Toronto Indie Rockers The Alter Kakers Take Us on a Rollercoaster Ride through Fine Art on “The Great Upheaval”

Fri Nov 17, 2023

With its loose, careening, ’70s rock ‘n’ roll style, you would hardly expect Toronto indie rockers The Alter Kakers’ fun-loving new single “The Great Upheaval” to be about something as highfalutin as fine art, but indeed it is. Check it out on YouTube here:

Inspired by The Great Upheaval art exhibit at the AGO in Toronto, the song is told from the perspective of painter Marc Chagall in the first verse (“I made my name as a painter; I helped create a new style, and we changed the landscape for a while”); and then Picasso in the second verse: “I’ll put your ass on a canvas, cut you into cubes; they’ll know your name but never recognize you.”

Run the River Unleashes a Timeless Rock & Roll Anthem with 'Punch the Dark'

Fri Nov 17, 2023

Get ready to groove with another timeless rock & roll track brought to life by Run the River, featuring Joel Manchester on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Chris Furlotte on drums, Rick Couture on bass with fantastic backup vocals, Ed Legge on lead guitar and excellent backup vocals, and Ross Kinney on keys.

Out now, 'Punch the Dark' stands as an anthem for bad days. The track commences with a dramatic opening driven by piano and guitars, giving you that span of a second to wonder what the next instrumental twist will be – exactly where the cheerful melody with classic rock & roll elements gets all your attention. Check it out on YouTube here:

Discover Abøn's Debut Album 'Talon': Where Gentle Vocals, Classical Elegance, and Pop Flourish in Perfect Harmony

Fri Nov 17, 2023

The multifaceted musical artist Abøn has released her debut album Talon.

At the forefront of the album are the Canadian-Danish's gentle vocals. Her delicately mastered skill will captivate listeners from start to finish. More than just well-seasoned vocals, Abøn brings another edge to the pop-forward album. Her classical background is present throughout the tracks as well-orchestrated strings and expressive piano melodies flawlessly intertwine with catchy rhythms and well-thought-out electronic textures. Talon travels through beautiful harmonies bringing its listeners a sense of peace and allowing them to wander to a world of wonder and fantasy.

Les Moontunes Introduce Interstellar Concept Album With Trippy, ’70s Metal-Inspired Single “Elephant Wizard”

Fri Nov 17, 2023

Things can get weird in isolation, and then add unemployment to the mix and you’ve got yourself a recipe for some wild, psychedelic trippy-ness. Such were the conditions leading to Les Moontunes’ dark, strutting, and stunning new single “Elephant Wizard” off their forthcoming concept album of the same name. Check it out on YouTube here:

During the thick of isolation in the Covid-19 pandemic, Les Moontunes’ frontman Miguel Dumaine had been laid off from work and his days began bleeding into one another, forming one long, blurry stretch unto nothingness. So he dug deep into his imagination and created a fictional character he christened the Elephant Wizard.

Toronto's Wrené Unleashes Her Dark Wonderland with Electrifying Single 'Venom' from Album Metamorphosis

Fri Nov 10, 2023

Toronto-based avant-garde pop singer-songwriter and producer Wrené stuns with new dark ambient trap single “Venom.” The hard-hitting track emerges from her atmospheric third album Metamorphosis, which wasreleased in August. “Venom” is an electric trip into the throes of Wrené’s dark wonderland, exploring the relationship between reality’s dull knife and surrealism, the high highs and lower lows of addiction, and the state of the human condition amidst it all.

Check it out on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/track/1EXY1toA5xF8vVW0OKbUXV

Borne from the bleak hopelessness and isolation that defined the COVID-19 pandemic, Metamorphosis sees Wrené finding refuge in creativity, fantastical escapism, and the exploration of personal identity. She crafted dreamy sonic landscapes that allowed her to explore the unknown through music — even while the world was in lockdown. She reveled in self-transformation and remained mindful of the power of her art to help others in similar situations.

