It’s been a gloomy, rain-soaked few days here in Toronto, but don’t worry; we’ve got the perfect soundtrack to cheer things up. This week’s instalment of What’s Going On features five hot new releases you need on your playlist, plus a must-see new music video from Tommy Richman. Get into it! As always, if you dig what you hear, be sure to stream and follow the artists.
Haim – Los Angeles sister trio Haim returns with their brand-new single and video, “Relationships,” out now via Polydor Records. Produced by Rostam Batmanglij and Danielle Haim, the track blends their signature groovy genre-bending sound while offering a contrast to their forthcoming rock-influenced album. The track premiered as BBC Radio 1’s Hottest Record and explores the evolving emotions tied to relationships. Hence the name! The video, starring the buzzworthy Drew Starkey, was directed by Camille Summers-Valli. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana Haim will hit festival stages this year, including Primavera Sound and New Orleans Jazz Fest.
Listen to Haim’s new single “Relationships” below.
Playboi Carti – Playboi Carti finally drops I AM MUSIC, his highly anticipated new album, much to the delight of his very devoted fanbase. Initially set for an earlier release, the whopping 30-track project officially arrived on March 14, boasting collaborations with luminaries such as Future, Lil Uzi Vert, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, Travis Scott, and Skepta. His first album since Whole Lotta Red, I AM MUSIC showcases the hip-hop megastar’s ever-evolving sound, with much of it recorded in a Parisian cave-like studio. Breaking records with 139 million first-day Spotify streams, the album is currently the biggest debut of the year so far on the platform!
Listen to “RADAR” from Playboi Carti’s I AM MUSIC below.
Sons Of The East – Australian trio Sons Of The East have an album on the way! The band’s second album, SONS, is due out June 13 via MGM, and now we’ve got the lead single, “Rescue Me.” A heartfelt plea for love’s healing power, the track blends folk, blues, and soulful pop, building to the band’s signature soaring harmonies. Known for their infectious energy and timeless songwriting, the Sydney-based group has amassed over 700 million streams and sold out venues worldwide. With their boundless joy and anthemic hooks, it’s only a matter of time until Sons Of The East is big here, too.
Listen to Sons of the East’s new single “Rescue Me” below.
Jessie Reyez – Grammy-nominated and five-time Juno-winning singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez shares her latest single, “Psilocybin & Daisies.” The track serves as a taste of what listeners can expect from her eagerly anticipated third album, PAID IN MEMORIES, due March 28 via FMLY / Island Records. Featuring an interpolation of the Smashing Pumpkins classic “1979,” the track was co-produced by SCUM and Warren “Oak” Felder. Billy Corgan even praised Reyez’s flip of his song, calling her voice “effortless and honest.” The release follows multiple Juno nominations and a string of acclaimed singles for the pride of Toronto’s infamous Jane & Finch neighbourhood.
Listen to Jessie Reyez’s new single “Psilocybin & Daisies” below.
Byron Messia – After burning up the charts with his hits “Talibans” and “Talibans II,” Byron Messia is kicking off his 2025 with “No Emotions.” The hard-hitting track showcases his signature melodic flows and genre-blending finesse and fuses his dancehall and rap influences. Messia collaborated with stars like Pa Salieu, MORGAN, and Lil Baby in 2024, setting the stage for what’s sure to be a huge year. With momentum on his side, it only makes sense that Byron Messia is set to embark on a European tour.
Listen to Byron Messia’s new single “No Emotions” below.
Tommy Richman – Genre-defiant music sensation Tommy Richman just dropped a striking new video for “ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM,” the opening track from his debut album COYOTE. Directed by Elan Alexander and Nicholas Buckwalter, the surreal visuals feature Tommy in clown makeup, an actual elephant, and a collapsing set, a powerful metaphor that symbolizes the weight of public performance. Following last month’s fun, high-energy video for “ACTIN UP,” this new visual is a testament to Richman’s versatility and depth. Don’t forget you can catch Tommy live on his COYOTE TOUR, stopping in Toronto on March 27 at The Opera House. Get tickets here!
Watch the new music video for Tommy Richman’s “ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM” below.
