Portland, Oregon Feb. 5 2012

Tom Addis has a weekly Friday night show on KMHD radio in Portland, Oregon. Since "Wrapped Up In The Blues" was released in the fall, he's played 7 of the 10 tracks on his show, plus a single, "House Of Cards". That's a whole lot of support from this very fine NPR-affiliated station and I'm grateful for that. By the way, over 65 stations around the world - from Norway to Tasmania, from Vancouver to Croatia - have played, or are playing cuts from the album. Check it out on my "music" page

.

"No Mercy" Jan. 22, 2012

Here's a co-write I did with my friend EV. We did this live recording on Thursday over at Adam Bailie's studio. Adam produced my last two albums and a slew of singles, including "Those Five Days" (which, I'm delighted to say, is currently getting tons of airplay around the world).

Anyway, I had the first verse for "No Mercy" for a few years but just couldn't come up with a second verse that was equally good. But during a writing session with EV she suggested having it as a duet and instead of making the second verse more intense than the first, go the opposite way and make it simmer. Have a listen, you'll see what I mean.

Good Start to the Week Jan. 16, 2012

Pim Bouwens is lining up my 21-day tour in Holland in May. The latest gig sounds interesting. Dutch guitar legend, Jan Akkerman is headlining at a club in Pim's hometown of Dortrecht on Friday May 18th. After his set, I'll be playing in the adjacent bar area. I go on at 11PM. Jan Akkerman was the shred-style guitar player for a 70s prog/rock band called Focus. Their big hit was called "Hocus Pocus". Check it out on Youtube. It's got over 1.6 million plays on this one video I was watching. Details on the Dutch tour on my "Shows" page. You'll know this song once you hear it, if you're of a certain age. It's the one with the yodelling!

Airplay for my blues album this past weekend on Portland, Oregon NPR-affiliate KMHD radio. Tom Addis has played five tracks from the album on his weekly show. And KMUD's Blues Bob played "I Dreamed About Muddy Waters" and is playing three more tracks on his show in the coming weeks. KMUD serves many Northern California communities. Also STAR FM's Dave Barker played "I Dreamed About Muddy Waters" on his Sunday evening blues show. Star FM broadcasts from the East Coast of Tasmania.

I was in the studio on Sunday recording a song called "The Way You Say Goodbye". This is a folk/rock duet. The producer on this tune is Ryan Hauschild. Just tweaking the mix, getting it mastered, and then I'll have it on my "Music" page for downloading. And tomorrow, I start the recording process on two songs with Mike Weterings. Mike and I were on tour together in October and talked about working together in the studio. "Sooner Or Later" is a pop/reggae tune. And "Just Another Guy" is - to my mind - a Lou Reed/Blue Rodeo/Neal Young mash up.

And finally, the Vancouver Province newspaper's music critic, Tom Harrison has kindly given me yet another plug in his weekly BC Music Round Up. The Holland tour, the international airplay, and being selected for VanMusic's Top 10 of Vancouver's Indie Bands of last year all get a mention. Like I say, a good start to the week.

This Is a Real Honour Jan. 10, 2012

I just found out I made it onto a "Best Of" list. Wow. There I am right alongside some fantastic Vancouver talent including The Pack A.D. and The Matinee. Have a look at Vanmusic.ca's "Best Vancouver Indie Bands of 2011" and tell me I'm not hallucinating.

.

New Recordings Jan. 10, 2012

I'm spending time in the studio this month. Recording seven songs in a range of styles. Three different co-writers, three producers, three studios. One of the tracks, "Sooner Or Later" is a co-write with Karina Morin. She takes the lead vocal on this one. It's a pop tune that has a violin part that some unexpected colour. Another song, "Those Five Days" is a Tom Waits-style blues tune. The other tunes cover the spectrum from balls-to-the-wall Country Rock ("Party On") to gentle ballad ("I Would Buy You Anything"). Along with my publisher, Lucy LeBlanc, I'll be promoting these songs for tv/film licensing deals.

.

Holland Tour Coming Up Next Year Dec. 29, 2011

Five dates are confirmed for the Holland tour in May. Have a look at my "shows" page for details. Getting ready to record some new songs. A co-write with Karina Morin called "Come Into The Light" is one of the tracks. Also "The Way You Say Goodbye", co-written with Pam Searle. And "I Would Buy You Anything", co-written with Lucy LeBlanc. All three will be shopped to music supervisors for tv/film licensing deals.

.

Getting Airplay Dec. 3, 2011

Tracks from "Wrapped Up In the Blues" are getting airplay all over the world. Last night, for example, a jazz station in Portland Oregon, KMHD played the album's lead off track, "When My Baby Loves Me". A couple of days ago a station in Arlsberg, Denmark played three tracks. This coming Tuesday, two stations in Germany are both playing tracks. And that's just a sample. For a guy who grew up in an era when radio was king (and it still is in lots of ways), this is more success than I ever could have imagined earlier on.

.

Thursday Report Dec. 1, 2011

Up at 8AM, breakfast, newspaper, and gym. Turn on the computer... My Dutch friend, Pim Bouwens, has two more gigs confirmed for the Holland tour in May.... More blues DJs in various places in the world telling me they're playing cuts from "Wrapped Up In The Blues"....Time to line up rehearsals for the December gigs. And that's how the morning is going so far.

