Canadian singer-songwriter, Jon Rivera (2M+ streams prior as JT Soul), re-introduces himself after a year hiatus where he changed his life and sound. After starting to take care of himself and, more notably, losing 100+ pounds, the artist took his time to figure out how he was going to grow as an artist. He now presents himself as Jon Rivera, a name derived from his own name, a homage to his Portuguese roots. 

Standing out from the typical city kid, Jon Rivera’s metropolitan upbringing leaves an unmistakable mark on his songs while his attraction for pop sonorities naturally contrast his introspective songwriting and tough yet soothing tone.

Fresh new track, “Americana,” explores the universal desire to go out and make something of yourself. We know what we want and deserve but sometimes settle for something else – not necessarily good or bad, just different.

Toronto alt rock duo, USS, is back with their thank-you album for the fans, The Science and Artfunkel Victory Lap, a compilation of unreleased b-sides and rarities released in conjunction with the band’s final tour. 

After winning 8 awards (4x CASBY, 2x COCA, 2x INDIE), being nominated for a JUNO Award for Best New Group, and earning a Certified Gold record (Yin Yang), USS is leading the release of their new compilation with “Follow (Trans Lunar Ejector Maneuver),” an anthem of warts-and-all self acceptance. 

Written with Travis Wood and Gavin Slate, “Follow” features a singalong chorus paired with earnest acoustic guitar and direct rhythms. The song channels the mood of that moment when you decide you’ve had enough and need to break old habits, catching your own eye and seeing through your own twisted rationalizations.

Fleur Electra is a Toronto based singer-songwriter, producer, and performer. Since first writing music as an impressionable pre-teen, she has developed an ever-evolving sense of musicality that has shaped her sound into what it is now: punchy alternative pop, paired with dreamy ambience. 

Her debut single, “Lucky Penny,” is the first single off of her new record coming in 2022, entitled In Technicolor. 

“Lucky Penny” is built around the idea of taking the time to challenge what you already know and understand what matters to you. A bright, synth based pop track, this track follows a story of self-realization where the song’s protagonist really comes into their own identity.

A year of isolation, and soul crushing anxiety has sent Forester’s DIY approach spiraling down the rabbit hole. “Can’t Sleep” fights back, lashing out lyrically with a vengeance. Written by the band, but blasting a brighter mix packed full of vivid ‘ear art’ thanks to Sam Guaiana (Silverstein, We Were Sharks), their new single marks the first time the band has brought outside ears into the studio.

E-Prime is the self-produced electro-pop project of siblings Jaclyn & Trevor Blumas. Emerging out of the pandemic with a hopeful longing for fresher air and greener pastures, the duo made a conscious commitment to make unabashedly feel-good music against the emotional backdrop of all the grief, loss, hate and conflict that presented itself over the past year.

With this in mind, E-Prime deploys nostalgia as a glossy lens through which to find beauty in the present moment, rather than look backwards with a romantic idealism. Smooth new single, “Lens of Love,” captures the simple and universally familiar notion that love will prevail. 

The track is Mixed by Patrick Holland (Project Pablo) and Jeremy Greenspan (Jessy Lanza/Junior Boys.

Catherine MacLellan is a folk music troubadour, representing Canada at home and internationally. Awarded Songwriter of the Year at the 2021 East Coast Music Awards, Catherine continues to receive accolades for her latest album, COYOTE which received a 2020 JUNO nomination for Contemporary Folk Album, three nominations for 2021 Canadian Folk Awards and was awarded Contemporary Roots and Solo Recording of the Year at the Music PEI Awards. 

Catherine’s self-produced holiday single, “Calling You Home (for the Holidays),” captures the mood of those old Christmas songs that are about being together. Even when we can’t be there in person, we can be there in spirit. Catherine also engineered the project and played all the instruments herself.