Overwhelming! If asked to summarize the amount of new music releases from across Canada this spring, overwhelming would likely be my response. Collectively, the GDW team have put in plenty of extra hours to provide a great cross section of new music coverage throughout this season – but we’ve only scratched the surface. And with Memorial Day in the rear-view mirror, it’s already the unofficial start of summer…
So many new tunes to be heard, so little editorial space here to devote to them. It’s time to dust off the GDW Jukebox and load up a dozen fresh cuts that we just cannot ignore! Leave your quarters at home – check out what we have on offer, then go spin them on your favorite platforms (Spotify playlist located below – we make it easy for ya!).
Terra Lightfoot, “Higher & Higher”
What? You think we’re letting a new tune from one of our fave ON blues-rockers sneak by? Not a chance. Terra’s first single of the year, “Higher & Higher” was co-written and recorded in Los Angeles with Tyler Chester, then produced in Toronto by Gus van Go.
Dear Rouge, “Black To Gold (Stripped)”
Never in a month of Sunday’s did I ever anticipate hearing a reimagined version of “Black To Gold,” the 2015 breakout single from Vancouver, BC alt-rockers Dear Rouge. Dropping onto our listening radar with minimal fanfare, this stripped-down tune is simply sublime.
Jade Hilton, “Dive Bar”
Toronto, ON folk-pop artist Jade Hilton not only releases her first single for 2025, but to quote musician Alan Jackson, she’s gone country. Jade drew inspiration for “Dive Bar” during time in Music City, watching Kacey Musgraves perform in a small bar.
Nick Faye, “Right Way”
It has been WAY TOO LONG since we shone our spotlight on Regina, SK artist Nick Faye. This deeply personal reflection on the masculine influences of his youth and their impact on his relationships makes this one essential listening. Top notch stuff – welcome back!
Ellen Froese, “Solitary Song”
We’re sticking around in SK for one more, with this latest ditty from Saskatoon’s Ellen Froese. This tongue-in-cheek country tune finds the artist seeking to reclaim the free-flying feeling of writing “shit-ass songs” as in her youth on her family’s cattle farm. Fun stuff.
Bernadette Connors, “White Magnolia”
Tease us with a not-known-to-us artist from Hamilton, ON. Reel us in by name-dropping co-writer John-Angus McDonald (The Trews). This tune from roots-rocker Bernadette Connors is a deeply raw anthem about patience, faith, and trusting the timing of life.
The Currie Brothers, “Bigfoot!”
It may be too early to holler “Surf’s Up,” but when our favorite Gravenhurst siblings release new music, you pay attention! “We do believe this is the first garage/psyche/accidental metal/surf rock song about our hairy friends,” the band offer. “Bigfoot’s have feelings too.”
Erika Hagen, “Pas les sous”
Okay, this release may date back to late 2024, but with plenty of SXM radio airplay, a huge smile breaks across my face each time I hear this stunning French language number from emerging Québec City rocker Erika Hagen. We all need some garage rock in our lives.
Lowest Of The Low, “The Only One I See”
Here’s another GDW fave band that we’ve not featured for a while – like ships passing in the night and all that… The Toronto indie-rockers are eager to point out that “while the night has a thousand anonymous eyes, still you’re the only one I see.” Love those horns!
Kari Lyn, “Heavy Weight”
This latest tune from PEI-born (now Toronto-based) indie folk artist Kari Lyn has earned many spins here this spring. A thought-provoking and autobiographical anthem that summarizes Kari Lyn’s emotions when transitioning into a full-time musician.
Andrew Spice, “Gentle Sentinel”
Last summer we featured a music video for “High Park,” the first taste of new music from MB-born (now Toronto based) artist Andrew Spice after a lengthy hiatus. Andrew returned this spring, with this sweeping ballad about a cat!!! How can we not share? Meow!
Ken Pomeroy, “Days Getting Darker”
Okay, so this final choice originates from Oklahoma – not Canada – but when you learn of an emerging Cherokee folk-roots artist of this caliber, well, all bets are off! Thanks to SXM radio for some heavy airplay and bringing this artist to my attention – I am forever grateful.
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.
