It’s my first day back after taking time off to catch The Rolling Stones in Vancouver. They were pretty damn awesome, in case you were wondering. Anyway, to punish me for going on holiday, the new songs have been coming in bunches this week. Good thing they’re also pretty damn awesome. Let’s start ’em up:
Debra-Jean Creelman | Heavy Blow
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “The Vancouver experimental pop singer-songwriter is releasing her brand new LP Ego Death, a musical odyssey of soul and jazz which transcends both time and space. Penned and recorded amidst the final days of the COVID-19 lockdown, the album emerged from a place of true collaborative spirit. After coming up with the concept of horns to provide the main harmonic foundation in lieu of typical band instrumentation, Creelman sent a few song ideas to renowned experimental trumpeter JP Carter (Destroyer, Dan Mangan). Together with producers Jo Hirabayashi (Jo Passed) and Sean Cronin (Very Good), they created the foundational demos. Ego Death includes Heavy Blow, an optimistic and buoyant song which includes R&B-infused vocal arrangements. Creelman references the drum groove in Al Green’s So Glad You’re Mine as the song’s impetus.”
Lindi Ortega & Jack Barksdale | How’s It Gonna End + Yesterday Is Here
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Why Tom Waits? The better question is ‘Why not Tom Waits?’,” states Jack Barksdale. “His songs are really fun to cover, and you can’t really play them like Tom Waits does, so you’re pretty much forced to make them your own.” Listen to Barksdale and Lindi Ortega’s charming renditions of Waits’ How’s It Gonna End and Yesterday Is Here. Ortega, a celebrated roots noir artist, and Barksdale, a roots music wunderkind, met up for this unique collaboration through their mutual friend, Grammy-nominated producer Mike Meadows (Willie Nelson, Shawn Colvin). She picked How’s It Gonna End because “it’s super eerie and creepy, and so am I,” quipped Ortega. Barksdale went with Yesterday Is Here, which he felt paired well with Ortega’s selection. Ortega recalls how, years ago, she was given a tape of Waits’ Mule Variations and was knocked out by how amazing the songs were. “I find his words and music transport me to a place that feels like I’ve been there before, and it’s haunted,” she elaborates. “It feels like a myriad of ghosts are drunk, dancing in the ache of non-existence.” The videos created for each song wonderfully reflect the mood.”
Petunia & The Vipers | Bible Preacher
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Louis Armstrong was once asked what his favorite kind of music was, and his response was simple: “Good music.” Petunia & the Vipers’ sound may not sit comfortably in one certain genre, but “good music” describes it well. “Traveling musicians and Bible Preachers may have a lot in common,” Petunia & The Vipers suggest. Their dancey new single was inspired by death and the afterlife, love and humanity; overaching themes heard in much of their music.”
The Secret Beach | If You Don’t Love Me, Let Me Go + Have You Seen Thew News? + Not So Bad
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “The Secret Beach, an ever-shifting group of musicians and co-conspirators orbiting around the songs and voice of Winnipeg songwriter Micah Erenberg, is sharing three new songs from the upcoming album, We Were Born Here, What’s Your Excuse, out Aug. 23. If You Don’t Love Me, Let Me Go is an alternative version of the previously released IYDLMLMG. “The latter was actually the demo, and this one is more so what I had in mind for the production. The difference between that one and this one is the difference between chillin’ and kickin’ it,” claims Erenberg. Have You Seen the News? is a reflection on the state of the world. “I guess it’s my take on some sort of introspective social commentary,” says Erenberg. “I wanted to make a song that was different; No real verses or choruses, just movement, energy, power. Hopefully it can allow some listeners to see the forest through the trees a bit; embrace empathy, open mindedness and action, even if small.” Not So Bad has two tambourines. “When I showed Rob Fraboni, who helped me mix the album, he said ‘two tambourines?… Well, that’s a first!’ The guy worked with some serious legends. Him saying ‘that’s a first’ to something I did was cool af, even if he was complaining about how to mix them right.”
Donovan Woods | When Our Friends Come Over (ft. Madi Diaz)
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Acclaimed songwriter Donovan Woods has released his seventh album, Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now, and shares a video for the record’s latest single, When Our Friends Come Over ft. Madi Diaz. He notes, “Madi Diaz and I wrote this in Nashville the first time we met. I love Madi and I love the ache in her writing. I had this idea about a song that celebrates how nice it is when you and your romantic partner have friends over. Their presence seems to renew something in your coupledom. You see yourself through their eyes, and you appreciate each other more. I don’t think there are enough songs about friendship. Friendship is so much more important than romance throughout your life. I love how Madi extends notes a millisecond longer than I think she’s going to.”
