Tag Archives: Canada

Weekly Gems 84

Posted on October 11, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

REECE – Last Time

REECE

REECE shares the heartbreaking song, ‘Last Time’.

REECE’s voice is both chilling and poetic, as he contemplates finding the strength to walk away when a relationship turns sour. Listen below.

Sounds like: Billie Eilish, Frank Ocean

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Eloise Viola – Wait In Line

Eloise Viola

London singer-songwriter Eloise Viola refuses to be second best in her new single, ‘Wait In Line’.

With another energetic pop anthem, Viola is both vocally and lyrically on point, and with a positive message promoting body positivity and self-love, what’s not to love?

Sounds like: Anne Marie, Charlie XCX, Dua Lipa, Zara Larsson

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KYRI – Sanctuary

KYRI

In a love letter to mother nature, London-based KYRI bares all in his new single, ‘Sanctuary’.

Using his voice for good, KYRI explores themes of rebirth, nature, spirituality and the deepest corners of our humanity with his music, heavily influenced from his childhood of Greek Orthodox churches, gospel choirs & forests, through to London’s intoxicating LGBTQ+ club culture.

Sounds like: The Weeknd, Rosie Lowe, Gallant, Birdy, James Blake

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Danny George – Sincerity

Danny George

Producer-turned-solo artist Danny George shares highly accessible new track, ‘Sincerity’

Now residing in Berlin, George has gained a new perspective and musical inspiration, translating into music that has soul and electronica with hints of R&B and indie.

His first full EP ‘Crushed Comfort’ will drop early next year.

Sounds like: Ayelle, Malory, Latir, Lolé

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Akurei – Quarter Tank Full

Akurei

Alt-pop artist Akurei shares ‘Quarter Tank Full’, taken from his sophomore EP, ‘September’.

Minimalistic beats surround smooth R&B electronic, as Akurei dissects the quarter life crisis he had last year.

Sounds like: LA Bouquet, LANY, The 1975

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BENJII – I Won’t Die For You

BENJII

Introducing Vancouver-based singer/songwriter and guitarist BENJII – aka Benji Klassen.

His new single, ‘I Won’t Die For You’ is a moody alt-pop track driven by rock-tinged vocals and textual guitar riffs, and as refreshing as the BC mountain dew.

Sounds like: John Mayer

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Chloe Lilac – Special

Chloe Lilac - Special

Brooklyn-based bedtime producer Chloe Lilac shares her fun new pop single, ‘Special’.

Within the last year, Chloe has gone from sheer obscurity self-producing songs in her bedroom to signing with RCA, releasing a debut EP, and now has a 2nd EP in the pipeline. No mean feat.

Sounds like: Charlotte Lawrence, Sasha Sloan, Tessa Violet

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OTR – Drive ft. Panama

OTR

Aerospace engineer-turned-producer, OTR returns with the brilliant new single ‘Drive, featuring Sydney-based synthpop standout, Panama.

Changing the tempo up a litte, the duo have successfully built a world containing movement and sound, with a tinge of vulnerability.

‘Drive’ is out now via Astralwerks.

Sounds like: Kasbo, Shallou, Hotel Garuda, Gryffin, ODESZA, Petit Biscuit, Porter Robinson

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Weekly Gems 83

Posted on October 5, 2019 by Hassen Boufateh

Sainte Barae – Power + Control

The brilliant Australian artist Saint Barae returns with an intimate and nostalgic offering through his latest single ‘Power + Control’.

In a raw and empowering message behind the song, Saint Barae begins to open up as he takes us into a very personal and intimate tale of handling his sexuality with the people that mean the most to him.

Sounds Like: Téléphonik Muzik, Tame Impala

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Die Orangen – Sonne

Since listening to Die Orangen‘s single, ‘Sonne’, we’ve become slightly obsessed with their psychdelia approach to industrial sounds.

Having originally forged their partnership in the diverse electronic music scene of Australia, Kris Baha and Angus Gruzman recently decamped to the thriving Berlin scene to develop their dark and pulsing industrial-inspired productions.

