The Skinny Review: Union Duke mixes folk, rock, country and bluegrass to create their signature sound. Their latest single offers an optimistic outlook on embracing change, with a Canadiana style that is simultaneously classic yet modern, and instantly enjoyable.
In Their Own Words: “Maybe we’re getting wiser or maybe we just see things clearer. Or hey, maybe that IS wisdom! Life is beautiful even if change is scary and hard I guess. I dunno, I had just started therapy when I wrote this song and felt I needed to let people know.”
The Skinny Review: A powerful song from Black Suit Devil, "Passage" tackles tough subject matters with clear emotion and care. It's a rock song with raw vocals, captivating riffs, and words that connect.
In Their Own Words: “Passage is a song about the struggles of depression, mental health issues, and addiction. A song bringing awareness to the increasing rate of suicide in our communities that does not get talked about often. I wanted to let people know that you are not alone in this fight. That many people from all walks of life (myself included) experience mental health issues and struggle with these on a daily basis. I wanted to send a message to look after each other and really communicate with one another to see how the people in your circles are doing."
The Skinny Review: The latest single from the Guelph, ON band is a bolt of energy, the kind of song that listeners can't help but dance along to. It's a poppy song with an alt twist, with harmonies and riffs for days.
In Their Own Words: Fearing someone can be paralysing if you let it, but that fear can also act as a fuel to help you push past the thing that scares you. That’s what our new song “Stage Fright” is about – harnessing, repurposing and owning your nervous energy. We wrote this about an experience, working for a boss, who ruled by intimidation and fear. He didn’t have time for other people’s ideas or creativity. He was hellbent on his way. Everyone in Royal Castles has spent lots of time in the theatre as teenagers. That’s why we felt that wrapping those frustrations around a stage allegory could really work, lyrically.
The Skinny Review: "Time To Let Go" manages to be both a mellow sound and a dance-able song. The mix of vocals work perfectly together, making the song incredibly catchy and easy to listen to.
In Their Own Words: "Time to Let Go" was a fun song to write. Originally the chorus hook only happened one or twice throughout but when I first showed it to Mike Rosen (an exceptionally talented multi-instrumentalist who features on the track), he suggested taking that hook and making something more out of it.
I went home and rewrote "Time to Let Go," adding it into a chorus. Lyrically, it's about knowing that unhealthy relationships can be hard to break away from. Sometimes you know for years that you've both chosen different paths, but still feel this need to stay together while knowing the dangers within that decision.
The Skinny Review: "Excuses Excuses" by The Trampoline Delay is a great blend of fuzzy alternative rock with a nostalgic 90s sound. Its timely lyrics tackle relevant subjects with a relatable perspective, while the hooky chorus reels listeners in. With dynamic riffs and memorable melodies, this new single is sure to leave a lasting impression.
In Their Own Words: “Lyrically, “Excuses Excuses” is about letting your shyness or social anxiety take over. That battle you have with your inner voice that makes excuses as to why you shouldn’t get out there and live your life.
Ironically, I came up with the verse first, which had the line “But excuses always keep me from my life”, after being invited out by a friend to see a band they worked with called Excuses Excuses. Like I sometimes do, my mind came up with an excuse as to why I shouldn’t go out that night… and I sort of regretted it within hours. Instead of just going to bed, I went into my home studio, wrote the verse, and basically wrote and recorded the rest of the song in around 3 hours. This is pretty typical for me, as I often write and record, coming up with the parts on the fly, and then forgetting them when it comes time to play them, because they were one and done.”
The Skinny Review: Another gorgeous song from Canadian artist, Kandle. Moody and captivating, Kandle's vocals shine throughout the song. Atmospheric vibes and palpable emotion make it the perfect accompaniment to the Tarantino-esque video.
In Their Own Words: "Danger to Dream" is a tale of trying to wake up from the trance of unworthiness. Of the voices in our heads telling us we should be more, have more. A constant comparison of ourselves to the influences we consume and how inadequate they can make us feel.
The Skinny Review: Game Changer is a duo creating "8-bit pop music" as their video game avatar alter egos. Last week they released their new EP 'Sidescroller' with the focus single, "Just Sayin'". It's a catchy bop with mellow vocals and a positive message.
In Their Own Words: “The song is about overcoming the curveballs that life can throw at you; that there are many new and different things that can weigh you down, and it’s up to you to cut the cord and go with it.”
