Video Premiere: Melanie Peterson, “Damaged Goods”
byNovember, 2020, was a pretty busy month for Toronto, ON singer-songwriter/actress Melanie Peterson. After sharing the single and accompanying music video for “Back to…
Archive
Martin’s Top Four Canadian Albums Of 2020
byFollowing up from my list last week that chronicled what I consider to be twenty of the best album releases from Canada through 2020,…
2020 Team GDW Miscellaneous Honors
byAs this crazy year comes to an end, should we banish forever the popular phrase, “Hindsight is 2020?” Should these words be outlawed? Struck…
Single Release: Rick Sparkes & The Enablers, “Cézanne”
byThe risk of using a place name or person for the title of a song is that a multitude of information is telegraphed indirectly…
2020 Top Twenty Album List
byUpon reflection, I would say that it was around the early part of summer 2020 when the reality of the Covid-19 pandemic hit home…
2020 Year-End Roundup: 20 Memorable Singles (Pt. 2)
byFollowing our look yesterday at the singles we deemed to be some of the finest releases from artists previously unknown to us, the spotlight…
2020 Year-End Roundup: 20 Memorable Singles (Pt. 1)
byI always enjoy revisiting our annual concert-going adventures, and typically use this feature to look back at the 10 most memorable concert moments we…
New Single & Video Release: Doris Folkens, “Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming”
byWe’ve shared a great selection of new holiday tunes with you over these last few weeks, mixing things up a little with some smooth…
Review: Jelena Ćirić, “Shelters One”
byAs we continue to count down these last remaining days of what has been a challenging year, I glanced back to our postings from…
Snappy Singles: Festive Finds For The Holidays
byDecember is here, and 2020 shall soon be relegated to just a memory. No matter how crazy things still are out there in the…
Take A Chance On Me: Lhasa de Sela, “Live In Reykjavik”
byThe great thing about timeless music is it is never too late to hear. You can never “miss the boat” because records last forever…
Video Premiere: Villages, “Poetry In Motion”
byHalifax, NS indie-folk quartet, Villages, are excited to share a music video today for “Poetry In Motion,” another track taken from their current EP,…
Video Premiere: Jeffery Straker, “I’ll Be Missing You This Christmas”
byJeffery Straker’s originally penned tune, “I’ll Be Missing You This Christmas,” taken from his recently released 3-piece folk-roots collection, “This Christmas,” is a heartfelt…
Review: Melanie Peterson, “We Got This”
byWe recently debuted the music video for “Back To You,” the latest single from Toronto, ON singer-songwriter & actress Melanie Peterson, taken from her…
Single & Video Release: Tennyson King, “Garden Of Truth”
by“You’re gonna meet someday at the garden of truth / You’re gonna be somebody when the loving is through.” Just a couple of weeks…
Ian Foster Releases New Single & Music Video For “Voyager”
byIt is hard to believe that it was back in April when we last caught up with St. John’s, NL singer-songwriter Ian Foster (where…
Review: Terra Spencer, “Chasing Rabbits”
byEvery summer, when I was so much younger, my father would pack the kids into the back seat of an old Chevy, and head…
“Blue Moon Drive” – New Single & Lyric Video from iskwē and Tom Wilson Featuring Chuck Copenace
by“Every day I go to war. Against colonialism. With colour and blood memory” (Tom Wilson, 2020) Last Friday, Hamilton, ON JUNO Award winning roots-rocker…
Video Premiere: Melanie Peterson, “Back To You”
byToronto, ON singer-songwriter & actress Melanie Peterson shares two exciting pieces of news today, the first being the formal announcement of the upcoming release…
Snappy Singles: Necessary New Tunes For November
byWe’re bringing you our November edition of Snappy Singles a little sooner than planned, because we refuse to keep these four amazing tracks on…
