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Songs of the Week: November 03 - 09, 2025

November 10, 2025 by Christine McAvoy in Song Of The Day, Songs Of The Week

“What Killed Elvis Presley” by Hollerado

Last week Hollerado announced that they were re-forming (Hollerado 2.0 you might say) and surprise released a 5-song Ep titled Start A Band, with the lead single “What Killed Elvis Presley”.

After performing at a Tokyo Police Club farewell show in Toronto, it kind of kickstarted the band to get back together after 6 years away working on their own projects.

I was lucky enough to catch Menno and Nixon when they performed the song (as well as the title track “Start A Band”) live at the Peak Lounge, and I couldn’t have been more excited about what is to come, including a full length album in 2026!

  • Christine


“Doom Pays” by The Dears

Last Friday, The Dears released their ninth studio album called Life Is Beautiful! Life Is Beautiful! Life Is Beautiful!, and along with it dropped a video for the song “Doom Pays”

With some killer sax, a frantic beat, and Murray Lightburn’s urgent vocals, the song is as chaotic as the accompanying video. Murray says the song was “written very quickly, all at once; words, music, melody and arrangement. It is probably the closest thing to making any kind of political statement we will ever make. In the face of that, there is an internal noise and an external noise and they feel immovable. It’s a battle on two fronts.”

You can check out the video below — directed by Kevin Drew and Rachael McLean — and grab the new album anywhere you get new music (and I highly recommend it!)

  • Kirk


“I Got A Feeling” by Wintersleep

I honestly wondered if we’d ever hear from Wintersleep again, or if it’d be “Weighty Ghost” on the radio forever…but they’re back!

Six whole years after their last EP In The Land Of, the band returns with a new album (the band’s eighth) titled Wishing Moon, which will arrive on March 27th, 2026.

The first track, “I Got A Feeling”, starts slow with anticipatory guitar and drums, and then goes full blown rock by the time the chorus hits.
Despite being the first single, it was a last minute addition to the album: “It might have been the last song we demoed for the record. We were packing up at our rehearsal space in Great Village Nova Scotia and we by some miracle had time to fit in one more. It immediately came together. This song started to morph into something more in Pioneertown.
Our collaborator, Nicolas Vernhes, had the idea to hold off on the main riff until the second verse, which gives it this really suspenseful feeling building on this one note until the chorus. That feeling it created got us shaking up the chords in the chorus which really highlighted and pushed the tension and energy up another level. Lyrically it centres around that kind of excited anticipation. That moment when you know that someone special you care about, cares about you too.”
Can’t wait to get more music in the coming months and just today the band announced tour dates, including Saturday June 6, 2026 in Vancouver at the Hollywood Theatre!

  • Christine


“Bloom” (feat. Kendel Carson) by Debra-Jean Creelman

Gearing up to release her latest album Little Town, Debra-Jean Creelman has released a new song “Bloom”, featuring Kendel Carson.

The album has a fun backstory full of some heavy hitter musicians, so I’ll just relay the story from the press release:

Born out of a writing exercise with one of her students, “Bloom” evolved from a simple lyrical prompt into a stirring collaboration with longtime creative partner Sean Cronin. The track was recorded live to tape in a barn in Catskill, NY, with Cronin assembling an all-star ensemble of collaborators, including Noah B. Harley (Spirit Family Reunion), Andy Weaver, Adam Brisbin (Big Thief), and Alex P. Wernquest (recording engineer and owner of Basement Floods Record.)
Creelman later overdubbed her vocals in Vancouver with Dave Genn (54-40, Matthew Good Band) & Kendel Carson (Alan Thomas Doyle; Shania Twain), whose fiddle and harmonies add depth and shimmer to the track.

Creelman added: “The goal was to make something soulful that properly reflected my biggest musical influences and had my vocals front and centre. I wanted it to be something that would translate well live – more of an emotional experience for the listener rather than a cerebral one.”

You can grab Little Town when it’s out on December 5th, and catch the album launch show here in Vancouver on November 28th at Green Auto!

  • Kirk


“Don’t Talk” by Jets Overhead

Last week, Victoria’s Jets Overhead released their first new album since 2012’s Boredom and Joy, though it’s not quite new music.

As you might expect from the album’s title, Ordinary Dreamers - Rarities and Demos, Vol. 1 is a collections of previously unheard music from the band, recorded during the Boredom and Joy session.

Lead singer Adam Kittredge explains, “We've been inspired by the number of messages we get from people around the world saying our music is still part of their lives. We built this band before streaming existed, so watching new listeners discover our songs all these years later feels like a second life for the music. This archive release is our way of saying thank you.”

No word yet if this is a full-on comeback for the band, but to celebrate the album, they also released a new single “Don’t Talk”, which is classic Jets Overhead, with swirling shoegaze vibes and ethereal vocals. Check it out below!

  • Kirk

November 10, 2025 /Christine McAvoy
hollerado, wintersleep, the dears, jets overhead, debra jean creelman, kendel carson
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Songs of the Week: May 27 - June 02, 2024

June 03, 2024 by Christine McAvoy in Song Of The Day, Songs Of The Week

“Kate Moon” by Said The Whale

Last week, Said the Whale released their 163rd song, “Kate Moon” — though members of their recently relaunched patreon may have heard it a bit sooner.