Mustafa | SNL
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Mustafa’s debut album Dunya is set for release on Sept. 27. In conjunction with the album’s announcement he shares the single SNL, produced by frequent collabor Simon Hessman and Rodaidh McDonald, which arrives alongside a self-directed video. “SNL is about finding charm in the gloom of the hood — to love despite the circumstance, despite the worst of us.” SNL and Dunya’s announcement arrive on the heels of the second edition of Mustafa’s Artists for Aid benefit concerts, the most recent of which took place on July 4 in London. The event, which was presented in partnership with the aid organization War Child, raised funds to benefit Gaza and Sudan and followed the January edition that took place in New Jersey.”
Everybody’s Side Project | I Hate Where We Started
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Daryl Uhrin is making a remarkable comeback to the music scene with his latest work, Everybody’s Side Project. His musical journey began in the early 2000s, where he was the lead vocalist and keyboardist for Amid Morning Sky, and later became the lead singer, synth, and keyboard player for We Were Thane. Then he took a 15-year hiatus from the music world to focus on his career in manufacturing. Now residing in Saskatoon, Daryl is releasing a three-song EP entitled Searching For a Ray of Hope which embodies the essence of Everybody’s Side Project. I Hate Where We Started, taken from the EP, reflects on the tumultuous beginning to a relationship of Daryl’s with a woman who pursued him without revealing that she had a boyfriend. The intense and driving pop-punk tune blends spoken word and sung sections, featuring vulnerable lyrics which capture the messiness of true emotions.”
Brock Geiger | Steps Taken
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Brock Geiger is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer unveiling a vibrant new single. Recorded in just two takes, Steps Taken was co-produced by Geiger and Grammy winner Will Maclellan (Phoebe Bridgers, Killers). “Steps Taken was written as a reflection on the intricacies and fragility of relationships, ecosystems built on trust, losing oneself to someone or something, and finding regeneration and a way forward by looking inwards,” says Geiger. “I’m a big fan of juxtaposition and extremes in art and Steps Taken achieves this with its energetic-spazzy, K-Pop inspired track as a foundation for heavier lyrical themes.” Over the last decade, Geiger has established himself as a mainstay on the Canadian scene and beyond as a key collaborator on over 30 records, and has toured worldwide with a multitude of projects. His new collection of music shines an overdue spotlight on a penchant for refined songcraft, ambitious production, and showcases a singular creative vision.”
Carmen Braden | Voice In The Dark
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Award-winning singer-songwriter and contemporary composer Carmen Braden shares her new single and video Voice in the Dark, the lead single from the Yellowknife artist’s new album A Hard Light. It’s set for release on Dec 5 and was produced by Carmen’s long-time producer Mark Adam (Music In the Woods, Nova Scotia). Carmen wrote the track about the importance of community and connection in the Northwest Territories of Canada. “One day there was a major system failure where my friend worked as a radio host,” says Carmen. “They knew no one could hear them, but they had to keep talking in case the signal managed to get back on air. The song is about holding onto thin threads of hope, about connection between people over big spaces and through dark times. It’s also an homage to radio and the power it still has to connect — something that’s still a strong part of culture and community in Canada’s north.”
Cold Specks | How It Feels
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Singer, songwriter and producer Cold Specks (aka Al Spx) returns with How It Feels, her first release in seven years. How It Feels is a raw and intimate reminder of Al Spx’s powerful voice, and finds the artist assuredly looking back on a difficult period in her life, with a clarity that time often brings to events. Written with Chantal Kreviazuk, Spx explains, “How It Feels was written in 2019 at a time when I was struggling with money. I was struggling with my mind as well, and I was reflecting on my experiences. It was written one magical night in the dead of winter in a studio around midnight. It came together quite easily and Chantal is a gem.” The potent new track was written as she contemplated a difficult period in her mental health which resulted in some time in hospital before a bipolar diagnosis. The track was produced and performed by Spx, recorded by Graham Walsh (of Holy Fuck) and features piano by Johnny Spence, strings by composer Owen Pallett and brass by longtime collaborator Terry Edwards.”
Julian Taylor | Ain’t Life Strange
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Juno-nominated singer-songwriter Julian Taylor is sharing Ain’t Life Strange, the curious and plaintive new single from upcoming record Pathways (Sept. 27). Produced by Colin Linden (Emmylou Harris, Bruce Cockburn, Blackie and The Rodeo Kings), the track was inspired by longing, exuding feelings of sadness, regret, and nostalgia. “It explores the idea of going back in time or at least wanting to go back in time to fix things before they become too broken,” explains Taylor. Gentle percussion is coupled with saxophone harmonies and acoustic guitar to hug the song’s warm and rhythmic ballad style. It asks: “Don’t you wish sometimes that time would stand still? Do you ever wish that time travel was real?”