.

Got a Sec? Looking For Your Vote! Nov. 22, 2011

I've got myself in a pissing match over at American Blues Scene, a very fine website dedicated to the blues. Long story short, click on this link if you will, and lend a hand by voting (daily!) for my album, "Wrapped Up In The Blues". Much obliged.

.

"House Of Cards" Debuts on Cairns 97.1FM Nov. 17, 2011

Irene Barrett hosts "Driving Home With The Blues" on Cairns 97.1FM. This is a radio show that broadcasts in Cairns, in the state of Queensland in Australia. We started corresponding after she downloaded a few tracks from "Wrapped Up In The Blues" and I MP3'd her a new one inspired by the Occupy Movement. Kinda nice to have a world debut on the other side of the world. This is the four minute clip from her show setting up the song and the song itself.

"Those Five Days" Nov. 14, 2011

These Songs Are Posted at IACMUSIC.COM, Nov. 12, 2011

Station at KIAC and IACmusic.com

Wrap Up of Critical Response to "Wrapped Up In The Blues", Nov. 5, 2011

"If John Pippus’ Wrapped Up in the Blues does one thing brilliantly, it’s to fully live up to its name. The Vancouver bluesman lives and breathes his musical muse and..." read more - Francois Marchand, The Vancouver Sun, Sept. 16/11

"[The album is]... blues based but he takes liberties, occasionally, as in “Walk Away,” sounding like Led Zeppelin rather than a blues purist. Good for Pippus. Like any genre, boundaries have to be pushed otherwise it can choke on its idealism...." read more - Tom Harrison, The Vancouver Province, Sept. 16/11

"Pippus is a songwriter and a story teller. This time out his story is the blues. He bends words as easily as he bends notes on his harmonica and he plays his guitar like he stole it. The album has some grit and you can’t be entirely certain that Pippus didn’t gargle with Jack Daniels before he recorded the songs..." read more - Shelley Gummeson, Earshot, Sept. 22/11

"[An]... innovative recording bringing to mind all sorts of imagery from John Cale and Lou Reed to Brian Wilson..." read more - Bman's Blues Report, Oct. 4/11

You can download or order the CD on my music page. Check out my previous albums too.

"Coming Home Blues" on Urban Rush TV, Nov. 1st, 2011

"Airplane Woman" is Song of the Week, Oct. 27th, 2011

There's a college station in Danbury, Connecticut with the call letters WXCI. They've been playing tracks from my new blues album. Right now, one of the songs from the album, "Airplane Woman" is one of three "Songs of the Week".

Also on that short list is a song by Peter Case. I saw him play in Nashville at The Bluebird Cafe a few years ago. I didn't know who he was before that. Subsequently, I looked him up on YouTube and figured out he uses a very weird guitar tuning (CGCGCGE) on a lot of his songs. And it was in THAT tuning that I wrote "Airplane Woman".

"Those Five Days" On Television, Oct. 10th, 2011

Me and the boys taped three songs on Saturday at the Shaw TV studio. The first song we did was this one, "Those Five Days". It's a simple riff, repeated in both the verse and chorus, so it depends more on the dynamics than the usual verse/pre-chorus/chorus/bridge progression. A good "groove song" that we like playing. And we never do it the same way twice.

Busy Time, Oct. 7th, 2011

Last week Mike Weterings and I did five shows in the Okanagan. Good memories, particularly from the friends you connect with, new and familiar, along the way. Next Thursday we do four shows on Vancouver Island. On Wednesday, The JP Band played a last minute show at The Backstage Lounge. It was a good rehearsal for tomorrow when we tape a half hour's worth of songs at The Shaw TV studios downtown. This will be our first TV experience. I'm hoping we get some good live performance video out of it that we can post on our band site.

"Wrapped Up" Reviewed in Earshot! and The Province, Sept 23, 2011

Another review for the album. This one by Shelley Gummeson. She's reviewed my first two albums too. She likes a lot of the new one, but a couple of things rub her the wrong way. C'est la vie. And this review is by Tom Harrison of The Province newspaper. He likes the whole thing.

Out of Town Show This Weekend

"Wrapped" Gets Reviewed in The Sun, Sept. 16, 2011

Francois Marchand, the Vancouver Sun's music critic has written up the new album. You never know how these things will go, but I'm really pleased with his take on the whole thing. You can read it here. More reviews are coming in The Winnipeg Free Press, The Vancouver Province, and Earshot Magazine. I'll keep you posted.

Also lots of airplay happening with tracks from the album. "One World" was played on a show that originates in Glasgow, Scotland. A blues show in Fresno, California picked up a few tracks. And "Airplane Woman" is getting played on a nationally-syndicated show in Australia. And that's just in the last few days. Feeling grateful.

A New Song, Sept. 11, 2011

Here's a co-write I did with Lucy LeBlanc called "Why Did I Ever Believe". Lucy brought the words to the co-write and said she heard it with a 3/4 beat. The words suggested a mood and I quickly came up with a simple folk chord pattern and melody. We just tweaked a few words here and there to make it fit the music. When we recorded it (at Adam Bailie's studio) we kept it real basic. Just acoustic guitar, vocal, and a plaintive harmonica break.

