Over the past decade, Brock Geiger has established himself as a sought-after collaborator, contributing to nearly 50 records and touring internationally with a range of artists. His debut full-length album, Some Nights, is a culmination of his rich musical journey—melding deeply personal storytelling with innovative production. Co-produced with longtime collaborator, & Grammy award–winner, Will Maclellan, the album seamlessly moves between groove-driven energy and ambient intimacy, featuring contributions from Matt Chamberlain, Sam Gendel, Gabe Noel, and longtime friends Clea Anaïs and Kaelen Ohm.

“Some Nights,” the title track of Brock Geiger’s charming debut album, is a hypnotic, dance-floor-ready anthem that blends indie-pop swagger with art-rock grit. Originally conceived during Geiger’s time experimenting with electronic textures in his synth duo Étamine, the track took on new life as a grimy, groove-forward piece, fusing vintage drum machines with wobbly Hofner bass lines and off-kilter sequencing. Inspired by the unpredictable nature of a turbulent relationship, “Some Nights” juxtaposes dark lyrical themes with an infectious, club-tinged energy.

Produced at the legendary Sound City Studios in Los Angeles by Geiger and Maclellan (Phoebe Bridgers, Taylor Swift, The Killers), “Some Nights” leans into experimental recording techniques to craft its distinct sonic world. A formant-shifted vocal manipulates the song’s perspective, heightening the mood of seductive unease, while moments of  binaural recording captures the sound of the song playing from inside a club—literally blasting the track through massive monitors while recording the bleed from outside the studio doors. Combined with a swaggering drum performance from Matt Chamberlain (Mac Miller, Fiona Apple, David Bowie), the result is an intoxicating, high-energy track that feels like Prince and LCD Soundsystem jamming in a neon-lit after-hours backroom.

Brooklyn-based dream pop duo The Dream Eaters return with their latest single, “Program Me, I’m A Machine,” a synth-driven, hypnotic track that blends robotic detachment with eerie human emotion. Channeling elements of retro-futurism and deadpan humor, the song explores the blurred line between devotion and submission—asking whether true autonomy is ever possible in a world obsessed with control. “Program Me, I’m A Machine” is taken from the pair’s upcoming EP, The Dream Eaters Quarterly Report: Q125, out April 18, 2025.

With its pulsing beats, shimmering synths, and Elizabeth LeBaron’s mesmerizing vocals, “Program Me, I’m A Machine” evokes a sense of nostalgia while feeling distinctly modern. The track’s mechanical yet emotive delivery mirrors its thematic core: an AI-like partner programmed for compliance but perhaps harboring something more beneath the surface.

The accompanying music video, filmed at Green Lung Studios in Red Hook, Brooklyn, brings this vision to life with dynamic visuals and offbeat choreography. “Our drummer/dancer, Steve Fugitt’s dancing was particularly strong that day (when isn’t it perfect, though?), and I shimmied quite a bit myself—poor robot moves and all,” says LeBaron. “We were really feeling this one and just having a lot of fun.”

Beyond its infectious hooks and sci-fi aesthetic, “Program Me, I’m A Machine” carries a deeper message. “It feels both in the past and also in the future, but also the present?” LeBaron muses. “Almost like the desire to control women’s bodies is timeless…”

Halifax rock and Americana outfit Newbridge have released Past Lives, an album steeped in storytelling and rich, evocative soundscapes. The focus track, “Iroquois,” encapsulates the heart of the record—a folk-infused, country-Americana tale of longing, love, and the journey between them.

Thematically, Past Lives explores the searcher’s spirit—the drifter caught between adventure and belonging, between love and the pull of home. With roots in the traditional folk music of the Maritimes, vocalist/guitarist Keith Maddison’s songwriting reflects the historical seafaring nature of his ancestors, where leaving was an inevitability, but returning was never guaranteed. This contrast of freedom and sacrifice forms the backbone of “Iroquois” and much of Past Lives.

Inspired by a summer spent in the small town of Iroquois in eastern Ontario, the song reflects the experience of many Maritimers who must leave their homes, traditions, and communities in search of work, only to find themselves in unfamiliar places, forging new connections, and making sense of it all.

