Songs of the Week: June 07 - 13, 2021

“Sick of the Silence” by Mother Mother

Fresh off an appearance on The Late Late Show With James Corden, Mother Mother drops another new single, “Sick of the Silence”. The frenetic song is the latest off their upcoming album Inside, which is due out next week (June 25) and they’ve also booked not one, not two, but four hometown shows at the Commodore, (December 2nd, 3rd, and 4th) heralding the return of live music!

• Kirk

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“Show Me Everything” by Said the Whale

Forget the MCU, we’re starting to see the STWCU form (okay, doesn’t quite roll off the tongue the same).

The latest video from Said the Whale continues the narrative from their last video “Everything She Touches is Gold to Me“, seeing mountain man Krock Dynamo (Ben Worcester) breaking down while being haunted by the ghost of the local reporter (Tyler Bancroft) that he shot with an arrow.

The song itself is a gorgeous indie-pop jam featuring a string section that includes members of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. It’s off their forthcoming album which doesn’t have a name or date yet, but at the rate they’re releasing new music, we might be hearing the whole thing sooner rather than later (hopefully?)

• Kirk

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“Feels Like Summer” by Left Field Messiah

I don’t think I’m going to have to sell you on this new song by Left Field Messiah, but here goes.
It’s titled “Feels Like Summer” and it actually FEELS like summer, and there is a massively awesome saxophone solo in it.
That’s the pitch. What else could you possibly want?!

• Christine

Songs of the Week: June 01 - 06, 2021

“Starless Nights” by iskwē and Tom Wilson

If you’ve been following this here blog, you know I’ve been a fan of iskwē for a while now, so when I heard she was teaming with Canadian legend Tom Wilson (of Junkhouse, Lee Harvey Osmond, & Blackie and the Rodeo Kings) I was intrigued.

“Starless Nights” is their second single together, a dark, noir song featuring a beautiful blend of iskwē’s gorgeous vocals with Wilson’s growl.

iskwē calls the original, by songwriter Misha Bower, “a beautiful song” also saying "When I was at Words Fest in London, ON, sharing in a conversation/songwriters circle with Misha; she performed this tune acoustically and it was mind-blowing. It was one of these songs that the moment you hear it you get shivers.” with Tom adding: “The song was a natural fit for us. It's otherworldly.”

• Kirk

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“Little Sunscreen” by Golden Cinema

You may recognize a few of the faces in this band; Andy MacDonald, Derek Ellis, Chris Robison, and Dan Griffin have been in the likes of Two Hours Traffic, Arkells, and North Lakes. But over the past few years, they’ve come together as Golden Cinema and released a couple of EPs.

Now these EPs are being collected — with a few brand new songs — as REELS (2016-2021). Lead single “Little Sunscreen” evokes a hazy summer evening car ride, and if it’s any indication, this album will fit all your harmony-filled power-pop needs for the foreseeable future.

• Kirk

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“Something Else” by Snotty Nose Rez Kids

Snotty Nose Rez Kids released a new song this week and to kick off Indigenous Heritage Month.

In the release they said “Y’all remember when CNN labeled us “something else” during the presidential election? Well we flipped it on em!”

Boy did they ever. This one’s a summertime banger for sure.

• Christine

Songs of the Week: May 24 - 31, 2021

“All Roads” by Arkells

Not content with one potential “Song of the Summer” (with their banger “You Can Get It”, released in March), Arkells are back with another candidate: “All Roads”.

Frontman Max Kerman says “As we start to find our footing on a road back to some normalcy in our lives the sentiment ‘all roads lead me back to you’ is about trying to find your way back home. Home could be a person, a place, or a personal truth - the goal is to keep moving, keep learning, and you’ll find your way."
A perfect sentiment for the upcoming summer, the video also fits that vibe with a long drone shot following the band members at sunrise.

• Kirk

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“Scratching Static (feat NNAMDÏ)” by Royal Canoe

Royal Canoe has revealed another track from their upcoming album Sidelining, out July 9th. “Scratching Static” features vocals from NNAMDÏ, and comes with a delightful video that is comprised entirely of animated gifs, appropriate to both the music and lyrics of the song. As someone that prides himself on his ability to find the perfect gif for any situation, I am very enamoured with this video.
Take a look below!

• Kirk

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“Remember 01” by The Halluci Nation
ft. John Trudell & Black Bear

A Tribe Called Red is now The Halluci Nation - and with the name change, a new single (“Remember 01”) and upcoming album - One More Saturday Night out July 30th.

You might recognize the voice in the video from the previous album We Are The Halluci Nation - it’s poet and activist John Trudell.
The song is an ode to him and his words that inspired the group and as it says in the press release, “the video can be compared to that of a trailer for a movie about the birth of The Halluci Nation”.

I cannot wait for more, and for the day when I can see them perform live again!

• Christine
  

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“Work” by Shad
ft. Skratch Bastid

This new song by Shad literally make my jaw drop. It hits so hard, has all of the classic Shad wit in the lyrics and features Skratch Bastid, so naturally I love it.

