The new single, “Raindrops,” from Besnard Lakes is a psychedelic flight through the mind while deep in an altered state. Opening lyric, “on the other side of the world,” is used for the first of two songs. In this case, it details the idea of evolution determining the story of the Garden of Eden. Listen for a reference to the death of Talk Talk’s Mark Hollis, as well.

The Besnard Lakes have passed through death and they’re here to tell the tale. Nearly five years after their last lightning-tinted volley, the magisterial Montreal psych-rock band have sworn off compromise, split with their long-standing label, and completed a searing, 72-minute suite about the darkness of dying and the light on the other side – The Besnard Lakes Are The Last of the Great Thunderstorm Warnings, the group’s forthcoming sixth album.

On his new single, “Lakeshore Bus,” Keith Mosfet continues to showcase his songwriting, creative and engineering skills, and shares his softer side. The single eludes to the small moments people may have while riding on public transport. The human side to a chaotic world.

Canadian/Irish Keith Mosfet is the definition of an “artist.” Using inspiration from impressionist oil paintings and combining his background in electronic engineering, Keith took on the challenge of writing, recording and mixing the whole of his 2019 album Superficial Hypocrite, his 2020 EP Breathe and now, his latest, EP3.

Washington DC based singer/songwriter and bassist Eric Scott is back with his 5th solo studio production. His new record, Peace Bomb,  drops later this year and his first single, the album’s namesake “Peace Bomb,” is out now. As an artist and sideman, Eric has shared the stage with the likes of BB King, REO Speedwagon, Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters, and many more, all while recording and releasing his own projects. “Peace Bomb” is the perfect representation of his well curated version of socially conscious modern soul. 

The track opens with Eric’s smooth vocals, gentle synths, and slight reverb on the acoustic and bass guitars. As the track builds, groovy drums carry the harmonies on its back, building a soundscape reminiscent of 1970’s soft rock. The gentle sway of the melody and funky backtracking feels luscious. The smooth sound allows the listener to softly settle into the track’s metaphor, that is, spreading light and love amidst the chaos and unrest of modern day, all through dropping a “Peace Bomb.” This is a track we need for today’s turbulent times.

We sat down with Eric for a very special Video Voyageur which you can dive into below.

Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically in this way? 

The concept for this song was inspired by the anger and division that has engulfed our country. I wanted to spread ‘Peace’ in a unique way.As a songwriter, I wanted to convey the message in a way I’d never heard before. Using a bomb as a metaphor, I envisioned dropping a bomb on the world, and instead of spreading destruction, it spread peace and love and unity. 

What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)? 

The video concept came about by deciding to interpret the song through the lens and imagination of a child.  With all of the fear, anger, and division in the world today, children manage to avoid most all of it by simply being who they are and remaining a kid. Untainted and joyful. Kids love unconditionally and don’t care if you swing left or right. The kid in this video represents the childlike optimism and absence of cynicism that many of us have lost touch with today. Also, with the state of the world being as it is, and with no change clearly in sight, it is the children who will have to navigate this ‘new normal.’

What was the process of making this video? 

We wanted to convey a child losing himself in the music and rocking out and letting his imagination guide him. Kids like to draw, imitate being a cool singer, and pretend.We wanted to show that, and also how a kid might interpret living in a world of peace

Ali Aslam is a Pakistani-American artist, based in New York City, who has debuted his first full-length LP on Friday, October 30. The Last American is an acoustic collage of stories about growing up straddling the Pakistani culture of his family and the American culture of his peers. Any child of an immigrant (or anyone who’s ever felt they don’t quite belong for any reason) will relate.

Aslam’s music explores the complex, sometimes contradictory facets of his identity with a curious introspection, the private musings of a person who has spent considerable time alone on the fringes. Ali Aslam calls his signature sound “supersonic folk” — not the booming singalongs of past genre giants like Mumford and Sons or Fleet Foxes, but rather a current and forward-thinking creation that incorporates diverse sonic elements and reaches across cultures, more like Big Thief or Phoebe Bridgers. 

Today songstress Maxine Linehan shares some pre-holiday cheer, as she launches her gorgeous holiday single “This Time of Year.” The harmonious song is a Christmas delight as she brings a cheery and glistening sound to the table; fully capturing the holiday spirit. The first of her holiday singles this year, she grabs your attention and holds it; making it a new seasonal favorite for your ears!

Maxine Linehan is a woman of many hats. She’s a singer, writer, producer, and actress, and is an interpretive artist that uses popular songbooks and theatrical presentations to share intimate truths and build communal bonds.

The Irish performer’s masterful productions reimagine beloved music catalogs with courageous and emotive storylines, and immersive experiences. In doing this, she enriches our bonds with our favorite music.

The Southern Vermont-based theatrical musician fuses dialogue, autobiographical story arcs, and specific artist song collections for transformative concert experiences. Maxine performs in both world-famous venues and in intimate settings. Her artistic choices are tailored around bringing forth the poignancy of the lyrics in the body of work she is reimagining. Within any musical setting, Maxine’s sensually emotive vocals shine through. Her repertoire is refreshingly eclectic; to date, she’s interpreted the songbooks of such varied artists as U2, Petula Clark, and Barbra Streisand.

Singer-songwriter Eunice Keitan’s work mixes R&B/Acoustic Soul and World Folk influences. Both her international upbringing and her eclectic music background surface in the themes of many of her songs, where she explores mental health, social inequality and social change.

Eunice just released a new track, “Standing With You,” written 5 days after the death of George Floyd:

“During those days I read a pamphlet that was circulated immediately after the lynching of Emmett Till. It felt eerily like it was written yesterday and it got me thinking and asking a lot of questions about what really needed to happen so that we could stop repeating this same cycle of hate and injustice over and over. All of these things combined sowed the seeds of what would become ‘Standing With You’. The message of the song is one of empathy and solidarity. It is a promise to do better and the hope that if we can move forward together as one we can see real changes.”