Sometimes when you’re in the heat and tumult of living, it’s hard to know exactly what a particular time of your life might mean. Toronto-based folk rocker Gary Edward Allen captures the beauty and confusion of youth in his warm, reflective new single “Understood” – Check it out on YouTube here:

Featuring the very steel guitar used on Gordon Lightfoot’s “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” Allen’s “Understood” is jangly, melancholy, and journeying through the years. The song begins with a beautiful walk home, one that the narrator can still see vividly in his mind’s eye:

The trees they dance and sway

The traffic rolls by
We live in complicated times
From the floor of an old friends house
...pictures hanging upside down 

When you're worried too much about what others think of you, it can be hard to be yourself. Sometimes, the right song can give you the encouragement you need to let go of other's perceptions of you. Long Island, NY based Hip-Hop artist Freddy D aims to encourage listeners to be themselves in his new single, "Life Of The Party."

Check out the "Life Of The Party" on YouTube here:

The song kicks off with the chorus right from the start as Freddy D asserts that they will keep being who they are even when no one is paying attention or when people hate them. He raps against a trippy backbeat that is just as catchy as the lyrics.

There’s nothing more torturous, and bittersweet, about being half in and half out of a relationship. Louisville, KY-based rockers Feral Vices capture that limbo with their dark, driving, metallic anthem “Black As The Sea” – check it out on YouTube here:

“Black As The Sea” chronicles a relationship that’s become soul-sucking, no matter how much the narrator also wishes he could stay:

You want to take it from me,
This hole's as black as the sea
You want to take it from me,
But I would give it to you

We all need to get away sometimes. Depending on where you are, some places are better vacation spots than others. For Middleport, NY-based alternative folk singer Evan Anstey, that place is "Arizona", as heard in his jubilant new single. Check it out on YouTube here:

The song opens with a stirring guitar and fiddle intro before Anstey starts singing against a steady train-like rhythm before the banjo launches into the chorus. The rhythm creates a sense of wistful wanderlust that enhances the emotional impact of the lyrics as Anstey sings of a place to beat the blues. By the time the chorus comes in, Anstey’s vocals are passionate and soaring as he sings of Arizona and the state's gorgeous mountain views.

Sometimes, it feels like everyone is on their own. When this happens, you can feel powerless to do anything to make your life better. However, the right call to action can motivate people to change things. Toronto-based rock artist Carlos Thurler rallies the people in his new single "Divided."

Check it out on YouTube here:

The song opens with a steady blues rock riff that hooks the listener right before Thurler comes in with gravelly vocals. The first verse establishes the song's grim tone as it discusses how people try to stay sane in a hopeless world. As the chorus comes in, Thurler sings of how it might take the world burning before people come together to make a change.

54-40 has been telling Canada where they came from and where they’re going for the last 40 years. Now, it’s time for lead vocalist and guitarist Neil Osborne, bassist Brad Merritt, guitarist, keyboardist and vocalist Dave Genn, and drummer Matt Johnson (with the help of keyboardist David “Oz” Osborne) to reveal their band culture in a collection of songs called ‘West Coast Band.’ Through self-referential and often very literal stories, the songs explore bizarre shenanigans, odd dynamics, and personalities of its members. 

‘West Coast Band.’ Is the first single offering from the forthcoming album of the same name, out October 6, 2023. The track is an autobiographical origin story of 54•40. The sound and production pay homage to the local Vancouver music scene that inspired Neil and Brad to form 54•40 and commit to a creative life. Check it out on YouTube here:

Danny Michel and Steve Poltz met at a little Canadian folk festival a dozen years ago and became quick pals, creating one-of-a-kind live musical experiences on the spot.

Danny Michel is one of Canada's finest songwriters. A musical chameleon, able to slip into many genres with ease. An adventurous and unbounded artist. Danny's single "Don't Be So Hard On Yourself" was the 2022 #1 Fan Voted Song Of The Year on CBC Music's Top 20.

Halifax-born, California-raised Steve Poltz is a storytelling genius, weaving threads through songs to make you laugh and cry. He's hyper, charismatic, spontaneous, joyous. A little bit Robin Williams, a little bit James Taylor - a live show legend.

