When it comes to following her own intuition — and her latest track — Canadian indie pop singer/songwriter Astrid Tanton is decidedly “Better Off.”

The sophomore single from her forthcoming debut album, From My Eyes, “Better Off” continues to pair the fast-rising 18-year-old artist’s insights with her unique sound; the album’s premiere song, “Comfort,” was released earlier this Fall.

“‘Better Off’ follows me trying to navigate what I think is best for me vs what the people who I care about think is best for me,” Tanton says, sharing the song’s meaning. “It’s about the battle between what you feel in your heart going against what those who know you and care for you think.

Give a listen to ‘Better Off’ on YouTube here:

Edmonton, AB-based alt-pop singer/songwriter Wallish is three for three this year as she weaves her incredible artistry around her next set of emotionally biting lyrics. The new result? “Give It To Me Straight”.

“This song was something that was not anticipated or planned,” Amy Wallish shares. “Like much of my life…

“I had been frustrated with my current circumstances in love, life, and music, and could sense things coming to an end in my new relationship and in my musical partnerships,” she continues. “In each case, the individuals seemed to be more distant and not communicating as clearly or as often until, one day, the only response I received was radio silence.

“The silence left me with a multitude of unanswered questions, and left my mind to wander and come up with only the worst conclusions. I realized that, even if the reasons for these relationships ending were because of my worst conclusions, I would rather have somebody tell me straight up than leave me suspended in a place of uncertainty.”

Offering 100% live, modern, deep, and soulful house music freed from the DJ booth, Tortured Soul have released for the first-time ever in digital stores Remixes Japan Edition.

Check out Tortured Soul Remixes (Japan Edition) here:
open.spotify.com/album/1tiNu1hUQ9i0nFTMJ7Rn7j?si=CM_0WGXWRn2cIC9m-hhL3A

Frontman and songwriter John-Christian Urich leads the group while simultaneously drumming and singing with effortless mastery. Listeners will now be able to hear the rare remixes from Jon Cutler, Tangerine, and Yusuke Nakamura (aka Coregion), as well as a release highlight — focus track, "Another Lover (Co Region Remix – Radio Edit)" — remixed by Co-region aka Yusuke Nakamura.

Yusuke Nakamura is a Japanese composer and music producer. He is responsible for music with a variety of media, including Square Enix "Mobius Final Fantasy," Shiseido corporate visual music. As a remixer and music arranger, Yusuke has worked for TLC, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Kiyoshiro Imawano.

With the holiday season fast-approaching and the COVID-19 pandemic still looming over our heads, it’s uncertain what Christmas is going to look like in 2020. Despite the second lockdown and a concerning lack of good news around the world, Toronto-based chef Luke Hayes has returned with his popstar alter-ego — SEKSI — to make a difference and spread a little joy this holiday season, by releasing an all-new single entitled “Be My Christmas Dream Tonight.

Inspired by the likes of Max Martin, this instant pop classic takes its listeners on a journey, complete with a surprise gospel ending. The two-minute, 45 second-spanning dance track is chock full of enough jingling bells and heartfelt, romantic verses to leave anyone with a wide-eyed grin on their faces.

While it’s an undeniably fun and wholesome song that reminds the listener of many of the traditional joys that, pre-pandemic, come along with the holiday season — including caroling and partying with friends — when you listen closely, it actually becomes clear that there’s a deeper message embedded within this bass-driven Christmas single.

Despite her having graced most prestigious stages, it’s all about home for Schomberg, ON’s Michele Mele: her YouTube “Michele in the Kitchen,” where she reveals the secrets of home cooking — and sings, and her series “Concerts at Michele’s,” where she meets famous musicians in a comfortable domestic atmosphere of her Schomberg home — and, again, sings.

So it’s a little wonder that Ms. Mele’s latest release, out on November 16th, is titled “Cozy Christmas” — but then, it has to be a little wonder, because it’s an EP, a mini-album comprising four pieces. Preceded by a scintillating single “Christmas Time In Canada” — Michele’s original song — this record, a small collection of seasonal favourites, oozes class the listeners associate with the Ontarian and is more than likely to multiply the number of her fans.

Check out “Christmas Time in Canada” here:

Grunge trap and alt hip hop rocker Krosst Out is leaving it all on the line with the release of his sophomore album, Phone Calls With Ghosts, and single “Intro (Preface)”.

Watch “Intro (Preface)” here via YouTube:

The track lands alongside the project-at-large that had the Toronto-based artist squaring away with his small-town upbringing. “Some kids treat piano lessons like a chore, but I treated them like a lifeline,” Krosst Out — nee Aaron Siebenga — offers. “They were my way out.”

The sentiment and its translation into Phone Calls With Ghosts are in reference to his upbringing in the small Northumberland County town of Campbellford, Ontario — population 3,500.

Contemporary jazz pop singer/songwriter Katie Ditschun offers a moment of calm and cause for pause this holiday season with the release of her new single, “Be Still”.