We recorded another version with Nat Jay singing it. It's in a different key and has an electric guitar solo but otherwise it's the same arrangement.

The New Album is Launched, Sept. 3, 2011

Rather than repeating myself, you can read the current issue of the "Pippus Newsletter" for the latest on the new, all-blues album, "Wrapped Up In The Blues".

After the CD Release Party on Sept. 7th, I've got a couple of band shows in September (see the "Shows" page for details), and then I'm going on tour with MIke Weterings to The Okanagan and Vancouver Island.

"Walk Away" Featured in The Province Newspaper. August 10, 2011

The preview track from my new blues album, "Wrapped Up In The Blues", is featured in Tuesday's Province newspaper. Click on this link to get a free download.

Also, The CD Release Party is happening at The Railway Club on Wednesday, Sept. 7th. Sharing the night with me and the boys will be EV and The Taylor Harp Band.

Preview Of Kamloops Show. July 25, 2011

Here is a link that profiles Andrea Remolo and me. Along with a couple of videos. We're double billed at The Art We Are Cafe in Kamloops, BC. A stop on the way up to the ArtsWells Music Fest on the weekend. My bass player, Rob Fillo, is riding shotgun (and sharing the driving).

Calm Before The Storm of Shows. July 22, 2011

Enjoying the relative quiet this week. No shows on the schedule. But starting next Tuesday it's going to be non-stop action for awhile. Check out my "Shows" page to see what I mean.

Looking forward to getting out of the city and playing at The ArtsWells Festival next weekend. It's rated in the TOP 10 Festivals in Canada by CBC Radio 3.

Preview Track Now Posted. July 17, 2011

OK. Here's "Walk Away", a preview track from my soon-to-be-released, boundary-pushing blues album, "Wrapped Up In The Blues".

Your highly-coveted pre-orders can be made right here. Official release date is Aug. 31/11.

JoyFest Tonight. July 16, 2011

I really enjoyed playing tonight at JoyFest. Ev and I rocked it pretty hard. We were the last act, on at 11PM, following a day-long event of many fine Vancouver singer/songwriters. It was at a coffee shop called Cuppa Joy and it's across the street from the Vancouver Folk Fest that is on this weekend. So there was quite a few people stopping by to check out the action.

Thanks to Glenn Chatton and the crew of volunteers who made it all happen.

Summer Solstice. June 21, 2011

I dropped off my external hard drive at Brock MacFarlane's place last evening. On it is the ten tracks for the new blues album. Brock is the guy who does the mastering. I'm proud of this latest collection of songs. All originals, except the last track which is an amped-up, contemporary version of Eddie "Son" House's "Preachin' Blues". I first heard that song when I was a young teen just finding out what the blues was all about. The album is called 'Rapped Up In The Blues and it'll be ready later this summer.

Leaving tomorrow for Ontario. Playing The Elmdale Tavern in Ottawa on Thursday night. Along with Marie-Josee Houle. And then sharing the bill with Blair Packham at C'est What? in Toronto on June 28th.

A Word on Recent and Future Shows. Also Album Progress. May 20, 2011

Played last night at The Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel. Classy gig, well paid and well treated. Michelle Richard joined me on vocals. Thanks to Shore 104.3FM for hosting. Lining up shows for the newly formed John Pippus Band. We've played twice so far, good feeling to see all the rehearsals paying off in the performance pressure cooker. See the "Shows" page for where/when this power trio will be playing next. Son Jake on drums. Rob Fillo on bass.

The new, all-blues album is motoring along nicely. Producer Adam "Ronii Wata" Bailie and I have tracked the vocals and guitar tracks at The Warehouse Studio in Gastown. We're adding drums and bass this week at Dynatone Studio in East Van. Tim Proznick on drums, one of Vancouver's most sought after session players, and Darren Parris on bass. Hank White Design is doing the album cover. Graham Vickers shot the cover photo. The album opens with my song, "I Dreamed About Muddy Waters Last Night" and closes with a cover of Eddie "Son" House's "Preachin' Blues". With a whole lot of blues in between. Pre-order info and preview track coming soon to the "Music" page.

Preview of the New, All-blues Album. April 19, 2011

Playing "My First Mistake" Live on CJSF Radio. April 14, 2011

Here's a Youtube video of me playing "My First Mistake", the second track from my 2009 release, "This City". I was joined by Juno-winner Bill Bourne on lead guitar, and Vancouver singer/songwriter and friend, Lindsay May jumped in on the extro for a bit of harmony.

"Born A Genius" on National Radio. April 3, 2011

I was happy to get word that the title track from the CD, "Born A Genius" was played on CBC radio's Saturday program, "Definitely Not The Opera". (Scroll down once you've clicked on the link, to see the playlist.) DNTO is hosted by Sook Yin Lee and is broadcast from coast to coast.

Back From The Tour. March 30, 2011

Got back from the Okanagan part of the tour on Sunday. Ivan Boudreau and I played in Vernon, Kelowna, and finished up at The Penticton Art Gallery on Saturday night to an appreciative audience. It was a perfect way to end the tour. What a difference when the audience is there to listen. And what a contrast to the night before when a noisy restaurant crowd basically ignored us. Ouch!

