One of the most frustrating elements of the pandemic has been the lack of clear information and the inability of everyone to collectively get on the same page. Canadian alt-pop songstress Lisa Humber addresses these frustrations in her piano-driven ballad “Shades of Grey” – check it out on YouTube here:

Featuring bold piano and moody, dramatic strings, “Shades of Grey” can be taken as both a challenge to think critically as well as a song about the tumultuous end of a relationship. The lyrics are passionate, and also open to interpretation. “I’m so sick of talking/ And you taking offense/ As you pontificate/ While sitting on the fence,” Humber sings.

Master guitarist and singer/songwriter Jeff Gunn dazzles with his signature guitar wizardry on an instrumental track that exudes a mystical sonic energy with his latest single, “Angelicus,” – watch it on YouTube here:

Gunn’s innovative new single “Angelicus” can be found on the rhythmically rich record “Momentum,” a collection of eclectic guitar-driven tracks by a master of his craft. Gunn utilizes a unique guitar technique known as percussive harp harmonics on the entirety of “Angelicus” to produce musical texture audiences can sink their teeth into.

One-person indie rock outfit Edison Rupert dazzles with an ethereal track about resilience in the face of hard times that is sure to make a cerebral connection with audiences on the contemplatively catchy new single “Vultures” – check it out on YouTube here:

Based out of Ottawa, Ontario, the 2022 Capital Music Award-winner for Newcomer Of The Year, emerging artist Edison Rupert delivers an indie rock tune that evokes the imagery of mental stagnation in life and how a dreadful stillness can resemble death and the subsequent pecking of vultures.

Multi-layered guitars, a swinging baseline, and uptempo percussion set the stage for a track that’s more than the sum of its parts. “Vultures is a song about staying strong in hard times,” says Edison Rupert.

The Scotland-born, Puslinch, ON-based songstress and entertainer, Apricity, is captivating audiences once again with her cover of the Scorpions 1990 classic, “Wind Of Change” – check it out on YouTube here:

Teaming with former Canadian Tenor, Joey Niceforo, Apricity breathes new life into “Wind Of Change”, while remaining pure to its original structure transforming it into a lush and beautiful duet.

In true Apricity fashion, the song is accompanied by a stunning music video - shot in sepia, and captivating from the opening of an ominous phone call. Apricity and Niceforo are thrust into a new mission - complete with action, drama, and suspense.

Through times of struggle, we are often looking for a light at the end of a tunnel. However, up-and-coming pop artist Aggie is here to remind us that life is what we make of it, and that happiness is almost always obtainable, in her newest single, “Happy” – check it out on YouTube here:

There’s nothing sweeter than a ukulele feel-good song, and Aggie doubles down on this vibe as she reflects on what happiness really means. “Happy” uses a simple yet alluring ukulele rhythm as its foundation, layering muted trumpet and walking bass lines into this sonic serotonin capsule – daily recommended dose at least once a day after meals.

The latest single from Too Much Of Anything is perfect - even “Just For The Night” – watch it on YouTube here:

The alternative-rock trio from White Rock, BC deliver an indie rock anthem, chock full of rushing percussion, and lead by an electric hook that resembles a 60s surfer wave, stamped with a modern flare.

Drawing on their inspirations from Nirvana, Queens of the Stone Age, and Green Day, Too Much Of Anything executes a post-90s punk with rock and roll charm, dynamic energy and captivating lyrics. Built of Keenan Strand (vocals, guitar, writing), Stefan Sattran-McCuaig (bass guitar, writing), and Liam Wilson (drums), the band is set to drop their full-length, “Just For The Night” produced by Eric Mosher (The Warehouse Studio).

The unquestionable strangeness of modern times is brilliantly captured by Niagara Falls-based psychedelic folk artist THUNDERCLAP! with an eclectic new single about one of the region’s most captivating residents, “Be Resurrected Tonight” – watch it on YouTube here:

A harmonic delight for audiences, the track tells the tale of an avant-garde individual named Hugh MacDonald from the Niagara region; MacDonald was known by many locals to be a relentless artist of several media with a kind soul and THUNDERCLAP! decided to immortalize him, and all of the mystique around his life and death, with a song that does justice to his legacy.

Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/track/7ACJjZoZYLhaBNtljq2zwr?si=a78ec711819e4dfd&nd=1

Sometimes we feel closer than ever, and sometimes we feel worlds apart – despite our physical distances and emotional blockades. Shades Lawrence does what she does best as she delivers a lyrical journey through the deepest rivers and over the highest mountains in her newest single, “Other Side” – check it out on YouTube here:

Shades Lawrence is an artist who prides herself on her heart-wrenching lyrics and sharp delivery. Her newest single “Other Side” is a perfect example of this attention to detail; despite its refined and polished sonic appearance, the song was recorded rather quickly, but the emotion behind the production is clear and hits hard.

Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/track/5dBsXAld3LJPa2LzfComPK?si=b8059339b2be415d&nd=1

Harkness’ agility to write a beautiful song, while simultaneously casting a net of sobering lyrics sets the artist apart in his fantastical foray of songwriting. In “Sugar Bitch”, he juxtaposes a track slung together of gorgeous melodies while regaling the tale of struggling with love.  Check it out on YouTube here:

“Usually when I write a song it comes straight from my own personal experience, be it from my romantic relationships or my general inner world exploration,” reveals Harkness, adding: “‘Sugar Bitch’ was very different in that regard as it was inspired by my observations of what appeared to be a very painful situation that a friend of mine was going through with her ‘lover.’”

Canadian alt-electro-pop darling Mauve considers “Where It All Began” with the release of her electrifying new single and music video – watch it on YouTube here:

A reflective think-piece that merges her experiences with her gratitude, all set to an electro-pop beat, the song serves as the lead single from her debut album, Dream State, on which she partnered with #1-charting industry powerhouses; production credits include Kyle Shearer (Carly Rae Jepsen, Melanie Martinez, Becky G), Jason Couse (JUNO & Polaris Prize-nominated musician from The Darcys), LYRE (top Billboard charting female duo), and more.

“I’m much more grateful now that I know,” she coos on the lyrics.

In a production that feels like a time capsule, Strawberry Swing brings everything great about 80’s pop rock and fuses it effortlessly into a modern production that feels timeless in their newest single, “Bennie (Won’t Dance)”

Like something right off a Billy Joel album, “Bennie (Won’t Dance)” features smashing piano stabs accompanied by a groovy drum set — all leading the listener onto the dance floor.

Absolutely infectious and masterfully executed, it ultimately boils down to an inviting call to action to enjoy yourself and dance it out. Encapsulating Strawberry Swing’s dedication to their production value are energetic piano licks and drum kits, each serving as the diesel fuel driving this high-octane production to its penultimate chapter: a super sick guitar solo.

Enthralling and mysterious, it’s time to “Yell!” with breakthrough electronic trip-hop artist Modern Andy’s new single – check out YouTube:

“Yell!” is an interesting specimen to try and take apart, which really adds to the replayability of the St. Louis-based artist’s newest single. Instantly, Andy’s unique sound becomes very apparent, and you are introduced to his distinguishing production style.

The brainchild of a collaboration between Lowlegs, a Portland band, and Modern Andy, the group had an idea they felt fit into Andy’s style and brought a distinct twist to the overall soundscape. With oceans between them, the musicians got to work, crafting an innovative and satirical take on pop music.

Life can be incredibly difficult just in terms of trying to survive, and children often aren’t blind to their parents’ struggles. In their hopeful-melancholy new single “Just Smile” Toronto folk-rockers Village Manor explore the routine of the daily grind from both the parents’ and a child’s perspective, and sometimes simultaneously.

With beautiful guitar fingerpicking, piano, and frayed-edges vocals soaked in experience, “Just Smile” is a beautiful, cascading ballad that gives voice to a sleep-deprived, working-class existence. “Well it’s four in the morning, waking up for us/ The stars are still shining as you run to catch the bus/ You’re young but getting older with hard times/ One more dream will make your whole life shine.”

Check out “Just Smile” on YouTube here:

Who hasn’t embarked on an outdoor adventure only to learn that the accommodations are a little bit … Icky? Appropriately (and maybe ironically) named Toronto duo The Happy Campers serve up a roaring rock-blues amalgam capturing all the nastiness of a lake cottage gone wrong in their new single, “Icky Cottage Blues” - open.spotify.com/track/7JEISVH9IydnykZe2IWqYE?si=a9a4160137d046b3&nd=1

Pounding drumbeats, wailing guitars, and a wild, careening rhythm are the backdrop to a tale that starts out, “I knew things were bad/ When I unzipped my bag/ And a spider crawled right inside.” Mice, bats, and rats also have their cameos, as well as a mysteriously sticky carpet and a shower so scuzzy it’s better to bathe in the lake.

