Backstage Lowdown

Lance & Andrew
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  • Music Interviews
  • Updated Biweekly

Backstage Lowdown takes you behind the music with in-depth interviews featuring some of Canada's most exciting artists and entertainers. Hosted by Lance Dawson and Andrew Stewart, the podcast uncovers the stories, struggles, inspirations, and career-defining moments that audiences rarely get to hear. Whether you're a passionate music fan, an aspiring musician, or simply love great conversations, Backstage Lowdown delivers authentic insights from the people creating the soundtrack of our lives.

  1. Jun 11

    Skye Wallace: Recording with Matt Mays, Touring Canada & Finding Her Voice

    In this episode, Backstage Lowdown sit down with Canadian singer-songwriter Skye Wallace for an in-depth conversation about her music career, creative process, and life on the road. Skye shares the story of her musical journey, from releasing her first EP in 2009 to creating new music and preparing for her latest album release. She discusses collaborating with Matt Mays during the pandemic, recording songs in a unique barn studio setting, and how her sound has evolved from her punk-rock roots into the gritty, deeply personal style that defines her music today. The conversation also explores the realities of being an independent artist, balancing motherhood with a demanding music career, touring, songwriting, and making sustainable choices in today's music industry. If you're a fan of Canadian music, singer-songwriters, alternative rock, folk-rock, indie music, or behind-the-scenes stories from working musicians, this interview is for you. #SkyeWallace #CanadianMusic #SingerSongwriter #IndieMusic #AlternativeRock #MattMays #MusicInterview #CanadianArtist #Songwriting #IndependentMusic #PodcastInterview

    40 min

  2. May 14

    Ron Hawkins on 35 Years of Shakespeare My Butt | Lowest of the Low Anniversary Interview

    Join us for an in-depth conversation with Ron Hawkins of Lowest of the Low as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the legendary album Shakespeare My Butt. In this interview, Ron reflects on the band’s early days, the lasting impact of one of Canada’s most beloved independent rock albums, stories from the road, songwriting, fandom, and what it means to revisit these songs decades later on the anniversary tour. If you love Canadian music, indie rock history, and behind-the-scenes stories from iconic artists, this conversation is for you. Here is the Playlist: • The making of Shakespeare My Butt • Touring after 35 years • Songwriting and creative process • Canadian indie rock history • Memories from the early 90s music scene • Fans, legacy, and the future of Lowest of the Low Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more interviews with legendary musicians, artists, and storytellers. #RonHawkins #LowestOfTheLow #ShakespeareMyButt #BackstageLowdown #CanadianRock #IndieRock #MusicInterview #CanadianMusic #AltRock #RockMusic #90sMusic #Songwriting #LiveMusic #MusicPodcast #RockAndRoll #TorontoMusic

    51 min

  3. Apr 13

    From Analog to Digital: Marc Jordan on Music, Songwriting & Industry Evolution

    In this episode of Backstage Lowdown, we sit down with legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Marc Jordan to dive deep into his incredible career in music. Marc shares behind-the-scenes stories of writing iconic songs for global superstars like Rod Stewart, Cher, and Sawyer Brown, including the story behind the hit “Rhythm of My Heart.” We also explore Marc’s powerful new biography Rhythm of My Heart, written by Don Breithaupt, and how his journey with dyslexia shaped both his storytelling and songwriting process. MARC’S UPCOMING SHOWS: SHOWS | Marc Jordan In this episode, we cover: Marc Jordan’s songwriting process (melody & lyrics evolving together) Writing hits for major artists in the music industry The shift from analog to digital music Concerns about technology and its impact on human connection & live music Upcoming book launch concerts in Toronto featuring live performances and Q&A sessions Whether you're a songwriter, music fan, or love behind-the-scenes stories from the industry, this conversation offers rare insight into the craft and evolution of music. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth interviews with Canadian musicians and industry insiders.

    37 min

  4. Mar 25

    How CFNY-FM Changed Music Forever, Inside "The Spirit of Radio” Documentary with Ivar Hamilton

    Step into the golden era of alternative radio with Ivor Hamilton, co-producer of the documentary CFNY: The Spirit of Radio, as he takes us behind the scenes of one of Canada’s most influential radio stations, CFNY-FM. In this episode, Hamilton reveals how the film evolved from its original TVO version into a deeper, more powerful 90-minute cut, shaped by passionate audience feedback and packed with new interviews and untold stories. He shares firsthand memories from his early days at CFNY in 1977, when he helped pioneer the rise of punk and new wave on Canadian airwaves, forever changing the sound of radio. We also dive into his transition from radio to the music industry at Polygram  (now Universal Music Group), where he played a role in working with iconic Canadian artists like The Tragically Hip and Matthew Good. This conversation is a must-listen for music lovers, radio historians, and anyone fascinated by the cultural impact of alternative broadcasting. Discover how CFNY became more than just a station, it became a movement. #CFNY #SpiritOfRadio #IvorHamilton #CanadianMusic #AlternativeRadio #PunkRock #NewWave #MusicDocumentary #TheTragicallyHip #MatthewGood #RadioHistory #BehindTheMusic #PodcastInterview

