Rapper/Songwriter Patrik Kabongo Creates His Own Heat Wave with “98 Degrees”

Fri Aug 06, 2021

At 1 Million+ streams across platforms, Canadian rapper Patrik Kabongo is serving verses set to make you sweat with his hot new summer single, “98 Degrees”.

Check out “98 Degrees” on YouTube here:

Following a run of success over the past few years, the Toronto- and Montreal-based artist is doubling down on a heavy blend of high energy, heavy trap bass, and Lil Mama’s “Lip Gloss” for good measure.

High tempo and high energy is nothing new to the rapper and songwriter; in fact, Kabongo has been turning heads for some time now with features in Earmilk, Elevator, Hip-Hop Canada, BBC Radio 2, Sirius XM Canada, and more.

Latin-Pop Artist Mia Lailani Delivers Stunning Breakthrough Debut in Blink of an Eye

Fri Aug 06, 2021

With positivity, love, and self-empowerment front and centre, ease into a musical escape like none other with Latin-Pop singer/songwriter Mia Lailani’s stunning debut album, Blink of an Eye.

Backed by dulcet-ballads and fresh beats, Lailani’s breakthrough offering explores concepts of love, self-awareness, and the world around her. A natural storyteller through lyric, the 11-track LP lands as reflective, insightful, and wise beyond her years.

“If I had to use one word to describe this release, it would be ‘growth,’” Lailani shares. “In truth, this word not only describes my past year as an artist, but as a person...

“While being in the process of making this album,” she continues, “I realized and analyzed how each of these experiences helped me to develop, and become a more mature and understanding young woman. I also considered just how much time flew during that moment in my life… It made me think, ‘wow, everything just passed in a ‘blink of an eye.’”

Contemporary Composer & Singer/Songwriter Carmen Braden Previews New Album Release

Fri Aug 06, 2021

A continued force within the immersive world of contemporary music, Canadian composer and singer/songwriter Carmen Braden has released her new single, “Kick Kick”.

As the premiere glimpse of the multi-talented artist’s forthcoming third album Seed Songs, “Kick Kick” reveals the first of many moments captured and woven through song across the new full-length release.

Give a listen to “Kick Kick” here:

“Each song has a core — a ‘seed idea’ — I tried to capture,” Braden shares. “They’re each a kind of vignette: a moment in time; a snapshot of joy or struggle, fragments; phrases; edges…

Rocker Ash Ravens Reflects on Toxic Relationships with “Beautiful Lies”

Fri Aug 06, 2021

Taking on the “lies and deception” this Ottawa-based, Bangladeshi-born rocker experienced in a past relationship, bilingual musical virtuoso Ash Ravens has burst onto the Canadian music scene with a brand-new, tongue-in-cheek single called “Beautiful Lies” — available now!

Complemented by emotional instrumentals, Ravens’ richly layered lyricism is drenched in satire as he sardonically projects so-called love for his partner’s lies — all while feeling used and trapped in a cycle of toxicity, with no idea how to escape.

In his own words, the veteran musician summarizes the song as being about “knowing when the other person is lying and cheating,” he shares. “You let them keep doing it, and let them dig their own grave.”

Amanda Kind Soars Above Waves Of Grief With New Ebb-and-Flow “easier” Single

Fri Aug 06, 2021

Canadian singer-songwriter Amanda Kind’s new single ends with a namesake question: “Does it get easier?”

It’s a musing we’ve all wrestled with amidst the throes of heartbreak, and the new song — “easier,” stylized in the humble lowercase tradition of e.e. cummings — explores the more complex query of how to grieve the loss of someone who’s still living.

Give a listen and look at “easier” on YouTube here:

Based on a personal experience she describes as “the intersection of grief and rejection,” Amanda experienced a difficult break-up that wasn’t her choice. “Knowing that someone you love(d) is out there in the world, happier without you, is a complicated pain,” she shares. “I kept thinking, ‘does it get easier?’

“That question turned into a refrain.”

Canadian Pop-Jazz Chanteuse Cynthia Tauro is “Right Here” with New Single

Fri Jul 30, 2021

Continuing to infuse a swirling breath of fresh air into today’s pop-jazz scene, multi-talented Schomberg, ON-based artist Cynthia Tauro is “Right Here” with the release of her new single and video.

As a song, “Right Here” illustrates how love slowly releases when it’s left unreciprocated — and adds to her well-regarded repertoire of soulful, sensitive, and intimate songwriting combined with evocative and immersive vocals over an intrinsic love of Latin and complex jazz harmonies.

Check out “Right Here” on YouTube:

Award-Winning Folk-Rock & World Music Duo HuDost New Song in “Beat the Drum Harder”

Fri Jul 30, 2021

Award-winning music duo HuDost are calling on planet conservation with the release of their pressing new single and mesmerizing new music video, “Beat the Drum Harder”.

Check out the video on YouTube of “Beat the Drum Harder” here:

Led by Montreal, QC artist Moksha Sommer, and Bowling Green, KY artist Jemal Wade Hines, the song is from HuDost’s forthcoming November 2021 album, Anthems of Home.