Sound familiar? Then you’ll understand the comical lyrics and vibe of this latest single by this husband-and-wife team made up of music veteran Chris Birkett and JUNO Award-nominated video director Joan Prowse.

Sometimes there’s nothing like a house party among close friends to crystallize one of your life’s chapters and put everything into sharp, prismatic relief. Montreal-based alt-folk artist Sunray Minor captures all the important characters and warm relational dynamics of his youth in his sunny, shimmering new single, “Life of the Party” – Watch and listen on YouTube here:

With beautiful guitar fingerpicking, smooth crystalline vocals, and an easy-flowing narrative, “Life of the Party” combines a savoring of the here-and-now with a tinge of melancholy, the knowledge that all of this will eventually pass; “and to think everyone of us will die, someday/ I'm just glad we took this night to celebrate our lives, hooray!” goes the sincere, unironic chorus.

Canadian metal band POLARITY puts on a technical sonic showcase filled with wailing guitars and complex drum patterns while conveying observations in a world where history continues to be determined by exploitative forces. A combination of grit and raw musical expertise set the stage for POLARITY’s blistering new single, “Destruction Of Memory”:

POLARITY comes out swinging with a sophisticated song that attracts audiences who appreciate musical craftsmanship and cerebral ideas. The first of three red-hot releases scheduled for this summer, “Destruction Of Memory,” is an electrifying recording borne out of artistic exploration.

“We’ve never done anything conventionally, so recording these new songs live off the floor is something that really allows us to invite our listeners into songs created completely organically and authentically,” says vocalist Jasmine Virginia.

There’s a staggering beauty and profundity to the everyday ebb and flow of life, and Long Island-based alt-rockers Last Charge of the Light Horse capture the simultaneous complexity and simplicity on their new single “Torricelli’s Ocean” from their new album Octet – check it out on YouTube here:

Named for Torricelli’s quote “we live at the bottom of an ocean of air” — with respect to a theorem in fluid dynamics having to do with the velocity of liquid — the song begins with a driving rhythm that settles into a cascade; from there, the overall mood of the song is a sunny shimmer, like light skittering across water, rounded out by wailing guitar and full, honeyed harmonies. It’s contemplative and reflectively celebratory at the same time:
Put the past behind us
Try to live in kindness
This quarantine feels like a marathon Turing Test at times

Rooted in the duo’s unique ability to create musical experiences that are highly relatable, MC Pipo and Doc Filo debut their newest single, “No Lo Consigo,” just in time for summer love – and summer loss

Watch and listen to “No Lo Consigo”on YouTube:

MC Pipo (Rick Alfaro) is a Venezuelan rapper based in Montreal, Canada who found himself drawn to urban music at a young age. Working alongside Pipo is Doc Filo (José Emilio Rivera), a Salvadoran rapper also based in Montreal, Canada, Filo found himself singing and making music as a child; into his early teenage years, he decided to look at music from a professional angle.

From the scenic banks of Battleford, Saskatchewan comes alt-folk singer/songwriter Jackie K and her song about loss and the light that continues to exist in the absence of our loved ones with the heartwarming single “Night At The Opry” – check it out on YouTube here:

Initially released on her 2021 EP, Look for the Little Things, Jackie K glistens on the re-recording of “Night at the Opry” — a captivating musical composition that tugs on the heartstrings and was written as a tribute to her late father.

Rising to #4 on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown Top 100, “Night at the Opry” was inspired by the high school music class Jackie K teaches and the trip she took them to the world-famous Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.

Joe Richard was raised in a small town called Loudonville in Central Ohio. He spent the first 32 years of his career playing music in area clubs and bars. We caught up with Joe at his home in the US, “As it says in the Bible, sin is fun for a season, but the destruction that is done to your body and to your life in general last a lifetime. I spent those years of my life drinking, taking drugs, and many other things. I was trying to fill the void and the emptiness that I always felt inside.”