Catching Up with Mike Bruzzese

What was your inspiration for writing Even When I’m Dreaming? Were there any unique approaches to how you wrote for it?

Without making a conscious effort, a lot of the music I wrote for this record is dedicated to significant people in my life or what inspires me. For example, “Roots of the Poet” is a tribute to my late grandfather, and “Roots of the Seeker” is written for my grandmother. “Eyes of Tranquility” was inspired by my partner, while “Sky Hook” describes a basketball shot that I love. I explore what stimulates me and gives me a reason, to compose and play music. 

Who are your most significant Jazz Influences, and why?

I have so many jazz influences, that I would struggle to list them all. John Coltrane is a good start. I recorded two compositions by him (“After the Rain” and “Transition”) as a medley, to show my appreciation for his art and creativity. My main guitar influences, in terms of sound, are Grant Green, Barney Kessel, and Sonny Greenwich. They are all so unique but in terms of sound, I am drawn to their bright, melodic style. I feel like they are singing through their guitars. I am certainly inspired by all the great drummers of this music, including Elvin Jones, Billy Higgins, Roy Haynes, and Rashied Ali. I recall that one of my mentors, Ra Kalam Bob Moses, always advised me to think of myself as a drummer.

Where do you find your creativity when you aren’t feeling creative?

When I am not feeling creative, I seek inspiration wherever I can find it. Whether it is reading a book, watching a film, going for a walk, or watching highlights of my favorite basketball players, there is always something that re-ignites the fire in me!

Other than music, what other hobbies or interests do you have?

I am a huge basketball fan, so I enjoy going out there and playing pickup basketball with friends and strangers. There is something about the rhythm of the game that reminds me of the flow of music. 

What does 2023 have in store for Mike Bruzzese?

My objective is to continue working with my bands and composing new music. In addition, I plan to get started on my next record. I teach approximately 20 students a week because I feel it is important to transmit my knowledge to people who share a passion for music. 

Do you have any special shoutouts or people you’d like to acknowledge in the creation of Even When I’m Dreaming?

I want to thank my partner, Lianne Currie, for supporting me and always encouraging me to continue to grow and challenge myself. My parents and my sister have also been tremendously supportive. I feel blessed to have a great family that loves music. I feel so much gratitude for the musicians that played on this album. I truly feel that I recorded with some of my favorite musicians. Special thanks to Michel Lambert, Ira Coleman, Gentiane MG and Caity Gyorgy for their collaboration in Even When I’m Dreaming. Lastly, I want to thank everyone at Bent River Records for contributing to this project. It is an honor to be on this label with a roster of superb artists.

“Hello!” from the Bent River Records team

Hello! My name is Barbie Cayanan, Bent River Record’s Design intern this winter semester! I am in my third year of the Bachelor of Design program, focusing on illustration, advertising, and branding design. While I have no background or experience in music, art is in my blood. I grew up in a family of creatives with my pastry chef mother, aspiring writer younger sister, and architect older sister and brother. I am passionate about bringing ideas, emotions, and messages to life, and I have expressed that passion through my art and illustrations. Being a newcomer to Canada, I did not know where my talent and passion fit into the academic world until my high school art teacher introduced me to MacEwan and their design program. I am beyond excited to work with other creatives and artists outside of my home and grow further as a designer in a professional environment.


Hi there! My name is Gladwyn Badger, I am an Associate with Bent River Records. I started working with the label as an intern in 2021, and I’ve been fortunate enough to continue working with such an incredible team of hardworking, dedicated people since!

I am in my final semester, studying in the department of Music here at MacEwan University, with a General Major and a Minor in Music Career Management. My goals are to continue to expand my professional network and build meaningful relationships within the local music community, as well as amplifying indigenous musicians’ voices and artists alike. Working at Bent River has given me the experience I was looking for when I first started out as an intern, and because of the amazing opportunities while working here, I feel so much more prepared to succeed after I leave university.

Fun fact: I am a very proud Nehiyawak originally from the Treaty 8 territory. During the summer you can usually see me cruising around the city on my Indian Motorcycle, taking a jog in the beautiful River Valley, or enjoying an espresso at one of the many cafés the city has to offer.

2022 Bent River Records Artist Spotlight

We are excited to announce that the 2022 Bent River Records Artist Spotlight event taking place live and in person! It will take place on the 21st of April, 2022 at MacEwan University in the Triffo Theatre. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and showtime is at 7:00 pm!

The evening includes performances to celebrate Bent River Record’s 2022 releases. The first performance features 2021 Art Song Competition winner Cynthia Hamar, performing her song “Where your Love Lives”, which will also be featured on her upcoming release later this year.

Our final featured performers of the evening include the composer and Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications, Allan Gilliland, conducting an orchestra, and featuring PJ Perry and several MacEwan faculty members, showcasing pieces from Gilliland’s album Dreaming: The Prague Sessions. The entire Bent River Records catalogue and merchandise will also be available for purchase at the event.