“The single addresses our disconnection from — and harm of — the planet, and our awakening to the needed return,” the band says. “It is a joyous and celebratory call for us to open our ears and consciousness to the heartbeat of the earth that brings us back to the source.”

Folk-Pop Artist Kele Fleming Sings Through Seismic Life Shifts in “Me Oh My”

Fri Jul 30, 2021

When looking ahead down the road of life, the temptation to peer in the rearview mirror is always just a glance away... And it’s that sense of these past experiences, big life changes, and hope for the future fuelling folk-pop singer/songwriter Kele Fleming’s fiery new single, “Me Oh My” — give a listen and watch it on YouTube here:

Written by Fleming’s longtime collaborator and friend, Ron Yamauchi, “Me Oh My” gives the Victoria-based artist the opportunity to stretch vocally from calm reflection to an emotional roar — knowing well what inspired Yamauchi’s powerfully personal lyrics.

I talked my way outta so many tomorrows
Some good, some great
Who’s the fool now and the sorrow?
Me oh my

54-40's Neil Osborne’s Conceptual Solo Project NIZ WIZ Reveals Exclusive Single Release

Fri Jul 30, 2021

For the first time since its exclusive limited-run vinyl release, 54•40 alum Neil Osborne’s creative persona Niz Wiz’s single “God Do Me A Solid” is available for streaming.

As Side A’s track three from the nom de plume project’s self-titled double album, Niz Wiz: Limited Edition Double Album, “God Do Me A Solid” echoes the release’s expression of feelings and fears around prescient themes: America, money, God, A-I, “and a little bit of Canada,” Osborne shares.

Check out the YouTube of “God Do Me A Solid” here:

“Many people have asked me in the past if I would ever consider a ‘solo’ record, but I never felt the need to…” he reveals. “54•40 is the perfect vehicle for me as ‘Neil’ in our themes of fun, unity, thoughtfulness and reflection couched in a three chord rock combo.

Ralph Pezzullo Gathers Star-Studded Artist Friends to Battle the “Lockdown Blues”

Fri Jul 30, 2021

New York Times best-selling author, award-winning playwright, multi-disciplined artist and singer/songwriter Ralph Pezzullo brings an exceptional group of musicians together to set 2021 ablaze with his debut single, “Lockdown Blues”

As the first single off Pezzullo’s self-titled album, “Lockdown Blues” is a sonically exhilarating up-tempo Blues fusion that’s anything but isolating. Pezzullo’s vision comes to life with the help of a star-studded band that includes John Prine’s keyboardist, P!nk’s bass player, The Wallflowers’ guitarist, and Dolly Parton’s drummer to create something wholly unique.

Check out “Lockdown Blues” on YouTube here:

Multi-Award Winning Canadian Duo Red Dirt Skinners Look to “Brighter Days Ahead” in New Single

Fri Jul 30, 2021

Award-winning Red Dirt Skinners’ latest single release “Brighter Days Ahead” signifies the duo’s foray into 70s-esque indie-pop easy-rock loud and clear. Available now, the new song lands ahead of the Belleville-based band’s forthcoming album release, Bear With Us — coming this Fall.

Rooted in a time when the Skinners — Rob and Sarah — were on tour in Scotland and noticed, amongst the rain clouds, the shadows always pointed towards a rainbow. It seemed to be an observation that could be applied to life in general too, and from that idea, “Brighter Days Ahead” was born.

“We are living in strange and confusing times,” Sarah says. “‘Brighter Days Ahead’ is intended to give the listener hope. It's a positive summer anthem for 2021!” Give a watch and listen to “Brighter Days Ahead” on YouTube here:

Former ARKITEX Frontman ROGOV Revisits Questions on the Meaning of Love with New Single, “Love Is A Killer”

Fri Jul 30, 2021

Canadian artist (and former frontman of 80s-era rockers ARKITEX) ROGOV describes a cautionary tale of the consequences of love in this re-imagined version of his alt-rock single, "Love Is A Killer" — check it out on YouTube here:

Working with long-time friend and Canadian collaborator, Stacy Heydon — former lead guitarist for David Bowie and Gold & Platinum-selling producer (Teenage Head, Long John Baldry, Sheriff) — the two found themselves revisiting an old song off of ROGOV's demo reels.

"We followed ‘Mistakes are Beautiful’ with ‘Love is a Killer’ because, not only is it a defining song between Stacy and me, but because it is relevant today,” ROGOV shares.

Hip Hop Artist Toronto Poor Boy Drops Debut Album & New Single, “No Stressing”

Fri Jul 30, 2021

By sonically documenting his experiences, and taking no aspect of his music for granted, Canadian hip hop artist Toronto Poor Boy has laid it all out on the line with this, his debut studio album, Until the End of Hurting Times.

“Last year was definitely a year for reflection for a lot of people,” the Jamaican-born artist says, “and it gave me the ability to really put my thoughts and feelings into my lyrics.”

Featuring new single “No Stressing” his recently released 26-song LP, Until the End of Hurting Times, is the culmination of patience, character, and self-determination in putting out the most authentic sound possible. Filled to the brim with a range of hip hop bangers, to motivational and inspirational songs, previously released singles “Big Dreams” and “Low Key” were only a palette cleanser for the breadth of insight found within the melodies and lyrics of this immense musical effort.

Check out “No Stressing” on YouTube here:

There Are No "Lonely Days” with Folk-Pop Artist Adrienne Nye's New Single

Fri Jul 23, 2021

Canadian folk-pop and roots artist Adrienne Nye is prepared to transfix even the loneliest listener with her pulsing new harmony-driven song, “Lonely Days”.

A song steeped in utter truths, hinging on pleading, and questioning, and ultimately surrendering to reality, the Montreal-born, Vancouver-based singer/songwriter strikes a chord both on her stunning acoustic, and straight through the heart of any lover lost to love.

Give a listen and watch“Lonely Days” here on YouTube:

This indie songstress has a voice as rich as mahogany and a sensibility in songwriting that flows eagerly between traditional roots, with a nod of country folk, for good measure. Seizing listeners with her enchanting intros that rush like a freight train as the song churns along the track, Nye dares you to join her on the journey — regardless of where it goes.

Forget Ghosting… Toronto Sad Girl R&B Pop Artist ANLIL Haunts with “Phantom”

Fri Jul 23, 2021

At her most vulnerable and raw, Toronto-based self-described ‘sad-girl’ pop artist ANLIL is here to haunt with the release of her slick, R&B-infused banger, “Phantom”.

The track is Sade-smooth with JoJo-dreamy vocals that curl inside your earbuds and nest. Charming harmonies add velvety layers to this already evocative ballad about loving and losing.

Chased with soothing synth, “Phantom” is a bop that exposes ANLIL in her rawest, most vulnerable self. Prepared to leave it all on the lyrics, she delivers on relating and resonating with the pieces each of us are desperate to put back together.

Check out “Phantom” on YouTube here:

It’s Time to Open the Astral Gates on “Devil In A Silk Dress”

Fri Jul 23, 2021

Once again unleashing a sonic flood all their own, Montreal low-fi alt-rockers Astral Gates have flung open a preview to their forthcoming EP with the release of this, their new single, “Devil In A Silk Dress”.

An all-familiar tale of a tantalizing woman who uses what she needs to get exactly what she wants, the supercharged rock hit “Devil In A Silk Dress” is told in a way only Astral Gates can. A heart-thumping anthem to the jezebel that fooled ‘us all,’ its lyrics spell out a defiant notion that we won’t fall prey to her trap — which is both equally worth rooting for as it is a knowing grin that this scarlet letter will charm her way into your arms, whether you like it or not.

Check out “Devil In A Silk Dress” on YouTube here:

Cameron & Crawford Reminisce In Their Joy-Filled New Single, “This Time, This Place”

Fri Jul 23, 2021

Using the momentum from the debut of their emotionally authentic releases “I Want a Song,” “Dark Road,” and “Sometimes in September,” Saskatoon, SK sister-singer-songwriters Cameron & Crawford celebrate connection and gratitude with their new single, “This Time, This Place”.

This poetic duo, Trish Cameron and Wendy Crawford, continue to diversify their catalog of music, stepping across the constraints of genre to focus on melodic and lyrical prowess; "This Time, This Place" does everything right when tugging at the nostalgic heartstrings behind the folksy guitar and soothing vocals.

Check out “This Time, This Place” here on YouTube:

Vancouver's Michelle Creber Captures a Picture-Perfect Day with “Feels Like Summer”

Fri Jul 23, 2021

Canadian singer-songwriter Michelle Creber is cruising into summer with a fresh pop jam radiating some seriously sunny, positive vibes. “Feels Like Summer” is cruising in a convertible in the warm sunlight along a coastline of glimmering water and under cloudless skies. In other words, it’s paradise — check it out on YouTube here:

A co-write between Creber, Christopher Ward (writer of the smash hit, “Black Velvet”), Luke McMaster, and Arun Chatervelli, “Feels Like Summer” is a delightful mix of crystal-clear vocal harmonies layered over easy, beachy beats.

Part of me says that you’re the one
Little voice says wait and see
Your touch, your touch is like the summer sun
And the heat’s comin’ over me

Blue skies are all I see
As long as it’s you, lying next to me

Canadian Roots & Blues Singer/Songwriter Steve Paul Simms is “Rolling” Along with New Single

Fri Jul 23, 2021

He’s “Rolling” down the line now, a freight train headed straight for you… It’s Canadian artist Steve Paul Simms and his latest bluesy, grassroots fed cut newly released single. A testament to the charm of Steve Paul Simms, “Rolling” is the latest from the veteran singer/songwriter with more than two decades of legacy to write home about. The third single from his widely acclaimed fourth release, Ingrid and the Messenger Boy, “Rolling” is Simms’ follow-up to his well-loved “No Money Comin’ In” (April, 2021)

Check out “Rolling”on YouTube here:

“’Rolling’ is a celebration of freedom on the open road, the need to just go, with or without a destination,” Simms explains. “A great driving tune based on a hypnotic guitar riff, it’s a rootsy, bluesy, upbeat tune with acoustic and electric textures.”