What are your weekend plans? Mine include that new Bruce Springsteen doc, the latest episode of Taskmaster, a little yard work and a lot of Grateful Dead (RIP Phil Lesh). Of course, there’s only one way to get it all started: With the latest and greatest new videos and singles from my fellow Canuckleheads. Over to you, kids:
Dana Schindel | You’ll Be Alright
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Vancouver country-pop musician Dana Schindel shares her new single You’ll Be Alright. It’s her second song, following the release of her debut Keep Moving Forward in 2023. Striking a perfect balance between country roots and pop sensibilities, You’ll Be Alright showcases Dana’s signature storytelling as she draws listeners in to a narrative that feels both personal and universally relatable. The track feels like an upbeat cheerleader, encouraging you to get out of your head and into real life. “This song is for anyone thinking about taking a chance on the big brave thing their heart wants,” says Dana. “If you need a little encouragement, this song is for you. Go for it! Get it out of your head and do it! It might go all right or all wrong — no matter what, you’ll be alright.”
Shealagh Rose | Tunnel Vision
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Shealagh Rose is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Hamilton. Developing her voice and songwriting in Toronto at Humber College’s Bachelor of Music program, she worked with mentors like Rik Emmett (Triumph), and had the opportunity to record with legendary producer Ken Scott. Her 2017 debut EP Island was lush with soulful vocals, addicting progressions and beautiful string sections. Shealagh’s sophomore introduces grittier sounds, blending the lines between folk and contemporary pop. Tunnel Vision is a beautifully apathetic look at modernity and short-term, narrowed thinking in our environment. “I think technology has harmed the way we as a society feel empathy,” Shealagh elaborates. “A lot of us have either become apathetic or have developed a narrow sense of thinking.”
Julian Daniel | Do You Feel Me?
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Hailing from Maple, Ont., emerging indie-pop artist Julian Daniel now divides his time between Toronto and L.A. His blend of meaningful lyrics with upbeat instrumentals offers a fresh fusion of indie-pop and rock, drawing inspiration from artists like Charli XCX, Troye Sivan and Gus Dapperton. His new single Do You Feel Me? is a breathless confession wrapped in rhythm, meant to touch your soul or heart. Every note feels like fingertips tracing your skin — soft, slow, electric. Inspired in part through hearing about friends and family’s past relationships, Julian wanted to write a song that would feel timeless in which people would listen and instantly recall memories of their former loves. “It was supposed to be a solo song but, during the writing process, we realized it needed both perspectives in the relationship. I asked my friend Sofia Mills to write the second verse which perfectly encapsulates the emotions and headspace (it) needed.”
Shane Pendergast | Only Drifting By
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Shane Pendergast has folk in his blood. Growing up in P.E.I., he hails from a line of storytellers and musicians. Drawing inspiration from the landscapes and lore of his Maritime home, Shane’s songs resonate with themes of community, history, and the sea. His 2021 album Second Wind won Contemporary Roots Album of the Year at the Music PEI Awards, while his 2023 live album The House Before the Bridge was nominated for Roots/Traditional Recording of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards. Shane’s home is nestled next to a river. Whenever he looks out his window, he sees the ever-changing landscape that inspired Only Drifting By, his latest single. It’s about significant people in one’s life becoming strangers, and the complex feelings surrounding that. “I was contemplating the people I have drifted away from over the years,” Shane explains. “It was one of the rare songs for me that was written in one sitting.”
Leahy | Roots (Live)
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “From early days, Leahy have been known for their innovative approach to music, merging time-honoured Celtic melodies with modern rhythms and instrumentation. A timely performance at the Juno Awards led to the band opening for another famous Canadian, Shania Twain, on her record-breaking Come On Over World Tour, putting their powerful performance in front of millions of people throughout North America and the U.K. Their newest recording, Leahy Live In Concert, is the 10th addition to the platinum-selling band’s celebrated discography. The tracks were captured during a live performance in Kingston, Ont., and the performance was filmed as part of the video series From the Inside, in which the group share an inside look at the creative process that brings their music to life.”
