From the Inbox – March 28, 2020
This is going to sound like a weird brag, but I get a lot of emails. I mean a lot. If you get stressed out by having a ridiculously high number of “unread” emails looming at you, stay away.
But at the end of the day, it’s a great problem to have; I’m happy to be swarmed with hundreds of emails each week from artists, sharing their music with me. Submissions range across genres and skill level, and it’s a privilege to be connected to so many talented musicians.
But running a one-man show has its limitations, including the task of picking and choosing what I can share without getting left behind on new releases.
That’s why I’ve decided to start a new segment called FROM THE INBOX, where I get a chance to look back over the last week of submissions and include some artists I wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to share. Every weekend, I’ll take some time to comb through my inbox and highlight some of my favourite tracks. And if you’re looking for some new album reviews and suggestions, read through the latest In No Particular Order, a bite-sized collection of my favourite albums from the past week.
Lastly, stay up to date on other new releases by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify!
Love Fame Tragedy – Multiply (ft. Jack River)
The Wombats’ frontman Matthew Murphy has returned to his solo act as Love Fame Tragedy, and from his 2019 release Five Songs To Briefly Fill the Void is the charismatic indie pop tune “Multiply” featuring indie singer-songwriter Jack River (aka Holly Rankin).
Jaunt – All In One
With their debut album All In One hitting shelves in just a few weeks, the Toronto-based indie experimental pop-rock sensations Jaunt have shared the title track from the release. “All In One” is a glittery, downtempo vibe that brings out the band’s quirkiness and cohesiveness in ear-catching, jazz-inspired fashion. Check out the 16mm-film music video of lead singer Tom Helliwell painting a self-portrait in solitude.
Listen to their other single “Delighted To Be Spoken To” here.
Christian Lee Hutson – Talk
Indie folk songwriter Christian Lee Huston is releasing his new album Beginners on May 29th, and has shared his new single “Talk”. His combination of melodic fingerpicking guitar, soothing vocals, and melancholic storytelling makes for a captivating indie folk tune. His upcoming album will surely help propel his career even further.
LOONY – NO!
Scarborough-raised R&B artist LOONY is releasing her new JOYRiDE EP on April 23rd. Her new single “NO!” brings out her softer side, as her velvety vocals runs effortlessly overtop a finely tuned R&B groove. It’s easy to compare her voice to the likes of ’00s R&B-pop acts such as Destiny’s Child and the edgier, earlier music of Alicia Keys.
Listen to her other singles including “WHiTE LiES” and “Some Kinda Love”.
Zaac Pick – Lighter Side Of Blue
Vancouver-based singer/songwriter Zaac Pick is set to release his sophomore album Passages later this year. His new single “Lighter Side of Blue” brings together folk, indie rock, and melancholy in a captivating way with its rich textures, cinematic string arrangements, and Pick’s serenading vocals.
Forces – Say It Now
Indie pop-rock duo Forces have released their blissful new single “Say It Now”. The former Golden Dogs members branched off on their own to create a sound fused together by friendship, love, and music – over 20 years in the making.
Plus, the music video was shot in the comfort (and safety) of their home during COVID isolation.
Mike Ruby – Burn Again
Indie pop artist Mike Ruby headed to the Californian desert for the “Burn Again” music video. The surreal landscape helps elevate the melodic new indie tune about the lingering thoughts of an ex from the up-and-coming artist.
Alicia Keys – Underdog (Remix) ft. Chronixxx & Protoje
Pop superstar Alicia Keys will be releasing her seventh studio album ALICIA on May 15th, and from the upcoming track is soothing, soulful hit “Underdog” – but with a reggae remix courtesy of Chronixxx and Protoje.
Lolo Zouaï – Moi + Look At Us
The past year has been a whirlwind of success for the French/Algerian rising pop phenom Lolo Zouaï. Touring, recording, and fashion campaigns are just the icing on the cake after releasing her debut album High Highs to Low Lows in April 2019. Her latest music video for the song medley “Moi + Look at Us” explores her growing fame, infusing electro-pop, hip-hop, and EDM together.
Sophie D’Orléans – From Me
Ottawa-based indie soul-jazz vocalist Sophie D’Orléans has shared her debut single “From Me”. The young artist is off to a great start, showcasing her velvety vocals overtop a chill jazz groove.
