Buckle up: Bella Cole is back with a track that’s pure adrenaline, heart, and vintage cool. Her brand-new single “Drive”, out now on all streaming platforms, is a sonic joyride through whirlwind romance, fearless friendship, and the thrill of letting go — all wrapped in a pop-soul package that feels like a Mustang in flight.

Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/artist/52pElUPB5HazzNDtQU4GXD

Bella Cole is quickly becoming one of Toronto’s most magnetic new voices. Blending old-school soul and funk with modern pop finesse, her sound has drawn comparisons to Amy Winehouse and Billie Eilish — think groove, grit, and a whole lot of storytelling. A graduate of Toronto’s Trebas Institute in Audio Engineering, Bella’s background in theatre and music gives her a rare command of both stage and studio. She’s already lit up iconic stages like El Mocambo, and now she’s ready to light up your playlists.

International Recording Artist JC Sol’s release of “Anyone Who Had a Heart” is the Canadian Songstress’s latest deep dive into the world of Retro Soul, masterfully fused with Smooth Jazz. Available on all streaming platforms now.

The time-honoured Burt Bacharach/Hal David collaboration famously performed by the legendary Dionne Warwick, was an instant hit upon its 1963 release, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and Cashbox R & B charts. JC’s 2025 version pays homage to the soulful 1986 arrangement released by the late great Luther Vandross, in a unique duet form with Toronto Based R & B vocalist Carlos Budd Ford.

Celebrated America writer William Faulkner said in his Nobel Prize acceptance speech “it’s a poet's, or writer's, duty to write about courage, honour, hope, pride, compassion, pity, and sacrifice.” Eric Andersen, songpoet, visionary, and figurehead of the ’60s folk singer songwriter movement from its Greenwich Village and Woodstock roots through its 21st century Americana and alt-Americana renaissance is a living example of that edict.

It would have been easy, and no doubt acceptable, for him to sit back and be satisfied with his extensive body of work starting in 1965 with his most famous early compositions like “Thirsty Boots,” “Violets of Dawn,” and “Close The Door Lightly When You Go” being covered by the likes of Bob Dylan, Ricky Nelson, Judy Collins, the Brothers Four, the Kingston Trio, the Blues Project and a host of others. But not acceptable to Eric. Being a true artist and writer Eric continues to create new works, seven decades in.

“We Win” is one of those songs that makes me remember why I got into the music industry in the first place. For me it has always been all about the song, the vocals, the lyrics, the music. This one was not what I expected, it is lyrically sonic, great hook, subtle production. It’s has been on repeat on my playlist all morning.

For decades, Eddie Schwartz has remained one of the most respected figures in the music world—an iconic Canadian songwriter, producer, performer, and rights advocate whose songs have echoed across generations. With his new single “We Win,” Eddie marks a bold and inspiring return to his roots as a solo artist, leading into the release of his new EP Film School, both out now. The project showcases the full spectrum of his brilliance: lyrical poignancy, musical craftsmanship, and the indomitable spirit that has defined his legacy.

With a voice that cuts like a comet and lyrics that strike the heart, Canadian pop sensation Neena Rose returns with her latest single, “Superman.” The fiery, emotional ballad is a bold next chapter in her unstoppable rise—one that now includes more than 12.4 million total digital streams, 875,000+ TikTok followers, 240,000+ playlists, and a growing fanbase that spans the globe.

“Superman” flips the fairytale. It’s not about waiting for someone to save you—it’s about realizing your worth when they don’t. Wrapped in Neena’s smooth, cinematic vocal performance, the track delivers soaring hooks and heart-on-sleeve honesty: “In the shadows / I fought your battles / When you said you were the one protecting me / But you’ll never be my Superman.”

Dust off your Walkman, dig out that denim jacket, and prepare for a neon-coloured nostalgia trip: Men Without Hats are back with a synth-pop banger that celebrates the decade that made them legends. Their new single, “I ❤️the ‘80s,” lands June 26 with a hair sprayed wink and a shoulder-padded strut, and it's everything you’d expect from the band who gave us “The Safety Dance”—and more.

