Born and raised in Toronto, Victoria Staff was always an “anxious child.” The string that connected much of her young life was using music to communicate with family, friends, teachers, and even therapists. Over time, this coping mechanism developed into a passion for music that would lead to her career as an indie-pop artist. Staff continues to use the written word to communicate with her audience. Her debut EP, Records & Honesty, was released in 2023 under the guidance of Canadian music producer Dan Hosh.
Sophomore EP, I Wake Up Smiling 🙁, is about living in the fact that sometimes you’ll be happy, and somedays you won’t and that’s okay. Happiness is super elusive, and that’s what Staff is constantly reminded of as she gets older. There are days where she actually does wake up smiling, but there are many, many, MANY days where she doesn’t. Sometimes it can feel like you’re chasing down happiness but it’s always faster. Like you’re always behind and can’t catch it but it’s about just giving it your best shot.
I Wake Up Smiling 🙁 features highlighted single, “My Whole Life Long,” the first song Staff has recorded that isn’t sad. Instead of being a cathartic outlet, “My Whole Life Long” is about finding the correct words and finding a way to communicate with someone when you’re lost for words. So many relationships are one sided, but “My Whole Life Long” tells a story where both people were in it together as equals.
The fast-rising teen actor, dancer, and singer to watch from Toronto is sharing his second single, the propulsive “Outta Control.” This soulful, piano laden pop and RnB number was inspired by the added pressures that come with being a teenager. “Not only is everything changing for us but we have to manage school, family, a social life and keep our mental health good at the same time,” explains Ceci.
The song’s varying beat reflects Ceci reaching a breaking point as it escalates, juxtaposed with slower sections of the song where he talks through his anxieties. Recorded heartbeats and ad libs add texture and presence to the track, reflecting the thoughts racing through the back of Ceci’s mind.
My head’s spinning round
I can’t find a way out
I want to escape
Tell me why I can’t make a sound
We would appreciate it if you were to feature “Outta Control” via Parx-e Zine: https://www.submithub.com/link/niko-ceci-outta-control
“The idea for this song came to me while I was sitting and waiting in an airport. I was on my way back home from holiday break and the reality of life dawned on me,” Ceci elaborates. “I remembered the school work I had to catch up on, making sure to reply to everyone on social media, exam review was starting and I was freaking out. I thought to myself wow, I could write a song about how I feel right now – and I did.”
It’s a song that Niko finds empowering, helping him feel understood. “I wanted to let people my age know that they aren’t alone and [that] everyone has ups and downs.”
Sydney based Dark Pop maestro JOSHUA has unveiled his new single ‘Liar’, which premiered exclusively via AAA Backstage.
The single was produced and co-written by Cyrus Villanueva (Charley, Cody Jon) and is an anthem for those struggling with their sexual identity.
“I’ve struggled with my sexuality for a very long time and took my first writing trip to Sydney, right before I moved, to really start figuring it out. I was sitting in my hotel room watching the second season of Bridgerton, the scene where Jonathon Bailey pulls himself out of the lake, and my immediate thought was, “Well, you could turn me into a liar.” I took that idea to Cyrus Villanueva who came up with the slickest beat and we wrote ‘Liar’! I want this song to feel like it’s ok to change but it’s also quite fun and we need more of that in the world right now don’t you think? I’d also like to thank Jonathan Bailey for my bi-awakening!”
With the advent of acts like Lorde, Banks and Flume, JOSHUA taught himself music production and songwriting, with only YouTube and his instincts to guide him, developing a knack for catchy hooks and manipulating sounds to draw in his listeners.
JOSHUA boasts collaborations with Bri Clark (Vera Blue, Sarah Saint James), MSQUARED (Casey Barnes, C.WATTS), Cam Nacson (Samantha Jade, Sian Fuller), Janeva Burrill (Glades, Alex Newell) and Rahel Phillips (Ruel, Billy Davis), Chelsea Warner (Emalia, Ūla) and ETHAN (Isadora).
Heartland Canadian indie rockers The Sarandons return with their second full length album, Drawing Dead, a largely live-off-the-floor record that sees the band moving from “holding on tightly, to letting go lightly,” as lead singer Dave Suchon puts it. There are still plenty of electrifying moments – from Craig Keeney’s signature guitar solos to Damian Coleman’s fiercely melodic bass lines – but the true power is grounded in the band’s ability to cope with life’s wreckage.
Though Drawing Dead (produced by Will Crann) prides itself on its ability to take a header into the perils of middle adulthood, The Sarandons double down on their herculean stamp of defiant optimism where the lines of fiction become strongly rooted in reality. Much like looking through a View-Master, filled with snapshots of the past, Drawing Dead is an exploration of these ephemeral fragments – pieces of a life once held together but now broken into memories. Or as the poet William Blake once put it, “Mind-forg’d manacles.” Yet, in this reckoning, there’s a certain power: the chance to process, to let go, and to find a new way forward.
