Folk, Singer-Songwriter
Montreal-born and Toronto-dwelling folk songwriter Dany Horovitz has garnered a reputation for his contemporary melodies and poignant narratives on themes of love, loss, and life. He draws inspiration from ancient poets, modern philosophers, and personal encounters, all melding together to create a sound all his own.
Contemplating what advice he’d offer to the younger generation, Horovitz envisioned being the go-to cool uncle for his nieces and nephews seeking life guidance. His wisdom unfolds as follows: “strive to embody your best self whenever possible, grant yourself forgiveness during inevitable lapses, and extend forgiveness to others, whether solicited or not.” In essence, “be good” — a sentiment that encapsulates the very essence of his latest single, “Be Good.”
The track offers an easy on the ears acoustic progression, with tender violin and piano underneath. It’s a delicate song that lands easy on the ears, and offers a constant uplifting reminder we can always use.
Indie Pop-Rock
After dropping albums in 1998 and 2000, the indie rock band Vicky von Vicky decided to take a hiatus in 2001. Fast-forward almost two decades and the band has reconvened, returning back onto both stage and studio. Revitalized and refocused on songwriting and collaboration, they are ready to introduce a fresh musical chapter, eager to connect with those who appreciate a touch of the unconventional.
Their latest track, “Goodbye My Love,” delves into the realm of past lovers, drawing inspiration from R.E.M.’s “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine).” Teaming up with producer Nixon Boyd (known for his work with Hollerado, Dizzy and Deanna Petcoff), the band channels a 1950s aesthetic with a contemporary indie twist. The unexpected infusion of vibrant doo-wop vocals adds an exciting dimension to the song, blending nostalgic echoes with a modern flair.
Indie Pop
Aloysius Bell serves as the alter ego of Annick Brémault, a singer-songwriter originally from Winnipeg, but now based in Montreal. Paying homage to the Brontë sisters’ tradition of adopting male pseudonyms, Aloysius Bell is more than a name; it’s a persona crafted through profound self-exploration, seeking to illuminate the ambiguous and shadowy realms.
Brought to life through the intersection of ethereal dimensions and Brémault’s vivid imagination, Bell’s inaugural EP, Warm Thing, blends her distinct songwriting style with influences ranging from pop and RnB to electro. Collaborating with the versatile Toronto artist Driftnote (known for collabs with Korea Town Acid, R. Flex) for production and David Plowman (credited on projects with July Talk, Dillan Ponders) for mixing, Warm Thing is slated for release in February 2024.
For Brémault, her new track, “That Is Me,” serves as a poignant exploration of societal expectations, particularly the ingrained notion, common among AFAB (Assigned Female At Birth) individuals, of striving to please. In this musical endeavor, she reimagines herself, casting aside the time spent conforming to others’ expectations during her twenties, and instead embracing a version of herself that aligns with her authentic desires.
Indie Folk, Singer-Songwriter
At his core, Just Graham is a good old fashioned songwriter. His musical journey commenced at the age of five when he picked the box violin through Toronto’s Suzuki Music program, relying on his ability to play by ear and discern the subtle threads of melody.
Captivated by the immediate connection of the stage, Graham dedicated himself to honing his craft, amassing his 10,000 hours by performing with various groups throughout the tumultuous “10’s” decade. As a versatile singer and multi-instrumentalist, the pinnacle of this period was his co-leadership of Common Deer, a Canadian orchestral indie band from 2014 to 2021. Together, they extensively toured Canada and the U.S. in support of three studio releases.
Amidst the hushed stillness of the pandemic, the floodgates of songwriting reopened for Graham. This introspective period ushered in a newfound authenticity, both in musical texture and lyrical expression. Now, he embraces a heightened sense of responsibility, aspiring to deliver his best in both emotion and execution. Reclaiming his stage name from a solo venture in 2007, Just Graham endeavors to remind listeners that love endures and that beauty is often found in imperfection.
Speaking about his latest single, “Athelone,” Graham shares that it serves as a heartfelt tribute to his partner. The song delves into the depths of his closest relationship, expressing sentiments that eluded him in both words and music for many years. Crafted in a moment of crystal-clear clarity after a soul-soothing five-day wilderness retreat, the song resonates as though it had always existed, merely waiting for the right space to manifest its reality.
Featured Photo: Dany Horovitz