Pre-Order it on Apple Music

Sounds like: Nine Inch Nails, My Bloody Valentine, The Chemical Brothers

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Somebody’s Child – Jungle

Somebody's Child - Jungle

Irish-born, indie artist, Somebody’s Child returns his frenetic new single ‘Jungle’.

Usng music as a platform to discuss topics of mental health, ‘Jungle’ is a nervous yet honest display of indelible guitar riffs and beautifully coarse vocals.

Sounds like: Foals, Mystery Jets, Arctic Monkeys

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Royal Cinema – CHA-CHING

These ladies are having a fun time, and we want to be involved.

Royal Cinema was formed by longtime friends Johanna Cranitch, Isaac Carpenter and Sydney Wayser who, having spent years playing in their own solo projects and in other various touring bands such as The Cranberries, LORDE and Awolnation, decided they wanted an additional musical outlet where they could let loose and have fun.

Their new single is ‘CHA-CHING’ – a self-produced, pulsing pop track.

Sounds like: B52s, Goldfrapp, Sofi Tukker

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Tessa Dixson – Hiding

Tessa Dixson is back with another bittersweet single, in the form os ‘Hiding’.

Once again produced by Reinhard Vanbergen and mixed by Neil Comber (M.I.A., Charli XCX) is a silky and bittersweet affair.

Tessa’s torn but soulful voice is high up in the mix, locking you in from the first verse. The chorus is huge, there’s a sitar hook and warm backing vocals guiding you through the raw emotions of the song.

Sounds like: The xx, Kllo, Grace Carter, Lorde, Billie Eilish

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HÅN – It’s Better When I Sleep

HÂN

Taking more of a The Japanese House vibe, HÂN shares the dreamy new single, ‘It’s Better When I Sleep’.

Considering the topic of sleeping, simply as it is – a necessary process that is both “intimate and reassuring, but also imaginary and illusionary”.

Take shelter and listen now.

Sounds like: Daughter, Skott, The Japanese House

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Aaricia – For Two

Aaricia

The darker shades of pop music have risen to the top of the pile of late, with artists like Banks consistently enthralling a captivated audience and Billie Eilish sensationalism reaching much of the world. Aiming for a slice of that pie is Montreal’s Aaricia, who balances her darker ethos with a soaring, honeyed vocal.

Her new single is equal parts sugar and spice, with Aaricia outlining ‘For Two’ is about desire and fantasy. It’s about that one person you can’t resist. You can try to play it cool but, in the end, you know you’ll succumb to temptation.

Sounds like: Liyv, CLAVVS, Charlee Remitz, Tessa Rae

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archmotors – Sitcom

From the west coast of Ireland comes a distinct blend of alternative rock and post-punk that simultaneously rides a wave of nostalgia whilst sitting ahead of the contemporary curve. archmotors, a duo with prowess and skill that extends far beyond their meagre membership, second single to date ‘Sitcom’ is darkly humorous in the most compelling way.

Fans of older video games will be charmed by the ‘point and click’ style video accompaniment – a perfect pairing, tune in below.

Sounds like: The National

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Playlist: Tep No

Posted on September 30, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

Tep No

Canadian producer, Tep No is one of our favs, and it’s been a minute since we last supported his music on the blog.

Exhilarating production of the highest order complemented by emotively tinged vocals from fellow music enthusiast, Joycelyn Alice, his new single ‘Never Been Hurt Before’ is another entry into the growing back catalogue of an exciting up and comer.

He’s put together an excellent playlist of his favourite tunes right now. Take a listen below.

Riah – Heartbreak Magic
Good engaging voice and nice 80’s production on it.

Grady – 500 Days of Summer
Interesting voice, high-end production on it.

Aalta, Lenachka – Closer Than Ever
Great immersive song, very dreamy

Elohim – TV
Very very distinct voice, really well carved out production and well thought out lyrics, everything gels so well. Lots of feeling in her voice and lyrics.

Toro Y Moi – Balance (Feat. Washed Out)
What can I say, 2 of my favorite artists ever, and what drove me for the longest time. Dreamy song, it makes you feel like everything will be fine. And the song is 4:20 minutes long I mean.

Liyv – In My Guccis
Relatable, I work hard in my Guccis I mean. What else is there to say.