“Drawing Dead,” the focus track and the album’s namesake, is a play on going up against futility and finding peace and purpose in the inevitable. It’s about embracing defeat – or, more accurately, dealing with the cards you’re given – with a stoic resolve and an understanding of the graduations of acceptance toward total loss. That said, its glossy synths and bright guitar leads tantamount to Wolf Parade’s Dan Boeckner suggest a rebirth of sorts.
Singer-songwriter Jessica Chaz is sharing a radiant new remix of her single, “Promise of Sunlight,” reimagined alongside South African jazz pianist and longtime collaborator, Lindi Ngonelo. Originally from Durban and now based in Vancouver, Chaz brings a global influence to her music, blending her soulful roots with an uplifting message of resilience and hope.
The remix is part of Chaz‘s Promise of Sunlight Remixes EP, a special collection that features multiple reinterpretations of the track, originally from her 2023 River EP. Each remix showcases a collaboration with artists from Brazil, South Africa, the USA, and Canada, with each musician bringing a unique cultural perspective to the track. From EDM influences to live jazz instrumentation, the EP offers a diverse sonic palette that reflects Chaz‘s journey and dedication to cross-cultural collaboration.
Written during the depths of the pandemic, “Promise of Sunlight” was inspired by the belief in new beginnings and the promise of brighter days. With this remix, Ngonelo‘s unique blend of groove and live instrumentation helps infuse the song with an organic warmth that speaks to that hopeful message.
Melbourne based Singer Songwriter Duxie Franklin has just dropped the intoxicating music video for her newly released single ‘Chlorine’, which premiered exclusively via AMNplify.
The talented songstress has now embarked on the ‘Chlorine Single Tour’ which runs all the way through to the new year.
“Since the earliest days of writing ‘Chlorine’, I have always pictured this magical underwater lounge room, fully furnished and flourishing. Myself, living down there, doing normal everyday things but in the unique atmosphere of being totally submerged. I really can’t remember how or why this was my vision, but it always has been. My poor long-suffering videographer tried hard to encourage some alternative music video ideas but I couldn’t bear to let go of my vision, so we busted our butts to make it happen!”
‘Chlorine’ takes us on a Surf-Rock inspired tumble through the swimming pool of Duxie’s imagination. Tired of wallowing in discontent, Duxie takes a plunge into her favourite place and revels in the solitary freedom of underwater life. The single recently premiered via AAA Backstage and has been aired on radio stations across Australia.
“Chlorine captures the carefree bliss of diving into the deep end, embracing the freedom and peace of underwater life. The track blends bright, upbeat instrumentals with Duxie’s signature quirky delivery, making it an instant earworm. The playful, fun energy in Chlorine is a breath of fresh air, offering a perfect escape from the everyday.”
AAA Backstage
New single ‘Chlorine’ is available on all online streaming services.
DUXIE FRANKLIN | ‘CHLORINE’ SINGLE TOUR
Nov 28th – Medusa Bar, Geelong, VIC (Band)
W/ Trinity Jayne
Dec 15th – Sooki Lounge, Melbourne, VIC (Band)
W/ 2 Inch Tape + Shea Laoise
Jan 12th – The Hive, Queanbeyan, NSW (Solo)
W/ Nick Lee-Murphy
For more info and tickets visit www.duxiefranklin.com
Ash Molloy‘s latest single, “Breakdown,” is a raw, introspective exploration of the mental battles we all face. Known for her unapologetic authenticity and powerful vocals, Molloy dives deep into the moments of vulnerability that make us human. A multi-instrumentalist with a background in neuroscience, Molloy draws inspiration from the iconic alt-rock sound of the 90s, reminiscent of legends like Fiona Apple and Alanis Morissette.
With “Breakdown,” Ash Molloy offers a musical reflection on the complexities of mental health, echoing the nostalgic and emotionally charged tones of her influences while maintaining a fiercely modern, individual voice. The single invites listeners to consider their own struggles with self-care, set to the backdrop of Molloy‘s evocative instrumentation and unforgettable melodies.
Known for his soulful blend of folk-rock and modern influences, singer-songwriter Matt Zaddy is sharing his latest single, “Far Too Long.” The song marks a pivotal moment in Zaddy‘s career as he delves into the struggle of finding balance between work, music, and personal life.
“Far Too Long” draws inspiration from a personal realization Zaddy had while balancing his demanding day job and a music schedule, working over 80 hours a week between the two. Little did he know he was reaching some kind of a breaking point. After a conversation with his younger brother, who asked about his week, Zaddy realized he had lost a week of his life to burnout. This moment of self-awareness led to the track’s creation. Zaddy worked with JUNO-nominated and Emmy Award-winning producer Ross Citrull to bring it to life with a live off the floor recording approach.
