Songs of the Week: July 28 - August 03, 2025

“So High” by Begonia

I am so excited that we’re not only getting a new Begonia song, but also news of a brand new album!

“So High” is the first single off the Winnipeg singer’s third full-length album, Fantasy Life, and is a dreamy jam that highlights her incredible vocals. Alexa Dirks says the song “indulges in playfulness but also touches on a balance I’m always searching for; Self care vs. self neglect, running away from problems vs. chasing after a butterfly. When deadmen [Matt Peters and Matt Schellenberg] and I wrote it last summer, it all came out pretty quickly and I was like ‘AHHH I've always wanted to write a song that felt like this’. Driving into a long sunset, top down, hair hitting me in the face, possibly crying…”

Watch the video below, and grab Fantasy Life when it drops out October 24 on Birthday Cake Records.

• Kirk

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“Little Red Ranger” and “When the Truth Comes Out” by Kathleen Edwards

We’re less than a month away from the new album from Kathleen Edwards, and we got two more teases last week, with “Little Red Ranger” and “When the Truth Comes Out”.

“When the Truth Comes Out” is a classic Kathleen Edwards banger, and she says “I wrote this for a good friend who had a lot of people fall out of her life in a short period of time. Watching her go through it reminded me: people have short memories, they love the safety of keeping the most famous person in the room comfortable, a false narrative is more convenient than rocking the boat. The truth isn’t always popular, but in time it’s the thing that you can hold on to when other’s backs are turned.”

While “Little Red Ranger” is more contemplative, which is “Part love letter to the Canadian boy who moves to LA to pursue his dreams and his heart, part holding the hand of the mom and dad wondering if their kid will decide to set down roots somewhere far away. Bird in a tree if you look away, you miss the chance to see it fly away. Life unfolds before you in real time, looking back just to see you weren’t paying attention when it was happening. This song pulls at my heart more than most songs on the record, it’s my story, it’s every parent’s story, like the follow-up to Empty Threat. Matt Sucich sang on this song before we even recorded it, and his backing vocal just sits so right with mine.”

I remember hearing “Little Red Ranger” when Edwards played an intimate show at the Biltmore late last year, and loved it then, though I’m a little sad she didn’t go with the alternate title she proposed that night: “The Leafs Still Suck”

Check out both songs below, and you can get Billionaire when it’s out on August 22!

• Kirk

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“Lucky” by Haviah Mighty ft. Shantel May

Haviah Mighty is back with some more new music and this time she’s teamed up with a fellow Torontonian - R&B singer Shantel May.

“Lucky” is full of funky beats and remind me of an early 2000s track, especially when Shantel’s voice kicks in.

Of the song they’re singing about “mutual appreciation in a relationship where both partners know they’re fortunate to have each other, but question whether that gratitude is truly seen. While continuing to echo themes of self-love and inner worth, the song also leans into the longing for care and validation from others.”

Excited to see if we’ll get more music, but in the meantime Haviah is gearing up to host the 2025 Polaris Music Prize gala!

• Christine

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“Stonehenge” (feat. Elton John) by Spinal Tap

Recently, 80’s heavy metal legends Spinal Tap reunited for a one-off show, and thankfully, documentarian Marty Di Bergi was there to do a follow up to his groundbreaking documentary that put Spinal Tap on the map.

The new documentary called Spinal Tap II: The End Continues follows David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls as they navigate their lives and get ready for the reunion show, which featured cameos from music legends like Elton John, who joined the band for their seminal hit “Stonehenge”.

Crank the video up to 11, and keep an eye out when the documentary — and companion album The End Continues — releases on September 12th.

• Kirk

Songs of the Week: May 29 - June 04, 2023

“Better Somehow” by Hannah Georgas

We finally have a release date for the new Hannah Georgas album! I’d Be Lying If I Said I Didn’t Care drops on August 25 via Arts & Crafts, and the announcement came with a new single, “Better Somehow”.

The new single instantly became my favourite of the teases for the album, and Hannah explains: “I’m trying to be more honest with my feelings and be more comfortable communicating them. I think this track is quite vulnerable in that respect. It’s about being less self-critical and accepting the side of me that’s weird, insecure and has faults. I’ve been through many situations where someone has hurt my feelings by saying something offensive and I end up not saying anything about it and feeling resentful. I don’t want to hold on to negative thoughts and let them eat away at me. I internalise a lot, and this song is about wanting to be more open.”

Have a listen below!

• Kirk

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“Golden Days” by FRANKIIE

Happy release week to Vancouver’s FRANKIIE! Their sophomore album, Between Dreams, dropped last Friday and THIS Friday they’ll be having their joint release concert with Winona Forever at Green Auto.

Along with all of that awesome, they also put out another single and video from the record, “Golden Days”. The video follows “the inner world of a top-level gymnast, the unbreakable bond he shares with his coach, and the heartbreaking devastation they face after a sudden season-ending injury” (sorry, spoilers).

• Christine

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“You Get What You Give” by Mint Simon

I love a good cover song, especially when the covering artist puts their own spin on it. And that’s what Mint Simon has done with the New Radicals power-pop classic “You Get What You Give”

Aside from giving the song a synth-pop update, the video was shot at Montreal lesbian sports bar Champs, and directed by one of the owners, Sarah Watts. Mint also opened up about what the song meant to them, and the reasoning for the video:

"When I first covered ‘You Get What You Give’, I realized how much of a timeless, important, and empowering song it is. After having a really rough last year between personal and community trauma, the lyrics are something I needed to hear over and over. Maybe at first, I was singing ‘don’t let go’ to myself, but making this video to celebrate queerness has given it yet another life, and one that’s not just about me.

