Montreal Brother/Sister Duo Just Costa Set Sights on a "Bubblegum Sky"

Fri Aug 21, 2020

Canadian brother-sister popster duo Just Costa are gazing up and out at a “Bubblegum Sky” when it comes to this, their latest summer bop and stunning lyric visualize.

Watch and listen to “Bubblegum Sky” here:

The Montreal-based fam-band embodies the term “happy-go-lucky” through and through, and counts music like a ticket to their own sonic theme park. "We call it Just Costa Land," quips Jesse Just Costa, who leads the outfit with older sibling Juliana. "It's like this: We want to bring the sense of an amusement park to our music. The excitement, the enthusiasm, the joie de vivre, the willingness to be happy and grateful and positive and live life to the extreme; that's what we're trying to construct."

Between them, they have all the building blocks they need in a sort of supernatural blend of style, skill and substance that takes a lifetime to achieve. Which is about how long the Just Costas have been making music.

Jayme Stone Breaks New Ground AWake & New Video for “Awake Awake”

Fri Aug 21, 2020

Jayme Stone has made a rare thing: a piece of work that asks us to both travel on his melodic and emotional journey and allows us to have our own. And nowhere is this more apparent than his single “Awake Awake”.

Watch “Awake Awake” here:

The newest song to land ahead of his forthcoming LP, AWake, the song serves as a prescient preview for what’s to come from Stone’s new album as he breaks new ground from folk musician and composer to experimental pop singer and producer. Available August 28th, AWake offers unique tonal palette blends with deft storytelling and disarmingly honest lyrics to create a sonic world both eminently engaging and full of nuance and surprise.

Alt-Metal Prog-Rockers Helfreya Merge Love & Death in Debut LP Shieldmaiden

Fri Aug 21, 2020

Canadian alt-metal prog-rockers Helfreya beckon audiences down a sonically daring tunnel of psychedelic doom-jazz in this, their debut breakthrough release Shieldmaiden.

To listen to Helfreya’s music go to:
open.spotify.com/artist/50IVxlA1G4FeJvosG1eWHP?si=kzEJClqXTjq89PtETthCng
open.spotify.com/track/73oKYxknbzdxlbAt6KGViG?si=c8J1FYhcTOiRAy7cuWZg0Q

Fronted by vocalist Violet Vopni, of Metis and Icelandic descent, Helfreya rounds out with guitarist Keith Meyer, bassist Russ Maskus, and drummer Travis Stephenson. The Winnipeg-based band draws on Norse and Celtic mythology in their songwriting, and the name is derived from two Norse Goddesses: Hel, the Goddess of death, and Freya, the Goddess of love.

“We’re the duality between light and dark,” the band says, “and the enigmatic amalgamation of love and death.

“We take fans on a strange adventure.”

Grumpy Kitty Boy Gets Authentic & Reflective in Debut Single, “Airplane Wings”

Fri Aug 21, 2020

Award-nominated and internationally esteemed Canadian artist Juro Kim Feliz is channelling his synth-pop alter ego Grumpy Kitty Boy and encouraging listeners to live authentically in this, his debut single, “Airplane Wings”.

Watch and listen to “Airplane Wings”:

The song is all about examining life and relationships, even if it means risking loss or regret.

It’s a series of notions Feliz knows personally and all too well. “Switching gears in life is a tough choice to make,” he confides. “Arriving in Montreal from Manila as a student in December of 2013, the struggle to feel secure and find a place to call home became a recurring theme for me throughout the years.

Hamilton, ON’s Pop Artists Bubl T’s Release EDM Version of “Dance In the Moment”

Fri Aug 21, 2020

When it comes to pushing the boundaries of pop, Canadian artists Bubl T’s says “all things are fair game.” Nowhere is this more exemplified than on their newest  single, “Dance In The Moment” and its EDM version.

Featuring esteemed musicians in their own rights — Martina Aswani, Alex Whorms, Robert Bruce, Mark Shannon and Ruth Chan — Bubl T’s embrace a wide spectrum of genres and influences while creating their own unique brand of sound: catchy, fun and danceable pop songs with solid melodies, engaging structure, and great production.

“Lyrically, the song reveals the thoughts of a young woman at a busy dance club who is only interested in dancing,” Bubl T’s say about the track. “Ultimately, she’s happy when she connects with someone to dance with for the night.

“That’s all she’s really after.”

Chicago Indie Rock Outfit bluefront Ride the Aftershocks of Sophomore Release

Fri Aug 21, 2020

Chicago-based indie rocker Alan Zreczny and his band bluefront are still riding the Aftershocks following the release of their sophomore album this spring, including top track “It’s Not Over Yet” and its brand new video.

