California-based singer-songwriter Ynana Rose offers a cathartic release with her joyful new single, “Simplify.” Co-written with fellow musician Holly Ann Lewis, the track speaks to the common struggle of being overextended—juggling family, careers, and responsibilities—and the deep need for space to simply breathe. “Simplify” encourages listeners to embrace the art of doing less and being more.

Drawing from the pressures of their own lives as mothers, wives, and musicians, Ynana and Holly crafted a song that taps into a universal truth: life is often too busy, and it’s time to make space for balance. With its breezy, joyful energy, “Simplify” offers a refreshing reminder that slowing down can be a form of self-care.

1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically?
Drawing from the pressures of our own lives as mothers, wives, and musicians, Holly Ann Lewis & I crafted a song that taps into a universal truth: life is just too damn busy, and it’s time to make space for balance. This song speaks to our common struggle of being overextended—we both juggle family, careers, and responsibilities—and the deep need in our lives for space to simply breathe. Slowing down can be a form of self-care, & we wrote this song as much to remind ourselves of that as everyone else.

2. What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?
We wanted to show how powerful it is to have two women onscreen supporting each other & united in the simple joys of song & movement.  The visuals show us dancing & playing our song in an eclectic backyard scene, speaking to the ability we all have to create our own sense of freedom, wherever we are.

3. What was the process of making this video?
Director Barry Goyette found a great location in Santa Margarita, California, & brought both his stationary & hand held camera to the shoot.  We chose our palette & clothing with an eye to color & ease of movement.  It was a super fun, easy shoot & we all went out to a great local Mexican restaurant afterwards.

ERV ELLO is an American artist known for blending genres like country, pop, and R&B to create emotionally charged music. His latest single, “Flight to Heaven,” a collaboration with producer Lexnour, is a deeply personal tribute to a lost loved one. The song reflects his grief, regret over missed moments, and unanswered questions while ultimately seeking peace in the idea of his loved one smiling on a “Flight to Heaven.”

With heartfelt lyrics and a stirring melody, “Flight to Heaven” showcases ERV ELLO’s ability to channel raw emotions into his music, creating a universal anthem for anyone navigating loss.

This song is my way of processing the sorrow and unanswered questions after losing someone dear to me. While there’s pain, there’s also comfort in imagining them smiling and at peace, taking their “Flight to Heaven.” – ERV ELLO

Originally from Ottawa, ON, Patrick Smith is a Toronto-based saxophonist who has studied with Mike Murley, Kelly Jefferson, and acclaimed American saxophonist Mark Shim. Smith has established himself as a gifted and in-demand musician on the Canadian music scene. An active bandleader, he heads three projects: his quintet, his trio 3-Oh, and Pangea – a jazz fusion concept group that combines UK jazz, neo-soul, R&B, and world music. Pangea features top Toronto musicians Darryl Joseph-Denie (Ahi, Listening Room), Kae Murphy (BADBADNOTGOOD, Whitney), and Jon Catanus (Erez Zobary, Diskarte).

Pangea’s debut album, Pangea: Rebirth, is a bold exploration of global musical connectivity and jazz fusion. The album covers a wide stylistic and emotional range, from celebratory funk to deeply reflective ballads. Its lead single, “Endless Construction,” (dedicated to Eglinton West), captures the album’s ethos with its unique mix of groove-driven rhythms, compelling improvisation, and a narrative inspired by Toronto’s urban chaos.

I wrote the song, “Endless Construction,” (dedicated to Eglinton West), after a particularly brutal drive through Toronto traffic – the kind where you’re stuck for 20 minutes just trying to get onto the Allen Expressway. I was frustrated, but when I came home, I turned that annoyance into music. It’s inspired by a band improvisation from a previous gig and channels the reflective energy I wanted the album to capture. – Patrick Smith

The title track of Thomas Thomas’ new release, “One Lone Candle,” is a slow burn love song that highlights a steady, enduring romance. A mo-town meets garage-pop anthem, the song is a departure from the typical fiery, short-lived love songs, instead reflecting a love that glows steadily over time. 

With urgent guitars, sparkly girl-gang backing vocals that call to mind The Supremes, and a throwback production style, “One Lone Candle” is a love song meant to soar.

This was the band’s first time working with producer Graham Lessard (Stars, The Barr Brothers), and they pushed themselves to evolve their sound beyond their familiar garage roots, stepping into a more modern pop production while preserving the nostalgic, throwback feel that has been central to their music. The title of the song is inspired by the unextinguishable candle on a birthday cake and the girlfriend that teases you with her steadiness.I love the image of a candle that refuses to go out, and that’s how I feel about the love we were trying to capture in this song. It’s the slow burn, the one that sticks with you long after the flash of a fiery moment has passed. – frontwoman Shannon Thomas

Behind the name and the music is Canadian folk singer-songwriter Shane Pendergast, a Maritime storyteller known for his heartfelt songs rooted in community and tradition. His new album, Winter Grace, delves into themes of loss and resilience, with its reflective focus track “Candle on the Sill” offering a poignant glimpse into the album’s emotional core.

Inspired by the tradition of leaving a candle on the windowsill as a beacon of safety, “Candle on the Sill” takes on an intensely personal meaning. Shane reflects on the loved ones he has lost, imagining leaving a candle in the hope that they might return, even knowing the impossibility of that hope.

Recorded live with pianist Aaron Comeau, a member of the Skydiggers, the track achieves a beautifully delicate sound. Shane credits the album’s engineer, Adam Gallant, for crafting the perfect mood in the studio, even setting a candle nearby to create the right atmosphere.

I like to reference old folk traditions and sayings in my songwriting. In this song, I use the expression “the last hurrah” to convey the idea of celebrating life’s fleeting moments instead of succumbing to sadness. The first verse resonates deeply for me as it recalls a bittersweet night spent with my grandmother, near the end of her life. – Shane Pendergast

Back Seat Driver’s new single, “The Mountain,” is a soulful anthem about facing life’s challenges with courage and self-belief. Formed in 2023, Back Seat Driver is the collective effort of Sam (keys), Gil (drums), Harland (bass), and Dara (vocals), blending neo-soul grooves with roots-inspired storytelling. “The Mountain” takes listeners on a journey of resilience, culminating in an empowering musical crescendo.

The track was born from an older version with a gospel vibe, transformed during a jam session into a groove-driven song layered with soulful elements. Stripped-down but dynamic, the recording showcases the band’s tight chemistry and their commitment to organic musical growth.

This song came together for us really quickly. The idea centers around the idea that everyone faces mountains in their life that will come down when we believe in ourselves. It’s our anthem of courage and strength. – Back Seat Driver