Burgeoning Montreal-born, Toronto-based queer pop artist Jennarie is ready to explode onto the scene with her debut single, “My Body Treats Me Better,” out November 24th. The track is a funky, upbeat, body-positive anthem defined by soulful, soaring vocals reminiscent of Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga. Check it out on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTZWMBSaiB4

Toronto indie-rockers Vicky von Vicky are back with “Goodbye My Love,” their third release of 2023. The track’s rock-heavy chord progressions and upbeat tempo are the perfect foil to tender, heartsick lyrics that serve as an ode to a lover already on their way out the door. Perfect for fans of Pixies, The Velvet Underground, or R.E.M., the band’s sound is a nostalgic blend of classic rock and late 20th century pop — with a unique, irresistible modern twist. Check it out on YouTube here:

Musician Robbie Tucker genuinely loves making music and doesn’t let Parkinson’s disease get in the way. After all, he’s been at it since he was eight years old and he got his first acoustic guitar for his birthday. Celebrating his fourth album release in less than a year, Tucker is eager to get as much music out as possible.

“I’m extremely proud of it,” he says. “I hope your ears discover happiness, anger, sadness, humour or some other human emotion that ultimately connects us all.”

The album, “WTF Is Happiness?” includes new time signatures Tucker hasn’t used before. The experiment proves to be a success­—“Die Diana Please” (in 6/8 time) and “Relax Now (It’ll Be Okay)” (in 5/4 time) are both catchy earworms.

Check out Robbie Tucker - Boy With The Blue Eyes at YouTube here:

Mercury Messiah, the dynamic rock duo from Montreal, Quebec is returning to entertain audiences once again with “Stay,” their newly released single that will be featured on their upcoming EP “Blast Off” – check it out on YouTube here: youtube.com/channel/UC4EnaycDZ_xbJrhI1D2JLlQ

Mercury Messiah is comprised of co-founder, lead guitarist and singer Emmanuel (Mano) Diles and classically and jazz-trained musician Alex Brunel. Stay takes a satirical look at a dark time in Mano’s life as it explores a man’s last dance with a woman, essentially a metaphor for the dance we know as life.

With this new single, the band adopted a more subdued tone, breaking away from their trademark hard rock vibe and demonstrating their ability to explore new sounds while keeping their style of progressive, metal, and hard rock. “Don’t get it twisted though, despite dialling things down to 10 from 11, Mercury Messiah is still a hard rock band at its core” Diles exclaims.

Jamie Ruben, the Toronto-based independent experimental artist with an impressive background in scoring for HBO, Showtime, and various independent projects, is poised to grip music enthusiasts with his groundbreaking debut album, “Instrumental Obscenity.” This release promises to be a unique sonic revelation that challenges the boundaries of instrumental music, even with getting a Parental Advisory sticker….on an album of instrumentals.

“Instrumental Obscenity” is far from your typical instrumental album; it’s a transformative auditory experience in both the exploration of sound and form. It will take you on an unprecedented journey. Known for his emotive soundscapes featured on platforms like HBO, Showtime, and independent projects. Jamie Ruben has pushed the envelope of traditional instrumentals, crafting what one reviewer aptly described as “easily the sassiest instrumentals ever.”

Film Beat Jamie Ruben:

iLLAH, also known as Mirazh, is ready to introduce the world to his hard-hitting lyrics and delivery with his new single, "Desire." After years of honing his skill, iLLAH's multifaceted talent and reflective lyrics are on full display. Check it out on YouTube here:

Growing up in the NDG neighborhood in Montreal to a Jamaican family, iLLAH draws inspiration from a range of musical genres, from jazz to reggae. His journey into emceeing began when his older brother imparted the art of structuring raps. As a burgeoning young writer, iLLAH seamlessly transitioned from crafting short stories to composing impactful lyrics.

A chill and introspective journey through heartbreak, the new single from Chin Injeti “Make You Understand” began as merely a chorus on TikTok and then blossomed into a beautiful collaboration. Check it out on YouTube here:

“I was in a precarious place at the time,” the Toronto-based songwriter/producer recalls. “A relationship that was hanging by a thread was coming to an end. So, I wrote the chorus and posted it on TikTok, and then my friends from daysormay sampled the chorus and wrote the rest of the song.”

Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/track/123yHiSrHK26KrdoKa1lBf

Don't get her wrong-- Francine Honey is just as sweet as her name implies. But on her latest record Rockets In My Boots, Volume 1, she's frisky, risky, and ready to shoot whiskey?