Vancouver Island-based band Wet Future unveils their latest heartfelt single, “Mona Lisa”

Fri Nov 10, 2023

With sweeping vocals and euphoric nods to pop-rock, “Mona Lisa” acts as an exciting statement in the band’s ever-evolving discography. “If I could have dreams / I’d see those eyes” Sean Lyons sings over towering guitar chords and drum washes. “It’s loosely about this story of Vincenzo Peruggiain, a guy who stole the actual Mona Lisa” Lyons says on the inspiration behind the song. “He became so possessed with the painting that he stole it, and the song became about tapping into the things we become obsessed over.” Fluctuating between romantic confusion and historical anecdotes, “Mona Lisa” bridges modern rock with the tonality of 80s pop-rock.

Check out Mona Lisa on YouTube here:

 Continuing to innovate new-found forms of Canadian rock, stay tuned for more to come as Wet Future gears up for a variety of upcoming releases. 

Victoria Houser Unveils Her Latest Single 'When You're Sober'

Fri Nov 10, 2023

Emerging singer-songwriter Victoria Houser, a talented, Toronto-based country/roots artist hailing from the tranquil coastal town of Hubbards, Nova Scotia, unveils her latest single, 'When You're Sober.' This upbeat, unusually melancholic, and infectious track is the first single from her upcoming 4-song EP, titled ‘Somewhere Close to Home’, set to be released Tuesday, November 14th, 2023.

Accompanying the single launch is a music video, which was recorded with live audio from The Root Down in Toronto.

Victoria Houser's musical journey began organically, influenced by her East Coast upbringing. She seamlessly combines country and folk elements with an East Coast flair, drawing inspiration from musical luminaries such as Gillian Welch, Neko Case, Lucinda Williams, and Anne Murray.

Houston’s Pop Rockers The Metal Byrds Release “Stop Motion”

Fri Nov 10, 2023

Soaring effortlessly through the shared airspace of rock and pop, Houston’s The Metal Byrds reach new heights on their just-released single, “Stop Motion.” Culled from their most recent EP album, Moments Before Sunrise, the track sees the hard-working band furthering their commitment to irresistible songcraft that doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of power in its quest for the ultimate singalong.

Guitarist Sly Rye peels off some Hendrixian pyrotechnics while bassist Mac Jacob and drummer Charlie “Breeze” Janto hammer out a relentless, propulsive rhythm. Over the top of it all, vocalist Suzanne Birdie applies her dual classic-rock and grunge influences to an aggressive earworm melody as infectious as the urgent lyric that accompanies it:

Stop Motion, non-stop commotion
The world’s spinning without emotion

Stop Motion, non-stop commotion
You move me 

Roots Rockers The Brother Bicker Band Roll in with 'Another Kind of Train'

Fri Nov 10, 2023

The Brother Bicker Band is country, Canadian style, and the seven-member group of roots rockers are bringing more of their signature sound with the release of their new single, 'Another Kind of Train', out now. The band's self-described sound of 'Maple Whiskey Rock n Roll' is packed into the storytelling chorus and sliding notes of 'Another Kind of Train'.

Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/album/6tFcHZC8IfY7jIlEudW2Uv

 Based in Calgary, AB, The Brother Bicker Band has a rich and full sound, put together by seven friends; Jeremy Hrdlicka on acoustic guitar and vocals, Tom Mogan on guitar and vocals, Jennele Coulson and Clarie Wilkes on vocals, Ben Ellard on keys, and completing the lineup are Matt Dawe on drums and Jim Duncan on bass that earned them two YYC Music Award nominations this and last year.

Natalie Exora's Spellbinding Single 'Perfect' Redefines Pop: An Artistic Ode to Love in a Material World

Fri Nov 10, 2023

Fusing mood, anthemic, and pop elements, multitalented singer Natalie Exora presents her fresh single “Perfect” out now. Originally from Trinidad, and presently based in Toronto, the singer’s periodic inspiration draws from what she sees daily in society. In “Perfect” Natalie quite artistically crafts “today’s fascination for material things, but the most enduring of all things… is love,” in under 4 minutes. Check it out on YouTube here:

 Natalie Exora taps into a rich register in “Perfect” which easily exposes her raw emotions throughout the song. To top it off, the singer’s storytelling in her songwriting seals the deal.

“Two hearts together, we’re perfect (perfect) /One life, one love, one day you’ll come back home to stay/ Why, is it a crime?”

