There’s a metric shit-tonne of great new Canadian music out today — including albums from Vancouver’s mighty Japandroids, Nova Scotia’s intriguing Nap Eyes and Montreal’s wonderful PyPy (not to be confused with Australia’s Pipe-eye, who also dropped an album). And, of course, let’s not give short shift to this crop of stellar singles and videos. What a time to be alive:
Soft Set | Gone
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Toronto dream-pop duo Soft Set are back with the video for Gone, the lead single and title track from their new EP (due Nov. 15). It marks a refreshing evolution in their sound. Known for their introspective lyrics and moody instrumentals, Soft Set have often navigated darker themes in their past work. However, with Gone, they venture into more uplifting territory. “The one thing that really surprised us while making the Gone EP was how much lighter and more hopeful it ended up being,” says Nathan Athay. “It started off really dark during the demo phase, but once we began layering in harmonies, it took on a more uplifting vibe, which we weren’t expecting. It was a nice surprise for us, and it made the entire process more interesting, for sure!” That goes double for the video shoot. Says Nathan: “When we first planned the video for Gone, we had invited a friend to be in it, but they didn’t show up on the day of the shoot. I ended up walking into The Local pub on Roncesvalles, where I met Alandra McKirdy and explained the situation. Alandra graciously accepted our last-minute invitation to step in, and we are incredibly thankful for her involvement. Without her, the video might not have come together the way it did.”
Tariq | The Ballad Of You & Me
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Tariq returns today with the new single The Ballad Of You And Me. He’s been a stalwart of the Canadian indie scene for decades, but this release marks the beginning of a new chapter and new sound for the songwriter. Decidedly louder, and more immediate, the song finds Tariq trading in soft folk harmonies for full throated wails. The smooth bass and drum groove sets the table, while the chorus is a whirlwind of screeching guitars, pounding drums and fuzzed-out bass. However, it is Tariq’s lyrical prowess that takes center stage as he casts a wish to escape from reality in the midst of personal and global chaos. “The world feels faulty in so many ways,” says Tariq. “The economy is in a slump, your devices keep breaking down, and your relationship is on the rocks. At the same time a popular TV series you love to watch with your lover is coming to an end. So you imagine an escape from it all, a place that has no endings, where hurt cannot touch you or them.”
Patrick Watson | Silencio
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Patrick Watson, the singer-songwriter, film composer and pianist based in Montreal, has returned with a new single called Silencio, featuring French singer-songwriter November Ultra. It was inspired by an experience Watson had in which he couldn’t speak or sing for nearly three months. Silencio explores some of the impressions that came to him during this time: Does he talk too much? He felt the anxiety that comes with reliving a conversation, learning to be a better listener and the power of silence. The song will be part of a larger album project that Watson has been finishing, inspired by his missing voice, with more details to be announced soon. ‘I think you like me better since I lost my voice,’ Watson sings, over a mysterious and ethereal orchestration of arpeggiating guitars, softly touched drums, piano and burbling synths. He wrote the song with longtime collaborator, co-writer and bandmate Mishka Stein and Ultra.”
Sean Davis Newton | Cigarette
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “The songs on Sean Davis Newton’s new album Bird Brain have been compared to Stephen Malkmus, Paul McCartney, Randy Newman, and were also once called both ‘insulting’ and ‘a repeat listen’ by the same person. ‘Truth be told,’ he says, ‘I don’t know how much Bird Brain sounds like any of those people, nor can I tell you if you will also be inflicted with the misfortune of finding it simultaneously insulting and hard to put down. What I can tell you is you aren’t likely to hear much else this year that sounds quite like it.”
Katie Tupper | Outside The Gate
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Katie Tupper releases Outside The Gate, a devastatingly beautiful new single about facing the reality of how you show up for someone you love. Since March, the rising soul singer has been enchanting audiences on social media with covers of her favourite songs, accompanied only by her bandmate and collaborator Benjamin Millman on keys. These covers — ranging from Hall & Oates to Jazmine Sullivan — have amassed over 10 million views and earned nods from superstars like SZA and Joe Jonas. Outside The Gate was written and produced by Tupper and Millman. Reflecting on the track, Tupper says, “I think more people need to feel allowed to admit that we will never be perfect in our relationships even when they are everything we’ve wanted.” And admit she does, with each poignant repetition of “I think I’m broken,” hitting deeper every time, giving a raw and beautiful testament to love’s imperfections.”
Louie Sanchez | Come Home Tonight
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Louis Sanchez (Eirene Cloma of Pantayo) announced their upcoming self-titled EP is due Nov. 8 — and shared the second single from the set. Come Home Tonight is a song “for my father, a commercial boat captain and Freemason,” says Cloma. “A song of compassion and understanding of the complexities of being a Filipino immigrant father and husband in the diaspora trying to find meaning and identity. I wrote this in one go the evening before a show when I was processing my relationship with my father and my longing for emotional closeness with him. I think I was listening to a lot of Gillian Welch at that time. The recording was inspired by being on the water, almost like a Maritime folk song.”
Old Hoss | $20 Bill
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Old Hoss is the alter ego of Edmonton-born, Toronto-based musician Kris Gies, who has transitioned from bass duties with hard rockers Flamingo Bay to creating his own brand of mutant country. He just released his debut album Mid-Atlantic. Its crackling energy was captured by producer Steve Bigas at his Porcelain Records studio in Raleigh, N.C. Armed with his bedroom demos, Kris and his guitar headed south in his 2008 Ford F150 and he, Steve and some of his friends and neighbours banged out Mid-Atlantic in true old-school fashion, song count-ins and all. Is it a little ragged? Sure, but above all it’s ALIVE! “A common theme in these songs — though not intentional — is hitting the road, seeking thrills and living your life,” Kris says. “So the journey to the States to record made even more sense to properly bring these songs to fruition.”
