Great Big Sea Co-Founder Séan McCann Sings of a “Shantyman’s Life” in New Single & Album

Fri Oct 01, 2021

What does it mean to be a “Shantyman”? Much less know what he may do with his time? His life? Leave it to Canadian Celtic folk-rocker Séan McCann to spin the yarn that’ll provide all the answers in this, his new single.

Check out ‘Shantyman’s Life’ on YouTube here:

Depending upon which side of the Atlantic your ancestors come from, a “Shantyman” is either a simple sailor, or a lumberjack, who leads his fellow labourers in song. Listen to Newfoundland’s McCann, and his new acoustic fable of the same name, and find yourself as both lost in the woods or at sea with an album chock full of anecdotes, and spirited arrangements.

Indie Rocker Siobamm Toys With a Dangerous Dose of Rock and Skating in “Pick Yr Poison”

Fri Oct 01, 2021

Canadian indie rocker, Derby-enthusiast, and Roller Skating extraordinaire Siobamm faces off with another synth-infused rock anthem in searing new single, “Pick Yr Poison”.

The Toronto-based Roller Derby athlete focused her attention on music during the global pandemic, giving her a chance to marry her love for creating with her passion for skating. The two coming together in phenomenal fashion, Siobamm becomes them both: the champion of a grossly underrated sport, and a stand-out voice in a crowd of indie musicians clamoring to be a part of the scene.

And she weaves the two seamlessly.

Check out the really cool video on YouTube here:

Fresh off her recent EP, Gloom Patrol, “Pick Your Poison” sees Siobamm wrestle with love lost, and a woman scorned. Hell hath no fury, they say, and for this music maven, revenge is a dish best served cold.

same as me Captures Sugar-Sweet Simplicity with “Just Right”

Fri Oct 01, 2021

Just like candy or cake, that feeling of everything being ‘just right’ when you’re with that special someone is simple and sweet, and Toronto-based rapper and singer-songwriter same as me celebrates that pure and uncomplicated joy with her aptly-titled new single “Just Right” — available now.

An easy-flow pop jam replete with beats, snaps, gorgeous vocal harmonies, and a little bit of rap, “Just Right” turns the female gaze on someone spotted on the street.

I was walking down the street
And I was like ooh child
You the one I really gotta meet
Cuz my eyes can’t get enough
Of what I’m seeing
Looking like a sweet treat
Bubble gum candy

But instead of turning into a leering catcall, the song turns sincere and sweet: “But I won’t chew you up and spit you out/I’ll blow bubbles and you pop them out.” It’s an uplifting song, for a time when the world needs a break from the pain.

Check out ‘same as me’ on YouTube:

Hip-Hop Artist JusJrdn Flexes High Energy & Infectious Rhythms In His Newest Single, “Ur Luv”

Fri Oct 01, 2021

Great highs can be accompanied by great lows, and Edmonton, AB-based artist JusJrdn — an impassioned creator who wears his life’s trials and tribulations unabashedly on his sleeve — is here to talk about them, flexing his magnetic zest for life alongside some equally infectious rhythms in this, his newest single, “Ur Luv”.

“Ur Luv” is part and parcel of JusJrdn’s newest project, the Olympus album. Bringing his now-trademark “insane high-energy” to the recording studio, JusJrdn reflects on new love after a rough trip to rock bottom. “In May of 2018, as I was preparing to tour Europe, it all fell apart,” he recalls. “Some business deals went chaotic… My girlfriend left... And I faced the challenge of running my personal training company, F.R.E.E. Fitness.”

Watch and listen to “Ur Luv” on YouTube here:

Live Fast Die Punk, Say Montreal's All-Women Grunge-Rock-Punkers Bad Skin with Latest Album

Fri Oct 01, 2021

While the calendar may say 2021, Canadian band Bad Skin haul hints of being a 90s punk parcel, drawing from their 70s forefathers, and giving The Runaways an actual run for their money. What Shirley Manson and Brody Dalle invoked, what Courtney Love concocted, and even the gauntlet Hayley Williams threw down, Bad Skin surmises on their sophomore EP release, Live Fast Die Punk.

The banger “Grey Day” was a fitting lead off to the new year, delivered in epic punk fashion: bursting out of speakers and chaining you to a flippant nod to the past — all with a promise that punk is fast forward moving inside the guitar licks of Gen Z.