Narrative poems set to spirited melodies, Aftershocks is a journey into the reverberation of emotional aftershocks enveloped in shimmering melodies and instrumentation deftly demonstrated by bandmates Jason Steele, Nick Kabat, and Mark Burns.

A lawyer-turned-singer/songwriter, Zreczny first picked up a guitar at the age of ten, having grown up in a house always filled with music and music lessons. His love for music and writing remained under the surface while he went to college, law school and grad school, and continued as he worked as both corporate in-house counsel and later at a law firm…

The thoughts about creating music were ever present: “I always thought of being a musician and writing songs as the most fulfilling modes of self-expression. And then, a terrible break-up happened.”

With 40,000+ Streams & 600+ Playlist Adds So Far, Hip Hop/Popster TonyTone’s New Single “Poppin” Is a Hit Summer Anthem!

Fri Aug 14, 2020

TonyTone has Summer 2020 “Poppin” with the release of his new single, an upbeat, modern hip hop track complete with heavy 808’s and catchy chorus melodies — available now!

“This track was meant and inspired to be a great party or event song for the summer,” the Hamilton-area artist says. “There’s influences from emo and cloud-style pop rap in there, as well as unique flute melodies.”

With over ~ 40,000 total streams across platforms, and included on upwards of 600+ Spotify playlists to date, the latest from TonyTone — aka Anthony Marzanek — falls seamlessly inline for his brand of lounge beats and an ambient moods that nod to both hip hop and indie influences, while staying pop-centric at its core.

Watch and listen to “Poppin” here:

Moore Ave Underground Release National Punk-Pop Anthem in New Single, “Beanies and Plaid Jackets”

Fri Aug 14, 2020

“We added a pretty rad breakdown and some chanting to make it a fun, Canadian punk rock anthem,” says Canadian pop-punk skate-rockers Moore Ave Underground of their new single, “Beanies and Plaid Jackets.”

Intriguing, yes. But let’s back it up a bit.

First, let’s establish that Moore Ave Underground is made up of Josh, Joseph and Jack Gaudette  and Shawn MacDonald.

Then, let’s parse its concept, which is fluid-Ish.

“Moore Ave Underground refers to our family home’s basement,” Josh says. “When I took up music, the basement was already filled with a foosball table, a hockey table, and a bar that no one ever used. We convinced my mom and dad to make some hard choices, and ended up bidding a fond farewell to it all in order to make room for instruments.”

“It became something special,” he continues. “Soon, friends, family and contributors started coming and going and creating. We have witnessed those who never believed their musical ability was possible grow into accomplished performers.

Alt Rock EDM Hybrid KRONIS Shatters Sonic Norms with Debut Summer 2020 Release, Against The World

Fri Aug 14, 2020

Canadian outfit KRONIS debuts their firm yet inventive footing on the fault line between alt rock and EDM with the release of their newest single, “It’s Time For Love,” and breakthrough album Against The World.

Watch and listen to “It’s Time For Love” here:

“I spent three years in the studio with Parker creating Against The World,” Toronto and Los Angeles, California-based frontman Aaron Kronis says, name checking mix engineer and producer Parker Ament of XLNTStudios. “We didn’t know what the title would be, or the number of tracks, but we knew we were onto something.”

That ‘something’ is alt rock streamed live with live guitars, live vocals, and Ableton. It’s guitars into cell phones while on hoverboards. It’s the essence of skateboarding at Burning Man channeled into a technologically enabled sonic sojourn spanning the ages.

Hamilton, ON’s Alt Rockers Bryce Clifford & Brother Superior Face Their “Worst Enemy” in New Single

Fri Aug 14, 2020

Hamilton, ON’s alt-rock Americana artists Bryce Clifford & Brother Superior come face to face with their “Worst Enemy” — the latest single off their forthcoming release, Rebounder.

Watch and listen to “Worst Enemy” here:

With added influences of bluegrass, honky tonk, post-punk and old school soul woven in, the band’s newly minted third album sews in a bow the Hamilton, Ontario-based frontman’s storied 10-year sojourn to Austin, Texas and back — complete with love gained and lost.

“The story behind this album is a difficult one to talk about,” Clifford laments. “Not because of the hard feelings behind the breakup, but for the regrettably trite scenario…

“I seethe at the idea of being lumped in with lame ‘singer/songwriter seclusion’ stories,” he continues, half-groaning, half-laughing. “In all seriousness, though, I hope it isn’t filed under ‘pain makes art,’ but something more like ‘art as survival.’

