The lure of favoritism: while we try hard to remain neutral in our coverage of great Canadian music, yes, there are going to be times where certain artists appear to receive what could be perceived as preferential treatment. In my humble opinion, let objectivity be the benchmark for the paid music journalists out there, but for us music lovers, subjectivity often rules the day.
For this latest installment of our Video Vault feature, we’re sharing some fresh clips from not only some GDW favorites, but those that have earned a reputation here for consistently creating fabulous music. Setting a minimum requirement for inclusion today, each artist must have been a finalist in our past ‘Top 20’ year-end articles. If you’ve got it, flaunt it – and as you can see, all four artists have proven themselves as established VIPs here at GDW.
Ada Lea, “Something In The Wind”
Artists previously shortlisted for our annual GDW Album of the Year honors do have seniority when it comes to consideration for future inclusion – and as a finalist from our 2021 Top 4 Albums list, Montréal-based artist Ada Lea (Alexandra Levy) earned this distinction. With her new album set for release next month, Levy follows her “Baby Blue Frigidaire Mini Fridge” single with this equally amazing new cut, “Something In The Wind.” “I had a dream about this song and remember nothing,” she recalls. “There is a constant in everyone’s life, which is the dream.”
Tami Neilson (ft. Neil Finn), “Neon Cowgirl”
Just like Ada Lea, Canadian born (New Zealand based) artist Tami Neilson is considered a VIP here at GDW, taking our 2022 Album of the Year honors with “Kingmaker” – and dazzling us once again with this title track from her “Neon Cowgirl” album (out this Friday). Recorded as a duet with Neil Finn (Crowded House), this fusion of country artist meets pop artist results in one of the finest piano ballads you’ll hear this year. “Neon Cowgirl represents a lifelong dream of chasing Nashville and country music,” Tami shares. “I’ve loved her my whole life, even when she breaks my heart over and over again.”
Julian Taylor, “Dedication”
Another GDW Album of the Year finalist, Toronto’s Julian Taylor made our 2020 Top 4 Albums list with “The Ridge,” – and earns VIP+ status by featuring in both our 2019 and 2022 Top 20 Albums lists also. No mean feat – what an accomplishment! Julian returns with this single, the first teaser of new music to be found on his upcoming “Anthology II” album later this year. Co-written with Robert Priest, “Dedication” is a song born from real love and persistence. “Whether that’s in love, in life, or in your passion, this song is a declaration of wholehearted commitment,” Julian shares.
Hailey Benedict, “Carl Dean”
Seniority does not apply only to GDW Album of the Year contenders. Back in 2023, St. Albert, AB country artist Hailey Benedict’s tune “Damn You July” earned inclusion in the GDW Top 20 Singles list – and rightfully so! Hailey returns with another outstanding country ballad that further showcases her exceptional talent, with this tribute to Dolly Parton’s late husband Carl Dean. “I wrote this song a couple of years ago and recorded it last year,” Hailey recalls. “Sadly, Carl passed away earlier this year [and] with permission from Dolly’s team, we have their blessing to share this song.”
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.
