Nick Faye is a songwriter from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, living on Treaty 4 Territory. His new song, “Undone,” dives into the frustrations and fatigue of navigating the modern dating world. Written during a particularly challenging two-month stretch, the song reflects Faye’s feelings after being canceled on or ghosted for six out of seven consecutive dates.

“Undone” is for anyone feeling worn out from online dating while trying to hold onto optimism. It blends lighthearted and silly lyrics with the emotional struggles of putting yourself out there in an unpredictable dating landscape.

Dating can be really fun, and I made some really special memories while getting to know a lot of great people I met online or in person. But sometimes people can be really cruel on the internet or disrespectful towards others’ time, attention, and energy. This song was written when I was feeling tired and worn out from a particularly brutal period of online dating. – Nick Faye

The greatest new group in the world is Total Fucking Darkness (Torquil Campbell, the endlessly effusive, increasingly bald member of Stars, and Stephen Ramsay, the gentle giant behind Montreal’s Young Galaxy), partnered with English studio genius and synthesist Tom McFall (whose engineering credits include the likes of REM, Bloc Party, Twin Shadow, Regina Spektor) release their latest single, “Desolation Boys” – a chaotic blend of plastic pop, nihilistic hand bag house, and razor-sharp absurdity. 

Born out of a manic 72-hour writing spree with McFall flying in from London, “Desolation Boys” encapsulates the band’s volatile energy. It’s the sound of three middle-aged men with practically nothing left to lose trying (and failing) to drop the weight of the world from their shoulders – unruly, unpolished, unfuckable with, and, in their own words, “vaguely not boring.” 

Written in the final hours of a grueling session, “Desolation Boys” showcases TFD’s menu to thrilling effect: Maximum Creative Violence Immediately. The song features a mix of savant-like lyrical spontaneity and a raw vocal take where Campbell can faintly be heard yelling, “go fuck yourself,” mid-chorus. Who is he instructing? Probably himself. 
“Desolation Boys” reflects the band’s ongoing exploration of themes like the utter futility of existence, the exciting pointlessness of class war and the rejection of everything that doesn’t BANG.

Marking the 10th anniversary of her acoustic debut album Two If by Sea, Sarah Segal-Lazar celebrates the milestone with the release of “Anything But Age.” This fan-chosen track, now reimagined with a full-band arrangement, highlights Sarah’s evolution as an artist while preserving the heart of her original work.

Written a decade ago, “Anything But Age” resonates with new depth as Sarah reflects on the passage of time. The track was recorded live-off-the-floor during the year’s first snowfall, with Sarah and her band capturing the raw, cozy introspection of winter.

The accompanying music video, crafted from 8mm footage shot by Sarah’s grandfather between 1949 and 1958, adds a nostalgic layer. The vintage visuals create a story of family, time, and growth, aligning beautifully with the song’s themes.

“Anything But Age” captures the essence of who I was and who I’ve become. The irony of releasing this song 10 years later isn’t lost on me. It’s humbling to realize I’m now older than the man I originally wrote the song about. Revisiting it with my band was both surreal and beautiful—like looking at an old photo and seeing new details for the first time. This video is also special to me. Piecing it together was uncovering a family treasure—and it added a whole new dimension to the song’s meaning. – Sarah Segal-Lazar

Chorus of Courage’s new single, “Take Care,” is a deeply emotional anthem about love, healing, and the strength we find in each other during times of struggle. 

Formed through a series of life-changing retreats and collaborations, Chorus of Courage is the collective effort of a group of storytellers and musicians, united in their mission to support and amplify the voices of survivors of violence. The song reflects the power of vulnerability, offering a message of collective healing through love and connection.

“Take Care” was born from a moment of personal conflict experienced by Cindy Doire, who wrote the song during a time of darkness and uncertainty. With its poignant lyrics and tender instrumentation, the track evolves from a mood of melancholy to one of hope, capturing the emotional journey of leaning on others for support. The song highlights the unspoken bond between two friends navigating hardship together, a theme that resonates deeply throughout the Chorus of Courage project.

“Take Care” stands out for its intimate production, recorded at The Bathouse Recording Studio, and its unique mix of raw, emotional lyrics with subtle synth textures that underscore the song’s message of connection and collective healing.

The track features lead vocals by Cindy Doire, who also contributed synths and guitar. It was produced by Sarah MacDougall and recorded by Nyles Spencer, with key contributions from John Dymond (bass), Davide Direnzo (drums), Krys Abbott (electric guitar), Lisa Kathryn Iwanycki (synths and vocals), and Mel Hilmi (vocals).

Brooklyn-based duo Blue Pilot (songwriter Eric Frost and producer Chris Worden) deliver a hauntingly introspective new single, “Anyu,” a psychedelic exploration of melancholy and triumph. Inspired by the throes of a quarter-life crisis, the song reflects on the exhausting sense of permanence that comes with being “in-between.” With an uncanny blend of acoustic and electronic elements, “Anyu” captures the disorienting yet hopeful journey of emerging from a phase of uncertainty and longing.

The track’s title, “Anyu,” is a nod to a friend who seems to have it all together—offering a symbolic contrast to the chaos at the song’s core. The duo embraces their unique approach, fusing years of evolving influences into a sound unlike anything else.

There’s definitely a careful balancing act here between acoustic and electronic drums. We wanted them to have the energy that a drummer might bring to a band, but also sound unlike a traditional kit or something anyone would actually play. There’s also kind of a dialogue between two versions of my voice. The more robotic one started as a placeholder, but the contrast turned into a great way of emphasizing the feeling of being pulled in two directions. – Eric Frost

Toronto-based singer-songwriter and filmmaker David Jane delves into the uncanny experience of returning home to a place that no longer feels familiar with his latest single, “Five and Dime.” Introspective and riveting, the track blends acoustic-driven singer-songwriter stylings with atmospheric indie production, capturing a profound sense of disconnection and longing.

Following the success of his contemplative single, “Garden Out Back,” which reflected on the lingering ache of a love left behind, “Five and Dime” shifts focus to David’s own journey of re-acclimating to a post-Vancouver reality. It chronicles the often unhealthy coping mechanisms used to navigate this transitional phase, such as over-immersing oneself in fictional narratives, offering a window into the internal conflict of seeking comfort in escapism versus facing life’s stark realities. The track is a testament to the chemistry between David and producer Sam Arion (Mute Choir), marking their third collaboration.

“Five and Dime” exists in the breaking point between inspiration and dissociation. Dreaming of a “Five and Dime” symbolizes an idealized haven from a romanticized past—like the alluring veneer of a classic Hollywood movie—where life appeared simpler and more connected. For an acoustic-driven song, there are so many unique parts—the epic bridge with Arctic Monkeys- esque lead guitar, a nostalgic breakdown with cinematic strings—and yet, after hours of experimentation, what tied everything together was simply adding another rhythmic acoustic. It was a beautiful reminder that sometimes less is more. – David Jane