Shawn William Clarke’s “Spectral Acoustics Vol 1” EP Goes Digital
byA cursory glance at the music catalog for Toronto, ON singer-songwriter Shawn William Clarke may leave you believing that he pretty much disappeared from…
Video Release: Jeremy Drury Ft. Ferraro, “Pour Another”
byJeremy Drury is no stranger to the international music scene, having enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame as part of popular Lindsay, ON indie-folk…
Commonwealth Connections: Jasmine Rodgers Releases New Single, “Flies”
byAnd just like that, November is here already. Having enjoyed some brisk and misty mornings, and watching the leaves starting to turn and tumble…
Snappy Singles: Sharing Our Kind Of Oktoberfest Mixer Pack
byFor music lovers, October is here. For beer drinkers/lovers, Oktober is here. Don’t mind me, but I’ll pass on the pumpkin flavored ales though…
“Lunenburg Moon” – New Single & Video From Terra Spencer (feat. The Bombadils)
byI’ve said these words many times over the years, but it really is a joy to discover new artists and foster new friendships with…
Single Release: Jeffery Straker, “Morning Light”
byWe’ve been incredibly fortunate over the last couple of months here at GDW, taking a trip down memory lane and reconnecting with some of…
Review: Elliott BROOD, “Keeper”
byMany of you already know just how passionate we are about all things Elliott BROOD here at Team GDW. Make no mistake, we are…
Snappy Singles: Four New Faves For The Arrival Of Fall
bySo long summer – hello fall, hello autumn, or as it seems to be these days, hello Everything Pumpkin Spiced season. As we start…
New Single: Jim Bryson (feat. Caroline Brooks), “Knights Of 1000 Sleeps”
byJim Bryson’s Fixed Hinge Studio, in Stittsville, ON has been recording and producing some magical music for 2020. This year has seen releases from…
Sneak Peek: New Single From Melanie Brulée, “The Mess”
byFollowing the success of her highly-acclaimed 2018 “Fires, Floods & Things We Leave Behind album,” Cornwall, ON singer-songwriter Melanie Brulée returns to the spotlight,…
Hot New Music From “The Hammer”
byHey, while we are quite possibly slap-bang in the middle of the most catastrophic pandemic in modern history, don’t be fooled into thinking that…
Single Release: Terry Uyarak, “Inuit Nunangat”
byHailing from Igloolik, NU, singer-songwriter Terry Uyarak is a self-taught musician born and raised in a small and vibrant Inuit hamlet located in the…
Review: Summersets, “Small Town Saturday“
byDuring last month’s installment of our recurring Snappy Singles feature, we introduced “Never Love Another,” the latest single at the time from the recently…
Video Release: Ayla Brook & The Sound Men, “Lift You Up”
byAyla Brook & The Sound Men are a band meant to be seen live, with folks crowded up to a bar, the room overflowing…
Snappy Singles: Summer Jams To Satisfy The Senses
byWe are midway through August, meaning that two-thirds of this Covid-crazy summer is already in the books. Whether self isolating in your downtown apartment,…
Review: Sherman Downey, “New Beautiful”
byWhat if you could change a rainy day into sunshine? With all the leaves shining bright, sparkling rain drops, clouds scudding across the sky? …
Commonwealth Connections: Callum Pitt Releases New Single, “Fault Lines”
byThe folk-roots music scene is alive and well here in North America right now, with an ever-increasing circle of artists and music fans alike…
Take A Chance On Me: Grand National Championship
byOur occasional “Take A Chance On Me” series is defined by the unintentional, random purchase of music from an artist (typically) unknown to us,…
New Single: Sarah Burton, “LOGAN”
byAs this crazy, pandemic-filled year continues, there has been no shortage of references to how live music that has always been taken for granted…
Stay Home County Music & Arts Festival 2020
byMid July is typically a time when we pack up the car and head north to London, ON for the Home County Music &…