Noirre – numb
The production is so wild on this, so well done.

Broods – Peach
Amazing song, I can relate to the lyrics, I’ve listened to this 1000 times. The pre-chorus is insanely good.

bülow – Get Stupid
Really quirky song from fellow Torontonian. Great voice, catchy lyrics and clean production.

Hazey Eyes Feat. Moli – Hungover You
I’m always feeling hungover these days so I can relate. Nice natural-sounding vocals mixed with 80s production.

‘Never Been Hurt Before’ is out now on Ultra Music.

Sounds like: Gryffin, Goldroom, Odesza, The Chainsmokers, Washed Out, Summer Heart, Bon Iver

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Weekly Gems 77

Posted on August 15, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

Margot Polo – Let’s Get Out

Margot Polo (aka David Provenzano) releases his new single, ‘Let’s Get Out’.

A song about breaking out of routine ruts (something he is guilty of), Polo has teamed up with esteemed producer, Brad Wood, and their main goal with the track was to create a fun and huge chorus…and they have definitely succeeded.

Expect a five-song EP out this fall.

Sounds like: Von Sell, Foster the People, Tame Impala, Vampire Weekend, CHAPPO, The Beatles

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Holt – Tower

Holt

We all have safe pillars in our lives and London based self-taught singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Holt is no exception.

Using her father as the reference in her new single, the lyrics tell a non-linear story about that is capable of transporting the listener to another world.

Sounds like: RUNAH, Bat for Lashes, Björk, Enya, Massive Attack, Nils Frahm

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Bokito – Freckle

Bokito

Indie-funk band Bokito releases their new single ‘Freckle Leather’. Often mistaken for a heavy metal band, Bokito bring back their combination of signature hooks, unshakeable melodies and playful lyrics. A tightly-packaged, uproarious mix of indie, rock and perfect pop cadence that hooks listeners in straight at the first beat.

At first, ‘Freckle Leather’ reminds of Vampire Weekend, however, the five-piece stand their ground pretty quick and combine a lot of different styles. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Jeff Buckley and Justin Timberlake, the group created a completely new sound of modern indie regulated by ergonomic melodies.

Sounds like: Vampire Weekend, Two Door Cinema Club, Stereohoney, Shiners

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The Hails – Sugar

Inspired by the cool glamour and fast life of the Miami Vice era, The Hails share their new song ‘Sugar’.

With its danceable beats and 80’s synth pop influence, ‘Sugar’ is a crafty juxtaposition that melds truth and fiction with the lyrics telling the story about a girl who lives life brazenly and recklessly.

The five-piece from Miami have met at Florida University and since then have dedicated their unique sound with classic drum machines to create an irresistible trademark sound of their own.

Sounds like: Sade, Hippo Campus, Kid Bloom

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Halfloves – Polvo

American indie band Halfloves releases their latest release ‘Polvo’ from their forthcoming sophomore album ‘Dazer’, out on August 30.

‘Polvo’ is a fresh new indie addition with melodic riffs and upbeat drums. With its carefree instrumentals and dreamy lyrics, the song is only a taster of what the upcoming album has to promise.

“We recorded this song in a barn in the middle of a cornfield in Iowa where the classic NY studio ‘Magic Shop’ has found a new home, now dubbed the ‘Magic Barn’.”

The band praise themselves on having recorded ‘Polvo’ in the same studio that Bowie, Björk, Coldplay and many others used to make some of the most defining records of our time.

Sounds like: Clinic Blonde, Two Door Cinema Club

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Vacation Club – Always or Never

‘Always Or Never’ is the latest single released by the edgy, yet colourful band Vacation Club.

Written and produced by the band themselves, the laid back and catchy pop song elevates the perfect combination of upbeat beats and Helena Hahn’s beautiful vocals. The band has taken a raw and youthful approach towards the journey of love heightening both the highs and the lows.

Sounds like: LANY, Pale Waves, The 1975, Donna Lewis

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Noble Oak – Evaporate

Noble Oak

Canadian-born, singer-songwriter Noble Oak has released his latest single ‘Evaporate’.