"Better Think Again" Live Off the Floor Studio Recording - Francine Honey

Kitchener, Ontario’s seven-piece blues ensemble Fog Blues and Brass Band – featuring Dan Jancar, nominated for the 2024 Maple Blues Award for Best Horn Player - announce latest single “Who’s Gonna Suffer” from their album 12 Bar Prescription.

Check it out on YouTube here:

Following up the success of their earlier singles from the album 12 Bar Prescription, Fog Blues and Brass Band has released their latest bop “Who’s Gonna Suffer” that blends blues roots music with backing brass instruments to making a rocking fourth single. Fog Blues and Brass Band bring the groove that encapsulates their dynamic and thrilling live show that gets audiences toe tapping and twisting to their over-the-top full sound blues rock.

The homelessness crisis in Toronto has reached a critical point, with over 8,000 people experiencing homelessness every night. These individuals often find shelter in the city, while many more grapple with "hidden homelessness," relying on the generosity of relatives, friends, or strangers with little sense of stability.

The problem is exacerbated by Toronto's severe lack of affordable housing. The wait for supportive housing is several years long, forcing families to spend over 50% of their income on housing, leaving less for necessities like food and medication.

In response, Toronto-based Richard Todd, best known as the singer/songwriter/guitarist for the band Redpath Traffic, has teamed up with WoodGreen Community Services, one of Toronto's largest social services organizations, to address this urgent problem with creating “The Forgotten Homelessness” charity single with a cast of all-stars.
Check it out on YouTube here:

Toronto-based rockers Cigar Club have released two new contrasting yet complimentary singles, “Dark Market” and “Ocean Potion” both pulsing with the same buzzy, fuzzy guitar tone to make them two sides of the same coin, or sonic fraternal twins.

“Dark Market” is full of dark strut and swagger, infused with a dirty, gritty ’70s vibe meets the Arctic Monkeys. The song pounds with suspense and a gray, hazy feeling of malaise you just can’t quite put your finger on. All you know is that the morning’s dark and the coffee’s bitter and lukewarm:
Now you roll around the east of town
Where the creases in the streets pound through the seats into your soul
Falling and you can’t climb back now
Summer had danced with a frown
And an extended hand your fingers had found but it was cold

“This song came together almost in a blur,” recalls drummer Tyler Booth. “I remember hearing the chorus riff for the first time from guitarist Trevor Coughlin. That fat, fuzzy, in your face tone he had coming out of his Fender Bassman. Holy– I knew there was potential.”

“Dark Market” on YouTube here:

Some people say think if you do what you love for a living, your job is easy to do. However, this isn't as cut and dry as it seems. No one understands this more than Calgary, AB-rockers Redhead Mack Band in their new single "Pick It Up," the first single from their new album You Know That You Want To. Check it out on YouTube here:

The song opens with steady riffs from lead guitarist Lee Carlson and backup vocalist and bassist Jared Wiebe. Then songwriter and vocalist Kevin Phillips comes in with the first two verses, which discuss picking up something new and then learning to enjoy it. However, the chorus that follows shows how a personal passion can dominate your life once you start trying to make a living from it.

Thursday, December 14th
Horseshoe Tavern, Toronto
Doors - 8:00pm

Hosted and headlined by Gavin McLeod, Jammin’ for Joy is an annual charity concert celebrating its 11^th year. The concert began more than a decade ago in Gavin’s hometown of Milton, ON, to raise money and toys for underprivileged children during the holidays. This year, the concert will be returning to the legendary Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto. Proceeds from every ticket sold will be donated to SickKids Foundation.

This year’s lineup will include an acoustic set by English singer-songwriter Zach Oliver, as well as performances by Niagara Falls-based blues/psychedelia band JIN and Gavin McLeod. ‘Performance times are as follows:
Zach Oliver (acoustic) – 8:30pm
JIN – 9:15pm
Gavin McLeod – 10:15pm

Tickets are $15 (+ fees) online, or $25 at the door. Tickets are available at www.gavinmcleodmusic.com or https://www.showclix.com/tickets/jamminforjoy. The event will include raffle prizes and special guest appearances.

Arturo Rojas keeps the music vibes alive after the recent success of "Te Diré" (Song of the Week on Toronto's Voces Latinas CHHA 1610 AM). Now, he introduces his latest single, "Entre Mi Fuego y Sangre" / "Between My Fire and Blood," a harmonious fusion of artistry and emotion.

