Neo-new-wave and industrial-pop project, Pleasure Craft, has drawn inspiration from a difficult time when principal songwriter, Sam Lewis, grappled with extreme isolation, his mother’s cancer diagnosis, the beginning of the pandemic, and a breakup — all within a period of six months.

Drawing on two years of psychotherapy sessions and exploring the fear of vulnerability drawing Lewis’ behaviour, Pleasure Craft’s forthcoming debut album, Walls, Mirrors and Windows, is a deeply cathartic collection of songs.

“Dead Weight,” the fifth song on the LP, is a heavy, bass and drum driven industrial track that finds the album’s protagonist grappling with self loathing and fear brought on by a newfound self awareness and introspection: “He’s a kid, he’s a soul, he’s a rag doll, he’s a chemical, he’s a bag in the wind, he’s a tag in, he’s a swimmer in a current.”

Toronto-born foursome A Short Walk To Pluto pride themselves on their ability to connect with listeners through a potent combination of eclectic progressive rock stylings and uncompromising songwriting.

As the band’s heaviest track yet, “Phantom Lover” jolts you into an excited fury with lyrics that invoke a sexy and smokey atmosphere full of 20-somethings looking for some action. The title “Phantom Lover” refers to a lover that is only existent for the duration of a one night stand. The next morning, they are merely a phantom.

From recording artist to radio co-host, Canadian singer/songwriter and Billboard charting artist, Avery Raquel, has been entertaining audiences professionally for over 10 years. She’s released three solo albums to critical acclaim and airplay across the country, and is now prepping for her self-titled fourth release in 2022.

This new project of all original Alternative Soul is reminiscent of her love for RnB/Soul music of the past, but with a more current, contemporary style. Her first single, “Helpless,” debuted at #4 on the iTunes Canada Top 200 RnB/Soul Song Chart.

“All Up To You” is the latest song to be released from Avery’s upcoming project, inspired by an old relationship that went up in flames. It’s about second chances and compromise if a relationship is worth saving, set to a funk laden piece of infectious pop soul.

Unafraid of pushing the envelope, Ontario indie rock band Pacific Estate have a willingness to blur the lines of genre while staying true to their hook-driven roots, catalyzing a fresh yet familiar take on modern rock. 

After finishing up their debut album with JUNO Award-winning producers, Julius Butty (Alexisonfire, City and Colour), and Jay Dufor (July Talk, Protest the Hero), the stage is set for a monumental year.

Their first single of 2022 is the upbeat and melodic indie rock jam, “Millennial,” a combination party anthem and rally cry that reflects on the shared feeling that older generations kind of just hate millennials. 

“We’re in our mid-twenties and somehow we’re responsible for the climate going to shit, the economy crashing, and everything else that’s wrong with the world. And on top of that, the people that tell us the most are our own parents,” explains the band. 

“Millennial” bridges contemporary sounds and classic rock to reflect on the band’s lives and those of their parents’, both past and present. It’s a song to dance and sing along to, gang vocals and horns evoking modern pop.

Toronto-based singer and songwriter, Sia Shells, rhymes about the everyday magic we find through relationships, self-love, reflection and dreams. Her juxtaposition of emotive, contralto vocals against upbeat dream pop sounds will instantly transport you to another world.

Sia’s introspective new track “BRB” encourages checking out of reality to hone the magic and creativity we all harness inside. She expands, “Think of it as a new age meditation mantra, where we temporarily disconnect from the world to reconnect with our higher selves.”