“I ❤️ the ‘80s” is a riotous, melodic time machine powered by boom boxes, moonwalks, tube tops, and enough pop-culture references to make Stranger Things blush. “Everybody felt alive / Back in 1985,” sings frontman Ivan Doroschuk, before commanding us to “Party like it’s ‘82” and “Dance safely across the floor / Like we did in ‘84.” If you were there, you’ll get goosebumps. If you weren’t, this is your crash course.

It’s been a long time, too long, since Americana folk country blues singer songwriter James LeBlanc released some new music. But the good news is, the long wait is over. He has completed a new album and if the lead single “Desperate Things” is any indication the wait is well worth it. James is the total package, a songwriter with a depth that only experience can bring, a gifted guitar player and a raw vocal style that demands attention. He combines the social conscience and primal messages of Steve Earle, the flair of Townes Van Zandt and the poetry of Guy Clark and the deep south sensibility that keeps his art distinctly James LeBlanc.

Award-winning Americana/folk singer-songwriter Julian Taylor has
released a new single, "DEDICATION," (Howling Turtle Inc).

"Dedication," the first single from Taylor's forthcoming
Anthology II (September 10th), is out now on all major platforms. The
official accompanying video is available on YouTube.

Metal’s New Threat Emerges: Max Chaos Unleashes First Single “Ride the Wave” 

Out of the Tundra of the Great North enters MAX CHAOS into the pit of Nu Heavy/Metal/Metalcore scene worldwide with the first single "RIDE THE WAVE" appropriately being released today Friday the 13th June, 2025. This is the first of 11 tracks from the upcoming ORDER OF MAYHEM album on sale this fall, all being released on their own indie imprint through High Alert Records globally distributed by The Orchard. The song was co-produced by Max Chaos with Dan McConomy (The Doughboys, Overdose, Agent Steel) and mastered by Maor Appelbaum (Voivod, Dream Theater, Halford).

We’re not diplomats. We’re not politicians. We’re musicians. So silence is not an option.

Swedish duo Bara Jonson and Free break the silence with their new single “War Is Over”, set for release on June 13. It’s not a celebration of peace – it’s a reminder of its absence.

“We wrote this song when Russia attacked Ukraine,” says Jonas Tancred (Bara Jonson). “The title might sound hopeful, but it’s about the brutal distance between what could be and what is.” Instead of a mournful ballad, they chose a driving, upbeat sound – something that makes you sing along before you realize what you’re singing. “We wanted to create something people would feel,” says Malin Östh (Free). “Because war is still here. In Ukraine. In Gaza. In Sudan. And silence is no longer an option.”

East Coast musical icon and masterful storyteller Lennie Gallant is set to release his brand-new album, SHELTER FROM THE STORMS on all major platforms on Friday, June 6. Already earning rave reviews is the first single, “Counting on Angels” available now.

Lyric video on YouTube here:

SHELTER FROM THE STORMS is Gallant’s 16^th album to date and his first English-language album in seven years. The 16-track release is a powerful exploration of the challenging times we live in, yet it’s ultimately a celebration of the human spirit and how love, beauty, and laughter help us deal with, and rise above adversity.

Kenny Nolan is a name that when you mention it, people say they loved his signatory hit “I Like Dreamin’”, but there is so much more to this prolific songwriter.  Best known for his era-defining hits "I Like Dreamin'" and "Love's Grown Deep," Nolan is also an award-winning songwriter whose work has resonated across generations and musical genres. His repertoire includes unforgettable hits such as "Masterpiece" by Atlantic Starr, "Shoot ‘em Up Movies" by The Deele and "Penny for Your Thoughts" by Tavares, to name just a few. One of Nolan's most iconic compositions, "Lady Marmalade," was recorded multiple times – by Labelle, Christina Aguilera/Lil’ Kim/Mya/P!nk and All Saints - each achieving number one success. In 2023, Nolan reissued two of his albums to streaming services for the first time.

It is a great thing to feature this Kenny Nolan on the cover of Cashbox Canada. He actually provided us with the original chart he was on in 1977 for “I Like Dreamin’” and we are honoured to have this interview.

