Songs of the Week: July 08 - 14, 2024

“How It Feels” by Cold Specks

Whenever an artist that I haven’t heard new music from in a long time pops up in my inbox I get so stoked - and that’s exactly the case when I saw that Cold Specks had released a new track!

It’s been SEVEN years since Cold Specks (aka Al Spx) has graced our ears with something new, but “How It Feels” has changed that.

Co-written with Chantal Kreviazuk, Spx says of the song:
“[It] was written in 2019 at a time when I was struggling with money. I was struggling with my mind as well, and I was reflecting on my experiences. It was written one magical night in the dead of winter in a studio around midnight. It came together quite easily and Chantal is a gem.”

It’s a beautiful intimate song that showcases she singing chops that I’ve sorely missed these last few years.

• Christine

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“Reappearing Rat” by Sunset Rubdown

Speaking of acts we haven’t heard from in a long time… it’s been fifteen(!) years since the last time we had a new song from Sunset Rubdown, but after last year’s reunion tour, they’re back with “Reappearing Rat”!

The song is the first tease of an upcoming album, and the group hasn’t missed a step with an upbeat, frenetic song that’s an ‘ode to the tiny monster that lives in our heads—the one that makes itself known anytime blessings such as serenity, clarity, or acceptance are on our emotional horizons’. Spencer Krug explains, “A kind of irresponsible and lazy surrender to the notion that we’re all just stuck with ourselves, this song is for those times you think “Why won’t that person just leave?”, only to realize you’re referring to yourself. For better or worse, we live in our brains. Apparently so does the rat.”

The new album is called Always Happy to Explode and comes out on September 20th via Spencer Krug’s own label Pronounced Kroog. They’ll also be touring in October, kicking off right here in Vancouver at the Rickshaw Theatre on the 10th. You can check out the video, directed by Derek Janzen and starring Aaron Read, below!

• Kirk

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“High Summer” by Joel Plaskett

I’m not gonna lie, every time I see a new single with the same name as another song, I am slightly disappointed when it’s not a cover. But even if the new Joel Plaskett single isn’t his take on the Jason Collett classic, it’s still an excellent summer jam.

Perfect for a lazy, warm evening or sitting around a campfire, “High Summer” is a chill look back at memories of summer’s past, while simultaneously looking to the future, with Joel ending the song asking to meet him in the fall.

Which is exactly what you can do when his latest album, One Real Reveal drops on September 13th, and he hits the road on the One Real Reveal on Wheels tour, including a pair of Vancouver shows in September!

• Kirk

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“I Feel Alive” by Art d’Ecco

Last week, Art d’Ecco released his first new single in a couple years, with the effortlessly catchy “I Feel Alive”.

The tune will instantly be stuck in your head for the next week, with Art d'Ecco explaining the song is about “breaking free. I wanted to tie my love for music to that feeling of being alive - when a song lights you on fire from the inside - it’s a powerful, undeniable emotion.”

No solid word yet on a new album, just a tease of more to come, but until then you can check out the video below!

• Kirk

Songs of the Week: July 01 - 07, 2024

“Motel Room” by Bob Sumner

Vancouver’s Bob Sumner has announced his upcoming album, Some Place to Rest Easy, and released the first single as well titled “Motel Room”.

The press release tells us that “three of the tunes on Some Place to Rest Easy touch on the loss of multiple loved ones to alcoholism. These losses hold particular weight for Sumner, who left behind his own problematic path with drinking after a serious health diagnosis two years ago.”

“Motel Room” is one of these three songs, and while the subject matter is serious, the song itself is upbeat and catchy, and it comes with a fun video showing Bob and friends dancing in front of the El Rancho Motel in Pentiction, BC.

Bob’s record release show in Vancouver will be on August 10th and the Fox Cabaret.

• Christine

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“Voice in the Dark” by Carmen Braden

I can tell you the exact moment that “Voice in the Dark” by Carmen Braden grabbed me, it was the verse:

When you’re the first one awake
You have to believe that everyone is still there, just sleeping
Not disappeared off the face of the earth
And aliens replace all the taxi drivers

The new song is a moody, yet catchy jam, with the Yellowknife singer/songwriter explaining: “One day there was a major system failure where my friend worked as a radio host. They knew no one could hear them, but they had to keep talking in case the signal managed to get back on air. The song is about holding onto thin threads of hope, about connection between people over big spaces and through dark times. It’s also an homage to radio and the power it still has to connect - something that’s still a strong part of culture and community in Canada’s north.”

“Voice in the Dark” is the first single off Carmen’s upcoming album A Hard Light, which is out on December 5th.