Joined by their long-time friend David Vertesi, who produced as well as played bass, the band described the new tune as “a warm hug on a cold and damp west coast day” which has been needed after the last few days here in Vancouver!

Sink into the embrace by listening below!

  • Kirk


“Say Goodnight” by Debra-Jean Creelman

Okay, this new single from Vancouver’s Debra-Jean Creelman is STACKED with talent.

First off, obviously the woman herself, but on trumpet on “Say Goodnight” you’ve got JP Carter (of Destroyer), multi-instrumentalist Sean Cronin, and Jo Passed’s Jo Hirabiyashi! And on top of that, in the live version below, Jasmin Parkin of Mother Mother on vocals, as well as a whole horn section.

The song itself “questions whether it’s possible to maintain one’s artistic edge while being in love”, and comes from DJ’s upcoming album Ego Death, which is out on July 12th (and I cannot wait!).

  • Christine


“Keep Me Free” by Peter Dreams

You probably know Peter Dreams better as July Talk’s Peter Dreimanis, but last week he unveiled a brand new solo project with the first single, “Keep Me Free”.

A bit lighter than July Talk’s grittiness, the new song is a breezy summer jam that was made in collaboration with the fine folks of MOONRIIVR.

No word yet on a full album from Peter Dreams, but he will be at the Hillside Festival in Guelph this summer, so here’s hoping we hear more soon!

  • Kirk


“Anyone Else's Eyes” by Meko Brain

Speaking of solo acts using a pseudonym that’s close to their real name: Mike O’Brien has debuted his latest project, Meko Brain.

Best known as part of Zeus, O’Brien has also worked with the likes of Dan Mangan, Bahamas, and Jason Collett (among many others) but now dropped his solo song, “Anyone Else's Eyes”.

The new single is a chill tune perfect for a warm evening, and Mike explains “I think we can all benefit from the old adage of walking a mile in someone else's shoes. It has to be possible to step back and zoom out and try to see someone else's point of view. The easiest way to adopt this mentality for me is to apply it to my immediate personal relationships. In a sort of montage way, I think I wanted to express this idea/feeling in the song.”

Have a listen below!

  • Kirk

June 03, 2024 /Christine McAvoy
said the whale, debra jean creelman, peter dreams, july talk, meko brain, zeus
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Songs of the Week: Holiday Songs 2021

December 20, 2021 by Christine McAvoy in Song Of The Day, Songs Of The Week

“November” by Kylie V

If you’ve been around here during the holidays before, you may know that I’m not always a big fan of Christmas music… which is why all of my favourites are songs that are not immediately or obviously about the holidays.

And to that end, the new single from Kylie V, “November” seems more of a “seasonal” song. I might not have even thought to include it here if it wasn’t written specifically for the latest installment in the annual Oh! Canada's "Ho! Ho! Ho! Canada" series, curated by Ro Cemm over at The Line Of Best Fit.

Much like their debut album earlier this year, Big Blue (which, spoiler alert, is definitely going to appear on my best of the year list), “November” is a gorgeous song, with Kylie’s heartbreaking vocals driving the slow and melodic opening to a grand finish.

  • Kirk


“Indie Rock Christmas” by Hawksley Workman

Funny enough, Kirk and I presenting you Christmas songs by Canadian indie artists and Hawksley Workman released a song with that very title.

It is VERY “We Didn’t Start The Fire” by Billy Joel, but listing all the things indie rock lovers want for Christmas, and I’m here for it.
(PS Santa, I’d like some Hawksley Workman vinyl, please!)

  • Christine


“Home Alone” by Kandle (feat. Debra-Jean Creelman)

Inspired less by the Chris Columbus classic and more by the likes of Sinatra and Elvis, “Home Alone” sees Kandle teaming with Debra-Jean Creelman for a nostalgic look at Christmases passed.

Kandle & Creelman say: "Inspired by a true story of Kandle’s parents brilliantly tricking her into believing in Santa just a little too long, here is Home Alone! Once again recorded in Kandle’s bedroom and written in about 30 minutes with an acoustic guitar and piano. Like most (semi) grown-ups, we’ve left behind the traditions and trappings of Christmas, that as children we took as an absolute. But the music that was playing during what was most often a harmonious and magical time in our young lives has passed the test of time. “Christmas Mourn”, and “Home Alone”, are love letters to an era of music that has influenced and provided comfort for both of us for our whole lives. Hopefully our songs can soothe a few other weary souls this year."

  • Kirk


“In The Bleak Midwinter” by Catherine MacLellan

Funny enough, when this post goes live, I should be somewhere over the middle of Canada, on my way to Ontario to hopefully have a white Christmas,

This cover of “In The Bleak Midwinter” by Catherine MacLellan, off of her holiday EP aptly named Holiday, is the perfect song to listen to while you sit by the fireside with a warm beverage in your hand.

Check out her original song “Calling You Home (for the Holidays)” as well (it’s got major “Blackbird” vibes).