MELODNA Takes a Soulful Journey into Her African Roots with Sophomore EP ‘She’

Fri Nov 10, 2023

Saskatchewan-based emerging artist MELODNA (pronounced Mel-oh-dee-na) digs deep on sophomore EP, She, out now. She sees the singer-songwriter tracing the roots of her African heritage into the present-day, as she adeptly blends elements of R&B, Afrofusion, and South African sounds.

That ready embrace of cultural fusion is a driving force behind MELODNA’s artistry. “My name, MELODNA, came from my love of Zambian harmonies,” she explains. “I’m Zambian, South African, and Malawian born in Canada.”

MELODNA recently released energetic Afrobeats-centric single “OMD” in advance of the project, which serves as a follow-up to 2021’s Keepsake. Levitational chord progressions, stunning vocals, and a relentless beat define the song, a victorious track with infectious zeal that sees MELODNA celebrating how far she’s come and embracing the person that she’s grown into along the way.

Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/track/1EXY1toA5xF8vVW0OKbUXV

Revolutionizing Music for Guitarists and Songwriters: Join the FretboardGPS Journey on Kickstarter

Fri Nov 10, 2023

“My entire life, people have been asking me if something like this exists, and my answer has always been no. Until now.” 
Don Ross, guitar virtuoso and composer

Website and Kickstarter

Don Ross Video Introducing FretboardGPS

Live Improv Session on YouTube

Musicianly, LLC, the brainchild of guitarist and songwriter Scott Quillin, is excited to share the remarkable journey that led to the creation of their groundbreaking FretboardGPS app. Born out of a lifelong passion for music and a desire to empower fellow musicians, FretboardGPS is set to revolutionize the way guitarists and songwriters navigate the fretboard.

Folk Rockers Eclectic Revival Celebrates the Introvert Life with 'Boring With Me'

Fri Nov 10, 2023

Sometimes, you just want the simple things. This is especially true if you are introverted and face the daily toll of commuting to work, taking care of family, and attempting to socialize. Hamilton, Ontario based folk-rock band Eclectic Revival understands this yearning and champions the introvert life in their new single "Boring With Me." Check it out on YouTube here:

Recorded and mixed at Lincoln County Social Club in Toronto by John Dinsmore, mastered by Phil Demetro, and featuring Miranda Mulholland on fiddle. It's a bluegrass-inspired tune written by Nick Brodie for his wife Christine, about finding joy in the 'boring' little everyday things about sharing a life with the one you love. 

"And although I sing of sailing those tall ships across the sea
Oh darling, would you be

Boring with me."

Toronto Singer-Songwriter Doug MacNaughton Releases Soaring “I Believe in Love”

Fri Nov 10, 2023

Toronto-based indie singer-songwriter Doug MacNaughton's newest single “I Believe in Love,” out now. The track serves as the sixth single off his eagerly anticipated debut album Old Enough To Know Better.

 Listen to “I Believe in Love” on YouTube here:

Written back in 2018, the new single is a heartfelt testament to how love can get us through anything. As it stands on the album, "I Believe In Love" showcases MacNaughton’s big heart and ability to compose with cinematic flair, featuring an expansive melody and a soaring electric guitar.

"Somehow," MacNaughton recalls, "It turned into an ‘80s power ballad, and Jessica Stuart contributed a killer solo!"

Calvyn Cass Lights Up 2023 with Cinematic New Single 'Hollywood Calls'

Fri Nov 10, 2023

Burgeoning pop singer-songwriter Calvyn Cass is back with cinematic new single “Hollywood Calls,” his second release of 2023. The track is driven by dreamy production, romantic lyricism, and a certain star quality that Cass has become known for, with Wonderland Magazine recently lauding the artist as one to watch. Check it out on YouTube here:

Inspired by artists like Mariah Carey and Aerosmith, Cass’ lyricism pays homage to his love of 90s pop music, while his production style adeptly blends 2000s nostalgia with the sounds of today. “I love pop music that sparks a flame inside you,” Cass explains. “I want the music I create to move people in a way that has them feel like that song was written just for them.”