Sede Odebiyi | Walk With You
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Based in Toronto by way of London, England, by way of Ile-Ife, Nigeria, artist and producer Seye Odebiyi uses his musical exposure from different countries to feed into his creative process. “What I do not want to do is to sound like everything else.” Seye is looking to make his music reach and impact as many people as possible, as well as bring a smile, a dance and a lasting memory. “I love African percussion in my rhythms. So no matter the style, if you listen hard enough, you’ll hear some congas, bongos, and/or shakers.” Familiar but fresh, A Walk With You is his soulful single with an old-school R&B sound, transporting listeners to a special place with their special someone.”
The Vaniers | Painted Town
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Toronto rock trio The Vaniers are diving into their love of early 2000’s post-Britpop, acid funk, and electronica on new single Painted Town. Inspired by the footy anthems they grew up listening to, the song is built around a pulsating piano line performed on a Hammond Cadet organ that bassist/vocalist Diego Paz had sitting in his basement. “Painted Town is a pump-up song,” says guitarist Alex Iacobellis. “It’s meant to get you stoked and ready for whatever’s around the corner. At the same time, there’s a strong sense of nostalgia here for us, going back to music from our childhood that unknowingly would impact us as musicians much later on in life. You could say that this song was written for our 10-year-old selves, sitting in front of the TV with the volume way up.”
Ombiigizi | Ziibi
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Last month, Ombiigizi, the project of Canadian duo Adam Sturgeon (Status/Non-Status) and Daniel Monkman (Zoon), shared their first single of 2024, Connecting. Today, they share their newest electrifying single, Ziibi. It is the apex of the raw, exultant harmony in the DNA of Ombiigizi, a moccasin gaze band. Translating to ‘river’ in Anishinaabe, Ziibi pays homage to the power of the elements. “Scared to leave / what is a reservation,” they sing over layered acoustic guitars that accrue to electric, emotional heights in a timeless chorus. A cultural expression through noise, Ombiigizi explore the idea that Indigenous people have not been given a choice in how to define themselves. Monkman wrote Ziibi about the Red River that flows through Manitoba. “It’s a very long river all the way from the Mississippi. I grew up along the shore of that river looking into it. Watching as it would swallow up all our bikes and skateboards. My first realization of how powerful the elements are,” adding, “the river teaches us.”
Rory Taillon | Wish You Would Stay
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Alternative indie-folk singer Rory Taillon has a voice that needs to be heard. Since 2012, Rory has released three albums and two EPs with his fourth album, Now It’s Quiet, due Aug. 20. Trained as a classical singer from a young age, his years of study are evident in the power and control that he has over his voice. He uses his warm guitar tone, haunting lyrics, dynamic voice, layers of looping and the thumping of his kick drum to take the audience on a journey through his set from exhilarating highs to emotional lows. Wish You Would Stay is the second single from his forthcoming LP. Not one to shy away from difficult subjects, his music confronts loss, grief and the struggles of mental health issues. “I was listening to an interview about songwriting exercises and heard a suggestion about naming a song and then writing it,” Taillon says. “I thought of Death Wish (the title changed) and I really like double meanings, so I started writing a song about a conversation with the entity of Death and what I wish I could say to them.”
Rosewood Ave | Talk About Us
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Nestled in the heart of Ontario’s true north, Rosewood Ave are a country duo taking small-town dreams to new heights. Fate brought Dave and Sabrina together when his family was forced to move to the small town of Iroquois Falls after a local paper mill shutdown. Luckily for them, Dave moved across the avenue from Sabrina. It didn’t take long until they fell in love and became high school sweethearts, and now they’re making music as husband and wife. Their romantic single Talk About Us is an enthralling high-energy duet sharing another chapter in the power couple’s love story. Written by country superstar Lainey Wilson and hit songwriters Trannie Anderson and Drew Green, and produced by Bart McKay (Brett Kissell), the song seamlessly blends a contemporary feel with their traditional and soothing voices.”
Sheal | The End
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Folk-pop singer Sheal has released her latest single The End, the first offering from her sophomore EP Golden Hours, due this fall. Produced by Gavin Gardiner (The Wooden Sky) and James Robertson (Dwayne Gretzky) at Gavin’s studio in Toronto, The End combines jaunty, hopeful melodies with introspective lyrics, encouraging listeners to embrace change and make space for new beginnings. With warm, dreamy production and Sheal’s honey-tinged vocals, the song exudes the dreamy quality of a sunset’s golden hour — a recurring theme throughout the EP. “The track is definitely one of my favourites on this upcoming album,” says Sheal. “It’s about letting go of the things that no longer serve you, in order to make space for something new.”