The song features his melancholic, beautiful vocals combined with captivating instrumentals he’s Oak yet again managed to create a dreamy release that will sound even better performed live on a big stage.

Noble Oak’s full-length debut album with Last Gang is set for worldwide release in 2020.

Sounds like: Luna Pines, Tame Impala

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Playlist: Illyin Pipes

Posted on July 22, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

Illyin Pipes

Introducing Illyin Pipes, a blissed-out pop duo from Toronto.

Their mutual affinity for textured soundscapes, layered harmonies and heavy electronic synths, fully presents itself in their melancholic debut EP, ‘Waking Up’.

We asked Illyin Pipes to put together a playlist for Indietronica to coincide with the EP release.

Little Dragon – Feather
Have always loved Little Dragon and Feather feels like a dreamy modern take on 80s synth-pop meets 90s trip-hop. I love a vibey vocal and airy synth over a driving bass line.

Arthur Russel – That’s Us/Wild Combination
I heard this song for the first time two years ago and fell deeply in love with it. I had a challenging couple of months shortly after finding it and truly couldn’t listen to any other song. Just this over and over. And it’s still my very top favourite.

Radiohead – House of Cards
Everything Thom Yorke touches is a dream to me. His solo releases are beautiful and I love his contemporary dance music videos. House of Cards is on this list because it’s so perfectly vulnerable, and my top pick from “In Rainbow’s” which I come back to all the time.

Brian Eno – The Big Ship
I usually listen to Brian Eno’s hour-long tracks, but Big Ship is a cinematic, emotional shorty.

10CC – I’m Not In Love
I discovered this song in high school and burned it onto a CD with a bunch of my other favourites at the time. Still playlisting it a decade later! It’s so soft and I love the weird whisper section partway through.

Hundred Waters – Murmurs
I love Hundred Waters’ quiet vocals and acoustic piano over bold drum choices/effects.

Solange – Losing You
Such a sweet pop song. Dev Hyne’s nails the writing/production.

Talking Heads – This Must Be The Place/Naive Melody
David Byrne’s lyrics are amazing and the repetitive bass line makes me want to listen to it forever. The live version from “Stop Making Sense” is so good.

Jon Hopkins – Open Eye Signal
This song transports me to a dark club fantasy in my mind. I have closed my eyes and danced to this song many times.

Aphex Twin – #3 (Rhubarb)
This song is what got me into ambient music. Airy/calming/sweet/meditative. I often listen to it when I’m writing.

Blood Orange – Best to You Feat. Empress Of
Another Dev Hynes track but a duet with Empress of. So dancy!

Beach House – Sparks
I love the steady shoegaze-y guitar and alto vocals. I’m also a sucker for songs that don’t change chords at the bridge: altering the melody of the vocal for a moment, or going to an interlude is always my songwriting instinct.

Massive Attack – Teardrop
The vocals are an inspiration: so close they’re almost whispered, then building dynamically at all the right times.

Washed Out – Feel it All Around
Dreamy, lo-fi, psychedelic, synth-pop <3

The Cars – Drive
Total 80s heaven. I love the subtle and emotional lyrics. We’ve covered this live a couple of times and it feels really nice to play.

You can listen to the EP below.

Sounds like: Susanne Sundfør, Lykke Li, RALPH, Vera Blue, BANKS, Washed Out

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bülow – Get Stupid

Posted on July 11, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

bülow

German-born and Toronto-based pop-iconoclast, bülow shares the visuals for her single ‘Get Stupid’, out via Wax Records/Republic Records/Universal Music Canada.

The track, taken off the JUNO Award winner’s latest EP ‘Crystalline’ released earlier this year and is produced by Mike Wise, is the kind of quirky pop that the commercial world is embracing at the moment.

Speaking about the video, bülow explains,

“When I was younger, I wanted to be an inventor, to create things. I think everybody strives for the feeling of self-importance, trying to find their ways to be remembered. My character created a flying device, it didn’t work out, but that wasn’t the end.”

Sounds like: Billie Eilish, Sigrid, ALMA, Daya

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NOA – Hypocritical

Posted on June 28, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

NOA

Sweet sweet pop is on the agenda right now, courtesy of NOA who channels some serious Robyn meets Ariana Grande vibes on her new single ‘Hypocritical’.

