We cracked open the safe frequently in 2022 to share our Video Vaults contents with you – but fear not, the Audio/Visual Armoured Truck stopped by here at GDW HQ just a few days ago to stock us back up with some fine music-related bullion. Our selections today feature an artist making a return to our site, along with three fresh faces all making their GDW debuts. Grab your popcorn and soda, and enjoy.
Gabrielle Shonk, “People Pleaser”
Bursting onto the music scene in 2019 riding her JUNO-Award nominated self-titled debut album, US-born (and Quebec City, QC-raised) alt-indie artist Gabrielle Shonk landed firmly on our radar with this latest jazz and pop fused single. For Gabrielle, this tune explores themes of insecurity and self-doubt – grappling with what happens when you continually place the needs of others above your own. Lovin’ the retro outfits and fabulous location used in this video, which complements the tune perfectly.
Brandon Wolfe Scott, “In Stride”
Wow – it has been three years since Vancouver, BC artist Brandon Wolfe Scott last graced our pages – we are long overdue for a check-in. “When I hit my mid 30s there were a few aspects of my life that were causing me a great deal of anxiety and as a result, I started to struggle with sleep,” Brandon shares. “I wanted this song to encompass that feeling of being stuck in your own thoughts with a fear of what tomorrow might bring, trying to navigate a life that is fast paced with inadequate energy.”
Kendra Gabrielle, “Red”
Making a name on the Canadian country scene, Milton, ON emerging artist Kendra Gabrielle releases this toe-tapper – produced by CMAO-nominee Shawn Moore. “It was never my intention, but this song was inspired by a joke. My friends always laugh about how I’m attracted to red flags – men who are so obviously just terrible humans,” Kendra recalls. “My sassy response to that has always been, ‘Because red’s my favourite colour.’ Well now I’ve got a whole song built around this concept.”
Ashara (ft. Jason Wilson), “My Love Sings Like A Lintie”
Toronto-based Scottish-Canadian and two-time JUNO Award nominee Jason Wilson returns with a new band, Ashara, and kicks off the new year with this traditional inspired tune about a Lintie – a Scottish word for a small linnet bird (finch). “The song is ostensibly about chasing fleeting youth,” Wilson shares. “I ‘see’ this chase occurring down the Lugar Water, by the dam in Ochiltree, Ayrshire, Scotland, where my mom was born.”
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.