This event is FREE, however, attendees are encouraged to RSVP and to be prepared to show their ticket on their mobile device upon arrival. Tickets can be reserved at https://tickets.macewan.ca/TheatreManager/1/tmEvent/tmEvent140.html.

Digital Program

SilverStream Battle of the Bands Competition

Attention MacEwan Music community!

Are you in a band? Do you wanna have your music recorded? Does Studio A sound better than your parent’s basement for a recording space? Well, we at SilverStream have an opportunity for you!

Introducing the first annual SilverStream Battle of the Bands! We want you to send in your best demos or come audition for us live for the chance to fight it out for the top spot at a live show at On The Rocks on the 1st of May. The winner will be awarded three days in MacEwan’s top-of-the-line studios, professional videography for social media, and digital distribution!

Bands must have demos submitted, or be signed up for live auditions by April 24th. Bands must consist of two or more members and must contain at least ONE CURRENT MACEWAN STUDENT.

Auditions will be held at MacEwan University’s Betty Andrew’s Recital Hall on April 26th from 2 pm onwards.

Digital Audition Requirements: 2x MP3 demos + lead sheets/lyrics OR 2x video demos + lead sheets/lyrics. Please note that demo quality is not an issue. That’s what the studio time is for! A voice memo recording or similar will be sufficient.

Click here to sign up for live auditions!

Cover Art Competition Now Open to All MacEwan Students!

Calling all artists!

In the spirit of MacEwan’s long history of artistic collaborations, Bent River Records (BRR) is offering an opportunity to have your design featured on collaborative original work.

This competition honours the continued support of MacEwan’s Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Dr. Craig Monk. His generous contributions to Bent River Records have made student opportunities like this possible. This contest is open to all currently enrolled (Winter 2022) MacEwan students.

ABOUT THE COMPETITION: Artists will submit original cover artwork for the second volume of the Bent River Special Release series. The two pieces featured on the release are the result of our recent Songwriting and Composition competitions with MacEwan Department of Music students, featuring lyrics by Esther Forseth, and compositions by Aaron Addorisio and Esther Forseth. Please see the full lyrics for “Preacher’s Daughter” below:

Preacher’s Daughter
Written by Esther Forseth

Gentle, rocking motion
Like a baby that you’re holding
Keeping it subtle as you’re towing
Me out farther in the ocean

You’re the creature in the water
I’m the preacher’s youngest daughter
Find me swimming with the fishes
Free from breathing old traditions

Weighted wicker basket,
They see freedom as a casket
We’re meant to be one with the water
seeping, swelling into wonder

Shallow breath, a heavy chest
There’s a world that’s under
Heavy fire of promises and guilt to uncover
Diving deeper I’m a seeker
Searching for other ways to live
That let us into what we discover

You’re the creature in the water
I’m the preacher’s youngest daughter
Find me swimming with the fishes
Free from breathing old traditions

Shallow breath, a heavy chest
There’s a world that’s under
Heavy fire of promises and guilt to uncover

You’re the creature in the water
I’m the preacher’s youngest-

A downloadable PDF of “Preacher’s Daughter” is available here:
https://bentriverrecords.macewan.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/EstherForseth_PreachersDaughter_Lyrics.pdf

SPECIFICATIONS: Each artist may submit up to two (2) original art pieces for consideration as 300 ppi jpegs. The final output of the vinyl release will be 7.75” x 7.75” (7.5” square plus 0.125” bleeds), CMYK, at 300ppi. However, entries may be submitted in RGB format and, if selected, the artist will work with an advisor to colour correct for print.

The selected artwork must meet these specifications, but the artist may otherwise determine their chosen medium and format. Use of conventional art mediums and mixed media are encouraged, as well as concepts that are open-to-interpretation and can appeal to a wide audience. Use of popular comic or anime genres are not sought for this call. The artist will also submit a one paragraph rationale (maximum of 150 words), explaining their process and how their submission connects to the songs provided.

Please, DO NOT include your name or signature on the art works and rationales since the final selection will be completed by an independent panel.

The winner will be announced on the Bent River Records social media and contacted individually.

PRIZE: $750.00 honorarium

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: 4:00 pm MST on March 28th, 2022.

SUBMISSION LINK: https://forms.gle/eAur4rU1XXuNvP7GA

TERMS & CONDITIONS: The author will retain all intellectual property, and BRR will only have the right to print a limited run of the music department CD as well as a single version, both of which will be for promotional purposes only.

Adjudication will be completed by a panel of jurors selected by BRR, and will contain members of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Communication and representatives of BRR. The anonymity of entrants will be maintained; judges will not know the identity of the artists they are evaluating until after adjudication is complete.

Bent River Records values, promotes and prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusion in all of its work. We recognize the systemic barriers that have led to many artists being underrepresented and will continue to do work to amplify and uplift voices that reflect Edmonton’s diverse communities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that represents diverse backgrounds.

Please contact bentriverrecords@macewan.ca if you have any questions.