Born from the soul of Cape Breton soil, Halifax-based Tyler Mullendore blends rough and tumble roots-rock with the electrified emotion of southern fried Americana. The Canadian Idol finalist proves why he was awarded the top spot in eOne’s National Big Break Songwriting Competition; it’s clear the judges were just as taken with the authenticity of his songs as you’re sure to be.

His much anticipated debut EP, Time Heals Everything (released on November 21st) draws from the bottomless well of inspiration that seems to guide artists who hail from Cape Breton Island. His stories are shaped by his own personal trials, yet made deeply relatable by his lyrical prowess. Time Heals Everything has its share of tales of sorrow and regret, but it ultimately culminates in the promise of positivity as one comes to grips with their own flaws and failures while looking hopefully towards better things to come. As the years pass, wounds close and the pain abates, reminding us to be good to ourselves, and take life’s lessons in stride as challenges are met and overcome.

The EP’s focus track, “Mama Cry,” reads like an intervention letter, a plea for a loved one to better themselves and get their life back on track. The heartfelt single was written after the mother of Tyler‘s friend had called him in desperate worry about her son’s struggles with addiction, leading him to write a handwritten letter to the friend and pen this song.

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

Substance abuse and addiction was something that was a part of my life for the better part of a decade… it was the devil on my shoulder, and the shoulders of loved ones. It was the thorn in my side, and the shank in my armor; it was also my crutch, and my best friend at times, so i thought. 

When a close friend was struggling in the throes of addiction, it was an easy song to write… it was all too familiar, close to home and a highly emotional time.  The song read and played like the movie of my life. I looked at my friend and seen myself, i talked to his sad and desperate mother on the phone, and i heard my own mother’s voice, i wrote him a letter to try and help turn things around; at the same time I was receiving a letter from my own conscious. The vision for the song and music video was crystal clear from the beginning.

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

The inspiration for the song & video came from a situation where a close friend was struggling badly with addiction. I received a very emotional phone call from his mother who was desperate and losing hope. The phone call inspired me to write my friend a letter; my best brotherly attempt at helping him turn it around, and that all ultimately inspired me to write this song. That, and the fact that I too have fought some hard battles with addiction… It was both relatable & inspiring. 

In the video i wanted to be as real as possible, so i acted out mine & his story as accurately as i could imagine it , and based on my own personal experience. It’s the story of a son struggling in the throes of addiction and a worried and heartbroken mother remembering a simpler and happier time, while longing and hoping for things to change for the better; ultimately ending on the positive note of recovery… That’s basically exactly the story of both my friend, and I. We were a couple of the lucky ones who eventually broke free of the demon. 

3. What was the process of making this video?

Well, I had been finessing the story line in my head since I had wrote the song; about 5 years of finessing and obsessing. When I finally had some cash and my ducks in a row all I needed was my band, a space to jam along to and “lip sync” the recording, and a few close friends and family members to donate thier Oscar worthy acting skills and bring my vision to life!  

My long time friend and talented videographer, Michael Nikas worked his magic behind the camera and edited to perfection… I borrowed a an old 80s floor model TV from a sweet local elderly lady (RIP, Theresa). On Ebay, i found an 80s TV remote and an old cross stitch piece that read “Today is the first day of the rest of your life”. I was going for a retro vibe, because I’m a retro guy! I put some sugar in a baggie, and had my buddy Curtis throw on a hoodie and drive his Audi down to my mother’s house in Inverness to perform “the drug deal”. I borrowed the local grocery store for an hour to create a nostslgic and emotional scene between the addict son’s mother, and a young mother and son passing in the aisle. My own mother, Brenda was tasked with playing the role of the Mother. The NA meeting scene was chalked full of my friends & family. The video was filmed over 2 dates and 2 locations in February, 2024. The band performances piece was filmed in Halifax at Ocean Floor Recording, The storyline piece was filmed in various locations around Inverness including the CO-OP, Fire Hall, and my mom’s house.

Ash Molloy’s latest single, “Breakdown,” is a raw, introspective exploration of the mental battles we all face. Known for her unapologetic authenticity and powerful vocals, Molloy dives deep into the moments of vulnerability that make us human. A multi-instrumentalist with a background in neuroscience, Molloy draws inspiration from the iconic alt-rock sound of the 90s, reminiscent of legends like Fiona Apple and Alanis Morissette.

With “Breakdown,” Ash Molloy offers a musical reflection on the complexities of mental health, echoing the nostalgic and emotionally charged tones of her influences while maintaining a fiercely modern, individual voice. The single invites listeners to consider their own struggles with self-care, set to the backdrop of Molloy’s evocative instrumentation and unforgettable melodies.

