It's hard to believe that it's already Spring and we are almost into the month of May. Which means we are gearing up for a ton of new spring releases, tours and festivals including S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival and North By Northeast. Tons of Canadian music for you to get excited about!
Wildlife
This band hailing from Toronto, ON has really been a standout for me. Their new album '…On The Heart' was released early March. This band puts on an incredible live show and has been a personal favourite for a while now. Think Arcade Fire meets Brand New. The new album described by the band, is "about the engine that drives us and carries us along that road…it is a love letter: everything it does for us, to us, how it hurts us, helps and keeps us going. It pushes life through our bodies and feeds our little souls. We put our hearts into making this thing, completely, with all the violence and romance we could muster.” And you can hear it. The new songs are epic rock parades the reach in to your heart and hold tight. Don’t miss the boat before this band explodes.
The Balconies
I know I’ve written about these dynamic female-fronted rock and roll badasses before but with a tour and new material in tow, I just had to bring them up again! Fresh off a European tour with Rival Sons, and a brand new EP (titled Kill Count) to be release May 6th in Europe – it’s really just a matter of time before our friends across the pond become flat obsessed with this powerhouse. As flashy and sparkly as it may be there, there’s no stopping a room from erupting in outrageous sweat-drenched dance frenzies when they hit any stage. It’s something you oughta see to fully understand. Sexy is an understatement. Don’t miss them at Liverpool Sound City, The Great Escape, or in the UK and Holland in May! For fans of sparkle explosions or wrestling, you should take a peek at their video for 'Kill Count':
Two Hours Traffic
Mainstays in the Canadian indie rock scene, Two Hours Traffic have built a solid name and following for themselves off the backs of great songwriting, jangly guitar ballads, and smile and sing-a-long inducing anthems. With their new album, Foolish Blood, they further reiterate just how awesome they truly are with insta-hit ditties like 'Amour than Amis' and 'Adventureland'. Don’t mis them breaking girls hearts across the UK in May. Take a peek at their video below. I dare you, try not to press the repeat button when it’s over. Kidding, over indulge your heart out.
July Talk
Now here’s something new. This other Toronto favourite mixes rough Waits styled vocals with sugary soft innocence. The mix is something special on their first self titled album. Similar to the deep vocals of Johnny Cash and June Carter, you can't help but love this dynamic duo. Their stage show is even more enthralling and the storylines dispersed between their lyrics quite simply addictive. Check out this one shot video for ‘Guns + Ammunition’
Donovan Woods
Hailing from Sarnia, Ontario Singer Donovan Woods has just released his brand new album 'Don't Get Too Grand.' Woods has a soft and silky voice that soothes like a warm hug. Although mellow, there’s an honesty here you can’t deny. Not to be taken too seriously Woods released a brand new video (directed by Ryan Nolan) for the single 'The Coldest State' which show’s off his dance moves. Check it out below.
Other great canucks occupying my radio playlists include: Andy Shauf, Amos the Transparent, Acres of Lions, Andy Brown, Poor Young Things, Mise en Scene, The Revival, and more! I’ll save em for the next update! As always, thank you for reading! Give me a shout with your thoughts at @SARIDELMAR! – Sari
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Sari Delmar is president of a Canadian artist and brand development agency, Audio Blood. Audio Blood has helped to kickstart careers for some of Canada's favourite exports and works closely with a number of Canadian festivals and brands. http://audioblood.com