  • Christine


“Christmas Eve Day” by Matt Mays

“Christmas Eve Day” is a song that Matt Mays wrote a few years back, “out on the cold road. I felt like now would be a good time to release it because so many people have been forced to be apart. Separating love is a fool's errand but somehow, under these strange and extenuating circumstances it feels tougher. Anyway ...Happy Holidays everyone. May we all be together...at least in song!”

The single features some good friends of matt, including Damhnait Doyle, Loel Campbell (of Wintersleep), Matthew Angus (from Fast Romantics), Adam Baldwin, and also some of his friend’s kids!

  • Kirk

December 20, 2021 /Christine McAvoy
catherine maclellan, hawksley workman, kylie v, kandle, debra jean creelman, matt mays
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Photo Credit: Sebastian Buzzalino

Songs of the Week: July 12 - 18, 2021

July 19, 2021 by Christine McAvoy in Song Of The Day

“Threshold” by Debra-Jean Creelman

The title and lead-off track for Debra-Jean Creelman’s new album Threshold was released this week, as was the album itself.
Apparently this is one of the first songs DJ ever wrote - I’d never have known. It’s beautiful, ethereal and give me Feist-vibes. Check out the single below, and the full album here.

  • Christine


“My Own Heart” by Megan Nash

Saskatchewan’s Megan Nash shared yet another new single last week, releasing “My Own Heart” with her backing band, The Best Of Intentions (which is probably my current favourite backing band name)

Nash says the heart wrenching song is “about sitting with grief and loss. Feeling all of the heavy and uncomfortable feelings. And wanting to hear nothing but your own heartbeat. No inspirational quotes, no unsolicited relationship advice, no “fish in the sea” cliches. Just your heartbeat. Making sure it’s still there. That you’re still you.”

  • Kirk


“oh no!” by shy kids

The description of shy kids music in the PR email says that they “make psychedelic Disney music; curious pop made for weirdos who still like a good chorus”… which pretty much hits the nail on the head.

Recently signed to the new label EVERYTHING FOREVER started by Tyler Bancroft (of Said The Whale), these very fun musicians and filmmakers just release the new song “oh no!”, along with a video game ladened music video that is well worth several watches! Check it out below.

  • Christine

July 19, 2021 /Christine McAvoy
megan nash, debra jean creelman, shy kids
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Kandle by Jeffrey Mitchell

Kandle by Jeffrey Mitchell

Songs of the Week: May 03 - 09, 2021

May 10, 2021 by Kirk Hamilton in Song Of The Day

“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


“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


“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


“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


“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


“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


“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

May 10, 2021 /Kirk Hamilton
kandle, whitehorse, nap eyes, debra jean creelman, lydia ainsworth, charles spearin, half moon run, alex henry foster
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Song of the Day: October 22, 2019 - "How Many Times" by Debra-Jean Creelman

October 22, 2019 by Kirk Hamilton in Song Of The Day

I feel like it’s been a while since we heard anything from Vancouver singer Debra-Jean Creelman, so I was happy to see a new song pop up in my inbox earlier this month.

“How Many Times,” the first single from her upcoming EP, Triggers & Mirrors, and “is about freeing myself from the traditional restrictions and societal obligations of being a woman and not passing on the programs and patterns I inherited to a child of my own.”

Her incredible voice soars over the building electro-pop, which she says was a “true collaboration” between herself, co-writer and producer James Meger, producer/engineer Jesse Zubot (Tanya Taqaq), and vocalist and creative collaborator Molly Guldemond (her former Mother Mother bandmate).

October 22, 2019 /Kirk Hamilton
debra jean creelman, triggers and mirrors, how many times
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Song(s) of the Day: December 08, 2016 - The Railtown Sessions by Sarah Jane Scouten, Rob Butterfield, Johnny 99, and Debra-Jean Creelman

December 08, 2016 by Kirk Hamilton in Song Of The Day

Over the last few months, Light Organ Records has been hosting the Railtown Sessions, a series of short shows streamed from their HQ, combined with an EP from each of the four artists. 

Tomorrow night is the culmination of this, with Sarah Jane Scouten, Rob Butterfield, Johnny 99, and Debra-Jean Creelman coming together at the Fox Cabaret for a show. 

Check out the sessions below, or pick up the vinyl at the show tomorrow! 

December 08, 2016 /Kirk Hamilton
railtown sessions, light organ records, johnny 99, rob butterfield, sarah jane scouten, debra jean creelman
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Song(s) of the Day: November 12, 2016 - Debra Jean Creelman's Railtown Session

November 12, 2016 by Christine McAvoy in Song Of The Day

The last of the Railtown Sessions was streamed last night, this time featuring Debra-Jean Creelman.

You can hear the 4 track EP below now, and be sure to mark December 9th in your calendars for the live finale. Taking place at the Fox Cabaret, you can hear tunes from DJ, as well as other Railtown Session artists: Johnny 99, Rob Butterfield, and Sarah Jane Scouten.

The vinyl will also be released that night, so it's sure to be a good evening!

November 12, 2016 /Christine McAvoy
debra jean creelman, railtown sessions, light organ records, songs of the day, song of the day
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