Category: Blog

Ground Control to Major Tom

Chris Hadfield

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield is famous for his viral, modified cover of David Bowie‘s “Space Oddity,” which he performed and filmed on the International Space Station (ISS). Released on May 12, 2013, the video has garnered over 55 million views (as of February 2025) and is considered one of the coolest covers ever.

Beyond the viral hit, Hadfield‘s time during Expedition 35 made him an important figure in music history.

In October 2015, Hadfield released “Space Sessions: Songs from a Tin Can,” an album consisting of songs he had recorded aboard the ISS using a Larrivée Parlor guitar. This became the first album ever recorded in space.

During his free time, he recorded several other notable songs:

“Jewel in the Night,” the first song recorded in space, was released on YouTube on Christmas Eve, 2012.

He collaborated with Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies for “Is Somebody Singing?” (I.S.S.), which premiered on CBC Radio in February 2013.

In addition to his musical feats, Hadfield is recognized as the first Canadian to walk in space.

Prince was a multi-instrumentalist

In 1979, Prince was 20 years old when he released his debut album For You.

All tracks were composed, produced, arranged and performed by Prince himself.

But did you know that he also played all the instruments on the album?

To be more precise, he played 27 different musical instruments, including electric and acoustic guitars, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, clavinet, ARP Pro Soloist, ARP String Ensemble, Minimoog, Polymoog, Oberheim Four Voice, bass guitar, drums, Pollard Syndrums, slapstick, wind chimes, glockenspiel, finger cymbals, handclaps, fingersnaps, water drums, bongos, congas, brush trap, bell tree and wood block.

This is just one of the many reasons he is regarded as one of the greatest musicians of all time.

It’s Bandcamp Friday (10/3/25)

Fans have paid artists $1.59 billion using Bandcamp.

On select Fridays throughout the year, Bandcamp waives its share of sales for 24 hours, giving fans an opportunity to support the artist they love more directly.

Here are some of my recommendations:


Read my review here.


Read my review here.


Read my review here.


Read my review here.

It’s Bandcamp Friday (9/5/25)

Fans have paid artists $1.57 billion using Bandcamp.

On select Fridays throughout the year, Bandcamp waives its share of sales for 24 hours, giving fans an opportunity to support the artist they love more directly.

Here are some of my recommendations: