Song of the Day: March 08, 2018 - "Swing Batter" by Skye Wallace

What better way to celebrate International Women’s Day this year than with a brand new song from Skye Wallace!

"Swing Batter" continues her amazing talent for storytelling in song, following the emotional story of domestic abuse and women’s rights in Canada surrounding the 1911 trial of Angelina Napolitano in Sault Ste Marie. The song is accompanied by a powerful video, directed by Sam Soo. 

Skye says: "Swing Batter was inspired by this powerful story that moved me; one that I know has moved many. I wanted to create something that was visceral and emotional, to reflect how I felt when I first learned about it. The story behind the song is based in a historical context, one that permeates with a fledgling strength that is now very powerful amid our current social climate."

Song of the Day: February 23, 2018 - "Doubtmouth" by For Esmé

Yes. I needed this.

For Esmé just released their first single off of the upcoming album (Righteous Woman - out May 25), as well as a lyric video.
In the press release (and the lyrics, of course) we learn that the song, titled "Doubtmouth", has lead singer and songwriter Martha Meredith reflecting on womanhood, pushing back against the patriarchy, and offering "the possibility of living on one's own terms".

I mean, how could you ask for anything else at a time like this? Maybe an entire album around that theme?! Yes please. Can't wait to hear more!

Song of the Day: February 21, 2018 - "Whenever You Want It" by Danielle Duval

Last week Danielle Duval dropped "Whenever You Want It", the badass lead single to her sophomore album, Lose it. 

The album features such heavy hitters like Zeus' Carlin Nicholson & Mike O'Brien, and Duval co-produced it with the legendary Gus Van Go & Werner F. And if you like the single, you're definitely going to want to check out the whole album, which came out late last month. 

Song of the Day: February 20, 2018 - "The Unforgotten" by Iskwé feat. Tanya Tagaq

"The Unforgotten" is a powerful song by two of the most powerful artists in Canada right now, Iskwé and Tanya Tagaq

Iskwé says the song was "Written last year in the wake of the Canada 150 celebrations, I felt it was important to remind everyone that while celebrating the wonderful things that make Canada a beautiful and unique place to live, it's imperative that we remember, honour and acknowledge our dark corners as well.

I'm proud of who we are as Indigenous people. I'm proud of what we've fought for, and how we continue to fight for our culture, our languages, our children, our women, our men, our earth and our water. But I'm also proud of all my non-Indigenous family and friends who continue to fight alongside us. This song is for all of us. Let's dance together!"

Song of the Day: February 19, 2018 - "Help is Needed" by Dom Fricot

The new album from Dom Fricot isn't out until next month, but we're getting another aural peek at it with a new video. With a Genesis vibe (the band, not the Sega console... or the book) "Help is Needed" is about exactly what you would expect from the title. 

Dom says: "Thinking about the major struggles that the human race is facing only reinforces my belief that we could all be doing more to help out our fellow brothers and sisters. I, too, get caught up in the conundrum of where to even begin, but I believe that it’s something we just have to start doing, whether or not we have a clue. We have to start somewhere that cultivates acceptance and spreads love."

Deserts comes out on March 23rd, and you can catch his hometown show in Vancouver a week later, on the 30th at the Fox Cabaret.

Song of the Day: February 16, 2018 - "The Fear" by Rich Aucoin

Another new song from Rich Aucoin, as well as some tour news.

The new song is called "The Fear" (previous songs were "Release" and "The Middle") and has quite the danceable bass track to it (reminds me of George Michael's "Freedom! ’90").

Rich is releasing the album credits with each song off of the new EP Hold, as well, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out Dan Mangan played guitar on this track! If you follow the link to YouTube and click "Show More" you can see the full listing of instruments and musicians.

Rich had already released some Canadian dates (eastern Canada ones), and announced that he'll be biking across the states in late spring to raise money for mental health! He's starting in LA, and finishing in Philadelphia in June! - You can donate online here (Canadian donations) or at the shows if you happen to catch one (click for city list).

Song of the Day: February 14, 2018 - "Don't Ever Look Back" by Shred Kelly

Happy Valentine's Day!

New video from Shred Kelly's upcoming album Archipelago (out this Feb 16th!).
The video for the song "Don't Ever Look Back" is based on the play 'Heterophobia' by Pam Rocker where "instead of heterosexual relationships being the norm, they are the outliers." Check it out below!

The band rolls into town to perform at the Cobalt on March 31st - more info here!

Song of the Day: February 13, 2018 - "Fool for Waiting" by Dan Mangan

I am sure there are going to be plenty of puns and wordplay based on the title of the new Dan Mangan song, and the fact that it's the first new music from the man in over a year. 

But "Fool for Waiting" is a beautiful song that was recorded live off the floor. Coming out a day before Valentine's Day, he says in the YouTube description: "Considering I’ve never really set out to do so before, I wanted to write a classic love song and this is as close as I got. I think the crux of it - the song is about finding someone who makes you feel less crazy, or at least someone who finds your craziness endearing because it’s real and honest. And that real, imperfect love is not always as fantastical or magical as a wild romance, but that it’s worth waiting for."

Hopefully the new tune brings a new album with it, so keep your ears out!