CKUT snags award nomination

CKUT and our in-house journalist Jules are finalists for the Community Broadcast award from the Canadian Association of Journalists!

Last summer, Jules spent long days chatting to users of Jarry Pool about the city’s plan to move it across the park, and cut it in two.

Why is the city doing this? It’s not entirely clear. They have justifications. But not everyone who uses the pool is convinced.

So many reasons to listen: if you love the pool, you want to hear some community characters on the mic, or you’re a Jules superfan…

~*+THE LINK+*~

Community Notice: Fraudulent Emails Claiming to be CKUT Staff

We’ve recently become aware of an instance involving someone falsely claiming to represent CKUT staff through email.

If something feels unusual, unsafe, or potentially deceptive, please use caution and reach out to staff directly to verify the message.

Official staff emails will always come from @ckut.ca. Staff directory: ckut.ca/about

Read our full statement and learn what to look for at the link below.

Pioneer Grooves interviews reggae legend Vernon Maytone

Pioneer Grooves features a diverse array of Montreal-based musicians whose music is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Montreal and Canada. Many of these artists left their birthplace in search of a better life, bringing with them a rich tapestry of musical genres.

From the legendary steelpan players of Expo ’67 to the vibrant artists of jazz, reggae, dancehall, r&b, soul, disco, funk, and gospel, these pioneers share their reflections on what it meant to nurture an art form in the place they now call home.

In this episode, Vernon “Maytone” Buckley talks about growing up in May Pen, Jamaica, leaving school for music, signing with GG Records, and falling in love with Canada. He talks about production, touring, performing, writing and details experiences with fans, raising his kids, and living in Montreal.

Pioneer Grooves - New Episode with Jah Cutta

Pioneer Grooves features a diverse array of Montreal-based musicians whose music is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Montreal and Canada. Many of these artists left their birthplace in search of a better life, bringing with them a rich tapestry of musical genres.

Your host Pat speaks with an old friend, Jah Cutta about his childhood and early beginnings as an artist, singer, and entertainer. Often called Canada’s King of Reggae, Cutta discusses his mother, his family, attending LaSalle High School, and his experience with his own lyrics vs. performing lyrics created by others. He goes in depth about artists in reggae, becoming a senior citizen, recalling memorable gigs and receiving a Key to Africa from Nelson Mandela. The podcast ends with the artist offering advice to aspiring musicians. He even sings a little bit!

Check it out at the link below and stay tuned as we’ll be publishing new episodes weekly.

Also Cool Sounds Like Interviews Crasher

Also Cool Interview with Crasher is out now. Crasher breaks down their synth-heavy, electronic, punk-tinged sound on their new album Odditi Populaire. Ash Woodhead and Tyrin Kelly reflect on the loss of their old jam space, a place that was foundational to the band. Host Gwen Roley caught up with them just ahead of the album’s release.

Also Cool Sounds Like is a locally-based podcast that features the stories and creative journeys of musicians in and around Montreal. Now entering its fourth season, Also Cool Sounds Like follows conversations with creatives about where their musical inspiration comes from, what keeps them going, and what navigating the industry is like today.

The podcast is hosted and produced by journalists Aviva Lessard and Gwen Roley, and new this season is third host, Polaris Prize-nominated musician Tashiina Buswa of Montreal band Ribbon Skirt.

Also Cool Sounds Like is the in-house podcast of Also Cool Mag. Founded in 2019, Also Cool Mag is a Montreal and Ottawa-based online music and arts publication, event series, radio show and podcast.

Thank You to the Elliot Family

Thanks to the generosity of Radio McGill (CKUT) alumnus David A. Elliot and the Elliot Family, the Elliot Family Production Internship is now underway, providing hands-on training in broadcasting and audio production.

We’re excited to welcome our first intern to the station.

Learn more about David, and the Elliot Family Production Internship at the link below.

The CKUT Sessions - Butta Babees

Butta Babees dropped by our Music Office for an electric live session – check it out here