Then I cocked my head to the side and was like: “Wait…I know this drum beat.” - it took me a few second to realize it was sampled from a We Are The City song called “When I Dream I Dream Of You”.

Excuse me while I go listen to it 100 more times.

• Christine

Songs of the Week: May 17 - 23, 2021

“Yung DiCaprio” by The Zolas

As we creep closer to the release date for Come Back To Life, the latest album from The Zolas, we’re getting yet another tease; this time with the video for their latest song “Yung DiCaprio”.
Lyrically inspired by DiCaprio himself — specifically, his role in Baz Luhrmann’s ‘96 take on Romeo + Juliet — and sonically inspired by the same era of Britpop, the pulsing song is exactly what you need to get pumped for the week.

• Kirk

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“Windermere (feat. Dan Mangan)” by Yaehsun

Toronto multi-instrumentalist & producer Yaehsun (aka Jason Haberman) has collaborated with a long line of Canadian rockers, including Zeus, Jason Collett, Yukon Blonde, and The Wooden Sky to name a few. His latest song "Windermere" is a dreamy, wistful track that features vocals from Dan Mangan.
He says “When I first wrote the instrumentation to this song I was envisioning long drives at night, moving quite quickly. After Dan sent me his vocals with the chorus line “slow down” I felt a bit altered. My daily ritual while working on this song changed shape, day into night this bizarre perception of time circled around me - and still does. Devouring seasons, gathering hope, pondering subtle breezes that turn to rapid growth and repetition. All in time - go easy on yourself.”
Have a listen below!

• Kirk

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“Song” by Lydia Ainsworth

Just ahead of releasing her new album, last week Lydia Ainsworth shared a new video for her latest single “Cosmic Dust”. Animated by multimedia artist, director and producer Eli Welbourne, the video brings to mind the planetarium laser light shows, fitting not only the title of the song, but the spacey, ethereal vibe the track gives off.
So lay back and have a watch, and if you like it, be sure to pick up her new album, Sparkles & Debris, which came out this past Friday!

• Kirk

Songs of the Week: May 10 - 16, 2021

“Topanga Canyon” by Ashleigh Ball

Ashleigh Ball gives yet another preview of her upcoming album with a song about California. "Topanga Canyon" is the latest single from Before All The Magic’s Gone, which now has an official release date: June 25!
Her sophomore album was produced and co-written by Deadmen (the production name for duo Matt Schellenberg and Matt Peters of Royal Canoe) and based on what we’ve heard so far, it’s going to be a perfect album for the summer.

• Kirk

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“I Do Yeah” by Titus Bank

Vancouver’s Titus Bank released his debut single last week, “I Do Yeah”. Co-written with Valley out of Toronto, the song features Bank’s smooth voice soaring over a driving alt-pop beat.
The song is also the debut single from brand new label Everything Forever, started by Tyler Bancroft of Said the Whale. Aside from Titus, keep an eye out for releases from Said the Whale themselves, along with Micah Erenberg, Mute Choir, shy kids, and Big Kill (Andy & Cayne from the former We Are The City).

• Kirk

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“Living Room” by Andy Shauf

This song by Andy Shauf is by no means new, as it’s from one of my favourite albums of 2020, Neon Skyline. But any chance to listen to it again with a new animated video, I’ll take and that’s exactly what we got with this music video for “Living Room”.
Oh, and want some bonus awesomeness? It was directed by Anne Douris - who has done some super awesome work for bands in the past, click here to see more!

• Christine

Songs of the Week: May 03 - 09, 2021

“No Good” by Kandle

Last week Kandle released the fourth(!) single from her upcoming album, but this one came with some details on the release. Set The Fire comes out on May 28, and the latest single “No Good” is also the first in the Garden Sessions, an open-air series with Kandle, Debra-Jean Creelman and Kendel Carson performing acoustic versions of songs from the album.

• Kirk

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“Am I Just Gonna Stand Here (While You Take My Girl Away)” by Whitehorse

With their album Modern Love still hot off the presses, Whitehorse has announced yet another new album to come this year! Strike Me Down comes out September 10, and it’s heralded by the (awesomely titled) “Am I Just Gonna Stand Here (While You Take My Girl Away)”. The song comes with a kaleidoscopic video that is very fitting of the dizzying, swirling 60’s tinge.

• Kirk

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“When I Come Around” by Nap Eyes

Yes, that “When I Come Around”. I love hearing cover songs, but am usually bored if it’s just a 1:1 exact copy of the original (what even is the point, in that case?). Luckily, that’s not at all what we get with this version of a Green Day classic from Nap Eyes, as the band turns the angsty anthem into a heartfelt, introspective tune.
The EP (which also features a cover of Bonnie Raitt’s Thank You) is out at the end of the week.

• Kirk

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“Muse Needs A Wife” by Debra-Jean Creelman

Speaking of Debra-Jean Creelman, the Vancouver singer/songwriter has announced a brand new album of her own, and released lead single “Muse Needs A Wife”. The song features her vulnerable voice lilting over gorgeous strings, exploring themes of duality, or as Creelman explains: "It feels like there's a 50’s housewife and a road-dog warring it out inside of me.”
The album, Threshold, comes out July 16th, and features some familiar names like Joseph Hirabiyashi, Jesse Zubot, James Meger, Molly Guldemond, Louise Burns, and Peggy Lee.

