Banman, a rising hip-hop artist from Hamilton, Ontario unveils his powerful new EP, Ups & Downs — a concept album designed to be experienced in sequence. The project chronicles Banman’s journey through addiction and recovery, offering raw, honest reflections wrapped in catchy beats and sharp lyricism.

The EP’s focus track, “Didn’t See Me Coming,” radiates an infectious, uplifting energy with an old-school West Coast vibe. The song embodies Banman’s vision of emerging from the shadows to make an undeniable impact, both personally and musically. Written six years ago, it finally finds its moment, recorded in just two hours with a flow that’s been honed through relentless practice.

These songs have taught me patience. I could’ve released them years ago, but I wasn’t ready. Now, it feels like the perfect time. – Banman

Toronto-based indie pop singer-songwriter Jenny Palacios unveils her playful and angsty new single, “Took,” a dynamic blend of rock, alt pop, and pop rock that explores the complexities of digital identity and self-worth. With an infectious energy and tongue-in-cheek irony, “Took” captures Jenny’s struggle with internet culture and the pressures of maintaining an artist persona online.

“Took” is a reflection of Jenny’s realization that constantly seeking validation online was taking a toll on her sense of self. The song delves into the suffocating feeling of being influenced by people she’s never met, and the unrealistic standards of appearance and behavior dictated by social media.

The official music video for “Took” brings this narrative to life with playful yet poignant visuals, highlighting the internal conflict between authenticity and online curation.

This was the moment I realized I might have a bad relationship with the internet. All these people I don’t know, all these things I have to buy to feel worthy, how I’m meant to act, how to move, how to look, think or talk as an artist online. I mean, I’ve been in bands from a young age, posting online all throughout and only at this point of reflection did I clue into like—being close to all of this, trying to get noticed might be costing me who I am. It’s suffocating. – Jenny Palacios

Prince Edward Island-born singer-songwriter Kari Lyn returns with her heartfelt new single, “Fall (I’m Not Ready),” a deeply introspective folk-rock anthem that captures the fear and excitement of stepping into the unknown. With raw vulnerability and cinematic storytelling, the song reflects Kari Lyn’s personal struggles with change, self-doubt, and the courage to move forward.

Written in a moment of subconscious creativity—literally in her sleep—“Fall (I’m Not Ready)” emerged after an emotional breakthrough in therapy. Waking up in the middle of the night, she instinctively recorded a voice memo, snoring and all, capturing lyrics and melodies nearly identical to the final version.

Produced by Dan Hosh (Wild Rivers, Serena Ryder, Arkells), the track seamlessly blends Kari Lyn’s folk roots with subtle rock influences, channeling a sound she describes as “if Noah Kahan and Taylor Swift had a baby.” The result is a nostalgic, road trip-ready anthem layered with emotional depth.

I really feel like I’ve been holding myself back from success. Consciously, I’ve wanted to share my story for a long time, but subconsciously, I’ve been too scared. Writing this song in my sleep felt like my subconscious was telling me it’s time. – Kari Lyn

Winnipeg singer-songwriter Tommy Douglas Keenan crafts songs of heartache, longing, and humour—none more so than his latest single, “Oh Melody,” a woozy, late-night reflection on an intoxicating, ephemeral connection. The song captures the sweetness and sadness of a romance that was never meant to last, living only in the perfect moment.

Originally written for a “song every week” club, “Oh Melody” took on new life in collaboration with Matt Peters (Begonia, Royal Canoe, Dead Men). Recorded with Peters’ vast collection of sonic toys, the track features ethereal guitar, soaring synths, and the mesmerizing guest vocals of Natalie Bohrn (Slow Spirit), whose counterpoint melodies heighten the song’s dreamlike quality.

I wanted the backup vocalist to take a front seat, improvising a melody while I repeat the first verse in duet with her. The counterpoint of the two voices suggests two people having separate experiences that harmonize for the moment. They know they’re not going home together—so this is all they’ve got. – Tommy Douglas Keenan

Shealagh Rose, a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter from Hamilton, Ontario, releases her captivating new EP, Safe in Our Silence, a collection of songs reflecting themes of vulnerability, growth, and emotional resilience. 

The standout focus track, “Perth,” is a transcendental and calming piece that celebrates the comfort found in deep, silent connections with loved ones. It embodies a hopeful sentiment, exploring the beauty of letting people into our lives despite the baggage we carry. 

“Perth” was recorded in an intimate setting, with Shealagh tracking the piano at the music studio where she teaches, using rented Rodes mics. The process was a learning experience, pushing her to apply her knowledge of mic techniques in new ways. Contributions from friends like Murray Heaton (guitar on “Radio Silence”), Sam Goswell (drums on “Radio Silence”), Dan Minchom (bass on “Radio Silence”), and William Lamoureux (strings on “Games”) recorded remotely, added rich textures to the EP.

The EP takes you on a journey. While the first three tracks deal with loss, apathy, loneliness, and bitterness, the last track, “Perth,” turns a corner. It is a much more hopeful piece about letting people into our lives despite whatever baggage and scars we may have. – Shealagh Rose

Jont’s new single, “The Next Ramana Maharshi,” is a deeply introspective and rousing anthem that explores the journey of personal growth, spiritual yearning, and the search for meaningful connection.

Born Jonathan Whittington in London, Jont’s music has always strived to capture the nuances of life’s emotional landscapes. In this track, he reflects on his spiritual journey—not in pursuit of fame or recognition, but rather to understand what to do with “all this love I got.” The song tells the story of a seeker who, inspired by the call-and-response of two songbirds, discovers the true nature of love and the part he is meant to play in this vast world.

The inspiration behind the song came from Jont’s own yearning for a partner, balancing his spiritual quest with the deep desire to share his love with someone. “I’m not here to be some famous Indian guru, I’m just trying to work out what to do with all this love I’ve got,” says Jont. “Where is the person I can share this love with? What am I meant to do with all this love?”

The title of the song is both a playful reflection and an irreverent surrender to the notion that, while Ramana Maharshi was a true ascended master, none of us are here to fill those shoes. “It’s a joke,” Jont says. “Of course, none of us are here to be the next Ramana Maharshi, but there’s a sort of humour in saying that.”

“The Next Ramana Maharshi” uniquely blends raw emotion with poetic references to spiritual figures like Maharshi, embracing a freedom from commercial expectations and instead focusing on feeling. “It’s real,” says Jont. “The details don’t matter, it’s the feeling and the emotion behind the chorus—‘I’m not here to be the next Ramana Maharshi.’ You can feel it, even if you don’t know who the person is.”

The song came to life during a transformative writing session on the tropical island of Koh Phangang, Thailand. “It was almost as if I healed sadness through the three-day process of writing the song,” Jont reflects. “It all started with melancholy searching verses, and then it naturally led to a moment of epiphany when I heard the call-and-response of an Asian koel bird. I didn’t even know what I was writing, but it moved me to tears.”

A live take recorded at Sonic Studios in Halifax, the track captures the raw energy of the moment with Jont and his band The Fish’s dynamic performance. Later, strings were added to elevate the song’s emotional depth, creating a production that is as organic as the journey it describes.