What happens when you let multi-Platinum/Gold award-winning producer, composer, and guitarist Jesse Cook’s Spanish guitar off-leash with Algerian multi-instrumentalist Fethi Nadjem and some 808 trap beats? You get Cook’s newly-announced album, Libre — coming December 3^rd, 2021.

His 11th studio offering, the release receives its first preview with title-track single, “Libre” – give a listen here: https://ffm.to/librejessecook

“I wrote and recorded Libre during the pandemic when, like most people, I was longing for freedom,” Cook shares of the new project. “My music was my escape from the four walls that surrounded me, and the storm that was swirling outside.”

The inspiration came from a long summer-day drive with his 14-year old, Cook reveals. “My daughter entertained me with her favourite playlists, much of which were trap and 808-inspired. I loved them too, and a question was planted in my mind: ‘what would my music sound like mixed with those sounds?’”

Ripping guitar riffs, hot-as-hell horns, plus a torqued, musclebound rhythm section with firestarter vocals and the swagger of rhythm and blues masters delivering the goods with confidence and precision... These key ingredients combine and react for the Izzo Blues Coalition’s explosive new single, “Take It or Leave It”.

The song serves as the title-track for the Montreal-based band's forthcoming sophomore release; Take It or Leave It is set to land this Fall.

Check out “Take It or Leave It” on YouTube: izzobluescoalition.com/

Conceived and recorded during the heart of our global pandemic, Take It or Leave It was chosen as the new album title for not one, but two life and art-affirming reasons. “Thematically, the title track deals with the notion that we have no choice but to get up every morning and make the best of it,” band co-lead Tino Izzo says. “It’s a theme that resonates throughout the album and speaks to our pandemic experiences.

“Secondly, this collection of songs was conceived for the sheer pleasure of it.”

Study after study has shown that women have borne the brunt of stresses related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Canadian singer-songwriter Carmen Braden’s new single “Menu” captures the sentiment.

Viscerally, at that.

Every man, woman and child in arms reach wants a piece of me
Like I’m the only bird in a house full of foxes,
chickadee chickadee

“Menu” is sparse and industrial, with dark synth and artfully disjointed beats. Braden speak-sings throughout; her voice, matter of fact.

“Scramble for the door/lock it down, lock me in,” she sings calmly. And that’s what so many of us, to one extent or another, have had to do over the course of the past year: take a deep breath and endure family confinement without going cuckoo, even though the possibility is quite definitely there.

“You’ve got me all carved up like a menu” is the song’s refrain, and early on she gives us an image of meat falling off the bone. “’Menu’ puts forward the idea that someone’s whole being is tied to another’s needs,” Braden said. “I’d say it’s about the grind of day-to-day life. The demands on your physical body, and on your energy, on your time.”

Stony Plain Records announces an October 22 release date for Pinky’s Blues, the new album from award-winning blues guitarist/singer Sue Foley. Featuring several Sue Foley originals, as well as songs from some of her favorite blues and roots artists, Pinky’s Blues was recorded at Fire Station Studios in San Marcos, Texas. Joining Sue Foley (guitar, vocals) for the recording sessions were Jon Penner (bass), Chris “Whipper” Layton (drums) and Mike Flanigin (Hammond B3 organ), who also produced the album.

Check out Sue Foley – Southern Men here on YouTube:

To support the release of her new disc, Foley will embark on an extensive tour schedule that includes both an official showcase at the upcoming September Americana Music Conference in Nashville, as well as a set at the Kessler Day Party Showcase during the conference.

“It’s Fine” is the latest musical effort from the unique perspective of Canadian alt-rock duo Blackout Orchestra’s primary songwriter, Ben VanBuskirk, and singer Morgan Thompson-Reid — on whom the song is based.

Available now, the catchy pop guitars and a dance beat are juxtaposed with unrelenting lyrics that emphasize honesty and vulnerability. The efficacious connection between the two is essentially due to the loving and trusting relationship they have away from their art; this natural chemistry allows for a more poignant look at aspects of relationships that are frequently not discussed in music.

“It’s Fine” examines themes of jealousy and insecurity in open relationships through multiple frames of reference to paint a sonic portrait unlike any other. The song celebrates self-reflection and personal growth in a relatable way while acknowledging seemingly insurmountable internal challenges. VanBuskirk explains how the song came together while he “was in the midst of writing songs for the next record,” which is largely atmospheric, dreamy, and a little haunted.

Watch and listen to “It’s Fine” here on YouTube:

Toronto, ON-based NY Times and BILLBOARD-charting global music supergroup Sultans of String have released their brand-new single, “Mi Santuario”.

This song features the four core Sultans, as well as an incredibly talented and inspiring special guest Juan Carlos Medrano, who co-wrote the music with the band, and sings his original lyrics, as well as performing on gaita, the traditional flute.

