Backstage Insider With Jim Norris

A Discussion With Rik Emmett

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 13:09:33 -0400

In this engaging conversation, Rik Emmett, the legendary guitarist from Triumph, shares insights from his extensive music career, discussing his early influences, the formation of Triumph, the band's rise to fame, and the challenges faced along the way.

He reflects on his transition to a solo career, his diverse musical ventures, and the upcoming Triumph tour. Emmett also candidly addresses the balance between family life and a demanding career, offering valuable advice for aspiring musicians navigating the modern music industry.

An Interview With Marc Jordan

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:34:32 -0400

In this engaging conversation, Jim Norris interviews Marc Jordan and Don Breithaupt about Marc's musical journey, his influences, and the process of writing his biography. They discuss the impact of family and early musical experiences, the transition to professional songwriting, and the balance between family life and a music career.

Marc shares valuable advice for aspiring songwriters, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in songwriting. The discussion also delves into the collaborative effort behind the biography, its availability, and the lessons it offers to readers about the music industry and personal growth.

Marc Jordan website - www.marcjordan.com

Rhythm Of My Heart on Amazon

The Journey of Alan Cross: From Music Geek to Radio Icon

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:03:33 -0400

In this engaging conversation, Jim Norris interviews Alan Cross, renowned broadcaster and music expert, who shares his journey from a young music enthusiast to a prominent figure in the radio industry.

They discuss Alan's early influences, his experiences at CFNY and The Edge, the evolution of radio, and the ongoing importance of radio in the music industry today. Alan also reflects on his future projects and the significance of engaging with audiences through live presentations.

Website - www.ajournalofmusicalthings.com

Tim Hicks: From Family Roots to Country Star

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 17:10:22 -0400

In this engaging conversation, Tim Hicks shares his musical journey, highlighting the significant influence of his family and early experiences that shaped his career. He discusses the transition to country music, the evolution of the genre, and his experiences touring internationally. Tim also reflects on the balance between his music career and family life, offering valuable advice for aspiring artists.

Website - www.timhicksmusic.com

Mark Alexander - Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Music Technology

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 14:15:20 -0400

In this conversation, Jim Norris interviews Mark Alexander, a music producer and educator, who shares his journey from a young piano player to establishing his own company, 905 Music and Sound. Mark discusses his early musical influences, his transition from teaching to music production, and the impact of technology on the music industry. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to new tools and the challenges of balancing work with family life. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in music creation and the future of the industry.

Website - 905music.com

Jason McCoy From The Road Hammers

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:30:29 -0400

In this engaging conversation, Jason McCoy shares his journey from a supportive musical family in Ontario to becoming a prominent figure in country music as a member of The Road Hammers. He discusses the challenges of balancing a busy touring schedule with family life, his experiences working with younger artists, and the evolution of his music career. McCoy also highlights the importance of community in the music industry and shares insights into his radio career and future plans.

Jason McCoy website - www.jasonmccoy.com

The Road Hammers website - www.theroadhammers.ca

Brad Merrit Discusses The Evolution of 54-40

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 14:04:00 -0400

In this engaging conversation, Brad Merritt of 54-40 shares his musical journey, from early family influences to the formation of the band. He discusses the evolution of their music, the challenges of the industry, and the importance of balancing family life with a music career. Brad also provides insights into their upcoming album and the creative process behind it, highlighting the band's longevity and future plans.

Website - https://www.5440.com/

Celebrating Toronto's Music Scene with Jonny Dovercourt from Wavelength Music

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:06:58 -0400

In this conversation, Jim Norris interviews Jonny Dovercourt, a prominent figure in the Toronto music scene, discussing his musical roots, the evolution of Wavelength Music, and the upcoming festival and conference. Jonny shares insights into his early influences, the challenges of promoting local music, and the importance of community in the indie music scene. He also talks about his book, 'Any Night of the Week,' which chronicles the history of Toronto's music scene and its cultural significance.

Website - www.wavelengthmusic.ca

'Any Night Of The Week' Publisher - chbooks.com

The Musical Journey of Chris McKhool from Sultans Of String

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:36:37 -0400

In this engaging conversation, Chris McKhool shares his musical journey, from his early influences in a musical family to the formation of his band, Sultans of String. He discusses the importance of diverse musical styles, the transition from studying psychology to pursuing a music career, and the impact of community engagement and charity work. Chris also highlights the dynamics of his band and the joy of performing, emphasizing the significance of having fun in music and the connections made along the way.

Sultans Of String website - sultansofstring.com

Fiddlefire website - fiddlefire.com

An Interview With Danny Marks, Canadian Guitar Icon

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 13:05:31 -0400

In this conversation, Danny Marks shares his thrilling experiences as a musician, including opening for legendary bands like Led Zeppelin and Humble Pie. He reflects on the excitement of performing and the memorable encounters he had with iconic artists, highlighting the impact these experiences had on his career and personal growth.

