Some days are unexpectedly quiet. Today was neither. Quite the opposite — I knew it was going to be busy, and it was. It’s always busy on the first Friday of the month, because everybody thinks it’s Bandcamp Friday. For the record: It isn’t — though today the site is donating all its proceeds to California wildfire relief, so it’s still a good time to score some music (including this star-studded compilation). But I digress. The point: Along with the 1,000-plus emails from artists trying to sell me T-shirts, test pressings and hot sauce, there were, thankfully, a slew of swell new songs and videos from Canadians of all styles and stripes. Including some of these. Let’s get busy:
A Short Walk To Pluto | Wouldn’t Recommend
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Rising Toronto rockers A Short Walk To Pluto are making waves with their debut album Out of Range, which includes the defiant, emotionally charged track Wouldn’t Recommend. Known for their genre-defying sound and electrifying live performances, this four-piece are staking their claim as a powerful voice in contemporary rock. Wouldn’t Recommend is a high-octane breakup anthem that blends biting lyrics, soaring guitars, and a commanding vocal performance. The track serves as a cautionary tale, warning future suitors against manipulative relationships while empowering listeners to reclaim their confidence. The song’s origins lie in lead vocalist Emma Armstrong’s personal experiences, lending authenticity to its storytelling. Musically, Wouldn’t Recommend strikes a balance between raw emotion and polished craftsmanship. The result is a track as suited to introspection as it is to screaming along in your car.”
Strange Plants | Tell Me All Your Secrets, Pt. 2
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “With their debut single Tell Me All Your Secrets, Pt. 2, Halifax band Strange Plants push the boundaries of the psychedelic rock genre. Seamlessly fusing a Gap Band-inspired rhythm section with biting rock vocals, the song delivers an energetic yet introspective exploration of fractured relationships and hidden truths. Produced by Robbie Crowell (Sturgill Simpson, Deer Tick), Tell Me All Your Secrets, Pt. 2 embodies Strange Plants’ commitment to blending retro tones with modern sensibilities. Recorded at the iconic Creative Workshop Studio in Nashville, the track’s lush analog production showcases the band’s dedication to creating music that feels both timeless and forward-thinking. “Tell Me All Your Secrets, Pt. 2 is about that painful disconnection in a relationship — when someone is living a double life but refuses to admit it, even after it’s over,” says bandmember Matt Brannon. “The song started with that personal story but grew into something much bigger, reflecting on the tension between authenticity and secrecy.”
The Lightning Struck | Wrong Tree
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “The Lightning Struck’s latest single Wrong Tree delves into the bittersweet humor of unrequited love — or infatuation — with a unique twist. Inspired by the experiences of straight men falling for lesbians, the song captures a comical yet poignant story of misplaced affections. Blending ironic lyricism with groove-driven alternative rock, Wrong Tree showcases the band’s sharp wit and sonic versatility. Wrong Tree is taken from The Lightning Struck’s forthcoming album Century Storm, due May 2. It also marks the debut of the band’s new drummer Dan Craig — no, not James Bond, but equally impressive in his own right. “Wrong Tree is about the tragic irony of falling for someone completely unattainable, but with a humorous edge,” explains frontman Loren Davie. “The character in the song is a composite of many people I’ve known. Their stories are mostly reported, not invented by me, which gives the track its authenticity. The title? Well, I’m sure you can do the math.”
Young Friend | I Like Girls
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Vancouver indie rocker and Juno-nominated artist-producer Young Friend (Drew Tarves) just announced his debut album Motorcycle Sound Effects. It’s due out on April 4. Recorded in 2022 and co-produced alongside David Marinelli (Finneas, Wallice), it documents the nuances of growing up. I Like Girls is the fourth single from the forthcoming album, which Tarves describes the sound as a “genre-bending fever dream album,” taking inspiration from a variety of sources, including Wilco, Adrienne Lenker, The Strokes and Porches. “Motorcycle Sound Effects is really just about growing up. It’s about the people you encounter and the experiences that make you into the person that you are,” explains Tarves. “I really wanted to capture all the sides of the coin; the shitty sides, the side where I was wrong, the side where I did the right thing, and it still didn’t work out, the side where something is new and exciting and it’s all you can think about, all of it.”
Leeroy Stagger | These Days (Acoustic Version)
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Victoria alt-country musician Leeroy Stagger shares the acoustic video for These Days, the latest single from his new album 3 AM Revelations. The song is personal for Leeroy, as he wrote it about his sobriety and the journey of recovery. “This is one of the main anchors of this record to me,” says Leeroy. “It’s a recovery song based on a period of time that I would awake suddenly around 3:38 exactly every other morning. I didn’t mind it too much, but it gets hard when there are kids to get off to school every morning. I would Google what it means to wake up at 3:38 every morning and the internet would spew off something about that being the devil’s hour or something foolish. The same thing would come up about 2:30 and 4:35 a.m., etc. My mind would be very active at this time, hence the speaking in tongues line. The song is a reminder to myself to find the humanity in my interactions. To meet my fears with more love. It’s a reminder that my disease is always there doing pushups, waiting for me to slip up, and that I have to work very hard to transcend that world that lives inside of me.”
