The achievements of rock ‘n’ roll heavyweights The Trews are many and mighty, highlighted by multiple radio hits drawn from seven critically acclaimed studio albums plus several EPs, a pair of live records, and a retrospective. Who could have predicted that electrifying recording sessions begun in Nashville in December 2019 with Black Crowes guitarist and long-timeTrews friend Rich Robinson would be curtailed by an unprecedented Canada/U.S. border closure, resulting in just three songs being completed? Amid the global pandemic, The Trews completed their forthcoming new full-length, The Wanderer, at home in Canada with producers Derek Hoffman and Eric Ratz. Now, they emerge with their fiercest and most accomplished set of songs to date.

Attentive listeners might notice that the buoyant, pealing new single “Enemy” features not Colin MacDonald on lead vocals but John-Angus, a Trews first.

After initial plans to record their record fell through due to the pandemic, Edmonton-based duo Altameda (æl-tah-MI-da) were provided with a window to continue the writing process. The feeling of isolation during this time led to the dream of a “Wheel Of Love” as a tangible concept for which somebody could spin, and generate a feeling of warmth and security during uncertain times. 

Over a few years of touring, Altameda amalgamated some super 8 footage that suitably juxtaposes with footage of the pair performing “Wheel Of Love” while isolated in separate places during a previous pandemic lockdown.

Eliciting feelings of warmth and hope, subtle instrumentation blooms into a soaring string arrangement.

It’s not every day that a long-dormant experimental noise project reappears as an elite electronic-pop outfit intent on burrowing into your subconscious and unearthing deep-seated memories of a time when we could congregate freely without worry. 

In 2014, the duo known as Allegories began to experiment across genres, melding eclectic soundscapes with pop inclinations. Gathering further inspiration from DJing house and hip-hop nights around town, Allegories went onto create electronic music that shifts throughout the over/underground spectrum. 

Case in point is the LCD-illuminated “Pray,” which reaches its strobe-lit fever pitch as the song’s most serious sentiment is delivered — can’t you see my heart is breaking in two!— in a bizarre, over-the-top, pitch-shifted exhortation. Every Allegories composition is created from moments of spontaneity, and trying to stay true to the state that you’re in whenever you’re recording. A menagerie of feelings. 

earth2zoe is a Canadian indie pop artist who is both charming and disarming – with her mesmerizing vocals, memorable lyrics, and hard-won confidence. Her sound is a cool mix of pop and melodic, soulful restlessness. Her voice is rich, unique and honest. Born and raised in a suburb north of Toronto, earth2zoe was born Zoe Katzberg. Her first name originates from the Greek word for “life,” and that’s exactly what she is – edgy, quirky, fun, and full of life.

Her relatable new single “Hallie’s Song” describes a strong friendship that faded away, a vulnerable reflection of this relationship that shaped her as a person.

earth2zoe writes songs that reveal painful truths about love, loss, and loyalty. Her youthful insights will remind you to find a place where you belong – because life is hard, and you do not need to struggle alone.

Toronto’s Lenny Bull has had a fascinating career trajectory, from ballet dancer to country singer to rockstar. Her new single, “Elevator,” is firmly in the latter category, it’s a direct and blistering rock track about being stuck in a bad situation.

“Relationships can be a drag. I want you to listen and feel energized instead of drained; motivated instead of weary,” says Bull. 

Bull was on a walk with a friend who was going through a breakup. They found themselves discussing the relationship for awhile before her friend expressed how “fucking tired” she was of talking about her ex.

The directness of that sentiment really stuck with Bull. “Elevator” is about not wanting to waste any more time being consumed by a specific circumstance or person.

Taylor Simpson is an indie folk singer-songwriter from Toronto. Drawing inspiration from his personal struggles and tribulations, he writes with the approach of wearing his heart on his sleeve to connect emotionally with the listener. His debut full-length album, Learning to Live with Precious Time, is set to be released in January 2022. 

“Drifting,” the latest single to be shared from the LP, started out as a challenge for Taylor in his writing. Rather than write from a personal place, he wrote a fictional story and put himself in the shoes of someone else. It’s a song about two people in a strenuous relationship where one person is too much for the other. The love is there, but it’s hard to hold onto and want to keep.