Brooklyn-based duo Blue Pilot (songwriter Eric Frost and producer Chris Worden) deliver a hauntingly introspective new single, “Anyu,” a psychedelic exploration of melancholy and triumph. Inspired by the throes of a quarter-life crisis, the song reflects on the exhausting sense of permanence that comes with being “in-between.” With an uncanny blend of acoustic and electronic elements, “Anyu” captures the disorienting yet hopeful journey of emerging from a phase of uncertainty and longing.

The track’s title, “Anyu,” is a nod to a friend who seems to have it all together—offering a symbolic contrast to the chaos at the song’s core. The duo embraces their unique approach, fusing years of evolving influences into a sound unlike anything else.

There’s definitely a careful balancing act here between acoustic and electronic drums. We wanted them to have the energy that a drummer might bring to a band, but also sound unlike a traditional kit or something anyone would actually play. There’s also kind of a dialogue between two versions of my voice. The more robotic one started as a placeholder, but the contrast turned into a great way of emphasizing the feeling of being pulled in two directions. – Eric Frost

Toronto-based singer-songwriter and filmmaker David Jane delves into the uncanny experience of returning home to a place that no longer feels familiar with his latest single, “Five and Dime.” Introspective and riveting, the track blends acoustic-driven singer-songwriter stylings with atmospheric indie production, capturing a profound sense of disconnection and longing.

Following the success of his contemplative single, “Garden Out Back,” which reflected on the lingering ache of a love left behind, “Five and Dime” shifts focus to David’s own journey of re-acclimating to a post-Vancouver reality. It chronicles the often unhealthy coping mechanisms used to navigate this transitional phase, such as over-immersing oneself in fictional narratives, offering a window into the internal conflict of seeking comfort in escapism versus facing life’s stark realities. The track is a testament to the chemistry between David and producer Sam Arion (Mute Choir), marking their third collaboration.

“Five and Dime” exists in the breaking point between inspiration and dissociation. Dreaming of a “Five and Dime” symbolizes an idealized haven from a romanticized past—like the alluring veneer of a classic Hollywood movie—where life appeared simpler and more connected. For an acoustic-driven song, there are so many unique parts—the epic bridge with Arctic Monkeys- esque lead guitar, a nostalgic breakdown with cinematic strings—and yet, after hours of experimentation, what tied everything together was simply adding another rhythmic acoustic. It was a beautiful reminder that sometimes less is more. – David Jane

Hailing from Maple, Ontario, and now dividing his time between Toronto and Los Angeles, emerging indie-pop artist Julian Daniel returns with his latest single, “Northern Lights.” Known for blending meaningful lyrics with upbeat instrumentals, Julian offers a fresh fusion of indie pop and rock, drawing inspiration from artists like Charli XCX, Troye Sivan, and Gus Dapperton.

“Northern Lights” redefines the awe of natural wonders as it shifts focus to the phenomenon of love in the least expected places.

I know what you may be thinking: “does he know the Northern Lights can’t be seen above Rodeo Drive?” To which I say yes, but I don’t need to see a natural wonder to know that it’s sitting right beside me gently humming our favourite songs with wind-swept hair. – Julian Daniel

MEGGO, the creative project of Montreal-based musician and producer Megan Ennenberg, invites listeners into an intimate world with her debut EP, eavesdropper ;; death stories, a masterclass in capturing the raw beauty of life’s fleeting moments. Standout track, “sylvia’s place ;; tricks,” serves as a poignant meditation on love, loss, and presence, blending acoustic roots with experimental soundscapes to create a piece that feels both nostalgic and timeless.

Recorded during a deeply personal period of grief, “sylvia’s place ;; tricks” came to life at the piano in a friend’s home shortly after MEGGO’s beloved dog, Laika, passed away.

I wrote this song right after we had to put Laika down. She was the best little friend– came to every band practice, was such an epic buddy, and taught me so many tricks; how loving, and loving well, feeds us; how innately we understand and respond viscerally to love; how it helps us be healthy. I hardly play the piano, but I sat down at one at my friend Sylvia’s place and wrote, and the tune opens with the moment I found the melody. The track is full of sounds from a goodbye party we threw for her, with friends laughing and crying and jamming, sometimes all three at once, with Laika right in the middle eating spaghetti smothered in bacon fat, seeming quite content and completely oblivious. That raw real visual is the heart of this song, and the EP as a whole – it’s about being present enough to notice fleeting moments, about holding sadness and joy in the same breath. – MEGGO