Song of the Day: April 09, 2018 - "Girl's Gotta Do" by Jill Barber

I never would have thought of this collaboration, but now that I've heard one song, I want more: Jill Barber and Mother Mother's Ryan Guldemond. 

And luckily, we will hear more, as Ryan has co-writing credits on four of the nine songs on Jill's upcoming album Metaphora, including the upbeat and very dancable single “Girl's Gotta Do". Jill says the song aims to "challenge the patriarchal status quo, as we usher in a new era of equality." 

She also says "Writing with Ryan was a big departure for me, and very exciting. He's extremely creative and not afraid to push my creative boundaries. The sessions became part songwriting and part therapy because I was writing about things that felt pretty raw; politics, sexism, being a mother. I started to realize that this was going to be a very different kind of album for me. I had more that I needed to say and Ryan helped bring that out with his uncanny knack for melody and song structure."

The album comes out June 22, but you can hear "Girl's Gotta Do" in both english and en français below! 

Song of the Day: April 08, 2018 - "3am Lullaby" by Hotel Mira

JPNSGRLS are dead, long live Hotel Mira. 

After being quiet for a while, JPNSGRLS frontman Charlie Kerr with a new band and new name. Joined by guitarist Colton Lauro and Mike Noble on bass, they're now known as Hotel Mira, and have a brand new single out ahead of their debut EP. 

"3am Lullaby" (skipping the obvious joke) is a bit more lush & polished than the previous band, but doesn't lose any of the energy or bite. Kerr says  “If I had to describe what the new music sounds like to me, visually, it would be like a worn-out tuxedo. I’m assuming that people are going to say that this sounds like a poppier thing, compared to lots of the stuff that I’ve done, but this is kind of what I’ve been getting at the whole time. I think it’s really cool when someone finds a song really catchy right away. It’s a hard thing to do, and it’s more or less what I’m gunning for.”

Check it out below, and hit up the Biltmore on the 25th of April for their debut show! 

Song of the Day: April 07, 2018 - "War Face" by Lowell

It's been SO long since we heard from (or have even seen) Lowell, I almost forgot about her. That said, holy moley, this new single, "War Face", is fun, catchy, and hopefully indicative of the new album (Lone Wolf) which came out yesterday on Arts & Crafts!

Can't wait to hear the rest!

Song of the Day: April 06, 2018 - "People's Champ" by Arkells

Last time Arkells released a one-off single they gave us "Knocking At The Door", a banger that turned into an arena staple and the theme song for the Canadian Olympic athletes.

The follow up to this, that we got at midnight Eastern is "People's Champ", full of sing-a-long choruses, hints of the Motown vibe we know and love from this band, and from what I get from the lyrics, a pretty awesome political statement.

Are YOU the People's Champ?

Song of the Day: April 05, 2018 - "Starlight" by Raine Hamilton

Last month Winnipeg musician Raine Hamilton released her latest single (and video for) "Starlight" from her new album Night Sky (also released last month).

Now she's heading out on tour, including a stop at Guilt and Co. next Wednesday (April 11th).

Check out the song below, and after what looks like will be a wet few days here in Raincouver, get nice and toasty at Guilt & Co. and listen to some beautiful strings!

Song of the Day: April 03, 2018 - "Frontier" by Young Galaxy

With their new album, Down Time, coming out in mere days, Young Galaxy has given us a tease in the form of the video for "Frontier".

Singer Catherine McCandless says: "I almost shot this video naked. It needed to be naked though, not me. I wanted a <<real, raw, and blasted out with light >> communication that didn't have a plan behind it.  We wrote the song Frontier and realized that it was, and is the manifesto for this album. Down Time grew around it. Frontier is the core and the data from which all the rest of the songs derive their meaning. It needed to be a stripped down signal coming in to a loved one. With a concept of intimate detail, high contrast, and work-like, utilitarian dress we shot a non-performance performance video featuring light, textures, bravery, and braun. I wanted to shoot a love letter that fortifies, works for change, and spills over in it's celebration of the place of this love."

The album is being self-released by the band on April 6, but you can get an early peek if you catch them kick off their tour tomorrow night (the 4th) here in Vancouver at Venue! 

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!