2026 is well underway, and many Canadian artists are already putting the pedal to the metal to get new tunes out into the wilds. New year, new jams – so many to choose from, so little editorial space. Here are four recent singles that we could not overlook from some long-time GDW faves.
Dave Gunning, “Blue Heart”
Acclaimed Nova Scotian folk-roots artist Dave Gunning dropped this amazing tune in early January – itself the first taste of new music set to appear on his forthcoming album, “Field Notes,” on February 20, 2026. Co-written with Rose Morrison, and recorded in Point Lonsdale, Australia, Dave has been collecting ‘field notes’ over the past four years – reflections on love, loss, and the state of the world. We can’t wait to learn more…
Ace Of Wands, “Edge Of The Edge”
Having shared very little new music since 2023, Toronto indie-rock trio Ace of Wands marks a triumphant return to the airwaves with this energetic new tune. For bandmates Lee Rose, Anna Mernieks, and Jody Brumell, “Edge of the Edge” (produced by veteran rocker Ian Blurton) captures a shift in a perceived reality – the tipping point where clarity creeps out of the darkness and true love is a felt sense – a trill in the heart.
Julian Taylor, “Hunger (Graeme Williamson cover)”
Toronto-based troubadour Julian Taylor just released “Anthology Vol. 2,” another collection of timeless hits from his early career to recent collaborations. Anchoring the release is “Hunger,” a trad-folk tune that Julian felt inspired to cover. “When I first heard the song, it was the lyrics that really struck me,” he explains. “With everything going on in the world right now, hunger remains such a devastating and unnecessary reality.”
Bella White, “Dream Song”
The Calgary-raised / Nashville-based Appalachian country artist returns with a fresh tune and a new chapter in her musical career as she continues to transcend genre boundaries. “Dream Song is about reckoning with the past and accepting the lasting impact it can have on the future,” Bella shares. “I wrote it when I started to feel settled after a time of turbulence. It came from a place of safety and security. A dream actualized!”
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.
