In case you literally live under a rock (lol), Taylor Swift just dropped her new album The Life of a Showgirl. But if you’re like me and already feeling that Swiftie fatigue, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. This week’s instalment of What’s Going On is a double-stuffed, extra-cheesy edition packed with more new music than you can shake a stick at. Plus, touring news: Quadeca, Jazzy, and Weakened Friends are hitting Toronto soon, and I’ve got the inside scoop.
Quadeca – Toronto, get ready! Multi-talented rising star Quadeca is bringing his Vanisher, Horizon Scraper Tour to The Opera House on October 15th, and tickets are still up for grabs. The producer, rapper, singer, and visual artist has been on a meteoric rise, crafting boundary-pushing, cinematic music that’s earned him a devoted global following. Want a taste of what to expect? If the name Quadeca is new to you, check out the powerful self-directed video for “FORGONE,” an eight-minute odyssey of sound and vision that cements him as one of music’s most daring young creators. Tickets for Quadeca’s show at The Opera House are available here.
Watch Quadeca’s music video for “FORGONE” below.
Leon Thomas – Grammy-winning superstar and “Mutt” hitmaker Leon Thomas is cementing his place as one of the biggest forces in modern R&B with the announcement of his new EP PHOLKS, out October 24th via EZMNY/Motown Records. A fearless blend of funk, R&B, and rock, the project follows the critical acclaim of MUTT and its deluxe edition HEEL, cementing Leon as a generational voice. Its funky upbeat lead single “Just How You Are” arrives with a cinematic, psychedelic video starring Lovie Simone.
Listen to Leon Thomas’ new single “Just How You Are” below.
Late Aster – San Francisco electronic duo Late Aster return with “Ctrl-F Discipline,” the latest single from their forthcoming debut album City Livin’ (out October 24th via Slow & Steady). Built around a Tame Impala–esque synth and the lo-fi discipline of the TASCAM Portastudio 414 (oooh technical), the track showcases the pair’s blend of brass, electronics, and genre-hopping textures. With critical praise from outlets like SF Chronicle and Under the Radar, Late Aster continues carving a singular space for their blend of ambitious, artful electronic pop.
Listen to Late Aster’s new single “Ctrl-F Discipline” below.
Skip Marley – Generational talent Skip Marley returns with his statemaking new single “Cry Wolf,” out now via Tuff Gong International/Def Jam. Written with KTOE and Kardinal, the track pushes for unity against injustice, propaganda, and oppression, a timely message that furthers his family’s legacy of resistance through music. Blending reggae roots with bold modern production, Skip proves his evolution as an artist unafraid to challenge the world’s ills while amplifying hope and resilience. More of this, please.
Listen to Skip Marley’s new single “Cry Wolf” below.
Jazzy – Dublin-born dance sensation Jazzy is out now with GEWAH Selects via Polydor’s Chaos imprint. The 12-track mix features dance smashes like “Hypnotic” and “Moth To A Flame” with Luuk Van Dijk, alongside her Top 20 hit “High On Me.” Recently crowned SoundCloud’s most-streamed female electronic artist worldwide in 2025, Jazzy cements her status as a global hitmaker. Catch her rocking the house in North America this fall, including Canadian stops in Montreal on Oct 10th at Newspeak and Toronto on Oct 11th at DPRTMNT. Get tickets for the Toronto date here. 19+ only, okay!
Listen to Jazzy’s new single “Moth To A Flame” with Luuk Van Dijk below.
Lou Salomé – Lou Salomé is less a band than a romance set to music. Picture an imagined love story between New York glam poet Leah Hennessey (daughter of the late David Johansen, yes, Buster Poindexter himself, hello?) and L.A. dream pop songwriter Jack Kilmer (son of the late Val Kilmer). Their debut album Just Something You Cared About In High School (out November 21st via Babe City) is a cinematic exploration of teenage desire and heartbreak. The duo’s first single, “Faith,” sets the tone for what listeners can expect from the project: dreamy, dangerous, and deeply personal.
Listen to Lou Salomé first single, “Faith,” below.
Ace Enders – Singer-songwriter Ace Enders is back with his emotional new single “Wide Awake,” out now via Pure Noise Records. Reflecting on sleepless nights, heavy drinking, and the journey in going from anxiety to clarity, the track captures darkness giving way to hope. Featured on his upcoming album Posture Syndrome (out October 31st), “Wide Awake” highlights Enders’ raw personal songwriting. He’s hitting the road with The Spill Canvas and Mae on select dates of their fall anniversary tour.
Listen to Ace Enders’ new single “Wide Awake” below.
Bowling For Soup – We’ve got new music from Bowling For Soup! The pop-punk forefathers are back with “Holding On To That Hate,” their first original single since 2022’s Pop Drunk Snot Bread and the debut release from the band’s new power trio lineup. As you’d expect from the Texas pop-punk veterans, the track pairs self-deprecating humor with a message of positivity and letting go. Rocking out and feeling good, that’s what Bowling For Soup does best. The band is gearing up for their biggest tour yet and a live album release, so expect to hear more from them soon.
Listen to Bowling For Soup’s new single “Holding On To That Hate” below.
Weakened Friends – Indie-rock trio Weakened Friends just dropped their new album Feels Like Hell (out now via Don Giovanni), their rawest and most dynamic record yet. Tackling love, insecurity and identity, the album is a must-listen. The group’s latest single, “Nosebleed,” dives into that messy in-between stage of heartbreak, when you’re technically over it but still haunted by what lingers. The track’s Tadin Brego-directed video channels the film Love Lies Bleeding, with bassist Annie Hoffman and guitarist/vocalist Sonia Sturino stepping into the cinematic lead roles. You won’t have to wait long to hear Weakened Friends play “NPC” featuring Buckethead and “Tough Luck (Bleed Me Out),” live, as the band hits Toronto’s Sound Garage on Oct 18th. You can get tickets here.
Listen to Weakened Friend’s single “Nosebleed” below.
