For Steve Bays (Hot Hot Heat), Jeremy Ruzumna (Fitz and The Tantrums) and Erik Janson (Wildling), Left Field Messiah is their embrace of their internal calling: a rallying cry to document their impulsive, weird, eclectic and even ugly ideas. Their music teeters between soul and dark funk in one moment, and quickly disintegrates into howling rock on the next. In this age of endless distraction, we need to embrace our moments of internal rebellion and find a lane to express it. For Bays, Ruzumna and Janson, Left Field Messiah is that—their search for a way out.The band’s previous single, “Fuzz Machine,” is currently #30 at Canadian Alternative Radio. They’re now following up with “Young Libertine” – a funky, nostalgic track with futuristic flourishes.

Toronto-based alt-pop artist Josh Tavares takes inspiration from literally anything around him: his friends and family, TV shows and even occasionally eavesdropping in on a stranger’s conversation waiting in line for coffee. Song ideas can come at the most inconvenient times, almost always producing the most beautiful results.

Josh’s brand new album, ASHES, is about growth. Growing out of toxic relationships, figuring out what you want in life, figuring out what it means to be treated properly by someone, or getting through a tough time and coming out smarter and stronger because of an experience.

Focus track, “Con Man,” tackles the social anxiety that Josh struggled with for years. When they re-emerged one New Year’s Eve, it felt like his brain had been temporarily taken over by someone else – by a con man.

Kyle McKearney is an artist & songwriter with a modern-vintage, Americana sound. After high school, Kyle moved to Nashville, TN, where he was immersed in classic Country and Rockabilly songwriting. He eventually made his way back to Canada and settled in Calgary, AB.

Kyle’s previous projects garnered three Top 20 CHR/Top 40 hit songs on Canadian commercial radio, a top 30 at Pop/Hot AC radio, a Top 30 on Active Rock radio, and a Canadian Radio Music Award nomination in 2017.

He’s now releasing original solo music, starting with debut single “Devil Water”. The track is blues-inspired Americana that’s tragic and liberating all at the same time.

“I saw an angel in the marble and I carved till I set him free.” A Michelangelo quote that would be etched in Bobby Parent’s mind as he started on his new journey in sobriety. A journey that, at first, would uncover painful truths before revealing the genuine beauty and generosity of others. The new single, “Dogs,” came about in a day as Parent was recovering from alcoholism and looking after a friend’s house in the Ottawa suburbs. Partly an observation of those suburbs but mostly a message of a need to reconcile his life from being an outsider in the throes of alcoholism, the weight of each lyric is countered by a lively, upbeat rhythm.

Carsen Gray is a fresh artist offering soulful lyrics, a captivating voice and an energetic sound. Hailing from Haida Gwaii, BC, Carsen Gray is Haida Indigenous and mixed descent. An unstoppable force, Carsen has seen consistent growth on streaming platforms and a growing fanbase on social media. Carsen is Canada’s newest artist to bring Pop music infused with trap, Indigenous sounds and an R&B/soul touch. Carsen’s newest single “Little One” is a piano ballad showcasing her powerful vocals. Written by her late friend, the song is about how children come into the world so pure and innocent, but our hearts become hardened as we grow older and experience the hardships of life. It was produced by Carsen’s dad who is also featured as the piano player in the official video.

Bealby Point has spent the better part of two years with one goal in mind: capturing the most cherished memory of your favourite summer and turning it into the perfect sound.

Not unlike a gang of pesky neighbourhood kids from a Stephen King novel, Bealby Point spent their youth sneaking out to parties, riding bikes, and exploring the night in the sprawling suburbs of a coastal neighbourhood of North Vancouver, which also serves as inspiration for their songwriting, atmosphere and energy.

Bealby Point’s newest single, “I’m So Bummed Out Right Now,” was inspired by missing out on opportunities to create memories with your best friends. The happy, uplifting guitar riffs contrast the sorrowful lyrics of dejection and create a melancholy feel that is essential to the message.