Victoria, BC-based artist Jesse Roper returns with his electrifying new single, “Danger,” an anthemic rock track that captures the thrill of attraction and the allure of the unattainable. Set against the stunning backdrop of Hanalei Bay in Kaua’i, Hawaii, the song radiates a coastal summer energy, painting the perfect scene for a carefree vacation romance. With infectious melodies and dynamic production, “Danger” is an exhilarating and introspective anthem that blends upbeat rock with a sense of excitement and caution.

Written during a time of personal turmoil, Roper channeled his emotions into a cinematic imaginary world where the “it” girl is in pursuit, offering the kind of attention he was craving.

Produced by JUNO-nominated Gus van Go and recorded at Boiler Room Studios in Toronto, “Danger” delivers a track that’s as thrilling as it is reflective, weaving catchy hooks with a rock edge.

New England singer-songwriter Dan Pallotta continues his recent series of singles, which began in 2024, with “School Bus,” a reflective folk ballad that tells the story of an entire lifetime in just three and a half minutes. The inspiration for the song came during a morning walk, when Pallotta witnessed a school bus pass by.

I thought about the days when my kids would wave to me from the bus on that very same walk. I figured I should write a song about the kids on the bus, but as I started writing, I realized the story I wanted to tell wasn’t about the kids at all—it was about the woman driving the bus. Once I shifted focus to her, the lyrics came together in about 10 minutes. – Dan Pallotta

With the school bus driver as the narrator, Pallotta‘s lyrics offer a poignant glimpse into a life well-lived, filled with simple joys, family, and the cyclical passage of time. “It’s a pretty literal title,” Pallotta laughs. “But I think it captures the essence of the song—something as simple as a school bus can trigger a whole life story.”

Toronto-based indie pop singer-songwriter Jenny Palacios unveils her playful and angsty new single, “Took,” a dynamic blend of rock, alt pop, and pop rock that explores the complexities of digital identity and self-worth. With an infectious energy and tongue-in-cheek irony, “Took” captures Jenny’s struggle with internet culture and the pressures of maintaining an artist persona online.

“Took” is a reflection of Jenny’s realization that constantly seeking validation online was taking a toll on her sense of self. The song delves into the suffocating feeling of being influenced by people she’s never met, and the unrealistic standards of appearance and behavior dictated by social media.

The official music video for “Took” brings this narrative to life with playful yet poignant visuals, highlighting the internal conflict between authenticity and online curation.

Banman, a rising hip-hop artist from Hamilton, Ontario unveils his powerful new EP, Ups & Downs — a concept album designed to be experienced in sequence. The project chronicles Banman‘s journey through addiction and recovery, offering raw, honest reflections wrapped in catchy beats and sharp lyricism.

The EP’s focus track, “Didn’t See Me Coming,” radiates an infectious, uplifting energy with an old-school West Coast vibe. The song embodies Banman‘s vision of emerging from the shadows to make an undeniable impact, both personally and musically. Written six years ago, it finally finds its moment, recorded in just two hours with a flow that’s been honed through relentless practice.

Prince Edward Island-born singer-songwriter Kari Lyn returns with her heartfelt new single, “Fall (I’m Not Ready),” a deeply introspective folk-rock anthem that captures the fear and excitement of stepping into the unknown. With raw vulnerability and cinematic storytelling, the song reflects Kari‘s personal struggles with change, self-doubt, and the courage to move forward.

Written in a moment of subconscious creativity—literally in her sleep—”Fall (I’m Not Ready)” emerged after an emotional breakthrough in therapy. Waking up in the middle of the night, she instinctively recorded a voice memo, snoring and all, capturing lyrics and melodies nearly identical to the final version.

Produced by Dan Hosh (Wild Rivers, Serena Ryder, Arkells), the track seamlessly blends Kari’s folk roots with subtle rock influences, channeling a sound she describes as “if Noah Kahan and Taylor Swift had a baby.” The result is a nostalgic, road trip-ready anthem layered with emotional depth.

Canadian dark pop artist Nares unveils the official music video for her hauntingly ethereal single, “Levitate” (feat. 8485)—a cinematic and deeply introspective track that explores themes of transformation, isolation, and connection. More than just a song, “Levitate” is a visceral experience, merging sullen melodies with expansive production to evoke a sense of otherworldly longing.

Written in a remote country cabin in Guelph, Ontario, the track took shape over a period of years, with 8485 breathing new life into an old demo of Nares’ titled “seethru.” The result? A song that feels massive—sonically and emotionally.

The official music video, directed by Nares and Jonathan Matta, serves as the song’s visual counterpart, embodying a Lynchian dreamscape with elements inspired by The Virgin Suicides and Jungian symbolism. Blending surreal found-footage aesthetics with high-contrast cinematography, the video brings Nares’ and 8485’s dual perspectives to life—two beings navigating separate yet parallel emotional realities.

Winnipeg singer-songwriter Tommy Douglas Keenan crafts songs of heartache, longing, and humour—none more so than his latest single, “Oh Melody,” a woozy, late-night reflection on an intoxicating, ephemeral connection. The song captures the sweetness and sadness of a romance that was never meant to last, living only in the perfect moment.

Originally written for a “song every week” club, “Oh Melody” took on new life in collaboration with Matt Peters (Begonia, Royal Canoe, Dead Men). Recorded with Peters’ vast collection of sonic toys, the track features ethereal guitar, soaring synths, and the mesmerizing guest vocals of Natalie Bohrn (Slow Spirit), whose counterpoint melodies heighten the song’s dreamlike quality.