We all have the power to reach into ourselves and find what it takes to be our own biggest hero. But every now and then, we need the encouragement of someone who’s had to do the same thing. Enter Canadian singer/songwriter, teacher and musical philanthropist Danny Lamb, whose “Champion” distills his own triumphs over highly specific challenges into a call to action that could steel anybody’s resolve:

With all your love
Be someone the world will call a champion
Don’t be afraid
You will overcome
And the world will call you a champion

Navigating the complex space between friendship and romance, often referred to as the “friendzone,” is the focus of Feez Da Popstar’s new song, "M T F (More Than Friends)." This track delves into the emotions of being caught in a “situationship” where one person desires more than friendship. Hailing from New York, Feez Da Popstar has already garnered thousands of streams on digital platforms and returns with this Hip-Hop banger to resonate with anyone facing unreciprocated feelings. Check out YouTube here:

The lyrics of the song cleverly reflect the concerns of a person who is emotionally engaged with someone else, but is not completely clear about the other’s feelings or intentions:

“MTF means more than friends, Not how it begins but how it ends.

Am I the one it all depends,

Toronto singer-songwriter Tyler Ellis is one of the unsung heroes of folk-roots music on the scene, but his peculiar poetry brilliantly shines in this apropos LIVE album GREATER-THAN, recorded at the ever-popular, intimate Free Times Café in downtown Toronto. Ellis’ seventh album to date, Greater-Than – dedicated to his father who passed away in December of last year – is set to be released at a concert on June 21st at the New Hugh’s Room Live, 296 Broadview Ave., Toronto, ON.

With opening sets by two of Toronto’s most prolific and dynamic singer-songwriters, Lynn Harrison, Noah Zacharin, and a special performance from Tranzitionz Jazz, the doors are open at 7:00 pm and the music starts at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $30 Advance + Tax & Fees at www.Hughsroomlive.com.

Tyler Ellis's Greater-Than album offers a portrait of a near-perfect folksinger (he admits, in song, to being a “John Prine wannabe”) doing what he does best: a lone man with an acoustic guitar, leading singalongs and relentlessly charming a full house of fans, with his expert songcraft and a fine sense of humour, live onstage at Toronto's renowned Free Times Cafe.

Certainly, the impulse to flee uncomfortable social situations is a universal experience. However, for Toronto artist Sydney <3 and countless others, these episodes keep kicking in repeatedly without an apparent reason. This time, social anxiety has been an inspiration for the talented K-Pop artist, infusing “Anywhere But Here” with raw emotion. The song, already available in three different versions - Bilingüal, Korean and English - will surely resonate with listeners who suffer from this. Check out YouTube here:

Today, emerging Canadian pop artist Olivia Penalva, announces an expanded version of her latest album Spiderwebs (Deluxe), slated for release on July 5th via all streaming platforms.

Earlier this year, Olivia made a triumphant return with Spiderwebs, an incredible collection of 11 emotive tracks. The deluxe version will feature two additional songs that further explore themes of romance, heartbreak, and the complexities of human connections through Olivia’s powerful vocals and relatable lyrics.

All the songs were written or co-written by Olivia and takes listeners on an emotive journey through the highs and lows of love and self-discovery. Produced by Ryan Stewart (Carly Rae Jepsen, Simple Plan), the new tracks are entitled “Bad” and “You’ve Got Yourself To Blame (For The Way I Love You).”

“You’ve Got Yourself To Blame (For The Way I Love You)” showcases Olivia’s stunning vocal capabilities paired with the sounds of delicate piano and guitar strings in a driving, cathartic track about the consuming feeling of falling in love.

What do you do when you’re a world-renowned guitarist who’s sold more than 2 million records, won an entire mantel’s worth of awards, and toured relentlessly since the pandemic lockdowns were lifted? You add more dates, of course.

Check out YouTube here: youtube.com/channel/UCrkpCQhc1ZCuwpsL90uPfbg

Nuevo Flamenco sensation Jesse Cook has just announced the spring 2025 leg of his “Jesse Cook in Concert” world tour, adding 15 shows that will take him to five Canadian provinces between February and April. The extension is the clearest testament yet to the unprecedented success of the tour, which started in 2024 and has been bringing the already wildly in-demand Cook to new markets and bigger venues than ever before. The freshly added dates are as follows:

As Bob Dylan figured out long ago, sooner or later we all need shelter from the storm. And that’s exactly what we get on “Come On In,” the highly comforting new single from Manotick, ON roots-rocker James Leclaire.

