Big in Canada

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On a cold February day in 1985, some of Canada's biggest music stars answered the vehement pleas of manager Bruce Allen and gathered in a Toronto studio to record the charity single, "Tears Are Not Enough". As the fate of Ethiopia rests on the shoulders of producer David Foster, the studio's air is thick with cigarette smoke and the uncomfortable energy of a workplace Christmas party. But egos are being checked at the door.

In this special episode of Big in Canada, we rank the performances of all of the soloists heard on Northern Lights' "Tears are Not Enough". Who comes out on top? Who's a little flat? And who shows up in a white limo?

Also discussed: The Tears Are Not Enough documentary, kissing fans on the lips, Waiting for Guffman, Neil Young's steez, and much more.

As the first Canadian rapper to break into the mainstream, Maestro Fresh Wes broke down barriers and changed the Canadian music industry. From his platinum selling debut smash Symphony in Effect to a more recent release that can only be described as the most CanCon album of all-time, Maestro stuck to his vision to become the Godfather of Canadian Rap. 

Also discussed: Trate McRae, the ukification of Canada, Halifax potholes, Big Milk, Drake, rap in Canada, and more.

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Popular music in the 1980s was defined by the Video Star: Madonna, Michael Jackson, Peter Gabriel, Prince. But in Canada, it was Lawrence "Larry" Gowan, whose music videos, hair and musical prowess captured the imagination of a nation who needed their own version of these icons.
Gowan is now known as one of the key members of Styx, but his story also finds him crossing paths with the Beatles, Yes, Ronnie Hawkins, Kim Mitchell and a man named Tickle.
Also discussed: Scarborough, prog pasts, The Weeknd, Queen Street West, drama, keyboard rigs, criminal minds, music videos and much more.

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Born unto a family of musicians, it was predestined that Halifax singer-songwriter, actor, and educator Melanie Doane would join the family business. 
Fitting in perfectly with the folk-rock sound of "women's music", Melanie released two good records, one really great song, played Lilith Fair, and was crowned the Best New Solo Artist at the 1999 JUNOs. But was her heart ever really in it? 

Also discussed: Tate ‘The Traitor’ McRae and other CanCon betrayals, other Frosh-Week Core bands, The October Game and Sarah McLachlan, MuchMoreMusic, the ukification of Canada, the Doane Music School, and more.

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We're going to Mac's memory palace to discuss the brief but potent popularity of Mississauga reggae-rock-ska-punk band illScarlett. Hit the bong and find out how Canada's Sublime became a brief major label success story.
Also discussed: big to you bands, street signs, theft, Warped Tour afterparties, Supernova, Brad Rubens: Philadelphia lawyer, the One-A video shoot, rerecording your songs over and over, being let down by bands, becoming an influencer and more.