• Kirk

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Songs of the Week: June 25 - 30, 2024

“Might As Well Know” by WAASH

This one snuck up on me. I knew WAASH — the latest project from Vancouver’s Andy Bishop — was releasing an album soon, but I did not realise the self-titled full length was dropping last Friday!

Along with the new album comes the new single, “Might As Well Know”, an incredibly catchy synth-pop tune which was co-written with Bishop's Twin River bandmate Courtney Ewan Hancock, and Louise Burns (like much of the album was).

Bishop says the new single “was energetic, fun to play and had lots of room left for the musicians to put their own spin on. One thing that still stands out to me is the interplay between Courtney, Louise, and my vocals in the second verse. I really love how they come together and meet in the middle. I feel so fortunate to have such talented players on this track and album.”

Check out a live performance below, recorded at 604 Records & featuring a litany of Vancouver’s finest musicians, and find the self-titled album out now!

• Kirk

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“Blissfully Unaware” by Shred Kelly

Following up their tour for their new album Blurry Vision, Shred Kelly’s summer tour is in full swing, hitting up just about every music festival you can think of right across the country!

The band also released a new music video for the song “Blissfully Unaware” from said new album. Of the track, Sage McBride says: “Throughout the past few years, I’ve felt an anxiety that I haven’t experienced before in my life. I’ve felt like I’ve changed (not necessarily for the better), whereas some people appear unchanged over the past few years. But it seems like I’ve experienced a monumental shift for me.”

Check the video out below and catch the band this summer on the road.

• Christine

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“Blowing Kisses” by Jennifer Castle

It’s been over three years(!) since we’ve heard new music from Jennifer Castle, but last week she released a brand new single, “Blowing Kisses”, a country-soul ballad that highlights her gorgeous voice, and features string arrangement by Owen Pallett.

Castle explains, “‘Blowing Kisses’ is a love letter sent from the very front of the occuring present moment. Language can be so futile; I always loathe explaining myself, and yet my love for you makes me want to try, my hands gesturing in endless loop. One day I will no longer be here to revere the buoyancy of the blue lake. I’m held by the loving energy of God. Every rose has its thorn, truly, but let’s focus on the rose for now.”

You can check out the video below, or you may just hear it if you’re watching season 3 of The Bear (fun story, Jennifer Castle has been friends with Matty Matheson since they worked together in a restaurant years ago!)

• Kirk

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“Seasons Come, Seasons Go” by Cuff The Duke

Cuff The Duke is back!

This was an unexpected and very welcome email in my inbox, but there is new music from Cuff The Duke for the first time in 10 years!

Of the journey back:
“Breaking Dawn (out September 6th), is a deeply personal exploration of frontman Wayne Petti's journey with mental health. For the single, “Seasons Come, Seasons Go,” the band laments the passage of time and departures of old friends. The song took shape after their first manager, William "Skinny" Tenn, passed away of cancer and then a few months later, hearing the news that Dallas Good (The Sadies) passed away. Those two individuals had a big influence on Petti’s early days as a musician.”

The song is beautiful, and both dark and light at the same time, with a haunting violin that reminded me of the title theme from Deadwood. I cannot WAIT to hear more.

• Christine

Songs of the Week: June 17 - 23, 2024

“Always” by Toddy

Vancouver-based artist Toddy (who released their debut album, Always, June 19th) released the video for the title-track just over a week ago! First fun fact of it was that it was co-written with Louise Burns, and Kevvy Maher (Fake Shark), who also produced the album.

Of the song, Toddy says it is: "inspired by the way that people treat drag artists... putting them on a pedestal and acting like they’re goddesses. Which they are! The track is a parody of sorts. My favorite line is “My daddy hates you, is he jealous or scared”. There is so much hate towards the drag community and my message is: if you hate us, you are either jealous or you are scared, and neither of those are our problems. Drag performers have Always been here, and we Always will be.”

Toddy will be having a release show on July 4th at the Fox Cabaret, and then you can catch them at the Khatsahlano street festival on the 6th!

• Christine

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“Likewise” by Devarrow

Graham Ereaux is a busy dude. The Halifax musician & producer who goes by the moniker Devarrow already released a surprise album earlier this year, A Long & Distant Wave. But last week, he announced yet another new album for later this year, along with the lead single “Likewise”.

The song is a breezy & catchy jam, and comes with a video directed Riley Lamarche. Graham explains, “Reflecting the ethos of the song and its somewhat abstract and meaningless inception, the video came about in a similar fashion. Abandoning strong narratives, Riley focused more on producing a video that feels abstract while still being human. It’s about small town life, but also not, it’s about being an outsider, but also not, it’s about nothing and a lot, all at the same time.”

