With the abundance of great new music being created, released, and shared, it encourages us to better believe that the light at the end of this pandemic-tunnel is hopefully ever closer. The weekend is almost upon us, leaving us wrapping up our week devoted to all things ‘music videos’ related with four final beauties to satisfy your audio and visual pleasures. Enjoy, and be sure to return for our regular programming next week.
Willie Stratton, “Caroline”
We kick off with a little Halifax, NS brand of Americana, courtesy of Willie Stratton, whose latest offering tells the Herzogian tale of the “Caroline Affair” – one of the defining losses in William Lyon Mackenzie’s Upper Canada Rebellion, during which a group of Canadian rebels fled to a Niagara River island only to be overtaken by British forces, who seized their ship, set it ablaze, and floated it down the river toward the falls. No, we didn’t expect to learn about some cool Canadian history here today either.
Charissa, “Love And Be Loved”
We only recently discovered the Americana and soul sounds offered by Burlington, ON artist Charissa, and after sharing her video for “People Like You,” and sampling her debut EP released just a couple of weeks ago, we were sold! This weighty, enchanting piano-driven EP title track certainly showcases her talents. “How wonderful it is to love and be loved,” she offers. “That’s a beautiful sentiment to put out into the world – to give love and feel it in return.”
Carleigh Aikins, “Letting You Go (Live Piano Version)”
If you’ve hopped around Toronto looking for live music, you’ve no doubt encountered the super-talented and incredibly versatile Carleigh Aikins. Having graced stages with many Canadian household names (Royal Wood, Bahamas, Dwayne Gretzky), Carleigh released her debut solo album late last year, and it’s a stunner. Check out this live-off-the-floor version of “Letting You Go,” complete with some moving piano keys courtesy of DG bandmate Simeon Abbott, and prepare to be lost for words.
Annabel Gutherz, “Retrograde”
Okay, so the placement of our final video for this week is definitely deliberate on my part. This recent single from Montreal-based artist Annabel Gutherz is a maximalist pop-rock anthem filled with driving drums, potent vocals, and deliciously infectious pop hooks. If you’re looking for an excuse to wrap up your work day and loosen the tie, or switch out the slacks for a party dress and hit the town, Annabel has got you covered. Believe me, the weekend is here, so crank this one up!!!
The British guy that crossed the ocean and crash landed in central Pennsylvania (to quote Greg Keelor, “And I wonder what am I doing here?”). As the youngest of four siblings, exposure to music from a very early age nurtured my passion and appreciation for many musical genres. Continuing to discover some amazingly diverse and talented musicians based in Canada, I gravitate to live music experiences and remain devoted to spreading the word about such a vibrant music scene.
