Song of the Day: April 02, 2018 - "Raccoon Nation 2" by Blimp Rock

After selling office equipment to fund their live show in a blimp; suing Arcade Fire for gimmick infringement; and embedding their newest album into bars of soap; Blimp Rock's next venture is trying to start a new dance crazy. 

The incredibly endearing Soap Opera was one of my favourite albums of last year, and now Blimp Rock has released a new video for "Raccoon Nation 2". The ode to their hometown features an in-depth look at the plight of the urban raccoon and, of course, a dance breakdown. 

Do the Raccoon Nation. 

Song of the Day: April 01, 2018 - "Ship to Shore" by Stars

I feel like Stars just put out an incredible album (There Is No Love in Fluorescent Light came out a little over 5 months ago) and we're already getting some new music from them. 

Amy Millan says that “Ship To Shore” is, “A disco dirge sent out to our friend John Bil. Diligent and ferocious in his love for life, he always shared the best of everything.  So for all of us lost at sea looking for friendship ports, raise a glass, have a dance, share the feeling."

Along with the ridiculously catchy new song, they've announced a swath of tour dates, including right here at the Vogue Theatre on June 12th! 

Song of the Day: March 31, 2018 - "I Really Like You" by Little Junior (Carly Rae Jepsen cover)

Not sure I knew that I needed a shot-for-shot remake of Carly Rae Jepsen's song "I Really Like" you, covered by Toronto power-pop band Little Junior, that stars Schitt's Creek's Annie Murphy in a (pretty freaky) Tom Hanks mask...but I guess I did.

From the band:
"Whatever money we get for covering this tune by the flawless Carly Rae Jepsen is going to Youth Line, a youth-led organization that provides peer support for LGBTQ2 youth in Toronto. It's a great cause and we feel we have a responsibility to use our privilege to give back to our community. To our LGBTQ2 family and friends: we see you, we're here for you." - Rane Elliott-Armstrong

Also, good luck getting it un-stuck from your brain after watching it!

P.S. The band will be on tour across Canada with Born Ruffians, including a stop in Vancouver on May 4th at Fortune Sound Club.

Song of the Day: March 30, 2018 - "Lead Blood" by Lief Hall

Ease into the long weekend with this dreamy song by Vancouver electronic artist Lief Hall.

The song, "Lead Blood" is from her upcoming album, Roses For Ruin, which wil be out via Aqua Aura Records on April 6th. On that same date, she'll be having her album release at VIVO with Mourning Coup, Michelle Mackenzie, as well as a sound installation by Gabi Dao.

After that it's a west coast tour starting in Tijuana, and heading through the western United States, ending in Vancouver again at Sunset Terrace with ERAS - full tour dates here.

Check out the single below, and the new album on April 6th!

Song of the Day: March 24, 2018 - "For Others" by For Esmé

I'm sooooo into the new music coming from Toronto band For Esmé!

If you missed when "Doubtmouth" was the SOTD a little while ago, make sure you check it out too, but today's tune is "For Others". 

The new album Righteous Woman comes out on May 25th, and like I said in the "Doubtmouth" SOTD post, I can't wait for more!

Song of the Day: March 23, 2018 - "Montreal" by David Beckingham

I'd suggest watching David Beckingham's new video for "Montreal" when you're in a positive mood about the city of Vancouver...(say, when it's full of musicians and events and JUNO fun).

The song is all about seeing negatives in things, specifically things like the rain, and people not looking each other in the eye in this city of ours. 

David's taking the show on the road with a tour across Canada, several stops being accompanied by Twin Bandit, including the tour closer here in Vancouver at the Fox on June 2nd.

Song of the Day: March 22, 2018 - "Moon" by Marty Zylstra

Vancouver's Marty Zylstra recently released a new record titled The Dragonfly and the Spider, and is celebrating with an intimate Blue Light Sessions show on March 31st.

Here's a little bit about the album from Marty's bandcamp page:
"As it usually happens, art can be heavily inspired tragedy and this EP is no different. Inspired by the death of his beloved sister mother and grandfather within the span of just 2 short years, many tears were shed while recording and writing these songs.
That being said there is a silver lining to the album. Happy sad songs as it were. After a full listen start to finish you would be left with enough of a feeling of hopefulness that and that you would also be intrigued enough to take a second listen. And maybe recover from the grief we all share in the loss of love and or loved ones."

Have a listen to the lead single "Moon" below and book the 31st down for the show (tickets will be available at the door).

Song of the Day: March 21, 2018 - "Congratulations" by Said the Whale

Last week Said the Whale announced a deluxe version of their most recent album, As Long As Your Eyes Are Wide, that includes 10(!) additional tracks, 5 B-sides, 4 acoustic versions, and 1 new cover song, teasing something from the Tragically Hip. You can check out one of those songs, a banger called "Congratulations", below. 

Not only that, but they're also starting a limited run, 5-episode podcast called Demoitis, to explore songs from the album, as well as chat with some of their pals in the music scene, like Max Kerman of Arkells, Graham Wright from Tokyo Police Club, Mother Mother's Ryan Guldemond, and more.

But wait! There's more! Said the Whale will also be a part of the returning SingItFwd tonight, a special Juno Awards edition, with Mother Mother, The Zolas, Louise Burns, and a bunch more, including (of course) Hey Ocean! The show benefits the St James Music Academy, so hopefully you'll make it down to the Vogue tonight!