Ivan took this picture of me wearing my "Swifty Lazar" sunglasses. Here we are filling up in Keremeos before driving back to Vancouver.

On Tuesday night I was on CJSF radio's "Melodies In Mind". A two-hour show hosted by Ryan Fletcher. I was sharing the mic with Vancouver songwriter Lindsay May and Juno winner Bill Bourne. When I played "Follow The River", Lindsay joined me on spur-of-the-moment vocals and Bill added some tasty lead guitar. You can hear the tune here.

Five Nights in a Row. March 19, 2011

I guess you could call this the calm before the storm. A relatively quiet few days, but starting Tuesday (backing up Ross Fairbain at The Railway Club on electric guitar and amplified blues harp), I've got five shows in a row. Wednesday I'll be playing solo/acoustic at The Helm on Howe St. Then Thursday, Friday, and Saturday I'll be doing the Okanagan half of the tour I started last week with Ivan Boudreau on the Island. Oh, plus I played a full set at Trees Coffee House last night. Debuted a new one, "Sooner Or Later". The first song I've written with a reggae beat. Seemed to go over pretty good. A feel good, pop song, with a hooky chorus. Which reminds me, I better scoot over to the SOCAN website and get it registered.

Airplay on The Shore 104.3FM! March 18, 2011

Gord Rutherford, hosts the afternoon show on Vancouver roots and blues station, The Shore 104.3FM. I sent him a compilation of nine of my blues tunes and he likes 'em! He says: "I really like the variety in what you are doing...not just some electric guitar screaming." Besides playing some tracks on his Sunday morning "West Coast Blues" show (repeats on Saturdays), he's going to have me down to the studio to record an interview and a couple of tunes as well.

"Muddy Waters" Getting Airplay! March 1, 2011

Hello Edmonton! "I Dreamed About Muddy Waters Last Night" in rotation at Edmonton radio station, 95.7 FM The Sound. Recorded at Bryan Adam's studio over Xmas with Adam Bailie producing. Thanks also to Music Director/Afternoon Host Matt Schichter. Hear it on my digital-only, album-in-progress, "More Orphans and Singles" on my music page.

Fingers Crossed, February 22, 2011

Got this email this morning from a friend with L.A. contacts:"Your blues tunes...are bein listened to,in L.A...right now! fingers crossed." One lives in Hope... Finally reading the new Keith Richards book, "Life". So far , so good... Working on three new songs at the moment. An upbeat pop song, a hard rockin' tune a la Black Keys, and a new country tune along the lines of Lucinda Williams or maybe Brandi "The Story" Carlisle.

Highlights from the V-Day Show, February 15, 2011

Two Days to the Show, February 10, 2011

This is different. Usually I'm playing a venue where my only job is to show up ready to play and bug my friends to come out to the gig. This time around I'm the promoter. That is, I'm paying for the room up front, running the bar, and coordinating the whole thing. It's a lot to do and quite nerve wracking (Ice? Decorations? P.A.?) But advance sales are looking good, and the Facebook Event has, as of right now, 66 "I'm Attending" and 136 "Maybes". I rehearsed with Ev, Dewey, and Rob last night and we've got our 10-song set in order. On the musical front, we're stoked and ready to go. And checking around with the various people I've delegated jobs to, I'd say I've got a reliable crew in place. Great to have this support! Details on the show on my "Shows" page.

Trees Music Night Newsletter, February 4, 2011

I just sent out this month's Trees Music Night Newsletter. Over 1200 subscribers now, plus a media list and even a list of hotel concierges in the area that I send it to. I've been booking the music nights at Trees for close to five years now. And every week a few more people sign up to get the mailing list of who is playing, and other bits of news from the local singer/songwriter scene. Send your email address to jpippus@gmail.com if you want get the newsletter too.

Still Feeling The Effects of Saturday Night, January 17, 2011

Man we rocked it. The Howe Sound Pub was full on Saturday night. We were treated well by the staff and audience alike. We love Squamish and want to get out of town a lot more in the coming months. Something about smaller communities liking to get out and boogie. Played way longer than we were supposed to. SO much fun. Here's a shot of Ev and I in action:

And I've started a Facebook band page finally. You're invited to "like" it and stay in the loop with shows, music, and all the gossip.

John Pippus

Promote Your Page Too

Playing in Squamish Tonight, January 15, 2011

Heading up to Squamish this afternoon for a show at the Howe Sound Brew Pub tonight. Squamish is a town about an hour north of Vancouver on the way to Whistler. Spectacular mountain and ocean scenery along the way. The local paper, The Squamish Chief, published an article in the current issue that documents the last time I played up there - back in the mid 70s (my, how time flies). The article (read it here) tells the story of my silver rock star pants and how the band I was with learned to appreciate their power.

Where Creativity Might Come From, January 10, 2011

Just finished reading "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. I know, I know, a chick flick starring too-cute Julia Roberts. But.... I liked the book, in spite of my misgivings going into it. For all sorts of reasons. But I'll just say I liked the book enough to look up the author's website and see what she looked like (and get this, she looks like Julia Roberts! - is this a first in book-turned-into-movie history?) and also to see what else she was doing lately.

