Uncategorized January 30, 2025

Welcome to Octopus Media Ink: Home of writer-for-hire Nick Krewen, his archives and professional services…

Hi there! My name is Nick Krewen (octopus@rogers.com.) I’m a Toronto-based writer, editor, content-and-solution provider and voice artist who has been working as a professional since God wore short pants. If you have a project you need some worry-free assistance with and that needs clear, concise messaging, I’m here to help. For a no-obligation conversation, you can reach me at the number below or at the e-mail listed just above…

Read More

Adult Contemporary, Arranger, California, Composer, Grammy, Motown, New York, Oklahoma, Orchestra, Piano, Pop, Producer, Songwriter, United States, Willie Nelson February 14, 2026

The Inimitable Legacy of Jimmy Webb

In honour of Webb’s Feb 12, 2026 performance at Hugh’s Room Live in Toronto by Nick Krewen The piano is certainly a picturesque instrument: within its 88 keys is a palate of tonal colours that can be mixed, matched and stirred to unearth a kaleidoscope of sounds  ranging from emotional epiphany to textured gravitas, dependent on the player who is mastering the apparatus.   Last night at Hugh’s Room for…

Grammy, Hard Rock/Heavy Metal January 29, 2026

A Swedish heavy metal sensation is headed to Scotiabank Arena — and boasts a surprising connection to Sam the Record Man

Tobias Forge, a.k.a. Papa V Perpetua, brings his band Ghost to town on Saturday as part of the Skeletour World Tour. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star “Do we need mysterious bands? Absolutely.” So sayeth Papa V Perpetua, a.k.a. Tobias Forge, leader and frontman of the Swedish metal band Ghost, who performs in demonic face paint and dressed in papal robes and mitre. In this modern age of music, where information about artists…

Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye, Business, Canada, Events, Hamilton, Music Industry (Trade), Professional Adjustment, Toronto, Tourism, Travel, United States December 12, 2025

Paul McCartney tickets for $5,000? Insiders reveal why going to a concert costs so much

Artists’ business managers say that after the pandemic touring became a lot more expensive.  For Paul McCartney’s recent performance at Hamilton’s TD Coliseum, it wasn’t unusual seeing tickets go for $5000. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star It’s no secret that concert ticket prices have reached unprecedented heights, bolstered in part by the secondary resale market, dynamic pricing and ticketing fees that rise accordingly with each transaction. In fact,…

Americana, Arranger, Artist Spotlight, California, Canada, Canadian Music Hall Of Fame, Composer, Country, Country Rock, Events, Farm Aid, Folk, Garage Rock, Grammy, Grunge, Guitar, Hard Rock/Heavy Metal, JUNO, Kathleen Edwards, Linda Ronstadt, Neil Young, Pearl Jam, Piano, Pop, Producer, Psychedelic, Rock, Rock 'N Roll, Rock 'N Roll Hall Of Fame, Songwriter, Toronto, United States, Voice, Willie Nelson November 9, 2025

Neil Young is about to turn 80 — and these Canadian musicians are throwing him a party at Massey Hall

“NY80: A Celebration of Neil Young and His Music,” hosted by CBC’s Tom Power, will take place Nov. 12.  Nov. 9, 2025 By Nick Krewen Special to the Star On the cusp of 80, few performers have remained as relevant as Toronto’s own Neil Young. He’s been steadily rockin’ in the free world since forming The Squires in Winnipeg in 1965 — and in a career that has seen him thrive…

Adult Contemporary, Award Winners, Composer, Fusion, Jazz, Piano, Pop, Producer, Songwriter, Synthesizer, Voice September 27, 2025

Despite ‘70s superstardom, this singer struggled with self-doubt. Then came a spiritual awakening. Now he’s joining the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Gino Vannelli will be inducted along with Andy Kim, Jane Siberry and others on Oct. 17. He recorded his latest album as a tribute to his late wife. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star He will be getting inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame on Oct. 17 at the Meridian Arts Centre in North York, but pop sensation Gino Vannelli would be the first to admit that…