Website - dannym.com

The Journey of Angelique Francis: A Musical Family Affair

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:22:42 -0400

In this engaging conversation, Jim Norris interviews the talented vocalist Angelique Francis, who shares her journey in music, her family background, and her achievements as a young artist. From her early performances at age seven to winning a Juno Award, Angelique discusses the importance of family support, her musical education, and her aspirations for the future. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring musicians, emphasizing the need to believe in one's vision and creative power.

Website - angeliquefrancis.net

A conversation with Toronto musician Richard Todd about Artists Against Homelessness.

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:05:57 -0400

The conversation with Toronto musician, Richard Todd' highlights the alarming rise in homelessness in Toronto, with a focus on the initiative 'The Forgotten Homeless' by Artists Against Homelessness, which aims to raise awareness and funds for vulnerable populations through music.

Donate at - www.woodgreen.org/unmet

A conversation with Robyn Stewart from Women in Music Canada

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:05:36 -0400

The conversation with Robyn Stewart from Women in Music Canada explores the progress and ongoing challenges faced by women in the music industry, highlighting the persistent disparities in representation, particularly in radio. Despite some strides being made, issues of discrimination and harassment continue to plague the industry, indicating that more work is needed to achieve true equality and diversity.

Women In Music Canada Website - www.womeninmusic.ca/en

The Creative Spark: Ian Thomas's Musical Journey

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 17:06:57 -0300

In this engaging conversation, Ian Thomas shares his journey as a songwriter, reflecting on the influence of his family, the creative process, and the evolution of his music career. He discusses the success of his hit song 'Ladies', the formation of his band Tranquility Base, and the challenges and joys of touring. Ian also emphasizes the importance of gratitude in his life and career, offering valuable advice to aspiring songwriters about the creative process and the realities of the music industry.

Website - ianthomas.ca

A Conversation With Fred Mollin

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:04:26 -0300

In this engaging conversation, Fred Mollin shares his journey through the music industry, from his early influences and aspirations as a performer to his successful transition into production and film scoring. He discusses his experiences in Nashville, the challenges of modern music, and the insights he gained while writing his book. Fred emphasizes the importance of perseverance and belief in oneself for aspiring musicians navigating today's competitive landscape.

Website - www.fredmollin.com

Catching Up With Gil Moore from Triumph

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 17:47:06 -0300

In this engaging conversation, Jim Norris interviews Gil Moore, delving into his extensive musical journey from the early days of drumming to the formation of the iconic band Triumph. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of being a musician, the importance of mentorship, and the evolution of music production. Gil shares insights on balancing a successful career in music with personal life, the impact of technology on the industry, and offers valuable advice for aspiring musicians.

Website - www.triumphmusic.com

Celebrating 30 Years of Honey Jam With Ebonnie Rowe

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 16:42:02 -0300

In this conversation, Jim Norris interviews Ebonnie Rowe, the founder of Honey Jam, a multicultural artist development program for young female artists. They discuss the origins of Honey Jam, the challenges faced in the early years, the programming and community engagement efforts, the recent 30th anniversary concert, and the future challenges of sustainability in the current economic climate. Ebonnie shares insights on time management and personal well-being, emphasizing the importance of passion and community support.

Website - www.honeyjam.com

A Discussion with John Mlynczak, President and CEO of NAMM

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 11:39:34 -0300

In this conversation, Jim Norris interviews John Mlynczak, the president and CEO of NAMM, discussing the organization's rich history, its evolution over the years, and the future of the music products industry. They explore the importance of community, the impact of technology on music products, and the role of NAMM in supporting music makers worldwide. John shares his personal journey in music education and leadership, highlighting the significance of adaptability and innovation in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.

Website - www.namm.org

Eric Alper, Shameless Idealist

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:38:48 -0300

In this conversation, Eric Alper, a veteran publicist and radio host, shares his journey in the music industry, discussing the challenges artists face today, the importance of optimism, and the role of technology in music creation. He emphasizes the need for professional imagery and understanding income streams for musicians, while also reflecting on the evolving landscape of live performances and audience engagement.

Website - www.thatericalper.com

The Dreamer's Journey: Andy Kim's Musical Odyssey

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:38:29 -0300

In this engaging conversation, Andy Kim shares his journey from a dreamer in Montreal to a successful musician and songwriter. He reflects on his early influences, the challenges he faced, and the importance of persistence in pursuing one's dreams. Andy discusses his collaborations, current projects, and the significance of music in his life, emphasizing the power of dreams and the impact of music on the soul. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring artists, encouraging them to define their dreams and pursue them wholeheartedly.

Website - www.andykimmusic.com

The Many Lives of Paul Novotny

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:56:23 -0300

In this conversation, Jim Norris interviews Paul Novotny, a multifaceted musician and audio engineer, about his journey in music, his experiences in the jazz scene, and his innovative work in spatial audio and Dolby Atmos. Paul shares insights into his early musical influences, the challenges of the music industry, and his commitment to environmental sustainability in audio production. He also discusses his record label and the balance between his professional and personal life, highlighting the importance of family support in his creative endeavors.

Website - www.paulnovotnymusic.com