Posted at her website is this 20 minute dissertation on the creative process, which in recent - 500 years or so - Western history we've come to acknowledge as a dangerous pursuit. IE. Write/act/dance/sing to a degree that is acknowledged by a wider audience, then die early or fade into obscurity. Broken, bitter, and alcoholic. Elizabeth Gilbert says it doesn't have to be like this. When you've got 20 free minutes, have a look at her charming take on the creative process and draw your own conclusions:

A Rainy Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Sent out my "Pippus Newsletter #17" a couple of days ago. (Sign up on the "connect" page if you want to get it.) Bought a Gibson SG Supreme off of Craigslist yesterday. A real beauty! Did a phone interview last night with a reporter from the Squamish newspaper in advance of the show up there on the 15th. Told him the last time I played in Squamish was in the mid-70s, wearing tight, silver pants that the band mocked until they saw the girls were taking them seriously.

Final mixing at Adam's this morning for "I Dreamed About Muddy Waters" and recorded a guitar track for a country tune, "Love Is Here To Stay". My guitar student arrives in about an hour for her weekly lesson. And one last rehearsal with the band tonight, before the show at The Railway tomorrow night. (See the "shows" page for details.)

Recording at Bryan Adam's Studio, December 29, 2010

Yesterday I had the opportunity to record a song at Bryan Adam's studio in downtown Vancouver. The Warehouse is a three-storey state-of-the-art facility complete with a full kitchen (and an espresso bar that puts Starbuck's to shame). It's in a converted 1890s grocer's warehouse, hence the name. The list of people who have recorded here is impressive. From Elvis Costello to AC/DC, to Shakira, and beyond. And of course Bryan too (I think we're on a first name basis now that we've shared the same mic).

1) The mic on the bottom is a vintage Neumann M 49. I was using it to record my guitar but Bryan uses it for his vocals. The mic I'm using for my vocals is a Neumann U 47. 2) Producer Adam Bailie sitting in front of the board that was made for Beatles' producer, George Martin 3) George Martin played with these buttons! 4) Getting ready to sing one of my newest songs, "I Dreamed About Muddy Waters Last Night". 5) Yah baby! I am SO recording at Bry's place!

Four Star Review in Uptown Magazine, December 23, 2010

Needless to say, I was really happy to get this glowing review by Jeff Monk in Uptown Magazine, Winnipeg's version of our Georgia Straight for my album, "Born A Genius". Can't buy that kind of promotion!

Quick Update on What's Happening, December 3, 2010

What's top-of-mind in John's world you might ask? Well I'm thinking about The Railway gig in early January. I want a good turnout, so I can keep putting triple bills together there on a semi-regular basis. Jeff Buckley, k.d. lang, and so many others have played this small, funky venue. Also, I'm putting together a triple bill at The Billy Bishop legion on Feb. 12th.... A couple more January shows with my musical partner, EV... Also just about got everything locked in place for a three-show mini tour with Ivan Boudreau in the Okanagan in March... Working on the same thing for Vancouver Island. Early March, again with Ivan... Going to Hawaii for a couple of weeks. The Big Island. Getting off the grid. Moving into Island mode. Leaving on Tuesday. Aloha....

A Sunny, Cold Tuesday Morning, November 23, 2010

I've got my one and only guitar student coming for her lesson at 4PM. A highlight of my week. She loves learning what I can show her, so naturally I love teaching her just that. Then I'm rehearsing tonight with the band that will be joining me at The Yale on Thursday. And again on Friday night at The Pit Pub at UBC.

Last time I played at UBC was 43 years ago. It was a sunny autumn day, as I recall. My buddy Paul Baker (died last year from cancer) on drums, and me on guitar and vocals. Playing on an outdoor stage in front of the old library. Hundreds of people all around. I think we must have been awful. Probably did a Yardbirds song, a Stones song, maybe a Who song. What a rush though for a couple of young guys in their first band.

So the band I'm playing with this week consists of four other singer/songwriters who have come on board as my sidemen just for these gigs. Neal Ryan (lead guitar), Rob Fillo (bass), Marq DeSouza (drums), Pat Covernton (keyboards), and Ev Yngveson (vocals and percussion). How sweet is that? And me on guitar and vocals of course. Only a total of two rehearsals, so we'll be winging it pretty much. Good thing it's only rock and roll, and not say, brain surgery!

Just got word that I've charted on the Canadian Roots Report. Only at #78, but I'm on a chart that includes Neil Young's new album, "Le Noise" and a whole lot of other heavyweights. So who can complain? Particularly on a bright sunny day like this one.

Hot Off The Press! November 12, 2010

Just sent out my latest Pippus Newsletter. Issue #16. Curious? Sign up on my "Connect" page and you'll get a copy. Info on the radio play I've been getting, my new performing duo, a digital-only album release called "Orphans and Singles" and more.

On The Air Waves, Oct. 28, 2010

There is still something magical about hearing yourself on the radio. Maybe it goes back to the early days before streaming on the internet, when radio really was the only place to get your songs out there. And you pretty much had to be signed to a big record label before you could ever hope to hear your own songs on those enticing air waves.