With a sound reminiscent of Neil Young’s Harvest and The Band’s self-titled album, “Iroquois” evolved in Nashville, where Newbridge leaned into warm, earthy tones that perfectly frame the song’s wistful narrative. The track also features the stunning harmonies of Shannon McNally (Mike Campbell, Dr. John, Levon Helm), whose presence amplifies the song’s deep Americana and Canadiana roots.

Kitchener-Waterloo-based artist Henry Taylor delivers a high-voltage rock experience with “HUMMINGBIRD,” the explosive focus track from his sixth studio album, SWEET THUNDER! A departure from the gentle and delicate imagery often associated with its namesake, “HUMMINGBIRD” is a fan-favourite at Taylor’s live shows, showcasing his signature blend of rock ‘n’ roll, Americana, and folk rock.

“HUMMINGBIRD” was born on a back porch while Taylor and longtime songwriting partner Monique Montgomery were playing music with former bandmate Mark. A chance glance at a hummingbird feeder sparked an idea—chords turned into a chorus, lyrics fell into place, and within 40 minutes, the song was complete. The decision to push the track into full-blown rock territory sets it apart from other “HUMMINGBIRD”-titled songs, reflecting its dynamic energy and unconventional take on the theme.

SWEET THUNDER! was inspired by a serendipitous moment when Montgomery spotted a license plate reading “SWTTHNDR” on a blue Corvette. That moment perfectly encapsulated the album’s essence—a fusion of thunderous rock anthems and tender acoustic ballads. The album balances electrifying rock tracks like “HUMMINGBIRD” and “I DON’T HAVE A NAME” with the softer, folk-tinged melodies of “WITHOUT YOU” and “HEY OLD PAL.

SWEET THUNDER! is a compilation of songs that express the range of emotions we’ve experienced over the last few years – hard and soft. Sometimes the only way to make a big noise is to speak softly and tell the truth. But sometimes you have to smash the pots and pans to be heard. SWEET THUNDER! does both. We included some lighthearted numbers like “HUMMINGBIRD” and “I’VE GOT THE GUNS”. Other songs are heavy. We wrote “BURN” a few days after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, and “I DON’T HAVE A NAME” was initially a response to stories about missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada. In Nashville, we wrote “SHOEBOX OF MONEY” to shine a light on the strength it takes to get out of a bad situation. We hope these songs resonate with people who need a lift – people who need to know they’re not alone. – Henry Taylor

Alternative-pop artist Lyubov Kay unveils her bold and emotionally charged new single, “shoulda run,” a powerful anthem about realizing your worth and walking away from what no longer serves you. With its striking blend of evocative storytelling, fierce instrumentation, and Kay’s signature smooth yet commanding vocals, “shoulda run” captures the emotional weight of staying in a one-sided relationship for too long—and finally breaking free.

Kay’s songwriting shines as she reflects on the disappointment of giving your all to someone who was never fully present. The song is both a reflection and a declaration—acknowledging past mistakes while celebrating the strength it takes to move forward.

“shoulda run” is an anthem for anyone who’s ever looked back and thought, “Why did I keep going?” The track encapsulates that bittersweet moment of finally seeing the truth and choosing yourself.

I wanted “shoulda run” to feel like a release—a song for anyone who’s been in a situation where they weren’t getting the love or commitment they deserved. It’s about that moment of clarity when you finally snap out of it and realize your worth. It’s fierce, it’s liberating, and it’s a reminder that sometimes walking away is the strongest thing you can do. – Lyubov Kay

International Acoustic Music Award winning songwriter Robert Thomas and his band, the sessionmen, cast a playful groove-laden Americana track with their latest single, “Cast a Line.” Inspired by some unconventional dating advice from Thomas’ father back in 1976—delivered, fittingly, in the form of a fishing metaphor—the song takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the idea that love is just a matter of casting out a line and waiting for the right catch. With its irresistible rhythm, clever storytelling, and a Little Feat-style groove, “Cast a Line” has become one of Thomas’ most enduring and requested songs, covered by artists across the industry.

Written in 1990 and predating the popular dating site Plenty of Fish, the song’s central metaphor still resonates today. A testament to the unpredictability of songwriting success, Thomas reflects on how a humorous idea sparked by questionable advice turned into one of his most lucrative and beloved tracks.

I always get a chuckle every time we perform this song or every time I open my SOCAN statement. I feel like I got away with a bit of a bank robbery in that such a goofy idea actually turned into one of our most popular songs. – Robert Thomas