“Grey Day” is menacing. It’s loud. It’s charging. Its cascading “oh – oh – oh” chorus coerces you to chant along, and its heavy bass, pounding electric, and pulsating punk percussion is everything diehards of the genre have come to love.

Check out “Grey Day” on YouTube here:

Country Rock Band Hot Mondy Release Vagabond-Inspired Sophomore Single, “Desert Moonlight”

Fri Oct 01, 2021

If you thought Halifax, NS-based country rock band Hot Mondy couldn’t pull any more aces out of their sleeve this season, you are sorely mistaken. Featuring the all-star cast of musicians you have come to know and love, the Halifax-based band’s newest single “Desert Moonlight” — available now — creates an illustrious image of vagabonds and bagmen working under the cover of darkness.

Featuring five friends who have a passion for outlaw country music, Hot Mondy recently debuted single “Pale Embers” and, while the track created an emotional and dramatic picture of the final strings that tend to keep fading love together, “Desert Moonlight” steers Hot Mondy in a different direction.

‘I make the drop, take my brick of cash.
Back on the road to make another dash.’

Jesse Cook Announces Release of 11th Studio Album with Single Video Release, Libre

Fri Oct 01, 2021

What happens when you let multi-Platinum/Gold award-winning producer, composer, and guitarist Jesse Cook’s Spanish guitar off-leash with Algerian multi-instrumentalist Fethi Nadjem and some 808 trap beats? You get Cook’s newly-announced album, Libre — coming December 3rd, 2021.

His 11th studio offering, the release receives its first preview with title-track single, “Libre” – give a listen here: https://ffm.to/librejessecook

“I wrote and recorded Libre during the pandemic when, like most people, I was longing for freedom,” Cook shares of the new project. “My music was my escape from the four walls that surrounded me, and the storm that was swirling outside.”

The inspiration came from a long summer-day drive with his 14-year old, Cook reveals. “My daughter entertained me with her favourite playlists, much of which were trap and 808-inspired. I loved them too, and a question was planted in my mind: ‘what would my music sound like mixed with those sounds?’”

Montreal's Izzo Blues Coalition Say “Take It or Leave It” in Searing New Single

Fri Oct 01, 2021

Ripping guitar riffs, hot-as-hell horns, plus a torqued, musclebound rhythm section with firestarter vocals and the swagger of rhythm and blues masters delivering the goods with confidence and precision... These key ingredients combine and react for the Izzo Blues Coalition’s explosive new single, “Take It or Leave It”.

The song serves as the title-track for the Montreal-based band's forthcoming sophomore release; Take It or Leave It is set to land this Fall.

Check out “Take It or Leave It” on YouTube: izzobluescoalition.com/

Conceived and recorded during the heart of our global pandemic, Take It or Leave It was chosen as the new album title for not one, but two life and art-affirming reasons. “Thematically, the title track deals with the notion that we have no choice but to get up every morning and make the best of it,” band co-lead Tino Izzo says. “It’s a theme that resonates throughout the album and speaks to our pandemic experiences.

“Secondly, this collection of songs was conceived for the sheer pleasure of it.”

Carmen Braden Captures Pandemic Confinement with “Menu”

Fri Sep 24, 2021

Study after study has shown that women have borne the brunt of stresses related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Canadian singer-songwriter Carmen Braden’s new single “Menu” captures the sentiment.

Viscerally, at that.

Every man, woman and child in arms reach wants a piece of me
Like I’m the only bird in a house full of foxes,
chickadee chickadee

“Menu” is sparse and industrial, with dark synth and artfully disjointed beats. Braden speak-sings throughout; her voice, matter of fact.

“Scramble for the door/lock it down, lock me in,” she sings calmly. And that’s what so many of us, to one extent or another, have had to do over the course of the past year: take a deep breath and endure family confinement without going cuckoo, even though the possibility is quite definitely there.

“You’ve got me all carved up like a menu” is the song’s refrain, and early on she gives us an image of meat falling off the bone. “’Menu’ puts forward the idea that someone’s whole being is tied to another’s needs,” Braden said. “I’d say it’s about the grind of day-to-day life. The demands on your physical body, and on your energy, on your time.”

Sue Foley’s New Album, Pinky’s Blues Takes the Wheel

Fri Sep 24, 2021

Stony Plain Records announces an October 22 release date for Pinky’s Blues, the new album from award-winning blues guitarist/singer Sue Foley. Featuring several Sue Foley originals, as well as songs from some of her favorite blues and roots artists, Pinky’s Blues was recorded at Fire Station Studios in San Marcos, Texas. Joining Sue Foley (guitar, vocals) for the recording sessions were Jon Penner (bass), Chris “Whipper” Layton (drums) and Mike Flanigin (Hammond B3 organ), who also produced the album.