Review: Brent Mason, “Fireflies”
byBrent Mason’s eleventh album, “Fireflies,” is full of twists and turns, delights and surprises. Plainspoken lyrics reminisce and ponder days long gone, loves long…
Snappy Singles: More Sizzlers for Your Long Hot Summer Nights
byIt’s hard to believe that we’ve already celebrated Canada Day north of the border, and Independence Day here in the US, and are midway…
Elliott BROOD Announces Upcoming New Album
byWith these last few months of Covid-19, self-isolating, social distancing, travel restrictions and closed borders, 2020 really feels like a nightmare that never wants…
New Single: Terence Jack, “Heart in Head out”
by“THE WORLD NEEDS JOY” “THE WORLD NEEDS FREEDOM” “THE WORLD NEEDS TO HEAL” Vancouver, BC indie-folk artist Terence Jack releases the single “Heart in…
Random Record Revival: Ginger St. James, “Live at Knox Farms”
byAfter reviewing the stunning new “CHICKABOOM!” album from rockabilly songstress Tami Neilson this past February, I knew that this was a genre I really…
Single Release: Skydiggers Share a Pair of New Covers
byFollowing the release of their well-received “Let’s Get Friendship Right” album last Fall, the popular Toronto-based roots rockers, Skydiggers, return to the spotlight today…
“Entre nous” – Behind the Scenes Video with Jill Barber
byFollowing the release of her incredible new French language album, “Entre nous,” Vancouver, BC singer-songwriter Jill Barber is ready to take us on a…
Snappy Singles: Sizzlers For The Summer Season
byIt really is hard to keep track of time during these strange and challenging times, but summer has arrived! Summer is officially here! But…
Review: Shred Kelly, “Like A Rising Sun”
byFernie, BC seasoned folk-rockers, Shred Kelly, release “Like A Rising Sun” today, their fifth studio album and follow up to their popular 2018 “Archipelago”…
Find A New Favorite: Christina Hutt
by“I Should Have Changed” is the new release (via YouTube) from Kearney, ON singer-songwriter Christina Hutt, the latest in a series of singles released…
New Single: The Hello Darlins (feat. Matt Andersen), “Still Waters”
byWe know that there are thousands of great Canadian musicians out there, hundreds of great Canadian bands too, but how often do we find…
Kennedy Road Hold Album Release Party Via a Side Door Online Show
byTeam GDW took an enjoyable road trip recently to Toronto to catch a live show with folk-roots duo Kennedy Road (Sheila Carabine & Brian…
Commonwealth Connections: Kieran Begbie Releases New Single, “Change”
byOriginally from Scotland, but now calling Toronto, ON home, singer-songwriter Kieran Begbie is no stranger to the music scene. Having honed his craft as…
Snappy Single: Sameer Cash, “Keep Kicking”
byFollowing the success of his recent single, “Driveway Moment,” Toronto, ON singer-songwriter Sameer Cash (formerly Sam Cash) returns once more with “Keep Kicking,” his…
Review: Six New Albums From Daniel Romano
byIn the zeitgeist of rock n roll prophecy, there is a tale of one who will bring it all back home again. Is Daniel…
Oh Susanna Announces Upcoming Deluxe Edition of “Sleepy Little Sailor”
byWhen the announcement was made last week that Suzie Ungerleider (Oh Susanna) plans to reissue a deluxe edition of her “Sleepy Little Sailor” album…
Review: Ken Yates, “Quiet Talkers”
by“If I don’t know by now, I don’t think I ever will,” Ken Yates sings in “Grey County Blues,” the opening song of “Quiet…
Commonwealth Connections: Tullara Releases New Single, “16 Seconds”
byAs we have shown with previous editions of our Commonwealth Connections series, the folk-roots music scene not only thrives in North America, but has…
Interview: The Blaze Velluto Collection
byAnybody who loves popular music – which pretty much includes you if you’ve taken time to open and read this article – often has…
Snappy Snippets: J.R. Proctor, Whitney Rose, Deni Gauthier