Georgia Harmer | Can We Be Still
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Georgia Harmer returns with her first new song since her 2022 debut album Stay In Touch. Can We Be Still spotlights the Toronto singer-songwriter’s eloquent storytelling with expressive grace. A dedication to friendship, Georgia’s indelible voice envelopes the softly strummed song with urgency and poise. “Can We Be Still is about lifelong best-friendship and striving to protect it from the inevitable changes that come with time,” says Georgia. “It’s about having a shared vision of the future and a desire to preserve it, to see the plan for ever-lasting closeness through.” The single arrives with a video shot and directed by Talvi Faustmann at Rosedale Heights School Of The Arts in Toronto, revisiting a place where both Georgia and Talvi certainly did some growing up.”
Ian North | Antarctica
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Ian North, the acclaimed Canadian folk-rock artist, returns with a spellbinding new single Antarctica. Inspired by the harrowing tales of polar explorers who risked everything to venture into Earth’s most unforgiving terrain, the track explores themes of courage, isolation, and the human drive to endure. Produced by Chris Gartner, Antarctica weaves Americana roots with ambient soundscapes, resulting in a modern and immersive take on North’s signature fallen-angel folk. The single also features stunning three-part harmonies by North’s wife Jennifer Claveau, marking her return to music after more than a decade away. “Antarctica represents the courage it takes for all of us to face the unknown. It’s a reminder of the fragility of life and the quiet perseverance of the human spirit. This song draws on those tragic yet courageous stories of polar explorers and reflects the struggles we all face in our own lives.”
Orchard Sky | Good Intentions
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Canada’s dynamic Americana duo Orchard Sky kick off 2025 on a blazing note with their new single Good Intentions. Powered by the soulful vocals of Krystle Dos Santos and the tasty slide guitar of Mitch Smith, Good Intentions blurs the lines between country-rock and R&B, an approach Orchard Sky have been honing over the past several years as they established their reputation as one of Canada’s most exciting new bands. Smith says, “Good Intentions is a fun little song we’ve been playing and building live the last couple years,” says Smith. “When I went back to do some overdubs, I had the idea of doubling the main lick with slide, and once we did that I really felt like we captured the right energy. I love Krystle’s vocal energy on this one. Also loved writing the lyrics with my fellow co-writers, it’s all tongue-in-cheek but very fun.”
Charlie PS | Mouthpiece
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Vancouver modern-rock artist Charlie PS is back with her fiery new single Mouthpiece. The track combines gritty guitars, confident vocals, and Charlie’s signature wordplay to deliver a satirical yet empowering anthem for the digital age. Mouthpiece oozes fierce, alternative-rock energy while offering a nod of defiant satire to today’s increasingly opinionated and vocally indulgent crowd. “Mouthpiece is an homage to everyone who has ever given unsolicited advice or yelled out their opinion in a room full of people who just don’t want to hear it,” says Charlie. “The world feels like a noisy place these days, and in 2025, I’m setting boundaries with those who just can’t keep their thoughts to themselves.” The sound of Charlie PS is a sonic melting pot of rock and blues, inspired by legends like Stevie Nicks and Ann Wilson and modern acts such as Grace Potter and ZZ Ward. Her signature blend of strong vocals and energetic riffs shines on Mouthpiece.”
Monstrosa | 778
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Toronto alt-metal act Monstrosa unveil their emotionally gripping and genre-defying new single 778, a guitar-driven alt-rock anthem that explores themes of self-empowerment, mental health, and resilience. Catchy yet heavy, the track encapsulates Monstrosa’s signature blend of metal riffs, emo rock, and melodic vocals while showcasing frontwoman Lauren Pryce’s deeply personal lyricism. 778 serves as a reflection of Pryce’s transformative journey through her first experience living alone. The track explores the duality of navigating external dangers and internal battles, turning her initial frustrations into an introspective dialogue about self-love, artistry, and perseverance. “778 was the address of my first apartment, and the song represents my journey to find safety within myself,” says Pryce. “While on the surface it’s about being followed home late at night, it’s also about the dissonant experience of being both your biggest critic and biggest fan as an artist. I had to learn to love my music and, by extension, myself — a process that felt both liberating and terrifying.”
Cinzia & The Eclipse | Home
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Montreal-born, Toronto-based folk-pop act Cinzia & The Eclipse return with her dynamic new single Home, the first since her brilliant EP Springland. The release comes at an inspiring time for the emerging artist, serving as a momentous alt-folk anthem that refuses to back down from difficult choices but instead charging forward with confidence. “Home is about leaning into the uncomfortable parts of growth instead of avoiding it,” Cinzia shares. “It’s an anthem towards change and putting yourself first to do what is right for you even when it’s difficult.” The new single is a timely release for Cinzia, as change is something that has been embraced by the artist over the last year; re-discovering herself in a new city following the end of a relationship, stepping foot onto major festival stages, and embracing the challenges that come with being an independent artist. Fortunately, the anthemic spirit and tenacious folk-rock momentum of Home provides the soundtrack for the bittersweet feeling of leaving home to experience the journey of self-discovery and chasing a dream.”