Check out “Mi Santuario” on YouTube here:

Originally from Cartagena in the north coast of Colombia, Juan Carlos moved to Canada in 2006 as a refugee. “It was tough back home, lack of opportunity for people like me, people that look like me, Afro-Colombian” says Juan Carlos. “We were not comfortable with the system, the rules, and how they treat their people.”

While many other 14-year-olds can find themselves nervously transitioning from senior youths to junior adults, Canadian pop and musical theatre artist Anna Goldsmith is here to say she’s in their corner with this, her dazzling new debut single, “Shine”.

Watch and listen to the single “Shine” on YouTube here:

­­­­­­­­Bursting with messages of hope, solidarity, support, and unwavering camaraderie, “Shine” exemplifies the singer/songwriter’s flawless vocals, incredible range, and relatable and inspiring songwriting style with an ease beyond her years.

Having penned it while still only 13 at the time, the Barrie-area artist also worked with fellow songwriter Jennifer Simpson and multi-JUNO Award winning and Platinum-selling producer, musician, and composer Chris Birkett (Led Zeppelin, Sinead O’Connor, Sting, Buffy Sainte-Marie) to bring the sparkling song to life.

If your 2021 party vibe has been feeling a little too laid back and low-key so far, Nanaimo, BC country singer/songwriter Joel Lee’s newly unleashed banger is sure to kick up the good times; “This Party Ain’t Over”  - check it out on YouTube here:

In the afterglow of the Top 30 success of his previous release, “Adrenaline,” Lee isn’t hitting the brakes any time soon; rather, he’s upping the stakes with his dazzling, brash, new single.

A tongue-in-cheek glimpse into the summertime routines of country folks living on the west coast, complete with their ‘warm breeze and tall trees,’ “This Party Ain’t Over” throws open the gates on the rockin’ country truth of how Canada’s Pacific-side revellers like to rip it up during festival season.

In a time when the magical medicine of music is working overtime at soothing troubled souls, beautiful songs are a prescription to be taken aurally whenever needed, and Canadian jazz-pop artist and composer Francis Nicolas has your next delicious dose with his new release, “Don’t Feel So Sad” — available now!

In “Don’t Feel So Sad,” the Montreal-based musician’s piano and trumpet melodies float over a pulsating rhythm, softly punctuated by ethereal female vocals lifting the song up into a dreamscape filled with anything but sadness. If listening to “Don’t Feel So Sad” pulls you into a cinematic and joyful experience, then that’s exactly what the young composer was intending. Give a listen to “Don’t Feel So Sad”  here on YouTube:

In an urgent call-to-action to address injustices and atrocities that have plagued Indigenous communities for centuries, Canadian rock band Imperial Ashes dive to new lyrical depths to shine a blinding light on neocolonialism in this, their new song, “A Toxic Life” Watch and listen on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/LOxxF8wfo7E

Continuing to craft a soundscape that is fresh, yet familiar, it’s their fourth single released under the guided stewardship of multi-Grammy-winning producer David Bottrill (Muse, Rush, Tool), and accomplished music engineer/mixer Michael Phillips (Stone Sour, Between the Buried and Me).

Multi-Platinum selling and award-winning Hall of Fame producer, songwriter, and artist Myles Goodwyn relays a sombre and striking statement on the residential school system in this, his new song “Some Of These Children (They Never Grew Up).

Check out the YouTube link of “Some Of These Children (They Never Grew Up) here:

“It’s a personal response by Jim Henman and I to the recent finding of unmarked graves of Indigenous children in Canada,” Goodwyn shares of his long-time collaborator, with whom he also started the iconic rock band, April Wine, with in 1969. “We felt like making a statement regarding the discovery of these graves, and this song is that statement.”

“Sometimes finding your voice means losing it first.”

That may be a conceptual statement for most but, for internationally acclaimed Canadian poet-novelist and singer-songwriter Steven Heighton, there are no truer words. After recovering from a near-fatal accident, the Governor General’s Award for Poetry winner returned to his songwriting roots to create and release his debut album, The Devil’s Share, and the new single, “Don’t Remember Me”.

Watch and experience “Don’t Remember Me” on YouTube here:

A deeply moving declaration to a lost love who needs to be, but can never really be forgotten, “Don’t Remember Me” is the first post-release single from the 11-track LP — which just landed this Spring via Wolfe Island Records/CRS Europe.

Pop-rock group The Red Dirt Skinners may just be getting settled in Belleville, ON, but they're far from settled when it comes to their music careers. With a discovery straight out of a storybook, and enumerated accolades from the UK, The Red Dirt Skinners have grown into their sonic skin and surroundings with recent world events, fleshing out new riffs and lyrics; their new single “Wolf In The Woods” among them, and available now.

Upon moving to Canada after receiving an invitation from Canadian Immigration to become permanent residents under the “Performers of a World Class Level” category, the Red Dirt Skinners were on their way to Edmonton to start their tour for the year. As the world was rolling into 2020, and winter storms battered the Alberta region, the Red Dirt Skinners received the news every touring indie group dreads — the show is cancelled and the venue is closed. Tack on a growing pandemic, and you’ve got a recipe for uncertainty.