Award-Winning Moncton, NB's Folk-Rocker RYAN HILLIER Offers No Excuses In New Album

Fri Aug 07, 2020

Award-winning Canadian folk-rock singer/songwriter Ryan Hillier is making No Excuses when it comes to this, his latest solo album release.

Based in Moncton, NB, Hillier’s story of this, his third album, is one nothing short of tenacity: “It’s a blues song without being a blues song,” he offers as an early overview. “The message is that life sucks and that it can get better — you just have to keep going.”

“This is a record of my evolving feelings during a very uncertain time in my life,” Hillier continues. “Sparked from the idea of making ‘one more album’ while I was temporarily homeless and living in a band tour bus in my friends driveway after leaving an abusive relationship, I needed something to anchor me and to help me process the last several years.”

With early billings as an opener for Tim Hus in 2010, Hillier’s signature airy, high and lonesome style of folk has long garnered him critical acclaim through a lengthy series of live performances, collaborations, and self-produced solo albums — including Midnight Revelation (2014) and In the Shadow of the Chapel (2016).

JUNO-Winning Canadian Blues Master PAUL REDDICK Releases Love Letter To Italy In 'Alive In Italia'

Fri Aug 07, 2020

JUNO Award-winning Toronto-based singer, songwriter and harmonica master Paul Reddick lauds life’s bounties of great friendship, great music, and great surroundings in this, his new release — Alive in Italia.

“This record is somewhat of a love letter to Italy and our friends there,” Reddick muses. “If I had one wish come true today, I would be sitting on a patio on the narrow, cobbled streets of Italy’s Sestri Levante…. I’d be kept cool by a sea breeze, and be drinking a glass of red wine.I would be celebrating in the fine company of my Italian and Canadian musician friends, and savouring the endless beauty of that place and that moment. We would talk about the shows we have played together, and we’d remember and drink ‘to’ one evening in particular: the one in a wooden beamed theatre among those piacevole foothills of Piemonte…

“The one where we performed as one, come fratelli, as brothers, Alive in Italia.”

From the 90s to Now: Award-Winning Toronto, ON’s Pop-Rocker Michael Vincent Quattro Wants to “Save Our World”

Fri Aug 07, 2020

Award-winning Canadian singer/songwriter Michael Vincent Quattro has seen it all between his late-90s chart-topping hit “Fallen For Your Love” to today’s release of “Save Our World”.

It’s this storied career and life-library of experiences that had the multi-talented artist consider the world’s current situation as a whole.

“One evening as I sat at the piano to write for my new album, I started pondering the impact of the global pandemic and the effect it’s understandably having on people of any status and background,” Michael Vincent says. “I became very emotional as I began to put my thoughts together.”

Watch and listen “Save Our World” here:

Singer/Songwriter Matt Morson Shakes Things Up in New Rock-Blues Single, “Why Woman”

Fri Aug 07, 2020

Canadian country to blues-rock artist Matt Morson has gone against his own grain as he unveils a spiffed-up sound in his new single, “Why Woman”.

Landing ahead of his forthcoming EP, the track mixes guitar-driven anthemic rock with leave-it-all-on-the-floor bass-led blues — complete with country storytelling mixed in for good measure.

But perhaps most importantly, it signals a change in direction and creative mettle for the artist.

“After being on the country scene for five years, I took a year-long hiatus,” the Nobleton-born, Toronto-based artist shares. “Coming back, the band and I decided to shake things up a bit.”

The result is a new sound and distinct style; a dedication to the ‘old’ with the flair of the ‘new,’ he says. “The song came to me while playing with some blues riffs,” Morson shares. “I was very much — and still am — into the classic sound of blues and rock. Naturally, these sounds shift towards times of stress and heartbreak. Add a little personal experience, a bluegrass riff, some good low end and you got yourself ‘Why Woman.’

Watch and listen to ‘Why Woman’ here:

Glenn Baker Sings About “Freedom”

Fri Aug 07, 2020

Glenn was born in a very small Illinois town in the late 60's.Two years later the family loaded up their 1950 Studebaker pickup which took him to God's land where the country raising began. Pryor, Oklahoma was the place he was brought up and lived the next chapter of his life. Glenn spent his childhood working for his dad in the body shop,  going to Church or wrestling. It was always one of those 3 things. Music entered into the scene during the Church days.

Graduating from high school in 1985, Glenn had 2 scholarship choices, singing, or wrestling. Glenn didn't want to be a sissy singer so he chose wrestling. The wrestling career lasted 1 year and 3 shoulder separations.

