For many years now, this monthly recurring Snappy Singles feature has focused on four (mostly) freshly released singles – covering many genres and artists from Canada and beyond. It has proven quite the challenge to select just four tracks from the hundreds of contenders each month, and we’re ready to retire this series as we close out 2024. But before dropping the curtain and letting the credits roll, some of our GDW pals have been sharing some fabulous new singles, from which we’ve handpicked four to shine a spotlight on today.
Joan Smith & the Jane Does, “Neutron Dance”
Disclaimer: this cover became an obvious choice for inclusion in this feature due to an 80s era music kick that I’m currently on – thanks to watching a recent period comedy-drama that boasts an incredible soundtrack. Toronto alt-rockers Joan Smith & the Jane Does have resurrected a classic true 80s movie soundtrack hit of their own – the stars were clearly perfectly aligned with the timing. “Neutron Dance” was a hit tune from The Pointer Sisters, and one of Joan’s favorite songs as a kid – even if she never watched the 1984 hit movie Beverly Hills Cop. “While the song sounds ultra happy and upbeat, the lyrics express the plight of the working class,” Joan explains. “And its subject matter remains just as relevant today, if not more so.” “Industry don’t pay a price that’s fair / All the common people breathing filthy air (Lord have mercy) / Roof caved in on all the simple dreams / And to get ahead your heart started pumping schemes.” Of course, with this cover being given the full Jane Does treatment, expect to find plenty of fuses being lit, explosions galore, and with post-Neutron Dance collateral damage extremely likely.
Matthew Holtby, “You Never Reply”
We’ve followed the solo career of Warkworth, ON singer-songwriter Matthew Holtby for closing in on eighteen months now – and this talented artist leaves a lasting impression again with this latest release – easily earning his fourth feature here at GDW in that short timeframe. Featuring additional vocals from Hillary Dumoulin – who Matthew met while hosting an Open Stage in Peterborough, ON nearly a decade ago – “You Never Reply” finds both artists tapping into some old-school country charm. “I always knew Hillary and I would work together, but didn’t know when,” Matthew shares. “Once I wrote this song, I could hear her with me. When she came into record it, Ken [Kucharic] and I were laughing because it was so effortless for her, and it fit the vibe perfectly.” Matthew acknowledges that the song was partially influenced by the Willie Nelson & Family television series, adding, “It’s an intentional ode to the old bar room country, whilst revealing the frustrations of modern-day smartphone culture, and all that goes along with it.”
Kristen Martell, “Allume mon courage”
Returning to the music scene in 2021 following a lengthy hiatus to raise a family, Mahone Bay, NS singer-songwriter Kristen Martell very quickly became a GDW regular – and today marks her fourth Snappy Singles appearance in three years. We last featured Kristen’s music back in March to promote her first French language single – learning of her Acadian heritage and yearning to rediscover her roots – and follow up once again to focus on her latest Francophone track; one that delivers a lyrical narrative that speaks to the heart. “Allume mon courage” takes the listener on a soulful journey of self-discovery and transformation, telling the story of standing at a crossroads and recognizing the need to make a change. “I wanted this song to be about embracing those moments when you know you have to do something difficult to find peace,” Kristen shares. “It’s about facing your fears, as terrifying as that may be, and lighting up your inner courage.” Kristen plans to release her first seven-track French language EP in early 2025 – we can’t wait for that!
The Boathouse, “The Boathouse”
Our first new single release feature for 2024 came courtesy of Toronto-based yacht rockers The Boathouse, so it seems only fitting that music from this enigmatic duo (now quartet) should be featured here in the closing weeks of the year. GDW pals Ryan Farley (guitars/vocals) and Tristan Armstrong (bass/vocals) – accompanied by Vincent Spilchuk (keys/vocals) and Josh Trager (drums) – help to shake off the reality of winter’s pending arrival with their hi-fi tones and dystopian scenarios – in a major key – mating some smooth summer vibes to a darker narrative about a lake house party hosting a doomsday cult. Yes, for real! “[This is] a song that started out as a fun number about partying at a lakeside boathouse [that] became a story about a group of lost people, maybe part of a cult, maybe brainwashed by other means, being watched from the next cottage over,” the band share. “They party for the last few days before they believe the world will end, raising a glass to the host while waiting for some cataclysmic force to destroy the lake and maybe the whole world.” Doomsday yacht rock – bet you never had that on your listening radar?
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.