So I get a kick out of knowing that - just this past week - WQLN (Erie, Pennslyvania) played the title track from the new album. And Bay FM in Byron Bay, Australia played three cuts on their morning show. And CFBX in Kamloops has the album in rotation there (currently, I'm at #8 on the Roots chart). Also "Jack Knives and Cannonballs" (track 9) was played on a syndicated show called "Canadian Voices" which is carried by about 40 stations across Canada.

On Tuesday, I was on CITR radio playing three songs live in studio, along with my producer Adam Bailie. The show host, Oswaldo Perez also played a few cuts from the album during our 90 minute visit on his show, "The Morning After". You can hear the podcast HERE. Move the slider along about half an inch. That's where Oswalda introduces me by playing "Shopping Cart Joe" (track 7).

Red Cat Records, October 3, 2010

Red Cat Records is now carrying "Born A Genius". Check out this cool record store on Main St. They've got lots of vinyl and they're good supporters of the local music scene too.

Quoting from their website: "Dave Gowans and Lasse Lutick, both former members of Vancouver-based indie band the Buttless Chaps, co-own the store. They bought the store from original owners Andrew Pearson and Amy Honey in February 2007. Red Cat takes it name from Buddy the cat, an enormous and cantankerous feline that ruled the store with an iron paw until his demise in ‘06. Though the store smells better now, he’s missed by many (though not by the children he attacked). He even inspired a full concept album by Ry Cooder: My Name Is Buddy."

Five Favorite Things, September 30, 2010

Tom Harrison, the music critic at The Province newspaper, asked me to send him my "five favorite things". So I did. You can read 'em here.

And speaking of media exposure - a good thing when you're out there trying to get your music noticed - I'll be on CBC radio's "On The Coast" in early November. They're interviewing me about my other role as a booker. I book the music nights atTrees Organic Coffee House, in case you didn't know. Been doing it for over four years. Every Thursday and Friday.

A Two-Line Review at ExploreMusic, September 27, 2010

Alan Cross is a pretty big deal in the Canadian indie music scene. So I was happy to see he liked what he heard from the new album enough to give it a quick review at his ExploreMusic site.

Kinda cool to get compared to Bruce Cockburn and Gordon Lightfoot. Jack Jackson though? Not so much. Oh, and getting noticed without paying a high-priced publicist? Priceless.

Songwriters Association of Canada Is My New Best Friend, September 20, 2010

Check out this interview the Songwriters Association of Canada (SAC) did with me recently.

And they put my video for "Born A Genius" on their homepage. This little video was shot for zero budget on my handy little $200 movie camera.

Nice to get some pay back for all the slogging I've been doing getting this new album of mine noticed in a sea of albums.

New Album Getting Noticed, September 18, 2010

The new album, "Born A Genius" gets a (mostly) great review over at Earshot. Earshot is a hub for Canada's college radio stations.

And I got an email from Terry David Mulligan saying he's playing a cut from the album on today's show, "Mulligan Stew". "Right after Elvis Costello, in the first hour," he tells me. Check out CKUA radio. TDM's show is on Saturdays between 5 and 7PM (Alberta time). Great playlists. I'm delighted and proud to be included.

A Sweet Tweet, September 5, 2010

Nice to see this message on Twitter today: Wearing my "Born a Genius" shirt from @johnpippus today. Many many pleasant comments from total strangers, doctor, and bus driver.

New Song "Follow The River", August 27, 2010

I was walking along the Red River this summer, talking to my wife Pam about what makes a good spiritual song. We were talking about Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released" as being a classic example of a song that fits this genre. It turned into a long walk and Pam said, "I hope we don't get lost". I said, "We can't go wrong if we follow the river. It'll take us back home". Pause. And then, stating the obvious: "Hey that would make a good line for a song".

When I got home, I found some music for it and the song wrote itself pretty quickly. This week I recorded it at Adam Bailie's home studio. And after the session, we did this live version for You Tube.

First Review For The Album, August 20, 2010

What do I have in common with John Mellencamp, George Thorogood, and Hawksley Workman? Answer: We all get the same "C+" rating for our new albums. The Province's Tom Harrison posted a review online today.

Tom says I'm "earthy without being retro" and notes the "touch, just a touch, of hip hop" in some of the tunes, but I was hoping for more, to be honest. The C+ rating won't butter your turnips, as Jem Rolls once told me (about getting less than a 4 star review for his fringe play), but I'm glad to get a review at all. Many albums don't even get that.

"Born A Genius" on TuneCore, August 3, 2010

If you like what you hear, you can support my music-making habit by clicking on the "music/store" page(on the right) and downloading the album for only $7.99. Or order a CD for $10 plus shipping.

"Born A Genius" Video August 1, 2010

Check out this video of "Born A Genius". Starring Nadia Von Hahn as the "femme fatale". Thanks to the Rio Theatre for letting us shoot there. Get the album here. Preview and download. Or order a CD for only $10 plus shipping.

"Born A Genius" T-Shirt July 29, 2010

Here's my friend Nat Jay sporting the new and highly prized "Born A Genius" t-shirt.

You can order your very own "BAG" Tshirt here. Same place you can check out the new album!