Check it out on YouTube here:

Singing in the grizzled, relatable voice of somebody who’s been there, Leclaire throws open a metaphorical door for us, reassuring us that what lies within is a sanctuary where we can recharge our batteries until we have the strength to make another run at life.

“The music is fun, upbeat, and energetic while the lyrics speak to social anxiety, dread, and feeling out of place,” explains frontman Jacob Tucker. “This juxtaposition reflects me at The Party – appearing to be having fun on the outside while just looking for an escape on the inside.” Check out YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTJb30JsgrM

The inspiration behind the song came when Tucker attended a work event in hopes of getting to know his coworkers and maybe even making a few friends. It didn’t take him long to realize that these were just not his people.

I’m at the party
Talking about routes to work
Discussing all our grocery stores
Touching upon nothing at all
And I can’t stand it
I’m here because I think they’ll care
Here because for some reason
I think they’ll notice if I’m not

Albert Einstein once summarized his best understanding of the universe’s inner mechanism as “spooky action, at a distance.” On his new single “Only Breath,” Montreal singer/song-poet Brian Campbell is taking audiences on a transcendental field trip, serving as fearless inner sherpa to the great spooky beyond.

Check it out on YouTube here:

“Only Breath” is hypnotic in its stirring intensity and deep contemplative message. Over collaborator Martin Bennett’s electronic percussion, bass and flute instrumental, Campbell delivers an unforced sermon on the principles of mystical humility. Lyrically, he proposes a radical worldview, one that challenges the listener to see past all worldly distinctions and separations. It’s a masterclass in conscious observation, and accessible to new and seasoned seekers alike.

Nigerian-born and Saskatchewan-grown artist ADEOLUWA is steadily crafting a memorable music career. Following the release of his EP “King of Detours” in January 2024, he embarked on a successful Canadian tour (April 4th 2024 - May 24th 2024) and released a brilliant Afropop EP called “For The Fourth” coinciding with the first tour day.

“Under The Moonlight” is a part of this scenic EP, blending hypnotic indie pop melodies with the best of Afrobeats in this single. The artist shares that the recording of the track was a truly intimate experience, infusing Afropop sounds with modern pop elements in a fresh and authentic way. Indeed, the song has the power of creating a psych-like soundscape, mixing captivating synth harmonies and traditional African rhythms in a clever way. Check out YouTube here:

Fresh off from collaborating in the track “Alexander McQueen” with American rap heavyweight NLE Choppa - who currently amasses over 18 million monthly listeners in Spotify -, Melbourne-grown BENTLY BOY is set up for success with new Hip Hop mixtape “DESTINED 2 BE,” highlighting the Trap banger “SUMMER NIGHTS” as the project’s focus track.

Check out "Summer Nights" on YouTube here:

With 10 astonishing singles navigating between a fierce and motivational mood, this mixtape draws on many inspirations. The Australian artist shares: “For this project, I wanted to get more personal with my fans and talk about things I have never brought up before. Love, heartbreak, battling demons, God and the devil, motivation and more of my story and who I am as a character.”

Through heavy whispers of new wave and influences of cultural storytelling, Tahltan and Tlingit Canadian artist Edzi’u has released her latest musical effort. A new single titled “This Love”, this track is the first to be released ahead of the artist’s upcoming record. The indie pop storyteller’s new EP, Tunnel Vision, is a four-track album that conveys themes of love, heartbreak and grief. A deeply sensual and vulnerable ensemble of songs, Edzi’u weaves a vast array of human emotion throughout, enticing listeners with her modern 80s pop sound, delicate vocals and passionate lyricism. Check it out on YouTube here:

“Hold Tight,” the new single by Calgary, AB-based folk/roots artist Lenny Oka is driving, bluesy, and harmonica studded, an adventure through the dark, starry night. Check out YouTube here:

Hey, I wanna hold you tight, midnight blues
Hey, I wanna hold you tight we got nothing to lose
Midnight dreams, midnight blues again
Midnight dreams here we go again

You can almost picture the mist on the windshield, the atmospheric tunes on the lonely-hearts radio, and the vast, wholly enveloping night beyond the cozy confines of Oka’s car. Who knows what tomorrow might bring, but tonight is a universe all its own.