Not long after that, Glenn married and started life. He Joined the Army National Guard in July, 1988. Working full time left little room for outside pleasures. In November 15, 1990 he received the call! Time to pack up and go to war! Desert Storm was his destination.

While serving as a Fire Direction Sergeant in Iraq, Glenn had a lot of time to think. Upon returning home, he quit his job and went into business with his father. But the music was never far from his heart.

Folk-Rock Singer/Songwriter Moira Lazarus Says “Listen To Your Heart!”

Fri Jul 31, 2020

Folk-rock singer/songwriter Moira Lazarus relies on simple, honest emotional expression when it comes to her newest single, “Listen To Your Heart”.

“I wrote this song some years ago, and it has always been a favourite of mine,” she confides of the track’s earliest journey which, she adds, pretty much wrote itself. “It was a very direct, heartfelt plea, and an example for me of the alchemic and healing process of songwriting.

“When you’re communicating from the heart, something beautiful can come out of something painful.”

Watch and experience “Listen To Your Heart” here:

The song serves as an enthralling peek behind the curtain when it comes to the southeast London-based artist’s forthcoming EP, Rise the Phoenix, set for release this Summer 2020.

Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters Rise Up On New Stony Plain Records Album Coming September 11

Fri Jul 31, 2020

Ronnie Earl, a four-time Blues Music Award winner as “Guitar Player of the Year,” follows up the critical and commercial success of last year’s Beyond the Blue Door album with another blockbuster disc of music, Rise Up, set for release September 11 on Stony Plain Records. Created to heal and move bodies and souls alike, the majority of the album’s value-packed 15 tracks were recorded in “Living Room Sessions” at Earl’s house, with a vibe that puts the listener right in the room with Ronnie & The Broadcasters. A special bonus is the inclusion of several tracks recorded live from a set at a “Daryl’s House Club” show.

Pre-order Rise Up here:  https://stonyplainrecords.com/lp/riseup/

Psych-Folk Singer-Songwriter Trevor Sloan Considers Youthful Antics & Lush Landscapes in New Album, Green Reflections

Fri Jul 31, 2020

Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Trevor Sloan extends a psych-folk pop-rock nod to lush landscapes and the antics of youth in his new album, Green Reflections, and premiere single, “Green Summer”.

Watch and listen to “Green Summer” here:

Harnessing a long-held affinity for “quirky folk-pop that sounds breezy and generally as carefree as childhood is supposed to be,” the Toronto-based artist’s new songwriting is rife with artful symbolism and mindful contemplation.

“I spent a year writing and recording the songs for this album,” Sloan says of the LP. “Some of the songs are about getting older. Some of the songs are about love. Some of the songs are about being young and fearless.

“And some of the songs are just about the things I see in my neighbourhood now, in the Junction, or when I was growing up in the town of Markham,” he adds.

Alt-Pop Rockers The Light Workers Offer Feel-Good Take on Living Your Best Life in New Single, “Peppermint”

Fri Jul 31, 2020

American alt-pop rockers The Light Workers have released a fresh, feel-good take on the inherent need to be free with their new single “Peppermint” — and debut self-titled album.

Watch and listen to “Peppermint” here:

With piercing imagery, sincere vocals, swelling cello undercurrents, and multi-layered guitars, the song stands as a take-notice intro to the newly minted musical collaboration from artists Anne Luna and Evan Woodward.

While it’s often said ‘that thing’s bigger’n she is,’ Luna makes playing the upright bass look easy; her graceful yet hard driving work is often found mostly in the bluegrass and acoustic roots fields, and she’s recorded with the likes of Alan Munde, Kenny Maines, Amanda Shires, and more.

TALI Reveals Musical Mystique in New Single “(Don’t) Wanna Be Yours”

Fri Jul 31, 2020

Canadian pop-soul artist Tali is stepping out of the Shadows with this month’s release of her new single, “(Don’t) Wanna Be Yours” — available now.

And not a moment too soon.

An old soul in a modern world, hopeless romantic in a heartless era, and a timeless artist in a disposable age, the emerging Toronto singer-songwriter introduces us to them all on her darkly compelling (and aptly titled) forthcoming EP, Shadows.

But she also presents someone even more vital: A gifted, dynamic and unique talent whose boundless creativity and commanding presence are matched only by her spiritual commitment to her calling. "When I sing, I feel like I connect to my source, to my higher self," Tali explains. "It's like a channel for me. One of my favourite quotes — I forget who said it — is 'The function of music is to release us from the tyranny of conscious thought.' That speaks to me. I've been carrying those words with me ever since I first read them."