Hear Previews of the New Album! July 3, 2010

Getting real close now, folks. Just fine tuning the mastering. Meanwhile you can hear short clips from the almost-finished tracks. All twelve of them.

For a quick listen, go to THIS PAGE. I'd love to know your response. I'm going to try and get 100 preview copies that I can take to the Winnipeg Fringe Fest. We leave a week from Monday.

Say "Hi" To Kickstarter Backer, Sean McKenna July 2, 2010

Back in the 1960s, I used to babysit. One of my regular customers was the McKenna family. The McKennas lived two doors down from us in the Delbrook area in North Vancouver. Charlie and Frank McKenna had three boys: Sean, Peter, and Casey. Here's a picture of Sean, his Mum (Charlie, yes that's her official name) and his 'Grand Mere'. This photo must have been taken back in the 70s.

Sean found me not too long ago on Facebook. During my recent Kickstarter pledge campaign he donated generously to help me offset the cost of making my latest album. I don't remember a whole hell of a lot from the babysitting days. I mean they were kids, I just wanted them to go to bed, so I could get on with eating snacks and watching TV and having the place to myself. I was a pretty good sitter though, as I recall. I mean if you want repeat business, you have to make sure the kids tell their parents the next day, "Oh he's just the BEST! Can we have him babysit next time!". So you do what you gotta do. Charlie, BTW, is a dear old soul. She was hip back in the 60s. Too hip for the 'burbs. And she's still feisty as ever, living in an assisted care home in North Van.

Kickstarter Latest, June 12, 2010

The Kickstarter campaign was a success! I'm proud and humbled all at the same time. In the end, 65 backers (plus another 4 or 5 who pledged outside of Kickstarter) anted up over $3,000 by the deadline of June 6th to help me complete my new album, "Born A Genius". One of the backers is Sean Benbow. He came to my play last year and here's what he has to say:

"My support for Born a Genius is dedicated to my four year old son Zachary. Zach loves singing and dancing, and talks endlessly about playing the guitar and becoming a 'rock star'. John Pippus' one-man show Oh Winnipeg resonated with me as a parent. Regardless of where Zach's love of music takes him, it's my job as his Dad to both encourage every opportunity and stay well out of his way. Thanks John. Zach and I are looking forward to listening to your new CD."

The best way for kids to get turned on to music is let them come to it themselves. I know what you mean, Sean, about "staying well out of his way". Forced music lessons because "it's good for them" will just be a tearful exercise for all involved. Right now, I teach a 14 year old girl, the daughter of a friend of mine. Teaching her is one of the highlights of my week because she is such an eager student. She just soaks it all in. From John Lee Hooker grooves, to U-2 covers, to old Johnny Cash tunes. Passing along what I've learned to someone so keen is a real joy. I wish you all the best with Zach and his musical journey. He's sure got the rock star killer looks, and we all know that can't hurt.

New Video, "Born A Genius", June 3, 2010

Here is a video featuring the title track from my soon-to-be-completed new album, "Born A Genius". I play the world-weary-but-still-hopeful male role; Nadia Von Hahn is the "femme fatale". Hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed creating it:

Three days left in my KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN. About 90% there. Just need to get that last $300+ pledged. I can't tell you how great it feels, knowing I have about 60 backers who want to see this project reach its goal.

Pledge Campaign at Kickstarter Launched, May 5, 2010

Two Publishing Deals on the Same Day! May 3, 2010

I got word today that K & W Publishing in L.A. have selected me for their roster of artists. The company signed me to a non-exclusive deal to place my songs on TV, in movies, commercials, as well as video games. K & W Publishing is a self-described small company but they've had placements on MTV (The Real World, Keeping up with the Kardashians, and more), CW (Melrose Place, Smallville), and CBS (Ghost Whisperer). Maybe I'll be next?

And over on the other coast, in NYC, Jingle Punks emailed me a contract today as well. When it rains it pours, as the adage goes. I read about them in a story in the National Post a few weeks ago. (Interesting to read about how a couple of young guys have grown a company, fast.) Their clients include A&E, the History Channel, and all the major networks.

Yesterday was a Typical Day, April 28, 2010

Up at 7:45AM, had breakfast and read the paper. Went to the gym for an hour (it's in our apartment complex, so that's convenient). Then two hours on the internet checking email, updating my various networking sites, carrying on the business of booking for Trees Coffee House (which I've been hosting for four years almost). I found out my application to showcase at the 2nd Annual Vancouver Island Music Conference was accepted. So I emailed the organizers to get details on that. It's a four day conference in June, held in the town of Courtenay on Vancouver Island, has all sorts of workshops for songwriters, and an impressive panel of presenters. And thirty selected acts (including me, apparently) are invited to showcase and attend the events during the day. A couple of friends went last year so I'll email them and see what to expect.

In and around the net surfing I practised some songs that a friend of mine, Ev will be performing at Trees in a couple of weeks. I'm playing lead guitar and singing back up for her. Singing harmony doesn't come naturally to me, so it takes some work to get it right. And I was fine tuning my effects pedal, programming some spacey delay sounds so they're easy to trigger when I'm performing live. Also went over "Born A Genius" because in the afternoon I was going over to Saga Recording to re-record my vocal on the title track from my new album.

