There is a common theme here with this latest installment of Video Vault – all four selections are from artists based in (or around) Canada’s largest metropolis – Toronto – a city that we spent a little time visiting late last week. Go ahead and grab some popcorn, and take a few minutes to enjoy these mini-movies.
Jane’s Party (ft. Greg Keelor), “Wheels”
Having earned a strong reputation as one of the premier live bands on Toronto’s vibrant music scene, indie-rockers Jane’s Party were taken under the wing of Blue Rodeo co-founder Greg Keelor several years ago, who helped produce their debut full-length album. Joining forces once more here in 2022, Jane’s Party recently shared a selection of videos featuring the man himself as guest co-vocalist – including this cover of a Flying Burrito Brothers classic.
Ace Of Wands, “Desiring You”
Dream rockers Ace Of Wands shared this release last month, which perfectly represents the diversity of music found in and around Toronto right now. “This song was inspired by a toxic relationship and the addictive and sometimes destructive nature of desiring what is not good for me,” shares songwriter Lee Rose. “I was trying to put music of the feeling of being completely un-seen by the person I most desired to be with. The song explores the tension, the anger, and my ultimate refusal to be strung along.”
Puma June, “Lost Years”
Chamber-pop artist and multi-instrumentalist Puma June (moniker of Shanti Abbott) evokes a hopeful sadness through her introspective songwriting, delivering this yearning ballad that represents a personal moment of reflection and realization – feeling the weight of aging and losing time to pursue her artistic dreams whilst taking the ‘safe’ career route, but finding the motivation and strength to reach higher and create a future that she can be proud of.
Jason Collett, “Everyday Sunflower”
With the release of his latest album, “Head Full Of Wonder,” Toronto-based singer-songwriter Jason Collect shared this feel-good animated clip to accompany the single, “Everyday Sunflower.” Inspired in part by Allen Ginsberg’s poem ‘Sunflower Sutra,” the song is a simple reflection on everyday beauty and the best example of trying to say more with less on the record. Created by visual artist Anne Douris, the simple plight of an everyday sunflower is depicted through classic hand-painted animation.
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.
