Post #4 – Canadian Music Week (By Emilio Fuentes)

Many people look upon the arrival of Canadian Music Week as an opportunity to check out the over 700 live acts that descend upon our city within less than a week. What many don’t realize, is that it’s also a time where some of the  industries biggest Agents, A&R Reps, Songwriters, and Producers, sit down and open up about their ongoing experiences within the recording industry.

During the week-long conference sessions, I was fortunate enough to have a front row seat and listen to the mystical musical journey of songwriting/producing great Dave Stewart (The Eurythmics/Annie Lennox). He discussed very vivid memories, primarily how his then breakup to singer Annie Lennox, led the duo to write hundreds of post break up tunes. Including many of their most compelling hits like ‘Sweet Dreams’ and ‘Here Comes The Rain Again’. I don’t know about you, but the thought of being forced to sit across from your ex-lover, and reciprocate amazing musical, lyrical, and soulful material, is a process many of us could, and will most likely never have to fathom. I could only imagine how many glasses of vino they must have gone through during that period!!

So while the concerts and live performances are a great and very important part of Canadian Music Week, the chance to hear the story, behind the story of your favorite song is something truly amazing. As a Musician myself (and avid wine drinker) I find that hearing and understanding the story behind almost anything can help you to really connect and appreciate it that much more. And really isn’t that something that both wine and music have in common? They both share emotion, appreciation and hard work that allows it to get to you to enjoy and share?

Cheers to the 2010 Canadian Music week and any type of wine you choose to be enjoying at this very moment!

By: Emilio Fuentes – Musician, Writer & Wine lover