Permilla is one of Niagara, ON’s most dynamic up-and-coming bands, bringing a mix of rock & roll, blues, and Americana with a modern twist. Formed by Nicole Cerminara, her brother Joseph “Junior” Cerminara, and close friend Myles Rogers, the group has gained a reputation as a powerhouse in the Niagara/Toronto music scene. After a brief one-off meeting with legendary producer Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, KISS, Phish), they recently rebranded under the name Permilla and launched into an ambitious record-and-release schedule in 2024.

Their latest single, “It Ain’t Right,” embodies the heartache and introspection of navigating challenging relationships. Written by Nicole Cerminara, the song grapples with the tug-of-war between head and heart, speaking to anyone who’s ever struggled to walk away from love, even when it’s unhealthy. Departing from their usual live-off-the-floor approach, the band took a more nuanced path in the studio with engineer Mark Rogers. Together, they dissected each part to create a textured, layered sound, aiming for a classic, road trip vibe inspired by artists like Sheryl Crow and Fleetwood Mac.

This song was inspired by the difficult relationships I’ve seen loved ones go through. It’s about that inner conflict – wanting to stay and fight for someone while knowing you need to value yourself enough to walk away. Our goal was to make it feel like a road trip – a song you’d play as you cruise down the scenic route with friends. – Nicole Cerminara

Since 2009, We Found a Lovebird has excelled in creating trance-like, chiming rock, capturing the attention of fans and critics alike. With three albums, one EP, and eight singles to date – including a Polaris Music Prize nomination and consistent radio support from CBC and KEXP – the band has become a respected name in indie rock. Their upcoming album With Friends Like These has seen a steady rollout of several singles, with “Chet” as the latest addition.

Inspired by a poignant moment from the Bruce Weber documentary on Chet Baker, “Chet” captures a scene in which Baker, against all expectations, reflects on his life without regret, expressing only gratitude for the path he has walked. With an unconventional chord progression (blending C, Fm, and E7 in a way rarely seen in rock), the track evokes moody, evocative, and haunting vibes, channeling the wistfulness and mystery of iconic 80s rock groups while paying homage to musical legends.

The lyrics of this song are Chet’s verbatim response when asked if he felt regret. His words resonated deeply with me. He saw only gratitude, no regrets. That perspective is powerful. It’s not unlike the themes that run through many of our songs – nods to iconic artists, life’s moral conundrums, and the ever-present possibility of love. – Larry Lechner (Lead Vocals/Guitar)

Experimental indie pop group Allegories are releasing their first cover following a recent string of original singles, delving into the world of the iconic equal parts experimental and pop group Talk Talk, led by the late Mark Hollis.

Allegories member Adam Bentley has long been skeptical of “It’s My Life,” associating it with the No Doubt cover that he was forced to listen to “almost every day for five years” during his time working at a hardware store.

After Talk Talk’s “It’s My Life” got stuck in bandmate Jordan Mitchell’s head for two months (due to a chronic condition called stuck song syndrome that Jordan suffers from), Jordan began learning and recording “It’s My Life” and prodded Adam to revisit the song to see it in a new light.

The urgency in Mark Hollis’ vocals struck me. And by covering the song, I felt like I was taken back to a place of admiration and passion, and away from Gwen Stefani. Keep Talk Talk away from Gwen at all costs. – Adam Bentley of Allegories

Allegories’ take on the classic is an impassioned plea sung by Bentley, faithful to the original’s marrying of a climbing bass melody and steady beat – both performed by Mitchell, awash in a world of synths and electronics.

I thought it might be therapeutic to learn this song. Recording the music came pretty easily after every part had been playing over and over in my head for so many months.
– Jordan Mitchell of Allegories

The duo uses subtle production effects to lend an otherworldly quality to this classic pop track.

Behind the name and the electric guitar, you’ll find Danish singer/songwriter and fuzz-loving guitar player Lauritz Carlsen, better known as Lou Z. Dressed in a leather jacket and a freshly trimmed mullet, he swings by themes like heartbreaks, loss, sorrow and the inevitable and unbearable detour of the human kind in a way that is best described as melancholic, heavy-hearted, but to-the-point – clean cut and with a pair of tired, dreamy eyes.

Having previously released two EPs as Lou Z, his debut album Holes for the Hearts is being released through the Danish indie label Møs Møs. The Copenhagen-based musician is a part of other local underground rock bands such as PBSM and Some Speak of the Future. Holes for the Hearts is an accumulation of songs written over the past five years. While writing, Lou Z did not intend to release an album but realized he had enough songs finished to release his solo debut LP. 

The album’s title track (and a great primer for Lou Z’s unique sound), “Holes for the Hearts,” started as a beat on the analogue Korg DDD-1. The eclectic single features many different instruments and production facets including a combination of acoustic instruments like the mandolin, analog sounding programmed beats, a heavy fuzz guitar solo and a gospel-like chorus. 

It’s a love song that is unclear on whether this particular love is good or bad – and the splitting feeling that comes with it.

The songs are about many different themes and ideas. Books, movies or other cultural stimuli can set off songs, and of course personal experiences and all the messy thoughts in my head that need to get out somehow. Also I was down with stress a few years back – sick and unable to work for a good while. That was not very pleasant, but it gave me a new outlook that gave birth to new songs too. – Lou Z

Toronto-based act A Weekend at Ramona’s, composed of musicians Chris Munro and Ben Nunes, are releasing their high-energy new single, “I Never Get It Right.” This raw, alternative rock track channels frustration, confidence, and unrelenting energy, perfectly capturing the band’s signature blend of heartfelt lyrics and the drive to push their artistic boundaries.

Innovation lies at the heart of “I Never Get It Right.” Co-writers Munro and Nunes broke away from traditional pop song formats, embracing a freeform structure to craft a track that feels spontaneous and fresh. Producer Keegan Porter helped refine the song’s raw energy, incorporating unique production techniques like running vocals through a driven guitar pedal for added grit.

The song was inspired by the frustration of everyday missteps and the desire to create a high-energy rock track that resonates powerfully with a live audience. One of the most impactful choices was recording the vocals through a guitar amp. It added a gritty, unconventional texture that perfectly matched the song’s spirit. – Chris Munro

Known for his soulful blend of folk-rock and modern influences, singer-songwriter Matt Zaddy is sharing his latest single, “Far Too Long.” The song marks a pivotal moment in Zaddy’s career as he delves into the struggle of finding balance between work, music, and personal life.

“Far Too Long” draws inspiration from a personal realization Zaddy had while balancing his demanding day job and a music schedule, working over 80 hours a week between the two. Little did he know he was reaching some kind of a breaking point. After a conversation with his younger brother, who asked about his week, Zaddy realized he had lost a week of his life to burnout. This moment of self-awareness led to the track’s creation. Zaddy worked with JUNO-nominated and Emmy Award-winning producer Ross Hayes Citrullo to bring it to life with a live off the floor recording approach.

I’ve always believed that music has the power to connect us. This song speaks to my own struggles with balance – between work, music, family, and friends. I think we’ve all been there at some point, and sometimes it takes hitting a wall to realize we need to make a change.
– Matt Zaddy