TIFF fever has swept through Toronto and I’ve been caught up in a whirlwind of film screenings, but I’m excited to still carve out some time to bring you the freshest tracks to elevate your playlists. This week’s instalment of What’s Going On features five hot new releases that promise to spice up your playlists. As always, if you dig what you hear, be sure to stream and follow the artists.
Pom Pom Squad – Indie rock outfit Pom Pom Squad are kicking ass with their new single “Street Fighter,” a high-octane taste of what’s to come from their forthcoming album Mirror Starts Moving Without Me, due out Oct 25th via City Slang. The track, born from a ’90s synth patch discovered by accident, barrels forward with fierce fighting game energy as vocalist Mia Berrin delivers confrontational lyrics: “Huh? What? You’re scared of me?” Over a pulsating backdrop, the song’s distorted, shout-along chorus and playful, aggressive tone set the stage for what’s sure to be one of the year’s best rock records. The accompanying lyric video pays homage to classic Street Fighter games, with Berrin in a dynamic, fighter-ready stance.
Speaking about the track, Mia Berrin noted: “When Cody and I were messing around with this one we came across a synth patch that sounded like something straight out of Street Fighter! Reconnecting with core-self / inner child is a throughline of the album and guided a lot of the writing process – Street Fighter II was one of my favorite games as a kid, so it felt like a fun direction to take the song in. I finished the lyrics and vocals on the same night at like 4am – I was delirious from being exhausted which resulted in some silly, goofy, lyrics. In general, my writing leans a bit more moody and serious so it’s a different side of me for sure!”
Photo Credit: Eliza Jouin
Listen to Pom Pom Squad’s new single “Street Fighter” below.
PARIS. – Rising hip-hop/R&B sensation PARIS. has dropped his latest single “604,” out now via PARTNERS and Universal Music Canada. Co-written and co-produced with GoodWaterRemi (88GLAM, Erica Banks), the track is a new R&B anthem for Vancouver. PARIS. namechecks Vancouver’s area code, as he croons “In the 604, they call me Playboy P every time I’m back home.” This release follows his debut EP Northside, which debuted last month. With his star continuing to rise, PARIS. is firmly planted as one of Canada’s most exciting new artists.
About the new single, PARIS. says, “’604’ is a record that I take a lot of pride in because it depicts my real life. I wanted to make this record for my city – I’m from Burnaby but I feel like this song could connect all the Tri-Cities together. I really wanted to bring out the good, smooth vibes in this one.”
Listen to PARIS.’s new single “604” below.
LL Cool J – Hip-hop veterans LL Cool J and Eminem have unveiled the music video for their new collaboration “Murdergram Deux.” Directed by JakeTheShooter and filmed in Eminem’s hometown of Detroit, the hard-hitting video creatively reimagines classic hip-hop moments, including LL’s Bigger and Deffer and Big Daddy Kane’s Long Live the Kane album covers, and recreating Vibe magazine’s 1996 Live from Death Row issue. Both LL Cool J and Eminem showcase their enduring prowess, sounding fresh and vital. Serving as a sequel to LL’s 1990 track “Murdergram,” the track is the latest to be released from LL’s recent album The FORCE, which stands for Frequencies of Real Creative Energy and was fully produced by Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest. Don’t call it a comeback, indeed.
Watch the new music video for LL Cool J’s “Murdergram Deux” featuring Eminem below.
Culture Wars – Austin-based alt-rock band Culture Wars is out with their new synth-rock single “Miley,” from their highly anticipated debut album. The track keeps their momentum alive with a relentless pulsing rhythm, a shimmering bridge and an irresistible groove. The accompanying video, directed by Tim Mattia (Twenty One Pilots, Halsey), amplifies the song’s dynamic energy. With members Alex Dugan, Caleb Contreras, Dillon Randolph, David Grayson, and Josh Stirm, Culture Wars blends raw relatable lyrics with glossy pop hooks, exemplified by recent hits like “Heaven” and “Wasting My Time.” Their music fuses classic ’90s rock elements with a modern edge, offering a fresh, radio-ready sound that should make them a hit with audiences around the world. Your new favourite rock band? Time will tell.
Listen to Culture Wars’ new single “Miley” below.
Shawn Mendes – Canadian pop superstar Shawn Mendes‘ new single “Nobody Knows” is a powerful prelude to his upcoming album Shawn. Co-written and produced by Mendes with Scott Harris, Mike Sabath, and Eddie Benjamin, the track showcases the crooner’s soulful depth. He recently delivered a moving debut live performance of the song at this past MTV VMAs. Shawn promises to be his most personal project yet, reflecting his travels and experiences over the past few years, especially following the cancellation of his 2022 tour. 10 years into his recording career, the Pickering-native only keeps getting better.
Listen to Shawn Mendes’ new single “Nobody Knows” below.
