I
don't want just another shuffle - I want originality, I want crossover, I want exciting, I want different, and
I want every NorthernBlues Music CD to be exceptional.
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I started NorthernBlues Music in July 2000. The catalyst to starting a blues label was the purchase of a Grit Laskin CD, over
the internet in 1996, while stationed in Singapore for Intel Corporation. To make a long story short, I was quite
taken by Grit's CD (clear vocals interesting lyrics), and I sent Grit an e-mail telling him how impressed I was.
To my surprise, I got a response from Grit within two days, and that started an exchange.
Grit informed me that he and three other partners were starting a Canadian folk music label called Borealis Records.
I inquired if I could invest money, but Grit informed me that they were all set, but thanks for the offer. About
six months later, out of the blue, an e-mail from Grit asked whether I would still be interested in investing.
I was, and I ultimately became a Borealis partner.
Getting involved with Borealis Records was more than just a good investment. Borealis was founded by four musicians
and they brought a certain sensibility to Borealis that I find attractive. They strive to be fair to their musicians
and they've created a strong voice for Canadian folk artists. In short, Borealis has become, within four years,
the pre-eminent folk label in Canada.
In January, 2000, I resigned from Intel and set my last day as the 28th of April, 2000. The more I thought about
Borealis, the more I realized that I could do much the same for blues in Canada. NorthernBlues
Music Inc. is a labor of love. I want this company to add substantially to the
blues repertoire, and not just come out with the 'same old, same old.' I want NorthernBlues
Music to be a friendly home to Canadian blues artists, and to represent some of
the finest, and most interesting, musicians in the world. I don't want just another shuffle - I want originality, I want crossover, I want exciting, I want different, and I want every NorthernBlues
Music CD to be exceptional.
Fred Litwin, President
fred@northernblues.com
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