“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…
Archive
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…
Martin’s Top Four Canadian Albums of 2019
byFollowing up from my list last week that chronicled my favorite twenty album releases this year, with so many fantastic albums to choose from,…
Review: Kiefer Sutherland, “Reckless & Me”
byKiefer Sutherland has been a professional actor for many years, starring in movies like ‘Stand By Me’, ‘The Lost Boys’, ‘Young Guns’, Flatliners’, ‘A…
Review: The Pairs, “Noise”
byAs we count down the few remaining days of 2019, there comes a sense of desperation to squeeze in a few more mentions of…
Review: Jeff Stamp, “Love: Stampy”
byFalling in love is perhaps the brightest moment in any life. The cycle that pulls two hearts together and draws them deep inside of…
Snappy Single: Will Moor, “Hitchhiker (for Ida)”
byToronto, ON based ambient-instrumental duo, Will Moor, release their debut single, “Hitchhiker (for Ida),” today. Comprised of singer-songwriters Shawn William Clarke and David Gluck,…
Video Release: The Marrieds, “Lying Next To Me”
byLondon, ON, folk-pop duo, The Marrieds, have just released a brand new video for “Lying Next To Me,” a track found on their acclaimed…
2019 Year-End Roundup: 10 Memorable Live Moments
byAs we prepare to bid adieu to 2019, it’s time once again to look back at some of the most memorable concert experiences that…
Dala Share a Brand New Christmas Tune
byScarborough, ON, acoustic-folk duo, Dala, release a brand new tune today, the first in almost seven years for this partnership of Sheila Carabine and…
Snappy Snippets: Dwayne Gretzky, The Marrieds, Noah Derksen
byIt’s hard to believe that we are now into the last few weeks of 2019, which has proven once again to be a banner…
Elliott BROOD: Live at The Sanctuary
bySo there are things that we are guaranteed to experience on an annual basis, like birthdays, shoveling snow, and paying taxes, and then there…
Review: Miranda Mulholland, “By Appointment or Chance”
byRegular readers of this site know that we are unabashed admirers of Miranda Mulholland, who in recent years has become a formidable policy advocate…
Review: The Good Lovelies, “Evergreen”
byNo matter what musical tastes you may have within the loosely defined folk-roots genre, one of your favorite artists has probably embraced the festive…
Review: Graham Lindsey, “TradHead”
byGraham Lindsey is a multi-instrumentalist and composer, he plays as a soloist and side-player with Celtic and folk musicians in Ontario and Québec, with…
New Release: Black Suit Devil, “A Matter Of Time”
byFollowing their impressive 2017 debut album, “The Freedom Sessions,” the Toronto-based acoustic-soul band Black Suit Devil are releasing their sophomore album, “A Matter Of…
Ian Foster & Nancy Hynes Announce Holiday Tour
byFollowing their successful Christmas Tour last year, Ian Foster and Nancy Hynes have just announced their plans for a second consecutive holiday tour. Eager…
Single Release: Karen Morand, “Down Here”
byWindsor, ON, singer-songwriter Karen Morand releases “Down Here” today, her brand new single that we are excited to premiere at Great Dark Wonder. Written…
Review: Coco Love Alcorn, “Rebirth”
byAs a performer, Coco Love Alcorn combines diverse musical influences including jazz, R&B, pop, folk, and Gospel. Her love of improvising, and willingness to…
Review: The East Pointers, “Yours to Break”
byJUNO Award winning traditional-folk trio The East Pointers release their highly anticipated third album, titled “Yours To Break,” today. Following their debut “Secret Victory”…
Take A Chance On Me: Grady Kelneck, “Take My Hand”
byWe have stumbled across albums from the artists featured in our “Take A Chance On Me” series in some obscure places over the last…
Single Release: Lynne Hanson, “True Blue Moon”
byOttawa, ON singer-songwriter Lynne Hanson has just released a new single, “True Blue Moon,” the first teaser track from her upcoming “Just Words” album. …
Canadian Duos Return to Jim Thorpe, PA
byHave you ever had the frustration of already made plans to be elsewhere when you learn of a great event taking place closer to…
Review: Stephen Fearing, “The Unconquerable Past”
byThis last couple of years have been quite a prolific time in terms of writing new songs and being in the studio for Stephen…
Steel City Rovers Return to the PA Celtic Classic
byJust one short month after catching up with the Steel City Rovers (SCR) in VA, our favorite Celtibilly quintet were back in the USA…
Snappy Singles: No Tricks, All Treats
byAs we bid September adieu and Fall into the new season, it is time once again to share some of the amazing new releases…
Review: Neil Little, EP
byStratford, Ontario’s Neil Little presents a pastoral tapestry of gentle acoustic guitar and everyman lyrics. I first heard Neil Little with his backing band…
Coig’s Return to the Celtic Classic in Pennsylvania
byHeld over the final weekend in September, the PA Celtic Classic has quickly become one of our favorite annual events. With our fondness for…
Amanda Rheaume: Matinee Show in Philadelphia
byToronto-based singer-songwriter Amanda Rheaume made her debut appearance at the Philadelphia Folksong Society recently, performing to an intimate audience on a beautiful Sunday afternoon…
Skydiggers: “Let’s Get Friendship Right”
byFollowing on from their highly acclaimed 2017 “Warmth of the Sun” album, the popular Toronto-based roots rockers, Skydiggers, are ready to share brand new…