On this tour, they'll hit the stage with their own solo sets and sweeten the evening with impromptu collaborations. Carefree. Fearless. You have to be there to see it LIVE. Expect the unexpected.

Recent Women in Music Canada Honour Roll recipient and Cultural Diversity Award Winner, Shumaila Hemani, Ph.D., releases a non-western art song: “Primordial Covenant” from her upcoming second album: Kashf (unveiling). Check it out on YouTube here:

“Primordial Covenant” is based on Hemani’s poem that was published in Alberta’s literary feminist magazine: New Forum (2021) and nominated for the Alberta Magazine Awards in Poetry (2022).

“Primordial Covenant is an anthem for trans-Cultural Canada, as it strives for greater equity, diversity, and inclusion while integrating the multiple beliefs and faith practices in its cultural life,” says Hemani.

Warm days, wind in your hair, not a single care in the world. Nanaimo, BC- based singer-songwriter Glen Foster captures the ease and breeze of the perfect summer road trip with his new single “Different Highway” from his forthcoming album Unnatural Tendencies.

Using a 12-string electric guitar to imbue the song with a little bit o’ twang reminiscent of the Byrds’ Roger McGuinn or George Harrison on “Eight Days a Week,” Foster purposely sought a ’60s Summer of Love vibe on “Different Highway.”

That was me you saw for a fleeting glimpse
Out of the corner of your eye
You were standing in line with him waiting there When I went shuffling by
You looked so cute when I caught your glance Your ticket in your hand
I knew you were excited to see me again
Here on my one night stand

The song waxes introspective and philosophical on the musician’s life itself. “The concept is that musicians may be on a different highway, but still chasing the same old dream,” Foster explains.

Highly renowned Canadian classical guitarist Emma Rush is set to captivate audiences with the release of her latest album, "A Dream of Colour” is inspired by the life and works of impressionist painter, William Blair Bruce. Collaborating once again with her long-time producer Kirk Starkey, Rush recorded the album in her hometown of Hamilton, Ontario. Check it out on YouTube here: music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nhmHFg8af71rcaa2p-_QrFB7W_setxA2U

The well-travelled classical artist’s new record features daring new music by esteemed Canadian composers, all beautifully capturing the essence of Bruce's artwork. While growing up, she developed a deep connection to fellow Hamiltonian William Blair Bruce's paintings, which decorated her family's homes and the Art Gallery of Hamilton. Motivated by family ties to the celebrated artist, she embarked on a musical journey, inviting composers to interpret Bruce's work through sound.

Eclectic Revival, the quartet Celtic fusion band, is pleased to announce the release of their highly anticipated new single, 'Cry Havoc!' from their upcoming album 'Weight of the World.' This bluesy, soulful lament serves as a poignant reflection on the burdens of existence while evolving into a powerful call to action, encouraging listeners to lend a helping hand and truly listen to one another. Check it out on YouTube here:

Since its birth in 2005, Eclectic Revival has captivated audiences with its unique blend of east coast traditional, original rock and blues with a twist of Celtic tradition. The band's diverse backgrounds in acting, stand-up comedy, and music infuse their performances with an engaging and participatory atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on all who attend.

Introducing Blake Little, the 22-year-old singer-songwriter from Toronto making waves already, and just released his highly anticipated new single, 'Spring' – check it out on YouTube here:

With his undeniable passion for a musical story and a unique low-fi rock sound, Little delivers an emotionally charged song that explores the complexities of heartbreak, personal growth, and the fleeting nature of life.

Little's musical journey began at a young age when he discovered his love for singing and playing the guitar. Pulling on inspiration from a formidable range of rock genres, including Zeppelin, Little's music offers raw authenticism mixed with 90s grunge and early 2000s rock. His distinct vocal palette shines through, commanding listeners to hear his words.

New love can come in many forms, whether it be a new romantic relationship, a new friendship, or a newborn child. When this happens, everything feels like a fresh start filled with promise. Trois Rivières alt.rock band Around Joshua celebrate this newfound hope in their new single, "Baby Stardust".

Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/track/09qKBCqvrsU4JvMuyDdloN

The song opens with upbeat guitar riffs from guitarist and vocalist David Talbo as well as a steady drumbeat from Jean François Houde and keyboardist Marie Claude Chateauneuf and David Leclerc on bass guitar that makes the listener want to get up and dance. Then the song's first verse comes in as Talbo sings of the bliss of waking up and starting the day with someone he loves. The words "I'm ready to begin" serve as the hook that leads into the song's jubilant chorus.

"Baby, baby stardust
Tears falling down
You choosing us"

Sometimes, you need music that will serve as a slice of soul salvation. It doesn't matter what genre, as long as it lifts your spirits and gets you through another day. This summer, ‘Peace In My Soul,’ from New York-based indie rock Americana band Smoke Ring Days, just could be that song. Check it out on YouTube here:

The song opens with a distinctive Thin Lizzy-style dual harmony guitar riff from multi-instrumentalist Rick Eppedio, paving a path for vocalist Cindy Keyser-Posner to come in with the first verse, describing isolation and alienation in an everyday, easily relatable way, before offering a mantra to soothe the solitude:

Meghaan LeBlanc lights up the misty shore with a new roots-infused chamber pop project as Faun Stella and its first single, 'The Isle & The Sea'. Check it out on YouTube here:

 Canadian through and through, LeBlanc hails from Nova Scotia where she is embedded in the music scene as a singer, songwriter, and storyteller whose style is a blend of Celtic folk and roots-rock music. Her stage-sharing credits, under the alt-rock alter ego Meghan Morrison, include plenty of notable Canadian artists such as Jim Cuddy (Blue Rodeo), Raine Maida (Our Lady Peace), and Chantal Kreviazuk (Moon vs Sun).

Although Kele Fleming specializes in vulnerable folk lyrics and rock melodies, the EDM world continues to favor her music, remixing her raw singles as bass-heavy beats. “The Great Acceleration” (Devours Remix) is the newest EDM remix of one of Fleming’s hits, dropping July 7, 2023. Check it out on YouTube here:

On the acoustic remix version of her beloved single “Dreamin’,” Vancouver, BC-based pop singer Jessica Chaz mixes soulful R&B with reflective, introspective guitar to create an ultimately hopeful message about the power of dreams and imagination.

What are you hoping for every night
Come on it’s time they say, it’s time to start a real life
But how do they know, what’s in sight, what is right
This ain’t a dream no more, this is my life

Even though the narrator feels discouraged, the song shifts in perspective when Chaz begins to sing, “I’ll keep working every day, oh/ I’ll keep hoping for a break, oh,” paying tribute to the power of faith beyond what’s in view right now.

Originally released in 2018, the original version of “Dreamin’” has racked up 80K views on YouTube. Chaz believes the message is relevant now more than ever, as we grapple with a “new normal” post-pandemic.

Check out “Dreamin’” on YouTube here:

For his new album 2070, Jeff Eager strove to create a collapsing of the eras – the sounds he loves, inspired by the classic songwriting of the late 70s and early 80s, but for the future - say, the year 2070. His first single “I Don’t Care For What’s Out There” – available now – perfectly encapsulates this blurring of time as Eager, against an energetic, summer-fun groove, addresses the juxtaposition of the musician lifestyle and fatherhood. Check on YouTube here:

On their new EP Us, Upon Sleep, Toronto-based married couple and musical partners James Keith Norman and Beck Norman create lush, sweeping soundscapes that exist somewhere between wakefulness and dreaming, conjuring imagination, intimacy, and sense of poignant romance. Their first single, “Us, Wandering Wide Asleep” evokes a shimmering, windy snow-covered prairie that somehow isn’t cold. Check it out on YouTube here:

And then suddenly you’re running – joyfully, with no destination in mind as the sky changes colors and sleep envelopes you fully, and you realize that you don’t want to leave.

As if waiting atop a lighthouse towering along cliffside shores, Yorkshire, UK-based singer/songwriter Gideon Foster transports us to his black-and-white fever dream with the melancholy new single, “Prophecy” – check it out on YouTube here:

Foster’s new song is the title track from his genre-defying album “Prophecy,” a musical journey sparred from an epiphany that fell upon Foster. “I’ve always had a love of music and played guitar a bit, but until I had a spiritual awakening nine years ago, none of it made sense,” says Foster. “As my life changed as a result of this event, I started to look for meaning in my life, and songwriting became that meaning.”