byFollowing Steve’s lead from our Snappy Snippets article two days ago, here at Team GDW HQ, we are also self-isolating and currently working from…
Snappy Singles: Super Spring Jams to Lift the Spirits
byAs we head into another month of social-distancing and self-isolation, at least we have music, right? Perish the thought of having no new tunes…
New Single: The Rainy Day Apparel, “Moon, Light & Waves”
byFollowing their 2018 “Reset” EP, Carman, MB, band, The Rainy Day Apparel, return with a brand new single, “Moon, Light & Waves.” Written in…
Find A New Favorite: James Gray
by“James Gray is an unbelievable singer and songwriter with a captivating sound that will speak to your spirit.” This was the invitation sent to…
Video Release: Kennedy Road, “The Heart Will Buzz”
byToronto, ON, folk-roots duo Kennedy Road have just shared a new music video to accompany “The Heart Will Buzz,” a track taken from their…
Video Release: VK & Legends of THE DEEP, “Smelling Like Roses”
byOrillia, ON, folk-roots duo Steve and Marni Van Kessel (VK) are proud to share their official music video today for “Smelling Like Roses,” the…
Review: Emily Rockarts, “Little Flower”
byDuring last month’s installment of our recurring Snappy Singles feature, we introduced “Stay,” the new single from indie singer-songwriter Emily Rockarts. Weaving her stunning…
Video Release: Ryan Hicks, “Dream”
byRegina, SK, singer-songwriter Ryan Hicks is excited to premiere his latest music video here today for “Dream,” the title track from his outstanding album…
Review: Harrow Fair, “Sins We Made”
byThe widely anticipated, long awaited, sophomore album from Americana-duo Harrow Fair is officially released today, and fans will be excited by this newest collection…
Snappy Singles: April Edition – No Mention of Fools Here
byI had plenty of Aprils Fools puns ready to go when starting to compile this article, but given the global devastation and uncertainty faced…
New Single: Julian Taylor, “The Ridge”
byIt is no secret that Toronto, ON, singer-songwriter Julian Taylor is a firm favorite of ours here at Team GDW. Whether featuring recaps of…
Find A New Favorite: Jerry Leger & The Situation
byWhen I receive a strong recommendation about an artist from a good friend, I take note, and file the name away for a rainy…
In Basements In Isolation
byThe popular ‘In Basements On Sundays’ intimate live music events are well known and loved by many within the Toronto roots-music scene. Held each…
Campbell Woods Shares New Video, Announces Album Release
byIt is truly hard to comprehend that we are rapidly approaching the third anniversary of “Oxford Street,” the amazing debut album released by ON….
Single Release: Hudsy, “The First Dance”
byRegular readers out there may very well be familiar with Dauphin, MB, singer-songwriter Eddie Hudson (Hudsy), whose music video for “My Love” was featured…
Kennedy Road Release “A Little Fight Left Yet”
byCanadian folk-roots duo Kennedy Road are proud to share their highly-anticipated full length debut album, “A Little Fight Left Yet,” recorded at Music House…
Review: Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, “King Of This Town”
byIf you told me that you’d be providing me with the following names to collaborate with on my next recording, I’d say, “Thank you very much, we’ve got…
Single Release: Ken Yates, “Surviving Is Easy”
byThere are some particular moments in time here at GDW that are kind of hard to forget. Take, for example, September 30th, 2016, the…
New Single: Joe Nolan, “Tupelo Honey”
bySome songs leave a trace of wonder and joy in your thoughts and feelings, long after the music fades and the record is returned…
The Young Novelists: Live in PA and MD
byWhen Toronto-based husband and wife folk-roots duo, The Young Novelists, announced an upcoming show in MD recently, we were excited at the chance to…
Review: Aaron Karpinka, “Tender Heart”
byHow can an album be charmingly disarming while exploring deeply sensitive, gravely significant concerns, at the same time? This might be the question to…
