Anxiety can take a real toll on relationships. When either partner is feeling down or hurting, it's important to be patient and remember that better days are ahead. Your relationships will be that much better for it. The belief that bad days won't last forever is what Oakville, ON-based pop singer Jamie McRoberts espouses, in her new single "Having One Of Those Days". Check it out on YouTube here:

This is the third song released from her debut album, Bring Me Your ‘A’ Game, under the COA Productions banner. McRoberts crafted this single, in partnership with legendary songwriter, producer, and music executive Ross Vannelli, to offer a very contemporary take on love. 

Toronto-based indie singer-songwriter Doug MacNaughton has released his latest single “Follow Your Silence,” the fourth single from his forthcoming album Old Enough To Know Better, set to be released in the Fall of 2023. Check it out on YouTube here:

Through his lyrical talent, we see MacNaughton highlight the synergy and perfect unity in what can often be described as a noisy world.

“And as the wave is welcomed by the shore
The river welcomed by the sea
We have each other, evermore
Follow your silence, come to me”

All you need are ears.

Like for all of us, the pandemic presented Montreal-based multi-instrumentalist Dom Hemalas aka Elegance On a Nudist Beach, with more questions than answers. Locked in his basement and isolated from the outside, he chose a path of positivity rather than wallow; Hemalas threw himself into his music, recorded songs written past and present, and relished the burden of playing all parts.

Three years later, his self-titled and fully self-created LP “Elegance On a Nudist Beach” is a reality.

Hemalas is responsible for the entirety of the album’s songwriting, vocals, instrumentals, mixing, and mastering. That includes the lead single from the Lebanese Canadian musician’s project, “Without a Shadow of a Doubt.”

Check out “Without A Shadow Of A Doubt” on You Tube here:

Sliding in with a new single, 'The Reformed Deceiver,' André Bisson brings us an upbeat soul song that wouldn't be far removed from any Motown classic. Tinged with Bisson's signature blues country sound, 'The Reformed Deceiver' – check it out on YouTube here:

From a small town in Northern Ontario to the warming crowds of England and Wales, Bisson's message demands attention. With a 20-year career, he boasts 9 studio albums, numerous awards, and sold-out shows across Canada, the US, the UK, and Europe. As the sole songwriter and arranger for his 6 to 20-piece ensemble, Andre infuses soul, roots, blues, and R&B, crafting a unique musical brand that complements his poignant lyrics.

Multilingual jazz vocalist, Fuat Tuac, has unveiled his new single "Uzun Ince Bir Yoldayim," the latest addition to his recently released and highly praised album "Immigrant" – Check it out on YouTube here:

Tuac’s "Immigrant” has been making waves on the Roots Music Report’s Canadian Chart for the 13^th consecutive week, garnering praise from fans and critics alike. A true testament to his artistic prowess, the album showcases his multi-dimensional talents as he navigates between three different languages - English, French, and his native, Turkish – displaying diverse jazz styles that resonate with audiences across the globe.

James Clark has an immense powerpop palate and often uses the colours in his poetic imagery. "A Kinder You", the first single from the forthcoming "Under The Lampshade" album is a perfect illustration of that. Check it out on YouTube here:

According to James "Songs or albums will always evoke certain moods. 'A Kinder You' deals with this subject. When my heart is broken I can easily listen to Joni Mitchell's 'Blue' or 'Kind Of Blue ' by Miles Davis for the day or week. I like to wallow in my misery before the anger sets in. Then I'll reach for Dylan's 'Positively 4th Street',

Following the success of his last album "The Colour Of Happy" the new album will continue in the same direction as his fans hope.

Erika Kulnys, Nova Scotia/Berlin/Nashville/Puerto Vallarta-based singer/songwriter beckons you to embark on a profound exploration of self-liberation with her latest acoustic pop release, Swimming with Dolphins, co-written with Alan Roy Scott (Celine Dion, Shakira). Check it out on YouTube here:

Through poignant lyrics that resonate with the call of the sea, Kulnys encourages you to immerse yourself in the uncharted depths of your essence, navigating the limitless expanse of personal empowerment and freedom.

