Pop Rock
Vancouver-based pop-rock singer, Charlie PS, has a musical soundscape that stands as a vibrant fusion of various sonic elements. Inspired by a range of legendary figures of the 20th century like Stevie Nicks and Ann Wilson, to contemporary rock figures including Grace Potter and ZZ Ward, she leans towards strong vocals and energetic riffs, molding these components into her very own sonic concoction, firmly rooted in the realm of modern rock.
Her latest single, “Even If It Kills Me,” unveils a chorus that resonates with dynamic intensity, a symphony of layered vocals and the presence of live horns. Set against a backdrop of contemporary rock-inspired instrumentation, the song extends an invitation to both the bold adventurers and the those caught in the uncertainty of life. It serves as a poignant reminder that sometimes, embracing your true self is the greatest victory. “Even If It Kills Me” stems from Charlie PS’s personal journey through the COVID era.
After embarking on a journey of profound self-exploration, she underwent a transformation from a chronic over-thinker to a state of serene and unburdened headspace. This song is a testament to perseverance, capturing the spirit of persisting through one’s passions even when the path isn’t always smooth.
Alt-Rock
Emerging onto the scene in 2019, the band known as Family Man fuses punk elements with power-pop sensibilities. Their debut EP, What’s New, melds experimental synths, intimate lyrics, and a fervent punk spirit. Contemplating the road ahead, the band shares their intent to delve into deeper themes such as sexuality, religion, trauma, and mortality.
Their upcoming album, Iconoclast, probes into the shadows of the band members’ life encounters, compressing these experiences into a wrenching and meticulously deliberate artistic creation.
“CRAWLERS,” their most recent single, delves into the notion of a toxic relationship, examining the fine line between symbiosis and parasitism. Drawn from personal history, the song likens a toxic individual to an insect, a mere soul-draining parasite. While the initial impulse might be to point fingers at them for their transgressions, upon deeper introspection, the revelation that we too bear culpability can be equally shattering—revealing our own transformation into “crawlers.”
Pop
Originally from the Atlantic shores of Canada, Apryll Aileen emerges as a classically trained pianist who displays a certain spiritual depth to her music. A luminary in soul-infused alternative pop, her vocals exude a sultry essence, while her presence on stage captivates.
Within the cocoon of her compositions, brimming with enthralling verses and melodic enticements, Aileen’s songwriting immerses the audience in a spectrum of emotions, evoking an urge to sway in rhythmic ecstasy and ponder the profound questions of existence. Her upcoming album, Bad Things, is set to drop this September.
In a collaboration with JUNO Award-winning electronic pop producer Corey LeRue, Aileen introduces “Our Time,” a dreamy single inspired by summer romance. With intentions of a carefree spirit, unburdened by the weight of heartache, Aileen compares the track to if Carrie from Sex and the City found herself at the piano composing love ballads.
About the track, Aileen says, “People come into our lives for a small moment, a few years or a lifetime. Accepting the terms of the season, and appreciating the fun for what it is, is a beautiful way to keep the love and friendship alive.”
Folk
Under the banner of Low Country Hill, Paul Hogeterp ties his tales and melodies into songs. The name, a creative reimagining of his Dutch-Frisian family name, stands as a poignant symbol of what music embodies. Hogeterp has since released two records: a self-titled debut album in 2014 and the Guesthouse EP in 2017.
Within his musical journey, people like Patrick Sansone (Wilco, Autumn Defense) and Bill Dillon (Joni Mitchell, Robbie Robertson, Peter Gabriel) have contributed to his debut album. Additionally, Paul Linklater, a key figure in Bidini Band and Communism, filled out the sound in his upcoming LP, A Billion Rooms. The album is set to be released in November, with Dave King as producer and drummer, along with Sansone holding down bass, electric guitar, keyboards, mellotron, percussion, and backing vocals.
The EP’s title track draws its inspiration from the emotional contrasts that society grappled with during the pandemic, a time marked by widespread suffering. As Hogeterp elaborates, “A Billion Rooms,” finds its origins in the concluding verse and chorus of the song. At its core, it encapsulates an ache to forge a more profound sense of unity with those undergoing pain and distress.
Featured photo: Charlie PS
