Canadian rocker Bif Naked recently let BraveWords in on a few projects she has on the go for 2015:

"Always something going on over here, and we are writing a new rock record. This is a return to my traditional writing and with my rocker friends.

Also, I do have another new pop single coming out in two weeks, another pop radio track I have done with Reliant Music. This is a pop follow-up to 'The Only One' which was at pop radio last year. I love the opportunity to write pop songs because it as become a lyrical vehicle for my bliss and for falling in love, or as a response to falling for someone. Pop radio is pure fun for me. 

We also donated a dance track from the old Jakkarta project I was doing with Jason Darr (ex-Neurosonic) to AIDS Vancouver for World Aids Day called 'Intellectual'. That was a new effort for me and I loved working in this way, and loved AIDS Vancouver and all of the staff and volunteers."

Pick up "Intellectual" via iTunes here.

On Tuesday, October 28th, Bif Naked's guitarist / Crashscene vocalist Jacen JD Ekstrom was rushed to the operating room due to an aortic dissection — a condition where the main artery (and largest) in the human body tears. As a result, JD underwent 12 hours of surgery with a 10% chance of survival. He passed away on the afternoon of November 7th.

Bif recently announced she will be playing a special tribute show to Ekstrom on January 15th at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, Alberta. She will perform an acoustic set and share an evening to honour Ekstrom, hoping to raise funds for his wife and children.

Bif posted the following message shortly after Ekstrom passed away:

"It is with overwhelming sorrow that I share the sad news, as we have lost our beloved J.D. Ekstrom, just yesterday in Calgary Hospital. We give our hearts, our sincerity, our love, and condolences to his wife and partner, Jennifer, and his family, Jaelyn, James, and all of his wonderful friends.

J.D. was a devoted husband and father, a loyal and loving friend to all, and had legendary generosity, humour, and warmth. He was an immeasurably talented musician, indestructible road warrior, and a band leader. Jacen performed and recorded with so many notable bands over the years: Teaser, Ebony Tusk, Little Sister, One-NineHundred (1-900), Neurosonic, CrashScene, and toured Europe and North America, on tours such as Family Values, Korn, Evanescence, and Warped Tour, among others. Jacen joined me doing live shows for the past several years and we recorded an acoustic album, Bif Naked Forever. He was a big brother to me, and he looked out for me and protected me, accompanied me, and made me a better performer. The privilege of sharing the stage with J.D. Ekstrom inspired me and uplifted me every show.

We are all in shock and completely crushed, so deep is our love for him. The oceans swell with our tears, the winds pause, and the birds all fly upside down as our world is forever changed. Blessed be J.D.

More than my sorrow, more than I can ever convey or properly express, is my love for my friend and musical partner. As well, my boyfriend Steve 'Snake' Allen, who grew up with J.D. in Cranbrook, BC, hand made a guitar just for J.D., finally presenting him with it just last month, and we had the pleasure of seeing him play it in these last few weeks. This joyful memory will always stay with us, and we will forever remember him as The King Of Guitars, our Number One Rocker, Our Friend, Hero, and Champion.

If I could say anything to J.D. right now, it is simply this:

A piece of my heart flies with you, J.D. May peace be upon you, Rocker. You rule. Namaste. I remain Your Number One Fan."

Love,

Biffy xo