Expect lighthearted pop vocals, catchy melodies and a resonant emotional theme throughout, from the Toronto-born singer-songwriter.

Listen below.

Sounds like: Robyn, Hannah Slavin, Ariana Grande

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Weekly Gems 64

Posted on April 28, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

Great Mountain Fire – Look UP

Belgium pop band Great Mountain Fire their shares new single ‘Look Up’.

Comprised of childhood friends, their music echoes of Daft Punk. Tinged with groovy beats, ‘Look Up’ is a fresh, sunny indie pop tune.

Sounds like: Breakbot, Goldroom, Daft Punk, Mirage Club

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0171 – SMTHN RL

0171

0171 is Hackney duo Joe Bedell-Brill and Georgie Hoare.

Creating a beautiful clash of raw and honest music, the nostaglic dark pop duo shares their sophomore single, ‘SMTHN RL’. It explores a yearning for real experiences and real intimacy in a world where you can often feel distant from each other, and from your own life.

Their debut EP is out on 17 May.

Sounds like: Kllo, Kudu Blue, The xx, Myo

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Tropic Harbour – Calm

Canadian artist Tropic Harbour today releases his ‘Calm’ EP.

Not disimilar to his former releases, the lead single continues to serenade the listener, and gives further gravitas to the beat-maker’s own unique take on the chillwave sound.

Sounds like: Summer Heart, DIIV, Jessy Lanza

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Joey Landreth – Cryin’

Meet Juno award winning guitarist Joey Landreth.

Also one half of the esteemed roots band The Bros. Landreth, Joey takes a more emotional approach to his solo material, creating a bold and versatile sound that explodes with energy while also remaining captivating throughout.

Listen to ‘Cryin” below, with its James Bay vibes.

Sounds like: James Bay, Hozier

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ORIION – Siren Call

ORIION

If you’re a fan of anything pop, there’s something for everyone in ORIION‘s latest, ‘Siren Call’.

His self-described ‘nostalgia pop’, walks the line from the 80s up to the modern day, with a one-a-kind vocal delivery that really conveys the lovesick motivations.

Sounds like: Zayn

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Manatee Commune – Growing Pains

Manatee Commune by Allen Daniel

Manatee Commune is exploring music and life in his mid-20s.

His blissful new single ‘Growing Pains’ hits the crux of the issue. Immersed in a sober and earnest landscape, the song features Samuel Eisen-Meyers and is out now via Bastard Jazz.

Sounds like: John Mayer, Teen Daze, Goldroom, Tropic Harbour

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Bokito – Colleen Bawn

Bokito

If there is one thing to do this year, go see Bokito perform live.

Sitting in the gap between tropical indie pop and soulful funk, Bokito’s ‘Colleen Bawn’ is bursting with summery energy and fills you will and irrefutable urge to move. Frontman Moses Moorhouse’s vocal is the perfect compliment to the tasty groove set by the five-piece.

Sounds like: Two Door Cinema Club, Stereohoney, Shiners

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Tropic Harbour – Softness

Posted on February 27, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

Tropic Harbour

Amongst the noise, you can find the ‘Softness’.

Tropic Harbour is the dreamy pop project created by Canadian native, Mark Berg.

Using music as a crutch to recover from the daily grind and a reminder to practice self-love, the visuals for his down-tempo single, ‘Softness’, perfectly match this attitude in a bid to slow things down.

Expect the ‘Calm’ EP on 26 April.

Sounds like: Summer Heart, DIIV, Jessy Lanza

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Felix Cartal & Lights – Love Me

Posted on February 26, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

Felix Cartal & Lights - Love Me

Canadian producer Felix Cartal has teamed up with alt-pop singer/songwriter Lights for his debut single of 2019, the emotive and yet entirely groove-worthy ‘Love Me.’

A collaboration through and through, the song was born by just the two of them from start to finish and has everything you want from a decent dance-pop track – organic instrumental chords, indulgent melodies and a stunning vocal performance.

Sounds like: The Him, Le Youth

Felix Cartal
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Lights
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