Andie Loren is a Toronto based singer/songwriter whose music is a mix of dream pop and rock. Her lyrics focus on love, loss and the rollercoaster of emotions and questions we have in relationships while her songs are characterized by the desire to understand human nature, and how love can consume us in positive and negative ways.

Loren‘s rich, warm vocals are heartfelt and her approach to writing is honest, straightforward and open. Upcoming EP, Some Special Light, is a concept album that looks into our desperate need to matter to someone, and the highs and lows that come along with it.

Her passionate, Thomas Hammerton-produced guitar driven single, “Hearts Grow Wide,” is filled out with dreamy synth, melodic bass and energetic pop rock drumming. The inspiration for the track derives from modern dating culture and the longing to connect with someone romantically.

1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically? 
I wanted to tell a story about love at first sight and the excitement and curiosity that’s felt when two people are attracted to one another. It’s about hope and the possibilities that lie ahead.

2.What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?
I was looking to capture a night out at a bar or party. I wanted a vibrant and fun vibe with lots of colour and movement. For the storyline I thought about going dancing with friends and looking for love. I wanted to convey a youthful energy, with hints of insecurity and that playful flirtatiousness that we have when we’re out meeting new people.

3.What was the process of making this video?
When we were making the video I needed to stick to a budget so I had the idea of doing it from home. I turned part of my kitchen into a night club by finding a clear wall and using an Epson projector that I borrowed from the school I work at. We had lights and other images projected on the wall and my husband shot the entire video on his Fuji xt-2 camera. I danced around for a couple of hours with different outfits on and played with my shadow. It was quite the workout. My husband edited the video and really experimented with effects and layers. I was happy with the way it turned out but most importantly, it was a lot of fun to make.

Billie Zizi is continuing to share glimpses of her exquisite upcoming album, the contemplative and dreamy Levitate (out October 25th). The Edmonton-based singer-songwriter has embraced a folkier sound on her latest single, “Everything in Between.” This gentle song focuses on the poetry of its lyrics, embracing roots and Americana music with subtle pedal steel and fingerpicked acoustic guitar.

A bunch of friends had gone through breakups and I was thinking about the multifaceted nature of reality. How simultaneously the breakups were challenging but also beautiful and freeing. How they gave it their best shot, which ultimately is all you can ever do in life, and the loss of that relationship led them to a new and beautiful and unexpected delight. – Billie Zizi

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