Brooklyn Blues Duo Baker and Cas Channel the Spirit of Classic Rock 'n' Roll with Their Latest Single 'My Sug'

Fri Nov 10, 2023

Rock music has its roots in blues music, especially blues guitarists like Lead Belly and Memphis Minnie. Given how rock music has evolved over the years into many different subgenres, it is a surprise to see a modern song evoke the spirit of classic rock n' roll. This is the case with Brooklyn blues duo Baker and Cas' newest single "My Sug". Check it out on YouTube here:

 Featuring guitar and vocals by Emmanuel Casablanca, the song immediately hooks the listener with its harmonica and chug-a-chug rock rhythm that defined early rock and roll songs like Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven". The first and second verses of the song are as catchy as the rhythm.

"My sugar don’t like it when I walk in the door too late
My sugar don't like it when I walk in the door too late

Sug don’t got to say a word, I can tell by looking at her face."

Baby Molly Releases Debut Album "All The People You Could Become Are Dying Every Day"

Fri Nov 10, 2023

Emerging musical artist Baby Molly, known for their unique blend of alternative rock and introspective lyrics, is set to release their debut album titled "All The People You Could Become Are Dying Every Day." Check it out on YouTube here:

This album, written and performed by Baby Molly, promises to be a poignant exploration of life's unpredictability and the impact of unexpected loss.

Recorded in the vibrant musical hub of Vancouver, BC, "All The People You Could Become Are Dying Every Day" is a nine-track masterpiece that explores the depths of human emotions. The album boasts exceptional mixing by Kyle Black (known for his work with Paramore, State Champs, and more) and mastering by Andrew Downton (credited with Bryan Adams, Dave Grohl, and others).

Canadian Jazz Quartet Doxas Brothers Release Their Sophomore Album Kindred

Fri Nov 03, 2023

The Canadian jazz quartet Doxas Brothers are proud to release their sophomore album Kindred out today via Justin Time Records. The nine-song effort sees brothers and band leaders, drummer Jim and saxophonist Chet Doxas further explore their musical bond alongside bassist Adrian Vedady and renowned ECM pianist Marc Copland. Each member contributes a new piece to the project along with a gorgeous reimagining of the standard “A Time For Love.” The cool tempos and confident energy highlight the musical prowess that this quartet possesses. Listen to Kindred on all digital retailers (here).

Chet Doxas elaborates: “On ‘Kindred,’ Jim and I continue to delve deeper into our musical bond and celebrate its evolution. The repertoire was carefully composed and considered so that we could bring the best versions of ourselves to this album. Yet again, we are grateful to be surrounded by the outstanding and supportive musicianship of Marc Copland and Adrian Vedady.”

Mystery Romance Release New Single “Crazy” from the CD Harmony & Discord

Fri Nov 03, 2023

Mystery Romance have enjoyed mainstream success since the early 1990's, charting three singles domestically and one song (“So Far Away”) internationally. Over the years there have been many talented musicians that have been part of the recording process. In 2022 the core members decided to record a new CD after several of their previous songs were featured on International TV shows, most recently "The Shrink Next door" with Paul Rudd and Will Farrell.

Check out “Crazy” on YouTube here:

The first single release from the new CD was the well-received “Forever For You," which hit the #2 position on Spotify in September. All 10 songs were recorded over a 10-month period, featuring eight musicians.

Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/user/312ybqkkmosvh6g4ksrynwny5zua

Jazz Trumpeter Mike Herriott Releases Second Single “Puss, in Boots” from New Album Tales of Tricksters and Vagabonds

Fri Nov 03, 2023

Award-winning jazz multi Award-winning Instrumentalist, arranger and composer Mike Herriott has always had a certain fascination with the more troublesome characters of the fictional world.

His first solo album project since 2016, Tales of Tricksters and Vagabonds album project since 2016, is a suite of dedications to Herriott’s top favorite swindlers from classic literature.

A follow up to “Rumpelstiltskin”, Herriott’s second release from this album, “Puss, in Boots” is a musical illustration of the original tale of Puss and Boots, where a bold and confident cat manipulates an ogre and a king in order to gain his master’s happiness. Herriott admits that he cannot help but find himself entertained by the fact that this particular trickster is, indeed, a cat.

Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/album/1RQz8Wl45acR5hg1XcRVtx