Song of the Day: January 20, 2016 - "Get Dark" by The Zolas

I remember when The Zolas sang about Vancouver, and The Biltmore. Now they're too cool with songs about falling in love with New York, and getting dark in Toronto. 

Jokes aside, the new song "Get Dark" is an upbeat, poppy tune, and judging by this song (and a few others I've heard live), this new album is going to be as much of a departure from Ancient Mars as that was from Tic Toc Tic. 

Swooner will be out March 4th on Light Organ Records. 

Song of the Day: January 19, 2016 - "The Depression Dance" by Jim Bryson

Jim Bryson is set to release his newest album, Somewhere We Will Find Our Place, on February 19th, and has just released the first single from the record: "The Depression Dance".

This will be Bryson's first release since his collaboration with the Weakerthans (in 2010), and first solo release in about 9 years. Working with Charles Spearin and Shawn Everett on the recording, Bryson said in a statement: "This is a really important and special record for me and while I know all records have that, there was just something in the water when we recorded these songs."

Check out "The Depression Dance" below:

Song of the Day: January 18, 2016 "I Do, Do You?" by HIGHS

While we still have to wait until April 8th for HIGHS' new album Dazzle Camouflage to drop, we're lucky enough to get another brand new awesome single! "I Do, Do You?" has the dreamy harmonies and summer vibes that we come to expect and love from the band, and adds to my excitement over the new album.

On top of that they just announced a tour during Feb/March with We Are The City, including a stop here in Vancouver on March 11th at the Imperial.

Check out the new music below, as well as the first song from the record, "Handsome Man", by clicking HERE.

Song of the Day: January 17, 2016 - "It Ain't Me Babe" by STARS

Every month this year, Stars are going to be releasing a cover song, and they've started things off with Bob Dylan's "It Ain't Me Babe". Produced by the band and mixed by Liam O’Neil, the cover showcases Amy Milan's gorgeous voice. 

I always enjoy a cover song, and seeing how bands interpret other artists, so I am really looking forward to see who else Stars tackle this year. 

Song of the Day: January 16, 2016 - "Forever Young Is Getting Old" by Jason Collett

A few weeks ahead of his new album, Jason Collett shares another song with us. It's a toe tapper with a whistling chorus that will get stuck in your head for days, "Forever Young Is Getting Old". 

The album, Song and Dance Man, comes out February 5th and was produced by Collett's pal and sometimes collaborator Afie Jurvanen, aka Bahamas. BUT, if you want to get a little advance sneak peek at it, all you gotta do is share. 

Song of the Day: January 15, 2016 - "Disconnect" by Laser

If you're anything like me, the first time you heard this band you spent half of the song trying to figure out where you knew the singer from. Turns out, it's Lisa Lobsinger, of Broken Social Scene fame! She has teamed up with Paul Pfisterer (The Beauties, Kat Rocket) and Martin Davis Kinack (Transistor Sound & Lighting Co, Sarah Harmer) to form the indie-rock trio Laser.

"Disconnect" is a warm and dreamy, synth-driven tune, off their album Night Driver, which is January 29th on Foreseen Entertainment.

3am Playlist #29: #SingItFwd / #SungItFwd

The finale for #SingItFwd has come, and over today and tomorrow there will be MANY talented artists gracing the stage at the Vogue Theatre in support of the St James Music Academy.

There have been even more artists throughout the last 5 years, so today's playlist is of those that will #SingIfFwd and those that have SUNG it fwd.

Check out the playlist by CLICKING HERE, and be sure to catch either or BOTH of the shows tonight and on Friday. - click here for more information.

(Out of town or can't make the show? Check out the videos from the last 4 years!)

Song of the Day: January 14, 2016 - "Disintegration Anxiety" by Explosions In the Sky

Calling them my favourite instrumental band would be too limiting, because I would count Explosions in the Sky among my favourite bands, period. And earlier this week they announced their first non-soundtrack album in five years. 

The first single is called "Disintegration Anxiety" and is as epic and intense as ever, but also seems a bit more frantic, has more of an urgency to it. The Wilderness comes out April 1st, and you can preorder it from their website now. 

(And I'm hoping this album comes with a tour, because I've only seen them live once, and it was one of the greatest concert experiences of my life)