The new album, Heart Shaped Rock, was recorded in school bus turned music studio(!!) and comes out via Paper Bag Records, on October 4!

• Kirk

Songs of the Week: June 10 - 16, 2024

“Evening Dream” by Mo Kenney

Last week Mo Kenney announced their fifth studio album, From Nowhere, and gave us a taste with the first single.

“Evening Dream” is a gorgeous, lush tune that Kenney says is about the nebulous feelings of flings, explaining “This song is about a romance that just wasn’t meant to be. Reminiscing about it and wishing them well. Reflecting on things that have happened and processing it all. The bittersweet process of losing a love, but knowing and accepting that it is for the best,”

From Nowhere is set to be released on September 6th, and you can catch Mo Kenney all over the country on tour, including the Filberg Festival on the island in Comox, where they’re playing with Joel Plaskett!

• Kirk

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“Oregon” by Sam Weber

This one almost slipped by me this week as I’m in Toronto for a visit, and am currently listening to a song about a whole other place!
“Oregon” is the new title from Vancouver Island’s Sam Weber, off the record Clear + Plain which is due out August 23rd.

Of the track Sam says: “Oregon’ was written on a trip to Ashland. We were renting a casita on this big property where all these hippies lived. It’s a bit of a sensory abstract poem that just sort of emerged. 
I think the imagery is my own from the I-5 corridor, seeing the lush green flora, very pagan-beautiful, natural imagery of the state, contrasted with the scraps of humanity strewn around. And the progressive culture of Portland.”

I can’t wait for the rest of this album (and hopefully some show announcements)!

• Christine

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“Try Again” by Sunnsetter

Sunnsetter is the music project of the prolific multi-instrumentalist, composer, and mixing engineer, Andrew McLeod, and last week they dropped the latest single, “Try Again”.

The tune is a hazy, dreamy track about “the overload we can all be subject to. The various forces at work that can make anyone feel worthless. The feedback that’s always waiting around the corner, telling us that the path we’re on, and the dreams we hold, are alluding us and ultimately out of our reach.” Andrew ebaorates, “The only way to get anywhere is to try again. I have to tell myself this over and over.”

Check out the song below, and keep an ear out for more from Sunnsetter later this year!

• Kirk

Songs of the Week: June 03 - 09, 2024

“Big Feelings” by Arkells

Arkells just don’t have an ‘off’ mode. They just released their album of covers, Disco Loadout: Volume 1, and now ahead of their Big Feelings Tour later this year, they’ve dropped the eponymous song.

“Big Feelings” is a perfect title for the new tune, full of the band’s usual infectious energy, and singer Max Kerman explaining “In the studio, this track was a burst of energy and felt like it came together quickly. When you have something with propulsion, you just hang on and try to steer it the right way. Immediately, we understood it would be unruly, and that the spirit of the song was more about the collective unvarnished expression than any conventional ‘songwriting rules.’ The most satisfying songs are often the ones where we surprise ourselves.”

You can catch Arkells here in Vancouver on November 15 when they play Rogers Arena(!!) with K.Flay!

• Kirk

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“Stay Forever” by Begonia

After announcing her new album (Open Swim) and releasing the first single (“Get To You”) in April, Begonia has dropped a second single for us!

“Stay Forever” is a slow, melancholic song with Begonia’s beautiful vocals over a delicate piano, and is about being “free of self judgment and open to love”.

It’s a simple, yet gorgeous piece of work.

• Christine

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“Magic Wand” by Energy Slime

Energy Slime is back with a not only a brand new song, but a new album coming soon!

The duo of Jay Arner and Jessica Delisle announced their new LP Planet Perfect and gave us a hint of what’s to come with “Magic Wand”. The lead single may hit a little close to home for people — especially artistic types — in Vancouver, as it’s an upbeat, bouncy track about being priced out the city you live in.

Arner elaborates, “Specifically this is about trying to have fun in a place that is destined to become condos. In general it's about living in a city that is hostile to me and my friends. I've lived here my whole life but I feel like I'm being squeezed out.”

Check out the video below, directed and edited by Delisle, and mark August 9th on your calendars for the release of Planet Perfect, on We Are Time Records.

• Kirk

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“Ooh La La” by ADNAMA

It’s been a few months since we’ve heard from Vancouver’s Adnama, but last week she dropped her latest single, “Ooh La La”.

The simmering synth tune is “an 80's throwback to when soundtracks were great.”

Have a listen below!

