Hamilton, ON-based band Junestone have dropped their highly anticipated new full-length album, FIRST TRY, featuring the lead single “BRIDGE!” The song and album showcase a fearless leap into a world of genre-defying sounds, blending elements of funk, fusion, and rock with themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and embracing life’s transitions. 

“BRIDGE!” serves as an energetic anthem for overcoming self-doubt, while the album delivers a dynamic exploration of personal growth and transformation, capturing the essence of moving forward in a turbulent world. Musically, the track embraces elements of jazz fusion, funk rock, and psychedelia, blending improvisation with meticulously crafted moments. The single, filled with a punchy bassline and dramatic spoken word over a complex musical backdrop, is one of the standout moments on FIRST TRY, a record that captures evolution and Junestone’s deep connection to one another.

“BRIDGE!” invites you to leave behind your old self and step into something new. It’s about trusting your instincts and pushing past the doubts that hold you back; saying yes to your own potential. It’s a song for anyone who’s ready to cross that bridge to something better. 

– bandleader Olivia Brown

Savelene’s new single, “A New End,” is a deep dive into the complexities of relationships and personal growth. Formed during the COVID-19 lockdowns, Savelene is the brainchild of Rich Sookrah (vocals) and Dallas Toni (guitars), who explore themes of fear, acceptance, and the bittersweet nature of endings. With their latest single, they confront the emotional tension that arises when relationships end and what comes after.

The song was inspired by the navigation of relationships—both past and present—and the lessons learned through them. “A New End” captures the simultaneous sense of loss and hope that comes with endings, layered over a unique blend of rock and alt-metal influences.

Behind the name and the music is Canadian singer-songwriter Dany Horovitz, known for his ability to captivate audiences with memorable melodies and vivid storytelling. Dany’s newest project, Way About You, collects his singles to date, including the album’s title track “Way About You” – a vibrant, banjo-infused pop song showcasing his evolution as an artist.

Produced around an infectious riff reminiscent of Avicii’s “Wake Me Up,” “Way About You” hooks listeners from the start with its joyful banjo, catchy melody, and beautiful harmonies at the chorus. The song began as a casual “throwaway” piece but soon became a standout track thanks to the fresh ears of Dany’s producer, Calvin Hartwick. After a college engineering session where the track was played live, Calvin insisted it had to be recorded and brought in composer Matthew O’Halloran as a co-producer. Now, it’s one of Dany’s favorite songs.

Collaborators on “Way About You” include Sean Royle, a celebrated Toronto studio musician and arranger, and Eric Vanier, whose stellar drumming brought energy to the track. The banjo, played by Sean Royle, added a unique and irresistible layer that completed the song’s sound.

I consider myself a storyteller first and foremost, and in this song, I explore the mysterious “Way About You” through endless, cosmic metaphors. From the first note, this track puts a smile on my face, and I hope it does the same for listeners. – Dany Horovitz

“Daddy’s Girl,” the latest single from Montreal-based artists Dayside & Guffchild, combines smooth pop-inspired melodies, yacht rock production, and fellow Montreal-based hip hop artist Mosez Jones‘ rhythmic rapping. Its sound is vibrant and groovy, yet beneath the upbeat and funky surface lies a dark, introspective narrative that polarizes the listener.

The song seamlessly blends elements of alternative R&B with rich instrumentation and layered production, a hallmark of the duo’s genre-bending style. “Daddy’s Girl” highlights the duo’s ability to craft tracks that are simultaneously catchy, introspective, and timeless, creating a fresh sound for alternative R&B lovers.

1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically?

Dayside: Daddy’s Girl was born during one of our weekly 4PM sessions—our music collective featuring me, Guffchild, Pope Silk, and Gioco. Inspired by Pharrell’s VIRGINIA, I pitched the idea of making a “feel-good” yacht rock track with a twist: pairing upbeat sounds with a sad story. Guffchild and I built the beat, Gioco crafted lyrical gems, and Pope Silk freestyled the hook with the line, “That’s when the story gets ugly.” We recorded it all that night.

A week later, Mosez Jones loved the demo so much he wrote his verse while driving to the studio. His part completed the song perfectly, and after sharing it with friends, we knew it needed a video. Guffchild’s friend, Danik Gollain-Bartolini, loved the track and pitched a concept that captured our vision. His team brought the story to life, and Daddy’s Girl is now a testament to collaboration and creativity. We’re proud to share it with the world.

2. What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?
When we asked Danik Gollain about the inspiration behind the video, he explained:
“The idea was to reflect the story told in the song’s lyrics but with a unique twist. Instead of focusing on a downward spiral into the world of street work, I wanted to create a story of empowerment—a breakthrough rather than a breakdown. Revenge became a central theme, adding a layer of resilience that contrasts with the upbeat tone of the song’s rhythm.

Visually, I approached this as a comeback story with a narrative-driven look. The dark, high-contrast visuals were key to emphasizing the emotional weight of the story while creating a striking juxtaposition with the song’s light and happy vibe. This interplay between visuals and lyrics was designed to give the story depth, making it both engaging and impactful.”3. What was the process of making this video?

When we asked Danik about the process, he shared:
“Creating this video was a mix of challenges and creative fulfillment. Balancing certain clichés while avoiding an overly straightforward approach was tricky, but the song itself was the foundation. I listened to it on repeat during brainstorming sessions, and the lyrics gave me a clear narrative to build on.

The process involved drafting multiple short scripts, treatments, and storyboards, ensuring every shot was meticulously planned to match the vision. With a tight budget and timeline, we had to focus heavily on pre-production to make it work. This groundwork was essential in staying true to the story and delivering something that felt authentic and emotionally resonant.”