Check out Sue Foley – Southern Men here on YouTube:

To support the release of her new disc, Foley will embark on an extensive tour schedule that includes both an official showcase at the upcoming September Americana Music Conference in Nashville, as well as a set at the Kessler Day Party Showcase during the conference.

Blackout Orchestra Delve into the Complexities of Non-Monogamous Relationships with “It’s Fine”

Fri Sep 24, 2021

“It’s Fine” is the latest musical effort from the unique perspective of Canadian alt-rock duo Blackout Orchestra’s primary songwriter, Ben VanBuskirk, and singer Morgan Thompson-Reid — on whom the song is based.

Available now, the catchy pop guitars and a dance beat are juxtaposed with unrelenting lyrics that emphasize honesty and vulnerability. The efficacious connection between the two is essentially due to the loving and trusting relationship they have away from their art; this natural chemistry allows for a more poignant look at aspects of relationships that are frequently not discussed in music.

“It’s Fine” examines themes of jealousy and insecurity in open relationships through multiple frames of reference to paint a sonic portrait unlike any other. The song celebrates self-reflection and personal growth in a relatable way while acknowledging seemingly insurmountable internal challenges. VanBuskirk explains how the song came together while he “was in the midst of writing songs for the next record,” which is largely atmospheric, dreamy, and a little haunted.

Watch and listen to “It’s Fine” here on YouTube:

3x JUNO Award Nominees & 3x CFMA Winners Sultans of String Release New Single, “Mi Santuario”

Fri Sep 24, 2021

Toronto, ON-based NY Times and BILLBOARD-charting global music supergroup Sultans of String have released their brand-new single, “Mi Santuario”.

This song features the four core Sultans, as well as an incredibly talented and inspiring special guest Juan Carlos Medrano, who co-wrote the music with the band, and sings his original lyrics, as well as performing on gaita, the traditional flute.

Check out “Mi Santuario” on YouTube here:

Originally from Cartagena in the north coast of Colombia, Juan Carlos moved to Canada in 2006 as a refugee. “It was tough back home, lack of opportunity for people like me, people that look like me, Afro-Colombian” says Juan Carlos. “We were not comfortable with the system, the rules, and how they treat their people.”

Canadian Pop Artist Anna Goldsmith Inspires Audiences to “Shine” in Dazzling New Single

Fri Sep 24, 2021

While many other 14-year-olds can find themselves nervously transitioning from senior youths to junior adults, Canadian pop and musical theatre artist Anna Goldsmith is here to say she’s in their corner with this, her dazzling new debut single, “Shine”.

Watch and listen to the single “Shine” on YouTube here:

­­­­­­­­Bursting with messages of hope, solidarity, support, and unwavering camaraderie, “Shine” exemplifies the singer/songwriter’s flawless vocals, incredible range, and relatable and inspiring songwriting style with an ease beyond her years.

Having penned it while still only 13 at the time, the Barrie-area artist also worked with fellow songwriter Jennifer Simpson and multi-JUNO Award winning and Platinum-selling producer, musician, and composer Chris Birkett (Led Zeppelin, Sinead O’Connor, Sting, Buffy Sainte-Marie) to bring the sparkling song to life.

BC Country Singer/Songwriter Joel Lee Brings The Perfect Stomper Wth “This Party Ain’t Over”

Fri Sep 24, 2021

If your 2021 party vibe has been feeling a little too laid back and low-key so far, Nanaimo, BC country singer/songwriter Joel Lee’s newly unleashed banger is sure to kick up the good times; “This Party Ain’t Over”  - check it out on YouTube here:

In the afterglow of the Top 30 success of his previous release, “Adrenaline,” Lee isn’t hitting the brakes any time soon; rather, he’s upping the stakes with his dazzling, brash, new single.

A tongue-in-cheek glimpse into the summertime routines of country folks living on the west coast, complete with their ‘warm breeze and tall trees,’ “This Party Ain’t Over” throws open the gates on the rockin’ country truth of how Canada’s Pacific-side revellers like to rip it up during festival season.