"Entre Mi Fuego y Sangre", written by Rojas, is a personal artistic expression of positivity, after experiencing a near-death situation. "It made me wonder about life", the singer shares. "What comes after we die? Where are we going after death? Is there a place waiting for us after we pass away? But in the end, we need to learn to give…" Check it out on YouTube here:

Despite drawing inspiration from a challenging life moment, Rojas skillfully channels his emotions into a captivating ballad, effortlessly blending Latin, pop, and jazz influences.

Independent Toronto-based artist Alan Tuck is back with his latest single “By Any Means (Warriors).” The high-octane, blood-pumping track boasts features Chicago rapper iRoc Omega, who recently collaborated with Snoop Dogg, and award-winning Montreal-based rock vocalist and songwriter Bobby John. The result is an irresistible, genre-bending rock-rap anthem reminiscent of Jay-Z and Linkin Park’s stellar 2004 joint project Collision Course, tied together with a heartwarming backstory sure to make anyone a fan.
Check it out on YouTube here: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=1ra1mBaeJ1k

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Nothing worth having comes easy.

Vincent Teetsov has been steadily writing music and books since 2013. It’s been quite the 10-year ride, and it helped bring him to become the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for Toronto-based “tropical rock” band Blumarelo. It also inspired the band’s latest single, “Maybe You’ll Win This Time.” Check it out on YouTube here:

The song is a reflection of the decade Teetsov has spent roaming the path that was meant for him: the peaks, the valleys, and every terrain in between.

“At the core of ‘Maybe You’ll Win This Time’ is a story of patience, persistence, and frustration in the pursuit of one’s destiny,” the band said.

After spending the last 20-plus years focused on electronic music production and songwriting with an emphasis on dance music, independent Canadian musician Ryan Shane Owen revisits his roots in classical and traditional music with his new album, Wintersong.

Listen and Watch Myfanwy on YouTube here:

Ryan turns his electronic production skills towards music from the 15th to the 19th century, adding percussion and beats to bring a modern interpretation to the multilingual album. He sings in 7 different languages on Wintersong: English, Welsh, French, Italian, German, Norwegian, and Finnish. Ethereal, atmospheric, cinematic, gothic, moody, romantic, and mystical, the album explores old territory with a fresh twist.

Singer-songwriter Ron Kalmakoff’s music is so closely correlated with evoking vivid nostalgia in his listeners, that his fans asked for years if he would ever consider releasing a full Christmas album. This holiday season they are in luck, as his first ever Christmas single “Christmas Once Again,” just in time to incorporate into this year’s music memories. Check it out on YouTube here:

Before migrating to the west coast of Canada, Kalmakoff spent his childhood roaming the prairies of Canora, Saskatchewan, an experience he illustrates in an earlier song of his entitled “Where the Willows Bend.” In “Christmas Once Again”, he calls upon that same wistfulness, changing the lyrics of “Where the Willows Bend,” and inviting listeners back to that familiar special place in Canora- this time to stay for the holidays.

It's a tongue-in-cheek Christmas for London, Ontario's preeminent folk-roots collective Maggie's Wake. Their new single "Christmas Is Coming (for you)" on YouTube here:

 "Christmas Is Coming (for you)" is not your typical holiday single. Maggie's Wake's frontwomen Tara Dunphy (The Rizdales, Luther Wright and the Wrongs) and Lindsay Schindler (Rant Maggie Rant, Trent Severn) aren't afraid to get candid about the ever-expanding holiday season-- and how hard they often find it not to roll their eyes.

Listeners will relate to their quippy lyrics about spotting Christmas decorations pre-Halloween, accidentally overspending on gifts, and having to create "a gluten-friendly, vegan, pescatarian" meal the whole family can enjoy. But that doesn't mean Maggie's Wake has penned a new anthem for Ebenezer Scrooge!

There’s no better way to ring in the 2023 holiday season than with Sherri Harding’s enchanting new single, “Doin’ Christmas Right.” Check it out on YouTube here:

Produced by Dick Cooper, with Brian Cooper on bass and Rob Holtz on percussion, Harding’s new song is another project created in collaboration with The Cooper Brothers. Instrumentals by the world-class Muscle Shoals Horns inject warmth, energy, and a beloved holiday sound into the single. With all the makings of a holiday classic, “Doin’ Christmas Right” is a melody listeners will no doubt return to year after year.