“For me, this is a winter song to sing during Christmastime,” Ditschun says, “but the lyrics don’t mention a specific holiday, so it’s really for anyone who enjoys the warm glow of light on a winter’s night.

“My hope is that people will listen to it, maybe all cozied up by the fire, and feel the calm and peacefulness I wanted to bring them. I consider ‘Be Still’ to be a kind of ‘Silent Night.’

To watch and enjoy “Be Still” here:

“In January of 2020, I found myself inspired to write this song,” she reflects. “Christmas 2019 had been a quiet, peaceful holiday for me, so the lyrics are simply about taking the time during the holiday season to slow down and fully appreciate the beauty, joy, and peace that we can see, feel, and share.

To some people the sound of thunder may seem to be a portent, yet to young Toronto artist Delyn Grey it signals empowerment. Her rise has been a striking contrast to the dreary air of 2020, and though Delyn’s forthcoming EP is titled Disappointment Girl — and singles “Battle” and “Ghost Town” addressed the dark issues of depression and quarantine — Grey’s songs strike a chord with too many a listener to dub her a disappointment.

The Canadian’s new cut “Listen To The Thunder” will surely multiply the number of her fans because it’s a testament to Grey’s maturity as a musician — a writer and a performer.

Check out “Listen To The Thunder” here:

Blind music producer and recording artist Mattmac has harnessed his melodic pop-trap beats and inspiring story, quickly establishing himself as ‘one to watch’ on the national scene with his debut album, 20/20.

At 180,000+ streams across platforms, Mattmac’s premiere release features poppy vocals combined with hard-hitting trap beats, and thoughtfully honest lyrics that give listeners a glimpse into the mind of a blind creative as he paints vivid sonic pictures of struggle, healing, celebrating love, family and life on the rez.

The eight-track album’s lead single “Paradise” has risen to become a popular song in the Canadian music circuit; garnering more than 50,000+ streams on Spotify, it hit Top 3 on the NCI FM Indigenous Music Countdown hosted by SiriusXM, and Top 50 on the Mediabase radio charts. With heavy local support from Virgin Radio Winnipeg, the song has become both a national and local sensation — including features with CBC Indigenous, CTV National News, Winnipeg Sun, and more.

Watch and experience “Paradise” here:

Whether he’s in the institute or not James Clark is a doctor of pop. His prescription is simple, three minute blasts of medicinal music.

For his new ten song album “The Colour Of Happy” James once again called upon the talents of producer/musician Moe Berg (The Pursuit Of Happiness) a man who knows his way around a hook. As well as being a fan Moe also added his unique guitar sound and vocals to the new record.

When he wasn’t listening to his parents early rock’n’roll and country-western records, James, persuaded by his guitar playing brother, settled in behind the drum kit and discovered the songwriters that would influence him, Lennon & McCartney, Ray Davies and Elvis Costello. Their influence can be heard on his last full length 2016’s “Yesterday’s Misadventures” an album which ended up on many a year-end best of list.

Moe Berg adds “James takes the power pop traditions of The Beatles, Jellyfish and Split Enz and combines them with the high IQ lyrics of Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson. The result makes him one of Canada's greatest unsung songwriters”.

Two-time Juno Award nominee, Peter Foldy is back with an up-beat, radio friendly pop single, “This Christmas.” Written by Foldy, the track was co-produced with award-winning Quebec born  - L.A. based Gerry Stober, and Rokman.

Give a listen to “This Christmas” here:

Foldy is best known for his classic #1 Canadian hit, “Bondi Junction” as well as his infectious follow ups, “Roxanne” and “Julie-Ann,” both chart toppers in Canada released by Capitol/EMI Canada.

Beyond enjoying a long run as a singer/songwriter Foldy is also an accomplished film director who has worked with major stars such as Paul Rudd, Eugene Levy and Beverly D’Angelo, among many others.

Who better suited to record traditional holiday music than Canadian group Leahy, one of the country’s most highly regarded progressive folk-roots bands? Their well-tuned sibling harmonies and exceptional arrangements are legendary, as can be heard on  their new single, a rendition of  the Christmas hymn, “O Come All Ye faithful.” Having just released their single “Good Water” to great acclaim, the JUNO Award-winning group will also be releasing their upcoming album of the same name, in 2021.

From its strikingly original piano-chord opening to its gorgeous solo vocal ending, Leahy's achingly beautiful version of "O Come All Ye Faithful" moves through the sparsely-backed, haunting voice of Denise Leahy; a glorious chorale of the second verse; a tender violin solo; and a mesmerizing, repeated incantation of the line "Let us adore him." It feels pure and heartfelt.

“Love at Christmastime,” a new jazz composition by Mississauga’s award-winning vocalist Heather Christine, flawlessly mixes the joy of the holiday season with the romance and sexiness of jazz. Heather Christine is accompanied by some of Canada's top jazz musicians: Mark Kelso on percussion, Pat Collins on bass, Anthony Panacci on piano, Brian O'Kane on trumpet, and Donovan Locke on guest vocals.