When you need a song you’re not going to skip, and when you’re seeking a band you’re not going to want to simply pass over - then you’re looking for Vicky von Vicky and their latest drop, “Not The Man.”

Check it out on YouTube here:

 The Toronto-based four piece, featuring Michael Wynn on guitar and vocals, Paul Pasanen on drums, Rolston Miller on bass, and Tom Nesbitt on guitar, are officially back. And they’re on the indie circuit with new music and a renewed focus on songwriting and collaboration.

Celebrated singer-songwriter and virtuoso musician Martin Larose is set to pick up the pieces of someone who has loved with the release of his latest single "Temporarily Broken." This soul-stirring track is a glimpse into his highly anticipated album Hek of a Ride. "Temporarily Broken" showcases Larose's distinctive style, blending tapping, atmospheric ambience, and intricate musicianship that has garnered him global acclaim. Check it out on YouTube here:

As an independent artist, Larose has released six albums with Hek of a Ride, co-written with lyricist Nath Farley, promising to be a masterful addition to his discography. The album showcases Larose's versatility and features renowned Canadian harmonica player Guy Bélanger on two original songs.

Accomplished Americana/roots-rocksinger-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ryan Wayne releases his debut solo album Crow Amongst The Sparrows. It will be out onFriday, September 22^ndon all major platforms and will be followed by an album release matinee party on Saturday, November 4^th at the Dakota Tavern, 249 Ossington Avenue Toronto, ON. Ryan will be joined by special guests John Bridgens & Annelise Noronha for a short opening set. Doors open at 2:00pm and music starts at 2:30. Tickets: Advance $25 + HST/Fees | Door $30 at Eventbrite.

My Own Addiction’s new single “How The Story Goes” is right in line with this exciting new rock band’s guitar-driven, high-energy sound. This time around, they added the cello — an unusual instrument for the genre, while the band was inspired by Metallica’s use of the cello in some of their songs.

Check out “How The Story Goes” on YouTube here:

When searching for true love, sometimes you will come across people who just aren't interested in it. Instead of giving you the romantic relationship you crave, they'll try to get you to have a casual fling. The frustration of that can cause you to feel like a tourist to romantic love. Los Angeles-born, Montreal, QC-based based indie pop singer Noelle Hannibal captures this feeling well in her new single, "Ain't A Tourist". Check it out on YouTube here:

The song opens with a steady drum beat that accompanies Hannibal as she firmly states that she doesn't want a showy lover who tries to wow her. The snarl of an electric guitar kicks in as she further states her case by saying she doesn't want to be given the same old flirty lines. By the time the chorus comes in, Hannibal is passionately singing about her desires as the electric guitar accompanies her.

Pioneer of the punk rock fast folk movement, Eugene Ripper is back with an electrifying new single "Folk Song 3000" accompanied by the powerful B-side "Go Van Gogh" and series of shows for 2023. Steeped in the rich heritage of folk music infused with a contemporary twist, these tracks showcase Ripper's distinctive song writing and musical prowess. Check them out on YouTube here:

Humans make mistakes, take things for granted, and experience pain. You cannot run from it. Embrace your missteps and march forward. Humanity demands it.

This is the message of Peruvian-born singer-songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer Arturo Rojas’s single, “Te Diré (Ser Humano),” part of the artist’s debut, self-titled album, “Arturo Rojas,” that dropped in April. Check it out “Te Diré (Ser Humano)” on YouTube here:

Rojas left Lima for New York City when he was 20, where he spent six years. He later crossed another border, relocating to Toronto to start in the Music Industry, Arts & Performance program at Centennial College. He’s found his home in the Canadian metropolis since.

Canadian composer and classical musician, Bill Brennan, is set to unveil the release of his new album "Kaleidoscope.” The St. John’s, Newfoundland native's latest creation is a captivating collection of original compositions for mallet instruments, predominantly featuring the marimba and vibraphone. 

