Toronto may be buried under a full-blown snowmageddon, but this week’s instalment of What’s Going On has got new music to keep you occupied. While the city shovels itself out, artists from all corners of the world are turning up the heat with fresh drops worth blasting through the blizzard. From ’80s rock icons to a rising star from Atlanta, these songs are hot! As always, if you dig what you hear, be sure to stream and follow these artists.
Def Leppard – Rock gods Def Leppard are kicking off 2026 with “Rejoice,” a thunderous new single that finds the band digging deep and punching skyward. Built on a fierce riff, tribal rhythms, and Joe Elliott’s signature vocals, the track is classic Leppard with a big anthemic quality that feels tailor-made for stadium crowds. The track arrives ahead of their Las Vegas residency, and “Rejoice” proves the Hall of Famers still know how to turn up the noise and deliver arena-sized hard rock.
Listen to Def Leppard’s new single “Rejoice” below.
Christopher Ardra – Versatile New York artist Christopher Ardra is out now with “Tell Me,” a reflective, groove-forward single that wrestles with the quiet panic of not knowing what you want or who you’re becoming. Perfect for this time of year! Written and produced in his Long Island studio, the track pairs whispered vocals with danceable momentum, blending programmed beats, live drums, and fluid guitar lines. Featuring horn work from longtime mentor Jerry Loeb and saxophonist Gabi Rose, the track marks a confident first step toward Ardra’s forthcoming sophomore album. Keep an eye out for that coming later this year.
Listen to Christopher Ardra’s new single “Tell Me” below.
Yttling Jazz – Yttling Jazz is a name you might not be familiar with, but it should be. The Swedish producer is out now with “Distant Star,” a gorgeous new single featuring Little Dragon’s Yukimi. Built on tap-shoe percussion, a bit of brass, and a sly rhythmic pulse, the track feels jazzy and cinematic but with an alt-pop sheen. Yukimi’s voice anchors the groove with quiet emotional gravity, turning the song into something both playful and hypnotic. Those Swedes are always cooking up something good.
Listen to Yttling Jazz & Yukimi’s new single “Distant Star” below.
$kin Up – Rising Atlanta alt-pop sensation $kin Up is starting the new year right with “Fight Night,” a punchy, high-adrenaline anthem that feels like stepping on the field or in the cage. With hard-hitting production and $kin Up’s gritty delivery, the track balances confidence and confrontation, capturing that split-second between craving peace and preparing for impact. Coupled with a self-directed music video, “Fight Night” is setting $kin Up on track for a year that’s loud, focused, and unapologetically brash.
Listen to $kin Up’s new single “Fight Night” below.
Shintaro Sakamoto– Japanese musical genius Shintaro Sakamoto is back with Yoo-hoo, his fifth solo album and his hot new single, “Numb.” First road-tested on his 2025 U.S. tour, the track locks into a taut funk groove powered by wah-wah guitar, piercing horns, and sly, cautionary lyrics. Blending soul, surf, tropicalia, and mood kayō, Yoo-hoo captures Sakamoto at his most playful, sharp, and quietly subversive. Get a dose of this!
Listen to Shintaro Sakamoto’s new single “Numb” below.