“Deep in my heart I know you’re the one for me
This holiday I know it’s meant to be
For once in my life I find a love at Christmastime
For once in my life I know love’s here to stay”

“Love at Christmastime” is written by Heather Christine and Eddy Ruyter, produced by Anthony Panacci, mastered by Reuben Ghose, and vocal arrangement by Justin Bacchus.

Inspired by Winnipeg’s empty streets and the nation’s collective concern for COVID-19, Canadian modern rock outfit D2UR channeled their straight-to-the-point songwriting into this, their newest single “Slippin’ Away”.

Check out “Slippin’ Away” on YouTube here:

Co-fronts Diane Isbister and Mike Isbister — plus Dave Sikorski-Thorn, John Colburn, and Stephen Broadhurst — continue to bring their signature rhythms to the forefront in the riff-filled rock piece and serve “Slippin’ Away” as the latest in their library of recently released tracks.

“Upon returning from a well-deserved break in Palm Springs in March, COVID-19 hit Canada hard and restrictions were put in place,” Diane recalls. “Self-isolation for two busy people was going to be a challenge if we didn’t find ways to entertain ourselves!”

The Martin & Murray Virtual Holiday Party
Sunday, December 13th @ 3:00pm AT / 2:00pm EST
$10 via Crowdcast

Ahead of her virtual holiday party this December 13th, ECMA Award winning singer-songwriter Christina Martin has released her newest holiday single, “Kisses for Christmas” — available now!

Check out “Kisses for Christmas” on YouTube here:

Following her 2018 hit holiday tune, “This Christmas” — which has 750,000 streams on Spotify alone, and includes features from Dale Murray and Jordi Comstock, as well as a video by Seela Misra — “Kisses for Christmas” speaks to the simple joys of the season: spending time with the people we love.

“Who remembers all the presents they got growing up?” Martin asks. “Maybe it was that Playmobil mansion, or a first electric guitar, or a prized stuffed animal or G.I. Joe...

With a voice CBC calls “incredibly earnest” with an “honest purity,” award-winning Canadian singer/songwriter Alex Whorms delivers a stunning and timely rendition of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” in time for an unprecedented season.

“The idea for this project came about last year,” Whorms recalls. “I was on tour to promote my EP, Burgundy, and I met producer Micah Doern at a radio interview at Ryerson University’s CJRU. We became friends after that, and decided to try recording together.”

Whorms’ rendition of the holiday classic first recorded by Bing Crosby in 1943 was recorded and mixed by Doern, and mastered by JUNO Award-winning and GRAMMY Award-nominee Dan Brodbeck.

Enjoy “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” here:

Discover the new videoclip for "Cassandra", the debut single from Belgian hypnotic indie pop project "Vis À Vis”. 3 minutes of magic from this enchanting new artist.

Watch, listen and experience “Cassandra” by VIS À VIS here:

With 2.5+ Million plays across platforms, Canadian modern pop / hip hop artist and producer TonyTone is definitely “Not Alone” when it comes to his newest single — available now!

“I imagined 'Not Alone' as a feel good, easy listening, summer-style track," he explains. "I wanted to create a song that had a relaxed mood and memorable vibe that everyone would feel good while listening to.

Give a watch and listen to “Not Alone” here:

With inclusion on upwards of 800+ of Spotify’s most coveted tastemaker playlists, the latest from TonyTone — aka Anthony Marzanek — continues to fall seamlessly inline for his brand of lounge beats and an ambient moods that nod to both hip hop and indie influences, while staying pop-centric at its core.

 “It felt like time to give folks the torchy ‘bar stool’ ballad,” Toronto-based jazz virtuoso Micah Barnes says of his sad yet sensual new single, “The End of a Love Affair” — available now.

It’s the latest to land from Barnes’ most recent and #1 iTunes Jazz Album charting and 500,000+ streamed album, Vegas Breeze, and follows the hard swinging version of “That’s Life,” his playful and wink-worthy take on “When In Rome,” and the celebratory sizzle that accompanied the release’s title track, “Vegas Breeze.”

“So yes, it was time,” he continues. Every Vegas entertainer seems to have that moment where they sit on a stool, in the middle of the spotlight, and sing about the heartbreak of a love affair gone wrong. It’s the flip side of the Vegas high life, when the glitter and neon have faded & our high rolling hero admits to being a loser in love.. 

“In some ways, ‘The End of a Love Affair’ is the perfect saloon song,” Barnes adds, offering its astute lyricism and gorgeous melody as indisputable evidence. “The listener never drowns in the emotion, but stays buoyed up in its mood of sophistication and intelligence.

They say good things come to those who wait. 30 years ago, Montreal artist Erick Beau decided to put his music career on hold to pursue a career in law. Today, he has reunited with his first love--music. He releases his new single, “Waiting for You”, a love song he wrote after experiencing the highs and lows of a long distance relationship. Popwrapped, who premiered the single, says Beau's lyrics "tell stories, express emotions and help paint vivid images in a person’s mind." "Waiting for You" is Beau's second single from his debut album, What it Takes, slated for a May 2021 release.

Check out the video for Coming Home here: