Album Release Party: August 15 @ Supermarket Bar & Variety, Toronto

Renowned singer-songwriter Dylan Bradley from Toronto, Ontario, has released his latest single, "Not Worth Saving," from his debut album, No Turning Back - available now! The Toronto rock phenom’s first full-length album has already garnered over 120,000 streams on Spotify.

"Not Worth Saving" is a touching track that explores the raw emotions of heartbreak and the search for independence and emotional freedom. This moving narrative explores the depths of a love that has lost authenticity and needs to be let go.

The most you can ask of a summer is that it’ll last all summer long. And that’s enough for Canary Islands, Spain-based Daria Maxima on “Forever for Now,” her rousing breakout single that celebrates the fizzy impermanence of a warm-weather romance—while leaving the door open to something more lasting, just as this surefire dancefloor smash hints at a long and illustrious career for the wunderkind behind the mic.

Through melodic pop compositions and a glittering artistic energy, queer-femme artist, singer, songwriter and producer Caylie G (they/she) serves as a charming and multi-talented indie-pop star. Currently residing in the Treaty Six Territory of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Caylie G has solid artistic and cultural roots in their musically inspired upbringing. Having established a musicality that shimmers with honest relatability and nostalgia-infused pop artistry, the music of Caylie G can best be described as personal, glimmering and cathartic.

On June 28, the rising indie-pop icon released their debut EP the trials and tribulations of a twenty two year old teenager. A vast array of emotions can be found within the six-track body of work, including the fear of not being wanted, heartbreak, and the rollercoaster of navigating your early twenties. Through her personable and down-to-earth delivery of such vulnerable feelings, Caylie G’s new EP can be enjoyed by music listeners – and teenagers – of all ages and all walks of life.

ALBUM RELEASE SHOW: JULY 24 – DAKOTA TAVERN, TORONTO

Part of growing up is learning to disentangle yourself from people and situations that no longer serve your best interests. Singing sisters Celia and Annie Siriopoulos—collectively known as Caardia—share the wisdom of that lesson on their new single, “Simple Is Better,” which finds them leaving behind the sounds and preoccupations of their child-pop past to enter a Renaissance of indie-alternative maturity.

Both musically and philosophically, the track proves that these Markham-born, Toronto-based tunesmiths are right where they should be for 19 and 21. If anything, they’re already wise beyond their years.

“‘Simple is Better’ is about letting go of toxic relationships, friendships and any other connections that are causing more harm than good,” the duo explains. They call it a song of “overcoming and achieving”—one that talks about perseverance and “following the toxic cycle of ‘forgive and forget’ until you cannot do that any longer.”

Liss Gallery 112 Cumberland Street, Toronto. For more information, call (416) 787-9872 or email info@lissgallery.com. lissgallery.com

Toronto’s Liss Gallery are excited to give a first look into the collaboration between Toronto's own Johnathan Ball and visual artist/musician Billy Morrison.

The collaboration between these two creative and talented artists, and this August 8th we are excited to share that we will have this new piece, other collaborations from Johnathan Ball and Billy Morrison, and a collection of Billy Morrison artworks, at Liss Gallery for Billy Morrison's exhibit.

Having the #1 song at rock radio would make anybody else’s year, but it isn’t quite enough living for Billy Morrison. With the habit-forming “Crack Cocaine,” his wildly successful pairing with the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, still coursing through the listening world’s bloodstream, Morrison is about to show off another side of his talent via an exhibit of his visual art at Toronto’s Liss Gallery.

Errol Starr and TRIBZ are thrilled to announce the release of their new self-titled album alongside the highly anticipated single "Paradise." This release marks a significant milestone in their music careers, as it is the first from the group since their formation in 2021.

Errol Starr and TRIBZ's latest project is not just an album; it's an immersive experience that masterfully blends R&B, Blues, Reggae, Pop, and Rock music. This unique fusion of genres promises to captivate both fans and new listeners, offering a diverse sound that has something for every audience.

Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/album/11BazMu8MzEBK7YnwVomU8

Lagos, Nigeria-born, Toronto, ON-based Afrobeats artist Sojiii is excited to announce the release of his highly anticipated EP, "Alive," followed by the brand-new single, "Ti Le." This debut EP is a must-listen for his fans and all Afrobeats lovers.

His newly released project shows the world exactly why he’s one of the bright lights in the genre. "Alive” is a seven-track EP with no skippable songs. Each song is infused with rhythmic beats and melodic harmonies that pay homage to traditional African music while incorporating R&B and soul music elements.

Sojiii's newest single," Ti Le," is a captivating groove that will pull your body onto the nearest dancefloor as he commands his love interest to move her body over a smooth, seductive beat. The single is picking up steam with fans around the world. In only a few short months, the music video has over 800,000 views on YouTube, with many favorable reviews in the comments. Streaming numbers and radio plays are quickly rising, as well.

After more than four decades of touring, writing, and producing new music Frank Cosentino realized he needed to change his lifestyle.

“I overcame the challenges of addiction and got sober seven years ago,” he stated. “With renewed inspiration, I returned to songwriting with increased focus and energy.”

After working with producer Derek Downham at Studio Cardinal Toronto, Cosentino is ready to release his next album to the world.

The upcoming album, aptly titled ‘COMEBACK’, includes his soon-to-be-hit ‘You Can’t Call Back,’ is out now.

“The story of ‘You Can’t Call Back’ symbolizes my journey,” he explained. “Fate guided me towards collaboration with Juno-winning producer Derek Downham. Together we brought my newfound creativity to life. Throughout the process, my progress was evident, and I emerged as a stronger writer, player, and human.”

David Benson wears many hats. He's a drummer for longtime death metal outfit Acephalix when he's not a special education teacher at a high school in his native San Francisco. Now Benson, under the moniker Said Sara, ventures out into eclectic but effective musical territory with his latest single "Then There You Are".

The musician, who describes the song as "emphatic but affectionate," says the single pays tribute to those who passed on but still "might be monitoring you." You might not see them visually, but could they be present and "listening in" whether "showing themselves in nature or in the air?" For Said Sara, the contemplative track acknowledges the departed's presence through these signs.

Former Spoons and Honeymoon Suite keyboardist, Rob Preuss has whipped up a sizzling summer banger for Canadian synth band, Church of Trees!

It's Over (ft Heather Brazeau) mixes a touch of British New Romantic with a hint of 80's Spoons, all deftly wrapped in ABC-style production.

Off their latest album release, Transience, It's Over may have listeners thinking it's another 'bad relationship' song but, in fact, it's a comment on the state of the world.

"I was interested in penning something that sounded like one thing but is, in fact, about something completely different" says CoT songwriter, Bernard Frazer.

"But there's no one left to say goodbye
no one, cause it's over, yes it's over
There's no time to hide
No time for lovers
Because it's over, it's over"

Beautifully sung by Church of Trees' powerhouse vocalist Heather Brazeau (Pet Sematary, Where Is Love), "It's Over" pulsates with a high-powered beat as Rob Preuss' patented pianos and synths cut through like diamonds.

The It's Over single officially drops Friday July 12 on most streaming services.

There’s determination, and then there’s outright naïveté. Nobody could ever accuse Ontario “acoustic heavy rock” outfit Treading Zero of the latter; on their new single, “Brittle,” they put a tight bear hug on the former. And when they finally let go, what they’re left holding is a powerful affirmation of resilience and growth.

Check it out on YouTube here:

Tina Hyde, the multi-faceted alternative rock musician from Eastern Europe, has released “Happy Never After”.

In this emotionally charged melodic classic, the rising singer-songwriter-composer, celebrated for her powerful voice and impactful lyrics, showcases her rock-star persona and commanding vocals. The track features her dynamic melodies and live guitar playing by Rahill Mirza.

“Happy Never After is about overcoming hardships and evolving despite any difficulties and negativity both as a person and spiritually,” Tina shares. “It evokes feelings of loneliness, finding inner strength, and the concept of revenge. It concludes with the idea that the best revenge is finding inner peace and liberation.”

In "Happy Never After," Tina's preference for loud, belting vocals shines through, highlighting her powerful voice. The track features beautiful transitions, catchy hooks, live guitar, and dynamic melodies, blending to create a unique and expressive listening experience.

“I wrote the song within minutes and finessed it in about half an hour,” Hyde explains. “The melody came along with the lyrics; it was all at once as part of the creation process.”

When we were young and naïve, we used to think rock and roll could save the world. The jury’s still out on that one, but in the meantime, there’s every reason to believe it can win battles that are smaller but no less urgent. 

That’s become the musical mission of Saltwater Hank, the Indigenous roots artist whose new album, Siip’nsk, continues his quest to preserve the Sm’algya̱x language in song. The mother tongue of the Ts’msyen people of Hank’s native La̱x Kxeen a.k.a Prince Rupert, BC. Now here comes Siip’nsk. With every syllable sung in Sm’algya̱x and the music seamlessly interweaving traditional Ts’msyen words and melodies with the instrumental moves of classic rock and blues, the album will find its home by slipping it into the ears of listeners far and wide.

Award-winning Spanish singer-songwriter Meïa Santiago draws on imagery of temptation and forbidden fruit in her seductive new single “Sexappeal”.

Meïa teamed up with renowned music producer Morris Hayes, former music director and keyboardist for Prince, and “Sexappeal” offers a head-bopping blend of reggae, pop, and jazzy arrangements. Its hypnotic chorus – "Sex appeal, my sex appeal, I'll give you something real” – evokes the enchantment of a Goddess Venus casting a spell over her lover.

Meanwhile, the accompanying music video features sultry choreography, as well as plenty of references to ripe apples – the forbidden fruit – for plenty of fun and, of course, a juicy burst of captivating sex appeal.

“The apple appears as the attribute of Venus, symbolizing her tempting tricks,” explains Meïa.

“Inspired by the enchanting melody that appears in the lyrics, it is a tribute to the Venusian and erotic spirit of love.”

When an artist has been in the game for three and a half decades, there’s often nowhere to go but down. And then there’s Saguenay, Quebec’s Martin Larose, whose elevator has instead landed him on a brand new floor with his latest album, Songs from the Kite, and its appropriately upward-facing first single, “Skyscraper Jumper.

The album represents a self-admitted leap into the heavens of prog, folk and even pop for the Saguenay-based guitarist/songwriter, after years spent performing his fretboard gymnastics largely within the idioms of rock and blues. The evolution is especially apparent on “Skyscraper Jumper,” which has the airy, dizzying feel of climbing to the roof of the tallest building you can find and daring to look down.

Everybody remembers their first love. It just takes a streetwise punk outfit like Ontario’s Back Alley Gospel to see it for the exercise in futility it was.

That kind of clear-eyed reflection abounds on the band’s new single, “Old Flames,” which flashes back to the rosy period in a relationship when you can’t get enough of each other, the smiles come easy and everything is going right. You know, before it all gets shot to hell.

We used to hold hands in the heart of the city
And if I went down, you were right there with me
But you had bigger plans, wanted better things
And it took its toll on everything
This old flame was bound to burn out one of these days

Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jake Clemons has released both the single and music video for “Born Like Me,” (featuring Allison Russell and Tom Morello). The video was shot at Jake’s alma mater, The Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) in Norfolk, VA and was directed by GSA alumnus Daniel Russell (Missy Elliot, SZA, Cardi B, Khalid and Jason Derulo/Meghan Trainor). The “Born Like Me” video features Jake’s original song with an additional intro composed by Chace Moss, an outro by Courtney Jay Connor, a performance by 25¢ String Quartet and visual performances by members of the school’s theatre, film, dance visual arts and music departments.

Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/track/22DRnNCJ4JcROVSssS2cSh

The pantheon of great songs that namecheck fellow artists is both wide and distinguished. Now we can add another banger to the list: New Brunswick alt-rocker Kylie Fox’s “Brandi Baby,” the title of which does indeed refer to none other than Brandi Carlile.

“I used to straighten my hair to Brandi Carlile every day in high school, and she became a big influence for me becoming a musician,” Fox gushes. “Brandi has seen me through a few big stages. I planted a lot of trees to her music”—a committed environmentalist, Fox spent several summer vacations doing just that in British Columbia—“and wrote a lot of university papers. I’ve seen her live twice. I’m in the Bramily. She’s probably my dream collaboration.”

August 8, 9, 10 at 7:00pmET
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 6 Sakura Way (formerly Garamond Court), Toronto, ON M3C 1Z5

Tickets available here: jccc.on.ca/event/2024/08/mr-jimmy-live-kobayashi-hall

Sometimes the song really does remain the same—all the way down to the last wildly bent guitar note and subtle rustle of a satin jacket against a 1959 Les Paul. It’s something Toronto audiences are about to find out, as Led Zeppelin revivalists Mr. Jimmy take over Kobayashi Hall for an absolutely uncanny trip back to the days when giants truly walked the Earth (and the rest of us got happily Trampled Underfoot).

It’s hardly a surprise that “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” would be the credo of a group whose discography includes a single as jubilantly persuasive as “Just Say Yes.” Yet none of that begins to cover the extent of the can-do spirit Nashville’s house-shaking Goldy lockS Band embody on the song and in the highly resourceful way they live their lives.

“I’ll stop at nothing ‘til I reach the top. I’ll keep on moving and I’ll never stop,” lead singer Goldy Locks vows on the track, a dancefloor-filling statement of intent that’s every bit as invigorating as “I Will Survive.” Strings saw away melodramatically and guitar power chords crash and churn while Locks applies her powerful voice to a musical promise to “start a motion where the money’s free” and “make it happen where we all agree.”