• Kirk

Songs of the Week: May 27 - June 02, 2024

“Kate Moon” by Said The Whale

Last week, Said the Whale released their 163rd song, “Kate Moon” — though members of their recently relaunched patreon may have heard it a bit sooner.

Joined by their long-time friend David Vertesi, who produced as well as played bass, the band described the new tune as “a warm hug on a cold and damp west coast day” which has been needed after the last few days here in Vancouver!

Sink into the embrace by listening below!

• Kirk

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“Say Goodnight” by Debra-Jean Creelman

Okay, this new single from Vancouver’s Debra-Jean Creelman is STACKED with talent.

First off, obviously the woman herself, but on trumpet on “Say Goodnight” you’ve got JP Carter (of Destroyer), multi-instrumentalist Sean Cronin, and Jo Passed’s Jo Hirabiyashi! And on top of that, in the live version below, Jasmin Parkin of Mother Mother on vocals, as well as a whole horn section.

The song itself “questions whether it’s possible to maintain one’s artistic edge while being in love”, and comes from DJ’s upcoming album Ego Death, which is out on July 12th (and I cannot wait!).

• Christine

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“Keep Me Free” by Peter Dreams

You probably know Peter Dreams better as July Talk’s Peter Dreimanis, but last week he unveiled a brand new solo project with the first single, “Keep Me Free”.

A bit lighter than July Talk’s grittiness, the new song is a breezy summer jam that was made in collaboration with the fine folks of MOONRIIVR.

No word yet on a full album from Peter Dreams, but he will be at the Hillside Festival in Guelph this summer, so here’s hoping we hear more soon!

• Kirk

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“Anyone Else's Eyes” by Meko Brain

Speaking of solo acts using a pseudonym that’s close to their real name: Mike O’Brien has debuted his latest project, Meko Brain.

Best known as part of Zeus, O’Brien has also worked with the likes of Dan Mangan, Bahamas, and Jason Collett (among many others) but now dropped his solo song, “Anyone Else's Eyes”.

The new single is a chill tune perfect for a warm evening, and Mike explains “I think we can all benefit from the old adage of walking a mile in someone else's shoes. It has to be possible to step back and zoom out and try to see someone else's point of view. The easiest way to adopt this mentality for me is to apply it to my immediate personal relationships. In a sort of montage way, I think I wanted to express this idea/feeling in the song.”

Have a listen below!

• Kirk

Songs of the Week: May 20 - 26, 2024

“Rainy Day Janey” by Joel Plaskett

An appropriately titled song for the soggy weather Vancouver’s been having lately!
“Rainy Day Janey” is the new track by Joel Plaskett from the freshly announced new album One Real Reveal.

The album was recorded solo on a 4-track cassette machine, and the tour he just announced (One Real Reveal On Wheels - say that 3 times fast) will be just as intimate with Joel performing solo. [In Vancouver on September 20th at St James Hall, by the way.]

Cozy up with some tea and listen along to the new track below.

• Christine

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“Momentum” by Skye Wallace

Skye Wallace doesn’t care what people think anymore.

But more specifically, Skye says that the line in her latest single “Momentum” “doesn’t mean I don’t care - it’s just a reminder to act from a place of self fulfillment rather than the approval of others - it’s a zero-sum game.”

The frenetic tune is the latest release of her collaboration with the legendary Hawksley Workman — though was actually the first they wrote together — and appropriately enough for the mane, keeps up the same energy as the others.

No word yet on a new album, but Wallace has been playing a string of secret shows in Toronto recently, and will be back to the west coast in a few weeks, including a show here in Vancouver at Green Auto on June 12th!

• Kirk

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“Moondog” by Leif Vollebekk

Leif Vollebekk just announced his brand-new album, Revelation, which is set to be released on September 27, and along with it we got a new single “Moondog”.

According to the press release, the songwriting on this record was “inspired by an exploration that began with Carl Jung’s I Ching and continued into the science of alchemy and the mystery of the divine. The final result is at once organic, earthy and celestial, with themes of nature -- water, astral constellations, mortality – woven into a meditation on living in an ever-changing present laced with existential doubt, the search for a higher power.”

Well then! I can’t wait to hear the rest of the record! According to Lief “Moondog” was a “meditation on love” and with it is a scenic video filmed in Norway. Check it out below.

• Christine

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“Frozen” by WAASH

Last year, Vancouver songwriter Andrew Bishop unveiled his latest project WAASH with a self-titled EP, but now we’re getting a taste of the upcoming full length with “Frozen”

The new single is an upbeat, 80’s influenced pop tune, and is a “statement on putting up boundaries as a form of self-care”.

No word yet on a release date, but the (also) self-titled fell length will be out soon on Light Organ Records.

• Kirk