    45 min

  5. Mar 16

    Crystal Shawanda on Sing Pretty Blues, Soul Roots & Her Juno Awards Nomination

    Blues powerhouse Crystal Shawanda joins Backstage Lowdown for a soulful conversation about her JUNO-nominated album Sing Pretty Blues and the musical roots that shaped her sound. In this in-depth interview, Crystal opens up about blending blues, southern country soul, and classic R&B influences while paying tribute to legendary labels like Stax Records, Chess Records, and Motown. Fresh off a nomination at the Juno Awards, Crystal talks about the inspiration behind Sing Pretty Blues, her lifelong connection to music, and how the album captures the timeless spirit of classic soul while bringing her own modern voice to the blues. In this episode we discuss: 🎤 The story behind Sing Pretty Blues 🎸 How classic blues and soul shaped her songwriting 🏆 What a JUNO nomination means for the record 🎶 Recording music that channels the spirit of Stax, Chess, and Motown 🔥 Crystal’s journey from country roots to powerful blues artist Crystal Shawanda’s voice carries the grit of the blues and the heart of soul music—and this conversation gives a behind-the-scenes look at the passion and storytelling behind her latest work. If you love blues, soul, roots music, and powerful vocalists, this interview is for you. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more artist interviews on Backstage Lowdown. Listen / Watch More Episodes: 🎙 Backstage Lowdown features conversations with musicians, authors, and creatives from around the world. #CrystalShawanda #BluesMusic #BackstageLowdown #BluesInterview #SingPrettyBlues

    39 min

  6. Mar 12

    Jeremy Hotz Gets Real About Comedy, Touring & Life’s Absurdities

    Canadian comedy legend Jeremy Hotz joins Backstage Lowdown for a hilarious and insightful conversation about life, stand-up, and the beautifully awkward observations that have made him one of the most unique voices in comedy. Hotz is back on the road in 2026 with his latest national tour, “Très Misérables,” bringing his unmistakable style of anxious, brilliantly awkward storytelling to audiences across the country. In this episode, Jeremy talks about how everyday frustrations turn into comedy gold, the evolution of his stand-up over the years, and why audiences still connect so strongly with his signature brand of observational humour. We also dive into the realities of touring, the craft of writing stand-up, and the strange little moments in life that only Jeremy Hotz can turn into unforgettable punchlines. Whether you’ve followed him since his early television appearances or discovered him more recently through his live shows, this conversation offers a fun behind-the-scenes look at one of Canada’s most distinctive comedians. 🎙️ In this episode we discuss: Jeremy’s 2026 Très Misérables comedy tour His unique approach to observational comedy How anxiety and everyday life fuel his stand-up material Life on the road as a touring comedian The evolution of his comedy career If you enjoy stand-up comedy, behind-the-scenes stories from the comedy world, and conversations with artists who see life from a slightly different angle, you’ll love this episode. Listen to the audio podcast on your favourite podcast platform, and watch the full interview on YouTube. #JeremyHotz #StandUpComedy #CanadianComedy #ComedyPodcast #BackstageLowdown #PodcastInterview #ObservationalComedy #ComedyTour #ComedianInterview

    41 min

  7. Mar 6

    Guitars, MI6 & a 300-Year-Old Secret, Grit Laskin on “The Stradivari Formula”

    In this episode of Backstage Lowdown, we sit down with Canadian luthier, novelist and if that wasn’t enough, a Member of the Order of Canada, Grit Laskin. Laskin talks about his novel, “The Stradivari Formula”, which delves into the enduring mystery of Antonio Stradivari’s legendary violin-making methods which he occasionally transferred to guitar builds and how Laskin builds a world of intrigue around it. He explains that the first draft of the book came together in just five months, driven by deep research and careful character development. The discussion explores the balance between creative expression in both literature and luthiery, while also touching on his experiences working with musicians and navigating the world of publishers.  Here we go! #GritLaskin #BackstageLowdown #AuthorInterview #TheStradivariFormula #HistoricalFiction #MusicAndMystery#BookTalk #MusicPodcast #MustReadBooks#BookLovers

    44 min

  8. Jan 30

    The Untold Story of CFNY: The Spirit of Radio with Alan Cross

    Join hosts Andrew Stewart and Lance Dawson for a deep dive into music history with legendary broadcaster and music historian Alan Cross, as they discuss the hot new documentary, CFNY: The Spirit of Radio, directed by Matt Schichter, and co-producer by Alan himself, and why its story continues to resonate with music fans everywhere.  If you love alternative rock, radio history, and the evolution of music culture, this episode is a must listen. In this episode, Alan revisits his arrival at that yellow house in Brampton, the iconic CFNY in 1986, a radio station that helped spark a cultural and musical revolution across Canada. From the days of rare vinyl and powerful industry gatekeepers to today’s unlimited, on-demand streaming, Alan explores how music discovery has transformed over the decades. He shares behind-the-scenes stories of how CFNY championed emerging artists, shaped alternative radio, and influenced generations of listeners. The conversation also tackles the modern challenges of algorithm-driven playlists, the fight to preserve musical curation and quality, and the lasting legacy of CFNY 102.1 The Edge, in Canadian music history. Here we go! #AlanCross #CFNY #SpiritOfRadio #CFNYSpiritOfRadio #BackstageLowdown #MusicDocumentary #RadioHistory #AlternativeRadio #AlternativeRock #CanadianMusic #TorontoMusic #MusicPodcast #PodcastInterview #BehindTheMusic #NewMusicDiscovery #RadioLegend #MusicCulture #IndieRock #80sAlternative #MusicHistory #Podcast #MusicInterview #RockMusic #StreamingMusic #MusicFans

    44 min
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About

Backstage Lowdown takes you behind the music with in-depth interviews featuring some of Canada's most exciting artists and entertainers. Hosted by Lance Dawson and Andrew Stewart, the podcast uncovers the stories, struggles, inspirations, and career-defining moments that audiences rarely get to hear. Whether you're a passionate music fan, an aspiring musician, or simply love great conversations, Backstage Lowdown delivers authentic insights from the people creating the soundtrack of our lives.

Information

  • Creator
    Lance & Andrew
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Lance & Andrew
  • Show Website
    Backstage Lowdown