New Music For The Week

WAASH – the latest, pop-refining project from prolific Vancouver songwriter Andrew Bishop – previews the upcoming self-titled full-length with third single “It’s a Lie.” A smooth, laid back statement on putting up boundaries as a form of self-care, the single arrives through WAASH‘s label home, Light Organ Records. Following the shoegaze slant of WAASH‘s similarly self-titled 2023 EP, “It’s a Lie” is more of a synth-crystalized bop, which points to the broader experimentation Bishop brought to his next LP.

“You’re probably going to think these are breakup tunes,” Bishop continues of the song – and indeed the album, on the whole – though he adds the drive of pieces like “It’s a Lie” is more generalized than pure romance. “It’s really just about standing up for what you need out of a relationship, and making sure you’re getting what’s important to you. And if it’s not reciprocal, then you go. No harm done.”

Mawzy is the brainchild of songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Matthew Cooke. Through earnest storytelling, Mawzy lyrics capture the unnavigability of life and romance in his city, Toronto. His use of crafted melodies and lush synthesizers work together to create the trademark Mawzy sound.

“Start Again” is about giving love a second chance. The lyrics describe a day spent with a past partner, walking through the city, saying things that were never said, and reconnecting to start again. There is a shared sentiment between the two that things were never quite finished and to make things work it would require honesty and a fresh start. Sonically, this song pulls from 70’s influences like Steely Dan and Fleetwood Mac, and features the vocals of Kirty (Fast Romantics). 

Anna Siciliano (Vocals), Dylan Kelly (Guitar), Marley Perez (Guitar), and Justin Gibble (Drums) are born and bred New Yorkers who have come together to form Club Lotus. They take great care in distilling something for themselves, in the hopes that others can enjoy that journey with them. 

“Stole My Ace” isn’t necessarily a romantic song, but in essence it’s about taking love back from people that stole it. For the Club Lotus songwriters, their “ace” is the love and energy stolen from by toxicity, but that doesn’t mean it has to be everybody else’s ace too.

“This song, like many songs, was written almost as a form of therapy,” says Club Lotus vocalist, Anna Siciliano. “I often write when I’m emotionally overwhelmed, so it acts as stress relief. My goal when writing lyrics is always to express exactly what I’m feeling in the moment of writing, and to let go of any abundance of emotion. That way, hopefully, people who listen to the song can feel the same release as I did when I wrote it.”

Described as, “a multi-genre marvel,” Kellie Loder (they/them) is a JUNO Award nominated singer-songwriter who began their musical journey on the shores of Newfoundland & Labrador, lending to their unmatched songwriting prowess, and distinctive blend of folk, Americana and indie pop influences.

Loder’s highly anticipated fourth studio album, Transitions, offers a stunningly crafted masterpiece of stories of love, heartbreak and life. Produced by Cory Tetford in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, the focus track “Honey I’m Scared” came about in a writing session, where co-writer Keith Mullins shared an anecdote. “His girlfriend, Tracey, was in the next room and he proceeded to tell me that they were at Toronto’s 360 Restaurant the night before and she was really afraid of heights,” Loder shares, which inspired the song title.

Energetic, hard hitting and hooks for days, Royal Castles make nostalgic but contemporary garage-power-pop. Hailing from Guelph, Ontario, the three-piece blend riffy guitar licks, wooly bass and ear-candified harmonies. They have partnered again with Zane Whitfield (The Glorious Sons, The Blue Stones, Luella) who produced their sophomore album, Just The Hits (2021), on five new songs for their EP called Singles Night.

“I Don’t Think I Like You” is their summer vibe song. It’s the focus track from Singles Night. Put it on and go for a long drive!