• Kirk

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“On & On” by Half Moon Run

The new Half Moon Run EP (titled Inwards & Onwards) is set to be released on June 18th and I’m pretty darn excited for it. It feels like from this new single “On & On” and the previous one, “How Come My Body”, that the sound of the new record might be closer to vintage Half Moon Run, which is all thumbs up from me.
Check out the spacey visuals in the video below while sitting in a sunny patch of light.

• Christine

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“Unsolicited Advice” by Charles Spearin

In recognition of Mental Health Week last week, Charles Spearin released a song he had been pass around among friends for the better part of the past year. Spearin wrote the words and music to “Unsolicited Advice” as a “raw, spontaneous, heartfelt letter to his two teenage kids. After recording it, and listening back, he felt it was something larger - a letter to friends and family, a letter to his younger self, a love letter from Generation X to Generation Z; basically a letter to everyone who needs it.”
Check out the video, animated by Jared Sales, below!

• Kirk

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“Winter Is Coming In” by Alex Henry Foster

Alex Henry Foster was brought to my attention in our 3AM inbox and watching the video for “Winter Is Coming In” just made me miss live shows so much I almost cried.
Give it a view below - and click here for another one from him from the same live show called: “The Son Of Hannah”. (Both are from his most recent album Standing Under Bright Lights.)

• Christine

Songs of the Week: April 26 - May 02, 2021

“Butterfalls” by Royal Canoe

Royal Canoe returns with not only a brand new single, but a new album coming out later this year! Sidelining comes out July 9th on Paper Bag Records, and first single “Butterfalls” somehow manages to sound nothing like the band has put out before, but simultaneously very recognizably “Royal Canoe”.
Have a listen below and join me in eagerly anticipating more from the Winnipeg group.

• Kirk

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“Everything She Touches is Gold To Me” by Said the Whale

Weezer-esque new tune (“Everything She Touches Is Gold To Me”) and a Wes Anderson-style music video from Said The Whale.

That’s it. That’s the post.
Because what else do you need to hear?

• Christine

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“Let's Talk About Love” by Chersea

It’s been a few years since we last heard from Chersea, and now she’s back with a pop banger. "Let's Talk About Love" is the first single from her upcoming album, Divine Comedy, and she says it’s an “anthem for the defeated: the ghosted, the blocked, the gaslighted, the punching bag, the jilted lover, and the scorned.”
The album comes out June 25th, and I’m pretty sure this song is going to be stuck in my head until then.

• Kirk

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“Let’s Go” by The Beaches

I feel like the same could be said about every song today, but if you need big “song of the summer” vibes, The Beaches have you covered with their new track “Let’s Go”.
The band’s latest EP, Future Lovers, comes out in a couple weeks (May 14) but for now the first single is an anthemic banger that’ll get you moving. Have a look/listen to the lyric video!

• Kirk

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“One Headlight” by Mike Edel

My heart hurts with this pick, as I wish I could just tell you to listen to this beautiful cover Mike Edel did of “One Headlight” by The Wallflowers. However, Mike and his pregnant wife recently packed their world into a van to do a tour up the west coast of the States before settling into a home to become parents. And then, the other day he had a stroke and is now recovering. It’s a scary situation and I’m quite worried for my friend. Awesome human Colin McTaggart set up a GoFundMe for Mike and his soon to be growing family - if you can, please donate while listening to his gorgeous song below.

• Christine

Songs of the Week: April 19 - 25, 2021

“Lay Low” by Dan Mangan

I’m sure when Dan Mangan wrote “Lay Low” — a song about bailing on social events to stay home — for his 2018 album, More Or Less, he wasn’t expecting… *broadly gestures around*.
The new video was shot by director Deryn Robson over the span of the last year, and follows the experience of a toddler confronting emotions of frustration, sadness, fear and happiness amidst life in lockdown.
Have a look & listen below!

• Kirk

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“Shelf” by Gillian Stone

Toronto’s Gillian Stone released her latest song “Shelf”, which she describes as “an offering, a sacrifice song. It's about rejoining the steadiness of life after bearing witness to a former lover plummeting into mental and physical decay.”
The gorgeously haunting song comes with an equally haunting video, as Stone performs her interpretation of a blót, a Norse pagan blood sacrifice and ritual of my ancestors. It’s all simulated, but if even fake blood makes you queasy, you may want to have the tab in the background while you listen…

• Kirk

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“Bloodthirsty” by Lowell

Speaking of blood…
Lowell released a new EP of songs that she penned for the movie “Bloodthirsty” about a young indie singer who is turning into a werewolf while recording her second album. It sounds like a perfectly weird enough premise for Lowell to me!
The EP has four songs and is also called “Bloodthirsty (Music From The Motion Picture)" . The track below doesn’t any blood - but if you want to see the trailer for the movie, click here.

• Christine