CREDIT: ROBERT HUYNH
JP Hoe will be at London’s Aeolian Hall on February 17.

I write about random things a lot. I write a lot about random things. The music streaming service Rdio made a big announcement last week, extending the free trial period of their subscription-based service from one week up to six months in Canada.

Rdio is reportedly matching the free trial period they offer to American subscribers to 14 additional countries in the hopes of gaining a larger following to catch up to competitors like Spotify and Pandora.

I'm not one to advertise any given service in this column, but that is a fantastic offer — Rdio is adfree, easy to use and has a vast selection of music, including independent Canadian artists like JP Hoe, whose most recent album Mannequin was released in May.

JP Hoe will perform in London at The Aeolian Hall on February 17 as a part of his tour throughout Ontario this month in support of Ben Caplan. Still spreading the word about his new album, Hoe was only recently added to the bill — which also includes our own Olenka Krakus — and as the college is closed on Family Day, February 18, there's plenty of time available to listen to every word he's got to say.

This past December saw the release of his latest music video for "Nothing's Gonna Harm You," a charming film created by Procter Bros. Industries in Winnipeg. The video serves as a good reference for the record, capturing the spirit of community and travel while stylishly depicting Hoe travelling across the country spreading his message.

Marrying substance with style, Mannequin features Hoe's artistic vulnerability as surely as his strength as a songwriter. A record of powerful themes delivered with infectious vocals, it's difficult to picture the Aeolian full of concertgoers not singing along to songs like "I Only Did It For Love" and "Learn To Let You Go," honest anthems with big, pop-tinged refrains.

His breadth of vision is as impressive as the result of his efforts; Hoe has so masterfully crafted the music Mannequin that he's made it look easy to move between all the styles present. Songs on the album shift greatly in tone, from dark, bluesy yearning ("Conversation") to sweeping nostalgia ("Bittersweet") but are reinforced by a strong pop sensibility, dynamite vocals and a flair for musical and emotional texture.

The Aeolian has certainly evolved in recent years as well, embracing and offering a wider range of concert experience and getting on pace to take a commanding lead in performance venues here in the city. A beautiful space with impeccable sound, the theatre itself is bound to be a highlight of the show, one that shouldn't be missed.

For more on JP Hoe, his record Mannequin or his tour with Ben Caplan, visit jphoe.com or follow along on Twitter @jphoe. Tickets for the show are $15 in advance or $12 for students, available at the Aeolian box office, Grooves or The Village Idiot. Doors at 6:30 p.m.

And for more of the latest music news, views and previews of shows coming to London, consider following this column on Twitter @fsu_bobbyisms. Stay strong through midterms, Fanshawe. I'm out of words.