Following a string of emotionally charged single releases this year, Mallorca, Spain-based Jack In Water entwines them together in this, his stunning debut full-length, You Don’t Feel Like Home” – check it out on YouTube here:

The chamber pop nom-de-plume of singer/songwriter William Clapson, the LP highlights newly unveiled single, “Everyone Will Be Lost,” as well as previous offerings “For You,” “Anxious Smothers,” the release’s title track “You Don’t Feel Like Home,” and more.

When a stand-alone guitar riff meets you at the door, it’s time to welcome in the pure, unadulterated emotion it’s brought along with it. In this case, it’s Canadian artist Emily Molloy and her raw, emotive-packed new single, “Wide Awake,” and her new EP, Catastrophes.

Check out “Wide Awake” on YouTube here:

A fixture in the indie music community of the West Coast, Vancouver’s Emily Molloy is a trifecta of talent. From exciting and enduring song writing, to her flawless execution and powerhouse vocals, to her captivating visuals on-screen and on-stage, Molloy employs a host of truth to the notes she writes and performs.

Further, her commitment to telling the whole story leaves the listener with relatability; her authenticity lends credence to her words, and she captivates audiences by providing solace in understanding with her songs.

Canadian post-hardcore punk-pop rocker Chris Nine unleashes a blistering blast of bone-crushing adrenaline in the form of his new single, “the rage”.

The new supercharged single lands ahead of the Toronto-based artist’s forthcoming EP, The Heavy, due out this Fall.

Check out “the rage” on YouTube here:

“the rage” is a harrowing opus that unveils the duality of love and the consequences of our actions. This viewpoint puts the listener’s experience front and center, creating a connection using emotionally complex themes while embedding them within expertly produced music you wouldn’t typically hear from a newer artist. Chris Nine bears his soul to tell a tale that’s as much filled with tragedy as it is hope.

“I show up, a fight last night was what you
Had to call it
I’m so sorry, I’m still lonely
Can this be our moment”

Gentle in tone as it braces listeners for what lays in wait, singer/songwriter Dean Friedman delivers tranquil and captivating piano concertos with a serving of history in this, his new single “American Lullaby,” and titular album of the same name.

Check out “American Lullaby” on YouTube here:

Hailed as one of the pre-eminent songwriters of his generation, Friedman’s American Lullaby marks his ninth studio album, released on his Real Life Record Label. “American Lullaby” is a journey through the past, drawing visuals from across four centuries of American history as it delves into the dark corners of a blemished past, all with a sense of optimism intertwined for the future ahead.

In an ode to ‘letting go’ and ‘taking life as it comes,’ multi-GRAMMY and JUNO Award-winning alt-hip hop and RnB artist Chin Injeti soars with this, his newest single, “Sparrow” – give a listen and look here on YouTube:

With Injeti handling all instruments, with the exception of the song’s extra synth parts — “They were played by my friend, Anthony Craig Bell, a producer from Philly who produced Jasmine Sullivan, Jill Scott, and many more,” he shares.

“‘Sparrow’ is my little ode to freedom,” Injeti continues. “It was the perfect ‘escape’ when I was held ‘prisoner’ in my basement, as I wrote it in my home studio while I was in quarantine.”

New love can be so intoxicating that we want to slow down every single moment, draw it out, and savor it, making the feeling last forever. And Vernon, BC singer-songwriter Andrew Allen’s new single “Linger” – available now – captures just that: the slowing down, to the point that a lover’s every breath and heartbeat takes on a profound meaning.

A pop earworm that alternates between love ballad and dance tune, “Linger” makes use of simple beats, hook-y harmonies, and well-placed breath and heartbeat effects. Lyrics like ‘go slow/I like to let it linger/you know my knees are getting weaker’ harness that universal feeling of infatuation; listeners experience the slowed-down beauty of noticing all the new things about a love interest, and then the joyful, dance-y exuberance of just knowing that that person exists in the world and our love is returned.

“’Linger’ dives into the intimate connection between two people and the desire you can’t help but see, feel, and want more of,” Andrew says.   Check out “Linger’ on YouTube here:

Canadian dance-pop producer Ryan Shane Owen invites you “into the big striped tent by the river” to enjoy his new single release, “Summer Night Dream” — check  it out on YouTube here:

Drawing inspiration from Shakespeare’s heady classic, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the Vancouver, British Columbia-based artist ushers audiences away on an atmospheric journey through the sonic colours, visuals, and sounds of a moonlit forest.
A singer/songwriter with a plethora of talents, Ryan debuted his first full-length solo album, Rhapsody for the Disco, in the beginning of 2020. From there, he developed and released his sophomore 12-track follow-up album, Symphony for the Stereo, or “Rhapsody part two,” before this new single, “Summer Night Dream.”