Team GDW are still recovering from our summer adventures last week, taking a much-needed road trip across parts of ON and QC – catching up with friends, exploring new places, and (of course) enjoying live music. Sampling a variety of radio stations during our travels meant hearing some great summer jams – new and old – and of course, we’re happy to share a handful of them here today for your enjoyment too.
Leah Martel, “Not Cool”
Back in July, we shared a recent single from SK-based alt-pop artist Vikki Minor, who wanted to tell us all about being “COOL.” Here in late August, Hamilton, ON-based alt-pop artist Leah Martel plays devil’s advocate, with this tune about being “Not Cool.” Leah dedicates this one to all who grew up as the weird, unpopular kid, and who, ultimately, learned to embrace their unique selves.
Talking Violet, “Scatterbrains”
Summer jams – nothing beats the perfectly timed inclusion of a dream-pop tune into your playlist (just like in a pivotal movie scene), and we found this gem recently courtesy of Windsor, ON-based indie pop-rockers Talking Violet. Bursting onto the shoegaze scene back in 2018, “Scatterbrains” reflects on the consequences of being self-sustained, and an anthemic realization of the emotions encountered.
François et Liette, “C’est si bon la vie”
If asked to name a popular early 70s Canadian pop anthem that always puts a smile on my face, “Sweet City Woman” by The Stampeders is always a good bet for a likely response. And just when I heard more than my fair share of covers of this tune, I was not at all prepared for this 70s French language version from Québec chanson duo François Bégin and Liette Lomez. Picking up some strong The Blaze Velluto Collection vibes here…
Jud Gunning & Cameron Nickerson, “Summertime in the Maritimes”
Be it a hot day in July or a frigid wintry morning, Nova Scotian folk musicians can brighten up your day and conjure images of summertime at any given moment. Jud Gunning and Cameron Nickerson deliver a traditional Maritimes (east coast hillbilly) ditty that was several years in the making. Listen extra carefully to the musicianship – and yes, that is Coig’s Rachel Davis and Darren McMullen adding fiddle and mandolin you’ll hear.
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.
