Toronto just survived another TIFF whirlwind. Cinephiles swarming the city, red carpets rolled out, celebrity spottings, and endless chatter about the “next big thing” in film. Between screenings and long lineups, I kept myself sane (and awake) with a steady stream of Red Bulls and new music. In this week’s instalment of What’s Going On, here are some of the tracks that soundtracked my festival days. Go ahead, add them to your playlists. Lights, camera, action! As always, if you dig what you hear, be sure to stream and follow these artists.
Side Hug – Chicago indie outfit Side Hug is dropping their new album New Language on October 31 via Easy Does It Records. Oooh spooky! The 10-track project sees Side Hug reinventing their sound by blending post-punk, shoegaze, and art rock. Their new single, “Everyone Else,” captures the unease of ending a relationship while still clinging to curiosity, pairing raw vulnerability with serrated basslines and shimmering guitars. Produced by Erik Rasmussen, the album leans into themes of change, growth, and resilience, marking Side Hug’s boldest, moodiest, and most hopeful work to date. Embrace Side Hug!
Listen to Side Hug’s new single “Everyone Else” below.
Steve Aoki – Superstar DJ and meme king Steve Aoki teams up with Eurodance icon Cascada to reimagine the pop-EDM classic “Everytime We Touch.” Two decades after the track lit up dancefloors around the world (God, I feel old now), Aoki supercharges it with his signature drops and chaos, paired with Cascada’s newly re-recorded vocals. The result bridges Y2K nostalgia with modern-day festival energy. There are technically a few days of summer left, so blast this one while you still can.
Listen to Steve Aoki & Cascada’s “Everytime We Touch” below.
Mayday Parade – Mayday Parade mark their 20th anniversary with “One Day At A Time,” the latest single from their upcoming album Sad (out Oct 3). Reflective and bittersweet, the track embraces change and the imperfect process of moving forward. We’ve all been there! Following the emo throwback “Under My Sweater,” the song highlights the band’s mix of atmosphere, melody, and emotional honesty. After two decades in the game, the millennial favourites still sound as vital as ever.
Listen to Mayday Parade’s new single “One Day At A Time” below.
Breakup Shoes – Arizona indie group Breakup Shoes dropped their dreamy new single “Copacetic,” a nostalgic blend of twinkly guitars, synths, and heartfelt storytelling. Featured on their forthcoming album Standing Still (due out October 10 and produced by Charlie Brand of Miniature Tigers), the track reflects on longing, change, and wishful thinking. With a decade of critical accolades, extensive touring, and millions of streams, Breakup Shoes aren’t worn out and continue to evolve with every release.
Listen to Breakup Shoes’ new single “Copacetic” below.
Dance Gavin Dance – Sacramento rockers Dance Gavin Dance return with Pantheon, their explosive 11th studio album, blending funk, metalcore, and pop into their trademark chaos-meets-melody sound. Featuring singles like “Space Cow Initiation Ritual” featuring George Clinton (Wow!) and “Trap Door,” the record embraces both experimentation and raw heaviness. The band also just dropped a new video for “The Stickler,” a frenzied, hook-filled anthem that captures Pantheon’s volatile energy. They still rock hard!
Listen to Dance Gavin Dance’s new single “The Stickler” below.
