Press Releases

“Love + War" is the lead track from new project Incognito Baby

Emerging London, Ontario LGBT+ hip hopper, Strange Breed, launches a new experimental alt-rock project, Incognito Baby, with “Love + War”, produced by Kenny Carkeet, of Fitness and AWOLNATION fame — available now!

Get ready to crank the system and hit the deck, because “Love + War” is packed with an explosive energy you’ve been longing for!

Best experienced with bass-heavy headphones or subwoofers, your ears are in for a barrage of sound as Carkeet's trademark bombastic keyboards lay the foundation for the track. Strange Breed (née David Sisson), known for his rapid, punchy rhyme schemes, fires off his verses with precision and tongue-in-cheek entendre. The chorus features singing by Strange Breed and guitarist MJ Vaessen, which intertwine marvellously with the splendour of Karla Scadutto’s angelic harmonies.

The song’s theme of love and war are sonically brought full-circle with the cleverly written lyrics, vocal melodies and the methodic, pounding arrangements. When combined, these elements create an atmosphere of entrenching sound that’ll have you play the track back again and again!

“The concept of the song revolves around a relationship that remains strong despite all of its misgivings,” Strange Breed explains.

“Depending on the listener’s point of view, it can be seen as a venting song for a frustration in a current relationship, or the acknowledgment of a very toxic romance,” he further elaborates.

The essence of the single is meant to capture a fun fight song of sorts, lyrically focusing on predicaments couples typically find themselves facing. Influenced by Fitness, AWOLNATION, Eve 6 and Weezer, “Love + War” incorporates prominent elements of hip hop, alternative rock, R&B and electronica.

The single was written by Strange Breed and MJ Vaessen. Strange Breed performs lead vocals and drums. MJ Vaessen performs the guitar solo, backing vocals and harmonies. Further backing vocals and harmonies were performed by Karla Scadutto. Rhythm guitars, keyboards, drums and additional backing vocals were performed by Kenny Carkeet. Recording, mixing and mastering were completed by MJ Vaessen. The artwork for the single was created by Taylor Wetton.

While this is just the first entry, Incognito Baby plans to release a full-length album towards the end of 2021.

“Love + War” is available now!

Audio Mack, Bandcamp, Soundcloud, Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music, YouTube

Founding member of Canadian surf rock scene, hits Richmond Tavern on October 16th

Making his London, Ontario debut, Eugene Ripper, the acclaimed acoustic folk rebel is ready to “rip up” the Richmond Tavern on Saturday, October 16th for the release of his new 7” single -- “Ride The Northern Train”!

Popularizing the first wave of Canadian surf / punk rock in the late 70’s with his former band, Stark Naked & The Fleshtones, the Toronto-based string strummer has established himself as a seminal and acclaimed Canadian folk punk artist credited to have “put the spikes back in folk music” (The Province; Vancouver).

He arrives in London as a one-of-a-kind solo act serving a foot-stomping mash-up of acoustic punk, fast folk, muddy roots and rock n’ roll -- all wrapped in a modern troubadour style and punk ethos.

Ripper’s rip-roarious brand of music earned him incredible gigs sharing the bill with some of Canada’s most prolific folk and rock acts, such as: Colin James, Crash Test Dummies, The Grapes Of Wrath and national treasures, The Tragically Hip, to name a few. He has also performed at major Canadian festivals, including: EdgeFest, The Great Canadian Party, Pop Montreal, Halifax Urban Folk Festival, among others.

Eugene Ripper’s charismatic and crowd-pleasing presence landed him extended residencies at venues in New York City, Toronto, Halifax and Vancouver, as well as across the pond, in Germany, Austria, Scotland and England.

Embarking on a world tour to promote his latest single, Eugene Ripper is ready to leave his mark on London by bringing his signature style to the Richmond Tavern!

About “Ride The Northern Train”

“Ride The Northern Train” is described as, “a song that reaches out to the enduring mystic and myth of riding the rails, with a tip of the hat to the liberty and freedom of spirit it often engenders”. Front to back, the romp-n-stomp track hits with a chugging riff and Eugene’s slick vocals. Complete with a blazing harmonica, saloon-style piano licks and sleek slide guitar, this single leaves its listeners feeling like they’re riding the Northern rails of Rock N’ Roll!

Even Information

Where: Richmond Tavern (370 Richmond Street, London, ON)

When: October 16, 2021 (9:00pm - 1:00am)

Cover: Free (Ages 19+; licensed event)