Toronto-based artist Puma June’s emotionally charged single, “Love Comes & Goes,” serves as the focal point of her debut A Woman That They Want EP. Known for her vulnerability and rawness, Puma June creates a space where self-love and acceptance take centre stage. This powerful ballad is the most intimate track on her album, as it delicately navigates women’s health and the personal struggles many people face but rarely speak about.

“Love Comes & Goes” draws from Puma June’s own experience, inspired by a phone call from her doctor that left her grappling with the possibility of never having children. The track explores the feeling of being trapped in a body that doesn’t always do what we expect, a poignant reflection on the fear and loneliness that can accompany recognizing one’s own limitations.

The accompanying music video explores the song from a different light, celebrating the 100th birthday of “Nonna” Bernita Smith, the grandmother of director Arden Grier. Nonna turned 100 this past International Women’s Day and has been an activist and singer throughout her lifetime. The video shifts the lyrics’ meaning to self-love/joy in aging and fighting the rhetoric that women’s value depletes as we age. Though bodies and abilities change, worth remains fixed.

Toronto-based rock & roll troubadour Nelson Sobral returns with his new album, três!, featuring the lead single “Must’ve Done Something Right.” Blending blues rock grit with Americana soul, the track is a testament to living on the edge, flirting with disaster, and somehow still landing on your feet. With its tongue-in-cheek lyrics and infectious, guitar-driven groove, “Must’ve Done Something Right” is a heartfelt reflection on life’s ups and downs, delivered with Sobral’s signature charm and swagger.

Inspired by a quiet moment watching his wife play with their two young sons, Sobral penned the track during a family vacation in Japan. Despite his mischievous past, the song celebrates the good fortune that’s followed him through it all. 

The song’s title pays tribute to Sobral’s country music heroes, embracing their tradition of witty, self-aware storytelling. With its rootsy Americana vibe infused with rock & roll spirit, “Must’ve Done Something Right” speaks to troublemakers and redemption-seekers alike.

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