Another week, another roundup of the hottest new tunes you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re into indie, pop, hip-hop, or something in between, the tracks in this week’s instalment of What’s Going On are primed to take over your playlists. So, grab your headphones and dive into this week’s must-hear music. As always, if you dig what you hear, be sure to stream and follow the artists.
VIOLET NIGHT – Alternative band VIOLET NIGHT is out now with their new single “Does It Even Matter?,” marking the beginning of a new era for the group from Western Canada. Produced by Father Bobby Townsend and Randor Lin, the track delves into the bittersweet nature of romanticizing the past. Vocalist/guitarist Connor Pohl shares that the song reflects the tension between joy and pain, exploring how we search for meaning after moments have passed. With a unique blend of alternative rock, indie pop, and ambient soundscapes, VIOLET NIGHT’s introspective music has captivated listeners. They’ve already racked up a string of top 40 hits and tour pretty extensively. Expect to hear a lot more from VIOLET NIGHT in 2025.
Photo Credit: Adam ‘so_hipp’ Ibrahim
Listen to VIOLET NIGHT’s new single “Does It Even Matter?” below.
GELO – Buzzworthy rapper GELO (basketball star LiAngelo Ball) has released the highly anticipated official music video for his breakout hit “Tweaker.” The song has arguably become the first viral hit of 2025 and has hit the top spot on Spotify Viral US, Apple Music’s Hip-Hop Chart, and iTunes’ Top Hip-Hop/Rap Songs. A true family affair, the high-energy video features GELO alongside brothers Lonzo and LaMelo Ball. As “Tweaker” continues to climb, GELO has been teasing his next single, “Can You Please?” Def Jam has got a rising star on their hands with GELO.
Watch the new music video for GELO’s “Tweaker” below.
Rise Against – Rise Against returns with their first new music in three years, with the new track “Nod” out now on Loma Vista Recordings. The song is a powerful call to action, a timely plea for compassion, unity, and the drive for change. Lead vocalist Tim McIlrath explains that “Nod” speaks to the comfort found in the community, offering solace in times of frustration. Produced by Catherine Marks and mixed by Alan Moulder, the song marks the start of a bold new chapter for the legendary Chicago punk band. With the political stakes higher than ever, the band challenges listeners to channel their anger into action, urging a collective push for a more united and impactful future. We can get behind that.
Listen to Rise Against’s new single “Nod” below.
CVCHE – Electronic act CVCHE is a new side project from Metric guitarist Jimmy Shaw and his longtime collaborators and friends Liam O’Neil and Dave Hodge. Inspired by artists like Jon Hopkins and Boards of Canada, CVCHE has dropped their first single, “Welcome to CVCHE,” blending enigmatic soundscapes with hypnotic beats. CVCHE plans to drop one new song a month until their whole album is released by the end of 2025. Stay tuned to What’s Going On for what’s next!
Listen to CVCHE’s new single “Welcome to CVCHE” below.
Alessia Cara – Canadian pop sensation Alessia Cara has dropped her latest single, “Slow Motion,” another taste of what’s to come from her upcoming fourth album, Love & Hyperbole, due out this Valentine’s Day. Produced by Mike Elizondo and Jake Gosling, the track follows the success of “(Isn’t It) Obvious,” which featured a guitar solo by John Mayer. Wow! The new album highlights Alessia’s evolution as a powerhouse vocalist and songwriter. Exciting times are ahead for the Mississauga native.
Listen to Alessia Cara’s new single “Slow Motion” below.
