
Alternative rock artist Stonehocker’s striking new single, “Hello Mr. Hyde,” sets the tone for his brand new album of the same name. Rooted in honest introspection, the track delves into the metaphor of addiction, likening the infamous character of Mr. Hyde to the personal demons that lurk within us all.
Stonehocker’s new album, Hello Mr. Hyde, is an unfiltered journey through self-discovery and surrender. Written while working through a 12-step program, the album reflects the themes of struggle, revelation, and ultimate acceptance. At its core, Hello Mr. Hyde embodies the first three steps of any recovery process, culminating in a surrender to a higher power—a concept rarely explored so openly in modern music.
Inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Stonehocker saw a profound connection between Hyde and the struggle against addiction. The song acknowledges those inner battles, offering a thought-provoking and deeply personal narrative.
“Hello Mr. Hyde” is made even more special with the return of drummer Jeff Towers, a longtime collaborator. The two first worked together on Stonehocker’s 2008 album, Mail Me a Smile, which carried a distinct punk influence. After reconnecting at one of Jeff’s drum clinics on “single drum theory,” Stonehocker invited him to lend that unique technique to this track, creating a distinctive rhythmic feel that sets it apart from the rest of the album.
Alternative rock singer-songwriter Peter Landi unveils his latest single, “Turn Back Now”—a driving, atmospheric track that blends nostalgic storytelling with compelling simplicity. Built around just three repeating chords, the song manages to evolve dynamically, keeping listeners engaged through subtle shifts in rhythm and phrasing.
“Turn Back Now” was a labour of persistence in the studio. Co-producer Tyler Semrick-Palmateer and Landi wrestled with two key elements: the snare drum and the vocals. Taking inspiration from Steve Ferrone’s work on Tom Petty’s Wildflowers, they opted for an unusually high snare tuning that initially felt out of place but ultimately sat perfectly within the mix. Meanwhile, despite re-recording vocals on a high-end microphone, nothing matched the raw emotion of Landi’s original demo take—so they kept it, preserving the authenticity that makes the song shine.
The Neighbourhood Watch’s brooding new single, “Die This Happy,” serves as the exciting focal point of their brand new album, Mr. Skin and Bones. This track explores the fear that life’s best moments may already be behind you, addressing the inevitable realities of illness, loss, and personal change while simultaneously reflecting the album’s overarching theme: life’s unpredictability, the power of love, and the profound beauty found in the small, often fleeting moments.
Mr. Skin and Bones, as a whole, is an ode to the human condition — a meditation on grief, illness, and the harshness of growing older. The album draws inspiration from personal hardships, the loss of loved ones, and the unpredictable nature of existence. Throughout the LP’s 10 tracks, the band conveys their ongoing journey through these challenges, acknowledging their fragility while also celebrating the strength they find in love, community, and shared experiences.
The album’s focus track, “Die This Happy,” captures this essence with haunting melodies and powerful lyrics that ask if we’ve already lived through our happiest day. “Die This Happy” dives deep into this fear, contemplating the impermanence of joy and the difficulty of embracing life’s darker moments.
Sunshine Coast’s Princess of Pop JaZZella has just dropped her incredible new single ‘My Idol’.
The heartfelt Pop anthem was produced by ARIA Award-winning producer Jason Bovino. Written and recorded in her Australian Idol hotel room while her husband Chris Ah Gee continued in the competition, the song embodies their love story – one that captivated viewers across the nation. A testament to the unwavering belief and devotion to her rockstar husband, ‘My Idol’. showcases JaZZella’s undeniable ability to turn personal moments into universal anthems.
This year JaZZella became a household name following her unforgettable journey on Australian Idol. Auditioning against her husband Chris Ah Gee, both lovebirds secured Golden Tickets and advanced to the Top 30. However, JaZZ’s unexpected elimination sparked national outrage amongst viewers and the viral #BringBackJaZZ movement on social media. She left the competition with a powerful message:
“It’s more than just a dream… It’s a purpose”.
With unstoppable drive, magnetic energy and “A voice that’s ready for the radio TODAY” as said by Australian Idoljudge Kyle Sandilands, JaZZella is making her mark as one of Australia’s most exciting new pop artists.
New single ‘My Idol’ is available on all major online streaming services.
Willem James Cowan’s new single, “Jam Jar,” is a raw, visceral anthem about self-reflection, the fallout of emotional mistakes, and the deep, spiraling thoughts that often follow. The track captures the feeling of being stuck in a loop of self-doubt and regret, all wrapped up in a striking folk-rock sound.
Inspired by a fight with his then-girlfriend, “Jam Jar” finds Cowan reflecting on a moment of fault while trying to understand things from the other person’s perspective. “We were out at a party, and I was at fault. While we were on our way home on the Toronto streetcar, I was trying to imagine things from her shoes—buried in a grave I designed,” says Cowan. The song’s narrative feels as personal as it does universal, touching on themes of vulnerability, guilt, and the struggle of owning up to one’s mistakes.
Toronto-based artist Puma June’s emotionally charged single, “Love Comes & Goes,” serves as the focal point of her debut A Woman That They Want EP. Known for her vulnerability and rawness, Puma June creates a space where self-love and acceptance take centre stage. This powerful ballad is the most intimate track on her album, as it delicately navigates women’s health and the personal struggles many women face but rarely speak about.
“Love Comes & Goes” draws from Puma June’s own experience, inspired by a phone call from her doctor that left her grappling with the possibility of never having children. The track explores the feeling of being trapped in a body that doesn’t always do what we expect, a poignant reflection on the fear and loneliness that can accompany women’s health struggles.
Produced in the confines of Puma June’s bedroom studio with collaborator Greg Markov, the track’s raw intimacy is reflected in its production. Every note is deliberate, every lyric tender, making “Love Comes & Goes” as empowering as it is melancholic.
The accompanying music video explores the song from a different light, celebrating the 100th birthday of “Nonna” Bernita Smith, the grandmother of director Arden Grier. Nonna turned 100 this past International Women’s Day and has been an activist and singer throughout her lifetime. The video shifts the lyrics’ meaning to self-love/joy in aging and fighting the rhetoric that women’s value depletes as we age. Though bodies and abilities change, worth remains fixed.
Toronto-based rock & roll troubadour Nelson Sobral returns with his new album, três!, featuring the lead single “Must’ve Done Something Right.” Blending blues rock grit with Americana soul, the track is a testament to living on the edge, flirting with disaster, and somehow still landing on your feet. With its tongue-in-cheek lyrics and infectious, guitar-driven groove, “Must’ve Done Something Right” is a heartfelt reflection on life’s ups and downs, delivered with Sobral’s signature charm and swagger.
Inspired by a quiet moment watching his wife play with their two young sons, Sobral penned the track during a family vacation in Japan. Despite his mischievous past, the song celebrates the good fortune that’s followed him through it all.
The song’s title pays tribute to Sobral’s country music heroes, embracing their tradition of witty, self-aware storytelling. With its rootsy Americana vibe infused with rock & roll spirit, “Must’ve Done Something Right” speaks to troublemakers and redemption-seekers alike.