Today Was Yesterday are a music duo consisting of drummer, percussionist and programmer Ty Dennis and lead vocalist, primary songwriter, bassist, guitarist, pianist and programmer Angelo Barbera. Back in February the duo officially released their self-titled debut album, which features Rush's Alex Lifeson on most of the album's 10 tracks, two of which were released to streaming in the lead-up to the album's release. In December they released the track Grace and in January they posted the official lyric video for A Louder Silence. Grace and A Louder Silence are just two of the six tracks on the album that feature Lerxst; he's also included on the tracks On My Own, My Dog Is My God, Faceless Faraway Song, and My New Low. Earlier this week the band released the official, animated video for My New Low, and you can check it out below or on YouTube. The album is available to purchase at this location.
Despite Geddy Lee's My Effin' Life: In Conversation spoken word tour ending this past December, Ged announced back in April that he'd be doing a special one-off show at the Grand Théâtre de Québec as part of the Quebec City Summer Festival on July 13th at 1PM. Due to the first show selling so well, he decided to add a second show taking place shortly after the first at 4PM. The shows will take place in the 500-seat Salle Octave-Crémazie room, and some VIP tickets that include an autographed copy of his memoir have been made available (although there aren't many left). Tickets are $57 CAD ($140 VIP) and are on sale at this location while they last. The first show is nearly sold out, but the second still has plenty of great seats available.
The 37th Annual TD Toronto Jazz Fest runs for 10 days later this month from June 21-30, and for the first time ever they are also hosting an online auction as part of the festivities, with all proceeds going towards supporting local and Canadian artists. Rush's Alex Lifeson has donated a signed guitar to the auction, as described in this Toronto Sun article:
Alex Lifeson ... is auctioning off a signed crimson red Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster guitar as part of the TD Toronto Jazz Fest's first ever online auction. The instrument is also an Artist Proof Prototype which means it was built by Fender in 2021 specifically for Lifeson to try out that was based on a Stratocaster he used "back in the day." Bids for the guitar, and other items, are being accepted between June 1-30, with the festival's inaugural gala being held on June 20 at the Windsor Arms Hotel with a roaring '20s theme before celebrating Cuban jazz and salsa. ...
For all the details visit torontojazz.com, and you can place your bid on the Alex Lifeson guitar here.
Rolling Stone's Paul Fitzgerald wrote a piece this past week titled What a Progressive Rock Metal Album Can Teach Brands About Sticking to Their Vision, where he does a deep dive into how Rush's 2112 can teach brands about sticking to your guns:
... Given [2112]'s place as a cultural touchstone in the pantheon of progressive rock, it's hard to envision now it almost didn't get made at all, and when it did, its release would make or break the band with the rockers' careers on the line. What stemmed from the production of 2112 is embedded with timeless lessons for brands about sticking to your guns, or perhaps 2112-era laser pistols, and seeing through your vision in the face of doubt and adversity. ... As brands and creators look to carve their paths, they might find guidance in 2112's production, narrative and philosophy, understanding that sometimes the greatest risk lies in not taking one at all.
On the latest episode of Rush Roundtable (#230) on the Rushfans YouTube channel, the panel continues their Vapor Trails album discussion with the track Ghost Rider (next up Peaceable Kingdom):
That's it for this week. Have a great weekend everyone!
