Pip contributed to the ‘first wave’ of music activity on Toronto’s Queen Street West and has lived and played extensively in Europe and Asia. He currently lives in Hamilton, ON, writing, recording, performing and selling original art-pop with world and jazz elements. Pip’s own music is influenced by world rhythms and the lute and the brand new album, Every City, is his 30th LP release.  

On Every City, Pip wants the listener to feel uplifted. There is a long arc throughout the 16 songs; a few melodic tunes, a couple of ballads, a rock-steady tune, a couple of rockier numbers, then a novelty song leading to the final two contemplative songs that take out the album’s journey. The double bass and nylon stringed guitar of focus track, “Everybody’s Sayin,” is gentle and profound, asking the listener to step back from civil tensions. 

Observing all the conflicts around the world.  In practice, we can’t just go anywhere; but maybe one day there won’t be any fences, borders, prejudices.  Never mind what “everybody is saying” .  People may say you’re a victim but don’t listen to the shouting of the media.  Use your resourcefulness, and think for yourself. – Pip on “Everybody’s Sayin”

Toronto’s Alex Southey is sharing an exploratory new EP of singer-songwriter tracks in collaboration with producer Alex Gamble and saxophonist Ben Dwyer.

The EP features focus track, “Athletes,” a contemplative and brooding piece inspired by power dynamics and careerism. The lilting acoustic piece features eerie effects that are juxtaposed with the delicate melodies of Dwyer’s saxophone playing.

Although it begins as somewhat sparse, I consider this song to be really colourful, and by that I mean it inspires a lot of different emotions in me, depending on where I am in the song. I’m intrigued at the beginning, enjoying the ride by the second verse, confronted with the discomfiting bridge, and relieved we wind back to the initial progression. – Alex Southey

Producer and genre-bending singer-songwriter Loryn Taggart has ambitiously broken through the music industry. This Hungarian-Canadian musician who was raised in the Prairies, took a leap of faith at just 16 years old when she left her family home and moved to Toronto in the pursuit of a life of music. 

Her latest single, “Walls,” brings a wonderful mix of Taggart’s pop and jazz background.  The infectious single was inspired by emotions brought on from living with a boyfriend in the same dwelling as his last partner.

When I moved in with my boyfriend, I moved into a home that he had shared with his previous partner. I didn’t think much of it at first, but it was in the air. The love that they shared, the memories created, I started to drive myself absolutely nuts about the idea of the fact that there was previous love in this house. It was an odd sting of jealousy, and as someone who doesn’t really deal with jealousy it was a gross feeling. The ghosts of my boyfriend’s past lived in the walls. ‘If “Walls” could talk…’ – Loryn Taggart

Mississauga punk rock band Unknown Voidz was founded by Zan Khan and has recruited Ryan “Gooby” Goonoo on the drums, Jon Couzelis, and Santiago Cara. Together, the band was previously signed onto Spuds Records and has gone on to play across Ontario and Quebec. The band’s second EP will be released in September 2024 and they’re sharing their new single, “Take It As It Is,” ahead of its arrival. Spencer Lentini played bass on this track and the rest of the EP. His recent move to New York City saw Santiago rejoin the band, but without Spencer, these songs wouldn’t have happened.

Mixed by Keegan Porter and recorded at Metrolab Studios, Zan wrote this song about staying true to himself. If people get mad over him living his life and minding his own business? He just says “Take It As It Is.”

Feelings of anger, pain, confusion and desire for self fulfillment seem to be the fuel for Unknown Voidz’ catalogue. Zan will often come to us with a lyrical skeleton and some chord progressions and the rest of us will create the optimal context. We try to write parts that we’re excited about. We hate being bored. – Jon Couzelis

Six years ago, Maddison Schreiber (Madam Sad) felt pushed to be a musician out of love and spite, which to this day continues to follow into their art. This upcoming album includes a large amount of work from Evelyn Charlotte Joe (they/them), who was also a great source of inspiration for them. They  agreed to work on an album together. This upcoming album documents the feelings Maddison (they/he) went through during that time, and the feelings they had for Evelyn.

Maddison speaks on the inspiration for “Exs” coming from growing in relationships and trying for neutrality in feelings after break ups

Recording and creating songs with loved ones is something I aim for. It really adds to the process for me. This song was written for the people I ended up creating it with. – Madam Sad

Dan Lowe’s song “Flame,” originally released during the 2020 election, has found renewed relevance as the 2024 election approaches. The track, known for its sharp guitar riffs and Lowe’s intense vocals, captures the urgency of a divided political landscape.

What distinguishes “Flame” is its balance of raw intensity with unexpected depth. Producer Dean Baskerville, who has worked with Sheryl Crow and Everclear, added a piano line that tempers the track’s fire with a reflective tone, complemented by haunting background vocals.

Initially recorded remotely due to the pandemic, the song has remained strikingly relevant. Lowe’s biting lyrics and passionate delivery reflect ongoing political tensions, proving that “Flame” resonates as powerfully today as it did when first released.

About Dan Lowe & The Skeletal Remains

Dan Lowe, a songwriter and musician from Alaska, has a diverse sound blending rock, folk, jazz, and blues, influenced by The Beatles, Randy Newman, and Bob Dylan. After suffering a stroke, Lowe faced the challenge of relearning his craft, deepening his connection to music. Named Portland’s Performing Songwriter of the Year, Lowe is currently focused on live performances and commercial placements. With “Flame,” he showcases his resilience and the enduring power of music to capture pivotal moments.