Record Release News!

One cannot mention 2020 without the impact of the global pandemic: the human, social and economic impact has been devastating.

COVID-19 forced us to focus on what mattered – truly mattered. People. Relationships. Kindness. We refocused what it meant to be Roar Records Inc. Who we wanted to work with.  And in doing so, we discovered some gems.

We reached out to old friends, like Jeff Jones, and we released his 50th Anniversary Edition of PUT YOUR HAND IN THE HAND just as the world was shutting down.  Yet something in those lyrics, something in that riff, was a healing balm to troubled souls.

We reached out to Ana Pac – whom we discovered on a film set in 2019.  We discovered Stephen Adrian Lawrance – also on a film set, within the same week.   Stephen and Ana would pen DOWN IN MY WHIP with our friend DJ Danny D adding his magic touch.  The song is pacing to be a global hit.

Stephen, our secret diamond in the rough, delivered old-style country tracks, the kind Kenny Rogers would sing and compose. COLD COMFORT was written on snow-covered road to Nashville just prior to the shut-down.

We reached out to our friends Wendy Irvine, Dave Patel, and Ian de Souza started to work on a new song that reflected the human condition at that moment: BATTLECRY.

And we discovered a funky indie folk/rock band, of two middle-aged guys, singing about life and all its ups and downs – and so we welcomed Dirt Farmer to the family, and successfully promoted I LOVE YOU to radio.

2021 is seeing more incredible music, more discoveries… from THIS IS… by Ana Pac to A LONG GOODBYE – the song Wendy penned about her father, to Stephen’s WRITE OUR OWN LOVE SONG and the groovy TUNE IN HER HEAD by Dirt Farmer.  2021 is shaping up to be another remarkable year for our indie record label.

And that’s why we are called ROAR. While we may be living in a different world, it is still very much our world – a world where we continue to share stories of the human collective. 

Enjoy!

New Book from Julie Fitz-Gerald!

We are pleased to announce the upcoming publication Faith to RISE: 52 Weekly Devotionals for Real Life (A Journey to Joy and Centering).

Based on a radio series written by Julie Fitz-Gerald and broadcast on both radio and YouTube,  Faith to RISE offers weekly nuggets of inspiration, refreshingly real, from the point of view of a working mom of two very active boys, a wife and a member of her community. Readers will love the journaling prompts, discussion questions and beautiful landscape photography from across Canada that accompany each devotional. This book comes with a companion journal and is scheduled for release in October of 2021.  If you are interested in ordering a copy of Faith to RISE, drop us a note and we will add you to our email list, so we can contact you as soon as it is “fresh off the press.”

New single “Put Your Hand in the Hand”

In 1970, a Canadian band named Ocean released a song that would become an instant classic: PUT YOUR HAND IN THE HAND.  Ocean’s version of the song would hit #2 on Billboard being the first-ever CANCON song to do so.  It would go on to be recorded by Anne Murray, Paul Anka, Joan Baez, Elvis and so many others. Fittingly, 50 years after racing up the charts, one of the original members of OCEAN, Juno-award winner Jeff Jones has partnered with Juno-award winning producer Ken Friesen, to release a new version of this song.

In these times of uncertainty, we take comfort in a familiar refrain “take a look at yourself and you can look at others differently … “

So raise your hands to the sky, hand in the hand with the man from Galilee.

Rise School Tour & Pledge

ROAR PUBLISHING INC., a division of The Roar Group of Companies, is pleased to announce the RISE SCHOOL TOUR & PLEDGE, with two-time Olympian, five-time Pan Am Medalist Jessica Phoenix and author Julie Fitz-Gerald.

Since the beginning of November 2018, Phoenix and Fitz-Gerald have visited over 3,500 students in Ontario and Alberta, bringing a message of determination, perseverance and courage as they share what it takes to become a world-class athlete and an author. The fact that these two leading ladies are sisters makes a big impact on the students who discover the authenticity of the message: everyone has unique gifts and talents that are needed and valued. It’s a high-energy, inspirational talk that encourages students to never give up on their dreams. The sisters celebrate the importance of goal setting – and that siblings can be both different and successful! The message of the RISE SCHOOL TOUR also aligns with the character traits of local school boards. Jessica passes around her five Pan Am medals for the students to hold and even wear! The presentation is interactive, with videos, music and medals, and concludes with a goal-setting pledge from the two sisters, inspiring students to set their own goals, joining the #risepledge movement.

Says Gavin Ruddock, Vice-Principal of Quaker Village P.S.: “Jessica and Julie speak about determination, perseverance and courage, giving their audience the message that with hard work and believing in yourself you can accomplish your goals. Engaging and interactive, the students were excited to be a part of the presentation and could relate to their message. Their story is authentic, allowing students to easily feel connected. It is one of the most inspiring presentations I’ve ever had in a school.”

