Melissa Furlotte is a singer, songwriter, composer and pianist based in Montreal. Raised in the copper mining town of Murdochville, Quebec, in the picturesque region of the Gaspésie, she grew up playing piano, singing and listening to a mix of popular, folk, country and jazz music. 

In 2021, Melissa released her debut album, Old Road. The collection of 10 original songs was inspired by the landscapes of her youth, adulthood in the big city and the stories in between. Her style has been dubbed fine folk. Releasing Old Road with the support of the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Quebec was an experience of a lifetime. At the same time, it fostered a new desire to reach a larger audience.

Her latest track, “Virginia Creeper,” is the first in a new collection. The wistful single is played on by collaborator/guitarist Joe Grass. The instrumentation includes a warm toned antique converted player piano, recorded simultaneously to add to the song’s deeper meaning.

It’s compelling to tell a human story through the relationship of a brick wall and a “tenacious vine,” even better when the music sets the scene; piano and guitar, cushioning chords and enveloping melody. Every layer has the relationship of two entities. – Melissa Furlotte

In life, we find that the beauty of connection is often shadowed by the pain of loss, and the enduring nature of love is contrasted by the fleeting moments of existence. This duality – the interplay of light and darkness – is at the heart of Sexy Mathematics. Chris Daviduik (guitar, vocals, songwriting) and Matt Aggus (drums) have forged a unique musical bond over the years. Originally formed in 2009, the band began as a synth rock group known for their intense, emotive soundscapes. Over time, their music has evolved, mirroring the complexity of the world around them and their own growth as artists.

The band’s new self-titled album, Sexy Mathematics, is a testament to their evolution. It delves into themes of personal relationships, loneliness, despair, existential crises, and the anxiety about an uncertain future. This record represents a significant leap for the band, who decided to hire producer Stephen Krecklo and mixer Jordon Zadorozny to elevate their music to new heights. The result is a compelling blend of their rock foundations and modern digital synthesizers, creating a rich, atmospheric sound that is both intricate and powerful.

“Responsory” draws stylistic inspiration from The Cure’s “Lovesong,” while its lyrics reflect the resentment we often feel when forced to navigate societal pressures alongside those we disagree with—or even loathe—despite being unable to fully express ourselves, even to those we hold dearest. No matter how close or distant we are, an invisible barrier always seems to obstruct true understanding. Each generation grapples with these struggles, only to pass the burden to the next without any lasting resolution. Even in the face of existential crises like climate change, the cycle persists.

We spent our time working on and refining these songs to bring them all to a level that exceeds the work we’ve done previously, and I believe we’ve succeeded in that respect. The sound is more cohesive, the arrangements are tighter, the melodies are more interesting, and the performance is more polished. At the same time we’ve retained many of the core elements that make the music unique in the first place related to the style of the performance and lyrical content. – Chris Daviduik

Coraline James is an alt-folk musician from Kitchener, Ontario who self-describes as a forest gremlin who emerges from the woods to make music. James’ music reflects her deep connection to nature, her background as a Baroque musician, and growing up on her mom’s Elvis and Beatles albums. She is often compared to Damien Rice for his melodic sensibilities, Kate Bush for her quirky theatricality, and Adele for her powerful vocals. James describes her artistic practice as “a commitment to examining life’s inherent delight and agony with raw candor.”

New single, “Unholy Prayer,” takes the perspective of a woman in an abusive marriage who finds respite from the darkness of her reality in the arms of her lover. The haunting track features interweaving melodies and earthy instrumentation.

As I was writing, a character emerged. She was a woman whose affair is her only respite from an abusive marriage and the loss of her child. She’s praying for forgiveness, but ultimately she does not regret her actions. – Coraline James

Renowned Canadian Celtic music group, LEAHY, is pleased to announce the release of “Joie de vivre,” the first single from their upcoming new album LEAHY Live In Concert. 

The spirited accordion-led instrumental track is a medley of two original pieces composed by multi-instrumentalist Xavier Leahy, inspired by his exploration of jazz through his guitar. “I deliberately tried to write tunes outside the Irish or French boxes,” recounts the young musician, “basically trying to translate “jazz” into “Irish.”

Xavier’s aunt, Erin Leahy, influenced by pianists in the Montreal jazz scene, adds rich and intricate layers underneath Xavier’s accordion, igniting the feel with her Latin and jazz piano arrangement. In typical LEAHY form, the band’s approach takes the track in unexpected directions melodically and rhythmically, leaving the listener exhilarated and satisfied. 

“Joie de vivre” was recorded during a regular live performance, filmed for a video series on which the band was working. When they listened back to the music from the show, the vibe was so dynamic that the band decided to release several tracks on an album. “Joie de vivre” is the subject of the second episode in the video series, LEAHY: From the Inside.

“Joie de vivre” is one of nine tracks on LEAHY Live In Concert which will be released on October 25th, 2024.  In addition to the core band, several young Leahys are also featured on the live album, along with special guests, Canadian fiddle-player Louis Schryer, and French-Canadian accordionists, Timi Turmel and Marie-Jeanne Brousseau. 

Toronto-based pop singer-songwriter Tara Van’s work gives glimpses of her internal world. She is generous in her self-disclosure. As a textbook ADHD oversharer, you can feel her weather report: sun-soaked, overcast, stormy etc. She lets herself express the mess. Her approach is as gutsy and bold as it is tender and vulnerable. She’s inviting you in. Listen to her diary with care. It’s best enjoyed by an open heart.

Tara’s brand new single, “Glow,” embodies the feeling of vibrancy and joy that you feel when you are living as your most authentic and unguarded self. Though the motivational song seems like it might be talking about someone else bringing out that glow in you, the truth of the song is actually that you are bringing out that glow in yourself and admiring how far you have come and how free you feel after dismantling your walls.

I write a bunch of different stuff but I have really been focusing on feel-good, motivational and empowering music in the past year. I don’t want to sugarcoat the troubles of our times, of which there are many, but my goal is to hammer in imported messages about inclusivity, collectivism, self-love, mindfulness, respect, environmentalism, empathy, living reflectively, deep listening, communicating effectively, etc., in hopes that incremental changes to people’s mindsets and mental wellbeing will positively impact individuals who then affect communities who then affect countries who then affect continents and so on and so forth. Love, joyfulness and hope are all completely infectious but so are hate, sadness and negativity. Though I write sad songs as well, and I believe there is complete merit in songs that allow you to tap into and process any emotion, I personally would like to fill the world with as much love as I can in the short time that I have here. – Tara Van

The music of Toronto based band Good Group Thanks For Coming is a dynamic blend of its member’s diverse influences. It’s a music of everything, lovingly curated to share with everyone. They make musical sandwiches, music soup, music pizza; all your favourite music simmered in an indie rock rue and served on a platter from your local dive bar. 

“It’s a Game,” the band’s latest single, is a hard-luck sing-along layered with metaphors and dualistic intentions. An ode to gaming, internet humor and learning to cope, the song likens life to playing games and even has a few little games written into the song itself. 

I think this song is bittersweet! It’s, basically, a song about accepting disappointments. It’s a song about self-soothing – but there are whimsical elements in it that are silly and fun too. It captures a kind of duality that I’m proud of. It has a certain innocence about it but it also has a certain helplessness about it. There’s, ultimately, maybe a little more sad than happy in it but without a bit of both it wouldn’t be nearly as poetic. – Justin Sullivan (Songwriter/Vocals/Guitar)