“12 to 12”– Sombr

I’ve had “12 to 12” by sombr on repeat for the past few weeks, and I’m shaking with anticipation for his upcoming album I Barely Know Her. When it comes to “12 to 12”, I am smitten with the funky 70s inspired production, and his angsty vocals. It’s the kinda song that immediately makes me want to get up and dance. Recently I played this songs for some friends while driving down the highway with the windows rolled down, and I highly recommend.

– Kea

“One Thing” –  Lola Young

I have been listening to ‘One Thing’ by Lola Young! I have been loving the head-bobbing, playful beat and really enjoy the way her vocals shine with the almost spoken-word like vibe. Great track to listen to when getting ready for a night out, gets the energy bumping!

-Alexa

“Bar Star” – Carter Faith

A fun honky tonk country song from the female perspective with modern lyrics and nostalgic melody and instrumentation.

– Julia

“Wild Horses” – The Rolling Stones

No shame in admitting I am TUNED IN to The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3, and their soundtrack this season has been nothing short of amazing. Episode 5 was so 90s rom com-coded, this legacy song perfectly captures the dreamy, nostalgic, and “what-if” feeling of watching Conrad and Belly easily reconnect. This song has played in iconic scenes over the years, from Reese Witherspoon and Mark Walhberg on the rollercoaster in Fear, to Buffy and Angel’s prom song, and now it’s going to be on repeat through my headphones these last few weeks of Summer.

-Emilia

“Linger – SiriusXM Session” – Royel Otis

I’ve been singing this one on repeat all week completely unapologetic about the damage I’ve done to the ears of anyone nearby. Royel Otis takes Linger, one of my all-time favourite tracks, and gives it a gritty, grungy edge that somehow feels both fresh and familiar. It’s one of those songs you think could never be done better than The Cranberries’ original, but this version might just have cracked that impossible code.

-Sophie

“Blueprint” – Alex Porat

I have been obsessed with Alex Porat’s “Blueprint” since it released. She is easily one of my favourite Toronto artists, and I don’t think nearly enough people are listening to her. This song is the perfect bittersweet love song and Alex does an amazing job of portraying lots of emotions and vulnerability.

-Brenessa

Voyeur – Alessi Rose

Been Listening to Alessi Rose’s New EP ‘Voyeur’ on repeat recently, my favourite song on the EP right now is “Take It or Leave It”!

-Arianna

QUIT QUIETLY – Sunset Rollercoaster

I’ve recently been listening to a new release from one of my favourite bands, Sunset Rollercoaster. Their new album QUIT QUIETLY feels like the perfect soundtrack for the end of summer. It’s got their classic jazzy style, mixing upbeat rhythms with a hint of melancholy. The songs are smooth, the instrumentation is rich, and it somehow makes you want to dance and daydream at the same time. Sunset Rollercoaster is my jazzy hidden gem and this album is no short of bliss!

-Madeleine

WOW! – BETWEEN FRIENDS

BRAT summer may be over, but WOW! summer is so on. BETWEEN FRIENDS are back with this tasty 13 song, 34 minute album, which dropped on August 1st and set the vibe for the whole month. It has a nostalgic sound that could easily be the soundtrack for a 2010s coming-of-age film, but is also super fresh and exciting (bonus: production by Max Martin!). Some standout tracks are “You & Me Time,” “Soda,” and “American B*tch.”

-Aiyana

“Right Where It Belongs” – Nine Inch Nails

Next weekend, Nine Inch Nails are set to play their first show in Toronto since 2014. It’ll be my first time seeing them, and my last big “bucket list” band to catch live. I’ve been listening to the setlist whenever I can, and throwing in The Social Network OST for good measure. 

The tour looks incredible so far, and just hit North America. Boys Noize supporting and performing alongside NIN on the B stage for a “techno” breakdown has me fired up!!!

-Julian