We debuted our “Video Vault” feature this past Valentine’s Day, and shared with you four very recent releases from Canadian artists that cut across multiple genres. We’ve seen an influx of music video releases lately, demonstrating that artists are not willing to have their creativity kept in check any longer. Whether making brand new in-studio videos, or using older footage, animation, or public domain footage, the results are outstanding. Enjoy these four recent videos hand-picked for your viewing pleasures today.
Jenn Grant, “Flying On Your Own”
We kick things off with this stunning interpretation of a popular Rita MacNeill tune, courtesy of PEI born, and Halifax, NS based artist Jenn Grant, the third release in a collection of self-produced covers of Canadian classics Jenn has shared recently. “I would not be where I am today without women like Rita, and my mother, who taught me that the power of strength to rise up and be strong is within us all,” Jenn offers. “This recording and video are a tribute to them, and to any human who has felt the fight and is still fighting.”
Kyle McKearney, “Annie”
Born in BC, but now calling Calgary, AB home, emerging artist Kyle McKearney dazzles us with his most recent single, “Annie;” a song previously named as a finalist in the Americana category of the 2020 International Songwriting Competition. This is an irresistible acoustic-based number that whisks us back to simpler times, when musicians could share stages in front of live audiences. “Annie is the person who you yearn to be with but deep down you know that you never will,” shares Kyle. “There is peace and hope in knowing that she exists.”
Joshua Sangster & Cat LeBlanc, “Night Light”
We were very recently introduced to the music of Fredericton, NB singer-songwriter Cat LeBlanc, and in the process, stumbled across this amazing collaboration with Rusagonis, NB native, Joshua Sangster. Both artists met during a 2017 songwriting event hosted by musician/producer Jim Bryson, and after sharing plenty of time supporting each other, “Night Light” signals the arrival of their first official duet. Consider this an old-school conversational duet between two lonely hearts, and be prepared to recall fond memories of those old classic country duets from back in the day.
Tristan Armstrong, “Periscope”
Our journey ends today in Toronto, ON, to share a live-acoustic rendition of this latest single from Tristan Armstrong, whom you may know as a founding member of The Actual Goners. “Periscope” is Tristan’s first major solo release, which sees the artist completely strip away a conventional rhythm section in favor of a fully orchestrated accompaniment. Like a submarine submerged underwater, the periscope is the optical source to seek out and steer your way home, and in these pandemic-filled days, we are all hoping that our own personal periscopes will soon guide us to much safer waters.
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.
