As summer winds down, the music scene shows no signs of slowing. This week’s instalment of What’s Going On is packed with fresh releases from homegrown talents and artists currently burning up the global stage, offering a vibrant soundtrack to transition from sun-soaked days to crisp autumn nights. These new tracks promise to keep your playlists lively and your ears tuned in. As always, if you dig what you hear, be sure to stream and follow the artists.
The Fray – We’ve got new music from The Fray. The “How to Save a Life” hitmakers just dropped “Don’t Look Down,” a powerful exploration of facing fears and embracing uncertainty. Co-written and co-produced by the Grammy-nominated pop-rockers, this feel-good track will be featured on their upcoming EP The Fray Is Back, due out on September 27. Lead vocals by Joe King, alongside longtime guitarist Dave Welsh and drummer Ben Wysocki, are complemented by Grant Averill on acoustic guitar and Kai Welsh on synthesizer. The EP marks The Fray’s first multi-song release since their 2014 album Helios. The Fray Is Back looks to usher in a new era for the Colorado-bred band.
Photo credit: David O’Donohue
Listen to The Fray’s new single “Don’t Look Down” below.
Abstract Crimewave – Sweden’s Abstract Crimewave, the collaboration between Björn Yttling and Joakim Åhlund, has just released their new single “Flyga Fram” featuring Dungen. This track serves as another taste of what to expect from the pair’s upcoming album The Longest Night, set for release on October 4th via Chimp Limbs/RedEye. The official music video, also out today, features Dungen’s Gustav Ejstes. Known for their high-caliber pop sound, Dungen’s Ejstes adds a special touch to the song. The pleasantly euphoric “Flyga Fram” follows May’s release of “The Gambler” with Lykke Li. Listeners can look forward to a feature from the iconic Chrissie Hynde on the album. The Longest Night drops on October 4th.
Abstract Crimewave’s Joakim Åhlund states: “When we started writing ‘Flyga Fram,’ we both pretty much instantly had Gustav (Dungen) in mind for the track. Even just the main melody at its core had this sort of hippie, 70s vibe to it, which is something Dungen are obviously masters at. Once he was quite literally on board, we got him to record his vocals and flute parts from a boat that he was on at the time, on vacation just off the coast of Croatia. I myself was on a tiny island in Italy, and my wife and I actually recorded the backing vocals there, while Björn was back in the studio in Stockholm working on the drums with Nils from Amason. I think that makes it a Europop tune, right?”
Listen to Abstract Crimewave’s new single “Flyga Fram” featuring Dungen below.
Doechii – Everything’s coming up Doechii. The self-proclaimed Swamp Princess will drop her genre-bending mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal on August 30 via Top Dawg Entertainment/Capitol Records/Universal Music Canada. This project showcases her raw talent, blending elements of psychedelic soul, spiritual jazz, and various rap eras while also paying homage to her Tampa roots and time spent in Los Angeles. Docheii recently released the brash “BOOM BAP,” where she exclaims, “I’m everythiiiiiiiiing!” refusing to be put in a box.
Listen to Doechii’s new single “BOOM BAP” below.
Chxrry22 – Scarborough-native Chxrry22 is back with her empowering new single “Poppin Out (Mistakes).” With the singer declaring “being a heartbroke b-tch isn’t allowed,” the track is a bold anthem for hot girl summer extending into fall and winter. With already over 45M global streams, the first female signee to XO is set to open for The Weeknd on his rescheduled Australian stadium tour. Chxrry22’s sultry R&B sound and focus on authenticity and empowerment continue to gain her new listeners worldwide. Keep an eye on this rising star.
Listen to Chxrry22’s new single “Poppin Out (Mistakes)” below.
Shareef – Toronto-based rap sensation Shareef is out now with “Bad Meets Evil,” his dynamic new single featuring Brampton artist Kwazii. Out now via Universal Music Canada, this collaboration serves as an incredible Greater Toronto Area hip-hop moment. The vibey track sees both rappers on their worst behavior. “Bad Meets Evil” follows Shareef’s recent TNT project, which included three tracks: “Dominican,” “Type Shii,” and his debut single “OMG! Freestyle,” which garnered praise from CBC during the 2024 Summer Olympics and TSN during CFL games. As Shareef’s presence continues to grow, it’s clear that this homegrown talent is bound for superstardom.
About the new single, Shareef says, “I’m super excited about this record coming out with Kwazii – he is a dear friend of mine and someone I really respect as an artist. We had a blast making this song, which derived from having so much fun together in the studio. I think you can hear it in the record and see it in the video.”
Kwazii adds, “It was a great experience working with Shareef. We’ve been good friends for a while now, so the synergy was natural. We got in the booth and it was like an old kung fu film, every line delivered with precision.”
Listen to Shareef’s new single “Bad Meets Evil” featuring Kwazii below.
