Beamsville, Ontario’s Riley Michaels is stepping out of the present and into a dream of the past with his shimmering new single, “Waiting For You.” Known for his soulful voice, guitar prowess, and genre-blending style, Michaels now leans deep into retro-pop with a lush, synth-laced track that pays loving tribute to the music of the 1980s.

Michaels wrote “Waiting For You” not from a personal event, but from a feeling shaped by neon-lit nights, boombox serenades, and rain-soaked movie moments. The track oozes nostalgia with shimmering synths, a LinnDrum beat, and vintage tones that effortlessly conjure memories of a decade he never lived through but somehow belongs to.

Created in collaboration with bandmate and synth specialist Vincent Petrunti, the song was primarily recorded in Petrunti’s condo and Michaels’ home studio. The production breaks new ground for Michaels: it’s the first release in his catalogue that forgoes a live drummer entirely, instead embracing the era’s iconic drum machine sound to reinforce the song’s throwback aesthetic.

This song was born from my desire to create music I actually enjoy making. I love the 80s – I wasn’t there, but I live for the music, the movies, the whole vibe. “Waiting For You” reminds me of that classic movie scene where the guy’s standing outside with a boombox in the rain, hoping she’ll open the door. That’s the energy I wanted. – Riley Michaels

Vancouver-based pop artist Matías Roden returns with “Angels in the Night” – an emotional and cathartic power ballad inspired by the true story of a close friend who survived the 2017 terror attack on London Bridge. The song is both a tribute to survival and a love letter to the city of Roden’s birth, where deepening connection meets collective grief, reflection, and resilience.

Framed by soaring vocals, stripped-back instrumentation, and a haunting 90s-inspired minimalism, “Angels in the Night” carries the emotional weight of its subject matter while offering a message of strength and healing. Produced by acclaimed Canadian artist Louise Burns, the track draws sonic influence from the stark sincerity of Sinead O’Connor and the bold emotionality of SOPHIE’s “It’s Okay to Cry.”

Written after Roden heard his friend’s harrowing account of escaping the deadly attack, the song captures not just personal trauma, but the surreal randomness of survival itself and the guilt, gratitude, and emotional fallout that follow. “Angels in the Night” is a rare pop ballad that balances raw vulnerability with powerful, cinematic expression. 

I wanted to create something that recognized the gravity and trauma of what happened, but was also uplifting – a tribute to the strength to carry onwards. It makes me feel emotional every time I hear it, because I know the story behind it. It’s sad and melancholic, but also uplifting. That duality is what makes it feel honest to me. – Matías Roden

Toronto-based indie pop/rock artist Brodie Christ returns with his vulnerable yet bombastic new single “IDWTBFriends,” an intimate and upbeat confession of desire in long-term love.

“Desire is a strange and fickle beast. It comes on intensely and can disappear just as fast,” says Christ. “I wanted to express in this song what, to me, felt like fresh desire in a long-term relationship. I have these memories of early days that were intense, frantic and fumbling. I want more of those. What we are giving each other is not enough. I want more. I want it full time. I need more of you.”

Driven by punchy guitars, a bittersweet melodic hook, and a lyric that refuses to play it cool, “IDWTBFriends” lands with both emotional precision and sonic punch. Christ explains: “The chorus just slaps you, unambiguously, both musically and lyrically.”

“I like the title, which is an abbreviation of the initial line of the chorus, because it’s a misdirection,” Christ states. 

That tension and uncertainty pulses through every line. “Yearning, impatience, and action,” Christ says of the song’s inspiration. “A realization that what is right in front is what is missing and the only way to fill the void is to go after it, romance it, and ask for it.”

Lyrically, the song refuses to hide. “There’s no other way to say to you so straight and true” is a standout line for the artist. 

“It’s easy to be self-congratulatory when you’ve written clever lyrics but it’s also too easy to miss the emotional component with word play. These lyrics have no metaphor or cleverness. They are precise in expressing their desire and vulnerability. I want you (and I hope you feel the same way too).”

Fresh off the heels of his contribution to Songs From The Gang, 5x JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter Julian Taylor returns with “Dedication”—a vibrant new single that blends soul, roots, and folk rock with a deeply personal message about commitment, connection, and showing up with your whole heart.

“Dedication” is the first single to be released from Taylor’s forthcoming Anthology II, a career-spanning collection to be released on September 10th which traverses his over 25 year career as a songwriter.

Recorded in a single, spirited session with an all female, kickass band made up of Michele Stodart on bass, Raevennen Husbandes on electric guitar, and Sian Monaghan on drums, the track captures the collaborators’ undeniable live energy. 

“[We had] a super tight rhythm section, killer guitar, great backing vocal harmonies and it all locked in perfectly. I don’t think we had even played our first show together yet when we recorded this and it was an incredible experience getting to know one another. We hadn’t even played our first show together yet when we recorded this, but it clicked instantly,” Taylor recalls.

“We’re life long friends now and I love playing with these dynamically talented women every time I go across the pond.”

Co-written with longtime collaborator Robert Priest, “Dedication” is a song born from real love and persistence. With its rich emotional message wrapped in infectious rhythm, Taylor delivers a heartfelt anthem that invites listeners to dance while also reflecting on what it truly means to give your all.

“Whether that’s in love, in life, or in your passion, this song is a declaration of that kind of wholehearted commitment,” says Taylor.

Inspired in part by a simple moment at a street corner, the lyric “take me along across this crosswalk” captures Taylor’s knack for turning everyday moments into poetic imagery. 

“Relationships are like crosswalks,” he explains. “Sometimes you’re waiting, sometimes you’re asking someone to take that step with you.”

Stylistically, “Dedication” leans into a retro, soulful sound anchored by tight rhythms, rootsy guitar licks, layered vocals, and a memorable “la da da da da” refrain that gives it instant singalong appeal.

The result is a track that’s brooding and devoted, uplifting and fun—one that moves both body and spirit.

“It lifts me up every time I play it,” Taylor adds. “And I hope it does the same for others.”