Gulped down a quick lunch and went over to Saga in East Van, about a 15 minute drive from downtown. Tried out three mics to see which one suited my voice best. Michael had quick mixed the tracks to the song, that had been recorded at Adam Bailie's (he's producing my album) aka Ronii Wata. It was easy to sing with all those supporting sounds in my head phones. A real treat in fact.

After dinner I went to Ivan Boudreau's monthly songwriters' workshop. A small gathering this month, only four of us. We traded off songs, and talked about various aspects of songwriting, the business of marketing songs, and just generally gossiped and had a few laughs. I always enjoy these sessions. Ivan is a great songwriter and has become a good friend over the past few years.

Last Night at the Backstage, April 23, 2010

I woke up and was filled with warm thoughts of the show last night. It was the first time this particular configuration played together and all in all, we sounded pretty damn good. Found the groove and listened to each other more times than not. Neal Ryan (lead guitar, vocals), Ronii Wata (bass, percussion, vocals), Reid Hendry (steel pan, bass, percussion) and me on guitar, harmonica, and vocals.

Ten songs, all but one ("Last Call") from the new CD -- which I'm pretty sure is going to be christened "Born A Genius". Felt good to have the crowd up and dancing at the end, and calling for more. Next gig is a month from now at LIME on Commercial Drive.

My First Video!!! April 17, 2010

Rather late to the game, but better late than never. I just discovered a way to make movies on my PC. I wanted to upload some of my MP3s to Youtube along with a still image while the song was playing. Well low and behold, my computer has this waaaay cool program called Windows Movie Maker (same as everyone with a PC I suppose) and you can see the results of my first effort here:

"One Shot" is a snarly, kick-ass blues tune co-written with Karina Morin last year. We recorded it with Michael Nowak at Saga Recording in East Vancouver. The still pictures of me playing at Trees Organic Coffee House were taken by Don Erhardt, a good friend and stellar musician as well as a straight-shootin' photographer.

Province Newspaper This Week, March 10, 2010

Glad to see my song "Oh Oh Oh" is in the Province newspaper this week. This is part of their ongoing weekly feature of free downloads, done in conjunction with HevyD Music.

Also I spent yesterday in the studio with Adam Bailie aka Roni Wata working on the new album. We re-recorded the vocals on a couple of tracks. Also laid down the vocal and guitar for a new one called "Liberation Day". It's so new, the lyrics weren't finished when it was time to record, so I came up with a few more lines on the spot. I like how Adam works. He knows how to get me to dial down (or up) the vocal delivery.

"This City" the CD is Online, February 26, 2010

I've got my album on a site called BandCamp. It allows you to download individual tracks in various formats. Have a look:

If you click on the double arrow icons (on either side of the play/pause button), you can scroll through all the tracks. Click on the "Download" button to take you to the BandCamp site (don't worry, the download doesn't start yet!). And if you click on the "Share" button it gives you the code to embed the player in various formats or even email it. Alternately, "This City" is also available at CDBaby and iTunes. See my "Songs" page to take you there.

"Le Cadre Photo" Returns to #1 at IAC!!!, February 22, 2010

A French translation of my song "Blurry Photograph" is #1 on the 'world' charts at IAC Music. This is the second time it has reached this position.

Chrystelle Nammour of Paris, France translated "Blurry Photograph" into French (renaming it "Le Cadre Photo") and added her amazing vocal to it. Late last year, "Le Cadre Photo" won third place in an IAC-sponsored song competition. Have a listen to Chrystelle's unique vocal style at my IAC music page.

Got a Song on the Charts in Portugal, February 21, 2010

I co-wrote a song with Jen Hershman a couple of years ago. It's called "Embrace". Recently, we got word The Max Girls from Portugal recorded our song. Translated into Portuguese the song is called "Quero Te Assim":

Music on Reverbnation, February 19, 2010

Railway Show Review, January 15 2010

Lauren Eldridge of Backstage Vancouver came to our show at The Railway Club last week. She posted her REVIEW at the site. There are a couple of pictures there as well.

Next week's show at The Sylvia Hotel will be a different vibe entirely. This will be a cozy lounge setting in this historic venue located on English Bay. Kim Lorene (vocals, percussion)and Pat Covernton (keyboards, vocals) are providing back up.

Winnipeg Fringe Fest is On, January 14 2010

"Oh Winnipeg! A Surprising Musical Memoir" will be at the Colin Jackson Studio Theatre in July as part of the 2010 Winnipeg Fringe Festival. Come and see why Vancouver Fringe audiences chose this play to be 'Pick of the Fringe' in '09.

Show Tomorrow Night, January 6 2010

Just finished a rehearsal with Kim Lorene (vocals) and Reid Hendry (percussion). We're stoked for our first show together. Thursday Jan. 7th at The Railway Club. $8 at the door. If you get there around 10PM that should do it. We're on last, preceeded by Mojave and Sam's Falling. See the 'show' page for directions.

Another Year, Another Newsletter, January 1 2010

I've just sent out my latest "Pippus Newsletter". Issue #8. To get your copy, add your name to the mailing list (over there on the right).

News Archive >>