Buckle up! This week’s instalment of What’s Going On is a full-throttle joyride through the hottest new bangers. We’ve got fuzzed-out garage rock from The Grogans, moody pop perfection courtesy of Sofia Camara, and a whole lot more. Plus, did we mention Lights is bringing her synth-pop magic to Toronto for a sold-out show on June 7? We’ve got the scoop on what you can expect. As always, if you dig what you hear, be sure to stream and follow these artists.
The Grogans – Melbourne garage-rock trio The Grogans return with their hot new album Stagger, out now via CW Records x Community Music. Alongside the album, the band also released a special live video for the standout track “Have A Little Dream.” Gritty, genre-hopping, and emotionally charged, Stagger captures the chaos and catharsis of life on tour, as well as the inner world of young men trying to make sense of it all. Very timely! From psychedelic riffs to big sun-drenched hooks, the material is sure to go over well when they bring it stateside this June with shows in LA and NYC.
Watch the new live video for The Grogans’ “Have A Little Dream” below.
Lights – Synth-pop queen Lights returns to Toronto for a SOLD OUT show at History on June 7, riding the high of her brand-new album A6. The album is her most personal body of work yet, written and produced entirely by her. Expect a night of electric honesty, genre-smashing energy, and high-voltage pop from a true genre-bending multi-hyphenate who’s never stopped evolving and never stopped bringing the heat.
Watch the music video for Lights’ “Day Two” below.
Sofia Camara – Canada’s rising pop it-girl, Sofia Camara, crashes into summer with “Girls Like You.” The dancefloor banger packs a powerful emotional punch. Out now via 21 Entertainment and Universal Music Canada (with Mercury and Polydor backing her global glow-up), “Girls Like You” captures the rush of falling into bad habits with open arms and zero regrets. It’s refreshing to hear one of the nation’s premier balladeers turn up the heat and deliver a banger made for the clubs. Written with a stacked team behind hits for Beyoncé, it’s already racked up 14M+ teaser views. With festivals like Osheaga on the horizon and her Healing Hearts tour looming, keep your eyes on Sofia Camara.
Listen to Sofia Camara’s new single “Girls Like You” below.
Rainsford – Rainsford saddles up in the dreamy, dust-kissed music video for her latest single “Horse,” out now via Sparta Distribution. Directed by Anthony Wilson, the clip finds Rainey Qualley exploring the messy longing and liberation of love amid open fields and intimate choreography. Co-written with Michael Kamerman (Smallpools), who also produced the track, “Horse” channels Rainey’s wistful pop instincts through a lens of gritty elegance. Shot at Sand River Ranch, with help from friends and horses alike (plus a cameo by her five-month-old baby), the video marks a joyful creative rebirth for Rainsford and a thrilling preview of what’s next. We’ll be watching!
Watch Rainsford’s new music video for “Horse” below.
Josh Ross & Akon – Award-winning Canadian country star Josh Ross just might have the crossover hit of the summer on his hands, thanks to an unlikely team-up with global icon Akon for the electrifying “Drunk Right Now (Na Na Na),” out now via Universal Music Canada and MCA. A reworking of Akon’s 2008 hit “Right Now,” the genre-blurring track fuses Ross’s raw country vocals with Akon’s legendary hook, flipping heartbreak into a celebration of wild nights and summer highs. With its mix of nostalgic 2000s pop/R&B and country swagger, it’s a surefire summer anthem.
Listen to Josh Ross & Akon’s “Drunk Right Now (Na Na Na)” below.
Autoheart – The countdown is on for the release of British indie trio Autoheart’s fourth studio album, Heartlands. Due out August 15 via their own O/R Records through AWAL, the album was co-produced by the band and mixed by Danton Supple (Coldplay, U2). It’s been described as pop for overthinkers: glittering hooks, big emotions, and a generous dose of camp. The new single “Baby Bird” is a bittersweet piano-driven anthem that captures the tension between fragility and flight. A love letter to their fans, Heartlands promises to deliver Autoheart at their boldest and most heartfelt.
Listen to Autoheart’s new single “Baby Bird” below.