It’s so much easier to let go and go off the rails, even when we know it’s not the right choice. In “Breakdown,” you experience that inner conflict – how we might learn what we need to do to avoid a breakdown, yet still find ourselves slipping back into those old habits. It’s a reminder of how challenging it can be to prioritize our mental well-being, even when we know better.
– Ash Molloy

Singer-songwriter Jessica Chaz is sharing a radiant new remix of her single, “Promise of Sunlight,” reimagined alongside South African jazz pianist and longtime collaborator, Lindi Ngonelo. Originally from Durban and now based in Vancouver, Chaz brings a global influence to her music, blending her soulful roots with an uplifting message of resilience and hope.

The remix is part of Chaz’s Promise of Sunlight Remixes EP, a special collection that features multiple reinterpretations of the track, originally from her 2023 River EP. Each remix showcases a collaboration with artists from Brazil, South Africa, the USA, and Canada, with each musician bringing a unique cultural perspective to the track. From EDM influences to live jazz instrumentation, the EP offers a diverse sonic palette that reflects Chaz’s journey and dedication to cross-cultural collaboration.

Written during the depths of the pandemic, “Promise of Sunlight” was inspired by the belief in new beginnings and the promise of brighter days. With this remix, Ngonelo’s unique blend of groove and live instrumentation helps infuse the song with an organic warmth that speaks to that hopeful message.

This remix EP was a global project, with each artist bringing their own culture and sound to the track. Lindi’s version is a beautiful reminder that even in hard times, there’s light to be found – a message we all need. – Jessica Chaz

Fast-rising teen actor, dancer, and singer to watch from Toronto, Niko Ceci, is sharing his second single, the propulsive “Outta Control.” This soulful, piano laden pop and RnB number was inspired by the added pressures that come with being a teenager.

Not only is everything changing for us but we have to manage school, family, a social life and keep our mental health good at the same time. – Niko Ceci

The song’s varying beat reflects Ceci reaching a breaking point as it escalates, juxtaposed with slower sections of the song where he talks through his anxieties. Recorded heartbeats and ad libs add texture and presence to the track, reflecting the thoughts racing through the back of Ceci’s mind.

The idea for this song came to me while I was sitting and waiting in an airport. I was on my way back home from holiday break and the reality of life dawned on me. I remembered the school work I had to catch up on, making sure to reply to everyone on social media, exam review was starting and I was freaking out. I thought to myself wow, I could write a song about how I feel right now – and I did. I wanted to let people my age know that they aren’t alone and [that] everyone has ups and downs. – Niko Ceci

Born and raised in Toronto, Victoria Staff was always an “anxious child.” The string that connected much of her young life was using music to communicate with family, friends, teachers, and even therapists. Over time, this coping mechanism developed into a passion for music that would lead to her career as an indie-pop artist. Staff continues to use the written word to communicate with her audience. Her debut EP, Records & Honesty, was released in 2023 under the guidance of Canadian music producer Dan Hosh.

Sophomore EP, I Wake Up Smiling 😦, continues her narrative, as she begins to build the world around her. The record follows her journey through love, life, and mental health, as she navigates this next chapter of her life. “Happiness is super elusive. It can feel like your chasing it down, but it’s often faster than I am,” says Staff, “it’s just about trying to find it, whether or not you actually get there is beside the point sometimes.”

I Wake Up Smiling 😦 features highlighted single, “My Whole Life Long.” Instead of being a cathartic outlet, “My Whole Life Long” finds Staff communicating through a new lens, one where her storytelling is centered around a place of joy. Her public autobiography this time tells the story about love found, not love lost. So many relationships are one sided, but “My Whole Life Long” tells a story where both people were in it together as equals.

‘Records & Honesty’ was about where I was last year, and in contrast, this is all about where I am now. I got to work with some incredible musicians: Will Crann, John Karkar, Luke Fair, and Dan Hosh. I also built ‘I Wake Up Smiling 😦’ with my sister. She is and always will be my favourite collaborator. Her voice is all over the songs. She makes me a better musician.
– Victoria Staff

Born to a French/Vietnamese mother and a German father, Toronto-based singer-songwriter Nathalie King’s music is noted for its cinematic electro-pop and trip hop style, while her sound expresses deeply rooted themes like mental health and emotional life experiences. She is known for her sultry smooth low voice, reminiscent of the true artists of the vintage jazz era. 

King is now releasing her new six track EP, PTSD, which is a healing journey throughout her childhood trauma. “I’ve been writing songs as a therapeutic means to overcome childhood trauma and depression throughout my life,” says King. “Working in the studio together in Toronto, PTSD has a more electronic and UK sound to it, thanks to the contributions of Bristol born producer Joseph Snook.” 

“Within a Dream” is about the many nights I spent in my bed as a child, sweating and being scared and feeling a ton of anxiety because my parents were fighting or I just got a beating and got screamed at for nothing important in particular. This song revisits the tremendous anxiety I felt in my stomach and sorrow as I cried myself to sleep countless times. It’s about the dark memories of my childhood that stored the trauma in my cells and the beginning of generational trauma. – Nathalie King