A few years ago, I had the great pleasure of interviewing Tony Orlando (Knock Three Times, Tie a Yellow Ribbon, Bless You, Candida to name a few) He gave Cashbox Canada a beautiful quote: “Cashbox Magazine was the tree – the rest of the publications were the leaves that came from that tree.” – Legendary Artist Tony Orlando

Back in the day when the music industry relied on the trades, music magazines were the professionals’ music bibles. We had Radio and Records, Billboard, Cashbox and in Canada we had RPM Magazine and The Record.

Cashbox Magazine was launched before Billboard and the name was derived from the actual jukebox plays, when someone put the money in, it went to a box with a letter and a number. This was calculated by the spins the jukebox played. This way the jukebox companies could report the plays a song was getting in diners, clubs and more. Hence the ‘Cashbox’. The first charts were born and expressions like “Bubbling Under” and on the Charts “With a Bullet” were all part of the Cashbox legacy.

Over 250 artists and Canadian music industry heavyweights champion bold vision for TORONTO MUSIC EXPERIENCE – fundraising now underway.

Toronto’s rich musical legacy is taking centre stage with the launch of the Toronto Music Experience (TME) — a first-of-its-kind destination that will celebrate the city’s unparalleled contributions to music in Canada and around the world.

Séan McCann, the beloved Canadian troubadour and Order of Canada recipient best known as a founding member of Great Big Sea, is hitting the road for a different kind of tour in 2025—a tour not about charts, fame, or the “American dream,” but about connection, community, and commitment to country. Literally.

The 14^th annual festival is a Canadian success story, featuring singer-songwriter Steven Page and legendary vocal producer Deke Sharon

The power of the human voice will take centre stage at SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival, taking place May 24 to June 2, 2025. Now in its 14^th year, the festival features more than 20 events, including concert performances, industry workshops, and the inaugural SING! Canadian A Cappella Championships. The full festival schedule, festival passes and tickets (including discounted prices for students and arts workers) are available now at singtoronto.com. 

Terry Gomes completed an Honours degree at the University of Ottawa, studying classical guitar and composition. He taught guitar for many years, played in several rock bands, and performed in a flute/classical guitar duo. 

We caught up with Terry at home in Canada and he had this to say about his new release, “My new album, “SOME CHUNES”, features three brand new tracks and eight previously released favourites that have been remastered. The remastered pieces I chose were the ones that have had the most radio airplay, downloads, streams and press over the last 10 years.

Check out “A Recurring Thought on YouTube here:

Although it took a while to get to the dance, Mark Wihlidal is set to go all in and leave his mark. We caught up with Mark at his home in Southern Ontario to discuss his newfound passion for songwriting and recording: “I have been writing for about 6 years and I’m really happy and proud our latest song “ Hoping Love Will Come My Way” recorded at Artists development studio Clarington, Ontario with our talented friend Alex Paris at the helm.”

Historically, Canada and the United States have been friends, neighbours and allies since Canada ‘s inception in 1867. However, all of that changed when newly elected president of the United States Donald Trump decided that Canada should become the 51st state. This of course is a ridiculous concept and rather insulting to Canada as a sovereign nation.

Trump underestimated Canada ‘s pride of country their strength and resolve. 

Enter Bowser and Blue, George Bowser and Rick Blue, the Montreal-based legendary musical/comedy duo, famous for their satirical and topical songs. And they didn’t disappoint, recording a song that echoes the sentiments of the majority of Canadians:
This Land Is OUR Land (Don’t Try and Grab It). 

Check it out on YouTube here:

Over 1.5 Million Social Media Views in 2025 – A Breakout Year of Engagement and Impact

Ollee Owens isn’t just singing the blues—she’s living and breathing them with a conviction that cuts deep. The Calgary-based blues and Americana artist unveils a stunning new music video for her latest single, “Nowhere to Hide”, an anthem of resilience that perfectly encapsulates the raw emotion and defiant hope that define her sound. With the album, Nowhere to Hide, spending 13 consecutive weeks in the Roots Music Report’s Canadian Top 10 and her previous video, “Shivers and Butterflies,” racking up nearly 800,000 views in just one month, Owens is proving that blues still has a powerful story to tell.