Newfoundland-born, Halifax-based songwriter Don Brownrigg evades simple definitions or easy categorization. 

His music is both intimate and acutely observational; he’s a classically trained pianist through The Royal Conservatory but learned to really play during the musical east coast kitchen parties his family threw when he was growing up; and as a frequent and prolific collaborator, he’s able to shift styles and moods as the music demands or he sees fit. 

Don is about to share a new single entitled “The Same Time,” somewhat of an existential exploration of the ‘next step’ in a relationship.

Strong vocal harmonies, accompanied by guitar and keys explore themes of relationship lag, drag, and confusion. In Brownrigg’s words, “The Same Time” captures “the duality of struggling in love while being in love and having to be so many things at [once].”.

Chrome Daphne is a Toronto-based duo comprised of producer/multi-instrumentalists Chris da Silva and Jay Cherr. Futuristic dance grooves coalesce with moody R&B, as this distinctive pair weave rich synthetic textures into the warmth of analog instrumentation.   

“There” was inspired by a short-lived romance that left Jay Cherr wanting more in terms of intimacy, and when that relationship ended, it led him to a state of mindfulness.

“Out of all the things in the world, all the things we can experience and feel as humans – why do we feel this need to rush? What is there to rush, honestly? Aren’t we just “there” to feel as close and as amazing as we can?” said Jay Cherr. “Let’s just put aside all of these worries and insecurities for these few moments that we’re in bed together. If it feels this good, let’s make it last for as long as we can.”

Poet and songwriter Jenny Berkel’s forthcoming new album, These Are the Sounds Left from Leaving is set for release on May 13th via Outside Music. Each song is set in the micro-world of a keen feeling observer, trying to parse a mindful moment in a setting where it feels impossible to drop a truth anchor – a post-Trump, heavily gaslit world where perceptions of reality remain distorted.

“Kaleidoscope,” the first single from the album, is a dissonant and poetic consideration of the importance of care and precision in language, both in the broader political landscape and in intimate emotional ways. From the heart-wrenching confusion of interpersonal manipulation, it extrapolates a collectively felt disorientation at the kaleidoscopic swirling of disinformation and misinformation.

Toronto-based singer-songwriter, Mia Baron, is a 14-year-old emerging artist ready to make waves in the music industry.

Her sixth original single, “Rules Are Mine,” was written out of frustration when someone close to Mia was putting her second (while she always put them first) at a time when she really needed them to have her back. There was a turning point where Mia made a decision to put herself first and distanced herself from negative behaviour. That’s when she started to care less about what others do and more about how she expects to be treated – something that evoked confidence and power.

Mear is an indie pop collaboration between singer-songwriter Frances Miller and electronic composer Greg Harrison. Together, their music combines catchy melodies and poignant lyrics with their shared love of experimental music. Miller and Harrison met while working at the music venue Massey Hall in Toronto and began collaborating shortly thereafter by sending tracks back and forth over social media. 
“Some memories help propel us forward while others cling to us so tightly that they bind us in place.” Mear shares about triumphant “Second Sight,” their latest release from forthcoming album Soft Chains (April 22nd). “This song is about someone who is grappling with a memory that holds them back. It’s about a confrontation and making it out on the other side.”

Watch the video for “Second Sight”, integrating dance artist Katherine Semchuk’s choreography with animator Kristen-Innes Stambolic’s vision.