Snappy Singles: March Music Madness
byYes, Spring is just around the corner, and many are ready to pick brackets for the annual NCAA March Madness tournament. But how can…
Recap: Four Chords and The Truth – The Dakota Confessions
byFebruary 13th saw the 20th edition of Four Chords and The Truth, the amazingly successful songwriter series held quarterly at The Dakota Tavern in…
New Single: Scott MacKay, “Half Of Everything”
byListening to “Half of Everything,” the latest single from PEI singer-songwriter Scott MacKay, brought that kind of smile to my face that one gets…
Single: The Hillbirds, “Peace of Mind”
by“O my head spin round and round … My feet won’t touch the ground”, are lyrics meant to carry you into the exciting world…
Blue Rodeo: Live at The First Ontario Concert Hall, Hamilton
byWe were very excited to see Blue Rodeo’s most recent tour announcement late last year, especially when finding a Friday night show in Hamilton,…
Review: Andy Shauf, “Neon Skyline”
byAndy Shauf’s latest album evokes a 70s sound you long to hear on a jukebox in your local dive bar. Three years have passed…
Review: Rose Cousins, “Bravado”
byFollowing her highly acclaimed and incredibly successful 2017 “Natural Conclusion” album, JUNO Award and GRAMMY nominee Rose Cousins releases her much anticipated new album,…
Review: The Franklin Electric, “In Your Heart”
byFollowing their milestone 2017 “Blue Ceilings” album, Montreal, QC indie-folk rockers, The Franklin Electric, return with a brand new EP today, titled “In Your…
New Single: Cayley Thomas, “Blue Jean Baby”
byUpon my first listen of Cayley Thomas’s new single, “Blue Jean Baby,” I excitedly looked up her previous 2016 “Weird Love” album to give…
Single Releases: Ayla Brook & The Sound Men, “All That I Wanted To Do” & “(I Think I) Hit My Limit”
byAny song with a chorus that has a beautiful long string of harmonized “ooooooo … oolalala”, in the background and ends with sweet giggle,…
SPEAK Music Be Kind Festival – Part 2
byWrapping up my visit to the SPEAK Music festival this week has given me time to really reflect on the inaugural event held from…
Snappy Singles: Fabulous February Finds
bySo many great new single releases, so little space to feature them all. We may only be a couple of weeks into February, but…
Review: Lynne Hanson, “Just Words”
byJust Words, the newest album from Lynne Hanson, is a multi coloured mirror of styles and genres, reflecting on love and a relentless passage…
Video Release: Jerry Leger, “Read Between The Lines”
byHere is proof once again that there is so much great new music out there just itching to be discovered. And I’m sure that…
Joel Plaskett Announces Upcoming New Album
byIt’s truly hard to believe that when you take Joel Plaskett’s 2017 “Solidarity” album out of the equation (a recording made with his father,…
SPEAK Music Be Kind Festival – Part I
byMy January got off to a flying start this year with a visit to the inaugural SPEAK Music Be Kind Festival held from 17-19…
“Sins We Made” – New Single & Video From Harrow Fair
byCanadian folk-roots duo Harrow Fair are proud to release and share “Sins We Made,” the first single and title track from their upcoming sophomore…
Snappy Singles: January Jams That Everybody Needs to Hear
byFor those of us in the northeast corner of the North American continent, it may be cold and wintry outside right now (we’re thinking…
“Warrior” – New Single & Video from Rachel Beck
byFollowing her incredibly popular CBC radio hit single, “Reckless Heart,” and self-titled debut album back in 2018, PEI singer-songwriter Rachel Beck launches a brand…
Frazey Ford Releases New Single, “Azad”
byIn anticipation of her new album, “U kin B the Sun”, expected from ARTS & CRAFTS, February 07th, 2020, Frazey Ford has released a…
Review: Jon Brooks, “Moth Nor Rust II”
by“19. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20.But lay…