With all of the attacks on LGBTQIA+, horrific laws, and true and utter hate - we wanted to make something beautiful and joyful and celebratory; to show that no one can take that away from us. I want our community to see this and be reminded of their own queer bars and spaces, the places that shaped their youth as it did mine, the love and intimacy and beauty that is being queer, and to see queer & trans folks being happy and loved and thriving. Existing.

This is the most raw, real, and vulnerable I’ve gotten in a music video, there are no bells and whistles. It feels grounded and rooted in some really intense self-discovery, undoing my own thoughts and patterns surrounding my transness, and is just authentically me. I’m so excited to show and share this side of myself, and our beautiful beautiful community."

Get the music in you and give it a watch!

• Kirk

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“HUH” by Haviah Mighty

Okay, I actually had to get out of my computer chair and dance to this one - and hopefully you get a mid-day dance party too.
“HUH” is the latest from Haviah Mighty, after a few other releases this year, which hopefully means the new album is on its way too.

The new track is a very fun mix of a few different genres (hip-hop, house/dance, R&B) and it is hard to pin down in describing the progression, so I won’t!
Of the lyrical theme, Haviah says: “Huh is a tale of disappointment - following the narration of a desperate lover who is losing the love of their life, and vowing to change to reverse it all. Desperate to go back to how it was, they’re taking responsibility for the incompatibility, and suffering a mind/body separation of sorts-where their mind is wrapped up in the traumatic loss, unable to escape, but their body is free and has been let loose. They are living in two spaces, two worlds, and trying to return to perceived 'stability,' where ironically, what they want to return to, is the most unstable thing in their life.”

• Christine

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“All Your Dreams” by Blue J

Vancouver band Blue J has announced their second studio album, Deep in the Fade, with a release date (August 25) and a new single “All Your Dreams”.

The dreamy (yes, I know) little piano ballad is what band-leader Justice McLellan calls “an anthem to the dreamer”. It gave me images of a movie where a person is walking along the waterfront contemplating their life or decisions.
Can’t wait for more from the group!

• Christine

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

“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

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“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

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“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

Songs of the Week: July 05 - 11, 2021

“One Thing I Know” by Arkells

After a string of singles, Arkells have finally announced the details of their sixth studio album. Continuing in the tradition of two-word album titles, Blink Once comes out September 30th, and if the songs we’ve heard so far are any indication, it’s going to sound (and be) HUGE.

Case in point, latest single “One Thing I Know” is a bombastic, rowdy, feel-good sing-a-along that is no doubt going to be a crowd pleaser when the Hamilton boys get back on the road. Hit play below, and crank it up loud.

• Kirk

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“Hide Me Like You Do” by TITUS BANK

Vancouver’s TITUS BANK released his latest single last week, “Hide Me Like You Do”. The gorgeous pop tune was co-written with Toronto’s Valley, and BANK says “it was really special because it sparked a chemistry that I’ve never experienced before with any other songwriters. We spent the day getting to know each other, and then started writing the song by brainstorming title ideas and going from there. It was really organic and natural.”

The song is the second single he’s released recently, and here’s hoping for more (or even a full album) sooner rather than later.

• Kirk

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“Avocado” by Haviah Mighty

Haviah Mighty released a new song, “Avocado”, all about channelling inner confidence and has a fresh, summer-y vibe to go along with it. Collaborating with Toronto’s Grandtheft, the song will appear on her upcoming EP Stock Exchange this fall.

For now, open a window, sit in the sun and enjoy!

• Christine

Songs of the Week: February 15 - 21, 2021

“Obeah” by Haviah Mighty

2019’s Polaris Prize winner Haviah Mighty continues to kick ass and take name (check out that awesome promo pic above!). Her latest single “Obeah” which she co-produced with her brother ocuses on “trust, spirituality, her close connection to family and a belief that the energies around you dictate what you allow in your life in order to prosper”.
The whole release seems like a family affair, with her father also appearing in the video!

-Christine

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“Good Place To Hide (At The Time)” by Partner

I’ve enjoyed Partner since discovering them via their Polaris Prize nomination, and since that debut album, their sound continues to evolve. When I saw the words “RUSH-inspired” in their press release for this song (“Good Place To Hide (At The Time)”), I knew it was going to be a banger.
In true Partner form, the press release also came with a content warning, which I’ll also pass along……..
….
There are clowns/mimes in this video.

-Christine

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“Slow Riser” by Bad Pop

If you’ve been a fan of Bad Pop since their days as Hot Panda, then you may just recognise this first single since their three year hiatus. “Slow Riser” lands directly in the middle of the trio’s Venn diagram of catchiness & grittiness, and is the first tease of a brand new album, due out in March.

- Kirk

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“Don’t Panic” by Mike Edel

Victoria’s Mike Edel kicks off his new series of cover songs with a classic from Coldplay. The first of four covers, Mike’s version of “Don’t Panic” both honours the original while still putting his own style on the song, somehow managing to make it more mellow.

- Kirk