In episode 106, international woman of mystery Audra Santa makes her return to No Sleep ’til Sudbury. And, she brought an electric guitar and an amp with her!

This time around, Ms. Santa and I chat about her upcoming gigs, her chance encounters with various Barenaked Ladies, the mystique of Kate Bush, Arkells’ very noble Juno gesture, and the examination of her dark side. All this and a live performance too. You’re welcome. 

Santa’s playlist:

Tori Amos – Caught A Lite Sneeze

Kate Bush – Running Up That Hill

Barenaked Ladies – Lovers In A Dangerous Time

Fever Ray – If I Had A Heart

Arkells – Relentless

Cubicolor – Mirror Play

Haelos – Dust      

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It was my privilege to welcome legendary Canadian musician Murray McLauchlan to the show this week. I grew up listening to his music, and he’s an engaging conversationalist with some pretty terrific stories. 

Join us as we talk about the unique musical charity Murray supports, the time John Prine opened up for him, his insightful interpretations of Ray Charles, his opinion of grunge, why Blossom Dearie always makes him cry, microwave popcorn, and how he, Jim Croce, Tom Waits, and his other musical counterparts of the day used to sit around trying to impress each other with new songs.             

McLauchlan’s playlist:

John Mayer – In The Blood

Tony Joe White – Polk Salad Annie

Ray Charles – Come Rain or Come Shine

Chet Baker – Little Girl Blue

Blossom Dearie – Now At Last

Bob Dylan – A Hard Rain’s A Gonna Fall

John Prine – Paradise 

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Dr. Gillian Turnbull, professor and author of Sonic Booms: Making Music in an Oil Town, returns to the NSTS studios this week with a whole new batch of tunes to talk about. It’s always fun to chat with Gillian – she’s a smart woman who really feels music. 

Listen in as the good doctor discusses Kathleen Edwards’ gift, the life of a cowboy, her love of yodeling, who she wants to be when she grows up, and the time she made Jack White cry. And at one point, Gillian actually turns the line of questioning on me and things get pretty deep for a few moments. Fantastic conversation.    

Turnbull’s playlist:

Cowboy Junkies – Sun Comes Up, It’s Tuesday Morning (live)

Kathleen Edwards – Maria

k.d. lang – Big Boned Gal

Suzy Bogguss – Night Rider’s Lament

Maggie Bjorklund – Insekt

Calexico – Maybe on Monday

Neko Case – Sleep All Summer

Neko Case – Ragtime  

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97.7 HTZ-FM music director and on-air personality Siobhan Woodrow joins me this week to chat about a most impressive list of skin-vibrating tunes. 

The HTZ-FM website says she loves punk rock, and she clearly does – L7, Rancid, and Mr. Bungle grace her list – but it’s balanced with songs by Stevie Wonder, Janis Joplin, and Lauryn Hill. She explains this perspective during our chat, in addition to talking about what it was like to have to announce the news of Chris Cornell’s death on air, who her favourite singer is (you’ll never guess), and why you never outgrow punk rock. All in suitably salty language.

Woodrow’s playlist:

Patti Smith – Summer Cannibals

L7 – Shitlist

Stevie Wonder – Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Janis Joplin – Turtle Blues

Elvis Costello – I Want You

Mr. Bungle – Pink Cigarette

The Clash – Police On My Back

Rancid – Nihilism

Lauryn Hill – I Find It Hard To Say

Amy Winehouse – Back To Black

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My guest on NSTS this week, singer Stacey Kay, is no stranger to the spotlight. She’s advanced to the final rounds of America’s Got Talent, performed live at Massey Hall with k.d. lang, and has been praised by the likes of Fergie and David Foster. She’s also a proponent of positive body image and speaks on the topic at schools. 

During our chat, Stacey tells some great stories about going viral with a rap in a Walgreen’s, how she really feels about Bob Dylan’s voice, what an 11 o’clock number is, and the k.d. lang Coke can conspiracy. Inspirational lady, great conversation. 

Kay’s playlist:

Queen – Somebody To Love

Travis Barker – Let’s Go

Alicia Keys – If I Ain’t Got You

Pentatonix – Natural Disaster

Justin Timberlake – Drink You Away

Etta James – I’d Rather Go Blind

Christina Aguilera – Lady Marmalade

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