Halifax-based Americana and roots-rock band Newbridge delivers a fun, uplifting, and energetic single with their new release, “Howler.” With its lively blend of Americana and 70s rock vibes, this track captures the reckless energy of a lone wolf navigating a turbulent relationship. The song’s dynamic chorus, described as a “howling release,” evokes the raw passion and emotional freedom at the heart of its story.

“Howler” exudes authenticity, channeling the spirit of a bygone era through live, off-the-floor recording techniques at Nashville’s legendary Creative Workshops Studio. The band’s commitment to organic production creates a timeless sound that resonates with fans of folk, rock, and roots music.

It’s a song about reckless behaviour in relationships, told through the lens of a lone wolf tearing through emotional landscapes. We wanted authenticity in every note—no loops, no drum tracks, just pure energy and storytelling. – Keith Maddison (Vocals/Guitar)

Set against a timeless black-and-white aesthetic, the video conjures the intimate energy of smoky jazz bars, unfolding a delicate balance of strength and elegance. The visuals trace a journey from struggle to liberation, mirroring the song’s themes of transformation and self-discovery. With echoes of vintage glamour and a contemporary spirit, “Light in Shadow” is a cinematic experience designed to inspire. Reflecting on the music video, Ger shares: “Light In Shadow” is a perfect example of somebody being their own hero. It’s about saving yourself, freeing yourself from your own misery, and realizing you are your own saviour” 

This anniversary is more than a reflection on “Light in Shadow”—it’s an invitation to revisit Ger’s artistic journey. The release serves as a bridge between her critically acclaimed album and her broader body of work, including her book Wild Woman: Master the Art of Pride, Presence and Productivity, and her upcoming remix of the song “Wild Woman,” which reimagines that track with an electrifying, high-energy production. As part of this milestone celebration, Ger is also unveiling a fresh new look across her social media platforms. With a reimagined color palette, updated logos, and refined theming, this rebrand reflects her evolution as an artist while staying true to the elegance and empowerment that define her music and brand. 

Watch the video here:

Fans can expect a bold yet timeless aesthetic that marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Beyond the highly anticipated music video, 2025 is set to be a defining year for Ger as she actively works on her second full-length album, slated for release in July. A dynamic entrepreneur, international speaker, bestselling author, and recording artist, she continues to break new ground in music and media, blending storytelling with artistry to create transformative experiences. Known for her diverse career spanning television, musical theatre, and literary success—including her acclaimed book Wild Woman: Master the Art of Pride, Presence, and Productivity—Ger has established herself as a leading voice in creativity, healing, and self-discovery. 

She has been a driving force behind Indigenous movements and was honoured with the 2019 Esquao Award for her contributions to performing arts. This month, Ger will also take the stage at Voices of the North on February 22 to kick off the year. As she steps into a transformative year filled with new music, powerful performances, and visionary projects, Ger Carriere continues to shape a legacy defined by resilience, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of empowerment. Through her work as an artist, entrepreneur, and advocate, she remains dedicated to inspiring others, amplifying Indigenous voices, and pushing the boundaries of storytelling through music, media, and movement. 

California-based singer-songwriter Ynana Rose offers a cathartic release with her joyful new single, “Simplify.” Co-written with fellow musician Holly Ann Lewis, the track speaks to the common struggle of being overextended—juggling family, careers, and responsibilities—and the deep need for space to simply breathe. “Simplify” encourages listeners to embrace the art of doing less and being more.

Drawing from the pressures of their own lives as mothers, wives, and musicians, Ynana and Holly crafted a song that taps into a universal truth: life is often too busy, and it’s time to make space for balance. With its breezy, joyful energy, “Simplify” offers a refreshing reminder that slowing down can be a form of self-care.

1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically?
Drawing from the pressures of our own lives as mothers, wives, and musicians, Holly Ann Lewis & I crafted a song that taps into a universal truth: life is just too damn busy, and it’s time to make space for balance. This song speaks to our common struggle of being overextended—we both juggle family, careers, and responsibilities—and the deep need in our lives for space to simply breathe. Slowing down can be a form of self-care, & we wrote this song as much to remind ourselves of that as everyone else.