Students are quick to share their own personal pledges; here are just a few:

Molly: “Something that inspired me was to never give up.”

Grace: “I will overcome my challenges by being myself.”

Sean: “My dream is to have a university degree.”

As a thank-you to the schools, ROAR PUBLISHING INC., donates 10% of the proceeds from the purchases of RISE: The Jessica Phoenix Story by Julie Fitz-Gerald (ISBN: 978-0-9688438-1-9) back to the school library, as well as the #risepledge banner, where students can pledge their goals beside those of Jessica’s and Julie’s.

“It’s our way of giving back to the kids and their schools, plus the banner is a gentle reminder throughout the year that they’ve got this, especially on those days that can be a bit tough,” says publisher Veronica Low.

“Christmas Without You” available online now

We’re pleased to announce that Tori Hathway’s Christmas song “Christmas Without You” is available now in all streaming platforms. Check out the lyric video below and be sure to request this soon-to-be-classic at your radio station!

The Jessica Phoenix Story Book Tour comes to Alberta

ROAR PUBLISHING INC., a division of The Roar Group of Companies, publisher of RISE: The Jessica Phoenix Story by Julie Fitz-Gerald (ISBN: 978-0-9688438-1-9) is pleased to announce The RISE TOUR & PLEDGE, with two-time Olympian, five-time Pan Am Medalist Jessica Phoenix and author Julie Fitz-Gerald, is heading to Alberta this November.

RISE tells the true story of Phoenix and her journey to become one of Canada’s most accomplished equestrian athletes. It’s an inspiring story of trial and triumph; of grit, faith and courage.

“The community of Carstairs and staff and students of Carstairs Elementary School are honoured and excited to have two-time Olympian Jessica Phoenix join us at CES with the 2020 Olympics just around the corner! Jessica’s message of perseverance, determination and courage are crucial character traits we work hard to instill in our students. This is an amazing experience for our community. Go Canada!” says John Goutsis, principal of Carstairs Elementary School.

“I’m passionate about this incredible country that we live in! It’s a dream come true to be able to take this message of courage and determination across the country to help inspire our youth,” says Jessica Phoenix.

“Encouraging students to develop their own unique gifts and talents, and to never give up no matter how big the obstacles are in front of them, is something that really fires us up! We’re thrilled to be taking this message of encouragement to students in Alberta,” explains Julie Fitz-Gerald.

As a thank-you to the schools, ROAR PUBLISHING INC., donates 10% of the proceeds from the purchases of RISE: The Jessica Phoenix Story back to the school library, as well as the #risepledge banner, where students can pledge their goals beside those of Jessica’s and Julie’s.

Join The RISE movement: Tailored to meet the audience’s needs, The RISE TOUR is booking into the fall of 2020. If you are interested in having The RISE TOUR inspire your school or business, please send us a note via the contact page.

New single “Naked In The Church”

Roar Records Inc is proud to release NAKED IN THE CHURCH by JEFF JONES AND ROAR.  Jeff Jones is an international rock music icon. A member of the first incarnation of RUSH, Jeff plays with some of the greatest acts in modern music, from BURTON CUMMINGS & THE CARPET FROGS to TOM COCHRANE & RED RIDER. Jeff’s talent was discovered at an early age: his Mom used to say he was “one kick-ass bass player” His talent is undeniable, both a bass player and vocalists, displaying a great depth of versatility. Jeff is a musician’s musician and one of the nicest persons one would ever meet in not just this business, but anywhere in the world.

With Naked In The Church, Jeff goes back to his spiritual roots, to OCEAN, and the song “PUT YOUR HAND IN THE HAND.”  That song struck a chord with millions, and was released by giants in music industry, from all genres, from Elvis to Anne Murray to Joan Baez. A little known fact: “PUT YOUR HAND IN THE HAND” was the first CANCON song to hit Number #1 on the CHUM chart.

Naked In The Church is an up-lifting song about a man who suddenly realizes what life is all about: it’s not about the material things, it’s about being honest with oneself for the first time, so one can see truth and meaning in one’s life. An awakening and turning point. A feel good song that will have you humming along. If you like 70’s feel good pop and Tom Petty, you will loveNaked In The Church. This song completes a life-long spiritual journey for Jeff, affectionately known in the music business as “Jonesy.”

The band ROAR is anchored by Dave Patel on drums and includes Greg Keyes (lead guitar), Kyle Renton (acoustic guitar), Peter Kadar (keyboards/piano) and Wendy Irvine (background vocals)

Recorded at the world-renowned Metalworks Studios, produced by Kevin Dietz and mastered by Chris Crerar. The song is 100% CANCON.

Z103.5 Streetmix Album

HOT OFF THE PRESS…

Rise: DJ Danny D Dance Mix – has been added to the Z103.5 Streetmix 2K18 compilation album, now available at stores across Canada!