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Photo Credit: Alex Savard

Songs of the Week: April 10 - 16, 2023

April 17, 2023 by Kirk Hamilton in Song Of The Day

“Hard Luck” by Patrick Krief

We’ve heard a few teases of a new album by Patrick Krief, but now we have a release date! Skylines comes out September 8th, and comes along with another new song, “Hard Luck”

The whole album is an “exploration of place, purpose and belonging — told through the eyes of a first generation immigrant and a first-time father” and Patrick says the song itself “is a sorta tongue in cheek song aimed at a narcissist in a perceived state of permanent victimization. Superficial charm, apathetic, and selling dreams that have already been" long-lost.  I wrote the song on acoustic guitar, it felt very Lennon ish to me in chords and in its melody, but I was inspired by a recent Motown binge to arrange it in a sort of neo-synthy motown manner.”

The album is already high up on my ‘most anticipated’ list, and check out the new video below!

  • Kirk


“Uncertain Country” by Great Lake Swimmers

Coming off the announcement of their new album Uncertain Country, Ontario’s Great Lake Swimmers have released the title track.
Accompanying it is a music video, which reminds me of an old Microsoft screensaver (and actually made me kinda dizzy!), but fit the vibe of the tune perfectly.

Of the song, which was written between lockdowns in 2020, lead singer Tony Dekker says: “… in some ways it is a stream-of-consciousness about coming to terms with our changing landscape both environmentally and in the so-called information era. Distortions in both have become glaringly obvious. And as a society we are obliged to find new ways to navigate them. It was also written and performed to be a sort of balm to the collective anxiety of recent years.”

The band has announced a few shows in North America, but we’re still waiting on a Vancouver date.

  • Christine


“loving you (baby)” by shy kids

Hot on the heels of releasing their latest EP fresh off a feeling, shy kids are not slowing down and have already announced their next album, house cats.

Along with the announcement, they’ve released a new video for “lovin you (baby)”. The video is a trippy fancy-feast — appropriate for the album’s title — with the “idea for the video was to take that hallucinatory trip and bounce between the real and the feral, the human and the animal. All the feelings of being lost out in the world and lost up in your head together, and when you close your eyes, how it feels to come up, blind behind your eyelids.”

Make sure to put the video on full screen & let it wash over you below, and keep an ear out for the rest of house cats, out July 14 on Everything Forever.

  • Kirk

April 17, 2023 /Kirk Hamilton
krief, patrick krief, shy kids, great lake swimmers
Song Of The Day
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Photo Credit: Yung Yemi

Songs of the Week: January 30 - February 05, 2023

February 06, 2023 by Kirk Hamilton in Song Of The Day

“Room Service” by Haviah Mighty

A new sultry, and groovy, new song from Haviah Mighty leaning towards more of an R&B style (and I’m loving it).

I could give you a breakdown on the meaning behind the song, but Haviah lays it out perfectly:

“This song reflects on the many phases of denial that I experienced going through a recent breakup. My self-worth was shattered, I convinced myself that things weren’t as bad as they seemed, and that it wasn’t my fault. I was fully aware that this person had already let me go, by their mannerisms, the shifts in attitude, and the conversations we had. I knew their heart wasn't in it anymore.

But it wasn't official. Because of that, I had this glimmer of hope - as if the energy wasn't loud enough, and as if I didn't know what the outcome would be. For me, this song grew into an anthem of lust, wonderment, desire and delusion. The sultry lead melodies pull you in as I plead for my lover to wait for me. Just hold on. The bouncy synths playfully suck you into a vortex of heavy-hitting 808s and afro-style grooves that remind you that I’m not just a rapper - but also a singer, Jamaican, and Toronto-born.”

  • Christine


“Plague Dogs” by The Rural Alberta Advantage

It looks like The Rural Alberta Advantage has no plans on slowing down any time soon. After releasing a brand new EP and touring Canada last year, the trio has kicked off this year with a brand new song, ahead of an American tour.

“Plague Dogs” is a sonic kick to the chest, and is part of their goal to record & release new music in real time as the year progresses.

Check out the video below!

  • Kirk


“Let It Go” by Patrick Krief

Last week, Patrick Krief released the latest single off his upcoming album, due out later this year. “Let It Go” (not that one) features Krief’s buttery vocals as the song builds to an intense finish.

Patrick says “This story touches on the idea of being able to leave and finding a new safe space when everything gets difficult. Something I saw my parents do when leaving Morocco. Always left to reflexively want to escape hard times, this song is my confrontation with the habit of running from my problems. As the cliche goes, you cannot outrun your demons. In this song, I look for an alternative.”

Watch the video below, and keep an ear out for a full album, out some time this year.

  • Kirk

February 06, 2023 /Kirk Hamilton
the rural alberta advantage, krief, patrick krief, haviah mighty
Song Of The Day
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