For more than a decade Harkness has been tirelessly working in his home studio honing his songwriting and production skills. He sings, plays guitar, bass, piano and drums, and also produces everything himself. He counts Prince and Todd Rundgren - both of whom also worked this way - as major inspirations.

Born in Toronto, Canada, Harkness is the 2nd in a brood of 5. Both his parents were talented musicians. His father fronted The Al Harkness Orchestra a band consisting of horns and winds along with a traditional rhythm section. His Mother was a top French horn player at North Toronto Collegiate. A high school known for their music curriculum, as well as a beautiful piano player, who taught the local kids, including her own while they were growing up.

Not every act introduces itself to the public by holding up a mirror to their innermost delusions. But Decider aren’t just a pretty fearless bunch: Like any skilled financial analyst, they’re good at weighing the angles. The Toronto-based duo of Eric Wood and Jake Israel have made the canny calculation to sign in to the music scene with their brooding single “Underwriter,” a recorded testament to the mental bargains we strike with ourselves just to keep keeping on. Check it out on YouTube here:

With the composed solemnity of a grand tragedy, the song confronts us listeners directly, challenging us to acknowledge our most self-salvaging habits:

Coming off her Music Educator of the Year win at the Ottawa Capital Music Awards, Contemporary Christian singer-songwriter and producer Danah-Lee has released her newest single, “Make Some Room,” an anthemic track, containing lyrics that enforce activism and are backed by beautiful symphonies, upbeat percussion, and prominent bass guitar. Check it out on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdmDi7nkwoI

A song that advocates for queer acceptance and pride, Danah-Lee says the single represents an effort to utilize her Christian faith to push for LGBTQ+ rights. Through her artistry, the Canadian singer-songwriter always strives to balance and express both her Christian and her queer identities.

Straight out of St. John's, Newfoundland, With Violet expands their eclectic sound with the new album and single, gearing up for a major live performance on June 19.

Straight out of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canadian alt-pop band and local faves With Violet are expanding their eclectic sound to new levels with their latest album Saturday Nights in Your Sunday Best and a new single “That Boy.”

Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/album/78ptpWGD5rbrbAyo5HrpE8

The group – comprised of Sarah Newell (vocals & saxophone), Peter “Pete” MacDonald (vocals & keyboards), Matthew Cadigan (guitar), Spencer FitzGerald (bass), and Hunter Madden (drums) – formed in 2018 and have been a local sensation ever since dropping their debut EP Long Story Short, racking up several award nominations and wins and performing at festivals all across NL, including a headlining stint at the Woody Point Spring Thaw Festival in 2023.

The new indie pop single “Don’t Give Me Anything” from The Muster Point Project (TMPP) is a song about owning up to the pitfalls of ambition. A doggedly persistent drum beat backs up energetic guitar riffs that complement keyboards whose melodies drive us through the sounds of different eras, from 1960s rock to the best of ’80s and mid-aughts indie pop. Check it out on YouTube here:

June 14, 2024: THE BOVINE, TORONTO
June 15, 2024: PALASAD SOCIAL BOWL, LONDON
June 29, 2024: THE CORKTOWN, HAMILTON

Pop that cork and raise a toast! Beloved Canadian punk drummer Gene Champagne is stepping out from behind the kit for his long-awaited first solo EP, Let’s Jet!

Check it out on YouTube here:

A fan favorite after decades of pounding the skins for Teenage Head, The Killjoys and playing the guitar and singing with The Un-Teens, Champagne now has his sights set squarely on Renaissance Man status. He’s written, sung and played every part on a four-song tour de force he recorded several years ago in his home studio, and which is only now seeing the light of day. Life, it seems, just got in the way … but more on that later.

The Petras’ “Sapphire,” set the stage for what’s to come from this fresh all-women band out of Kingston, Ontario. “Sapphire” is a rousing indie rock banger that invites listeners to embrace their unique and wonderful selves that invokes the band’s inspirations: The Runaways and The Beaches.

listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/track/48DpFCMVrpuSfnHYbADFDU

Says The Petras vocalist Brielle LeBlanc, “We all have something that’s special about us, something that makes us shine. And we’ve all had the feeling of being misunderstood, judged, or envied for it. This song is about not being afraid to shine… to celebrate the “Sapphire’ in all of us!”

Sapphire walks in the room and the whole table turns
Out of pocket but she’ll never learn
On fire like a rocket in the night
Always gets anything she likes