Check it out on YouTube here:

 “Kaleidoscope” draws from Brennan’s rich career as a performer of contemporary new music and jazz, and from his vast experience and appreciation of music from various cultures around the world. When describing the new album, the two-time MusicNL Jazz and Blues Album Award winner says, “I want to acknowledge the music of Ghana, Brazil, Indonesia, and India. I have been fortunate to have great teachers and mentors from these countries, and my musical life has been immensely enriched because of them and their music.”

Cactai Road is a Delta space trio with roots in Skåne, Sweden. With influences from the American South to the folk tones of the North, Cactai road creates its own rootsy country blues sound.

The Eastern band Cactai Road are at the same time deeply rooted in the midst and halfway up to the sky like floating helium balloons.

Check them out on YouTube here: youtube.com/channel/UC2XaSd6PzSS2GxJDvVQwFPg

Primitive American blues from the prairie and swampland, while the three members create music at a personal distance from the traditions. They connect back to mainly the blouse but play there (as in the USA), here (as in Österlen) and now (both here and there).'

Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1E4q4mJTrv18es

Cactai Road will be performing and hanging out at the lillabyfestivalen.se/ August 25-26^th in Rinkaby, Sweden.

instagram.com/cactai_road/

It’s easy to take what we have for granted in the moment, and Woolwich, ON-based folk artist Carla Muller perfectly captures that sentiment with her new single “Another Morning After” – check it out on YouTube here:

 Featuring whimsical violin, acoustic guitar, banjo, and upright bass, “Another Morning After” is both celebratory and introspective, taking the listener through snapshots in the life of a couple, beginning with their courtship and ending with them looking forward to the rest of their lives together. In fact; it’s actually the story of Carla and Tom; her own husband of 32 year.

The chorus begs “I want another morning after” as Muller looks at the day after each big day. For example, here’s the morning after the couple’s wedding:

Fog Blues & Brass Band, the talented and charismatic 7-piece ensemble of Blues artists from Kitchener, Ontario, are excited to announce the release of their latest single, "Too Deep". The new track is featured on the blues/rock band’s latest EP – 12 Bar Prescription, debuting this week at #4 on the Roots Music Report’s Canadian Chart. Check out "Too Deep" on YouTube here:

 Known for their infectious, high-energy live performances and creative twist on the classic rock and blues sound, Fog Blues & Brass Band continues to captivate audiences with their powerful rock-infused music. The songwriting process for the group has always been a collaborative effort, with one member coming up with an idea or demo for a song and then everyone contributing their ideas and talents to bring it to fruition. According to the band, this tune came together rather quickly.

In 2023, streaming is abundant. It has its pros: reach, convenience, cost. But what streaming offers in ease it lacks in intimacy. There is no medium more suited for such than vinyl.

Of the many musical genres the world over, jazz and blues remain among the most intimate. Quality blues records never lose their mystique, aging like wine through every era. Tapes, CDs, and streaming cut into vinyl’s market, but nothing can put it to bed.

That’s part of why Maple Blues Band is so excited about the vinyl version of its latest album, “Let’s Go.” The Toronto outfit’s 10-track project was released in January through Cordova Bay Records. It has since climbed to the No. 1 spot on Roots Music Report’s Canadian Chart while residing on the list for 27-straight weeks. It has earned itself quite the reputation, and lovers of jazz can now enjoy the band’s suave grooves through timeless means; its vinyl unveiling provides listeners with the art in its purest form.

MISU is a small band from Stockholm, Sweden. They have been playing since 2019 and in 2020 they released an EP on Spotify.  Check it out here: open.spotify.com/artist/4zdNq9xMMdLQuyCCqnVVgs

The songs are written by the two front people in the band  and talks about what it’s like to be a confused kid in this weird world we are living in. They play a mix of punk and rock, featuring a singer songwriter style,  but recently some folk music have made it’s way into the set list.

Cactai Road will be performing and hanging out at the illabyfestivalen.se/ August 25-26^th in Rinkaby, Sweden.