2. What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?
We wanted to show how powerful it is to have two women onscreen supporting each other & united in the simple joys of song & movement.  The visuals show us dancing & playing our song in an eclectic backyard scene, speaking to the ability we all have to create our own sense of freedom, wherever we are.

3. What was the process of making this video?
Director Barry Goyette found a great location in Santa Margarita, California, & brought both his stationary & hand held camera to the shoot.  We chose our palette & clothing with an eye to color & ease of movement.  It was a super fun, easy shoot & we all went out to a great local Mexican restaurant afterwards.

ERV ELLO is an American artist known for blending genres like country, pop, and R&B to create emotionally charged music. His latest single, “Flight to Heaven,” a collaboration with producer Lexnour, is a deeply personal tribute to a lost loved one. The song reflects his grief, regret over missed moments, and unanswered questions while ultimately seeking peace in the idea of his loved one smiling on a “Flight to Heaven.”

With heartfelt lyrics and a stirring melody, “Flight to Heaven” showcases ERV ELLO’s ability to channel raw emotions into his music, creating a universal anthem for anyone navigating loss.

This song is my way of processing the sorrow and unanswered questions after losing someone dear to me. While there’s pain, there’s also comfort in imagining them smiling and at peace, taking their “Flight to Heaven.” – ERV ELLO

Originally from Ottawa, ON, Patrick Smith is a Toronto-based saxophonist who has studied with Mike Murley, Kelly Jefferson, and acclaimed American saxophonist Mark Shim. Smith has established himself as a gifted and in-demand musician on the Canadian music scene. An active bandleader, he heads three projects: his quintet, his trio 3-Oh, and Pangea – a jazz fusion concept group that combines UK jazz, neo-soul, R&B, and world music. Pangea features top Toronto musicians Darryl Joseph-Denie (Ahi, Listening Room), Kae Murphy (BADBADNOTGOOD, Whitney), and Jon Catanus (Erez Zobary, Diskarte).

Pangea’s debut album, Pangea: Rebirth, is a bold exploration of global musical connectivity and jazz fusion. The album covers a wide stylistic and emotional range, from celebratory funk to deeply reflective ballads. Its lead single, “Endless Construction,” (dedicated to Eglinton West), captures the album’s ethos with its unique mix of groove-driven rhythms, compelling improvisation, and a narrative inspired by Toronto’s urban chaos.

I wrote the song, “Endless Construction,” (dedicated to Eglinton West), after a particularly brutal drive through Toronto traffic – the kind where you’re stuck for 20 minutes just trying to get onto the Allen Expressway. I was frustrated, but when I came home, I turned that annoyance into music. It’s inspired by a band improvisation from a previous gig and channels the reflective energy I wanted the album to capture. – Patrick Smith

The title track of Thomas Thomas’ new release, “One Lone Candle,” is a slow burn love song that highlights a steady, enduring romance. A mo-town meets garage-pop anthem, the song is a departure from the typical fiery, short-lived love songs, instead reflecting a love that glows steadily over time. 

With urgent guitars, sparkly girl-gang backing vocals that call to mind The Supremes, and a throwback production style, “One Lone Candle” is a love song meant to soar.

This was the band’s first time working with producer Graham Lessard (Stars, The Barr Brothers), and they pushed themselves to evolve their sound beyond their familiar garage roots, stepping into a more modern pop production while preserving the nostalgic, throwback feel that has been central to their music. The title of the song is inspired by the unextinguishable candle on a birthday cake and the girlfriend that teases you with her steadiness.I love the image of a candle that refuses to go out, and that’s how I feel about the love we were trying to capture in this song. It’s the slow burn, the one that sticks with you long after the flash of a fiery moment has passed. – frontwoman Shannon Thomas