Montreal Jazz Composer Francis Nicolas Soothes World Weary Souls with “Don’t Feel So Sad”

Fri Sep 24, 2021

In a time when the magical medicine of music is working overtime at soothing troubled souls, beautiful songs are a prescription to be taken aurally whenever needed, and Canadian jazz-pop artist and composer Francis Nicolas has your next delicious dose with his new release, “Don’t Feel So Sad” — available now!

In “Don’t Feel So Sad,” the Montreal-based musician’s piano and trumpet melodies float over a pulsating rhythm, softly punctuated by ethereal female vocals lifting the song up into a dreamscape filled with anything but sadness. If listening to “Don’t Feel So Sad” pulls you into a cinematic and joyful experience, then that’s exactly what the young composer was intending. Give a listen to “Don’t Feel So Sad”  here on YouTube:

Imperial Ashes Shine a Blinding Light on the Darkness of Indigenous Injustice in New Single, “A Toxic Life”

Fri Sep 24, 2021

In an urgent call-to-action to address injustices and atrocities that have plagued Indigenous communities for centuries, Canadian rock band Imperial Ashes dive to new lyrical depths to shine a blinding light on neocolonialism in this, their new song, “A Toxic Life” Watch and listen on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/LOxxF8wfo7E

Continuing to craft a soundscape that is fresh, yet familiar, it’s their fourth single released under the guided stewardship of multi-Grammy-winning producer David Bottrill (Muse, Rush, Tool), and accomplished music engineer/mixer Michael Phillips (Stone Sour, Between the Buried and Me).

Myles Goodwyn Releases Striking Statement on Residential School System With New Release

Fri Sep 17, 2021

Multi-Platinum selling and award-winning Hall of Fame producer, songwriter, and artist Myles Goodwyn relays a sombre and striking statement on the residential school system in this, his new song “Some Of These Children (They Never Grew Up).

Check out the YouTube link of “Some Of These Children (They Never Grew Up) here:

“It’s a personal response by Jim Henman and I to the recent finding of unmarked graves of Indigenous children in Canada,” Goodwyn shares of his long-time collaborator, with whom he also started the iconic rock band, April Wine, with in 1969. “We felt like making a statement regarding the discovery of these graves, and this song is that statement.”

Steven Heighton Rises Above Tragedy with New Single, “Don’t Remember Me”

Fri Sep 17, 2021

“Sometimes finding your voice means losing it first.”

That may be a conceptual statement for most but, for internationally acclaimed Canadian poet-novelist and singer-songwriter Steven Heighton, there are no truer words. After recovering from a near-fatal accident, the Governor General’s Award for Poetry winner returned to his songwriting roots to create and release his debut album, The Devil’s Share, and the new single, “Don’t Remember Me”.

Watch and experience “Don’t Remember Me” on YouTube here:

A deeply moving declaration to a lost love who needs to be, but can never really be forgotten, “Don’t Remember Me” is the first post-release single from the 11-track LP — which just landed this Spring via Wolfe Island Records/CRS Europe.

Canadian Pop-Rock Duo The Red Dirt Skinners Unveil New Single, “Wolf In The Woods”

Fri Sep 17, 2021

Pop-rock group The Red Dirt Skinners may just be getting settled in Belleville, ON, but they're far from settled when it comes to their music careers. With a discovery straight out of a storybook, and enumerated accolades from the UK, The Red Dirt Skinners have grown into their sonic skin and surroundings with recent world events, fleshing out new riffs and lyrics; their new single “Wolf In The Woods” among them, and available now.

Upon moving to Canada after receiving an invitation from Canadian Immigration to become permanent residents under the “Performers of a World Class Level” category, the Red Dirt Skinners were on their way to Edmonton to start their tour for the year. As the world was rolling into 2020, and winter storms battered the Alberta region, the Red Dirt Skinners received the news every touring indie group dreads — the show is cancelled and the venue is closed. Tack on a growing pandemic, and you’ve got a recipe for uncertainty.

Pop Artist Jack In Water Reveals Emotionally Charged LP “You Don’t Feel Like Home”

Fri Sep 17, 2021

Following a string of emotionally charged single releases this year, Mallorca, Spain-based Jack In Water entwines them together in this, his stunning debut full-length, You Don’t Feel Like Home” – check it out on YouTube here:

The chamber pop nom-de-plume of singer/songwriter William Clapson, the LP highlights newly unveiled single, “Everyone Will Be Lost,” as well as previous offerings “For You,” “Anxious Smothers,” the release’s title track “You Don’t Feel Like Home,” and more.