Royally Sparked Volume II is a celebration of all the things that make new music in Canada sound great. Wonderful songwriting, great production and undeniable artistry. This 14 song compilation features ten artists from across the nation and is a refreshing glimpse at the depth of talent currently being cultivated in this country.

All tracks for this collection were handpicked by Sparks Music’s young A&R Director, Diana Medeiros, who listened and researched Canadian recording artists that were garnering attention both at college radio, CBC radio 3 and through various other alternative music outlets. “We had certain goals and criteria in mind and I literally spent months reaching out to artists throughout Canada. The result of which, I’d like to believe, is an entertaining album that takes the listener on a musical, hook laden ride, complete with new surprises and delights at every turn.”

You can purchase this compilation from iTunes.

After a successful “Rival Hearts” European tour, whereby JF made tremendous impact with strong media coverage and chart numbers, he is set to release his newest single/video here in Canada for the song “Echoes”. After arriving in Amsterdam for two shows, Robitaille continued on to performed in Hamburg, Koln, Vienna, Darmstadt, Bernau and Berlin. His last show was in London, England for a showcase event on June 3rd. He is now returning home to Montreal and will play a homecoming show this week at O Patro Vy on June 13.

The new video “Echoes” was directed by Paul Chmielowiec and shot in Toronto. For the first time in video we see appearances by Robitaille’s band members Betta Lemme and Tavo Diez de Bonilla.

You can view the video premiere exclusively at Exclaim.ca.

“…we see that this young bard has been compared to Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen…but JF Robitaille’s songs are so original that no comparisons are necessary!” – Der Spiegel Magazine – Germany

“Rival Hearts is a masterful piece of work that will hold you in suspense until the very last song. Robitaille is a natural born storyteller” – Good Times Magazine – Germany

“Jean Francois Robitaille is not your typical bearded and tattooed troubador. His storytelling is amazing and his music so beautiful” – LG KULLE N-Joy Radio – Hamburg

In Germany JF Robitaille’s album “Rival Hearts” is on the Amazon/Musik Charts at # 20 Alternative Rock and # 13 Country keeping company with Johnny Cash!

As witnessed from the press and chart activity above, JF Robitaille is currently driving through the German countryside with his band on “The Rival Hearts” European tour. His hard work is making an impact with strong media coverage and chart numbers!

After arriving in Amsterdam for two shows, Robitaille continued on to Germany and Austria and so far has performed in Hamburg, Koln and Vienna. This week he will travel to Darmstadt and Berlin, then on to London, England for a showcase June 3, before returning home to Montreal to play O Patro Vys on June 13th.

His “Rival Hearts” album was released in Germany on G-Records/Rough Trade and in Holland by V2 Records Benelux.

Here in Canada the new single/video for the song “Echoes” will be released on June 9th, just before his Montreal show.

A lovely tour poster for JF Robitaille’s upcoming European tour dates.