Summer may be winding down, but at least the new music is still bringing the heat. This week’s instalment of What’s Going On has plenty to keep those end-of-summer playlists alive, from glossy pop ballads and rowdy country to indie discoveries and big hip hop bangers. As always, if you dig what you hear, follow and stream these artists.
Stephen Day – Nashville soft rock songwriter Stephen Day is getting vulnerable on “You Wouldn’t Know,” the third single from his upcoming self-titled album, arriving October 2. The track that put Stephen Day on my radar blends soul, R&B, rock and pop with a timeless, lived-in feel. Lyrically, it feels like Day has perfected laying out that head-versus-heart tension. Day makes music for anyone who’s ever desperately wanted to say something and absolutely chickened out. Just put on a Stephen Day song. Problem solved.
Listen to Stephen Day’s new single “You Wouldn’t Know” below.
Sofia Camara – Canada’s princess of heartbreak is back with “Best Friend.” Her most devastating single yet sees the JUNO-nominated Sofia Camara exploring the uniquely brutal heartbreak of losing the friendship that existed before love complicated everything. Between Sofia’s soaring vocals, the track’s sweeping strings and painfully gorgeous restraint, Camara turns letting someone go into something cinematic and emotionally gut-wrenching. Consider yourself warned.
Listen to Sofia Camara’s new single “Best Friend” below.
The Weight of Light – Jazz is not exactly a regular feature around these parts, so consider this a little bit of a genre detour. There isn’t a ton of information floating around yet on Toronto collective The Weight of Light, but that mystery is part of the appeal. Made up of working musicians 2nd Son, Anzola, Justin Peroff (that name is probably familiar to you if you enjoy Broken Social Scene) and Aubrey McGhee, they’ve each been doing their own thing for years and now they’re making some gorgeous noise together. This appears to be their first release. I’m excited to hear more!
Listen to The Weight of Light’s new self-titled single below.
Josh Ross – Canadian country sensation Josh Ross just dropped the soundtrack to your next bar fight. “Kicked Out Of Bars” is a rowdy, hook-heavy anthem that sees Ross bringing big rock energy to the honky-tonk. Built around vivid storytelling and the kind of chorus made for screaming along after one too many cheap beers, it’s poised to be another big moment for the Burlington boy. With more than 1.5 billion streams under his belt, it’s clear Ross won’t be going away anytime soon.
Listen to Josh Ross’ new single “Kicked Out of Bars” below.
Quavo – Hip-hop superstar Quavo is rolling out the red carpet for his new era with “Trance,” a slick, bass-heavy new single from his forthcoming album QRÖMELIFE, executive produced by Pharrell Williams. Built on booming 808s, bouncing hi-hats and Quavo’s unmistakably melodic flow, the track finds him turning a night out into a full-blown fantasy. If you’re looking for deep bars and gritty storytelling, this isn’t for you. But if you want a vibey club track to end your summer in style, add “Trance” to your playlists.
Listen to Quavo’s new single “Trance” below.