Stonehocker‘s latest single, “In Need,” explores the raw, emotional journey of realizing one’s need for a higher power. The song is an introspective reflection on the lows that come with struggling against the challenges of life and the self-awareness that emerges from surrender. A blend of motivational alternative rock with a light, meditative tone, “In Need” is a powerful reminder of the peace and hope that comes when we let go of the need for control.

The track is the third and final release before Stonehocker‘s highly anticipated upcoming album. It embodies the themes that run throughout the record: acknowledging one’s struggles, finding a greater purpose, and surrendering to the process. “In Need” builds on Stonehocker‘s deeply personal songwriting, drawing from his own battles and ultimate surrender to a higher power.

What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)? 

The story in the video is fictional, about a musician and his small team doing a road trip to a show.  I say fictional because the actor playing the manager is actually the drummer on the album; they’re both friends helping out with my crazy production ideas.  Either way, the point of the video is that despite those people trying to help the artist they eventually let him down as a result of their own personal issues.  The sly, little hidden easter egg is the photo inside the van, attached to the wall behind the assistant.  It’s a photo of Jesus, suggesting Jesus is all the artist can rely on.

I call it an easter egg because it’s the same photo (albeit a little larger) that I’m holding in my previous video for “I Am Divided”.  In that video I sing about how “I’m looking for someone” while holding this picture of Jesus, but I never actually focus any shots on the photo because the song doesn’t talk about finding that someone.

What was the process of making this video?

The whole process starts with me brainstorming and then creating a story board.  I always like to give Greg Miller the credit for any good-looking shots because he has a great eye for a great shot; which is precisely why I get him to be the cameraman!  Greg Miller is not only the cameraman, but also the owner of the classic Ford van we used; so a big thank you to him!  Greg and I actually did the first day of filming with just the two of us driving around town.  We used his drone for some shots while I drove.  All the other shots (in all my videos) are filmed on my Samsung phone using a DJI gimbal, then I edit them all using a program called VideoPad by NCH software.

The second day of shooting was the hard one to coordinate because it involved more people.  I was trying to decide whether to shoot the video with the van actually driving or try to setup in a garage and fake it (driving would require another person too).  Alas, the van developed a coolant leak so we were forced to shoot the interior shots inside the garage.  Greg had one foot on the wall while holding the camera so he could shake the van and make it look like we’re driving!  For the final shots where it was just me playing guitar you may have noticed the lighting constantly changing, this is Jeff swinging our lighting around behind Greg while he films!  The story board helps everyone see the final vision, although it is hard being the director while also acting in it.

The videos all come together thanks to people helping me out.  I keep learning new little tricks and gaining more experience with each video I make, much like how I’ve learned about writing music.  I’m glad people are enjoying them!

Some stories are written on familiar pages, but Gavin Holligan’s narrative unfolds across entirely different chapters. From the roar of Premier League stadiums to the intimate setting of a live music stage, Holligan has charted a course defined by bold choices and relentless creativity. His journey—from professional footballer to celebrated musician—is as inspiring as the music he now creates, weaving together threads of reinvention, resilience, and emotional resonance.

In the late 1990s, Holligan was living a dream that most young athletes only fantasize about. Signed to West Ham United, his football career was on a meteoric rise, debuting at Anfield Stadium against Liverpool FC. Yet, while fans saw a promising footballer, Holligan himself felt a pull toward a different calling. Even amid the chants of adoring fans, music had always been his sanctuary—a space where his true voice could emerge.

The transition from football to music wasn’t instantaneous, nor was it easy. Holligan spent years honing his craft as a background vocalist and keyboardist, performing with legends like Stevie Wonder, Jocelyn Brown, Gloria Gaynor, and Duffy. This period offered him invaluable experience, exposing him to the complexities of the music industry and the transformative power of live performance. However, as Holligan worked tirelessly in support of others, he began to feel a growing desire to step forward as a solo artist.

Determined to find his voice, Holligan created Brownhouse Studios, a space where he could experiment with sound, write freely, and develop his unique musical identity. In 2008, he released “Brighter Day,” a single that garnered the attention of BBC’s Introducing series. The song was more than a debut—it was a declaration of intent, signaling his arrival as a songwriter and performer with something meaningful to say.

This momentum continued with his EP, “Faith to Fly,” a body of work that blended his musical influences—ranging from soul and gospel to rock and funk. Tracks from the EP showcased Holligan’s talent for storytelling, offering listeners an authentic window into his experiences. His energetic guitar riffs, intricate vocal arrangements, and deeply personal lyrics set him apart from the cookie-cutter mold of many contemporary artists.

Holligan’s passion for collaboration and community soon found expression in Chemistry, a monthly showcase he founded to support emerging talent. The event became a cornerstone of the independent music scene, attracting both budding artists and established names like Katy B and Shola Ama. Through Chemistry, Holligan built a platform not only for others but also for himself, gaining recognition as both an artist and a mentor.

In 2023, Holligan returned with “Just Passing Through (Live Version),” a track that perfectly encapsulates his growth as a musician. Recorded in an intimate setting, the live version strips away the gloss of studio production, revealing the raw emotion at the heart of his artistry. The song’s themes—reflecting on life’s fleeting moments and cherishing its connections—resonate deeply, particularly in an age when authenticity is often overshadowed by artifice.

For Holligan, music is more than a career; it’s a vehicle for self-expression and connection. His performances are imbued with the same energy and determination that once propelled him across football fields, but now they’re directed toward creating moments of shared humanity with his audiences.

As he continues to write, perform, and inspire, Gavin Holligan’s story serves as a powerful reminder that life is rarely a straight line. It’s a journey of discovery, adaptation, and courage. Whether you first knew him as a footballer or are just discovering his music, one thing is clear: Holligan is far from just passing through. He’s here to stay, making his mark as an artist who refuses to be defined by a single chapter of his extraordinary life.