Current Swell | 10 Feet Tall
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Victoria indie-rock trailblazers Current Swell return with their vibrant new single 10 Feet Tall, the first track from their forthcoming second EP Peacekeeper. An anthemic ode to youthful freedom and resilience, 10 Feet Tall embodies the unshakable confidence that comes from being surrounded by the right energy and mindset. Recorded at Boiler Room Studios with acclaimed producer Gus Van Go (Beaches, Arkells, Metric), the track channels nostalgia and empowerment, reflecting on the fleeting but unforgettable highs of living fully in the moment. “10 Feet Tall is about resilience and intention — it’s a reminder of how important the right energy and mindset can be in shaping your experiences,” says frontman Scott Stanton. “It’s also a nod to those unforgettable memories that leave you feeling larger than life. Gus Van Go is a wizard. We loved working with him. He used a lot of the demo tracks, knowing we’d captured something special. He knew exactly where to expand, add a stomp, a clap, or a shaker.”
Cold Specks | Lingering Ghosts
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Singer, songwriter and producer Cold Specks (aka Al Spx) will release her fourth studio album Light For The Midnight on April 9. It’s a 10-track collection of fervent ballads and atmospheric songs, with Spx’s soulful voice channelled into expansive sonic worlds. At its core, it is a raw and deeply emotional personal reflection on endurance, survival, and transformation. The new album launches with Lingering Ghosts, which was co-written with British songwriter Ben Christophers (Françoise Hardy, Imogen Heap), and features Adrian Utley (Portishead) on guitar and production, Ali Chant (Perfume Genius / Katy J Pearson) on bass and production, Seb Rochford (Patti Smith / Adele) on drums and Dan Moore on piano.”
Henry Taylor | I Don’t Have A Name
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Kitchener-Waterloo singer-songwriter Henry Taylor is back with a hard-hitting new single, I Don’t Have A Name. Taking inspiration from Neil Young’s legendary protest anthem Rockin’ in the Free World, this unapologetic track shines a spotlight on the stark disparities between the ultra-wealthy and the growing numbers of the disenfranchised. “I Don’t Have A Name is both a call to arms and a gut-punch to those who have chosen to ignore the plight of the nameless and faceless,” says Taylor. “With searing rock ’n’ roll guitars and a raw vocal delivery, the track pushes back against the failure of elected leaders to address systemic inequality and widespread poverty. This song is for the people who are overlooked and forgotten. Their numbers are growing, and soon they’ll be impossible to ignore.”
Zanski | Canines
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Zanski’s latest single Canines is a haunting exploration of memory and self-doubt. With its melancholic mood and driving indie energy, the track captures the feeling of being caught in between moments — reminiscing on the past, but unsure whether those memories are truly accurate. The song’s lush instrumentation and experimental production reflect Zanski’s ability to blend indie, alternative, and emotional undertones in a captivating way. The title plays on the imagery of baring teeth, a symbolic representation of confronting emotions and memories. With its raw, questioning tone, the song contemplates the idea of remembering an event or feeling with uncertainty — like a cliffhanger that leaves you wondering whether the memory is truly complete. A standout element of the track is Zanski’s unique mixing choices — quiet, intimate vocals pushed through tape saturation to create a warm, almost whispered sound. The song’s pulsating guitar riffs, which were processed through an array of pedals, add to the track’s layered, textured feel. Zanski also employed an alternate guitar tuning created by a close friend, which provided an unconventional foundation for the song.”
We Found A Lovebird | Details
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “We Found A Lovebird mark the release of their album With Friends Like These with the angular and biting track Details. Since 2009, the band have been crafting trance-like, chiming rock, earning critical acclaim with four albums, one EP and eight singles. Details is a grouchy plea to be spared unnecessary information, set to an angular chord progression and a raw sound. With Friends Like These highlights themes of enduring love, friendship, and the transformative power of music. The album embraces a raw, live-off-the-floor recording approach, capturing the spirit of timeless rock ’n’ roll. “The songs we listen to can become our closest friends,” says singer-guitarist Larry Lechner. “They transport us, jolt us awake, and remind us of what really matters. Details came from channeling that one friend we all have who gives way more detail than anyone needs. The title itself is a plea: Spare us the details!”
Riley Michaels | Story Of My Life
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Hailing from Beamsville, Ont., singer-songwriter Riley Michaels is known for his soulful voice, guitar mastery and heartfelt composition. He has carved a unique space in the Canadian music scene by blending pop, blues, and adult contemporary sounds with an emotive touch. His latest single Story Of My Life is a raw, introspective exploration of creative struggle and personal growth. The song was born out of a period of artistic stagnation for Riley, as he candidly reflects on feeling uninspired and unsure how to reignite his creativity. Story Of My Life captures this universal experience in a stripped-down acoustic arrangement that’s calming, chill, and perfect for a rainy-day playlist. Unlike the arena-ready, high-energy anthems Riley is known for, this track takes a more subdued approach. Recorded with minimal production, Story Of My Life embraces imperfection, featuring raw, one-take performances that mirror the honest, straightforward lyricism.”
